Beadle's New York Dime Library (no. 1030) (1899 11)
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\ | \ — ENTERED As Seconp CLass MaTrserR AT THE New York, N. Y., Post Orrice. Published Every ’ Month,’ Ho, 1090. The Greole Cousins; OR, FALSH AS FATE. A Romance of the Tropics. BY PHILIP 8S.. WARNE, CHAPTER I. THE BEAUTIFUL PRISONER, The time, a midsummer afternoon. | The scene, a harbor at Havana, In the foreground, sige on the waves, a skiff with two occupants, officers of the Ameri- can corvette, Avalanche, ee repairs af- ter arude buffeting by a tropical storm; first, Lieutenant Hazeltine, a young man, for so re- nsible a position, tall, erect }and,, broad- ouldered, chivalrous to ‘impulsiveness and true as steel; second, Ned Taunton:_a merry ———— Sede ye M, J. KVERS & CO., Publishers, (JAMES SULLIVAN, PropRictor), 379 Pearl Street, New York. midshipman, just at that period of adolescence when his greatest solicitude was the tardy de- velopment of a downy mustache. In the background: right, the Spanish town, with its strange-luoking, flat-roofed houses— left, Nature in all her tropical loveliness—cen- ter, a gloomy stone structure against whose base the waves beat ceaselessly. ‘*The convent of St. Celestine?” pursued Mid- shipman Taunton, a the grim building we have indicated. ‘‘There are only three dead-lights in all the broad side of the old hulk. The old barn looks like a prison.” **Reverently, Ned!” cautioned his friend, with mock awe. ‘‘A distinction without a dif- ference, There aro a great many prisoners in that old pile, too pretty to be buried alive, when so many of us a fellows would give a month’s pay for a smile from their rosy lips.” “Lal the gallant luff is getting spoony!” laughed Taunton, ‘ But what is that at yon- der window? Hurrah! it’s one of the fair pris- oners!—and I claim her by right of discovery!” WY. > = i tes —— November, 1899. Vol. LXXK. ———————— 10 Cents a Copy. $1.00 a Year. “Age before beauty, Ned,” objected his friend, directing a glass somewhat eagerly to- ward the convent. ‘She has a pensive air. She is leaning her elbow on the window-ledge, with her cheek in her palm.” ‘*Pensive is she? That’s the proper thing. All prisoners look pensively out over the se don’t they? She’s sighing for liberty and al that sort of thing. Give me another squint, old fellow, and I'll write her down for you from keel to pennant. Didn’t know I was a connois- seur in the sex? No? Well, modesty prevents me from affirming the fact, though it is well known to all my friends. Meanwhile, lest you look the unfortunate one out of countenance, Tl take my trick at the glass, if you please!” Lieutenant Hazeltine yielded the instrument rather reluctantly to his chattering friend. **By old Nep and all his nymphs!” cried the a “she's weeping!” ‘No! ; “See, now that the light falls full upon her ace, “ COUSLY NINA, I CAN'T CEASE WONDERING AT THE STRANGE ROMANCE IN YOUR LIFE,”
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And again the glass changed hands. “Tauiiton you're Sant? admitted Hazel-. tine. He gazed earnestly at each lineament of the irl’s délicate beauty, and his changing color a that he was moved by no ordinary emo- ons. , Tauntou, on the other hand, continued in the spi of banter: auty in tears! Can gallant. tars stand | alovf? Rouse, ye sluggards! Pull to therescue! | Fick her up lively, lads! Lay alongside the old | tub, Ring grappling rons ‘board her and sweep | her decks} Avast, ye lubbers! Strike your | flag—a petticoat, in this instance!—or we'll | blow 735 out of water!” And seizing the sculls, the ratile-brain was about to pull toward the convent, as if fora prize-sbip. - ‘Not so precipitately, Ned,” interposed his friend, more gravely than was his wont, “ Let us get a nearer view; butif we row straight for the convent—and espeeially in that fashion —we may frighten her away fromthe window.” | Approaching the shore diagonally, until they came perhaps within a hundred feet of it, some distancs above the convent, our friends then changed their course so as to row by the build- ing, assuming a careless air, yet keeping an eye on the window at which the object of their n- terest stillsat, .. : She was in the simple dress of.a novice; yet the rndest disguise could not hide her exquisite beauty, enbanced—at least for masculine eyes— | by her evident distress. As the naval officers came nearly opposite, | the girl started, hastily brushed the tears away, and shrust her head forward, fixing her large, | liquid eyes on Lieutenant Hazeltine with an ex- / pression of strong, eager admiration, which | soon changed to a look of piteous appeal, while | she clasped her hands, and her nether lip trem- | bled perceptibly. f Chivalrous by nature, and of a profession | whose eras is proverbial, the piteous | glances bent upon him went straight o the young lieutenant’s heart. In that moment he | was ready to brave all the world, if need be, | for this woman in distress. His eyes told her | this, as he half-raised his hat to her. A glad smile of éager, tremulous hope broke over her countenance, and fluttering a hand- kerchief, she disappeared from the window, . ““Sweet Cupid! Here’s an adventure. She’s signaling to us. Eh!—our fairy has vanished into thin air!” cried Taunton, under his breath. “‘ Messmate, that’s a place of enchant—” But here he turned and caught sight of Harry Hazeltine’s flushed face. “Whew!” he ejaculated, his surprise finding vent in a prolonged whistle, “Shiver my starry top-lights, if the gallant luff isn’t hit hard be- tween wind and water!” “Belay, there, on your red rag!” protested | Hazeltine, coloring still more deeply. ‘‘ Don’t attract attention. She wants to communicate with us. Look over the side, as I do, as an ex- cuse for our stopping.” Half-smiling and half-earnest, Midshipman Taunton did as requested; and the two, to all sppesraleata benim interested in something at the bottom of the bay, while their skiff remain- ed motionless. = ‘ ; A moment later something white fluttered | through the air and alighted on the water near the base of the convent. A fow strokes sent the skiff close under the building, and the missive—for such it proved to ah. gy picked up by the lieutenant’s eager ands. ty CA It was traced in pencil on what was perhaps the fly-leaf of a prayer-book. The chirography was @ tely dainty, as might be expected from so fair a scribe. It read: “Sevyors AMERICANOS; “I'he most wretched of unfortunates pomp 1 are brave; you are gates j ’ 1 Yor ings for the women of your a deaf ear to one more , $0 young, from them forever, | country. Canyou helpless beyoun Alas! free air and sunshine, am cut : } unless you compassionate my pitiable condition | and help im ou me toe . The of a cruel parent who, to satisfy hi § pride, would have linked ond yours tte et : I fi - age, I fled to the _— | tection oe ae iar youth tales went when | mab ° en | the wide, free world is all's so beautiful and go full of happiness? 1 can write no more. tes dare all” heart is break- ‘If you are brave enoug hb help me—and oh! you pes ‘appurtenances too numerous to mention. can’t run her off to our castle, and bid defiance | to all comers, since the only castle we have ac- | suitable place for a lady, as rat ere with mock disdain. who love the © + | Ocean outlaws—the corvette | civilized humanity nefarious traffic in LE —— Es egies poesia THE CREOLE COUSINS. es “Oh! though you are strangers to me, I pray that said the captain of the slaver, anxiously, “The your hearts may be moved; and the blessed Virgin corvette dare not attempt the pass, atk it will will surely smile on you. MeEntToza.”’ give us five hours’ start.” . On reading this appeal Lieutenant Hazeltine grew pale with rage; and it must be confessed that he inveighed aT against an institution of which he really knew nothing except from popular rumor. The merry midshipman, on the other hand, looked upon the situation less seriously. “Tm a fish,” he cried, ‘if this ain’t the reatestlark! It takes me back to the Arabian ights and Jack the Giant-Killer. Here’s the donyon, and the Princess in duress vile, guarded by an ecclesiastical dragon, But how the deuce _are we to help the matter? That’s what lays me by the heels.” “ How?” repeated the lieutenant, with energy. “Why, she herself has pointed. the way. By snatching her from the infernal grasp of this—” “Softly, my boy! This is the nineteenth century, remember—an age of detectives, and search-warrants, and other ‘inconvenient — 6 cess to is the forecastle of the Avalanche—not a you will—” ‘Ned, stop chaffing, do! If you are afraid to join me—” : “ Afraid! I scorn the imputation!” cried the ** To be sure, we will in all probability be caught and shot, without judge or jury, by the outraged authori- ties. A mere bagatelle, however, hardly worthy of consideration, where duty or beauty calls. But here is a practical her on our hands, what the dickens shall we do with her?” ‘¢ Tt will be time enough to think of that when we have her outside of these walls!” ‘‘Hal,” observed the midshipman, looking with a half smile into his comrade’s excited face ‘vou have got it bad, and no mistake.” “ Admitting that, if you will have it so,” said the other, with a touch of asperity, ‘‘ are you or are you not with me in this adventure?— for I am determined to attempt this lady’s es- cape!’ al,” said Taunton, with sudden serious- ness, ‘‘ you. know me. { never flunked in my | life! Ifyou are shot for sacrilege, demme! I’ be shot too!” They clasped hands on it, as men are wont to renew the covenants of friendship. : “Ned,” said his friend, ‘“‘ we have no time to lose. Go on board and smuggle away a suit of your clothes. I think they are small enough to fit Donna Inez. ) place to take her to. Rendezvous here at mid- night, The moon goes down a little after one. aye prs that vampire shall be robbed of prey Immediately they had rowed away from the convent. They were now arrived at their landing-place. Once more clasping hands, they parted compa! ; upon reading Donna Inez’s note On pany. At midnight they were again together, Hage - tine in the meantime having provided himself Meanwhile I will look up a. _ The Gut was reached at last, and it seemed as” if the smaller craft Pere going bows on to the breakers, where the 8ea was c to foam by the jagged reef, But, though tossed about like a cockle-shell, the sport of the surging waters, she sped on un- harmed, until she entered a tortuous charine? ‘between two islands, so nerrow that the palms that overhung the water on either hand left scarce room for, her spreading canvas, and through which the water coursed like the rapids of some river. Beyond the islands the slaver emerged into: comparatively smooth water, safe at last from her pursuer, though her rigging now hung in tatters, and her huil had received some unsight- ly rents. Before tempting the winds and waves. of the broad Atlantic repairs were sadly needed ;. and the brig was brought to anchor im a little psd shut in by a group of -palm-embowered. 1816 One day Capt. Gaskill was ‘‘stretching his legs on shore ” in company with his mate, when on the further side of one of the islands he dis- | covered a canoe drawn up on the beach, and at nestion: when we get | a little distance three human beings who proved to be natives of the Antilles. Two—a man and & woman—were as ‘little at- tractive as savages are apt to be;. but. the third. —perhaps their daughter—a maiden of scarce twelve or thirteen years of age, yet with the premature development of tbe tropics,.was a picture to warm the heart ofan anchorite, Her petite figure was perfect in its symmetry; its budding charms set off rather than concealed . by the short-skirted tunic of white cloth which. ! low her waist. was the only garment she wore. .In marked contrast, her long black hair fell unconfined be- In_ her olive cheeks was the ruddy hue of health, the exquisite mantling of | the hot tropical bloed that.coursed. through her ; Veins. Her delicately-molded face was lighted. by flashing black eyes and small white teeth, | that showed when her full ripe lips parted in a. ' i 1 | | | : l with a long ripe . The moon had sunk below the horizon; the — silence of the grave re around; the s rested motionless on the water beneath the con- vent wall! ¥: CHAPTER II, min SLAVER. ‘Tam scene was as beautiful as the eye need wish to rest peeve Caribbean Sea with its foam-capped billows running high, and borne on its bosom two noble ships under full spread of canvas. y a puff of white smoke rising om the deck of the corvette, far astern of the g, marred the —_ by its suggestion of hostile passions and bloodshed, : : But on a nearer view the deck of the Black Swan presented a spectacle well calculated to fill the beholder with misgivings and repul- sion, e In her mottled crew, more than an honest ship’s complement, every nation of Europe seemed represented, and that, too, by its worst types. No pirate’s hell-dogs were of more for- bidding aspect. But, devils as they were, not a man but A agua before the ue of Capt. Gas- kill’s wolfish eyes and the livid set of bis im- placable face, am The Black Swan was a slaver—her crew were was the hand of stretched forth to crush a buman life and human hap- “Our only hope is the Little Gut channel.” Cc | smile, or as now, in surprise. On this embediment of innocence and beauty. fresh from the hand of bounteous nature, fel the evil eyes of the slaver captain, with a gloat- ing expression of reckless covetousness that needed no interpreter. ‘By the Eternal!” cried the heartless ruffian, stopping dead still with astonishment and admi- ration—‘‘a Venus in bronze! edrick, that: girl shall be queen of the Black Swan! I swear it! nore The older woman was heard to utter a few chattering words, to. which the man responded in guttural tones, Then the three Indians set off at a run for their canoe. ‘“ Head them off!” cried Capt. Gaskill. “By all the furies they shall not escape!” as and mate ran at the fopof theirspeed. to intercept the fugitives, and being nearer the: canoe, they were successful. Seeing this hope cut off, the Indian women unhesitatingly plunged into the water to swim. The man stopped at the water’s edge to cover their flight, resolutely opposing Capt. Gaskill with a cudgel. ¥ : The slave captain was in no mood to brook resistance. . Drawing a pistol, he ruthlessly shot the islander, and leaping over his failen body, plunged into the water after the object of his desires. — The pursuer was no mean swimmer; -but these amphibious dwellers in the midst of the sea are equally athome on Jand, or in the water, and the huntsman was no match for his agile quarry. —- 7 She was fast increasing the distance between. them, when he cried to his mate: ¥ “The canoe! the canoe! Perdition seize the little imp! V’ma Dutch lugs er to her. Quick! - or she'll leave us in the lurch, as it is.” The mate pushed off the canoe, sprung in, and. began to ply the paddle, a little awkwardly, yet with sufficient to outstrip the most ex- pert swimmer, ; “‘Hurrah! Now you have her!” cried the simone ng og tain, as his subordinate urged his iar a | the very side.of the fugitive ai 5 : But, even as the mate drop his paddle and extended his hand to clute Pet tog dove be- neath the water, and swam away like an otter. After her! eee ee over her! She's got to come up for air!” shouted the captain. And resuming his paddle, the mate did as di- Terror kept oo beneath the water until she was nearly ocated, and spurred her tt.
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‘ t ; oT it > some THE CREOLE COUSINS. 3 frantic efforts to outstrip the canoe; but strug- gle as she might, it was ever just at hand. Witir the last remnant of her flagging strength the poor creature resorted to strategy. Turning suddenly, she came up under the ca- noe and made an effort to overturn it. If she could but throw the man into the water, she might easily escape him. She succeeded in capsizing the crank craft. But the mate divined her purpose, calculated the point at which she would come up, leaped into the air as the canoe went over, and de- scending at her very side just as her head emerged from the water, clutched her long hair in his iron gripe. Finding herself a prisoner, the girl uttered shrill criesof dismay, and attacked her captor with a fury for which he was ill-prepared, In this swe was aided by her mother, who swam to the rescue of her offspring. With a fair field, in oper water, and free from interruption, these women might eventually have drowned their enemry—a fate well deserved —their skill more than balancing his superior strength. But, clutching the canoe with one hand, the mate managed to keep his head above waiter a part of t«e time, while he clung to the thick hair with a gripe which her wildest exertion of strength could not relax. Yet, with this advantage, he was fain to ys For God’s sake, hurry! or these she-devils | will drown me!” “Wang on! hang on!” shouted the captain, who was swimming to the scene of conflict with all his might. ‘‘One moment, and I will be with you! Here I am! Now, by the seven devils, T’ve got the fairest prize in the Antilles!” Relieved of his captive, the mate turned on the mother with an oath, but uttering a terrible ery of maternal anguish, the poor creature dart- ed away beyond his reach, where she sustained herself, loth to leave her child, though she could render her no further assistance. The girl ceased to struggle. Fixing her ter- ror-distended eyes on the face of her brutal captor, she rested in his arms, panting. — j loating on her beauty, while he regained his breath, he alternately felicitated himself and praised the zeal of his coadjutor. Clinging to the canoe, they swam ashore, the mother following at a little distance. On the beach the wretched father lay, breath- ing heavily, with the blood welling from his ed breast. His eyes, fast. glazing in death, turned toward his helpless child and her cap- tors. The terrible anguish in his face showed that the heart of love beats as warmly in the savage as the civilized breast. The maiden extended her arms toward him with a ery which in her native tongue may bave been the name of father; but she was borne hastily away, never to see him again, Still the mother followed, until captors and captive had crossed the island, entered the jolly- boat, rowed to the vessel, and been taken aboard.. While her child was thus torn from her, the mother crouched on the beach, like al in her voiceless, tearless grief, Though many eyes witnessed this infamous ou , not one chivalrous emotion was awak- ened the breasts of the abandoned crew. Those who did not look on in stolid indifference attested their utter baseness by a smile of deri- sion, or a heartless jest. —_ Into his cabin the captain bore his prize; and, the repairs now being completed, the anchor was weighed and the snow-white sails let fall. the shore crouched the figure of a woman, who watched the ship until it sunk down under the horizon. Then she rose, crossed the island, and sat down beside a stark, still body, stretch- ed supine on the beach, its glassy eyes turned heavenward, as if appealing there for venge- ance. The widowed and child-bereaved uttered no moan, let ‘fall no tears, but, with her mantle thrown over her h sat motionless, the pic- ture of inconsolable grief. ; Night came, and with it the fury of a tropi- cal tempest. The rain beat upon the. bowed head; the winds plucked at the enveloping man- tle; the angry billows surged high on the bseab. She rose, dragged her dead beyond their reach and crouched over it as silent as before. The terrible night passed, and the invisible sun reached the meridian, giving just light enough to reveal the awful grandeur of the bat- tling elements. Then on the tossing waters appeared a canoe, and in it a youth, standing erect and peering anxiously through the gloom, while he plied a paddle with inimitable skill, avoiding the top- pling wave-crests that threatened at every mo- aon to swamp his frail bark. His keen black eye caught sight of two mo- tionless objects on the beach, and a ery of blended exuitation and despair his lips. With giant strokes he forced his canoe on the crest of.a wave which bore him toward the shore with race-horse speed. Asit broke with a booming roar on the shingle the canoe was filled with water; but its agile navigator leaped | out, caught its prow, and held it against the re- ceding wave. With a skillful turn he tipped the water out, so that the next wave bore his | boat and him high up on the beach. A moment, and he was beside the figures which the storm could not rouse, his hand on the woman’s shoulder, his voice calling to her; his eyes, filled with horror by the ghastly dead, seeking explanation of the living. The story was soon told, Then, knesling beside the dead, the youth swore a terrible oath of vengeance, and sealed it with a kiss on his dagger-hilt, Meanwhile the Black Swan sailed on; but in her cabin was a r creature who neither ate nor slept. If any one touched her, she seemed to shrink within herself, and, quivering in every nerve, gazed at them dumbly, with eyes whose abjeet terror thrilled even the heart of the slaver captain, Almost since her coming on board a terrific | storm had raged. The superstitious crew began to shake their heads and mutter together with ominous frowns: They believed that the Indian girl and her people had wrought a spell for the destruction of the vessel. In vain the captain swore. The very help- lessness of his victim baffled him, And, at last, disgusted with his bootless victory, and perhaps fearful of mutiny, he said to his mate: ** Well, I’m tired of the infernal little fool! As soon as the blow is over I'll put her in an open boat and set her adrift. You may let the | crew know it indirectly—not as a concession to them, but as my own motion.” The crew were well pleased, and took the abatement of the storm, which soon followed, | as the result of the captain’s resolve. Then, when the sea was calm enough so that Yd stumble over his gouty foot, and tickle his bald head with a.feather when he fell asleep— I’d take the glasses out of his spectacles and put pepper in his snuff—I'd trick him out like a gay | young gallant, so that everybody would laugh, and promenade him up and down in tight boots | until he could hardly stand for pain; then I | would insistupon his being my cavalier, until | every joint was rheumatic, and ‘he had to be lifted from the saddle. Ina week my old beau | would have anew ache at the mere sight of me; in two he would commit suicide, or fly the island!” And again her merry Jaugh rung forth. ‘But, Nina,” she pursued, more soberly, “you should not have doubted us. See how papa’ influence has freed you.” “T owe Don Alfonso a debt of gratitude I can never pay,” said Nina, with apparent feeling. ‘* Nonsense! Your own mother’s brother? It is the same as if he had acted forme, Instead of vegetating in that fisherman’s cot for a year, 8 might have been happy with us, all along. io mio! how wearisome it must have been for | one loving luxury as you do!” **-You are all too kind—” And Nina ended by putting her lace handker- chief to her eyes, as if much affected. ‘There, have I made you weep, my poor sis- ter?’ cried Paola, immediately on her feet and- ready with a caress. “Do not mind my weakness, cousin Paola,” said Nina, with seeming grateful affection. The roll of a carriage interrupted these sister- ly interchanges of love. “You are decided not to accompany us on our little excursion?” asked Paola. | “Yes; between my book and a bath I shall | manage to dispose of the afternoon.” “You coquette! you are husbanding your re- sources for the evening!” laughed Paola, teas- ingly. _‘‘ Well, adios!’ nd like a ray of sunshine she was gone, bear- | ing her floral treasures in her arms. Now a change came over the languid beauty. Her eyes flashed with sufficient animation, as she glanced after ber departing cousin, The a boat could live, a human being was abandoned | musclesa moment ago lax were now tense to the tender mercies of nature—not less kindly, as | she sat upright in the hammock, dropping her surely, than the man whose heart was turned to | feet to the ground. ne, And as the night settled down over the waste of waters the ship sailed on, leaving the boat to rock on the waves, drifting whither the winds listed, and for the first. time the captive—cap- tive ne longer—slept. CHAPTER III, THE CREOLE COUSINS... Imacrne, if you please, a trellis-work arbor, overgrown with a grape-vine, loaded. with bunches of luscious fruit, within easy reach of the hand. Beneath it a silken hammock, and reclining therein as languidly-graceful a beauty as ever pted the brush of Oriental painter. Her sloe-black eyes, her red lips, her molded arm, her daintily-slippered foot, her soft dra- pery, the scarlet shawl hanging from the ham- mock in such exquisite harmony with her bru- nette beauty— But the pen falters. Word- pictures are always tame. Languidly she watched the occupation of a girl of not more than twelve years of age, who, seated on a tiger-skin with her lap full of flow- ers, was weaving a chaplet. The beauty of the girl was striking by reason of its contrasts. Her blonde hair and fair com- lexion she owed to her Saxon mother; but her ark eyes, her vividly-scarlet lips, the molding of feature and premature development of figure showed that tropical blood mingled with the | colder current of the North. ‘* Cousin Nina,” she said, looking up from her work; and the animation of her face was in marked contrast with the dreamy lassitude ‘of the other—‘‘ cousin Nina, I can’t cease.wonder- ing at_the strange romance in your life, It is so odd to have you back among us, after we have believed you dead for solong. Just think! —a whole year almost within stone-throw, and we knew nothing about you!” ‘“‘There is but one thing more tiresome than trying to forecast the future, and that is dwell- ing on the t!” yawned thelanguid beauty. Paola, I should think your unremitted en- thusiasm would keep you unpleasantly warm.” ‘*Ha! hal” neha: the little miss. ‘ Coz, you're too lazy to fan yourself! I wonder that you ever mustered the energy to run away from your old lover: How romantic to havea rich old Don making eyes at you. Ha! ha! ha!”— and her augh rung out like a chime of silver bells.’ ‘‘ Wouldn’t I tease the old gra beard! I wouldn’t run away from him—not ii ‘¢ Little fool!” was her soliloquy, “I hate her ) for her baby innocence and sweetness! There is no blot on her past, no shadow of doubt over- ) hanging her future. She hae no thought nor care beyond the little pains am pleasures of the present! ‘** Ah! I was once like her!” And the woman threw herself back in the hammock, pressing her hands over her eyes, while she struggled with a throe of emotion. “Now I am fierce and vindictive, defiant of Fate, and envious of those less wretched than I. Her very lightness of heart fills me with savage resentment. Bah! why should I be singled out for a wrong that caunot be repaired? I hate tte ioe “ape al mee ee 7 ‘Without laying myse open a charge ef unwarrantable remy may I hask ’oom it is you ’ate so bitterly, my lady?’ In the speaker’s ‘voice was a strange blendin of meormggis 4 and familiarity, of deprecation an menace, of politeness and sarcasm. The lady had heard no warning footstep, and the words which passion had goaded her into uttering.aloud had fallen upon the ears of one whom she was far from loving or trusting; yet with her imperturbable self-control she did not start. Removing ber hand from her eyes, she said: “T dislike a spy.” The choice of words was in keep with her languid tone, It was as if she were listless to entertain an agent 8 stronger than dislike. With seeming perfect indifference her eyes condescended to rest upon a man of the English e was of full habit and florid ay epee with a scant crop of hair growing over his ears and at the base of his skull, leaving the crown of his head bald. Wiry, sandy whiskers grew in a line scarcely more than an inch wide from the temples to the base of the jaw; cheeks, chin, upper lip and throat being clean shaven. He was dressed in a “—_ which showed the in- fluence of ie « ge irth and breeding, and mopped his d poll, face and neck with a flaming red bandanna hankkerchief. He bowed and smiled, as he replied: © Perhaps you are more haccurate than com- limentary in your designation of me, my lady. ut if spies are ’ated, they may halso sometimes be feared!” ‘Indeed?’ cried. the lady,’ with the formal politeness with which one treats a bore.
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4 THE CREOLE COUSINS, ——— “Yes! Pve found you hout™ He was the Spanish Don’s valet. « “Ah!” . “Senor Wetherby, Don Alfonso awaits you “* Hif I must speak plainer, ’'ve hascertained in the library,” he said; and ‘his words and ac- . were amd ’ow you spent your year of—let me cent showed cultivation. Ba et, pte tm ? rr |. Bowing deferentially he made way: and, pur- [he Englishman was triumphant, exultant. ple in the face, James Wetherby preceded him The woman was outwardly unmoved. Only | toward the house. % hand hidden away in the folds of her dress | “‘ The train is fired!” cried the woman, fierce- eager smile she turned to the Tundle. of clothes so unlike what she was accustomed to. With suppressed laughter at her awkward at- ‘tempts to adjust the several garments to her person, she made the exchange, and stood forth a youth whose beauty of face alone would have exposed the imposture. hen she drew the rope through the staple, and scarlet with embarrassment, yet withal dis- posed to laugh at the sorr awaited the coming of the g Hand over hand, in true sailor-fashion, he as cended the rope, and presently stood within the chamber breathless, not with exertion, but at ees oc <4 a om , rar! SRS a eae Sas f ~— wis figure she cut, the vision of loveliness that met his view. With her shoulders drawn forward, and her | hands clasped befor. her breast, ia an attitude — “+ zlutched the fabric spasmodically, ily. ‘* Now, if he has courage equal to his vil- “‘ Pleasant information!” she said indifferent- | lainy!” fy, to all seeming. : Suddenly covering her face with her hands, * Valuable hinformation, my ras of she sunk back. ¥or the first time the lady took the trouble to * Ah! the arch fiend has taken possession of , retort: ‘ me! Ever since that hour! We never know | “Accept my congratulations that you have | what is in our natures until they are put to tho | something about you not worthless.” | test. Bah! Idid not make myself. IamasI | The sneer lay ail in her words. There wasno |am! I rest in tho hands of Fate!” trace of emotion in her tone. After a fow moments she arose and proceeded | of shrinking timidity—with her red lips apart, Angrily the Englishman retorted: with all hor affected languor to the house. | and her eyes gazing upon him in a searchin, ris “Ave a care, my lady! You carry yourself | Before the library door she stopped to listen, | scrutiny, she stood, ‘with a mighty figh ead; but it’s Incky for you | From the room came a cry of dismay and a | that, the hinformation fell into ’ands so discreet oan of mortal anguish. ‘as mine,” ‘““There’s devil’s work within. Perhaps it “ Discreet? That means that you would ac- | will be the better for a witness,” muttered the eept a bribe?” woman, and threw open the door. ‘T’d scorn .a bribe!” On the threshold she stood like a beautiful @ consideration.” ; and swaying, she fell forward in a swoon. cane wrong. I ain’t hafter ’ush money, at all. “a / “* 4 rose by any other name,’ Let us call it fiend; but the spectacle within froze her blood, | | CHAPTER IV. LOVE BLIND. “Ah! I thought so!” shipman of the corvette Avalanche waited be- ) “But I ain’t no blackmailer, All I say is, | neath the convent wall. “1Ands of? You wink at me, and I'll win at ou.” “You're in the Lemme of a lady. Reserve | Hal Hazeltine clasped his arm to enjoin si- : syour slang for fellows of your own stamp.” lence. ‘* You know w’at I mean. You've come "ere, Presently a faint tinkling sound reached their a hinterloper,so to speak; and in two weeks’ | ears. time you’ve wormed your way into Don Hal-| ‘There it comes!” whispered the middy. neha for an instant. Then, advancing with ands extended, and her beauti lighted by a smile of perfect trust and eager tude, she cried: ‘Salvador mio! how can I thank you?” With the words she sunk upon her knees at his feet, and pressed his hand to her lips, before he was aware of her purpose. In painful embarrassment, yet thrilled by a sense of ecstasy that he had never before ex- Ag perienced, Lieutenant Hazeltine raised the beau- “ Well, ’m hopen to terms.” * In profound silence the lieutenant and mid- | tiful woman. “Tt is more fitting that I should kneel to you,” “Can she have failed to discover us?” whis- | an pered the latter, with the impatience of youth, | this. And he thrust a sheet of paper into her hands. On it was traced: se to make it appear that you have e by diverting the That my voice in dictation migh be- resence to any chance : of danger. Let us lose no time, fonso’s good books. You’yecome between me| “Hush!” breathed Hazeltine, and his heart | pene 25 | w and’im. I know it, and you know it. You | stood still, could e me a dirty trick, if the ’umor seized | The sound slowly drew nearer, descending | ‘you. But now I’ve got a ringin your nose; ii’ll | the wall. “Be stand you in ’and to be frie rather than; Lieutenant Hazeltine stretched forth his hand | en what I wish you. It is as follows:— Appended was such a letter as micht be writ- a desperate girlin Donna Inez’s situation g leave of the world, with which, how- ever, we need not tax the reader. Having copied it, as directed, the beautiful to Lieutenant Hazeliine. ‘‘ Salvador mio, I attend your pleasure,” she I shall have to lift you in my you to copy and leave behind ; \ rf 7 ‘ rn CULO ea oe ee ” said the lieutenant, flushing in spite of at trust self ou as to a brother,” henemies.” b ‘ in the darkness, directed only by the sense of | “Oh, I am not afraid that you will betray hearing, until he felt a little charm-bell drop , anything you may know.” into his palm. The cold metal thrilled him like | a} ”y a Tali 5 a ng gna c compe EA ‘ count on your lo y. (3) e two 3 on the which | “To yout Taon't owe you nothink.” the bell was attached, and its further d t et? ‘Your loyalty to self is the only thing I place | was arrested. A wh, any reliance in, However, I shall now perhaps | Hastily he fastened to tho thread a piece of | bi ms, place you somewhat under obligations tome.” | paper and the end of a piece of twine, and sig- | ‘Ow, pray?’ ed again by two tugs. thed th nw 4 1 with y “First by a warning. Your rascality has| The missive, drawn upward, disappeared in brea © gir Me been discovered.” the darkness. The uncoiling twine, showed . The languid lady laid no stress on this start- | when it reachéd the hand of the lady above. announcement, Wi.h rapidly-beating heart and trembling @ man was struck breathless, hands Inez Mentoza carried Fo ~ to a taper +) Mi pe which burned faintly in her read: « Beactly. n Alfonso has sent a messenger “Farm Lap: 6 ’ —— that brought the A trust as sacred as it is precious to me, I ng her, he sat heron the window | and placed himself besido her. From his 4 in front, depended a loop of r | length of which he had ‘calcula ture. 3 ‘Put your feet in this loop and your arms to look you up. He may find you here atany| «your ap has Bot gone-forth-in-vain, One TE Godt ruined ay hg a our service aw: 0) ow. i6) - : bd. When you go into his presence this altersa- arranged for voor. escape from your detestable ®bout my neck,” he whispered. ‘* You can thus tive will be placed before you:—a prison-cell imprisonmeut. Draw up and hain ‘ueRce find attached a rope and a bundle of clothes, the - os or aftt honor in It is imperative that you don these unaccustomed , makin: eyes halternativo?’ garments, that Jour identity may be the more suc- Pa the latter halternative cessf ost. en you havemade this change in ‘You will have a chance to sell yourself to | your attire, draw the rope through the staple which The man stared in t at thie woman | Rand A moment lator willbe with you.” ‘Then e man amazement a woman | han mome r e ou, ent | spoke halant case soci defy the world to take you from me before my hand scend. Bae with the nono ° of ety is relnaed in death! ts Tion’t catch your drift,” he said. “T need not admonish you to make haste with caution. I await your al with mpeg | heart. “If Don Alfonso lives an hour longer, you | May God requite me as I guard the sacred trust of Harry twine, to whi easily sustain your whole weight, which is ne- andie of cacthes, “ceuete will both-be employed in as directed, and he thrilled with de- light at the clasp of her arms, and her warm cessary, as my hands vanes Sade Net Ae LS Akos + ee “. ¥ | breath on his check. i clear of the window-ledge, he de- apidly to the boat, and then drew the _ rope through the staple, so that there was no trace of Donna Inez’s mode of escape. Silently the boat glided away, bearing hearts z with more than one emotion. nicated the rest of his **T have a place ts of a former mai of ation will aA gd pines If = cons one hour hence, | your life and honor! Hazeuring.” Shame ank parc are FE member aa sole) « An! he is as gallant as he is handsome!” plans to his fair charge, when she inte “Ow di know?” breathed the woman, her cheeks flushed and | « It is tact. ” her eyes sparkling. ‘‘Such as he would not with the “But rs oun this?” have shamed the knights of chivalry. Notlike They ars fishers, and live in great sech . He must, die.” : a Bah! perish the thought of | the shore of the sea, not many miles from Bat: Son awe doesen ted tats past.” At the end of this brief soliloquy the beauti- a “We can then get horses, and place you in oot Hal. At this Ghanee theeas the tarned ghastly ful face of the woman underwent a marked safety, to-night,” le: change. Its sweetmess of expression gave place “Wat do you know of my life?” ho asked, toa frown of bitter aversion, which chased the | ‘tre:n:tlously. the vivacious flash of her eyes into a vindictive oon Ee score eas Hae ele be changa vet © bral ela If he and Don Alfonso are slain in the same DA0sit She was Sait Yr porimat same bein ou can swear that in resentment for ; 8. : pusnenent the slave killed the master, and =o |. As quickly another change took plsce: | /With _. syou visited swift vengeance upon him. —you have your cue. Hush?’ At this point a mutatto appeared at the door of the arbor. He had an intelligent face, and e but few traces of his African admixture of | ips, crying, as if in apo : rehy ef that lood. His bearing was a strange blending of | }”” : pride and humility, and in his. eyes appeared a — egy = dee of qoretuity smoldering fire, as if one who chafed uader the | color wee again glowing softly in checks and lips, and the eyes ate lets Fs i 4gnominy of his position. as with nm was acted upon. mna Inez not far from the boat- rich color from her cheeks and be ar andbardenea landing, the lieutenant and middy went for n eturned. _. Ned Taunton now dismounted, to to Donna Inez; and as many Spanish la ‘ with ease in the saddle generally assigned to the sterner sex, our heroine had no difficul _& look of defiance she B the note tober carrying out, even in this unusual fashio: ophe of the object of assumed ter r hatred: : ' Two ter she dismounted before a - T shall love him; and I know that I can win lowly cot, whose tenants, when aroused, receiv- him He is brave! He is’ generous! He is od her with unbounded surprise, yet with tears which a dastard poltroon cast ofyjoy which attested their devotion to her. . her with them, Lieutenant Hazeltine rode toward the eity, until he met his faithful friend, Ned Taunton, who had some distance on the deserted road. that he
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| é 4 if t i! j = ee ae ee oe SEP. THE CREOLE COUSINS. 5 might ride into the city with his friend, as a led horse might awaken curiosity which they wish- ed to avoid. “Ned,” said Hal, with feeling, ‘‘ ill never forget this service!” “Tut! tut!” laughed the middy. ‘ Didn’t I et {you into the scrape by discovering the auty? If you get out of it half as easy as you got in, I Jose my guess!” And Taunton proved to be a true prophet; for, of course, the “salvador” had to carry to his protegee the newspaper accounts of her sup- posed suicide, and afterward return at least every other day to assure himself of her safety and to apprise her that suspicion of imposture. was not yet aroused, though the bay had been dragged without success for her body. Over this separation the merry middy sighed with mock doler: ‘Hein! hein! behold the inconstancy of friendship! A new face—a smile—a word, and I am forgotten!” Just before the Avalanche was ready for sea Lieutenant Hazeltine tendered his, resignation, to the unboundcd astonishment of everybody save Midshipman Taunton; but when on the eve of suiling the latter was invited to a private wedding, even the merry middy became thor- oughly sober for once. “Hal,” he said, ‘‘of course you can sail your own craft best; but it seems to me you’re scud- ding before a pretty rapid gale. All I’ve got to say is—look out for breakers!” The infatuated lover clasped his friend’s hand with a confident smile. “She is alone and unprotected,” he said, “‘and exposed to persecution if discovered, have persuaded her to waive all conventionalities, and give me the right to stand between her and all the world. For the rest, Ned, I’m the hap- piest, the luckiest dog that ever got more than is deserts—more than his wildest dreams! My only fear for the future is that I shall awaken the jealousy of Fate, and be robbed of her by death. It’s too much happiness to be continued to any mortal!” And in his great love the strong man was moved almost to tears, A Protestant minister who had gathered a small flock of American 1esidents was to per- form the ceremony. Sectarian feeling made the setret of Donna Inez’s identity safe with him and his wife. The latter and Midshipman Taunton were the only witnesses. And so, for good or ill, Lieutenant Harry Hazeltine was martied to a woman of whom he knew absolutely nothing, save that she had en- slaved him body and soul, A year later he stood on the quay, welcoming his returned friend, now Lieutenant Taunton, and said, while he held the hand of the latter in a firm clasp: ‘Ned, for one year she has lain next my heart; and I declare to you that on all God's footstool there’s not a happier man than I!” While he stood thus, his wife, pale as death and quivering from head to foot, confronted a man who had invaded the sanctity of hor home, and with folded arms and Teaeeiee brows regarded her in silence, swayed by emo- tions as profound as her own, When his happiness seemed most secure, the bolt was sped which was to shatter the dream of the man to whom the gods had vouchsafed one year of unalloyed bliss! CHAPTER VY. THE BEGINNING OF A TRAGEDY. In a seciuded spot, a little rémoved from one of the beautiful suburbs of Havana, Harry Hazeltine had set up his household gods, and for one year called the place home and heaven. To all external abe ae never was more devoted wife than Donna Inez. She seemed to forget the coquetry and love of excitement in- eident to her youth and nationality, and find perfect content in her quiet home. But all in a day came a terrible change! One sunny afternoon, while her husband was in the city to welcome his old friend, now Lieutenant Taunton, Donna Inez was reclining dreamily in a silken hammock, hung in a vine- ped bower, when a horseman rode up to the villa, tied his horse within the screen of a clump of undergrowth, and after a slight reconnois- sance vered the mistress of the mansion and strode into her presence. When she discovered him he stood there with folded arms and forbidding brow. Instantly she, leaped up le and trembling. “Senor Rubio, what is the meaning of this intrusion?’ she cried, with icy hauteur, as soon as she could command her voice. “ Benora Hazeltine f’ retorted the Spaniard, “From me to you” “Yxactly.” ** Oh, infamous!” The woman confronted him. with clenched | hands and blazing eyes, with the scathing indig- | us tion of an outraged queen, With a smile of icy contempt the man bowed, | repiying: agree with you. Most infamous !” “What do you mean, coward, perjurer, re pudiator of ties the most holy—of vows the | most sacred?” ‘* Behold Satan rebuking sin!” cried the man, hotly. _‘ Your effrontery is equal to your per- fidy. Your accursed beauty covers tke hollow- est heart. that ever—” ‘* What! Dare you upbraid me! Hound!— cur!—you should crawl from my presence! I | i ba go youl [spit upon you! My utter hatred ae: loathing for you finds a parallel only in— i ‘Tn your love for Senor Hazeltine !” ‘““Ay! In my love for a mun, uot a pol- toon!” ‘Aah? / With a sharp aspiration of concentrated rage | the Spaniard started forward, as if to grasp her @rist. Like a flash a stiletto (a mere toy, yet dan- gerous directed by such passion as hers) appear- ed in her hand. “ Back!—slave!—fighter of women! You, dead to all sense of honor—it is worthy of you to threaten the weak! But do not think me lpless. I can yet brave Senor Manuel Ru- i bid And scathing contempt flashed from her eyes and scemed to seorch the name as it passed her ipis, Stung to white rage, the Spaniard cried: ‘Some men would kill you; I shall havea fuller revenge, I will make you a widow, and let you live!” “Bah! do you think my husband would fear such a wretch as you? Were he here, he would whip you from him with a lash, as you deserve! When you, bound to me by every pledge of honor, deserted me, ha, a stranger, braved all he world to rescue me.” ** T desert you?” cried Rubio. “Yes, Do you know what I did with your | base letter? I gave it to a hungry dog which | rent and mangled it to pulp!” “My letter?’ 1 wrote you no letter.” “Liar! Did not you say that my father’s dis- honor— Ab! shall i parley with such a— Man! man! when wealth without stint would have been poured into my lap—when I had but to stretch forth my hand—nay, remain passive and accept the proudest position in Cuba, I remained true to you-- Diomio! have I sunk so low that I can make tnis confession?” For a moment the seething volcano of out- raged love burst, through the bounds of pride, and the woman disclosed her heart; but con- | tempt again raised an icy barrier,and choking with emotion she dashed the hot tears from her eyes and fought bravely for self-mastery. But her words had wrought a great change | in the man, Breathiessly he cried: Tnez, can there be some terrible mistake? I swear to you that I wrote you no letter! It came to me all in one blow—your father’s mis- fortune and the account of your death. For a. year I lave mourned you, until yesterday I dis- covered you-- Oh, my God!” He covered his face with his hands and reeled | back, as if from a shock. The woman was stunned to bewilderment. She passed her hand before her eyes, and brushed the hair back from her temples, as if to clear her brain. Then slowly a terrible, white desperation came over her. Advancing toward the man, she extended her stiletto to him. “Manuel,” she said, in icy tones, ‘kill me!” His name on her Jips thrilled the nian to the | soul. Snatching his hands from before his face, | and shaking back his flowing hairas if it were a mane, he gazed at her. ‘Tnez!” he exclaimed, in a voice scarcely above a whisper, holding himself away from her, as from what he feared to be a delusive drea: m, ‘* Kill me, or I will kill myself!” she cried, be- ginning to pant bysterically, With a swoop he leaped toward her, way . r that from her hand and threw away the threatened her life, and hol | pride has ruined. us | love him! / their Aight at once, | unpleasant forebodings. | Harry Hazeltine told his friend his wife’s his- | ation, was to stay the tide of bankruptcy, and | of the plotin which the father and the senile | proach of her husband’s horse. her at arm’s- | ore od SARTRE “aD ee “E length, gazed at herin an azony of suspense, while his breath came and wont in great gasp- g sobs. “What do you meanf. What do you me“nf” he cried. Ms She choked with emotion. Her head sunk -- forward. She swayed as if about to fall, He saw that her strength waz leaving her and caught her wildly to his Lreast. ‘‘ Pell me!—oh, tell ms!""he persisted. **T mean that 5 aoa fully—my accursed th!” she gasped. With a shout of laughter the man strained her:to his heart, and began to cover “Aasr fas + with kisses, ‘You love me!—you love me!” he crix You are not lost, but saved! At a word s eee is blotted out, and we are again heart t« 1eart—lip to lip!” ' “Manuel,” sighed the woman, ‘' we are no} the same. My father and the old mam whe would have made me his wife have triumpheo even in their defeat. In the bitterness of my chagrin, when I theught that you had cast me oit, and to defeat. my father who pressed me for a union with Don Carlos, the Governor eneral, I entered a convent, as you know, hen, to escape the horrors of that livinz tomb, and to avenge myself on you and on my own heart, I bound myself to another.” “But you do not love him, Inez—you cannot’ My clair 1s paramount.. From this hour, when your heart again acknowledges the allegiance which. it has really never dissevered, your continued union with this man violates eaven’s law. When soul ammates with soul ail empty lip-vows.are voided. Inez, my love, my hope, my life!—I adjure you, be true to me, be true to your own heart! Wecan fly far from here, where no one will ever know this unhappy episode in our lives, and, loving, as none others ever loved, be happy!” He sought to draw her away, as if to begin < The woman lay helpless in his arms, clinging about his neck. Whether she would have re- sisted or not, the opportunity was taken out of her hands by Fate. A footfall, a shadow, and ber husband stood in the presenco of the wreck of his happiness! CHAPTER V1 THE FAITHLESS WIFE. : NeEp TAUNTON pressed the hand of his friend cordially. ‘Old fellow, it does me more good than I can tell you to hear you speak as you do. I confess that Il have often thought of our adventure with You must admit that you went it rather blindly.” “ And had a fool’s luck, as thesaying is.. Ned, my bappiness is without a flaw; and you'll say that it’s well founded when you have become acquainted with my wife.” ‘** Which I hope will not be far in the future.” **You know me better! Our horses are in waiting. My little Eden is only ten miles dis- tant, Soon they were in the saddle, and on the way tory, as he knew it !—her father, on the brink of financial ruin, had tried to force her into a marriage with a rich old Don, who, in consider- to escape whom she had fled to the protection of the Church. The reader knows that portion wooer had by fraud separated their victim from the lover of her choice. This Donna Inez had kept from her husband. All in ignorance of the terrible reception that —— him the lover-husband approached his ome. From a servant be learned that his wife was in an arbor at the back of the villa, and leaving his guest in the parlor, he went in quest of her. He thought it strange that she was not, as usual, on the watch for his return; but the ter- rible scene passing between her and Don Mauuel Rubio had prevented her from hearing the ap- So he came upon her unawares, All aglow with expectant love as was heart, the shock of seeing his wife in the of astranger, whose words showed that} trying to persuade her to flight, whilg to him unresisting, struck the h with dismay and bewilderment, With a shriek the faithless from her lover’s embrace, say; “ My husband!” Don Manuel Rubio beg coward’s pallor, and t His fear was not wi
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6 TH the eyes of the outraged husband had come a atumbrous fire of resentment that teemed with In that instant the nature of the Spanish wo- man manifested itself. Spreading out her arms she sprung between the two, crying: ; ** You shall not harm him! I loved him be- fore I knew that you existed |” But the words died on her lips, and she fell prone at her husband’s feet. The bullet intended for her lover’s heart had penetrated her breast, thanks to her devotion; and the red ooze stained the bosom of her dress, while she lay limp and motionless. With a cry of dismay, Harry Hazletine drop- ped the fatal weapon, and stood gazing at his unconscious wife like a man turned to stone. The thud of a horse’s hoofs, as the lover sped away, he heeded not. He had thought—if he thought at all—only for the woman whom un- til now his hand had never touched save in kindness, who now, alas! lay at his feet, stricken down by that self-same hand! There was a sound of hurrying feet, and Ned Taunton, followed by several servants, appeared on the fatal scene, Donna Inez’s maid cast herself beside the body of her mistress, crying: * Wretch! you have murdered her! Ah! my sweet mistress!” Ned Taunton took an altogether different view of the situation. “Who has done this infamous deed?’ he cried; and to the servants: “Scatter! Let not the | murderer escape! He must be near at hand!” And he would have headed the pursuit, but Hazeltine’s hand fell wpon his arm. “Stay!” he said. ‘‘/ did it!” The astonishment of the young lieutenant at this denouement, so at variance with what he had been led to expect, was beyond words to express. “You!” he cried. “ I ? * Oh! impossible!” *T did it.” * Why, Hal, my dear old friend, surely, you wt heside yourself!” *m the contrary, I have just come to my senses; after a year of delusion!” The Susband smiled a terrible smile to see. His eyes were like living coals. His face was rhastly as drawn. His voice was like ice in its utter lack of emotion. Without comment, he pointed to a spur which lay on the ground, having been torn from Don Manuel’s hee! as be turned in flight. A hot flush of incignation mounted to Lieut, Taunton’s brow; aad with only a glance of scorn at the faithless \ife, he took his friend’s arm, and said: “Come! You must awe, grom this. You're too good a man to suffer for bringing just retri- bution on such a wretch—” “Hush! not a word against hart" said the husband, as he allowed himself to tse led away. “T did not mean'to harmher, Shergruag be- fore my bullet.” ** And the scoundrel she protected?” **T should not know him, were I to meet kia within the hour, I saw only his back.” “There is nothin flight. We may find a vessel about to sail, get the start of the slow-going authorities.” ‘*Tt is immaterial to me. Living or dead— what matters it? Perhaps the former is the more bitter alternative.” “Nonsense, Hazeltine! You must not let this spoil your life. You are young, yet. You can in anew.” “Hal ha!”—laughing bitterly—‘I have an alluring t? ** Have = money at command? That's the principal thing in this world.” ‘*Yes! yes!—gold is the only thing that never fails its possessor! I am fortunate enough to have ten thousand dollars now in bank, held on pall, because I was on the point of making an vestment of that amount. “With expedition we may reach the city be- the close of banking hours. Let us lose no + himself to the direction of his friend, on was soon in the saddle, gaflop- vana. kvas witnessed by Don Manuel his first terror was passed e villa to ascertain the effect urdered her!” eried ‘the Am, I came unarmed, » tempted and 3 to harm her! The result is, I was unable to protect her, and am now equally powerless to avenge her!” With genuine emotion, he returned toward ~ house from which the husband had so lately i=") He found the servants helpless in their con- fusion and dismay, Donna Inez’s maid alone reserving some semblance of self-possession, She bad brought cushions and got her mistress in a comparatively comfortable position. Donna Inez was not dead, as Don Manuel had feared. A look of anxious love came into her eyes, as he bent over her, crying: “Oh, my darling, you live! you live! How can I forgive myself? That I might not injure you in a transport of jealous fury I came to you unarmed, and so was unable to protect you— | “Are you hurt?” she interrupted, thinking only of him whom she loved. | “No,no. Had I only received his bullet in- | stead of you! But the murderer has fled.” | .“May he never return! He has struck at your life, and I hate him with the bitterness of death!” | But, Inez, while he lives—here or at the re- motest point of the earth—he will ever stand be- | tween us.” | ‘* Remove him, then!” “Do you say it?” “Yes! Would he not have killed you?” ** He will seek to fly from Cuba.” * Follow him.” | * Ah! how can I leave youf You may die | before my return.” “No, I shall not die. This wound has reach- | ed no vital part. Go! follow him tothe ends of the earth; but avenge me!” IT will! I will!” “And, Manuel, Jet this inspire your arm: I love you, and only you. When he is dead, claim me.” | ‘My darling! Those sweet words will ring in my heart and drown his cries for mercy!” : “Do not delay, or the opportunity may be ost. “I go at once. Farewell, sweet Inez! With this kiss I seal our new betrothal!” | over his heart he pressed a lingering kiss to her | lips, and then tore himself away, to go on his | unhallowed mission. ; CHAPTER VIL VIKIR. HavinG secured his gold and placed itina trunk that its weight might not attract atten- | tion, Harry Hazeltine went along the quay in search of an out-bound vessel. It mattered not to what port she was going. He only sought to get away from Havana. | After two hours’ search, our friends found | what would answer their purpose in the Donna | Ysabel, merchantman, cleared for Montevideo, | Anselmo Valanquez captain, and ready to go out with the turn of the tide. They immediately repaired on board, Lieut. Taunton devoting the interval of two or three hours in a hopeless attempt to cheer his friend. A terrible change had been wrought in Harry Hazeltine. So lately buoyant with the light- heartedness of youth, heallin a moment seemed | transformed into a man old in thé cynicism en- | Jeft for you, then, bet , gendered by a long life of crushing disappoint- | E CREOLE COUSINS, cherry the almost fainting woman close | e “ Amigo, you area man after my own heart.” “Your hand, my dear Garcia,” interrupted the other, with effusion—“ your hand! I swear | that Llove you as a brother. Would that we were not forced so soon to Sy “Tt is of that that I wish to speak to you. Why need we part? Your vessel has room for | one more?” | “Oarrat! It is yours tocommand. More- over, Lhave just a prince of - gers. You shall have good company, | assure you. “Senor capitan,” said Garcia, pa lowering his voice, “ can I trust you?” ** Trust me?” ** Doblones sit well on the stomach at sea as well as on land?’ Por dios |” “A hundred pesos would not make your friendship less?’ * Caranba !” * Senor capitan, mira!” (behold And Garcia slightly disarranged his beard, which showed it to be false. “‘ Santo dios !” cried the Spaxiard, under his breath, his contracted ba and cunning smile indicating knavery ready at the hand of the manipulator. is o Tam—what I am, it matters not,” said the stranger. “I would be lost in the crowd. Be a litile blind, and I will leave you a salve which is applied in the pocket, % me ship among your crew. Believe me, I can clew up a bunt and take my trick at the wheel.” “ Diablo!” cried the Spanish captain, with a knowing smile, “‘my crew are nob all angels, What you leave behind you is none of my busi- ness, if you are willing to put up with what you find in my forecastle. They ask for no certifi- cate of character there.” “Tt is agreed, then. I will send my kit on board in half an hour.” Pablo Garcia was as goed as his word. When he was rowed to the side of the Donna Ysabel in a wherry, he was arrayed in a regular sailor | dress; and though he ae i within ten steps of | Harry Hazeltine, the latter did not so much as cast a glance at him. The parting between Harry Hazeltine and Ned Taunton was marked with lively solicitude on the part of the latter, and dull, dead apathy | on that of the former. It was over at last; and the canvas was let fall and clewed home, and with the ebb-tide the / Donna Ysabel set out on her voyage. | Inthe forecastle, and aloft ps og alow, Pablo ' Garcia mingled with his fellows without attract- ing particular attention. He seldom had any- | thing to say; but his “pigtail” was always at | the service of every one and any one, and that | won him favor, | During the long nights, inthe calm moonlight. | or when the tempest howled in its might, the | sailors got accustomed to see a tall, silent leaning with folded arms against the taffrai! | and looking out over the sea with eyes that seemed to take no note of anything. The silent , passenger never spoke to any one except the ps eg and that briefly, and at long intervals. uch was the situation when early one morn- ing came the hail from the mast-head: | “Salo” “Where away?” returned the mate. “On our weather beam, just clearing the point ment and wrong. . of yonder lagoon.” | quences of his agt—fatal as he supposed it. To ‘the hopes and fears of life he was as one dead. | He parely yielded passively to the direction of | his friend. Meanwhile an event was transpiring on shore which would have disturbed Lieut. Taunton’s aye ane e could he have been apprised of it. Like at least a 7 Sma minority of his | fellow-men, Capt. Valanquez was not proof |against fair words, alcohol and gold. These poe influences were brought to bear on him the order named. | During their quest of a vessel our friends had | been watched by a man whose features were Dene ed by a heavy beard and a | slouched hat. | When their negotiation with Capt. Valanquez was completed, and they had departed for the | vessel, the captain was approached by this in- | dividual, who accosted him politely, and en- | him in eonversation. n a few minutes they retired to a neighbor- | inn, where the stranger ordered wine, over , which the new-formed friendship grew apace. | In due course the captain reached that state | of peri $ when incn swear eternal friendship for the person at hand. Then the stranger, | who gave his name as Pablo Garcia, said: He betrayed no anxiety to escape the conse- | What do you make of her?’ “ A rakish craft, sir, bearing down on us un- der full sail.” “What is that? demanded the captain, ap- pearing at the companionway, Taking a glass from the rack, he sprung into the shrouds, and bent a brief scrutiny on the stranger. “* Santissima !” escaped from his lips, as, with unwonted pallor, he drop to the deck. ‘‘All hands on deck! Rouse, ye sleepers! Tumble up! tumble up! lively! Lay aloft, ye top-men! Set stu’n’sails! Shake out every rag the spars will carry! Helmsman, put her be- fore tke wind! Ridalgo,”—to his mate—“ dis- tribute the arms, and get the ammunition in readiness. That devil means mischief; and be- fore sunset such as are left of us may have to Waa pieeter” as ked Harry Haz without ‘Ap as elti the betrayal of any emotion. sii “‘ El Basandro |” declared the captain, nam- ing a much dreaded buccaneer; “ the scourge of the Antilles!” ““ Have you a spare cutlass and a brace of pis tols for me, senor capitan? I will not dishon- or them, I promise you.” There was a flash in gwd Pagmeee ay like those of a war-steed which scents the =
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fire ‘ 4 ; 4 ee % . eA Getta We ¥ ? oe) @ lite. Selecta: A ere. > we Shas 0 3A ing i ee Rye age 2 RAED, che, meh A ROI Sk ee a adil t THE CREOLE COUSINS. 7 tie afar. Aside from this he was a man of ice. ‘‘Your aid is welcome, senor,” replied Cap- tain Valanquez. ‘“‘If we are overhauled, we shall need every arm in our defense.” But even as the captain spoke the light wind began to fall; soon smooth, glassy surfaces began to appear upon the sea; and in an hour the ships rocked in a dead calm. hen from the sides of the pirate put out four boat-loads of armed men, and pulled straight for the merchantman. By way of precaution against sea-rovers Cap- tain Valanquez had provided his craft with a small swivel-gun. is was mounted on the quarter-deck; and when the boats of the pirate came within range, the captain began to try his skill as an amateur gunner. His want of skill was soon apparent, and loud rung the pirates’ yells of derision, while they drew even nearer to their intended prize. At the moment when the captain seemed convinced that he was haw ammunition, Harry Hazeltine step forward, ‘Senor capitan,” he said, quietly, ‘I have served in the navy. Will you let me try?” ** Gracias, senor! May the holy saints direct our aim!” Carefully he aimed the piece, making allow- ance for the roll of the vessel on the ground swell; then at the proper instant applied the match. Eve the smoke lifted, a yell of anguish told that his shot had been effective. Then through the ponent cloud could be seen a boat’s erew struggling in the water, clinging to the oars and bits of their wrecked boat, Without waiting to pick up their luckless comrades, the three remaining boats dashed forward, passed round the vessel under fire of ‘pistols from her deck, and drew together under rer bows. Into the netting the footing on the deck o spite of the vigorous opposition of her defenders. Then the fight waxed fast and furious. The rattle of small-arms, the clash of steel on steel, or the dull hack and gride as the quivering flesh was laid open to the bone; the curses and yells of the a combatants, and the groans of the dying; faces flushed with fury or ghastly ‘in death; the struggle, the fall, the rising again to renewed combat—all these terrible sights and sounds turned the deck of the merchantman into a very pandemonium. Ever in the thickest of the fight towered the form of Harry Hazeltine. ith compressed lips, pale face and blazing eyes, his cutlass reek- ing with gore, cutting here and thrusting there, sweeping aside the blades directed at his breast and scattering or striking to the deck the wield- ers of them—he fought recklessly, desperately, spreading terror and death wherever he went, Tt was his fierce assault that checked the rush of the enemy, and his rallying cry that brought back the retreating crew of the merchantman. His left arm hung at his side, blood trickled from his finger-ends to the deck. From a wound in the head, blood streamed over his face, and meck, and garments, giving him a terrible as- t Meet, Still, inch by inch, the defenders of the ship were driven back to the quarter-deck. Then, when all seemed lost, Harry Hazeltine sprung to the swivel-gun, which he had loaded with grape-shot for this emergency. To train it on the foe and apply the match was the work of an instant; and through the ranks of the irates was mowed a swath that spread terror their hearts, Once more the hero sprung forward with reeking cutlass and ringing rallying-shout, to press homne the advantage of panic. wavered, then turned and fled. Back over the bloody deck eg had so nearly conquered, disregardful of the dead and dying they left behmd, those who could leaped from the bows of the vessel into their boats and pull- ed away for dear life. On the forecastle was left a youth who, su going himself on one knee, defended himself eebly, is without a show of fear, from the crew of the Donna Yesabel, who pressed him on all sides, eager for his blood. He was evidently an Indian, native of the Antilles. His swarthy face was stamped with unusual intelligence, and his blazing eyes — indcniitable courage even in the face of . Half a score of cutilass-points sought his life. when oat Hazeltine sprung within the circle and with ensanguined blade swept sprung and gained a the Donna Yenbel, in © pirates aside the “Hold!” he cried. “The fight is over. We are victorious, We cannot afford to turn mur- derers of the wounded!” At this moment a pistol in the hand of the man who had shipped as PabloGarcia exploded. Blending with shots at the retreating pirates, it attracted no attention. — Hazeltine shivered, and seemed about to fall, but regained his balance.. “T claim this youth as my prisoner,” he con- tinued. ‘‘ Captain, shall it be granted me?” ‘*Stand back, men!” cried the captain, who was a man of good ex" pe when not tampered with. ‘*‘To Senor Hazeltine we owe our lives and the safety of our ship. how he has fought. thank him, and, in testimony of our sense of obhgation, to grant him this prisoner, to do with bim as he likes, My men, a hearty cheer for El Salvador del Donna Ysabel !” With right good will the crew tossed their caps into the air and made the welkin ring with their cheers of assent. The youth pressed his lips to the hand of his deliverer, and said: ** Focellenza, you are brave—you are generous. The life that Vikir would scorn to crave from a dozen foes in arms he accepts from you. Com- mand me! I obey!” And aswe get a fair view of his face, wa re- cognize the youth who, by the side of his dead father, swore vengeance on the abductor of his sister. You have all seen CHAPTER VIII, THE DEVIL'S BIDDING. We returt to the Creole cousins, Nina and Paola, with a word of explanation. Crushed by financial ruin and the supposed suicide of his daughter, Don Fernando Mentoza had squared accounts all round by blowing out his brains, a tragedy which Harry Hazeltine concealed from his young wife until long after its occurrence, After her breach with her husband, Donna Inez boldly sought her maternal uncle, Don Al fonso Careno, and concealing the fact of her marriage, stated that a year had been passed in the cabin of her maid’s parents. Don Alfon- so received her with open arms, as one returned from the dead, and by his influence the claims of the Church were nullified. This Don Alfonso was an easy-going gentle- man who had married an English lady, and | mourned her untimely death ever since the | birth of their only child, Paola. It was not un- til some years after the death of his wife that Don Alfonso met her brother, James Wetherby, who had lived in Australia. How they were brought together we will learn later in the story. Sufiice it to say here, that although Wetherby did not show such traces ‘of cultiva- tion as his sister had, his brother-in-law received him with open arms, making him the superin- tendent of his affairs. So cunningly did the Englishman cultivate the confidence of the ease-loving niard that Don Alfonso shifted all the cares of business to the shoulders of one Whom he had come to re- ard as tenderly as if he were n brother by lood. How blind was this trust will presently appear. That Wetherby had grossly betrayed his ben- efactor the reader has gathered from his con- versation with Nina, or Donna Inez. With this understanding we accompany him into the pre- sence of his master. When he entered the library Don Alfonso was cing the floor with his hands clasped behind im and his head hanging on his breast. There were tears in his eyes and on his beard, and his face showed a depth of pain that was due to the bitter reflection that it was his wife’s brother who had proved so unworthy. ** Sit down, James,” he said, in a tone which showed no trace of anger, pointing to a chair facing his desk. With a sort of sullen defiance in his pallid face | the more marked as he saw the mood of the | man he had wronged, James Wetherby took the | seat designated. Don Alfonso seated himself, fumbled ner- . vously among some Bi prick on the table, and | lanced with troubled inquiry at his brother-in- | w. “ James,” he began, presently, in a mild, de- recating tone, “‘ the paiees oa duty of my Tite devolves upon me ay. I wish you to listen to me patiently to the end, and you will | eee that I shall deal as generously with your | sister’s brother as if he were my own—nay, more generously; for toward you [ feel no bit- Sp er? e floor Merwin! pone frown. n Alfonso cleared his throat, to relieve the painful constriction, and went on: “T need not recall the uyger Before you all I wish to | which I received you into my house. You came to me, the brotherof one who was closer to my heart than any living thing save the image of herself she to console me, who was inconsolable, when she took her flight to heaven. “T loved you for her sake. I trusted you be- cause I believed that no evil could be in any way associated with her. | . “How I loved you, let my treatment of you | for five years attest. How I trusted you, I | have called you here to show. “For five years you have had control of my | affairs. After the first year I became satisfied | of your ability—I never thought of questioning | your integrity—and for the past four years you | bave been free from all supervision, except as | you have seen fit to consult me, and your ac- | counts have passed absolutely without inspec- | tion. “James, 1 have trusted you further than | that. I have before me a document whose | blind—nay, criminal fatuity uever impressed |me until te-day. In my faith in you 1 would have done my child—the sacred charge she | committed to my care with her dying breath— |I would have done her child an irreparable | wrong! “T cannot read it to you in detail, Every clause, save such as attest my love for my hel less Paola, is a reproach to me. This is the su — of its provisions: “By this document you would have become at my death the sole executor of my estate—the | sole guardian of ‘the person of my child! This per gives you power to buy and sell at your discretion, unquestioned, and to convert to an | use you should see fit, every peso of my child’s | patrimony! Why? Because I believed that | you would guard the interests of your niece as | oarefully as I would guard the interests of my | daughter. God forgive me for the dereliction | growing out of my faith in you! | ‘* But thisis not all. Oh, a malignant flend | must have possessed me! | Not content with delivering my child up to | your tender mercies, bound hand and foot, I ‘have placed before you every inducement to | prove recreant to the trust. If my child marry | contrary to your will, she forfeits her patrimo- ny, and you continue to hold it in trust until her children come of age! ‘* My thought was to restrain her from an un- wise alliance, at least until the attainment of her majority should have given her that e ence of the world which would enable her to protect herself from fortune-hunters, But; alas! what a field for intrigue did I leave open = you, if you proved aught short of the soul of onor! “James,” proceeded the old Don, with an ex- cess of pain in his tones, “‘thus, have I loved and trusted you. How you have requited my good-will I leave to your conscience. For her sake, James”—and voice sunk almost to a whisper—“ I have no wish to humiliate you by the sad recital. *T have said that in the place of manifestin or even feeling resentment toward you, I should treat you erously—always, remember, for her sake. James, you are free to go unques- tioned. The world shall know nothing of your wrong-doing. More than I shall grant you a life annuity of one thousand pesos, By pl ing you above the temptations of want, this will give you time to reflect on the past; and I hope you may be led to a better life, For your ingratitude to me I forgive Flees This is a bitter moment to me, James. I had a ait I can say no more!” vercome by his emotions, Don Alfonso touched the bell to summon his servant, and dropped his head upon his arm on the table. During the foregoing recital James Wetherby had sat e and silent, i but repentant. There was nothing in his nature to be touched by the magnanimous grief of his master. When Don Alfonso ceased speaking the super- intendent started to his feet, as if ahert to leave the presence of the man he had wronged, but re- mained before his chair, irresolute. The door opened, and Don Alfonso’s valet ap- peared in answer to the summons. As we have said, this ant had a look of haughty resorve, like one who galled under the yoke of slavery, the bitterness of which his su- perior intelligence fitted him to feel most keenly. At sight of him, all that the temptress had said recurred to James Wetherby. Slay both master and servant, and lay the death of the Sormer to the charge of the latter ! . reason of bis grief, the old ag eee On the table, beneath B mas off his Se tes ee
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——— reach, as if placed there by some malignant devil, lay a curiously-wrought stiletto, used as a paper-knife, . , think—to act—-were the events of a second. Before Don Alfonso could look up. to charge A servant, James Wetherby ae the dagger and planted it to the hilt between the cadens blades of the bowed man. ‘¢ James, for God’s sake—” Don Alfonso started up and stared into the face of his murderer with a look of amazement, terror and unspeakable reproach, that left an indelible impress on the soul of this demon of ingratitude, and, for the time, droye him toa frenzy of desperation. Again the reeking knife descended, plunging into the neck of its victim and severing the jugular vein at a blow, cutting short his appeal. on Alfonso’s last hy Sy was of Lis child. He stretched forth his hand to destroy the will; but death paralyzed it on its way. This tragic scene was enacted all in an in- stant, as quickly as two blows could. be, given. The valet, who had reached the middle of the room, was struck.dumb with dismay. Knowing | the brotherly relations that existed between | these two men, he could not realize for a mo- ment that one had actually murdered the other, Only an instant; and then he did a most natural and yet most fatal thing. Not thiuking of the nécessity of self-defense, he sprung for- ward to prevent a repetition of the blows that were all-sufficient. ‘ Like a flash the infuriated murderer was upon him, and felled him to the floor with a blow of | his fist. Then dropping upon the body of his second victim with eae in a way intended to crush his ribs and so do vital injury, Weth- pesi'f clutched the valet by the throat and raised and thrust his head against the floor fT oe with such violence as to fracture the skull. Taking the stiletto, the murderer drew its keen edge across his own cheek, so that it would look as if the valet had struck at him; then threw the weapon upon the floor beside the — of bis devilish crime, sound like a hoarse, rasping exhalation reached his ear. Looking up he discovered Donna Inez standing in the doorway. _ With a devilish laugh he waved his hand te- ward his victims and said: “Behold our work—yours and mine!” The girl was paralyzed with horror at the ex- ecution of what her own mind had plotted. Withouta word she fell forward in a swoon. When the superintendent told his story, that had struck in an ebullition of anger the master ehis slave to the earth, then with a passing vertigo had sunk into bis chair with his head on his desk, and so by his helplessness drawn the vengeance of the haughty slave upon himself, whereupon the brother-in-law had sprung upon the murderer and slain him in his wrath, jus- a said that his hand had only anticipated her anguish in the arms of her false cousin, not able to follow her words _of condolence, yet, ina measure, soothed by that sympathy which is balm to every crushed heart. Doubly intrenched behind their relationshi dh who would. unmask her he Tess foe peat "save. her from their rapacious re _ CHAPTER IX. HURLED TO DEATH. Tue pirates were beaten off. With the de- cline of the sun a breeze sprung up, and the “Donna Ysabel resumed her Vay. On deck, in the calm moonlight, Harry Hazel- tine lay in a hammock, His head was ban- aged, and his left arm oo wee in asling. A : had struck the shoulder-blade and glanced, Jeaving a painful, but dangerous wound. . Near at hand, the Indian youth, Vikir, leaned en from all points of the compass. the clouds began to gather, black as night, with. foam-white fringes, rushing hither and f ther across the sky, propelled by a hundred ‘* Awed by this fulfillment of the curse, the var nee. ; son restored the treasure; but his son, being While his ominous commotion was spparens geome to manhood, once more scoffed at the in the upper air, the sea lay dead, a plain of ' legend, and tempted fate. ; | glass, and not a sound was audible. ; | “He sought the ‘pirate’s hiding-place; but; But suddenly a long line of foam stretched. while he was digging up the treasure a storm half around the horizon, as if a tide of destruc- , arose, and his dante was washed to-sea, leaving : tion were down upon the doomed ves- | him with no means to quit the island save by : sel. Then from the circumambient air came swimming. she moans and sobs, as if from restless spirits, — _ |. ** Having no p’ ct before him but starva- | _ A moment, and the gale bore down in all its tion if he remained on the island, he plunged fury. With a groan the vessel heeled over om into the sea and swam with the vigor of a | her beam-ends, and the spray dashed over her strong man. Within sight of his home he be- | and swept on. sought the island, found the treasure of gold ‘and? precious stones, and bore it home, ‘The _ knowledge of his wealth soon spread, and ‘tempted the cupidity of a marauding band _of robbers from a neighboring island, who -seourged the island of my ancestor with fire and sword, killing him and all his race, save his cong son, who. was rved as by a ies e. But the treasure ieee could not. find: for it was securely hidden, _ Watching him, Harry noted the elegant sym-| came food for sharks !” As was his wont, Harry Hazeltine stood on metry of iis focin, the proud carriage of his | “Gdhnoidonces, Vikir,” interposed Harry, | deck, watching the gathering tempest. — ad the steady fire of his eye. “Everything is explainable by the ordinary | Pretending tosecurea coil of rope which hung oh ngage eae “ of events.” f from a belaying-pin, Pablo Some managed to: “f hav te onder Low xo to PS Spo pata tay St OTS Ja ged eh the, ene struck th el it ve been won iz you came e curse—my | To placa: en ck the vessel it was as. with El Basandro. You were cut out for bet- ~if they indeed the treasure—my | dark as night, but a vivid flash of lightning Ren by Fitter thoupht to m © use of the heaty and Riemioabed tht deck wie cient ee rid swept over the bronze + Kalma. hand Ve fal Si - : % Ssaany 214 ; iret and then recede ieving ‘sort of yelz should ‘dig up the against Harry Hazaltne et — “oars Se Py i acess dl raw | Tae gag a His dea covered pr ape the curse would in | act of ~ “s - - t er eins yee Aha pa: Tt Pees See iN ee Obey, os . ‘9 oh Se pat ore cathy fl FR ‘ AR a eR is es ce ee Bi eal * ni WA eens
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my hie’ Sala Vener Wakaread kin peat AC. ron a Px nol wD pte es Sua age, “Eee ah 2 x, APA , ive da a; ee — tng cry struck terror to every heart, and was then snatched away by tho gale But another cry followed—a cry of , aS well as Reapalr; and Vikir shot forward like a thunderbolt, grep the murderer, and the two went over side tegether, so swift fol- lowed vengeance on a most dastardly crime. Then through the ship rung the dismal cry: “Maw OVERBOARD! MAN OVERBOARD!” And as the ship staggered back to an upright position, ready nands cast a wooden grating and other things that would float into the sea, to give the wretches who were hurled into that ragin waste of waters at least one poor chance or life. Then ae with brine, and with his face stamped vvith the phastly pallor of a man who had stood face to face with death, Pablo Garcia reappeared over the bulwarks. He had saved himself by grasping a lucky line; but Vikir was gone to join his master. The sailors gathered about their comrade with cheers congratulation, and _ listened while be told how the passenger of the Donna ‘Ysabel had been swept overboard, the victim of his own heedlessness—how Vikir, with the strange devotion of his race, had sought to leap after his master—how he, Pablo Garcia, in try- ing to deter this self-immolation had lost his own footing, and gons over into the yawni hell of waters, to save himself only by the for- tunate chance of having clung to the line he was in the act of coiling. When Capt. Valanquez rewarded Harry Ha- zeltine’s valor by giving Vikir’s life to him, the sailors had applauded with pe good-will. La- ter, looking at their dead comrades, their resentment toward the youth who had been as- sociated with the pirates returned, and even ex- tended somewhat to the man who had interfered to preserve his life. Now that accident had linked them in a common fate, the superstitious sailors were ready to see iu it a supernatural execution of justice, and so were disposed to accept Garcia’s story with no over-close scru- tiny. But Capt. Valanquez cailed Pablo into his cabin and said, scanning him suspiciously. “Why did you come on board my vessel? ™ Dratting bitapell hanghtdly ereth,-aed raw se u erect, an i his ca glance for pietioé, which ete | that, if sailor at all, be was certainly no com- mon foremast hand, he said, in measured tones and with the purity of accent of a cultivated gentleman: “There will never be a claimant for Senor Hazeltine’s trunk. If you will take the trouble $0 look into it, you will not be disposed to ask me ugly questions, being assured that I shall forget you and all the events of this voyage as soon as I quit your ves:el.” As mounted to the Spanish cap- tain’s temples, and he bowed with marked re- ape showing that he sold out to the devil on e spot without knowing the amount of the pure! money. A smile of ¢ Pablo Garcia’s bearded lip; and tu on his heel, he left the cabin without more ado. 8: Now,” he mu » ‘for Inez happi- ees |" CHAPTER X, THE CASTAWAYS, To be haried into the seething ocean in the midst of a tropical storm is, Rng song“ to stand in the open gateway of Great Here- r. Nevertheless, as he came again to the surface he struggled instinctively to preserve the vital spark hich nature mak enforced lightning he seer the grating ‘own overboard; and buffeted as he was by ‘the waves whose crests at every moment broke over his head, he struggled toward it, In the darkness his shoulders came in violent over his head thatit was difficult to get breath. Of Vikir’s share in his fate he knew nothing. Straining his eyes, he saw the ship disappear in the gloom. Then he experienced the full force of those lines: : * Alone! alone! all, all alone! Alone on a wide, wide sea!” To die avay trom all mankind, unwatched, unwept, forgotten|—when even God seems to stand afar off: then the soul feels its desolation! So Harry Hazeltine waited, until the sea rose in its might, tossing the frail waif about in seeming contempt. In their rude sport the waves dashed against the clinging man, then plucked at him, then tipped his raft this way and that, until, his benumbed fingers relaxing their hold, he was torn away and hurled down! down! down! where all that was terrible faded into a delightful dream, Light and warmth and beauty surrounded him; fragrance age his nostrils, and exquisite music soothed his ear, while he floated in a realm of enchantment. Then came sudden oblivion! Over the smiling tropical sea rose the sun. Though the billows rolled hi their crests were round and smooth, not tumbled into white- mS by the following gale. n mid-ocean a green islet parted the waters. All round it, at intervals, the tide being low, appeared the crest of a jagged reef in the trough of the waves. But the islet itself was bordered by a broad beach of yellow sand, over which the breakers swept and receded. Beyond the reach of the lowering tide lay two bodies—one on its face, one on its side. They were men, to ail appearance dead. Sand was in their wet garments and in their hair, One THE CREOLE COUSINS. & Harry took up his life again without com plaint, yet without py: For him existence had no attractions, yet he did not shirk its burdens, Such a life is a dreary desert of tolerance. Nature demanded food and drink. In ques# rs _— the castaways resolved to explore the an Food abounded on every hand, in the form of fruit, and birds, and small animals, but water, fit to crink, was not so easily found. 4 There was high ground at one end of the isl- and, and near its Harry expected to find sweet water. ‘Thitherward, then, the explorers bent their — until Vikir suddenly stopped and clutched his master’s arm, with a aarp ejaculation: “ Poecellenza, mira!” (behold!) Ani he pointed excitedly before them. ‘““ Why, it looks like a piece of canvas hung between the trees!” exclaimed Harry. ‘** Kocellenza, we are not alone!” “Tet us hasten, then, to mest ur friends.” * Our enemies!” ‘‘Nonsense! All men are friends cut off from the world on so small an island.” ‘Pardon, excellenza! No place is toosmall for murder!”.said the Indian, bitterly. But Harry was hurrying ferward. As a precaution Vikir broke off a small sap ling to serve as a cudgel, and hastened to place himself besice his master. “Tt is a human habitation, but deserted,” said Harry, as they came upon a sort of bower, formed by a tree bent beneath the burden of a heavy vine, this natural shelter being evidently rfected by human modifications, and the en- ce curtained with an old sail. “The owner has not long been gone,” said had the fair complexion of the Northern clime; big picking up the remains of freshly-eaten the sun-touched cheek of the other proclaimed him a child of the bee They were Harry Hazeltine and Vikir, cast up by the sea. | / “Tet us indicate our presence, then,” said Harry. ‘The poor castaway will be delighted to know that be has company to relieve his soli- Neither was conscious of the vicinity of the | tude. Come, let us halloo together.” other, nor, indeed, of bis own existence, They lay perhaps an eighth of a mile apart. ; @ sun rose bigher in the heavens, casting its warm rays on the bodies. At the same time the tide began to return, every seventh wave rising a little higher than its predecessors. The sun sought to revive; the sea jealously sought to reclaim its victims. Presently Vikir’s breast_rose with a percepti- ble inhalation. Then a sigh escaped 2 lips. He lived! The sun was doing its work. . But the sea also came nearer and nearer. It was a race be- Sages the benevolent and malevolent forces of nature. : A wave pre erg, her on the sands than ag aEewk washed his oo The man heeded not, After a space another Swell came tumbling in, breaking into yeasty foam, and running higher and higher, until it washed the uncon- scious face of the ocean waif. A shudder ran through the man’s frame. He moved uneasily, s0 that“he lay supine, and opening his eyes, gezed yecantly into the blue sky above. Another wash of the sea swept round him, al- most strangling him, yet at the same time start- ling him into a more vivid consciousness. He rose to a sitting posture, and gazed about him in bewilderment. The first instinct was self-preservation. He rose with difficulty and angesed higher on the azed in despair upon its ghastly immo es ‘: To the tol ee the sands to the shadow Pp trees was a work of loving respect, rather than of bope. Then to attempt such simple means of resuscitation as were at com- mand, was rpc ig the impulse to leave nothing un But Harry Hazeltine’s life-work was not yet done; and reluctantly, yet , nature re- Bu her functions. ikir’s delight was unbounded. It whom he had just repaid the debt of a life. ae Together they woke strange echoes among the palms, frightening the birds and ani ; but though they waited nothing came of it, Then they went about the island, calling in Eng- lish, and Spanish, and French, and Germaa, which exhausted Harry’s command of the lan- guages, but to which Vikir supplemented his native tongue. When this proved fruitless they concluded that the other tenant of the island was avoiding them in fear. Perhaps he had been alone so long as to become a stranger to his kind. They must find him in his hiding-place, and assure him of their antity. Having slaked their thirst at a trickling rill, they began their search, keeping each other in sight, so that nothing so large as a man could pass between, and so elude them. . oeeey a human being started = before Harry and ran away in awild panic, ‘Che dress consisted of a tunic made of sail-cloth. The long flowing hair proclaimed this poor creature @ woman! i This end of the woman this pre . ‘For Heaven's sake, stop her! Sho will jump into the sea!” ‘With a sharp ejaculation in his own ton i to iiertoet the fugitive; but uttering shrill cries, she ran the faster, and before he reached her, head-foremost from the yerge of the cliff inte the sea. ie, shooting tarough the air lie pagerene ooting u 6 air like an arrow. Rr ; who bad teen calstrigped 1a ite race, reac the precipice in time to see the divers emerge from the water, while two liges of froth-. ing bubbles showed their transits Ik the The girl instantly began to swim; bet Vikir was equall mpt iu pursuit. As the fugitive darned her head to ance over her shoulder in first time saw her face, rupt to pote f feet tiok: jat- | romon ‘ee ting ot into ae Soa. The frightened was rushing straight for the verge of he shouted: “Katmal Karma!” By this stron 5% oD arrested. Ceasing her flight, she turned toward him in be- wilderment, supporting herself upright in the In an instant he had his arms abeut hor, cry- attested pure, so intense was his delight: the deep love he had conceived for the man to | MENS sister, it is I—Vikir!” w him at last, and her heart welcomed ele
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40 ' bis neck. The Indian girl did not faint, as one of her civilized sisters might have donein such a mo- ment; but the reaction of feeling threw her into a sort of transport, in which everything slipped from her apprehension save. the con- sciousness that she held her brother in her arms; and her wild embrace was like to drown him, ° ~ with a bubbling ery he sunk beneath the wa- r. The moment demanded promptaction. Fear- ing to dive so far, Harry jumped from the cliff, ‘he sensation of passing through the air from great a hight was terrible and at the same 6 delightful. During the brief transit our hgro felt as if all weight were annihilated, and hé were floating in space; but when he struck | the water it seemed as if he plunged down! down! to the very depths of the ocean; and long ere he returned to the surface he found himseif gasping for breath. A moment was lost in pettin the water out of his mouth and eyes. Then he swam vigor ously to the aid of the almost exhausted Indian youth, and between them they got Kalma ashore and revived her, | We pass over the touching scene of the re- storation of these children of Nature to each other’s arms, and their gratitude to him who had just saved them from a watery grave. Kalma’s story was soon told, the boat in which she had drifted to the island found half buried in the sarid in a little cove, asail rigged, and the perilous voyage to the main chain of the Antilles su ully accomplished. Kalma was reinstated in the island home of her fathers amid great rejoicing, tempered by the knowledge that Vikir was resolved to follow the fortunes of his new friend and patron, The pirate’s hoard was dug up and proved of pore approximating a million dollars, Find- Ing i¢ impossible to ab 3 either Vikir or Kalma to touch what they deemed the accursed gold, and that otherwise it must remain unap- ropriated, Harry Hazeltine took , and made the Indians the only compensa- tion in his power, by turning over to them all his wealth, previous to the acquisition of his _ treasure-trove. This co: of property to which he had fallen heir in the United States. ’ His life in Cuba and all that pertained to it he 0: Fn over followed by his faithful Vikir, Harry Hazeltine became ‘a wanderer over the face of the earth, The master brooded over his wrecked life. The servant still hugged to his heart his revenge inst an unknown man, ight years later Harry Hazeltine stood on eck of a vessel as if steamed up to the levee at New Orleans. Hoe was going to his des- tiny! a CHAPTER XI.’ VOLCANIC NATURES. “Arona Canal street—the Broadway of the Crescent City—sauntered, one pleasant after- noon, &@ man who impressed the beholder as one who never smiled. He was symmetrical in build, erect in car- the. cut eae the most fastidious criticism. C) f rilliancy, flash- shirt-bosom, was the only article of jewelry any rson, He wore a fell gracefully curved ted. Le erate nalor with an almost painful b: This was Harry Haneltine, after eight years of wandering over the face of the earth, in the vain : ae Fakes es To yh him with a scream, as she threw herarms about | Ata street corner Harry met his old friend | stroke his heaven tumbled in rufns about him. ossession of | riage, and had that re of manner which | knowledgments, ho said, hurriedly: which counts no speed fast enough. marks a man of the world—a cosmopolitan,for | “Allow me tq hand you to your carriage be- |. Ina tone whose imperious sharpness startled. whom fife has no surprises. fore a crowd ae ag _ her gentle cousin, she ordered the coachman to: In keeping with the fashion of the day, he | Thanking him again with her eyes, and at the withdraw from the crowded thoroughfare and wore Jeather boots, in. elegant contrast same time Hooking a little wondéeringly at him, drive home with all dis atch. x : with his attire, which was white throughout, | the lady step into the carriage, as he held | Catching sight of Paola’s wondering gaze, the material being what is known as “duck, | open the door for her, with his ha’ lifted. nez reflected that she must control herself, end eis la cavaliere, he . wh his strode on, his soul now torn by a terrible con- 6, and sai he coachman, rather |. her shawl, ; peremp vi . ; ale with sympathetic concern, Paola took | “ Drive on!” | her cousin’s hand and held it. - As the carriage was whirled away, Harry | So they reached their palatial home, and as- turned imto the cross street, walking rapidly, cended t e broad marble steps together, with his hat slouched over his eyes, Will you have a cup of tea, dear?” asked | Oblivious to the resentment of the people | the gentle Pacia at the door of her cousin’s ; | hate and Bu | Taunton, who now had a command of his own, The second he fought with a frantic desperation, They had been together much of the time since 48 he would elude a curse, ’s arrival in New Orleans, and their | Thesigns of conflict did not escape the ever greeting was that of friends who see each other | watchful Vikir, and he drew nearer his master every day. | yet did not obtrude himself upon his notice, «Just the man I was hoping to run across,” So they reached the Hotel St. Louts. exclaimed Taunton, with a cheeriness that | Harry Hazeltine’s apartments were three, en showed that time had not damped iis spirits, | suite—a reoeytion room, his bedroom, and an- ‘‘ Have you anything on the tapis for this even- other which no living being save himself and ing?” | Vikir had entered since his occupancy. Before | «** Noo” | the door of the last hung a heavy curtain, and. | “Then come with me to a stag-party at Mr, | on the threshold lay a large rug. | Wetherby’s—the great Mr. Wetherby, you! Dashing his hat upon the dressing-table, Har- | know!” | ry turned to his servant and demanded: And Taunton laughed at the flunkyism which | ‘Is everything in readiness?” does homage to wealth, Mournfully, and with his eyes on the floor,, “Have [ heard you speak of him?’ asked | the Indian replied: | Harry, to whom the name was unfamiliar, “Si, excellenza |” ‘“* Why, all New Orleansis ringing with Weth- | | ‘‘ Then remember th _erby and his two wards. ‘The Creole Cousins,’ | ther man nor devil!” they call them. Haven’t seen them yet, my-| “Si, ewcellenza !” self; but they are to be put on exhibition short- | _ Harry swept aside the curtain and it fell be- | hind him. There was the sound of the opening | and closing of a door, and all was still, With a great, tender distress in his eyes Vikir- stood looking at thecurtain. Then curling him- self up on the soft rug, he lay as if on guard. |. Meanwhile, a strange scene had occurred in. | the carriage into which Harry had handed the- | lady, the sight of whom had so perturbed his- soul, In avoiding a second look at her an important fact had escaped his notice, The carriage al- beste toes + at I am at home to néei-. | ly, I believe, at the ‘ palatial residence,’ ete.” ** And Mr, tpl en np 3 askod Harry, with the “ 1 one for whom the ladies possessed no in- rest. “Ts a jolly Henglishman, ye know, from the | top 0’ ’Aymarket, come to this blarsted country to astonish the natives. But he keeps a first- class cellar, they say, and one meets pleasant company at his gatherings, The business of the | evening is écarté and the cultivation of good- | fellowship.” “That is to say, a gambling and drinking | ready had an occupant! i bout?” wis mS | It wasa lady as beautiful in her way as the. | “Well, I sup that’s the Puritanical way | one against whose fascinations the sad soul was. |of putting it. But I didn’t know that you sub- | struggling so desperately. Yet if the latter im- | scribed to the blue—” ; id rented the beholder with the gentleness of a |_ “No, God knows!” interrupted Harry, bitter- | fawn, the former had some of the fierceness of Paver" But to-night I am not in the mood for a | & panther. : : carousal, Ned, come to my hotel, and we'll | ,, At the moment of his meeting with Capt. ‘pass the evening with nothing but a cigar, a | Taunton she had seen Harry, and the effect on. lass of wine and our meditations, as we used her was terrible. Her jaw dropped, and into- o do at home—it seems a hundred years ago.” | her eyes came a look of wild, hunted terror. “ All right, old fellow, if you prefer it. But | She saw the foiling of the pickpocket, and | I'm off, now, for the cus selionlen: Good-by!” | then the man who inspired her with such fear - |__ And, jumping on a passing street-car, the , approached the oereece to open the door, | light-hearted fellow was gone. ompletely unnerved, the woman sunk back. ith all the bitterness of his life suddenly into the corner, with just enough strength to called up by this breath of freshness, so to apenk, _ throw over her face the end of a light, zephyr out of his past, Harry Hazeltine gazed wistfully shawl which she wore, Then she almost lost: after the car that contained his friend. , Consciousness. He was roused from this Bar t-ni reverie by a | She was aroused by the motion of the carriage, . sharp, yet musical cry, and turned in time to | and a silvery voice calling: - detect a street gamin in the act of snatching a | Inez, have you fallen asleep? I have just purse from the hand of a lady who had come had such an adventure! Such a gallant gen-. out of amie dry-goods store before which he | ee yori cee what is the matter with you? was standing. you wn With a quick motion Harry seized the hand | _ Paola Careno, for it was no other, had play-- that held the purse, gaining an imperfect hold, | fully snatched the shawl from her cousin’s face, The thief dro ped ws lunder, wrenched him- | and been electrified by the terrible aspect of her self free, and disappearéd around the corner. __ rigid features. ree With a courtly ence Harry picked up tho — ith a mighty effort Inez got herself in hand, purse and restored it to its owner, and in a choking voice said: **Oh, how can I thank you, sir? I was so “ Nothing—nothing of any cons A. frightened!” exclaimed the lady, raising to his rush of blood to the head, I think. be ‘a face whose wondrous beauty was enhanced by alarmed. I am better already. Let us get home for a doctor?’ its pallor. Pe fe Agessat) 5 re A into each other’ ad not we r stop : n instant they each other’s eyes, ae Oot herosty, Ka tie. sat upright, now devoured by the impatience ence, io not and the color swept into Harry Hazeltine’s face, | ‘‘ No!” replied Inez, Without making any direet reply to her ac | om he brushed by almost cavalierly, the man “No, Rhaak yon, rested Inez, with enforced flict, One glance from a of sweetly-be- “Ts be quite restored after a nap. seeching eyes had stirred his nature to its very , pat guar at bone misogynist; for the wrong of oue of the sex had ied this chivalrous soul to nd distrust all women, pekig or better, melted; and he stood face to | 'Y, more woman’s peration of sl she tore off her wrappin rile she paced the room, tossing them ho er ‘ $ first passion the man sped to his | of everything—everything/ A breath to Paola heart as a priceless boo d cherished blindly, | and my influence is gone. I saw the influence without a Paden of pt wb until at one foil she bel over him. se will seek her out. And, — “ Danae eign DF ahaa ey eae: Pf y = ST Cat eae eh aes ot a, A aa a rly eae rn See ae) Pe
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ee ee THE CREOLE COUSINS. se he will defend her. I foresee the issue. He is destined to frustrate us all!” Such vere the reflections of this woman while she strode back and forth with clenched ren] set teeth, blazing eyes, and panting. @ leave her to return to Harry Hazeltine. en he emerged from the room into which he had withdrawn, there was no change in him. The same war of emotions was raging. Not looking at his servant, he passed through his sleeping-room to the outer apartment, clos- ing the door behind him. Vikir remained with- in. He knew that he would be summoned when needed, : Alone, began to pace the room, and so continued until the evening nronete Captain Taunton. Then, like the closing of a visor, an icy calm settled down over our hero’s agitated countenance, They took supper in company. Afterward said; “ Teanton, if you will not think me — of urpose, I will accompany you tO see Wetherby.” ; : “‘ All right, old fellow,” said the facile sailor. "You'll get wine, and a host who will drink you under the table, if you care to meet him in that way.” ; “That will suit my humor to-night to a T,” said Harry. ‘‘If I don’t put the hard-headed old Englishman under his own mehogany, and then pack him off to bed, it will be because he is a better man than I.” Sate Though he was outwardly calm, within his soul he cried: “TJ will take a plunge into hell, and see if she will follow me there!” : ; In this spirit he went again to his destiny! So Fate leads us—so, blindly, we stumble on! CHAPTER XII. _ UNDER THE TABLE. JAMES WETHERBY’S “stag” receptions were given at aclub-house. They seldom comprised more than ten or twelve guests, and usually not more than half a dozen, They were merely reunions of bon garcons, gambling being an incident, not the aim of the gatherings. James Wetherby was too shrewd to throw his dearly- bought fortune into the maelstrom of gambling for gain, So it was understood that the stakes were merely nominal, to lend interest to the game. On being presented to him, Harry found the typical English bon vivant, corpulent in build and of florid complexion—a man in whose jolly face his’ crimes had left no mark, save perhaps a certain restlessness of the eye. “My dear Mr. ’Azeltine,” he said, with effu- —_— “Tam glad to meet you, sir—hexceedingly glad to number you among my friends, I ’ope, sir, that this may be the hinauguration of a henduring friendship. You are ’ eartily wel- come, sir—eartily welcome!” Vikir, having followed his master into the room, fixed his eyes on James Wetherby. They ‘began to glow and scintillate; his nostrils di- lated and quivered; and his lip twitched like that of a tiger-cat about to spring. One of the gentlemen of the party coughed Seer etek pects acne ames er his face retained its smiling Sachets: i ‘Hallow me to present to you, sir, my hes- teemed friend, Mr. Hasa Dillingham,” he said, with a deferential wave of the hand toward the gentleman who had coughed behind his hand. Mr. Asa Dillingham arose and acknowledged the presentation with a bow which certainly lacked the grace of a polished gentleman, as-he said, somewhat abruptly: 4 to see you.” If he was uncouth in and manners, he was simply repulsive in personal appearance. He was a man of | frame with a stoop in his shoulders which seemed out of keeping with ‘his build. This threw his head forward, so that he looked out from under beetling brows with a pair of as wicked eyes as were ever set in a human head. But they had a puzzling ex- — ‘as if their fire had been quenched. “One would bave said that here was a cruelly wane ‘man whose spirit had somehow been ‘en. __ His face was clean shaven; and this disclosed - the most repulsive feature about the man. His “Gzopidedl pulitaess, Wi connplea ton eras putty: ess, com m was putty- batcorr'y goa livid purple about thre lips C) -athis finger-ends, as he. had a trick of raising his hand to his mouth. The palms of his hands | “were yellow, with a strange velvety look, like ‘erby’s head ‘sunk struggled to an erect though Mg Sem pre and while his watery eyes rolled dreamily about the belly of a toad. One felt that they must be clammy to the touch. Toward this man Harry reasons, assiduously kept in the ark. That he might the better prosecute his plots against this unsuspecting girl, James Wetherby took advantage of a Cuban revolution as an ex- cuse to remove to New Orleans, Here he pro cured an establishment and. lived in elegance. Of course Inez, his accomplice, and indeéd the instigator of the act of treachery which had made his fortune, was of his household; and the money which was his only in-trust supported her extravagance. The infamous possibilities of this*woman’s nature had attained a sudden development, in the moment when she gave the rein to ber hatred for her husband. wn upon herown resources, she had d forth at a single stride, an adventuress of the worst t; For the wrong her father had sath veh : rating her from her lover, Don Manuel Rubio, she determined to take reprisals on whomsoever fate offered. The ties of kindred were as noth- ing before her supreme selfishness. Becoming Don Alfonso’s: amanuensis and seeped | she discovered the fatal will, and also James - erby’s rascality, and resolved to manipulate the situation to her own advantage; with what suc- cess we have seen, Left to herself she would have pushed mat- ters to-a conclusion, removed Paola from the path, and divided the spoils; but having to act —e James Wetherby, she found an impedi- ment. b ; -* cv This man was of a nature that would never act until pushed to the wall. Jt would be years before he would be called to account for. his stewardship of Paola’s money; so helived on in the present, deferring the day when he must again incur the risk of crime, Inez had many a stormy scene with him in private; but he kept outings her off withthe ar; - ent that — ~ would one day fall in eae some one, and by judicious opposition from him ‘and enco ent from Inez be led inte an elopement, which would solve the situation for them without any risk, But, though surrounded by suitors, Paola fa- vored no one above another, and her twentieth - birthday, a period far beyond the average spin- sterh of Southern women, found her still fancy-free. ; But let us pick up another thread in the warp of our story. : y : From hurling his rival inte the sea Don Manuel Rubio returned, t claim the :re- wardof his infamy. But he found Dovina, Inez changed. Her aims ‘in life had attained a sudden enlargement. Her passion for him had given in de- [enedaecumtaios tears society. : e out of her hearts
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—_ _» Asa Dilingham answered for him. wT et 42 THE CREOLE COUSINS. Asa Dillingham rubbed his yellow palms to- Moreover, as she listened to Don Manuel's / ether and smacked his livid lips as he gazed at story, she was seized with a presentiment tha; y Harry Hazeltine was not dead, and that some Donna Inez after her determined stand, or he would rise up and confront her. | ‘What, Tom,” he cried, with a smile like a iscouraged by her coldness, and by the im-! death’s-head, “have you turned voluptuary in possibility of producing proof that Ha was arg old age? You sly old Turk! is if possible really dead, Don Manuel threw himself into the that you have caged such a bird? I thought Cuban wars, and for years led a life of hazard- , it was ono of your interesting wards.” ous vicissitude. But of late he had again | ‘This lady is Donna Inez—not my ward, but sought out the only woman he had ever loved, | her own mistress,” said Wetherby, humbly. and now hung around her in helplessattendance | ‘ But, Tom,” pursued Dillingham, gloating on on her whims. Donna Inez’s beauty with a look that was an in- Such was the situation when the arrival of | sult. “‘you are cheek by jowl with such a peri? Paola’s twentieth birthday made further delay @ fatuitous trifling with Fate. ang taste or wonder at your good fortune! Then Donna Inez took a stand, James Weth- ut she’s a dangerous one, Tom, if she’s wicked erby must act! y But,” said the false guardian, ‘‘ we must’ave | handsomest mask in the devil’s green-room.” accomplices; and they must be our dupes, or | Chafing under this insulting criticism, Donna they will make an’ole in our fortune, besides Inez burst forth: hhincreasing our chances for making hacquaint- | ‘Stop, sir! Before you proceed further learn ance with stone walls!” something of the person with whom you have ‘* Why are you in such terror of stone walls?” | to deal.” demanded Inez, impatiently. ‘€My dear!” interposed Wetherby, plain- Perhaps she ke wiser than she knew; for | tively. ; : Wetherby darted a startled giance at her, but “James Wetherby,” cried the woman, im- recovering himself, shrugged his shoulders, and riously, ‘sit down and cease to annoy mel! said: id: ‘It would be quite a change hafter the luxu- | Wetherby succumbed in a decidedly wilted rious ’ome we ’ave en, oyed for the past height | state. : : years—don’t you think?” Dillingham chuckled behind his hand. “Bah! you are a coward aswell as a fool!” “She has you trained, Tom, Hal! ha! ha! cried Ineg, angrily. ‘‘ You would sit with fold- | She has pluck. I admire pluck.” ed hands until the last minute, and then try to | Ignoring all that had intervened, Inez pro- run away from ee no doubt. Now listen | ceeded in her address to Dillingham. , to my plan; and it must be acted on at once! ‘*T know that you are a thorough-going vil- “ As itis customary in Cuba for parents or | lain of the meanest type. Knavery is stamped guardians to arrange re you must ex- on your face; it leers from your eyes; it ap- ercise that right, being careful to select the most pears in every gesture and in the tones of your repulsive old man you can find. But Paola has | voice, in your petty tyranny over one who is lived long enough in the United States to pre- |in your power, and in your disregard of the fer the custom here prevalent, which allows a | commonest decencies where you think that you young lady to make her own selection. can trespass with impunity.’ “T already have my eye on a Art 95 Bee of | “She has penetration,” interposed Dilling- leasing address, who is in love with her; and am. ursuing his analysis unmoved, t shall] be my business to persuade her that she as _ contin loves him, or at least make her prefer him to | Inez, “I know that his villainy is limited only the wan you try to force upon her. by his cowardice and sloth. I know that his “ By her elopement the young man gets what | early life must have been a schooling for that he wants; the old man loses what he never had | which has come under my observation. You a chance of getting; and we step into the prop- | have intimated what I have long suspected, erty as she steps out,” that he is an impostor. t : My dear,” said Wetherby, “‘ for generalshi ‘Now, sir, you may well believe that I would you are hunsurpassed! Fetch hon your hol man, and the game begins!” man’s villainy without a purpose, since my ne- As if Fate answe their desires that day, | glect to denounce him commits me by implica- Asa Dillingham made his appearance. tion to complicity with bim.” At sight of him, Wetherby nearly had a fit. ‘Such a logical head!” ‘ Evidently he called up unpleasant memories, . “Nor would I thus openly criminate myself Enjo st Dillingham chuckled behind | seg a horrible, gloating exultation. With his livid lips and purple rn aga the perfect ’ dropsical translucency and clamminess of his unavoidable, but safe, since mene to each skin, and his snake-like eyes, he looked like a other will be the only means of self-protection.” an vampire. “Tom! Tom!” eried Dillingham, in deligh “ Whois this man?’ demanded Inez, not tak- | “ she’s a bold one, as well asa clear-headed an dng the trouble to conceal her disgust. ahandsome. And tothink that she voluntarily ames Wetherby was dumb. takes me into pertoarabty the little queen of *ve drop into—” “Tell her an old friend, Tom—a brother,in} ‘Ho cried Inez, ‘‘ Think of me as you ad , y® know! and destined to be more like; but outwardly at least I demand that for- than a her in rity! Ha! ba! Pal, | mal courtesy which is my due as a lady!” you're deuced comfortable, here. I’ve come to| ‘ And by all the furies I accord it!” cried Dil- 6d And helping himself to the most comfortable ‘are the only woman I ever respected. You arm-chair in the room, Asa Dillingham sat haven’t got the eternal whine, and I don’t be- down, as if he were indeed to become a fixture. lieve you're afraid of blood!” Turning to Inez he waved his hand toward the door and said: | derstanding so readily. Now for the story of “Young woman, we are two old cronies with | this man’s life, Let none of us have any ad- gome reminiscences to go over, and would be | vantage over the others.” alone. That bashful fellow has lost his tongue,| “Ha!hal ha! Tom, how do you like that?’ you see. Iam confident that your presence re- laughed Dillingham, ‘ But how in the world strains him. If you will allow me to deny my-_ | did you recommend yourself to such a thorough ‘self the pleasure of fascinating company business woman without informing her of your for one hour, I will then settle down to the full early experience—your apprenticeship, Tomt— enjoyment of it for an indefinite period.” | ba! ha!” With seathing indignation Donna Inez drew | “Come!” cried Wetherby, at last stung into therseli erect; but Wetherby sprung to her side, | dogged defiance. ‘I see that this lady is de- and seizing her by the arm tried to urge her to- | termined to ’ave the story, and you’re in a ward the door, while he said rapidly: | umor to tell it. So let’s ’ave it hover and done ‘Por God’s sake, restrain * pcm resentment!’ with. I might as well trust ’er as you, and l’d A word from him might ruin <a Pp | trust the devil as quick as heither of you!” he “ Hold!” cried Donna Inez, shaking herself added, roughly. freo, and fixing her ee eyes on Weth-| ‘You see, my lady, Tom knows me like a @rby’s now purple face. “This man comes to Wook.” you out of — past life?” = “It’s uselouss to deny it,” said Wetherby, help- fess}y. ‘It ahows for itself.” n “Then, sir,” cried the woman, turning to Dil- | My last is buried in a Cuban prison, where for ingham, ‘“ know that there are no secrets be- : eight years I never saw the sun. t-veen this man and me, We are one in fortune andinaim, I demand to hear everything you | =k ove So Eenetqnestvation Dust the telaloasd have to say to and about him /” | that we three are destined to work together for the accomplishment of a common end; so that | Demme! I don’t know whether most to approve | | enough to associate with you. She’s got the | Bo you think that I am in a mood for trifling?” | James Wetherby,” continued Donna | ‘not betray so thorough a knowledge of this | the consternation caused by his 7 did I not forecast the future sufficiently to see | frankness between us will not only be | lingham, with a burst of admiration. ‘‘ You | “T am glad that we have arrived at an un- ) | If this man was hideous under ordinary cir | Cumstances, when his bitterness took the form | of jocularity he was simply monstrous. | “But, my friends,” he pursued, ‘‘I have this ' advantage over you—while your sécrets bid fair to become common pba oh neither of you kuow anything to my disadvantage to tell the other, and you have no means of compelling me to inform on myself, ** But to my story.” CHAPTER XIV. iri a eae gE tory,” be- principal characters of my story, n Dillingham, “are a lady haly Wetherby y name—-” “Donna Maria!” exclaimed Inez. “Yes; that, I believe, is. the Spanish of it, Mary ‘Wetherby, a young lady of rere beauty, virtue and accomplishments; her brother James, a@ young man of promise; her father, a London tradesman, with a comfortable income and bis villa in the suburbs; and Tom Kittridge a young man about town, a ne’er-do-well, a spondthrift. a— But I desist. His character will become manifest in the narrative. “Tom Kittridge loved Mary Wetherby, or her father’s money, which to a man of his sor | amounted to pretty much the same thing. As they had lived next door neighbors from their infancy, Tom had the run of the house, and per- haps Mary liked him as well.as she did anybody elso, for he was a good-looking young fellow enough in those days. “ It was natural that Tom and Jim Wetherby should be fast friends, and that Tom, who had ~ most push, should show Jim“some of London e. “Now a man may play the very deuco in | London and not be found out by his friends. | Tom was bound to live himself, and determined | to get his friend as deopin tho mud as he was | in the mire, so that he couldn’t split on him; for pater-familias looked askant at fast young men, ' and Mary was a little saint. | “But it takes money to iftve ; and therein lay | Tom’s little game. If he could get a hold on Jim, by inducing him to raise the ready by any of the crooked devices known to young men about town, he could shut up his mouth while ho ee in the innocent and confiding sister, and through her hold the purse-strings of the old money-gatherer. ‘* Jim wasn’t vicious, but he had to keep step with his associates or fizzle; and the first thing he knew he was in a corner out of which money afforded the only graceful retreat, “Tom mow produced a Jew who declared his willingness to advance the money on a post-obit; not exactly the thing with a tradesman’s son, for of course there was no property entailed; | but Tom knew the ropes, and had arran things with this particular Jew in a manner which would have surprised Jim, had he been informed of the modus operandi, “‘ Now luck (as it frequently does in such cases) | supplemented Tom’s genius; for at that critical period pater-familias lay sick. Jim was thin- skinned, and objected that the th would have an ugly look, the two facts.coming into such suggestive conjunction; but, as Tom ar- | gued, the post-obit wouldn’t affect the old gen- tleman’s health either one way or the other, and | it wasn’t worth a rap until he shuffled off, etc., in due course of nature, Then Jim would have the wherewithal to take it up and put it in the fire, and nobody the wiser. | So, like many a better man, Jim fell. He got out of one scrape, but he plunged over head , and ears into a worse one. | “Did you ever Play smut, where a greeny ' unconsciously rubs his own nose with lamp- black in the dark, and the light is struck so that the company gets the benefit of it? Well,the devil sometimes n pers smut with bis friends; and so it epee in this case. For pater-familias | got well, and discovered the post-obit ness, | anda lot more. He naturally inferred that the | SCA) son had speculated on the mortality _ of his venerable progenitor, and in his indigna- tion and grief disowned him and cut him off _ With the proverbial shilling. | _ “Of course certain irregularities in the con- duct of Mr. Tom Kittridge came to light, which horrified the saintly Mary, and caused pater- eared to kick him (metaphorically) out of | doors. |. “After this derangement of his cunningly- laid plans and the consequent loss of business | and social poss oon, lai everybody kicks the ; man that’s going own the hal d; and in the end fetched up at a
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escape the THE CREOLE COUSINS. 43 per. A trifling circumstance to be productive of such startling results; but then, you know, ‘great oaks from little acorns grow,’ etc. “As luck would have it, Jim Wetherby, be- - ‘ng thrown on his own resources and finding ad- vancement in the Mother Country up-hill busi- ness, set out for the New World, Australia, and - after some rough knocking about, became a keeper in the prison where his oid friend soon afterward arrived as—let us say, @ guest / “hatthere was no love lost between them may easily be inferred. Maybe Jim took ad- vantage of their relative positions to grind Tom. Human nature asa general thing finds revenge palatable, when it can be had without risk: and a convict don’t stand much chance to vindicate his rights, if imposed upon. Perhaps it was only Tom’s pride chafing at his subjec- tion to aman whom he had formerly led by the nose. “But not to dwell too long on causes, Tom soon found himself branded with the queen’s mark for total insubordination. It is a pretty device like this.” And on the back of a magazine which lay handy Asa Dillingham drew the following ebaracter tae * Soon after this Tom took it into his head that a change of air and scene would do bim good, and in company with some others packed is valise and started to travel for bis health, “ But they’re an affectionate set out there in Botany Bay. They couldn’t bear to part with one about whom clustered such tender associa- tions. They hunted him up, offered irresistible inducements to him to come back, and for fear that he might get lost again stamped him on the other shaulion lade with the runaway’s mark. ‘‘ Here you sys it. A pretty letter—eh?” is: And he traced “But Tom’s aon of habitativeness must have deen wretchedly deficient; for it seems that he determined once more toroam. One of the guards was so importunate in his petition that Tom should not leave them to mourn him disconsolate, that Tom, out of pure kindness and merely to put the tender-hearted fellow out of his misery, tapped him on the head with a tamping-iron, and persisted in his willful pur- “They are famous jesters at Botany Bay; and they called this purely humane act a mur- derous assault on the guard, If Tom had wait- ed—but he didn’t!—they would have carried out the joke by setting him to dance on nothing, . with a hempen necktie around his neck; or else they would have presented him with a set of iron jewelry, twenty-four carats fine, and 4l- lowed him to amuse himself at a game which they call ‘hard work in chains for life.’ In the latter case they would have added another mer- itorious mark, putting it on his back, like the title of a book. ; “This distinction is only granted to one who carries off the highest honors: “Yon see, it is the sign of the Cross; but it has 09 religious significance. “With characteristic modesty Tom declined the honors he had earned, and sought to cover his bashfulmess by losing himself in the crowd, But his admiring friends sent Jim Wetherby over land and sea in suest of him; and Jim's geal was rewarded by finding his old chum at lveston, Texas, employed on an honest trad- ing vessel. Eton was 80 little vainglorious that it was found necessary to put him in irons, lest he ould continue to hide his light under a bushel, t this shrinking from the plaudits of the crowd had become a monomania with Tom, and . on the passage from Galveston to Havana, where they expected to ship for the antipodes, be erected a ae to modesty which is without parallel. ould you believe itt—to amped, eee spel ayy This while ons ani C) w i was allowed his 7 exercise on deck. “But for the of the officers and C eee honest ‘tudiag vessel, I wouldn’t “}feanwhile Jim’s father had died, and glso Pd mara innis other ‘bed, ed. tot o> grandee. You know how Jim found his bro- ther-in-law in Cuba, and, accepting his offer, _— up the keepership of the prison in Botany ay. a But now bebold a strange anomaly. Jim is in turn seized with a mania. He insists that he is Tom,and Tom is Jim!—that Tom, finding himself pursued, inveigled Jim on board a shi manned by a cre-v of Villainous cutthroats, al in bis (Tom’s) interests; and that Jim (and not Tom) was ironed and thrown (not jumped) into the sea. As Mary was dead and Don Alfonso Careno had never seen Jim, and all who knew him were at the other side of the world, the cunning Tom (so runs his mania) boldly stepped into Jim’s shoes, and from his long intimacy knowing as much about» Jim’s family and friends as Jim did himself, and furthermore turning his old skill at forgery to account by imitating Jim’s writiwg, he had no difficulty in | imposing on the credulous old Don. “Did you ever hear of suca lunacy as that, | Donua Inez? I call bim Tom to humor him. But, old fellow,” pursue1 the ironival Dilling- | ham, addressing his victim piayfuily, “‘Td | never believe your own testimony against your- self until I saw the brands which I have de- scribed on your back.” All through this cruel story the falss James | Wetherby had sat mute, trembling and with | the perspiration starting in his palms and.on | his forehead. Now he faced Dillingham’s devil- ish stnile and Donna Inez’s undisguised con- tempt with defiance. ** Well,” he said, ‘the story’s all hout. You hought to know which man went into the sea, since you were the captain of the vessel from | the deck of which ’e was thrown.” “That is the only point.on which the dear boy | is thoroughly rational,” laughed Dillingham. “Tt seems, then,” said Donna Inez, looking | from one to the other, ‘that I find myself in the elevating society of an escaped convict and an honest trader, who throws men. into the sea, and then — perjured testimony?” ° ‘* Exactly!” assented Dillingham, unblushing- ly. “But if we serve your turn, my lady? and then, perhaps, you area greater devil than either of us.” ‘Waving all metaphysical points of distinc- | tion,” said Donna Inez, ‘‘ Asa Dillingham, you are just the man that we want. I move that we proceed to business.” And the three set themselves to the work of plotting against the innocent lady Paola. ” CHAPTER XV. BIRDS OF PREY. Art twenty, Paola Careno was the full realiza- tion of a poet’s dream of womanhood. From her English mother she inherited her fair complexion, her soft, fine blonde hair, and that hardy constitution for which English wo- men are noted. But by her southern blood, the rather heavy Saxon build had been toned down to lines of exquisite symmetry, and every move- ment was instinct with a pliant, grace, while her voice was attuned to the mellow cadence of beria. Combining the strong passionate na- ture of a daughter of the tropics, with the re- tiring sensitiveness of an English gentlewoman, she was a creature to love and protect, a thing of beauty and sweetness. er While the cousins were making their toilet for dinner, on the day of Asa Dillingham’s ad- | vent, the impostor, Wetherby, sent word that he wished to see them in the ioare a few min- utes before the time of assembling. Paola, as yet, knew nothing of Dillingham’s | presence, so that she was all curiosity at this un- usual summons. Inez simulated a correspond- ing interest. “My dears,” said the impostor, when they ap- peared before him, “ while ia the city to-day, I ran across an’ hold boyhood friend~a man ‘oo knew your mother, Paola—and by my pivite: . tion he becomes our guest for a few weeks. is a man of no pretensions; but ’e ’as amassed a — fortune in trade in the hold country. Hindeed, ’e ’ad hextensive business relations with your | father, my dear. °E ’as long been afflicted with | a disease which ’as at length hinduced ’im to travel for ’is’ealth. “Isa ce at first may strike you as somewhat singular; but I ‘ope ‘is stay with hus may be made pleasant by hevery © able man, and | attention; for ’e is a most hestim where ’e is known is much sought after in the best circles.” ; 2 : The ladies both expressed their willingness to potihad Ay in their power to entertain their ve le ? Almost fer toe paige Asa Dillingham made Vee Goats said Wetherby, “this i my most hesteemed friend, Mr. Hasa Dillingham, of ’oom I have just been speaking.” ‘‘My dear Hasag,Domna Hinez Mentoza.* With a smile wlich had one significance to Paola, and a totally different one to Inez, Dil- | lingham advanced, and extended his hand so markedly that it could not be ignored. | “T am highly honored by so distinguished an er said he, with a double meaning. ez could hardly restrain a shudder, as shv | allowed her hand to come in momentary con tact with the clammy palm of her malicious 2@ | complice. She wasso enraged at this enforces | civility that she could not trust herself to speak However, she controlled -her features and | courtesied with marked deference, “This,” said Wetherby, “is my ward and | niece, ‘Donna Paola. ou will recognize ’ex ; mother in ’er.” |. Dillingham’s look of deep interest as he ap- | proached his intended victim was not all simu- | Jated, nor was the expressien of gloating admi- | ration which made his face more repulsive than | - j ever. With a sort of paternal familiarity he took | both bands of the shrinking girl, and clasped | them close, ‘*My dear young Jady.” he said, with a simu- lation of tenderness wbich was simply sicken- ing, “it is like renewtug an old friendship to Jook at you—a friendship not without its pain- ful memories,” he added, with a sigh which was an insult to the dead. The color faded from the cheeks of the sensi- tive Paola, as she felt the cold, damp fingers close about her hands like the folds of a serpent; but it swept back again at this reference to her | mother, She could not, help resenting the inti- mation of this hideous ghoul thet he dared | to love one so pure and beautiful as she knew her mother to have been. However, she mastered her feelings, and the party passed in to dinner. Donna Inez and Wetherby were delighted with this opening of the campaign; and even Dillingham experienced a sardonic sort of plea- sure in the repulsion he excited. ** As a scarecrow,” he reflected, “I shall prove a dazzling success, She would elope with the devil to — me!” Excusing herself a moment on the plea of having forgotten something, Inez washed her hands thoroughly with hot water and oe ad- ding a bath in rose-water. She was back almost instantly, and during the meal had the pleasure of observing her cousin eat only with ber knife and fork. girl could not endure to touch food with her hands while they retained that nauseous, viscous sensation, as if she had been handling a reptile. : | Inez pressed the bread upon her, and after- | ward the fruit, which Paola declined with an appealing look. 7 * Aren’t you feeling well, dear?’ asked Inez, with a laugh, perfectiy apparent to her cousin, behind her mask of simulated solicitude;and in | an agony of embarrassment r Paola was | fo to admit that her appetite had failed. During the evening there wereseveral callers, / all of whom, however, had to be entertained by | Donna Inez, since Dillingham hung about Pacla | With a serene egotism ‘high excluded every one | else from her society. | She si for him and played for him; and afterward he talked to ler about her mother in a way which made her ears tingle in spite of her good-nature, until her dian took pity on her and engaged his guest in a game of whist. Though her friends were too we}l-bred to com- ment, their looks showed that a was be destined to become a prime favorite with em, One of the gentlemen is worthy of note, as he will play a conspicuous part in our drama. Leslie Mansfield was as elegant as was his name. He could dance ‘divinely ’—such was the verdict of the “ butterflies.” He had white teeth and white bands, and white cheeks dashed with red. Indeed, his complexiun was, secretly, the envy of ali his lady friends, ire Senay ay owes aoe: oo gravely through the operation of puttin er on his patron’s dainty cheeks and an and scraping it off again; though this) seemed to be a mere matter of form. The same barber ed Leslie’s hair within an inch, ewactly, of the ' middle. But one sacred mystery rested be | tween Leslie and this on other themes loquacious _ knight of the razor—how bad he promoted the _ reluctant growth of that microscopic mustache | whose blonde beauty was at conse "gs care PRE wert k rye gt _ tive, his eyelashes Lada
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“flected which he could call his own for a week at a time. Tye known you for six months, now; and of all | have never loved any man.” from Dillingham, | the ladies of my acquaintance you—I don’t know | _ usual to Lesli ee btae- e while they were lacke ness and vigor; his voice was musical instead of being strong, and slurred r’s took the place of | sharp, crisp articulation. ‘And this fashion-plate in water-colors prided himself on being a “‘ladies’ man!” Well, we | freely dedicate him to that creation of society. He certainly was not fit for God’s last, best work, a thorough woman. fancy. being struck by her delicate beauty, | Leslie Mansfield imagined that he was des- perately in love with Paola Careno. He felt surprised and piqued that a lady whom he dis- tinguished from all her sex by honoring her with his preference should not at once lay her grateful Konet at his feet. E 3 Certainly Paola received his attentions with a provoking matter-of-course serenity. She liked bim; for in many ways he conduced to her pleasure; but it would take a man that was a man to awaken her love! Being denied her society, his only yo. xd de- velo characteristic, his utter sclfishness, came to the surface; and he asked Inez what stupid old duffer that was monopolizing her cousin. “What! the Honorable Asa Dillingham a duffer?” cried Inez, arching her eyebrows in af- | while ie Paola out boating. CHAPTER XVI. A DESPERATE LOVER, THE scene was a broad, smooth sheet of water, shut in by trees that hung lazily over the wa- _ ter’s edge—a sort of bayou setting in from the | Mississippi. On its surface floated a pretty little skiff, | with upholstered seats and a gay awning of al- | ternate white and blue stripes, scalloped around | the edges and bound with red. In the stern-sheets Paola Careno trailed her | taper fingers in the water, feeling the charm of | being shut.in from all the great outside world, with only a pleasant companion and nature. Dipping the sculls, idly, Leslie Mansfield sat amidships, with an abstracted, nervous air. Finding him unusually taciturn, Paola asked: “What is the matter, Mr. nsfield? Are you not enjoying yourself?” ‘* Yes—yes—voery much indeed.” “But you haven’t been auswering me as if you were.” - —— me. The scenery ts very beauti- ul, “There! See how stupid you are! It is nearly fected dismay, “ Why, sir, do you know that | five minutes since I was speaking about the he is worth balf a million sterling? And he | scenery.” made a hit last year in Parliament, in a speech | on something or other. I tell you he is one of the lions at home! He was considered an eligi- ble parti. among the dowagers; and, haying escaped their machinations, I shouldn’t be sur- ‘* The fact is, I have something on my mind.” “Indeed? Business no doubt. How compli- mentary to my powers of entertainment!” “No, not business.” “Pleasure, then, that wins your thoughts prised if he took some one from this side the wa- | from the present! Keep on; you are improv- ter to grace the head of his table.” ; “Faugh!” ejaculated Leslie, with undisguised disgust, ‘‘could any woman marry him? He reroinds me of a toad-stool!” ‘““Oh, you are too severe,” dissented Inez. ‘And you know women don’t look for personal beauty in the men they marry. Mr. Dilling- ham is a man of good intellectual parts, and of sterling integrity. What makes him the more interesting to Paola is the fact that he knew her mother.” “He's old enough to gah known her great- grandmother!” growled ie i Donna Inez tap him playfully with her fan, and welcomed a new candidate for her at- tention. : - But the seed she had sown was destined to fruit One of the articles of Leslie’s creed was that | no woman was actior money; and in imagination he saw this fright- ful old ghoul throwing his filthy lucre into the balance against his rival’s mal attractions | and carrying off the prize. ag oie f Leslie re- | "that he never had a hundred dollars | When she was rele Paola felt bored to death; and as Leslie imme- | diately clainzed her he got the full benefit of the | reaction. She felt grateful for the change, and | without premeditation, or indeed consciousness of the t, she became more gracious than ie. This elated the lover, and in conjunction with the late reminder that he must win her if he would have her, led him to surpass himself in complaisance. Paola’s evening had a very pleasant ending, and she ascended to her room oo midnight with the impression that | r. Leslie eld was a very agreeable gen- # tleman. “Well,” said Inez, when they were alone to- | gether, “ t do you think of him?’ ‘Of whom?’ asked Paola, coming out of a reverie. “The Hon. Asa Dillingham!” said Inez, with evident mock gravity. * He seoms to be a man of considerable infor- mation,” ge 9 Paola. But a dtsa le person to shake hands with!” interrupted Inez, with a burst of ringing laughter. ‘‘Oh, dear, you must forgive me for teasing you at table; ‘but it was better than the opera bouffe to seo your head forcing a com- | aeagers between your heart and your stomach. t even politeness will never uc dagain. Faugh! wh od leg touch his han . Fau why don’ if they i iingteta societv, have con- | itjeration-for the feelings of others?” “Tt is his misfortune,” ew the ever- kind Paola. “Iam sure I would rather endure | ‘discomfort than to hurt him by betraying any | signs of repulsion.” Wonna Inez had been precipitate in starfling the complacency of Leslie Mansfield. Her , , discontentedly. | scious t proof against the seductions of | of life: so our lover had never ex gy, Won aes nd she looked at him with a coquettish pout. “Tt may bo great pleasure, or very great remay he replied, seeking to gain time, now that he crisis was at hand. The half-smile on her face gave place to a loole of que ‘sioning solicitude. If she had flushed in the slightest degree, he could have fallen at her feet in the most ap- proved style, and recited the speech he had been ete ress Fab h but she was so perfectly uncon- at he was struck with sudden conster- nation, and the words of his declaration flew to the four winds. — Leslie Mansfisid was not aclever man; but so- ciety has a certain set of cut and dried for muls which help even a stupid man who is versed in them through the ordiary difficulties rienced such embarrassment as he now found himself in. But he had gone too far to recede, and flush- ing crimson to the tips of his ears, he stam- mored: “« Paola—I beg your pardon! Miss Careno !— —that is to say—I mean— Why, hang it all!— I beg your pardon! Of course that isn’t a proper expression to use before a lady. But I want to tell you that I never was sweet on—” And here poor Leslie came to a dead stand- still, a total wreck. The slang which was most familiar g unbidden to his lips in his pain- ful confusion; and it was so inapt that it took his breath away. By this time Paola was as pretty a picture of embarrassment as one need wish to look at. ‘*Mr, Mansfield, I think I understand you,” | she nm, from pure kindness of heart, wish- hors ’ Pp ing lp him through hls painful flounderin Then perceiving that she had made a very “we ward confession, seeing that the man had not as yet really declared himself, she was at a loss how to proceed. Gathering courage of ration, Leslie made areckless plunge, and did what he ought to have done at the start. Dropping his*oars, he ste ped over the intervening thwart, cast himself at the lady’s feet, and sought to seize her hands, But the ene ot the skiff frightened ee and caused her to grasp the sides of the with a cry of dismay, thus taking her hands out of the reach of her lover. : The situation would have been ludicrous to a spectator; but it only added to Leslie’s embar- rassment, _ “Gh, Mr, Mansfield! t up!” cried the girl, in her fright, fen tye could. tn “* Paola, won’t you let me tell you?” he pleaded. “ Bat he shall certainly fe Some” etled Paola, pale to the lips, and ing to the gun- Waige oF i ae led instant immersion. “No. See; it is all right mg tifn = Pug getting off his knees, so that he res i were a pale’ blue; his movements, | matured. The event which threatened serious toes in a squatting poten: and in turn A see graceful! lacked direct- damage to the plots of the intrtguers happened hold of the sides of the boat to steady it, d his , | It was most ungraceful attitude in which to | make a declaration of love; but proposing to a | lady who is in sympathy with your feelings, or | at worst. gives you her undivided attention, is uite a different thing from breath the old, old story into the ear of a beauty whom your very approach has just scared half to death. And now, with that -aptness of her sex to seize upon. the first avenue of , from an awkward situation, Paola, even r the dan- ger, if there had been any, was past, continued pat para of nervous apprehension, as she ' cried, piteously: | “Oh, take me ashore, pleaso!—take me | ashore!” | Most men are annoyed by what seems to them | unreasonable timidity on the part of woman. To be the cause of that fear just at the moment when he sought to inspire her with a life-long | confidence is ce to try the patience of an | ordinary mortal. But to feel that she is hedg- ing bebind that trepidation to escape his decla- , ration, and not swear, ought to entitle any man to canonization! Leslie did not swear—audibly ; but he set back on the thwart, and his determination to oy his case and get an answer appeared in his ace. ‘Listen to me, Paola,” he said, firmly and collectedly. ‘‘I want to tell you that I love | you, and ask you to be my wife.” |" When a -man is “mad” he usually acquires the eloquence of terse, definite statement. Leslie ke to the point; but the tone of his voice and the flash in his eyes were strangely at variance with the tender avowal conveyed by his words. Paola accepted the defeat of her little ruse; very decorously she replied: “Mr. Mansfield, I am very sorry to pain you; but I cannot accede to your wishes.” _ = anger ene gee Leslie’s f place to white-lip panic, maiden’s hands, he cried; ‘Paola! Paola! you do not mean it!—oh, | you cannot mean it!” “TY do mean it, Mr, Mansfield,” replied the irl, gently yet firmly, ‘I like you asa friend, ut nothing more. I am sorry if I haveever _ led you to think otherwise.” “Give me time, Paola. Don’t decide yet dear. Oh,I love you s9! You can’t help bub | return my affection when you see how devoted | Ishall be. Your every wish—” ‘ | Butthe girl shook her head. é “Tt is useless, Mr. Mansfield. I can never learn to love you.” | ‘“You love some one else?” cried Leslie, with a jealous pang. **No,” replied Paola, looking straight into his eyes, without a trace of embarrassment, ‘I | to give Grasping the “Then my chance is as good as any one’s else,” urged Leslie, with an egotism not uncom- ' mon among men of his caliber, | “Exeuse me; but you are not the style ofa | man I have pictured as my future hu d.”” “ But no one ever marries their ideal,” “T think that no one who looks for happiness should depart very far from it.” : ee doubt I am very far below your stand- | & There was a touch of returning asperity in , his voice. t forbearance eat with a slight |. With ' chill of dignity, Paola repli : “TI did not say so.” a ‘is so hopeless as arguing against ing. Taille ve up in despair. ~ * You will not be persuaded?” he asked, *T cannot.” ; “Your decision is irrevocable?” iti It is.” “Then, by Heaven! I will show you vist S is to love! You have a heart of ice; but I wil | touch it. Paola Careno, no man will ever love ' youasT love. You might have secured a life of devotion; but you have ned it. When _ you think of me, remember that T threw Hee | ' only wpe you have pronounced worthl Farewell, Paola! Without you, life is insup- , Portable!” _ He , divinir caught the skirt of his coat, On, Mr. Mansfield!” she cried, breathlessly. | “Do you relent?” he demanc pausing, ved clutching the coat in readiness to snatch or her and 5 Pome, Le
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THE CREOLE. COUSINS. “TY cannot. But—* ‘“Then see whether I dare or not!” ‘Leslie Mansfield was not a co eous man; ut weak, selfish, and above all n men are just the ones who do desperate deeds in a mo- ment of te ee pe @ was bsg eg ex- asperated b petty annoyances he met with in his infelicitous love-making; his vanity ‘was hurt by that greatest slight that can be sustained by a conceited man, the rejection of his love; and, lastly, for the moment, his self- ishness, with characteristic proneness to en- hance the value of a thing desired in proportion as it is unattainable, made life deprived of what the coveted seem hateful. Such men commit ‘suicide as a, petulant child casts itself on the ground, regardless of the hurts it will receive. These feelings, together with he love of weak natures to create a sensation by striking terror ‘to their fellows, were sufficient to goad Leslie “Mansfield to self-destruction. Determinedly he sought to tear himself free from the detaining hands, steppmg forward over the thwart from which he had just arisen. Screaming, ‘“‘ Mr, Mansfield!” Paola clung to thim so that she was dragged to her feet, The boat swayed. In terror the girl let go her hold. Being suddenly freed and at the same time at tempting to throw himself from the boat, Leslie —— and fell with one knee on the gun- wale. In‘a twinkling the frail craft was capsiged; ‘and Paola’s piercing scream ended in an omi- mous gurgle, as she sunk beneath the water, CHAPTER XVIL “THAT MAN MUST DrE.” rent years of hope deferred br@ changed ‘Don Manuel Rubio from a somewhat reckless -devil-may-care gallant into a rather bitter man of the world. His campaigns in the Cuban revolutions had gre him an imperious, soldier- ly-bearing; and his face had contracted a look of fierce discontent, a perpetual protest against chis hard lot. One may fight one’s way toa throne; but how a woman’s favor by storm? Sore with long disappointment, he formed a desperate resolve to settle his fate, one way or the other, for good and all; and so sought his obdurate lady-love, “Tnez,” he began, having her out behind a pegs mettlesome grays on the famous Sheil , ‘it is now eight years since you charged me with a commission, on the execution of ~which you promised be my wife.” “Yes,” admitted the woman, showing no emotion at this reference to a murder at her ——_ *e that time nothing has occurred to counterv: the evidence that the mission was full executed?” *No “Ynez, during this probation have I been reasonably patient—as patient as you could ex- pect a man be whobe life appiness was being withheld from him for what seems to. him in- sufficient reasons? Have I been as little impa- ‘tient as you could wish a lover to be?” **You have been a model of tractability, all things considered, Don Manuel,” said the wo- man, looking into his eyes with a smile meant ‘to win him from his seriousness, But he was in no mood for levity. Indeed he ~was holding strong ions in check, and they ore area to from his control; as he Bae do you ever mean to redeem that pledge n “Don’t threaten me!” “You are quick to resent-the slightest asser- ‘tion of manhood on my part, in opposition to your will,” said the man, bitterly. “Because,” said the woman, looking straight before her, ‘‘I have lived in this world long enough to know that in the domestic relation where is no compromise between ruling and “ wuled It ack ’ naere rule!” ve a at least ordinary con- sideration!” Weteh te man, ely. Inez turned her in mea: on his Austad thee; my i and then served in bondage for eight ears “Tf you are not content, I will pay you in money, double what you have been paid for risking your life on the field!” ~ Don Manuel at this woman of the mar- ble heart helplessly. He was thinking of the time when she hung languishing in his’ arms. Contrasting the past with the present, he almost wondered whether it could be the same woman. “Tnez,” be asked, “do you loveme? Have you ever loved me? “Yes,” she replied, ‘I love you—I have al- ways loved you. **T eculd well believe you once,” he replied, with an appeal in his eyes, ‘‘ But now you are so chang You answer me with less enthusi- asm than if you were accepting an invitation to a drive,” “Tt is because I have outlived sentiment Manuel, and got at the actualities of life,” said se woman, more graciously than she had spoken fore. “Tt was a sorry day for me when you ate of this tree of knowledge,” replied Don Manuel, ruefully. “T would rather have you as you were—” * Before the fall?” laughed the woman, some- what sardonically, pent out his figure. ‘** Before your head strangled your heart!” “But now*you must take me as I am, or not at all.” “T will gladly do that.” ‘¢Then you must wait ae, ep ae * Por dios! have I not waited?” SFP “You may be nearer the end than you think,” | said the woman, looking into vacancy. **Tnez!” “Tt may be—it must be within the next) twelve months, if at all.” -“ Tnez!” “T have had two motives in deferring our | union.” gs “Two motives?” “One, the fear that that man might some day | arise in our path.” . “But the circumstances made escape impos- | sible, And he has not been heard from for eight | “Then what remains?” 2 The great prerequisite of civilized life— gold! “Tnez!"—reproachfully. “You are not rich—I am not rich. But those tastes for the pabipcation of which money is indispensable have come to dominate my fite. Starve them and the most perfect love would turn to hate. “ There is one year of my life which has ever since been a perfect marvel to me,” pursued Donna Inez, dreamily, on ig to her year of married life in the seclusion of Harry Hazel- tine’s villa, partly simulated and partly real, though how could haye vegetated amid such surround- — now passes my comprehension, I was not Baht let us not dwell on the past!” she cried, interrupting herself with fierce scorn, “What, then, of the future?” ‘ “My cousin is within one year of her major- « Yos.” “Within that year a large share of her prop- erty must come under my control,” “But your plot has hung fire for sight years.” “A part of the delay was unavoidable; a part was due to Wetherby*s procrastination. ile his stomach is full he is content. But he must act now.” ‘ “And if you succeed you will deny me no longer?” 2 “*Manyel, I will deny myself no longer!” said the woman, looking into his eyes with the first show of tenderness. Taunton; area te hore alive p” myself in your eyes.’ that my own hand shall rid you of | | 15 passed, and ascertain if this was indeed the wo- man he had left for dead eight years ago in Cuba, stricken down by the d of his best friend, and that friend made a wanderer over the face of the earth in consequence. But sec- ond thought showed him the great impro bability of his supposition. Then, too, it proved to be she, no good would result from the establishment of the fact, since, as then su , Harry Hazeltine had been dead cig years, lost overboard from that Spanish vessel in a storm—-so the captain of the Ysabel had reported. These — passed ae Taunton’s mind all in a flash; and when his lady compan- ion locked at him rise, and asked: “ What is the matter He replied: “Nothing.” ’ And drove on. He would not have pM at gs his equanimity 80 easily had he known wheat transpired in the other carriage. Donna Inez c’utched Don Manuel’s arm. “Did you notice that man?” she asked, breath- ly. “Yes, He started as if he recognized you with a great deal of astonishment.” ‘* Hoe did recognize me!” ** Who is he?” 7 ‘* For God’s sake do not look back!” she cried, checking that very natural movement .on Don Manuel’s part. ‘*I would not confirm his re- cognition for the world! He may conclude that he is mistaken, Has eight years changed me much?” ang “Not much—no. But why do you fear him? That was not— Nonsense! You are crazy!” “* No, it is not the one you have in mind, I could not be mistaken in him. Butitis a man whom I have almost as much cause to fear,” “Who, pray?” Have I met him?” The woman laughed cet sey'f “No,” she said, ‘I believe you did not stay to meet him.” It was the first time she had ever referred with anything like reproach to Don Manuel’s flight when her body had intervened between | him and her husband’s bullet. He did not see the force of her words, but looked at her puzzled, until she added: “He was his nearest friend. His name is Taunton.” Then Don Manuel flushed crimson. “Would you have had me stay, unarmed as I was?” he asked. “No. You adopted the only prudent course.” “ Prudent!” the man, his sore pride catching at the word that mi ht have a double psegge “T have explained to you again and again why I was unarmed—for your sake!—” *Yes—yes.” “And there could have been no possible ad- van to you had I stood there and allowed myself to be butchered, without the ability to raise a finger in my own defense, or in yours—” “T admit it all.’ “ Besides I did not even suspect that you were wounded until I saw him fleeing. en I re- turned to you.” — “That is true.” “And did I not follow him? Did I shrink yi hs came to the test of hurling him into the sea “T have not questioned your courage.” ** By implication only!” ce ea ae ght sot yet ‘aram c e not yet ap- ; “in fair combat I dare face any man “JT hail the opportunity!” cried Don Man With a Sec oF tes 2A rs ae ‘Pardon me!—I did not mean it asa test, But my safety demands a service which will in- volve a duel, or the employment of a bravo, I believe there are such men to be bought in New Orleans, as in old Spain?” “Since the question has come “ As you will. But that man must die!” ~ __ “ Trust me—the world is no longer big enough tohold himandme!” : a you must take care of yourself, Man- I prefer “enemy |? "er,
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16 CHAPTER XVII. ODDS AND ENDS, THAT night Capt. Taunton was thunderstruck at meeting his old friend, Hany Itine, alive and in the flesh! His colle t at this (to him) return from the grave was almost equaled by his pain at the great change which ie the arry of old scarcely recognizable in this man who seemed almost a wreck both physically and spiritualiy. And yet there was something puzzling about gazed upon the unconscious girl, until tears came into bis eyes. They were the first that had shed their balm on his sore heart since that ' day eight years ago, when, all ina moment, his . spirit bad been crushed to the earth. But by the time he had dismounted and Jaid her on the greensward, the fierce fires of a bit- ter resentment had burned his eyes dry. | He bugged his wrong to his heart. He would not forget that she was. one of a fickle sex Harry. Aside from that haggard ghastliness whose weak impulsiveness rendered them inca- of face and strange blending of brilliancy and pable of a strong. abiding love, to which a man languor in his eyes, he seemed in full bodily , might anchor all bis hops, confident that all vigor. | the powers of earth could not prevail against it. | aunton refrained from speaking of his en- It was such a Jove that he craved. And trust, | ee the Snel road aoe he skould = ed ss tag of fair seeming, his heart had prov: at it was indeed Inez, more especially | been shipwrecke ts es one hage — gs ’s a aad — | Embittered b y soa reflections, he — we . jitter words that he let drop that he was still | unconscious or her power over hi under the impression that his wife was dead. : the same tithe ‘be hated himself for a coward, | ~ For three or four days following Capt. Taun- | as he resolved to fly from the fascinations of her | ship that 1 Big Bag teapoasible to teteeth, > | Pie had no fears for her safety, Her uncon | the matter, and for the wine reason Don Man- | sciousness had not been induced by suffocation | uel Rubio was unable to find him so as to force | from her immersion in the water. She had an encounter. fainted with terror. She would revive in a few Donna Inez fretted at the delay, until in a minutes. By that time he must be away. Bowasl aoe 88 wipro ban eg York! he | Yockee WEEE Reeted te aide tee os | te) 6) er a e ki y at. brought an aaasied af the duel. scare and the wetting of his clothes he was none This banishment prevented her from commu- | the worse for his ahortive attempt at suicide, nicating to him at once her more terrible en- | ‘‘ Allow me to thank you for your timely as- counter with her husband, which took place on | sistance,” he seid to Harry, “and let us proceed the afternoon of that day. at once to the restoration of—” In the evening Harry Hazeltine wert to “One moment,” interposed Harry, checking drink the false James Wetherby under the | him as he knelt beside the unconscious Paola. | table, and in the morning went horseback rid- “The lady is in no danger. She will revive of ing, partly to annul the effects of his night of | her own accord in a moment. She has only debauch, and partly to divert his mind from its | fainted. : : wretchedness. ‘‘ Meanwhile, I have a word to say which may This brings us to the end of our retrospect, | strike you as strange. Set it down to the score The reader will recall that on his return Harry | of eccentricity, if you wish. It is this: was startled by a cry, and discovered alady | ‘‘I know absolutely nothing about this lady, and gentleman struggling in the water near a | and she knows nothing of me. For reasons of | capsized boat. ; my own, I wish this igriorance of cach other to | 3 continue. Moreover, [ do not wish to figure in the role of a hero, nor as the recipient of any | one’s gratitude. Explain to her the rescue in | any way you choose, only do not betray my agency in it. She will never hear any story contradictory of the one she hears from your 1ps. ; ; ‘See! she already shows signs of returning animation. “Tf you feel any gratitude for the preserva- Son your own life, do not betray me! Good- CHAPTER XIX. THE RESCUE, WaetHer Mr. Leslie Mansfield would have persisted in his designs on his own life had he ae with no opposition, is an open question. erhaps it was the unforeseen accident of the overturning of the boat that turned his thoughts into an entirely different channel; or possibly Paola’s scream rved him; or the touch of water may have dampened his ardor. One fact, however, was demonstrated. No read leaping a sooner did he find himself in danger of drown- n_ into the saddle, Harry ing than the desire to preserve his life became | dashed out of sight, followed by Vikir. as all-engrcossing as it been a moment be-| Leslie Mansfield’s amazement won his atten- fore to throw it away. tion even from Paola for a moment, while he | gazed after the man whose strange demeanor seemed explainable only on the theory that he | Me: = pape sabag: i jah if he was a cag e had an equally stra keeper. During the whole proceeding V. ir had remained as mute as an automaton. But Paola sighel and shivered, Leslie knelt again and took her hands. Before Paola opened her eyes Leslie had time to reflect that, if he maintained a discreet si- | lence on the manner of her getting ashore, she would of course infer that he had saved her. If the matter ever came to light, which was im- | probable, he could justify himself on the ground “Follow me!” of his debts of gratitude to their common res- | Master and man swam their horses to the res-| cuer, and the latter’s earnest injunction of si- and while Harry drew the drowning Paola | lence. As a question of pormtlty, this deception | to his saddle-bow, Vikir disentangled Leslie gave him very little trouble. Mansfield from the prning of his boat, where; “Ok, Paola! can you ever forgive me?” he he was making desperate though not altogether | cried, on her first awakening to consciousness. , successful effortsto keep his head above water. | ‘I cannot tell you what I have suffered, fear- _A great surge of conflicting emotions swept | ing at yea would never pen your eyes again! through Harry Hazeltine’s heart, as he recog- The deadly peril it has exposed you to has nized the girl who lay limp and lifeless in his | shown me my folly and wickedness. Can you arms. Fate secmed determined to bring them | forgive me? I shall never forgive myself!” wether. Should he yield to it? “Yes, I forgive you freely. Indeed there he very sight of her had roused his better na-| seems to be but little real harm done,” said | ture, and set it to rattling the chains of dis- | Paola, smiling faintly. Let not the reader suppose that he was actu- ated on the principle of “ev man for bim- self, and the—gentleman in black take the hind- most!” Perhaps the fact that he could not swim may be in extenuation of this, tosay the least, ungaliant proceeding. deed, he had little ad- vantage over Paola; and both might eventually * have drowned, but for help which came from Ere despatli had reached the ears of ‘aola’s. ring cry had reac @ ears 0) Harry Haselitne: sad wheeling his horse chery iy te spurred him into the water, crying out Vi 4 \ Sick Sh waked oo a oe wll H trust of womanhood which for years had over- | In her never failing kindness of heart her first |. whelmed it, It had never rested quietly. Its Sah gs Mag had made the unrest of his companion’s remorse and self-repro: e. But during the past twenty-four hours it ting the best face on the matter. had foughs jcpen re “Oh! you can’t tell how Bio. relieve me by | In spite o apgetdige 4 BFF ig 4 font ness; though I know you are far ee Se Sis eee: Ane. tas SA well; and it doesn’t make me any the less her to love for her was but a step. "| blameworthy. Can you remain here alone. Hi ess NOW a to him more! while I go for some sort of conveyance to get ne. As = you er pelgiontp cea: ; et nearest strong | her beauty had don walk the | “Perhaps I can to the ne ai eats ses : mous natu ; Eee cree tard anyiing” Hat Oh, don’t try to do that! It is altozether | instinct was to relieve what she supposed her mgmt by put possible A'S thes seenenisstiansssshstsuntisGemess . While his horse swam back to the shore H | unnecessary,” Leslie that oa = Rc pene might not yet be cut of aehe of | 6 levei road, protested But he might have spared himself anxiety, Paola was not equal to any pe ‘ian effort. faery her in as comfortable a position as 6 secured a carriage and shawls, and so took her home. But on the way he said: “T am ashamed to ask any consideration at ‘your hands, after what has occurred. But you are so generous. Will you screen my folly, and let this go to our friends as an accident?” You may readily believe that Paola was only too anxious to agree to this adjustment of what otherwise would have been a very embarrassing adventure to relate, ~ So the world coupled Leslie Mansfield and Paola Careno as the hero and heroine of a spicy adventure; and humorous friends predicted “cards and cake” as the natural outgrowth. ,But the keen and interested eyes of Donna Inez detected a certain restraint in the manner of both Paola and Leslie. Moreover Pxola now manifested a gentleness in her intercourse with Leslie which inspired him with gloom instead of pleasure, Under Inez’s manipulation Leslie was the most plastic of wax; and once on the trackyshe soon had the whole story, so far as it related to his proposal and rejection. On the particulars. of the rescue he was the embodiment of reti- cence, (Yon foolish boy!” chided Inez. “‘ Youhave come near spoiling everything.” ‘**No doubt,” said Leslie, ruefully, ‘if every- thing was not spoiled before I attempted it!” **Nonsense! You don’t understand women, Do you want to marry my cousin?” — “ Rather,” answered the lover, dryly. *¢ Then you shall,” ** Nothing easier!” “Skeptic! leave matters to me.” “T know of nothing more prom’‘sing.” ‘You speak more wisely than you know. Would you marry Paola knowing that she did not love you?” “T would be only too glad to get her on any ‘What would you do to get her?” * Anything under heaven!” ¥ — you give all that you possess in the wor " a Bal ha! That wouldn’t buy her a wedding: “ Your life?” *T meant to give that.” ss eng you strain a point of honor?’ And Leslie snapped his fingers, adding: “ Try me.” “Not that that is necessary, of course,” said nez; “ but Iam glad to see you in « = a | can’t tolerate a miik-and-water man! Now, Leslie Mansfield, I have taken a great fancy to you, and have set my heart on seeing you, and dear Paola marry. You two were made for _ each other; and if you’ve got the pluck to fight. es own way, you will m her-in the end, ‘ll help you; and when I undertake a thing, Z always succeed !” There was something in her manner that impressed Leslie; and after gazing at her in si- lence a moment, ‘he said: ‘If we do succeed, ask anything of me in re- turn—anything !” “Tt’s a bargain!” she replied. And they clasped hands on it, Meanwhile Harry Hazeltine had returned te his hotel in greater perturbation than ever. — Once more he into the room which no one but he and Vikir ever entered. , The same look of deep —_ settled down over the face n of the West Indian, and he gazed at the curtain Sosaky he Gok his vigil again, and the si- u e is Vi and the lence of death reigied 2 he ateemicon CHAPTER XX. THE DUEL, In theearly evening of the day which so near!: x the death of Paola a D ris¢ Ned aunton was. ng ra Ww the St. Louts, in quest oF : riend, I Me eek tine, when he brushed against a man going in. ee ee = evidently a Spaniard; his won ka ye al ¥ = Poin nSaate,
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THE CREOLE x. have a on, not 0 the man, had ‘ he not cried, cavalierly: te “ Hold, Setior Americano! If I mistake not, Sedonak oahiited ea this is the second rudeness you have been guilty of. Boor, take’ this, and learn better manners!” And Don Manuel Rubio, for it was none other, struck Capt. Taunton on the cheek with his glove. ; On the impulse of the moment Ned shot a re- ba turn blow straight from the shoulder; and the insolent Spaniard rolied on the pavement. “A Roland for your Oliver, sir Spaniard!” cried the Yankee sailor. ‘‘ You see, we never F leave a courtesy unrequited.” ‘ee “Ocaramba! it is characteristic!” growled eee Don Manuel, as he picked himself up. ‘ This oe doy has tha recourse of alepero !” (beggar.) ‘ ““Notso!” criea Taunton, promptiy. ‘‘If you ‘er are not satisfied, I can let some of the hot blood aos out of your veins. It may give you a milder 3 temper. * Chingara !” sneered the Spaniard, in choice Castilian billingsgate, ‘‘the slash of the catlass is not fit for the dueling ground.” ; *¢ You are over-nice, my fine fellow!” laughed * Taunton. “For my part, I am satisfied with ‘ S your rank, since, no doubt, you will bleed very re much like a better man. But, to satisfy your }- scruples, let me present myself as Captuin Ed- : ward Taunton, in command of the United ts States cutter, Fleetwing.” iS And bowing, he presented his card, . : “Unless, perhaps,” he added, with an insult- ing smile, ‘‘ you prefer to hire a bravo to avenge your wrongs!” “A servicio de V., seftor capitan !” sald Don : Rubio, presenting, in turn, his card. = “Senor Rubio,” said Ned, glancing at the ee vard, ‘‘ it seems to me that undue importance is ee iven these little affairs by formal negotiation. +5 Gan we not arrange this in a word between our- selves?” : “Your su tion accords with my hunsor, fSad precisely. ie sooner Over the better. If to- oe] morrow morning, at sunrise, will suit you—” . i. ‘Unfortunately, the business of getting ready a to put to sea occupies my time almost entirely, oo Cae during the hours of daylight. But the moon : ae will be at the zenith to-night at twelve. Wiil ;, Sag there be light enough for us to find each other with oursword-points—if that weapon isagreea- fT ble to you?” ee: “Perfectly! But I warn you that I shall fight to the death, which mayinterfere with our business of to-morrow!” said the Spaniard y paniard, with a covert sneer. a “T apprehend no such mischance,” replied * Ned, indifferently. “If allis satisfactorily ar- ranged, then, we have three hours in which to seek a friend and repair to the ground.” “ A friend, but no surgeon!” said Rubio, sav- 5. ly. is ras you will. Adios, seftor!” “ je ‘ ** Good-evening, sir!” said Don Manuel, speak- ae, ing in English, not to be outdone in politeness. . nd bowing, the gentlemen par Capt. Taunton hastened on to the Hotel St. ; : Louis, to meet there with a strange surprise. oe He was admitted to Harry’s apartments by a Vikir. ef G Brushing hastily by him he glankea about the PS ae room end asked eagerly: Ce an “Isn't Mr, Hazeltine at home?” a *“Si, sefior ; but—” > 5 See “Where is he?” =: ‘My master craves your indulgence. He can receive no one.” “« But he will receive me.” “Tmpossibie, sefior.” ‘*Nonsense! I have known him all my life. ab Z are like brothers. Where is he? I will speak im. ‘‘ Pardon, sefior. You must accept my word forit. Hecannot see you.” Bs But Ihave important business. I must see “ To-morrow—” “Will not do. I must see him to-night—im- ‘ y: es “ Again, sefior, it is impossible.” ay. “Ob, but there must be some mistake! Did eo = he give you special instructions t he would a me?” \ es ; - sefior.”’ 2 ¥ I will go to him at once.” = Bué Taunton had opened the door to ee gan vf : ; Taunte oor to Harry’s a sleeping and entered before he could be Vi le 3 and the cur ii doors Harey’s private and ric He would have drawn aside the curtain; but Vikir stepped before it, and raising his hand with an impressive gesture, said: ‘Stop, sefior! You cannot enter!” For the first time Taunton was sufficiently aroused from the contemplation of his own con- cerns to observe the grave, sad dignity of the West Indian. ‘‘Why, what is the matter with you?’ he asked. “Sefior, you cannot enter,” repeated Vikir, with his eyes on the floor. ‘¢-You infernal croaker!” cried Taunton, losing | all patience, * whatis the meaning of this muin- | merv? What is the reason I cannot enter?’ ‘Pardon, sefior, but I cannot explain.” . “*But I will not be balked by your stupidity. | There is no reason why your master should re- fuse to see me. Stand aside! I must see him.” ' And Taunton advanced, as if to thrust Vikir | from the doorway. * His eyes blazing with sudden excitement, the | West Indian drew a curiously-shaped dagger, and for the first time raising his voice from the | sad cadences of sorrow to tones of ringing com- | mand, cried: / “Stay, sefior! If you force me to it, I will serve ny master even to the taking of the life of his best friend!” In this attitude Vikir was a man whom no one could despise. Brave man as he was, Captain Taunton step- d back before the blazing eyes of one whom e recognized as his equal at least in courage and irae Sag Instantly Vikir’s dagger disappeared; and his | air of deprecating respect came back. ‘** Pardon, sefior,” he said. ‘‘ I know my mas- ter’s will, and must execute it.” ~, Withoutarguing the point further, Ned raised his voice, an ed: . “Hal!—I say, Hal! Come out here, old fel- low. I wish to see you ona matter of life and death!” No sound responded. “You may call. He will not heed,” said Vikir, more and more sadly. Now a sudden fear seized Taunton, and he called again: ‘*Hall Hal! Don’t you hear me?’ T-ead silence! : “T beg that you will desist,” said Vikir, ‘lest you arouse impertinent curiosity in the hotel.” “‘Has anything happened to your master?’ — Ned, gazing anxiously inte Vikir’s gloomy ace “* Nothing, sefior.” **Oh! he is not—” But the question was left unfinished. Taun- ton conceived the idea that hisfriend might be intoxicated, Sige he was sleeping off the effects of his last night’s debauch. This theory would explain Vikir’s sadness.. The servant loved his master, and was pained and humili- ated by his-weakness. Going to Harry’s writing-table, Ned dashed off a note, relating his encounter with Don Manuel Rubio, stating his regret at having to seek any other than his best friend at such a time, and adding that, if he survived the meet- ing, he wonld send word, to relieve Harry's anxie “Give this to your master as soon as: he makes his appearance,” said Taunton, adding with a brave man’s respect for the feelings of the most humble: “ Pardon my bharsh—” ‘*Sefior, say not a word!” interrupted Vikir; and taking Cant. Taunton’s hand, he touched his lips to it with a humility which was not in- consistent with the most perfect self-respect, >. Beginning to see that Vikir was no ord reba Bago: departed to prepare for the g du inten el. hen he was gone Vikir began to — the time, inner apartment. Pausing aiter a he stood with folded arms gazing with humid eyes at the curtain, “ Alas!” he sighed, “he is kis own worst or Lssiee lille “hs eens Ae: acaba kee eanwhile the i e “* Field of Honor!” It was an open glade on the outskirts of the fant now bathed in a flood of silvery moon- t, Taunton was accompanied by his own sipetdinate officer, Lieut. Towels - aS Don Manucl Rubio’s second was an attaché of | th panies oan Camar Rel vod of hats, cous, vests and calars the meget ret Sek gether witha ae Then eye to eye, and toe to toe, two men, babe - } : D> Sie < ty : | ¢ Fo eye tet a COUSINS. ‘folly! What does it aT 4 human ‘tigers, watched each for fhe other’s e. Restlessly they moved about each other—ad- vancing—retreating—now standing firm. The steel blades rubbed against each other with a sound like the hissing of serpents, Now they were pressed round and round. Anon they flew apart, to strike together with a ringing clash. ow tierce and’carte! Now lunge and parry! Now clash! clash! clash! The flexible blades | writhe and dart and whirl like living things. At last a cry from Don Manuel’s second, and the red blood! Capt. Taunton’s rapier had passed through his adversary’s sword-arm! esopeing secs Ned lowered the point cf his weapon. 6 was willing to give the Don an opportunity to have kis wound dressed. ut, enraged, the Spaniara cried: ‘*Pool! defend ‘yourself! Did I not say ¥ fought to the death?” And he charged his adversary savagely. Before this une lattack Ned was forced to retreat, defending himself at great disadvan- ze, stepping upon insecure ground, he tripped. His adversary — him tobing snsb-cl bis esunk upon one knee, cate re) weight on bis] lefthand. ’ His guard, rendered insecure by his loss of equilibrium, was beaten up; and with a deadly thrust Don uel’s rapier passed through hie body! The murderous Spaniard forced his weapon home to the hilt, and then let go the handle, that in falling Capt: Taunton might enlarge the wound by the weight of his own body. But Ned fel) aver on his side, Seeing this, Rubio was about to retake his sword, when Lieut. Roselle, who had divined the Spaniard’s murderous intent, sprung for- ward, ss ; “Stop our work is done. I will with- draw that weapon.” Bowing stifly, Don Manuel withdrew, donned his garments, and entering his j with his second, was driven rapidly from the field. Entering Donna Inez’s presence, he said: ‘*T have earned the right to present inyself ‘before you by adding another life to the ac- count! ‘Edward Taunton is dead?” *T have run him through the body within the hour! I see suspense has chased the color from. your cheeks. He was not worth so much.” Téis not that,” said Inez, who was indeed ghastly pale. ‘‘But if your work this time is not more thoroughly done than formerly, Taunton may yet live to be a grandfather.” * What do you mean?” . “ Day before yesterday I stood face to face with the. man owe told me was: dead—Harry ine—my husband!” CHAPTER XXL ; DONNA —— RECEPTION. T was morning before Harry Hazeltine peared from his secret retreat. ee His face was more than usually haggard, his Solillawh, petitpensiRiemise srvoingtgiad. © nt, yet if possible more sa Ashe presented the note Ned Taunton hag ieft, Vikir let his eyes fall to the floor to hide heir ene ‘*What! he has gone to fight a duel, and I ee with him? At what time was he here, Vi- ? “ At nine, excellenza,” ; ‘He was to fight at twelve! And he has sené no other m ee?” e “None, excellenza.” 3 “Oh, if he is dead! And all owing to my ac- cursed folly!’ But no, it-cannot be! Vikir, a carriage, instantly!” Si, excelleriza.” - = And with an obeisance the West Indian with- Ww. J 3 Harry began to pace the room in an agony of remorse. © ‘When he needed me I lay— Oh, curse the rofit me? And, now what has it cost me! Never! never again will ek eee the reach of my friend’s hand! t now it is too late!|—too late! Oh, Ned! you never failed me!” - Thus he the time with self. until Vikir ad, and sid: the i is in readiness. the master, turning to bis ser- hes os a friend ae fg er can iepair. Take the key, lock that aceu 5 Sb yttdtme ae
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wepeeD & os i Col 18 ___ THE CREOLE COUSINS door, and never under any circumstances—no matter what may happen, or what I may do— let mo have it again! , : t ‘*My master! Can this be true?” cried Vikir, his face showing a struggle between delight and incredulity. ‘It remains with you to stand by your trust. Ihave charged you.” ‘* Kxcellenza,” cried the West Indian, with tears streaming from his eyes, while he sunk upon one knee and covered his master’s hand with kisses, ‘‘I will guard it with my life! It shall be the test of my love! fil, mil gracias! to-day the curse fallsaway!” — Overpowered, he covered his face with his thands, and sobbed. “* Bueno !” said Harry, softly, and laid his ‘hand tenderly on Vikir’s head, himself not a little moved. “I. am _ well beloved, of a verity!” ‘Was not I, and my sister as well, saved hy thee?” cried Vikir, raising his eyes with loving gratitude to his master’s face. “Nay, good Vikir; attribute it not to me. ‘Hadst thou not sought to avenge me, even to ‘the sacrificing of thine own life, thou wouldst never have reached the island; nor would I have had any one to save me from the return of the sea, so that she might be rescued. But | we must lose no more time. One that loved me even as thou dost may now be lying dead!” “Forgive me that I have let my joy detain thee,” cried Vikir, arising. ‘I go to the exe- cution of the most grateful duty thou hast im- ! And locking the door of the mysterious room he secured the key, clutebing it with a frown * defiant hatred, almost as if it were a living thing. They then descended and entered the car- riage, to be driven rapidly to Capt. Taunton’s hote Already excited groups of gentlemen were gathered before the hotel and in the parlor and office. Ladies, too, listened with pallid cheeks and frightened eyes. Passing this ominous spectacle with a sinking parte Harry rapidiy ascended the stairs to his friend’s room, In the upper corridor he met Lieutenant Ro- ‘selle, whose pale, anxious face showed that there was at least cause for suspense. Ned, then, was not yet dead! “My dear Roselle, tell me!” was all that Harry could say, as he grasped the young ofli- cer’s hand. “No one can tell certainly ” was the reply. “Woe try to hope.” “ And his wound?’ ‘*Run through and through !* Harry ned. my aii 0 to him at once.” “Stay! Thedoctor has ordered that he see absolutely no one but the nurse. The sight of friends would excite- him, He is conscious enough to recognize you, but cannot speak.” ‘Oh! but he may die! And when he came for me I was not accessible!” “Then, by Heaven! I will avenge him!” eried Harry, excitedly. “Who is this Don “ An ex-officer of the Cuban revolutionists, I | understand, forced to fly the island by the tri- samph of the mother country.” “* And where is he to be found?” “]T think he is a guest of Mr. James Wether- pe wer he may have left the city until this ir blows over.” “JT will ascertain, But the whole world is aot largo enough to hide him from my re- vi ! Forced to be content with the ee of the murse and doctor, as bon? Pe eir - ance from time to time, 'y remained at the 1 It was ten o’clock at night =e he ae zlothes; for Ned’s fatal note had him Careno. Accompan James Wetherby, expressing his regard for the man who hhad laid aes Ranondhs his own mre Bure to St sri Set | his carriage, and was, driven to James Wether- | by’s residence, in a fashionable suburb. | It was near midnight when he entered the’ pot age op parlors, | . The arrival of cools was no longere ted, | James Wetherby had retired to the -room, where he was occupied by a e of whist. | Paola, having made all her guests welcome, was giving her attention more particularly to a nearer circle of friends. _ Leslie Mansfield was the hero of the occasion, and was receiving his stolen honors with affec- ted modesty. ) on Harry Hazeltine,” announced the ser- ; Vant. “The new friend that uncle James has gone into heroics over,” said Paola, and excusing her’ self to her friends, addressed Leslie Mansfield: ““-Yourarm, please.” Rapidly he escorted her across the apartment, /and stood face to face with the last man on | earth he expected, or wished, to meet. His embarrassment was so overpowering that it must have been observed by Paola, had she | ' not recognized with a thrill of pleasure the | stranger to whom she already owed a courtesy. Dropping Leslie’s arm, she advanced with outstretched hand. | ‘I make you welcome, Mr, Hazeltine,” she | said, ‘‘on the part of my uncle, and myself as well. It is an unexpected pleasure, I assure ou, to recognize one whom I have aimee. | met under less agreeable circumstances. () | had begun to fear a disappointment, and Mr. | Wetherby has gone to the card-room. Will | you excuse him from coming to you, and ac- ' gompany me there instead, as he is so unwell as | to be confined to a chair?” | Itwas well fer our hero that the lady had so ‘Tauch to Say. Recognizing in his hostess the one of all women who could move him most | powerfully, and whose good opinion in spite of himself he most coveted, and reflecting that she must know the circumstances of his acquain- tance with her uncle, and despise him in conse- ' quence, Harry Hazeltine was rendered simply speechless, Even as it was, he regained composure only 'in time to bend low over her hand and reply in fitting terms to her courteous welcome. “Meanwhile, allow. me to present Mr. Leslie | Mansfield,” said Paola. | The gentlemen bowed with some restraint, Harry being the more self-possessed of the two. | Giving Leslie his conge with a bow and a | smile, Paola took Harry's arm and led him to the card-room., y ; James Wetherby was seated in an invalid chair which moved on rollers. His last excess had brought on an attack of the gout. ‘ ‘“‘ Why, bless us and save us! if ere isn’t my | ‘ friend "Azeltine! My dear sir, I’ad given you © up—with much regret, I assure you. You | hexcuse my rising? You see, going hunder | the table ’as halmost laid me on the shelf !—ha! ha! ha! Gentlemen, ’ere is a prince of good- | | fellows, Mr. ’Arry ’Azeltine. But, hexcuse | me!—you ’aven’t met my ward before!—Donna Paola Careno.” rfectly serene in his ) | ment Ipable whi ea a Sedeed his ment was pa e when he acknowledged his | | ja, blended as it was with | the free and easy swing of the drinking bout. | But the girl had already made up her mind to | | like him, She did not understand her uncle’s | allusions, as he had really told her nothing about Harry except that he was a gentleman whose a he wished to cultivate. ishing, then, to relieve his embarrassment, | without inquiring into its cause, she said, gayly: © “Mr, Hazeltine, I will en to find you better amusement than this stupid whist, if you will pace yourself to my direction. Uncle, and | = emen, we leave you to the mysteries of _ iki ng, queen and ace!” ere was a charm in her manner that was ible. Harry felt its influence. She sooth- ‘ed him. At the sound of her voice, at the touch - of her hand, under the magic of her smile, all his antagonism melted away. . I must introduce you to my cousin Inez,” | | his feet were tending. At t of Harry Hazeltine’s stand still. Bho felt the sof. ret move. Her eyes were upon him ' through the crowd, If he had. come then, he would have found her sitting like one turned to stone. < But she saw him disappear in the direction ' of the card-room. The spell was broken, An icy shiver escaped her. She gazed around for — like one awaking from a dream. nm Manuel Rubio had had the good taste not to pr t himself at a féte so soon after his duel. He, therefore, was not at her side. Asa Dillingham, however, chanced to be near, He alone had seen the marked effect of Harry’s name on Donna Inez. Of their former relations he knew nothing. Out of revenge for Inez’s curiosity touching bis life, James Wetherby had told Dillingham all that he knew of her—that she had been once married; but the name of her busband he had been unable to learn. But Dillingham’s suspicious nature was quick be put this and that together. liding to her side he whispered: ‘Come! you look like a ghost. Your guests must not see you_in this state, Moreover, he niust not meet you. It will spoil everything.” ‘Who must not meet me?” asked the woman, valiantly fighting on the defensive, “Your husband!” said Dillingham, without hesitation. A pretty item it would make for the morning papers! Romance in high life!— nnd all that sort of ping s “Take me away !” said the woman, helplessly. Heput his arm within hers, the better to sup- port her, and so got her out of the room without ittracting attention, since she was seated near #uopen window, ; : — the veranda the cool air revived her a e. ‘What excuse will you make for me?” she asked. ‘‘Something will be necessary. Paola vill seek me at once.” “| willsay that you have over-exerted your- self in the dance, Fearing a headache, you have lain down for halt an hour.” ‘* But whatis the use of evading him?” cried Inez, in despair. ‘‘ He has followed me here to denounce me?!’ : ‘*¢ Don’t be too sure of that,” said Dillingham. ‘* He may know nothing of your relationship to Donna Paola. His pee here may be the merest accident. Maybe he would run from you as eagerly as you run from him.” ‘** But discovery 1s inevitable!” ‘*Perhaps. In any event he may be inducea & keep his mouth shut.” : F “ Will you serve me?” * Willingly, since I go up or down with you.”. Go, then!” ** He went, in time to meet Paola coming up with Harry, ‘‘Mr. Dillingham,” she asked, ‘‘have you raet— Ah! Isee,” as the gentlemen bowed to each other. ‘‘But where is cousin Inez?’ she a . “T left er —_ = be 2 felt oppressed the heat o e room, and had oe 2 oe the Night fantastic,’ I be- lieve,” said py “She has gone to lie down for half an hour.” 2 “Tnez has not felt well for two or three days,” said Paola, with concern, ‘‘ Will you excuse me a moment, Mr, Hazeltine, while—” “Don’t trouble yourself,” said Dillingham. “T have come from escorting her to her room. She expressed a wish that you would not. attract attention to her withdrawal from the parlors by making it seem of consequence. Sha will be down before she is missed.” Pebing Harcy et cap ean anda t- Ta ry among her , she presen’ him, and his distinguished r polished manners won him immediate ae ance. Thenshe danced with him, and, for ply time that evening, sung at his request, and ater promenaded the veranda on his arm. Every moment brought him more and more tnder her fascinations, and for a time he yield- | \L himself up to the subtle witchery. Under the charm of his conversation, and the magnetic influence of his vicinity, the girl did not realize how much of her attention she was tonferring on this stranger. there was one who counted the minutes, and measured every wnile with jealous vigilance. Leslie Mansfield was in a — predicament, A word from Harry could bring upon bim the cases not only of Paola, but of all his en i Hoe managed to get our hero out of earshot of naa and said, a cringing spirit of mean- ‘*T did as you feeling that, without saving m fife, and ener yh i ll more to U my silence, 1ysel fe ato ont, No ot wl cid te
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& THE. CREOLE COUSINS. ‘brought to light. For God’s sake, do not be- ray mo! Remember, it was your own wish But Harry cut him short with a stare of icy contempt. ‘You seem to forget the essentials of a gen- pte mse ganda anh: sToed h our pardon! ie, with a crestfallen com known that the secret was safe.” With a cold bow, Harry turned on his heel and walked away. ‘** A life which is more to him than his own!” reflected our hero, ‘“Thecoxcomb! But, pish! sheisa woman! The lightness of his heels will make up for the emptiness of his head; and who.cares for honor in ‘ such a love of a man!” With this bitter sneer H Hazeltine ban- ished gentler sentiments from his mind and re- turned to his p of revenge. This woman had the wena make him forget even the wrongs of his dearest friend; and reflecting on his weakness, he hated her for it~or thought that he did. Addressing a tailor’s dummy to whom he had been presented, he asked: **Do you know a certain Don Manuel Rubio?” “Know him?’ repeated Charles Augustus. “By Jove, Lbelieve you! A deuce cf a fellow! Met his man and ran him through before break- fast this morning! eannne - Hazeltine must gonofur- | 7" Hineland, or Sas Reulag, gl | _ “Paola,” said her cousin, “I know nothing of | Children are ’eld in subjection to their parents the excellencies of this gentleman; but his hos- tility toward Don Manuel must of course be an effectual barrier between and me; and I think I know your heart well enough to feel confident ee unpartisan.” tO se Fogger e bas given up his enmity,” urg- “Of course you are at to do as you r: y bes pt nt s you Sor any clroumsthnpes cousent to meet iss." ) y nough | Vv a us imself tter | B Oh, sel less] or guardians, a light: of ’eels isn’t consider- ed sufficient qualification for a’usband. I’ave ected _&@ man with money and social sition. None of your fly-aways; but a soli man of business—one oo will you an os-
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‘ ; . 20 THE CREOLE COUSINS, ‘ ‘The girl stared, and then burst into a laugh. ’ reproach, he said: * Koc “Why, guardie,” she said, “I thought you were in earnest... You look as sober as a ge. **And why shouldn’t I be in hearnest?” de- manded Wetherby, in a tone of dogged severity. “T don’t see hanything to hexcite you to mirth,” ‘Oh! but Mr. Dillingham!” *? Andsome is as’andsome does! As for hage holder men ’aye married younger women, and ’appily, too. But, sentiment aside, Mr. wage ham is @ man hevery way worthy of you. ’ "as pro to me for your ’and; and is ready to settle twenty thousand pounds sterling on you the day of your marriage. There’s no nen- sense about twenty thousand pound!” “But Td rather not sell myself, even for so high a figure!” Paola persisted. ‘My dear, I’ave hexpressed my wishes. Of course I hexpect obedience. Mr. Dillingham leaves for Hingland six weeks from to-day. I ‘ave promised ‘im that ‘is bride shall be ready for ’im.” “Oh, uncle—” “No more at present. You will begin your preeene at once, If you will hexcuse me, will hag my hafter-dinner nap.” With white lips and whirling brain Paola left the library, sought her cousin Inez and cast her» self weeping into her arms. It was the bird going to the serpent for pro- tection and sympathy oe CHAPTER XXIV. THE FAITHFUL SERVANT. Witn a terrible frown Harry Hazeltine whirled upon his servant. “What is the meaning of this?’ he cried, “ You refuse to. obey me?” “T must protect you from yourself.” “ Slave!” thundered the enraged master. White with he lea upon the devoted Vikir, clutched by the throat, dashed him to the floor with one sweep of his powerful arm, and planted a foot on his breast. é The West Indian offered no resistance; but gazing up into his master’s face with sorrowing my life is yours. Take it! And when I am dead, thinking why I died, our nobler self will gain the ascendency. ou will be saved! For me, it is enough to know that Vikir never failed the master he loved, and to whom he owed s0 much,” At spore FE gir bby a Uptottens a swift transition ace in Harry’s feelings. Lifting his faithful servant up, he cried, with tears in his eyes: ; ‘Forgive ime, Vikir! Your generosity over- whelms_me with shame. My friend, you are right. Your devotion shall save me. I will never enter that accursed room again!” “* Kecellenza, again I recognize you!” cried Vikir, falling upon his knees and covering his master’s hand with kisses. ‘‘ How proud and ha am I that my love prevails!” : ir, it will prevail, if you stand firm.” _ ** Kecceile may I ask a favor?’ ' “ Anything, Vilfir, after the wrong I have done you.” s Speake not of that, Lye a ee alone that I think. ile m you, dopant’ * Becellenza, mil gracias! We shall tri- umph!” cried Vikir, delightedly. - But good resolves did not lay the demon of unrest which -possessed Hazeltine. A weman—one of the hated and distrusted sex— had seduced him from his loyalty to his friend, More than this, he had to confess to himself | what he had not revealed to Vikir, that. consid- erations of her had much to do with his aban- donment of that room which the West Indiansaid contained the curse of his life. Making inquiry at Captain Taunton’s hotel, he learned that Ned was sleeping. He found it intolerable to wait in one place, and so set out in the darkness to walk until ex- haustion should subdue his excitement. } | Alone in the stillness and solitude of the night he thought of Paoia, and of that other whe ad | | wrecked bis life. And ually his spirit took | on some of the tranquillity of the calm sky. | One thing that Paola had said recurred to his , | mind. She hada ed to him in the name of | his mother, and of his sister, if he had one. Now he remembered how in all his childish griefs he had gone to his mother’s breast, as to /a sure haven. He recalied the calm, s y | light of her eye, her gentle touch, her love that | never failed, and last the holy serenity of her | face when she died in the hope of immortality. She had beena good woma®t! There had been a little sister, too, who used to romp with him. He heard again her childish | Jaugh of rippling music. The memory of her innocent smile shot athwart his mental vision ‘ like a ray of sunshine. How quickly, too, had rene to her eye the sympathetic tear. And all these things seemed to have their | counterpart in Paola. It was as if the spirits | | of the departed had come back to woo him from his cynicism through her smile. Ob! if he could trusther! His heart hungered | for love—for woman’s love. His mother—his | sister—they had been true. He could never | doubt them, And she wasso like them! Pn Lat oe ieee of 79 he a = seem- rose ore his imagination; and drag | his hat over his eyes and clenching his tecth to ning the door to his sleeping rtment, he pe me, fs the threshold. ee * Hazeltine turned pale, and bent upon easure. , his servant a look of awakening disp] “ Vikir!” ‘* Excellenza, you have crossed into the ene- | my’s country, and in the terrible struggle that isat hand you must feel that the bridges are | burnt behind you.” ; In the face of the West Indian there was an impressive blending of humility and firmness. | “Vikir, you are right,” said his master. tr'- ing hisband. ‘You have cut off all chahce of retreat. Ishall depend solely cn your wisdom and sustaining strength.” ' ot Gracias, een id aie sar / us began a struggle which was to nto . play all the phodiout, and mental resources of hisman. Tosustain the fight he might draw a from Vikir’s devotion and Paola’s | But the enemy would make terrible havoc with him. She must not see him again until he | was victorious. But he must see her. And in disguise he sought a fashionable k, where she drove every day. Little did she know the burning glances cast av her by an elderly ae tleman who was almost altogether hidden by a jasmine vine w ened an elm by the. wayside. y ) But from this covert Harry saw her; and be- ' side her rode a woman who was always vailed _and had the air of an invalid. Perhaps this companion was the cousin whom yonder and destroy to look at.one in whom he felt no interest. His attention was fixed by Paola’s face, od cence, nt ptation forever away he had missed seeing? But Harry had no time t mo enter , are yousincere in the purpose distress which increased from day today. What | In it was an unwonted pallor and a look of | } { i tween her and every sorrow: But he n have been startled by his altered ap- me ty eon ee stand be- : uu er, be wow ) y could not. _ Harry hesitated. you have avowed?” «Phen why cling to that which destroys?” “My faithful friend, my wrenllnonsiee. She would wish!” cried Harry, putting all Teso- Intely from him. [PA terrible change hed taken place in him. | reception | his way toward a disreputable | ness.. So the affair His face was h ad; his eyes were staring, with almost. the glitter of insanity; bis nerves twitched and_he was possessed by a restlessness which drove him from place to place like the scourge of a Nemesis. Only one thing could fix his attention for moro than a moment at atime. He found where Paola’s driver was in the habit of stop- ping, to breathe his horses and give the ladies a view of the animated scene repos, se by the fashionable drive thronged with gay equipages. Here, screened by some foliage. he could sit and watch the face of the woman he loved. The frightened look in her eyes, which he had not seen there before, fascinated him, until he for- got the pain that thrilled-every nerve of his But before we recount the result of this es- pionage, we must touch upon another event which occurred some days previous to the point we have-now reached in our narrative. Two nights subsequent to. the night of Paola’s ikir was passing alone throygh the streets when he came face to face whl Don Manuel Rubio. At sight of the Don, Vikir stopped with a smothered ejaculation, while his eyes gleamed with sudden fire, and his hand sought the han- die of his dagger. ° The recognition must have been mutual, for Don Manuel turned a sickly yellow with pallor. But he passed on without seeming to notice the West Indian. “ Oaramba!” refiected the Spaniard. ‘‘ Both have escaped the sea! And I am recognized! This devil will hunt me down! Ah! asl thought, he is following me!” ** Pablo Garcia!” was Vikir’s mental ejacula- tion; and, turning, he followed the Spaniard at a little distance. Now hot, tropical hatred gleamed in his eyes. He was tracking his man with the fierceness of some wild beast in his native clime, ; Without seeming to notice that he was fol- ' lowed, Don Manuel kept on. He was planning some way to dispose of this implacable enemy. He could not appeal to the law for protection, | Publicity meant death on the scaffold, as a mur- derer. Leaving the crowded thoroughfare, he worked i of the city. Gallatin street, with its dark alleys, where crime lurked as a wild beast in its lair, offered him the opportunity he sought. ‘Walking rapidly, with the consciousness that Vikir was close behind him, perbaps intending to close in avenge the murderous assault, years ago, on his master, Don Manuel turned a ped, : ‘ The dismal, il lighted street was deserted. _ sharp corner and sto | Some distance away he saw the light from a red-curtained window, and heard the discord- ant music, and harsh voices raised in the baccha- nal revel of some sailors’ dance-house. —_» Drawing a pistol, he grasped it by the barrel firmly, and waited. ; Vikir came round the corner. There was a rush, a blow, and without a groan the West Indian fell to the ground, His enemy had outwitted him! Si tee But a dark form started from the shadow. A “heavy hand fell on Don Manuel’s shoulder, ‘Eh! you accursed bravo—” Poy the words of the policeman were cut shor : A swift blow, and he reeled against the build- ing, while his prisoner fled pe ler pa @ man was only partially stunned. He had presence of mind enough to spring his rattle, and a moment later in pursuit. , Responding .whirrs sound tana, aw " the fall of hurrying feet came through e night. Several eee ns of the peace assembled, but their man had eluded them in the darkness. Returning, they took the unconscious Vikir to a station-house. On his recovery he stated that he had been attack i as an ikir said: “ Excellenza, Pablo Garcia is in the city!” CHAPTER XXV. THE FALSE COUSIN, Wrrn a look of lively concern in her face, Donna Inez received the weeping Vaola in her arms, “ ; the matter, dear?’ she asked. e oa Why, what can be the ma eee wn nn Sha at be tne, a f in other direc-. while going about his —_ what . “Oh, fuca, the Jpost terrible thing! I cam. ie =
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ad ought of sucha thing until he the just now.” Donna Inez’s eee, ag was well played. % “*T would rather die!” sighed Paola. eS “ “Oh, ont be! That hideous ghout! a » ae sacrilegious! Paola, your guardian canno > a be in earnest?” 4 ‘“Heis. Mr. Dillingham has pro for my and, and purposes to have everything over in @x weeks, when he leaves for England.” “‘ But you cannot marry such a repulsive crea- oe, Som I almost scream at his disgusting touch.” Paola shivered and shuddered, and shrunk more closely in the arms of her false cousin. ‘*There, dear,” said Inez, eet rte “don’t fet it trouble you. I will go to Mr. Wetherby, myself. % Inez, tell him that I should die—” : **Of course you would, dear.” eR And leaving Paola in an agony of suspense, . Donna Inez descended to the library. ae. ““ Well?” asked Wetherby, who had been join- ‘as ed by the worthy scare-crow. . “The little fool has made me her embassa- dress extraordinary, and minister plenipoten- a2 !” laughed Inez, ‘Is she disposed to yield obedience, if the ee is insisted upon?” asked Dillingham. > ae “T am commissioned to say that she would a consider death at the stake an inestimable boon, 3 in preference!” a etherby laughed. Dillingham coughed behind his hand. There was a wicked light in his eyes. Hoe had 5 his own projects, He bided his time! 4 ‘Ave you suggested the helopement?” asked a, a Wetherby. “That will not be ripe for three or four weeks yet. Stand firm, and leave the rest. to me.” ‘Oh, I'll be firm enough,” laughed Wetherby. * There’s little danger of your being troubled with tenderness of heart,” snoered Dilling- ham. i So these accomplices, who hated each other a quite as much, if not more, than their intended ~:ctim, snarled among themselves, until it came time for Inez to return to her waiting cousin. When she did so, she seemed divided between in tion and hopelessness, ‘Oh, Paola, my dear cousin!” she cried, tak- F ing the hapless girl in her arms, “ this must be “ ut astop to, somehow; but your n is be Setepmained. I have used every argument in my power; but he only says he knows what is best for you.” ; To an American 1, educated to bch freedom of choice in the selection of a li Aah 5s ner, the despair with which Paola received this i a intelligence will hardly be conceivable. % :. Because he Aer not — ket na _ unne- a number of ‘accomplices, James Wether- duenna, which a Spanish girl would have had according to the ~ ’ eustom of her own country. In consequence, a Paola had enjoyed enough om to know its 4 sweets. Now it would be gr green for her to yield herself to the will of her guardian, in matters of the heart, with that perfect docility which Euro education i On the other hand, early habits of thought = had their force; and the possibility of —s a é decided stand opposition to the authority Be constituted over her did not su t itself to her mind with the readiness with which it —. aeeigmaehHS rome Dacg one of her American sis- ‘Y 4 . 3. > So, instead of compelling her fate, this gentle L.. ’ creature shrunk cowering beneutt the crushing blow that had fallen upon her. It was Inev’s cue, at this stage of the proceed- “a ings to make the prospect as hopeless as sible, so that any avenue of escape would look we a. the more in by contrast; and to have a soon the two girls weeping in each other’s arms, an observer would havo been puzzled to decide which was the more broken-hearted. Society is a hard taskmaster to a beautiful : woman, and will grant little time ror the indul- mie = = of private griefs; but that evening Donna br B declared that Paola looked Jike a fright, “4 - and must not be seen by company, As for =! Paola, ype glad = be eaten from prying eyes, on the plea tion "50 Donna Inez yooetn when he called. Zz _ She made him stay until all the others had es S gone. Then she sat down o » him and be- ae ae gan a new scene in her little “ Mr, Mansfield,” she said, with unshed tears springing to her eA *¥ want your help, It’s about r, dear Paola.” ‘“What about her?” asked the young man, wha darntine © pose a great trust in you,” ‘Lam goin re a you, she said, evading a direct answer. “I want your man’s strength; I want your man’s self- control; I want your man’s readiness in emer- gency; but most of all I want all your truth and honor and tenderness. Oh, Leslie! if you fail me!—” “But what is it all about?’ cried the bewil- dered Leslie. ‘Mr. Mansfield, Paola’s guardian has enter- tained a proposal for her hand in marriage!” ** And does Paola—” “She never thought of such a thing, until Mr. Wetherby announced that he had selected her husband.” “The deuce he has! Why, the old duffer!” was Mr. Mansfield’s characteristic ejaculation. “Paola and I are broken-hearted,” sighed eZ. ‘** Well, I don’t see that there is any occasion for such despair.” ‘*But what can she do?’ “Do! Why, tell her venerated uncle and pee that she don’t approve his choice. here couldn’t be a much simpler way.” ‘But you forget the difference between oe American customs and those in which we have been educated.” é ** Education be—disregarded! And isa lady to be disposed of like a bale of merchandise, in accordance with a piece of fossiliferous bar- barism? This is the nineteenth century, my dear Donna Inez.” But Inez shook her head. woman can escape a marriage which her pa- rents or ae have arranged for her,” ** And they are?” *Virst, she may have recourse to the church—” “‘A nunnery!” cried Leslie, in dismay. Inez bowed. ‘*By Heaven! Paola Careno shall not enter a convent to escape any man living!” cried the lover, starting to his feet. “I like to see you show such spirit,” said Donna Inez. ‘It suggests the other way.” ‘“ What other way! “If there is one who loves her, and has the courage and address to run away with her, when she is once his wife she is free,” Leslie caught his breath. Here was a con- tingency of which he had never dreamed, Might she be induced to marry him to escape one more distasteful to her? Leslie, as we have said, was not a man of fine feeling. The idea of accepting a wife on these terms was not shocking to him. His love was of that order which asks only for possession— by hook or by crook. But, recalling Paola’s decisive rejection, he shook his head. “She wouldn’t elope with me,” he said, a: as be toosure. There is nothing repul- THE CREOLE, COUSINS. 21 goose put yourself in contrast with Asa Dil- ingham. The more repulsive he is, the more } ’ |: “Oh, Inea! | dismay, | vaguely that-this meetin? had a : | Inez was playing her ca: “There are but two ways in which a Spanish | she will look to you for relief. “During this time you refrain from suggest- ing any way of escape; but as the time set for - approaches you grow desperate, er marriage and end by proposing that she give herself to _ ou. $ “Tn all this I will aid you; and we shall suc- - “T will go now, and ¢all her down to see you | out here op the veranda, You must play the sympathetic brother, avowedly. She will not be deceived by this nomenclature; but there is a great deal in the names we give things.” ving Leslie a prey to hopes and fears, Inez‘sought her cousin. “ Paola,” she said, taking her in her arms, “I have told poor Leslie everything!” How could you?” cried Paola, in “Remember, dear, he saved your life; and we must have some friend to counsel with in this terrible matter. He is down-stairs now in great distress, and wants to see you:” Of course Paola was full of feminine objec- tions; and equally of course Inez overruled them all, until in the end her cousin crept down-stairs in the charming negligé of a wrap- r, to meet the man whom no substitution of rms could make ea tered but her lover, while Inez stood in the doorway to warn them of intrusion, should Wetherby or Dillingham a) “1 ty though she would have been shocked ‘b the suggestion of such a thing, Paola felt clandestine air. s skillfully. Already these three were in league against the oppres- sive guardian and the objectionable suitor. This was the first step in the preparation of Paola for the proposal of an elopement. From that interview Paola retired to her room more pga than before, if possible. Leslie had outdone himself in diplomacy. By making it appear that he had so fully given up the hope of winning her that his sympathy was disinterested, he won her confidence, and she leaned upon him asa true friend. At the same time she felt that he wasutterly wretched, with a lover’s wretchedness, : After a sleepless night, in which Inez did not leave her, rose the shadow of her wont- ed bright self: Then the false cousin suggested an a Asa Dillingham; and though her sensitive na- 2 ture revolted, Paola was finally induced to reek _ this last resource. Alas! she fell all hopelessly into the suare her enemy spread. CHAPTER XXVI._ DRIVEN TO THE WALL. As _ a last resort Paola resolved to appeal to Asa Dillingham, No doubt the man’s vanity would be wounded; but when he came to see her repugnance to the union he must withdraw sive about you. She don’t dislike you. his suit. : + No, It not.” Her sensitive nature shrunk from such an in- _ ‘Well, she ae you to a man whose | terview with an embarrassment which nothing touch she cannot endure without a shudder.” short of so vital a crisis would have overcome. Who is it?’ asked Leslie, with su Even as it was, ne pet oe Som tay se tey, “ Asa Di am!” bars 5 a = = how is ‘Paola, dear. ow our Leslie Mansfield was not so greatly shocked | gition; but it is due Mr. thas 0a as Inez had especies, Her own words led | gs to him at once. He may construe your him to think of the possibility of Dillingham’s | silence intoa tacit acceptance. No doubt he has paoney opmnpenseting for his una from refer? to the subject from However, he flushed angrily and his eyes flashed, as he asked: _ “ And will she sell herself to that—” “Haven't I told you that she shudders et his touch?” : ‘“‘T suppose a woman would the de if he had money enough!” said ie, bitterly. “No wae on earth could induce Paola to Well t oe bape rate ily.” = We ropose an vlopemen ou think it will do any . 2 ais Plainly Leshe was not over-san: i “Not now,” objected Inez. ‘These can’t be done abruptly. You don’t understand women, I don’t want my cousin to take the vail; and I don’t want her —- to that odious monster, But I have rather favored you from the first; and if yu will follow my directions, you shall marry her. ‘For the next three or four weeks you must 4 oy you ane, an not = at the prospect of losing her yourself te her oes sake, because of the unhappiness that is before her. You must in every way ie Ja, ce Bet Vil, rian = of delicacy.” a, cirt en, 0 herself. unha: this monster ‘whoes hideousness ate force her ne Balen ae mae a \ m,’ may I see afew saceaaete in private?” , é ag sepa ate ae cant atch-hy raising his p i ste lips. “The library is unoccupied, Allow me How like a human lizard he looked, as he at her over his hand with his basi- k eyes! And when with a bow of marked deference, horribly manertre of his lover-like relations, he drew her hand within his arm, the girl shuddered from head to foot. On the other d, Dillingham looked upon this dainty morsel of femininity with the in- ~stinct of a ire. knew that with him would sapall its freshness and 2 He would let this had forfeited E i zo : gE Hr x $
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ee 82 eyes, would be removed! How, Dillingham did| “Oh, Mr. Mansfield!” cried Inez, with simu- | rage not spec Then, lated lively aa] Unt Dp nee en Semene ) in her widowhood and poverty, Dillingham would seek his victim again, and by the power | her money—the spoil of his villainy—gave him. would force her into the very union she had fi in such —— Seating her, he placed himself opposite, and rubbing his hands softly on his knees, while he gloated on her troubled face, waited tor her to open the conversation. “Mr. Dillingham,” she began, with an effort, | “my guardian has told me of your wishes re- | ng myself—” “My dear Paola!” cried Dillingham, with a simulated burst of feeling, bending forward to | clasp her hands, ‘ But with an involuntary shudder of disgust | the girl shrunk back in her chair and drew her | hands away. ‘Oh, pray—excuse me!” she stammered. | ad think you misunderstand. I wanted to) * Paola, you accede to my wishes, and your uncle’s, of course?” **T never thought of you in that way,” pro- tested the girl. ‘But as my wife you will have every advan- tage, Ican give you an establishment that no commoner of the Old Country need be ashamed | of. On the day you become my wife I shall be ready with the settlement of twenty thousand pounds. This with your own fortune will give ou command of a very comfortable sum. ave arranged Sreryehitign satisfactorily with your guardian, who has full powers to act for you, so that you have nothing to do but.to step gracefully into your appointed niche.” He smiled in a way intended to be con- ciliatory ; but the result was the revelation of a more hideous phase of his seas Feeling that she was hopelessly in the toils of this serpent, the girl struggled feebly. “But I have come to ask you to release my guardian from his engagement. I do not love you as a wife should, And—and—” The words died on her lips. Dillingham smiled indulgenily. “You are not a sentimental school-girl, my dear,” he said. ‘‘ Of course you know that love smacks of poverty, stuffy apartments on a back street, weekly arguments with the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick-maker; while | common sense looks to tion in life. I don’t think you’d give a hundred thousand dollars for | a month in Fool’s Paradise, At any rate, your | knowing the world, will look to your | interests better than that. ) “JT shall be very nee of my wife,” he went on; ‘‘and nothing that money can procure by way of a setting to her beauty shall be wan ing. She shall be like the lilies of the fleld— ‘My dear!’ His. sudden ejaculation was caused by a deathly ome that shes wr her face. It was the al of shipwrecked ‘hope, He started forward to assist her; but she waved him back. “Tt is nothing,” she said, rising to her feet Rurriediy. And feeling as if she should die if left a mo-| ment longer in the company of this monster, she | hastened out of the room, ant The bird had made an effort in vain. Crush- | of by this failure, she was more hopeless than ore. Inez waited to receive her. “Oh, my darling!” cried the traitress, “ He has refused st aareineia sel? een ta | _, * He re ease you with simulated Se rym . “Oh, I wish I might die!” sighed the hapless ctim, “This is monstrous! The hideous toad! He abel be made to free you! I shall outwit him ) - a ‘* Nina, it’s of nouse, Guardie is determined, | and he‘has no feeling.” ** But it shall not be! I will forbid the bans | myself. Rad ace ba gown =, we ot 2 a beau young girl to such a ul | ghoul! It would be parieee re All of which had very much the appearance | of an unreasoning outburst of generous indigna- Tha | “That night Leslie Mansfield paced the floor in a. very belligerent frame of mind, seemingly, | fnveighing against obdurate guardians and t elderly suitors of unprepossessing person in no | Seg, isa sie tly al never be consummated! If he pone will | p a quarrel with him call him out. | aola, save you, or at least lay down my | * poor in your defense!” ‘ I | Leslie, having him alone. concern, ‘‘you are so generous! But you must not do that. It is wicked.. Good t come of evil.” “Tf Paola is saved, will not that be a great good?” asked the lover, in true lover-like style. “ Bub {3 must not jeopardize your life for me,” said Paola, who had a woman’s awe of a man’s r, and faith in the terrible execution of the blank cartridges of masculine wrath. Then Leslie caught her hands;. and words, | whose utterance he stifled, seemed to rise in his throat. But his face was eloquent. of a lover’s devotion, so humble, so hopeless, withal, that she remembered only the pain of being denied the one he loved sufficiently to lay down his life for her; and in her grateful tenderness forgot to withdraw her hands. Paola’s indifference to Leslie had arisen from a feeling that he was vig Hoos light weight. Now the strength of his love for her and his seeming bravery redeemed him somewhat in her eyes. She which did not detract from her respect for him, She was in a dungerous position, He was her only consoler, Had she been more intimate with Harry Hazeltine, his-influence might have saved her. But after that first real meeting he had never sought her again. ith watchful eye Inez noted all these slight indications. “The time is nearly at hand,” she said, to ‘Don’t spoil every- THE CREOLE COUSINS, gan to pity him with a pity | thing by precipitancy. Let her see what is in | our mind, but don’t speak until I give you eave.” instruction, James Wetherby called his ward to him, and said: oi My dear, what Pe esulones ’ave you made for your trousseau?” “ “Oh, uncle!” cried the poor girl, I cannot —I eannot marry Mr. Dillingham! Oh, I shall die of wretchedness!” > Assuming an expression of dignified displeas- ure, the false papier. said sternly: “My dear, that question is no longer hunder discussion. _I’ave arranged as I thought most | hadvisable for you, just as I would ’ave provided To show you’ow poorly | for my hown..chil you are requiting Mr. Dillingham’s hinterest in you, I will tell you what hotherwise would ’ave mn a secret until your wedding-day. in con- trast with your procrastinations, ’e ’as already hordered a bridal present worthy of a princess, It is a necklace of diamonds of the purest water. | and of asize that wi!l hexcite the henvy of al New Orleans... They will cost not a cent less than ten thousand dollars. Such munificence is worthy of some recognition, I shall hexpect roa to. make suitable harrangements for the event of your life, beginning with to-day. I give you carte blanche. Make your selections, and send the bills to me.” : How everything smacked of the slave market, The purchase money was a hundred thousand he knelt at her feet, and bowing his head into her lap, covered her hands with tears and kisses, “My r darling!” he cried, as if uncon- scious of the terms he selected, ‘‘ how you suf- fer! But you shall not be sacri —I swear it! This unholy marriage shall. never—never take place!” And the girl, not resenting his manifestations of affection, clung to his hands, and moaned: ‘*T shall die!—oh, I shall die!” : The days that followed were days of keenest torture to the shrinking, sensitive girl. They were the days when her distress was so ap- parent to Harry Hazeltine, With diabolical ingenuity she was thrown almost constantly into the society of the most repulsive man she had ever seen. slie Mansfield’s visits were now ayowed] clandestine, in that he was with her almost the time that her company was not claimed by her persecutor. He came in the afternoon when Dillingham. was taking his siesta, and: stayed at night to see her a few minutes be- sos she retired, after she had escaped from. im. So the days passed, until, yielding to bodily weakness and terror at her approaching nup-- one Paola clung helplessly in Inez’s arms, and cried: “Oh, save me! save me! some way! any way! I must get away from here! I must. es- sie, 2 Oh, Inez! help me!” ‘hen the heart of the arch-plotter leaped for joy. % You little fool!” she thought, ‘‘TPve got you. | pow!” On the morrow, acting under Donna Inez’s | ; . ; dollars in settlements and a ten thousand-dollar — necklace! Paola turned sick at heart. “ There is another reapers ee for to-day,” pursued Wetherby. ‘Mr. Dillingham ’as’ad your soap ager ring made to horder; and itis worthy of ‘is princely munificence, ’E is now hawaiting you hin the drawing-room. I ’ope ou will,do nothing to wound ’is sensibilities, to ’im at once.” With leaden feet Paola obeyed. She was now bag the power of protest. illingham advanced to receive her with out- stretched hands, The triumphant smile on his ghastly face was horrible beyond parallel. i Paral with anguish, Paola submitted} pas- vely. - He took her hands and held them, gazing into her face with gloating exultation, ; “ My darling!” he cried, ‘‘ this is the happiest moment of my life! See!” He slipped a ring on her finger. It was a great, dazzling solitaire, “Now I feel that. you are indeed mine!” he ed. : The girl stood with downcast eyes, almost fainting. She felt that the fetters were being riveted one Be ent. Suddenl ingham threw his arm about her and drew her toward him, while his repulsive face with its livid lips approached hers, At this insupportable menace the girl uttered ascream, and exerting the strength of despair, tore herself free and fied from the room, As usual Inez’s arms were ready to receive her, and Inez’s distress seemed almost equal to er own. | gling brightness for a moment, | Paola, he must have CHAPTER XXVIL A STUNNING BLOW. THE announcement by Vikir that Pablo Gar- cia was in New Orleans had little effect on Harry Hazeltine. He listened to the story of his servant withoutcomment. Raclred by physi- cal as well as mental pain, he was too apathetic to wish to avenge the attempted murder of so. many years ago, or to attach any importance to the fact that Pablo Garcia now appeared in the dress of a gentleman. In the days that. followed his subareas in- creased until he was scarcely accountable for his actions. In the place of refreshing sleep, a perturbed torpor would come upon him when- ever nature became thoroughly exhausted. He would be prostrated be ae of broodi melancholy, when the watchful Vikir feare that he might attempt suicide. This might. be relieved at any moment by a burst of unreason- ing rage. ikir was ever vigilant, ever kind, ever firm. His tact ied every danger. Meanwhile Captain Taunton was convalescent. But, when he saw Harry’s state, which puzzled him exceedingly, he was deterred more than ever from saponin _of his meeting with one whe: looked like Donna Inez. One day when Paola’s suffering had goaded her lover to the verge of distraction, he went to his old friend and told him the whole situa- tion. ‘“Ned,” he said, in conclusion, “‘ I’ve. fought this aslongasIcan. I giveup. I can’t po to her looking like a maniac. But I must know what it is that is distressing her. I’ve deter- mined to put some one in that house who wil} find out and tell me. I don’t like that guardian of hers; and there’s-a man at his elbow who wouldn’t stop at paring: She’s got money, and they may be deviling her somehow, ; “Ned, if 1 can win that woman, I’m _ going to _ marry her; and if she turns out like all the rest of the accursed crew, I'll bring the game toa sudden termination, as far as ’m concerned!” Then he announced his determination to go for Kalma. He would find means of getting her into Wetherby’s household, and if there was anything wrong she could unearth it... ‘Old fellow,” said Ned, with the old affection in his tone, though tbe hand be gave his friend ewas very limp with weakness, ‘‘] hope this may turn out fortunately for you, for_you deservea happier life than you have bad. I’m acquainted oiiee Leslie Mansfield who is intimate in tiat quarter; and while you’re gone I'll learn what f can about the family.” After this Harry embarked for Havana. He was drawn thither by e sort of fascination. He wanted to see tho old, familiar iP el once more. Before he committed himself finally to seek definite any ‘of the woman who had flashed across his like a thunderbolt, illuminating all with Jaz-- at leaving de When Leslie was informed of this last out- struction and blacker darkness. fof the death life:
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He walked the streets of the island capital. No one knewhim. The Convent of St. Celestine loomed grim and silent over the bay. Strangers were in the villa that had once been his. ~ Inexpressibly sad, the man stood looking on ‘the scene of his greatest happiness and greatest misery, when he heard some one approaching. It proved to be a negress in whom he recognized one of his former household servants. The woman did not recognize him at first, he was so changed; but when he spoke to her by name, she looked more closely, then started back in affright, crying: ‘* Oh, Virgen Santissima !” “You need not fear me, Bettina,” he said. “I wish to ask you a question or two,” ‘‘And I will answer truly, master,” said the woman, in Spanish. “Of your mistress? You know how I left her,” was all that Harry could say. ‘She went away, my master, and we were sold to Sefior Filippo Massina.” ‘What do yousay! She went away?” stam- mered Harry. **T do not know where, my master.” * But—she did not— die?’ “ Santissima, no!” cried the woman, crossing herself. Here was a blow for which the man was not prepared. He had never entertained the thought that his shot might not have proved fatal. Two months ago he would have felt re- lieved to know that her blood, though shed by accident, was not on his hands. But now she rose up like an ominous phantom between him and Paola. The woman could give but little more intelli- mee. A caballero had come to the villa ortly after the departure of the unfortanate husband. He had held a brief interview with the wounded lady and then gone away. Donna Inez had recovered, and left her household to be sold by an sat: With a dull, dead despair Harry went again to the city. ile he was waiting for a vessel he wandered through the streets, mingling with the crowd, a man with eyes that saw not, and ears that heard not. In a dim sort of fashion the light and gayety of the fashionable thoroughfares seemed to jar fm his melancholy, So he wandered on through unfrequented streets, lighted rly by lanterns hung across the way, or jutting pconces, Contrary to custom he was not followed by Vikir, having otherwise pmpaared him. _ Ina dark, deserted spot he heard a stealthy footfall behind him, and turned just in time to seatch a descending wrist the hand of which asped a dagger which had been aimed at his just between the shoulder-blades, By a'skillful twist of the arm which he held and a wrestler’s trip of the foot, he threw the would-be assassin on his hack. _ “Now, pelado, why should I not drive your own treacherous dagger to your h he cried, planting a knee on the baffled willaiee om .. Would you murder me for a few piti- ‘ 08?” eifold. sefior!” cried the bravo. ‘‘ Spare me and TI will redeem my life!” , **Redeem your life?” “Tf you kill me, you strike but the poor tool. Your enemy can easily hire another.” es You have been hired to assassinate me , “St, sefior, And would it not be worth so poor a life as mine to know your enemy? What amI? You would scorn to strike me so far be neath you!” ‘True, dog! The lash would be more in keeping than a blow from the hand of a gen- tleman. ets ro Wen ree sliall I have of our a 0, 6m] an assassin yout let himself be known to ins ” “Sefor, when I mention the name you will know whether he is your enemy or not. For the rest, he did not know that I recognized him; but it was so.” . “What is his name?” ‘You will not slay me?” . “No,” “(On the honor of a gentleman?” . Rellowlis not my word sufficient with such scum as thou!” ‘Si, sefior! A thousand pardons!” whined the cowardly rufflan, “The name! Tho name!” demanded Harry. “(Don Manuel Rubio!” “Ah!” After that ejaculation Harry’s mind set about ‘collating several isolated facts, and deducing their significance taken in conjunction. In his abstraction he forgot the discomfort of asked the craven, scarcely ‘saying that he sealed his love for her with his THE CREOLE COUSINS. Sg the villain whom his kne® yet pinned to the | ground, until that worthy gasped: ‘‘Sefior, you will not forget your promise!” “Who is this Don Manue! Rubio?’ asked Harry, ignoring the question which told the | wretch’s anxiety. ‘He was one of the revolutionists—a colonel | —compelled to fly the Island.” ‘« But he is here now?—to have hired you.” ‘* He is in disguise,” ‘‘ Whatif he were taken by the authorities?’ ~ “He would be shot, sefior.” “Look you, sefior tepero,” said Harry, with | sudden decision. ‘‘ How much money did Don . Manuel Rubio promise you for my assassina- tion?” : ‘‘ A hundred pesos, sefior.” ‘What! would you kill a man for such a | trifle?” I “T could hire a score of bravos for. that, sefior.” ‘(Infamous wretches!” cried our hero. * Well, I eek of you that in which there is less | risk than to attempt the life of a man, even by your coward’s blow in the back; and 1 will pay ou bette®than Don Manuel. Can you betray | im to the authorities to-night?” ‘* Undoubtedly, sefior.” “Arise! Follow me! But look you! I do | not depend on the money I shall give you. If you are not faithful to me the Island will not be | ig enough to hide you from my revenge!” ‘Sefior, I swear—” ‘Bah! your oath is good for nothing! The only thing you value is your worthless life, I hold you by that. Hereis my address. When | Don Manuel is a prisoner cometo me, Your re-" ward will await you.” “* Sefior, do you permit me to go unattended?” daring to h that he was indeed free, “st “Have I not told you that I would have no ae finding you, if I should want ou you Gracias! mil gracias, sefior!” whined the fellow, with a profound obeisance, “Go!” commanded Harry, The bravo backed away, still bowing. Harry turned on his heel and pursued his way. In Don Manuel Rubio and Pablo Garcia Harry thought’ he recognized the lover of his false wife. Here was a chance to punish him for his two attempts at murder, and for Ned Taunton’s wound, without ting himself into the notoriety incident to a trial. for murderous assault, The bravo was true to the trust which he —— not neglect, and Don Manuel was ar- On the following day he was tried, with Spanishe-xpedition where political offenders are concerned, and his execution fixed for the morning subsequent at sunrise. Harry saw him at the trial; and the recog- nition was mutual. : That night Don Manuel wrote to Donna Inez, | / blood, and that his betrayal was no doubt due to her husband, whose life he had again at- tempted in vain. P So he died! And his death was productive of | results which bore materially on the future life | of the man he had wronged. : Though the hope of eee ‘Paola must be abandoned, Harry still thought to protect her, and to this end sought Kalma and Yok her to New Orleans. grave face was ominous of a new blow. What is it. Ned?’ pe verry, bate @ sink- am pre or anyt a "My poor frien sini epar & But H nez we exccrate is her | Harry clenched his hand and set his teeth ) with a spasm of pain; but he said nothing, “There is worse,” continued Ned, his face showing the keen pain he felt in hurting his friend. ‘Oh, you must forget her! Harry. old fellow, you've suffered so much!—I'm afraid | to tell you!” ‘Ned, for God’s sake!” | * She has eloped with a man who is guilty of | ery + eens . CHAPTER XXVIII, FLIGHT! "You little fool! Pve got you now!” Such was Donna Inez’s reflection; but her | | every resource but one. In this everything | rests with yourself, dear.” a | has told me that on that day he proposed to ot promise of the quieter attachments are - as ire- | quentiy productive of a ng "pene icp life. : . You certainly respect Mr, av’ ‘ » “‘ And you have tastes in common? You en- joy hissociety !” 4, “Yes,” 2 ‘Fle is in no way repugnant to you?” = ie ——~ face gave no token of her malicious satistac- tion. On the contrary, her eyes were moist : with the dews of sympathy—a fair counterfeit : “ —and holding her sorrowing cousin in a close embrace she murmured; $ Me darling! my darling! you shall be sav b ** Paola,” she continued, ‘‘I have exhausted “With me?” repeated Paola, in surprise. “Darling, at first I thought it would come about. naturally, of itself. I heped so, and. waited, Now I know why it has not.” ‘*To what do you refer, Inez?” 7 **Cousin—dear sister!—Mr. Mansfield—Leslie you, and you refused him,” “ Yes. ” ‘*You are not annoyed that he should have confided it to me?” , **Oh, no!” ‘(He has been and is very unhappy, dear. You must know—you cannot have failed to ob- serve how devoted he is to you still,” ‘But, Inez—” ‘‘Wait, dear, Remember that he saved your life, Then, instead of going off with piqued vani- ty, as most men would have done, he has stood by Pits with a love so pure, so disinterested, so delicate, that far from taking advantage of your distress to renew his importunities, as, again, most men would do, he has not even deemed such a thing possible. Lastly, he has ‘resolved to quarrel with. Mr. Dillingham, and call him out. Paola, Llearned only last night by an accidental remark irscgek by one of Leslie’s friends, that he has been practicing with a. pistol eve day fora month! When I taxed him with it he got confused, and ended by ad- mitting thatit was true. He said that he felt | that it must come to this in the end. z ‘No, dear, I don’t approve of dueling. It is- 4 all terrible! But that is a man’s way of adjust- ing matters. WhatI wish toimpress you with is the fact that when a man will deliberately q ize his life for a woman, without the ope of any return save her gratitude—for you cannot know how hopeless he is—ke loves her with a passion rare both for its strength and its modesty. ‘ e Fyne, can you be wholly indifferent to such a ove ‘ ‘* Inez, I do appreciate his kindness; but I do not love him as a woman ought to love the man. | who is to be her husband.” ; ; “Dear, that is the American theory of the matter. The women of our country are not educated tosuch notions. Perhaps the question of expediency and general suitability is there given too great prominence; but it is at least monty of ae consideration. ee Senne = controve at marriages in which passion the dominant element, to the exclusion of more prudent considerations, very often fail in their 7 happiness; while, on the other hand, : “No.” a4 “Then what more do you ask? Think of the a alternative.” ‘* Oh, that is terrible!” “Knowing what you had escaped, and wit- — nessing Leslie’s devotion rat by day, would you FF not learn to love bim sz “Oh, I don’t know! I don’t know!” sighed 7 Paola, hiding her face in her cousin’s bosom and i EP oe . e ‘Let me ask you an honest question, Padla. Beas During these weeks of trouble ie has been. ayy solr yom constantly. Don’t you feel nearer to sa him than you did? Y Sa And poor Paola, in whose gentle bosom grati- te tude and pity were powerful sentiments, was = fain i adinit without nice analysis: . , e4. . or “That is proof, then, that your heart would wed yield to his constancy. And he will be only too “eg glad to take you on your own terms. All he ag asks is the privilege of devoting his life to you.” “* But I cannot marry him, if I would. Uncle would never consent.” ae Th it, dear. You would have to = with consulting him.” a ‘ Inez!” - . ) =" * An elopcment is your only resource!” ous Oh, Inez! ‘Avrelopement{? , “ Would you rather marry Mr, Dillingham?” a
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a4 Semarene di te expedi 3 cases esperate expedi- ents,” pursued Donna Inez. ‘If it could be ‘helped would not recommed anything clandes- “ But I can fly from here without marrying Mr. Mansfield!” cried Paola catching at this avenue of escape from her painful dilemma. “Unfortunately your and bring you back. He would have all law with him. But, once married, he odged Aes ee ad a about on every side, poor Paola gave ap the struggle. Inez knew by ber abandoned weeping that the battle was almost won. It needed but the finishing stroke. Leslie alone could supply that. They had been expecting him. Just at the nick of time Inez heard his footsteps. “*T will go to him, dear, and prepare him,” said Inez, ‘“‘And remember, Paola, that your whole future depends on your decision now, It is Mr. Dillingham, or ie. There is no more time for delay. Be brave, dear!—be wise!” d with that parting admonition the treach- erous-‘woman left her victim all in a heap on the sofa. ‘*Now everything is ready at your hand,” said Inez, meeting lie in the hall. “I have shown her that elopement is her only escape; and she has all but consented. Remember the elopement is my suggestion, though in accord- ance with your wishes. Your cue is the modest lover. . Now, go to her!” Pale with fear, yet thrilled 2 a wild hope, a Donna Inez’s hands, s bless you!” he cried; “I owe you thing !” ‘Waste none of your heroics on me,” admon- ished the woman, impatiently. ‘‘Go! go!” And he went. If Leslie Mansfield’s love was not of a very exalted type, his exultation, his gratitude were emotions strong enough to warm him to elo- quences. Lying all in a heap on the sofa and convulsed by sobs, this girl was a thing of beauty, to be ae to one’s heart, and comforted, and cher- ed. With a stride Leslie was beside her, and, sinking on one knee, clasped her in his arms. “Oh, my darling!” he cried, ‘‘can it be true? h, if I could save you in this way! Itis beyond my wildest hopes! Paola! Paola! if a life of devotion—a life of grateful —can it be true? tenderness—” But his voice broke. He was struggling in silence with his emotions. At first the girl shrunk from him; but pros- in body as well as in mind, her resistance was fecble; and gradually she yielded, and sunk trated into this haven of rest. rdian could follow | - es THE CREOLE COUSINS. ————$——$—$—$$$————— eee ' | are missed at-home the ceremony which places you outof alldanger will have been performed.” Paola pleaded for more times; but the absence of any sufficient reason for delay, and Inez’s su- perior will force overcame this opposition. Leaving Paola to her wretchedness, the per- fidious cousin went to inform her colleagues of the success of their plot. Meanwhile, Leslie Mansfield being alone on the street, was absorbed in not altogether plea- sant reflections, if his contracted ws were any indication of his mental state, | ‘It is the chance of my life,” he muttered. “It is everything or nothing. i'm in the mire up to my neck, as it is, trieve everyth ng. ie hy lose! So, here goes!” t the conclusion of this reverie Mr. Leslie | Mansficld’s face took on the expression of a man | who had yielded to & great temptation and set | Pl It was a look | his face defiantly against fate. | that boded poor, betrayed Paola no good. | The next day there was a strange brilliancy Pons restlessness about his eyes, | an nervously apprehensive. Again an involuntarily felt the left breast o assure himself that a certain long wallet con- | taining a thousand dollars in bank-netes had | not vanished from as suddenly and mysterious- | ol | Chun | whic ly as it had entered an inner pocket. That night the victim, almost swooning with terror, was fairly dragged from her house, driven to the quay, led across the and placed in a state-room of one of the ‘ ing palaces” of the Mississippi. At the last moment she had shown a disposi- on the ground that marriage with a man whom she did not love was wrong, even to save her- self from the still more repugnant union with Dillingham; and. nothing but Inez’s decisive action, overpowering her cousin’s enfeebled will, had saved the whole project from overthrow, ‘'Lestie,” said Inez, when they stood outside the statu-room in which Paola lay prostrated “T am sutisfied that at the last moment she will refuse to take the marriage vow!” ‘* What then are we to do?” asked Leslie, “TJ have a plan which must ke effective.” And glancing about that there should be no one té overhear their conversation, she whis- pered a moment in his ear, ‘*T$ geoms cruel,” said the man, with a look of com ion. “Tt is for her good,” said the woman. too late for indecision now ” And giving him her hand, she deliberately left the t, watched it ‘as ft swung into the home. ‘*Woat! you back?” cried Wetherby and Dil- qin upon | Paola | de | simulated surpri This is a chance to re- | If it fails—well, I’ve noth- | He flushed | paled without apparent cause, He was | again he | vest, to | tion to recede from the scheme of elopement, | : i sel | ness would permit, was not devoid of solicitude | for the pale, apprehensive creature whom he | to have “Tt is ; stream and steamed away, and then drove | So ee Sam shuffled off, while mammy observed te with a doleful shake of the head: 4: yey coons 3s powerful lazy, missus—'deed n dus time Leslie presented himself. ‘* Where is Inez?” asked Paola. Why, isn’t she with you?” asked Leslie, with se, “No. Ihaven’tseen her since you left me ther.” ‘Why, that is stran I left her at the door | of your state-room, an hour ago. She may have gone on the hurricane-deck, up I will look her Fifteen anxious minutes passed, and then Les- lie returned, looking blank. “She ia not on the boat,” he said. ‘She was | seen to cross the gangplank just before the boat shoved off. joo a remy | ao ashore for some reason—though w cannot imagine— and been left.” . A “ Inez not with us!” With that terrible revelation all Paola’s strength left her, and she would have fallen had not Leslie’s arm sustained her, We pass over that night of terrible suspense, when in the loneliness of her state-room the girl felt the incessant fears of one who fled in vain dangers that pressed on every hand. Under other circumstances she would have to Leslie with that sense of security we all feel in the company of our friends; but the relation he was soon to assume toward ang-plank, | her made her shrink from him, float- | Jy pater | yielded herself to bis guidance because she had When the boat reached Baton Rouge she no one else to look to. Leslie, who had as much heart as his selfish- ut into a carriage and drove to a hotel; but 3 assurances were of no avail. ‘* Paola,” he said, when she had gone through | the form of eating breakfast, though she scarce- y touched a morsel, ‘‘the next boat, which is | du e this afternoon, will doubtless acing your cousin, if she can again escape observation and come. But if your flight is discovered, it will also bring your guardian. It behooves us, then, @ ceremony over without delay, when — we will be secure in any emergency.” But shrinking into the corner of the sofa, Paola cried degen, Fy **Oh, no! no! no! Mr, Mansfield, I canrot! I cannot!” ; * But, Paola, you do not mean to recede from ement?” h, I don’t know! I don’t know!” cried the SE, ser wal amar Tillng ou rather wait an i ham instead of me?” demanded Leslie, ‘*No—no.” “But these are alternatives.” Ac lg a ll sl gt eS Se eee ee ee ee ee ee ee ne RIT Rit a He got her bead on his shoulder; he brushed ; lingham in a breath, as she walk ‘ . tho damp hair from her temples; he kissed her | them while they were drinking to the success of | Instead of answering, the girl sobbed. with a respectful tenderness which soothed her. | their infamous Plot. | Leslie Mansfield was a man, and therefore He had the sense to know that the lover's kiss| “The little fool would have receded at the when reason seemed to coincide with his wishes on the lips was denied him; so he confined his | last moment,” said Inez; “ but when she finds he was impatient of unreasonableness, How~ caresses to her eyelids and forehead. that she has compromised herself and will ever, he had sense enough not to let his annoy- Again and again he breathed assurances into | otherwise be a social outcast, I fancy she will ance so ~~ the mas as to find expres- _ ber ear, until her tears ceased to flow, her sobs | be glad to get out of her false position by Les sion in upbraidings, though atintervalst h- 'rvinge even that little blonde dandy! out the whole morning he argued the t with birt oc eng hog Sage Semallevmgte cece 3 had to manage everything for him asit he were Paola, with tears and moans as the only remais igh escaped hor li : ay ec, Se whe bad been on the watch, now | a baby. Give mea man | His only hope was the arrival of Inez unat- ta lightly on the door, and glided in. ‘By the Lord Harry! you deserve a and tended by Wetherby. ping on her knees before the two who | a full-grown one, too!” cried Dillingham, with a At two o'clock a small steamer—not a regu- now sat side by side, she took their hands, one | burst of admiration. ‘‘ Most rome jady, Iknow lar passenger boat—touched the levee and Inez, unaccompanied, crossed the gangplank. ~ Though Leslie expected her, he was not in waiting, and pretended to be surprised at see- her before the arrival of the regular boat. ithout removing her hat, she flung herself * os knees eg ee 7 — in her arms, was a very dramatic and very pretty and the flood of remorseful apology that pousek from her lips was very natural. Discove: the loss of her purse—so she said —and ti g that it must be in the carriage she had gone ashore and so been left. A small freight boat had afforded her an Coperyaesy to = * ee ee ee of each, and, clasping them together, pressed | not whether todo ter homage to your genius thinn oebwroen her ows a or to your perfidy |” “Oh, this is as it should be!” she said, coo- ingly. I have h and prayed for this CHAPTER XXIX. THE MARRIAGE. consummation! And you will be happy, dear Lest; TOR - Dom perhaps an hour Paola waited in vain | —I know you will. But, Mr, cause her a moment's sorrow— for the return of her cousin. Thon anxiety mastering her weakness, she got up from the “Te Lever do”—cried the loyer, “Make no rash invocations!” laughed Ines, | berth where she had been lying and went out , into th vane - a You a are all —_ iden A ou © hearts of us r women; but, : then we owe all cur happiness to you too. Take | Of course the traitress was nowhere to be : ” | Seen. carnccinees’ “Romomber that the sorrow of | Maybe she’s on de hurrycane-deck, missus,” before the regular passenger boat, w isa said the chambermaid, when applied to, “‘Pow- no doubt would contain the enraged guard Wied aoe, on sUidtes” cha contented pie? lot o’ ladies an’ gemmen promenadin’ up i) ce’ ng hogs et & = . e ere inanhour., But you with an attemps 6 plessnatry, " the mexs |x Can’t some one besent to look for Mr, Mans- ' did not wait forme? The ceremony is sip’ y to be ng ot yb , phe cama oy Se field?” asked Paola, rformed? This is no longer Paola Careno, tdcipation of this solution of the difficulty I have | “Sartainly, missus. Hi! you, Sam! Stir but Mrs—” be | you’ lazy bones, dah! Dis lady wants a gem-, ‘No! no! no! dear Inez!” interrupted Peola. *T couldn’t do it! It would be wicked. I do not love him!” “What!” cried Inez, starting back in affect- “Paola, you are crazy! Why, thought the whole subject over. If it_must done, it were better be done quickly, I suggest to-morrow night,” | **So soon?” cried Paola, startled. my dear, it must be done within a man— What's de name, missus?” ‘*Mr, Mansfield.” “You heah, Sam? None o’ you’ in’, | now! Jest you pull foot lively, an’ don’t keep ed dismay. “ Bu - an week at all; and delays are dangerous, | 4¢ lady waitin’ all night! dear— he With a grin that threatened to sever his head ‘Mr, Mansfield,” said Inez, turning to that ee ~y night _ be end d bo 7 Roeser in half and dart his eyes from their sockets, pes
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‘tine stood speechless. THE CREOLE COUSINS. 25 rucful sectal sertes Leslie bowed, and withdrew. “ Paola,” continued her false cousin; “do you realize the position in which you are placed? You must marry him. This unfortunate acci- dent-—or rather fortunate, I begin to think—has made it impossible for you to recede now. Dear, being alone with him, as you have, has compromised you so that nothing but a mar- riage will preserve your reputation. You know the censoriousness of the world. It would rather believe evil than good. And you have social rivals whose envy would prompt them to pull you down mercilessly. ON ak of what you owe Leslie and the humiliation he would be subjected to by be- coming the laughing-stock of all New Orleans, if you were to cast him off at the last moment —a humiliation under which I know he is too ' spirited to live—can you return and be a social ae a ttm “ in the changes on these arguments an brings bear all the magnetism of her posi- tive will, Inez forced her less combative cousin into a state of passivity, and taking her assent for granted, dressed her in her hat and man- tilla, and placing Leslie on the other side, took her arm and led her to the, carriage. The battle had been a bard one; and the priest whose services they called into requisition was a man of slow motions; so that when the cere- mony was about to begin the three blended whistles of the approaching steamer were heard from far down the river. Tnez had labored with the desperation of one who realized all that was at stake in those few moments. When she heard the whistles her heart. bounded with the consciousness that all would be accomplished before the boat could reach the levee, But Paola was so weak and faint that she had to be supported on either side by her betray- ers. Inez constantly ners eo words of encour- agement in her ear, and from time to time held a vial of aromaticsalts to her nostrils. A. fainting-fit. now would be fatal. The girl could never again be brought to this point. But the ceremony went on to its consumma- tion, yond those two were pronounced ‘‘one | clammy hand with its yellow palm often raised flesh.” . In. the wild triumph of that moment Leslie forgot every precaution, and clasped his bride in bis arms. ‘Mine! mine forever!” he cried, pressing a ionate kiss on her lips. But she did not hear him. She neither re- sponded to nor shrunk from his caress, He Tat hatatgncon Vilaline uated: w ereaction w er ov ht feelings underwent when the strain of uncertain ty was removed, Inez had turned to an open window for air. Leslie’s startled ery recalled her, “It’s only a fainting-fit,” she said, with no trace ofemotion. “She was very good to defer it until it could make no difference. The mask had aceene She could afford to appear in her true character now. Paola was no more to ber than any other beggar. Her fair inheritance was forfeit, and the adventuress was come into the reward of her infamy. They laid her on a wooden bench; and with so much attention as the presence of strangers made politic, Inez stores ‘Trestoratives. But the swoon was an 0 stinate one; and she was still occupied when the sound of footsteps and the darkening of the doorway caused her to look round, 5 By the sight which met her gaze the adven- turess was yzed. Her husband, suppo' by Capt. Ned Taun- ton, stood in the doorway! CHAPTER XXX, THE SUICIDE. For < aon nate = rags cre 2 of Paola’s elopement with a forger, Har 1- aa What he suffered then no words can tell. Stans colut Wewidies r, poor friend!” cried Taunton, grasp- his bande ; ‘With an effort Harry aroused himself. “Ned,” he said, ‘* while I was in Cuba I learn- ed the tity of that woman with one of these cousins. But I learned more. I learned that fate had placed before her an op; ity to execute t you have just told me shows that she has availed herself of that ty and prosecuted it to a suc- = Harry, what can you mean?” “ Deiat tid ter the devilish exta of théee bv: ran, **pray leave me with her a | whom she has heen surrounded, to whom she | ** Peace, niy children! Remember, you are a right to look for protection, Paola Careno | in thesanctuary!” has been most foully betrayed, and somehow | Ignoring this interruption, Harry proceeded forced into this elopement.” : with a nod of approval: “But for what object?’ “T sse you have sufficient spirit for my pur- “Money !—that accursed gold for which go | poss.” many sell their souls!” 3 lain yourself, sir. What do you mean?” And in a few words Harrv explained the pur- | demanded Leslie. port of Don Alfonso’s paoutenbrwitl: ‘“‘IT mean that the forgery of which you are “But may we not be in time to frustrate this | guilty has been discovered, and the officers are infamy?’ said Ned. “Last night, while part- | now on your track!” ing with some friends, Isaw the parfy—Mans-| “Fi orgery re field and the cousins—come aboard fle boat. | The word was uttered in a scared voice, yet Curiosity led me to examine the register just | musical withal; and the company turned to before the boat put off.. Their destination was , sce that Paola had aroused from her fainting- Baton Rouge.” fit, and was sitting up. * And how did she lock?’ All but Leslie, who, ghastly with the fear of “‘Scarcely able to support herself. They led | detected guilt, could not remove his eyes from her between them.” | Rerry’s siern face. “JT knew it! I knew it!” Harry Hazeltine would have spared the wo- “Harry, there was that in their manner | Man he loved the tragic scene that was to fol- which even then led me to think that it was an | low; but he was first and at all hazards deter- elopement, Of course I knew nothing of Maus- | mired upon her release from the disgraceful tie field’s criminality then. But knowing her rela- | that bound her to a felon. tionship to that other, I thought you were well | With the air of an implacable judge he pro- rid of her.” ceeded: “Mr, Mansfield, a gentleman does not wait to Harr aned, 4 Only this morning I learned that he had | be branded like a common boor! I give you the raised the money for this adventure by forging | opportunity to escape the infamy of standing. a note with his employers’ tindorsement, which | in the felon’s dock.” ; he got discount pursued Taunton. ‘Of And he drew a pistol from his pocket, course, long before the note fell due, be expect ‘Would you marder me” cried Leslie, start ed to have the money with whichthoimaginary | ingback. 5 car lec drawer could take it up, so that the firm whose | “No,” replied Harry. ‘Public opinion wilt eredit had been used to male it negotiable af leastapprove your courage if you open the would never di cover the fact.” door with your own hand, Take the weapon. ‘““Now we must save her from him at all | Believe me, it is now your best friend.” ; hazards,” said Harry, “Come!” “But I can escape!” cried Leslie, with & They caught the boat. gleam of hope. ‘‘If you are my friend, as you There wos a party of gentlemen just before | say— thom, whom Nea =chiped ont as perc a The officers will be here inside of five ‘They are already on his track,” he said, | minutes. Ah! look from that window. Do “Tf he expects to proceed northward on this you see them at the end of the street, coming boat, he will be apprehended at the levee.” this way?” A hard, set look came into Harry’sface. He | ‘“‘But I have a carriage at the door!” said nothing. Leslie started forward, to carry his suggested Among the detectives he discovered Asa Dil- | escape into execution, linghbam, his head thrust forward from his ) Harry ooeced wiaiel wide immovably, with round shoulders, his livid lips slightly tremu- | @ second cocked , Which he drew from his lous, his ferret eyes blinking restlessly, his | et. i *“You cannot leave this room alive, unless to his mouth, taken out by the officers of the law!” he said. Immediately upon the discovery of Leslie’s | Then Leslio gave up. crime, Dillingham had put himself in conjunc- | “Have you the courage to pe the only tion with the detectives, to assist in the appre- | avenue of escape open to you?” asked Harry, hension of his rival. | again presenting the pistol. So the two parties proceeded on the same lie suddenly plucked spirit of despair. boat to Baton Rouge. | ‘*T have!” he said, taking the weapon reck- Touching the levee in the middle of the after- | lessly. noon, while the detectives sought the town au- | ‘‘ Wretched worms of earth, dare you brave thorities, Harry Hazeltine procured a carriage | the wrath of Heaven!” cried the priest. and drove directly to the Catholic church, asit | But he appealed to deaf ears. was of first importance to learn whether the | _“ You are right,” was the wretehed man’s re- marriage had aired? taken place, ply, “and Taccept your kindly office. But be- This brought the wronged husband and the fore T leave this world I have a word to say.” perfidious wife face to face for the i _ Then turning to Paola, whom terror mo- eight years. tionless and speechless, he proceeded: nez sprung to her feet with a cry of dismay. “‘My wife—for you are my wife!—I have Then she shrunk abashed before the stern gaze | loved you with a passion which has tie my of the man she had so wronged, who now, she | destruction, as perhaps it would have been felt, was come to frustrate all her plots just at | yours but for this interposition of fate. I was the moment of their complete triumph, | 8o determined to possess you that I did not stop Harry Haseltine moved steadily into the | atcrime to gain the money without which this room. : | opportunity would have by default. Now “What is the meaning of this intrusion?” de- | lL am about to prove that my love for you is not manded Leslie, ting a bold front, though altogether selfish. When my folly exposed you time in inex evident disconcertion caused his heart to r haga. by gore it Sytem ws vee oy foe SINK, ’ omm ‘“‘Youare Mr. Leslie Mansfield?” asked Harry, | his care, I know_that he will oe ou. Soneeet 4 Farewell, Paola! Remember that m lee Bet “i am, sir!” replied en we brusquely. oars — prompted by my love for you. ThusI re- hig Re ee Lge IMEAA Tae platOL OF ER Bell: fv w ! - “T have, sir!” | “Hold!” cried the priest. “ Blasphem “Well, Mr. Mansfield, for your share in this wretch! if you dare to desecrate the sanctuary infamous business I am about to make you a of the Most High bys your own blood return which you do not deserve.” | at the very foot of the altar, 1 call down upom reereat) : | you the undying curse of Heaven!” “Tam about to act the part of a friend,” pur- The old man was terrible in his invocation. sued Harry, not noticing the interruption; | _ Paola covered her face with her hands, shud- “that is to say, if you are not a coward as weil | dering. aay as a villain.” Doana Inez still stood like a woman of stone, “Coward! Villain!” Leslie turned his eyes full upon the priesi, and “Tam about to give you an opportunity to | with an icy smile drew the trigger. at reserve your dignity as a gentleman, though I There wasa ringing explosion; and the suicide ink that your claim to that title is purely su- | fell withouta moan! perficial. However, I believe that your vanity | Harry calmly knelt beside the fallen man, He will lead you to sbrink from the y of a | was dead! ; common vagabond.” ** And now,” said the wronged husband, “ for “By Heaven, sir!” blustered Leslie, menac- the woman whese brain conceived . this fou} ingly; ee you whether I am a gentle- aoe or not!" . turned, aor ta o » Se
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ee ™ + 26 CHAPTER XXXL AS SHE HAD LIVED, 80 DIED SHB! We are aware that most, if not all, of our readers, will severely reprehend Harry Hazeltine’s instiga- tion of a snicide, no matter what the provocation. But we them to remember that he lived in an age in which it was the duty of a gentleman de- tected in crime to preserve his “honor” from the odium of public exposure and the punishment of a common rogue by oe hisown life—a strange ox, which has not altogether died out, even in this enlightened age. Feeling that the only cause of regrat was the shock ‘Paola had been forced to sustain, Harry turned to her, and said: Miss Careno, there is no time, and this is no place, for an & sure of the wicked plot of which - ‘you have been the victim. The guilt of the wretched woman to whose treachery you owe all your misery is sufficiently proved by her flight.” “What! Inez?—cousin Inez?’ cried Paola, in be- wilderment. “Is your bitterest foe!—a traitress of the vilest stamp! Has she not fled when I appeared to un- mask her?” ‘*Inez untrue to me! Then whom have I left?” moaned poor Paola. ‘Will you trust me?” asked Harry, with an un- wonted faltering of the voice. “He said you saved my life,’’ said the girl, refer- ‘Ting to her dead husband with a shudder. And with her eyes fixed on Harry’s with a confid- ing gaze, she placed her hands in his, “God willing,” said our hero, fervently, ‘‘I will go one step further, and restore to you that happiness ‘which alone makeslife valuable!” Without more ado he placed her in the carriage faving presented her to his friend Ned Taunton, an the party drove to the levee, where a steamer was already rounding into view up the river, on its way to New Orleans. Meanwhile Donna Inez had stopped her carriage and called Asa Dillingham to her, on meeting him in = with the detectives. * Yonder you will find your man, dead—-a suicide!"' she said to the chief, who immediately withdrew with his men. * Mr. Dillingham,” she pursued, “we are ruined. My husband is there. He has just forced Leslie Mansfield to commit suicide, He will crush the rest of usas ruthlessly. Our eek is to get what we can and escape—you and I. We must force Wether- by to divide with us, and then fly.” ; “ Agreed!” said Dillingham. “Shall we take the same boat that conveys your gallant husband and fair cousin back to the city?” = “Why not? What can he do to us?” “ Have us arrested for conspiracy, my dear.” “But if he wishes to do that he might have us taken now.” « “True. Perhaps the bold policy is the best.” So it happened that all the living returned to- geee, the remains of Leslie Mansfield being alone elaved. But the defeated conspirators bad the prudence to keep in retirement. Donna Inez and Dillingham hastened home and astonished the false guardian with the announce- ment that the bubble had burst, and the demand that he at once convert the trust fund into ready ‘me; but I can clear my skirts. Why, then, hopen ch you? the devil—both of you—for the “Excuse me! I will swear, as will all my crew, paid by you and bonds. These were put on the market on the following , through an agent, and the proceeds invested in onds, which could easily be carried on the person. But an event occurred which changed the distribu- ‘tion of these ill-gotten gains. Donna Inez found a letter in a official envel- el ed by official *‘ red tape,” for which the Spanish authorities are noted. Accompanying it was an of- a. notification of the er’s execution as a traitor. _ ; , Donna Inez read it through with a marble pallor of tage. and a stony stare in her eyes. _ the full force of her love for this man asserted What were her feelings, what were her thoughts, was indicated only by what she did. From that mo- m po veg he he wens ne: gala 5 Rocutags . the against her maid, she dressed herself with exquisite taste, in light flowing dra- ; . The last letter his hand had traced put her boso; : ym. wee $y, 7 bi - fetes ee Tonunahin mcene wa composed herself gracefully on @ sofa, mony her drapery with careful hand and ar- tistic eye. Toue a secret spring in the ring, the top of the seeming stone flew up, showing that it was a mere a receptacle for a few drops of a dark-green aid, ith a steady hand the strange woman put the deadly vial to her lips, sucked its poison, closed the lid, and composed herself as to sleep. When they found her she lay in all her treacher- ous beauty; but her soul had fled. “T am disappointed in her, and.yet she has proved consistent,’ commented Dillingham. — mentatively. “ Having cy, op so gallantly, she jelded at last to a womanly weakness, an killed erself on account of aman. But instead of taking the vail, as a more wishywashy woman might have done, she squared. accounts with a right royal hand, She was a magnificent woman, by Heaven!” ““ We hought not to quarrel with ’er. She ‘as hin- creased our plunder by fifty per cent. !’’ was Wether- by’s summing up, There is no love lost between rogues. “And now,” said Dillingham, ‘‘Iam determined to have Paola Careno! She has been taken to the house of a widow a little way out of the city, The only man on bag cr = te is this Indian servant of the gallant Mr. Hazeltine. I wish you to accompany me to get the girl out of the house by your authority, if possible. If not, we will use force. Once in pos- session of her, you may go your way, aud I will go a , James Wetherby was disposed to run no further risk; but Asa Dillingham insisted. Harry Hazeltine had taken Paola to a country house, where the quiet and pure air might exercise their recuperative force, and given her into the care of an elderly woman and her widowed daughter. Kalma attended her, and Vikir ates guard, while Harry returned to the city to look after -her pecu- niary interests. The shades of night were falling when a close car- riage stopped a little way from the house, and two men dismounted and found their ag, Boa Paola’s apartment, all the rooms of the house being on the ground floor. While Paola arose from her chair and indignantly confronted her false guardian, demanding the mean- ing of the intrusion, ma stood in the background, _ eyes fixed, asif fascinated, on Asa Dillingham's ‘ace. CHAPTER XXXII. THE FINAL BLOW. * Paora,” said Wetherby, “for the contempt you ‘ave manifested for my hauthority, for the hinsult hoffered to my hestvwemed friend, Mr. Dillingham, I ‘ave no words! But the wound to your hown repu- tation, when you so far ye yourself as to i yourself hunder the protection of a stranger, I be; ou to consider. I am more pained than pehmes i eturn to your ‘ome and duty, and all will be for- given.’ “Mr. Wetherby,”.said Paola, with as much ef as indignation in her voice, ‘‘it is useless to) aeeltinly words. Your hypocrisy has been un- masked. You have forfeited every moral claim to my obedience, and soon the law will cancel the Som tié which you have dishonored. Could my father have looked forward to this day—” But her voice broke and tears sprung to her eyes. “You refuse to return ‘ome with me?” demanded Wetherby. ; “T no longer have a home with you, sir.”’ “Then I must resort to force.” **T shall call for help.” “Which will havail you nothing. Mr, Dillmgham, A ee Weth advanced threatening] And We an ‘ “Help! H tf Vikir!’’ cried Paola, # Then ma sprung before her mistress, Ne , leperos |’ she cried, confronting the would- be abductors with flashing eyes. “Lay not your hands on rossi “Throw vixen aside!” cried Dillingham, who was behind his compeer. 5 But at this moment the door was thrown violently open, and Vikir rushed in. “My brother! mira/ our enemy!” cried Kalma, poe g_to Dillingham. ‘“‘The murderer of our ather! He who carried me into captivity!” _An instant Vikir stood like one entranced, Then his lips drew back, showing his white teeth like the tangs of some beast of prey. : lingham saw the gleam of a dagger, as his fate rushed upon him. He drew a pistol and fired; but the nextinstant he ba down, with the blood welling from a hole in breast. As Vikir rose, James Wetherby struck him a vio- lent blow on the head, which knocked him senseless. Now the false guardian thought only of flight; but remembering the diamonds which BD ham had on his Be yey he stooped down and hurriedly dis- 8 posse’ m. From without came the sound of rapidly ap- Pp ing horse’s hoofs. Dep Neat ieee On WV eghecty sone bo Gy Dale ey fumbling forthe diamonds had roused am. “You weuld rob me, you d would you?” he ~ =k onl You at age pi with that very gate of death, he fired at his ; But the shy the stiff hand took no effect, sok Wothovigr’ veokon aati room un- THE CREOLE COUSINS, 8. Ee Eee i But a stern voice cried: “Half! Surrender!”’ A horse was leaped over the paling that surround- ed the house, as he bounded to the side of the fugitive and was drawn back on his haunches, a heavy band eoaeped the collar of James Wetherby’s coat, the rider leaped from the saddle, execu a wrestler’s trip, aud the career of the false guardian and impostor was over! Harry Hazeltine had gone to Wetherby’s house to ran his arrest, found him gone, and tracked him ther. Now he dragged his prisoner into the house, where = was joined by‘Ned Taunton and the officers of the jaw. “T have but two words before I die,” said Asa Dillingham, ‘ “Strip the clothing from the back of that escaped convict, and behold the brands of the ueen! He is Thomas Kittridge! I denounce him as the murderer of James Wetherby, whom he has per- sonated for thirteen years!”’ But the violent passion of the ex-slaver, Captain Gaskill, for such he was, precipitated his end. The exertion of rising on his elbow and paaking his fist at the traitor who had taken the first opportunity to rob and desert him, caused a hemorrhage, and he fell back, dead. Vikir’s vengeance was complete! Tom Kittridge's back was laid bare, and the livid marks of the brand discovered. He was handed over to the British Government, and returned to Botany Bay, where he expiated bis many crimes on the scaffold. A year has passed. Paola is reinstated in her Cuban home, She is reclining in a bamboo easy-chair on the broad veranda. At her feet sits Barty. Hazeltine, with a look of mingled joy and pride. He is no longer emaciated and aa but rounded into the full outlines of robust health. He has been telling her his life—how he met and parted with her cousin; how, after that blow, he traveled the world over, a prey to bitterness; how in the Orient he contracted the fatal habit of. opium- smoking; how, under the inspiration of his love for her, and aided by his faithful Vikir, he threw off the hen of slavery to the drug, though it seemed as if t would cost him his life; and how the fruition cf her love was the one boon he now craved of Heaven! Was the bright. dream of the year just pessed to banish forever the darkness that had gone before? While he was talking her eyes were directed acioss the lawn to where ma was amange some flowers which Vikir had gathered, while ! Taun- ton looked on with a smile on his bronzed, sailor face—a pretty picture, until sympathetic tears bid it from her view. When he was done she turned her beautiful face to_his, placed her delicate hands in his, on satisfied his heart with the answer: “oe es *” THE END. af > ‘ a. Sceeteiiie ho. Metiennelitens codes Reediiemeetiieied ¢ c
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ee ieee cer to ae no Dime American Ww America, J. Jeboom’s Oration, Birthday of Washington, | A Dutch Cure, for the Maine Law, | The Weather, jot on the Battlefield, The Heated Rat e an Struggle, osophy App ndence, An Ola Ballad. ‘ountry, Penny Wise, Pound Fool- e Equality of . True Rigen Te fish, Character of the Revo’n, | Sat’d’y Night's njoy"ts, The Fruits of the War, *TIn a Just Cause, ’ he Sewing-Machine, No Peace with Oppres- ‘True Manh sion, The Mystery of Life, A Tale of a Mouse, The Ups and Downs, A Thanksgiving Sermon, The Truly Great, The Cost of Riches, arly Retiring and Ris’g, | Great Lives Imperishable A. Ward’s Oration, The Prophecy forthe Y’r ‘True Nationality, Unfinished Problems, pendence, Veneration, Hope, e, ve, Re ect, Giving, Wonder, Admiration, Gratitude, Cu oe Persuasio,, Tempting, Promising, Affecta- tion, loth, Intoxication, Anger, etc. SEC. I. Tae Component ELEMENTS or AN ORA Numbers 1 to 24, inclusive, Each Speaker, 100 pages 12mo., containing from 50 to 75 pieces. i ee Se ree ee Dime Elocutionist, No. 5. Permanency of States, | Astronomical, T Liberty of ory The Meon, fzeng SEO, I. Privcrpies or True Envunciation.—Faults | New England and Union, | Duties of American Citi in Enunciation; How to Avoid Them. Special Rules | jhe Unseen Battlefield, e-Man and Observations, Plea for the Republi, Temptations of Cities, SEC. Il. Tae Art or Oratory. Sheridan’s List of | America, {[Fallacy, | Broken Resolutions, the Passions: Tranquillity, Cheerfulness, Mirth, | ‘“Right of Secession” a | There is no Death, Raillery, Buffoonery, Joy, Delight, Gravity, In- | Life’s Sunset, Races, quiry, Attention, Modesty, Perplexity, Pity, Grief, | Human Nature, A Fruitful Discourse, d elancholy, Despair, ear, Shame, Remorse, wyers, A Frenchman's Dinner; Courage, Boasting, Pride, Obstinacy, Authority, | Wrongs of the Indians, Unjust National Acqui'n Comenae. Forbidding, Affirming, Denying, ‘pI in behalf of Am. | The Amateur Coachman | Difference, Agreeing, Hxhorting, Judging, Approv- eries of War,(Liberty, | John Thompson’s Dau'r ing, ree ere Condemning, Teaching, Pardon- | A Lay Sermon, House Cle A ing, Arguing, Dismissing, Refusing, Granting, De- | A Dream, It Is Not Your B asifcas. Dime Juvenile Speaker, No. 0. A Boy’s Teloaien: How the Raven Becam{ Hoe Out Your Row, a ‘Our Natal Day, Honor to the De = Six-Year-Old’s Protest, Bolfering,... Tamortality of Pattiota, eo ee ee erence | The Suicidal Ost, The Same, Intellizence the Basis-of | ‘Webster's Polit'l System and Phrases, viz.: Purity, priety, Precision. | 4 Valediction, Who Rules one 2 t) — “i - e - - -f ane wore: , As applied to Sentences, viz.: Length x Sentence, | Pop ping Corn, A Sheep Story, han of Ligh Brigade, | The Pres Glearnees, Unity gtrengin, Figures ob speech ihe | The Walton, me, | duiiile Correspondent ter the Battle, Woman's Rights, Confirmation, the Refatation, the Peroration. ‘The Fairy Shoemaker My Dream ie ‘The Glass Railroad, Right of the Governed, | 50 ry Reps rot xe ee eee [Another, oma oe Rec ay = a agg VERSE. Transition; A Plea for the Ox; Falstaff's Brees On, see rl Never Use Tobacco, ‘Annabel Lee, : Alone Soliloquy on Honor; the Burial of Lincoln; the | The Horse, A Mosaic, Wi gn ing Name, The Rebellion of 1861, Call and Response; the Bayonet Charge; History | The Snake in the Grass, | The Old Bachelor, ‘The Sailor Boy’s Syren, | Disunion. ofa Life; the Bugle; the Bells; Byron, Macbeth | Tale of the Tropics, coe hag? to Light, oe Mee Da, er; Ag had — uy; 9a Beg ak promers oe ios ee - ing “ + / ok Upward} i ufus; the Kye; an e Same, second extrac elina’s Lament 4 . Dime National Speaker, No. 2. Essa Onto Musik; Discoveries of Galileo. The Fisher's Child, Jolinny Shrimps on Boots BeG Santeria Pace Ole Hazard Perry, SEO. 'V.._ Oscenvanrons oF Geen Aurmonrtams. A Mal ons Pad nat of Life Chokes of Ho 4 ; id 3 4 . J ; . % ngs a enemas Sy: ca Se one elict, Dime Humorous Speaker, No. 6. Pine toe States, Who faliea tore oe Let the- Childless Weep, The Indian Chief, A Sad ory, Poetry Run Mad, Playing Ball, Nothing to Do. oy Country’s Glory, The Independent Farmer | A String of Onions, Right Names, Ah, Why. Honesty Best Policy, i nion a Household, Mrs. Grammar’s Ball, A Tragic Story, Scientific Lectures, Live for Something. > Heaven, : . Inde endence Bell, How the Money Comes, Cats, The Ager, Lay of the Hen-Pecked, Ho for the Fields, ; se Cota of Progreay- | evelinte erty, | Dee ie Goth waitaad'tanse’ | Onthehghae Ras. “] “Wy, : arty, ’ ’ ang: A tmas Chant, Our Country First, Last, | Devi Fate of Sergeant Thin, Lion in Love, A Smile, Roe, eo ne peg ‘. apa AINE, ) pom J ie a = atures’ oe, meee Asking for a King, meee, | a he True Higher Law, nfluence, Ugo an 0, american Voodchuck, ic jon, , omcopathic Sow Lo yoo ys ap pyre " oo Retin! ae Women, The BatR of a Thousand County ad Town h-Le, ae nt pee » . e Ship and the “ Yational Hatreds, ern stles, ngs, an an oman, Malt, me: Tecumseh’s Speech, Murder Will Out, Good-Nature, The Last of-the Sarpints, | Home, A Hundred Years Becton | eave eisae P| Sdcemtahieantke,| the Mosetousuese > | ite tne" |Titie Seeman, “teas cins, ising, : x Ssnake, e My ous Guest, - ittle y ittle 5 evecare ae ae ee aay Opinions, pe Pump, é = Baby’s Solitoquiy, poe od on Electricity, { r-of-Fact.Man, ates of Sleep, ow the Money Goes, e Sea-derpen spentance he Two © { 4 ch and Poor, The st . Hun-ki-do-ri’s Fourth of | The Bates A Plea for Eggs The Ocea. Storm, Ry ing the Eclipse, A Hoodish Gem, July Oration The Shoemaker, Humbug Pat otism, Do Thy Little—Do it Wel a Beauties of the Law, Purity of the Struggle, If you Mean No, Say No, |} The Useful Doctor, Night After Christmas, Little Puss, e-lang! Git Up, Old Age, Jo Bows on p Year, | The bie pos ox Short Legs, 2- > [Fever . e Rats of Life, Beautiful and ply: Lay of the oe agg To the Bachelors' Union | Shrimpson Amusements, | Prescription for Spring: - Creowning Glory of U~.8., —_ nergy Sa sie — Skinner’s E : Paar id = sents, * ra Three Fools, an and the ite. atrimony, Presiden Dim es ae Washington, Language of the Eagle, | Nothing to'Do. Vagaries of Popping the e Spread-Eagle Speaker, No. 10 ‘* Our Great Inheritance, | Washington, | Old Caudle’s Umbrella, uestion, . —_ Buster's Oration, Drum-head Sermons, is Bulogy on Henry Clay, { The Deluge. Old Grimes’s Son, What I Wouldn't Be, ns Von Spiegel’s 4th, | Schnitzerl’s Philoso . ! : Paddle Your Own Canoe, Yankee Doodle Aladdin, |-Josh Eiings's Advice, ‘Woman's Rights,’ =. . Dime Patriotic Speaker, No. 3. ee Soushter,” Araby’s antigen ye ner Sermon, ang! oe : erica to the World, History of Our ; ; The Squeezer, ‘ack § ratt, = ve of Country 7. FB, Segher's ‘Address, Dime Standard Speaker, No. 7. Noah poy the Devil, New Eh land Tragedy, ht of Self- rva- | We Owe to the Union, The World We Live In, | Jobn Burns Gettysburg, | 4 Lover's Lue cient vee mn : a Kentuckian’s oF i toa Speeek of Stephen | Woman's Claims hang ele oe may Digewtion aed ara ties, Jorke Preamouebaien te. Kentucky, Steadfast, A. Doug 23 Authors of our Liberty » | Miss Prude’s TeaFarty, | Distinction's Disadvant- | A Word with Snooks, : Tinildity is Treason, —_) Great Bell Roland, .., | The Citizen's Heritage, ‘The Beneflcence of the | Smith, 1. lages, | Gut Lovee : pee, 188i, King Cotton, (Union. | ie irechante Drona Ck the Revels” | A Stock of Notions,’ Josh Billings on Buzzewg ‘Spirit of Heritage, | The Ends of Pes Nature and Nainre's God | How Cyrus Laid the Cable | Fossiing c0F tie Sheri, Png in the Stree ) The Irish Eleme Freedom the Watchword | 2¢ Modern Good, (Sun, | The Erettiest Hand, Then and Now. Scandalous, a frain's S of ation, | Ossian’s Address to the | Paradoxical, sor | Josh Billings's Leetur’ng, Slightly Mix 4 ‘2 ‘isty’s of Christian’ Pa- ee ag Bell—1777, pe Spa rnd “raed Doctor De lister's Ann‘, The ce- sens ‘ t Z Good avice,, Music of Lal oa = » Comic @ ker, No. 4. Panaticism, as My Deborah Lee, The Itching Palm, The American F 2. Rleveyergosson the War, | A Song of Woe, yee « te "Crim = e, | The Pin and Needle, Debater and Chairman’s Guide No, 11 Bs Age Biun Considered, bho, 8 Trip to Richm’d,.| Ireland, in {oe Modern pir 2 Rieesetee Z. a 3 - ortality of the = rb TA ES cane, |e Mntctone, | He Portle Atwavs Com | Sonoma ri ofige and Usefunees, | Oninary Mostngy aad e a : c Grammar, Ho. 1, eee _ t, Prussia and Austria, Heroism and Dering, F ee The Org: i ree P a ons Ade Old Dog Jock Sete es : lacs ge pee By-Lawsof, ° Order of Business an¢ nef 2 : , ’ ? - ir “fi i The Fi ey les of Go ; Ss . 3 menantivicy” | Bran Lin, Pie eres tae tachi Riptteas| Gat bos ha ee eee a A 4 e es 0) e rea : Happiness, Whe ie Me Oppeaecsers | Hon. 7. Mt. Stubbs’ Views | Good-nature a Blessing,” | Subjects of Discussion. | The “ Question.” How t ie | Folten!Sbump openchy | Bane Schmagenoimer on) Sermon, om BAe ga | pa ee ao tod | Richio i Eul ic Grammar, No, Woman's : a en ‘ow t0-be a Eyeewell to the Bo AB for a meen: pe ve of emer h Pa F : ong - 4 States, F e Leg, a, | Disqu : 4 Oratori © 4 ; e Daff’s ress of Mimself, | The Smack in Schoo The Sea, the Sea, the open | Be Sure You are Ristht, cal Suc = Practical Threnology, ick's Definition of Wife, | Star Bangled Spanner, | Be of Good Cheer abe toes ; - Beautitc:, ale-of a Hat, y Where You Boon ae aber gt (Shrew, | ‘The toric of P a DaDvage, + HESUN wetaon, Whores ily Money ee) Ba four in da pee What is a Ba t Lecture on Locomotion, Speech from Conseil 2 a Mra. Jaudle on Umbr'lla, { ’s Relation to s
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BY OLL COOMES, Pery td Bandy, Detective; or, Silver Star, the Boy Knight. 168 Kit Bandy in Texas; or, The Young Mustanger, 8 Kit Bandy’s Catch; or, The Boy Hercules. laee Kit Bandy’s Right. Bower; or, Baby Sam,the Boy went Kit t Bandy’s athe Be or, Little Buckskin, tne Centaur, {478 Kit Bandy'’s Slick Schemie> or, Old Tom Rattler, [Ost Kit Bandy’s Deliverance; or, Banner Bsn. 680 Kit Bandy’s Pard; or, Dauntless Dan, the Freelance, ‘791 Kit Bandy Rattied or, The Iniant Giant. 95 Kit Bandy in Red Rain; or, The Young Whirlwind, 99 kit Bandy’s Rig Ruatle; or, Saddle King Sam. 804 Kit Bandy’s Brigade; or, Dan, the Mouutain Guide. tH Kid Pandy’s Brigade in “Arizona. 9 Kit Bandy’s Star Engagement. 58 Jack pew, the Nemesis, or, Eagle Kit the Ro ba $2 Jack Drew’s Drop; or, Little Hurricane, the 02 Jack Drew ‘in Deudwood; or, Prospect Petes” 27 Keen Knife on Guard; or, Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. | SL Keen-Kultfey the Prince of the "Prairies. / 41 og Jack, 42 Young Mostanger. {58 The Border King; or, The Secret Fea, } $3 pouamere Dick, the Young Ranger Spy, 4 Hawk-eye fiers the Young Trapper Rangga 's v 3} 88 Rollo, t Ranger; or, The Heiress 84 Sure Shot Bo ty the Boy Rifleman. 4% Scar-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter, 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. 338 Tiger ‘Tom, the Texas Terror, Bashing Dick; or, Trapper Tom's © 228 waste lidfire, the Young Prairie Nomad. The n Detectives or, The Little Ranger, (248 The pit ulaed Guide; or, Wild Raven, the Ranger, 260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger. gz2 Minkekin Mike,” the Boy Sharpshooter. 90 as ¥Yoxtfire, the Boy 8px; or, Old Caleb Arbuckle, 800 The Sky Demon; or, Rainbolt, the Ranger. B84 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero ? Nereules; vr, Dick, the Boy Ranger. ebfoot Mose, the Tramp Detective. abr Vingedfoot Fred 3 or, Old Polar Sant, Tamarae Tom, the Sig’ Trapper Boy, a3 orem mowed Bob, the Boy Trojan. ring Baatl, the Hermit Boy Trappe Soe bon Barr, the Plains Freelance, 670 5 eee Nels, the Big Boy Mountaineer, 7s hiand Harry, the Wizard Rifleman, 823 Poker Jack, the Detective Sport. BY T. J. FLANAGAN, faxhipman Dare, the Pirate Catcher a 3s The RT, ate Captain Fn ha dehipmenj; or, ong oe Corsair-Chaser’s Firat BY DAN DUNNIN a. id Qeist Je Jocks | the Secret Service Spy. oe and > the Tpvincibes; The Diabosical 7 Detective Davee Close tr Farrel Fox and His Girl Ferret, 898 Farrel, Fox’s Sweep-Stakes. BY GEORGE 0, JENK&, ts Git Ther Owney the Unknown, si Thar Owney’s Pledge. The Demon Doctor; or, Deadhold, the Kid Detective, Bat Pouble-Ourve Ban, tne Pitcher Detectives eos Th ziate ae pera d Detective; or, Owney in a New Role, Pitche etective’s Foth or, Dan’s Donble Play, Pe docee etecthv et or. The Last Cruise ofthe riack Bear. gat The Fivehe Petective’s Rengbast Tusele. 8 heroughbreds or, Beaten on Every Side, ron Hand, the Charmed Detective nele Sam’s Detective In Chicago. BY WM. G. PATTEN, = Viole uns the Velvet Sport; or, The Jubilee ot Jacktown Vinles Van ot, The Jasper City Clean Out, os D alay, the "Panda, Pa 2 Let, The Doge’s Deughter, 48D Darling. | ‘ony Expross Rider, Ried nee and , bow 3 or, The Children of the Chaco. eo Swor untera; or, Tl d of the El Riders 159 The 1 Sap RAfe ch. dhtopes ates Cae : outnas or, The Brothera of the Plumed Lan wing the Robber of the Rhine. - Mile Romer the Animal King; er, Round the World, The emer) ot the ague of the Jungle, —. der. ia bapa ar Trail, f BY CAPT. J. F. 0. ADAMB, or ty or, Nick Whiffles’s Spy. tye he Groat shot of | of the a Fy eto or, Hg Hoes Valle ; dens E ox BEADLE'’S« H ALF- DIME* LIBRARY: Sees Beery Tuesday. Heth Issue Complete and Sold at the Unitorm Price of Five Cents, hy all Newedentere. . BY T. 0. HARBAUGH. 23 Nick o the Night; or, The Boy Spy of ’76. h idden Lodge; or. The Littl Hunter, 47 oe ale Fats ov Tne Forest Captains, : Fack 3 or, The Outlaws of the gon Trali, 82 Kit Haretoot, the Wood-Hawk; or, Old Powder-fnes, 94 Midnight Jack; or, The Boy Trapper. 06 Old Froaty, the Guide; or, The White Queen. 8 Kiowa @harley the White Mustanger. 9 Judge uch Jr.j or, The Boy Vigiiante. 5 Gol Trig ger, the Spa rt; or, The Girl Avenger, ? Tornado hee or, Injen Jack From Red Core. 8 Ned Temple, the Border Boy; or, The Mad Hunter. 8 Arkancaw y; or, The Queen of Fute’s Revenge. OT Navajo Nicks the Boy Gold Hunter. 15 Captain Bullet; or, Little Tovknot’s Crusade, 1 Plucky Phil; or, Rom, the Rea Jezebel. 41 Bill Bravo; or, Tie Roughs of the Rockies. 255 Captain Apolivs tne King-Pin of Rowle. 267 The lisuekskin letective; or, The King of Read-agenta. R79 Old Winch; or, The Bucksxin Deaneradoes. 3+ re namite Dan; or, The Bowle Blade of “ochetrpa. he Mowntatin Detective; or, The Tr.sge: Bar Bully. B16 Ola Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona. 826 ‘The Ten Parda; or, The Terror of Take-Notizs. 886 Bie Benseny; or, Tie Qneen of the La so. 845 Pitiless Matt; or, Red Thanderboll’s Secret. B56 Cool Fam and Pard; or The Terrible Six. 66, Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. 83" Captain Cutlaset or, |) he Brecaneer’s Girl Foe. 896 Rough Rob; or, The | win Champions of Blve Blazes, All The Silken Laaso: or, The Rosec Ranch Robin. 418 Felix Fex, the Boy Spotter; or, The Gold Gang of New Yo. 425 Texas Trump, the Border Rattler. 486 Phil F Heck, the New York Fox; or, The Mystery of Room 21, at The City Vamplrens;: or, Ked Rolfe’s Pigeon. 1 One Against Fifty; or, The Last Man of Keno Bar, 0 The Koy Shadow ; or, Felix Fox’s Hunt. itd The Eacolsiar. Sport: or, The Washington Spotter. yh Single Sight, the One-Eyed Sport. 02 Branded » Te the Night ferret. 512 Dodcer Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detective. 621 Dedgcr Dick’s Rest Dodge; or, The Gotham Gold Gang. 528 Fox and Falcon, the Bowery Shadows, 588 Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret. 648 Dodger Dick’s Double; or, The Rival Boy Detectives, 558 Dodger Bick’s Deaperate Case. 668 Dodger Bick, the Boy Vidocq; or, The Gang of Three, 578 The Two Sha dows; or, Dodger Dick’s Stop Game, 682 Dodger Dick's Drov} or, The Man from Jersey. 5694 Little Lon, the Shatter Detective. 610 Old Skinner, the Gold Shark; or, Tony Sharp on Guard, 626 The Champion Pards; or, The Lucifer of Silver Bar, 687 Dick Doan, the Dock Boy Detective, 645 Kit, the Pavement Sharp. G58 Billy Bantam, the Boy Beagle. 671 Jersey Jed, the Boy Huatler; or, Shadowing the Shadower. > Happy y Hugh, the Boy. Musician Detective. 1 Photograph Fred, the Camera Sharp. 715 Wide Awake Len, the Quaker City Ferret. 782 Datsy Dell, the Pavement Detective; or, Trappirg Big Gare, 742 Billy Winka, the Bell Boy Detective, 754 Billy Winka, the Poss Boy Shadow. 76S Eagie Ned, the Boy on Guard; os Tue Camp Spider, 52 Tonkawny Tom, os Red Wizard 7 The Benton Sport. Ran Oup, the Battery Ferrets or, once gente Foal Play S87 Davy Doon’s Big Bounce. 905 Dandy Nugget, the Bo- Shadow, 921 The Boy from Denver. _BY CHARLES MORRIS, 8 Will Somers, the Boy Detective. Phil Mardy, the Boss Boy. Picayune Pete ; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective Detective Dick ; or, The Hero in Regs. Linndvoree | Marry, the Bootblack Detective, Will Wild Ste, the "Thoroughbred. Black Reaa, Wil] Wildfire’s Kacer. Bin Merry the Harbor Police Boy, Will Wildfire in the Woods, B nge, the Railroad Bo’ A ard; or, Will Wildfire ‘Wins avd Loses ies Hockettt or, Let p yom BY JOSEPH EF. BADGER, JR, 2 Yellowstone Juck}; or, The Tra 48 Black John, the Road-Agent; or, 2 Outlow's Rotresd 65 Murric ane) wor or, Mustang Sam and His Pard, 119 Mustan or, The King of the Pisins. 186 Night-l feng it; or, aoe > smapacas of the Rana fe Dainty Lance the Boy Panther Paul; or, bey Lance to the Reseve. is The Black Giants or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. 168 The i Dyed or, Fighting Fire with Fire. is ~ a 5 lers; or, Dainty Lance on the W.e- Palit, Pards; or, Dainty Lance Unm it Greoket Cale, the Caliban of Celestin! City. 10 The Barranca Wolf; or, The Beautiful Decoy, 19 The Black Rider} or The Horse-Thieves’ Leagom 885 Old Double Fist or, he Strange Guide 855. The King of the Woods: or. Daniel Boono’s Last Trlr 419 el Fox, the amy Bo oy Tralje ra r. 698 lke TOs I BY ©. DUNNING CLARK. 4 185 Captain Panl; or, The Boy Spy of the Mountatnas REO The Yankee Rajah} or, The Pate of the Black Bheveaih BY LIFUT. H. D. PERRY, U. SN. 176 The Roy Runaway; or, The Buccaneor of the Bas, 180 The Sea Trailer; or, A Vow Well Kept, 192 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Monteak BY JACK FARRAGUT. ' 15 ed, the Cabin Koy; or, The Witch of the Fert. ¥ i e¢ Bea Sorceress; or, The Boy Skipper. BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID. Blue Die The Yeliow Chiefs Ven H eee i birates or, The League of Devils mn 87 The woe ene Eland 3 or, Backwoods Ret 289 The Gold-secker Guide! or, The Lows Novotel, RY BRACEBRIDGE NEMYNG6, 89 Island Jim, or, The Pet of the pret e 133 The Captain of the Club Athit, § 01 Jack Harkaway in New pas ; MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS, ==, z 4 The Wild-Horse Munters. By Capt. Mayne B*6, rt Frederick Whittaker. bY 9 Adventurce of Baron Munchausen, 2 12 Gulliver’s Travels. B: Dean Swift. = 14 Aladdiug or, The Wonder Penn , #8 Rovoea’ Cresaten uae ten m e & or. ven 22 The Sea erpent; or, The Boy Retina Crosse, By Jone Lewis. 88 7s Ocean Bleedhoands or, The Re@ Plates of the : Carridees. By S. W. Pie 7 86 The Boy ows: or, The Arena Queen. By # 8. Finn. a B88 Ned Wylie, the Hoy Scout. By Texas Jack. : : BI The Boy Rifest or, The be upd Camp. Me A.C, meee , “a 95 The Rival Roverss or, The Freebooters of the By Lieut.-Col, Hazeltine. “ 98 Kebin = ood, the Untiawed Earl; or, The Merry Men 0’ Greens . wood. Prof. Gildersleeve. s Beds 105 Old Rabe the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive, By Captots ¥ : Hamilton Holwes. Mad Runter} or, !heCnave of Death. By Burton Baro, ; a 124 ‘DDY> the Texan? or, The Young Champion. By George 3 > ie Gles 128 The "Youn oang © Privateer; or, The Pirate's Stronghold, Be _ ‘ 148 harp, & Sam ot, The Adventetes af a Pricnitisse Dep, Ry) S oe exander : 227 ane & tho Trapper: or, The Green Ranger of the Yob- =a By Edward 3 he i : Fearnaught the New ¥ mk Sas. By @, L, aiken. a Ps. $06 Killer, the Guides ", Davy Crockett 415585 \ By Ensign C, D, Warren. . a ROR Red a) the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Maid ot the Clift, Captain Corostock. ; 817 Ponesek Pete, ale Lively Led from Leadville. By Liew - 3 tenant Alfred Thorn . a 7 828 The Sky Metectivet or, A Boy’s Fight for Live and Hones. _ Maior Mick 4 ‘ 850 Rea Tatphe the River Rovers or, The Brother’s Re p so venge. Py Ned Bontline. 118 ROS Ithmore Ren the Bootblack De A. ¥. Morrie os R74 Ra rere Tow: or. Ben’s Double a @ BH. Moron = B76 Caltfornin Joe’s First Trall, By Cofonel Themat > Hoyer Monstery ; = 418 Ritly Rombahell wes —_ crane: By F.8. Winthrop. . be 425 The Black & hip... By 8 Warner. z- ia 484 Jemrgnehe Dick and "Thin Shree Invineldles. By ss a enry J. oman. . BS2 The Cowboy Duke, By Edwin Brooke Forrest. =e Axia 552 ayiet e Athlete. ey Re David Druid. ; - G85 nm nters, the Rov Ferret. By H. Enton, GR2 Bead Petcetivets uble. By Gerald ell 72t Waverick Mose, the Arizona Detective; or, The Wizard f —o * Urkon Pasa, By Will Lisenbee. c a 809 Dep Panton, the Gent from Denver. By King Keene, of ff §, Secret Service Corps ile, Ace iteh. Pe, ata eae or, "ite Me of Tee he ages Ren PD. ° —— ay By 5.6 a . earo Frummera al. . ~~ ss HI Pring ‘Charile, the Cat?s- Paw Sport, By en i 8 e R61 Rity Pirin i rae Fox, Avy Ta BED Hn Mei 0 Ra lt Fe Fa A New Issue Every cenieg A «3 Be: The fe for sale al ~ ~ See iei ery o ce ar
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tree le -? - ea & {BITIONS <b — FOR SCHO HOME ES “on, f s@ BS Gmelusivea, AK 20 8S Pepular Biaioguss and Dramas in each book. Each volame 100 ifme pagsm, iar post-paid, om receipt of price, TEN CENTS. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William St. N. Y. These volumes have been prepared with especial reference to their availability for Exhibitions, being adapted to schools and parlors wit ge without the furniture of a stage, and suited to SCHOLARS AND YOUNG PEOPLE cf every age, both male and female. it is fair to assume @eat no other books in the market, at any price, contain so many useful and available dialogues and dramas of wit, pathos, humor and sentiment, 4 — Dime Dialogues, No. 1. Sane | America. For three males and two females. The Golden Rule. For two males and two femaiea, Josephine's Destiny, For four females, one male, The Gift of the Fairy Queen. For severa! females, siecting of She Muses. Ping wae ey nara oo _ of ~ Duel a’ three male speakers, pears in _ pee or. robe two cearenees. Paising Englishman. r three boys. ogmatism, For three male speakers. untry Aunt's Visit to the City, Several charactesy asso’s Coronation. For male and female, The Ignorant Confounded. ie two boys. The Two Romans. For two males. : aghion, For two ladies. The Fast Young Man. Fortwo males. T the Characters. For three males. rehi 7 For six boys. The Year's Reckoning, Twelve females, one mate. | The PRY. Family. For several “ animals,” Which will you Choose? For two boys. The Village with One Gentleman. Foreight females | The Rainbow. For several characters. fhe bog of May. For two little girls, and one male. How to write “ Popular” Stores. For two males, The o-Party. te Aww ty meg = byt New and the Old. Fai two males. fhree Scenes q male female. Dim Dia nsation at Last. ‘or two inales. @irs. Sniffies's Confession. For male and female. . logues, No. &. The Greenhorn. For two be eg The Mission of the Spirita, For five young ladies. | The Genius of Liberty. Two males and one female. | The Three Men of Science. | For four males, . For lve eee petetenn or, the Little Glass Slipper. * | The Old Lady’s Will. For four males. Beoret of Success. three speakers. Goo and Saying Bad. For severei charscters, { The Little LS png oa For two little girts. How to Find an Heir. For five males. The Virtues. For six young A Connubial Eclogue. The Public Meeting. For five males and one female The English Traveler, For two males. Dime Dialogues, No. 3, The May Queen. For an entire school. Dress Reform Convention. For ten females, Keeping Bad Company. A Farce. For five mates, Courting Under culties. Two males, one femam National Representatives. A Burlesque. Four malet —— the Draft. For numerous males, The Genteel For two males. For two males and two females: ae anes ee | ed td males, eather. Four es, one femmaka So Battle Call. A Recitative. For one mais, te "943 Pra ‘ < te ee ee ee ae a a ee ee ee ee ee a Joe Frost Bing. For ten or more persons. in Life. For three maler and two femaien Faith, Hope and Charity. For three little arby and Joan. For two males and one female, A Scene from “ Paul Pry.” For four males. The " For threé males and one female, Bee, Clock ard Broom_ For three littie cine The — way. A enmy ~ & For two boys. What the Le Says. For two males. The Crimes ress. A Colloquy. For two boge, The Reward of Bevevolence. For four malas, The Letter. For two cnules. ; Dime Diselogues, No. & The Three Guesses. Yor school or parior. Sentiment. A “ Three ersoas’ ” Farce. oe - Curtain. Pied Pg and gaan The Eta Pi Society. For five boys and a teadNer. mation Day. For severa) femaie characte in “Traps.” For sererel nales. Thea oolboye’ Tribunal Fe tes buys READLE AND ADAMS, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NW. Y. General Dime Book Publishers. Ute de nt ~~
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— BEADLE'’S*] )IME*|[IBRARY. 3 ¥ublished Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Ten Cenjgs. No Double Numbers. BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR. BH Old Sobersides, the Detective of St. Louis. . 185 White-Horse Wheeler, the Revenue’ Detective. 118 The Double Edged Detective. 07 Maverick Mark. the Man from Nowhere. 98 Silky Steele, the Stay-in Sporty 84 The Spotter-Sport’s Neck-Tie Party. 70 High-Water Mark; or, Silver-Tip Sid. 62 Riata Rob, the Range Champion. 355 Fhe Cowboy Chief’s Sure-Shot, 648 The Rival Red-Hat Sports. 837 Curly Kid, the Cheyenne Sport. 824 The Soft Hand Detective, 815 The Soft Hand's Clutch. 809 Dan Dunn, the Soft-Hand Sport. . %% The Frisco Detectivée’s Thug-Tangle. 89 Sam Cary, the River Sport. ‘80 The Dead Sport’s Double. (71 Prince John, Detective Special. 763 Dandy Don, the Denver Detective. 74 @he Man from Texas; or, Dangerfield, the Doctor Detective. 744 Swi takes Sam, the Silver Sport. %20 ‘The Secret Six; or, Old Haleyon, 712 The Man of Silk. 705 Bantam Bob, the Beauty from Butte, 693 Kent Kasson, the Preacher Sport. 688 Bob Breeze, the Rounder Detective, 675 Steel Surry, the Sport from Sunrise, 668 Solemn Saul’s Luck Streak 661 The Get-There Sharp. 651 SilVeetip Steve, the Sky Scraper from Siskiyou. 645 Gopher Gabe, the Unseen Detective. 636 Dandy Darling, Detective. 627 Mossback Mose, the Mountaineer, 617 The Grip-Sack Sharp's Even be 2 597 Big Bandy, the Brigadier of Brimstone Butte. 588 Sandy Sands, the Sharp from Snap City. 576 Silver-Tongued Sid; or, Grip Sack Sharp’s Sweep, 664 The Grip-Sack Sharp; or, The Seraphs of Sodom. 655 Grip-Sack Sid, the Sample Sport. &47 The Buried Detective; or, Saul’s Six Sensations, 541 Major Magnet, the Man of Nerve. $85 Dandy Dutch, the Decorator from Dead-Lift §27 Dandy Andy, the Diamond Detective. 514 Gabe Gunn, the Grizzly from Ginseng, 804 Solemn Saul, the Sad Man from San Saba, 495. Rattlepate Rob; or, The Roundhead’s Reprisal 485 The Thoroughbred Sport. 474 Daddy Dead-ye, the Despot of Dew Drop. 466 Old ugh and Ready, the Sage of Sundown Dutch Dan, the Pilgrim from Spitzenberg. 443 A Cool Hand; or, Pistol Johnny’s Picnic. ‘438 Oklahoma Nick. 483 Laughing Leo; or, Sam’s Dandy Pard. 26 The Ghost Detective; or, The Secret Service Spy. Bismarck 16 Monte Jim, the Black Sheep of - 9"Rob Roy Ranch; or, The Imps of Pan Handle. % The Nameless Sport. 5 Deadly Aim, the Duke of Derringers. 8 Dark barg. the Ishmael of the , r goer risp, the Man with a Record, 47 A Royal Flush; or, Dan Brown's Big Game. 360 Jumping Jerry, tie Gamecock from Sundown, 855 Stormy Steve, the Mad Athlete. ‘ 251 Nor’ West Nick, the Border Detective. 845 Masked Mark, the Mounted Detective. ,339 Spread Eagle Sam, the Hercules Hide siunter, "881 Chispa Charley, the Gold Nugget Sport. 817 Krank Lightfoot, the Miner tive. Moke Horner, Boss Roustabout. 286 Pistol Jonnny ; or, One Man in a Thousand. 283 Sleek ae the Devil of the : {<P 257 Death Trap Diggings; or, A Man "Way Back 249 Elephant Tom, of Durango. = ; 241 Spitfire Raa. Ripsict the Rustlers. 233 The Old Boy of Tombstone, = 201 Pirate of the Placers; or, Joaquin'’s Death Hunt * *49; or, ars etapa Dessert; wee m, e J ve, 270 Swees Milian, the 7 oS Me Ta toon. the Bully of Red Bock. a Joe: or, The Vaso ‘an-Hunters. 105 Dan Brown of Denver; or. The Detective. 88 Big George; 01 the Five uw Brothers. 71 Captain 1 Blade; or, Man Shark. 67 The Boy Jockey; or, Honesty vs. Crookedness. 50 Jack Rabbit, the Prairie Sport, BY WM. G. PATTEN. $10 Fire-Kye, the Thug’s Terror. 795. Old. Night-Hawk, the Crook Shadower, 768 The Prinve of New York Crooks. 756 Old Burke, the Madison Square Detective. 747 Double-voice Dan's Double Disguise. 715.Double-Voice Dan on Deck. 702 Double-Voice Dan, the Always-on-Deck Detective Z yu e Vales Dan, the Go-it Alone Detective, 689 The Sparkler Sharp, 676. Hurricane Hal, the Cowboy Hotspur. 669 on rue Blue, the Trusty. < 668 The Giant Spates or, Sold to Satan, g 856 Old Ping Ugly, the Rough and Ready. 648 Gold Glove the Man of Grit. 641 Aztec Jack, the Desert Nomad. y 631 Golonel Cool, the Santa Fe Sharp, 602 Ca) ‘ajo Nameless. the Mountain Mystery, W1 O1 smal, the Rang? Detective. ‘45 Hustler Harry, the Cowboy Sport. BY GEORGE ©, JENKS. The Arizona Detective. Silver Sam, the Shasta Sport. The Silver Sport’s Double. Fhe Race-Course Detective, 056.The Hayseed Detective. ; Ca: Corden, the Twister Detective, - %56 Wild Pete the Broncho-Buster Detective. 726 Fearless Sam, the Grand Combination Deteetive, 719 Boston Bob, the rt Detective. 872 Jaunty Joe, the Jockey Detective, Mad Sharp, the Rustler om Rocket, the Tent Detective. -Grip, the Tenderfoot Detective The Drummer Detective. oS The Giant Horseman. P Sleepless Eye, the Pacific Detective, 526. 807 BY WILLIAM BR. EYSTER, 916 Two Dead-Square Sports. 902 Soft Velvet, the Man from Sandrock, 891 Genteel Jim, Sport-at-Large, 881 The Clubman-Crook’s Cat’s-paw. 867 The Frisco Sport. 852 The Stranger Sport’s Shake-up. 828 Kirk King, the Man from Kirby. 818 Gentleman Dave, the Dead Game Sport 783 The King-Pin Tramp. 767 The Sport of Silver Bend, 718 Uncle Bedrock’s Big Bounce. 707 The Rival Rovers. 687 Double Cinch Dan, the Sport With a Charm, 677 Mr. Jackson, the Gent from Jaybira, 659 Gilt-Edge Johnny; or, Roldan and His Rovers, 650 Lucky Lester’s Lone Hand. 634 Old Handeart's Big Dump. 622 The All Around Sports. 603 Desert Alf, the Man With the Cougar. 590 Gentle Jack, the High Roller from Humbug. 578 Seven Shot Steve, the Sport with a Smile. 568 The Dude Detective. 558 Hurrah Harry, the High Horse from Halcyon. 549 Belshazzar Brick, the Bailiff of Blue Blazes. 533 Oregon, the Sport With a Scar, 508 The Dude from Denver. 478 Pinnacle Pete; or, The Fool from Way Back. 459 Major Sunshine, the Man of Three Lives. 429 Hair Trigger ‘Tom of Red Bend, 402 Snapshot Sam; or, The Angels’ Mat Racket, 896 The Piper Detective; or, The Gilt Edge Gang. 875 Royal George, the Thrée in One, 856 Three Handsome Sports; or, The Combination. 833 Derringer Dick, the Man with the Drop, 268 Magic Mike, *he Man of Frills. 229 Captain Cutsiceve; or, The Little Sport. 214 The Two Cool Sports; or, Gertie of the Gulch, 182 Hands Up; or, The Knights of the Canyon. 160 Soft Hand, Sharp; or, The Man with the Sand. 145 Pistol Pards; or, The Bilent Sport from Cinnabar BY NED BUNTLINE. 657 Long Tom, the Privateer. 633 The Sea Spy. 621 The Red Privateer; or, The Midshipman Rover. 584 Fire Feather, the Buccaneer King, 517 Buffalo Bill’s First Trail. 861 Tombstone Dick, the Train Pilot. 122 Saul Sabberday, the Idiot S y. 111 The Smuggler Captain; or, Phe'skipper's Crime, 18 The Sea Bandit; or, The Queen of the Isle. » 16 The White Wizard; or, The Seminole Prophet. BY JACKSON KNOX—“ Old Hawk,” 838 Old Grips Still Hunt. 827 Detective Walden’s Web. : 778 The Butler Detective; or, Old Grip’s Gri 770 The Showman Dete: tive, 762 Old Grip, the Detective, ® 740 Captain Clew, the Fighting Detective, The Hurricane Detective. | 643 Castlemaine, the Silent Sifter. 616 Magnus, the Weird Detective. 606 The Drop Detective. 595 Wellbaxn, the Upper Crust Detective. 582 Joram, the Detective Expert. — 574 Old Faleon’s Double. . 661 The Thug King; or, The Falcon Detective's Foe. 548 Falconbridge. the Sphinx Detective. 536 Old Faleon'’s Foe; or, The Detective’s Swell Job. 515 Short-Stop Maje, the Diamond Field Detective. 509 Old Falcon, the Thunderbolt Detective. 501 Springsteel Steve, the Retired Detective, 494 The Detective’s Spy. 485 Rowlock. the Harbor Detective, 477 Dead-arm Brandt. ; 467 Mainwaring, the Salamander. 462 The Ciucus Detective. 451 Griplock, the Rocket Detective, 444 The Magic Detective; or, The Hidden Hand, 424 Hawk Heron’s Deputy. 886 Hawk Heron. the Falcon Detective. BY J.C, COWDRICK. 752 The Suspect port of Daisy Drift. 626 Ducats Dion, the Nabob pet Detective. 612 Sheriff Stillwood, the Regulator of Raspberry. 598 The Dominie Detective. 591 Duke Daniels, the Society Detective. 580 Shadowing a Shadow. 565 Prince Paul, the Postman Detective. ‘ 557 The Mountain es da or, Riddles’ Riddle. 519 Old Riddles, the Rocky Ranger 499 Twilight Charlie, the Road Sport. 473 Gilbert of Gotham, the Steel-arm Detective, 452 Rainbow Rob, the Tulip from Texas, 436 Kentucky Jean, the Sport from Yellow Pine. 422 Blue Grass Burt, the Gold Star Detective. 890 The Giant Cupid; or Cibuta John’s Jubilee. BY EDWARD WILLETT. 483 Tlush Fred, the River Sharp. 868 The Canyon King; or, a Price on his Head, 848 Dan Dillon, King of Crosseut. 337 Old Gabe, the Mountain Tramp. $27 Terrapin Dick, the Wildwood Detective. 815 Flush Fred’s Double; or, The Squatters’ League 808 Hemlock Hank, Tough and True, 298 Logger Lem; or, Life in the Pine Woods, 289 Flush Fred’s Full Hand. 274 Flush Fred, the pps Sport. : 248 Montana Nat, the Lion of Last Chance Camp. 222 Bill the Blizzard; or, Red Jack’s Crime, 209 Buck Farley. the Bonanza Prince, 129 Mississippi Mose; or, a Strong Man’s Sacrifice. BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID, 287 The White Squaw, 24 The Hunter's Feast. 2138 The Wild Huntress; or, The Squatter. 200 The Rifle Rangers; or, Adventures in Mexico. 74 The Captain of the Rifles; or, Tbe Lake Queen. 66 The Specter Barque, A Tale of the Pacific. 5 The Scalp Hunters “ Romance of the Plains, BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM. | 911 The Blue Blockader; or, The Coast Grayhound, 906 The Cuban Cruiser. , 854 The Ocean Gipsy. 834 The Wild Steer Riders; or, Texas Jack’s Terrorg, 839 The Rival Monte Cristos. : 805 The Last of the Pirates; or, Doom Driven. 801 The Water Wolves’ Detective; or, Trapping thé Grave Ghouls. 791 The Coast-Raider’s Death-Chase. 748 Arizona Charlie, the Crack-shot Detective, 704 Invisible Ivan, the Wizard Detective. 685 The Red-skin Sea Rover. 679 Revello, the Pirate Cruiser; or, The Rival Rovers. 672 The Red Rapier; or, The Sea Rover’s Bride, 662 The Jew Detective; or, The Beautiful Convict. 640 The Rover’s Ret ibution. 635 The Ex-Buccaneer; or, The Stigma of Sin, 625 Red Wings; or, The Gold Seekers of the Bahamas, 615 The Three tuceaneers, 610 The Red Flag Rover; or, White Wings of the Deep, 605 The Shadow Silver Ship. 600 The Silver Ship; or, The Sea Scouts of 76, 594 The Sea Rebel; or, Red Rovers of the Revolution, 587 Conrad, the Sailor Spy; or, True Hearts of °76, 581 The Outlawed Skipper; or, The Gantlet Runner, 560 The Man from Mexico. 553 Mas Monte, the Mutineer; or, The Branded Brig, 546 Tres Doomed Whaler: or, The Life Wreck, ” 530 The Savages of the Sea, 524 The Sea Chaser; or, Fhe Pirate Noble, 510 El Moro, the Corsair Commodore, 493 The Scouts of the Sea. 457 The Sea Sieoree nt: or, The Conspirator Son, 446 Ucean Ogre, the Outcast Corsair, 4385 The One-Armed buccaneer. 7 430 The Fatal Frigate; or, Rivals in Love and Wag 899 The New Monte Cristo, : $93 The Convict Captian. 877 Afloat and Ashore; or, The Corsair Conspirator. 369 The Coast Corsair: or, The Siren of the Sea, 864 The Sea Fugitive: or, The Queen of tne Coast. 341 The Sea Desperado, 336 I'ne Magic Snip; or, Sandy Hook Freebooters. . 825 The Gentleman Pirate; or, The Casco Hermits, 318 The Indian Buccaneer; or, The Red Rovers, 207 The Phantom Pirate; or, The Water Wolves, 255 The Pirate Priest; or, The Gambler’s Daughter, - 246 Queen Helen, the Amazon of the Overland, 285 Red Lightning the Man of Chance. 244 Black Beard, the Buccaneer. 220 The Specter Yacht; or, A Brother’s Crime. 210 Buccaneer Bess, the Lioness of the Sea, 205 The Gambler Pirate; or, Lady of the Lagoog, 198 The Skeleton Schooner; or, The Skimmer. 184 The Scarlet Schooner: or. The Sea Nemesis. 104 Montezuma, the Merciless. _ ; 103 Merle, the Mutineer; or, The Red Anchor Bran; @2Y PHILIP 8, WARNE, | 802 Dan Dirk; King of No Man's Land. 583 Captain Adair, the Cattle King, : 567 Captain Midnight, the Man of Craft. 544 The Back to Back Pards. §22 The Cham pion eee 502 Bareback Buck, the Centaur of the Plains, 472 Six Foot Si; or, The Man to “ Tie To,” 431 California Kit, the Always on Hand. 404 Silver Sid; or, A “ Daisy ” Bluff, 880 Tiger Dick's Pledge: or, Tne Golden Serpent. 359 Yellow Jack, the Mestizo. 338 Jack Sands, the Boss of the Tewn, ; 299 Tpree of a Kind; or, Dick, Despard and the Sport, 251 Tiger Dici vs. Iron Despard. — 207 Old Hard Head; or, irlwind and his Mare. 171 Tiger Dick, the Man cf the Iron Heart. 114 'The Gentleman from Pike. 80 A Man of Nerve; or, Caliban the Dwarf. 54 Always on Hand; or, The Foot-Hills Sport, 29 Tiger Dick, Faro King; or, The Cashier's Crime, 4 The Kidnapper; or, The Northwest Shanghai, BY CAPTAIN MARK WILTON. Hotspur Hugh; or, The Banded Brothers. ti Heavy Hand; or, The Marked Men. 305 Silver-Plated Sol, the Montana Rover. 201 Horseshoe Hank, the Man of Big Luck, 285 Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror. 276 Texas Chick. the Southwest Detective, 271 Stonefist, of Big Nugget Bend. 265 Leopard Luke the. ag of Horse-Thieves 268 Iron-Armed Abe, the Hunchback Destroyer 258 Bullet Head, the Colorado Bravo. ‘ 237 Long-Haired Max; or, The Black League. ‘ 27 Buckshot Ben, the Man-Hunter of Idaho. 223 Canyon Dave, the Man of the Mountain, 219 The Scorpion Brothers; or, Mad Tom's Missig 202 Cactus Jack, the Giant Guide. 191 Don Sombrero. the California Road Gent, 176 Lady Jaguar, the Robber Queen. BY OLL COOMES, 619 Kit Bandy & Oo , the Border Detectiver, 148 One-Armed AJf, the Giant Hunter. 99 The Giant Rifleman: or, Wild Camp Life. 43 Dakota Dan, the Reckless Ranger, BY COL. THOMAS H. MONSTERE, 236 Champion Sam; or, The Monarchsof the Shom “450 El Rubio Bravo, King of the Swordsmen. BY DR. NOEL DUNBAR. 919 The Sea Scout; or, The Patriot Privateer. 886 The King of Crooks, - 858 Number One, the Dead-set Detective. 850 The Planter Detective. 730 Duke Despard, the Gambler Duelist. - 604 The Detective in Rags; or, The Grim Shadowes, 500 The True-Heart Pards. Aa new issue every Wednesday Beadle’s Dime Library is for sale we Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or sent by ee receipt of twelve cents ea~”
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ROBEY a3 lS ee \ hitbewre +> ae ba = ie be ——s eZine : neh ae “S AS - tes oem cig ek. ¢ : Th - 690 The Macchi f , ade. antes, BUFFALO BILL NOVELS. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 994 Buffalo Bill’s Lone Hand, $89 Buffalo Bill’s Marked Bullet. 984 Buffalo Bill’s Life Raffle. _ 979 Buffalo Bill’s Relentless Trail. ,\964 Buffa!o Bill’s Invincibles, be Buffalo Bill’s Blue Belt B Buffalo Bill’s Volunteer V: Buffalo Bill at Bay. Buffalo Bill’s Block Game. 936 Buffalo Bill's Black Pard. - $27 Buffalo Bill’s Bluff; or, Dusky Dick the Sport. 921 Buffalo Bill’s Quandary: or, Velvet Bill’s Vow. Buffalo Bill the Surgeon-Scout. Buffalo Bal’s League; or, Red Butterfly. Buffalo Bill’s Tangled Trail. Buffalo Bill’s Rough Riders. : Buffalo Bill’s Secret Ally. 890 Buffalo Biil’s Life-Stake. , 882 The Three Bills: Buffalo Bill, Wild Bill and Band- ’ box Bill; or, The Bravo in Broadcloth, 874 Buffalo ill’s Buckskin Braves. 869 Buffalo Bill's Road-Agent Round-up, ‘863 Buffalo Bill's Death Charm. !857 Buffalo Bill’s Royal Flush. 861 Buffalo Bill's Double Dilemma, 845 Buffalo Bili’s Redskin Ruse. 880 Buffalo Bill’s Bovs in Blue. 826 Buffalo Biil’s Sharp Shooters. 822 Buffalo Bill’s Best Bower. 816 Buffalo Bi'l’s Red Trail, 812 Buffalo Bill’s Death-Knell. 794 Buffalo Bill's Winning Hand 787 Buffalo Bill’s Dead Shot. 781 Buffalo Bill's Brand. : 777 Buffalo Bill's Spy Shadower, 769 Buffalo- Bill’s Sweepstake. 765 Baffato Bill’s Dozen; or, Silk Ribbon Sam. 761 Buffalo Bill’s Mascot, 757 Buffalo Bill’s Double. 750 Buffalo Bill’s Big Four; or, Custer’s Shadow. 743 Buffalo Bill’s Flush Hand. 739 Buffalo Bill’s Blind: or, The Masked Driver, %5 Buffalo Bill and His Merry Men. 781 Buffalo Bill’s Beagles: or, Silk Lasso Sam, 727 Buffalo Bill’s Body Guard. 722 Buffalo Bill on the War-path. ,716 Buffalo Bill’s Scout Shadowers. ‘710 Buffalo Bill Baffled: or. The Deserter Desperado. 697 Buffalo Lill’s Buckskin Brotherhood, ,691 Duffalo Bill’s lind Trail; or, Mustang M . 667 Buffalo Bill’s Swoop; or. The King of the Mines, 658 The Cowbov Clan; or, The Tigress of Texas, i League; or, Buck Taylor in Texas. 653 Lasso King’s (o Buffaio Bill's Chief of Cowboys; or, Buck Taylor 644 Buffalo Bill’s onanza; or. Si'ver Circle Knights, (862 Buffalo Bili’s Grip; or, Vath Bound to Custer. 829 Buffalo Bill’s Piedge: or. The League of Three, 489 Wild Bill's Gold Trail; or, The Desperate Dozen. 175 Wild Bill’s Trump Card; or, The Indian Heiress, 168 Wild Bill, the Pistol Dead Shot, By Buffalo Billi. 973 The Dread Shot Four. Texas Jack, the Lasso King The Ranch King Dead-Shot. ae White Beaver ’s Still Hunt. 807 Wild Bill, the Wild West Duelist. : ro pera nage Stot. i u o Bills Got gz. The Dead Shot Nine; or, My Pards of the Plains, 414 Red Renard, the indian Detective. 401 One-Armed Para; or, Borderland Retribution, 897 The Wizara Brothers: or, Wbite Beaver’s Trail, White Beaver, the Exile of the Platte. Wild Bill, the Whirlwind of the West. | Texas Jack, the Prairie Rattler. The Pilgrim Sharp: or, The Soldier's Sweetheart, ; 83 Gold Bullet Snort; or, Knights of the Overland, : 38 Death-Tratier, the Chief of Scouts. By Leon Lewis, Ned Buntline, ete, (v8 Buffalo Bill’s Ban; or, Cody to the Rescue. |682 Buffalo Bill's Secret Service Trail. 629 Buffalo Bill’s Daring Role; or, Daredeath Dick. 4 cae, pate ee H, TE or The Express Rider, ) ef of Scou 117 Buffalo Bill's Strange Pard; or, Dashing Dandy. | Buffalo Bill, the Buckskin King. we BY HAROLD PAYNE. Th from Mexico in New York, ‘872 The King-Pin Shark; or, Thad Burr’s Ten Strike, 861 The Tenderloin Four The Quaker City Crook. . Tracked to Chicago. The Policy 821 Broker's Blind. he Friseo Sharper’s Cool Hand. The Tramp Shadower’s Backer. The Sham Spotter’s Shrewd Scheme. ‘The Grand Street Gold-Dust Sharpers. 788 Detective Burr’s Luna'ic Witness rer icastt uIT a ’ 742 Detective Burr Among the New York Thugs. 784 Detective Burr's Foil; or, A Woman's Strategy, Detective Burr, the Headquarters Special, 18 Detective Burr's Spirit Chase. 706 Detective Burr’s Seven Clues. Zi 698 Burr, the luvineible: or, The “L” Clue, ie ess Detective. €80 XX, the Fatal Clew; or, Burr’s Master Case. RY COL, TROMAS H. MONSTERY. ®95 The Czar’s Spy." 986 Tron Wrist. the Swordmaster. {$5 Champion Sam; or, The Monarchs of -the Show. El Rubio Bravo, King of the Swordsmen. eS. ; 4 ss BY J. W. OsBoN. ch, the Sport Detective, the Dandy Sport. - 931 Prisco Frank at Glo ¥ BEADLE'S*])IME*]IBRARY: Published Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Ten Cents. No Double Numbers. / BY CAPTAIN HOWARD HOLMES. 929 Gentleman George, the Showman Sport. 912 Genteel Joe’s Lone Hand, | ALBERT W. AIKEN’S NOVELS. 903 The Train Detective. } Dick Talbot Series, 991. Dick Talbot at the Mines: or, Kentuck, the Sport. 988 Roeky Mountain Rob, 976 Overland Kit; or, The Idyl of White Pine. 741 Dick ‘'albot’s Close Call. 737 Dick Talbot in Apache Lend. 733 Dick Talbot. the cb King. 729 Dick Talbot’s Clean-Out. 725 Dick Talbot in No Man’s Camp, 854 Dick Talbot; o1, The Brand of Crimson Grosr 36 Dick Talbot; or, The Death-Stot of Shasta. Aiken’s Fresh of Frisco Series. Fresh, the Race-Track Sport. , The Fresh in Montaua; or, Blake's Full Hand. / Toe Fresh’s Rustie at Painted City. ; The Fresh at Santa Fe; or, The Stranger Sharp. Fresh, the Sport; or, The Big Racket at Slide Out, Fresh Against the Field: or, Blake, the Lion. The Fresh in Texas; or. The Escobedo Millions, The Fresh of Frisco on the Rio Grande, The Fresh in Big Walnut Camp; or. Bronze Jack Aiken's Joe Phenix Sertes. 965 Joe Phenix’s Mascot. 959 Joe Phenix’s Double Deal. 954 Joe Phenix in Chicago. $49 The Doctor from Texas;or, Joe Phenix’s Clue. $44 Joe Phenix’s Rigu.i Bower. 865 The Female Barber Detective; or, Joe Phenix in Silver City. F 799 Joe Phenix’s Great Blue Diamond Case; or, The/ New York Sport at Long Branch, 793 Joe Phenix’s Decoy; or, The Man of Three, 760 Joe Phenix’s Lone Han ae 749 Joe Phenix’s Big Bulge. 745 Joe Phenix’s Mad Case. 708 Joe Phenix’s Siren; or, The Woman Hawkshaw, 700 Joe Phenix’s Unknown; or, Crushing the Crooke’ 681 Joe Phenix’s Specials; or, The Actress Detective 637 Joe Phenix in Crazy Camp. 682 Joe Phenix’s Master Search. ; 628 Joe Phenix’s Combine; or,the Dandy Conspirator 620 Joe Phenix’s Silent Six. ' 601 Joe Phenix’s Shadow; or.the Detective’s Monitor 419 Joe Phenix,, the King of Detectives. at 161 Joe Phenix’s Great Man Hunt. 112 Joe Phenix, Private Detectuve; or, The League, 79 Joe Phenix, the Police Spy. Aiken’s Miscellancous Novels, 980 The All-Around Athlete. $40 Captain Jack, the Scalper ; $35 The Hawks and Wolves of New York 932 Detective Gordon’s Grip. 926 Old Sunflower, the Silent Smiter. 923 Old Sunflower, the Hayseed Detective, 901 The Hotel Swell-Sharp; or, The Siren Shadeq- 892 The Country man Detective. 876 Gold Button eg or, The Miner Sharps, , 842 Teton Tom. the Half-Blood. 835 The King-Pin Detective. 814 The New Yorker Among Texas Sports. 77% King Dandy, the Silver Sport. 753 Gideon’s wig oe Babylon Par. 717 Captain Pat McGowen, the Greencoat Detective, 674 Uncle Sun Up, the Born Detective. 670 The Lightw eight Detective. 665 The Frisco Detective; or, The Golden G te Find, 613 Keen Billy, the Sport. 607 Old Benzine, the “ Hard Case” Detective. 594 Fire Face, the Silver King’s Foe. 585 The Silver Sh arp Detective. 577 Tom, of Calif ornia; or, Detective’s Shadow Act.) 570 The Actress Detective; or, The Invisible Hand’ 562 Lone Hand, the Shadov. 520 The Lone Hand on the Caddo, 490 The Lone Hand in Texas. 475 Chin Chin, the Chinese Detective, 465 The Actor Detective. 440 The High Horse of the Pacific, 4% The Lone Hand; or, The Red River Recreants, 408 Doc Grip, the Vendetta of Death, 881 The Gypsy Gentleman: cr. Nick Fox. Detective 376 Black Bearda: 01, The Rio Grande High Horse aoe Doty ee ee a ed to the Ena. rowningshield, the 220 The Genteel Spotter: or The N. Y- Night Hawk, 252 The Wali Street Mlood; or, The Telegrarh Girl . 208 The Double Detective; or, The Midnight Mystery. 196 La Marmoset, the Letective Queen. 101 The Man from New York. ¥ 91 The Wiuning Oar: or, The conmnae 22 s Daughter, 84 Hunted Down: or, The League of Three. 81 The Human Tiger: or, A Heart of Fire. 7 Gentleman George: or, Parlor. Prison and Street. 2 The Phantom Hand; or, The 5th Avenue Heiress, 56 The Indian Mazeppa; or, Madman of the Plains. 49 The Wolf Demon; or. The Kanawha A gee 42 The California Detective: or, The Witc Se: ork. 896 Kent Keen, the Crook-Crusher, 888 Nightshade in New York, 879 Falcon Lh dz the Flash Detective.” 871 The Crook Cashier. 859 Clew-Hawk Keene's Right Bower, 847 Hiram Hawk, the Harlem Detective, 840 Major Bullion. Boss of the Tigers. 831 Shadowing the London Detective. 817 Plush Velvet, the Prince of Spotters, 803 The Bogus Broker’s Right Bower. 788 The Night-Hawk Detective. 779 Silk Ribbon’s Crush-out. 766 Detective Zach, the Broadway Spotter, 751 The Dark Lantern Detective, 736 The Never-Fail Detective. 724 Captain Hercules, the Strong Arm Detective, 711 Dan Damon, the Gilt-Edge Detective, 701 Silver Steve, the Branded Sport. §94 Gideon Grip, the Secret Shadower. 684 Velvet Van, the Mystery Shadower, 678 The Dude Desperado 871 Jason Clew, the Silk-Hauded Ferret. 664 Monk Morel, the Man-Hunter. 654 Sol Sphinx, the Ferret Detective. 642 Red Pard and Yellow. 608 Silent Sam, the Shadow Sphinx, : 592 Captain Sid, the Shasta Ferret. 579 Old Cormorant, the Bowery Shadow. #69 Captain Cobra, the Hooded Mystery. 550 Danton, the Shadow Sharp. 550 Silk Hand,the Mobave Ferret. 543 The. Magnate Detective. 532 Jack Javert., ag Independent Detective. 523 Reynard of Red Jack: or, The Lost Detective 512 Captain Velvet’s Big Stake. 505 Phil Fox, the Genteel Spotter. 496 Richard Redfire, the Two Worlds’ Detective. 487 Simshine Sam, a Chip of the Old Block, 480 Hawkspear, the Man with a Secret. 458 Coldgrip in Deadwood, ws 460 Captain Coldgrip, the Detective, 453 Captain Coldgrip’s Long Trail. 447 Voicano, the Fvisco Spy. 441 The California Sharp. 434 Lucifer Lynx, the \ onder Detective, 421 Father Ferret, the Frisco Shadow, 413 Captain Coldgrip in New York, 407 Captain Coldgrip’s Nerve; or, Injun Nick. 400 Captain Coldgrip: or, The New York Spotter. 892. The Lost Bonanza; or, The Boot of Silent Hound. 382 The Bonanza Band: or, Dread Don of Cool Clan. 874 Major Blister, the Sport of Two Cities, 365 Keen Kennard, the Shasta Shadow. 852 The Desperate Dozen. 347 Denver Duke, the Man with “ Sand.” 340 Cool Conrad. the Dakota Detective. 335 Flash Dan, the Nabob, or, Blades of Bowie Bar. 821 California Claude, the Lone Bandit. 294 Broadcloth Burt. the Denver Dandy. $41 The Shadow Sport from Frisco. BY WILLIAM H. MANNING, 948 The Red-Gloved Detective. Gulch, 920 The Montana Miner in New York. 908 The Doomsday-Den Detective, 899 Tne Double-Quick Detective. 893 Yellow Gid, of Dark Divide. ‘885 ‘The Expert Detective’s Shake-up, 875 Trapping the Race-Track Judge. 864 The Police Special’s Dilemma, 849 The Genteel Sharper’s Combine 841 Graydon’s Double Deal. 833 The Sport Detective’s G 823 The Athlete Sport About Town. 808 TheCrook-Detective’s Pull. 790 Plunger Pete, the Race Track Detective, 782 Royal Rock, the Round-up Detective, 774 Steve Starr, the Dock Detective. 764 The New York Sharp’s Shadower. 738 Detective Claxton, the Record Breaker. 714 Gabe Gall, the Gambolier from Great Hump, 703 Spokane Saul, the Samaritan Suspect 692 Dead-Shot Paul, the Deep-Range Fixplorer, 655 Strawberry Sam, the Man with the Birthmark. 646 Dark John, the Grim Guard. | SBSRRS eR 638 Murdock, the Dread Detective. 623 Dangerous Dave, the Never-Beaten Detective. 611 Alkali Abe, the Game Chicken from Texas, 596 Rustler Rube; the Round-Up Detective, 585 Dan Dixon’s Double. S7o Steady Hand. the Napoleon of Detectives | 563 Wyoming Zeke, the Hotspur of Honeysuck'e. | 551 Ga Kean the Man with Backbone. 539 Old Doubledark, the Wily Detective. 581 Saddle-Chief Kit, the Prairie Centaur, 521 Paradise Sam, the Nor’-West Pilot. 513 ae Tartar, the Man With Nine Lives. 506 Uncle Honest, the Peacemaker of Hornets’ Nest. bow ae dg Ry Pray eel ae Train Spy. 2 Border et, the @ Sharpshooter, 486 Kansas Kitten, the Northwest Detective. — NEW ISSUES. ' 479 Gladiator Gabe, the Samson of Sassajack. 1000 Buffalo Rill’s Grim Gaard. By Col. Ingrabam,( 470 The Duke of Dakota. 181 The Brand-Burnersof Cimarron. By John W.” 463 Gold Gauntlet. the Guich Gladiator. Osbon. 1002 Silver City Sam. By Jos. E. 455 Yank Yellowbird, the Tall Hustier of the Hill i. Badger. 449 Bluff Burke, King of the Rockies. =: 1003 — Dan; or, Dick Talbot in Utah. By Albert 442 Wild West Walt, the Mountain Veteran ) Aiken 437 Deep Duke; or, The Man of Two Liv 1004 Buffalo Bill’s Death Deal. By Col. Ingraham, t ee 1005 Foot-Hills Frank. By Jos. E, Badger 427 The Rivals of Montana Mill. . | 1008 The Sea Cadet. By Col. P. Ingrabarr 405 Old Baldy’ the Bricadicr of Buck Basi y_ the Brigadier of Buck n. JUST ISSUED. 996 Injun Dick, the Shasta Dead Shot, 297 Colorado Rube, the Strong Arm of potepur. 279 The Gold Dragoon, ur, orma Bh ound, 997 = ur Hal, the Sport from ‘os. BY NED BUNTLINE, 81 The New York Sharp; or, The Flash of 27 The Spotter Detective: or, Girls of New Alken. . uck, By . Badger, Jr. - See ne tome, So Exivepecs, 998 in Seawalt, Privateer. By Ned Buntline 638 The Sea Spy, Frys Fae Ba Rae 621 The Red Privateer; or, The Rover, | oe Hand, of; Mae Iron Grip of Tague: 584 Fire Feather, the Buccaneer King. 617 Buffalo Bill's First Trail. 861 Tombstone Dick, the Train Pilot. 122 Saul Sabberday, the Idiet Spr. : 111 The Smuggler Captain; or, The Skipper’s Crime. 18 The Sea Bandit; or, The Queen of the Isle. A new issue every Wednesday, THE PIME LIBRARY is for sale by all Newsdealers. tem cents ve™ copy, or sept by mail or receipt of price. sm. --- aie ‘16 The VP Maw oe BoE y , ee < ‘a , : . 5 a 9
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om Each Number Ten Cents a } Complete. Copy. : ~ fe 5 ham. ¥i at 781 Buffalo Bill's Brand; or, The Brimstone 401 Neigh cary prec in as _ 938 Buffalo BIll’s Black Pard: or, The Gold Brotherhood. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Borderland. By Buffalo Bull etribution in Boomers of the Big Horn. By Col. P. | 777 Buffalo Bill's Spy-Shadower; or, The Masked - - , , ham s y Col. P. Ingra Men at Grand Canyon. By Col. P. Ingraham. 397 ee Wee Ae or, White Beaver's 927 Buffalo Bill’s Bluff; or, Dusky Dick, the|*?% Buffalo Bill’s Ban; or, Cody to the Rescue. } 994 white Beaver, the Exile of the Platte; or, Sport, By Col. P. Ingraham. By -LanLawe, A Wronged Man's Red Trail. By Buffalo 921 Buffalo Bill’s Quandary; or, Velvet Bili's| 9 Buffalo Bill’s Sweepstake; or, The Wipe-out Bill. ; Vow. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. at Last peel By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. | 369 Buftalo Bill's Grip; or, Oath-bound to Custer. 5 915 Buffalo Bill and the Surgeon Scout: or, Go- 765 Buffalo Bill's Dozen; or, Silk Ribbon Sam. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. wan-go, ‘the Redskin Rider. By Col, P. In- By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 229 Buffalo’ Bill's Pledge; or, The League of graham. 781 Buffalo Bill’s’ Mascot; or, The Death Valley Three. By Col, P. Ingraham. | 009 Buffalo Bis League; or, Red Butterfly. By Victim No. 13, By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. | 319 Wiid Bill, the Whirlwind of the West, By 4 Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 757 Buffalo Bill’s Double; or, The Desperado De- Buffalo Bill. a ; 904 Buffalo Bill's Tangled ‘Trail; or,,Gesitleman|. tect!ve. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 304 Texas Jack, the Prairie Rattler; or, The ; a Shier - Jack, the Man of Many Masks. By Col. P.| 750 Buffalo Bill's Big Four; or, Custer’s Shadow. Queen of the Wild Riders. By Buffalo Bill, : Ingraham, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 243 The Pilgrim Sliarp; or, The Soldier’s Sweet- ‘ 900 Ruffalo Bill's Rough Riders; or, Texas Jack’s| 743 Buffalo Bill's Flush Hand; or, Texas Jack's heart. By Buffalo Bill, Government Scout ‘ Sharp-Shooters. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Bravos. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. and Guide. 895 Buffalo Bill's Secret Ally; or, The Texan*s| “39 Buffalo Bill’s Blind; or, The Masked Driver/ 189 Wild Bill's Gold Trail; or, The Desperate Double. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. oe Death’s Canyon. By Col, Prentiss Ingra- Dozén. By Col. P, Ingraham. { $90 Buffalo. Bill's. Life-Stake: am. 175 Wild Bill's Trump Card; or, .The Indian ‘ Three, By Col P, ineraham, 1? Pledsed) 735 Buttalo Bill and His Merry Men; or, The|. Heiress. By Col. Prentiss’ Ingraham. ! 882 The Three’ Bills; Buffalo Bill, Wild Bill and Robin Hood Rivals, By Col. Prentiss Ingra-} 168 Wild Bill, the Pistol Dead Shot; or, Dagger Band-Box Bill; or, The Brayo in Broadcloth. , Don's Double. . By Col. Prentiss {ngrahan. By Col. P. Ingraham. 731 Buffalo Bill's Beagles; or, Silk Lasso Sam.| 158 Buffalo Bill, Chief of Scouts; or, The Doomed 874 Buffalo Bill’s Buckskin Braves: or, The Card By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. Dozen. By Dr. Frank Powell. Quean’s Last Gane. By Col. P. Ingraham. |727 Buffalo Bill's Rody Guard; or, The Still Hunt] 117 Buffalo Bill's Strange Pard; or, Dashing 869 Buffalo Bill's Road Agent Round-Up; or, The of the Hills. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. gg otepue: of the Eeulle., Rx stajor Mysterious Masked Man in Black. ‘By 1722 Buff ll the War P. Silk Las . ; ig P. Ingraham. sees Na ge Will- ps Me Whey. By Gol. P- Tn-| 9 ee Bill, the Buckskin King. or, The Va 803 Buffalo iiti's:-Rieeth-Charm: or: The, Man graham. . — of the West. By Major angerfleld “y th the Scar. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. | 716 Buffalo Bill’s Scout Shadowers; or, Emer- ; ‘ 857 Buffalo Bill's Royal Flush; or, The Pony Ri-| ald Ed of Devil's Acre, By Col. P. Ingraham. signa ty gaat Rg AT GP eB ah Death-Run, By Col. Prentiss Ingra-|719 Ruffalo Bill Baffled; or, The Deserter Des-| 52 Death Trailer, the Chief of Scouts; er, Life )} ¢ perado’s Defiance. By Col. P, Ingraham. and Love in a Frontier Fort, By Buffalo 2 851 Buffalo Bill’s Double Dilemma; or, The Great aye ; Bill. a Scout’s Big Three. By Col. P. Ingraham 697 pene gh inte one age mage oor or, a . Pot. pening Up a Lost Trail. ¥ COn-2 The 845 Buffalo Bill's Redskin Ruse; or, Texas Jack’s graham. NEW ISSUES TO COMB. Death Shot. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 691 Buffalo Bill’s Blind Trait; or, The Daughter 981 The Gold Lace Sport; or, The Texan Sam- 839 {Sa Rasch King Dead-Shot; or, Texas Jack’s of the Regiment. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. a son’s Wide Swath. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. ; : roxy y Buffalo te 36 3 Chris Crewley’s Winning ~Hand; aie nee a 4 830 Buffalo Bill's Boys in Blue; or, The Brimstone sao Sonnet: gn peels api sin ate esr Valet's Double Game, i Band's Blot-out. By Col. P, Ingraham. ere ‘ai site. Sean aPx the. eet he tea a Morris. | ; ters: or, The Surgeon uffalo §. Swoop; or, ; & e Kid Glove Kris, ‘the Sport. By J. C. Cow- mech momrgt o ite a ee On . P. Ingraham. Mines, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. drick. Ready August 26, ) oo dhe Re ph geal 658 The Cowboy Cl The Ti £T 984 Buffalo Bill's Life Raffi Doomed ill’s Best Bower; or, Montebello the @ Cowboy Clan; or, e Tigress of Texas. uffalo s Life Raffle; or, The om — Gola ing. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. Three. By Col. P. Ingraham. Ready Sept. 1. ) § LSA | ah) \f ee DIME LIBRARY is for sale by all Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or sent by mail, pre-paid, on re- ceipt of price. > a G@O00C0000000 6000000080 0OC0GCOC0B4BV0O00 000000000 000000000 0@C0AC000000 90900000000 AnA97F0000060 |