Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 400) (1891 09 09)
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. j b Black Horse Bill. : ‘Black Horse Bill, THE BANDIT WRECKER ; oR, Two Brave Boys to the Rescue. BY ROGER STARBUCK, AUTHOR OF “OLD TAR KNUCKLES,” “THE BOY CORAL FISHERS,” ETC., ETO, CHAPTER I. BLACK HORSE BILB. Op all those fierce, bloodthirsty brigends, who some years ago infested the American Atlantic coast, under the name of ‘‘ wreckers,” there was . not one more daring und savage in combat, more relentless in plundering and slayimg his victims, or more adroit in evading the law officers than Black Horse Bill. This person might have been seen, one stormy September afternoon, riding along a path that led through the depths of a gloomy pine forest, sbous fifteen miles from the southeast coast of via, 1 = cried “as card = Cent sat large oma rong wit’ t wild eyes, full of spirit an fre. The a oF his riage was not mare than eighteen. oung as he was, his cheeks were covered witha brown beard and his form was well developed. He had been a bincksmith, and even now, at times, he would amuse himself at his trade in an underground dungeon or den near the coast, where he had a forge, anvil, etc., for repairing such plundered articles of hardware as were out of order. This calling had given him a wonderful breadth of shoulders and had enlarged the muscles of his chest and arms, so that he possessed unusual strength for his age, He was about five feet ten inches in hight, with regular but avonaly marked features, short, curly hair, and with a blended expression of aring and cruelty in his glittering black eyes, He wore pet § sea-boots. Upon his head wasa sou’ wester with a Jong lappet falling behind, and an oilskin cape drooping over his shoulders and breast, was loose enough at present to reveal a broad belt oontaining a knife and a pistol. Over his right shoulder was thrown a coil of Tope having an iron hook attached to the end. ‘Hillo! Jim Loman! Open yer door there!” be shouted, as he suddenly reined in his horse before a small building near his path. The door not being opened soon enough to please him, he urged his horse, feet foremost, | . against it, a ashing it inward with a loud crash. A short, surly-looking man, with a face like that of an ape, came bounding from a back room as Bill sprung from his horse. The look of anger vanished when he saw who had done the mischief. He, however, said, reproachfully: | “Ts that ’ere a good way, beatin’ open a neighbor’s door, Bill? Why didn’t yer knock?” “Living thunder! don’t yer my a word to me "pout it, yer yeller-skinned monkey, or I’ll set fire to yer fernal rat-hole! Jump, now, lively, and give me a dram of yer best, and tell me the news from the coast. Any more friends comin’ ry down into our jaws? They oughter, sich weather as this, seein’ as the gale is toward the coast. “ Not a wreck that I’ve heerd on,” replied the other, ‘‘but yer know news don’t travel here- away like a whirlwind.” ene he leaned over and whispered something Peseig you sure?” said the wrecker, in a lew voice. , **Come and see for yerself. He’s been aslee for a good two hours. Would o’ plied him with the sticker (knife), but thought best to wait till Isee’d you, knowin’ yer’d stop here comin’ back,” Bill followed the speaker into the next room, and there, on a rude bench, fast asleep, lay a | fine-loeking youth of sixteén, dressed in the | rough garb of a common sailor. Jim, however, inted to an ppering, in the coarse coat, where t had become loosened in front, and there the wrecker beheld the blue jackets, with its glitter- ing buttons, of a young officer in the revenue service. “Death and furies!” muttered Bill. ‘ You have been just a little too bold, my blade, comin’ to spy out what yer’ll never have a chance to learn!” ‘‘He told me he’d been to Norfolk, and that his craft—a merchant brig—was anchored off the coast. He’d traveled far, he said, and ’ud pay for a few hours’ rest and ’freshments.” “ He lied. He came to spy upon us. Good- by to you, my young prig! As he spoke, Bill drew his long, formidable | knife, and, as coolly as if the slumberer had | beew a pig, he was about to draw the keen blade across his throat, when all at once the oung sailer, who evidently had merely boen laactng sleep, sprung like a flash to his feet and pointed a pistol at the head of the outlaw. “Hello!” cried Bill, starting back, somewhat astounded. ‘So you were only shamming?” “T heard all you said,” coolly replied the other. ‘You are my prisoner.” Bill uttered a loud, disdainful laugh, “ Surrender!” cried the youth sternly, ‘‘ or—” oe did not finish the sentence, im Loman struek the pistol from his grasp, and pressed with his heel a sort of spike, pro- truding from the floor, when a concealed trap- door gave way beneath the young officer, pre- cipitating him into a small cellar or dungeon. The trap closed again and the prisoner was in total darkness, “Come, Jim, yer better settle him at once,” said Bill, ‘I must see yer do it ‘fore I leave this place.” “ Here goes, then,” and Jim pressed the spike as before, but the trap did not open. “Fool!” cried his companion. “That is a elumsy contrivance of yours.” | “It never served me 60 afore,” was the an- swer. ‘ The wire of the spring must have got out of order.” “ Well, then, git a crowbar and pry open the trap. Yer can do that?” “Yes; J’ll look for the crowbar.” “Never mind; can’t wait. Yer’ve got an ax or a hatchet?” “Yos; but I don’t keer to have my house all _ split to pieces, for—”
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Biack Horse Bill. 3 Bill, however, ran {nto the next apartment, obtained the ax, and commenced to hammer away at the trap. The tremendous blows he dealt indicated uncommon strength. But the trap was made of hard wood and for some time it resisted his efforts. At last the planks were shattered. The wrecker leaned over the opening and shouted: * Hello, down there!” There was no reply. “Shamming again,” said Bill to his compan- fon. ‘Come, bring the ladder.” “‘Tt?s in the wood-shed,” was the answer. “ Well, go and get it, you lazy skunk!” The man’s eyes ees with anger; he looked sullenly at his battered flooring. “Come, why don’t yer go?” roared Bill. Jim no longer hesitated. He went to the wood-shed and soon returned with the ladder, which was quickly placed. The cellar was about seven feet deep. The proprietor took a loaded gun from the wall of the room, and advanced to the edge of the trap opening. “Go on! take the lead!” ordered Bill. ‘‘ What yer stoppin’ for? er don’t yer go on?” ‘He may have another pistol.” “ Well, haven’t you a gun?” “Yes, but—but—he might fire first.” “J didn’t know yer was quitesech a coward,” said Bill, with the utmost contempt. Without hesitation, he then descended the ladder, holding bis pistol in one hand. A ery of blended wrath and astonishment ont ped him when he reached the bottom of the tot er, By the dim light stealing down into the dun- geon from above he discovered that the prisoner was gone! ‘““What’s the meanin’ of this?’ cried Bill, glaring at Loman, who was now by his side. Old Nick must have had a hand in it! Ther’s no way he could have got out.” The wrecker pointed toa pair of shutters in the stone foundation. ‘* Fastened on the outside as well as inside,” declared Jim. ‘Yer can go and see for yer- self. Besides, he couldn’t have reached ’em had he tried.” : The wrecker, followed by Jim, went outside and looked at the shutters, which he found se- curely bolted. “Tt’s plain some one has helped the lubber escape!” cried Bill. ‘Who? Ther’s no one here but me!” “ Where’s Moll?” ‘“« She’s away these two weeks. Besides, my wife isn’t the one to go back on yer, and yer have no bizness to say so, for—” - “Puries, man. Give me none of yer impu- dence, or I'll kill you!” roared Bill. Then, entering the house, he went behind a sort of bar there and helped himself toa glass of whisky, after which, remounting his horse, he rode off. Scarcely was he out of sight when a large, raw-boned woman of middle age emerged from behind a cask in the wood-house, where she had been concealed. Itis hardly necessary to say that it was she who had freed the boy officer from his dungeon. Returning unexpectedly from her visit a friend, miles away, she had overheard what passed within the house. Although not averse to aiding the wreckers, whom her husband, by a fearful oath, was pledged to serve, yet she was not bad posts to see even an enemy mur- dered if she could help it. She had stolen to the wood-house, procured the ladder, brought it to the cellar foundation and then, unfastening theshutters, had thrust it through the pre The prisoner had thus climbed up and made his is after which having rebolted the shutters, Moll had carried the ler back to the wood-house. CHAPTER II. THE BOY WATCHER. Tue gale blew with redoubled violence fall into the face of Black Horse Bill as he rode on. Spurring his steed forward, he came at last in sight of a long tongue of land or sandy strip of beach projecting far into the sea. There, looking from a distance, like the black wings of some evil bird, dark objects projected from this strip of sand. These were the tents of the wreckers, the can- vas being well tarred to protect their occupants from the rain. Out at sea the storm raged violently, while the huge, foam-crested waves came rolling in with the din of thunder upon the beach and the numerous sand-banks, near the coast. As Bill looked that way, his dark eyes gleam- ed with savage pleasure. Upon one of the sand-banks half a mile off, a bark had lately been driven, and lay there, a complete wreck, with her topmasts gone, and the seas making a clean breach over her! A group of wreckers, wearing sou’ westers and oil-skin suits, stood near the beach, watching a man who was making frantic endeavors to reach the shore, At times,as he struggled in the foaming, boiling waters, his head would be visible; but the next moment it would disap- pear, He was, however, a stout swimmer, and just as Bill rode up to the group of wreckers, he was only a few fathoms from the shore, “Heer, one of ge go in there a little way. and throw him the end of this rope,” order Bill, flinging the coil he had with him from his shoulders. A man did so; the swimmer caught the end of the line, and utterly exhausted, he was hauled to the beach. “Thank you,” he gasped, reviving as a little brandy was given him. “Your cargo, and the name of your bark?’ aad rage tp Bill, as the sailor was helped to his eet. “The Caroline, Captain Reeves, from New Orleans. Cargo, cotton, coffee and general merchandise. I am her captain. Every soul including my son Juck has been drowned. [ am the only survivor.” “Why, in the fiend’s name, didn’t yer stay abcard the wreck?” cried Bill. “Tl was swept overboard. As to the cargo, if you will help me save it, you shall have sal- vage—” ‘
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interrupted Bill, laughing. The captain stared, but, noticing covert smiles on the grim visages about him, he seemed to guess the true character of these people. Ks ‘“We saved yousoas to find out sbout yer cargo,” brutally remarked Black Horse Bill. h “‘We have no more use for you. Do for him, q boys!” ‘I have a wife and children,” pleaded the captain; ‘ for their sakes—” efore he could finish, a man struck him with a club, stretching him lifeless at his feet, ; ‘*Let him bave ‘funeral honors,’ soon as yer ; can,” ordered Bill, as he rode off to his tent— i a larger one than the others. Around the prostrate sailor gathered some of i the wreckers like wild beasts of prey, and pro- ‘ ceeded to rifle his pockets. One obtained his watch, another his. pocketbook, and a third : erked a valuable mug from his index finger. h hen they dug a hole ruffian had raised an ax above the captain to make sure work, when a companion interposed, “ Wait till Bill comes back. I have somethin’ 4 to say to him ’bout this man,” he cried, 5 ‘¢What’s the use? If he ain’t dead, now, he'll ’ soon be s0, after that crack with the club!” Up to this point the movements of the wreck- ‘e ers had been witnessed by a person who still ; remained aboard the wreck. This was none r- other than the captain’s son, Jack Reeves, whom the former had thought was drowned, He was a boy about sixteen years old—a bright- looking youth, with light, curling hair, clear , complexion, blue eyes, and a broad-shouldered, G vigorous form, ae t was his strength and activity which had q saved him from death. a A huge sea, when the vessel struck the sand- aS bank, had torn him from his father’s side, and carried him over the bow. He had contrived to clutch the bobstay, and to this he had clung < until the sea had passed him, »At the same mo- ‘a ‘ ment the foretop-mast, with all its rigging, . came crashing down over the bow, and there it | lay—the network of ropes and canvas hanging fe over bim, completely screening bim from sight, | and preventing his reaching the deck. It was | at this moment that his father was also swept ‘ty over by a sea. - The boy held firmly to the bobstay, around : which he had contrived to twist his legs, until te it chanced that the fallen mast slipped to one side, when he was enabled to climb to the deck, where ke lashed himself to the windlass to pre- (od vent his being swept overboard. He had not a been seen by the wreckers, owing to the droop- ing canvas of the topsail and broken jib-boom, which had hung down in front of him; nor had they noticed him after he reached the deck as they were then gathered about the captain. From his position the boy had seen the : wretches knock down his parent and afterward by rifle his pockets. The painful sight sent a ag thrill of horror through his heart, and then and oar there, clinching bis fists, he made a solemn vow ‘on if he were saved, not to rest until he had brought be the villains to justice, and thus avenged his Black Horse Bill. | No; instead of salvage we go infor savage /” | gaze, but he still kept himself in a crouching in the sand, and one | . position. Fortunately, the bows of the craft being lifted | high on the sand-bank, the seas coming over this part of her were not so violent as those that swept her after-deck, And at last, as darkness closed around him, the wind abated, and the seas began to subside, Jack loosened himself from the windlass, and crept along the inclined deck toward the cabin. He looked through the companionway, to hear the dull wash of the water inside, which had flooded the rooms and was half-way up the steps, once that nothing to eat could here be obtained, He went forward again, and, getting into the forecastle, which was only partly flooded, he felt for the “bread barge "—a box which was usually nape up between the bitts, and which | was kept filled with sea-biscuits. Fortunately he found some of these which enabled him to make a meal. He then put some of the biscuits in his pockets. Hours passed before he saw the lanterns of the wreckers’ boats as they approached. Then he lowered himself from the bow upon the sand-bank, and crouched behind a billock. Soon after, the boats came alongside the ves- sel, and their occupants swarmed upon the deck. By means of ropes, tackles, and other imple- mente, many of the valuable boxes and bales were hoisted out of the watery hold. They were transferred as fast as possible to one of the boats, which was then hauled ashore by meas of a rope attached to the bow—the other eud of which had been left in possession of the men on the beach, who were to pull upon it. The end ofanother spd fast to the stern was retained by the persons aboard the wreck, and thus the boat was alternately pulled to and from the bark vith its load until all that could be obtained from the vessel bad been deposited on shore. Black Horse Bill superintended the work aboard the wreck. * There, boys!” he shouted, when the last load was taken to the beach. ‘*We can’t git any more out of the cussed craft. She’ll go to pieces in an hour, the way she’s bumpin’ up and down.” Still keeping close behind the hillock, Jack heard the wreckers pulling off. When they were gone he clambered back upon the wreck. Exhausted by his late hardships, he reclined i the deck, and, ere he was aware of it, he fell asleep. He was awakened by a crashing noise, and, springing up, be perceived that the bark was going to pieces, She broke asunder amidships, and Jack found himself in the water. There was still a heavy searunning, The boy swam toa fragment of the wreck near him, and, lying upon it, allowed the waves to carry him on, CHAPTER III, A FIGHT FOR LIVE, Tum direction of the waves was now toward a part of the coast, about half a mile below the & ‘father. ey, A mist now screened the wreckers from his | point occupied by the wreckers’ tents. Through the deep gloom Jack could see the He felt faint and hungry, but be perceived at -
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o = had_ lost lights of these habitations. fragment struck the beach. ‘** Ahoy! who is that?” came a clear voice, The boy started. From his belt he drew his knife. “Tt is one of the wreckers!” he thought. “I will strike one good blow, at least, toavenge my father!” ‘* Who is that?” came the hail again, and he saw the outline of a form approaching. “Tt is no matter!” answered Jack, who now was on the beach. ‘If you offer to harm me, I will put my knife in you! You killed my father, The time will arrive when every one of you wreckers shall swing!” “Good! I like that!” came the other voice, “T think you and I are of one mind!” ‘Who then are you?” inquired Jack. The moon which bad been hidden by heavy, black clouds, now emerged into an open space, | lighting up the two forms on the beach. Jack saw before him a dark, fine looking youth about his own age, enveloped in a shaggy At last the drifting sailor’s coat, | ‘Tam one who, like you, is bent on sweeping those infernal pests of wreckers from this coast!” “ So then you are not a wrecker?” “ Far from it,” and partly throwing open the front of his coat, the youth revealed bis naval revenue uniform, Then he frankly held out his hand, which was cordially gra: by the other boy, Mutual exp ans eant followed. Jack then learned that his companion’s name was Frank Watson, and that he was the son of the captain of a revenue cutter, which had been sent to cruise along the coast in search of the wreckers’ , haunts, ving carried away her foremast in a gale, she had gone into Norfolk for repairs. ile there, Frank, wandering into the interior, himself in a lonely pine forest, and, during his endeavors to find his way out, had met with his perilous adventure at Jim Loman’s house, as already recorded. After his escape he had burried off, and had finally, a few hours mel the present time, struck the beach at this in Pe And here we are,” he added. ‘ Neither of us with a good weapon, only half a mile from the wreckers!” ‘*1t’s all up wiih us if they pounce upon us,” “Yes, and we have nothing to eat. or drink.” “ What shall we do?” : “We must try to reach my father’s vessel. I fey about to start to make the attempt, when saw you coming. It will bea perilous under- taking. We will have to pass the wreckers’ tents first!” “We can’t do that without being seen.” “We must try. Itis our only course, That wretch whom they call Black Horse Bill has sent men off into the woods, probeliy to look for me, so that we cannot go in that direction, The surest way is to keep along the coast.” “ Hark!” The sound of voices and footsteps was heard. A lantern was carried by one of the persons approaching. i “There are only two,” said Frank, signifi- cantly. \ Black Horse Bill. ' Jack, “« And they have seen us!” cried Jack, “There are but two!” repeated the other, as he drew a dagger from his belt, “They have pistols.” “We must make the best of it. This way.” Followed by Jack, he placed himself behind a ridge of sand—the only one which, for some distance, broke the level surface of the coast. Grasping their knives, the boys saw, above the hillock, the two wreckers, pistol in hand, run- ning toward them, They were young men of about twenty. ‘Hallo there! Whoare you? Give yerselves up, or you are dead dogs!” cried one, as the two paused within afew yards of the hillock, and placing their lantern on the ground, pointed their pistols at the heads of the boys. “Come and take us, if you want us!” cried Frank, The man laughed hoarsely. ‘“That’s easy done. Come on, Tom,” The two rushed toward the hillock, and got round it, “We can handle these ‘ babes’ without pis. tols,” cried the fellow who bad previousl spoken. ‘‘Come, follow us, young-ones, want to show you to Black Horse Bill.” “Get out, you cowardly lubbers!” retorted “You murdered my father, and for that Dll pay you off, if I die for it.” As he spoke he dashed a handful of sand he had scooped up full into the eyes of the wrecker, e | and then sprung at him with the bound of a tiger. Salt blinded, the man fired his pistol, but his disturbed vision. caused him to miss his aim, and Jack’s knife sunk to the baft in his heart, “* Well done!” cried Watson. He dodged and knocked up the arm of the otber man, who was about to fire upon him, causing the bullet to pass high over bis head. The wrecker, however, avoided the stroke of the young officer’s dagger, and clinching bim, hurled him down. IV'rank drew bim to the ground with him, and the two rolled over and over in a desperate struggle. Frank had inflicted several severe wounds upon his opponent with bis dagger, when the man, disengaging himself on seeing Jack com- ing foward him, bounded off. ‘He must not escape,” cried Frank, ‘That will spoil a plan I have.” The wounded man could not run very fast. The boys headed him off when he was seen to make straight for the water, into which he rushed, His pursuers dashed in after him, On reach- ing dee water, he struck out, but all at once a black object like the upper part of a fan, was seen cutting the surface in his direction. A moment later it vanished, and then one long, horrible cry, like the scream of a demon, es- caped the swimmer, The whole half of his body shot up for an instant above the surface, with the arms upraised; then it suddenly van- ished under the water, which was there stained witb acrimson stream. ie red ae gia bien bisnd tad cet \y, a shark, scenting » lone for him,” assented Jack.
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ll i i t ( " i Black Horse Bill. “ A horrid fate, but we can afford to do with- out bim!” “Right there! He deserved a worse fate.” The boys waded ashore. “ My plan,” explained Frank, ‘‘ was to put on the wrecker’s suit. In that way we might have passed their tents without exciting suspicion, As it is, we'll have to divide between us the clothes of the dead one ashore—one of us taking the oilskin coat and bat, and the other putting on the pea-jacket beneath and also the sou’- wester of the fellow who was sharked; for he left his hat bebind him,” added Frank, pointing it out lying on the sand, “The wreckers’ clothes seem like poison to me,” demurred Jack, ‘‘but of course we can’t afford to be squeamish now.” “You can believe that. And now for our masquerade ball.” “ Ay, ay! but we must keep a sharp lookout, or we'll get ‘ball’ of another kind,” Jack warned. “ True, shipmate; we must try to steer clear of that.” They went to the side of the dead man, and were soon disguised as Frank bad indicated. They then took the lantern, blew out the light, and moved boldly along in the direction of the wreckers’ tents, keeping the capes of the sou’= westers well about the sides of their faces and the rims well down. CHAPTER IV. THE STRATAGEM. Tue first danger of discovery was met with when they were about a quarter of a mile from the tents, Coming straight toward them, they beheld no less a personage than the chief of the wreckers himself—Black Horse Bull. “Hello! where yer come from?’ he cried, “Yer couldn’t have made much of a ‘patrol,’ comin’ back so soon. Anything up?” ‘*Pootsteps in the sand, made lately, yer can be sure,” said Watson, trying to imitate the gruff tones of one of the wreckers the boys had encountered. ‘Footsteps—eh? Thunder! What can it mean?” ‘A boy’s tracks, I should say, by the size,” answered Frank, “Hello! I b’lieve it’s them of that cursed young revenue chap that gave me the slip!” “Yer may make up yer mind to that,” said Watson. * Hillol What’s the matter with yer voicef Ther’s'an oncommon squeak to it, diff'rent from when you and | parted last.” “T got a confounded cold goin’ off to that wreck.” ued ee and stared. er’ve lost yer senses, Thompson! Yer didn’t go to the wreck, at all!” eS “*T don’t mean the last one.” “Oh! Well, see that yer speak plain in fu- ture,” cried Bill, angrily. ‘‘Ther’s nothin’ makes my blood bile so as stupidness. I must git out men and my dog to track that revenue ee e walked away toward the tents, while the | boys also approached them, but keptas far from him as they could without arousing his sus- picions, They had nearly passed the further extremity of the group of tents, when they heard the wrecker calling to them. “Hello! Where yer goin’?” At the same moment a number of the occu- pants of the tents came out near the two lads. They stopped, for to proveed would be to arouse suspicion. Black Horse Bill approached. He was about to speak to the boys, when one of the wreckers poinred seaward. The moon was again obscured, and the wind was com- mencing to blow another gale, About a league distant a light was seen emerging from the rack of black vapor drii ting over the sea, The light moved slowly, and seemed to grad- ually near the coast. * Another wreck!” cried Bill. ‘‘ But we must make sure of it. The craft will want a pilot. Take the small boat, two of yer, and go out to her. See that she’s bam the right course,” he added, with a loud laugh. ‘‘ Bring her into our jaws, so that we can ‘chaw her up’ ’fore she strikes a sand-ban':.” “ We'll go, captain,” said Frank. “ Are yer sure she’s a wreck, Captain Bill?” inquired one of the men. “Sure! Ofcourse I am! Don’t yer see how slow she’s crawlin’ along?” . Followed by Jack, Frank hurried down to the sea-shore, A number of boats, large and small, were there fastened to stout stakes. The two lads se- lected a small one and launched it, ‘“‘That’s the sort,” said Bill, who, with the others, had come to see them off. “Now away yer go, and pull a lively stroke.” The boys seized oars and pulled with might and main, : “Well done!” exclaimed Jack when they were out of hearing of the wreckers, ‘‘ Here we are in possession of a good boat.” ‘“‘Yes; the darkness favored us, Had we stayed with those fellows until morning, they would have been sure to discover the trick we have played them. Now the wind is in our fa- vor, but we must go out to that craft before we try to reach Norfolk, The crew must be warned,” “Yes,” assented Jack. ‘‘I could never for- give myself should I leave them to fall into the power of those brutes ashore.” It was hard work pulling up against the wind; | but the boys were practiced oarsmen, and in the course of an hour they found themselves close to the craft. They hailed her, a rope was thrown, and they were soon alongside, They then perceived that she was a large merchant ship, which bad carried away her three topmasts in the late gale, and was now under jury masts, The captain of the vessel, a stout, bluff per- sonage, confronted them as they sprung aboard. ‘““What ship is this?’ inquired Frank, con- triving to show his uniform. ‘The Neptune, Captain Burton, and bound
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" Black Horse BSI. 7 trom Callao for New York,” was the reply. ‘I hope you are pilots, come to help us clear the sand-banks to leeward of us, for my cargo is valuable, consisting of $500,000 worth of silver bars, besides miscellaneous articles. We have contrived to give the Carolina coast a wide berth, for there are wreckers there who are little better than pirates,” “You are not aware, then, that many of them have lately moved further North, and have banded themselves on the shore to lee- ward of you, under a rascal who is called Black Horse Bill?” “I did not know it!” cried the captain, start- ing. Frank, in a few words, went on to tell his ry. “God help us!” ejaculated the captain. ‘‘ Had we not lost our masts, we could give this coast a wider berth. As it is, we may be earried ashore.” “The wind may change, said Frank. ‘‘In my opinion,” said Jack, ‘‘ the wreekers will come out and board the ship whether she goes ashore or not.” ‘‘What’s the trouble, papa?” came a soft, silvery voice at that moment, ‘*Go into the cabin, Mary,” replied the cap- tain. ‘I may as well tell you, however, that we are in danger from wreckers.” The girl, whose lovely face and form, lighted by the ship’s lantern, showed her to be nearly fifteen, turned pale at such gloomy tidings. “ Have you po arms?” asked Jack. “Yes, fortunately we have a few cutlasses, and a twelve-pound gun forward. My crew all told, number thirty. I will make a har fant of it before they capture me,” he added, se ‘And we will help you,” Jack declared. “Yes,” added Watson, “and if you let me have charge of the twelve-pounder, I promise to do good work with it,” The captain consented, and the boys took off their heavy coats to prepare for combat, The sight of the captain’s loyely daughter had inspired them with a determination not to leave the vessel as they had first intended to do, but to remain and help drive away the wreckers, * Boats coming this way!” roared the man on the lookout, The captain and his mates peering through the gloom, saw the outlines of several large boats approaching from the shore. They were evidently full of men, well armed, The captain called his crew aft. They were stout fellows, and, when he told them what wan expec of them, they gave a rousing cheer. The arms were distributed. Frank, with Jack’s assistance, and that of one of the hands, soon had the twelve-pound carronade in the gangway, pointed toward the coming boats. e don’t you fire?” inquired the captain. “Wait until they come a little nearer;” and. carefully sighting the piece, the young sailor gave the word to fire. A broad flash lighted the sea for an instant, showing the three boats, with > their armed crews, not twenty fathoms off, with Black Horse Bill standing in the stern-sheets of the head one, The roar of the gun was followed by the whizzing of the shos anda Grlgpees esgepe “Well aimed!” cried the one » as loud cries and curses, with the splashing made by men struggling in the water, was heard. “We'll give them some more. Nothing like artillery!” cried Frank, as he reloaded. Bang! soon went the gun again, and wild cries of rage denoted that some of the wreckers were either killed or wounded, 4 ae voice of Bill was heard booming over the waters, “Tf yer don’t ‘bag’ yer cussed gun, it’ll be the worse for yqu!” The boats were now so close under the lee bow that the gun could not be depressed enough — to hit them. By the light of the ship’s lantern, the head boat was seen crowded with the wreckers, who had been picked up from the one which had been destroyed. In the bow stood Black Horse Bill, bis whole faee dark with rage, his eyes flashing fire under his bent brows. In one hand he held a pistol, in his belt were a long knife and a cutlass, “Yl strip yer cussed craft ef everything aboard of her!” he howled. ‘I'll then tie ev- ery man of yer crew up, and make a burnin’ eoffin for him out of yer ship!” ‘We'll see about that!” and Jack sprung to the wheel. ‘Hard up—hard!” he cried to the helmsman. ‘*Ay, up with the wheel!” ordered the cap- tain, comprehending the boy’s intention, THe wheel was raised, and, hurled forward by a sea, the heavy bows of the ship crashed ro the loaded boat, actually cut tt in wo Black Horse Bill was seen to reel and fall over inte the water, which also closed over his companions! Then, as the ship dashed on over the strug- gling, drowning wreckers, the remaining boat was dimly seen pulling to their rescue, CHAPTER V. THE SCHOONER. Te captain of the ship warmly thanked Jack and Watson for their assistance, The violence of the gale by this time prevent- ed the firing of any more shots, and every ef- fort was now necessary to prevent the vessel’s drifting on some one of the perileus sand-banks in_the vicinity. Meanwhile, Mary, the captain’s daughter, procured refreshments for the two boys, who were by this time half-famished, They also ob- tained a few hours’ sleep, The wind hed changee a little, so that the op could be kept along parallel with the coa But at dawn, when Jack and Watson awoke, they discovered that it had again changed, so that it was blowing dead ahead. The boat in | which the boys had come had been shattered to ' pieces by a heavy sea, and only the ship’s long- t now bey sage aboard, ; To prevent the craft from going ashore, the ~ fag? ee
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a Black Horse Bill, captain was finally obliged to anchor in a ef es — coast, partly sheltered by sandy head- Ss. “How far do you think we are from the wreckers’ tents?” inquired the captain of Frank. “ About five miles. I’d advise you to get out of this as soon as you can, or the rascals will be upon you again with reinforcements. Mean- while Jack and I will keep on our way, so as to try and bring assistance to you. We cannot be more than thirty miles from Norfolk.” Soon after the two boys started. They had walked along the shore about ten miles when they came to a sort of hut made out of the wreck, * oan was an old fisherman there mending nets, J 45 Ac you give us a drink of water?” inquired ‘ac “Yes; come in, come in,” said the old man, cordially. ‘ They entered, and their host went into an- other room, He appeared soon after with two cups of water, _‘*The water has a queer taste; it must be a little brackish,” whispered Jack to his compan- ion after er had drank, Immediately after they were seized with a fit of drowsiness, which made them stagger. ' “Sit down if you are tired,” said the old man, pointing to a dilapidated lounge. The boys sat, or rather reclined, on the jounge, where they at once fell into a deep sleep. The fisherman took an ax from the wall and advanced toward them. “ Blaek Horse Bill will reward me for killing the young wretches,” he muttered. In fact, the wreckers had their friends all along the coast nearly as far as Norfolk. Soon after bis baffled attempt to board the merchant- ship, Bill, who, with most of the occupants of the stoven boat, had been rescued by the crew of the other one, had dashed along the beach as swift as a whirlwind on his black horse, and no- tified these friends of what had taken place, bidding them keep a sharp lookout for the ship, as well as for the two boys, who, he had learned before this, had played him the ruse which has been described. The fisherman in whose hut the boys lay asleep was @ cruel, blood-thirsty rascal, who had once been a pirate, and he therefore had no moré hesitation in killing the lads than if they had been two pigs. Already bis ax was raised above Frank’s head and it would the next moment have crashed ibe f his skull had not some one suddenly pushed it aside. “Father, what is this?” came a voice, and turning he saw bis daughter Bella, a tall, mas- culine-looking young woman, who could handle an oar ana fish as well as her parent. “Fool! Why stop mef Twenty dollars are not to be thrown away! Besides, ain’t yer the promised wife of Black Horse Bill, and is this the way yer’d spile his plans?” “T don’t like bloodshed,” answered Bella, ata 9 i chai makes the boys sleep so?” - raat eS eee “Yor’ve gone far enough, then, Leave the rest to Bill, “But what’s to be done with the boys, then?” “‘ When they wake let ’em go, Some one else will captur’’em. It don’t matter so long as it ain’t my own father.” “No, thank you. I ain’t goin’ to lose my twenty dollars that way. 1’ll lock ’em in here, and send word to Bill by Tom Willing.” He got Bella outside of the hut, which he then locked securely. Tom Willing, a youth who sometimes helped him pull his boat, was sent to inform the wreckers of the capture. In about two hours the boys awoke, one after the other, : They were at first bewildered, but they soon recalled past events, They went to the door and tried to open it. It was a heavy one and resisted all their efforts, “We are eaught!” cried Frank. “Stop yer racket there, or Pll brain you!” cried the old fisherman, outside, ‘ Black Horse Bill and his men will soon be here to settle yer hash,” Watson’s gaze fell on a small cooking-stove, in which there was a fire, : “ Jack,” said he, ‘we must get out of this before the wreckers come, Our only way is to set fire to the hut.” ‘¢ We'll be burned to death.” ‘“We may not. There’s a chance for us.” He took a shovelful of hot coals from the stove and threw them down by one side of the hut. Smoke and flame soon burst forth, The fisherman, alarmed for his house, rushed to open the door. Frank had procured another shovelful of hot coals, As the man, with upraised ax, ruShed toward the boys, the youth flung the hot coals into his face and dealé him a stunning blow on the side of the head with the shovel. Snatching the ax from his hand as he reeled over, Watson, followed by Jack, sprung through the doorway. No one but Bella was outside, and she made no opposition to their progress, They hurried toward the pine woods, in the distance. Not until they reached a thickly wooded val- ley did they pause for rest. They then sat down in the small hollow of a rock, which was thickly screened with shrubbery. * Hark!” said Jack, The baying of a hound, blended with the trampling of a horse’s hoofs, was heard. “The wreckers and their dog, headed by Black Horse Bill, are after us!” said Frank. As he spoke, a rushing noise was heard. The head of a huge bloodhound, with glaring eyes and sharp fangs, was thrust through the leafy screen, in front of the boys. Up went Watson’s ax, and downit came, cleav- ing the dog’s skull in twain, he boys drew the dead body of the animal into the hollow that it might not be seen. They heard a horse go past their retreat, “This way, men!” came the voice of Black Horse pill. “They can’t be far off. Look sharp! Ly Several voices were heard in the valley. a
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ay Black Horse Bill. 9 Two of the wreckers came near the hollow. They had long pikes, with which they probed the shrubbery. The boys saw the points of these pikes enter the hollow, and they had to dodge to prevent them from piercing their — One of the pikes penetrated the body of the dog. « Hello! here’s something!’’ cried the man who bad this weapon. The boys crouched closely in the shadow of a dark alcove, as the dog’s body was drawn forth. There was an exclamation from both men. “The young rascals must be here!” said one. The two peered into the hollow, but they did not see Jack and his companion crouching in the shadow. “They’ve been here—that’s sartin,” cried the first speaker. To the great relief of the boys, the two then - moved off. When the men’s voices had died away in the distance, the young sailors left their hiding- | place. They hurried along, making good They had proceeded about ten miles, when they saw, through an opening in the shrubbery, a small village on the sea-shore. Off this village was a schooner, which was preparing to get under ey ‘We will go to that village and try to get something to eat,” said Frank, “ May not the peonle there be the wreckers’ | rogress. | friends?” said Jac “They can’t all be,” said Frank. “ We'd | sp d out where that schooner is bound They soon reached the village, which was merely a collection of small huts, mostly habit- ed by fisherman. They noticed, or thought they did, that some of these men directed a scowling glance at Frank’s uniform. “Where's this schooner bound to?” inquired the youth of a stout, broad-shouldered man, who had just come off, in a small boat, from the vessel. The man looked closely at his interrogator before he replied: “ For Norfolk.” “Good!” said Watson. ‘‘ what'll you take to give us a passage there?” ‘* Five dollars,” was the gruff response. ‘* All right,” said the boy. ‘*Come on, Jack!” The two entered the boat, which, as soon as the captain had taken in a box, brought by one of the fishermen, was pulled for the schooner. Jack eyed the box sharply. He recognized it as one which had been aboard his father’s lost vessel—the Caroline. CHAPTER VI. TREACHERY. i JAcK’s suspicions were aroused at sight of the box, and he whispered about it to his friend. “Where did you get that box?” Watson bold- ly inquired of the captain. “I don’t know as it’s any o’ yer bizness,” fly answered the skipper, ‘ but I don’t mind tellin’ yer it was picked up ashore, most proba- ble dritted from some wreck.” This set the boys’ minds at ease, ‘*Lucky the wreckers don’t know you bave it, or they might try to get it away from you,” said Jack, ‘Wreckers? wreckers?” said the captain, in a puzzled, absent way. ‘‘ Yes, I b’lieve there's some away down the coast, but tbe raskils never interfere with the village as its too near Norfolk—only ’bout thirty mile.” This reassured the boys still more. The boat was soon alongside, and they boarded the schooner. In the cabin the captain gave them some hot coffee, some freshly baked biscuits, and a few slices of meat. The attention of the two was attracted by a rack, on one side, in which was Seond array of cutlasses, boarding-pikes and pistols, ** We have to go armed hereabouts on ac- count of them wrackers yer spoke of,” remarked the skipper. ‘Besides these things, we’ve a ten-pound carronade, forward,” “ How big a crew have you?” queried Watson. “ A dozen or so,” was the reply. 4 a meal being finished, the boys went on eck. The schooner under full sail, was heading away from, instead of toward Norfolk} “*T don’t like this,” said Jack. ‘What's that yer don’t like!” inquired the captain, at his elbow. ‘Why are you heading away from Norfolk?” ‘*None o’ yer bizness,” was the stern reply. “You'll Parn soon enough.” Rough hands suddenly burled the boys down, and their arms and legs were bound with ropes. No response was made to the angry uestions of the two. They were dropped into the hold, upon some coils of rope, after which | the hatch was fastened over them, “Caught again!” said Jack. “TIT thought we'd be if we went to that village. This cap- tain must be in league with the wreckers.” “Right there!” came the gruff voice of the captain, as he appeared before them, lantern in hand. “ We help Black Horse Bill, and he hel; us. Still we are not under oath to ’em like many of t’others. There’s been a reward of- fered. for yer, dead or alive. Let’s see how much you have,” He rifled the boys pockets and obtained about ten dollars. “You mean to give us upto Black Horse Bill?” said Frank. ‘‘That’s about it. Twenty dollars ain’t to be throwed away.” “Tf you land us where we can reach Norfolk, I will send you double that amount,” said Frank. ‘‘Gammon! Still I may talk it over with my mate.” The result evidently was not favorable. ' Hours passed after the captain went away, and he did not reappear. Meanwhile the prisoners were not idle, Frank contrived to get the cords about his wrists against the broken blade of a saw, and thus he freed hisarms, The rest was easy—both boys were soon on their feet. “Fortunately we have clothes to spare,” said Frank. ,
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rigged thefa, by putting oa the wreckee’s coats he and Jack had worn. In adim light, these two forms stretched out might have been taken for the boys, lying extended on the rigging. The lads concealed themselves behind a cask, near the door in the bulkhead, through which the captain had entered, and which was now locked on the other side. Soon after the captain opened the door and reappeared, lantern in hand. ** No use, hold on to you,” he said. aid pee ated Frank. e boys glided through the open doorway, and entered the cabin. Through the cabin window they could see the coast, not two miles off. Frank went to the rack, and took therefrom two loaded pistols, one of which he passed to his companion. “These come in good,” said Jack. ** Yes, you can believe that. We'll have to make a rush on deck. The windew is too small to crawl] through.” Watson glided up the steps, peered through the companionway, and then madea sign to his companion. “All the men, except the one at the wheel, are forward,” he whispered. ‘‘ Now for a rush and a spring overboard!” ere was no time to lose. A yell from the captain indicated that be had discovered the boys’ ruse. The two put their pistois in their sou’-westers to keep them dry, and then bounded on deck, Before the helmsman could give the alarm, they lowered themselves into the sea. The schooner was standing along under full sail, but she was not forty fathoms from the swimmers, when a boat was down, full of men, in pursuit of them. nfortunately wind and sea were against them. They struggled manfully, but the boat gained. They were still ten fathoms from the shore when a pistol was pointed toward them by the officer in the boat’s bow. “No use!” he shouted. ‘‘May as well give * aco up! Stop at once, or I'll put a bullet each of yer heads!” The boys stopped swimming. They saw they aie be captured ere they cou'd reach the lore, ey were soon dragged into the boat. On being taken aboard the schooner they were bound with stout eords to tae windlass. “See if ‘hit git away from us ag’in, yer young lubbers!” said the captain. The schooner was headed on her course, About a mile distant, the boys beheld the dis- abled merchant-ship, Neptune, 5 of = see! they are going to head her off,” said ack, “Yes; and I’m afraid they'll get her in their clutches, this time.” The schooner’s men, numbering about forty, were already arming themselves. Suddenly the captain was seen peinting his mies to leeward, where there was another sail. Then he conversed in a low voice with his, He took a couple of rolls of canvas, and soon | My mate and I think we’d better | Black Horse Bill, | all below, I have a plan. mate, after which the men were all ordered to go into the cabin and disarm themselves. “Do you know what that means?” whispered Watson to his friend. “It means that the stranger they’ve sighted to leeward is a man-o’- war, and so they’re afraid to attack the mer- chantman, They’ll put it off till the war craft is out of sight and hearing. Now that they’re This plan he hastily revealed to Jack, who approved it. The boys’ arms had been left free, but the cords holding them to the windlass were fas- tened with a seaman’s skill, so that the knots could net be reached by the prisoners to be untied, Frank pulled off his sou’wester, and quickly taking therefrom the loaded pistol he had put there, he pointed it at the head of a boy, who stood a few feet from him on the lookout. The man at the whee], being screened by the cabin- house, could not see this movement. “Now, youngster,” said Watson, in a low, | stern voice, ‘‘ unfasten these ropes from us at once, or we'll shoot you dead! If you make the least noise, or give an alarm, I'll fire!” The person he addressed was about fourteen— a thin, overworked laq, as og won’t tell ’em I did it?” he gasped. ih 0. Without another word the boy unfastened their lashings. The two friends then bounded aft, and while Jack pointed bis pistol at the head of the man at the wheel, threatening to blow out bis brains if he made the least resistance, Watson quickly fastened with its bar and padlock the slide of the companionway. He also securely fastened the main-hateh and the forcastle scuttle, thus shutting in the men and officers below. The helmsman and the boy who had freed the two were still on deck. The lads ordered the furmer to keep the schooner off—a command which he sullenly obeyed at the point of the pistol, Then they forced the boy to help them trim the sails, so that thoy now headed for the merchant-ship, Meanwhile, the people below were vainly en- Gea yoring to beat down the slide to get on eck, “They'll eontrive to get out at us, before long,” mh Jack, “Yes; but before they do,I hope to have some of those stout fellows from the mer- chant craft aboard of us, after which we'll head up for the man-o’-war.” “Yer infernal young rats! let us out, or it'll be the worse for yer!” shouted the captain, be- hind the door. ge your time—no hurry,” replied Watson coolly. With Jack’s assistance, he then drew the ten- pound carronade in front of the door, and pointed it toward it. “Stop your racket!” he shouted. ‘You may succeed in beating down the door, but it will be at the costof your lives! Ihave your carronade pointed toward you, and I'll fre and blow you te pieces the moment you open that door!”
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‘ ness was ee without its effect. The pounding at the door was stopped—at least for the present. The schooner drew nearer to the merchant craft every moment. Suddenly, Frank uttered a cry of dismay. An active figure had sprung upon the poop, speaking-trumpet in band, and the boy had recognized Black Horse Bill! Yes, there he stood, grim and stern, waiting to speak the schooner. There could no longer be a doubt as to what | such was the case, on purpose that they might had taken place. Bill and his gang had attacked the ship in the bay, and succeeded in capturing her. Ifso, what had beco:ne of her crew a of the captain’s daughter? That they had all been slaughtered was the opinion of both boys. “Schooner ahoy!” shouted Bill, Frank kad put on a rough el al he had seen hanging on the rail, to conceal his uniform. Night was approaching, and in the dim light, the deck of neither craft could be plainly seen. ‘*Halloa!” responded the youth, disguising his voice. bs Is that you, Captain Bunker?” , ay. “T sent word fer yer to come out and head off this craft, but it ain’t necessary, now, seein’ as l’ve got possession.” * How did yer do it?” “Saw her in a bay bslow, and went ont and attacked her as she was steering off with her cable cut.” ‘What did yer do with her crew?” inquired Frank, now scarcely able to steady his voice, “Killed half a dozen, Got tiothers below. under hatches. There’s a gal there too. Goin} to burn the ship and her cussed people when [ it off her cargo, but ther’s a man-o’-war creep- in’ about here, and I’m playin’ ‘possum, jest now, till she gits out o’ sight, when I mean to beach the old craft.” Before Frank could say another word, the wind, which had freshened to a gale, drove the two vessels far apart, The schooner’s fore and maintopmasts came down with a crash, under their heavy press of canvas, Jack and Watson sprung aside in time to es- cape the falling ——s, which fell slantingly across the after-deck, but the man at the wheel was struck on the head by one of the heavy yards, and his skull was crushed, * Take the wheel!” said Watson to the boy. The latter obeyed, and with axes, Jack and his companion soon cleared away the wreck. _With quivering timbers and the white water hissing about both rails, the schooner was now spinning along almost on her beam-ends. Dark- all around her until, suddenly, the boys saw bright lights pare ahead through the rack, and discerned the outline of a huge, black object, towering in the gloom. “ The man-o’-war!” shouted Jack. ‘‘ Hard up! or ce ae afoul par ba ; = 8 at the wheel promptly put up the heim, and the schooner shot pe a just grazing her stern. the war vessel, | ‘Black Horse Bill. 11 CHAPTER VIL Frank saw an officer standing,trampet in hand THE BOYS’ FATE. on the horse-block. ® THE determined voice of the youth was not | * Seizing the schooner’s aking-trum he shouted with all his migttee = Pp ‘« Please send help aboard as soon as you can! The wreckers—” But the vessels were now too far asunder for his words to be made out. The officer on the horse-block held his head in a listening attitude, It was evident he had not heard a word. Meanwhile the i en behind the cabin door were banging at it louder than ever, for they knew that the carronade bad slid to leeward, broken the rail and gone overboard, The boy at the wheel had screamed out that hear him, Fifteen minutes after Frank had tried to speak the man-o’-war, tbe officers and men of the schooner came thronging out of the cabin, hav- ing broken down the door with axes. “Where are they?—the cussed young rats,” elled the captain, flourishing his ax, and fol- owed by bis mates, arm with muskets, “The’ve settled the’r fate! Down with ’em! Shoot ’em down! ll not be bothered with ’em any longer!” Toward the boys, who stood with their backs to the rail rushed the enraged gang, and thetwo friends bad made up their minds that their time was come, when there was a crash as if a hun- dred thunderbolts had stricken the schooner! For a moment she seemed to stand still; then all her timbers fell apart, as if riven asunder by a wedge, andthe lads found themselves strug- gling in the water. Both, as shown, were good swimmers, and they now struck out for the point of sandy shore off which the vessel had run aground and gone to pieces, re, hey could see the faint outline of the land, about ten fathoms ahead of them. The foaming, tumbling waters, with the flying spray, nearly moore them, but they gained the h, at ast. As they sunk exhausted on the sand, about a dozen of the schooner’s crew, who had also saved themselves, came ashore. J ‘We must give those fellows a wide berth,” assumed Frank to his companion, ‘They have not seen us yet, in the darkness, because we are lying ina sort of hollow. We must try tocreep off.” “s They moved cautiously along until they were some distance from their foes. ; ee you any idea where we are?” inquired ack. “No, but J should think, by the course of the schooner before she struck, that we must be — somewhere near Currituck Inlet, a little south of where the wreckers are.” “T see a light, far ahead. It probably comes — from some fisher’s hut.” ‘I think we’ve had enough of fishers’ huts,” decided Frank. ‘ However, I believe the peo- le are honest, off this part of the North ina coast.” - They moved toward the light, and were only a few yards fromit, when they discovered that it came from one of the wreckers’ black tents! Before they could retreat, 9 gruff yoice called | “a
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Black Horse Bill, | out. ‘‘ Who {fs there?’ followed by the appear- | ance of several mén from the tent—one having a lantern. The light fell full upon Watson’s uniform, and, in a moment, the two boys were surround- ed by halfa dozen fierce fellows, flourishing knives. * Down with ’em! cut ’em to pieces,” cried one, ‘‘ they are the two young lubbers that fooled us!’ h “No; we must wail till Black Horse Bill | comes. He may have some questions to put to ’em!” cried another. by The boys were dragged into the tent, and | their hands and feet were tied with ropes. Ten minutes later the people of the schooner who had saved themselves also appeared, and were at once recognized as friends by the wreckers. On seeing the boys, they at once gave an ac- count of how they had been duped by the two, and shut up in the cabin. Before dawn, Black Horse Bill, who had been sent for, came into the tent. “Ho! ho! my bold younkers—so yer’ve been caught, at last!” he cried to the boys. ‘ Yer’ve been right smart you have, but you've put yer | necksin the halter now!” hi “Tf you harm us, the halter will be your fate!” declared Watson. ‘*Who’s to know about it?’ cried the outlaw. | **Not asoul! I'll tie you up, and shoot yer both down like two pigs, and ther’s an end of it. We must work sharp, boys,” he added to his men. “I’ve got the merchant-craft anchored in the bay, ready for plunderin’, and hard work I had to git her there in the gale. Fetch out the young lubbers, tie ’em to the stakes and three of yer can havea shot at ’em. Theone that hits first will git ten dollars from me,” The wreckers cheered. This barbarous sport of making targets of kis human victims was often practiced by Black Horse Bill. é As the boys were led forth, the old fisherman, _ from whose hut they had escaped, was seen ap- proaching, with his daughter, Bella, They had come to see the vessel, which they ' | had beard the wrecker chief had succeeded in | eapturing. Bill told them all about it, and also about the boys. % You should have good shots to fire at em,” aca “Better kill quick it you must “Pll see to that. Tom Crank, Will Saund- | ers, and Ben Broke, are the ones I'll choose | _ goon as they wake, You shall see the sport.” “Thank you,” said Bella. ‘“ But Vill go in this tent, and rest awhile, first.” She and her father entered the tent which Was occupied by the three men who were to fire at the boys. These men now lay so sound asleep that the entrance of the intruders did not _ awaken them. _ A darkened Jantern here shed a dim light, re- vealing the three loaded pistols belonging to the _ trio, lying on a small bench. “Oh, father, won’t you go and ask Bill when | the shooting is to commence,” said Bella, ‘‘as I ; _ ‘want to be there.” | The fisherman hastened out of the tent. He returned ten minutes later. *‘Tna quarter of an hour from now,” was his eport. *‘ All right, I'll be there,” said Bella. Soon after, Black Horse Bill entered. He awoke the three men, and told them what he wanted them to do. The ruffians seemed well pleased. They Segre up their pistols, and the party, Bella and er father included, soon reached the selected ground, Side by side stood the boys—each tied by a rope a fathom long toa stake, in thesand, A lantern near them lighted their forms and faces, and the many wreckers who were present could not repress a gruff cry of admiration at the firmness with which the two awaited their fate. As Bill measured off the distance—forty paces—Bella went up close to the prisoners, and said something to them, in a low voice. She posted herself about ten feet on their right, At the same moment the voice of Black Horse Bill was heard. Fire!” Tom Crank, the first to shoot, took aim. As the sharp report of his weapon rung out, Frank’s r | head drooped, and he fell flat upon the sand! The wreckers, and some of the schooner's men, who were also present, gave a yell of joy. Ben Broke was the next to fire. As his sdetol | rung, Jack fell heavily by the side of his com- panion! ‘* Well done—only you was a little too quick! The sporé wasn’t long enough!” shouted Black | Horse Bill. CHAPTER VIII. A STARTLING VISION. Tum wreckers came and looked down upon the two boys, who lay motionless. “Dig a hole, and throw’em in! Livély, men, we have work to do!” cried Bill, , The men were preparing to dig the hole, when Bella interposing between some of the gang, . who were about to lift the bodies, said: “No! no! I’m against your half-way work of doin’ things! When a body’s buried, it should | be where the waves can’t wash it out. Father and J’ll bury these poor fellows!” ‘You're a little too soft, Bella,” laughingly cried Black Horse Bill, ‘‘but that’s mostly so with wimmen-folks! Let her have her way, | men,” he added, and he was rewarded by a grateful smile from the girl who was to be his wife. ‘‘Come, boys, every one of you; we must lose no time in strippin’ the merchant- man. You'll find us there, when you git through,” he added to Bella and her father. “All right,” said Bella, “and now IK dig the grave myself.” > As the gang walked away, she picked up the arene one of them had dropped and went to work. “Your chicken-heartedness will be the ruin of you; yet,” said her father, ‘‘ What put this into yer head?” ‘You know what I’ve always said,” she re- plied, ‘‘ that them that’s carelessly buried is apt to ’pear before us, after!” The old man shrugged his shoulders, and shud- ae — ew =
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at ~~ Black Horse Bill. _— _———_—_—_——. hs is 4 dered, for he, like all his rude friends, the wreckers, was superstitious.” “Pll have nothin’ to do with it,” he said. me you git through, yer’ll find me with il. The moment he and the wreckers were out of sight in the darkness, Bella blew out the lan- tern. “You can rise, now!” she said, to the boys, who sprung up, unharmed! “How did you manage things so well?” in- quired Frank. “Easy. I took the bullets out of the pistols of them that I knowed was goin’ to fire at you. I told you to drop when they fired, for I knowed that would make ’em think they’d shot you dead!” “The plan has worked well. We have to thank you for saving our lives,” said Jack. “T don’t want to see human life took. Now ther’s plenty boats lyin’ round near here. Git into one, and make off quick as you can, is my | advice, The storm’s over, and you have wind and sea in your favor!” The boys were soon launching one of the boats lying on the beach. They sprung in as it floated, and using the oars, they made good progress. An hour later, as they passed a projecting point, a wild scene broke upon their view, Along the shores of a bay numerous lanterns were flashing, lighting up the dark hull and the jury masts of the merchant ship, Neptune, Many of the wreckers were aboard with ropes and tackles, hoisting bales and boxes. Some of the latter, with a rope attached, had been launched overboard, and were being towed ashore by Bili’s huge black horse, upon which he was seated, urging the animal forward. The muscular form of the wrecker chief, with his sou’-wester pushed back from his forehead, his drooping cape, and his buge sea boots, was thrown into bold relief by the lurid gleam. The two boys sheered off, so as to avoid the bright stream of light thrown out upon the wa- ter, from the gangway. There were about twenty men at work there, but the number was soon reduced to four by sixteen of them getting into a large buat, along- side, to arrange in it some boxes, which were about to be hauled ashore, “ Jack!” whispered Frank, ‘‘I have a plan.” He communicated it, but Jack shook bis head, “Tt may succeed, but I’m afraid not. How- ever, I’m with vou, if you are for trying it.” The boat was directed under the darkened side of the ship’s counter. The boys, while struggling to gain the beach, after the schooner grounded, had scratched their f which thus presented a grim, and rather bloody appearance. Having tied a dangling rope to the boat’s bow, they clambered to the rail, upon which they suddenly appeared, standing motionless, their eyes buiging from their heads with an assumed ghostly expression of horror! The wie Speer aft shed a lurid gleam upon their ma‘ hair, and gave a livid hue to their * faces. The moment the four wreckers aboard beheld shaking hands with the pore “We have now these two forms, which they had previously seen drop dead (as they supposed) upon the sea-shore, & simultaneous cry of superstitious terror es- caped them, | Vith one accord they ran to the gangway and sprung into the boat alongside, loosening the warp as they went. | Overjoyed at their success, the boys sprung to the deck. The ship’s head, as she now lay, pointed seaward, her sails were loosened, and there was a good off-shore breeze. The lads, letting go the end of the cable, easily slipped it, for the craft at once gathered way. ‘ q Jack took the wheel, while Frank, lantern in band, descended into the steerage. a There they found the captain and his daugh- ter, together with such of the crew as had not been killed by the wreckers, The joy of the prisoners may be imagined when they first saw the hatch unbolted and : i opened, and the well-known form of the young revenue officer. The latter made a brief explanation. ‘Then there’s still work for us to do to escape the rascals,” said the captain, ‘Thank for- tune, they have not yet got at the silver bars.” | All went on deck. i The sight of the ship receding at once showed the wreckers that they had been duped.’ Black | Horse Bill was heard ashore ordering a pursuit — and angrily cursing the men who had been frightened by the supposed ghostly vision. Loaded as the boats were with bales and — boxes, it was some minutes before they could be manned with their armed crews and started in chase. 1 By this time the ship was a mile off, and it — was soon evident that in such a breeze she could not be overtaken. 4 “You have again saved us,” said the captain, — Wwe iW y only to head up for Norfol Before the morning of the next day they — | safely arrived there, and the Neptune wastowed | to one of the wharves. } Not far off lay a neat cutter, carrying seven — guns, Her canvas was snugly furled, and her tall, tapering mast, well scraped and slushed, | shone like silver, ' The shrill pipe of a boatswain’s whistle waa p. Saeget! heard, and a long boat, manned with F we nimble fellows, pulled to the merchant 4 craft, In the stern-sheets was seated a good-looking elderly man, whom Frank at once recognized as his father. Great was the latter’s surprise and joy on — boarding the ship to find there hisson, whom he — had vainly searched for since he was lost. Ss Frank explained, and Captain Watson seemed | well pleased with the conduct of the two boys, | He stated that, having finished repairing the cutter, he had intended to sail on the following day for the wreckers’ haunts. “This brave friend of mine would like to go with us,” said Frank, alluding to Jack. : ‘He is welcome,” was the answer. “Ishall | 2 f i i y! i f ' a q “| ." be glad to have so gallant a recruit with me.” Accordingly, having bidden adieu tothe mer- chant captain, who invited them to call and see him in New York, Jack departed with Frank for the cutter, a
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: Aas cites ea ee, —EEE———— sade gh BS t Vast ee Black Horse Bill. On arriving aboard, young Watson took his friend to mess with him in his own quarters—a little room adjoining the cabin. Next morning away went the cutter, bowling out to sea before a spanking breeze, In a few days she arrived off the shore where the wreckers’ tents had been erected. But not a single tent, nor any sign of a wrecker was now to be seen. “They’ve been warned of our coming, and have skulked off,” said Frank, CHAPTER IX. A SURPRISE, “Boar coming this way!” cried the lookout posted aloft, in the top. In fact a sail-boat was noticed heading up for the cutter. On its arriving alongside, its only occupant was seen to be an old, white-haired negro having fish to sell. The captain bought some, and invited the - man aboard. He climbed up with difficulty, complaining of rheumatism, “What part of this coast are you from?” queried the captain. “Dis coast? Nary a part, massa,” was the | auswer. ‘“ Dis nig am from Car’lina.” “There are no wreckers down your way, I suppose?” *Not now, but dis chile hab seen ’em dar, once on a time, All go ’way, now, fudder norf.” ‘Yes, there were some here, off this very coast, a few days ago. You could not tell us where they have gone to?” _ The negro rolled up the whites of his eyes, in a way — manner, “Tf I knowed it, wouldn’t dare tell nuffin,” he replied. ae We would reward you. Do you see that:” And the captain displayed a bright, gold nea. The negro looked at the coin with longing eyes. We Well, massa, I reckon if I can’t take yer to de place where dem fellows hide, dat I can take yer widin a mile ob it, if you send boats’ crews wid me.” The captain took Frank aside, and conversed with him in a low voice. Then he said to the negro: E “These two boys will go with you, in your boat.” The man scratched his head. “All right, sartin sah!” he said, after a mo- ment’s hesitation. The fisher’s boat, with Jack and Frank aboard, and the negro steering, was soon head- ing along the coast. About five miles from the cutter was the end of the lon Currituck Inlet, In the distance was seen another point. The negro headed for it, and the boat was now con- cealed by the land from the cutter. As it neared the point Jack suddenly leaned over aud whispered to Watson: point of land that projects into “The negro’s blouse blew *. a little just now and I saw the stock of a spe . He isnot what | he seems. There is treachery!” Frank appeared to take no notice of what Jack said, but the black watched the two closely. Suddenly, drawing a pistol, Frank sprung te ward him, but ere he could reach bim some thing struck him on the head, Jaying him sense- less in the bottom of the boat The negro had hurled at him a slung-shot, which be bad been hoiding, concealed under his sleeve. “Ho, ho! you rascal! So yousLow your true colors!” cried Jack. As he spoke he drew his pistol and took aim at the man’s head. The latter had also drawn a pistol, and both fired at the same time. either bullet took effect. The tilting of the boat, caused by the sudden movements of the two, bad disturbed their aim. Up rose the negro and threw himself upon the youth. The two clinched, and a struggle took lace. The woolly wig dropped from the man’s | head, his false beard came off, and some of the | black was rubbed from his cheeks, Jack then saw enough to know that Black Horse Bill was his rt pe The great strength of the latter gave him a decided advantage. | _ After a brief contest he succeeded in getting Jack under him and in planting his knees upon his arms, while with one hand he pressed his throat. In bis right he now held his long knife, and raising it, he was about to deal a sure, deadly blow, when Jack contrived to give him in the stomach a tremendous kick, which tem- porarily doubled him up against the boat-mast. | His weight against the light spar broke it in | twain, and the wind blew it over upon him, the ted mainsail partly wrapping him in its | felds. : In an instant Jack had fastened a rope he had picked up about the legs of the outlaw, and se- | cured the end to a thwart. But Black Horse Bill, now getting his head | clear of the canvas, again made a blow at his opponent with his knife. The boy dodged it, | and using the boat-hook, dealt the outlaw on the head with it a stroke which stunned him. He |then securely tied the wrecker’s arms and | ankles, after which he turned his attention to Frank, who still lay senseless in the boat. The slung-shot had struck his head slantingly and had only slightly broken the skin, By bathing his face and temples with water Jack soon brought him to. e then sculled the boat to- ward the cutter, which he reached just as the outlaw opened his eyes. Great was the captain’s surprise on learning fas the supposed negro was Black Horse Bill in isguise, he prisoner was shut up in the lower hold, while Frank went into the cabin, where the doctor attended to his injury, which he said was not a very serious one. The cutter, with Jack acting as pilot, was then headed foward the inlet. | Tt was night, and the captain resolved to an- a off the point of the peninsula for the pres- ent. | Toward midnight the watch on deck were wt SS | ARTUR TEI
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“7 Biaek Horse Bill. 18 startled by a gurgling sort of noise, seeming to proceed from below. The carpenter was sent into the hold, which, to his surprise, he found deserted and filling with water. Black Horse Bill was gene! He had scuttled the cutter before he went! But how had he ees Where did he get the auger he had used for boring a hole in the vessel’s bettom? How had he taken off his irons? These and other questions were heard, but could not be answered. Soon after the carpenter had given informa- tion of his discovery, the boatswain piped sharp- ly, and all hands were summoned on deck, To save the cutter from going down Captain aisten headed her for the shore and beached er. In this position she lay with her bow high and dry, partly buried in the sand, and her stern just raised above the water. “The rascals may venture to attack ws now, sir,” said the first lieutenant. “We will give them something hot to remem- ber us by if they do,” replied the captain. Some of the carronades were brought up and placed in position so as to command all the ap- best ag to the craft, and good lookouts were near a and pistols were also distributed among the men. Morning came, but as yet no sign of the wreckers was seen. Frank, who by this time had fully recovered from the effect of the slung-shot, was on deck with Jack. The latter, mounting to the mast-head, fancied he saw the dark forms of men skulking behind a ridge of sand in the far distance, near the line of the pine forest. He reported to the captain, who then selected from hiscrew about twenty hardy young fel- lows, well armed, to go and reconnoiter. Frank Watson and Jack were put in charge of the detail, which soonstarted. On reaching the ridge of sand they saw no sign of the wreckers. They entered the woods and kept on along a narrow path, Jack, meanwhile, pistol in hand, ran along on the right flank of the party, to act as a sort of scout. Suddenly, on rounding a smaJl hillock, he found himself near the ruins of a stone house. The foundation and part of the walls of the building were still there. Evident- ly it had once been used as a store-house, As he stood looking at it something struck him on the head from behind and he fell to the ground unconscious. CHAPTER X. A TRYING SITUATION. Wuen Jack regained his senses, he found him- self lying on some straw in a sort of dungeon. A ‘candle in a bottle threw a faint gleam around him. Looking down upon him, stood Black Horse Bill. A scornful smile curled the young outlaw’s lip as Jack half rose and stared round him. “You was outwitted at last. Few git the better of me. A nice trick you and your friend played me—pretendin’ you was shot—that night! —— Now I s’pose be wonder why I haven’t killed yer, seein’ as I have sech a good chance!” And the outlaw pulled a pistol from his belt: “Tt all seems like a dream,” said Jack, still bewildered. “The reason I’ve spared you is that I may have my revenge on yer for the games you've peti moe! Mere killin’, ’thout anything else, too good fer you.” “What do you mean?’ “T mean that your father must die, and—* “My father?” interrupted Jack, ‘‘ Was he not then killed?” “ Wo.” “But I saw your men strike him down, and afterward rob him! I felt certain you had murdered him.” ‘No; I spared him beeause he promised to jine our band, and took a solemn oath to that effect. One of my men had sailed with him ears: ago, and it was through him that yer ‘ather wasn’t choked off. Me came to after he was knocked down, Bat yer father, while pre- tendin’ to jine us, was detected in tryin’ to s' off to the cutter. The eussed traitor must die for it, and you, his sou, must be the ene to send him to his doom!” “Never!” retorted Jack, firmly. ‘Yer won’t—eh? We'll see!” He motioned to a couple of men near him, ome of whom then lighted a lantern, which.threwa lurid glare about the ceM, showing the, forna of a man suspended by a rope ro his breast to a cross-piece above. The man hung directly over the opening of a deep, dark pit. “That pit’s thirty ae eep and there’s water in the bottom. Them #hat falls into it never gite out again. It was once used fora well.” Jack uttered an exclamation on recognizing his father in the person hanging over the pit. “Jack!” cried the captain, holding out his hand as his son advanced. ‘Glad enough I ec to see you, but I’d rather it had not been ere. “Paps not,” interposed Black Horse Bill, grimly, ‘‘ seein’ as he’s to be yer executioner.” “Fool!” returned Jack, indignantly, ‘‘ do you then still think you can force me to kill my own father?” *Cuss you, I insist on it!” 6 You can keep on insisting, it will do you no Bill made a motion to bis men. Jack was then lashed to one of the poles to which the cross-piece had been attached, and a sharp knife was placed in his hand. “Now, then, cut the rope yer father hangs te,” commanded Bill, “so as to let him drop down into the pit!” Jack’s only response was to direct a scornful glance at the brute. From a forge at one side of the cell, which in fact was his ‘‘ blacksmith shop,” Bill took a reund bar of iron, heated red-hot on the oe The heated end he thrust against Jack’s wtire pais ees wae jally as the e was excruciating—especially as wrecker held the iron against the boy long enough for the seorched flesh to hiss and smoke; but, although Jack ie: compressed his lips, . hot @ ery escaped him 3 2 -——w
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16 Black Horse Bill, Bill witharew the iron. “What say? Will you cut the rope now?” ‘**No, not if you burn a thousand holes in my body!” 1 went to the forge, and again heated the end of the bar. He was advancing toward the pit, when a man hurriedly entered the cellar, and spoke to him in a low voice. The next moment all heard the noise of pistol-shots, with other sounds of conflict above. “Come, men, I s’pose we'll heve to streak ° it!” cried Bill. Followed by his companions, he ran to the other side of the room, and opening a heavy door, the wreckers disappeared from the gaze of Jack and his father, who could hear them bolt the door on the other side. Meanwhile the noise above continued. “This way! to the rescue!” shouted Jack, with all his might. Then with the knife he severed the cords that held him to the post, after which he swung his father to his side, and loosened him from the rope by which he had hung. Again and again the two shouted, but it was plain they were not heard. The sounds of the combat receded, and they judged that the wreckers had beaten a retreat. “Ts there no way we can get out of this hole?” said Jack to his father. “Not unless we can break down that door,” was the answer. ‘‘It opens a an under- ground passage, leading intoa gully, nearly filled with fragments of granite, which hide the outlet.” “Could we not burn it down? Here is a forge with hot coals in it.” “No, the smoke would smother us before we could make an opening.” Jack picked up the iron bar, and with this Lire? Sara to pry open the door. “The wreckers will come back and carry out their purpose,” said his father. ‘‘ We must make up our minds for the worst.” Meanwhile, ignorant of the situation of bis friend, Frank, with his party, was in pursuit of the wreckers, whom he had attacked. Jack’s long absence had alarmed him, and it was while searching for him that he had come — some of the outlaws, crouching among the ruins of the old store-house, These men, numberin t courage, but, as shown, they were finally riven off. Frank pursued them for some dis- tance, when he lost sight of them. J ‘ig hours he vainly continued the search for ack, At last he returned to the cutter, and report- ed to his father what had happened. He was very despondent at the loss of bis friend, who, he doubted not, had been captured and killed by the wreckers. “ Did you search among the ruins!” inquired | his father. “ Yes. ”» ‘Depend upon it, there is some secret ren- dezvous there, and there we must look for the gang. > “T think not, but I’m not sure, although we looked carefully.” ‘*T will take some of the men, and go there,” said his father. In the afternoon he started with his lieuten- ant and more than half of the crew, well armed, leaving the rest, about forty men, under charge of his son—who, if anything should happen re- quiring the return of the others, was to hoist a red signal at the masthead, and also fire a 10. The captain and his men had been gone about three hours, when the weather became so fog- gy that objects were not visible twenty feet from the cutter, on either side. “No chance of showing the signal, even if kg snould have to, sir,” remarked the purser to Yrank, “T trust we will not have need of it,” said Frank. ‘*Something coming this way, sir,” sung out one of the men on the lookout, about half an hour later. ‘It sounds like a vessel of some kind,” said Frank, as he sprung upon the bow. Ten minutes after, the watchers saw a large, clumsy-leoking canal-boat not twenty feet dis- tant, drifting down toward the stranded cutter. ‘“‘There is no one aboard of her. She must have drifted loose from her fastenings,” said the youth. ‘Stand by, some of you, to shove her off before she strikes our stern.” Men, with long oars and boat-hooks, stood ready as the scow approached. As they were about to shove it off, the dark form of Black Horse Bill, sword in hand, bounded up through the open hatchway, and in a moment the deck of the boat was alive with | strong, fierce-looking fellows, armed with pis- , tols, cutlasses, and daggers! about ten, fought with | **Now, men!” roared the wrecker chief in a voice of thunder, ‘* Now, then, let ’em have it! Don’t leave one of the cussed ‘ Revennes’ alive!” CHAPTER XI, THE COMBAT, THE sudden, unexpected appearance of the Wreckers, rushing to the attack, headed by Black Horse Bill, gave the other party no time at Be to use their carronade, he sailovs who had been about to shove off the canal-boat, were mowed down by the cut- lasses of their opponents ere they could use their arms. *“*A few more good blows, and the craft is ours!” shouted Bill, as the outlaws continued to pour in upon the cutter’s deck. Frank, although taken by surprise, behaved with his usual] coolness and decision. _A few quick, brief words, brought to him all his men aboard, well armed, ready for the fray. “Aim steady—aim for their eyeballs!” he shouted, as Bill and bis gang advanced. The roar of a volley was heard, and half a _ dozen of the wreckers went down! A close, desperate combat followed. Black Horse Bill fought with the fury ofa ®,
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#) Black Horse Bill 17 fiend, and, encouraged by his example, his men exerted themselves like tigers. Their number was double that of their opponents, but Frank exhorted his men with such spirit and fought so bravely in the thickest of the fray, that the young tars under his command | not only kept the others at bay, but, handling their cutlasses with the practiced skill of man- o’-war’s men, they laid many of the wreckers low. For some time the result of the combat seemed doubtful. Black Horse Bill, enraged at the slow advan- tage gained by his party, made a dash for Frank Watson, with the intention of destroying this leading spirit of his adversaries. _ The trained youth parried a sweeping blow from bis cutlass, but he now found that he had to deal with one not unskilled in the use of this weapon, for an old man-o’-war’s man, who had joined the wreckers, had taught him how to andle the blade with effect. His great strength was useful to him. Sev- eral times Frank expected to see his sword cut in two by such anvil-like strokes. Watching his chance, be was about to dea] his opponent an effective blow, when he was tripped up by a wounded wrecker, lying near him, in the gang- way. He fell over the edge of the gangway into the water, and, as he went, one of the out- laws discharged a pistol at him, The bullet just grazed his neck. As he rose to the surface, the man who had fired at him also fell over, mortally wounded by a thrust from a cutlass, The dying wrecker clutched Frank and pulled him under the water with him. - Then, for some moments, a struggle tock place there beneath the surface! Frank still held on to his cutlass, and he made many efforts to reach his opponent with it, but the man had thrown his arms about him and ot upon bis back, as if determined to hold fim down until he was suffocated! At last the nearly exhausted youth contrived to partly dislodge the outlaw and hurl him from him, As he rose, gasping, to the surface, he heard a cheer, saw some of his men in full retreat along the shore, and knew that the wreckers were victorious! He had come up under the counter of the canal boat, where he was not noticed by those aboard the cutter, and it now occurred to bim to conceal himself aboard the former vessel. He ovgehr keg a dangling rope, to her deck. She had drif past the cutter, and would, probably go ashore somewhere dowr th coast. In the cabin he found an old ir-n carronade, with plenty of ammunition, and he also saw a ood stock of provisions on a shelf. At dark, e boat struck shallow water, when Frank at once waded to land, and started in search of his father’s party. The thick mist blending with the gloom, pre- vented his seeing objects ahead of him, so that, when at length he heard footsteps approaching, he paused and listened. esoon recognized his father’s voice, and hur- ried to meet - - A” x o> Wee , rn a jueatcrcss in thew “*80 we have lost the cutter,” were the cap- tain’s first words to his son. ** Yes, sir.” *“T have heard all about it, for I have with me some of the men who escaped. I do not blame you; you did the best you could, It was my fault for leaving the vessel, and taking off with meso many of the crew. But we must try to regain possession of our craft.” “Té will be difficult,” remarked the first Jieutenant. ‘They now have ‘the use of seven good guns, and we have none. We have not even a boat.” ‘There is the canal-boat,” said Frank, and he» went on to explain. “That boat may prove of greatuse to us,” said hisfather. ‘‘ We must try to get it afloat.” All were soon aboard the boat, and the cap- tain then informed his son that he had been un- able to find the wreckers’ rendezvous, - 945 you have seen nothing of Jack?” ‘No, “He is dead; he must have been killed before this,” said Frank, sadly. At the turn of the tide, the captain and his per succeeded in pushing the canal-boat into eep water, * Now, if the tide would only take us toward the cutter, we might have her back, before morning,” said the captain. ‘ But, as the cur- rent sets a little seaward, I’m afraid we will not be carried in the right direction.” Such proved to the case, Atdawn they were almost out of sight of the cutter, but they’ now beheld a cheering spectacle. To leeward of them, bowling along within a mile of the stranded craft, they saw a large sloop-of-war! They endeavored to signal her by waving a kerchief on the end of a cutlass, “They see us!” cried Frank, joyfully. The vessel had backed her main-yard, the pipe of the boatswain’s whistle was heard, and a boat was lowered. At the same time the sloop’s colors went up at her gaff. “The rascals!” cried Captain Watson, as the wreckers now hoisted the American flag at the cut'er’s gaff. ‘They mean to pretend that they are the lawful owners of the craft.” Through his telescope, which he had with bim, he could make out the sloop’s colors, which were Russian. The boat which had been lowered was headed for the stranded vessel, instead of toward the canal-barge. ‘They probably intend to come here, too, for ey must have seen our signal,” said Frank. e was right. The Russians had seen the signal, und meant to go to the canal-boat, after visiting the cutter. And this they would have done had not Black Horse Bill prevented it, In the cabin he found one of the captain’s uni- form coats and naval caps. . As these fitted him he donned them, and thus attired he stood in the gangway ready to receive the Russian officer. The latter, using broken English himself, was not capable of detecting any grammatical im- recker's speech,
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Black Horse Bill. Bill returned the officer’s salutation, and then shogk hands with bim, ne ou can see, sir, how we're situated,” said Bs 3; “Vez, zir. Bezzel go ’shore on veach—very bad. Ve vill help get ov.” “No, thank you. The cutter has bilged so that yer couldn’t do us no good.” ‘Ve'll ran in zome pord and zend you help vor repair.” ‘* No—no, you meedn’t trouble yerself. There’s help comin’ to us to-day from Norfolk.” “Ob, very gook! Vod’s that?’ he added, pointing off toward the canal-boat. ‘‘ They zignal us!” “You're mistook,” said Bill; “ it’s us—me and | my crew—they signal to, and we’re going, pretty soon, to send a boat. They’re some of our men, whem we sent yesterday up the coast for a load of fresh provisions and other things, and they’ve been unable to make head against the tide, which has carried them out to sea.” ** Oh, very vell. Good-day, zir.” Soon after, the Russian returned to his sloop, which squared awa Blaek Horse Bill uahed long and loud at his | success, CHAPTER XII." A DARING DEED. WHEN they saw the sloop square away, the people aboard the canal-boat knew that the wrecker had deceived the Russian, ‘Much better it would have been for us not to show ourselves at all,” said the captain. ‘“ The villains now know we are here.” At about noon, Black Horse Bill, looking round at the guns, said to one of bis men: “These are nice guns—too nice tobe idle. As I don’t want to keep ail of them revenue chaps’ things, I reckon we'd better send back to’em some of ther powder and shot.” The man laughed. “Do yer think, Tom, you can hit the canal- boat at this distance?” The boat now was about half a mile off—fast on a sand-bank. The man addressed had been in the navy, and knew how to handle a gun. He was the same rson who had interceded in behalf of Jack’s ather. “T ean try,” be said; ‘‘ but the ridge of sand is like a fort, partly hidin’ the boat.” He sighted one of the carronades and fired. Some of the sand was seen to ay. Again he fired, but with no better result. At length the top of the sand-ridge being knocked away, the carronade began to take effect. Crash! came a shot, scattering the splinters all about the persons on the deck of the barge as part of her side was shattered. cheer from the wreckers was borne to the ears of the party. 2 “The devils!” hissed the chagrined captain through his teeth. ‘‘ We must try to mount the old we have here,” ; ith a long strip of wood chipped from the edge of the canal-boat, Frank was busy putting up a Signal-staff—a kerchief being attached to the end of the rude pole. With the help of one of the men named Ben —— Fraser, he was thrusting it into a crevice made | inthe deck, when bang! went the gun again. The man groaned and fell on his back. The shot had made a jagged hole through bis groin. “Poor Ben!” said Frank, stooping and raising his head. The doctor who was with the party, poured a little brandy down the sufferer’s throat. “T s’pose I’m dyin’, doctor,” said Fraser. ** You can’t live long, my man,” was the re- ply—‘ not more than ten minutes,” ‘Then I'll make a clean breast of it. It was me that hel Black Horse Bill to escape that night aboard the cutter!” | You?” cried Frank. “Yes, sir. It was me helped him git off his irons, gave him an auger to seuttle the craft, and showed him the way to the port-hole. You didn’t think when you shipped me at Norfolk, that I was in league with the wreckers!” he added, speaking to the captain. | “T never dreamed of it,” was the answer. “‘Perhaps you can tell me where the wreckers secret rendezvous is?” “T could, but I won't!” | At least,” said Frank, ‘tell me if you know | what has become of my friend, Jack Reeves! Where is he, and is he living or dead?” “T don’t mind tellin’ you all I know, Bill | took him to his “ Blacksmith’s shop,” under the ruins of the store-house. Whether he’s still there, or whether he’s livin’ or dead, 1 can’t 5a y. “You call it the “Blacksmith’s shop,” said Frank, looking puzaled. “Yes, Bill isa good blacksmith. He kas his shop under the ruins, where, when necessary, | he repairs things like cutlasses, pikes, and sech plunder as wants repairin’, You can reach the place by an underground pomes®, leadin’ from | a gully, some yards beyond, full of the granite blocks whieh have been thrown there from the ruin, I’d be glad if yer saved Jack, for he | wasn’t a bad ehap, and he did me some good turns, and—” . Death finished his further utterance, — remains were soon after buried in the sand, | Meanwhile Black Horse Bill kept banging away, and the splinters from the canal-boat flew in every direction, is soon put an end to the firing. “If we stay here,” said Captain Watson, ** we will be knocked to pieces to-morrow. As we have but one old gun, there appears to be no way that wecan recapture thecutter. It would be a good thing if we could blow her up, so as | to baulk those rascals!” | “I will try it,” said Frank. “No use; it could not be done,” said his father. At that moment the moon arose, and as Black | Horse Bill could now dimly see the canal-boat, in the distance, he again commenced to fire upon her. In the faint light many of the shots | were directed wide of the mark, but some of them struck the boat, and several of the men were killed. Meanwhile, on the beach opposite to the boat, a large throng of armed fishermen and others, , all friendly to, andin league with the wreebers, ~ ad —" eo iy -—
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a rw Biack Horse Bill. i9 had gathered, so that the retreat of the seamen was cut off in that direction. At every shot that did mischief these people cheered their friends, and hooted at the imper- | iled man-o’-war’s men, Finally a drifting patch of mist hid both the canal-boat and the cutter from the gaze of these spectators. Frank withdrew from his companions, and walked off to the edge of the bank, where be was concealed by the mist from their gaze. Something dark floating past: had attracted his attention. He could not see it plainly, and thinking it was an empty boat, he resolved to secure it. Putting his pistol in his cap to keep it dry, he swam out toward the object, which, however, was carried so fast by the current that he was ten fathoms from the bank ere he reached it. He then discovered that it was a fragment of the canal-boat, about eight feet square, with a part of the rail on one side of it and a heavy beam on the other, which kept it evenly bal- anced. As Frank could not swim back to the bank against the strong tide, he got upon the raft, and knowing he could not work this clumsy object back to the place he had left, he crouched be- hind the rail, and there remained, to be borne swiftly on. All at once he saw the stern of the cutter looming before him in the mist, and the thought now flashed upon him, that he might find a chance to blow up the vessel! The cur- rent would carry him past the stern, and, for an instant, Frank feared that he would be un- able to get aboard. But, reaching over, he contrived to seize a dangling rope. He drew the fragment under the cabin win- dows, and, rising, peered into the cabin. This was lighted by a single lamp, which showed him that no one was there. s all the men were forward and in the gangway, there was no danger of his being seen from above, Cautiously opening the window, the boy crept into the cabin, He knew the cutter so well that he had no trouble in finding the powder magazine. The door leading to it from the cabin was open, and Frank heard voices which indicated that some of the outlaws were there after a supply of ammunition. He got behind the dcor and waited for them to come out. At length three men emerged, carrying pow- der and shot. “Shut the door!” said one, and Frank held his pistol ready, expecting to be discovered. e was reatly relieved, when one of the wreckers said: ‘Never mind the door, We'll want to come down here again soon,” The three moved on, As soon as the boy heard them go on deck, he glided into the pow- der-room, Taking a paper from his pocket, he prepared a wisp, cut an incision through the bung of one of the powder-kegs with his knife, inserted an end of the wisp, and lighted with a match the other extremity. The hissing wisp burned rap- idly; at the same moment Frank heard some one enter the cabin behind him, He turned, to confront Black Horse Bill! For an instant, so great was the surprise of the latter, that he stood as if dumfounded. | | cutter’s danger. “On deck, there!” he roared. ‘Jump for yer lives! Cutter’s goin’ to blow up!” The wisp had already burned so low that with Frank barring the way, he could not have pulled it out in time to paves the expected catastrophe—this he could perceive at a glance, Frank pointed his pistol at the head of the wrecker, and pulled trigger, but the weapon did not go off. “T could shoot yer down, if I wanted to, yer young rat, but, as yer’ve got into this hole, I prefer to have yer stay here!” cried Bill. With a low laugh, he closed the door of the wder-room, and turned the key in the lock. Rhen he sprung through the cabin window, and swam to the beach, where he saw all the rest of his gang, who had heeded his warning, and | were hurrying up the beach to get as far as possible from the vessel, He bad not taken ten steps, when a broad, bright flash lighted sea and sky, and, with a deafening crash, the doomed cutter blew up, sending her fragments flying in all directions, “Ho! ho!” roared Black Horse Bill, as masses of wood and iron dropped around him, ‘ Good- by, Mr. Frank Watson! I reckin yer revenue uniform is scorched a little by this time!” CHAPTER XIII. THE RESCUE, WHEN Bill locked the door of the powder- room, Frank believed that his doom was sealed, He knew the vessel must blow up in less than aminute, To withdraw the burning wisp was impossible, as the keg had slipped down beyond his‘reach, Then he remembered that the bulkhead sepa- rating the small powder-room from the hold, was thin, and the planks loose. He threw himself against it with all his might, a board gave way, and he rushed into the hold. Thence he quickly ran on deck, and, unper- perceived hy the fleeing wreckers, whose backs ware now toward the craft, be dropped along- de, As he went under water the vessel blew up; when he rose to the surface, he found himse. close to a large fragment of the cutter’s top- mast, with the top attached. He hung to it, screened by the top, and al- lowed the current to carry him on. At this time, as shown, the current was away trom the sand-bank upon which tho canal-boat was stranded. Frank drifted on for about a mile, when he swam ashore, He then made for the age woods, and, creep- ing among some bushes, he sat down, much ex- hausted, to rest and reflect. He fell asleep while he was thinking, and did not awaken un- til some hours later. The moon was shining from aclear sky. The boy climbed one of the pines, and looked if he could see the canal-boat. Yes, there she was, and he could dimly dis- cerp the forms of the sailors near her. The wreckers and their friends now number. ee ee |
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2¥ Black Horse Bill, The youth ig. ages the anxie z. his parent would feel on bis account, but he hoped he might be able to relieve his mind in some way, | before long. Then be thought of his friend, Jack Reeves, and as there was no way he could at present return to the canal-boat, he resolved to seek the “‘blacksmith’s shop,” as Fraser had called it, ' and try to free the prisoner, if he was there alive. Having previously noticed the gully full of stones, Frank was not long in finding it. He searched, but he could not find the outlet of which Fraser had spoken. He was away down under the masses of granite, which were so piled as to leave large hollow spaces among them, when he heard, above him, the sound of voices, one of which he recognized as that of Black Horse Bill. ‘* Yer better stgy here—both of you,” he said. “There may be no danger, but it’s best to keep a lookout. I'll be back in the morning, and then father and son’s got to die in the way I want ’em to, if I have to burn a bundred holes in that cussed boy’s body with the red-hot iron!” | This remark puzzled Frank, but he knew that some fearful torture was to be inflicted on his friend. He continued the search for the en- | trance to the passage, and at last he found it. Moving along in the gloom, be came to the heavy door, which he found barred and bolted. | He opened the door, and entering the “ black- beach shop,” he confronted Jack and his fa- | ther. < | “Frank,” cried the former, joyfully. ‘‘The! two shook hands cordially, and explanations | were made on both sides. * There are three of us, now,” said Jack’s fa- ther. ‘‘ We ought to be able to overpower the two men on guard, even though they are armed, if we work right. My son and I will each take an iron bar, and Mr, Watson has his dagger. If we can only reach Norfolk, we can | bring assistance to the cutter’s people.” } The three left the apartment, and were soon among the fragments in the gully. They heard the voices of the two lookouts, and thus ob- tained an idea of their position. Through an opening they saw the two men, who now stood | with their backs toward them. Jack and his father emerged, and deal each of the men on the head a blow which laid him senseless, The two had pistols and ammunition pouches of which Captain Reeves and his son took pos- session. Frank was then enabled to reload his own pistol, the previous contents of which had been damaged by water, ~ “Now, then,” said Reeves, ‘‘ we must get pos- session of the fishing-smack. The wecetiecs walk one, and I know where to look for lt, I don’t believe there is a soul aboard.” He led the way toa small cove between the sandy headlands, where lay the smack in ques- tion, sails, | auchored with furled As tke captain had predicted, there was no one aboard. The three got upon the deck, pulled up the anchor, and were soon under way. The wreckers on the beach saw the craft as it stood out to sea before a spanking breeze, and their suspicions were evidently aroused, for shouts were heard, and some of them were seen making for their boats. “We will run down toward the sand-bank, so as to let your father know that you are safe,” said Mr, ves, ‘‘Wecan take him and some of his men aboard.” The draught of the smack was so light that it could have been laid close alongside the bank, As it tacked and headed that way, several boats, full of armed wreckers, were sent toward it from the beach, To avoid being captured, Wat- son was obliged to head seaward, and was pre- vented from reaching his father. : One of the boats sent bad already got round beyond the craft, so as to intercept it. atson kept off, in this way hoping to pass it. But, by using their sail and oars, the wreckers got directly in the way of the smack, There were about twenty men, well armed. As the vessel drew nearer they stood up, with Black Horse Bill in the stern sheets, “Yer may as well heave to!” he shouted. “‘Ther’s no use; we've got yer now! Stand ready, men, to board ’em!” “‘ We're lost!” said Captain Reeves to Watson, se That rascal, however, shall not Jive to boast of it! As he spoke he pointed his pistol at Black Horse Bill, whose form was plainly revealed in the moonlight, and fired. The wreckers’ leader stood unharmed, The unsteady motion of the smack had caused the captain to miss him. ‘Keep her steady as she goes, Jack!” cried Watson to his friend, who was at the wheel, He headed straight for the boat. “Stand by for ala !” roared Bill. The smack, before a fresh breeze, was ap- proaching with great velocity. “Have you any plan?” inquired Captain Reeves. ‘We are going right into their jaws; in fact, there is no other way.” “1 have thought of something,” said Frank. He then went aft and spoke to Jack in a low voice, Then he seized a rope and made a noose at the end. This done, he crouched in the bow, holding the coil of rope ready. The smack, running on, was within a fathom of the boat, when Jack suddenly luffed, thus heading a little away from it. “No yer don’t!” roared Black Horse Bill. “Pull ahead, men!” The crew obeyed, and in a minute the boat would have shot alongside. Now, however, Jack again kept off, and at the same moment the line flew whizzing from Frank’s hand. The boy hurled it with great dexterity, so that the noose caught about the top pe of the wreckers’ mast, With a sudden, quick, power- ful jerk upon it, Frank brought it so far over that the gunwale went under, and as the smack dashed on, the boat Laan Lipa down still fur- ther, was turned almost bottom up. “ Well done!” cried Captain Reeves in admir- ation, ‘‘ I would never have thought of that,”
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| ———————— mr + Black Horse Bill. 21 ( The smack dashed on, and the trio aboard | to tack now and then to hold their course. They could see the wreckers, far astern, in the water, | righting their boat. “Now, hol for Norfolk!” cried the captain. Yes,” said Watson, ‘‘I hope we will have no more hindrances.” CHAPTER XIV. A STARTLING DISCOVERY. Unver her broad mainsail and jib, the smack made good progress; but indications of a gale soon compelled the three to take in canvas. Frank could no longer see the forms of the cutter’s crew far away on the sand-bank. His heart sunk a little. The wreckers num- bered so many that he feared they might attack and massacre the whole party before he could being assistance, A fog was beginning to spread. In about an hour it was very thick. Captain Reeves was on the lookout. He had resolved to be vigilant asit was now blowing a violent gale, and was very dark; but man hours loss of sleep had made him drowsy, and, ere he was aware of it, his eyes closed in slum- ber. All at once he was awakened by a loud, hoarse cry. A lurid gleam of light from a red lantern flashed athwart his vision. Not six fathoms a- head, were the lofty bows of a huge steamer, with a great red and yellow pipe, coming straight for the smack! “Hard down! hard!” yelled the captain, springing to his feet. But, ere Jack could Peat & the heavy bow of the steamer struck the jib boom of the smack, crushing it like a pipe-stem, The next moment the little vessel would have been ridden down by the enormous steamer had not Jack, with rank’s assistance, worked the helm so quickly. As the smack’s head swung up, the steamer’s sheering off, the huge craft just grazed the lee bow of the former, The shock was sufficient to heel the vessel ‘suddenly, and Captain Reeves losing his balance, fell headlong over the bow. Both Frank and Jack had seen the latter’s father fall. The huge steamer dp nal aap over him, and the boys looked in vain or his reappearance, The steamer, like an enormous specter re- joicing in the mischief it had done, swept on, out of sight, in the fog, but for some time after, oe) boys could hear shouts and confused voices aboard. Jack stood like one dazed. To unexpectedly find his father alive, and then, after all, to lose him, was a severe trial—all the more so as he had thought he was safe, at last! He bowed his head, and’was unable to stifle a few sobs. “Such is life,” said Watson, striving to con- sole him. ‘ Bear up, Jack! bear up!” He wrung his friend’s hand as he spoke, and Jack tried to cheer ap as he again took the wheel when the mainsail was filled. The litte vessel dashed on, but now and then tears came to Jack’s eyes as he chought of his parent’s fate. At dawn the weather was still foggy. The wind hauled ahead, and the boys were obliged found a barrel of sea-biscuits aboard the smack, and they made a light breakfast. Toward night the fog cleared. Suddenly, just at dusk, Jack, who was now on the lookout, gave a shout: “Lights off the lee bow!” “Tt is Norfolk!” shouted Frank, ‘‘ Atlast we have—” He was interrupted by a loud, roaring, hum- ming noise, Before he and Jack could touch the mainsail, the little craft was struck by a squall. Away went the mast, sail and all, with a crash, falling over the side. The wind was from the westward, and the hulk was driven out tosea, The boys contrived | to clear away the wreck of the mast. Meanwhile, the i ee of the city continued to recede, and at length they were out of sight in the rack. “Too bad,” cried Jack—‘to think that, just as we got in sight of our port, we should be driven away from it!” “ That’s so, and we cannot help ourselves, for we now have neither mast nor sail.” The two were nearly worn out with their hard- ships and the loss of sleep. At last, as the squall passed away to leeward, Frank lay down and obtained a few hours rest, Then Jack took his turn while his friend watched. By this time the hulk had drifted some dis- tance to the southward. When morning came the coast line was barely visible, “We are going with the gulf-stream,” said Jack. ‘‘Unless we contrive to get ashore or sight some craft, we may at last fetch up among the Bahama Islands.” On the next day they found themselves off Roanoke Island, near the coast of North Caro- a, . Finally they were enabled to wade to the is- land through shallow water. There were some fishing vessels there, but no craft to take them to Norfolk. The boys hired a fisher to row them to the North Carolina coast. k They made their way to a small village on the coast, and inquired at a tavern how they could reach Norfolk. There was an old farmer by the door with a team of fine horses, hitched to a large, covered wagon, “Tis lone. I heered you,” he said, “I’m po: in’ to Norfolk. Iv’s a long route, and I'll be glad of yer company.” Will you pass near the Virginia coast?” in- quired Jack. “Not very, t hed kin bet! Ther’sa bad set there, I’ve heerd, and I’ve no notion of fallin’ into ther clutches. ‘This is my first trip this way, and I don’t want it to be my last, as it’s profitable.” The boys then gave him a full account of their | late adventures with the wreckers, ete. “Tm afeared it’ll be all up with yer father and his men afore yer can git assistance, It'll take three days, at least, for us to strike Nor- | folk, but it’s yer only way. Ther’s none of the ople ’round here would help yer.” ef “T doubt not that **T know it,” said Frank,
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many of them would rather be friend, than at- tack the wreckers,” “T reckon you're ’bout right. Jump up, and | we'll make a start.” The boys were soon in the wagon, and away it went. During the first day many miles of a lonely forest road were traversed. At night the farmer pulled up in front of a tavern, back of * whieh were astable, a barn and other outhouses, ‘‘Heer’s where we are to put up,” said the driver. “We will sleep somewhere outside,” said Jaek, ‘We have no money.” “No, by Jerusalem! You shall have a sup- | per and a good bed,” said the other. ‘I insist onit. If yer feel squeamish about it, yer can pay me some other time, though { don’t want any pay.” The boys entered the tavern, took supper and ‘vent to bed. at about midnight, Frank was awakened by ack. “ Hist! make no noise,” he said, ‘It’s as much as your life is worth!” “What is the matter?” inquired Frank, in surprise. “That farmer is a villain! He is in the em- ploy of the wreckers, for whom he smuggles goods to Norfolk!” “Hol hol!” ejaculated the young revenue offi- cers. ‘ But how do you know this?” **Come here,” said Jack. He drew Frank to the window, which over- looked the baek yard of the tavern, where lay the farmer’s wagon, with its team/‘attached. To Frank’s surprise, the first person he there beheld, distinctly revealed by the moonlight, was Black Horse Bill, mounted on his great coal-black steed, and directing the movements of half a dozen wreckers, who were transfer- ring from another vehiele, some cases of stolen goeds! Near him stood the farmer, conversing with him, now and then in a low voice. CHAPTER XV. THE PURSUIT, “Wao would have believed it?” said Frank. *T could almost have sworn that farmer was an honest man. Have you heard what they said?’ “T caught a few words, and I know your father and his men are still safe, for Bill spoke of them cussed revenues as having a position, from which with their gua, they could hold out for several days against more men than he could bring to attack them. It is likely the farmer has told them we are here, Our only course is to steal out, and try to glide off, un- seen by the wreckers.” The boys examined their oe to make sure they were in good order. Then they went to the door, On trying to open it, they perceived that it had been locked on the outside! * Trapped!” said Jack. Frank looked around him. Ho pointed to a large bureau, which, it was evident, stood against another door, Black Horse Bill. The two cautiously moved this aside, to find a key in thelock of the door, They turned it and entered a sort of lumber-room. It contained a window, which was found to face the side of the house. There was a high board fence below—too high to scale without a ladder. “Hark!” said Jack, ‘I think I hear foot- steps coming up the stairs!” “We must lose no time,” said Frank. His gaze fell upon a piece of rope, which was wound about some beams to keep them _ together. With Jack’s ussistance, he soon had the rope inhand. Then he raised the window,.and while his friend locked the door, he fastened one end of the line to a heavy pile of lumber, and threw out the other. The end of the rope dangled within a few feet of the ground, which the boys speedily reached by sliding down. Above them they heard the noise made by the wreckers, banging against the door of the lumber-room. The fugitives moved al. ng in the shadow of | the fence, vainly searching for a gate. Sud- denly they heard the neighing of the farmer’s horses, and looked to see the wagon guerded only by two men. Bill’s black horse stood near it; it?s rider had evidently gone up-stairs with the other outlaws. “Now,” said Frank, ‘suppose we make a dash for that farmer’s wagon, and drive off. There is the open gate, directly in front of the horses!” “Pm with you!” said Jack promptly. Leap- ing out of the shadow of the fence and the shrubbery which grew near it, the boys rushed toward the wagon. The wreckers saw them, and raised their pistols, but, ere they could fire, the sharp re- port. of the boys’ weapons rung out, and the | two men fell wounded. Before they could stagger to their feet, the lads were in the wagon. Frank seized the reins, and Jack giving both ee a smart blow with the whip, started them, Away they went at a swift pace, while the shouts of the wreckers were heard, far behind, ; “They'll be after us, and as we are more | heavily freighted than they, they may overtake us,” said Frank. ‘“ Better reload the pistols, Jack.” | As previously stated, the friends had with them an ammunition pouch. Jack loaded the ‘pistols and placed himself near the back of the wagon, whence he could obtain a view of the dimly lighted road, in the rear. He could hear the clattering of horses’ hoofs, and the rolling of wheels indicating that the wreckers were in pursuit, He let down the back-board, and dumped into the road some bales of goods to lighten the wagon. Frank urged the team on as fast as possible, but it was not long ere Black Horse Bill burst | into view, mounted on bis coal-black steed, not fifty yards behind! ‘* Hallo, there! stop be cussed young rats! Yer better stop, or it’ li be the worse for you.” “I would be that in any case,” shouted Jack.
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Black Horse Bill. 23 aay, t 5 - As he spoke Bill extended his arm and then | «Fito? erled Black Horse Bill“ came the flash and report of his pistol. got cee ig ae ey oe Lyfe The bullet would have struck the boy to the heart but for a bale of goods in front of him, which received the missile. He raised his own weapon and fired. The black horse staggered and went down on its knees, Bill sprung off and tried to set it up, but the poor beast had received a death-shot, and it rolled over on its side, expiring. Jack felt very sorry he had hit the horse in- stead of its rider, The animal, lying in the road, delayed the pursuit, and the fugitives gained considerably, At last Frank perceived another road ahead, branching off from the one he was pursuing. Which should he take? He did not know, but he finally decided to let the horses go their own way, hoping they would take the right direction. They dashed on as they had been going, keep- ing the same road. This seemed to become a little narrower as they proeeedéd, All at once, on turning a bend in the road, Frank saw, not ten paces ahead of him, a group of trees, which seemed to obstruct the way. He endeavored to stop the horses, but in vain. The report of his pistol had probably fright- ened them, and they fairly seemed to fly in their headlong career. There was a rush, a splash, a sudden sinking of the wagon, as it slid onward afew yards, and then it stopped. To their dismay the boys perceived that their vehicle was landed in a swamp. *Confound our luck!” cried Jack. ‘It'll be all up with us now!” “T think you are about right,” said Frank. “ We oouldn’t have got into worse quarters.” The horses floundered in the mire, making vain efforts to extrieate themselves. Down they sunk, until at length their heads went under, and after a fow struggles they ex- jired. =“ I was never made for a driver, that’s plain!” said Frank. :: ie No; you’ve spoiled our farmer’s team for ‘im, ‘«' That isn’t the worst of it. The outlaws will be sure to catch us now; but we'll make a fight for it first.” The wagon sunk to the tops of the wheels, but it went down no further. : ‘We have a fort here ready to hand,” said Jack, pointing to the bales of goods, “Yes; and the wreckers will have some trouble to get to us through the mire.” The boys arranged a couple of bales, so that they would partly cover their bodies, in the back of the wagon. Behind these they awaited the approach of their pursuers, The latter, all seated in their wagon, drawn by a pair of good horses, apres R Among them, bis form plainly revealed by a lantern the vehicle, was the pretended far- mer. The wagon stopped within a few yards of the swamp. The boysremained motionless, hidden by the The farmer swore.an ugly oath. “The young devils have killed m he cried, furiously. ‘ But where are { don’t see ’em!” “Come, show horses!” e Vipers? erselves!” cried Bill. “No use of your hidin’. We know you are thcre!” Still the boys made no answer. They hoped that the wreckers would conclude they had been thrown out and had sunk in the swamp. In that case the party might be reduced in num- ber by some of them going off to obtain ropes and other materials for getting the wagon out of the marsh. But Bill was too cunning to have this done until he had made sure the fugitives were not there. He ordered one of the men to climb a pine that grew near the edge of the swamp, with one of its upper branches projecting over the vehicle, The man in this way had a good view of the boys, and so reported to Bill. ‘Down with the tree!” cried the latter. “It'll make a bridge for us to git tothe young- sters.” An ax was taken from the wreckers’ wagon, and one of them went to work at the tree. ‘Now we must commence work,” said Frank. He took aim and fired, shooting’ the man down. ae the same time Jack fired at Bill, but missed im. The outlaw gritted his teeth in his rage. “They have the best of us behind them cussed bales!” he cried. ‘‘ Let each man take to a tree.” The wrecke: numbering eight in all, screéned themselves behind the trees on each side of the road, and commenced to fire into the wagon. Now and then, when any part of their foes was exposed to their view, the boys would re- turn their shots, but in the faint light their aim was not good, and they finally stopped firing, not wishing to waste their small stock of am- munition. CHAPTER XVI. THE BOYS’ PERIL, Tue outlaws also stopped firing, and their voices were heard as if they were holding a consultation. It was now a little past midnight. The moon being down, and the wreckers’ lantern extin- guished, the boys could not see their enemies. Finally they heard the wagon in which the gang had come moving rapidly away. A deep silence followed. “Can it be they have gone?” said Frank, “T don’t think so. It’s a tri¢dkto make us show ourselves,” About half an hour later, the two heard the wee coming back. The lantern was relighted soon after and the boys then beheld one of the bales of goods, to obtain which it was now plain the wagon had been sent off, close to the tree, which the wreckers had endeavored to cut down. he sound of an ax indicated that one of the
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Sarai sheltered by the bale, was working at e tree, ** Hello, there!” cried Black Horse Bill to the boys. “yt give a your choice, Yer can either jump into the mire and sink there, or yer can wait for the tree to come down and crush 1? “Tho villain!” muttered Frank, ‘oing to have the tree cut, so it will fall upon be wagon.” “He is | “ Never mind,” said Jack, “I don’t think that | game will work. If we look sharp, we can get out of the way of the tree. It will give the rascals a bridge to reach us, but only one at a time can come, and we have our pistols. A few minutes later the crackling of the tree was heard as it slowly toppled over. ** Look out!” cried Jack. The two friends watched the dark mass as it came down, and sprung aside just in time to avoid it, It struck the wagon with a deafening crash, and crushed it, On the back part, however, the boys found standing room, with one of the bales still upon it for a ‘‘ breastwork.” “Now, then,” roared Black Horse Bill, ‘‘ make a rush, men, and capture the young lubbers!” One of the men sprung upon the tree and others followed. The boys waited until the foremost man was close to the wrecked wagon, when Jack fired, shooting bim through the head. He tumbled into the mire and sunk, Then Frank fired at the next man and wounded him in the leg, so that.he was obliged to creep back- ward, thus hinderifg the others from advancing —causing them, in fact, to retreat, so as to make room for their wounded comrade, Bill was enraged at the failure of his plan, but he had seen that the boys still had the ad- vantage of the situation. The lantern was again extinguished, and again the voices of the out- laws were heard in the consultation. At this time the lads had not another charge left for their pistols, and they expected every moment that the wreckers would again advance, in which case they would be easily captured. So deep was the gloom, especially there, among the trees, where the boys stood, that they could hardly see each other as they conversed in whispers. “ What shall we do?’ said Jack. ‘Can you think of anything? It seems tome that we are about done for now.” “T can think of nothing,” said Frank, All at once Jack whispered: “T have thought of a plan. This tree which iz cut down, partly rests against another. What is to prevent our crawling out on it and getting up in that other tree?” “Capital!” said Frank. ‘In the darkness the wreckers will not see us.” The boys hastened to carry out their inten- tion. They climbed the adjoining tree, and ensconced themselves among the thick branches, A minute later there was a bright flash of light, Glack Horse Bill had set fire to a pine kuot, Sear ee eek Black Horse Bill. and he now hurled the blazing mass at the wagon, which was soon in flames, © boys could not help laughing to them- selves. Safely stationed in the tree, they saw the eget flames, the rolling clouds of smoke, and heard the exulting shouts of the outlaws. ‘‘Where are the cussed youngsters?” cried Bil. ‘TI baven’t seen ’em.” “It’s likely they’ve preferred dropping into the swamp and bein’ smothered to bein’ burned to cinders,” said the owner of the vehicle. * Ay, but who saw ’em drop?’ said Bill * We wouldn’t be likely to see ’em,” said the other. ‘Probably they dropped on t’other side of the wagon, where the smoke is the thickest, and that hid ’em from our sight.” This explanation was satisfactory. The out- laws concluded that the boys had sunk in the pele They knew their character well enough, by this time, to be aware that they would sooner perish in this way than surrender themselves to those who would inflict torture upon them. The i soon was a mere heap of smokin: cinders, That part of the cut tree which ha lain over it, was also burned through. From their position the boys finally saw the gang take their departure, “They are gone,” said Frank. ‘Thank fortune—yes,” replied Jack. we are safe.” “ Not exactly; how are we now to reach the road, since the cut tree, which waquld have served us for a bridge, is burned through?” ‘Sure enough. Well, we will wait until day- light, and then we may see some way out of our difficulty.” When morning.came the boys could perceive their exact situation, which was even worse than they had thought, as they were further from the road than they had supposed was the case. That part of the cut tree which was not burned, lay at least ten feet away from the foot of the pine they had climbed. ; ‘‘Had we a rope we could manage,” said Jack, “by lowering ourselves from near the end of one of the projecting branches.” Frank looked around him, but he saw nothing which would serve their purpose in place of a “And rope. ‘Let us have our breakfast, at any rate,” said Jack. Both boys had filled their coat-pockets with sea biscuits, ere leaving the smack, and they now made a meal. Hours passed. It was not until near nightfall that they resolved to make a truly hazardous attempt to reach the unin- jured part of the cut tree, About twelve feet above the swamp, a branch rojected from the tree on which they stood. heir plan now was to crawl to the end, and, hanging down by it, endeavor to swing them- selves to the trunk of the fallen pine, It would be a perilous trial, as the branch was slender and might break, landing them into the mire ere they could swing out far enough to drop upon the tree. “Tl take the lead,” cried Jack, and in spite
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of Frank’s remonstranees, he got out on the branch, and seized the end. Down he went, the branch cracking omin- | ously as it bent. He now hung directly over the swamp, and endeavored to swing himself outward. This he succeeded in doing, and, at the same time, the branch broke! He fella distance of about five feet, plump | into the mire, His head went under, and Frank saw the hissing bubbles close over it. Unable to “lifta finger ” to help his friend, he gazed dewn at the fatal spot in despair. Suddenly he gave a cry of NG Jack had thrown out his arms, and contrived to clutch the end of the fallen tree. P The next moment he had drawn himself upon tl As soon as he could regain his breath he burst out laughing. “Frank,” he cried, “I don’t believe know me. I wish you could toss me a loo! ou g- ass, | “T's no joking matter,” said Frank. «f thought you were gone for good when you went under. Now, how am I to join you?” “Pil fix that,” said Jack. “Just wait a few minutes until I get back the whole of my breath,” Soon after, he crept along the tree to dry land, and entering the thicket on one side of the | n, with his knife, a long, | Having trimmed it off, be | wood, he cut dow straight sapling. took it to the tree bridge, and passed the end of it to Frank, It was a good, hard pole, about fifteen feet long, booked at the end. “There you are,” said Jack, ‘ All to do is to hang that pole on oneof the and swing the other end to me, hold on to it while you descend,” The plan worked well. Jack held the pole steady, while Frank descended, hand over hand, to his side. ‘Now for Norfolk, if we can find the way,” said Jack, ou have ranches CHAPTER XVIL THE MEETING, Tam boys finally reached the road which branched off from the one leading to the swamp. Near this place was a clear stream of water, into which Jack at once plunged, and proceeded to wash the mud from his face and clothes. They then kept on along the road, The wea- pier was a little misty, and a fine rain was alling. In the afternoon the boys halted in the woods, and made a frugal meal of their biscuits. Tired and drowsy, they then looked for a sleeping-place, which they soon found in a hol- low made by half a dozen large chopped logs, placed lengthwa: “There must said Frank. ing been freshly cut.” - pes two crawled into the hollow, and fell asleep. They were awalened by voices near them. Black Horse Bill. Then I will | houses not far from here,” | “ These logs have the look of hay- ei Whats all this whispered Jack to his end. “There they are—I can see them,” was the answer—and as he spoke Frank pointed through the opening, on one side of the logs. There, sure enough, Jack beheld four men, seated near a fire, not twenty yards off. “Some of the wreckers!” he whispered. “Yes,” said Frank. ‘‘It seems as if, no mat- | ter where we go, we cannot shake those fellows “Tf I don’t mistake, they are of the same | party who were lately with Black Horse Bill.” Such in fact was the case. From what the boys heard the men say as they conversed, it was evident that their wagon had broken down, and that Bill had ridden on with the horse, leay- ing them to ‘foot’ it. ‘So we must have been going the wrong way,’ whispered Frank. ‘Instead of going | toward Norfolk, we have been going from it!” ag fire the outlaws had made needed more fuel. “ There’s a pile of logs,” said one of: the men, indicating those among which the boys were hidden. To their dismay, the two friends then saw one of the party advance, ax in hand! | “The fellow is going to cut at the logs, He'll be sure to discover us! We cannot crawl out without being seen,” said Jack. “No, we will have to stay here.” Both boys drew their knives, They remained silent while the man pro- ceeded to cut at the top oid The splinters flew. the log was nearly cut in twain, and the: discovery of the friends seemed inevitable. Now the man paused to rest. He stood lean- ing on his ax, with his back toward the end of the hollow. In this position he was between the boys and bis friends, “This is our chance!” whispered Jack. “ Come hd He crept out of the other end of the hollow, followed by Frank, The two moved on, and soon reached a line of shrubbery, into which they crawled. They were just in time to escape the notice of the wood-chopper, who turned and con- tinued his work, Two blows of his ax sent the ee log rolling asunder! Had the boys been the hollow yf must have been seen, *? left the shrubbery, which now screened them from the gaze of the wreckers, and hurried ‘‘Heaven only knows where we are going to, here in the dark,” said Frank. “They kept on, now striking a path, and now forcing their way with difficulty through | the shrubbery. “T think we'd better stop,” said Jack, at last, as the woods became thinner and the soil more sandy. ‘I believe we are going where we do not want to—toward the sea-coast!” | “You are right,” said Frank, as they halted, “Hark!” The dull roaring of the ocean was audible in the distance, but the moon was obscured, and
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\ Blaek Horse Bill, the boys could see no water through the dark- ness. “ After all,” said Jeck, “we might as well keep on, and we may have the luck to find a boat. This confounded land cruising, with its “ie lata and swamps, isn’t at all to my ng. “So say I,” responded Frank. ‘Give me a boat and plenty of sea room!” Walking steadily forward, keeping a sharp lookout as they went, the boys finally gained the beach, but they could not determine their locality. Far out at sea they saw the light of some vessel, gleaming through the darkness, They moved on, but paused suddenly as they ape res a dark object approaching along shore, “Tt is a boat with men in it!” said Frank. ‘* We'll hide ourselves in this hollow in the sand until it goes by.” They crouched in the hollow which they had been about to pass, The boat was soon near enough for the boys to know that it contained wreckers, i hed reeognized the voice of Black Horse iN. The craft was pulled to the beach, a few yards below the spot where they had crouched. “T's very strange they’re not come yet,” said Bill, ‘It’s tinie they were heer.” ‘He means the men we saw in the woods,* whispered Jack. ‘Probably the boat was to take them aboard at this point.” Bill stood looking round him. “Tm certain I see’d two ‘figgers’ here,” he said, ‘as we were comin’ with the boat. What can have become of em?” ‘Are you sure?” inquired one of the men. “Yes. Come and help me look for % They must be hiding somewhere, and, hings can’t be right! ‘*Confound his eyes,” muttered Jack. The three men in the boat got out, and with Bill any moved along, passing within a few feet of the boys’ hiding-place, “Now,” whispered Frank, ‘Now, for the boat!” see. jumped the lads, making a dash for the One of the men chancing to turn at that mo- ment, saw them, and gave the alarm. As the shoved off the boat and sprung into it, Blac! ae Bill and one of his companions fired at em, The bullet whistled ps their ears as they seized oars and pulled rapidly away in the darkness, But | son, They were not six fathoms from the shore, when a huge stone, hurled by one of the wreck- ers, came crashing down upon the bottom of the boat, inside, cracking the piss so that the water entered, By the time the light craft was a hundred fathoms from land, she was half full | of water. “You'll have to scull the boat,” said Jack, “ while I bail.” Frank took his place astern, and worked the boat along; but, although Jack exerted himself manfully, the water kept coming in, aes There was no way to —- the leak, as more than one plank was cracked. “Tf we can keep afloat until I work the boat s0 as to eae that vessel,” said Frank, pointin z to the distant light, ‘‘ we will be safe enou “But I don’t think we can keep afloat so long,” said Jack. The wind was increasing, and the seas were becoming rougher every moment, In order that Jack might rest a little, Frank exchanged places with him. The water now came in so fast that it gained upon the bailer, Meanwhile, the boat kept drawing nearer to the light, All at once this disappeared! “What does that mean?” inquired Jack. “Tt means the ‘rack’ is become so thick in that direction that it hides the light!” cried Frank, Taking turns, the boys continued to work the boat, until the latter could no longer be handled, Tt hai filled, and the occupants were now obliged to jump out and turn it bottom up. They then gotastraddle of it. Peering through the mist and the darkness they suddenly heard the creaking of yards, the flapping of canvas, and she ping of a boatswain’s whistle. **Good! Here she is, close aboard of us!” eried Frank. ‘There’s her light! I can see it now!” The lurid gleam of a lantern right ahead burst to view through the dark, drifting mist. *“ Ahoy, there! ship ahoy! Don’t run us down!” shouted both boys at once, But the craft came steadily on. The two could see her bows eonsing through the mist, Again they shouted, and this time they knew they were heard. The bows swung off, the canvas flapped, and they could distinctly hear the voice of the quar- termaster: : “Port, there—port!” Then the boatswain again piped, and the emery command of, “‘ Third cutter away!” was eard, A minute later the two saw a boat shooting toward them. They were picked up and taken aboard the vessel, which proved to be the U. 8. sloop-of- war Canton, Captain Barker, When the boys had made explanations, the commander conducted them below to a berth, in which, to their surprise, they saw Jack’s father, Captain Watson! he was delirious, and did not know his CHAPTER VIII. CONCLUSION. “Waar does this mean?” cried Jack. ‘*We were sure he was lost!” “‘Tho captain of the steamer from which he was transferred to this ship told me all he knew | about the affair,” said the commander, The explanation was as follows: It seemed that, instead of going overboard ¢0 the sea, as the boys had thought was tho aap ial
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Black Horse Bill. 297 case, when he fell from the fishing-smack on the night of the collision, the captain had dropped upon the huge sheet-anchor, hanging down trom the steamer’s bow. In the darkness, and also owing to the vessel’s swinging off, he was not seen by the lads, On his being helped up to the deck he fainted, and it was found that he had injured his head. The vessels were then too far apart for the crew to make known to Jack and Frank what had happened, In that gale the steamer could not be veered round, and she kept on her course, Two days later, the war-vessel, bound for New York, was fallen in with, and to this craft— Captain Reeves—in a delirious state, was trans- ferred, and put under the care of a good doc- tor, who said he would recover in a week. Jack was glad enough to hear this. As his father had from the first been unable to make any statement about the wreckers, the boys now gave a full account of their doings, and of the perilous situation of the lost cutter’s crew, on which the captain promised to go to the lat- hs relief, and to capture the outlaws, if pos- sible. This vessel had not originally been built for a man-of-war, In fact, her general appearance but for her open ports, was that of a merchant- ship. She had been altered from a trading-ves- sel, and it only required the eee. of her ports and a streak of white or red paint along each side to make her seem like a craft of that kind. ‘We intend to lay off and on this coast until morning,” said the captain to the boys, “‘and then we will make an attack on the wreckers and rescue your cutter’s people.” ‘* All the wreckers will escape you,” said Frank, ‘ At sight of a man-o’-war like yours, carrying twenty guns, they will vanish like smoke, and you'll not be able to find them,” ‘* How, then, are they to be caught?’ “ By strategy,” said Frank. The captain took the youth into his cabin, and they talked over the affair, The result was that the captain gave immediate orders for the closing of the ports, and for a streak of red paint to be laid along each side. The weather was so thick and the vessel so far from land that neither the lights nor the men at work would be seen, The numerous detail of fifty men set at this task were not long in finishing it. Next morning the weather had cleared and the sun shone brightly upon the waters. Cap- tain Barker was standing within two miles of the coast, and Frank, with a spy-glass, was by his side, scanning the shore, “There they are!” he said, at last, panty out the sand-bank, upon which lay the half- shattered canal-boat, with its occupants watch- ing the approaching vessel. Others also watched her. Black Horse Bill and his followers, all hungry for this new prize, which they took for a merchant craft, stood upon the beach nearly ready to launch their boats and go out to cap- ture her, Frank and Jack could not help laughing to see the frantic signals the cutter’s people were making to the sup merchantmen for them to come no nearer They shouted, waved kerchiefs, and pointed toward the wreckers, shaking their heads to in- timate the true character of the gang! As if influenced by these signs, Captain Bar- ker, when within a half a mile of the canal- boat, puldoniy: veered and headed bis craft sea- war This, however, brought his course toward a sand-bank, and he tacked to avoid it. The wreckers, who had foreseen this move- ment, had all come out in their boats to inter- cept the vessel, and were now directly ahead! ‘**Heave to there!” roared Black Horse Bill, who stood in the stern of the head boat, ‘‘ heave to! We want to come aboard!” “What forf’ inquired Captain Barker through his trumpet. “Yer'll find out, if yer don’t lay yer main er aback!” answered the ruffian, leveling a pistol, wee captain, as if alarmed, immediately hove The wreckers gave a yell of mingled exulta- tion and derision. They aoa vigorously, and the boats rapidly approached the merchantman., one I say, what’s yer cargof’ shouted ‘Ts that any of your business?” returned Cap- tain Barker, scarcely able to suppress a smile, “I jest reckon it is!” cried Bill, with a hoarse laugh. ‘‘ You'll find that out ’fore long. Better answer, or it’ll be the worse for yer!” ‘* Well, then, my principal cargo is too com- bustible to mention.” “What in thunder do yer mean by that?” cried Bill. “You'll see when you come aboard!” The boats now were within about twenty fathoms of the ship, and to windward of her. **Come, tell me yer cargo, or I'll put a bullet through you!” continued Bill, savagely. ‘Do you want to know?” “ Why, cuss you, yes—in quick time, too!” The captain made a preconcerted signal, the boatswain piped, and every port-hole flying open, the grim muzzles of ten carronades were projected, to frown upon the wreckers’ boats! “This craft is the U. 8. sloop-of-war Canton!” roared Captain Barker through his trumpet. ‘* We have you under our guns, so that we can blow you to pieces in a moment, and we'll do it unless you and all your men come aboard and surrender!” Black Horse Bill was astounded. He saw the trap in which he was caught and from which there was now no A ape sue means of escape. But he regained his self-possession in a mo- ment, and a dark, desperate look flashed from his vibe **Good-by, men—good-by, all! I’ve led you out of many a tight corner, boys, but this one is too much for Black Horse Bill!” So saying, and preferring the bullet to the hangman’s rope, the ruffian pointed bis pistol at | his temple, and, firing, fell headlong into the sea, whence he was never seen to rise again—a shark having probably dragged the dead body down for its prey. | A few minutes later Captain Barker had all i the wreckers aboard as prisoners in the hold,
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28 after which boats were sent to the canal barge to take off the cutter’s crew. Great was Captain Watson’s joy on finding his son Frank safe and well aboard the war vessel, He stated that the latter had come just in time to save him and _ his crew, for the old gun aboard the barge with which they had hithertc defended themselves had exploded on the da) before, and the wreckers had been preparing tc 2 come out to attack them! As the outlaws num bered almost a hundred, and Watson’s force: only thirty, it was reasonable to suppose that the former would have been successful, Thus, through the agency of the two gallant - 4 h boys, Frank Watson and Jack Reeves, the mosi -_. gavage band of wreckers that ever infested the American coast was broken up and its member ro aga brougbt to the punishment they de served. he death of their leader and the fate a of his followers discouraged his numerous . friends along the coast from taking up the same be leader’s occupation. f After the capture of the gang, the Cantor fe sailed for New York, where she arrived in due . time. About a week later, Jack’s father was so far recovered from his injuries as to be able to ac- ' company the boys on a visit to Captain Burton, iS of the ship Neptune, which the lads had so F bravely rescued from the wreckers. The captain received them cordially, and his J daughter Mary blushed deeply when Frank , took her proffered hand. The youth often vis- fh ited her, afterward, and the result was that | __ she finally became his wife. = The two boys remained steadfast friends, and rs never forgot their perilous adventures on the | ‘Virginia coast with BLACK Horse Br and his wreckers, THE END. DIME DIALOGUES AND SPEAKERS FOR SCHOOL EXHIBITIONS AND HOME ENTERTAINMENTS. Dialogues, Nos. 1 to 82 inclusive, 15 to % popu- | ‘lar dialogues and dramas in each book. Each vol- ume 100 pages 12mo, ; Speakers, Nos. 1 to “inclusive. Each speaker | ——s-: 100 pages 12mo, containing from 50 to 75 pieces, ia YOUNG PEOPLE'S SERIES. | Dime Book of Winter Sports. I Dime Book of Summer Athletic Sports, Me Dime Gents’ Letter Writer. Dime Book of Etiquette. Dime Book of Verses. Dime Book of Dreams. Dime Fortune Teller, Dime Ladies’ Letter Writer, Dime Lovers’ Casket. a” a Dime Ball-Room Companion. = Dime Book of 100 Games. ~ Dime Chess Instructor. Bae Dime Book of Beauty. .! =" The above books are sold By, newsdealers : everywhere, or will be sent, post-paid, to any ad- } _ dress, on eget of pric3, ten cents each. BEADLE axp Apass, Publishers, 98 William st., N. Y, Black Horse Biil. Half-Dime Singer's Library 1 Wao, Enma! and 59 other Songs. 2 CaptTarn Curr and 57 other Songs, 8 THe Garnssporov’ Har and 62 other Songs. 4 Jonnny Morean and 60 other Songs. 5 I'uu Starke You WitH A Fearuer and 62 others, 6 GeorGe THE CHARMER and 56 other Songs. 7 Tue Bette or Rockaway and 52 other Songs, 8 Youne Ferian, You're Too Fresx and 60 others 9 Say Youne Grew and 65 other Songs. 10 I’ THe GoverNnor’s Onty Son and 58 other Songs, 11 My Faw and 65 other Songs. 2 Comin’ THRO’ Tur Rye and 55 other Songs, 18 Tue RowucKine IRIsHMAN and 59 other Songs, 14 Oty Doa@ Tray and 62 other Songs. 15 Waoa, Caaruie and 59 other Songs, 16 IN THts WuHeat By anp By and 62 otner Songs. 17 Nancy Lee and 58 other Songs. 18 I'm THe Boy Hat’s Bounv To Braz and 57 others, 19 Toe Two OrpHans and 59 other Songs, 20 WaT ARE THE Wiip WAVES Sayina, Sister? and 59 other Songs. 21 InpiGNANT PoLLy Woe and 59 other Songs, 22 Tae OLp Arm-CHAir and 58 other Songs. 23 On Coney Istanp Beacu and 58 other Songs, 24 Oip Simon, THE Hot-Corn Man and 60 others. 25 I’w in Love and 56 other Songs. 26 Parape or tHe Guarps and 56 other Songs. 27 Yo, Heavy, Ho! and 60 other Songs. 28 "Twit Never vo To Gin it up So and 60 others, 29 Buve Bonners Over THE Rorper and 54 others, 80 Tae Merry LAvGHING MAN and 56 other Songs. 31 Sweer Forart-me-Nor and 55 other Scn7zs. $2 Leerte Bany Mrxg and 53 other Songs. 83 Dz BanJo AM DE INsTRUMENT FoR Me and 53 others, 84 Tarry and 50 other Songs. 85 Just To PLease THE Boys and 52 other Songs, 86 SKATING ON ONE IN THE GuTTeR and 52 others, 37 Kotorep Kranks and 59 other Songs. 38 Nit Desperanpum and 53 other Songs. 39 Tue Gre I Lerr Benrsp Me and 50 other Songs 40 "Tis nur A Lirrte Fapep Ftower and 50 others 41 Prerry WHILHELMINA and 60 other Songs. 42 DancIna IN THE Barn and 63 other Songs, 43 H. M.S. Prxarore, CoMPLETE, and 17 other Songs Sold everywhere by Newsdealers, at five cents per copy, or sent post-paid, to any address, om ree ceipt of Six cenis per number. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Pvs.isHers, 98 Witi1aM Street, New Yorg,”
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BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY. ————— te 82 Seth Jones; or, The Captives of the Frontier. | 125 The Land Pirates; or, The League of Devil’s By E. 8. Ellis. 883 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief. By E, L. Wheeler. 84 The Dumb Page; or, The Doge’s Daughter. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 85 The Boy Miners; or, Tue Enchanted Island. By Edward 8, Elis. 86 Jack Harkaway in New York. Hemyng. 87 The Hussar Captain; or, The Hermit of Hell Gate. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 88 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A Strange Stroke for Liberty. By Edward L. Wheeler. 89 Bill Biddon, Trapp r; or, Life in the Northwest. By Edward §, Ellis. 90 Tippy. the Texan; or, The Young Champion. By George Gleason, : 91 Mustang Sam, the King of the Plains. By Jos. KE. Badger, Jr. 92 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, the Red Pirates of the Caribbees. By Samuel W. Pearce. 93 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy; or, The Mystery of By Bracebridge the Stronghold. By Charles Morris, 94 Deadwood Dick as Detective. By E. L. Wheeler. 95 Buck Buckram; or, Bess the Female Trapper. By Captain J. F, C, Adams. 96 Gilt-Edge Dick. By Edward L, Wheeler. 97 The Black Steed of the Prairies. By James L. Bowen. 98 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe, By Juan Lewis. 99 Bonanza Bill, the Man Tracker; or, the Secret Twelve. By fr. L. Wheeler, 100 Nat Todd; or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive. By E. S. Ellis, 101 Daring Davy, the Young Bear Killer; or, The Trail of the Border Wolf. By Harry St. George. 102 The Yellow Chief; or, The Half-Blood's Ven- geance. By Ca t. Mayne Reid. 103 Chip, the GirlSport By Edward L. Wheeler. 104 The Black Schoener; cr, Jib Junk, the Old Tar, By Roger Starbuck, 105 Handsome Harry, the Boctblack Detective. By Charlvs Morris, ° 106 Night-Hawk Kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 107 Jack Hoyle’s Lead; or, The Road to Fortune, By Edward L, Wheeler. 108 Rocky Mountain Kit, the White Mustanger. By T. C. Harbaugh. 109 The Branded Hand; or, The Man of Mystery. By Frank Dumont. 110 The Dread Rider; or, The Texan Duelist. By George W. Browne. 111 Boss Bob, the Kicg of Bootblacks. By Edward L. Wheeler. 112 The Helpless Hand. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 118 Scar-Faced Saul, the Silent Hunter. By Oll Coomes. 114 Piney P.ul, the Mountain Boy. By T. C, Har- a baugh, 115 Deadwood Dick’s Double: or, The Ghost of Gor- on’s Gulch, By Edward L. Wheeicr. 116 Sones Coffin, Skipper; or, Lost in the Po'ar Re- ions. By Capt. F. Whitta: er. 117 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust. By “ Buffalo Bill.” 118 Wil Wildfire,.the Tooroughbred; or, The Win- ning Hand. By Chas, Morris. 119 Blonde Bil: or, Dendwood Dick’s Home Base, By Edwar' L. Whee'er. 120 Gopher Gid, the Boy Trapper. By T. C. Har- augh, 121 Paere Armstrong, the Captain of the Club. By Bracebridge Hemyng (Jack Barkewer), 122 The Haunted Hunter; or, The Strange Horseman of the Prairie, By Edward S. Ellis. 123 ot so te the Boy Road-Agent. By Edward L. Peeler, 124 Judye Lynch, Jr.; or, The Boy Vigilante. By T, C. Harbaugh, Be Island. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 126 Blue Blazes; or, The Break 0’ Day Boys of Rocky Bar. By Frank Dumont, 127 Tony Fox, the Ferret; or, Boss Bob’s Boss Job. By Edward L. Wheeler, 128 Will Wildfire’s Racer; or, Winning Against Odds. By Charles Morris. 129 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon, By Oll Coomes, 130 Gold Trigger, the Sport: or, The Girl Avengers. By T. C. Harbaugh, 131 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike, By Edward L. Wheeler. 182 Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. By Joseph E, Badger, Jr. 133 Wild-fire, the Boss of the Road. By Frank Du- mont, 134 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. By Chas. Morris. 135 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party. By Edward L, Wheeler. 186 Old Rube, the Hunter. By Capt. Hamilton Holmes. 187 Dandy Rock, the Man from Texas. By G. Waldo Browne, 1388 Bob Reckett, the Boy Dodger. By Chas, Morris. 139 The Black Giaut; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr, 140 Captain Arizona, the King Pin of Road-Agents. By Philip 8. Warne. 141 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. By E. L. Wheeler, 142 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. By Oll Coomes, 143 Deadly Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire. By Jos, E. Badger, Jr. - 144 Little Gi it, the Wild Rider. By Col. Prentiss In- graham. 145 The Tiger of Taos; or, Wild Kate, Dandy Rock’s Angel. By Geo. Waldo Browne, 146 The Cattle King; or, Cortina’s Right Bower, By Frank Dumont. 147 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, the Scamps of the Sierras. sf Edward L, Wheeler. 148 Thunderbolt Tom; or, the Wolf-Herder of the Rockies. By Harry St. George. 149 a Rockett, the Bank Runner. By Charles Morris. 150 The Mad Miner; or, Dandy Rock’s Doom. By G. Waldo Browne, 151 The Sea Trailer; or, A Vow Well Kept. By Col. Prentiss Ingrah.m, 152 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine. By W. H, Eyster. 153 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo. By E. L. Wheeler. o 154 The Boy Trailers; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path, By Jos. BE. Badger, Jr. 135 Gold Plume, the Boy Bandit. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 156 Will Wildfire in the Woods. By C. Morris. 157 bi ed eS. the Border Boy. By T. C. Har- augh. 158 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane's Last Adventure, By EK. L. Wheeler. 159 Patent-Leather Joe's Defeat; or, The Lady Road-Agent. By Philip S. Warne, - 100 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker; or The Doomed Thirteen. By Col]. P. Ingraham, 161 Bob Rockett, the Cracksman, By C. Morris. 162 Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain. By Ol Coomes. 163 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, the Rivals of the Road. By E. L, Wheeler. 164 Tornado Tom; or, Injun Jack from Red Core, TC, Harbaugh. 165 Buffalo. Bill's Bet; or, The Gambler Guide. By Col. P. Ingraham. 166 Will Wildfire Wins and Loses; or, “A Trump Card.” _ By Charles Morris. 167 Dandy Rock's Piedge; or, Hunted to Death. By George W. Browne.
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BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY. 168 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hills Jezebel. By Edward L. Wheeler. 169 The Boy Champivon. By Edward Willett. 170 Bob Rockett’s Fight for Life; or, Shadowed in New York, By Charles Morris. 171 Frank Morton, the Boy Hercules. By Oll Coomes. 172 The Yankee Ranger; or, Dusky Darrell. By Edwin Emerson. 173 Dick Dingle, Scout. or, The Frontier Angel. By Edward 8, Bilis. 174 Dandy Reck’s Scheme; or, The Golden Hand. By G. W. Browne. 1%5 The Arab Detective; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp. By Edward L. Wheeler. 176 Will Wildfire’s Pluck; or, The Hidden Hand. By Charles Morris. 177 The Boy Commander; or, The Maid of Perth. By Co). Pren'iss Ingraham, 178 The Maniac Hunter; or, The Mysteries of Night Island, By Burton Saxe, 179 Dainty Lance; or, The Mystic Marksman. By J. E. Badger, Jr. * 180 The Boy Gold Hunter; or, Navajo Nick’s Scout. j maa ©. Harbaugh. 181 The Scapegrace Son. By Charles Morris, 182 The Dark-Skinned Scout; or, The Freebooters of the Mississippi. By Lieut, Col, Hazeltine. 183 Jabez Dart, Detective; or, The Hermit Trapper. By Oll Coomes. 184 Featherweight, the Boy Spy. By Ed. Willett. 185 Bison Bill, the Overland Prince. By Col. Pren- tiss Ingraham, 186 Dainty Lance and His Pard. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 187 The Trapped Tiger King; or, Dar® Paul’s Plot. - By Charles Morris, 188 The Ventriloquiss Detective. A Romance of Rogues. By Edward lL. Wheeler. 189 Old Rocky’s Boys; or, Bonito, the Young Mus- tang-Breaker. By Maj. Sam 8. Hall, 190 Sim Simpkins, Scout; or, The Faithful Mountain Mastiff. By James lL Bowen. : 191 Dandy Rock's Rival; or, The Mysterious Wolf Rider. By Geo, Waldo Browne. 192 Hickory Harry; or, Roaring Ralph, the Ventrilo- uist. By Harry St. George. 198 Detective Josh Grim; or, The Young Gladiator’s Game. By Edward L. Wheeler, 194 Prospect Pete, the Boy Miner. By Oll Coomes. 195 The Tenderfoot Trailer; or, Plucky Phil, of the Mountain. By T.C. Harbaugh, 196 The Dandy Detective; or, The Abducted Boy Mystery. By Charles Morris. 197 Roy, the Young Cattle King; or, The Texan roe Unmasked. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 198 Ebony Dan’s Mask; or, The Rival Leagues of the Mines. Ry Frank Dumonr, 199 Dictionary Nat, Detective; or, Bill Bravo, the Bear Tamer. By T C. Harbaugh. 200 The Twin Horsemen; or, The Brothers of the Plumed Lance. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker, . 201 Dandy Darke’s Pards; or, Tho Hawks of High Pine. By Wm. R. Eyster. 2 Tom, the Texan Tige ; or, Old Luke’s Luck. By Oll Coomes, 203 Sam, the Office Boy; or, The Tables Turned. By Charles Morris. 204 The Young Cowboy; or, The Girl Trailer’s Tri- umph. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, 205 The Frontier Detective; or, Sierra Sam’s Scheme. By E. L. Wheeler. 206 White Lightning; or, the Boy Ally. By T. C. Harbaugh, 207 Kentuck Talbot's Band; or, The Red Lasso. By Captain Mark Wilton, 208 Trapper Tom’s Castle Mystery; or, Dashing Dick's Disguise. By Ol] Coomes. 209 The Messeager-Boy Detective; or, The Tables Turned. By Charles Morris, 210 The Hunchback of the Mines; or, Reckless Ralph, | the Road-Agent. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. | 211 Little Giant and His Band; or Despard, the Duelist. By P. 8S. Warne. 212 The Jimtown Sport; or, Gypsy Jack in Colorado. By E. L. Wheeler. 213 The Pirate’s Prize; or. The My terious Yankee Schooner. By C. Dunning Clark. 214 Dandy Dave, of Shasta; or, The ’Frisco Flash o” Lightning. By T. C. Harbaugh. 215 Daring Dan the Ranger; or, the Denver Detec- tive. By Ol! Coomes. 216 The Cowboy Captain; or, Ranger Ralph’s Ruin. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 217 Sald Head of the Rockies; or, The Ang'l of the Bie: By Major Sam §. Hall. 218 The Miner Sport; or, Sugar-Coated Sam’s Claim. By Edward L. Wheeler, 119 Buck, the Detective; or, Paul, the Boy Pard. By Albert W. Aiken, 220 Cr°ck-Shot Frank; or, Bill Bounce, the Moun- tain Bravo. By Charles Morris. 221 Merle the Middy; or, A Waif ofthe Waves. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 222 Rosebud Ben’s Boys; or, The Young Prairie Rangers. By Oll Coomes, 228 Gold Conrad’s Watch-Dogs; or, The Two Pards of Vulture Bar, By T. C. Harbaugh. 224 ptm Fergus, the New York Boy. By G. L, ken. 225 Dick Drew, the Miner's Son; or, Apollo Bill, the Road-Agent. By Edward L. Wheeler. 226 Dakota Dick in Chicago; or, Jack, the Old Tar. oN Charles Morris. 227 Merle, the Boy Cruiser; or, Brandt the Buc- caneer. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 228 The Preacher Detective; or The Boy Ventrilo- quit By Oll Coomes. 229 Old Hickory’s Grit. By Jobn J. Marshall, 2380 The Three Boy Sports; or, The Sword Hunters, By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 281 Sierra Sam, the Detective. By Edward L, Wheeler. 232 Merle Monte’s Treasure; or, Buccaneer Brandt’s Threat By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 283 Rocky Rover Kit; or, Davy Crockett’s Crooked Trail. ae Ensign C. D. Warren. 234 Baldy, the Miner Chief. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams, 235 Jack Stump’s Cruise; or, The Montpelier’s Muti- neers. By Roger Starbuck. 236 Sierra Sam’s Double; or, The Three Female De- tectives, By Ed, L. Wheeler. 287 Newsboy Ned, D tective; or Two Philadelphia Gamins. By Charles Morris. ; 288 Merle Monte’s Sea ‘Scraper; or, Little Belt’s Droll Disguise. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 239 Ben’s Big Boom: or, The Boss Miner's League, By Capt. Mark Wilton. 240 Sharp Shot Mike; or, Colambia Jim on the War- Path. By Oll Coomes. 241 Sierra Sam’s Sentence; or, Little Luck at Rough Ranch. By Edward L. Wheeler. 242 The Denver Detective; or, Dainty Dot at Gold Guich. By T. C. Harbaugh. 243 Dutch Jan’s Dilemma; or. The Mysterious Mountain Monster, By Maj. L. W. Carson. 244 Merle Monte’s Disguise; or, The Capture of Brandt, the Buccaneer. By Col. P. Ingraham. 245 Baldy’s Boy Partner; or, Young Brainerd’s Steam Man. By Edwar'!S. Ellis. 246 Detective Keen’s Apprentice; or, James Jumper the New York Gamin. By Chorles Morris. 247 The Girl Sport; >r, Jumbo Joe’s Disguise. By ddward L. Wheeler. 248 Giant George’s Pard; or, Arizona Jack, the Tenderfoot. By Buckskin*Sam. 249 Ranch Rob’s Wild Ride; or, Old Winch The Rifle King, By T. C. Harbaugh. 250 Merle Morte’s Pardon; or, The Pirate Chief's Doom. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. . 251 The Deaf Detective; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp, By Edward’ Willett.
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» 252 Denver Doll’s Device; or, The Detective Queen, By Edward L, Wheeler. 253 The Boy Tenderfoot; or, Roaring Ben Bundy of Colorado. By Capt. Mark Wilton. 254 Black Hills Ben; or, Dutch Jan on the War- Path. By Maj. Lewis W. Carson. 255 Jolly Jim, Detective; or, The Young Protege’s Victory. By Charles Morris, 256 Merle Monte’s Last Cruise; or, The Sea Robber at Bay. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 257 The Boy Cnief of Rocky Pass; or, The Young California Pards. By Maj. EB. L. St. Vrain. 258 Denver Doll as Detective. By E. L. Wheeler. 259 Little Foxeye, the Colorado Spy. by Oll Coomes, 260 Skit, the Cabin Boy. Ry Edward Willett. 261 Blade, the Sport; or, the Giant of Clear Grit Camp. By .C. Harbaugh. 262 Billy, the Boy Rover. By Col. P. Ingraham. 2683 Buster Bob’s Buoy; or, Lige, the Light-House Keeper. By Capt. J. FC, Adams. 264 Denver Doll’s Parner; or, Big Buckskin the Sport. By E. L. Wheeler. 265 Billy, the Baggage Boy: or, The Young Railroad Detective. by Charles Morris, 266 Guy’s Boy Chum; or, The Forest Waif’s Mask. By Capt. Comstock, 267 Giant Geo:ge’s Revenge; or, The Boys of ‘‘ Slip- 4 Mine.”? By Buckskin Sam, 268 The Deadshot Dandy; or, The Rio Grande Marauders. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 269 The Quartzville Boss; or, Daring David Darke. By Edward Willett. 270. Denver Doll’s Mine; or, Little Bill’s Big Loss, By E. L. Wheeler, 271 Ebony Jim’s Terror; or, Ranger Rainbolt’s Ruse. By Oll Coomes. 272 Kit, the Girl Detective. By T. C. Harbaugh. 273 The Girl Rider; or, Nimble Ned’s Surprise. By Jos. B. Badger, Jr. 274 Dead Shot Dandy’s Double; or, Benito, the Boy Pard. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, 275 Fred, the Ocean Waif; or, The Old Sailor’s Protege. By Charles Morris. 276 Deadwood Dick Trapped, By Ed L. Wheeler. 277 The I iot Boy Avenger; or, Captain Wild-Cat’s Big Game. By Albert W. Aiken, 278 Arizona Alf, the Miner; or, Little Snap Shot’s Luck. By T. C. Harbaugh. 279 Colorado Jack, the Tiger; or, The Ghost of the Trailer. By Frederick Dewey. 280 Dead Shot Dandy’s Last Deal, or, Keno Kit’s New Role. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 281 Ned, the Boy Pilot; or, The Pirate Lieutenant’s Doom. By Jack Marragut. 282 Buck Hawk, Derective; or, the Messenger Boy’s Fortune. By Edward L, Wheeler. 283 Roving Sport Kic; or, The Ghost of Chuckaluck Camp. By Edward Willett. 284 The Showman’s Best Card; or, The Mad Animat Tamer. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. 285 Old Rocky’s Pard; or, Little Ben’s Chase. By Buckskin Sam, 286 Dick, the Dakota Sport. By Charles Morris. 287 Ned, the Boy Skipper; or, The Sea Sorceress’ Cruise. By Jack Farragut. 288 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise; or, Wild Walt, the Sport. By Edward L, Wheeler, 289 Col irado Nick, the Lasscist; or, Old Si's Protege. By Major H. B, Stoddard, 290 Rube, the Tenderfoot: or, the Boys of Torpedo Guich. By Major EF. L, St. Vram. 291 Peacock Pete, the Leadville Sport; or, Hawk, the Boss Miner. By Albert W. Aiken. 292 Joe Morey, the Night-Hawk; or, the Black Rider, By Jos. B. Badger, Jr. : 293 Dwarf Jake. the Detective; or, Kit Kenyon’s Man-Hunt. By Edward Willett. 294 Dumb Dick’s Pard; or, Eliza Jane, the Gold Miner, By Ed. L. Wheeler. 295 White Wing, the Ferret Flyer, By Chas. Morris. 296 Govinda, the Tiger-lamer; or, The American | Horseman Abroad, By Captain F. Whittaker. « BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY. 207 Arizona Giant George; or, The Boyees ef Sardine- Box City. By Buckskin Sam, 298 Daisy Doll's Dash; or, The Ten Colorado Pards, By T. C. Harbaugh. 299 The Balloon Detectives; or, Jack Slasher’s Young Pard, By Harry Euton. 300 Deadwood Dick’s Mission. By E, L. Wheeler. 301 wt Duke, the Cowboy. By Major E. L. St, rain. 302 Big Benson’s Bet. By T. C. Harbaugh, 303 Tbe Hotel Boy Detective; or, The Grand Central Robbery. By Charles Morris. 304 Bald Head’s Pard; or, Creeping Cat’s Cunning. By Buckskin Sam. 805 Dusky Dick's Duel; or, The Demon’s Trail. By Harry Hazard, 306 Spotter Fr.tz; or, The Store-Detective’s Decoy. By E. L. Wheeler, 807 Nick, the Boy Sport; or, Three Plucky Pards, By Major KE. L. St. Vrain. 308 Double-Fisted Mat; or, The Mystie California Giant. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 809 O.d Graybeard’s Boy; or, The Girl’s Ruse, By C. Duoning Clark. 810 Kit, the Girl Captain; or, The Mad Sailor’s Legacy. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 811 Frio Krea in Texas. By Buckskin Sam. 312 The Detective Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sassafras City. By Edward L. Wheeler. 315 Honest Jack’s Protege; or, The Dwarf’s Scheme, By Philip 5. Warne 314 Clip the Boy Sheriff; o>, The Two Crooks of Montana. By Edward Willett. 815 Tom, the Arizona Sport; or, Howling Hank from Hard Luck. By Major EB. L. Sv. Vrain. 816 The Street Arab Detective; or, Dick Dorgan’s Double Dealing. By Charles Morris. 317 Buckskin Ben of Texas; or, Single Eye’s Plucky Pards. By Buckskin Sam. 318 Colorado Char ie’s Detective Dash; or, Thos Cattle Kings. By Bdward L, Wheeler. 319 Frisky Fran’: in Idaho; or, Old Skinflint the Shadower. By Roger Starbuck, 820 Cool Sam’s Girl Pard; or, Captain Diek and His T xans, By T. C, Harbaugh. 821 Billy, the Kid from Frisco; or, Silver Mask’s Clew. By J, C, Cowdrick, 822 Fred Flyer, Detective; or, Abe Blizzard on Deck. By Carles Morris, 823 Dead Shot Ike in Montana; or, Hez Helper, the Yankee Pard, By Roger Starbuck. 824 Kit, the Denver Sport; or, The Bonanza Miner King. By Edward L, Wheeler. 3% Dusky Darrell the Camp Detective; or, The Dandy’s Daring Dash. By Edwin Emerson. 826 Roy, the Boy Cruiser; or, The Water Wolf Wreckers. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 327 Ned, the Roving Miner; or, Arkansaw Jack’s Match. By Harry Hazard. 328 Rocky Ben’s Band; or, Big Pete’s Big Haul. By W. J, Hamilton. 329 aah the Colorado Wrestler. By Maj. EB. L. St. rain. 830 The Denver Sport’s Racket; or, Kit’s Big Boom, By Edward L, Wheeler. 331 The Coast Detective; or, The Smuggler Shadow- er. By Roger Starbuck, 332 Dakota Dan in Canyon City; or, Colorado Kate's Cheek. By Philip 8. Warne. 333 Bootblack Ben, the Detective; or, Pooler Jim and His Pard, By Anthony P. Morris. 834 Frisco Tom on Deck; or, The Golden Gate Smug- glers. By George Henry Morse. 3-5 Ben Bandy, the Boss Pard; or, The Plucky _ Parson. By J. Stanley Henderson. 336 Fred, the Sport, in Brimstone Bar Camp: or. The Boston Wrestler’s Confederate. By Kd. L, Wheeler. 337 Daisy Dave the Colorado Galoot; or, The Boss of Dead Line City. By T. C. Harbaugh. 338 ‘The Gold Bar Detective; or, Iron Ike, the Solid Man, By Major E. L. St. Vrain,
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= PO CK BT riprary. s 439 Rardo, the Boy Gypsy; or, Reckless Rolf’s Re- volt. By Wm. G. Patten. 840 Billy Bubble’s Big Score; By Uharles Morris. 841 Colorado Steve’s Dash; or, Old Buncomh’s Shot. By Philip 8. Warne, 842 Snap-Shot Sam; or, Ned Norris's Nettle. Bucksin Sam. 843 Mike, the Bowery Detective; or, Peleg Praucer of Vermont. By Kdward L, Wheeler. 844 The Drummer Sport; or, Captain Dasher’s Droll Dilemma. By Bdward Willett. 845 Jaques, the Hardpan Detective; or, Captain Frisco the Road-Agent. By J.C. Gowdrick, 346 Joe, the Chicago Arab; or, A Boy of the Times. By Charles Morris. 347 Middy Herbert's Prize; or, The Girl Captain’s Revenge. By Col. Prentiss In: graham. 348 Sharp-Shoo'er Frank; or, The Young Texan Pards. By Buckskin Sam. 349 Buck the Miner; i or, Alf, By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain. 850 Ned the Slab City Sport; or, The Detective’s Rig Scoop. By E. L. Wheeler. 851 Rocky Mountain Joe; or, Deacon Simplicity on the War-path. By Col. T, H. Monstery. 852 New York Tim; or, Tue Boss of the Boulevard. 3y Charles Morris. 853 The Girl Pilot; or, Ben, the Reef-Runner. By Roger Starbuck. 354 Joe, the Boy Stage-Driver; on Nick Hicken’s Cunning By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain. 855 Texas Frank’s Crony; or, The Girl Rider. By Bucks’ in Sam. 356 Idaho Ned, Detective; or, The Miners of Tarpot City. By Kdward L, Wheeler. 857 Guy, the Boy Miner; or, Rocky Mountain Bill. By ‘Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 358 Jersey Joe, the Old Tar; or, the Wrecker’s Protege. By Mrs. Orin James. 859 Dandy Diek’s Dash; or, The Boy Cattle - King. By Oli Comes. 860 Jim's Big Bonanza; or, Jake Dodd and His Gang. jy W.J. Hamilton. 861 Oregon Phil, the Sport; or, The Marshal of Two Bits. By Philip 8. Warne. 362 Kit, the Bootblack Detective; or, From Phila- delphia to the Rockies. By Edward L, Wheeler. 363 The Ocean Racer; or, Trusty Tom, the Tar. By T. C. Harbaugh, 864 Fritz’s Old Seore; or, Sib Cone’s Right Bower, By Ned Buntline. 865 Crack Shot Harry; or, The Masked Rider. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 866 Gold Dust Rock, the Whirlwind of the Mines. By G. Waldo Browne. 367 Fred's Bold Game; or, The Cave Treasure. By Paul Bibbs. 868 Jim, the Sport in Wake-up: or, Foghorn Fan to the Front By Edward L. Wheeler. 369 Captain Blake’s Jonah; or, Harry, the Cabin Boy. By Roger Starbuck. 370 Denver Kit’s Double; or, The Giant Miner of the Gulch. By Major H. B. ktoddard. 871 Blue Blazes Dick; or, Danger Doll of Dynamite. By T. C, Harbangh. 872 The Sea Cat’s Prize; or, The Flag of the Red Hands. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 873 Larry ate 's Dash; or, Kyle, the Renegade. By Joseph F, . Henderson. avd ie the Sport's Biz Boom; or, The Bonanza King’s Rival. By Edward L, Wheeler, or, Tim, the Tramp. Sure By the Colorado Guide. Mustang | crepessseeneeasgs| / > as is 875 Bowery Bob, Detective; or, Bianca, the Tam- bourine-Girl. By Jo Pierce. 876 Buckskin Dick’s Clean Sweep; or, Jonathan Jenks’ Still Hunt, By Col. Art aur. ¥, Holt. 377 The Deadwood Sports. By Lieut. 8. G. Lansing, 873 Bronco Billy, the Saddle Prince. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 879 Dick, the Stowaway; or, A Yankee Boy's Strange Cruise. By Charles Morris, 880 Young Dick Talbot; or, A Boy’s Rough and Tumble Fight from New York to California. By Albert W. Aiken, Dandy Bill’s Doom; or, Scout, By Oll Cooms, 2 Wide-Awake George, the Boy Pioneer. Willet. 3 Wild Bill, the Pistol Prince. "Toeesdlare, Brimstone Bill’s Booty: or, Mariposa Marsh at Dead Man’s Gulch. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 5 The Boy Tramps; or, The Roughs of Demon Hollow. By J. M. Hoffman. } The Montana Kid; or, Little Dan Rock’s Mis- sion. By Morris Redwing. 7 The Boy Detectives; or, Broker Blondin’s Big Reward. By T. C. Harbaugh. The Pony Express Rider; or, Buffalo Bill’s Frontier Feats. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. New York Bill, the Dodger; or, Two Boys Who Were “‘ Bounced.” By Edward Willett. 390 The Ticket-of-Leave’s Trick; or, Spring Steel, King of the Bush. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 891 Charley Skylark, the Sport. By Major Henry B. Stoddard, 392 Texas Jack, the Mustang King. Prentiss Ingraham. 393 Peter, the Dandy Greenhorn, By Noah Nuff. 894 Tom Temple’s Big Strike, By Barry Ringgold. 895 Harry, the Country Boy, in New York. By Charles Morris. 396 Detective Paul's Right Bower. 397 Tip Tressell, the Flatboat Boy. 898 Captein Jack in Rocky Roost, Ingraham, 899 Harry Somers, the Magician. 400 Black Horse Bill, the Bandit Roger Starbuck. 401 Tim, the Mule Boy of the Mines. By Chas. Morris, 402 Flatboat Fred on the Mississippi. By E. Willett. Ready September 23. 403 Jake, the Colorado Circus Boy. Bainbrid ge. Ready September 2 A New Issue pies Wednesday. Brapte’s Pocket Liepary is for sale by all News- dealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on re- ceipt of six cents each. BrADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York, Deerhunter, the Boy By Ed, By Colonel Prentiss By Colonel By C. D. Clark, By Ed. Willett. By Col. Prentiss By S. W. Pierce, Wrecker. By By Bryant