Beadle's Pocket Library (no. 450) (1892 08 24)
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De NE Laas nllallalllladlalialla! all mm Apama. Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. ¥., Poss Office, August 24, 1892, No. 450, $2.50 Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams, Price, Vol. XXXV. a Year, No. 98 WILLIAM St. New York. Five © Vai a by | i ra ce re " BI HH ‘DON’T HURT HIM!” ENTREATED KATE, AS SHE PLACED HERSELF, WITH STREAMING EYES AND OUTSTRETCHED HANDS, IN FRONT OF THE BOY.
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Kidnapped Dick ; THE FATE of the FIREFLY. A TALE OF 1781. BY J, STANLEY HENDERSON. CHAPTER I. THE FIREFLY AND HER FRIENDS, Up the Coosaw River, in the old State of South Carolina, a narrow and deep bayou set into the mainland from the river, through which a ves- gel of some size could be poled or warped, until it reached what appeared to be the termination of the lateral outlet, where further passage seemed barred by the tall trees, and the over- hanging network of branches and vines, that surrounded the water on all sides, except toward the river. : But the bayou did not end thus, for there was one place at which, by a yet narrower channel, a vessel could be forced into and through the mass of foliage, until it shot out, clear of all ob- stacles, into a broad and dark lagoon, where it could lie securely, out of the reach of storms or observation. The still water was shut in by im- mense trees, from whose gaunt and gloomy branches great masses of gray moss hung down, so thick and so low that the swampy shores were almost concealed by them. It was seldom that a breath of wind ruffled the surface of this shel- tered lake, and there was an unpleasant, decayed odor in the atmosphere, that made one think the place was dead, and ought to be buried. There was plenty of life in it, however, in the daytime, when bright-plumaged paroquets flut- tered about in the foliage, aut broad-winged in- sects skimmed and droned over the surface of the sluggish water. After nightfall the signs of life were yet more abundant, for then could be heard the croaking of frogs, the bellowing of _ alligators, and the mingled noises of innumerable other creatures. At the time when our story opens—the even- ing of a sultry day near the close of summer— there were signs of human life in the dark la- goon. Near the marshy shore, its masts, and cordage mingling with the dark branches and streaming moss, was a small schooner, whose black hulk was scarcely perceptible above the black water. She wasa neat and trim little craft, quite a model of marine architecture for that day, low inthe water, with sharp bows, slender and raking rs, and no house or ca- boose on deck to mar her symmetry. All was quiet on board of the schooner, not even a light being shown in any part of her; but there was a blazing fire on the shore, made of resinous pine wood, around which were grouped four persons, who were evidently connected with the concealed craft. The chief man of the group—to judge from his tone of authority, and the deference with which he was listened to by the others—was a shovt and bulky person nearly as broad as he was long, and apparently built for rolling rather Kidnapped Dick. —— than for walking. Hehada protuberant paunch, red and puffy cheeks, thin and straggling light hair, roguish little gray eyes, and a wide mouth. He was dressed in a sailor’s blue roundabout, or-*’ namented with tarnished gold lace, yellow breeches, long brown waistcoat, gaiters, and three-cornered hat. Such was Jants Petrikin, commander and principal owner of the schooner Firefly, a vessel which was part privateer, part smuggler, and part pirate, as circumstances feta either character convenient or profit- abie, Near him, ona log, was seated Malachi Slicker, a genuine Connecticut Yankee, long, Jean, an hatchet-faced, with a calculating eye, sharp nose, thin lips, hollow cheeks, and a general appear- ance of being ready for a ‘‘ dicker,” and not to beoutdone in abargain. He was loosely dressed ina suit of homespun somewhat the worse for wear, and his feet were thrust into enormous boots. Malachi owned a share inthe saucy Fire- fy sane acted as clerk and business agent of the craft. Ben Ducket, a powerful fours seaman, loung- ed on the grass, and watched Pomp, an old ne- gro, who was toasting bacon and heating water by tho fire. These were not all the crew of the Firefly, for there were balf a dozenmen “ calk- ing” on the deck of the schooner. © Tis hot cnoof,” said Captain Petrikin, with agrunt. ‘Dis is von goot place for hidin’, but not goat for the health of our podies. Dere is no wind to stir a leaf, and de air smells like de graveyard, and de alligators howl, and dese cetle musketoes dey bite, bite, bite—hand me de i ia Ben Ducket.” uae F capacious jug was passed ie port Dutchman, who elevated it to his ngoth, and set it down with a grunt of satisfaction. ‘“What der tyfel we coomed here for, Mala- chi?” he impatiently asked. ‘‘ We come here for money, Cap'n Petrikin,” answered the Yankee; “for King George’s gold and bright Spanish dollars.” “But we’ve got our money safe in de oak chest, and what do we want more?” ““We were paid aforehand, cap’n, and now we're ‘arnin’ the money. We promised to brin the boy here, and I guess we’ve got to carry ou the contract.” _* ‘Tf we had joost let de kinchin fall over- board, we might keep our money, and we need not be in dis hole,” ““That’s true enough; but there is more than one way of makin’ money, and ginerally more than one side to take it from, as you well know, Captain Petrikin.” : ‘*T knows dat well enoof. We gets our money where we can, and we takes it where we can get it, no matter where or who it cooms from, When we takes de money of de patriots, as you call dem, den you does de business, and you. hates King George and his men; when we take dat of de red-coats, den I does de business, and de patriots is all rebels; when we take it of a ship on de sea, or of a house on de land, den my jolly, brave crew does de work; but you and I always gets de money, Malachi.” : ‘Just so, Mynheer; but I guess it’s right, be- cause we must look out for ourselves, and when people will get to fightin’, it would be a temptin’ =
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Kidnapped Dick. of Providence if we peaceable people didn’t take our chances,” “Dat’s de kind of morals for me, Malachi; but you mus’n’t turn it against me. Take all odder people’s money, but don’t take mine, for a Duteh beat can bite.” “You don’t mean to say, cap’n—” “Don’t mean to say not’ing—not’ing. I wants to know how we shall make money wid dis boy. De side dat paid is far away, and de odder side —we don’t know where he is.” “There’s no tellin’ what may happen, and we'd better keep the keards in our hands, by knowin’ where we can lay our hands on the chap if we should want him. That’s all we haye got to look after now, except to get in a cargo of blacks, and then make sail for Jamaiky, where we can sell the niggers, and bring back a cargo of rum for tbe red-coats,” Moose so, Malachi; dat’s what we coom for, and de sooner John Van Vorst shows his figure- head the better for us.” ‘*Ye won't have to wait long for him, com- rades,” said a deep voice, which startled all the group, and a tall man stepped suddenly out from the darkness and stood by the fire. The new-comer was not only tall, but power- fully built, and a life of activity and exposure had hardened his frame until his qualities of strength and endurance were developed to the fullest extent, The streaks of gray in his wiry black hair, and the seams and wrinkles in his rugged cheeks, showed that he had passed the m iddle age of man; but his flashing dark eyes, his firm-set lips, and the expression of determi- nation in his countenance, gave evidence that he still retained the tire, the energy, and the fear- less resolution of youth. He was dressed ina faded red coat, like those of the British soldiers, tattered nether clothes of homespun, a fur cap, and moccasins. In his right hand he carried a musket, a heavy saber was bung at his left pi and a pair of large pistols were stuck in his ft. “Here you are, John Van Vorst,” exclaimed Petrikin, bouncing up from his seat. “Speak of der infernal Satan, anu he is just at hand! Take a swi, xd ry the Hollands, Van Vorst,” said Jants. ‘otis right at Nantz, as pure and honest as if de Firefly herself had brought it from de Zuyder Zee.” “Tl be sworn that it has learned no honesty since it has been in your company; but I won't look in the mouth of the horse that bears me well, Pass me the jug, comrade.” The negro placed his rashers of bacon on sor 6 broad leaves, and set them before the group, flanked by roasted potatoes and hard crackers, the jug of liquor ceca ys an important posi- tion on the grassy table. The four white men then proceeded to satisfy their appetites, wash- ing down the bread and meat with copious draughts of Hollands. “ And so you waat to know what scrape Iam in now,” commenced Van Vorst, as he hghted a pipe. ‘None, I can tell you, except such as you are in equally with me. I have been down toward Savannah, and was scouting alcng the coast, when I heard that the Firefly was at the mouth of the river, and then I came up here to meet . ou. We have had some hard work and close iding lately, for the rebels have been making head again in this district.” “How does it affect you?” asked Malachi, ‘waether the patriots or the red-coats get the upper-hand?” * Just this way—that they are at home to de- fend their houses and their property, and that they can abe time to hunt down us free-fighters who travel with a roving commission, have been going about with my life in my hand, and have lost several of my bestmen. But that will soon change, comrades, for Lord Rawdon means to sweep the State, and his rough-riding troopers will soon give a good account of themselves. What have you brought for me this cruise?” “What have you got for us?” inquired Malachi. “ As I live, that is a true Connecticut way of answering a question, but I suppose I must put up with your answers if I expect you to put up with mine. I have about sixty black-cattle, males, who are anxious to make a voyage to Jamaica, and in no hurry about returning, They will at a pretty sum, and we will divide as usual. J. would have had more—as many as the Firefly could carry—but Captain Jason, who is interested in most of them, has been driven away by the rebels, and some of our plans were spoiled. If you mean to stay here awhile, I can recruit another gang.” “T want to get out of this nasty hole so soon asI can,” muttered Petrikin. “Very well; you mnst take, then, such as you can get. What have you Rough for me?” ‘“ A boy,” answered the Yankee. “A what?” . “ Joost a younker,” grunted Jants, “ Are you laughing at me, comrades? TI tell you that John Van Vorst does not allow himself to be laughed at. What do you mean by a boy and a younker?” “ Perhaps this letter will explain it to you,” said Malachi, handing the ranger a sealed package. Van Vorst broke the seal, and read the letter hastily. “From Silas Warden,” he muttered. “Itisa long time since I have seen his handwriting. What cause of spite could he have against any British officer, that should make him rob his enemy of his only son. But that is no affair of mine, as he truly ae ie cea T am well paid for my services, and I shall be well paid. es, comrades; he speaks of having sent some money with the boy.”
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not’ing to do wid you more; so I give you dis ; n ring. : the boy accepted the ring without a word, his sense of right not permitting him to return any thanks for what he regarded as his own, and uietly submitted to be taken away by Van Vora It was quite a relief to him to leave his close quarters on the schooner, and the un- leasant companionship of Peterkin and the Dr ankeks in comparison with whom he looked upon Van Vorst as a gentleman and a friend; but he was sad enough at heart, He might well be sad, for the motherless boy had not only been kidnapped and taken from his father and his protectors, but had been deprived of his very patronymic, which he was forbidden to mention, and was thenceforth to be known by the coarse and vulgar name of Dick Van Vorst. When he thought of these things, tears would start into his eyes, but the high-spirited and proud-hearted little fellow checked them or brushed them away, and sum- moned up all his resolution, that he might look his fate in the face and make the best of it. The stalwart ranger seemed to takea great in- terest in the ]id, and was so friendly and com- municative that Dick—as he must now be called —really forgot bis trouble, and looked forward, with a boy’s natural delight, to the strange and wild life that he was to lead in the woods among the free rangers of the Coosaw. They rode on, over narrow causeways that crossed the dangerous swamps, surrounded by tall cypresses and overhung by luxuriant vines, along the skirts of palmetto thickets, through groves of giantlive oaks, and over sandy bar- rens, keeping away from roads and the vicinity of human bitations, until they reached a a tage impenetrable swamp, where they halted, Little Dick could not even guess where he was, or in what direction he had come, for, even if he had been old and experienced enough, he could not have tracked out the course that had been pursued by the ranger. Jobn Van Vorst had no difficulty in finding an entrance to the swamp. Passing through a clump of bushes, be came to a concealed path that had been cut through a cane-brake, and was thus led to a sluggish stream, or lake, which was crossed, at the narrowest part, by a rude bridge. Riding over the bridge, the man and the boy found themselves on a small but beauti- ful island, covered with an abundant growth of enormous trees, and adorned with blossoming vines and creepers. From the shore of the island no sign of hu- man habitation could be perceived, but, when they had about reached the center, they came in sight of five or six low cabins, that were old and shabby in appearance, but seemed comfortable enough, and looked quite picturesque under the shade of the tall trees, As they approached the cabins, they were greeted by the vociferous barking of a number of dogs—bloodhounds, fox-honnds, and “ curs of less degree,” that came running out to meet them, and then by several rough-looking men, who were lounging about under the trees. Van Vorst answered their rude salutations, and stopped his horse in front of a cabin that seemed somewhat neater than the rest, from Kidnapped Dick. & which came out an old negress, who threw up her hands and shouted as she saw him. ‘“* Here you are ag’in, Mars’r John, safe back to de village, You’s been ridin’ home 1m de cool ob de mornin’, like a good and keerful boy as you allers are. De laws bless us! what fur massy’s sake hab you got dar?” ““It is a boy, old woman. Is it so long since you have seen a boy, that you have forgotten how they look?” “* Give him down here to me dis minute, Mars'r John, It does my ole eyes good, jest to look at him,” ; “Go to your Aunt Chloe, Dick,” said Van Vorst, as he swung the lad down from the horse. “Wash him and brush him, old woman, and make him look nice. I will bring you some homespun cloth, of which you must make him something nice to wear, for those fine clothes would soon be torn off of him in the woods and saa “What he goin’ in de wood and swamp fur, Mars’r John? De boy sha’n’t do no sich ting, now I tole yer.” : “He is going to be one of the free rangers of the Coosaw, Chloe, and I'll be sworn that he will take to the life as naturally as a duck takes to the water, I must look him up a good swamp tackey for a pony.” Tying his horse to a tree, Van Vorst beckoned to one of the rough-looking loungers, a short- haired, undersized, bright-eyed, shaven-faced fellow, who was known among his comrades as Tom Murphy, and who acted as Van Vorst’s lieutenant, “ What is the news, Murphy?” asked the ran- ¥ 6 “Has all been quiet at the camp since I eft? “All has been quiet enough in the camp, eap’n, only Larkin and the Florida chap had a set-to, and Florida was Jaid up a few days; but there has been the Old Harry to pay up the Combahee, where a lot of Sumter’s men got to- gether, and made a clean sweep of our folks in that section.” “Do you hear anything more about Harry Forrest?” ‘He has been swooping down across the Com- bahee, now and then, calling at his father’s house, and acting as if he owned the country. IT sent Brown Sam and Toxetter out on a scout, and Forrest caught Toxetter and strung him up. Brown Sam hasn’t been seen since, but at a hard to catch, and he may turn up after a while.” . “ We must look after that youngster, Murphy, as soon as we get our other business off our hands. I will attend to bis case myself. Petri- kin has come with the Firefly, and we must get the niggers shipped as soon as possible. Are they all safe?” * All safe enough and in good condition, cap- tain, and all want to get away to the land of milk and honey that we promised to take them to.” “You had better start to-night with a squad of a dozen, and we will hurry the rest down while the road is clear, We will have to d6a little foraging for the schooner, and we have no time to lose.” “JT am keen for a tramp, captain, and the
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“to brin “ 2 Kidnapped Dick. ‘It is here,” said Malachi. ‘‘ The gold issafe ‘on board of the recat in a leather bag.” “That is right. Ilike gold, and I prefer to keep it ina leather bag when I have no stron box. It puzzles me to think that the gold seoutd _ have been brought here atall, after being in the hands of two such accomplished rogues,” ** Accomplished rogues—dat is good,” said Petrikin, with an approving nod, uf tank you, Van Vorst, for de compliments.» Accomplished is a goot word.” ‘ “T suppose that Malachi’s sharp eyes are deeper into this matter than mine, although he does not know Silas Warden as well as I know him, and be thought it would be to his interest the money safely.” Malachi’s eyes are very sharp, Van Vorst. He is von very accomplished rogue, though he is so M “Well, let it pass. Iam satisfied, if you are. I don’t know what I shall do with the boy, for Warden says that I must keep him, and he must not be killed—as if I would think of hurt- ing such a youngster as that. Where is he now, comrades?” ‘On board the Firefly, in the cabin,” answer- Malachi. . «Tt must be fearfully hot in that close cabin, when the weather is so overcoming. Suppose ‘ou bring him ashore, and let me take a look at rie Jants.” “Yaw; you s’all see de younker. Go aboard de schooner, Ben Ducket, and bring de kinchin from de cabin.” “Bring the gold that you were speaking of, too,” suggested the ranger. ‘““Get you aboard wid Ducket, Malachi, and bring dis alligator man his gold.” The Yankee and the seaman entered a small boat that lay at the shore, and sculled off to thé schooner, while Petrikin and his guest again ap- plied their lips to the jug of Hollands, CHAPTER II. THE SWAMP RETREAT. SxrickER and Ducket soon returned from the Firefly, bringing with them the two articles that had been sent for—the boy and the bag. Van Vorst opened the bag, carefully counted the pieces of gold, replaced them, and then pro- ceeded to inspect the boy. Tho youngster appeared to be about ten years of age, and was as handsome as a boy-child can be, with long and curling hair, fresh and rosy cheeks, bright blue eyes, and an expression of mingled amiability, pride and daring. He was dressed in a fine suit of black velvet and satin, richly, not showily laced; but his apparel and his person in general had been sad \y ne- glected; his hair was uncombed, and his clothes were rumpled and soiled. Van Vorst took him by the hand, bent his rugged face down to the smo th face of the boy, and interrogated him as he examined him closely. J “ What is your name, my chicken?” he asked. ite poarae Colville Coningsby,” quickly replied ys “You answer mighty peart for your size, That may have been your name, youngster, but it.ain’t so any longer. Your name is Dick Van Vorst, now; do you know that, youngster?” “*T know that you say so.” “Be sure that you remember it, Dick, for that is the name you are to be celled by here- after. How would you like to go with me, and live in the free forest, and ride on a fine horse?” “What's the use of askin’ him that nonsense,” grumbled Malachi, ‘‘ when you know that he has got to go?” ‘“‘T had a pretty pony at home,” answered the boy, ‘‘and 1 liked it very much. I want to go home to Aunty Mercy, and to see my father.” ‘“Who’s that Aunty Mercy of whom he speaks?” asked Van Vorst. : “‘That’s the woman who was takin’ care of the chick,” replied the Yankee, “ Well, Dick Van Vorst—don’t forget P sad name, youngster—as you can’t go back to Aunt Mercy, you will have to put up with what mercy you can get here. You shall be one of the free-riding Coosaw Rangers, my boy, and you shall wear a sword and fight for your com- mander.” “‘T had rather fight for King George, and wear a scarlet coat, and gold epaulettes, and a feather in my hat, like my father’s.” “You sball fight for the king, my brave yonugster, and you shall be your own sovereign, to boot. I will take you to your palace, far in the free forest, and there you shall have an Aunt Chloe to wait upon you, for you need brushing up, pretty one.” “*T won’t go with you. If you make me go, I will run away, for I won’tstay with youin your dirty den. My father will come with his sword and his soldiers, and he will punish you wicked people for taking me away.” ‘That is very stout talk, my brave little chicken, but itis onl a for you are my boy, he boy was taken back to the schooner by Dueket and the negro, but Van Vorst remained with Petrikin and Slicker, by theremnantof the fire, smoking and talking confidentially until a late hour, when all three adjourned to the Fire- fly and slept. All matters having been arranged in regard to the shipment of the slaves—who, it should be stated, had been stolen from Whig plantations by Van Vorst and others, with the intention of selling them at the West Indies—the ranger . bid farewell to his lawless associates at an early hour in the morning, took the boy up before him on his horse, and set out through the swampy forest. Before they went, Captain Petrikin had taken the youth aside, and had hang around his neck, by a stout cord, a heavy gold ring, set with a large ruby, on which was cut as a cresta heron’s wing over a cheyeron. ‘Dat ring, younker, was your fader’s and you must keep it,” said the Dutchman. want you to coom to any harm, and I got “T don’t. ry ee ee ay
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Kidnapped Dick. othar men are getting sick for the want of some- thins to do, at boy is it that you brought with you?” “That is my boy, and his name is Dick Van Vorst.” “ He don’t look much like you, captain,” said Murphy, with a laugh. “He is Lieutenant Dick Van Vorst, of the Coosaw Rangers, mark you, Tom Murphy, and he is my boy, and I will break the hi of any man who dares to dispute it.” **T ain’t the man to dispute will make a wooden sword cer,” ,The ranger entered Chloe’s cabin, to look after the lad, and Murphy went to spread the news among his comrades. our word, and I or the little offi- CHAPTER IIL TWO SURPRISES. Ir was nearly two months from the time when the Firefly left the coast of South Caro- lina, until she returned to her snug moorings in the dark lagoon on the Coosaw, The cargo of ‘“‘captured” negroes had been safely landed, Petrikin and Slicker had disposed of them to ‘ood advantage, and had come back for another loading, for that was the most profitable busi- ness in which they could engage. The slaves were mostly taken from Whig or patriot estates, by marauding parties of the British or their ‘ory allies, and were supped out of the reach of future claims, from Charleston and con- venient points along the coast. The practice was not only winked at by the British com- manders, who did not expect to be able to occupy the State much longer, but was con- nived at and openly engaged in by some of the officers, who amassed large amounts of money, by acting on the easy principle that to the vic- tors belong the spoils. Dick Van Vorst, during those two months, had become considerably changed, in appear- ance and in habits; he had been changed from aschoolboy to a wood-ranyer, and if must be confessed that he liked his new life, for its novelty and continued adventure pleased him at first. Not having been, during his life, much in the company of his father, who was almost always absent on military duty, he did not feel the loss of that parent as keenly as some chil- dren would have felt it, He was inclined, therefore, to be tractable and obedient, especi- ally as he knew that complaints and entreaties would be of no avail, and as he had made up his mind to submit to circumstances. His tong and corns: hair had been cut, he had been dressed by old Chloe in a strong suit of homespun, and Van Vorst had given him a swamp tackey, a rough but wiry pony, of great speed and endurance, to which the boy had al- ready become much attached, Thus attired and mounted, and armed with a sword and pistol suited to his size, he frequently rode forth with Van Vorst on his excursions, sharing his hard bed and rude fare, and was a great favorite mong even the roughest and most scoundrelly of the marauders, who invariably addressed him as Lieutenant Dick. . Forrest, who has been previously men- tioned, was the commander of a band of mounted partisans, belonging to Sumter’s bri- gade of patriots, and had been for some time on detached service in the vicinity of his father’s estate, near the upper Combahee. At the time of Firefly’s return to the Coosaw, he had either left the district, or was in hiding, for the most assiduous efforts of the commander of a squadron of British dragoons, aided by several of Van Vorst’s men, acting as scouts, had not been able to unearth him, and it was generally supposed that he had been recalled by Sumter to his brigade. The British, therefore, was in control of that region, and it was expected that those who had aided the patriots, and the fate of Harry For- rest’s men, would be made to suffer, And yet, however, they had not been much mol as the commander of the squadron was a more hu- mane man than some of bis predecessors had been, and did not acknowledge the justice of visiting the sins of the guilty upon the inno- cent, We will SECO PANY, him to the house of Mrs. Swinton, a wealthy widow, on whose fine estate his squadron was pleasantly in ge apt As he rode up to the door and dismounted, giving his bridle-rein to bis servant, he was cordially greeted by Mrs. Swinton. ‘*Good-morning, Major Coningsby, and a hearty welcome to you,’ said the old lady. Tt does my eyes g to see the officers of his Majesty among us again. I hope that your brave soldiers are all in good health, and that you have driven the rebels fairly out of the country.” ““We are all as well as can be expected, I thank you,” answered pie Coningsby, who was a fine-looking and gentlemanly officer in the prime of life. ‘As for the rebels, I have not en able to find any in arms against the king, and I trust that we will not be disturbed by them while I remain in this region. But what is the matter with my charming young friend, Kate?” he added, turning to the handsome and blushing irl of eighteen, who was standing near the oor. ‘Ihave had no welcome from her lips, and she knows how much I miss it.” “Indeed, I am glad to see you, major, as I always am,” answered Kate Swinton; “for you are so kind and clever, and not blustering and bloodthirsty like some of the officers who haye deigned to make our house their home.” ‘Kate seems rather out of sorts,” said Mrs. Swinton. “I fancy that she is not yet done grieving about her brother, Frank, who joined the rebels with Harry Forrest. Don’t notice her whims, major, but come into the house and take a glass of my old wine.” rj ‘“*T will accept the wine with thankfulness, for a long ride has made made me somewhat weary; but you must not try to prejudice me against Kate, for we could not possibly become enemies. I do not wonder that she is troubled about her brother, and I suppose that even his mother, with all her loyalty, has not been able to forget him. “T admit that I cannot forget him,” replied Mrs. Swinton, as she poured out aglass of wine. “T wish I could cease worrying about it, but the thought of his disobedience makes me so angry / i iI
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Kidnapped Dick. 9 xs ae So et a ee ee that it keeps me in a perpetual ill-humor, At times Iam tempted to disown him and to wish that he may lose his life before he carries his treason any further.” “IT am sure that you could not be so hard- hearted, my dear Mrs, Swinton. I believe that perfect loyalty can be consistent with the claims of affection and humanity. We may deplore the error of the misguided young gentleman, but we should not judge him too harshly, for I sup- pose that he has acted, like many of his country- men, according to what he believed to be the dictates of his own conscience,” ‘Indeed he has!” warmly exclaimed Kate. ‘*T shall never believe that my brother Frank would willingly do wrong, and I consider that he who enlists on the weak side, although his judgment may be mistaken, is more deserving of respect than he who adheres to the strong side from motives of self-interest.” “Tf the disobedient boy has followed the dic- tates of his own conscience!” angrily pescued the old lady. ‘‘I think it more probable that he has followed the teachings of his crony and leader in rebellion, Harry Forrest. That speech of Kate’s appears to me nothing less than down- right treason, but I hope you did not notice it, major. Iam sometimes doubtful of the girl’s loyalty, for she seldom says anything, unless it is in apology for some traitorous wretch. She used to be in love with Harry himself, and I am afraid that she is still too well affected toward re although I have forbidden her to speak to im.” “It is strange and grievous, madam, to see such dissensions and differences of opinion in families that have so much at stakeand so great an influence in the country. Young Forrest is a rank rebel, but his family, as I understand, remains true to the king. Your son has also taken up arms against his Majesty, but his mother and sister do not share in his heretical opinions.” ‘You are partly right amd partly mistaken, Major Coningsby. Old Colonel Forrest is a true and strong loyalist, and I have no doubt that he would be fighting for the king, if he was not so old and bedridden; but his wite, silent as she is, is with the rebels at heart, and I have no doubt that Mary Forrest believes that whatever Frank Swinton does is just and holy. As for me, you know what I am, but I confess that I am not certain of Kate, and would not like to be responsible for her opinions.” ‘Fie, mother!” said the maligned young lady; ‘‘ vou need not attempt to make the major be- lieve that I am capable of doing wrong, for he knows me too well. Here comes our luncheon, and that ought to interest him more than polit- ical discussions.” After luncheon, Major Coningsby adjourned with the ladies to the cool veranda, where their pleasant conversation was soon interrupted by a soldier, who handed him a bundle of letters and papers. “By your leave, ladies,” said the major, as he proceeded to open the letters, ‘* Ah! be remarked, as he glanced over an official document, “it seems that I am destined to remain in this naliibood for a consider- eble time, as I am directed to continue my squadron in the district until I succeed in sub- duing the enemies of the king.” Soon he came to a letter, the very superscrip- tion of which caused him to start and open it hurriedly. He had read but a few lines, when his face became as pale as death, he crushed the paper in his hand, and sunk back in his chair, shaking as if with the palsy. Mrs. Swinton and her daughter, with alarm depicted on their countenances, sprung to his relief. ‘* What in the name of wonder is the matter, major?’ exclaimed the old lady. .‘‘I believe he has fainted. Run for some water, Kate.” ‘Don’t be alarmed,” said the major, “ for I have not fainted, and I trust that I never shall. Kate may bring me a glass of wine, for I have had a severe shock and I feel very weak.” The wine was brought, and Coningsby seemed to be restored by it, but his face was still pale, and his hand trembled as he perused the letter more carefully. ‘Tam afraid that you have received veryjun- pleasant news,” said Mrs, Swinton, ‘Unpleasant is too mild a term; it is horrible news. My boy—my only son—has been stolen from me, and it is not likely that I will ever see him again. It would have been far better to hear of his death, than that he should fall into the hands of that man,” “What do you mean, major? How did it oc- eur? Who has stolen your son?” “‘There never lived a sweeter or dearer boy, Mrs. Swinton, and I loved him so much that 1 often thought of resigning my position in the army in order that I might be near him; but my pay was then almost my sole dependence. and the death of my elder brother, by which succeeded to the estate, found me engaged in this war, and honor forbade my withdrawal un- til it was concluded. My boy was the very im- age of his. sainted mother, and the honor and high spirit of a long line of Coningsbys seemed to have descended to him, and I was proud of him—too proud.” ‘* Who has been so cruel, so heartless, as to rob you of your boy?” ‘*T believe that the crime has been committed by a scoundrel named Silas Warden, who was formerly a steward on my father’s estate, and was discharged by him because of thett, for which he was afterward. arrested and sentenced to imprisonment. On the expiration of his sen- tence, as he could obtain no employment, he en- listed, and when I tres the army, I found him in my regiment. happened to detect bim in an attempt to excite a mutiny. I reported him to my superiors, as my duty compelled me to do, and he was tried by court-martial and sen- tenced to be publicly flogged. The sentence was carried out, and he vowed vengeance against me, for my father’s sake and my own. Since that time he has followed me, waiting for an opportunity, which, it seems, he has found at last. I brought my boy to the provinces. with me, and when I came to Carolina I left him at the North, with the kind old woman who had been taking care of him. He was lost about three months ago, and I have just received the news. The old nurse, whose letter is blotted with tears, says that Warden had been seen in the vicinity, and that he left at about the time
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| EELS RET ESTES SE Apc e 6 Neds ercvae sae PEON RoR Kidnapped Dick. when the boy disappeared. There can be no doubt that the villain has stolen my child, and he will try to make the boy, if he permits him to live, a reprobate like himself.” ‘Is there no clew? Can nothing be done to eapture and punish the kidnapper?” ‘There is no clew—not the faintest trace—and it is hardly possible, in the present unsettled con- dition of the country, that any pursuit can be made. The scoundrel has laid his plans adroitly, and has wounded me in the tenderest part. | will endeavor to get relieved from duty imme- diately, and will then return to the North and search for the boy, but I am hopeless of suc- cess.” “We shall be truly sorry to lose you, major; the more so as a have been thus terribly be- reaved, and will be compelled to go on such a painful errand.” “Hark!” exclaimed Kate. ‘ What is tbat disturbance without?” Ps Some dropping shots were heard, and then a rattling volley, accompanied by shouts, yells, and the bugles of the dragoons. ? “It is an attack—a surprise, said Major rar, as he snatched his sword, and rushed out to his horse. sh CHAPTER IV. A RAID OF THE RANGERS. Ir was indeed a surprise, in more than one sense, that aroused Major Coningsby from his gloom and stupefaction, and sent him so quickly to the head of his squadron. He had every reason to believe that Harry Forrest, with all his party, had retreated across the Cobahee, and had gone to join Marion or Sumter near the upper Edisto. Nothing could be more surprising, therefore, than to find him- self attacked by the young partisan, and at the head of nearly a hundred men. The affair was buta sudden dash, the work of a moment, for Forrest had not a sufficient force to cope with the Briton, and he had only intend- ed to surprise the camp, as he had done, and to let his friends and enemies know that he was still alive and active. With one volley, and then with drawn sabers, he rushed through the camp, and sped away as swiftly as he had come, As he rode by, he turned his fine face toward the house, and bowed and smiled to Kate, re- gardless of a bullet from Major Coningsby’s pis- tol, while Frank Swinton, who followed him, put his hat on his sword, and waved it to his mother, who stood on the veranda, almost be- side herself with amazement and indignation. Major Coningsby soon ralled and formed his dragoons, and pursued the retreating patriots; but the poorly-fed horses of the British were no match for the better animals of their antag- onists, and he hardly succeeded in getting within sight of Forrest and his party. ving a portion of his command, with in- structions to continue the pursuit and discover the retreat of Forrest if possible, he returned with the rest to Mrs, Swinton’s house, where he was met by a messenger, with the news that an attack was expected at a point on the river where there was a depot of army stores. As he was pressingly urged to send reinforcements, he hastily attended to his dead and wounded, said farewell to the widow and her daughter, and rode off at the head of his men toward the threatened post. Mrs. Swinton was obliged to swallow two or three glasses of her old wine before she could re- cover from her astonishment: sufficiently to realize the fact that her proud and powerful protectors had been, as it might fairly be said, driven away by a small band of patriots. When she found her speech she was loud in her denun- ciation of the wretches who could dare to insult his most: sacred Majesty in the person of one of his officers and a detachment of his army. “What asurprise it was, and what a daring act, mother!” exclaimed Kate, who was unable to suppress her admiration of the splendid man- ner in which the patriots charged into the camp of the dragoons. ‘‘ How well and how graceful Frank looked as he dashed by the house! I would hardly have believed that I had such a brave and handsome brother. Mary Forrest may well be proud of her lover.” ** And I suppose that you are equally as proud of Harry Forrest,” retorted the mother. ‘‘ Do you know what you are saying, child? Do you know that you are uttering treason? Your brother is a traitor, and Harry Forrest is even worse, for he led my son into rebellion. But you are right in saying, Kate, that Frank is a brave and handsome fellow. He has his father’s spirit and courage, and the same grace and beauty that I admired in his father when he was young. He is a gallant boy, and it is a pity that he is not fighting for his king instead of aa beggarly Congress. I hope he has not been urt. “T do not think he has been, mother, though I sie Major Coningsby shoot at him with his pistol. “Did Major Coningsby shoot at my boy? I will teach him better than that, and he shall have no more of my old wine.” ‘Don’t you think that you are growing a lit- tle disloyal, mother? You seem to forget that Frank is a rebel; besides, the major did not know who he was.” “Yes, the boy is a traitor, Kate, but I can’t help loving him, and _ he is a gallant fellow, just like his father was. Who are those people rid- ing up the road, my child? They look like some of the ragged rebels, but it can hardly be that they have come back here.” “They are well armed, mother, and they are very rough-looking men, but I cannot guéss who they are; they have stopped, and are coming to the house.” The question was soon settled, for about fif- teen of the marauding Coosaw Rangers, headed by their stalwart captain, came up to the door, and Van Vorst, without ceremony, seated him- self on the veranda where the widow and her daughter had been talking. “Who are you, and what do you want?” asked Mrs. Swinton. ; “ Lam the Se te ae of an humble but use- ful company of his Majesty’s loyal subjects, answered the ranger; va palion of than are before your eyes.” “You don’t wear his Majesty’s uniform, and I can not recognize you as one of his officers,” _ Sebo ee ee
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Kidnapped Dick. 9 “You must have heard of the Coosaw Rang- ers, as there are few in these parts who have not.” ““T have heard of them, and have never heard a good word spoken of them. May God deliver his Majesty’s cause from such loyalists! You, I suppose, are the ruffian who is called John Van Vorst.” “The same, at your service, with thanks for your compliment; and now I want you to order your slaves to come out here that I may inspect them.” “Why do you wish to inspect my servants?” asked the widow, who well knew the man’s ob- ject, though she had not previously received a similar visitation. ° ** For reasons of my own, madem, as you will shortly see. I have a fine plantation in the island of Jamaica, ‘where negroes are sorely needed, and I am compelled to ask you to loan me a few good working hands.” “Tf you mean to steal my servants I am un- able to prevent it; but you must call them to- gether yourself, If I had known you were com- ing, I would have armed them, and they would have fought you for their liberty.” “Tt would have been safer to hide them in the swamp, madam; but you could not have known of my coming, as I never take the trouble to in- form people of my movements. I take the prop- erty to ne it from falling into the hands of your son, who is a rebel, I believe.” “Tf he catches you, you will soon find out what he is. As for me, I am known to bea loyalist, and as such haye been assured by his ajesty’s officers that I shall be protected.” ‘* You may consider it a very convenient thing to have a two-sided family: but you can not play that game with me, my lady.” ““Tf Major Coningsby was here, you would be punished for your insolence. He has gone but a short distance, and will soon return,” “TI must laugh at you, madam, because you seem to think me so simple. I happen to know that the major was surprised here by Harry Forrest, and that he has gone to the Combahee on a wild goose chase, to meet an attack that nobody thinks of making. I have timed my movements to suit his, and I am sure that you need not expect him here before to-morrow morning.” While their leader was talking, the rangers had sought out the negroes, who had in vain attempted to escape, and to hide, and had col- lected a number of them in front of the door. Van Vorst selected a dozen of the most likely men, who were bound and marched off on foot, guarded by the mounted marauders, As John Van Vorst turned to leave, he glanced at Kate Swinton, with an expression in which admiration was mingled with bitterness. “You are much prettier than any picture could be, young lady,” said he, ‘but you must remember that you are Frank Swinton’s sister. I have an account, to settle with that young rebel, and pes had better tell him to leave me alone, for I know how to strike him where it will hurt.” ‘*T do remember that I am Frank Swinton’s sister,” indignantly replied Kate, ‘‘and he has taught me how to defend myself against such Tuffians as you, and to despise their threats,” ‘*You had better do as I tell you, or you may look out for yourself when I come again,” said Van Vorst, with a sardonic smile, as he rode away. Mrs. Swinton gave vent to her indignation when the marauders had gone. ‘*) shall report the scoundrels to Major Con- ingsby,” said she, ‘‘and he must bring them to punishment, or I will know the reason why it is not done,” “Did you notice that fine little boy who was riding with them?” asked Kate, ‘‘ He was one of the prettiest fellows I have ever seen, I won- der where they got him, for it cannot be that he is the son of that villainous Van Vorst.” ‘“‘T suppose they have stolen him, child. It is not possible that he really belongs to them.” Little Dick, unaware of the interest that the fair Kate had taken in him, was riding along contentedly by the side of John Van Vorst, be- hind the gang of slaves and their guards. He had not been allowed to alight from his pony at Mrs, Swinton’s,cr he would have heard the name: of Major Coningsby mentioned, which might have made a change in the lives of him- self and his temporary protector. He had not heard it, and did not know that he had been almost on the threshold of the house where his father had so lately been a guest. Neither could the ladies, who had but a short time before wit- nessed the agony of the bereaved father, know that the handsome lad who had attracted their attention was the son for whose loss he was mourning. Van Vorst had known that Major Coningsby was in command of the British squadron, and had guessed that he was related to his young charge; but the name of the officer, when spoken. by Mrs. Swinton had startled him, and had set him to thinking, so that he was quite silent and moody during the ride, until roused by the persistent questions of Dick. “Why did you speak so cross to that beauti- ful lady?” inquired the boy. - ‘Because L wanted to frighten her, Dick, and through her to frighten her brother, who is Harry Forrest’s lieutenant, and who has done me much damage.” “Do you mean to hurt her?” “VY can’t be certain about that, my boy. If Frank Swinton continues to molest me, I will be revenged on him in some way.” ‘“*1f you lay hands on his sister, you will make me angry, and perhaps I will shoot you!” “ Highty tighty! How bravely the Mii. chicken crows! I shall have to be careful abou' what I do when you are near me, Lieutenant re “Why did you take the old lady’s slaves? What quarrel have you with her?” y “None atall. It isnot her that I war with in particular, but all mankind. I took the slaves because I wanted them, not because they sco hers—because I can get money by selling em. . ~ “T thought you were fighting for King eorge,” “ na so Iam, my boy, after a fashion; but Iam more for John Van Vorst than for either king or Congress. It makes little difference to !me which side I am on, I would have been he
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10 Kidnapped Dick. with the Whigs, I suppose, if they had not treated me so badly at the beginning of tho war.” ‘* What did they do to you?” “A party of them came to my peter: which was many miles below here, They came in the night, and wanted me to join them. I re- fused, because I had not made up my mind to the right of the matter, and because I wanted to remain peaceably at home with my family. They bound me, took me out into the forest, and lashed me until I could no longer stand ig They murdered my child, a bright little gir’ and my wife died of fright. Then they burned my house, carried away my slaves, and destroy- ed my farm, leaving me nothing but pain and remembrance, I have sworn vengeance against all the Whigs, and not one of that party is liv- ing to-day.” ‘They deserved to die. If they had treated me in that way, I would have hunted them down, if if had taken all my life.” “T thon swore vengeance against all the Whigs, Dicky, and now it has come to this pass, that my hand is against every man except my own followers, and they only stand by me be- eause they want to keep their necks out of halters and to get money. I could not be honest now, if I wished to, for the British ofieers would not let me.” Thus the man and the boy conversed, until they reached the swamp that furnished them with a home and a hiding-place, CHAPTER V. MALACHI IS SMITTEN. Wuen Van Vorst returned to the island vil- lage, he sent Tom Murphy to the Coosaw, to make arrangements for the shipment of another cargo of negroes; and when Murphy came back, he was accompanied, to the surpriss and disgust of his commander, by Malachi Slicker. Van Vorst received the Yankee quite ungraciously, but could not turn him away, and vented his wrath upon his subordinate. “Why did you bring that fellow here?” he asked. “T didn’t bring him, cap’n,” replied Murphy; “the just came of his own accord, and he steele to me like a leech. I would like to know how I was to shake him off.” As there was no help for it, Van Vorst was’ _ obliged to endure the presence of the Yankee, -who at once made himself officious and disagree- able, by prying into every hole and corner of the island, and asking questions of every one he met. Before he had been two hours in the camp, he had examined the contents of the cabins, and had learned the exact number of men that constituted the band, together with details concerning their arms, organization, ms, and method of operations. None of the men could have told from whom he had re- ceived his information, as all had been carefully uncommunicative; but he had picked it up, by @ way of his own, and had added that much to his stock of useful knowledge to be employed if occasion should ever call for it. Van Vorst was about to start on another ex- _ pedition for the p of procuring negroes, and 4s soon as Malachi got wind of it, he deter: mined to be one of the party. When he made known his wish to the ranger, he was met by a deeided refusal; but he was not a man to be so easily rebuffed, and he stuck to his point, as Murphy had said, like a leech, so that it was im- possible to shake him off. “T just want to go along, cap’n,” said he, “ to see how you do the business, I don’t want to steal your trade, and I guess I couldn’t carry it on if I should steal it; but all kinds of knowledge are apt to be useful to a man in times like these.” $ “But we are going to ride, Malachi, and I don’t know where to find a horse for you.” ‘*No trouble about that, cap’n; I can find one easy enough. There's a dozen horses out yonder’ under cove: of the trees, and that makes forty, and forty horses are more than enough for twenty-eight men, as I calculate. Besides, you ain’t going to take more than half the men, and that makes it plain sailing for Malachi Slicker. I guess you are only joking, cap’n, or you don’t want me to go; but you needn’t try to put me off, for I am bound to be one of that party.” “T would like to know how you learned $0 much about my horses and my men.” ; “T just picked it up, by asking here and there, and by looking around.” “T must say, Malachi, without meaning any offense to you, that I wish you would attend to your own affairs, instead of trying to satisfy your curiosity about my camp, If you will go, suppose you must, though I had much rather you wouldn’t, and would rather you had stayed on board the Firefly.” “Don’t get huffy, cap’n, and don’t go against your own interests, for that is the most foolish thing a man can do. I am a good friend of yours, cap’n, as you will see if I have a chance to prove it, and I may give you a few notions that may be worth money to you,” When Van Vorst set out on his slave-huntin: expedition, Malachi Slicker made himself one o} the party, and he insisted on riding at the front, in Hes company of the ranger and Dick, thus effectually putting a bar-upon the unrestrained pure in which they were wont to in- dulge. In due time the marauding party arrived at its destination, which proved to be the estate of Colonel Forrest, the father of the young partisan leader, Van Vorst knew that Harry Forrest had again crossed the Combahee, or gone into hiding, and he had so timed his movement that he had no fear of being molested by Major Coningsby and his squadron. He found the coast clear and quiet, and was received with manifest disgust and dismay by the old colonel, his wife, and their dark-eyed daughter Mary. Here, as he had done at Mrs, Swinton’s, he ordered the slaves to be paraded before him, so that he might choose such as would suit his cations here, also, he was told to get them himself if he wanted them. His followers were set at work to bring them in, but they were not as successful as they had been on the previous raid, for most of the negroes had anticipated them by running away and hiding themselves in a Swamp that lay about half a mile from the house, A few old women, children and other stragglers, were got together, fro a
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Kidnapped Dick. 11 whom the ranger could only select three that he considered worth taking away. He was natur- ally indignant at this Nel result; said that he had been defrauded of his rights, and vowed that he would make good his loss in a summary manner, This he proceeded to do, by relieving the house- hold of their money, jewels, watches, and other portable valuables, during which operation he was followed by the curses of old Colonel For- rest, and the taunts and threats of his wife and daughter, who promised the unscrupulous ma- rauder that the vengeance of both the British and the petri should be visited upon him. When he had finished his work of plunder, he gave Mary Forrest a similar warning to that which-Kate Swi.ton had received, and rode off with his followers and the stolen negroes. Mrs. Forrest and her daughter watched them from the veranda, while the old colonel, almost crazy with impotent rage, lay on his couch, “We have lost much, my dear,” said Mrs. Forrest, ‘‘ but it might have been more, and we should be thankful that we are no worse off. If Harry had been here, with a few of his brave horsemen, how he would have scattered those rascally thieves!” “He would have made them fly before him like sheep, as he drove the red-coats at Mrs. Swinton’s, What « gallant affair that was, mother! The whole district is ringing with the brilliancy and bravery of the exploit. If he cannot recover for us what we, have lost, he will, at least, punish the ruffianly robbers as soon as he can Jay hands upon them.” “You appear to believe that your brother and Frank Swinton can accomplish an sir Sher choose to undertake; but you should not too sanguine. They hardly dare to venture into the neighborhood now, as the district is overawed by the much heavier force of the British and Tories. It is a wonder that they succeeded so well in that de ae rise at Mrs, Swinton’s, and they will not be likely to make another at- tempt against such odds. While they are gone, we are at the mercy of such villains as Van Vorst, for he feels sure that the patriots cannot punish him, and the British ere either unable or ‘ unwilling to find him and put a stop to his out- Tages.” : ‘We are in a sad enough condition now, but I feel confident that all will be clear in the end, that the cause of liberty will triumph, and that we shall be again secure in our homes.” “Van Vorst looked so wicked and cruel when he threatened you, my dear, that I am sure he meant what he said, and I am afraid he will do you a damage.” ¥ “He looks like a man who is capable of com- mitting any crime, but I have no fear of him, and I shall not repeat bis threats to Harry or Frank. Did you observe that handsome boy who was with the gang, mother?” ‘T did, and I wondered how such a fine little lad happened to be in such bad company. lt cannot be that he belongs to Van Vorst or any of his party.” ‘« He seemed like a young zards, I wished that he would ony and come into the house, for Kiss him and talk to him,” le among buz- ht from his wanted to “Your father is calling yous Mary. I sup- pose he wants his hot posset. While the marauding party were at Colonel Forrest’s residence, Malachi Slicker had kept his eyes fastened on ‘Mary Forrest. He was at- tracted by her beauty as soon as he saw her, and he suddenly experienced a new emotion. His cold and calculating nature was warmed up; until he almost forgot, for the moment, bis selfishness and hismoney-getting plans. He had seen ‘‘ pretty girls” in Connecticut, but he had never met so radiantly beautiful a creature as the dark-eyed Southerner. If she could only be his, if he could possess her as his own, he felt that he would be willing to forego all his other possessions and hopes. During the ride back to the swamp retreat, he was unusually silent. He not only refrained from obtruding his impertinent remarks and in- quisitive questions upon hiscompanions, but he seemed so entirely wrapped as in his own thoughts, that Van Vorst and Dick noticed it and wondered atit. Thetruth was, that he was thinking of Mary Forrest, and endeavoring to form a plan by which he could get her into his sion. If he could only make Mary Forrest fis, no matter by what means, he thought that he could trust to the chances of the future for succeeding to her father’s fine estate. As her only brother was a rebel,in arms against the king, continually exposed to danger, and liable to be killed at any time, Malachi ‘ calculated ” that his prospect of owning the plantation, in the event of marrying the young lady, was a fair one. The more he meditated ‘on the subject, the more strongly he was ccnvinced that the only hope of effecting his purpose lay in securing the services of John Van Vorst, and he resolved to coutract an alliance with the veteran marauder. When he had come to this conclusion, he was not long in forming a plan for carrying out his intention, CHAPTER VI. PLOTTING AND ACTING, Tax Yankee kept his purpose and his tongue to himself until he returned to the camp on the island, when he called Van Vorst aside, atter supper, and proceeded to develop the new phase ef his rascality. “T say, cap n,” he commenced, “that is an al- Te aed pretty gal at the house we went to to- a ‘If you mean Mary Forrest, I suppose there is not a more handsome woman in these parts, and that is not/saying a little.” , “You ‘seemed to have something of a spite — her, to judge from the way you spoke to er, “Not ss her, Malachi, but against her brother, Harry Forrest, who is the leader of a troop of patriots, as they call themselves, and who appears to like nothing better than the sport of hunting me down likea dog. He has spoiled some of my best plans, be bas shot or bung some of my most pears’ men, and I have sworn ven- hays against him, but have had no good chance work my wili on tke pest. If he pursues me any more—if he troubles me as he has done, I haye made up my mind to strike him through
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i3- _ his sister, and that is what I gave the girl to un- derstand.” “Pye taken a fancy to that eal, eap’n, and I want to have her for my own. I thinkI would _ hike to make her Mistress Slicker, and I wouldn’t have any objection to a sheer in her old father’s property.” “Tt is certain that Satan couldn’t surpass you in impudence,” said Van Vorst, witha contempt- uous laugh. ‘If you suppose that Mary For- rest would consent to take you for a husband, you must have a better opinion of yourself than anybody else has.” “T said nothing about her consent, cap’n, and I ain’t talking about likes and dislikes. I know that I’m not as good-looking as some folks, but a cat may look at a king, and the prettiest men don’t always get the ee wives. My mind is so set on that gal that I mean to have her if it is possible; and I have got something to pro- sey fo you that is likely to suit us both very well. “Let me hear it; 1 am ready to listen,” said the ranger, whose curiosity was excited by the confident manner of the calculating Yankee, “You know well enough, cap’n,” continued Malachi, “that Harry Forrest ain’t going to leave you alone; that he will hunt you down whenever he can get a chance, and that he is sure to hang you if he ketches you. Do you sup- 93 that the gal will tell him what you said to er, or that if would scare him if she should tell him? Now, really, cap’n, what do you think?” “ T suppose you are right, Malachi.” “ What is the use of waiting, then? Why do te want him to hit you again, and perbaps nock you down, before you strike back?” “‘There’s no use, Malachi; but I don’t really know whether I was altogether in earnest in what I said tothe girl. I only wanted to give her a scare.” “ And you didn’t succeed. That might anger aman alittle. Suppose you hit at once, and hit hard, by taking th: girl and carrying her off.” “Then, I supposs, you would want me to give her to you. I don’t see how that would pay me, as all tho risk would be mine, and all the profit would be yours.” 7 “Suppose I could make it well worth your while. Suppose you could satisfy your spite against Harry Forrest, and make yourself rich, and ne! me at the same time. hat do you think of that, cap’n?” . “‘That is quite another thing, and Iam ready to help in any plan that promises plenty of money.” “T guess you ain’t very particular how the money is to be got, if there is plenty of it.” ~ “Not I; all men are my game, and their money is what I want.” “Tf I show you how to get the gold and silver, and help you to get it, will you promise to put the gal into my hands?” ‘) will—I swear it,” answered the ranger, who had an inkling of what Malachi wanted to propose, and was ready to join him, if his plan proved to be a feasible one. ‘ “Now we understand each otber. I told you I was a friend of yours, cap’n, and that I might make you a rich man. I said so because I was thinking of this very plan, and making ready to Kidnapped Dick. - propose it to you. You know that Jants Petrikin _ and I own the Firefly in partnership. -I own one-third of the vessel, and the Dutchman owns the other two-thirds, I am entitled to one-third of the profits, and he is entitled to the other two- thirds. Those profits have been big, Cap’n Van Vorst, and they are all on board of the schooner —my share and the Dutzhman’s—locked up in a strong box. I ain’t going to say how much there is, but it isa big load of gold and silver, and not a bad piece among them. What is to hinder us from putting that stupid Petrikin out of the way, and taking the stuff to ourselves? guess you have done harder jobs than that,” “Tt seems easy enough, but if my men help me, [ will have to divide with them.” ““We don’t need their help. We two are enough to manage the lazy Dutchman, especially as he would never think of ese pre us.” ‘* How would we manage the crew?” ‘* No trouble about that, I will agree to take care of them. They don’t care for Petrikin more than they care for me, but they will follow whoever pays them best. I will carry the gal away on the schooner, and I will warrant that they will go with me without asking any ques- tions.” “You intend, then, to keep the Firefly for yourself?” “Of course; she would be of no use to Pec! and I mean to give you half my share of the profits,” ‘* And take half of the Dutchman’s share. It seems to me, Malachi, that you will be gettin the best of the bargain, for you are to have ha the money, the schooner, the girl, and lo plantation hereafter, while I am to get only half the money.” “But don’t you see that I put in my sheer of the profits? There’s your spite, too, cap’n—that’s something.” ‘Yes; that is something; but the money is more. I agree to the plan, Malachi, and we will . go to work, if you wish, as soon as wecan. I will lie in wait for the young woman, and you must. make all the arrangements for securing Petrikin and the schooner, “TH do it, cap’n, and the sooner we both com- mence the better. Jest let me know when you are ready, and I will go with you to get the gal. Two heads are always better than one, you know,” “Not in this matter, Malachi,” replied the ranger. “I must manage the affair myself, . and you would not only be in danger, but in the way. You attend to Petrikin and the schooner, and I will do my part of the business in my own way.” poe Vorst was so peremptory on this point, that the Yankee was obliged to submit, and to wait as patiently as he could, until the capture of Mary Forrest should be effected. ; The capture was not so very easy a task as Malachi supposed it to be, but was one that re- quired skill and caution. It would have been easy enough for the ranger to swoop down upon, Colonel Forrest’s house with bis bund of maraud- ers, and carry off his prey by force; bu though he was willing that Harry Forrest and . Swinton should know or suspect his agency in the outrage, he did not wish to act so openly
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mech ata, Kidnapped Dick. 18 that the British commander would be forced to | condemn the crime, and’ bring the perpetrators to punishment. e took with him Tom Murphy, Brown Sam, whose rough handling by Ferrest’s men, from whom he had barely esca with his life, had increased his hatred of their leader, and another ruffian, with whom he haunted the vicinity of Colonel Forrest’s residence, watching for an opportunity to seize the daughter of the bedrid- den old loyalist. After three days of patient bec 3 and lurk- ing, Van Vorst found the opportunity that he was secking—and something more. He not only saw Mary Forrest walking in a ‘ove at some distance from her father’s house, ut perceived that she was accompanied by Kate Swinton. Here was a chance that the unscrupulous zanger was not likely to overlook—a chance to smite both the partisan leaders with one blow and his resolution was immediately formed and carried into effect, Creeping up with his followers, under cover of the trees, he sprung upon ‘the unsuspecting girls, who were seized and brutally bound and gagged before they could utter a cry, and were then hurried to a dense part of the forest, where the ranger concealed them until nightfall. ‘ As soon as his moyements were covered by the darkness of the night, he caused the captured young ladies to be placed on horses, and traveled hrough by-roads and forest paths to the village in the swamp, where they were placed in a cabin, and left in charge of Tom Murphy. CHAPTER VII. SAD NEWS. THE swamps and morasses were the fortresses of the men who followed Marion and Sumter, and the other partisan leaders who upheld, un- der. so many difficulties and disccuragements, the cause of the patriots in South Carolina. Of immense extent, and trackless except by those who were thoroughly acquainted with ir de- vious and dangerous labyrinths, the swamps were well fiti for purposes of concealment or defense, Tn one of these natural fastnesses was the ren- dezyous and hiding-place of Hi Forrest and his troop of patriot horsemen. They had other retreats, to which they resorted for bet oer be rest, or when they were hard pressed by the enemy, but this was their regular camp and point of refuge, where their expeditions were organized, and where their supplies, such as they were, were collected. There was but one route by which their con- cealment could be reached, and that was only known to themselves and a few trusty friends, never having been discovered even by the keen eyes of John Van Vorst and his followers. ‘he path, if it could be called a path, traversed the swampy forest where every step was peril- ous, except to those who trod the way with racticed feet. After rigleg Coen an in- ricate labyrinth, it was abruptly terminated by a lake of deep and sluggish water, which could only be crossed by means of a rude flat-boat that was kept on the opposite side. After cross- ing this and pushing through a sort of hedge of brush and tangled vines, the land was found to be higher and quite dry, covered with a splendid growth of spreading oaks, and ie witb an abundance of rich grass. nder the shade of the great trees were rude huts, formed of logs and branches, and arcund them were scattered, one cool evening, a num- ber of wild-looking men, in coarse and motley attire, seeming more like a collection of rag- amuffins than a party of soldiers. Muskets and carbines were leaning against the trunks of trees, and sahers, saddles, and other accouter- ments hung from the limbs. A few horses were tethered here and there, and others were grazing at their ease near the encampment. Two young men were seated upon a log, at a lit le distance from the huts, conversing to- gether. The eldest and tallest of the twe was Harry Forrest, the leader of the band, - with. dark hair and flashing black eyes. The other was Frank Swinton, his lieutenant, with light complexion, merry face, and a very wide-awake — expression. Both made some pretensions to style in their dress, their brown homespun hav-* ing a military cut, and a few adornments that were intended to distinguish them from their followers. ‘What is to be done next, my brave but lazy captain?” asked Swinton. ‘‘ Are we to remain here in idleness, and eat and drink and smoke and steep our lives away, while we should be striking stout blows for our country?) We have now been here four or five days, I think, and in all that long time we have not stepped beyond the limits of the swamp. The enemy. twust think that we have been frightened out of the country.” 2 “I wish they did think so, but I am afraid they know us too well for that,” answered For- rest. ‘Have you forgotten the surprise we gave them at your mother’s?” “That was very well done—a brilliant affair ; but what did we gain by it? Of what use was it to the cause? We killed and wounded a few dragoons, and beat up their quarters in band- some style, but we put them on the alert at the same time. They will keep a better watch here- after to prevent such surprises.” 2 “* We wished our friends to know that we had not been killed or frightened out of the country.” “The attack was for the benefit of our friends, then—especially of my sister Kate, I acppoe I'll warrant that it was not pleasing to my Tory mother, as half of the dragoons followed us, and the other half were drawn off to the Combahee, leaving a fine chance for John Van Vorst to slip in and carry off a dozen or more of her servants.” “That was one of the chances of war to which she would have been equally liable at an‘ other time. We must hunt for thet scoundrel, again, Frank, for I am inclined to think that he has some place on the coast, or up the Coosaw, from which he ships the negroes that he steals. Tt is certain that he does not take them to Charleston, and I have beard rumors of a sus- picious-looking vessel having been seen above the mouth of the river. “Set me on his track, my dear captain, and I promise you that I will not grumble any i | i
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id more. He does more damage to the cause than a whole squadron of British regulars. I am _ afraid that he may try to carry out the threats he made to my sister and to yours, for he hates us, a3 he has good reason to, and he will scru- ple at nothing, to be revenged upon us.” “There is no telling what he may do, and we must guard against him as well as we can. He is mean enough to try to carry out any threats he may make, and he is not in the habit of saying anything he does not mean. But, as I understood from my mother, his threat against Mary was only to be carried out if we should molest him again. We had better molest him as soon as we can find him, and do the work so thoroughly that he will not be able to Se Fen of us again.” “T agree with you entirely, my gallant com- mander. Our first duty is to find him, for it is a truth that we must catch our fish before we can eat it. Set me on the track, as I have asked you to do, and I will not rest until I have run the fox to earth. But what have we here? It is one of your sable satellites, Forrest, and he seems to be in trouble.” ' As Harry Forrest rose and looked in the direction pointed out, a negro man approached, accompanied by one .of their soldiers. He was moaning, lamenting, and ban his hands, and he burst into tears when he reached the place where Forrest was standing. : * What is the matter, Julius?” asked the cap- tain, ‘*Dey’s gone, Mars’r Harry; dey’s gone!” sobbed the negro. “Who are gone? Stop your whining and crying, and tell me plainly what is the mat- ter. ** Dey’s bofe gone, Mars’r Harry, and Mars'r Swinton, too; dey’s done kerried rey “Do you mean that my mother and my sister have been carried away? Speak, you dumb beast!” - ‘Not quite so bad as dat, Mars’r omic but bad pre Missy Mary done gone, and Missy Kate Swinton done gone wid her.” ‘Where have they gone? What has hap- ned to them? Tell me quickly.” “Tell it all jest as well as 1 ken, Mars'r Harry. Missy Kate Swinton come ober to see Missy Mary, and dat rascal Cato come slong to take car’ ob her—jest as if dat lazy, good-fur- nuffin’ t’ievin’ Cato could take car’ ob anybody, when he can’t take car’ ob heself.” “Never mind about Cato. Tell us what has happened.” “De young ladies was togedder at de house and dat Cato was dar’ too, loafin’ round an tryin’ to git a chance to steal somefin’, I ’spect, and I tole-um not fur go way from de house, and dey did go’way from de house, while dat Cato was sleepin’ arter he stuff heself full, and dey went out into de woods, and we nebber see um no more, and it’s all de fault of dat mizza- ble lazy Cato.” “*When were they lost? Did you search for them?” ‘* Yes’day dey was gone. I roused up all de folks lass night and dis mornin’, and we couldn’t nd nuffin’ ob '’em though we looked all troo doe woods and eberywhar, Den I find one place Kidnapped Dick. ’mong de trees whar dey’s been a fuss, and I picked up a piece ob rope and a piece ob ribbon, and I foller de tracks to whar dey stop a while, and I see dey’s been t’ree men dar wid de young ladies, At dat place dey git on hosses and ride off, and I foller de trail till I can’t see nuffin’, and den I come to tell you all bout it, and it’s my solemn *pinion- dat dat Cato needs a flog- in’, The two young, gentlemen looked at each other, their glances expressing their anger and determination, “Tt is Van Vorst’s work!” they both ex- claimed. ““The villain has been beforehand with us,” said Forrest. ‘‘We have no time for sorrow, no time to waste in laying plans. We must find the trail of the rascals, and hunt them to their holes. Tell Benny Lox that I want to see him immediately.” The soldier darted off to obey this order, and in a short time the individual who had been sent for made his appearance. Benny Lox was a small but wiry young man, with keen little black eyes and bushy eyebrows. but with a countenance that was generally stoli and inexpressive. He had Indian blood in his veins, to the possession of which his peculiar characteristics were partly due, for he was con- sidered the best scout in the command, the most valuable man for finding and following a trail. The captain quickly explained to him what had happened and what was wanted of him, and suggested that he should accompany the negro, who could show him the trai) of the abductors, so that he could take it up where Julius had left i Benny seemed willing enough to pene this duty, for his eyes flashed, and he shook his fist at some imaginary foe. “Tl find ’em,” be muttered, as he beckoned to the negro, and hurried away without another word, and apparently without any preparation. Much as they trusted in the skill and daring of Benny Lox, the young gentlemen were not will- ing to rely upon him alone, but proceeded to use every means they could think of to effect the rescue of their sisters. Scouts were sent out in different directions, and Frank Swinton set off in the morning, with one companion, to explore the region about the Coosaw. All were directed to report as soon as possible to the captain, who remained at the camp to prepare his men to start as soon as he should receive any informa- tion of Van Vorst’s hiding-place. CHAPTER VIII. A SUITOR NONSUITED., Matacui SLICKER, impatiently waiting for news of Van Vorst’s success in his attempt to capture Mary Forrest, had done nothing toward the performance of his part of the contract, He had been to the Firefly, it is true, and he knew that she was still moored in the lagoon, where Jants Petrikin was smoking his pipe, abusing the weather, and watching the few negroes that had been sent to him. and ber captain would remain where they were as long as there was a prospect of adding to their’ cargo, and that his part of the plan might be He knew that the Firefly
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vend i Kidnapped Dick. 15 carried out at any time. He determined, there- fore, that he would make no movement until he saw how Van Vorst succeeded. He was both rejoiced and surprised when the ranger returned from his expedition with Mary Forrest and Kate Swinton, and he went to him for the purpose of obtuming an interview with Mary and asking the marauder why he had gone further than the plan that had been agreed upon between them. “* Guess you’ve made out a little better than you calculated on, cap’n,” said he, grinning and rubbing his hands as he seated himself by Van Vorst. “It ain’t everybody who goes out after a bird and comes back with a brace of ’em. Who’s t’other bird, cap’n, and what are you go- ing to do with her?” “ That’s nobody’s business but mine, Malachi, though I don’t mind telling you, as we are shar- ers in this matter, and as we expect to work to- gether. She is the sister of Frank Swinton, that infernal Harry Forrest’s lieutenant, and I owe him about as much spite as I owe the other. I found the two girls together in the wood, and as I couldn’t take one without the other knew it, I concluded that it would be a good thing to grab them both, and so work out a double spite.” Ly ape. nice for you, cap’n. You ought to be obliged to me for starting you out and putting ou on the track of them. What do you calcu- ate to do with t’other one?” “T haven’t exactly made up my mind, Mala- chi. I have been thinking, though, since it bas happened as it has, that I may take a fancy toa wife myself, and Kate Swinton is pretty enough to please any young man, much more an old and ugly chap like me. That would hurt Harry Forrest worse than anything else, I reckon, for I know that he means to marry Miss Swinton as soon as the country gets settled down. I may as well say to you, as we are partners now, that I've a notion of quitting this region, for there’s a feeling in my bones that it may be getting too hot for me before long. I have a little pony and other things laid up, and that, along wit my share of the gold and silver in the strong- box, and my share of the schooner when we sell her, will make enough to keep me in good style for the rest of my life. After we put Petrikin out of the way, and get the vessel in our hands, we can go where we choose, and take the women with us, For my part, I only want to get to some country where I’m not known, and where nothing that has passed here can be brought up against me, I haven’t exactly made up my mind to do it, asI told you, but that is my no- tion just now.” The Yankee listened to this explanation, which wus a long speech for John Van Vorst to make, . with considerable uneasiness and misgiving. He ‘had thought to take the ranger into partnership as far as his own pospoes might be forwarded by the arrangement, but had no idea of such an intimate union between them, He felt that he would not be free to do as he pleased on the schooner, or to take her where he chose to. Worse than all, he saw that his new partner meant to claim half the value of the vesssel, thus reducing very considerably the share of the joint lunder that he expected to have. He was per- Fectly willing to give Van Vorst half the money, but did not relish the idea of giving him move than he himself would gain by the villainy. Distasteful as the ranger’s proposition was to him, however, he made no objection to it, but concealed his feelings, for he knew that his valu- able friend could be a formidable opponent, and he wanted to think about this new phase of the business before making any definite reply. “Calculate you’re pretty well satisfied with tke speculation, cap’n,” said he. ‘‘ It ain’t often you limb. Where have you stowed away my gal? If there’s no objection to it, I would like to take a look at her.” . “They are both locked up in, one of the cabins,” answered Van Vorst. ‘‘ What have you done toward your part of the business? Have you made the arrangements for taking the vessel and putting the Dutchman out of the way?” “That will be all right, cap’n. There is scarce- ly any arrangement needed, and the work can be done at any time. Which cabin is my gal in? —or are they locked up together?” “They are safe, I tell you, and I want to know about what you undertook to do, The work must not be delayed, for there is no time to lose. I feel uneasy, somehow, about staying in this neighborhood any longer, and the sooner I get away from here, I reckon, the bet- ter for me.” “So you have really concluded to go with me and the Firefly,” thought the Yankee, ‘I shall have a word to say about that, and the word won't be yes, if I can help it.” But he was careful not to express his thoughts in words, “You needn’t tell me that there are no ar- rangements to be made,” continued the ranger. “There was never anything done properly that wasn’t well planned beforehand. Our arrange- ments must be made safe and sure, so that there can be no chance of failure, for there’s no telling how furious Forrest and Swinton will be when they hear of this thing. They will scour the country far and near, and will turn every stone and look in every bush, if the red-coats will let them. That business ought to have been done before this, Malachi, and now it must be attend- ed to without loss of time.” “Guess you’re right, cap’n, and I will look after it rightaway. It can be done at any min- ute, as I told you before; just let me take a look atmy gal, and have a talk to her, and then I’ll be off to the schooner.” ‘You may see her, Malachi, if you will kee fae word; but you must understand that I wi ave no dodging or underhand work, It isn’t safe to play such games with me, They are both in the same room, and I reckon you wouldn’t care to see them together.” “One at atime is enough; two is company, but three is none,” answered the Yankee, fore- ingalaugh. ‘‘I just want to let the gal know what my prospects are, and what a good hus- band I mean to make her, and to see how she feels about it.” ite “T will have them separated, and. will tell Tom Murphy to let you in. Ireckon, Malachi, that you had better not be in too much ofa hurry with your love-making, for the youn woman won't take kindly to it, but will he ap to say something that may hurt your feelings.” nd two such handsome birds on the same ,
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ié Kidnapped Dick. * As I ain’t very tender-skinned, cap’n; there’s no fear of my getting riled. It will be the best for the gal to get used to seeing my face, as she will be obliged to look at it after awhile.” Although the Yankee knew that he was not handsome, and that he could not possibly be made so, he did not omit to beautify his person to as great an extent as the scanty conven- iences of the little village would allow. In fact, he had in anticipation of such an occasion, brought from the schooner his best apparel, which, a)though not of the finest quality, or cut in the latest style, would make quite an impression he thought, in such a rude country as the pro- vinee of Carolina. Accordingly, it was in the full glory of blue cutaway coat, long plaid waistcoat, bluff small-clothes, three-cornered hat of beaver, and well-soaped face and locks, that he presented himself at the door of the cabin in which Mary Forrest was imprisoned. Tom Murphy envied him as he lit him into the cabin, and secretly coveted every article of his dress, With as much dignity as he could assume, and with his blandest simper, which was an ex- ecrable attempt at a smile, the Yankee entered @ small room, the floor of which was formed of hewn. logs, and the sides of logs in the rough. It had no furniture except a rude bedstead cov- ered with blankets, two stools, and a rickety box with a basin of water on it. The room was very scantily lighted, and Malachi left the door open, in order to give full effect to his attire, and to enable him to feast his eyes on the beauty of the young lady. . Mary Forrest, with her face buried in her hands, sat on the little low bedstead, and appear ed to have been weeping. She raised her head when the Yankee entered, and shot at him a de- fiant and inquiring glance, “What do you wish?” sheasked. ‘‘ It cannot be possible that you have come to release me? Is it not enough that 1 am_ held as a prisoner, without being subjected to the intrusion of the wretches who have made me a captive?” “Tt is I who am the captive, fairest of earthly beauties,” replied Malachi, throwing himself in- to an attitude, and expanding his simper toa rin. “I, Malachi Slicker, merchant and gen- leman of prospects, from the goodly province or State of Connecticut, have been struck down, ‘disarmed, bound and carried away captive, by the gleaming arrows that flash from thy trans- cendent eyes, loveliest of thy sex!” “ What do you mean by that nonsense?” ‘Tt is not nonsense, but the transcendent sub- limity of truth. I love thee, most beautiful and fairylike creature, and desire to make thee mine. Upon my knees I swear—” hat Malachi would have sworn must re- main unuttered, for he wisely concluded that his small-clothes were too tight to allow him to assume a kneeling posture, and he refrained from making the effort. “What do you mean? Are you crazy?” asked Mary Forrest, who could not repress a smile at the grotesque appearance and grandiloquent speeches of her visitor, “Tf I am crazy, divinest of thy sex, it is thy incomparable beauty that has made me so, The fact is, young lady that I love you, and I offer you, instead of the solitude of this dun- geon—if it may be so called—the position—the enviable position—of my wife. As Mistress Malachi Slicker, you will be—” “Don’t say that again!” exclaimed Mary, as she advanced toward the Yankee, her glowing cheeks expressing her disgust and indignation. ‘“T am the daughter of a soldier, and I am not to be insulted with impunity by every conceited rascal who chooses to dress_ himself in stolen clothes. Your wife, indeed! When eagles mate with fish-hawks, you may speak that word.” As the young lady advanced, Malachi fell back in evident trepidation, but he soon re- covered his courage, and his simpering grin changed to an expression of malignant ferocity that made him look uglier than ever. ‘We shall see, young woman!” he muttered, ashe shook his long bony finger in her face, “You may be as lofty as you like, but you shall be brought down and made to beg at my feet. You are in my power, and I calculate there is no way for you to get loose, until I put you on a ship and carry you across the sea, hether you are willing or not, you shall be my wife, and you had better make up your mind to it.” “ Your wife!” ejaculated Mary, in a tone of contempt. ‘‘T tell you, you conceited brute, you base-minded thing, I am affianced to a gallant gentleman, whose name, even, is too sacred to be spoken before such scum as you, and I would wed the grave rather than prove false to him in a single thought. Leave this room, you coward- ly popinjay, or I will call your master.” Malachi was about to reply more fiercely than before and would have attempted, perhaps to use personal violence; but Tom Murphy, whose attention had been attracted by the loud talking, entered the cabin, and restrained him, : “This won’t do, mister,” said the henchman. “ Fightin’ or quarrelin’ is ag’inst the cap’n’s orders, and I must shut up the shop. P’rars the folks will be more glad to see you when you call ag’in, mister.” The Yankee made no objection to being sent away so unceremoniously, and Mary Forrest, re- lieved from his odious presence, was again locked up with her own sad reflections. CHAPTER IX.’ A GNAWING MOUSE. Wauen Mary Forrest and Kate Swinton ar- rived at the place where the captors waited for the night, the bandages were removed from their eyes and mouths, and they were permitted to see and speak. They at once perceived that they were in the power of the hated and dread- ed refugee, John Van Vorst. Kate trembled and turned pale as she looked at his rugged and relentless visage,.and shrunk closer to the side of her friend, on whose courage and strength of mind she was accustomed to rely. Mary Forrest, however, stood up bold! and defiantly before the wretches, and Cottand: ed to know why she had been so rudely torn from her home, As she knew well that remon- strances and a Sat i would be of no avail, she didnot condescend to use them, but gave Van Vorst and his fellows what she would fave called a piece of her mind, gran her thoughts so niata y that they could not te misunder-
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i if i i . to their long-restrained emotion. Kidnapped Dick. © 1? Asher words only provoked the scoffs and jeers of her captors,'she ceased her upbraiding, and submitted to her fate in silence. When the young ladies were placed on horse- back, and were escorted through by-roads and forest apc they were still permitted to see and to speak to each other, although they were cau- tioned not to make the free use of their tongues, but they seldom availed themselves of the privi- lege of conversation. A close watch was kept upon them, to ele them from leaving any trace or token by which they might be followed and in this manner they traveled, silently an rapidly, until they reached the swampin which Van Vorst’s little village was situated. On finding themselves alone in the cabin, where they were left together, they gave vent ate Swinton fell into the arms of her friend, and wept bitter- ly. Although she had defied Van Vorst boldly ery, ather home, when she regarded his threats merely as idle vaporing, she was now completely unnerved and broken down by the terrible re- ity. ‘“We are in the power of that horrid ruffian, Van Vorst,” said Kate, ‘‘I defied him when he threatened me, but I did not think it would come to this. What a cruel and heartless scoun- drel he must be, to wish to torture us because he hates our brother! What shall we do, Mary? What will become of us? How can you be so calm and quiet? For my part, I can do nothing but ery.” “‘T remember, Kate, that I am to be the wife of Frank Swinton, and I will not prove myself unworthy of his love by a cowardly yielding to grief and fear. He is as brave asa lion, and I wish to be like him. You are more soft-hearted than I am, my darling, but you must pick up spirit, for I fear that we will need all our strength and courage before we are free from this man.” ‘Will we ever be free, Mary? What will happen to us? How can we help ourselves?” ‘It is beyond my power to tell you, my poor girl. If Harry Forrest knew of what trouble we are in, he would rescue us immediately.” “Tf your brother and mine knew our situa- tion, they would not lose a moment in attempt- ing to aid us, As soon as they learn that we have been taken away, they will do their best; but they will need to find ‘us before they can save us, and we should not depend too much up- on their skill and strength. We must put our trust in God, Kate, and must pray to Him, for He alone can soften the hearts of our jailers, or send our friends to our deliverance.” In the course of the morning, Tom Murphy brought them some coarse food, of which they partook sparingly, for their grief was far great- er than their hunger. Then he removed Kate Swinton into the other room of the cabin, leav- ing Mary alone, and refusing to explain his mo- tive in so doing. After Malachi Slicker had gone away discomfited, he again allowed them to come together, and locked them up in the same room. ““ What does it mean?’ asked Kate, when she was again folded in the arms of her friend. “Why have we been separated? What has’ happened to you?” sh seat very terrible, my dear. I have been more fortunate than you, I suppose, for I have had company.” - “T heard loud talking, and thought that I distinguished the sound of your voice, but I was not certain. Who was your visitor?” “A creature who called himself Malachi Slicker. He was au ugly and grotesque animal, dressed in the most outrageous attempt at style, and his impudent assumption was only matched by his ignorance, I saw him in the company of an Vorst when that wretch came to steal our slaves, and [ noticed that he kept his eyes fixed upon me inva very insolent manner. did not rebuke him at that time as I wished to, because I thought it best not to provoke any of them; but I have paid him for all now, as far as I am able to do so with my tongue.” “T will warrant that he got no gentle words from you. What was the object of this gallant’s intrusion?” “He came to offer me his hand. I suppose he would have offered me his heart also, if he had a heart to offer. As well as I could learn, from his big words and his absurd attitudes, he wish- ed me to be his wife,” “The wretch! What reply did you make to such an offer?” “There was but one to be made. Take the bitterest and most scornful words that you can conceive of, and imagine that I said them. If did not, I meant to. have learned one thing, I think—that it is not only to serve the purposes of Van Vorst’s spite that we have been brought here. That ugly beast who was here uwhile ago has been smitten with an intense admiration of my charms, and the chief of the marauders w holds him in his outrageous conduct, or he would not have been allowed to see me and make his audacious Ee spa I cannot imagine what they intend to do with you, my darling, but it is plain that they have agreed upon their plans as far as Iam concerned. Whatever they may attempt to do, Kate oH must remember that you are the sister of Frank Swinton, and must meet them boldly and defiantly, for their hearts ~ never be turned by prayers and entrea- es, “ What is that, Mary? Did you hear it?” There was a slight noise, as if of scratching against the logs of the cabin on the outside. “‘Tt is a rat or a mouse,” suggested Mary. The sound changed, and they heard a voice— low and plaintive tones, like those of a child. “Tt is a human voice, Mary. Some one is calling us.” “Hush! It may be friends; we must be care- ful how we answer.” The voice was that of little Dick—of Van Vorst’s protege—and it is necessary to explain how he happened to be there and to be speaking to the fair prisoners. He had partly overheard the conversation be- tween the ranger and the Yankee, when they were plotting to capture Mary Ferrest and to get possession of the treasure on the Firefly. Ithough the boy had no affection for Jants Petrikin, be had a still poorer opinion of Mal- achi Slicker, and could not wish him any good- fortune, but he was not disposed to object to a n by which his protector was to beuefit, His 3
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is Kidnapped Dick. sympathy was not excited for math Forrest as it had been for Kate Swinton, who had strongly attracted his boyish admiration. Much as he would have disliked to see her become the prop- erty of the Yankee, it was no occasion for his interference, especially as he had his doubts as to whether Van Vorst intended to carry out the plan in good faith. When the ranger went on an expedition with two companions,. refusing to allow Dick to ac- company him, the boy guessed where and for what they had gone, and he awaited their re- turn with considerable curiosity. Dick’s eyes were wide open when the two oung ladies were brought into the camp, and he was agitated by an emotion very different from that of curiosity, as he recognized the sunny hair and clear complexion of Kate Swin- ton. They were hurried away into the cabin so quickly that he had no opportunity of speaking to them, but he improved his time by watching Van Vorst and the Yankee, and placed himself in such a position that he was able to hear all that they said concerning the two captives. The revelations that were then made filled him with such indignation and pity that he resolved to become the champion of the two girls, and to aid them 1f possible. He saw Malachi Slicker, dressed up like a popinjay, enter the cabin, and watched the door until he came out. Then he went around to the -rear of the rude building, where the tall trees and the thick bushes afforded concealment, and dug away the mud “chinking” between two of the logs, until he could look into the darkened room and partly see the forms of the two fair captives. He attracted their attention by scratching against the wood, and then spoke to them in a low and cautious tone. ‘Come to the wall.« I want to speak to you, Tam a friend.” The faces of the girls became brighter, as they stepped toward the light that shone through the chink, and kneeled down by the wall. **Ts it possible,” asked Mary, ‘‘ that we have a friend in this horrible place? Tell us who you are, and why you are our friend?” . “ Are you the pretty lady with the long light hair and the bright blue eyes?” “Tt is I who have the blue eyes,” answered Kate. ‘This is my friend.” “T saw you at your house when we went to take the black men, and I want to help you, for you look as pretty as my mother’s picture. I told Captain Van Vorst that he had better not try to hurt you, or I might get angry and shoot him, and now when he want; to take you away in aship and make you his wife, I mean that he sha’n’t do it.” » “His wife!” exclaimed Kate. ‘‘Is that the fate which he has reserved for me?” “That is what he means, and Malachi is to have the other one. What is the other one’s name?” : “My friend’s name is Mary.” _ “Mary is a nice name. My mother’s name was Mary, What is your name?” “Ttis Kate, What is your name?” “Dick. That is—I_ mean—you_ may as well call me Dick as anything else, It is an easy name, you know. I will call you Kate and Mary if you will let me.” “Certainly we will. belong to these people?” “*T don’t belong to them, Kate, but Captain Van Vorst is taking care of me now. I will tell you all about it when I have time. There is something else to think of now. They want to take you away across the sea, and they say they are going to kill old Petrikin and divide the money on the Firefly.” ‘Who is Petrikin, and what is the Firefly?” ‘“ Petrikin is Captain Petrikin, the Dutchman, and the Firefly is the vessel in which they brought me here.” ‘* What can you do for us, my brave little fel- low?” asked Mary Forrest. “T don’t know yet, I must look around and think, and see what I can do. Can you think of anything?” “T know of nothing yet that 1 could do, un- less you might see my brother, or te Swin- ton’s brother. If they knew where we are, and what trouble we are in, they would hasten to help us.” “Is Captain Harry Forrest, the Continental, your brother?” “* He is; and Frank Swinton is with him,” ‘Where could I find them?” “‘T cannot even tell you that, and I fear that you can be of no assistance to us, though we thank you most heartily for your good-will,” “Don’t be down-hearted, Mary and Kate, for a boy can doa great deal when he wants to. I have read of a mouse that gnawed some ropes and set free a lion, or something of the kind. I am sure that you ask God to take care of you, and I will speak about you when I say my prayers. I will see you again, and I mean to come in there if Ican get a chance. I must run off now, as [ think I hear some one coming. Good-by, Kate and Mary!” The boy walked away from the cabin, leavin; the girls quite happy in the thought that a frien was near, although he was but a small one, Is it possible that you CHAPTER X. THE MOUSE CONTINUES TO GNAW. ALTHOUGH little Dick spoke so confidently, and encouraged his two fair hearers, there was no ground for his confidence, for he had not formed the yhost of a plan, and knew no more than the girls themselves how he shouid go to work to release them. When he had left the cabin, and really com- menced to think for the first time, of the task he had undertaken, he was appalled b- its diffi- culty, and was thoroughly puzzled to tell how to proceed. If he had had only one friend, in whom he could confide, and who could advise him, he would have felt much stronger and better fitted for the contest; but he had not one, not even old Aunt Chloe. He concluded that he would first see Van Vorst, and ascertain whether the marauder meant to persevere in his inhuman purpose, or whether there was any possibility of persuading him from it. He sought the ranger while he was smoking a tranquilizing pipe after supper,
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Kidnapped Dick. 16 and found him in a good humor. He at once vpened the subject that then lay nearest his heart. “I saw you og aa two pretty ladies, captain,” said he. ‘“‘What do you mean todo with them? Can you sell them like you sell the black men?” ‘* What do you mean, boy? You are talking about what you know nothing of. What have you to do with the pretty young ladies?” ‘Nothing, I suppose, and I have nothing to do here, and I wish I could go to my father. I spoke about those two young ladies, because ou never brought any such home before, and ecause I saw them both, at the two houses where we got the black men.” “When you saw them, I suppose you heard me tell them that unless their brothers, Harry ¥Forrest.and Frank Swinton, concluded to leave me alone, and to quit hunting me down like a dog, I would strike them where it would be sure to hurt.” ‘T heard you say that, captain.” ‘Did you understand what I meant by it?” des I seeoces you meant that you would hurt the men by hurting their sisters.” ‘That is it precisely, boy; I have a chance to work’ out my spite against those fellows, and I mean to do it.” “Have the men molested you again? Have they tried to hunt you down any more?” “Can’t say that they have, but it is only be- cause I have given them no chance, not out of any good-will and mercy. I am going to leave this country, boy, and those young women are to go with me.” “Is it right to punish them for what their brothers have done? It don’t seem fair to me, captain, for I am sure that they have never hurt you, or told the men to hurt you. It would kill them if you should carry them away, and it would make you feel a great deal better to send them back and take out your spite in some other way. “Phat is all very well for a boy’s notion, Dicky,” laughed Van Vorst; ‘‘ but it is only the foolish talk of a boy. Men don’t think and act -in that way.” “When I spoke to you about that pretty indy with the fair face and the long bright hair, ‘told you that you had better not try to hurt her, or I would be angry, and might shoot you.” **T heard you say something of that kind Dicky, and you may remember that I laughed at you, as I do now.’ “T meant what I said, captain, and I mean it now. That end with the bright hair and the blue eyes looks like my mother’s picture. I don’t want to hurt you, and I don’t want you to hurt ‘her. I know that I ain’t as big and strong as ‘some folks, but I won’t stand by and see such a thing done, if I can help it.” ** Boy!” exclaimed Van Vorst, turning fiercely upon the daring little fellow, ‘‘let me tell you, once for all, that you are going too far. Be- cause I have taken a liking to you, and have been clever to you, you seem to think that you can do what you please, You are mistaken, my a Gh My — are my plans, and they are not to be interfered with by any mortal. I suppose you can hinder me just about asmuch as a squir- rel can stop a horse, and no more; but it may be worth while to warn you, that if you should happen todo any damage, pu—rn wring your neck, as quick as I'd snap off the head of a snake!” The boy turned pale, and started back in some affright, when the marauder addressed him so savagely, but he was not to be easily cowed by harsh words, and he soon resumed his bold bearing and determined expression. When the “lecture” was ended, he sullenly withdrew, and left Van Vorst to his pipe and his reflections. “There’s the devil’s own mischief in that chap,” muttered the ranger. ‘‘ He's got, spirit enough to supply half a dozen little, bodies, When he gets big enough to have such a spite to work out as I have, { reckon he won't be so particular about how it’s done. If he could act as big as he talks, he might do some harm, and I really believe that it will be worth while to watch him a little.” As he had found Van Vorst obdurately set upon accomplishing his purpose, and as he had no friend to assist him, the boy was thrown en- tirely upon his own resources, and those, he was obliged to admit, were small enough. As he lay upon his rude couch that night, he could not sleep for trying to solve the problem. He prayed for help as well as he could, and medi- tated upon the matter, until he hit upon a plan that seemed to offer some prospect of success. A few miles from the swamp retreat lived an old widow woman named Murphy, the mother of Van Vorst’s follower, Tom Marphy, Tom had shown Dick the way to her ‘cabin when he took his first ride on his pony, and since that oc- casion he had visited the old woman several times, The Widow enc ah lived alone, and was never molested during those troublesome times, for she was considered a harmless old creature,~ and she employed her leisure moments in read- ing her Bible, and—an inconsistency not pecu- har to her—cursing her dogs and cats, Dick had gained her affection by reading and talking to her, thus helping her to pass some of her lonely hours, and she, in her turn, had confided to him the great grief of her heart, her trouble about her only son, Tom Murphy. The widow was strongly in favor of the pa- triot cause, but her son Tom, who was given to idle and dissolute habits, had been induced to join Van Vorst’s band of murauders, who were Penny 8 in the service of the king. Havin, joined them, the love of gain and the fear o unishment bere him from separating rom them, although his mother omitted no op- portunity of praying him to do so, warning him that perseverance in his career would result in a short shrift and a stout rope. To Widow Murphy’s, therefore, Dick deter- mined to go, in the hope that she would be able and willing to assist him to find Captain Forrest and Frank Swinton. 1t was easy for him to carry out bis plan, as he knew the way; he had a stout little pony, and he had lately been. permitted to go and come pretty much as he chose. He was up in the morning before dawn, mounted his 7 crossed the heidee without being questioned and rode through the canebrake path and out
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~ claimed. 130 old eyes. ' Kidnapped Dick. — the forest track that led to Mrs. Murphy’s cabin. He found the old woman’ seated in her rock- ing-cbair, engaged in her favorite occupation of endeavoring to spell out the hard words in one of the genealogy chapters of the Bible, and she was glad to see him. ‘Bless your heart, Master Dicky!” she ex- “The sight of you is good for sore eyes, and you’ve come just in time to help me read a bit of the blessed Scripture. The doc- trine is precious consolin’ in these terrible times, but some of the words are mighty tryin’ to m What would you be pleased to call this name now, Master Dicky?” ‘Let me see it, Mother Murphy,” said the boy, taking a seat and the book at the same time. ‘‘‘ And at Beth marca-both, and Hazar- ‘susim, and at Beth-berci, and at Shaaraim. These were their cities unto the reign of David.’ '. Ibis no wonder that these hard words puzzled you, and I can’t think what kind of consolation you get from them. » “You may know some day, Master Dicky, when you: get to be old and broken down with - trouble like lam. How did you leave that dis- obedient and wicked boy of mine?” “Tom is as well as usual, and is not in very good business, as I think.” ““He has never been in very good business, yet, honey, since he joined those rascally rangers. his old mother?” ““T didn’t see him this morning, as I came away very early, and wanted no one to know where I had gone, The truth is, Mother Marphy, that I am in trouble, and I want you to help me.” ‘““What can be the matter, Master Dicky? Sure I will do anything in the world I can for you, because I believe you are one of the Lord’s own. lambs, though it’s mighty bad company you find yourself in.” “T want you to tell me, if you can, how to find Captain Harry Forrest.” “The Lord save us! Is it that you're after? Drat that cat! The cussed critter is in my bowl of cream. Kick the baste in his dirty ri honey! Do you think, now; that I would be- . tray the whereabouts of Harry Forrest and his brave men, supposin’ I knew it? No, no—John Van Vorst—whom Satan will surely fly away with one of these days—is a smart man, but he must be a great deal smarter, before he can get me to tell such a secret as that, even by sending you to coax it out of me, you innocent lamb.” ** But I don’t ask you to betray Captain For- rest.. I want you to serve him and some of his friends. I will tell you all about it.” The boy then proceeded to relate, as briefly as he could, the cireimstances connected with the capture and imprisonment of the two young ladies, and to explain the intentions of Van Vorst and the Yankee with regard to them, The old woman listened with uplifted hands and expressions of horror and indignation. The Lord save us!” she exclaimed, ‘‘ es ‘wé are prone to sin as the sparks to fly upward I would have believed a’most anything that is mean of John Van Vorst, but would hardly hava id the poor boy send any message to” believed this, if I had not had it from your own precious lips. To think that be should dare to ill-treat those sweet young ladies! There’s not the like of them in all this part of the country. Sure, I know well enough where Harry Forrest is to be found, for it’s not so very far from here, and he shall barry that nest of rascals and save the dear lambs, ‘but he must not burt my mis- guided boy.” , “Tell me where I shall go, Mother Murphy, and I will ride fast until I find him, for some- thing must be done quickly.” ‘* [t's not to be thought of, bless your heart! You couldn’t find him, honey, even if I should Re out the path to you with my own band. ait a bit, and I will send a boy who will bring him here, if you will let him ride your pony.” The old woman took a wooden whistle from a shelf, went to the door and blew a shrill and piercing blast. In a few minutes a ragged and peat negro boy came running to her from the orest. ; As the widow whispered a few words in his ear, he showed his ivories, assumed an air of im- portance, jumped on the back of Dick’s horse and rode away as fast as the swamp tackey could wg! him. “Sit you down at the table now, Master Dicky, and let me get you something to eat. It’s both tired and hungry fs tes are, for you have had a-hard ride from’ mbs’s Hole, and I'll warrant you had not a bite to eat this morn- ing.” The boy was glad cones to get some rest and refreshment, and he did full justice to the sub- stantial lunch that the Widow Murphy set. be- fore him. Then he read to her and talked’ with - her, while he waited impatiently for the return of the negro boy with Captain Forrest. He had a long time to wait, and his patience was sorely tried, for nearly four hours had elapsed when the rattling of the pony’s hoofs was heard, accompanied by the galloping of an- other horse, and Harry Forrest rode up and entered the cabin, ‘What is the meaning of the message that you sent to me, Mother past be ‘he hurriedly asked. ‘‘Do you know anything about my sis- ter and Miss Swinton?” : ** This boy will tell you all about it, sir, and he will tell you where to find the young ladies. But you won’t hurt him, captain, I’m sure, for it’s no fault of his, and you must save my wretched, misguided — Forrest aa to Dick, who explained the situation of the fair captives, and urged the partisan leader to hasten to their rescue, “ And so Van Vorst is staying at Coombs’s Hole,” said the young officer. ‘‘We have been all around that swamp, but never thought it worth while to search it, as we supposed there was not enough ay ground in it for an alligator to stretch himself out. Can you tell me, my brave little fellow, how to enter the swamp and cross to the island you speak of?” The boy described the location of the path through the canebrake, and of the bridge. ““We must surprise the scoundrels, It can easily be done, now that we know where they are hid. I shall lose not a moment, and when the young ladies are rescued, they will thank
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Kidnapped Dick. you, my noble boy, far better than I can, I will not harm your son, Mother Murphy, but will save him if I can.” “TY wish you could let Captain Van Vorst go, for he has been kind to me, though he is a very wicked man,” suggested Dick. “Tf it comes to a fight, he must take his chance with the rest,” evasively answered For- rest. ‘‘Is it possible that you belong to him? What are you doing with that gang of scoun- drels?” f “J don’t belong to him, sir, but Ihave no time to tell you about it now. I must ride back to the swamp as soon as I can, for I am afraid of bein, miaeetl , and I want to take care of Kate an Mary, ” Notwithstanding the solicitations of Harry Forrest and the widow, Dick mounted his pony and rode off, with his heart full of bright hopes, among which hovered 2 few clouds of apprehen- sion, CHAPTER XI. : A LONG TRAIL. AutHhouGH Benny Lox started on his scouting expedition so hastily, and with no apparent prep- aration, he was well enough provided for the business that he had unde en. He carried his musket, pistol, and long hunting-knife, and the capacious pockets of his hunting-shirt were stuffed with meal and slices of cold bacon. In fact, the scout was always thus armed and. ui , carrying his arsenal and provision ae gr m his person. The wooden canteen filled with rum, that he usually took, was omitted on this occasion, for Benny was t cronghly in earnest, and resolved to find the hiding-place of the marauders, and to do his part toward effect- ing the rescue of the young ladies, both of whom were admired and loved through the whole district. The two went to work without any delay, and with no unnecessary words, for they were fully impressed with the importance of their duty, and aware that what they did must be done quick- ly. Tirhe went to the place at which Julius had left the trail, and it was easily found, as it passed over soft ground, and nothing had oc- curred to obliterate the marks of the horses’ feet. As soon as Benny Lox saw the track he started forward, with his eyes bent on the und, and Julius followed him, both travel- ing with a long and regular “‘ lope,” that car- ried them on quite rapidly. ‘ Thus they continued, until the trail came to hard and strong ground, where it was difficult. to see it in the daytime, and impossible at night, and they were obliged to stop and rest until morning. : As soon as it was light enough to see, the were awake and on their way, and slowly fol- lowed the trail till they again found. it plainly marked in easy groun hey were not to ac- complish their task without difficulty, for John Van Vorst, who knew that he would be suspected and sharply pursued, was not the man to leave his tracks uncovered, and he knew, as well as any one, how to double, and turn, and foil his hunters. He bad walked his horses down into @ broad stream, or ‘ branch,” the current of a1” ~ { which he had followed upward for 4 consider- « able distance, and at the point where he left ~ it, the sand of the shore had been brushed over: « the tracks, so as to leave no sign of the direction that had been taken. : Both ate Lox and Julius were aware that he had employed this stratagem, as it was a very common one, but’ that knowledge did “nét make it any easier to track him. They could pay see where he had gone into the stream, ut it was quite a difficult question to decide at what place he had come out. It required careful search and considerable time to discoversthe trail « again, and when it was found, at a @istance from the branch, the hour of noon had passed, and the scouts paused to satisfy their hunger. The sky, which had been overcast during the morning, became more threatening in appear- ance before they had finished their frugal meal. Dark masses of cloud were rolling up from the southwest, and everything portended an ap- proaching storm. Benny: Lox started up, de- claring that they had no time to lose, as the rain ~ might spoil the trail entirely, and the two scouts again set forward with renewed eagerness and speed. Again they were destined to be disappointed and baffled, for Van Vorst had turn traveled road, where the tracks of his horses’ feet were so mingled with others, that it soon became impossible to distinguish them. While Benny Lox was endeavoring to trace out the footmarks which he had been following, it com- menced to sprinkle, and he had hardly located, ” according to the best of his Lie fend the point at which they had left the road, when the rain poured down in torrents, almost obliterating every kind of track. No longer able to guide themselves by the footmarks, they could onl. “guess at the direction that had been taken by Van Vorst, and follow that course, in the hope that they might strike: the trail. When they had traveled a few miles further, and were apparently no nearer the object éf their search than when they started, Benny Lox . et dg and sat down on the ground with a sor- rowful countenance, ** Blamed ef I see the use of goin’ any furder,” said he, ‘I give in, Julius. I’m reg’lar stump- ~ ed. P’raps I mought-hev been able to foller the mean cusses, though I wouldn’t ha’ been willin’ to sw’ar that I struck the right track out of the - road; but that blasted rain has wiped out every - chance, and we may as well be gittin’ back to camp. "T'would be as a to find a needle in a haystack as to hunt up John Van Vorst without a trail to lead you.” ‘* Pears like there’s plenty tracks round here, Benny Lox,” suggested Julius. ‘‘Dar’s hoss tracks right whar I’m standin’.” ~ “Tracks enough, no doubt, but whose tracks are they?—and of what use are they to us? Do you s’pose I’m sech a fool as to foller an old trail?” “Praps Van Vorst be hid away somewhar in de swamp here. Do you know dat swamp, - Benny Lox?’ “ Reckon I do. _ It's what’s known as Coombs's Hole. No-use talkin’ bout thar bein’ in thar, ~ We've hunted for ’em all round that swamp,... / into a =
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Kidnapped Dick. and we know thar’s no place whar a dog could creep in. I tell you what I mean to do, Julius, and take the chances, The tracks about here are purty thick, and they all seem to keep to- gether, as if goin’ to the same place. I mean to take that trail, though it may hev been made by our own folks, and to foller it up, if it takes me to Charleston or the Coosaw. Comeon, Julius!” “All right, Benny Lox! Dis chile kin foller wherebber you kin lead.” So they again started forward, leaving be- hind them the real hiding-place of Van Vorst and his marauders. But they were on the trail that led between Coombs’s Hole and the Jand- ing-place of the Firefly, and they could not fol- Ee it to its termination without learning some- ng. It was night when they discovered that they were in the neighborhood of the Coosaw, and their conviction grew scronger that they were approaching some retreat of their enemy, for the tracks still kept together and, moved in the same direction, as if the riders had known pre- cisely where they. were going, and had had a definite object in view. As the scouts passed down into the low and swampy bottom, Benny Lox suddenly stopped, and pointed at a light that shone aisona: an opening in the tall cypresses. ‘*Reckon we've co:ne to the end of the trail at last,” said he, ‘‘ We've found somebody, and "tain’t likely they’re friends,” “‘Some folks a-huntin’, I ’spect,” suggested ‘Julius, “*Moughtn’t we be purty nigh the Coosaw, ’cordin to your calkilation?’ ‘ ‘De ribber ain’tfur from here, sartiin. Tink I seede water shinin’, "’Spect somebody down ‘ a-fishin’, Benny Lox.” “T spect you're a fool, Do you s’pose all that trail was made by a fishin’-party? I know bet- ter, and I’m goin’ to see what it is. Come along, Julius, and don’t make enough noise to rouse a aa cel ilently the two scouts crept toward the light, and soon they reached the shore of a. broad la- goon, that lay black and sluggish before them, completely hemmed in by the forest of great trees, Near a small cove at the right wasa fire, from which came the light that had attracted their attention; and in front of them, on the op- posite side of the lagoon, was a two-masted ves- sel, whose dark hull and tall spars were thrown out into bold relief by the red light that gleamed across the water. “What in thunder is that thing?” asked Ben- my, who had never seen any water craft larger than a ‘‘dug-out.” ‘*Dat’s a ship, by golly! and I wonder how it ‘ot in dar, ‘less it was born dar. Didn’t you eb- r see a ship afore, Benny Lox? I’ve see’d lots ob’em. When I was up to Cha’leston, wid de kunnel, [ see’d a heap o’ ships, some ob ’em ten timos as large as that.” “Hold your tongue, you blasted fool, or speak lower, unless you want us to be found out and have our long tramp for nothin’. We must sneak up to the fire, Julius, and get a notion of what this thing means,” _ Silently again they crawled forward, carefully ayoiding the treacherous places of the swamp, and choosing secure footing on the»turfy hum- mocks, until they were able, by crouching down behind a fallen tree, both to see and hear the four men who were-seated around the fire. They need not have been so very cautious, for the four men were not accustomed to woodland ways, or in the habit of watching for outlyin enemies, being Malachi Slicker, Ben Ducket, anc two other seamen of the crew of the Firefly. They had a can of grog, which wasfreely passed around among them, as they listened to Malachi who was holding forth in confidential tones, ‘*T guess it’s all understood between us now,” were the first words that the concealed scouts heard. ‘‘ You keep the niggers safe in your barracoon here, and I will attend to the otber matters, I will bring the gals down here to- morrow, and then we will load in the niggers and get under way, and then hurrah for a clear field and a plenty of money.” “There’s only one thing I don’t adzackly take to about it,” replied Ben Ducket. ‘I hardly feel like sending the old Dutchman to Davy Jones, though I don’t like him overmuch and had rather have his gold than his company.” “That wasn’t my idee, shipmate; it was the notion of that robbing and murdering scoundrel Van Vorst, who wanted to put Jants out of the way, divide the money with me, aad go off in the schooner himself. My plan is the best in every way, as I only propose to set the old Dutchman ashore, and give you fellows his half of the money while I keep my own.” “T thought your part was only a third,” in- terposed Ducket. “Mistaken there, Ben. A full half belongs to me. That Van Vorst is such a murderous wretch, and he bas got his idee so set on this schooner, that I have no doubt he will bring down his gang and cut all our throats if we stay here much longer. I rather guess I’ve spoiled his plan, though, for 1 have arranged matters so that he won’t be likely to show hls ugly face near the schooner again, and we will have the niggers for nothing. If you’re sure that the other men will go with us, we can carry out the plan as easy as cuttin a rope yarn, and each of you men will get a fine sum of money. For my part, I only want that black-eyed gal, and I will be satisfied.” “There’s no doubt that the other chaps will come in to what we are agreed to,” replied Ben Ducket. ‘‘ T'll warp the schooner out from the shore to-night, for it will be better to do the business with one of the boats, As that is settled, and we we have drank up the grog, we had bet- ter go aboard and turn in.” The four men arose and walked to a boat that lay at the shore, which they entered and rode to the schooner. They were hardly out of. sight, when a short and fat man stepped out from behind a bush near the scouts, puffing and rubbing his face, “Mein Gott in Himmel! VotI does mit dat t’roat-cuttin’ tuifel!” be muttered, as he walked toward the schooner and disappeared in the darkness. “Reckon you understand that, Julius,” said Benny Lox, “The cap'n’s sister and Miss Kate Swinton are the gals what that long-legged chap was talkin’
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Kidnapped Dick. about, and he is to bring em down here to-mor- 1 “Dat’s a fac’, Benny. He means to carry ‘em off on de ship dar, what he call& a schooner. Spect somebody gwine to sp’ile dat fun.” © ‘All we have todo is to’ git back to Cap’n Forrest with the news, jest as soon as we kin. Ef we had some hosses now, the stampin’ and snortin’ critters mofight be of some use to us; but we hain’t got’em, and thar’s no use in grum- blin’.” The two scouts hastened off through the for- est, striking as straight a line as they could for Forrest’s camp, and it was not long before they were followed by Malachi Slicker, who was on his way to Coombs’s Hole, by a different route from that which they were then taking. CHAPTER XII. A DOUBLE TRAITOR. Bap news flies swiftly. It was but a short time after the abduction of the two young ladies was known, that the tidings were brought to Mrs. Swinton’s house, the bearer being Cato, the unfortunate negro whom Julius stigmatized as so ‘‘lazy and good fur nuffin’.” The loss of his young mistress had not been occasioned by any fault of Cato, and tke faithful old fellow was as deeply and sincerely troubled by it as any of the rest of the family, It is certain that he made a great outcry and hullabaloo about it when he came home, sending Mrs. Swinton into a fit of hysterics, by which she was entirely prostrated. ‘As the old lady was unable to give directions, or to do anything in the matter, the burden of care fell upon Major Nee a who was so at- tached to the family that the abduction of Kate seemed like a personal bereavement to him. He happened to encamped on the plantation, with a portion of bis squadron, when the news was received, and he was glad of an opportunity to servé his kind hostess, The major, together with all others abaut the place, immedietely suspected Van Vorst and his gang. Tn fact, there was no one else to suspect, or the ranger would not permit any other scoun- drels to plunder in that neighborhood. Major Coningsby had been informed by Mrs, Swinton of Van Vorst’s outrage upon her property, and of the threats that he had made against Kate. The recital had made him very indignant, and he retted that he had had anything to do with Van Vorst, who had been recommended to him by his predecessor as a very useful person, He had promised the widow that her slaves should be recovered, and that the marauder should be punished for his Jawless acts, The first step to be taken was to find Van Vorst, and it happened that the major, although he had had business transactions with him, was not acquainted with his hiding-place. The major knew, however, where to find a man named Morris, who had served him as a scout, and who, he believed, would be able and willing to lead him to the ranger’s retreat. He resolved to go in search of this man, and accord- ingly mounted his horse and rode forth, accom- panied only by his orderly. Both were well armed, but even that precaution was hardly con- sidered necessary, as the Pye was be- lieved to he entirely clear of the patriot forces, In order to reach Morris’s cabin, Coningsb was obliged to pass through a range of thie forest, traversed by aroad that was but little better than a bridle-path. He had gone abont half-way through it, when he was greeted by a loud and perem lyse challenge: ““Who goes there? Halt and surrender!” As the major and his companion drew rein, two men stepped into the road with muskets cocked and pointed at them. One was dressed in the imitation of uniform that was worn by partizan leaders, and he repeated the challenge, “T am an officer of his Majesty’s dragoons. Stand aside or surrender yourselves,” replied Coningsby. “Then you are the very man I want; I know you, Major eh ces ti You had better dis- mount and surrender, for your pistols are no match for our muskets.” ‘*T am not to be so easily captured, pore sir. To whom am I expected to surrender?” “To Lieutenant Frank Swinton, on detached duty from General Sumter’s brigade,” “Tf you are Frank Swinton, I ; ropose a truce; I have just come from your motber’s house, an have some important news for you.” “Is it about my sister and Mary Forrest?” eagerly asked the young gentleman, lowering his weapon. “Tt is. Have you heard of their disappear- ance?” “T learned it last night, and Iam endeavor- ing to find some clew by which I may search for them. They have been taken bf that in- fernal scoundrel, John Van Vorst, and his gang, who bave been encouraged and protected by you British officers.” “T have only lately learned that he has been guilty of outrages w peaceful inhabitants, and I am sure that I would never encoura; him in such conduct; I have sworn that if be has been guilty of the deed, I will bang him and every man who was concerned with him. I am now on my way to see a person who can tell me, I think, where the villains can be found. Do you know anything about him? Have you any clew to bis rendezvous?” “T have uot; but I will find him if he is above-ground, You have proposed a _ truce, Major Coningsby; I agree to it, and I ask that it may continue until this matter is settled— until my sister and my friend’s sister are re- covered, and those who committed the outrage are properly punished. We would have hunted down that a) and marauding gang be- fore now, if we had not been prevented by your force, which is too large for us to cope with at present.” “T am willing that the truce shall be continu- ed, and will co-operate with you as far as possi- ble. If you learn where the young Jadies are before I do, send word to me at your mother’s, Your messengers shall be protected, and I will assist you with my force. Iam going now to see aman named, Henry Morris, m whom I expect to gain some information.” ‘Tf you are going to see bim, major, we bad better separate, for Morris is afraid of me, and you could not induce him to confess anything in my preeen We will seek the same end by our different routes, and there shall be a peace
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ig ty i en Soa a ee ~/ 24 Kidnapped. Dick. between us until our object is accomplished, Then we must be enemies, as long as King George sees fit to deny t .c independence of these Colonies.” ‘¢ Be it so, and may this not be the last truce between us,” answered Coningsby, as he went his way, and Frank Swinton and his follower walked in an opposite direction. The major’s ride was fated to be an eventful one. He had gone but’a mile or so further, when he was again halted,:but this time the challenge was a peaceful one, and was made by an unarmed man; he was met by a tall, lean and awkward-looking person, with a sharp face and sandy hair, who stopped in the path and spoke to him. : “T rather guess you're a British officer, ain’t you now?” was his Yankee mode of asking a question. ; A “JT am Major Coningsby, commanding a squadron of his Majesty’s dragoons. How can I serve you?” ; : “Two young ladies in these parts have been carried away from their homes by a marauding scoundrel called Van Vorst, who pretends to be fighting for the king.” *‘T know that he so pretends, but the repre- sentatives of his Majesty never sanction such outrages. Do you know where he is. Can you tell me whither he has taken the young ladies?” *T can just tell you all about it. Perhaps ‘ou know a swamp-like place called Coombs’s Hole; if you don’t, ’most any of the people about here can tell you where he is, and show it to ‘ou. That is the place where he has the gals locked up, and he means to keep them.” ‘Who are you? Are you connected with his gang! : PEL “‘Y am called Malachi Slicker; I kinder joined ’%m awhile ago, because they claimed to be fight- ing for the king, but I’ve left’em because I can’t stand such goings-on. I think that man, Van Vorst, ought to be punished in some way, major, for he’s an awful villain.” “‘T intend to hang him when I catch him. As you are so well acquainted with his retreat, sup- @ you act as our guide.” “Couldn't think of doing that, major. It would never do for me to be known in the mat- ter, and I must go back and get a little property of mine before [ quit them entirely. Any of the ple about here can tell you where Coombs’s ole is, and they all know a big canebrake that lies on one side of it. On the south- west edge of the canebrake, just behind a bunch of tall bushes, a road is cut into the brake; following that road, and crossing the water on a ’ bridge, you reach the island on which they have their camp, and that’s where the gals are. You must take plenty of men, and must be sure to make the attack to-morrow, or the cuss will be gone. Theré is no use in my going with you, and I had much rather not, but I wish you the best of luck, and hope that the black-hearted scoundrel will be soon swinging from a tree.” ““You may rely upon it that he will receive the punishment that he deserves. I wish you would call upon me at my quarters, when you get clear of that place.” “Til do it, major, thank ye. Good-morning.” _ The Yank Major Coningsby quickening his pace, resumed his ride to Morris’s cabin. e found that wor- thy at home, and engaged his services as a guide, arresting him and taking him to camp in order to-be sure that he should be forthcoming when wanted. ‘ This was the plan of which Malachi boasted when he told the seamen that he had so arranged matters that Van Vorst would not be likely to show his ugly face near the schooner again. He had been quite unpleasantly surprised by the ranger’s announcement that he also intended to fly the country in the schooner, and to take Kate Swinton with him. Such an arrangement was in every way distasteful to the Yankee, and pacigalanty so because it would deprive him of half the value of the Firefly, which he expected to make entirely his own, It did not take him a long time to determine what course he should pursue. If he could get Mary Forrest on board of the schooner, and put Van Vorst out of the way, he knew that he could make a much better bargain with Ben Ducket and the other seamen. He concluded that the best way to get rid of the ranger would be to betray him to the patriots or the British; either of whom, he had no doubt, would slay the wretch, or at least keep him out of the way until the schooner could get off, He was on his way to Colonel Forrest’s resi- dence when he fortunately fell in with Major Coningsby, with whom he had the interview that has been related. When the major told his name, Malachi thought, for a moment, of dis- closing to him all he knew about the boy who had been brought from the North on the Fire- fly; but he reflected that it would involve an ex- planation that would be too long and too per- sonal to himself, and that it would only interfere with his grand object; therefore, he prudently held his tongue on that subject. Satisfied that the good fortune which had thus far attegded him would continue to be on his side, he hastened down to the vessel to make his bargain with the seamen. As has been shown, he was obliged to gold and silver with them; but as this plan would give him possession of the schooner, and would free him from the troublesome presence of Van Vorst, he felt that he had no reason to complain, Highly pleased with the success of his new negotiations, he went back to Coombs’s Hole. He then had nothing to do but to get the young ladies down to the lagoon on the Coosaw as soon as possible, leaving Van Vorst behind to be ca) tured by the British. In this also, as will seen, he was favored by fortune. CHAPTER XIII. THE MOUSE TRAPPED. THE joy that little Dick felt, after his inter- view with Harry Forrest, at the prospect of the release of his two fair friends, was pearly bal- anced by his apprehensions, for he feared that he had been so Jong absent, after his threatening conversation with Van Vorst, that his object would be suspected, His misgivings were not without foundation. eo turned away whistling, and! His absence had been noticed, and his romise to divide half the — —
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Kidnapped Dick. 25 ere ‘was observed by Van Vorst, who, as he looked at the tired pony and the worn-out boy, and re- membered the hot words that were spoken the night before, had no difficulty in guessing for what purpose Dick had been taking a long and hard ride. He was angry enough, at first, to use harsh measures, as he had threatened; but the cruel and lawless man really loved the boy, and ad- mired his spirit and daring. Besides, he wanted to find out what Dick had been doing, so that he codes know what course to take, ecordingly, he said nothing to the boy, but directed Tom Murphy, if Dick desired to enter the cabin in which the young ladies were con- fined, to allow him to do so, and prepared to lace himself in a position to hear what passed tiveen them. He was right in his conjecture that Dick would hasten to communicate his news, if he had any. The boy was so anxious to tell Kate and Mary how he had prospered, that he disre- garded his fatigue, and hastened to seek them as soon as he had taken care of his pony. The chink in the rear of the cabin was now too small and inconvenient an opening to suit his purposes, and he boldly applied to Tom Murphy for per- mission to enter at the door. Somewhat to his surprise, his request was immediately granted. e two girls were overjoyed to see their young friend again, for they had begun to fear that he had deserted them, or that his commu- nication with them and his efforts to aid them had been discovered, and had brought him into trouble. He took a seat, and immediately commenced to tell his story. “ You must let me sit down,” said he, ‘‘ for I have been riding a long way, and am tired, I have seen Captain Forrest, and he will come to rescue you as soon as possible,” “You have seen Harry!” joyfully exclaimed both. ‘How did you meet him? Where did you find him?” ‘“‘T started early in the morning, and rode out to the cabin of an old woman, who lives several miles from here. After T had told her that you were here and in great trouble, I asked her where I could find Captain Forrest; she sent a boy for him, mounted on my pony, and he came to the cabin, but it seemed to me that he was a long time coming, for I was — impatient. “You brave, good boy! e could not be- lieve that Providence would raise up such a friend for us.” - “T told him all about it,” continued Dick, ““and be was very;glad to learn where you were, and how he could find you. He said that he would lose no time in getting his men to- gether and coming to help you; so I think that- you may certainly expect him here to-morrow, and then you willbe free. I told him that he mustn’t hurt Captain Van Vorst, because he has been very kind to me, and I almost love him, although he is such a wicked man.” Mary Forrest's eyes were filled with tears of gratitude, as she clasped her hands, and silently thanked God for this prospect of release; but Kate Swinton was more demonstrative in ex- ressing her joy. She threw her arms about the y, kissed his fair cheek and clear brow, and | hugged him until his golden hair was sadly rumpled, “You nice, blessed, glorious darling!” she ex- claimed. ‘‘ Who would have thought that such a little fellow could have suchabig heart! You shall go kome with me, my precious boy, and shall never lead such a hard life again, How can we ever thank you, for rege Pc doing so much for us? We will be free, Mary! Harry and Frank will come for us, and will take us ah this horrid place. Thank God! Thank od!” “Don’t speak so loud,” implored Dick. “TI am afraid we might be overheard, and then the plan would be spoiled.” “That is very good advice, but it comes too late,” said a harsh voice. Looking around, they saw Van Vorst stand- ing = the door, regarding them witha malicious smile, “Oh, yes; I have heard it aJl,” said he, an- swering Dick’s surprised glance. “It was a very nice plan, my boy, but it has been found out, and that puts an end toit, Reckon I ought to be nfuch obliged to you for telling Forrest to be careful about hurting me. Precious little mercy he would show me, if he had me in his power, and precious little I wepic ask from the proud-spirited pest. You shall go with that pony lady with the blue eyes, Master Dicky, ut you shall go where I choose and not where she wishes. You will be far away from here before Harry Forrest can reach Coombs’s Hole.” “J don’t want you to think that I feel a bit bad about what I have done,” retorted Dick. “T am only sorry that it has been found out, and I would do the same thing this minute, an more too, if I had the chance.” “TY don’t doubt it. You gave me fair warn- ing last night, and I told you that I would wring your neck if you interfered with me. Come, my chicken.” “Don’t hurt him!” entreated- Kate, as she placed herseif, with streaming eyes and out- stretched hands, in front of the boy. ‘‘Surel you will not kill him or beat him, for the fault is ours. We entreated him to help us, and we alone are to blame,” “Tam not going to harm him, pretty one. Didn’t you hear him say that I had been kind to him, and that he almost loved me? It wouldn’t be an easy thing for me to misuse that boy, and I had much rather be hurt by him than hurt him, but [ must fix him so that he can’t do any moreharm, Come, you young rebel,” The ranger led away the boy, who was sad but defiant, and left the two girls in tears, for they thought their last hope was taken from them and they deeply grieved about the brave boy who had got into trouble for their sakes. _The ranger took Dick to his own cabin, gave him something to eat, and then told him to lie down and sleep, as he needed rest. The boy soon fell asleep, when Van Vorst placed a guard over him, and went to make new arrangements in view of the threatened rescue. j Now that his retreat was discovered, it must of necessity be abandoned, for there could be no doubt Forrest would soon pay hima visit, and that the partisan force, larger and better or-
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Kidnapped Dick. ganized than his own, could capture the camp. tle directed his followers to place in concealment all property of any value that could not easily be carried, and ordered them to pack up ail their effects, and hold themselves in readiness to march ata moment’s notice. With regard to his fair captives, he deter- mined.to send them immediately to the lagoon on the Coosaw, and only waited until Malachi Slicker should return and inform him what were the prospects of the plot against Petrikin and the schooner. It was about midnight when that worthy made his appearance, and the ranger, without making known what had really occurred, in- farmed him that he thought there was danger of arescue if he should keep his prisoners much longer at that place, and that he had decided to send them down to the schooner without delay. Nothing could have better pleased the Yankee, whose only remaining anxiety was with regard to getting Mary Forest on board the Firefly as soon as possible, and it was with difficulty that he concealed his exultation. He assured the ranger that they would thave no trouble in carrying out the plot, as his plans were nearly completed, and the schooner might be taken out of the lagoon within a short time. * Pye been thinking,” said he, “that it wouldn’t be safe to keep the gals here any longer; and that it would be better to have them on board the vessel, so that we might start at any minute. If they are ready to go, as I suppose they are, I will take them right down to the river, and then there will be no danger of losing them. As for you, you had better stay here a while, be- cause there are two of those sailor chaps with whom I will have to work a little more, in order to persuade them to join us, and it won’t do for you to show yourself before we are ready to strike. To-morrow een you can come, and then we will soon get clear of this country.” ‘¢Very well,” answered Van Vorst, who had begun to suspect that his partner did not mean to treat him fairly, and who had plans of his own. ‘I have some business that will keep me employed during the day, and I will come down to the river to-morrow night.” “Before that time,” thought Malachi, ‘he will be hung or shot, and I will be on the water in the Firefl The two placed on horseback, and startei off immedi- ately, in the care of the Yankee and half a dozen of the marauders. The journey was made in silence, glances 6f sorrow and sympathy being the only communications exchanged between the fair prisoners and their young friend, It was not quite daylight when they reached their des- tination, and they were immediately taken on board the Firefly, while the men who had ac- companied them encamped near the rude hut in which the stolen negroes were ‘confined. Malachi explained to Petrikin, who woke up and asked what was the matter, that his charges had been sent by Van Vorst, who wished them to be kept securely. The fat captain smiled knowingly, but said nothing, and the Yankee locked up his prisoners in the cabin, after which he laid down on the deck to sleep. There was no more sleep for the girls, al- » Tadiics and little Dick were aronsed, though Dicky, who was not half rested, soon succumbed to drowsiness again, This, thought Mary, was the fate Malachi Slicker had prom- ised her—to be carried away across the sea, and forced to become his wife—and Kate Swinton could only suppose that she was destined to a similar lot. Mary Forrest bore up bravely, and did her best to cheer and console her friend, who was quite broken down by her grief. The sun was peeping over the tops of the trees, when Dick awoke, sat upon the cabin floor, rub- bed his eyes, and looked around in bewilder- ment. As he did so, the door was unlocked and open- ed, and the round, ruddy face of Jants Petrikin appeared at the companionway. The Dutchman had evidently been drinking heavily, for his voice was thick, and he was obliged to steady himself against the combing, but his little eyes had a good-humored twinkle, and the impres- sion of his fat features was intended to be quite benignant, **Coom here, leetle boy,” said he; ‘‘coom u By deck mit de ladies, and old Jants s’all let you all go. There was such a kindness in his manner, that Dick rose and followed him, beckoning to Mary and Kate to do likewise. Petrikin led the way, staggering and lureLing ‘to and fro, until he reached the waist of the schooner. Then Dick observed that the Firefly had dropped out into the middle of the lagoon, and that the Yankee lay on the deck, bound and gagged, and that there was no one else in sight, except Petrikin and themselves, q ‘‘ What does it mean?” he asked, ‘‘ What is the matter with Malacai, and where are the erew? ‘* Never you mind, leetle boy. Dey’sallashoor, droonk like hogs, and I keeps dat rascal for mine- self. Guess I teach him how to rob mine gold and put me off de schooner, I string him up mit his neck, shoost like a hog.” “Serve him right, for I heard him say that he was going to kill you and carry these pretty ladies away on the Firefly. You will let us go, won't you, Jants?” ‘* Yes; you shall go, as I told you. Get into dis leetle boat at de side, and row him ashore; den hide him under ce bank, and hide yourselves in de bushes until all be dead droonk or asleep, and then run away somewheres, I settle mit dis Gonnetigut (Connecticut) rascal and all odder rascals.” Dick needed no urging, but made his fair com- panions enter the light little boat, which he pull- ed ashoreas swiftly and *P silently as he could. With their assistance he drew it up under the bushes, in a thick clump of which he concealed himself and his fellow-fugitives, and they rested from their exertions. They had been there but a few moments, when they heard the sound of approaching horsemen. Dick put his head out of his shelter, but quickly drew it in again, as he saw the di Van Vorst ride down to the shore, accompanied by several of his gang. : CHAPTER XIV. e AT BAY, Joun Van Vorst did not intend that the
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Kidnapped Dick. 29 ‘Yankee should reach the river much in advance of himself. He had good reason to believe that Malachi would play the traitor at any time, if he could advance his own interests by doing so, and did not intend to give him much opportunity for the display of his treachery. As soon as the concealment of the property in the camp was completed, he sent off the greater part of his men to another of his retreats, telling them that he would join them in the course of that day or the next, and reserving only a few of his best and most reliable followers. With these, he finally took leave of Coombs’s Hole, a little after daylight. He destroyed the only bridge by which the island could be reach- ed, and rode off toward the lagoon, resolved that the Firefly should be his in cones of any fate. The more he reflected, the more he became convinced that the best thing he could do would be to leave the country while he had a good chance to escape with his life and his ill-gotten gains, The presence of the schooner afforded him the opportunity, and he was fully deter- mined to avail himself of it. As soon as he began to suspect Malachi of an intention to play foul with-him, he re- solved that the Yankee should die if his sus- picions proved to, be well-founded, and that he would, on his own account, take ion of the Firefly and the treesure on board of her, and use them both to further his own purposes. It was in this humor that he rode down to the la- goon, prepared to act as circumstanves should lictate. His suspicions were excited as soon as he reached the shore, by the fact that the schooner was no longer moored by the bank as she had previously been, but was anchored out in the deep water, at a considerable distance from the land, nearly out of the range of musket-shot. He could see no one on her deck, nor any sign of human life on the vessel or on the shore. After hallooing in vain, both for Malachi and Petrikin, he concluded that the two smugglers and their crew must be somewhere ashore, and proceeded to search for them, He soon found the hut in which the negroes were confined, ani near it, grouped about an empty cask, and with empty junk bottles scat- tered around them, were the crew of the schooner and the members of his band who had been sent with Malachi in charge of the prison- ers. All were in different stages of drunkenness,none being touched with a mild form of the disease, and it was only by pulling, pinching, rolling and kicking them, that he could arouse any of them, and get any thing like an answer to his indignant questions. Pomp, the black cook of the Firefly, was the first who partially recovered his con- sciousnéss, and he turned over, rolled up the yellows of his eyes, and mumbled a reply. “1t’s all right., Massa hi is on board de schooner, and de cap’n is on board de schooner, and we’s here drunk. It’s all right; de Firefly is gwine to drop out into de ribber, and gib de slip to dat cussed land pirate, and we gits de money. Yab! Gimme some mo’ rum.” “T have come in time,” thought the ranger. “ That two-faced villain has meant to trick me, after I had got the girl for him, and to make Se. another bargain with the Dutchman or with these fellows. He had good cause to wish me to stay away until night, as he expected to be out of my reach by that time. t me lay my hands on him and his rascally carcass will soon be dangling from one of these tall cypresses,” With the aid of the men who had come with him, he dragged his own drunken fellows and Ben Ducket to the shore, where he caused them to be drenched, rolled and pummeled, until they became stupidly and miserably sober. Then, by dint of threats and close questioning, he induced Ducket to disclose what he knew about the plot that had been proposed to him by Malachi. ‘ The ranger’s indignation increased to fury when he learned that the double traivor not only intended to throw him off entirely, but that he had made arrangements with the seamen, b which Petrikin was to be put off of the vessel, and half the money in the strong-box was to be divided among the crew, while Malachi should appropriate the remainder, “Ts there no way of getting out to the schoo- ner?” he asked, ‘* Where is the boat that you came ashore in?” ‘“ We didn’t come ashore in a boat; we walked ashore on the plank, Thecraft has been warped out into the stream since then.” ‘““What can be the matter with Malachi? Why don’t he show himself?” “Don’t know. The old Harry must have got foul of the Firefly, or every thing aboard of her must be asleep. I'll hail her, if you want me ‘* Very well; try your voice.” The sailor put his hand to his mouth, and yelled ‘ Firefly aho-o-y!” in true nautical style. The hail was repeated again and again, and after a while Jants Petrikin staggered up to the bulwark, holding a case-bottle in one hand and steadying himself with the other. “You go mit de tuyfel,” he was understood to say, as he roared back in a husky voice; ‘I knows you. You wants to kill me and take mine ship and mine gold. You go-o mit de tuyfel!” an Vorst and his men answered with a volley of bullets, at which the Dutchman laughed, and disa: red from view. “Can’t somebody get an ax?’ bellowed the ranger, ‘‘There must be one somewhere on shore. We will make a raftand go off and bring that cabbage-headed fool to his senses,” An ax was found, after considerable delay, and one of the men was set at work to cut down trees and trim them, while the others prepared withes for binding them together. While this work was being done, and when the raft was cog d completed, Van Vorst’s quick ears caught the sound of horses tramping through the swamp, and the breaking of brittle twigs and dry limbs. He at once ordered his men to get their guns, and they had hardly done so, when the horsemen who had been approach- ing came out through the trees, and forest seemed to be alive with them. Van Vorst at once saw that they were Harry Forrest’s men, headed by the young partisan captain and Frank Swinton, He knew that he was cornered, that he was confronted by a su-
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88 Kidnapped Dick: porioe force, that defeat awaited him, and that he must be captured or killed unless he could ef- fect his escape. Whatever his fate might be, whichever way he should turn, it was plain that his fine plan was spoiled, and his only consolation was in the thought that vengeance would also be visited upon that double traitor, Malachi Slicker, He felt no fear, for he was a brave and des- perate man, and he resolved to sell his life as dearly as possible, if if must be lost. His men were animated by the same spirit, as they knew that they fought with halters around their necks, and they closed about’ their leader, prepared to rish by his side, but, like the serpent, to die ifing. “Surrender, you Tory scoundrels!” shouted Forrest. ‘‘ John Van Vorst, I have caught you at last, and the day of reckoning has come. Where is my sister? Where is Miss Swinton?” ‘“* Where you will never see them again. Find them if you can,” answered the ranger, with a malignant laugh. ‘‘?ve had my spite out of you, you infernal pest, and I am ready to die as have lived. Come on, if you dare!” “Tf you have barmed a hair of their heads, I will have you torn in pieces, You had better surrender, you men, and mercy will be shown to some of you. Those who resist will receive no quarter.” This indefinite offer was greeted with scornful laughter, to which the partisans replied by a volley, which had little or no effect among their enemies, as they had been gradually availing themselves of the cover of the trees. Now that the fight was begun, they gradually fell back toward the negro hut, near which their horses had been left. They kept up a fire as they went, and were soon reinforced by tle crew of tha Firefly, who were then pretty well sobered and able to use their pistols. The sailors joined in the fight without exactly knowing what it was ubout, and the contest became a hot one. The partisans, unable to use their horses among the trees, dismounted and adopted the tactics of their adversaries, endeavoring to surround them, They had nearly succeeded in so doing, and For- rest was about to order a charge, when the face of affairs was suddenly changed by the appear- ance of a troop of British dragoons, commanded by Major Coningsby. The marauders and their antagonists ceased firing, as if by common consent, and waited to see the meaning of this new development. _ CHAPTER XV. GEORGE COLVILLE CONINGSBY. Wuen Major Coningsby yaigsee to Morris, his scout, the purpose for which he wished to find Van Vorst, that individual not only consented to assist him, but was anxious to do so, as he, in common with the rest of the neighborhood, was preety grieved at the abduction of the two eautiful and amiable girls, It was true that he was not any more honest than he ought to be, and that he had not scrupled to replenish his purse by occasionally joining Van Vorst in his plundering expeditions; but such an outrage as the last perpetrated by the marauder was too gross and high-handed to meet his approval, and he expressed his entire willingness to aid in bringing the offender to justice, Major Coningsby immediately made his 1 rations, and told Mrs. Swinton to be of good cheer, as he had reason to believe that he would e be successful, and thought that he could soon bring home her lost daughter. Harly the next morning, taking @ Suffivient number of dragoons to overwhelm the small body of marauders, he set out for Coombs’s Hole, with Morris as guide. The same aby D but at an earlier hour, another expedition had started,-from another quarter, for the same destination. It was com- manded by Harry Forrest, and its object was the same as of the party commanded by Coningsby. The young officer had hastened back to his camp as soon as he had received from Dick the important intelligence that Van Vorst’s retreat was at Coombs’s Hole, where the young ladies were imprisoned. He collected his’ men as speedily as possible, a number of them being scattered about the country as scouts, and set out aay, J after midnight, eager to rescue his sister and his promised bride, and to take ven- geance on.the wretches who had dared to ill- treat them. He had not gone far when he met Frank Swinton, who was returning from his unsuc- cessful attempt to find Van Vorst and his gang. The lieutenant was quite downhearted at his failure, but he was immediately made glad by the news that the ranger’s retreat had been dis- covered, and that his friends were on their way to attack it. Of course he joined the party, and they eagerly pressed forward. A short time before reaching Coombs’s Hole, they encountered Benny Lox and Julius, who were on their way to the camp to communicate the intelligence that they had gained down on the Coosaw, and who were ident a ha at meetin Forrest and his men. When Harry learn what they had heard and seen, he directed them to mount behind two of his horsemen, and hur- ried on, impatient to make his attack before the plans of either Van Vorst or Malachi could be carried out. In this he was disappointed. He found the blind road that ted through the canebrake into the swamp, but the bridge by which the island was reached had been demolished. A scout who swam across soon returned and informed him that the camp had been evacuated, As there could be no doubt that the ranger had gone down to the river, he ordered his men to move on at full speed, and followed on the track of his i ig rr - gone Lip a short es when ajor Coningsby, with his troop of dragoons ils arrived ot Coombs’s Hole, and discov: that the marauders had escaped. He was at a loss to decide what to do; but Morris, who knew of the rendezvous at the river, assured him that they had gone thither, as a fresh and broad trai] led in that direction, and the major imme- diately followed on after Forrest. As has been seen, his arrival at the lagoon occasioned a pause in the fight, and-both parties stood still, as if waiting to seen what shape this armed interven- tion would take. The two young ladies and little Dick had re- mained concealed in the bushes since they came ashore from the Firefly, and had watched all the proceedings with anxious interest,
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Kidnapped Dick. They crouched down behind the bushes, when the firing became rapid, and the yells and shrieks of the combatants told that they were fiercely engaged, They waited, hoping and fear- ing, until the noise of the musketry ceased, on the arrival of the British, Then they ventured to ai psy from their hiding-place,and saw the red- coats and the gleaming sabers of the dragoons. ‘* May God save our friends now!” implored Mary. ‘The British are here, and they will overwhelm Frank and his brave fellows. “They will not fight; it must not be,” replied Kate. “It is Major Coningsby and his dra- ‘oons,” “Major who ?” exclaimed Dick, *t Major Coningsby, the officer in command of the British troops who have encamped at my mother’s, Both parties have come to seek us, I am certain, and if they knew that we were here, they surely would not fight each other, but both would turn against those Tory villains, Let us call to them, Mary, or wave our handkerchiefs, or do something to let them know that we are here and alive.” “Don’t do that,” said Dick, as Mary Forrest rose up from behind the bushes. ‘ They are not shooting now, and I can run out and speak to Captain Forrest or somebody. Wait for me here, and I will soon return.” Before he could be prevented, the brave boy step out from behind the bushes, and ran to- ward the combatants. In his haste and eager- ness he went on until he found himself nearly in the center of the space that was occupied by the three parties. Almost at the same moment the partisans, recovering from their surprise, poured a volley into their antagonists, and were imme- diately seconded by the flanking fire of the British. Under this combined attack, the greater part of the marauders andseamen broke and fied. The boy stood still for a moment, and then was startled by the loud voice of Van Vorst: “‘Come here, Dicky! Come here, my boy!” exclaimed the ranger. Quite bewildered, Dick again rushed forward, but in the direction of the British, and ran right into the arms of Major Coningsby, who was dis- mounted. A yell, like that of a wild beast, was heard, and Van Vorst, with one arm hanging useless by his side, and his face covered with blood, leaped out from his cover. “Come to me, Dick! Give me my boy! Give me sf boy!” hé screamed, as he brandished his sword and ran frantically toward the red-coats, He was answered by a shower of bullets, and fell, mortally wounded. “What does this mean? Who are you, boy?” exclaimed the major, as he held up the little fel- low, and looked in his face with an eager and wondering gaze. “My name is George Colville Coningsby, and you are my father,” answered the boy. “It is true! God be thanked! I have found my son!” “You are right there, major,” Van Vorst. ‘‘That is pais boy, L reckon. He was brought from the North by the schooner yon- der, and was given to me. I haven't treated him ill, as he will Led ges Come and speak to me, Dicky, for I you a heap, and 1 am going to quit you now. I feel my feet slipping away from this world, and I am going to the devil, [ suppose. “Don’t hurt him, father, for he has been kind to me,” said the boy, as he knelt by the side of Van Vorst and took his hand, ‘* No one can hurt him now, my son,” answer- ed the major, ‘‘ for he is dead.” As Major Coningsby spoke, a terrible explo- sidn was heard, a Volume of fire shot up from the schooner, her masts rose with a crash, the noise of dropping timber and other fragments was heard on every side, and then the scene was pi oye by heavy clouds of smoke, and all was sti sf CHAPTER XVI. THE FATE OF THE FIREFLY—CONCLUSION, JANTS PreTRIKIN bad heard enough of the conversation between Malachi Slicker and the seamen to make him aware of the nature and full extent of the Yankee’s plot against him, and he at once set his wits at work to foil the treach- ery of his partner. hen Malachi went back to Coombs’s Hole, the Dutchman gave the crew a large keg o rum, and a number of bottles of Holland gin and other liquors, and sent them ashore to “‘ en- joy themselves,” a permission which they gladly accepted. On the return of Malachi with the captives, he received them without making known his - suspicions, and waited until his partner, who was overcome by fatigue, had fallen asleep. Then he pounced upon him, bound him ey aiete and gagged him so effectually that he could hardly breathe, and it was entirely impossible to speak, Then the Dutchman gael cast loose the lines of the.Firefly, and let her drift out from the shore into the middle of the lagoon, where he dropped a kedge that was sufficient to hold her in that still water. Thushe had placed him- self in a position to make terms with the crew on shore, as they had no boat, and he hoped, having their leader in his power, to be able to induce them to return to their duty. It was long after sunrise when his arrangements were completed, and when he released the three pris- oners, sending them ashore in a light boat. It had taken time to accomplish all this, and during that time the smuggler had not neglected to pay his devotions toa large case-bottle of Hollands. It was his doctrine that extra emergencies* required extra stimulus, as well as extra exertions, and he proved his faith hy drinking so much that he had nearly fallen ‘asleep when he was hailed from the shore by Van Vorst and Ben Ducket. When he saw that Van Vorst was endeavoring to make a raft, for the purpose of boarding the schooner, he roused himself from his lethargy, and succeeded, after considerable labor, in so placing a small cannon that the Firefly curried, that it could be trained on the float, from what- ever direction it might approach. He was quite ‘‘ taken aback” by the appear- ance of Forrest’s band, as he did not know who they were. He was well satisfied when they at-
Page 30
30 Kidnapped Dick. tacked the marauders, but was unable to puzzle it out in his befogged brain what they were fight- ing for. When Major Coningsby arrived, however, and he recognized the red-coats of the British, he perceived that he was in a bad pre- dicament, from which it would require the ex- ertion of all his ability to escape. He had already brought up from the cabin the strong-box that held his gold and silver and other valuables, and had placed in the Firefly’s yawl, together with some clothing, provisions, water, and a plentiful supply of Hollands. As he had no force to assist him, he was unable to work the schooner out of tbe lagoon and through the narrow passage into the river, and his only chance was to save his life and his treasure by escaping in the small boat. Ac- cordingly, he went below, and prepared a fuse to connect with the magazine, for he was deter- mined to destroy the Firefly and his traitorous partner together. Then he returned on deck, and took the gag from the mouth of the Yankee, who had been lying on the hatchway, helpless, groaning, and frightened nearly to death. ** You can cuss and yell now, so much as you please, you Gonnetigut rascal!” said Petrikin, shaking his fist at Malachi in drunken spite. “T find you all out, you pig rogue. I find out dat you want to kill me, and take all my gold and dings, and sail off mit de schooner. I find you all out, and dat udder rascal, Van Vorst, and dat Ben Ducket, too. Dey all get killed, and I t?ink you get killed, too.” . Don’t kill me,” supplicated the Yankee. “Only let me live, and you may have all the gold and silver and everything else. Don’t kill me, old partner!” “T got him all now, and don’t ask you. I put him in de yawl, and sail off mit him. Before I Bo, I sets fire to de schooner, and makes her urn up and blow up, and you and de Firefly all go mit de tuyfel togedder.’ Malachi’s only reply was a yell of agony, and the Dutch-man again went below, and lighted the fuse. When be came on deck again, he walk- ed to the yawl, which lay alongside of the schooner, but paused at the bulwark, with one leg over the rail, to give the screaming victim a part- ing “ blessing.” * You yell now joost so much like you please, — Gonnetigut rascal. Dey’s all too busy to ear your noise, and in fifteen minutes you blow up mit de schooner. I joost step into de yawl —so—and go down de river, while you go up into de air. Yaw!” The ren: was not to take the step. He had lighted his fuse with an unsteady hand, or it had been too short, or it had burned too rapidly, or some other accident had happened, for the words were hardly out of his mouth, when the deck bulged upward, smoke and flames burst out from the schooner, there was a terrific explosion, and the Firefly was numbered among the things that were, both of her rascally owners sharing her fearful fate. The explosion caused the greatest surprise and consternation among the contending parties on shore, and it was some minutes before they were able to realize what had happened. The rain of fragments from the shattered vessel, bowever, and the commotion of the water, soon made the truth evident to'them, and they again turn- a their attention to the position of affairs on shore. All the marauders and.seamen, who had not been killed or disabled, had sought refuge in flight, but the partisans and the red-coats still faced each other. Harry Forrest, who had not observed the action of the British in firing upon Van Vorst and bis gang, could only expect that they intended to attack him, and he prepared for a desperate battle. ** Come on, you rascally red-coats,” he shouted. “* Come on, and we will show you how men can fight for liberty! Close up, my brave fellows, and remember that you are striking for your country!” “Hold!” exclaimed Frank Swinton, riding out in front, with a white handkerchief on his sword. “There is a truce, Captain Fcrrest. Major Coningsby and I have agreed that there shall be peace between us, until the purpose is accom- plished for which we have all come here.” This declaration being indorsed by Major Coningsby, the two parties that had lately been arrayed against each other with hostile intent, joined hands and mingled together with a feel- ing of relief. A portion of them searched the woods for the fugitive marauders, and the re- mainder gathered around the British and par- tisan leaders. lt was a joyful scene when Mary Forrest and Kate Swinton were restored to their brothers. They were heartily congratulated by Major Con- ingsby, as soon as his transports were suflicient- ly moderated to permit him to notice any one be- sides, his recovered boy. Horses were procured for the ladies, and the British and their American enemies (leaving a sufficient party to bury the dead and take care of the prisoners and the recovered negroes) amica- bly took up their line of march together for the residences of Colonel Forrest and Mrs, Swinton. George Conirgsby related his adventures on the way, and the young ladies and Harry Forrest told of his bravery in endeavoring to assist the captives, delighting the major with their praises of his boy. At nightfall their destinations were reached; the truce was ended, and the late friends again became enemies and separated, hoping that they would not be obliged to meet as foes any more. Their hopes were realized, for it was not long be- fore the surrender of Cornwallis gave peace to the country, and among the other blessings of peace Harry Forrest and Frank Swinton enjoy- ed that of being united to the ladies of their love. Major Coningsby was induced, by entreaties of his son and his new friends, to resign his com- mission, and take up his residence in the New World, after settling his affairs in England. Tom Murphy, who had been taken prisoner was spared by Forrest, and returned to his old mother, who continued, to the day of her death, to read her Bible and abuse her cats and dogs. The tradition of the strong-box of the Firefly has not been ee ae peg and many credulous per- ceeaee sought for it, but it has not yet been found, THE END,
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BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY, 208 Denver Doll's Device; or, The Detective Queen, By Edward L. Wheeler, Path. 255 Jolly Jim. Victor 256 Merle 260 Skit, the Cabin Boy. 261 Blade, the Sport; o Camp. is vO; Harbaugh. 262 Billy, the Boy Rover. By Col. P. Ingraham, 263 ee Bots of 33 the ht-House eeper. By t. J: F. C, Adams, 264 Deere Doll’s Pariner; or, Big Buckskin the 265 Billy, the Baggage Boy: or, The ¥ Railroad ly, the e Boy: or, The Young Detective. “Sy Gh arles Morris. 266 Guy’s Boy Chum; or, The Forest Waif’s Mask. ae t. Comstock. 267 Giant George’s Revenge; or, The Boys of *' Slip- (singe naet™ 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, et L. eeler. 271 Ebony Jim’s Terror; or, Ranger Rainbolt’s Ruse. By Oll Coomes. 272 Kit, the Girl Detective. By T. CO. Harbaugh, 273 The Girl Rider; or, Nimble Ned’s Surprise, By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 274 Dead Shot Dandy’s Double; or, Benito, the Boy Pard. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 2% Fred, the Ocean Waif; or, The Old Sailor’s Protege. By Charles Morris. 276 Deadwood Dick Trapped. By Ed L. Wheeler, 277 The Iuiot 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 Farragut. 282 Buck Hawk, Detective; or, the Messenger Boy’s Fortune. By Edward L. Wheeler. 283 Roving Sport Kit; or, The Ghost of Chuckaluck Cam: 'y Edward Willett. 284 The Showman’s Best Card; or, The Mad Animai Tamer. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker, 285 Old Rocky’s Pard; or, Little Ben’s Chase, By 295 pick the Dakota S B Jick, 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 Colorado Nick, the Lassoist; or, Old Si's Protege. By Major H. B. Stoddard. 290 Rube, the Tenderfoot: cr, the Boys of Torpedo Guich. By Major FE. L. St. Vrain. 291 Peacock Pete, ihe Leadville Sport; or, Hawk, the Boss Miner. By Albert W. Alken: 292 Joe ares the Night-Hawk:; or, the Black Rider, By Jos. E. Badge y 4 r, Jr. 298 Dwarf Jake. the Detective; or, Kit Kenyon’s 204 Dumb Dick's Pad we wee Go um ick’s He Jane, the Gold Miner. By Ed. L. Wheeler, a 295 White Wing, the Ferret Flyer. By Chas. Morris. By Captain F, Whittaker, Dead Line 26 Govind. the oa Bots or, ae American \ 338 The Gold Bar 297 Arizona Giant George; oe Toe Boyees of Sardine- Box City. By Buck ™m, 298 nd Doll's Dash; or, The Ten Colorado Pards, By T. C. Harbaugh 299 The Balloon Detectives; or, Jack Slasher’s Young Pard. By Harry Enton, 800 Deadwood Dick’s Mission, By E. L. Wheeler, 801 Dandy Duke, the Cowboy. By Major E. L, St Vrain. 802 Big Benson’s Bet. By T. C. Harbaugh. 803 The Hotel Boy Detective; or, The Grand Central Robbery. By Charles Morris. 804 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, : 806 Spotter Fr.tz; or, The Store-Detective’s Decoy. By E. L. Wheeler, 807 Nick, the Boy Sport; or, Three Plucky Parda By Major E. L. St. Vrain, 808 Double-Fisted Mat; or, The Mystic California Giant. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 809 O.d Graybeard’s Boy; or, The Girl’s Ruse. By C. Duaning Clark, 310 Kit, the Girl Captain; or, The Mad Sailor's . By Col. Prentiss In 311 Frio Frea in Texas. By Buc! n Sam. 812 The Detective Road-Agent; or, The Miners of Sassafras City. By Edward L. eeler, 315 Honest Jack’s Protege; or, The Dwarf's Scheme, By Philip 8. Warne. . 814 Clip the Boy Sheriff; or, The Two Crooks of Montana. By Edward Willett. 015 Tom, the Arizona Sport; or, Howling Hank from Hard Luck. By Major KE. GL, St. Vrain. ul6 The Street Arab Detective; or, Dick Dorgan’s Double Dealing. By Charles Morris, 317 Buckskin Ben of Texas; or, Single Kye’s Plucky Pards, By Buckskin Sam, 815 Coane Chest mt Beck Dash; or, The Cattle Kings. By Edward L. eeler, 319 Frisky Fran's in {daho; or, Old Skinflint the Shadower. By Roger Starbuck. 820 Cool Sam’s Girl Pard; or, Captain Dick and His T xans, By T. C, Harbaugh. #21 Billy, the Kid from Frisco; or, Silver Mask’s Clew. By J.C. Cowdrick, 322 Fred Flyer, Detective; or, Abe Blizzard on Deck. By Coarles Morris, . 323 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. 825 Dusky Darrell the Camp Detective; or, The Dandy’s Daring Dash. By Edwin Emerson. 326 Roy, the Boy Cruiser; or, The Water Wolf Wreckers. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 827 Ned, the Roving Miner; or, Arkansaw Jack's Match. By Harry Hazard. 828 Rocky Ben’s Band; or, Big Pete’s Big Haul. By W. J. Hamilton. 329 Dave, the Colorado Wrestler. By Maj. EB. L. St. rain, 830 The Denver Sport’s Racket; or, Kit’s Big Boom. By Edward L. Wheeler. 831 The Coast Detective; or, The Smuggler Shadow- er. By Roger Starbuck. 332 Dakota Dan in Canyon City; or, Colorado Kate’s Check. By Philip 8. Warne. ‘ 338 Bootblack Ben, the Detective; or, Pooler Jim and His Pard. By Anthony P. Morris. 334 ni Lanigd = His tea or, “5 e Golden Gate Smug- glers. ‘enry Morse. 335 Ben Band y ay Boss Pard; or, The Plucky Parson. J. Stanley Henderson. : #36 Fred, the rt, in Brimstone Bar Camp: or, The Boston Wrestler’s Confederate. By L, . By T. Ns e; or, Iron the By injec ise Viele oe of
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BEADLE’S Pocket LIBRARY. 339 Rardo, the Boy Gypsy. By Wm. G. Patten. 340 Billy Bubble’s Big Score, By Charles Morris, 841 Colorado Steve's Dash. By Philip S. Warne. 842 Snap-Shot Sam. By Bucksin Sam. 343 Mike, the Bowery Detective; or, Peleg Prancer of Vermont. By Edward L. Wheeler. 844 The Drummer Sport. By Edward Willett. 345 Jaques, the Hardpan Detective; or, Captain Frisco the Road-Agent. By J. C. Cowdrick. $46 Joe, the Chicago Arab. By Charles Morris. 347 Middy Herbert's Prize. By Col. P. Ingraham. 848°Sharp-Shooter Frank. By Buckskin Sam. 349 Buck, the Miner. By Maj. EB. L. St. Vrain. 350 Ned, the Slab City Sport. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 351 Rocky Mountain Joe. By Col. T. H. Monstery. 352 New York Tim, By Charles Morris. 858 The Girl Pilot. By Roger Starbuck. 854 Joe, the Boy Stage-Driver. By Maj. St. Vrain. 355 Texas Frank’s Crony; or, The Girl Mustang Rider, By Bucks«in Sam, 356 Idaho Ned, Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. 357 Guy, the Boy Miner. By Col. P. Ingraham. 358 Jersey Joe, the Old Tar. By Mrs. Orin James. 859 Dandy Dick's Dash; or, The Boy Cattle - King. By Oll Comes. 860 Jim’s Big Bonanza. By W. J. Hamilton. 361 Oregon Phil, the Sport. By Philip S. Warne, 362 Kit, the Bootblack Detective. By E. L. Wheeler, 363 Tne Ocean Racer, By T. C. Harbaugh. 861 Fritz’s Old Score. By Ned Buntline. 365 Crack Shot Harry. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 866 Gold Dust Rock, the Whirlwind of the Mines. By G. Waldo Browne. 367 Fred’s Bold Game. By Paul Bibbs. 868 Jim, the Sport in Ashenraticy By Ed. L. Wheeler. y 369 Captain Blake's Jonah, Roger Starbuck, 870 Denver Kit’s Double. By Major H. B. Stoddard. 371 Blue Blazes Dick, By T. C, Harbaugh. 872 The Sea Cat’s Prize. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 873 Larry O’Lynn’s Dash. By Joseph F, Henderson. 374 Jim, the Sport’s Biz Boom; or, The Bonanza King’s Rival. By Edward L. Wheeler. 375 Bowery Bob, Detective. By Jo Pierce. 876 Buckskin Dick’s Clean Sweep; or, Jonathan Jenks’ Still Hunt. By Col Acthur¥’. Holt. _ 377 The Deadwood Sports. By Lieut. S. G. Lansing, 878 Bronco Billy, the Saddle Prince. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 879 Dick, the Stowaway. By Charles Morris. 830 Young Dick Talbot. By Albert W. Aiken, 881 Dandy Bill’s Doom; or, Deerhunter, the Boy Scout, By Oll Cooms, 882 Wide-Awake George By Edward Willet. 888 Wild Bill, the Pistol Prince. By Col, Ingraham. 884 Brimstone Bill’s Booty: or, Mariposa Marsh at Dead Man’s Gulch By Joseph BE. Badger, Jr. 385 The Boy Tramps, By J. M. Hoffman. - 386 The Montana Kid; or, Little Dan Rock's Mis- sion. By Morris Redwing. 887 The Boy Detectives. By T. C. Harbaugh. 888 The Pony Express Rider; or, Buffalo Bill’s Frontier Feats. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 389 New York Biil, the Dodger By Edward Willett, 390 The Ticket-of-Leave’s Trick; or, Spring Steel, King of the Bush. By J seph E. Badger, Jr. 391 Charley Skylark, the Sport. By Major Henry Bb. Stoddard. Fe 892 Texas Jack, the Mustang King. Prentiss Ingrakam. 393 Peter, the Dandy Greenhorn. By Noah Nuff. 394 Tom Temple's Big Strike. By Barry Ringgold. 395 Harry, the Country Boy, in New York. By Charles Morris, $96 Detective Paul’s Right Bower. By C. D. Clark. 397 Tip Tressell, the Flatboat Boy. By Ed. Willett. 398 Captain Jack in Rocky Roost. By Col. Ingraham. 399 Harry Somers, the Magician. By S. W. Pierce. 400 Black Horse Bill, the Bandit Wrecker. By Roger Starbur , By Colonel 401 Tim, the Mule Boy of the Mines. By Chas. Morris. 402 Flatboat Fred on the Spo By E. Willett. 403 Jake, the Colorado Circus Boy. By Bryant Bainbridge. 404 Texas Charlie’s Wild Ride. By Col. P. Ingraham. 405 Wide-Awake Ned. By Barry Ringgold. 406 Giant Pete and His Pards. By T. C. Harbaugh. 407 Old Ruff’s Protege; or, Little Rifle’s Secret. By Captain Bruin Adams. 408 Stowaway Dick Abroad. By Charles Morris. By Col. P. 409 Doctor Carver, the Champion Shot. Ingraham. 410 Captain_Fly-By-Night, the Colorado King-Pin By Jos. E Badger, Jr. New York Jack’s Mettle. By Barry Ringgold. Sam Spence, the Broadhorn Boy. By Edward Willett. Revolver Billy in Texas. By Col. P, Ingraham. Dasher Dick’s Dead Lock. By J. M. Foftman. 5 Pony, the Cowboy Chief. By H, B. Stoddard. Panther Dick’s Death aps, By A. F. Holt. Fighting Fred of Frisco. By T. C. Harbaugh. Buckskin Sam’s Wild Ride. By Col. P Ingraham. Frisco Guy's Big Bonanza. By Roger Starbuck, Pat Mulroony’s Pard. By Emerson Rodman. Tim, the Boy Acrobat. By Charles Morris. Red Spur R-Iph, the Texan. By C D. Clark. Dashing Bob, the Pony Express Rider. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Tom Stone, the Old Sea Dog. By C.D. Clark. Darky Jumble’s Wild Ride. By Barry Ringgold. el alee or, The Night-Hawks of the Fire- Lands. By Capt. Chas. Howard. Bessie. the Border Girl. By Henry J. Thomas, Nebraska Charlie. By Col. P. Ingraham. Bill Beeler’s Bonanza. By Edward Willett. Long Shot; or, The Dwarf Guide. By Captain Comstock. Lillie, the Reckless Rider. By Maj. H. B. Stod- By Charles Morris. dard, Ex-Scout. Cool Clark’s Rash Race. Old Grizzly in the Rockies. By Col. P. Ingraham. Joe, the Rover Sport. By A. H. Post. An Irish Sport Abroad. By C. L, Edwards. Oregon Josh, the Wizard Rifle. By R. Starbuck. 437 Detective Jake’s Clew. By H. B. Stoddard. 438 Fancy Frank’s Drop. By Col. P. Ingraham. 439 Silverspur; or, The Mountain Heroine. By Ed, Willett. 440 The D ath Shot. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 441 Wistah, the Child Spy. By George Gleason. Dirk, the Sea Dandy. By Roger Starbuck. 442 443 The Masked Avenger. By.C 1. P. Ingraham. By Charles Morris. 444 Cool Ciark’s Dead-Set. 445 Old Pegs, the Mountaineer. By L. W. Carson. 446 Black Panther, the Half-Blood. By Joseph E, Kadger, Jr. 447 The Antelope Boy. By George L. Aiken, 448 Wild Raven, the Scout, By Oll Coomes. 449 The Boy Pilot.. By Colonel P. Ingrabam. 450 Kidnapped Dick. By J. Stanley Henderson. 451 Silver Rifle, the Girl Tracker. By Capt. Charles Howard, . 452 The Giant Hunter. By Harry Hazard. 4.3 The Half-Breed Rival. By Jos, E. Badger, Jr. Ready September 14th. 454 The Darky Detective. By Mrs. Orin James. Ready September 21st, A New Issue Every Wednesday. Bzapin’s Pocket Lippary is for sale by all News- dealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on re- ceipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ApAms, Publishers, 98 William*Street, New York,