Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 7) (1877 11 05)
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‘=e lal WIDE ‘D{RE_Q® BWI L No, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. The Flying Yankos: THE OCEAN OUTCAST. BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, CHAPTER I. THE RETURN IN IRONS. One pleasant autumn afternoon, in the year 18—, an armed vessel was majestically sailing toward the land, and heading for a haven within the rock-bound harbor of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Before'a steady four-knot breeze, and with all her canvas spread to greet the welcome wind that filled her sails, the ocean warrior glided on, ever and anon changing her course in a manner that indicated that her helmsman had a perfect knowledge of the cir- cuitous channel. , SS po . = SS uenteRR—*el THE BRIG, THREE-QUARTERS OF A MILE ASTERN, WAS KEEPING UP A Astern, the.sea was each moment darke be- neath the approach of night, while ahead, the west was a perfect halo of light, for the sun was near its setting, and lit up with prismatic hues the masses of clouds that, couch-like, appeared to await the retir- ing of the brilliant god of day. Ciencias with fiery vision eastward, over the vast ad of restless waters the rays of golden sun- light fell upon the approac vessel, gilding its ta- pering masts, casting a rosy tinge upon its voy stained canvas, and mingting its rainbow hues with the ‘red, white and blue of the starry emblem of America, that floated above her armed decks. Though several miles yet lay between the vessel and her destined haven of safety and rest, her decks were crowded with officers and crew, all gazing with interest upon the outlined land, with the glittering spires of Portsmouth in the distance, for in the city were Many who were anxiously watching and wait- ing for the return home of the bold marmers who had so long roamed in fore by kind prayers and seas, though ever attended hes for their welfare. Though joy shone on nearly every face on the ves- sel's decks, yet it was a joy mingled with sadness, and a certain awe, as ever and anon the eye of officer and seamen would turn from the autumn-tinged forests of the land, and fall upon a shrouded et resting amidships, infolded in a large flag, and upon either side of which paced a marine with solemn tread; for beneath the ensign rested a human form whom the loud and ringing cry of ‘‘ Land ho!” had not startled into busy action, whose eyes gazed not longingly homeward, for the pulse of life beneath ia canopy had been stilled by the icy touch of dea Above the decks of the vessel—which was a large brig-of-war, well armed and manned, and stained with the rude buffets received in a long voyage—the flags floated at half-mast, a sad tiding to those who watched her Vg from the land, that, mingled with their joy at her return, was a cup of bitterness to be drunk in memoriam of one, or more, of her brave crew, gone to that haven beyond the blue skies where storms are never known. SS ROSS S SS > RAPID FIRE UPON THE FLYING VESSEL,
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2 Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. afte t the brig-of-w: 2 d driv t of the city’ if che en tet ale we aictl tema storm S| moments after a six-oared barge left her side, con- taining an officer ee geen and coxswain, besides the seamen, and rowed rapidly away toward the main pier. **Shove off from the shore, Pierson, and lay on — oars; under no circumstances hold communica- ion with the townspeople until my return,” said the officer, in a low tone, to the coxswain, as he sprung upon the shore and beckoned the midshipman to follow him. Silently reniig the dimly-lighted streets of Portsmouth, the cers,.walked rapidly along, as if familiar with them, until they came to the main thoroughfare, whereon stood a large and massive brick mansion. “The commodore has company, doubtless, Cal- vin,” said the elder officer, as the two entered the vs and glanced par the windows, which shed a a blaze of light, while merry voices came from thin. * Yes, sir; it’s a pity to mingle grief with pleasure,” answered the young Fauail “ty raised the brass knocker and let it fall with a heavy bang. A negro servant in blue livery opened the door, and observing the uniforms of the visitors, said, po- litely: id Walk in, gentlemen; the dancing is about to be- **We are not here for enjoyment, my man; lead us to a room where we can see Commodore Cutting in private,’ quickly answered the lieutenant, for such rank the light shining upon his uniform showed him to hold; and in obedience the servant led the way into a small room upon the left of the hallway, and bidding the gentlemen be seated, asked: “Who am I to tell the commodore wishes to see m “Say simply two officers.”’ Yes, sir,”’ and the black disap’ and in five minutes more the door opened, and there entered a man of massive frame and _ distinguished bear- ing, clad in the uniform of a United States naval officer. “Hal am I to welcome home again Lieutenant Ainslie, of the Vulture, and you also, Mr. Bernard?” said Commodore Cutting, as he advanced into the room and gave each visitor his hand, in a frank, cor- dial manner. “Yes, commodore; the brig has just dropped an- chor, after two years’ absence from home,” said Lieutenant Alden Ainslie, a young man of fine ap- pearance, with a manly form and open, daring face, ronzed by long exposure at sea, “Then why came not Captain Duncan, to report, in person, his arrival?” “Commodore Cutting, it is with pain I inform you that Captain Duncan is dead.” i" Horace Duncan dead? When did he e *”” ** He met his death ere we sailed from Ha sir, and his body now lies upon the brig, for I deter- mined to bss it home for burial.” “Tt was kind of you, sir; but, lieutenant, you speak as if you were in command of the brig where is her executive officer, Lieutenant Moncri = t to say, sir, that he is aboard in irons.” rons? Great God! Mr. Ainslie, explain all this mystery; Duncan dead, Moncrief in irons, and you in command of the brig?” “Bear with me, Commodore Cutting, and I will explain all; and to do so, will say that a coldness ex- isted between Captain Duncan and Lieutenant Mon- crief from the day of our apiting from Po * “The cause of this ill-feeling I am ignorant of, but will state plainly that the captain, upon numerous occasions, was very severe in his manner toward Noel Moncrief, who, in the eyes of all else aboard ship, certainly did his duty; but, be that as it may, five weeks ago, in Havana, while Captain can and Lieutenant Moncrief were ashore, and I in com- mand of the brig, Mr. Bernard, here, came to me and informed me t Lieutenant Moncrief had Captain Duncan in a duel.” “Killed his superior officer in a duel? Do I hear right, Mr. Ainslie?” “Yes, Commodore Cutting; Captain Duncan and Lieutenant Moncrief met at the American coffee- house ashore; words passed between them, and the . Who st nt th alee? : Oo sen e se ** Lieutenant Moncrief gave it.” “Bad, very bad,” mu the old commander, musingly. “Yes, sir, I fear so; but I will let Mr. Bernard re- late the circumstances, as he was the second of Lieu- tenant Moncrief.”’ F “Indeed! A pretty pass are our midshipmen com- ing to! You, , carried the challenge, sir?” and Commodore uvfinchingks sternly upon the yo reefer, who unflinc in a firm voice: “There was no challenge Lieutenant Montcrief, when we met Ca Duncan and a French officer, the commander of a man-of- war then in the harbor. “Captain Duncan made some remark to Mr. Mon- crief; what it was, I do not know, and the lieutenant answered: ‘Tf you were a brave man, Captain Duncan, you would give me a chance to resent your language and conduct toward me.’ “*T will do so when and where you please,’ an- te Captain Duncan, and Lieutenant Moncrief re z R ‘As we sail to-night, let it be now; you have a dship- ly met his gaze, and rep’ earried, sir; I was with friend with you, and, with your permission, man Bernard will act for me.” “*He has my permission; so let us take a car- . | hand of the young lieutenant, and ***Ay, ay, sir,’ answered Mr. Moncrief, and half an hour rward we were in a retired t near Ha- v and I, veehay debe gt the preliminaries with the nch officer, Captain Dunean and Lieutenant Moncrief were soon e in a fierce encounter.” re a Heaven! this is a ge and sad affair.” “Yes, sir, and.one I was powerless to interrupt; but, to continue: Lieutenant Moncrief soon disarmed Captain Duncan and s his life; but the captain demanding another bout, the lieutenant ran him through the h in a very few minutes.” “Terrible! te: ! Our bravest and best officers thus destroying their lives and their reputations; but go on, sir. “T immediately returned to the city with the body of the captain, and ey Re ship informed Lieu- tenant ie of what ha , and he went to the hotel where Lieutenant Moncrief told me he would await him.” “Yes, commodore,’ said Lieutenant Ainslie, “I immediately went ashore and ordered Captain Dun- can’s body to be embalmed, for removal home, and found Lieutenant Moncrief awaiting me.” * He did not attempt to escape, then?” “No, sir; he surrendered himself, and of course I was compelled to put him in irons, to bring him back for trial.” “You did right, sir; it is a sad affair, and will bring great gloom upon our community; but, Mr. Bernard, though I do not censure you as much as I did at first, still you are not exonerated from blame in this matter, and I command you to return to your ship, and there consider yourself a prisoner until further orders.” The yo reefer bowed without a word, and turn- ed to leave the room, while the lieutenant, who was a to follow him, was called back by the commo- ore, “The news ou bring has cast a damper on evening, Mr. Ainslie ‘ ri ren for we were having a little mer- rymaking in my p jors; but I still wo be happy of your company.’ Thanks, commodore; I had better return aboard ship, for there are those present who would eagerly ask me about the captain and lieutenant.” “True, true; let the matter be kept quiet until the morrow, and then I will come on . Poor, poor Duncan; vag - Moncrief; I feel deeply, alike an for the li e dead,” and so saying, the vete- ran commodore, and commander of the naval forces in and about Portsmouth harbor, warmly shook the after seeing him | depart, returned to the Gaetion within doors, | rtsmouth his Dun Penn slain | th with easil CHAPTER II. MONCRIEF MANOR. In the early part of the present century there stood upon the shores of a beau forest-encircled a few miles above the city of Portsmouth, a old mansion built of stone, and surrounded by lawn, that ended only at the tic trees and rolling wn. waterside to the camward, and stretched away land- ward for miles, for it was a grand old estate, the home of one of the proudest and wealthiest of New England families. ith every comfort and luxury that riches could peselees, lived in that sta mansion Governor oncrief and his two sons, Noel and Clarence strangély alike in ap but totally different in character; for N who was the elder, was gene- rous and noble, while was of a more studi- ous nature, gentle as a woman in manner, and loved books more than his horse, hounds and guns. Left a widower seven years after his * Governor Moncrief had seemed almost broken-heart- Thus was nothing my ace in the training of these two youths, and when Noel had reached his sixteenth in every manly sport, as well Clarence was more studious, still a proficient in using sword or pistol, sail- a boat or a hol rse. gt or thio trtinine caneed Noel to u his to get him into the navy as a midshipman and such a berth the influence of Governor Moncriet ed for his son, and thus at seventeen had entered the service of his leaving Clarence at home with his father. nas, had sailed for the Medi- sea, from whence, after a cruise of two py pede Loan en ee = we, rs to make war w pira' cra hich aa n Ww commerce, As soon as the had been drop Portsmouth harbor, N: who was a with his commander and er Officers, wa; ih was just after dark when the cutter shov' away from the side of the Srigate, and ee ee te edete on nty of , and a comfortable night’s lod ng they bent with r to their oars and soon left the lights of the city far astern, and wended their way rapidly along the darkly-wooded shores, Noel at the helm, for he had relieved the coxswain of the duty, well knowing every curve of the channel. On ees the boat for an hour or more, and then turned into the bay that washed the shores whereon the mansion stood, and ere long the lights from the windows gleamed brightly forth over the waters, welcoming the wanderer home after his years of ab- sence. “ Rest on your eo suddenly ordered Noel; as he was ahaved, and the stead of the blades in the water and click, click in row-locks ceased, there came upon the summer wind over the quiet bay the sound of a bird-like voice si some beautiful ballad, while, also distinetly h was the low of a guitar. Entranced, listened to the strains of melody floating on the wind, now rising clear and rin A now falling low and thrilling, until the cadence af- Sa even ae Ema pee ght a Lage ean y, cau some ne memory, e Fae the Ronse cheeks, wat “A st , strange sound; a woman’s voice in Moncrief Manor,” said Noel, half-aloud, and then hav waited some moments after the song ceased, as if longing for its renewal, he quietly ordered: “Give way, men.” Once again came the steady stroke and dash, and once agi the cutter glided rapidly along, Noel heading her toward &@ small pier, hidden almost by the darkly-overh forest. ‘Lawrence, I wish to surprise them with my unex- pected presence, so await here until I return for you,”’ he said, springing ashore as,the boat touched. Rn lieutenant, and a happy welcome to you,” answ the coxswain. “Yes, sir, the same to you from us,” said the men. “Thank you, one and all, my lads, and I assure you a hearty welcome will be given you also,” and with a light and joyful heart, the young officer walked rapidly over the grounds in the direction of the mansion, which loomed grandly up beneath the forest trees. As he placed his foot upon the first step of the broad stairway, theré came once more the low notes of a guitar, and again the same rich voice of a woman welled fo upon the air, and this time singing 6 ballad dear to his childhood years, and one which he had often heard his mother sing. ‘“*Who can she be?” he murmured, as she ceased, onpe she’ Id pact ] beautiful, married iy old or young, ugly or u ,»™m or single, I love her for the music in her voice; but if I stand here I shall never know,” and so saying he walked gently up the stairway, and stood upon the broad piazza that encircled the mansion. Through an open window his eyes fell upon the form of a maiden, seated upon a low divan and holding upon her lap a guitar, over the strings of which her fingers were idly straying. The form was that of a maiden of seventeen, per- haps, with eyes of the omg nd blue, lashes lo dark and swee; , and a brow arched and we marked; the complexion was pure, white and beau- tifully tinted with health, the features perfect in mold, the teeth pearl-white and shining between the ruby — which were parted as she warbled a few "The "te ful, slight and beautiful, e form was grace an au though a shadow above the average hight of beauti- ful women, while the hair h in golden masses around her should for she had unloosened it from es heavy silver comb that lay upon the divan beside r. Noel stood like one spellbound and gazed upon this vision of beauty before him, and his eyes ak in loveliness he had never before beheld in all his wan- a and mingling with the belles of foreign n With the impulsiveness of his nature, he ipeung ae suddenly before the young girl, and said, “Has the Moncrief Manor become a Paradise, that I behold au angel dwelling here?” With a slight start and a quick bound the maiden was oon her feet, her beautiful e deer-like wonder; but, as if that she had only been rised handsome y' with su earnest eyes, y -bro well with the brown mustache and wa’ answered, mischievously, while she uniform: “Were the Moncrief Manor a Paradise, sir, one of certainly have gotten astray to cross 2.*? face, that hair, she upon his “Eve, Eve! \ been tempted to partake of forbidden fruit if—” “Worse and worse! I declare you are inco: but, joking aside, Iam Eve Eldred, a ward of Gov: ernor Moncrief, and you are—”’ = Waal , oncrief.’ to find a “True; I have but just returned hom bright change has come over the mansion, for [knew not of your presence here, a presence that I know has t upon the old homestead. “There, no more compliments, Mr. Moncriet; but come in and allow me to do the honors in the ab- sence of your father, whom, I presume, you havenot mee hy eons gieue ; 0; not here then?” “No; he left an hour since, as he learned from a servant a man-of-war was coming up the harbor, and he e your vessel home about this time.’ “Yes, she has just dropped anchor in front of the town; but Clarence, my brother, where is he?” “You are indeed like a stranger in a strange land,
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7 um to know your brother entered the navy a year / nce.”” ‘Gone into the navy, Miss Eldred? , what could have come over the boy to hae thus changed | his views?” ‘ “Tt must have been hearitg of your distinguished services and rapid promotion,” replied the maiden, / his archly, and then, she continued quickly: : “8: ed wheels upon the drive; your father has re~ | urned.,’ | A moment after, a tall dignified man stepped from | acarriage and quickly ascended the stairway, the next moment to greet with a warni, fatherly weleome | his long-absent son. “Stand off, Noel, and let me lookupon you. Why. you are now a m ficent-looking man, even. i your father does say it; and, boy, I am proud of you, for your time services are known'to all; but, how is it I find you here, when I went to meet you?” “T came in a cutter from the vessel, sir; and that reminds me, I must look after the comfort of my men, who now await me at the pier.” “Certainly; let Thomas go after them and give them supper and.comfortable quarters. Eve, my dear, will you tell Thomas, and also see to preparing tea for this wanderer.” ““Certainly, sir; I was just intending todo so, when you arrived,” answered the young girl, as she arose and left the room. “ Father, to what lucky circumstance do you owe the presence of that lovely creature in the mansion ?”’ asked Noel, as she disappeared. “Tia, my boy, you are also doomed; I fear. She is the daughter of General Eldred, who you know was a distin ed officer in the Revolution, and upon his deathbed, two years ago, he made me the guardian, as well of her property as herself, for she is an heiress. “This is vacation, and she is now at the mansion for the second time; the first time, Clarence had just come home from college, and they became great friends.” “ Clarence is nowin the navy, Miss Eldred tells me,”’ “Yes; he gave me no rest until I obtained a Lae} tion for him, and’ he is now on a foreign cruise; but, really, L believe Eve drove him there, for she doats on the service, and spoke so highly of you—”’ ‘Of me, father?” “Yes, it was about the time ~ captured that pirate schooner, with accounts of which the papers were full, and, finding that Eve would not love him, poor Clarence Jeft home to endeavor to forget her, or to strive to win her by a gallant naval career; but, here shé comes, and I warn you, Noel, not to let her sieal your heart, for every man in Portsmouth is in love with her.”’ “T do not doubt it, sir,’ answered Noel, as he obeyed the call of Eve, and entered the supper- room, where he found a substantial mea] awaiting | him, CHAPTER IIT. THE FALSE FRIEND. Upen account of their by | cruise, the officers of oel Moncrief was at- young lieutenant intended ng at home, in the pitgrn 3 of his father and the lovély Eve, in whom, at first sight, he had been most deeply interested. With a. character as lovely as her person, Eve Eldred Sua wesa ate i of on who knéw her, ung or old, and, strange to say, for among women eis ti exception, she was most popular With her own sex. Young, beautiful, an heiress, it was not to be won- dered at that Eve soon found herself surrounded by hosts of admirers, all willing to offer their hands and pain «| or, if poor, to share with her their humble earnings. But to all the maiden had turned _a deaf ear, al- though some surmised that Clarence Moncrief would bé the fortunate winner of he es ‘True, he was her most t com on, and seamed to idolize her very footprints; b n it was natural for him to be much with her, as, béing the adopted daughter of Governor Moncrief, ‘the ‘two af A ne n‘Clarence Monerief ia’ Yet Eve Eldred bestowed upo only the affection of a sister, and this the yo man goon discovered, to his great mortification, while he listeried with real ill‘feeling to her praises of. his brother Noel, then absent in the service of his coun- try. At length, finding that his love appeared hopeless, Clarence determined to strive to win the heart of the fair maiden beneath the uniform of a naval offi- cer, and gave his father no rest until he had gained for him a position in the navy, which the governor had obtained his great influence with gov- ernment, although the young man was rather too old for the peat a midshipman. sal tett 15 Delig a success, Clarence ome. ia year before Aon poe of A had departed a fore cruise, hoping t u re he eoiilil Be 8 e to win Bve to love hin, Yet, cant rae had turned a listless ear to thé Ha treaties of Clarence, it was s6on evident that’ the es daring brother, Noél Moncrief, was not indiffé rent to her, for hardly had the young lieuten- ant been at home a nionth ere the two We deat in love, the one with the other, so rapidly does love work havoe in the human heart. Noel compared Eve with all the aby By ca he had known, from the German baroness to the Span- ish seno and candi mfessed to himself that oe oF on with the ward of | , confessed to | | not i of or Boon com ather; Ww ‘Eve, upon’ ber hears that the dark, earnest eyes, and fascinat- The Flying Yankee. ing smile of Noel certainly impressed her more favorably than all the looks and speeches of the generals, commodores, judges, titled forei and ordinary citizens whom she had met, and they were not a few, for her father, General Eldred, always had bate in the city of Washington up to the time of is death. Thus were the two desperately in love, for Eve ac- companied Noel on horseback-rides, drives, boating excursions, and even went hunting with him some- times, while for indoor amusement thay sung to- ther, for both had fine voices, sketched together, or each was a fair amateur artist, and read to- gether. This was dangerous sport for eps young, hand- some and generous natured people, as we know, or should know, reader mine, and the result was just what Governor Moncrief predicted—a love- match that ended in an é ement. Governor Moncrief bg ave his consent— though with a pang at tho of the pain it would cause poor Clarence ‘upon return; but then, he felt that Eve loved Noel and not Clarence, and theré- fore no one was to blame in the matter, excepting the little god Cupid, who, in shooting his love-ar- rows into the heart of Clarence, had instilled them with the poison of unrequited affection. The governor, however, stipulated that the maiden must return to school, where she had before been, in New York, and complete her education, while Noel must once more start forth upon a fore cruise, and endeavor to win the rank of a cap’ ere he became a Benedict. Both the lovers a; to this, for Eve wished to complete her studies; and Noel was also anxious to win promotion, and already knew that he was to sail, ere long, as the executive officer of a brig-of- war commanded by Horace Duncan, one of his most intimate friends, and he did not doubt, from the ser- vice for which the vessel was destined, but that he could win by gallant service a step higher up the grade of promotion that would make him a captain. The brig-of-war was then being fitted out at Ports- mouth, and two months before the time for sailing, Captain Horace Duncan arrived, to superintend person the preparing of his vessel for sea. Horace Duncan was the senior, by ten years, of Noel Moncrief, but when on a foreign station the two had met and become great friends, although one was poe or and the other only a midshipman at that time. Captain Duncan was an able officer, had distin- guished himself upon several occasions, and tho’ proud and severe, was nevertheless quite pop with his messmates and crew. Possessing a striking «a ce, and a fair amount of wealth, and family influence to a great extent, he: had a brilliant career before him in the service of his country, and his héart throbbed with pride and pleasure when he received orders to take command of the brig-of-war. Arriving at Portsmouth, he was doubly rejoiced to find that Noel Moncrief was to be second in com- mand, for he well knew the worth of his young friend, while pled to meet his former com- ion, Noel had at once invited him to Moncrief anor, to become his guest untill the day set for sail- ing, saying he could drive or row to the city every day to look after the fitting out of the brig. orace Duncan readily accepted the invitation, es- pecially when it was urged by the governor, and at once removed his traps out to the mansion, Then for the’ first time he met Eve Eldred, and from the moment of that meeting became her slave, for he madly loved ber. But, instead of being purified’ by his love for the beautiful and ‘noble girl, his heart became callous to the prom of honor, and when he knew that she loved Noel, from that moment ‘he secretly hated his agnor lieutenant, and dete ed to tear ie him, by fair or foul means, the maiden of his ove. With évery noble impulse deadened within him, he set to work secretly to destroy the love of the maiden for Noel, and in other cases, where love was less strong, might have succeeded by his many inuendoes cast upon the character of his lieutenant; but, with a woman’s penetration and know of human na- ture, Eve saw through the work of Horace Duncan; and at once made known to Noel all that had been said, and the true character of his supposed friend. Noel had not suspected aught of Horace Duncan; but when his eyes were opened to his villainy, he be- came thoroughly aro and determined to demand an explanation of his unwarrantable conduct in thus abusing the privilege of a guest, to injure him with the woman of his love, : Just as he- lad come to this determination, Horace Duncan entered the rom, helding in his hand an of- ficial-looking doeument, while he said, quickly: “Noel, I have just received orders from the Secre- tary of the Navy to sail at once for the Caribbean Sea, where I'am to be sent on the service of hunting, and most fortunate is it that you are to be with me, for your knowledge of these waters is, I be- lieve, considerable.” Noe], Moncrief choked back the words that had risen to his lips, and as the orders to de would take tain can and himself away from the so- ciety of Eve, he determined. not.to speak the matter to. his commander, though he felt he could never again be friends with him. “Tam glad we have to go, ca tain, althouslt the orders are sudden; when do you intend to sail?”’ ‘** To-morrow night; and now I must take my leave of your father Miss Eldred, for my duties aboard ship will keep me busy,” and in half an hour more Horace Duncan was driving to Portsmouth; while his heart was filled with bitter hatred toward Noel, and the determination to, in some way, get rid of him during the voyage, that he might return and claim Eve.as his bride. - The next.morning Noel bade farewell to his father and Eve, and by noon was on board the brig-of-war which soon after wegned anchor, and out of the harbor before a light breeze. Gliding quietly along, while her captain was in the cabin, preparing his last dispatches to send ashore by the pilot, Noel, who was in command of the deck, descried a small fishing-skiff standing out from the rock hennd coast, and heading so as to meet the g. In the skiff were two persons, one of whom stood in the bow and waved toward the brig, as if to at- tract the attention of those on board. “Let her luff, helmsman; more yet, for I would speak yonder boat,” said Noel, and in a few mo- ments the light skiff was alongside and a rope thrown to the occupants. “Well, sir, what excuse have you for beiyake oy eg of Uncle Sam’s sea warriors in this style?’ said Noel, to one of the mén who sprung upon the brig’s deck. “T have an important letter, sir, for Lieutenant Moncrief.”’ “Ha! Iam Noel Moncrief; give it me.” The fisherman drew from his pocket a letter, and handing it to Noel, said: “A young lady came down to the shore on horse- back, a short while ago, and gave me the letter, and said she would give me a gold ten if I would sail out and head off the brig, so that you eee. get it.” “You have done well, my man, and here is a twin gold-piece for you; but hold, there may be an answer.” : “No, sir; she went right away, and said there was no answer.” : ‘All right; go to the mansion of Governor Mon- crief, seek the young lady, and let her know you de- livered the package.” “T will, sir; thank you, lieutenant, for the gold, and 5 a cruise and safe return to you,” an- swered the fisherman, politely, as he sprung into his skiff, which at once fell astern of the brig. Too thorough an officer to neglect his duties, to, read what he believed only a last kind word from Eve, Noel devoted himself wholly to the care of the brig until she was heading on her southward course, when he called to Lieutenant Ainslie, the next officer. in command, and bade him hold the deck while he. went to his own state-room. There. he hastily broke the seal and read in the handwriting of Eve, as follows: “MoncrigeF Manor. “My Own Noet:—Believing there would be no fur- ther communication with the shore, Captain Horace Duncan the impudence to send me the note which I inclose for your perusal. ‘Determined to prove to you his falsity asa man of honor and a friend, I have ordered my horse, to ride to a point on the coast which I know the brig will _— to send this to you by some fisherman. “ But, Noel, promise me, I beg of you, that you will only act toward Captain Duncan as his superior ranks ra pgp and in no way allow him to know the ow @ you possess. “Feeling you will do this, for my sake, and urging you to well your life, believe me, : “Ever devotedly ihc: t ELDRED,””’ With a dark brow, Noel folded the letter, and then turned to the one inclosed; which was written in the bold hand of Horace Duncan, and read: - * Bric-oF-War, V Portsmouth Harbor, “Miss Eve Etprep—Lapy:—Without again telling, you of the deep and never-ch ng love feel for ‘ou, let me now, in this parting hour, and with no; i. of envy or jealousy, warn you against the man to whom you are betrothed, _“T have known Noel Moncrief for years, and dark: indeed are the stains upon his character, which, if spown to you, I feel would at once cause you to tear. rom your memory. : “Now, I cannot say more, and_ it, Ap pein I speak against one that has been:my ; but to save youis my excuse, and believe me, upon return home, I will prove to you, and to the wor all that I say rega him, “Trusting the seed of distrust I have sown will bring forth good fruit, and thus save you from ruin in the end, believe me, at} “With esteem and love, . “ Horace Duncan.” “Horace Duncan, a bitter ending will come to bay you or me, for this.” ad ] . Noel glanced qui up, and saw standing before him a Mcrae nog # ace pale with rage. “You heard my words, ee Duncan, and you see in my hands your letter to Miss Eldred; cog wl forth between you and me only shall there be courtesy due to duty. “ Where did you get that letter?” “A fisherman brought it to me, half an hour “Then you know me, Noel Moncrief?” “ee “Ay, that I do, Horace Duncan; but between us let there be no quarrel, until the end of this cruise, tod vad Services are at prevent devoree 5 ar coun- ,» and as my commander I v oO every order,” and Noel gazed sternly into the face of the man before him. ** So be it.” Thins, was. the oe brig Patare sherted Lois upon her vo er captain’ an utenant feeling the bitterest hatred for éach other in their h though outwardly there appeared to be a friendly understanding between them,
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Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. THE SEAMAN’S DEVOTION. Havine made the reader aware of the circum- stance of the flags of the brig-of-war Vulture being at half-mast, and explained who it was resting beneath the funeral canopy upon her decks, I will now con- tinue on with my story, taking up the thread where it was broken, to present to the reader’s eye those rs in this romance who are most conspicu- ously brought forward. Standing 4 the brig’s gangway, as Lieutenant Ainslie and Midshipman Bernard descended into the cutter to be rowed ashore, was a tall, ungainly sea- man, whose appearance was only remarkable for its peculiarity. Over six feet in hight, awkwardly but powerfully formed, with long, swinging arms immense breadth of chest, the man’s appearance indicated great strength, without any sign of agility, to the casual observer; but, pee n looking awkward and lumbering, his every motion was catlike in quick- pine and his dark, restless eyes were ever on the ert. ; Though remarkable in form, the face of the indi- vidual was even more remarkable, for the head was small, the mouth immense and overhung by an en- ormous nose, while the eyes were bright, large, and as beautiful in expression as &@ woman’s. Who the man was, where he hailed from, or what was his name, none knew, for he had been found aboard the brig when she sailed from Portsmouth, gave no account of himself, and only said, when the paymaster asked his name: “Put me down as Stranger, please, sir.”’ And as Stranger he was entered upon the, brig’s | rol, as a first-class seaman, for such he soon proved | himself to be. Inoffensive, and holding friendly intercourse with none of the crew, the seamen soon began to jibe him upon his awkward form and ugliness, all of which Stranger bore without a word, until, upon one occa- sion, a party of his messmates made some oy ge ice, 4 remarks upon his parentage, and as quick as a flas of light he sprung into their midst, seized the two insulters in powerful arms, and hurled them overboard into the sea, “Man overboard!” the ery; the b was brought up into the wind, a boat was lowered, and the two men were saved and brought aboard, both, however, fearfully frightened. An investigation of the matter caused Captain Duncan to order Stranger up to the mast, to be pun- ished with the “cat’’—a punishment he received, in spite of the earnest entreaties of Lieutenant Mon- erief, and other officers, in his behalf. Stranger took the lash without a murmur, and when released, stepped forward, took the hand of Noel Moncrief, raked it to his lips silently, and walked forward, the simple act causing a sneer upon the face of Horace Duncan, while others were deeply * touched by this simple mode of thanks. A few months more, and again Stranger became an ob of ridicule amon, S messmates, and, un- mindful of his former punishment, he was about to upon his foes, when the ringing voice of Noel oncrief, who was officer of the deck, and had wit- nessed the whole affair, restrained him, and, like a whi schoolboy, he slunk away. “Mr, Bernard, have that gang of seamen walked aft here, sir,’’ called out Noel to the young reefer, and he pointed to the men who had been teasing the deformed seaman. The order was quickly obeyed, and five of the crew, those whom Noel had marked as the offenders, were brought aft, and the young lieutenant said, in stern tones: : “Men, I am going to have no more of this worry brought upon a poor unfortunate man, whom God has not made as well formed as you are; some months ‘0 er was severely punished for reerg aps | self, when driven to madness by your taunts, an now intend you shall suffer the same p ent.” “Boatswain, pipe all hands aft to see punishment administered.” The “‘cat’’ was wéll laid on, and from that day poor Stranger received Do more jeers from his mess- mates, and from that day also he became the de- = —— of pn 1 emg ar aieecthe us he was uietly by the gangway, wal the departure of Lieutenant Ainslie for the shore, when, as the officer got into the boat, the buckle of his sword-belt broke in twain. “ Here, sir, take this sword-belt into my cabin, and bring me another you will find lying upon the table,” he called out, and springing forward, Stranger ea- mag ig the belt and darted into the cabin, his lit up with a strange light, as if of triumph. An t only was he gone, when he returned with the belt and handed it to the young lieutenant, who at once gave the order to the men to let fall their oars and give way. In one of the officers’ state-rooms upon the , as she sailed up the harbor toward her euchorags, ere was one person seated in solemn and gloomy thought, for the return home, after a two years’ cruise, pre- sented to him no bright side, no happy picture. True, he had won renewed honor, and his name had been mentioned for promotion, but still his mind was clouded with thought, and his face pale and stern as he glanced through the open port, through which was run out a heavy gun. The state-room was large, and con besides the gun, a berth, closet, and chest, while the walls hg -hung round with uniforms, storm-suits, and AS the ‘officer, for his dress indicated him to be such, moved Ae a better gt Macrae cy pol as a change e *s course bro er broad- side to the city, this Sonus of chains broke on the ear, and it could be seen that each ankle was encir- cled by an iron band chai him to the floor. The man in irons was Noel Moncrief, who was re- turning to his home and native land with the blood of his PReCOr. officer upon his hands. “Oh, !” he murmured, “to thus return, when . two short years ago all seemed to me so bright, and I looked forward with joy to the moment when the brig would again drop anchor here.” “Did you call, sir?” suddenly asked a voice, and the form of a marine stood in the doorway. “No, sir; close the door and keep out,” sternly said Noel, “*T certainly heard you speak,” answered the man, suethat may be: t talking to If; but, why me may be; I was myself; but, w this extra watchtulness?” “We are getting into port now, lieutenant, and you have many friends aboard, who would not like to see you hanged, and I intend to see that you do not escape,’’ insolently said the marine. “Am Ito be obeyed, sir? I ordered you to your post outside that door.” “You are not on the quarter-deck now, lieuten- ant,’ said the man, menacingly, as he withdrew, muttering some unkind words to himself against the chained officer, for he was one of the five that Noel had had punished for their conduct toward the de- formed seaman. For some time he sat in silence, heard the order from the deck to take in sail and lower away the stream-anchor, and shortly afterward saw the boat, containing Lieutenant Ainslie and Midshipman Ber- nard row away toward the city. ‘Yes, there they go to make my crime, as it will be called, known to the world; yet I do not blame poor Ainslie, for stern duty alone compels him to act as if foe. “Hark! listen to the hum from the city, and ming- ling with it is the sound of a brass band. ‘*Ah’s me! I fear there is no hope for me, and that I must die. A terrible, terrible, end for one in the flush of youth.” rngpemnys bg ceased, and leaning his arms upon the iron gun he rested his head thereon, and in a few moments was fast asleep. How Cp slept he knew not, but he awoke to find that was around him, except the meas- ured tread of the officer of the deck, as he paced to and fro upon his lonely watch. The ‘hum from the town had eee and only a light here and there glimmered from the k masses of houses, showing that the night was creeping on ap ace. Suddenly he was startled by aslight sound outside his door, followed by a suppressed breathing, and then a low n. ‘What can it mean? . The ship is at rest,’’ he mut- tered, but ere he could say more the door was softly opened and a tall form stepped cautiously within. “Lieutenant Moncrief!”’ “Well, who is it, and what do you wish?” “Tt is § r. have come to save you,” said the voice, = a low: whisper. aie % : ank you, my good man; but I cannot fly.” “You will have to die, for Lheard Ligutenant Adne- lie and Mr, Bernard say the commodore said it would go hard with you.” “T expect to die, Stranger.” I can save you; come, let me unlock your manacles,” ‘“ What, you have the keys?” “* Yes, sir, I knew where the lieutenant kept them, for I saw them in a drawer in eabin, and, by good fortune, to-night, he sent me there on an errand, and I secured them.” Pagers So ou are a noble fellow, and I will not my heshy and leave you to suffer, as you cer- inly would have to do,” “T will go with you, lieutenant, for I would give my life for you,” answered the seaman, honestly, ‘And whither, my man?”’ $¢ mr here, sir, where you would go. Come, Mr. Moncrief, you are young, handsome and rich; the world is before you, and there are parts of it where you could go and live in iy ee and if you re- main here you will have to die like a dog, merely be- cause you punished a man who had made himself your bitterest foe.” Noel Moncrief was dumb with surprise, to hear a man, whom he looked upon as a common seaman, us, and use language wholly free from the forecastle style, and, as if momentarily forgetting his own dangerous position, he said: “Stranger, you are not what you seem; you have seen better days.” “Ay, have I, Lieutenant Moncrief, and there will come a day when I will make known to you my life; but time presses and we must fly.” “No, good Stranger, I will not fly; I will remain and stand my and bravely meet my end. I thank you for this noble act upon your part; so give me your hand and return at once ere you are discov- “Tt is too late now to retract.” aaa what mean you? Were you seen to come “No, but you forget the marine,” ? Ha! what of him? how did you pass the man on uty? Phat gaan bey f duty forever!” “Do you mean he’s dead?’’ asked Noel, in a low “Yes, I slew him only a few moments since, and if you do not fly I will remain and suffer with you.” Noel Moncrief drepped his head in his hands and pondered a moment, and then said: Stranger, my good man, you have conquered, for though I would not fly to save myself, I know if I remain both of us must die, and you shall not suffer death forme. Unlock my manacles.’’ Gladly the seaman released Noel of his chains, and then, si rhe forward, he locked the state-room door, and drew from beneath his shirt a short rope which he fastened to the I ng Sa velgn “ Now slip down quickly into the water, lieuten- an’ ” ¢ “You go first.” . a ; il re follow, sir?” Without another word the seaman gently and noiselessly lowered himself into the water, and the next moment was followed by Noel. ; “Now let us float with the tide, which is setting in,” whispered Stranger, and releasing their hol upon the rope the two men were borne swiftly away up the harbor, undiscovered by the officer of the deck, as he leaned idly upon a gun-carriage and gazed toward the sleeping town. CHAPTER V. THE SADDEST BLOW OF ALL. Arter swimming for half an hour Noel and his preserver reached the shore, at_a point where thgre were several fishing skiffs anchored, and, a sudden idea flashing across his mind, the young lieutenant said: “Stranger, let us take one of these boats, for the wind and tide are both fair, and in a short while I can run up to Moncrief Manor, for I cannot decide upon my future until I have held conversation with one m.’” “ Ay, ay, sir,” answered the seaman, and in a mo- ment more the two men were in the light skiff; the mast was see the sail spread, and, with Noel at the tiller, the little craft sped on before a stilt breeze, past the quiet town. Mile after mile was passed, when Stranger, who was in the bow, said, quietly: “Thear the sound of oars and voices in conversa- tion ahead, sir.” “Doubtless some pleasure-party returning from the town; there is no danger of our being recog- nized, so I'll stand on.” A few moments more and there came distinctly to the ears of Noel the steady thud of oars, and a num- ber of voices ming in conversation. “It is as I expected, a pleasure-party. I will luff up and pass to windward of them, and if they hail say we are fishermen.” “Swiltly the light skiff cut through the waves, and in ten minutes more was within a few yards of the boat, a large eight-oared barge, with a canvas awn- ing and comfortable seats, wh ch Noel at once recog- nized as belonging to Moncrief Manor, and used by his father for pleasure merses on the ge Src river. “ You answer their , Stranger, if they should us. ” “ Ay, ay, sir,” responded the seaman, and as he spoke, the sound of a man’s voice came across the water, making some lively remark to some one in the bow of the barge. “By Heaven! that was the voice of my brother Clarence. He is at home, then; and—yes, I hear her low, musical laugh. Well, it is well for her to h now, for ere long tears may dim her eyes, when she knows that Horace Duncan has fallen by my hand, and that I am doomed to die for slaying my superior officer, “Poor, r Eve! Hard indeed did I strive to suf- fer everything for your sake, and without a murmur I put up with unkindness, until his insulting remark before that French captain and Bernard, re- flecting upon your honor, caused me to resent his evil words. “ Well, the die. is cast, and branded with murder, and dishonored from the navy, I must fly whereso- ery path of fate may lead me. Stranger!” ‘We have passed them without their hailing, and I now intend to run on and land at my home, where LE ea TRG ponte toa eanaer tale ae ee eoming of the y from yonder which con- tains my brother and other friends. “You remain in the skiff, when.I land, and I will soon return.” “Yes; sir; will you. put on this sword which I me under my coat? I took it from with your brace of pistols, which are , 1 see, as I voles them up in their oiled-silk cover.”’ “Thanks; I will take the sword and one pistol, while you keep the other.”’ “T have two pistols and my cutlass, sir.’ “ Indeed; why you were a floating arsenal, Stran- sarang swam as easily as if you carried nothing with you.” “ Yes, sir, Iswim well; but I brought arms, lieu- tenant, thinking we ht need thems : “Yes, we may need them; but here we are at the shore; so take in the sail and I'll run the skiff beneath the shadow of this tree,” said Noel, and the next in- stant the small boat was completely hidden beneath pa gba 18 beg of a majestic al pads and Ww. a 3) tenan' ashore, buckled on his pale d ge hs his istola in his and, after a word of caution Stranger, a ed awa a the ee of + a mers which oomed w rk an a few hun ards ist ns p grandly yi ‘ollo the gravel path along the water's Noel ya ae the regular boat- of th mansion, and,» wane down the ba oe e e him the barge’ half a mile away, pulling’ steadily shorew: cy wll moored against the plershead, was @ little t of fifteen which he had had built after a model of his own, for both speed and com-
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The Flying Yankee. 5 fort, and in which himself and brother had enjoyed a cruise together, years before. bs The Dart has been overhauled and refit I see; doubtless Clarence has brought her into service again,” he said, as he stepped on board the little ooner and walked + and down her deck. * But yonder comes the barge,jand I must hasten,” and so saying he walked on toward the mansion for a few paces, until he came to a small, ivy-grown summer-house, which he entered quietly. Soon the pleasure-barge struck the shore, for it had been delayed by stopping at several mansions along the river, to land es who had accepted the invitation of mce Moncrief, to go that way to the entertainment given by Commodore Cutting, in Portsmouth. j The oarsmen eos g ashore, and bidding good- night to Clarence and Eve, started rapidly home- ward along the shores of the bay, for they were fishermen living near Moncrief or, while the oung man and maiden walked slowly ,arm-in-arm Caveat the mansion. From his gees of concealment Noel watched their approach, and was about to advance to meet them, when the words spoken by his brother arrested his steps. Clarence was saying: “Then you still persist in loving Noel?” “T do, Clarence, and it is oble in you to en- deavor to steal my affection m him when he is absent,’’ answered Eve ‘ “Curse him! Yes, Eve dred, for your sake I curse my brother, and would to God he might never return. “Clarence, this is unmanly, this is nerous, and I will not listen to you thus speak of one who has ever loved you, ever been just and kind toward ou. ** Hold, Eve Eldred! Stand here and listen to me,” and seizing her hand, Clarence Moncrief stop just in front of the summer-house, and continued in a low, bitter tone: _ ‘* You were mine once—”’ “No, sir, I never loved you, except as a brother.” “You were not indifferent to me, and when I knew you liked and praised Noel, because he was in the navy, I also entered the service, hoping to gain more favor in Fe eyes; but, during my absence, Noel came, and stole from me your heart, and now, after three years, I come back to find you his betrothed wife; no Eve Eldred, you shall never marry Noel Moncrief, if Ihave to slay him with my own hand, and be Cain-cursed forever. No, I hate and you shall be mine.” “ Never, sir!’’ Both started at the stern, deep voice, and glan up saw before them the tall, manly form of Noe Monerief, for the p= roe the wane, was just rising over the forest and fell brightly upon the spot where they stood. “Noel! thank God you have come!” and with a lad cry Eve threw herself into his while Clarence, in dismay, laid his hand upon his sword- ft, ‘* Wait, Eve, and listen to me: “A few hours ago the Vulture ~“s anchor in Portsmouth harbor, but with no rejoicing did she re- turn after her long and successful cruise, for upon her we lay the dead form of her captain—” “ * 7? “Yes, Eve, slain by my hand, in a duel, ere we On pny heart will break! “ m r, r Ww ” cried ive. while rencans ose whole nature seemed to have turned to bitterness, said, harshly: “You are a murderer then, sir?” “Listen to me, sir! Eve, is no time for tears, for I would have you hear me. “Yes, I slew him, after first disa: him and giving him his life; for months I bore with him for your sweet sake, and had he not at length ken evil of you, I would have still suffered on until our return home; but, he went too far; he fell by my Bry yes I was —— home - —— us our since, I escaped; how, it matters n but I would not have done so had not a noble am implicated himself in my behalf; and, a a skiff, I came on here, to make known to you and to my father all, after which I intended to seek a fo land, where, if you loved me, I wished you to join m , e. et I will follow you to the uttermost ends of the 1’ cried Eve onately, as she placed her hands firmly upon his shoulder. “* Never! that woman is mine, and never shall she be the wife of another man!”’ and drawing his sword Clarence leaped forward. “Brother, put up your weapon, for I would not cross blades with you, even though your words this night told me that you hated me, and that you no longer loved me as in boyhood years,” said Noel, softly. * No, Sir Murderer, I hate you, for you have taken from me the love of Eve Eldred.” ** Clarence, I never loved you, and no word or look of mine ever caused you to believe so. Shame on it Cnamantineet eyes 6 young man. “ Eve, this is fale talk. this man’s own words he is a murderer, and I deliver him to the authorities; he will be hung, and then y Pnall be P ** Brother! Clarence! beware, or you may go too ar. « “What! do you threaten me?” and with a bitter cry of hated Olarence sprung forward with drawn sword. “Oh, God have mercy, but this is terrible!” cried Eve, cov: her face with her hands. “Stand Eve; I will not hurt him,” said Noel, and quickly drawing his sword, the two blades crossed, flashed for one instant in the moonlight, ane | weapon of Clarence was struck from his an With another of hatred, he drew a pistol, and fired it full in the face of his brother, but, yrs ing it, Noel] struck it up with his sword, and the : passed above his h bc orate tay We ete t for another pi : y sprung for- ward, and his sword a saand Coane the body of his brother, who fell with a stifled moan to the ground. ‘* Eve, I have killed him. Now I care not to live,” $ Noel, you must live, Fly, for already I hear the house alarmed. For my sake fly.”’ “Whither?” adn sought his , good Stranger, save yourself, and here is my belt of gold.” ““No, sir, you must come with me,’ answered the seaman, firmly. “Yes, for poy sane fly, Noel,’’ and Eve threw her arms around with passionate earnestness. One close embrace, and then, led by Stranger, pei y strode rapidly away in the direction of the “Yonder is a yacht; let us take that, for then we have some ce,” “All right, my man; it belo to me,”’ and the excitement of escape causing him to, momentarily, forget the deed his hand had wrought, and the mis- ery he had left behind him, Noel sprung on board the little vessel, already mentioned as moored to the ors the sails were raised with lightning rapidity, e hawsers cast loose, and, feeling the wind, the graceful Dart swung clear of the dock, and with her master at the helm stretched across the bay, just as a glance astern showed that an alarmed crowd from the mansion had arrived at the spot, where lay the body of Clarence Moncrief, with Eve Eldred standing in an agony of grief beside it. CHAPTER VI. THE FLIGHT FOR LIFE. CommopoRE CUTTING was so much distressed at the sad news brought him by Lieutenant Ainslie, for both Captain Duncan and Noel Moncrief he greatly liked, that he determined, as soon as the guests had de , to go aboard the brig and see Noel, to en- deavor to glean from him all particulars in his favor, ee e duel and its fatal termination. d ding. he escorted the party, who had been his gu own to the water's edge where the barge awaited them, and refraini ugh a kind- ness of heart, from informing mee that his brother had been brought home in irons, he merely asked him to come in with the governor, his father, at an early hour the following —- as he was desirous of seeing them upon a matter of great im- portance, Clarence pro and bidding the commodore good-night, and than him for his generous hos- pitality, the barge shoved off, and the crew, singing a merry song in chorus, headed up the river. Re’ to his mansion he sat down to write some dispatches, and then calling to his servant, or- dered his private cutter to await his coming at the foot of the street. “Yes, I will go on board, and learn fully all about this affair, so that in the morning I can make known the full particulars to his father and brother. Poor, rash boy! I fear he must die,” and so saying the commodore wrapped himself up in his heavy | cloak, and putting on a slouch hat, walked from the mansion down to e river, where he found the boat in readi ness. Seating himself in the stern-shee e said, simply: “Give way, men; coxswain, ee: the -of- war anchored below, and, mind you, do Mot let it be et alli, and_-with , ay, ” answe 2 CO’ , an mnbennred:; stroke the cutter moved away, and in a short time was hailed from the Vulture, with: oy ? “Dispatches for the commander,” answered the commodore. ** Come alongside.” “ Ay, ay,” and the next instant Commodore Cut- sxo0d on the deck of the Vulture, and was met by Lieutenant Ainslie, who, recognizing him imme- ately, conducted him into the cabin. “ e, I could not sleep, so I have come on board to have a talk with you and poor Moncrief.” “Tam glad to see you, commodore. Be seated, sir, and I will send for him,” politely answered the lieutenant. “No, I would not be seen by thecrew. Gofor him, and also bring young Bernard, for if there is any- in favor of the poor fellow I would find it out.” “T thank you, Commodore Cutting, and I trust sincerely Moncrief may be spared, for a better offi- cer or nobler man never lived,” answered the lieu- tenant, warmly, as he went to the table drawer to search for the keys that unlocked Noel’s manacles. aio 5 5 , L always keep them here,” he muttered, * t is it?” “T cannot find thé keys to release the prisoner ; they were here # before I went ashore to see you. “Quick! to state-room,”’ said the commo- dore, exci ; and leaving the cabin, Alden Ainslie returned the next instant, face as pale as death, and exclaimed: ‘Commodore Cutting, Lieutenant Moncrief has “Gone? Impossible!” said the commodore, spring- ing to his feet. | was found, and the rope hangi “It is true, sir, and would that were all; but the ard who was over him lies dead by the door, hav- ing been stabbed to the heart with a keen-bladed knife. “Great heavens! Lieutenant Ainslie, this must be looked to. Come, let us to the deck; have the men ye ao tor itis ete dent pita over , for a isgrace to a man- yen? be rua pestser as uickly ascending e deck, accompanied the commodore, Lieutenant Ainslie gave wad call the men to quarters, and then the two descended to the gun-deck, where the form rad the dead marine | rom the open proved the manner in which the aang v4 yond caped. He has been aided in this; let us to the deck,” and once more ascending the quarter-deck, the com- modore called out: ‘* Who is officer of the deck?” “Tam, commodore; Mr. Bennett took my place when I went into the cabin with you,” answered me ae S “Mr. Bennett, have you seen a t on, that is a clew to this escape of the wt ni page . “No, commodore; yonder schooner-yacht passed us shortly after you went below, giving us a wide berth,’ answered the officer, P naa as he spoke toward a white sail, that was flying rapidly seaward. The eyes of all were turned toward the craft, and just then a loud voice hailed from an approach- ing s that came down the river: “ Ho, the brig-of-war!”’ re 7 what do you wish?” answered Lieutenant nslie. “Will you bring yonder schooner to? for those now on beard of her slew Mr. Moncrief, a short while since,’’ came the answer. “Ha! here is a clew. Mr, Ainslie, train a gun on the schooner, and Mr, Bennett, let fall the sails, for I will give chase if we fail to bring the yacht to,” said the commodore, and he then called to the men to come alongside. _ ‘Well, sir, now give us all the knowl] you have about this matter,’”’ said Commodore Cu ng, ae ly, as the occupants of the skiff, two in number, as- cended to the brig’s deck. “Well, sir, we fishermen, and was in the pange wn | that brought Mr. Moncrief and his party do the merrymaking, at your house to-night, and when we got to the mansion again, we sta to our homes, and had gone but a little way when we heard a pis- tol-shot, so we ran back to where we had left Master Clarence and Miss Eve, and we saw the yacht yon- der swinging away from the pier, and on her was two men, one in an officer’s uniform, and the other a great big fellow, looking like a seaman. “Well, sir, we ran up to where the servants was crowded in a knot, ha come down from the man- sion, and we saw Master Clarence lying on_ the tee with a sword-wound in his side, and Miss ve was fainted and held up by the governor—” “What is that you say, Lieutenant Ainslie?” in- terrupted the commodore, quickly, toward the young officer who was clearing a gan “I say, sir, that in the present position of the brig, ee can be brought to bear upon the schooner, ‘Then, slip the cable and give chase, and with a will. Do you hear, men? vely to your work!” cried Commodore Cutting, and he turned to the fishermen and said, sternly: ‘ on, sir, with your story.” “ Yes, sir; well, you see, Jake, here, and me knew who it was—”’ “Who was it?” ne" poe we ag tka was pay pete deed was them as was awa: e so we went down to the shore and chee we found the skiff alongside, which we knew belongs to some fishermen here in the town, so we jumped into it and gave chase after the schooner, sir, and that’s all we know.” “T thank you, my men; now go back to your skiff, and if we overhaul the murderer, you shall not be forgotten for your prompseatss who did you say was absent from the vessel, Mr. Bennett?” ‘A seaman who hails only to the name of Stranger; he has left the brig since dark.” a he it was who , Lieutenant ae escape; and, Ainslie, as it appears, I fear we shall find that another crime has Doom ted by Noel, for did you observe, the fisherman re- marked that the two men who fled in the yacht were an Officer and a seaman, as the moonlight plainly showed?” ** Yes, sir, I noted it.” “ Well, what do you make out of it all?” “I know not what to say; there she swings round th and feels the wind. those bow-guns there, and as soon as you can get range, send a ball after yonder schooner.” “ y, ay, sir. ” your barge is still along- test said a reefer, coming aft, and politely saluting Tra Thad f tten,” and ste to the lee “ e, s) n,’ cttieeteia, hewid... eee “Coxswain, cast off and row back; let the ladies at home know where I am, and say I expect to re- turn nm” “Ay, ay, sir,” and the cutter rapi astern, just as a bright glare the bows of the brig, the deep voice of a roared forth upon the still night air, and reverbera’ h ~s quiet streets of the town in many a rambling 0. “ Stranger, the brig is in full chase; doubtless the skiff we saw astern of us has let them know who we are,” said Noel Moncrief, calmly, as he stood at the
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Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. helm of the little yacht, and held her on her course with steady hand. ** Yes, sir, she is in earnest, for yonder comes a gun; but it was aimed wildly,” answered the seaman, _ the shot flew far to windward, and buried itself in e “ is in their favor.” “No, lieutenant; if the gunners of those bow-guns know it is you that stands on this schooner’s deck, take my word for it, their shots will all fly wild, for there are few men in yonder brig but would risk their lives to save you.” “Still we must endeavor all in our power to es- cape; with our pg ee breeze I believe she will bear her topsails and flying-jib.” “ Ay, ay, sir,’ and Stranger mo lee nimbly for- ward, and in a few moments had set the extra can- vas. The yacht was a mile below the town, and the brig, pe 8 mara of a mile astern, was keeping > a rapid upon the flyin vessel, but with no other effect than to send the balls over and around her, oc- easionally striking near enough to throw a shower of spray upon the decks. As Noel watched the brig, however, he saw that, though the yacht was a fast sailer, she was being ity overhauled by her pursuer, who was now covered with canvas from her topmasts to her decks and he felt assured that, as soon as his little craft had to's er through the waves of the ocean, she would soon be taken. Still his nerve did not fail, nor was there a tremor of his hand upon the tiller, as he urged his little ves- sel on, his eyes glancing ahead and then astern. The yacht had now reached a part of the harbor where the channel runs to the east of Great Island taking a circuitous route for more than a mile, and Noel was about to follow its devious course, when a shot from the brig carried away the schooner’s fore- topmast, the shock causing her to shiver from stem to stern. “That is bad for us, Stranger,’ said the young officer, coolly, and then he quickly added, ‘“ By Heaven, Til risk it! Stand y to ease off every- thing!” and putting the helm hard down, Noel rung forward to let fly the main-sheet, while r did the same for the foresail and jibs. Instant] close-ha , stood of-war. the little schooner came about, and, back in the direction of the brig- CHAPTER VII. THE STORM-CHASE. Wonperinea at the strange maneuver of the lfeu- tenant, Stranger was however silent, and stood ready to obey the slightest order, for he had implicit con- fidence in Noel’s skill and courage. On darted the schooner, until she came once more to the head of Great Island, and scarcely half a mile divided her from the brig, which had ceased firin, upon noticing her put about, believing those on boar of her had seen their inability to escape, and were coming back to surrender. Commodore Cutting had just given the order to Lieutenant Ainslie = ba the pris, fon eg were sweeping efully around in obedience er helm, when nS a ward, and all eyes were at once turned again upon the yacht. Having discovered that, if he kept the ship-channel to the northward of Great Island, his. craft would soon be overhauled, or sunk | the fire of the brig, Noel had at once determined, as his fore-topmast was shot away, to put back and attempt to run the south passage, between the main, upon which Portsmouth, and the island before referred to. For this reason he had put back to gain the head of Great Island, although he well knew the channel through which he would have to open sea, was, in some places, depth. But the yacht drew little over two feet of water, and he determined to risk it, and with such success was his attempt carried out that, as he anticipated, the brig was brought up into the wind, believing him on his way back to surrender. The ex tion of surprise then on the Vultu arose from seeing the schooner round the head o Great Island, ease off the sheets free, and dart away before the d, her sails spread out wing-and-wing. The brig having come to, it was some moments be- fore she could be gotten under way again and all dra , 80 that when she reached the head of Great Island the schooner was half-way through the shal- low and intricate channel, and — Island. “There comes the last gun she can five at us, for some time, ye Noel, quietly, as one of the broadside guns sent a shot over the schooner, just as the brig continued on in the ship-channel. “That was a daring and skillful. move, sir,” said the seaman; “‘ you seem to know these waters well!” “Yes, I have sailed on them from boyhood; but see, yonder are the of the brig above the island, and how rapidly. sh she es along! But we will distance her greatly by this move, for this chan- nel is much’shorter than thé other; and see, we are now coming into Little Harbor, and yonder is the oO sea.” ‘on flew the schooner, the brig now far astern, and, ae passed Kitt’s Rock, the swell of the ocean her to pitch heavily, for a high see there,” and Stranger sea was run- ited astern of them to the heavens, which were black with masses of clouds, that had suddenly arisen above the horizon and were rapidly overspreading the sky. othet is another enemy, yet still a friend, Stran- ~ to reach the | ut three feet in | | and seized the helm and once more sea. ey’ll improve by practice, and the moonlight | ; | , there was a surprised cry for- ; fr for I can hug the shore while the brig dare not. y Heaven! see, the whole sky is overe! dd seme can no longer see the brig, sir; shall I shorten * No, not yet; we have now an offing of two miles, and I will put away on a southerly course. Jibe the mainsail over, and haul the fore and main. sheets close aft; trim all close and belay.” The wind was blowing a stiff seven knot breeze from the westward, and under her clouds of canvas the schooner staggered and ‘plunged eo but, anxious to place as great a distance as possi je be- tween himself and the brig, Noel stood on, hoping in the darkness to elude the vigilance of his pursuers. ‘Stranger, lower away the flying jib, and then let fall the foresail, so that you can reef close.” ** Ay, ay, sir!” and in a short while, under greatly reduced sail, the yacht held on, the wind each mo- ment increasing. “Here, Stranger, take the helm, while I go below, for I would know what water and stores we have aboard, that I may decide whether to put into some town on the coast, or stand right on southward.” Stranger sprung to the helm, and. descending into the cabin Noel glanced around him, and then quick- ly examined the store-room, ena st oe and the other compartments below decks, having lighted the cabin lamp and a lantern he found on the table. ** Ho, Stranger,” he call out to the seaman, ina joyous tone, “the yacht has just been sto and prepared for a cruse, for there are provisions suffi- cient aboard to last us a month, besides several fowling-pieces and — she was evidently to start ona ee tion along the coast.” “Tam glad of it, sir; so much the bettér for us; but will you please come upon deck ?’ an- swered the seaman, and, delighted with the dis- covery he had made about the yacht, Noel ascended to the deck, for the excitement of the chase kept down the poignant sorrow he otherwise would have felt, at the deed his hand had wrought only a few hours before. One eemnes around the dark waters, and up at the black heavens, and he knew why the seaman had called him to the deck, for the yacht was bounding before a gale that each moment increased to fury. “We are going to have a black time of it, sir.” ** Yes; [ll take the helm, while you lower away the jib. There, now; leave her fore-topmast stay- sail, and come aft and let fall her main-sail. That will do; now reef her to her lightest reef-points. for she'll need some main-sail to bring her round, if we have to lay to.” With wonderful strength and ity, Stranger had obeyed the order given him, and then, with only a close-reefed main-sail and fore-topmast stay-sail, both stretched to their utmost tension, the yacht kept on, staggering over and through the wild waters, which were rendered blacker by the mass of clouds hovering low over the sea, and from which broke a mournful roar of thunder. ; “Ha! there comes the first flash of lightning. Now keep a bright watch for the next, and we'll see what has become of the brig,’’ said Noel, whose face was pale and brow stern, for he could not but feel that it was God's anger upon him for the deed his hand had wrought, and even the stoical seaman felt awed by the mighty power of an ey Alnighty. Suddenly the whole sea was a broad flame of light; a vivid, forked spear of lightning pierced the k masses of storm-clouds, darted wit . wig-2ag, fiery splendor from the heavens, and, amid a cras of thunder that shook the very waters, descended oceanward until it struck the ang spars of the brig-of-war, two miles to windw of. the schooner, “God in heaven! but this is awful!) Oh, what misery and despair have I brought upon my ill-fated companions!’’ cried Noel, momen’ ly releasing bis hold upon ——— “Tt is fi , sir; but look ae the yacht: will founder amswered Stranger, as he sprung forward id the yachton her course: By an effort recovering himself, Noel turned his gaze across the waters, and watched with burning eyes re wee Fe os the rigging, and blend the spars and sa’ serpents.” “See! she has come to; and hark! they are cut- an oes her masts. God grant she may be saved!” “Yes, lieutenant, Ih they will be saved, for there are many brave and noble men on yonder ves- sel; but we have no need to dread them now, so had we not better lay drowned forward, and the gale is increasing.” ht, my good friend. | Here, give me the helm, and of the next favorable wave to bring her up,” A moment more and the gallant little vessel had brought her bows into the wind, and lay mpoe the storm-swept waves in comparative safety, while the two men, who so bravely guided her destiny, turned their eyes fix upon the brig, which was now al- most a mass of flames above decks. “See! see! there shake her masts-they are gone! Look! now they cut the stays!’ cried Noel, and with aloud crash and, hissing sound, heard even'on the schooner, the entire top-hamper of the gallant, brig: of-war went over the side into the sea, leaving the waters once more in impenetrable gloom. ; ‘“* Behold! there goes'a ; what! can they have seen us, and, even a as they are, be firing at us? Is man’s hatred as deep as that?” tol ‘* No, lieutenant, there goes another flash; they are Ifearshe may run under, as faring minute guns of distress, to call for aid from the. “True; you are right, and I hope it will be under- stood by the two cruisers I saw in the harbor.” “Thope so; but now, unless they are sinking, they to, for the schooner is nearly d ready, for I'll take advantage » ‘have little to fear, for the hull is good and will ride jurymasts out the storm, when they can rig and get back to’ Portsmouth.” “Yes; but, Stranger, they come down upon ‘us rapidly; what say you, shall we get sail on the schooner and again stand on out of the brig’s way?” “No, sir; for the canvas would be blown ‘to ‘rib- bons in a second. She will pass near, but not over us, and perhaps not see us as we lay low in the wa- ter,” answered the seaman. “You are right; she will pass to leeward of us,and I will hail and see if they need aid, for, if my life must answer for it, I will not see my shipmates per- ish while I havea sound deck beneath my feet. “Mr. Moncrief, your heart is in the right place sir; I will stand ready to obey your orders, even if in saving them we put our own n the hang- man’s noose,’’ answered the brave sailor, with firm- ness. The brig could now be disti hed by the flash of her si; guns, tobe but a few cables’ length dis- tant, rolling and pitching heavily in. the sea, and coming down toward the schooner only @ short dis- tance to leeward. Grasping firmly by the mainstays, Noel awaited until the wreck came near, and just as the roar of another gun died away, hailed in a loud, ringing voice: ‘“Ho! the brig, ahoy!’’ No. answer came for & moment, and then in the voice of Lieutenant Ainslie was the reply: ** Ahoy! who hails, and where away?” — chase; off your windward bow. Doyouwish ai 9? A murmur of voices could be heard for an instant, and then Lieutenant Ainslie cried: “We were struck b lightning ; our masts are cut away, and we are leaking badly.” ““My vessel is large enough to hold I'll hang off your quarter in case of need. A moment there was silence, and as the brig was driving by, Noel said: “She must bear sail, Stranger; raise the foremast- ith great difficulty the order was ee, and in afew moments the schooner was again driving before the gale, but with terrible risk, and soon over- hauled the , when Noel again hailed: ‘*T will hang near you, in case of need.” “Who is that that hails?’’ suddenly cried the sten- torian voice of Commodore Cutting. “Noel Moncrief,’’ bo answered the young offi- cer, and his words brought a ringing cheer from the crew of the brig. “T knew it! No, Mr. Moncrief, we are in no imme- diate danger; our pumps will keep us afloat, and we can soon rig ae ‘No, sir, if we could not take you by fair means we not by foul; so stand on your course, young man, and if life is dear to you, keep clear of the United States.” j A perfect yell of joy came from the seamen of the brig, all of whom sympathized with Noel, and ad- mired his courage and the noble offer he had but just made to serve them, and again the commodore your crew; cried: ‘*Moncrief, it was noble of you to desire toserve us, and we thank you for it.” Again the clear and manly tones of Noel Moncrief were heard, and all remained silent to hear him, for the schooner was fo ahead, ashe hailed: “Commodore Cutting, I thank you for your kind- ness. One and all, shipmates, ell.” Three cheers were pte by the brig’s crew, even the officers joining in, and the gale somewhat abat- ing, the mainsail of the schooner was raised, and at sunrise, as the Vulture, having rigged tempora masts, headed back toward Portsmouth, the little yacht, with its daring commander, was far to. the southward, a mere speck upon the restless waters, CHAPTER VIII. THE BUCCANEER BARGE. One pleasant afternoon, some two months after the escape of the yacht, Dart, from Portsmouth har- bor, a small, sharp-bowed craft, with two slender masts rig; with lateen was sailing quietly along the shores of Cuba, for now chan kind : coast of the North to the The carrera, for the kind mentioned. above, ap not to as e es, a swift r for though she had all knot breeze that was blowing, she was not making anything a@ vesse of even a less fair build. At any rate, the carrera, was a comfortable little and in perfect order, while her cabin was large, roo! and almost luxuriously furnished, which at of wealth, and used by him asa pleasant means of conveyance to from his when his busi- one of whom was a tail, man. in ‘white duck, and who a 44s mander, for he i the ‘p er to four negroes forward, who formed the.erew.., } The helmsman of Indians, the ans, who were the possessors of d which it so many human lives to hold... South. et po ; such is the name given to craft of are m of her class in th ; pom sail spread to catch the four- more out of it than would many of per in tons, her deck cleanly kept once vered her to belong to some coast planter ness him Upon the deck of the carvera were » sree nine per- , and every now and then gave’some o: was not a negro, though his was TOT Gari bus in nie fogee ark fnehing eyes ¢ 1 the . ndant, that ancient tribe an . has cost § Aunidships stood two other persons, a young: man
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The Flying Yankee. Z and a yo irl, both sho in their faces the ad- Pp ty eh sy Pye! r a ica ey e@ re- sponte position ms of valet and femme-de-chambre to an old oe and a maiden who ba rece weet of, wae © Dew wetten, Sppateney Pare e uty of the evening and the scene aoe e coast, for oe carrera was hardly a mile from the curving ores, The old gentleman referred to was a person of ap ce, for his face was bronzed, ly black and eterno bags his mus- curling hair were snow-white. Dressed in a suit of white linen, with a broad som- brero upon his head, Don Octavio Guido looked ex- actly what he was, a wealthy planter of Cuba, and one who, in his earlier years, evidently had seen mili service in the field. The maiden by his side, the Donna Violeta, was one of those. dark types_of beautiful women, pecu- liarly Spanish in face and form. Her yf motion was graceful, and her Seure slight, molded with marvelous symmetry, and rather above the hight for a perfect form, but ce “ray cloth. The eyes were slumbering wells of fire, only need- ing a spark of love or ig athed cause them to flash forth on or brilliant es; the face was in re- pose utiful and Madonna-like, but as now and en it would light up as some pretty scene opened to her view ahoreward, it was full of animation and sperkting loveliness; a face olive in hue, tinted with e rich blood of health, perfect in mold, and strangely fascinating to one upon whom it was turned with kindness. So intently were all on board the craft engaged in watchi ba nrg panorama, as they glided e along. that bane observe a drogher, a kind of f. it Vv ee dada eae the plantations to the cit t had suddenly come out of a lagoon, half den by the forests that baby its mouth, and was standing boldly down u em, e drogher had two stump masts, upon which were hoisted by pulleys two long yards with large r sails, which instead of ree: in a blow, Fa be beh ea in an instant wae the hold of cine lugger, which was open, except a canvas cove sirarched accous etki papported a spar acting asa cross-beam. But one man was visible =r the | r, and he was at the helm, apparently endeavoring all he could to take advantage of the light wind to eat up to windward of the carrera. For a while he was successful in his maneuver, and had nearly ed the wind of the smaller craft, when the yh nee the helmsman of the carrera bay order from his lips brought The “Yonder drogher' means no good, co down on us that way; trim the sails closer, and I'll edge more into the d,”’ and the tonés of his voice were strangely soft and musical. The order was obeyed, and for a moment all watched anxio to see the meee for piratical craft were frequent in those waters at the time this story is laid, and were poe et bucca- neers dreaded as a most cruel and ferocious set. “Nombre de Dios, but she gains rapidly upon us, pans we square away and run before the Octavio, in an anxious tone. “Tl try it, senor. Let go the fore and aft!” and away the carrera before the wind, to have her example followed the moment after by the “This will never do», Lalul; for see, the lugger is now on her best sailing points.” The Indian helmsman —— over his own vessel, then steadily for a while at the pursuer, and at once gave the orders to the negro crew to trim in the sheets, while he put her away upon her former course, for with the wind on her quarter the drogher would also have to ch , and it was evi- dent she was not gaining as ra before they put away as after. “She still overhauls us, senor; but not as rapidly before.” as . “No. Lalul, what do nah sont that drogher to feared so. Lalul, we must not be again glanced toward Vio- d the Cuban ted some two miles ah to wi Pokish where a small -looking schooner was just a point of land. The seized glass and intently at strange oment, said: me she dice ok belote to these waters, but looks like an American- vessel. If she were not so small I would believe her to be a b ” “ = pecan St OOl, erat ee nae a Here, ‘ou lower our half-mast him see we need his succor!” eried the Cuban all eyes were eagerly, turned toward the schooner, to denote the sligh change in her course. “Soon it came; her bow swung round quickly, and, with the wind very nearly astern, she came fly- ing down toward the carrera. e drogher at once also presented a scene of action, for a dozen dark forms were discovered mov- ing upon her decks, and quickly four long and heavy *| sweeps were put out, to endeavor to overhaul the chase ere the schooner got to her. With, intense excitement all on board the carrera watched the flight of their own v which, pressed to her utmost , was only knots, and then turned their eyes upon the rapid ap- proach of the lugger, still nearly a mile astern, but coming with increased speed. Again they glanced ahead, toward the schooner, which, with a wall of —_ about her sharp bows, was rushing toward em. “Senor, that drogher is one of the fastest of her class; but, swift as she is, yonder schooner is a far better ler,”’ and Lalul handed the glass to Don Octavio, who, placing it to his eye, turned it toward the little vessel that had so nobly answered their of distress. ‘Lalul, she carries but one gun that I can see—a sm. rass piece upon her forecastle, and I can only all b pi her f tl al 1 observe some dozen men upon her decks.” “Enough, with our aid, to beat off fifty of the ees crew. Shall I luff closer, so as to speak m “Yes, Lalul. Violeta, see how swiftly yonde schooner comes on—oh, see, yonder goes her flag— she is an American!” ** Yes, father; I have watched her rapid fos mig wes, and, though most anxious, have not fail note her grace and speed. See, the schooner is altering her course and will come near us.” A few moments more and with her sharp prow cutting the water and dashing showers of spray u either side, the schooner had come within a cable’s a inn and was so heading as to pass within a few fathoms of Don Guido’s craft. Suddenly a manly form sprung into the schooner’s n- , and a clear voice hailed: “* Ho, the carrera!” ** Ahoy the schooner!”’ answered Lalul. “Is yonder drogher in chase of you?” * Y it is ig so pirate.” “4 ht. Ihave not men enough to board him but will give him a lesson. In the meantime, stand on as Ae are, and I will protect you all in my power.” “T thank you, sir,” and ere the don could say more, the ooner by and was on toward the drogher. fellow that, and indeed a generous one mself between us and d ; but it is just like those Americans, reckless and noble-heart- ed to a fault,” said the don, with enthusiasm. ““What a splendid looking man he was, father, and his Spanish was age * and his voice clear and ringing," said Violeta, still gazing after the receding schooner. “Tl warrant your eyes could soon discover his fine form and face, and your ears drink in the melody of his voice, for ever is it thus with women.” Violeta blushed, but made no re 7. ane her father toward Lalul to address when, across the waters, came in distinct tones, in Spanish “The drogher, ahoy! Put back or I will fire Y A derisive cheer was the only answer, and the next instant there came a puff of smoke from the bows of the schooner, and the roar of a six-pounder floated over the waters, followed by acrash of timbers and ells and ns of pain and fury coming from on the drogher. “Ha, ha! the buccaneer has met his match, if it is only a little schooner, one-fourth his size. See, see! there goes another shot, and while the drogher comes up into the wind the schooner is changing her course and wearing round,’’ exclaimed Don Octavio, who with Violeta, Lalul and the others, earnestly watched the movements of the brave little vessel. After firing a second gun, which did considerable damage, as had the first shot, on board the drogher, the brave little schooner wore round, hauled her sheets in board and stood away in the wake of the carrera. Rapidly the little schooner overhauled the and coping in her wake and a point closer to wind- ward, t ned to shave her as she by, and the Cuban planter and Lalul watched his ——_ movements, for they knew not yet what was the in- tention of the American. Nearer and nearer the schooner approached, ~ yo! ae as her sharp bowsprit hovered over the stern o' he carrera, she fell off quickly, and, passing to lee- ward, her commander c ¢ ‘Spring aboard there, men, and hold the two ves- sels together,” and the next instant a young a in a light, en flannel as with a naval ca rung upon the carrera’s Tt was Nod Moncrtey. “ Lase fi or Keep her off a littl helmsman, rm, men er off a little so that the two will sail” more evenly,” er to and a oe Don Octavio, who, with Lalul and Violeta, had great- admired the bold and skiliful manner in hich © young officer had laid his vessel alongside their own. “Pardon me, senor, and you, senorita, for board- ou in such an un manner, but yon- oad her is 0 er Sa *vill temporarily cri , soon follow, 8oT otter You the service of my schooner to escape him. a thank you, Senor Americano, from my heart I thank you, for my daughter and If, for even now would we have been in his power it not been for your timely aid and daring.” =a Sanive, this is no time for Taasiin, but for action; I have simply one six-pounder brass e gun, and I ob- served the crew of the drogher engaged in —_ a —_ of the cera to nese upon her fo 1 an n give chase, so lurge you to at once go aipeire the schooner.” m “* And what will become of my carrera?” ‘*Remove all you can aboard my vessel, for I have room for your crew as well as yourselves, and if you , do not care to have my craft fall into the hands of | the buccaneers, set her on fire.” ‘Senor, I hesitate, not for the loss of my vessel, ' but for the trouble we will give you.” “Do not mention it, sir. [am bound to Havana, ri will take you there, if that was your destina- jon.” 3 ¥ a — accept your kind sat Soe I see the Tog getting er way again;” to his helmsman he*bade him get the ory what other things they could, quickly on the schooner. In a very short while the crew of the carrera, aided by half a dozen seamen from the schooner, had transferred the b and a few other things from the cabin ol hold of the Cuban craft to the American, and Noel, with a polite salute to Violeta, offered his hand and conducted her into his own much at home as though this were your own vessel; your d shall join you, and your father will be near you.” ‘Senor Americano, I owe you more than my life; but not now can I thank you, as your’vessel needs your services, for I feel that even now we are in dan- “True, lady; to say otherwise would be false; but T have faith in my little schooner’s speed, and we may get out of range ere the gun is mounted upon the her. If I can in any way serve you, com- Sodevine Noel left the cabin, and sa , Noe the cabin, and ascending to the deck found all in readiness to cast off. ““Have you set the carrera on fire?” “Yes, senor, it is burning in the hold, and the flames will soon break forth,” answered Lalul, sadly, as if sorrowful to destroy his vessel. “*Then cut loose the pee Quick about it, men! Steady, helmsman; there, she forges ahead,” and the next instant the schooner moved forward, and, from the other craft, bent bravely tothe breeze, which was now blowing quite brisk. “Stranger, help the crew of the Cuban craft to store away their e, and let the of the don and peberitdl too Caleen into the cabin,” and walking aft, Noel relieved the seaman from the helm and took the tiller himself. x Ay, ay, sir; and about the crew of the carrera?” “We would be glad to serve, if you would assign us to duty, senor,” said Lalul, politely. “All right, my men, You, senor, can divide the watches between my mate and myself, for I see you are a thorough seaman.” “Thanks, senor, and I will now relieve you of the helm,” and Lalul ste forward and Noel re- Hoguished ee eeete Se ; while he walked toward _ — leta, who just then came up from e cabin. ae yey ste full chase, I see, senor.” * Yes, sir, e — are hastening to mount their gun, which I believe is a long eighteen, as well as I can make out with my glass; but, we have a mile start now, and as soon as the deck is clear of lug- gage, I intend to crowd on all the sail the schooner ,"’ answered Noel, pleasantly, and turning suddenly he beheld Violeta. Instead oF looking upon the burning carrera, which, now half a mile astern, Sey ep acy in flames, she was gazing intently into ‘ace. Their eyes met, and the maiden hid her earnest a beneath the vily-fringed lids, while her face ushed brightly; but over the features of Noel Mon- crief stole a look of inexpressible sadness, for the beautiful maiden bate mw vividly to his mind one most dear to him, and whom his own act had lost to him Dee 2 ae » “Senor, we are upon the drogher,” said Lalul, to the young American, on covering it, the Cuban planter remarked: senor.” I see you a moment, sir?” suddenly asked Stranger, with a look of anxiety upon his face. In Stranger—my name, don, is— “Tt is most str,”’ said Stranger, in in- eye and thie ‘expression upon his face iow. ae qui , and the seaman said, a i0oW ne: “Pardon me for seeming rudeness, sir, but I feared you were going to give your own name to the don.” “Tn truth was I, rr.” “Well, sir, we are bound to Havana, if we escape the buccaneer, and though the schooner is so altered as not to be still it would destroy all to go into port under your own name, as there may be ee psec Be of war there. ‘- tful, my good Stranger— “Mr. Monerief, I oun ng longer a at 5 ph ‘ou Norden) 2 tell you frankly myname, It Westley “Two more, such as aster Southey, for instance, and you would have gotten around the compass; but, joking aside, W hereafter, remember that your name is , and mine is—is—a feeling urges me to it, and I will do it—my name is—C/ar- ence Noel,”
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8 Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. The seaman started as he heard the name, but only rejoined: f “You are a — of wealth, living on the Missis- sippi river, and being fond of the sea this is your easure yacht.” “The very thing, West; now I will return to the don,’’ and then he continued in a loud tone; “Mr, West, run up the flying-jib, and set the top- sails, for we must get away from t fellow.” “Ay, ay, sir!’ and to the call of the seaman, now known as West, the crew of the carrera as well as the men agen md to the schooner, sprung nimbly to obey the order. Joining the Cubans again, the don remarked: “T was about to say, captain, as your mate called you away, thatI am Don Octavio Guido, a planter - Cuba, and thisis my daughter, the Senorita Vio- eta,”’ Noel bowed at the introduction, while the maiden held forth her little hand and said, frankly: “TI trust, senor captain, we will be the warmest friends from this day, for we owe much to you; but, do you know you have not yet made known to us your name, Senor Americano?’ added Violeta, with an arch smile. “Tam called Clarence Noel, and, like your father, Iam a planter. I live on the Mississippi river,” and, as Noel spoke, every particle of color fled from his handsome face, leaving it as pale as death. ‘““We thought you were an American of wealth, senor, who amused himself with his yacht,” said the don. + T am devoted to the sea; but look! the buc- caneer is striving hard to take us, and is now going to treat us to a few shots, for I notice the gun is mount- ed, and they are loading it. : , will you retire to the cabin, for there is danger here?’ “No, Captain Noel, I will remain and share alike with my father and yourself the danger that threat- ens,”’ said Violeta, — “Senor, let her fall off a little—steady as you are —now she runs rapidly—ha, there we have it!’ and | as the young commander ceased speaking the boom of the gun was heard, and the roar of an eighteen- pound solid shot above their heads caused an invol- untary dodging amid the crew. “Let them fire away, for each shot but checks their speed, and ere long we will be out of e;”” quietly remarked Noel, and he placed himself, as if by accident, between the maiden and the danger that threatened her fair form. Again came the roar of the long eighteen from the forecastle of the drogher, and once more the shot flew above the schooner, and sunk into the sea a few cables’ length ahead. “Senorita, there is danger here for y6u; his prac- tice may give him better aim,’ said the Ameri- ae again turning anxiously toward the Cuban maiden. “Senor, I will not hide from the death that threat- ens both you and my father,” proudly answered the maiden, and with a glance of admiration at her true courage, 1 turned once more to watch the move- ments of the drogher. “Ha! there comes another shot! By heaven! how unfortunate! Forward there, West, and repair the = e!’’ cried the American, as he saw the last sho and cut away the bowsprit close to the bows, Thus damaged the schooner became unma - ble, and Noel was about to give orders to ease off the sheets fore and aft, and put her dead before the wind, when she suddenly broached to, and lay motionless upon the water. All on board the schooner at once realized their danger, and a loud cheer from the drogher showed them that the pirates were now confident of success; but, ny a ie the pow, Areanican sprung for- ward, and with the aid of West and the crew, for one and all worked with a will, a stout spar was soon rigged and run out to act as a bowsprit, the jibs were hoisted, and once more taking the helm the rr 3 penocnce felt the sp owl = os filled, ane er sharp prow cu ug: @ waves, an just in time, for the drogher was but a hundred yards astern, and her crew, seemed confident of success that the schooner had renewed her flight, m, the drogher pass closely over their heads | bo: gathered on the forecastle, | Seeing the pirates uttered a cry of rage, and distinctly was | the cry of the drogher’s commander heard to once more fire u girly ty: geeye ‘After the next shot, senor, I will put her before the wind, and we may yet stand a chance to outwit the buccaneer, for you see he is now almost dead to windward of us and will have to follow suit if he ves chase, and in that case you will observe the h bow of the jugger will keep them from aiming the at us,” Noel, who, at a glance, had ta- ken in this advantage, “You s ti , Senor captain; my daughter if trust you most fully—ha! there comes * And, by heaven! there goes his ! for, see, it has dismounted itself and gone down into the hold!” ay Noel, in on sano ne. i on schooner glanced at the d and saw that Noel had spoken truly, for the eannon, hastily and rudely mounted; had rebounded from an overc e of powder, and had fallen to the deck Ww a hty crash, that tened to break through the stout hull of the vessel. “Now I believe we are safe, if we can only get out of range before they remount the gun, West,” , , ° “Go on into the cabin and bring me that long rifle over the companionway-brackets.”’ “ Ay, ay, captain,” answered the seaman, and dis- ng in the cabin he soon returned him one of those long rifles, with octago: barrels, small bores and carved stocks, thut have be- come so famous upon our Western frontier. ain releasing the helm to Lalul, and bidding him keep the schooner steady, Noel coolly loaded the rifle, and then facing the gee suddenly, his quick eye ran along the barrel, and then followed the h and sharp report, while a dark-visaged man stand- ing upon the bow of the lugger was seen to throw up ree ose wildly into the air and fall backward to the eck, A cheer came from the crew of the schooner, and was answered by a howl from the buccaneers, one of whom began hastily to descend from the foremast, where he was at work out on the long spar of the foresail, where some of the lashings had been cut off by the schooner’s shots. As quick as were his movements, Noel was quick and, having reloaded the rifle, it was again leveled, and with a loud shriek, clutching at the air, the pi- rate fell into the sea and sunk beneath the waves, while his comrades hastily sought refuge from the deadly aim by hiding themselves in the hold and be- hind the stump masts, But again the rifle pealed forth, and once more a pirate fell beneath the maersing aim; while a cheer of riumph burst from the deck of the schooner. “Don Octavio, I believe we are all safe, for my rifle has taught them caution, and ere they can mount their gun seen we will be out of range. He West, put this back in the cabin,” and Noel hand the weapon to his mate. Soon it was evident to all that there was no more danger to be apprehended from the lugger, as, with all of her canvas aprondithe schooner rapidly left her far astern, and by nightfall the drogher appeared only as a mere speck upon the ocean e following mo: the fair Violeta and her fa- ther awakened to find the schooner riding at anchor in the harbor of Havana, and, indeed, were the two Cubans most anxious to return in some way the kindness of their preserver, who, with a strange ino- roseness, little like his frank and kind manner of the day before, refused all offers of hospitality or reci- ni from those whom his courage and skill had sav Hurt by his persistent refusal to become their poaety at their city mansion in Havana, and ed to n no way be allowed to prove their gratitude for the service rendered them, Violeta and her father. at length took their leave of the FOuNG caeeeD of the schooner, and were rowed ashore to the nearest pier, while Lalul and the crew of the carrera quickly fol- lowed with the baggage in another boat, which im- mediately returned to the yacht. CHAPTER X, FOLLOWING FATE, As Don Octavio Guido was about to enter a car- riage, which Lalul had called upon landing, an ex- clamation from Violeta, who was already seated upon the + seat, caused him to suddenly glance aroun “What is it, my daughter?’ asked the don, who was not yet in a pleasant mood after the refusal of Noel to become his guest, or even promise to call at his mansion. ‘“See! see the schooner, father.” Turning quickly, Don Octavio glanced over the har- r,and, his eye falling upon the little vessel, he ingly: an exclamation of surprise, and said, mus- trange, strange; I must confess I am in the dark reg: it the movements of that wonderful young man. ‘Father, I think I have it. Don Noel evidently was not bound to Havana in his yacht, but upon some different cruise, and 0: here to obli us, and hence his immediate departure.”’ ‘I believe you are right, Violeta, Well, 1 trust we will meet him again, for I like not to be under such heavy obligations to any man,” and, giving the di- rection to the coachman where to drive, the don en- tered the carriage and drove from the pier, while the fair Violeta turned many a longing glance toward the distant schooner, That her heart was deeply in- terested in its dashing but moody young commander was not wholly untrue, as we see, The sight that had so astonished Don Octavio and the senorita was the sudden hasty weig! of the schooner’s anchor, and the rapid manner in which she was spread with canvas, to stand swiftly down the harbor. There was reason for this sudden movement. An pom brig of war was gliding by into the to Conees P ane vere Lane Noel's face becnien e as pale as or thoug new spars and rig- ng, he recognized at once the vessel that had so been his home, and on the decks of which he bad once been second in command, ‘ “ beet ei » ay, 7 “What brig is that, just passing us?” and the — of Noel was low and deep with suppressed emotion. The seaman turned quickly, and his own face ed slightly as his eyes fell upon the vessel, while e@ answe in a low tone. Ny Captain Noel, it is the American brig-of-war Vul- ‘Yes, my good friend; she escaped being wrecked, ane fearful night, and, refi is sent to these waters, ‘* Yes, sir; I see Lieutenant Ainslie upon the quar- ter-deck,’’ answered West, attentiv i the brig, though, like Noel, he kept the main boom of the schooner between himself and the view of put “Well, Iam glad that they are both benefited by leaving, and am glad to see that the reefer not get hiniself irito Frouble, by his kindness in be- ing my second,” No, sir; he seems to have been promoted, for he “en a Higutgaant reat, sala ‘theta ody ou are "88 oel, glancing at the group of officers upon the brig’s deck, for the two somes were but.a short distance apart, Slowly the American vessel-of-war glided by, and headed further up the harbor, and attentively did the two men on the schooner watch her motions un- til, foey 2 saw her drop anchor a half-mile away. ir? ** We are outcasts,” The words yes spoken slowly and with dee: gon) ing, and to them the sedman madé n6 réply, Noel continued: “Yes, West, we are outcasts, and it is my hand that has brought upon you, as well as myself, the brand of exile from the land of America.’ arg gas Noel, do not s thus, sir; you nobly stood by me, sir, in my distress, and I but acted the part of a friend when the world went hard with you,”’ said West. sealing’ - “Indeed you did, my good friend; but, West, we cannot remain here; we must at once away, and whither God only knows, for Iam a hunted man,” “Yes, cap’ we must away from here at once; but the world is wide and the ocean can be our home. Shall I get the schooner under way?” “Yes, immediately ;” and in ten minutes more the fleet little vessel was flying down the harbor and heading for the open sea. Having gained an offing, West called one of the crew to the wheel; and, beckoning to Noel as if he would s to him privately, descended into the cabin, where he was followed the moment after by is commander, who had been idly wakuiing the shores of Cuba non, ged astern, and with bitter thought conning over the memories of the past that then crowded upon his heart and brain. en the schooner fled from Portsmouth, thé night of the storm, she headed on down the ¢o and, with only her crew of two men, after a rap’ run made the harbor of New York. In those days the telegraph and railroad did not fiy across the country, and Noel well knew he could reach New York p there a crew, f store his craft, and draw funds he held there on eposit, ere the news came of his crime and flight. He therefore boldly entered the harbor and visit- ing his bankers, for his father allowed him unlimited credit, drew from them a amount of money, which they gave to him without a word, though sur- prised he should need such a sum, But giving them no explanation Noel took his money, and visited a shipping merchant and at onte urchased everything for a long cruise, besides be- ace no fortunate as to secure from the ship-chandler asm - und brass gun, which he was anxious to imself of, as he knew not what might cross his path during his cruise. Going aboard to receive his purchases, Noel then sent Str: » now. known as West, ashore to secure a crew, and by nightfall the faithful fellow returned. bringing with him a dozen good seamen, for he had been most careful to pick only those men whom he felt could be relied upon in a difficulty, and were not particular as to the service they were to enter upon. : With a few kind, but firm Woedh, aid ab open, nerous manner that had rende ever popu- as an Officer, Noel greeted his crew, and informed them that he was bound on a cruise 0: pipenee and was destined for no_.particular point; but if the served him faithfully, he would never forget to look after their interests and reward them, while, if they aaied otherwise, he would puni m most se- verely. Predetermined to like their commander from what West had told them, the seaman received his words with a cheer, and were. then: quic’ divided into three watches of three men each, for Noel had made West his first mate, and an intelligent-looking fellow among the crew his second officer, while the two re- men served in the ca ty Raa stewards, for lig arrangements for her c had been completed, and she imme ly got under weigh and stood down the harbor. known as Sandy Hook, and immediately stood away to the southward, Noel recklessly indifferent where he -would go. But as the days and weeks rolled by, the pe e delight of his faithful mate, who had feared at one time that it was the intention of Noel to.return to Portsmouth and deliver himself up for trial. et, though Noel had at. first over the misfortunes that had overtaken him, and longed banis m to end his miserable. career, he soon hed. fro; him such thought, and to all outward prpntrsnae though. ty erste ow felt th "eater iain that ts) a ee ie. t lad dogged his footsteps since his duel with his com mand r, West was delighted at this change in his y captain, ands for a motive that will eventu- appear in narrative, that the yacht should be put away for the coast of Cuba, and, willing to humor his faithful frien before a fair breeze the Noel gave the order, and eet little vessel soon ran
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The Flying Yankee. down into the'waters of the Gulf, and was steadily sailing along the coast of that ‘* beautiful isle of the sea,”’ when from her decks the carrera was discover- ed, flying with all haste from the clutches of the bueeaneer drogher. CHAPTER XI. THE MATE'S STORY. Fot.iowrne West into the cabin, for the manner of the mate proved to his commander he had some- thing important to communicate, Noel took a seat and quietly lit a cigar, while he motioned to his offi- cer to follow his example. “TJ will not smoke, thank you, captain, for I would use my tongue, as I have much to tell you, We are now drifting like an oarless barge upon the ocean, having no aim for the future, no destined port in which to drop our exiled anchor.” "You speak truly, West. I am, as it were, a waif, goitig wherever the wind listeth,’’ answered Noel, sadly. “And this should not be, sir, for with your will and courage as an officer, you should not be an unknown wanderer.” “Tt were better thus, my good West, for my hand is doubly-dyed with blood, and nowhere have I a aven of rest] but your manner indicates that you have something of iniportance to say.” “Thave, captain,’ impressively answered the mate, and uring, from a decanter, a half-glassful o brandy he drank it down, and then, dra nearer to his commander, said, in a low tone: ‘Captain Noel, [am now about to make known to you the story of my life, one of str adventure, and you will then be able to discover why I asked you so earnestly to cruise m these waters. “T am, as you see, and as many others have seen, a deformed man, a hideous caricature of the image of my Creator, but within my heart there is no de- formity, though God only knows why it is not warp- ed into a shapeless mass of corruption. “My name, as I told you, is Westley North, and my father was an American who fought bravely through the war of °76 and then went to Mexico, where his wealth and influence soon gained for him a prominent position, ; ‘In Mexico he married, so it was believed, the aughter of @ wealthy Mexican grandee, and / am é result of that union, and my deformity was a curse upon my father for having ignobly deceived the trustin exican maiden who became his sup- —_ wife; I say a ae: for it was not known then hat my father, while a student at Oxford College, England, had secretly married a young girl, t daughter of a poor farmer. “That poor girl he had cruelly deserted, and re- turning to America had believed crime of deser- tion would never be known. “ But, ‘Man pro and God disposes,’ and thus my cruel father returned to his elegant hacienda one night to find there in close conversation with my mother, the wife whom he had so cruelly deserted in wo d, “At the sight of my father, my mother, who had = heard tbe story of the wrong done her, stretched ‘orth her hands and fell fain to the floor and ~4 there like one dead, while near her stood the Englis woman and the man who had so deceived both of them, “** Well, woman, what do you here?’ asked my father, sternly. “*T come to claim my husband—or his gold,’ an- swered the woman, quietly. as parent glan one moment into the face be- fore hin, and read there the wreck his deed had wrought, for all the beauty and refinement were gone, leaving behind only a look of despair, dissipa- tion and sordid gain, for upon her desertion by her husband the woman, driven by d and persecu- tion, had become hardened into the desperate ad- venturess, *** Your husband, or his gold?’ said my father, sneeringly, repeating her words. oa Westley North; but I prefer the gold, and gold I will have.’ “One moment my father stood in silence, his eyes alternately falling upon the unconscious form of my mother and then turning upon his wife; then he said, slowly: “lie gold is your object; you shall have it; dut upon one condition.’ *** Name it.’ “That you await her return to consciousness and then tell her what you have said is a lie—that, for- merly; her knew me well, in fact stood in a very close relationship to me, but that we were in no way legally bound to each other, and desiring to obtain from ine mnt you determined to claim me as your husband. Will you do this, Ellen?’ and as my father spoke he gazed anxiously into the face of his wife. “*Upon one condition, Westley North.” “*And that condition is—’ f “ was painted a red wing, instead a re- i pon the quarter-deck stood two officers, who, though dressed in the gorgeous uniform of the Mexi- can navy, the reader at once recognize as Noel and West, for their visit to Santa Cruz had been most successful; a swift sailing vessel had been pur- chased, out of his own means, by the young Ameri- can, after he had disposed of his own yacht, and he had found that West had not exaggerated his infiu- ence with his government, for the commission of a free nd under the flag of Mexico, had been readily granted. With t care Noel had attended to the arma- ment and fitting out of his vessel, which he manned only with the crew of the yacht, for it was his inten- tion to further follow the advice of West, and run to the haunt of the Caribbean pirates for the requisite number of men for the schooner, well kno that Gee would prare a oom pnd Setecmiped set, for ormer experience ting them him both hele p rowess and co . pide With the bitterness of his crime rankling at his heart, and feeling himself an exile, a fugitive flying from justice, he had named the schooner the Wing, and had the ee but appropriate device worked upon her sails and painted upon her bows. After running wing-and-wing down the Guif for some hours, the schooner’s course was ch so as to bring the wind abeam; the foresail was to leeward; the sheets drawn flat aft; and, ° hauled upon the wind, the graceful vessel bent bravely to the influence of the stiff breeze. more sail,” eal Nock ghee ait Uae ete sail, oel, on his beautiful vessel. In ohediaume to order there arose from the deck a fluttering mass of canvas to the fore and main-topmasts, and se into place were two huge gaff-topsails, which greatly added to the speed sagt een oy oe f this fleet craf essel mn nm the te) eet craft I fear no v show Bib for ee omer watching for > while e action of the ng under the hea’ ressure and noting her increased speed. eS: “AY oa hot od eat, Owe heels to all Ameri- cans, easily wa RN pl e avoring, noon of the follo day saw the beautiful schooner standi ptr tnto a miniature ony, fat indented the shores of a small es sai ag e helm, and guided the cruiser thro the dangerous channel, while at his stood Noel, his icon dark and gloomy, for ad would haunt him, and he could not but iaeanber: the circumstances of his former visit to that island when in the boats of the Vulture he had boldly at- tacked the pirates in their stronghold and broken up, as he had penered. their haunt. Suddenly from the foilage-clad hillside there came a puff of smoke, a roar broke the Sabbath-like still-
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10 ness of the scene, and the next moment an iron ball whistled across the schooner’s bow. “They are wide awake, captain, I see; so we might as well display the private signals," said West. oel at once ran up to the foremast head a white flag Mies a Pama M of parchment Be Eg ie in re hone ter, while from o peek in a large ensign 0: crimson, white and black, A moment more and the same colors were dis- ayes, the hands of two men, who stepped from th n retreat and waved them vigorously to- ward the schooner, “All right, captain; now I will go ashore, taki two men in the gig with me, while you can stand o and on in this tt e bay. IfI do not return in two hours’ time, you may know I have been treacher- ously dealt with, and at once put to sea, and return to Vera Cruz, where you can get a crew, such as they are. “Tf successful, I will soon be back and bring with me the guns commander of this aly har aunt, | who, if I do not misjudge him, will only too anx- ious to take his head out of the hangman’s coil by vailing it in the Mexican flag.” A moment more the ex-buccaneer left the schoon- er; and taking the helm himself, Noel, with the Red Wing under reduced sail, stood off and on to await his return. Keeping his eye directed landward, he saw his officer run ashore, where he was met by a number of men, who appeared to greet_ him warmly, and watching them narrowly for a while, he observed a half-dozen of the pirates enter the gig, which at once put off for the schooner. As the schooner put about, the pig boarded her, and Noel having quished the helm to Hart, his second officer, met West and the pirates at the gang- way. Captain Muriel, this is the commander of the Red Wing,” said West, as he pours upon the schooner’s deck; and at his words, there advanced toward Noel a man of hardly more than twenty-three, with a slight but firmly-knit frame, and a face which, shaded as it was by long, dark, waving hair, and no oars almost of papa uty. — et his compressed lips and eager, piercing eyes, denoted stein reucivs and a brave Spirit beneath the effeminate mask, while his easy manner, and grace- ful form, attired in a stylish dark uniform, made him a as aoa the taint of piracy had never his young life, : The young Spaniard, for such was his nationalit had won a reputation as a most daring and skil buccaneer throughout the waters of the West Indies but other than as a bold sea-robber the name of Muriel had never been connected with an act of cruelty toward the defenseless, - tegen Muriel, Ihave often heard of you, and in battle we have met; but of that time we will not now . You are welcome on board the Red Wing,” and so saying, Noel offered his hand to the y oy Recing “Tthank you, sir; I have come at the on of my old comrade here, and right gladly do I hear that there is a fair prospect ahead for myself and men, for we have been ashore for some time now, having had our schooner sunk in an action with the Uni States brig Vulture.” “Indeed!” said Noel, while his face flushed slightly. “Yes, sir; they caught us napping, and we had to fight it out. I lost my vessel, and with my crew fled in the boats, and the next day captured a large coffee a@rogher off the Cuban coast, armed it with an eight- een-pounder taken from an old dismantled fort on the lagoons, and it served to bring us here to our rendezvous.’ “You chased a pleasure carrera off Cuba, I be- | lieve? “T did captain; I intended to overhaul ard take her for my own use until I could get a craft to suit me better; but a plucky little American yacht drove me from ce Ants ~4 uriel, Icommanded that yacht, and I was only too happy in being able to save Don Octa- vio Guido and lovely daugh—”’ “Don @ctavio Guido! as it his carrera?” sud- denly asked the young Spaniard, turning deadly “oe es,”’ “My God! Captain Noel, in saving that carrera from capture you did me a favor I shall never for- one the Spaniard. 3s poo hee and he held fo h his hand toward the erican, and after a pause continued: ? “The fire from the yacht injured the drogher con- siderably, and, in a leaky condition, I ran her here, where we have been ever since; but you have a pro- to make?” “Yes, sir; this vessel is commissioned by the Mexican one andis destined to cruise against Spain and France. She is as fleet as a bird, a ch craft, and well armed and equipped as you see. “Yet I need a erew of brave fellows to man her gars, for, as you see, and I frankly tell you, I have a dozen men with me. ““West, here, will not accept a my chief officers, so I give him that of boatswain, which he desires, and offer to you the rank of my first lieutenant; to any man of yourcrew, whom you may. recommend, the position of second officer, while Mr. Hart, one of my yacht’s crew, will be my “Under the Mexican flag you will no og gad be branded as outlaws, as you are now, and I trust prize money will be plenty.” “ Captain Noel, as f. ly as you make the offer. so frankly do I aecept your kindness for myself an crew, for circumstances, not choice, madé mé a buc- caneer. tion as one of “Tn regard to a crew, I can bring you, within the | every sail is in | land, the Red | some moments he rapidly descended Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. hour, a hundred brave ppg only too willing to serve on the decks of the Red Wing.” ' After a conversation of half an hour more, Muriel, the newly-appointed lieutenant, went ashore to com- municate tidings to his men, and upon the fol- Prine momen the beautiful schooner set sail from the nd, her decks crowded with a hardy, daring crew, attired in the Mexican uniform, and ready to fight their guns to the bitter end, for one and all were at once won over by Noel's frank and manly manner toward them. CHAPTER XIit. THE SEA ROVER’S GIFT, From her sailing out of the bay of the Corsair Is- ing commenced her career as a cruiser, and ere many months became known in the Southern seas as one of the most daring vessels that ever floated. Constantly on the alert, and flying from sea to sea, Noel soon gained the name of an implacable foe to Spain and France, and though considered by the navies of the world as little else than a free rover, he yet won the admiration of his foes, and the respect of the English and American vessels-of-war then cruising in the Gulf of Mexico. Entering more and more into the spirit of his life of adventure and danger, the young commander daily plotted to surprise and overwhelm his enemies, and few crafts were there that could long lead the fleet Red Wing in a chase, or that dared to meet her in an engagement at close quarters. Who was her brave and skillful commander none knew, though there were many conjectures regard- ing his name and yay P some representing him as a huge, fierce giant, an lrishman by birth, others saying that he was none other than the renowned Lafitte, while still more professed to believe he was a woman in bro Sea one whom disappointed affec- tion had driven to erlme and piracy. Many were the vessels-of-war that had been sent forth to hunt down and capture the dreaded rover, but still the daring cruiser plowed the seas, and in defiance her sharp prow would cut the very waters Layee by Spain's a forts, and her anchors cleared away beneath the very guns of the Moro, those who gazed upon her lying quietly at anchor, believing her to be some ‘ul trading schooner, until when the shadows of night came on, some des- rate act of cou would alarm the harbor, and n triumph the Wing would fly seaward, after having boldly entered the Havana waters in i and capt or scuttled the unsuspecting merchant- man, who little feared danger beneath the shadows of the forts, It was, when flying oceanward, out of the harbor of Havana, one night, and leaving behind a scene of dread and confusion, for Noel had daringly run in and fired a large powder-ship from Madrid, which had escaped him in a fog at sea, that the Red W: neon across the Gulf with every sail that woul raw. Noel was pacing the deck, greatly elated at his last suc adventure, when his Roussanat, Muriel, advanced and asked: ‘* What is your course, captain?” “Put her away for Vera Cres, Muriel, for when in Havana I learned news that will decide me in chang- ing my plans somewhat, but—”’ ‘Sail ho!” suddenly ‘broke in the look-out from the mast-head. “Where away, my man?” was Noel’s quick re- nse, Pe Dead ahead, sir; as well as I can tell in the moon- light she is a large vessel-of-war,’’ returned the look- ou , ay; keep a sharp eye upon her. Mr. Muriel, call the crew to ers, and . Hart, see that ness for use,” ordered ‘Noel, and ascending to the mast-head, glass in hand, he soon was gazing cei Ag the ena. bi sail. After looking steadily through his a Say ne a e dec and, calling to West, his boatswain, to follow him, he entered the schooner’s cabin. “Be seated, West, for I have made a discovery.” The un — boatswain seated himself quietly upon a velvet divan, and his commander, after a mo- ment’s pause, said, i “West, my good friend, when ashore in Havana IT learned that hostilities had commenced between the United States and England.” “Indeed! I half suspected that war would follow the late high-handed o es of England.” “War has followed, and I am determined I will not remain an idle spectator, but join my country’s n a low tone: service,’ “Are you mad, Captain Noel? why, instant and igniominlous death would follow,” suddenly cried the boatswain. “Did I £re myself up, yes; but I do not intend ss and ao now called you to the cabin to make own m ay “Tam Retening, captain.” “Well, Iam now en route to Vera Cruz, to tender my resignation to the Mexican authorities, and, hav- ing done so, I will at once refit the schooner, run her to the American coast, and get my number in crew complete, for we have suffered considerably of late in men, and then under simply my flag of ‘the Red Wing, I will cruise, as an own vessel, against the navy of England. “The schooner, as you know, bel to me; Muriel and the crew are no lovers of England, and i anticipate no resistance to my wishes; but, if I have any T shall put it down with an iron hand.” Here is my hand in the enterprise, eaptain, and gladly do I second you, and I see no obstacle in the way of perfect success.” ; —— “T knew you would second me, West, and hence I have first made known to you my intentions. “Thank God, though our beautiful schooner has often run the gantlet of American guns, we have never returned a shot upon the flag, and once, as you remember, came very near being sunk by our non-resistance to that plu little cruiser, which the schooner could have en in a ten minutes’ combat.” ““Yes, Iremember that you have nobly acted to- ward your ore in spite of the wrongs it hasdone you,” answered West, in earnest tones. ss! Wrongs that, mayhap, I brought on; but of that I will not speak now. “As it is, we are looked upon as a pirate, for the Mexican is really no protection, as our . ence with the navies of the world has shown, and we are hunted down with persistent determination wherever we are found upon the high seas. “Branded as a corsair I may be in the future, but yet my native land shall never say I forgot my alle- giance or struck a blow agin her, while for Ameri- ca I shall hunt dowm her foes. ‘Now to the present. When I ascended to the mast-head, I observed two instead of one sail in sight, and a close observation through my glass prove ! one to be a large English sloop-of-war, as well as I could make out by her rig, and she was maneu- vering so as to get the wind of a brig-of-war some three miles distant from her, and that vessel was one you and I know but too well.” “Ha! the Vulture?” “Yes; the brig-of-war was the Vulture.” “*What a determined enemy she has en tous! One would almost believe, Captain Noel, that she was sent out especially to take us, well mowing whe .. is tw ge ra this schooner,” said West, ou: “No, they do not suspect, I am assured, that you and I are here; but, Ainslie is a dashing, gallant fel- low, and the several other cruisers ng under the Mexican colors having proven themselves nothing but pirates, as have the genians, and attack American commerce, our navy consider it their duty to retaliate, and the Vulture would be only too happy to overhaul the Red Wing.” & a ce you are iw os - ; , but to the 8 sail—an engagement will follow.” Without doubt, for Alden Ainslie and the Vul- ture crew will never fly from an ay because he is their superior in guns andmen. Hark!’ The deep boom of a heavy gun suddenly rolled across the waters, followed by another and another in quick succession. In an instant Noel sprung to the deck, followed by est. “Captain Noel, yonder two vessels are maneuver- to engage each other,” said Lieutenant Muriel, as his commander stood beside him. e Yes, there will be an action, and a desperate ne. “Tt seems rash for yonder brig to meet his adver- sary, which, if I mistake not, is an Englishman.” ap Yes, rash; but the battle is not always to the strong. The brig is the American vessel-of-war, Vulture, and it is my intention, Muriel, to hang off and watch the combat; so keep the schooner in her ce an tly red Muriel, although ** Ay, ay, sir,” promptly answe oug! astonished that his commander should mo to en- danger the schooner in getting in range of a fight between two vessels-of-war. Following the first guns, which had been fired from the Englishman, came a broadside from the Vulture, after which the two vessels, continuing to draw nearer ther, poured in a hot and damag- jm upon other. little more than a mile distant, the Red Wing ap to be unnoticed by the sea-warriors, as, with a heavy spread of canvas, and her men at her — she bounded ore Send the moonlit wate eading directly toward the scene of carnage i bu from the schooner’s decks the flash of the battle- lanterns, the crash of timbers, the stern orders of the officers, and loud cries and cheers of the crews, mingling with the roar of the guns, were distinctly heard, and allon board the Rod Wing eevee alter- nately upon the terrible scene, and then n the tall and manly form of their commander, who stood with one hand resting upon the bulwarks, and his eyes firmly fixed upon the action. All but one wondered at his strange course, but none dared to inquire why he was thus ru his vessel into the lion’s mouth, and in silence up- hi mn an unlucky shot from the English- m. “Mr. Muriel man has carried away the American's tiller-ropes, and she is worsted. “ Ay, ay; theyfare pouring it upon her hot and heavy,” answered the young Spanlard: and after a moment he continued: “See! if she does not strike soon they will sink er. “At the guns there! Double-shot all! Aim at yonder sloop-of-war. y, all—fire!”’ The be gd tones of the order awoke the crew of the ing like ic, for they knew that their commander was terribly in earnest, and al- though they never had fired upon an English vesse]- of-war before, the ly oneret, and a fierce broadside of shot from the schooner, and a hailstorm of iron was hurled upon the Englishman, Tband ready to Meme a eente alow k at wear 8 y about—forw. and aft there, or ere, keep tho -twos playing wit the broadside gunsready, a i”. ri arhiter Si The voice Noel arose loud and clear, and his orders were o! apne promptness by the crew, , accusto! ‘ carnage wi their element when fighting their guns, and pig mo-
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ments’ time the graceful and obedient schooner had a dozen broadsides from both star- board and and with terrible effect, for the fore- mast of the Englishman had been cut away, the mizzen-topmast was tottering, and the bowsprit hung dang in the water as the vessel broached to. Completely hidden in the smoke of her guns, the schooner bore down nearer and nearer, the crew getting their range from the orders of the man at the masthead, who gave them directions how to fire, as the topmast of the Englishman was distinctly visible to him above the smoke. “She has come to, sir, and I think is ne eye able,” cried the man from the masthead of the schooner. “Where away, sir?” called out Noel. “ Directly off the starboard bow, sir.” “‘Helmsman, let her fall off—steady; aim low there at the guns—/ire /” The order was ier a obeyed, and the crashing of timbers‘ and cries of the wounded proved that the iron messengers had found their target. But still the roar of the British guns was heard, re- sponded to by those from the Vulture, and then be- fore the bows of the Red Wing loomed the massive hull of the sloop-of-war, which still nobly fought, though between two fires. At the guns there, double load with grape—steady helmsman—/ire /” A wall of flame, a hurtling of iron, a roar, a crash shrieks and groans followed, a lull of an instant, and then a cry came from the Englishman: “‘Cease firing; we strike!" “Haul down your flag, and a boat from the Ameri- can brig-of-war Vulture will board you!" cried Noel, in a voice that was heard by the crews of each vessel. “Ay, ay; but what schooner is that?” came the sullen reply from the ay fey but no answer was returned from the Wing, which, still envel- oped in smoke, floated swiftly away before the wind, leaving the vessel she had so nobly aided to capture a prize to the Vulture, which, but for the timely aid the schooner, would have had to strike her colors to her far more powerful — As much astonished as were the lishmen at the strange conduct of the schooner, the officers and crew of the Vulture watched her rapid departure, floating, as it were, on the smoke of her guns, and it was some moments ere an order was given to man a cutter to go aboard the prize, for all had distinctly heard Noel’s remark that a boat from the Vulture would take possession of the surrendered vessel-of- war. delivered half as you are. CHAPTER XIV. AFTER THE COMBAT. Sri. envelo in the smoke of battle that floated away before the wind, and appearing with her low hull and tapering s like a —- shrouded in mist, the Red Wing flew on over the moonlit waters, leaving behind her astonishment mingled with awe at her strange course. 5 all the canvas that would draw, Noel paced the quarter-deck with a brow still stern, but upon which rested a look of satisfaction, for he felt that he had done his duty nobly in defense of his dear old flag. Determined to now make known his new-formed resolution to his officers, he called to Muriel to summon them to the cabin. Soon they were assembled, and Noel said, quietly: “You are aware, gentlemen, that Iam an Ameri- can, and also know that war has been declared be- tween my country and England. Hitherto this ves- sel has served under the colors of Mexico, and I need not remark here that those colors are little worth to ming, captain,’ said Hernando Mu- righ ausetly. as Noel paused for an instant. “True—it is my intention to resign my commis- sion, and then tender the services of myself, schooner, and such of the crew as will follow me, to the Ameri- can Republic.” “Enter the service of the United States, captain?” asked Lieutenant Hart, a yo American, who had been tempted by the romance of a sea life to leave a happy home in New England, and since he had strayed from the f reside, had been a wan- derer about the face of the earth. Rejoiced at the p t of returning home again with the eclat of a naval officer, he was only too wil- ling to sécond his commander in his intention, as he believed it to be. “In one respect, yes, Mr. Hart,’’ continued Noel. “‘We are to serve the United States, and as I know that my good friend West is with me, and you are ee willing, I must now find out the wishes of Senor v e ” “Senor Muriel is wholly at your service, Captain Noel. You have drawn me from an evil life, and I hesitate not an instant to follow you wherever you may a “M. od frie I am delighted to have your pine I feet that the —- will be easily won over, for a of them, I believe, hold sympathy with = Toni ht I anticipated my intention, and turned days we will longer be in the service of Mexi pan vere the Coenen a a wr ae for tention make w: nm Eng- ees ae aaa ee hostilities towad France and Spain, and, while aiding America, keep who ‘or what we are, for I will report to no iy “in! no national colors, and touch at no port in the U ted States except under disguise, The Flying Yankee. 11 ** After leaving Vera Cruz, I intend to run to some port where I can refit the schooner, rig her in new canvas, leaving out our red wings, and, painting her white, so disguise the vessel that none of her old friends or foes will recognizeher. » “Your old piratical haunt, Muriel I will make our rendezvous, and also I have after p in view that at present I cannot make known. “For reasons of my own, I intend to let the mys- tery of incognito hang upon this vessel, and I feel that I will be ably supported by you. “ Now we will go to the deck and make known to the crew my intention of leaving the service of Mexico, and those among them who do not care to follow my fortunes I land with their personal ee, for Vera Cruz.” ‘You will find the crew as ready as we are to fol- low your lead, captain,’’ said Muriel, as they ascend- ed to the deck, where the crew were soon assembled, and received the proposals of their commander with enthusiastic cheers. In due time the schooner dropped anchor in the harbor of Vera Cruz and Noel tendered his resigna- tion to the Mexican authorities, who accepted it with deep regret, for they were well aware of the valuable services he had rendered their totte government. Purchasing all n stores and equipments and securing a full complement of men from seve American vessels then blockaded in the port, Noel secured a light- schooner, loaded her with his urchases, and a w after the arrival of the Red ing, the two vessels set sail one dark, stormy night, and headed for the lonely island which had once been the resort of a piratical horde, and which the young commander intended should be his secret rendezvous, for Noel was determined he would not be known to his U patie other than as some m terious friend ever on the alert to secretly lend a ——— hand. hile the Red Wing is sailing for the island, where she is to be arate ma into an American priva- teer, I will return to the night of the engagement be- tween the Vulture and the lish sloop-of-war, and relate the circumstances following the departure of the mysterious schooner. As Noel had surmised, the Vulture had been re- fitted, after being wrecked by the lightning, and was placed under command of Alden Ainslie, while Cal- vin Bernard, after a court-martial investigation of the part he took in the duel between his captain and lieutenant, had been found “ not guilty ’’ of any seri- ous charge, and was allowed to return to his ship, in which he soon rose to the rank of lieutenant. Alden Ainslie had proved himself an able officer, and under his command the Vulture had won re- newed honors during her continued cruise in north- ern waters. Thus it was that Captain Ainslie determined to fight, instead of fly from, the English sloop-of-war. a determination that would have cost him dear had it not been for the timely aid of the Red Wing, a schooner he had often endeavored to capture, and which had always eluded him, even though when un- der his es knowing that other vessels carry- ing the Mexican colors were in the habit of poun — oes rene he —— his = craf ewise guilty, e knowing who it was that directed her Geettnios: When the English commander had hailed the schooner, and received no answer, a feeling of awe came — the crew, for her mysterious approach, hidden wy the smoke of her guns, her still more mys- terious departure, silent and beautiful, caused them to look upon her as a weird craft with a weird crew, and many low whispers ran around the forecastle about their having surrendered to a phantom ship commanded by his Satanic majesty. On board the Vulture the feeling was still more suspicious, omons the seamen, of their having re- ceived aid from the devil, and few of them felt at all complimented that his diabolical majesty had hon- ored them with his favor, for bag Pa spp like the cat and the mouse, that he was toying with them — p> make his presence more severely felt at a fu- ure day. All heard what passed between the English com- mander and his conqueror; that the surrender was pgs in the name of the Vulture, and their ves- sel being known to the stranger was but another cause for surprise, and in some cases dread. Alden Ainslie had fought his vessel bravely, and only when he felt it was a useless loss of life did he intend to strike his colors, for he was compelled to admit his powerful antagonist was getting the best of the battle; but as the words of surrender were upon his lips he was startled by aloud crash of ar- tillery from another bg abr gh and he first beheld the unexpected ally that had pounced suddenly down upon the Englishman. nable to recognize the craft in the smoke that enveloped her, yet seeing that the Englishman was suffering severely, Captain Ainslie determined to fight on, and soon had the satisfaction of hearing his foe cry for quarter. As soon as he could collect his boat’s crew he left the Vulture and was put on board the English vessel, where he was met by her commander, who politely. yet stiMy, invited him into the cabin, as he tendered “No, captain; retain your sword, sir, and as your vessel and crew, like my own, have suffered severely, if you will give me your ep @honneur you can still hold command and follow me into port.” * assuredly I give my parole, sir, and heartily thank you for your considerate kindness; but to whom have I surrendered, may I ask?’’ answered the ee “Tam Alden Ainslee, commander of the American brig-of-war Vulture; but the name of my timely ally I am ignorant of.” “A strange craft and a strange commander, I judge; but doubtless some American privateer, that, trusting to her swift heels, yentured near enough to give you a helping hand, and I assure you a strong pes i he raked me fore and aft with terrible effect.” ** But why should he thus his name and nation?” ed Captain Ainslie, in a puzzled tone, “That I know not, for one would think he would only be too willing to exhibit his bantam form, and crow loudly over his achievement.” “Yes, one would think so, yet yonder he goes still enveloped in smoke and loo: most spectral in the moonlight,” and all eyes turned upon the flying schooner. “Could you not bring him to? I have some one range guns forward that are at your service, and confess to a es to see the bold mariner who controls yonder c ,” and the Englishman raised his glass to his eye. **No, thank you; I will not do so; he has. served me nobly, and I will respect his desire to remain un- known,”’ answered Ainslie. **Nobly said, sir; but my men believe yonder craft is run by a devilish crew, and we a ucation de- stroys, or should destroy, superstition, yet 1 confess to a feeling of uneasiness her strange ap- reg: pearance, even though the voice of her commander, when he hailed me, had a most metallic, quarter-deck ring.” “T am also puzzled, captain, but attribute the strange conduct of the c to a freak of the com- mander, and not to an unearthly agency; but now I must return to my vessel, and as soon as ay ow of s are somewhat repaired I will head for Mobile, where you will please follow, even though we be- come separated on the way.” ““You may rely upon my honor, Captain Ainslie and I thank you for your kind consideration toward myself and crew,” and the Englishman held forth his hand toward Alden, who grasped it firmly, for he respected his brave though unfortunate foe. e two officers then parted, and just at daybreak, their vessels mete | been temporarily repaired, the dead con ed to their sea-graves, and the wounded cared for, the Vulture got under way, followed by the English sloop-of-war, the crew of w ap- preciated the kindness shown them by their brave young captor, who had proven himself as generous as he was daring. All on board the Englishman had anticipated an easy victory over their smaller antag- onist, and keenly felt their mistake, for had not the American been so mysteriously aided their conquest would have been a dear one. CHAPTER XV. THE FLYING YANKEE. A YEAR after the incidents related in the foregoing chapters, and the Vulture, thoroughly re- fitted and with a better armament and larger crew, was again at sea. Her course lay to the southward, down the Atlan- tic coast from Charleston, from whence she had sailed on a special mission, to bear Commodore Cut- ting to take command of the Am: squadron then cruising in the Gulf of Mexico. It was a clear moonlight night, but the sea ran high, for a heavy eee was blowing from the north- 2ast; but bravely the noble vessel st led through pr reg staggering through only under her storm- Upon her decks were officers and crew, some en- joying the struggle between the ocean and the vessel and others attending carefully to the duties devolv- ing upon them. tanding near the wheel upon the quarter-deck were several officers chatting, and among them were the tall and commanding form of Commodore Cui ee ee tee Ainslie, and the indolent, tage oo vin Bernard whose left arm was worn in a | for he had not et fully recovered from a wound received in the English sloo’ ttle with the f-war. of aided by his strange ally. Bince then, i vessels had reported the ap- at sea of a craft that was the true riend of America, and the bitter foe of England, and many were the remarkable stories of. how she was seen only at night, envelo in a cloud of smoke, and looking like a specter e, also seeming like one, as, =e a stern hail from her and the sound of her terrible guns, no one had ever held communi- cation with a soul on board. The subject of conversation that night on the Vul- ture, as she bounded over the et eve t ocean, was his strange and Commodore Cu had just remarked his inability to solve the m Alden Ainslie rejoined: “Commodore, I am not superstitious, but I assure ou the sudden @ and strange behavior of that craft when she saved the Vulture from capture made a deep impression upon me, an impression which the numerous rumors now afloat but serve to en. “ And that impression tain—?”’ “T hardly know; for, t! ough I would laugh to scorn the belief that the craft is a phantom, strongly inclined to favor America, yet what is she? I ask, and the answer is, a white schooner of remarkable build and and one that carries full sail in 9 would run any other vessel beneath ** And one that no one has ever been on board of, as far as we know—that has only hailed from her own decks, and though capturing prizes has never boarded them, but driven them before her into some yw
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| | | | / 12 Beadle’s Half-Dime Library.” port, where they have been safe under the guns’ of our any # ut in an old weather- beaten sailing-mas- ter, who passed forty years upon the ocean. ‘*Has she ever been seen in the daytime?” asked Commodore Guuieg “Yes,” returned the sailing master, ‘‘she has been seen in daylight by her prizes, for I talked with a ean Bae was mate of that English powder-ship she cai a of And what said the mate?’ asked Commodore Cutting, with interest, while the group of officers gathered more closely around, to hear the reply. ‘* He told me what I will now tell you, and, though he is a kind of kinsman of mine, and my mother-in- law’s brother, I place dependence in his word, though I have little faith in the mother of any man’s wife, as the world goes, for the Lord Harry knows they are a queer set; not that a woman mayn't be all right, but let. her get a son-in-law, and zounds, sir, it changes her whole nature! Such has been my ex- perience, and I give it for the benefit of those young gentlemen here, who, you know, have the reputation of possessing a wife in every foreign port,for woman's eyes always pitien at sight of a brass button, and I warn them that they'll fare badly, and have a lively time at. the Day of Judgment, when they have to meet a dozen or so mothers-in-law.”’ “ But to the story, Mr. Hendricks,’’ said the com- modore, amused at the master’s opinion of his wife’s mother. “True, sir; well, you see, the old lady—’’ ** Hang the old lady, Hendricks.” So I say, sir; but, you see, when I run athwart the memory of the old girl, she just. boxes my com- pass, and it’s hard to keep before the wind on any other course; but I remember now, we were discuss- ing the stra craft, and I was saying she was most beautiful in build— “You were arin’ no such thing, Hendricks; why, I verily believe the remembrance of the good dame has driven your wits from you—you were about to tell us what the mate of the powder-ship told you.”’ “True, sir, true; well, ROMA pOcies Te see he spas his name with a P, sir—well, he told me that ey were running along presty lively one night, and hoping to reach a haven held by the English, when suddenly they descried a misty blue light across the ocean, and in its midst was the most beautiful spec- ter craft eye ever beheld. “Thompson says all of them were seared nearly to death, when a flash, a heavy boom, and a whir of solid shot proved the specter could use mortal means, and this reassuring the captain of the powder-ship, he hoisted all sail, and determined to escape, for his vessel was one of the fastest afloat; but, crowding sail was useless, for in less than an hour the stranger came up close astern, and hailing in a loud voice told the Englishman to change his course, and head for Charleston, as a prize to the United States Gov- ernment, ““Compelled to obey, the Englishman did as or- dered, and the stranger then shortened sail so as to hang half a mile distant in his wake, and there he pee tame day and night, until he drove the powder- ship under the guns of Fort Sumter, when the queer one put about and headed seaward.” “But, what did your relative say the craft looked like by daylight?” asked Alden Ainslie, ** He said she was a beauty, and only once could he see more than one man on board, and that was the helmsman; but he related how, when his captain thought one day in a blow, as his pursuer had dropped a mile astern, he would try to escape, that suddenly a hundred forms stood in snow-white—you see the schooner was white from hull to topmast— were seen to spring to work lively, and in a minute the Flying Yankee, as the Britishers call the strah- er, was after them like a hound, and the poor cap- fain had to once more keep on his prescribed course, still dogged by his captor.” ‘*A remarkable story, sailing-master, but it is gen- erally believed, and I confess to a deep-seated desire to know more of this terror of the British—the Fly- ing Yankee; why, I would give my next year’s pay to solve that—” “Sail, ho!” The nging cry of the look-out from the mast-head broke short the words of the commodore, and caused all to sath for the conversation they were holding regarding the mysterious character of the strange vessel, caused all to feel a certain superstitious dread in their hearts. ‘* Where-a-way, sir?” “She is not in sight, now, sir; but a moment ago I beheld » hol” “Sail, ho!” ‘* Sail, hol” The cries rung out. suddenly from a dozen different parts of the vessel, and all eyes turned. to windward, where they beheld a sight that sent a thrill of horror through the ship. ; A mile or more distant, and distinctly seen in a bluish, misty cloud, that looked spectral in the moon- light, was a schooner, crouching low in the wa- ter, and with her tapering masts crowded with can vas from deck to topmast, while, as light as a bird, she seemed to fly from wave to wave. It is the ter craft!’’ cried ozen voices said in commodore, ch lly. “Tt is impossible to clear for action in this gale, Commocre, ieuamemed Alden Ainslie, as the men hesitated what to do. “True; well, we'll bide our time and see the re- sult. See! how she conies down upon us!’ and Com- modore Cutting inting to the misty-looking schooner, that, with apparently every stitch of her snowy canvas spread, was rushing down upon their quarter, and rapidly anerneee the brig. “Yes, she seems to fly, for I can already distin- guish the twomen at her wheel,” answered Captain Ainslie, as he turned his glass once more on the ap- proaching vessel. All stood in silence, regarding the stranger, each officer and man instinctively taking his position for ponte = each one a over in his mind what coulc e meaning of the strange appearance. Bounding madly focwent: over and through the storm-swept waters, the Flying Yankee came on, un- til she obtained a position to windward, and off the | starboard quarter of the brig, when suddenly a tall form, clothed in white, sprung into the main shrouds, and in trumpet tones came the hail: * Ahoy! the Vulture!”’ “My God! he knows us! Itis the devil that runs that craft!’ cried the sailing-master, with awe. “Silence, sir!” sternly said Captain Ainslie, and then thro ‘gh his trumpet, he answered, ‘“‘ Ahoy! Is that the Flying Yankee? “Ay, ay, sir!’ came the answer. “Well, what would you?” again asked Alden, “Commodore Cutting is aboard your vessel, going to take command of the Southern squadron; but your fleet was defeated some days since, and driven into Mobile, where they now are, while a large En- glish man-of-war, in a ed condition, is, at pres- ent, repairing damages in the mouth of the St, John’s river. The two vessels taken by the English fleet, are now armed with British crews, and lying in wait to take you oF strategy upon your arrival. The above had all been spoken in clear tones, and one and all heard every word with strange surprise and deep regret, for none doubted the i: formation received from their mysterious companion. “Ts all this true you tell?’ called out the commo- dore, in his stentorian voice. s Upon my honor, yes.”’ “I thank you; but in the name of heaven, who, and what are you?” * The Flying Yankee, and the Ocean Outcast.” The words rung with metallic earnestness, and a tone of deep bitterness pervaded them; but ere more could be said, the commander of the weird-looking vessel sprung back upon.his deck, and instantly the sharp bows swept round, until the long, needle-like bow-sprit pointed oe into the wind’s eye, when, away darted the Fiying Yankee, back in the direc- tion from whence she had first been discovered. ** Well, commodore, what do you think of that?” “T know not what to think, Ainslie; but I believe his words, and shall act accordingly; what say you?” Haag dt do; I believe the expected British fleet has had good weather, and arrived two w soon- er than we anticipated, thereby surprising our squadron; but, would it not be a good idea, sir, to put into the mouth of the St. John's, and verify the statement of the Flying Yankee? e may be able to surprise and capture the crippled Britisher.” “That is a plan, and oneI will act upon, so give the necessary orders, please. Ah! yonder still ies that weird craft under a press of sail that, in édhis gale, would run a line of battle-ship under,” and the commodore pointed to the distant schooner, still beating up into the wind, without having reduced a single equare foot of canvas, as she s on, leaving behind her a most uncomfortable feeling in. the org: Be - on board ee Vulture, for vara! could not ge ©) e tho at some supernatural agency controlled the Pie ays of the mysterious unknown.. CHAPTER XVI. THE GRAND PRIZE, Towarp nightfall of the day following the meeting with the Flying Yankee, the Vulture pened the coast of Florida, and a few hours after glided slowly into the mouth of the St. John’s river, where she came to anchor close under the shadows of the foli- age-clad banks. Calvin Bernard was then sent off in the largest cné- ter, with a picked crew well-armed, to reconnoiter and discover the whereabouts of the British vessel- of-war, for none doubted that the words of the Fly- ge Bh: would prove true. idnight came, and the ret; boat was ob- served approaching through the gloom with rapid stroke, and, springing to the deck, Calvin Bernard informed his superior officers that a British vessel, as well as he co judge, a large, square-rigger, carry- ing forty guns and a full crew, was lying moored the river bank, some six miles above, while her men were encamped on the shore near by. ““T should think she was undergoing a thorough overhauling,” continued the lieutenant, ‘for all of her crew ap’ to be ashore, assembled around their camp-fires, and I noticed that her mizzenmast had been shot away and her bulwarks seriously shat- tered, for I was within a cable’s length of her, and the camp-fires cast a ruddy light upon her hull.” ‘She is wholly unsus then of our presence?” ate cewd Tee Sad ca hia oan: by mi sO, and can en b rise; otherwise it would be madness to attem tto attack a vessel so very much our superior as— bless us! see there!” All turned quickly at the sudden exclamation of the young lieutenant, and beheld almost upon them, and sweeping by before a stiff breeze, the Flying cd’ in the misty halo tat appeared to pervade her e iO that ap rvade her everywhere from topmast to deck, a a word could be said the same form, before seen, sprung into the main shrouds, and clear voice hailed: “Ahoy! the Vulture!” “Ahoy!” cried Commodore Cutting. “Would you take the Englishman, get ‘at. once | under. weigh; go silently to quarters, double-shot | your guns, and follow me,” came the ringing order, | as the schooner swept by, and soon disappeared around a curve in the river. At once all was activity on board the Vulture, for | not an instant did the commodore and Captain Ains- } lie hesitate to obey; the anchor came up at @run, } the sails were let fall, the bows swung off, and and silently, with her men and officers ready and | eager for action, the Vulture sped on in the wake of her st e guide, determined, come what might, to follow to the bitter end the adventure before her, Yet, fleet as was the brig-of-war, the Flying Yankee rapidly left her astern, and Calvin Bernard had just remarked that ere long they would round a bend that would give them a view of the British, when sudden- ly loud cries were heard ahead, drowned the moment after by the roar of artillery, which, with mighty echo, reverberated along the wooded shores. “The Flying Yankee has opened, for I xecogaeme the peculiar roar and rattle of her guns,” ex ed Alden, quickly, and as he spoke, peal after peal of artillery shook the air, mingled with loud cries and stern orders. The next instant the Vulture rounded the bend, to behold a strange and stirring scene, The Flying Yankee was swiftly by the Eng- lishman, about a cable’s length distant from the ship, and her decks were ablaze with light as her guns were discharged with lightning speed and perfect regularity by what a to be a gh crew, for every man was clothed in pure white, while his face was concealed beneath a closely-fitting mask of bright crimson, h gun from the strange vessel was most skill- fy ane and sent death and demoralization into the British camp. In vain did the English officers strive to rally their crew and lead them aboard their ae vessel to man the guns, : the crew of the Vulture gazed upon the excit- ing scene the Flying Yankee passed on up the river for a short distance, and then grannin and swiftly coming around headed down-stream, while her star- board guns again opened upon the frightened Eng- lishmen, and with terrible effect. Having sped by the line-of-battle ship the beau- tiful ner ceased firing as suddenly as she had commenced; her ports were clo silently and cefully as a toy ship, the river until she came abreast th was rushing on to meet her foe with all haste, All eyes sought the beautiful schooner and ob- served the same man upon her quarter-deck who had before hailed them; but his face was masked be- hind a crimson shield, and defied recognition. / and as she flew down e Vulture, that ‘“‘T have thrown them into confusion; push on and lay the Vulture alongside the ship, and she is yours.” ‘Ay, ay, sir!” cried Alden Ainslie, and the crew broke out in three lusty cheers for the Flying Yan- kee, which, the next moment, rounded the bend and disappeared from their sight in her ceaward flight. “Ainslie, he has won for us the ship, for see—the British are thorough] bees - gnats yet! Ow, Deuyaie Fasp + bold and you have your e e old com- modore, with enthuslaahn. a At the guns there! Aim at that for the ship; jive/” demoralized! Helmseman “Ay, ay, sir! orth Vulture h belched forth fire e s hoarse guns , ort iron hail, checking the advance of the few = Pema ner ees og led and were leading wa ; but momentary w again the Englis "rushed on. er pe ee ‘Fire away Steady a they'll meet us yet on their own decks} as and, cheered_b captain’s distinct oiders the crew of the Vulture sprung to their work. Stripped of her canvas, yet still forging forward and obeying her helm, the Vulture scon ran ntly alongside the Englishman, ard in an instant the two ships were lashed firmly together, broadside to awit a ell th ay e Americans followed their gallant captain upon the English & British seamen, headed by their officers, clambered over the other bulwarks, and at once the combat be- came fierce and sanguinary. Affrighted at the sudden terrific spectacle of the Flying Yankee, cut down in their camp by her mur- derous guns and beaten back from thes ship, the English were taken at a disadvantage, and i’ was man’s decks, just as the some time ere their officers could r their super- stitious crew to Sete tor one and all had h of the weird schooner that so resistless] swept the seas; but, when the specter craft, as t it to be, headed seaward, and they weap came with a mortal crew and a lona fide vessel, they quick- ly sprung to their po:ts and bravely met the Ameri- cans face to Foch, although their numbers had been ereatly reduced by the fire of their unknown foe, Had it not been for the unexpected aid from the Fl Yankee, there is but little doubt that the Americans would have been defeated, even though they had surprised their enemies, for they were greatly outnumbered both in men and guns: but ha this advantage, and indomitable cou Cap after a short but : both skill and . Ainslie and his crew rrible contest hurled their foes from, their vessel's decks, and training t earetyen their camps, compelled fiber reste pa Sullenly the British laid down Alden Ainslie found that he had captused wg 8n navy, finest vessels in the Engli
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The Flying Yankee, 13 Learning, from the English commander that the 0! report Flying Yankee was correct, as regarded the defeat of the American squadron in the Gulf, Commodore Cutting at once determined to dispa his prone to Savannah overland, and bring back an pany with the Vulture. From Sir Macy Northcvte, the British commander, Commodore Cutting could glean no information as to what was the myste:y hanging over the he oy Yankee, and the Englishman was greatly surp’ to learn that the weird vessel was as wholly unknown to the navy of the United States as to that of Great Britain. “The strange-looking vessel first appeared to us,” said Sir Macy, in his interview with Commodore Cut- ting, ‘in the heat of battle, and her guns were fired with the greatest precision; so much so, in fact, that I poured upon her several broadsides, although se- verely pressed at the time by one of your large cruisers. bi pparcenr my aim was bad, for the schooner re- unhurt, and as she Lame 8 wom in the smoke of battle shortly after, I forgo action was over, and then nowhere could she be seen. ‘‘T put in here for repairs, for I sadly needed them, and the schooner must have d n my wake, as you say it was from her you gained the information arding my whereabouts.” Your crew, I see, stand in terrible fear of the Flying Yankee,’ said Alden Ainslie. “Yes, captain; they look upon her with holy awe, for strange rumors regarding her mysterious move- ments and ap ance were afloat in England before we left, and all they have seen here goes to strengthen their belief in the supernatural powers of the Flying Yankee. Can you make no guess as to what she is, by whom commanded, or the motive that leads to her masquerade?”’ “None; no more can I solve that than I can the problem of the spectral light that supests to sur- round her, and the cloud of mist, or smoke, in which she seems always enveloped,’’ said Commodore Cut- af Strange, very strange.” “It is indeed; yet in the tones of her commander —and I confess I never heard a voice more rin, and stern—I think I trace something familiar—” ‘And I also, Commodore, for I could swear to having heard his voice before. Have you thought of whom itreminds you?”’ asked Alden Ainslie, “Yes, it sounds like the voice of poor Moncrief in battle, for you remember he sailed under me for ears.’ y ‘Yes, it had the same startling, ringing tones I have heard from Noel when in action, but then it cannot be he.”’ ‘*Moncrief, Moncrief? Was not that the name of one of your most brilliant officers, who slew his su- perior in a duel and then fled his native land? I was cruising in these waters at the time,” said Sir Macy. “Yes, poor fellow, he fled in his own yacht, ac- companied by one companion who had aided his es- ape from the Vulture, and as he put into New York and armed and equipped his little craft, I feared he had determined to turn free rover, and my fears were realized."’ : “He became a pirate, then?’’ asked Sir Macy. “So it was believed, and met a sad fate, for some | two years ago his yacht, which had been committing some depredations along the Gulf coast, and upon Southern commerce, was attacked by a revenue cut- — a" refusing to surrender, was sunk with all on “He died game, even though a pate sd ae was just like Moncrief to die at his guns, poor fellow,” and an ression of sad regret stole over the face of the old commodore, for he had dearly loved the erring arg naval officer, to whom he owed his life, for in a gale at sea, when swept away by a ae that washed his vessel’s decks, Commodore ae Sha have sunk to rise no more, had not Noel, wing his commander could not swim, sprung overboard and sustained him until the life-boat was launched and both were rescued from their peril. : Noel Moncrief was a midshipman then, and years had gone by since, but still the old seaman had not forgotten the brave preserver of his life, and mourned in secret his fate. CHAPTER XVI. ON BOARD THE SEA-SLIPPER. the = of Mobile a gracefully-built clipper nting a smart, naval-like appearance fora mer- chantman. eng J pre deie for = rane ee team the ship sped on great s ‘oam from her and trailing after her a snowy, vail- like wake, as the stiff breeze urged her onward. Anxious to gain a good offing, the captain of the Sea-Slipper paced his deck, eyed his ship narrowly to see that every rope and sail was in its place, and ever and anes —— _— meen is th eager lances, f was desiro e open wa- pon fre Bane Gatecct, e was headed off by pres. Siece the Gulf ports of America. in port for some time by enem Kppeates 7 repent ré had boldly determin: run liockade an cacege, pone lost his ship in the attempt; but, be- inga brave man, and the commander of a vessel that had seldom met her equal upon the ocean in it of speed, he deeided to run the gantlet, if possible, and reach Havana, for he had a valuable freight des- about her until the | tch | ness, and a few for pleasure erican crew for the prize, which, in the mean- | port, the passengers were willing time, could be refitted for sea, so as to sail in com- | Pr running out, trusting in the weatherly qualities and | tined for the West Indies, besides several Spanish and American passengers, anxious to leave the coun- try, some to return home, others on account of busi- Rather than be blockaded for an indefinite time in to risk the danger speed of the Sea-Slipper, and the courage and skill of Captain Davenport, who had armed and manned his vessel with five s, and a crew of forty men, which would enable him to beat off any small enemy that might cross his path. Miles off to windward the eye of Captain Daven- rt noted several sail which he well knew to be ritish cruisers, and from them his glance fell upon a dark cloud that broke the level circle of the hori- zon, and his face wore a serious look, for he had not ouernewe having to brave a storm as well as the English, for well he knew, unless he gained a good offing before the gale broke upon the sea, he might be driven back by it, or into the midst of his foes. Near by the captain, leaning Rei yy the taffrail, and | also glancing at the distant , Stood two person- | ages whose bronzed complexions and dark eyes be- ie ened their nationality, or that they were of the panish race; but the reader has met them before, | so a description is not necessary, for they are father and danghter, Don Octavio Guido and the lovely Vio- leta, whom the bravery of Noel, and the speed of his little be had saved from capture nearly three years before, when chased by the pirate drogher off the coast of Cuba. ¢ Since that time Don Octavio and Violeta had been traveling in Europe, and afterward in America, but in all their roamings they had not forgotten their strange preserver, of whom they could never gain the slightest clew as to his whereabouts, Often had the abrupt refusal o: Havana, and seldom did his handsome, sad face pass from the mental vision of the Cuban maiden, Now they were upon their return home, having been detained, beyond their intended stay in Amer- ica, by the war between the United States and Eng- land, and glad at the prospect of once more setting foot upon their ‘* beautiful isle of the sea,” both fa- ther and mie ood wore a joyous look, as the Sea- Slipper leaned majestically to the breeze and bound- ed rapidly along the restless waters. Promenading the deck, with an exceedingly steady tread for a landsman and landswoman, were two other passengers, the one a ee png noble-loo gentleman, with snow-white : and mustache, an a figure erect and military, while leaning upon his arm was a maiden of surpassing loveliness in both form and feature, though there rested upon the re- fined face a look of touching sadness, for the droo spoken of Noel, and his rather their invitation to their home in ing of the heavily-f ed eyebrows could not hide the wells of sorrow wi The two were characters also heretofore brought before the reader, for they were Colonel Moncrief and his ward, Eve Eldred, for love of whom a brother had raised his hand egeine a brother’s life. Adark shadow had fallen upon the Moncrief Manor after the flight of Noel, and the blow had well-nigh killed the loving father and the maiden, but Time heals all wounds of the heart, or at least cicatrizes them, and once again contentment, if not happiness, rested upon the grand dld homestead. Then the cry of war aroused the sleeping fire in the. bosom of every American, and sending for a lady relative to come and live at the manor with | Eve, Governor Moncrief buckled on his armor, and, | at the head of a regiment, took the field against America’s foes, j Time flew on, its wings laden with the honors, the lory, the sorrows of war, and at length Colonel floncrief fell, severely wounded, at the head of his regiment, and was borne from the field in an almost lifeless state. But, after weeks of suffering, he recovered suffi- ciently to return to his home, where he remained for some months, unfit for service in the field, until ad- vised by his physicians to seek a change of climate, cory “ipon tie 2 ie aoe d ed b: upon this suggestion, and accom his ever-tatthful nurse, for he loved ive alien A though she were his own daughter—the two had set sail in the Sea-Slipper, determined to pass the winter in Havana, and already with renewed vigor, as he inhaled the fresh sea air, the colonel paced, with quick tread, the decks of the gallant vessel. “Sail, ho!” suddenly rings from abaft, in the clear tones of the look-out, and instantly all on board are snceryy scanning the blue horizon for the strange vessel. “ Whereaway?” cries Captain Davenport, a stout, weather-beaten old sailor, as he glances aloft. a ahead, sir.”’ ‘‘ What do you make of her, my man?” “She is schooner rig, sir, and is standing toward us.”’ “All right; keep a close watch upon her move- ments,”’ called out’the captain; and then, turning to his passengers, who were now grouped near him, he continued: “ Doubtless she is some of our American privateers, and, if so, will divide the honor with us of being chased by yonder two British cruisers.” ‘“‘I thik you have no cause to dread capture, cap- tain, for the Sea-Slipper runs like the wind,” said Colonel Moncrief, gazing with admiration at the apes of the ship, as, with everything drawing taut, e bowled merrily along. “No, sir, I fear none of those heavy craft, unless we run on them ere we know it, and they bor pa us; and, in fact, I believe there is scarcely a V afloat re can catch us in a stern chase, on almost any d. “You forget the Flying Yankee, captain,” said the first mate, who was standing near, his glass leveled upon the newly-discovered sail “True, she can catch us u n any wind.” “The Flying Yankee! ou have then met with this ocean mystery, captain?’’ said Colonel Moucrief, with interest, and around the old seaman at once gathered Don Guido, Violeta and other ers. **T have sir, and the craft is indeed a bo fanaa in fact, I have not only met her, but the Sea-Slipper was once saved from capture by her.” “Indeed! Will you tell us the story, captain?” asked Don Octavio, with considerable interest—an in- terest that seemed shared by all Nba “It is a short story, but I will tell it you with pleas- ure, ladies and gentlemen. “You see, it was on my last run into Mobile that I was chased by two British war vessels, a brig and a ener hate and I was showing them a clean pair of heels and rapidly running for a haven, when sud- denly round a point of land came a swift-sailing brig, that at once showed armed ports and the flag of Eng- land waving over them. “This was a scrape I little liked, and I felt that my chances of gaining port were slim indeed, for the vessels in chase were but four miles astern, and the one last discovered, just in my course, and hardly half that distance away. “I determined to round the point upon a different course from the one I was then on, and endeavor to keep the land between myself and my new enemy, “ But it was of no use, and I was about to attempt to run the gantlet and again put to sea, when sud- denly I descried a strange sail coming from a small inlet and shooti _— across my bow, so as to head me off, I believed; but Isoon found it was the brig that was the game, for the new-comer, whose auda- city surprised myself and crew not a little, she bein a schooner and little able, we believed, to cope wit: the Pleas brig-of-war, headed directly for the an “Lying low in the water, and witha was as a blade, her decks ove owed by masses of paeoitons reg the plucky Ages bg flew a at a speed eved hardly possible, and coming in range opened with a i.e gun, mounted upon her forecas- tle, upon the Engl hman, who was soon compelled to let the Sea-Slipper go, and look after the schooner. “With a precision that was remarkable, the schoo- ner’s guns were fired, and though the brig spenee heavily also, it was of no use, for in fifteen minutes: she was a wreck, and the daring craft that had roven more than a match for her, was stan out. sea, without ha’ received a single shot, t I could see, to mar the beauty of her white hull and “ As for the Sea-Slipper, she escaped, and as far as: we could see, we observed the schooner flying sea- ward, firing rapidly from her stern guns upon the two vessels-of-war, that had giving up chasing me to: pursue the audacious American craft. “That little eraft was what is known as the Fly- ing ‘Yankee, and whoever her commander is, he has won a yo anges for bravery and seamanship second to that of no man in our navy.” “Tf he be a man at all,’’ suggested Mr. Conover the mate, in a voice of superstitious doubt. “Nonsense, Conover; the schooner has won her name of Flying Yankee by her wonderful ed, and her determined war upon the enemies of our mighty Yankee nation. As for the mystery which overhangs her, it arises from the fact that, except- ing to hail a vessel, none on board the queer craft ever hold converse with mortals.” a bi peg = smoke in Mgnt oP sien to oe, captain, and the strange that hangs aroun her?” asked the doubting mate. “There you have me, for that I cannot e ” “Does she carry no colors, captain?” ed Col- onel Moncrief. wi “She carries no national colors, sir—only representing a schooner sailing upon a tempest- tossed sea, the craft appearing to be worked in white silk, with the waters around her a pale green, while a shadowy cloud appears to pervade the air around the weird-looking craft,” “Tf every report. be true, the Yankee has been of the greatest service to the American cause, for I have heard of her protecting and convoying a number of our merchantmen into port, and also of several desperate actions she has with British cruisers double her size and metal,”’ said Colonel Moncrief. “Yes, sir, and report says true of her, but— What do you say, My man?” and the captain glanced to- vere the man in the main-top who hailed the eck, ‘The sail ahead, sir, is the Flying Yankee.”’ Instantly there was a scene of excitement on deck, and while the captain and mate ascended the rig- ging with their ¢ s, the eyes of the rs were turned upon the distant vessel, which was now plainly visible to the naked eye. “Senorita, will you look?’ and Don Guido ten- dered his own handsome -glass to Eve, who, with asmile of thanks, took it, and turned it upon the strange sail. hie “ My daughter believes she can trace a resemblance between the schooner and one of her build that often used to be seen upon our coast, and which Spaniards had cause to dread. Irefer to the Mexican cruiser that gained such a name for daring, and was known as the Red Wing,” said Don Octavio, addressing Colonel Moncrief. “Yes, I have heard of the cruiser; but of late years she has disappeared from the seas. Somesay me FOURS with all on board,’* answered the colonel. “ No, senor, I am confident yonder schooner is the same, for I was wont to sit in our plantation-home
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14 Beadle’s HalfDime Library. and gaze for hours upon the Red Wing, whose cruis- ing-ground was near us for months,” remarked Vio- leta, “You found the Red Wing then a merciful foe, it seems?” Pea Eve, turning her beautiful eyes upon the face of her searcely less lovely companion. “Yes; never did we have cause to dread the terri- ble t; but see, am now the more convinced yonder schooner isthe Red Wing. Although her top- masts seem far taller, and she is painted white, yet she has the same s bow, great breadth amid- ships, and lean stern, with the same low hull and ta- pe masts, as well as the great length of bowsprit hat the Mexican had,” continued Violeta, still keep- ing the glass to.her eye. why, lady, you are quite a sailor,’ remarked Colonel Moncrief, with surprised admiration. “Yes, sir; my father is a yachtsman and I have eae much of my time in sailing with him,” re- rned Violeta, and the ice of reserve hav been broken between them the two gentlemen and maid- ens soon became most friendly with each other, “Well, captain, what do you make of the craft?” asked Don Guido, as the old seaman descended to the deck. “Tt is the shadow schooner, sir.” “Captain, my daughter Violeta thinks she recog- nizes in her Spain’s old igs FO a Red Wing.” “Ha, say you so? Why, y. you area better sailor than Iam, for I now see the resemblance that tortured my mind when I first met the Flying Yan- kee, to recall the craft she reminded me of; I be- lieve you are right, for I once came athwart the Mexican cruiser, Red Wing, and I will say I never met a more perfect gentleman than was her com- mander, ora more thorough seaman, “T was in Havana, awaiting re to my vessel, not the Sea-Slipper, but a brig, hat had been dis- mantied in a hurricane, and, hearing ill news from home, I took passage in a Spanish vessel bound to New Orleans, and when three days out we were chased and overhauled by the Red Wing. “The largest number of our passengers were wo- men, and so observing, for we could not keep them below, the young pirate would not fire upon us, but ran the gantlet of our guns, boarded us, and captur- ed the s Fo ten minutes, although our crew out- numbered him two to one, “Finding that the freight was owned by American merchants he would touch nothing, and after half an hour let the ship go on in peace. ‘Yes, yonder schooner is very much like the Red Wing, and I wou'd say it was that famous craft, had she not been said to have gone down in a gale.” The schooner was now hardly more than a mile distant, but suddenly changing her course she stood off from the ship’s course, and htfall coming on soon after, she peared from the sight of those on board the Sea- pper. CHAPTER XVII. THE MYSTERIOUS PILOT. As night came on the wind arose to a gale and the sea began to pitch more and more violently, as the the Sea-Slipper, under close-reefed sails, flew on, her crew at their posts, and passengers, well wrapped up, huddled together upon the quarter-deck. All were anxious regarding the safety of the ves- sel, for each moment the storm swept on with greater force, and the British cruisers had so maneu- vered that they had managed to get the advantage of the elipper wy heading her off and still keep- ing to seaward of her, and Captain Davenport be- gan to dread the thought of having to put back be- ore the storm and again seek the port from which he had sailed, int of wooded U his port-quarter was a low land. jutting miles into the sea, which he had hoped to clear ere the cruisers had discovered his intention of running out, but the increase of the wind and heavy beat of the waves had so retarded his pro- gress that when night came on, with its gloom and gale, he had not weathered the land, although the ‘ood ship had done her utmost to accomplish all t was expected of her, “Conover have you the bearings of that point. of ae hi suddenly asked Captain Davenport of his ma “Ay, ay, sir; itis just now off our pei aby TH “Ts that light not from some cabin on the land, for you know since the war broke out. the light- house has not. been kept?” and as Captain Daven- rt spoke he pointed ahead to a light but indistinct- seen through the haze. “No, sir, that is a vessel.” “Then, by heaven! we are headed off—ha!’’ As the tain spoke there suddenly shot up. into the air a bright rocket, which momentarily lit up the gloom, and a large vessel-of-war was descried not 5 aeaic peer half a mile distant, and dead ahead of e clipper. “Stand ready all to wear ship!” suddenly cried the captain, in ringing tones, and while the words were yet upon his lips there came an answering Big nal off the starboard-bow, another off the starboard- quarter, and still another a short.distance astern. “By heaven! we are in for it now, with Britishers abeam and astern of us. ane fellow on our port-bow has just rounded the point of land yonder,” and Captain Davenport turned, for a moment not peaelat id what to do in the great danger that threat- e m. “They are all heavy vessels, captain, and we would ‘4 sunk by their y otal did we attempt to run the gantlet,”’ quietly remarked Colonel Moncrief. “Yes, I —* ae eT bg beige! there no ers me I would beach m Ip, esca the land, and thus disappoint the English; but I eannot give up the ship, yet.’’ “Are there no harbors upon the ,coast to which you can run?’ asked Don Octavio, quickly. “ Yes, there are several inlets there, off our star- board-beam, but we have no pilot, and it would be madness to make the attempt; but I must act and at once— Ha! what have we here? By all that’s glorious—” . ‘Clipper ship. ahoy!”’ suddeniy pealed forth a ringing voice, that interrupted the words of Captain Davenport, and at the same moment there hovered above the decks of the ye oH clouds of snowy canvas, while the rush of the wind through cordage and rigging sounded like the roar of the surf upon the beach. “The Flying Yankee! The Flying Yankee!” cried a dozen voices, while Captain Davenport in tones slightly tremulous, cried: ** Ahoy! the schooner!”’ “You are surrounded by British cruisers, and have but one chance of escape,” cried the same ringing voice that had hailed, and which cut through the noise of the storm, although the schooner was & ca- ble’s length distant off the port-beam. ‘And that is—?” asked Captain Davenport through his trumpet, while his crew and passengers, in awe- stricken silence, awaited in breathless eagerness the repl » , Rig a light in one of your lifeboats; set the boat adrift, wear ship immediately after, put out every lantern on board, and follow in the wake of the Fly- ing Yankee,” he orders were clear; all on board heard them, and ere the captain could say a word his men spru to obey. In a moment’s time a lifeboat was lowe over the lee-quarter into the sea, having two battle- lanterns swung on spars in the stem and stern. At the same instant the Sea-Slipper wore round quickly, in obedience to an order from Captain Da- venport, and, a moment after, was dashing along in the wake of the schooner, which had put about im- mediately upon seeing that the instructions given would be obeyed. Swiftly before the storm rushed the ship, leaving far behind the ‘‘decoy”’ she had left to deceive the British cruisers, which were gradually drawing to- warda common center to hem in the American ves- sel that they were so anxious to make a prize. In the meantime a change had come over the Fly- ing Yankee, for no longer was she covered with sail, but under close-reefed canvas, was hastening on to- ward the point of land, which, though not visible, was known to be but a few miles away. Upon the clipper’s decks all was a scene of sup- P excitement, for well each one knew their ate hung by a slender thread, and that capture, per- nape certain death, stared them in the face. dded to their anxiety was a certain awe at the mysterious coming of the Flying Yankee, for, until she had hailed them they suspected not her existence in their immediate neighborhood, and while the cap- tain and his passengers felt a desire to know more of the strange visitant, and were to laugh at the idea of a supernatural ney controlling the schoon- from their thoughts a er, bs they could not banis slight t of superstition, which they all knew it the uneducated seamen, who were decided- 'y unnerved by the presence of the spectral-looking a glided along so swiftly ahead of their own vesse Glancing astern, as the rh de ag merrily along, Captain Davenport was delighted to observe, by the lights of the a diaerrg nS cruisers, that they were dra: towsntt e spot where the life-boat had been left, with anchor attached to a heavy cable thrown over to hold it steady, evidently believing the lights to be on the schooner, which was lying-to to await their coming. Og 4 are fooled nicely, and will be as mad as a nest of hornets, when they arrive at the decoy and find out their mistake,” said the captain, speaking aloud the thoughts that were in every mind. “Yes, it has fooled them, captain, and why should it not, for the devil would lead a saint astray,” putin the mate, in a disconsolate tone, for he fully believed that the helm of the schooner was guided by his Satanic majesty. “Conover you are a fool.” “Yes, Captain Davenport,” mded the mate. “Yes, for do you not see that the schooner is run by mo’ hands?” ‘*No, I do not see anything of the kind; we saw that craft to-day, and then lost sight of her, I hoped forever; but here, in the midst of this storm, she suddenly comes upon us, and lo! we obey her orders, for it is not in the power of man to resist the com- mands of her skipper.” “Skipper! 0, in the devil’s name, do you be- lieve his to be?” almost angrily asked the captain. “You have named him, sir; yonder schooner is commanded by the evil one. Laughif you will, but did ou not see she was crowded with canvas when she rst came upon us, and when we again looked, she was under aed poles almost; and yet flies away from the Sea-S r like a bird from a hound. ““And see, yonder she 8, rushing right down upon a lee shore, and the night as dark asa n ‘s at ae here we go right on in her wake like—” “Why, Mr. ta Akg tes seem to be very supersti- tious. ou not ow the Flying nkee has proven the friend of Americans?” asked the sweetly ~ modulated voice of Eve Eldred. ; “Yes, miss, the devil is a friend to all sinners.” “You are inclined to be complimentary, Mr. Con- over; but as your brain is working too hard, I must counteract it by giving you work for your hands, so © forward and shake a reef out of the sails now set, ‘or do you not see our 8 ri is dropping us rapidly astern?” and the captain spoke sternly, and in a manner that gave the mate to understand he desired no more croaking: - “Ha! they are letting out the secret on yonder old liner, for see, there go her erat to tell their com- rades the bird has flown,’’ exclaimed Captain Daven- rt, a moment after, as he saw a bright rocket soar eavenward from the deck of the f: gate, that had approached near enough to the decoy to observe the ce tongs practiced. “Yes, and I believe we will escape through the agency of our mysterious pilot—hark!”’ and, as Colo- nel Moncrief spoke, above the roar of the storm re- sounded a strange crashing, ling, moaning sound, commingled, while from the foreeastle rung the startling cry, ** Breakers off thé port bow!” “My , have we followed to our ruin?” ex- claimed the captain, springing to the wheel, “* Breakers at the starboard bow!” “ Where! here is the schooner?” ‘We are lost! Oh, Heaven have merey!”’ The cries of fright, of despair, were heard fore and aft the ship, for superstition held control over the minds of the brave seamen, who now doubted not but that they had been following a phantom ship with a phantom crew, and in dismay the captain knew not what course to pursue, when, suddenly,'a lurid light burst forth like a meteor, dead ah of the ship, and but a few cable lengths distant, and the beautiful schooner pooner in grace and appear- ance, was revealed, gliding along into a narrow gorge or inlet of the land, while upon either side owered wooded hights, whose base was washed b the mad waters that broke upon them and rebotind- ed with terrific foree and a wild roar. : “Behold! the Flying Yankee is still our friend; she leads the way !’’ cried Colonel Moncrief, with glad surprise, and every heart aboard the hr yrs oad bounded with glad surprise, for they could see they were being led into a haven of safety, though it was aie os a most dangerous channel. Still burned the lurid light on the schooner, shed- ding a bright glare over the waters through which the Sea-S nigh had yet to come, while the hull and rigging of the strange vessel appeared enveloped in the same misty cloud that seemed to hang around her in all her ocean wanderings. t Upon the decks of the Flying Yankee could beseen a hundred white-clad forms, with the mask of Crim- son, looking most weird-like and ghastly in the u- liar glare and the shadows of the overhanging bluffs; but undaunted, the brave commander of the Sea- Slipper stood on, with a perfect confidence in his per , until his own vessel was overhung by the wooded banks of the inlet, which was hardly more than a hundred yards wide. A few moments more of slow but steady 5 and suddenly the high cliffs sloped away to a sandy beach, the channel rapidly widened, and again the Sea-Slip was in the open waters, for she had been guided through an inlet that broke, river-like, across the narrow point of land which jutted from the main far out into the Gulf. Hardly had the Sea-Slipper gained an offing from the inlet, when, with a 'b of blinding brillianey. that lit np earth, sea, and aly there came a sudden midnight gloom, and when the strained eyes of the clipper’s crew regained their accustomed sight, the Flying Yankee had disa’ eee ut she had guided the ship to safety, had saved those on board of her from capture, perhaps death, and with thankful hearts the crew sp: to work, and soon the gebent barque was heading Gulfward, leaving far behind her the disappointed British cruisers, and the mysterious schooner that had been their savior. 1s BAY CHAPTER XIX. THE BATTLE FOR THE PRIZE. Tuart all on board the Sea-Slipper were im sed by their mysterious deliverance from the lish cruisers, was certain, and a thorough feeling of su- perstition had taken possession of the erew, forin no re could they reason themselves ‘into the belief that the Fi ankee was a mortal craft; Toward daylight on the night of the Sea-Slipper’s escape, the gale blew itself out, settling down to a steady six-knot breeze, that drove the it vessel a rapidly toward the haven for which she was ound. 2 ; During the day the ers spent most of their time on deck, and between Don uido and Colonel Moncrief, Eve and Violeta, there eprung \@ warm feeling of friendship, which prom to e away by social intercourse the monotony of their sea-voy- age, if they could feel monotony with the dangers stil threate them, and the excitement of the commencement of their cruise, constantly the sub- ject of conversation. The hours of ht passed swiftly by, and night, clear and starlit, se’ upon the still restless waters, dotted way the canvas of the Sea-Slipper, which, under easy ,W seven knots, when other vessels ata y have logged five. ‘ Sail oO ” Passe and crew all started at the hail from the maintop, and listened attentively to the Feply to Captain Davenport’s ‘‘Whcreaway,; and What do you make of her?” ; “She is crossing our wake, sir; a | brig-of-war, as well as I:can make her out.”’:« : “Yes, I see her now; ho, aloft! turn your night- glass upon her, and report ee movement,’’ “Ay, ay, sir; she has changed her course, and is in full chase of us,” came the answer, after a pause, ‘* All hands to crowd sail! Let fall every rag: that will catch a breath of wind. Into the ev mother’s son of we for see ye not there's a cai overhauling the -Slipper.”” Roused by the: terse, energetic voice of their cap- tain, the crew sprung to duty; like apes they ran into the rigging, and soon had every stitch of canvas that w w set upon the ship, which continued need eee t= ORI te
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each moment to increase her speed beneath the fields of white duck that erowded her straining spars. “Now jump to the guns; double-shot all of them, and await my orders,” again cried Captain. Daven- aay as the crew descended to the deck. So quick been the movements of the men, so rapid the orders, that the Sea-Slipper had been crowded with sail and her men were at quarters in ten minutes after the discovery of the vessel astern. But in vain the endeavor of the ship to keep ahead of her pursuer, for steadily and swiftly she came on, follo directly in the Sea-Slipper’s foaming wake with the persistency of a dog on a trail. “* This will not do—she will run over us at this rate. All hands into the rigging! suddenly yelled the cap- eee turning to mate, he continned: ‘The oi es must be put upon her best of sailing, Mr. Conover—iirectly stand ready to obey.” A momient more and the orders rung out, clear and loud, and changing her course the gallant ship stood away before the breeze. But all no purpose, for the strange craft as quickly changed her course, and as silently and as rapidly as before overhauled the Sea-Slipper, until but a hundred fathoms separated the two vessels. “That craft sails like the Flying Yankee, or—the devil!” cried Deptein Davenport, and ere the words ee Po a = here came a quick, stern hail: a p, ahoy ” ‘““Ahoy the brig!’ answered Captain Davenport, after a moment’s hesitation, for the speed of his pursuer filled him with the greatest surprise. *Is*that the clipper ship that sailed from Mobile harbor yesterday morning?” came the query in the same clear tones “* Ay, ay, sir; the American clipper ship Sea-Slip- per, bound from Mobile to Havana—John Davenport commander,” replied the commander, with seaman- like precision. , “All right! Captain Davenport, there are two British men-of-war, a ship of the line and a sloop-of- war, lying in wait for you to the southward,:so I ad- vise you to head for the eastward and shape your eo ling far out in the Gulf as possible. Good- t, sir.” ‘Thank you, sir! What brig is that?” answered the captain, but no reply came, as the commander of the brig was heard giving a few quick orders, while the vessel suddenly came closer up into the wind, shook out more ewe and rapidly glided abroad, leaving the astonished captain of the Sea- Slipper, and his still more amazed crew silent with “aon at their fleet craft being outsailed by a brig- war. “Ahoy! what brig is that?” oapin bellied, Captain Davenport; but silence followed words, ina few minutes more the two vessels were a long way apart, the merchantman standing a little more to the eastward, while the sea-warrior, still to wind- ward, dashed away on a southerly course, oe Well, if my late experience at sea is not a mar- vel, moog I never get into port! First we are over- hauled by a schooner that sails like the wind, and may have, for all I know, connection with the devil; then a brig of war pursues, overtakes and passes the int fore the = ew Sea-Slipper as though she were a lb r and not the fl ates ship afloat,’’ and with a puzzled look the cap of the merchantman to and fro his quarter-deck, “You need not feel hurt, captain, because the Sea- Slipper could not keep ahead of yonder craft, for she is one of the fleetest war-vessels in the American navy,” said Colonel Moncrief, who with Eve upon his arm had narrowly eyed the brig. Nee say so; but you know her then, col- one) ” “Yes; it was the American brig-of-war Vulture.” “Indeed! She is a gallant craft, and her officers and crew were tried men and true, from all accounts; and, now I think of it, there is a romance hanging "eee; bat of teat’ captat ill not speak es; , captain, we will not s more, for a painful Themory to ie aud to Miss El- dred here, hangs over the history of yonder vessel- of-war,”’ said Colonel Moncrief, with deep feeling. ‘‘ Your pardon, colonel; I now recall one of your name who was an Officer on board of her. ieve me I had no intention to wound—”’ “Well, I know that, captain; he of whom you Ee oes my son, but we will now let the _ bury its dead,” and turning quickly, Colonel Moncrief walked away, leavi e captain pained at thought that he had unintentionally wounded the feelings of two of his passengers, for whom he felt so, high a hour more passed, and nowhere over the waters was a sail Visible, for the brig had disa ina haze that overhung the sea to windward. Tired at length with their stay upon deck, the Sea- Slipper’s rs were about to retire to their comfortable n, when the look-out’s voice was again heard from aloft, and from a heavy bank of for that had drifted down from windward, came the masts and large hull of a line-of-battle ee ‘‘An Englishman, as I Eve! let her fall off, helms- man. There, as I breathe, is her one! Why, the Britishers are as thick in these waters as half- breeds in Mexico; but we are bowling merrily along, and if those fellows catch us it will be after a long stern chase,” and the captain rubbed his hands in cons St having 8 few es start of his enemies, if they proved to be. But of this he was not long in doubt, for, after a gun from each of the new-comers, they squared Th S ther passed, the cli steadily us ours , the clipper . and Captain Davenport was congratulating . upon his escape, when an unlucky shot from the bows of the leading frigate carried away his bow- The Flying Yankee. 15 sprit close to the deck, and another shot from the other shivered the wheel to atoms, killing the men that held it, and slightly wounding the mate. Instantly the ipper lost steerageway, and her bows swung round into the wind. “*By Heaven! these wounds are mortal to the good ship now; hit fore and aft at the same time.” ‘““Here, men, remove these poor fellows, and then up and take in sail, for the Sea-Slipper has lost her heel and toe, and we are in for it,’’ called out Captain Davenport. Alarmed by the confusion on deck the passengers the next moment rushed from the cabin, to behold with dismay two large English frigates rushing down upon their prey. : “Ha, what ve we there?’ suddenly exclaimed the unfortunate captain, as there suddenly came a flash of flame, a roar, and from the course in which they had been sailing before brought to by the un- lucky shots. “The American brig! Three chee and now, three cheers more, for yonder rade, a full-fledged frigate in her wake! Now my British bull-dogs, you will have to fight for your bone!’ cried the captain of the Sea-Slipper, almost beside himself with joy at the turn fortune was tak- ing. in his favor. ‘oming up to windward on short and rapid tacks, the brig and frigate, suddenly appearing upon the scene, were opening merrily from their guns upon the .wo English line-of-battle ships that had been hastening down upon their prize until warned of danger by a shot from the brig. Instantly calling their entire crews to quarters, they reduced sail, and boldly advanced to meet their enemies, who, though much their inferior in size, were at least strong enough to give them considera- ble hard work to gain over them a victory. Drifting slowly away to leeward, the fg wteay dca was out of immediate range of the fire, and her decks were crowded with her crew and passengers, eagerly watching the sea combat, and praying for success to fall upon the two plucky American vessels who so bravely had confronted adversaries far from equal in guns and men. ch moment the combat became more terrible, the guns flashed more rapidly and with more omin- ous roar; the shot shrieked exultingly through the air, the wind whistled mournrully through the rig- ng, and the crash of timbers, the cries of the com- tants, the groans of the wounded, and dash of the waters commingled, as the contest became closer and more d rate. In dismay, infolded in each other's arms, with Don Guido and Colonel Moncrief grasping the hand of each, Violeta and Eve stood gazing in silence upon the awful scene, sublime in its terror, while near by stook be asp Davenport, eagerly watching every move of the combatants. “Behold! the smaller frigate is on fire!’ suddenly cried Don Guido, and as he spoke, flame after flame burst up from the decks of one of the English ves- sels, sending a lurid glare out over the waters, while, no longer sending forth an sere Tose from her guns, she lay a helpless mass upon the sea, backing an fi at the mercy of the wind, for her helmsman had deserted his post. But, undismayed by the fate of its comrade, the other sea-warrior still continued the battle, pouring renewed fire upon the brig, which had drawn quite near her, and then above the roar of all arose an- other my “The brig! the brig is going down!” It was too true; the brig was indeed sinking, but Ing her crew were boldly fighting her guns in her dy- my men; her com- ony. i Man the boats, men! We must not idly look on while there are lives to save!” cried Captain Daven- port, and a few moments after five boats left the side of the Sea-Slipper, and while two rowed toward the burning frigate, three went to the aid of the brig. The light from the burning vessel made the sea as bright as noonday, and those on board the Sea-Sli per saw several boatloads leave the unfortunate and row toward the other Englishman, which sti fought her remaining American adversary with the strongest determination to conquer or share her companion’s fate; also they saw the brig sink lower and lower, until, with a plghty plunge, she sunk beneath the waters, leaving her crew struggling in the mad vortex left by her descent into the depths below. Anxiously all watched the return of the boats, th the survivors, and then their eyes once more sought the burning trigate, which, envelo in flames, was slowly borne away before the wind, her heated guns ever and anon pouring forth their } tee eas of Rh bevy § 2 ed an the erce notes 0: e S ing American and Eng- lish oe ng te .. Hardly had the boats returned, b ng with them all the survivors of the brig, and those from the burning ship who had not gone aboard their conso when, with an explosion that momentarily silen the noise of battle, and caused the sea to fairly quake with the concussion, the gallant frigate, still wrapped in fiery splendor, was blown into atoms, and for an instant only the sudden plunge of heavy tim cannon, and mayhap human forms, was h ‘ok then the silence of death reigned amid a ess that was tangible. > Boom! boom! crash! crash! and again the battle was opened, the American frigate resuming the com- bat with ter earnestness, as if to avenge the loss of the brig, while, doubtless with the same motive for vengeance, the lish man-of-war once more di her guns por er foe, and again the flashes seed a Seedioner pana as Oe ee e ipper on ‘ar feelings, for those Kong from the Englishman hoped success would light on their flag, and those that had formed the crew and rs of the merchantman, as well as the survivors from the bfig, prayed for the stars and stripes to conquer. ; us, one and all beheld the grand but terrible sight, and awaited with stilled hearts the issue, that would bring joy or despair to either English or Americans. CHAPTER XX. AN UNEXPECTED FOE, Frercer and fiercer grew the combat; louder and louder roared the guns; wilder and wilder resound- ed the cheers of the American and English crews as the contest continued, and the interested lookers-on from the decks of the Sea-Slipper feared the two frigates would bodily sink each other, ere cither one would strike his colors; but no, the American vessel, smaller in size as well as weaker in guns and men, at length was observed to become unmanageable, and the next moment fell off so that her powerful ad- versary raked her decks from stern to bow, for her rudder had been shot away. A few murderous discharges from the guns of the Egon: and then, in stentorian tones, came the il: “Do you strike?” “We are helpless—I surrender the ship!” an- swered a seamanlike voice from the American's ning and a loud cheer broke forth from the En- lish frigate, and was echoed by their comrades upon the Sea-Slipper. A cheer that suddenly turned into a wail—a cry, loud orders, a clash of small-arms, as suddenly out of the sulphurous smoke of combat appeared the shadowy outlines of a vessel, that with wonderful skill was brought alongside the towering hull of the victorious frigate, and more than a hun- os white forms clambered upon her blood-stained ecks, Taken by surprise, unable to account for the sud- den and mysterious appearance of the schooner, and believing wholly in the supernatural], the frigate’s crew was driven pell-mell across the decks ere the slightest resistance was offered to their strange foes who were headed by a tall form, armed with sword and pistols, that dealt death mercilessly around him. “On! on! my men! Cut down every man who re- sists!’’ cried the leader, in uneing tonca, and once more he sp into the midst of the English crew who had now to rally beneath the orders of their officers. But in vain their resistance, for, unable to with- stand the terrible onslaught, they were driven aft to the quarter-deck, their own guns were turned upon them, and at length the brave captain, who, a few moments before, was demanding the surrender of a conquered enemy, was compelled to haul down his ensign to a man that had vanquished him upon his own decks! “T am Sir Edgar De Lacey, and this is his British majesty’s line-of-battle-ship Pocahontas. To whom tng paurendes Te eee a —_ can vanuiened ishman, stepping forward, an ng upon the crimson-masked tace of his conqueror. The victor tried to speak, his hand was outstretched but, with a low moan, he red forward an would have fallen, had he not nm caught in the arms of Commodore Cutting, who had t moment come on board from his ship, to see the cause of dis- turbance on the Englishman, whose large hull and enh rigging had concealed the schooner from his ew. “God above! Noe Moncrief!”’ ejaculated the as- tonished commodore, as he tore the mask from the face of the wounded man and recognized the faint- ing form in his arms. At the request of the English officer he bore Noel into the spacious cabin and laid him upon a loun moned to attend in the side. The next moment Lieutenant Muriel dashed into the cabin, a “What! Captain Noel dead?” ** No, he is severely wounded; are you his lieuten- ant?’ answered Sir De Lacey. “Tam, sir; you will surrender con sword to me, Pe * haughtily but politely returned the young Spaniard, as he removed from his face its , when the surgeon was sum- , for he was wounded severely “ Certainly, sir; it is the known as the Fly- ing Yankee, and this gentleman lying here is Captain Noel, her commander.”’ Without a word the English officer surrendered his sword, which Muriel, taking, immediately returned to its owner with a light compliment; and then, jor! yd to Commodore Cutting, who stood near, alo ide is my flag-ship.” a will then be kina enough to take command de Not so fast, oung man, for this tleman is too seriously wounded to be moved, and besides he shall no longer dodge the reward of his numerous t services to his government, now that it is known that Noel Moncrief and the commander of the famous Flying Yankee are one and the same.” “Yes, Commodore Cutting, I am Noel Moncrief, the Ocean Rover,” suddenly broke in the stern voice of the wounded man, and turning quickly at the words, all beheld that he had recovered Bad his unconsciousness and was gazing th ” iandler Giremily tn the face.” rr alone
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16 —_—_ = Prt: noble boy! Gladly do I welcome you back into the service of your country—”’ _ “Hold! Commodore Cutting! Have you forgotten I fled my land, Cain-accursed—”’ “My ! have you not heard that your brother recovered, and—”’ “Great God, I thank Thee! I am not then a very Cain,” and Noel buried his head in the silken cush- ions of his couch. “No, Noel; Clarence recovered wholly from his wound, and, chastened by his afflictions, he banished himgelf from the world and became a priest of the church of Rome, while your father and his ward are now near by, for they sailed from Mobile in the Sea- Sos gar which was the cause of our desperate com- with our brave foe here.” “God, again I thank thee!" once more murmured the happy man, who so long had been a wanderer, Cain-accursed, as he believed. Beekoning to the English commander and Her- nando Muriel to follow him, Commodore Cutting as- cended to the deck and gave orders for the disposi- tion of the English crews and care of the wounded; after which he made known to Sir Edgar and the youns Spaniard fhe strange story of Noel Moncrief’s fe, a story which the young lieutenant of the Hiying Yankee heard for the first time, for of his past Noe had never oe ‘* His life indeed hag been a strange romance, and of startling interest, and I now wonder not at his earnest desire to remain incognito, though servin, America with wonderful skill and energy,” remarke the English nobleman, who, then turning suddenly jtoward Muriel, continued; *‘ Lieutenant, the career of your vessel has been overhung with mystery, and if not asking too much I would beg you to answer several puzz DG SUPSHONS... 63 ae , ay, young sir; explain, may ease you, how it was you made even educated tating believe in a supernatural agency ruling the destiny of your beautiful craft,’’ said Commodore Cutting, with in- terest, gazing into the manly face of the young er. “Assuredly, gentlemen, I will explain, for mystery with us now is at an end. “The craft lying there, and known as the Flying Yankee, was once the schooner Red Wing—” ‘Ha! the resemblance between the two is now dis- closed,”’ exclaimed Commodore Outting. “Yes, sir; the Red Wing of the Mexican service formerly and the Flying Yankee are the same schooner, which, when Captain Noel—Moncrief, I be- lieve, is his true name—resigned from the service of the Mexicans, he metamorphosed into the present weird-looking craft, which he at once ran under his vate colors, and made war upon England.” “A terrible foe he roved, too, and one whose deeds would win him an iral’s commission on our side of the water; but the mystery of his being able to carry his poles envelo in canvas sufficient to run under a ship of the line—explain that, please, lieu- tenant,”’ the Englishman seemed ply inter- 1, _..“That is easy of explanation, sir, and I will give you ocular demonstration of the circumstance, as it now is nearly sunrise. Ho! the Flying Yankee!” and the clear voice of the young officer rung out sharp in the crisp morning. “Ay, ay, sir!” answered the voice of Mr. Hart from the schooner, which was lying-to, a cable’s length from the frigate, ““Get out your mask sails on the schooner.”’ “Ay, ay, sir!’’ came the response, and almost im- mediately a perfect. network of sails was upon the beautiful vessel, so closely woven_as at a short distance to resemble real canyas, and cause one to nero the schooner was really spread with white uck, “Tsee, I see! Remarkable indeed, Lieutenant, _ your commander is a wonderful man,” “So we all think, Sir Edgar,’’ modestly replied - Muriel, while the American commodore pur in: “But the smoke and spectral light t always hung about your craft when seen either by night or day. ? : Easily explained, commodore. We were in the habit of burning bright lights that cast a reflection through colo’ glass, and the smoke we manufac- tured by burning wool that had been dampened and laced in iron vessels on various parts of the decks. These tricks, added to our network sails, the won- derful speed of the schooner, our men clothed in white, and with their faces hidden beneath crimson masks, rendered, us, doubtless, a most spectral and scare-to-death craft and crew,” and the young Span- iard laughed lightly. “Indeed it did, and I for one am glad to know the secret, and trebly glad to welcome back to the nav * Noel Monerief, who shall command his schooner, if he recover, and God grant he may, with his brave men, and no longer be an ocean rover, but an hon- -ored officer of the United States navy. But time flies, and there is_much for us to do, so, Sir Edgar, you will oblige me by retaining command of her ves- Sel, tempo; repairing Gamages, and following me back to Mobile, to which port the Flying Yankee. ‘under command of her gallant lieuenant here, mus “lead the way.” A few hours more, the four vessels, with the Fly- ‘ing Yankee leading, the Sea-Slipper in her wake, .and,the two frigates following, got under weigh and ‘the day after popped anchor off the city of Mobile, Shortly after the anchors had been let fall, Noel Moncrief was conveyed on board the Flying Yan- kee at his urgent request, for he was not as serious- ly wounded as all had at first supposed, and reclin- ing upon silken cushions in his luxurious cabin, at- tend by the faithful lieutenant and his warm friend, Westley North, the boatswain, the young commander was awaiting the coming of visitors, for Commodore Cutting had sent him word that he would come to see , bri with him those whom the wounded officer would dearly love to see. “The commodore’s barge is ap , sir, and I recognize in the stern-sheets Captain Ainslie and Lieutenant Bernard,” said West, as he gazed from the stern port. “Thank God they escaped from the brig!’’ mur- mured Noel. “Yes, sir, they were rescued by the boats of the clipper ship; but here they come,”’ announced the faithful boatswain, Need I dwell upon the meeting between father and son—the meeting between Noel and Eve Eldred—the warm greeting of the wounded hero from Commo- dore Cutting, Alden Ainslie and Calvin Bernard—the surprised and delighted welcome of Don Guido and the lovely Violeta? No, kind reader, let me draw a vail over that scene of joy, and hasten on to a denouement of strange and startling interest, that took place there in that cabin, when Don Guido and Lieutenant Muriel met face to face. Years agone ey had well known each other; ay, more—Don Muriel, the father of the young lieu- tenant, had fallen in a duello with, and by the hand of, Don Octavio; and yet, when their children grew to man’s and woman's estate, Hernando and Violeta dared to love each other, and for such crime, as the son of Don Octavio and brother of Violeta called it, Muriel was challenged by the young Octavio, who determined to make him answer with his life for daring to love his sister, Muriel possessed a noble nature, and knowing that his father had been wrong in the duel that. had cost him his life, he was willing to forgive and forget, es- pecially when the beauteous Violeta was the object se idolatry, and he fain woukl have spared her rother. But, unlike his father, a reckless, dissipated man, governed wholly by his evil passions, the young Oc- tavio determined to be satisfied only with the life of his supposed enemy, and had dared him to meet him, ta met; Muriel slew the brother of Violeta, and, realizing fully his banishment from her presence, he fled from his native land, to become leagued with a band of buccaneers, until the offer of Noel Moncrief made him an officer, fighting beneath the Mexican membering well the circumstances that caused Muriel to fly from his native land, both Don Octavio Guido and Violeta were yet of a most forgiving na- ture; they readily forgot the past, thought only of the noble qualities of the young man, and received him once more into their affections. Through the instrumentality of Commodore Cut- | ting, a pardon was readily obtained for Noel, for the crime of slaying his superior officer, and also for Westley North, in consideration of the valuable ser- vices he had rendered to the government and coun- try of the United States. aving recovered from his wound, Noel once in assumed command, with the rank of captain of the Flying Yankee, which, with her old officers and crew upon her decks, spread her white wings and flew away in search of new dangers, until the close of hostilities between the United States and England caused her sharp prow to_be turned homeward where Noel Moncrief and Muriel Mendez, the re name of the young Spaniard, found a warm welcome awaiting them from Eve and Violeta, whom shortly after, they led to the altar, to be irrevocably bound together in the holy bonds of matrimony. s for the Flying Yankee, she became a pleasure ely Noel having converted her to such, appointing estly North her commander, and her severest du- ties consisted in carrying the young officer, with his beautiful wife and Colonel Moncrief, to Cuba, to pass a part of the cold winters at the nificent. planta- tion home of Don Muriel Mendez and Violeta, while, at the commencement of the warm summer gays, | the fleet craft would have as passengers, northwa: bound, her former lieutenant, his Cuban bride, and Don Octavio. Then in the old baronial halls of Moncrief Manor were wont to gather merry parties, among whom, outside the family circle, were recognizable Commo- | dore Cutting, Alden Ainslie, and Calvin Bernard, all of whom rejoiced in the happiness of their old ship- mate. One other was there also, who was wont, once a year, to visit Moncrief Mansion and pass a few days—a mild-faced man, upon whom the seal of sorrow had fallen with hea d, chastening and subduing the fiery heart within. t man was Clarence Moncrief, wea the robes of a Catholic priest, who, having banished him- self from the world, and forgiven his brother with true Christian spirit, had devoted himself to a life of toil and privation, his greatest joy be his yearly visit to the home of his boyhood, where he was wont to pass the r part of histimein rambling amid the forest trees, with the children of Noel and Eve his constant companions. THE END. BEADLE'S HALF-DIME LIBRARY. 1—DEADWOOD DICK. By Edward L. Wheeler. 2—YELLOWSTONE JACK. 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