Five Cent Wide Awake Library (vol. 1) (1879 10 20)
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hy UTES oS a ak el = ' SOR - % bs Entered uccording to Act of Congress, in the year 1878, by TOUSEY & SMALL, in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. ©. { SINGLE TOUSEY & SMALL, PUBLISHERS, § PRICE Vol. I. | NUMBER. | 116 Nassau Sreeer, N. Y. \ GnNTs. | No. 176. Harkaway, the Avenger. — i 2 Bes Steen. iu te chats ged.c . il nail ‘ ; o “ This one next,” he said, and pointed with his sword at Harry Girdwood. “ Ready—present—fire!” CHAPTER 1. “Let us try and catch the postman,” he ex , fallen and disappointed, they returned to the , =e, . claimed; ‘if we get hold of him, we may learn | house. A HOUSE OF MOURNING—HARVEY'S RESOLVE—A something worth knowing.” “ Come,” said Dick, to the bold American; TIME OF TROUBLE. “Bravo!” responded Jefferson; ‘a capital | “we must move; we must be stirring.” “ HorRmLE!” cried Jefferson: “‘horrible!” idea.” “What for?” Dismay and terror were on every face. They were flying all over the grounds immedi-| ‘For several reasons, ” replied Dick. “ Bu The dreadful news paralyzed their move-| ately. | firstly, for the purpose of giving’ Jack —- ments, and rendered them momentarily help-| But the result may be guessed in advance. | todo. It will never do to let a man in his F Jess. Not a sign was there of the bearer of this| tion brood.” ' Dick Harvey was the first to break the silence. | alarming letter. They sought poor Harkaway again, and lef : “d He sp’ to his feet, and made for the grounds,| They gave up the search only when there was| him off to hold a consultation. T'S, : ‘wuctioning others to follow him. not the faintest vestige of a hope left, and crest-| ‘‘ Jack,” said Harvey, bruskly, “youmustnoB =
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give way to despondency. I say positively, must not. You will certainly undermine your ith. “Do not fear for me, Dick,” returned Harka- “T shall be better for a little quiet.” “Indeed you'll not. Besides, it is not just to way’s lipsquivered,and a big lump arose throa’ _ broken-hearted voice. tion of their names. Poor bo ‘ou must,” insisted mean to leave them in the lurch.” ** What do you mean?” “What I say. We must not give up the “ Ah, Dick, you would persuade me, if you the deepest conviction on the point. “To what effect?” “That they live—both live.” Jack Harkaway lookeg positively frightened fe self, man. Whatever can the ] f poignant ‘or loss of one whom she had loved with all the passion her im- petuous nature was capable of, made the thought and hope of revenge grow stronger and strong- er. Vengeance! ay, and a terrible one was what as Pe Lae tr be stricken, and what one w matter then even if she fell into the hands of the authorities? What matter even if her life was are Oho ee” charm for her. Asthe sun rose, she sat down a little way out oa cnieag aes tec pepe a: ‘or out purpose. But no! her brain was too confused Besoon t, and after a brief interval she resolv sponse. and Diana was left alone. She tried tosleep so that she might be stron, and cooler for the business she in hand: t the excitement under which she labored effectu- sy scowelaee - little after noon the woman of the house looked in, and finding her lodger awake, entered into conversation, comme: y 'y | some shook her head. food is vey plain and humblé,” “T can’t give you such dainties as the people over yonder eat. She jerked her thumb in the direction of the Harkaway residence. rl ceed tembereans ant ter totes. Senk an indifference was far from feel- ing. “Some English.” “Do they, then, eat and drink the best?” “The very best; oh, they are rich.” Pe ae — they want here?” ioe “They have come to destroy the brigands; is it not droll?” : ae pag succeeded?” fal, the ‘No; but if they are nev'care! brigands will destroy them. They are so careless.” Diana was afraid to exhibit too much interest in the doings of the Harkaways, lest jshe should arouse icion. So she simply nodded, and listened most anx- iously to what the garrulous old woman would say next. “So very careless; anyone might get into their house by the side door,” said the ancient dame. : “Well, it is their own fault if they are rob- ce, for Hunston had told Toro | bed. “True. But it would be little credit to the robber; they think the brigands are afraid to a the town, so they don’t take many precau~ Ss. to gather ra) ing a little sought the She turned the handle peg freee entered. There was no one in the kitchen, where she found herself, but the subdued noise of knives and forks in another t convinced her that were at dinner or some other meal. Di ow soon as she ee ——— glided like a specter up the stairs, and noisel examined various bedchambers. 2’ ‘‘This must be it,” she thought. ‘And she aa ath “Help! murder!” CHAPTER III. YOUNG JACK IN TROUBLE—THE COUNCIL—DOOM OF THE BOYS—A SOLDIER'S GRAVE AT DAY- BREAK. : Youne Jack and Harry Girdwood,
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HARKAWAY, THE AVENGER. 3 they had to walk through tunnels in the solid , This is the place to drive us out of our witsmore rock—too solid apparently to have been worked | than any p. we could cig perl by the hand of man. “* Rather the Styx than the Lethe,” said Harry; On they walked upon this gloomy track, the | “‘ banish all hope who enter here.” silence only broken by the echo of theirownfoot-| It was indeed a spot to evoke gloomy reflec- their friends are supposed to have been ane eek ly ill-treated, found themselves y rough and brutal hands to a considerable ce from the shore where they had unfortunately landed. The boy whom young Jack had rescued, and who had decoyed them to their ruin, disappear- | falls. tions, and the boys were in a frame of mind to eP ed at once. Anything so desolate our boys had never be- | indulge in such. i” “Jack,” said Girdwood, when recover- | held. | This place, they found, was fixed upon as the ~ ed from the first shock, ‘‘ we are done for.” A dull, settled feeling of loneliness and despair | camp of the brigands, who had felt it tive ‘No mistake about that,” returned young 7 gloomily. “ Well—w it is no fault of ours; that is some consolation.” “A precious poor consolation, since here we ” fell upon the two boy prisoners. After journeying in this way for about two miles, they came unexpectedly (to them—for of — ie guide,knew where he was lead- ing the party) upon a circular opening amon; the hills, beneath which was what appeared te be to change their headquarters, since had — proof that their old midcaghent was own to their enemies. Here they were not in danger of surprise, for * Yes.” be a table land of darx earth or : Within a couple of hours of the arrival there Here they were interrupted by their captors.| “A cere said Harry Girdwood. of the two boy prisoners and their captors, the * Move on!” ** Tt looks like a bog,” said young Jack, ‘“‘ but | whole of the cand sauntered down in twos and The voice was Hunston’s, and that sufficed for | yet I can see something moving. threes, until the vast host that they formed fairly oung Jack to show signs of opposition. “Tt is water.” amazed yo Jack and his companion. Vain obstacle. — Eat un fee a ene upon thee,’ said Toro, “so es. them The ruffians were only glad of the slightest pre- text for further brutality. “We are quite ble where we are,” said young Jack. = lent brat!” said Hunston. contemptuous- ly. “You shall be birched well for that. The color mounted te the boy’s face in spite of ee ee an release a Tha won az fb Saat hig 3 is was rs) one of hi = approved y ‘“* How black—how dismal it looks.” It did, indeed. Silent and gloomy,like a table of metal, spread the darkling waters of this strange lake. Wild and desolate was it in the extreme. On every side it was enclosed by towering ights, bare, treeless and solemn. There was only a single dissentient voice. 1 HE you attenaph to Gexsporien,* ho ea, = bad ‘ou a! to tem: rou <i be bexeee eae = himself. “You can threaten in safety, fellow,” said boys were plainly impressed with the} “Why? ce young Harkaway, turning and their old | dull solemnity of the pon “ vies So by whom?” ~ enemy, ‘‘since you have so many backers topro-} “‘ What doesthat look like?” said young Jack) ‘“Harkaway.” - oe ” in a low voice, to his companion. “Bah!” ou. unston grew livid. “You wretched spawn of a hated race,” he ejaculated between his set teeth, ‘*do you dare “Such is my experience of him,” returned Hunston. ** Nonsense; why shouldn’t we make sure of thr ay se know—Lerna, the famous marsh, near “No; it was there that Hercules killed the Hy- to me?” dra, wasn’t it?” money if we can’ “There is not much daring required,” retort-| “ Yes.” : : Why not?” said Hunston; ‘‘if we can, which ed Jack, boldly. ‘*T should like to think that it was like that,” | 1 doubt. The words were barely uttered when Hunston | he said, glancing around at the brigands about dealt the boy a buffet which nearly sent him to | them. the earth; but young Jack was pretty promptin| “And that you or we might emulate the ex- ing it. ample of Hercules.” ‘““Harkaway is a most affectionate parent, I know well,” said Ymeniz; “I have heard it from q re his ery erm i os and that his son are ete volensas™ This was a kind of debt which the Harkaways yes. : Guu as “lightaing see himeatt he fea 2Ete OUT enemies are more than hydra-head-| "Wahi said Fn lie on say ive hated as 5 e 7 turned and leaped upon Hi andtaking him| The other glanced eagerly about him before | *".. quite unexpectedly, he ied him over and fell | he — y . eee : i sho ae natit istols : dirty goed od deal of wa cee be marched alan “Not enough.” : “Now w you wi is yy your a fingers upon a Harkaway,” phntoion: fg the boy, ing “How much is five hundred pounds?” demand- My Now at this present juncture there was a sig- | ed Ymeniz. nal from the topmost hills, and upon s trum ‘“ Twelve thousand, five hundred franes,” re- z note po ig in answer by one of the brig- | plied Toro. age,” cried the boy, excitedly, ‘‘and now ands, dark, dusky forms appeared upon every| ‘Very good—very good; a fair price.” finish you, that you——” side. Is it not?” But he was not allowed to complete his threat. “* How shall we claim it?” ign cect wae pet Se ae ree : answered eagerly ‘unston. 1 an ms m; ours «But renember our old friend Tomaso is still in the power of these cursed English.” Toro paused, and from all the band arose the unanimous cry: rs “Tomaso must be rescued or avenged!” and placed themselves between the boy andthe| The men were nothing loth. man. + .| The road they had traversed was steep and| Hunston addressed himself to the business with “ Come. Hunston,” said one of the men, * let | ru; and it had perbape ie yh ew mes open interest. she to go Gocmenalis him alone. two isoners u an : necessary me to go “But he has struck me.” The st amt vonredbad: which took , nor to dilate “You it.” They made a meal of cold meat and | upon ingenious manner in which the letters oS * then? Shall I take a blow from such | coarse bread and and they drank of their | were delivered by Hunston or his emissaries. 7 as he?” wine from the skins until their swarthy faces With his wonted shrewdness, he watched for _ “You were wrong to strike a child—a child, | flushed le; and whilst they feasted and made | the result of his last threatening letter himself, that is unarmed,” answered the brigand. neers. Wa ‘ves were constrained to look on | and after ing the most observati: ilsesteertnoner ae at this way of putting | —in envy ps—but not to share the ban- ee ee it. letter con: m 2 **No matter; he shall die for this.” The five hi pounds were there, in five “Perhaps; but meanwhile there is a ofransom. The interests of the band cannot et ~be allowed to suffer for you or any other indi- ey: = vidual “five bi pounds! Heaven, a sum.” , = ; Hunston He looked about him — p He a = . : ot oad the Whe should I share it?’ he said; “why VF appeared to t should it not all be mine ing forward, Becwnse he feared his lawless companions. Lead on. more. Simon stepped cm a hurdred,” he a Jack and Harry were forced PoE ne ag = this shall serve a z H | tu af ae ih luck and spirit, he wed at ir vitals in a way which Poduced not only their stamina, but irits. the hills. ‘This is to be our prison,” said Harry Gird- hardly large enough for five men to walk | wood Tf i‘, dt 7 i f Ly by : t Y ty )
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HARKAWAY, THE AVENGER. whatever is the meaning of this change of tone? without fear of my motives being in any way i = I thought that you, like all others, were most = on.” eager for revenge.” * Here is the ly of the cold-blooded English-| * Why?’ man Harkaway my demand for ransom, and ‘““Why? Need I already remind you of the you are all my SA ang that I did not exact a | ample cause for vengeance which we all have?’ “Dare!” Jaughed Hunston. ‘ Will you go away and leave the boys alone, or must y carry you away?” The girl’s color forsook her eheek, and she drew nearer to Hunston, and tae latter, startled at her expression, drew back. : very sum. “No,” returned Theodora, calmly. “But| ‘‘These unhappy boysare doomed to die at ., ** No—no.” these boys are innocent of harm.” daybreak,” she said, ‘‘ but if you stay a moment & “What says he?” “Then why did you lure them to their destruc- | longer to molest me or annoy them, I will sum- om **He sends this,” returned Hunston, holdi tion?” mon the men and tell them that you would in- A upa single hundred-pound note; ‘‘one hun The woman sighed. sult me and murder them,” , ds, two thousand five hundred francs; in a “Ah, why indeed?’ “Tt is false.” S word, one-fifth of the sum we demanded, and; ‘“‘ Yes, why?” “IT know it,” replied the woman, fiercely; “but 3 with it a letter.” ““T was wicked, cruel, base, di tive,” she're-|do you el I would hesitate at that? And : A murmur of indi ion followed. —— “ words cannot paint my wickedness. But | what wo your life be worth?—what, I ask? = ‘* What does the letter say?’ they demanded. was punished for my badness by peril such as1 | Why, they would wait for no explanation; your ‘ “ He defies us; he offers this sum, but says | have never yet known; and when really running | presence here would be sufficient; they would : that if the boys are not released before sunrise, | a danger which I thought but to affect the better | tear you asunder. Begone, craven blackheart. ~ a he will come.and fetch them.” to lure our destined victims to their doom, I was | Go!” : “Let him come.” rescued from the grave by them, by the very | Hunston muttered something indistinctly, but a “So say 1; but what shall be done with the | boys—breve—brave boys—whom I sought to|he bent his head before the storm of this fierce “ boys meanwhile?” destroy. Now,” she added; turning boldly tothe | woman’s wrath and slunk away. A momentary silence followed; then came the | assembled brigands, ‘can you ask me whyIhave;| She turned to the boys. i deep, stern words: ¢ ed my tone?” ““My poor fellows,” she said, tenderly, her ’ “ Let them,die!” A dozen voices were heard at once, and all ut-| manner changing as if by magic, “my unfor- . The speaker was Toro. tered different sentiments. tunate, brave lads, what can I do for you?” = The Italian’s words were eagerly caught up. “* These prisoners are mine b so said| ‘‘ You have earned our gratitude,” returned : “ Ay, let them die! but when?” Theodora, ‘for I have taken have | Harry Girdwood, “by the whipping you gaye > ** When you will,” said Hunston; ‘‘I care not, | brought them here; it is for me to dispose of | that cur.” ; so that we are rid of them. We see clearly that | them.” “ Indeed Pg have,” chimed in young Jack, ; there is no counting upon these Harkaway people | Some few of the brigands agreed to this; but | with warm for the ransom set down by us, “however reason- | the ma jority, overruled by Toro andjHunston,| ‘‘ How like a beaten hound he looked,” said the -¢ able our demands may be. denied jurisdiction altogether in the matter. | woman. ‘ But how can I ever hope to be for- fi “65 ” The girl madea pe appeal to the as-| given by you?” 3 * Then I say, let them die nee, sembled brigands. But all in vain. ‘““We have nothing to forgive,” said young. q “Tmpossible,” said one of the brigands, step-| They were resolved. Jack, generously, . ping forth. It was put to the vote, and the result waseasily | ‘‘ Ay, but you have; you saved my life and I > “Why?” ° foreseen. take yours.” f : a “ Because the traitor, Lirico, is to die at day-| Death. » “ Not you.” es. : break; we can’t have two executions so near Death by the majority of voices, asof ten to} ‘Iam the cause of itindirectly.” # one. “Death at tke gibbet,” exclaimed Hunston, triumphantly. Nay,” cried the girl, with superhuman en- bi “these two poor boys have shown them- ves better men than most here present. See formant; “ Lirico has off foundation rule of the band.” ** How?” “He has kept to himself the booty he has as, calor law is that any member of the | they must die, let them die like soldiers.” who shall conceal his booty, or any part or izrnimete discussion ensued on this, and fragment of the same, to the prejudice o* his} finally it was agreed that the helpless boys fellows, shall the death of a| should die next morning with the ‘tor Lirico, a ar PrER a! any CHAPTER IV. then, they w have noticed that he changed Nyc cis Gaskin top $i sic a Hens | ) No. > Who among tie bravest could listen to such a ‘ so ; SOY any To have been callous to such a thing would ve shown mere senseless nothing more, . ? 4 - “You know what that is?” she said, ina faint “Wedo,” - “ = 3; cc sd 9 el ey aaron ee This was to young Jack. Phy “Yes.” = The reply of both was given in a grave voice She understood them and he “ession S'the admiration she felt
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emgeed task of telling you is not left for me. ve you anything to say before——” 0. ** All that I would say,” remarked young Jack, “that since they mean assassinating us, I hope that they will do their work cleanly, and not put us to torture.” “At the worst,” added his companion, ‘‘ we shall not give them the satisfaction of seeing us beg and pray for mercy.” “It would be useless.” We know it.” ** And so shall not give them the chance of saying that two Englishmen showed the white feather.” “Bravely spoken,” said the girl, ‘‘but the night is growing old, and so listen to what I have to say. And -then she made a communication which considerably startled them. At first they listened as though in a dream, for a Fen not believe in the soenty what she pees bet they were not sorry to believe in its The nature of this communication will appear voice eres ime pape ‘or trial CHAPTER V. THE TRIPLE EXECUTION—A SOLDIER'S GRAVE— TORO’S LUCK. MornivG dawned. : : The eastern sky was only just with the light of the rising sun when the bugle call sum- moned the firing party. : apes wascomposed of six men unston. this post, onethat none of the brigands envied him—so that he _ gloat over his ‘victims at the last hour. two boys were aroused with some diffieul- , for strange though it may appear, they were leeping soundly w the fatal moment ap- “Come,” said the girl, in a hollow voice. “*Lirico is already on the ground.” “We mustn't be behindhand, then,” said young Lirico, the stood with e body . either sidé of this was a newly-dug ve. young Jack. | or f of was for other was for his stout-hearted comrade. y needed no what to do now; but in the horrible cere- Fusiteees a i passed before each of the shook them by the hand one Courage,” she said, ina low but firm voice, brave hearts.” Bandage their eyes,” said Hunston. é So eg Par Ren od to enact. HARKAWAY, THE AVENGER. “They aren’t quite so happy now,” he mut- tered. “Now it is they suffer. Oh, if Harkawa: were here, too. It would make me drunk wi jo; —? The girl turned to young Jack. La she whispered, “courage; be And then turning to the firing party, she said: = Come, do not delay. It is needless to rolong the sufferings which these poor boys 2 eel al- ready. “ Bilence, and begone!” exclaimed Hunston, fiercely. ‘You have no right to speak to the men.” Her voice and manner half awed Hunston,who fell back a pace or two. - “My poor comrades,” she went on, ad the firing party, “ this work is not to your taste. TH load Bs you.” : So saying; she set to work to reload the rifles which were piled now. rs And she observed the very greatest care in this task. +* Not ashot must miss,” shesaid to the men of the firin; rty, earnestly, “* Every bullet must have its br let. We have to murder, but even then not to torture these unhappy boys.” Hunston smiled sardonically. “‘ How very tender-hearted you have become,” he said, with a sneer of contempt. *‘Silence!” said irl, ig. fie: upon before “her in- Jaguar, ay ere e favorite with all the men, and he feared that they might take up the cudgels for her ina way which might be un- TE ee tks it id, jeeringl young Harkaway,” he sai ; Pac, Ue to see it all go taeusae aa longs :your pleasure, so 1 can’t complain. This one next.” He pointed with his sword to Harry Gird- wood, The latter looked deadly pale but resolute. ‘“Readyi Present! Fire!” Young Jack turned half around and saw his brave comrade clap his hand to his breast, totter and fall. A arose to his lips, But he stifled if ere Hunston could have this gratification. Hunston looked around at young Jack, and he poeirey bit his lips with sheer vexation to find he was unable to make the boy betray the least sign of fear. “You keep it up well, boy,” said Hi ‘but I know well that you He Gs ee He knew well enough that the real wa: rage the ruffian was to appear unmoved at his taunts. . So when Hunston exhausted his ves and was about to give the word to the firing ity, young Jack spoke, Huseton tone th ign to ground arms u le the men a The bo’ was about to beg for merey. Here, then, there was one chance of wreaking his spite upon the ‘unston, ape nn Ff na '| will soon follow, if we will be hopeless, and inthe bitterness of your de- ag hg think of this moment, and curse the hour you ever molested one of my race, or anyone in whom we are interested.” * Ha-ha-ha!” laughed Hunston, in a boisterous and forced manner; ‘‘quite a sermon. Preach- ing is a new quality in the Harkaways. It is un- fortunate that you are to be cut off in your early youth. You would soon blossom into an odd mixture of Puritan and bully.” But he could not provoke his victim. Having said all 23 had to say, young Jack - coolly folded his arms and awaited the end of the tragedy, apparently not hearing what Hunsten was saying. * * “Make ready! Present! As the word was spo! * Fire!” * e * Poor yo The body did not even quiver after it had fall- en into the graye. A death had been instantaneous, ~ in the graves and cover up the carrion,” said Hunston; “‘and then let us get away and The girl serped and in herself. “ Begone. leave the rest to me,” she said. ,” said one of the men. ‘Let us pray for them, now,” said the girl “Surely, having destro: their bodies you do 7. wi Go any SS as b e waited for no y, but falling er knees, was. soon lost in holy meditation, er hands clasped fervently, her head bent upon her The men doffed their hats reverently and glid- ed noiselessly away. Hunston feared to shock their sw a ilities, and so he followed * * * * * For several hours she was left to her medita- tions. the da Hunston returned to the spot, the oak Over those of the two unha lads some pious hands had raised a rough wooden roan e : wwe to taste our vengeance,” muttered unston. ‘* May the others soon follow,” said a voice at his elbow. He started. It was Toro. “ This is the turn of our luck,” said the Italian, tious in si- 7 ee so.” “T feel it is so. The rest of the hated race ae have the least good for- RECRUIT—HUNSTON’S PERIL— DELICATE GROUND. ““Wuo is it?” . Where?” Below; down that crevasse. Look again.” “IT see; it is Ymeniz.” ‘ mt is—it is.” : ers were two of thé brigands who were pone their lawless trade, and et Ree dent aa a © su ' man lying flat upon his back. ‘ poe ie eee was something white which It was their comrade Ymeniz, could see ell. “He has fallen down there,” said one to the STE Tooke 90.” iow, stran; that although they salt thin to cock other, they bots hel ndnere in such a strange attitude. soon proceeded to solve the all at rest. - acireuitous wee ce “a = the _ ly efa een eg) Fes
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claimed the brigand, “here is the confession of ‘the murderer!” * 4 confession!” exclaimed the brigand. “Yes. Take it,” said the other, lifting the pa- from the blood-stained breast of the slain iewain, “take it and read for yourself.” . “Nay, you know I am noscholar; do you read is out te me.” In a sonorous voice the brigand read the fol- tig ey , : “I, Jack Harkaway, proclaim war to the knife — the murderers of my boys. The villains ‘unston and Toro will tell you all that I never threaten in vain. One of your number shall die daily until I have exterminated you root and branch. No amount of precaution upon your part can avert your doom. You clai a ran- som of five hundred paid the sum and you have played me false; theref you die. To the last " you shail perish. ou shall learn to look for- ward to your fate in fear and trembling; and day by day the survivors, anticipatin; ir — shall learn to curse the hour 'y were to murder my two innocent boys. Beware!” The two brigands looked at each other half “ What of that, do think?” The other locked nervously around hima before O He has been stabbed in the “No; here is the death wound below the “Then he has not been taken by surprise.” “ Evidently.” as fense wititer 's, Was mere secret in great now, fe ues should Steg mn then his (Hunston’s) position was critical. . What should he do? 2 curling his lip; “ and his is more than ‘ accom} could he but w it, which he does am glad to say. He w laugh rarely . “The death of Ymeniz is proof enough. That no “ n a ae HARKAWAY, THE AVENGER. “Why,” exclaimed Toro, turning to Hunston, oe — it was——” © paused. Hunston turned heartsick as every eye was di- rected towards him. . “ Never!” exclaimed Hunston, fiercely. This was a critical moment for the latter. Very critical. For awhile his life h upon a thread. Hunston, to begin with, was no favorite. They would have been overjoyed to discover =e against him which they could lay hold of. He knew this well. But he was a lucky villain. At the very moment that matters were — so very unpleasant, their attention was called wD yon hear tell, Wapuiigingtiibe the = ou sen gi alarm. a * Below.” They were all accustomed to danger, and were on the qué vive ere the alarm was fairly Pistols, knives, and blunderbusses were called into requisition. And all was ready to give an intruder a warm ion. recepti Toro climbed up a crag and peered over. Then turning to the men, he motioned them to | © silence. “Hush! He comes this way. Back was clear. noise was heard, and a dispatch | man crept through a gap and hobbled on to the | !Y. scene. 4 every man glid- | 5 off, and cuealed himself or wherever a favorable | ™e- for aregular mob of the lawless men to make their appearance. Every nook and cranny about the opening was guarded by armed men; and now, when the cool stranger glanced upwards, he found a” — rifles, pistols or blunderbusses pointed at Still he did not appear disconcerted. He only glanced about him with a coolness that was remarkable, and muttered: es > how very attentive these dear boys are.” fore he could to them, however, the stepped out from their hiding places, and wi their firearms still making him their target, they advanced to close in him. m he saw the object of this maneuver, he up and plucked out his knife. ,” he cried, ‘‘sold, eh? Come on, all of you.” Greeks, Few sctgat ro “es ‘oro. ae all at once to fight him.” “Whi, the fellow’s mad or an Englishman.” en ene Hunston, “an Englishman. That im feel he is a match for a mob of Greeks, and I don’t know that it is all mad- ness.” Suddenly the stranger appeared to liven “What you are not the police, then!” be “Police!” said Hunston, contemptuously turn- ing around to the speaker, ‘‘ What do you mean jum “ ry ig “Why, I took you for the police in pursuit of ‘“ What have you been doing?” “Am I am y triends?? “We are brigands, but you can speak free- “Wei I am an unlu wretch who fies boon! fencok to batt away from his master He was a , wild- fellow, with srang, il oking fon, with end hk long, fair hair and e: as light as an no's. His cheeks were fair, but much sunburnt, and almost destitute of beard. He with difficulty,and leaned heavi- ee 0 ee On ee its green bark and slovenly-stripped branches yn and if he e@ was & y a young man, so much difficulty, the natural erence was that fatigue and perhaps illness was the cause of it. He was dressed ina very tattered outlandish He carried a long knife otis in hits waistband, a fe lint he had no arms beyond this: His arms wate cece we the elbow, and the left erhaps he had lost blood and began for, as he drew into the Go deebed bart: phere be eh and gave asigh or 0 “Tm not sorry tocome to an anchor,” he mut- ad Out came his long knife instanter. an Newey SPCAK, Sak t pull the trigger!” eat “Whe nr Sy parkeeny : = are « Just what I was about to ask you” returned “If you_have any wit,” retorted the new-com- not come “ vil pestering wi ques- nothing out fell ents,” “So much the me 54 say that he was to be molest- ee ee all for 3 “What do you call for nothing?” said Toro. “A toting Dasani: sir; j Sic Sowairy Uelaning fs ngabons wi an oman ope ee a ae ears «Hallo halloo!” exclaimed T ar! re my sorrow,” replied the man; “he was my master.” The nea all pricked up their ears at this. “ Harkaway’s servant, were you!” said Hun- on eagerly. sir. a what may be your object in coming eRe pomerel Yes, of course; at least I can guess it—[’m uncommon good at guessing.” And he chuckled ie lan Min ad Sonim, ‘Do you bring any ion to us?” This sree pad et fee nena and gene $0 kien she turned an “ What do you want?” — get hold of Harkaway himself,” cried ‘oro. ‘Then I can help you to do this.” ie “Youcan? Then money shall be yours,” cried ‘oro. “T hope 80; why, Tve got that already from “Thave these few ” jucing a bundle ” added Hunston. BS ipa ey say ” addded the — in his pocket- They tore open the bundle eagerly, and it was — found to contain various articles of plate, asilver some Z
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HARKAWAY, THE AVENGER. “We will,” shouted the b: ds. | fleeced them royally. I did not leave them a ‘* Agreed on all hands?” said the Italian chief. | stiver; moreover, I secured this.” = =, 5 So saying, he spread out before them a newly- Tt was answered as if with a gine voice. | printed placard, which translated, ran as nearly ** Good,” Se “do you, Boulgaris, pre- | as possible in this wise: scribe the oath. ant ‘will He The oath, which was administered in Greek, |. Five THousanD Francs REWARD : was not at all understood by the novice, but he | Paid to the police or to any private person, whe subscribed to iteheerfully. ” be ye ee oer cemslon™ a pour ute vo the destruc- | valet in the service of Mr. John Harkaway.” ‘*] do,” responded the new brigand, with fer-| _Then followeda description of his person, walk, vor. and mode of speech. “The said Geoffrey Martin having absconded with a large sum of money, besides rty of anaes value, it is the duty of every man to aid in rin, metas bine An Sei He chose a good moment for bringing this r in. Pe Five thousand franes reward,” he said to his | newly-made comrades rally; ‘‘you have - The s turned and beheld Diana, the | only to turn me over tot e Harkaways, and you saws have already fallen -£0e T naynelé ntenck con Youll only find good. d true here,” “Two have y or lm “You’! men ani e here, the wife of this hated pe said Hunston. < r,” cried the fierce woman. | Geoffrey Martin turned upon the latter. “ Ang” Martin,” repeated Toro: “the name | has a ring about it that I like. Now understand, | the end of the Harkaways draws near; one has an oe r “ cri . “Two!” said a voice. ‘unston. ‘Tam glad that they are all safe, friend; by the way, what is your name? I haven’t heard it yet.” : 4. Peace is Hunston, and I’m not ashamed of i ‘No, of course, you wouldn’t be;so you are Hunston?” he added, reflectively. * Did you know my name?” “ Yes. ? “Indeed. Heard your master speak of me, I ion, Harkaway’s chamber, and dealt the fatal blow. To all this the brigands’ new recruit listened calmly h, When, with an air of triumph, Diana conclud- ed her narration, the brigands’cheered loudly. “ Another of our hated foes dead. Three cheers 0%. Cortainty mr # Geoffre Martin, politel “ sai $ . 2 And pe was heard oe det seen “Now, gentlemen,” said he, when silence was once more restored, “allow me to correct one | sup ?” v sili, 2 Ba gearaiee this good . ons Been ak ti eet eres” : valorous . con id Pye ran Harvey, unston, contemptuously, “a es; wasn’t he? You should hear him speak “ paltry, frivolous fool.” of you.” ‘* Her narrative is = correct, with this ex- tion—it was not Harkaway who was + led.” Diana turned pale, and uttering a wail of dis- appointment, sat down. _ Hunston, after venting a few fearful impreca- wir Nm “‘ Then I hope and trust_it may have been the i that confounded Harvey.” “Tt was not, and to tell you the truth, I am | swell. lad of it, for, do you know,I haveal-| ‘ in love with her?” that “Well, who the dinner as, Sie: Harka’ express- ta w arkawa wish that her fan, which she bad i might be brough’ was to call some of the female ser- ut Hatka ” said Martin; “ but I should van way himself went, and before ou’re a swell, and it’s an aw- he heal a minute, we heard him scream out: i devil—a ne tae ae Harve and that Ameri- | honorable eos si “ Awa: z com ; give us your can ‘how, Jefferson, Thilo Man. Hktheway And then petty Zn could say yea or nay, the deme. meses laden Daeeen he the, and fain “But in a few minutes the three came back with the news that Mrs. Harkaway’s maid— Marietta by name—had been “No fa ph emer ergs for the had been dressing in some of Mrs. way’s clothes, and no doubt Jooked as much like ees ee ne - then?” “The police took the matter in hand, and are searching for the murderer.” “Let said Diana, with a scorn- ful There was silence for a time; then Diana “Did you hear ing of Tomaso?” “Yen He is condemned to die.” “The date is kept secret, so that you may have ” less chance of rescuing him. riously. Toro growled an and departed. oiae you any pity to spare for Harkaway’s Sues y ; *And why not?’ said Boulgaris. ‘“ CHAPTER VIL Harkavay's our enemy oud 1 beeing See THE RECRUIT WORKS BRAVELY—HARKAWAY’S |. upper hand ; we want ay ‘ to it boys. Harka is a good VENGEANCE—“‘ HE NEVER FORGETS A DEBT.” am boys. . Beaiien,. Ae ae ane “No, that he isn’t,” said Geoffrey Martin with “‘T am sure he’d never murder a boy, because the boy's father had wronged him.” “ ” ‘Well, we were not loved before; but this brutal deed will make us execrated by the whole country. The government scarcely dare to mo- lest us; they are satisfied at keeping up a show of doing something. But kaway is rich and werful, I am told; English money and English influence will force the government to pursue us, and all for what? 'y, for murdering two helpless children, who had done us no wrong; we fell into a trap while saving the life of one of us. Geoffrey Martin opened his eyes in astonish- ment. “Is that true?” “Yes. Didn’t you know the story?” “No. ” ‘Tt was the daughter of one of our old com-~ rades, that the boys saved while sailing. Poor 1! If prayers and tears could move men’s , hers should have saved the boys.” om Martin coughed udly. c ‘Ahem! he said, staring at Boulgaris. “ You are a soft-hearted fellow for a Lan ores “Not exactly that either,” replied Boul; alan g. “I feel in at this deed for its rutality, and for exposing all the band to risks and dangers for the sole purpose of gratifying their revenge.” ‘‘Theirs; you mean Hunston’s?” “No; for Toro was interested also in it.” “'Toro—Toro,” muttered Martin; “‘why, the name sounds familiar to me. Of course. ey knew this Toro in ag Loe remember. He war - one of a band that ‘kaway and his frien Harvey exterminated.” = It is true, then, about that band?” said Boul- garis, his eyes flashing eagerly. “Of course.” “You see, then, from that, what cause we have to dread the enemy of such a man as this Harkaway.” “He is an awkward customer, and that’s the fact of it; and I have heard, my brave Boulgar- is, Legg Harkawa' and blew his nose great commotion. “ What is the matter now?” asked Boulgaris. “Come with us,” replied the first man, “and THE VILLA AGAIN—A MESSAGE FROM THE ENEMY’S CAMP—HOW A SNARE WAS LAID. saa 5 been absent forty-eight morning of the third day, Nabley, massage frcanDMoe came with a Y ~ : r.
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: re ea eee % alice Ciel "- Oh ane cham alata mab i de i alee tik le Md le i AVENGER. HARKAWAY, THE eee -~ rye % gl a D “Gently, Mr. Harkaway, gently,” said the de- tective: ‘‘ you overpower me.” “ Oh, Nabley, I say—” *'There—there! don’t be impatient. ri give | it all out as fast as ever I can.’ “J don’t want all,” interrupted Jack Harka- way, passionately. “‘How are my boys? Answer that. Are they safe? No—no! Iread it im your face.” ‘And then he dropped heavily into a chair, looking the picture of misery and despair d = Nabley had scarcely a word to say for him- self. The sight of the brave Harkaway so utterly colla: was more than he could endure. Jack rallied a little and turned again to Nab- ley. % Well, quick, tell me the news.” And then, as Nabley stil: stammered, he went on: “T know: save your breath. I knew it; r | Harry and my poor brave boy, “Dick Harvey bids you way f your courage i : y be jowncast. 3 . ite time enough to be down upon our luc when we find out that the worst is true. The boys may yet live.” *No, no,” cried Jack; “I fear my poor boys are no more.” “Let us hope they still live, but meanwhile, Mr. Harvey has treated the brigands as though the worst was true,” replied Nabley. Nathey mad significan’ vy ea t right arm as though stabbing unseen enemy. y “What, the brave Dick seeking and taking re- venge?” exclaimed Jack. ay have fallen ~ Beghargg= The rest will fo! , be sure of ; and, moreover, they never suspect whose hand has dealt the blow. ** Not f “No, his has been and will continue to be off in single file. He meets one of then sone ad Harvey makes sure of him is own strong right arm.” “Oh, brave Harvey,” said Jack. “Yes,” said Nabley, “it is revenge. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, and I for one should like to see the whole gang food for kites and wolves.” “You have suffered in your old com- rade,” said Harkaway; “ if you so at feel the loss of a friend, must I and blood?” with his m rs. He was to me a brave and friend. Poor Pike! He was foully assassinated.” “Yes, Nabley; he was co’ ly shot. by the viilain Toro. t do the bri know who is now taking revenge on them! “ Yes; 4 is told them in black and white. A paper fixed to ench carrion carcass le oss, this another proof of Harkaway’s vengeance. Jack's face flushed crimson at these words. e “Well done, Dick; well done, brave old boy, he muttered; “ well r “ And he tells me that they are in a rare state in It has thrown all the lot rnation. so has a scheny for bagging belt e-domm the at once.” ow “You know the spot that the boys christened appearances), Which your party—a Mr. would be violently at some | 1 The detective’s reply to this was to draw his Suddenly popping around the corner, Chloe | two hands from his coat pockets, and in each | emptied the content: of a pail over his luckless | hand there was a six-shooter. p “You are a regular arsenal,” said Harkaway, smilin: | hands, they close in upon you an | pockets?” ‘* Thave no need to withdraw my hands to use them. I fire pada aia pockets.” They must have > this intention, for they were cut in the side ““when do you go to work.” * Now.” oe Now?’ 7 “ There is no preparation to make. Let Mr. Jefferson be sent for. arms ready, and follow me.” “Good! What arms?” " “Short “ax, in case of close work, and rifle each. Besides,” he added, with a significant “] am all eagerness to be at work. i —_ another man when I have had a brush with these « But supposing when you raise your | good tori ransack £ us head “‘ Thar, you teetottler—you banderhoper—you Jar! Take a leettle tiddy drop of wa- your | ter with your rum; makes lubly grog well mix- ed, Mave baat And then the amiable partner of his joys and sorrows bore off her enapty pail, leaving her bus- n made with something of | hand to dry and shiver. *« Philosophy, my dear Mole,” said the worthy seams of the coat, and were exceedingly roomy. | Issac to himself, ‘‘ philosophy is your ysic; “ Well—well,” said Harkaway, jumping uPp,|think of Socrates cea reg Fo ew A 3 It's precious damp—too much water! I must have an extra drop to keep the cold out,” And up went the inexhaustible bottle again. ‘* Ha! Massa Ikey!” said a terrible voice close Both of you get your | at hand, “ you want some more water to mix with it, do you?” Mole clutched the bottle, jumped up, and rush- ed wildly to the house, with his loving spouse af- You'll be more than a match for the six | ter him with another pail of water. * * * * * « From that time Mole scarcely dared have a suck One afternoon, having dined early, Mole went for a walk in the suburbs of the town, and select- “ Right, sir!” eried the detective; “ they will | ing a favorable spot, he reclined gracefully and find a powerful foe in you.” re. “ Yes, Nabley,” cried Jack, ‘my arm isnerved for this fight, and it shall go hard withme but pe ge off into a gentle slumber? ow long he slept he never knew until this I will have my revenge on these Greek devils for All he knew was that he dreamed that he was | the murder of my poor boy!” = the hero of some gallant adventu wherein | ‘The door opened and Jefferson entered. the Greek brigands fell before his sword like corn | “The very man!” before the reaper’s sickle; yea, asthe phantom “ Wha Xable r? said Jefferson. ‘ What | miscreants succumbed to the onslanght of Don news of ey Quixote. ; | “Mr. Harkaway will tell you a answered | Now, while he slept, a man crawled out of the ‘0! the detective; “‘my time’s up. quickly as you can, gentlemen. Sharp's the word. iow me as | thicket upon all fours and looked eagerly about part of this incident was that al- oF : AEby- ; The sin | we. & Ae PeBRY “e doubt about that. It was one of the Greek who had seen him asleep, no doubt, and was ut to do for him. Poor Mole. Cold beads of perspiration stood upon his brow. we of sweat trickled down the small wa) His v stood up on his scalp with terror. What he do? ome e-wonld soon beall sesh Sera crawled on. A p oan the wretched man would saw, poor old Mole had been on occasions what He sought bis black bottle for Dutch courage but before be could raise it to bis bloodless ye 2 a “_ ee
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the wounded man perceived him and he gave a ery of terror. 4 i ‘ Keep off!” cried Mole, his teeth rattling like a box of dominoes. The wounded man, half blind as he was, and frightened out of what littlesense remained to him, took the black bottle for another revolver such as Nabley had carried; and having a whole- : some dread of that terrible weapon, he cowered down, hiding his face on the ground. iE “Don’t be violent,” gasped the wretched Mole. “ Mercy—mercy !” implored the brigand. “Have pity on me,” said Mole, in abject ter- ror. **Do as you please with me,” whined the brig- and, ‘‘only for mercy’s sake don’t fire again at such a poor wretch as Iam.” ** Think of my helpless condition,” said Mole. - “1 am done to death,” said the brigand, faint- Vie I have two wooden legs,” Mole.” “Do what you will with me,” cried the brig- and, in despair, “only give me water—a drop for mercy’s sake.” And he prostrated himself in abject submission before the half dead Mole. - Now the latter could not well misunderstand ) this attitude; but yet he could scarcely believe the evidence of his senses. . “ What's his game?” es i Mole; “he is try- -_ _—- ing the artful dodge on; an ) up and give me one for By jingo! -What a topper be lays there, what a——” He stopped short. K “My eye! what a hole he has got in his head yy: And then by d in spite of his fears, he was forced $0 an ft hs piteous object was not As Mole rose up to look at the brigand, the latter made still more signs of submission, and now he could no longer misunde It is difficult to say which feeling filled Mole most completely: rise or satisfaction. “Oh: !” cried Mole; ‘‘I feel that my heart tells me I have great courage. Yes, I will cap- ture this desperate brigand with my own brave > Here was a slice of luck. First, though, he meant to have one more suck at the black bottle. But now in, to his intense surprise, at the sight of the “botile the wounded man cowered and A aay back in terror. neues *Mercy—mercy, t captain,” he implored; “as sawe Girone, be wsextaen” se tt does he mean?” muttered the astonish- ed Mole. “Don’t fire again,” cried the wounded man, feebly; “I never hurt one of your friends. Iam not ne rm for the A a bern It was done out my ‘or war with boys i ore suffer!” » “on with you, vad A “ Don’t—don’t; “March then, or Pl tn you to atoms,” and he ted the black bottle . Greek held up his in supplication Me “Pll be your slave, your abject slave,” groan- ed the belaned: “but, ob, great warrior cap- “ eat alive,” hissed the cannibal Mole ae you don’t walk faster!” 7 - Faster re = = you die.” ; P= “ Bt said the fierce Isaac, contemptuously, “why should I have on you after a f with my own hand? = he’s going to jum self—not for fans: / could give him as | MARKAWAY, THE AVENGER. **Yourn?” “Pardon me, my dear—yours, not yourn. Yes, my prisoner,” he added, modestly; ‘I have captured him.” * Where?” “Tn the wood.” ““What you doing there, Ikey?” ‘‘T was ona hunt. Icame across them—five —and a little warm work went forward. The other four,” he said, significantly, ‘‘I have left on their backs, with a pretty decent sign of my handiwork upon all of them.” Chloe gasped. ‘*You’re a drefful man,” said Chloe, “ and Pil re F a a BE And she had das own the en, i out for Harkaway and Jefferson, and of ie] knows who besides. They were everon the qui vive for danger, so down they came with a rush. ‘“Why, Mr. Mole,” exclaimed Jefferson, “you have indeed got a prize.” ‘* However did you me it?’ asked Hark- away, not a whit Mole coughed. ; 7 SE felt that something was required of me,” ; he answered, with touching dignity and onan: f > combined, “and so I wenton the hunt myse and fell foul of a few of the Greek vampires.” ‘“* A few,” echoed Jefferson, elevating his eye- brows; ‘‘a few, you said.” “Yes,” replied Mr. Mole; ‘only five.” “Not more?” said Jefferson, laughing; ‘‘then you must have felt rather bad in the inside.” “Never, sir,” said Mole, getting more and more dignified; “ but I left the enemy rather unhappy, in the inside and the outside.’ ** Indeed !” _*Phis isthe only survivor out of five; question ed Greek didn’t a soli “ Ask him, I say, what 1 did for his comrades? how I lardéd them—how I peppered them, and Damme, Jefferson, old made them cr vi. boy, you should have seen me in action; ’ sir, Pm like an old war-horse at the first of powder. Down they went, first one, than the other. Hang me! if I didn’t play at skittles with ’em, I was in that humor, Harkaway, when you can’t miss. Id just cheek pin, and make a royal every go. Whatdo you think of that, Harkaway?” Old Jack smiled. * “Dm not profi ‘“* How many?” “Ten.” ‘*T thought you said five.” “Ten, sir, ten in all; five came up at first, but in as many moments they were all on their then up came another five of them the corner | € ‘| his ** by all means; take - pockets, “ by conversation you might have seen an aged man wending his weary way along the high road from Athens towards the mountains. Thickly-grown fig trees leaned over the road. and their well-garnished branches formed a roo: of foliage through which no ray of sunlightcould penetrate. He seemed an aged man. His steps tottered. It was strange that he did not seek the aid of a stout staff, or walking stick at least. But no, he preferred to keep his hands in his coat pockets. Now the coat he wore was a full-skirted frock, much resembling in shape the garment which was worn by our grandfathers, or their fathers, when George the Third was king, with huge pockets in skirts and lappets. And into these big pockets the old wanderer’s arms were buried up to the elbows. Perhaps it was because he felt somewhat chilly. There was a gentle breeze blowing through the As he went along, he shot sly ces from time to time about him, almost as if he were ex- pecting someone; but he had got nearly over a third of the distance down the fig tree e be- erates tees the sa signs of - ie im, there, ap y overcome fa- tigue of his walk, he dropped down Oped a m0os- grown bank to rest. He looked up at the leafy canopy overhea and sniffed down the sweet odors t floa along on the gentlest of zepi 2 Not dich bad uarters,” he muttered to him. self (it was in English that he spoke); ‘‘ not at all . _ There is only one th required to. make this the happiest and that is; success in my present ja What was it? He heard a faint rustling in the foliage hard y of my life; only one thing, by. : This of the coun was reported to be infeched with thieves, the regular hunting grounds of the brigands. A faint smile lurked around the corners ef the old man’s mouth, and there was a twinkle in his ye. t ** At last,” he muttered to himself—‘ at Ve’ Just then there was a noise as of branches i and forth ste a stalwart ‘t, all in rags tatters, an placed himself, hat i band, De- fore the old man. “ Halloo!” exclaimed the latter, “‘ why, where did you come from? . And yet his surprise looked more assumed than real. , cane: Seed Se beggar, in an implor- * Charity!” echoed the old fumbling in 2 ko this, my honest ibe sav he dropped a piece of money into “Gold! Yes; iece, ‘oat ag 8 ENCED Pe, by all the saints The beggar's eyes glistened greedily at the piece. . |. “ Heaven bless you!” heexclaimed; “ may you live for ever.” ‘Don’t wish me that,” responded the old man; t, |: that is no blessing.” ished from seene. nie ge not relish the presence of such a witness as this. . “This is Mr. Mole’s pa mm said Jefferson, laughing; ‘vou see he brought in one, after “T bring “ > whatis it?” brigands have given up Hunston.” up at the news. he exclaimed; “ we shall yet have the joy of seeing that villain hung.” CHAPTER X. = Not with your riches?” said the mendicant. = . “You are not And then came from the beggar a strange The jepecelive old gentleman suddenly van- | sound. twigs ywth, and a group of men num ‘There is no need for violence here,” said he, in their native si THE FIG TREE GROVE—A DOUBLE AMBUSCADE—
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10 HARKAWAY, THE AVENGER. “ Poor men, Nye A of your pious charity like; Butinstead of responding, one, of the Greeks myself,” was the ws drew a pistol and leveled it at the towering fig- ‘Then they shall have it,” replied the old | ure of ‘kaway, for of course he was one of the ™ | marksmen, but before he could pull the trigger, He looked around him rather anxiously, as if | went another chamber of the old man’s re ing some more people to arrive. volver, and the pistol fell to the ground. ow that glance was observed by more than} The hand which had held it was helpless, the one of the men, and it was no very difficult mat- | arm shattered at the elbow. ter to excite suspicion in their minds. There was in truth something dreadful in this “He expects some one,” said the foremost man | carnage. of the party; “he is aspy.” But neither Harkaway nor Jefferson thought “See how he’s looking about him,” observed | anything of this. . another. ndeed, horrible as it may sound, they killed a brigand with as little compunction as they would have slaughtered a wolf. “Surrender!” cried Harkaway, for the second time. ‘‘ Yield now, or by Heavens, you shall all die on the field.” The Greeks looked around for assistance. They were five. The enemy only three. Asa rule, a deer bat this duper in bull-dog courage and ferocity, lesperate fighti: epee surprised and frightened them. si rield, ruffians, to better men than your- y paused. . P “‘ To pause is death,” cried Jack Harkaway, in a loud voice. _As the last word was spoken, up went the two “* Nabley,” cried the American. ** All right,” answered the disguised old man. “Look after that outside brigand on your ” man; “‘ more than they expect. distance, my masters,” he said; distance, because I am a very dan- pgs cite nt ° r,” sail man. “*Tll see to the w ” said the detective. Four of the been killed outright. four make six,” muttered Mr. Nah- ley; ‘six and four are ten. Why, I could have got to?’ ~ igent search hasn’t got far. has crawled somewhere to die, I sup- 4 * * * * * * ‘s rr And when our three adventurers marched into sian the town with their prisoners them, 2 there was a loud outcry. ~ - Cheers, bravos, huzzahs at every step of the way, . ‘ That’s the Englishman, Harkaway,” said one of the as ‘marched onward to- dreds of * Yes, I “It was an es, certainly, | here, ve The most that is, the most dil- | again diligent search, ss “That is an English secret police officer. He is even more dangerous than the others. Hehas killed four men with his own hands in this skir- mish. I believe an old friend of his has been murdered by.the brigands, and he has sworn to have revenge.” “Tt is taking the law into their own hands with avi ice.” ‘* All honor to them for their bravery.” ‘Three cheers for Harkaway!” CHAPTER XL. THE SECRET WORK GOES ON—WHO IS THE TRAIT- OR}—THE FALL OF A FAVORITE—THE RECRUITS MUSINGS—A STRANGE REVELATION. i toms had bee: by the b: unston m given wu — They knew but little of Harkaway, but that little told them that he was not the man to make a false assertion. They felt sure that Hunston had received more money for the ransom of the boys than he had acknowledged, and so they voted his doom. Under ordinary circumstances he would have been shot. As it was, they had learned so terribly to re- spect Harkaway, that they gave up his enemy in oe = y passed aaa Gr ave ak ae a day one or more 0} ands suffered at the hands of the enemy, whose revenge they had so unwisely provoked. Let them go armed, with a support of armed men within easy call and on the watch, it could not avail them. They were picked off, slowly, surely, quietly, mysteriously. x is pacesintn sviit Seer ovhioonn parers died wi e wa: iv- ing up their enemy Hunston. " ——_ ut still the work went on. There was only one man in the whole band who hed. she courage te. ay Sha Seen eee em. people, and then we jaa par, Saba aang ay Several got taken prisoners, and the band pre- nena eeey ie eugenics: The day of trial approached for the brigands, of whom Hunston was one. And the verdict was universally foreseen. They were condemned to death for the mur- = i. the two boys, Harry Girdwood, and young ac ; Why should it so affect her?” It was surely not that she could have ee sym- decrees “Five days!” ora repeated to herself and as she left the court, “‘ five days! So short. ell, then I must do my duty, come what may. To-morrow may yet be in time—or the next day.” men—men with whom I have grown up, and been taught to look pose.” which And then, by dint of the wound- | upon as then DP tagger to| She Sad some sirapes BUSS. epee, hen eeees crawl the rest. wi ich tronbled en Sey. dire hy aga she went to the camp, and did her best excite the men to an effort — comrades. penny Ae hes ple Pedro listened to all she had to say. Then he gave his “We are ‘clearly bound. to make an effort to save our friends,” he said; ‘we cannot let our comrades perish without attempting to save “No—no!” answered the brigands, with one
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HARKAWAY, THE AVENGER. ae Toro was no longer in odor. His connection with Hunston had rendered him exceedingly unpopular. He was too daring a spirit for them to break out into open murmurs, but quietly he was de- ; and then Pedro was admitted as leader. When the question of giving up Hunston tothe enemy was first mooted, Toro had violently op- posed it; but his was the one solitary voice that was lifted for his old comrade. ** The only chance of success,” suggested Pedro, ** is to wait and attack the procession on the way to execution. The prison itself is too well de- fended for us to hope for success.” ‘‘ That’s so,” said Geoffrey ; ‘‘ and failure would ruin them.” “Surely.” arranged consequently that the attempt should be made upon the day Niwomted for the execution. The utmost secrecy should be kept as to their plans. “Let not a word be breathed of our resolves anywhere,” said Pedro, ‘‘ unless we are al- together in council assembled, for I fear that we have had a traitor in our camp.” “ A traitor!” “ce A‘. ” ‘Gn, ot lanes, Wii Bok after **One, at Wi surprise me all that has occurred.” ‘‘Nor me aig B =~ ee: s Saying which, he glan significan’ over his shoulder in the direction of Toro. at latter, on the nea of his plan, had stalked moodily away and was walking and down buried a hitter tefiackions: ci “ Hah Y? “Tf I could. believe that possible,” exclaimed one of the brigands, ‘it would be a speedy end of his rule here.” \ ae which he drew his long dagger signifi- cantly. $6 Well—well,” said Geoffrey, who acted cau- tiously, and was satisfied at having unsettled their minds with regard to the [talian bravo, “ let us seek the traitor, and when found——” He left the rest unsaid; but they knew well what was meant. . The only person quitting the camp was Theo- ora. So that no traitor could well carry the news #3 ss “A ition be neglected,” said Pedro ae no precaution. 2 *‘we must choose sentinels, I'll take the watch at the gap m: Fa ** Geoffrey.” “Present, captain.” Toro gave a start at that reply, which clearly _ gaye the death knell to his own command. “Do you mount guard at the cross roads be- jow. Sees Sr eee ee do you mean, ‘ Yes.” ** Good.” And shouldering his musket, he gave a stiff sa- lute and marched off. “Perhaps you would not have far to look for traitors,” said Toro, as Geoffrey disappeared, “ did not your prejudices blind you?” “Do you allude to Geoffrey?’ asked Pedro, “Spa for ourself.” “ out BS *: ve been pols enctig for you,” said Tero, “ Speak th the presence of him you would ac- cus2, “T fear no man here,” cried Toro, fiercely. “Nor does any man fear you.” ; “Then, by thunder, he !” and out came his sword. ae this unmistakable Geman ee ae . brigands made signs of cutting in, and the Italian saw that it ware desperate game he was on. He saw it just in for the ds were ready, one andall, to upon ith dagger Gradually he fell back and left them, but the The f ords which Geoffrey had spoken lew Wi w _ done their duty well. on name is——stop! Who goes there? Speak! By Heaven, Nabley—just in time, but silence.” CHAPTER XTi. THEODORA’S ERRAND—FATAL NEWS—THE MYS- TERY DEEPENS—HER RESOLVE—TO THE VILLA —INTERVIEW WITH HARKAWAY—THE VOICE FROM THE GRAVE—A HEART OF GOLD, . THEODORA made her way with all speed to the water-side prison, to which allusion has been pre- viously le. : The head jailer of this prison had a daughter of the same age as Theodora. His wife had nursed them both as babes, and Theodora looked upon them as her parents, and on the girl as her sister. ; To them she was wont to appeal at any time of trouble, and now she came to tell them her cares. She asked for her foster sister, and called her aside. ‘* What is it now, Theodora, dear?’ asked the La wae saughiery anxiously. **You look quite e and lg Theodora shook her head sadly. : “T have got involved in a matter in which I am ible,” “ But the evil is over?” “ No.” “As far as you are concerned, is it se a yl “No; Isay no. Are not our men to be exe- cuted for the murder of the two boys?” i “And richly they deserve it!” exclaimed Mari- ana. ‘““No—no. They cannot deserve it for what they are innocent of.” “Tt is no fault of theirs,” retorted the ler’s dau iter; “they are guilty in intention, at “* Well—well, Mariana. I am not so base that Icould see them suffer death, knowing what I know—what we know, in fact.” ate ———— not betray me?” exclaimed 6 jailer’s r, anxiously. “ . ee me not. My duty points clearly to And before she could offer to interfere further with her resolve, Theodora was gone. She fled like a deer. Nor did she pause for breath until she was at the villa. * * = * * * “‘Mr. Harkaway will not see anyone,” said the = eneaied jh ting girl with suspici e eyed the panting girl with suspicion, as Theodora leaned for support by the door, while her left hand clasped her beating heart. The tragic events of the few weeks, and the murder of Marietta in Harkaway’s bed- chamber, had led them to distrust everybody and everything. ‘*T must see him,” gasped Theodora. ” returned the girl, curtly; “‘call e afternoon.” E ” returned Theodora. ‘ After six in the morning it will be too late. Itis life and death, I tell you. Go and tell him.” “ Obstinate girl, I tell you Mr. Harkaway has serious business on at daybreak, and has gone to rest, giving the strictest orders that he is not to be disturbed.” “Call him,” returned Theodora, with forced calmness, “‘and he will have no need to goon this business at daybreak.” Tm. you etlonted backwards, e girl retrea’ never movin her e ct Theodora, . “This is some hired in,” she thought. “They can’t tackle my master, and knowing how wary he is, they have hired a girl to do the She was about to thrust to the door, when Theodora, in sheer despair, burst in and cried at the top of her voice to Harkaway: “Mr. Harkaway— Mr. Harkaway! come— come, and hear news of your poor beget say!” At this wild out in the middle of house, Jack stepped out of his room. ‘Keep back, sir; keep back!” screamed the “No, darling. for danger to| servant. ‘‘She’s an assassin!” you—to us, I may say, is entirely done away| At these words, Harkaway sli back inte with.” his room, and reappeared with a pair of ‘* What do you mean?” istols. “ The on Thursday on the way to execution.” e a ejaculated iana; “‘ Thursday?" es. “Then you don’t know,” she exclaimed, witha wild, eoabad look. ; ie sen paren a That it has been changed. They are to executed in the m Me Theodora gave a cry of terror, and staggered “No—no, Mariana,” she said, wildly; “it is “Why was it altered?” “ Because the: haus aaserened: Sen pn siteck upon the way eodora, starti b “Why it was only justagreed upon. — T have lett them not two hours ago, and it was then that} said they came to this resolution.” Pep cae known here. f secemouer trom great Mr. way sough: ‘ernor with the news, and as Mr. Dea alae powerful here, the execution takes place to- morrow morning at daybreak. It is said that he has his own spies in the camp of the brig- ands,” Theodora clapped her hands to her head, and paced wildly up and down. “There is no way out of it, dear Mariana,” she cried. ‘‘ No way—no way, but one.” “What is that?” “I will see this Mr. Harkaway, and tell him “ But you will ruin us all.” f “No. He will be overjoyed with the news I pie 2 and will do as I T ask to repay me for the words of comfort which I have for him. gallant men will rescue their comrades 7 “Now what is it you m 1?” he de- manded of Thoodees. aati “A few words with you.” “Don’t trust her!” the servant; “I saw a knife in her — Don’t trust her!” Theodora smiled faintly. “Tam alone, unarmed,” she said; “the great Mr. Harkaway, the hero of the day here, is surely not afraid of me.” “T am afraid of no one,” returned Jack; ‘ but I warn ay picks teh, 2 say Sceaceeey Ue ee a eee “It cannot affect me,” returned ae gar calmly. “I come to b: you news which wi gladden your heart, and I have no fear of your Her words and her manner thrilled Harkaway otrengely. He lowered the pistols. hee her shown into a room, and followed ear—that ever sent balm and comfort to ised heart.” ao veil of from your h 2 to seajors the gaiety to this tomb-like Jack Harka listened as one in a dream. SE” he tail dm veico that was siveeah tai: audible, “ you know not be pe “T am perfectly it of all,” she “Then your ne here is to torture me 4 a 2 wf me,” he said, “that you know better eae -~ could’ re-
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HARKAWAY, THE AVENGER. “ And you know it is impossible,” he said. him her name, “‘I don’t hang back. I freely ; now you can understand 2.ow I saw them in the “Tt is not.” confide in you.” grave and a can prove that they live.” “Not impossible!” ejaculated Harkaway.| “You do well.” é “T do. Girl, you are brave and good; I know 23 Know you what you say?” “‘T believe so—see that my confidence is not | not how to you for the lives of my poor misplaced, and you shall have no cause to repent it. ” “Your words would imply a promise of re- boys.” eThe night before their great trial, I exacted. a solemn promise from them that they would fol- low me to a hiding-place without the least offer of resistance.” “TI begin to see. But how did you contrive: y- “ Girl—girl,” cried Harkaway, passionately, “the grave nbanet give back its dead.” * Tt does—it z ‘or of his countenance and its wil haggard a, “To get them secreted in the great prison?’ + “ Yes. ” “You shall hear. My foster-sister is the daughter of the head jailer. Her lover is com- pletely at her mercy, and he holds a superior post in no —— It —_ = onl sincg ema upon which I could spare the brave boys’ lives, and so they were forced to yield.” ** And all this time we might have been spared the bitterest agony.” She hung her head. ‘“‘T know it, but I dared not speak sooner, for resolve——” “Your fixed resolve could not make me take it,” said the girl, proudly. “TI have told you my object in my present mission; I have no other. T seek only to do justice—no more.” 2 Harkaway was greatly surprised at this, but as‘he stole a sidelong g2ance at her, surprise was not the only expression in his face. Admiration was strongly mixed with it. ‘Tell me where we are going?” he asked, pre- sently, as they got clear of the town. ‘To the prison by the water.” ; ‘this suspe worse than er on tae ee eT could bring me—are you fooling me?” he added, Rage eat ere be oe. 0. “ “peak onthen.” © “What for?’ I feared to betray my friends.” * Your son Jack——” ‘They are there.” “ You may trust me,” said Jack. 3 : “Yes—yes; my boy—my ewn darling brave| ‘“‘ Impossible!” “T know it, for I have saved your boys.” : ; 2 tegen et : ees - ae will see.” : Se eis * * * * * * | ie suddenly turned pale. ‘“‘ Hark, “But in prison—how came y there ; R said, ““I think I hear footsteps outside; quick! prison! Wiyy, then, without knowing it, Ihave | They reached oe connattiaa: Back ? to the window, I think we are watched,” and probab twenty times within earshot of pee. a AB cc meta 5 oa ia 2 the girl sank in terror at Jack's feet. br Se “this is Mr. Harkaway.” J . kaway, with one bound, sprang to the Yes: ’ The Greek official bowed with an air of con- ___ window, pistol in hand, ready for use. : ‘““How came they there? no half measures now. | .traint. 4 ‘ae But it was a false alarm; and having satisfied | Surely this is the time for revealing all?” — mews s to t of my share of that r passed up its steep inner staircase, Harkaway in- S. - “ I, too—what’s more, I saw them in their | ~« ” pare wy ot this Siace waa 2 ; as ves—and that is more than anyone you “T will, to the even though you should | ~ «That is used as the prison mortuary.” t, done. ’ learn to loathe me, Well, a price was puton their} “ Those black, ugly outlines there are——” 7 + “In their graves!” echoed Harkaway, as if | heads.” Bodies.” "Mir # - stunned; “and yet you say they live.” “Ugh!” a . ve. “They are put into those black bags in lien D>: of winding sheets, then placed into those rough wuedea shale which aralomered to the pee cemetery below by that. crane you see the Ta cae Sine look-out,” said Harkaway, with shudder. «Why, girl—girl, you would wring a wretch- | "ed tate heart with toreare!” "No: I would comfort you. I saved their lives. I come now to toreturn them to you.” “Where are rac “yt : But away with such dull thoughts. * All you will—an everything—only = vt me back my ing me back my ee ae new * ; “Your bo here,” said Sel i 2 I only ask you to save the lives of men eee ys are ps Pm Ranta, Fee 3 ly accused of the murder, and who have a barred io we — ye sumer oan unasked,” said hoe mate for Haskaway to pase i. % Harkaway. ‘I would not for worlds have such ter, 3 fy be said. Pe x open the = 3 2 are they?” A momentary pause. F “ There’s Spare t there,” said Harkaway, in a tone indicative of powerfully-suppressed emo- fe Dire apprehensions of evil stole over both Se- a | bastion and Theodora, as they followed Hark- S: a e . w Theodora,” gasped Sebastian, staggering ta ia ** Yes.” back, “th 3 A with the but a “Where? Hor oo be erento eclaed the girl ‘Thay trast bavve excaped.* = . crags “Liar Harkawa suddenly springing = “You are not playing me false?” said Jack. back 7 wing his si be Doone “ is some zs re “Lookin my face snd be axcured,” said the “Th | murderers! You think’ to fool — girl, final butchery. ; * Well—well, do not torture me, me the end.”
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HARKAWAY, THE AVENGER. Too long have we been absent from them. Too long have we been forced by the exigen- speaking contemptuously of their find, he pro-| Harry Girdwood arose suddenly from his puz- posed pitching it through the grated window, | ale. f P cies of our history to leave, not only the Harka- | into the sea. : ‘*Eureka!” he cried; ‘I have discovered it,” way family and party generally, under the cru- “Not I,” said Barry; “‘there’s something ‘What?’ demanded the startled Jack. el impression that the two boys had been foully | here which it will amuse me to puzzle out,” “ The ophe:. It is siphehetica). Listen here.” murdered, but the reader likewise. “Tf you like to kill time that way, Harry,”| Young Jack approaehed. They lived. - answered yOung Jack, laughing, ‘“‘no harm;| “Itis clear as daylight,” said Harry, “ these y, it was every word true that Theodora had pee plenty of time to kill in this dreadful = correspond with the letters of the alpha-- said. dungeon.” t— Sebastian was not a whit less truthful. And puzzle over this precious treasure Harry | ‘‘‘ Count four stones up from. ground. . Two When he opened the door of the cell in the | did. from side of chimney. Press underneath, See tower, he ly expected to find the two boys there. : Where were they? By what jugglery had they contrived to get oat of such a fortress as that place? This the present chapter is to relate. To give it clearly, however briefly, we must The cloth upon which were the cabalistic | Wat is revealed under it.” signs, was headed with certain words, which Hurrah!” cried young Jack. were all but illegible, and this he managed to|_ “ Hurrah!” yelled Harry Girdwood; ‘‘butstop. construe: Let us see if there is anything in it, tor we may “Simple cipher, Jeft,in hopes that it may yet | Yet escape.” serve some unfortunate Englishman to eseape a a from the tender mercies of this hole.” go back to the day of their entrance into their} Below this were the following figures and CHAPTER XIV. SS et ee signs— WHAT THE CIPHER DID FOR THEM—THE END OF Jack and Harry were alone. “This i rum ik” said Harry Gird. |. 3: 13.21. 14, 20.—8-5.°91_18:-—19, 90-1514. 5 | - THE PASSAGE —NEARLY SAVED—BACE AGAIN waaies what do ye ana ot Pr x Gis 19.—21. 16.—6. 18. 15. 13.—T, 18. 15. 21. 14. 4.— LOST—THE DEAD-HOUSE ON THE TERRACE. “P¥ecious dull; old boy,” grumbled young | 20. 23. 15.—6. 18.15. 13.19. 9. 4. 5.—15.6—3.8.| ‘Four stones up. arg te f 9.18, 14. 5 BT CSB Two across “ Better than a grave on the mountain side.” | ~~~ . _Press } “Do you understand it now, Harry?” “Tt is just that,” said young Jack, “But it], 7. 99 9,191. The latter scratched his head and looked wouldn’t be quite so good if this sort of thing was | ~ ae oS vevealed. about, meant to be permanent.” * Growler—growler,” said Harry Girdwood. “* Why, I call these famous diggings after that hole they meant us to rest in while the worms ew arg of us. Besides, we must get away.” a ow se ” Young Jick looked up at the word, and his Now when Harry Girdwood had got through | ,, “T understand it well enough,” he replied; the above wet aoe or twice, he was in a reg- : pope By one difficulty.” ular fog. 3 _ “A tool.” 1 ey re ieee orboner ns Newrely| “Tet us try with our hands first,” said Jack. So Har: Girdwood kept what he knew of the Ane 20 Feng, be wh to work hiune EAS aT pe ; he suggested. “ie tee same day, toward sundown, when “One, two, three, hour, a4 two up. Good! bastian heart beat a little quicker. : their Now, Harry, lend a hand here. Come.” But he said soa f Girdwood pone to bring fad, BY eo seep tn ons one knee ers Frowning walls on all sides. ‘ - A is companion, an gether they pressed the The cell was fully eighteen-fect high, and the | boon here, my friend.” aim a STE stone indented in the singular cipher. window was close up by the ceiling. te ; ‘or a moment tno after a “Tf we want to get out of this,” said young a geve him «sharp. giance;es the an! minute's effort they found that they had made oe Jack, ‘‘we must begin operations from mo) eH “ a know that?” an impression. ‘ ment.” ae EO YOU KROW. Be The discovery set them all aglow. ; “ ” is no mystery in it,” replied “Once more.” ¥ “Do you know, Harry, what is to be the first Girdwood; ‘I saw some words written in “ Harder yet.” - { _ ——— a as me eoceyt only.mind, Jack, no jerking.” i ‘ 0°.” a ia rig = Ss = “To get at that window.” The eagerness of his manner aroused the curi-| «We must work without making any noise; a é 4g “But it is about eighteen feet high.” “ Well, we must reach it,” said young Jack, of both the boys. k might bring down one of the stones with a ; fon eee ae nere,” veplied Harry, pretend- Setter which would alarm the guards. “3 Both the boys were expert gymnasts. = ne seek for the marks upon the wall. “Caution is our watchword.” - les Was yanguished 3ut, of course, he found nothing. — *\ Soom they had the satisfaction of tis ay tate asin the reateak e monk Bi. a. it is strange,” he said, still looking about; | stone pevorve and drop out into their — Ta Pin the rms ri they could mpunt| fr Lee it vas reaouts comune na ha veyond the Bal thas ft bn athe es Br was occupied by an, Englishmanonce.” ts wen itch en Se the consequence was that the “You are rigl iT ; D — Now, the hole in the wall was only just bi ea ¥ : perched oar the window ookin erty = - Hare Giniwook pushed eagerly—and aod e > oung Jack up a ea 5 P i in en - te : Moout ot his cumvade” and fellow prisoner, and FR eco ger pe tier glenn Mie ers Li ak gee that beyond was a sort of tunnel om 8 oa ing graphic descriptions of a saw there. small scale, with a roughly-hewn flightof steps pata A on the other side, Jack?” : ** Possibly; but he was a priest. He was con- | at the end of it. _ 4 2 J Sy
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fis HARKAWAY, THE AVENGER. Then, joining hands, they raised the stone and lifted it into its place. At that moment the key turned in the massive and half rusty lock. Sebastian entered the cell, tray in hand. He had not the faintest suspicion that any- was wrong. “Win you leave the tray, Sebastian?” said youn; Jack. : de e “For us to work up our appetites; we have | ipo ed,” seterted ‘the xen; # there * ” re man; ‘ can be ne in that.” “Of course not.” Sebastian then —— room. = Jack, - “Thank 's gone! young aly ia impatience to see what Harry was next. Harry Girdwood watched until the door was get it.” into the opening. Young Jack glanced around him at the boxes on the tressels. - An um t feeling stole over him. He di not relish being left IG with the dead. He felt convinced that those ugly boxes did | contain the bodies of dead prisoners. “Tm with you, Harry,” he said. After him ie pressed, and up the long, narrow tunnel made by old Dougherty they Sometimes on all fours; some’ nearly upright. “‘A few steps more, and we are there,” said “ hI” " What now?” fairl and then turned again to the hole ! ances — “T can hear voices,” said Harry, in a whisper. “Come along. Follow me, Jack.” “This is the stone which is all we have to dis- “Trot on,” said young Harkaway. “I'm after | place to get back to the cell.” you.” “*Then the voices are there?” They both scrambled the hole and| “ Yes.” when they were upon the other side, they re- “ jingo!” exclaimed young Jack, “then they 2 discovered our absence already.” “Of course.” “ Jack,” he ina % keepi Te « Here.” = 3 vier alright” “Right” denoted that unusual had occurred. “Nearer. Lend me a hand here. That’s it.| ‘‘There are several people there,” said Harry, Now help me raise the stone = intently at the stone. * Are you sure you are right?” “By ove! how I should like to give them a “Why?” * Keep quiet,” exclaimed Harry. ‘ You will * This is exactly the position of the stone we | ruin us. have te lift away that old Dougherty describes by a mere chance, he was there. : in his a ‘ young Jack really indulged in - Young Jack said no more, but lent his aid, and | sity of devilment on this occasion, it would have * am fe ide ee ce Ad ge saved them many hours of mental ish and was something leaning against open- | of bodily suffering, for the uttered abel ne sess ore sea. covered i ; | : Hit i i Hu i i F a E : ; I if Tee ee A ede oe pe ee ee. if f E <i f i in the cell but lately tenan’ ner the ere here Harkaway elder! the confus- enemy's Hae a Fi : E ~ a x iE = Pin 5 “In our cell,” said Harry; ‘Til go back and And putting aside the sack, he pressed his way times standing | “Only two. Well, that’s quite enough, I should 2 ae: se us aoe pekind pt at said young ack, eagerly, ‘‘and then a them, make a dash for liberty.” ve The steps drew nearer and nearer. “* Let us hide here,” said , pushing the lid off one of the long coffins or . But even as he did so, both boys started back with looks of horror. And why? y The removal of the coffin lid revealed a ghastl corpse, the face showing the last agonies ‘whine the dead man had suffered, and they, to judge by ~ the distorted face and twisted mout: Tose heaal | been horrible indeed. They pushed back the lid. “ Uv gh r “ Horrible—horrible!” gasped young Jack. The footsteps sounded nearer. —s They were coming to this place, whoever it was. The looked about them in despair. At the Pci yo Jack’s eye — upon an empty sack upon the 1 fe wg full ones to which wetter pont he 2 al- juded. MP isk in that.” Harry Girdwood jum at the proposition. Now the sacks were a large, and made of coarse canvas thick ee to avoid falling into | folds, which would reveal the contents to anyone at a glance. So, quick as thought, Piao g Jack held it open while and then Harry, holdin, the sides of it sith both hands, shood erect while Ae was heard grating in the rusty lock, and as the possible, Sgty-okhig, bidaorimged inom otek oe eek: CHAPTER XV. | one of the men. | was | “Well fe A ee in ; my - duality cl tenon , you can goand get =e PELet Deemer shanty have my THE BLACK TRADE—A TRAFFIC IN DEATH—A PLACE OF HORROR—CAN IT BE TRUE}—TWO BOYS IN ONE SHROUD—A FIGHT WITH A SHARK —GIVING HIM THE SACK—DEEP-SEA FISHING ON A NOVEL PLAN, THE two back looking thoug’ ruffians looked about they were on no good o You had better lock the door, Fleon, ‘What we have todo mustn’t The boys heard the door closed and locked, and the sound seemed to lock out another hope oo ware? ‘ow, Fleon, come “Well, what now?” “We must come to terms.” need to are simple ,” cried Fleon, “ for halves?” The other made some i but , he closed wi! ery “ Now let us cast them up.” two, four, six, eight, eleven, thirteen,” Now they were standing so close to the of the boys in their novel place of con- cealment could not only hear tat Mtg baton the speakers against
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” What could it mean? Surely not—— No—no—no! The thought maddened the boys. It was too horrible. r Yet what did the rest of the sacks contain? Besides, there were no other sacks in the shed but these. Both the boys heard the conversation. Yet so fearful a notion was it that each felt #hat he had not heard aright. They dared not k. And. their worst fears were indeed correct. * * * * * * * Halloo!” “What now?” “ 7 ” “ Yes.” “You are wrong,” said Fleon. ‘‘ Count them again.” The man obeyed. “ Thirteen, I was sure of it.” “Well, that’s a rum go,” said Fleon. positive that there were only twelve.” **There’s a baker’s dozen now,” said Barthes, with his brutal laugh; ‘‘the more the merrier.” “ Right.” “What are you staring at?” 3 **T can’t make out the thirteenth one,” said Fleon. “Well, I don’t see that that’s anything to weep over. Thirteen at dinner is an awkward number, they say; but I daresay thatthe sharks won't object to it; they’re not so weak-minded as to besuperstitious. Ha—ha—ha!” But still Fleon could not get over this last sack. “Tve got it.” “What, where the last sack came from?” “ Yes.” “Well, then, out with it, and ease your mind —not that I care much, so long as we land the money.” - Why, they have a the last one in from the hospital fever-ward; I heard the bell he gear, at midnight, and I remember now that they sai another was all but gone.” “Why, of course,” said Barthes; “‘and see how the lazy beggars haven’t even taken the trouble to tie the neck of the sack round ” “* That’s easily done.” Before the boys could what was next to take place, the sack was jerked over, and a rope was twisted around the neck of the sack, thus excluding nearly all the air. But young Jack had already grown desperate, and he held his knife in his hand ready for an "The jerk had sent the knife through the sack about two inches, and it prodded Barthes in the **Halloo!” He yelled and drew back his hand. “T’ve cut myself.” : ** Why, how on earth did you manage that?” “ There’s aknife sticking outof the sack. Let’s z open it and it out.” “ What for?” e “It's a pity to throw such a thing into the sea. The boys shivered. This tine there could be no mistaking the wer yack,” whispered Harry Girdwood, ‘‘do you , “Yes; let us show ourselves, and go back to prison, or——” But before he could pe ge his proposition, they were in the up on to their feet. “Come, let’s do it quick.” “Good!” “it's precious ~ » vy. “FH enough for two,” said Fleon. “Over with if. Now, then, both together at . the word three. ~ “One.” _- &two.” joy the shark’s disappointment, for they were s startled by a great noise and commotion going . forward in the prison. x Young Jack looked inquiringly at his com- a panion. : “Our absence discovered?” we! so, Let us make tracks as soon as weeu > With this they set to work to loosen the boat. It took them some little time to force the pad- lock which held the chain to the staple, but to- accom it. Then, low lowering their sculls, they pushed out to sea. Free,” murmured young Jack, exultantl: C9 * free at last.” * 2 owrench tock mn scall ow took a and with long, dee strokes ed for their = they pull own safe Sart of Wind and tide were in their favor, and they shot through the water at racing “* Pull round, here’s our 5 aw for'it.” ~ together,” sai Girdwood, excit- 4 ~oge *, ¥ ao — % 6 areier ih ys Tag) Reis Pe eae RE Be ; mh long, vigorous strokes, and the boat grounded far up high and dry upen the shingle. They ran on a : ¢ jb: how their young hearts beat at the sight of it. “ Won't be surprised?” “ Arad plenesa” - “ And sha’n'’t we? Ah, me—halloo! who's this - coming here? Why, blow me, Harry, do yousee - whoit is?” — — “ Of course; it’s old f : 0 ns ee een iis. Mole!” they both oe yelled out. “Here we are safe back!” : 3S The old gentleman staggered back in sheer ei t. Isit possible?” he exclaimed. “Surely~yet, ue “Can't it, ae
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