Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 3) (1884 01 30)
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Tris , Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams * Vol, I, eak No. 98 witllisc ta NEw sant me ive Cents: No, 3, (HE A'LYING YANKEE; DHE. OCH AN: OUTDO. —__-—— @———____ BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM. — THREE-QUARTERS OF A MILE ASTERN. WAS KEEPING UP A RAPID FIRE UPON THE FLYING VESSEL,
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- clouds that, couch-like, ap The Flying Yankee; THE OCEAN OUTCAST. BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM. CHAPTER I. ‘THE RETURN IN IRONS. Ons pleasant autumn afternoon, in the year 18—, an armed vessel, flying the American flag, was ma- estically sailing toward the land, and heading fora ven Within the rock-bound harbor of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Before a steady four-knot breeze, and with all her canvas spread to greet the welcome wind that filled her sails, the ocean warrior glided on, ever and anon changing her course in a manner that indicated that her helmsman had a perfect knowledge of the cir- cuitous channel. Astern, the sea was each moment darkening be- neath the approach of night, while ahead, the west was a perfect halo of light, for the sun was near its setting, and lit up with prismatic hues th» masses of ared to await the retir- of the brilliant god of day. ‘hough several miles yet lay between the vessel and ber destined haven of safety and rest, her decks were crowded with officers and crew, all gazing with interest upon the outlined land, with the glittering spires of Portsmouth in the distance, for in the city wi who were anxiously watching and wait- ere many A ing for the return home of the bold mariners who had so long roamed in foreign seas. Though joy shone on nearly every face on the ves- sel’s decks, yet it was a joy mingled with sadness, and a certain awe, as ever and auon the eye of officer and seamen would turn from the autumn-tinged forests of the land, and fall upon a shrouded casket resting amiiships, infolded in a large flaz, and upon either side of which paced a marine with solemn tread; for beneath the ensign rested a human form whom the loud and ringing ery of ‘ Land ho!” ha not startled into busy action; whose eyes gazed not longingly homeward; for the pulse of life had been Stilled by the icy touch of death. _ Above the decks of the vessel—which was a larg? brig-of-war, well armed ani manned, and stained with the rude buffets received in a lonz voyage—tho flags floated at half-mast. a sad tiding to those wh» wi ed her proach from the lind, that, mingle] with their joy at her return, was a cup of bitterness to be drank in memovi :m of one or more of her brive crew, gone to that haven beyond the blue skies where storms are never known. Shortly after suaset the brig-of-war dropped anchor off the town; her siils were quickly furled, and a few moments after a six-oared barge left her side, containing an officer, midshipman and cox- ain, besidss the seamen, and rowed rapidly toward the main pier. “Shove off from the shore, Pierson, and lie on your oars; under no circumstances hold communi- cation with the townspeople until my return,” said the officer, in a low tone, to the coxswain. as he sprung upon the shore and beckoned the midship- man to follow him. < ‘Silently and rapidly through the dimly-lighted streets of Portsmouth, the officers walked, as if familiar with them, until they came to the main thoroughfare, whereon stood a large brick mansion. -“The commodore ha’ company, doubtless, Cal- vin,” said the elder officer, as the two entered the goigear snd glanced upon the windows, which shed eine laze of light, whilemerry voices came from | “Yes, sir; it’s a pity to mingle grief with plea- sure,” answered the young reefer, as he raised the brass knocker and let it fall with a heavy bang. The Flying Yankee. A negro servant in livery opened the door, and Ce the uniforms of the visitors, said, po- itely: : * Walk in, gentlemen; the dancing is about to egin, “We are not here for enjoyment, my man; lead us to a room where we can see Commodore Cutting in private,” quickly answered the lieutenant, for such rank the light shining upou his uniform showed him to hold; and in Stedience the servant Jed the way into a small room upon the left of the hallway, and bidding the gentlemen be seated, asked: ‘Who am I to tell the commodore wishes to see m? “Say simply two officers.” “Yes, sir,” and the black disappeared, and in five minutes more the door opened, and there entered a man of massive frame and distinguished bearing, clad in the uniform of a United States naval officer. “Hal am I to welcome home again Lieutenant Ainslie, of the Vulture, and you also, Mr. Bernard?” said Commodore Cutting, aS he advanced into the room and gave each visitor bis hand, in a frank, cordial manner, “Yes, commodore; the brig has just dropped anchor, after two years’ absence from home,’ said Lieutenant Alden “Ainslie, a young man of fine appearance, with a manly form and open, Caring face, bronzed by long exposure at sea. “Then why came not Captain Duncan, to report, in person, his arrival?’ “Commodore Cutting, it is with pain I inform you that Captain Duncan is dead.” exer ! Horace Duncan dead? When did he ie?’ “He met his death ere we sailed from Havana, sir, and his body now lie: upon the brig, for I deter- mined to briny it home for burial.” “Tt was kind of you, sir; but, lieutenant, you speak as if you were in command of the brig; where is her executive officer, Lieutenant Moncrief?” “T regret to say, sir, that he is aboard in irons.” “In ove? Great God! Mr. Ainslie, explain all this mystery; Duncan dead, Moncrief in irons, and you in cominand of the brig?” “Boar with me, Commodore Cutting, and T will explain all; and to do so, will say that a coldness ex- isted between Captain Duncan and Lieutenant Mon- erief from the day of our sailing from Portsmouth. “The cause of this ill-feeling | am ignorant of, but will state plainly that the captain, upon numerous occasions, was very severe in his manner toward Noel Moncrief, who, in the eyes of all else aboard ship, certainly did his duty; but, be that as in may, five weeks ago, in Havana, while Captain Duncan and Lieutenant Moncrief were ashore, and I in com- mand of the brig, Mr. Bernard, here, came to meand informed me that Lieutenant Moncrief had slain Captain Dunean in a duel.” “Killed bis superior officer in a duel? Do I hear right, Mr. Ainslie?” **Yes, Commodore Cutting; Captain Duncan and Lieutenant Moncrief met at the American coffee- house ashore, words passed between tem, and the result was a challenge—” * Who sent the challenge?” “Lieutenant Moncrief gave it.’” “Bad, very bad,” muttered the old commander, musingly. “Yes, sir, I fear so; but I will let Mr. Bernard re- late the circumstances, as he was the second of Lieutenant Moncrief.” “Indeed! A vretty pass are our midshipmen com- ing to! You. then, carried the challenge, sir?” and Commodore Cutting turned sternly upon the young reefer, who unflinchingly met his gaze, and replied in & firm voice: “There was no challenge carried, sir; I was with Lieutenant Moucrief, when we met Captain Duncan and a French officer, the commander of a man-of- war then in the harbor.
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ee The Flying Yankee, 3 “Captain Duncan made some remark to Mr. Mon- erief; what it was, I do not know, and the lieutenant answered: ‘**Tf you were a brave man, Captain Duncan, you would give me a chance to resent your language and conduct toward me.’ “*T will do so when and whére you please,’ an- peered Captain Duncan, and Lieutenant Moncrief replied: *** As we sail to-night, let it be now; you have a friend with you, and, with your permission, Midship- man Bernard will act for me.’ “** He has my permission; so let us take a car- riage and drive out of the city’s walls, for we wear our swords,’ “** Ay, ay, sir,’ answered Mr. Moncrief, and half an hour afterward we were in a retired spot near Ha- vana, and I, having arranged the preliminaries with the French officer, Captain Duncan and Lieutenant Moncrief were soon engaged in a fierce encounter.” of By Heaven! this is a strange and sad affair.”’ "Yes, sir, and one I was powerless to interrupt; but, to continue: Lieutenant Moncrief soon disarmed Captain Duncan and spared his life; but the captain demanding another bout, the lieutenant ran him through the heart in a very few minutes.” “Terrible! terrible! Our bravest and best officers thus destroying their lives and their reputations; but go on, sir,” “Timmediately returned to the city with the body of the captain, and going aboard ship inf rmed Lieu- tenant Ainslie of what had happened, and he went to the hotel where Lieutenant Moncrief told me he would await him.” “Yes, commodore,”’ said Lieutenant Ainslie, “I immediately went ashore and ordered Captain Dun- can’s body to be embalmed, for removal home, and found Lieutenant Moncrief awaiting me.” “ He did. not attempt to escape, then?” “*No, sir; he surrendered himself, and of course I was compelled to put him in irons, to bring him back for trial.” “You did right. sir; it is a sad affair, and will bring great gloom upon our community; but, Mr. Bernard, though Ido not censure you as much as I did at first, still you are not exonerated from blame in this matter, and I command you to return to your ship, ana there consider yourself a prisoner until further orders.” The young reefer bowed without a word, and turned to leave the room, while the lieutenant, who was about to follow, was called back by the com- modore, ; “The news you bring has cast a damper on my evening, Mr, Ainslie, for we were having a little mer- rymaking in my parlors; but I still would be glad of your company.’ “Thanks, commodore: I had better return aboard ship, for there are those present who would eagerly ask about the captain and lieutenant ” “True, true; let the matter be kept quiet until the morrow, and then I will come on board. Poor, poor Duncan; poor, poor Moncrief; I feel deeply, alike for the living and the dead,” and so saying, the vete- ran commodore, and commander of the naval forces in and about Portsmouth harbor, warmly shoot the hand of the young lieutenant, and after seeing him depart, returned to the gayeties within doors, CHAPTER II. MONCRIEF MANOR. art of the present century, there stood upon the shores of a beautiful, forest-encircled bay, afew miles above the city of Portsmouth, a lordly old mansion built of stone, and surrounded by majestic trees and rolling green lawn, that ended only at the waterside to the eastward, and stretched away landward for miles, for it was a grand old estate, the home of one of the proudest and wealthiest of New England families. . With every comfort and luxury that riches could In the early poccbase, lived in that stately mansion Governor oncrief and his two sons, Noel and Clarence strangely alike in appearance, but totally differen in character; for Noel, who was the elder, was gen- erous and noble, while Clarence was of a more studious nature, gentle as a woman in manner, and loved his books more than his horse, hounds, and guns, Left a widower seven years after his marriage, Governor Moncrief had seemed almost broken- hearted at the Joss of his wife, and resigning his high official position, had retired to his country seat, to devote himself to the careful training of his sons, and that they might have every advantage for their cultivation, physically and mentally, he engaged for them instructors in literature, fencing, riding, and filled the library with all kinds of books; the study- hall with guns, pistols and swords, and the stables with horses, while upon the bay were a yacht, sail- boats and row-boats without number. Thus was nothing neglected in the training of these two youths, and when Noel had reached his six- teenth year, he was an adept in every manly sport, as well as a fair scholar, whiie Clarence was more studious, yet still a proficient in using sword or pis- tol, sailing a boat, or managing a horse, The result of this training caused Noel to urge bis father to get him into the navyas a midshipman, and such a berth the influence of Governor Mon- crief easily obtained for his son, and thus at seven- teen, the eldest brother had entered the service at Eis country, leaving Clarence at home with his ather, Five years passed away after the departure of Noel ere the young officer again trod bis native soil, for the vessel to which he had been ordered upon receiving his appointment, bad sailed for the Medi- terfanean sea, from whence, after a cruise of two years, it had been sent to the South American wa-- ters to make warupon the piratical crafts which had of late been attacking American commerce, As soon as the anchor had been dropped in the Portsmouth harbor, Noel, who was a great favorite with his commander and brother officers, as well as the crew, obtained leave to take a four-oared cut- ter and row up to the homestead, preferring to go that way to driving out with a hired team across. country. It was just after dark when the cutter shoved away from the side of the frigate. and furnishing the men with a hearty supper, plenty of grog, anda comfortable night's lodging, they bent with vigor to their oars and soon left the lights of the city far astern, and wended their way rapidly along the darkly-wooded shores, Noel at the helm, On glided the boat for an hour or more, and then turned into the bay that washed the shores whereon the mansion stood, and ere long the lights from the windows gleamed brightly over the waters, welcom- ing the wanderer bome after bis years of absence. ‘Rest on your oars, men," suddenly ordered Ned; as he was obeyed, and the steady, dash of the blades in the water and click, click in the row locks ceased, there came wafted upon the summer wind over the quiet bay the sound of a bird-Jike voice singing some beautiful ballad, while also distinctly h , was the low thrumming of a guitar, Entranced, all listened to the strains of melody floating on the wind, now rising clear ana ringing, now falling low and thrilling. “A strange, strange sound; a woman's voice in Moncrief Manor,” said Noel, half-aloud, and then having waited some moments after the song ceased, as if longing for its renewal, he quietly ordered: “Give way, men.” Once again came the steady stroke and dash, and once again the cutter glided rapidly along, Noel heading her toward a sniall pier, hidden almost by the darkly-overhanging forest. “ Lawrence, I wish to met Lito them with my un- expected presence, so await here until I return, for you,” he said, springing ashore as the boat touched,
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4 The Flying Yankeo. “Ay, ay, lieutenant, and a happy welcome to you,” answered the coxswain. “Yes, sir, the same to you from us,” said the men, “Thank you, one and all, my Jads, and I assure you ahearty welcome will be given you also,” and with alight tread and joyful heart, the young officer walked rapidly over the grounds in the direction of the mansion. As he placed his foot upon the first step of the broad stairway, there came once more the low notes of a guitar, and again the same rich voice of a wo- man welled forth upon the air, and this time singing a ballad dear to his childhood years, and one which he had often heard his mother sing. “Who can she b3?’ he murmured, as she ceased, and then he continued: “Be she old or young, ugly or beautiful, married or single, I love her for the music in her voice; but ifI stand here I shall never know,” and so saying he walked gently up the stairway, and stood upon the broad piazza that encircied the mansion. Through an open winJow his eyes f-ll upon the form of a maiden, seaved upon a low divan and holding upon her lap a guitar, over the strings of which fingers were idly eh peta _ The form was that of a maiden of seventeen, per- ‘Aaaps, with eyes of the deepest blue, lashes long, dark and sweepivg, and a brow arched and well marked; the complexion wag pure, white aid Wean- tifully tinted wita health, the features perfect in mold, the teeth pearl-white and shining between the ruby lips, which were parted as she warbled a few sweet notes. The form was graceful, slight and beautiful, though a shadow above the average hight of beauti- ful women, while the hair hung in golden masses around h:r shoulders, for she had unloosened it fro:n the siiver comb that lay upon the divan beside er Noel stood like one spellbound and gazed upon this vision of beauty before him, and his eyes drank in loveliness he bad never before beheld in all his wanderings. With the impulsiveness of his nature, he sprung nant suddenly before the young girl, and said, » gallantly: ‘Has the Moncrief Manor become a Paradise, that T behold an angel dwelling here?” With a slight start and a quic vound the maiden Se upon her fest, her beautiful eyes staring with eer-like wonder: but, asif realizing her position, that she had only been surprised by an exceedingly handsome young man. with superb form, flashing, earnest eyes, an darkly-bronzed face, that blended well with the brown mustache and waving hair, she answered, mischievously, while she gazed upon his uniform: “ W-re the Moncrief Manor a Paradise, sir, one of your cloth must certainly have gotten astray to cross its portals,” *T ery you mercy, sweet angel—” “My nam> is Eve, Sir Flatterer.” “Eve, Eve! Then I do not wonder at Adam paviog been tempted to partake of the forbidden “Worse and worse! I declare you are incorrigible; but, joking aside. 1am Eve Eldred, a ward of Goy- ernor Moncrief, and you are—” “ Who, fair lady?” “Noel Moncrief.” “True; I have but just returned home, to find a ‘bright change has come over the mansion, for I knew not of your presence here, a presencs that I Know has brought sunshine upon the old home- “There, no more compliments, Mr. Moncrief; but come in and allow me to do the honors in the ab- sence of your father, whom, I presume, you have not met as you come alone.” “No; he is not here then?” * “No; he left an hour since, as he learned from a servant a man-of-war was coming up the harbor and. he expected your vessel home about this time.” “Yes, she has just dropped anchor in front of the town; but Clarence. my brother, where is he?” “You are indeed like a stranger inas'range land, not to know your brother entered the navy a year since. “Gone into the navy, Miss Eldred? Why, what could have come over the boy to have thus changed his views?” “Tr must h@ve been hearing of your distinguished services and rapid promotion,” replied the maiden, archly, and then, she continued quickly: “T hear wheels upon the drive; your father has returned,” A moment after, a tall dignified man stepped from a carriage and quickly ascended the stairway, the next moment to greet with a warm, fatherly wel- come his long-absent son. “Stand off, Noel, and let me look upo. you. Why, you are now a& magnificent-looking man, even if, our fether does say it; and, boy. I am proud of you, «r_your gallant services are known to all; but low 1s it I find you here, when I went to meet you?” “T came in a cutter from the vessel, sir; and that reminds me, I must look after the comfort of my men, who now await me at the pier.” “Certainly; let Thomas go after them and give them supper and comfortable quart rs. Eve, my dear, will you tell Thomas, and also see to preparing tea for this wanderer?” “Certainly, sir; | was just intending to do so, when you arrived,” answered the young girl, as she arose and left the room. “Pather, to what lucky circumstance do you owe the presence of that lovely creature in the mansion?” asked Noel, as she disappeared. “Ha, my boy, you are also doomed, fear. Sha is the daughter of General Eldred, who you know was a distinguished officer in the Revolution, and upon his deathbed, two years ago, he made me her guardian, and she is an heiress. “This is vacation, and she is now at the mansion for the second time; the first time, Clarence had just come home from college, and they became great friends.” “Clarence is in the navy, Miss Eldred tells me.” “Yes; he gave me no rest until I obtained a position for him, and he is @w on a fore'gn cruise; but, really, I believe Eve drove him there, for she doats on the service, and spoke so highly of you—” “ Of me, father?” ““Yes, it was about the time you captured that pirate schooner, with accounts of which the papers were full, and, finding that Eve-would not love him, poor Clarence left home to endeavor to forget her, or to strive to win her by a gallant naval career; but, here she comes. and I warn you, Noel, not to let her steal your heart, for every man in Ports- mouth is in love with her.” “T do not doubt it, sir,’ answered Noel, as he obeyed the call of Eve, and entered the supper- reo where he found a substantial meal-awaiting m. CHAPTER MII. THE FALSE FRIEND Upon account of their long eruise, the officers of the man-of-war, to which Noel Moncrief was at- tached, were given by the Secretary of War a leave of absence for three months, and this time the young lieutenant intended passing at home, in the society of his father and the Jovely Eve. in whoin, at first sight, he had been most deeply interested. With a character as lovely as her person, Eve Eldred had won the hearts of all who knew her, young or old, Young, beautiful, an heiress, it was not to be won- dered at that Eve soon found herself surrounded by hosts of admirers. But to all the maiden had turned a deaf ear, a}-
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- od though some surmised that Clarence Moncrief would be the fortunate winner of the prize. True, he was her most constant companion, and seemed to idolize her very footprints: but then it was natural for Lim to be much with_her, 2s, being the adopted daughter of Governor Moncrief, the two were daily associates. Yet Eve Eldred bestowed upon Clarence Moncrief only the affection of a sister, and this the young man soon discovered, to his great mortification, while he listened with real ill-feeling to her praises of his brother Noel, then absent in the service of his coun- try. At length, finding that his love appeared hopeless, Clarence determined to strive to win the heart of the fair maiden beneath the uniform of a naval offi- cer, and gave his father no rest until he had gained fcr him a position in the navy, which the governor had obtained through his great influence with gov- ernment, although the young man was rather too old for the berth of a midshipman, Delighted at his success, Clarence had left home, and, a year before the return of Noel, had departed upon a foreign cruise, hoping that upon his return, he would be able to win Eve to love him. Yet, though Eve had turned a listless ear to the en- treaties of Clarence, it was soon evident that the handsome, daring brother, Noel Moncrie , wes not indifferent to her, for hardly had the young lieuten- ant been at home a month ere the two were deeply in love, the one with the other, so rapidly does love work havoc in the human heart. Eve accompanied Noel on horseback-rides, drives, boating excursions, and even went hunting with him sometimes, while for indoor amusement they sung together, for both had fine voices, sketched togeth- er, for each was a fair amateur artist, and read to- gether, Tuis was dangerous sport for two young, hand- some and generous-natured people, and the result was just what Governor Moncriet predicted—a love- match that ended in an engagement. Governor Moncrief willingly gave his consent— though witha pang at thought of the pain it would cause poor Clarence upon his return; but then, he felt that Eve loved Noeland not Clarence, and there- fore no one was to blame in the matter, excepting the little god Cupid,who, in shooting his love-arrows into the heart of Clarence had instilled them with the poison of unrequited affection. The governor, however, stipulated that the maiden must return to school, where she bad before been, in New York, and complete her education, while Noel must once more start forth upon a foreign cruise, and endeavor to win the rank of a captain ere he be- came a Benedict. Both the lovers agreed to this, for Eve wished to complete her studies, and Noel was also anxious to win promotion, and already knew that he was to sail, ere long, as the executive officer of a brig-of- war, commanded by Horace Duncan, one of his most intimate friends, and he did not doubt, from the service for which the vessel was destined, but that he could win by gallant service a step bigher up the grade of promotion that would make bim a ee a be brig-of-war was then being fitted out at Ports- mouth, and two months before the time for sailing, Captain Horace Dunean arrived, to superintend in person the preparing of his vessel for sea. Horace Duncan was the senior, by ten years, of Noel Moncrief, but when on a foreign station the two had met and become great friends. although one was lieutenant and the other only a midshipman at that time. Captain Duncan was an able officer, had distin- guished himself upon several occasions, and though proud and severe, was nevertheless quite popular with his messmates and crew. Possessing a striking appearance, and a fair amount of wealth, and family influence toa great extent, he had a brilliant career before him in the The Flying Yankee. & service of his country, and his heart throbbed with pride and pleasure when he received orders to take command of the brig-of-war. ~ Arriving at Portsmouth, he was doubly rejoiced to find that Noel Moncrief was to be second in com- mand, for he well knew the worth of his young friend, while glad to meet again his former com- panions Noel had at once invited him to Moncrief anor, to become his guest until the day set for sailing, saying he could drive or row to the city every day, to look after the fitting out of the brig. Horace Duncan readily accepted the invitation, es- pecially when it was urged by the governor, and at once removed his traps out to the mansion, Then for the first time he met Eve Eldred, and from the moment of that mceting became her slave, for he madly loved her, But, instead of being purified by his love for tho beautiful girl, his heart became callous to tho pean of honor, and when he knew that she oved No 1, from that moment he secretly hated his fenerous-hearted lieutenant, and determined to tear a him, by fair or foul means, the maiden of his ove. With every noble impulse deacened within him, he set to work secretly to destroy the love of the maiden for Noel, and in other cases, where love was less strong,might have succeeded by his mavy innuendoes cast upon the character of his lieutenant; but, with a@ woman’s penetration and knowledge of human ua- ture, Eve saw through the work of Horace Duncan, and at once made known to Noel all that had been said, and the true character of his ef friend. Noel had not suspected aught of Horace Duncan, but when his eyes were opened to his villainy, he be- came thoroughly aroused and determined to demand an explanation of his unwarrantable conduct in thus abusing the privilege of a guest, to injure him with the woman of his love. Just as he had come to this determination, Horace Duncan entered the room, holding in his hand an of- | ficial-looking document, while he said, quickly: “Noel, I have just received orders from the Secre- tary of the Navy to sail at once for the Caribbean Sea, where I am to be sent on the service of pirate- hunting, and most fortunate is it that you are to be with me, for your knowledge of those waters is, 1 be- lieve, considerable.” Noel, Monerief choked back the words that had risen to his lips, and as the orders to depart would take Captain Duncamand himself away fem the so- ciety of Eve, he determined not to ye upon the matter to his commander, though he felt that he could never again be friends with him, “Tam glad we have to go, captain, although the orders are sudden; when do you intend to sail?” “To-morrow night; and now I must take my leave of your father and Miss Eldred, for my duties aboard ship will keep me busy,” and in half an hour more Horace Duncan was driving to Portsmouth; while his heart was filled with bitter hatred toward Noel, and the determination to, in some way, get rid of him during the voyage, that he might return and claim Eve as his bride. The next morning Noel bade farewell to his father and Eve, and by noon was on bourd the briz-of-war, which soon ufter weighed anchor, and stood out 0: the harbor br fore a light breeze. Gliding quietly along, while her captain was in the cabin, preparing bis last dispatches to send ashore by the pilot, Noel, who was in command of the deck, descried a small fishing skiff standing out from the coast, and heading so as to meet the brig. In the skiff were two persons, one of whem stood in the bow and waved toward the brig, as if to at- tract the attention of those on board. “Let her luff, helmsman; more yet, for I would speak yonder boat,” said Noel, and in a few mo- ments the light skiff was alongside and a rope thrown to the occupants. “Well, sir, what excuse have you for boarding one of Uncle Sam’s sea warriors in this style?” said My
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6 The Flying Yankee. Noel, to one of the men who sprung upon the brig’s “T have an important letter, sir, for Lieutenant Moncrief.” “ “Ha! Tam Noel Moncrief; give it me.” The fisherman drew from his pocket a letter, and handing it to Noel, saic: “ A young lady came down to the shore on horse- back, a short while ago, and gave me the letter, and said she would give me a gold ten it I would sail out and head off the brig, so that you might get it.” “You have done well, my man, and here is a twin gold-piece for you; but hold, there may be an an- swer,” “No, sir; she went right away, and said there was no answer.” “All right; go to the mansion of Governor Mon- crief, seek the young lady, and let her know you de- livered the package.” “T will, sir; thank you, lieutenant, for the gold, and a pleasant cruise and safe return to you,” an- swered the fisherman, politely, as he sprung into his skiff, which at once fell astern of the brig. Too thorough an officer to neglect his duties to read what he believed only a last kind word from Eve, Noel devoted himself wholly to the care of the brig until she was heading on her southward course, when he called to Lieutenant Ainslie, the next offi- cer in command, and bade him hold the deck while he went to his owm state-room. There he hastily broke the seal and read in the handwriting of Eve, as follows: “ Monorizr Manor. “My Own Nort:—Believing there would be no fur- ther communication with the shore, Captain Horace Duncan had the impudence to send me tho note which I inclose for your perusal. * Determined to prove to you his falsity as a man of honor and a friend, I have ordéred my horse, to ride to a point on the coast which I know the brig will pass, to send this to you id some fisherman. ut, Noel, promissa me, I beg of you, that you will only act toward Captain Duncan as his superior rank demands, and in no way allow him to know the knowledge you possess. * Feeling you will do this, for my sake, and urging you to guard well your life, believe me, . “Ever devotedly yours, “Eve Exvprep.” With a dark brow, Noel foldea the letter, and then turned to the one inclosed, which was written in the bold hand of Horace Dunean, and read: “Bric-or-War, VULTURE, t - Portsmouth Harbor, “Miss Eve Evprep—Lapy:—Without agvin telling you of the deep and never-changing love I feel for ou let me now, in this parting hour, and with no eeling of envy or jealousy, warn you against the man to whom you are be'rothed. “T have known Noel Moncrief for years, and dark indeed, are the stains upon his character, which, if known to you, I feel would at once cause you totear e from your memory. “Now, I cannot say more, and it is with pain I eak against one that has been my kind host; but to save you is my excuse, and believe me, upon m return home, I ee prove to you, and to the world, all that I say regarding him. “With esteem and love, ** Torace Duncan.” “Horace Duncan, a bitter ending will come to ber ye or me, for this.” r Noel glanced ue, up, and saw standing before commander, his face pale with rage. “You heard my words, Captain Duncan, and you see in my hands your letter to Miss Eldred; hence- forth between you and me only shall there be the courtesy due to duty.” ““Where did you get that letter?” “A fisherman brought it to me, an hour since.” “Then you know me, Noel Moncrief?” “Ay, that Ido, Horace Duncan; but between us let there be no quarrel, until the end of this cruise, for our services are at present devoted to our coun- try, and as my commander I will obey your every order,” and Noel gazed sternly into the face of the man before him, “ So be it.” Thus it was the good brig Vulture started forth upon her voyage, with her captain and lieutenant feeling the bitterest hatred for each other in their hearts, though outwardly there appeared to be a friendly understanding between them. CHAPTER IV. THE SEAMAN’S DEVOTION. Havina made the reader aware of the circum- stance of the flags of the brig-of-war Vulture being at half-mast, and explained who it was resting beneath the funeral canopy upon her decks, I will now con- tinue on with my story, taking up the thread where it was broken, to present to the reader’s eye those characters in this romance who are most conspicu- ously brought forward; Standing by the brig's gangway, as Lieutenant Ainslie and Midshipman Bernard descended into the cutter to be rowed ashore, was a tall, ungainly sea- man, whose appearance was only remarkable for its peculiarity. Over six feet in hight, awkwardly but alee formed, with long, swinging arms and immense breadth of chest, the man’s appearance indicated great strength, without any sign of agility, to the casual observer; but, though looking awkward and lumbering, every motion was eatlike in quickness, and his dark, restless eyes were ever on the alert. The face of the individual was even more remark- able, for the head was small, the mouth immense and overhung by an enormous nose, while the eyes were bright, large, and as beautiful in expression as a@ woman's. Who the man was, where he hailed from, or what was his name, none knew, for he had been found aboard the brig when she sailed from Portsmouth, gave no account of himself, and only said, when the paymaster asked his name: “Put me down as Stranger, please, sir.” And as Stranger he was entered upon the brig’s roll, as a first-class seaman, for such he soon proved himself to be. j Inoffensive, and holding friendly intercourse with none of the crew, the seamen soon began to gibe him upon his awkward form and ugliness, all of which Stranger bore without a word, until, upon one occa- sion, a party of his messmates made some aloe remarks upon his parentage. and as quick as a flash of light he sprang into their midst. seized the two insulters in his powerful arms, and hurled them overboard into the sea. “Man overboard!” rung the ery; the brig was brought up into the wind, a boat was lowered, and the two men were saved and brought aboard, both, however, fearfully frightened. An investigation of the matter caused Captain Duncan to order Stranger up to the mast, to be pun ished with the “ cat "—a punishment he receive‘, in spite of the earnest entreaties of Lieutenant Mon- crief, and other officers, in his behalf. Stranger took the lash without a murmur, and when released, stepped forward, took the hand of Noel Moncrief, raised it to his lips silently, and walked forward, the unaffected act causing a sneer upon the face of Horace Duncan, while others were deeply touched by this simple mode of thanks, and from that day the strange seaman became the de- voted friend of Noel Moncrief. Thus he was standing bb sag by the gangway, watching the departure of Lieutenant Ainslie for the shore, when, as the officer got into the boat, the buckle of his sword-belt broke in twain. “Here, sir, take this sword-belt into my cabin,
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The Flying Yankee. 9 and bring me another you will find lying upon the table,’ he called out, and springing forward, Stran- ger eagerly seized the belt and darted into the eabin, his face lit up with a strange light, as if of triumph. An instant cays was he gone, when he returned with the belt and handed it to the young lieutenant, who at once gave the order tothe men to let fall their oars and give way. In one of the officers’ state-rooms upon the brig, as she sailed up the harbor toward her anchorage, there was.one person seated in solemn and gloomy thought, for the return home, after a two years’ cruise, presented to him no bright side, no happy picture, True, he had won renewed honor, and his name had been mentioned for promotion, but. still his mind was clouded with thought, and his face pale and stern as he glanced through the open port, through which was run out a heavy gun The state-room was large, and contained, besides the gun, a berth, closet, and chest, while the walls roe hung round with uniforms, storm-suits, and ats. As the officer, for his dress indicated him to be such, moved to get.a better view through the port, as a change in the brig’s course brought her broad- side to the city, the sound of chains broke on the ear, and it could be seen that each arkle was encir- cled by an iron band chaining him to the floor. The man inirons was Noel Moncrief, who was re- turning to his home and native land with the blood of bis ae r officer upon his hands. “Oh, God!” he murmured, “to thus return, when only two short years ago all seemed to me so bright, and I looked forward with joy to the moment when the brig would again drop anchor here.” “Did you call, sir?’ suddenly asked a voice, and the form of a marine stood in the doorway. ‘*No, sir; close the door and keep out,’’ sternly said Noel. “T certainly heard you speak,” answered the man, suspiciously. ‘“Am I to he obeyed, sir? I ordered you to your post outside that door.” “You are not on the quarter-deck now, lieuten- ant,” said the man, menacingly, as he withdrew, muttering some unkind words to himself against the chained officer. For some time Noel cat in silence, heard the order from the deck to take in sail and lower away the stream-anchor, and shertly afterwerd saw the boat, containing Lieuterant Ainslie and Midshipman Ber- nar‘ row away toward the city. “ Yes, there they go to make my crime, as it will be called, known to the world; yet I do not blame poor Ainslie, for stern duty alone compels him to act as my foe. “Hark! listen to the hum from the city, and min- gliny with it is the sound of a brass band. * Ah’s me! I fear there is no hope for me, and that Imust die. A terrible, terrible end for one in the flush of youth.” Sucdenly he ceased, and leaning his arms upon the iron gun he rested his head thereon, and in a few moments was fast asleep. How lou he slept, he knew not, but he awoke to find that all was still around him, except the meas- ured tread of the officer of the deck, as he paced to and fro upon his lonely watch. Suddenly he was startled by a slight sound outside his door, followed by a suppressed breathing, and then a low groan, “What can it mean? The ship is at rest,” he muttered, but ere he could say more the door was port opened, and a tall form stepped cautiously within, “TLientenant Moncrief!” “Well, who is it, and what do you wish?” “Itis Stranrer. Lhave come to save you,” said the voice, in a low whisper. “T thank you, my good man; but I cannot fly.” “You will have to die, for I heard Lieutenant Ainslie and Mr, Bernard say the commodore said it would go bard with yow?? bow *T expect to die, Stranger.” : “Not if I can save you; come, let me unlock your manacles.”” ‘What, you have the keys?” “Yes, for I knew where the lieutenant kept them, for I saw him place them in a drawer in his eabin, and, by good fortune, to-night. he sent me there on an errand, and I secured them,” “Stranzer, you are a noble fellow, andT will not gain my liberty and leave you to suffer, as you cer- tainly would have to do.” / “1 will go with you, lieutenant, for I would give my life for you,” answered the seaman, honestly, * And whither, my man?” “ Anywhere, sir, where you would go, Come, Mr, Moncrief, you are young, handsome and rich; the world is before you, and there are parts of it where you could go and live in happiness, and if you re- main here you will have to die like a dog, merely be- cause you punish:d a man who had made himself your bitterest foe.” Noel Moverief was dumb with surprise, to hear a man. whom he looked upon as a common seam: speak thus, and use language wholiy free from the forecastle style, and, as if momentarily forgetting his own dangerous position, be said: “Stranger, you are not what you seem; you have seen better days.” “Ay, have 1, Lieutenant Moncrief, and there will come a day when I will make known to you my life; but time presses and we must fly.” “No. good Stranger, I will not fly; I will remain and stand my trial, and bravely meet my end, I thank you for this noble act nes part, so re- turn at once ere you are discovered.” ““[t is too late sow to retreat.” 2 ob Wane what mean you? Were you seen to come ere?" ‘No, but you forget the marine.” : bs Ha! what of him? how did you pass the man en uty?” ‘ “That sentinel’s off duty forerer!” “What! is he dead?” asked Noel, in a low tone. “Ay, ay, sir. Islew him, and if youdo not fly I will remain and suffer with you.” Noel Moncrief dropped his head in his hands and pondered a moment, and then said: “Stranger, my good man, you have conquered for though I would not fly to save myself, I know I remain both of us must die, and you shall not suf- fer death for me. Unlock my manacles.” Gladly the seaman released Noel of his chains, and then, stepping forward, he loc: ed the state-room door, and drew from beneath his shirt a short rope which he fastened to the gun-carriage. i Now slip down quickly into the water, lieuten- ant,”’ “You go first.” Without a word the seaman gently and noiselessly lowered himself into the water, and the next mo- ment was fo.lowed by Noel. **Now let us float with the tide, which is setting in,” whispered Stranger, and releasing their hol upon the rope the two men were borne swiftly away up the harbor, undiscovered by the officer of the deck, as he leaned idly upon a gun and gazed toward the sleeping town. CHAPTER V. THE SADDEST BLOW OF ALL, Arrer swimming for half an hour Noel and his pres»rver reached the shore, at a point where there were several fishing skiffs anchored, and, a sudden ce flashing across his mind, the young liew E said: , ** Stranger, let 1s take one of these boats, for the wind and tide are both fair, and in a short while Iean: run up to Moncrief Manor, for I cannot decide upon
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my future until I have held conversation with one “ Ay, ay, sir,”’ answered the seaman, and in 1» mo ment more the two men were in the light skiff; the mast was stepped, the sail spread, and, with Noel at the tiller, the little craft sped on before a. stiff breeze past the quiet town, Mile after mile was passed, when Stranger, who was in the bow, said, quietly: “*T hear the sound of oars and voices in conversa- tion ahead, sir.”” * Doubtless a pleasure-party; there is no danger of our being recognized, so I'll stand on.”’ A few minutes more and there came distinctly to the ears of Novel the steady thud of oars, and a num- ber of voices mingling in conversation. “Tt is as I expected, a pleasure-party. I will luff up and pass to windward of them, and if they hail ba we are fishermen.” wvidtly the light skiff cut through the waves, and in ten minutes more was within a few yards of the boat, a large, eight-oared barge, with a canvas aw! and comfortable seats, which Noel at once recognized as belonging to Moncrisf Manor. “You answer their hail, Stranger, if they should speak us.”” - * Ay, ay, sir,” responded the seaman, and as he spoke, the sound of a man’s voice came across the water, making some lively remar« to some one in the bow of the barge. * By Heaven! that was the voice of my brother Clarence. Hoe isat home, then: and—yes. I hear her low, musical laugh. Well, it is well for her to laugh now, for ere long tears may dim her eyes, when she knows that Horace Duncan has fallen by my hand, and that [ am doomed to die for slaying him. * Poor, r Eve! Hard indeed did [strive to suf- for everything for your sake, and without a murmur I put up with his unkindness, until his last insulting remark before that French captain and Bernard, re- flecting upon your honor, caused me to resent his evil words, “ Well, the dieis cast, and branded with murder, and dishonored from the navy, I must fly whereso- ova the path of fate may lead me. Stranger!" “ We have passed them without their hailing, and T now intend to run on and land at my bome, where I will remain concealed in an arbor, to await the coming of the party from yonder boat, which con- tains my brother and other friends, “ You remain in the skiff, when I land, and I will soon return.” “Yes, sir; will you put on this sword which I brought with me under my coat? I took it from ‘our state-room with your brace of pistols, which aro 5 I see, asi rolled them up in their oiled sik ver. - “Thanks; I will take the sword and one pistol, while you keep the other.” “T have two pistols and my cutlass, sir.” “Indeed; why you were a floating arsenal, ‘Stran- ger, and swam as e as if you carried nothing. “Yes, sir, [swim well; but I brought arms, lieu- nt, thinking we ht need them.” ‘*Yes, we may need them; but here we are at the shore; so take in the sail and I'll run the skiff beneath the shadow of this tree,” said Noel, and the next instant the small boat was completely hidden beneath the overhanging branches of a aug. omer wil- low, and with a light bound the young lieutenant sprung ashore, buckled on his sword, stuck his pis- tols in his belt, and, after a word of caution to Stran- ger, walked away in the direction of the mansion, which loomed up grandly a few hundred yards dis- tans, Following the grave) path along the water's edge, Noel coed the aie pler, the monier hoaastacsiins of the mansion, an‘ a glance down the bay show him the half a mile away, pulling steadily reward while, moored against the pier-head, was a little yacht of fifteen tons, which he had had built The Flying Yankee. after a model of his own, for both speed and com- fort, andin which himself and brother had enjoyed many a cruise together, years before. “The Dart has been overhauled and refitted, I see; doubtless Clarence has brought her into service in,’ be said, as he renee on board the little schooner and walked up and down ber deck. “But yonder coms the barge, and I must hasten,” and so saying he walked on toward the mansion for a few paces, until he came to a small, ivy-grown summer-house, which he entered quietly: Soon the pleasure- barge struck the shore, for it had been delayed by stopping at several mansions along the river, to land parties who had accepted the invitation of Clarence Moncrief, to go that way to the entertainment given by Commodore Cutting, in Portsmouth. The oarsmen sprung ashore, and bidding good- night to Clarence and Eve, started rapidly home- ward along the shores of the bay, for they were fishermen living near Moncrief Manor, while the young man and maiden walked slowly arm-in-arm toward the mansion, From his place of concealment Noel watched their approach, and was about to advance to meet them, when the words spoken by his brother arrest- ed his steps. Clarence was saying: ‘Then you still persist in loving Noel?” “T do, Clarence, and it is ignoble in you to en- deavor to steal my affection from him when he is absent,” answered Eve, firmly. “Curse him! Yes, for your sake I curse my brother, and would to God he might never re- un “Clarence, this is unmanly, this is ungenerous, and I will not listen to you thus speaking of one who has ever been just and kind toward you.” “Hold, Eve Eldred! Stand here and listen to me,”” and seizing her hand, Clarence Moncrief stopped just in front of the summer-house, and continued in a low, bitter tone: “You were mine once—” “No, sir, I never loved you, except as a brother.” “You were not indifferent to me, and when l knew you liked and praised Noel, because he was in the navy, I also entered the service, hoping to gain more favor in your eyes; but, during my absence, Noel came, and stole from me your heart, and now, after three years, I come back to find you his betrothed wife; no, Eve Eldred, you shall never marry Noel Moncrief, if I have to slay him with my own hand, and be Cain-cursed forever. No, I hate him, and you shall be mine.” Never, sir!” Both started at the stern, deep voice, and glancin up saw before them the tall, manly form of Noe! oncrief, for the moon upon the wane, was just rising over the forest and fell brightly upon the spot where they stood. “Noel! thank God you have come!’ and with a gad ery Eve threw herself into his arms, whilo eres in dismay, laid his hand upon his sword- “Wait, Eve, and listen to me: ““A few hours ago the Vulture dropped anchor in Portsmouth harbor. but with no rejoicing did she re- turn after her long and successful cruise, for upon her decks ne the dead form of her captain—” “Yes, Eve, slain by my hand, in a duel, ere we left oye er God heart will break!” re my , My poor, r heart w reak ! cried Eve, while Gavenoe tices whole nature seem- ed to have turned to bitterness, said harshly: “You are a murderer, then, sir?” “Listen to me, sir! Eve, thisis no time for tears, for I would have you hear me.. “Yes, I slew him, after first disarming him, and giving him his life; for months 1 bore with him for your sweet sake, and had he not at length spoken evil of you, I would have still suffered on until our
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The Flying Yankee. 9 return home: but, he went too far: he fellby my hand, and I was brought home in irons. ‘*An hour since, I escaped; how. it matters not, but I would not have done so, had not a noble man implicated himself in my bebalf; and, taking a skiff, Icame on bere, to make known to you and to my father all, after which I intended to seek a foreign land, where, if you loved me, I wished you to join me.’ * Noel, I will follow you to the uttermost ends of the earth,” cried Eve, passionately, as she placed her hands firmly upon his shoulder. * Never ! that woman is mie, and never shall she be the wife of another man!” and drawing his sword Clarence leaped forward. ‘Brother, put up your weapon, for I would not cross blades with you, even though your words this night tell me that in hate me, and that you no longer love me,” said Noel, softly. “No, Sir Murderer, I hate you, for you have taken from me the love of Eve Eldred!” ani with a bitter cry ns hatred, Clarence sprung forward with drawn sword, ‘Oh, God, have mercy, but this is terrible!” cried Eve, covering her face with her hands. “Stand aside, Eve; I will not burt him,” said Noel, and quickly drawing his sword, the two blades crossed, flashed for one instant in the moonlight, ee ne weapon of Clarence was struck from his nd, With another cry of hatred, he drew a pistol, and fired it full in the face of his brother, but, anticipat- ing it, Noel struck it up with his sword, and the passed above bis head. Instantly the hand of Clarence again sought his belt for another pistol; but quickly Noel sprun forward. and bis sword passed through the body o his pees who fell with a stifled moan to the und, * ‘*Eve, | have killed him. Now I care not to live.” “Noel. you must live. vias for already I hear the house alarmed, For my sake fly.” “Whither?” “Come with me, sir; quick, or escape will be im- ossible.”’ said the stern voice of Stranger, who had eeeened to the spot when he heard the noise. “No, good Stranger, save yourself, and here is my belt_of gold.” “No, sir, you must come with me,” answered the seaman, firmly. “Yes, for my sake, fly. Noel,” and Eve threw her arms around him with passionate earnestness. One close embrace, and then, led by Stranger, ea strode rapidly away in the direction of the skiff. “Yonder is a yacht; let us take that, for then we have some chance.” “Allright. my man; it belongs to me,’ and the excitement of escape causing him to, momentarily, forget the deed his hand had wrought, and the mis- ery he had left behind him, Noel sprung on board the little vessel, already mentioned as moored to the plers the sails were raised with lightning rapidity, he hawsers cast loose, and, feeling the wind, the graceful Dart swung clear of the dock, and with her master at the helm stretched across the bay, just as a glance astern showed that an alarmed crowd from the mansion had arrived at the spot, where lay the body of Clarence Moncrief, with Eve Eldred standing in an agovy of grief beside it. CHAPTER VI. THE FLIGHT FOR LIFE. Commopornr Curtina was so much distressed at the sad news brought him by Lieutenant Ainslie. for both Captain Duncan and Noel Moncrief he greatly liked, that he determined, as soon as the guests had departed, to go aboard the biig and see Norl, to endeavor to glean from him all rarticulars in his favor, rerarding the duel and its fatal termination. So deciding, he escorted the party, who bad been his guests, down to the water’s edge where the , through a kind- larence that his barge awaited them, and re ness of heart. from informing brother had been brought home in irons, he merely asked him to come in with his father, at an early hour the following morning, as he was desirous of seeing them upon a matter of great importance. Clarence promised, and bidding the» commodore ood-night, the barge shoved off. and the crew, sing- Z & merry song in chorus, headed up the river. Returning to bis mansion he sat down to write some dispatches, and then calling to his servant, or- dered his private cutter to await his coming at the foot of the street. “Yes, I will go on board and learn fully all about this sad affair, so that in the morning 1 can make known the full particulars to his father and brother. Poor, rash boy! I fear he must die,” and so saying, the commodore wrapped himself up in his heavy cloak, and putting on a slouch hat, walked down to the river, where he found the boat in readiness, Seating himself in the stern-sheets, he said, sim- vs “Give way, men; coxswain, steer for the brig-of- war anchored below, and mind you, do not let it be known to the crew who I am.” “Ay, ay, sir,’ answered the coxswain; and with measured stroke the cutter moved away, and in a short time was hailed from the Vulture, with: ‘* Boat, ahoy!” “Dispatches for the commander,” answered the commodore. * Come alongside.” “Ay, ay,” and the next instant Commodore Cut- ting s on the deck of the Vulture, and was met by Lieutenant Ainslie, who recognizing him immedi- ately, conducted bim into the cabin. “Ainslie, I could not sleep, so I have come on board to have a talk with you and poor Moncrief." “*T am glad to see you, commodore, Be seated, sir, and I will send for him,” politely answered the Mri lieutenantr “No, Lwould not be seen by the crew. Go for him, and also bring young Bernard, for if there is ou “I thank you, Commodore Cutting, and I trust sincerely Moncrief may be spared, for a better officer or nobler man never lived,” answered the lieutenant, warmly, as he went to the table draw- one search for the keys that unlocked Noel’s man- acles. “Strange, I always keep them here,”’ he muttered, thoughtfully. ‘* What is it?” “*T cannot find the keys to release the prisoner: they were bere just before I went ashore to see you.” “Quick, go to his state-room,” said the commo- dore, excitedly, and oe the cabin, Alden Ainslie returned the next instant, his face as pale as death, and exclaimed: ‘Commodore Cutting, Lieutenant Moncrief has escaped. ‘Gone? Impossible!” said the commodore, spring- ing to his feet, “It is true. sir, and would that were all; but the ard who was over him lies dead by the door, hav- ing been stabbed to the heart,” “Great heavens! Lieutenant Ainslie, this must be looked to. Come, let us to the deck; have the men called to quarters, and if possible the fugitive must be overbauled, for it is a lasting disgrace to a man- of-war to be thus bearded.” Quickly ascending to the deck. accompanied b; the commodore, Lieutenant Ainslie gave orders call the men to quarters, and then the two descended to the gun-deck, where the form of the dead marine any hing in favor of the poor fellcw, I would find it — was found, and the rope hanging from the ed ner had port proved the mauner in which the priso; escaped. Z te has been aided in this; let us to the deck,” and once more ascending the quarter-deck, the com- modore called out;
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ais 10 The Flying Yankee. ‘Who is officer of the deck?” “I am, commodore; Mr, Bennett took my place when [ went into the cabin with you,” answered Lieutenant Ainslie. “Mr, Bennett, have you seen aught going on that is a clew to this escape of the prisoner?” “No, commodore; yonder schooner-yacht passed us shortly after on went below, giving us a wide berth,” answered the officer, pointing as he spoke toward a white sail that was flying rapidly seaward. The eyes of all were turned toward the flying eraft, and just then a loud voice hailed from an ap- proaching skiff that came down the river: Ho, the brig-of-war!"’ **Ahoy! what do you wish?” answered Lieutenant lie. **Will you bring yonder schooner to? for those now on board of her slew Mr. Moncrief, a short while since,” came the answer. “al here isaclew! Mr. Ainslie, train a gun on the schooner, and Mr. Bennett, let fall the sails, for I will give chase if we fail to bring the yacht to,” said the commodore, and he then called to the men to come alongside. “Well, sir, now give us all the knowledge you have about this matter,” said Commodore Cutting, stern- ly, as the occupants of the skiff, two in number, as- cended to the ’s deck. “*Well, sir, we be fishermen, and was in the barge that brougnt Mr. Moncrief and his party down to the merrymaking at your house to-night, and when we got to the mansion again we started to our homes, and had gone but a little way when we heard a pistol-shot, so we ran back to where we had -left Master Clarence and Miss Eve, and we saw the base yonder swinging away from the pier, and on er deck was two men, one in an officer’s uniform, and the other a great big fellow, looking like a sea- man. “Well, sir, we ran up to where the servants was crowded in a knot, having come down from the “mansion, and we saw Master Ciarence lying on the : d with a sword-wound in his side, and Miss ve was fainted and held up by the governor—” “What is that you say, Lieutenant Ainslie?” in- ‘terrup'ed the commodore, quickly, turning toward “the young officer who was clearing a gun aft. “Tsay, sir, that in the present position of the brig, “no gun can be brought to bear upon the schooner.’ - “hen, slip the cable and give chase, and with a . Do you hear, men? Lively to your work!” cried Commodore Cutting, and he again turned to the fishermen and said sternly: ‘‘Go on, sir, with our Aa : ) sirs well, you see, Jake, here, and me knew eves, who it was— - “Whowas it?” “T mean we knew who it was had done the deed was them as was running away in the yacht, so we went down to the shore and there we found the skiff alongside, which we knew belongs to some fishermen here in the town, so we jumped into it and gave - chase after the schooner, sir, and that’s all we know.” “T thank you, my men; now go back to your skiff, and if we overhaul the murderer, you shall -not be forgotten for your promptness; who did you say was abseut from the vessel, Mr. Bennett?” ~ “A seaman who hails only to the name of Stran- ger; he has left the brig since dark.” “'phen he it was who aided Lieutenant Moncrief -in his escapy; and, Ainslie, sad as it appears, I fear bie shall find that another crime bas been perpetra- ted by Noel, for did you observe, the fishermen re- marked that the two men who fled in the yacht were an officer and a seaman, as the moonlight “plainly showed?” ~ “Yes, sir, I noted it.” ~o * Well, what do you make out of it all?” __ “I know not what to say; there she swings round and feels the wind. Clear those bow-guns there, and as soon as you can get range, send a ball after yonder schooner,” * Ay, ay, sir.” “Commodore Cutting, your barge is still along. side,” said a reefer, coming alt, and politely saluting his superior, “True, Lhad forgotten,” and stepping to the lee of the brig, he said: “Coxswain, cast off and row back; let the ladies at home know where I am, and say I expect to re- turn soon,” “Ay, ay, sir,” and the cutter dropped rapidly astern, just as a bright glare illumined the bows of the brig, the deep voice of a gun reared angrily forth upon the still night air, and reverberated through the quiet streets of the town. “Stranger, the brig is in full chase; doubtless the skiff we saw astern of us has let them know who we are,” said Noel Moncriet, calmly, as he stood at the helm of the little yacht, and held her on her course with steady hand, “Yes, sir, she is in earnest, for yonder comes a gun; but it was aimed wildly,” answered the sea- man, as the shot flew far to windward. “They'll improve by practice, and the moonlight is in their favor.” “No, lieutenant; if the gunners of those bow-guns know it is you that stands on this schooner’s deck, take my word for it, their shots will all tly wild, for there are few mea in yonder brig but would risk their lives to Save you." “Still we must endeavor all in our power to es- cape; with our present breeze I believe she will bear her topsails and flying-jib.”’ “ Ay, ay, sir,” and Stranger sprung forward, and in a few moments had set the extra canvas, The yacht was a mile below the town, and the brig, three-quarters of a mile astern, was keeping up a rapid fire upon the flying vessel, but with no other effect than to send the balls over and around her, oc- easionally striking near enough to throw a shower of spray upon the decks. As Noel watched the brig, however, he saw that, thourh the yacht was a fast sailer, she was being steadily overhauled by her pursuer who was vow covered with canvas from her topmasts to her decks, and he felt assured that, as soon as his little eraft had to stagger through the waves of the ocean, she would soon be taken. Still his nerve did not fail, nor was there a tremor of his hand upon the tiller, as he urged his little ves- sel on, his eyes glancing ahead and then astern. The yacht had now reached a part of the harbor where the channel runs to the east of Great Island, taking a circuitous route for more than a mile, and Noel was about to follow its devious course, when a shot from the brig carried away the schooner’s fore- topmast, the shock causing her to shiver from stem to stern “That is bad for us, Stranger,” said the young officer, coolly, and then he quickly added. “ By Heaven, I'llrisk it! Stand ready to ease off every- thing!” and putting the helm hard down, Noel sprung forward to let fly the main-sheet, while Stranger did the same for the foresail and jibs, Instantly the little schooner came about, and, close-hauled, stood back in the direction of the brig- of-war, CHAPTER VII. THE STORM CHASE. Wonverine at the strange maneuver of the lieu- tenant, Stranger was however silent, and stood ready to obey the slightest order, for he had implicit con- fidence in Noel's skill and courage. On darted the schooner, until she came once more to the head of Great Island, and scarcely half a mile divided her from the brig. which had ceased firing, upon noticing her put about, believing those on board of her had seen their ‘inability to escape, and were coming back to surrender, Commodore Cutting had just given the order to Lieytenant Ainslie to luff the brig, and her bows
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The Flying Yankee. 11 were sweeping gracefully around in obedience to her helm, when suddenly, there was a surprised cry for- ward, and all eyes Were at once turned again upon the yacht. Having discovered, that, if he kept the ship-chan- nel, to the northward of Great Island, his craft would soon be overhauled, or sunk by the fire of the brig, Noel had at once determined, as his ae A mast was shot away, to put back and attempt to run the south passage between the main, upon which stood Portsmouth, and the island before re- ferred to. For this reason he had put back to gain the head of Great Island, although he well knew the channel through which he would have to pass, was, in some places, but three feet in depth. But the yacht drew little over two feet of water, and he determined to risk it, and with such success was bis attempt carried out, that, as he anticipated, the brig was brought up into the wind, believing him on his way back to surrender. The exclamation of surprise then on the Vulture, arose from seeing the schooner round the head of Great Island, ease off the sheets free, and dart ent before the wind, her sails spread out wing-and- wing. The brig having come to, it was some moments before she could be gotten under way again, and all drawing, so that when she reached the head of Great Island the schooner was half-way through the shallow and intricate channel, and passing Pest Isl- and. “There comes the last gun she can fire at us, for some time, Stranger,’ said Noel, quietly, as one of the broadside guns sent a shot over the schooner, just as the brig continued on in the ship-channel. “That was a daring and skillful move, sir,” ane a seaman; “ youseem to know these waters well!” “Yes, Lhave sailed on them from boyhood; but see, yonder are the spars of the brig above the island, and huw rapidly she Gideon along. But we will distance her greatly by this move, for this chan- nelis much shorter than the other; we are now coming into Little Harbor, and yonder is the open On flew the schooner, the brig now far astern, and having panned Kit’s Rock, the swell of the ocean, eauaps her, to pitch heavily, for a high sea was run- ning. * Lieutenant, see there,’ and Stranger pointed astern of them to the heavens, which were black with masses of clouds, that had suddenly arisen above the horizon. “That is another enemy, yet still a friend, Stran- er for I can hug the shore while the brig dare not. yy Heaven! see, the whole sky is overcast already.” ae can no longer see the brig, sir; shall I shorten sail?’ “No, not yet; we have now an offing of two miles, and I will put away on a southerly course. Jibe the mainsail over, and haul the fore and main sheets close aft; trim all close and belay.” The wind was blowing a stiff seven-knot breeze from the westward, and under her clouds of canvas the schooner staggered and plunged heavily; but, anxious to place as great a distance as possible be- tween himself and the brig, Noel stood on, hoping in the darkness to elude the vigilance of his pur- suers. “Stranger, lower away the flying jib, and then let fall the foresail, so that you can reef close,” “ Ay, ay. sir!” and in a short while, under greatly reduced sail, the yacht held on, the wind each mo- ment increasing. “Here, Stranger, take the helm, while I go below, for I would know what water and stores we have aboard, that I may decide whether to put into some town on the coast or stand right on southward.” Stranger sprung to the helm, and descending into the cabin Noel glanced around him, and then quick- ly examined the store-room, water-casks, and the other compartments below decks, having lighted the cabin lamp and a Jantern he found on the table. * Ho, Stranger,” he called out to the seaman, ina joyous tone, “the yacht hus just been stored and prepared for a cruise, for there are provisions suffi- cient aboard to last us a month, besides several fowling-pieces and pistols: she was evidently to start on a hunting expedition along the coast,” “Tam glad of it, sir; so much the better for us; but will you please come upon deck again?” an- swered the seaman, and, delighted with the dis- covery he had made about the yacht, Noel ascended to the deck, One glance around the dark waters, and up at the black heavens, and he knew why the scaman had called him to the deck, for the yacht was bounding before a gale that each moment increased to fury. “We are guing to have a black time of it, sir.” “Yes; Vil take the helm, while you lower away the jib. There, now; leave her fore-topmast stay- sail, and come aft and let fall her mainsail. That will do; now reef ber to her lightest reef- points, for she'll need some mainsail to bring her round, if we have to iay to.” With wonderful strength and agility Stranger had obeyed the crder given him, and then, with only a close-reefed mainsail and fore-topmast staysail both stretched to their utmost tension, the yacht kept on, staggering over and through the wild waters, which were rendered blacker by the mass of clouds bovading low over the sea, and from which broke a mournful roar of thunder, “Ha! there comes the first flash of lightning. Now sein’ a bright watch for the next, and we'll see what has become of the brig."’ said Noe), whose face was pale and brow stern, for he could not but feel that it was God's anger upon bim for the deed his hand had wrought, and even the stoical seaman felt awed by the mighty power of an avenging Almighty, Suddenly the whole sea was a broad flame of light; a vivid, forked spear of lightning pierced the dark masses of storm-clouds, darted with angry, zig-zag, fiery splendor from the heavens, and, am d a crash of thunder that shook the very waters, descended oceanward until it struck the tall, taper- ing spars of the brig-of-war, two miles to windward of the schooner. “God in heaven! but this is awful! Oh, what misery and despair have I brought upon my ill-fated companions!” cried Noel, momentarily releasing his hold upon the tiller. “Tt is fearful, sir; but look out, or the yacht will founder,” answered Stranger, as he sprung forward and seized the helm and once more held the yacht on her course. By an effort recovering himself, Noel turned his gaze across the waters, and watched with bepaing eyes the flames dart along the rigging, and ble the spars and sails in flery serpents, “See, she has come to; and hark! they are powers) away her masts. God grant she may be saved!" “Yes, lieutenant, I hope they will be saved, for there are many brave and noble men on yonder vessel; but we have no need to dread them now, so had we not better lay to, for the schooner is nearly - drowned forward, and I fear she may run under, as thé gale is increasing.” “You are right, my good friend, Here, give me the helm, and stand ready, for T'll take advantage of the next favorable wave to bring her up.” A moment more and the gallant little vessel had brought her bows into the wind, and. lay upon the storm-swept waves in comparative safety, while the two men, who so bravely guided her destiny, turned their eyes fixedly upon the brig, which was now al- most a mass of flames above decks, “See! see! there shake her masts—they are gone! Look! now ahey cut the stays!” cried Noel, and with a loud crash and hissing sound, heard even on the schooner, the entire top-hamper of the gallant
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a cer, and his words 12 The Flying Yankee. brig-of-war went over the side into the sea, leaving the waters once more in impenetrable gloom. “Behold! there goes a gun; what! can they have seen us, and, even a wreck as they are, be firing at us? Is man’s hatred as deep as that?” **No, lieutenant, there goes unother flash; they are firing minute guns of distress, to call for aid from the town.” “True; ro are right, and I hope it will be under- stood by the two cruisers I saw in the harbor.” *T hope so; but now, unless they are sinking, they have little to fear, for the hull is good and will ride out the storm, when they can rig jury-masts and get to Portsmouth.” “Yes; but, Stranger, they come down upon us rapidly; what say you. shall we get sail on the schooner and again stand on out of the brig's way?” “No, sir; for the canvas would be blown to rib- bonsinasecond. She will pass near, but not over us, aud perhaps not see us as we lay low in the wa- ter,” answered the seaman. “You are righ*; she will pass to leeward of us, and I will hail and see if they need aid; for, if my life must answer for it, 1 will not see my ship- ma"es perish while I have a sound deck beneath my “Mr, Moncrief, yourheart is in the right place sir; I willstand ready to obey your orders, even i in saving them we put our own necks in the hang- man’s noos2,” answered the brave sailor with firm- ness. ~ The briz could now be distinguished by the flash of her signal guns, to be but a few cables’ lenzth dis- tant, rolling and pitching heavily in the sea, and coming down toward the schooner only a short dis- tance to leaward. Grasping firmly by tho mainstays, Noel awaited until the wreck came near; and just asthe roar of another gun died away, hailed in a loud, ringing voice: _ “Ho! the brig, ahoy!”’ No answercame for a moment, snd then in the voice of Lieutenant Ainslie was the reply: ** Ahor! who hails, and whereaway?’ aid tog chase; off your windward bow. Doyou wish A murmur of voices could be heard for an instant, andthen Lieutenant Ainslie cried: “ We were struck by lightning; our masts are cut away, and we are leaking badly.” a vessel is large enouzh to hold your crew; I'll hang off your quarter in vase of need."” A moment there was silence, and as the brig was driving W¥, Noel s1id: : ont tg bear sail, Stranger; raise the foremast With grew difficulty the order was executed; and inafew mom>*nts tha schooner was again driving before the gale, but with terriblo risk, and soon overhauleithe brig. when Noel again hailed: *T will hang near vou, in case of noel.” “ Who is it that hails?” suldenl cried the stento- rian voices of Commodore Cutting. “Noel Moncrief,” boldly answered the youn7 offi. 1 brought a ringing cheer from the crew of the bris. “T knew it! No, Mr. Moncricf we are in no imme- diate danger; our pumps will keep us afloat, and we man,and if life is d his courage and the noble offer he had but pes made to serve them, and again the commodore ' Monerief, it was noble of you to desire to serve us, bora bo do ere you for it.” were heard, and all remained silent to hear him, for the schooner was forging ahead, as he hailed: “Commodore Cutting, I thank you for your kind- ness. One and all, shipmates, farewell.” Three cheers were given by the brig’s crew, even the officers joining in, and the gale somewhat abat- ing, the mainsail of the schooner was raised, and at suurise, as the Vulture, having rigged temporary masts, headed back toward Portsmouth, the little yacht, with its daring commander, was far to the southward, a mere speck upon the restless waters. CHAPTER VIII. THE BUCCANEER RARGE. One pleasant afternoon, some two months after the escape of the yacht, Dart, from Portsmouth har- bor,a small, sharp-bowed craft, with two slender masts rigged wita latean sails, was sailing along the shores of Cuba, for the scene of my story now changes, kind reader, from the rock-bound coast of the North to the waters of the sunny South. The carrera, for such is the name given to vessels of the kind mentioned above, was a comfortable little craft of perhaps ten tons, and her deck cleanly kept and.ii perfect order, while her cabin was large, roomy, ani almost luxuriously furnished, which at once discovered her to belong to some coast planter ot wealth, and used by him as a pleasant means of conveyance to and _ from his estates, when his busi- ness called him to Havana or Matanzas, Upon the deck of tue carve a were visible nine per- sons, one of whom was a tall, stalwart man, dressed in white duck, and who appeared to be the com- mander, for he held the helm, and every now and then gave some orders to four negroes forward, who formed the crew. The helmsman was not a vegro, though his face was very dark; butin his features and dark flashing eyes could- be traced the blood of a descendant o that ancient tribe of Indians, the Escurians, who were the original possessors of the island which it has cost Spain so many human lives to hold. Amidships stood two other persons, a young man and a young girl, both showinz in their faces the ad- mixture of the white with the African race, and their appearance indicating that they held the re- sponsi»ls positions of rviet and femme-de-cham re to an old gentleman and a maiden who were seated aft, upon a low settee, apparently enjoving the beauty of the evening and the scenery along the eet for the carrera was hardly a mile from the shore. The old gentleman referre’ to was a person of striking appearance, for his face was darkly bronzed, his eyes intensely black and brilliant, while his mustache and curling hair were snow-white. Dressed in 2 suit of white linen, with a broad som- br-ro upon his head, Don Octavio Guido looked ex- actly what he was, a wealthy planter of Cuba. Ths maiden by his side, the Donna Violeta, was one of those dark types of beautiful women, pecu- liarly Spanish in face and form. Her every motion was graceful, and her figure slight, molded with marvelous symmetry, and rather above the prescribed hight for a perfect form, but still it appeared faultless in the close-fitting bodice and skirt of dark-gray cloth. Upon her head, besides the rich dark vail that drooped upon her shapely shoulders, Senorita Vio- leta wore a broad sun-hat, that cast in shadow and half hid the braids of black hair, drawn back from the forehead and fastened in a circling mass with a gold comb So intently were all on board the craft engaged in watching the landscape panorama, as they glided along, that they failed to observe a drogher, a kind of freight vessel use’ to carry coffee and sugar from the plantations to the city, that had suddenly come et of a lagoon and was standing boldly down upon em, The drovher had two stump masts, upon which clear and manly tones of Noel Moncrief | were hoisted by pulleys two long yards with large
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The Flying Yankee. 13 (i triangular sails, which instead of reefing in a blow, could be lowered in an instant into the hold of the lugger, which was open, except a canvas covering stretched across and supported by a spar acting as a cross beam. But one man was visible upon the lugger, and he was at the helm, apparently endeavoring all he could to take advantage of the light wind to eat up to windward of the ea: rera. Fora while he was successful in his maneuver, and had nearly gained the wind of the smaller craft, when the quick eye of the helmsman of the carreru fell upon Lim, and a stern order from his lips brought all on board to their feet. “What is it, Lalul?”” asked Don Octavio, quickly. The Indian answered in Spanish: “Yonder dsogher means no good, coming down on us that way; trim the sails closer, and I'll edge more into the wind,” and the tones of his voice were strangely soft and musical. The order was obeyed, and for a moment all watched anxiously to see the result, for piratical craft were frequent in those waters at the time this story is laid, and especially were the lagoon buccaneers dreaded as a most cruel and ferocious set. “Nombre de Dios, but she gains rapidly upon us, Lalul! Suppose we square away and run béfore the-wind?” said Don Octavio, in an anxious tone. “T'll try it, senor. Let go the halyards fore and aft!’ and away the car:7a sped before the wind, to rt gs example followed the moment after by the dicgher, “This will never do, Lalul; for see, the lugger is now on her best sailing points.” The Indian helmsman glanced quickly over his own vessel, then steadily for a while at the pursuer, -and at once gave the orders to the negro crew to trim'in the sheets, while he put her away apon her former course, fr with the wind on her quarter the drogher would also have to change, and it was evident she was not gaining as rapidly before they put away as after. “She still overhauls us, senor; but not as rapidly as before,” “No. Lalul, what do you believe that drogher to be?’ and Don Octavio glanced anxiously toward his beautiful daughter, who, with pale face, was watch- ine the approach of the strange vessel. “Senor. I think the lugger is a pirate,” answered the Indian, in a low tone, “My God! I feared so. Lalul, we must not be taken,” and the Cuban again glanced toward Violeta. “No, senor, it is death anyway; so let us die with arms in our hands.” “Well said— Ha! yonder comes another sail!” and the Cuban pointed some two miles ahead, to where a small rakish-looking schooner was just rounding a point of land, The helmsman seized a glass and gazed intently at the strange sail for a moment, and then said: “She does not belong to these waters, but looks like an American-built vessel. If she were not so small I would believe her to be a buccaneer, also." “Mary, mother of God, grant it be a friend! Here, one of you boys, lower our flag to half-mast and jet him see we need his succor!” cried the Cuban. 3 The flag of Spain soon floated at half-mast, and all eyes were eagerly turned toward the schooner, to denote the slichtest change in her course. “Soon it eame; her bow swung round quickly, and, with the wind very nearly astern, sve came fly- ing down toward the er ea. The drogher at once also presented a scene of ac- tion, for a dozen dark forms were discovered mov- ing upon her decks, and quickly four long and heavy sweeps were put out, to endeavor to overhaul the chase ere the schooner got to her. With intense excitement all on board the carrera watched the ¢ieht of their own vessel, which, pressed to her utmost speed, was only making about five knots, and then turned their eyes upon the rapid ap- proach of the lugger, still nearly a mile astern, but coming with increased speed. Again they glanced ahead, toward the schooner, which, with a wall of foam about her bows, was rushing toward them. “Senor, that drogher is one of the fastest of her class; but, swift as she is, yonder schooner is a far better sailer,” and Lalul handed the glass to Don Octavio, who, placing it to his eye, turned it toward the little vessel that had so nobly answered their sign of distress. ‘Lalul, she carries but one gun, that I can see—a small brass piece upon her forecastle, and T can oily observe some dozen men upon her dicks." “Enough with our aid, to beat off sy 8 of the Grou 7s crew. Shall 1 luff closer, so as to speak him ?”’ “Yes, Lalu]. Violeta, see how swiftly yonder schooner comes on—oh, see, yonder goes her flag— she is an American\” “Yes, tather; Ihave watched her ra ideypreaees and, though most anxious, have not failed to note her grace and speed. See, the schooner is altering her course and will come vear us.” A few moments more and with her sharp prow cutting the water and dashing showers of spray upon either side. the schooner had come within a cuble’s length, and was so heading as to pass within a few fathoms of Don Guido’s craft. Suddenly a manly form sprung into the schooner’s maln-sigg ng, and a clear voice hailed: ** Ho, the curveral” “ Ahoy the schooner!” answered Lalul. “Ts yonder a7vogher in chase of you?” “Ay, itis a lagoon pirate.” “All right. I have not men enough to board him but will give him a lesson. In the mean time, stan on as you are, and I will protect you all in my ower. “TI thank you, sir,” and ere the don could say more, the schooner had passed by and was rushing on toward the dr gher. “A daring fellow that, and indeed a generous one to throw himself between us and danger; but it is just like those 4mericans, reckless and noble-heart- ed to a fault,” said the don, with enthusiasm. “The dogher, ahoy! Put back or V'll fire into you!” came across the water, in distinct Spanish. A derisive cheer wes the only answer, and the next instant there came a puff of smoke from the bows of the schooner, and the roar of a six-pounder floated over the waters, followed by a crash of timbers and yells and groans of pain and fury coming from on oard the drogh:r. “Ha, ha! the buccaneer has met his match, if itis only a little schooner, one-fourth his size See, seo! there goesanother shot, and while the ¢vogher comes up into the wind the schouneris changing her course and wearing round,” exclaimed Don Octavio, who with Violeta, Lalul and the others, earnestly watched the movements of the brave little vessel. Afier firing a second gun, which did considerable damage, as had the first shot, on board the «ror her, the brave little schooner wore round, hauled her sheets inboard and stood away in the wake of the’ car era. Rapidly the little schooner overhauled the carrera, and keeping in her wake and a point closer 1o wind- ward, threatened to shave her as she passed by, and the Cuban planter and Lalul watched his strange movements, for they knew not yet what was the in- tention of the American. Nearer and nearer the schooner approached, and just as her sharp bowsprit hovered over the stern of the va 7e/a, she fell off quickly, and, passing to lee- ward, her commander cried: S5 Spring aboard there, men, and hold the two ves- sels firm tcgether,” and the’ next instant a young man, clad in a light, blue flannel suit and witha naval cap, sprung upon the carrera’s deck, It was Noel Monertes.
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14 The Flying Yankee. CHAPTER IX, rm THE LAGOON PIRATES. “TLasn firm, men! Keep her off a little, helmsman, so that the two will sail more evenly,”’ cried Noel aod then, raising his cap, politely, he turned toward Don Octavio, who, with Lalul and Violeta, had great- Jy admired the skillful manner in which the young officer had laid his vessel alongside their own. ** Pardon me, senor, and you, senorita, for board- ing you in such an unceremonious manner, but yon- der rovher is only temporarily crippled, and will soon follow, so I offer you the service of my schoon- er to escape him.” “Tthank you, Senor Americano, from my heart I thank you, for my daughter and myself, for even now would we have beenin his power had it not been for your timely aid and daring.” “Senor, this is no time for thanks, but for action; I have simply one six-pounder brass gun, and I ob- served the crew of the ¢rovher engaged in getting a cannon out of the hold to mount upon her forecastle, and again give chase; so I urge you to at once go aboard the schooner.” “And what will become of my carrera?” “Remove all you can aboard my vessel, for I have room for your crew as well as yourselves, and if you do not care to have your craft fall into the hands of the buccaneers, set her on fire.” “Senor, 1 hesitate, not for the loss of my vessel, but for the trouble we will oe you.” “Do not mention if, sir. Lam bound to Havana, and will take you there.” “Tt is gladly I aceept your kind offer, for I see the drogh+y is getting under way again;”’ and turning to his helmsman he bade him get the baggage quickly on board the schooner. In a very short while the crew of the carrera, aided by half a dozen seamen from the schooner, had transferred the baggage and a few other things from the cabin and hold of the Cuban craft _to the American; and Noel, with a polite salute to Violeta, offered his hand and conducted her into his own sumptuously-furnished saloon, easing * Here, lady, I trust you will make yourself as much at home as though this were your own vessel; your maid shall join you, and your father will b> near you.” “Senor Americano, I owe you more than my life; but not now can I thank you, as your vessel needs your services; for I feel that even now we are in dan- “True, ladys to say otherwise would be false; but n Thave faith in my little schooner’s speed, and we may get out of range ere the gun is mounted upon the her. Ifl can in any way serve you, com- Er aavite, Hoel leis the cabin, and di ng, Noe e cabin, and ascending to the deck found allin readiness to cast off. : * Have you set the carr 77 on fire?” “Yes, senor; it is burning in the hold, and the mes will soon break forth,’ answered Lalul, sad- , as if sorrowful to destroy his vessel “Then cut loose the lashings. Quick about it, men! Steady, helmsman; there, she forges abead.” and the next instant the schooner moved forward; and free from the other craft bent bravely to the breeze, which was now blowing quite brisk. “Stranger, help the crew of the Cuban craft to store away their luggage, and let the baggage of the don and senorita be taken imto the cabin,” fae walking aft, Noel relieved the seaman at the “ : -Im. ie ays ay, sir;and what about the crew of the car- a “We would be glat to serve if you would assign us to duty senor,” said Lalul, politely. “All right, my men. You, senor, can divide the watches between my mate and myself, for I see you are a thorough seaman.” ~ ne senor, and I will now relieve you of the helm,” and Lalu) stepped forward and Noel relin- 1ished his place to him, while he walked toward the don and Violeta, who just then came.up from the cabin. “The drogher is in full chase, I see, senor.” “Yes, sir, and the pirates are hastening to mount their gun, which I believe is a long eighteen, as well as [can make out with my glass; but, we havea mile start now, and as soon as the deck is clear of luggage, I intend to crowd on all the sail the schooner will carry,” answered Noel,. pleasantly, and turning suddenly he beheld Violeta, Instead o looking upon the burning carrera, which was now —_ a mile astern, she was gazing intently into his ‘ace. Their eyes met, and the maiden hid her earnest gaze beneath the heavily-fringed lids, while her face fiushed brightly, but over the features of Noel Mon- crief stole a look of inexpressible sadness, for the beautiful maiden brought vividly to his mind one most dear to him, and whom his own act had lost to him forever, “Senor, we are gaining upon the drogher,” said Lalul, turning to the young American, and also dis- covering it, the Cuban planter remarked: “T have great faith in your little craft, captain— captain. But I have not heard your name, senor.” “Can I see you a moment, sir?” suddenly asked Stranger, with a look of anxiety upon his face. - In one moment, good Stranger—my name, don, “It is most urgent, sir,” said Stranger, again in- truding, and seeing the expression upon his face Noel stepped quickly forward, and the seaman said, in a low tone: “Pardon me for seeming rudeness, sir, but I poaree you were going to give your own name to the don.” “Tn truth was I, Stranger.” “Well, sir, we are bound to Havana, if we escape the buccaneer, and though the schooner is so al- tered as not to be recognized, still it would destroy all to go into port under your own name, as there may be some American vessel-of-war there.” “Ever thoughtful, my good Stranger—” “Mr. Moncrief, 1 am no longer a siranger, to you now, so I'll tell youfrankly my name, It is Westley North,” “Two more, such as aster Southey, for instance, and you would have gotten around the compass; but, joking aside, I'llremember that your name is Wost hereafter, and mine is—is—a strange feeling urges me to it, and I will do it—my name is—Clar- enc Noel.” The seaman started as he heard the name, but only rejoined: “vou are a planter of wealth, living on the Missis- sippi river, and being fond of the sea this is your pleasure yacht.” “The very thing, West; now I will return to the don.”’ and then he continued in a loud tone: “Mr. West, run up the flying-jib. and set the top- sails, for we must get away from that fellow.” “Ay, ay, sir!’’ and to the call of the seaman, now known as West, the crew of the e’rrera as well as the men belonging to the schooner, sprung nimbly to obey the order. Joining the Cubans again. the don remarked: “T was about to say, captain, as your mate called you away, that Tam Don Octavio Guido, a lanter = Cuba, and this is my daughter, the Senorita Vio- eta.” Noel bowed at the introduction, while the maiden held forth her little hand and said. frankly: “T trust, senor captain, we will be the warmest friends from this day, for we owe much to you; but, do you know you have not yet made known to us your name?” added Violeta, with an arch smile. “Tam called Clarence Noel, and, like your father, Iam a planter. I live on the Mississippi river,” and, as Noel spoke, every particle of color fled from his handsome face, leaving it as pale as death. “We thought you were an American of wealth,
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~ 4 senor, who amused himself with his yacht,” said the don, “Yes, Iam devoted to the sea; but look! the buc- caneer is striving hard to take us, and is now going to treat us to a few shots, for I notice the gun is mounted, and they are loading it. “Lady, will you retiré to the cabin, for there is danger here?” ‘No, Captain Noel, I will remain and share alike with my father and yourself the danger that threat- ens,” said Vicleta, coy. “Senor, let her fall off a little—steady as you are —now she runs rapidly—ha, there we have it!’ and as the young commander ceased speaking the boom of the gun was heard, and the roar of an eighteen- pound solid shot above their heads caused an invol- untary dodging amid the crew. “Let them fire away, for each shot but checks their speed, and ere long we will be out cf range,” quietly remarked Noel, Again came the roar of the long eighteen from the forecastle of the d/ogher, and once more the shot flew above the schooner, and sunk into the seaa few cables’ lengths ahead. * Senorita, there is danger here for you; his prac- tice may give him better aim,’’ said the American, turning anxiously toward the Cuban maiden. “Seror, I will not hide from the death that threatens both you and my father,” proudly answer- ed the maiden; and with a glance of admiration at her true courage, Noel turned once more to watch the movements of the drogher. “Hal tiere comes another shot! By heaven! how unfortunate! Forward there, West, and repair the damage!" cried the American, as he saw the last shot from the vrovher pass closely over their heads and cut away the bowsprit close to the bows, Thus damaged the schooner became unmanage- able, and Noel was about to give orders to ease off the sheets for and aft, and put her dead before the wind, when she suddenly broached to, and lay mo- tionless upon the water. All on board the schooner at once realized their danger, and a loud cheer from the drogler showed them that the pirates were now confident of success; but, undismayed, the young American sprung for- ward, and with the cid of West and the crew, for one and all worked with a will, a stout spar was soon rigged and run out to act as a bowsprit, the jibs were again hoisted, and once more taking the helm the little schooner felt the wind, her sails filled, and again her seo’ A prow cut through the waves, and just in time, for the drogher was but a hundred yards astern, and her crew, gathered on the forecas- tle, seemed confident of success, Seeing that the schooner had renewed her flight, the pirates uttered a cry of rage, and distinctly was the ery of the (/vogher's commander heard to once more fire upon the flying craft. * After the next shot, senor, I will put her before the wind, and we may yet stand a chance to outwit the buccaneer, for you see he is now almost dead to windward of us and will have to follow suit if he ives chase, and in that case you will observe the igh bow of the lugger will keep them from aiming the gun at us,’’ said Noel, who, at a glance, had ta- ken in this advantage. “You speak truly, senor captain; my daughter and myself trust you most fully— Ha! there comes the shot—” xe and by heaven! there goes his gun! for, see, ‘ pa, ismounted itself and gone down into the old! ‘ cried Noel, in an exultant tone. All on board the schooner glanced at the drogher and saw that Noel had spoken truly; for the cannon, hastily and rudely mounted, had rebounded from an overcharge of powder, and bad fallén to the deck below with a mighty crash. ‘‘Now I believe we are safe, if we can only get out of range before they remount the gun, West,” 3 Ay 1 ay, sir.” * The Flying Yankee. , 15 _‘*Go down into the cabin and bring me that long rifle suspended over the companionway-Lrackets,” “Ay, ay, captain,” answered the seaman, and dis- appearing in the cabin he soon returned, bringin, with him one of those long mfles, with octagon barrels, small bores and carved stocks, that have become so famous upon our Western frontier, Again releasing the helm to Lalul, and biddi him keep the schooner steady, Noel coolly load the rifle, and then facing the drogher suddenly, his quick eye ran along the barrel, and then followed the ‘flash and sharp report, while a dark-visaged man standing upon the bow of the lugger was seen to throw up his arms wildly and fall kward to the deck. A cheer came from thé crew of the schooner, and was answered by a Lowl from the buceaneers, one of whom began hastily to descend trom the fore- mast, where he was at work out on the long 5) of the foresail, where some of the lashings had been cut off by the schooner’s shots, As quick as were his movements, Noel was quicker, and, having reloaded the rifle, it was again Teveled’ and with a loud shriek, clutching at the air, the pli- rate fell into the sea and sunk beneath the waves, . while his comrades hastily sought refuge from the deadly aim by hiding themselves, ‘Don Octavio, I believe we are all safe, for my rifle has taught them caution, and ere they can mount their gun again we will be out of range. Here, West, put this back in the cabin,” and Noel handed the weapon to his mate. Soon it was evident to all that there was no mi danger to be apprehended from the lugger, as, wit! all of her canvas spread, the schooner rapidly left her far astern, and by nightfall the drogher appeared only as a mere speck upon the ocean, The following morning the fair Violeta and her fa- ther awakened to find the schooner riding at anchor in the harbor of Havana, and, indeed, were the two Cubans most anxious to return in some way the kindness of their preserver, who, with a strange mo- roseness, little like his frank and kind manner of the” day before, refused all offers of hospitality from those whom his courage and skill had saved, Hort by his persistent refusal to become their uest, at their city mansion in Havana, and n no way be allowed to.prove their gratitude for the. service rendered them, Violeta and her father at — length took their leave of the young captain of the schooner, and were rowed ashore to the nearest pier, while Lalul and the crew of the carrera quickly fol- lowed with the baggage in another boat, which im- mediately returned to the yacht, CHAPTER X. 4 FOLLOWING FATE. , As Don Octavio Guido was about to enter a car-— riage, which Lalul bad called upon landing, an ex- clamation from Violeta, who was already seated up- . on the back seat, caused him to glance around. y “What is it, my daughter?” asked the don, who was not yet ina pleasant mood after the refusal of Noel to become his guest. me see She Srugcuer, fetta rning quickly, Don Octavio glanced over the harbor cot his eye falling inant the vessel, he- uttered an exclamation of surprise, and said, mus- ngziy: O Strange strange; I must confess I am in the dark regarding the movements of that wo: A young man.”* “Father, [think I have it. Don Noel evidently was not bound to Havana in his yacht, but upon some different cruise, and only put in here to ob us, and hence his immediate departure.” “T believe you are riglit, Violeta. Well, I trust we will meet him again, for I like not to be under such heavy obligations to any man,” and, giving the direction to the coachman where to drive, the don entered the carriage drove from the pier, while |
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the fair Violeta turned many a longing glance toward the distant schooner. The sight that had so astonished Von Octavio and the senorita was the sudden hasty weighing of the schooner’s anchor, and the rapid manner in which she was spread with canvas, to stand swiftly down the harbor. There was reason for this sudden movement. An American brig of war was gliding by into the bor! One glance upon the vessel and Noel's face becane as pale as death, for thouch with new spars and ng, he recognized at once the vessel that had so long been his home, and on the decks of which he once been second in command. ”“ West.”” Eo} “Ay, ay, sir.” “ What bri is that, Just passing us?’’ and the voice of Noel was low and deep with suppressed emotion, The seaman turned quickly, and his own face pee slightly as his eyes fell upon the vessel, while Cy auswered in a low tone: “Tt is the American brig-of-war Vulture.” “Yes, my good friend; she escaped being wrecked, that fearful night, and, refitted, is sent to these waters.” “Yes, sir; I see Lieutenant Ainslie upon the quar- ter-deck,” answered West, atteutively regarding the brig, though, like Noel, he kept the main boom of the schooner between himself and the view of those upon the incoming vessel-of-war. “True, I recoznize Alden Ainslie, and he is her captain— es,and beside him stands Calvin Bernard.” “Well, lam gies that they are both benefited by my leavi , and am glad to see that the reefer did not get himself into trouble, by his kindness in be- ing my second,” "No, sir; he seems to have been promoted, for he wove a po gt A Noel, glanci t th “You are r' est,’ said Noel, glancing at the gfoup of offiders upon’ the brig’s deck, for tho two vessels were but a short distance apart. Slowly the American vessel-of-war glided by, and headed further up the harbor, an | attentively did the two men on the schooner watch her motions un- they saw her drop anchor a half-mile away. “West, we cannot remain here; we must at once away, and whither God only knows, for Lam a hunt- ed man.” “Yes, captain, we must away from hers at onse; but the world is wide and the ocean canbe our home. Shall 1 get the schooner under way?” “Yes, imm tely;” and in ten minutes more the fleet little vessel was heading for the open sea. favi gained an offing, West called one of the crew to the wheel; and, beckoning to Noel as if he woull s to him rivately, descended into the eabin, where he was followed the moment after by his commander, who had been idly watching the shores of Cuba disappear astern, and with bitter thought conning over the memories of the past that then crowded upon his heart and brain. ‘When the schooner fled from Portsmouth, the night of the storm, she headed on down the coast and, with only her crew of two men, after a rapid run made the harbor of New York. In those days the telegraph and railroad did not fly across the country, and Noel well knew he could reach New York, ship there a crew, fully store his and draw funds he held there on deposit, _ere the news came of his crime and flight. [a therefore boldly entered the harbor and visit- ing his bankers, drew from them a large amount of pda & which they gave to him without a word, hough surprised he should need such @ sum. Noel took his money, and visited a shipping mer- chant Spe ae aoe purchased everything for a long Ege 9 so fortunate as to secure from EAST ghettos 40 pose raat of ash ous mself of, as knew not what might cross bis path during his The Flying Yankee. Going aboard to receive his purchases, Noel then sent Stranger, now known as West, ashore to secure acrew, and by nightfall the faithful fellow returned, bringing with him a dozen good seaman. With a few kind, but firm words, and an open, Apc manner that had rendered him ever popu- ar as an officer, Noel greeted his crew, and informed them that he was bound on a cruise of pleasure, and was destined for no particular point; but if they served him faithfully, he would never forget to look after their interests and reward them, while, if they acted otherwise, he would punish them severely. The seamen received his words with a cheer, and were then ba divided imto three watches of three men each, for Noel had made West his first mate, and an intelli weep fellow among tho crew his second officer, while the two remaining men served in the capacity as stewards, for which position they seemed most titted. Tt was a busy night aboard the little schooner, but toward daylight all arrangements for her cruise had been completed, and she immediately got under weigh and stood down the harbor. By sunrise she passed through the Narrows, and threo hours after rounded the low point known as Sandy Hook, and immediately stood away to tho southward, Noel recklessly indifferent where he would go. But as the days and weeks rolled by, the young commander gained more regard for life, appeared to take greater interest in the cruise, and with con- siderabl> spirit, and a quiet enjoyment, devoted him- self tothe duties devolving upon him, to the great delight of his faithful mate, who had feared at one time that it was the intention of Noel to return to Portsmouth and deliver himself up for trial. West was delighted at this change in his young es ae and suggested, for 9 motive that will event- ually appear in this narrative. that the yacht should be put away for the coast of Cuba, and, willing to humor his faithful friend, Noel gave the order, and before a fair breeze the fleet little vesse) soon ran down into the waters of the Gulf, and was steadily sailing along the coast of that “ beautiful isle of the sea,’’ when from her decks the carrera was discover- ed, flying with all haste from the clutches of tho buecaneer drogher. CHAPTER XI. } THE MATE'S STORY, Fortow1ne West into the cabin, for the manner of the mate proved to his commander he had some- thing important to communicate, Noel took a seat and quietly lit a cigar, while he motioned to his offi- cer to follow his example. “T will not smoke, thank you, captain, for I would use my tongue, as I have much to tell you. We are now drifting like an oarless barge upon the ocean, having no aim for the future, no destined port in which to Loe our exiled anchor.” “You speak truly, West. I am, as it were, await, ing wherever the wind listeth,”’ answered Noel. “ And this should not be, sir, for with your will and courage as an ofiicer, you should not be an unknown wanderer.” “Tt were better thus, my good West, for my hand is doubly dyed with blood, and nowhere havel a haven of rest; but your manner indicates that you have something of importance to say.” “ Thave,captain,” impressively answered the mate, and pouring from the decanter a half-glassful of brandy, he drank it down; and then drawing nearer to his commander, said in a low tone: “Captain Noel, [am now about to make known to you the story of my life, one of strange adventure. and you will then be able to discover why I asked you so earnestly to cruise in these waters. “T am, as you see, and as many others have seen, a deformed man, a hideous caricature of the ima; of = Creator, but within my heart there is no de- ty, though God only kuows why it is not warp- form ed into a shapeless mass of corruption.
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+ 7 ~My name, asI told you, is Westley North, and my father was an American who fought bravely through the war of °76, and then went to Mexico, where his wealth and influence soon gained fer him a prominent position. *In Mexico he married, so it was believed, the daughter of a wealthy Mexican grandee, and 7 am the result of that union, and my deformity was a curse upon my father for having ignobly deceived the trusting Mexican maiden who became his s”y- pose / wife; I say suppos: d, for it was not known then that my father, while a student at Oxford College, England, had secretly married a young girl, the daughter of a poor farmer. “That poor girl he had rr deserted, and re- turning to America had believed his crime of deser- tion would never be known. “But, ‘Man proposes and God disposes,’ and thus my crue] father returned tv his elegant i cie: da one night to find there in close conversation with my mcther, the wife whom he had so cruelly deserted in England. “At the sight of my father, my mother, who had ios heard the story of the wrong done her, stretched orth her bands and fell fainting to the floor while near her stood the English woman and the man who had so deceived both of them. “Well, woman, what do you here?’ asked my father, sternly. E “*T come to claim my husband—or his gold,’ an- swered the woman, quietly. o es parent glanced one moment into the face be- fore him, and read there the wreck his deed had wrought, for all the beauty and refinement were gone, leaving behind only a look of despair, dissipa- tion and sordid gain, for upon her desertion by her husband the woman driven by despair had become hardened into the desperate adventuress. “Your husband, or his gold ?’ said my father, angeringly. repeating her words. “*Yes, Westley North; but I prefer the gold, and gold I will have.” - “One moment my father stood in silence, his eyes alternately falling upon the unconscious form of my mother and then turning upon his wife; then he said, ple “*lf gold is your object, you shall have it; but upon one conition.’ *** Name it.’ “*That you await her return to consciousness and then tell her what you have said is a lie—that, for- merly, you knew me well, in fact stood in a very close relationship to me, but that we were in no way legally bound to each other, and desiring to obtain from me paper Age determined to claim me as ‘our husband. ill you do this, Ellen? and as my ‘ather spoke he gazed anxiously into the face of his wife. ‘“** Upon one condition, Westley North.’ ** And that condition is—’ ; “«That you give me ons hundred thousand dol- ars. “** One hundre? thousand devils! Woman, I would pay a Mexican to have you murdered first,’ cried my enraged father. ** And the murder would out. Do you suppose I have not anticipated your worst and provided for it? My murder would hang you up to your own trees in less than twenty-four hours,’ triumphantly replied the woman. “*Pllen, you have the advantage. I will give you the money, but, so help me, God! if ever you cross my path again you shall die.’ **So be it; give me the money.” “**T have not one tenth ae of that sum by me, so meet me at my office, in the city of Mexico, to- morrow at noon, and I will pay it to you; but you must at once leave this peat A “*T will trust you, Westley North, for you dare not disobey. Now to restore to consciousness this poor, as woman,’ ad: mother came to life again, and, dearly loving The Flying Yankee. 14 my father, willingly believed the story of the woman, especiaily when slie told it with her own lips.” he mate paused, his face pale as death, and with a frank manner of sympathy and friendship Noel held forth his hand and grasped that of the man be- fore him, saying, quietly: “My dear friend, from my heart I feel for you.” The mate made no reply immediately, but again poured out a glass of brandy and dashed it off, after which he continued, in the same low and musical tones he had before spoken: “Yes, the lie was believed, and again my mother was happy, and my father seemingiy 80, for havirg paid into the hands of Ellen North the money de- manded by her, he bad seen her depart for Vera Cruz, from whence she had given it as her intention to sail for England. “But, let me hasten on, captain. “T, the only offspring of this i}l-starred uricn, grew to manhood petted, humored and loved, evcn Uiough I was deformed. “One night, as we were returning together from a hunt, he suddenly fell from his horse, shot down by some unseen foe, “Nearly wild with grief, I raised him in my arms and bore him to a cabin, which I remembered stood near, and aroused the inmate, a strange, wild-look- ing woman, whom I had often seen betore, and won- dered at her light hair and blue eyes, in strange con- trast with the people of Mexico. “The woman met me at the door, and said quietly, as she observed the form in my arms: : “*Ts he dead?’ “*No, but I fear he will die,’ I answered, struck with her strarge manner. “*Yes, he will die; I intended he should when I fired the shot.’ “One look of horror I turned upon her, and then wrought up to madness by her words, I sprung to- ward her, but waving me back, she cried: “* Hold! would hale learn the wrong done me, and you and «ne other, by that man? Listen.” “Struck by her words I hesitated, and then she told me, in words that burned my brain and seared my heart, all that I have made known to Pie ‘I turned to the prostrate form of my father, and beheld his dying eyes fixed upon me, “** Speak, sir; has she told the truth, for you have heard all?’ I asked, in a hoarse whisper. “*She has—forgive me, my—’ he could say no more, for his eyes closed in death. “Determined not to bring misery upon my poor mother's bead I told her not the story, but told her my father had been shot down by brigands. * Poor mother, the shock broke her heart, and a few months after she died. “Cursing my bitter fate, I would not touch the gold left me by my father, but dividing it between the government and the chureb, and thereby winning a distinguished name for piety and patrio- tism, I left my native land, and became a wan- derer, “Imbittered by the remembrance of what I was, I was reckless of honor and life, and in the end con- sorted with the buccaneers of the Caribbean to eventually leave them, and with a strange fa’ became a United States seaman,” ‘ “West, you have indeed bad a wonderful life,” said Noel, who had listened throughout to the re- cital with the deepest attention. “Yes, sir, a life heaped with curses; but, captain, T have not told you of my past, either to interest you in me, or for Lravado, ut sor a purpose.” “ And that purpose is—” “You shall hear, sir. You know at present that there is trouble in Mexico, for the entrance of the French into Spain has terminated Spanish power in my native land and brought on a war.” ols it boly by tie high Peton bel’ dare Sp cal not on the in he ere by the family of toy mother. the former influence of
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18 ; The Flying Yankee. a ay, sir. Well a 4h for fair that I should deprive you of this honor, fo by education and experience you are in every way fitted for it.” “T may be fitted for it, captain, but I am too sensible of my hideous form ever to rig it up in the uniform of an officer. No, sir, [follow you, and no otherman. - “We will go to Vera Cruz, get the vessel and free commission, which, by the way, from Mexico makes us little better than buccaneers, and then, sailing for anislandinthe Caribbean, I will man the craft with a crew, as reckless, as daring, as ever trod a deck, for by visiting my oF eruising-ground, | can rally around me a set of fellows who will be most, willing to take their necks out of the hangman’s noose, by shipping as seamen on board a vessel-of-war, even though she flies Mexican colors.” ** West, I must confess I had decided upon no plan for the future, and you shali have your way; 89 go on deck and put the schooner away for Vera Cruz,” said Noel, thoughtfully; the mate arose, thanked his ‘commander, and soon gave the necessary orders to the helmsman, and away the fleet vessel flew toward the shores of Mexico, CHAPTER XII. « THE NEW CRUISER. Towarp the close of one of those balmy, hazy evenings, so common in southern latitudes, and a month or so afterthe day upon which the exiled bese was put away for Vera Cruz—the City of the rue Cross, and also, as it is figuratively called upon account of its strength, the ‘‘ [ron Gate of Mexico,” a schooner of three hundred tons was running b isk- ly along over the bright waters of the Gulf of Mexi- ¢o, and with fore and main sail jibed to port and star! she was making eight knots wing and bs before the wind. The schooner had a decided look of mischief about her, for the hull was low in the water, of great length, and consideravle breadth of beam ainid- ship, which, with the very heavy sails she carried, ec canvas enough for a vessel twice her 2, e it evident she was built for the purpose of sons speed. ' cepting the bright new sails, and a crimson belt running around her hull, everything about her was as black as night, presenting the appearance of a vessel intended for hari sea service. Along the high and strong bulwarks, of sufficient hight to hide the upright form of a man, there ap- red no sign of ports, though a glance on her ecks showed that she carried four long eighteens to a side, while two thirty-two-pounder pivots were advantageously mounted fore and aft, to be used as bow and stern chasers, and also as a broadside. She was strangely devoid of the number of men that would have been looked for aboard a vessel of her armament, for but a dozen seamen were visible, including two who held the wheel. Another strange circumstance about the schooner -was that upon each sail was workel in red silk, a large pair of wings, presenting a striking appearance relieved against the white canvas; also, upon either bow,was painted a red wing, instead of a figurehead. The schooner was named the Red-Wing in keeping with this strange device, Upon the quarter-deck stood two officers, who, though dressed in the Soepeons uniform of tue Mex- ican navy, the reader will at once recogrize as Noel and West, for their visit to Santa Cruz had been most successful; a swift-sailing vessel had been pur- chased, out of his Own means by the young Ameri- can, after he had _ disposed of his yacht, and he had found that West had not exaggerated his influence wich his crerams for the commission of a free rover, 0 er the flag of Mexico, had been readily granted, With great care Noel had attended to the arma- ment and fitting out of his yessel, which he manned only with the crew of the yacht, for it was his inten- tion to further follow the advice of West, and run to the haunt of the Caribbean pirates for the requisite number of men for the schooner, weil knowing that they would prove a daring and determined set. After running wing-and-wing down the Gulf for some hours, the schooner’s course was changed, so as to bring the wind abeam; the foresail was jibed to leeward, the sheets drawn flat aft; and, close- hauled upon the wind, the graceful vessel bent bravely to the influence of the stiff breeze. “She sails like a witch, West; let us try her with more sail,”’ said Noel, gazing with pride upon his beautiful vessel. In obedience to orders there arose from the deck a fluttering mass of canvas to the fore and main-topmasts, and settling into place were two huge gaff-topsails, whieh greatly added to the speed of the schooner. “Upon the deck of this fleet craft I fear no vessel afloat, West,” said Noel, after watching for awhile the action of the Red Wing under the heavy pres- sure. “Ay, captain; we can show our heels to all Ameri- cans, and easily run away from any Spaniard wo cannot whip.” The wind favoring, noon of the following day saw the beautiful schooner standing majestically into a miniature bay that indented the shores of a small island of the West Indies. West had the hefm, and skillfully guided the cruiser through the dangerous channel, while at his, side stood Noel, bis brow dark and gloomy, for memory would haupt him, and he could not but remember the circumstances of his former visit to that island, when in the boats of the Vulture he had boldly attacked the pirates in their stronghold and broken up. as he bad believed, their haunt. Suddenly from the foliage-clad hillside there came a puff of smoke, a roar broke the Sabbath-like still- ness of the scene, and the next moment an iron ball whistled across the schooner’s bow. “They are wide awake, captain, I see; so we might as well display the private signals,” said West. Noel at once ran up to the foremast head a white flag with a scroll of parchment engraven in the center, while from the peak fluttered a large en- sign of crimson, white and black. A moment more and the same colors were dis- played in the hands of two men, who stepped from their retreat and waved them toward the schooner. © Allright, captain; now I will go ashore, taking two men in the gig¢ with me, while you can stand off and on in this little bay. If I do not return in two hours’ time, you may know I have been treacher- ously dealt with, and at once put to sea, and return to Vera Cruz, where vou can get a crew. “Tf successful, I will soon be back and bring with me the young commander of this piratical haunt, who, if I do not misjudge him, will be only too anx- ious to take his head out of the hangman's coil by vailing it in the Mexican flag.” A moment more the ex-buccaneer left the schoon- er; and taking the helm, Noel, with the Red Wing wee reduced sail, stood off and on to await his re- urn. Keeping his eye directly landward, he saw his officer run ashore, where he was met by a number of men, who appeared to greet him warmly, and watching them narrowly for a while, he observed @ aa
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as ee serve on the decks of the The Flying Yankee. 19 half-dozen of the pirates enter the gig, which at once put off for the schooner, As the schooner put about, the gig boarded her, and Noel having relinquished the helm to Hart, his second officer, met West and the pirates at the gangway. “Captain Muriel, this is the commander of the Red Wing,” said ‘West, as he stepped upon ,the schooner’s deck; and at his words there advanced toward Noela man of hardly more than twenty-three, with a slight but firmly knit frame, and a face which, shaded as it was by long, dark, waving hair, and no beard, was almost of feminine beauty. Yet his compressed lips and eager, piercing eyes, denoted stern resolve and a brave spirit beneath the effeminate mask, while his easy manner, and grace- ful form, attired in a stylish dark uniform, made him appear as thovgh the taint of piracy had never stained his yours. life. “Captain Muriel, Ihave often heard of you, and in batile we have met; but of that time we will not now speak, You ere welcome on board the Red Wing,” and so saying, Noel offered his hand to the young chief. “Tthank you, sir; I have come at the suggestion of my old comrace here, and ri; ht gladly do I hear that there is a fair prospect ahcad for myself and men, for we have been ashore for some time now, having had our schooner sunk in an action with the United States gun brig Vulture.” Indeed!’ said Noel, while his face flushed slightly. “Yes, sir; they caught us napping and we had to fight it out. 1 lost my vessel, and with my crew fled in the boats, and the next day captured a large coffee drvgher off the Cuban coast, armed it with an eighteen-pounder taken from an old dismantled fort on the lagoons, and it served to bring us here to our rendezvous.” “You chased a pleasure carrera off Cuba, I be- lieve?" “T did, captain; I intended fo overhaul and take her for my own use until I could get a craft to suit me better; but a plucky little American yacht drove me from my prey.” “Captain Muriel, Icommanded that yacht, and I was only too happy in being able to save Don Octa- vio Guido and his lovely daugh—” “Don Octavio Guido! Was it his carrera?” sud- denly asked the Spaniard, turning deadly pale. “My God! Captain Noel, in saving that carrera from capture you did me a favor T shall never for- et,” he replied, impressively, and he held forth his and ronan the American, and after a pause con- tinued: “The fire from the yacht injured the drovher con- siderably, and, in a leaky condition, I ran her here, where we have been ever since; but you have a pro- posal to make?” “Yes, sir; this vessel is commissioned by the Mex- ican government, and is destined to cruise against Spain and France. Sheis as fleet as a bird, astanch craft, and well armed and equipped as you see. “Yet I need a crew of brave feilows to man her ins, for, as you see, and f[ frankly tell you, I have ut a dozen men with me. “West, here, will not accept a position as one of my chief officers, so I give him that of boat wain, which he desires, and offer to you the rank of my first lieutenant: to any man of your crew, whom you may recommend, the position of second officer, while Mr. Hart will be my third. ‘Under the Mexican flag you will no longer be branded as outlaws, as you are now, and | trust prize money will be plenty.” “Captain Noel, as frankly as you make the offer. so frankly do I accept your kindness for myself and erew for circumstances, not choice, made me a buc- caneer. “In rey to a crew, I cah bring you, within the hour,a hundred brave fellows only too Wing.” After a conversation of half an hour more, Muriel, the newly-appointed lieutenant, went ashore to com- municate his tidings to his men, and upon the fol- lowing morning the beautiful schooner set sail from the island, her decks crowded with a hardy, daring crew, attired in the Mexican uniform, and ready to fight their guns to the bitter end, for one and all were at once won over by Noel's frank and manly manner toward them. CHAPTER XIII. /THE SEA ROVER’S GIFT, From her sailing out of the bay of the Corsair Isl- and, the Red Wing commenced her career as a cruiser, and ere msny months became known in the Southern seas asoncof the most daring vessels that ever floated. Constantly on the alert, and flying from sea to sea, Noel soon gained the name of an implacable foe to _ Scainand Fiance, and though considered by the natives of the world as little else than a free rover, he yet won the admiration of bis foes, an’ the respect of the English and American vessels-of-war then ernising in the Gulf of Mexico. Many were the vess Is-of-war that had been sent forth to hunt down and capture the dreaded rover, but stil the caring cruiser plowed the seas, and in defiance her sharp prow would cut the very waters guarded by Spain's strongest forts, and her anchors be cleared away beneath the very guns of the Moro, those who gazed upon her, lying quietly at anchor, believing her to be some graceful trading schooner, until when the shadows of night came on, some des- yerate act of courage would alarm the harbor, and in triumph the Red Wing would fly seaward, after having boldly entered the Havana watersin d so and captured or scuttled the unsuspecting merchant- man, It was, when flying oceanward, out of the harbor — of Havana, one night, and leaving behind”’a scene of dread and confusion. for Noel had daringly run in and fired a large powder-ship from Madrid, which had escaped him in a fog at sea, that the Red Wing headed across the Gulf under full sail, Noelowas pacing the deck, greatly elated at his last successful adventure, when his lieutenant, Muriel, advanced and asked: " “What is your course, captain?” “Put her away frem Vera Cruz, Muriel, for when in Havana I learned news that will decide me in changing my plans somewhat, but—” * Sail fio! suddenly broke in the lookout from the mast-head. ae “Whereaway, my man?” was Noel's quick re- sponse, ‘Dead ahead, sir; as well as I can tellin the moon- light she is a large vessel-of-war,”’ “ Ay, ay; keep asharp eye upon her, Mr. Muriel eall the crew to quarters, and Mr, Hart, see that every sail is in readiness for use,” ordered ‘Noel, and ascending to the mast-head. glass in hand, he soon was gazing intently ao the strange sail. ; After looking steadily through his ni, ht giant for some moments he my descended to the deck, and, cailing to West, his boatswain, to follow him, he entered the schooner’s cabin, ** Be seated, West, for I have made a discovery ” The ungainly boatswain seated himself = tly upon a velvet divan. and his commander, aiter a moment's pause, said, in a low tone: “ West, my good friend, when ashore in Havana I learned that hostilities bad commenced between the United States and England.” “Indeed! I half suspected that war would follow the late high-handed out of England.” “War has followed, and I am determined I will not remain an idle spectator, but join my country's ser- vice.” * Are you mad, Captain Noel? Why, instant death to | would follow,” suddenly cried the boatswain, “Did 1 give myself up, yes; but Ido not intend,
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29 The Flying Yankee. that, an‘ hav? now called you to the cabin to make known my lan,”? “Tam ning, captain.” “Well, [am now en? u/eto Vera Cruz, to tender my resignation to the Mexican authoritiss, and, hay- ing done go, | will at once refit the schooner, run her to the American coast, and get my number in crew complete, for we have suffered considerably of late in men, and then under simply my flag of the - Wing, t will cruise, as an unknown vessel, against the navy of England. “The schooner, as you know, belongs to me; Muriel and the crew are no-lovers of England, and I anticipate no resistance to my wishes; but, if Lhave any, I shall put it down with an iron hand.” ‘* Her» is my hand in the enterprise, captain, and glally do I second you, and I see no obstacle in the way of perfect success.” “T knew you would second me, West, and hence _Thave first mide known to you my intentions. “Thank God, thouxh our beautiful schooner has often run th> gantlst of American guns, we have never returned ashot upon the flag, and once, as you remember, came very near bing sunk by our non- resistance to that plucky little cruiser, which the schooner could have taken in a ten minutes’ com- “Yos,I remember. But now to_ the present. When | ascenied to the mast-head, I obs2rved two instead of one sail in sight, anla close observation rouzh my glass prove ono to boa large English p-of-war, as well a3 I could make out by her rig, and she was maneuv-rinz so as to get the wind of a brig-of-war some three milss distant from her, and that vess2l was one youand I know but too well.” “ Ha! tho Vulture?” “Yes; the bri r-of-war was the Vulture.” * Wh ut a determined enemy she has proven to us! One would almost beli2ve, Captain Noel, that she - was sant out especially to take us, well knowing who it is that commands this schooner,” said West, 3 thou ‘httully. Se edie ; aes ees : | ‘0, they do not suspect, Tam assured, that you and [are hers; but, Ainslie is a dashing, gallant fel- low, and the several other cruisers sailing under the ican colors having proven themselves nothin, ‘but pirates, as have the Carthazenians, and attacke American commerce, our navy consider it their duty eeeallate, and the Vulture would be only too happy to overhaul the Red Wing.” “ Doubtless you are right, captain; but to the ae sail—an engagement will follow.” “Without doubt, for Alden Ainslie and the Vul- ture crew will never fly from an enemy because he {is their superior in guns and men, Hark!” The deep boom of a heavy gun suddenly rolled ‘across the wators, followed by another and another : ae succession. Ww n an instant Noel sprung to the deck, followed by ‘est. “Qaptain Noel, yonder two vesselsare maneuver- ing to sugars each other,’ said Lieutenant Muriel. 3 Yes, here will be an action, and a desperate “Tt seems rash for yonder brig to meet his adver- which, if [ mist ike not, is an Englishman.” “Yes, rash; but the battle is not always to the strong, Tne brig is the American vessel-of-war, Vulture, and itis my intention, Muriel, to hang off and watch the combat; so keep the schooner in her PeMER con, tl ed Muriel, although i & promptly answer: urie! Poti ae that his pamiroender should wish to en- danger the schooner in getting in range of a fight _ between two vessols-of-war. - Following the first guns, which had been fired from the Englishman, came a broadside from the Vulture, after which the two vessels, continuing to draw nearer together, poured in a hot and damag- flre upon each other. ~~ A little more than a mile distant, the Red Wing to bo unnoticed by the sea-warriors, as with a heavy ins, she bounded swiftly over the moonlit wa ‘ers, eading directly toward the scene of carnage; but from the schooner's decks the flash of the battle- lanterns the crash of timbers, the stern orders of the officers, and loud cries and cheers of the crews, mingling with the roar of the wey! were distinctly read of canvas, and her men at het heard, and all on board the Red Wing gazed alte: nately upon the terrible scene, and then upon tho tall and manly form of their commander, who stood with one hand resting upon the bulwarks, and his eyes firmly fixed upon the action. All but one wondered at his strange course, but none dared to inquire why he was thus running his vessel into the lion’s mouth, “Mr. Muriel, an unlucky shot from the English- man has carried away the American’s tiller-ropes, and she is getting worsted.” “Ay, ay; they are pouring it upon her hot and heavy,” answered the young Spaniard; and after a moment he continued: . “See! if she does not strike soon they will sink er.” “At the guns there! Donble-shot alll Aim at yonder large sloop-of-war. Ready all—yire /” The wild, ringing tones of the order awo’se the crew of the Red ing like magic, for they knew that their commander was terribly in earnest, and 4l- thouch they never had fired upon an English vessel- of-war before, they unhesitatingly obeyed, and a fierce broadside of flame shot from the schooner, and a hailstorm of iron was hurled upon the Englishman, then but half a mile distant: “ Stand ready to wear ship—ready about—forward and aft there, keep those thirty-twos playing with the broaside guns—ready all—jire !” The voice of Noel arose loud and clear, and his orders were obeyed with promptness by the crew, who, accustomed to scenes of carnage, were in their element when fighting their guns, and ina few mo- ments’ time the graceful and obedient schooner had delivered half a dozen broadsides from both star. board and port, and with terrible effect, for the foro- mast of the Englishman had beencut away, tho muzzen-topmast was tottering, and the bowspirit hung dangling in the water as the vessel broached to. Completely hidden in the smoke of her guns, the schooner still bore down nearer and nearer, the crew getting their range from tho orders of the man at tho mast-head, who gave them directions how to fire, as the topmast of the Englishman was distinctly visiblo to him above the smoke. , “She has come to, sir, and I think is unmanago- able,” cried the man from the masthead. big ned sir?” called out Noel. “Directly o1 the starboard bow, sir.” * Helmsman, Jet her fall off—steady ; aim low there at the guns—jire /” The order was quickly obeyed. and the crashing of timbers and cries of the wounded proved that the iron messengers had found their target. But still the roar of the British guns was heard, re- sponded to by those from the Vulture, and then be- fore tho bows of the Red Wing loomed the massive hull of the sloop-of war, which still nobly fought, though between two fires. “At the guns there, double load with grape— steady as you are, helmsman—/ire /” A wall of flame, a hurtling of iron, a roar, a crash shrieks and groans followed, a lull of an instant, anc then_a cry camo from the Englishman: * Ceasa firing; we strike!” ‘Haul down your flag, and a boat from the Amerl- ean brig-of-war Vulture will board you!” cried Noel, ina voice that was heard by the crews of each ves- sel ‘“* Ay, ay; but what schooner is that?’ came the sullen reply from the Pg but no answer was returned from tho Red Wing, which, still envel- oped in smoko, floated swiltly away before the wind, leaving the vessel she had so nobly aided to capture a prize to the Vulture, which, but for the timely aid
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The Flying Yankce. a1 of the schooner, would have had to strike her colors to her far more powerful adversary. As much astonished as were the Englishmen at the strange conduct of the schooner, the officers aud crew of the Vulture watched her rapid departure floating, as it were, on the smoke of her guns, andit was some moments ere an order was at tomana cutter to go uboard the prize, for all had distinetly heard Nocl’s remark that a boat from the Vulture would take possession of thesurrendered vessel-of- war. CHAPTER XIV. AFTER THE COMBAT. Srivz enveleped in the smoke of battle that floated away before the wind, and appearing with her low hulland tapering spars, like a specter shrouded in mist, the Red Wing Hew on over the moonlit waters, leaving behind her astonishment mingled with awe at her strange course, Spreading all the canvas that would draw, Noel paced the quarter-deck with a brow still stern, but upon which rested a look of satisfaction, for he felt that he had done his duty nobly in detense of his dear ol flag. Determined to now make known his new-formed resolution to his officers, he called to Muriel to summon them to the cabin. Soon they were assembied, and Noel said, quickly: “You are aware, gentlemen, that lam an Ameri- can, and also know that war has been declared be- tween my country and England, Hitherto this vcs- scl Las served under the colors of Mexico, and I need nos remirk here that those colors are little worth to us; but now, as the schooner belongs to me, Iintend 4o put her in another service, and em bound t» Vera Cruz to resign the commission Lhold from Mexico,” “We are listening, captain,” said Hernando Mu- viel, quietly, as Noel paused for an instant. ‘““True—it is my intention to resign my commis- sion, and then tender the services of mysclf, schvon- er, and such of the crew as will follow me, to the Amcrican Republic.” ‘enter the service of the United States, captain?” asked Lieutenant Hart, a young American, Who had Leen tempted by the romance of a sea life toleavea happy home in New England, and since hed been a wanderer about the face of the carth. Rejoicedat the prospect of returning home again © with the eclaé cf a naval officer, he was only too wil- ling to second his commander in his intention, as he believed it to be. “jn ono respect, yes, Mr. Hart,” continued Noe). “ We are to serve the United States, and asI know that a a friend West is withane, and you are also willing, I must now find out the wishes of Senor Muriel.* Senor Muriel is wholly at your service, Captain Noel. You have drawn me from an evil lif, and 1 hesitate not an instant to follow you wherever you my lead.” “My good friends, I am delighted to have your support, and I feel that the crew will be easily won over, for none of them, I believe, hold sympathy e with England. * To-night | anticipated my intention, and turned a broadsides upon an Evfrlish vessel-of-war, that otherwise would have sunk, or taken, the Vulture, “That act will cause us no trouble, as in a few days we will no longer be in the service of Mexico, but cruising the ocean under a flag of our own. for though it is my intention to make wer upon Eng- Jand, itis also my intention to cease hostilities toward France and Spain, and while aiding America, keep in mystery who or what we are, for I will report to no Admiralty, carry no national colors, and touch at no port in the United States eecepeandad disguise. * After leaving Wera Cruz, I intend to run some port where Iean refit the schooner, rig her in new canvas, leaving out our red wings. and, painting her white, so disguise the vessel that none of her old friends or foes will recoguize her. “Your old piratical haunt, Muriel, I will make our rendezvovs, and also I have after plans in view that at present I cannot disclose. * Now we will go to the deck and make known to the crew my intention of leaving the service of Mexico, and taose among them who do not care to follow my fortunes I will land with their personal property at Vera Cruz.” “*You will find the crew as ready as we are to fol- low your lead, captain,” said Muriel, as they aecend- ed tothe deck, where the crew were soon assembled, and received the proposals of their commander with enthusiastic cheers, In due time the schooner dropped anchor in the harbor of Vera Cruz and Noel’ tendered his resigna- tion to the Mexican authorities, who accepted it with deep regret, for they were well aware of the valuable services he had rendered their tottering government. Purchasing all necessary stores and equipment: and securing a full comy lement of men from severa. American vessels then blockaded in the port, Noel secured a lizkt sailing schooner, }caced her with his purchases, and a week afier the artival of the Red Wing, the two vessels set eail one dark, stormy night, and headed for the Iencly island which had once been the resort of a piratical horde, and which the young’ commander intended should be his secret rin ezvous, for Noclwas determined he would not be known to his government other than as some mys- terious friend ever on the alert to secretly lend a helping hand. While the Red Wing is sailing for the island, where she js to be metamorphosed into an American priva- teer, I will return to the night of the engagement be- tween the Vulture and the English sloop-of-war, ard relate the circumstances following the departure of the mysterious schooner, As Noel had surmised, the Vulture had been re fitted, after being wrecked by the lightning, and was placed under command of Alden Ainslie, while Cal- vin Bernard, after a court-martial investigation of the peed he took in the duel between his captain and lieutenant, had been found “not guilty of on feri- ous charge, and was allowed to return to his ship, in which he soou rose to the rank of lieutenant, Alden Ainslie had proved himself an able effi- cer, and under his command the Vulture had aon renewed honors during her cruise in northern waters. Thus it was that Captain Ainslie determined to - fight, instead of fly from, the English slocp-of-war, a determination that would have cost bim dear had it not been for the timely aid of the Red Wing, a schooner he had often endeavored to capture, and which had always eluded hin. When the English commander bad hailed the schooner, and received no answer. a feeling of awe came upon the crew, for her mysterious appreach, hidden by the smoke of her guvs, | er still ore mys- terious departure, silent and beautiful, caused them to look upon her as a weird craft with a weird crew, and many low whispers ran around the forecastle about their having surrendered to a phantom ship commanded by his Satanie majesty, On board the Vulture the feeling was still mcre suspicious, bsg the seamen, of their having re- ceived aid from the devil, and few of them felt at all complimented that his diakolical majesty had bon- ored them with his favor, for they fcared that he was toying with them only to make his presence more severely felt at a future day. f All heard what passed between the Erglish com- mander and his conqueror; that the swrender was accepted in the name of the Vulture, and their ves- sel being known to the stranger was but another cause for surprise, and in some cases dread, As soon a8 Alden Ainslie could collect bis beat’s crew he left the Vulture and was put on beard the English vessel, where he was met by her com- mander, who politely, yet stiffly, invited kim into the cabin, as he tendered his sword. * No, yea retain your sword, sir, and as your vessel and crew, like my own, have suffered severely,
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22 The Flying Yankee. if gar will giveme your qawle @honneur you can still hold command and follow me into port." “Assuredly 1 give my p/role, sir, and heartily thank you for your kindness; but to whom have I surrendered, may 1 ask?’ answered the English- man. “Tam Alden Ainslie, commander of the American brig-of-wa" Vulture; but the name of my timely ally Iam ignorant of.”’ “A strange craft and a strange commander, I judges but doubtless some American privateer, that, usting to her swift heels, ventured near enough to give you a helping hand, and I assure you a strong one, for he raked me fore and aft with terrible “But why should he thus diszuise his name and nation?’ asked Captain Ainslie, in a puzzled tone. “That I know not, for one would think he would only be too willing to exhibit his bantam form, and crow loudly over his achi -vements.” “Yes, one would think so, yet yonder he goes, still enveloped in smoke and looking most spectral in the moon'izht,” and all eyes turned upon the flying joover, “Could you not bring him to? I have some long- range guns forward that are at your service, and [ confess to a curiosity to see the bold mariner who controls yonder craft,” and the Englishman raised his glass to his eye. “No, thank you; I will not do so; he has served me nobly, and I will resp2ct his desire to remain un- known,” answered Ainslie. “ Nobly said, sir; but my men believe yonder craft is run by a devilish crew, and though education de- stroys or should destroy, superstition, yet I confess to a feeling of uneasiness regarding her strange ap- pearance, even thouzh the voice of her commander, when he hailed me, had a most metallic ring.” “T am also puzzled captain, but attribute the strange conduct of the craft toa freak of the com- mander, and not to an unearthly agency; but now I must return to my vessel, and as soon as my dam- 8 are somewhat repaired I will head for Mobile, where you will please follow, even though we be- come separated on the way.” “You may rely upon my honor, Captain Ainslie, and I thank you for your kind consideration towar. elf and crew,” and the Englishman held forth hand toward Alden, who grasped ir firmly, for hs respected his brave though unfortunate foe. the two officers then parted, and just at daybreak, their vessels having dead co ed to their sea-graves, and the wounded cared for, the Vulture got under way, followed by the English sloop-of-war, the crew of which fully ap- preciated the kindness shown them by their brave young captor, who had proven himself as generous as he was daring. been temporarily repaired, the CHAPTER XV. THE FLYING YANKEE. A year passed after the incidents related in the forezoing chapters, and the Vulture, thoroughly re- fitted and with a better armament and larger crew, was acain at sea. _ Her course Jay to the southward, down the Atlan- tic coast from Charleston, from whence she had sailed on a special mission, to bear Commodore Cut- ting take command of the American squadron then ng in the Gulf of Mexico. It was a clear moonlight night, but the sea ran high, for a heavy gale was blowing from the north- east; but bravely the noble vessel struggled through waters, staggering through only under her storm-sails. Upon her decks were officers and crew. some enjoying the struggle between the ocean and the vess"l and others attending carefully to the duties devolving upon them. Standing near the wheel upon the quarter-deck were several officers chat ,» and recognizable among them were the tall and commanding form of Commodore Cutting, the elegant figure of Alden Ainslie, and the indolent, graceful Calvin Beraard, whose left arm was worn in a sling, for he had not ret fully recovered from a wound received in the attle with the English sloop-of-war, The arrival of the Vulture in port, with her larger foe as a prize, had created considerable excitement, especially when Captain Ainslie, disclaiming all credit, had made known the circumstance of being aided by his strange ally. Since then, incoming vessels had reported the appearance at.sea of a strange craft that was the true friend of America, and the bitter foe of Eng- land, and many were the remarkable stories of how she was seen only at night, enveloped in a cloud of smoke, and looking like a specter barque, also seeming like one, as, excepting a stern hail from* her and the sound of her terrible guns, no one had ever held communication with a soul on board, The subject of conversation that night on the Vulture, as she bounded over the gale-swept ocean, was this strange craft, and Commodore Cutting had just remarked his inability to solve the mystery, when Alden Ainslie rejoined: “Commodore, I am not superstitious, but I assure you the sudden appearance and strange behavior of that craft when she saved the Vulture from capture made a deep impression upon me, an impression which the numerous rumors now afloat but serve to strengthen:” ** And that impression is, captain—?” “T hardly know; for, though I would laugh to scorn the belief that the craft is a phantom, strongly inclined to favor America, yet what is she? I ask, and the answer is, a white schooner of remarkable build and speed, and one that carries full sail in a storm, which would run any other vessel beneath the sea.”” “And one that no one has ever been on board of, as far as we know—that has only hailed from her own decks, and though capturing prizes has nevor boarded them, but driven them before herinto some port, where they have been safe under the guns of our forts.” put in an old weather-beaten sailing- master, who had passed forty years upon the ocean. “Has she ever been seen in the daytime?” asked Commodore Cutting, “Yes,” returned tho sailing-master, ‘“she has been seen in daylight by her prizes, for [ talked with a man who was mate of that English powder-ship she captured.” “And what said the mate?” asked Commodore Cutting, with interest, while the group of officers gathered more closely around to hear the reply. ‘He told me what I will now tell you, and, though he is a kind of kinsman of mine, Tbompson—he lt his name with a P, sir—well, he told me that they were running along pretty lively one night, and hoping to reach a haven held by the English, when suddenly they descried a misty blue light across the ocean, and in its midst was the most beautiful spec- ter craft eye ever beheld. “Thompson says all of them were scared nearly to death, when a flash, a heavy boom and a whir oft solid shot proved the specter could use mortal means, and this reassufing the captain of the pow- der-shin, he hoisted all sail and determined to es- eape, for his vessel was one of the fastest afloat; but crowding sail was useless, for in less than an hour the stranger came un close astern, and hailing in a loud voice, told the Englishman to change his course and head for Charleston, as a prize to the United States Government “Compelled to obey, the Englishman did as or- dered, and the stranger then shortened sailso as to hang half a mile distant in his wake, and there he continued, day and night, until he drove the powder- ship under the guns of Fort Sumter, when the queer one put about and headed sevward “ But what did your relative say the craft looked like by daylight?” asked Alden Ainslie. “He said she was a beauty, and only once could he -
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The Flying Yankee. see more than one man on board, and that was the helmsman; but he related how, when his captain thought one day in a blow, as his pursuer had dropped a mile astern, he would try to escape, that suddenly a hundred forms clad in snow-white—you see the schooner was white from hull to topmast— were seen to spring to work lively, and in a minute the Flying Yankee, as the Britishers call the stran- er, was after them like a hound, and the poor cap- fin had to once more keep on his prescribed course, still dogged by his captor.” “A remarkable story, sailing-master, but it is gen- erally believed, and I confess to a deep-seated desire to know more of this terror of the British—the Fly- ing Yankee; why, I would give my next year’s pay to solve that—’ : “Sail, ho!” The ringing cry of the lookout from the mast-head broke short the words of the commodore, and caused all to start, for the conversation they were holding regarding the mysterious character of the strange vessel, caused all to feel a certain superstitious dread in their hearts. “ Whereaway, sir?” “She is not in sight, now, sir: but a moment ago I beheld her—sail, ho!’ “Sail, bol” "Sail, hol” The cries rung out suddenly from a dozen different parts of the vessel, and all eyes turned to windward, where they beheld a sight that sent a thrill of horror through the ship. A mile or more distant, and distinctly Seen in a bluish, misty cloud, that looked spectral in the moonlight, was a large schooner, crouchiag low in the my and with her tapering masts crowded with canvas from deck to topmast, while, as light as a bird, she seemed to fly from wave to wave. “God in Heaven! It is the specter craft!’ cried the old sailing-master, while a dozen voices said in suppressed tones: 5 “The Flying Yankee!” * Yes, boys, the Flying Yankee; and it remains with us'to solve the mystery, for though she has proven a friend to us, we will find out who and what sheis. Clear that port-gun, Mr, Bernard!” cried the commodore, cheerfully. ‘It is impossible to clear for action in this gale, commodore,” suggested Alden Ainslie, as the men hesitated what to do. “True; well, we'll bide our time and see the re- sult, See! how she comes down upon us!” said Commodore Cutting pointing to the misty-looking schooner, that, with apparently every stitch of her snowy canvas spread, was rushing down upon their quarter, and rapidly overhauling the brig. “Yes, she seems to fly, for I can already distin- guish the two men at her wheel,”’ answered Captain Ainslie, as he turned his glass once more on the ap- proaching vessel, All stood in silence, regarding the stranger, each officer and man instinctively taking his position for action, and each one turning over in his mind what could be the meaning of the strange appearance. Bounding madly forward, over and through the storm-swept waters, the Flying Yankee came on, un- til she obtained the posted to windward, and off the starboard quarter of the brig, when suddenly a tall form, clothed in white, sprung into the main shrouds, and in trumpet.tones came the hail: “ Ahoy! the Vulture!” **My God! he knows us! It isthe devil that runs that craft!” cried the sailing-master, with awe. “ Silence, sir!’ sternly said Captain Ainslie, and then through his trumpet, he answered, “Ahoy! Is that the Flying Yankee?” “ Ay, ay, sir!” came the answer. “ Well, whut would you?” again asked Alden. “Commodore Cutting is aboard your vessel, going to take command of the Southern squadron; but our fleet was defeated some days since, and driven into Mobile, where they now are, while a large En- glish man-of-war, in a crippled condition, is, at pres- ent, repairing damages in the mouth of the St, John's river. The two vessels taken by the English fleet, are now armed with Briti h crews, and lyin in wait to take you by strategy upon your arrival.’ The above had all been spoken in clear tones, and one and all heard every word with strange surprise and deep regret, for none doubted the information received from their mysterious companion, “Is all this true you tell?” called out the commo- dore, in his stentorian voice, My Upon my honor, yes.” “T thank you; but in the name of Heaven, who, and what are you?” “ The Fluing Yankee and the Ocean Outcast.” Tbe words rung with metallic earnestness. and a tone of deep bitterness pervaded them; but ere more could be said, the commander of the weird looking vessel sprung back upon his deck, and instantly the sharp bows swept round, until the long, needle-like bowsprit pointed just into the wind’s eye, when, away darted the Flying Yankee, back in the diree- tion from whence she bad first been discovered. ‘Well, commodore, what do you think of that?” “T know not what to think, Ainslie; but I believe his words, and shall act accordingly; what 7 our”? ‘“*As you do; I believe the expected British fleet has had good weather, and arrived two weeks soon- er than we anticipated, thereby surprising our squadron; but, would it not be a good idea, sir, to _ put into the mouth of the St. John’s, and verify the statement of the Flying Yankee? We may be able to surprise and capture the crippled Britisher,”” ‘That is a good plan, and cne I will act upon, so give the necessary orders, please. Ah! yonder still flies that weird craft under a press of Sail that, in this gale, would run a line of battle-ship under,” and the commodore venues to the distant schooner, still beating up into the wind, withcut having reduced a single as ame foot of canvas. as she sped on, leaving behind her a most uncomfortable feeling in the minds of all on board the Vulture, for they could not get rid of the thought that some supernatural agency . controlled the destinies of the mysterious unknown, CHAPIER XVI. THE GRAND PRIZE, Towarp nightfall of the day following the meeting with the Flying Yankee, the Vulture sighted the | coast of Florida, and a few hours after glided slowly into the mouth of the St. John’s river, where she came to anchor close under the shadows of the foli- age-clad banks, Calvin Bernard was then sent off in the largest | cutter, with a picked crew well-armed, to reconnoiter and discover the whereabouts of the British ves of-war, for none doubted that the words of the Fly- me Yankee would prove true, lidnight came, acd the returning boat was ob- served appenaching through the gem with rapid stroke, and, springing to the deck, Calvin Bernard informed his superior officrrs thet a British vessel, — as well as he could jud ge a large. square-rigger. carrying forty gunsand a full crew, was lying moored to the river-bank, some six miles above, while her — men were cnsar paa on the shore near by “Tsbould think she was undergoing a thorough overhauling,” continued the lieutenant ‘for all of her crew appeared to_be ashore, assembled around their camp-fires, and I noticed that her mizzenmast bad been shot away and her bulwarksseriously shat- tered, for Iwas within a cable's length of her, and the camp-fires cast a ruddy light upon her hull.” “She is wholl. y unsuspecting then of our presence?” said Captain Ainslie, ** Yes, it must be so, and ean be taken by surprise; otherwise it would be madness to atiempt to attack 8 vessel so very much our superior as— God bless’ us! see there!’ All turned Sars at the sudden exclamation of the young lieutenant, and bebeld almost upon them, - and sweeping by before a stiff breeze, the Flying
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er | | ' 24 The Flying Yankee. Yankee, still carrying a press of canvas and envelop- ed in the misty halo that aeyeamd to pervade her everywhere from topmast to deck. Ere a word could be said the same form, before seen, sprung into the main shrouds, and his clear voice hailed: “ Ahoy! the Vulture!” “ Ahoy!” cried Commodore Cutting. * Would you take the Englishman, get at once un- der way; g> silently to quarters, double shot your uns, and follow mse,’’ came the riuging order, as 9 schooner swept by and soon disappeared around a curve in the river. At once all was activity on board the Vulturs, for not an instant did the commodore and Captain Ains- lis hesitate to obey; the anchor came up ata run, the sails were let fall, tho bows swung off, and swiftly and silently, with ber men and officers ready and eager for action, the Vulture spad on in the wake of her str guide, determined, coms what might, to follow to the bitter en1 the alventure before her, Yet, floet as was the brig-of-war, the Fiying Yankee rapidly left her astern, an] Calvin Barnard had just remarked that ere long they would rounda beni that would give them a view of the British, when sudden- ly loud cries were heard ah2al, drowned the moment after by tha roar of artillsry, which, with mighty echo, raverberated along tha wooded shores. “The Flying Yanke3 has opened, for I recognize the peculiar roar and rattle of her gun,” exclaim Alten, quickly, and as he spoke, p2al after peal of artillery shook the air, mingled with lout cries and stern orders, ‘Tne next instant the Vulture rounded the bend, to behold a stranze and stirring scenes. The Flying Yankee was sailins swiftly by the Eug- lishman, abouta cable's length distant from tho snip, and her decks were ablaze with light as her guns were discharged with lightning speed and perfect regularity by what appeared to be a ghostly crew, for every man was clothad in as white, while his face wa3 concealed beneath a closely-fitting mask of bright criinson. As the crew of the Vulture gazed upon the excit- ing seane tha Flying Yankee passed on up tho river for a short distance, and then gracafully and swiftly comin ¢ aroun’ headed down-straam, while her star- board guns azain op2sned upon the frightened Eng- lishman, and with terrible effect. Having sped by the line-of-battle ship the beauti- ful schooner cased firing as suddenly as she had commenced; her ports were closel, and as silently and peacefully as a toy ship sh» flaw down the river until she came abreast the Vulture, that was ng on to met her foe with all haste. All eyes sought the beautiful schooner and ob- served the same man upon her quarter-deck who had before hailed them; but his face was masked be- hind a crimson shield, and defied recognition. “T have thrown them into confusion; push on and Jay the Vulture alongside the ship, and she is yours. ' * Ay, ay, sir!” cried Alden Ainslie, and the crew broke ous in three lusty cheers for the Flying Yankee, which, the next moment, rounded the bend at ee from their sight in her sea- Ww. * Ainslie, he has won for us the ship, for see—the British are thoroughly demoralized! Helmsman, bring her closer yet! Now, Captain Ainslie, a bold rush and you have your prize,” cried the old com- modore, with enthusiasm, “Ay, ay. sir! At the guns there! Aim at that crowd rushing for the ship; #7¢'” The Vulture’s hoarse guns belched forth fire and fron hail, checking the advance of the few men _ whom their officers had rallied and were leading toward their ship; but momentary was the halt, for at the English rushed on. re away my hearties; aim true. and load Seeady or they'll meet us yet on their own decks! as you are, helmsman! there, that will do! Now, Mr. Hendricks, strip her of sail—lively, lively, and she'll float up gently and not crush an C2e and, cheered by their captain's distinct orders the crew of the Vulture sprung to their work. ee of her canvas, yet still forging forward and o eying her helm, the Vulture soon ran gently alongside the Englishman, and in an instant the two ships were lashed firmly together. With a yell the Americans followed their gallant captain upon the Pg ene ed decks, just as the British seamen, headed by their officers, clambered over the other bulwarks, and at once the combat became fierce and sanguinary. Affrighted at the sudden terrific spectacle of tho Fiying Yankee, cut down in their camp by her murderous guns and beaten back from their Lrg the English were taken at a disadvantage, and it was some time ere their officers could ral y their superstitious crew to action, for one and all had heard of the weird schooner that so resistlessly swept the seas; but, when the specter craft, as they believel ib to be, headed seaward, and they were confronted with a mortal crew and a Lona five vessel, they quickiy sprung to their ey and bravely met, the Americans face to face, although their numbers had been greatly reduced by the of their un- known foe. Had it not been for the Moving p's aid from the Flying Yankee, there is but lite doubt that the Americans would have been defeated, even though they had surprised their enemies, for they were [Deed outnumbered both in men and guns; but naving this advantage, and possessing both skill and indomitable courage, Captain Ainslie and his crew after ashort but terrible contest burled their foes from their vessel’s decks, and training their own guns upon their camps, compelled them to ask for quarter. Sullenly the British laid down their arms, and Alden Ainslie found that he had captured one of the finest vessels in the English navy. Learning from the English commander that the report of the Flying Yankee was correct, as regarded the defeat of the American squadron in the Gulf, Commodore Cutting at once determined to dispatch his prisoners to Savannah overland, and bring back an American crew for the prize, which, inthe mean time, could be refitt d for sea, so as to sail incom- pany with the Vulture, From Sir Macv Northcote, the British commander, Commodore Cutting could zlean no information as to what was the mystery hanging over the Flyin, Yankee, and the Englishman was greatly surpris to learn thit the weird vessel was as unknown to the navy of the United States as to that of Great Britain. “'The strange-looking vessel first appeared to us,” seid Sir Macy in his interview with Commodore Cut- ting, ‘tin the heat of battle, and her guns were fired with the greatest precision; so much so, in fact, that I poured upon her several broadsides, althouzh se- verely pressed at the time by one of your cruisers. “ Ap eb wend my aim was bad. for the schooner re- mained unhurt, and as she disappeared in the smoke of battle shortly after, I forgot about her until the action was over, and then nowhere could she be seen, **Tput in here for repairs,for I sadly needed them, and the schooner must have dogged inmy wake, as you siy it was from her you gained the information rezarding my whereabouts.” “Your crew, I see, stand in terrible fear of the Flying Yankee,”’ said Alden Ainslie. ** Yes, captain; they loo*ed upon her with awe, for strange rumors regarding her mysterious move- ments and oo were afloat in England before we left,and all they have seen here goes to str ngthen their belief in the supernatural powers of the Flying Yankee, Can you make no guess as to what she is, by whom commanded, or the motive of her mas- querade?” ‘None; no more canI solve that than I can the problem of the cea light thet gk tam to sur- round her, and the cloud of smoke, in which she
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The Flying Yazxkee. seems always enveloped,” said Commodore Cut- ting. “Strange, very strange.” “It isindeed; yet in the tones of her commander —and I confess I never heard a voice more ringing and stern—I think I trace something familiar—’ *And I also, commodore, tor I could swear to having heard his voice before. Have you thought of whom it reminds you?” asked Alden Ainslie. “Yes, it sounds like the voice of poor Moncrief in battle, who sailed under me for years.” “Yes, it had the same startling, ringing tones I have heard from Noel when in action, but then it cannot be he.” “*Moncerief, Moncrief? Was not that the name of one of your mest brilliant officers, who slew his su- perior in aduel and then fled his native land? I was cruising in these waters at the time,’’ said Sir acy. “Yes; poor fellow, he fled in his own yacht, ac- companied by one companion who had aided his es- cape trom the Vulture, and as he put into New York and armed and pannped his little craft, I feared he had determined to turn iree rover, and my fears were realized.”’ “ He became a pirate, then?’’ asked Sir Macy. “So it was believed, and met a sad fate; for some two years ago his yacht, which had been committing some depredations along the Gulf coast, and upon Southern commerce, was attacked by a revenue cut- ter, i refusing to surrender, was sunk with all on board.’ “He died game, even though a pirate.” “Yes, it was just like Moncrief to die at his guns, poor fellow,” and ap expression of sad regret stole over the face of the old commodore, for he had dearly loved the erring young naval officer, to whom he owed his life; for in a gale at sea, when swept away by a huge wave that washed his vessel's decks, Commodore Cutting would have sunk to rise no more, had not Noel, knowing his commander could not swim, sprung overboard and sustained him until the life-boat was launched and both were rescued. Noel Moncrief was a midshipman then, and years had gone by since, but still the old seaman had not forgotten the brave preserver of his life, and mourn- ed in secret his fate. CHAPTER XVII. ON BOARD THE SEA-SLIPPER. One pleasant afternoon, toward the close of the English and American war of “1812,” there sailed from the port ot Mobile a gracefully-built clipper ship, carrying an extraordinary press of canvas, and presenting a smart, naval-like appearance for a mer- chantman. Heading Guifward, for she was bound to Havana, the ship sped on with great speed, dashing the foam from her bows, and trailing after her a snowy, vail- like wake, as the stiff breeze urged her onward. Anxious to gain a good offing, the captain of the Sea-Slipper paced his deck, eyed his ship narrowly to see that every rope and sail was in its place, and ever and anon scanned the horizon with eager lances, for he was desirous of gaining the open wa- er, ere he was headed off by the British cruisers, then blockading the Gulf ports of America. Having been imprisoned in port for some time by the presence of the enemy outside, Captain Daven- port had boldly determined to run the blockade and escape, even if he lost his ship in the attempt; but, be- ing a brave man, and the commander of a vessel that had seldom met her equal upon the ocean in point of speed, he decided to run the gantlet, if possible, and reech Havana for he had a valuable freight 'des- tined for the West Indies, besides several Spanish and American passengers, anxious to leave the coun- try, some to return home, others on account of busi- ness, and a few for pleasure. Miles off to windward the eye of Captain Daven- ah noted several sail, which he well knew to be ritish cruisers, and from them his glance fell upon a dark cloud that broke the level circle of the horl- zon, and his face wore a serious look, tor he had not anticipated having to brave astorm as well as the English, for well he knew, unless be gained a good offing before the gale broke upon the sea, he might be driven back by it, or into the midst of his foes. Near by the captain, leaning upon the taffrail, and also glancing at the distant sail, stood two person- ages, whose bronzed complexions and dark eyes be- tokened their nationality, or that they were of the Spanish race; but the reader has met them before, so a description is not necessary, for they are father and daughter, Don Octavio Guido and the lovely Vio- leta, whom the bravery of Noel, and the speed of his little yacht, had saved from capture nearly three years before, when chased by the pirate drougher off the coast of Cuba, Since that time Don Octavio and Violeta bad been traveling in Europe, and afterward in America, but in all their roamings they had not forgotten their strange preserver, of whom they could never gain the slightest clew as to his whereabouts. Often had they Speman cf Noel, and his rather abrupt refusal of their invitation to their home in Havana, and seldom did his handsome, sad face pass from the mental vision of the Cuban maiden, Now they were upon their 1eturn home, having been detained, beyond their intended stay in Amer- ica, by the war between the United States and Eng- land, and glad at the prospect of once more setting foot upon their ‘* beautiful isle of the sea,” both fa- ther and daughter wore a joyous look as the Sea- Slipper leaned majestically to the breeze and bound- ed rapidly along the restless waters, Promenading the deck, with an exceedingly steady tread for a landsman and landswoman, were two other passengers, the one a dignified, noble-lookin, gentleman, with snow-white hair and mustache, an a figure erect and military, while leaning upon his arm was a maiden of surpassing loveliness in both form and feature, though there rested upon the re- fined face a look of touching sadness, for the droo ing of the heavily-fringed eyebrows could not hide the wells of sorrow within. The two were characters also heretofore brought before the reader, for they were Colonel Moncrief and his ward, Eve Eldred, for love of whom a bro- ther had raised his hand against a brother's life. A dark shadow bad fallen upon the Monerief Manor after the flight of Noel, and the blow had well-nigh killed the loving father and the maiden, but time heals all wounds of the heart, or at least cicatrizes them, and once-again contentment, if not happiness, rested upon the grand old homestead. hen the ery of war aroused the sleeping fire in the bosom of every American, and sending for a lady relative to come and live at the ‘manor with Eve, Governor Moncrief buckled on his armor, and atthe head of a regiment, took the field against America’s foes, Time flew on, its wings laden with the honors, the glory, the sorrows of war, and at length Colonel onerief fell. severely wounded, at the, head of his regiment, and was borne from the field in an almost lifel ss state. But, after weeks of suffering, he recovered suffi- ciently 1o return to his home, where he remained for some months, unfit for service in the field, until ad- vised by his physicians to seek a change of climate, the better to repore his menithe 4 wee Acting upon this suggestion, and accompanie y his cverfaithtul nurse, for he loved Eve Eldred as though she were his own daughter—the two had set sail in the Sea-Slipper. determined to pass the winter in Havana: and already with renewed vigor, as he inhaled the fresh sea air, the colonel paced, with quick tread, the decks of the gallant vessel. “Sail, bol’ suddenly rings from abaft. in the clear tones of the lookout, and instantly aJl on board are coger scanning the blue horizon, “Whereaway?” cried Captain perenne a stout, weather-beaten old sailor, as he glances aloft,
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26 The Flying Yankee. Se “Dead ahead, sir.” . “What do you make of her, my man?’ “She is schooner rig, sir, and ‘is standing toward “All right; keep a close watch upon her move- ments,” called out the captain; and then, turning to his passengers, who were now grouped near him, he continued: “Doubtless she is one of our American priva- teers, and if so, will divide the honor witn us of be- ing chased by yonder two British cruisers.” “T thin ¢ you have no cause to dread capture, cap- tain, for th: Sea-Slipper runs like the wind,” said Colonel Monerief, gazing with admiration at the eed of the ship, as, with everything drawing taut, @ bowled merrily along. “No. sir; I fear none of those heavy craft, unless We run on them ere we know it, and they cripple us; and, in fact, { believe there is scarcely a vessel afloat that can catch us in a stern chase.” “You forget the Flying Yankee, captain,” said the first mate, who was standing near, his glass leveled upon tha newly-discovered sail. “True, sha can catch us upon any wind” “The Flying Yankee! You have then met with this ocean mystery, captain?’’ said Colonel Moncrief, with interest, and around the old seaman at once gathered Don Guido, Violeta and other passengers, “T have, sir, arfd the craft is indeed a mystery; in fact, I have not only met her, but the Sea-Slipper was once saved from capture by her.” “Indeed! Will you tell us the story, captain?” asked Don Octavio, with considerable interest—an interest that seemed shared by all present. “It is a short story, but I will tell it you with pleas- ure, ladies and gentlemen “You see, it was on my last run into Mobile that I was chased by two British war-vessels, a brig and a eesverigeer, and I was showing them a clean pair of heels and rapidly running for a haven, when sud- denly round a point of land came aswift-sailing brig, that at once showed armed ports and the flag of Enzland waving over them. * This was a scrape L little liked, and I felt that my chances of gaining port were slim indeed, for the vessels in chase were but four miles astern, and the one last discovered, just in my course, and hardly half that distanes away. “T determined to round the point upon a different course from the one I was then on, and endeavor to keep the lanJ between myself and my new enemy. * But it was of no use, and I was about to attempt to run the gantlet and again — to sea, when sud- -denly I descried a strange sail coming from a small inlet and shooting just across my bow, so as to head me off, [ believed; but L soon found it was the brig that was the’ gima, for the new-comer, whose auda- city surprised myself and crew not a little, she being a schooner and little able, we believed, to cope with the aera brig-of-war, headed directly tor the En slishman. * Lying low in the water, and with a prow as sharp her decks overshadowed by masses of snow-whire sails, the plucky little craft flewon at a speed I believed hardly possible, and coming in range op2neit with a large gun, mounted upon her forecas- 2, upon the Englishman, who was soon compelled to let the Sea-Slipper go, and look after the schooner. “ With a precision that was remarkable, the schoo- ner’s guns were fired, and though the brig opened hea’ also, it was of no use, for in fifteen minutes she was a wreck, and the daring craft that had proven more than a match for her, was standing out to sea, without having received a single shot, tomar the beauty of her white hull and sails “As for the Sea-Slipper, she escaped, and as far as'we could see, we observed the schooner flying sea- ward, firing rapidly from her stern guns upon the two vessels-of-war, that had given up chasing me to pursue the audacious American craft. * That little craft was what is known as the Flying Yankee, and whoever her commander is, he has won a reputation for bravery and seamanship second to that of no man in our navy.” “If he be a man at all,” suggested Mr. Conover the mate, in a voice of superstitious doubt, “Nonsense, Conover; the schooner has won her name of ia | Yankee by her wonderful speed, and her determined war upon the enemies of our mighty Yankee nation. As for the mystery which overhangs her, it arises from the fact that, excevting to haila vessel, none on board the queer craft ever hold converse with mortals.” “How about the smoke in which she seems to float, captain, and the strance light that hangs around her?” asked the doubting mate. “ There you have me, for that I cannot explain.” “Does she carry no colors, captain?” asked Colonel Moncrief. “She carries no national colors, sir—only a flag representing a schooner sailing upon a tempest- tossed sea, the craft appearing to be worked in white silk, with the waters around her a pale green, while a shadowy cloud appears to pervade the air around the weird looking craft.” “If every report be true, the Flying Yankee has been of the greatest service to the American cause, for | have heard of her protecting and convoying a number of our merchantmen into port, and also of several desperate actions she has had with British eruisers,”’ said Colonel Moncrief. “Yes, sir, and report says true of her, but— What do you say, my man?” and the captain glanced to- pg the man in the main-top who had hailed the eck. “The sail ahead, sir, is the Flying Yankee.” Instantly there was a scene of excitement on deck, and while the captain and mate ascended the rigzing with their glasses, the eyes of the passengers were turned upon the distant vessel, which was now plainly visible to the naked eye. ‘Senorita, will you look?” and Don Guido tendered his own handsome spy-glass to Eve, who, with a smile of thanks, took it, and turned it upon the strange sail. “My daughter believes she can trace a resem- blance between the schooner and one of her build that often used to be seen upon our coast, and which Spaniards had cause to dread. I refer to the Mexican cruiser that gained such a name for daring, and was known as the Red Wing,” said) Don Octavio, addressing Colonel Moncrief. “Yes I have heard of the cruiser; but of late” years she Las disappeared from the seas. Some say she foundered with all on board,” answered the colonel. ' “No, senor, I am confident yond*r schooner is the same, for I was wont to sit in our plantation-homs and gaze for hours upon the Red Wing, whose cruis- ing-ground was near us for months,’ remarked Vio- leta. “You found the Red Wing then a merciful foe, it seems?” questioned Eve, turning her beautiful eyes upon the face of her scarcely less lovely companion. “Yes: never did we have cause to dread the terri- ble craft; but see, I am now the more convinced yonder schooner is the Red Wing. Although her top- masts seem far talier. and she is painted white, vet she has the same sharp bow. great breadth amid- ships, and lean stern, with the same low hull and tapering masts, as well as the great length of bow- sprit that the Mexican had,” continued Violeta, still keeping the glass to her eye. “Why, lady, you are quite a sailor,” remarked Colonel Moncrief, with surprised admiration, “Yes, sir; my father is a yachtsman and T have — much of my time in sailing with him,” re- urned Violeta, and the ice of reserve having been broken betw2en them the two gentlemen and maid- ens soon became most friendly with each other. “Well, captain, what do you mate of the craft?” — ae uido, as the old seaman descended to the deek.
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“*Tt is the shadow schooner, sir.” “Captain, my daughter Violeta thinks she recog- nizes in her Spain's old igh A the Red Wing.” “Ha, say you so? Why, lady, you are a better sailor than I am, for I now see the resemblance that tortured my mind when I first met the Flying Yan- kee, to recall the craft she reminded me of; I be- lieva you are right, for I once came athwart the Mexican cruiser, Red Wing, and I will say I never met amore perfect gentieman than was her com- mander, or a more thorough sesamin. “T was in Havana, awaiting repairs to my vessel, not the Sea-Slipper, but a brig, that had been dis- mantled in a hurricane, and, hearing ill news from home, I took passage in a Spanish vessel bound to New Orleans, and when three days out we were chased and overhauled by the Red Wing. “The largest number of our passengers were wo- men, and so observing, for we could not keep them below, the young pirate would not fire upon us, but ran the gantlet of our guns, boarded us, and captur- ed the ship in ten minutes, although our crew out- numbered him two to one, “Finding that the freight was owned by Ameri- can merchants he would touch nothing, and after half an hour let the ship go on in peace. “Yes, yonder schooner is very much like the Red Wing, and I would say it was that famous craft, had she not been said to have gone down in a gale.” The schooner was now hardly more than a mile distant, but suddenly changing ber route she stood off from the ship’s course, and nightfall coming on soon after, she disappeared from the sight of those on board the Sea-Slipper. CHAPTER XVIII. THE MYSTERIOUS PILOT. As night came on the wind arose to a gale and the sea began to pitch more and more violently, as the Sea-Slipper, under close-reefed sails, flew on, her crew at their posts, and passengers, well wrapped up, huddied together upon the quarter-deck. All were anxious regarding the safety of the ves- sel, for each moment the storm swept on with greater force, and the British cruisers had so maneu- vered that they had managed to get the advantage of the clipper, by heading her off and still keeping to seaward of her, and Captain Davenport began to dread the thought of having to put back before the ree and again seek the port from which he had sailed, Upon his port-quarter was a low point of wooded land, jutting miles into the sea, which he had hoped to clear ere the cruisers had discovered his intention of running out, but the increase of the wind and heavy beat of the waves had so retarded his pro- gress that when night came on. with its gloom and gale, he had not weathered the land. “Conover, have you the bearings of that point of land?” asked Captain Davenport of his mate. ** Ay, ay, sir; it is just now off ovr port-quarter.” “Ts that hight not from some cabin on the land, for you know since the war broke out the light- house has not been kept?’ and as Captain Daven- port spoke ne pointed ahead to a light but indis- tinctly seen through the haze, ‘No, sir, that is a vessel."’ “Then, by heaveu! we are headed off—ha!” As the captain pee, there suddenly shot up into the air a bright rocket, which lit EY the gloom, and a large vessel-of-war was descried not more than half a mile distant, and dead ahead of vhe clipper. “Stand ready all to wear ship!” suddenly cried the captain. in ringing tones, and while the words were yet upon his oe there came an answering sig- nal off the starboard-bow, another off *he starboard- qu irter, and still another a short distance astern. “By heaven! we are in for it now, with Britishers ahead, abeam and astern of us. That fellow on our port-bow has just rounded the point of land yonder,” and Captain Davenport turned, for a moment not , The Plying Yankee. | ek what to do in the great danger that threat- ened him, “They are all heavy vessels, captain, and we would be sunk by their metal did we attempt to run the gantlet,” quietly remarked Colonel Moncrief, “Yes, I fear we are dished; but were there no passengers with me I would beach my ship, escape to the land, and thus disappoint the English; but I cannot give up the ship yet.” “Are there no harbors upon the coast to which } ou_can run?” asked Don Octavio, quickly. ‘Yes, there are several inlets ont our starboard- beam, but we have no pilot, and it would be madness to make the attempt— Ha! what have wehere? By all that’s glorious—” “ Clipper ship, ahoy!”’ suddenly pealed forth a ringing voice, that interrupted the words of Captain Davenport, and at the same moment there hov- ered above the decks of the Sea-Slipper, clouds of snowy canvas, whilo the rush of the wind through mo a and rigging, sounded like the roar of the surt, “The Flying Yankee! The Flying Yankee!" cried a dozen voices, while Captain Davenport in tones slightly tremulous, cried: ** Ahoy! the schooner!” ** You are surrounded by British cruisers, and have but one chance of escape,” cried the same ringing voice that had hailed, and which cut through the noise of the storm, although the schooner was a ca- ble’s length distant off the port-beam. “And that is?’ asked Captain Davenport through his trumpet, while his erew and passengers, in awe- stricken silence, awaited the reply. “ Rig a light in one of oe lifeboats; set the boat adrift, wear ship immediately after, put out every Jantern on board, and follow in the wake of the Fly- ing Yankee."" The orders were clear; all on board heard them, and ere the captain could say a word, his men sprung to obey. In a moment’s time a lifeboat was lowered over the lee-quarter into the sea, hav- ing two battle-lanterns swung on spars in the stem and stern. At the same instant the Sea-Slipper wore round quickly, in obedience to an order from Captain Da- venport, and a moment after, was dashing along in the wake of the schooner, which had put about im- mediately upon seeing that the instructions given would be carried out. Swittly before the storm rushed the ship, leaving far behind the * decoy “ she had left to deceive the British cruisers, which were gradually drawing to- ward a common center to hem in the American ves- sel that they were so anxious to make a prize. In he mean time a change had come over the Fly- ing Yankee, for no longer was she covered with ale but under close-reefed canvas, was hastening on to- ward the point of land, which, though not visible, was known to be but a few miles away. Upon the clipper’s decks all was_a scene of sup- pressed excitement, for well each one knew their fate hung by a slender thread, and that capture, per- haps certain death, stared them in the face, Glancing astern, as the ship bowled merrily along, Captain Davenport was delighted to observe, by the lights of tho approaching cruisers, that they were drawing toward the spot where the life-boat had been left, with anchor attached to a heavy cable thrown over to hold it steady, evidently believing the lights to be on the schooner, which was lying-to to await their coming. “They are fooled nicely, and will be as mad asa nest of hornets, when they arrive at the decoy and find out their mistake,"’ said the captain, speaking aloud the thoughts that were in every mind. * Yes, it has fooled them, captain, and why should it not, for the devil would lead a saint astray,’ put in the mate, in a disconsolate tone, for he fully be- — lieved that the helm of the schooner was guided by his Satanic majesty. * Conover, you are a fool,"
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% — Guest VTE Se ~ Pe qi The Flying Yankee. ‘* Yes, Captain Davenport,” responded the mate. “Yes for do you not see that the schooner is run liev» him to be?” almost angrily asked the captain. “You have named him, sir; yonder schooner is commanded by the evil one. Laugh if you will, but did u not see sie was crowded with canvas when she rst came upon us, and when we again looked, she was under bare poles almost; and yet flies away from the Sea-Slipper like a bird from a hound? “And see, yonder she goes, rushing right down upon a lee-shore, and the night as dark as a nigger’s face, and here we go right on in her wake like—" “ Why, Mr. Conover, you seem to be very supersti- tious. Do you not know the Fiyinz Yankee has proven the triend of Americans?” asked the sweetly modulated voices of Eve Eldred. *Y43, miss, the devil is a friend to all sinners.” “You are inclined to be complimentary, Mr, Con- over; but as your brain is worki.g too hard, I must counteract it by giving you work for your hands, so go forward and shake a reef out of the sails now set, for do you not see our pilot is dropping us rap- idly astern?” and the captain spoke sternly, and in a@ manner that gave the mate to understand he d3- sire no more croaxkinz. ‘“* Ha! they are letting out the secret on yonder old liner, for se, there go her siznals to tell their com- rades the bird has flown,” exclaimed Captain Davenport, a moment after, as he saw a bright rocket soar heavenward from the deck of the frigate, that had approached near enough to the decoy to observe the deception practice. “Yes, and I believe we will escape through the ageney of our mysterious pilot— Hark!” and, as Colon2l Monerief spoke, above the roar of the storm resound:d a strange crashing, pealing, moaning sound, commingled, while from the forecastle rung the startling ery: “ Bre kers uff port how!” Ss God, have we followed to our ruin?” ex- claimed the captain, springing to the wheel. Breakara of ths star ward bow!” “Where? Where is the schooner?” * We are lost! Oh, H2aven have mercy!” The cries of may ey of despair, were heard fore and afs the ship, for superstition held control over the minis of the brave seamen, who now doubted not but that they had been following a phantom ship with a phantom crew, and in dismay the captain _knew not wat course to pufsue, when, suddenly, a luril light burst forth lixe a meteor, dead ahead of the ship, and but a few cable-lengths distant, and the beautiful schooner, spectral in grace and appear- ance, was revealed, gliiing along into a narrow . gorge or inlet of the land, while upon either side wearel wooded hights, whose base was washed b the mad waters that broke upon them and rebound- ed with terrific force and a wild roar. * Behold! the Flying Yankee is still our friend; she leads tho way!” cried Colonel Moncrief, with glad surprise, and every heart aboard the Sea Siipper bounded with joyful relief. till b wned the lurid lig)t on the schooner, she1- ding a bright glare over the waters through which the Sea-Slipper had yet to come, while the hull and ) ng of the strange vessel appeared enveloped in the same misty cloud that seemed to hang around her in all her ocean wanderin , Upon the decks of the Flying Yankes could be seen a hundred white-clad forms, with the mask of crimson, looking most weird-like and ghastly in the liar glare an the shadows of the overhanging bluffs; but undaunted, the brave commander of the S9a-Slipper stood on, with a perfect confidence jin Cc his guide until his own vessel was overhung by the wooded banks of the inlet, which was hardly more than a hundred yards wide. A few moments more of slow but steady sailing, and suddenly the high cliffs sloped away to a sandy beach, the channel rapidly widened, and again the Sea-Stipper was in the open waters, for she had been guided through an inlet that broke, river-like, across the narrow point of land which jutted from the main far out into the Gulf. Hardly had the Sea-Slipper gained an offing from the inlet, when, with a blaze of blinding brilliancy, that lit up earth, sea, and sky, there came a sudden midnight gloom, and when the strained eyes of the clipper’s crew regained their accustomed sight, the as far Yankee had disappeared. ut she had guided the ship to safety, had saved those on board of her from capture, perhaps death, and with thankful hearts the crew sprung to work, and soon the eee) barque was heading Gulfward, leaving far behind her the disappointed British cruisers, and the mysterious schooner that had been their savior.. CHAPTER XIX. THE BATTLE FOR THE PRIZB. Tuat all on board the Sea-Slipper were impressed by their mysterious deliverance from the English crulsers, was certain and a thorough feeling of su- perstition had taken possession of the crew, Toward daylight on the night of the Sea-Slipper’s escape, the gale blew itself out, settling down Lo a steady six-knot breeze, that drove the gallant vessel sone rapidly toward the haven for which she was ound, During the day the passengers spent most of their time on deck, and between Don Guido and Colonel Moncrief, Eve and Violeta, there sprung up a warm feeling of friendship. The hours of sunlight passed swiftly by, and night, clear and starlit, settled upon the still restless waters, dotted only by the canvas of the Sea-Slipper. ‘Sail, hol’” Passengers and crew all started at the hail from the maintop, and listened attentively tothe reply to Captain Davenport’s * Whereaway, and what do you make of her?” “ She is crossing our wake, sir; a brig- of-war, as wellas I can make her out.” "Yes, I see her now; ho, aloft! turn your night- glass upun her, and report every movement.” * Ay, ay, sir; she has changed her course, and isin full chase of us,”’ came the answer, after a pause. * All hands to crowd sail! Let fall every rag that will catch a breath of wind. Into the rigging every mother’s son of yon, for see ye not there's a craft overhauling the Sea-Slipper?”” Roused by the energetic voice of their captain, the crew sprung into the rigging, and soon had every stitch of canvas that would draw set upon the ship. “Now jump to the guns; double-shot all of them, and await my orders,” again cried Captain Daven- port, as the crew descended to the deck. So quick ad been the movements of the men, so rapid the orders, that the Sea-Slipper had been crowded with sail and her men were at quarters in ten minutes after the discovery of the vessel astern. But in vain the endeavor of the ship to keep ahead of her pursuer, for steadily and swiftly she came on, following directly in the Sea-Slipper’s foaming wake with the persistency of a dog on a trail. “This will not do—she will run over us at this rate, All hands into the rigging!" suddenly yelled the cap- tain, and turning to his mate, he continued: “Tho Sea-Slipper must be put upon her best point of Sailing, Mr. Conover—directly before the wind— stand ready to obey.” A moment more and the orders rung out, clear and loud, and changing her course the gallant ship stood away before the breeze. But all to no purpose, for the strange craft as quickly changed her course, and as silently and as
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The Flying Yankee. 29 rapidly as before overhauled the Sea-Slipper, until but a hundred fathoms separated the two vessels. “That craft sails like the Flying Yankee, or—the devil!” cried Captain Davenport, and ere the words had left his lips there came a quick, stern hail: ‘*Ship, ahoy!"” * Ahoy the brig! answered Captain Davenport, after a moment's hesitation, for the speed of his pursuer filled him with the greatest surprise. “*Ts that the clipper ship that sailed from Mobile harbor yesterday morning?” came the query. “Ay, ay, sir; the American clipper ship Sea-Slip- per, bound from Mobile to Havana— John Davenport commander,” replied the captain, with seaman- like precision. “All right! Captain Davenport, there are two British men-of-war, a ship of the line and a sloop-of- war lying in wait for you to the southward, so I ad- vise you to head for the eastward and shape your course as far out in the Gulf as possible. Good- night, sir.” “Thank you, sir! What brig is that?” answered the captain, but no reply came, as the commander of the brig was heard giving a few quick orders, while the vessel came closer up into the wind, shook out more sails, and big og glided ahead. “aboy! what brig is that?” again hailed A tain Davenport; but silence followed his pegpcs. oa ina few minutes more the two vessels wer a long way apart, the merchantman standing a little more to the eastward, while the sea-warrior, still to wind- ward dashed away on a southerly course. “Well, if my late experience at sea is not a mar- vel, may I never get into pe First. we are over- hauled by a schooner that sails like the wind, and may have, for all I know, connection with the devil; then a brig-of-war pursves, overtakes and passes the Sea-Slipper as though she were a lugger and not the fleetest ore ship afloat,” and with a puzzled look Captain Davenport paced to and fro. “You need not feel hurt, captain, because the Sea- Slipper could not keep ahead of yonder craft, forshe is one of the fleetest_war-vessels in the American navy "said Colonel Moncrief, who with Eve upon his arm had narrowly eyed the brig. “T should say 89; you know her then, colonel?” **Yes; it was the American brig-of-war Vulture.” “Indeed! sheisa gallant creft, and her «fficers and crew were tried men and true, from all accounts; and, now I think of it, there is a romance hanging over the Vulture’s career—" “Yes; but of that. captain, we will not speak more, for a painful memory to me, and to Miss El- dred here, hangs over the history cf yonder vessel- of-war, ” said Colonel Monerief, with deep feeling, “Your pardon, colonel; I now recall one of your name who was an officer on board of her. Relieve me I had no intention to wound—” “Well I know that, captain; he of whom you speak was my son. but we will now let the past bury its dead,” and tufning quickly, Colonel Moncrief walked away, leaving the captain pained at thought that he bad unintentionally wounded the feelings of two of his passengers, An hour more passed, and nowhere over the wa- ters was a sail visible, for the brig had Sieeppeared in a haze that overhung the sea to windward, Tired at length with their stay upon deck, the Sea- Slipper’s passengers were about to retire to their comfortoble cabin. when the look-out’s voice was again heard from aloft, and from a heavy bank of fog that had drifted down from windward, came the tall masts and large bull of a line-of-battle ship. “*An Englishman, as J live! let her fall off, helms- man, There, as I breathe, is another one! Why, the Britishers are as thick in these waters as half- breeds in Mexico; but we are bowling merrily along and if those fellows catch us it will be after a long stern c' ase,” and the captain rubbed his hands in delight at having a few miles’ start of his enemies, if such they proved to be. But of this he was not long in doubt, for, after a gun from each of the new-comers, they squared away in full stern chase. Thus the hours passed, the clipper steadily gain- ing, and Neecge Davenport was congratulating him- self upon his escape, when an unlucky shot from the bows of the leading frigate carried away his bow- sprit close to the deck, and another shot from the other shivered the wheel to afoms, killing the men that held it, and cheney. wounding the mate, Instantly the Sea-Sl ipper lost steerageway, and her bows swung round into the wind, * By Heaven! these wounds are mortal to the good ship now; hit fore and aft at the same time. “Here, men, remove these pocr fellows, ard then take in sail, for the Sea-Slipper has Jost her heel and toe, and we are in for it,” called out the captain. Alarmed by the confusion on deck the passengers the next moment rushed from the cabin, to Lehold with dismay two large English frigates rushing down upon t: eir prey. “Ha! what have we there?” exclaimed the unfor- tunate captain, as there suddenly came a flash of flame, a roar, and from the course in which they had been sailing before brought to by the unlucky shots. “The American brig! Three cheers. my men; and now, three cheers more, for yonder is her com- rade, a full-fledged frigate in her wake! Now, my British achat you will have to fight for your bone!’ cried the captain of the Sea-Slipper, almost beside himself with Joy. Ccming up to windward on short and rap'd tacks, the brig and frigate suddenly eppearing vupen the scene, were opening merrily fiom their guns vpon the two English line-of-battle ships that hed been hastening down upcn their prize until warned of danger oy a shot frcm the brig. Instantly calling their entire crews to querters, they reduced sail, and boldly advanced to meet their enemies, who, though much their inferior in size, were at least stroug enough to give them consider- able hard work to gain over them a victory. Drifting slowly away to leeward, the Sea-Slipper was out of immediate range of tl e fire, and her decks were crowded with her crew and yassengers, eapelly watching the sea combat, and pros ing for success to foll upon the two plucky American vessels, Each moment the comltat beceme more terrible; the guns fleshed more rayidly and with more omin- ous roar; the shot shrieked exuitantly though the air, andthe crash of timbers, the crics cf the com- batants, the grcans of the wounded, commingled, as the contest became closer and more desperate, In dismey. infolded in each ot] er’s aims, with Don Guido and Colonel Moncrief grasping the hand of each, Violeta and Eve stood gazing in silence upon the awful scene, sublime in its terror, while near by stooc Captain Davenport, eagerly watching every move of the ccmbatants. “ Pebold! the smaller frigate is on fire!” suddenly cried Don Guido, and as he spoke, flame after flame burst up from the decks of one of the Erglish ves- sels, sending a lurid glare out over the waters, while she lay a helpless mass upon the sea, bac king and filling at the mercy of the wind, for her helmsman had deserted his post, . But, undismayed by the fate of its ecmrade, the other sea-warrior still continued the battle. pouring renewed fire upon the brig, which had drawn quite — a her, and then above the roar of all arose an-— other cry: “The brig! the brig is goi-g down!” It was too true; the brig was indeed sinking, but yet her crew were boldly fighting her guns. ““Man the boats, men! We must net idly look on while there are lives to save!” cried Captain Daven- port, and a few moments after five boats left the side of the Sea-Slipper, 4nd while two rowed toward the burning frigate, three went to the aid of the brig. The light from the burning vessel made the sea as bright as noonday, and those on board the Sea- Slipper saw several Boatloads leave the unfortunate
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Sn ie SE a Bae Seay is NSi) Si Bis Ce LY; ; _ their sip and row toward the other Englishman, which 8 fought her remaining American adversary with the strongest determination; also they saw the brig sink lower and lower, until, with a mighty plunge, @ sunk beneath the waters, leaving her crew ‘gling in the mad vortex. Anxiously all watched the return of the boats, crowded with the survivors, and then their eyes once more sought the burning frigate, which, enveloped in flames, was slowly borne away before the wind, her heated gums ever and anon pouring forth their mournful notes of woe, as they mingled with the ee, notes of the still-baitling Americanand Eng- 8. Ha had the boats returned, bringing with them all the survivors of the brig, and those from the burning ship who had not gone aboard their consort, when, with an explosion that momentarily silenced the noise of battle, and caused the sea to fairly quake with the concussion, the recy frigate, st‘ll wrapped in fiery splendor, was blown into atoms, and for an instant only the sudden plunge of heavy timbers, cannon, and mayhap buman forms, was heard, and then the silence of death reigned. Boom! boom! erash! crash! and again the battle ‘was opened, the American frigate resuming the com- bat with ater earnestness, as if to avenge the loss of the brig, while, doubtless with the same motive for ver.geance, the English man-of-war once more directed her zuns upon her foe, and again the flashes of the broadsides illumine the sea. .CHAPIER XX. AN UNEXPECTED FOE. Frercer and fiercer grew the combat; louder and Jouder roared the guns; wilder and_willer resoun4- ed the cheers of the American and English crews as the contest continued, and the interested lookers-ca from the decks of the Sea-Slipper feared the wo frigates would bodily sink each other, ere either ene would strike his colors; but no, the Americau vessel, smaller in size as wellas weaker in guns aid men, at length was observed to become unmanagevble, and the next moment fell off so that her powerful ad- -versary raked her decks from be i to how. A few murderous discharges fram the guns of the - Englishman, and then, in loud tones, came the nail: “Do you strike?” ““We are helpless—I surrender the ship!’’ an- swered a seamanlike voice from the American’s and aloud cheer broke forth from the En- ish frigate, and was echoed by their comrades upon e Sea-Slipper. A cheer that suddenly turned into a wail—a cry, loud orders, a clash of small-arms, as suddenly out of the sulphurous smoke of combat appeared the shadowy outlines of avessel, that with pA skill was brought alongsile the hull of e victorious frizate,and more than a hundred white forms clambered upon her blood-stained decks. Taken by surprise, unable to account for the sud- den and mysterious ee of the schooner, and believing wholly in the supernatural, the frigate’s crew was driven pell-mell across the decks ere the F test resistance was offered to their strange foes. who were headed by a tall form, armed with sword and secre that dealt death mercilessly around him, “On! on! my men! Cut down every man who re- sists!’’ cried the leader, in ringing tones, and once more he sprung into the mist of the English crew, who had now begun to rally beneath the o.ders of ; officers. But in vain their resistance, for, unable to with- stand the terrible onslaught, they were driven aft to ‘the quarter-deck, their own guns were turned upon them, and at length the brave captain, who, a few moments before, was demanding the surrender of a conquered enemy, was compelled to haul down bis ensign to a man that had vanquished him upon his Sir Edgar De Lacey, and this is his British maijesty’s line-of-battle-ship Pocahontas. To whom do I surrender my sword, sir?” said the vanquished The Flying Yankee. Englishman, stepping forward, and gazing upon the crimson-masked face of the conqueror. The victor tried to speak, his hand was out- stretched, but, with a low moan, he staggered for- ward and would have fallen had he not been caught in the arms of Commodore Cutting, who had that moment come on board from his ship, to see the cause of disturbance on the Englishman. “God above! Noel Moncrief'/” ejaculated the as- tonished commodore, as he tore the mask from the face of the wounded man and recognized the faint- ing forminhisarms. At the request of the English cfficer he bore Noel into the cabin and laid him upon a lounge, when the surgeon was summoned to at- tend him, for he was wounded severely in the side. The next moment Lieutenant Muriel dashed into the cabin, exclaiming: “What! Captain Noel dead?” ‘No; he is severely wounded; are you his leu- tenant?” answered Sir Edgar De Lacey. “Tam, sir; you will surrender your sword to ma, if you please,” haughtily but politely returzed the young Spaniard, as he removed from his face its silken covering, “May I ask the name of your schooner and the commander that has taken 2 ship of the line?” “Certainly, sir; it is the craft known as the Fly- ing Yankee, and this gentleman lying here is Cap- tain Noel, _¢ginmander.” Without a word the English officer surrendered his sword, which Muriel immediately returned to ite owner wich a light compliment; and then, turning to Cummodore Cutting, who stood near, said: ‘") believe you are the commanding officer of the squadron that engaged this vessel?” “T am Commodore Cutting, sir, and the frigate alongside is my flag-ship."”” “You will then be kind enough to take command of this prize, and with your permission I will re- move Captain Noel to his own vessel, and depart.” * Not so fast, young man, for this gentleman is too seriously wounded to be muved, and besides he sha’ no longer dodze the reward of his numerous gallant services to his goverument, now that it is known that Noel Monerief and the commander of the famous Fiying Yankec are one and the same.” “Yes, Commodore Cutting, Iam Noel Moncrief, the Ocean Rover,” suddenly broke in the stern voice of the wounded man, and turning quickly at the words, all beheld that he had recovered from his unconsciousness and was gazing the American com- mander firmly in the face. **My noble boy! Gladly do I weleome you back into the service of your country—” “Hold! Commodore Cutting! Have you forgot- ten I fled my land, Cain-accursed—” “My God! have you not heard that your brother recovered, and—”’ “Great God, I thank Thee! Iam not then a very Cain,” and Noel buried his head in the silken cush- ions of his couch. A “No, Noel; Clarence recoveréd wholly from his wound, and chastened by his afflictions, he banished himself from the world and became a priest of the church of Rome, while your father and his ward aré now near by, for they sailed from Mobile in the Sea- Slipper which was the cause of our desperate com- bat with our brave foe here.” * God, again I thank thee!’’ once more murmured the now happy man. Beeckoning to the English commander and Her- nando Muriel to follow hin, Commodore Cutting as- cended to the deck and gave orders for the disposi- tion of the English erews and care of the wounded; after which he made known to Sir Edgar and the young Spaniard the strange story of Noel Monerief's life, a story which the young lieutenant of the Fly- ing Yankee heard for the first time “His life indeed has been a strange romance, and of startling interest, and I now wonder not at his earnest desire to remain incogni/o, though servin; America with wonderful skill and energy,’ remark:
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The Flying Yankee. the English nobleman, who, then turning suddenly toward Muriel, continued: ‘‘ Lientenant, the career of your vessel has been overhung with mystery, and if not asking too much I would beg you to answer sev ra} puzzling questions, “Explain, may it please you, how it was you made even educated minds believe in a supernatural agency ruling the destiny of your beautiful craft,” said Commodore Cutting, with interest, gazing into the manly face of the young officer. “ Assuredly gentlemen, I will explain, for mystery with us now is at an end, “The craft lving there, and known as the Flying Yankee, was once the schooner, Red Wing—” “ Ha! the resemblance between the two is now dis- closed!” exclaimed Commodore Cutting. “Yes, sir; the Red Wing of the Mexican service formerly, and the Flying Yankee are the same schooner, which, when Captain Noel—Moncrief, I be- lieve, is his true name—resigned from the service of the Mexicans, he metamorphosed into the present weird-looking craft, which he at once ran under his private colors, and made war upon England.” But the mystery of his being able to carry his poles enveloped in canvas suflicient to run under aship of the line—explain that, please, lieutenant,”’ and the Englishman seemed deeply interested. “That is easy of explanation, sir, and I will give you ocular demonstration of the circumstance, as it now is nearly sunrise, Ho! the ying Yankee!” and the clear voice of the young officer rung out sharp in the crisp morning. “Ay, ay, sir!’’? answered the voice of Mr. Hart from the schooner, which was lying-to, a cable’s length from the frigate. “Get out your mask sails on the schooner.” “Ay, ay, sir!” came the response, and almost immediately a perfect network of sails was put upon the beautiful vessel, so closely woven as at a short distance to resemble real canvas. “T see, I see! Remarkable indeed. Lieutenant, your commander is a wonderful man.” “So we all think, Sir Edgar,’’ modestly replied Muriel, while the American commodore put in: “But the smoke and spectral light that always bung about your craft when seen either by night or day. sir?” “Easily explained, commodore. We were in the habit of burning bright lights that cast a reflection through colored glass, and the smoke we manufac- tured by burning wool that had been dampened and Pee in iron vessels on various parts of the decks. hese tricks, added to our network sails, the won- derful speed of the schooner, our men clotheG in white, and with their faces hidden beneath crimson masks, rendered us, doubtless, a most spectral craft = crew,” and the young Spaniard laughed light- iy “Indeed it did. and I for one am glad to know the secret, and trebly glad to welcome back to the navy Noel Moncrief, who shall command bis schooner, if he recover, and God grant he may, with his brave men, and no longer be an ocean rover, but_an hon- ored officer of the United States navy. But time flies, and there is much for us to do, so, Sir Edgar, you will retain command of your vessel, temporarily repairing damages. and following me back to Mobile, to which port the Flying Yankee, under command of her gallant lieutenant here, must Jead the way.” A few | ours more, the four vessels, with the Fly- ing Yankee leading, the Sea-Slipper in her wake, and the two frigates following, got under way and the day after dropped anchor off the city of Mobile, Shortly after the anchors had been let fall, Noel Moucrief was conveyed on board the Flying Yan- kee at his urgent request, for he was not as serious- ly wounded »s all had at first supposed, and reclin- ing epee silken cushions in his luxurious cabin, at- tended by the faithful lieutenant and his warm friend, Westley North, the boatswain, the young commander was awaiting the coming of visitors, for odore Cutting had sent him word that he sal 31 would come to see him, brine with him those whom the wounded officer would dearly love to see, Need I dwell upon the meeting between father and son—the meeting between Noel and Eve Eldred—the warm greeting of the wounded hero from Commo- dore Cutting, Alden Ainslie and Calvin Bernard—the surprise and delighted welcome of Don Guido and the lovely Violeta? No, kind reader, let me draw a vail over that scene of joy, and hasten on to a denovement of strange and startling interest, that took place there in that cabin, when Don Guido and Lieutenant Muriel met face to face, Years agone they had well known each other; ay, more—Don Muriel, the father of the young lieu- tenant, had fallen in a ductlo with, and by the hand of, Don Octavio; and yet, when their children grew to man’s and woman’s estate, Hernando and Violeta dared to love each other, and for such crime, as the son of Don Octavio and brother of Violeta ealled it, Muriel was challenged b§ the young Octavio, who determined to make him answer with his life for daring to love his sister, They met; Muriel slew the brother of Violeta, and, realizing fully his banishment from her presence, he fled from his na ive land, to become a buccaneer, until the offer of Noel Moncricf made him an officer, fighting beneath the Mexican flag. Remembering well the circumstances that caused Muriel to fly from his native land, both Don Octavio Guido and Violeta were yet of a most forgiving na- ture; they readily forgot the past, thought only ot the noble qualities of the young man, and received him once more into their affections. _ Through the instrumentality of Commodore Cut- ting, a pardon was readily obtained for Noel, for the crime of slaying his superior officer, and also for Westley North, in consideration of the valuable ser- vices he had rendered to the government and coun- try of the United States. faving recovered from his wound, Noel once again assumed command, with the rank of captain cf the Flying Yankee, which, with her old officers and crew upon her decks, spread her white wings and flew away in search of new dangers, until the close of hostilities between the United States and Mngland caused her sharp prow to be turned homeward where Noel Moncrief and Muriel Mendez, the re. name of the young Spaniard, found a warm welcome awaiting them from Eve and Violeta, whom short after, they led to the altar, to be irrevocably bound together in the holy bonds of matrimony. As for the Flying Yankee, she became a pleasure yacht, Noel having converted her to such, appoi.ting Westley North her commander, and her seveiest du- ties consisted in carrying the young officer, with his beautitul wife and Co.onel Moncricf, to Cuba, to pass apartof the cold winters at the magnificent planta- tion home of Don Muriet Mendez and Violeta, while, at the commencemcnt of the warm summer day the fleet craft would have as passengers northwar bound, ber former lieutenant, his Cuban bride, and Don Octavio. A Then in the old_ baronial halls of Moncrief Manor were wont to gather merry parties, among whom, outside the family crcle were recognizable Commo- dore Cutting, Alden Ainslie, and Calvin Bernard, all of whom rejoiced in the happiness of their old ship- mate. One other was there also, who was wont. once a year, to visit Moncrief Mansion and pass afew days— a mild-faced man, upon whom the seal of sorrow fallen with heavy hand. That man was Clarence Moncrief, wearing the robes of a Catholic priest, who, havin; banished him- self from the world, and forgiven his brother with true Christian spirit, had devoted bimself to a life of toil and i ag his greatest joy being his yearly visit to the home of his boyhood, where he was wont to pass the greater part of his time in rambling amid the forest trees, with the children of Noel and Eye his constant companions. THE END,
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