Beadle's New York Dime Library (no. 1097) (1905 06)
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3 ae ——— ed “fio. 1097. Copyricut, 1891, By Beapie & Apams Published Every Month. MA. BB. EVERS & CO., Publishers, (JAMES SULLIVAN, PROPRIETOR), 379 Pearl Street, New York. Jung, 1905, 10 Cents a Copy. Vol XXXVI $1.00 a Year. : * THE RIVAL RovERs. A Romance of Outlawry on Blue Waters. A Companion Story to the ** Red Bapier,” z BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, CHAPTER I. ON THE BVE OF DEATH, A ORUEL, merciless storm had swept over the ‘Gulf of Mexico, wrecking many a gallant ves- \-gel, sending brave men to the bottom and dasb- ing upon the coast the wreckage of a fleet of whito-winged craft, from the stately cruiser to | the small fishing-smack, | Fighting against fate to the last, an armed | cruiser had hoped to weather the storm, for her |,commander was a perfect sailor, fearless and | skilled, and had fought bard for victory over ; death, even when his craft was almost a wreck, | The dark faces and uniforms of the crew _ pghowed that they were not Americans—that is, 4 from the United States. They were from the rE ‘““rr Is THE PIRATE, THE OCEAN RAPIER,” CRIED THE AFRICAN. CAPTAIN REVELLO’S FACE TURNED ASHEN IN HUE, THAT WAS HIS FREEBOOTER RIVAL!
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Revello, the Pirate@ret sunny land of Mexico, Well trained seamen, they had stood at their posts bravely, and shrunk not when they beheld the remorseless waves making a wreck of their vessel and tearing man after man from his place of duty to bear him away to die. The masts of the vessel were gone, so she car- ried no flag, but her rig had been that of a brig, and her hull revealed a perfect outline for ; beauty and swift sailing qualities, ae Torn from their lashings some of her guns had dashed through the bulwarks, leaving great gaping wounds, and her deck and all showed the evidence of baving seen hot service in battle be- fore the elements had visited upon her their wrath. The officers stood about in silence, awaiting the commands of their captain, who elung. to the stump of the mizzenmast, his face undaunt- ed, bis manner stern and determined, it was evident that bitter thoughts were surg- ing through his brain, for his eyes flashed and his lips were set with firm resolve, It was a handsome face to gaze upon, one to fascinate, to command, fur the features were =! regular and expressive and the eyes intensely a full of power. The form of the man was elegant and his dripping uniform, for the seas broke over the vessel unceasingly, was well fitting and hand- some, = At last an impatient execration came from his lips, followed by the words: ‘*T half believe that [ have been tricked.” His dark face flushed with anger now, and again be muttered an impatient imprecation, *T will know the truth, even though the know- ledge is followed by instant death,” he said, grimly. With this he made his way aft to the cabin companionway and entered, after issuing an or- der in a low tone to one of his officers who stood there, In the companionway stood a negro of hid- eous mien’ and gorgeous dress, for his attire was of velvet and he wore a number of precious stones in rings, earrings andgbracelets, He was deformed, but of giant strength and beautiful vessel, which now threatened to be the & coffin for himself and his crew. . The glance he cast about him was a quick ae and angry one, and bis eyes fell upon-a torm .: ee a by the divan, the face buried in the am ands, - e: Was it in prayer that the form thus knelt aa upon the wet floor, or was it on account of the reeling and plunging of the ship? The seas were breaking wildly over the dis- ' masted vessel, and to stand unaided was im- possible, for the men were lashed to the bul- warks upon tle decks, so perhaps the attitude was one of prayer. , The form was slender and graceful, that of a _ was not spoken mise g pou of disrespebt. s \ can ctu | visit the home of the maiden you were to marry, ‘Not until I know what you have to say to me, senor,” ‘“* Boy, I will force you to tell why you would have the negro Topaz ask me to come here to you?” ‘ ‘Senor Captain, with death only a few min- utes away, you cannot force me to do anything from fear, ‘*You came here to see me, and when you have told me why, I will also speak, for I have a secret to tell you—a strange story to relate.” ‘* By Heaven, but I believe I am right in the suspicion I hold regarding you!” savagely ex- claimed the Mexican commander, ‘*And may I ask, senor, what suspicion you hold regarding me?” ‘*T believe you to be a woman!” “Tam awoman, Bertrando the Buccaneer,” was the low but firm response of the supposed youth, CHAPTER II, THE CABIN-BOY’S: SECRET. ‘* You a woman?” The words were spoken exultantly, as he gazed with a strange look upon his cabin-boy.” The woman had sunk down upon the divan and buried ber face in her hands, as though the confession had been ber shame, The man leaned heavily against the compan- ionway, to steady himself with the rolling of the vessel, and again repeated his words: : *¢ You a woman?” ‘*T have confessed it, yes,” was the eins ‘* And what does a woman do here, disguised as a cabin-boy in my cabin ?” The question was asked in a tone of severe command or reproach, yet no answer came, “JT have asked you, woman, why you are tere?? demande1 the Mexican captain still more sternly. ‘‘ Answer!” ‘*T am here for a purpose, Rudolph Kevello Bertrando the Buccaneer, or by whatever other name you wish to bg known,” was the reponse, in a tone almost fierce,.and thee woman arose as she spoke and leaning against the door of a state-room she faced the man fearlessly. There was defiance in her eyes now and an al- most wicked expression upon ber fine face, the man, an ugly expression in his wees tah are you bere in my cabin, I asked you” repea eyes. yos. | To his surprise a laugh came from the woman, but more bitter and defiant it was than merry. ‘* Will you answer me?” ‘*'Yes! I am here for revenge!” The words were full of intense hatred, ‘‘ Por revenge against me?” ‘* Yes, to a: ye you down,” ;. “é Well, an what bave you gained?” contempt- uously. *“ What have I gained, Rudolph Revello? Your death!” “*Bah! if. the ship goes down I will die—yes, but wherein lies your revenge, for I will ses you also go down to the depths of perdition with ” 2 ‘* My loss will be little felt only by one human being upon earth,” and the voice quivered, the eyes dimmed with tears, (oy But, choking back her emotion the woman continued: , : 4 ‘But if you die, then a monster in buman form willbe taken from the earth, and men will no longer turn pale when they hear the name spoken of the Red Rapier.” ‘““)n what way does the Red Rapier concern you?” fiercely, ~ “T will tell you. Years ago you came toa happy home upon the shores of Mobile Bay and robbed.it of a young girl, one who believed your stori¢s and sacrificed herself tosave her father, as she believed, a ‘She loved another, but wedded you, to find out that you were, though the captain of a Mexi- r, also secretly a pirate, leaving no trace of your outlaw acts, however. eit -* You made the one I speak of your wife, and | upon the seas a child was born, a little boy who the mother hoped would win the father rom bis evil ways, 7 ‘Vain the hope, for it was peers Noe he again took his wronged wife to ber girlhood home, and there she found death come, for her mother had died of a broken heart and her father had become a madman through his come from a cabin-boy | sorr Ow, ; “The dear father, made a madman by you, fell by your merciless hand, and then, driven away by American cruisers, you fled to your old island retreat to refit your vessel to again be- come afreebooter, _ > “Tn that island retreat you left your wife and | boy, saying you would return, and in time would give up your double life of corsair and cruiser; but you sailed, intending to do a still greater wrong toward an innocent girl Who had trusted you, for, upon your vessel went one of the island- i rag a ca yin-boy. ; . ~ “You knew not the cheat, and your trusted cabin-boy saw you land upon the Mexican Coast, and then boldly sail into Vera Cruz and report ci er. ‘story opens, he was fond to the Junta, unmindful of the fact that the black flag of the buccaneer had been more fre- quently floating over your vessel than had the: colors of the land which you pfetended to serve as & Mexican officer, — “This cabin-boy then knew that your pledges: to your wife were false, that you would not give: up your evil life, that you had deserted her and ~ your little son, and intended to still go on in your career of crime, : ** So the cabin-boy acted promptly, determined to save the Mexican maiden whom you intended to entice into a marriage with you, and to bring you to justice, ‘‘ With your own Government this cabin-boy dared not make terms, so he went on board the American schooner-of-war, Spiteful, then in the. harbor of Vera Cruz, and told all to her com- mander, who, by a wake, coincidence, was the man whom your wife had loved in the long ago, ‘¢ This officer heard the story and entered into. the plot to capture the Mexican cruiser at sea, convinced that the Rattlesnake brig-of-war was. none other than the Red Rapier. ‘¢ So a letter was forged and sent to you, pre- tending to come from the Mexican maiden who: loved you, and hastily you went to sea to visit. her home upon the coast, ‘‘The American schooner bad gone before: you; but, once outside, the tornado struck your vessel and thus saved you from being swung up as a pirate at the yard-arm of the Spiteful, ‘‘“Your vessel is wrecked, Rudolph Revello, and soon you must die; but I feel some joy in the thought that I at least brought you and your pirate craft to your destruction, for J sent you to sea! ‘¢ Had it not been for this tornado I would have seen you hanged—thus avenging my father and mother and myself. ; ‘¢Then I would have sought the island retreat. where my son awaits me, and, going to my old home would have dug up the pirate treasure you had hidden away, held ‘my own counsel and lived a life of luxury—my boy and I, “Now, Rudolph Revello, the storm has. changed all. You have |escaped the yard-arm, but you will not escape your doom, to die here in these mad waters, with all your sins unfor- given, a man accursed. ‘“T cannot see my boy again; I cannot shape his life as I bad hoped, for I, too, must die with you: but I have at least the joy of seeing you go- to your death, ‘¢ Now you know my secret, know me as I am not your cabin-boy, but your wife, Heaven wilk never show mercy to the guilty soul of Rudolph Revello, the Pirate!” — CHAPTER IIL. HER DOOM, Tue Mexican captain, who bore the stigma of being secretly a buccaneer, did not change countenanee under the scathing words of bis wife, disguised as a cabin-boy. Had not death been staring him in the face"he would have been glad indeed to have her there in bis power, that he, , might seek revenge for ber having tracked him down in his villainy. To his credit, be it said, and it is little enough to say for him, he bad always loved the woman whom he had lured from her home to becom the wife of a sea outlaw, io She was beautiful in face and form, and had © wholly won his heart, so far as he had a heart; to win. > - ; He had kept her with him at sea when not upon cruises which took him into Mexican ports,. and ai son had been born at sea, upon his’ vessel, ; = To this boy, in his sixthgyear at the time this IY attached, but. his curs3 was his love of gold,”He had turned bis. vessel into a pirate to obtain‘it, had determined. to desert his wife for the time-being and wed a Mexican maiden of vast wealth, Now he heard how he had been tracked and’ trapped, and could only feel a glad revenge that the one who had brought this doom upon him. should also perish with him, As he heard the cold confession of the woman that she had loved: another, that she had gone to that other as a means to bring him to the gallows, all the ugly passions of the man were aroused, and he only regretted that it was not now in his power to be’ avenged upon ber, The tornado howled overhead like a thousand demons of the sea rushing by; the waves were dashed high in the air, mer J then, torn to atoms,. fell in masses upon the decks of the dism vessel. ; The wreck staggered like a drunken man, and each wave threatened to send her beneath the sea forever, et eiaybhe Her wounds received in action, as pirate and cruiser, were strained open and the waters rush- ed in in steady streams, their weight slowly set- tling ber down to doom. ‘ The pumps were useless, and the men in sul- len silence and despair had left them. They expected oin ree before long, and yet they clung to the bulwarks and whatever else : , 7 whatever w eath, felt sure of going down Y for their ‘ ay
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Revello, the Pirate Cruiser. protection from being torn away by the mad seas. At last the man spoke, for the first time utter- ing a word siuce the confession of the woman had begun. : What he said caused her to start in horror, and his face to light up with malignant hatred and triumph at the feeling that he had caused her to feel fear of him. ‘Yes, Lucille, my wife, all is as you have said, all is the truth that bas fallen from your lips, for I did, by carrying you away from your home, break your mother’s heart, make a mad- man of your father and then take his life when he attacked me. But you had for the while = sweet revenge in tracking me down, to foil me and bring me to death. ‘* Now I shall have my revenge, short-lived though it be, for I shall feel that you suffer horrors in your last moments. ** Perhaps I may escape, but you never can or shall, ‘* T shall take to the boats, [ will be the one to go in the life-boat, for it and one other still re- main, and it will not be overloaded I promise ou. so the chances are in my favor, for the t may live where the wreck will go down.” Then the man calle#l out: ‘*Ho, Topaz!” “Yes, senor,” and the negro came to the cabin companoionway. “Say that I wish the boats prepared for leaving the vessel at once.” ‘* Yes, senor,” and the black disappeared. “Now, my wife, my sweet Lucille, you shall feel what my revenge is, and you must knéw that while I escape, for my chances are even, you will go down with the ship, with this wreck as your tomb,” fs “My God! what would you do?’ gasped = woman, struck by the malignant light in his ace, Before he could answer, Topaz appeared in the companionway. What he would kave said was checked by a warning look and gesture from his commander, and he simply said: “T obeyed your orders, senor.” * Ay, ay, good Topaz, we will soon be far away from this old wreck,” was the answer, and turning to the woman, be continued: . f ** Now, Lucille, you shall know your doom.” “Tt can only be death,” she added, having re- gained ber wonderful nerve. * Only death! yes; but such a death.” **T do not fear to die, though Heaven knows I . would give life to see my boy once more,” ** You should have thought of your boy before you sought to track me to my destruction,” “T care not for what you say, Captain Re- vello, and I am ready to meet my fate, be it what it may, so do your worst,” She spoke now with no semblance of fear, without a tremor in her voice, ‘We will see whether you will not flinch when you know wiat your fate shall be.” ** Never will you see me cower in fear to give® vello.” smiled, and called out: * Topaz!” ‘* Yes, senor,” : Get from the room yonder that set of double rons, The negro made his way across the cabin as best he could, and entered the state-room. Soon he appeared, holding in his hands heavy chains, to the ends of which were manacles, _ The woman’s face paled, but she remained perfeetly calm. . “Now, Topaz,” came the next order, given in a low tone, in which intenss batred was mingled with cruel joy: ‘Clasp those manacles about the wrists and ankles of this woman in disguise, and pass the irons around the mast, so that she will go down with this wreck, which is to be her coffia.” 78 an atom of joy at my doing so, Rudolph CHAPTER IV. THE SURVIVORS. Tue words of the Mexican captain fell sav- agely and remorselessly upon the ears of the woman s0 wholly at his mercy. Upon that aoe be was king, and an appeal to the crew would be of no avail. Then, too, the crew could never hear her cry for mercy in that wild war of waters and how!- ing of winds, ; The deformed African even started at the stern words of his chief, and yet he made no remonstrance—no effort not to obey. To the surprise of the man, the woman did not finch, She did not show the horror be bad ed for, which was a matter of deep regret to ‘the stee -hearted husband, for her fear, her suf- fering at such a nioment was to be his joy, bis revenge, *““You have beard your fate, Lucille!” said Laptein Revello, determined to make her plead Bo erey, for her pleading would be music to a ‘ Ba ‘* Name it.” ‘“‘ That you leave me alone to die.” ‘‘ Have you no last words, no instructions re- garding our boy?” She started now, and her lips quivered, but she answered, calmly: 5 **T would not leave my son to the care of a tiger, and did I believe that you would escape, then would I long not to die; but I feel that you can not escape any more than I can, though you will not go down in irons, ‘“*T have po more to say to you, Revello, so leave me alone in my last moments of life.” The reply the man would haye made was arrested by a chorus of cries upon the deck. ‘Breakers abead!” was the cry, and with a bound the pirate Ee rushed from the cabin, driving the negro before him, and the woman was Jeft alone to her fate, ironed to the mast and with anklee and wrists encircled by the manacles, = The door of the cabin companionway she heard slammed to behind the retreating Mexican, and there came the sound of rushing feef upon the deck, and loud, wild cries, oaths and prayers mingled with the mad roar of the elements. The brig rocked more violently, lurching and plunging and still drove on. Darkness was just settling upon the sea and yet abead could be seen a wall of foam upon which the wreck was driving with frightful speed, The boats which the Mexican captain had claimed 'to have were useless, and the crew knew this fact well, yet they rushed to them and seized upon all that would float to save them. Another moment’ and upon a wave more sav- age and towering than the others the wreck was borne straight upon tho white wall of foam. There upon the crest she paused for a second and then came the frightful sinking down which ended in a crash that was terrible as the hull was wedged firmly upon the sunkeu rocks. The following seas washed’ over her, sweep-. ing all with them, tearing men away from where they were lashed to bulwarks and masts, and in an instant the decks were swept clean of every human being. Off upon the mad waters they were borne to die; and curses and prayers again mingled with the howling. winds until the men one by one sunk to death in the sea, A few clung to the 7 rigging and timbers torn from the bulwarks, and there held out as long as strength lasted, and only put off their dreaded doom. : And yet all bad not perished, for when the ship struck the Mexican captain bad been near the life-boat and the negro had said fo him: ** Cling to life-boat, senor!” me ‘Tt is useless,” < ‘* No, senor.” Something in the manner of the negro caused the ebief to spring to the life-boat. Topaz did the same, and there they found half a dozen unfortunates, but these were torn away with the fury of madmen by the Mexican and the African, : Away went the hoat, tossed about like a cork in a mill-race, yet in it were the two who had sought its suecor, On, away over the seas drove the boat, which held up well, though full of water, and with the weight added of the Mexican and the negro. * As though content with having driven the wreck to destruction, the tornado ceased its fury suddenly, the winds sunk into gentle breezes, and the wild waters became calmer and calmer witb each passing hour, For a long while neither the Mexican nor the povac 2 uttered a word; then the former spoke: “You were right, Topaz; the life-boat saved us, and I owe you my life,” ** Not safe yet, senor,” was the response. ‘True, but we bave not been saved from the wreck, while others perished, to be drowned now, or die of starvation, either.” ** Senor Chief, think all die?” ‘Yes, for how could any one escape?” ** The cabin-boy, too?” “ Ah, yes! he went down with the breaking up of the ship, for that blow made drift-woot her, beyond all doubt.” “Maybe so,” was the laconic negro, and then he said: “Topaz expected tbe wreck, so wanted to save life, and put into life-boat all that would repaiw it, for it was all smashed, as senor knows,” ; Yes, it had two holes stove in it you could crawl through.” ‘** Topaz bas canvas to tack over it, and ham- mer and all in lockers, bidden away, with food and cask of water. We are all right, Senor Captain.” S ‘Give me your band, Topaz.” The African seemed pleased at the stowed upon him by his chief, and held out bis hand eagerly, while he: remarked: “Yes, we are all right, for the sail and oars e all lashed: ip the boat, and the cask of water e lockers.” . response of the _ * Yes, we are the of. hy apace aS sole survivors of the wreck, | SY es ee 3k wOOE at. | tobe we are CHAPTER V. THE LIFE-BOAT, Ir was a long, fearful night to the Mexican captain, there in that suuken life-boat, whatever the negro might feel, for Rudolph Revello long- ed to live for his own selfish ends, and death was viewed by him with horror now that there were chances to escape it, d At last the morning dawned, and the sea was comparatively calm, the skies were cloudless. Eagerly the two shipwrecked men gazed around them, and cheerily from the lips of the Mexican came the cry: “* Land, hol” ‘Yes, senor,” complacently responded the ne- 0. It was only a barren island they saw,’a league away; but it-afforded an asylum for the mo- ment, and they were drifting directly upon it, ‘That tornado drove us well out of our course, Topaz, for I had no idea we were near any island, though in the darkness and storm I knew not ‘which way we were driving. ‘‘But that is land and will serve us well, for we can beach the boat and repair her.” ‘Yes, senor, we are safe now,” was the re- nse, , With some difficulty they reached the, sandy beach, where the waves did not break hard, and the boat was hauled out and the things she car- ried were spread out upon the shore. Topaz had provided well, for there was a stump mast with a small mainsailand jib wound tightly around it. 5 Then came four oars, lashed securely together, — and in one locker was a cask of fresh water and a roll of bed-clothing. In the other was a box of provisions so secure- ly wrapped around with oiled canvasas to have - been kept dry. ‘Topaz, you are a wonder. But when did yon do all this?” said the Mexican. ‘The boats were stove, senor, and then I knew the life-boat would float, and prepared for the wreck. “‘ The men laughed at me, but I am alive now, while they are dead.” “You are right there, Topaz; but what is\— this?’ and the Mexican came upon a roll of canvas, “It is oiled canvas, and the hammer and tacks, senor, for repairing the boat,” Captain Revello gave a whistle of celight, and while the negro set about’ getting driftwood to build a fire, be began repairs upon the boat. With the aid of dry driftwood and flints a fire was soon kindled, and a breakfast prepared and eaten, after a pull at a bottle of rum which —_— very wisely had not forgotten. The work of repairing the boat occupied the dS gas that night they passed upon the and, ; But the next day the boat was run into the Pos ei and to the joy of both it leaked but little. Then they set sail and steered away from the island, the compass also put in the Jocker by Topaz, proving a Valuable acquisition to them as Captain Revello soon got his bearings and laid his course in a direction which he knew would bring him across the path of vessels bound in ahd out of the Caribbean Sea, or at least to the shores of an inhabited couniry, But several days passed and no sail came in ht, while they had also to weather a severe e er Their provisions and water ran low, and the face of Captain Revello began to look gloomy, while Topaz shdwed the same indifference that seemed a part of his nature. ‘“Tf we do not sight a sail, or make land ina couple of days more, Topaz, we will be ont of eo and water, and starve to death,” he- said. ry iat : ‘* May be, senor, but it will be all nighs in. the end,” was the laconic response of Topaz, but whether it would§be all right in the end to starve to death, or that they would be rescued, the African did not explain, and Captain Re- vello did not ask the question of him, ‘wy At last day dawned to find tke cask empty and not a crumb of provisions left. Expecting early succor they had been a little too generous in their use of them, Captain Revello’s face wore a more serious air, but Topaz looked as serene as ever, “Sail ho, senor!” at last called out the negro and with no more excitement than be woul have done had he been upon the deck of a ves- sel with plenty of sails insight. - ‘‘ Whereaway?’ was the joyful cry of Cap- tain Revello, and he looked in the direction where the pegro pointed, iin ia ““T see her! ei aes “Tt is a brig and it will cross our course, 80 t response, and we are saved, Topaz, saved hoe toe senna tholy’ Hooke ‘epnt thie: Stitaist en rn r 8 a the aista' sail, while the prow of the life-boat was headed to Meet the stranger. ® “Tt isa brig, as you see, Topaz, and an armed Ge Gertie ta “Wes, senor: Americano.” == z “You aoe or F petit mete’ sod may re a ; ea rs | ta “2
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Revello, the Pirate Cruiser. “Yes, Senor Captain.” ** Don’t make any mistake now in whatever story you tell,” ** No, senor.” *[ wish you to tell what is the truth—that Tam Captain Rudolph Revello, of the Mexican brig-of-war Rattlesnake, which was caught in the tornado and wrecked.” E ** Yes, senor,” P ** All on board were lost, and we clung to the 3 life-boat, which. was stove in, and managed, with some drifting rigging and canvas we pick- ed up, to repair her so she would keep afloat,” a ** Yes, Senor Chief.” oe “J intend to return to Mexico, of course, Topaz, aud you are to go with me, and I will report to the Junta the loss of my vessel. **T have some precious stones with me in my belt, soam not poor, and [ shall wed with all dispatch the Senorita Marcelite Castile, and de- art from Mexico, for I have reason to know, opaz, that the cabin-boy betrayed to the com, mander of the American schooner-of-war, Spite- ful, the fact that my brig was a pirate as well as a a cruiser, and I might lose my head, should that officer return to Vera Cruz and make bis report ‘ae to my Government.” S ** ‘Yes, senor! but will the chief give up the sea?” , **Tf I marry the Senorita Castile, Topaz, her gold will give meample fortune to live upon, for will see to it that her father, the Don, is short- lived,-and, that all bis wealth also goes to his daughter.” ; “But if the Senor Chief does not marry the Senorita Marcelite?” asked the negro, and bis tone was not so indifferent as was its wont, “In that case, Topaz, I believe I shall go to sea again,” ; ** The senor has no ship, no men!” ‘ _ “No, but I will get them, Topaz, for if I go to ne sea again it will not be as Captain Revello of the ; Mexican Navy, but as a free rover—under anothername, for I must have gold—much gold, Topaz, and I can get it by levying tribute on every craft I board. See! we are sighted from 2 the brig and are saved!” ** Senor, it is the pirate, the Ocean Ranier,” oried the African. : Captain Revello’s face turned ashen in hue. That was his freebooter rival! a er CHAPTER VI. THB BUCCANEER,. - “Afty God, Topaz! that is the brig known as wv the Ocean Rapier, and it may be death to us to ty bepicked up by her, instead of life,” cried the ; Mexican captain. ‘Veg, senor; if will not do to say you are Captain Revello,” _ **No, no indeed! I will not dare claim to be a Mexican vfficer, It was fortunate that I cast aside my uniform for a sailor’s suit! ' “J will say k am—am—Don Ricardo Castile, aranchero, dwejling upon the coast of Mexico, and with you, my slave, were bound to Vera ‘Cruz, when our craft was wrecked,” “ Yes, senor.” “Now get those togs of yours overboard, Topaz, for rancheros do not dress théir slaves in velvet, silk and precious stones,” The African hastily drew off his strange and gorgeous costume which had but added to his ugly looks, and hastily cat out with his knife a canvas covering for his deformed body, In the meanwhile the brig had drawn quite near, and a crowd of men were'visible upon the bows gazing at the boat. The brig was a very handsome craft—tho counterpart in fact of the wrecked Mexican cruiser, Rattlesnake, i _ he came along at a swift pace, though the wind wag light, and carried a heavy battery it ~ could be seen and a large crew of as wild a look- ing lot of buman beings as could be gathered to- gether in the four quarters of the globe. ae There was no flag at the peak to tell her nationality, if she had any, but the keen eyes of Topaz had detected in her a brig known as the Ocean Rapier, and which was a pirate eraft, a terror upon the Galf and in the southern seas, . At last as the boat drew nearer the brig, Captain Revello ‘broke the silence which bad ' fallen between him and the negro since discov- ering the nature of the vessel that was to save ae them. renee Td “ Topaz.” go “i : > ae Yes, senor.” : - **That is the Rapier?” & : ** Yes, chief,” oH =f _» “Her commander is Bertrando, a man merci- Aes to all, as you know,” ‘Yes, senor.” mr Sits lost my ' geounterpart. ) am ow is a twin to the Rattlesnake, Senor Cap- “A perfect twin, well armed, well manned, _ 8 you see, for she bas a large crew on Voard, such as they are, and why will she not suit The African seemed fairly astonished at the im ” iy Sag eae vessel, and that one is her Saal > ee A A man picked up in an open boat at sea sug- gest the idea of taking possession of an armed craft which he felt confident was a buccaneer surprised even the serene Topaz, ‘*The senor means to be captain?” he asked after a pause, ‘*That is jast what I do mean, Topaz, for I believe it can be done, if I play my cards right, so keep yourself ready to aid me,” — am ready to obey the senor,” was the calm reply. . The bold thought be had given utterance to bad brought the fire back to the eyes of Captain Revello and he gazed upon the brig with the look of a man already in command of her, The brig was now but a short distance away and there came a bail in Spanish: ** Ho, the boat!” ‘* Ay, ay, Senor Captain!” answered Revello, calmly. - ** Run under our lee as we luff, and board us)” caine the gruff command, ** Ay, ay, sir,” wasthe answer, and a minute after Captain Revello, followed by Topaz, went over the side of the brig, The scene that met their gaze was a strange one, for there, grouped forward, were four-score men attired in red skull-caps and white duck pants, their bodies being naked and exposed to the weather, while they were also barefoot, Their faces showed that they mostly came from the Gulf shores and South America, though there were a.tew Anglo-Saxons seen bere and there amid the group, and also the red skin of an Indian and the sable complexion of a negro, A motley, murderous-looking lot they cer- tainly were, and each man wore in his ‘Lelta long-bladed, ugly-looking knife. be decks and all about the vessel showed dis- cipline however, and though weather-worn in bull, rig and sails, the craft was evidently kept in first-class trim, wbile the guns were shining bright aud ready for use, Many scars were visible in decks, bulwarks and rigging, and many more had been patched up, showing that whatever her calling the ves- sel had not escaped unscathed in her cruising. Aft there stood a group of half a dozen officers and they were resplendent in gorgeous uniforms of black and silver, while upon the hat of each, as upon the skull-caps of the men, was embroid- ered a golden rapier. A young officer had met the Mexican and negro at the gangway, bade them cast off their boat and follow him. They did so, Revello walking upright and pre- senting a commanding appearance, while Topaz shuffled along in his awkward gait, There upon the quarter-deck stood a tall man, with long, jet-black beard and hair and the eye of an eagle, : : ‘Well, senor, give an account of how it is I find you at sea in an open boat?” he said, in a stern tone, though with a certain air of respect. * Allow me to introduce myself, Senor Cap- tain, asa Mexican ranchero, by name Don Cas- tile, who was wrecked upon bis way to Vera Cruz, while all who escaped you see before you,” “Don Ricardo Castile?” repeated the captain of the brig, who had given a start when the name was spoken. ** Yes, senor.” ‘** And you dwell in Mexico now, senor?” **T do, Senor Captain,” **Cortez, have you ever heard the name of the senor as a Mexican ranchero?”’ and the com- mander of the brig turned to one of his officers. “*T have, gevor, and be is a Spaniard of vast wealth, who many years ago caine to Mexico and married there, **Tt is said that he is one of the richest men in Mexico, and his home is somewbere within fifty lengues of Vera Cruz,” was the answer of the cfficer addressed. Revello did not show his uneasiness during this answer of the officer, but started when the brig’s commander asked; “Have you, Cortez, or any one else on this vessel, ever seen Don Ricardo Castile?” ““T have seen him, Senor Captain,” an officer responded, ‘“And is this gentleman Don Castile, Senor Waldo?” veo ‘““ Yes, Senor Captain,” was the prompt reply. kits Then there can be no doubt about bis iden- y. : ‘** [am sorry, Senor Captain, that you deemed it necessary to cust a doubt upon my assertion as to who I am,” haughtily said Revello. ** Pardon, senor, but I only wished to be sure, for I desired to know how sure I was of the large ransom 1 am to demand for your release, for permit me to present myself as Captain Ber- trando, the Buccaneer,” and the commander of the brig bowed with marked courtesy. CHAPTER VIL. _ THE RECOGNITION, ; = ‘Captain Rupoira Reve.1o felt that he had made a mistake in claiming to be another per- son than himself. ic He saw that for some reason he was doubted by the buccaneer a, hong, and he could not un- derstand how it was that Officer Wako had con- fessed to seeing Don Castile and yet said that he was the ranchero, for they wore not in the least degree alike to each other, As for Topaz he stood in a listless way, as though life held no interest for bim, and yet he noted every Jook, heard every word that was said, ‘*T will see the Senor Don Ricardo Castile in my cabin,” said Captain Bertrando, with some- thing very like sarcasm in his tone, : Revello bowed and followed him to the cabin when a steward was called to bring food and wine, This was dispatched with a relish that chow- . B}- ed great hunger, and Bertrando the while was z) silent. ee When he had finished his meal Bertrando turned and said; Z ** Now, Senor Don Ricardo, as you bave satis- fied t .c cravings of hunger I wish a talk with vu,” fy Certainly, senor,” avd the courage of the man arose now that his hunger was satisfied, — **T wish to know just where you were born in Spain, and in what year?” : Revello was the more convinced by this ques- tioning that he had made a mistake; but he an- swered ; a ‘¢T was born in the Villa Castile, Madrid, and I am thirty-six years of age.” ‘* Ah} and your father was—” , “A colonel of cavalry in the Spanish Army, and slain in battle,” Sales ‘*T see; and you left Spain for Mexico for rea- sons?” ‘*- Yes, senor, and I made Mexico my home,” ‘* And married there?” ‘Yes, senor.” ; “You not only brought a fortune with you 4 to Mexico, but married a very rich Mexican 4 lady I believe?” ‘*T have lost my riches, senor.” ‘Ab! that is bad; but I think, Don Ricardo Castile, that you can raise a sum to save your life. ** A small sum.” ‘*T will demand as the ransom of a man of your wealth the sum of et, 4 thousand pesos,” ‘* Ab, senor, you must take my life, for I am @ poor fan and could not pay one-tenth the sum you name,” ‘Your life it must be, then, Don Ricardo,” The Mexican winced at this and was silent. He had in his belt a sum in precious stones and gold amounting to half the amount named by the buccaneer. This he would naturally give up to save his life, and yet did the pirate know that he Lad the precious treasure with him, he would take it and still hold bim for ransom, If he had only not said that he was Don Ri- Kernen cardo, he would have been able to play the poor $ man, _ But be had made the mistake and must abide it Me Well, Don Ricardo,” and whenever the buc- caneer spoke the name of the Spaniard, it was with a peculiar emphasis. ‘‘ Well, Don Ricardo, | I wish to say that I have intended visiting you - in your home on the coast, well knowing I would get a rich haul by so doing. ‘* But fate has thrown you in my way, and to muke your escape you must pay for it. ‘T therefore give you your choice of being my pilot to your home, where you can pay me the ? sum demanded and save hig life, or refuse, and ou shall be made to walk the plank within the our,” | . “Senor, [am not Don Ricardo Castile,” sud- ~e denly said Revello, thus brought to bay by the ‘s oy irate, ‘ ec: My dear senor, let me tell you that I knew that from the first, for Don Ricardo and I were boys together, and I knew at once that you had 4 lied to me.” ‘* Senor!” “Do not flash up at my words, for you cer- tainly did not tell the truth, and this time I ex- pect to have it,” has poor Mexican sailor, senor, who could not pay you ransom were you to offer me my life for a thousand pesos,” } “Is this the truth, senor?’ and Bertrando ebarply eyed bis prisoner, k ‘Tt ix, Senor Captain.” Tbe buccaneer smiled, but made no reply, Then he arose and left the cabin and Revello was alone, : He began to feel more and more his mistake and what the outcome would be he did not know, 3 He dared not confess to the buccaneer who he was in reality, for that would surely be the sig- nal! for his death, i At last Bertrando returned and thrusting him- ae! if ‘* What would you know, Senor Captain?” °° ‘* Who and what are you?” ; “Tam, as I said, a Mexican sailor, the master of a coasting craft that was lost in the storm of Me is oar aba ob . ‘nd you and your African slave were the — sole survivors, senor?” yee ee “ We were, Captain Bertrando,”
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Revello, the Pirate Cruiser. **-You are wrong again, senor.” ** How do you mean?” So saying the buccaneer captain stepped to the companionway and called: “Senor Waldo!” *“ Ay, ay, Senor Captain,” came the answer, and a moment after Officer Waldo appeared, The Mexican did not change countenance, for the eyes of Bertrando were upon bim as he said; before?” “*T have, Captain Bertrando,” **You were pleased to recognize in him Don Ricardo Castile.” “T did say that he was the Don pose, senor. “Name your purpose to me?” 2 3 ‘*T know who he is and I intended to use the re |e information later, when I saw you alone, Senor Captain.” “It may be so, and it may not be; but ad- mitting that it is, tell me now who this gentle- man is?” , but for a pur- felt, as well as did Bertrando, that he had not told the truth in regard to why he’ had made it appear that he was Don Ricardo Castile. | * Senor Captain,” began the officer, with the ae tone and manner of one who felt that he had a surprise to give; - **I will now tell you who this gentleman is, and you will be glad indeed to know, as he is one whom you bave often wished ‘to meet,” ‘Indeed! and who is he? quickly asked the pirate, “Captain Rudolph Revello of the Mexican Navy, Senor Captain,” was the reponse of the buccaneer lieutenant, e CHAPTER VIII. e | a THE PIRATE'S ACCUSATION, REVELLO started at the words of Waldo, for be knew now that he was recognized, that further attempt to conceal bis identity was im- possible, The buccaneer captain on his part sprung to his feet with aa ejaculation of balf-jelight, balf- anger, He turned bis gaze earnestly upon the Mexi- can Officer and asked sternly: Pres you deny the charge of Senor Waldo, **T do not, Captain Bertrando. **T am Rudolph Revello, captain in the Mexi- can Navy,” was the cool reply, for now that he had to face the ordeal the Mexican was wholly unmoved. “* And how is it, senor, that I find you at sea ox in an o boat, with only a negro as a com- ’ panion . - “My brig was wrecked in the tornado and ~ ~~» driven upon a sunken reef, the African and I wv kon te escaping.” ae, é, “You commanded the brig-of-war Rattle- snake?” 3 ‘Fa “*The sister ship of my own vessel?” “Yes, only a superior craft and fleeter,” “You say well, and I wanted that craft, Senor Waldo, I will excuse you now, and I thank you for the secret you have made known to me, though I cannot but feel you intended to keep your knowledge for some reason best known to yourself,” Waido made no reply, and thus dismissed, re- tired from the cabin. ‘Now, Senor Captain, we can talk together.” Revello simply bowed, and Captain Bertrando continued: ‘] knew your vessel well, and I knew you as a Mexican officer who took advantage of the re- semblance of your brig to mine, and the fact that I was a pirate, to commit acts of piracy upon the high seas which were laid at my door. “Senor, your words are insulting,” sharply responded Revello, ‘* Nevertheless, they are true, as I know well.” _ . “JT am in your power, Senor Bertrando, and’ ; _ hence you can cast insults upon me with im- ae punity.” : **Bah! don’t put on a melo-dramatic air of injured innocence, Captain Revello, for I know what I am talking about. “You did rob vessels at sea under my flag, and how you kept your officers and crew true to ye I can not understand, though you did 80, 7 “I heard of a vessel that was robbed at sea by my brig, and her captain I seught for and found, ‘He told me that it was my brig, and more, spat 1 was the man, for the captain of the vessel that boarded tim wore a long beard and a uni- form similar to mine. _‘* This set me to thinking, and soon after an- other case came before my observation. “This time I was told the same thing by the crew of the craft overbauled on the high seas, ‘that I was the man, my brig the one that cap- tured their vessel, and that she carried the same ‘battery; her crew were balf stripped, and her Bag pose red rapier, ; : ‘Then I knew that my beautiful brig bad a double, and that perhaps [did also. ; a at : * The officer seemed a trifle anxious, and Revello | **f began my search for the double of my vessel and myself, and to my surprise at last **T will allow another than myself to explain.” | learned there was a Mexican cruiser which must be the craft. ** You remember that we crossed the path of each other several times at sea, and each time, | though it was your duty to bunt me down, as a | cruiser should a buccaneer, you fled from nie. ‘* Perhaps you could have captured my craft, perbaps not; but certainly you would not try **Senor Waldo, you have met this gentleman | ar with me, and so fled from me, ‘It suited your purpose to do so, for you | wanted me to remain a pirate at sea; you de- sired to have a counterpart of your brig cruis- | ing as an outlaw craft, for it gave you the chance you sought to live a double life,.to en- rich yourself as a secret buccaneer, while [, Bertrando, of the Ocean Rapier, got the name | of all the piracies you were guilty of. ‘“Now you can understand, Senor Rudolph _ of Spain. Revello, why I have been anxious to overbaul | your craft, why I have been soWesirous of meet- | you. ing of a man I know but too well, and have also been anxious to find, “Senor, you are more than welcome on | light. board my vessel, I assure you,” There was too much of sarcasm in the last | bim that she bad never loved until he bad taught words of Bertrando to cause Captain Revello to | her the sweet lesson, a lesson she could never feel that his welcome was genuine, He was glad to see him; yes, but it was be- cause he bad bim in his power, and intended, | which I had snatched from my belt, and fired at for some reason known to himself, to use the | bim. ‘power he held over him. par A silence, his face unmoved. He uttered no contradiction, be useless, he well knew, When at last Bertrando told bim he was glad to see bim on his vessel, he said in reply: ‘*Senor Captain, I claim the rights due a shipwrecked man, wholly at your mercy, “You are a pirate, yes, and I am a captain in the Mexican service, and have been your foe, have rs. tobunt you down for your piracies, as your charges against me are of no avail, you having mistaken my vessel for some other that has been playing a double game, doubtless one like yourself, a pirate.” “7 am not deceived in this matter, Captain Revello, for I know you to be the man who has robbed on the high seas. under my name and flag, and thus led a dual existence. ‘Why, I know that you have even had the report of your outlawry sent to your Govern- ment, for I ‘have been in Vera Cruz, pirate though Iam, and I have heard much of you and your life there. ‘“*You have been an extravagant liver for a captain of the navy, but then you have had the results of your piracies to support you in your luxurious life.” P **T can still only deny the charge you make agaiust me, and say that you have been de- ceived into believing that I have impersonated you and your, vessel.” ' The buccaneer laughed lightly and replied: “T am right, I know; but there is another thing I wish to speak to you about.” ** Well, senor?” ‘* You know Don Ricardo Castile?” “ do.” * a Wet family bas he?” ‘* Himself and daughter are all,” for that would ** Ah! bis wife is dead then?” ‘ ** She is.” ** And he is very rich?” * He is said tobe.” | “Well, Captain Revello, your life depends upon a rome doing as I tell you,” and Bertrando poate very much in earnest as he uttered the words, CHAPTER IX, THE DEMAND, “So I am to buy my life from you, Senor Captain Bertrando?” said Revello with a sneer, in answer to the remark of the buccaneer, “Yes, though not with gold, as I can hardly expect a shipwrecked man to possess much iu the way of riches,” __ ‘Then how am I to ask, if not with gold?” As By doing as l command you.” ‘© What is your wish?” ‘*In the first place you pretended to Ricardo Castile,” ‘* You now know me as I am.” ** True, and you are the friend of Don do, I take it?” “ I am,” ‘‘ Doubtless of his fair daughter, too.” _ * We will not discuss the senorita.” ‘* Very well; let us talk of the Don.” ‘* What do you wish to know regarding bim?” “Very little, for I know far moreof Ricardo Castile than do you,” , ‘*Indeed?” asked Revello, in surprise, struck by the manner of the man, ‘*T do, as you will understand when I tell you that he is my brother !” purchase my life, may I be Don Ricar- risive way. e At last we do meet, and you play the part | | Revello had listened to the pirate’s charges in | struck him on the head, glanced downward and | _,‘: Your brother?” and Revello laughed in a de- | _ 3 ~ “Yes, my brother; and though younger than I am, he holds my heritage and fortune to-day. ** You still doubt, and yet, if you know him well, and will regsrd me closely, you will see many points of resemblance between us; for we were said to be much alike in the long ago,” “*T believe you do resemble him—yes, I am ; certain of it.” “Did I cut off my long beard and bair, you would find at once how much we are alike,” ‘* And he isa gentleman to-day, a man hen- ored and respected by all who know him, while you are—” ‘\A pirate; yes, and he it was who made me what I am, “T wish to tell you that Ricardo and I loved he same maiden, and I trusted in bis honor al- ways, so asked bim to see her often in my ab- sence, for I was a sailor, an officer in the navy “‘T left, with that maiden pledged to become my wife, j “‘T returned sooner than I had expected wounded in action and ill with fever, and 1 found them, the false maiden and the falser brother, exchanging vows of love in the moon- ‘‘They did not see me, and I heard her tell learn from me. - “ Maddened at his perfidy, I leveled a pistol, ‘“Great God! they both fell, for the bullet entered her false heart, ‘* He was merely stunned, but I believed that I had killed both of them and fled. ‘Of course I became a Cain-accursed wan- derer, an outcast, and disgraced as an officer, a deseiter, I became an outlaw, and turned to iracy. ‘* Well, I have been a pirate ever since, and you know well my record as such, for you have sought to emulate it. “*T never knew untillong after, that I bad not killed both my brother and my false lady-love, ‘Then I found out the truth, of how my bul- let bad pierced ber breast and only wounded my brother, “The influence of our father got Spanish law to make my brother the heir to the title and es- tates, and some years after my flight, Ricardo became the Don, when our father died, and sole heir to the vast fortune, ‘*1t was told me too how he had left Spain and sought a home in some South American country, yet I could never trace him. ‘* Now you tell me that he has turned Mexi- can, married a lady of wealth in gourecuntry, and has a daughter. : “ This is so, is it not?’ “Tt: is.” ; ‘* And you know wkere he dwells?’ \ The Mexican was silent, for be seemed to un- derstand the drift of the buccaneer’s ‘* Answer me, Senor Revello.” “What would you know?” **Do you know where the house of Don Ricar- do Castile is?” ‘* Why do you wish to know?” “ Auswer me!” was tbe stern rejoinder. : ‘*I do know where the home of Don Ricardo Castile is,” x ‘‘ Then you are my map,” } “* If you intend to wrong him, or harm him, I am not the man to betray his whereabouts to question, u.” ** Do you love life?” . “T do,” : “Do you love the Don's daughter?” ** That is my affair.” ‘**T am amused, for I know that you do.” ** Well?” ‘I do not think it would be right for me to allow my niece to wed a man, who under the guise of a man of bonor is at heart a pirate.” **T am falsely accused by you.” “You are not, and I mean what I say when I ask if you love life?” > **T have answered you,” ‘“Well, should you again set foot in Vera Cruz you would doubtless be given another sbip and wed Don Ricardo Castile’s daughter, ; thus securinga vast fortune, ‘ - one _ “Tbus aJl would be well for you; but should ~< you not do as I demand, then never will you set foot again in Vera Cruz and never will you wed Don Ricardo’s daughter, for on the contrary you” willdangle from the yard-arm of my brig, or walk the plank into the sea, loaded witb chains, “Now, Captain Revello, it remains for you to” say whether you wish to save your life or sacri- fice it, for lam in deadly earnest.” That be was in earnest the whole manner and tone of the buccaneer was prcof, and Revello read as much, . ees cate oR at But be asked in an unmoved tone; “Well, what am I todo to save fe?” “You are to pilot my vessel tothe home of ~ Don Ricardo, for he lives upon thecoast Tem = And what’s your motive in going g there?” The buccaneer was silent for a minute and i bbe wo | oq
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“T desire to gét the fortune that is mine by ’ right, for the title of Don I do not care for, and Ricardo can have. ‘*The fortune he secured from his Mexican wife he can also retain, so he will not be left @ pauper; but the ee inheritance is my heritage, and by the Heaven above I will have it peso for peso and a liberal interest on the amount up to date, ‘*Now, Captain Revello, you are to pilot my vessel to the nearest haven, to the Castile haci- enda, and then guide me to the home andfbring ay a meeting between my brother and my- self. ‘* He believes you dead.” ‘Ha! you know this?” quickly cried the buc- caneer, - “TIT know there is a shadow upon his life, for he once told me of a brother who had gone wrong and ended bis life upon a pirate deck.” ‘*He is mistaken, as you see and he will soon discover. Now, senor, come on deck and put the brig on a course for the Mexican Coast.” ‘*T refuse.” **Then you shall dis within the hour, Captain Revello.” was the savage retort of the Buc- caneer Rover, ——— CHAPTER X, BROUGHT TO TERMS, REVELLO could not but note a similarity in the life of Bertrando the Buccaneer and his own, as far as the act of the outlaw which had wife and dogged his steps for revenge. He was even more guilty than was the buc- caneer, for he had coolly doomed tbe unfor- tunate woman to die in chains, to go down with the wreck, while Bertrando had shot his false lady-love ina moment of sudden jealousy and rage at discovering how she had betrayed his trust in ber, Now he stood at the mercy of this same map, an acknowledged pirate, and the brother of Don Ricardo Castile, Sbould he betray the home of the Spaniard and thus rob bimself.of the fortune that was to be the inheritance of the Don’s daughter, whom he was determined to make his wife? thing. . Tn truth, he would be only too glad to get the Don out of thé way by death, so thut the Senor- ita Marcelite would bave the fortune in her own right, and that meant that he would con- tro. ‘But if the buccaneer discovered bis brother, there was but"little doubt be would force him to give up the fortune he had brought from Spain witb him, and which was justly his own, outcast and outlaw though he was, If Don Ricardo gave up the inheritance, then it robbed his daughter of ‘ber fortune, a balf of it at least, and that was in Revello’s eyes, rob- bing bim, \ ' So he decided, as these thougbts flashed through bis mind, to try and make terms with the pirate captain. If he could not do this, then he would see if he could not entrap him, and this Revello was most anxious to do, So you demand that I pilot you to the home of Don Ricardo Castile, Senor Bertrando, or, re- fusing, lose my life?’ he said, when he bad de- cided what he would do, “You understand exactly the situation, I am jad to see,” said the buccaneer in response, * And should I do this, what then?” ‘* Your life shall be spared.” ** And is that all?” “It is granting much to a foe, for you have my foe, though you did not seek my de- sg or to drive me from the sea,” | “Captain Bertrando, I bave a confession to make to you.” : “Well, senor, I am most willing to bear it,” **f desire to tell you that I love the Senorita Marcelite—” , ‘Marcelite! Great God! does the daughter of Ricardo Castile bear the name of Marcelite?” cried Bertrando excitedly) ** She does, senor,” : “It was her name, the name of the woman who was false to me, whom I killed,” groaned the pirate, and Revello saw that he was very deeply moved, ** Such is the Senorita Castile’s Christian name, Senor Bertrando,” repeated Revello, **Well, be bas named ber after that false one, ; s “So be it, I shall hate her because I hate the memory of the false Marcelite. . _* But you love the maiden, this Marcelite, you said, Senor Captain?” ag T do, senor, with all my heart and soul” * And she returns:this love, this Marcelite?” ; “Sho does, senor.” “She will be as false as her fair namesake,” said the buccaneer with a sneer. ; ‘Never! she will never be false to me.” accaneer laughed in a bitter way, while put to death the woman he bad loved, and his | own sacrifice of the one who had been his | For the Don, Revello cared but little, if any- | Revello, the Pirate Cruiser. ‘* Her father was false to me, his brother; ber pamesake was false to me, and mark my words, Marcelite Castile will be doubly false to you.” ‘*T will not hear you thus cast slurs upon her honor, for—” ‘*How can you prevent, senor, for you are Poy erless here to resent even a blow, * But we will not quarrel about her, for she is not worth it, being his child and named after the false Marcelite. ‘‘ Now to continue what you were pleased to call your confession?” “Well, as I told you, I love the Senorita Marcelite, and she is pledged to become my bride.” “ec Yes.” ** You wish me to pilot you to the home of the Don, to rob bim of his fortune,” ‘You are mistaken, I am merely going to take back that which is my own,” ‘*His Spanish fortune is even greater than that which he received from his Mexican wife,” ** Tndeed! then he is a rich man; a very rich man, 48 I know well what my inheritance was to have been. ‘*T shall have to make a still greater demand upon my dear brother, now that I know he is so wealthy. ‘*T thank you for telling me this, Senor Re- vello.” The Mexican bit his lips at what he bad said, but soon resumed: ** Now you demand that I aid you to rob the Don, and in doing so I rob myself, for of course tbe Senorita Marcelite would inherit all her father’s riches, being his only heir.” ‘* That is the situation, my dear senor.” ‘In return, you offer me my life, not even pledging me my freedom.” ‘* What more can you expect from a monster such as I am said to be?” ‘**T do expect more, and I shall demand it.” * Demand?” ‘* So I said,” ** This to me?” ; ** You understand my words, Senor Pirate, I said { would demand more,” . ‘* And you are my prisoner?” ‘*-Yes, so become by accident, by the force of circumstances 1 could not control, and of which you have taken advantage.” “Granted; but now to your demand?” **To pilot you to the home of Don Ricardo is torob myself, and I will not do so unless I get my terms,” ‘You will die if you refuse.” ** So be it.” ; “*T shall have you loaded with chains and force you to walk the plank to your death.” **So be it!” + Or I will swing you up to die at the yard- arm. f ‘* There is but one death, Bertrando, one time to die, and I will face it like a man, as I have dofe many a time before,” ** We shall see,” ‘* Put me to the test, then, and end it.” Bertrando uttered an oath between his shut teeth. That be bad caught a Tartar he discov- ered, and he was surprised to find a man in bis power demanding terms, ; That he could frighten bim into doing as he demanded he believed was impossible, once he looked into the determined deflant face of bis prisoner, He felt that Revello would rather die than lead the life of a poor man, to be bereft of a fortune he regarded as his own through Mar- celite Castile. ; So he was brought to terms by the bold stand of the Mexican and asked in bis sneering way: ‘* What is your demand, Captain Revello?” **That you make me first cfficer under you of your pirate brig—such are my terms, Senor rtrando!” was the startling response of the Mexican captain. CHAPTER XI. THE COMPACT, CAPTAIN BERTRANDO felt that he had met his match, Here was a man, taken out of a boat adrift at sea, knowing that he was Bertrando the Buc- caneer and wholly at his mercy, and yet making terms with him, forcing bim into a compact which he saw no way of escaping from, He looked at Revello with a glance of un- bounded admiraticn, and at last, when he had recovered from bis surprise, asked: - ro you mean it, Captain Revello?” q a ** You are a commissioned officer of the Navy of Mexico?” “Yes, but without a vessel.” “Yet you wish to turn pirate?’ ““T do.” “ y ee a motive?” » “Am I to know it?” “Tf I returned to Vera Cruz the Junta would not give me a vessel, for the Government is too arth 4 build me one, wag ta “* The brig [ have built at my expense, hence I was made he ; + RS : ‘ oh "9 ait ’ ‘ é 5 - . * | you suggest, we lost was my own property, “broth and so armed and equipped, | alae aed - iat ; ’ 4 ‘* Now I have lost my all in the brig and could a ee not build anotber vessel. : ‘* Her loss will soon be known and I will be yy supposed to have gone down in her. SF “Of course the Senorita Marcelite will mourn for me, and even if compelled to wed another it will not be for a year or two, for she is still very young.” ‘*T see, senor.” ‘* Now, as senior .eurenant on your vessel, I am entitled to share next to you in all spoils.” ‘*T understand.” i ‘Thus the fortune. you get from Don Ricardo will in part return to me as my sbare of the plunder, for the crew shall not be cheated out of their portion of the plunder simply because you do not get the money at the cannon’s mouth,” ‘‘- You area bold man, Senor Reyello, to talk to me thus,” ‘*T have never been accused, even by my ene- mies, of being a coward, senor; but to ny story.” 2 ‘*T am listening.” ““Thus, as senior officer of your vessel, I come in for my sbare of the plunder now on hand, and what you will secure from piracies in the future, . “ At the end of a certain time, which we will ry: agree upon between us, | will disappear, su posed to be dead in fact, and I will reappear in Vera Cruz and wed the Senorita Marcelite, stating that I have been a prisoner of pirates, of yourself in fact, who picked me up at sea after my vessel wasshipwrecked, and I was only ableto make my escape after desperate dangers and untold sufferings.” ‘*T understand, senor. ' “ And then?” “Why, { will get my sbare of,what Don .\e Castile has left by marrying his daughter, and if you feel revengeful toward your brother and wish to remove him from life in some way, a say by a-raid upon his bacienda and killing him hh. ‘ er. ——* vig : Aad Wnt EE os BP we A Se _ ear, ae eae Sh Sl, you will greatly oblige me, Senor Bertrando, an receive my heartfelt thanks. ** Now what do you say, senor, to such a com- pact between us?” Bertrando regarded Captain Revello with a look of positive admiration, as one man wil regard another for whom he has the bighest : respect and who has just done some heroic act, ‘* What have I to say, senor?” he asked with enthusiasm. ‘“« Yes, Bertrando,” was the cool reply. oh “Why I wish to say just this, that you are a a far greater villain than I am, and that is say- ing a very great deal, my dear Reyvello, for I “f am a very bad man.” \ es oe “TI feel flattered at such praise from you, Se Senor Bertrando, — ‘“* But yon do not answer my question.” — —. “Put it straight now, just what you wish?” **To become your first officer for one vear, or more, and then be allowed to disappear.” “ I see,” ‘“‘In return for which I am to pilot you to the . ee home of Don Ricardo Castile, whose Spanish oe. ed fortune you are to demand and receive from * oe him, leaving the balance for his daugbter, who I am to marry in good time, and then ae & you pre to render ber fatberless, thus nivg os 2: Re your own eovenge against your brother, fad FS “*T understand, senor.” ogc ‘* And agree to the compact?” _ Cpe oe ‘There is a slight obstacle in the way?” | : ..2 “ What is it?’ n oof Be ‘A man.” é a) cue “* Yourself?” : iat “ No.” ; A sf r: iad “* Who, then?” et “The officer whose shoes you wish to step Tat nto, ON id ‘**T do not care for that.” pS ah = “He is a dangerous mah, a very dangerous eh man, senor, and there is no better swordsman 4 aa " the world over than is Officer Cortez.” c fap. ‘I will meet him in the duello, and thus settle Be the nestion,’” er ob ‘Upon what plea wil] you meet br. & “Tell bim that if I can get the better of bim a, my life is to be spared, and I am to step into his ym” ace. Oh Rae “If he has courage he will be willing to meet, Er, ia ‘ ons me, and defend his place.” 0 f “The Senor Cotten is not a man to refuse, \ Senor Revello.” “s . “ And you agree to the compact, Iam to un- derstand?” eagerly said Revello, ‘*T have not so said, senor, “T must bave time to consider, and so will . give you av answer neon the morrow, you meanwhile being m est, % t png Seder ahe brig put away for the Mexican Coast, in cave I should decide to do as will lose Abie: . “@an you tell me about the course I am to a uhivarine near Don Ricardo’s home?” “*T will not say a word more, senor, upon the subject, until I know your decision. ‘Very well, and remember if I do not to the compact, death shall be the penalty you are to suffer, unless you agree to my terms, which are to piiot me to the home of my traitor er?” A bap " “T understand, Captain Bertrando, and you _ bave my answer now that I will not pilot ae ;
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be ‘ after which he cg nes, 4 “ % me Oe Revello, the Pirate Cruis is for the future, to wed his beautiful daugh- “This is the very plan, Senor Revello, and I will do as you suggest,” eagerly said the buc- eaneer chief, CITAPTER X'V. UNDER SUSPICION. “SeNoR, may f bave a word with you?” Tho ove who a-Ked the question was Waldo the second lientenant of the brig, and he ad- dressed bis captain. ‘© Well, Waldo, what is it?” asked Bertrando somewhat imprtiently, “J believe, senor, that you know I look to your interest?” ** Yes, along with “T only wisb to ¢ “A warning?” “Yes, Captain Bertrando,” “Of whom?” our own; but what then?’ er a warning, senor.” “The man who was picked up at fea, sir, in an open boat, and who is now next in command of the brig to you.” “You are jealous, Waldo,” “No, senor, 1am only watchful.” ** Well, what have you discovered?” *T bave seen Revello become second in com- mand to you, sir, showing his superiority over Cortez by killing bim.” “ Well?” ‘Then he gave the effacts of Cortez to the crew, and thus gained their good will.” ““ I see,” ‘His next move for power was to get that terrible Africaa of his into your cabin as cook and servant,” ** The black is barmless.” ** Harmless, Senor Captain?” “Yes, and as gentle as a lamb,” ‘* He is as ferocious as a tiger, senor, and a perfect giaut.” “oe Bab !? . ‘* He has already thrashed half the crew, and not two hours ago mastered a number of them who sprung ovon him,” **Can he be so terrible as you say, Waldo?” **T only wish you could see him in a fight, captain, for he is a terror, and the men, will let him aloue in future; but I tell you what I do to warn you that your life alone is betwoen the captain of this ship and Senor Ravello,” ‘Ab! and you suspect him of being a trai- “ Why should he not be, senor, for he is a regular officer of the Mexican Navy, and by the capture of your vessel could win unbounded fame. ‘* He bas lost his vessel and by taking yours in port as a prize could more than square the oss, “Then, too, he would fall heir to the treasure you have on board, while he would prevent you from getting from Don Ricardo the fortune yoo hope for, thus saving all for himself as the usband of Senorita Castile,” 7 mive,” excitedly said the buccaneer captaln. “Tt is all for your sake, senor, because I do not wish to see you destroyed by him.” “Well, you have set me to thinking, Senor ’ im glad of it, Captain Bertrando, for I have been thinking a have seen Senor reat deal ever since J vello coms .on board this vessel. ~ “T know what pogeet between you, as you nows that I have recognized e. not “This is a terrible warning, Senor Waldo, ‘and I thank you for it, as I intended this very ight to go with him to the hacienda of Don Ricardo,” — ie - “ Not alone, surely, Senor Captain?” “« Well, we were to go accompanied by Topaz who was to await near for us, and a party of seamen were to follow and be witbin call.” ** Senor Captain, let it ba so understood with Senor Revello, but allow me to follow with a large force of men, to be within hearing of your call should you need aid by being Jed into a trap, ae | “T will allow you to dothis, and thank you, “Tf Revello intends to play any bold game against me, then you will be on band to thwart 1m, “T thank you, Senor Waldo, for your warn- ing, and it may have saved my life, _ “Yes, I thank you most beartily,” and ae: tain Bertrando erenped his lieutenant’s hand, away, ‘ ? of t e two bad seen that theré was , pais Tar ‘a } ae 4 Ais Ve os a Le 2 a4 423 red “By Heaven, Walkio, but you are making a very clever case against this new lieutenant of k edb 5 he ” —T be ee ae Ne ae That one was Topaz, who bad seen them walk , away togetber, aad baving his suspicions | aroused against Senor Waldo, by his constant ; watching of him and his master, bad glided to the caboose, and throwing bimself down as though asieep had heard all that was said, ; . The moment that the buccaneer captain and | Waldo had walked away, Topaz arose and soon after entered the cabin to prepare the table for | dinner. He made«<ure that no one was watching bim, and standing by the open state-room door of Revellé, quickly t:ld him just what had been said, after which be glided away and went on with his duties, ‘‘Forewarned is forearmed,” muttered Cap- tain Revello. i ‘‘] have suspected Waldo all along, and now I must make sure that he does no miscbief. ‘* Let me think what is best to be done,” Half av hour after, when Captain Bertrando descended to the cabin for dinner, he found Sevor Revello apparently asleep on a divan and aroused him, ‘* Well, Revello, the land is rising rapidly and we will be well.in by sunset,” | ‘Yes, captain, and I have been thinking that ! -you had best take quite a large force with you ov the march inlanu to the hacienda, instead, as} we decided, a small one.” “Why do you think so?” ‘¢ Well, senor, should tbe Don decide to resist your demands by calling upoa his servants to arrest you, then you would be at his mercy, un- less you bad a force large enougb within call to / rescue,” ‘* You are right there, I believe.” “* And perhaps, senor, it would be best not to take Topsz iv with us, but to leave him outside | the gates, prepared upon hearing a signal we | can agree upon, to call up the reserve under / Lieutenant Waldo,” ‘“Why do you suggest Waldo, Senor Re- vello?” “You will hy me, Senor Captain, if I wrong Senor Waldo in your eyes, but he is | Jealous of my position over him, and with Cortez | out of the way, bas ambitions, I feel certain, / “Tf left on board the brig in commund, he might be tempted to turn captain himself, and you know he is very popular with the men,” ‘Yes, Ido know that he is,” said Bertrando, and he began to feel a very uncomfortable sus- picion against his second cfficer. ’ ** T should feel sorry to wrong Waldo, Captain Bertrando, but then I fear be is not the friend to you that you believe bim, for I, a stranger, bave discovered that,” said the cunning Revello, and he saw that his shot against Waldo had bit the mark, as Captain Bertrando said: - * Yes, Waldo shall go with ts,” CHAPTER XV, PLOT AND COUNTRRPLOT, Havine excited the suspicion of Captain Bertrando against Waldo, Revello determined to make the best of it. He had already decided upon bis plan of operations, and had been able to give into the bands of Topaz a slip of paper, upon which was written a few. words of instructions, He had noticed which were’ the men who seemed to be most friendly to the second officer, Waldo, and be was determined that all of these = goon the expedition ashore, and so had said: . “Senor Waldo, Captain Revello has decided to take two score men ashore with him to-night, so pick out those you deem, the best, as you: know them well, and you are to command them.” ‘ As Revello had supposed be would do, Waldo at once selected bis favorites, and reported bis meg ready when needed. The brig had gotten witbin a league of the shore when the sun set_ and the distant walls of the hacienda of Don Ricardo were plainly visi- ble with the glass, located as it was upon the side of a wooded bill. : _At the peak of the brig, for fear a glass might be turned upon her, floated the Mexican flag, and Revello had remarked to Captain Bertran- do that the vessel would be taken for the Mexi- can cruiser Rattlesnake, if seen by the people of the hacienda, / Standing by the side of the helmsmen, Re- vello directed them how to steer, and the bri glided slowly inshore, shortening sail as she went. : At last she entered the mouth of a lagoon, where Revello had often anchored his own vessel before, and the anchor was let fall. Then Captair Bertrando and Revello went over the side-of the brig into the waiting boats, the Mexican thoroughly disguised by a false heard, and both wearing the uniform of the Mexican Navy. | Pa eS _ Waldo was slready in the boats with bis men, and Topaz had taken bis place in the bow of the captain’s cutter, +a Xevello led the way whena landing was made, — -and after a march inland of nearly a league, he From tbe ioetele atimber motte not very far | Lights were ‘in the house, and on went ; . er, the ata glance, Captain Bertrando, Revello and Topaz, a signal having been agreed upon with Waldo to come if needed, when the Afyean should give the call, Captain. Bertrauco was suspicious now of both his officers as well as Topaz, and he was somc- what nervous in manner, having almost regret~ ted the undertaking. But the rich harvest he was to reap, if suecess~ ful, urged bim to go on, and he merely deter- mined to watch Revello and be on his guarit against any danger that migbt unexpectedly” turn up. Of course, if not suspected of treachery by those at the hacienda, and if neither Revello,, Topaz or Waldo proved traitors, then there woul be no danger, and all would be well witb. him, Approaching the bacienda gates, in the solid adobe wall, Revello knocked loudly, and a voice soon asked who was there. “ Captain Revello, of the Mexican brig-of- war Rattlesnake,” was the reply. _| There was an exclamation of pleasure at once heard, for Revello was a liberal friend to the servants of the Don, and the gate was at once opened. The man started back at seeing strangers, but: Revello said: ‘*We come with messages from Captain Re- vello to Don Ricardo, so pray say to him that two ¢ flicers of the brig desire an interview with him. Tbus reassured, and furthermore by a gold piece dropped into his hand, the gatekeeper de~ parted, and very soon after returned, to usher the cfficers into the presence of the Don, Don Ricardo Castiie was a man of fine pres- ence, but wearing a look of settled sadness, though his manners were cordial and winning. Hé looked like one who carried a shadow im his heart, though he tried to bide tbe fact fromr others, « ; He was seated in his pleasant sitting-room, & deeanter of wine on the table near him, aleng witb a basket of fruit and some sweetmeants, bub: arose when the cfficers were ushered into bis presence, F On account of bis disguise Revello was desir | ous that Captain Bertrando should be the spokes~ man, and in fact be was anxious to see just what the intention of the buccancer chief was... ‘‘Senors, I welcome you, I saw, ag I be- lieved, Captain Revello’s brig off-shore at sun- set, so expected a visit from bim, I hope no harm has befallen bim?” 3 “Yes, Don Ricardo, the Senor Captain Revel- lo bas been wounded, and he is anxious to see both you and your daughter on board his vessel, and we are to escort fou there,” announced Cap- ‘ tain Bertrando, glad of @ chance to entrap the- Don on board the brig. At his words Revello started, for to have putt both Dom Ricardoand his daughter in the power of Bertrando was not what he wished by avy means, :; He saw that the cunning pirate had so plot- ted, and had taken quick advantage of the chance to entrap them. — =o) This was not according to his wishes, or in- tentions, and he saw that he must act quickly,, and with boldness, for Don Ricardo said at once: 3 ‘My dear senors, I am pained to Jearn the sad news you are the bearers of, and I fear, as Captain Revello also a rege the presence of my danghter on board bis vessel, that bie condition is more serious than you care to make known,” ; “It is most serious, Don *Kicardo, in fact I may say that the captain is desp« rately wound~ ed and 80 begs that the Senorita Marcelite will accompany you,” x aco And this was a clever ruse then of Captain pererages, to get ww — and Marcelite also into his power, thought Revello. P He was being used for this See og avd once it was successful what would the bucca~ neer care es him? He woulf break faith with him and perhaps visit upon tbe Don and his daugbter the direst vengeance, : This would never do, celite ond Bevello himectt woul mercy of the pirate chief. fg aes ; It bad heen am intention of Revello to ellow the buccaneer chief to disclose to Don Ricardo. who he was, and demand of him his inheri- for then the Don, Mar- d be at the nce, t : That the high sense of hovor of Don Ricardo would akoaee give up that which belonged to his brother, pirate though he was, Revello felt sure, and with this treasure on board the brig, then the Mexican intended to plot the capture of the vessel and thus win undying fame for bim- aad they fail to get the Don’s gold, then Revello, determined to have money at all costs, intended to get rid of the buccaneer chie ‘througb the agency of Topaz so as to cast no- suspicion upon himself, and being then com- paneer sr Geamed fit to: turd tip and oleiin ty « til he ned ; claim the er tte Marcelite as his bride, a t this bold stand cwmtale A Bertrando toward ion would overtbrow : r - i e vessel to cruise the seas for plun- oJ : own plot, he saw ae vas ; . 4 ae . - -, Hd ida - ——— mat i = = rk SS oe 2 sa 4 LS IS ROO BRN SU EME ETY ENN SE et ge se ator ee =x ‘ Sa a Aa et aa ¢ iy J - x {ie cia ayy fi ace: * Wie tei, : * _ : er ty ‘ 7 nati ca oe S z 7 : A : hs , =r ear De.
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ame SOLAN: ese Elwin ee : : ey cae Pony TaN a gle . uid Gai boty Erk She = eer te) id SE LES eta oer Re eh Sire tj : 5 ea . ' 5 Drrer ~ Bh Abt ae fess yh ee Te: ) ae vm Saale iJ P} son yn’ CHAPTER XVI. THE PLOTTERS, Ir had seemed to Revello that he must win his me, either to thwart Captain Bertrando the uccaneer or cupture bim. He was a man who believed in luck, and al- vways played a build hand to have it go his way, « He could not believe that be had escaped death vin the wreck, and then starvation in the hfe- boat, as well as being killed by the desperate ‘Cortez, to be worsted ta bis plot to have ail go dis way now. , Bertrando knew well the surprise bis words must be to Revello, but did not even glance at him. He felt that be had the Mexican pinioned down ‘as it were, from any chance to wove against Aim. Could he get bis brother, the Don, and bis -daugiiter aboard of his yessel, ani at his mercy, then there would be go doubt of bis getting his old and his revenge as well, for he still felt the eepest hatred for the man who bad caused him to slay the woman he loved, and who had won ther from him, as he believed bad been the case, But Revello bad decided upon what he should -do, and what he did he did promptly, Suddenly the buccaueer chief felt the cold muzzle of a pistol against the back of his head, vand heard tbe words sternly uttered: ‘Captain Bortrando, move aud you area dead map. ‘*Don Ricardo, this man is Bertrando the ‘Baccaneer, and I will leave bim to your keeping aantil I return for him. “Quickly, call your servants!” The surprise of Bertrando wasas great as that of Don Ricardo, He had been cleverly outwitted, anid he knew that be would be shot down did he offer any re- sistance, He caught at one ray of hope, the fact that he would be left to the keéping of his brother, the Don, by the man who bad so boldly made bim a prisoner, He did not move, he did not even speak, and “the n, qnickly oes | his composure, -obeyed the stern command of KRevello to disarm sis prisoner. ; : 7 e stepped forward and removed his pistols from his belt and his sword, though his sur- prise was great at the change in the situation of affairs, i “T thank you, Don Ricardo, and will now ask “you to call San servants and secure this man, who is, as I said to you, nove other than Ber- trando, the Rucganeer, come here to rob -you sand to seek revenge, “ Hold hiiu a prisoner here until you can send dim to Vera Cruz, if I do not return for hm.” The Don called for aid and several servants rushed in just as Captain Bertrando was able to k after bis amazement, and cry out: “Tt isfalse! Iam not Bertranilo, the Bucca- meer.” “‘Upon my life he is, Don Ricardo, and a ‘and of bis men are now outside your bacienda, ‘so call your servants to be remly to resist an at- tack, should one be made, though do not let it ‘be known that you are prepared for them, ‘* Here, men, seize that man and put him in irons!” The servants who bad entered gazad at their master and at the stranger who gave them the order, uudecided as to whether to obey or not, “Do as the senor commands you,” said the Don, feeling that if the charge was true it ‘would be safer by far tu have the man in irons, At once Bertrando, now wholly disarmed and at the mercy of bis captors, was securely iron- ed, his bitter denunciation of Revello and his savage Oaths appalling these about bim, ** Now, Senor Yon Ricardo, I leave this pris- oner in your i ag. Sogn I return for bim, “Do not w him a chance to escape, and oe my coming, be it when it may,” said Re- vello, “ But, senor, who, may I ask, are you?’ sail “the Don, sheng about the man seeming fa- miliar, though in disguise, be could not recog- mize bim, ‘ ‘** You shall know in good season, Don Ricar- -do, who Lam; but now there is a work for me to do and I must depart, “*Piice your servants quietly on post to resist attack, aud if none occurs, arouse the country on the morrow and buvt down the strangers you find upou your shores, for they are followers of ‘this man,” ; “Tam not Bertrando, Don Ricardo, for that ‘man speaks falsely,” nvw cried Bertrahdo, de- termined to make » bold effort to esexpe. He saw that Dov Ricardo was puzzled, and he continued: “That man’s charge has astounded me go that ‘T could not find words to defend myself against ‘bis vile charges, for be, not 1, is Bertrando the ecan: er!” _ * Ha! can this be true?” cried the astonished In an instant Revello saw that be must con- _ tinue to pes a bold game to win, 7 t 8 did not wish to make*bimself known to yp, but he saw no other course, | were a score of servants now in the - it \ +< Po j - 2 - @ rabech - é~+s Revello, the Pirate Cruiser. room, and standing in the doorway, alarmed Waldo and his men entrapped, and up the lagoon and amazed, was Marcelite Castile, called to the scene by the loud voices she bad heard. Springing to the side of Don Ricardo, Revello said in a low tone, and speaking rapidly: “Tt 1s as I have said, Dov Ricardo; that man is Bertrando the Buccaneer, * You must trust me in this, senor.” “He speaks fal.ely, Don Ricardo! Do not p»t faith in bim, for he seeks only to escape pow,” cried Be :trando, catching the low words uttered by Reverio, F Toe Don was undecided which to believe, and stood like a dazed man, The two officers of the Mexican brig-of-war, as be bed believed, at first seemingly friends. had so suddenly become foes, and made “uch bitter charges, the one egainst the otber, that be knew not which to believe, or » bat. Thus be «tood, undecided, and Revello saw that he could only triumph by making a still bolder stroke, He had hoped to have it believed that he was lost with bis vessel, when ber loss should become known, until be saw fit to return and make his escape known, He now saw that be must tell who he was to win the day, and vet he did not wish Marcelite to know him, or the servants either, So he said in the same low tone in which he bad before spoken: “Don Ricardo, what I tell you of this man is true, for Le is Bertrando the Buccaneer, and he came here to rob you, to get you and your daughter into his power, “Why I am here I cannot now explain, but you must trust me and pledge your bonor not to reveal my identity to any one, if I make known to you who I am asa proof that I speak the truth. ‘t Do you so pledge your word of honor to me, Don Ricardo?” ; ““1 do, if your identity is proof that I can rely upon your word,” was the reply. ** You shall be the judge of that, for I am Rudolph Revello,” a CHAPTER XVII. REVELLO’S BOLD STROKE. BERTRANDO did not hear the words uttered by Radolpb Revello to the Don, but be saw the sudden start of the Spaniard and his quick glance into the aisguised face of his captor who bad turned the tables upon him, Then he heard the words of the Don: **T will believe you, senor, J] do, and you may depend upon me to aid Sea “Thanks, senor, thanks, * Now [ will leave this man to your keeping, for I have important duties to perform, as you will know: ere long.” With a wave of the hand he moved quickly toward the door, bowing to Marcelite who stepped aside to allow him to pass her, while she said eagerly: “Ob senor! what does all this mean, I beg you to tell me?” “Some day you will know all, senorita,” was the basty reply, and Revello passed out into the corridor and thus out of the hacienda, He crossed the Plaza, went out of the gate in the wall, which the man in attendance there ocened agg rn and hs ~— aged was skirt- og along encircling r to where be had lett Topaz. RS ‘rican was on the watch and confronted m, “Come, Topaz, the captain is a prisoner to Don Ricardo, and wé must regain the vessel with all haste,” ‘** And the Senor Waldo and bis men, senor?” asked Topaz, ; ‘*Must remain where they are to fall into a trap on the morrow, | ““Come, we must reach the lagoon by a differ- ent path than the one we came and get on board the brig.” The negro at once moved forward in silence, Revello following, and they flanked the motte in which Waldo and his men were awaiting! A rapid walk of nearly an bour brought them & ie shores of the lagoon and Revelio quickly ‘* Ho the Ocean Rapier ahoy!” “ Ay, ay, sanor,” came from the officer of the watch in response, we “Quick! send a boat. ashore, get up. ancbor and set sail!” was the command of Revello, “Ay, ay, senor,” answered the officer, and at once all was excitement on board the brig. \ A boat soon came to the shore and Revello and Topaz sprung roto it and were rowed quick- ly back to the buccaneer craft, Tue Mexican fully appreciated his desperate situation, but did not flinch, What if the crew refused to obey his orders? W bat if the Senor Waldo and bis men should returo to the shore before the brig sbould sail? _ He dared not stop to think, the die was cast and be must trust to his usual luck and pluck to | save him and accomplish his ends, He soon reached the deck of the brig and there | was no hesitation io bis manner, no flinching | from the ordeal before him. - “Senors, the ceptain is a prisoner, Senor a r here above us lies a vessel-of-war. “We must get to sea with all haste or we are lost. “To your posts all, and see that every man does his duty, or the yard-arm of a frigate will cust its shadow over him on the morrow!” The bucceneer officers did not stop to think, for alarm was the paramount feeling that in- fluenced all, They saw their snior cfficer return witbout their captein, and Senor Waldo and his party were also left behind, lf it heed been simply to land and recapture them frem the people of a bacienda, they would have been willing. But with the report that a vessel-of-war lay In the lagoon above them, that ti ey must put to sea with all dispatch, or expect to be swung up at the yard-arm, they bad but one desire, and that was to obey. — Perbaps later their lieutenant might explain more fully, but just then the only chance for them they believed wes to obey his commands, To a map, the half-score of: pirate officers sprung to their posts of duty, and did obey, and the men, not understanding what it all meant, also obeyed with alacrity. . It was just what Revello bad supposed they would do, and he smiled to himself as be saw the brig swing around and head out of the lagoon seaward, When the shore was beyond hailing distarce, and the voice of Senor Waldo could not have been beard to bail, be it ever so loud, Revello breathed more freely. He saw astern cff the bill the baci« nda, bril- liantly illuminated, and this told the <flicersand men thet something wes going on there of an upusuel nature. ’ Revello saw his officers grouping ther near bim, as héstood upon the quarter-deck, and he knew that they expected some explanation regarding the loss of their captain, a lieutenant, and over one-third of the crew! Revello took matters very coolly, however, gezed long and quietly through bis glass toward the brightly lighted hacienda in the distance, and then said: ‘‘Senors, I am sorry the captain saw fit te have bis own way about getting into the haci- enda, for it cost him bis liberty, maybe his life, unless he can be rescued. * The fact is, he went alune into the bacienda, ard left Senor Waldo and his men to seek an en- trance to the north, and at a gate a peon we met told bim was unguarded. . “The peon deceived him, for the men went . through the gate directly into the camp of the eattlemen; and asI had remained at the main _gate, 1 heard a horseman dash up to the haci- enda and report the capture of a number of pirates, cne of whom stated that their chief wae then visiting the Don, under pre being a Mexican officer, : eal ‘*Topaz bad gone into the hacienda with captain, and he now came toward the gate at a run, and I was forced to kill the gatekeeper tc. ~ allow of his escape, : *** Come, Senor Master,’ cried my slave: ‘““*There are <flicers vais at the hacienda whose) vessel-of-war is in the lagoon above the anchorage of the brig, Captain ando i teh and so are Senor Waldo and hie mep. : . ‘“** Come Senor Master, and save the brig.’ “You may be sure, senors, that I lost no time in Lastening to the brig, avd the situation as it stands you are now acquainted witb; but had Captain Bertrando entered with his men at the main gate, where he did alone, be could have sacked the hacienda and made a bis escape to the brig before the men m the frigate could bave prevented, “Now, senors, we will stand off until the land is well down and watch for what the mor- row may develop, for it may be that we can rescue our gallant captain and his men.” : CHAPTER XVIII. THE NEW CAPTAIN, “My usual luck, Topaz,” said Captain Rudolph Revello with a smile of satisfaction, as | he sat at breakfast in the cabin, the morning after bis bold stroke aud heard the report that tbe land was just visib]-, and in the lagoon they bad anchored in the night before was a large vessel-of-war visible, , “Yes, Senor Master, the vessel seemed to have come there to help ‘you out,” said the African in return, and he chuckled ow ee’ : vaptain. | good luck, for the negro had seen that some of the crew were doubtfal of the new eons and he told him so, _ de : ** Doubt medo they, Topaz?” i ” it! do, senor,” | eae} ee Well, | am captain of this vessel, and cha) 80 remain,” sate “ Yes, senor.” “* You remember I su gated 4 contro: wheo we were drifting ie the boat n “ It seemed PE ay to you I sup. now, as you see, “pose, for me to have such a thought, but it Te ge Pa Le
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a a ee 2 = ai = Zl oh to Neeee eee ate 10 **T do see, senor,” ** J suppose 1 must, to save trouble, yield cer- tain rights to the crew, so J shall run in ashore when | can, Jand with a force and make believe rescue the captain and our men,” ‘ Yes, senor, it would be well,” “Of course, I will send you ahead to recon- noiter, and you can take word to the Don to be prepared for us, so as to beat us off, and the loss of a few more pirates will be all the better for me, ‘* Yes, senor,” ““Now keep your eyes and ears open, Topaz, 80 as to inform me of all that occurs,” ‘*] will, senor,” assured Topaz, and he left the cabin. Captain Revello mused for awhile in his pleas- ant cabin, a satisfied smile upon bis dark, hand- some face, for he felt that he was master of the situation, . Then he went on deck and turned his glass shoreward, where was visible, just off the lagoon, a large vessel-of-war, ‘ There is a smaller craft ulso, senor, just be- * yond the frigate, and she seemes to have come out of the lagoon, and is now hidden by the large vessel,” said an officer, ‘* Yes, I see ber now just coming into view. “I fear it is allup with poor Captain Ber- trando and his men, for the frigate is Spanish beyond doubt, as Mexico has no such large ves- sel as that, “T will stand in and draw them off in chase, and when we lose them at night, we can double on our course and run back to see if we can cap- . ture Captain Bertrando,” ; “If he is stillin the bacienda, senor, and the vessels-of-war are not on the coast, we can cap- ture him and the men,” Yes, without doubt, Senor Ravilez, ‘“‘ At any rate we can try, for Captain Ber- trando has been a true friend to me, and I would not have harm befall him if it could be averted, “Tf we fail, then I shall leave it to the officers and crew to decide who is to command them, for, as a stranger in your midst I may not be acceptable,” and Revello again leveled his glass at the distant frigate, well knowing that his words would be repeated throughout the ship, and with good effect, as no one would believe him to be guilty of deserting the captain to his fate, or seeking the command of the Ocean Rapier unless it was offered to him with the con- sent of all. Added to his words the appearance of the two vessels-of-war, the frigate and a schooner, most opportunely carried out his report the night before of there being a cruiser in the lagoon, something he had not dreamed .of when he made the assertion. He now gave the orders to run down toward the coast again, so that the brig would be sight- ed by the cruisers, for as yet she seemed not to have been seen by them. The buccaneer brig had been but a few min- utes upon her course landward, when it was augpond she was sighted from the frigate, ‘he glass showed several persons going up - into the rigging, and soon after there was a sig~ nal flying and the schooner hastily put out to sea, The schooner was already under way, and had run into the lagoon, while the frigate was anchored outside. : Believing the two vessels to have been in the lagoon during the night, the crew of the brig supposed that they had run out in chase of their craft, though Revello knew better, He was aware that no vessel could go far be- yond where the brig had anchored, and knew that the frigate and schooner were just cruising along the coast and happened. to arrive off the mero at an opportune moment for him person- e frigate bad dro anchor off-shore, while the schooner had. gone into the lagoon, doubtless searching for coast buccaneers, Now the schooner was dispatched out toward the brig, while the frigate was getting up an- chor and sail to follow, Revello had every confidence in the fleet sail- ing qualities of the brig to outfoot the frigate, for the wind was fresh and steady, there being no prospects of a calm to bring him within reach of the cruiser’s boats, As for the little schooner he held no fear of her whatever Still he did not intend to trust himself too near the frigate’s gas. “Set the Mexican flag, Senor Ravilez,” he said, as he saw the Spanish colors run up to the = of the schooner and then on board the rigate, “They will take us for the Mexican cruiser | Rattlesnake, senor,” was the answer of Rayil as he obeyed the order given him, ** That is just what I wish them to believe,” was the answer. e The Mexican flag was accordingly set and yet the brig beld steadily on toward the shore, At last Revello ordered the sigrial officers to set the signals that the buccaneer was the Mexi- can cruiser Rattlesnake, and in chase of the buc- caneer 2 of aah Rapier, wile the question was if the outlaw craft ate or aia ed asa vs de ba | ~~ Re been seen inshore | a . —— - . = 4 %, The answer promptly came that the buc- caneer brig Ocean Rapier was reported off the coast and they were in search of her, Then the outlaw signaled that be would cruise seaward, and head in toward the coast again in a couple of days, The pirate crew read the signaling with con- siderable added ‘admiration for their new cap- tain, as bad the officers also, and the brig was bende away seaward once more under easy sail, A lookout was kept aloft watching closely the frigate and the schooner, which had been so cleverly deceived, and those vessels were seen to continue their cruise slowly along the coast, Thus twenty-four hours pissed away, and then the prow of the Ocean Rapier was turned back toward the coast where was situated the hacienda of Don Ricardo Castile. ** Now we go to the rescue of our captain and his men,” Revello had said, and bis words were cheered by officers and crew, while the new cap- tain was still more highly regarded by all on board the buccaneer craft. CHAPTER XIX. THE MISSION OF TOPAZ Ir was after nightfall of the third day follow- ing her flight from the lagoon, when the buc- caneer brig came in sight of the distant light that marked the hacienda of Don Ricardo Castile, Not a thought bad Revello of the frigate or schooner being in the lagoon, yet he was anxious that the crew should feel that he was on the alert to prevent a trap, and so he said on the quarter-deck: “We will lay to here, Senor Ravilez, as we are within Jess than half a mile of the lagoon, and my slave can swim ashore and reconnoiter, ** Tf there are no vessels in the lagoon, then he can return and report and we will run in and land a force to march against the hacienda, “Of course they will not expect an attack, and we can easily carry the place by storm, —_ we can get secretly into the hacienda wa: . ‘‘If Captain Bertrando and his men are pris- oners there, we can secure them; but if not then we must be content with the booty we secure from the hacienda, and the place is rich in plunder I assure you.” ; ** But can the slaye swim ashore, senor?” ask- ed Ravilez, Opaz. of “‘Disrobe yourself of your outer clothing, Topaz, spring into the sea and swim to the lagoon. ; *Reconnoiter it fully and see if there is any vessel at anchor there, “Then return to the brig, and lose no time about it, for we must reach the hacienda soon after midaight in order to get back with the rescued party aud the plunder by dawn.” “T understand, master,” was the response of bs jag and he made haste to obey, @ soon Came on deck with only a garment about his waist and with a plunge went over the bulwarks into the sea, They saw him disappear and that was all, and Revello descended into the cabin to get what rest be could while the slave was gone. As for the crew they hoped that Topaz would be eaten by sharks and never return, for they had cause to stand African. His ox eta strength, tiger-like move- ments, lightning quickness, added to his deform- ity, ferocity when aroused and weird nature, made him a terror to the superstitions sailors. So they bepet, if the rescue of the captain and their comrades was postponed indefinitely, that Topaz would be eaten by the sharks that bad been seen about the vessel for hours, . In the meanwhile Topaz had not the slightest dreatl of the sea monsters, for he had smeared his black shining body all over with an ointment which he knew would keep the sharks at a dis- tance, as they dreaded the scent of it he was aware from experience, f He did not head toward the lagoon entrance however, when he (prune into the sea, but straight toward the shore, the light from the hacienda being his guide. Where there was no landing there for a boat he could land he well knew with the sea quiet as it then was, and he swam with strong, swift strokes straight for the nearest shore, his master Topaz at once ap- proached, Tbe breakers were falling upon the rocks as} he Aborpecked, though not heavily, and” he so ma : 'e bis way as to land without Sages. The moment he reached the rocks he shook himself as a dog does, and then started off at a run straight for the hacienda lights a mile or more away. Had he gone to the lagoon for a landing he would have had a couple of miles further to go on foot and twice the distance to swim, He did not stop his long, swin run until he had reached the gate of the hacienda, and his { eta. ae ‘ - — = — vello, the Pirate Cruise in holy dread of the. | r, a a rar ET call soon brought a cautious inquiry from withim: as to who was there asking admittance, ** Open the gate to receive this letter for Dom. Ricardo,” he said, The iron-studded gate was very cautiously opened the width of a chain that held it from witbin and the | pa stood where there: could be no shot fired from ambush, Into the opening the African thrust his huge hand and it held a package wrapped securely’ with oiled silk to prevent its getting wet, “Give this to Dov Ricardo without a mo- ment’s delaypfor it is a question of life or death: to him,” ‘* Who shall I say sends it?’ asked the keeper.. “It matters not; do as I say, or your life will be the forfeit,” The keeper asked another question, but got no answer, as Topaz was flying along the road leading to the lagoon, He had carried out the secret instructions of his master and was hastening back to the brig. He reached the shores of the lagoon at a point. where navigation of othef than a small boat. ended, gave a quick, keen scrutiny of the waters, and then continued on his run along the marsh toward the sea, He reached the point at the mouth of the lagoon, his eyes meanwhile having seen that there was no vessel at anchor there, anc plung- ing into the waters, he headed out for the brig. No light was allowed on board, and so it was some little time before he could place her in the darkness. But soon, like a specter craft, the shadowy: outline of the vessel came into view and he swam swiftly on, finmindful of the sea monsters: about bim, and which kept well out of bis way, owing to the bated odor of the ointment he was: covered with. ’ The crew stood looking over the bulwarks,. watching for his return though bardly expecting it, and even the cfiicers, as they heard the splashing of the sharks about the vessel, feeling sure that Topaz must bave met a terrible tate. They bardly expected bim to go asbore and back within less time than three hours, and yet: before two-thirds of that time had passed Senor Ravilez entered the cabin to report to Reyello: that the African had not returned. 3 Revello yawned as though awakened from a nap, glanced at the gold watch he carried, and then said; i “Tt is not yet time, Senor Ravilez, for he has. been gone only two hours.” ** Yes, senor, but the waters seem fairly alive with sharks, c “You know that they have followed in the brig’s wake allday?” __ “Yes, senor, but Topaz h&s no fear of. sharks,” “No fear of sharks, Senor Captain?” asked Ravilez, with astonishment. ‘* Not the slightest fear of them, ‘*Give bim time, and he will return all right,’”” And as Revello uttered the words there were ae startled cries on deck and then came the words: : ‘*I¢ is not Satan or a black spirit, but the cap- tain’s slave,” “He has returned,” coolly said Revello, and he went on deck, accompanied by Ravilez. CHAPTER XX, THE MARCH INLAND, e THE African well knew how he was regarded by the buccaneer crew, and he took delight in adding to their terror of him in every way pos- sible. So he had made a circuit of the brig, as he saw the heads of the crew, looking over the bul- warks landward, and diving deep, bad reached the chains, and suddenly sprung over the bows into the midst of balf a hundred men. That he was mistaken for Satan, ora black spirit of the deep by these superstitious outlaws, was pot to be wondered at, and they sbrunk from him with cries of horror and terror, It was these cries which had reachéd the ears of Ravello and Officer Ravilez in the cabin, and they hastened on deck to find Topaz quietly com- ing aft, enjoying in his own grim way the ter- ror he bad caused among the crew, He approached the group of cfficers aft, and bent low in salute to Ravello, who said sternly: “ Well, slave, you have returned?” ‘‘T have, Senor Master.” “You reached the shore?” ‘* Yes, senor.” “ And obeyed my orders?” “T did, senor.” 4 ‘* Ts there a vessel in the lagoon?” ‘* There is no vessel there, senor,” ‘You saw no vessel, boats or men?” ** No, senor,” kiss “It is well, Topaz, you did your duty as I or- | dered, and I will remember it. wer ‘‘ Now prepare to accompany me ashore.” _ Tbe slave saluted a. retired, and Captain Revello turned to the te officers. ““Senors, you bave heatd shy slaye’s report?” 1 bo § 7 A wed. Fi ‘‘ Now it is proof that the frigate and schooner went on up the coast, but wh aa Ds i a7 ee aS Sk “4 ae 0D Lt ' they carried
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- a =a pre ES gy Ca ain Bertrando and his men remains for us _ to find out. ‘As they were Spanish vessels, I do not be- lieve Don Ricardo Castile would surrender them as prisoners to the cruisers, but rather keep them at his hacienda until the Mexican Govern- ment could-send a vessel after them. ** But af at the hacienda we must rescue them, and if not there we must get the rich booty that is there, and also avenge our comrades, ‘* You understand, senors, the situation?” The frigate officers bowed, and Revello con- tinued: **Now I shall run into the lagoon and an- chor, landing in boats, and pushing across to the hacienda, “IT must strip the brig of men, as we will need all the force we have, and Senor Morel and half a dozen of the crew will be enough to re- main on board in charge,” and Revello referred to the youngest of the officers, and one who he was very sure held no ambitious aspirations to turn ate captain himself, and so would not run off with the vessel left in bis charge. The brig was accordingly headed in for the lagoon, and soon came to anchor there. All but Revello felt anxious regarding the re- sult. The captain and a third of the crew, under Officer Waldo, had been captured, or killed, and two Spanish vessels had been seen on the coast, and there might be danger of their re- turn, thought officers and men. But Revello felt that the presence of the two cruisers there was an accident, and that they were then far away. As to what had me of Waldo and his men he did not know; but he had certainly — Don Ricardo time enough to hunt them down, and be had left Bertrando a prisoner in irons, in the charge of a wicked brother whom he had every reason to fear for his own and his daugh- ter’s sake. There was danger that some one of the men under Waldo night have escaped, and seeing the brig come in would join the land force and de- nounce him as a traitor; but he bad to takesuch chances, and Topaz had bis orders to look out for any one who might thus appear and silence ‘him by a death-blow. The boats pulled away from the brig with all but the — officer and half a dozen men of the crew, and a landing was soon made, the boats being left in charge of two men who were told to keep well off-shore, and only land when getting the proper commund to do so. Then the march inland began, Topaz leading by the side of his master. The men were divided into platoons of eight, each under command of a pirate officer, and all were thoroughly armed, At last the lights of the hacienda came in sight, and Captain Revello said: * Senors, it is my intention to knock and gain admission into the walls. “T will enter, followed by coe and when we have mastered the guard I will give the sig- nal for you to enter, “Once within the walls we will have all our own way. “ Do you understand, senors?” The officers bowed, ‘* Now, senors, there must be no wanton de- struction bere, — follow me, killing where we have it to do, and I will Jead you tothe hacienda vaults, where there is a vast treasure kept by the Don, *t Now we will advance, and once within the walls we must keep together, for the Don has a large number of servants and the place is well- guarded against attack, “The captain and bis men, if still held prison- vw here, will be in the vaults, where the treasure ept. , ‘** Are you ready, senors?’ All signified their readiness to be Jed on to the rescue of their captain and comrailes, and to en- rich themselves with booty, a desire in their’ paramount to the release of their ship- mates, and Revello gave the order to move on. _It was past the midnight hour and only a sin- le light was visible, shining from a tower seen yond the high adobe walls surrounding the hacienda. : ‘The house was a grand one, situated upon a bill heavily timbered, above which aroso a Mdjoronug back inland, he adobe s were high, thick and strong with entra . ed ere and there, and a Plaza was uporPthe south side running back to the hacien- da; which was large enough to quarter a regi- | ment of cavalry, borses and tense men crept up to the iron-b gate and aptain Revello gave three loud, knocks, _ At first no reply came, and they were re- _Then from within the guards’ quarters by wee came a sleepy request to know who was | “TI desire to see Don Ricardo Castile, for I have landed from my vessel now at anchor in the lagoon, | re pee ee oF ~ Reve os es © el PCMAG CON 9 ee a or CHAPTER XXI, _ THE SURPRISE, THE moment that Revello, again in the same disguise in which he had left the brig with Ber- trando, the Buccaneer, sonnel through the half- pane portal in the adobe wall, Topaz was close at his heels, There was a man there in tbe Mexican attire, as seen by the light of the lantern he carried, and instantly he was seized by Revello and the African, The lantern was placed upon the ground near the open gate, while the Mexican guard was aragged into the little hut near. Tbe men, or those nearest the open gate, saw the act and yet stood awaiting without the call of their commander to enter, In a few minutes the signal was given, Re- Sars and Topaz being still in the little guard- ouse, Instantly the buccaneers rushed into the Pl» za, ed on by their officers, and they had just balted, awaiting for Captain Revello to come and place himself at their head, when from the hacienda, and the dark recesses of the walls came flashes of flame and the roar of musketry, It was a complete surprise, and made known that the people of the hacienda were on watch, that they were not surprised by the coming of the buccaneers, but had been on the watch to give a surprise instead. At the first fire a dozen mensunk down, either killed or wounded, and among them was an officer, # Then Revello darted out of the little cabin and his voice rung in startled tones: sz ** Retreat, men, for those shots came from men-o-war’s men! ‘Retreat for ‘your lives, but do not fly in fear!” The men crowded out of the gateway just as another volley came, and several more of their number went down. “We cannot fight men in ambush, for it is useless, ; “We must reach the boats, for the hacienda is wel! defended,” cried Revello, and he placed himself at the head of his men, The buccaneers were almost disheartened b this turn of affairs, for where they had gone to rescue their legitimate captain and their com- rades, aud to get a fortune in plunder, they had — more of their number and had lost all ty. Perhaps even they might be pursued by their foes, \emmed in and made to fight for their lives with the chances all against them, This belief was added to by loud shouts from within the hacienda, and the firing of niusketry over the walls, Then came the ring of hoofs upon the stone Plaza and loud commands which set the bucca- neers going at a double-quick, ¢ Revello bade Topaz lead the way back to- ward the lagoon, by the nearest path, while he bravely remained in the rear to beat back any Y paage Se ‘““Ha! They have gone around the road and we will savea mile on them, “They will not dare press too close, fearing an ambush, and so we will reach the boats in good time. “Steady, men, s and you who are un- hurt aid your wound ‘ : rades,” aud broken-down com- All turned out as Revello had said, for the buccaneers reached the shores of tke lagoon while the sound of the pursuers pushing on was yet a quarter of a mile away, = ‘Into the boats, lads; and pull for the brig,” shouted Revello, and his orders were obeyed with a bn espn that showed the men were in dire dread of capture. a og Ho the brig!” shouted Revello a moment ter. . ** Ay, ay, sir,” responded the young officer left in charge of the vessel. ‘Get up the anchor and Jet fall the sails as well as you can.” ; “* Ay, ay, sir,” came response, and as the last boat ran alongside of the brig the anchor had left the mud, while the sails were being set. - ae — — — r ——— lo, the Pirate Cruiser. 11 The crew seemed to realize most fully that but for their captain being in command, they would have been entrapped at the hacienda and shot down or captured. Revello accordingly rose still higher in the re- gard of his officers and men, All felt that a bold move had been made to rescue Captain Bertrando and the others, and that it failed was no fault of theirs, But, it had failed, and with the brig now very sbort-handed, it was but rigkt that they should think of their own safety, Nota man of the crew was there who did not now congratulate himself upon having Revello for their new captain, for they had not the con- fidence in Senor Ravilez as a commander that they would have had in Cortez or Waldo, who would bave become their chief under the cir- cumstances but for the presence of the Mexican. The dawn was not very far distant when the brig got an offing, and as the wind was still very light, the men Jooked shoreward anxiously to await the coming light. It might reveal to them a large vessel-of-war -——perhaps more than one—the boats of which in that — wind could readily overbaul their craft, if sent to the attack, and in numbers suf- ficient to carry her by boarding. . But the dawn came, and no vessel was in sight, so it was sup by all that a crew had been left with the Don by the frizate, to protect his home, or the Government at Vera Cruz had sent some soldiers there. Revello also gave this as his belief, and then he called his officers together and asked them if it was their wish that he should still retain com- mand, To a man they answered in the affirmative, and then Revello said: ‘* Well, senors, as 1am to be your captain, I wish the brig put in perfect trim, and I know the very spot where this can be done in safety, so we will sail for the place I bave in view at once.” And so the buccaneer 2 was put away for a retreat on the shores of Mobile Bay, to under- go a thorough overhauling. CHAPTER XXII. THE PIRATE'S TREASURE, te THERE was a stronger motive for sailing for uf Mobile Bay in the mind of Captain Revello. than having the brig repaired, She sadly needed repairs, that was certain, for she was rusty for want of paint, a number of ugly scars were visible in bull and spars, and the sails were patched alow and aloft, Then, too, her rigging had been considerably cut up by shot in the various actions which she had been engaged in, a The motive that was foremost in the mind of Captain Revello for seeking a secure haven in Mobile Bay will soon be shown. He had set the brig upon her course for the retreat, and then descended into his cabin, Up to that time he bad not felt so wholly sure of his position, fearing an outbreak of the crew. But now he was captain to all intents and purposes and determined toassume the power as such. % = Spree Calling bis faithful black comrade to him, he said: . chief cf this and crew, ‘“Yes, Senor Master, you have done as you. said,” was the reply of the African, “Do you know, Topaz, why I am going to obile Bay?” . ‘** No, senor.” : “Well, Topaz, though I do not believe it pos- sible that my— my—the e¢abin-boy, Ivan, I ‘mean, could escape, still, should it be possible that he did, that the wreck did not go to pieces | and he thus be taken off by some ssing vessel, there would be two things be would do,” “Yes, senor.” = ** He would first seek my island retreat, and thinking that I might escape, lay a trap.there to catch me in, should I go there, which I will -not do. ‘Did we go there, then that would end our The wind was off-shore and the brig was | lives, for you know the power heki over the soon moving seaward while her crew were hanling up the boats and spreading canvas, The pursuers had meanwhile reached the ‘shore of the lagoon and a few shots rattled ag toward the brigand Ravilez quickly ask- “Can I a few shots among them, senor, and pey off the score for our dead gon rei “‘T only wish that we dared do so, Ravilez; but our heavy guns would be beard by the cruisers which must be near up or down the coast, for those who fired upon us were not be by any means,” pits . No, senor, I should think not; but as you = * trae yd ie = oe to hear our shots, for this wind is t i out to a calm.” tae Pua This idea seemed to convince Ravilez that | the captain was on the safe side in not firing upon ion went the rou of the ship when. of Revello were known, — 5 Se hie ua FE agak ee the pee ot neraers pamars, and the same oe ‘ . r > - ¥ sy 3 poet Ee N her little boy, eople of the Island Retreat by my wife, the seen Queen, and she would visit ven- eance upon me for leavirg the cabin-boy te ie in irons.” Yes, senor,” pray: The chief did not see the peculiar smile that flitted over the fuce of the African. : Had he done 80 he would tve felt convinced Fh that the negro kuew that the cabin-boy was none other than bis wife, Luci. ; =e ball oo thoughts beyond wha ok of. les ny ff eR - “Now, Topaz, you see it would not be well forustogotothberetreat” _ “No, seno 2 rr” == = 5p come .* But should the cabin-boy escape and go to — the retreat, then my wife would at euce de am orig her old home on Mebie Bee? took to het ittle boy, and found her mother dead, the p “Well, Topaz, this. looks as titegt I was the But Captain Rev 2e tof 2at the S aptain ello seemed ot be bade hice . ; . Sees ‘Now, when I went there last, at the time I _ to her old home, along with our —
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* a ruin almost, and her father a madman, whom I was forced to kill, I buried there the treasure I had on buard the brig with me. ‘*T now. desire to place more treasure there, for what belonged to Captain Bertrando, the Buccaneer, is mine.” ‘* Yes, senor.” “T shall look over the treasure and take the most valuable of it, and which can be easily haudiled, for myself, and that means for you, too, ‘* The balance I shall divide between my offi- cers and crew, and that will make me more pop- ular with them.” ** It will, senor.” ** After the treasure, my part of it at least, is hidden away with the other, and we must get it ashore secretly, then we can depart, as soon as the brig is repaired, for a cruise.” ** A cruise, senor?” ‘‘' Yes; but just where I willgo I have not yet fully decided. “The truth is, Topaz, I intend to wed the Senorita Marcelite Castile, and this act of mine, in becoming captain of the brig, will win me everlasting fame,” ‘* Yes, senor.” * But of that we will not now speak, though to me the fortune looks all radiant now.” ‘* Yes, senor,” ** Now, let me ask you about your run to tho hacienda,” **T ran there, Senor Master, gave the letter to the guard, and returned by way of the lagoon.” _ $* Yes, I was sure of that, when cur plans were carried out without a bitch, “Bat L wish you to keep your eyes and ears open, Topaz, for all that goes on, and to tell me if there is any underband work brewing.” * Pll do it, Senor Master; but‘the officers and men all regard you bigbly, and have no suspicion against you.” “Tt is well; but now T shall look over the treasure of Bertrando, who I hope has been banged before this, and I am really anxious to know his fate. ‘*Let me have a warning if I am to be inter- rupted.” \] will, senor,” responded the African, and he left the cabin, . _ For a few minutes the Mexican paced up and down the cabin in deep thought. The wind was blowing lightly and the brig was gliding smoothly along. At last Revello stepped to a closet in the panel work and unlocked 36, From within be took a key and raising a rug rr v9aled a square trap in the floor of the cabin. There was a keyhole in it, and into this he thrust the key, turning it twice, while he mused half aloud: “Tt is lucky I watched Bertrandg do this or I- would have to break the secret hold open with an ax. The lid was then raised by means of a key, coming out instead of opening upon binges. ‘In each corner was visible a bolt, while in the corners of the trap were suckets into which they fitted when locked, each turn of the key shoot- ing a.bolt, or drawing it back toopenit. — The opening revealed was some two feet ory and three feet deep and it was Siron- There was a quantity of massive silver plate in it, some boxes and several bags heavy with old, while there was also some loose jewelry, nd-hilted swords and other valuables, “ Here is a fortune for me to all appearances, s:3¢ shows boxes bave gems then I ani a rich man; but I will be generous, as I can afford to be, for one-third of it goes to the crew, and that smply meaus a gift to my Government. Well, it’s a bold game I am playing, but pluck and determination will carry me through all right.” 9 So saying he began to open the | oxes, were locked, but the keys were attached to them by a ribbon, and as the lid of each one _ ‘Was opened the eyes of the Mexican sparkled. with avaricious delight, _. Bertrando was a man of taste, and he has left. me a very liberal fortune, 1 must confess, “A short while since adrift in an open boat, dying of thirst and bunger, and now commander of a craft bare second to my beautiful wrecked brig, and with every prospect before me bright- ening. “ Row to value my treasure.” - CHAPTER XXIII. THE HIDDEN RICHES, é Tae boxes which Revello found in the cabin of the buccaneer Bertrando contained jewelry of rare value, and precious stones, = : With the eye of a man who well knew the value of gems and gold, Revello went over the contents of the pirate treasure, and made selec- tions for himself. _ These he carefully put aside and bid away in his state-room, The rest of the treasure was returned to the Tooker, and the Jid was put on and Then Revello went on deck and had a little Re oto the Sonveraton eae eee eerepees sed Cs enter % Revello, the Pirate Cruiser. officers were called, and Senor Ravilez made known the fact that their new captain was a very generous man, In truth he had proposed that, as Captain Bertrando was beyond rescue, and the men with him, that the treasureof the former chief, Senor Waldo and their comrades should all be put to- gether and divided, he, Revello, as one who had not helped secure the booty, merely taking the. share that would come to him as an officer, not as captain. This proposition was recetved with delight by the officers, wro vbted the new captain a most generous man and a splendid fellow. Bertrando, Waldo and the others had held no interest for them, they felt, and the proposition was at once made to the crew, Of course, as captain, Revello would have been entitled to ove-third the treasure, and the officers the second third, the other being divided among ._ the men, All costs to keep the brig going were of course expected to come out of the captain’s third, but as the vessel captured her ——- and fittings there was really nothing for Bertrando to buy. With Revello chipping in the captain’s share, to be divided, be coming in souy as an Officer, and Waldo’s share, with those of the lost men which bad been left upon the brig, it gave to those on the vessel a very snug sum, and this further carried favor for the new commander in the eyes of the avaricivus pirates, The men were fairly wild with enthusiasm and Captain Revello-bade Ravilez and another officer, if they knew where Bertrando kept his treasure, to bring it upon deck. They soon found it, and Senor Waldo’sand the captured and slain seamen’s booty was also put in the general contribution, Of course not a man kvew that Revello already had bidden away the lion’s share of Bertrando’s treasure, and iu the division themen were most willing to be generous toward the new captain, a generosity he would not bear to, as he said he had not risked his life in securing the yer’ Considering that he had what be had kept hidden away from Bertrando, after coming on board the brig, then what he had robbed the secret bold of, and next what he recelved in the division, he had done so well that his share was greater than all the others together. : As long as this was not known, or even sus- pected, it was all well for Revello. He did make one claim, and that was for To- paz, who he said should share as a sailor. Of course not a man disputed this, for they had no desire to receive the greater ill-will of the African, . At last Dauphin Island came into view and by night the brig glided into the pass leading up Mobile Bay, Revello took the wheel himself, and having entered by night, be boped unseen, he was anx- ious to fiud bis biding-place before dawn, The wind held fair, and keeping well over toward the eastern shore he ran into his place of refuge in the gray of early daybreak, not far from Seacoast ruin of Spanish Fort, The brig was at once beached, as it was high tida, and meu set to work to clean and paint thé bottom, while others bent on new sails, rig- ged new spars and patched up the scars whic shot had made fn the vessel and ber rig. ‘ Thus the day passed, and the night coming on Revello made known to Senor Ravilez that he should run across to Mobile, accompanied only by Topaz, and seek what news he could, while he would also bring back much-needed stores and other things necessary in the repairjf the vessel, “TI shall run in by night, get what I need to-morrow and return the next night, as I care not to be pursued, or even suspected,” he said to Ravilez. He bad no fear of the brig being run off with by her officers, who might be ambitious of being in command, as she was still beached and would not be in condition for sailing under a couple of days at furthest. Topaz had orders to put certain things in the boat, and thus the treasure was smuggled aboard, Revello took the tiller, the African stood by the sheet balyard and the run to Mobile was n. ut the prow of the boat was not turned directly across the bay after leaving Spanish River, but instead headed for the Cliffs down upon tbe eastern shore a leagueor more. A small creek was found running into the ‘bay below the Red Cliffs and into this the boat was run, the helmsman seeming to know the waters and shores perfectly. A landing was then made and both Revello and the bow. moved up a vale, each carrying a heavy load upon their shoulders, They skirted around a hill, crossed a rugged valley, and a stream, and aseending a steep dh pe halted upon a spur, t was a wild, desolate spot, and where it would seem no one would ever penetrate. The negro then took from a canvas in which they were wrapped, a spade and shovel, and the two men, so widely different, set to work dig- The. sod was carefully removed and pl upon the canvas, then the dirt, and soon the ‘shovel of the negro rung upon a bard substance “tbe | “Gols tw soho of His ck was b : echo of his was heard, and n ‘Tt is the box, Topax” ** Yes, senor.” “ Open it, and we will put in the,othar trean sure, ** Yes, senor,” And the African obeyed, A lantern was then lighted and held.domm into thé hole, revealing a box filled. with trea-. sure, such as hags of gold and silxer, jewelry T oi brought by Revello and T: be treasyre t by v and Topax was then placed in the box along with what oo con the lid was replaced, and then the dirt and Every particle of dirt that had been left upon the canvas was then taken an@ thrown into the stream, and the lantern revealed the fact. that there was not a trace of the hiding-place of the treasure, such as would attract mortal eye, should one be led to that out-of-the-way, desolate spot, “Now, Topaz, we have the fortune of a prinee there in that hole, and |, should be content, ‘*But I am not, for [ must have the fortune of the Senorita Marcelite,” said Revelio, and in his quiet way Topaz answered: ** Yes, Senor Master.” CHAPTER XXIV. A HAUNTED MAN. : HAVING satisfied himself that there was not a trace of their visit visible around the secret bury- ing-place of the riches whjch he had placed there upon some former occasion and then added to that night, Revello said: ‘*Now, Topaz, you return to the boat and await my coming, ‘*Sbould I need you, I will give my calk” ‘*T will. be ready, senor,” said the faithful African, faithful in crime though he was, and he put out the lantern, took up the utensils they had used in digging, and wended bis way back down the valley, toward the creek where the boat had been left, é The Mexican meanwhile went along the ridge toward the top of what was known as the cliffs, or Red Cliffs. He passed around a tumble-down fence which had encircled a large vegetable garden now overrun with weeds and grass, and came out in a rest running along the summit of the oliff. t had once been a well-traveled road it seemed, but now it was overrun and neglected, There was a growth of heavy timber upon the ridge, and from the elevation a grand view of the bay could be had, and up and down the coast as well, There were visible far across the bay in the distance, the lights that marked the situation of the town of Mobile, and to the northward lay the dark spur upon which was the ruins of Spanish Fort, Following the path and*walking slowly, the . Mexican halted at a turn and said aloud: ‘Tt was here that he attacked me and I killed him, ‘* And all the while beneath her velvety man- ner, Lucille was plotting revenge because I kill- ed her father, : “J wonder if the old home is. occupied now save by spirits and vanishing memories? © ‘* Ab me! this is a strange life that I am Jead- ing, a double life, but it will end soon, and I will be the ricbest of the rich, envied by all men, my gold and my beautiful bride, ‘*My God! what if Lucille should have es- caped death after all and have returned here to her old home? “T could not resist the inclination to come here and find out. “If she bas, and is here, then she must die, ~ for large as this world is, it is too small for her and I] to dwell in together. — ‘Jf she is here, then my boy is bere with ber, ‘“‘If she is dead, then some day I will look up the boy, for why should he become what I have been, what Iam? . ; + Ah, no! be must not be that, ‘* And yet I cannot have him near me to con- stantly bring up phantoms of the past. I must now forget— ‘Bosh! I believe Iam getting weak-hearted, for why sbould I allow phantoms to fret me? “T will go to the cottage and see if she is there, for somehow the thought will haunt me that she did not die—that shé%s not dead,” He passed on along the pathway until in the darkness there loomed up before him upon bis “ cepa a hidden in foli surround- t was oliage-and surt i ed by flowers, the scent of che ae filling the : \ air. He halted at the gate, fallen from its hinges, aad gazed down the gravel walk toward the piazza, It was some time before he entered and at last stood upon the piazza, All was dark and silent! ‘ Not a sound broke the stillness save the break of the waves upon the beach at the base © of the cliff far below, = He knockel at the door, first lightly, then — * seh 74 a ee oe 4 ois
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“Gaon —— a ‘He turned the latch of the door and entered, {fer it was unlocked. His ‘footsteps echoed dismally through the ‘pallg'as he went from room to room in the dark- uness, finding bis way readily as though perfect- ‘ly familiar with the spot, ; ‘At last he turped and made bis way to the couter door and stood on the piazza, -*€8be is not here, and standing in this old ‘house I feel that sbe is dead, that I can feel her “spirit hovering about me, ’ “¢T now know that it has been only the ‘fatey of my fevered brain, that she is alive, ‘that she escaped death in the wreck, loaded as “she was with iron chains. “Tt was a cruel fate perhaps— Ha! what Sgound was that?” The man started and listened, the cold sweat ‘breaking out upon his brow. ‘“‘] distinctly heard my words repeated—crwel | J fate “My God! I cannot stand this, for brave as | I am I see that I too can be mate to feel—that I | am a baunted man,” ‘« 4 haunted man !” The words were like an echo of his own, yet strangely distinct, almost threatening they seemed. He started again and moved toward the gate. Then he gained courage and laugbed in a de- risive way at bis fears, . Fla! ha! ha! Lama fool to fear aught that ’ Gs dead or alive,” be said aloud. ‘Hal ha} ha!” came the echo, if echo it was, and then faintly were heard the words: “* A fool, dead or alive !” “J cannot stand this,” cried the man, now itis “But we are to go upon a cruise that I have made known .to no one—it will surprise even “it will surprise many others, and burt many But the misery of one half the world, Topaz, — happiness or contentment to the other a 4 : ‘Yes, master.” : The Mexican was silent now for a long while, not speaking again until the boat ran into the Mobile River. Revello held the helm and seemed to know his surroundings well, for be guided the boat to a-secure wharf below the town. There were a few dozen vessels in the har- bor and the dim street-lamps swung to and fro Jazily under the pressure of the wind, Making bis boat secure while Topaz was furl- ing the sail, Revello said simply: i: ef ~ The African followed ic silence, and the Mexi- ean led the way toatavern, within which were heard many voices, though it was then gearly dawn. 4 knock at the side door caused it to be open- a and a man witha dark, Spanish face appear- ‘fo, Senor Bolero, I greet you.” 4+ Ah] tbe Senor—” 7 cerns “Shi do not call names here; but I wish d slave.” ou can have both, r Captain. eae ea Revello yed and was followed by Topaz, the landlord of the inn leading the way up- stairs to what was a very. comfortable room overlooking the river and bay. ‘* Here, senor, you will comfortable‘and your black can sleep on the rug youder. * But it is a surprise to see you—and a pleas- ure. m “ft came over just to see you, Sénor Bolero; but bring some food and wine, for we are starv- ed, and then I sball rest until late to morrow, for the purchases I have to make you can ar- range for me,” ‘* Of course I will, Senor Captain,” and with this the jan jlord bastened away, ~ : But he soon returned with wine and food, and placed them before the Mexican, ‘* Any vessels-of-war in port, Bolero?” “Tne American brig-of-war, Battle Bird, senor, Captain Louis Dudley, is here.”. “ bnere reason to know both the man and his vessel, ‘* He is a fine fellow, but I would not wish to fall into his clutches under existing circum- manee. “ u - is the schooner-of-war, Spiteful, here, Lieutenant Archer Dean commanding?” ‘* No, senor.” _ * When was she here last?” ‘Not since she went off in chase of you, on your last visit to these waters.” ‘Tam sorry, for I had hoped she was either _hexe, or at the bottom of the Gulf,” cm! She may be the latter, senor, for we have aout aay ‘Yes, I do, to my sorrow, for bri wrecked, though I have another naan an: a0 “* Well, find out all you can of the Battle Bird’s “It seemed to me, seoor, when I saw you that | movements, get these purchases for me, which I you were enveloped in a white robe.” God!” t seeme'l, Benor.” } Pix ats . s- Sew tA» es ¢s a ) have made ; wy . ome terrible tornadoes of late, as you | mane a list of bere for you, and you will | | name of Sphiax oa be rf “Pll find her, senor.” . ‘Have a watch put over ber and the things ‘ou get stored away in her, for I wish to start ack after dark to-night.” ; “Yes, captain. All will be ready for you. “ But, then, your vessel is near?” “Not so far away, Bolero, but that I can reach her within a few bours’ sail. s Good-night, now, and let me sleep until af- ternoon.” : “Yes, senor,” and the Jandlord departed from the room, leaving Revello and Top»z to seek the rest they greatly needed, for dawn was just then breaking, CHAPTER XXVI. wNDER FALSE COLORS, Tue day had nearly gove by when Revello awoke from his deep, dreamless sleep, anc found himself in the inn of Landlord Bolero. Topaz had rested but a few bours, and rising noiselessly from his rug bad finished the remains of the supper and wine and seated himself at the window to gaze out upon the bkarbor, It was a panorama constantly before his eyes, of vessels running in to an anchcrage or Jeay- ing one for the sea, sail-boats and row-boats moving about and the wharves filled with busy men, The African seemed perfectly content to gaze and it interested him wholly. At last the Mexican awoke and gazed curious- ly about bis. ‘+ Ah! I remember now where [ am, “There is Topsz, too,” and he ng from he comfortable bed and gave the bell-cord a pull, Landlord Bolero soon appeared, and Revello enjoyed the breakfast brought him. ** Any news, Bolero?” “I think, senor, the Battle Bird, brig-of-war, is preparing to sail with all dispatch, for men are at work upon her,” * ae aud when can she get away?” “Hardly before the morrow will she be in condition.” “That is good; but have you no idea of the cause of her haste?” “Some pews brought in by a fisherman, I heard, that 8 pirate had been seen running along the coast.of the Gulf and the lower bay.” “That means my brig has been seem; but I'll be ready to sail before dawn, and I must get away from here by sunset.” 5 ‘** Yes, senor, by sunset, for your purchases are made and all will be ready.” ' ‘Good! Now go out and see if you can glean any more news about the sailing of the Battle Bird.” This Bolero did and it was nearly sunset when he returned. ; ‘Senor Captain, it is said that the pirate is hiding in some of the lagoons, and the Battle Bird Will be ready by dawn to leave, for she was undergoing repairs when the news came in, “Then the orders are that no boat is allowed to leave the river, but as I am allowed to send down for my fish and oysters, I went to Captain Dudley and got a permit fo run out with my boat, so you will have to leave your yaw] and take mine, or rather go with me. ‘Can you not take mine in tow, saying it is loaded with stores for your fishermen?” “Ti try it; but if not, we can shift the things to my boat, and you can go in my cutter.” *< Well, arrange it as you will, but I must de- part at sunset, for if I do not reach my brig she is lost, that is certain,” S iat “Pil do all in my power for you, Senor Cap- tain, as you know,” was Bolero’s answer, and he again left the room, vee < The hour passed away anxiously to Captain Revello, but just as it began to grow dark Bo- lero returned, ap) he carried ‘ot ahadien, . “*You and the black must go as fishermen, captain, and I go with you, towing your boat, J must head us to my camp of fishermen down the bay, while you go your way, and lef ine tell you that the brig bas a double force working on her, to get away in chase of this irate, whoever he may be, or wherever,” and Bolero laughed jn a grim way. Revello hastily sli aa on. his disguise, as did Topaz, avd soon after, with boxes on their shoulders, they left the inn and made their way, accompanied by the landlord, toward bis wharf. There were tivo men already at Bolera’g boat, but the yawl of Revello was there, well loaded, -and it was taken in tow by the cutter, which. alone raised sail. : at : Down the river glided Bolero’s boat, and when hailed by a guard-boat, gave the password be bad agreed upon With the captain of the Ameri- can brig-of-war, so that he was allowed to pass unmolested, - Sh task: Ghee Once he had dropped the town well astern, the yawl was cast off by Bolero, at a com- om Revello, sail was set by Topaz, and the little boat went dashing away, her course laid for Spanish River, ss The wind was fresh and she went bowling rapidly along, Revello losing no onpartaaisy to sonal tie oo speed, for he was all anxiety to
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-_—, 14 -Revello, the Pirate Cruiser. Arun of three hours bronght them alongside of the brig, which had floated now, as it was high tide, and her hull had been fully cleaned and painted, Then Captain Revello got aboard the stores brought, repairs were quickly finished and before dawn.the brig was standing down the bay. ‘* Light ho!” cried the lookout just as dawn ‘was ts Turning bis glass upon the light, Revello said, calmly ; ‘It is the brig-of-war, and she bas headed us off. “She got away sooner than Bolero expected she would, and she has evidently knowledge that we are up here, “*T must play a game to deceive her captain, senors, and if that does not do, then we must fight it out,’” hat all were anxious on board the Ocean Rapier there is no doubt, but then there ap- pee to be the greatest confidence felt in Re- vello. His first order was to dress the officers in the Mexican uniform, the crew also, and to instruct them that they wereto pretend to be thé Mexi- can brig-of-war Rattlesnake, Xt was not very long before the Mexican brig was sighted from the decks of the Battle Bird, for the day had dawned and every eye was on the watch, The buccaneer was holding on her course down the bay, while the American brig was heading across her bows, and the drums were heard beating to quarters, ; Revello was as calm as a May morn, and kept his glass upon the brig-of-war to watchifany movement on board, He saw that the men went to quarters with a will, the guns were run out and all was ready for action. Off bis port quarter lay Red Cliffs, over which the rosy light of the rising sun dispelled every shadow, where the night before he had been pursued, as he believed, by a spirit form, As the sun appeared there was a roll of bunt- ing run up to the peak of the brig-of-war, and the fighting flag of ber captain to the fore, showing that Louis Dudley, her commander, was in deadly earnest, Then came a flash from the bows of the Battle Bird and a solid shot flew over the’ decks of the buccaneer, and not any too high for safety. Assured that he had a pirate to deal with, Cap- tain Dudley was not at all backward in sending his first shot as a command to come to. To the surprise of all upon the American brig- of-war, a ball of bunting ran up to the peak of the stranger and another to the fore, One was the Mexican flag, the other was a rattlesnake in a blue field, the colors of Captain Rudolph Revello, At.the same instant almost, to avoid a broad- pode dl ree ver, HN pega _— a up in 6 wind an to, ng the command of the cruiser for het to ae ae . rs CHAPTER XXVII. FLYING THE BLACK FLAG, Rvupoure REVELLO was as cunning as he was eand wicked, He was in a trap unless he could extricate him- _ welt, and only pluck and boldness could doit, for a ona with the brig-of-war meant sure defeat m. His crew were untried to him, the vessel also in a manner, and with bis small number of men <r, agaipst double their force would surely isaster, RN ' ; ‘As the brig came on, her men at their guns those on board a ring to suspect treachery o some kind, Revello ordered his barge lowered away, and instructing all as to their duty, pulled for the Battle Bird, which seeing him, lay to an eighth of a mile from the buccaneer, It was Reveillo’s intention to thus head her off from coming too near by boarding the enemy and reporting as a Mexican commander. He well knew the dan ‘That was just the bold game he i ne _ play, and when he was ailed trons the brig Soh) aaa Raat pag ocr gt Ss ae ‘ ‘ 6h ESS + emg AG ~~ pallial. “Captain Dudley will be glad to welcome Captain Revello on board,” responded the officer of the deck, and Revello’s barge moved toward the brig. He was met at the gangway with honors, and escorted to*the cabin, where Captain Dud- ley said: ‘*] am glad to meet you again, Captain Re- vello, and as before it is under circumstances where your vessel was mistaken for that pirate Bertrando, for I have workéd a treble force of men for twenty bours to come after you,” ““T regret the trouble I have put you to, Senor Captain; but I also am on the track of Bertrando the Buccaneer and ran up tei hay here under information given me by a fisherman that the Ocean Rapier had been seen in these waters,” ‘* Ah! then I am cheered with the hope of finding him, as itis not your vessel that was taken for him, ** How far have you cruised up the bay, may Task?” ‘*Upinto Spanish River, and where I lay by to fit up a little as I needed it; but may lL ask the whereabouts of Lieutenant Archer Dean of the schooner-of-war Spiteful?” ‘*“T have not seen him since we parted com- pany in the Gulf; but he is doubtless cruising on the coast of your country, for he is most anxious to capture the counterpart of your brig, the Ocean Rapier, as you are.” ** Yes, I wish to wine that vile pirate from off the sea, 1 assure you, for he has, as you know, senor, been the cause of a number of severe re- flections upon myself, “‘In fr~t 1 would not be surprised if I was some time tried for piracy on account of Ber- trando’s actions, for his brig is indeed the coun- terpart of my vessel,” ‘* They are wonderfully alike, sir; but you will surely honor me by remaining to breakfast with me? Revello bowed and accepted the invitation, the two vessels meanwhile lying to, the Ameri- can greatly disappointed that they had not bad to deal with the pirate Bertrando, and the crew of the buccaneer brig anxious as to the outcome of the song stay of their captain on board the But at last the boat was seen to put off, and Captain Revello was soon upon his own deck, when he promptly gave the orders to head down the Bay toward the Gulf,” “T played the captain of the Mexican brig-of- war, Rattlesnake, senors,” he said with a smile, as he rejoined his anxious officers upon the quar- ter-deck of bis own vessel. ‘The American —— tted not finding in our vesse) Bertrando the pirate, and so urged oe to remain to breakfast with him, which I did. ** We now go down the Bay into the Gulf to- gether, in search of the pirate Bertrando; but I shall dodge the American, you may be certain, the first chance I get, for T'would hate to have the schooner-of-war, Spiteful, put in an appear- ance here just now,” and Revello laughed, for it will be remembered that be did not know that the tornado which bad wrecked bis brig had sent the Spiteful also to the bottom, His officers joined with him in his laugh at the clever deception practiced — the Ameri- can, and it was soon known to the crew, who re- garded their new’ commander still more highly ‘as a man of nerve and clever ruses when brought face to face with desperate danger, for, reckless as were the buccaneers, they bad not cared to test their strength in a combat with an Ameri- can vessel-of-war, Down the Bay sailed the two brigs, the Amer- ican slightly heavier in tonnage than the bucca- neer, rm her armament was lighter. She doubled the pirate in the number of men, however, and it would bave been a desperate lot of buccaneers that could have beaten off Cap- tain Louis Dudley and bis splendid seamen, As the brigs sailed alcng together it was seen that both vessels, were beautiful models and car- ried a large spread of canvas, The buccaneer, however, seerned to sail on a more level keel in spite of ber masts soaring aloft some fifteen feet above those of the Bat- tle Bird, while ber bowsprit was longer and also ber yards, } She was certainly built for rapid going and seaworthy qualities, Though the American had the wind of the buccaneer, the latter, with the same sail set as | her rival, now began to forge ahead. Captain Dudley bad extra canvas set, but the result was the same, although the buccaneer did not add to her sail, She was clearly the fleeter of the two bi th rile on board the Rag reeliged, _ ey come upon a stern chase, and tl other brig had been, as they now did not believe her to be, a pirate, they could never bave over- hauled ber unless they had crippled her so as to — them to come to close quarters in ac- on, f awaiting execution, which will bard CHAPTER XXVIII. OCEAN ROVERS TO THE RESCUE. THE two brigs reached blue water with the buccaneer leading the cruiser fully a quarter of a mile, though the former had not increased her py where the latter bad done so to a great t was a disappointment to Captain Dudley and bis crew to see their crack vessel thus beaten by a foreign craft, while the pirates were greatly elated over their triumph. Once the two vessels had sped out into the blue Gulf, Captain Revello signaled that he would follow the shores around as far as the Balize, if that was satisfactory to Captain Dud- ley. x It seemed perfectly so, for Captain Dudley signaled back that he would hunt the shores as far as Tampa before bis return. _ Thus the two brigs parted company, and if the American bad only known bow cleverly they had bean deceived, they would have torn their bair in their rage and mortification, On board the outlaw craft the crew were half-wild with delight, and Revello could hard- ly restrain them from breaking forth in yells of triumph at their escape, He received the congratulations of bis offi- cersin his quiet way, and at once became the idol of his men, who little dreamed that they, too, were being deceived, that they had over them the very captain whom their chief had pretended to impersonate. : They did not know, as had Captain Bertrando and Waldo, that Revello was the i of the Rattlesnake, and well for him was it that they did not, Once the Ocean Rapier had gotten well ont of sight of the Battle Bird, sail was spread upon ber, the course was changed from beading to- ward the Balize, and Senor Ravilez was startled by the order to head for Vera Cruz, The officers were not yet accustomed to the surprises of their new captain, Bertrando hav- ing cruised about as methodically as a man-of- war. “Tt will be a little risky, Senor Captain, will it not, to venture so near Vera Cruz with our diminisbed crew?” said Senor Ravilez, in a slight tone of remonstrance, “Tt is because I am weak in crew, Senor Ravilez, that I am going,” answered Revello, with nosign of anger at the remonstrance, ‘The situation is just this,” he continued, and in a tone that the other officers could hear as well as the men at the wheel, for be wished it to be known through the ship, “Tf Captain Bertrando was not taken on board the Spanish signe or schooner, and I see no reason why he sbould have been, captured as he was in Mexico, then he will have been sent to Vera Cruz.” ~ “And Senor Waldo and the men, Captain Revello?” ‘ ‘They will have been sent with bim also, “Now I have no reason to believe that they were executed, so they must have been dis- patched to Vera Cruz. “If so they are confined in the rising ote be for several weeks yet, as the Junta is a ing body of men. “Now medag apr is near the harbor shore and not far from it is the que of Vera Cruz, — is not guarded save by one mariné at nig “Tt isa lonely place at night, and to get to the carcel one must paes by the ue, “*T therefore ‘have an of doing a good —_ toward our comrades and also to our- ves, ; . “Tf our comrades are there we can rescue them, and also get the gold-out of the vault of the hanque. : : “T have successfully passed as the captain of the Mexican brig-of-war Rattlesnake, and this . vessel has also 3s as that cruiser, so we can run in by nig anchor off the carcel, and I will land with a force of men dressed in uni- form. é; “7 will state to the commandant of the carcel that Iam authorized by the Junta to take the prisoners on board my vessel for safe-keeping. ** While we are at the carcel, Senor Ravilez and several of bis men can capture the marine, no doubt whatever of our gece one out the San Juan de 'W-Mov-. em ss
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> = Sone BS Oe ae eee the Pirate Cruiser. talked it all over they felt assured that it was ible and could be accomplished. If they captured the gold in the banque, it -would repay them, and more, for the loss of the treasure they would have to return by the rescue of their captain and comrades, It was a scheme that they entered into with smore willingness, as there were several of their number who knew the situation of the prison and peers 2 in Vera Cruz and fet that the rescue =; aes ry could be accomplished without a ite by such a man as Revello was proving himself to be, the buccaneers began to believe ‘that they would know no such word as fail in anything they might undertake. the officers talked it all over, and the two “wheelmen soon bad 1t spread among the crew, who, almost toa man were ready for the expe- ition. “Tf it’s a breezy night so we won't get calmed in the harbor, it can be done without a bitch or ‘loss of a man,” said the boatswain of the buc- aneer brig. « And this was the decision of all, and of course ‘they felt that Revello was not the man to ron into the port of Vera Cruz unless there was ‘wind enough to allow him to get safely to sea again in case of trouble. So away went the Ocean Rapier on her course for Very Cruz, and the men were all anxiety to know just how the bold undertaking would ter- muinate, But, as for Revello he was wholly unmoved in manner and face, whatever he might feel, while “Topaz wore his accustomed listless air of utter indifference to all going on about him, unless he “was aroused by some wrong being done him, And one afternoon came the cry of land ho, while far away off over the seas were visible the turrets of the San Juan de Uloa, the giant -sentinel that guards the barbor of Vera ruz, giving it the name of the Iron Gate of Mexico. CHAPTER XX1X, THE PRISONER, I WIL now return to the scene that followed the capture of Bertrando the Buccaneer in the house of Don Ricardo Castile. my home for the purpose of robbery and mur- | der, for my men report a band of seamen con- cealed in the chaparral outside the walls.” ‘*T came here to see you, Don Ricardo Castile, and have a talk with you.” The Don hesitated, then up Se ree ee ek Aas oo i La a stone stairway and told the men w ting there to await in the Plaza until he called them. Then he returned to the vault, The prisoner stood there ironed to a bolt in the wall and heavily manacled, though be did not ** Yet you sought to get my daughter and my- | seem to be inconvenienced by his situation or the self 3 board your vessel now lying in the la- on “Do you know what that vessel is?” “T had supposed it to be the Mexican war cruiser Rattlesnake, under command uf Captain Rudolph Revello.” ** And now you know that it is not?” **T believe that it cap only be the counterpart of that vessel.” ** Name it.” “The Buceaneer Bertrando’s craft known as the Ocean Rapier, for they are twin vessels I have beard.” ** And do you know the officer who was here mahaen me an hour ago, and who turned traitor to me? “Do you know him, may I ask?” said the Don somewhat anxiously, SS &: ** As whom?” ‘** A man who is secretly a irate, "aeons open- ly an officer of the Mexican Navy.’ ** Tt is false!” “*T say that itis true.” * ‘** And I repeat that it is utterly false.” ‘*May I ask what the name of the man is whom you defend?” **T shall give no name to you.” **T am not so particular.” Well?” ‘* He came here with me to rob your house, for he is in league with me and has been for some while,” TET false!” “He bas been my ally at sea, and losing his vessel in a storm came to me to serve in disguise on my craft.” ate | Tepeat that it is an infamous falsehood that you utter,” ‘* We shall see,” **’You can give no proof.” ‘Tt was he who told me of your home, your ‘*] believe you to be an outlaw, who came to — Whatever intention the outlaw chief may | riches and the vast amount of plunder I could ‘have had regarding getting money from his | secure here. brother, when he went to the hacienda, he soon became convinced that the best way to make ‘terms would be to get the man and his daughter in his power. He felt convinced that there was a love affair “between Revello and Lucille and that to state that the prisoner lay dangerously wounded ‘aboard his vessel would get the Don and the maiden there without any delay, That Revello would dare rgd go against him jn the matter he did not believe, and so his sur- “prise“and rage may be well ima ig, et when he was put under the utuzzle of the Mexican’s pis- = and what was more, found himself a pris- “on bat Revello said to the Don he. did not Jknow, in the whispered words uttered to him; ‘Dut certain it was that be saw the fexican leave ‘the hacienda in safety, while he remained there | ter.” & prisoner, He had rom hopes that Lieutenant Waldo would come e, but this hope was very squickly oispelted when he saw the Don rally his servants by the score, send them to the walls of the hacienda folly armed, cali for his cattle- “men te mount and ride | around the place t6 look a $08, , while he was sent to the vaults where = on kept his valuables for safe-keeping, and Bo a were beneath the main part of the uild- uch was the sitaation after the departure of me Revello, That Don Castile was amazed at what Revello ‘had whispered to bim the chief saw, and yet it ~could not be that he had told him who his pris- -oner was, As there was no attack by Officer Waldo and ‘his men, no firing beard without, Bertrando de- cided that Revello bad deserted him, played a daring and cunning game and had gone with - pone back to the vessel to take command di Ores course this could only mean that he, left in the power of his brother, must go to the gallows cif the Don so willed. In the vault where be was temporarily im- ‘prisoned Bertrando sat down ot wi _ for ‘the result with = deepest solicitude and im- “patience, ‘He heard no fring and felt that be was de- =Serted; but be could only wait and discover what ‘the result would be, last a step resounded overhead, a man de- _ -scended the narrow stairway to the vault, and ‘ty the aid of the lantern burning there ” Ber- Ri agg that his visitor was Don ota) aa 4 Dor Ricard», f am glad you have come, Don Ricard», for I desire a conversation with you,” said the buc- _ sCaneer chief = Zou will bave to fast, senor, for I shall pend you o-nigh under « sone, guard of my | pe dee Waa Gales Gii¥on hots | ‘Tt was he who told me that he was en to your beautiful daughter, and that we =e share alike the plunder of the place and the 7% som secured from you.” ‘tT do vot believe one word you say.” ‘*T mean all that I say, aud we came here under bis guidance.” **T will never believe it,” ‘* What be changed his mind for, Beaven only knows, unless he was plotting against me, to have me captured and thus gain my vessel for himself, but certainly he turned traitor to me and left me bere as your prisoner, while he bas- returned in safety to my ship. : “‘ As he is first officer to my brig he will be obeyed and become known as the Buccaneer Chief, which will enable him to secure certain riches, when he will come to wed your daugb- “ Never! he will never be oe against bim,” SEEN Oe “ nee to Rudolpb Revello, Don Ricardo.” As I do, a captain in the navy of Mexico, and . Te eae ve ou just wh expect, and now that” 3 Pg Sil: ? fraite eto me you may pete be eqcberous pes tbe you and your veils the I iateaear ie ot Fou are Bertrando Buucognec ec ‘admit it with remarkable frankness.” \ y not?” “‘ Have you no shame, no fear of your lifé?” ‘*T am past the day of all shame long ago, Don Ricardo, and as for fear, what have | to fear?” “The gallows for your crimes!” ‘*T am not the man to die on the gallows.” ‘*T shall deliver you over to the Mexican Junta for trial for piracy upon the bigh seas, and land- ing on the coast to rob my home,” és a You will,do sucb no thing,. Don Ricardo Cas- ile, * You ety mef? “ce I do. “Here comes my guard. now to take you to Vera Cruz.” “Dismiss that guard and hear what I have to say,” was the command rather than the request of. ‘Bertrando, the Buccaneer, CHAPTER XXX. THE DON SURPRISED. a was something in the manner of the buccaneer chief so impressive that Don Ricardo hesitated and gazed fixedly at him, “Send your guard away, or at least order them to await without until I havea talk with you.” ‘* What have you fo say?” “D as I tell you. ase ea have, tosay let it be in the. she 3 | o, for ou you youll eteb ig OE “pe as re tae Don Ricardo,” wei; ~ of the manaciles, A. senor, what have you to say?” “¥ Don a Kticants Castile is noted for his hospi- tality and 1 am his guest thou ugh a prisoner. “This place is dark, close and loathsome, while above is a most delightful sitting-room with wine and refreshments at hand. ‘ST am tired and hungry, and I can talk better when refreshed by f and wine, and in pleas- ant quarters, hence my lips are sealed unless you lead me to the room above.” Don Ricardo looked at his prisoner in amaze- ment, for tbere was still that certain impressive- ness in bis manner which he could not but feel. He would not have his hospitality questioned even by a buccaneer, and intending to send him to Vera Cruz, he thought it but just that he should give him food before bis departure. So he took from his pocket without another word the key of the ee unfastened the chain from the wall, and said “Come with me.” The buccaneer bowed and obeyed, walking slowly, weighted down as he was by his chains. ** Be seated there, senor, and I will order re- freshments for you, and then perhaps you will let me know what.it is you have to say to me.” ‘¢ Allin good time, Don Ricardo, will I do so,” was the answer. The Don called a servant, ordered refresh- ments, and placing himself by the side of a tabi upon which lay a cutlass and pistol, as much as intimated thereby that he would stand no non- sense, A peon servant brought in a tempting repast, with Mexican liquor and wine, and the prisoner asked to have his bands unmanacled, so that he - could eat with comfort. ‘¢ T shall do no morethan I have, Senor Bucca- neer,” sternly said Don Ricardo, and as though convinced that he meant what he said, the pris- oner began to attack the edibles before him with a relish that showed he fully appreciated good food, He ate slowly, drank the Don’s very good health, and it was only when he saw that his host was growing impatient that he said: ‘A very enjoyable meal, Don Ricardo. * And now fora cigarrito while I talk.” The Don handed him one, and lighting it leis- urely with a taper, he leaned back in his chair and said in a complacent tone: “So you intend to send me to Vera Cruz, to deli by Be me up to the Junta?” do.” ‘To be hanged?” , ‘* As you deserve, for your crimes, ‘I did promise the one who delivered ae, my keeping to hold you here’ Ra Ag but I myself am pe to Vera daughter, and so will ouly consider that you a safe when you are in prison there, and there your captor can find you,” “ Well, Senor Don Ricardo Castile, let me say to you that I do not intend to goto Vera Cruz to be imprisoned, nor do I intend a remain ewig as =: treacherous requested until is re “ You talk boldly for a man in irons.” we: talk knowingly, for 1 am not going to be han et you admit to be Ratienile, OF Buc- canest? Pi age hag banges oa . pst certainly” isos the a upinment but I will t he Z <a have great Sais. Fyourselt " o 0.” a ‘* What is it?” - “Tt is not in myself that I dois ieapeaeeaa! “Who, then?” “ in yo u,.” oa am rhe a loss to understand you.” “Itisin your good heart, <a leniency that LT have the utmost, confide nce, cy will dao by latin, cea? so by re to yor ry. * A story of what?” glee: ss batt = 45 you, of what I know of your goodness of often causes me to do acts main u ~ ae sibs gain.” ou will do a one ot in your a «Yes, you will.” t bad better re- ~ ou free.” * iE EP just what you will do.” ever Le z for ‘0 ere to eee my ge rand 1 myvelt on “Welt, granted that my seg oy of heart — “ You speak as though you expected me to st
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16 _. “ But your ecmrade, whom I am sure you do not know, saved me from you, saved my daugh- ter from ee vile power, and now you, a pris- oner, a pirate, expect me to make terms with you, expect me to set you free. ‘* Ah, man, you have this time made the sad- dest mistake of your life in trusting to my 5 aig : we The Don had spoken warmly, and with the 5 — feeling. a ehad felt pained that)the prisoner would u deem bim so weak as to spare him, The manner of Bertrando showed that he did really trust in the clemency of the Don, and somehow he seemed to show no dread of his fate, & ironed though he was. a He spoke with an air that was confident, in- “s different in fact, and it was this that so puzzled ug Don Ricurdo while it annoyed him. ; Known to be a man of great kindness of heart ns e ae * oe he yet did not wish to believe that it would be A thought that be had not the nerve to send a man =: to deserved punishment, a man who had con- B ¢% fessed himself as Bertrando the Buccaneer, a ie perfect demon of the deep, **What reason you have, senor, for believing that you may depend upon my mercy I do not comprehend, but certain it is that not one atom of clemency will I show you, not once will [ stretch forth my hand to save you from a fate eg richly deserve, and which should end your ife upon the gallows if you are in fact the man I have just heard you claim to be,” The response of the buccaneer chief was a laugh, followed by the words: **'You promised to hear my story, ‘© Will you do'so?” ** Yea, as I promised.” “Then we shall see what you will do,” and again the buccaneer laughed, yy ae CHAPTER XXXI. THE BROTHERS, THE buccaneer poured out another glass of liquor and slowly drank it, the Don watching him the while. There was a look about bis face that was malignant, a smile like the grin of a wild beast that had his a at his mercy. = “ My dear Don,” he began as be puffed awa” at his cigarrito in a lazy way: *“*T wish toask you if you are a Mexican?” “Tam one by adoption.” ; “But by birth?” “Tam a Spaniard,” “Sol thought, and you were heir then toa vast fortune and title?” “ How does this concern you, may I ask?” “IT wish to know if you are the man I seek.” ‘IT am Don Ricardo Castile, once of Spain, now of Mexico.” ‘You married in Spain, I believe?” “ce No ” é The word was uttered vebemently. Then, in same nan Mae as though king to find out all about bis past, the buc- r continued: . you vite died ¢ geal ears ago.” = “ A ¢: xican " lad yr y ago. + ‘Yes; now say what you wish to me, and _ quick, for the past is something I care not upon.” “You bad a brother once?” The Don and his face paled. ‘* Yes, 1 ee eS Yo ‘than you?” eat “* He was a soldier?” . ~No, av officer of themavy.” == “Where is he now?” ais “ Why do you ask?” ee ak pe wsto wish to know, Don Ricardo,” So * Ah! killed in battle?” be to he left Spain, | ““ Why did he leave Spain?” 7 **See here, senor, what interest do you hold in me and mine to cause you to become so per- sonal in your questions?” ‘ “T hold an interest in that I knew your brother.” £ ** You knew him?” ga the Don. _ , “Yes; he was my friend, and I wished to ; know if all that he told me of himself was true.” “* Poor Bertrand, he had a sad life of it, and it was better that death called bim away as it did, for, as I said to you, he was lost at sea.” me that be bad been cruelly wronged by all whom he had loved.” 3 ected “Poor Bertrand so believed, for -he was ee eereprene that one loved him who id n ght to a r. pire «eral cdl ars\ * : a ae & * Revello, the Pirate Cruiser. Marcelite?” vag - “No; he was ost at sea in a vessel in which . Bertrand Castile.” He was my friend, Don Ricardo, and he told ie _ brother's wa , or bers, when so much’ was at | to =? a failed in its aim at me, though I was wounded, while the maiden was slain. “The result you can surmise, for my brother fled, went to the bad utterly, and a vessel in which he sailed from Spain was lost at sea one night and not a soul survived; all perished, poor, unfortunate Bertrand among the number. ‘Now, senor, you know the truth: a truth I have been led into telling you through your words that my brother was your friend. ‘The maiden was, laid to rest in Spain, while I, broken-hearted at ber death by my brother’s hand, and by his sad life and end, came to Mex- ico and found here a wife who was taken from me by death a few years ago. ** So you were my brother’s friend, senor?” Tbe Don had been deeply moved as he spoke. He had risen from bis chair and paced to and fro, his bands behind bis back, In the tall, splendidly formed man before him, with his long bair and beard, he saw no resem- blance to the brother who: twenty years before bad fled from Spain @ slender youth of twenty- two or three, ; He also believed that his brother was dead, and having deeply loved him, the fact that this stranger was his friend made him feel toward him more kindly iv spite of his admitted life of crime. Bertrando, the Buccaneer, regarded him curi- ously the while, His face worked convulsively as he told his story of the maideu who had loved him, Ricar- do, while forced to engage herself to the elder brother who was the heir to the title and for- tune. He, too, seemed deeply moved, and he said earnestly: ‘*Such is your remembrance of your brother that you have no unkind word for him, Don Ricardo?” ‘* Not one unkind word have I to say agaivst him, ‘* He is dead, but, oh! had he only waited un- til he knew all, ‘*He died with her life upon his conscience, her blood upon his hands, and certainly be was punished enough by such a thougbt of anguish. ** But, senor, what know you of my brother, and did you as bis friend seek to rob me?” “T kuew him well, senor, but I do not believe that he understood the affair between you and Marcelite, or he would—” ‘Ab! pa know her name—you called her “Yes, I have heard wer’ and many a time, ‘‘And you ve remembered it all these years?” “Ts is the name of your daughter, I be- lieve?” ‘« It-is; for I named her after the Marcelite I loved, who loved me, alas! and who fell by my -brother’s band, ‘“‘ Ah, senor, I have carrie! a very heavy af- fliction through life.” ~ “ And your brother?” : “Ab! bappily for bim his life ended, and thus did his sorrows, his conscience, his suffer- ings, ays The buccaneer was silent and for a moment neither spoke. - ‘Then the Don seemed to recall himself from the past and said quickly; See a gee “But why do I talk thus to you, a stranger, an outlaw, aud of things that bave long been past, of deeds that I deemed forgotten, even hough they lived in my own heart and mem- or + ees: ‘i uae oT Becanse I was your brother's friend, Don cardo,” ry “ ‘ ¥ t “True, yeé you are a pirate 3 7 lain at the bottom of the blue Mediterranean Sea; but you hed a story to tell me, you said?” “You tave told it al y, senor. ‘<T have told it?” : ‘Yes, senor.” “T have told your story?” Tt is true,” “Pray, explain!” ‘You were to bear from me a story, “That story was to be one of your brother he has long ~ 6 Yes,” » **You spoke to me of him, you told to me the story that I was to tell you, only different, for he never knew that the maiden Marcelite never loved bim aud only was to wed him at her father’s command, ‘ He believed that she did love him and was false tobim.” ~ How know vou this?” _“Tknow it, Don Ricardo am your brother, Bertrand trando, the Buccaneer,” . tones from the lips of the man in chains, - a ¢ astile, because I astile, now Ber- — F- of his rela- a fy THE announcement of Bertrando teas 4 Don Ricardo he saw was most start- ling to bi m, that he bad in reality believed him your brother speak it.) came in deep, earnest: was = of such intense agony that the bucca- neer feared he was going to fall from his chair, and said hastily: “You are ill, lei me—” **No! no! it is such a blow, so cruel, so hard to bear,” he gasped. “To know that I am alive, Ricardo?” sneered. the pirate. “Yes, and to be what you are. “*T could forgive your act toward me, toward her even, committed in a moment of desper- ation, of Jealous rage, but to feel that it was not a lesson to you, to cause = to lead a desperate life, tcat you should add more crime to your deed of murder, become the man you now are as Bertrando the Buccaneer, is sometbing T would rather lie down end die than know,” ‘Yes, because you know that with Bertrand Castile alive you are not the Don and the heir to the Castile estates,” ‘* My God, Bertrand, do not put it like that, do not put my love of gold and rank against. your crimes I beg of you.” “Well, I am very much alive, even if Iam & prisoner in chains.” hr Yes, I know you now and there is no doubt. of it. ‘‘It is twenty years end more since we last: met, but I know you now, Bertrand. ‘* It is strange that I did nut recognize you be- fore; but then you were a beardless boy of ; twenty-two, and time has changed you greatly. : ‘*Still it seemed to come over me that you } were more to me than other men, and your face ae your voice, impressed me, and I. was merciful : toward you, as you know, *‘ Ab, Bertrand, my unfortunate, erring bro-- ther, had you but come back to me poor and repentant, a vagabond, I would have gladly welcomed you, and tried to soothe your later years, to take from tbem all in my power the. shadows upon them.” ** And as it is?” sneered Bertrando. ‘* As it is, you come back a self-confessed pirate, hearing a name asa demon of the deep: that causes brave men to fear you, and to which is allied, if the half said of you be true, deeds of fiendish cowardice and crimé that a monster im. i heart.only could be guilty of.” b= “But I come back as Don Bertrand Castile, for thé title and estates are mine.” __ b ‘No, you forfeited your title and estates, by act of the king, when you became a murderer, bd and fled the country, and you are dead to alk claims, Bertrand, as you now are, - tt “* Would to Heaven it were different for most. Sp gladly would I yield all to you.” ee “| have come to claim my title and my es- b tates from you, Ricardo,” “You may claim them, butI will not yield: an honorable title and home to a pirate, Ber-- trand.” P The Don was very firm now, and the bucca- neer saw that he did not find hia the yielding he nature he had expected he would, : P eis ““*T made a mistake,” he mused, “ not to have : come as other than Bertrando the ‘Buccaneer, for then I would have gotten all, I am sure.” ; Aloud, he said: tee ' Ricardo, = a - sary oe “Lam Don Bertrand Castile, no power can keep from me my title and “* Make the claimn before the Spanish sovereign he? and if he decides in your favor I will yield.” 4 “Yes, for you know that he will dezide to ~ send me to the gallows,” a Bt oe “Do you not deserve suchafate” — | “What I och 4 is not for you to say; but: y let me tell you that the title you unjustly bold I do not care for, as I could never wear it; but. my gold I want and I will have.” 7 * 2 _ “A man who has committed tke piracies laid “ay at your door should not be in peed of ia ¥ m | ») But Tam in need of goldand Iwill have oon it. Ce vt “May I ask how you are to get it?” _ 1 “You have in the vault below this room @ fe very large sum in gold,” “hee “You are mistaken, for I keep little 4 here: Bo at the hacienda, as it is too dangerous, living so- ss near the coast as I do, where pirates can Jand Be S and rob me.” : age . ‘“You must give me an order on your bank-. Fae ers then in Vera Cruz for the sum I demand,” — - ‘* Are you aware that you are a prisoner?” “What care I for that,.for I am your brother.” ; “Do not venture too far on that relationship, a Bertrand, for though my brother you are yet a. ae pirate.” 3 ) Semen ‘Well, what do you intend to do aboutmy estate?” ‘ te te? site “Tt is yours no longer.” «ie ’ -“T shall claim it, however,” wae bs ‘Do so before the proper authorities and if Por decided against me I s va gladly yield.” er i we I dare Bt me my claim, a “Then be content with your pirate fortune,” name, and I have- bora of 8 noble
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————— upon her name and rob ber, for rob is the word, of the fortune that is to be hers. ‘Now you understand the situation exactly. ‘*You are a pirate and a prisoner, without a ship now, and in chains, so it dees not seem that you are in a con lition to demand more of me than oue thing.” « “* And what is that one thipg?” ‘© Your life.” ** You will not dare send me to Vera Cruz to be hanged.” “No, I will not let you die at the yard-arm through act of mine, or rather, when it is in my power to save you, and so I shall set you free, “When you are free, it is my bope that you 4 will leave your guilty career and become a dif- ferent man; but more I will not do, unless it is to give you some gold, as you may need it to ; make your escape.” ee “ And I demand a draft on your bankers for os: every peso of my justinheritance,” was the stern oa demand of the buccaneer chief, 3 CHAPTER XXXIUL my a Z é = a sagter ss A Iu on y soe THE DON AROUSED, 7 ’ Don RICARDO was a man of nerve, ye He had a beart full of gentleness as well, and ; he had dearly loved his erring brother. a Not even had he felt bitterness toward him : when his mad act had killed the woman who was all the world to bim, He had felt deep pain for his crime, rather than batred, and be had felt glad for his broth- er’s sake when he heard that he had been lost at sea in a wrecked vessel, in which, however, he had not sailed, The remembrance of the bitter past had been softeve by time and his marriage to Marcelite’s mother, who had been a devoted wife to tim in the years that she bad lived. All of his heart was centered now upon his daugbter, and be knew all the happiness he could a know in life in his daughter’s love and society, » ee Now came across his path the brother he had he ; believed to be dead, atid be came to rob him, to boast of his being a pirate, and, though in chains, to demand of him an inheritance be bad forfeit- ¢ ed by his crimes, : t Driven thus to take a stand for or against, the t Don. determined not to yield, but to remain firm b in his determination not to allow Marcelite to be robbed. He bad fought against Fate in the past, when , life held for him no charm, and now he would ix fight for the daughter in whom his whole life te was centered. : rs “ Bertrand,” he said at last, and he spoke very b seriously ; “The night is waning and you must be far away from here by dawn, . ; “*T will ask you to excuss me a moment.” be He left the- room, took a lantern and descend- 1. ed the vault. ae here he found a wide Jeather belt so made as ei) . to have » bag of buckskin in the inner side. ey Into this he placed Spanish gold es, taken ~ 4 {SS ewes re ee me ‘ - s =F ee = from a chest near by until he completely filled the belt. Then be filled a large silk purse and returned to the where bis brother sat in silent and tation, gry m ony Hertrand, here isa belt made intoa p 7 ica and it contains just five thousand pesos-in gold. ‘= “You can: it around your waist and ae. thus keep it secure, wearing it beneath your gar- ments, 2 sis ‘In this purse are five hundred pesos fer im- mediate needs, for Il am acting as though you a have no money of yuur own, which however veo: you doubtless have. ae ‘*T shall order one of my best horses saddled Boo: ‘knowing, aud I a ae ee can with the one who left youin my a eeping. , $ : Sey ‘* Now, Bertrando, in addition tothe gold, I ° will give you a draft on a New O 8 banking tr ae house where I bave some money, for ten thousand wy pesos more, to be drawn only by you in person, Bae. “This money and your liberty aré all you need , expect from me or will get, ** Now you bave my ultimatum,” : Se ‘You are generous to offer me a pittance out — of what is justly my own,” ~~ ‘* Ts all you shall have,” ah, ‘* You refuse to give me what is my own?” Bm “T refuse to give to my brother, Bertrando Nites the Buccaneer, the fortune he has forfeited, ” : wr will yet wring it from you.” ecg ‘*T will be prepared for that.” > 2 4 ———$— — = i -alone could guide you away by a trail that= would be safe,” continued the guide, “*l am ready; let-us go at once,” eagerly said: Bertrando, The guide led bim to the Plaza door, where there were two horses in waiting, A serape was thrown over the buccaneer to- hide his chains, and he was aided to mount, Then the guide mounted and the two rode. out of the hacienda walls in silence. ‘We go through the chaparral here, senor, for men are abroad surrounding the buccaneers you brovight with you,” said the guide, ‘*T believe they have returned to the vessel.” “No, senor, only the comrade who came to the hacienda with you has done 80, he and his slave.” ** Ah! and they have gone back to the vessel’ alone?” ** Yes, senor.” ‘* Why did they not go with my men?” “They avoided the party in waiting, senor, flanked the chaparral ard thus made their way to the lagoon.” * And my men?” * Are still awaiting orders in the chaparral! unmindful of the fact that they are surrounded and will be hunted to death in a few more: hours,” ** Curses upon that accursed traitor!” savagely said Bertrando. A moment after he said quickly: ‘** See here, senor, are you a rich man?” “T am chief of the Don’s cattlemen, senor, and». so am but a poor man.” **T can make you rich.” “*T would not accept blood-stained gold.” ‘Bah! let me tell you that I bave a belt of” gold given me by your master, and I will give it~ to you entire if you will conduct me to the lagoon and place me on board my vessel.” “*T believe that the vessel bas sailed, senor;: but aoa 7 I would not do as you wisb,” v U ““T would obey my master’s orders.” . **Bih! be a fool and lose a fortune?” ‘* Yes, senor,” “It will be a very large fortune for such as: 7%, that I will give Art ae eh $ ust obeysny master’s orders, senor, glad] as I sould like to be rich.” 3 ‘Tne Don need not know that you put me up-- on my vessel,” “T bave orders to take leagues down the coast. “[ have a brother there who is an innkeeper, and he is to take you in charge and secure your - passage out of the country, senor, ‘“‘Those are my orders, senor, from Don. Ricardo,” **And by simply 7 me to my brig you: can enrich. yourself, for I will give you five - tines the sum I promised, and more, a band-. some purse of d, to buy absolution with, for using gold gained by piracy,” , “T am but a poor man, as I told you, senor, . but you cannot tempt me, never! never!” he buceaneer cursed the honest man roundly ~ for his honesty, and rode on in silence, . The trail taken by the guide flanked the head was through the grezing lands of the Don’s cattle, i After several hours’ ride,dawn came, and they halted on a hill commanding a,view up- and down the coast, | ‘ aie “‘ See, senor, yonder is the lagoon, and no yes-- sel is there.” ans ! ~ “And youder she is, far off upon the sea— “yes, and » are two vessels-of-war rounding that point of lend.” 3 igh sin ‘They are Spaniards, senor, I think, and are- - doubtless looking for your vessel, . a “You ware ter tenets, leaving the bacienda - . : gic’ Bertrando gave a sigh of relief at bis escape, — od wees nee long the coast. > 6 ‘“‘T will free you of your irons bere, senor, for- I have no fear of your escape, and if you at-- tempt it Lbave my orders,” | “ Given you by the Don?” “ Yes, senor.” you to a port soms t ’ * And you would do so?” “TI would only do co in case you attempted to- escape me, disobey the Don’s orders and remain in Mexico, -not force me to do so, as I do not wish your life. on my hands.” acd for Yuca-— ‘CHAPTER XXXV. | THE DON AND HIS DAUGHTER, HEN the Don left his pirate broth
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‘in whose sagacity he could rely as well as on bis honor. : That the guide did not disappoint himhas been geen, Until the buccaneer left the bacienda, the Don -stood at a window in bis darkened room regard- a oF bim. hen, when the forms of the departing horse- men disappeared in the gloom of night, he utter- ed a groan of anguish and staggered back into the room where he had beld his conversation «with the buccaneer, As he entered the room, he started back in al- most horror, for there, in the recesses of a cur- tained alcove, he bebeld the form of his daugh- ster. A wondrously beautiful girl was the Senorita “Marcelite, even though now her face was death- dy pale. She possessed a form of exquisite grace, and ‘her eyes were large, dreamy and full of expres- “sion. 5 She was dressed in the costiime of the country and : callous heart, indeed, must the man have possessed, who would not be won by her beauty vand fascination of manner. And this was the beautiful being who was pledged to Rudolph Revello, the Mexican cap- tain, a man then in command of a pirate craft, a man who had left bis wife chained to the mast of his vessel, to go down with the wreck into the depths of the Gulf. *Marcelite!” It was all that Don Ricardo could say, and he ‘sunk into the nearest chair, the very one in ~which the buccaneer had been seated. Had she heard all that had passed between thim and that guilty brother? Or had she come to the room just now? He had not the power of speech to ask the question, but sat like one who had been struck u atunning blow, And to his side glided Marcelite, and taking this hand she said softly: “Come, father, you must not sit here. I do not wish to see you sit here; any other seat but }. ithis one.” These words told him that she bad heard all. He sprung from the chair as though stung by ‘a serpent and sunk into the one be had always occupied, ag ems you have heard—” ‘All, father.” ° **-You know him then as—” ** You brother, my uncle,” ‘* He was, as I believed, dead.” “Ts had been better for him bad he been dead, father.” “My brother, Bertrando the Buccaneer?” | ped the Don. And my uncle?” ~ * Ah, my child, do you blame me?” * Blame you, father “Ves,” p celite,” ‘How can you ask such a question? “Tknow now, what you bave always kept oe me, that my mother was not your first ove. : ; “I know now, father, tbat the one you loved, who loved you, was pledged to him, my uncle, ®ertrando the Buccaneer, and that she fell by his hand, dying in your arms, “That is the scar you received from his bullet, there on your head, and which you would never - tte k a at. > tees . ¢ UT knows now, father, and that your life has een as nc ‘ag honorable, as his has been -wicked and heinous, and well in what you have done this night.” “Theo you do not blame me for not giving up the estates?” “They are yours, not his, for he could not claim them in Jaw, or before bis King. Pe has forfeited all rights, my father.” “ And you were generous to-snpply him with gol, more generous to give him his free- ' Marcelite, richly as he deserves it.” ‘No, yet it will be his fate in the end, for ‘how can it be otherwise? ; ** He came bere to rob you, and he was thwart- ed, and how strangely.” z sone 80 strangely that I cannot understand t, father. : , “ What do you mean?” _ | He accused the - who ‘the one who came here comrade. ‘Bertrando wished to get both of us into his power,” ; ; es . pices PO Rae cette Revello, the Pirate Cru to oe you?” _ “Tinow, father, that you bave acted bravely | was his cor 5 ae with him, of treach-— Ci aR ei Sen) “A % And that one protected you, saved me, for she doing as the comrade of Navy, as the comrade of Bertrando, the Bucca- neer, ‘* He came herein disguise, and yet the buc- caneer knew that he was disguised. ‘* He came here with Bertrando for a purpose, and only when the buccaneer sought to carry us aboard the pirate craft, did. he resent it and protect us, ‘** He left here, leaving the buccaneer a pris- oner in your hands; but oh, my father! what does it all mean, for [cannot solve the terrible eae. cannot realize that the stories I have eard of Captain Revello may after all have truth as a foundation. ‘Father, tell me, if you can, what it all means, for my heart is so heavy, my life seems crushed out by this blow, that Revello comes here with a sea robber.” That Marcelite felt deeply the recognition, in the disguised comrade of the buccaneer, the man whom she was pledged to become the wife of, showed in her intense manner and haggard face, for suffering had stamped .its seal upon every beautiful feature. ‘* My child,” at last, said the Don, smothering his grief in the the anguish of his child: “It was a shock to me to know who the comrade of Bertrando, the Buceaneer was, and yet let us hope that it will all come well in the ‘* But the buecaneer kuew him, for remember what he said of Revello?” “True, and yet Revello made himself known to me, and said a)! will be well, “Tt is a terribly mixed up affair, Marcelite, but do not prejudge Captain Roevello, but wait until you know all, until you can hear his ex- planation, ‘ “He has gone, and he left the buccaneer ere. “He returned to the brig and yet left the men of the buccaneer concealed in the chap- arral, and they are still there. ‘Wait, my child, and see what the future re- veals.” z “T will not judge him yet, father, but trust him as before,” was the low response, and Mar- celite sunk into a chair and covered her face with her hands, CHAPTER XXXVI. SURROUNDED, MARCELITE’S trust in Revello was a cause of pleasure to the Don, for he did have confidence in the man himself, and he believed that be was playing a part out of which good would eventu- ally come in being with Bertrando the Bucca- neer. If not, why had be made known who he was, and why he captured the buccaneer. Of course it seemed strange to have a Mexi- can naval officer come to his house in compan with a buccaneer; but it also looked as thoug it must be for a purpose for good. So argued Don Ricardo, and he was glad to see that Marcelite sided with him in his views, A “Come, my dear child, do not give way to your grief, for I have something to ask your advice about,” he said, as he saw that Marcelite was grieving with emotion while she sat there with her face buried in her hands, as though to shut out the terrible thoughts that haunted ie 3 “Well, fatber, tell me if I can do anything trol. “These men came from their vessel in the “ Yes, fatber.” ‘“The buccaneer chief bad with him a force of men who are concealed in the chaparral, s0 my mea report.” “ Who brought the vessel into the n Ido not know, unless it was Revello, who did it for a Parte mn t bave had f a ‘He must bave a or F “ Certainly,” ; om good ** And yet what he was doing on board the pirate vessel is beyond finding out, father.” * Just now, yes; but wait in pati , and now we will look at the situation as it is, “I will, father.” “The piste ‘came into the lagoon, landed a force, which is now witbin balf a mile of the bagienea amenS orders.” es. ‘‘The two who came here were Bertrando and Revello.” — iser. said, with sudden self-con- | | ** It is all very strange, father.” ‘‘ Now, this vessel we saw and set down as Revello’s brig.” ‘ And yet when night came Captain Revello visited us in company with a pirate,” “Yes; but that is yet to be explained, while the work in band is to capture that party in the chaparral,” ‘What have you done about it, father?” ‘*T have ordered in all my men, and the tim- ber is being surrounded. ‘Then, when day dawns, we will demand the surrender of the men, ‘‘T will tell them that their chief is a prisoner, and that their vessel has gone to sea, while if they do not surrender no mercy will be shown them.’ ‘** Tf they surrender?” “Then we must get at whatall this means.” *« ow, father?” “They are without doubt under an officer.” ‘* Certainly.” ‘‘ He can be made to tell by bribes or threats just what the situation is,” ‘‘ You can at least try it, father.” ‘Well, now go to your room and get what rest you can, my child, and I will do the same, leaving word to be called just before dawn, ‘Then I will ride to the timber, and we will know the resu!t in a very short while,” ‘Well, father, I know that what you do will be for the best, but do not question this outlaw officer before any one else, regarding Captain Revello’s being on board the pirate craft.” “That is a good suggestion, my child, and I am glad you mentioned it. ‘* Now seek what rest you can.” Marcelite sought her room and threw herself down upon a lounge, but it was not to sleep, for her mind was too excited for sleep to come to her eyelids, She lay there in deep meditation for several hours, and then rose quickly, as she heard the sound of hoofs upon the Plaza, Her father was mounting his horse to ride to the chaparral, Quickly she decided upon her course, She would go, too. : ’ Her maid was awakened and ordered to go have her horse brought to the door. Then she put on ber riding-habit, armed ber- self with a pistol, and going to the door, found her horse there held by a peon. “ Minto, geé a borse and come with me,” she said, and the peon darted ama The man at the gate let her through with the remark that she would fiud the Don at the Red Chaparral, and then up dashed Minto hastily and joined her. She rode rapidly on to the chaparral, and in the gray dawn of day saw a line of men around the timber motte, which was about an acre in size, z Her father was there, and she rode quietly uptohisside, — “ Why, Marcelite, you here?” he cried, in sur- rise at seeing ber. aire —_, T know not what would be the outcome of all this, so I wished to be near you,” she answered. Seas os “The pirates are in the chaparral still, and they can see us surrounding them, so I just sent in a man with a white flag demanding their sur- render.” ws “Tf they are wise they will fight it out to the bitter end and thus die by bullet instead of rope. : A Ly ee j rast ‘Yes, my child, you are right.” __ “How many men are there, father” = “IT do not know.” ** And your force?” “ We have half a hundred, nearly all of whom are in full view of the pirates. ‘‘ But bere comes my man,” > “The man sent in by Don Ricardo was now seen lea the chaparral, carrying the white aex he had borne aloft in going toward the P rates, ~ The Don and Marcelite anxiously awaited his comiag, and the former called out as be drew near: “Well, Diaz, what news bring you?” “Senor, the officer told me they were men from the Mexican brig-of-war Rattlesnake who had landed to search for pirates, and their vessel — had gone to sea without them.” ater “You know the officers of Captain Revello’s — Diaz?” si ; . “ Yes, senor. - ae ‘* Which of bis officers was it?” e- ** Not one, senor, and in my opinion they are pirates themselves,” i eg CHAPTER XXXVIL THE PARLEY. THe answer cf Diaz was nota surprise to Don Ricardo, who-felt that the pirates, aoe ves entrapped, were playing a bold 4 “ Diaz.” ‘ “ Yes, senor.” ; an gies “Return and say to the officer in command “flag shall protect bim, and I him my word he can return to the cba Setal tt ig eat 9 for him to do so after
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‘brig Ocean Rapier, for I see that sbe is returnin “Bow and we will soon return to her.” ; ete ae — — = !Revello, the Pirate Cruiser. 19 ‘*-Yes, senor,” answered Diaz, and he went | said first that he was Don Ricardo Castile, a rode down upon the pirates, who opened fire, ack toward the motte, ranchero,” yet still moved on at a quick march. Tbere stood Senor Waldo surrounded by his *“*Ab! be claimed my name?” said the Don, A borse went down bere and there, and a men, angrily, while Marcelite remarked: man or two fell from bis saddle, The faces of all of them were anxious, and ** Perhaps for some good motive, father, This enraged the vagueros, and they returned the fire, and with deadly effect, They encircled the band like Comanches, and a marching fire was kept up. Moving as they were, and not accustomed to that mode of fighting, the damage done by the pirates was not half so severe as what they suffered from the fire of the horsemen. ie” But they left their dead and wounded where aR. they fell, showing heartlessness by deserting their comrades wbo were rendered incapable of doing further work, But on they marched, steadily and swiftly, Waldo leading and making a brave fis ht of it. ‘* The hacienda boats are in the lagoon, some- where, men, 80 reach them and we are safe,” cried Waldo. And on they went, up hill and down dale, while tbe horsemen circled about them like In- dians, still keeping up a hot fire, each man clasped his weapons firmly. ** But how did you know that he was not Don They had waited in vain for the signal , i Oe eee *S Malte ne hh;
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where the nature of the ground prevents horse- men from going near them,” ** You are right again, my child, “T declare you would make a splendid com- mander; but the buccaneers feel now tbat they are hemmed in and must soon surrender,” ** They might hold out a day or two, and it is best to hurry them into a surrender, father.” “ Certainly, if it can be done,” ‘* Tt can be,” ** How?” ‘* Send half of ycur men with all speed around the head of the lagoon, let them hail the lugger, board her and she can, with this breeze stand back and forth to the peint, her crew protected by her bigb, thick bulwarks, while they can pour in a hot fire.” ‘* Marcelite, my child, you are a wonder. ** Ho, Diaz.” ** Yes, senor.” ‘* The Sevorita Marcelite bas suggested a plan which you are to carry out, while 1 remain bere with the bulance of the men,” and the Don ex- plained fully Marcelite’s plan, “Tf we bag them, senorita, and we surely will, the credit will be to you,” said Diaz as be hast- ened away. Watching from their position of advantage the Don and Marcelite saw Diaz and his men soon riding on the other shore of tne lagoon near the sea, = The lugger was signaled and returred with the boats in tow, and then the men on horse- back were seen to dismount and go on board, The other boats were left in charge of one of the men, all ready to put out to sea, and the lugger set sail for the point where the buccaneers snag were. The latter were not lovg in realizing what was intended, and quickly sought places of cover from the water side. But to get cover they exposed themselves on the land side, and the Don and his men opened a hot fire upon them, This put them between two fires when the lu stood close in, and the pirates were seen to be very much demoralized, Then Waldo was seen to spring forward and rush for the water’s edge, : He was followed by his men and they — into the lagoon just as the lugger was wearing around to go about, baving stood close inshore, “My God! they will board her by swimming and carry ber,” cried the Don, The lugger was lubberly and slow in going about, and as the wind was light she was so long in going about that Waldo saw his chance to swim out and board her, _ He saw that be bad more men than had Diaz, ’ and —- close quarters he knew what the pirates ' Could they reach the lugger before she could go about and get headway be could carry her easily, knife in band., j If not, he could swim back to the point and -hold the position as before, — To do this he left a few men with the rifles of all, loaded to cover their bold move and drive back the horsemen should they charge. ecie Haretitacaed on Din the bet cocides dd Marcelite, ¢ Don,, d decided eh a very thing, called to bis of. to sae at nd follow bim, : ‘In an instant Marcelite was by his side, alee and persuasion or pleading would not send a But just as the men were moving to the he charge, they saw that Diaz bad not been taken by surprise, for he was picking off the swim- ming pirates, who were driven k toward the 4 ; moment: the horsemen made a , — Ker ope aga who were not a moment too soon, for blood of the Mexicans was up and they meant to kill. : “ “*Spare those who cry for mercy!” shouted eae the Don, and he dashed into the timber, Mar- f _ celite by his side, eho r ‘Phere stood the remnant of the band, who bad fought so. bravely ix a bad cause, and all _ were humble now, ia, |“ Where is your commander?” asked the Don, ; tte Senor Waldo is at the bottom of the > , ‘oon, ‘ ; \ , * He was shot when his band was upon the 1 »” said one of the men. : * Well, be was a brave fellow and deserved to die in a better causa,” was Marcelite’s response, tine sama CHAPTER XL. THE MISSING LUGGER. ten in number, while there were half a dozen “wounded ones, who had fallen in the retreat to the L ae ; : , f exif Evens officer was a dashing fellow, . pag tems and would bave made a gallant man ae been im an honorable service, _ the hacie “Tt is b ee Ne wy TIS ~~ AY Die A a tig CR tin : 7 Oe So one ’ . Se ee 20 Revello, the Pirate Cruiser. h, and quickly came the cry.of surrender | THE buccaneers who surrendered were but “1 am really sorry be w s killed,” said the Don, when be and ne enghter pia tohateaa to the ha to breakfast. | ied tar be gn wlfcor”| ty a we could resist, me and my two mates, and! while the boys were killed I got this in my. side,. and it’s my death wound,” and he placed his- band upon a knife-thrust in his side, “I bope it is not so bad as you think, good: Felipe; but 1 will have you tuken at once to the- hacienda and we will do all in our power to save: you. ** But are you sure it was the pirate officer?” “* Ah yes, senor, for I saw him in the fight to-- day and marked him well. ‘ “He is a devil, senor, and I beard him say, tor the prisoners, his men: *** Now, lads, I will set you free, forthey. did: “True, he wonld have been hanged, and [ hate to see a brave man die a dishonorable “death.” ‘** But are you sure be was killed, father?” “So his men said, “*He was shot justas he put his hand on the lugger.” ** And what will you do with the prisoners, father?” ‘* Putthem on the luggerso that Diaz can run them to Vera Cruz to-morrow, for by that time 1 will bave the cargo to send down there ready,” answered the Don, who was wont to send the lugger to Vera Cruz every couple of weeks, ‘ne buccaneers were accordingly put in the | not kill me as they supposed, hold of the lugger, the wounded ones also being ““*T am all right, and as the lugger is-provi-- taken on board, and the crew of three men, a sioned we will soon be at sea and a mate aud two seamen, went ov board, “** Now, lads, to strip you of your irons,’ The next day when her cargo was ready Diaz ‘That is what be said, senor, and they soom was to go with her to Vera Cruz and surrender | had the lugger flying out to sea, the prisoners to the Junta with a report from ‘** Ab, senor, I tear I am done for,” Don Ricardo that the pirates under Bertrando| ‘“‘ No, Felipe, I believe we cun save you,” andi had landed torob his bacienda, and bad been | the Don started the men to the hacienda with thwarted, tie wounded man, while he and Marcelite fol- More the Don did not care to say. lowed slowly discussing the escape of: Waldo The wounded men of the ranch were tenderly | and his comrades who were beld: in. irons om eared for and the dead, pirates and ranchmen, | board the lugger. were decently buried during the day, That night Marcelite sat. at her window in CHAPTER XLI, deep meditation. : : Itcommanded a view of the lagoon and the STRANGELY MET. Gulf in the distance, and she was gazing upon THE story of the mate of the lugger was m» the rising moon, correct one, for the daring young pirate officer, It was late and yet she could pot sleep. Waldo, bad managed to save himself by diving,, She was thinking over the past few bours, | and coming up under the stern of the Jugger, and her heart was with ber sailor lover upon the When he saw that it would be impossible toe carry the craft, he called to several cf the men adout bim to save themselves as best they could.. vealed a white object in the lagoon, Three otbers besides himself managed to cling: It could only be a sail, and why was it there, | to the lugger, under her stern,. where, for for the Jugger was not to depart until the next | tunately for them, they were not locked for, day. To bis delight Waldo saw that the men were ne sail was not entering the lagoon from the | to be kept on board the lugger, and when night: Gulf, but moving out of it, came on, after a long clinging to the sides of the Quickly she sprung for the glass she always | craft, they went up over the bulwarks, their kept in ber room, , ; knives in their teeth, and in au instant, almost, ne look through it and she recognized the | beld pee of the deck. lugger. Felipe was tossed overboard with the others: It was under sail and standing out_to sea, of the lugger’s crew, for it was supposed that be She at once thought that ber father had de- | had received his death wound, cided to send the lugger sooner than he had in- Then the anchor was gotten up,,sail was set, tended. and the lugger stood out to sea. But then she recalled that she had been in the The next morning, to the dismay of all, for- room with her father a couple of hours before, the buccaneer prisoners had been freed of their whenjbe told Diaz that he wished bim to-sail at | irons, it was discovered that there was not a. sunset the following day. , drop of water on board, ‘* There is something mysterious in the sailing The casks bad not been filled, that duty being- of that lugger now tbat I must find out,” she left by Felipe uutil the last. said. The lugger was well out to. sea, and the , Hastily she left the room and sought her — men on board began. to plead for ather. ; water. < He was not in his bed-chamber, but she found | There was a sail in sight, and.so Waldo de~ him in the sitting-room, pacing to and fro, bis ; cided to hide all but a couple of bis men, and hands behind his back. d retending to be a coaster, run down and ask He, too, could not sleep, it seemed. or water, saying that bis casks had sprung ; He started at sight of her, and asked anxious- j a leak in the night, and had drained out every 7s What is it, my child?” , drop of the precious fluid, “We can run alongside in thiscalm sea and ‘* Fathers bave you sent the lugger to sea?” ‘No, my child; certainly not.” ligbt wind, lads, and carry the oats y board-— ‘Then there is something wrong, for she is ing, now I think of it, and it will) for yonder schooner is not a bad vessel, and we standing out by the lagoon now. ee = her istinetiy with ay glass when the mira be able to secure considerable: booty, after “moon rose and cast its light directly upon ber Such was the plan formed by Waldo for the white sails,” capture of the coaster, and it was carried out “ There is something wrong in this,” cried the | successfully, without the loss of any of fgets Don, and at once the servants were aroused, the The men in menacles iv the lugger’s hold ranchmen were called \in, and mounting his | bad been released the day before, and armed borse, Don Ricardo, escorted by a number of his with knives and with whatever weapons they sea, Suddenly she started, for the moonlight re- ~men, ouleranbiy: toward the } ne had brought with them or found there, they By his side was Marcelite, for she had pleaded | would make a very formidable band to with- DO Late laeabns at the biseniie, : stand, ont: n Then, too, they were desperate men and saw e before them if they were successful, the gallows if they failed. So the flags of the lugger were set to mark distress on board aud she was-steered to head the vessel off. Tbe wind was light, and Waldo and two others were all there were on deck, a Of course, he -expectéd the stranger would be shy of him, dreading lagoon take but the coaster showed no fear and the lugger was soon within hail, The men in the cabin and hold, fifteen of them all told, stood ready to come out at Waldo’s, 4 Thus the lugger neared the cutter and Waldo. ailed, Y He told the one who answered that it was a ranch lugger and out of water, so they wished’ to get a cask if it could be spared tbem, _— Sailors are always geverous and willing to. A rapid galiop soon brought the party to where a fy the Gulf was had, gee was visible the lugger, half a league off-shore. She was crowded with canvas now, and was standing on a course that would carry her far out to sea, : ** I cannot understand it,” the Don said. **T can.” - ; ** Well, Marcelite ¥ \s Bomeot thoes ps tet escaped in some mys- terious way, seized the lugger and are gone,” ‘*' Yes, there were but three of my men on board pts. oreo they have been overpowered by the bucca , or bribed.” — ‘* Or perhaps, as I said, some of the pirates es- caped and boarding the lugger to-night, for she lay against the shore, freed their comrades.” 5 a We may make some discovery at the shore,” responded the Don, and they dashed into the la- goon, ; ‘There upoa the bank they found a man writh- ing in pain and groaning. — help their mates, so the coaster was brought to. | SE = Feline, be lagger’s master,” cried Diaz | and the lugger’s skipper was told to rum ashe threw himself from his horse and bent uver | a . the suffering man, _ sie eT. “By Heavens, men, but there stands Captaim ‘* Ab, my poor Felipe, what has happened?” | Bertrando on the deck of that craft,” whisp the Don sdld tenderly. having also dismounted, | Waldo, and the men could hardly refrain a. “Tt was that young devil of a pirate officer, | cheer at his words, oe genor.” ; It was true, for Bertrando, the Buccancer,, “Ha! was he not Killed to-day?” was standing near the whee!man of ‘oaster,. “Not he, senor; hut he bung on in some way} It was the very craf Bertran ad the lugger aste ith several of his men, and | taken pseene the day he was: ugi't to meet some of his cre Be «“ . “ " » but = ~ - ow Piel ow : Le EES I 4 ere %! se ute oa Sens 2 aa * eto ‘oY =. Coat A
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ay? elt by craft, lads, besides double them in number. ‘¢ Siand ready to come at my call,” whispered Waldo, as he passed the cabin and open hatch forward, Then came the order: wee med y at the wheel there—now lay her along- siriel’ The helmsman obeyed the ordér and as the lueger arifted alongside the coaster, W aldo shout- ed . * Now, lads, follow me to the: rescue of our chief!” Captain Bertrando was almost as much sur- prised at the sight of Waldo and bis men, board- ing as they did, as was the skipper and crew of the little vessel. There was buta short resistance and the red work was over, for all who tried to save the ves- se] quickly met death at the bands of the desper- ate pirates, Captain Bertrando also joining with his men in the attack. In five minutes of time the coaster was in the hands of Waldo, who now approached bis chief. “Well, Waldo, my brave friend, what does this mean?” cried Bertrando as he grasped tbe hand of the officer who had so pluckily carried out his plan to capture the coaster. “It isa long story, Senor Chief, which I will tell you when { have gotten our wounded com- rades on board this craft, rernoved what valu- ables the Iugger may have on board and then scuttled her, * But you are in command, chief.” “No, bold command until I know all. “Then we will decide what is best to be done,” answered Bertrando. Waldo quickly attended to the duties in hand, removed tbe wounded pirates to the schoon r, . along with a few things of value or the lugger and then the Jatter craft was scuttled and set adrift. ‘Now, Senor Chief, I have to report for or- ders,” said Waldo as he came aft. * Well, put the schooner on her course again for Havana, as she was bound to that port and bas a valuable cargo on board, which [ can play akipper and dispose of there. ¥ Pheu we can sbip a cargo for Vera Cruz, for 1 desire to visit that port for various reasons, “You have lefé-none of the schooner’s crew alive, I hope?” : “Not oue, Senor Chief, for dead men never tell tales,” “True, and it is well; but how many men hava you?” “ Fifteen of us for duty, Senor Chief, though several of us are slightly. wounded, “Then there are five below severely wounded,” ‘Well, see to them, and then report to me here, for we will divide the men into watches,” Tbis was done, and then Walio, having select- ed a man as second mate, followed the chief into the schooner’s cabin to have a talk with him, af- ter their unexpected and strange meeting at sea. i — CHAPTER XLII. BERTRANDO AT THE HELM. ‘Tae craft which had been so boldly and mur- derously seized by Waldo and bis men, was a Mexican schooner of a bundred tons burden, trading generally along the coast of Mexico, but willing to seek a port elsewhere if there was gmoney in it for the captain. She bad sbipped a cargo for Havana, and the skipper was very glad to havea passenger who pea y him liberally, for so had the inn- k r vold bim of Captain Bertrando, — : That the voyage would be interrspted, as it was, ths buccaneer chief bad never dreamed, and the was in a very moody spirit when the lugger was sighted, ; There were in the schooner besides the master, a mate, five seamen and a cook, and not a show of mercy bad been given to one of them by the desperate buccaneers, ptain Bertrando bad grumbled at the skip- for not going on, and stopping to heed a cull rom the lugger, for he was anxious to get well away on his voyage. Now when he was seated in the cabin of the craft, with Waldo opposite to tim, and a bottle of aguardiente between them, Bertrando tbe Buccaneer never looked in a more cheerful « mood, “My dear Waldo,” be said, “ you must tell me ali about yourself, and how it is that | find you here at sea when I believed that ere this you had been shot or hanged?” ~ T will tell you all, Senor Chief, and I believe you will feel that I was right in warning you against that traitor Revello.” _ “Right! yes, a thonsand times right, and I only wish to find him to settle a score with bim which only bis death by incbes can pay,” was the gavage response of the buccaneer chief. “T have a like score to settle with bim, Senor Chief, for he deserted me and my men,to be shot, or captured and banged.” - “Do you know where be is now?” . “ At sea, senor, in command of your brigand Ore oe ‘acies, rou are right! He will seek to enrich him- y piracies, and then desert bis crew, or ptain Bertrando, so we j give them over to the hangman, while be sneaks to the hacienda of Don Ricardo Castile and marries his daughter.” ‘‘A beautiful girl is she, too, senor; but he shall never have her!” ‘* No, never!” firmly averred Bertrando, Then he asked: ' ‘* You have seen her?” ‘* Yesterday.” ‘* Where?” “On my march from the chaparral where you left me to the lagoon.” ‘* Was she there?” ‘*She was by her father’s side in the whole fight, senor.” : : ** The fight?” ‘* Yes, senor, for we cut our way from the chaparral! to the lagoon.” ‘* Indeed?” “The Dou surrounded us at night and in the morning demanded our surrender, ‘I refused, and when he told me you were a prisoner and that the brig had gone, I decided to cut my way to the lagoon and capture one of the boats I had seen there.” ‘* A bold stroke, and just like you, Waldo.” ‘* Thanks, Senor Cnief, for your praise.” ‘** And so you cut out the lugger?” “Not then, sir.” + ‘* When?” ** You shall know all, senor.” Then Waldo told the story of the retreat under fire, his intention to seize the lugger, and bow it bad been run off, and then the attempt to board her by swimming out aud seizing her when she stood in near shore to fire upon them, _Bertrando praised him again and again for his courage, and when his story was finished ctyped him warmly by the band and said: aldo, I will have command of another vessel scon, yes, of my own beautiful brig, and you fo as my first officer.” * Thank you, senor.” “‘ And [ shall have in my power that man Re- vello.” ; ** Yes, senor,” “I will not put him to death, but be shall live a life of torture that will make bim pray to die.” That is just it, Senor Chief, just what be de- serves,” ; i are — I ath command of my vessel again I will make another visit Ricardo Castile,” air ey 3 eet a ee will go by night, with my whole force and the Don and his daughter shall become my Prt Yee, Senor Chiet es, Senor Chief, yes, and 1 will ask you for tbe band of the beautiful Senorita Castile, for [ fell in love with her at sight, in spite of her bit- terness to me,” Bertrando was silent a moment and then said tone: in a low, earnest ** Waldo?” ** Yes, chief.” ’ a You shall marty the Senorita Marvelite Cas- ile, ~ “Oh, senor?” © ‘* You have my promise and I will keep it,” = Thanks, senor; many thanks,” bowing’ low, It shall be my revenge on her on account of her name to aes her to you,” ce **Am I so bad then, senor, so ill-looki asked the crestfallen pirate officer, ol “No; it is not that; only that she is a beauti- ful woman and honorable, and it will bumble her to the dust to be forced to wed a buccaneer while it will break her proud father’s heart,” Ah, L see now, Senor Chief, how you mean it; but I was hurt, for women say lam a very haudsome map,” : ne so are, Waldo, you are, and a great devil a . ‘*But you deserve all the good I can bestow Ore Shenk , chief,” said : ank you, chie th Waldo. = : pies cca After some further conversation together. it was decided that Bertrando. should oo the name of the dead master of the schooner, Pedro | Velasquez, and run the vessel into the port of | eras, . here the cargo would be quickly di of, Bertrando pocketing the proceeds A Banga his crew, aud another cargo would be shipped for Vera Cruz. It was to this latter port that Bertrando was anxious to go, for somehow he believed there he | would hear of Revello and his»brig. At any rate, be knew he could go from there in the little schooner witb another cargo for New Orleans, where he could cut ont a craft suitable for him to go cruising again as a pirate, | i “4 he = a st Se one he bad the gold, nd gems that wou ring enough him to buy one, Py Sone Then, too, he could draw the draft given bim |. by bis brother, Don Ricardo. But Bertrando’s main object in getting & ves- ‘sel was to hunt down Reveillo, and then by mak- ing his brother and Marvelite prisoners, to bring the Don to terms, And 80 Bert in bis cruise of crime upon the seas, ld ‘ : 9 to bebold overhead, upon the trando was once more at the belm | ca of rapiers crossed CHAPTER XLIIL. THE DOOMED WIFE, Away back to the opening chapters of this story I would bave my reader glance, not so long in the lapse of time, but in which time events have crowded upon the mind, making it seem like an age that has passed It is upon the vight of the tornado that had wrecked the brig Rattlesnake, the scene of a wo- man in irons, I would now have them glance, There in the cabin, with manacles upon her slender wrists and ankles, and iron chains hold- ing these to the mast, was the one who had been known in the brig as Ivan, the cabin-boy. Slender and graceful in ferm, retiring in nature, no one had suspected the fast that the ‘‘boy” really was a woman, until the secret came out in the storm when Rudolph Revello sought the interview that ended witb the sen- tence of the woman to die in chains, Bravely had she borne. the brutal sentence, and bitter had been Revello when he could not foree from ber acry for mercy. The crash had come when the wreck was car- ried by a wave mightier than the others upon a suvken reef. In that mad struggle for life, Revello and Topaz nad sought safety in the life-boat in which the cunning things for future use, for be had known tbat the boat would float, no matter how much dam- i he result of that cruise in the life-boat is known, and so it is that we leave Revello and Topaz upon the brig of the buccaneers, and re- turn to the woman in chains upon the wreck. frican bad stowed away certain The first following wave, after the wreck struck, had torn from tbeir bold the pirate crew, and all had been swept mercilessly into the sea. The shock had been a terrible one, and yet, to the surprise of the woman, it had not torn the wreck apart, - She heard the wild rush of waters over the deck, felt the quivering of the hull as it settled firmly upon its rocky ledge, listened to the shrieks, curses and prayers of the drowning crew, and hurled upon her knees as she had been, she remained thus, praying that Heaven would spare ber life for ber boy’s sake, ‘<T must live, I must not die, for I bave tolive toavenge the deed of that man, have to live for as little son,” she moaned, he next wave_fell less heavily against the vessel, and the next paves cast.a shower of spray heavily upon be The sea appeared to be rapidly running down, and it seemed that it had, in that buge wave which bad borne the wreck upon its mighty crest, exerted its last dying energies. Satisfied with the carnival of death in the loss of the crew, the storm’s fury rapidly abated, - The wreck yet trembled under the shocks, the waters yet roared about it, and the winds \ howled overhead; but the stora: was surely dy- ing out, and the woman uttered a cry of delight as she realized that it was so. ; “Ob, Heaven, I thank Tnee! Thon bast an- swered my prayer, even though I live to avenge!” sbe cried, : Then it came over her after this flash of jo that the storm was dying out, that the wrec was not going to pieces, that she was yet in irons, manacied band and fuot, Alone on that wreck, for she felt no one had withstood that rush of waters, she must surely die a lingering death, worse by far than to bave gune down quickly beneath the waves bad the vessel gone to pieces, ? In ber despair at the thought she writhed in agony, and overcome, at last, sbe swooned away, from grief, despair and exHkustion. : She must have been unconscious a Jong while, she knew, for when she came to consciousness the seas were not pounding away at the bull with migbty blows. Fi Tne spray still dashed upon the deck heavily, and yet it was proof to her that the sea was get- ting over its fury, while the winds had ceased to howl overbead, : The oe the companionway bad been closed by Revello bad raved her, for the waters otherwise would have rushed in and drowned | her. é. The cabin was comparatively dry, and look- ing about her she suddenly gave a cry of joy, or at the companionwuy steps lay a bunch of key : She knew them well; they were the keys of Revello, and one of them would unlock ber irons, CSRS - Pew ste toward them, but the chains er progress, ' oes How was ee get that which was beyond SIE ee aig: Wh ieee Co t was ma ng; rself to calmness and sab down upon the cabin to thinky ber tack Manine t the. mast, her bands cla: as thoug | prayer that she migbt free herself from tha chains which beld ber. Andee as she sat there she cast her eyes upward ceiling of toe and fastened by
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22 Instantly she was upon her feet, and in spite of the weight of chains she was leaping up to seize the blades, Leap after leap she made and each one seemed weaker than the other, for the weapons remained just beyond her reach. So, tired out with the exertion, she sat down in. despair, But the rest did her good, and nerving her- self once more for the task, she made a mighty leap, her bands caught in the hilt of one of the swords, the straps gave way beneath her weight and she fell heavily. But the rapier was in her hand! She gave a cry of joy as she grasped it more firmly, and turning, reached out the point for the keys, She touched thet, but she had not the power to draw them along with the slender point of the blade. Again she tried and again. She would not despair after discovering the keys and the ra- piers and securing the latter. Surely she would not fail now, she thought, Then it came to her to turn the rapier around, and taking it by the point she pushed the hilt along over the floor until it reached the keys. It barely did so, for it was a long stretch of the arms and a strain at the chains to get the hilt so as to catch around the Keys. At last she did this, however, and at once slowly but surely drew the keys toward her, She scarcely dared breathe in the act, for fear she might lose them. But, slipping ber hands up the blade of the rapier she drew the keys nearer and nearer, and then, with a shriek of joy, she clutched them in her hand, This was joy, was triumph! She felt utterly prostrated as though from some giant task, and dropping down upon the cabin floor, her head upon the carpet, sunk into a deep sleep. : CHAPTER XLIV. A WOMAN’S FIGHT FOR LIFE, THE cabin lamp in tho Mexican brig had burned out when the woman awoke from her deep sleep of utter prostration, after she had gotten ion of the keys, and the sun was shining brightly over the sea, How long she had lain there she did not know or care, She only knew that the irous still held her fast, and that in her bands she clutched the keys that would give her liberty. n his mad flight for safety-on deck the com- mander of the vessel, he who had so cruelly sought revenge upon a woman, and that wo- man his wife, had dropped his keys, and thus she had secured the means of freedom, She sought the keys that unlocked the man- acles about the ankles and gave a cry of joy when she had freed them, Then working nervously with one hand. as well as she could she found a key to fit the irons upon her wrists. It was a hard task to fit the key and turn it, hampered as she was. But at last she did so, and dashing the chains to the cabin floor she sprung to her feet and shouted aloud in her joy. “No, Lam not doomed! **T will not die! ** Just Heaven has s Me to be avenged on you, Revello the Buccaneer, for you are nothing more, even though you float an honest flag above your decks. ‘© Ha! ha! ha! now I am free!” She darted about the cabin like a child at play, so glad was she to be free, the thought that being so was not yet safety never entering her mind. Feeling a gnawing gf hunger she went to the caboose forward and soon prepared a breakfast for herself from the food she found therein the water-tight locker, This partaken of she felt better and then went on deck, What a scene was it for a lone woman to gaze upon, There was the boundless sea about her upon every hand, and the reef upon which the wreck had struck was just level with the waters in a calm at high tide, It seemed that nowhere else could she behold a break in the sea denoting a ‘ The wreck had driven directly there to its doom and the doom of those on board. Afar off on the borizon to the northward, as she gaz-d she bebeld a dark line, broken here and there, ** Tt is land? ‘*Land ho!” she shouted and she ran for a glass. ‘ At last she found one in the cabinand leveling it, land was revealed to her vision. But it was thirty miles and more away and she knew that ft must be an island, : Then she sat down and considered that she had been praying to be spared to seek vengeance upon a man whose life could not possibly have been spared while he was on deck. He too surely must have sunk, as she knew that the boats were all stove, or at least she had s80M0 One say 80, Revello, the Pirate Cruiser. If she could only find » human being on board now she would be content. So she roamed over the wreck from stem to stern but not a shul could she find. All were gone, all torn off by that mighty wave and sent to their doom. The wreck seemed safe enough there in that calm sea, but a storm or two would surely beat it to pieces, Provisions enough she had for a long while, ae it would never do to risk another storm there, Yet how was she to escape, for there was not the vestige of a boat there? The decks had been swept perfectly clean by the waves, the guns even had been torn from their lashings and driven, through the bulwarks, were piled up in heaps upon the rocks aft, for the hull had gone on stern foremost, But, the woman was not now to be daunted in the face of obstacles and dangers. Down below she went, and it was not long be- fore she came up again with her arms full of oars, Pieces of spars followed next; the, the cabin doors were taken from tbeir hinges, after which she brought up a hammer, an ax and nails, with bundles of ropes and canvas, She noted that the tide was going out, and that it was the very time for her to build her raft, So she selected a spot upon the reef that was then under water a few inches, and under the lee of the wreck. Here she laid her heaviest spars, six in num- ber, cutting the longest to the length she wished, and working with the strength of a man and un- tiringly. Across those she placed others, and ropes and nails made them fast together. The oars were stretched across in the center then and secured, and next came the cabin doors. These were firmly fastened,and so arranged as to make a space to protect her from rough seas, for four of them formed a bulwark, She worked rapidly, skillfully and well, and when the tide began to come in, she was bring- ing to the raft several sailors’ small chests, Into these she placed provisions and bedding, and when this was done she looked about for all she might need on her voyage, perhaps for days, perhaps a bei ae that might end in death, poe she would not allow herself to think the atter, A cask had been put upon the raft, and then filled with water by bucket. She had gotten aboard plenty of rope, for when the raft was afloat she could tie it more securely together. She had braced a spar for a mast, and had a square sail which she could lower-across what she called her cabin, if need be. A barge oar had been made fast as a rudder, and the woman was more than delighted with her work. If it would only blow fresh, she could drive along with fair speed toward some haven, or across the course of some vessel, she was sure. If a terrible storm came, she knew that her danger would be great, for though her raft was strong, it might be tossed bottom upward in a wild sea, It was night now, but she dared not remain until morning, and thus lose valuable time, for there was a fair wind blowing. So she got from the schooner all that there was left of Revello’s valuables, and going on board the raft, shoved off upon the wild waste of waters. She had lighted two lanterns, and placed one at each end of the spar of her little square sail, so as to be seen by a passing vessel should she fall asleep; and now, taking the long oar for her helm, she set off on the wide sea—to what des- tiny only the coming hours could tell. CHAPTER XLV. GOLETA AHOY! Tue daring woman who had boldly ventured upon her voyage on a raft, held the helm of her frail craft until sleep overtook her, for she was worn out with all that she had passed through, The raft drifted on under pressure of the wind, and the woman slept on. Only when the sunlight peered over. the door, stood on end as a bulwark, and fell upon her face did she awake, She did so with a start, and was upon her feet in an instant, The craft was rocking upon the sea, and i ga were beginning to show off to wind- ward, 7 But the raft was firm and the little cabin space the woman had made was dry and com- fortable. Setting her sail again she let the craft drive on while she went to work to prepare her breakfast, In spite of her peril and hardships, she was downright hungry and ate heartily. Then she looked all over her raft, tightened ropes here and there, added others, drove more nails in braces and was satisfied that she had a very secure craft. ; course, she could only go before tho Of wind upon such a boat, but that course im time must bring her somewhere, she argued and if a severe storm did not set in she was ali: right. So passed the day, the wind increasing until, even the raft was going at a five-knot pace. Now and then a heavy following sea would. come tumbling aboard, but the doors were high and thorougbly braced, so that the space within: was comfortable, When night’came on the lone woman felt all: the desolation ahd danger of her position, Time and again she regretted not having re- mained on the wreck, Then sbe was sorry she bad not at least. waited until the wind would have wafted her to the island she had seen far away from the wreck. The wind increased and the waves ran high, but she remained at her tiller and held the raft op its way. The two lanterns were swung at the yard- tips, and she hoped they would be seen by some passing vessel, for she could only see a short dis- tance off. Thus the night passed away, and an angry night it was. ith the dawn she had hatchet and nails ir hand, and ropes were tightened and others added, She saw that her raft had stood the strain well, but a few more hours of such strain with- out repairs would cause trouble, she felt con- fident. But the gale swept over with the rising of the sun, and yet the wind remained fresh and steady, still driving her along. The day passed as the other had, and another night came on, the woman getting what sleep- she could, The water and provisions held out well, and the raft was still firm, her cabin still comfort- able so that her spirits rose with the passing of time, Thus another day and night passed, and yet the woman’s pluck upheld ber. She knew not where she was going, but it was to the eastward steadily, and she must soon find land or cross the course of ships in the West Indian trade, Another night settled down, and worn out the woman slept through it When she awoke it was with a start, Voices were ringing in her ears. Then, not far distant from her was a small, lateen-rigged craft, and her crew were calling to arouse any one who might be upon the raft. As she sprung to her feet and beheld the ves- sel, gladly from her lips rung the hail: * Goleta, ahoy! aboy!” “Ahoy! what craft is that, and where bound?” responded a gruff voice. * All that is left of a wreck, and bound to some haven of safety, sir,” responded the wo- man, who now bastily prepared to play the role of cabin-boy once more, ** Ay, ay, lower away your sail, and I will send a boat aboard of you,” came the answer, and the woman waved her tarpaulin again and again around her head, A boat manned by four sailors now came near, 2 rope was tossed them and the raft was towed to the side of the goleta. Sbe was acraft of sixty tons burden, trimly built and had a crew of a dozen men on board, the woman noticed with surprise. A brovzed-faced man of fifty met her at the gavgway, and said in a gruff though not unkind tone: “ Now, my lad, give an account of yourself.” “* Ay, ay, sir. I was cabin-boy on the Mexican brig-of-war Rattlesnake and we were wrecked far to the southwest of here, “T was in the cabin and so escaped, while I believe all others on board were lost, “ We struck on a reef and as the hull did not go to pieces at once I rigged up this raft for a voyage and here I am, sir, owing to you my life.’ ‘‘ Well, you are a plucky fellow to save your- self as you have, “‘ Bué you were on a vessel-of-war you say?” ‘‘'Yes, sir, the Mexican cruiser Rattlesnake,” “« And she has gone to the bottom?” ** Yes, sir,” J “ With all on board?” ‘I am the only one whose escape I can youck for, captain.” ‘Tam glad of that,” a Sir!” “*T say [am glad the cruiser has gone down, for 1 bate those kind.” ‘* You hate cruisers, captain?” “ I do.” Ivan, as I must now speak of the woman, locked at the man in surprise, z Then a glance at the crew showed that they were a very bard-looking set of men. ‘There is something wrong about this craft,” mused Ivan, Had there still been a lingering doubt in Ivan’s mind it was soon dispelled by the words of the captain, a man of fifty with a weather- bronzed face and fearless eyes, ‘Yes, | am a wrecker, and the cruisers are always after me,
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“It makes no difference whether they are Mexican, American, English or Spanish, all are alike in hunting me down, and only a few weeks ago captu ed two-thirds of my crew, leaving me short-handed, for I need thirty men in my work, **T am glad you vame aboard, lad, for you appear to be a bright fellow, and can help me reatly. Sis Now to get your things off that puny-look- ing raft of yours, and then we will go on our cruise once more. ** But who built that raft?” » ** f did, sir.” “All alone?” “Certainly, sir, as I told you I know of no one else who was saved from the wreck.” “Well, you are a smart fellow, and a good sailor. ‘« We will be mates, lad, for I like you.” “Thank you, sir,” and lyan spoke s’nilingly. oe CHAPTER XLVI. . IVAN MAKES A PROPOSITION TO THE WRECKERS, HAVING been saved from death, the woman decided to accept the situation and turn to with with a will. She desired to conceal the fact that she was not a youth, and was glad to discover that she was not even ee ee of being other than she represented herself to be, ; he told the rough old wrecker captain that her name was Ivan, and that she had been the cabin- boy of the cruiser, and would be glad to serve him in a like capacity. It-was very evident that he took a fancy to the one he deemed a fearless lad, and told him he should bunk in the cabin and do his cooking ; for him. d Fg This suited Ivan exactly, and Captain Breeze Re as he called himself, was glad to have some one S to talk to for he talked incessantly. — a Thus [van was not long in discovering that the man was a wrecker captain, cruising among the Bahamas and setting false lights to lure vessels to destruction. When he could fill his little vessel with plun- der he would run for Havana or New Orleans and sell his cargo of ill-gotten booty. He was returning from a run to New Orleans when he had sighted tie little raft at daylight, ea driving along over the sea, and thus had Ivan been rescued from peril. . ing Some weeks before a numberof his men had been captured, and Captain Breeze was, as he Hide had told Ivan, very short-handed for a crew. ine After a day or two upon the goleta, in which he had been kindly treated by the captain and > his men, Ivan said to the skipper, as the two sat aes in the cabin together: Pe, **Captain, I can tell you where you can get po, more men.” bce ‘You can?” j ** Yes, sir.” Soh “*T don’t want men-of-war’s men, lad.” | “These are men who will suit you.” “Who are they?” ‘“* Mostly Mexicans.” “ Where are they?” “ Can I tell you a secret?” ser Yes. ic You will keep it?” : betaine. Yes.” : aa cruiser.” ee “What?” ; Scare “Tt was not altogether a cruiser.” ae? *¢ How do you mean, lad?” ‘ : ; ‘‘ Well, she went on cruises, it is true, but her captain picked up a prize now and then for his own ket.” * Oho ” : ** Yes; sir.” : - And ‘he picked up prizes quite often, I take i“ eee ‘‘He did when there was no chance of his ae being found out.” = > “What then?” : <M eo ‘* Well, he had a place where he kept bis plun- ke: an der,” a *T see.” BS fe tales: ‘¢ He was wont to cruise there, and put the a booty, and then send after it once or twice a oa ee Yes.” ng “ 1¢ was an island.” : a ‘* Where?” 2 ** About a couple of days’ sail from here,” ‘Do you think you could find it?” “T know I could.” Fie ‘ And there are men on the island?” “ee ” There are. a4 m They may have left,” : “They cannot,” “Why?” _ “There is no boat ever left there for them to mere Hoe if they wish.” “And then they don’t care to leave.” Gi 88 see,” “They bave their families with them, are well ‘ ied with, food by the captain, the island leasan ‘one and having nothing to do ere cont 2 3 ; Revello, the ; Pirate ’ mighty dangerous waters.” | the island which did ind eo “ Well, the craft I sailed on was not altogether ‘“ How many are there?” “T suppose you would find nearly a hundred pecie on the island, counting men, women and children.” ** Good! bus how many of those are men?” “You would find folly twenty able-bodied men who are good sailors.” etre still; but tell me more about this isl- and, **' There is no more to tell.” **Tt is simply an island retreat of a man who was a pirate under an honest flag?” ‘““That is about the situation, Captain Breeze.” - ‘* Well, my lad, you know them at the isl- and?” ** All of them, captain.” ** And would like to go there?” “ Gladly, sir.” "And you think 1 could equip my craft there?” ; ** Without doubt, sir, for the people no longer having the cruiser to depend upon would be glad to serve you to have you help them, ‘* Ft would be a fine rendezvous for you, cap- tain.” “Tl sail there at once.” ** But, captain?” “Yes, lad?” “*T wish you to make me a promise?” * Yes, lad?” _ “That is that you will in return for my tak- ing you there, grant what I ask of you?” ‘Is ita very big grant, lad?” ** No, sir.” **To give you a claim upon the booty then?” ‘“* No, sir, for you shall have niy share.” **T'll agree to what you ask, lad.” ‘“*T thank you, sir.” ‘* Now we will head at once for the island, so what course shall I put the goleta on?” Ivan gave full directions for finding the island, and the craft was soon sailing for the seeret retreat of Revello, the Mexican§ officer who had been living a double life for long years as naval commander and pirate as well. The goleta’s captain was only too glad to learn of the island, for his own retregt had been discovered by an American cruiser and half of pate men captured, he barely escaping with the goleta, - If out of the way perhaps, the island retreat would be that much safer on that account. So the skipper told his men- what be had learn- ed from the supposed boy and all were glad to know of it and congratulated themselves upon having picked up the craft and its sole occu- ant, The next afternoon the island loomed up ahead, and in glancing carefully over it with his glass Captain reeze said: ” Lad, that island has not a living being upon ‘€ So it looks, sir, but the people are there,” ** And the coast is like a wall of rock, with no place to run in,” “There isa channel, sir, and if you will give me the tiller I will take the goleta in.” “You know the way I bope, for these are ‘"T know the way in, Captain Breeze, and will not touch reef or bar,” was the confident reply of Ivan, who then took ea pres and headed for appear to be rt- ed and barren. CHAPTER XLVII. THE ISLAND RETREAT, STANDING steadily in under Ivan, the goleta went swiftly along, for the breeze was blowing fresh astern, Tbe skipper and his crew watched the ragged hem ‘~/ island shores with deepest interest, for to there appeared tobe no break in the rugged walls of rock, de Then they glanced at Ivan tosee that there was no hesitation in his face. Nearer and nearer the goleta drew to the wall of rock, and as no break appeared the skipper asked anxiously: ‘* You are sure this is the island, lad?” ‘Perfectly sure, sir.” * You do noffsee any channel?” * “Not yet, sir.” os ‘** Perhaps you are on the wrong side?” * Wo, sir.” tg yey. not soon show an opening you must go about,” ; - You fear to trust me, sir?” “ No.” _ y “Then why go about?” “ These are dangerous waters for a vessel, and the skies look threatening.” ‘“* There’s-no break in that island, sir,” grufily said the mate, from forward, “Soltbink, — “Come, lad, you bave made a mistake in your island, so go about,” ‘Captain Breeze, take the tiller and hold her as she is until I get a flag from my traps in the cabin, ‘*T will then show peppery 7 Captain Breeze took the helm, and ed into the cabin of the g-leta, ch was a red rapier. t Cruiser. © the pilotage of | bla van dart- He soon came out with a black flag, in thecen- | ‘ter of whi “pidge ceased 23 This he bent on to the halyards, and ran up te the fore. As it was shaken out, he ran back to the helm, Almost instantly on the island there was seen q a flag run up upon a staff just raised. 4 It was a black flag, and it had a red rapier in x the center. The men of the goleta cheered then, and turn- , ing to Ivan gave him also a cheer. \ “You ars right, lad, only I don’t see that. opening yet,” said Captain Breeze. “And you will not until you get within a. cable’s length of the shore, sir.” ‘““These are nasty waters for a boat to be caught in when it blows,” ~~ ‘Yes, sir, but_there is a fine haven in the - island.” Ps The staff on the island that had been raised with the flag that was an answer to the one set iq upon the goleta, was now lowered by the two. men who had shown themselves upon the sum- mit of the isle, and once more no signs of life ap- peared there. But the goleta’s crew had confidence now in Ivan, and said no more in doubt of what he was. about. . A short distance more the goleta ran, and just as Captain Breeze was about to take oath that there was no opening in the rocky shore of the island, and tell [van to go about, there appear- ed a break in the wall, The men again cheered, and the goleta glided in through overhanging cliffs and was soon at anchor in a small basin, deep and thoroughly protected on all sides. . The men of the goleta saw shelving shores then covered with verdure, and a settlement of huts was visible among the trees, Women and children were seen upon the shore, and a boat-load of men was coming off to the goleta, whose coming was not understood, though, as she had set the signal, no fear of her was felt by the islanders, : The boat soon drew near, and Ivan hailed: ** Ho, Senor Bravo, I have news for you!” “ Ah! it is you, Ivan, is it?’ answered theman addressed, and he sprung upon the goleta and grasped the lad’s band.” “Yes, Senor Bravo, and this is Captain é Breeze of the Spray, and he is a Bahama . wrecker who picked me up at sea, for the brig t was wrecked with all on d.” s This news startled the man Bravo and those I in the boat with bim, and many questions were asked and answered, ‘Tt will send up a wail ashore, this news will; but they have meta sailor’s fate, Ivan. “But I am glad to welcome Captain Breeze and his men, aS all of us will be, when it is known be comes to ally himself with us. as ‘“‘No, Ivan, you must go up to the cabin - and tell the news to our queen, for I cannot. ‘“‘ You see, Captain Breeze, we have a queen, the wife of our captain, and she is ruler here, ar ‘“She remained behind when thecruisersailed, | 3 and she has not been well, for she bas kept 3 mighty close, and this news will hit her hard, I aoe You will tell her Ivan, for I cannot?” ‘Yes, Senor Bravo, and I will leave Cap- tain Breeze aud his men to your care,” an- = Ivan, =e gee: nected a was = Boyt be R e@ was gree y the people gathered there with welcomes and questions, but said that the queen would tell them all, and so hastened up = hill to a cabin standing apart from the bers, snes under a rude piazza sat a woman in ck, z , Her form was slender and graceful and the a face was one of beauty. — ‘ As the other approached she arose and said we hf : ** Welcome back, lady.” **S$h! I am still lvan, and I have news for you, as soonas I can change to my own attire. ‘Have you been suspected?” “ Not once,” ** And my boy?” : ; “Ts off with Linda in the island somewhere,” te ‘‘ Thank Heaven no barm bas befallen him. ; * Now come in and let us quickly make the change.” - = They entered the cabin and in half an bour reappeared, and it would take a very keen eye to note what change had been made, What that change was their conversation will make known to the reader, iy ‘Now, thank Heaven, I ang again Lucille oe Revello, my natural self, and you are Ivan. : aS “T was recognized by my hu: wand before the i see was wrecked, and I will tellyouwhathe id. cis ee ee Then followed the story of the wreck and ~ m too a wor ust! = ae still play the part of a boy until we can. this island, I wish to thak c aren you for your deep devotion tomeandmy boy. «| “When four’ parents. rere fe nd, with you, by Revello, and, brought here, » people, no one ever ou of irl, and it was wise at, V h your wonderful resemblance iS redme well, for it enabled;me to Rae eas See SEE OL eat Nee Dore ae ae oe
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Se - wo as cabin-boy of the cruiser, while you re- wmained bere as the Island Queen, and you have splayed your part well,” **T bave held aloof from all, senora.” “Well, now we are to go from here, for I have the pledge of the goleta’s captain todo as I ask, and a different life is before us,” CHAPTER XLVIIL, e SAFE IN PORT. ee THE reader bas thus seen how a maiden, play- ‘ing the part of a boy, and from her striking re- semblance to Lucille, the wifs-of Revello, the merciless Mexican, was enabled to deceive the 4 scommander of the cruiser, as was done, “Lucille, going as [vav De Sol, the cabin- Hoy, had deceived all up to the time of the , wreck of the Rattlesnake, 4 “The African, Topaz, bad been in her con- : fidence, but when it came to a question of which he should cling to, bis master or Lucille, he had chosen the former, as he owed to him his dife, and left the latter to perish on the wreck, The fate of the African and Revello has been geen, and also ho» Lucille, the wife deserted to die in chains on the wrecke brig, escaped both, sand returned to the islaid retreat, where [van was playing ber part, and where she had left her littie son, Reginald, in the care of the faith- ful black nurse, Linda, who had fi‘d with her ofrom ber home when she bad sacrificed herself »by becoming the wife of Rudolph Revello, a : man without mercy for man or woman, > When they bad talked over their clever ruse ‘together, Lucille, as the cabin-boy is now known, arose to go in search of ber boy, when they be- = held coming toward the cabin the people of tke 4 : ‘island. *“*You know the story, Ivan, as I have teld -you, so you must tell it to them, for they su>- pect er is wrong, and are coming to ‘know a it,” said Lucilie, The crowd of islanders, men, women and chil- , dren, now came near the cabin, and Lucille said: ‘* My people, this young man bas just brougbt to me the saddest tidings, for be has told me of “the loss of the cruiser with all on board. ‘* He will tell to you the story, and how he happened to be in the cabin alone when the brig drove ona reef and was wrecked; and thus escaped’ with his life, while all others on the ves- sel were swept to a watery grave, my husband among the others,” eS ‘* A wail went up from the crowd of women } and children at this, to them, most startling and . distressing tidings, and Ivan told the story as though he had been the actor in the terrible scenes, » Then Lucille spoke of the coming of Captain Breeze and his men in the g¥leta, and said that thev shouli be welcomed, : The crowd then departed just as a negress ¢ame down the bill accompanied by a-handsome boy of six, clad in sailor costume. He bad know the cheat, that Ivan was not Pe . his mother, but had kept the secret well, young ey ashewa, ee 3 Now he rushed into with the cry: “My faamma! my mamma!” ~ ‘Long be was clasped to her loving heart, a heart fost was as brave as any man’s; a heart , that bad known enough of sorrow to crush it, since she had become the wife of Ravello the Rover, 5° = ' Linda, the negress, also came in for a warm > greeting from Lucille, and then they talked to- eeee! until Ivan went down to tell Captain reeze and his men that the Island Queen would receive them at ber cabin. _ Not a soul sn=pected the cheat, that the one who went as Ivan was not the one they had — picked up at sea, and they went on with bimu to the cabin. : Tkera Lucille welcomed them, and told them sabe was glad to have such strong allies, while she said to Captain Breeze that be should remain as commander in the place of Revello. a bow, captain,” she continued, after he bad dismissed his men to pete among the ple of the island, *‘ Ivan tells me that you _ made bim a promise?” “I did, lady, and I'll keep it.” * Wall, be will allow me to say what you are tod.” Yes, lady.” : “Now that my husband is dead I no longer care to remain on this island, so I desire you bia, _ to give me, my little son, [van and Linda, pas- ii ar sage to av American port in the goleta. ; a _ ‘* What I bold here in property | yield to the people, you to share with them, while 1 will pay you well for your services, ; ‘Now, captain, get your goleta in the best of trim for us, as [ desire to leave the island oue week from to-day.” I oe ome “*Pl do it, lady, only I am sorry to see you go,” said the mart Di: Aud then Lucille went around among the - people, co ane th them in their sorrows over loss of those they loved on the cruiser, and tod tot oll that she was going rey rom his own mother’s arms, * EERee one oe r, Soa “% P Ly NE Detas Pg RO TRS Set SR ri dae Revello, the Pirate Cruiser. : They urged her against it, many of them say- ing that they would lose their good fortune when she departed. But she was determined, and in just one week the goleta sniled away, half of the crew on board being the islanders, Away sped the fleet craft, and her destina- tion was the Balize, for there Lucille knew that she couk! overhaul and board some vessel bound up to New Orleans, Nor was she disappointed in this, for a coaster packet was found, and the transfer from the goleta was made, the story being told to the American skipper that Lucille and her party more when I tell you, * nt he : | _ craft, and have brought her in bere to surren- der her to you, or rather to obtain command of her with a different crew under me, for, except- ' ing my slave Topaz and myself, all others on board are pirates,” The general was speechless with amazement, ty +8 we and then Revello went on to tell him the story | of the wreck of his brig, with all on board ine _ though he made no reference to the wife he had as | left in the cabin in chains, ; age He told of being picked up at sea by Bertran- ae ' do, and what had followed to make him com- be mander, Ba | J had boped to plot at the bacienda of Don re ; Ricardo Castile to capture Bertrando, General ter | Rivera, but he upset my plans by deciding to have the Don go upon his vessel, and I knew what that megnt. “So I returned to the vesse), and ‘began to plot anew. ‘*T ran to a retreat in Mobile Bay, refitted the brig, and then proposed to the crew to rescue their chief snd comrades from the carcel here, and also to rob the barque.” ** Captain Revello!” “You understand, genera), I was playing pirate and planning to capture that ship, for though in command, what could I do?” “ rue,” ** Now, the ship is bere, and supposed to be my vessel, and I will land a force and march for the carcel, “We will gain entrance, and you will bave a force there to seize the men, while you can send another force «ff under me to seize the brig while her crew are ashore. gee: Z ‘* Thus, general, we will get the brig and her pirate, crew, while Bertrando himself is now a prison‘r at Don Ricardo’s bacienda.” ‘* Splendid! you are a wonderful man, Cap- tain Revello, ‘*This will make you more famous than ever. ** But now to work!” ; The plan was soon arranged, and Revello started upon his return to bis, vessel, He gave the signal, the boat put off for him, and he was soon on board the brig, ‘Tt is all rigbt, senors, for the qpief and bis party under Waldo are in the el, and we can rob the bank and r¢scue them at one blow. **T will lead you, so get into the boats all but a few to remain in charge of the brig.” The men were elated at the news, and the boats soon pulled for the shore with muffled oars, It was after midnight now, and that part of the town was as still as a graveyard, Tbe men Janded, and Revello led them past tbe bank toward the carcel, / ; ; ‘*T will leave you at the carcel to gain admit- B hes tance, and return with a couple of men to the banque, so as to have the gold out of the vaults and ready for you on Pare way back,” he bad ae said to the officer he bad placed in command of “4 those who wers to enter the carcel, : So he left them at the carcel to gain admit- nee, and with two of the men he returned to ; the banque, As they reached the door they were suddenly confronted by a file of soldiers, and in an instant the two pirates were prisoners, while Revello hastened on to the shore, where a party was waiting in the brig’s own boats for bim to go cff' as their leader, for so it bad been arranged between the general and himself, : | The men who had reached the carcel mean- while had gained admittance, as they bad said they were from the cruiser Rattlesnake, bring- ing pirate prisoners. : n they pan 3 to suddenly find themselves - 4 within stone walls, around which were a couple | Doe w of hundred soldiers covering them with their a muskets, i i ‘They bad been well trapped by their new cap- ze tain, that was certain. CHAPTER L. BERTRANDO’S PLOT. Tue schooner which had been seized by Wal- ae do, a.d on board of which Captain Bertrando | ae bad been found, made the runs tbe chief had u planned for it and safely anchored ip the mouth S tye of Very Croz, “s Ra By a strange cojucidence it bad run in not a two hours ahead of the buccaneer brig under Mie, < | Revello, { Reet Tak And strange was it also that Revello anchor- whe ed not very far away from the supposed coaster. Those on board the little schooner could bard- ol : ly believe their eyes when they saw the brig 2 come to anchor near them, Itstartled them at first, for they felt sure that it was the cruiser Rattlesnake, which had not. aan been lost as Revello had said to Bertrando and Waldo, who knew him, : cee) } They saw a boat put off for the shore and re- _ turn, and then later they saw four boats leave ai * the brig and row ashore. — ; What could it mean? ferme dC _ Bertrando at last decided to know if it was the ne or the Ocean Rapier, for the more he looked at the brig the more he became con- vinced that it-was his vessel. Fy ial Waldo ? : Rricoe ae <t-s)
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— Se es amie ats, as eae ee pitt ait a SAS " eee 4 ey ae Cie Payee + ee Nee Revello, the Pirate Cruiser. ‘©'Yes, senor.” “T believe that Revello has dared venture in here in my brig. “] feel sure that yonder craftis the Ocean Rapier, and I intend to find out,” ‘¢ How can you, senor?” “T will sing a song which the men all know so well, and if it gets a response on board the brig, for you know it is a signal song I have, then the craft-is the Ocean Rapier.” : «Sure, senor.” And tben there broke out on the still air of the barbor a rich voice singing a Spanish cava- lier song, A movement was at once noticed on board the brig, and as soon as the song was husbed there came a reply in a tenor voice, another song, however, being sung. ‘Waldo, it is my vessel, ‘* Revello bas run her in bem for some pur- pose, perhaps to entrap me and my men, ** Gome,, leave this craft and we will board the brig. Fie mine, then am I once more Demon of the Deep, and woe be unto Revello the Rover.” The boat was quickly lowered from the stern davits, and the chief and all on board armed themselves and crowded into it. : : ‘* Boat ahoy!” came from the brig as it ap- proached, ; ‘« Bertrando,” was the low response, and in- stantly came the words: ‘It is as I said, the chief. . ** Come aboard, senor!” And as the Soat moved forward ones, more out from the shore shot those of the brig, re- turning. But though Captain Revello was in one of them, the men who had gone ashore with him were not returning, for they were safe in the carcel, ‘Hal what boat is that boarding the brig?” he cried, and the order came for the oarsmen to pull still faster, As they ran up alongside, Bertrando bad reach- ed the vessel and a word from one of the cffi- cers had told him all. “Quick! hurl these devils back into the sea!” he cried, and as he spoke, Revello sprung on board to be felled to the deck. At the same moment, the men who were fol- lowing him were hurled back into the sea and willing bands kept the otbers from boardiug while a part of the crew ran forward, slipped the cable and set sail, There were several who had followed Revello . who got on board and were quickly made pris- oners and tossed into the cabin, while Bertran- do, once more on his own deck, and with his own crew about bim, fought like the demon he ‘was when aroused, _ The cable was slipped and the brig was going seaward almost in a moment of time, sail being set as she went along, for nothing had been furled on board. . : And the boats beaten off, when. their leader Revello was lost, and which contained soldiers, not sailors, were glad to pull back for the shere where General Rivera had driven up in his petinge and was astonished at what he saw and eard, ‘A boat-load of men, Senor General, boarded the brig from yonder craft, and Captain Revello was shot dead as he reached the deck and we were burled back into our boats, tried to lead the mem on board the vessel, but the brig was moving, and being strongly de- fended we were forced back, senor.” The general gave orders to row out and capture the little schooner and then springing into bis volante drove to the carcel, There he found that the pirate crew bad been captured, and next he drove to the signal- station. bs But it was some time before a signal could be set and then the air was misty and if seen at the le was not answered, while the brig was Han ce becoming more indistinct in the dis- tance, ; And thus did the bold plan of Rudolph Revello miscarry in the very moment of success, CHAPTER LI. A STRANGE VESSEL, Don Ricarpo CastTILE and Marcelite were very much Worried over ,the escape of the pirates, whom they had certainly considered un- able to do so under the circumstances, The Don had some satisfaction in the fight his men had-had with them, and who, if they were themselves losers, at least felt content over the loss inflicted upon the buccaneers, ; The lugger was watched as sbe sailed away until she could be seen no longer, and then Don goon: ; “Well, my cbild, that young pirate is worthy of a far better career than one of outlawry, for he bas shown himself a very daring and skill- : f ~ ng: & father, and he is one who had ever Datilty te inake a naine tor Micamalt’ had ‘“T recognize bim, father.” ‘You know the pirate lieutenant?” asked the Don with surprise, ° ‘* Yes, father.” ** Who is he, may I ask?” e ““Do you remember some years ago at a ball in the City of Mexico, eben t was hardly more than in my teens, how a young ranchero follow- ed me about from place to place?” ** Yes, I do recull the circumstance, now you speak of it,” : ** Well, father, that young pirate officer is the very one who so baunted me as to cause me to dread him, ‘“*He wrote me love letters which I dared not show to you, and some time afterward he fought a duel and killed the one be thus met on the field of honor.” ‘T remember, now.” “He was Very wild, dissipated, and was forced to fly for some of his acts which got him into serious trouble, and since then I have never heard of him, but now know tbat be went to the bad and turned buccaneer.” “Tt is too bad that a man with all the attain- ments to make a name for himself and to cause men to respect him should thus go astray; but see, there comes a coasting craft very near in- shore, as though to run into our barbor.” The Don pointed as he spoke to a small coaster seen beating close inshore, having rounded a point of land as though to head in for the lagoon, which was the barborage of the ranch, There the lugger, which went to and fro for ‘stores to the City of Vera Cruz, and the pleasure craft were kept, for the Don and Marcelite also were very fond of a cruise upon the Gulf in pleas- art weather. The vessel which had caught,the Don’s eye was of lateen rig and of not over thirty tons burden, She was trimly built and sailed well, pushing her nose deep into the sea as she came along un- der a stiff breeze through the rough waters, “Yes, father, the craft is coming into the lagoon. : ae i hope we are not to have a visit from more pirates,’ ‘No, they would not come by day, my child. ‘Tt must be Captain Revello taking that means of coming to visit us,” said the Don re- calling how Captain Revello had last been at the rancb,’ and feeling that an explanation was necessary. ‘*T hope so, father, for after the charges made against Captain Revello I feel that he should come and explain all away, if he can.” “Tf he can?” ** Yes, father, so I said.” ‘* Why you surely do not think he will be un- able to do so?” : ‘** I hardly know what to believe, father,” ** Marcelite!” * Yes, senor!” ‘May I ask you a direct question?” ** Certainly, father.” : * Do you really love Rudolph Revello?” “ At times I feel thet I do love him devotedly, and then there comes over me a feeling that something is jacking. o no a ‘What it is 1 even to myself, father,” Rs **T have thought of late that you did not real- ly love the man as you should, or as you should one whom you expect to marry,” ‘*T think now that I do not.” ; “He may fully explain away any doubts you entertain of him now, since the coming of Ber- trando the Buccaneer. , ‘It is not that wholly, senor, only I believe I am capable of loving some one else differently, far better than I do Rudolph Revello,” ‘* Who is it, my child?” asked the Don in real alarm, ‘*No one, senor, for I have met no one else that I care more for than I do for Captain Re- t know, cannot explain vello. “ But still there is the idea in my mind, the feeling in my heart that there is some one.” ‘“Then you should never marry Revello,” ‘If I feel this way you are rigbt, father; but then it may be a sinful fancy of mine, *T will await my next meeting with him, and then I will understand myself better.” “Well, Marcelite, as you know, Revello be- pone to an old and respected family, : : ‘* He is in moderate circumstances, I suppose, though I have never been able to discover just how he stands financially, though that does not cut any decided agore with me, for you will have fortune enough for any one, _ “Of course these reports about Revello I have not the slightest thought of, for they originate with his enomies, and he bas many who are ealous and envious of hing, especially since it has become known that you are to marry him,” | “Yes, father, he has many foes, I admit,” ae Well, I nape abd believe all will come round right, my child; but see, the goleta is running in for the lagoon, so I will send horses do bine up any ove who ind,” e mr = balf an hour after the servant returned, accom- wo to then pir be pe Gone ll apd he v impo! eb eae dnp ates taty $B rv! and w im Z ors See. several led horses’ to the shore ado panied by one person who had landed from the strange craft. : That one wasa youth in sailor attire. CHAPTER LII. A VISITOR TO THE RANCH, In the one who returned with the servant sent to the lagoon, Don Ricardo saw a mere youth, scarcely over seventeen he seemed. He was attired in sailor costume, wore a jaunty tarpaulin, and bad a face that was strik- ing in the extreme, “My name is Ivan De Sol, senor,” he said when the Don bade bim welcome, ‘““You are welcome, Senor De Sol,” was the quick and pleasant reply, and Don Ricardo won- dered why the youth tad come to the hacienda, ‘* His coming affects me strangely. “T wonder what it means, for I feel that he has come here for a purpose, not by chance.” ‘So mused Marcelite, and as she was presen to the young visitor sbe caught bis gaze fixed upon he: with an expression that she could not read, a look which however seemed to read her inmost soul, ~ ‘Pray do not retire, senorita, for my visit to Don Ricardo you hold interest in also, for I con- fess that I have sailed here to see you both,” said the youth, in a tone that was not at alk ruffled by his years or surroundings as one might. have suspected in one 80 young. Marcelite calmly bowed and resumed her seat,. while the Don said: ‘ “Then your visit is not an accidental one,, senor?” ‘* By no means, Don Ricardo.” ‘* May I ask its nature?” “T wish to find one Captain Rudolph Revello of the Mexican Navy,” was te startling reply, for both the Don and Marcelite started, * He is not here, senor,” “ ‘*May I ask if you knew whether he escaped death in the wreck of bis vessel some time ago?” ‘¢ His vessel wrecked, you'say?” ‘“* Yes, senor.” “T have heard nothing of this.” _ ‘Then you have not, seen or heard of Captaim Revello of late, Don Ricardo?” The Don was silent. Could be tell of the visit of Revello to the ranch in disguise, when he brought Bertrando tse "Buccaneer with him, He would not tell of this, but he would find out when bis young visitor had last seen the captain, : o he asked: ‘* When was this wreck, senor?” The youth looked at a memorandum he car- ried, and gave the exact date. ‘* You are sure his vessel was wrecked?” spi} was on the vessel, Don Ricardo, at the time,’ ee _“ Indeed, then you were one of the crew of Captain Revello? see “*T was, sir.” 4 And did you bave reason to suppose he lost. his Jife then? ‘*T did not know how. many escaped, senor, “ Bat I am anxious to know whether the cap-- | tain did or not.” “‘ He did not.” ; Ney ee The youth sprung to his feet in his excitement at this statement, and cried; ——v “ Are you sure of this, Don Ricardo?” “Perfectly.” * ‘Captain Revello did not die?” “ No. ” “ How do you know, may I ask?” ‘‘T bave seen bim.” _ ne : Bare seen Captain Rudolph Revello?” — “Commander of the Mexican brig-of-war, Bg aa ae es. “When? — “Within a very short while,” ‘There is no mistake?” ‘¢ None.” The young sailor took a quick turn back and forth for a minute, and then said: “*Don Ricardo, you will pardon my excite- ment, abd my com ~“T will hear what you wish to say, senor.” ** Pardon me, but may I ask you a few ques- tions, and you not deem it officious?” ne “Well, sir?” a “fi *“{s not Captain Revello engaged to marry -darret dav ee : 2 Ge Gee ‘* As it is no longer a secret, I may as well an- swer yes,” : : : me “ eee ‘Don Ricardo, this must not be.” ‘ “Senor!” _ Peer SD “T repeat it, Don Kicardo; this lace,” Poe oe a4. r,” said must never take place,’ ies tt tA ray explain, seno pg here when you know all.’ aes ale “marriage : = € aie i you
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** Senor, I will not hear my friend, who is ab- sent, my son-in-law that is to be, thus abused by you, astranger,” **Tt does you credit, Don Ricardo, to thus stand up for your friend, the man who was to marry your daughter; but then I wish you to hear my story, and when you have heard all, listen to the proof of what I tell you. ‘Will you grant me this?” “* Yes, father, we will hear what the senor has to say,” said Marcelite, and she spoke with strange calmness, ‘Yes, senor, we will hear you, for there is something about you that causes me to feel that ‘you would not willingly strike at the heart of ‘this Fc ir)” “1 would save her from harm, from sorrow, for well I know that she bad believed in one whom she believes to be the soul of bonor.” ‘* Which you say Captain Revello is not?” ‘Senor, he is a snake in the grass, a man who Jeads, as I said, a double life, ““* Years ago he wedded a young American girl dwelling upon the shores of Mobile Bay.” ‘* Beware, sir!” _ **Iam meaning every word I utter, senor,” ** Well, sir?” **This girl bore the name of Lucille Lomax ‘and her father was a well to do merchant, and dwelt there with bis wife and only child. ** The Mexican officer led the maiden to marry him through threats of harm befalling ber father, and yet she was not indifferent to him, fascinating and handsome as he was, though her +eart was another’s. “She ran away with bim upon his vessel, be- «came his wife, and from that day a life of sor- row was hers, ** A chile was born to them, and yet Captain Revello would not return her and their little pot 4 ‘to the home of her parents, that she might as forgiveness of them, “After seven years nearly had gone by he eonsented to do so, landing there at night, ‘The home of her girlhood was a ruin almost, for her’ mother was dead through a broken heart, the servants gone away and her father yet haunted the place, though as a madman, “She went to the house that moonlight vight, carrying her little son with her, and found all desolation, the place deserted. ‘*A shot and a cry startled her, back where @he bad left her husband, and running thither she found that her Captain Revello bad killed her father,” “My God! this is terrible,” cried Marcelite, while the Don said almost savagely: “Tf true?” CHAPTER LIII. | ‘THE MASK REMOVED. e “Tr is true, Don Ricardo, every word that I utter,”-said the youth, warmly. ‘¢T came not here to lie to you and that beauti- ful lady, your daughter.” : “You have the proof, you say?” “*T have.” “You will give it?” 4 T shall demand it.” “ You shall have it, senor.” 2 eat on with your story, if there is more to “T have not told the half,” _ . “* Shall we hear it, my child”, . ‘*] wish to hear every word, father, that the > genor has to say,” was 's low and earn- est response, **T will not detain you long, senorita, or cause ‘you more sorrow than is necessary, “I wish to say to you that the father of Re- : vello’s wife in his madness may have attacked tthe Mexican officer, yet he was, nevertheless, his wmutderer, ‘“* He had stolen from him his child, by his act ‘breaking the mother’s heart, and then taken his pt ee _ speak of the harm be had wrought 3 a e girl. * Well, she went with him again to sea, she and her child, after al! that had passed. ‘* But she bad a motive, and it was revenge. ‘The Mexican had deceived her, for, besides being au officer in the naval service of the country whose flag floated at the peak of his vessel, he was also a pirate.” : Ricardo cried: Acs “ Have a care, young man!” oor “JT repeat it, Senor Don Ricardo,” rater «I do, sir.” ‘ ti ae: igh an officer of Mexico#” Z we] will do sd ing Se a “Captain Revelio had an island retreat where | _ kept the pe nee, pee hs people who served b te A “A pirate?” gasped Marcelite, while Don. Bei accuse Captain Revello of being a Revello, the Pirate Cruiser. —ooeeoooooooooooooeleeleleleeeee_eeeeeeeeQaououomume ewww ss] n bis vessel and | “So she went in disguise u he came hither, anchoring in the lagoon. the is wife, in her disguise, arranged to have him fall into the hands of the Americans, “She informed the captain of an American cruiser then in port of all she knew, and Re- vello was sent to sea by a paper forged and pretending to be from you, senorita.” “* From me?” ‘* Yes, senorita,” **T do not comprehend quite.” ‘‘ A letter purporting to be from you asked him to return here to you, ‘*He did so, and the American cruiser was lying in wait for him on the way. “But that terrible tornado swept the Gulf and I have since learned that the American cruiser has never been heard of, ‘“‘The Mexican brig was caught in the tor- nado, dismasted and driven like an arrow to her destruction upona reef, “* But Revello bad recognized bis wife in her disguise and be sought to punish her. “From her be heard of her plan to entrap him, to prevent bis sacrilegious marriage with you, and he had her put in double irons and placed in the cabin, chained to the mast, to go down witb the wreck,” ** Senor!” ‘* Have a care, senor!” : “T have a care, Don Ricardo, to speak only the truth, ““Captain Revello and his negro slave went on deck and left the woman thereto die, ‘¢ The vessel struck and the crew were washed into the sea; but you say that Revello yet lives, Don Ricardo.” ** Fe does,” « “Well, senor, he escaped death in some mys- terious way while his crew did not.” ** And this wife?” ‘* She too escaped, for he had dropped the keys of her manacles, in his hasty flight from the cab- in an | she freed herself, ‘‘The tornado had blown itself out, she made a raft, was picked up at sea by a wrecker craft, visited Revello’s island retreat, secured her child and escaped to New Orleans, ‘* There she left ber child in the care of a faith- ful negress, one who had left her home with her and followed her sad wanderings, and she deter- mined to discover whether Revello yet lived, and if so, to save you, senorita. “‘She chartered a small vessel and sought you here, and—” ; : “Your proof! your proof!” erjed the Don, aroused thoroughly and believing yet. donbting the story. 2 “*T am the proof, Don Ricardo.” You!” 1 *‘T am Lucille, the wife of Revello, and if you will go with me to where we can face bim 1 will prove all that I have said,” Words are inadequate to picture the scenes that followed this denouement of the young stranger’s stor Ory. It was indeed Lucille the buccaneer’s wife, aS. CHAPTER LIV. BEYOND ALL DOUBT, «Pe To the amazement and delight of Don Ricardo, his daughter did not take the story of Lucille to heart as. geepiy as he had supposed and feared that she would. She had listened to every word ening. her own conclusion as she heard, and long before Lucille declared herself she a that the speaker was a woman, tbat she was telling the sad story of her own life, mt Her heart went forth to her in deepest ae thy, and she felt for ber the greatest gratitude for having saved ber from the fate of baving been bound to Rudolph Revello by a mock marriage. ““T can hardly believe it all,” said the Don, sadly. re believe it, father, in every particular.” “ There is no mistake,” answered Lucille, “To think that after all he was a pirate.” ‘‘ Would not one who denied this dear woman as he did, be guilty of aby other crime, father?” “Yes, my child, yes. I am sure that he would,” : ‘Now, father, we must feel that he came here for a purpose, when he came as the com- panion of Bertrando, the Buecaneer.” ‘*T cannot understand it. 4“ Lad r, I longer the secret mpored, upon me, and ma @ known to you. ofRevello% coming ‘here and what followed,” said Don Ricardo, — ¢ Oy ” ul will now consider that I need no ‘ 0. “Then, he has been here?” eagerly asked | tha ‘* You shall hear and judge for yourself. ‘“« Perhaps, together, we can come.upon some * Ee went then to Vera Cruz, and it was | solution of his movements,” Then Don Ricardo told the story of Bertran- do’s coming with Revello, and what followed, The fight with the pirates under Waldo, the escape in the lugger, all was told, and then they talked over the matter seriously so as to find: some solution to just what it all meant! “Don Ricardo, it was Bertrando, the Bucca- neer’s vessel that was the twin ship of Revello’s, and so it was that the piratical acts of the Mex- ican were thrown upon the pirate rover. ‘“‘T can tell you of Revello’s escape from crui- sers, whep.he was almost beyon® hope of escape, by bis daring and trickery. ‘ ‘‘ He isa very wonderful man, one devoid of honor, heart or feeling, and he is false alike to od, woman and map, ‘‘He bas deceived his Government and his countrymen, and he now seeks to enter into a mock marriage with your daugbter, which, however, happy am I that I am in time to pre- vent.” “ Yes, I can never forget you, never,” mur- mured Marcelite. ‘Nor I,” the Don said, with deepest feeling. After a while Don Ricardo asked: . ‘* Now, my dear senora, you have a very level head and brave nature, so what would you pro- e?” “To bring you face to face with Revello in my presence,” 2 * But then?” ‘* He must no longer be a disgrace to the coun- try os has pretended to serve.’ te) ‘Don Ricardo, that man must go to the yard- arm for the crimes he has been guilty of.” Both Don Ricardo and Marcelite started at this, for it had not so come to them before, ‘You mean that he should be hanged?” “‘ Why not, for is he not guilty of piracy?” “ Well, I will not be a bar in the way when he ~ proven guilty of the charge you make against im. “ Bat will you, unaided, and a woman, be able to prove all?” asked Marcelite, “Yes, for I can pilot those to bis late island retreat who can discover all for themselves, as, if his crew are all dead, there are those there who will know all and can be made to confess under the death penalty if they do not. ** Then, too, there are others, the negress who has my child, his child in keeping, and one other, a young girl who was his prisoner, though she veh in male attire and supposed to be a lad the while. **T owe much to her of my successful tracking of Revelio in bis villainy. ‘Ah, yes, I can bring proof that he is all I have said he is, and far more.” “ Then it will be guided by you, Senora Revello, in what “you deem dest to be done,” said the Don, ) ‘* As I will,” added Marcelite, “Then go with me in my little vessel to Vera Cruz. “~The craft is fleet, comfortable and well fitted out for a cruise, so there is amiple room for you and what servants you care to have ac- company you. “ Will you do this, Don Ricardo?” “What do. bag e turn & she might accept the offer made by Lucille, __ “YT will accept the invitation of Senora Re- vello wpe Boral father, for this matter must now be sifted to the very dregs,” w&s the reply. ‘Then the sooner we set sail the better, I take it, for all concerned,” answered Lucille. — It having been agreed apon to sail in the ittle craft to Vera Cruz, preparations were quickly made and that night the vessel ran out into the lagoon upon her voyage, which was to be an eventful one, ; CHAPTER LV. TO ESCAPE DEATH, WueEn Captain Revello rowed out to the bue- caneer brig, flying the colors of his own vessel, and which he bad so well ese eae to capture, he was met, it will be recalled by the reader, by none other than the pirate chief bimself, Not knowing that the Mexican cruiser bad gone down, the buccaneer bad naturally sup- posed that the vessel in port was the Rattle- snake until at Jast he was undeceived and found her to be none other than his own beautiful craft the Ocean Rapier. 7a He had therefore decided upon the bold move of boarding and cutting him out, for be realized at Revello had run into port under false colors, Ture He reached his deck in safety, nade himself known to bis men, as has been seen, and met Revello and the boarding soldiers at the bul | warks, = EOS SABES ou say, my child?” and—Don to Marcelite as though fearful —
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_ @ach one of us,” eagerly said the man. in * Well, ‘think Fre ded Revello, the Pirate Cruiser. | 27 She passed the San Juan de Uloa without the slightest suspicion on the part of the officers of the fact that she was other than the Mexican eruiser Rattlesnake going hurriedly out to sea again, from some néws gleaned in port that de- manded it, ‘trando bad ot the vessel well on her way, Ber- Then he devoted himself to caring for the safety of the brig. But there was no danger, no demand to fight | off a foe, or run the gantlet of the forts, so that | the buceaneer chief culled his men about him and glanced them over, | He bad as his devoted officer the Senor Waldo | sand one who had been left with the few men whom Revello bad ordered to remain on board. The goleta in which they had reached Vera Cruz had been left at anchor, crewless, and | hastily stripped of all that they had cared to carry with them to the brig. At last San Juan de Uloa was left astern, and the chief ordered the prisoner brought on deck. He bad recovered from the stunning blow he had received, and glared savagely at Bertrando din the light of the early morn. - % ‘“ Well, Captain Revello, we meet again, do we?” sneered Bertrando. ‘Tt so appears,” was the answer, ** And this time I afm the winner of the game ~we have been playing.” ‘* Yes, you have me in your power,” ‘And I intend to put you to death by the cruelest torture,” y ** You will not surely show so little of man- hood, pirate though you are, as to torture to. death one who is in your power?” said Revello, | **T will do so,” **Shame on you! for, as man to man, you should give me a chance for my life.” ‘* Did you give me a chance when vou left me in the power of Don Ricardo Castile?” ‘It was different, for you sought to destroy the woman I loved, to rob her father of his | wiches.” ‘Did you show mercy to my men when you | ‘ran my Vessel in here, took them to the carcel and then came back to board and seize the craft , with soldiers?” JKevello was silent at this. ** Answer me, I say! Did you show mercy to | imeor my men?” ) **T am a Mexican officer, and as snch jt was my duty to capture you, knowing you to virates,” a I tell you, Revello, that you have been a traitor to your Government, to your people, and to all whom you have had to serve, ‘* You became an officer of my vessel by a bold stroke, and you very nearly cost me my life, the joss of my vessel, and the stringing-up to the yard-arm of every man of my crew. ; ‘* But you were foiled, and now I say to you that you are to die, and you shall die by a tor- ‘ture that will wring your heart and body with anguish, — rey a 1 will give you to-day to make your peace with Heaven, and this is showing tqyou a mercy you do not ve, ; ; “ Bat you shall bave the time I say, for I will have to think up#just bow to make you go out® of life with the greatest suffering.” é “* Monster!” shouted Revello, and Bertrando the Buccaneer’s answer was.a burst of derisive laughter. ~The men then removed the prisoner to the alin, and a guard was placed over him though in irons, ‘At once Revello began his plot to save him- self, so he said: “See here, my man, don’t you know that as a pirate you will yet be strung up?” I'm thinking thut may be my end, senor.” _-** Have you saved up much gold?” ““Only what you gave me, senor, when you were captain.” . ; ‘Now, my man, I did not intend to sacrifice one of you, for my plan with the commandante at Vera Cruz, was to take the crew witbout killing any one by entrapping therm in the car- cel at the fort, and then securing those on board. ~ “This done you were all. to be given your freedom by the Government on condition that you served me as a crew in the legitimate ser- Wice, .. \ “Do you see?” ‘ ; “* Yes, senor, | balf-thought it was something of the kind,” Sg “Now I want you to give up piracy and help ™me out, “The entire treasure of Bertrando the Bucca- meer shall be divided among you few men now «nthe brig, if you will help me, and those in the carcel shall bave their pardon as well as you, though you only on board here who aid _ me now will get the treasure on the brig.” “* Yes, senor, it would be a snug fortane for ‘ it over, and more, I will add to it every peso I possess to also go to you.” : “Ade senor.” | \ = “‘Now, when you are relieved from duty here aa ‘men you believe will help me seize evello placed in double irons and : «carried to the cabin. | ‘* Yes, senor; but Captain Bertrando?”’ ‘© What of him?” **He must not be carried back to be hanged, for he has been a good captain to us, senor,” ** So be it; if you feel that way about it, I will | let him go free, landing him at the nearest port out of Mexico.” ‘This will make the men feel better over their actions, senor.” “* Well, tell them that he shall go free.” ‘*And Senor Waldo and the other Officers, senor?” ‘*Do you wish them to be set free?” ** Yes, senor, for the Government will not pardon the officers, you know.” ‘‘All right, { will set the officers ashore with their chief,” ** And all the treasure on the brig will be di- vided among those who aid you?” yee © *: * And your treasure will be thrown in also?” ee, “Then, senor, you shall be a free man this day,” was the answer of the guard, and Revello smiled grimly at his triumph, CHAHTER LVI. THE MUTINY. _ THe guard over Revello had greedily drank in all the words of the prisoner. _He had believed all that he had said, and, tired of piracy, and fearful of ending his life upon the gallows, he was only too willing to | escape it, if along with it he could geta band- some sum in treasure, and not prove a traitor to Bertrando and his officers by surrendering them with the vessel. He now knew Revello as the commander of a Mexican cruiser, and who had played a bold game to get possession of the buccaneer vessel, He was eager, therefore, to get off duty and have a talk with those of biscomrades whom he could trust, He felt very sure that there would be some who would side with the chief, but they must be taken by surprise, and eitber slain or tossed into the sea, and the more of them who were thus gotten rid of the larger would be the share of the faighful ones when the treasure was divided, When relieved from duty at noon, the man hastened to carry out his plan by making known to the comrades be felt he could rely upon just what the plot was. He left Revello to corrupt the other guard as best be could, and a signal bad been agreed upon between them whether he was successful or not, ; He had already unlocked the manacles of the prisoner, and placed his weapons where he could seize them the moment he decided to act. ~ One by one the man went among his ship-. mates, and in each case he made a Pete 1A hit, for not one could refuse the tempting offer of Revello under the circumstances, There were upon the vessel, all told, just four- teen seamen, with Bertrando, Revello, Waldo and another officer. pits Perbaps when the stand was made there were more who would join sewelic upon knowing the situation; but Pertrando, aldo, another officer and several of the men were sure to hold out, _ If allowed to go askore at the nearest port out of Mexico, the men ~ ¢ yield. 2 But then it might end in a battle to the death upon the deck of the brig, +p What Bertrando was plotting meanwhile as the means of torture to be used to the pris- oner to death no one knew; but in the after- noon the weather became thick, the cloads look- ed black and threatening, and needing all his men to work his vessel, he decided to put an end to the prisoner, sp So he bailed the guard and told him to bring Captain Revello on deck. e did so, but not as Bertrando bad ex A. for suddenly Revello rushed upon deck, and from bis Jips broke the cry: ‘ “To the rescue, men, for pardon and treas- ure!” : It was the rallying cry of thé mutineers a upon, and instantly it was answered by loud shouts. . Revello was armed with cutlass and pistols, and rusbed toward Bertrando, Though taken completely by surprise, Ber- trando also gave a rallying cry, and instantly his officers and half the crew sprung to his side, and there they stood glaring at thosa who faced them, under the leadership of. Revello, who called out: sith y “Come, men, it’s a pardon and division of treasure if you side 7 me!” “‘ Men, don’t turn traitor, but let us recapture that dog of a Mexican, and those mutineers who have sided with him, ‘Come! see, there rushes a storm upon us, so Jet us get rid of our work quickly, and then save the brig!” : . Tbe backers of Bertrando answered his words with a yéll, and all made a rush at Revello and his men. 4 , Tbe man had left the wheel and joined in the combat, and the brig came to with a lot of can- | vas aloft, and a storm rushing down upon her, | But the blood of the pirates was up, and about equally divided, they began to fight with des- peration. Nearer came the storm, until it struck the brig savagely, tearing out her masts, and nearly throwing her upon her beam-ends, But still the maddened buccaneers fougbt on, dying one by one, bleeding from wounds, and unheeding that their vessel was a wreck upon the waters, wildly tossed about at the mercy of the waves. Did they waver upon either side for an instant the master spirits that ruled them again urged them on and it became indeed a battle of giants, a fight for the mastery between Ber- trando the Buccaneer and Revello the Rover, CHAPTER LVI. CONCLUSION, THE little vessel bearing on board Lucille and her guests, Don Ricardo Castile and his daughter Marcelite, had been caught in a severe blow soon after leaving the lagoon, which bad driven her far off her course, It was the second day after the storm, and while beating back on her course to Vera Cruz, that the lookout aloft had startled all with the cry: a Wreck ho!” At once every eye was strained to see the wwreck, It was over two leagues away and that of a large vessel. As the vessel drew nearer it was seen to be —— and that her masts had been torn out of er. There were large holes in her bulwarks, where her guns bad broken through, when she was tossed about by tbe storm, and she appeared to be settling very fast, Suddenly a cry from Lucille startled all. “It is the brig!” she said. ‘ What brig?” eagerly asked Don Ricardo, ‘Tbe buccaneer brig! * “* The craft of Bertrando! : ** The Ocean Rapier!” came reply. The vessel was soon run alongside of the wreck, for the sea was smooth now and onlya _ light breeze was blowing. What a sight presented itself to the gaze of em Don Ricardo and Marcelite who board- There was no living soul on board. But the dead were tbere, and they had died in a last death-strnggle. - Between the other dead lay two forms, One was Revello the Rover, and his sword was thrust into the heart of Bertrando the Buc- caneer, the hilt still grasped in bis dead hand. In the grasp of Bertrandv was a pistol, from which be had fired his last shot when he felt that bis time to die bad come, and tbe bullet had crashed into the brain of Revello, : Thus each had died by the hand of the other, * It was a scene from which Don Ricardo quick- ly led Marcelite, and from which he also turned sick at heart. f = And nota moment too soon, for the wreck ve a lurch, causing all to basten back to the ittle vessel, which at once fell off to prevent be- ing. ingulfed by thesinking of t: e Ocean ier. ne mighty plunge the wreck gave and down she went forever beneath the blue waters of the Gulf. “* At last he is dead. “You are saved, Senorita Marcelite, and I am avenged,” said Lucille, 5 ~~ And back to the ranch sailed the Don and his daughter, while Lucille went on to Vera Cruz alone and got proof of all she had said; but as it was best to let the dread secret of Revello’s life © remain a secret still, it was kept from the pale eye, and those who learned of the wreck of his own vessel, and how he had tried hard to capture the buccaneer, gave him the name of a noble and daring mau, for the tale of the finding of the Ocean Rapier a wreck had been told to the com- mandante in a letter from Don Ricardo which Lucille bad borne to him, And Marcelite was content to live the life ofa recluse, happy alone in the love of the father who loved her so well, and who mourned the ‘death of his brother as Bertrando the Bue- caneer, a scourge of the Gulf in bis fleet brig the Ocean Rapier. ; 5 And the wife of Revello? When her: had shown her that ber buccaneer husband wa dead, she had gone back to New Orleans, an soon after an elegant home went up at Red Cliffs, the home of ber girlhood, and there she was con- tent to pass the last years of her life, keeping from ber boy the dread secret that he was the i oe son of Revello the Rover, and whose inheritance _ : had been the pirate treasure bidder back inthe bills, and the secret hiding-place of which was only known to Lucille, the bride of the merciless 3 = < “ |
Page 28
‘BEADLE'’S« H ALF- DIME* LIBRARY. rublished Every Tuesday. Eeth Isswe Complete and Sold at the Unijorm Price of Five Cents, hy all Newsdeatere. BY OLL COOMES. 3 KK Peudy. Detective; or, Silver Star, the Boy Knight 68 Kit Bandy in Texas; or, The Young } Mugtenget. ,208 Kit Bandy’s Catch; or, The Boy Hercules. "422 Kit Bandy’s Right Bower; or, Baby Sam,the Boy Giant 444 Kit Bandy’s Swoop; «r, Little Buckskin, tne Centaur, 478 Kit Bandy's Slick Scheme; or, Old Tom Rattler, 661 Kit Bandy’s Deliverance; or, Banner Ben. 680 Kit Bandy’s Par; or, Dauntless Dan, the Freelance. 791 Kit Bandy Rattled; or, The Infant Giant, Ree Kit Bandy in Ked Ruins or, The Young Whirlwind. 99 Kit Bandy’s Big Ruatle; or, Saddle King Sam. {go4 ret Bandy’s Brigade; or, Dan, the Mountain Guide. id Randy's Brigade in "Arizona, oo Kit Bandy’s Star Engagement. 58 Jack Drew, the Nemesis, or, Eagle Kit the Boy Demon, 82 Jack Drew’s Drop; or, Little Hurricane, the y Captain. 02 Jack Drew In Dendwood; or, Prospect Pee. 27 Keen Knife on Guard; or, Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. { 81 Keen-Knife, the Prince of the Prairiea. * § Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jow, 18 The Dumb Spy. ) 41 Lasso Jack, tA Young Mustanger. 5S The Border King; or, The Secret Foe, F moayere Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. \4 4 Hawk ye Marty the Young pd Ranged a 88 Rollo, the Boy 1 er; or, The Sure athe Beth, the Eos ; ifleman. Sear-Face Raul, the Silent Henter, 178 Ola bask! the Hermit Trapper. ane ie Tteer Tom, the Texas Terror, 24 Dashing Dick 3 or, iv Tom’s C 8 Little Wildtire, the Young Prairie Nomad. 8 The Parson Detective; or, The Little Ranger. 248 The Diaguised Guides or, Wild Raven, the Ranger. 260 Dare-Devil Dun, the Young Prairie Ranger. 272 Minkekin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter, 290 pistle 5 Foxfire, the Boy Spy; cr, Old Caleb Arbuckle, 00 The Bk Demon; or, Raindolt, the Ranger. 84 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero. 409 Wherenlesy vr, Dick, the Boy Ranger. 417 Webfoot Mose, the Tramp Detective. 457 Wingedfoot Fred; or, Old Polar Sani. 468 Tamarac Tom, the 8ig Trapper Boy, $s Gigs Be thy Blundering Bae othe mit red Don Barr, the Plains Freelance, ee 358 Nor way Nela, the Big Bov Mountaineer. 225 iighl and Harry, the Wizerd Rifleman, er Jack, the Detective Sport. r BY T) J. FLANAGAN, 909 seeomss pare the Pirate Catcher, 9 Young Cowbo aptain. oes th The 1 Two | Witaskiecien an The; Corsalr-Chaser’y First elresa. BY DAN DUNNING, M4 a; 3t Jack, the Secret Service Spy. and Jack, the Invincibles; or, The Diabolical Three. 875 Detective Dave's Close Call. 884 Farrel Fox and Mis Girl Ferret. 898 Farrel, Fox’s Sweep-Stakea, ' BX GEORGE ©. JENKS&, ber Owney the Unknown, & Git i Git ar Owney’s Pledge. 8 — Demon Doctor; or, Dendhold, the Kid Detective. Double-Ourve Dan, the Pitcher Detective. Flute, \oe Singer Detective; or, Owney in a New Role, ass Fr e Pt ren Betective’s Foth or, Dan’s Danble Play. S The Gasen et or, The Last Cruise ofthe riack Bear. ner’ bane, gag Tong hest Eyes +" ory Beaten on Every Side, RY WM. G. PATTENs poe the Velvet Sport; or, The Jubilee ot Jacktown vv anes 's Victory aig ae eengen City Clean Out. let Violet gad i. alsy, the ow; or, T eran Detective’s Craft, Vielet Vane’s yon ance; or, The Wipe-Ont. folet Vane’a Verdict; or, The Game at Coffin City. © 41 Violet Vane, the Ventrilogn niet Vidoeg 0cq; or, 8) xk ve Sport. et DL the Vanquished, or, The Life cn 0 Viol ik Yist Viston; or, The Fiery Hand of tole wg: te) Sporty; or, The Double Face of Bea Rock, F Teh at 1 ve in One, from Denver. S 04 tro ombshel sve or, The Double peers ard; or, The Clue to Capt, Claw » the Young Amateur Vuleany, the sedines ider, eer the eng fom rte J Clear-@ o Never-Sry-Die ® Sen Sheridan,” the Secret Service S: 8 owboy Steve the Ranch Mascot, an? Nat, the Tenderfoot Detective, Stoke’s Double 1, vr Robin New ¥ ms Lose + Bob's Bowery Racket. BY COLONEL DELLE SAR’ 48: Fb | ely of the Beas or, The Vatled Lady. ; Desmond ; or, The Gambler’s Big Game, | BY OAPTAIN FRED. WIIITTAKER, \ 15 The Sea-Oat; or, The Witch of Darien. P or, The Doge’s Deughter. | ny Express Rider. nee and of or, The Children ot the Chaco. Sword Hunters; or, The Land ofthe Ele ant Ridere Lo«t Captain; or, Skipper Jabex Coffin’s Craine. oulnas or, The Brothers of the Plumed Lance ng, the Robber of the Rhine. paswee the Animal yp or, ie yom the World, ogee ‘amer ; or, Th jo Jungle. ick, th ie Damen Rader. ornia Joe's War Trail, BY CAPT. J. F. ©. ADAMS, “3 ae or, Nick Whiffies’s Boy Spy. the Groat § nah of the West. 4 the Bo Wifes se Bett eT or, Tr The Val of Death. oe Witte dian; or, The Seovt of the Yeilowstene, eee eibinam : ins or, the W iP ‘ Fe und a Bos | 87d BY T. ©. HARBAUGH. 28 Nick o- the Night; or, The Boy Spy of '76. - 87 The Hidden Lodge; or The Littl: Hunter, + Nightin ale Nat; or, Tne Forest Captains, 4,Dandy Jacks or, Phe Outlaws of the Oregon Trait. Se’kit Haretoot, the Wood-Hawk; or, Old Powder- hem, Fy Midnight Jack ; or, The Boy Trapper. 106 Old Froaty, the Guide; or, The White Queen, 128 awe arley the White Mustanger. 189 Jud 2guch Jr.z or, The Boy Vigilante. 155 Gok ‘Trie ‘er, the S pe rt; or, The Gir) Avenger. 169 Tornado Tom; or, Injun Jack From Red Core, 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy; or, The Mad Hunter 198 Arkan-aw ; or. The Quoen of Fate’s Revenge. 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. 215 Captain Bullet; or, Little Tovknot’s Crusade, 281 Plucky Phil; or, Rom, the Rei Jezebel. 241 Bill Bravo; or, Tie Roughs of the Rockies. 255 Captain Apoli: te King-Pin of Rowle. 267 The buckskin Detective; or, The King of Road-agenta. 279 Old Winch ¢ or, The Buckskin Desperadoes, 294 prnenite Dan; or, The Bowie Blade of Sochat- a. 02 The Mowntain "Detective: or, The Tr. ager Par Bally. 16 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona. 826 The Ten Fares or, The Terror of Take-Notics, 886 Ble Benson; or, Tie Queen of the Lasso, 845 Pitiless Matt; or, Ked Thonderbolt’s Secret. B56 Coal Sam und Par’; o The Terrible Six. 2E6 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. BRG Captain Cutlass 3 or, he Beccaneer’r Girl Foe, 896 Rough tom | or, The | win Champions of Blue Blazes. 411 The Silken I.aaso: or, The Rose ¢ Ranch Robin. or Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter; or, The Gold Gang of New YoX 425 Texas Trump. the Border Rattler. 486 Phil Flash, the New York Fox; or, The Mystery of Room 21, 445 The City Vampires; or, Ked Rolfe’s Pigeon. 461 One Againet Fifty; or, The Last Man of Keno Bar, 470 The Io oy Shadow; or, Felix Fox’s Hunt. 477 The mxedister Sport; or, The Washington Spotter. 499 Single Sight, the One-Eyed Sport. 502 Branded en, the Night ferret. 612 Dodger Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detective, Ht: Dodger Dick’« Beat Dodge; or, The Gotham Gold Gang. $28 Fox and al sar the Bowery Shadows, rie Yodger ky the Dock Ferret. 48 Dodger Dich «a Double: or, The Rival Boy Detectives, Bas Dodcer Dick’s Deaperate Case. 568 Dodger Dick. the Boy Vidocq; or, The Gang of Three. B78 The Two Sha dows; or, Dodger Dick’s Stop Game, 682 Dodger Dick’« Drovj or, The Man from Jerseys boa ara Lon, the Street-Sipger Detective. 610 Old Skinner, the Gold Shark; oy, Tony § ee! on Guard, 626 The Champton Pardes; or, The Luciler of Silver Bar, 687 Dick Doan, the Dock Boy Detective. 645 Kit, the Paventent Sharp. G58 Billy Bantam, the Boy Beagle. 671 Jersey Jed, the Boy Hustler; or, Shadowing the Shadower. bo Ilappy Hugh the Boy Mnatcian Detecti¥e. 1 Photograp ¥ red d, the Camera Shar 715 Wide Awake Len, the Quaker City Ferret. WBS Dalay Dell, the Pavement Detective; or, Trapping Big Games e532 Billy Winks, the Bell Boy Detective. 54 ptf Winks, the Boss Boy Shadow. 768 Eagle Ned, the Boy on Guard; cat Toe Camp Spiders, 780 Tonkaway Tom, the Red Wizard 827 The Bantam Sport. 848 Clip, the Battery Ferret ot, once eeutrs Foul Play 897 Davy Doon'’s Big Bounce. 905 Dandy Nugget, the Bo~ Shadow, my 921 The Boy from Denver. BY OCHARLES MORRIS, 118 wa Somers, the Boy Detective. 122 Phi nerdy, the Boas Boy. 26 Picayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective ; 0 Detective a. or, The Hero in Raga. 42 Tadeome J larry, the Bootblack Detective, 88 Will Wildfire, the "Thoroughbred. 2 5 apa perme Will Wildfire’s Kacer. Cwiians the Harbor eg Boy. ih Wildfire tn the Wood es Lf Bag angsce, the Railroad Bo 7oO ards or, Will aa By. Wins and Loses 174 ob” + te Le tt; or, Mysteries o° New York. 179 Bob b Rocket: Be} Bank Runner, ise The Hidden or, Will Wildfire’s Revenge. rts Ered Msivas = Ife Boat Boy; ae The Smuggters. b Rockett; "or, Driven to the 138 ie padewea or, Bob Kockett’s ay for Lifes ais Deshi Pa at the Tiger Rings Dave, the wendy ae mers or, The Binck one of the Flock, a tem mroeal the Premium our B35 8 stcies Sa the Measenger Thtoods”s | at Shenar doah mi and His Gang. haway } or, A Dakota Boy in Ch os Phe. oung Sharpe? o:. Rollicking Mily’s Hot Trafl, ; # The Simm, the Tetective Avesention: Hy Jim’s Joh; or, The roung Detective. e Wator-Hound } o or, The Youn mS Thoroughored. 05 Perna ware, of Daketa: cr, ‘ Sapo yrn Lad in Quaker Crty, Keady, the Ln Boy De 1 rae Thorne, the nd peo” the Reporter- et or, Fred Floors Biiscard, lm tag bey 3 Soe t or or, A Boy of the Times. bare the Le rt or, The Bloods of the Boulevara, aig ver-Rat Detective, Inger 3 or, The Entrappod Cashter. bg the Reporter Detective. 428 Pred 482 Invi n, the Pinkerton Ferret. #8 Bile Brtek, the Jolly Vagavond. 466 Wide- Awake Jerry, Detective; or Entombed Alive. 479 Detective Dodge; or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty. 485 Wild Dick Rackets or, How He Fought for Honor, as Rootes the Boy Fireman or, Too Sharp for the Sharpen € The Secret *crvice Boy Detective: Boe Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves 627 Tom Bruce of rhanens or, ~ rt in the Fold, 655 Plucky Paul, the 3 pegul: ator. 667 Bob and Sam, the Dai “td Da ives, 09 The Curbatone Metectives or, Harry Hale’s Big Beat, aaa pig: phe Frank’s Sweep-stakes. Norman, the Gamin Broker, Sst Turkey Ily, the Shine’em-up Detective. 917 Flash Lightning, the Mountain Mascot, BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, 11 The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes ofa Bowery Girl, 76 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. 79 Bol Ginger, the Giant Trappe 88 Joe Buck of Angels an 447 ew York’ Nat. A Ta 458 New En 464 Nimble "Wie Boy Para. le of Triske and Traps Jand Nicks or, The Tareas ofa Foundling. fek, the Circus Prince. Taos Ted, toe Arizonn Sport. 10 Cool Colorado, the Hall-Breed Detective, 18 Cool Colorado in New York: or, The Cowboy's Fighs fn Gotham.” BY OAPT. ALFRED B, TAYLOR oe B.A. ) 394 Bufalc Bt the ite Boy et Gent ui Bets or, The BY J. W, OSBON, 469 The Rival Glante of Nowhar’. 498 Cactus Burr, the Man from Hard Lack, 587 Old Buckeye, the Sierra Shadow. 564 Powder Phil, the Boy Miner, or, The Man Without af a 609 Bolly Dorrit, the \eteran Detective. 620 Little saghiatng: « League; or, The Mystery 01 thé Ish, ‘ 688 Plucky Paul, the Boy Prospeetor, 751 Gold-Dust Dan, the Trail Patrol. 7bb Gold Dust Dan’s Gath; or, Recklesa Roy, the 928 Gold-Dust Dan’s Snap-Shot. BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR, 2 Yellowstone Juck; or, The Tra 48 Black John, the Road-Agent; or, 2 Outiner’s Retreat. 65 Hurricane iil); or, Mustang Sam and His Pard, 119 Mustang Saw ; or, The King of the Plains. 186 Night-t Sates cit; or, The Daughter of the Raney 144 Dainty Lance the Boy Sport. 151 Panther Paul; or, Dainty Lance to the Reseue. 166 The Black Giant? or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. 168 Deadly Dacht or, Fighting Fire with Fire, 184 The Boy Trailers; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Piiit 208 The Boy Parday; or, Dainty Lance Unmaske, 811 Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City, ’ 810 The Barranca Wolf; or, The Beautiful Decoy. 819 The Black Rider} or, The Horse-Thieves’ 885 Old Double Fist tor ‘The Strange Guide 855 The King of the Woods: or. Danie) Boono’s Last Tay 449 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective. 625 Chincapin Dan, the or Teall re 677 Chineapin Dan’« Secon 688 Chincapin oe: Nome Stretch. 698 Old Crazy, the Man Without a Head, TOR Lirht-leart Lute’s Legacy. T18 Light-Neart Lute’s Last rail, Fab Bilverbladey ihe Hele Bloody er, The Bord — verblade, the ali-Blood; or, e jer 789 Bilverblade, the Hostile; or, The Border Neocon Teall 748 Sliverblade the Friendly; or, The Border Beagle’s Boy Paad BY ©. DUNNING CLARK, is Captain Paul; or, The Boy Spy of the Mountains, ©} The Yankee Hajah} or, The Fate of the Black Shovesh. BY LIFUT. i. D. PERRY, U. 8. N. 176 The Boy Runaway} or, The Buccaneer of the Bare 180 The Sea Trailer; or, A Vow Well Kept. Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montank BY JACK FARRAGOUT. 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy; or, The Witch ot the Fort. 820 The Sea Sorceress; or, The Boy Skipper. BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID. 78 Blue Dick; or, The Yellow Chief's Vengeance. 13? The Land Pirates; or, The League of Devil's Island, 87 The Helpless Hand; or, Back woods bution. 289 The Gold-sceker Guidet or, The Lows M BY BRACEBRIDGE NEMYNG, 89 Taland Jimt or, The Pet of the a os 191 The Captain of the Club; or. The Rival Athletes. 101 Jack Narkaway in New York. MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS, 4 The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Capt. Meyne aoe Frederick Whittaker, ® Adventurca of Baron Munchaseess 12 Gulliver’s Travels. Swift, 7 addin; or, The Wonderful me obinaon Orusoe. (27 Iilustrat he na is aa the Satlor, His Seven Veyene 22 The Sea Yerpent; or, The Boy Ro’ Orusse, By Joee Lewis. 88 fant neces Bloodhoundy or, The Red Piuvtes of the By S. W. Pierce. 3¢ The ae own} or, Longs Beng 5 By # 8. Finn. Bt The Bey yinest Th Ue sabi ame By A.C. Tronm - ene or. ie Uede) * 95 The ‘val Rovers: or, The Freebooters of the Missiesipph ut.~ Thood, the Outlawed Ear): or, The Merry Men of Greon* * Robin fi Tol Gade 105 O14 pets the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captaie D Holmes. ies Eiopy, the Teens osc, The Hoong Comaplea. By Oesrge 128 RS ou a gh or, The Pirate’s Strongholé, Bo 148 Bharp Sam ° + or, Tho Adventures ot a Friendlies Boy. ws ‘S2T Pooks Darrell, : or, The @reen Ranger of the Tob . By Ed Ferene vegan ht the New ¥ rk Boy. C3. Fem ee Killb’ar, ee kr 3 1, Davy Creckett’s Warren. 298 Rea ta, oe coi ei Trapper; or, The Maid of the Clim | hy Free. e 850 Lea Ralph, the River Rovers or, The Brother's Re jun thine. Clifernta Joe's First Trail. By Bi Mero Hoyer Monstery. 484 Comanche ae Henry J. oy Duke. By Edwin Brooke Forrest. 585 Will Waters, the Bov Ferret. By H. Enton, 682 The Dead Met eh. Double, 721 Maverick M one, tte n Dotblen _peya: the Week Service Corps. 814 Ace Wie » the Frisco DateetNsi 88 ey 3 ot, Citizen of Number S@sen. By Ben D. 881 The Chicago Drummer’s« Peal. By J. tive’s Lone Hand. ‘By K Kiog Keene. A New Ineue Every Tuesday A Boy's Fight for ieihediviens R the Bootblack Ducstee 54 Baltimore Ren ps Ben's Douhle Match 876 41 & Billy Bombshell, the Opa Cuba. By ¥.8. Winthrop. 5 e Blac i D ‘arner, " and His Three Invinefbles. By 582 The Cowbo BS2 Ariel ghe Athlete. By Pavid Druid. Urko» Pass, ” Tibesbos: 809 Rep Dannie the Gent from Denver. By King Keene, of Cc. E. e Grim Lodgera In 7 Ciuisee Rate Hatiiday. 841 Vi Ng Charlie, the Cat's. Paw acta” ne ae 04 Mem Rit rt the § Fox. Chas. F. 89 Biue-leht hin, ti Eg dents or, The ee The Half-Dime Library ‘e tor pp . eents por copy, or seut by mall on recetot of = wae mS
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S. Ene DIME SPEAKERS, Each ee 100 pages He ‘Seiges vase from Sete to ae a picea- secak 1 to 24, inclusive. = ; Dime American Saodhes: Ne. 1, SZoung America, J. Jeboom’s Oration, Birth y of Washington, | A Dutch Cure, for the Maine Law, lot on the Battlefield, The Italian Struggle, a pot The Weather, The Heated Term, Philosophy Applied, An Old Ball owotry, Penny Wise, “Pound Fool- : rs Equality of Man, | True Cleanliness, lish, Character of the Revo'n, | Sat’d’ y Night's Enjoy ‘ts, “The Fruits of the War, | “In a Just Cause,’ The Sew ing- Machine, ee Peace with Oppres- True Manhood, sion, "The Mystery of Life, | A Tale of a Mouse, ‘fhe Ups and Downs, A Thanksgiving Sermon, The Truly Great, The Cost of Riches, Early Retiring and Ris’g, ¥. ard’s Oration, . | The Prophecy forthe Y'r ue Nationality, Unfinished Problems, Our Natal Day, Honor to the Dead, Solferino, Immortality of Patriots, 24 renee the Basis of | Webster's Polit’! System, ar, Liberty. | A Vision in the Forum, cee of Light Brigade, | The Press, fter the Battle, Woman's Rights, {The Glass Railroad, Right of the Governed, ‘Gase of Mr. Macbeth, My Ladder, Prof, on Phrenology, Woman, Annabel Lee, Alone, Washington’s Name, The Rebellion of 1851, "The sailor Boy’s Syren, { Disunion. Dime National Speaker, No. 2. WUnion and its Results, Ohio, @ur Country’s F uture, Oliver Hazard Perry, The Statesman’s Labors, Our Domain, ‘True Immortality, Systems of Bel ief, Tet the Childless Weep, | The Indian Chief, ur Country’s Glory, The Independent’ Farmer Prion a Household, Mrs. Grammar’s Ball, Independenee Bell, How the Money Comes, The Scholar's Dignity, Future of the Fashions, The Cycles of Progress, | Loyalty to Liberty, A Christmas Chant, : Our Country First, Last, Stability of Christianity, and Always, "The True Higher I AW, British Influence, 6 One Great Need, Defense of Jefferson, National Hatreds, ‘ecuroseh’s Speech, Murder Will Out, ¥erritorial a Bpbech Strive for the Best, rtha Hopkins, | Early Rising, Bashful Man's Story, | D of Kindness, Matter-of-Fact,Man, | Gates of Sleep, ch and Poor, The Bugle, Becing the Eclipse, A Hoodish Gem, Gear es « iG Law, Par f of the Struggle, ng! Git Up, e, ats of Life, Beautiful and Tru e Greownltig Gtory of U.S., | The Worm of the Still, Three Feols, Pax.gu the Infinite, Washington, e of the Eagle, ur Great Tiherttance, Wa hington, « py on Henry Clay, 1 The Deluge. : . Dime Patriotic Speaker, No. 3. erica to the World, History of Our ve of Country, T. F. Meagher’s A Right of Belt-Enenerves We Owe to the Union, ur Cause, Lincoln’s M A Kentuckian’s sppepl, Last Speech of Stephen Kentucky 8 4 A. Doug ‘Timidity is Treason, Great Bell nd. e Alarum, En New and the a 15, 1851, ng Cotton, (Union, e Spirit of °61,. Rattle Anthem, e Precious Heritage, | The Ends of Peace, The Irish Element, Freedom the Watchword frain's S h Grisis of Our Nation, Hhristy’s Duty of Christian Pa- Bi. ate vane 1, Vs i Dan’s “ration. -ier-Genera urke Tae es tyne: | BeBe, ie Sa. uare e e Onns 0 very, ni 0 on, — rene ’s Trib bute, Pussy fat Eee el e of an Oak Tree, | Catholic Cath On M ” "The “ Speculators. [a tie Speaker, No. 4. ze Hun Gon the War, ' A Song of Woe, Considered, St Trip to Richm’d. : oop ena we ey The ountebank, Grammar, No. yes Interest, tm Not a 3 Man, ye = the Fest, = + ; Bitar on Pickwick, zr he Pahos es! Toilet, meoand Jullet, ~ Ppp , nag 5 0 Oto seakers Opponen San Euloginm, Paltiea! Sham ‘Cart rammar, w to be a Tireman, Farewell to the Bottle,” e United States, The Cork Leg, t's Acc’tof Mimself, | Phe Smaek in Schoo School, Practical ™yrenology, Slick’s Definition of Wife, tifr — Tale of a Hat, - \~ ecg oe Club, ~ oem Posi Duteh on, Bach ? eiagg en motion, ois, Lice? | Lecture on Looomctien. / Great Lives Imperishable Dime Elocutionist, No. 5. SEC. I. Prrvcretes or Troe Envnciation.—Faults in Enunciation; How to Avoid Them. Special Rules and Observations. SEC. If. Tuer Art or ORATORY. Tranquillity, Cheerfulness, Joy, Delight, the Passions: Raillery, Buffoonery, quity, Attention, Modesty, Fear, Shame, Pride, Obstinacy, Authority, lelancholy, Despair, Courage, Boasting, Commanding, KF orbidding, Sheridan’s List of Mirth, Gravity, In- Perplexity, Pity, Grief, Remorse, Affirming, Denying, Difference, Agreeing, Hxhorting, Judging, Approv- ing, Acquitting, jag, Arguing Ve pendence, neration, Conde mning, Teaching, Pardon- ismissing, Refusing, Granting, 33 “Hope, Desire, Love, spect, Giving, Wonder, Admiration, Gratitude, Cu riosity, Persuasiey’ x Tempting, Promising, Affectiaa- tion; Sloth, Intoxication, Anger, etc. SEC. III. and Phrases, viz.: As applied to Sentences, viz. : Clearness, Unity, Strength. Figures of Speech; the | the Narration, ‘the Proposition, Exordium THe COMPONENT ELEMENTS QF An | Tion.—Rules of Composition as applied to Words | urity, Propriety, Precision. Ora Length of Sentence, the Confirmation, the Refutation, the Peroration. SEC. IV. RepresenrATIVE EXERCISES IN PROSE AND Versp.—Transition; A Plea for the Ox; Falstaff’s Soliloquy on Honor; the Burial of Lincoln; the Call and Response; the Bayonet Charge; History of a Life; and the bas Look Upward; on hg le; the amlet’s Soliloguy; Old nines, King W William Rufus; the Eye; an ; Essa Onto Musik; Sate eries of Galileo. ells; Byron; Machet os SEC. V. OsSrRvATIons of Goop AUTHORITIES, Dime Humorous Speaker, No. 6. A Sad cage A String of Onions, A Tragic Story, Cats, Courtship, Debt | Dev “ils, Dow, Jr.'s Sovaiet, Ego and Echo Fashionable Womseki, Fern Thistles, Goeod-Nature, Gottlieb Klebcyergoss Schlackenlichter’s snake, Hosea Biglow's O eee. How the foney Poetry Run Mad, Right Names, , Scientific Lectures, The Ager, The Cockney, The Codfish, Fate of Sergeant Thin, The Features’ Quarrel, Hamerican Voodchuck, The Harp of a Thousand Strings. The Last ‘of the Sarpints, The March to Moscow, The he Guest, The Pum The Sea- nt, Hun-ki-do-ri’s Fourth of | The oe Daughter, » July Oration, The Shoemaker, If you Mean No, Say No, | The Useful Doctor, Jo Bows on Leap Year, | The Waterfa: Lay of the Henpecked, sa the Bachelors’ Union Lot Skinner’s Elegy, ue, Matrimony, Uni States Presidents, Nothing to Do fw heod “% Popping the | Old Caudle’s Umbrella, Wee Old Grimes’s Son, What I youlan’ t Be, tepee Foe Own Canoe, | Yankee Doodie Aladdin, y * Araby’s | 3 Ze einige: Dime Standard Speaker, No: 7. The World We eave In, Woman's Clai Authors of our ‘| The Rea) Conqueror, oun Buxsie Gettysburg, No Sect in ee The Citizen’s Heritage, The Beneficence of the Italy, Suffrage, {Sea, The of ER: Dream of the-Revelers, Nature and Naire’ The Modern Good. {Sun, Ossian’s Address to 2's God | HowCyrus Laid od Cable mite thé Paradoxi : Inde mg Bell tv77, Little ci the Miller, 7 The Blarney Stone, “thou a] The Sindent of Bonn. me The Broken Household, Life, The Bible, The ‘Idler, The Purse and the Sword The Unbeliever, My y CONE, The Two Lives, True Moral Courage, Tice niih, [poe udges no r Fanaticism, Deborah Lee, Instability of Suecessful | The Ra Agriculture, Crime, | The Bac and Needle, Treland, The People ae Con- So pooaey. of the Music of Labor, —_[quer, Prussia and Austria, Wishing, ati Hocken ond Daring, a A ‘Shot at the Deeanter, Dime Stump Speaker, No. 8. Hon. J. M. Stubbs’ Views fates the Situation, Schwackheimer on Woman's All for a Nomination, Stay Where You Relo ; Life's What You Make Where’s Fun Money, eect es a cute moniete \ The Limits to Ha sine, Good-nature a lcasine Sermon from Bad ale Tail-enders, Baptist, alue of werk . | / / / : ee ee ee Permanency of States, Astronomical, Liberty of Speech, The Meon, [zens New England and Union, | Duties of American Citi The Unseen Battlefield, The Man, Plea for the Republie, Temptations of Cities, America, (Fallacy, | Broken Resolutions, * Right of Secession a | There it no Death, Life’s Sunset, Races, Human Nature, A Fruitful Discourse, Lawyers, A Frenchman's Dinner, < es rongs of the Indians, / Unjust National Acgui'n Appealin behalf of Am. | The Amateur Coachman, Miseries of War,[Liberty, | John Thompson’s Dau'r: A Lay Sermon, House Cleaning, A Dream, It Is Not Your B asWieas, Dime Juvenile Speaker, No. 9. A Boy’s Philosophy, How the Raven Secam Hoe Out Your Row, Black, Six-Year-Old’s Pr otest, | A Mother's Work, The Suicidal Cat, | The same, A Valediction, Who Rules, Popping Corn, | A Sheep Story, The Editor, | A-Litle Correspondent, . The Same, in rhyme, | One Good Turn Deservet The Fairy Shoemaker, My Dream, {[Another, What Was Learned, Rain, Press On, I'll Never Use Tobaccq, The Horse, | A Mosaic, The Snake in the Grass, | The Old Bacheler, Tale of the Tropics, | Prayer to Light, Bromley’s Speech, | Little Jim, he Same, second extract | Angelina's Lament, The Fisher’s Child, Johnny Shiimps on Boot Shaks oearian Scholar, Me A Maiden’s Psalm of Life, | Choi “¢ of Hours, A Mixture, | Poor Richard's Sa ng®, Plea for Skates, Who Killed Tom Roper, Playing Ball, Nothing to Do. Ah, Why. Honesty Best Policy. Live for Jomething.” Heaven, Lay of the Hen-Pecked, | Ho for the Fields, The Outside Dog, Fashion on the Brain, Wolf and Lamb, On Shanghais, =i Lion in Love, A Smile, Frogs Asking for a King, Hee pmo = Sick Lion, Hom thic Seup, Country and Town aes Nose and Byes, Man and Woman, Mak (Come Home, A Hundred Years The Lotus- Planter, The Madman and he Little Things. Little Sermons, ae A Baby's Soliloquy, Souffies on tance The Two Oradies, { A Plea for te Ocea 1 Sterm, Humbug Pa Lite Pi, le_Do itwe Night After Citanian, Little Short Legs, {Fever Shrimps on Amusements, Presi tion for “Spring Dime Spread-Eagle Speaker, No. gl Ben Buster's Oration, Drum-head Sermons, ™ Hans Von mn I's 4th, .| Schnitzerl's Philosopedit Josh Billin vice, “Woman's Rights, A Hard-she Sermon, Luke Lather, The Boots, The Hog, The Squeezer, ack Spratt, | Noah and the Devil, New jand Tragedy, — A Lover's Lu ent Bachelor, — Hifalutin Adolphus, Jacob Whittle’s vb n and Jerks Prognos Distinction’s Disadvant-| A Word with hb, [ages, | Sut Love yore 5 mee ae e, Stock on Billings on Buzzerg Speaking for the Sheriff, . Il Trovatore, Daking a Shweat, Kissing in the Streep Then and eM a ndalous, ' Sea Josh Bil Slightly Mixed, Doctor D Ming's Lobb! ‘sAnn't, The Odes seni c fan Olid Bachelors, Dan Bryant's Speech, The 3 Niam Niam A Colored View, People Wil T: P * Se eg Maud Muller, Swa Who Wouldn’t be Fire” Train of Circumstances, Dan’t De} on Daddan Good Advice usic of The Itehing Palm, ' The American Ensign. Debater _— Chatvenats Guide No. 11 Its Office and Usetulnees, | Ord care Mootnre oat C6 a Constituddon of ne yantan mn Blige Sf Sdvernment, | "Prgcecdingy ve ‘al Rules of Order, | The“ Question.” Hows Babjeos of Diediasion he" Question. Ht & 4 ” ow u.—How Te DesaTe. be Consid: "Deaterg are few good | Rights to the 5 to Orateri- 2S te Observe, oe Onier of Argument, Summary.
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BEADLE'S*] )IME*]IBRARY. Published Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Ten Cents. No Double Numbers. A nena BUFFALO BILL NOVELS. Sy Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 994 Buffalo Bill’s Lone Hand. 989 Buffalo biil’s Marked Bullet. 984 Buffalo Bill’s Life Raffle. 979 Buffalo Bill’s Relentless Trail. ,964 Buffa'o Bi.l’s Invincibles. \960 Buffalo Bill’s blue Belt Bri e. 956 Buffalo Bili’s Volunteer Vigilantes. 950 Buffalo Bill at Bay. $43 Buffalo Bill’s Block Game. “936 Buffal» Bill s Black Parad, 927 Buffalo Bul’s Bluff; or, Dusky Dick the Sport. 921 Brifalo Bill’s Quandary; or, Velvet Bill’s Vow. 45 Buffalo Billand the Surgeon-Scout. Buffalo B&l’s League; or, Red Butterfly. Buffalo Bill’s Tangled Trail, Buffalo Bill’s Rough Riders. Buffalo Bill’s Secret Aly. 890 Buffalo Bfll’s Life-Stake, 882 The Three Bills: Buffalo Bill Wild Billand 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 Dea:‘h Charm. 857 Buffalo Bill’s Royal Flush. 851 Baffalo Bill's Double Dilemma, 845 Buffalo Bill's Redskin Ruse, 830 Buffalo Bill’s Bovs in Blue, 826 Buffalo Bill’s Sharp Shooters, 822 Buffalo Bill’s Best Bower. 816 Buffalo Bil’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. 77 Buffalo Bill’s Spy Shadower, 769 Buffalo Bill’s Sweepstake, 765 Boffalo Bills Dozen; or, Silk Ribbon Sam, 761 Buftalo Ball’s Mascot. 757 Buffalo Biti’s Double. 750 Buffalo Bil’s Big Four; or, Custer’s Shadow. 748 Buffalo Bill's Flush Hand, 739 Buffalo Bill's Blind: or, The Masked Driver. 78 Buffalo Bill and His Merry Men. 781 Buffalo Bill's Beagies: or, Silk Lasso Sam, 727 Buffato Bill’s Bodv Guard. 722 Buffato Bill on the War-path. 716 Buffalo Bill’s Scout Shadowers. "710 Buffalo Bul Baffled: or. The Deserter Desperado. (69% Buffalo lili’s Buckskin Brotherhood. (691 uffalo Bill's }/lind Trail; or, Mustang Madge. 667 Buffalo Bill’s Swoop;or, The King of the Mines. 658 The Cowbov Clan; or, The os of Texas, (658 Lasso King’s League; or, Buck Taylor in Texas. 649 Buffaie Biil’s Chief of greta | or, Buck Taylor ‘644 Buffalo Bill’s Ponanga; or, Si’ ver Circle Knights, (862 Buffalo Bill’s Grip; or. Vath Bound to Custer. (29 Buffalo Bill’s Pledge; or. The League of Three. \x99 Wild Bill's Gold Trail; or, The Desperate Dozen. 1% Wild Biil’s Trump Card; or, The Indian Heiress, 168 Wild Bill, the Pistol Dead Shot, By Buffalo Bill, ‘= The Dread Shot Four. Texas Jack, the Lasso King The Ranca King Dead-Shot, 820 White Beaver’s Still Hunt. 807 Wild Bill, the Wild West Duelist. 800 Wild Bilt, the Deaa-Center Shot. (639 Buffalo Bill's Gold Kang. 699 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, White Beaver's Trail. $94 White Beaver, the Exile of the Platte. 19 Wild Bill, the Whirlwind of the West. Texas Jack, the Prairie Rattler. a 243 The Pilgrim Sharp; or, The Soldier's Sweetheart, | 83 Gold Bullet Snorr; or, Knights of the Overland, | 52 Death-Traiier, the Chiet.of Scouts. Ry Leon Lewis, Ned Buntline, ete. (73 Buffalo Bll’s Ban; or, Cody to the Rescue, /682 Buffalo Bill’s Secret Service Trail. 629 Buffalo Bill’s Daring Role; or, Daredeath Dick. '647 Buffalo Bi'l’s First Trail; or, The Express Rider. 158 Buffalo Bill, Chief cf Scouts, {117 Buffalo Bill s Strange Pard; or, Dashing Dandy. ' 92 Busfalo Bill, the Buckskin King. BY HAROLD PAYNE. i888 The Man from Mexico in New York. 872 The King-Pin Shark; or, Thad Burr’s Ten Strike, The Tenderloin Four The Quaker City Crook. Tracked to Chicago, #86 The Policy Broker's Blind. 828 Phe Frisco Sharper’s Cool Hand. 821 The Tramp Shadower’s Backer. §13 The Sham Spotter'’s Shrewd Scheme. 805 The Grand Street Gold-Dust Sbharpers. 798 Detective Burr's Luna ic Witness 72 The Wail Street Sharver’s Snap. Thad Burr’s Death Drop. $42 Detective Burr Among the New York Thugs. 734 Deteetive Burr’s Foil; or, A Woman’s Strategy. 728 Petective Burr, the Headquarters Special, 718 Detective Burr's Spirit Chase. 706 Detective Burr’s Seven Clues. ‘ 698 Fhad Burr, the Invinctble; or, The “*L’’ Clue, The Matchless Detective, ~ XX, the Fatal Clew; or, Burr’s Master Case, a BY COL. THOMAS H, MONSTERY, 995 The Czar’s Sny.” 986: Iron Wrist, the Swordmaster, % Champion Sam; or, The Monarchsof the Sho, El Rubio Bravo, King of the Swordsmen. BY J W. OSHON, #87 Bhadrach, the Sport Detective. 922 Gilbert Goldepur, the Dandy Sport. ‘905 Shasta Sam, the Sparkier. 877 Cool Creede, the Dead-Shot. TH yee Soe ‘from 8t. Louis. 7 618 Roy: the Thoroughbred, BY CAPTAIN HOWARD HOLMES, 929 Gentleman George, the Showman Sport. 912 Gentee!l Joe’s Lone Hand, 908 The Train Detective. 896 Kent Keen, the Crook-Crusher. oe Nightshade in New York. Falcon n, the Flash Detective. 871 The Crook Cashier, 859 Clew-Hawk Keene’s Right Bower. 847 Hiram Hawk, the Harlem Detectivo, 840 Majer 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 Rrbbon’s Crush-out. 766 Detective Zaob, 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-Rdge Detective, 701 Silver Steve, the Branded Sport. 694 Gideon’Grip, the Secret Shadower,. 684 Velvet Van, the Mystery Shadower. 678 The Dude Desperado 871 Jason Clew, the Silk-Manded 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. 569 Captain Cobra, the Hooded Mystery. 550 Danton, the Shadow Sharp, 550 Silk Hand, the Mohave Ferret. 643 The Magnate Detective. 632 Jack Javert, the 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 Stnshine Sam, a Chip of the Old Block, 480 Hawkspear. the Man with a Secret, 458 Coldgrip in Deadwood. 460 Captain Ooldgrip, the Detective 453 Captain 92, Long Trail. 447 Voicano, the Iisco Spy. 441 The California Sharp. 434 Lucifer Lynx, the W onder Detective, 421 Father Ferret, the Frisco Shadow. 413 Captain Coldgrip in New York, 407 Captain Colkigrip’s Nerve; or. sh Nick. 400 Captain Coldgrip; or, The New York Spotter. 392 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 Uities. 865 Keen Kennard, the Shasta Shadow, 852 The Desperate Dozen. 347 Denver Duke, the Man with “ Sand.” 840 Cool Conrad, the Dakota Detective, 385 Flash Danwthe Nabob, or, Blades of Bowie Bar. 821 California Claude, the Lone Bandit. 294 Broadcloth Burt. the Denver Dandy, 941 The Shadow Sport from Frisco. ‘BY WILLIAM H. MANNING, 948 The Red-Gloved Detective. ‘ 981 Frisco.Frank at Glory Ghilch. 920 The Montana Miner in New York, 905 The Doomsday-Den Detective. 899 The Doub ick Detective. . 898 Yellow Gid, of Dark Divide. 885 The Expert Deéetective’s Shake-up, 875 Trapping the Race-Track Judge. 864 The Police Special’s Dilemma, 84% The Genteel Sharper’s Combine 841 Graydon’s Double Deal. j 838 The Sport Detective’s Grip, 828 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 4 692 Dead-Shot l'a!, the Deep-Range 655 Strawberry Sain, |) Man with the 646 Dark John, the Grim Guard. 6388 Murdock, the Dread Detective. 623 Dangerous Dave, the Never-Beaten Detective. 611 Alxali 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 gp ag of Honeysuckie. | 551 Garry Kean the Man with Backbone, | 539 Old ubledark, the Wily Detective, Saddle-Chief Kit, the Prairie Centaur. 521 Paradise Sam, the Nor'-West Pilot. 513 Texas Tartar, the Man With Nine Lives. 506 Uncle Honest, the Peacemaker of Hornets’ Nest, 498 Central Pacific Paul. the Mail Train Spy. | ! } | lorer, irthmark, 492 Border Bullet, the Prairie Sharpshooter. 486 Kansas Kitten, the Northwest Detective. 479 Gladiator Gabe, the Samson of Sassajack. 470 The Duke of Dakota. 463 Gold Gauntlet. the Gulch Gladiator. 455 Yank Yellowbird, the Tall Huster of the Hills, 449 Bluff Burke, King of the Rockies. 442 Wild West Walt, the Mountain Veteran 437 Deep Duke; or, The Man of Two Lives, 427 The Rivals of Montana Mill 405 Old Baldy the Brigadier o 297 Colorado Rube, the Strong Arm of Hotspur. 279 The Gold Dragoon, ur, California Bloodhound. ALBERT W. AIKEN’S NOVELS. Dick Talbot Series. 991 Dick Talbot at the Mines; or, Kentuck, the Sport. 988 Roeky Mountain Rob. $76 Overland Kit; er, The Idyl] of White Pine. 741 Dick Lalbot’s Close Call. 787 Dick Talbot in rye Lend. 733 Dick Tatbot. the Ranch King. 729 Dick Talbot’s Clean-Out, 725 Dick Talbot in No Man’s vere 854 Dick Talbot; 01, The Brand o per Grosr 86 Diek Talbot; or, The Death-Stot of Shasta. Aiken’s Fresh of Frisco Series. 825 Fresh, the Race-Track Sport. 660 The Fresh in Montaua; or, Blake's Full Hand. f 652 Tie Fresh’s Rustie at Painted City. 647 The Fresh at Santa Fe; or, The Stranger Sha 556 Fresh, the Sport: er, The Big Racket at Slide Out, 587 Fresh Against the Fieldyor, Blake, the Lion, 497 The Fresh in Texas; or. The Escobedo Millions, 461 The Fresh of Frisco on the Rio Grande. 97 The Fresh in Big Walnut Camp; or, Bronze Jack, Ailken’s Joe Phenix Sertes. 965 Joe Phenix'’s Mascot. 959 Joe Phenix’s Double Deal, 954 Joe Phenix in Chicago. 949 The Doctor from Texas; or, Joe Phenix’s Clue 944 Joe Phevix’s Rigut Bower. 865 The Female Barber Detective; or, Joe Phenix in Silver ay j 799 Joe Phenix’s Great Blue Diamond Case; or, The; New York Sport at Long Branch. 798 Joe Phenix’s Decoy; or, The Man of Three, 760 Joe Phenix’s Lone Hand, 749 Joe Phenix’s Big Bulge. 745 Joe Phenix’s Mad Case. 708 Joe Phenix’s Siren; or, The Woman Hawksham 700 Joe Phenix’s Unknown; or, Crushing the Crooks 681 Joe Phenix’s Specials; or, The Actress Detective 687 Joe Phenix in Crazy Camp. 632 Joe Phenix’s Master Search. 628 Joe Phenix’s Combin: ; or,the Dandy Conspiraton 620 Joe Phenix’s Silent Six. ; 601 Joe Phenix’s Shadow; or,the Detective’s Monitor 419 Joe Phenix,, the Kine of Detectives. 1 161 Joe Phenix’s Great Man Hunt. ) 112 Joe Phenix, Private Detective; or, The League, 79 Joe Phenix, the Police Spy. Alken’s Misceliancous Novels, 980 The All-Around Athlete. 940 Captain Jack, the Scalper 985 The Hawks and Wolves of New York 932 Detective Gordon’s Grip, 926 Old taco pet o apie wy sinh “ ¢ 923 Old Sunflower. the Hayseed ective, 901 The Hotel Swell-Sbarp; or, The Siren Shadowes) 892 The Country man Detective. _ : 876 Goid Button Sport; or, The Miner Sharps, _ 842 Teton Tom. the Half-Blood. { 835 The King-Pin Detective. 814 The New Yorker Among Texas Sports. 7% King Dandy, the Silver Sport. 758 Gideon’s sch oe Babylon Far. 717 Captain Pat McGowen, the Greenconat Detective,: 674 Uncle Sun Up, the Born Detective, 670 The Lightw eight Detective. : 665 The Frisco Detective; or, The Golden Gute Find,, 618 Keen Billy, the Sport. 607 Old Benzine, the * Hard Case " Detective, 594 Wire Face, the Silver King’s Foe. 586 The Silver Sharp Detective. 577 Tom, of Calif ornia; or, Detective’s Shadow. 570 The Actress Detective; or, The Invisible Han 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 Hor-e of the Pacific, 423 The Lone Hand; or, The Red River Recreants. 408 Doc Grip, the Vendetta of Death. $81 The Gypsy Gen tleman: cr. Nick Fox. Detective 876 Black Beards: o1, The Rie Grande High Horse 870 The Dusky Detective: or. Pursued to the Kad. 363 Crowningshieid, the Detective : 820 The Genteel Spotter: or The N. Y. Night Hawk, 252 The Wali Street Plood; or, The Telegraph Girl 203 The Donble Detective: or, The Midnight Mystery. 196 La Marmoset, the Leteetive Queen, 101 The Man from New York. 91 The Winning Oar; or. The pens 4, 2a Daughter, 84 Hunted Down: or, The League of Three. 81 The Human Tiger: or, A Heart of Fire. %5 Geritleman George: or, Parlor. Prison and Street.. 72 The Phantom Hand; or, The 5th Avenue Heiress, 56 The Indian Mazeppa; or, Madmen of the Plains. 49 The Wolf Demon; or, The Kanawha Queen. 42 The California Detective; ar, The Wit of N.Y, 81 The New York Sharp; or, The Flash of b 27 The Spotter Detective: or, Girls of New York. NEW ISSUES. 1000 Buffalo Rill’s Grim Guard. By Col. Ingraham,| 13 The Brand-Burversof Cimarron. By John W. Osbon. 1002 Silver Clty Sam. By Jos. H. Badger. 1003 Gold mane or, Dick Talbot in Utah, By Albert W. Aiken. 1004 Buffalo Bill’s Death Deal. By Col, Ingraham. 1005 oot-Hills Frank, By Jos. B, Badger. 1006 The Sea Cadet. By Col. P. Ingraham, JUST ISSUED. 9% Injun Dick, the Shasta Dead Shot, By Aiken, | 997 Hotspur Hal, the Sport from Hard Luck, By BY NED BUNTLINE. ; Toa. Ei. Badaer Jr. 657 Long Tom, the Privateer, 998 Captain Seawalf, Privateer. By Ned Buntiine. @21 Fhe Red ateer; or, The Midshipman Rover. | 584 Fire Feather, the Buccaneer King. 617 Buffale Bill's First Trail. : 861 Tombstone Dick, the Train Pilot. 122 Saul Sabberday, the Idiot aoe 111 The Smuggler Captain; or, The Skipper’s Crime, 18 The Sea Bantit; or, Phe Queen of the Isle. | 16 The White Wizard: ar The Seminole Prophet, . | 999 The Velvet Hand: or, The Iron Grip of Injun Dick. By Albert W. Aiken. A new issue every Wednesday. THE DIME LIBRARY is for sale by all Newsdealers. ten cents veT cop) ar sent by mail op receipt of price. we. ~- 60 .1d “OS ET Wang ed, oT PTE,
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BEADLE'’*] )IME*|IBRARY. Published Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Ten Cents. No Double Numbers. BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR. Old Sobersides, the Detective of St. Louis. Horse Wheeler, the Revenue Detective. The Double Edged Detective. Maverick Mark. the Man from Nowhere. Silky Steele, the Stay-in Sport. Tne Spotter-Sport’s Neck-Tie Party. High-Water Mark; or, Silver-Tip Sid. Riata Rob, the Range Champion, The C .whoy Chief’s Sure-Shot. The Rival Red-Hat Sports. rly Kid, the Cheyenne Sport. he Soft Hand Detective. The Soft Hund’s Clutch. Dan Dunn the Soft-Hand Sport. ‘796 The Frisco Detective’s Thug-Tangle. 489 Sam @ary, the River Sport. ‘80 The Dead Sport’s Double. (71 Prince John, Detective Special. 763 Dandy Don, the Denver Detective. $54 the Man from Texas; or, Dangerfield, the octor Detective. %44 Sweepstakes Sam, the Silver Sport, cret Six; or, Old Halcyon. 712 The Man of Siik. 705 Bantam Bob, the Beauty from Butte. 698 Kent Kasson, the Preacher Sport. 683 Bob Breeze, the Rounder Detective, 675 Steel Surry, the Sport from Sunris®, 668 Solemn Saul’s Luck Streak 661 The Get-There Sharp. itvestip St-ve, 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 up. 597 Big Bandy, the Brigadier of Brimstone Butte. 568 Sandy sands, the Sharp from Snap City. 576 Sitver-Tongued Sid; or, Grip Sack Sharp’s Sweep. 564 The Grip-Sack Sharp; or, The Seraphs of Sodom, 655 Grip-Sack Sid, the Sample Sport. 647 The Buried Detective; or, Saul’s Six Sensations. 541 Major Magnet, the Man of Nerve. $85 Dandy Dutch, the Decorator from Dead-Lift t27 Dandy Andy, the Diamond Detective. fild Gabe Gunn, the Grizzly from Ginseng, 604 Solemn Saul. the Sad Man from San Saba. _ 495 Rattlepate Rob; or, The Roundhead’s Reprisal 488 The Thoroughbred Sport. 474 Daddy Dead-Eye, the Desnot of Dew Drop. Oid ugh and Ready, the Sage of Sundown Dutch Dan. the Pilgrim from Spitzenberg. 443 A ©ool Hand; or, Pistol Johnny’s Picnic, ‘438 Oklahoma Nick. 5433 hing Leo; or, Sam’s Dandy Pard. 426 The Ghost Detective; or, The Secret Service Spy. 416 Monte jim. the Biack Sheep of Bismarck. *09 Rob Roy Ranch; or, The Imps of Pan Handle. £03 Tne Nameless Sport. ; ee y Aim, the Duke of Derringers. wk Durg. the Ishmael of the Hills. in Crisp, the Man with a Record. A al Fiusi; or, Dan Brown's Big Game, 360 Jumping Jerry, the Gamecock from Sundown. 355 Stormy Steve, the Mad Athlete. 851 Nor’ West Nick, the Border Detective. 345 Maskea Mark, the Mounted Detective. 839 Spread Lagie Sam, the Hercules Hide dunter, 831 Chispa Charley, the Gold Nugget Sport. 817 Krank Lightfoot, the Miner Detective, 292 Moke Horner, the Boss Roustabout, 286 Pistol Johnny; or, One Man in a Thousand, 283 Sleek Sam, the Devil of the Mines. 257 Death Trap Diggings; or, A Man ’Way Back 249 Elephant Tom. of Durango. 241 Spitfire Saul, King of the Rustlers. 283 Phe Old isoy of Tombstone. 202 Pirate of the Placers; or, Joaquin’s Death Hunt 180 Old °49; or, The Amazon of Arizona, 170 Sweet William, the Trapper Detective, 165 Joaquin. the Terrible 154 Joaquin, the Saddle King, 141 Equinox Tom, the Bully of Red Rock. 119 ‘Alabanaa Joe; or, The Yazoo Man-Hunters. 105 Dan Brown of Denver; or. The Detective. 88 Big George; or. The Five Oytiaw Brothers, 71 Captain Cool Blade: or, MisSissippi Man Shark. 67% The Boy Jockey; or, Honesty vs. Crookedness. 50 Jack Rabbit, tne Prairie Sport, BY WM. G. PATTEN. $10 eee tre. the Thug’s Terror. 795 Old Night-Hawk, the Crook Shadower. 768 The Prin :e of New York Crooks. 756 Old Burke, the Madison Square Detective. 747 Double-voice Dans Double Disguise. 715 Double-Voice Dan on Deck, 702 Double-Voice Dan, the Always-on-Deck Detective 396 Double-Voice Dan, the Go-it Alone Detective, 689 The Sparkler Sharp. 676 Hurricane Hal, the Cowboy Hotspur. 669 Oid True Blue, the Trusty. 663 The Giant Sport; or, Sold to Satan. $56 Old Piug Usly, the Rough and Ready. 645 Gokl Glove Gid, the Man of Grit. 641 ec Jack, the Desert Nomad, 631 Colonel Cool, the Santa He Sharp, 602 Captain Nameless. the Mountain Mystery. 671 Old Dismal, the Range Detective. 645 Hustler Harry, the Cowboy Sport. BY GEORGE C. JENKS. - 910 The Arizona Detective. lver Sam, the Shasta Sport. tre Silver Sport's Double. y Race-Course Detective. - ‘he \ ® Hayseed Detective. in Corden, the Twister Detective, q2 ae S2RSEe P-te the Broncho-Buster Detective. Fearless 8am, the Grand Combination Detective, 719 Beston Bob, the Sport Detective. aunty Joe, ioe Jockey Detective. rp, the stler Ei. Bother, ft hendectoot Detecting enderfoot The Drummer Detective. Horseman. ‘o Hye, the Pacific Detective, BY WILLIAM R. EYSTER, 916 Two Dead-Square Sports. 902 Soft Velyet, 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 abakeop. 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 Jaybird. 659 Gilt-Edge Johnny; or, Roldan and His Rovers, 650 Luck Pester’s Lone Hand, 634 Old Handcart’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 witha 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. 503 The Dude from Denver. 478 Pinnacle Pete; or, The Fool from Way Back. 459 Major Sunshine, the Man of Three Lives. i 429 Hair Trigger Tom of Red Bend. 402 Snapshot Sam; or, The Angels’ Plat Racket. 396 The Piper Detective; or, The Gilt Edge Gang. 875 Royal George, the Three in One. 356 Three Handsome Sports; or, The Combinations” 883 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 Silent 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 § & 111 The Smuggler Captain; or, The Skipper’s Crime, 18 The Sea Bandit; or, The Quéen of the Isle. 16 The White Wizard; or, The Seminole Prophet. BY JACKSON KNOX—‘' Old Hawk,” 838 Old Grips Still Hunt. 27 Detective Walden’s Web. 778 The Butler Detective; or, Old Grip’s Grip 770 The Showman Dete tive. 762 Old Grip, the Detective. 740 Captain Clew, the Fighting Detective. 7382 The Hurricane Detective. 643 Castlemaine, the Silent Sifter. 616 Magnus, the Weird Detective. 606 The Drop Detective. 595 Wellbasn, the Upper Crust Detective. 582 Joram, the Detective Expert. 574 Old Falcon’s Double. 561 The Thug King; or, The Falcon Detective's Foe. 548 Falconbridge. the Sphinx Detective. 536 Old Falcon’s Foe; or, The Detective’s Swell Job. 515 Short-Stop Maje, the Diamond Field Detective, 509 Old Falcon, the Thunderbolt Detective. 501 A big Steve, the Retired Detective, 494 The Detective’s Spy. 485 Rowlock. the Harbor Detective. 477 Dead-arm Brandt, 467 Mainwaring. the Salamander. 462 The Cincus 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. ©. COWDRICK, 752 The Suspect Sport of Daisy Drift. 626 Ducats Dion, the Nabob Sport 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 Graybeards; or, Riddles’ Riddle. 519 Old Riddles, the Rocky Ranger 499 Twilight Charlie, the Road Sport. 472 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. 390 The Giant Cupid; or Cibuta John’s Jubilee. BY ERPWARD WILLETT. 488 Flush Fred, the River Sharp. 368 'The Canyon King; or, a Price on his Head. 348 Dan Dillon, Ring of Crossa@t. 387 Old Gabe, the Mountain Tramp. $27 Terrapin sag the Wildwood Detective. 315 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 Mississippi Sport. 248 Montana Nat, the Lion of Last Chance Camp, 222 Bill the Blizzar@; or, Red Jack’s Crime. 209 Buck Farley, the Bonanza Prinee. 129 Mississippi Mose; or, a Strong Man’s Saerifice. BY CAPTAIN MAWNE REID. 267 The White Squaw, 234 The Hunter’s Feast. 213 The Wild Huntress; or, The Squatter. 200 The Rifle Rangers; or. Adventures in Mexico. 74 The Captain of the Rifles; or, The Lake Queen, 66 The Specter Barque. A Tale of the Pacific. 65 The Scalp Hunters 4 Romance of the Plains, * 7s BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM. . 911 The Blue Blockader; or, The Coast Grayhound,! 906 The Cuban Cruiser. : 854 The Oeean Gipsy. s 834 The Wild Steer Riders; or, Texas Jack's Terrorg, } 839 The Rival Monte Cristos. 805 The Last 6f che Pirates; or, Doom Driven. ' 801 The Water Wolves’ Detectrve; or, Trapping the Grave Ghouls)” 791 The © Raider’s Death-Chase. 748 Arizona Charlie, the Crack-shot Detective. 74 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 Conviet, 640 The Rover’s Ret: ibution. 685 The Ex-Buecaneer; or, The Stigma of Sin. 625 Red Wings;,or, The Gotd Seekers of the Bahamas, _ — Bei vine uccaneers, he Rover; or, White Wings of the Deep, 605 The Shadow Silver Ship. 600 The Silver Ship; or, The Sea Scouts of "76. 593 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 Ma. k Monte, the Mutineer; or, The Branded Brig, 546 Tr) Doomed Whaler: or, The Life Wreck, * 580 The Savages of the Sea. 524 The Sea Chaser; or, The Pirate Noble. 510 El Moro, the Corsair Commodore. 493 The Seouts of the Sea. y 467 The Sea Insurgent: or, The Conspirator Sen, 446 Ocean Ogre, the Outcast Corsair. "485 The One-Armed Buccaneer. 4 430 The Fatal Frigate; or, Rivals in Love and War, 899 The New Monte Cristo, 393 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 Coash, 341 The Sea Desperado, 836 The Magic Ship; or, Sandy Hook Freehooters. 825 The Gentleman Pirate; or, Tne Casco Hermits, 818 The Indian Kuccaneer; or, The Red Rovers. 807 The Phantom Pirate; or, The Water Wolves. 255 The Pirate Priest; or, The Gampler’s Daughter. 246 Queen Helen, the Amazen of the Overland, 285 Réd Lightning the Man of Chance. 224 Black Beard, the Buecaneer. 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 Anghor Bran’. > BY PHILIP S, 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 Three, 502 Bareback Buck, the Centaur of the Plaima, 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. 888 Jack Sands, the Boss of the Tcwn. = 299 Three of a Kind; or, Dick, Despard and the Sper, 251 Tiger Dick vs. Iron Despard. 207 Old Hard Head; or, Whirlwind and his Mare. 171 Tiger Dick, the Man of the Iron Heart. 114/The Gentleman from Pike. 80 A Man of Nerve; or, Caliban the Dwarf. 54 Always on Hand; or, The Foot-Hiils Sport, 29 Tiger Dick, Faro King; or, The Cashier’s Crime, 4 The Kidnapper; or, The Northwest Shanghai. BY CAPTAIN MARK WILTON, 823 Hotspur Hugh; or, The Banded Brothers, 811 Heavy Hana; or, The Marked Men. 805 Silver-Plated Sol, the Montana Rover. 291 Horseshoe Hank, the Man of Big Luck, 285 Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror, \ 276 Texa; Chick. the Southwest Detective.’ 271 Stonefist, of Big a Bend. 266 Leopard Luke. the King of Horse-Thieves- 263 Iron-Armed Abe, the Hunchback Destroyer 258 Bullet Head, the Colorado Bravo. 237 Long-Haired Max; or, The Black e. 7 Buckshot Ben, the Man-Hunter of Idaho. 228 Canyon Dave, the Man of the Mountain. 219 The Scorpion Brothers; or, Mad Tom’s Missi¢ 202 Cactus Jack, the Giant Guide... 194 Don Sombrero: the Galifornia Road Gent, 176 Lady Jaguar, the Robber Queen. BY OLL COOMES, 619 Kit Bandy & Co , the Border Detectiver. 148 One-Armed Alf, the Giant Hunter, 99 The Giant Rifleman: or, Wild Camp Life. 43 Dakota Dan, the Reckless Ranger. BY COL. THROUMAS H. MONSTERY. 236 Champion Sam; or, The Monarchsof the Show 160 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. eo _ Planter My sero bles Ducal ? uke Despard, the Gambler Duelist, : 604 The Heterines in Rags; or, The Grim Shadowes, 600 The True-Heart Pards. ‘ A new iasue every Wednesday Beadle’s Dime Library is for sale Cy Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or sent by Gy: receipt of twelve cents ea” r j
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979 Buffalo Bill’s Relentless Trail. By Prentiss Ingraham. Colonel | Thé Dread Shot Four; or, My Pards of the} Piaine. TS LOIN NY ne Cody. Buffalo Bill's Invincibles; or, The Sable Shad-| overs Sublime. Saerifice, By Col. P. Ingra-| lan. Buffalo Bill's Blue Belt were flower Sam of Shasta. “By Col. 3uffalo Gill’s Volunteer Santicht 2 Mysterious Man in Blue, By Col. ham. Buffalo Bill at Bay; or, The Gold Seeker's) Doom. By Col. oP. Ingraham, Buffalo Bill's Block Game; Miners of the Overland. By Col, ham. Buffalo Bill’s. Black Pard; Boomers: of the Big Horn. ham, Buffalo -Bill’s Bluff; or, Dusky Dick, Sport. By Col.. P. Ingraham. Buffalo Bill's Quandary; or, Velvet Bili's Vow. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham: Buffalo Bill and the Surgeon Scout: Wan-go, the Redskin Rider. By Col. graham, or, Sun-| or, The | P. Ingra- RP. Ingra- The haf Gold! Ingra- | or, By Col. the or, P. Buffalo Bill's League; or, Red Butterfly, By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo. Bills Tangled Trail; Jack, or, Gentleman the Man of Many Masks. By Co P. » Ingi ahan 1. ® Buffalo Bill's Sécret Buffalo Bill's Rough. Riders; or, ‘Texas Jack’ 8 Sharp-Sheoters, By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, Ally; or, Déuble.» By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill’s Life-Stake; or, The Pledged Three, By Col. P. Ingraham. The Three Bills;, Buffalo Bill, Wild Bill and} Band-Box Bill; or, The Bravo in Broadcloth. | By Col. P. Ingraham, Butlalo Bul's Buckskin Brayes; or, The Card Quesn’s Last Gane. By Col, P. Ingraham. Buffalo. Bill’s Road Agent Round-Up; or, The Mysterfous Masked Man in Black. By Col. P. Ingraham. Buffalo Bili's Death+Charm; or,. The Man With thé Sear., By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill's Royal Flush; or, The Pony, Ri- der’'s Death-Run. By = Col. Prentiss Ingra- ham. Buffalo Bill’s Double Dilemma; or, The Great Scout's Big Three. By Col. P. Ingraham. Buffale Bill's Redskin Ruse; or, Texas Jack's Death Shot. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, The Ranch King Dead-Shot; or; Texas Jack’s Proxy. By Buffalo Bil. ) Buffalo Ritl’s Boys in’"Blue;-or, The Brimstone 822 Buffalo Bill's ae oo00ee0v00e0e0 000000000 Rand’s Blot-out. By Col. P. Ingraham. Buffalo Bill’s Sharp-Shooters; or, The Surgeon oomt 2 the Reseue. By Col. P. Ingraham. Gold King. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. . 00000840800 000000000 . Ingtaham., |§ or, The Mounted t Go- In-|_ | 820 816 812 7 Willd Bil, ‘The Texan's 7 731 | 727 | 792 Best Bower; or, Montebello the 658 7 Wild Bill, 5 Buffalo White <Beaver’s Still Hunt; or, The Marauder’s Death-Track. By Buffalo, Bill. PufaAlo Pils Red Trail; or, The Road-Rider Renegade’s Run Down: By Col. P. Ingraham, Puifalh Bills Death-Knell; or, kiders of the Rockieés, By Col. P. the Wild Wes: Duelist; Mascot of Mooniight Mine. by B ufialo’ bil, the Wild West Duelist; or, the Cowboy Chief, Ingraham: Grande Ralph, By Buf- falo’ Bill. J Buffalo Bill's Winning. Hand; or, The Masked Woman of the Colorado Canyon... By Col. P. Ingraham. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill's. Brand; or,. The Brimstone Brotherhood. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, Buffalo Bill's Spy-Shadower; or, The Masked Men at Grand Canyon. By Col. P. Ingraham, Buffalo Bill’s Ban; or, Cody to, the Rescue. By Leon Lewis. Buffalo Bill's. Sweepstake; at Last Chance. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. Bill's Dozen; or, Silk Ribbon Sam. By. Colv. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo, Bill’s. Mascot; or, The Death Valley Victim Ne. 13. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill's Double; or, The Desperado De- tective. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, Buffalo Bill’s Big Four; or, Custer’s Shadow, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo. Bill’s Flush Hand; or, Texas Jack's Bravos. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo ‘Bill's Blind; of Death's Caryon. ham, Buffalo Bul Robin Hoed Rivals. ham, Buffald Bill’s Beagies; or, Silk Lasso Sam. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill’s Body Guard; or, of the Hills. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, Buffalo Bill on the War Path; or, Silk Lasso Sam, the Will-o'-the-Wisp. By Col. P. In- graham. Buffalo Bill’s Scout Shadowers; or, Emer- aid Ed of Devil’s Acre. By Col. P. Ingraham. Buffalo Bill Baffled; or, The Deserter Des- perado’s Defiance. By Col. P. Ingraham, Buffalo Bill’s Buckskin. Brotherhood; Opening Up a tpt Trail. By Col..P. graham. Buffalo Bill's Bia Trail; of the Regiment..By Col. Buffalo Bill's Segret Service Trail. Dangerfield cam Buffalo Bill's 8 : or, the King of the Mines, By Col. cagentivs Ingraham. The Cowboy Clah; or, The Tigress of Texas, By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. of the Colorado, By Col. or, The Wipe-ou® By Col. Prentiss Ingra- Men; or, The Prentiss Ingra- and His Merry By Col. or, In- or, The Daughter Prentiss Ingraham, By Major or, The Masked Priver} The Still Hunt} Miner | 59: | 5 Buffalo Bill’s Dead Shot; or, TheSkeleton Scout} 653 649 The Red Hand) 644 or, The Gin) 639 The Girl} 629 981 The Gold Lace Sport; 982 Chris Crewley's Winning Hand; 983 Kid Glove Kris, the Sport. 984 Buffalo Bill's Life Raffle; [PHB DIME LIBRARY is for alle by all Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or sent by mail, pre-paid, oh re- ceipt of price. 9 The Dead Gold Bullet vay. The Lasso. King’s Leagué; or, @he Tigers of Texas, ‘By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. Buck ‘Taylor, the Saddle King. Buffalo *Bill’s Chief. of Scouts. By Col: P.; Ingraham. Buffalo Bill's Bonanza; or, The Knights of the Silver Glrele. By Col. P, Ingraham. The Gold King; or, Montebello, “the Magnifi- cent. By Buffalo Bill, 3uffalo Bill's Daring Role; or, .Daredeath Dick, King of the Cowboys. By Leon Lewis, Shot Nine; or, My Pards of the Plains. By Buffalo Bill. Buffalo Bill's First Trail; or, Will-Cody, the Pony Express Rider. By Ned Buntline, Red Renard, the Indian Detective;. or, The Gold Buzzards of Colorado. By Buffalo 1.11. The One-Armed Pard; or, Red Retribution in Borderland, By Buffalo Bill. The Wizard Brothers; or, Trail.. By Buffalo Bill. White Beaver, the Wxile of the Platte; or, haat os Man's Red» Trail, By Buffalo ill. Buffalo Bill's Grip; or, Oath-bound to Custer. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham: Buffalo Bill's. Pledge; or, The Three. By Col. P. Ingraham. Wild Bill, the Whirlwind of the West. sulfalo Bill Texas Jack, Queen of the Wild Riders. The Pilgrim Sharp; heart. By Buffale Bill, and Guide. Wild Bill's Gold Trail; or, Dozen. By Col. P. Ingraham. Wild Bill's Trump Card; or, The Indian Heiress.. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, Wild Bill, the Pistol Dead Shot; or, Dagger Don’s Double. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, Buffalo Bill, Chief of Scouts; or, The Doomed Dozen. By Dr. Frank Powell. Buffalo Bill's Strange Pard; or, Dashing Dandy, the Hotspur of the Hills. By Major D. burr. Buffalo Bill, the Buckskin King;, or, The Amazon of the West. By Major Dangerfield Burr. White Beaver’s League of By the Prairie Rattler; or, The By Buffalo Bill, Government Scout The Desperate Sport; or, The Knights of the Overland. By Buffalo Bill. Death Trailer, the Chief of Seouts; cr, Life on Love in a Frontier Fort. By Buffalo NEW ISSUES TO COME. or, The Texan Sam- By Jos. E,. Badger, Jr. or, The By A. P. son’s Wide Swath. Rascally Valet's Double Game, Morris. By J. C, Cow- drick. Ready August 25. or, The Doomed Py Ingraham. Ready Sept. 1. Three. By Col. eae e-rt, 000000000 000000000 000000003) 009000000) or, The Soldier's Sweet- }. { Ne i a