Five Cent Wide Awake Library (vol. 1) (1879 09 24)
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ore Se ere OTe Se “= Fath ng ie ee ae oe a, Seeman gs : as id Boa : P iF peer ae A aes : a ROP Z Entered according to Aot of Congress, in the year 1819,by FRANK' TOUSEY, én the office of the Lébrarian of Congress, at Washington, D. & Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. ¥., as Second Class Matter. FRANK TOUSEY, PUBLISHER, 18 Rose Srreer, N. Y. PRICE . COMPLE ’ er t Vol. I { SEE Es } September 24, 1879. Subscription Price $2.50 per year. { 5 CENTS, | No. 165, bea WX (ZB \S 4 \ y 2; \ “ For the third time, will you speak or die?” said the pirate. After a minute or two’s ominous silence, they bee to look at each other, with long faces. They said nothing, but they all felt that some CHAPTER I. “Or has long odds to meet,” suggested Har- ADVENTURES IN MAGIC ISLAND—A SAD BEGIN- | VCY- ie 44 gat NING—EXTRAORDINARY FESTIVITIES IN THE ‘T should like to bein his place then,” said Mr. 5 woop. Mole, grandly. : fresh calamity was bprgonc ge ‘ ‘No doubt.” They did not dare to speak their thoughts. Try heard poor Monday’s signal below, but} ‘‘ Now, gentlemen,” said the American doctor, | The feared that poor Monday had shared before they could render him any assistance, the | “the cry we heard sounded like some one in dis- | Spirillo’s fate. thst: : - chances are that his own prophecy would be re-| tress, and if we are to. render any assistance to| “ Halt,” said Jack; ‘‘I will sound the signa} alized—that his head would make the third ghast- | our faithful friend, we must be quick.” once more.” ly trophy in that grim scene. Harkaway blew an answer to Monday’s signal. | No answer. 3 _ “Hark!” said Mr. Jefferson, ‘do you hear?” * Hark!” : “This looks bad for poor Monday,” said Harka- _ “Yes: it is Monday,” They listened for a reply. t way; ‘we must be quick, gentlemen.” ; ‘“ He is hurt.” But listened in vain, > e then led the way up the hights, from tee a Pe
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By HARKAWAY ON MAGIC ISLAND. 3 op) osite. to that which Monday. had started ey. went up in skirmishing order, Mike be- in erally selected to lead the van. | ; etrudgedon. He knew he had serious work to do. 3 Be faces of his friends and patrons im- ressed him deeply; for a most impressionable vog Mae Ma. ae og Was ; 4 skirmishing order they mounted the hights, until Mr. Mole was forced to pull up’for assist- ance. & . “ Harvey,” ho groaned. “What is it, Mr. Mole?” asked Dick. “With my infirmity I can’t make headway.” “Footway you mean, sir,” suggested Harvey, looking at Mole’s aes. ; Mr. Mole frowned at Dick, who, however, re- mained perfectly serious. d ‘T slip as I go on, Harvey,” he said. “One step forward and two back?” suggested Harvey. : 7 ““T know what you want, then, Mr. Mole.” **Tndeed?” ‘ ‘Yes; you want roughing.” “What?” “Roughing, sir, about the feet, depend upon it,” said Dick. . ““Mr. Harvey, I must beg you to be more re- spectful in your manner,” 3 : “No disrespect, sir,” said Harvey, ‘‘ none whatever. Allow me.” And he stooped to lift up one of Mr. Mole’s timber toes. Dick was actually treating Mr. Mole as a far- rier would a horse. Mole would have resented the seer thus taken with him, but Dick had him by the leg. So, to save himself from falling, he had to elutch-his tormentor around the shoulders for support. ick examined the bottom of the wooden limb with a critical air. : “Yes,” he said, ‘‘a nail in each of those will convert Mr. Mole into a pair of perambulating alpenstocks. 4 ‘Think so, Harvey?” “Yes, Happy thought. Keep steady, sir!” For the sake of the advantage to be gained the tutor submitted to the operation, and soon Mr.. Mole was firmer at each step than any mem- ee of the party, and through that simple oper- ation. A nail was driven into the tip of each wooden leg, and the spikes dug in the ground, preventing a rh : é . nd Isaac. Mole smiled with gratification, as he went, even condescending to approve, in a S$ small patronizing manner, of Dick pleasantries at his eacpense. * " Spite te ile pS, ae * What was that? The dog Mike growled. f ise wee i general halt. ie ive: aepet a weapon with a nervous grip, aa if in Sister expectation of being called upon to use it. * Mike wenton a few paces further, and then sniffed the ground and began to paw the eerth. They stooped to look at what excited the intel- ligent canine’s attention. © The ground was moist in around, hollow place, and when they approached to examine it closely, they discovered that the moisture was blood. “See here!” exclaimed Harkaway, “‘there has been foul play.” é “Yes, no'doubt,” said Harvey; ‘ look, the blood extends along here.” ; ae ood. » “Blood!” echoed every one, in one voice as it were. : “Ts it Monday’s?” A shudder went through the whole assem- blage. Poor Monday! Could they have only known of his piteous plight, and how close he was to them at that mo- ment, what would they have done? > “Twill, your honor,” said Ben dike to see the seh dagomae?™ i to the ship, with all care for 2, B OW ; NE ROG eat The disapointed rhffian, who'ad to beat @ re treat, crawled through the thicket and got ovt of danger. 5 5: Seats: Ces Moaning and groaning, he went on all fours. He had oe an ugly gash on the head, that he * * owed to Monday in their’skirmish; he had lost a tuft of hair, and in addition to this, he had received a bullet wound in the haunch, which left him very unhappy indeed. Chairs were scarce in Magic Island, but if they had had thém in plenty, this unhappy wretch could not have ventured to have enjoyed one. And ashe crawled along, he came suddenly upon a remarkable object.=- » It,was nothing less &man squatting upon the ground poncemenaye from a bottle, ‘this man’s face was flushed. ’ His nose was tipped with a ruddy glow. His eyes sparkled brilliantly, and he rocked te and fro as he sat. Now when the wounded ruffian approached, the carouser looked up, and fixing his eyes upon him, said: 2 “Come and sit down, the pair of you, and don’t get dancing round and round like that, you'll gid potty thee is, get giddy. Come, come, old fal. ‘ow an’ liquor up.” jt Pa And then he burst out into a bacchanalian chant, which surprised the new comer: > “*Gaily now my moments roll, While I quaff the bowing flowl, Care shall never touch Ike Mol If he deeply, deeply drin “‘He—he—he! my cheerfulpal. Gently; don’s waltz around like that, but come and havea pull. Sit down, both of you; this is a free an’ easy, an’ not a dance—he—he!” es his grog.’ CHAPTER IL, MR, MOLE IN HIS WAR-PAINT—HIS BRUSH WITH THE ENEMY. Tar Greek rufiian looked more alarmed at Mr. Mole than if the latter had shown fight. The probability is, that he took the worthy man for a magician, and thought that his Bac- chanalian ditty was an incantation. Vir is? “Come and sit down, ole f’lar,” said Mr. Mole, Re | his hand: Berets eh it es r—scuse my speeth—spe—speech—l’ve been shoffering so Wath togthesie that it’sh quite at- fected my talking; it’s made my head bad too— precious bad—must have it off—pah—ha! Come a Sea es ak e looked about him with tipsy gravity. ‘*Where’sh the other?” as ie No answer coming, he went on: ‘ “‘Mo’stronary—can’t make where’sh thother. Come an’ sit down—what/ll you take?” He made no effort to rise.) | yaw Slane a the Greek drew his knife. - Now, far gone as hé was, Isaac. Mole knew ° what that Meant ber Maan MAS vat fae wee : So he felt for his revolver and cocked it. — Slee he might as well have cocked a champagne e. His revolver was filled with whiskey, which had leaked from a bottle, and the weapon was of no use. : The ruffian, seeing the revolver, grew awfull: frightened. ’ : Ip oA _ He dropped his knife on the ground, and bowed in the most extravagant token of submission. ‘* Quite sho,” said c Mole; ‘‘come sit down, you ugly ruffian, or [ shall shoot you.” Apparently the Greek did not understand the words, but the gestures accompanying the speech were full of meaning. } mates down he dropped immediately, facing Mr, ole. : : Ms “ Now, take a pull at this, you vagabond,” said the latter, handing him the cup off his flask full of liquor. Wests Se:
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HARKAWAY, ON MAGIC, ISLAND. “The ot waere him.a Greek ‘Thank you,” and tooka good draught atthe cup. Then he coughed, and spluttered, and ny ery (ape it was over-proof whiskey—neat, that Mr. Mole had been drinking. a fy The Greek had not tasted whiskey before. And when he recovered his breath, he got on his feet and seized his knife again. His eyes. were half. starting out from. their sockets, and his face was Blooired. 7 ‘Some violent ejaculations in his own tongue | f burst from -him, and he made a rush at the as- tonished Mr. Mole. ; . The latter would have been.ima sorry predica- ment, but for a sneaien accident. He lifted his right leg to ward off the assaul and; as the Greek. made a wild rush, he spike eed on the an tipped the timber-toe— i arvey’s roughing, ep “ Aha!” cried the Greek... ©) ; And down he dropped:his knife, as the pain .of his hurt from the nail doubled him up. | ¢ Mr. Mole valiantly lunged out again, and this time caught the Greek upon the neck, “What are you howling at?” said Mole; but he was partly sobered by what he had seen; for it was rather a startling job, and so with com- mendable presence of mind, he followed his suc- cess arp y up. ; He first secured the Greek’s knife and his own revolver, and then he rushed at the enemy. Thé latter, having received half an inch of ‘rusty natlin the neck, had;been knocked over, but scrambling toshis feet, he made off. just as Mr. Mole remorselessly prodded him behind with his right leg—and right nail. refin, “Aha! Oho! . Hoha!” yelled the Greek. And he rushed o, shrieking with fear; for Mr. Mole had ‘landed him” in a sore spot—the fissure in his ham that had been made by. Magog ' Brand’s bullet. : eft ; At the very moment that he disappeared, Dick Harvey, guided by the noise, rushed up to Mole. “Halloo!” cried Dick, anxiously, “are you safe?” : “ And sound,” said Mole: “Thank Heaven for that,” said Harvey. “‘ You ve usa precious fright, but we though’ we Bara a noise.” Mr. Mole smiled. é “My dear Harvey,” said Mr. Mole, ‘I like to take the foe single-handed,” “What!” “‘T have met the foe!” “ Never!” of, “T have—and conquered,” said Mr. Mole. ‘‘It is true,” he added, moodily, ‘they were not in force—there were, in fact, only five of them.” “Rive?” “Yes, only five.” ‘« You met them single-handed?” “Of course.” “ And fought?” 59 much — of course.” a pi ee beat them all off?’ «Still more of course.” “Well,” said Harvey, ‘‘ well; you are a brave man, sir.” “Did you ever know me to turn my back to the foe?” « “No:” ; “T thought not.” takes ‘‘Nor poor face either,” muttered Dick. Yet he was puzzled; for he certainly had heard cries as he came up. © i “T have fought and conquered,” said Isaac Mole, with a flourish; ‘‘behold the spoils of vic- tory.” : pe he showed the: knife. that. the frightened hg had left behind him in his flight. ‘“ Well done, Mr. Mole,” said Brand. “The brave Mole was alone, single-handed,” said Harvey. fof ste 2 “Where are your victims?” inquired Brand. “T can’t say; the whole seven of them fled, scattered like chaff before the wind, and by this mighty arm alone.” “Seven!” said ae ' “Beven,” said Mr. Mole, with serious empha- sis. ‘You said five.” “ Five,” exclaimed Mr. Mole, with considera- ble readiness, ‘‘five fought; the other two can scarcely have been said to fight.” ae H so?’ 4 be Five of the poor scared wretches cut up so _ miserably bad, that the other two were quite de- moralised, so T let one off with a prod in the ribs from my leg.” 3 fy “Very kind.” “But the other fv one snow my fist that made swallow six of his teeth.” ey “Did 2 ti 9 make them eat their heads?’ asked Brand. ; 4 F ' ’ ‘* Oh—oh—oh!” groaned said Dick, “but Mr. Mole will never expect us to swallow his tale.” : ‘ “ Mr, Harvey!” said Mole in great indignation. “Tn point of fact,” said Dick, lau hing, “Mr. Mole’s peculiar romance suggests a riddle.” “ A riddle?” “ Yes. ”» “ Let’s have it,” said Magog Brand, smelling ‘un. “Tt is this,” said Harvey. “way @ & tooth like a lie?” “ Give itup.” ; ‘* Because it’s a Mole-ar.” CHAPTER. IIL THE TIGER’S. LAIR—DOWN IN THE EARTH. THe Gréek pirate, whom Mr. Mole had van- quished, fled to the thickest part of the wood. And when he had ascertained that he was free from aged a he made his way to a spot, where, cleverly concealed in the shrubs from even a close scrutiny, was a jarge, flat slab of stone, with an iron ring sunk in i This he raised. i Beneath was a flight of roughly-cut steps that went down into the earth at least twenty feet. The Greek stepped down and. replaced the stone aiter him. This done, he descended the steps, and passed along a narrow, vaulted passage, dark and gloomy, and furnished with a miserable, flicker- ing lamp of bad oil at intervals of twenty yards. \t the end of this passage he came to a ed gateway of great solidity, where he knocked four times loudly. The gate was opened’ by a thick-set man, of weird and savage aspect, A man whose age it was not easy to guess at from his appearance. This man addressed the new-comer in Italian.. “Who's there?” “Tt is I, Stavros; is Monastos within?” “ Yes. ” “Good. Keep a strict watch here, and mind what you are about. There are enemies abroad,” said Stavros, seriously, {{Bnemies!” repeated the other, looking blank. “Ay, enemies, and clever enemies, too, craf- ty, cunning enemies. that. get up to tricks; ene- mies to avoid, enemies to fear.” “ Fear 1? And then he aroused himself a bit and stared. “et Ay, fear.” - He nodded with a deal of significance, and re- peated Stavros’ last words, as the latter pushed on his way along the low, vaulted oer: . This second passage was abou thirty yards long, and was. guarded by a second door more massive than the first. 4 Passing through this, he came to a low vaulted cavern. This opened out into a larger vault or cave. In this cave there was a thick-set man with an iron-grey beard, and weather-beaten face that told of exposure to wind, and rain, andsun, for ‘}many a long year, This man was slightly above the middle hight, and appeared to be the principal person in the company present. : . He was busily employed in superintending the loading of pibtals, and polishing of steel arms of various makes and apnea es while the bulk of the work was being per: ormed by two men. Near them was a beautiful girl. The two men were eyidently of a very low tog but there was an unmistakably superior look about the girl. ‘ The other man, he of the iron-grey beard, was between forty and fifty years of age. His closely-knit frame spoke of great bodily | lati strength. To the left of the door by which Stavros had entered was a vaulted aperture, beyond which could be séen the daylight faintly glistening through a dense foliage. : At this entrance stood two armed sentries. Silent. © Motionless. , The table,was prepared in the center of the cay- ern, and was already creaking and groaning un- der E . estaricn. of eieepes iba were in strange con’ wi e and rugged appearance of the dwelling itself. : Rich wines and fruits were there in abundance, and in endless variety, and the service was of gold plate. PF Biss) 2 y : There was the finest table-linen, and, in fine, every luxury of civilization and wealth. So extraordinary did it look in such a that it would sorely haye puzzled any of the 4s the in chorus. Harkaway party, could “the Greek might have awaiieed his teeth,” jealousy i ‘ they have pierced that What would they have thought it was like? _ It recalled, more than aught else, a scene in a- ep mei opening, where the change from gay ave, from banqueting halls of dazzling light to the haunts of'demon miners, is performed ina slip-shod manner by the slow scene-shifters, and the festive board is left forgotten, long after the brilliant walls and flashing mirrors have given place to the dismal cavern “ nat.” Stavros stared at the preparations for ths feast | and his eyes glistened. “Captain Monastos!” he said, or rather |—for he was nearly done up with his late exer- tions. “Stavros, you here!” es een captain turned in surprise as the latter en- red. : Stavros dropped upon a cushion that lay near-’ ly at his feet. ~~ ? a | But he rolled over with a cry of pain. He had fallen upon the noe that he owed to Magog Brand’s unerring rifle. onastos and the rest of the people gathered around him. “What is it, Stavros?’ asked the Greek cap- ba * are you hurt?” ‘ “ B: 8 : “*T fear so.” “Is it this cut you have in the neck and head?” “That is not the worst, captain,” replied Stavros. “Iam faint with the loss of blood and ‘ e.”? “Faint!” said Monastos. ‘‘Give him some wine.” with ric! Bio, parched Stavros drank it to the very egs. 4 onastos stooped and hastily examined the hurt upon his head. ‘ “This is a bad knock,” said he, “but it is by - no means dangerous.” “That is notall,” said Stavros. ‘I'm shot!” “Shot?” \ , " ‘Not in the chest or body?” said Monastos, anxiously. ‘*No,” suplied, Stavros, hesitating. And looking up at the girl who was looking down upon. Laat ull of solicitude for him— ot— “Tam sh the rear.” P ““This shall beseen to at once,” said Monastos. “Paquita!” “Yes, father,” said the girl. “Go and prepare a bed for Stavros in the ad- joining chamber, as soft as possible, my child.” “Yes, father. ““Now tell me, Stavros,” said the ohio and’ brigand chief, eagerly, as his daughter disap- peared, ‘“‘are they in force?” ; “ Yes. ” “How many?” “Thirty, at least.” Monastos burst out laughing: ati this. + ? he ejacula: “Why, Stavros, we shall eat y inan hour.” ‘‘Not thirty of this breed,” replied Stavros, he take my word for it, they are thirty evils. Z CHAPTER Iv. THE BANQUET HALL—PETRUS THE IDIOT AND HIS TWIN BLOODHOUNDS—HUNTING A MAN— ON THE SCENT. : ““Ha-ha-ha!” laughed the brigand chief. “Why, you are getting quite jocular, Stavros.” “Wait till you have heard all,” replied the “ Perhaps.” “Or provide them with graves,” added the brigand chief, fiercely. _Then he continued: “The information is, I admit, to a certain ex- tent, serious, although not anything as serious as you would lead us to believe.” “Good.” And Stavros looked as savage asa bear, _ He had been doing all the work and receiving all the hard knocks up to the present. “* Before FM treat this matter lightly, cap- tain,” said Stavros, “you should be sure that you may not have cause to weep.” | The captain frowned. . said. re N pt “ne? at > “You are growing rather daring, Stavros,” he 4 Captain Monastos looked a bit serious now. pacer
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« HARKAWAY ON MAGIC ISLAND. **Come—come,” he said, ‘‘ tell me all.” ‘Well, in the first place, they have got a@mon- key dressed like a man that fights for them.” *A monkey?” ejaculated Monastos. “ Yes. ” “But surely a ey can’t be a dangerous enemy. He is not one of the devils?” “T don’t know that. He looks more like the evil one than any man could.” This madé the brigand captain bigs te “Well, ye may be right there, Stavros,” he ah but why not knock this monkey on the Stavros laughed now. A wild, sardonic grin it was, too. ‘* Hasily said.” ‘Not so easily done?” “Not quite. Why, you can’t got near him; I couldn’t so much as touch his tail.” ‘Then surely you could knock him over with a, bullet?” ‘ “He's bullet proof,” said Stavros, with great ity; ‘you will have an opportunity of judg- ' ing for yourself before long, no doubt.” We shall see.” ‘Besides this, they have a very dangerous help in the shape of a little dog; don’t laugh yet, until you have heard why he is sucha dangerous help, This dog is trained to nose out everything that his master wants him to find. We them covered in the ravine with our rifles; we could have ios them off one after the other; not one would have got through the pass alive,or at least unhurt.” “‘Well—well,” exclaimed Monastos, eagerly. “The dog smelt us— im—and warned them, and not one was scratched. Besides this, they’ have two negro sccuts, who are as daring as forty devils.” Tho copiein's face grew more serious. ac Scou 9”? 1 “Ves, ” A “Then we must look after them; they shall have our first care.” There was a murderous significance in his man- ner as he said this. “That is not all,” said Stavros. ‘What more can there be?” “They have a dwarf that looks like an unnat- ural imp, and who shot me without aiming at me. their regular men?” asked the pirate captain. “Yes; they have a man who ims no legs.” “No legs? “oe No. ” S. ms ou wouldn’t say that if you had been in my ace. “How? Why, surely a legless man can’t have | done you any harm?” : “Tegless,” said Stavros, “in a manner of speaking. His legs are gone, it is true, but they are replaced by stilts of wood, and fitted into the ends are sharp blades. Now this man can ae as if his body were upon springs hop wonderf: distances, and use one of his legs like a lance, and a devilish ugly weapon it makes.” . He groaned as he rubbed the wounded parts that were souvenirs of Isaac Mole’s prowess. . Captain Monastos@pened his eyes wide in won- ler. | ‘* Well, Stavros,” he said, rather more serious- ly, ‘‘I confess that it does make a queer list, af- ter all—a monkey, a dog, two negro scouts, a dwarf that shoots around the corner, and a springy man mounted upon lances.” “T thought Bhs would say so,” “Indeed, I do,” ** But wait until you have come in contact with them yourself.” _ “Yes, wait,” said the captain, significantly; ““T have already thought of the two negroes, an how to dispose of them to advantage.” “How?” : “We have two faithful friends who do not ob- ject to the taste of negro flesh.” ‘The taste?” ; “Yes; Castor and Cyrus, you. may remem- «The bloodhounds?” “ Yes. ” “One of the negroes is already beyond harm, unless I am very much mistaken.” : “ec How?” se Beaten inet isa foci ite IY ave you met and fought with ? cat ier “tater, carpeatin.”” “Goon? 5's . “Costantino met the first of their party, a Y a traitor, who ventured here, lurked behind him upon the wooded hights, then gota upon him, and oe him down to his death.” “Good!” cried Monastos. ‘That's brave.” “Wait, captain. He was a brave fellow, Costantino, was he not?” “He was.” “‘ Well, Costantino killed the spy, and stuck cj head upon a pole just on the spot where he ell. “Bravo—bravo!” cried several of the brigands, gathering round as the wounded man’s narrative increased in interest. “Well. A warning to any who, should dare to follow,” said the chief. ' “ Yes. % “ Costantino shall find that I know how to re- ward my brave followers,” said Captain Monas- | here. tos, with the air of a grand monare 2 ‘le has already met with his reward,” said om How? Speak!” Monastos Spietes ay ““Why mumble so in riddles? What reward can Costantino have met with already?” ‘‘He met one of the negro scouts,” answered Stavros; ‘‘met him upon the very spot where the head stood up as a warning.” “Say on.” “They fought!” “* Costantine killed his man?” said the chief. ‘No. Costantino did not conquer.” “ Confusion!’ exclaimed Monastos; ‘then he ” ° “Ts dead; killed by the black scout.” A came from the pirates. ‘His head now replaces that of the first man —the spy who had the temerity to venture into the tiger’s den; and-what’s more, I believe two then, Stavros," said the ‘brigand captet en. ros,” sail e brigand captain, witha stern air of determination, ‘the man had better be at the bottom of the sea, than face my vengeance; for I swear——” ‘T have alread ros; “the murderer of Costantino has_that which he will not forget, and, but that I was interrupted, I would have settled his account | sir with life to-day.” ‘*Good, Stavros,” said the captain, gloomily. ‘‘My men shall be bitterly avenged. Go on. Tell me how you fared while encountering this African savage.” “T had his throat and head at my merey, when that demon ape fell upon me.” ‘“‘ The ape!’ “Ay! Abts 1h ts ig: Ge : ‘* And the black scout got off?” : “He did; but not before I had eed Bad Costantino. He was yet living when I left him, but to his grave he will carry my marks.” he Brevort “That is something ” exclaimed the brigand captain, exultingly; ‘‘ but you should have killed him outright, even had it cost you your life.” Stavros frowned. ‘* OF what nation were they?” asked the pirate | © chief. “English,” said Stavros. The captain was silent. 4 It was a position of difficulty. Stavros was quite right, when he said that his eee had not seen the full danger of the posi- ‘ion. “Ido not like the English,” said Monastos; ‘we must look well to our arms, and see that a, do not escape us.” e force under Jack Harkaway as now com- posed was indeed a formidable array. Craft, wit, strength, were all aii each amply a eich f daring beyond anything e men of daring beyond anythi that their enemies contemplated. = Zh Of their pened eh and ability they had al- ready given good proofs. * * * * * * “Tell us, Stavros, which way are they march- ing now?” asked Monastos. ; ‘By the ravine path, thence by the main route.” } “ Good. ” “The negro who is yet safe and sound, is, or was, lost in the wooded hight on the right of the Sree betes amped up at thi e captain jum up ab this. “That's the ia, then,” he said; et us cut then off in detail, kill them off one by one, these cursed English.” “The firet thing, then,” said the brigand cap- berg send the twin bloodhounds ' me.” “yor Castor and Cyrus?” “ Huzzah!” cried Stavros, half rising from the sass}? ret 6 ar begun that task,” said Stay- | ta the reedy way in w und, and waving hishand. ‘‘ You fill me with ope; send the hounds hither that I may look: upon them before they go.” hat. Dineoe The next minute, a deep baying sound was heard, and one of the — brought in a pair of immense bloodhounds leashed | er! =". The man who brought them in, was the big, sullen man who guarded the first gate by whic Stavros had entered the brigand fastness. The man with the paid beard and unkempt hair, whose looks of intelligence were but trdn- Sim and whose expression was generally va- A man whose mind wasa blank, one who could ee ne Bad Se the past, at times, for his past was brim of painful recollections. ‘Ah, Petrus,” said Monastos, ‘bring them 7 x Petrus led them up to the captain, and let go. The captain half drew his pistols. ‘‘Keep them well in hand,” said he; ‘‘ they are not muzzled.” ‘* Fear not.” “Nay, I don’t fear them,” said Monastos, with an uneasy look; ‘‘only they never seem to take kindly to me.” ‘There’s no danger,” said Petrus, carelessly. And without more ado he set them at liberty. Immediately, one crawled to the brigand chiet', and growled ominously. The captain was no coward, and did not fear meeting in combat any two men, yet somebow, those fierce bloodhounds made him y: He would sooner face three men in single com~- bat, than one of those fierce hounds. He madea movementas though to chastise tha dog. when at once it crouched to spring. here was no mi ing this action. His tail moved uneasily from side to side, and he looked full of fire. : The strange man they called Petrus seemed to watch with joy the hostile movements of tha bloodhounds against the pirate and brigand eap- in, “Call them off,” cried the captai ? ‘* quick!" “‘ Castor,” cried Petrus, angrity. “Come here, jy 1? The noble ber4t turned with a whine to his keeper. One “¢ me—come,” said Petrus; “‘ good dog. Kiss me. Thereupon, the hound leaped into his arms, opened to receive him, and caressed him eagerly. He must have been a powerful fellow, indeed, to stand the shock of this huge animal. But it did not even shake him, to all appear- ce. “Petrus.” c Hola,” “Fetch this other hound from me; the brute smells the blood, I am sure, and he, looks as though he were ready to eat me.”. It was Stavros. Cyrus did, indeed, hover around the wounded bri and, as though he would have relished a meal The wounds of the poor wretch were full of fragrance for Cyrus, aS a might perceive by hich he licked fangs. ow, you, Cyrus,” cried Petrus, and the second hound also came quickly to his side, lick- ing his hands, ‘ Bring them something to eat,” said Monastos. No sooner said than done. Alarge wooden dish filled with meat and ‘| bones was placed in the middle of the floor, and the two bloodhounds flew to it. But not to touch a morsel. ‘‘ Here,” cried Petrus in a voice of thunder. The hounds slunk back, and crouching with deep humility, they dragged their bellies along the ground to their master. The rest of the brigands looked on astounded. “You have them well in hand. It is mar- vellous,” said Monastos. “There appears to be a sort of understanding between them,” said the wounded man. “Yes. There isa species of affinity between an Englishman and a dog,” said the captain, frowning. Yells of laughter greeted this witticism. And while they laughed, the half savage ed looked up, his eyes flashing fire for an But the gleam was only momentary. It faded away, and was soon replaced by the jae Cae a eee with a au ‘ight. You are a brave man, ne wit. I am only an English- man. “pe wart “You English are all dogs,” said Monastos.. AB Ted aad orig a ground, ‘‘I suppose that I am the next thing — - vacantly at, the . Boe
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less serious nature ' posed. the two | Jack Har Harry Girdwood. '. around and ejac' HARKAWAY ON MAGIC ISLAND. to a dog myself, and that is why I took so ba a fs ae “Silence, dog,” said the captain, “and start our twin ities on ae at in nigger is ‘In your quarry, my brave Castor, and m aoupty * Hunt him down. ‘Tear hin pepe and you shall have a meal to your iking. Real nigger black pudding. Ha, ha!” they with the hounds. Poor Sunday was in jeopardy now. Before the twin bloodhounds had been out half an hour, they were upon the scent, and fol- jowing it eagerly, with their noses to the und. “The dogs are on the scent,” said Petrus, “and the poor wretch will be torn in shreds.” CHAPTER V. BAD NEWS ON BOARD—IN THE ‘STILL NIGHT— “THUS BEGINS THE VENGEANCE OF MONAS- TOS.” On board the Westward Ho! they were any- thing but comfortable. Hilda was full of uneasiness, little Emily was never tired of mitering, ber misgi panes about young Jack, and Mrs. kaway felt her own spirits sink more and more, After the lapse of a few hours, a party of men ‘was seen approaching the ship, bearing the body of poor Monday on a litter, da ran forward to greet her faithful Monday, and received his inanimate form with deep emo- tion. “Oh, my r Monday—my x Monday!” she cried. .‘' What can Ido to help you through this trouble?” The wounded Prince of Limbi opened his eyes, : ae all right, Ada,” said he, ‘only a little urt. "7 ‘Only a little,” she reiterated. ‘‘ Why, Mon- ay! ‘T Sha’n’t leave you a widow yet, Ada,” said the faithful fellow, with a faint laugh. Emily ranup. =, Her face was pale. She was no chicken-hearted woman... - She had been in too many stirring scenes of danger and trouble to feel alarmed now without ample cause. ‘How are the others, my poor Monday?” asked Emily. ark ee “All right.’ 2 “No one hurt?” ‘* Not one.” : “Ah!” she genet, in deep relief, \ “No,” said he, “only pee unlucky Monda: _knocked out of the fun. Just my luck,” he con- tinued, with .a groan. ‘That nigger Sunday has it all to himself; he'll haye the laugh at e. Sunday's pont um 's position at that icular moment om being enviable. ve Poor Sunday! Atno period’ of his life had he been in such danger. E : Little short of a miracle would it be if -he chanced to get through it with life. : The enemies he had to encounter were formid- able ones indeed. But more of Sunday’s adventures later on. * * * * * * Monday’s hurts happily proved to be of a far an might have been sup- The consequence was that the. faithful fellow made rapid progress, and so before he had been many hours on board. e to, en: hopes of soon rejoining Harkaway and his ad- venturous party. * 2 * ok * * * It was night. : ‘ The watch was set. This watch was shared by Ben Hawser and the ‘kaway the younger and They were chatting in_a half sleepy manner forward, when ae Jack fared” " enddionly “Do you hear that?” 7 ‘“ $9? ; . his companion » {You must be mistaken”, ee foe REE ee pre a heard som that time.” Searing do you think it. can be?’ said yo See eae ne Sete Pee Pee sin Té sounds very like the cable being parted.” They listened in silence some considerable time, vain re res mee a it perplexing t could it mean? was very i Was there something wrong going forward— more evildoers lurking there? And had they been surprised by the vigilance of the watch! To tell the honest truth, the awful «and sudden end of poor Spirillo had in some degree startled the whole of the party. ‘ Suddenly there was a strange, creaking noise, and the ee he a lurch. | A lurch that would be nothing in the open sea, but which was enough to fill them with the great- est alarm, taking place in that sheltered creek, that was still as a mill-pond, with scarcely a rip- ple on its surface. ‘“Halloo, there!” cried Ben Hawser. } ‘Whatnow?” said Jack. | “What can it mean?” said Harry Girdwood, anxiously. The vessel groaned as she moved on apace. “Why, stop my grog!” cried Ben Hawser, ‘‘if oe aren’t under way. There’s something wrong ere.” The two boys looked at each other with a be- wildered air. There was no mistaking the fact now. The Westward’ Ho! was moving, gliding slow- ly along the water. “By Heaven! you were right, Harry!” ex- oy a young Jack; ‘‘the cable has been part- Foul play! ’ For a few seconds they were quite staggered with this discovery. But the gallant old tar, Ben Hawser, was the first to recover his presence of mind. “Damme!” he eried, “the enemy is up to divers’ tricks.” ° “And sundry artifices,” said eo Jack, who had the true Harkaway relish for a Soke Ben Hawser stepped over the bulwarks and slid down the rope to the water. ° Then grasping the ship’s chains, he groped along around the vessel. Nearly the whole of his body was submerged, but, like a veteran sea-lion, he was prepared for any sudden emergency by contriving in spite of culties, to keep his powder dry. And this is how he did it. He carried his revolver in a stout leathern case, the lid of which he héld in his teeth, and groping along thus, he presently came in sight ei a dark form swimming at the head of the ip. : Drawing nearer, he contrived to see that it was aman. He appeared to be holding on 'to something at- tached to the keel, wich was invisible to San Nearer and nearer he crept, and then he made this alarming discovery. “Why, the swab has chopped our cable, fast- ened on a line, and blow my bags if they arn’t | Li towing of us out. Pll make sure of that shark anyhow.” ‘And then Ben showed the prudence of keeping |. his powder dry. Poising himseff with his left hand upon the ship’s chains, he took-the.revolver in his right hand out of the leather case. : _He straightened his arm and took a deliberate aim. “Take that, you son of a sea-cook!” exclaimed honest Ben, and he pulled the trigger. When the smoke of the hon: Biabeed away, Ben Hawser’s target had disay . _ Simultaneously’ the Westward Ho! stopped in her mysterious passage. ; It was very pa af That one man could not be towing out the big ar 4 ingle-handed. ercules himself could not have performed aa Sttioont lution of this r 0; the only solution seeming m could be that’ Ben Hawser’s shot had ees that man’s accomplices, but Ben’s attention was ba el attracted above. ere was a great outcry upon the deck. Back he scrambled, and Thinbared. up the ee asnimbly as Nero himself could have one it. Just as he reached the deck,he heard the sound | with the of a girl’s voice calling for help. thar across young Jack and Harry Gird- wood. They were rushing along the deck in’the great- est_excitement. ae Consternation was depicted upon every coun- tenance. “Tt’s all right, Master Jack,” said Ben Hawser; “we put an end to their to out.” ~ | for ih Stak mesa to the exciting | bri had been the principal actor, but in this he was way Ses cr undeceived. ‘ 2° 5 kl” cried young Jack, ‘‘which way was The ae shrieks before alluded to were again heard, but they were soon stifled, and astentori- an voice that drowned every other sound, was heard to shout out in broken English: ‘Beware of Monastos! Thus begins his ven- geance!” : , * * o* * 9 x * ‘Who is that?” asked the puzzled Ben. ‘What cries are those for help?” ‘* Little Emily has been carried off by the | brigands!” m Hawser staggered back aghast at the news. “But how?” ‘“ While we were wa you for’ard, they scrambled up aft—little ty had just run on deck, and was seized in a moment, burked, and hauled over Pee ’ CHAPTER VIL A MOTHER’S GRIEF—THE UNJUST TAUNTS—¥?0 THE : RESCUE OR TO DEATH. hin, Little Emily had been carried off by the Greek Pai with the utmost audaci! from the deck of the Westward Ho! mi Swiftly, yet stealthily, a burly ruffian had clambered up the ship’s side, and met Harvey’s daughter as she was running on deck, to ascer- tain the meaning of the strange commotion. Before she could utter a word or ery out, a pair of brutal hands had seized her, and whisked her © off with as little effort or ceremony as if she had been a doll. Ready hands awaited the prize below. And then, profiting by their knowledge of the peed the Lianapare hustled their victim out of sig’ f, and were soon lost in the adjacent intri- cacies that bordered At first the folks on board the Westward Ho/ were thunderstruck, stupefied. But ppegelly eoovering themselves, they look- ed hurriedly to their arms, and rushed off in pur- suit. They had little to guide them. The yen indication that they had was the di- rection whence came those two despairing cries of the se Ha girl. No matter. On they rushed, scrambled up the steep banks, ey Nie difficulty penetrated the thickly-grown FS A But Ser failed—tfailed entirely—in finding ittle Emily, And after a fruitless search, they wended their way back to the ship, utterly crestfallen. ‘As young Jack gained the deck, he found him- self face to face with Mrs. Harvey. The mother’s face was ashy pale as she asked, y Emily? Oh, Jack!” she ex- ou found her?” tremblingly, news of her chil is claimed, ‘have Tho boy hung ead. ‘“We shall find her yet, Mrs. Harvey,” he said, pT Pe er!” echoed the grief-stricken mother. ‘‘Find her! You should never have returned ee wser approached. ne ao your Oe ak, ma’am,” stammered the honest f low, tugging at his forelock, ‘‘ we have searched every pint of the compass for Miss Emily, bless her heart!” : Mrs. Harvey wrung her hands, and moaned piteously. . i Had you done so,” she exclaimed, w: great bitterness, ‘‘ my child would now be here.” Young Jack reddened to the roots of’ his hair at these words. “ Avast there, ma’am,” exclaimed Ben Hawser. seriously ; “ we’ve done all that mortal man coul do, rere for why, he behaved Yi on oik Shimeale h turn. oun, collect owever, = éd euddenaly upon Hilda end excaimed: ° “Pll rescue little y, or Pll leave my body in their hands.” And then, before anyone could divine his in- © eres he darted from the deck into the state notion scene that had taken place below, in which he ' almost immediately.
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7 \ “YOUNG JACK AND HARRY GIRDWOOD' SEKK AD- |) “Where is Ben ‘Hawser?” “ ag si HARKAWAY ON MAGIC ISLAND. Tearing it e eer ePres rly open, he scanned it through ) a ground plan marked: prisoner's cavern. “Now,” said the boy, with fierce determina- tion, “now we'll see, Mrs, Harvey, if you will taunt me with not finding Emily.’ And then seizing a blank sheet of paper, he hurried! : plan, and a Copy, of the written indications. This done, he turned to the cabin steps as Girdwood came down and im, “Where are you going, Jack?” demanded Harry, oegerly, d 2. Tam going to set little Emily free,” returned ) Jack, resolutely, ‘‘or leave my body in qt ung . . he hands of the pirates.” - 3 “‘You know you are going to risk your life?” said his young comrade, earnestly. “T do.” : “That you are going almost to certain death, Jack?” “T know it,” returned young Harkaway, “‘but Mrs. Harvey shall not taunt me with cowardice, right or wrong. I go. Good-by, Harry.” 6 held out his hand. . The other took it, but he did not release it at once, “Do you think, Jack,” said he, ‘that I would let you go——” “Let me go!” began young Harkaway, indig- nantly. - We will face this danger to- * Alone—never! gether or not at all.” “Why should you run this risk for my sake?” said Jack, in a tone of remonstrance, but it was useless. Harry Girdwood’s manner showed that he would brook no denial. “Enough, Jack. you; we will face gether.” - He ran up on deck, closely followed by Harry. Here they met Ben Hawser. ** Avast, there, young gentlemen!” exclaimed the old salt, ‘‘whither away?” “‘ Ben,” said young Jack, “‘we’re going to find the pirates, and rescue Emily.” The old tar stared a: at the speaker, Me wound up yet, Master Jack, at that ’ere tac! 4 No, nor do I intend to be until I have succeed- The old tar gave a long whistle. ‘‘ Pm afeard that'll take a precious long time,” he said, dubiously. ‘Maybe, Ben,” said pins Lore bid hi pay be, but I want you to bear thenews to my moth- er as tenderly as you can.” “Here, I say, stow that,” said Ben Hawser. Why, I'd sooner face a broadside than have to goand tell that dear lady as how I had stood pth by and let her boy trate self-de- ction; no, my hearty—axing your pardon— I go with you, or stay with danger, it may be death, to- "you shall tell her all about it yourself.” And then the wily old tar made one step to the grani cabin stairs. ‘‘Mrs. Harkaway, ahoy!” he shouted. He knew thathe could not stop the boys him- self, so he hoped to bring parental authority to bear upon Jack, but the latter was far too quick for old Ben. ; With one bound the boy was atthe ship’s side. * Come on; Harry, old boy!” he ‘ejaculated; ** follow me.’ Tim there.” ; And down the two boys dropped into the wa- ter. Two minutes more and they had gained the oré. At the self-same instant, Mrs. Harkaway * reached the deck. ; A hurried word of explanation sufficed to ac- quaint her with all that had occurred. * “That mad boy has rushed to his destruction,” she. exclaimed, in a frenzy of excitement. “Here, marm.” “Send up a rocket.” “4 what?” ae “rocket. You know the signal that was to bring my husband in ease of r? What ‘danger could be more terrible than that which threatens us now—that my rash boy, alone, seeks the pirate’s den?” A : ~ , CHAPTER VIL. #2 AND MEET WITH THEM; CHIEFLY § dosh oi dee | m4 * As the two boys gai in ben ace, Hs made asketch of the route and the | Ha: Girdwood’s attention was attracted to the whizz of to on board the Westward Ho! ‘“‘Thear,” said Jack. They turned around, and then they saw the rocket shooting heavenwards like a fiery meteor. | fi *“Do you know what that signal means?” said rry. j ‘‘T know that it is a rocket,” answered young Jack Harkaway, ‘‘ what of that?” ‘But youalso remember that it was the sig- nal agreed upon with your father to recall the party incase of danger.” Jack started ac . The brave boy-had not contemplated this, “Oh, —Harry,” he exclaimed, “ what ne done.” pset the whole party,” returned Harry | Girdwood, dolefully. Young Jack sighed. “Tf is very difficult to define one’s duty clearly.” “Tt is,” “And I could not bear Mrs. Harvey’s re- proaches. Moreover, think of poor little Emily.” ‘Poor girl.” “Yes, yes, Harry,” he said resolutely, ‘“‘ after all, we have but one course open to us.’ “To go to the rescue?” ‘Yes, to the rescue of Emily.” And so the two boys went on. Now, when they had got some distance, they began to hold a council of war. arry Girdwood was anxious to hear the plan of the campaign. : Rares Young Jack’s plan was of the simplest possible description. ; It was this. ; He proposed to follow out the paths indicated in the ci of Spirillo’s chart, and lurk about the stro hold of the brigands. ; Thither he felt sure the captive girl had ‘been carried. ; His idea was that she would be left compara- tively free there. y Tf so, she would not be watched while she stroll- ed up and down aboutthe cavern and its vicinity, of which, thanks to Spirillo’s many yarns on board the Flowery Land, he possessed acute foreknowledge. ; vations. There 1) aia dia bn: “* Good,” said hie y ye eomirade «bab be tx careful not, to speak * range Of "the ‘while ‘you are up : ere. PM Led age | Op went’ ‘yout Tack, and when’ he “had fs . Ly Fa v Lane ‘ » c Uae | Me ae ; Pree s Af was'so sudden
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gg father and ey #00 pire -HARKAWAY ON MAGIC ISLAND. ~ reached a considerable altitude, he nodded ex- evi to the expectant H e They made now for the hills, choosing the ee where there was the thickest growth of uush and shrub, and as they had reached the crest of the hill, they suddenly found themselves upon the brink of a precipice. : ., At its base rippled the stream marked in the chart. A As they stood there, they heard the sound of voices close at hand. The words being in Greek, were not under- | stood, but they guessed their meaning from the tone of command which was accompanied by the elinking of arms. } ‘They were changing guard. But where? Then followed the regular marching sound as of drilled troops. They thrust their heads further and further over the precipice, and peered. down. The first object that caught young Jack’s at- tention was the muzzle of a long gun-barrel, pointed directly at him. ; This was, to say the least, not a cheerful thing to contemplate: but it did not disturb young Harkaway at all, and for this simpie reason—it was not presented at him; but if was carried over the shoulder of a sentry below. This man walked up and down twice or thrice, and then he dropped his musket butt on to the und and rested hisarms on the muzzle, strik- ing unconsciously a most picturesque attitude. tretching out still further, young Jack now reeived the explanation of all that had puzzled im before in connection with this episode. Immediately beneath them was the cavern of the redoubtable Monastos. The sentry was mounting guard atits entrance. '“ Harry, I could pop off that, fellow,” whis- red young Jack, eagerly; ‘‘it would make one tee of their party.” -** And two less of ours,” returned his com- panion in the same tone. ‘‘ Remember our com- pact; not to fire till we are compelled.” Barely were the words uttered, ere they were seized from behind and made prisoners. CHAPTER VII YOUNG JACK IS DOOMED—AT THE CANNON’S MOUTH. ; } Young Jack and.Harry were cruelly han- died, and bound with cords that were dragged at, as though. they were bales of woolen cloths for shipment to distant parts; and, added to this, their villanous captors heaped upon them the vilest threats and most abusive epithets. . Upon second thoughts, this latter part of their mdignities did not count for much, as neither the mglish nor American boy could understand a word. , . The two boys were hurried down the mountain slope by a path hitherto unperceived by them, oe in a few moments. they were proper before Monastos, the pirate and brigand of Magic Is- land. tH ‘ As soon.as Monastos, saw the two boys; he nodded and smiled pleasantly at them, to their intense surprise. : Looking around, Jack saw that they were in a cavern, the center of which was supported. by part of a broken ship’s mast. _ In other peepect, too, the place was fitted up ina ing style. AG Damier caithe, in English; which he spoke admirably, ‘why have re bound up these two schildren So, with huge thongs that eat into their flesh, when for all purposes traces of packthread would have done as well?” : The man addressed as Dimitri-uttered some apology. t%p arthe hongs were seyered, and the two lads stood free. ; “Now, young gentlemen,” said Monastos, “ just tell me what: you are doing, trespassing on my property.” , fri manner upon his young prisoners. > «Hod wo known that ie tale was the prop- erty of anyonein particular, we should not have wwentured here,” replied young Harkaway.. — “Unless on wecpe ate curious, inquisitive, spying people,” said Monastos, pleasantly; “scoun- drels and jail-birds,” he smiled mor reeably i Sree Ne deepsea ee De ble ac- cording to,appearances.™ iy, , sl Jack fired up at this. ; The pirate never ceased to smile in the same 7 vate I thee edi ‘he said, boldly. =, Pa iieiakted ALLE Snot « “his. servants, are all honora- | hes We sha “Your father?’ e Yes. ” “So he is at the head?” oe Yes. ” “What is his name?” _ LL that is, I mean John Harkaway.” ‘“Humph! John Harkaway;I shall remem- ber that name.” Harry Girdwood noticed his manner, and he felt uneasy. . . The chief’s smile had a nameless. terror in it. And he judged aright, for a cold, cruel man was Monastos, who took life as. coolly and re- morselessly as he would shoot’a bird. And it had as little effect upon him, oe * 4 a ae * Jack was silent. * Had he said too much? Harry feared it. “Keep mum, now, old boy,” he whispered, so low that the chief could not catch a word; but although he could not hear, he could see pretty well by the boy’s manner what it all meant. “Dimitri.” sf haaparg Se de “Take out that boy, he’s too quiet and artful; leave me alone with the talkative one.” ‘Yes, sir.” : Dimitri then tapped Harry Girdwood upon the shoulder and ushered him out. Jack was about to follow too, when Monastos took him by the wrist, and detained him with gentle force. “* T want you.” Young Jack felt a little uncomfortable at this. He was not afraid, but the separation from Harry Girdwood was an unpleasant reminder that for the time being they were not their own masters. Monastos, never even appearing to notice the longing, lingering looks which young Jack cast after his comrade, motioned him to sit down on. a pile of cushions. , Young Jack hesitated, and was inclined to refuse, but prudence bade him obey. So down he sat. ss “Now, my young friend,” said ‘Monastos, with a bland smile, ‘“‘answer. me one or two questions.” “What are they?” “How many, then, has your father got at the back of him?’ ‘A great many,” answered Jack. ‘*T suppose they are all well armed?” “Yes, well armed.” “How did they gain their knowledge of this place?” 4 haces I cannot, will not tell,” said young ack. “Oh, you had better tell all that you know, without making any difficulties, for”—and here he smiled more pleasantly than ever—‘“ A would find the consequences most disagreeable, unless you tell all you possibly can.” ‘Even then,” said young Jack, stoutly, “I will not tell.” ‘““Imprudent child,” said the pirate chief. ‘“Why refuse information, when, as you ma guess, I already know as much as you can me. “Why then ask me?” said young Jack, quick- “1o test your truth.” “That wants no testing,” said young Jack; “T am like my father; if I speak at all, I speak truth.” ; “T believe you. But. now tell me how much the traitor Spirillo has been able to inform you of—for it was he who brought 1 here, and he pas paid for his treachery with his life, the ren- e. Ta tae Jack was silent. 3 “On passing through the ravine, between those lofty, ae hights, which direction does your pa oy Reune ack found his tongue at this. “Well,” said he, withalight laugh, ‘you sure- ly don’t expect me to tell you that.” ore yes, I do, ig 38 pienatons «indeed I do.” en, sir,” said Jack, quietly, ‘‘ you will be disappointed.” | “O , no,” said Monastos, with that peculiar smile again; “I shall know all that you can tell upon.the matter, for sure.” You m @.” “Not 1.” “Indeed you do, for nothing in the world should induce me to.divulge my father’s move- ments in his endeavor to capture you and your wc Nothings n friend?” said th | ot , my young friend? id the pirate. “Nothing?” replied ack, ti pene 1 see.” oe Monastos turned and called one of his men, and upon the man making his appearance, he gave him some hurried instructions in his own native tongue. This, it is needless to say, was “‘all Greek” to young Harkaway. But the result of it soon appeared. Through the wide opening a huge iron gun was | wheeled into the cavern, and ran up, seemingly ire comparative ease, just behind where young ack s i y ‘*Seize the boy, and bind him tight to the con. non’s mouth,” cried Monastos, and in an instant the unfortunate boy was strapped to the muzzle of the gun. ‘Now bring the fuse.” This-was obeyed promptly, and Monastos took it in his hand and made one step upto the gun. ‘‘ Now, Master Harkaway,” said his majesty. still smiling, ‘‘ where is the information that t ask you for?” The boy was silent. “My patience will not hold out long,” said _ Monastos; ‘‘ give me the information or——” and here he flourished the fuse. But young Jack was silent, and looked him boldly in the face. We do not pretend to say that he felt unmoved at the alarming directions given by the pirate chief to his men. ‘* One last word,” said Monastos; ‘‘I give you time to reflect and recant.” ‘‘T want no time,” retorted Ue i ack. “You are a cold-blooded villain, and will meet your fate at the hands of my father.” “That remains to be seen. Your father, this cursed Englishman, shall yet be treated by me as youare. Now will you confess?” : “No. I am fully resolved as to what duty bids me do—do your worst at once; not a word shall you wring from me.” ““Do you understand, boy, that as soon as I apply this fuse to the touch-hole, your body will be seattered in fragments?” Young Jack closed his eyes, anda slight tremor of the lids showed that he was not insensible to the pirate’s fatal menaces, but he was resolved to betry no emotion before them. : ““Once more, boy,” said Monastos, “I give you the spate of saving yourself;.will you speak?” °. “For the second time, will you answer my questions?” ae No.” “¥or the third time, I say, will you speak, and. save your life?” , “From you pirate? Never!” _** Then that is the last chance you have on this side of the grave. Iam now placing the light to the touch-hole—die!” ‘‘Monastos—Monastos! captain!” cried Dimi- tri, who here ran in and demanded eagerly of his chief if Paquita, his daughter, was there. Monastos turned around with his fuse in his hand. “My daughter here?” said the pirate chief, “What do you mean, fool? Begone, and don’t interrupt me again on your life.” “T fear me,” returned Dimitri, ‘that some ac- cident has happened to her.” The brigand captain looked uneasy. nee grounds have you for supposing that?” said he. “‘ Her voice was heard just now calling for as} sistance.” “There must be some mistake,” “No mistake; I fear she has been imprudent enough to venture forth, and has fallen into the hands of the wernt to be held as hostage.” The pirate chief looked spitefully at Jack for a moment, then let fall the fuse from his . is coolness deserted him; then suddenly arousing himself, he turned to Dimitri with a loud ejaculation. ‘‘ Have you sent many out in pursuit.” “ Not yet,” said Dimitri. ‘‘Then,” said Monastos, ‘‘ let it be done; scat- ter come men right and left—north and south im- mediately, for if they are about -this part, we shall snare them yet. ¢ base “Tt shall be done,” said Dimitri, ‘‘but till some- thing more is learnt, I would give a word of ad- vice. ‘¢ What is it?” ‘* Suspend punishment,” he adi with a sig- nificant glance at Jack stra) to the cannon’s muzzle; ‘for, my life on it, they would take bit- Boy. Peaid the pirate chief, “yout lite for sai © pirat ef, ‘“‘your life one spared; but think net to escape your to give further Male be ee Boy,” short hour is doom.” ; Then the pirate hurried forth directions to recover his lost chil ita if Was
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HARKAWAY ON MAGIC ISLAND. CHAPTER IX. ON THE WAR-PATH—MAGOG BRAND'S PRISONER— THE ALARM—NERO PLAYS POSTMAN. Ir is time to return to the main body. Before sundown, they were destined to learn that Monastos’ army was far.more important than they had been led to “e ose; for the pirate had of late greatly increas is band. But although his arrangements were pretty perfect, he was yet ill at ease. He dreaded lest the very winds should waft out to sea the secrets of his treasure isle. You can imagine, therefore, with what min- gled sensations of rage he saw the ship West- ward Ho! harbored in te Jaek Harkaway, and his fellow adventurers. Diverging a bit from the exact line of route which ‘kaway had laid down, the party found themselves under the necessity of fording a stream. The Se ge banks of the stream were border- ed by a thick growth of shrub and bush. “Stop—stop!” said Magog Brand; ‘‘ before any more is done, let a scout be sent out.” “Who will act as scout?” “Pll scout,” said Magog, who feared to be ac- cused of making a proposal, and shirking the consequences of it. And, then, before a word could be uttered in opposition, he started off. e forded across, until it got too deep for him, and then he swam the rest,of the way. Clambering carefully up the steep hights, he reached the brow of the hill, where, eect y, he dropped upon a man stretched on the ground. The strength of Magog Brand’s fingers was something prodigious. They closed around the throat of the unfortu- nate brigand, and, with what seemed to be a gentle squeeze, it drove every gasp of breath out of the poor. wretch’s body. “Say half a word,” he hissed in his ear, ‘* and T'll pin you to the ground, like a butterfly in a collector’s case.” With this promise, it is needless to say that little Mr. Brand’s prisoner preserved a dignified silence. He looked about him while he held his pris- oner on the ground, and seeing that all was safe, he si ed the rest of his party to follow on, “Coime,. old man,” said Jack Harkaway to Brand; ‘‘ that’s not so bad. We must turn this ' prisoner to account.” Ty before him. They made the unfortunate Greek struggle to his feet, and trudge on. He showed some considerable alacrity ing this last order. f he contemplated making a bolt of it, he was doomed to a cruel disappointment. At his elbow walked Jack Harkaway the elder, armed with his death-dealing weapon. __ The least show of treachery upon the beg 2 man’s part, would have been immediately fol- lowed by the ramming of a pistol muzzle into his ear. In the event of that contingency arising, the brigand’s life with Harkaway and Company would be a short, but not a merry one. “Speak English?” bawled Mr. Jefferson in his ear. The prisoner, half deafened, shook his head. “French?” . “e No. ” “ Ttalian?” 7 The prisoner’s eyes glistened intelligently. « Ttaliano, si.” ; if “That's your sort,” said Jefferson; “ now you can fire away at him, Harkaway.” “JT want you,” said Jack Harkaway, in Ttalian, ‘‘to take me by a safe route to the stronghold of Manastos, the pirate chief.” + The prisoner made no reply, but stared stolid- “Do you hear?” said Harkaway. ‘“‘ Havete intosso male?” “Yes, replied the brigand, doggedly; “ but if I refuse?” “That as you please,” returned Harkaway in in obey- the same tongue; “if you do, we have but one _ throw it phe a tree t “gallows.” told witha certain fi an impression upon the prisoner. resource.” “What is that?” “To hang you.” — eam then turning to his party, Harkaway “Geb a : ready, tie a noose at the end, and hat will make the handiest ificant look accom; these words aiiistires ee ee 3 *s order was carried out, So Jack Harkawa: . sh, with a view to making ‘ Creek, with daring | ¢ dia not relax their vigilance. had rejoined the ocket. 5 But the Greek stared straight before him in silence; apparently unmoved by it all, “Takes no notice,’ said Jack Harkaway; ‘can’t frighten him, [ suppose.” ‘‘Waita bit,” said Jefferson; ‘we'll try.” Magog Brand’s thoughts ran in the same direc- tion, for seizing the rope, he cast the noose over the prisoner's head. Now our Greek was by no means a coward, but as the rope came in contact with his flesh, a change came over his face. “Wor the last time,” said Jack Harkaway, “decide your own fate.” No reply. The brigand’s lips quivered, and he closed his eyes. i For the last time of asking,” said Harkaway, ‘answer our questions or hang.” He waited a ee pees two or three— and then waved his hand by way of signal. “* Let him hang till he is dead.” one ahoy—ahoy,” cried’ Magog Brand, glee- fully. And he did pull, too, with a vengeance. In a moment the unfortunate wretch was swinging in the air. As his body was jérked up in the air, the vic- tim threw his arms wildly about him. “*T will answer,” he cried, in a stifled voice. Down. he .came with a flop upon the ground all in a heap like a bundle of rags. Tf his face had been pale before, it was black enough now. They knelt down over him, and removing the rope drew open his shirt. * Halloo!” said Jefferson; ‘‘we have gone a little too far.” “Give him some water.” ** Nonsense,” said Magog Brand, “give him some whiskey.” ‘this advice was followed by one of the men, The flask was thrust into his mouth, and a few dnote of the fiery spirit poured down his throat. iat ereupon he blinkéd and winked and opened eyes. He coughed and spluttered and used some bad igi and scowled upon his captors. “Well,” said Harkaway, ‘have you made up your mind to listen to reason?” “T am in your power,” growled the Greek, ‘Cand I cannot help myself.” : ** Glad, old: man, you see things in their proper light ” said Harkaway, Gheerfahy: ‘ But I consent on one condition only.” “Make no conditions with him,” said Jeffer- son. has to say,” cried Brand. “ Speak.” “Supposing,” said the brigand, “that your expedition should be successful, I want you to engage that my life shall be spared—that I shall not handed over to the authorities. Else I should only be spared to serve your purpose now. “What does he say?” Jack briefly translated the brigand’s s “That’s reasonable enough,” said “consent, then.” ‘ Jack Harkaway gave the required assurance; h. efferson; and the party prepared to start. **Be true to us,” said Harkaway, ‘‘and you'll not find us bad friends; we are better friends, in fact, than we are enemies, and it may be more to your profit to serve us than it has been to serve Monastos.” *“You cannot expect too much good, Jack, from one who shows himself a traitor to start with. “T know that,” said Jack; ‘‘ but be as true to us as you have shown ygureelt to Monastos, and we will ask no more, Monastos, I believe, is not too safe a man to work for.” ““T serve him, but do not like him,” said the brigand. arkaway then explained that it was a much safer game to serye the Westward Ho! than to follow the treacherous Monastos. They saw the influence of Harkaway’s reason- ing in the prisoner’s altered manner, but they It was pitchy dark, when suddenly a glare in the sky caught their attention. ‘See there!” ejaculated Magog Brand, ‘* what’s that?” . r “ Look how it trails down,” said Jefferson; ‘‘it is o. rocket.” Z ; Just then a familiar voice was heard close at hand, signalling the party. t It was Harvey. ! He had been eee a at some little dis- tance from the for hours past, and now body upon seeing the hy Pe “But we may as well hear what. the villain «Do you see that?” said he, in tones of alarm; i lili danger signal from our ship, the Westward ‘o! iy The words thrilled every hearer. CHAPTER X. HOW HARKAWAY AND MOLE SET FORTH IN COM- PANY, AND WHAT CAME OF IT—YOUNG JACK AGAIN—THE SURPRISE—SIX TO ONE—A DES- PERATE FIGHT. "i Jack Harxaway held a hurried council of war, in which if was agreed that some should camp there for the night, while two of the party returned to the ship for information. Some few slept, but they mostly passed the night in restless anxiety. : ‘owards daybreak the sentinel was heard to cock his rifle. Slight as was the noise, it was heard by all. They saw the vigilant guard bring his rifle up to his shoulder. They also saw that he was aiming at some tall, shaggy object. : And in a moment more, when he was about to pull the trigger, Magog Brand bounded forward and restrained him. “Don't you see who it is?’ said he to the sentry. Just then abr object came out into the open, and who should it be but Nero? “7 knew it could be no enemy,” said Magog, ‘because our friend Mike was so quiet.” Nero advanced with his familiar waddle, and carrying his tail under his right arm with a cer- tain grace. ; He shook hands with the party generally. inh Nero,” said Harkaway, ‘‘ why can’t you v “ He is too artful,” said Jefferson, with a grin. He had a string around his neck now at which he tugged persistently until they were forced to seo it. “ He has got a string necklace,” said Magog. They pulled at the necklace and found that at the back of it was attached a piece of paper on which these words had been hastily scribbled: “Jack and I have. fallen into the power of Monastos, and are now in great danger. If you have any prisoners, offer exchange.—HARRY GIRDWoop,” : There was a postscript which had been written even yet more hurriedly. . It ran as follows: “Miss Emily is* here, I believe, but we have not yet been able to see her. Monastos is blood- thirsty, cruel, and revengeful. Be careful and take no lives. “fou may want prisoners to ex~- change.” Well,” said Jefferson, pulling a long breath, ‘what do you say to that?” Harvey shook his head. ‘Tp certainly. looks ly,” said Mago, | ce! YY 100ks ‘very ugly, Sy who had an extraordin degree of confidence in anything young Jack did, “* but that bo; et outof it all right, ’ll wager my life. e has got the devil’s luek and his own too.” Harkaway did not look very hopeful. “* A belief in luck is all very well in its way,” said he, ‘‘but I have my presentiments too.” “You must not despond,” said Jefferson. “*T don’t.” : md,” echoed little Magog; ‘ despond- ing is all pickles. They talk of a cat’s nine lives; young Jack Harkaway has fifty lives. “Why, verily believe that if he were hanged, he would - come to life—— “Tike Ambrose Gwinnette, who was hanged on the sands?” ; o Yes: ” Perhaps.” “T’m sure of it. Moreover, I believe that the bullet is not cast, nor the hemp grown for the rope that can take the life of young Jack Hark away. ne fata that belief,” said Jefferson. wil y> “So do I.” “And 1.” . ‘“« And so do I,” said Isaac Mole, with the airor a man who puts ishing stroke to an next four-and-twenty hours I’! bring back my dear Jack to Vou safe and'sound.” “You? ee : i HE 4 tees. T.” teple eek. aH A-Ytit forts eters Mr. Mole struck an attitude in which modes! and boldness—diffidence and defiance were juc ously mingled. . Fi ed pends “Am I to understand, Mr. Mole,” said Har- . vey, “that you mean to do this pagel x Mole swelled out like a he replied: ; é pts
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_ did fear was to fail in his pi ‘Such is my intention.” Jack Harkaway had grown very impatient. He could wait no longer the return of the party from the ship, —- : Harkaway felt anxious to know the exact truth, for when he reflected that his brave boy was a prisoner in the hands of the enemy, it made him feel that Jack’s danger was indeed reat. £ As may be supposed, Dick Harvey also felt not a little anxious. : But he prudently resolved to wait the return of the from the ship for, confirmation of the ied tdiigs Jack Harkaway vowed that he would start off alone. This was opposed by most of the party. But the farongeat opposition was made by no less a person than Isaac Mole. _ If Harkaway went, the warrior Mole swore that he would go with him. ; “‘ Well, old friend,” cried Jack, ‘‘you shall go with me; it will remind me of old times, for we have often been on desperate service together.” ' “Jack, my dear boy,” said Mole, ‘‘it is very kind of B ger to speak so, and you shall find Mole, our old friend, has still his courage to fight for is old pupil, Jack Harkaway.” . , “Brava, Mole,” cried Harvey, ‘‘ give us the old frien 4 grip of your hand, then off you go with Jack.” ; When they had covered about a mile of ground, Harkaway stopped suddenly, saying: “T have made aidiscovery.” ‘‘ Where, Jack?” cried Mole, taking out his re- volver. ‘Look there,” said Jack, quickly, ‘A y of six armed men are marching along with a ea whose arms are securely fastened be- ind him. Now bold Jack’s heart beat high when. he saw them, for in spite of the distance that s ated them, he recognized the prisoner at the first glance. It was his son, see ae r I ng oe son Mr. le,” said he, gleefully. “T see him. 4 Mole saw young Jack looking as bold as ever. ‘‘How shall we do, Harkaway?” said he; “steal around and fall upon them?” Harkaway stared at the speaker, But the latter meant it. ; ; The thought of his young pupil’s peril filled him with desire to be at the enemy. “No, that will not do; leave me here; you ean do me good service by seeking our friends.” “And leave you, Jack!” cried Mole. ‘*Yes, make all haste back,” said Harkaway, “and get Jefferson, with some one else, to come back A the double.” _ ; “But they are marching,” said Mr. Mole, *‘marching fast, and before we can come up, they will all have cleared off.” ; ‘Leave that to me,” said Harkaway; ‘‘I will -andertake to keep them employed unfil you can come with assistance.” ‘ ‘© Off I go then,” said Mole, ‘‘ anything to serve you, Jack, and our dear boy.” O# he went. . He stumped over the | gc at a great rate, | and-was very soon out of sight. se lear, * * * * Harkaway made for the party with all cau- tion. His object was to surprise the party. Jack alt all his old courage mount to his heart, for fear was unknown to him. 7 He was a desperate man—for was not his only son in peril. : ‘ ‘ Patience—patience, Jack,” he said to him- ’ self, ‘or you will do your brave boy more harm than by rashness.” A At length, the party of Greeks with their pris- oner were within pistol shot, and it ie ne- cessary to adopt some definite plan of action. He eyed the advancing y keenly, from a snug spot where he himself was invisible to them. “ Seven | . Greek trigenda s to one Englishman,” said Harkaway; ‘‘ humph! lon, cn but I vr. must rescue my boy at an ; He did not ar for his tia life, but what he : Urpose. If heshould be beaten. off, rich be the Se FP rob- Spirill told him such tales of pirates trated by 1 villanous com- es and brigands, that it made his " ~The savage Indians were gentle by comparison. HARKAWAY ON MAGIC ISLAND. Jack Harkaway had not long to consider about his plow. of motion. : They were close upon him. ’ Creeping up behind a thick tree, he prepared. He loosened his cutlass in its fastening, then looked to the priming of his pistols. They were all ready for action, and so was our old friend Jack. Carefully, yet hurriedly, he loosened them, so that no bungling at the critical moment might spoil his chance. The brigands marched on, and now their steady, Hs tramp sounded close at hand. arkaway gripped his cutlass nervously in his sinewy palm, and waited. Seven stalwart fellows they were, too. Men standing nearly six feet high, for the most part, all broad-sho red and powerful fellows, as far as he could judge, “T shall want, all my old luck and pluck to ae up, or good-by to me, and tomy boy as well.” And now they were within a dozen eee “T will dono coward’s trick, but face them boldly,” cried Jack. They were just pasin here le tba ey were j ing the spot where he when he stepped forth, and with pistol in hand, faced them. “Stand, you ruffians!” They did not understand the meaning of Jack’s words, but there was no misunderstanding the gesture which accompanied them. With asimultaneous cry of surprise, they start- ed_back. Harkaway, who had all his presence of mind about. him, dashed forward, a sword in one hand, a pistol in the other. ow, when they fell back aghast at the cour- age of one man, he made a rush, not at them, but, to their intense surprise, at the prisoner. Jack, my boy!” * Father!” + His cutlass wasas s as a razor, and two strokes at the cords which bound his arms set young Jack at barty “Take this pistol, Jack, sharp!” “All right, father!” And in less time than if has taken to describe it, the odds were lessened by half. They were two against seven instead of only one. “ Are you ready to fight for your life, Jack?’ cried Harkaway. fs Ay Ys sir,” responded young Jack, quite gleefully. The British tars are said to cheer as soon as they come in sight of the enemy, and so it was’ with our heroes, the —searctil They neyer thought much about odds. These two bold spirits cheered now. aBey. looked upon the battle as their own al- ready. The Greeks, recovered from their first surprise. rallied, and turned to the Harkaways, but the | d pistols kept them at a xr ‘tful distance. “Dare to ee carbines and you are dead men!” said Jack, keeping his pistol well directed at their heads. » Suddenly, however, one of the Greeks swung around his carbine, and clapping the butt to his hip, cocked it. t was pointed full at Harkaway senior. Another moment, and a bullet would have, nee: , put an end to the encounter, but before e could pull the trigger, a well-aimed shot from young J Sa pee the carbine from his grasp. This was the signal for the fight to begin in earnest. “Oh, if we had but our old friend Dick here,” eried Harkaway, “he would soon make short work of the villains!” ; 3 Harkaway waved the cutlass around his head, and charged the whole pany. : With one desperate blow, an enemy lay writh- ing at his feet. : A second stroke brought another to his knees, and he would have been further disabled had not the rest of the party, recovering from their first aur ise, fallen eo Harkaway sword in hand. ow ae Harkaway was a ndid swords- man, but four to one are long odds, andsoon he smashed his right arm, and found himself very hard pressed. Twice had he been-woun He Lied marae from two Seah, wounds that were not. by any means serious, but were yet un- pleasant haha that one man at Ere baat isno mages for four. = ieee ee et Harkaway was not discouraged; he felt sure of victory. al al “Keep one of them engaged, Jack, my. boy; this one will do,” he cri passing his swo quickly through one of the Solent erate ‘the can’tdo much now. I will soon settle the hash of the other three,” : 3 At that moment he heard the sound of hur- ried footsteps; he looked up, expecting seo his friends, but his disappointment was for instead of friends he saw two more Greek ges pe with swords in hand, dash forward. ice, then, was he beaten back, and one desperate downstroke had brought him to his knees, when he had a happy inspiration. He bethought him of his old ventriloquial powers, and he managed to throw his voice to some little distance from the scene of the strife. It sounded like a confused murmur of voices, and it sueceeded in deceiving the brigands. The Greeks fancied that their enemy was about to be rescued by his own party. They started back a pace or two, expecting to see some of Jack’s friends ready to rescue Harkaway and young Jack. And in that moment of surprise, Jack Harka- way’s chance was made, ’ “Be ready, boy,” cried Harkaway to young Jack, ‘‘to do as I tell you.” “All right, dad,” said young Jack; “‘ we will nglish.” make them remember we are Harkaway then made another scramble for- ward, and attacking them vigorously, drove them further and further back. At the same time Harkaway threw the sound of his yoice in the wood, and it sounded like the hoarse words of menace that had before alarmed the Greeks. z What could they do? - Aman and a boy faced them. A whole crowd seemed to menace then in their rear, - , Naturally they turned to see if the enemy was approaching from the wood. t was but momentary, yet it was enough for Jack and his son to dart into the wood. The Greeks now half guessed at the truth, for no sooner had the prisoners fled, than they rushed after them, unmindful for the time of that invisible, yet audible, enemy who had so startled them by their confused murmurs in the woods. Now cee tk Horley grec this. “Stop, Jack!” he cried to his son; “show fight again, like a true boy of England!” The boy was nothing loth. Turning sharply around, they faced the enemy in their mad rush. “* Aim low, lad,” said Harkaway, “‘Besteady.” “All right,” said young Jack, “this little fel- low will stop one.” =~ And he cocked his pistol. Barely were the words spoken, when a couple of shots did execution on the advancing enemy and then the echo of the report searcely died away, when Harkaway cried: ~ ‘Ready again, lad!” Bang! bang! The brigands stopped and knew not what te 0. Quick to take advantage of their momentary confusion, the Harkaways plunged yet d into the woods, and soon they were hopelessly lost to the Greek brigands. ““Well done, Jack, my Boy; we have given the brigands a lesson that English pluck is more _| than a match for Greek brigands or pirates.” CHAPTER XI. HUNTED BY BLOODHOUNDS, Ler us leave Harkaway and his son for awhile, at ao a aie Sieiics at one whose fortunes we ve your sympathies still, Ceesar Fiscnitial Constantine Au Jex, or, as young Jack christened him—Sunday—was, ie te may remember, in some considerable le. Petrus, the half-daft brigand, had started with his twin bloodhounds, Castor and , to hunt oor Sunday down, and consequently he was in Geadly peril : * Sunday was in great trouble through losing his weed ; Vainly did he endeavor to get again into the beaten aot pty sp al did he wander in search of some iliar landmark. f : tree and shrub seemed alike the twin \ brother of its neighbor, “S'pose T’s e to die ob bes lead de bless’ ed babbies in de wood?” said poorSunday to him- | self, ruefully. _ - + “He sat down and thought. He arose and acted. mint ca He climbed up the tallest trees to reconnoiter. He slid down to mother earth deepkin. a He scratched his wool for an idea, and looked + as glum as possible. : 7 } ¢ ? : SB
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10 (Se HARKAWAY ON MAGIC ISLAND. At one time he was half-inclined to give it up for a job. : “Tf Iwas to lay down,” he said, to himself, “and gib up the ghost, I wonder if any of dem Cock sparrows would come and. cober ober my bh corpus with leaves and sich.” — : Then, after a moment’s pause, he started off ae desperate resolution to recover the lost track. : And, Jo! soon came his reward. Before he had been walking a quarter of an hour, he came upon a wide path, with roads abutting right and left, that evidently led to somewhere. _ , “ Now,” said he, to himself, with a grin,. “now T's thar, haw—haw!” This was hallooing before he was out of the woods, with a vengeance. But he had’ barely begun ‘his grin, when he | a short, and his expression changéd sud- enly. erefore? : Why did his. eyes open wider, and wider, as though they would start from their sockets? by. did he tremble and look fearfully around him then, as if for protection? he A moment more, and the cause of his alarm was clear enough. ’ x Hark! what is that noise? wens sound of the distant baying of dogs was eard, Poor Jex had lived in the southern states of America in his youth, and he had fallen into cruel hands there. Goaded on to desperation, he had fled from his inhuman master, and he had been hunted down by_bloodhounds. , Mis sable skin even, then bore traces of that fearful conflict, in. which he had by a mere chance escaped being torn piecemeal by the sav- age hounds. 4 Inyoluntarily he shuddered at the sound. He looked to his weapons with some eager- ness. 4 His pistols were ready for use. His knife was loose in its sheath. if the odds were not too ‘great against him, he would prove an ugly customer to tackle. This might be seen no less in his broad chest and muscular arms, than in the look of quiet resolution of his countenance. _ ‘ He listened for a few moments intently. - Then his expression brightened again. He felt relieved. “Only two,” he muttered, “‘ Only two dogs; they shall have a bullet each, and as for those who are with the dogs, let them beware; no mercy, no quarter if I get within arm’s length of them with this my good knife.” He meant it. ; But it was not his intention to risk ai en- poms if he could avoid it. No. Fight he would if he were put to it; but he b meant to try and escape first. He fléd along the winding road as fast as his legs would. carry him. ~ Still he could hear the fierce dogs gaining upon him at ate a : ; They scented their prey. from afar. Now when Sunday had covered half a'mile, or rather more, the road he was taking ceased its serpentine career, and ran straight for nearly a mile, and being nearly level, you could see ‘al- most to the end of it. Nearer and nearer sounded the baying of the bloodhounds. on?y\ i . Sunday turned as he ran, to -view his pursuers. He did not stop fora moment for them, but rushed on aka greater pace than ever. , They . si their prey now, and with a Adres FANE of delight they flew on, The race would have soon been Oyer—the day would soon have been decided, but for one cir- cumstance, ; Castor and aro were tied together, and con- sequently could not make the same progress that they would have made had they been more free in their movements. ; . Herein lay the flying negro’s chance. __ It was a poor one. “Higa few more strides, they were’ clése’ at his eels. pe gah At this exciting juncture a voice was heard in the distance, and a man preted flying. in Fs _ pursuit of the twin bloodhoun: . _” “Ho, Castor!” he shotited; “ Cyrus, hey! ho! come here!” © ret eimaght Re _ The master of the dogs—for it was the mys- terious brigand, Pe -called and shouted to es until he was black ‘in the face, ? Be Nak ‘a'Victim. | ated them. » 3 : : | “As Ke ran, he presently came in sight of a POE SRP Bir dt. % {rss 3 - Moreover, their master was barely within hearing. 2 “Brutes!” cried the exasperated a gy ‘fiends! you shall not smell food for this for days to come. Hold, hold!” jut it was in vain. The hounds yelped and bounded forward. ~ Another moment and poor Sunday felt them at_his back. “The fight could not long be delayed. He turned and faced them, pistols in hand. . The hounds pulled up suddenly as the negro showed his face, and crouching, snarled and dis- played their fangs. : E “Not gwine to chaw up dis chile yet,” said Sunday. Now, while they crouched and _ watched, Petrus came on behind at.a smart double. Sunday could face the twin bloodhounds. But this increased the odds considerably. Was he a match for the hounds and their mas- ter? “Come _ off,” said Petrus, pbpaachings “Tie down, you brutes, or I'll be the death of you.” Sunday stared again. This Greek’s English was a good deal purer than his own. It had well-nigh: proved fatal to the poor negro’s chance, for his attention was moment- arily distracted, and no sooner did the watchful hounds perceive the enemy’s glance wander | than they sprang. But they were not quick enough for the bold negro. e let fly his left hand pistol. And then without waiting to see the result of his shot, he turned and ran again. The shot had brought the bloodhounds to a stand, and before Sunday had run very far, their master was kneeling before them. “That's the reward for disobedience.” He looked after the flying negro as he spoke, and then he saw that Sunday was a very long way ahead. 5 ‘* Halloo,” he cried, ‘he'll drop into the river, if he doesn’t watch it.” The words were barely uttered, when, Sunday found himself fioundering out of his depth in the water, Hd had comé so suddenly upon the river that he had not noticed it. ‘ ‘*Tf the poor fellow can’t swim,” said Petrus, ‘“*T shall have wrought his destruction all the same, although unintentionally.” Quick as thought he uncoupled the dogs, and ran at full speed to the river, followed by his fierce servitors. } y ‘ But just as he got to the bank, he saw the negro breasting the water, and swimming like a fish. He called and bawled after Sunday: “TJ anva friend, Itellyou, [ wish you no harm; ei 29 unday turned over on his back, shouting ack: “Not good enough for-dis chile.” A few more strokes brought him to the opposite bank, up which he scrambled, panting and drip- ing. : "Licked yer, yah!” cried Sunday; “‘ now take eare of yourself, or dis chile give you something cold in shape of bullet.” “T tell you ’m a friend,” cried Petrus, across the water. “VYah—yah!” laughed. Sunday; ‘‘golly, nice old friend, you dam tief——" ’ “JT wish to speak with you,” cried Petrus again; “to give you friendh vice.” : “ And to gib dem tykes a meal of dis chile but dis chile gib dem tokoinstead—ah, yah, An Pll gib dere blessed master toko likewise, by golly.” : "Ho took out his pistol that was yet loaded, and aimed point blank at Petrus. But the latter never flinched. He feared not. | “T-tell you I am your friend,” again cried Petrus. - You dam tief, you know dat,”-cried Sunday, a he made off’ as fast as his\legs would carry m. Petrus watched his retreating figure with dis- appointment. Ra IAE! hen he followed the course of the river some thirty or forty ae until he came to a familiar spot, where he ‘orded across, closely followed by his bloodhounds. : Once on the eee bank he shook the water from his garments ‘and followed Sunday. ~~ Sun soon got a glance of them in pursuit, and Loeaoable “his Rrearta: and very soon he ed to increase the distanee which separ- ; large stone building that filled him with wonder ment. ; j The stones were roughly hewn and of many forms and colors, and they were built up with an eye to solidity more than elegance. In front of the first floor window was a wooden balcony of such massive construction that the front wall must have been solid indeed to have ‘been able to carry the weight of the huge beam upon which the veranda was built. ‘ The bi a of the house startled Sunday. He looked in. It was untenanted, : ; Bounding in, he swung to the massive door, and Fg Sa in position the thick bar of timber which fitted into grooves upon each side and kept it fast. t was a tough jobfor one manto lift this huge plank. f The door itself was made: of solid: wood about six inches thick, and it would have taken ord- nance to move it. Having’ assured himself that this was secure, he ran to the back. But there was'no outlet there. Then he mounted the stairs. He was in some doubt before beginning his in- vestigations here, for he made his way cautious- ly, knife in hand. | a He had it all to himself. The first floor consisted of four.rooms, all lofty and spacious; and all furnished with windows from which the country about, Gould be seen. © Making with all speed for the front room, he threw open the shutters and looked out. There was Petrus. Yes, and there were the twin bloodhounds, Castor and Cyrus. “Yahyah!” cried) Sunday.; ‘Me dry. my powder and have shot at you soon,” Petrus looked up. “The rash fool,” cried Petrus, aloud, ‘‘he’s treed at last.” ‘ “Golly!” retorted Sunday; “you calls that treed, Massa Greek—I calls it saved.” CHAPTER XI. HOW THE PIRATE'S DAUGHTER AIDED THE PRIS~ ‘ ONERS. WE must not forget little Emily, or the darin manner in which her abduction had been effec by Monastos, the pirate chief himself. If courage and daring should give a man pre- eminence among: his fellows, then did Monastos earn. the title of king of the island. Poor little Imily would have for hetp, had not her cries been ed by the unceremonious treatment, she experi- enced at the hands of her captors: Twice—thrice did: she cry out before they had completely stifled her voice. Gagged and rendered absolutely helpless, she was forced to resign hersel’fo her fate. : She knew that all the lamentation in the world could not help her now. The m idons of Monastos hurried her along until they came to the cave by the river, where young Jack had been also a prisoner. < ' Here'she: had been, seen by the daughter of Monastos, whose tender heart was touched by the irl’s distress, and who interceded at once in er i There was nothing to be gained by opposin his daughter’s mibarad so ananton gave omer little Emily into her care. r he two girls could oul eonverse by signs. However, in spite of all difficulties, they soon in shrieked ‘contrived to establish between them a perfect understanding, ‘ff ' Little Emily explained her sad predicament, — the brigand’s daughter fully: condoled with ere But while they were in the midst of their mu- tual confidence, a noise without attracted Paqui- ta’s attention. 53 She ran to ascertain the cause of it. It is needless to say that it was the advent of. Harry Girdwood. ; Little did Emily dream who it was. » But great was her joy when the boy, escorted by two of the brigands, entered. sup 6c Ty pr : rR f - . “Bmily | = 1. Bilt (Seis _ He was amazed, for he had never exp ‘meet her now, although the search for her been the origin 6f their misadventure. + — ¢ ari are not hurt; Emily?’ he said. Oo. i v ahd tad Bq W fer tei : “That is well,’ Why, they will be overjoyed to hear it, and tied seme eat PARENT TTR 5 “Yes,” interrupted’ Emily, with great eager ness; ‘‘ he is not here, too!” prea (0 De \ thon il Sais quay mete bol Beli ath fo? to had. f ifled and burk- *
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HARKAWAY~ ON, MAGIC ISLAND. “Ves, he is,” answered Hi: “How came you to be taken ?” “Seeking you.” ; 9 Are all safe but us?” f ”? “Why is Jack not here?” >, / ‘The chief of these villains has kept him back or some purpose that I.can’t guess att.” Emily’s countenance fell at these words. Harry Girdwood stared. at Paquita, and then at Emily. {yg “This is his daughter,” said Emily. ‘The pirate chief's?” * Yes.” ‘She looks very kind and gentle,” said Harry. “ And isn’t she pretty?” exclaimed Hmily, en- thusiastically. “Well, I think she is,” said Harry, with the air of one who would not be led away rashly by female chartos “Think! hy, you know she is lovely,” said Emily. ; ys And then to clinch the matter.and settle it be- yond further ‘dispute, she seized the brigand’s daughter and embraced her fervently. Paquita. returned her caresses with as much affection and warmth. Already they were like old friends. Paquita asked Emily in Greek who Harry was. But as Emily could not understand her, she showed in pantomime what she meant to convey by pressing her heart, sighing deeply, and then kissing the tips of her fingers. “ No—no—no!” said Emily. Harry understood this likewise. “ No—no,” said he; ‘‘ he is with your father,” ; Harry’s words were to her as Greek was to him. But she understood his gesture. .She gave them a nod and a smile of intelli- gence, and ran to the entrance of the adjoining cavern, where she learnt all that was going for- ward. She heard the command given, and knowing the cruel, vindictive nature of her father, she trembled for the young prisoner. She beckoned to Harry Girdwood. He approached. ‘“‘ Listen,” she said, pointing to the other cay- ern. He caught her meaning, and at the self-same instant he heard young Jack’s voice indignantly refusing to betray his people. ‘ He heard the bold boy scoffing at the King of Magic Island, hurling defiance in his ‘very teeth. Paquita saw the consternation in his face, and she was full of eagerness to’ aid young Jack, no less upon his friend’s account than his own. Yor about a minute shs stocd aloof buried in thought. Then she looked. wp with a start and clapped her hands joyously. She had hit spon 9 scheme. gn “ Come this way with me,” she said, pointing 40 an aperture in'tae further end of the ¢avern. “Quick!” They followed her into the dark recess where, to ther intense surprise, they discovered a lad- der leading to a large vaulted chamber above. — “ Quick!” she exclaimed, excitedly. ‘* Andi- amo!” ~ “Halloo!” exclaimed Harry Girdwood, “that’s not Greek. I shall be able ‘to talk to her if’ she speaks Italian!” He had learned it from his friends, the Harka- ways. ; So diligently had he pursued his studies of that beautiful language, indeed, during the voyage of the Westward Ho! that he was tolerably profic- ient now. ‘““Whereare we going?” he demanded in Italian. » “To save your friend,” replied eee eager- ly. ‘You must be quick, or it will be too late, t the ladder! Quick—quick!” she continued. Emily followed. 6 ran up. Then went’ Paquita. - As ‘soon as she was at the top, she pulled the ladder up after her, or more Ua ph tae she essayed to do it, for it was so weighty tl it required their united efforts to accomplish it. When, ‘however, it was safely there, Paquita suddenly startled the companions of her flight b iving a succession of the most piercing , ‘ worse,luck!” IOKBs 2 tT ‘ 8 Gl Soe f\ 1G ‘‘ Help—help!”’ she cried;) +“ Save me—oh, save “me!” : ; ‘The brigands rushed into-the cavern and look- ed about in all directions. iD TL Bett But not a trace could they discover of their chieftain’s daughter. Be’ 29 i ‘One of the men, it is true, examinéd the recess the aperture, where» the fugitives stood ng, but seeing no ladder -|his daughter py fiy that, that would have been of immense, value in , ib never. ; occurred to him that they had winged their flight in that direction. ‘ One. of the.pirates then ran in to inform Mon- astos of the supposed fatal tidings, the capture of the enemy, and forthe time young Jack’s life was spared. ; 1 * 2 of * # Parties of armed men were. sent out in every cieeuer to seek for the daughter of King Mon- astosi 2 wey The most trusty scouts were sent to scour the woods and forests. But in vain. = st a trace of the lost Paquita could they nd. : One of the men brought. back the tidings that a whole army was advancing upon them. “What army?” demanded the chief.. ““Those cursed English have managed to get together a powerful force.” r “Then call my men together. These bold in- truders shall find a terrible foe when they meet me. i The brigand’s fears had exaggerated the danger, and tripled, at least in his fancy, the effective force of Harkaway’s bk 58 “You say they aremarching in this direction?” said Monastos. ees,” ‘And that their force presents’ how many men?” The brigand, his informant, was taken at a nonplus here. : He was not very good at counting heads, and he had:not expected to bercalled upon to knock off the precise quantity to such a fine point. “T cannot estimate their number as to a dozen,” said he, ‘but this I. know, they are numerous enough to crush. us by sheer force of numbers.” BH ny wore a troubled expression of coun- nance. : “Then,” said the chief of the brigands, prompt- ly, ‘‘-we must make up in tact what we may lack: in strength. : “This. boy,” resumed Monastos, indicatin oung Jack, ‘‘ you will have taken under guar ‘0 the castle.” “Yes, captain.” ; “‘ Away with you,” said. the chief, “.andmind that you select those paths that the enemy has not yet advanced upon.” “Tt shall be done, captain.” “Once at the castle see to make everything secure, for we shall join you there as soon as we have got Paquita safely back.” “Good, “ Away!” ¥ * % * * % The.orders of the autocratic chief were obeyed to the letter. The armed escort of the young prisoner took a most secluded route—that is, the way that was the most remote from Moiry, reek. But chance was against them, for during their march Jack Harkaway and Mr. Mole dropped across the party, rel It is not necessary either to allude more close- ly to the fight in the woods between our old friend Jack and the brigands, or the boldness and dash which brought about: the rescue of our gouthtul hero. by his daring and adventurous ather. m * * * “s ‘And now for Sunday. CHAPTER XIII. SUNDAY IN THE CASTLE—THE MOVABLE TRAP— A SNARE—A RARE BRIDGE—THE SENTRY AND HIS HOUNDS—A SURPRISE—NEW HOPE! Tux stone building in-the forest.in. which our good friend Sunday had taken refuge, was the identical place to which the king of the brigands had ordered -his. young prisoners to be sent for security. + a: _ He had spoken of it as the castle.. _ Now Sunday’s-first care was to fortify himself in his stronghold : He had simply to protect himself against pn the man of mystery, and the two blood- rounds. i tratrsaesd wd es Having made himself easy upon this point, he. began:to look,about him to see if there was any water or food in the castle. . __ SAND ia The upper rooms of the house bore signs of hay- ing been recently inhabited... _. eetastion be Upon the. floors were thick Oriental carpets, ne any of the European. markets,, : 4 He 1 In two of the rooms which maybe styled . the state apartments, there were beautiful crys- tal chandeliers fitted with long wax candles, In one of these rooms was a basket of lady’s work—embroidery, and knitting—and an open book of poems, which, together with other ob- jects, would tend to show that the place had en hastily vacated. Having made this casual survey, he went to the veranda, and peered cautiously out. There sat Petrus and his ferocious pets, the two bloodhounds. __, Sunday chuckled. “ You’ll have to wait there some time, by gol- 1 he said with a laugh; ‘‘ you no put salt on is blackbird’s tail dis journey.’ He went back into the recom and dropped down on to one of the luxurious couches. “Dis am berry nice bed; wish old Monday and Massa Jack was wid dis chile.” Sunday then took out his pistols. Both were wet. ; _‘*Dis noble chile soon make you useful,” said Raney. uiling and handling his. pistols. First he care ully drew the charges. Then he rubbed the two pistols as dry as he could upon one of the silk curtains, This done, he examined. his powder flask. And now.he had a bit of Juck, for his pow- det was untouched. } The water had not penetrated it. In order to make himself the more sure of his pistols, he looked about for the means of making a fire. ‘ So after looking about he ran downstairs and set to work to kindle a flame under some fag- gots that he found upon the stone hearth of oné of the rooms. , Haying got’ up a blaze, he put his pistols close tort f dry, and— *** Halloo! What's dat?” _ Something, startled him, Sunday did not turn pale, for that was physically impossible, but he showed unmistakable signs of alarm. . He turned towards the door and drew his knife. ~ A creaking noise was heard in the adjoinin, room, as though a door, with rusty Hinges had been cautiously opened. : pe ror his knife firmly, the negro stole for- ward. Then as he came in sight of the room, he stood still, with his knife in his hand ready for action. ‘Another moment, and a trap in the floor was opened and the figure of a gin appeared there. Sunday stared, but held his knife still ready. The girl mounted’ a ladder; which Sunday could not see, and reaching the floor, peered cautiously about her. ‘ J Then she called to someone below to come on. “Now,” thought Sunday, ‘‘ now or never is my time.” With two steps, or rather jumps, he was beside the girl. Es One vigorous kick sent the trapdoor down. Then Lapp his foot firmly wpon it, he dragged the girl over it, and flourished the knife before her eyes. é ‘Half a word,” hissed Sunday in‘ her face— “a breath—a wink, and I'll cut yer head right off, slp my golly!” The girl said acs 3 She stared at her sable captor and gasped. And then’ she lay like a log in his arms. eumay looked around him in sheer wonder- ment. § ; It had all taken place sosuddenly that hecould scarcely believe it was real. : So to test the truth of it, he prodded himself with his knife in'the thigh, “ Ha—whoo!” he yelled; ‘‘dat’s real enough— dat’s flesh and blood—yes, by golly! and hyar’s de blood.” : And he nearly let his'lovely burden drop. oe * Hk * * Hark! “ Paquita!” . ‘¢ Paquita!” j ; “Push. the door open; , Something has rag genta said a voice: beneath the trap. “T will, ea if you stand out of danger.” Sanday heard all thi erp aes “Am dis,.chile awake,” thoug: am he dreaming?” ; : There was no mistaking that voice—in fact those voices, for both were equally familiar to know what to do. . mee e moved his swooning burden careful- And t ; sh iegeoae ge accidents, he gently: raised | So it ry) looked down. i , hate ayyio’ t Sunday, ‘‘or-
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Then two voices exclaimed simultaneously : ae da: hd “Massa Harry! . By golly! am Paw you?” here, him ugly face hab frightened mily was already by Paquita’s’ side, doing all she possibly could to restore her to her senses. After a lapse of about a minute or so, she opened ber eyes od looked abot at * en her eyes dropping upon Sunday, she gave a shudder and pete ack “There is nothing to fear,” said Girdwood, in Italian, ‘‘ this is only a faithful old friend of our tnough how he has got here “Your friend?” said Paqu: age; “why, he must be connected with thea” ite bewilders me, , in the same lan- “Til Diavolo.” Harry Girdwood burst out laughin ‘« What am Diavolo, Massa Harry?’ ay. “Why, the devil,” whispered Harry, slyly. Then continued: ‘“‘There’s no danger. Sunday is quite harm- Paquita accepted their assurances with appar- ent good faith, and yet seemed to have some they say is true,” she said to herself, “itis all very singular. How came this negro Had she been able to speak English, she would have understood just then the conversation ing forward between Harry and Sunday. ‘ds put him in possession of the whole And as soon as he knew all, he explained to “He told her how poor Sunday had lost his way in the forest, and how he had been the twin bloodhounds of the Sunday—to whom the Greek maiden was now completely. reconciled—took. her by the hand, and led her to the window. “See dere, missie,” said he. She peeped cautiously out. “There are the two beautiful dogs!” she ex- claimed in rapture. !” exclaimed Sunday; ‘‘ cussed rigand, dat’s what ey try to eat dis young and tender chile.” $6 m they are not particular to a trifle,” said Harry Girdwood, laughing; ‘‘ for you must recious tough, Sunday.” ; and seemed to tak terest in all that interested . Gird: ‘ As she looked out, her face grew suddenly “Petrus with his dogs will wait,” she said to ‘* So it seems.” ‘“Yes, he has been sent on by my father, who will come on after with his men; and then we shall be taken.” . : “ But you have nothing to fear. It is our lives he will take. _He would never bi She shook her head, and taking wood by the hands, said, smiling: . ‘No; he loves me too much.. My only fears “You must not fear on my account.” My father is good and gentile to me, but cruel to his foes,” “T believe that,” said Harry; “but still, dear young lady, we do not know for sure that they _ . “You don’t know my father,” she said; -‘‘ he is all powerful here, ani 3 is sure to have Petrus out, wet then it must be confess- Petrus had taken his dogs the chain, and Lipatiy to. prevent thom betraying Nan muzzles revent them in The two Egucias eee restl fees impatiently to be off. : the same time Petrus’ manner showed that and pawed the _ Petrus looked stealthily. HARKAWAY ON MAGIC ISLAND. Then he withdrew into the covered part, right into the thicker growth of shrub and bush. mi ‘eden: said Harry Girdwood, excitedly ; two oe oe approaching. *« There—see!” : “T see—I see! turning the corner of the path.” | ure. “ce Yes. ” Little Emil red eagerly out of the window: “T see thain (F ses them!” she ejaculated. And then she started and stared, while her “Don’t you see who those two are?” asked Emily. Sunday stared, and then rubbed his eyes y golly he cried, in’ wonder, ‘‘ dis chile | tink him ought to know dem. Ho, golly! It am Massa Harkaway.” F “Yes,” returned little Emily, joyously. “Tt is Mr. Harkaway and dear Jack.” * CHAPTER XIV. FRIENDS OR FOES—A STRANGE ALLY—THE MAN OF MYSTERY SPEAKS OUT. AND so it was. Jack Harkaway and his gallant ve ook AR ly; ‘he and then a low, ominous growl was heard, “Steady ; what was that?” ejaculated Hark- away. - sf te sounded like a stifled growl,” said young ack. PS ic mgtnae si said Harkaway; ‘‘keep your eyes open. Mee right, dad,” replied our young hero, ‘trust me.” “T do, Jack.” They looked to their arms carefully, and stood back to-back upon'the qui vive. A formidable couple they were, too, this father and son. The two Harkaways—father and son—scented danger. Sunday, Harry Girdwood, and: little Emily mean it, dare not interfere to help the Harkaways, for they ran the risk of exposing them to a sur- prise. But their suspense did. not last a very long time. Suddenly the ferocious hounds broke from the care of their master, and bounded out into the open. With three or four leaps they were upon the Harkaways, and had them upon the ground. Emily shrieked. Harry Girdwood dashed open the window to leap out, but before they could interfere, Petrus was there. © ““ Come here!” he cried, ina voice of thunder. “Desist, brutes, desist, I say!” And he accompanied each word with a succes- sion of blows with his fists that sent them howl- again. They were more surprised at this than they had been at the attack, but they quickly recover- ed their weapons. ‘* You have no need toseek your pistols,” said Petrus; ‘‘my dogs will not hurt you if you givo me your hands in friendship.” ; ese words, spoken in an English accent, ea Jack Harkaway to stare in utter amaze- ment. id ~ You hear? Do you not understand? I say, give me your hands to show signs of friendship, and then you will be quite safe from their fangs” a ‘“Priendship?’ echoed Harkaway, in surprise. “ But can we give our hands so'to you?’ “Have I shown myself an enemy to you!” ‘* Why, no.” “Your hands then; you shall not regret it.” He held out his hands tothem as’ he spoke, but Fas hesitated to'take them, he went on: _ “Well, I cannot wonder at yourrefusal. You see me & ed outcast, and one of a band of pirates, but reserve your ive me your hand in outward 4 , to / the attacks of my dogs. and sagacious to friends as ocuth dst fneatia, ike bound to the gun, she led us” they are ferocious to strangers and foes, and once you seem to have my friendship, you have nothing to fear from them.” 7 ti Harkaway hesitated no lo : Young Jack gave him a grasp, and the strange brigand flushed with evident pleas- ‘* Castor,” lie exclaimed. ‘‘ Cyrus; hey, come here!” The two fierce hounds crept slowly up. “Nearer, sir,” said Petrus, sternly; ‘“‘now give this gentleman your paw.” Castor obeyed with wonderful promptitude. “Now, sir, you.” The other followed his brother's example with great docility. ‘ It was mange to see those great fierce brutes then, licking the hands, and fawning upon the enemies they would lately have devoured. At this juncture the door was thrown open, and Sunday and Harry Girdwood appeared, rifle in hand. They brought their guns to their shoulders, ready for action. ‘ “Sunday!” ejaculated Harkaway. “Harry!” cried young Jack, in amazement, The docility of the bloodhounds vanished on. the instant. ; 2 } They crouched, and prepared to spring upon the new comers. “Are these friends of yours?’ asked Petrus, pointing to the door. : ce Yes.” “ce G ood.” 7 , - x “Recover arms,” called out Harkaway, “and come here.” They were about to obey when Petrus inter- posed. “Tf they are indeed your friends,” said he, “and true men, let me first make sure of my dogs.” And then turning to the hounds, he bade them sternly to lie down. ; Walking up to the old negro and Harry Gird- wood, he extended a hand to each. ~ ““Give me your hand,” said he; ‘Tam a friend to you.” Both obeyed. : ; particular odd friend to dis chile,” Ys “Because you chivy dis infant half ober de blessed island with your pups,” Mi You are mistaken,” said Petrus. ‘“ [ did not e Tt look most dam uncomfortable like it, by golly! “T merely pong to overtake you,” said Pet- rus, “to come to that understarfing which I hope to bring about now.” ; ‘This man is a friend,” said Harkaway, who was thoroughly convinced by Petrus’ manner of his honesty of purpose, ; Sunday accepted this as an order from his mas- ter, and’a general reconciliation was brought about. “How came you here?” said Harkaway. ‘‘How did you manage your escape,” demand- ed young Sack, eagerly. “Have you any news of Emily?’ asked Hark- away. ; ‘Ts she still in the brigand’s clutches?” asked young Jack. : Fast as they showered the questions upon them, Harry Girdwood found means of replying,” ‘No. Emily is safe, and here she comes to an- swer for herself.” Jack)? ’ Young Jack flew to the door as Exnily a) penape and catching her in his arms, he show joy at her escape by kissing her until her blushin, cheeks ed him to a sense of decorum. t « ~ you, Jack,” said his father, takin; Emily by the hand and kissing her, oa “But who is this?’ demanded young: Jack, pointing to the door, where the —brigand’s ighter as if unwilling to disturb the harmony of scene. Sa ‘ Fray eaid Harry Gird “it is Pagqui ‘Yes wi it is Paqui the danghter of the terrible Weta S her ore ness we owe everything—perhaps our vi ves. esr) ily ran back to her new-found friend, and, piscine tek arm around her waist, led her gently ee ‘orward. . :
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HARKAWAY ON MAGIC ISLAND. 1% and placed herself in our power in order to frighten her tyrant father into sparing you.” nd then followed a full explanation of what the reader already knows concerning the man- ner of their escape from the brigand’s cavern by the river. Young Jack was thofoughly overcome by the recital. s But his father, having discovered in what tongue they could understand edch other, made her the warmest acknowledgments upon their joint behalf.: ‘* Receive a father’s heartfelt thanks, my dear young lady,” said he, with deep emotion, ‘for saving the lives of my son and of our friends.” Paquita smiled her reply to arias > It was indeed a happy reunion to all the party. * * # * * * ’ During the foregoing seene, Petrus, the man of mystery, looked sternly on. ‘e seemed like one in a dream.’ “Why do you side with your father’s enemies, young lady?” said he, advancing towards her. “Because my : father would have behaved cruelly to them.” “ But do you know what the consequences of this'will be?” : ‘3 conscience acquits me of all blame,” re- tivaed: Paquita; ‘‘I should do the same again if the same opportunity offered itself.” A smile lighted up his countenance. “Your conscience tells you right, young lady,” *said he. ; : **T know it.” ; ‘« Follow its dictates ever; and some day I will impart an el egiene secret to you.” : uddenty the conversation was rudely inter- rupted by eat 3 “By golly! Massa Harry,” he exclaimed, fh gh some of dem fellers gets up de chimbly, * too?” “The chimney?” ‘Yes, sar; de flue, sar.” “The flue?” : “Tisten there for anyone coming, and if ou fail to warn us in due time of danger, Pl kill ou.” a The hound replied to his master’s exhortation by an intelligent wag of the tail. This settled, they went around the house to ex- amine the various aj nts, and in one of the upper rooms Petrus delighted the party by dis- covering a cupboard, concealed from the casu glance, which was amply stocked with wines and fruit, and some welcome eatables. “You ean sit and regale at your ease,” said Petrus, é ‘ “We must not be surprised,” said Harkaway. “No fear of that.” “Sure?” ‘Quite; the sentinels I have posted will keep better guard than the most reliable soldiers we could ever have.” Thus reassured by Petrus, they partook of the various delicacies that the house afforded. “Before we proceed further, tell me,” said Harkaway, ‘“‘how came you, an Englishman, to be here with such miscreants as are Monastos and his gang of brigands?” As Harkaway spoke, a sickly expression flit- ted across the other one’s face. “It would take too long at present,” he replied grimly, ‘‘to tell the whole tale of my woes, to relate the horrors that I have gone through dur- ing my captivity here; but as we are strangers, and as some particulars are due to you,if only-in proof of my food faith, I will put my sad history into the briefest possible form,” “Did I understand you aright?” said Harka- way; ‘did you say captivity?” Yes.” “ Has it lasted long?” “Vive Mic doe ‘“* How have you lived it through?” “ By looking forward to this day ;” replied Pe- trus, with a flushed cheek and flashing eyes. “The hour that I have been praying for, sighing for, weeping for, has come at last, and my de- liverance will be brought about exactly as I’ve seen it in my dreams,’ “But why did you not rise up against yor fe) age ou are an Englishman. should ave slain my tyrant,if my body had been hack- ed piecemeal the next moment.” “Twill tell you why,” replied Petrus; “‘my yengeance could not be satisfied aes his death, Had he a hundred lives, and could lose each by slow torture, it would not satisfy me. On this island is a treasure of fabulous wealth, that has been got together by this man-monster, the la- bor of a life of crime.” “T know it,” said Harkaway. “Each ounce of gold,” cdatinued Petrus, ‘‘rep- resents broken hearts, sighs, tears—ay, tears of blood; every imaginable crime. To lose: this treasure would pain this monster far more than the thought of death, for he is physically brave. Now, it shall be my task to let him know he is losing it; to wring his heart; to let him drain the bitter cup to the very dregs, and then devote my whole life to making his end wretched, a horror, one long degradation, as mine has been; ay, & long death. TI would——” : “Hark!” “What was that?” ‘¢ Listen. Did you not hear?” _ “Massa Harkaway,” cried Sunday, running in. “What is it? Danger?’ “Yes, sar. The dog at the flue hear's suflink.” It was true, Cyrus had given his note of warning. A low growl. “Come,” said Petrus, moving towards the door, ‘‘ we have work before us now. We may ina few moments be surrounded by the pirates Me eee they Toliowedt ‘bile th anita a, nd they followed him in amxious expectancy to the chamber below. : CHAPTER XV. THE PIRATE CHIEF’S GRIEF—BOLD RESOLUTIONS —THE WARNING—A. SURPRISE—AN OLD FRIOND Is FOUND FULL OF ‘SPIRITS—MOLE IN A NEW CHARACTER; THAT OF TARGET, THE pirate, or King Monastos, as he liked to be called, was in distress about Paquita. Heartless ruffian as he was, this pirate had one soft place in his heart. Paquita filled it. It was most remarkable to see a girl brought up in the midst of cruelty, brutality, and vice, and yet preserve her purity of mind and her gentle, guileless nature. Yet so it was. ' And this, perhaps, it was;that so made the des- potic brigand’s heart yearn towards her. She was so utterly unlike any one with whom he came in contact, that he looked upon her. as a superior being altogether. er singular disappearance. completely un- Presently he would fall cursing the English ad. venturers. ; al| ‘Pl kill them. all—all! To the last one they shall die!” he cried aloud, shaking his clenched fists in the intense bitterness of his wrath. “ Ho, there!” he shouted after awhile; ‘‘ where is Dimitri?” . ‘\ He is away.” “Where?” : “‘Conducting the prisoners to the castle your orders, captain.” 4 by. : A smile of fiendish triumph lit up the brigand’s ace. ; “We must be up and doing!” he exclaimed, arousing himself; “let the worst come to the worst, we will show our teeth, and then let them. beware of Monastos, the king of the brigands.” “We have received no news yet, captain, of your daughter.” ‘ . Monastos made a gesture of impatience. ‘Oh, if I had those English devils in my power, I would grind their lives out by slow torture! but my Paquita must not be lost to me.” a * * * a * ‘“You have got the boy safe, captain?’ de- manded one of the band. ‘Yes, under a strong guard; but we must be ready for action, or these English will escape.” A dozen chosen men were armed and got ready to sally out into the woods in search of the enemy, Besides the dozen men there were three trusty scouts who preceded the party a considerable distance, and with whom a series of signals were arranged. In this babe’ they proceeded 2 considerable dis- tance when they heard the sound of a parrot. _ “That's Monastos; he imitates a parrot per- fectly,” said one of the pirates. These children of the forest and mountain- side possessed wonderful powers of imitation. The pirate’s reply was the shrill call of a bird, which no one would have thought possible to have emanated from a human throat. Then came the countersign from Monastos. The code of signals were perfect. Monastos joined again his band. ‘Let no sound be heard; all depends upon ag eg the enemy.” ey were passing along a sort of natural lane, with tall forest trees bordering it, beyond which was a large open glade. Suddenly Monastos stopped short. “ce Hush ! 3 He held up his hand in warning; for close by they could hear the sound of voices. ‘We have them now,” said Monastos. He made a sign to his followers to spread themselves ont, and silently, noiselessly they obeyed orders. Each man took up his post behind a tree and slowly prepared arms. : Then they turned to their captain. They wanted fresh orders. But a faint noise in the thicket caused them to supped operations for a moment. Looking in the direction of the sound, they saw a neatly-turned piece of wood passed gently through the foliage, . This was surmounted by a trouser leg. Then came a human frame, dragging after it a second wooden member, the exact counterpart of the first, The bee stared amazed at this strange figure, but the strange figure in question was all unconscious of the excitement his presence was creating, : In fact, he hugged himself in the belief that he was quite alone. First he looked over his shoulders, and then he gave a sort of comfortable sigh as he drew from his pocket a black bottle, which had been his cansiat companion and trusty friend in many a distant clime, Gently he withdrew the cork. Then he wiped the neck of the bottle with the cuff of his coat, and took a gentle pull. ‘‘How unpleasant it is to be surrounded by such a suspicious set of people. I verily believe that some of them would suspect their own mothers of taking strong waters on the sly.” He sucked again. ; “Tt was a happy thought of mine,” murmured this singular person, who was no other than our old friend Mole, ‘‘to offer to mount this guard, for I can keep careful watch, and take my drop of comfort at the same time.’ He washed down this observation with another gentle pull at the black bottle. ‘Come what will,” said Mole, ‘‘I am deter- mined that the success of this expedition shall be due to my courage and forethought.” He solaced himself once more with that little black bottle. xb 00! what noise is that?” and ho hastily clapped the bottle in his breast-pocket, and looked up. mean?” : fe found hime fine tattle t for twelve I 6 foun © tar or twelve long- barrelled guns, and all the twelve so close to hin ing their aim. that there was not the faintest hope of their miss- _ Why,” ho gasped again, “what does all this _
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the ground when teey ch bis wo wu HARKAWAY ON MAGIC: ISLAND! Tentie ae tried 16 Gay out. Hee fhowent he en a dead or, this, Eek ' upon him until the tips 0. bic oat tere taechell him. “a The cold sweat poured down his back, for every instant he expected to receive tue contents 5.9 thon twelve gun barrels in his devoted car- “*Saddenty he found his tongue, and at ‘a mo; ment that they certainly did not expect,it. Mole | es aloud yell, and then he fell forward flat on his. face. CHAPTER XVL GUERILLA WARFARE—THE ARKANSAS DUEL ON A LARGE SCALE—MOLE IN ‘ANOTHER NEW PART; THAT OF MAIL ARMOR! WHat ensued was gone through with wonder- ful rapidity: “ Halloo, there! is that.you, Mole, yelling out for help?” me next gag. Jefferson made a rush for- war And then as hae, ay aiad Bien. 2 The band of Monastos, with admirable pre- cision, wheeled around at a sign from their chief, and turned their, upon. Jefferson. The latter looked and stared of SOUee, sud- _ denly berefit,of his. senses. Seven of ie guns were pointing at “Treed, by. gum!” exclaimed ie “Aindihi sai gian' abd did snot girs fa. (se bak i ( uddenly he darted aroun Tan, k into the bushes. ant Fling bat ee fe Siod before they could “sine Jae “or rh La valent in Gr “Take a tree, every mother’s cried to his friends, who were poise pil be catawampously chawed up be the pira They needed no second warnin In the twinkling of an eye, Hark sought refuge behind trees. si he Way's party. ‘Be cautious, lads, and don’t pop your heads | findin, out too soon,” cried Jefferson. And then began an Arkansas duel upon a very extensive scale. Not another word was spoken for several minutes, Then suddenly the silence was broken by, the pried crack of a rifle, and Yanni, the pirate chief's favorite, was dropped. “That's a chalk to me, Jeff,” said Magog Brand, com lacently. “Bravo, Trae! ! returned Jefferson. : But as he spoke, he was busy fixing his own quarry, and before the echo, Magog’s pot had ‘died away, there was a second report, and down droppe another of the brigands. This was warm work for the Greeks. But Monastos was equal to the task. He made a sudden grab at Mr. Mole’s collar, and dragged him up, rested his own rifle oy r his prisoner’s shoul er, and kept him as a shield in front of himself. But Mole soon slipped down, and the conse- quence was that Monastos em emptied both, barrels upon the enemy, but mis: ignominiously in both cases. Dick Harvey made his presence felt then. No sooner did he catch sight of the command- ing figure of Monastos than he. marked him for his own. With fatal deliberation. he took aim. “Now then, Mr. Mole,” he shouted, as Monas- tos once more eeygeon Mole to his feet, “ ‘drop to ive the word. Now?” Mole dropped; but it was not in obedience to Fear seemed to haye got possession of him fg such an extent that it tbok all the ore out 0: his ody, and appeared actually to infect: his wooden legs, _At that very instant, Dick ck pulled the, UC nh stagger ed back, pping his hand his shoulde: i is sa Boulitted J aiterier Brand. good sho’ y, | said Mago; the Gree rere not Deen Ey ie rt means; they ‘set ry of alarm, w. _ Dick’s order, dd. He strug; “eiciéed” wid cay eae es ‘with en pins were tipped: him, | less the ugl Neier pokes What 5 “Captor and captive were suffering, aftér’ their, | fashion, at the same time. Another shot was Sred, and. Mr. Mole gave a Evidently. Else why did né kick and wiggle so wildly upon the ‘pack of his captor? “Here,” cried the chief to one of his’ men, throwing poor Mole on the und, ‘*pick up this wretched Englishman, and carry him ‘to our cave. A savage-looking bri i oe then threw. Mole on. his back and commenc to trot away with him. |he began to orate the calves of the man’s legs with his spik ; “Keep Mill! !” roared the brigand, ashe trudged Bho! Aha!” “ Quiet, you English do ha—oho!” cried Mole. cit you scratch my leg with Your toe-niails, like that, Pll. haye your-nails drawn with pin- con} oats, the amiable brigand. ” ; apesenl a ee es: ; ae “‘ Where?” . Ney “Where? In the rear; Téat't stand in com- forton these timber pins, and now I shall never be able to sit down again.” “We sha’n’t want you to,” answered the brig- and, trotting on. as shall, hough ‘oaned Mole, = a Ete no; we shall lay you down,” said: the aay medown? Wh—wh—where? Don’t jig- sie Jo mle so, Let,nie try and walk.” d, who seemed in no wey A incommo- dated by hi ; burden, made a goat-like ski upon g, so much, his prisoner was cate De ore as he att _ thought—and trot od Mi ‘Where shall we lay you down; my friénd? I'll tell you,” and he dro ped into a trot; “we 8 find you a nice soft bit of earth, caro mio, and dig down, a six or eight feet, English Ot or your . earthy bed, and then——” : “ Mole “ And then:7 we shall drop you in, whether ogi are alive or dead.” **Oh—h—h!” braye i my pe said the brig- , “we all oy ae you a grave, and | again. ote youup with a gi de earth; 50. let‘me adyise you to die quickly before reaching your last elroome st will be 4 % a be better for you. Ha- “Oh, Jerusalem!” cried Mole, ‘‘ you don’tmean to bury me alive, Isay, old fellow, s top a bit, and take a Jittle drop out of my bottle.” “Oh, no,” said the brigand; ‘‘I intend to give you a ‘drop, and that very, soon, in your deep erie T can then help myself out of yyour bot- ‘*'You horrid vagabond,” cried Mole, tryin, wriggle himself out of the brigand’s' pete et me go.” In this way poor Mole was trotted off to cap- tivity. Poor Mole! Bit by oS leg by leg, he had een disappear- from the scene, ng now it looked sadly like a wholesale yan- ishing of the rest of his tough old hide. Fu THE MYSTERIOUS RETREAT—CAMPING OUT—THE NIGHT WATCH—ASLEEP ON HIS BOP Tic ARBRE: GER MIKE. ut? HarKAWAY’s party waited in security, behind the trees for some f fom} fae They did not like One of the tots Bo out, and they ian me) every oma a bullet would “hotles OND cmon Not a oat was advan a wwhigper—anuach a 5 yet * id it mean? After waiting for some few minu with eyery 3 ‘ with nates with ee f nerve in his body tinglin; citement, Magog Brand stole out. But Mole was not to be taken off so easily, for | lets. _ 4 = : = ‘Hist! Magog; hist!” exclaimed Jefferson, “keep back, or Fou will bea dead man.” eee ‘Brande reply was brief but Nee, ois : “Are you mad?” said Jefferson. «Conte back, say.”™ , 3 “No; Til'face the brigands.” He stepped out into open _as if theret was nothing to fear, as heat e “had the utmost contempt for their adversaries who were, truth to tell, attything but contem: ible marksmen.” He walked forward wit gun in -hand though he boré a charmed life against rifle bul “ Silly. ‘fellow!’ extlaimed poor Ji efferson, “this will eo last appearance on any stage of Magog Bran a aagog was not to die yet. ‘ or was there an juni ve paren whether he bore a ¢ charmed Hf Sue . His appearan on beyond the 6 shear ot the trees excited no attention on the othe of iva enemy. oh, e strange Sil the par as'muc or Ee than their fi ies rise. ‘e made diréct for a $iae'spreadinig’ tres, ben which the hottest fire had come during the skir- mish. And then turning around, he shouted out tohis companion: y ‘The skunks have gone!” «© What Beles, by Jove!” Jefferson could not credit the, announcement thus briefly conveyed. é ‘« Tmpossible!” “Come and see! there is nota piighnd in = A ne et his words and manner implied a doubt, yet he showed ae retty clearly that he ac- cepted it in good faith by marching out into the open. And then he ascertained the truth for himself. ree ings a were indeed gone. had disappeared. ‘ Wve ! cried Jefferson, in amazement, ‘“T thou; fhought to have potted ) ‘ew more of the yaga- 5, Weare doubled on this time,” said Brand. "So it seems.” “« But what of poor.old Mole?” “‘ Poor Mole!” They were sincere in this, for in spite of his drawbacks, Mole was a favorite all, and now it seemed as though death, perhaps a cruel death, was about to snatch their old friend from them, for the beeen nds, they knew, would have no mercy on poor Mole. “Poor old fellow,” said Harvey, sadly ; ak fear that 1 shall never laugh over your tricks i Jefferson shook his head mournfully. “T fear not.” “At any rate, there is this to be said, Mole as risoner no trifling ineumbrance, and wi I so fari doubt we be able to come up with them.” «We shall see.” “Tn miwu direction do you think “a can hav can an! that is a question that requires some re) considerable ae ee It did, indeed the brigands had not left the faintest traces behind them, or the least in- dication that could aid the English party. Amongst the latter were several experienced i le and hunters, who weré voted especially e service of recovering the Pes ntlemen had for years led a life of ad- ture in the backwoods of America, and were consequentiy the very men to employ upon’ the nt service. But their task was one of no ordinary difficul- ae for the retreat of the brigands had’been made ‘h the woods, where they had to hunt, in vain for f For half-a-mile ‘around men present camping place they searched diligently But in vain. ‘Notatrace. © » Not the faintest clew to help them. Or’ stay, we were wrong sae rd the faintest clew, for pd loved td isin deke-4B0 genet: ay described ” as th sin Bi. bee were too mndn’ In other. ae ge eir ee of: oe ground convinced them rg of. gands had broken up and seattered in de their movements that I’ve no.
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& rout,” added another enthusiast. ed. sorcei : “Not. that,” he said; ‘‘or else-they would: not have carried off the prisoner so easily.” > “Poor Mole!” svcsitia be “My opinion,” said Jefferson, ‘‘is rather that they, have seattered. with the RN of throwing us off the scent, and have probably: re- joined at a little distance off.” ..° ise This was the ost likely supposition. - All agred to this. ‘Taking that for granted— a “ Jefferson,” said Dick. Harvey, ‘‘the best thing for us to'do is tu keep ‘our largest weather eye oe and look out for squalls.” “cc rue, ?? 4 “They will probably return in force and en- deayor to surprise us.” ? : * Probably.” BOS. : “Well, then,” said Magog Brand, “‘all I have to say is this. -If, with that-belief in our minds, we suffer ourselves to be surprised, we deserve the worst that can possibly befall us.” “ Right.” “ Agreed.” . “Let us take every possible precaution to guard against it.” “We will.” “Tn the first place, let us take opinions about our next, tep. ms “You put the question, Harvey, for our con- sideration,” said Jefferson. “ Hear—hear!” “Tn the first place, then,” said Dick, ‘‘ what is to be done? Shall we camp here and fortify this position, or move on?” -: “ Camp here,” cried several. “Tet us examine well the two fore we decide,” said Dick. sax “Go on.” questions be- Harkaway will better be able to find us.out.” “True, if he lives.” : “Oh, he is safe enough,” said Dick; ‘“‘ Jack and I have got through worse scrapes than this, I promise you.” : ’ 2 “ Doubtless; and I am no croaker of evil,” said Jefferson; ‘‘ but I confess that I would give a tall pile of dollars to shake hands with Jack Harka- way at this moment.” “Give me your hand, Jeff,” said Dick, earnest- ly; “ you’re a good fellow—a true pal, and one of the luckiest across you.” © j Jefferson returned the grasp warmly. *“ Onethe contrary, my boy,” he said, ‘“ and brave Jack Harkaway have made life durable for us—eh, Magog?” : “ Rather,” responded the dwarf quickly. “Why, Jefferson and I were dying of sloth— quietly humbugging each other with idleness and expiring of ennui; Harvey, my boy, you and Harkaway are our benefactors.” “Well, old fellow, I and’ Jack will never for- gothow you fought for us in the New York gaming house. * 2 * * * % “The disadvantage of staying here,” said Hiram Lee, ‘‘is that the brigands, knowing the spot. will make their arrangements accordingly.” ‘rue. you en- ‘*March on, then.” St ty “That is what I was coming to,” said Dick. _ ‘‘Le$ us examine the ground about,” said one of the party, “and if we find-any placemore suitable, we can camp there, and yet keep a sharp look-out for friends or foes.” “cc ood. ” A ira eget tha made, and be y a le a a ton high ground; yet shelter ea Heabee, which commanded a -view for Bh. Tittle distance. : ‘ This settled, Dick set to work, making secure arrangements for the #o i night, 34 TH show you now,” said he, ‘‘ how I and my old friend Jack used to fortify our position when attacked by Indians years ago.” ~ 'Thts was watched with considerable curiosity. Firstly, he set his friends and himself to work to chop off some branches of the nearest trees. Wi around, covering a circumference, or rether the pate ‘in it, of about a hundred feet. ‘ Besides this, he fastened thin slips of willow from tree to tree, at about a foot from the days. in amy. life was when I fell } these he had the ground strewn all] th HARKAWAY ON MAGIC ISLAND. a ground, a very dangerous obstacle to men creep- ing on the ground in the dark. : By the, time that this’ was, done, it became necessary: to post the sentries for the night, ‘Then they ate their cold supper, and washed it down with the contents of their ample flasks. ‘* Now,” said.Magog, ‘‘as my watch begins. an hour henee, I’ll take a snooze.’ When he had snored gracefully for half an hour, he wasawoke by something, softand warm, brushing against: his face. ; Then there was something both cold and damp. “Harvey!” he said, sitting bolt upright, “Dick! Jefferson!” ‘*Halloo!. What. now?” ‘Any alarm?” a“ No.” They were alreadyion their feet, ‘rifles in hand, and upon the look-out. ’ ‘“Whatis it?’ : “Our friend come back,” replied Magog, with a chuckle. ; i not Harkaway?” gasped Harvey. 0. “T thought it was too good,” he said. “Yes; but, we have our four-footed postman back with news.” ‘What, Mike?” “ce Yes. ” And then everyone hada kind word for that luckiest of lucky dogs. They lit g lantern and took observations of Master Mike. ; Around his neck was fastened a letter written by. Mrs. Harkaway and by Mrs. Harvey. It was brief and to the purpose. “We hope you have got Emily safe with you by this time, and that our foolish boys have not been running risks in this dreadful. place. We are full of anxiety, Monday is nearly well. Un- less you are soon back, he will start after you. As it is, we have all our work to do to restrain his impatience, and r Ada. is in a constant state of worry about him. . That darling Mike is the prince of dogs. If he gets safely to you with this, he shall haveacollar of gold and jewels, and ~ “ae * ioe ie ES Dick had but just finished the letter, when Mike was seen to prick up his ears and look sharply around, ean ees Magog Brand watched him eagerly. ““'That’s my post,” he said to himself. So out he crept upon all fours towards the sen- try whom he was to replace. And the first thing he saw here filled him with wrath and indignation, The solitude and the fatigue together had been too much for the sentry. He’ eaning upon the muzzle of his rifle, and in this position he was weleene. om He was not, strictly speaking, asleep, but he had suffered the drowsiness so far to conquer him that he did not hear Magog Brand’s approach. Suddenly the dwarf was startled by a sound close beside him. It was like the cocking of firearms—of a rifle or a pistol. alarming sound. Magog did not wait to consider. This was time for acting—not thought: . To pause was to be lost. ‘i 2 He dropped his rifle and took out his bowie e. ‘*This is like Paddy’s shillelah,” he said to him- self. ‘It never misses fire.” Creeping through the brushwood, he suddenl saw before him the tall form of one of the Greek get »» & |feed upon-all the dainties: in the land,if once we,~ “Tf we remain here, there is'this advantage; ‘onge = —" this desert. Oh, pray ee f It was not a long job for him, however. ; Three or four strides brought him close to his And then gathering up his strength for a big. effort, he leaped upon the unsuspecting je = from. behind. ee Ugh !” And that was about all the brigand said. Magog was short, sharp and decisive in his action. its Before the man could struggle much, that murderous long knife was buried.up to the very hilt in his neck. ; The wind ipe was severed—it choked his ut. terance, and down he dropped upon the ground. Two sharp strokes of the knife—rightand then left—and what a few moments before had been a huge muscular body, full of life and vigor, was’ now a hideous, headless trunk. . ; Now this was accomplished without noise—and the sentry, whose life had been in danger, was actually unaware of what had taken place, ‘ — This horrible feat was. barely accomplished when Magog was startled by the sound of ‘some- one advancing in that direction. ; * The stockade which Dick Harvey had suggest- ed betrayed the approach, for the dried twigs were crushed beneath a heavy foot. ; agog glanced up, and catching sight of the outline of a tall figure, he felt that it was high time to beat a retreat, . ‘ But before going, he hit upon a novel defense. a, the head of is victim he hurled it with all his force in the direction of the lew * | comer. Tt was a good aim. ; The reeking missile struck the man as he was eoming on, and brought him to a sudden stop. Then Magog snatched up the slaughtered brigand’s gun and scampered back, just as the astonished sentry opened his sleepy eyes and gazed about him. ‘ “On guard!” ejaculatea the dwarf in a stage whisper. ‘CAL right.” “Tt is now.” ; And back he scrambled to the camp. Harvey atid Jefferson were wide awake. They had missed Magog, and were wondering what could have become of him; so that they saw him back again with considerable sensations of relief. se oe wrong?” demanded Jefferson. “ Not much.” “ Are you hurt?” “a No. ” “Why, what is that blood on you/—you are covered.’ “So I am,” replied the little man coolly; ‘but it is not mine.” % ‘Whose, then?? « tne 4 is “ Another of the Greek brigands,” was Ma- eops reply. | ~ sae bs He thought no more of killing a brigandthan he would of shooting a wolf. : ‘‘T was just in time,” he explained; “our sen- try was asleep on his post, I heard someone coming, so.I crept and cut off one man’s head and threw it at another. It saves powder and shot, you see.” His hearers stared. And then when they got at the real truth of it, they shuddered at the recital. Tm Be that as ib may, itsaved the rest of the party. For a ey poe, surprise, the work of Monastos himself, was frustrated by Magog’s courage; for when the gory head fell at the ad- peng brigand’s feet, it filled him with horror and fear. rate dwart had thus and boldest of the The man whom the des: cut down, was one of the brigands watching thesleepy sentinel. brigands, and as soon as Monastos was told what Tn his hands he carried a gun that he Was just’ p: appened, hefordéred the retreat to be upon the point of bringing to his shoulder. \ pee a ee He was a huge fellow, and he took a slow and deliberate aim. The sentry was about to pay for his negli- gence. He -was doomed. ; “Now!” said’ Magog to himself, “now is my time.” Gripping his long knife nervously, be stole for- ward. CHAPTER XVIII. HOW MAGOG BRAND STOPPED AN INTRUDER—AD- VENTURE ON THE MARCH—WAR’S ALARMS. . Macoc Branp was, figuratively speaking, all ere. He meant mischief. You might see this b the corners of his mou pression of his eyes. the vicious look about and the peculiar ex- f WN Y And then it was agreed that they must give it up for that night. ore “Weare discovered,” said Monastos. ‘‘ Weare bunglers, and growing unworthy of our names, when we cannot conduct an attack-at night with more prudence than has been displayed this time.” The brigands slept very little that night. The watches of Mice wags party were dou- bled, and this left but three men fea oe These three men were Dick Harvey, Jefferson, and May og Brand. = Morning dawned. The three sleepers woke up in a general state of alarm, Their first impulse was to feel for their weap- — ons. 3 5 66 Te, tt ie s , 4 Paat all right; no make pigs to decapi- * Ba * f
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2 HARKAWAY ON MAGIC ISLAND. ae They shook themselves together, and trotted about hither and thither to the various posts, for the purpose of shaking off their drowsiness, and of ascertaining at the same time if their men were all safe. 3 Their cheeks were rather pale, and their eyes were rather bloodshot for want of rest. In other respects all was as well as could be wished. m Brand kindled the fire and boiled some water that they got from a neighboring spring, in a tin ikin which he ed in his knap- sack, and with this he prepared some coffee. “And then a grand feast was held of cold meat, bread, and hot coffee. ‘They had been anxiously waiting for thé reap- pearance of Harkaway, senior. a One and all of the party missed him sadly, and now at last they began to fear that something dreadful had happened to him. ‘The skunks shall suffer for all that we suffer,” said Jefferson, bitterly. : “They shall we swear!” A general chorus of voices showed that they were all agreed upon this point. If harm should have befallen Jack Harkaway or his boy, then woe betide the Greek brigands. Here was a party of bold and desperate men all meaning to protect each other; and if evil should bees Be to one or the other of them, the rest«were pledged to fight with the avowed ob- ject of exterminating Monastos and his band of rigands. : They grew impatient of remaining inactive. and so they resolyed to march on in search 0} Harkaway, and of adventure generally. One of their advanced guards or beaters start-| ~ Heclapped his hand to his side—thus indica: ed a Greek scout just upon the skirts of a wood, and as soon as the A perpen perceived him they gave their view halloo, and started off in pursuit, and when they had got about a hundred he chig they saw that the Greek was distancing hem fast. Run as fast as they could, the brigand length- ened the gap between them at every stride. ‘*He mustn’t escape,” said Jefferson. “Not quite, Jeff,” said his little friend. They were of cne mind upon this head. Both had cpa cna in ‘the chase influenced the same idea; they meant to put a stop to flight by an ounce of lead. i agog Brand being loaded first, knelt, took a steady aim and pulled the trigger. They watched for the result of the shot with some anxiety. But no use. He was not touched. On he ran faster than ever. Jefferson knelt and had his turn now. —_ big American was a crack shot with the rifle. Jefferson pulled the trigger, and the fugitive bounded tie the air. “Hit!” “* Potted!” “* Spiked!” Such were the ejaculations of the lookers-on. ges beet dato he was brought down for good; but although the unlucky man_ fell, evidently struck by Jefferson’s bullet, yet he was not seri- ously damaged; not too seriously, that is, to pre- vent his resuming his flight. b ils [THE END.] his hurt, and flew on with as much bee 4 - ets “Winged him only.” “ §§ He's. y, hurt, though,” said Dick, “I can ee ‘Then he’s ours.” ** Doubtless.” : But they reckoned without their host, for once. } By the time that they got another five minutes upon the way, the fugitive Ww ashe was, had contrived to get clean off. * * * * * * Suddenly they were startled by the sound of First a single shot, then a straggling volle and then followed # well-sustaiied pot me very re A very warm close eo hain: . ‘*T can hear our rifles going it,” said Dick Har- vey. ‘“T know the ring of them too well to be mistaken. “* You're right, Dick, there,” exclaimed Jeffer- son, oo shall have some fighting now,” said ick. “Rather,” exclaimed Magog Brand, “and hang | me if I am going to miss it.” “Nor I!” “Nor I!” “Forward then. Look toyour rifles and pistols . all around, and let us get on to the fighting ground, wherever it is.” ‘engagement was going forward READ THE “Boss,” "" Fi EE: oys of New York. All the Favorite Authors of the Day write for it, For Sale by All Newsdealers, : Or sent from this Office on receipt of price, § Cents per copy.