Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 213) (1888 02 08)
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oi i] = a (ea iin va a ia (i «en Ou om Copyrighted, 1848, by AND ADAMs, Poat Office at New York, N. Y., as Second Class Mall Matter. Vol XVII $2.50 Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams, Price, N 0 213 + « Year. No. 98 WILLIAM St., New YorK. Five Cents, \\\ K us ft \ 1 \ “LAY A FINGER ON ME OR THIS PRISONER AND YOU KNOW YOUR FATE," CRIED SARINA,
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2 The Pirate’s Prize, The Pirate’s Prize; oR, The Mysterious Yankee Schooner. A Tale of the Malay Seas. BY C, D. CLARK, AUTHOR OF ‘EAGLE EYE,” “MUTE CHIEF,” ‘*GREYLOCK THE GUIDE,” ETC., ETC. 4 CHAPTER I. A STRANGE YANKEE, A MAN in a dress half European and half Malay stood upon the European Bund in Shang- hae, lounging in an indolent mauner against the wall of a building. In person he was tall, strongly built, and strikingly handsome, but with a lurking devil looking out of his bright black eyes, which were fixed upon a party seated on a bench, their attention directed to the har- bor. They were three in nunber, one gentle- man somewhat past the middle age, a handsome young man with a seafaring air, and a beautiful girl, just budding into womanhool. The man who stood alone never moved his eye from the group, and as he gazed, the demoniac look in them grew more and more marked. ‘‘ Have your own way for the present, Harry Castleton,” he muttered; ‘my time is not so very far off.” ‘“Kinder interested in that party, ain’t ye?” remarked a quiet voice at his elbow. He turned quickly and saw a slightly-built man of uncertain age leaning against the wall not faraway. He had come up so quietly that his approach had not been noticed. “Who are you?” demanded the first man harshly; ‘* and by what right do you mix your- self in my affairs?” ‘© Oh, now, stranger! Don’t you see Tm a Yankees, and a Yankee must bile in, even if he ain't invited! Isee you looking at them folks, and I thought mebbe you was acquainted with em, * And suppose I am—what is that to you?” “Now, don’t rile up, stranger. Take it easy, Be gentle with me; or, ef ye can’t be gentle, be as gentleas youcan. I’m a good-natured cuss, myself.” “Look you, my man!” and the stranger ad- vanced in a threatening manner; ‘“‘I am not in the habit of allowing any man to mix himself in my business, and | am not going to begin with you. Take yourself out of this.” i; aor? in no hurry,” was the cool reply; ‘‘ be you The stranger leaped suddenly upon the Yankee and caught him by the shoulders, evidently with the intention of hurling him to the ground, seemingly an easy task, but to the assailant’s surprise the slightly built man remained lean- ing against the wall, the same provoking smile upon his face. “Seem to be anchored, don’t I, pardner? Kinder hard to remove this rock from its firm base, hey : ; The proyoked man tugged at this Yankee tormentor furiously, but the New-Englander re- mained immovable, a merry look on his hard, set face, and a peculiar twinkle in his deep gray eyes. “Tm adamant,” he said, ‘“‘and can’t be budged, you know,” The other was still pulling at him when some- thing strange happened, no one could say how. The Yankee bad not seemed to move, but all at once the feet of the assailant were struck from under him and he measured his length upon the “Take keer, stranger!” bawled the New- Englander. “Bust thing you know you'll get hurt—break yer back, may be!” The man picked himself up with an astonished look, gave his body a shake to satisfy himself that he was all right, and then, in a sudden fury, flashed out a long Malay kreese. But he was confronted by the muzzle of a heavy navy revolver and a resolute eye gleamed along the bis barrel. “Might go off, stranger,” the Yankee said, “ It’s an awful treacherous weapon.” The other gave a short laugh as he returned the kreese to its sheath, “You areacool hand,” he said. “I'd give something handsome to have you under me,’ “TI don’t go under no man,” was the reply, “buf when I play with a sarpint I always carry strong argyments under my clothes. What did ye pitch into me that way fur?” “Never mind. Perhaps you do not know me, and for that reason cannot be aware of the danger you are in. It don’t make much differ- ence now, but some day I'll remind you of this thing.” He touched the fez he wore, after the manner of the naval salute, and walked up to the party on the benches, leaving the Yankee standing with his back to the wall in the same careless attitude. ‘Oh, mortal fathers, ain’t he tough!” mut- tered the queer fellow, “I guess he wouldn’t have put that kreese through my midriff if I hadn’é produced the barker—oh no! Now let’s watch bis little game.” The stranger saluted the young lady first, by removing his cap, and then burned to the oldest of the two gentlemen. a “You are leaving the country, Mr. Darrel? “Yes, Captain Manton, I have spent the best years of my life here, and now, for my daugh- ter’s sake, I must go home.” 4 “You take passage with Captain Castleton, do you not?” Sot : “Yes: we have only been waiting until he sailed.” The young man sitting next to the lady said something to his companion in a low tone; the girl smiled, and again that ugly look came into the eyes of Captain Manton. He stood tapping his boot nervously with a light bamboo cane which he carried, and his eye measured bis dis- tance from Castleton as if taking ground for sword-play. “J hope you may get home, safely,” he said, with his cynical laugh, * but, really, there isa great dea) of danger upon these seas now.” ‘“T suppose you mean from the Malays?” Cag- tleton remarked, e : ; } , } | = en ek eee ee
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The Pirate’s Prize. 3 ee “Not so much as others. Suppose you were to fall in with the Black Shereef.” Mr. Darrel cast an uneasy look at his daugh- ter, hut made no reply. The name of the Black Shereef was at that time a terror in these seas, and all merchantmen prayed that they might | not meet him on their way, But Captain Cas- tleton spoke up boldly: “T hope the piratical scoundrel will dare to cross the hawse of the Tokio,” he said, ‘TI would give him such a drubbing as he would long remember.” “Don’t be too sure of that, captain. If I were sailing a merchantman, bearing such love- ly freight and so much wealth as you carry, I anoald do all I could to keep out of the way of the Black Shereef. When do you sail?” “With the ebb to-night. I am anxious to be on my way home, for teas have never been higher than just now, in the American market.” ‘A happy voyage to you. I have only one good wish now.” ** And that?” “That you may pass the Straits of Sunda without meeting the Black Shereef.” He turned upon his heel and walked away, leaving Harry Castleton glaring after him, with clinched hands and flashing eyes. CHAPTER IL. A GLANCE AT OUR CHARACTERS, “Wart is the matter with you, Harry?” de- manded the young lady, with a laugh. Harry drew a long, deep breath, ““T don’t know why it is, but whenever I meet that fellow I wish [had a sword in my hand, and could fight it out with him to the death. But, pshaw; we shall never see him again, Ihope. Let us think of getting aboard.” ‘““ Why are you uneasy?” asked Mr. Darrel. ““T don’t like that fellow, Manton,” replied Harry, quickly. “Strange as it may seem, I feel as if we sbould be more safe if he remained in this port until the Tokio had sailed.” At this moment the Yankee, who had been watching the party with observant eyes, came up to them. pit 2€ . *‘ Going to sail soon?” he inquired, addressing be “ Yes; to-night.” *“*T s'pose I couldn’t git you to listen to me, but if it was me I wouldn’t go through the Straits of Sunda on the home trip.” “Do you think I am going to run a hundred leagues out of my way because there is talk of pirates in the Straits?” cried Harry. “Didn't you hear me say I didn’t s’pose you'd listen? There’s one thing I will say, though, don’t you hamper your guns, for like enough you'll’ need ’em before you see the Indian Ocean.” ** And who might you be, friend?” said Harry, “Pve had so much good advice to-day that I am not hungry for any more. Attend to your own business and I will attend to mine.” “That all right,” returned the Yankee, with agrin. ‘I don’t blame you for getting riled; you've had enough to make you, when that p’izen, long: piratical shark of a Manton has just crossed your hawse, Look out fur that villain, whatever you do!” ‘“The man means well, Harry,” said Mr, Dar- rel. ‘‘I am sorry we cannot take his advice, but I thank bim all the same,” “You area gentleman, sir. Td do anythin; for you, or the handsome miss here, but I can explain. Perhaps the time will come when I can help you, and when it does, sing out fer Saul Belton, and Saul Belton will be on deck.” Without another word he hurried away and eae among the narrow streets beyond the und. Mr. Darrel was an American who had spent nearly fifteen years in Shanghae and had grown rich in the tea business. As it became plain that so much of his life must be spent there he had sent for his wife and little daugbter and for twelve years Ellen had lived in the European quarter of the great Chinese port—Mrs, Darrel having died however two years before the open- ing of our story. Harry Castleton bad started as cabin boy on board one of the company’s ships, and now he was part owner and master of the Tokio. Who Captain Manton was no one could say, He often ran into port in his beautiful schooner, to refit, but he never took out acargo. Those who claimed to know him said he was a gentle- man of leisure, whose one delight was the life of asailor. During the last year he had been a greet deal in Shanghae, and had haunted the arrel house until Harry, who was betrothed to Ellen, began to get uneasy. He was satisfied, however, when Captain pane proposed for Ellen’s hand, and was quietly rejected. Yet he had reason to believe that Manton cherished in his heart the desire for revenge, and watched him closely. Nothing was done, however, to show that Santos did not take his defeat calm- ly. From time to time he would disappear and be gone for months, when he would again sail into the harbor on bis beautiful schooner to re- main perhaps two months, most of his time being spent in the cottage of Mr, Darrel, Harry did not like him from the first, perhaps for the reason that he was well aware that an attempt had been made to rival him. And so matters went on until the time bad come for the Tokio to sail, and Ellen Darrel with her, never again to see the green shores of China or the motley assemblage on the European Bund. CHAPTER IIL A VILLAIN BAFFLED, SavuL BELTON, when be left the American party on the Bund, walked rapidly away and turned into the Malay quarter. The door of a shop where arrack was sold stood invitingly open, and he entered. Two men were sitting at a table with glasses before them, but they were not drinking. One was a Malay, of gigantic proportions, with a wonderfully strong, resolute face, and the other an American, with « hand- some figure and a face which weuld have been handsome but for its deatblike pallor. ‘““He is here, Arthur,” said Belton, with a grim smile, ‘and the cuss is in mischief, too; he’s jest laying himself out to destroy another beautiful girl,” aie
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4 The Pirate’s Prize. The pale man half-started from his seat, and clutched at the butt of a revolver in his belt. “Keep your setting, Arthur—keep your set- ting,” said the Yankee, laying his hand upon the other’s shoulder. ‘‘ Jest look at the Malay. He’s as hungry to climb thet skunk of misery as you ever was, and he Inows the time ain't come yet; so he keeps cool.” “T have waited long years for vengeance’s sake,” hissed the other pale man. ‘And the time ain’t fur off now; meantime, let’s hold a confab.” He took a seat at the table, and the three en- gaged in a whispered conversation—or, rather, the two Americans did so, while the Malay, cee he seemed to listen intently, said not a word. Then they paid for the arrack and went away together, In the mean time, night bad come on, and preparations wera being made in the Darrel cottage to go on board the Tokio, Everything had been sent on board through the day, and about eleven o’clock the three stepped out of the cottage and started toward the harbor. They had not proceeded a dozen yards when there came a shrill whistle, and half a dozen men sprung upon them. So sudden was the onslaught that Harry had no time to draw a weapon before he was in the grasp of two strong men, with whom he struggled desperate- yy. Before he could ery for help, all three were exterously gagged with long cloaks, which were thrown over their heads and wrapped about them in many fol Is. ‘¢ Bind them,” muttered a hoarse voice in the Malay tongue. ‘I'll take care of the girl.” He raised Ellen, still muffled in the cloak, when there came a ringing cheer and out of the darkness appeared a party of men who charged the assailants without a moment’s hesitation, The scoundrel holding Ellen in his arms dropped his burden and drew a kreese, but before ho could use it he received a blow which staggered him, Ashe reeled back he shouted something to his men in an unknown tongue, and they sprung away in the darkness and disappeared, followed as quickly by their leader. “Tet the skunks run,” said a cheerful voice, which they recognized at once as that of tho stranger Yankee Belton, ‘* We don’t want them now. Better see you safe to your boat, I reckon, Capt'n Castleton.” “ You will do me a great favor,” replied Har- . By George, old fellow, you were just in time, and I beg your pardon for what I said not long ago.” ‘Don’t mention it. Me and my mates hap- pened along this way, and of course I couldn't stand by and see a feller countryman abused by these yere heathen. That’s right; stand up. Ain’t hurt any, are ye?” “Not a bit,” replied Harry. ‘‘ Who are these men with you?” “ Friends of mine—don’t notice ’em. One's a dummie, and couldn't answer, an’ the other wouldn't if he could. Are ye all right, Mr, ~ Darrel?” sir “res, yes; I do not know how to thank you, “Then don’t fool away your time trying it on, ’cause it ain’t no use, p your weepons handy, fur them ugly heathen might take it inte the’r heads to try the game over, durn ’em.” They walked rapidly down the Bund, a giant Malay and a tall, silent white man following like shadows, and reached the water side, Har- ry stopped and gave a signal whistle, “* Ay, ay, sir,” cried a hearty voice; ‘hero is the boat,” The speaker appeared suddenly upon the wharf and came toward them, Sani Belton started and looked closely at the new-comer in the moonlight. Then he touched Harry on the arm and drew him aside, “* Who is that chap?” he asked, in a low voice, “His name is Will Wescott, and he is my third mate,” replied Harry. * Knowed him long?” ‘* No; I shipped bim yesterday.” ‘Where did you pick bim up?” ‘‘Our agents recommended him to me and he is every inch a sailor. What do you mean!” “ Waal, [can’t say. Thar’s something in the eritter’s voice, I dunno what it is, that don’t suit me. Sounded like a chap I used to know but I ain’t seen him for some time. Reckon he’s gone under, probably. He was a tough cuss, that one, and his name was Tom Reid. But come to look clust he didn’t have no sech baird as this one.” ‘“‘T consider myself lucky in getting him. Will you go on board with us?” “T calculate not. Fu’st, ‘cause I ain’t got the time, and second, ’cause I’ve got to be out of this afore you sail.” ** Have you got a boat here?” “Pve gota way of gittin’ out and probably you'll hear on me ag’ion. I couldn’t coax you to take the long trip home, could I, hey?” “T should not consider that I had done m duty to my partners if I did that, My ship is well armed, I’ve got a splendid crew, and Iam not afraid of all the pirates in the China seas,” “Oh, all right, all right; waal, I must be trottin’, Shake hands with the old man afore ye go, Good-by, Mr. Darrel; hope Pll see ye in Batavia, I do, ef I git thar afore ye, Good- by, Miss Ellen; don’t forgit the old Yankee, Sakes alive; [ used to hev a lettle sister to hum thet was jest about your figger, and ef it wa’n’t ue thet T dunno ez I'd hev taken so much trou- ple,” They stepped into the boat, which shot away at once under the strong strokes of the oarsmen, and the Yankee whistled a tune softly as he watched them, “Tell you what, Arthur,” he said, “ that Harry Castleton is a mighty good boy, but he’s awful headstrong. Mebbe he'll ’'arn wisdom as the years go roliin’ by. Hash up—and git.” The three men slipped away just in time, for half a dozen men came hurriedly down the Bund and looked after the receding boat. “She has escaped me for the time being,” said one, who appeared to be the leader, ina low voice. ‘Curse that Yankee; but for him all would have been well.” “All shall be well yet, Mighty Prince,” re- plied _a voice, in the Malay tongue. “Hush,” replied the. other, fiercely. ‘‘ Not my name or title here, for you know what
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a /The Pirate’s Prize. 5 would happen if we were betrayed. Make the signal.” One of the men bent over the wall of the Bund, and a green light flashed for a moment across the water and disappeared, A few mo- ments later the dip of oars was heard, anda large boat shot up to the place, the whole party embarked and were pulled out into the stream. Not a word was spoken as they glided on under the bows of the Tokio, the decks of which were lighted and every preparation be- ing made for sailing. A moment later a savage ae broke from the shut teeth of the tall man in the stern sheets of the boat. as They think they have escaped me,” he mut- tered, ‘‘ Well—we shall see.” After a half hour’s pull they rounded to under the side of a beautiful felucca which lay at an- chor in the stream. The men sprung aboard, and, after giving an order to the officer in charge of the deck, the leader went helow. Half an hour later the beautiful craft was slip- ping out of the river heading for the open sea. he passed the forts without the usual signal, and, once clear of them, spread her wings and went flying on over the waves with. marvelous speed, leaving the shores of China rapidly be- hind, Lee Yas: CHAPTER IV. THE BLACK SHEREEF IN SIGHT. As morning broke the Tokio was well out to sea, walking the water with a grace only seen in shipping which slides on Yankee keels. She was a beautiful ship, and it is no wonder that Harry Castleton was proud of her. Ellen was on deck, enjoying the balmy air, and looking back toward the shores which she was leaving behind her forever. Harry, leaving the charge of the ship to the first mate, was by her side. A man stood in the waist not far from them, issning orders to some of the hands who were working in the maintop, He was a good-looking fellow, perhaps ber years of age, with a full beard covering the lower part of his face. Ellen looked at him closely. “That is the man Wescott, whom Mr. Belton warned you against,” she said to Harry. “I am sorry he is on board the Tokio.” “Ob, he is all right,” said Harry. ‘Tt isn’t often you can pick up such a man as that when you are short of officers, I wish I had forty such men in my crew.” The man was now shouting to the hands in the lee shrouds, and his voice had the true sailor ring. Ellen watched bim intently, **T don’t know how it is, but when I look at that man I think of a treacherous tiger. I hope nothing evil may come from his being on pard. ee Rene Sey lightly, and the conversation turned to something else, and the shores of China faded from view as the good ship stood out to make anoffing, Mr. Darrel came up and joined them on the quarter-deck. “What do you say to the advice of that strange fellow who wanted us to take the longest route, Harry?” “Tam not going to do it,” was the somewhat testy reply. _‘‘ I’ve three passengers at Batavia, and even if I had not, the Tokio is not going to run for all the pirates in the China sas. You wouldn’t have me do that, Mr, Darrel?” *T don’t know. The man seemed to be in earnest, and went out of his way to do us ser- vice. ‘The longest way round’ is often ‘the shortest way bome.’” **It cannot be done,” replied Harry, ‘I’ve got forty good men on my decks, and carry guns enough to clean out all the pirates who dare attack us, and could show them a clean pair of heels in any event,” ‘Tush!” said Ellen quickly. As she spoke, Wescott walked slowly by them on his way aft. There was a peculiar glitter in his dark eyes which the girl did not like. “Tam satisfied that the third mate was lis- tening to what you were saying, Harry,” she said, when the nan bad passed, ‘* Suppose he was, Nellie. You are unreason- able in your aversion to poor Wescott.” ‘*Perbaps I am, but if I have any secrets I don’t want bim to hear them,” she answered, pouting, The Tokio kept steadily on her course, and on the morning of the third day they were nearing the coast of Borneo, that strange island, as yet so little known to civilized man. Ned se the first mate, cast a sweeping glance along the horizon and sprung down into the cabin. ‘** T would like to see you on deck, captain,” he said, “ame Harry followed the mate on deck and Ned pointed out three different sail upon the hori- zou, Even at that distance the young man could make out the peculiar rig of the Malay proa, ‘“* Don’t like their looks, captain,” said Stacey. ** Nonsense,” interposed iliam Wescott, ‘* T haven’t a doubt that they are as honest craft as we are,” Stacey turned a quick look upon the man’s face. ‘* You are third mate of the Tokio, ain’t you, Mr. Wescott?” ** Yes,” he answered, angrily, “Then attend to your duty and let me do mine. I never want a man to stick his spoon into my dish unless I ask him.” Wescott answered by a single ominous flash of his dark eyes as he walked away, and Harry sprung into the cabin for a glass, For ten min- utes he watched the three sails intently, and —_ turned to Stacey, who was doing the same thing. i hat do you say, Ned?” ‘** Bad; looks fishy; them’s Malay proas.” ““T am of your opinion, They may be all right, but I don’t like their looks, Pipe all hands.” The shrill call of the bos’n’s pipe rung through the ship, and the watch below came tumbling on deck, ready for business, A whisper of danger passed through the ship, but not a man blenched. Mr. Darrel came hastily on deck and ap- proached Harry. y , ‘“* What is it, my boy?” he said, in a hurried tone, ‘* Keep Ellen below,” was the reply. ‘I fear that we are going to have a fight.” The proas rose rapidly, and at the same mo- ment there fluttered out from the gaff of each
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8 The Pirate’s Prize. a black flag, with a red serpent coiled in the middle, “The Black Shereef,” whispered the old sailors. ‘* We are doomed men!” CHAPTER V. THE MYSTERIOUS FRIEND. No one save those who had long sailed these seas could know the fear inspired by the name of this well-known sea rover. For ten years he had infested the narrow seas, and his flag had become a terror to peaceful mercbhantmen. Even the few who had ever escaped from his merciless hand had never seen his face, or could say what manner of man he was. He did not know the name of pity, and the men that yield- ed to him were doomed. There was no thought of yielding on the part of Harry Castleton, and his voice rung out cheerily: “Clear away the guns,” he cried, heartily. “ Weill teach these lubbers that they have no easy prey in the Tokio, and tow the black rich into the first port.” “Away you go,” shouted Ned Stacey, in- fected by the gallantry of his loved commander. ‘We'll fight while a plank swims.” But there was no escape, if they thought of slipping through. A large proa lay off the star- board quarter, a second off the beam, and one on the port bow, and all were closing in rapidly ; and, even as they gazed, there shot out from a projecting headland another villainous-looking craft, with the flag of the sea rover fluttering on high. & Oh, see’em come,” growled Ned Stacey. “That’s what they call fair fighting, I suppose; four to one.” : “Get out the ammunition,” replied Harry. Pll see to the small-arms. Mr. Eason!” The second-mate came forward quickly and saluted, “T believe you are a gunner, Mr. Eason? asked the captain. “s Ay, ay, sir.” ‘ “You will act in that capacity, then. See that the guns are ready for use quickly, and station the crew, You have no time to lose,” There were six serviceable guns on deck, but so rapidly did Gilbert Eason work, that in twenty minutes the crew were at their stations, stripped to the waist, and grimly waiting for orders. The ammunition was passed up, and the Tokio ready for action. ‘* Head her for those fellows on the starboard bow,” cried Harry. “If we can break through we will show them the neatest running fight you ever heard of.” The Tokio was very swift and rapidly neared the proas, and they could see the decks black with mez—Malays, Papuans and Sooloos, wild for blood, and shaking their weapons in the air. “Are you ready, Mr. Eason?” cried Harry. “Tf you are, give them a shot.” Easton sighted the gun with his own hand, rose with a smile upon bis face and applied the match. Scarcely had he dou> so, when, with a cry of rage, he sprung forward and looked at the ae “Spiked, by blazes?” The imprecation might be forgiven an old sailor at that moment. The gun had been cun- ningly spiked by forcing a ‘rat-tail” file into the touch-hole, and breaking it off. A rapid glance showed that every gun on board had been served in the same way. “By heaven!” cried Harry, ‘we have a traitor here. Cutlasses and pistols, lads, and if we must die, let us die like Yankee sailors, with our teeth set.” ‘‘Run down the proa,” shouted Ned Stacey. ‘Every man to the bow.” The men grasped the weapons passed to them, and the great ship, flying before the fresh sail- ing breeze, and gathering way as she came, appeared to be steering for open water be- tween the two proas bearing down upon tho bews, the pirates shouting like demons as they came. Suddenly, without the slightest warn- ing, the course of the sbip changed and she met the swift proa, bows on. There was a shock and the pirates swarmed into the chains only to be hewed down by the sailors, and the proa sunk like a stone, just as the second fastened on her chains and her crew prepared to board, Then ensued one of those fierce battles of which we have no conception. The Malay fights because he loves it; death has no terrors for him, as according to his creed it only opens the way into paradise, which his priests tell him awaits the valiant warrior. With wild, resounding cheers, they clambered up the sides of the Tokio, but they were met by men as valiant and determined as they; for, say what you will, only the enduring Anglo- Suxon knows how to fight with stubborn valor, not knowing when he is beaten, In the front of his men, wielding his cutlass gallantly, and cutting down every yellow Malay or brown Sooloo who showed his face above the rail, fought Harry Castleton, doing the work of three men. By his side, with a revolver in each hand, stood Mr, Darrel, and three times his unerring hand had Jaid low a man whose weapon was turned against Harry Castleton when the brave young captain was engaged with another enemy in his front. “Give it to them, boys!” cried the young cap- tain, ‘‘ Remember that you fight for your lives; the Black Shereef spares none.” The men answered by resrunuling cheers, and their blows fell fast and furious. The Malays, not ‘accustomed to such stubborn resistance, gan to falter, and the men of the Tokio cast off the ppling irons which clung to the chains, ‘““Now where is that Will Wescott?” cried Ned Stacey. ‘‘ He’s a skulker, that a i As he spoke the third mate appa » leaped upon the rail, and hurled himself headlong upon the deck of the proa, shouting some words in an unknown tongue. He had scarcely reached the deck when the proa drifted astern, and then, too late, Harry Castleton saw that the wretch bore in his arms the senseless form of Ellen Darrel. “You false-hearted hound,” cried Harry, raising his revolver, ‘‘ you came here to betray us. With a mocking laugh Wescott raised the form of the senseless girl and held it before him as a shield. ‘“ Why don’t you fire?” he shouted in a jeer- ing tone, ‘* You seem to hesitate, my dear cap- : ee ~ i
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Eee hos= The Pirate’s Prize. W tain. Yes, I spiked the guns of the Tokio, and I proa, but the larger of the two w: s now so cicse have won the prize which alone is worth more to us than the ship, Iam Tom Reid, lieutenant of the Black Shereef. Ha! ha! ha! You were nicely fooled.” He turned to the crew of the proa and shouted an order. As he did so the sails went up, the head of the proa fell off, and she began to run on a course parallel with that of the Tokio, while the long gun amidsbips was brought to bear upon the great ae “Give mea rifle, Ned,” said Harry. ‘‘ They must not fire that gun yet.” Ned ran up with a rifle in his hand, just asa tall Malay sprung forward to fire the gun. Uarry pulled the trigger and the villain sprung into the air and fell dead. “Give me a Winchester,” said Harry. “I will make them pass a bitter time before they fire that gun, Give the men muskets, Ned, and send them into the tops. We sail three fathoms to their two, and will soon be out of their clutches.” A terrible fusilade was opened upon the proa, Never, in all their fighting, had they been ex- posed to the aim of American repeating rifles, and they dropped, man by man, on the deck of the proa under the deadly shower. Reid saw that he was losing men to no purpose, and changed his course, running in toward the land, knowing well that Harry would not dare to fol- low him there. A glance at the other proas re- vealed the fact that they were closing in fast, and ashot which splashed in the waves close under the stern of the Tokio admonished the young captain that it would be utter madness to pursue, ‘God help her,” he groaned. ‘I can do no more, We must save the ship and trust to other means to rescue Ellen.” _ Right astern, as the ship flew on over tie ris- ing sea, thundered a fast-sailing proa, more than the equal of the Tokio in speed. The second shot from her long gun came whistling over the rail, killed aman on the to’gallant forecastle, and grazed the foremast in its course. At the same time a shout from Mr. Eason announced that he had managed to clear one of the guns, and it was trained upoR the proa astern, The first shot, well-aimed, swept her decks from stem to stern, knocked the wheel into fragments, and the craft began to yaw and steer wildly, while the Tokio gained haw over hand. The second shot struck the foremast, and it came crashing down leaving, the proa wallowing, a helpless wreck, upon the heaving sea. “Well done, Eason! well done, old boy,” cried Harry, running aft. ‘“‘ Don't waste an more shots upon him, but attend to_ these fel- lows on the starboard quarter. What’s that, Ned?” “By George, the boys have got the spike out of another gun.” ““Good for them. Head up a little and meet these fellows half-way. Let us once get them astern, and we can laugh at them.” The proas came booming on, their crews wild with rage, and were closing in fast upon the To- kio, their guns making sad havoc with her rig- ging as they came. Eason answered as well as e could, and succeeded in crippling the leading that another battle seemed inevitable, when there came darting out of the sea, close under the bows of the ship, a strange cigar-shaped ob- ject, which darted with inconceivable rapidity at the proa, and disappeared in the waters. There was wild confusion on board the pirate, and all their efforts seemed bent upon escaping, if they could. The proa fell off suddenly and headed seaward, when she was seen to heave up out of the water until her keel was visible, and revealed a gaping rent, into which the water rushed with a gurgling sound. A moment more, and she was gore.’ “A torpedo, by heavens,” cried Harry. ‘‘ What can it mean?” As he spoke the strange craft again appeared for a moment upon the surface and plunged into the waves close to the crippled proa, A moment later and her crew were seen to hurl themselves desperately into the sea, the same dull explosion followed, and the proa was gone. “ Hurrah!” eried Ned Stacey, drawing a lon breath. ‘That fellow came just in time and dow’t think they will trouble us any more.” Just then the strange torpedo sprung into view again and came racing by under the stern of the Tokio. They had time tosee that she was about fifty feet in length, shaped like a gigantic cigar, and they could hear the clicking of machinery as she sped by, and there came fluttering on hoard an arrow, which lodged in the mainmast. The boat disappeared. “There's a letter on the arrow, captain,” said Ned Stacey. ‘* Give it to me,” cried Harry, He tore open the paper and read: “Ellen Darrel is the prey of the Black Shereef, but he will not harm her now. Head to the south and before you have sailed a dozen leagues you sball hear from— A Frrenp,” ‘‘ Our only hope is in him,” said Harry, sadly. ‘* We inust take his advice.” And with sad hearts they headed the Tokio on her course, leaving Ellen Darrel a coveted prize in the hands of the pirate chief. CHAPTER VI. SAUL BELTON ON DECK, Tue Tokio sailed on to the south, Harry Castleton could scarcely have said why he did this, for it was far from his inten- tion to desert his betrothed. But he wanted time to think, and consult with Mr, Darrel as to the best course to pursue. The officers of the ship gathered in a sad group on the quarter deck, while the men busied thenibalved in clear- ing away the wreck, taking care of the bodies of their fallen comrades, and attending to the wants of the wounded. “Sail ho!” cried the lookout. Harry sprung on the rail and leveled his glass on the sail indicated by the man in the foretop. He made her out a handsome schconer, running down to speak them. Sbe rose rapidly, and as she showed more plainly, they saw that it was an American-built schooner, with the clean run and tapering spars only seen in Yankee shipping und that the American flay was flying at the gaff. Harry still kept his glass upon her, and suddenly fixed it upon the figure of a man who
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The Pirate’s Prize, stood on the rail also with a glass in his hand. For a moment he was undecided, but as the schooner came booming on he recognized that remarkable Yankee who had aided them in Shanghae. Half an hour later he was close to the Tokio, and lowering a boat he came aboard with the coolest air imaginable, and shook hands _with the Americans as if they had been old friends, and nothing particular had happened. ‘Morning, capt’in,” he said. ‘‘Been in a scrimmage, I judge. Maybe you don’t remem- ber I told you to take the longest way home, Capt'in Castleton.” “Tf we only had,” groaned Harry. “Sartin, sart’?in; ’most any one will holler after he gets hurt, Found tbe Black Shereef *bout whar I judged you would, and had a lively Ti Now I reckon you know how it is your- self. ““Were you in that strange craft that sunk the Rene “ What craft?” * Nonsense; you know all about it. Wa it not, you whc sent ms word that you would aid us “Nary. Jest look at this dockyment.” He thrust his hand into his pocket and drew out a paper, upon which was written: “To the Yinks2 Rajah:— “The ship Tokio has been attacked by the Black Shereef, off Borneo, and a young girl named Darr.l made prisoner, Aid them as you would aid me, . “Taw Mystery." “ That's the ticket. Now I know where that comes from and the writer thereof is jest p’izen on Malays. He eat» ’em for breakfast; on the half-shell; stewed, fried and steamed. in fact, Malay is his chief diet.” “And who are you? You gave your name as Saul Belton. But that doe: not explain your presence here.” j ae you’ve heern tell of the Yankee Ra- ja **T have,” said Harry. island in the Spice group.” *'That’s me; I’m the chap that is monarch of that there island, and there ain’t many sov’rins that has as complete control of their dominions, I 8'pose you want to get the gal?” ** We will have her or die.” “That’s hearty. I’m with you until the uni- versal heavens turn green. That ar’ leetle gal suited me, and I ain’t a-going to leave her in the hands of that, etarnal skunk. But we can’t do anything with the Tokio; she’s too ’tarnal big fur our work,” * But we may need her.” “Nary time. Sarcumvention is the word and we'll beat the cusses yet. How many of your men will it take to sail her to Batavia?” “Can we spare any of them?” “T dunno as wekin. Say; I'll take the ship to my island and lay her up thar, That's the proper racket.” ** Would it not be better to go to Batavia and get a man-of-war?” “See here; do you want to run this thing yourself? If you PA Dll clear the way.” “T do not know what to do,” replied Harry. “Then trust me, Thar ain’t a man in these ‘He owns a little parts, ef I do say it, that knows better how to tackle the Black Shereef than me.” “*T trust you, then. We place ourselves en- tirely in your hands,” ‘All right, then! Here, Marco,” At bis call a man came clambering out of the boat and reached the deck. Harry was forced to say that, though of the yellow race, he was one of the most perfect specimens of manhood he had ever seen, He was about six feet and four inches in hight, formed upon the model of a Hercules, straight as an arrow, with magnifi- cent muscles and well-turned limbs, “Marco is a Malay, and one who ain’t got no love for the Black hereef,” said the Yankeo Rajab. ‘‘ Hey, Marco?” : t the mention of that name the eyes of the Malay began to roll wildly and his great hands opened and shut convulsively, **'You would like to get a whack at the Black Shereef, wouldn’t you, Marco, old boy?” A harsh guttural sound broke from the lips of the savage man and his face worked strange- “Waal, I'd got a use fur him, no matter what. I’ve got through with him now, though, and he may as well begin to dig his grave, when I let Marco loose on him, Weare going to run the Black Shereef to earth, Marco.” The Malay fe’l upon his knees and pressed his forehead upon the hand of the Rajah. “All right, my boy,” he said. ‘I know you are hungry,and when he dies, I promise you he shall die by your hand.” The Malay mute uttered the same guttural cry and embraced tke knees of his master. ‘That’s all right, old fellow,” said Belton. i} ey eee the boat and get back to the Wave Witch. Tell Jim Slocum to head for the island and show us the way. Then come back to me,” Marco sprung back into the boat and it shot away toward the schooner. ‘ Will your officers understand him?” asked ari & “They’ve got so used to hissigns that they can read ’em like a book,” was the answer. “* You'll see.” As the boat neared the schooner Marco rose in the stern sheets and made some rapid signs. The men on board seemed to understand him, for the schooner at once filled away and the boat turned again toward the ship. arco sprung on board and the boat pulled away to intercept the course of the schooner. They saw the crew get aboard, the boat was hoisted in and the schooner slipped away to the southwest, the great ship following. Two days and nights , and ou the morning of the third day they were threading the Spice islands, the schooner leading the way still. Now and then a proa shot out from the island but « look at the schooner seemed to satisfy them, for they at once ran back into harbor,
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The Pirate’s Prize. “They don’t want to tackle me,” chuckled the Rajah. ‘They know the old man; they’ve harnessed him before and know he’s a hard hoss to ride. Keep your eye on the Witch, you at the wheel. Jim Slocum knows the islands and you don’t.” The island which they sought now lay before them, but scarcely had they sighted it when Marco, whorarely left his master’s side, touched him on the arm and made some rapid signs. “Oh, gitout,” replied the Yankee, ‘‘ They wouldn’t dare to try it.” Marco only answered by pointing over the rail in the direction of the island. “Ha!” cried the Rajah, after a moment of close inspection. ‘‘Give mea rocket, captain; I want to signal the schooner.” ““No need of that,” replied Harry. ‘She seems to be luffing now.” As he spoke the schooner came quickly up into the wind and lay rocking idly on the water. The Tokio held in her course until close under her bows, when the ship also luffed, and Marco, with Saul Belton and Harry, went on board the schooner. “Ahoy!” cried the Rajah. ‘‘ You Jim Slo- cum, signal the island, quicker than scat. You see them skunks, don’t you?” - “Ay, ay, sir! Here comes the rockets,” Slocum answered. One of the crew came out of the cabin, carry- ing three strangely-shaped rockets, A whizzing sound was heard, followed by a loud explosion. A moment later an answering sound came back from the island. “That's O. K.,” said the Rajah. lay skunks have plucked up courage and are laying for me under the pas of the island yan- der. I'll make ’em smell blue blazes in about six minnits by the clock, Ha! there they come, Diling hot and smoking for war. Give’em a serenade, Marco.” = The Malay sprung to a beautiful pivot gun amidships—the only gun carried by the scho ner —and trained it upon the pone proas, which suddenly shot out from the shelterin int, while at the same moment the flag of the Black Shereef was given to the breeze. No sooner had the eye of the mute glanced along the sights, then the sullen roar of the cannon was heard, and the conical shot tore its way along the erowdec deck of the leading proa, causing dreadful slaughter. “Sarve 'em out, sarve’em out, Marco. Give ’em blue pills till they can’t rest. No—hold on: there comes the Mystery!” ‘ As he spoke the second proa was seen to tremble in every joint and then she began to settle by the head and filled quickly. Cries of dismay were beard aboard the other proas, as the strange craft called the Mystery rose out of the water near the sinking proa and with a strange bissing sound plunged headlong at the Malay craft which bad received the shot from the long gun. With yells of fear the Malays forced the lug sails over on the other tack, but, before the wind could fill them, the pointed beak of the Mystery plunged into her side, tearing a gaping rent, into which the sea poured, Then the stranger craft backed away and sunk, and was only visible by a peculiar “Them ma- ripple on the water over the place where she went on her submarine way. The third proa had got ber lugs over and was slipping away with the wind over her quarter, and Marco contented bimself with sapaing a single shot after her, which tore up the low bul- warks and chipped the mainmast, “* Let the sneaks go,” said the Rajah. ‘‘ Blame their skunks; they will know better than to run the noses into my cruising ground again, I reckon. Head her in, you at the wheel, and the Mystery will take care of herself, CHAPTER VII. THE YANKEE RAJAH AT HOME, Tue Mystery could only be traced on her sub- marine way ei the ripple on the water, which showed that she was running close to tbe sur- face, Every one on board the Tokio was watching her course with great interest, for all felt that this strange craft would have much to do with the rescue of Ellen Darrel—if, indeed, she was to be rescued from the hands of the black-hearted villain who had taken her cap- tive. When near the island, the strange craft rose to the surface for a moment, as a whale rises to breathe, Before her was a rocky wall, which seemed to encircle the island, and to shut it out completely from the outside world, Harry saw her plunge straight against this wall and disa: Ti “, Bhe is gone,” he said. ‘*Reckon you'll see her again some day,” said the Rajah, anaes “The man that navigates her knows his biz on a raft, now mind I tell you. Ease her off a little, Garry; now you can make the harbor.” As the head of the schconer swung round, they could see a narrow opening beyond the int—so narrow, indeed, that it seemed almost impossible for a heavy craft to enter, But the man at the wheel understood his business, and she shot in between two gigantic walls, higher than the masthead, followed by the Tokio, and the anchor went down in a beautiful — harbor, before what appeared to be quite a town. ‘* My realms, mates,” said the Rajah. ‘“‘ You are welcome here.” They quickly landed, and the people came out to stare at them curiously. Harry was completely taken aback, as quite a number of the inhabitants were white people, and Americans at that, and the neatness of the houses, as well as the tasteful manner iv which they were ornamented, proved that they had been here a long time and meant to stay. “*T wonder the Malays have left you here in peace,” said Harry. { “They've tried to bite me on two several times, but they found me the toughest piece they ever attempted to masticate. Just waik with me, and I'll show you how we go to work to defend ourselves,” ‘“We must not waste time. Remember that Nellie must be rescued at all hazards,” said Mr. Darrel. ““Pve taken the contract and mebbe it’s a big one, but I'll stand the racket and I never was known to bite off more than I could chew. © You can’t hate the Black Shereef any more
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i0 The Pirate’s Prize. than I do, and yet I will say I don’t think he | ‘‘ Why is ho not here when his sons are beaten means to do the gal any harm now.” *T suspect Tom Reid of being the Black Shereef,” interposed Harry. ** T don’t; Tom Reid is mean enough, but he ain't the Shereef. Oh, Lord, no; not by no means. Tbe Shereef is a hoss of anvther color. But come along, and I’ll show you how I defend this island when it is attacked.” They turned te the ee after leaving the village, and ascended the lofty bluff which rose on both sides of the harbor and completely sur- rounded the town. Upon the crest of this bluff on each side was a battery of three guns, so placed as to send a plunging fire upon the decks of an a A gtd craft, when it reached a certain point, over which it must pass to enter the harbor. <A similar battery on the other side crossed fire with this. Below, upon a wide shelf, were two other guns, loaded with grape and canister, The rocky wall. which encircled the valley in the rear was a regular fort, with guns mounted at intervals, and which could only be 4 ebgearae by steep paths, which could be swept by a terrible fire at any moment. “And that ain’t all,” declared the Rajah. ‘* The island is surrounded by shoals except on this side, and if they attack with proas it must be iu front. And I’ve got torpedoes laid down in such a way that it would be mighty orkard for a ship manned by fellers that didn’t know the ropes to get in here. I feel tolerable safe, and I only wonder that these fellers dare to ap- oer my island. They wouldn’t only they now that the Mystery and I are old friends, and they want to get at him through me.” ‘‘ Who ara these people with you?” “Tho whites are young Yankee sailors, who want to make a new home. The others are fellars of all nations that I’ve picked up ere and there, as the case might be. There ain’t one of them that wouldn’t get up and fight if I asked him to and even take a little risk of life or limb fur my sake, and I’d do as much fur them.” “Where does the Black Shereef live?” “He’s over yonder,” answered the Rajah, inting toward the Papuan coast, “ That’s be trouble about him—he’s easy enough to find, but most people think he’s a Malay—but he ain’t, duran his hide! I’ve only been waiting to get help enough, and now we won't rest until we hev ga im and his gang off the face of the created airth; [ hev sworn it.” And tbe Rajab raised his hand solemnly on high as he registered his vow. CHAPTER VIII. TOM REID'S ARRIVAL AT THE BLACK SHEREEF’S PALACE. WE have seen Ellen Darrel a prisoner in the hands of the traitor, Tom Reid, and that his = escaped from the strange craft, the Mys- ry. The two proas which were left headed past the coast of Borneo, und Reid carried his in- sensible victim into the cabin and laid her on a couch. For a moment the man stood looking at her peg i with a lowering brow, and then went on dec! ** Where is the Shereef?” asked a tall Malay, by the Spirit of the Ocean?” ‘He ought to have been here before,” an- swered Reid. ‘I don’t know why he: didn’t come, but probably he thought we ought to be a match for the Tokio; and so we were if that pin gk ho torpedo had not come to help them. “We cannot fight the Spirit of the Waves,” declared the chief. ‘‘ My blood turns to water when I think of him.” “T don’t blame you much. Curse him, I wonder who he is?” ‘“*He is a Barsakaw,” replied the Malay. “The brood of the Malay are brave, but they know that he who strikes at the Barsakaw might as well waste bis blows upon the empty air. But we have the white maiden; the Shereef will forgive us when he sees her.” “Pd have jumped overboard if I did not have her to take to him,” averred Reid. “I wouldn’t have been the one to go home empty- handed for a lac of rupees. Can you make out his sails?” The chief shook his head. “Then we may as well make for home, And see here; that cursed Yankee Rajah at. Gadong Beg had something to do with this. He was in Shanghae with his schooner when we sailed, and you know he goes like the wind. Some of these pe we will take that island and kill every man on it. ‘Our chief was wrong when he tore out Mar- co’s tongue and then let him live. Marco will never forgive or forget, and he is the friend of the White Rajah.” “Tm sorry it was done at all,” said Tom, un- easily. ‘‘ But what can you do with the Shereef when he gets a mad fit on? But, look here; you take care of the proa while I get some sleep, for I have had a bard time during two or three weeks, and have actually had to work; and I am not used to it.” - He rolled himself ina blanket and lay down in the bow, and the Malay, after setting a guard over the cabin door, took charge of the proa. When Ellen came to herself, and realized that she was a prisoner, she tried the cabin door, but it was fast and she turned to the stern window. The proa was moving on swiftly over a tranquil sea, and she could hear the measured tread of the sailors on deck and the soft footfall of the ard who paced to and fro before the cabin oor. She remembered nothing since Reid came suddenly into the cabin of the Tokio and stupe- fied her by the use of some potent drug, the ef- fect of which had hardly yet passed off. Then nigbt came on, and she threw herself upon the couch for a little rest.. When she awoke it was broad day again, and looking out of the cabin window, she was aware that the proa was at an- chor in a sheltered harbor, surrounded by a dozen craft of the same kind. Just then the door opened, and Reid came in, fez in hand. ‘Sorry I had to use you a trifle roughly yes- terday, Miss Darrel,” he said, respectfully, ‘* but I was acting under orders.” “You are a traitor and renegade, then, Mr, Weston.” “So men call me,” he answered, in a bitter tone, ‘* What is the use of hitting me when ’'m
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a The Pirate’s Prize. il down, miss? I can’t hit back, and I’m under ob- ligations to the man who employed me in more ways than one, But I came to say that you are ‘to go ashore with me.” ‘* { desire to return to my father. He will pay a heavy ransom for my safe return.” “No use, Miss Darrel. The man who had you brought here alone has-power over your fate now.” ** And who is he?” “The Black Shereef,” replied Reid. “That monster?” she gasped “The devil is not so black as he is painted,” he said, with a laugh. ‘But come on deck, if ‘you please,” Nellie saw no use in disobeying and accom- panied him on deck. Before her lay a city in the Eastern style, a place of some pretensions, with sree batteries on each side of the en- trance to the harbor and many buildings clus- tering about a castile-like structure in the center. An elegant boat lay alongside the proa, manned by a white crew, and into this Reid handed his prisoner and took a seat with her. ear fall; give way!” was the order of The oars dropped into the water with naval precision, and a few strokes quickly brought them to a flight of stone steps, where Reid as- sisted her to land, A beautiful palanquin, at- tended by four stout bearers, was waiting for her, and she took a seat in it and was carried on through the narrow streets of the city and into the castle. Here she alighted and was led up a flight of winding stairs into a room fur- nished in the luxurious style only to be seen in the East, “ These are your quarters,” said Reid. ‘* You will be at liberty as far as this suite of rooms is concerned, but I would not advise you to wan- der about much, as you do not know the Pie clapped his i e clappe is hands and a door opened at the back of the great room anda young girl entered, ‘ te at ie *‘ Aruna,” said Reid, ‘“ this is the lady whom the chief expects. You have your orders.” The girl, who was rather a pretty Malay, made a low salaam, and turning Nellie asked ire in very good English if she wished for any- thing. “Nothing except liberty,” replied the pris- oner, sadly, ‘and that you cuit give me, The Malay girl shook her head. “You will not answer questions which may be asked of you, Aruna,” said Reid. ‘* When the Shereef comes he will tell the lady all she need know.” The girl nodded to signify that she under- stood, and Reid bowed respectfully to Nellie and went out. women appeared, - “The lady would eat,” said Aruna. The women quickly spread a feast which ‘would have been a temptation to an epicure. Nellie seated herself and made a very unroman- tic meal. When she had finished, the table was drawn away, and just then a cannon boomed at the port and cries of joy were heard in the streets, “What is the matter?’ the prisoner asked, turning to Aruna. “The Shereef comes,” replied the girl proudly, “and our people delight to honor him. Would the white lady see how they welcome him on his return?” y Nellie stepped to the open window indicated by the girl and looked out, All the population of the city—men, women and children—seemed to be in the streets and hurrying toward the harbor, and a boat, manned by six rowers, was seen rapidly approaching the landing, A min- ute later a tall and martial figure, clad in the dress of a Malay war-chief, uppeared at the head of the steps, attended by a glittering retinue. They came rapidly up the street, the women strewing flowers inthe path and chanting a song in praise of the Black Shereef. As he came nearer, the girl could see that his garments were of somber black, and that his face was hidden by a black mask. He appeared to take the adulations of the multitude quite as his just due, and waving bis hand to the people, disappeared within the portals of the castle. “The Shereef is a great war-chief,” said Aruna proudly, “Yet his hands are red with the blood of in- nocent men,” said Nellie. “He is a warrior,” averred the girl, ‘and great warriors delight to shed blood in battle, Since the days of the sable kings of the Malay there has been no chief so great as Selim Ben Mahoud, the Black Shereef.” The door opened, and he appeared upon the threshold, . CHAPTER IX. ZARINA, THE MAD PRINCESS, ELLEN DARREL shuddered at the sight of this man, when he spoke in a melodious voice: **Peace be with you, Arem; leave me with the white maiden.” The Malay girl bent her head obediently and hurried from the room, while the Shereef stood looking at Een Darrel intently for a moment before he spoke again, and she gazed back at him with undaunted eyes, She saw a man of more than ordinary stature, a model of manly grace, whose face was completely hidden by the black mask, through which his eyes shone like twin stars. “T am the Black Shereef,” he said, in good English. **- You do not bid me welcome.” “I do not know you,” she answered, “If you area warrior, as you claim, you will not make war upon a woman.” “T do not make war with you, sweet maiden. I saw your face in Shanghae, and it was fairer than the face of any Malay woman. What the Black Shereef loves—he takes, You are mino now, never to leaye me,” ‘3 “Never yours, while I have a hand to strike a weapon into my own heart,” she declared. “Thea white maiden has a stubborn heart, but
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SS oe Cae oe = reaching nearly to the floor. eee 12 The Pirate’s Prize. more stubborn spirits have been broken within these walls,” he asserted, . My father and my lover will come to my “Let them come. They shall be made wel- come with fire and kreese, Whbat now, Shereef Reid?” “T have something important to say, as soon as you are at liberty.” “Go!” said the Shereef, impatiently, waving his hand. ‘I will come soon to the judgment hall, and you may wait for me there.” Reid turned away, grumbling a little, and the Shereef again turned to Nellie. * Child,” he said, ‘t you will learn before you have been long in my city that I have only to lift my finger to be obeyed. The Malays fear me so, that if I bade one of them cast himself from the highest wall of the palace he would obey moe. My will is law; I speak, and they obey. “You will find in me one who will not be obedient, sir. More than that, my friends will leave no stone unturned to rescue me.” “They will find us ready to meet them. Enough of this for the present as [ did not ex- pest you to listen to reason at first, but I hope, ‘or your own sake, that you will listen soon, for I am not very patient. Ha! What are you doing here, Zarina?” “T have come to see this new toy which you have brought home, Shereef,” replied a musical voice. Nellie turned quickly, and saw a beautiful woman, clad like a princess, and wearing a a tiara of precious stones, which were in them- selves worth the ransom of a prince. Nellie thought, at the first glance, that she had never sean a more beautiful woman. Her face was of the Roman mold, haughty and clearly cut, with great, luminous eyes and firm lips, Her hair swept from beneath the band of the tiara in great masses of the hue of the raven’s wing, She wore a loose, nomng robe of fizured silk, confined at the waist by a girdle, with a golden buckle, and in it she carried a curved Malay kreese and two elegantly mounted revolvers. “T repeat, what are you doing here, Zarina?” hissed the Shereef. ** And I answer, that I came to see your new toy, which you have picked up on the sea. _Shereef, you do not know Zarina yet. If ou did, ou would not try to frighten her y blustering words. I have little to thank you for and much cause to hate you, and yet, I would not see harm come to you—not yet, at **Go out, Zarina. I will speak to you soon,” said the Shereef, sternly. “At your pleasure. I have seen the girl and she looks good and pure. Fear nothing, sweet maiden, Zarina is your friend, although she came as an enemy.” The Shereef raised his hands and clapped them loudly. Half a dozen Malays ran in at once, ‘Seize this mad creature,” cried the chief. “Put hor in charge of Mahmoud the Parsee, aud bid him look to it that she does not wander alone about the palace any more,” ° Zarina retreated a le step, and, with a rapid motion, drew one of the revolvers from her belt. ‘* Malays!” she cried, ‘‘take warning before you throw away your lives, 1 will killanyman who lays the weight of a finger on me,” The Malays, who had begun to advance, stopped in trepidation, Zarina evidently meant just what she said. : ‘Look you, Shereef,” she cried. ‘‘ You know that I have ever been free as air, Counter- mand your order, or I will put my mark upon rise of. your slaves in a way they will not ike, “Go, men,” said the Shereef. ‘I will admit that I ought to know you better, Zarina, but when yourave in this manner re ought to be put under restraint. No onecouldbe more kind to you than I have been.” “* Then let me alone. I love this sweet maiden, and it is the first time in long years that I have met one who is a fit mate for me, and now you try to drive me from her. 1 will not endure if, ? “You will frighten her,” said the Shereef, ‘because you talk so wildly.” ** Ask her if she fears Zarina,” said the girl, quietly. ‘‘ If she says so, I will go.” ‘“*T do not fear her,” replied Nellie. ‘She would do me no harm, and I feel that she is my only friend here.” ‘Then I will leave you together for a while,” said the Shereef, ‘‘ but beware how you set her against me, Zarina, or in any way betray my secrets, for if you do nothing shall save iu. ‘Fear not. Since that awful night when the sbip ong a to your proas, aud all I loved were lost, my brain has lain in darkness, I can remember amen neither my own pame nor the name of my lover. But if I meet him I re ae him. Yes, yes, yes; I am sure of that, “You need not fear Zarina, sweet maiden,” . said the Shereef. ‘The affliction she speaks of drove her mad, but she will do you no harm, and will be a companion to you. There is noth- ing I have ever repented so much as the calamity which drove her mad, for no more beautiful woman than Zarina, not yourself even, liveson earth to-day.” He turned quickly on his heel and left them going down into the great hall, where Tom Reid was pacing up and down in deep thought. “Tt is closing in upon us, Shereef,” declared the man. ‘I begin to think that itis time to realize, and in some other land reap the benefits of our years of labor. The men armed against us now are not the soft Orientals, but men of my race, who will fight while there is blood in their veins, “1 must bend this girl to my will before I go. Zarina has fallen in love with her, and perhaps it is best.” “Poor Zarina,” said Reid, a subdued light upon his dark face. ‘I wonder, sometimes, ead God has suffered us to live and prosper so long. ‘Bah! Make your report and let me under- stand what it is you fear, and stop preaching.” {fear nothing, Shereef, I have my
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The Pirate’s Prize, 13 life in my hand too long to greatly care how soon I Jay it down,” was the hot reply. “Go on, then, let me know how you have obeyed my orders.” id gave a rapid account of the battle with the Tokio and the manner in which Ellen was captured, together with the destruction which was done by the Mystery. “Then the man who navigates that craft must be a skillful engineer,” declared the Shereef “for I do not believe in necromancy, I will meet him. by skill as great _as his, I hope, and drive him from these seas. You havedone your work well, Reid, and I cannot find fault with you. And now I give the Malays into your charge, and you must keep them in order and seo that they donot run amuck. Isuppose that they are frightened by the Torpedo.” ‘* Nothing will induce them to go near that cursed island agent replied Reid. “They lack the bull-dog instinct of the Anglo- on race,” said the Shereef. ‘‘Come with me, and we will break a bottle together.” And for three days the city was the scene of unholy orgies, but such as they had often passed. The Black Shereef sat serenely in his palace, and concocted a plan which he hoped would fe} — from his enemies, led by the Yankee jah, CHAPTER X, THE DESTRUCTION OF THE MALAY FLEET. Tue Black Shereef slept in a room half-way up a tower looking out upon the harbor. On the night after the great feast he retired to his rooms early, but not to rest. Dismissing his attendants, he flung open the casement, and drawing a juxurious divan close to the low win- dow-sill, he reclined upon it, looking out upon the heaving sea, From this tower he had a range for miles in the direction of Godong Beg, and even as he he saw, shimmering on the horizon, the white sails of a craft of some Samm pT Catching up a night glass, he leveled it at the sail,and recognized the Wave Witch, A wild cg of joy came to his lips. “*Tis her, by all the Malay gods!” he hissed. “Oh, if the wind goes down; if that sly dog will only give us time to get round him!” He Ny his hands and a slave ran iv, ereef Reid,” he cried, ‘Tell him to The slave hurried out, and five minutes later Reid came in hastily, half-dressed, but carrying i a in his belt and a naked sword in his and. ‘*Come here,” cried the Black Shereef, quick- ly. ‘Take this glass and look at yonder schoon- er and tell me who it is.” Reid took but a single look and knew the schooner “The Yankee Rajah!” he shouted, ‘ By Heaven, the fellow has good nerye to venture so nearus here, Do you know that the wind is go down and that he may be in a trap? that! as I live by bread he ee up toward the harbor as coolly as if he owned the n ey Very well,” said the Shereef, bg 4 “Go nd get the Malays together quic’ 0 noise of any kind, but man all the proas in the port and let them be prepared. P will bave that schoorer, and when Marco and the Yankee Rajah are in my power, may my right arm wither to the shoulder if both the dogs do not pray for death at my hands. Away with you and as soon as the proas are ready, go out and attack her.” Reid was gone in an instant, and five minutes later hundreds of forms were seen flitting about in the moonlight. The gleam of arms and a suppressed Lum told that these were men pre- paring for battle. Half an bour later the dark, snake-like proas began to crawl out of the har- bor with muffled oars, bearing full five hun- dred men, bound on an errand of vengeance. For, by this time, they knew that the tributary chief who had attacked the Rajah on his way to Gadong Beg had been defeated, and bis proas put to flight, and many of them bad lost friends, The wind went down, and then, idly rockin on the tranquil sea, lay the Wave Witch, wit pete half a dozen men on deck and the Yan- ee Rajah swinging lazily into a hammock be- tween the masts, with a nght-glass in his band, from time to time turning it upon the approach- ing pow in an indolent way. ‘The man has gone mad,” muttered Reid, who stood on the deck of the Teading proa; “or has he indeed some reason for all this confidence? I don’t half-like it.” The proas on the wings separated and began to crawl out to get to windward of the schooner and cut off her escape by sea, should the wind rise, and yet the Rajah never changed his indo- lent attitude, but, taking a long Manila cheroot from a case at his side, began to smoke tran- quilly, an amused smile upon his thin face. ‘“Tarnation cute them critters ar’,” he mut- tered. ‘‘Wal, wal, wal! this world is all a fleeting show, and I reckon it is almost time for the circus to open, See’em sneak ’round us, That’s right, boys—the further you get to sea the better we like it,” Four of the proas lay inshore, perhaps a league from the schooner, while the remaining six aimed to secure positions of vantage. The Rajah rolled over in his hammock and watched these attentively as they spread out, perhaps net a mile apart, and blocked the passage sea- ward, “T judge there'll be fun on the ocean in mighty short order now,” muttered the Rajah. **Oh, you darned fools, dc you think I am the man to be caught napping?” As he spoke there was a slight trembling un- der the keel of the schooner, and the smile deepened on his face, while a wild cry broke from the lips of the Malays inshore, who were waiting for the others to take position. The schooner, without a wind, without a sail, gan to glide swiftly through the water toward the open sea. The oars cropped from their palsied hands as this strange phenomenon took place and aringing laugh broke from the lips of the Rajah. ‘“Row on, you dogs,” screamed Reid, wild with rage. ‘Though he can sail without a wind, Pll have that schooner or sink along- e, + sid
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x i4 Scarcely had he spoken when the proa on the right was seen to heave up suddenly from the sea while cries of horror were heard and the long craft began to settle rapidly and in a mo- ment more went down, leaving the men to bat- tle with the water. A moment later and the two others, except that of Tom Reid, sunk in the same remarkable way. Reid was no coward, but such a strange fa- tality as this might have appalled the stoutest heart, and the Malays in his boat suddenly turned the proa, and, bending to their oars, began to row with all their strength toward the harbor. In vain Tom Reid stormed and threat- ened and even drew his weapons on them but it was of no avail. So thoroughly were they frightened that even the fear of instant deat at his hands could not stop them, and the proa dashed into the harbor, The Black Shereef, who was watching the progress of events from his tower, came dash- ing down, overturning all who came in his way, and ran toward the harbor, where he sprung into a boat and boarded the proa with his wea- pons in his hands, “Dogs and cowards{” he screamed, ‘turn ‘again, or by all the Si IT will shoot you down in your tracks, Shall we leave our brothers to die yonder? Shoereef Reid, you are a coward.” “You lie!” hissed Reid. ‘‘ { have given the best years of my life to your service, and when ou say lam a coward, 1 say agaiu, you lie! id them turn the proa and board yonder cursed schooner, and see who is the coward— you or I!” Tha rowers stopped, so utterly were they un- - der the influence of the Black Shereef, and rowed out of the passage at a mad pace, bending to- ward the schooner, which they expected to find closely engaged with the six proas which bar- red her passage to the sea, But as they cleared the harbor they saw the Wave Witch rocking as before on the tranquil sea; but of all the roas which had gone so boldly out to attack er, not one was in sight, Every one had dis- appeared, and the sea was dotted here and Vea with the heads of men swimming for their ives, “What say you now, Shereef?” cried Reid, “Am I a coward or have we reason to fear? Give the word to board her, and though there be death in the track I am not the one who will give back a step.” The Shoreef gave a signal to stop rowing and remained for a time in deep thought, his head bent and a look of indecision on his face, At last he spoke: “You were right, Raid,” he said, quickly. ‘Let us save all the men we can and get back to the city. They are masters on the sea, but we can defend the harbor yet. CHAPTER XI. THE BLACK PANTHER. No time was lost, and when all was done scarcely two hundred of the band who had gone out so bravely to the attack on the schooner remained alive, and many of their bravest chiefs had sunk to rise no more. 3 “Tt is closing in on us, Reid,” said the Shereef in a low voice, “Give orders to the men to The Pirate’s Prize, orca y stretch the chains across the mouth of the harbor. We can bar the schooner out, at least.” Reid shook his head and as the proa landed, turned aside to obey the orders, while the Shereef, unattended, made his way to the lace. As he passed the suite of rooms which had been set aside for the use of Ellen Dar- rel he paused suddenly and clapped his hands. A moment later Aruna appeared. “The white girl,” he said, in a questioning tone, ‘“ Has she retired?” “No, Lord Shereef. From her window she has watched the battle, and has seen the de- nen of the proas, The lady Zarina is with er.” With an ejaculation of rage he pushed Si tho door and entered, and saw Zarina and Nellie sitting in the window, their arms twined about. each other, looking seaward, “ Away, Zarina,” he exclaimed, savagely. ‘*I would speak with the prisoner.” Zarina arose with sparkling eyes and faced! him boldly. “T thought I told you, long ago, that it was: not well to threaten me, Shereef. Beware what you do, for you know that I can protect: myself.” He took a step toward her, when she drew a small silver whistle from her belt and breathed rena it softly, when with a cat-like bound a: huge black panther sprung through the open door and crouched at her feet facing the Shereef. The eyes of the black beast glistened like stars as she looked at him, and the Shereef re- coiled, half drawing bis kreese. ** Lay a finger on me or this prisoner and ot ou know your fate,” cried Zarina. ‘Ha, Zadee, my beauty, will you defend your mistress? If I give her the word, she will tear you into pieces.” ’ The panther extended her white claws and showed her long fangs, giving utterance to a snarling cry, but did not move. The Shereef trembled, for he knew that the savage brute, trained under the hand of Zarina, would spring upon him if her mistress but pointed at him, “Go,” said Zarina. ‘ Something whispers to me that I should do well to let loose the beast upon you. I know not how it is, but it seems: that the past is coming back to me, and that in that past you have wronged me cruelly. Woe, to you if I remember all.” he Shereef recoiled, and with a savage cry rushed from the room. A moment more and the sound of a horn rung through the palace. He was calling the ays to his aid, and. Zarina flung the door to and began to pile the. furniture against it. The sound of hurrying: feet could be heard in the passage, and a heavy blow struck the door, ‘Open this door, Zarina,” cried a voice so: hoarse and strained that she scarcely knew it. ‘*-You shall have no mercy for this act.” ‘Let me see the one, Malay or white, who: dare pass this door,” was the reply, as she drew hee revolvers. “Stand back, Nellie; they may’ re. “You can only die, Zarina, but you cannot: ater said Nellie, ‘‘It is perhaps better to’ eld, 4 2 “T do not care so greatly for my lifeas to hes) a 7 caine tt a
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The Pirate’s Prize. 15 itate when death threatens me,” was the reply. “Go into the alcove yonder, and leave me to deal with these villains.” ‘Beat in the door,” shouted the Shereef. “ Down with it, I say!” The sound of axes was keard and the heavy door to splinter, and then came crashing in, but could not fall on account of the heavy furniture piled against it. To enter the room the Malays must clamber over this heap, and the first scarcely shown himself above it when he fell, shot through the brain. The others recoiled in dismay, and the girl laughed “Who is next?” she cried. “‘Show yourself if you dare, Shereef. I will die gladly if I can get a shot at you first.” Another crash was heard, and a second door, leading into the next suite of rooms, suddenly burst open, ard the Malays came pouring in. Zarina dragged a heavy divan before the alcove and intrenched herself there, and two men who i the rush fell dead by well-directed revolver shots. “Spring, Zadee,” she exclaimed, in her clear, bell-like voice. ‘Tear the villains limb from limb, my darling.” She had searcely spoken when the body of the black panther was seen in the air, and the long, lithe creature sprang into the midst of the crowd of Malays, who, shrieking in terror, fell back before the rush of the angry beast, but not be- fore two of them had fallen under the strokes of her powerful paws. But at this juncture the Malays in the hall succeeded in pushing aside the furniture and rusbed into the rocm, “The panther first,” shouted the Shereef. SE Sorted I tell you, and attend tothe mad girl after. Forty men flung themselves, with pistols and kreeses, upon the noble beast, and the room was the theater of a savage battle for ten minutes, in the midst of which the crack of Zarina’s re- volvers was heard again and again. Such a battle could only end in one way, and the brave beast fell at last, pierced by a hundred gaping wounds, but not until she had killed four men and desperately wounded several more, and Zarina had fired ber last shot, when the Malays turned upon her. But she had caught up two rom the blood-stained floor, and, stall - intrenched behind the divan, stood’ ready to fight to the last gasp. ‘““We must lose no more men,” cried the Shereef. ‘‘ Fire upon her and bring the mad demon down.” “Fire at me!” said the musical voice of Nellie Darrel, forcing herself in front of ber brave de- fender, who strove in vain to push her aside. ‘* You shall kill me before your shots reach this brave woman.” in, not S shot!” screenees. pe Shee e man who injures her s! ie m hand. Dash in and take them alive.” islet As he spoke there was a commotion at the back of the room, and a man came dashing through the Malays to the front, with a bare saber in one hand and a4 revolver in the other. It was Tom Reid, his eyes flashing and his whole trembling with rage, “Stand back, you bounds!” he shouted, in a voice of thunder. ‘I have often drawn the sword beside you, Shereef, but I never did you better service than when I warn you not to harm Zarina.” ‘Out of the way, Reid,” replied the Shereef, hoarsely. ‘‘ You only invite your own.fate.” —- “Have you not done this pont girl wrong enough in your day? Back, I say, or much as I have loved you, I will let you feel the temper of my blade.” With a hoarse cry of rage the Shereef drew his sword and sprung forward and the blades crossed. Both were practiced swordsmen and it was hard to say which would have won the mastery, bad not the foot of Tom Reid slip- ped in the blood of one of the dead Malays as he made a sweeping stroke. Before he could recover, a dozen of the band hurled themselves upon him and flung him to the floor, when he was quickly bound. Zarina threw down ker veep and came forward with a vacant laugh. ‘* Ha, ha, ha! Shereef, that was a merry time; I don’t know when I have had so much sport in many aday. But why do you bind Tom Reid? Be bas done no harm. a! Malays—back; touch not one upon whom the finger of the gods has been laid.” The Shereef made a step toward her, but one of the Malay chieftains interposed and laid his hand gently upon the broad breast of his leader. “Listen, great Shereef,” he pleaded, in the musical voice so often heard in Oriental nations, “Tt is a law of the Ruler of all things that the one whose brain is touched shall not be held to account for any evil done, Zarina has run amuck- and killed our brothers; she has turned the wrath of the black Jayan panther upon us-— and yet, see! we, who bave lost friends, say to you, ‘Let Zarina go free; do not punish her, for we have forgiven her.’” : “Say all the Malays thus?’ demanded the Shereef. ‘‘ Ye who would not see Zarina pun- ished, atop formard a pace,” Every Malay made a step in advance. ‘Tt is well,” said the Shereef, inclining bis head. ‘Go, Zarina; you shall not be punished this time, but beware of the next, for I swear to you that I will never again forgive you!” Zarina went out slowly, casting a strange look at Tom Reid as he lay bound before her, Once she paused and made a step toward him, but seemed to think better of it, turned away, — and was gone. ; “Take up these bodies and give them burial, sons of the Malay ” was the order of the Black Shereef. ‘ Zarack, Tonadi, Malo and Terrai, I give the Shereef Reid into your hands, Guard him well to-night. and in the morning brin him to the Hall of Judgment, Tonan Denal, take the power. which he has held. Guard the rt, and if rou _see the schooner come again, [ot me know.” ~ He approached Nellie Darrel, and caught her by the wrist. . Kifer “Come with me,” he said, ‘‘I will give you a prison more secure than this.” e led her through the long halls of the palace and into the lower rooms, where the stone walls dripped with moisture, and the air was heavy
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16 and fetid. She shuddered as he pushed open the door of a dark cell, and he felt the tremor in her frame. But, with a hollow laugh, he pushed her into the cell and closed the door with a crash and then, opening a little wicket, put in a lighted lamp. us Rest in peace,” he said, ‘In the morning I will come to you again.” He went up the stairs rapidly, muttering to himself, and after reaching the next floor turned aside and followed the pomeee for a little distance until he came to the door of a strong room, which he opened by means of a key which he kept upon his person. He struck a match and py pi a lamp ay raing from the ceiling, and after some search touch a certain part of the wall and slid back a little panel, scarcely four inches square, From this recess he drew a broad belt apparently made to hold valuables, and unclasping his robe, he this belt about his y and buckled it ti. ‘That is well done,” he muttered. “If com- ' pelled to fly, there is wealth enough hero for the wants of aking. But why do [ talk of flying, and why does the thought of death follow me so closely lately? Idreamed of Arthur Carring- ton last night, as he looked when he walked the lank after the Cairncross went down. God elp me, [had no need to murder him; I had done him wrong enough.” He blew out the light and stepped out, closing the door carefully. As he did so there stood be- fore him the figure of a tall man, with a pale. set face, the man whom we have seen with Sau Belton in the arrack shop at Shanghae, whom he called Arthur. The Shereef uttered a ery of horror and staggered back. “Away!” he cried. “‘ Why do you appear to me ** Silence!” hissed the visitor. ‘* Dare to move a nc and you aredead. You know me, then? you fear me too, wretch that you are.” ‘What would you have?’ moaned the Black Shereef. ‘ Yes, yes, I fear you more than any created being. hy are you here?” “Tcome to you for vengeance and ask you, what you have done with Edith Carlysle,” re- plied the pale-faced man. A shudder passed through the frame of the Black Shereef, but he did not reply. “*T have followed like your shadow for seven yrars, seeking for my darling,” panted Arthur. ‘but I have not been able to learn anything of her. Tell me, you dog, or I will cut the secret out of your black heart!” ‘1 have traitors all about me, Arthur Car- rington, or you would not be here. Now that I know it is not a ghost of the dead which haunts me, lama man again, I will drag you a pe aoner. and give you up to the Malays, who will make short work of you, for they hate the Spirit of the Waves,” ith a sudden leap he hurled himself upon the American, who only took one step back- ward and caught him by the wrists. It seemed to the Malay chief that those hands were steel, so cold and pitiless was the gripe upon him, He struggled a moment, and then uttered one wild ery for help, which rung with startling dis- The Pirate’s Prize. finctness through the vaulted passages. Arthur held him a moment and then said: “Your hour is not yet come, I could kill you if I would, but I leave you for the yen- geance of the tongueless Malay, Marco. God pity you when you fall into his hands.” And, releasing one hand, he struck the Sher- eef a stunning blow in the face and vanished, just as a dozen guards, armed and bearin torches, rushed into the passage. They lift the Shereef and bore him into an upper cham- ber, where he quickly revived, when he ordered search to be made for Arthur Carrington in all the lower po of the palace. The search was Masry for the strange man had left no trace be- “Set a guard at my door,” whispered the Shereef, ‘“‘and let me get some rest. I must have strength for the struggle which is coming, if he is on my track.” He slept at last, but only to dream that the hands of Marco the Mute were on his throat choking him to death, while Arthur Carring- ton watched his dying struggles with a pitiless eye. CHAPTER XII. THE FATE OF TOM REID. Hg awoke with a start, and the morning sun was streaming in at the window. As he ap- roached it something glanced by him like a m of light and quivered in the wall. It was an arrow, neatly made, and sent with a force which buried the head in the wall. He tore it out, and found wrapped about the shaft this missive: “ To the Black Shereef:— ‘*Sleep no more. * The aven track. ware of the Mute Arthur Carrington.” “God’s curses upon them, he shrieked, pt his foot angrily. ‘‘ Are my men both blind and deaf that such things can be done?” He rushed from the room in a rage and com- menced a furious search, but no one had seen Arthur Carrington. As far as Marco was con- cerned, his giant form was well known, and he had not been on the island. “T shall go mad,” muttered the Shereef. “Tom Reid was not so far wrong when he warned me to fly. It would have been better if he had done so. But Tom, my good, kind, faithful henchman, at least I can take vengeance upon you. a! what do you say, Tonan pon y H hat d T 4 “A fleet is making for the island, Shereef. There are seven proas and the Wave Witch leads the way.” “The men of Gadong wi, ty, coming then,” answered the Shereef. ‘But fear not; they can never enter the harbor if we do our duty. Lay the proas which are left broadside to the channel and let every gun be loaded. We can sink them one by one as they enter the harbor.” “t shall be done, Great Prince. Will you fight beside me, or shall thy servant, Tonan Denal, do the work?” “T trust thee, Tonan. Go thy way, and may tie Malay gods direct thy guns,” answered the er. rs are on your y. Beware of |
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The Pirate’s Prize. 17 The chief bowed and hurried away, and his leader went down to the lower cells, where the four men selected stood guard over Tom Reid. ‘‘ Bring out the prisoner,” he said, ‘‘ Let him be led to the east tower.” Reid, with his hands bound, was led up the stairs and reached the tower. “* Bring bim to the window,” the Shereef com- manded. ‘ Now, Reid, look out to sea and tell me what is there.” Tom glanced seaward and smiled. There, in full view, led by the Wave Witch came the fleet of the Rajah of Gadong Beg. Ata glance he saw that the decks were crowded with men, and that they were heading for the channel. “You know them, Reid. It is that cursed Yankee Rajah, coming to attack us. Had you been true to me you would have led the de- fense, but as it is, you shall sce us destroy them, and then I shall order you cast into the den of the black panthers. You bave seen what a black panther can do.” Reid looked at him with a smile which had no fear in it, * Let's sit down to it,” Shereef,” he said. ‘It is only fair that I should getmy pay for serving such a black-hearted dog as you are. Here, Malay; wheel up that divan.” The Malay stared at him a moment and then wheeled the divan in front of the window, where Tom seated himself coolly. The fleet of Saul Belton held on steadily for the channel, but when half a league away the Wave Witch went up into the wind and lay to, and the proas did the same, “There is going to be sport,” Reid asserted, quietly. ‘‘ It will amuse me to watch it.” ** And I, too,” said the sweet voice of Zarina, as she entered and seated herself on the divan next to Tom Reid. ‘‘Why don’t you bring Nellie; it would amuse her too, Shereef.” “She shall come, by Heaven,” hissed the Malay Prince. ‘‘Go, Zarack; take this key and open the seventh cell in the lower passage and bring the white girl here.” Zarina managed to lay her hand upon the wrist of Tom Reid and ice: it softly. He knew that he had a friend. In a few moments Nellie appeared, led by the Malay, and by the orders of the Shereef a chair was pushed up to one of the windows and sbe was seated. ““Yonder are your friends,” sneered the pi- rate, ‘‘and they dare come here to brave my wer. You shall see how well they will be met. That is the schooner of the Yankee Ra- jah, and with him is the young American whom you love and your father. You shall see me destroy them utcerly.” . “ Perhaps,” muttered Tom Reid. “ Yonder channel is full of Lit watt gen attached to chains. When they enter they will strike these chains and be blown into the air,” the Shereef asserted. “Oh, if I could warn them,” gasped Nellie, «They don’t seem to need it,” declared Tom Reid. Xthe man who catches Paul Belton nap- ping must rise early in the morning, I tell you.” “Silence,” hi See how my proas lie, girl. If by any, fortune one of the Ships should break through the line, it would the Shereef. be only to meet swift destruction from their ms. ** Just so,” interjected Tom Reid; ‘ but what is the matter with those proas, by the way?” Up to this time the Malays had stood idly on the decks of their vessels, their weapons ready, waiting for the fleet of the Rajah to appear. In the center of the line was the beautiful felucca owned by the Malay chief, her heavy guns all bearing on the channel, and on each side the proas. Attracted by the words of Tom Reid, the Black Shereef looked that way, and saw that the proa nearest to the shore had settled by the bead, and appeared to be filling. There was dire confusion on beard the craft, and the men were running this way and that, looking over the side and shaking their weapons fiercely at some object under the water, while the others, no longer lying quietly at their anchors, were observed to have cut their cables and were darting about the harbor as if to elude son.c great danger, “Do you know what I think, Shereef?” said Tom Reid, codfly. ‘“ UnlessI am very much mistaken, the My stery isin tbe barbor. If so, good-by to your fleet. The Shereef tore his hair wildly and uttered a fierce malediction, but at that m: mcnt the leng, black hull of the Mystery was seen to rise from the sea and dash with inconceivable velocit against the side of another proa, through whic she seemed to pass half way. Then the strange craft backed away, and continued her work of destruction, while the Shereef, helpless, abso- lutely howled with rage. The Mystery seemed directed by a madman. She dashed wildly along the surface of the hur- bor, dived into the clear depths, and then came dashing up hke a whale from his soundings, throwing the water high into the air and reveal- ing the long cylinder of the hull and the sbarp beak which protruded from the bow. The bul- lets which the desperate Malays discharged at the strange craft flew harmlessly into space and the Mystery hurled herself bodily against a third proa, tearing her way through ber sides as if they had been paper, Then she backed away, leaving the proa to sink, and disappeared in the waves. Five min- utes after the fragments of another craft were scattered on the waves, and only the felucca of the Black Shereef remained. ‘* Well done, Mystery,” cried Reid. ‘* Now we will see what comes next.” _ The Mystery bad come to the surface and lay idly rocking on the waters of the harbor, not far from the large felucca, while the Malay chief was making desperate efforts to bring a gun to bear upon her. But, just as he wasabout to fire, the Mystery darted suddenly forward and the ball went plunging into the sea just where the Torpedo had been a moment before, Then, with wild cries of fear, the crew forsook the vessel and hurled themselves into the harbor and the ship drifted toward the shore. A short laugh from Tom Reid announced the termina- tion of the action; and the Shereef turned fierce- ly u him, ** Now for ct A he said, hoarsely. ** Away with , Malays, to the den of the panthers.”
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is The Pirate’s Prize, Reid sprung suddenly forward, and raising his manacled hands, struck the Shereef furiously over the head, and brought him to the floor like a log, the blood streaming from under his mask. But be was on his feet in an instant, and assist- ed in dragging the unfortunate man into the lower part of the palace, where they stopped be- fore a barred door, behind which the long shin- ing bodies of two black panthers, either of them as strong as Zariva’s dead pet, were seen. At the sound of voices they leaped up and clung to the bars, and looked at the comers with hun- ery hee ‘ They have not been fed for twodays, Tom,” said the Shereef, showing his white teeth be- neath the mask. ‘‘ What do you say to the prospect?” ‘* T have nothing to say,” was the quick reply. ‘ Could I clear my conscience of one bad act, when [aided you in the attack on the Cairn- cross, { might even say that I am ready to die. You might do me one favor, if you had any mercy in your black heart.” “Tell me how to make yourend more bitter, and I will do it,” was the savage answer. “Say no more. I would have asked you to end, by a single blow, all my pain, I would like to send a messag» to Zarina, if—” ‘““We waste time. Open the door and fling him in,” screamed the villain. Two men, armed with spears, beat back the panthers from the grating, although they ram and yelled savagely, while another man suddenly slipped the door open and signed to the Malays holding Tom Reid, They cast off his bands,.and taking him by the shoulders, pushed him quickly into the cage, shut the grated door, dropped the bars on ‘the outside, and then hastily left the room so as not to look upon his death, As they went they heard the shrill yells of the panthers and then a scream of agony. “That is over,” said the Shereef coolly. ** Good-by to Tom Reid.” Without another thought of the man who had fought by his side for years, he hurrie1 out of the palace, He found the city in utter con- fusion, the women and children gathered in groups, and even as he looked he saw the decks of his felucca swarming with men, and at a daraie he knew them; not Papuans or Sooloos, ut the men of Gadong Beg, who were training his own guns against him. CHAPTER XIIL . MARCO THE MUTE APPEARS, Sau Betton, with his fleet, had lain quietly outside the harbor, until the work of the Mys- tery had been done. He was too wise a war- - rior to trust his shipping inside the harbor, when, without danger, he could insure the de- struction of the fleet.” Harry Castleton had been eager to follow the Mystery into the harbor at once, but bad been restrained by the wise counsels of Yankee Rajab, and as the proas went down one by one, he was satisfied that the delay-was useful. “Look yender,” cried Saul Belton, at last. As he spoke a flag was shown at the entrance to the harbor—a black flag, with a blood-red hand in the center, “The way is clear for us now,” asserted the Rajah. “ Make sail, Marco.” The mute made a siznal to the second mate and the schooner stood boldly into the harbor, closely followed by the other craft. As they came in view of the town they saw a large party of old men, women and children’ climb- ing a lofy hill bebind the city, evidently intent upon flight. ‘We've got the devils scared, anyhow,” said the Rajah. ‘* They are on the run at last.” The fleet rounded to in front of the palace and trained their guns upon it. Scarcely had they done so when a boat, bearing a white flag, pulled away from the steps and approached the Wave Witch. It carried three Malay captains, whom the Rajah recognized as well known pirate lead- ers under the Black Shereef. “*So, so,” he said. ‘‘ They are ready to treat now. Come on board, you thieves.” The embassy stepped proudly over the rail, and the Rajah, accompanied only by Marco, went to meet them. ““Why do you come here, sons of the Malay?” he demanded. ‘* We are sent by our great master, the Black Shereef. He says: ‘I have sent away those who are weak, but the strong warriors will stay and die upon the threshold of the city before a foot of an enemy shall be placed in the palace. You have beaten us upon the sea, but if you attack us on the land you will find that the Malay kreese is sharp.’” ‘* We don’t scare, old man,” replied Belton, **Go to your master and say that we must have his pelace, just to search it, Whatever prison- ers he has will be taken away and any property which looks as if it was stolen will be ours.” “There is in the palace of the Shereef a maiden fair as the sun, whom he loves, For her sake he has made the Rajah of Gadong Beg his enemy, and he cannot give her up. There is, besides her, Zarina, a woman more fair than she, upon whom the finger of the Great Spirit has been laid. ‘You shall have Zarina, if you will.” ** No; we must have the palace and all which it contains, prisoners and all.” “The Shereef will laugh you toscorn. He would sooner die upon the threshold of his pal- ace than give itup to you. Have you no better auswer than this?” ‘“No,” was the abrupt reply. ‘“‘Remember that when the Shereef runs a muck he does evil deeds. Look at Marco; in an evil hour he braved our leader, and his tongue was torn out by the roots, Take the gold and jewels which I offer yon, take Zarina, and go; then we shall be friends.” “T give you half an hour to open the doors of the palace. At the end of that time I shall open fire, if I do not hear from you.” The Malay who had acted as spokesman howed gracefully and stepped into his boat, fol- lowed by his companions, They proceeded to the palace and were met in the doorway by the Shereef. ‘‘ What do they offer?” he demanded. ‘“*You must give up the palace and your pris- oner and trust to their mercy.” ‘* And what say you, sons of the Malay?” “That we will fight while one of us can lift a | » >
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TT, 5 ee ‘she had ‘ducto: The Pirate’s Prize. ag wise - A kreese, and die as warriors should; but we will not surrender.” : “Do you speak for all the warriors?” “Yes,” was the firm reply. ‘Then all is well. They are strong, but we shall prove to them that they cannot win us easily. What say the men to the death of Shersef Reid?” “They say as I do—death to all traitors; he has found a fitting tomb in the maw of the black beast of Java.” The Shereef drew a long breath, for he had feared that the death of Reid might have made him enemies, and he could not afford to have any one turn against him now, “Go back ‘again, oh, captain,” he said, ‘‘ and speak to the Yankee Rajab. Tell him I ask but one day to decide whether I will surrender or not, When the sun rises again, if my flag still waves upon the eastern tower, bid him do his worst.” The eupeain made the usual salutation, turned upon his heel, went back to the schooner and de- livered his message. ‘“*T spose the skunk wants time for some devil- try,” averred Saul Belton, “but never mind. He shall have the time he asks.” The Malay sprung again into his boat and hurried back. The Shereef smiled grimly as he heard the answer. He went up to his rooms and entered, locking the doors behind him, and was seen no more for some hours, What he was doing no man knew, fon they thought he was making plans for de- ense, In the mean time Nellie had been returned to her prison. She had seen the downfall of Tom Reid, but did not know the horrible fate to which he had been given. She sat in the nar- row Cell, her head resting on her hands, when she heard a slight clicking sound in the wall be- hind ot and started to her feet. What could it mean The clicking sound, similar to that of clock- ‘work, continued for a noment, and then a part ‘of the wall seemed to give way and slid aside, and the form of a man stepped into the opening. A single glance was enough. It was Richard Manton, whom she had not seen since that night in Shanghae, when, by the aid of Saul Belton, n rescued from the hands of her ab- rs, i ! he whispered, raising his hand. “In the face of desperate dan er I Rane to save you from the hands of these Malay dogs.” : “Richard Manton!” she gasped. “Ay, Richard Manton, the man you rejected for eed youug sailor, who has done nothing to save you. “It is false,” she cried, in an indignant tone. “Even now he is in the harbor, ready to do battle for my sake. You have no right to vili- fy him, Rely 3 rel i “TJ care nothing for him,” was the haugh nse, “but what he hag failed to do. mei to perform this night.” «“ How did you Canese “ By betraying my trust. “The Black Shereef has teen my friend, and it was for me that you were taken. But a. our fatal charms, which have driven me mad, proved too much for him, and he refused to give you upto me. I have = my knowledge of his palace to reach you, and— “ Liar!” cried a ringing voice. Manton started, and with a cry of rage drew a revolver and looked this way and that for the speaker. But no one was in sight. “Who spoke?” he cried. ‘‘Is there a spy upon me, even in this palace? Wait; I wi come to you again.” He darted through the secret, door and closed it, and for half an hour Nellie there alone, alternating between hope and fear, Atlast the door opened again, and Manton appeared, his eyes flashing fire. “T could not bave been deceived, and I am sure I heard the voice of a man who hates me, but with all my search about the palace I can- not find him. Itis well for him that I could not get him within reach of my pistol, or his interference would have ended quickly. Now listen to my plans. I can enter this palace when I will, and to-night, when all is quiet, I will come and set you free.” ““ Where will you take me?” asked Nellie. ‘“No matter for that, I save you only on the condition that you promise upon your sacred honor, to be my wife the moment we set foot in a civilized port. Will you give me this prom- ise be “You ask too much,” she replied, coldly. “7 distrust a man who can make such terms with a woman in deadly peril, as I am. No; I will not promise to be your wife; I never could be happy with one who takes advantage of my danger to wring such a promise from me.” “You are mad, girl,” he said, in a hoarse voice. “Do not forget that I have loved you long, and in love and war all things are fair. You must yield; it is the only hope you have, Do you prefer the love of the Black Shereef to mine?” “He is a tiger, I know,” she answered, ‘‘ but from such a man only evil deeds are looked for. You have it in your power to earn my undying atitude. My father and my lover are in the rbor, and you can use your power to place me in safety with them. My love, Captain Manton, you can never have.” : 3 He stood glaring at her like a tiger about to spring, but said not a word for some moments, — At last he spoke, and his voice was so hoarse and strained that she would not have recog- nized it. ‘Have your way, then, since it must be so. If you prefer the love of this savage chief to mine, I am not the one to balk you in your chaste designs. But I give you this last chance. At twelve to-night I will come to you for your answer; if you give me the same then, I will abandon you to your fate.” re ‘Tt is useless for you to come; you have my answer now.” “ Perhaps you may change your mind when your fate stares you in the face. You may think that your lover can save you, but I tell you that the Shereef will kill you before he will give Ke up to Harry Castleton. For the present, I id you good-by.” % He ato through the secret door, closed it with a sharp click and was. gone, Ten minutes Neen nnn EEE
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20 The Pirate’s Prize. later the door again opened and another face looked in. It wasadark face, but not uncome- ly, the face of Marco the Mute. He looked at her attentively fora moment and made rapid gestures by which she understood that he could not speak. He thrust his hand into the breast of his sarong and produced a note, which he handed her. She tore it open rapidly and read these words; “Trust Marco; he cannot speak, but his heart is true as steel. Do as he bids you, my darling, and you will be saved. Harry.” Nellie pressed her lips to the missive and turned to Marco. Before she had time to speak the wicket in the door was ‘eee open and the Black Shervef looked in. His wild cry of rage rung through the corridor, as, flinging the door open, he came rushing in, his eyes blazing through his mask. ** Black dog,” he cried, ‘‘ do you dare the ven- geance of the Black Shereef? Help—ho! Seize this villain, and to the panthers with him. Let eh aaa lie with those of the traitor, Tom A dozen Malays rushed together we Marco, but his giant form seemed to grow larger as he faced them, and seizing the foremost by the shoulder and waist he whirled him in the air and hurled him like a ball into the midst of the ad- vancing pirates. Before they could recover from this strange attack he burst through the ranks and gained the corridor, closing and bar- ring the door. His hollow laugh sounded through the hall as the feat was accomplished, and then the sound. of Rereying, feet could be heard as he hastened away. 6 Shereef ac- turlly bellowed with rage as ho dashed open the secret door and gained another passage; but all search was vain, for Marzo had made his es- Cape. CHAPTER XIV. OWASSO’S DEADLY DEED. THe Malay chieftain camo back panting for breath, and breathing maledictions upon all his enemies—and be had many—and among them all he feared Marco most, next to Arthur Car- rington; and now both these vindictive men were on his track. ** You are no longer safe here, girl,” he cried, eatching her by the wrist. ‘‘ Come with me.” He led her through the halls te his own rooms and made her seat herself. Ho too sat down near her, with the air of a man whose mind was made up. “My enemies are gathering about me fast,” he said, ‘* but I shall balk them yet.” “You would do well to give me up, and they will trouble you no more,” she averred, He uttered a snarl like that of a wild beast, and rose suddenly and shook a threatening fin- ger in her face. “ Before I saw yon. girl, I was a happy man. I was master of all around me and victorious in all I undertook. But now you see me, baffled, ten, and all on your account.” ‘T am glad to hear it.” “Beware what you say. I have read in the book of your worship that the strong man of Israel, Samson, pulled down upon his enemies the walls of their temple, and died with them there. Sooner than see you torn from me, I will die as he died.” ““Why not yield like a man, when you are beaten?” she demanded, ‘Never. I have periled all on the chance of winning you, and | will have you or perish, And if I cannot get your love, no one else shall. Yes, your lover is there, and he shall see you die if he persists in his attempt to force his way into the palace.” ** He would sooner witness my death than see me your prey, wretch! Do pons worst, for I one you!” cried the brave gir’ he Shereef clutched at his throat as if chok- ing, and his eyes rolled fearfully, The next moment he caught her in his arms, dragged her to a strong room, into which he thrust her hastily, locked the door upon her, and placed a remy at the door, _ ‘‘There you are safe, my lady,” he said. “ It is well I did my work quickly, or I should have been tempted to kill her where she stood, Why do I think of Zarina and the ship Cairncross to- day? Is it because that was my first great crime, and my fate is near at hand? Now then, Malay, what do you want?” The captain, who had been sent to answer of the Shereef to the Rajah, denly appeared before him. ‘‘T have seen the Rajah again, and with him a Barsakaw whose face is terrible to look upon, and who gave me a message for you,” the Malay ve the sud- said. “Did he give a name?” ‘* No,” was the reply. “What is the message?” ‘He said: Seven years ago the ship Cairn- cross was treacherously destroyed upon this coats ae the captain and crew walked the plan The Shereef nodded slowly. ““] was one of the victims. Since then I have followed you like a Nemesis. I might have killed you a hundred times, but your hoar had not yet come. That you may know who me, and what you have to fear, I send you this. The Malay handed him a metallic case, which when opened, revealed the face of a young and handsome man in the dress of an officer of the U.S. Navy. A wild res burst from the lips of the Mala: leader, and he dashed the picture to the eart! and ground it beneath his heel. ‘*The curse of Mahmoud upon his head, it is my deadly enemy, and [ have work to do, for of all men I have hated in my time, there is none whom I hated so much as this man. Where did you meet him?” “On the deck of the Wave Witch.” “It is well. Here I take my stand, behind the walls I have built up, and will fight until I can fight no more against my enemies, Perhaps it would be better to fly and wait for better times, I did not dream that it was Arthur Carring- _ whom I met in thejcorridor—the villain still ives. ‘© We have no prosa. The.Spirit of the Wave has sunk them all, and we cannot fly,” said the captain. ‘Look you, Malay. He who can bury his
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The Pirate’s Prize, 21 kreese in the bosom of the man who’ sent me this message will have slain the Spirit of the Teene; ea until he is dead there is no safety for a “If I had known that,” cried the Malay cap- tain, ‘‘I would have slain him where he stood.” ‘* Would that you had.” * “Twill do it now. Let me go back, and I swear by the spirit of my father that he has not long to live,” Owasso,” said the chief, ‘‘ but bear in mind that they will kill you.” “Tam y to die, if by so doing I can avenge the death of my brother.” The eyes of the Black Shereef gleamed with a strange light. If he could induce the Malay to kill this man, whom he so hated, it might be well with him yet, “‘T will give you a message to him,” said he, quickly, ‘Saud while he reads it, you can plant your steel in his heart.” He caught up pencil and paper from a table, and wrote rapidly for five mmutes. Then he folded and directed it to ‘“ Arthur Carrington, on board the Wave Witch.” This note he handed to the Malay, and kissing the hand of his master, the devoted wretch retreated quickly and made his way toward the schooner. As before, he was received on board, and the Rajah, this time accompanied by Arthur Car- rington, stepped forward to meet him. “The message is not for a this time, Rajah of Gadong Beg,” said the Malay. ‘It is to man I must speak.” He poin' to Arthur as he spoke, and at the same time drew from the breast of his sarong the paper given him by his leader. “TI am to give this paper to the man known to the Malays as the Spirit of the Wave. Art thou he?” he asked. ‘Yes, yes!” replied Arthur, impatiently, ‘TI am the man.” “The letter is yours,” said the Malay, ina peculiar tone. ‘ Take it,” Arthur snatched the Lang eagerly, and tore itopen, At the first word he gave a great cry, and raised his hands to heaven. ‘He lies!” he cried; fiercely, as he turned to the astounded Malay. ‘ Tell him he lies like a pene ae will s re) e ; teat tate a Mi ur again cas is upon the r. when the Malay gathered bimself like the bl ack ers for his spring. A long kreese flashed ‘or a moment in the light, and before any one had time to interfere, darted at the breast of the unsuspecting man. A cry of agony sprung to the lips of the Rajah as the murderer plunged into the sea and made his escape, swimming like a fish under water, and rising but once be- fore he gained the shore. Then shaking the blade at the schooner, he darted away amid a shower of musket-balls. Once he staggered, as if hit, but recovering, gained the shelter of the palace wall and disappeared from sight, while iumpbant yells from the warriors on shore an- nounced the delight they took in the red deed of their comrade. “Bind up my arm, Tanais,” he said to a com- extending his right arm, which bad been = a = on ewer ees _———— pierced Pe a musket bullet. ‘‘This kreese is red with the blood of the Spirit of the Wave. He will trouble us no more,” ‘ The palace rung with yells of delight, which uickly brought the Shereef to the spot, and P pon drew his form proudly erect, **It is done, Shereef,” he said, ‘‘ My kreese ierced the heart of the Wave Spirit as he sted of his deeds.” The chieftain drew from his finger os worth the ransom of a prince and pressed i upon the finger of the Malay. ‘Take it,” he said, ‘‘not as a reward, but as a remembrance that you have done a noble deed and one which may save us. Let us once drive away these dogs who beset us and I will think of a nobler reward. What do you want here, Zarina? I am not in a mood to talk with any save this chief, who has slain Arthur Car- rington.” “ Ha ” The lips of the strange girl were parted and there was a wild look in Eerarent Something in the name, whatever it might be, had awak- ened her dormant memory. ‘Arthur, Arthur,” she murmured. ‘ Where have I heard that name? What has his life to do with mine in the forgotten past? Killed, you say? Murdered by this man? Why was it done?” She fingered the dagger in her belt in a con- vulsive way and looked at Owasso with threat- ening eyes, and he sbrunk back. ‘There is death in her eyes. Oh, Shereef,” he said, “‘ I bid you beware of her.” ‘“ Woe to you if I remember,” she cried, with a threatening gesture. ‘‘But for the present I let you go free.” She turned from them and passed into her own apartments, which were next to those of the Shereef. As she passed in she saw the Ma- ees standing guard at the door of the room in which Nellie was imprisoned, and half paused, “No, no,” she murmured, “I cannot help her now, but the time is not far off. The measure of the crimes of the Shereef is nearly full and his fate is close at hand.” A letter lay on the floor near the door of her eparmnet, and she picked it-up mechanically. It was the note sent on the arrow to the Shereef and she opened and read it, “That name again—the name of a murdered man, which haunts me like a dream, but half forgotten! The Cairncross—what bad I to do with that ship? My brain will gowild if Tthink | of it, and I wonder that I did not kill Owasso when he boasted that he stabbed Arthur Carring- ton. Ha! the Shereef is here!” She suddenly confronted the chief as he came through the hall with Owasso and the other Malay chiefs in the company, and showed them the open letter in her band. ’ ‘“‘Hear me, Shereef,” she said, “‘you who alone know the story of my life, why is 1t that the name of Arthur Carrington and of the ship Cairncross awakens such strange memories? Speak.” “The girl is mad,” cried the Shereef, recoiling, ‘*and must be put under some restraint,” ‘* Let no man touch me if he values life. I may be mad—I fear that it is true, but something im-
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22 pels me to demand an answer. Who am I, and what was he to me, this Arthur Carrington, whose name is written here?” He made a sudden spring and seized her by the wrists, * Now, you tiger cat, I have you. No more of my men shall be killed in your mad fits,” CHAPTER XV, THE BATTLE IN THE GATEWAY, ZARINA struggled madly in the Shereef’s asp and tried to free herself, but he held her firmly, while he called Owasso to his aid, and they bound her, hand and foot. “T almost wish that Arthur Carrington still lived,” cried the Shereef, savagely, “that he might see me avenge myself. Away with her, Owasso; en her in that strong room where the Mie girl was, lock the door, and give me the Latin: was thrown into the room indicated, and the door locked upon her, ‘** Sho is secure, at least. Now tell me again what you have done, Owasso,” demanded the sea rover, “* T gave him the kreese after he had read the per. He cried out, ‘ Tell him he lies like a bor? and I struck him, Then I plunged into the water and made my escape by swimming.” ‘* You have done nobly, ark! what is that sound?” “Tt is the shout of the advancing men, my master,” replied the Malay chief. ‘‘ The enemy comes to assail us,” ‘““My armor there!” cried the Shereef. ‘* Where is my sword? ah, here it is,” He caught down a shirt of fine mail from the wall and put it on cele Five minutes later, with hissword in his hand and pistols in his belt, he rushed out and joined his men, who were in the outer court, resting on their arms. The attacking force had coche 4 landed, and were marching to the attack. In front came the crew of the Tokio, armed with cutlasses and patos, and headed by Harry and Ned Stacey. shind them came the men of the Rajah, in three divisions, erg armed, but in good condition, and full of fig t. ** Boarders away!” yelled Ned Stacey, ‘‘ All you Tokios prepare to board.” With a revolver in each hand the Tokio’s nen Bhangod selbst up to the gate of the palace, no one drawing his cutlass yet, and waiting for the appearance of the enemy before they opened fire. Grouped within the doorway, their wea- ons in their hands, stood the grim Malay fol- lowers of the Shereef, and a withering volley was poured into the ranks of the advanci svilors. Every man fell, but the wild cries o dalight had scarcely ceased to sound when they were on their feet again and on the charge. Taoey had only obeyed a command from Harry when they dropped to escape the first volley, anithey were too near the gate to give the enemy a chance to reload. “Give it'to them, lads!” cried Harry. ‘ Let them see what Yankee tars can do!” The revolvers began to crack, and, aimed at the crowded ranks within the gateway, did : awful execution. At close quarters the revolver The Pirate’s Prize. is a terrible weapon ‘and one which the Malays had never yet seen inuse. They fell in heaps, and the Tokios charged up to the very gateway, when they found foemen worthy of their steel. In the center of the gateway stood the Black Shereef, a sword in his right hand and a lon dagger in his left, His face was still concealed, but his figure was so commanding that all knew that the chief was before them. A terrible battle took place in the gateway. Three men in succession, who encountered the pirate leader, fell under his trenchant: blade, until Harry, thrusting the others aside, boldly assailed him, ‘“Welcome—oh, welcome!” cried the hoarse voice of the Shereef. ‘I have looked for you long, my son,” The blades hissed together and the pirate fought confidently, as a man fights who feels that victory is only a question of time. But scarcely bad they exchanged a dozen passes when he knew that if he conquered Harry Cas- tleton he must put out all his skill. His men were hard put to it to bold the gate, for the sailors were pressing them warmly and giving them all they could do. It was only by sheer force of numbers that they were able to hold back the Tokio’s men, and the forces of the Ra- ae eae rapidly pressing up to join in the at- ac’ , ‘‘Make way there, make way,” cried a sharp, imperious voice. ‘‘ The Black Shereef is mine; let no one dare to touch him!” As he heard that voice the Shereef trembled and his point sunk, for it was the voice of Ar- thur Carrington, arry took advantage of the moment to make a furious thrust, which struck him fully on the breast, and the cutlass snapped like a’ reed upon the woven mail, With a cry of delizht the chief drew back his elbow for a fatal thrust, when a cutlass interposed and threw up the blade. , ‘Out of the way, captain. Find a sword and pitch in somewhere else.” + It was stout Ned Stacy who spoke, ° ‘You are a nice duck, I don’t think,” he said, as he fired a revolver straight at the breast. of the Shereef. “That will try your mail, I reck- on. , Tho Shereef re back and fell, and the Tokio’s men darted forward to secure him, But the Valays, roused to desperation, charged furi- ously and actually swept the sailors oub of the ena Owasso caught up the chief and raised im, “There, there,” he said, quietly; ‘Ill be all right ina moment, Retreat into the palace.” ‘he Malays made a rush, bearing the Shereef in their midst, and before the Tokios could re- alize what they were doing, their enemies were safely ensconced behind the iron-studded door of the palace. When the edifice was erected the Shereef had such an attack as this in mind. and it was built like a fort. Tho doors were of a sort of native wood; stronger than oak and nearly three feet thick. The walls. were eight feet through, built of huge blocks-of stone, and the lower windows were mere loopholes. The moment they were inside a fire- was opened from the windows, which quickly drove tha sailors behind the protection of the outer walls,
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The Pirate’s Prize. “ ‘‘ We'll have to land a howitzer, Rajah,” said arry. ef That’s all very well, mate,” was the reply, “*but you seem to forget that we don’t know where the gal is confined. A stray shot might hit her.” . Harry’s countenanco fell. At this moment they were hailed from the upper part of the palace, and saw the Shereef standing at a window. f want to see the Rajah of Gadong Beg,” he said. ‘“Waal, you can’t see him,” roared that worthy. ‘‘He’s too modest, and retiring, and he “asin show up. What do you want to say?’ ‘**T offer you twenty thousand dollars in gold and all the prisoners I have taken except the lady, if you will go your way and leave us in peace,” “Can’t be did, squire. You see, we've set our mark high, and can't give it up at a less figure.” ““You cannot get in, our doors are too strong,” was the confident reply. “We'll try the virtue of a howitzer and see about that,” answered the Rajah. “Try it, if you will, but I swear to you that wherever you direct pee fire, at that place I will place the girl, and the same balls which de- zaleh mr walls will be Gent to wee boners y rge! sped 8 jah, rat e thief wiil do it, to? ‘Get the howitzer ashore just the same,” said lls 2 “It may frighten them when they see it. You'd better let Ned Stacey attend to that. Ned departed on his mission, and Marco ap- proached the Rajah and made a communication in hissigns, He gave vent to a long whistle. ** Do you think you could do it, Marco? You know the secret passages.” The Malay bowed gravely. Marco stepped back, when a hand was laid upon his arm, and Arthur Carrington stood be- fore him, The kreese of Owasso had failed in its work, “Do you think I will suffer it, Marco?” he said. ‘*No;if you go, I must go with you, as I did before.” Marco regarded him intently for a moment, and caught up his tablets, “You have a brave heart, Scourge of the Malays,” he wrote. ‘Is it not enough that one a take the chance of throwing away his ife ‘No; I will not suffer you to enter the palace alone,” was the answer. Making asign of assent, Marco took his way along the wall out of sight of the palace, and the two disappeared in one of the alleys in the rear, bound upon a desperate enterprise. CHAPTER XVI. TOM REID'S SELF-SACRIFICE, Marco advanced like a man who knew the course he must take, and Arthur Carrington glided like a ghost close bebind him. They plunged into the thicket in the rear of the palace and reached a place where a heap of huge Stones were piled up, apparently bloc which had been rejected by the workmen in building the palace. Marco mounted to the top of the pile and laying his hand upon the point of one of the blocks, gave it a push. The stone re- ceded and the mute saw before him a flight of stone steps, tending downward, They entered at once, and replacing the stoue by a touch, began to advance through a passage just wide enough to permit a man to pass easily, The mute glided on with a step as noiseless as that of a cat until his course was stopped by a wall, upon which he laid his hand, and began to feel siotig the projections. All at once a clicking sound was heard, and they could see beyond a dimly-lighted room, which was apparently un- tenanted. ‘‘Look to your weapons, Marco,” whispered Arthur, in the ear of the Malay. ‘* Remember that there is no mercy for us, if we are taken.” Marco pressed his hand and made no reply; as they stepped into the room. Scarcely had they done so when the sense of hearing, which was developed in this strange man to a won- derful degree, warned him that there was some- thing in the room besides them, and he paused, laying his hand upon Arthur’s breast to keep him back. A moment later Marco sprung to a corner of the room and was engaged in a des- perate struggle with some one. Arthur darted to the door, and haying satisfied himself that it was closed, opened the Slide of a small lan- tern which he carried, and which, by the mere act of opening the slide, was lighted by a chemical contrivance of his own invention. Marco was down upon the floor, his knees upon the breast of a prostrate figure in whom they recognized Tom Reid, the man whom we last saw cast into the den of the panthers by order of his infamous chief. The creese in the hand of Marco gleamed blue in the light of the lan- tern and was about to fall, when Carringtoa arrested his arm, “Do not strike,” he whispered, hurriedly. “This is the lieutenant of that base wretch, and he may be of service to us.” “T am his friend no more,” replied Reid. “TI thank God, Artbur Carrington, that your death will not be counted against me at my dying day.” ‘“ You know me, then?” ““T have never forgotten your face as you went down with the rest of the passengers and crew of the Cairncross, from the fatal plank. T did all I could for you, too, in loosening the bonds upon your arms, and as God is my judge, if I could have saved all those innocent men, I would have done so.” ‘But you have followed this wretch ever since,” said Arthur, doubtfally. ? “Followed him; I bave been his slave from that hour, but in the midst of my evil deeds, L have paused sometimes to curse myself because Ididit. The man has been my curse through life, and yet, after all I have done for bim, be- -cause I drew my sword to defend a brave wo- man, he had me thrown into the panthers’ den, to be torn in pieces by them, But for Zarina—” He paused and looked at the Avenger in 1 strange way M 5 “What of her; who is Zarina?” demgu.c.) Arthur,
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24 “A brave woman, who, by the power she has gained over these savage beasts, saved my life. You had better spare me now and Iet me work for you, and when all is done, kill me if you will; 1 deserve no better fate at your hands,” “*Shall we trust him, Marco?” The Malay bowed gravely, and Arthur Carrington ex- tended his hand to his new ally. ‘*Let us be friends, Reid,” he said. »‘*I be- lieve you when you say that the wrong you did me was in a measure enforced, for I know that this demon had a wonderful power over you. Now let us work, Weare here to see if it is Seo to get Ellen Darrel out of the hands of his ruffian before we begin the attack.” » Reid shook his head gravely. ‘It is a bard task. Even I, knowing the interior of the pal- ace as I do, have been repeatedly in danger since Zarina got me out of the panther’s den. But we will do all we can, and perhaps it may be done. Let me think a minute.” He stood in deep thought for some time and at last raised his head. “Tf I could find Zarina we would know where the prisoner is confined. Let me go alone and take the chances. In the confusion which now reigns, [ may be able to do something.” He had scarcely spoken when a low whistle sounded in the corridor outside, ‘* By heaven,” he eried, “I believe Zarina is there, andif she is, and is not suspected, all may yet be well.” He darted to the door and flung it open, while Arthur closed the slide of the lantern. “Hist,” answered Tom Reid. ‘Is that you, Zarina?’ “Are you there, Shereef Reid?” replied the musical voice of the mad princess, ‘“‘ Yes; step into this room.” Zarina glided in and closed the door. ‘You are not alone, Shereef Reid,” she said, suspiciously, making out the forms of the two strangers in the half light of the room, “These are friends, Zarina,” replied Tom Reid, ‘ Wait; I have a hope in my heart which may fail, but if it does not, I can make amends for a great wrong done you years ago. Do not _ speak, sir, but listen, Zarina, can you ~ remember nothing of your past Jife?” “Only confusedly at times,” sho answered, pressing her hands upon her forehead. ‘‘ There are times when I seem to be sailing on the ocean in a great ship, and then I see black roas, with the flag of the Shereef above them, ear the sound of battle, and after that all is dark.” ; * Nothing more?” “Your face is mixed with my dreams, to- ' gether with the Black Shereef, and I see a man ina uniform of blue, wearing a cap with gilt cord and letters on the front, See. She- reef Reid; I found a letter to-day which had the name of a ship which troubles me strangely.” “The name of the ship,” cried Arthur Car- rington. ‘Speak it quickly.” ‘©The Cairncross, ‘a, who is it that speaks?” With a wild cry, Arthur Carrington sprung the slide of the lantern, and faced her, “Vision from another world,” he whispered, shall I call you Edith Carlysle?” The Pirate’s Prize. ““The name!” she gasped. ‘‘ The name I bore in the forgotten past. And your name—speak, and see if I can remember.” “Ha, Zarina!” hissed a voice close to her ear. “ Have we traitors here? I will tell the Shereef.” There was a flutter of female garments, and some one was heard running through the long permet beyond. Marco sprung after her, for e knew that if the woman escaped they were in danger. But the two, who stoed staring at one another in the flaring light saw nothing, except each other’s face, “JT am Arthur Carrington,” he whispered. ‘Can you remember?” It struck a pang into the heart of Tom Reid as hesaw her fling herself into the arms of the man who had loved her so well. In that mo- ment reason came back, and she remembered all. Badas he was, Reid had loved her honest- ly and well, and had protected her from wrong many atime. But, the sound of hurrying feet broke the silence, and Marco came flying back. The quick motion of his hands told that the woman had escaped. ‘*Into the passage,” cried Reid. ‘‘I will show you the way out, for you must escape at once,” Arthur Carrington raised the half-insensible form of his restored love in his arms, and hur- ried into the passage. Reid followed and Marco also stepped through, but within the door he stopped and drew his long kreese. Bending his knee at the feet of Arthur Carrington, he seemed to ask his blessing, and Arthur understood that he would remain to immolate himself in order that they might escape, and to keep the passage open for the others, ‘You are a brave man, Marco,” said Arthur. “Tn my new happiness, I had almost forgotten that there were others to be saved. Reid, to you I intrust her. Take her safely to the Rajah and tell him that we are here, to keep this passage open, and you must guide him on the way.” CHAPTER XVII. TWO STRONG MEN—THE MASK REMOVED. Marco silently extended his hand to Tom Reid. Before he had been dismembered by or- der of the Black Shereef they had been good friends, and had fought side by side in battle witb the Bhurmese. “ We will die together,” said Reid, as he drew his sword, of which he had not been deprived when hurled into the den of the panthers. ‘‘ Here they come,” There was a rush of many feet, the rattle of arms and there poured into the room at least fifty Malays, carrying swords, guns and torches. By their light they saw the secret door standing open and inside the immovable forms of the two brave men who were there to defend it. ‘Upon them,” cried the Black Shereef, chok- ing with passion. ‘‘Hew them down, for if they keep the door until they get help we are doomed.” And now followed one of those Homeric bat- tles for which history has no niche, and yet which deserves a place far above many deeds there set down, Twomen, one a Malay, the | ' ’
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te The Pirate’s Prize. soe other a white man, stood side by side ina righteous cause, ready to do manful battle. They had this advantage, that not more than two could attack them at once; and two de- termined men, desperate, and careless of their lives, could hold others at bay for a long time, no matter what their numbers, “Are you there, Tom Reid?’ hissed the Shereef, ““ Again I have been deceived by those whom I have trusted. Ten thousand curses on your head, I thought your bones were cracking under the jaws of my panthers.” ofp have an account to settle with you first,” replied Reid, swaying his blade with the ease of long practice, ‘ Why do you hesitate, why don’t you come on?” ‘wo men hurled themselves upon the bold pair, their kreeses gleaming purple under the glare of the torches. A quick cut from the reese of Marco, a thrust in low tierce from Tom Reid, and they are down, never to see the deep sea waves again, or bear the waters splash- ing under the bows of their proas. Their places were quickly filled and two more of the Sea Rovers had looked their last upon the sky. Furious with rage, they crowded in together, only to impede each other more and more, and offer themselves an easy sacrifice to the keen blades of the defenders of the passage. “Rush in there,” roared the Shereef, ‘ or make way for those who can do better work. Ha! by Heaven, the enemy have opened fire in front.” As he spoke, there came a thundering crash, as a six-pound shot plunged into the heavy door of the palace. Then it was that the Shereef realized that he had wasted too much time in trying to force these men from their places, and was attacked in front and rear. .‘* To the front,” he cried. ‘Where are your pistols, men? Shoot them down!” At that order the defenders stepped behind an angie of the passage, which took a sharp turn just beyond the concealed dvor, where they could not be reached by a pistol-shot. The Malays crowded bya the opening, but as soon as a head showed beyond the angle the owner fell, cloven to the jaws, or pierced to the heart. Leaving the Malays to continue the combat, the Shereef bounded up the narrow stairway, and just at the head flung open a door. There sat Nellie Darrel, her head bent in prayer, listening to the roar of the howitzer, and hoping at each moment that the strong door would go down. He rushed in and caught her In a savage grasp. ‘**Come with me!” he cried. ‘* These dogs shall know that I am not playing with them.” “What are you going to do?” she answered, struggling with him. ‘‘ You villain, loose your hold!” “Come, I say! I have set my all upon this cast, and I will win or perish. Come on!” The walls seemed to rock as he dragged her through the hall, and the rapid reports showed that more than one cannon was at work, Still he kept upward, ordering his men to stand their Scone and defend the hall if the door went own. At last he dragged her, panting and ex- hausted, through the opening to the roof, where 5; he pushed her out in full view of the crew of & — — - Pena * 25 the Tokio, who were working three six-pound cannons with determined zeal. And behind them, stimulating the crew to work rapidly, he saw Harry Castleton. A roar of recognition came up from below. “There she is, lads!” shouted Ned Stacey. “Tbree cheers for our little beauty; give ’om with a will!” ‘‘Hold your fire,” screamed the Shereef, rais- ing his hand. ‘Let another shot strike the door, and I will hurl her down upon the paving of the court-yard, and you may have your beauty then.” “The bloody dog would do it,” muttered Ned Stacey. ‘Ob, just wait, ve got something cooking for you, pirate.” ‘* Order your men to cease firing, Captain Cas- tleton. It will be better for you and this girl if you do,” ‘“‘ Are you ready to treat?” demanded Harry. “Yes; but not on vour terms. I must dictate them, or I will kill her.” ‘* Cease firing,” said Harry, waving his hand to the men. ‘Only one round more, captain,” said the gallant tar working the gun nearest to them, “and down goes the door to their old shebang. ‘*He would keep his word, Carey, for the man is desperate. Now then, state your terms, you villain.” **Tand my men to march out and take our way out to the interior of the island unharmed,” said the Shereef. “Tf you have not murdered any prisoners in your hands—granted.” **To take with us whatever property rightful- ly belongs to us,” A That would not be much, but itis granted So. ‘We to deliver up into your hands, safe and unharmed, all the prisoners in our possession-— not including this lady.” “You know well that we will not treat cn such terms, The first article of any agreement must be her surrender,” replied Harry. ‘So be it, then; but there is one thing I must insist upon, that you give up to me the woman who coepe from my palace to-night—the one who has been known among us as Zarina.” ‘Hal goon.” ‘** Also two fugitives from our band, Tom Reid and the Malay chief known as Marco.” ** Are these your terms?” ‘Yes, and they are the best you can get.” ‘* Refuse them, Harry,” cried Nellie, bravely. ‘‘T would sooner die a thousand deaths than put that noble woman in his power again. Pirate, thief, murderer—I defy you! Fire at the door, Harry—down with it! Iwill make him some work before he can haul me down.” And with a quick motion she wrenched her- self free from the grasp of her captor and be- an to run about the roof with great swiftness, aughing at bis threats and curses. Suddenly she turned and bounded through the onening in the roof into the room below. As she did so the outer door, literally torn from its hing»s by the crashing fire poured into it, fell into the hallway, crushing two or three men as it came down, an the crew of the Tokio, with wild battle yells, came rushing on to the charge,
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26 The Black Shereef had leaped through the opening in pursuit of the flying girl, but she had darted into one of the narrow halls and passed from room to room, and in the din of the battle he could not judge by her footsteps which way she had fled. Just as the door came down he heard the detonation of firearms in the rooms below, and soon the Malays who had been at- tacking Marco and Tom Reid came pouring out, assailed by a strong force, headed by the Yan- kee Rajah and Arthur Carrington, The hall of the palace was perhaps two hun- dred feet in length, In the middle stood the des- perate Malay band, balf of them facing the hall and struggling to keep back the rush of the men of the Tokio, and the rest’ confronting Carring- ton and the men of Gadong Bey. In the fore front of this last band the Shereef took his stand with a drawn sword in his hand. “ Throw away your mask, Richard Manton,” cried Carrington. ‘‘ You need it no more.” *“ You are right,” replied the man whom we have known as the Black Shereef. ‘‘Now you me. _ It was the same handsome, devilish face which we have seen upon the Bund at Shanghae before the sailing of the Tokio—the face of Richard Manton! ‘Give us a little breathing space before you attack, Arthur Carrington. Of all men T kad not expected you to rise from the dead. [ thought ou went down with the shattered hull of the airncross until we met below, and then I thought Owasso had killed you.” “T live to be avenged on you, for the steel of your Malay assassin failed in its work. More than that, [ haved saved my darling from your hands, and thank that Providence which robbed her of her reason and kept her pure. Enough! Do you surrender?” “Surrender! I will die where I stand and only wish I could get Edith Carlyle into my haads again long enough to take revenge upon her. Take that!” He suddenly fired a pistol at point blank range, but not so suddenly but Arthur Carring- ton, who had been nm es him, had time to bow bis head, Then began the desperate battle, where no quarter was asked and none given, and Arthur Carrington and Richard Manton engaged hand to hand, Both were finished swordsmen, and no man on either side interfered while they played as cooll as if they had been fencing for a prize. Hoed- less of the battle raging about them, they fought on, the sparks Syne from their blades as they clashed together. Twice Arthur had made a disengagement and as many times touched his enemy, but the third time he came within dis- tance he lunged home. It was only the mail shirt he wore which saved Richard Manton’s life, for the point struck him full in the breast, so furiously that it hurled him to the ground, and before he could recover the foot of his enemy was on his breast and the point at his throat. Then half a dozen Malays, seeing the danger of their chief, hurled themselves in a body upon Arthur and forced him from the prostrate form of Manton, who bounded again to his feet, and before they could stop him, sprung through the side door into the large banquet hall and from . The Pirate’s Prize. thence into the lower part of the building, lock- ing all the doors bebind him as he fled: “T will fool the dogs yet,” he muttered. ‘Now for the other passage. Oh, if [ could only meet with Ellen Darrel now.” CHAPTER XVIII. MARCO TAKES REVENGE. As he spoke a door was flung open and Nellie Darrel darted in, and before she could turn to flee he had her in his grasp, with his dagger at her breast. “Utter a sound and you are dead, girl,” he hissed, ‘“ By all the Malay gods, fortune is not all against me, since you aré in my power.” Throwing off the heavy scarf which he wore, he muffled her face quickly and darted into the room iu which she had been confined when vis- ited by Marco, The secret door was quickly found and they passed through, closing the door carefully bebind him and setting the spring so that 1t Could not be opened from the other side, Then, raising her again in bis arms, he bore her on for some distance in the darkness, when he stopped, and, taking off his belt, bound her hand and foot. “So far, good, my beauty. Now, then, let us have light so that I can look at you,” he sneered, ‘ A match was lighted and a small lamp which was placed in a niche in the wall illuminated the room. It was close and damp, and had evident- ly been used as a prison, for a rusty cham was attached to the wall upon one side, He placed her in a sitting position against the wall, and stood regarding her with a frowning brow. ‘I wonder why [ have spsred you so long, Nellie Darrel,” he said, in a bitter tone. ‘ Look at me and see to what love for you has reduced me. Only a few short days ago I reigned here as a prince; all men bowed to my will and Malays paid me tribute and furnished me mea and arms, I have risked all for your sweet sake, and have lo t all, save you. J have you in my power at last.” “You cannot escape and ‘take me with you,” she answered, in a spirited tone. “Do you ‘ hink so, my lady? In that you are deceived. For years I have been turning my wealth into jewels, until [ have two millions upon my person, I shall escape and take you with me, and in another land we shall be happy together.” “You have me in your power and can kill me,” was the reply, “‘ but I will never be your wife. “You say so now, but I shall find a means to bend you to my will. This is not the only land in which the Malay has power, and once among them, woe to you if you dare to refuse my hand.” Nellie made no reply, and he left the room with a burried step, and was gone for nearly an nour. Then he came back, an exultant look upon his face. “Bverything is ready,” he answered. ‘The road to the mountain is clear, and in half an hour we shall be ou the way.” He removed the bands from her feet and raised her, and still clasping her wrist, led her through the long passages. o —— SR He :
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; :: i The Pirate’s Prize. 27 ““When this palace was constructed those secret passages were built, Two of them were known to Marco, but the men who knew of this sage were killed after its completion, and the knowledge died with them. Now then, my jady, I must stop your mouth.” e hastily formed a gag with a silken cord and the handle of his dagger, and effectually pepe against auy outcry upon her part. aving taken this precaution, he led her upa short flight of steps, touched a spring, and opened a trap-door which led into a small build- ing in the rear of the palace, used for the stor- age of munitions of war. Before leaving the building he opened the door a Jittle and looked out to satisfy himself that the coast was clear before making any movement to escape. ‘All safe,” he whispered. ‘‘ Now then, we will go.” He smiled scornfully as he made his way through the deserted place, dragging her with him, and keeping a watchful eye for every pos sible event. He sopped suddenly in the edge of a little wood, and a shndder passed through his frame. He felt chilled to the very marrow, a feeling for which he could not account, Perhaps the shadow of his approaching fate fell on him at that moment. hy did he think of Marco now, when he was about to triumph? He knew that on the other side of the point, scarcely two miles away, a swift cat-rigged boat was riding at anchor, provided for just such an emergency as this. The question now was, would Tom Reid remember the precaution he had taken and at- tempt to cut him off. lt might be, and as the thought came to him he hurried the steps of bis captive, and in half an hour they stood upon a ridge, looking down upon the little bay where the boat lay at anchor. He drew a long sigh of relief as he found the craft safe. He released his hold on her wrist for a mo- ment as he stopped to look back toward the palace and instantly the brave girl sprung away, running like a deer over the path they had lately traversed. He gave utterance to a savage oath and bounded after her, but scarcel had he taken a dozen steps when he saw in his th a giant figure, which he knew too well, Phe form of Marco the Mute, his eyes blazin like stars in the night. Brave as Richar Manton aeanarr co was, the sight of that ominous figure utterly appalled him, and with a cry of fear he whirled upon bis heel and ran toward the boat. Ashe turned, he saw that a dozen men were hurrying down the slope, and that foremost among them were Arthur Car- rington, Tom Reid, Harry Castleton and Saul Belton.” He was ahaa age hundred paces in advance of Marco when he turned to fly, and he had been noted for fleetness of foot. Surely he could reach the boat in time and so escape his enemy. But it was nearly a quarter of a mile to the boat, and the Malay was tireless and fleet as a stag. “ Follow them close!” cried Arthur Carring- ton. “If Marco gets to bim first, I would not ive a seashell for Manton’s chance of long ife.” Still the doomed man ran on, with his savage x © enemy in close pursuit. Once he Jooked over his shoulder and calenlated the distance and his right hand closed upon the butt of his revolver. Then he wheeled suddenly when close to the shore and fired shot after shot, Marco bounding from side to side to disconcert his aim, but con- tinuing to advance. He held the last shot until scarcely ten feet separated them, and knew that the Malay was hit, but it did not stop him, and with a snarl like that of an angry tiger, Marco sprung upon him and struck one stunning blow with his clinched hand which laid his enemy senseless at his feet. Then, to the surprise of all, he caught the senseless form in his arms and raninto the water, placing the body in a boat, and cutting the anchor rope with his kreese, he sprung in, and before any one could reach the shore had passed through the line of surf and gained the open sea. Marco with his hand upon the tiller, ran out until he had left the shore a league behind and Manton recovered from his swoon to find his hands bound, and Marco looking at him with ferocious joy imprinted on his face. “You have won, Marco,” he said, bitterly, “and of all men I have wronged tho to avoid you. What do you mean to do with me?” The Malay answered by a look so savage that the prisoner shuddred through all his frame, There was a terrible menace in that burning glance. “Do you mean to murder me? Make some sign; do something, that 1 may know my fate,” pleaded Manton, Marco pointed to his tongueless mouth ina way which the villain understood but too well. All the suffering which the mute had endured would be repaid a hundred-fold. “Look you, Marco,” said the prisoner, quick- ly; ‘I can give you wealth snough to make you a prince, if you will set me free.” Marco laughed and thrusting his hand under the folds of his sarong, drew out the belt which contained the precious gems which were the re- sult of years of robbery on the high seas. ‘Then Manton understood that his plan of buying his safety was useless, and he uttered a hollow groan. With a how! like that of a mad beast, the Ma- lay turned the head of the boat toward a point erhaps a league away, and refusing to notice Manton even by a sign, be ran the boat up on the sbore and dragged his enemy out, Then Manton saw that he was wounded and the breast of his white sarong was stained with fresh blood. Once upon the sand he flung down the bag of gems upon the beach, cut the cords upon the hands and feet of his enemy and put a kreese in his hand. Then, raising one handas if in appeal to bis gods, he whirled his kreese in the air and ~ ee at Manton with the swift leap of a pan- er, Each knew that it was a battle to the death, and put forth all their skill and strength. But Marco, knowing well that the battle must be short, caught Manton by the left wrist and they stood foot to foot, giving and taking awful wounds without a groan. They sunk to the earth together striking dreadful blows. At length, leaning on his elbow, for he had not the
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28 The Pirate’s Prize. strength to rise, Marco struck a last blow and fell senseless. The party in pursuit, who had followed them along the shore, came running up five minutes later, They saw Manton lying on his back, the sand all gory about him, still clasping in his nerveless hand the blade with which he hed fought so well, while Marco lay face downward, his hand still clutching the hilt of the kreese, which, with a last effort, he had buried in the heart of his foe. After many years he had avenged the shameful mutilation which he had suffered at the hands of Richard Manton. Arthur Carrington came up and looked stead- fastly at the handsome face of the dead man, who, even as he lay, wore a mocking smile upon lips, “My deadly enemy has gone, and after all mine was not the hand to strike the blow which laid him low. Well, be it so; he wore a viilain’s heart under the form of an Apollo, Friends, let us bury him here where he fell.” The party silently set to work and scooped out a shallow grave, in which they were about -to lay him, when an aged Malay stepped out of the woods and came toward them. At the sight of this yenerable personage Reid called to them to stop, and the man addressed him in the Laem tongue, pointing again and again to the uly. “This is the High Priest of the Sun Wor- shipers, gentlemen,’ said Reid, turning to the others. ‘‘ And he asks for this body, to give it to the flames, after the manner of their wor- p. “Did Manton belong to their order?” asked Carrington. “No man knew better than he how to keep the love of this people. See.” He parted the clotaing of the dead man, and there, upon his breast, blazed the symbol of the Order of the Sun, “Let them take him,” said Arthur. ‘‘ Better that his ashes should be scattered to the four winds of heaven than leave a trace behind.” The High Priest gave a signal, and a hun- dred men came pacing from the wood, each bearing upon the front of his white robe the mystic symbol of their faith, They carried among them a litter, upon which they placed the body. Then, uttering a low wailing chant, they bore the borly to the east, and were seen no more. — CHAPTER XIX, MATED AND MARRIED, Wuen the battle was ended in the palace, and the last of the Malays had fallen—for they took no quarter—and Harry was making a frantic search for his lost Nellie, a party of the Tokio's men assailed Tom Reid, who cast away his sword and faced them, with his arms folded on his breast. “You're the cuss that shipped aboard the Tokio under false colors and stole Miss Nellie.” roared Ned Stacey. ‘Take up your sword and fight it out like a man.” yf ‘“‘-Yes, [am the man,” was the reply, ‘‘ Kill me, for I deserve no better at your hands,” alf a dozen blades were raised against him when Edith Carlysle—Zarina no more—rushed before the lifted weapons. “No, no, no!” she cried, ‘“‘This man must not be harmed, for he has been a true friend to me. Help him, Arthur.” ‘* Put up your swords, men,” said Carrington, striking up the blades, ‘‘This man has been promised safety, and he shall have it,” “Let them finish me, Arthur,” pleaded Tom, my **T have little to live for now.” ‘*No you don’t,” said Saul Belton, striding in. ** You've got the making of a man in you and 1 want you myself. Now, Edith, tell the men what he has done.” ‘You understand as much as this, men, that seven years ago the fleet of the Black Shereef took the ship Cairncross, of which my father was captain, and made me a prisoner, I saw my father and my lover die, as I thought, and the sight drove me mad, I know now that Tom Reid, the lieutenant of the Black Sbereef, loosened the bonds upon Arthur’s arms so that he kept himself afloat after he left the fatal plank, until picked up by Saul Belton, As for me, I was treated as a queen, and bad as Richard Manton was, he dared not wrong one who had lost her senses, for that the Malays would not have endured even from him, In the years I have been here this man has been my constant friend, and brayed Manton when he would have had me shot down in cold blood, For this he was cast into the den of the pan- thers, but I, whom only the black beasts csi haa saved him from them. No one shall harm ‘om Reid while I live, for he will be a good man “Yes, God helping me, while I live f will never do an act which an honest sailor need ar at. But where is Een Darrel?” cried id. ‘““We can't find her, and the Black Shereef has escaped,” said one of the men. ‘“‘Then he has her in his power again. Come with me; there is but one way in which he can escape. Marco, he is making for the boat in the east cove.” The party took weapons and ran, headed by Marco, and the result we know. As the Malays were made to understand that they would not be harmed, they began to re- turn, and all looked in wonder at the Mystery as she lay idly on the water by the side of the Wave Witch. A few words will explain the part she had taken in the action of this tale. Arthur Carrington was a lieutenant in the United States Navy, attached to the Depart- ment of Submarine Arts. He had made this branch a study, and before the taking of the Cairncross had dreamed of such a craft as this, After being picked up by the Yankee Rajah, a man well known in those seas, he had devoted his time and ability to the construction of the Mystery, and bad so perfected her that he could run her for a long distance just below the sur- face and bad made her a powerful aid in the destruction of pirate shipping. ‘‘] believed that Edith was dead,” he said “or I should have saved her long ago. [ had
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be got my craft in working order when the lack Shereef attacked the Tokio, and was more than satisfied with the result.” ‘“‘ There is one thing I'd like to ask,” said Tom Reid, ‘‘and that is how you managed to blow up the proas the other day, when you were not near them with the torpedo?” ‘But I had been under them all, and attached a clockwork torpedo, calculated to explode in twenty minutes,” replied Arthur, laughing. “Just so. It was nothing but science after all. Then I suppose that when the Wave Witch pared off without a wind you were, towing er “Exactly.. The mission of the Mystery is accomplished here, and I mean to give her to my friend, the Rajah, if he only has a man with knowledge enough to run her. It was an ex- periment, and 1] had to take a risk. The motive power is electricity, of course.” “Ttll be three months afore any of you will be allowed to leave the Gadong Beg, I tell you,” cried Saul Belton, ‘‘and while you’re a-waitin’ ou kin teach a man I know bow to run the ystery. He’s got the nerve all right.” _ ‘And who is the man?” asked Arthur, smil- ing. “ere he is,” replied Saul Belton, laying his hand upon the shoulder of Tom Reid. ‘“ Here’s a boy that’s goue a little astray, but he’s goin’ to be a man now an’ I’m a-goin’ to help him. Now, if you'll excuse me, { must go an’ look arter Marco. He’s badly hurt, but he’s a tough coon, that Malay, and you'll see him pull through.” Two days after this the fleet sailed from the harbor, bound fer Gadong Beg. They had eaxcely landed when the Yankee Rajah sent away the Wave Witch on a secret mission, un- der command of Jim Slocum. In the course of two weeks she returned and brought a clerical- looking young man, who turned out to bea mis- sionary who had been laboring among the Javan heathen, and had been enticed away by the Rajab. ‘You critters don’t seem to understand jest what’s wanted to make a complete thing of this,” he said, ‘‘ and nw lve fixed it fur you. Thar’s a minister, an’ if we can’t git up a wed- din’ in all this crowd, then I'd like to know the reason,” It did not need much persuasion on the part of Arthur Carrington to convince Edith that she could be happy as his wife, and both of them were alone in the world. From the arri- val of the minister and the announcement that Arthur and Edith would be married in a week, Harry had seemed quite unhappy, but before the time arrived he had succeeded in convincing both Mr. Darrel and Nellie that it was as well to make a double wedding of it, and when Ar- thur and Edith had been married the other young couple took their places and were made man and wife. Saul Belton was perfectly re- splendent, and the village was given up to feast- ing for several days. It was decided that Tom Reid should remain at Gadong Beg, for the Rajah bad been absent from his country too long to care to return to it, but he promised that some time he would come to America and pay his friends a visit, ae The Pirate’s Prize, 29 Before they sailed he presented the fair brides with jewels such as never had been seen in the United States before. It was a sad parting, but at last the Tokio sailed, leaving the China seas forever. THE END. BEADLE AND ADAMS’ STANDARD DIME PUBLICATIONS Speakers, Each volume contains 100 large pages, printed from clear, open type, comprising the best collec- tion of Dialogues, Dramas and Recitations, The Dime Speakers embrace twenty-five volumes viz.: 1, American Speaker. 15, Komikal Speaker. 2. National Speaker, 16, Youth’s Speaker, 3. Patriotic Speaker. 17, Eloquent Speaker. 4, Comic Speaker. 18, Hail Columbia Speak- 5, Elocutionist. er. 6. Humorous Speaker. 19. Serio-Comice Speaker, %. Standard Speaker. 20, Select Speaker. 8, Stump Speaker. 21, Funny Speaker. 9, Juvenile Speaker. 22. Jolly Speaker. 10. Spread-EKagle Speaker | 23, Dialect Speaker. 11. Dime Debater. 24, Recitations and Read- 12, Exhibition Speaker. ings. 13. School Speaker. 25. Burlesque Speaker 14, Tuudicrous Speaker, These books are replete with choice pieces for the School-room, the Exhibition, for Homes, ete. 75 to 100 Declamations and Recitations in each book. Dialogues. The Dime Dialogues, each volume 100 pages, em- brace thirty-five books, viz.: Dialogues No. One, Dialogues No. Eighteen. Dialogues No, Two. Dialogues No. Nineteen. Dialogues No. Three. Dialogues No, Twenty. Dialogues No, Four, Dialogues No, Twenty-one. Dialogues No. Five. Dialogues No. Twenty-two. Dialogues No. Six. Dialogues No, Twenty-three, Dialogues No, Seven. Dialogues No. Twenty-four, Dialogues No, Hight, Dialogues No, Twenty-five. Dialogues No, Nine, Dialogues No. Twenty-six. Dialogues No. Ten. DialoguesNo. Twenty-seven. Dialogues No, Wleven, |Dialogues No. Twenty-eight, Dialogues No. Twelve. |Dialogues No. Twenty-nine, Dialogues No, Thirteen, | Dialogues No, Thirty. Dialogues No, Fourteen. |Dialogues No. Thirty-one. Dialogues No. Fifteen. |Dialogues No. Thirty-two. Dialogues No. Sixteen. |Dialogues No, Thirty-three, Dialogues No.Seventeen | Dialogues No. Thirty-four, Dialogues No, Thirty-five, 15 to 2% Dialogues and Dramas in each book. Dramas and Readings. 164 12mo Pages. 20 Cents. For Schools, Parlors, Entertainments and the Am- ateur Stage, comprising Original Minor Dramas, Comedy, Farce, D:ess Pieces, Humorous Dialogue and Burlesque, by rcted writers; and Recitations and Readings, new - nd standard, of the greatest celebrity and interest. Edited by Prof, A, M. 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Pl ied edarlarlantiil alll aslerladartanieditadedadoded 32 Octavo Pages, 80 Kentucky Ben, the Long Rifle of the Cascades. Roger Starbuck, 81 The Kit Carson Club. By T. C. Harbaugh. 82 Little Buck, the Boy Guide. By Barry Ringgold. 88 Pony Bobs the Reckless Rider. By Col. P. Ingraham. 84 Captain Fly-by-Night. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 85 Captain Ralph, the Young Explorer. By C. D. Clark. 86 Little Dan Rocks. By Morris Redwing. 87 The Menagerle Hunters. By ast. H. Grenville. 88 The Boy Tramps; or, Life Among the Gipsies, By J. M. Hoffinan. 89 "Longshore Lije. By C. D. Clark. 90 Roving Rifle, Custer’s Little Scout. By T. C. Harbaugh, 91 Ore Soshy tho Wizard Rifle, By Roger Starbuck. 92 Wurrlenne Kit. By A. F. Holt. 98 Jumpi Jake, the Colorado Circus Boy. By Bryant Bainbridge. \s 2 94 Sam Spenee, the Broadhorn Boy. By Ed, Willett. 95 Moscow to Stberin; or, A Yankeo Boy to the Rescue. By Charles Morris. 96 Fighting Fred. 9¢ Cruise of the By T. C. Harbaugh. away. By C. Dunning Clark. 98 The Boy Vigila By Ma. H, B. Stoddud. e Tiger By Capt. Charles Howard, 100 The Snow-Shoe Trail. By St. George Rathbone. 101 Mariano, the Ottawa Girl. By Edward S. Ellis. 102 The Flynway Afloat. B&B. Dunning Clark. 108 Pat Mulloney’s Adventures: ilver Tongue the Dacotalh Queen. By C. L. Edwarda, 104 The Boy Prospector. By Roger Starbuck. 05 Minonee, the Wood Witch. By Edwin Emerson. 06 The Boy Cruisers. By Edward Willett. 0? The Border Rovers. By J. Milton Hoffman. O8 Alaska, the Wolf-Quoen. By Capt. Howard Lincoln. 09 She stian Jim, the White Man’s Friend. By Edward 5S. Ellis, 0 Plucky Joe, the Boy Avenger. By J, M. Hoffman. 1 The Border Gunmaker,. By James L. Bowen, Pete. By Joseph E. Badger, dr. 8 The River Rifles, By Capt. J. F.C. Adams, 4 Alone on the Plains. By Edward Willett. 5 Silver Morn, and His Rifle Firedeath. By Roger Starbuck. 16 Exploits of Hezekiah Smith, the Backwoodsman, By Emerson Rodman, 17 The Young Mustangers. By C. Dunning Clark. 18 Old Traps; or, the Boy Rivals. By Barry Ringgold. 19 Center Shot the White Crow, By T. C. Harbaugh. 20 A Hot Trail; or, Clark Cloverly Among the Tartars. By Charles Morris. 21 Wunter Pard Ben. 22 The Esquimaux’ Queen, 4% Tim, the Boy Acrobat, By Charles Morris. 124 Queen Besale, the BorderGirl. By Honry J. Thomas. 125 Tom Tabor, the Boy Fugitive. BY Barry Ringgold. 126 Mink Coat, the Death-Shot. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 127 The Deer Hunters, By John J. Marshall. 128 Wolf-Cap; or, The Night-Hawks of the Fire-Lands. By Capt. Chas. Howard. 129 RO oRapers or, The Mountain Heroine, By Edward Willett, 180 Keetsea, Queen o the Plains. By Perey B, St. John. 181 Wistah, the Child Spy. By George Gleason. 182 The Island Trapper. By Charles Howard. 185 The Forest Specter. By Edward Willett. Wm. R. Eyster. ut. Col. Hazelton. C By Roger Starbuck, By G. Waldo Browne. & B C. Harbaugh. 150 The Boy Mustang-Munter; o Beantind eiasene By Sgation, Whiten Welch 151 Frank Yates, the Young Trapper; or, Mountain _ Kate’s Warning. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, x 152 Wild Raven, the Scout. by Ol) Coomes, 158 Lynx-Cap; or, Four Trappers’ Among the Sioux. By 154 The Champion Texan R ; > he Champion Texan $ sand fhig Hercules Planter; By filder 5 yan Batalsy, 155 Desky Dick's Doom,’ By Jos. E. Bathyer Jr. 156 Frank Bell, the Boy Spy. By Ol! Coomes, ot 15% Nick Doyle, the Gold’ Hunter. By P. H. Myers. 158 Kidnapped Dick} or, The Fate of the Fire Fly. B: ', Stanley Henderson. ote! 159 Sam’s Long Trail; or, The Twin Scouts, By W. J. Hauillton. vis 160 Hank Triplet’s Vow. 164 The Mad Skipper. By R. Starbuck. 162 The Trapper King. By Maj. Max Martine. 16% Simon Kenton, Hunter. By Emerson Rodman. 164 The Boy Chief; or, Frank Bell’s Compact. By Ol Trader Traitor. By J. Stanley Henderson, 166 Old Jupe’s Clew. By Mrs. Orrin rate és 67 The Young Trailer. By W. J. 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J. Hamilton, 0 The Bashing Trooper. By Frederiek H. Dewey, 1 The Boy Brave. By James L. Bowen, 192 Sandy Bill, of Texas. Sy Edward Willett, 198 Harry Winkle’s Long Chase. By Wm. R. cyater. 194 Creeper Cato, the Shadow Swamp Trailer. By Frederick Dewey. 195 The Ranger Detective, By Harry Hazard. 196 Gypsy ag, the Mountain Witch, By C. Dunning Clark. 197 The Branded Captain, By W. J. Hamilton. 198 Old Crossfire’s Crisis. By Capt. Charles Howard, 199 Zebra Zack, the Texan. By W.J. Hamilton. 200 The Nameless Hunter. By George W. Robinson. By Edward Willett, leant ae SBOPREBPISTOPLAIaIe 1 1 1 1 1 x 1 1 1 u 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Ready February 11. 201 The Yankee Captives. Ready February 15. 202 Teddy's Long Trail. By Edward §. Ellis. Ready February 25. 208 Old Hank, the Hermit. Ready March 3. 204 Goosehead’s Best Shot. Ready March 10. 205 'The Dutchman’s Dread, By Capt. Chas. Howard. Ready March 17. Beadle’s Boy’s Library is for sale by all Newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 Willlam Street, New York. By Edward W. Archer. By Joa, E. Badger, Jr.
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* | RRB HMM HDHHERRHHHRDHEDHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHEEHHHHOHY H, 382 OCTAVO PAGES, ae ADLE ‘\_ PRICE, FIVE CENTS, 'S POCKET LIBRARY. | 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. By Edward L. Wheeler, 2 Kans. « King; or, The Red Right Hand, By rt mk fk tk pe SE NR TRAV STCONS Th et Tl Buffa o Bill. The Flying Yankee. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, The Double Daggers. By Edward L. Wheeler, The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes of a Bowery Girl. By Albert W. Aiken. The Prairie Pilot, By Buffalo Bill. The Buffato Dem hy Edward L. Wheeler, Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. By O!) Coomes, Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By “Texas Jack.” Buffalo B Prince of the Pistol, “ By E. L.Wheelor, Ralph Roy. the Boy uccaneer. By € 1, Ingraham. Nick o’the Night. By T. C. Harbaugh. Yellowstone Jack. By Joseph £, Badger, Jr. Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. By E. L. Wheeler. Diamond Dirks or, The Mystery of the Yellow- stone. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, Keen-Knife, Prince of the Prairlee, By Oll Coomes. 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F. C, Adams, Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. By Ol) Coomes. Mad Tom Weatern, By W. J. Hamilton. Deadwood Dick on Deck; 01, Calamity Jane, the Heroine of Whoop-Up. By E. Ll. Wheeler. Hawkeye Harry, the Naane Trapper Ranger. By Oll Coomes. The Boy Duelist. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, Abe Coit, the Crow-Kifler. By Albert W. Aiken. Corduroy Charlie, the Boy Bravo. By Edward L. eoler. 62 WII] Somers, the Boy Detective. By Chas. Morris, 68 Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. By A. W. Aiken. 64 Rosebud Rob, By Edwurd L. Wheeler, ightning Joe, By Captain J. F.C, Adams, : Haretoot, the Wood-Hawk, By T, C, Har- rangi. 67 Rollo, the Boy Ranger. By Oll Coomes, 68 LIdyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand, By Edward L. Wheeler. tive Dick ; or, The Heroin Rags. By Charles Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman. By Ol] Coomes. 71 Sharp Sam; or, The Adventures ofa Friondless Boy. By J. Alexander Patten. 72 The Lion of the Sea, By Albert W. Aiken, %8 Photograph Phil, the Boy Sleuth; or, Rosebud Rob's Reappearance. By E. L. Wheeler. 74 Picayune Pete ; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. By Charles Morris, > Island Jim; or, The Pet of the Family, By Brace- bridge Hemyng (Jack Harkaway). 76 Watch-Eye, the Shadow. By Edward L, Wheeler. @% Dick Dead Eye, the Boy Smuggler. By Col. P. Ingraham. 78 Deadwood Dick’s Device, By Ed. L. Wheeler. 79 The Black Mustanger. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 80 Old Frosty, the Guic By T. C. foialest 81 The Sea Viper. By Col. Prentiss Ingrahium, 82 Seth Jones; or, Tle Captives of the Frontier, By Edward 8, Ellis. 88 Canada Chet, the Counterfelter Chief. By Edward ae heeler, 84 The Dumb Page; or. The Doge’s Daughter. By Capt. Frederick Whittal 85 The Boy Miners, By Edwerd S, Ellis, 86 Jack Narkaway in New York, By Braco- bridge Hemyng. 87 The Wussar Captain. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, 88 Deadwood Bickin Leadville; or, A Strange Stoke for Liberty. Ky Edward L. 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By Frank Dumont, 110 The Dread Rider. By George W. Browne, 111 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks, By BE. L.W 2 The Helpless Nand. By Capt. Mayne 18 Sear-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter. By O1 * 14 Piney Paul, the Mountain Boy; or, The Little Arrow of the Adirondacks. By T. C. Harbaugh. 15 Deadwood Dick’s Donble. By i. L. Wheeler. 16 Jabez Coffin, Skipper. By Cupt. F. Whittaker. 17 Faney Frank, of Calorado. By “ Buffulo Bill,” 1 1 1 1 1 1 . Issued Every Wednesday. Beadle’s Pocket Library is for sale by al) News- dealers, five cents per copy, or sent by wall on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York,
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BRARDDRHDDANS 82 OCTAVO PAGES, gE ADLE: PRICE, FIVE CENTS, S Pee oe ee —rDARAHHARAD HAA AR 118 Will Wildfire, the Vihoroughbred, By Chas, Morris. 119 Blonde Big or, Deadwoou Dick's Home Base. By Edward L, Wheeler. 120 Gopher Gid, the Boy Trapper. 121 Marry Armstrong, tie Cap ain of the Club. Bracebridge Hemyng, (Jack Hatiaway.) 122 The Hunted MWunter. By Elward S. Ellis. 128 Solid Sam, the Boy Road- Agent By E. L. Wheeler. 124 Judge Lynch, Jr. By ‘tl. C. Hurbaugh, 125 The Land Pirates, By Ps apt. Mayne Reld, 126 Blue Blazes; ov, The Bronk 0’ Day Boys of Rocky Bar. By Frank Dument, Tony Fox, the Ferret. By Edward L. Wheeler. S$ Black Bess, Will Wildfire’s Racer. By C. Morris, Eagle Kit, the oy Demon. By Oll Coomes. Gold Trigger, the Sport. By T. C. Harbaugh, A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick's Big Strike, By Edward L. Wheeler, Dainty Lance, tie Boy Sport. By I.E. Badger, Jr. Wild-fre, the Ross of the oat By Frank Dumont. Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy, By C. Morris. Deadwood Dick of Dendwood. By Edward L. Wheeler. Old Rube, the Hunter. Dandy Rock the Man trom Texas. By G, Wa do Browne. Bob Rockett, thy Boy Dodger. By Chas, Morris, The Black Glanty or, Daincy Lance in Jeopardy. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. Captain oe le By Philip 8, New York Nell, the Boy- Girl Edward 1. Wheeler. Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. By Ol] Coomes. Dane Dash or, Fignting Fire with Fire. By Jos, E. Badger, Jr. Little Grit, the Wild_Riler; or, Bessie, the Stock Tender’s Daug ter. By Col. Vrentiss Ingraham, The Tiger of Taos, Biv Geo Waldo Browne. ae Cattle King. By Frank Dumont. Nobby Nick of Nevada, fy Edward L. Wheeler, Thunderbolt Tom. By Hirry St. George. Rob Rockett, the Bank Runner. By C. Morris. The Mad Miner. By G. Waldo Browne. The Sea Trailer, By Col. Prentins Ingraham, Dandy Darke} or, The Tigers of High Pine. By William R. Eyster. Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo. E. L. Wheeler. The Boy Trailers, By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Gold Plume, the Boy Bandit; or, The Kid-Glove Sport. By Col, Prention Ingraham, 156 WILL Wildfire tn the Woods, By C. Morris. 157 Ned Temple, the Bordor Boy. By T. C. Harbaugh. 158 Deadwood Dick’s Doom, By E. L. Wheeler. 159 Patent-Leather Joe's Defeat. By Philip. S. Warne. 160 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker. Ingraham. 161 Bob Rockett, the Crackeman, By C. Morris, 162 Little Murricane, the Boy Captain. By Ol) Coomes. 168 Deadwood Dick’s Dream, By E. L. Wheeler. 164 Tornado Tom. By T. C. Harbaugh. 165 Buffalo Bills Bet. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 166 Will Wildfire Wins and Loses, By C. Morris, 187 Dandy Rock’s Pledge. By George W. Browne. 168 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill. Jezebel. By Edward L, Wheeler. 169 The Boy Champion, By Edward Willett. 170 Bob Rockett’s Fight for Life. By C. Morris. 171 Frank Morton, the Boy Hercules. By O11 Coomes, 172 The Vankee Ranger. By Edwin Emerson. 178 Dick Dingle, Seout. By Edward S> Ellis. 1°4 Dandy Rock's Scheme. By G. W. Browne. 175 The Arab Ditective. By Edward L, Wheeler. By T.C. Harbaugh. By By Capt. Hamilton Holmes. » Warne. Detective. By By Col. P. a2 | | | RAKRKBRHHAD w CIC} BREAKS 176 Will Wildfire’s Pluck, By Churles Morns, 177 The Boy Commander, ByCol.!'rentiss Ingraham, 178 The Maniac Nunter, By Burton Si xe. 179 Dainty Lance; or, The Mystic Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 180 The Boy Gold-IMunter, By T. ©. Harbaugh. 181 The Scapegrace Son. By Charles Morris, 182 The Dark-Skinned Scout. By Lieut. Col Hazeltine. 188 Jabez Dart, Detective. By Ol] Coomes. 184 Featherweight, the Boy Spy. By Edward Willett: 185 Bison BIll, the Overland Prince, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 186 Dainty Lance and His Pard, Badger, Jr. 187 The Trapped Tiger King. 188 The Ventriloquist Detective. Wheeler 189 Old Rocky’s Boys. 190 Sim Simpkins, Scout. By James L. Bowen. 191 Pandy Rock's Rival. By Geo. Waldo Browne, 192 Hickory Marry. By Harry St. George. 198 Detective Josh Grim, By Edward L. Wheeler. 194 Prospect Pete, the Boy Miner, By Ol] Coomen, 195 The Tenderfoot Trailer. By T. C. Harbaugh, 196 The Dandy Detective. By Charles Morris, 197 Roy, the Young Cattle King. By Col. P. Ingraham. 198 Ebony Dan's Mask. By Frank Dumont. 199 Dictlonary Nat, Detective. By T. C. Harbaugh, 200 The Twin Horsemen, By Capt. F. Whittaker, 201 Dandy Darke’s Pards, By Wm. R. Eyster. 202 Tom, the Texan Tiger, By Oli Coomes. 208 Sam, the Office Boy, By Charles Morris, 204 The Young Cowboy. By Col. P. Ingraham. 205 The Frontier Detective. By E. L, Wheeler, 206 White Light: ing; or, The Boy Ally. By T.C, Harb ugh, 207 Kentuck Talbot’a Band; or, The Red Lasso. By Ca; t. Mark Wilton, 208 Trapper Tom’s Castle Mystery. Coomes. 209 The Messenger-Boy Detective. Morr 4. 210 The Nunchback of the Mines. Badger, Jr. 211 Little Gtant and His Band, By P.S, 212 The Jimtown Sport. By E. L. Wheeler, 218 The Pirate’s Prize. By C. Dunning Clark, Ready February 8. 214 Dandy Dave, of Shasta. Ready February 15. 215 The Denver Detective. Ready Febroury 22, 216 The Ocwboy Captain. Re dy Fewruny 2% 217 Bald Mead of the Rockies, By Maj. Sam, S. Hall. Ready Mareh 7, 218 The Miner Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler. Ready March 14. arkenian. by By Joseph E. By Charles Morris. By Edward L. By Maj. Sam. 8. Hall. By oll By Charles By Joseph E. Warne. By T. C. Harbaugh. By O11 Coomes. By Col, P. Ingraham. Issued Every Wednesday. Beadle'’s Pocket Library !s for sale by all News- dealers, five cenis per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 Wilham Street, New York. ee