Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 250) (1888 10 24)
The text was read from the page scans by machine (OCR), so it has mistakes and its columns may run together. See the pages · About this title · At the Internet Archive
Page 1
SANT ANAS 3 Ky macineiGrnel Copyrightsd, 1888, by BkabLe any Avams, Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y¥., as Second Class Mail Matter. Oct, 24, 1888. 2.50 Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams P: No, 250, eur ent. No: 98 ee cides Nw York. ; Five Gants, Vol, XX, ii | ly \\) i | : TS | | = HUN THE CAUTIOUS JEW LOOKED STONE OVER THOROUGHLY AND THEN SAID; “I GIVE YOU SIX THOUSANT TOLLARS FOR BIM,”
Page 2
t ’ Merle Monte’s Pardon. Merle Monte’s Pardon; OR, THE PIRATE CHIEFS DOOM. BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM. 7 CHAPTER I. MERLE MONTE. Two armed vessels were lying at anchor in a secluded inlet in what is now the Louis- jana Coast, and at atime when piracy on the high seas was rapidly becoming a thing of the past, though the Gulf of Mexico still floated upon its waters a few daring rovers, too desperate to give up their lawless lives even with a certainty of death upon the gal- lows staring them in the face. The presence of the two vessels in that secluded retreat was evidence sufficient to rove that some mystery hung about them, or few craft ever found their way into into a place so desolate, and wholly away from all highways of trade as was the inlet. It was a little harborage. large enough to ride at anchor perhaps half-a-dozen vessels, with heavily wooded shores, and a narrow passageway connecting with the waters of the Mexican Gulf. Along the low banks all was drear, and the foliage formed a wall almost impenetra- ble tothe eye, with its heavy draperies of moss and luxuriant undergrowth. Even in the darkness that rested upon the scene, the two vessels displayed a trim and somewhat rakish appearance, one being a brig of some three hundred tons, and the other a cutter whose tonnage was not over a hundred. Both vessels were heavily armed, yet their crews were few in number, it seemed, from the half score of men visible upon the deck of each. — : «Sail ho!” The cry rung out in clear tones, and from the deck of the brig, where were visible but two persons standing aft. One of these appeared to be a youth, and he it was who had given the warning. The other wasa woman, and stood leaning listlessly over the bulwarks, until startled by the cry of her companion. “Yes, I see it, and she is standing into the inlet,” said the woman. “Then it is the cruiser, and the end must soon come,” responded the youth, in a low, earnest tone. , All eyes upon both vessels were now bent upon the sail, which was visible in the offing, and standing in toward the inlet. j guns, and in silence waited the coming of ‘*Ho! the cutter!” He hailed the little cutter, and back came the reply in a deep tone: “ Ay, ay, sir.” *‘Put your men at the guns, and stand ready to greet that craft with a broadside, as I shall do if she answers not my signal,” was the order. “Ay, ay, sir,” came the response, and the men of the two vessels went quietly to their the stranger. e Nearer and nearer she drew, until the time came for her either to go about and stand off on the starboard’ tack, or run straight in. The next moment decided it, for she stood on into the channel, and at once the youth on the deck of the brig seized a battle lan- tern and whirled it five times around his head. Almost immediately, while all eyes were bent upon the stranger, came a response, for ared light was turned once in a circle, and a blue one quickly followed it; beth evi- dently held in a man’s hand. “Tt is the Sea Wolf, and Merle Monte has been successful!” cried the youth. And then on into the inlet came the stranger, shortening sail as she did so, until luffing up sharp, she dropped anchor not a cable’s length from the two vessels that had been apparently awaiting her coming. Hardly had the anchor of the new-comer found a place upon the bottom, when a boat neg off from her side and approached the rig. As it came asongside, two persons came over the gangway, one of theminappear- ance an ordinary seaman, in pea-jacket and #2 general sailor garb, while the other was in = the full uniform of a captain in the United States Navy. F “Tam glad to see you back insafefy, Cap- tain Monte,” said the youth, meeting the two at the gangway, and addressing the sea- man. “And I am glad to get back, and to bring with me Captain Mayo Meredith, of the Sea Wolf, whom you have before met,” re- — sponded the person addressed, while the uniformed officer grasped the hand of the youth, and said: ‘« Yes, I have known your lieutenant here, Merle, under several aliases, first as my cabin boy, Little Belt, then as my friend and ally, Mr. Belden, whom I believed to be an old gentleman, and now as—” “Lieutenant Belt, the men call me, Cap- tain Meredith, though they know that I am awoman. But Iam glad to meet you once more, and it isa happy moment for me now, — when I know you have come to take Captain = ee
Page 3
Pe Monte’s prisoner, Brandt, the Buccaneer,” said the supposed youth, in an earnest tone. “Tt is a happy moment for me, tov, Little Belt, I can assure you, and by the capture of the noted pirate chief you have all done won- ders, and accomplished what seores of cruis- ers have failed to do,” answered Captain Meredith. SOT suppose it was a surprise to-you, sir, to see Captain Monte?” “Yes, Little Belt, a great surprise, and a_ glad one. My vessel was becalmed off the Delta, on her way up to New Orleans, and Merle boarded in his little boat and came in- tomy cabin. In his disguise I failed to rec- ognize him, and was astounded to hear him say that he had not only killed the Mexican pirate, Eduardo, and captured his cutter, but also had taken that sea-demon, Brandt, the Buccaneer, and his vessel.” ‘‘No, Captain Meredith, I but aided Little Belt here, and Mrs. Branch, to whom, per- mit me to present you,” and the speaker turned to the lady, who has already been re- ferred to. Captain Meredith greeted her courteously, while she replied: “Captain Monte is too modest, for it was his daring plan that captured Brandt the Buccaneer, and I was but an instrument to aid in thecarrying of it out.” ‘‘ Well, madam, I have you all to thank for it, and the deed wiil raise the shadow frem Merle Monte that now sits upon him with his Government, and he will yet be re- stored to full honor.” “Yes, Captain Meredith. 1 live with that hope in my heart I acted in self-defense, and to save my slave, Mezrak, and myself, took life, and for it I was sentenced to death, and am now known as Merle Monte the Con- ‘demned Midshipman; but I have work ahead of me to accomplish, and when that is done then I will ask that my Government remove the stain it has put upon my name,” and Merle Monte spoke with deep feeling. “T wish you would ask it now, Merle, for Ican assure you the capture of these two vessels, to say aang of having Brandt the Buccaneer in irons beneath your deck, de- mands that you be honored.” ‘Not yet, Captain Meredith, for I am still to remain the commander of a havenless and flagless vessel, my Gold Ship, which must continue to cruise until I have kept my pledge ’to this lady, and removed from the seas one other bold pirate.” “Ah! can you mean the Sea Marauder?” “T do, sir. A strange fatality took this lady and her daughter to sea, to join, as she ‘supposed, her husband, who had departed for Galveston to better his fortunes. He had sailed in the Galveston packet-brig Merle Monte’s Pardon. Montezuma, which Brandt the Buccaneer had recently shipped a crew upon, and cap- tured when out in the Gulf. <A foe of this lady’s led her to believe that her husband had sent for her and her daughter to join him, and they started upon the packet-schooner Fiyaway which was wrecked in a storm. My vessel, the Gold Ship, picked up three persons off the wreck—this lady, ihe captain, and the’man who had inveigled Mrs. Branch and her daughter from their home under pre- tense of joining the husband and father in Galveston, One of the boats was picked up by the brig commanded by the buccaneer chief and upon which we now stand, and the daughter of Mrs. Branch was unfortu- nately in that one and hence fell into the hands of Brandt, who thereby gained pos- séssion of both father and daughter, for, as I said, Mr. Branch was a passenger on the vessel when it was seized by the pirate crew.” ‘“‘And now that you have captured the brig and chief, where are Mr. Branch and his daughter,” asked Captain Meredith, who was deeply interested in Merle Monte’s story. ““They were not on board when we cap: tured the Huntress, and Brandt, the Bue- caneer, says he released them and sent them by a smack to New Orleans, and I have since learned by a coaster, that the little craft was overhauled by the Sea Marauder, and Mr. Branch and his daughter were taken prisoners by the pirate, and, the duty I have pledged myself to, Captain Meredith, is to restore to Mrs. Branch those whom she so fondly loves, and in doing so, to capture that third terror of the Gulf, and thus almost end piracy in these waters. Now come, and | we'll go and see the pirate chief, but as there is no longer need of my disguise I will cast it aside.” As Merle Monte spoke he went into a state- room, and almost instantly returned, but so wholly metamorphosed that his voice alone seemed the same. : The unkempt beard and wig had been thrown aside, revealing a darkly bronzed face of rare power of expression in every feature, and handsome and youthful, for he was not past eighteen, though he had the ap- pearance of being older, on account of the stern resolution that stamped his mouth and dwelt in his brilliant black eyes. The pea-jacket and hat had also been cast _ aside, and he appeared in an elegant black uniform, trimmed with gold Jace, and in his hand was a cap encircled by a gold cord, and with a miniature ship of gold on the front of it. d : Such was Merle Monte. a fugitive from his Government, which had condemned him upon the testimony of his rivals, and the commander, though a boy in years, of the
Page 4
rank in the nayy?” Merle Monte’s Pardon. here and there over the seas, with no nation’s flag at the peak, and no port into which she dare go to drop anchor, yet whose young captain had captured two noted pirates aud delivered them up to the very vessel upon which he had been sentenced to die at the yard-arm. CHAPTER II. THE PIRATE PRISONER. In the guard-room of the brig, which he daringly seized and turned into a pirate cruiser, sat a man of fine presence, dignity of manner, and face so stern that it marred the perfection of his features. ; His physique was most striking, for both symmetry and strength, though now upon his wrists and ankles were heavy iron maa- acles that held him chained to rings in the deck. There was no look of fear upon his face, although he knew he was utterly in the power of his foes, and that his crimes were legion, and almost any one was enough to condemn him to death. He was attired in an elegant, though fancy uniform, and was not enough cast down by his fearful position to neglect his appearance, which was tidy in the extreme. Without the door of the guard-room paced a guard heavily armed, and, as though to al- low the pirate chief, for he was Brandt, the Buccaneer, no chances of escape, there were stationed near by several seamen to watch the guard apparently, that bribery might not buy the prisoner out of imprisonment. “Ah! I know that voice. 1am to have a visitor from my boy captor it seeras,” said Brandt, the Buccaneer, glancing up quickly from his brooding attitude, as Merle Monte stopped at his door. The guard saluted and stepped aaide in re- spectful silence, while Merle Monte placed me key in the lock and threw open the oor. “Well, Captain Brandt, I have come to tell you that, we part to-night,” said Merle. «What! do you hang me without a trial?” asked the chief. “ With your hanging [have nothing to do. for I have surrendered you and your vessel to this gentleman.” “ Hal Captain Meredith!” cried the chief, evidently momentarily nonplused, as that gentleman stepped into the guard-room. “‘Yes, Brandt, we meet again, and again do I accept you as a prisoner from Midship- man Monte,” said Captain Meredith, quietly. “Midshipman Monte?” sneered the pirate. “Then I suppose his capture of Brandt, the Buccaneer, has given him his old place and Gold Ship, a craft that was known to cruise | | i . —— — — | none other than Merle Monte’s father.” ‘xumor afloat, for I sought to drive Merle : from the navy. to further my ends.” “Tf would do more than that for him tain Brandt, if he would accept it.” ‘«Ts he such a focl as to refuse?” ; “‘At present he prefers to cruise inhis — Gold Ship,” quietly said Captain Meredith, 1 The pirate chief looked earnestly at Merle for an instant, and then said: cad “Merle Monte, do not bea fool, but accept — all you can get for your capture of me, for, if you continue to cruise about without a flag you wili one day end as I will, at the yard-arm of a man-of-war.” ee “JT thank po Captain Brandt, for your — advice, but I prefer todoasI pleaseinthe matter,” said Merle, coldly. f The pirate smiled, and turning to Captain __ Meredith, he said: ‘ “True, Captain Meredith, and J set that — “And you did save his life by a most dar- ing act?” a “‘T did, sir, for I was determined not to see him die on the gallows.” z ‘May I ask your motive for this clemency on your part, when you will end your life on the gallows through him?” “Yes, it was to obtain his treasure, for if he died it would be forever lost.” * ‘But you failed in that?” : “T did, through the boy’s nerve, for here- fused to divulge the secret of where lay his — treasure.’? “The same which you now have on the ; Gold Ship, Merle?” asked Captain Meredith, turning to Merle, who answered: J “Yes, Captain Meredith.” “Tt was left him by his father, sir, who was known as Montezuma, the Merciless, and — created the wildest furore in New Orleans a score of years ago by his extravagant living. He went to Persia to live and leaving there, carried his immense riches with him, along with his wife; and this boy was born on night of storm, in the midst of battle, and his mother died then, while his father was killed. The faithful slave, Mezrak, whom you know, being the head servant, brought the yacht to the Mexican Coast, I then being an under officer on board. But I sought 1 to get the treasure, was thwarted by Mezra and set adrift in an open boat, and the went ashore on an island.
Page 5
Merle Monte’s Pardon. have the history of the boy and his treasure, lis excepting that my vessel was wrecked upon B the island where the riches were buried, and le I escaped death to go and get a vessel to seek the place once more, __I returned there, to find that the boy had thwarted me again, for he had already secured a vessel, put his treasure on board, and it isin that craft, the Gold Ship, that he cruised after me and cap- tured me by a most daring deed. Now I am your prisoner, it seems, and it looks as though my end had come; but, as I have lived, I will die, without fear.” The pirate chief had spoken rapidly, and in a manner that proved he seemed anxious to show that Merle Monte was more sinned against than sinning, and Captain Meredith had listened attentively to all that he had said, deeply interested in what he heard of the youth who had in the past been his pro- tege and friend, and whose life had been one of such strange romance and thrilling adven- ture. “Well, Captain Brandt, I am glad to know what you have told me regarding Midshipman Monte—” © Midshipman Monte,” sneered the pirate. “Why, he is as fit to command a seventy- four as you are, and a better officer to-day than half the admirals in the service.” “T agree with you, Captain Brandt, for Midshipman Monte, for such is his rank only in the navy, isa born sailor and com- mander, and he shall have all justice at my hands, and I thank you for your honest ac- knowledgment that he has been wronged. But my duty compels me to keep you in irons on board of my vessel, try you for your crimes, and hang you if you are proven guilty.” “Why not hang me now and be done with it, for my trial can be but a farce,” said ___ the chief bitterly. 5 “No; if there is one thing in your favor i, you shall have justice, sir. Now i willsend _aguard for you, and have you carried on board of my vessel.” “T care not where I am, but what is Merle _ Monte todo?” “He prefers to still cruise in his Gold Ship.” “Why do you not seize it, as in duty bound, tor the vessel has no flag?” : «Because, Sir Pirate, l1have honor, and Midshipman Monte having trusted’ my honor, ; is free to go.as he came, with no act of mine to detain him.” _ “Ther. I have a favor to ask.” “Name it.” “Tt is to request Monte to send a message rime.” 1 treasure too. Now, Captain Meredith, you “Tf he so desires he is at liberty to do so,” said Captain Meredith. “‘ Will you do this for me, Monte?” “Yes, if I consistently can.” “Well, let me whisper to you.” Merle stepped close to the chief, who raised his manacled hands to his shoulders, and drew his ear toward him. Theny quick as a flash of lightning, he suddenly raised his right hand, and it descended with terrific force straight for the heart of the youth, and in it was a small dirk-knife, with a long, narrow, needle-point- ed blade, CHAPTER III. BACK TO THH GOLD SHIP. Wirn acry of horror at the sudden and daring act of Brandt, the Buccaneer, Cap- tain Meredith had sprung forward to check the blow. But he had been too late, for Merle Monte had himself thwarted the deadly deed of the pirate. He was ever watchful, and when he had stepped up to Brandt to have him whisper to him the message, he had seén a motion of his right arm that was suspicious, and, as the hand was raised to his shoulder his quick eye had caught sight of sometbing held tightly in it, and which had evidently been dropped there from up the sleeve. Thus he was on his guard, and when Brandt, the Buccaneer, had quickly elevated his hand and brought it down. his arm had been caught in a grip of iron, which checked its downward flight, though the keen point had cut through the cloth and pierced the flesh for half an inch just over the vital spot. Then, still grasping the arm with a strength that was almost superhuman, for Brandt was a powerful man, he drew a pis- tol from his belt and struck the knuckles several hard raps with the iron barrel, which caused the pirate to utter a cry of pain and drop the dirk to the floor. Kicking it away out of reach, Merle re- leased his hold of the bleeding, benumbed hand of the buccaneer, and sprung backward out of reach, just as Captain Meredith pre- sented his drawn sword at the heart of the intended assassin, for all had occurred in an instant. ‘“Hold! do not cheat the gallows by kill- ing him, Captain Meredith,” cried Merle, seeing that that officer was white with rage at the act of the buccaneer. As he spoke, Merle clutched the blade, and Captain Meredith said quickly: “You are right, Monte, and I thank you for your interference.” ; “Curse you, boy, you have again thwarted me by your strength, that broke the force of
Page 6
Merle Monte’s Pardon. my arm, for I sought to avenge myself, and make that officer, in his anger, shoot me, and thus cheat the hangman's rope.” Merle laughed lightly, while Captain Meredith said quickly: ‘‘ Merle, I will leave the vessels and the prisoners in your charge, and return to my Gold Ship with my people.” “Tf such is your decision, I have nothing to say, Merle,” answered Captain Meredith. “Farewell, Captain Brandt. May God have mercy upon your crime-stained soul. “Now I will send one down to bid you good-by, whom you will care less to see than you do me.” and Merle turned on his heel to follow Captain Meredith, who had stepped outside of the guard-room, when Brandt, the Buccaneer, said, eagerly: “‘ Will you still pledge yourself to do me a favor, Merle Monte?” “J will.” “Then send a messenger to New Orleans to seek out one Basil Branch, a planter and agambler; his plantation is on the Missis- sippi River, and known as The Retreat. “Tet that messenger tell him that Brandt, the Buécaneer, is a prisoner on board the Sea Wolf brig-of-war.” “ What is Basil Branch to you?” “Tt matters not what he is to me.” “You set him and his daughter free when they were your prisoners?” a AC bs Vd y “And you now wish only that message delivered to him?” “‘ That is all.” “* Well, he is not in New Orleans.” “What?” asked the chief, in surprise. “T speak the truth.” «Where is he?” “On board the pirate schooner known as the Sea Marauder.” “Ha! And his daughter?” “Ts with him.” “How came they there?” “They were captured by the Sea Marauder from the smack which you placed them on board of, and the pirate captain holds them for ransom.” “Fa! ha! ha! get out of Basil Branch.” ‘‘ Well, as I cannot deliver the message, farewell,” and Merle left the guard-room and rejoined Captain Meredith. Instantly orders were given to have four boatloads of men sent from the Sea Wolf to relieve the two dozen seamen Merle had in charge of the brig and cutter and to take charge of the captured pirate vessels and their prisoners. While these preparations were going on, Little Belt slinped down to the guard-room and suddenly confronted the pirate chief. | and more, he has bunte Little ransom gold will he The prisoner sat in moody silence, his right hand, which had received such a severe blow from the pistol of Merle Monte, clasped in the left, though of ihe pain he suffered phys- ically he seemed not to be thinking. “Well, Brentford, we meet again,” said Little Belt, who had bade the guard step aside, and he, being one of Merle’s crew, had readily obeyed. “Great God! your voice is that of Belle Denham!” cried the prisoner, half springing to his feet and facing her. “‘T was Belle Denham, Brandt, the Bucca- neer, before you dragged me from my home to bring sorrow and despair upon me,” an- swered the disguised woman in earnest tones. ‘In Satan’s name, what do you here, after all the harm you have brought upon me?” he savagely asked. “‘T will tell you, Sir Pirate, what I am do- ing here.” “* Curses rest on you, I thought I had done with you when you had wrecked my vessel on Monte’s Isiand and I left you there.” “Oh, no, for I let you go then, you re- member, to have you yet die on the gallows or yard-arm. I knew you would gain a port and come back to the island for Monte’s treasure, and so I let you go. I told yon then that Merle and his slave, Mezrak, yet lived, and it was I that urged him to get a swift-sailing vessel, place his treasure on board, and thus thwart you. He did so, you down and captured you and your vessel, and I aided him to do so. Now he has given me leave to go to New Orleans, and I will not re- turn to the Gold Ship until I see you hanged at the yard-arm. Now I will leave you, Brandt, the Buccaneer, but remember I am near you, and when you come to die for your crimes you will see my face amon the others that are turned upon you, aid upon mine you will read the joy I feel at having at last brought you to your death at the end of a rope.” : Without another word, but with a mocking — laugh at his-bitter curses, Little Belt turned and left the pirate. Upon reaching the deck she found two boats alongside, with the crews which had been on the cutter and brig in them, while Merle Monte stood at the gangway talking to Captain Meredith. ; “T have seen him, and when he is hanged ~ I will rejoin the Gold Ship, Captain Monte; but for the present, good-by,” and Little Belt stretched out her band, and Merle Monte — grasped it warmly. ‘ : Then, as his guard, which had been reliey- ed by men from the Sea Wolf, came on deck —
Page 7
elit a Bobs: Oa cy ae tas 3 ce > os led Merle Monte’s Pardoi and entered the waiting boats, Merle Monte said with feeling: “Now, Captain Meredith, I must leave ou, and when next we meet I hope I will he able to give into your keeping the Sea Marauder, her captain and crew.” Captain Meredith grasped the youth’s hand, and then Merle Monte rapidly descend- ed to his boat, in the stern-sheets of which sat Mrs. Branch awaiting him; the oars were let fall,and the Condemned Midshipman and his crew pulled away in the darkness on their way to their vessel, the Gold Ship, which was hidden in an inlet a league away. CHAPTER IV. THE SEA MARAUDER. Tux Gulf shores of the United States have a formation that constituted them the pirate’s paradise, as there were innumerable hiding places in the lagoons, bayous, inlets and bays that indent the shores. It was in one of these numerous inlets of the Louisiana Coast that Merle Monte had secreted the two pirate vessels he had cap- tured until opportunity offered to surrender them to Captain Mayo Meredith, of ‘the Sea Wolf, and, as 1 have before stated, his own vessel, a schooner, yet known as the Gold Ship, was then hidden, and most securely, though numerous cruisers were there on the search for the mysterious craft, which com- mon rumor said was none other than a pirate. So intricate and secure were these basins as hiding-places that, at the very time Merle Monte was pulling slowly along the shores in his boats en route to his Gold Ship, after leaving the Sea Wolf and her prizes, he passed within a few cables’ lengths of a craft lying concealed in the mouth of the lagoon. It is upon this vessel, so securely hidden away, that I would have my reader accom- oy me, and upon the very night on which erle Monte made the surrender. of his prizes. The little pond, or lakelet, was by no means a desirable anchorage, for its muddy banks were the resort of alligators, frogs croaked dismally by day and night, and the trees were somber in their draperies of Span- ish moss, which trailed to the black waters. But it was the very place for a vessel to hide, whose captain cared not to have his whereabouts even suspected. The vessel that had sought this secluded and gloomy refuge was a schooner of a hun- dred tons burden, and carried a broadside of ___ three light twelve pounders, and a thirty-two pivot fore and aft. As there was no need for a watch on ‘deck in such a retreat, the men had been al- lowed to turn in, excepting one, who paced the deck, with a quick, firm tread. He had a cloak thrown over his shoulders, to protect him from the chilly night air, and his appearance was that of an officer. Presently he started in his walk, for, though evidently deeply meditating, his quick ear had caught the splash of water. It might be an alligator floundering in the pond, or a fish springing up into the air to fall back again. Yet he was not one apparently, to neglect any sound that had a suspicious ring about it, and instantly he became alert, and peered toward the canal leading into the pond. But suddenly, over the side of the vessel, appeared a human form, and turning quick- ly, the officer confronted it. ‘*Ha! Peon, is that you?” he asked, as his hand dropped upon his sword-hilt. “Yes, senor, I have returned,” was the answer of the man addressed as Peon. “You Indians move with: such noiseless- ness, that I heard not your coming, save what must have been the splash of an oar,” “It is better to move quietly, senor,” was the reply of the man, whose appearance, as seen in the starlight, indicated that he was a Mexican Indian of the class known as peons. “Well, what have you discovered?” asked the officer. ‘*Two boats have just gone up the coast to the Gold Ship, senor.” “Welt?” ‘“They came from the basin, where I told you the pirate brig and cutter were an- chored,”” 7 “And you said one was the Huntress, Brandt the Buccaneer’s brig?” “Yes, senor.” “‘ And you thought that the cutter was the pirate craft of Captain Eduardo?” “Tt was, senor.” ‘Then the two must have formed a com- pact to cruise together?” “No, senor, they were both prizes.” ‘* Prizes! how mean you, Peon?” They were both the prizes of the Gold Ship.” “e No y?? “True, senor, for the young captain of the Gold Ship captured them, and this night surrendered them to the Sea Wolf, the Ameri- can cruiser, “ By Heaven! is this true, Peon?” “Tt is, senor.” ‘‘How know you this?” : ‘‘T went in my canoe under the stern of the brig, and drew myself up to the cabin stern ports, and while there the Sea Wolf came into the basin, and Captain Meredith came on board the Huntress with Merle Monte, the Condemned Middy. I did not hear what
Page 8
Merle Monte’s Pardon. was said, but he surrendered the vessels to the cruiser’s captain, and with them Brandt, the Buccaneer.” ; ‘Ha! then at last he will meet his fate?” “Yes, senor.” “Well, tell me more that you saw, Peon.” __ ‘‘Lonly saw the boats leave the brig, and } the crew of the Sea Wolf placed in charge * of the prizes.” “And who were in the boats?” “Captain Monte and his men.” “ By Jove! what a chance we have missed to take the Gold Ship in the absence of her crew. “Yes, senor, but we had to know that the crew of the Gold Ship had charge of the pi- rate vessels,” “True; but you know where the Gold Ship lies at anchor?” ‘* Yes, senor, I saw her last night.’’ “How far away?” “Half a league from here, senor.” “Peon, we have sixty men on board; do you think it possible to capture that craft?” ‘“‘Her armament is heavier than ours, senor,” “Yes, but I mean in our boats?” “She has a crew of sixty men, senor.” “But we have the advantage of a sur- prise.” “Tf we can surprise them, senor.’ : “‘How far does she lie from the shore?” “In the center of the lagoon, senor, which is about a hundred yards wide.” “s And the banks?” ““Are overhung with trees, senor.” “Then we. can muffle our oars, pull our- selves along the overhanging branches, and “ dash out upon the. craft, and I believe, can capture her.” ? f “We can but try, senor.” “I will eall up, the crew, and if we are successful the cruise of the Sea Marauder shall. end, for. we will get gold enough to suit the. most avaricious heart. “‘Go, below, Peon, and, order: the men on deck,” and the officer turned and descended into the cabin of the Sea Marauder, in which burned.a bright light. CHAPTER VY. THE. PRISONERS OF A PIRATE. _ Te officer who entered the cabin of the Sea Marauder paused as he. reached the: last step of the companionway, and threw aside his hat and. cloak. His face and form were.thereby fully: re- vealed, and while the latter. was elegant and graceful, the former was noble.in expression, and not such a countenance, as one would look for in, one, who, held command, on a _ pirate deck. : a Re ee ee EE ee ee te He was dressed in a uniform that was somewhat fanciful in appearance, and wore a belt containing two pistols and a sword, the hilt of the latter being gem-studded. His face was youthful, for he could scarce- ly have passed his twenty-fifth year; but it was resolute, fearless, handsome, and, as I have said, was not marred by the impress of a life of crime. The cabin was one of luxurious surround- ings, and certainly most inviting as a re- treat, for a velvet carpet and rich rugs coy- ered the floor, paintings were hung here and there, wherever space offered, ottomans, sofas and easy-chairs were scattered about, and a table under a lamp had oa it a rich silver service for wines and refreshments, and a few books, Upon each side of the table was seated a person, each of whom glanced up at the ap- pearance of the young officer. The one was a man of striking appear- ance, dressed in a kind of sea uniform, and with a face that was very dark, and almost forbiddingly stern. The other was a young girl of fifteen, per- haps, though there was that about her in calm dignity and roundness of form, which caused her to appear older. Her face was one of rare beauty, though now within her lustrous eyes dwelt a look of sadness, commingled with anxiety. ‘‘Pardon my intrusion, Mr. Branch, upon yourself and daughter, but knowing that you had not yet retired, I sought you for a little talk,” said the pirate officer in a tone of marked courtesy. ‘Be seated, Lieutenant Murell, for, since we have been your prisoners, your kindness to us has been such that we have no need to dread your presence,” returned the gentle- man. ‘«Thank you, sir; but I have done that. which I deemed to be my duty toward you, for, though eruel circumstances over which I had little control, drove me to a pirate’s deck, I yet have not forgotten what is due to my fellow-beings in their distress,” “«This sentiment does you honor, sir, and I would that you felt it in your power to re- lease my daughter and myself upon the ran- som I offer.” “T am not, sir, unfortunately, my own master, as you know, and Captain Pierre, who. went up, to the city in the very fishing- smack from which he took yourself and daughter, demanded that I keep you until his. return, having refused the offered ran- som. you, then made, and which I deemed most generous.” ‘““T can. offer no larger sum, sir,” coldly said the gentleman. ‘So, you haye said, sir, and I believe you.”
Page 9
““The truth is, lam not now a rich man, and haying been captured by Brandt the Buccaneer, who seized the vessel upon which I sailed, and afterward picked up a boat in which was my child here, I had to buy our freedom from him, and have now but the gems I offer you.” “T cannot accept them, sir, I am sorry to say; but as I have a grain of hope for you, I Lave come to make if known.” “Oh, sir, what hope have you?” cried the young girl, in a rich, pleading voice. “T will tell you: *<T have a Peon Indian on board, who isa perfect seaman, and in his light skiff goes almost anywhere he desires to. ‘“While fishing, two days ago, in the mouth of the lagoon, 1 saw a vessel run in toward a secret bayou up the coast, and almost at the same time a brig and a cutter seek a haven down the coast, “7 returned to the schooner, and sent Peon asaspy to discover just what the vessels i were, for two of them I felt sure I recog- i nized. : i ‘“‘He returned from up the coast with the news that the vessel there was the Gold Ship—” 4 “Ha! that craft?” and the gentleman had f sprung from his seat. 4 “Do you know the mysterious vessel, Mr. Branch?” “Only as a craft that is said to contain immense treasure, and which Brandt the Buccaneer was continually searching for, while I was a prisoner on board.” ‘‘Well, sir, the Gold Ship is now at an- chor in a lagoon not half a Jeague from here.” “By Heaven! what a chance to capture her!” said Basil Branch, excitedly. The pirate lieutenant smiled, and contin- ued: “But to the other vessels, sir.” “« Ah, yes.” “The Peon went last night to discover the cause of their presence on the coast, and re- ‘turned only a few minutes ago and made his report.” “ And he found them?” “He did, Mr. Branch, and one was a Mexi- can cutter captured by a Captain Eduardo, and which he turned into a pirate craft.” «‘T have heard of thiscraft. She is known as the Gold Hunter, and a seaman who joined us, or rather Brandt’s vessel, reported that she was cruising in search of the Gold Ship, but at the same time boarded and ; robbed any defenseless vessel found on the high seas; but the other craft, Lieutenant urell?” ‘Was the brig Huntress.” ; : “Ha! the vessel of Brandt the Buccaneer?” Merle Monte’s Pardon. «The same, sir.’ “And Brandt?” “1s a prisoner, sir.” “‘Great God! you astonish me!” and Basil Branch arose and paced the cabin in .an ex- 4 cited way, that surprised both his daughter and the pirate officer, and which caused the former to say calmly: ‘‘Father, why do you allow this news of Brandt the Buccaneer to so unnerve you?” The man flushed, then paled, and throw- ing himself again in his chair, answered in a low tone: - “Jt.is surprise and joy at feeling that Brandt is at last in chains, and will meet his fate; but, lieutenant,” he continued: ‘Who was the captor of the brig?” 3 ‘Merle Monte, sir, the commander of.the - Gold Ship.” “No!” “Tt is true, sir, for while Peon was there the American cruiser Sea Wolf swept into the inlet, and the condemned Midshipman surrendered the cutter of Captain Eduardo, and the Huntress, with Brandt, to Captain Meredith.’ “This is astounding.” “It is indeed, sir; but, as Merle Monte has just retired to his vessel in his boat, and certainly willnot put tc sea to-night, I have decided to go and attack her.” **A bold plot, sir, but you have the men to carry it out?” “T have sixty men.” “And the Gold Ship?” Mg **Peon reports her with a crew of three- = tir but I rely much on my surprising <3 er.” 2 = “‘Does she lie in a position that will give = you that advantage?’ “She does, my spy reports.” ‘*Then by all means attack her, and I will aid you,” said Basil Branch with enthu- T siasm. es. **Tt was toask you to do this, sir, that I = sought you here, for I have no officer, to aid ~ me, as we suffered severely awhile ago, in aa escaping from the Sea Wolf.” “You may rely upon me, sir.” “Thank Ae sir, and if we capture the Gold Ship I will release yourself and daugh- a ter upon my own reponsibility, feeling that | e the treasure thus gained will more than ; repay my captain for your loss.” “* And should I fall, sir?” and Basil Branch glanced in a significant manner toward his daughter,- ‘‘T will regard Miss Branch as my own sister, sir, until I can return her to her friends.” “ And should you fall, lieutenant, will your men release us?” ‘«T will give my orders to that effect, Mr.
Page 10
Branch, and Peon will see that they are car- ried out.” “Enough, I am ready.” “T will call you, sir, when the boats are ready. Farewell, Miss Branch, and hope for the best,” and Vance Murell, the pirate lieutenant, left the father and daughter alone in the cabin. CHAPTER VI. A BLACK SPY, Wirnovur any adventure, Merle Monte re- turned to his vessel, which, as tbe Peon spy from the Sea Marauder had _ reported, lay at anchor in a lagoon, some half mile from its mouth. The lagoon was deep, the banks were hea- vily fringed with trees, and the spot was a dismal one, but a secure retreat from prying eyes on any vessel cruising along the coast iu search of craft that might be of a suspicious character. The watchful lookout on the Gold Ship sighted the boats, and promptly reported their coming to the officer in charge, who was the former captain of the Galveston packet schooner, which had been wrecked in a storm with Mrs. Branch and her daugh- ter on board, but who, with those of his crew that had been picked up by the treasure craft, had willingly united their fortunes with those of Merle Monte. 7 Recognizing the boats as those from the schooner, Lieutenant Trenor, the former merchant captain, called down the compan- ionway: “ Ho, Mezrak!” “* Ay, ay, sir,” and there appeared in the companionway, where the cabin lights fell full upon him, the form of a negro. Black as ebony, deformed in shape, for his legs were short, his body stout, and arms of great length, and with a head of massive size, the person who answered to the name of Mezrak was one to be feared by those who would bring his anger upon them. An Abyssinian slave, he was the one who had reared Merle Monte from infancy, and he loved his young master far more than all else on earth, while he seemed to almost hate the rest of mankind. He was clad in a rich Persian costume, geins of rare beauty glittered upon his huge fingers, and in spite of his appearance he seemed a dandy in dress and love of orna- ments. He wore a pair of pistols in his sash, anda superb cimeter hung from his belt, the hilt glittering with precious stones. “Your master is coming, Mezrak, and will doubtless need supper,” called out Lieuten- ant Trenor to the slave, Merle Monte’s Pardon. “ Ay, ay, sir, I will prepare it,” answered Mezrak, in his deep tones. A few moments after the boats touched the — schooner’s side, and Merle Monte was met by his lieutenant. Aiding Mrs. Branch on’ deck, Merle said: “Have the boats hauled up, Mr. Trenor and get all in readiness to sail at daybreak.” “Ay, ay, Captain Monte,” responded the officer, and he at once gave the necessary orders, and while they were being obeyed paced to and fro. After awhile Merle came on deck, and lighting a cigar handed one to his lieutenant, to whom he then told the story of his suc- cessful surrender of the two pirate vessels to the Sea Wolf. “‘And Little Belt did not return?” “No, and I will relieve you in her place to-night, so get what sleep you can.” ‘‘T hope no harm befell Lieutenant Little Belt, Captain Monte?” ‘‘Oh, no, she but remained to go in the brig to New Orleans and witness the execu- — tion of Brandt, the Buccaneer, after which she will rejoin us.” ““Poor woman, he has made her suffer fearfully,” sighed Lieutenant Trenor. ‘‘Yes, and soon she will be avenged for all her wrongs; but now seek rest, for we sail at dawn, and we must hunt down that — Sea Marauder, for that is my one aim now, as her captain holdsas prisoners the husband and daughter of poor Mrs. Branch.” The lieutenant made no reply but left the deck, and Merle Monte told the watch they could turn in and that he would remain up for the remainder of the night. Pacing to and fro he became lost in deep reverie, until presently he started, for his quick ear had caught a strange sound, It was not the cry of the night-birds on shore, nor the snort of the alligator, or croak of a frog, but a sound that had a strange meaning to him. Stepping to the companionway he gave a low call, and instantly, Mezrak, the Abys- sinian slave appeared. : «Well, master?” asked Mezrak politely. “T heard a sound over in the foliage, down the stream some few cables’ length; listen and see if you hear it.” ; Mezrak listened attentively, and for a mo- ment stood thus in silence. Then he said quietly ; f “Master, I hear the splash of oars.” “T heard a sound, Mezrak, as though an — oar had broken, and I must be right in be- lieving there is a boat coming up the stream.” fled. ‘* Mezrak will see,” “*- Yes, master, but if so the oars are muf- RS
Page 11
nswered ched the s met by ‘le said: Tenor break ” led the cessary obeyed k, an enant, is suc. d Little n the xecu- ‘hich sels to place | Instantly he cast aside his turban and ele- gant costume, and slipping over the side dropped noiselessly into the water. Merle went to the side and watched him, for he knew the danger he ran in that lagoon, where alligators’ had their haunts. But Mezrak seemed to dread no danger, and swam rapidly away toward the shore. For minutes, which seemed almost hours, Merle awaited, looking searchingly out over the dark waters. At last he beheld a ripple upon the surface of the lagoon, then a dark object appeared, and next, Mezrak came over the side of the schooner. “Well, Mezrak?” asked Merle quickly, for the rapid pace at which the slave had re- turned proved to him that he had made some discovery. * Master, boats, filled with men are com- ing up the lagoon, and one awaits opposite the schooner, now, for the others to come.” “Ah! you have done well, Mezrak; but you always do that, my brave friend. Now call the men on deck, and tell them to make no sound, and I will call up Mr. Trenor and arm myself.” Merle spoke with the utmost calmness, and Mezrak quickly disappeared to obey his orders. Entering the cabin the young captain was absent but a couple of minutes, and return- ing to the deck was accompanied by Lieu- tenant Trenor, both armed to the teeth. The crew were coming rapidly and silent- y to their posts, arming themselves from the sword and pistol racks as they appeared, and five minutes after Mezrak’s return to the schooner all was in readiness to greet a foe, which the Black Spy had reported coming upon them. CHAPTER VII. THE BOAT ATTACK. For a short time only had the crew of the schooner to wait for their foes to show them- selves, and yet it seemed an age to them, for they bided the moment breathlessly that must open a fierce conflict, and lay many of their number upon the deck. The schooner swung starboard broadside tothe dark shore, from which the attack was expected, and Merle tock up his post on the quarter-deck near the wheel, while his Lieu- tenant Trenor, went forward. Not far from Merle Monte was Mezrak, who had resumed his Persian garb once more, and exchanged his handsome blade with the gem-studded hilt, for one of a more business-like look, as far as its capability for killing was concerned. _ He had also-stuck two extra pistols in his Merle Monte’s Pardon. belt, and thus armed was a most formidable looking antagonist. The regard felt by Merle Monte for the de- formed black was such that he ever wanted to guard him from danger, if in his power, though he well knew Mezrak reveled in mad combat, so he said to him: ‘*Mezrak, had you not better keep in the cabin, to protect Mrs. Branch, should the fight go against us on deck?” ““1f master so wishes,” calmly responded Mezrak. “Tt is my wish, Mezrak.” The slave simply bowed and made his way to the companionway, and even entered the cabin, where he found Mrs. Branch quite anxious regarding the expected attack from unknown foes. Tokeep her mind occupied, Mezrak sug- . gested that she load a number of pistols, and place them convenient for use during the fight, and the brave woman at once set to work at the task. “«There they come, lads.” “« Await my order to fire,” said Merle, in a low tone, and his words were passed for- ward, just as four dark objects came out from under the shadow of the shore and moved swiftly toward the schooner. It was evident that those in the boats ex- pected to completely surprise the Gold Ship, for they came on with a rush, and though their oars were muffled, the blades splashed loudly in the water. “*Ho! there, boats!” Merle hailed in ringing tones, that sent a thrill through his crew, for they awaited the order that soon must come. Involuntarily, as they heard the clarion voice, the oarsmen paused upon their oars, but gave way again with a will, as a stern voice answered: “Pull, you devils, and board before the crew can come on deck! Then raising his voice, the same speaker answered Merle’s hail with: “ Ahoy, the schooner!” “‘ What boats are those?’ cried Merle. «From the American cruiser Sea Wolf!” “Keep off, or I'll fire into you,” ordered Merle, sternly, convinced that the man spoke falsely. ‘*Pull, devils, all together, and the schooner is ours!” were the words then heard, aud with a wild yell from their crews, the four boats dashed upon the schooner. “Fire!” In answer to Merle’s ringing command, the whole starboard bulwark of the Gold Ship seemed to be a line of fire, and sixty eee flashed forth a shower of leaden hail. Then came the pattering of bullets against
Page 12
i2 Merle Monte’s Pardon. wood, the splashing of oars in the water, shrieks of agony, groans, curses and shouts of the officers to ‘‘scize the Gold Ship and show no mercy!” The next instant two of the boats struck the side of the schooner, and their crews threw themselves upon the deck, and at once a fierce and most sanguinary fight began, assailants and defenders becoming locked to- gether in a hand-to-hand conflict. The attacking party realized that where they had expected to surprise their foe, they had been surprised by finding that foe pre- pared for them; but the goal for which they fought was the far-famed Gold Ship, the capture of which would make all of them rich, and they determined to win or die, Their young leader, Vance Murell, was the first man upon the schooner’s deck, and he fought with a courage that set his men a good example, and they rallied around him with a will. He had boarded aft, and consequently was opposed to Merle Monte and his defenders, and the fight became most desperate. Forward, Basil. Branch had boarded the schooner with thirty men at his back, and he fought with desperation, for he felt how much was at stake for him, But from stem to stern of the schooner her crew were held in thorough discipline, and they met their foes with a cool courage that could not be broken. At last the schooner’s crew began to slight- ly waver, when out of the companionway darted a black form, and his hands seemed to hold fire in them, so rapidly did he fire pistol after pistol, as he rushed upon the at- tacking party. “Hold, Mezrak!” cried Merle, as he saw his faithful slave hurl himself into the midst of the enemy. “Come, men, follow me, or he’ll be slain!” shouted Merle, and he sprung into the breach made by Mezrak, and before whom the as- sailants shrunk away as from a demon. Backed by his men thgonslaught of Merle, in going to the aid of Mezrak, was_irresisti- ble, in fact, overwhelming, and the boats’ crews were panic-stricken, and turning, sprung over the side in wild flight. In vain did Vance Murell, the pirate lieu- | tenant, and his ally in the attack, Basil Branch, strive to stay the current, for their men would not remain longer, und seeing that all was lost they too sought to escape to the boats. It was a mad stampede, and but three of the boats got away from the schooner’s side, the fourth having been captured by Mezrak, who sprung into it, and threw overboard their foes, pulled swiftly for the shelter of the dark shores, when they turned’ their prows down the lagoon, and kept up their wild flight, But ere they reached the open water tho beheld the sails unfurled upo*,} gilotgail aay and spread above her decks lL. J uuge white wings, while the beautiful craft sped sea- ward at a swift pace, as though anxious to leave quickly astern the scene of carnage, which had dyed red the dark waters of the sluggish lagoon. CHAPTER VIII. AT A PIRATE’S MERCY. Iv was with the most intense anxiety that Pearl Branch awaited the return of her fath- er, who had gone with the boats to attack the Gold Ship. So far she had not suspected her father’s complicity with Brandt the Buccaneer, so carefully had both he and the pirate chief guarded the secret that he was really an officer upon the Huntress, and not a passenger as he had _ said, en vouwte to Galveston on the packet brig when she was seized and turned into an outlaw craft. His gambling having brought him to the verge of ruin, Basil Branch, in sheer des- peration had turned to piracy hoping in a short time to redeem his fallen fortunes, build up his estates again, and spend his lat- ter days in what comfort he could with his wife and daughter, for his conscience car- ried a painful load upon it. But a bitter foe was upon his path in the captain of the Sea Marauder, who sought to revenge slighted love and his hatred of a successful rival, and had inveigled Mrs. Branch and Pearl away from home, under pretense that Basil Branch had sent for them. The wreck of the vessel, upon which they took passage, followed, the separation of mother and daughter, the former being left upon the sinking hulk, with her pretended friend buf real foe, and the picking up of the boat, in which was Pearl, by the vessel of Brandt. the Buccaneer, when the maiden and her father came face to face. In the mean time the wreck had been righted by the Gold Ship, and Mrs. Branch, Pierre, her pretended friend, and the captain taken from it, aod then the capture of Brandt, the Buccaneer, came about, and the poor mother learned that her husband and chiid had been released and sent to New Or- leans, to immediately after hear that they had been again captured, and this time by those who had there sought refuge. And those three, still under the fire of the Sea Marauder, whose captain she little dreamed was none other than Pierre, the pretended friend, that had. mysteriously dis- appear when 1 the da‘ sel rep Whi ¢ six See, yeadet league attack her. Aft whic! Pierr wron and } by tl tena | until | wen \* with |. of I } sh nin; has
Page 13
wT S PGP erity ur Tee oe Merle Monte’s Pardon. appeared from the Gold Ship one night, | when it was auchored off an inlet, awaiting | the dawn to run in and attack the pirate ves- sel reported to be hiding inshore. While the suspense-haunted mother was ¢ asing in the Gold Ship, in search of the Seu... oder, fhat trim little craft, as the reader wir ‘as hidden within less than a league of hery and sending her boats out to dread the very vessel that was looking for er, After the capture of the smack, upon which was Basil Branch and Pearl, Captain Pierre, the one who sought to avenge fancied wrongs in the past, had recognized his enemy and his daughter, and not wishing to be seen by them, had left them in charge of his lieu- tenant, with orders to hold them prisoners until] his return from the city, whither he went to secure heavier guns and more men, with which to hunt down the treasure craft of Merle Monte. The lieutenant had obeyed orders by run- ning for the Lost Pond, where the reader has seen the Sea Marauder hidden away; but though circumstances had made him an out- Jaw, his heart was not wholly warped from good, and he had pitied both Basil Branch and Pearl. Most kindly had he treated them, and he was anxious to give them their freedom; but he was left in command by Captain Pierre, and would not betray him, so he plotted some way in which they could go free and not compromise him. The maiden bad interested him from the first, and the more he saw of her the more his heart warmed toward her, until he was determined to take a bold step for her re- lease from the power of his cruel chief, and that step he decided upon when he learned through his spy, Peon, that the Gold Ship ‘was anchored near. Could he capture that vessel, loaded with fabulous wealth, he felt it would be full re- compense to Captain Pierre for allowing his prisoners to go free, espécially as he would tell him Basil Branch had ably seconded him in the attack. ; To poor Pearl, knowing, or believing that she did, the motive that prompted her father to join in the attack, the hours passed their weary length along. She believed that her father was actuated wholly by a desire for her release and his own, and had thus volunteered, when really his eyes were fastened upon the Gold Ship ‘with hope of gain, for he had in his’ posses- sion proof that he was one of Brandt’s lieu» tenants, which, if compelled to show what he really was, he felt assured would gain his freedom and his daughter’s upon the re- turn of the captain of the Sea Marauder, for he litle knew that he was a foe of his of long years’ standing. The Gold Ship Pearl had looked upon, from all that she had heard, as little better than a pirate,and her commander, a Con- demned Midshipman who had mutinied and then escaped death at the yard-arm by flight. Hence she did not deem the attack upon her to be unlawful on the part of her father. Unable to sleep, she paced the cabin nery- ously, counting the moments as they drag- ged along, and starting at every sound. Upon the vessel had been left but four men, for Vance Murell knew there was no need of a guard there, and these she did not see nor hear, and therefore her position was' one of abject loneliness and gloom. At last she started, for she heard the quick dip of oars, then a low order, and next came feet upon the deck, She tried to spring toward the companion- way, but was unable.to move. “Had her father returned?” “‘Had her father been killed?” ‘‘Had the Gold Ship been captured?” “Tf so, would her father and herself be set free?” Such were the thoughts and questions chasing themselves in rapid succession through her brain, and like a statue, bent forward, hands clasped, eyes staring at the companionway, she stood and waited in breathless suspense. A quick step crossed the deck, another or- der was given, and in the voice of Vance Murell, the piiate lieutenant, and then she saw feet descending the companionw: y steps. Yet still she could not move or uticr a cry. Then a fornvappeared. It was that of the pirate lieutenant. She seemed to read the sad look upon his face and gasped forth: “* My father !” ‘‘ Alas! Miss Branch, it pains my heart to tell you that he did not return with us,” said the pirate officer, sadly. ‘‘Is he a prisoner?” she hoarsely whisper- ed. ‘‘T think not, for I saw him turn to take to the boats with. us, when we were beaten “Then he is dead?” She said the words hoarsely, and in the form of a question. “‘ Alas! I feel that it is so.” Believing that her mother had gone down with the wreck, and that her father was dead, poor Pearl cried bitterly: “‘Oh, God! Iam all alone in the world, and worse still, Iam at the mercy of a pi- rate.” She swayed forward as she spoke, her eyes closed, and she would have fallen, had
Page 14
Merle Monte’s Pardon. ’ not Vance Murell sprung forward and caught served me well long ago, the day the crowd her in his arms, while he cried in thrilling ; tones: “No, no, my beautiful Pearl, you are not all alone, for I will live for you and be your very slave.” But she heard not his words, for she had sunk into a deep swoon that seemed akin to death, aches CHAPTER IX. A GOOD DEED REMEMBERED, WHEN aroused to resistance, Mezrak, the slave of Merle Monte, was a very demon, and as merciless as a tiger. _ Hence, when the crew of the Sea Marau- der turned to fly to their boats and escape, he had pressed them hard, and had cut them down with his huge cimeter without the slightest mercy. One of the attacking party he had dragged backward upon the deck,-just as he sprung upon the bulwark, and the next instant his head would have been severed from the body, had not the prostrate and wounded man fired a pistol almost in his face, The bullet missed its aim, as it struck the blade of the cimeter and glanced off, doing no harm; but the flash of the discharge had illumined the face of the prostrate man and instantly the murderous blade was stayed in its deadly work. Mezrak was one who never forgot a face, seen under circumstances where there was cause to remember it. The man whom he was about to kill he had met before, and what is more, he recog- nized in him one who had once befriended him, His mind flashed back to the scene some time before, when a vagabond crowd had pursued him in New Orleans, jeering his de- formities and threatening him with violence. Suddenly a carriage appeared upon the scene and drew up, while a handsome, dark, stern-faced man dismouuvted and instantly commanded the crowd to desist. They had jeered the deformed black, but they fell back before the bold man who con- fronted them, and he bade Mezrak enter his carriage and at once drove him to the pier off which a the Sea Wolf, on board of which Merle Monte was then a midshipman. The man now prostrate before him was his bold rescuer that day long before, and by the flash of the pistol Mezrak had recog- nized him and spared his life, and seeing that he was wounded, he raised him in his strong arms and bore him aft. CHAPTER X: THE WOUNDED PRISONER. ‘“*MAsTER, spare this man for my sake, for though our foe now, he is the one who hooted me in New Orleans,” said Mezrak. “Certainly, Mezrak, if he served you once he is my friend now, not my foe. Bear him into the cabin, as he seems wounded, and look to him,” answered Merle. Mezrak bore the wounded man into the cabin and -placed him upon a lounge, and then hastily returned to the deck, for he did not consider his work there finished. He found the Gold Ship’s erew clearing the deck of the dead pirates, by robbing them and throwing their bodies overboard, Driven to frenzy by the attack upon his master and his vessel, Mezrak set the exam- ple at once of hurling the wounded as well into the lagoon, and ere Merle Monte, who was quickly told of the act of his maddened slave, could get forward to prevent, the last one of the pirates had sunk beneath the dark waters. Boats were lowered and an effort made to save them; but too late, as they were unable to keep up, wounded as they were. “‘Mezrak, you have grieved and angered me,” said Merle, sternly, laying his hand hard upon the arm of the black. © “Master, they sought your life and your inheritance, and they did not deserve to live, and had they lived to recover, it would be bat to die upon the yard arm,” was Mezrak’s reply. “Still you did wrong, and I cannot easily forget it, Mezrak.” ‘Alas, master, do not be angry with your poor slave,” said the black in a low tone that quivered with emotion. “T believed you in the cabin, caring for the wounded man whom you saved.” ‘*He served me, master, and I would not see himdie. Forgive Mezrak, master,” and the slave stretched forth his huge hand Merle grasped it warmly, and instantly the negro dropped to the deck and pressed his lips upon his master’s feet. «Rise, Mezrak, and see to the wounded man in the cabin.” ‘‘Am I forgiven, master?” ‘*¥es, Mezrak.” Instantly the slave sprung to his feet, and walked toward the cabin, while Meile, anxious to find the vessel from which the boats had come to attack him, at once order- ed the schooner gotten under sail, and away sped the fleet craft seaward determined to stand off and on along the coast to await the coming of day, when a search would be made for their foe, If a cruiser, Merle knew the Gold Ship could run away from it. If a pirate, he would fight it, and who real- ly were his assailants he had no means of ee
Page 15
crowd rak, 1 you ’ foe, seems vered 0 the and e did ' Tent. knowing, for Mezrak had disposed of the wounded too quickly to find out from them. As the schooner was gliding out of the la- goon, and feeling the waves of the Gulf un- der her bows, there came from the cabin a wild shriek, which’ quickly caused Merle to seek to know its cause. ‘*Gain an offing, Mr. Trenor, and keep her off and on,” he called out to his lieutenant, jas he hesitated an instant before dashing down the companionway. Upon entering the cabin a strange scene met his gaze. Upon the lounge lay the wounded man, whom Mezrak had placed there, and bending over him was Mrs. Branch, her form trem bling convulsively, and low moans coming from her lips. Above them stood Mezrak, calm and si- The wounded man seemed conscious, for his eyes were open, and he grasped his wife’s hand, but his face had on it the hue of death. Seeing his master enter, Mezrak said, calmly: “Master, it is the husband of this lady that I have saved.” Merle was thunderstruck, and calmly walked forward to where the wife bent over her husband, whom she had so strangely found. CHAPTER XI. HOPE AND DESPAIR. SEEING Merle come forward, Basil Branch, for he was the wounded man whom Mezrak had saved, turned his eyes upon him, and the look caused Mrs. Branch to start, and glance over her shoulder. “Oh, Captain Monte, I have found my - husband,” she cried, eagerly. Then she continued, speaking rapidly and nervously: “T saw Mezrak bring him into the cabin and lay him here, and I feared at first that it was you. But I knew that it could not be when IJ saw his dress, or Lieutenant Trenor either, and yet my eyes seemed to be riveted upon his form. For a long time he lay si- lent, and so motionless that I deemed him dead. Then Mezrak came down and bent over him to dress his wound, and I heard him groan with agony, and then speak. His voice told me who it was, and springing forward, I found my e¢ars had not deceived me, for see, it is my husband.” “Ves, my dear madam, and'I rejoice that you have found him; but come, I know something of surgery, and Mezrak is well skilled in the cure of wounds, s0 we will Merle Monte’s Pardon. 16 take him in charge now, and you can nurse him back to life.” “But he ‘will live, will he not, Captain Monte?” eagerly asked the poor woman. ‘‘T have every hope that he will, Mrs. Branch; but he must be kept perfectly quiet, asthe wound is in a dangerous posi- tion— See! he has become unconscious.” Merle then drew aside the clothing, and the act revealed a bullet wound in the left side. That it had not touched the heart was evident by the wounded man being yet alive; but that it was most dangerous was also true, A word to Mezrak caused him to bring to his master a case of surgical instruments, and breathlessly Mrs. Branch watched the amateur surgeon as he probed for the bullet. Now and then the wounded man winced and groaned under the pain; bnt Merle Monte was as gentle as a woman in his touch, and soon drew out the bullet. “Thank God!” fervently said the sorrow- ing wife, while Mevrak gave a grunt of sat- isfaction at this result. Then the wound was skillfully dressed, the invalid made as comfortable as was possi- ble, and the wife left to nurse her husband, while Mezrak remained near to be of any service should he be needed. Returning to the deck Merl» Monte found all ship-shape once more, for the dead had been buried in the sea, the wounded put in the sick-bay, and the schooner’s deck washed clean, Lieutenant Trenor held the deck, and the beautiful vessel, under the pressure of a five- knot breeze off-shore, was standing off and on, running about half a league each side of the lagoon on each tack, as the vessel from which the boats had come must certainly be not far away, the officer had thought. With the first appearance of dawn the schooner was cleared for action, the men went to quarters, and every eye on the Gold Ship was searching for a foe. Knowing that the water was of sufficient depth to permit it, Merle ran closer inshore, and then. would luff up and send a boat in to search the inlets, and the lagoons as fast as they dared venture. In this way he began along hunt for his foe, whoever that foe might be, for, as Basil Branch yet remained unconscious, and his. life hung by a thread, Merle had not found out that his assailants were from the very vessel for which he was so anxiously search- ing. : True, eis that Basil Branch and his . daughter had been captured by the Sea “Marauder, a certain suspicion would cross his mind that the boats had come from that
Page 16
Merle Monte’s Pardon. vessel; but then he hooted the idea, when he thought that it would be next to impos- sible for the wounded man to be fighting with the very pirates who were the captors of himself and child, and he preferred to think that the Sea Marauder had been cap- tured by an English cruiser, the two cap- tives released, and that the planter had joined their crew in the assault on the Gold Ship believing it to be another buccaneer. Yet if such was the case, where was the cruiser from whence the boats had come? He had noticed in the fight that the as- sailants seemed to wear the English sailors’ garb, and he had particularly observed the very gallant manner in which Basil Branch fought; but he knew that there was no Eng- lish cruiser on the coast then that should be afraid to meet the Gold Ship in combat, and he was in a deep quandary as to why the mysterious and unknown vessel did not boldly run out and fight him. If he knew it to be a man-of-war, he would not fight but run, for he was de- termined to do no act of outlawry, although a fugitive, condemned to death by his Gov- ernment. But, should the stranger prove the Marau- der, or any other outlaw craft, most gladly would he give if combat. Knowing well, that as he sailed without the flag of any nation above his decks, and that as a havenless craft all vessels of war considered him fair game, yet he trusted to the speed of his schooner to escape from them, and only in the last moment would have used his guns to protect himself, his treasure and his crew. As the boats had been the assailants, he was determined to find out to what they be- longed, and if it proved to be an outlaw craft, then he would do all in his power to haul down its black flag, and thereby gain another point in his favor with his Govern- ment, to which he had aot cast off his alle- giance, though it had cast him off, and, more still, branded him as a mutineer, a condemned officer and a deserter. But though seemingly every inlet along the coast for miles was searched, and days were passed in the work, no trace of the boats, or the craft from which they had come could be found and Merle determined to continue his cruise in the Gulf, in the search for the Sea Marauder. In those days of search, Mrs. Branch had bent over her husband, hoping for his life to be spared, and yet fearing that he would die, and most kindly through all had both Merle and Mezrak aided her in nursing him. At last, just as hope of finding the mysteri- ous enemy was given up, and hope of the recoyery of Basil Branch became certain, despair seemed to seize upon the poor wife, who had asked, as soon as her husband dared | speak a word: ‘* Where did you leave our child?” Hardly audible was the answer, and the words came slowly; but the despairing wo- man, Merle and Mezrak heard them: ‘*On board the pirate craft known as the Sea Marauder.” CHAPTER XII. BASIL BRANCH TELLS HIS STORY, Wiru these words, which brought despair to the fond mother’s heart, for it told her that her beloved child was in the power of a pirate, Basil Branch could say no more. He seemed too deeply moved to utter an- other word, and those who watched over him dared not ask him more for fear the thread of life would break, and the good wife recog- nized this and forbore from asking, thoug her anxiety was intense, And on sped the Gold Ship on its cruise, anxious eyes searching the horizon day and night for some trace of the Sea Marauder, upon which the hopes of all were now cen- tered. At last Basil Branch was pronounced out of danger by Merle Monte, for the crisis had passed and he called to his wife that he wish- ed to tell her all. Merle and Mezrak would have left the cabin, but the wounded man and his wife urged that they should remain. “‘T have wanted to speak before,” he said, inalowtone. ‘But I dared not trust my- self to do so, for fear I would break down, and I do not wish to die. I have said that our poor Pearl was in the power of a pirate, and she is; for Brandt the Buccaneer re- leased us, and we were on the way in a small coaster up to the city, when we were retaken by the Sea Marauder. You have told me, Annabel, when I dared not speak, how you and Pearl were inveigled from home by a foe of mine, and of your being wrecked, and knowing that Brandt had seized the packet- brig Montezuma, upon which I was a pris- oner, and then picked up the boat in which was Pearl. All this is true; but Brandt let us go free, bad as men say he is, and we fell into the clutches of this pirate, Captain Pierre. Upon the very smack, from which he took us, he went on to the city, pretend- ing to the skipper that he was a rich gentle- man who had been captured and released upon payment of ransom. Neither myself. or Pearl saw him; but he left us, and his vessel, in charge of his first officer, a dash- ing, handsome young man, and a gentleman in manner, whatever his crimes may be. He ordered the lieutenant to a secret. retreat he called the Lost Pond, on the coast some Jeague: thithe! Orleat | guns J "he mi ( and fi | lieute to fre mand “). spy t mine ca ly fo | sic » ano | the | , ghor | Jook
Page 17
| zl BT leagues from the Mississippi Delta, and thither we went, while he visited New Orleans to get more men and several heavier _ guns for his truly splendid little vessel, that he might cruise in search of the Gold Ship, and finding her, be able to capture her. The lieutenant refused the bribes I offered him, to free us, for he would not betray his com- mander; but he learned through an Indian spy that his vessel was near, and he deter- mined to capture her. He believed, if he could take the Gold Ship, he would be free- ly forgiven for setting Pearl and myself free, which was his intention, for he seemed to be a noble fellow and pitied us, well knowing the cruel nature of hiscommander, Being short of officers, he asked my aid, and 1, looking upon this vessel as the world be- lieves it, to be little less than a pirate, will- ingly consented, especially as upon our success depended our freedom. I therefore took command of two of the pirate boats, under Lieutenant Murell, and the result you know. He, and those of his crew rot killed and wounded retreated to the boats and escaped when beaten back by you, Captain Monte, aud I remained behind, and our daughter is in the hands of the pirates, who must have reported me as dead.” “Butfrom what you say, sir, of this young pirate lieutenant, there is every reason to be- lieve that he will act with honor, now that she is so wholly in his power,” said Merle. “Of that, sir, [have no doubt, pirate though he is; but his captain may have returned, and I know what he is.” : There was a certain significance in his tone and words, in referring tothe Sea Marauder, that impressed those who heard him with the idea that he knew more of the outlaw chief than he had admitted, and Mrs, Branch asked in a low tone: “Do you Basil?” “‘T do, Annabel.” ““Has he come to hate you?” “He has.” ““How know you this?” “From certain things I saw that belonged to him on the schooner I discovered just who this Captain Pierre Dupont of the Sea Ma- rauder is.” _ ‘Pierre Dupont?” cried Mrs, Branch, start- ing up. “Yes.” “Why, Basil, that was the name of the man who professed to have been sent by you, for earl and myself.” “I know it.” “He told us to call him Pierre, and we did so; but his name was Pierre Dupont.” “And that explains the mystery of his de- serting the Gold Sbip, the night we lay off know this Captain Pierre, Merle Monte’s Pardon. 17 that inlet, waiting to run in with dawn ‘and attack the pirate vessel reported at anchor there,” said Merle. ‘Yes, it was his vessel, and he escaped by swimming to it, and, in the darkness got his boats out with muffled oars, and towed to sea,” replied Basil Branch, and he added: “This his lieutenant told me, and more, for he said that his captain had gone to New Orleans and sent down word to him to lie in wait for the Galveston packet schooner, Fly- away and capture her, and that he would find him and more valuable prisoners passen- gers on board. The schocner, so says Lieu- tenant Murell, had given chase to the Fly- away, which was a very nimble-focted craft, and had escaped him in a storm that had come on.” “That is true, every word of it, and this Pierre, or Dupont, tried all he could to make Captain Trenor believe that the schooner in chase was an American cruiser, That night the Flyaway was wrecked, and you know the rest,” said Mrs. Branch. “Well, I know just who this Captain Pierre Dupont is, Annabel,” responded Basil Branch. “And who is he, Basil?” “Do you remember that I once detected a man I believed to be a gentleman, and who was so looked upon, in cheating his opponent in a game of cards, on which hung a heavy stake?” ‘*I do remember him,” said Mrs. Branch in a low tone. ‘That man was the one your father had selected for your husband, though I believe you did not love him; but my expose of his rascality sent him in dishonor from his circle of friends, and he went from bad to worse, until he became the head of a band of river pirates, known as the Mississippi Marauders. One night Captain Monte, 1 rescued my wife here, and her father from that band. Mr. Tracy, Annabel’s father, was severely wounded, and I had him taken to my _plan- tation home, The Retreat, and there he died.” “It was the very night, too, that your father died, Basil, and you were standing on the river-bank, sorrowing for his loss, when you heard the fighting upon the river, and came to our rescue; but are you ill?’ and Mrs. Branch sprung toward her husband, who had suddenly become livid. . ‘‘No, no, it is a passing weakness, ’ he said, quickly. ‘Perhaps we are taxing your strength too much,” suggested Merle. ~ “No; let us have it over with now,” he murmured, and then he continued, and in a stronger voice: ‘* Well, your old lover, Annabel, led those
Page 18
Marauders that night, and escaped by swim- miag ashore, though he was wounded by me. It was reported that he was killed that night, and so we all believed, as you know, but what I discovered upon the Sea Maraud- er proved to methat her captain is none other than— “ Dupont Pierson!” almost shrieked Mrs. Branch. “Yes, and he has changed his name of Dupont Pierson to Pierre Dupont, and that of Marauder of the Mississippi, to The Sea Marwuder.” ‘“‘Now I recall him, though his long beard, and the change in his face that sey- enteen or eighteen years have made, made him unknown to me then as Pierre,” said Mrs. Branch. ‘‘ Yes, he is an old foe, and when in his power to accomplish it well, he sought re- venge against us, and though you and I have escaped him, Annabel, our child is in his power. CHAPTER XIII, A MYSTERY SOLVED. Turse were crushing thoughts for the poor mother and father, to feel that Pearl, their beautiful,daughter, was at the mercy of their old foe, who sought revenge against them. True, Basil Branch took some hope in the thought of what he knew of Vance Murell, the pirate lieatenant, and felt that he would protect Pearl all in his power. Yet still-he feared for the worst, and earn- estly urged Merle Monte to do all in his power to capture the Sea Marauder. As he had been allowed the freedom of the desk on the schooner, and even to fish in the lagoon, when Pearl was on the vessel, he felt he could again find the Lost Pond, and he begged Merle to head at once for that part of the coast, and, by the time they reached there, he would be well enough to be lower- ed into a small boat and make the search at least. This Merle decided to do, as something might have detained Captain Pierre in the city and the schooner yet be awaiting his coming in the Lost Pond. Merle could also understand, from the de- scription given of the place by Basil Branch, why he had been unable to find tne little vessel. At once, then the Gold Ship was put about and headed for the neighborhood of the Velta of the Mississippi once more. While en route, one pleasant day Merle en- tered the cabin, and, telling Mrs. Branch to go on deck and get some fresh air, said that he would remain by the side of her hus- band. Merle Monte’s Pardon. ———— —————— —— ———————————— ——e—arararrraraeEE— She was utterly worn out with worry and nursing, and readily consented. and Merle threw himself into an easy-chair beside his guest. “Mr. Branch,” he said, after a few words on ordinary topics, ‘‘may 1 ask you what claim Brandt, the» Buccaneer, had upon you?” The wounded man turned very white, and for a moment did not reply. Then he said: “7 do not understand you,” ‘*T ask what claim Brandt, the Buccaneer, holds upon you?” “None, sir,” the wounded man said, with some indignation of tone. ‘1 believe you, sir; but when I last saw Brandt, the Buccaneer, when I parted with him on his way to the city to be tried and hanged, he asked me to do him a favor.” «Well, Captain Monte?” “That favor was to send a message to New Orleans, to seek out one Basil Branch, a planter and a gambler, he said—” “ Sir 1? ‘“Those were his words, Mr. Branch.” “Pray, continue, sir,” said the planter, with something very like a sneer in his tone. ‘*You_ shall hear all, sir. He asked that my messenger sshould seek out and make known to you that he was a prisoner on board the Sea Wolf, ‘‘In Heaven’s name, what good would that do him?” “You are the best judge of that, Mr. Branch.” ‘Captain Monte, you deal in innuendoes,” “<T will be more explicit, sir. : ‘“When I captured Brandt and his men off Galveston, through the aid of your noble wife, who led him into a trap set for him, I brought him on board of this vessel in irons for safer keeping. In the state-room in which he was confined, Mezrak, my slave, found a roll of papers which he had evi- dently dropped there unintentionally. I have them here, and one is a letter from you to him, telling him that you will get him a crew to seize the brig, and see that her own men Gesert her from some cause, And _ also, that, as you are driven to despair by your losses at the gaming-table, and have beg- gared your wife and daughter, you will go with him as a lieutenant, to get money enough to raise your family above want once more, and that the world will know nothing of your sin, and those you love will be none the wiser. ‘This letter, Mr. Branch, lets out the secret, solves the mystery, and more, another paper’ is a copy of instruc- tions given you to go to New Orleans and get him more men and heavier guas for his ves- sel, and meet him at a certain rendezvous, _—— Then, ¢ words | | “ee P save hi ‘hand h mow k Jeavin: ‘and n¢ Sout, fo ithe th ) ee f ledge } £6 Th | menti 1 said: \ “es a Bran will his — ity ant dau: 00! Mez lh a Ne |
Page 19
ees Merle Monte’s Pardon. 19 hen, on the bottom of this paper are these ords in a note, written by Brandt: / “*Poor Branch, he turned to piracy to ‘save his family from want, though his own hand had beggared them. Now, though he now keeps this secret from his daughter, leaving her to believe he was my prisoner, and not my lieutenant, all will one day come out, for the man who has once stepped across the threshold of crime, try as he may, cannot ‘hide forever from the world’s eye the know- “Oh, God! Have mercy upon me!” _ The groan came from the man, wrung by mental agony, and seeing his suffering Merle said: “Mr. Branch, your secret is known to Brandt the Buccaneer and myself only. He will soon end his life at the yard-arm, and his pirate crew will quickly follow him, I pity you in your misfortunes and your sins, and, for the sake of your noble wife, and the a you so dearly love, as also for the good service you once rendered my slave Mezrak, I spare you. Your wife shal] know nothing of the past, and to-day I offer you a position with me as an officer, and I pledge you that in me you shall not want for a friend. Now bury the past behind you, and we will do all that we can to find your daughter, and wrest her from the power of this Sea Marauder.” Basil Branch tried to speak, but his emo- tions overpowered him, and he could only stretch forth his hand and grasp that of Merle in silence, me of that crime.’ ” CHAPTER XIV. THE SHA WOLF REACHES PORT. I must now return to the buccaneer chief, whom Merle Monte surrendered to Captain Mayo Meredith of the Sea Wolf. : When taken on board that vessel and chained to the deck in the guard-room, he certainly could not see the sligntest chance of escape from the doom with which he was threatened. The Sea Wolf at. early dawn way, and followed by the brig, an the cutter, headed out of the inlet. The two captured vessels had prize crews on board. and, the Sea Wolf setting the ex- ample, all spread their sails to make all of the six-knot breeze that was blowing. Had the wind been heavier the majestic cruiser might have held the lead, but, as it was, the brig worked ahead, which showed that Brandt the Buccaneer had decided upon a good vessel when he selected the Montezu- ma for his new craft over which to flaunt the pirate flag. The little cutter, too, forged to the front, and held her own with the brig, and Captain ‘ot under next by Me Meredith and his officers greatly enjoyed the sea race, which showed the respective merits of the three vessels. At last the Delta was reached, and the two leaders shortened sail to allow the cruiser to lead up the river. The wind being fair, the three held on up the mighty Mississippi, and when at last their anchors were dropped in the murky waters, and it became known that the Sea Wolf had returned with two pirate vessels as prizes, and that one was the craft of Brandt the Bucca- neer, who was himself in irons on the cruiser, the city went almost wild with joy. But Captain Meredith was no man to wear honors not justly his own, and he soon made known that the Sea Wolf was not the cap- turer of the two pirate vessels, only their guard, and that they had been taken in bat- tle by the mysterious Gold Ship, and sur- rendered to him, and this report he sent on to his Government, at the same time giving an account of Merle Monte’s career, since his escape from death at the yard-arm, and mak- ing known other facts to prove that the affair for which he had been branded as a mutineer, and tried and condemned as such, was the working of rival officers. As soon as he could, Captain Meredith arranged for the trial of Brandt, the Bucca- neer, and his pirate crews, andall knew how it must end Little Belt, the poor wronged woman, who could have slain Brandt many times, yet spared him, that she might one day be in- strumental in bringing him to the gallows, and thirsting to see him thus die, had kept watch upon the chief all the way to the city. Captain Meredith had told her that he could thoroughly trust his men; but she had shaken her head doubtingly, and begged to be allowed to also keep an eye upon him, if it was not against the discipline of the ship. “Do so, if you wish, Little Belt; but I remember once you freed this very man, after he reached Washington, where he was to be executed, so perhaps I ought to keep a watch upon you,” said Captain Meredith, with a smile. “No, for now I am content to see him die, as itis with my aid he will be brought to the yard-arm., Then, I had no hand in his cap- ture, and had he been executed without, I would have been cheated’ out of the joy of re- venge. No, no, Captain Meredith, I have lived but to see him end his days thus, and when all is over I will be content, and my, wrecked life will be avenged,” she answered, with deep earnestness. Not wishing to subject herself tothe gaze of those about her, and to save the captain of the Sea Wolffrom questions he cared not to answer regarding her, Little Belt went ashore
Page 20
He 4 ag | i} it { ‘f ik 1 th I Merle Monte’s Pardon. and took up her quarters as soon a the cruis- er arrived in port. But ere Little Belt left the Sea Wolf, she sought out each one of the men selected as the guard of the buccaneer chief, and gave them a generous sum of gold, with a promise to quadruple it if the pirate did not escape. The men gladly pledged themselves that the pirate would never get away from them, and then Little Belt went ashore with a far lighter heart, for at last the end she had longed for was near at hand, and the re- venge she had devoted her life to would be consummated. CHAPTER XY. THE TEMPTATION. Av last the day for trial came near, and Brandt the Buccaneer felt that the sands of his life were rapidly ebbing away. He however kept. up a bold front before his guards, and though often lost in deep reverie, no trace of what his thoughts were was to be read in his stern face. Now and then he jested with the guard constantly kept on duty over him, then he would smoke a cigar with apparently the greatest relish, ate his meals with real enjoy- ment, and when he laid down to sleep, all ironed as he was. seemed to have no fitful dreams and fearful nightmares. All of his acts and sayings were reported about the ship, and he came to be looked upon as a wonderful and most fearless man, Each day, since the anchor was let fall in port, Little Belt had visited the ship, and with a permit from Captain Meredith, had gone ,to have a look at the prisoner. “‘You seem to revel in gazing at me in my chains?” said Brandt to her one morning, the day prior to that set for his trial. “1 do,” was the calm reply. “‘ You hope to see me condemned to die?” he said, with a sneer. ‘‘T shall have that pleasure, for your con- demnation is a foregone conclusion.” “Then why try me?” “Jt is a mere form.” “* About how long will my trial last?” ‘‘One day will end it with the evidence against you.” “So soon?” “Ah! you would like it to drag out for days?” “Oh, no, I care not, for I do not shrink from death,” he said with an air of indiffer- ence, while the guard put in with: “T do say that of him, he is the gamest one Lever saw to face death, excepting one other.” ** Who was that, my man?” asked Brandt. ‘*The midshipman who was once on board this very craft, and the idol of the men. and whom the Government sentenced wrongfully to die, if I do say it as shouldn’t, a seaman on hoard a Government vessel.” ‘« You refer to Merle Monte?” said Brandt. | “* Yes, sir.” “You are right, he is certainly the most fearless being Iever had to deal with, and his slave is equally so, I must admit.” “He had no cause to fear death, as you have, Brandt, the Buccaneer, with all your red crimes to weigh you down to perdition,” almost viciously, said Little Belt! The buc- caneer chief paused for an ° »/ant, but then laughed lightly and said: “Well, Belle, all I ask of you is to come and see me take my last spring, and fetch up at the end of a rope.” ‘‘T will do so, and shall be happy in the thought that I was part instrumental in bringing you to such a death of ignominy.” ‘“Well, I shall be content to see you there, so now leave me.” “For the present, I will; but Brandt Brentford, the pirate beware of to-morrow, and then of what shall follow it.” She spoke in a deep. thrilling voice, and wheeling suddenly walked away. “The little one seems not to love you, cap’n,” said the guard. ‘No, she hates me.” “She?” ** So T said.” “Ts he a she?” “Tt is a woman.” *“The one who just left here?” “Yes,” ‘A woman?” ee Yes.” es My gracious goodness! do you mean it?” ced Mets Calas “T declare! then I am upset.” ‘‘Did you know it?” «‘ Never had a suspicion,” ‘‘ Well, she does disguise herself well, Ill admit!” ‘« She does for a fact, sir. ‘‘But I did think she wasawful handsome and trim-figured for a man, yet I hadn’t an idee she was a woman.” “Does no one else in the ship suspect her?” “None, less ’tis the cap’n, sir.” “‘T think he knows her as she is for she got permission from him to come on-in the ship and see me hanged.” “‘T’ll declare to gracious, Iam all at sea, “You see, sir, we looked upon him, or rather her, asa mysterious youngster, and couldn’t make out her colors; but we didn’t suspect her of belonging in petticoats, and kinder thought he was, or she was, you see I sce St Sie
Page 21
* _ sparkling like a little star, Merle Monte’s Pardon. a do mistake her yet, a young fellow that had been a prisoner on the pirate vessels. Yet there was that about her that kept any of us from asking her about herself.” “Well, she is a woman, and one I deemed long ago dead, and wish to Heaven she had beea, for she has dogged me as untiringly as a bloodhound, and has been with me in half a dozen disguises, working to get me to the gallows, when 1 never suspected her. Hew she has succeeded, and soon I must je.” “‘ Well, you are cool about it, cap’n.” ‘*No need )°4@ otherwise.” “You don m to care whether you live or die.” : “Oh yes, I wish tolive, and I would give much to do so.” ‘‘But there is no hope for you now, cap’n, for they'll find you guilty and sentence you to the yard-arm all in one breath, so you had better make your peace with your Maker.” The chief smiled, and said quietly: ‘“My man, [never give up the ship until she sinks with colors flying, and if I can or trial and sentence to-morrow I will do if “‘But you cannot.” ‘“‘Tam not so sure of that, my man, for gold will do wonders.” “You can’t buy off those that will try you, if you had all of your pirate earnings on board here with vou.” : “T do not expect to buy them off; but now for instance, if I should say to you, my man, that I could make you rich to aid my escape, what would you answer?” ‘‘T would say, sir, that it would be a sad temptation to any poor sailor, and I would hate to have you offer it to me, and I am glad, for my honor’s sake, that they took your gold from you when they brought you on board,” said the man frankly. > Brandt the Buccaneer smiled lightly, ana said in a low tone: “My man, the gold they tock from me did not ruin me financially, for I assure you that I have now with mea fortune worthy of a prince. Gems are of small size, even the most valuable, and one can hold vast wealth in.his mouth even while he is being search- ed. For instance, see this diamond, and tell me what it is worth?” and Brandt handed to the guard a gem of great beauty and value. “Lordy! it looks beautiful, and I never saw one so large before; but I don’t know any more about diamonds than the cnaplain does about navigating the ship,” and the man eyed the diamond with unfeigned de- light, as it rested in the hollow of his hand, po CHAPTER XVI. PRECIOUS STONES. ‘WHEN you go off watch at eight bells, my man, could you get leave to go ashore?” asked Brandt the Buccaneer, in his low, and most insinuating tones. ** Yes, cap’n.” “Would you like to take a walk up into the city then?” “T wouldn’t mind.” “Will you do me a favor then?” “Tf it isn’t ag’in’ orders.” “‘Oh, no, there are no orders against what I would ask you to do.” ‘« Well, sir, I'l do it.” “You mustn't let any one know about it.” “Not if you wish me not to, cap’n.” ‘«Well, my man, just take that stone you have in your hand up to Griswold & Com- pany, jewelers, and ask them to give you its exact value.” ‘You want to leave it to somebody in your will, sir, and would like to know just how much its value is?” ‘*T would like to know its value, my man, and also the value ef this stone.” “Good gracious, it’s as red as a drop of blood,” said the guard, taking the second stone handed to him by the pirate chief. “Yes, it isa ruby.” “It’s mighty pretty,” ‘‘Yes, and is of nearly equal value with the diamond.” “Indeed, sir?” “Well, you will ask the value of it, too?” ‘Yes, sir, if you wish me to.” “1 do.” “ And you are not afraid to trust me with them?” ‘- No, my man, for you are honest.” «Thank you, sir.” “And also see how Griswold & Company value this gem also,” and a third stone was dropped into the hand of the guard. He seemed dumb with amazement and de- light, and cried: ‘It’s as green as grass.” «Yes, it is an emerald, and may be of like value with the ruby and diamond.” ‘* What do you say they are worth, sir?” ‘« Well, my estimate, from what I know of precious stones, is that the diamond will bring you nearly ten thousand dollars in gold. the ruby perhaps a few hundred less, and the emerald something over seven thousand; but Griswold & Company will soon give you the value of them in round figures.” “Yes, sir, and arrest me for stealing them, or being a pitate. who eut somebody's throat for them!” bluntly said the man. “Ah! I never thought of that; for they might do so.” ¥, ** Yes, it won’t do for a poor sailor like me —
Page 22
22 Merle Monte’s Pardon. a ae: — a to go to fooling round with such gems as they be about me.” “True, so do not go to them, but a Jew, Isaac Jacobs, who lives upon the Rue Royale. He will give you their value, if you offer to pay him for the valuation, and I know he will make the three worth more than twenty- five thousand dollars.” ““That’s a big fortune, sir, for a man to have.” ‘‘See here, my man. Here are three more precious stones of equal size and value, a ruby, an emerald, and a diamond, and when you find out the value of those you have, come back to the ship decided in your mind that when you go on duty to-night you will get all six of them for your own.” ** How can I, sir?” asked the guard, in a hoarse whisper, and he turned deadly pale. ‘Why, in the simplest way in the world.” “‘ How is that, sir?” “ Just let me drop out of that port-hole.” “But you are heavily ironed, sir.” “You can get keys and files ashore to free me of them.” ‘‘Oh, sir, this is terrible!” “Tt will be more terrible for me to die, my man.” “ But, sir—” *“Now don’t say any more, but when you go ashore, go to Jacobs’s and ask the value of those gems. When he tells you, then purchase what you need to set me free of my irons, and then you get these other three stones, and willbe worth a fortune.” “Bunt, cap’n, what good will it do me, when they hang me up with the rope they had for you?” ‘Don’t be a fool, my man, for I would not leave you here to suffer, but take you with me.” ““¥You mean for me to desert, sir?” “Of course.” ““What would the officers and my ship- mates say?” “Are you married?” SON O 8It, “ Are you alone in the world?” «Yes, sir, excepting the girl I intend to make my wife.” ‘‘ Where is she?” “Tn Maine, sir.” ““When did you ship?” “Two years ago, sir.” ““ Where?” “‘Here in New Orleans.” “ How did you come here?” ‘In a packet from Kennebec to York, sir, before the mast, and then. in a schooner from York here.” “Did you ship under your own name?” “Not adzactly. sir, for the boys call me Jack, though I hail to the name of John, and the ship’s roll has me down as Jack Johnscn, when my reald handle is Joh Johnstone.” “‘Then the former name will be pu abroad as the deserter, and you can return with your fortune and marry the girl of your love. Come, don’t be a fool, but think of what you can do with your money and how happy you can be.” “The precious stones tempt me, sir.” “They would tempt any one, even if he) was rich.” “But I may be caught, and—” “T will take you with me to a place of safety, and you can remain there for months, until the affair is forgotten. Come, I'll give you a line toa friend of mine, and he will be on the river below here with a carriage. The night is close, this port can be left open, and we can lower ourselves into the river with ropes and then swim shoreward, and! go at once toa place of safety. What say you, my man?” ; “The precious stones tempt me, sir, and \ I'll doit if Jacobs says tney are worth the / money you tell me.” ‘“Then go and see.” { ‘* Now be on your guard, for it is nearly eight bells,” and even as the buccaneer chief spoke the ship’s bell struck the hour, and another guard took the place of the one who had been dazzled by the display of gems, and the prisoner saw in the face of the man who then came on duty that, did he offer him a hundred gems, he could never bribe him to forget his honor and his duty, for he was of different material wholly. a CHAPTER XVIL THE JEW AND THE SAILOR. Ir was with a beating heart that John Johnstone asked leave to go ashore, and he felt guilty when it was granted. 4 With the diamond, ruby and emerald clutched tightly in his hand he sauntered up- town, and first sought the elegant establish- ment of Griswold and Company, to gaze in the window at the gems there displayed.’ ““They are elegant, but mine beats ‘em,” he muttered, and* then he wended bis way pe the Rue Royale to the shop of the Jew. The three gilt balls hanging over the door told the story of Isaac Jacobs's business, and within it looked dingy enough. But the sailor had made up his mind to act, and in he went. A young Jew greeted him with a sly look, to take his measure, and then asked: ‘* Vell, sailor mansh, vat ish you vart?” “T don’t want you, youngster, but some- body old enough to attend to business.” «“Oh, I ish olt enough to attend to all te
Page 23
Merle Monte’s Pardon. &3 pizziness you ish got mit us,” was the pre- cocious response, with an emphasis upon the you, which sounded as though the young Israelite had a contempt for the sailor. “Well, I want to do business with.a man, and if you keep the shop I’m off to trade else- where ‘Hold on, mine fr’endt, and I will call my papa. In answer to this summons a Jew ap- peared, who at a glance, the sailor saw was the business man of the establishment. He was a shrewd-looking man, with a long beard, and a thorough type of the Is- raelite. “Ts this Mr. Isaac Jacobs?” cautious seaman. ““Yesh, mine fri’nt.” “Well, send that boy off, for I have got some important business with you.” The Jew spoke to the youth in Hebrew, and that individual at once decamped, but with an angry look at the seaman. ‘‘Vell, my fr’int, vat can I do for you?” ““Tell me the value of this diamond.” “* Aha! it ish quite nice. “Does you vants to sell him?” “‘T want to know what it is worth.” “Ah!” and the cautious Jew looked the stone over thoroughly, and then said: “‘T give you six t’ousant tollars for him.” ‘*No you won’t, for it is worth nine,” an- swered Jack Johnstone, who had had suf- ficient dealing with Jews to know that they never offer near the full value for an article. ‘‘Vell, it ish a nice stone, and I makes it seven t'ousant for him.” “Say eight. “Vell, I makes him eight, just to please you, my fr’ent, though I don’t make a cent on him, if I has to sell him.” ““No, I guess not. “Well, tell me what this is worth?” and the ruby was handed over. “Aha! dat ish a pretty one, too.” “What will you give for it?” “T vill give you four t’ousant dollars,” said the Jew, fearing that he had hit too low before. “Make it, just eight.” “Aha! yell, it is more prettier than I first see him. 1 makes it eight.” The emerald was then handed over. “Aha! dat ish a very pretty stone, too. Youis have fine taste, my fri’ut,” said the delighted Jew, holding his head down to prevent his eyes from betraying his joy at expecting to make a rich bargain. eB Well what is it worth to you?” _ “Vell, ash I ish to puy te otters, my fr’ent, make it four t’ousant.” “* Call it six.” Vell, my fr’ent, I take it at six t’ousant.” ' asked the “No, you won’t, for I want more.” **Want more, mine fr’ent?” “«Yes; the three are worth twenty-eight or twenty-nine thousand dollars, and you know it.” ‘Dat ish a pig sum 0’ monish.” : “T know it, and they are fine gems, and you know it.” “Vere did you git ’em, mine fri’nt?” “That is none o’ your business, Jew; but they cost me enough to make me get their value out of them instead of you, and I want just twenty-five thousand dollars for the three, in good crisp notes.” “I make him twenty-four.” “Not a dollar less.” “Twenty-four t’ousant five hundret.” ‘* Not a dollar less, Jew.” s ‘* Vell, mine fr’ent, I takes ‘em at dot price but I makes me very little on ’em.” ““ You know better, for you can get several hundred on each before night. Now out with the money, and I want good crisp bank notes, do you hear?” , The Jew knew he had made a good bar- gain, and he hastily opened his safe and counted out the money, at the same time do- ing a stroke of business by selling the sailor a belt to carry his riches in for a dozen times its real value, and chuckling over it m high glee to himself. Thus armed with his belt of money, the sailor wended his way to a hardware shop, and having an idea of the kind of keys to fit the chains that held the pirate, he purchased a number of those he thought most likely to suit, and then several good files. ; Back then to the Sea Wolf he took his way, stopping en route to deliver the note to the man to whom Brandt the Buccaneer had written to meet him on the river-bank witha carriage. Going on board the vessel he felt guilty, and shunned his shipmates, while he lived in dread suspense until the time for him to go on watch. At last eight o'clock rolled around and he took his post at the door of the guard-room, nervous and trembling, though, when he glanced at the pirate chief he saw that he was perfectly cool, and smoking a cigar after his supper with an air of utter unconcern as to what would be his fate. CHAPTER XVIII. ‘ THE REWARD. Tue first hour of his watch dragged its weary length along so slowly to Jack John- stone, that he seemed to live a lifetime in waiting for it to pass by. At last nine o’clock came and the crew went to their hammocks. Then ten came, and all was silent on board
Page 24
24 the ship, and no sound was heard save the rumble of the wheels over the stone streets. Still Brandt the Buccaneer had spoken no word to the man, upon whom his life de- pended. But, as the ship’s bell struck “‘ four bells,” the pirate chief said quietly: “Well, my man, time flies.” The seaman made no reply, but quietly handed to him the package that held the keys. His hand trembled as he did so, and the perfectly cool pirate said sternly: ** Keep cool, my man.” Then Brandt the Buccaneer took key af- ter key and fitted them in the key-hole to see if they would unlock his chains, It seemed. that none would, at first; but a second trialsucceeded in opening the pad- lock that held the chains about his ankles. Next the handcuffs yielded to a key that fitted, and Brandt the Buccaneer was free of his chains. The port had been half-raised, at his re- quest, by the former guard, and Brandt held forth his hand and said, with the utmost calmness: “The rope,” From where it was coiled about his waist, Jack Johnstone took it, and passing it through one of the iron rings that held the chains he had freed himself from, Brandt the Buccaneer said: “Now I will go, and you follow.” Noiselessly he lowered himself out of the port into the muddy waters of the river, and clinging to the side of the vessel, waited the coming of his guard. As he thus waited, he could hear the low voice of the officer of the deck humming a love song, as he paced to and fro not twenty feet from him, and the snoring of some robust seaman forward. At last the deserting sailor appeared in the port, and lowered himself down nearly to the water, when his nerveless hands failed him, and he fell into the stream with a splash. Instantly he was seized in a vise-like grip, and dragged beneath the waters. The slash was heard by the officer of the deck, who walked quickly to the side and looked over. But all was dark and still, and he mut- tered: “Tt was some large catfish doubtless, springing up to see the lights of the city.” Then he resumed his walk and bis song, and an instant after Brandt, the Buccaneer and the frightened scaman arose for air. “Fool! you nearly lost all. ‘Be calm, and swim low in the water, and without noise!” hissed the buccaneer, and the two went down with the stream, ‘ ‘Merle Monte’s Pardon. : until the Sea Wolf grew dim in the dis-} tance. } Then the two turned: shoreward, and at) last reached the bank, where a vehicle wadfyn n visible, evidently waiting for some one, andjyr, an a man paced near, m, ¥ “* Giro!” 8: The chief spoke the name in alow tone. \* We **Senor,” was the prompt reply, ‘‘I amj« Of; here.” “Ves ‘‘The Virgin be praised!” said the man, as «* Don the chief and the seaman staggered from the her ¢g river. cove “Spring upon your box now, and drive) +*'Th with all speed to your den.” e pat “* Yes, senor,” and the two fugitives hav- pssels ing entered the vehicle, the man whom/ The Brandt had called by the name of Girojyned sprung upon his box, and whipped his horse hich away at a rapid pace. et, cl After a ride of ten minutes, the vehicle jjd on drew up before a low, dingy-looking house, | «'T: and Giro threw open the door. en ¢ ‘‘There are cloaks in there for you to yhen throw around you, senors,” he said. nief | “T have mine, but my friend will not | “N need his,” was the reply. shor ‘It is better, senor, as you will have to je) or pass through the cafe, and some may remark ) “ F your wet clothing.” Bac ‘«T will use mine, Giro, but the one who jp th accompanied me will not need his, forheis | « dead.” hor “« Dead, senor?” gasped Giro. oar) “Yes; 1 put my knife into his heart, for woul it was the best thing I could do, Giro, ‘porir and I am too poor a man now to throw away web twenty-five thousand dollars, ity, ‘«Drive back to the river, Giro, and throw the1 the body in, and then come up to my j * room.” ae ‘‘All right, senor; you have your old quarters, and I will be there as soon as I | ‘“ have gotten rid of your friend and put my that horse up,” and the vehicle rolled away, while sé Brandt, the Buccaneer, entered the door of | the house, and found himself in a dimly | lighted cafe, where were half a dozen men | ‘ smoking and drinking. Drawing his cloak i C around him, he passed on through to an iter, opposite door, and ascending a pair of stairs : turned into a pleasant chamber at the : top. ‘no p ‘‘ Well, Iam free once more and back in my old quarters. Ha! ha! ha! I begin to | believe the hemp is not grown yet to makea su rope to hang me,” and closing the door he bolted it, and threw himself down in an yc easy-chair to think over his escape, and with | no compunction for the man he had slain, and whose reward for serving him had been death at the hands of the one he had so well | served, ”
Page 25
CHAPTER XIX. THE TWO CAPTAINS. the dis- , and a | g : e LA HE man Giro was not gone more than an i ur, and his first remark, upon entering the om, where Brandt, the Buccaneer, sat, tone. AS: “Trane “Well, senor, the news is abroad.” “Of my escape?” coolly asked the chief. _ “Yes, senor.” ia Fe “Doubtless, for at eight bells, when the ®her guard went on watch, my escape was 1 drive oove™ ae tive}**'The city guard has been alarmed and € patrolling the streets, and men from the wits essels have been landed and sent out.” Ch - The buccancer laughed at this, and_re- - O4rned to his repast of cold fowl and wine, i ze oa! ordered, = changing his a clothes for a suit Giro had thoughtfull chicle id out for him. eas Louse, | D he is for ile “Have you thought of any plan?” OF fea None, Giro.” P its ily “How do you wish to go?” ; i. “‘ Any way in which I can, for once at sea, - Se soon find a way to tread a deck as mas- “Your brig might—” ‘*No, it would be impossible to cut it out now, after my escape.” ‘ The cutter of Captain Eduardo?” That could not be done with any more _ Success than the brig.” “There is no vessel in port that would suit you, senor, other than the cruiser.” ‘“The Sea Wolf?” ~ “Yes, senor.” “ She is too large for a pirate, and besides, I could not attempt to take her with a raw Merle Monte’s Pardon. xew, for I know Meredith would let every ° ask him to my room to have a glass of wine man on his deck die before he would give up.” eoThen, senor, how would you like to play second fiddle!” ‘*T do not understand you.’ “T have as my guest at present a gentle- man for whom | am shipping a crew.” “For what purpose?” ce Piracy.” ““ Where?” “in the Gulf?” “If he is a new hand he'll be hanged with- in the month, for piracy has but a short race to run now, Giro.” “Yes, senor, the good old days are going fast before the march of civilization; but this person is not a new hand. He has fought many a battle for plunder, and commands a good craft.” “Then what is he shipping a crew for?” ‘‘He wishes to enlarge his crew, and I am getting the men, but have failed to find him a second luff he needs.” “' Second luff?” «« Yes, senor, for he has a well trusted first lieutenant in command of his vessel, while he is here in the city.” . “‘T see; then I would have to be third in rank?” “Yes, senor: but you know I merely sug- gest this as a chance tor escape and promo- tion.” **Ah yes, I can soon promote myself, you think.” “From what I know of you, senor, I think you can.” “‘ Well, I think favorably of your plan, so who is this pirate?” “* Captain Pierre.” “Ha! -The commander of the Sea Ma- rauder, and who is himself also called by that name? I have heard of him often, but never met him. He is a good commander and has a fleet and stanch craft.” ‘*He is a good man, captain, and his ves- sel is a good one.” ‘* Where is he now?” “Tn his room.” “When does he sail?” “To-morrow night,” ““In what?” «© A lugger he has loaded with heavy guns, and with a crew that go blacked up as plan- tation negroes.” : ““A good scheme; but is not his craft armed?” ‘‘ Not with as heavy guns as those he car- ries to her now, and he is preparing for a particular cruise.” “After what?” **The Gold Ship.” “Ha! Giro, just seek Captain Pierre, and ~
Page 26
Merle Monte’s Pardon. $$ ils with me, and bring us up a few bottles cf your best,” was the prompt order of Brandt, when he learned that the Sea Marauder was to cruise after the Gold Ship. Giro was absent from the room but a few minutes, when he returned accompanied by rone other than Captain Pierre, whom the reader is already acquainted with as Pierre Dupont, and whose real name was Dupont Pierson. ‘“Captain Pierre, permit me to introduce to you Senor Brentano, whom I have en- gaged to serve as your second luff,” said Giro, who deemed it best not to let Brandt be known just then in his true character. Captain Pierre was pleased with the ap- pearance of his new officer, and at once ac- cepted his invitation to drink a bottle of wine with him, and over it, the two captains seemed to become most friendly. “When do you sail, captain?” asked Brandt. “Giro promises me I ean get off to-morrow night, Lieutenant Brentano. and I hope that is not too soon for you.” ‘Oh, no, I am ready to-night for that mat- ter,” was the indifferent reply, and Giro said: “Tt will be impossible to get all the men before to-morrow night, as, in these days of suspicion and treachery, senors, I engage them at the last moment. “Your guns are on board, captain, and I have but half a dozen more good fellows to get for you to-morrow, and then you can sail,” and with this the two pirates seemed content. CHAPTER XX. PRARL, THE PIRATE'S PRIDE. Wuen Pearl swooned away at the sad tid- ings brought her by the young pirate lieuten- ant, if was a long, long time before he could restore her to consciousness again. When at last she opened her beautiful eyes and gazed into his anxious face, her first question was for her father. Again he told her the sad story of the at- tack and the defeat, and of her father’s hay- ing been left behind, while he held forth the hope that he might be alive, and a prisoner. **No, that would be even worse, for he would be taken while fighting with pirates,” she murmured, and seeing the pained look that flashed over the face of the young officer at her words, she said quickly: *“Worgive me, if 1 wounded you; but I do not lock upon you as a pirate at heart.” “Thank you for those words, sweet Pearl, and I frankly tell. you I am _ not, To confess to you, I will tell you that I am a na- tive of Carolina, and w&s brought up in the navy. My father was a planter, and he died leaving my mother, myself and my sister ‘ | well off. I entered the navy, and, after a cruise of five years returned to find that my mother had married a man whom all knew to be an adventurer and gambler, and that he had forced my sister into a marriage with one of his friends, a man as bad as himself. Between them they had squandered our wealth, and well-nigh broken my mother’s and my sister’s hearts. Instantly I deter- mined upon revenge, and I called them out. They refused to meet mein a duel, they said on account of the relationship they bore to me. But Iwas rendered desperate by their behavior toward those I loved, and 1 would not hear to a refusal, and forced them to fight me, and both fell. One was instantly killed, my step-father, and the other mor- tally wounded, but before he died he said that they were unarmed, and that I had murdered them. Some friend of his carried off the pistols they had, and, as I had no witnesses I was proclaimed a murderer and forced to fly for my life. I had little money, and I shipped before the mast ina small vessel which was wrecked, and I alone was saved of the crew by clinging to a boat. I drifted about for several days, and nearer dead than alive was picked up by this schooner, and Captain Pierre nursed me most faithfully, and upon my recovery of- fered me the place of first lieutenant, telling me his vessel was a Mexican cruiser. gladly accepted the offer, joined him in a fight with a vessel, and then saw that he was apirate. But the step was taken, and in sheer despair I remained with him. This was nearly a year ago, and yet I linger upon a pirate vessel when my manhood and my honor tell me I should give up the life I lead.” “And why will you not?” asked Pearl, who had listened to his story with such deep interest she had almost forgotten her own sorrows. “T cannot betray the man who has served me well; but I will soon leave this hated vessel, and I pledge you my honor, Pearl, that for your sweet sake I will give up this fearful life at the very earliest moment that Ican. And more, I promise that no harm shall befall you from Captain Pierre, if IT have to take his life to prevent it, for since I have known you I have loved you, and girl though you may be, you have wrapped about me the tendrils of your heart, until you have become to me my life, my love, my pride.” fle spoke with deep earnestness, dropping upon one knee before her. It was the first confession of love she had ever heard, and it frightened her, and with pale face and startled eyes she sprung away from him crying: ‘Oh, do not talk thus to me, forl ama anni sm veer!
Page 27
: ‘ Merle Monte’s Pardon. £2 mere child. I pity you—yes, respect you— | he glanced over the paper, and then read but know nothing of what love is.” At once he arose to his feet and gaid softly: “*T was wrong, Pearl, to alarm you. Do not fear me, for I will be as a brother to you.” “Thank you; row I will trust you,” she said, offering her hand, which he grasped warmly and then went on deck. From his peon seaman he heard that the Gold Ship was standing off and on along the coast, and ne knew well that his vessel must keep close in her retreat. And there she remained, until finding that the Gold Ship did not depart, and fearing a more thorough search would be made, he watched his chance one dark night, and, with his boats and under bare poles, towed out to sea and sailed away, leaving a word to Captain Pierre, should he return during his absence, as to the cause of his departure. CHAPTER XXI. THE SCRAP OF PAPER. When the Gold Ship arrived off the coast, where it was hoped that the Sea Marauder would be found, a boat was low- ered, and into it Basil Branch was placed in as comfortable a position as was possible. Then, as soon as he got his bearings, ke piloted the boat, in which were Merle Monte and half a dozen oarsmen, to the inlet into which flowed a lagoon. Once on the right track, it did not take him long to find the narrow canal-way, which led into the Lost Pond. As soon as the locality was placed, as they dared not venture by day, the boat returned to the schooner, as though it had made no discovery, should the Sea Marauder be i., the Lost Pond, and prying eyes be watching. But at nightfall Merle and Mezrak started together in the gig, and rowed with mufiled oars to the canal. Then Mezrak landed and made his way along the low shores, to return to the boat after half an hour and report to his master that no vessel was visible in the Lost Pond. Then the black rowed the boat into the canal that Merle might see, and returning to the schooner, the men were called up, and the vesse] was turned shoreward. Without accident or trouble the schooner got into the Lost Pond, and was safely moored there. With the first break of day Merle was up to view his surroundings, and Mezrak, who had not retired at all) handed him a scrap of paper which he had found pinned to a tree, on shore, ‘“ Well, Mezrak. as usual you have made some important discovery,” said Merle, as aloud: “* Attacked the Gold Ship, which lay in lagoon near here, with my boats and was beaten off. “Your male prisoner aided me, by acting as offi- cer, and was killed. ‘“*Gold Ship searching the coast so thorcughly T tow out to-night, and will return about the fifteenth of the month, “*TLady gm well, but grieved most deeply at the loss of her father. bg ““The Sea Marauder will be back about the fifteenth, he says here, so we will wait right here, Mezrak, to give him a welcome. ‘You must keep a bright watch for the coming of Captain Pierre, for this is the ren- dezvous where he was to meet his vessel, and as I have time before the fifteenth, to go up to the city, I will row up the bayous to some of the Indian camps which are there, and get them to take me to New Orleans.” ““When will master return?” ““As soon asl can see Little Belt, who I hope will be willing to return with me, as, by this time doubtless, Brandt the Buccaneer has been hanged. ““Now to tell Mr. Branch and his wife what this scrap of paper makes known, and give them what hope I can,” and Merle en- tered the cabin. But half an hour after he was on his way up the lagoon in an open boat, which was to leave him at the camp of some Indians, known to live inland a few leagues, and from thence he could readily make his way to New Orleans with a good guide, by way of the network of bayous. CHAPTER XXII. THE LUGGER. WHEN the morning dawned upon New Or- leans, after the escape of Brandt the Buecca- neer, it found the citizens in a state of great excitement. The news of the daring escape of the pirate chief had become known, and while patrols marched the streets and made search of every suspicious locality, guard-boats rowed about the river, and every vessel, from a fishing- smack to a clipper packet ship, was most thoroughly examined, To add to the excitement the body of the dead seaman had been found, with a knife thrust in his heart, and from censure the feeling turned to pity for him, for few could but believe that the bold outlaw had killed him at his post. One of the first orders of Captain Meredith was to hang the most guilty of the pirates, while the others were sent ashore to the city prison. After this duty was attended to Captain Meredith sought the quarters where he knew Little Belt had located herself in town,
Page 28
¢ i 28 Merle Monte’s Pardon. a UuEEINSNEEENEnnemnmmnmmmmenmmmnne) To his surprise Little Belt had not visited the ship upon learning of the escape of Brandt, the Buccaneer, as she must have done, and that fact aroused his suspicions against the woman. The landlord said that fe (for he believed the woman to be a youth) had paid his bill at daylight and bad gone away. leaving no word; but that just as he had left the door he had suddenly met a person whom he seemed delighted to see, and who in return was evidently glad to meet him. “‘That was the pirate, and none other, she met. The woman is a fraud,” growled Cap- ain Meredith, as he went on his way to the headquarters of the city officers, to see if aught had been heard of the buccaneer. But nowhere did he get any coinfort, and he returned on hoard his vessel, to see that a large crew was put at once on the brig and the cutter,.as he well knew the daring of the escaped chief, and did not doubt but that he was concealed somewhere in the city, awaiting an opportunity to seize some vessel, and put to sea in it. And at last night settled down upon the town and river, and Mayo Meredith paced his deck in no enviable frame of mind. Presently he heard the sound of voices in song, and beheld a large lugger coming down the stream under light sail. He listened, and heard a plantation song, sung in chorus by half a score of voices, and knew it was one of the eoast luggers that traded between the city and the estates be- low, or perhaps a vessel belonging to some wealthy planter. But he had given orders that no vessel should leave the port that night, and sternly hailed: ‘* Ho, the lugger!” The singing of the negroes. prevented his hail from being heard, and waiting until there was a pause in the song he hailed loud- ly again: “Ho, the lugger, ahoy!” ““Ay, ay, massa,” came back the answer in the dialect of the plantation slave. « What lugger is that?” “Massa Vincent’s lugger, sah, from de Soldier Rest Plantation, massa,” came the reply. “Do you not know orders have been’ given that no vessel is to leave port to-night?” “No, sah, nobody done tole us so,” was the innocent reply. ** Well, I will tell you so now.” “Lordy, Massa Cap'n, our massa tan our hide well if we don’t git ter plantation afore day, cause he sent de lugger after s’plies.” Captain Meredith was in a quandary what to do. “Who have you on board?” he finally asked. ‘Only us, sah.” “Who are us?” ‘‘Jim, and Dan, and me, and Bob, and Sam, and—” “For Heaven’s sake hold. ‘‘Have you no passengers on board?” ‘‘Not a one, massa, ’cause our massa don’t low it.” ** Allright, you can go on your way; but keep quiet while you are passing through the shipping.” : “We will, massa, t’ankee sah,” and the lugger went on its way. And Captain Mayo Meredith continued to pace his deck, little dreaming that there was not a negro on the lugger, but only white faces blacked up, and that the one who an- swered his hail and questions was none other than Brandt, the Buccaneer, himself, while Captain Pierre stood by his side, and two- score of men, enlisted for ‘‘ desperate work on the high seas, and plenty of gold in re- turn,” were crouching below the decks, breathlessly awaiting the result of their bold venture. CHAPTER XXIII. THE SEA MARAUDER’S RETURN, To keep his appointment with his captain, after a cruise out into the Gulf, Vance Murell put back for the rendezvous at Lost Pond. Arriving off the coast, he was glad to see that the Gold Ship was nowhere in sight, so stood steadily in. He was a cautious commander, and hence preferred night to venture in, and luffed up until] dark. Then he sent Peon ashore to reconnoiter, and see if the captain had returned. Peon launched his light canoe and paddled swiftly shoreward, entered the inlet, then the lagoon, and ran ashore to have a look into the Lost Pond. As he stepped from the canoe he found himself in a grasp he could not shake off. The Indian was as wiry as a snake, and very powerful; but he had met his master. Without seeming trouble his captor bore him to a small hut, made of the branches of trees covered with moss. Within was burning a ghastly fire, yet the moss kept its light hiddea from withcut. Then there were skulls, bones, and many other things hideous to look at. His captor looked part human, part brute, and all devil. He was deformed in body and head, and Peon, with the superstition of his race, was assured that the Devil had him, and he lay on the ground passive, looking up in horror at his captor and making no effort escape. His captor gazed down upon him in an in- I
Page 29
Merle Monte’s Pardon | stant in silence, and then said in sepulchral tones, and in the Spanish tongue: ‘“You are a Peon Indian of Mexico?” “ Yes, senor,” groaned Peon. “Your name is Itzi?” ““Yes, Senor Diablo.” “ You sail tbe sea in an armed craft?” **T do, senor.” “They call you Peon there?” “They do, senor.” “The vessel is known as the Sea Marau- der?” “Tt is, Senor Diablo.” “«Her captain is away?” “Yes, good Diablo.’ “Her lieutenant sent you here to see if there was danger in the Lost Pond to the craft?” ‘ “ Yes, beautiful Diablo.” “Tam Satan.” ‘‘T know it well, Senor Diablo.” “You are my slave?” *‘7 am, senor” “€- You will obey me?” “Tn all things, senor.” “Then go, I command you, back to your vessel, and tell your lieutenant that the Lost Pond holds no danger for him, or his ves- sel.” ‘Yes, senor.” “Tf you disobey me, your tongue shall wither, and—” : “No, no, good Senor Diablo; I will obey.” «Begone then, and beware The frightened Indian sprung-to his feet and darted away like the wind. Springing into his canoe, he sent it flying down the lagoon. ““Well, Mezrak, thanks to what Mr. Branch told you, you played your part of Satan well, and frightened that poor Indian half out of his wits,” and Lieutenant Trenor entered the moss hut, and almost started at the hideousness of the black’s make-up, and his fearful ers } ‘‘He will be faithful, sir,” said Mezrak, calmly. ‘‘T do not doubt it, so now to prepare for the coming of the schooner,” and the officer returned on board the schooner, which was moored to the shore, and in a short time had his men arranged on each side of the canal, and securely hidden. The canal leading into Lost Pond, was, as Thave said, little wider than a vessel, and the banks were clad with trees, while the basin was so surrounded with foliage that the Gold Ship could not be discovered in there even by any one forty paces distant. — A wait of an hour and then the steady dip of oars was beard and Mezrak, who had een reconnoitering in the gig, reported the ” boats towing the schooner in, and that they were already in the lagoon. With bated breath all waited, and especial- y the mother and father of Pearl, whom they longed to see, and yet dreaded to bear what might have been the-fate of the beauti- ful girl. : Nearer and nearer drew the Sea Marauder, the boats headed for the canal, the helm was put down to point into it, and not one on board dreamed of danger, Then the two boats in advance entered the canal, the next two followed, and then the sharp bows of the beautiful schooner passed into it, “On board, lads, and remember not a shot is to be fired! Take her with the cutlass!” The cry of Lieutenant Trenor fell like a thunder-clap from a cloudless sky upon the ears of the Sea Marauder’s crew, and in ove- dience to his command half a hundred men sprung with mighty leaps upon the deck of the schooner, following their leader, and instantly, almost, the vessel was in their possession, while the crew in the boats, un- armed, surprised and caught, cried lustily for quarter. At that instant a bright light illumined the scene, for a blue light had been lit upon the deck of the Gold Ship, and upon the quarter-deck, his hand upon the wheel, plainly revealed, stood Vance Murell, the pirate lieutenant, and by his side Pearl, watching the wild scene with terror. With amazement they had both heard the ringing cry of Merle Monte, and, with two: thirds of his men in the boats ahead, and those on deck at once cut down by the board- ers, the young officer knew that resistance was useless. That pirates were his foes he felt assured, and well knowing in such case what a fate would be Pearl’s, he determined to defend her with his life, or even take her life, 1ather. than that she should fall into their power. Hence he drew a sword in one hand and a pistol in the other, and as Lieutenant Trenor, who in Merle Monte’s absence held com- mand, advanced with several men at his back, he cried: “ Back, or you die!” “Surrender, sir, I demand you!” cried Lieutenant Trenor, sternly. “* Never!” was the defiant reply. ‘*Then your fate be upon your own head. Advance, men, and cut him down, but fire no shot to hurt the maiden.” “Bal that is your game!” cried the young officer, hearing the words and misunder- standing them; and he turned toward Pearl, at the same time placing his sword’s point over her heart. She never flinched, but stood like a statue, seemingly preferring to die thus than become
Page 30
30 Merle Monte’s Pardon. the prisoner of pirates—which she supposed the attacking party to be. ‘God forgive me, but, Pearl, my beautiful darling, I will drive my svord through your pure heart before their vile hands shall pol- lute you with a touch!” Vance Murell said the words in calm de- fiance of his foes, and he would have kept his word and then fought until he fell; but suddenly a black form sprung over the stern of the schooner, a very demon it looked in the wild glare, the sword’s point was knccked upward, the pistol wrenched from the young officer’s hand, and he was at once in the fear- ful clutch of Mearak. “Hold, Mezrak! do not harm him!” cried Lieutenant Trenor, springing forward justin time to catch poor Pearl, whom the sight of the painted and disguised black had caused to faint away. «Senor, we are no pirates, and mean you no harm. “‘Come with me, for I bear this lady to her father and mother who await her on yonder vessel,”’ said Lieutenant Trenor; and in a half-dazed way Vance Murell, whom he had addressed, and whom Mezrak had re- leased, followed his captor in silence, gazing the while anxiously upon the face of Pearl as she was held unconscious in the strong arms of the officer of the Gold Ship. Springing ashore, ~Lieutenant Trenor crossed the narrow strip of land, and thus reached the Gold Ship; and with a glad ery the mother sprung toward her daughter, cry- ing: “ My God! is she dead?” “No, madam; she has only fainted and will soon recover,” assured Lieutenant Trenor, as he placed Pearl in her mother’s arms. CHAPTER XXIV. THE TRAP. Tue night passed away in the Lost Pond, and, reunited once more, the father, mother and daughter were happy, and sat in the cabin until a late hour. Nor were they selfish in their joy, for they invited Lieutenant Trenor and the pirate lieutenant, Vance Murell, who had proven such a true friend to Pearl, to be with them to talk over the past and plan for the future. {n the mean time, while all was satisfactory in the Lost Pond, with the exception of the pirate prisoners, a lugger was standing in to- ward the lagoon which the canal opened into, Her decks were crowded with men for- ward, but aft only three were visible, and one of these held the wheel. A close scrutiny of the craft would show | that it was the same lugger which Captain ' Mayo Meredith had hailed from the deck of the Sea Wolf, on her way down the river, and with the black washed off of their faces, the two men standing near the helmsman were recognized as Brandt, the Buccaneer, and Captain Pierre, of the Sea Marauder. Captain Pierre was a man of caution in all things, and therefore, though he believed the Lost Pond to be known to only himself and crew, he yet would not run in without reconnoitering, and when half a league from shore he luffed up, and said: ‘“‘Tll take a boat and two men and run in, for I do not care to getintoatrap. If I signal with my lJantera, stand down for me in haste, Mr. Brentano, and keep the lugger off and on under*full sail ready to fly, should there be danger.” The boat was at once jowered, and two of the crew promptly sprung to the oars, as Captain Pierre came over the side of the lugger. Straight for the inlet the boat was headed, by Captain Pierre, who had the tiller, and cross- ing this it moved slowly for the mouth of the lagoon, the oarsmen placing their jackets in the oarlocks to muffle the oars. «My oar will creak, sir, so please let me have your cloak,” said one of the rowers, and the one nearest the stern, Captain Pierre arose to hand it to him, when suddenly his hand was seized with a grip he could not shake off, a pistol muzzic was thrust into his face, and a stern voice cried: ‘Surrender, Captain Pierre Dupont, or you are a dead man.” The pirate saw that he was caught in a trap, and that death was certain if he resist- ed, and he cried nervously: ‘© Who are you?” “*{ am Merle Monte of the Gold Ship, Cap- tain Pierre, of the Sea Marauder,” was the startling announcement, “And you, my man, will you let your captain be seized without resistance?” cried Captain Pierre, as soon as his amazement would allow him to speak. ‘Oh, I am Little Belt, the first luff of the Gold Ship,” was the careless reply of the supposed seaman, whose disguise, like Merle’s no one could have penetrated. “Then I surrender,” was the coo) reply of the man, who had regained his nerve, “You are wise. Hold forth your hands, please,” and Merle clasped irons upon the wrists, and then disarmed his prisoner, tied his feet together and gagged him. ‘Now, Belt, I will land yonder and go by shore to the schooner and get ready to greet the lugger, which you return to and tell Brandt the Buccaneer to run in,” said Merle. The prisoner made a sign that he wished
Page 31
Merle Monte’s Pardon. _to speak, and Merle removed the gag, after | threatening him with death if he cried out. ‘Did you say Brandt the Buccaneer?” he asked. ‘‘T did, and I referred to yore lieutenant, Brentano, who is the pirate chief in disguise.” ““Great Heaven! can this be true?” “Tt certainly is, for he bribed a guard to set him free from the Sea Wolf, and my lieu- tenant here, Little Belt, tracked the man, saw what his game was, watched his chance, shipped on your lugger, through your agent Giro, and meeting me, I joined him, and here we are,” : The man groaned, and the gag was re- - placed in his mouth, and he was taken from the boat and tied toa tree for safe keeping until Merle could return for him. Tken Little Belt sprung into the boat and started back to tell Brandt that Captain Pierre said to run boldly in, as all was safe, while Merle went along shore toward the _ Lost Pond. His sudden appearance upon the deck of the Gold Ship was a startling surprise. But he had no time to explain matters, so gaye his orders quickly, got his boats and their crews into them armed with cutlasses only, and with orders not to kill Brandt, the Buecaneer. Lieutenant Trenor took charge of one boat, and Vance Murell volunteered to com- mand anothr, and, as Merle heard of his conduct toward Pearl, he readily consented. Then the boats moved out of the eanal, and laid in wait under the branches of the trees along the banks. They had not long to wait, for the lugger came slowly up the lagoon using her sweeps. ‘When opposite the boats, out they darted; their crews threw themselves upon the deck, and, after a short fight, the craft was cap- tured. Brandt, the Buccaneer, had drawn his cut- lass the moment the boats appeared; but Little Belt was standing by his side, the cbief little dreaming who she was, and instantly striking the blade from his hand, she thrust a pistol to his temple, and cried: “Brandt, the Buccaneer, you are my _ prisoner at last!” _ “God above! you, Belle Denham?” gasped -the pirate chief. “ Ay, ay, sir, and Merle Monte too,” and Merle sprung to his side and seizing his hands clasped manacle’ upon his wrists, and thus the lugger was captured in the well-laid _ trap. - CHAPTER XXvV. _.. MERLE MONTE’S FATE. THERE was one drawback to the gallant capture of the lugger, and that was, when Merle Monte sought the place where he had left Captain Pierre bound to a tree, that un- worthy wretch was. missing Search was made for him, but without avail, and Vance Murell reported that Peon had been out in his canoe, and had doubt- less set him free and escaped with him, for the Indian was devoted to the pirate captain. With the dawn the Gold Ship, the Sea Marauder and the lugger got under sail, and headed for New Orleans, and the following day the three vessels glided into port, and startled the good citizens, for swung up in the rigging was Brandt, the Buccaneer, who had at last expiated his crimes at the end of a rope, and Little Belt had given the order to hang him, for she requested Merle to al- low her to do so. The Gold Ship dropped anchor near the Sea Wolf, and the first one to hoard the beautiful vessel was Captain Mayo Meredith, and he held in bis hands an official docu- ment, while he said: “Merle Monte, the Government has sent you pardon, for your gallant service, and in- stead of being hanged, your fate is to bea lieutenant in the navy, and my word for it, that when this last venture is heard of, you will be made a captain.” Merle thanked the captain most heartily, and returned: ‘‘Now that Iam restored to honor, and given rank, Captain Meredith. I shall at once resign and settle down to private life, to en- joy my fortune, which has been, so far, such . a curse to me.” And in spite of all entreaties Merle kept ~ his word, and his pleasure was-in restoring to Basil Branch his former home in all its beauty, and enriching all who bad served him faithfully. The Gold Ship he kept for his private yacht, saying that some day he might need it again. Taking a fancy to Vance Murell, he made him his lieutenant, and Captain Trenor was given a large vessel in his own right, and was thereby made truly bappy. Rumor had it that Merle Monte loved Pearl Branch; but as Vance Murell also leved her, and the two were friends, both seemed to yield in favor of the other, and neither asked for her hand. As for Little Belt, she threw off the garb of manhood, resumed her own attire, and. after long urging, became the wife of Cap- tain Mayo Meredith. And Mezrak the Faithful still remained the devoted slave of his dearly loved master to the end, but he seemed grieved that Merie did not make Pearl the Pirate’s Pride his wife,
Page 32
BEADLE’S POCKET Lisrary. Published Every Wednesday. Hach Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. 129 180 181 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. Gold Trigger. A Game of Edward L, Whee Dainty Lance} the Boy Sport. By J. £. Badget, dr. Wild-fire, the Boss of the Road. By Frank Dumonts Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. By Charles Mortis. Deadwood Dick of Deadwood. By E. L. Wheeler. Old Rube, the Hunter. By Cnpt. Hamilton Holmes. Dandy Rock, the Man from Texas. Bob Rockett, the Boy Dodger. By Chas. Morris. The Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy, KB. Badger, Jr. Captain Arizona. By Philip 8. Warne. New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. By E.L. Wheeler. Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. By Ol Coomes. the Sport. By T. C. Harbaugh. Old; or, Deadwood Dick's Big Strike. By 182 188 184 185 186 187 188 189 By G. Wa do Browne. By Jos. 140 141 142 148 By Oli Coomes. Dendly Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Little Grit, the Wild Pider. The Tiger of Taos, The Cattle King, By Frank Dumont. Nobby Nick of Nevada. By Edward L. Wheeler. Thunderbolt Tom. By Harry St. George, Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner. The Mad Miner. By G. Waldo Browne. The Sea Trailer. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Dandy Darke; or, The vra ef High Pine. By W. R, Eyster. Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo, By +. Whooler. The Boy,Trallers, By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Gold Plume, the Boy Bandit By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Will Wildfire In the Woods, By C. Morris. Ned Temple, the Border Boy. By T.C. Harbaugh. Deadwood Dick’s Doom, By E. L. Wheeler. Patent-Leather Joe's Defeat, By Philip. S, Warne. Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker, By Col. P. Ingraham, Bob Rockett, the Crackamnan. By Charles Morris. Little Murrieane, the Boy Captain. Dendwood Dick’s Dream, By EF. Tornado Tom. By T. C. Harbaugh. Buffalo Bills Bet. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, Will Wildfire Wins and Loses. Dandy Rock’s Pledge. By George W. Browne, Dendwood Dick’s Ward. By Edward L, Wheeler. The Boy Champion. By Edward Willett. Bob Rockett’s Fight for Life. By Charles Morris, Frank Morton, the Boy Hercules. By Oll Coomes. The Yankee Ranger. By Edwin Emerson. Dick Dingle, Scout. By Edward S. Ellis. Dandy Rock’s Scheme. By G. W. Browne. The Arab Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. Will Wildfire’s Plack. 177 The Boy Commander, 178 The Maniac Hunter, 179 Dainty Lance The Mystic Varksman. By J, E. Badger 180 The Boy Gold-Hunter. By T..C. Harbangh, 181 The Scapegrace Son. By Charles Mortis. 182 The Dark-Skinned Scout. By Licut. 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. Prentias Ingraham, 186 Dainty Lance and Wils Pard. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, 18? The Trapped Tiger King. By Charles Morris. 188 The Ventriloquist Detective. By Edwara L. Wheeler. 189 Old Rocky’s Boys. By Maj. Sam. 8. Hall. 190 Sim Simpkins, Scout. By James L. Bowen. 191 Dandy Rock’s Rival, By Goo, Waldo Browne. 192 Hickory Harry. By Harry St. George. 198 Detective Josh Grim. By Edward I.. Wheeler. 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 158 154, 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 168 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 Ww 172 178 174 eas) 176 By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, By Geo. Waldo Browne. By Charles Morris, By Ol Coomes. L. Wheeler. By Charles Morris, By Charles Morris. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, By Burton Saxe. 194 Prospect Pete, the Boy Miner. By Ol) Coomes. 195 The Tenderfoot Trailer. By T. C. Harbaugh, 196 The Dandy Detective. By Charles Morris, 197 Royy the Young Cattle King. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 198 Ebony Diin’a Miisk, By Frank Dumont. 199 Dictionary Nit, Detective. By T. C. Harbdtivh: 200 The Twin Horsémen. By Capt: Frederibk Whiltikor. 201 Dandy Darke’s Pards: By Wm; R. Eyster 202 Tom; the Texan Tiger. By Ol! Coomes: 208 Sam, the Office Boy. By Charles Morrisi 204 The Young Cowboy. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 205 The Fronticr Detective. By Edward L, Wheeler. 206 White Light ing or, The Boy Ally. By T. C. Marbaugh, 207 Kentuck Talbot’s Band, By Capt. Mark Witton. 208 Trapper Tom’s Castle Mystery. By Ol! Coomes. 209 The Messenger-Boy Detective. By Charles Morr's. 210 The Hunchback of the Mines. By Joseph E. Badger, Jz, 211 Little Giant and His Band. By Philip 5. Warne, 212 The Jimtown Sport. By Edward L. Whecler, 218 The Pirate’s Prize, By C. Duuning Clark, 214 Dandy Dave, of Shasta. By T. C. Harbangh. 215 The Denver Detective, By O11 Coomes. 216 The Cowboy Captain, By Col. Prentice Ingraham 217 Bald Head of the Rockies. By Moj. Sam, S. Hall. 218 The Miner Sport. By Edward L, Wheeler. 219 Buek, the Detective, By Albert W. Aiken, 220 Crack-Shot Frank. By Charles Muris, 221 Merle the Middy, By Coi. Prentiss Ingraham, 222 Rosebud Ben’s Boys. By Ol! Coomes. 228 Gold Conrad's Watch-Dogs. By T. ©. Harbaugh, 224 Frisky Fergus, theJNew York Boy. By G. L. Aiken. 225 Dick Drew, the Miner’s Son. By Edward L. Wheeler. 226 Daketa Dick in Chicago. By Charles Morris. 2LT Merle, the Boy Cruiser. By Col. Prentiss Ingraliain, 228 The Preacher Detective. By Oll Coomes. 229 Old Wickory’s Grit, By John J. Marshall, 280 Three Boy Sports. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 281 Sierra Sam, the Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. 282 Merle Monte’s Trensure. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 288 Rocky Rover Kit. By Ensign C. D, Warren. 284 Baldy, the Miner Chief. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams, 285 Jack Stump’s Cruise, By Roger Starbuck. 286 Sicrra Sam’s Double. By Edward L. Wheeler. 287 Newsboy Ned, Detective. By Charles Morris. 288 Merle Monte’s Sea-Seraper. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 289 Ben’s Big Boom, By Capt. Mark Wilton, 240 Sharp Shoot Mike. By Ol! Coomes. 241 Sierra Sam’s Sentence. By Edward L. Wheeler. 242 The Denver Detective. By T. C. Harbaugh. 248 Dutch Jan’s Dilemma. By Maj. L. W. Carson. 244 Merle Monte’s Disguise. By Col. Prenti:s Ingraham, 245 Bualdy’s Boy Partner. By Edward S. Ellis. 246 Detective Keen’s Apprentice, By Charles Morris, 247 The Girl Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler. 248 Giant George’s Pard. By Buckskin Sam, Ready October 10. Ranch FP ob’s Wild Ride. Ready October 17. Merle Monte’s Pardon. Ready October 24. ‘ : The Deaf Detective. By Edward Willetts Ready October 31. 249 By T. C. Harbaugh. 250 By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 251 Issued Every Wednesday. Beadle’s Pocket 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 William Street, New York, i ‘ ‘