Beadle's New York Dime Library (no. 1098) (1905 07)
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\VUAAYAAY Cop¥YRIGHT ‘ 890, BY Beapie & A M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers, No 1098 Fublished Every (JAMES SULLIVAN, Puorareror), 30 bya ob nig Vo| L XXXVI + “ Month. 379 Pearl Street, New York. $1. Soe . 5 f a eos oe * —EE ————————e SS eee ee eee Zo 0D x A \ . i ANY a NOE A \\\ NY W The Sea Seonts of Seventy-Six, A Romance of Outlawing Ashore and Afloat. BY COL, PRENTISS INGRAHAM, AUTHOR OF “THE OUTLAWED SKIPPER,” “THE SCOUTS OF THE SEA,” “MERLE, THE MUTINEER,” ‘‘ CRETAN ROVER,” ETO,, ETC., ETO. y » CHAPTER I, ES \\\ THE SILVER SHIP. A Lay) THERE was intense excitement in England, : and also in the American Colonies of America, as what are now the United States were then known, for a treasure-ship had been lost, or rather had not appeared in the port of New York as had been the orders of the king to her commander. The excitement was the more intense, on both sides of the Atlantic, from the fact that the “Silver Ship,” as the craft was called, had been by scores of vessels, but would A @ROAN OF TERROR BROKE FROM THE LIPS OF THE PIRATE CREW IN CHORUS 4S sighted at sea by THE WIZARD PRIEST ENDED HIS CURSE, pever answer 8 hail, and when chased by cruisers
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Sbip?”’ ae ~- Your Majesty, I sighted the. brig uickly leave even my fleet sloop astern. ee e¢ 4 fl Pp esas swift-sa, 2 would spread ber canvas and fly away, never failing to drép her pursuer out of sight, so won- drous was ber s ; The story of the Silver Ship was a strange one, for the king bad learned, by the confession of a pirate whose life he had spared in return for the secret, where Morgan, the Buecaneer had buried upon an island ii the Caribbeon Sea @ vast amount of silver, in boxes of Spanish 08. The pirate had said that there was a ship-load of it, and so the king had told him if his story waa a true one he should receive his life, for he had been sentenced to the gallows, and a band- some sum of money. The outlaw, with his crew, had been captured by a British cruiser, and so had the confession been wrung from the leader to save his life. He had at once been taken to the scene of exe- cution, to see his comrades die, and then his quarters bad been changed and comforts allowed him until a vessel could be fitted.out and was ready to dispatch to the treasure island, The king had selected his most trusted young officer, Captain Sir St. George Maybrick, and given him special orders to select a picked crew, rom quarter-deck to forecastle, for the cruise, and to take his own, the king’s, yacht, a: beauti- ful brig then building, and arm and equip her witbout regard to expense. The brig had been named, by the king himself, the Wind Witch, and when she for the first time spread her white sails on her trial trip, his Majesty had been on board, and she did indeed prove to be a sea witch, for other fleet vessels or- dered out with her, to test her speed, were left astern with the greatest of ease, His Majesty was delighted, as was also her —— youpvg captain, St. George May- ic . The craft was the very one to send after the treasure, for no vessel afioat could catch her at sea, while she was stanch in a sea way and blow, and was armed with a splendid battery of ‘ten Serie four of which were pivot pieces of large Tr. he crew consisted of ten officers and one hun- dred picked men, and with the pirate captain on boatd, sent out in irons, but should his story of the silver treasure prove true, to return as the king’s guest on the Wind Witch, the beautiful vessel set sail down the Thames for the far-away island in the Caribbean Sea, - A number of vessels escorted her to sea, with many wishes of good-luck, but they were soon dropped far astern, and the Wind Witch before ra. was a white dot upon the blue horizon, @ orders from the king to Captain St. George Maybrick were, after getting the treas- ure, to return via the port of New York, and there leave, in the hands of the king’s treasurer for the Colonies, one-half the amount of silver F peaepany and the balance he was to bring on to ondon and deposit in the palace vaults, for this was his Majesty’s own speculation, and he ex- pected to enrich himself by the yr. age as well as to pay certain pressing debts due in ica, ; ¥ As the tim when the “Silver Ship,” as the Wind W tech was called, should have up- pared » the port of New York, excitement ran igh, and this was also the case in London about the time news was expected. of her arrival in ut days went by. and weeks also, and no news came of the missing vessel, bry Months also went by, and then intense excite- ment and alarm were felt from the king down to his most humble subject. - j Epes of war too came from the Colonies, which were on the eve of open revolt against the king, and'this in a measure soon drew the at- tention from the missing Silver Ship. _ But the king and his ministers hoped the more for the coming of the treasure, for the money wos sadly needed in those troublous times, . One day a cruiser arrived in London, and her comma ly repaired to the pal begged an audience with the king, sending in word that at once admitted him to the presence of his Majesty. : 2° AGC Ok He was greeted warmly, and then his Majesty quickly asked; ‘Now, sir, what news have you of the Silver er bas ace and Wind Witch just fifty leagues off the purt of wee York, and as I was bere when she sailed, and knowing your anxiety regarding her, I at once headed toward ber, at thesame time signaling for her to come to, for it was broad daylight. “The signals were unanswered, and when I Pag trae sail was crowded on and she fled with full speed, and so swiftly indeed as to bt came on and she seemed to melt away Tike a A een in the mist and gloom,” . * This is re.aarkabl Apeatn Dimaiogs byt are ou sure that it was the brig, and not one of iling privateers the Americans are swift-sail ’ putting on the seas as rebel cruisers?” _“T know the “Wind MWite too well, your Majesty, to be mistaken in her, sire; it was your id you examine her closely through your p , ; ' : a ‘eae ot The Silver Ship. ‘*- Yes, your Majesty, and I saw that which caused me to allow no officer to look at her | through a glass,” and the captain spoke with an impressiyeuess that moved the king to ask im- patiently: “‘In heavens name, Dunning, what saw you?” | ‘*T have not been given toa belief in super- stition, your Majesty, and hence bave laughed at others’ fears of the supernatural: but after what I saw on board the Wind Witch, I shall laugh no more,” ‘** Did you not hear me demand of you to know what it was that you saw?” said the king so stern- ly that the startled captain answered hastily: ‘* Her officers and erew were skeletons, your Majesty.” ** What! dare you fling such fool ideas into the teeth of your king?’ ‘*Pardon, your, Majesty; but if other com- manders who may meet the Silver Ship make not the same report, then I am willing to under- go any punishment my king may see fit to administer.” ¢ “Dunning, you are not one to trifle, I feel assured, nor a man to be readily deceived, and I wish you to tell me just what you beheld?” ““T told your Majesty that when°I squared away to ron down to the brig, she at once started to fly, and what I saw was that the men who went up aloft to set sail, the officers upon the quarter-deck, and the crew weve all skele- tons, and this is true so belp me Heaven! ‘But I could hardly believe my senses, until my first officer uttered a cry, and springing to my side cried excitedly: ‘**Turn your glass upon’ her, sir, for mine re- veals an appeye sight.’ ‘*] commanded him to be silent, and to look no more, while I sent the glasses below. “ Half an hour after, as I told your Majesty, the Silver Shi disappeared in a mist and the gathering darkness, **Duoning, speak of this to no one, and VU see what more is heard of that mysterious Silver Ship,” said his Majesty. But it was very evident that he was deeply impressed by the words of the old sea-captdin, CHAPTER IT. THE TREASURE WRECK. A SCHOONER, armed with a very heavy bat- tery for her tonnage, and carrying a very large area of canvas, was sailing along ia southern seas one pleasant morning a century ago, when from the lookout aloft came the ever startling ery at sea: “Sail ho!” The men were scattered about the decks in lazy attitudes, some of them asleep, others smok- ing, a few playing games aud a group, watching with great interest the amusing antics of a couple of monkeys and a parrot playing amica- ig a cy 3 pe he men were as hard a boeing lot of fellows as ever Cisgraced a deck, and it would not re- quire a glance at the black flag floating from the peak to show that they were lawless rovers of the sea, ra 1 The schooner bore many scars of having been in close action, ber sails were patched, her rig- ging spliced in many places where shot had cut _ - : a a a a a a a a oe =r F it away, and the decks were seamed with gashes where the canuon-balls had vies 1 ed way tine, leaving death end anguish behind. A bearded, uniformed officer, whose dark face denoted his Spanish origin, paced the quarter- deck, and two others,in thy same gandy cos- tume, were asleep upon the “leck, preferring it to their hot bunks below, At the ery of the lookout every man was in- stantly on fhe gut vive, and the officer called out in broken English: * Whereaway, sit, and what is she?” “Dead ahea “ Ay, ay,” , Sir, anditisawreck.” ——. and turning to the Sonpubitainay yop 7 ye He ; a ; gal ee ed a deep voice f soon after the s ker ap- individual, six the bearing of a w y Mita dhehd % of w is uisite design and r chain eon his Mp, sae a. of white. RE ata 1 gold stripe, and stu cuffs were of the finest lace, and Is glittered in his shirt-front and upon his fingers, while a large pin, in the design of an anchor set with rubies and diamonds fastened a 4 from | scarlet plume into his black hat, which was also encircled by a gold cord. | “Well, Forneseca, what have you found this time?” he asked of his second lieutenant as be reached the deck, ; ‘* The lookout reports a wreck dead ahead, sir, and my glass shows her to be deserted, though one mast is standing with two sails upon it, Captain Belmont,” ; | ‘“We'll pick her up, Fornesca, for she may rove to be a prize in disguise,” and the voice of elmont the Buccaneer was rich and melodious in tone. ‘‘ Yes, senor,” and orders were issued to stand by and lower away a boat, when the wreck should be neared, As the schooner approached the wreck, it could be seen that it was of a large ship, and that she was settling slowly in the water. Her mizzen-mast still stood, though the top- | mast was gone, and her fore and mainmasts had | been carried away close to the decks. Her bulwarks were stoye in, and there was every.indication that sbe had. been under a hot fire, comiug from astern, which showed that she had been flying from some foe. Upon her decks, as Captain Belmont boarded, for he went in the boat, were balf a dozen dead bodies, all bearing shot marks except one, and eo cne seemed to have been but a’short while | dead, 4 | Upon the mizzen-mast were be rang, amy Seid shot, or wind-torn sails, and the flag, the Spanish Hed, was nailed some twenty feet above the eCKS, k But though the pirate chief bad the vessel searched, not a living being could be found, But there was one thing found which caused the face of the buccaneer captain to flush with pleas- ure, aud this was a book he had discovered upon the table in the cabin under the hand of thedead ~ commander of the barque, 5 _ Aquill pen was still held in the lifeless hand that rested upon the book, and an unfivished sentence showed that death, from a cannon-shot that had entered the stern port and crushed in his skull, had ended his life while hé was writing ip the book. The sentence was: “T can do no more, for my ship is almost a wreck — under this hot fire, a storm is coming on, my crew have nearly all been siain and the treasure. if not. taken by my pursuers, must go down in the sinking barque to the depths of—” Here the sentence ended, and the log of the captain was ended by his sudden death. The writing was in Spanish, and a glance at the log showed that the vessel was the Mexican barque El Cinto de Acero * ! om Vera Cruz to Spain, ; And ber cargo? A cry that ended in a shout of joy, broke the lips of the pirate captain, and springing upon deck — e hailed loudly: “Ho, the Blue Belt aboy!” “Ahoy the wreck!” responded Officer For- nesca, ' ‘Bring the Blue Belt alongside of her sister the Steel Belt, and lose no time about it, for this craft isa Mexican with not a soul on board, bound from Vera Cruz to Spain, and ber cargo is tons of silver pesos,” 4 A wild yell burst from the lips of the pirate crew on board the schooner, and was echoed by the men who had boarded the wreck with their chief, and under the latter’s orders silver bul- lion and strong bags of pesos were brought on deck by the now excited buccaneers, preparatory to being removed to the schooner, Tbe schooner was soon-brought alongside, for — the sea was smooth, and willing hands were their cra#t, while bra saci Belmont stood on the they were broug “Tt is a fabulous — ne for be Fornesca ; but we must basten to hide it away, for our own afloat; as you know, ' ion I would not wish tobe caughtinastormin her.” | tots was evi iu ro rg Until you are hanged d- }arm; but you always were a re while hay % mply killed to ge A SS babe! s is. nigh! is upon” C re mv lose no tine.” The men quickened ‘their pace, and * The Belt of Steel. . [> an hour | Pater ide se ? i oer =.
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after nightfall had removed all the silver and other booty worth taking to the schooner, And just in time, for the wreck had settled low, me as the pirate craft squared away un- der sail, with a great lunge fore and aft, plunged beneath the sea to a grave inits depths, CHAPTER III, THE WIZARD PRIEST OF THE ISLE, To a vessel cruising near, an island in the Caribbean Sea looked desolate, barren of vege- tation, and seemed bardly aspot where a man could find a habitation, And yet a human being stood upon a bold cliff of the island, while his gaze was fixed upon ’ adistant sail, heading on a course that must bring the vessel near him in passing. The was large, well-formed, and had a jong bréWn beard, and hair that fell to his waist, He was dressed in a suit of brown linen, and wore upon his head a hat of Panama straw, which was as flexible as felt, ** The first sail that I have seen in four years, and it heads this way. * But do I wish to signal it, do I wish to leave this island, when lam at peace with the life I Jead here, and go once more among struggling men, to fly from cruel fate, to work, to strive for a living? i $6 Noy lk EES I would rather remain here, without fear, contented, if not happy. ‘‘ Ah! the craft has gone about upon a tack that must bring her here, and perhaps to an- chor, , ‘It may be that she seeds fresh water, and it may be that it is a pirate seeking for a biding- place for his treasure, ‘* Well, she is coming here, and whatever she be, [ will be prepared to receive the crew,” So saying he turned from the cliff and a walk along a plateau of a hundred yards brought him to a strange view. The outer edge of the island was but.a shell broken here and there with chasms, through which however no view of the interior could be seen in passing. ; This shell, or wall, surrounded a basin, or formed one, and it was fertile and beautiful to gaze upon. No tree was allowed to grow above the top of the wall and thus ngreay | vegetation upon the island from those on the deck of a ship, But the land was good, and fruit trees grew in abundance, with a smail lake, or pond of crystal waters that found their way tc the sea in a small inlet. There was a cabin on the shore of the lake, a garden patch in the rear in which vegetables wore growing, and some tobacco-plants a A small herd of goats fed about the valley; and these were the | otber sign of life except the man who had s upon the cliff. Down the rugged path be went, across. the valley and disappearing within the cabin he closed the door bebind him. In the mean time the vessel had run close in shore, some one on board evidently acting as ilot, and a boat was lowered and pulled for the Jelana under four oars, In the stern sat two officers, and one was Cap- tain Belmont, the other his first officer, Senor Fornesca, The latter was acting as pilot for the boat, and in answer to the question of his chief if he was sure that he Gould run a boat in toa land- ing, answered: * As I told you, Senor Captain, I was wrecked upon this island once, and spent three months here, so know the only chennel in and out, and nothing larger than a ship’s long boat can go iv, ‘See, 1 head for yonder break in the cliff, after rounding this rock, and if you will glance down into the sea you will discover that there is a channel-way between sunken rocks all the way, in.” ‘*T see them, and if one of the boats loaded with our silver strikes, all will go down beyond Ga getting again.” x Senor Captain, for there are many fathoms beneath us, , ‘Now we are inshore, where in quiet weather a boat can lie; but in rough weather, no.” _ As he some the pirate officer brought the boat alongsi out, followed by his chief and the men, ‘* You say the interior of the island is fertile?” “ yen senor.” , . ‘* And noone dwells here?” “* Ah no, senor, not a soul,” ** Yet you lived here for months?” “Yes, senor, for our ship was driven in on the reefs, and we saved her stores; but as soon as we could build from the wreckage a boat, we set sail for Cuba and reached there in safety; but I believe no other foot ever trod upon the island than mine avd my boat’s crew.” . wall of the island could look so the out- thus make our ‘Becr g safe.” waar “You are ever ready to take life, Fornesca; ote zh PT a ins He, Fe, 7 i r “eh , i ofa rocky cliff and he sprung _ live to guard it. The Silver Ship. — but call the men and we will go down into this him, has already formed the plan to kill his yery pretty valley and see who itis that dwells | comrades and return for the riches, that he may | enjoy them alone,” in yonder comfortable-looking cabin. s he spoke the chief strode on down the steep | elmont the Buccaneer started visibly, as did hill, leaving the lieutenant to follow with the | also Fornesca, and then cowered under the eye | of the Wizard Priest. men when they came, As he approached the cabin he drew his sword, like a man who meant to be prepared, | After a moment of silence, be asked: ‘Do you obey my will, Belmont the Buc- and knocking sharply stepped quickly back out caneer?” of arm’s reach. No response came to bis knock, and he pushed | open the door, one knee, “T do, holy father.” ‘*Then bring the treasure here, and when all | is ready to place in a spot I will show you, then Then he started back suddenly and devoutly | have each one of your men come hither at mid- crossed himself, av the same time dropping upon | night, for I must act beneath the starlight. “‘Remember, not a human being must re- Tho cabin within was a miniature Roman | main on board your sbip, all must come hither, chapel. Just around the door wasaspace for wor- shipers, and beyond was thechancel, the altar, the burning candles, crucifix and all to make up the perfect little Spanish chapel of those times, And then, standing facing the door stood a manin_ priestly garb, his hair snow white and falling to his waist, his snowy beard equally as long, while upon his bead fastened upon a crown, and supported by two skeleton hands was a human skull. It was snow-white, perfect, and grinned om- inousiy at the pirate chief as. he knelt before ths door of the chapel. In bis hand the aged chief held a wand,gpaint- ed red, and upon the end of which was another skeleton human hand, Glancing upward the pirate saw that the roof of the cabin was black, and through it twinkled simulated lights meant for stars. ‘‘ Why hast thou come here to this sacred spot, Belmont the Buccaneer?” cried the priest. in a deep, sepulchral-toned voice that cause the pirate to shudder. “To seek thy blessing, holy father,” was the humble response, and as the others came up just then, they too dropped upon their knees, ‘*What! dost thou come to me with a false- hood u on thy lips? ‘* Beware, for though I bea priest, I also am a wizard, and I read the stars as open books, . I Teed men’s hearts as though I could see through bem, “Thou. knewest not, Belmont the Buccaneer that I was here, and thou comest here guided by thy officer, Fornesca, to hidé upon this island thy ill-gotten pirate treasure,” CHAPTER IV, UNDER A SPELL, THat he was known by the Wizard Priest was a cause of amazement, not unmingled with awe, to Captain Belmont, while to Fornesca, that his name should be called, it was a source of terror to him. The men, even more superstitious than their officers, were terribly atarined, and muttered their prayers audibly, “T am known to you, holy father, it seems,” said Captain Belmont, wishing to attract the attention of the wizard from his having told him a falsehood, ‘Yes, asared rover of the seas do I know you, Belmont,” ‘s'We have never met before, father.” «Did I not tell thee that I wasa wizard, a seer, and to me the deeds of men are known when I behold their faces, _ **Fornesca there was thy pilot to this island, in whose recesses thou didst come to bury treasure found upon the seas,” The men all started, for in his words, “ trea- sure found upon the seas,” the Wizard Priest med to even read the story of how their rich enna of bullion had been obtained. “Dost deny my words, Belmont the Bucca- neer?” asked the Wizard Priest, sternly. . “No, father, thou hast the mind to read the hearts of men, “T found a wreck afloat upon the seas, its cargo silver bullion, and as my own schooner is in an unsafe condition to keep the ocean, I came here to hide the treasure and then sail to some port to secure a suitable vessel to return and remove it, . “Iam glad, holy fatber, that thou art here for in thy keeping will I leave my treasure un our return, knowing that it will be safe,” “Man, your tongue talks idly, for it is not my mission vo hold treasure for others, “T am an old man, as you see, tottering into the grave, and a few weeks, months perha certainly a year or two, will end my span o e, “T am here afone, an exile from my fellow- men, and here your treasure will be safe if I “But should death come upon me, then who can tell which one of your men will come to get TNO, bory it i | nd the ] ‘No, bury it here as in a grave, and then let me, as wizard and priest, panece on the one who touches it, the one ho wore come here alone for it, to cheat his fellow-men, 1e curse of heaven Ot OF eM cai cee iy es “Do you ear my words, Belmont the Buc- be taken to heatt by ai? aaa be ho bles hae e curse upon ! fore a : dete or the charm will be broken.” “Tt shall be as you say, holy father,” and turniag to Fornesca, Belmont gave him orders to return to the schooner and bring the boats ashore with their precious cargoes, Instantly the door of the cabin chapel was closed, and after waiting, to see if the priest would appear, the chief walked away and be- gan to look over the island, One by one the boats came, and the bullion when landed was taken up by the crew ashore and borne down to a position near the cabin, * Twilight found the men still busy at their work, and when the last load had been brought from the boat and deposited in a heap, the chapel door opened and a glare of Hight shone forth. Out step the Wizard Priest, his garment now a blood-red, yet still wearing the ghastly skull crown, and with a wand that was black, while the skeleton hand upon the end of it was crimson, He came straight toward the erode of sailors, his right hand bearing the wand, his left uphold- ing a torch the flames of which were of blue, green and red. The seamen dropped upon their knees, cross- ing themselves rigorously, and , muttering oo beg he Wizard Priest walked to the pile of bullion, gave a look at it and then in silence d on. E He halted at the upper end of. the little lake, and pointing toward the water drove the skele- ton hand into it. Tostantly arose a sound such as when hot iron and water come in contact, and a slight smoke “There, Belmont, is the hiding-place for thy treasure, and not in the earth. , _ sea gave it to you, so let water conceal ‘This pool hereis ten feet in depth, and it will hide thy silver until thou com’st for it, *twill hide it from every eye, but those who know where it rests. “Let all await my coming here, and I will come at the midnight hour to lay the curse upon the bead of him who would seek this spot without y comrades to gain the riches for himself one, . The Wizard turned and walked away hg: # pearing once more within his cabin, while the men steod about in groups, talking in awed tones and strangely nervous at their surround- in The time they waited seemed pple eta yet not even Belmont gave utterance to tient imprecations at the pr until the skies Sena overcast and then be in an angry tone: “That old white-headed ‘seer is gathering a storm about our ears, Fornesca, and if we do not look out we'll all f° to the bottom, for the schooner will not weather another tem ” “*Sh—Senor Captain, for the love of God say nothing against the holy father to anger him.” “He does not hear me,” “But he knows, senor, he knows, for he is a wizard,” cried the terrified Fornesca, and his fright at once impressed Belmont, who spoke not another word until again the cabin door opened and the priest ap -/ This time he carried his wand alone, the one with the red band, and he called out: “Belmont, send an officer and twelve of thy men here,” “Go, Fornesca, with twelve men.” “We are thirteen, Senor Captain.” “Then disobey the Wizard if you prefer.” “Oh, no, senor, but the number, thirteen, and it is so unlucky,” ie ** Will you obey, Belmont?” Bs “Yes, holy father, they come at ri bid- ding,” was the answer, and Fornesca not dar longer to delay went to the cabin, followed by the twelve trembling seamen. . pups ‘* Six of you take these torches,” Siar The men obeyed and took up the six torches just inside the cabindoor. = “Now, you six take this coffin,” and the Wizard pointed to a black coffin in front of the altar, upon which the candles were burning “4 oy r a large book and placed it in the hands ¢ Fornesca. ive : * ¢ EF Dn . {Now lead the’ way to the pool, and ; trary om wis you Beater o ie , paee y ra Ck ee SE We Jyh a Sih a ean Ptah = vated Bs Ste Be vast. PON RIG Ce ‘Bad i M f ’ ul : ats ds : : ment" and the aphtor SG cae oa a Thus the procession, appalling in its weird
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Se a he 4 ness, moved toward the head of the pool and there halted. “Belmont, now bid thy men bear thy silver | hither and drop it, bar by bar, and bag by bag, into this pool,’ Belmont gave the order, and the crew hastily moved away in obedience, and the hiding of the treasure was begun. CHAPTER V. THE WIZARD PRIEST’S CURSE. Ir was a weird, strangely fascinating picture, the burying of the pirate treasure in that lone island in the Caribbean Sea, There stood the Wizard Priest in his gown of crimson, and his crown of a human skull up- held by two skeleton hands, Upon either side of him were three seamen upholding flaming torches, and at his feet the coffin which had been brought from the chapel. Near by stood Belmont, the Buccaneer, bis arms folded upon his broad breast, while the crew of the Blue Belt brought the bars of silver and bags of coins and drop them into the pool at the feet of the Wizard Priest. Overhead the storm-clouds were gathering, and already were ftashes of lightning darting across the skies, To say that the men were nervous would be to speak mildly, for off-shore, with no baven near, and within hail of a Oey island shore, lay their schooner at anchor and not one soul on board, But, the men dared not speak in the presence of that weird human being who stood before them, and they performed their work in silence, At last the work was ended and the waters had closed over the whole treasure taken from the wreck, and a box of riches brought from on board the schooner. Then the Wizard Priest called to the men who had borne the coffin and bade them raise it. “Swing it to and fro thirteen times, and at ths thirteenth time cast it from you into the pool,” he ordered. The men obeyed, and with a heavy splash the coffin struek the waters and after rocking a mo- ment upon the waves, sunk from sight to settle down upon the treasure below, Then raising his waud on high, the Wizard slowly lowered it until tho red skeleton hand touched the waters. and, holding it there he said sternly: “The Book of Judgment, Fornesca,” The trembling officer approached, and, at a motion from the Wizard, knelt and opened the volume, Still holding his wand in the water with his right band, the Wizard Priest placed his left upon the open page and cried: ** Kneel all!” As one man they obeyed; then he demanded: ‘Thy full name, Belmont, the Buccaneer.” - ‘+ Brandt Belmont, holy father,” ** And thine, Fornesea?” ‘* Franco Fornesca, father.” _ “ And thine?” he asked the next officer, and so went ou until the name of each officer had been given,.., “Men, thy lips have lied to me, for thine own true names have not been given; but they are registered here with thy false ones, and so will stand within this Book of Judgment.” To a man they all looked guilty, and a few, in their alarm, sbouted out their real names; but, unheeding them the Wizard Priest, with left baod upraised, began to chant in a loud, ringing voice that sont back answering echoes from the rocks: “ Within this pool, ‘Within this sacred isle _ “Deep in the depths lie hid ** Treasure untold— “* Treasure stained with blood, . “Treasure that has wrung tears Te a et jthin this pool, hidden “From ait eocaal eyes “5 Te Hes. ; ** Thou, high Heaven, looking down— **Thou lost soul in Hades looking up— ‘Keep watch and ward upon these riches hid! Within this book the names are writ “That claim this treasure bid within ‘these depths. ‘Should man of these come here to defraud— **Should man of these seek that not his own, “Then accursed be he on earth, on sea, alive, and dead! ; “* Homeless, havenless, let bim wander until eternity, _ * And lost be he forevermore!” A groan of horror broke from the lips of the irate crew in chorus as the Wizard Priest ended fis curse, and then came, in a startling voice, seem god am the air, a loud, wildly spoken: The renewed terror of the “men at this, seem- ing)y a s0-be-it to the weird curse uttered above the pool, comes all to fail to notice that the voice seemed also to bring a cry of alarm from Pres te os, aed quiche hs: ridied. Se state ; darkness there, % —— eee The Silver Ship. Then he said, and there was a quiver In his tones: ** Now, Belmont, let thee and thy men get thee | hence, to return not until thou comest for thy | treasure. ‘* Adios, senors,” and, taking his book, the Wizard Priest walked away toward his cabin, while, relieved of his presence, and anxious to regain their vessel, the pirate crew started in a perfect rush for the shore, while Belmont felt himself borne along, willingly, with the mass of struggling men. The boats were reached, but the sea was ris- | ing, and a voice from their chief calmed the tur- bulent, frightened men, for all knew that in the | darkness and rough waters, Senor Fornesca | must lead the way. This ke did in the gig, the other boats follow- | ing close astern, and as they moved away, sud- | denly from the cliff above came a burst of wild, | demoniacal laughter, and a vivid flash of light- | ning revealed standing upon the cliff the wild, weird form of a woman! The men bent fiercely to their oars, and sent their bouts flymg toward the schooner, which was tugging impatiently at her anchor, and, throwing themselves on board in quicker time than ever before, the pirate craft was soon un- der sail and away from the dread isle, The Wizard Priest, who had come from the cabin and watched the men depart from the val- ley, alS> heard that wild laughter and bebeld that weird form upon the cliff, as revealed by the ligbtning’s flasb, and witha cry of terror fled toward the chapel, and Y pant shut himself within, as though to shield himself from some danger he dared not face. There he, who with his incantations and weird deeds had frightened a crew of pirates, sat cow- ering with fear, and starting at every sound made by the wailing winds. a CHAPTER VI. A BOAT’S CREW. THe fears of Captain Belmont regarding his schooner were well-founded, for she had received mavy severe knocks the past year, and had buf- feted many rude storms, without any repairs other than what eould be made at sea, Weakened by the fire she had withstood, and strained by the heavy seas, she was leaking bad- 17; and in no condition to fight her way much onger. In fact her commander had held the fear that she would never reach a retreat in safety which he had in mind, and where she could undergo a thorough i Nhadgy oe 9 As the boats h moved away from the Wizard's Isle tha mocking laughter which had been flung after them, had caused the crew even greater terror than the old Hermit of the Isle ad inspired them with, great as that was, They were to a man, filled with su tition, and this had been heightened by their life upon the seas and their red deeds of outlawry. But they were not to escape without another sight of this new cause of terror, and a hail from the one whose lips had sent forth such mocking laughter. A more vivid flash of lightning bad again re- vealed her, and she was, as it were, imaged in the brain of every man as she stood there on the alge of the cliff, her long white hair blowing wildly out, upon the wind, ber short skirts flut- tering and flapping and her hands outstretched toward them as though pointing them out to the Storm King, * Ay, ay, you red-handed fiends, go your way over the trackless seas, but remem that for the falsehoods in your hearts wreck and death will follow, for there is not a man of you but has it in his mind to return and alone secure this silver treasure, “Bal hal bal go your ways,Sirs, but in your struggle with death remember the warning of Selah, the Sea Witch.” Every word, borne upon the winds reached the crews of the five boats, and the arms of the oarsmen were almost paralyzed with terror until — voice of their chief recalled them to action: ‘* What, cowards! does an old hag’s chattering take your nerve from you? “* Pall fur your lives, or the boats will swamp in this sea!” Thus urged the men MOGRn to struggle bard once more at the oars, and, as‘hhas been seen the schooner was reached in yo et Up to the davits went the boats, up came the anchor, and the schooner sped away like a frightened thing of life over the waves. f ut the tempest increased in fury as the island was lost sight of, and the schooner was put be- fore the gale and scudded away like a mad yay Ape. or i . served he leak gaini n tbe carpenter reported the nin rapidly and the crew were sent to the A 3, ‘i ut all that they could do was to barely keep the water from gaining rapidly, though slowly and surely gain it did, iin ok after yacht want the 4 er Ww riving along under storm-sails, to labor thea’ a as , the water rig Seay bn SRS Ree her to lurch badly and sometimes to pitch bows under when a huge following wave would raise her stern to a dangerous height, To prevent ber trom going under bows first, Belmont the Buccaneer, who handled his craft with masterly skill and coolness, ordered the guns thrown into tbe sea. Thus lightened, after a desperate fight with the waves to accomplish this, the schooner rose in the waters and behaved better, and the men worked harder at the pumps with renewed hope. But toward dawn the schooner was again down to the same level, and through the broken bulwarks, where the cannon bad been thrown into the ocean, the waves broke relentlessly, and fully a score of the crew bad been swept away to death. At dawn the winds began to fall, aug the sea to go down; but too late the storm ended to save the schooner, for she was settling so fast that the boats were ordered ready, with water and provisions on board, In the life-boat went Captain Belmont, with the riches that yet remained on board the schooner, and with him were a dozen men, Fornesca took the long-boat with a score of men, and the second officer with the remainder of thse crew went in the large yawl. The order was given to cast off, and under the eye of their captain the men in the life-boat promptly obeyed, and with a strong pull got free from the sinking schooner. But not so the other boats, for with a mighty spring, like a giant’s last struggle, the schooner lifted herself half out of water and then plunged bow first into the sea, drawing the two boats into the ingulfing caldron, The painter of the long-boat was cut by For- nesca with a sword justin the second of time, for as it was there was an instant of appalling suspense, ut the yawl was less fortunate, and the strong painter made fast to the schooner’s taff- rail, was dragged down with it into the depths of the sea. ; There were wild shrieks of despair, and then a minute after a form here and there arose among the debris, but no aid was extended by the other boats, for it was a time when the de- mand of self-preservation blunted all feelings of friendsbip and comradeship. d Once. the schooner had disappeared the life- boat spread a small sail and an to move away from the long-boat, notwithstanding the iteous cries of Fornesca and his crew not to eave them. j The fong-boat had no sail, and Fornesca showed his cruel nature by using his sword up- on the man whose duty it bad Been to put the mast and canvas in the boat. Pitifully pleaded the poor fellow for mercy, but Fornesca was never known to show mercy, and so the man died under the blows of the pirate officer’s sword. In the mean time those in the life-boat had lost sight of the long-boat, though the white sails of the former were stil] visible to Fornesca and his, men, and when night came upon the now placid sea, nothing but the frail craft in which were Be]mont and his crew were visible upon the wide expanse of waters, Soon sfter nightfall a calm fell upon the sea, and the worn-out seamen, captain and all, after a supper that mrohe'g satisied their hunger, pein to sleep and did not awaken until the awn. Then they were startled at discovering Jand, a vessel, and that a breeze had sprung up, seem- ingly together, “Curse us for sleepy-heads; with yonder land in sight and this breeze we could have escaped; but yonder craft isa British cruiser, and it re- mains to be seen if our story of sbipwrecked merchantmen will be believed,” cried Belmont, and he began hastily to cast aside bis uniform and search for the dress of a common seaman. But none had been brought in the burry of departure from the schooner, and he was forced to admit that he must tel] another mex 3 to pass muster on board the English vessel-of-war, wane was coming rapidly down toward the life- t. Ten minutes after they were hailed and told to come api and as they reached the deck forward, “Ah, say you so, Del Can you not be ? asked Captain Ashtcn wagered e the Blue Balt when I was pped forwa prison ? is no ordinary personage, “T know bim well, sir, and he is doubtless but if the contents of his boat are examined you will oo ag ed ned ife-boat “By Neptune, but you are right, I beliovs,
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—— eee a atin The Silver Ship. a a — ee ‘Go and examine the contents of his boat,” ordered the British captain, This was done and no other proof was needed, for there was damning evidence there, “So, Sir Pirate Captain, you played the game of the honest shipwrecked mariner on me, and but for my young lieutenant bere who was once | your prisoner, you would have deceived me with your frank face, which is a handsome one, for a man of your deeds, “But Delisle was your prisoner once, when he boarded you ina fight in a storm, and the vessels swung apart leaving him on board your craft, which managed to escape, and ke remem- bered you I am a to say. “What have you to say, Sir Pirate?” “That Fate is against me, sir, for you picked up a shipwrecked boat’s crew and accuse us of being pirates.” ‘Very well, I’ll stand the consequences of De- Lisle’s charge against you, andas I am on my way home will take you to England for trial. “Mr, DeLisle, put| these men in irons,” and Captain Ashton of bis British Majesty’s sloop- of-war Iron Heart went below in considerable glee over his capture of Belmont the Buccaneer. CHAPTER VIL, THE PRICE OF A LIFE, ““T DESIRE an audience with the king, and would most respectfully urge that he grant it, as I can give him important information,” So said Captain Belmont, the Buccaneer, af- ter his trial in London with his crew found in the boat with him, and the sentence of all to die upon the gallows within two weeks, The message of the outlaw was taken to the king, and after some thought upon the subject his Majesty granted the petition, _ Belmont and his followers had received a fair trial, and not only had the testimony of Lieu- tenant DeLisle condemned them, but the many things found in the life-boat with them had been proof undoubted that they were no other than the celebrated rover and his men. The lieutenant had spoken of the kindness re- ceived from the hands of Belmont personally, and how he had Janded him at Jamaica one night, giving him his pardon, but bis duty as a king’s officer caused him to appear against him as the pirate. When poset before the king the buccaneer was in his uniform, and moved with the grace of a courtier, Apparently his Majesty was alone; but there was lp near should the pirate intend foul play. ‘* Well, Sir Pirate, you asked to see me, as you could give me information of importance?” said the king, really impressed with the bearing of the handsome outlaw, “*I did, your Majesty, beg an audience, but it isnot to plead for my life, as you may infer. “Tam an American, and have broken the laws of both God and man, and for my deeds ex- pect no mercy,” ; “You admit then that you are Belmont the Bacanew, which fact you denied at your ria ‘*- Your Majesty’s pardon, but I made no such denial, I rps al was silent when questioned, ‘But I admit now that I am Belmont the Buccaneer.” ** Ah! and you have amotive in doing sonow!” ““T have a motive, your Majesty, in being the first one of those captured in: the life-boat, to of- fer to purchase my life. ‘* They intend, my followers, to strike a trade with your Majesty, but as their chief, as the one most interested, and the only one who can, I be- lieve, deliver the price to be paid, I have sought an interview with your af ‘*'Then you do intend to plead for your life?” i Oh no, your Majesty, but simply to purchase ** T see, and what have you to offer?” ‘¢ More than a king’s ransom,” was the cool re- joinder. “Ah yes, the ill-gotten gains of your pi- racies.” ‘* More than that, your Majesty, for I have to it offer ‘a cargo of silver, mined in Mexico, and found by me afloat upon the seas, ‘*] sought a hiding-place for my treasure, upon an island never visited, and placed it there, as I dared not such un ym longer upon schooner, which was almost in a sinking Sandton, “The wisdom of my course was seen, your Majesty, as my vessel, after leaving the nd, went down in a severe stormand we were forced to take to our boats, 1 “One of my boats, with the crew, was dragged down with the sinking sohooner, and another was adrift upon the ocean without sails or food, while my life-boat was picked up by your Majesty’s sloop-of-war Iron Heart,” ' & And this treasure, Sir Buccaneer?” “It is my wish to offer it to your Majesty in return my life, though I ask with my pardon a certain sum to keep me from povert ** To enable yon to buy and fit ananos bay mean ; 3 your Ma: , for I would save the sang ee fod gut ut one of your b, : ecru 0 r ; P a ” r 4 ‘* You are a bold speaker, Sir Outlaw.” “T tell but the truth, your Majesty; but my desire is to lead a different life in the future,” ** And your men?” “They are condemned to death, and if so it leaso your Majesty in the kindness of your eart to give them their pardon also, I would be } glad; but if nct, then they must suffer as they have not the means to buy their escape from the gallows,” * And this money?” ‘*¥¢ is in silver bullion, your Majesty, bags of pesos, and some treasure.” “The value is about equal to fifty thousand pounds, perbaps?” The buccaneer smiled, and replied: ‘*Your Majesty, I said that it was a king’s ransom, aud its value all told, is over a million pounds sterling, far more, I may say.” The king fairly started as this enormous sum was named, and «shen touching a bell, ordered the one who appeared to go and bid a certain officer to come to him. The officer soon appeared, a senior lieutenant in the Royal Navy, and a handsome, dashing- looking young man, who commanded the king’s acht, and was an especial favorite with his ajesty. “Sir St. George, I wish you to hear what propositions this buecaneer chief makes to me.” ‘“ Yes, your Majesty,” and St. George May- brick turned to the buccaneer, who, in bis free- and-easy manner repeated what he had said about the hidden treasure, adding: ““ My proposition to his Majesty, Sir George, is to sail in a°vessel-of-war, in irons, if so hi Majesty pleases, and lead him to this treasure, “Failing in doing so, then the officer in com- mand can hang me to the yard-arm of bis ves- sel; but, by gaining the treasure, I am to go free, with a certain sum for my own use,” ee hat do you say, St. George?” asked the ing. “To accept his offer, your Majesty, and bang his fellows.on the day set, and to yard-arm him, too, if he does not do as he says,” “JT will do so, St. George, and I promote you now toa Re meek and place you in command vf the vessel to go after the treasure,” ** Your yea your Majesty; but the vessel that should be sent sbould be fleet as the wind to prevent the capture of the treasure, and able to defend herself, also,” “You are right, buccaneer, and I will send an armed brig 1 am now building for my own yacht, ‘Captain St, George Maybrick, lose no time in fitting out for sea the Wind Witch, and spare no expense,” said the king. And so it was that the crew captured in the life-boat were hanged on the day set, while their chief, Belmont the Buccaneer, sailed in the fleet armed yacht for the island of the Wizard Priest, to buy his life with the treasure lying hidden there, CHAPTER VIII. A WIZARD AND A WITCH, Ir will be remembered by the reader, that when the loud “‘ amen” was spoken, at the end of the Wizard’s curse, coming seemingly from the clouds, the strange dweller upon the island was as much, if not more startled than were any of the pirate crew whom he had gained such an ascendency over by his poctomeacr It was something that he could not account for, while the men attributed it to his wondrous powers, He was glad, therefore, to! get rid of the crew, and had gone out to watch their departure when the flash of vivid lightning revealed to him, standing upon the cliff, overlooking the pirate schooner, the wild, weird form of a wo- ma . n. ‘* Bah! it is some one from the schooner, some trick of that daring fellow Belmont, to see the effect upon me,” muttered the old Wizard, But when he heard the ringing, wild words of the woman to the crew of the pirate boats, row- ing toward the schooner, he felt that he was mistaken in this belief, that whoever, or what- ever the being was she belonged to the schooner, And then, in terror, he fled from the glen to his cabin and shut himself within, Behind the altar was a door which led into an extension of the cabin, cleverly built in an arched fissure, or cavern of the rocks, It looked from without as though the chapel part of the cabin was built against the rocks and there ended, Bat it was instead constructed against this cavern, and into this was a large living-room constructed of material from wrecked vessels. So cleverly was this concealed that one going behind the altar in the chapel, would find there eeneey, only a priest’s robing- : buta niche in the rear, in which wasa statue of the Virgin, would turn on a pivot, when a secret arc Bees touched, revealing a doorway enough to admit the Wizard, and it led into h Ie ae large fortable, furnished @ room was » comfo ur with ship’s furniture, and had a Propane in one end, the smoke going upward through a hole in ie ohn ‘this fireplace was a secret door, and pty ™ ah. sae pimenapes this led into a tunnel, narrow, but some six feet in height, which wound upward by a gentle in- cline and came out upon a wide shelf of rock in the face of the cliff, and overhanging the sea on feet below. nis shelf seemed to be a favorite abiding place with the Wizard, for a bunk, a hammock, an easy-chair and a table were here, with books in Spanish, French and English. . The arch above protected it from the rain and sun, and in front the jagged rock rose likea wall, forming it into a delightful alcove, Over the edge of the shelf hung ropes, wove into blocks and tackle, and also a Hg ladder leading downward, but all concealed by canvas which resembled the rocks at a short distance off- shore, so that no vessel coming near could dis- tinguish the slightest clew to the island being inbabited, The ropes overhanging the rocky shelf, and : the ladder led down to a large life-boat, decked over, excepting a small cockpit astern, and with a short mast and bowsprit. A jagged pinnacle of rocks rising from the sea concealed the boat and mast from seaward, and as it swung some twenty feet above the water it was safely housed from the waves even in a storm. The clever arrangement of the blocks and tackle enabled one man to stand upon the deck of thecraftand draw it up into position, and then ascend by the rope der to the rocky aleove above. To one standing on the rocks overhanging the alcove, its existence would not be suspected, nor would the swinging craft be detected, so that the little sea-room and its secret were yes hee est LS SE vailed from any one who might visit the Islan while the chapel, and the white-haired pri dwelling there as a bermit, no one would think of disturbing. After remaining for some time in his inner room behind the chapel, the Wizard Priest wended his way through the couple of hundred feet of tunnel into the alcove chamber. The storm was raging, and he beheld the lights of the schooner afar off, pitching violently in thé rough waters, The wind whistled and wailed about the rock- chamber, and caused his long, snowy hair and beard to whip about his shoulders and form as he stood gazing out over the storm-lashed sea, ““My God! what meant thet voice? . “Who is that woman?” he gasped, as his thoughts were Legs 3 constantly upon the to being whom he had both seen and eard, At last he became more calm and said, assur- we 5 ¢ “Tt was but imagination after a have not been just well of late, and my ne- cromancy with those pirates upsef my nerves, ‘Tt cannot be that any one is here—no, no,” and the Wizard Priest went to his sleeping-room and retired. But not to sleep, for that strange voice and form he heard and saw again and a when- ever he closed his eyes in slumber, and at last he sprung from his couch and paced the floor until the gray dawn stole in through the window over the chancel in the chapel. ’ With the dawn of day, with the island no longer shadowed in the gloom of the nigbt, his spirits rose, and placing a pistol and sword underneath his robe he stole forth from the ; chapel and began to search through the valley. His goats gave bim a welcoming bleat as they beheld him, but unheeding them he went to the P pool and took a long. draught of clear, cold water. Standing where he had the night before, when delivering his cursé, he dewn into the l, but its dark depths hid the secret buried ere even from his — The torches were there to remind him of the night gone by, and he gathered them upin a heap for future use. etracks of the visiting pirates were also Ore, and nothing more did he see. But he began the search of the rock-walled valley, going here and there among the thick- ets, until he had traversed the fertile basin, ah which comprised some twenty acres, Then he began to search the half-dozen breaks, a or fissures in the outer wall of rock encircling the valley, but suddenly halted and stood like one turned to stone, for on tle cliff over the Wizard Priest. stood a wild-looking form, the woman | . seen the night before,and from her lipscame + the words: : ses : “a ef Good morrow, holy father : “Selah, the Sea Witch, greets the Wizard © Priest, Hermit of the Isle” —- CHAPTER IX. : SELAH, THE SEA WITCH. ; ie Tue Wizard Priest dic not move, but stood ; +4 ere she roeieeabovis bias sabe this sepel , ere on the r above ithe wom : who had called berself Selah, the te Wie r It was a witch againsta wizard. = 3 vane . most r ri aly es were ‘ edu be A 3 ieee. 2 a4 jor diteate. ‘
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A a aia The Silver Ship. But what was in the mind of the man was how the woman had gotten upon this island. He had believed himself the sole occupant of the isle, and he had been content to so remain, The woman stood on the rocks, some sixty feet away, and was a strange-looking being. ‘Young she certainly was, scarcely over twenty- ‘five, and yet her hair was as white as snow, and fell about her form in thick waves, reaching to ‘her feet, Her eyes were very large, intensely black, “with the longest of lashes, and heavy, arched ‘brows, but these also were now white, and it ‘gave to her face a strange, a startling expres- ‘sion, Her form, tall, willowy and the perfection of , was erect and queenly, and her face was of a marble-like hue which no wind or sun could bronze. But her every feature was perfect, her teeth, milk-white, were small, even, and, with her lips parted, gave a peculiar smile to her mouth that was remarkable. She wore a robe of black cloth that clung about her form, and seemed the worse for wear, while her slender waist was encircled by an of ficer’s belt, and a long-bladed, jewel-hilted stilet- to bung at her left side, © Gems of rare value were in rings, bracelets and necklace, upon ber fingers, wrists and neck, and a star of splendid rubies was upon her fore- head, fast to a chain of heavy links of gold that encircled her haughty head. Upon her small feet were slippers with jewel- ed buckles, and in one hand, as though using it as a staff, was a boarding-pike, Such was the strange being, with a beauty that was startling, an appearance that was threatening, who had so mysteriously come upon the island of the Wizard Priest, Like a man who had been struck a severe blow, the Wizard Priest stood gazing upon her, his form trembling, his lips moving, his eyes staring in strange wonder at her. ‘Hal hal ha! Holy father, you seem dazed at my presence here, ‘Dost thou not know me, Cleo the Beautiful, as men once called me? ‘* Have a few years changed me so that even your eyes know me not?” ‘““Woman, I do not know thee,” and the Wizard Priest almost gasped the words, The woman laugbed viciously, and then, seeking a pathway down into the valley, came down to where he stood, He did not retreat, he did not advance, but still stood like one in a dazed condition of mind, Dost not know me, holy father? **Come, do not pollute thy sacred lips with falsehoods, for see, I am Cleo, once the Beauti- ful, but now Selah, the Sea Witch. “Thou arta Wizard, a Wizard Priest thou saidst to the pirate crew, and Il ama witch. . ““What, no welcome for me, and thy home yonder with food in plerty, Pll warrant me, “Tam athirst and hungry, so show thy hospi- ' tality and invite me to break bread beneath t - { a y ’ J Paneer nti bp. { r . wr a € j Ww S)) 4 roof, for nowhere else can I find shelter and food upon this island, ** Come, to me, Ravel the Rover.” * Woman, in the nanie of all the saints, who are you aes; | tone, do not pretend ignorance of me, thougp you did believe that I was at the bottom of the eee “Dost not kfiow me, Ravel the Rover?” ee Ss 6 “Thou liest, for [ am thy wife, Captain Ravel !” . The man uttered a groan, and the woman con- tinued: “You and your drunken pirate Se fhe, om D to saw me drift away in the darkness of t alent, in the face of a coming storm, and, as y . 1 all supposed, to die, That n gbt of “horror, Ravel the Rover. erent ail long DUAGE. lastiok Yon Oise 2c rows and lo ¢ es you once ad- Ro. so much, became like my hair, aud all in _ “Why the flerce storm that faged through the night did not swamp my frail t I know not; bate hese gd tossed about p> the waves, it lived. and two days after I drifted ashore upon the Mexican Coast, near the ranch of a wealthy “Twas taken to his hacienda nearer dead than alive, and nu back to health again, and i, Me San who were so kind to me was that t I had been maneeeet from my home in f rica by pirates and held for ransom, but escaped ee pec pr ratbblnes and “So they elleved _ as I told bal ‘ew hours. ou and and as] thom I ‘“‘Some six weeks ago we started for Spain in a barque owned by Don Val Verde, and which was bearing silver bullion from the mines, and bags of pesos for the Spanish Government, “When a few days out we were chased by a ' cruiser, and our flight continued for days, the vessel-of-war unable to overbaul us, yet egies J in a steady fire the while, which did us muc damage, killing a number of our crew, and worst of all, the Don. ** When, that night, we buried him in the sea, when the wind was blowing half a gale, and our persistent pursuer dogged our wake, his daugh- ter, the lovely Inez, my pupil, suddenly threw herself into the sea and was lost, * At last, when our ship was wrecked by the fire of the cruiser, and further flight was impos- sible, the men cried that they knew the pursuer, that it was a pirate, and we gave up all for lost. ‘*But ere he could come alongside, cruiser or pirate, whatever the craft was, a terrible tor- nado swept down upon us, and our wrecked barque was driveu before it, and I never again saw the dreaded enemy. “When I came upon deck the next day, I found that I was alone with the dead, for the few living had been swept into the sea, and the Silver Ship was sinking, and I was to go down into the depths with her, I believed. “But such was not my fate, forT sichted a sail, and horror of horrors! Ravel ube Rover, t recegnized your schooner, though four years had since I had seen her. **] flew in terror to my hiding-place, and your orem Donree? and discovered the prize they had ound, ‘Then began the removal of the cargo of sil- ver, and a huge chest, in which I had hidden, was taken on board and into the cabin of the schooner, for the silks I spread over me kept me from being seen, ‘*Once in the cabin, when alone, I sought refuge in your storage state-room, which I knew $0 well, and there remained in hiding for days, feeding upou the dainties kept there, until this island was reached, and knowing all, from what I heard Captain Belmont and that fiend Fornesca: say when talking in the cabin, I decided to make my escape when the crew landed here. **And so [ crept upon deck, and fastenin about me a life-buoy, I slipped overboard an swam ashore close behind the last boat from the schooner. “Need I tell you that I saw and heard all, from my hiding-plave among yonder rocks, and that I knew you from your voice and bearing the moment that I beard vou speak? “And so, Ravel the Rover, you know my story, and that fate has brought back to you her that was Clep, the Beautiful, but now will be known, Sir Wizard, as Selah, the Sea Witch,” and the woman again burst forth into her wild, mocking laughter, CHAPTER X. THE WIZARD'S CONFESSION. As one in chains, forced to bear what was said to him, the Wizard Priest stood and heard all that the woman bad to say. She bad called herself a witch, the name of Selah, the Sea Witch, springing into her excited brain when she Saw that her pirate husband was alone upon the island and playing the part of a Wizard, : ty knew that*he dwelt there in absolute soli- ude, Yet wh When sh been the 3 wh 6 had last seen bim bv is own fleet chief of a sig crew on board of jb schooner the Blue Belt, How was it that his career had changed so? Was he doing penance for his sins? She recalled that he had been reared for the riesthood, but had fallen in love with her, had ought a duel to put a rival out of bis way, and forced to fly from his bome, she bad next heard him several years after when he came by night to visit her andgtole her away to make her his wife, a She had clung to him in his evil life until an- other fair face, the face of a beautiful captive, bad dimmed her beauty in his eyes, and when in her jealous rege at being supplanted in his love, she had aided the poor captive to escape he had come to hate her so bitterly that he ha raised the superstitious fears of the wicked crew against her, and she had been set adrift in the sea to die. pig . Had his remorse. for this act caused him to give up piracy and settle there in that lone isle? Such thoughts had surged through her brain: like lightning, and she sovght to know more, | So she said, and ber voice was Fe barsh now: “Ravel, I bave told you of how death, and that I suffered let my white he stand as proof, for my anguish was more thr ive my ph pap could stand again, ar ve i io f , : : ABS ¥ “T have escaped the sea twice in @ miraculous manner, and now you see me ¥ am, a white-hair sighing id before my so Lam’ but fitting to be called a witch, as exicanscalled me, = “But Lam ere, and you are bound ° » quia “the wm ow I escaped |, J ee ee Senn ee << in a storm and all on board the ties of wedlock, and I would hear your story now, of why I find you here, and alone. “Of why I find you a pretended priest and wizard, and deceiving your old leutenants, Belmont and Fornesca, and your crew into the belief that you were a necromancer, ‘*Had Belmont been upon your vessel when ou set me adrift that night, you would never ave done 80, fur you feared that) man, and he would never have allowed you todoan actso cruel, wicked as you were. =~ “Last night he came to you with untold treasure and knew you not in your disguise; but I knew you the moment I "heard your voice, “T know tbat your long hair and beard are false, or else purposely whitened to bave you appear old, and that your infirm’ step is as- sumed, ** You cannot deceive me, Ravel, and I know you as you are, in spite of the beard that has rown to your waist since last I saw yu and he long hair that falls adown your back, “Shave off the One, cut off the other and you are the Ravel of cld, the Red Hand of the Sea. ‘Now, Ravel, I await to hear your story, our confession, and beware not to utter false- ood to me, “IT know you in all your blackheartedness now, and I have not passed through the torments of perdition the past four years to be frightened now by you, to hold one atom of fear of you. “TL await your confession, Wizard Ravel, or Holy Father, as you may prefer me to call ou, It was a moment before he could command utterance, In vain did he at first essay to speak, for he could not, But, by a masterly effort at self-control he at last said, and his voice was not in anger, but low and kindly: ; *¢ Cleo, I will tell you—” “ Hold! Cleo the Beautiful is forever dead, “J am Selah now, Selah the Sea Witch, holy father.” “So be it if you prefer the name, and it were rhaps better thus, you find me here. : “You said but now that bad Belmont been adrift as Ldid. ‘“* Your words were true; but my crew forced my Own wish, “You had thwarted them in many evil acts, captive for large ransem, and not as you lieved because I loved her, a ‘So the men forced me to get rid of you, and deeply did I sorrow for miy act. “Belmont, my lieuterant, was absent at the time, as you know, carrying a prize into Havana, and when he —— and oe vy bat I bad done he at once d me, called me’amaccursed man, and told the crew Moat they would all hang a so rin a yeaa not ate the crime ne, ie Tera upon him in a stom be burled me to the deck, for great as my gth is, he is a giant in comparison. iv “T attacked him with’ my cutlass, and he dis- armed me, and then ordered a oat, a large one we had taken from a clippership, gotten ready with sails, provisions and water, and giv- ing to me my share of the bovty, and he was honest in it, be had me put into the boat and set adrift upon the seas, : “There were some of the crew who threatened mutiny, but he shot down several of them cowed them on the spot, ' ‘* Away I went upon the sea, death staring me in the face,” “Yet not so badly did be make you fare, a3 ot did me, Ravel, for you were a man, in a safe t, with provisions, sails and all.” SIDAM “*T cannot defend myself, Cle—” ae Ab 1” ‘Selah, I mean, for my act toward you.” ‘*But I went my way, and days after, one ternoon in a calm, came upon this island, “ T Janded, to find he: nder cabin, and in the front of it a chapel. .¥% — “But the island wa alone and with upon the other shore, | on a reef, show me that the vesse bad ntly been a mission- e sea, for [ found upon the shore a dozen bodies, sen, @ able “Twill tell you all, and truthfully,of-why upon the schooner, I would not havecast you — mé to the act, and it was not as you believe and you had let go free one whom I was you: be ‘they. ar’ ed y <s ,
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ae ee he STAN, os ewe 6a iy Mi ee The Silver Ship. oF ‘‘The next day there was not a trace of the pio | left other than the wreckage along the reefs, *t And here, Selah, have I lived for five years, alone, and when I saw the schooner heading this way [I went to my lookout among the rocks, recognized my own craft, and in fear assumed this disguise and garb, pretending to be a Wizard Priest, and when 1 called Belmont and Fornesca by name, was it a wonder that they deemed me possessed of powers of necromancy? ** Now, Selah, you have my story, my con- fession, and it is known to you, as to me, that within yonder pool are riches far beyond the fortune of a king.” “ Yes, I know all,” was the low reply of the ‘woman, and somehow her few words caused the man to feel strangely uncomfortable, CHAPTER XL. ‘THE WIND WITCH MAKES THE WIZARD'S ISLE. BELMONT the Buccaveer went on board of the king’s cruiser Wind Witch in irons, But Captain St, George Maybrick was a humane man, and there was something about the prisoner that won his regard, pirate though he was, and when a few days out at sea he sent to bave bim brought into his cabin one day. * Sit down, Captain Belmont,” he said politely, and as the outlaw expressed his thanks in a ‘courtly bow, he asked: ‘* Have you been well treated, sir?” “Yes, Captain Maybrick, as well as 1 could expect, thank ‘you, sir,” “My orders are to bring you back as the king’s guest, that is as mine, in the name of his Majesty, if you get possession of the treasure, and sol will now give you that honor, for, if you have deceived us, it will be easy enough then, when. I find it out, to carry out my in- structions in such an event,” 4+ To hang me at the yard-arm,” said Belmont, with a smile, as though the thought was a pleas- ant one. * Exactly.” ‘Well, Sir George Maybrick, you will not have to hang me on that score, and ] thank you for the responsibility you take in extending your hospitality.” ‘*You are welcome to it, I assure you, so con- sider yonder state-room at your disposal, and you will mess with me in the cabin. ‘¢7 will have your irons at once removed, and your luggage brought to your quarters,” This was done, and from that day almost a friendship sprung up between the two men, as far as was possible uuder existing circumstances of a pirate and a king’s officer. The Wind Witch went bowling swiftly along on her course, whether the breeze was light or strong, and her ru into the Caribbean Sea was a remarkably rapid one, Several vessels gave chase on the voyage, but were quickly dropped ‘out of sight by the fleet brig, for Captain Maybrick’s mission was a too important one for him to swerve from his course, or to either fight a foe or capture a rize. bale We will sight the island to-morrow, Captain Maybrick, and now that we are not far away I desire to explain the exact situation to you, sir,” said Belmont, as the two sat at dinner one pleasant afternoon, while the brig was skimming swiftly along, with the prospect of reaching their destination upon the foJowing day. “T shall be glad to understand the situation thoroughly, Captain Belmont,” was the reply of the British commander, ‘ made known to the “ This. treasure, sir, as, I king, is w: : ‘and when I took it to the islan ide it away until I could a suitable vessel, for its value would enable me to give up piracy, as I intended to do, ‘* My own vessel was in a wretched condition, tadly strained, and I dared, not intrust sucha valuable cargo on board of her longer than was absolutely necessary. _ “L therefore beaded for this island, ** Again, I could not enter port in my vesse while, with a captured merchantman, I coul do so and dispose of my treasure, pay my offi- cers nnd crew and go on separate ways, ‘So it was that I sougbt the island, instead of the retreat where I intended to put the schooner in proper repair to enable me to cap- ture just the prize I needed. ‘That I was wise in getting rid of the treas- ure is proven by the fact that my schooner went down in the very first blow, “My crew had become greatly lessened from various causes, 80 that the division of the treas- ure would enrich us all, and when ay sotoeer sunk it left but two boats’ crews to share it, the long-boat with twenty men under my first offi- cer, Fornesca, and the, life-boat with twelve men besile myself, and f alone remain, for m crew were hanged, and I have not the slightest adea that Fornesca ever reached the; Ay *€ But if he did, do you not think ere this Se soni have returned for the treasure, for hat was nearly five months ago?” me “True, Captain Maybrick, and it is just what Fornesca would do, were it not for one import- ‘ant circumstance,” “<q ** May I ask what that is?” “ Certainly, sir, for I am about to tell you.” “Were you near any land that he could reach?” “Yes, sir, a couple of days’ sail away, but his boat was not in a condition to stand much hard- ship, and he failed to prepare for his voyage in an open long-boat, and which might extend into days, or weeks, ‘But the circumstance to which I allude is that the island was found to be fnhabited,” * And you trusted your treasure there?” “Yes, Captain Maybrick, for the inhabitant was a hermit, a Wizard Priest,a man fully four-score years of age, feeble and tottering in- to the grave.” ‘A Wizard Priest, you say, Belmont?” asked Captain Maybrick with surprise. “Yes, Sir George, though the words, in the commor acceptation of the names would bea paradox, ~ ‘** But the man Lad marvelous powers, as you shall hear. ‘*Fornesca, my first. officer, had been wrecked on the island, and remained there several months, so he acted as pilot. “He reported that the island seémed to be only a rock in the sea, two-score of acres in size, and with rugged, cliff-like coast, and no anchor- age, except for small boats in calm weather. ‘* The island was surrounded by sunken rocks; but once ashore, and over the rocky walls en- circling it, a fertile valley, or basin was to be found, with a small lake, or pool in one end. ** Such was Fornesca’s report, and we found it as he had said; but, to his surprise, as well as to us, there was a large cabin in one end, built close in under the rocky cliff. ‘“ We saw no one, so approached, and the door being opened after numerous knocks, this aged hermit, or Wizard Priest appeared, and I saw that the cabin was a chapel, completely fitted up. a The men came up and knelt there, and the priest, to my amazement, called both Fornesca } and myself by name, and told us why we bad | come, for he seemed to read our/very thoughts, thereby giving proof that he was a wizard, as well as a priest, ‘¢ To him I told my mission and he said that he would hide the treasure with certain weird rites, and place over it a curse upon the one who should come to take it away, thereby defrauding the others of the crew.” ‘* T sae,” ‘This curse was to be of the most appalling nature man ever listened to, and she men trembled with fear as he uttered it, ‘* Sis appearance was remarkable, a human skull surmounting his bead, upheld. by skeleton hands, forming a,erown, and his wand was enous to spread terror to one upon whom it was inted, y Pe There was a coffin placed above the treasure, and the ceremony, weird and fearful, was held at midnight, the men kneeling, and into’a vol- ume he called a book of judgment, the name of each man was put. **T tell you, Captain Maybrick, it was terri- ble, that scene, as the old Wizard Priest went through it, and most startling of all was, a voice above erying out at the end of the service: ¢ Amen!}’” “ But whose voice?” “None of us know, and the Wizard said that he was'alone upon the island, but it was doubt- less some spirit voice he had summoned to the scene by his Black Art,” ‘‘T can hardly believe in such superstitions, Belmont, gh many do,” said Sir George, thoughtfu ‘Nor did I until I met that man, Sir George, but when we went to our boats, for a storm was rising, and I was anxious to get off-shore with the schooner, a form, a woman’s form, with long flowing snow-white hair, appeared upon the cliff and langhed mockingly, and called out that each one of us had it in our heart to come back and defraud our comrades of the treasure, and that she had called up a storm, to strike us with terror, or words with such mean- SS ee ee ee ing. e The men were almost paralyzed with fear, and reaching the schooner we sailed away, to have to take to our boats some days later, as 1 have said.” *“You are a skillful seaman, Captain Bel- mont, sol am sure did all you could to save your vessel?” “Yes, sir, but it was impossible, and the men attributed it to the old witch, for she called her- self Selah, the Sea Witch.” “Strange, and the Wizard Priest said rothing of her?” ‘* Not a word, sir; but it is his curse, anti the Sea Witch, that will prevent Fornesca, if alive, from poing to the island to rob us of the trea- sure, ** And you?” The pirate started at the sudden question; bat answered: **T am, or was the chief, and held the greater claim upon all, while I believe, Captain ay brick, that I am the only one of those on the island that awful night, who is now alive,” “It is to be hoped so, and I could almost hope that the Wizard Priest and the Sea Witch were also dead.” ‘*T indorse that hope, sir,” was the answer, and both men seemed impressed by tae conver- sation they had had. The next day the Wind Witch arrived off the Wizard’s Isle and dropped anchor, for the wea- ther was mild, so that there wus no danger on that score to the brig. _— CHAPTER XIl, A MYSTERY OF THE SEA, Wiurs all the pressure upon him of a war with his American Colonies, and having to battle with other ‘powers, nearer home, tbe British king was not allowed to lose sight of the Silver Ship, for the wildest kind of rumors were afloat abont the vessel which he had sent after the pirate treasure to the Caribbean Sea. , Not a vessel came ic froma long voyage in the Gulf of Mexico, and along the Atlantic Coast, but brought strange stories of this phe- nomenon of the sea, the Wind Witch sailing the ocean with a skeleton crew. Cruisers bad given chase to her, and as well might they have chased the wind itself, as its namesake the Wind Witch, which could run away from them with an ease that could only be done by a craft guided by supernatural powers, The king was far more fretted than he cared to show, for outside of the lost treasure, which he had hoped and expected. to get possession of, there was the loss of his fine yacht and the money he bad spent lavishly in fitting her out for ber strange voyage. x Then there was the king’s favorite, St. George Maybrick in command of the missing vesse] with other gallant officers and a crew of picked British tars, F They were also looked upon as lost. Had the pirate, Belmont, but planned the de- struction of the brig, with his story of a buried treasure? But then the puzzling part of the affair was that the Wind Witch was not lost, for she was afloat; but how? The weird, unsightly crew that were upon her decks certainly kept her from capture by the cruisers, and held her aloof from all vessels that sighted her upon the high seas. What could be the reason, what_horrible mys- tery was at the bottom of the brig’s cruising the seas an appalling bavenless cruiser, At first the idea had filled the king’s mind, when suggested by an enemy to St. George Maybrick, that the young captain had appro- priated the treasure and run off with the brig. ‘* Perhaps he has turned pirate,” had suggest- ed this enemy, But the king hastily dismissed this thought, when not a single charge of lawlessness was laid agaiust the brig, She ran from all vessels whose path she crossed, and not a shot had she ever fired, and even crafts with rich cargoes, which could have fallen an easy prey to the fleet Wind Witch, had passed them at sea, their captains reporting that ‘she bad fled from them, Cruisers that bad been near enough to fire up- on her had noted that their shots did no appar- ent damages, and men who had heard ot her once could never be prevailed to man the guns to open fire upon ber a second time. So it was that the Wind Witch remained to the king, and to those who followed the waters, a mystery of the sea. The form of this sea mystery also spread across the ocean, and along the Atlantic shores was the talk of seamen and Jandsmen alike, Pirate craft, though thick upon the seas, were almost forgotten in this mysterious cruiser, and men crossing the ocean, and sailing along its shores, seemed to dread more a meeting with this strange vessel, than with a buccaneer, The war was now under full héndway between the Colonies and the mother country, and priva- teers flying the new flag of the Americans were seen the seas over, while the vessels-of-war under the British ensign could be counted by the scores, from Maine to Mexico, and far out upon the Atlantic. Taking advantage of the war in America, and the disturbances in Europe, the buccaneers be- came more bold and numerous, and to go to sea pe gbee a great deal of courage, so numerous ony terrible were the dangers to be encount- éred, Such was the situation of affairs when a cruiser flying the British ensign came in past Boston Light one afternoon and beaded up the bay for an apchorage, The cruiser was a brig-of-war, and her flag was half-masted, while she presented every ap- pearance of having been upon a Jong and severe voyage. Her topmasts were housed, and her sails torn and patched, while her entire appearance wag weather-worn and stained, and shot-marks were visible in bulwarksand rigging, § 5 ° 9” Upon her quarter-deck were several young officers in the uniform of midshipmen, and one wearing the rank cf a junior Neuténant; but
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The Silver Ship. there was one who paced the deck, a glass un- der his arm, who bore no insignia of rank, yet appeared to be in commend of the brig. is face was a study for an artist, seeking fearlessness, nobility of nature and resolution, while his form, in the garb of a common sailor though it was, was athletic, elegant and his step that of one born to command, Presently a midshipman approached the young sailor, who, in spite of the appearance on deck of officers in uniform, was in command of the brig, and with a forced salute, for it seemed to go inst his will to make the salutation, said: ‘“*Mr, Stanwood, the captain’s compliments and he desires to see you in his cabin,” Lieutenant Caldwell, Captain Kane desires ‘to see me in the cabin, sir, so please take the deck,” and the seaman moved toward the cabin. Lieutenant Caspar Caldwell looked like a man lately risen from an invalid’s bed, for he was pale and his face haggard, He bowed simply, making no reply, and the seaman entered the cabin, Captain Kane, a man of ‘fifty, and a typi- cal British sailor, sat in an easy-chair, with with one leg resting upon a bench, for he was suffering from ,a severe wound which bad kept him for long weeks below decks, and his face was pinched with .ong suffering. “Sit down, Stanwood, for I wish to have a talk with you.” The sailor bowed and remained standing. ** We have passed Boston Light, I believe?” “Yes, sir, aud by nightfall will anchor off the city.” “ Stanwood, it is useless for me to say that I regret exceedingly what has transpired on this cruise, and that act of yours allowed you tc place your neck, as it were, in a noose.” “Captain Kane, it was not my act, sir, that placed the noose about my neck, but the fact that an officer of this brig, as you well know the senior lieutenant, exaibited a lady’s minia- ture to his brother officers upon the quarter- deck, and made aa assertion regarding ter that 1 knew to be false. “Though acting as a warrant officer, the boatswain, I resented his words, and the result is known to you.” * Alas, but too well; but it is your safety I look to, and desire. ‘**As we lost so heavily in our oug ement with that Peruvian pirate, and you had already shown yourself capable of commanding the ves- sel, I was forced to take you out of irons, and place you in command, for Lord Erskine was wounded and Lieutenant Caldwell was not able to assume command, as you Know, nor a single midshipman upon this vessel, ** You saved the brig that night by your mas- terly seamanship, and twice before we owe it to you that this vessel was not lost, and upon these facts I have laid much stress in my report to the edmiral in bers hoping that it will palliate your act against jeutenant Sir Bradwyn Brule. “But, unfortunately for yourself, Stanwood, you are an American— “Pardon me, Captain Kane, but I do not con- sider it a misfortune to be an American.” * We will not discuss that matter, sir; but it so stands that you are, and as we received news from the wrecked boat’s crew we picked up, that war was going on between England and her Colonies, the fact that you are an American will work against you in your trial, and I very much fear me that death will be your sentence— death at the yard-arm. “Tt has been hinted to me by some of my offi- cers, that you left America, on board of a vessel bound to South America, for reasons you cared not to name, and if so, you will be held also re- sponsible for Be you may have comunitted in the Colonies before your departure, and this will be held against you, and your past career fully investigated, you may be sure. *“T mention this, Stanwood, to show you that I believe a have little hope, once you have reached Boston, and, as you are now in com- mand of the brig, my secret order to you is to use it to make your escape, once you have oe: anchor, ** You are a superb swimmer, so, if you see no way of going ashore in a boat, slip overboard be | swim to the land, for the crew are your friends to a man, and not one wi while the officers will do so, “*T will send Lieutenant Caldwell ashore, with a request for officers to be sent out pee Be once, and you will remain in command until their arrival, so make the best of vour chance, Stanwood and my good wishes attend you.” * Cay in rane, I feel your kindness deeply, one report you, sir, and appreciate all you have said and for me. ; _ “But, sir, I shipped on board this brig as a common seaman, and even as such I would not “The past few weeks, in the absence of competent officers, I have been in command, and until lieved by your order, will soremain, and certainly I shall not desert my post holding such rank, ‘h it be temporary. “No, I will remain and face my accusers, and by the alternative be it what it may,” mith a slut young sailor returned Yo ‘the i A CHAPTER XIIl, THE YOUNG SAILOR. In what was then the aristocratic part of the As years went on, Captain Stanwood, a man of superior ,education, took his son Noel to sea. with bim, and taught him each day in his cabin, city of Boston, a century ago, there were two | while he also gave him the chance to learn sea- handsome old homesteads, the lands of which | manship, the result of which was that the youth joined, and that they were the homes of wealthy ratte up to bea splendid sailor, and also had and refined people all about them indicated, earned much of books, men, and the world as The one was the home of an American, who | well, q held a ig tig poste esac the xing, an ae go be a ped ater = trindinscra austere, dignified man whom his equals even | vessels each year, for o r. Noel having: stood in vent awe of, and who wore the look of |} a shipping merchant, had left his danghtér his a man who bad had some deep sorrow in life, _| fortune, which consisted of several fine vessels Instead of softening his nature it had harden- | trading in different parts of the world. ed, and he bad become cynical and severe in his So it was that Noel had seen foreign lands, contact with bis fellow-men. and so skilled had he become as a seaman, that Aman of fifty, he was handsome and well preserved, a striking-looking personage with his curling white hair and mustache, for he affected the French style of mustaches, then seldom worn in England and the Colonies, ; In his earlier life he bad been known, from his ye style of dress and dashing manner as ‘‘Prince Paul Revere,” and many were the maidens who had sought to catch the handsome young aristocrat. But Paul Revere loved a fair maiden, the daughter of his next door neighbor, Commodore Noel, although he knew that he was in oe second choice ” in the heart of pretty Ethel Noel, who was engaged to a young American, captain of a West Indian trader, and a dashing, splendid / sailor witha], } One day Captain Stanwood, for such was his | name, sailed for the West Indies, in his fleat | schoover, and it was upon his return he was to | marry Ethel Noel, it was said, But the day set for his return came, and his schooner, ever most - punctual, fuiled to ap- pear. Days, weeks, and months went by, but he did | not return, and so was given up for lost, and af- ter a year and more had gone by, urged by | ‘Prince Paul,” and her parents, too, Ethel con- sented to become his wife, The day was set for their marriage, and though Prince Paul seemed most happy, the beautiful face of the once joyous Ethel had be- , i. bg ci tat rag she oe oie for the one ery hae std fhe ety hme Avo ove of ber heart, Stacey Stanwood, ' ** Your father is dead, my poor Master Noel, The wedding night came arouad, and the end the fortune he thought to have, sir, is not to guests bad assembled in the grand parlors, the be found. ; ‘ : clergyman stood, prayer-book in hand, awaiting : “Mr. stage 2 is in the library now, sir, ex- the coming of the couple to be united, when sud- plaiping it all to your mother and Miss Ethel, denly there eutered the room no Jess a person- | ut it’s the poor captain they mourn for, sir, Meas te) Oe eRe SRP IE Rs, REREAD, Flee | Se vacar Gear eh Noel el weds Veo A My fa : Boe Bsn Sad a bot f of joy, and sprung | like one dealt a terrible biow that bad stunned ward him with the words: a bim. “Thank God, my prayers are answered, and / ‘Yes, sir, the clipper came home, sir, under you have come back to me!” the first mate, and be reported that your father Prince Paul Revere turned livid, and stepp d | was taken ill at sea, sir, and died after a few toward her, but was confronted by Captain / weeks? illness.” . Stanwood in a handsome sailor suit, and looking | _‘‘ This is terrible! My poor mother and sis- his very best, ; ter!” he said, with deep emotion, and then “Pardon me, Prince Paul Revere, but I have , added: : the prior claim to this lady’s band, and I am “Go and break the news of my coming as Se ed ae will be the last man to dispute | gently as pe. bo atic hu and I Rogad al A ow you : away 5 i were distinctly uttered, and with door ees brushed a tear from his wen, for bh an emphasis upon the last part of the sentence | father bad been devotedly joved by the young thet was significaut of a threat, some thought. | sailor, who knew him to be all that was panel The eyes of the two young men met, and what | good and brave, and had made him his mode. Pau! Revere read in those of his rival caused ' of what be deemed a perfect man, him to bow, and then, arte from sudden jim- ulse, to take the hand of Ethel Noel and, place t in that of Stacey Stanwood, with mark: ‘Take her, and may you be happy.” ** Just like Prince Paul,” all said, and it was. But he left the mansion immediately, and the next day bad departed from the town, It was five years before his return, and then he came hack to claim his inberitance, for bis father had died, and he came not alone, but pe with bim a dark-faced Cuban beauty as nua teed ‘fire ncreiin ohn: bis, ‘was is e. a partnership wi . His Cuban wife had died soon after the birth | sleek-faced man of forty two or three yeers of of her little daugbter, Pearl, and the wee infant | age, and certainly an excellent business man. became the idol of her father’s heart. ‘What he had ee into the firm was marked orm And in the adjoining bouse dwelt Captain Stanwood and bis wife, with their two children, Noel and Ethel, and happiness seemed to rest upon them all, Between the Reveres and the Stanwoods only a cool friendship existed, the two Fp he had been, though under twenty years of age, first mate of several vessels in succession under his father’s command. As his business had increased, Captain Stan- wood had taken into partnership with bim, to mavage affairs ashore, one Frank Farley, also an old admirer of his wife when she was a young ri. With perfect trust in Frank Farley, he had placed in his hands full powers as office partner, and held him to no account of his stewardship, so long as fortune seemed smiling upon the affairs, : One day a fine new brig set sail with Noel Stanwood as captain, for his father felt assured that be was as full vessel as himself, an was a “born sailor.” The brig’s destination was to Peru, a long and dangerous voyage in those days, and yet the young captain made a successful run of it, and sailed into the harbor ove night with joy at his return, and that be could tell his father how great was the financial profits of the trip. He ut once went to the house, and at the door the old servant who let him in and recognized him, said sadly; ‘Ab, young Master Noel, it’s a sad home you come to, sir.” ‘ '* Quick, Bennett, tell me what bas happened,” cried the young sailor, grasping the arm of the butler, who with bis wife had been in the Noel, competent to command & had often told him that be | | ' i | / CHAPTER XIV, A LOST FORTUNE. CapTain Stacey STaNwoop had been three montus in his grave at the bottom of the sea, and seated in the library of Stone Manor, as the homestead+ was called, were Noel, his motber and sister, listening to the report of Frank Farley, of the shipping house of Stanwood & Farley, of how matters stood with the firm. The junior partner, whom Captain Stanwood ie Te hardly more than speaking when would meet, and neither ever crossing the other’s threshold. But from the time when little Pearl, just the age of Ethel, was attacked by a savage dog be- longing to her father, and rescued by Noel Stan- wood, then in his tenth year, and though severe- ly bitten himself, clung to the brute until the nurse had dragged her charge away to safety. a childish friendship had sprang up between the three children, who often met each other at the locked iron gate in the garden, which was in the ner time open between the grounds of the two ° ' ppentcads, ‘. Aantal ny Pearl, ae her bog! age, Joved er DOY Hero, § ears her senior, 1 cannot say; |; to go, é a but she cortaliiy was never won from bim by, “ Fortunately, I have not, being 8 bashes, her many lovers as she grew older, and be, too been extravagant, and speculations T entered in- always acknowledged to his sister Ethel tliat | to have been most successful, so I bovgbt in Pearl was the only sweetbeart he would ever | Stone Manor, and wish you, Mrs, Stanwood a have through life, Miss pelled to show just bow matters paying the debts of the perty aswell as my own, while having mort- gaged his home and other property, it was forced, ‘ Ethel, to still continue to make it your , ees ha A a e Pes pete ee oes ee So Wie : YS © yb a NS ee omy en ms i ete = Wn ea te -
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home, while you, Noel, I can send out as captain ef an East Indian trader, a fine clipper ship,” said Mr. Farley, with a bland smile, “Tbank you, sir, but without consulting my mother in this affair, { believe that she and my cister feel as I do, that we do not wish to accept charity, even from my father’s late successful partner, “My father being dead, his lips are forever slienc?d asto his affairs and his unfortunate : speculations; but-ag there aro a few thousands uy coming to us—for so you said, I believe?” + ba: Yes, three thousand thres hundred to a Ae penny, oe “Very well, that will purchase a small cottage ‘or my mother and sister, and furnish it with i c-rtain comforts, while I can readily secure the esptaincy of some craft trading nearer home + aa than the East Indies, and we will not be in such i ‘ad circumstances after all, you see, Mr, Far- > a toy. accepting the situation, for be bad hoped to be the one to extend a helping hand, and ho turned B® to Mrs, Stanwood to urge against agreeing to the e i plans of her son, ond siid: = a c “* But, my dear madam, you have been raised oe ke toevery luxury, and must consider this home i, a your own, as long as you please to dwell here, i you and Miss Ethel.” - | “Thank you, no, Mr. Farley, my son has de- a § cided best, and we will give you ion of your house within two weeks from to-day,” was the widow’s response. “Surely, Miss Ethel, you will urge against this—” ** No, Mr. Farley, Iam glad that brother de- sided as be bas done, and we will be for happier i in our own little home, no matter how humble, oa than in dwelling here upon your charity,” said WS Hthel earnestly, oy “JT am sorry, very sorry,” said Mr. Farley, anxious to hide bis chagrin at the determmation the Stanwoods had come to, ae The very next day Ned Stanwood sought for H and found a cottage fronting the bay, a cosey, 4 pretty little house, with a flower garden and an ‘ acre of ground attached, aud before the time an Mrs, Stanwood had said they were domiciled in their new home, with old Bennett aud Lucy bis wife in a small cot near, still determined toserve those in whose service they bad grown gray and mavazged tu save up a few thousands, the interest on which would take care of them in their old age. we for Noel, though cut by all of his aristo- eratic friends in his poverty, he found no trouble in securing the skipper’s berth upon a schooner trading between boston and the Carolinas, and goon started upon his first voyage since his come down in life from a supposed heir to a large for- tune to one who had to work for the support of those whom he so dearly loved, The run to the Carolinas was quickly made, and upon preparing to start upon bis return, he found a sergeant of marines and sixteen soldiers who wished to take passage with bim to Boston, havivg been left by the British cruiser to which they belonged sailing suddevly while they were ashore, Though it would crowd his little craft, he de- 3) i ; cided to take them, as the pay offered was lib- br, eral, and before the vessel bad been one dry out a wreck was sighted upon which were found a dozen British tars. q Their vessel was sinking, and their boats bad 2) tae ; been washed away; but though the sea was 2 running high, Stanwood went himself in the aw! after Sent and brought them in safety on — rd, DS ee The captain wished to bring a case of muskets a : along also, which be had purchased with his Bes Sey own money fora planter, and was not able to i $e loss, and the young skipper granted the request, ce | and glad was he afterward to do so, The schooner was now crowded terribly, hav- ing, with the marines, the wrecked crew and her own men, forty-five all told on board, and sail ie at ge ed on to make the run as quickly as : (Pe ben dawn broke the following morning, 2 Noel Stanwood, who had the deck, discovered a oe sail not fur off, ie. The wind was light, and a glance showed him oe that the craft was an armed schooncr, and had the appearance of being a fleet sailer. a A closer observation revealed to him the fact 7 that tbe craft was a pirate who had chased RR other vessels he had been on, on several separate occasions. “ She is fast, and will overtake us, and— By Neptune! but I'll try it, for it is our only chance,” and he turned to his first mate and ve orders that not over two men should show >) Chemeclves on deck at one time, 3 Sy Sail was then piled upon the schooner, and Wy she began her flight, hoping she might escapo aes before being seen. : z" But vain the hope, for the stranger quickly x started in chase, and the glass showed her decks 7s crowded with men, ‘Se “We are gone, captain, for she walks after A at two knots to our one,” said the mate, dole- oot and in half an bour will ick us vp. « the deck while I go w,” and Noel Se) ONL XY Peek thie Ly = Seate. fe - @ o*, Sere 5 i” > see + ws, ah “ee AN Sl eee alka ale ene i st (Ne ot ee te we fi : The merchant wince? under the cool way of | Ship. Stanwood sought the captain he had taken from the wreck and the sergeant, “There is a pirate in chase of us, and I know him, for it is the scboouer of the out- law they call the Crimson Captain, on account of his red deeds, ‘ Now, sergeant, you and your marines, seven- teen in all, are well armed with muskets, and, captain, you and your men number thirteen, and you have those two cases of muskets [ brough. aboard for you—twenty-four you said” “Yes, sir.” “JT bave fourteen men, and several muskets an’ some cutlasses and pistols, so we will be, all told, forty-five well-armed men, and when the Crimson Captain thinks he has caught a lamb, I'll give the signal and he'll find he has entrappel a wolf,” “But how many men has he, sir?” asked the sergeant, “T peither know, nor care, for if he has a hundred .our surprise will be worth bis odds in numbers, avd L'll ight my ship before I surren- | der, for the’Crimson Captain shows no mercy, “Now arm your men, both of you, and Pil have minc ready, and will report to you gust what is going on, and when I wish your aid. Had the sergeant and merchant captain: wished to object they saw that it would be use- less, so they yielded gracefully, and Noel Stan- wood returned on deck to find the pirate gain- ing rapidly and preparing tofire upon the c CHAPTER XV, A WOLF IN LAMB'S WOOL, UPon returning to the deck tbe young captain found the pirate schooner not a mile away and | coming on under a pressure of canvas that | brought her along with a huge white bone in her teeth, as the sunny wave pushed ahead from the bows of a swiftly sailing vessel is called in | nautical parlance, To his mate be told his plan, and it was readi- ly acquiesced in, and passing among his crew he told them just what he expected of them. His own weapons on the schooner were then | gotten ready, and as he felt prepared for the fight he bad determined upon, a puff of smoke burst from the a bows and a shot came flying over the schooner, « But Noel Stanwood calmly held on, The Silver He kad been under fire quite often before, in | o his cruises, and fear was unknown to him, ee ) nT Springing upon the bulwarks he leaped upon the pirate decks, and, followed by tbe marmes at a charge bayonets, he drove the amazed and peat cken outlaws before him until they eaped into the sea to escape death, n the mean time the merchant captain and bis men had thrown themselves upon the pirates who bad boarded the Thistle, and half of whom combat, hand to hand, was going on, with the’ chances in favor of the outlaws, But Stanwood lost no time in taking half of the marines and several of his own men back to the rescue, and the pirates were forced back- ward and sooa began to cry for quarter. In the madness of battle it was some time be- fore the cry was listened to, and not until Stan- wood forced his men to show quarter when it was asked, Then the pirates had been terribly thinned out, their captain was wounded and a prisoner, and those who surrendered were more or Jess se- verely hurt. The crew under the young skipper bad by no means escaped unscathed, for half a dozen dead lay upon the decks, and more than double that number were wounded, Stanwood himself hay- ing received a bullet in his shoulder and a cut from 8 cutlass on his head, though neither was serious. The schooner bad been taken, and with ber heavy armament and plunder was a valuable prize. Placing the merchant skipper in command of his own schooner Stanwood boarded the prize with his own men and half of the marines, and the two vessels spread sail for Boston, Without other adventures they arrived, and the young sailor reported to the admiral com- mandant of the king’s forces in Boston bis cap= ture, and surrendered Lis prisoners and the prize, and at once the city rung with the name of the gallant hero. Having left all on board his own schooner in shipshape condition, be went to his little home, proud of his achievement, and was received with a most affectionate greeting by bis mother and sister, as well as by old Bennett and Lucy. Lut the young sailor saw that somethiag was wrong, and as neither bis mother or Ethel would wets be took the first opportunity to talk with d Bennett. ‘¢ Bennett, something bas gone wrong at home A second sbot came nearer, yet he gave no | iu the three months that I have been away, and order to his belmsman, and so his schooner never | neither my mother or sister will tell me, so I swerved. The pirate was gaining suer was a very ficet sailer, sessing good qualities for going, ee for the pur- he ch and Stanwood ase also pos- | should know. come to you.” “And glad am I, sir, to tell you, for you “Do you know, Master Noel, that I believe knew that in a short while more be would have | that man Furley ruined your father, or rather to come to, te save his vessel, which he did not got hold of his fortune, for he’s a rascel?” wish crippled. ‘T half-believed so, Bennett, but had no proof, He Lowever riske’ a dozen more sbots, and as | and as he always professed great friend:hip t he saw the pirate wearing for a broadside be suddenly gave the order to come to. He got the broadside, but the quick command of Stanwood brought the schooner partially out of range, and than to kill one man and wound two more sligntly. ; The pirate ran down now, and just as Stan- wood bad expected and hoped be would do, in little damage was done, more | you, could not act without being sure.” **He’s a villain, sir, and more, he’s been try- ing to force Miss Ethel to marry bim, sir, and it’s through threateving terrible things against sir— But, oh Lud! bow fearful angry our eyes look, Master Noel, and—oh, sir, don ook that way, for be bain’t, worth it! “ Be calm, Master Noel, I beg of you,” “Tam perfectly calm, my good Bennett; but the quiet sea ani with a light breeze, determined | that is old Farley’s game, is it?” and the young to bourd by laying his vessel alongside, instead | sailor spoke with the most perfect calmness, of —— boats, “ Stan said Stanwood coolly, and he placed his men just where they could come at bis call. ‘““Schooner aboy! what schooner is that?’ shouted a hoarse voice from the pirate’s deck. “The Thistle of Boston,” responded the young | and if you go away again, skiprer. Phere from, what I is your cargo, and how. many in crew have you?” ; “Yes, sir; but he’s away just now, sir, in New by, men, for our time will soon come,” | York, but is to be back within a few weeks,” ‘That will be before I sail again, so I will bave a chance to square accounts with Ferley.” “Oh, sir, be bas made all kinds of threats if, Miss Ethel did not marry bim by Cbristms I do believe he will frighten her into becoming his wife.” My sister will never marry Frank Farley, good Bennett,” and the look in the face of the “A cargo of cotton, out of Charleston, and I} sailor convinced the old man that there were had fourteen in crew, but your fire lessened number.” “* Ay, av, it was well for you’ that I did not sink you for your stubbornness, “Stand by to make fast, for | sball run along- side and board you.” “« W bat cannot be helped, sir, must be endured ; the | breakers abead for Merchant Farley. CHAPTER XVI. A FAIR FRIEND. WueEn the downfall from riches and en ele- gant home, to an hrmble cottage, came upon the Stanwoods, both “* Prince” Paul Revere and his daughter Pearl were away from the city, “A pirate! Heaven have mercy!” cried Stan-.| visiting relatives in Mayland. the Crimson Captain, cutlass in h “ Fire!” shouted Stanwood, in a voice of thun- | terms you der, and up rose the ambushed men from hatches, caboose, forecastle and cabin, and poured in a dead)y volley upon the amazed pirates. “ Boarders follow me!” roared Stanwood, and, with a sw ‘rate captain, while he shot dead an outlaw lieutenant with his pistol almost at the same in- o34 932 $92 933 474 8 ¢ 2 2 PE BRB 4B Qcss Bea Bz asgee ge Bo te age Eg ne i os = E ' g wo § sprung } 6 he was followed by | and yourself, which a shock to return bome and find in your heart; and that though friends, “You know what Lowe Captain Noel Stan- wood, and now I bear that his father is dead, their family swept away ana they are of his cutlass, be disarmed the | a little house overlooking the harbor, bought with the little left of their riches, sh “Captain Noel is actine as a sk ona, a + has re. te ao! ee cs had fallen under the first volley, and a desperate;
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0 to go and see Mrs. Stanwood and Ethel, and ex- tend my sympathy and any aid I can, but I wish your consent, father.” **You have it, my child, and I regret that aught has occurred to mar che bappiness of Mrs, Stanwood and her children, and you have my word for if that I will do aught that you may desire tor their ai.” “Dear, good father, I will go at once, and at dinner you will know the result.” And ordering the carriage Pearl drove to the humble, but pretty little cottage, and was met by Ethel and her mother with an affectionate greeting. ‘*T really believe I like this little house better than the old homestead, and Captain Noel will soon make riches for you,” she said in her frank, sweet way. She asked boldly of how they were left, and said her father was anxious to do alJl in his power to make them comfortable, and that they must take her meddling in their affairs in the spirit in which it was intended, And they did, and told her just how it all had come about, and that they had bought their little home, while Bennett and his wife also had purchased a lot near them and still insisted upon serving them, the old man looking to the garden and cow, and his wife to the cooking. ‘* Mamma cares for the chickens, while I care for the house and the flowers, so we are busy, as you see, Pearl, and we have still some bun- dreds of pounds in the bank, and, but for poor papa’s death and Noel being away, we could be even happier here than at Stone Hall,” said Ethel, cheerily, and Mrs. Stanwood seemed to have imbibed ber daughter’s spirit. A week after Prince Paul called with Pearl, and though the meeting between Mrs. Stan- wane and himself was constrained, it soon passed off. This was the first time since the night of her marriage, that she had more than spoken to Mr. Revere, in acknowledgment of his custem- ary frigid bow, ow the ice was broken, and it promised that the ‘-ereak in their friendship for twenty-five years would be ended. Several weeks after the visit of Prince Paul with Pearl to the cottage, the schooner Thistle ee Boston Harbor with the pirate craft Shark a prize, and the name of Noel Stan- wood was upon every lip. The admiral at once took the schooner as a craft to be fitted out as a Government cruiser when she should be changed invwo a brig rig, and the prize-money when divided among Stanwood, his crew and allies, gave to him about a thon- sard pounds, quite a little sam in those days, and which he hastened to deposit in bank sub- ject to his mother’s and sister’s use when neeced, _ The story of his gallant capture was told in the city rs, and the sergeant and merchant captain, with the Thistle’s mate had given their version of the affair, and deligh with the prize-money they had received through Noel’s pluck, any could not speak too highly in bis praise, and he was pointed out when on the streets as a hero of heroes, and the young ski per who took Captain Crimson and his pira schooner with a force not half as large as that of the outlaws and without a piece of cannon upon bis own trading-craft. When Frank Farley beard of the affair upon his return to Boston, he at once decided to seek _. Noel and congratulate him upon the gallant ay gj : o hespruced himself up in his best clothes and late in the afternoon called at the cottage, Mrs. Stanwood had gone into the town shop- ping, so said old Lacy, and Captain Noél was own'at the schoover getting his traps, for he had avother command, a better one offered to him, on a vessel that was to sail at once for South America, | P “ And Miss Ethel?” asked Mr. Farley. ‘Ts in the grove of cedars yonder,” and Lucy . pointed to a pretty point of resort with Etbel. A But she did not say that Etbel was not alone, but had company. The ding was Pearl Revere, who had rt fro walked apa’ m her friend, who was sketch- ing the view of the harbor from the point, and was engaged in gathering wild flowers some dis- tance away, ; So Ethel was alone when Frank Farley ar- rived, and hearing his step she supposed that it was Pearl, and started and paled as she saw who it really was. . “Ah, sweet _ alone, for I mut ask now a response to my de- ' mand for your heart and band. _ “Your brother has returned, I hear, and has made quite a utation from capturing ‘some buccaneer att, craft, but he cannot expect much prize-money, and what he does get will be kept out for a long time.” | “You are mistaken, Mr, Farley, for the Gov- ernment agheng hy buccaneer craft and ber armament, and Noel already has received the __prize-money, a very handsome sum, too, and we | kout, a favorite Ethel, I am glad to find you’ ap ‘ The Silver Ship. * Sacrifice yourself, Ethel Stanwood?’ asked the merchant, in an injured tune, ‘*So I said, Mr. Farley, and 11 certainly would be a sacrifice, for you are, I believe, two years the senior of my mother, and I do not love you in the slightest degree.” “Tam but forty-four, Ethel, and ladies have said not an ill-shapen or ill-favored man. “T am a gentleman, possess an education, and certainly possess a very mor fortune, and I tell you, now, girl, that I will have no nonsense about your love talk and all that, for you must become my wife.” “Sir! Mr, Farley!” ** Ob, it will not do for you to draw yourself up and put on airs, for I can lower your proud head, did but make known the ‘secret, about your father’s financial transactions, which I have shielded from tbe world. **T love you, and I say you must be my wife, and you shall kiss me now to seal the pledge be- tween us,” The love-mad fool, as he spoke, sprung for- ward to grasp her in his arms, when a form, unseen approaching before by either himself or Ethel, leaped forward with an angry cry, and, seizing the insulter by the throat, burled him to the ground with a force that was terrible, ‘‘Oh, brother, you have killed bim!” cried Ethel, in terror. ‘* He dared to attempt to pollute your lips with a kiss— Ha! I believe I have killed him, for bis head struck that rock.” ‘* My God! he is all-powerful, and you will be shown no mercy, * Fly, Noel, fly for your life!” and Pearl Re- vere, who had heard and seen all from a short distance away, rushed up and grasped his arm, “Yes, brother, fly, or they will bang you!” pleaded Ethel, ‘* But why should I fly, for daring to resentan insult to zs sister?” ‘He is all-vowerful in his infiuence with the British, anc you are an American, so go, 1 im- lore you, for see, he surely is dead—go if you ove me, Noel,” cried Ethel, pleadingly. The young sailor started at h-r earnest words, and then bent over the\ prostrate, motionless form. ‘ ‘* His head struck this rock, and I believe he is ead, ‘*T will go, Pearl, as you ask it, and also Ethel, and I am all ready to sail at once as skip- per of yonder merges which I have shipped on to take to’ Monte Video for the Government there, “‘T can sail at once; but do I go, Pearl, with the pledge that I may claim your heart now, and your hand in the future?” * Yes, gladly, but oh, Noel, go now, and at once,” ‘* And this man’s body?” pe will see to that after your vessel sails— ! “i. took her in his arms and kiesed her fare- well, and then bis sister, and with a farewell left for his mother with Ethel, strode toward the cottage, a his traps and went rapidly down toward the town, " The two maidens drew apart from the form of the merchant, and there stood trembling and ort until they saw a shore boat put off for the rque, which at once let fall her sails, got up her anchor and started seaward, They watched her until sho had swept by Castle Island, and was heading for the channel that would carry her near Nick’s Mate, where she would have a fair, stiff breeze right out to sea ( Then they turned to face the ordeal before them, and report the death of the popular mer- chant, Frank Farley, at the hands of Noel Stan- wood, who was already beyond pursuit, and chance of capture, they devoutly hoped. CHAPTER XVII OVERMATCHED, ‘Ou, PEARL, what a terrible — for poor brother Noel, to have to fly fur bis life: ‘*But we must do our fe 8 said Ethel, as she turned to her friend, when the swiftly- flying barque, bearing the fugitive, was seen to be going rapidly away from all pursuit, ‘Yes, we must do our duty, Etbel, now that Noel is gone. “The man deserved severe punishment, for his insult to you, but Noel meant not to kill him; but he is so strong that, in bis anger, he burled bim from him more violently than he ia- tended, | \ **T shall go and tell my father all, and have him report it to the authorities, whnlo Bennett can remain with the body until it is sent for, “ Tt is terrible, Ethel, but then Noel is safe.” «Yes, and but for you, Pearl, he would never have gone.” . “JT am glad to feél that he did so for my sake; but it was fortunate that be was given com- ‘*Oh, Pearl! see there!” But Pear!’s eyes were already upon the object at which Ethel gazed with staring eyes. And certainly it was nota pleasaut sight for maidens’ eyes, @ pallid face, the hue of a corpse, rendered even more ghastly by the blood-stains upon it, and the form of Frank Farley in a sit- ting posture, gazing upon them with wonder- ing eyes, a dazed expression in fact. For over an hour he had lain there, while they watched the flight of Noel Stanwood. The blow bai been a severe one, where his head had struck the edge of arock, and completely stunned him, But it had cut the scalp to the bone, and the bleeding bad revived him, though very slowly. He rubbed his hands over bis head in a dazed kind of a way, and then over his face, and at last gathered strength enough to rise to a sitting osture, 4 He seemed to have no definite aim at first, and so sat for a long while, until the bum of voices gradually fell upon his ears, and his eyes at length fell upon the forms of the two girls stand- ing sixty feet away from him, He attempted to rise, but was too weak, and so sat-for some time regarding them, while reason came back and he recalled the scene in which he had been lately an actor, ** Ah! he gave me that blow, and it well-nigh ended my life, ‘* He shall suffer for that, so he shall,” Just then the eyesof Ethel Stanwood fell upon him, and when Pearl saw him also she stepped qnickly forward, nerved to some hidden pur- ose. sar Mr. Farley, Tam glad to see that you were not, as we all believed, killed by your fall. ** Knowing your influence, and believing you to be dead, I urged Captain Stanwood to fly, as I felt that be would suffer the penalty should he remain, and he is the only support now of his poor mother and sister. ‘ ‘* He already had mehr he to depart, as captain of a barque purcha by a South American Government, so he is well out of reach, and you ean afford to be lenient in this affair.” ‘* He sought to kill me, Miss Revere; he struck: me with a stone, this is the gash, because £ honored bis sister by the offer of my hand. “But for me they would be paupers, Miss Revere.” “ Pardon me, sir, if [say that many people believe that but for you the Stanwoods would be very rich, as you are, while they are poor, ‘¢ As for Captain Stanwood striking you with a stone, it is false, for I stood yonder and heard and saw all, and he gave youa merited pun- ishment. ’ * Now cr struck your bead against that stone, in falling, anditstunned you, and cut that gash, which Ladvise you to have looked to as soon as possible, and I will send you to your bome in my carriage, which I see has just come forme, . i ** And more, Mr, Farley, it will look better for you 1o state thatin falling you cut your bead op a stone, than to report.about town that you were knocked down by Captain Stanwood for insulting his sister in a most shameful manner. “ Please remember that I witnessed the whole affair, and I will tell the truth if you deem it best to report that you owe your injury to Cap- tain Stanwood, **Do you not think my advice good, my dear Mr. Farley?” ree Ethel was fairly amazed at the spirit and coolness of Pearl, who faced the man with fear- lessness and gave him advice with the air of one who intended it sbould be followed. As for Frank Farley be was simply bewilder- ed at the bold stand of the young girl, ; Priuee Paul Revere was a man of more influ- ence in the land than res any otber American be could recall, and his bouse was the resort of the British officers of high rank, , He was rich, very rich, and it was a well- known fact that Pearl could have the title of “My Lady ® whenever she chose to select one of & dozen chances laid at ber feet.” Lf Pearl hinted that there were those who be- lieved be, Frank Farley, was suspected of de- frauding the Stanwoods, such rumors must be afioat, though they bad never reached bis ears, and did he report that Noel Stanwood had given: him bis injury, attempting to kill him, he knew that Pearl’s story of the affair would be taken against his own, and would reflect no credit upon bimself, a So it was that Frank Farley wisely decided to take Pearl's advice, and he said; itesnce ‘““My dear Miss Revere, 1 was wrong, and I made a fool of myself, and it seems that No Stanwood thongbt it worse than it was, and — coming up behind me, struck me, and so we will let it go at that.” PPR THEM “Not so, sir, for Captain Stanwood is no as- sassin to strike ataman’s back, a “* He came upon you to your face, and taking you by the throat, burled you from him, an you fel}, striking your bead on that rock,” aad | are fas aml poor, so I will not bavetodo| Ethel was about to say that she hoped soon, | she tes forth ber tiny foot and touched the rock, ; BERGE Sa hes Fi SR | Es | EA fot ne man ij back our home poor mamma, and a words, ie @ story bas to be told, si wit: S oat, Y for my brother,” , 4 ail ae | sail know the exact truth,” whe ieee AU ue r oy ° " .
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ad | ‘“**Tt need not be told, Miss Revere, as you do mot seem to wish it.” ‘* On, it is a matter of indifference to me, but for your sake I advise, as the truth will place ou in & very black light before your friends, Mr. Farley.’ “T can but reiterate, Miss Revere, that it need mot be referred to.” “Then, sir, ask the pardon of Miss Stanwood for your insult, and I will then call my coach- man to take you home.” Pearl was as haughty as a queen, and as firm as a rock, but the merchant said: , ‘**T Jo not consider that L insulted Miss Stan- wood, Miss Revere.” : ““Very well, sir, I shall report it to. my | father, who, in the absence of Captain Stan- wood, will feel it his duty tosend a friend to | you demanding—” ‘ “No, no, Miss Revere, I show my high regard for you by apologizing,” cried Frank Farley, who was well aware that Prince Paul had killed his mau in a duel, and was so superb a swords- | man he always, in a number of affairs of honor, would disarm his adversary, and was a man to be feared above all men. “The apology is not to me, sir, for were I in the situation of Miss Stanwood I would refuse to accept it; but ber heart is a forgiving one and she may do so.” ‘« Then [ sincerely beg Miss Ethel’s pardon,” said Farley, and it could be seen that it cut him to the quick to humble himself as Pearl forced him to do. Ethel simply bowed, while Pearl said: ‘* Now, Ethel, pray go and ask James to drive over here for Mr. Farley, who has been injured by a fall,” Ethel obeyed in silence, and as she walked away, Pearl said: “Mr. Farley, advice is not always acceptable, but I intend to offer it to you, and it is that you cease to persecute Miss Stanwood further. ‘*She does not love you, so accept no for an answer and do not by threats attempt to force her to marry you.” “You seem to be the devoted friend of Miss Stanwood, and yet urge her against the gaining of riches and a life of luxury for herself au oo ik a sbip for her brother, by marrying | me “Yes, for she would but sell herself to benefit | her mother and brother, neither of whom would | submit to the sacrifice of ber sweet young life to | you, Mr. Farley, a man old enough to be her father, not to consider other circumstances which a young and beautiful gir! would wish ina lover, “ @ man she hoped to marry. | “Pardon my frankness, but you force me to speak as I do, and let me add that Iam Miss Stanwood’ most devoted friend, for I owe it to © her brother that I was not torn to pieces by a savage dog when I was a little girl. | “ He threw himself upon the brute as he sprung at my throat, and in spite of being severely bit- ten held the animal until my nurse dragged me away to safety, and help came to the brave boy ual battle with the huge, fierce dog. “T shall never forget that day, Mr. Farley, | and shall defend the sister of the man who saved me from a fearful fate; but the carriage is here, | and my coachman will drive you to your bome, while permit me tosuggest that you pick up your | in his un surgeon on the way. ‘“James, Mr. Farley has received quite a severe injury, 80 drive bim to bis home in all haste, and stop for Doctor Andrews on your way. uf Then return here for me— Good evening, Mr, Farley, and accept my wishes for your speedy recovery,” Frank Farley bowed, but guashed bis teeth with rage as he entered the carriage and drove away. be That girl is a very devil! “ And once I thought of asking her to marry me, “And Ethel Stanwood is like’putty and I can mold her to my will—yes, and I will do so, for she shall yet become my wife,” and he leant hack | on the cusbions faint from loss of blood from the gash on the side of his bead. CHAPTER XVIIL A BOLD SWIMMER, Ir was impossible for Frank Farley to keep the secret of the affair with Noel Stanwood, for it leaked out to a friend and so went the words from lip to lip, until the ramor was that the young sailor had vip es to assassinate the wealthy merchant, and bad only been thwarted in bis murderous intention by the courage of the victim, who, for the sake their past friendship had s the culprit upon condition that he would at once set sail on a long voyage, Such was the rumor, and it went the rounds, while wher asked upon the i Frank Far- pt Mas shrugged bis shoulders and would Tt ‘I have nothing to say upon the subject!” Then Game the rumor that, in the nobleness of his heart, the merchant was really taking care of the wife and daughter of his old partner, merely for old friendsbip’s sake. | These rumors reached the ears of Pearl Revere, | thongh The Silver Ship. but she could do nothing to preventthem, other than wery frankly giving her views when the subject was under discussion, Farley bad been laid up with his gashed head for a couple of weeks, but then got about, and not te be set back by what had occurred, he coolly called upon Mrs, Stanwood and Ethel. But he took very good care to first find out that there was no visitor there answering to’ the name or Pear] Revere, He pretended to. be very humble after his of- fense and really made Mrs, Stanwood believe that be was siucere, for she had been told all, The clouds of coming war were gatbering in the borizon, and party feeling was beginning to run high, The king’s cruisers in. American waters were all kept on the ulert, and instead of a frigate, as was first intended, being sent to the far South and round into the Pacific on an extended cruise, the pirate senooner, Red Shark, altered into a brig, and her,name changed to simply that of Shark, and under a gallant commander, Cap- tain Carter Kane.she was sent on her mission, This was some two months after the flight of Noel Stanwood, so that it was known to several of the officers that rumors .of a serious uature 8 grog the young sailor were going the rounds of the town. There had also come a rumor into port of the mysterious carrying on at sea of tbe king’s Silver Sbip, and orders had been given to Cap- tain Kane to have a luokout kept for the weird craft on his voyage southward. The Shark, under her new rig, sailed even bet- | ter than she bad done ds a schooner, and made rapid progress south ward, ben near Abaco she met with an English sloop-of-war, and as it was a calm day the uffi- cers Visited each other and the story of the mys- tery of the sea was told to Captain Kane by men who had really seen»and chased the strange craft, the king’s Silver Ship, known as the Wind Witch, k “What did you make of her, captain?’ the commander of the Shark asked the officer in command of the sloop‘of-war, ‘“* Just the king’s yacht, and ne more, for I met Sir St, George Maybrick, who is a cousin of mine you may not know, at about this very locality on his way out after the silver, ‘‘He dined with me, for it was thatday, as bow. calm weather, and he told me bis plans, “To get a view of his beautiful craft, and also of the pirate, Belmont, whom he allowed the freedom of his vessel, I returned with bim on board for balf an hour, along with half a dozen of my officers.” ** And you saw Belmont?” “Yes, Kane, and I assure you he was a splendid-looking fellow and as courtly as a cavalier, ; : “Thad a talk with bimand he looked little like the blood-thirsty wretch he is painted.” * And the brig?” “Was the most perfect beauty I ever saw. “You know my sloop is fast, and when I left the brig, a fine breeze sprung up, just the kind my vessel does ber best in, and as 1 was comin | toward Cuba I tried speed with Sir George, an I assure you he seemed to run away from me as ne was drifting, and not a topsail did he se ‘* And you have seen him since?” “Kane, I have seen either the brig playing some bideous joke, or her phantom.” ; ‘“* This is remarkable, Captain Sylvester.” “Yes, and I hooted at the stories I heard of the craft from ‘different ‘vessels I spoke, until one day [ sighted her. **T gave chase and ran near, “Then she headed away and I fired several shots over her to come but without au effect, and T opened with a broadside, and wit the same result. **T spread upon thé sloop every stitch of can- vas she could catch a breath of wind with, and the brig, phantom or what you may call it glided away from me, “As night came on the crew cameaft ina body and said that they would not touch hand ‘to a sail if I kept in the specter’s way. “I yielded to their fears, for I was glad to do ** And what is your opinion, Sylvester?” “I don’t know; but Maybrick is io scamp to run off with the silver, nor a traitor to his king, and God only knows what to think about the accursed mystery.” After such a conversation Captain Kane re- turned to his vessel deeply impressed, and from the officers and men of the sloop-of-war his officers and crew had beard about thesame story, for there’ was hardly a man on the ves- sel that bad chased the Wind Witch but be- lieved that the real king’s yacht had met her doom, and her phantom only was sailing the seas. mea ! Some asserted that the buccaneor, Belmont, was a wizard, and that it was owing to him that the Wind Witch bad met her awful fate; but though they could vot solve the weird mys- tery, all were certainly impressed with the fact that the strange brig was cruising the ocean and at any minute might cross their path, and the thought caused the superstitious sailors to 11 / sbudder with dread at such a catastrophe being likely to occur, But the Shark, to the delight of her crew, and it may be said of her officers also, escaped fight- | ing the Wind Witch, and reached the coast of | Peru without-any particulariadventure, While at anchor in an obscure harbor on the Peruvian coast a form suddenly appeared over | the bulwarks of the brig, and the men. were startled half out of their wits, for uhey were nearly a mile off-shore, no hail had been heard, no boat had been seen near, ‘* Ahoy, mates, Il am only a man, and have swum off to have a talk with apes captain,” said the stranger, in a voice that was deep and commanding, “Its astrange way to board a king’s ship, sir, and if you’d gotten a bail from a musket’s muzzle it would have served you right,” said a lieutenant, stepping forward, **I could not have been hailed, sir, without being seen, though I saw you distinctly leaning over the bulwark. ** Will you allow me to see your captain?” “You are insolent! What is your business with him?” ‘That I shall make known to him, sir.” “What! do you dare address me thus?” ** Lieutenant Brule, I know you, and there is no need of a quarrel between us, for I came up- on a matter of deep and immediate import, “TIT am Captain Noel Stanwood, sir, of the American merchant service.” “The deuce! Now I know you, for we met quite often in Boston, when you were in society ; but since your downfall, you have not moved in the best of circles, ‘* What are you doing here, may I ask?” ‘* Will you take the responsibility, Sir Brad- wyn Brule, of refusing to permit me to see your captain?” ‘How do a know that Iam not captain?” **Because I saw Captain Kane:asbore in his boat this afternoon, sir.” “Come, Brule, what is this delay about, when aman has asked to see me, and swum off from the shore in these shark-infested waters fo do sof” aud Captain Kane, who bad gone forward, unknown to his lieutenant, spoke with a sternness that showed he bad overheard what had passed between the daring swimmer and the senior cer, ‘*It is Noel Stanwood, sir, a young man who was once known among the best people in Boston, but who is I believe now, a fugitive from justice for some crime,” was Sir Bradwyn Brule’s in- sulting remark, as he turned away without see- ing Noel Stanwood's sndden impulse, as quickly checked, to resent his words by a blow, CHAPTER XIX, THE SAILOR’S WARNING, “WELL, Mr. Stanwood, be seated, and let me give you a glass of brandy, for you look like one who bad passed through a brave ordeal,” said Captain ne in a kindly manner, as Noel Stanwood entered the cabin with him, stripped to the waist, barefooted and hatless, as he came out of the sea over the bulwarks of the brig. His face was wan, his eyes sunken and hea peered like a man who had suffered untold b ships, or through a severe illdess. ““T will take the brandy, sir, for I need it, and thank ‘you; but I baveno time to lose, for I have come to warn you of danger.” “Indeed! what:can it be that threatens here, and let meask you why I find you in this for- Saken land. and coming off to my vessel by swimming?” i “First let me tell you, sir, that you have ancbored in a harbor to which you doubtless came to fill your water-casks, but which is a nest of pirates,” : ** Ah! is that so?” “Tt is, sir, as I can prove if you will tell me if you lost a man overboard last night, when lay- ing. off the inlet for daylight to run in by?” “Yes, it was blowing hard, and one of my bést men fell from the yard into the sea, " I lowered the life-boat but saw nothing of ** Again, sir, letb me-ask if the pirate: chief whom | captured on this vessel did not escape from prison in Boston?’ “He didytwo weeks before we sailed, and a few nights before the day appointed for hanging him, “But how in the natne of Neptune did you know it, and also about the loss of my man overhoard last night?’ “ Because, Captain Kane, that man did not fall overboard, but jumped. ~ ‘* The wind and tide were both from the sea, and be readily reached the shore,” **Impossible, for we were a mile or more away.” : “You ere a mile from the nearest shore now, sir, and yet I swam off to you.” 4 a. that’s so; but the men’s motive.” ‘* Did he not suggest that you come here for water?” ; : ‘* In truth he is the very man ‘that did, for he said be bad often come here on other vessels,” “Captain Kane, that pretended sailor wags none other than Captain Crimson the pirate,” ** Impossible!”
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12 *T vouch for the truth of what I say, sir. ** He escaped from prison in Boston, and, with his beard shaved off, and in sailor garb went boldly on board your vessel and shipped as a common seaman, * He suggested this plaae where you could get splendid water, and deserted last night, swam ashore and went to his old rendezvous, which is @ pirates’ nest, ** He found here three small vessels and their crews, and arranged with them to seize his brig to-night, as he calls this craft. ** All told he raised over a hundred men, and they are to come out in a lugger, pretending to be a Peruvian trader, and when tacking near ps to lay you aboard and carry the brig; and ,as he told his fellows, you hava but sixty men, he can do it, especial y as it will be a sur- prise, a complete one, “That is just wnat it would be, but for you Mr. Stanwood, and the fellow is right, for t have but sixty men, and several of them are sick, ‘*T lost three men overboard in a storm, two deserted in Rio, and five died of fover. * But you astound me, and I know not how to thank you. ** Come, tell me all you know of the plot, and my officers must hear it, so as to at once prepare to counterplot against them fellows,” The officers were called into the cabin, and Captain Kane presented Stanwood, to several of opr he was already known, and they heard is story, ‘May Stanwood not have some motive, Ca tain Kane, in coming off with this story, to gain a pardon for a pretended warning of danger, so that he can return to the Colonies with you?” “Sir Bradwyn Brule, you will please keep such comments to yourself, sir,” said Captain Kane sternly, while Noel Stanwood remarked: * Lieutenant Brule is welcome to bis opinion, sir, regarding me, and if not complimentary it but reflects mine of him. ‘ ‘* But I came off here, at the risk of my life to save this vessel] from an attack I know will be made by midnight, and you will have to beat off crew a hundred as bloodthirsty wretches as ever boarded a deck, and Captain Crimson gained hisname from never showing quarter, ** As to my leaving Boston under a cloud, I do not deny it, and Icame to South America in command of a vessel I ——_ out to the Gov- ernment and from my landing, misfortune has claimed me for ita own, ‘*T was wounded and robbed in Monte Video, and shipped on a vessel bound for Rio, **The craft was captured by Peruvian pirates, and to save my life I joined the crew several ‘weeks ago, and put into this barbor with them, which as I said is a retreat for outlaws, ‘* T was taken ill, and have been in my bunk for days, and so heard the talk of Captain Crimson’s escape from prison, ther. from your brig, and the whole plot to attack your vessel to-night, ‘The craft Iwas on layin a lagoon, and I slipped out of tke py reached the shore and came alongit untill saw your lights, when I swam off to warn you, ** When my words have proven true, sir, I am ready tosbip as a common seaman on the brig, and thus work my way hack to Boston.” ‘*No, Mr. Stanwood, you shall return as my guest, and you will soon look yourself once more.” “{ will only return sir, as 4 seaman, accept- ing no hospitality, Captain Kane, though [ well know how generously you offer it; bat do not delay, sir, in preparing to resist attack, for you have notany too much timé,” ‘““Mr. Stanwood, my boatswain died yester- day of fever, and as Ihave heard “ow ability as a sailor, I beg you to take his he “Yon will oblige me in this, I know.” *Gladly, sir.” ‘“‘ But are you strong enough now?” “Oh, yes, sir, and may I suggest that you fight the Devil with fire, or throw your grapnels the moment he boards, so he cannot run away. and deliver a broadside and musket volleys to- erage all double-shotted, for your success will in the surprise you give them.” er You are right, sir, and I will follow your ad- vice. ‘*Gentlemen, please remember that Mr. Stan- ‘wood is boatswain of the brig,” and going into his state-room Ca Kane bade the young sail- or follow him and soon fitted him out with cloth- ing, shoes and a hat. i. the mean time, Sir Bradwyn Brule, who was really a fine officer, had come on deck and pre- pared the brig for the ordeal through which it was to , though he sneeringly said to bis brother officers that he did not expect any at- tack, and it was a plot of Stanwood’s to get back home in the Shark, and have the credit of bav- ing warned Captain Kane of what was only a pretended danger. Hardly bad Sir Bradwyn said as much to Lieu- tenant Caspar Caldwell and other officers group- ed near, when Noel Stanwood, who was aft gaz- ing over the taffrail, said in a low voice, but per- Tectly distinct: “Sail ho! Captain Crimson and his pirates are coming, and this isto bea fight with no mercy shown,” ' The Silver Ship. CHAPTER XX. A RED CARNIVAL OF COMBAT. ALL upon the brig were now in watchful sus- pense, and prepared for the coming of the pi- rates ates. Even Sir Bradwyn Brule felt that he might be mistaken in the reason of Stanwood’s coming on board the brig, and prepared bis men for che conflict which it now seemed must occur, The cannon bad all been double-shotted on both broadsides, the charges being of grape and can- ister to do the greater damage to life, so that whichever side the foe cams he would feel the force of the guns, Then, too, the muskets had all been double charged with bullets and buckshot, and the pis- tols, too, while the cutlasses and boarding-pikes were ready at hand, The men were crouching down behind a can- vasrun between the guns, and upon the deck only several forms were visible, an officer on his post and the watch amidships and forward. To any one coming near, the brig seemed as though ber crew were asleep below, The craft beating out was seen to bea large, lubberly-looking coaster, but those on the brig well knew that just such craft were fleet sailers, carrying a great deal of canvas, and that they were most dangerous foes, The vessel came along on short tacks, beating out of the land-locked bay, which bad a narrow channel running into 1t; though a deep one. The bay was about four square miles in space, and the brig was anchored a mile off-shore, in front of one of the lagoons that flowed into it, and where Captain Kane had landed during the day. He had found there a wretched-looking hamlet of fishermen, but had never suspected tbat they were pirates. Nearer and nearer came the lugger, and soon she started upon a tack’ that would bring her right under the stern of the brig if she held her course,” It was now seen that it was her intention to board upon the starboard side, sailing so as to appear to pass close under the stern, and sud- denly luff up sharpand glide alongside of the vessel-of- war. The grapnel-throwers. were then ‘ordered to take their stands, and the men with muskets took position on the opposite side of the brig, while the gunners of the starboard battery ee down among their pieces with all ready to fire, On came the lugger, and Noel Stanwood, who — in the companionway with Captain Kane, said: ‘«-You can see the dark mass on the decks, sir, that looks like freight?” “Yes, but I have an idea that it is mon bud- dled together, Stan wood. “You are right, sir, and if the gunners and musketeers ‘know that they bave a very large force to cut, down, and where to point their guns, the first fire will do the most good,” “You are right, Stanwood, so go along the ship and point this fact out. to the officers in command,” said the captain, and Noel Stanwood obeyed. The officers to a man received the information politely with one exception, Sir Bradwyn Brule, who asked haughtily: mare this come from the captain, or your- se ‘* I said, sir, that Captain Kane sent me to instruct you as to how the pirates were grouped upon their craft, and for you toaim your guns at the mass of them to do all. the damage possi- ble at the first fire, for, Lieutenant Brule, if f mistake not there are.two hundred men on yon- der lugger, more than I believed they could rin f. “*T did not ask for your opinvion, sir,” was the haughty response, and Noel Stanwood went on his way along the deck, while the junior lieu- tenant, Lord Erskine Enders said somewhat sternly: ‘* T think, Brule, you are too severe on a man to whom, if we beat back that pirate horde, you will owe your life,” “How are you interested in the fellow, my lord, may I ask?” returned Sir Bradwyn, “Simply upon the pies of humanity and de- cency,” was the cool rejoinder, and then he ‘*What the man’s crime was that caused him to leave Boston Ido not know; but I have been told tbat he was once rich, and a gentle- man he cay by all, coming from an old Ameri- can family, ‘* His risking his life to swim out to this brig shows true manhood, and I honor him greatly for his noble deed for others,” ‘The pirates are not beaten off yet, my lord, and it may be found tbat after all the fellow is in league with them, a spy, and has gulled the captain intotrusting bim.” ‘That is unworthy of Brule,” was the hot reply o ders, and be turned away, Sir Bradwyn was a poor haronet, with little else than his pay, for his incoma was small, Generally in debt. he always found it con- venient to pay off his liabilities when pressing, by borrowing from his friend and brother offi- cer, who was the descendant of an old family ou, Sir Bradwyn Lord Erskine En- pen Diner ear? ROSE Sane iene ore Sinise ee ee eee eee sees a ee oe ee eee eee ee i eee ene ee ae aa oe eee SN i-a noted in English history, and very rich, with a very large income. Lord Erskine loaned ungrudgingly, and then held Sir Bradwyn’s I, O, O's for quite a large sum; but that was no reason that Lord Erskine spoke hotly to his senior officer, for he had a way of speaking out frankly when he deemed a man going wrong, for he was the soul of honor himself, He was the most popular man on board the brig, and a perfect sailor as well, with a cool head and undaunted nerve. But Sir Bradwyn bad no desire to ruffle the and the matter was dropped, as the newly-ap- pointed boatswain, the cause of the controversy, passed back to rejoin the captain, who bad bid- den him remain with him during the action. Noel Stanwood had been given a couple of double-barreled pistols and a cutlass, and was ready for the fray when he returned to the cap- tain’s side. ‘* All ready, sir, and the lugger is almost upon er. “* Would it not be well to hail, sir?” * Will they understand you?” ** Tn Spanish, yes, sir.” ‘* Do so, and note the result.” “That voice bas a splendid ring to it,” said Lord Erskine to Lieutenant Caldwell, as Stan- wood hailed in Spanish: ‘* Ho, the goleta ahoy !” “Ojo la brigatina, ho!” came back in a slee y ey baie ies ie ‘ Keep off a couple 0 nts, or you'll brus' the paiut off of non a oe 4 “ Si, Senor el Capitan,” was the auswer, and immediately the bows swept up into the wind and ante lugger glided up to the starboard side of the brig. “Throw grapnels!’ shouted Captain Kane through his trumpet, and with a sharp, short cheer from the British crew, the grapnels were thrown, and the goleta was checked witha shock and held fast, “ At your guns—fire!” The command of Captain Kane was answered by the roar of the five broadside guns, turned upon the crowded heap of humanity, and at once came the order: “ Attention, marines—fire!” The volley of musket-balls tore into the living, struggling, cersing mass of pirates, and the exe- cution was appalling. So rapidly had the grapnels been thrown, the broadside fired, and the rattle of musketry fol- lowed, that not a minute bad ela , and the pirates, when preparing to board with a rush, were completely dazed with surprise. Their bulwarks were torn into splinters by the grape and canister, their decks gashed, and the iron and leaden hail bad cut down in killed and wounded one-third of their number, But all on the brig at once saw the virtue of that first fire and surprise, for the pirates wefe three to one against m. Another volley of musketry, and a second dis- charge of the broadside helped matters greatly for the brig’s crew, and then, as the pirates were huddled for boarding, a form sprung upon the bulwarks, and firing his pistol into the crowd of buccaneers, called out: . “* Boarders, follow me!” It was Lord Erskine Enders, and by kis side was Noel Stanwood, In fact the latter had sprung to theside of the lieutenant and said, hastily: “Will you lead the boarders, sir, for it would not look well for me to do so, and these pirates must be beaten at theif own game?” ** You are right, sir!’ and Lord Erskine led the charge, and Stanwood leaped upon the goleta’s deck by bis side, and the swing of bis cutlass sent a burly buccaneer to his last ac- count, 1) The crew of the brig were quick to follow their lieutenant, and under the rush the pirates were sent backward pell-mell. But Captain Crimson rallied them, and a vol- Jey of shots brought down some dozen gallant tars, dead and wounded, and, for a moment, a'l looked black for the brig’s men, for the cutlaws saw that their force was still superior, and they, in turn, became the assailants. Then came the order in the same voice that hod so tbhri:Jed the men when it was beard hail- ing the goleta ; ** Men of the brig, draw your guns in and turn them upon the stern of the goleta! fire through your bulwarks and. theirs!” A cheer answered the hail, for the new idea of firing threugh the bulwarks, as they could do po damage fired through the ports, except to their own men, sbowed that all realized the worth of the new boatswain as a leader in the fight. The roar of the guns and tearing of timbers followed, and was fearful, and the decks of the qoleta astern, where the pirates were eortns for a rush vo the crew of the Shark, who h their decks forward were swept by splinters and a hail of iron that laid a score of men dead. Then were heard cries for mercy from the plunging of others into the sea, and. more slip; over the stern into a Ll barge towing there and pulled away in the > nese, goose that laid the golden egg,so made noreply, — | : |
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— A) . u _ the greater number of them would doubtless Shots followed them, buashey held on and soon disappeared, and Ceptain Kane glanced over his prize and prisoners, and said: ‘* My God! what a scsne of carnage! “‘ Stanwood, we owe onr lives and the saving of the brig to you!” CHAPTER XXI. THE INSULT. THE combat had almost been throughout with- out mercy. The British tars well kuew that they would be shown no quarter had they appealed for it, and so they pressed their foes relentlessly. Toe pirates’ loss was terrible, aud deed men jay upon the decks of the brig, where a few had boarded to meet instant death, while the goleta was a perfect wreck, with savage-faced pirates lying motionless, others in the last dying gasp; and a few groaning, carsing or praying jn their anguish, The last shots of the brig had torn her bulwarks to atoms, as the guns had been pointed right up against them, and thus sent a hurtling mass of wood and splinters along with the iron hail, But they had been the shots that had saved the cruiser, and even Sir Bradwyn Brule recog- nized this fact, and was gracious enough to say to the new boatswain: “ That was a novel idea of yours, my man, and showed thought and nerve in action. “ Had you been reared in the Royal Navy you might have had hope of becoming a great cap- tain some day.” Stanwood made no reply but Lord Erskine beard the words and replied for him with: “That does not follow, Brule, for you have been fifteen years in the Royal Navy, and I have never seen your name on the list of heroes yet; but you are young yet,” and Lord Erskine felt that Brule deserved the shot he gave him, for his pretended praise of the boatswain was but an insult disguised under a compliment. “T must manage to pay Enders the money I owe him, sol can resent his words, for he seems awful bitter of late,” muttered Lieu- tenant Brule, and yet he knew that not a word other than kindness had Lord Erskine ever ut- tered to him before, and then only because he had acted in such an unmanly manner to- ward Stanwood, while he and the other officers had thanked the young sailor for all he had done to save them from the clutches of the pirates, } It was certain that Captain Crimson had es- — and with him some forty men in the arge, As many more had sprung into the sea, and reach the sbore, as they were splendid swim- mers, those Peruvian Coast men, The remainder of the force had either drowned, or lay dead, dying or prisoners upon the decks of the goleta and brig. But the new boatswain set to work witha will, and soon had the —. decks cleared, while the half-dozen unburt pirates were put in irons and sent below. The wounded were turned over to the surgeon, save the dying, and the dead placed upon their vessel, which, of little use, was anchored a short distance away from the Shark, “J can point out to you the location of their retreat, sir, if you wish to turn your guns upon them, while, if you will pardon the suggestion, it would be well to send a couple of boats ashore, with howitzers in the bows, to continue the at- tack after the bombardment ceases.” “Well saii, Boatswain Stanwood, and I'll act upon your st agg sae Captain Kane. and pave nee of the brig were at once pointed shoreward, and opened fire. Shouts from the shore revealed the fact that Stanwood had directed the aim well, and in the mean tire, with the Foote sailor as pilot in Lord Erskine’s boat, for he went in command, the party started ashore. Just as the firing of the schooner ceased the two boats had entered the lagoon, and the how- itzers mounted in the bows kept up the attack, Then, with cheers the tars landed in pursuit of the flying pirates and their houses were set on fire, their half-dozen small vessels burned, ard when day dawned the brig’s crew had completed their grand victory. Upon the return of the boats the prisoners who —— to try and worry the boatr-rain in a oe different ways. : De ge Si to find pleasure in tormentin n, and when neither Captain Kane or ! ne were on deck. ‘a sufferer at the hands of the senior officer have seen her in folding bis arms, awaited the comin Stanwood was sure to be } The Silver Ship. The men noticed it and were very angry, and the younger officers saw that the senior was using | petty spite against the boatswain, yet they dared not say anything. Lord’ Erskine also noticed the fact, and bad become very cool in his treatment of the offend- ing lieutenant. One day the brig was becalmed, a day out of port, and Lieutenant Brule brought his desk on deck and was looking over some old letters, doubtless from his many lady-loves. Presently he picked upa miniature setin a | frame of velvet, fastened with a gold clasp. “T never showed i the miniature. ‘No, and how beautiful the face; it is perfect, and I could love one like that. “ Ts it not beautiful, Lord Erskine, for I sup- I can show it to my lord, Sir Bradwyn?” ‘** Oh, certainly.” * Yes, she is beautiful, indeed, and I believe I i ton, ** May I ask who she is?” ‘A lady to whom [ am engaged, and whose warm kisses of farewell yet linger on my coat Ho, b’osen, perhaps rd Erskine Enders the name of this fair maid?’ and Sir Bradwyn thrust the miniature before Noel Stanwood, who was just then busy with some | duty near, and of course beard all, you can tell my One glance at the miniature and his face be- came deadly white, He recognized a miniature which Pearl Re- vere had secretly given him a year before, and which be bad loaned to her to have one painted from it for her father, and in the haste of his de- parture from home had not gotten it back. ‘“Yes, Sir Bradwyn Brule, I know the lady well, sir, and to the words you first uttered re- garding her I fling the lie in your teeth!” said the youn sailor, in a voice that, though low, was painfully distinct in the utterance of every word, ag he thus insulted his superior before half a dozen of bis brother officers. All present were startled by the words of the sailor, who faced bis lieutenant calm and fearless in mien. “My God!” broke from the lips of Lord Erskine, who, at a glance, saw the fearful con- sequences of the act. s for Sir Bradwyn, he stood an instant like one struck a severe blow, and then, with a cry like a madman, Men fo sprung toward the sailor, out his sword and with the words: “You shall die for that!” But, ere Lord Erskine could interfere, Stan- wood had whipped out his sailor’s knife, turned the sword from his heart by a skillful parry, and seizing the weapon, wrenched it from the grasp of the officer, snapped the blade in twain, and cast the pieces into the sea, while he dealt his ae murderer a stinging slap upon the cheek, Lord Erskine could hardly restrain a ery of admiration at the quick work done; but be was officer of the deck, and said, sternly: “Boatswain Stanwood, I place you under arrest. Mr. Caldwell, send the sergeant of pron and a file of men to put this man in rons. ‘Thank you, my lord, for so promptly taking the proper steps to punish this mutineer, who of course will hang for his act,” said Sir Bradwyn, As for Stanwood, he saluted politety, a0, of the marines, and held forth his hands for the irons when the sergeant stepped toward him, “There he goes to his death, for that act bangs him, thank God!” uttered Sir Bradwyn, with malicious joy. “ Pardon me, Sir Bradwyn Brule, but you are too hasty in your conclusions, for Stanwood is not a king’s man, heing simply acting boat- swain atthe request of Captain Kane, so he can not be tried as a mutineer, The fact that he is a gentleman, and one who has rendered us all incalculable service, is to his credit, while the words you ad to him, and which be quickly vailed as a lie, and bis disarming you when you attacked him, and his slapping your face severely, all make your grievance merely 4 personal one—not an official one.” ‘Then you, sir, side with the mutineer?” “T state facts, Brule, and Captain Kane will be as plain in bis statement of thecase. Our brother officers here witnessed the affair, as did the men, and a glance will show you that some very ugly looks are cast in this direction. ‘*Tam your friend, Sir Bradwyn, if you will let me be; but I will not uphold any man in what my own manhood tells me isa wrong act,” Lord Erskine spoke earnestly, and a glance showed to Sir Bradwyn that the other officers a the young nobleman did. ut he said with a sneer: tut “T can hardly treasure such friendship, Lord Erskine, that sides with my enemy.” ‘ “T would not side with my own father in what I deemed wrong; but, as you please, sir,” and Lord Erskine began to coolly pace the deck, while Sir Bradwyn went into the cabin to make his report to Captain Kane, When eight bells struck, and Lieutenant Cald- took the deck, Erskine sent for Sir -' Bradwyn to accompany him to Captain Kane, ou my bright particular | will assure me upon his honor that his star, did I, Caldwell?’ he asked, as he held up | send Mr. Stanwood appoint a seaman as boatswain, for from this on Mr. Stanwood is the guest of this ship, and in doing asI do, Sir Bradwyn,I only act as duty dictates, whereas, if the gentleman you have taken numercus occasions to humble, as I have observed, were, in reality an enlisted seaman in his Majesty’s service, guilty of what he has been, it would be my very painful duty to order bim shot within the hour. Brule arose and utes after Stanwood entered and was asked to be seated by Captain Kane, whose face was stern and an angry light flashing in his eyes. | 18 eee ae where he would make his report of the unfor- tunate affair. ‘‘] have asked Sir Bradwyn Brule to be pres- ent, Captain Kane, as I wish to make no cha behind his back that 1 would not make to face, ‘You have doubtless heard his report, sir, and I desire to offer mine,” ‘Pray do so, Lieutenant Enders.” The report was made, just as it occurred, with the words: — “T deeply regret the affair sir, bat I must say that I judge Sir Bradwyn harshly, unless he } app to Stanwood was uot intentional, because he knew that the sailor was a friend of the lady in ques. tion.” ‘Did you know such to be the case, Sir Brad- wyn?” asked Captain Kane, ‘‘T met him in her company once, sir,” wag the reply. “Then you expected your words to burt the man when you handed him the miniature?” ‘** 4s Lord Erskine seems to put me on honor, I will say that I did expect the man to do some act, or utter some word that would be punish- able,” ‘‘Lieutenant Brule, Mr, Stanwood is simply acting as boatswain on this vessel, and had he not refused to accept the hospitality of my cabin, would have been my guest, “Neither I, nor the king, have any legal claim upon him other than through courtesy, and I wish you to go tenant Caldwell tha Mr, Stanwood at once relieved of his irons, though you did your duty, my lord, in ordering him under arrest as you did, upon deck and tell Lieu- t my orders are to have “ Say, sir, to Lieutenant Caldwell, that he is to to my cabin, and at once ‘“You have beard, my orders, Lieutenant Brule.” Gritting his teeth with rage, Sir Bradwyn left the cabin, and ten min- ~ CHAPTER XXIL AN AFFAIR OF HONOR, Srr BRaDWYN BRULE was completely non- plused by the stand taken by the captain, who had always been most friendly to bim. Jn fact a warm friendship existed between his own-and the Kane families, and he had expected the captain to side with him in the affair that had caused such a feeling on board the. ship, He had gone to his commander with his story, and had told him his version of the affair, rather treating it as though be was sorry he had not killed Stanwood and was a much-abused man, He knew tbat Captain Kane would be just if the heavens fell, and he was puzzled that he raade no comment other than to say: “J will hear the report of the officer of the deck, Lieutenant Brule, before I make myde- , cision.” This decision was against him, and it was with bitterness in his heart that he had to go and deliver the order to the officer of the deck to release Stanwood from irons, “Ts bard, is it not, Caldwell?” “ Under the circumstances, Sir Bradwyn, it is all that could be done, and I agreed with Lord Erskine, that you dragged the boatswain into the effair from some reason of your own.” * T told the captain that I expected Stanwood would say, or do sometbing to give me a chance to humble him, but I confess he was too quick for me, and his grip is an iron one,” “You bave cause for spite against him, then? |. “Well, I don’t mind telling you, Caldwell, that I have. ane ‘The truth is I am not engaged to the lady in question, for she refused me. _“ The deuce she did!” “Fact, I assure you, and isn’t it strange?” ery, for I thought you were a clever fell in winning the fair sex.” : “ Egad, and I am; but she refused me.” “But gave you her miniature?” - “No, f was eSCO her one evening to call m a friend, to whom she was : the miniature, and it was Stanwood’s sister, | had been borrowed for the pur, of havin one | d from it, I believe. ; vasa saute aioay Poe a h min my poci I of i cht of leaving it. “T escorted the lady home, and she again re- fused my heart and hand, and I left in a “Upon going to my q know, to sail in. has Dei Foot ou know, to sail in. and I was dome days otter. to find the vit watt stra Roe &
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14 “T believe that the lady loves the fellow Stanwood, and so causes me to lose a large for- tune, for she is very rich, and naturally £ hate him, you see; but there he is,” As Stanwood passed he saluted politely and , went on into the cabin, where Captain Kane, after bidding him be seated, said: **Mr, Stanwood, as you have not been entered “asa king’s seaman, and were serving as boat- “Swain simply to oblige me, and also, feeling that Jou acted under impulse, with just cause doubt- ess for anger, I have ordered your release, and, ‘relieving you from a ee beg that you be “my est on my vessel, back to the Colonies.” ; t thank you, Captain Kane, and until we ‘reach port will accept your kind hospitality; but I can readily get a berth there in some homeward bound craft.” 3 As you please, Mr, Stanwood, for you know ’ ‘And Stanwood, my dear fellow, don’t take it amiss if I ask you, with real friendship, to ac- cept a loan from me, for your needs,” said Lord Erskine, * As) frankly as you offer it, Lord Erskine, I accept it, upon condition you take an order from me for repayment upon my mother, in whose hands are my funds.” a dria if you wish it; but you better let it continue until some day we meet again.” ‘*T prefer to give you the order, my lord, and I sincerely thank you for the loan.” “You are more than welcome, I assure you, so name the sum.” «A hundred pounds, sir, will enable me to take passage for home, should I not get a berth. ‘‘Here, Mr, Stanwood, is the amount, and heartily glad am I to let you have it, and— Thank you, I’}l keep the order to present, unless youarrive before me, in which case come and see me, when our brig reaches port, for I do hate money transactions with ladies,” and Lord Erskine laughed. In the meanwhile Sir Bradwyn had been talk- ing to Lieutenant Caldwell, and when Lord Ers- kine came on deck and mentioned that Stan- wood was the captain’s guest, he said: “Then that settles it, my lord, for as Stan- wood has been made the equal of Captain Kane, as his guest, there is but one thing for me to ” “Yes, Brule, and what is that?” **T cannot take the lie and blow from a gen- ‘ tleman, you know,” ** Ab, yes, very true,” ** So T shall challenge Stanwood the hour we k * reach port.” h : “Tt does look as though you had to do so, Sir | Bradwyn,” ** Egad, I must, under the circumstances, * As a sailor, giving me the lie and a blow, I could only see to having him punished; but Cap- tain Kane has promoted Stanwood to the rank of a gentleman, so T must resent the insults and ‘ eall bim out and kill him,” ** Certainly.” ** Don’t you think so, too, Caldwell?” **T was in hopes the affair would end where it is,” a Caspar Caldwell, deprecatingly. “Tm ible, for I cannot wear the lie and a blow with honor to myself—eh, my Lord Enders?” _ Icould not,” was the quiet response, : bh '“Then [ shall call him out and run him Morea ho is the challenged party, Brule, h __ * As he is the challen rule, he may not select swords, and Headly wil for you know be he has been in’ the merchant marine, and not liks ourselves, a trained soldier, ** 4 pistol would even up the chances for him, ii you know,” + i ae ng ee! Ba cutlass as though he had swung one before; but he can select what he Ree pleases, for he shall meet me,” ‘ : : sabe the way, Brule, it strikes me that just ; rhe is under a cloud, I ‘believe, having, as [ : have heard, left Boston for some reason, so that ust waive the challenge,” said Lord Erskine, é now apelogs t revent a duel, as he feared Sir Bradwyn Bendy! ain and superb swordsman- vias ip against one who had not been reared to the eo) ghting man. what slash) sa eee “T shall waive that, and the man must meet , or [ shall panish him when he goes ashore.” You are tha judge, sir,” and Lork: Erskine ¥ sae Harned away, and just in time, as he re Knew, to avoid being asked to be the second of Sir Bradwyn in the affair of honor, ** Caldwell?” 7 “ tae “ Well, Sir Bradwyn,.” | Pea ou have always been a@ good = friend of ae How wish vou te. serre mie, for ean do ee but ono thing, now L Ca n. é } made Ki ths fellow Bian ood my equal.” 0. am Fahne dre ea Rohe cee a7 We wi ve in Callao in the mornin e - i oh ai Sta wilt" go } wi id, , n ; ore ao sand T wish ¥ to sock him out and carry | -, . as : > for . to m, . ¥ J ; . nt . ‘ ey dear C here can be no apology for o "Yea, lieutenant, T have alwayt' felb: Ree [ten The Silver Ship. ‘SE forgot for a minute ths cause, Sir Bradwyn, ** And you will do this for me?” ‘* Certainly, sir.” * And it must be kept from Captain Kane,, or, to protect his protege he will get to sea again, leaving him there,” **Of course I will say nothing of the affair. but Iam very sorry it happened, and wish it could be arranged without a duel.” ‘* Tt cannot be, and besides I am getting rust in these affairs, for [ have not been out sinee killed Kendrix in Jamaica.” ‘‘ 7 thought your affair with St.. Stephens. in Halifax was after that, sir?” ‘*Ah, yes, so it was, but that had quite es- capel my mind.” ‘* St. Stephens died afterward, I believe?’ “Yes, [ran him through the body, and he never recovered from the wound,” ‘Tt was about a lady, I believe?” ** ‘Yes, most of my affairs are about women, at know, and [ have had a number of them; ut men know my aim and the skill I with a sword, sv are shy of me of late years.” ‘* Yes, you are certainly dreaded: asa duelist, Sir Bradwyn, and I believe you never show mercy?” ** Never! I go to the field to kilf, or to be kill- ed, and make it a rule to spare no man, Pay if this fellow refuses tomeet me, Cald- we ‘Well, sir, you will have done your duty.” ‘Yes, and I half-believe that he will refuse for he knows somethiug of my skill, and one of the middies told me the men were discussing my fatality as a duelist the other night, and that won wood heard it all, so he may be frightened off. ‘* Perhaps, but he does not strike me as a man to be readily frightened, Sir Bradwyn.” ‘No, nor me; but we will see to-morrow—oh! there-comes a breeze, so we can reach VUallao to- morrow,” and. pleased with the prospect of an affair of honor, which would enable him to wipe out the stain of a double insult, Sir Brad- wyn Brule began to pace the deck with a posi- tive look of pleasure upon his countenance, wns \ CHAPTER XXIII \ THE CHALLENGE, : Tae brig Sbark arrived in Callao port the next morning, and after a farewell to Captain Kane and his officers, excepting Sir Bradwyn, Noel Stanwood went ashore, followed by a cheer from the crew. He found comfortable quarters, and managed to find at the store of a Portuguese Jew a suit, in which he at once attired himself. There was a British frigate in port, and she carried the ae see of a commodore, and the officers of the brig were most glad to find friends and a countryman there, and more, the Shark’s crew soon heard other stories told of that marvel of the sea, the Silver Ship, now firmly believed to be as thoroughly a ter craft as the Flying Dutchman fever was in the minds of the good sailors a century and more or ago, Basing bought his outfit, for it will be re- membered that he boarded the brig with the slimmest ofwardrobes, Noel Stanwood sought along - the shipping to see what craft he could find bomeward-bound, Day ‘The money advanced him "4 Lord Erskine made bim independent, so thatif hecould not get a berth as mate on some craft, he could buy a passage to some other port and thence home- vard, for he had decided to return and face the ordeal of his having, as he firmly believed, killed Frank Farley, Nota seaman had spoken of hearing of the affair, and he had not questioned any one of them, but the hints of Sir Bradwyn Brule that he bad left on account of a crime, bad ca him to feel that his deed was known tosome of the officers at least, That he had given the lie to Sir Bradwyn, had defended himself agninst attack, broken the officer’s sword and slapped hm sbarply on the side of the face, he did not regret, for be knew that the man had spoken falsel in saying that Pearl Revere was’ his prom wife and had kissed him good-by, ‘Still the thought of the assertion madé bim feel most uncomfortable, and he was anxious to return home, f - Rumors of war were also floating about, that the Colonies would resist the taxes forced upon them by the king, and take up arms to gain their rights, and he wished to be with his coun- trymen in the struggle, ‘He recalled how he had been wounded and robbed one night in Rio, and what hardsbips he had endured, since giving the barque over to the Sih gaye and he longed to once more see the dear ones at R So were his thoughts wanderin , when ke ‘strolled along the shore looking at hipr in port, and suddenly halted as he head his | name called. ; Turning he beheld Lord Erskine, and groeted bim eset ntly. thee “TY was looking for you, Mr, Stanwood, for that Lieutenant Casper Caldwell eame from the brig with a challenge for you,” 4 ‘ ae eee vt ‘must arrange with some of the junior “* Indeed, sir, and from Sir Bradwyn, I sup-- pose?” was the cool reply, and Lord Erskine: mentally observed: ‘‘They are mistaken if they think to frighten. this man.” “Yes, and as: you are a stranger here, I thought I would offer my services as a friend.” “You are more than kind to me, my lord,, and I appreciate all you are doing for me, 4 “Ts there no way to avoid this meeting?” ae ** Except to baek down,” Cy “You mean refuse to fight?” “* Exactly.” “‘ Well I cannot do that, for I gave thelie-to. Sir Bradwyn, and believe that he uttered one, in fact know that be did, and that be said what he did ey to provoke me to some act for: which 1 could: be punished, ‘* But for Captain Kane’s way of treating the matter I could bave been severely dealt with,, for I did do that which has hanged many a poor seaman.” ‘* You defended your life, and well too.” ** That was natural; but the slap 2 gave him I guess stings worse than _all—fortuuately I did not lose my temper, or I would have pitehed him into the:sea.” There was no braggadocio in the way in which this was.said, but simply the utterance of a man who kwew his own capabilities, and so Lord Erskine understood it, ~ YOu, in fact Cald- ‘* Well, he will challeage well. is looking for you now.’ * Let me save him extra trouble, with your / ““Certainly; but, as the challenged party will of course have choice of weapons, 3 “That is a matter of perfect’ indifference to me, my lord,” To ‘‘Ah! you understand the finer use of a pistol | hoa and sword then?” : aay “* Yes, sir.” “{ feared that you did not, as you had not been educated for a war-sbip or the army. ‘*My father was a superior swordsman anda — dead shot, and he considered that all gentlemen i seane be accomplished in that way, so taught Be F me, sir. “ T saw you handle a cutlass, but could not tell whether it was power or skill in your blows.” ‘Perhaps both, my lord; but yonder is Lieu- tenant Caldwell.” The latter saw them as they caught sight of him, and after exchanging greetings the lieu- tenant remarked: ‘* [have been to your quarters, Mr, Stanwood, for Tam tke bearer of an unpleasant message to ou. . ‘‘ Indeed, Lieutenant Caldwell, and may I ask its nature?” , ‘*T am commissioned by Sir Bradwyn Brule, y to demand that you meet him on the field of honor at your earliest convenience, and with what weapons you may deem. fit to select, and thus give him the chance to wipe out the insults you put upon him,” ‘lam wholly at the service of Sir Bradwyn Brule, Lieutenant Caldwell, if he will waive the tact tnat I have to fight him in a simple sailor suit, which will look odd when pitted against his brilliant uniform, ‘ ‘May I refer you to Lord Erskine as my friend, for I feel sure that one who has so be friended me in our short acquaintance, will not desert me now.” It was cleverly put to avoid allowing Caldwell to suppose Lord Erskine had told of the mission . of his lieutenant. , ae} ‘‘T shall be glad to serve you, Mr. Stanwood, Us for I have not forgotten that the debt I owe you aes is my life. ; “Tam also under the same indebtedness to Mr. Stanwood, so regret to have to serve his . enemy; but he understands my position, [ pes it hope.” a: Perfectly, sir,” ; Brey) Dee , “As I am to confer with you, my lord, let (as me ask what weapons are“the choice of your Hy ve friend?” SAR, - ‘“* May I suggest swords, Mr. Stanwocd, with a resort to pistols if a second meeting is demand- ed ran party?’ ry “ Certainly, anything suits me, my lord, so re please yourse}f and I am content,” ¢ a ‘*Swords then, Caldwell, with pistols in re- serve, and Mr, Stanwood can use my rapiers and dueling-pistols, which both you and Sir Bradwyn know well.” iis And the hour?” yt Sunset this day, on the beach yonder behind that old adobe cha ipel, or witbin its walls would be better perhaps. ‘*That is suitable as a place, and we will be there on time.” ; “ And we will not be late; but, Caldwell, we as eeting draws we three seniors away, and tain Kane is to dine with Commodore Tate is frigate.” ’ i" ; “Yes, sir, it will be Sir Bradwyn’s watch, but he has ‘already arranged with his iddy Se a Hammond, to wennbile wadok for age the howe ; this Ca on 7 ical Beseecd light old hoe | Noel Stanwood smiled and said quickly: aes * Yes, oy dean auch tend , sir, mee eo ONG
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The Silver Ship. out of the way,” and with a bow he passed on with Lord Erskine, who, having leave for the afternoon, did not return to the brig, but sent a message off to his servant to come ashore with ibis rapiers and dueling-pistols. Two hours after the two, Lord Erskine and ‘Noel Stanwood, stood in the ruins of the old adobe chapel, watching the sun as it neared the horizon, and waiting the coming of a boat that was visible pulling rapidly spy the shore to- ward the rendezvous appointed for the meeting of life and death. CHAPTER XXIV. THE MEETING IN THE RUINED CHAPEL, “THerRe are four officers in the boat, my lord,” said Stanwood, as he cast a quick glance at the four-oared boat coming along the shore. ‘*“You are right, Stanwood, four oarsmen, a ‘coxswain and four officers—yes, Sir Bradwyn Caldwell, and two officers from the frigate, for ‘know them, one being a Lieutenant Bonair, and the other the ship’s sa wbones,” The surgeon?” "Yes, and the boat in fact belongs to the fri- ‘gate, . ba This is wrong in Sir Bradwyn, for nothing was said of others, though these men are royal ood fellows; but Sir Bradwyn must not have fis way in this affair.” **Do not object upon my account, pray, for I have no objection to his friends,” was the cool ‘reply. **3f you do, I shall have them retire.” _ “* Mo, let them come, and in fact it may be just as well to have a surgeon, for I had not thought of that,” and Stanwood smiled in a way that encouraged Lord Erskine as to bis nerve not failing him at the presence of his adversary. The boat soon grounded upon the beach and the officers sprung ashore, and it was now seen that a midshipman from the frigate had also come along, but in the group in the stern-sheets had not becn noticed, Lord Erskine’s face flushed with anger, as he stepped forward, and saluting the party of five politely said: ‘Sir Bradwyn Brule, you have been in a suf- ficient number of affairs of this kind not to break the laws of the code by bringing’ friends to the field, and you may as well understand thai when Iam Mr, Stanwood’s second this duel is to be -condusted in the most proper manner,” “1 beg your pardon, Lord Erskine, but just as we were about to leave the brig, Lieutenant Bon- air and Surgeon Deas called upon me, while Midshipman Lumley came in charge of the boat, and I suggested that these gentlemen accompany ,us ashore, subject to your desire whether they remain or not, and Bonair extend- ed the courtesy of his boat, and Surgeon Deas of of his professional services, which perhaps your friend may be glad to avail himself of,” and there was a wicked smile upon the face of Brule at his significant hint as to Stanwood’s needing the surgeon’s aid. “Under the circumstances I accept your ex- planation, Sir Bradwyn Brule, and Bonair 1] ain lad tosee you, as also you, Surgeon Deas and ridshipman Lumley—permit me to present you to my esteemed friend, Captain Stanwood, of the American Merchant Marine Service, and to whose courage we owe the safety of our vessel and our lives.” The last words were a hit back at Brule, and we face flushed, for he understood that Lord rskine meant that the officers from the frigate should see that he was decidedly the friend of the American in the affair, ‘Stanwood met the officers pleasantly, with not a trace of nervousness, bowed smilingly to ‘Lieutenant Caldwell, and engaged Lieutenant Bonair in conversation, while the two seconds stepped apart_and arranged the preliminaries, and Surgeon Dean prepared bis case of instru- ments, which he had stopped by frigate to ure. ° ‘ “The crew of the boat looked on with interest, from an archway in the ruined chapel, and the middy called the coxswain to him and coolly offered to bet him his month’s pay against his, the coxswain’s, that one of the two duelists ‘would. be killed, but which one he would not swager upon. But, though flattered at the middy’s offer, the .coxswain remained on the safe side and did not accept the wager. ; “That American has Hi heaps of grit, cox- swaiu, and if be kas skill with it, the chances are that Sir Bradwyn will never be a captain.” “ Yos, sir, and he’s got the devil down deep in tai for all bis sweet smile and pleasant we ng to ftenant Bonair, sir,” replied “e cox- swain, The seconds now appeared, having arranged the renee an the hag per 3 mere ra 3 own rapier and one ‘Erskine’s, which Lieutenant Caldwell had brought from the brig. 7 Should Ff: fail to settle the affair to the sat- isfaction of the adversaries, then dueling-pistols *were to be used, and again Brule was to use his wn weapon, and Stanwood that of Sir Ers- Both sword and pistol bad served him well in otber affairs, Sir Bradwyn remar! ed to Sur- ‘ ‘*T gi Th P Sir B through speec ‘ Lh ea eerste Swit Le “ - 44. phy Pie by ty - ee Oe i: TCM ON A SO hae geon Deas, and in atone that he meant Stan- wood should hear, “When Iuse my own weapons fortune al- — favors me,” he added, with a confident smile, It was evident that Lord Erskine was getting angry with his brotber officer, but he could neither say or do aught then, so let it pass with the remark to Stanwood: ** He seeks to unnerve you; but he is a dan- gerous man with a blade, as 1 told you, and you must be on your guard.” “Thank you; but what a superb weapon,” and he glanced at the sword Lord Erskine placed in his hand with real admiration, «Yes, it is true and perfect—are you ready?” ‘* Yes, perfectly.” ‘“ What a charming fellow, Lord Erskine; it is a pity to see him pitted against such a terrible hand with the sword as Brule,” said Lieutenant Bonair, in a whisper. “Tt does’ not seem just fair, but we'll soon know, and if be disarms him, Brule must spare him, or he'll have me to fight,” was the low re- ply of Lord Erskine. Sir Bradwyn now had bis sword in hand, and felt of it like a man who loved it for the services it had rendered him, The two men now saluted, and like two light- ning flashes the blades came together with a clang that made the sparks fly. instantly Sir Bradwyn began to press his foe and show his splendiu play, but before a minute had passed the anxious look left the face of Lord Erskine, and Lieutenant Bonair whispered to the middy: “Youngster, the American is Brule’s match.” The confident face of the officer, his supercili- ous sinile, worn at the commencement, now be- gan to show signs of realizing that he had espised a foe who was his equal with a blade. In fact he soon began to feel bimself taxed to parry the blade of his adversary, and a moment oo began to give ground, his face livid with ury. As for Stauwood, he had known his wondrous powers, that those who had ever crossed blades with him bad told him he was a phenomenon with a blade, and his father, himself a master, had told him never to dread meeting any man with cutlass, short-sword or rapier. When he saw that his superior strength and endurance, in pm of his not being in form, was beginning to tell upon the lieutenant, Noel Stan- wood decided to quickly end the duel by show- ing that he had been playing with the man who bag expected to make him an easy prey to his skill. He saw that Brule meant to kill him, if he could, that if he allowed him the slightest van- tage he would run him through the heart, and to humble him he now began to drive bim back- ward, showing a skill that won the admiration and amazement of all present, and caused the coxswain to curse himself for not taking the middy’s bet, .f At last he sent the sword of his adversary flying upward into the air, and as it came down caught the hilt, turned the weapon quick- ly, and kanding it to his antagonist, suid, in the quietest manner possible: : ive you your sword with your life, Sir Bradwyn Brule, and permit me to add that you handle a weapon grandly.” “Qurse you! I want no compliments from you, sir, and as steel bas failed me, I will see what lead can do to avenge my dishonor at being disarmed by such as you.” e words were hissed forth savagely, and it could be seen taat they disgusted even the sea- men, while Lord Erskine said, sterhly: ‘Lieutenant Caldwell, I decline to let my friend, Mr, Stanwood, méet a man again who has just proven that be has no longer a claim to the title of a gentleman or the rank of a British officer.” , CHAPTER XXV. TWO SHOTS, “Great heavens, Enders, but you are cut- ting,” said Lieutenant Bonair at the words of Lord Erskine, who replied: . 4 “T mean just what I say, for Sir Bradw Brule, uvless he apologizes at once for his sulting words to my friend Mr, Stanwood, shall never again be trusted by me as a gentleman,” radwyn Brule saw at once how unmanly had been his words, but he meant to brave them | He was cut to the quick by the indignant. h of Lord Erskine, but he was bent upon bone the life of Noel Stanwood, and then he settle with the nobleman, whom he did not doubt but that he could disarm and give his life, thus regain his good will once more, “Tf I am forced to kill him, why it will be an eazy way to square my. indebtedness to him; but now for that fellow who is such a very devil with asword. sigs. . ‘*My God! that he should disarm me/* Such were the thoughts that flashed like tettoneg through his brain; but he said in his tter,cynicalway: “Lieutenant Caldwell, p guncrel ip not now t with this low- { ingen 8 bred American, I will be at his service for his insulting words to me. “At present we will get this matter with Sailor Stap wood off of our hands,” *T think, Sir Bradwyn, under the circum- | stances, that you can hardly expect Mr, Stan- ba to meet you, again,” Caspar Caldwell re- Dp. °. “Tt was our agreement, to try lead if steel failed us, sir.” ‘*It is as Mr, Stanwood pleases now, Lieuten- ant Brule,” returned Caldwell. Noel Stanwood had stood wholly unmoved, after having disarmed his adversary, and given him his sword with his life. But his eyes had flashed wickedly, all saw, at the insulting reception of his noble act, and the manner in which the officer had jerked the wea- pon from bis hand, At Lord Erskine’s sharp, rebuking retort to Sir Bradwyn Brule for his conduct he seemed about to speak, but checked himself and re- mained silent until Lieutenant Caldwell turned toward him, Then he said in a manner that seemed wholly indifferent; ' “As your friend seems to demand another meeting, Lieutenant Caldwell, I will waive the fact that he is no gentleman and grant it with real pleasure.” Brule gritted his teeth while Lord Erskine said sharply: ‘* No, Stanwood, I insist not.” “But I insist that Sir Bradwyn Brule be gratited,. was the low reply, and Lieutenant onair whispered to the surgeon: “The American intends to kill him now if he can,” “ He Seppnvae it, sir,” Surgeon Deas returned in the same low tone. “Tf the Yankee can; but no one man can handle two weapons with the skill he did the sword,” put in the middy, who gave a reproach- ful glance at the coxswain for not taking his wager, ** Do you hear, Caldwell, he insists,” cried Sir mt 4 “Sir Erskine, do you withdraw from your sition?” asked Caldwell, ek “I stand by my friend, Lieutenant Caldwell,” and with this he took bis pistols from their case. The weapons were loaded, that of Lord Ers- kine’s for Stanwood, Sir Bradwyn’s own wea- pon for himself, and the ground was paced off, ten paces being the distance. Caldwell won the toss for the word, and the principals were placed in position, Stanwood un- concerned, and Sir Bradwyn a picture of fiend- ish hatred, “Gentlemen, are you ready?’ came in the sharp voice of Lieutenant Caldwell, just as the sun touched the -horizon, and breaking through a cloud, shone through an arched window and fell upon Noel Stanwood, Lord Erskine would have stopped the duel had he dared, for the light upon him placed his prin- cipal at a terrible disadvantage, and all present, knowing Sir Bradwyn’s deadly aim, looked upon Stanwood’s calm face as though they were look- ing upon the face of the dead. : ir Bradwyn saw also his advantage, and a wicked smile curled his lips. Then came the other word, so fata) in is mean- ing, after a silence of a few seconds that were arog: ’ The pistols rose to a level, and the of one was pressed first, and the shot that followed worthless, for it was fired by a finger whose death clutch pulled the trigger. Without a word, a moan, only a wild look Sir Bradwyn Brule sunk dead in his tracks, and a small stain in the very center of his fore- head showed that the aim of the American was as marvelous as was bis swordsmanship, “fam sorry, Lord Erskine, but he forced me to kill bim! said Noel Stanwooa, and then he Selle Goris oe beet Ae Rn dead form as Surgeon Deas lai 8 er upon the pulseless wrist, ania: “ He is dead, sir,” said the surgeon in a whis- oe ” , Oh yes, I know that, sir,” was the reply, and Noel Stanwood gently unbuttoned the uniform coat and, drew from an inver pocket a velvet case, “ Lieutenant Caldwell, I claim this miniature at my alec ge for it i ae ahd tome by the y whom represents, and by some means, known only to this dead man, came into bis on “Bat, Mr. Stanwood, I cannot permit you—” be Sir, dare to touch this minature, and you shall answer to me this very minute!” ~The voice of Noel Stanwood rung out like bugle jae and Lord Erskine said quickly: “Caldwell, I know this to be the property of Mr. Stanwood, so will be responsible for ‘ing it. me Certainly, my lord, I do not doubt Mr, Stanwood for a moment, I deemed it my du to hold the miniature as Sir Bradwyn’s — ign bare he can kee LA. it is metry ‘hank you, sir,” and Stanwood coldly, and turning to Lord Hirekine anid are on ae with rage at this; stak- yyy? F cet oe
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16 The Silver Ship. “My lord, I thank you most sincerely for all your kindness to me, and I trust to meet you one of these days in Boston, “Should you arrive there before me, pray call upon my mother and sister, and tell them that you have seen me,” **T will certainly do so, Stanwood; but do you not wish me to accompany you up to the town?” ‘No, thank you,for I well know your duty calls you on board the brig, especially now that her first officer is no more, ‘*Good-by,” and with a grasp of the noble- man’s hand and raising his tarpaulin to the others present, Nocl Stanwood turned on his heel and walked away in the gatbering twilight. ‘That is a remarkable man, Erskine,” said Lieutenant Bonair. ‘‘ 4 remarkable man, indeed, Bonair, and I wish him every success,” was the reply. *{ think we shall soon see him again, for Captain Kane will not allow the death of Brule to pass quietly by,” Lieutenant Caldwell re- marked, ‘* When we have both made our report, Cald- well, I do not see how Captain Kane can inter- fere,” Lord Erskine rejoined. “Nor I,” added Lieutenant Bonair. ‘No, a fairer duel I never saw; but, gentle- men, the seamen have borne the body to the boat, and without hurrying you, I would say that alittle brandy and water will just pick us up nicely, after what we have seen,” said Surgeon Deas, and the middy muttered: ‘*That’s the bast prescription you ever gave, old Sawbones.” And then the party went to the boat, which at once — slowly away toward the brig, all saddened by what had occurred, except Mid- shipman Lumley, who was angry with the cox- swain for not having accepted his wager of a a" pay that one of the duelists would be CHAPTER XXVI. THE ARREST. DUELING was a very common affair a bun- dred years ago, and in fact until after the late civil war in the South, “ affairs of honor” were of frequent occurrence in the Southern States. The duel, therefore, between Sir Bradwyn Brule and Noel Stanwood, fought in a foreign land, would vot have attracted so much atten- tion, but for the fact that it had peculiar phases connected with it. Noel Stanwood was an American, of the mer- chant service, aud over whom, just exactly why, noone seemed to know, a cloud hung. It was the talk of his affair with Merchant Frank Farley according to the rumors which that individual had set afloat, that the officers of the brig had heard talked of, but they did not seem to recall more than the fact that Stanwood had been forced to fly from the coun- try. Then Sir Bradwyn was an officer of the Royal Navy, and bitterness between the British and Aniericans was beginning to be considered as a matter of course, Stanwood too had served on the brig, and while doing so had severely handl Sir Bradwyn, his superior officer, no matter what cause the latter had given for his act. Then a duel had followed and the Ameri- can had killed the British baronet and king’s officer. Such was the way it all went to Commodore Tate, and the old man was a martinet, and a weg severe man when aroused, e could not see Lord Erskine’s argument in favor of bis friend, for the nobleman went to the frigate to report the duel to Captain Kane. rr acid the body of Sir Bradwyn on board e brig. Lieutenant Bonair, Surgeon Deas and Mid- shipman Lnmley also reported how the whole affair occurred, and Lieutenant Caldwell was sent for to give his version as Sir Bradwyn’s Of course he was in e (gree prejudiced and said nothing in favor of Stanwood, yet also nothing against him, Tbe result was that the old commodore be- came very bitter in his denunciation of the “murderous Yankee” as he called him, and in spite of Captain Kane’s and Lord Erskiue’s eae for Stanwood, ordered Lieutenant nair to take a file of men ashore, arrest the American and take him on board the brig-of- war. Once there the captain was ordered to put him in irons and carry bim back to Boston, where the charges against him were to be “in- sulting, striking a superior officer, disarming him upon the quarter-deck and breaking his sword, throwing the pieces into the sea, after which he fought a duel with said officer and maliciously killed bim.” In vain did Cantain Kane aver that Stanwood was not an enlisted man on board the brig, but nr favoring him by serving for bim, The commodore w not hear to any excuse, and Lientenant Beaair was sent to obey the seta palnittrinees Angee iatitmatameianameetagte” ears tenant | orders given him and it was with reluctance that he did so, for he had come to admire Stan- wood as a splendid specimen of a man. In the mean time after hisduel, Stanwood had strolled on back into the town. He saw the lights from the ships glimmering on the harbor, and regretted that be was not again afloat, for he was a born sailor and loved the sea devotedly. Then be went up to the public house where he had gotten quarters, and had supper. But he had little desire to eat, for his thoughts were noue of the pleasantest. Again he walked out and began to glance over the harbor. Suddenly he saw a boat, coming shoreward, ‘*Tt?s a man-of-war’s boat from the stroke, ‘‘Doubtless from the frigate,” he said, and soon after the boat landed near where he stood, By the light of a battle lantern carried in the boat he recognized Lieutenant Bonair and called to him as he sprung ashore, determined to ask him to request Lord Erskine to visit him.on the morrow, as he had discovered that be could not sail from Callao for some weeks, ard knowing that the brig would reach Boston long before be did, he wished to send letters to bis mother and sister by the nobleman, So he step down to meet the lieutenant, who started slightly at seeing him, and said: “Ah, Captain Stanwood, you are the very man I am looking for.” / “Indeed, sir, and how can I serve you?” “Tl tell you, Stanwood, that I have gota damnably disagreeable duty to perform, but Old Yard-Arm, as we call our commodore, is asmad as a Turk at the duel this afternoon, sees only that you are to blame, and in spite of our warm defenders, Captaine Kane and Lord rskine, and my humble self, demands your in- stant arrest and that you be taken on board the brig and put in irons.” ‘Indeed! Commodore Tate certainly carries a very high and unjust hand in this act; but as I am powerless to resist, I submit, feeling for you, Lieutenant Bonair, in the disagreeable duty you have to perform, ‘*T am your prisoner, sir; but I would like to return to my quarters for my traps.” ‘Certainly, and I will accompany you, while a man can go along to bring your kit, ‘*Men, you remain bere, but coxswain, send a stout fellow along with me for Captain Stan- wood’s luggage.” Noel Stanwood appreciated the kindness of the lieutenant in not placing him under a guard, and the two walked away together, Half an hour after Stanwood went over the side of the brig and was conducted to the cabin, where Captain Kane was pacing to and fro, evidently deeply moved. ‘* My dear Stanwood, God knows I regret this affair more than I can express to you, while Lord Erskine went ashore to look you up and give you a chance to escape, but missing finding you, the warning could not be given. “Phe commodore takes the cruelest view of the duel, reflecting wholly upon you, and asserts that if you were acting as a warrant officer, you were in reality one, and so are guilty of mutiny. ‘*So he demands that I place you under ar- rest, and in irons, and I must obey, much as I et the painful duty.” ‘Captain Kane, I am here, sir, to accept the consequences of my act, and I hope that you will make no difference in my case, but do your duty wholly. “Tam nets sir, to be put in irons,” “ Well, lw Ul not place you below decks, and allow you what liberty I can, by confining you in the steerage officers’ quarters. ** But I fear that the commodore will severely pee your case, as he will be in Boston long fore our arrival, he having ordered me to cruise slowly through the West India waters, aging pomenares ‘*T must take the consequences, Captain Kane, be they what they may. “J am ready, sir,” and Noel Stanwood was led below and ironed to a bult in the floor of the small state-room assigned to him, and that the crew knew the situation and felt for him in bis position, was evidenced at onze by their kind- ness to him and words of sympathy, for the gal- lant tars bad sincerely bated Sir Bradwyn Brule, and his death had caused not a single regret forward of the steerage. The next day the brig sailed on her cruise, and Noel Stanwood found himself going back home in irons, accused of mutiny and murder upon the bigh seas. CHAPTER XXVII. UGLY RUMORS, Tue cloud of war hovering over America had burst at last, for a riot in New York, where the soldiers had been fought by the Colonists, and another scene of violence in Boston between the citizens and the British troops, bad kindled the fire of patriotism in the hearts of the Ameri- cans, which had soon after broken into a flame in the battles of Concord and Lexington. | Hk > Bunker Hill had been the scene of another desperate fight, which reflected giory upon the Colonists, though a victory for the British. Washington had been chosen commander of the American Army, and Lord Howe had been forced into a siege in the city of Boston, which city was no more than an armed camp, be American citizens who bad remained true to the king, were in high feather with the king, while the patriot families were under a strict and painful surveiJlance by the red-coats, as the British were called. Along the coast, fleet, though small, American vessels were creeping out to sea as privateers, the Continental Congress in Philadelpbia were building and equipping war vessels to fight the king’s cruisers upon the sea, and the name of John Paul Jones was becoming known in the land, for already had he planted the flag of a new nation in the faces of the king’s officers. Such was the situation in Boston at the time of the arrival of the frigate British King, after a long cruise, in which she had visited far southern waters, She flew a commodore’s pennant, for there had been a fleet of five vessels to start upon the cruise, all the others having been left at various stations assigned to them, The brig-of-war Shark, sent out to meet the British King with dispatches, bad been ordered upon special duty, while the commodore, having completed his cruise, sailed straight for Boston,, to refit and add to his crew. The commodore had captured an American privateer which had run under his gunsin a fog, and thus brought in a prize, aud from the rebel captain be had heard the situation of affairs, and that the Americans bad at last thrown off the yoke of royalty. The old commodore fumed terribly at the news, and came within an ace of banging the privateer captain asa pirate, but changed his mind, and had cause to congratulate himself af- terward that he had done so. Ths news at once spread through the town. that the once popular sailor, Noel Stanwoof, who had taken the barque ont to South America, bad left her there, and bad then joined, through circumstances, the nature of which were quite dim, a band of pirates on the Peruvian Coast. The presence of the brig Shark, of the Royal Navy, on the coast, bad caused bim to desert the irates, and joining tbe British vessel, to make Soown a plot for her capture by Peruvian buc- caneers, hoping thereby to gain pardon for bis own acts, He had fought on the brig when she was at- tacked by the pirates, but had afterward shown bis mutinous disposition, and struck the first officer of the Shark, wrenching his sword from him and casting it into the sea, and then es- coped from the brig upon arriving at Callao, in eru, Sir Bradwyn Brule, 2 popular and well-known officer of the Royal Navy, had been the one who had fallen under the displeasure of the mutineer, Stanwood, and in attempting his arrest in Callao had met with his death at the hands of the daring and lawless American sailor. But the mutineer had been captured by the brig’s commander, and was being brought back to Boston in the Shark, in irons and for trial, which could but result in one way, the hanging of Noel Stanwood, Such was the garbled statement of the affair in Peru, and to add to it, the old rumor that Noel Stanwood kad attempted to assassinate Merchant Frank Farley, to whom the Stan- wood family owed what little they possessed, was ruined, and the young sailor was painted as black almost asit was possible for calumny to make him. When questioned upon the subject, by old friends who had known Noel Stanwood in- timately in his days of p rity, the officers of the frigate had little to say, other than that he was in irons on rd the Shark, for having killed Sir Bradwyn Brule, the first officer of the rig. ; But there were two exceptions to these, and they were Lieutenant Brainard Bonair and Mid- shipman Allan Lumley, both of whom gave the truefacts of the case, but their testimon was considered for naught, when it was ter for the British and traitor Americans to be- lieve all the wrong of an American, and many even asserted that they bad always known that Noel Stanwood would end bis career upon the gallows. Prince Paul Revere was, as has been said, a prominent man among the British, and he held an official position under the king. At his bome, therefore, the news the frigate brought was at once known, and Commodore: Tate, dining there, had told the story of Stan- wood’s mutiny as he saw it, and which was not exactly according to the facts of the case, He had entered upon an abuse of “ the muti- neer American,” as he called him, when Peart said quietly, bnt ina manner tbat showed her earnestness, after she had waited for ber father to sneak, and he did not do so: “‘ Commodore Tate, you must pardon me if I say I do not think Captain Noel Stanwood should be prejudged, but: the verdict of his trial should be awaited.”
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brother Noel ca tur _ The Silver Ship. '* Ah) he has a defender in your fair daughter, I see, Mr, Revere,” said the commodore, Paul Revere looked annoyed, and gave Pearl | | ‘Yes, he is in trouble, but you may, be sure that Noel is too coo!l-headed to have gone far wrong, and when the brig comes his trial will an adlmonishing glance, which she did not heed, | prove this—but see, there comes an officer.” A gentleman in naval uniform halted at the ! as she continved: “*T have known Captain Stanwood since I was a little girl, and I owe it to him that I was not torn to pieces by a savage dog, which he throw himself upon, and held at the risk of his own life to save mine, “‘ His sister is my most intimate friend, and I do not believe that he is, or can be guilty of one dishonorable or mean act, and I will notconsider him guilty until he is proven so by evidence that is beyond all cavil.” ‘ The commodore saw breakers ahead, and like a wise sailor tacked ship and took another course, by saying: ‘ ‘‘Pa-haps I was wrong, Miss Revere, to be severe upon him; but then Sir Bradwyn ' Bruio was a pet of mine, and lam also very merciless to a man who breaks through the barrier of dis- cipline; but we will wait and see what the ver- dict is,” Pearl simply bowed, and leaving the gentle- tren soon after at the table, she threw on her wrap and started for the cottage of Mrs, Stan- wood, for she did not consider the commodore and several others present at dinner her guests. Ethel was seated in front of the cottage, sew- ing, when Pearl came, and quickly arose to meet her, for she was all alone, ber mother having gone down into the town to make some pur- chases, she said, but really to learn the truth of the rnmors which cold Bennett bad told ber had been brought by the frigate, British King. Until she knew the truth she cared not to alarm Ethel, and so had slipped away quietly to ask Frank Farley to get the full statement for her of the stories floating about regarding her noble son, CHAPTER XXVIII. ULOUDS AND SUNSHINE. PEARL advanced rapidly toward Ethel, and took a seat by her side, while she said, earnestly: “ Ethel, I baverun away from home for a few niinutes, to tell you something I learned to-day,” ‘‘ Tt must worry you, Pearl, for you look real- ly distressed,” ‘* 16 does worry me, but it will doubtless not be as bad as I fear. “Do you remember the large, weather-beaten phos we saw come into the harbor a few days ago 4 + Yés, she appeared as though just off of a long cruise and held an armed schooner follow- ing close in her wake.” ‘Yes, a prize, for it was an American priva- teer which sbe had captured in a fog.” ‘*T am so sorry.” ‘““Yes, but neither the capturing of their privateers, nor defeating them in Tattle will prevent the patriots from winning their cause in the enc; but I must not talk so, for you know it is treason to the king, and father is a good royalist, so his daughter should be also, if she has no mind, of her own, ‘But that frigate, Ethel, was the British King, the Ragabiy, of commodore Tate, a severe old officer, but-a brave and good man I am sure, though his officers call him Old Yard-Arm, he is so terrible as a commander and to evil-doers,” ‘Well, he dined with father to-day, alon with a lot of other old fogie sand royalists, an he told a story of meeting the brig Shark in Peruvian waters.” “The brig which wy the pirate schooner that ‘Yes, she sailed some six weeks after Noel did, —, the po ere pf ne met her at Callao, Peru, an ms that in some w; Noel Lad gotten on board the brig.” aad ‘* Noel!” “ Yes, and there area dozen reports of how he dia’ so, and all that, all of which of course are utterly false; but he was on the brig, and it is said, remember, mentioned—” eae apa ee my dear Ethel “ Don’t get a » my dear el, for you know this = apcerhan only, and from British urces at that. : an He eawack Lieutenant Sir Bradwyn Brule, who you know came here with me one day, when you were out, and who is perfectly hor- rid— ‘Oh! but I forgot, for he is dead, as it is said that Noel killed him.” “Oh, Pearl!” i a Nowe, don’t worry in the least, Ethel, for see how calm I am, and the commodore, I am sure, is prejudiced, for he hates Americans, is such a eps disciplinarian, and more, Sir Bradwyn was a favorite officer of his, “He told me, or rather all of us, that Sir Bradwyn had resest.2d the blow strack him by Noel, by challenging bim. to fight a duel, and that he killed the British officer, and he was going on fo try and hang Noel without an mercy, when, as father did not speak up, I did, and ced the old war-ship with one brond- side, for he hauled out of action, as he would for all his conversation smacks of the sea,” 1, Pearl, I fear my brother has gotten into earful trouble.” a ie af Rares Gs 3 aa , chs hy y ie eh LR So tae ae babe Aig MES op gate, raised his hat and entered, while he said: ‘‘May Lask if Mrs, Stanwood resides here?” ‘6 Vos, sir; my mother is out, but lam Miss Stanwood,” } | to Boatswain Stanwood, who was near, said that he could tell. ‘*Stanwood had heard his words, recognized the lay, and the miniature as one given to him, so gave the lie to Brule, who sprang at him with his sword, but was disarmed, his weapon broken and cast into the sea, and given a sting- ing blow in tis face. ‘‘He was put in irons until Captein Kane ‘*T am glad tomeet you, Miss Stanwood, Iam | heard the case, and was then released as not Lieutenant Brainard Bonair of the Royal Navy and the frigate British King, and I have cometo see your mother and yourself upon a matter of importance.” “IT am glad to see you, sir, and permit me to present you to my friend, Miss Revere.” The officer bowed low, and mentally registered an oath that never bad he met in his life two more beautiful girls than those now before him, ‘* My excuse for calling, Miss Stanwood, is on account of certain ugly rumors afloat regarding your brother, which make him out all that is terrible, and upon which I can place the brand of untruth, which I feit would pleasant for you to know.” ‘ “ Ah, sir, you aré most kind, and Miss Revere wes just telling me of the sad tidings regarding my poor brother, which she learned from Com- modore Tate,” ‘* Ah, yes, the commodore is dining with Mr, Paul Revere to-day; but I must say tbat his views of Mr. Stanwood’s case are through clouded eyes, as he is not a man to reason with once he has made up his mind in a case, “J have no other reason for breaking in upon your privacy, Miss Stanwood, than that I have heard a score of the worst- kind of rumors against your brother, and having met him the day we sailed from Callao, and knowing the truth, I came to tell you just how matters stood, tbat you need. not be barassed with greater anxiety than is natural in your case as Mr. Stanwood’s sister.” The tears came into the eyes of Ethel, and sbe could not speak her thanks, so silently held out her hand, while Pearl said: “Your kintness, Lieutenant Bonair, [ also appreciate, with Miss Stanwood, for Captain Stanwood is like a—a brother to me, I having known him since childhood,” ‘**Permit me, then, to tell my version of the whole affair, and to state that Mr. Stanwood | has warm friends even upon the vessel he is now a prisoner on, ‘* To tell my story in justice to Mr, Stanwood, T mast begin with his misfortunes after having taken the barque out fro. here to South having been a regular seaman, and going ashore in Callao, was challenged by Brule, with the result I have mentioned.” * And the miniature, sir?” ‘Mr. Stanwood took it from the body of Brule after he fell, and said that it was his property, the lady who gave it to him having borrowed it to have one painted from if, and in coming has- tily to sea he bad not gotten it before his depar- ture, ‘‘Captain Stanwood was right, Lieutenant. Bonair, for the miniature was one of myself, and I came here ove day to return it to Miss Stan wood, Sir Bradwyn Brule accompanying me, and he put it into his pocket, ‘¢ As Miss Stanwood was not at home the min- iature was forgotten, and the officer carried it to sea, with him, while as to his farewell, he doubt- less did rernember it to his dying day, as it was. by no means complimentary to him. ‘This much I can state if needed as a witness for Captain Stanwood, while I can give you the facts regarding his hasty departure, as a com- or of secrecy between three of us has been woken by the gentleman, Mr, Frank Farley, who has persistently falsified the character of Captain Stanwood,” “ Your testimony will indeed be valuable, Miss Revere,” answered Lieutenant Bonair, and soon after he took his departure, while Mrs. Stan- wood returning home, almost prostrated by Frank Farley’s story of her’son’s deeds, was overjoyed to know the truth, and that Noel was not to be deserted in his hour of need to the mer- ciless clutches of a few enemies, CHAPTER XXIX, A FAIR PLEADER. FINDING that Pearl did not return to the par- lors, and when sent for, the answer returned that she begged to be excused, for her faithful maid had her orders, the commofore felt that he had made a mistake in attacking the young American sailor, and seid as much to her father, Paul Revere admitted that his daughter felt America,” and just as he had heard the whole | most kindly toward the young scilor, as he also story from Lord Erskine, Brainard Bonair told | did, and said that he himself wovld have to re- it to the two girls, of how Noel had been ; ceive very strong evidence that Stanwood would wounded and robbed, captured by pirates, ani | be guilty of an act of dishonor. then his escape and swimm: out to warn the brig through a bay infested with sharks, Then the batile with the pirates,~the man- ner in which the brig was saved through Noel Stenwood, his taking the berth of boatswain, and his treatment by Sir Bradwyn Brule, until it culminated in the scene on the quarter-deck and the duel, all was toldin the frank manner of the sailor with a desire throughout to do full justice to a man who he felt was wronged most cruelly by the circumstances in which ac- cident had placed him. ‘*T saw the duel myself, ladies,” ke continued, ‘and I never saw more gencrositv than Mr, Stanwood exhibited to his ener y, while his swordsmanship was something graad, I assure ou. mi When he spared Sir Bradwyn, the insult he received then and there caused Lord Erskine to bitterly resent it, and had not Mr. Stanwood killed Brule, then he and Lord Erskine would have fought, : ‘‘ Now, I have known Lord Erskine Enders for many years, and he is the equal of any man, I believe, with a sword and pistol, excepting Stan- wood, so Sir Bradwyn would have found him a most dangerous foe, ‘But this Mr, Stanwood did not know, and that influenced him, he told.me, in taking the life of Brule, as he feared Lord Erskine might oa more than his match, for he spoke most highly of his adversary’s skill, : “The whole affair was unfortunate, and I re- gret exceedingly that I was forced to make the arrest, ‘When the brig arrives, however, I feel sure that justice must prevail, for Lord Erskine will see to it that every officer and man on the Shark are brought as witnesses for Mr. Stanwood, while Surgeon Deas, Midshipman Lumley, my- self, and the crew of the boat will give *esti- mony favorable, added to which will be the fact that he saved,the brig from the pirates, and was not really entered on the vessel as an enlisted Seaman when he resented the words of Sir Bradwyn Brule,” “You said that it wasabout a lady’s picture?” asked Pearl, anxiously. #* Yes, Miss Revere; Brule brought bis desk on deck, Lord Erskine said, and exhibited a minia- ture ina velvet case, and said that it was his lady-love, and that the memory of her sweet farewell yet lingered with bim. “Then ho wasasked who she was, and turning When at last the guests left, and Paul Revere sat alone in the gathering twilight, Pearl glided into the recom. She bad jast returned from the Stanwood cct- tage, and her father, after greeting her affec- tionately, seid: : “T felt sorry, my child, to have you leave the gentlemen for the remainder of their stay, for they were anxious to hear you sing.” Father, you know that I will not listen to any friend abused, and especially one to whom I owe so much as to Noel Stanwood, and the com- modore was making him outall that was wicked and terrible.” «The commodore has proof, he says, that will place Stanwood ina very bad Jight, and as be states, may bang him.” “The commodore is a silly old man, a terror to his crew, and blind with prejudice and what he deems his duty. ow 4 “Noel is an American, and that is enough to hang bim in the commodore’s eyes, and Sir Bradwyn Brule was his pet.” _ «But Noel should not have killed his superior officer.” ‘* He had ample cause for his duel, sir.” “The commodore says not,” “As I said, father, the commodore knows nothing about the facts, and I do,” * Vou a ; * Yes, sir.” “ }7as Stanwood returned?” quickly asked Paul vere, ** No, sir.” ‘i How do you know aught about the affair, en “ From the second officer in rank on the com- modore’s frigate, British King.” “*T wish you would eg KE Pear],” “‘ Well, father, when I Jeft you at dinner day, I did not go to my room, but to the St: to- “Mrs, Stanwood was away, baving heard these fearful rumors about her son, and gone to see what that olu fraud, Farley, could tejl ber of t & “While I was there an officer called—Lieuten- ant Braivard Bonair, of the British King. ‘‘ He said that be had heard the rumors about. Noel, and knowing the truth, as he knew Stan- wood, and felt that bis mother and sister would he greatly distressed, he took the liberty of call ing to set matters aright. Sa Se _ “ He had been the one to arrest Noel after the y Ag ath»
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18 ‘duel, and more, he had witnessed the meeting, and heard from Lord Erskina Enders, tke first officer of the brig, just how Noel had come on board,” * Ah, yes, Lord Erskine came over from Eng- Jand just the day before the brig sailed, and was ordered on board. ‘* He is one of the richest nobles in Eugland, and counts his ancestry back for centuries.” ‘Then he should be worthy of belief, father, aud I will tell you his story to Lieutenant Bo- pair, as well as the latter’s statements, also.” Pearl then told what she knew of Noel’s sav- ing the brig, after his having been wounded and robbed in South America, and cuptured by pirates, “She told also of re 5 in Crimson having sailed in the brig, and his plot to capture his old vessel, and that Noel Stanwood had saved her. In referring to the treatment of Noel by Sir Bradwyn Brule, she said: ‘Ho bad a motive for this, in that he told me he could win my love but for the sailor Ameri- can, and as he stole the miniature which I gave to Noel, and carried it off with him, it was be- cause he reported on the quarter-deck, in the hearing of Stanwood, that { was engaged to him, and had kissed him farewell, that tho lie was hurled in his teeth, and when attacking Noel with his sword, the weapon was torn from ‘his grasp, broken "and thrown into the sea, while he also received a blow upon bis face,” **By the king, but Noel Stanwood saved me from killing that fellow,” cried Prince | George, springing to his feet and angrily pac- ing the floor of the library. * lie has punished Brule, so let it drop; but he was put in irons, but released when Captain Kane said that he could not hold bim a prisoner, he never having shipped on the brig, and acting as Loatswain as a favor to him, "So Noel went ashore in Callao, where the frigate was at anchor, and Sir Bradwyn sent him achallenge, . “Tord Erskine was Noel’s second, and all feared the worst, for you know that Sir Brad- wyn Brule wasa noted duelist.” ‘ Yes, he was greatly feared, being a dead shot and superb swordsman.” “Well, father, Noel disarmed bim, and gave him his ‘sword and bis life, but was sbamefully insulted for doing so,” Pes, cur! I “thought better of Brule than a ‘* He demanded a second meeting with pistols, and Lord Erskine refused until Noel urged, and then Sir Bradwyn fell dead with a bullet in the center of his forehead, and Noel tock my miniature from bis dead body and left the spot, to be arrested some hours after by order of the commodore, and sent to the brig in irons, and be brought to Boston for trial, which you know, father, will but end in his being hanged, as he is an American.” ** Alas, I fear so, my child.” ° “Then, father, your daty is plain, and that is to save him,” “T can do nothing, I fear,” “When you are convinced that you cannot, ‘sir, then tell me and J will act, but i prefer you ‘to try first.” ‘© You will act, Pearl?” asked the amazed fa- ‘ther of the beaut: tf ul girl, * Yes, sir, for I vow to you that Noel Stan- : «wood shall never be murdered by the British ~when he has heen guilty of no crime, and all his misfortunes have come upon him through de- fending my honor,” wnt, y Heaven, Pearl, but you are right. ey shall not bang him, if I can save him.” “You dear old papa, I I knew you were too ‘true a man to desert one who had saved your only child from a fearful fate,” and with a far lighter heart Pearl bade her father (l-night, and sought her room to dream of the noble young sailor she loved so devotedly. e CHAPTER Xxx. THE PERUVIAN PIRATE, Yur British brig-of-war Shark sailed from Callao upon ber mission, as ordered) by the com- modore of the frigate, and in irons in his state- room went Noel Stanwood, Captain Kane found himself short-handed, with S pears Brule dead and another of bis officers lai from a wound received iv the at- ‘tack of ‘the Pitates, in which fight also a mid- ‘sbipn an ‘who had been wounded “had afterward iy This duty hen bim of three officers, while his igo! for a hardly numbered over two-score Still the frigate bad been short-handed so that he could not draw upon her for either offi. €ers or men. Commodore Tate bad ieee Captain Kane out eh in iif night into the pirate barber, with- | : nfied oer ‘anchor, lower his’ boats, and | with rs creep near the land to attack | at dan should the buccaneers ‘have Te- their havnt. ahaa ‘a, he big rvvalag in’ ‘| wounded in three nod vm gabe The Silver Bie ee ea without a light visible, and the men were gotten into the boats ready for action with the dawn’s coming. ~ But the outlaws bad flown, the work of an at- tempted surprise was useless, and the brig, after filling her water-casks again, prepared for her cruise, But suddenly, out of a lagoon which the boats had not gone up further than afew hundred rods, emerged a large goleta, her crew at the sweeps as they tiigell her on, and the sails being rapidly set as she moved out into the bay. The brig, pirate-bunting though it was, had certainly been caught napping, and it was evi- dent that the buccaneers wanted the brig for their cruising, and were determined to her, They had some old guns mounted upon the wehen. and ber decks literally swarmed with men, outnumbering the Shark’s crew four to one, The men of the brig rushed to quarters, and for a few minutes all was excitement on board. The brig could fly fron: her foe, but would a British captain dare run from a buccaneer, no matter what the odds? Certainly Captain Kane had no such wish or intention, and as the goleta swept nearer, he managed to get a shot upon her, that cut through her crowded decks. Then the combat was begun in hot earnest, the pirates and tbe king’s men taking and giv- eo punishment. he nimble sailing of the brig, which held | off, kept the pirates from boarding, as was | their intention, and had they done so they could | hawe swept the decks of the crew by their over- | whelming numbers, The brig seemed holding her own well, keep- ing off, and pushing the goleta terribly, and in this way, bat for an unlucky shot, might haye ériven the buccaneers back into the lagoon, But a shot from the rusty old thirty-two pounder, mounted upon the bows of the goleta, cut away the brig’s bowsprit and at once she broached to, A wild yell, demoniacal in its fierceness and joy, came from the buccaneers, and the goleta was headed down upon the brig to board. A hot fire from the coming goleta also wound- ed Captain Kane in the leg, and Lieutenant Caldwell had already been carried below with severe wound, while Lord Erskine, in command, was bleeding from a bullet in the shoulder, and the handkerchief tied around his head was red with blood, from a gash made by a splinter, It certainly looked very black for the brig, and not au atom of ho 46 was in the breast of an officer or man, but all made up their minds to die right there on the decks. + Suddenly a tall form bounded upon deck, fol- lowed by a marine, balf a do%en sick men from below, and as many men who had been sent be- low as slightly wounded. ** Ahoy men, the goleta is coming down before the wind, so have every gun to windward, double-shot them, fire the relief pieces through the bulwarks and | give her a double broadside as she rounds to to come alongside!” A yell peed the words and a lond voice eried: ‘** God bless you, Noel Stanwood! you will save the brig!” ' It was Lord Erskine who uttered the words, and to a man every one sprung to obey the wg ve ® port atatboard, double-shotted. The men worked like demons, the muskets were double-shotted and while the goleta was yet three lengths away they were ready for ber. ** All be ready the ‘minute you fire to let the brig fall away before the wi nid, and while she is thus running a bowsprit can "be rigged, Lord Erskine; but pardon me for giving orders, onl I told my marine-guard to release me, and col- lecting the sick and slightl wounded took the liberty of coming to your aid,” “And [ cay again, God bless you, Stanwood, * Yonder lies Captain Kane with ashattered leg, Caldwell is below severely wounded, I am to you take com- , thongh I can do ye s were drawn in and 4: to tween the ports, and all were mand and I'll le but little. 4 Ahoy, men! Captain een will com- mand you and save the brig!” - The men fave a cheer, rid ‘Bteinwood had not a moment to refuse, as he had intended, for the goleta w s rounding up into the wind intending to come down, as he had su ree to pa: round to and drift down upon the “Steady at your guns! Keep oelaat of the re- coil of those not made fast, “* Muskets fire first, and broadside eee ready—fire!” The voice of Stanwood was distinctly the muskets, ever'y man having one, rm orth rent abote into the crowded mass of hu- you my ai mani papi Ee range away. ‘The aap ad fired deliberate and the result a. terrible havoc in the m dot of the pirate horde, a cng oe yg poe Wh te beletied forth | rer eavy gonu abr fre; st0k e ton, r The brig reeled far over under the ais Laue ada | Ghat oma ks Gane eee send- ing her loose guns down to port again, and but for the fact that they had some lashings, to the otber gun-carriages, they would have burst throngh the bulwarks and gone into the sea, Of course some men were burt in the recoil, but, that was nothing, whenit was seen that the entire starboard bulwark had been ‘carried, in a mass of flying wood and splinters along with the iron hurricane, upon the goleta’s crowded deckg The result was fearful, for many of the pirates were literally blown to pieces, two guns on their deck were dismounted, and the foremast cut away, while the death rate was appalling. But Stanwood had no eyes for bis enemy, but on ay looked to the safety of the brig. e knew that he bad not over thirty men for action, while if half of the buccaveers were kill- ed they yet had a hundred. So he let the brig fall quickly away before the wind, aiding her with the forward wind- ward sweeps, and had a spar ready to set as a jury bowsprit, while she moved off. The men imbibed his spirit aud worked like beavers, more sail was spread, and the two stern guns meanwhile kept pouring in a bot fire upon the now almost wrecked goleta, which, however, still kept firing upon the brig in ber flight. The course of the brig lay toward the outlet of the bay, the wind being off-shore, and so it was supposed she was flying, and the pirates cheered, while the goleta must have been jeaking badly, as she was headed, under whatsail she could set, for the mouth of the lagoon. Never before bad the men of the brig worked as they did, and in a very short while, before she had one & ‘mile, there came a cry: ll ready, sir!” * Set ae jib and stand by your posts, men, to wear shi “« Ready at those bow guns?” The orders of Stanwood were quickly obeyed, the brig swept around, and as she went away on the starboard, tack, her bows pointed first to- ward the retreating goleta, his guns opened a hot fire, Then all recognized the skill, coolness and splendid courage of the man who had ordered his irons knocked off to come to the rescue of the brig, and a wild yell went up from them en while Lord Erskine, seated _in a chair brought bim from the cabin, for he was too weak to stand, grasped Stanwood’s hand and said: * You ‘alone can save the brig, my friend, and Captain Kane has seen all and recognizes it. ‘*T do indeed! if I am dismissed the sontite for it, I say youare no longer a prisoner upon this brig, "Stanwood, ” said Captain Kene, his face full of physical anguish as he lay propped up against the companionway entrance, where he had been made as comfortable as possible by the men, for he would not leave the deck, and in his hand he held his faithful cutlass. The goleta meanwhile seeing that the brig was not flying, but with a jury bowsprit bad put about in pursuit, was using every endeayor to escapa, while the steady, deliberate fire of the bow guns of the Shark, were telling upon vessel and crew, * Stanwood, the loss of life upon that vessel is hh be said Lord Erskine. It is, sir, but they are three to one against us, so ldo not care for closer quarters, but only to drive her into her retreat, where the depth of water is not sufficient for the brig to follow, ** We must get out of the fight, sir, with full honors, you know,” and Stanwood smiled at the ‘conceit of driving the goleta, which he had no idea of attacking, into her retreat, ' Captain Kane, in spite. of his sufferings, laubed. and replied: cae ‘Yes, weran her into ber retreat, where Ns could not follow—it’s oar ‘victory, of course, bu you are the winner of it, my young friend.” Stanwood raised his Dat and remained silent, while, as the goleta now entered the lagoon, he ordered the brig put about, and running over near the entrance of the bay, anchored in quiet water, and where the brig would be safe from a boat attack, Then he ordered the surgeon to report to Cap- tain Kane and Lord Erskine in the cabin at once, the other wounded to be taken below, the carpenter to sound the well fora leak, and re- pair damages, while the dead were to be sewed up in hammocks, shotted, and cast into the sea, In a couple of ‘hours all was going on smooth- ly, the carpenter had reported no leak, and with his men were repairing the hulwarks, the crew pbs s ing a permanent bowsprit, and mend- and rigging, and the wounded were Maat for below decks by men ordered to that ae: oel jer od stepped up to: the senior midd on board, and re - Mi ou are tue rap oe dehipman Willis so take command. hand .“ And you, sir?” \ “I am a prisoner, sir, on this brig, so return to my irons,” dempvee nse, and leaving the Noel Stan tmiddy xe rat him indumb silence, . ae Stanwood walked below to his quarters, — called a marine, an po Fone erg ce his eae bina anche d been taken pete edb for him to Jena band inthe detente of ais i ‘A | Pannen the sen
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——E —— =e The Silver Ship. ! ) CHAPTER XXXI. bes and he felt his inability to cope with them, so said: vag ch Seb hak aa cara a, ee rig ‘Men, I acknowledge that it looks un- i: § S0 quietly had Stanwood gone back to his | just against Mr. Stanwood, but I will con- irons, that no one on the ship, except the | sult the captain and see what he has to say. guard on duty, knew of it. ‘Upon _his decision I shall act, whe- ee = een me, a "But he she followed there. and chal- a. ~ lenged for a duel. : We has heard all about that duel from LAN Si aan our mates of the frigate who seen it, and yet | he was hunted down, arrested and sed Birks: jrons to be taken home and be hanged. f dj ee ‘ k “ To-day sir, when 1 Was ag'in’ us, and we had made up our minds to die, this gen- ¢Jeman sailor in irons, ordered the guard to take ’em off, and with the sick and wounded ae wee who could walk, he came on deck and again i ae ved the brig. BR ee Now, sir we find the captain in his cabin a wounded bad, Leftenant Lord’ Erskine also Site down with ‘several wounds, as is also. ti third luff,and where Mr. Stanwood was in - gharge, he is row in irons, and you hold the j Me oe? ttn eg command of the brig, and. we just hae this got set free within ten minutes, we'll not, is obey another order given us on board this. rel ave ‘f Midshipman Dorsey, hold the deck, sir,” and Burt Willis went below. Captain Kane was much easier. The bullet had been extracted from his leg by the surgeon, but the bone had been splint- ered, and the greatest care was necessary for him to pull through without an amputa- tion, *‘Ah, Mr. Willis, I am glad to see you, sir; and I suppose you ‘have come to report that our good friend, Stanwood, has gotten the brig in ship-shape condition again?” ‘‘I have come to report, Captain Kane, that Mr. Stanwood ordered me to take com- mand, and that he returned to his state-room and had bis irons put on him again.” ‘‘My God! why has he done this? “This must not be, sir.” | ‘‘§0 the men say, sir, for they are now amidships and demand his release, and there is an ugly ges among them about it.” ‘‘Egad, 1 do not blame them; but who ordered it that Stanwood be put again in irons?” **] do not think such an order was given, for no one had the right so to do; but Stan- wood is a strange man, and asks no favors, so he told Midshipman Dorsey, and considers that his duty is to stand his trial.” ‘*Go to him at once and release him, and say to the men that Mr. Stanwood acted from bis own will.” ‘* Yes, sir.” “And, Mr. Willis, as you have reported to me, I will say that Captain Stanwood is to take command, with you as acting first lieutenant, «and Midshipman Dorsey, second, ‘We are terribly crippled, but I have every faith that the brig will be in good hands, even with no senior officers on board able to do duty.” “Thank. you, sir,” and the handsome young middy, a youth of eighteen, went on deck, passed the men in silence and descend- ed to the quarters of Noel Stanwood. He found that young gentleman serenely accepting the situation, and he was greeted politely with: “I hope all goes well on deck, Com- mander Willis?” _ On the contrary, sir, a mutiny is threaten- ing from your conduct.” tH ** How so, sir?” ' ‘‘No orders were given, sir, for you to be again put in irons.” “ Nor were any orders issued for me to be released; but, as I took the responsibility of freeing myself in an emergency, when ‘that emergency was past, I took the liberty of re- turning to my imprisonment.” “Well, Mr. Stanwoud, it is Captain Kane's order thut you be set free and at once assume command of the brig, while I act as your first luff, and Dorsey as sécond.” _ ‘You are full capuble, sir, of command- ing the brig, and [ will accept no fayor from king’s officers, for I under most serious charges that endanger m life if proven; but, my trial 1 shall not avoid. in any way. “You refuse to accept your freedom?” ** Most emphatically 1 0, sir.” ~ ‘*May Lask why?’ . ‘‘T haye given my reasons, sir, but I will repeat them so that you will understand fully.” but _‘* Pray do so?” ‘e é “‘T am an American, and conscious of be- ing guilty of no crime, I ask no favors of. the king, or of his officers, though many of. them 1 regard with feelings of sincere friemd- ship. ; E ‘‘T was put in irons as a criminal, so let me remain in irons until a king’s court- martial proves me innocent or hangs me at the yard-arm.” | ‘*A not unlikely occurrence, sir.” goleta the well-known form and face of Cap- am a prisoner, held. a _ “The hanging, oh no; but, Tunderstand:/ 4a say,sir, and we means it all, that if he is | Mr, Willis, the feeling of regular officers and British subjects against that of the merchant. Burt Willis was not a bad fellow, but with most of the officers of the brig he had not the manliness to like one of the merchant marine, and an American, whose deeds had put to the blush the king’s best men. But at Stanwood’s cutting words instead of showing anger, he said quickly: oe I beg pardon, for 1 meant not to offend, sir.” Stanwood smiled pleasantly and said: “It is forgotten, Mr. Willis; but, pray go on deck, and feel assured that I have no de- sire to take from you the honor of command- ing the brig, while, under your command [ shall feel perfectly safe, though in irons.” “But this mutiny,” asked the flattered middy. **Ah! a mutiny?” “ Yes, sir, | thought I had reported that the men, to a man, refuse to move hand until you are sct free.” ‘*It is kind of them, and I appreciate it; but they are wrong, and must go to their duties.” ‘* But they refuse.” ‘Send the leaders to me, or have them come with you, and I will explain to them that it is my own wish to remain in irons, refusing to accept any concession what- ever.” The middy bowed and departed, but soon returned with the spokesman and several of the crew. ‘“My brave fellows and good friends, I wish to say to you that I returned to my irons of my own accord, and it is against the wishes: of your officers, while 1am asked to take command of the brig. ‘* But Ido not admit that 1 have commit- ted any crime, so will not ask or receive a concession from the king's officers, so prefer to remain as I am, a prisoner in irons, _ ‘‘Now return to the deck and obey your gallant young Commander in all things, while should you need me in another com- bat, Commander Willis, I will gladly lend you the might of my arm.” The men saw that the prisoner had his own good reasons for not accepting his liberty, and returned to the deck made known the result to their comrades, and went to'their posts of duty without a word, while Burt Willis and his young fellow-officers gave asigh of deep relief. But both Captain Kane and Lord Erskine received the decision of Stanwood with the deepest regret, CHAPTER XXXII THE HURRICANE. | THERE was one thing that Stanwood had noticed in the attack of the pirate goleda upon the brig, and that was the commander of the fierce band. i He had recognized upon the deck -of the tain Crimson, and pointed him out to Lord Erskine Enders, with the remark: “This is the third battle that Captain Crimson and I have fought each other,’ This showed that Captain Crimson had still power among the Peruvian pirates, and all that he needed was to get a good vessel once more to prove as dangerous a foe as be- fore upon the seas. _ He also had proven himself avery dan- gerous man to cope with. Having been captured by Stanwood, as has been seen, be had escaped from prison in Boston, on the eve of the day appointed for his beard joined his old comrades, while _ saw bim, and, a ill, learning of his capture the - his eo
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_ the youthful officer in command. ‘parson a-preaciiin’ his fu’st sermon.” 20 — ; - « The Silver Ship. «Tf had a vessel of my own, I would like to run that man off the seas,” Stanwood had gale, the sea was running in fearful waves, and it looked very much as though the end remarked one day to his guard, who was dis- | was not yet, for Cape Horn, always to be cussing Captain Crimson, having also recog- | dreaded, seemed to have gotten up a carni- nized him, as many had, in the leader of the | val of tempest just to test the nerve of the pirates, and as their shipmate out from Bos- | youngster officers of the brig. ton. At last the brig began to pitch and lurch Under command of midshipman Willis the | so terribly that Burt Willis felt'as though he brig went on her way, steady and brisk breezes | wished to shift the responsibility of com- that were favorable to het course down the | mand upon broader shoulders than his own, Pacific Coast aiding her until she was off the ; so sent word to Captain Kane that there was Straits of Magellan. She was in good trim once more, her bul- warks and mgging repaired, shot marks re- moved, and half a dozeu of her sick and slightly wounded men had recovered suffi- ciently to report for duty. Captain Kane was recovering slowly, for his wound was one that would take long to heal, and fever set in with Lieutenant Cald- well and he was having a hard time of it. In the case of Lord Erskine Enders, his wounds, for he had three of them, were more serious than at first believed, and so Midship- man Willis was congratulating himself upon being so fortunate as to remain in command during the whole voyage, ard he was of- fering up daily prayers for good weather to attend him. . As for the prisoner, he took his captivity serenely, aad received the best food the brig afforded, while the men often dropped in for a chat with him to show their sympathy and secretly report how matters were going on, for they had“not unbounded confidence in ¥ ‘“As long as the wind blows fair, sir, and the sea don’t get real angry, the acting lieu- tenant is all right, and knows what he’s about; but if a tornado sbould happen to sweep down upon us, or the weather gets good and nasty a-roundin’ ther Horn, then my simple ideeas a foremost hand be that the young luff will feel like a youthful Such was the opinioa of the new boatswain, Jack Gilpin, and it is needless to say that this was the idea in the heads of every man of the crew. “ He’s all right for fair weather; but when it begins to get ugly then—” The ominous shake of their beads com- pleted the sentence more thoroughly than words. Whether it was that Midshipman Burt Willis did not pray in the proper spirit, or not, I cannot say; but when the brig was off the Straits of Magellan, and laying her course to round Cape Horn, the weather came up black and threatening. The sea kept pace with the wind, and the brig, with shortened sail, went. plowing along in a rough sea, and heeling well over under the pressure of haif a gale. So the day passed, and as night came on Midshipman Willis began to look very anxious, while the reflection from his face, upon the faces of the junior middies, became almost despair. The men looked gloomy also, and a dead silence settled upon the brig when the night settled down with intense darkness, and the _ wind began to howl more dismally through the rigging. The off-watch showed their anxiety by re- maining upon deck, and from below came groans of pain from the wounded, as the pitching of the vessel caused them to suffer intensely, and that it would carry off some of, the worst ones among the sufferers all knew. Captain Kane was anxious, and had asked Midshipman Willis to report often to him the situation. and Lieutenant Caldwell, rav-: ing in the delirium of fever, would. shriek out that the ship was sinking until the men shuddered and tried to shut out from their ears his ominous wailings, Lord Erskin2 was calm, but his wounded: shoulder was showing signs of giving — Vv ; much trouble, and the surgeon had a that he be landed at some port where every attention could be shown him, as otherwise his life might be the forfeit. “wil we In his quarters Noel Stanwood was the serenest man aboard ship, and took the sita- ation without a murmur, telling the guard that Commander Willis would handle the sbip well, though he hoped they would not pe et i cn - run into any worse weather than they then | Toward midnight the wind was blowing a a hurricane threatening, and the ship was already laboring so terribly that she seemed about to pitch her masts out of her, while three men had been swept from the deck. From below came the surgeon to report that two of the wounded men had died from the laboring of the ship, and if Lord Erskine was thrown from the position he was in, that his death would quickly follow. The captain also was suffering by the movement of his wounded leg, and it was after an exceedingly severe twinge that Mid- shipman Dorsey appeared. ‘Go in to Captain Noel Stanwood, a king’s prisoner in irons on board of this vessel, and ask him, with my compliments and appeal, that he allow his irons to be taken off and go on deck and assume full command of his oner and the midshipman went on deck to- gether, when, as the erew beheld Stanwood, a cheer that ended in a yell of joy, went up into the teeth of the hurricane to show their delight in having their hero in com- mand of the tempest-tossed brig. If Noel Stanwood was craroped by his long confinement he did not show it, but when he reached the deck he drew in a long breath of air, as though enjoying the gale. Neither did he show any anxiety about the vessel, for he was watched closely by every one to see what he thought. ‘* About where are we, Mr. Willis?” he asked, pleasantly. ‘* A trifle south west of the Horn, sir.” ‘« And how far off-shore?” ** Twenty leagues perhaps, sir.” Then Stanwood stepped to the binnacle light and took a look at the compass, after which he noticed that there were but two men at the wheel. ‘‘Send another quartermaster here, Mr. Willis, please.” His next glance was at the sails. “We are crowding her a little hard, I fear,” and he ordered all sails aloft taken in. Then he took another glance at the com- Majesty's brig-of-war Shark, now in danger | pass and said: of being lost, f6r upon him depends the safety of the ship and the lives of all on board. ‘* Lose no time, sir, and report his answer; but tell Midshipman Willis the duty 1 send you upon,” Midshipman Dorsey almost uttered a cry of delight, as he darted up the companion- way to deliver the message sent to the pris- oner, ; ‘* What does he say?” gasped Burt Willis, who just at that minute was clinging to the windward bulwarks and anathematizing him- self that he had ever been such a fool as to enter the Royal Navy. ‘ Midshipman Dorsey repeated the words of Captain Kane, with a few additions of his own, and Burt Willis at once said: ‘*T will myself make the request, so hold the deck, Dorsey.” ‘*Whatif she goes under while I am in charge?” cried Dorsey, not relishing the re- sponsibility. ‘‘'Then you may congratulate yourself at least that you'll never be court-martialed,” was the cynical response of the midship- man commander as he hastened below, to humble himself before the hated American, hated in spite of his having saved the lives of allon board the brig, hated because he was not a king's officer and yet was a hero. But it was no time then to hesitate, and he went with a rush into the quarters of the prisoner in irons, ; CHAPTER XXXIII. IN COMMAND. A orem of the brig shot Midshipman Burt Willis into the state-room of Noel Stan- wood, as though he had been fired from a catapult. ‘ The middy had run as far as the door, but there halted a second to make a dignified en- mone’: which however was not vouchsafed im. He was coolly caught by the manacled arm of the prisoner, who was serenely smok- ing a cigar, and said with an air of perfect calmness: ‘*Commander Willis, this visit isan honor; be seated, please.” This fairly took the breath of the middy away, and he could not utter a word. “The perfect coolness of the man in irons calmed him, and he said: ‘‘I beg pardon for my _ hasty entrance, Captain Stanwgod, but it is my wish that you relieve me of the command of the brig, as I have not the experience 1 could wish, and Captain Kane particularly sends the same request, with his compliments.” ‘*The ship is in danger, sir, I have felt, and as you make the request, pie in com- mand, and Captain Kane desires accede to your combined wishes in the mat- ter and do all in my power to help the good brig out of her trouble.” ‘And I will stand by you, sir, through all, and thank you for taking a weight off of my shoulders too heavy for them to bear. t, I will “Ho, guard! bring the keys of these irons here,” | perfect confidence, and there near the young The keys were soon brought and the pris- “ Keep her off a couple of points—steady td as you are!” Turning again to the midshipman he asked : “ Are the guns tirmly lashed, Mr. Willis?” ‘“With single lashings, sir.” ; ‘*They must be doubled, for to me there is every indication that we will have it blowing great guns before long, and I only hope we can get well around the Horn first, so that we can drive before it.” While the guns were being more firmly lashed, some men were set to batten down the hatches, and next it was decided to house top masts in spite of the blow. ‘*Hold the deck, Mr, Willis, while I go aloft. ‘Come, men, follow me up aloft to house topmasts.” ‘The crew sprung to obey toa man, while several cried out: “ Not you, captain, we'll do it, sir; not ou!’ But Stanwood would not ask the-men lo do what he would not dare in that blow, and they soon saw that he was as good as a sea- man as he was in the capacity of com- mander. The topmasts were housed, in spite of the reeling, surging, plunging vessel, and the men were again at their posts on deck. ‘* Here she comes, lads, and we'll run with her. ** At the wheel there!” “Ay, ay, sir.” ‘*Let her come round as the hurricane overtakes us, until she is dead before it— then hold her so, but a!l hands look out for the rush of waters.” The crew were no longer dispirited, for they recognized a master mind and hand to guide them. They knew their danger to a man, but they felt that if the brig could be saved pe one who then guided her destinies would 0 80. , The midshipmen were silent, attentive and watchful, and if they were glad that Burt Willis was no longer in command, that youn gentleman was shaking hands with himsel over and over again in congratulations of that very fact. f That Stanwood had gone aloft to house topmasts convinced him that he realized the full danger and that the brig must behave her very to weather the storm. Below decks the men were more nervous, for they could only hear and feel, but they had been glad to know that Noel Stanwood was now in charge of the brig. As for Captain Kane he was silent, but took in all that his experience of long years enabled lim to do from the orders given and the feel of the ship, and Lord Erskine re- marked to the surgeon that he no longer feared the result. The surgeon had given Caldwell some quieting medicine, looked after the ovhers who needed his services, and then sought. the side of Lord Erskine, in whom he had officer had also gathered several of the more s
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‘ slightly wounded, waiting for the climax, whatever it might be. ‘‘There she comes, lads! hold hard all! Steady at the helm, but meet every move- ment of your ship, men!” There was not an atum of excitement in the voice and the clear tones reached every ear above the roaring waters and howling winds, and they were heard below decks too. There indeed did ‘‘ she come ”—the hurri- cane—in all its ghoulish glee of viciousness and conscious power. . A wall of white foam as high as the miz- zen peak, and black clouds almost sweep- ing the waters and driven along with furious speed. . One vivid glare of lightning came, only one, as though to reveal to the sailors the mouth of the ocean and winds, and then the foaming wall came down upon the devoted ship. The decks were swept from stern to fore- castle, and shrieks of despairing men drag- ged from their clutch for life mingled with the hissing winds and seething waters. But Stanwood had himself sprung to the wheel, and with a swaying, twisting motion the brig came upward instead of being crush- ed out of sight, and feeling the fierce winds in the smail canvas set, bounded away like a huge thing of life in terrible fright. So on she flew, straight as an arrow, ata tremendous speed, yet holding her own and showing that she was not conquered, not to be drowned in the mad _ ocean, frail as she appeared amid that appalling battle of the elements. For full an hour no word was spoken upon the decks, other than a low command from Stanwood, who had taken one side of the wheel, with a giant-formed quartermaster at the other. Then his experience told him that the dan. ger was past, the hurricane was ad out, and the wave-tops were no longer white walls of foam. “We are driving along tremendously, Mr. . Willis, but the danger has gone by,” he ‘said, quietly, as the midshipman made his way to his side. “And but for you the brig would have been now at the bottom of the sea.” “‘Oh, no, perhaps not, for she is a hard one to drown, as she has just shown, for she behaved nobly.” ‘*The tempest is over at least.” ‘Oh, yes, we'll soon have it down to half a gale and then the sea will soon run down, ang you can relieve me.” “Of the watch, yes, for you need rest, but not of the command, for I will not take the brig again, not I, Captain Stanwood, so you'll have to act.” “Perhaps Mr. Dorsey may be willing to?” “Tll be curse— I beg pardon, Captain Stanwood; but'I meant to say that Mr. Dor- sey is not so anxious for promotion as he was, so you'll have to be captain with # lot of scared middies for luffs, for there’s not a mother’s son of us but was saying over every prayer we had ever learned in infancy,” and Midshipman Dorsey added, as Stanwood laughed lightly at his words: _** To-morrow not one of us will have been frightened ; but to-night we are as scared a jot as ever trod a ship’s deck—eh, Willis?” ‘« Well, 1 was anxious about the brig.” “ Certainly, for if she held on, you would be all right.’ “1 confess, however, that I felt easy after Captain Stanwood took command.” “| regret that we lost some of our poor fellows. ‘Muster the men, Mr. Willis, please, and see how many were swept away when the hurricane boarded us.” — The men were numbered, for the wind had now sunk rapidly down to a stiff breeze, - and the sea was as rapidly becoming smooth. ‘‘ Four went off, sir, on the wave, and two men were hurt, and were carried below,” reported Burt Willis. © . “Poor fellows; but they met a sailor’s fate. . - “Have the carpenter sound the well, please.” ‘ This was done, and the report was that the brig was 2 Hn ing; and a cheer came ag the men heard it. — «How many men for duty, all told, Mr, Ww Ph ud ? 3 Fan couse wie mine; and the report was The Silver Ship. five midshipmen, one surgeon and an assist- ant, the boatswain, sailmaker, carpenter, | and twenty-eight able-bodied seamen. ‘*Do you know what course Captain Kane desires to steer?” ‘‘ He just asked to see you, sir, so he will tell you.” | «*"Pake the deck, please, and keep her as she now heads until the sea is quieter, when we can head her north-by-east, for we have | rounded Cape Horn, I am sure.” So saying, Noel Stanwood descended to the cabin. | Captain Kane held forth his hand and | grasped that of Stanwood, while he said in a voice that quivered with feeling: ‘‘My dear young friend, for the third | time you have saved this brig from loss, and | all on board from death. ‘‘Here, help yourself to some brandy, and then sit down and talk to me, for you are to hold command until we reach home.” “But, captain, I—” ** Not a word, sir, for I mean what I say. ‘‘We are to run for Montevideo, where I expect to find the British sloop-of-war Peli- can, and as she goes direct to Boston, I will send Lord Erskine on her, for he needs rest, and the best of skill and care. ‘“‘Then I have orders from Commodore Tate to touch at Trinidad, and also Jamaica and the Carolinas, when I shall head for Boston, and you are to hold command. “‘Of course we must run from any foe, oa in our weakened condition we cannot & t. ‘ ‘Now you know just what the brig is to do, and what I expect of you. **Tcan let you have a uniform to wear, and you will bunk in the cabin here.” ‘‘No, thank you, sir, I will retain my sailor garb, and keep my own quarters, for [ am very comfortable there, and, as you de- sire it, I will hold command until you, or oe of the officers are able to take the ec Bray ; ‘* Ag I said, Stanwood, we will send Lord Erskine directly home, so tnat Caldwell will be the only other to take charge, and even should he recover, you are to command, for my leg will keep mein the cabin for many weeks yet. “You'll not refuse me this, when you see how helpless I am, and how all upon the brig depend upon you?” ‘No, Captain Kane, as serve you, I will take command; but when we drop anchor in Boston Harbor I shall re- d myself as a king’s prisoner again.” “Of course, if you deem it best; but mj word for it that you will be set free after all you have done for us.” “Tf you were the admiral, yes, sir; but I'll face my fate be it what it may.” And so it was that Noel Stanwood became the commander of a king’s vessel-of-war. CHAPTER XXXIV. THE PELICAN REACHES PORT. | . i i=) I feel that I can Bosron was in a state of siege, for General Howe, with his forces, had been driven into the works surrounding the city, and hemmed in there except from the sea, where the British vessels-of-war could »run in and out. One morning, a sloop-of-war came into port, and her arrival was greeted with de- light by the besieged garrison. She was just back from 4 long cruise in Southern seas, and though rumors had reached her of the Colonists resisting the king, there was no idea that €here really could be a war, that the Americans would dare to really fight their British masters, But the situation of affairs at Boston show- ed the returned mariners, that the Ameri- cans were determined to fight for their free- dom from royal rule unto the bitter end. The Pelican had made a slow run of it from the South American Coast, and upon her deck, seated in an easy-chair as she sail- ed into port, was an officer wearing the uni- form of a lieutenant in the Royal =: His face was pale as from long suffering, and he did not appear to be very som It was Lord Erskine Enders, who had join- : ed the sloop to come home in her. The Pelican’s captain had died of fever i some weeks before, so that the wounded officer was given his large and comfortable r quarters, Then upon the sloop was a noted surgeon, who at once took the responsibility of per- forming the operation necessary for the re- covery of Lord Erskine, and its success was a pronounced one, for the wounded man be- gan to improve from that very day. He recuperated rapidly, and when Cuba was left astern was able to sit upon deck, while all the officers vied with each other in attentions to him, for Lord Erskine En- ders was a very popular man. When the Pelican reached port he was able to go at once to the tavern, where his well-known wealth gained for him the best accommodations. His friends flocked in to see him, and he of course heard the rumors regarding the ar- rest of Sir Bradwyn Brule, and that that offi- cer had been killed by the ‘‘ mutineer”’ Noel Stanwood, once an honored young captain in the merchant service, and the descendant of a prominent and fine old soar Lieutenant Bonsir had given his version of the affair a number of times, but some- how it was overlooked, for Commodore Tate had nothing to say in favor of the young American, and the other officers of the frigate seemed to regard Stanwood as guilty. Lieutenant Bonair was one of the first to call upon Lord Erskine, and he. learned the occurrences on the brig after. the departure of the vessel. from Callao, and that Stan- wood was then in command. “It is just like the man, my lord, to go back into irons after his great service, for feeling that he has done no wrong, he is de- sirous to have it so proven before a court- martial, and his. name thus cleared of all dishonor.” ‘** Yes, but it seems strange that there is so much bitterness toward him here.” “‘T can understand it, I think, and I will give you my solution of the reasen. _ ‘*Miss Pearl Revere, the:daughter of the rich American here whose elegant style of living and appearance gained for him the name of Prince Paul Revere,,is a catch that hundreds are after, from our highest rank- ing officers of navy and army down to poor luffs and civilians. ‘‘The homes of the Reveres and Stao- woods joined until at Captain Stanwood’s death it was found that his fortune was swept away, J verily believe stolen by his partner, Frank Farley. ‘*But Noel Stanwood, our hero, saved the life of Miss Revere, and when both were mere children, and they have loved each other ever since, and in my humble opinion are engaged. ‘‘It was her miniature which Sir Brad- wyn had that day, and I now know that he did not gain it by honorable means, “Those who love Miss Revere for her own sake, and for her money, look open Stanwood as the stumbling-block to their hopes, so wish to curse him in her eyes. ‘*Theu Stanwood has a mother and r, and the latter is a most beautiful girl, hardly less so than Miss Revere, and 1 own up frankly hdd I not left. a lady-love in old England, I would fall. desperately in love with Ethel Stanwood, while her mother is a most charming lady, aristocratic in bearing, and a noble woman she has been, from all accounts, through her whole life.. ‘« Now, the partner of the eider Stanwood, Frank Farley by name, was an old beau of Mrs. Stanwood when she was Ethel Noel, but was refused. : ‘He is about her age, and Captain Stan- wood took him into partnership with him, and the firm was considered a very rich one until the senior partner died, when the junior, Farley, had all the money, and said that the captain had ruined himself by bad speculations. . ** He offered the Stanwoods a house, which was refused, aud leaving him to take posses- sion of their fine old homestead, they bought with their little means a snug cottage where mother and daughter now live. : “The capture of the pirate schooner, as she then was, of Captain Crimson, by Stan- | wood, gained for him a few thousands in prize rooney, and then he went to sea to take the barque out to South America, as you know, and from there his troubles began. ‘*And the reason of his leaving home, for there is some mystery about it?” asked Lord — Erskine. ; ; Oe “Tl tell you about that. Os “This man, Farley, failing towin Mra \ eh SE rcp ga eee 3 , ee ep? EE SLE eed 2 eae US PREM ONZE Nth ak oN cist alle
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Stanwood ‘as a girl; determined to get the daughter, and he persecuted Miss Ethel con- tinually. ‘*He told her that her mother was pining away in thé cottage, and if she became his wife, hér mother would go with them to the grand old home again. ** Also that her brother should have a fine vessel and all‘would be well. ‘‘The poor girl very nearly sacrificed her- self for the good of her mother and brother, when fortunately Noel returned from his cruise and the affair ended just there. ‘‘Farley called when Miss Revere happened to be there, the two girls being in a wood near, and, maddened at ‘the refusal of Ethel to marry him he attempted to kiss her. “Noel had: just come up from liong Wharf, where he-had just engaged to go out with the barque’to South America,.and to sail at once, M ‘*Tié saw Farley’s act,'as did Miss Revere, and spritiging forward he hurled the brute to the ground, and his head striking a réck, he lay like one déad. ~ Ot SH ** Noel felt his pulse and believed that he was dead, and in their turn the two girls urged him to fly) © » ag r ** They would listen’ to no refusal, he must go, and Miss Revere would report” the affair. 9) 2" ; ; ‘* Foolishly, but what won’t a man do when a Woman urges it, Noel went at once on board the barqué and set sail, and then the ladies discovered that Frank Farley was only stunned. - ‘Miss Revere told him: that if he made report of the affair, she would tell the truth, » and it would look very bad for Merchant Frank Farley, so the matter was to be kept , as Asecreh NO) “But, rarer: I am sure, set the rumor going that Noel had tried to assassinate him, and had only been kept from so doing by his, Farley’s, courage. “This got out’ and hurt Stanwood, and upon top of it the frigate’ returned with her etsy that made it far worse for the poor ellow. denis! tty Now Farley had persistently haunted Miss Stanwood, and claims that he alone can save her brother from being ark wd and the price of his‘doing so’isHer hand.” | “The villain!” Nastah, deg - “ Yes, and more, he is’ at the bottom of all these false rumors against Stanwood, so that where I, one, said the duel at Callao was a fait one, and Noel acted nobly, against it upon a hundred tongues is that report that it was @ mutiny and @ murder of Bradwyn by the American. © = © by ‘‘T have ‘traced these reports to Frank Farley: east avul datW “Not that he tells them, for he is too shrewd for that; but he gives to his toadies the cue’and they spread the evil gossip. > Now, I believe, I have told you all, En- rs, for | mentioned my visit first to the Stanwoods.” tee . “And IT thank you exceedingly, Bonair, and I know that you will, with me, befriend Stanwood.” 85 Dees ata “Gladly Twill” A _ "Now I already feel much improved, and in two or three days will be able to drive up to the Atanwood: cottage, which I will do and tell them the truth.” Pak Bia “Then 'T shall call upon Mr, Frank Far- ~ Jey and tell him frankly that I will protect - the good name of Noel Stanwood until his return, when he shall know the fountain _, head of all the baseless:and wicked stories about him,” 9) os mit “Good! and T'll go ‘with’ you; but what about Stanwood’s trial?”?. hh 9 ‘Do you not think that Stanwood has earned the right'to beveleased?” | “Indeed, I 46; but old Yard Arm is terri- bly set in his ways, and he has determined that Stanwood shall be hanged ‘for an ex- : ample to the American rebels in the king’s service,” he asserts.” Bet ss i ol f »1.am_ equally as determined that Be shah not hang, but live as an example of MH a splendid man for both British subjects and Americans to copy after.” _ -- “Good! and my: idea is that ; _ Erskine, for ‘have great confidence in your _ powers,” | ton pe You mu t help me and we will, Bonair,” BOS Ft MAY Re om eiil-<ein, rad ra : a ae rt wit ner 1 eT SD Sit, Ye Teeth The Silver Ship. CHAPTER XXXY. LORD ERSKINE HAS SOMETHING TO SAY. THERE had not a vessel come into port of asserted that this would not excuse the act of Stanwood in killing his superior officer, and ! that he would. be tried for the offense, and | doubtless. would. be hanged upon his return, late, but had had something to report about | unless Lord Howe allowed his saving the that mystery of the sea, the Silver Ship. As before, vessels constantly crossed. her course, and when the crew could be made to do so, some of the fleetest craft went in chase of ber. But chasing the Silver Ship was like chas- ing the power she was named after, the Wind. Het name too, ‘Wind Witch, seemed ap- propriate indeed, and smacked of :the super- natural, men thought. Superstitious seamen began to attribute to ere Witch untold powers of a weird ind, ' It was said that the vessel which dared to spread sail in chase of the supposed specter of the ocean, would be sure to meet, with some misfortune. So it was that the strange mystery of the pos yet remained as great a mystery as be- ‘ore. | She sailed the seas hither and thither, now off the coast. of Maine, now in the West In- dies, and again in:the Caribbean Sea, She was seen out in the ocean two hun- dred-leagues away, and she had sailed calm: ly around the Bermuda Islands in the plaim light of day. Again she had been seen off Jamaica, Key West and Havana. : Still no one had ever heard a hail from her decks, or an answer to a hail,’ She had received the broadside of a hun- dred-gun line-of-battle ship at close quarters at night, and was not, apparently, harmed by the iron hail. ( Chased by a cruiser she slipped away with- out seeming effort, and old seamen asserted that no craft built by human hands could sail as did the Silver Ship Wind Witch. Of course the Silver Ship became the talk of the town, and the king had sebt over orders to put the fleetest vessels in American waters upon the track, and run her down. The Americans also were anxious to ca ture her, for it was now reported that she had untold riches on board, and the Colonists were by no means averse to gaining a finan- cial lift, for war, they were finding, was a roy expensive luxury. +S he Silver Ship, with her millions, would swell the treasury of the country in a most desirable manner. hon kg And so vessels were, fitted out to go in, chase of the Silver Ship, for to gain so much booty men were willing to risk even fighting an alleged specter craft. ui | Thus American cruisers and. privateers, and also British vessels were on the alert to capture the noted Silver Ship. ‘The king’s orders to catch the Wind Witch at any cost, had caused Lord Howe to look about for a suitable vessel, and it was decided, after a gencrai canvass of the Cifferent craft, that the pirate. schooner, which had been captured by Noel Stanwood, and purchased by the Government, and had been altered into a brig, was the fleetest craft in American waters. . ; The brig, too, was capable of carrying more canvas than she did, and she was as | stanch in ugly weather asafrigate. Built to hide in the Jagoons and bayous, she did not draw so much water as the usual cruiser of her size, while her breadth. of beam aided her in carrying her canvas. From the teport of the’ commander of the sloop-of-war Pelican, the, Shark must put im an appearance at a very early day, and so every arrangement was made.to at once put her in the dock, respur and refit her, and do all to add to her speed, while her battery was to be changed for a newer style of guns that. ie PANO wat were of a superior kind. _ Her crew were to be of picked men, men who were perfect seamen and shipped know- ing that the ria was to go in chase of a craft that was generally helieved to be a specter of the sea, and certainly was a most mysterious one, Me SY i pape, Dey So all was expectancy, awaiting the arrival of the brig, whose fearful ordeal in the Pacific had now become known: through the report of Lord Erskine. © Lt _ That Noel Stanwood had been freed from his irons to take command, and save the ship, was also known; but the knowing on be 4 Vi =f, REMI a pe to en . a Dey sce ORM 1" Pas ee eRe brig to palliate his crime, and imprisoned him until a pardon could. be procured from the king. A; few days.after the, arrival of Lord Erskine, he was well. able to drive out, and with Bonair) made a.call at the cottage of Mrs. Stanwood. Mrs. Stanwood was away, so old Lucy said, but Missy Ethel, with Miss Pear] Revere, who was. spending the day with her, were over among the cedars with sketch scrap- books, Leaving the carriage at the cottage the two- officers, dressed in. their most gorgeous uni- forms, walked over to the cedars and. their: eyes fell upon a pretty picture. Seated.in a nook, were the two girls, Ethel embroidering, some. fancy-work and Pearl reading aloud to her. ‘ Their sun-hats and pretty dresses were: showy and very attractive, and they certainly looked very beautiful, and had they prepared. for the-coming of the officers, to make an impression, their graceful attitudes and love- liness could. not have made a more exquisite picture to win the heart of man. It, was a balmy afternoon, late in October, and. the wind came off the sea crisp:but not, cool, and there they had, been seated for an hour, reading, then talking of their book, and again discussing the war, the coming of the brig, Shark, and the dread of trouble for Noel Stanwood. |, The step of the officers startled them, and they sprung to their, feet as they beheld Licutenant y sts Bonair and a stranger. The latter was a tall, elegantly-formed man of thirty, with a.face that. was exceed- ingly refined and bearing the stamp of a noble nature upon every feature. His face was wan and pale now, like that of one who had been, for a long time ill, or a sufferer, : _ Recognizing Licutenant Bonair, they greet- ed him pleasantly, and bowed low as his friend; Lord Erskine Enders, was presented. ‘Lord Erskine, let me tell you. how glad Iam to meet. you, after all your kindness to my brother, for Lieutenan, Bonair has told us all,” and Ethel offered her had in her sweel, naive way. ; ‘My dear, Miss Stanwood, I cannot un- derstand what Bonair has been telling you, for | assure you lam guiity of having dong nothing in particular deserving of thanks, as on three separate occasions has he. saved the vessel upon which I was an officer, and. the lives of all on board. “It was to tell you of my having parted with him some weeks ago, that I came; but I must be particular not. to. let, Bonair herald me with undeserved praise.” He His manner was easy and frank, and his well-modulated voice was most pleasant to listen, to, and Ethel said with a smile; * With you as a witnessagainst Lieutenant. Bonair I shall not hold him guitty; but I, also, with my mother, owe much to his good- ness, I assure you.” ' ‘Ab! my time now, it seems; but Miss Ethel, 1 brought , Lord Erskine’ with me, knowing that he could tell you Jater news of your brother, =, be Data? “He is just recovering from three severe wounds, received in the battle of tke brig witb pirates,and has .been unable to come before, for he promised Captain Stanwood to call upen you.” ‘ _{tYes, I did) promise. Captain Stanwood, to'come,to see your mother and. yourself, Miss Btantaod and Ihave so much to_ tell you of your ‘gallant brother, to whom I am most sincerely attached.” |, Ethel at once. led the,way to the cottage, and Mrs, Stanwood having arrived, Lord Erskine was. presented to her, after which he gave the whole bistory of Noel Stanwood, as beard from, his lips, alter leaving upon the barque, and after that his swimming out to the brig to/ warn her of..danger of attack from the pirates. fig ‘The duel with Sir Bradwyn, and what led to it, he recounted, and he was a fine talker, and was listened to with the deepest atten- tion by all . ‘*In his act aboai he was: driven to it, losing opines ee a4 a iy ae 3 ; “ “ “ll ; a's +4 e faye ¥; eNO oy a etic ee ey loo ts * Loh 4 ete pets bas y its ) board the bri against Brale, bate re
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y a + Be 4 q ~ Dy na ; ae ; ta . | a q ee. me * Ty was Frank F he saw the lieutenant’s purpose and heard his’ words, ‘*I hope that the powers that be will re- ard him as not an enlisted man, and so con- one his act, as should. be,done certainly after his noble services rendered. ‘‘His duel was forced upon him, and Brule, confident in his own wonderful pow- ers, had no dread of the result, and meant to kill. Captains Stanwood, as both Lieutenant ona and myself saw, and we will so tes- tify. “What happened afterward I have told you, and as Captain Stanwood was freed from his iruns to bring the brig into port, I sincerely hope that his offense, if such it was, will be disregarded, and I assure you [will do all in my power to have it so; but these old officers are hard to move. ‘‘Should they decide against your son, Madam Stanwood, let me at least give you the hope that, under no circumstances shall he suffer the sentence imposed upon him. ‘‘This I will pledge you,” There was something so significant in the words of Lord Erskine, that all of his hear- ers felt most hopeful, and Bonair knew that his friend’ had decided upon some plan of action, which, as he was not a rich man and might get into trouble, he would not make known to him. ; “‘T had the pleasure, Miss Revere, of a visit from your father, so shall take an op- portunity soon of calling at your house. ‘TL also had a visit from a Mr. Frank Far- ley, and I shall return it, too,” and again there was a hidden meaning in his words, which caused all the ladies to feel that Mer- chant Farley had not impressed the noble- man very favorably. CHAPTER XXXVI. DEFENDING A °FRIEND. THERE was no doubt but that Merchant Frank Farley held a good deal of influence in Loston, and especially with the British, He had made many valuable scquaint- ances when the business partner of Oaptain Stanwood the senior, and somehow, all he lad put his hand to had turned to gold. He lived in magnificent style in the home- | u | the quarter-deck, breaking his sword and stead that had been the Stanwoods’ for gene- rations, gave bachelor dinners and suppers, and entertained the very best people. To get thei® legs under Frank Farley’s mahogany, aud enjoy one of his dinners, was something to be devoutly sought after. Ife: appeared to be a very generous man, for often bis charities were heard of, and it was believed that but for his kind generosity to the Stanwoods they would have been paupers. ’ There was a club in Boston of the aris- tocratic Americans and the English officers, to which only a man of' riches could be- long, 8 r Frank Farley was a member in the best of standing, and so was Lord Erskine Enders. It was at this club, at one of its good sup- pers, one night, that a score of bon vivants had assembled. 8 fom Jk There. were dignitaries there in civil life, among them Frank Farley and Prince Paul Revere. rs Then there were some officers of rank in both the army and navy of Great Britain, and all were enjoying the evening, when the conversation turned upon the still delayed brig-of-war Shark; which was so anxious] looked for, that she might at once be fitted out and sent in search of the weird Silver ‘Shi id . eer 3 75005 eke tae hd Se 4 “Ke would ‘be useless to send any other craft, for not one could get nearer that mys- terious vessel,” said the captain of a cruiser who had more than once chased the Silver And it is not eee that she can catch her,” another added. ws | $3 “No, but she is the fleetest vessel in the ‘king's navy, aod I do not believe there is one even among the swift flyers of the rebels:that ean sailwith her.” 90 28 SS + By the way, what do you think of these |; remarkable reports brought “3 the first offi- ‘cer of the brig, a young ‘Lo Erskine En- arley who asked the ques- tion, and as Lord Erskine had been out when ‘ he ai ‘ Ned: on him, he did not know the. cf tpn be sight, though he was atthe supper, pair, as his guest, the The Silver Ship. two being seated at the further end of the . table upon the same side that the merchant. was. “Why how do you mean, Mr. Farley?” | asked an officer of the army. “Simply that to my thinking be makes | such a hero of that unfortunate young fellow Stanwood, who seems to have gone so utterly , to the bad that it looks like a bid to save his | neck,” All looked surprised, and the glances down the table caused the merchant to think he | had made a mistake. Then Lord Erskine arose and approaching the merchant said politely: ‘«Pardon me, but I have not the honor of | your acquaintance—may I ask your name?” | ‘“* Farley, sir, Frank Farley,” was the pom- | pousreply, ‘“Ah]! permit me to present myself, sir—I | am Lord Erskine Enders.” . “Ah indeed, oh yes; I am most happy, | my lord, to meet you, and I Jeft my card at | your hotel.” ‘I received it, sir, but as we had never | 23 ate ‘Sir Bradwyn Brule was senior luff, and he at once began to persecute Stanwood in | many petty ways, for reasons I care not to mention. ‘‘One day when becalmed a few leagues out from Callao when Iwas officer of the deck, Sir Bradwyn brought up bis desk and taking a miviature from it began to comment. upon the lady whose likeness it was, and,, | knowing that she was a friend of Stanwood, ‘who stood near, insultingly handed the miniature to him.” ‘‘Sir Bradwyn was my friend, my lord—” | ‘*And mine, too, sit, until I found him unworthy of further friendship,” was, the cool reply, and it made a sensation; but all turned to Lord Erskine to continue his story, and he resumed as follows: ‘What Sir Bradwyn intended should be, happened, for he got the lie direct from Stanwood, and with a ery of fury drew his sword and sprung forward to run him through. ‘Tn nine hundred and ninety-nine cases to met I wished you to know that the first lieu- | the thousand he would haye succeeded; but tenant of the brig-of-war Shark was present, | Stanwood quickly drew his ,jack-knife, par- and that J brought home the reports of the warning and plan we beat off the bucca- omeers, ¥ ten hit: tee -boatswain, urging him to help him out, as be:was shorthanded, and he took it.” oie ao nhonsdapplaa tage | magnificent courage of that American hero, | Captain Noel Stanwood, not as a bid in his | favor, but in justice to one whom I deem to | have been most shamelessly ill-used.” With this Lord Erskine bowed and re- , sumed his seat, while a deathlike silence | fell upon all present. . Frank Farley felt that he had gone too far, and yet he had taken up a position he could | not consistently withdraw from without de- | fending it. / So he said: ‘‘ You doubtless are acquainted with the | facts, Lord Erskine, and [ only hope matters are not so bad as they seem, for Noel Stan- wood was very dear to me, before I knew him as he really was, nof.as he appeared; but you, asa king's officer, certainly cannot defend the act of a mutineer.” ‘Did I do such arthing, sir, I would be | yecreant to my duty; but to what mutiny do | you refer?” | ‘‘The striking of a superior oficer upon then killing him.” ), ** Who did this, sir?” Rit ‘Noel Stanwood.” rire ‘*From whom did you get your informa- tion, may I ask?” _° ‘Do you pretend to deny it, my lord?” “I pretend nothing, sir, but I say that it is false as the friendship some people have for those they pretend to serve and be- . friend. .. | “Tt is utterly false, sir.” iy ah ““These are bold words, my lord, when men of high rank say to the contrary.” “No man of higher rank than I hold knows aught about it, sir, for the only one | who ranked me, sir, who was present, is now at the bottom of the sea. BE cel cubis “J refer to Lieutenant Sir Bradwyn Brule.” a ‘But he fell by the hand of Mutineer Stanwood, you will not’ deny this, my lord?” ‘‘Permit me, sir, to instruct you upon an ‘affair you were wholly ignorant of. . ‘¢ Mr. Stanwood carried a vessel, from here | out to South America,and, after delivering her there was wounded and robbed by a band of Dagos. . ; ns ‘He took passage ina vessel for home, but it was captured by pirates, and to save his:Jife he.acted as a seaman on board.” ofA pirate, eh?” <i) tte 70% | “From necessity, sit; but he was ill, and saw the brig Shark come into the. retreat of | | the buecaneers for water, while Captain f Crimson, who had. se out after his escape, a8 a seaman on tl and joining his outlaw comrades arranged a | plot to capture his old vessel, which you | hit. ‘Temember Stanwood had taken,,from | ROE Tis UMaine! diy ne | bMS . rE Though ill, Stanwood swam out in a | bay infested with sharks. and a distance of | over a mile, reached. the brig and under his | ry ome ot “Captain Ka ¢ offered him the berth of % ‘ i } ¥yiny a5 Pars be a a ‘ ALP ait Abie ae hs ret Pe a ee ra cal = ae Wa P = Pee ee cert +3 aint Gt ke fs Pa nes sf . y Yeas Be Ae 4 | » 2 a si aE in, Dis et S Merete hap 0 e Shark, had escaped, | not a soul until a goleta sailed cut of a 1O.t nady vege o / “Captain Kane was badly wounded on \ — deck, Lieutenant Caldwell had been carried = below, and 1, with three wounds, was ‘in ys ‘ried the thrust, and. seizing the sword wrenched it from Brule’s hands, broke it. and tossed the pieces into the sea.” “And that is not metiny, Lord Erskine?” “No, Merchant Farley, for as a favor Mr. Stanwood was acting as boatswain, Bruie was not on duty, gave no order, and taunted’ the sailor to do what he did, for the purpose of killing him.” QI Fre “By Heaven, sir, but you make bold charges against Sir Bradwyn Brule, a king's: officer.” ‘1 am a king’s officer myself, Mr. Farley, and I wish to say that I never utter a word Tam not ready to hold myself responsible for—only a coward will, and before I finish. my narrative, I will make still more serious charges, feeling that if I offend the friends of Sir Bradwyn Brule, they should remember how he sought to destroy my friend, Mr. Noel Stanwood. “Tas officer on watch, at once put Mr. Stanwood in irons, and when off. duty re- ported to. Captain Kane what Sir Bradwyo had already reported. ‘Qaptain Kane ordered Mr. Stanwood out of irons, said that he was his guest, on] nominally an officer, and_so placed Sir Brad- wyn in a position where he had to resent the blow of Stanwood as gentleman to genfle- moan. ‘“Mr. Stanwoud went ashore upon siting at. Callao, and Lieutenant Caldwell fcllowe him with a challenge from Brule to fight m. ‘“‘T acted as Stanwood’s second, and we met late that afternoon, and Sir Bradwyn and Lieutenant Caldwell came in a boat. from Admiral Tate’s frigate, aceompanicd by my friend here, Lieutenant Bonair, Midsbip- man Lumley, Surgeon Deas, a coxswain and ow oarsmen, all of whom witnessed the uel. gee : ‘““Mr, Stanwood selected. swords, and though you have all heard of Brule as a mas- ter swordsman and a deadly duelist, he was most cleverly disarmed and given his life. * Instead of acting as a man of honor | should, Sir Bradwyn insulted the man who had. saved him from the pirates, and just then sivp him his life, and demanded. a second meeting with pistols. = “Then I saw that eet yed meant to kill. him, and he shot him ,in the center of his. forehead. _ Se OSs eee _“ Stanwood, by order of Commodore Tate, the brig and put in irons, my friend here, Lieutenant Bonair, erred 12 erty rates’ haunt to see if any were there, foun oon upon us. |, “By action and sickneas our crew had been decreased greatly, and we saw a foe Coming upon usfivetoone., “We held off and fought them until. our bowsprit was shot away and the brig came command, — nama “1 gave up all for lost, and we then and there, when seiides denly . ek | pa wpe is, present, was arrested, sent on board und “The brig sailed, and, go oe ee pi. red 5dr Pt oes a dab
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24 ~ ‘The Silver Ship. » came Stanwood, followed by his marine | hia words, for the merchant was considered guard, half a dozen of the not seriously ill | a “ fire-eater,” and was known to constantly sailors, and as many slightly wounded, all of whom he had rallied to his aid and armed. **He supposed the brig had surrendered, and he gave orders that were quickly obey- ed, and more, fairly made a charnel house of the goleta, beating her off, until he got the brig under way, rigged a bowsprit, and then drove the pirates back into the lagoon. ‘** A midshipman was then the senior offi- cer, and Stanwood sent the surgeon to work, cleared the decks, buried the dead, made the wounded comfortable, and when the brig was under way again turned the vessel over to Midshipman Willis and returned to his irons. ‘*The captain ordered him set free, but he refused, and the crew, not knowing that he had beri of a into imprisonment again, went in a y to Midshipman Willis and demanded his release, and, but for the fact that Stanwood sent for the leaders and told them that he would not accept his free- dom there would have been serious trouble. ‘*Long after, when the brig was roundin Cape Horn, and a tornado caught us, Mid- shipman Willis and Captain Kane, knowing that the ship was in terrible danger, besought Stanwood to take command ae keep it un- til he brought her into Boston. **He went on deck, and just in time, for again he saved the brig. *‘I was put on board the Pelican and brought here, and the brig, under Stanwood is now due, and I have to say that I have told the facts of the case, and for Appar and malice to try and crush that noble man, Noel Stanwood, will be infamous and ua- worthy of true manhood.” CHAPTER XXXVII. MERCHANT FARLEY OVERSHOOTS THE MARK, | | _then make, nor would I let Captain Kane ; explain. practice with sword and pistols. In fact. Merchant Farley flattered himself with the idea that he was a man much feared, and it was assumed that he had had a num- ber of affairs in which his adversary always came out second best. The lovers of trouble who were present, were now certain of a quarrel, and anxiously awaited the result, To the surprise of all, Commodore Tate arose in his seat, and, amid a perfect silence, asked: ‘‘Lieutenant Enders, for I address you officially now, sir, may I ask you as a gen- tleman and an officer of the Royal Navy, if our statement just made regarding Sailor | Noel Stanwood is just as you would put it | under oath before a court-martial?” ‘* Word for word, Commodore Tate, upon my honor, sir.” ‘*And Lieutenant Bonair, your memor of the affair, as far as you were concerned, would it differ under oath from the report of Lieutenant Enders?” ** Not one jot nor tittle, sir.” **Gentlemen, I thank you for putting me tight, for I was all wrong, I see. **T am a stickler for discipline, from fore- castle to quarter-deck, afloat and ashore, and I was in too ill-humor when the duel oc- curred to listen to the report which Lord Erskine and Lieutenant Bonair desired to **My gout got the better of my temper, and an angry man has no judgment, ‘*T was wrong, all wrong, and when the brig-of-war arrives, I will not press the charges against Mr. Stanwood, who deserves our praise, not our censure, it seems.” A round of applause greeted, the admiral’s THERE was that about Lord Erskine that | words, and oe the naval advocate, who sat n always commanded respect. llis superior officers even had always spoken to him as though he held higher rank than they. Then too his family was one of the most | next to Fra | “Pardon, Commodore Tate, but as the | papers charging Stanwood with mutiny and | murder were turned over to me for prosecu- | tion, upon the arrival of your vessel, to be Farley, arose and suid: prominent in England, and his father was’, — when the prisoner arrives in the brig, near the king, his influence being felt and’ known. | Added to these reasons for his popularity and influence, Lord Erskine was a hand- ’ some, dashing fellow, always courteous and his riches were unbounded it was said. must say that no one now has authority to | dismiss the case, and the mutineer and mur- | derer must be tried as ordered.” ** Your pardon, sir, but after my story of | the affair, kindly say the alleged mutineer | and murderer,” and Lord Erskine epoke in a And so it was that all at the supper had | tone that showed that he was in earnest. listened to his report of the affair on the brig with the deepest interest. They had reported that the rumors going about were pions false regarding Noel Stanwood, but now they heard him personally nail them as falsehoods and in public, while Lieu- tenant Bonair, who was also known as a man the soul of honor, had been ear tan of the duel, and that Sir Bradwyn had forced the affair until he rushed upon his death. The supper was not a private affair, nor by invitation, but the caterer of the club was wont to set an extra entertainment once a week and those who happened to be in the house that evening were asked to sit down and enjoy it, and often there were many glad to do so. Now as Lord Erskine finished his recital, flinging down the gauntlet as it were, for any one who dou his story of the Stanwood- Brule affair, a dead silence fell upon all. Sir Bradwyn Brule had bis friends there, but his shortcomings, violent temper and boastful talk of his duels were known, while he was greatly dreaded as a duelist by all, and avoided by many. It had leaked out that Sir Bradwyn had been disappointed in his love affairs, and went to sea ‘‘ with a chip on his shoulder,” 80 to speak, If any one present had decided to take up the gauntlet for Sir Bradwyn, the fact that Lord Erskine Enders would be the man they had to face deterred them. Prince Paul Revere seemed silent and pear l over the affair, but & merry twinkle came into his dark eyes when Lord Erskine would give Frank Farley the op- portunity to resent his words. Pearl had told him of meeting Lord Ers- kine, and of the story he told of Noet Stan- wood, and he felt sure that the nobleman was more than anxious to have Farley resent ce | The advocate turned to him, and having | said; had heard before that Lord Erskine! ‘I accept the amendment, sir, the alleged | mutineer and murderer.” There was now a feeling of discomfort | falling upon the party, for a storm seemed | brewing, and no one knew just when or | where it would break. . Commodore Tate had made the amende honorable, and when the advocate said what he did, simply replied: ‘So be it, sir, if he must be tried; but the facts will quickly disprove the charges, I am confident, after what I have heard.” “Tf other charges of a serious nature do | not disapprove the alleged facts,” said a voice | that startled all, for it was a direct fling at Lord Erskine and Lieutenant Bonair, . The speaker was Frank Farley, and all eyes were turned upon Lord Erskine. He was equal to the occasion, for with a smile and bow he said, pieasantly: **Mr. Farley, you did me the honor of tf upon me a few days since, at my | hotel. “Pray be at home to-morrow morning, for I shall have a friend drop in to return / that call for me.” ** Nothing could. be more elegantly put,” said Commodore Tate to Prince Paul Re- vere, who was upon his right, “No, and Farley has made a grave mis- take,” was the answer. This fact Frank Farley seemed to realize, for his face changed color. He had wished to get the credit of bully- ing, without drawing Lord ine into a quarrel. But his words had been better understood by all present than perhaps by himself, and the looks that followed them showed that he had dove deeper than he had intended. As the insult came from him, he could not fail to understand Lord Erskine’s elegantly : , phrased challenge, and so could only bow nite ing etasipasnigS Gatti ieee ct oetanspviaommaiceamapseiiaies Sanne and some one skillfully changed the subject from its dangerous channel, and wit, re- partee and laughter again resounded around the board. It was late when Paul Revere returned home, but he found Pearl seated before a blazing fire in the library awaiting him, and ccorere in some fancy work with her nee- e ‘* Just from the club, papa?” she asked. “Yes, my child; but you are up late, for it is near midnight.” ‘I wanted to know if there was any news of the brig, sir.” ‘*No, but there was a pretty scene at the Social Club to-night called up by reference to the brig.” ** Ab, tell me of it please, papa.” ‘‘Lord Erskine called here this afternoon, he told me.” ‘* Yes, sir, and I had the pleasure of en- tertaining him, in your absence, and he is a most charming man.” ‘“‘He is, indeed, and I admire him im- mensely. ; ‘* He comes of an old and most prominent family and his title dates back for centuries, while he is, I believe, the richest man in England.” ‘* All good recommendations, papa, for a catch, but you know I am already caught.” A frown passed over Prince Paul’s face at this, but he went on to tell of the supper at the club, and of Lord Erskine’s defense of Noel Stanwood, with the response of Com modore Tate, after which he said: ‘Tf that fool Farley had known the reg meaning of words, Pearl, he never would have said what he did. ‘*He hoped to frighten Erskine off, but he chose the last man to play that game on, to alarm, or insult, ‘‘Enders was ready for a quarrel with Farley, I could see from the first; but his way of taking up the gauntlet which Farley threw down, was the handsomest I ever saw,” and Prince Paul repeated Lord Ers- . kine’s words. ** This means a duel?” ‘*Yes, Pearl.” ‘*T am sorry.” “Well, I am not; Farley has been carry ing a very high hand of late, and he met more than his match in Lord Erskine. ‘*He has tried to browbeat Ethel Stanwood into marrying him, and he bas hoped to get her brother out of the way to force her to do so; but now that Lord Erskine has taken up the gauntlet for Stanwood, it will be interest- ing to watch the result, and I predict tha: Farley will find that he has made a grave mistake. “A young fool is bad enough, but God pity an old one,” and Paul Revere bade Pearl good-night and retired to his own room. CHAPTER XXXVIII. THE AMERICAN FLAG, Hap Sir Bradwyn Brule been upon the brig-of-war Shark, in her cruise after round- ing Cape Horn, not even he could have found fault with the merchant captain of the king's vessel. oel Stanwood kept to his old quarters, where he had so long been in irons, and the chains bung there still, as though he did not fear to see them. He was courteous to all, attentive to the care of the wounded, from cabin to forecas- tle, but he was very silent, and, it seemed, almost stern at times. . He did double duty, not sparing himself in anything, aud the middies stood in awe of him, in spite of kindly treatment of them, _ If there was a neglect of duty on the part of any of them, they were reminded of it in a manner that ad against a repetition of the offense. If any of the men became troublesome, and there were several unruly spirits among the crew, they were at once handled without gloves. , Though not of the Royal Navy, Stan- wood allowed no interference, attending to his duties in all things as he deemed best. After placing Lord Erskine on board of the sloop-of-war Pelican, the brig sailed on ber way to execute the other orders given Captain Kane by Commodore Tate. Several times she had been compelled to fly from a foe far too strong for her, twice had gone into action with , every \ but
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— We - is i / '. #: ie X * ; ny * + ay! aa aa | os cn . r . + nie : AS > cen aS <I wi ‘*, Ua rg w ” k “ / iat ” ee ¥. me Leg 1 a - » ¥ “¥ + __ a t ag 4 oe € as ~~ '¥ oe re . Sa \ 7 fs a * *% - a _ you, and then resented your order as he had ow er " ji was at once excitement on the deck for The Silver Ship. arn pen 2 a 25 of strength, and had captured a French brig-of-war, forcing her to strike with her guns alone, for she dared not show her diminished crew, and a small French priva- teer schooner had also been overhauled and | taken. With the crews in irons, anda couple of midshipmen on board of each, having just men enough under them to work the vessels, the prizes kept company with the Shark on her way northward. These two captiures but added to the fame of the American officer, for he had taken vessels whose crews in each instance doubled his own, depending upon the fleet sailing of the brig, and the well-trained gunners, which enabled him to keep his own Cistance and force his enemy to surrender with his guns. So it was with his prizes the young sailor started northward, and on that day Lieuten- ant Caldwell was able to come on deck. He was greeted pleasantly by Stanwood, congratulated upon his recovery, and an easy chair was placed for him, but not a word did Stanwood say about relinquishing the command. At last, in a querulous mood, Caspar Cald- well made a suggestion which he said must be carried out. It was done, by order of Stanwood. Then an order from the British lieutenant followed, and instantly Stanwood turned to- ward him with the remark: ‘Pardon me, Lieutenant Caldwell, but I command this vessel until relieved by Cap- tain Kane, for I acknowledge no other au- thority on board.” Lieutenant Caldwell at once arose and sought the cabin, where he said somewhat warmly: a ‘Captain Kane, after my visit to you I went on deck, and secing something that I deemed should be attended to, 1 gave an or- der to have it done, and that fellow Stan- wood gave me to understand that he was in command of this vessel.” ‘““And so he is, sir, and more, I heard through yonder open skylight just what oc- curred. ‘‘ At first Captain Stanwood yielded to aright to do. 3 ‘He has just gone on watch, so anything wrong was the fault of Midshipman Dorsey who was before him. : “ As to speaking of Captain Stanwood as a fellow, if you do such a thing again, or treat him with the slightest disrespect, I shall take it ad an affront to myself, and prefer charges accordingly. : ~**Gaptain Stanwood consults me in all things, and he represents me until we drop anchor in Boston Bay.” “Then I am to understand that I am to have no authority here, sir?” “When you report for duty you are to do so as acting first officer, Midshipman Willis dropping back to second place.” «This is hard indeed, for a merchant sailor to rank a king’s officer,” ‘Tt was not hard when he has three times saved this ship, and if I, the commander, put up with it, then my officers shall do 80, or refuse, just as they deem best. “What is your decision, sir?” ‘*T shall obey your orders.” «And Captaio Stanwood’s?” 3 “Yes, sir, as he represents you,” and it was very evident that Lieutenant Caldwell yielded with a very bad grace. But a midshipman who was looking over some papers for Captain Kane in the cabin, heard all, and reporting it to his mates, al! decided that for their own good they must treat the ‘sailor captain,” as they called Stanwood, with the same respect that they did their own commander, or they saw trouble ahead for the middies of the Shark. ; The next morning broke foggy and calm, and the brig and her prizes could not see each other, though they were not far apart. As the fog lifted a large schooner was descried a mile away, and the coming breeze lifting her colors, the flag of the American Republic was recognized, or, as Lieutenant Caldwell, who was on deck, put it: “She flies the flag of the Rebel Republic! w for another prize, for she is hemmed e brig and her two prizes.” ——— the stranger had gotten, during the dark- -o 4 — 4 2 s Me Deo Ee ee eee SS CA ee Cee eee ee s- ‘ 7 _— ; 4 ae . A.» ‘on 4 -* Pier bu" é Uo epee Pipi Zap ke ness and fog, into the triangle formed by the brig and her two prizes, The two brigs were equal in size to the American schooner, and the prize schooner a trifle smaller, so resistance seemed out of | the question, as the stranger could not know that the crews of the trio of vessels com- bined, that were flying the English flag, did not number half a hundred. All eyes turned upon Noel Stanwood, | who quietly took his glass and leveled it. upon the stranger, who was hastily spread- ing all sail, as though to attempt to run | the gantlet, and the drums were heard call- | ing her crew to quarters. But not'a shadow was upon the face of | the young captain, as he closed his glass | with the remark: ‘Yes, she flies the American flag.” “Then she will be another prize for us | —see! the brig and our schooner also, are preparing for action,” cried Lieutenant Cald- well. ‘‘ Signal them at once, sir, not to act with- | out orders.” ! ‘‘My God! do you not intend to capture | her?” ‘*T do not, sir.” ‘* We can do it, for she does not know our weakness of crew.” “1 shall fire no gun upon her, sir.” P ‘And yet she flies the rebel American | ag.” } e True, sir, and I am an American myself, | a rebel if so you will.” There wus no hiding the excitement these words produced among those who heard — them, and when Lieutenant Caldwell could , catch his breath he said: “I shall report ‘this, sir, to Captain | Kane.” ‘‘Do so, sir; but let me tell you that I, took command of this vessel to save her | from destruction, and I did so. ‘“‘T was asked to take her on her cruise to | carry out the orders of her captain, and I | have so far done so. ‘*In her weakened condition, crippled and , short of crew, she was not expected to go. into action, but to fly from a foe. “‘ As Great Britain is at war with France, | I decided to risk the capture of two of that | country’s armed vessels, and they are now | our prizes. ** Now we are on the way to Boston and | come upon an American privateer, which I | feel sure we cou!d capture, she not knowing | our weaknes3. ‘* But she flies the flag of my countrymen, and I will not turn gun upon her, while, as / captain of this vessel, receiving the largest | amount of prize-money, I relinquish it for | those two prizes I have, to be divided among | the officers and crew of the Shark for the | loss of yonder American schooner. a “IT can do no more, nor will I, but I wish | to say just here, Lieutenant Caldwell, that I | overheard your muttered words but now, to Midshipman Dorsey, and if you, by act, look or word give me another catise to do so, I big put you in double irons until we reach port. ** Go to your duty, sir!” The eyes of the American fairly blazed, but his manner was Lame calm, a calm- ness which Caspar Caldwell understood, for | he saluted in silence and walked away, while the group that had gathered were glad to slink away. } The American captain would stand no nonsense, that was certain, and all on board the brig now understood it. | As for Captain Kane, he said, when Cald- well Bib it to him: ° “What Stanwood does he must take the responsibility for, as I will report his action, of course.” . | In the mean time the American schooner held on her way, gaining speed under her | increased sail, her men at their guns, the flag of the new Republic flying at her peak, an her course laid so as to escape through the trap she had found herself in, if she could do so, while, if not, to simply surrender against such odds. aah But no shot came from the trio of vessels | flying the British flag, and they held on their way seemingly unconscious of the existence of the American. , tr And the schooner with the new flag passed | on out of Gauge in dread silence, not a gun - having been fired by any of the four, to the - » * 74) Pee utmost chagrin of the British crews, and the intense amazement of the Americans, who could not of course understand why three vessels flying the flag of the Royal Navy, would allow an enemy to escape them. But the commander of the American schocner wisely let well enough alone, and did not attempt to spring the trap by open- ) pg mi but sailed on her way out of sight. hat afternoon a blow sprung up, and in the darkness of the night that followed, the brig and her two prizes parted company; but. | they still all three held on their course for Boston Bay. CHAPTER XXXIX. THE THREE ARRIVALS. Tue prize French brig under Midshipman Burt Willis, was the first to arrive in the harbor of Boston, having caught a gale that was favorable to her course. The midshipman had sunk his first bitter- ness against Noel Stanwood, so rendered his. report of the prizes taken, giving it as his opinion that very few men would have taken | the chances that Captain Stanwood did to attempt the capture of the prizes. In regard to the affair of the Americar cruiser met with, he reported it simply as follows: ‘On the morning of the 18th ultimo, whick came with a calm and fog, we sighted a large schooner which soon showed, as the wind rose and fog disappeared, the American flag. “Captain Stanwood doubtless had the best of reasons for attempting no attack upon the vessel], so wisely forbore making any, and the rebel craft escaped us.” he next vessel to arrive in port was the French schooner, also a prize of the brig, — under command of Midshipman. Wen- ell. The middy, proud of his achievement of reaching port, after becoming separated from the two brigs, at once rendered his re- port, in a way that reflected great credit. upon Midshipman Commander Horace Wen- dell, of his Majesty's Navy. ' Partaking of the feeling of Lieutenant Casper Caldwell against Noel Stanwood, he could not tolerate an American who had be come a hero over the heads of British offi- cers, and also bad a fair chance of gaining a. king’s commission instead of a noose, as had been expected, and, by some, hoped would be the case. : So he made his report of the American cruiser affair as follows: ‘*On the morning of the 14th we were in a calm and a fog, and found, upon the breaking away of the mist from a rising wind, that we formed a triangle, the brig Shark being the furthest away. ; : “Witkin this <riangle was a large armed schoonet, not half a mile from either of: the two prizes, and less than a mile from the Shark. “We, Midshipman Willis of the prize brig, and myseif, at once made preparations to take a prize so valuabie, but to my amaze- ment and chagrin, signals came from the Shark, commanded by Mr. Noel Stanwood, an American of the merchant service, to fire no guns at the enemy. . “IT could but obey, and, to my surprise and regret; beheld the rebel quietly slip out of the trap and disappear, while the face of every true British sailor was flushed with shame and anger. ; “* Mr. Stanwood may be able to explain his actions, but it will be hard to do, for the rebel schooner was completely at our mercy.” - This report, with that of Burt Willis, midshipman commander of the French brig Vidette, went into the hands of the com- mander of his Majesty’s sea forces at Boston, and but increased the bitter feeling of British officers for the upstart American whom, they all considered, luck or accident, or both, with the misfortune of others, had placed in his exalted position over a British war-ves- , thus enabling him to continue on in his © successful career. © eae ° With the arrival of the two prizes great anxiety began to be felt for the brig, which was such a flect sailer. = = 8 ~ She was known to be very short-handed, with Stanwood as captain, Caldwell and one midshipman as lieutenants, and not twenty men for duty, and it was feared that (he ball f 5} - ee
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t i { _ no con 26 The Silver Ship. fallen in with some foe who had captured can, and his sympathies were with his coun- her. But at last a sail was reported, far to the eastward by north of Boston Light, and as it drew nearer it was seen to be a brig. Then it was discovered to be the Shark, and she swept on up the harbor, her flag fly- ; ing at half-mast, her bull weather-stained, rigging and sails patched, and only a few men visible upon her decks, ' In the little cedar grove in front of the cottage of Widow Stanwood were four per- Sons watching the coming brig. They were Lord Erskine and Pearl Re- ‘vere, both in riding attire, and their horses were hitched near, and the other two were Mrs. Stanwood and Ethel. After a long look through the glass Lord > Erskine said emphatically: “It 7s the brig, and I'll meet her when she arrives and return for you, Miss Re- vere.” **T will be glad if ou will do so, Lord Erskine, for you see ree most anxious fe- males awsiting to hear the news,” replied | Pearl. . “Yes, my lord, you can but feel how m heart bleeds to hear of my son and, what is to be done with him,” Mrs. Stanwood re- sponded, while Ethel said softly: “Don’t let them ‘send him to prison if it can be helped,” **T will do all in my power for your brave, llant, brother, Miss Ethel,” and papa imself into his saddle Lord Erskine dashe away with the air of a man who had been reared in the saddle instead of upon the deck, of a vessel, ti It was growing twilight when he reached the shore, and a boat was coming ashore to report the arrival of the brig. _ ; In it was Lieutenant Caldwell in full uni- form, and as he stepped ashore he was greeted with a kindly welcome by Lord Ers- ine. “JT am. neal, glad to see you so well, my lad, for I was fearful about your recoyery,” said Caldwell. 1 pap Beary ‘And all are well on the brig?” “ The captain is still confined to his cabin, and we have about as many of the crew be- low decks, wounded and sick, as we have on , duty;. but have .a brig, and schooner, both prizes, arrived?”. ny ) “Yes, in safety.” “Good! that means, a handsome sum in prize money; but I must go and make m report, and I fear it is golag very hard wit your American friend, Stanwood,” ; ** How so, sir?” tl ** Well, you know the old charges too well to rehearse them, my lad, and he has been ilty of a most heinous crime while coming re, for he allowed a rebel cruiser to escape, and openly proclaimed himself a rebel.” ‘Pardon me, Lieutenant Caspar Caldwell, but you are on duty, and are speaking of your superior officer, Captain Stanwood, “If you have charges to.make, wait until the proper time, und, meantime, remember that if Captain Kane is unable to take com- mand of the brig, that J am her commander, for I have reported for duty upon her ar- | rival.” ae Caspar Caldwell saw that he had gone too far, and so deay ing, 30 silence went on his way, while Lord - rskine creere into his boat and was rowed out to the brig. Captain Stanwood Mricanes him with much pleasure, and led nist ; where Captain Kane greeted him heartily, and said: lord, and take command, for Iam unable to do so, and Caldwell has shown an intensely ugly disposition against Stanwood, who has, . however, held his own against all odds. “He is a remarkable man, and will make for himself some day, if those old have another severe charge to a rd 7 ’ gray ei 14 do not insist upon hanging him, for “ia wil «You refer to the rebel cruiser affair?” “Yes, at bot Gon claim that he was in sh fi of. faite . 30 ’ a Bat he will not?” Sag SSP No, he boldly said that he yielded o he two cap: the cabin, . “1 wish Bi would come off to-night, my ; on to attempt her capture, mith not men enough to man two guns on each | shi : / oe 4 ' é ee RTT Geret meso indies | trymen.” | | He is a bold man; but public opinion was changing here in his favor, though I do | not now know-how it will tend, since his | declaration of war against the British, for such it was. | ‘I fear it will make trouble for him, | where otherwise it wonld have been plain sailing to acquit him, for Commodore Tate _ surrendered, after he got cool enough to Jisten ‘to the facts in the case.” “Well, go and get your uniform and re- turn for duty as soon as possible, so 1 may | feel easy.” oung sailor, whom now he admired amaz- ingly and felt the deepest sympathy for. ‘Tf you acted from a sense of right, Stan- | wood, ; you.did not do as Captain Kane told you, | take French leave, for I fear there is trouble ahead for you. ‘T will return and report to your mother and sister, and Miss Revere, that you will ' can be done on the morrow. ‘« | will come off.as soon as possible to take | command, for Caldwell is your foe,” | ‘And you aré.a noble friend, Lord Ers- kine,”’ was the earnest reply. | Lord Erskine returned rapidly through the ‘gathering gloom, and had not the heart to make other than a hopeful report to the anxious mother, sister and lady-love of the | young sailor. | » Then he escorted Pearl home, and an hour _ after reported on board the brig for duty. | He found, Captain Caldwell in command, along with several other officers who had been sent off to do duty on the brig. | . But when asked for Noel Stanwood, _ Captain Kane told him that he had been ar- | rested and.sent ashore in irons, and added: ‘«This is Caldwell’s work, I am sure.” | Lord Erskine’s face flushed with anger, and | Sending for Lieutenant Caldwell he said sternly: “ Lieutenant Caldwell, I have to say, sir, thas I relieve you from command of this rig. “Have you orders for so doing, sir?” ‘*T have my orders here, to tuke the brig, fit her out and go on a special, cruise in her in seareh of. the mystery of the sea known as the Silver Ship... . ““T do not usurp Captain Kane’s place, for he is to command: the frigate British King, Commodore Tate having been made an ad- miral, while I have the honor of showin 1 you my commission as acaptain in the Roya | Nay Having thus shown you my authority, Lieutenant Caspar Caldwell, let me. say to | you, sir, in the presence of Commander ane, that your conduct toward Captain ' Noel Stan wood has been as despicable as was that of Sir Bradwyn Brule, and if harm be- falls that young sailor, through your reports | exaggerated tenfold. against him, I shall | waive our respective ranks and hold you per- sonally responsible. You can go on deck to Jone duties, sir, and if you care to resign | tom this vessel your resignation will be ac- cepted with thanks” ? ' aspar Caldwell was completely dumb- founded. He had hoped for his own promotion, and yet not a word had been said to him by the admiral when he’ made his report, that hinted that he was'to be made a senior lieu- tenant. ; Yet here, upon his arrival Captain Kane mee Promote to commodore, and Lord Erskine, a junior lieutenant was jumped u to a captaincy and he ye most covet commund that could be had, that of the ves- sel that was to be clapescped upon a special cruise. after the Silver Ship. He felt, of grate him, he couid not do so, : Cc ’ here was the brig going ol pe an e ition, which if successful. would enrich every offi- ade a ets ute to take. cer and man on board - I cruiser, because he was an Ameri- Yet he had been politely informed by the fam ‘ i ” 4e 3 5 oP ne medi Lord Erskine left the cabin, and going on | : deck had a talk of some minutes with the , cannot blame you; but 1 am sorry | remain aboard to-night, and we wil] see what Te felt that he had allowed. his malice to | carry him too far, and when he tried to re- call one act which Stanwood had been guilty onscience also pricked him with the thought that he had been unkind, unjustly 8 - i Oo. 4% ’ : ' 1 He was not rich, and he loved meney. and new captain, that his resignation would be accepted ‘‘ with thanks.” Bitterly he cursed his unfortunate disposi- tion, and his iJl-fortune, in persecuting Noel Stanwood, and determined to make a bold effort to regain favor, he sought Captain Erskine and. said: **T am afraid, my lord, that I was a little malicious toward Stanwood; but then he was not one of us, either in country or train- _ing; but whatever I can say for him in his | trial, I will gladly do, and I should esteem it an honor, my lord, to be allowed to go ' with yon on Rid cruise, holding the same | rank I now do.” ‘* Lieutenant Caldwell, at the trial of Cap- tain Stanwood, it is your duty to say nothing your honor does not uphold. ‘*Tell the truth, from your standpoint , only, and no more can be asked, | “ As for your sailing with me, the desire ' for which prompts your change toward Cap- ‘tain Stanwood, I can say that a vacanc exists for an officer of your rank, and, as know you to be a brave and efficient officer, I will place your name upon the list of those the vacancy will be filled from.” | | “TY thank you, my lord, I thank you,” _and the sycophantic officer bowed low and left the cabin, while Commodore Kane said | with a laugh: ' '__“ The Silyer Ship, and your threat to hold him responsible, caught him, and after your promise to him just now he will be the , warmest friend Stanwood has.” * Yes, but God help such friendship. | “§till he is an excellent officer and just fills a certain gap in a ship’s complement; but ' how on earth he is to reconcile his past ac- tions toward Stanwood, with what he will now doubtless testify to, 1 am at loss to, un- | derstand. ‘But it takes all kinds of people to make up a world, commodore.” _ “You are right,” was the laughing re- 'joinder of the gallant old. sailor, who was tickled amazingly over his promotion to the command of the. frigate British King, an honor he had not expected, and which he had an idea, and.a just. one, was owing to - the influence of Lord Erskine Enders that /he gotit. —_——--—— CHAPTER XL. GETTING RID OF A WITNESS. THE good people of Boston, and their | British rulers were almost wild with excite- | ment, the day after the arrival of the brig Ahatk | here were many reasons for this excite- ‘ment, for provisions were getting scarce in _ the town, and Washington was drawing bis | lines closer and closer around the ot The patriots were no longer despised by the British, and both on land and sea, from Massachusetts to the Carclinas, the king’s | people had received some severe lessons, American cruisers had begun to dot the | seas, and in action the British bull-dogs had. discovered that their Yankee cruisers were a trifle more than a match for them. _ The ‘‘ freedom call” was echoing through the land, and Americans were facing the ordeal of a long and cruel war with no flinching from the struggle, ‘The Americans in Boston were delighted, and the American traitors and British rule: correspondingly oppressed. ing of the brig-of-war Shark, with one-fifth of her crew, an American sailor in command, _her captain wounded in his cabin, and a re- port that the empOraey commander pet oe { retused to. ' clared himself a rebel, and ha | capture A. seneye prize in the shape of an American cruiser. ; That this daring traitor, Noel Stanwood, once a child of fortune and beloved in Bos- ton, would be hanged was a foregone con- — clusion in the minds of many. — Then there was still another % | for ex- citement, as the returned bri, theme for ex- iteme | by at once taken to the dock, dismantled, and had — a hundred workmen put upon het to get her in search of the famous Silver | apie 2 famous Silve housands who went down to oe; j nit > a Way Ley : rs 7] pathy : cai N Svs ‘ Lane t }- ey) ie i =" Fey PTH eppe™ viet rulers Another cause of excitement was the com- into the very best trim for sea at Sup’ wise * ois big, once he pirate schoonet of ig
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The Silver Ship. assed through such an eventful cruise, ¥ ooked upon her and her crew as doomed. ca ‘She would never return from a cruise in chase of a phantom ship, and God help ber i foolhardy commander and crew,” was the a standing verdict. rendered by all. But Boston also had still other cause for excitement, for a duel had been fought on the evening after the arrival of the brig. t Two boats had been seen going in the early dawn down the harbor, One had pulled away from the end of Long Wharf, and it contained four oarsmen, : a coxswain and three forms muffled up in heavy cloaks, for the November wind was cold and piercing. The other boat had left the side of the brig Shark, and contained four oarsmen, a cox- swain and two cloaked forms. Both boats headed for Apple Island, and ae the cloaked forms landed there, and sought ao” ie shelter from the cool wind behind aclump of stunted pines, It was just dawn, and after a few low- spoken words two men, with their cloaks thrown aside, faced each other, with rapier in hand, Me A sharp contest followed, and one of the combatants sunk to the ground, while the eS a PF Peete et ag eee aoe te) or other coolly wiped the blade which he had Bins driven into the body of his adversary, and y? a waiked toward his boat. a. Two hours after the news spread over the | ye town that Lord Erskine Enders had killed Merchant Frank Farley in a duel, on Appie Island; but when sought for the naval officer was found superintending the getting of the i brig into the dock, and when asked about the affair by Commodore Kane, merely said; ‘*Tt is a mistake, I did not kill him, for I } did nct care to do that; but I gave him a les- son that may be useful to him. } “At any rate he will not appear at the ia: trial to-morrow of Noel Stanwood, as he had . not only planned to do, but ha¢ arranged to * bring a number of false charges agaihst him,” me and Lord Erskine smiled, as Commodore ie Kane remarked: ae ae ‘You tried-a new plan, Enders, to get rid 7 f of a witness against our friend.” ‘‘Bxactly so, and one whose willingness to oaue himself would have done a great desk harm to Stanwood. ; L ‘‘Had Farley been willing to fight Stan- ‘wood fairly I would have said nothing; but ae as I learned just what ae meant to do, I de- Bay? cided it best to keep him away from. the : ; trial.” 2 ’ él sift “‘ But will they not take his testimony?” ly wounded, he thinks so, and his surgeon is tanwood’s friend, and reports that a word “ae to his patient may sever the thread of life, es ‘Oh, no, neither Farley or his false evi- dence will be on hand at the trial,” and Lord Erskine smiled serenely. a; —_— as. _ CHAPTER XII, : CONCLUSION. ane Taat Noel Stanwood needed all that me. could be done in his favor, was proven by ca his trial, for he was brought before a tri- | shunt prejudiced against him. First, be- a cause he was an American, second, as such he had done that which no king’s officer had y) done, ie bowen himself a rebel. and as such had re- an, fused to capture an American vessel though i f. actually in his power. : ; Then it was decided that he was, though yeh uiling really entitled to no re- iy mS actin . é lease from punishment for having given the a he it was in a duel. sider. alll, these chsth s, and for reasons ; named, he was found guilty, while naaevne the brig from the pirates, and capturing two © prizes being taken into consideration, he was j}—, recommended for mercy, and so was not ) hanged, his sentence instead being imprison- even thou bet, Sine t life: Noel Stanwood heard his sentence un- BS moved, and went back to his prison cell -_—s ashore to await final incarceration for life in an English prison, where he was to be eT , Some days after a dispatch ship arrived ) - ie . ‘ ih a ‘ mn } . Fo we ! Captain Crimson, then the craft which had -eause of joy tora few, and it was predicted | fame, and’ the fact that through him’ was | “Oh, no, for though he is not dangerous- third, that he had deliberately de- | ary M : i rh) q > ry - ; i Jie to a. king’s officer, broken his sword and prods. by Hon alter which he had killed him, | Sey tke » from England and brought news of the | death of Lord Erskine’s father, the, Earl of Enders, and demanding his presence at home. So he was forced to resign the com- mand of the brig, to go in search of the Silver Ship, and as his first. officer was sud- denly ill, the command devolved upon Lieu- | tenant Caldwell, greatly to the regret of Lord Erskine, Then it was decided to send the brig first to England with dispatches, and Lord Ers- kine was to go as a passenger, while Noel Stanwood was to be sent in double-irons in her to his English prison. And after sad farewells, between the pris- oner, his mother, sister and Paul Revere, the brig, wholly refitted and with a splendid | d expressly for | armament and crew ship her, set sail out of Boston her course for England. Licutenant Commander Caspar Caldwell was in his glory, and could not help an oc- casional triumphant glance at Lord Erskine, who had no longer authority on board, while he rejoiced that his old enemy, as he really | rengaed Stanwood, was below decks in ouble-irons, Three months passed after the sailing of | the brig, and there came a dispatch ship into | Boston, upon the eve of the evacuation of | the town by Lord Howe, the British com- mander. . This ship brought dispatches to the effect | that a mutiny had occurred on the brig | while crossing the ocean, Lieutenant-Com- | mander Caldwell and the other officers had | been made prisoners, but releasedon parole | to the freedom of the vessel, while Captain | Noel Stanwood had been placed in com. | mand, the British ensign hauled down and | the American flag raised in its stead. Then with her new captain and his officers | selected from the crew, the brig ‘had headed | for England, landed Lord Erskine and the officers at a certain secluded point on the | channel coast, and afterward gone on her | way as an American privateer, | The news was startling to many, but a: by all that Noel Stanwood would make a name for himself as a ‘‘ rebel captain.” Nor were they disappointed in this pro- | : phecy, for Noel Stanwood. won undying | solved the mystery of the sea, the Silver | Ship, added to his honors, for he picked up | a boat at sea one day containing several dead bodies. In the hand of one was tightly clasped a | | Paper on which was written: gnats” A ruise ship went down, to-answer'no hail, to hail no era’ to fire'bo-ieenr: They PE Hert + * “That night a f island, drowning the havenless brig 1 tidal wave swept over the was Ssteen Ubon te viel val ee, ful yor partite a oan verpel ta “aakieg aed ro take to the boat, ~ remmant of her crew.” ied Men breathed freer after the kaowledge that the mystery of the sea was solved, and British and Americans devoted themselves to the war in which they were engaged. When peace at last came, two notable events occurred in Boston, in the double marriage of Miss Ethel Stanwood to Lord Erskine Enders, and Miss Pearl Revere to Captain Noel Stanwood, of the Navy of the United States of America, in ks And one day Lord Erskine made known to his beautiful wife that he bad been in the secret, that the brig’s crew were really Americans, and had shipped 'to seize the ves- sel, release Noel Stanwood, and place him in command of the fleet craft, which was to hoist the flag of a Sea Scout of ’Seventy-six. We arbor and shaped / The Fairies ‘The Ould Olrish Tay. td 2 ip ia 5 3 Rite ate Seldom What They Seem. For two I: males ond tye fonele. boi) | children. For paid, to any address, on receipt of price, ten cents. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Pusuisuens, 98 William Street, New, York. Sa EY) Sie i Wig tO" ME, females. — 1 male and female. - sale by all newsdealers, or will be sent, post-_ eas 0 e é ge ST or four males and sixfemales, — . 2 The Ch ae. roe several gins oath ; at Last. For three males ; e female. — See ae APS
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THE DIME SPEAKERS, ee scocamntininasjitil 1 to 2 eces. o 24, inclusive, Each Ne Ta 100 pages 12mo., oom meer from ar t bs i ‘ - ee —_— ~ Dime Aaabehinn fais Kennel Sen eee No. 1, eae Dime Elocutionist, No. 5. peoueey of States, | Astronomical, Birthday of Washington, |A Duten Cure, tn Euiumiations How to Avoid Them, Special Rules New Hel ze MeO, i = yt: the Bugle; the Bells; Byron; ‘Macbeth | Tale of the Troph sag The uel Bachelor, Dime National Speaker, No. 2. Tock Upw ar; ‘Hamlet’ 8 Seon: Old eninge hag ley’s Speech, “ take gt hgh oth oa's t Union and its Results, | Ohi Kesa Onto Musik; oy mocer the Eye; an | The Same, second extract in ; @ur Country's Putare, | Olive SEC. V. es of Galileo. The Fisher's Child, gelina'é Lament, “3 Et 7 Sates’ te Oliver Hazard Perry, OBSERVATIONS OF Goop AUTHORITIES. Stats arian Scholar, Menge Shrimps on Boot De iden’s Psalm j 7 Tet the Childless Weep, | The Indian Belief, tee Humorous Speaker, No.6. | 4 Mister | Meee Ramana | ur Country’s Glory, The Independent Farm: Poetry Run Mad, Plea for Skates, Who Killed Tom ay ings, he as po tert Mrs. Grammar's Ball ’s Ball er | A Str ees . ’ Onions, Richt Names, aE Whe Ball, Nothing to Do pers an mience ory, “4 gue holar’s Dignity etal nigd yr tong ‘Comes, | ‘id Pe deer: Lectures, Live for "Astsiattiinas Boseny) Best Policy, Le Ay os els Progress, | Loyalty to Liberty; Courehip, The Cockney, | The Outelde Do Packed, Ho for the Fields, | A ability of hae, pas era! First, Last, | Devils, Fate o¢ Sore nt Thin Wolf pang Ant ng hey od w abn Brain, ia ‘he True Higher Law British Inflnet | Dow, Jr.'s The Features’ ‘ Lion in Love, A Bend i y ne One Great Need,’ | De coe a | Ego and Echo H ures’ Quarrel, | Frogs Asking for a King, ee “ o re areet Naa, [Rational ates > | rom Thistle Women, The Hi Garp ce oPucesada Loomis Homicoperie tif » mseh’s Speech, Murder Will Ou i Fern Epes Strin nk moa Coungry # and Town 1.22, hake ent ves, a Re torial Expansion, Strive for the Best, yore ag The Last ‘of the Sarpints, Las and Woman, e [Come ay the Hopkins, Early Rising a eb Klebcyergoss, | The March to Moscow. The A Hundred Years t ae Ec, Lien (Exmetak Eeemte | eee ie + - , | Gates of Sleep, How the e , A Bab tle Sermons, [Razoy a , oor, The Bugle ow The Bea-erpek rs Ao Soliloquy, Snuffles on Electricit i tie Blinc, A Hoodish @ Hun-ki-ddo-ri's Fourth of | The Secre Re The Two ¢ " a arte OF SAB Lae, Purity of the Struggte, fey, Gates, The Shoemaker, fi A Plea for regs e Sok s Boor, | : Jang’! Git U >, Old Age ou Mean No, Say No, | The Useful Docto ambug Patriotism Littl Rats of ee oe Us Boautifal and Te. “ ay ioe Leap Yoo, | The Waterf r, ious sive Christmas, Lite Puss, e—Do ie % ory The Worm of the § oO een To > Se Ba , ES, ; ase-Ball, . a We Fos, Man aha i Inf ma Kat Sinners Blog, ul Leagtie, ors’ Union | Shrimps on Amusements, etn ption for fe et page ms the Eagle, | Nothing to’ tes Presidents, | Dim ur (reat Tpherttance, Wash Re Ot ule: | eee ee ne e Spread-Eagle Speaker, No. 10 | ¥ » 4 Ted age. Old Grimes’s Son, wha tL as Wa n Buster's Oration Drum-h 7 a rum- al | Dime Patriotic Speaker, No. 3 | Fi aes Ons Canoe, pa ree Mosk Doodle Aladdin, eae Bchituors Prilosopedt B ‘ ’ eetare, ce, “ Woman’ 3, Es mead ort Coun the World, Histo of Our Fl Daughter, : 1933. ape Hardshell Sermon, ne Lather, “ of, Bal resrre: | We Ore. owe tthe Ue oie ana ene Npvelat Fm ¥- sas ta Jack Spratt, a ees age | fh Be a Reena In, |Zoim Bur, Gettaburg, | Agvers hunky |The AnaentEpebeny e | | ouglas, uthors of our Liberty, Mee ee Jacob Whittle'’s S det Timidity is Treason, Great oland, The Real Conqueror, ¥ The P ewe 's ToeFarty, Fi nace ey gS ise, | Jerks proynestoten ; il 15, 1861 e New Year, and the | The Citizen's Heritage, "| The oe the | Smi wy “yr A Word with Snooks, e Sptrit of 61, Cotton, ,, Wulon. | ithe Mechanic, maar ok ee see Stole Ri , The Precious Heritage, . | The Ends of Peace. Nature and Nature's God | HowCyr the Revelers, "| 2 Stock of Notio | Josh Billings on B es ) . A Shot at the Decanter, Sonate of, The Organization, 5 % Dime ; = Orde Business ae ‘ tees. 3 edreay 4 or Seem xr, No. 8. — of GGveramhenit ee r of aut ey ; . ' ts to ’ i Dent. on,” 7; ae . TS oo I Bc Tature a Blessing,” Subjects of Discussion. |The "Question." oe ; q by 2 Suffrage, ‘end 11.~How to DasArn, be Considered, ) Ce B P Ai fern! a a eee Motley, by, Rane ce good Rights to the Floor, Se a My «, | ReeSerib Sea, the open Be Sure You are Bight, ir he at ie : , -_. e | Bie Wes Spanner, Be of Good Cheer, The Logic of Yeas and Nays, oy eal Tee vosieaeih tetas a (Shrew, | The Rhetoric of D bi arr Sy a+ Where ng & Masculine ms to Observe, ie, vate: Po Dutch Sern > any non, , s My Lay Money a Cecetes Estes The etme 5 3 ‘ pret t a pe A a} 7 et 3 5 Ae ae : > ‘ \ a ; : . : s
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ee aard | “= 2" IME pli plALOGhE> - - en FOR scn00F * Ceaet ge ENT “te, 2 20 BO imelusive, AK to 88 Sowaias Dialogues and Wramas in each book. Each volame 100 ifme pagem, seas ’ Pout-paid, om receipt of price, TEN CENTS. . BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William St., N. Y. Thess volumes have been prepared with especial reference to their availability for Exhibitions, being adapted to schools and parlors wiw ‘a without the furniture of a stage, and suited to SCHOLARS AND YOUNG PEOPLE of every age, both male and female, It is fair to assum teat no other books in the market, at any price, contain s0 many useful and available dialogues and dramas of wit, pathos, humor and sentiment. “tal Dime Dialo 4 4 America. Sor Rave misies sad Swe femelet: The Golden Rule. for two males and two femaisa. 7 ; ones, Ho. 3 Jose ’s Destiny. For four females, oné male, The Gift of the F Queen. For several femataa of the Muses. For nine ladies, The Folly of the Daa For three male speakers, Taken in and Done for. For two characters. g a Live Englishman. For three boys. Dogmatism. For three male speakers. Country Aunt’s Visit to the City. Several charactes o’s Coronation. For male and female. The Ignorant Confounded. For two boys. The Two Romans. For two males. ponies. For two ladies. The Fast Young Man. For two males, qe op ee e Characters. For three males. 4 reheamwal. For six bore. The poeta ee Reckoning, Twelve females, one male. ane appy I 7 Paey. For several “ animals,” Which will you Choose? For two boys. ; The Village with One Gentleman. Forelght females For several characters. £ fhe Suen of way. For two little girls. tad tie one male, How to write ‘Popular’ Stories. For twe males i, Ths Tea-P * pe ee 5 ee 4 Fig Rene and — Id. Fc 3 two males. a Toree es male and female, Dime Dial nsation at Last. For two a Mrs. Sniffies’s Confession, For male and female. a ogyes, No. 2, The Three Mon’ For two males. em fhe Mission of the Spirits. For five young ladies, The Genius of Liberty. Two males and one female, | The Three Men of Science. For four males, oe c. For lve Tr tite dreanes. Cinderella , or, the Little Giass Slipper. The Old Lady’s Will. For four males, @eoret of Success. Doing Good and Saying Bad. For several characters. The Little Piloss hers. For two little girls, How to Find an Heir. For five males. ladi a Public * For five mates and ome femal The English veler, Fortwo males, Dime Dialogues, No. 3. . = May Queen. For an entire school. prose ee Oo Lecation,. For ten females, ‘arce. For five maies. eos Tauern oe Ditenitice: ies. Two males, one femela gy ae ae Ae A Burlesque. Fourmales. ora ente numerous males, Coo ‘or two males, : . For two males and two amen. e Two Romans. For two male: White Feather. Four males, one temas The e Call. i iootative jaion ne te The Frost For ten or more persons. in Life. For tires alee hud two femnasen i Faith, and Charity. For three little —— Ey and Joan. For two males and one : ee mtg For six Mttle ini. The Eethaute ted 2 males, several Princess. females Honor af ee ggg RE 7 males and 1 fe The Gentle Client. Several males and one f @ female READLE ASD ADAMS, 98 WILLIAM STREET, N, Y. General Dims Beok Publishers, ¢
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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, \ BUFFALO BILL NOVELS. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 904 Buffalo Bill’s Lone Hand. 96¢ Buffalo Biil’s Marked Bullet, . 984 Buffalo Bill’s Life Raffle. 279 Buffalo Bill’s Relentless Trail, 964 Buffa'o Bi.l’s Invincibles. 960 Buffalo Biil’s Dlue Belt Brigade. Buffalo Bili’s Volunteer Vigilantes, '950 Buffalo Bill at Bay. Buffalo Bill’s Block Game. Buffalo Bills Black Pard, 927 Buffalo Bill’s Bluff; or, Dick the Sport. } 921 Buffalo Bill’s Quandary: or. Velvet Bill’s Vow. 15 Buffalo Bill and the Surgeon-Scout. Buffalo Bil’s League; or, Red Butterfly. Buffalo Bill’s Tangled Trail. Buffalo Bill’s Rough Riders. Buffalo Bill's Secret Ally. 890 Buffalo Bill’s Life-Stake. 882 The Three Bills: Buffalo Rill Wild Billand Band- box Bill; or, The Bravo in Broadcloth. 874 Buffato.\ill’s Buckskin Braves, 869 Buffalo Bill’s Road-Agent. Round-up, 863 Buffalo Bill’s Death Charm. 1857 Buffalo Bill’s Royal Flush. 851 Buffalo Bill's Double Dilemma, Bill’s Redskin Ruse; Bill’s Bovs in Blue. Bils Sharp-Shooters. Bill’s Best Bower. Bi'l’s Red. Trail, Bill’s Death-Knell, 794 Buffalo Bill's Winning Hand 787 Buffalo Bill’s Dead Shot. 781 Buffalo Bill's Brand. 777 Buffalo Bill's Spy Shadower, 789 Buffalo Bill’s Sweepstake. 765 Biffalo Bill’s Dozen; or, Silk Ribbon Sam, 761 Buffalo Bil’s Mascot. 757 Buffalo Bill’s Double, 750 Buffalo Bill’s Big Four; or, Custer’s Shadow. 748 Buffalo Bill’s Flush Hand. 739 Buffalo Bill’s Blind: or, The Masked Driver, 335 Buffalo Bilk and His Merry Men. 731 Buffalo Bill’s Beagles: or, Silk Lasso Sam, 727 Buffalo Bill’s Bodv Guard. 722 Buffalo Bill on the War-path. 716 Buffalo Bill’s Scout Shadowers. 710 Buffalo Bill Baffled: or. The Deserter Desperado. 697 Buffalo. lill’s Buckskin BrotherLood, 691 tsuffalo Bill’s blind Trail; or, Mustang ‘wg vl Buffalo Bill’s Swoop; or, The King of the M The Cowboy Clan; or, The T of Texas, 653 Rings League; or, Buck Taylorin Texas. ‘ pe} uffaio Bill's Chie 816 Buffalo 812 Buffalo of Cowboys; or, Buck Taylor Buffalo Bill’s Nonanza; or. Si ver Circle Knights, Buffaio Bull’s os or. Gath Bound to Custer, Buffalo Bill’s Piedge: or. The League of Three. Wild Bill's Gold Trail; or, The Desperate Dozen. Wild Bill’s Trump Card; or, The Indian Heiress, 368 Wild Bill, the Pistol Dead Shot, ‘By Buffalo Bill. The Dread Shot Four. Texas Jack, the Lasso King The Ranch King Dead-Shot, White Beaver’s Stil) Hunt. 807 Wild Bill, the Wild West Duelist. 800 Wild Bilt, the Deaa-Center Shot, Buffalo Bil’s Gold King. The Dead Shot Nine; or, My Pards of the Plains, 1414 Red Renard, the Indian Detective. 4401 One-Armed Parca; or, Borderland Retribution. (897 The Wizard Brothers: or, White Beaver's Trail. (894 White Beaver, the Exile of the Platte. 19 Wild Bill, the Whirlwind of the West. Texas Jack, the Prairie Rattler. The Pligrn Sharp; of, The Soldier's Sweetheart, 83 Gold Bullet Snort; or, Knights of the Overland, 52 Death-Traiier, the Chief of Scouts. By Leon Lewis, Ned Buntline, etc. 773 Buffalo Bll’s Ban; or, Cody to the Rescue, ;632 Buffalo Bill’s Secr-t Service Tra. 629 Buffalo Bill’s Daring Role; or, Daredeath Dick. 617 Buffalo Bi‘l’s First Trail; or, The Express Rider, 158 Buffalo Bill, Chief of Scouts, 117 Buffalo Bill s Strange Pard; or, Dashing Dandy. ™ Buffalo Bill, the Buckskin King. BY HAROLD PAYNE, {sas The Man from Mexico in New York. $72 The King-Pin Shark; or, Thad Burr's Ten Strike, 861 The Tenderloin Big Four $53. Tne Quaker City Crook. #44 Tracked to Chicago. 836 The Policy Broker's Blind. 829 The Frisco. Sharper’s Cool Hand. 821. The Tramp Shadower’s Backer, 813 The Sham Spotter's Shrewd Scheme. 805 The Grand Street Gold-Dust Sbharpers, Detective Burr’s Luna ic Witness 7% The Wall Street Sharper’s Snap. ‘fv84 Thad Burr’s Death Drop. 742 Detective Burr Among the New York Thugs. 734 Detective Burr's Foil; or, A \\ oman’s Strategy. 728 Detective Burr, the Headquarters Special. ‘718 Detective Burr's Spirit Chase. /706 Detective Burr's Seven Clues, 1698 Thad Rurr, the Invincible; or, The “LL.” Clue, 690 The Matchless Detective. 680 X77. the Fatal Clew; or, Burr’s Master Case, RY COL. THOMAS HB. MONSTERY, $95 The Czar’s Spy." _ 986 Iron Wrist, the Swordmaster. to Champion Sam; or, The Monarchsof the Show, { El Rubio Bravo, King of the Swordsmen. - : RY J W. OSBON. #5.) Gnadrach, the Sport Detective. £.% Gilbert Goldspur, the Dandy Sport. 963 Shesta Sam, the Xparktler, 1 coat ee e rom St. S. Bas Richard, the Thoroughbred, BY CAPTAIN HOWARD HOLMES. 929 Gentleman George, the Showman Sport. 912 Genteel Joe’s Lone Hand. 908 The Train Detective. 896 Kent Keen, the Crook-Crusher. 888 Nightshade in New York. 879 Falcon Flynn, the Fiash Detective. 871 The Crook Cashier. 859 Clew-Hawk Keene’s Right Bower. 847 Hiram Hawk, the Harlem Detective 840 Major Bullion Boss of the Tigers. 831 Shadowing the London Detective. 817 Plush Velvet, the Prince of Spotters, 803 The Bogus Broker’s Right Bower, 788, The Night-Hawk Detective, 779 Silk Ribbon’s Crush-out, 766 Detective Zach, the Broadway Spotter. 751 The Dark Lantern Det ctive, ; 736 The Never-Fail Detective. 724 Captain Hercules, the Strong Arm Detective, 711 Dan Damon, the Gilt-Edge Detective. 701 Silver Steve, the Branded Sport. $94 Gideon Grip, the Secret Shadower, 684 Velvet Van, the Mystery Shadower. 678 The Dude Desperado 871 Jason Clew, the Silk-Handed Ferret. 664 Monk Morel, the Men-Hunter. 654 Sol Sphinx, the Ferret Detective, 642 Red Pard and Yellow. 608 Silent Sam, the Shadow Sphinx. 592 Captain Sid, the Shasta Ferret. 560 Captain Cobra, the Hooded Myster a n-¢ Cobra, the Hoo Ty. 559 Danton, the Shadow Sbarp. 550 Silk Hand,;the Mohave Ferret. 543 The Magnate Detective. 532 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. 4% Richard Redfire. the Two Worlds’ Detective. 487 Sdnshine Sam, a Chip of the Old Block. 480 Hawkspear. the Man with a Secres, 458 Coldgrip in Deadwood. 460. Captain Coldgrip. the Detective. 458 Captain pean ft Long Trail. 447 Voicano, the co Spy. 441 The California Sharp. 434 Lucifer Lynx, the \“ onder Detective, 421 Father Ferret, the Frisco Shadow. 413 Captain Coldgrip in New York, 407 Captain Coldgrip’s Nerve; or, Injun Nick. 400 Captain Coldgrip; or, The New York Spotter. 392 The Lost Monanza;: or, The Boot of Silent Hound. 382 The Bonanza Band; or, Dread Don of Cool Clan, 874 Major Blister, the Sport of Two Cities, 365 Keen Kennard, the Shasta Shadow. 352 The Desperate Dozen, 347 Denver Duke, the Man with “ Sand.” 340 Cool Conrad. the Dakota Detective. 335 Flash Dan, the Nabob, or, Blades of Bowle Bar, $21 California Claude, the Lone Bandit. 294 Broadcloth Burt. the Denver Dandy. 941 The Shadow Sport from Frisco, BY WILLIAM HM. MANNING, 948 The Red-Gloved Detective. 931 Frisco Frank at da’ Guich, 920 The Montane Miner in New York, 908 The Doomsday-Den Detective. 899 The Double-Quick Detective. 893 Yellow Gid, of Dark Divide. 885 The Expert Detective’s Shake-up. 875 Trapping the Race-Track Judge. 864 The Police Special’s Dilemma, 849 The Genteel Sharper’s Combine 841 Graydon’s Double Deal. | 838 The Sport Detective’s G 828 The Athlete Sport About Town, 808 TheCrook-Detective’s Pull. 790 Plunger Pete, the Race Track Detective, 782 Roval 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, 708 Spokane Saul, the Samaritan Suspect 692 Dead Shot Paul, the Deep-Range Aixplorer. 655 Strawberry Sam, the Man with the Birthmark, 646 Dark John, the Grim Guard, 638 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, 570 Steady Hand. the Napoleon of Detectives 7 563 Wyoming Zeke, the Hotspur of Honcysuckie. | 551 Garry Kean the Man with Backbone, 584 Old Doubledark, the Wily Detective, 531 Saddle-Chief Kit, the Prairte 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. 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 Hustier of the Hills, 449 Bluff Burke, King of the Rockies. 442 Wild West Walt. the Mcuntain Veteran ; 437 Deep Duke: or, The Man of Two Lives, 427 The Rivais of Wentana Mil! 415 Hot Heart, the Detective Spey 405 Old Baldy the Brigadier of Buck Basin. 267 Colorad» Rube, the Strong Arm of Hotspur. 279 The Gold Dragoon, ur, California Bl BY NED BUNTLINE. 657 Loug Tom, the Privateer. 633 The Sea Spy, 621 The Red Privateer; or, The Midshipman Rover. | 564 Fire Feather, the Buccaneer King, 617 Buffalo Bill's First Trail. 861 Tombstone Dick, the Train Pilot. 122 Saul Sabberday, the Idiou Spy. 111 The Smugg'er Captain; or. TheSkipper’s Jrime, 18 The Sea Bandit; om "he Queen of the Isle, 16 The White Wie- The Seminole | ALBERT W. AIKEN’S NOVELS, | Dick Talbot Series, | 991 Dick Talbot at the Mines; or, Kentuck, the Sport, | 988 Rocky Mountain Rob. | 976 Overland Kit: or, The Idyl of White Pine. | 741 Dick valbot's Close Call. } 787 Diek Talbot in Apache Lend. 733 Dick Talbot. the Ranch King. 729 Dick Talbot’s Clean-Out. 725 Dick Talbot in No Man’s Camp, 854 Dick Talbot; o1, The Brand of Crimson Grog 8épDick Talbot; or, The Death-Shot of Shasta. Aiken’s Fresh of Frisco Series. 825 Fresh, the Race-Track Sport. The Fresh in Montaua; or, Blake's Full Hand. The Fresh’s Rustie at Painted:City. The Fresh at Santa “Re; or, The Stranger Sharp, Fresh, the Sport; or, The Big Racket at Slide Out, Fresh Against the Field; or, Blake, the Lion. The Fresh in Texas; or. The Escobedo Millions, The Fresh of Frisco on the Rio Grande. The Fresh in Big Walnut Camp; or, Bronze J Aiken's Joo Phenix Series. i | : Joe Phenix's Mascot, 959 Joe Phenix’s Double Deal. { S. S888engs 954 Joe Phenix in Chicago. $49 The Doctor from Texas; or, Joe Phenix’s Clue 944 Joe Phevix’s Rigut Bower, 865 The Female Barber Detectiv«; or, Joe Phenix in Silver City, 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 Hawkshaw, 700 Joe Phenix’s Unknown; or, Crushing the Crooks 681 Joe Phenix’s trey or, The Actress Detective 687 Joe Phenix in Crazy Canip. 632 Joe Phenix’s Master Search. 628 Joe Phenix’s. Combin» ;cr,the Dandy Conspirator 620 Joe Phenix’s Silent Six. ' 601 Joe Phenix’s Shadow; or. the Detective’s Monitor 419 Joe Phenix,, the King of Detectives. ' " os soe eter qedg horney so Hunt. oe nix, Private Detective; or, The League, 79 Joe Phenix, the Police Spy. Aiken’s Miscellaneous Novels, 980 The All-Around Athlete. 940 Captain Jack, the Scalper 985 The Hawks and Wolves of New York 982 Detective Gordon's Grip. 926 Old Sunfiower, the Silent Smiter. 923 Old Sunflower. the Hayseed Detecti ‘ 901 The Hotel Swell-Sharp; or, The Siren Shadow 892 The Country man Detective, 876 d Button Sport; or, The Miner Sharps, j 842 Teton Tom, the Half-Blood. 8385 The King-Pin Detective. 814 The New Yorker Among Texas Sports, 775 King Dandy, the Silver Sport. 753 Gideon's oat a Babylon lar. 717 Captain Pat McGowen, the Greencoat Detective, . 674 Uncle Sun Up, the Born Detective, 670 The Lightw eight Detective. : 665 The Frisco Detective; or, The Golden G ste Find,, 613 Keeu Billy, the Sport. 607 Old Benzine, the * Hard Case Detective, 594 Fire Face, the Silver King’s Foe. 5865 The Silver Sh arp Detective. 577 Tom, of Calif orna; or, Detective’s Shadow Act, 570 The Actress Detective; or, The Invisible Han 662 Lone Hand, the Shadow. 520 The Lone Hand on the Caddo, 490 The Jone Hand in Texas. 475 Chin Chin, the Chinese Detective, 465 The Actor Detective. 440 The High Horse of the Pacific, 4% The Lone Hand; or, The Red River Recreants, 408 Doe Grip, the Vendetta of Death. 881 The Gypsy Gen tleman: cr, Nick Fox, Detective 376 Black Beards: o1, The Rio Grande High Horse 870 The Dusky Detective: or, Pursued to the Ena. 863 Crowningshield, the Detective 820 The Genteel Spotter; or The N. Y. Night Hawk, 252 The Wali Street j‘lood; or, The Shee ges Girl 203 The Double Detective: or,The Midnight Mystery. ‘ 196 La Marmoset, the Letective Queen. 101 The Man from New York. 91 The Winning Oar; or. The mokeepes Daughter, 84 Hunted Down: or, The League of Three. 81 The Human Tiger: or, A Heart of Fire. 75 Gentleman George; or, Parlor. Prison and Street. 72 The Phantom Hand; or, The 5th Avenue Heiress, | 56 The Indian Mazeppa; or, Madman of the Plains, 49 The Wolf Demon; or. The Kanawha —— 42 The California Detective; or, The Witches of N.Y, $1 The New York Sharp; or, The Flash of a ha 27 The Spotter Detective: or, Girls of New York. NEW xXSSUES. 1000 Buffalo Rill’s Grim Guard. By Col, Ingraham,| ; 2964 ee Brand-Burnersof Cimarron. By John W. isbon. 1002 Silver City Sam. By Jos. £. Badger. ) 1003 Gold Dank or; Diek Talboc in Utah. By Albert W. Aiken, | 1004 Buffalo Bill’s Death Deal. By Col. Ingraham. | 4005 Poot-Hills Frank, By Jos. E, Badger. | 1006 The Sea Cadet. By Col, P. Ingrabarr | JUST ISSUED. 996 Tnjun Dick, the Shasta Dead Shot, _ 997 Hotspur Hal, the Sport from ard Piok By | ode Cancels Penenké. Brtvanson By: Med! Bustin. a | Seawaif, Privateer. 999 The Velvet Hand; or, The Iron Grip of Injun Dick. By Albert W. Aiken. A new issue every Welnesday. | THE DIME LIBRARY is for sale by al a Newsdealers. ton cents vet capy or sent by mall on receipt of price. Sele 2 2) “ON - RY Wem one BST ee, iy
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BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR. i WBS Old Sobersides, the Detective of St. Louis. — 5 White-Horse Wheeler, the Revenue Detective. 118 The Double Edged Detective. 0Y Maverick Mark. the Man from Nowhere, ‘f 98 Silky steele, the Stay-in Sport. i $4 Tie Spotter-Sport’s Neck-Tie Party. i 70 High-Water Mark; or, Silver-Tip Sid. ie * 62 Riata Rob, the Range Champion. Pe 355 The C.whoy Chief’s Sure-Shot. A 848 The Rival Red-Hat Sports. SP \837 Curly Kid, the Cheyenne Sport. t. 24 The Soft Hand Detective, a 815 The Soft Hund’s Clutch. af 809 Dan Dunn. the Soft-Mand Sport. fas 796 The Frisco Detective’s Thug-Tangle. Ye “89 Sam Sona the River Sport. ‘80 The Dead Sport’s Double. “71 Prince John, Detective 4 ee ier, - 763 Dandy Don, the Denver-Detective. ay 34 %he Man from Texas; or, Dangerfield, the re Doctor Detective. ; 744 Sweepstakes Sam, the -$ 720 The: et Six; or, Old Fie J12 The Man of Silk. . %06 Bantam Bob, the Beauty from Butte, > 603 Kent Kasson, the Preacher Sport, a 683 Bob Breeze, the Rounder Detective, ms i 675 Steel Surry, the Sport from Sunrise, 668 Solemn Saul’s Luck Streak j : Ee ee gare be z Ave, the S per ou, ae 645 Gopher Gabe, the Unseen Detective. i) Dandy Darling, Detective. ; Pee. Mossback Mose, the Mountaineer. ef 617 The Grip Sack Sbarp’s Even up. a. 597 Big Bandy, the Brigadier of Brimstone Butte. 588 Sandy sands, the Sharp ftom Snap City, ie. i 576 Silver-Tongued Sid: or, Grip Sack Sharp's Sweep. 664 The Grip-Sack Sharp; or, The Seraphs of Sodom, i 855 Grip-Sack Sid, the Sample Sport, a B47 The Buried Detective; or, Saul’s Six Sensations. 541 Major Magnet, the Man of Nerve. 485 Dandy Dutch, the Decorator from Dead-Lift &27 Dandy Andy, the Diamond Detective, 614 Gabe Gunn, the ity St Ginseng. . os Solemn Saul. the Sad Man from San Saba, 95 Rattiepate Rob; or, The Roundhead’s Reprisal , 488 The Thorvughbred Sport. : i 474 Dadd -Eye, the Desnot of Dew Drop. re 11466 Old Rough and Ready, the Sage of Sundown *, Duteb Dan. the Pilgrim from Spitzenberg. ‘ Sr A Cool Band: uF Pistol Johnny’s Picnic. 38 Ciclahoma Nick. : $s ‘Laughing Leo; or,Sam'’s Dandy Pard. = ®6 The Ghost Detective; or, The Secret Service Spy. Iver Sport. leyon. “eng 16 Monte Jim, the Black Sheep of Bismarck. : 9 Rob Roy Ranch; or, The finps of Pan Handle. ae ” "pe Nameless Sport. 1% Deedly Aim, the Duke of Derringers. — ae : ‘w Dark Durg. the Ishmael of the Hills. bat 2 Captain Crisp, the Man with a Record, Se 67 A Royal Finsii: or, Dan Brown's big Game. ee 260 Juraving Jerry, the Gamecock from Sundown, a 855 Stormy Steve, the Mad Athlete. $51 Nor’ West Nick, the Border Detective. x ar 845 Wesked Mark, the Mounted Detective. . | 829 opread Hagle Sam, the Hercules Hide Hunter, . in 31 Cuispa Caarler. the Gold Nugget Sport. Bt 817 Krank Lightfoot, the Miner Detective. : ae Feu Moke Horner, the Boss Roustabout, iy 236, Pistol Jounny; or, O:.e Man ina Thousand, a ' 238 SkeeK Sam, tho Devil of the Mines. 19 Elephant Tom. of Durango. Bi Spitfire Saul. King of the Rustlers. 933 The Old “or of Tombstone. 201 Pirate of the Plavers: or, soaquin’s Death Hunt 180 Old ‘49; or. ‘he Amazon of Arizona. 170 Sweet William, the Trapper Detective, 165 Joaquin. = orem \ 154 Joaquin, the Sadde King. f 141 Equinox Toni, the Bul'y of Red Rock. 119 Alabama Joe; or, The Yazoo Man-Hunters., 105 Dan Brown of Denver; or. The Detective. 88 Biz George; or, The Five Outlaw Brothers. 71 Captain Cool Blade; or, Mississippi Man Shark. _ 67 The Boy Jockey; or, Honesty vs. Crookedness, ; 50 Jack Rabwit, tne Prairie Sport. : j BY WM. G. PATTEN. Fi . Thug’s Terror. ; : OY Riht- wk, the Crook Shadower. The Prin e of New York Crooks, 756 Old Burke, the Madison Square Detective. 747 Double-voice Dan's Double Disguise. as Double-Voice Dan on Deck, Double-Voics Dan, the Always-on-Deck Detective % 396 Double-Voice Dan, the Go-it Alone Detective, ‘648 Gold Glove: ' the Man of Griv. B41 Y snl Jack, the Desert Nomad. 681 Colona! Gool, the Santa Fe Sharp. ‘Captain Nameless. the Mountain Mystery. ‘W1 oid Dismal, the Range Detective. ‘ ustler Harry. the Cowboy Sport. ; 45 Eh - BY GEORGE ©. JENKS. T Arizona Detectiv uA itecs orp oad Bharta Sport The Silver Spoct’s Double, ; The BncdG nse picege es ‘ sed Detective. ‘ Eehing rden, the Twister Detective . 4 wa P-te the Broncho-Buster Detective. % Boarless Sam, the Grand Combination Detective, 719 Bestor Rov, shppport Detective. §72 Jaunt, Joe, the Jorkey Detective. 54 Nad ‘Sharp, the Rustler BS) Ru Rocket, rhe Tent Detective. 5 Death-( tenn aang Parvo = Detective ne Drut De tective. Stee ie ee Be 168 Hye, the Pacifle Detective. } 561 The Toug Kin @57 Death Tran Diggings: or, A Man "Way Back 74 The Captain o CA ees) api ge a 2 Oe ae de ae ie AS ea area ~ ~ BREADLE'’S*| )IME*|[IBRARY. . j ¥Ublished Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Ten Cengs. No Double Numbers. BY WILLIAM KR. EYSTER. $16 Two Dead-Square Sports. 902 Soft Velvet, the Man from Sandrock, 891 Genteel Jim, Sport-at-Large. 881 The Clubman-Crook’s Cat’'s-paw. 867 The Frisco Sport. 852 The Stranger ag hb Shake-up. 828 Kirk King, the Man from Kirby. 818 Gentleman Dave, the Dead Game Sport 783 The King-Pin Tramp. 767 The Sport of Silver Bend. 718 Uncle Bedrock’s Big Bounce. 707 The Rival Rovers, 687 Double Cinch Dan, the Sport With a Charm. 677 Mr. Jackson, the Gent from Jaybira. 659 Gilt-Edge Johnny; or, Roldan and His Rovers, 650 Luck ester’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 Rolier from Humbug. 578 Seven Shot Steve; the Sport with a Smile, 568 The Dude Detective. 558 Hurrah Harry, the High Horse from Halcyon, 549 Belshazzar Brick, the Bailiff of Blue Blazes. 533 Oregon, the Sport With a Scar. 508 The Dude from Denver, 478 Pinnacle Pete; or, The Fool from Way Back. 459 Major Sunshine, the Man of Three Lives, 429 Hair Trigger Tom of Red Bend. 2 402 Snapshot Sam; or, The Angels’ Flat Ractet. 896 The Piper Detective; or, The Gilt Edge Gang. 875 Royal George, the Three in One. 356 Thr‘e, Handsome Sports; or, The Combination. 833 Derringer Dick, the Man with the Drop. 268 Magic Mike. ~he Man of Frills. 229 Captain Cutsiveve; or, The Little Sport. 214 The Two Cool Sports; or, Gertie of the Gulch. 182 Hands Up; or, The Knights of the Canyon. 1 Soft Hand, Sharp: or, The Man with the Sand. 145 Pistol Pards; or, The Silent Sportfrom Cinnabar BY NED BUNTLINE. 657 Long Tom, the Privateer. } 633 The Sea Spy. 621 The Red rivateer: or, The Midshipman Rover, 584 Fire Feather, the Buccaneer King. 517 Buffalo Bill's First Trail. 361 Tombstone Dick, the Train Pilot. 122 Saul Sabberday, the Idiot § y 111 The Smuggler Captain; or, th 18 The Sea Bandit; or, The Queen of the Isle. 16 The White Wizard; or, The Seminole Prophet. BY JACKSON KNOX—* Old Hawk,” 838 Old Grips Still Hunt. 827 Detective Walden’s Web. “778 The Butler Detective; or, Old Grip’s Grip 770 The Showman Dete tive. fi Qe tPaes Nic ing Detot ‘4 aptain Clew, the tin, va, 732 Fae Harsicarte Detective. 643 Cas! lemaine, the Silent Sifter, 616 Magnus, the Weird Detective. ‘| 606 The Drop Detective. 595 Wellborn, the Upper. Crnst Detective. 582 Joram, the Detective Expert. 574.Old Falcon’s Double, g: 548 Faleonbridge, the Sphinx Detective. 5386 Old Falcon’s Foe; or, The Detective’s Swell Job. 515 Skort-Stop Maje, the Diamond Field Detective, 509 Old Falcon, the Thunderbolt Detective, 501 Springsteel Steve, the Retired Detective, 494 The Detective's Spy. 485 Rowloci. the Harbor Detective, 477 Dead-arm Brandt, 457 Mainwaring. the Salamander, 462 The Circus 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. Se Basti Sica Resecir o han e wood, the ro . 598 The Dominie Detective. 591 Duke Daniels, the jety Detective, 580 Shadowing a Shadow. "65 Prince Paul, the Postman Detective. 557 The Mountain Graybeards; or, Riddles’ Riddle. er 519 Old Riddles, the emg 499 Twilight Charlie, the Road Sport. 472 Gilbert of Gotham, the Steel-arm Detective, 452 Rainbow Rob, the Tulip from Texas. 486 Kentucky Jean, he epere from Yellow Pine. 422 Blue Grass Burt. the Gold Star Detective. 890 The Giant Cupid; or Cibuta John’s Jubilee. BY EDWARD WILLETT. 488 Fiush Fred, the River pgs 868 The Canyon King; or. a Price on his Head. 348 Dan Dillon, King of Crosscut.. 337 Old Gabe, the Mountain Tramp. 327 Terrapin Dick, the Wildwood Detective. $15 Flush Fred’s Double; or, The Squatters’ League 308 Hemlock Hank, Tough and True. 298 Logger Lem: or, Lif» 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 Blizzard; or. Red Jack's Crime. 209 Buck ¥arley, the Bonanza Prince. 129 Mississippi Mose; or, a Strong Man's Sacrifice, BY CAPTAIN MAYNNE REID. 267 The White Squaw. 234 The Hunter's least. 21: The Wild Huntress; or, The Squatter. 200 The Rifle Rangers; or. Adventures in Mexico. the Rifles; | * a “S Borgee ve te Jape ; , ‘ @Skipper’s Crime. or, The Faleon Detective's Foe. ‘359 Yellow Jack, the . 291 Horseshoe Hank 271 Stonefist, 0 266 7 Duke Despard 1 4 ‘ r, The Lake Queen. e of the Pa Ba C e Plains, © ~ BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM. | 911 The Blue Blockader; or, The Coast Grayhound, 906 The Cuban Cruiser. 854 The Ocean Gipsy. 834 The Wild Steer Riders; or, Texas Jack's Terrorg, 819 The Rival Monte Cristos, 805 The Last of the Pirates; or, Docm Driven, 801 The Water Wolves’ Detective; or, Trapving the Grave Ghouls. 791 The Coast-Raider’s Death-Chase. 748 Arizona Chartie, the Crack-shot Detective, 704 Invisible lyan, the Wizard Detective, 685 The Red-skin Sea Rover. 679 Revello, the Pirate Cruiser; or, The Rival Rovere 672 The Red Rapier; or, The Sea Rover’s Bride, 662 The Jew Detective; or, The Beautiful Convict, 640 The Rover’s Ret: ibution. 635 The Ex-Buecaneer: or, The Stigma of Sin. 625 Red Wings; or, The Gold Seekers of the Bahamas, 610 The Red Flag Rover; or: Whi Wings Deep. e ver; or, White of the 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. 563 Ma.k Monte, the Mutineer; or, The Branded Brig. 546 Tks Doomed Whaler: or, The Bife Wreck, - 580 The Savages of the Sea. 624 The Sea Chaser; or, The Pirate Noble, ‘510 El Moro, the Corsair Commodore. 498 The Scouts of the Sea. 457 The Sea Insurgent: or, Th .Conspirator Son, 446 Ucean Ogre, the Outcast Corsair, 435 The Ove-Armed Buccaneer. 430 The Fatal Frigate 899 The New Monte Cristo. ; 303 The Convict Captian. \ 877 Afloat and Ashore: or, The Corsair Conspirater. 869 The Coast Corsair: or, The Siren of the Sea. 354 The Sea Fugitive: or, The Queen of the Coast. 341 The Sea Desperado, 336 Tne Magic Snip; or, Sandy Hook Freebooters. 325 The Gentleman 318 The Indian ijuccaneer: or, The Red Rovers. 307 The Phantom Pirate; or, The Water Wolves. 255 The Pirate Priest; or, The Gambler’s Da 3. or, Rivals in Love and War, irate; or, The Casco Hermits, hter, 246 queen Helen, the Amazon of the Overlan 285 Lightning the Man of Chance. 224 Black Beard, the Buccaneer. 220 The Specter Yacht; or, A Brother’s Crime, 210 Buccaneer Bess, the Lioness of the Sea. 205 The Gambler Pirate; or, Lady of the Lagoog_ 188 The Skeleton Schooner; or, The er. as 184 The Scarlet Schooner : or. The Sea Nemes?*, 164 Montezuma, the Merciless. : 103 Merle, the Mutineer; or, The Red Anchor =-“"\ RY PHILIP S. WARNE, 802 Dan Dirk, King of No Man’s Land. 583 Captain Adair, the Cattle Ki ne... 567 Capiain Midnight, the Man of Oratt, 544 The Back to Back Pards 522 The Champion Three, : os ite 502 Bareback Buck, the Centaur of the Plaina, 472 Six Foot Si;_or, The Man to “ Tie To.” 431 California Kit, the Always on Hand, $04 Silver Sid; or, A “ Daisy” Bluff, 38 Ticer Dick's Fiedge: or, Tne Golden Serpent, y estizo. 388 Jack Sands, the Boss of the Tewn. 299 Three of a Kind; or, Dick, Despard and the Spor, 251 Tiger Dici vs. lrouw Despard. 207 Old Hard Head; or, Whirlwind and his Mare, 171. Tiger Dick, the Man of the ron Heart, 114 The Gentleman from Pike. 80 A Man of Nerve; or, Caliban the Dwarf. 54 Always on Hand; or, The -Hills t-Hills Sport, 29 Tiger Dick, Faro King; or, The Cashier's Crime, 4 The Kidnapper; or, The Northwest Shanghai, BY CAPTAIN MARK WILTON. $23 Hotspur Hugh; or, The Banded Brothers. 811 Heavy Hand; or, The Marked Men, 305 Silver-Plated Sol, the Montana Rover. the Man of Big Luck. 285 Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror. 276 Texa; Chick, the Southwest Detective. f Big N Bend, Leopard Luke. the King of Horse-Thieves 263 lron-Armed Abe, the Hunchback Destroyer 258 Bullet Head, the Colorado vo. 27 Loug-Haired Max; or, The Black e. : 227 Buckshot Ben, the Man-Hunter of Idaho, 223 Canyon Dave, the Man of the Mountain, = hd Sag Ln gh wee air Se Mad Tom’s ‘actus Jack, the e. 191 Don Sombrero. the California Road Gent, 176 Lady Jaguar, the Robber Queen, BY OLL COOMES, 619 Kit Bandy & Co , the Border Detectiver. - 148 One-Armed Aif, the Giant Hunter. 99 The Giant Riflernan: or, Wild Camp Life, Vs 43 Dakota Dan, the Reckless Ranger, ; RY COL. THOMAS H. MONSTERY, | 286 Champion Sam; or, The Monarchs of the Show 350 EI Rubio Bravo, King of the Swordsmen, BY DR. NOEL DUNBAR, | 9 The Sea Scout; or, The Patriot Privateen _ The King of Crooks. st es Number One, the Dead-set Detective. . 16 Planter tive. » ae ; e Detective in Rags or, The Grim Shadowes, 4 500 The True-Heart Parda te, = P : A new issue every Wednesday — Beadie’s Dime a sale s ewsdealers, ten cents , or sent by a4 Senies Oh shette centgeer? Tn -} bl “ve - 2) 4h eee. Bey dacbwa/wecn anya haga ds einige : » ‘ Je er : -
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822 0900000000 000000000 Buffalo Bill’s Relentless Trail. Prentiss Ingraham, The Dread Shot Four; or, Plains. 'By Col. W. F. Cod Buffalo Bill's Invincibles; or, The Sable Shad- ower’s Sublime Sacrifice. By Col. P. Ingra- hara. Buffalo Bill’s Blue Belt Brigade; or, Sun- flower Sam of Shasta. By Col, P. Ingraham: Buffalo Bill’s Volunteer Vigilantes; or, The| Mysterious Man in Blue, By Col. P. Ingra- ham. ese Buffalo Bill at Bay; or, The Gold Seeker’s Doom. By Col. P. Ingraham. Buffaio Bill’s Block Game; or, The Mounted Miners of the Overland. By Col. P. Ingra- ham. Buffalo Bill’s Black Pard; or, The Gold! Boomers of the Big Horn. By Col. P. Ingra-} ham, Buffalo Bill’s Bluff; or, Dusky Dick, the Sport. By Col. P. Ingraham. Buffalo Bill's Quandary; or, Velvet Bill's Vow. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill and the Surgeon Scout: or, Go- wan-go, the Redskin Rider. By Col. P. In- graham. Buffalo Bill's League; or, Red Butterfly. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill’s ‘Tangled Trail; or, Gentleman Jack, the Man of Many Masks. By Col. P. Ingraham. Buffalo Bill's Rough Riders; or, Texas Jack’s Sharp-Shooters, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill’s Secret Ally; or, The Texan’s Double. 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. Buffalo Bill's Buckskin Braves; or, The Card Queen’s Last Game. By Col. P. Ingraham. Buffalo Bill’s Road Agent Round-Up; or, The Mysterious Masked Man in. Black. By Col. P, Ingraham, 3uffalo Bill's Death-Charm; or, The Man With the Scar. 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. Buffalo 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 Bill, Buffalo Bill's Boys in Blue; or, The Brimstone Band's Blot-out.. By Col: P. Ingraham. Buffalo Bill's Sharp-Shooters; or, The Surgeon Scout to the Rescue. By Col. P. Ingraham. Buffalo Bill’e Best Bower; or, Montebello the Gold King. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 00000800080 OvVC00O000090 By Colonel | 820 White My Pards of the 816 y. 812 7 Wild Bil, the Wild West. Duelist; cr, The Girl} 80T 794 TST 781 TTT 773 769 731 727 722 716 710 697 691 682 667 658 Webi My ee Beaver’s Still Hunt; or, The Miner Marauder’s Death-Track. By Buffalo Bill. Buffalo Bill's Red, Trail; or, The Road-Rider Renegade’s Run Down. By Col. P. Ingraham. Buffalo BUl’'s Death-Knell; or, The Red Hand Riders of the Rockies, Ly Col. P./ Ingraham, Mascot of Moonlight Mine.. Ky Buftalo Bill. Wild ‘Bill, the Wild West Duelist: or, The Girl Grande Ralph, the Cowboy Chief. By But- falo Bill. Buffalo Bill’s Winning Hand; or, The Masked Woman of the Colorado Canyon. By Col. P. Ingraham. Buffalo Bill's Dead Shot; or, The Skeleton Scout of the Colorado. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. Ruffalo 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; or, The Wipe-out at Last Chance. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill’s Dozen; or, Silk Ribbon Sam. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo. Bill’s Mascot; or, The Death Valley Victim No. 13. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill’s Double; or, The Desperado De- tective. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill’s Big Four; or, Custe’s Shadow. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill’s Flush Hand; or, Texas Jack’s Bravos. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill’s Blind; or, The Masked Driver of Death’s Canyon. By Col. Prentiss Ingra- ham, Buffalo Bill and His Merry Men; or, The Robin Hood Rivals. By Col. Prentiss Ingra- ham, Buffalo Bill's Beagtes; or, Silk Lasso Sam, By Col, Prentiss, Ingraham. Buffalo Bill’s Body Guard; or, The Still Hunt 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- ald 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; or, Opening Up a Lost Trail. By Col. P. In- graham. ' Buffalo Bill's Blind Trail; or, The Daughter of the Regiment. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill’s Secret Service Trail. By Major Dangerfield Burr. Buffalo Bill’s Swoop; or, the King of the Mines. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. The Cowboy Clan; or, The Tigress of Texas, By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 653 649 644 639 981 The Gold Lace Sport; or, The Texan 982 Chris Crewley’s Winning Hand; Libra. The Lasso King’s League; or, The 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 Circle. By Col. .P. Ingraham. The Gold King; or, Montebello, the Magnifa- eent. By Buffalo Bill. Buffalo Bill’s Daring Role; or, Daredeath Dick, King of the Cowboys. By Leon Lewis. The Dead Shot Nine; or, My Pards of the Plains. By Buffalo Bill. Buffalo Bill's First Trail; or, Will Cody, the Pony xpress Rider. By Ned Buntline, Red Renard, the Indian Detective; or, The Gold Buzzards of Colorado, By Buffalo Bill. The One-Armed Pard; or, Red Retribution in Borderland By Buffalo Bill. The Wizard Brothers; or, Trail. By Buffalo Bill. White Beaver, the @xile of tha Platte; or, eataanet Man's Red Trail, By Buffalo Buffalo Bill's Grip; or, Oath-bound to Custer, By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill’s Pledge; or, The League of Three. By Col, P. Ingraham. Wild Biil, the Whirlwind of the West. By Buffalo Bill, Texas Jack, the Prairie Rattler; or, The Queen of the Wild Riders. By Buffalo Bill, The Pilgrim Sharp; or, The Soldier's Sweet- heart. By Buffalo Bill, Government Scout 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 & OS); ane Amazon of the West. Dangerfleld Burr. Gold Bullet Sport; or, The Knights of the Overland. By Buffalo BilL ; Death Trafler, the Chief of Scouts; cr, Life aad Love in a Frontier Fort. By Buffalo NEW ISSUES TO COMB. White Beaver’s The Desperate Buckskin King By Major son’s Wide Swath. By Joa HE. Badger, * or, The Ragscally Valet's Double Game. By A. P. Morris. 988 Kid Glove Kris, the Sport. By J, C, Cow- drick.. Ready August 26. 984 Buffalo Bill's Life Raffle; or, The Doomed Yee DIME LIBRARY is for sale by all Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or sent by mail, pre-paid, on, re- ceipt of price. Three. By Cok P. Ingraham. Ready Sept. 1. @©G00000000 000000000 O0OCAO0O000@ 2909OC8O0090 :