Five Cent Wide Awake Library (vol. 1) (1883 04 11)
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be PRIVATEER TOM. The subSeription price for THE WIDE AWAKE Lrprary for the year 1883 will be $2.50 per year; $1.25 ae agen post paid. Address FRANK TOUSEY, PuBLisHER, ‘ 34 and 36 North Moore Street, New York. Ox . PRIVATEER TOM. j A SEQUEL TO CAPTAIN TOM DRAKE. By the Author of “Captain Tom Drake. OHAPTER I, ' CAPTAIN TOM DRAKE ENTERS UPON HIS NEW : CAREER. “PTARnWELL, Minnie darling, my own little wife. My country has need of me, and you shall yet hear your husband’s name in connection with tho stirring deeds which these troublous times ' will produce. Farewell, dear, and may Heaven keep you safe until my return.” he - “Not farewell, Tom, forI know that you will re- __ turn, to me with a brighter record than eyer before. May tho God of battles spare you and bring you ~ safe back from a thousand perils.” } The first speaker was a young man of a little more than twenty years, well formed and hand- " somo, frank and manly in bearing, whose every ' word, look and movement, bespoke the hero, as indeed he was. ; The readers of the Boys’ Wenxny will remem- ber the gallantiadventures, hair-breadth escapes and stirring encounters of the famous boy priva- teer, Captain Tom Drake, and he therefore needs t no further introduction. ~~ Tt will be remembered, also, that at the closo of - the first recital of his adyentures, published in _ these columns, he was about to depart for the seat of war, haying accepted a commission from the American government, then just going to war ~ with Great Britain. Sage The period at which this story begins is in the ‘summer of the year 1812, just after the famous vie- tory of Captain Porter, commanding the Zssex, over the Alert, a British war vessel of twont guns, the first one taken singe the war ha actively commenced. Tom was now about to take command of his stanch and saucy a craft for her sizo as ever ‘flew the American flag. A Tho words quoted at the beginning of this _ ghapter, were said to his wife, Minnie, once Min- _nio Atherton, but now united to her’ boy-lover after many trials and adventures. With Tom, on the Firefly, were many of his old comrades and friends, their fates seoming to _be linked with his as in the old days, when he was but a saucy. BEAR sailing under no ' flag but his own, and proscribed'by the govern- mont of which ho had once been a loyal subject, - until forced by its despotism and the treachery of his own relatives to seek more congenial _ friends. Harry Vere, his brave associate for many years, now wedded to the beautiful Jennie Ellis, the was his first officer, and gaye promise of doing ‘as effectual service in the future as he had in the ‘past, being greatly loved and honored by the young commander, who well remembored how osoly thoir fortunes had been united. . Ben Barnacle, the giant boatswain, who, al- - though holding an inferior position, had always seemed to havea strange and powerful influence that other mysterious personage, known by no ate sie than that of Iron Arm, from his great strength. ; . Bob Hauler and Jerry Mizzon, the latter hay- ing escaped from the British fleet after many perilous adventures, which he was always fond of relating, wereagain with thoir beloyed captain, ind sure to be appointed upon any duty of im- ‘portance, being as trustworthy now as when they f pmadeacquainted with the boy privateer, -yossel, the Firefly, of twenty-four guns, as daughter of the arrogant English commander, over Our hero, was with nim still, as was also, Indeed I do, and ‘ish him for his knavery. Doctor Shrike and his assistant, Jacob, were in their old place in the surgery, the former pos- sessing the same grim humor and love for his ghustly profession as ever, and caring to serve no other commander than the gallant Tom Drake. Having thus brought our characters once more upon the stage, we will ring up the curtain, to use another theatrical expression, and will pro- ceed with the recital of the sequel to our hero’s adventures, which haye already endeared his name to every boyish heart. * * * * “Whither bound, captain?” Tho words were addressed to the young com- mander by Ben Barnacle, the Firefly having sud- pony changed her course two days out from land, ~ Tom was seated in his luxurious cabin, having preserved his old privateer manners, looking over a mass of charts, papers and documents when the man spoke, and looking up, he said, pleasantly: 5 Ah, Ban, is that you? I understand your interest, and will not leave it unsatisfled. You areas much my confidant as Harry Vere, here, himself.” * And even I have yet to learn the meaning of this sudden change,’ spoke up Vere, who was seated at one side of the table. ‘I had asked him the same question, Ben, just before you en- tered, but had received no reply.” j ‘Not because I meant to give you none, how- aver,” said Tom, with a laugh, twisting the ends of his long mustache carelessly, ‘but I was about to send for Ben to join us as he came upon us.” 4 “You do me honor,” answered Ben, taking the seat to whieh Tom beckoned him by & graceful wave of the hand, “and nothing but our long acquaintance and friendship would have induced me to intrude upon your privacy.” © You will recollect,” said om, after a pause, ‘that; my treacherous cousin, Reuben Harpy, was. reported to have been in command Of an Engkish privateer, haying been furnished by that scoundrel, Sanderson, with false letters of marque.” ; ; “ Sanderson and Angel—a misnomer, surely, for ho was a perfect devil—have both paid tho pen- alty of their crimes,” said Bou, quietly. “And Reuben shall do likewise, or I greatly mistake,” continued Tom. “Too long has this villain pieces his vile trade, and I promise him that when we meet one of us shall die, and it shall not be Tom Drake.” : “And has this sudden change in your course to do with him?” queried Vere. “Tt has, although it has been my intention from the start to seek the ae out, and I merely took the direction I did to deceive the EE ' y “They have heard of our departure, and are doubtless looking for us on the northern coast.” “Instead of which we shall be at Barbadoes or even further South. The Wirefly is true to her name, and flits hither and thither in the most unexpected manner.” “Do you hope to find Reuben in the neigh- borhood of Barbadoes?” asked Ben, ¥ “T expect to hear of him there. ber our old friend Israel Shawm?” “The dog ofa Jew who very nearly betrayed us to the UR AE our fight with Dutch Paul? haye long wished to pun- You remem- Sh ue | interesting manner. “Then you must forbear awhile, for I have need of Israel, yet. It is my intention to call upon the wily Hebrew and obtain news of Reu+ ben at once.” ! A “A clever plan; but are you not neglecting your country’s interests while carrying out your own personal designs?” f “Not so, for our aim is to cripple the enemy on every side, and if we can capture a few rich mer- chantmen before we engage a war-vessel, so much the better.” “And so you think that you will meet —” “T, know I shall, for Lhave already been ad- vised of the sailing of several. Having a roving commission, I am at libertyto go where I please, and for the present I please to cruise around Barbadoes and the neighboring islands.” phen * Beware of Israel Shawm, however, fon he is a treacherous hound, and will bite when you least expect it.” : “T shall not shun him, for I do not fear hina, — I know his evil ways, and shall therefore be the — better prepared to thwart him.” ; Ten days later, at dusk, the Firefly dropped an. chor in a little cove on the Barbadoes coast, and ee prepared to go ashore in one of the small OLS, Ho was attired in the full uniform of a Brazilian naval officer, Ben Barnacle, Iron Arm, Bob and Jerry being clad as seamen in the same service, the Firefly being also dressed to represent a cruiser of that nation, provided any curious eyes should discover herhiding-place. Harry Vere remained on board, and, giving him a hearty handshake, Tom dropped over the side into the boat and was presently scudding over the water toward the shore. Leaving Bob and Jerry to take chargo ofthe — boat, Tom and his two comrades proceeded at once into the town, the young commander walk- __ ing at some distance from the others, as befitting _ his rank, and before long he stood before the crafty Jew’s dwelling. j “Impudence befriend me now,’’ said Tom, ‘for IT haye need of all my assurance. Nothing venture, nothing win. So here goes,” t Sas CHAPTER IT. a IN THE LAIR OF THE FOE—IMPORTANT NEWA— A FRIEND IN NEED. ~ TuE Jew was seated in his own private apart- ment when a servant entered and informed him ,— that a visitor, a Brazilian, waited without and ~ desired an interview. ; Ne “Aha, te Prazilians and de Chilians alvays fight,” chuckled Israel. ‘‘That makes a goot peezness forme. Fairst, I shell oneand den I shell de oder, “Ah, by my gown, [makes monish out of dat fight. Dey poth puys de gunpowdersli — of old Israel, and he don’t care if dey eutsh each odeish throats eef he makes de monish from it.” _ This was said by the old fox to himself, after hav- — ing dispatched the servant with the message that he would be pleased to’see the visitor, and he was still chuckling to himself when Tom entered. Besides wearing the Brazilian uniform, Tom —_ had otherwise disguished himself, coloring jhis skin and putting on false mustache and beard so as to be utterly unrecognizable. gs oy aad bie: _ Just before his entrance, however, he had en- —— countered Hester, the pretty daughter of the old rascal, and she had looked at him ina stran,
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4 vf a Suddenly seizing him by the wrist she held him back, while she whispered impressively : “Tf is the braye young Captain Tom come back again! I know him, in spite of disguises.” * You have proved to be my friend before,” an- swered Tom, ‘‘and I can trust you now.” «« Beware of my father,” said the lovely Jewess, “for if he discovers your secret you will be be- trayed.” ' 5 Do you think hé will know me in this dress and with my face and beard?” «Perhaps not, but ‘you must be cautious. If ‘he attempts any treacherous act I will warn you intime.” 4 “Oh, Hester,” said Captain Tom, gravely, “if there were more like you in the world we should be much better off.” _ Then, as the girl glided away, he entered the Jew’s apartments, and passing on into the last of all, came before the old scoundrel himself. “Tsrael Shawm, I believe,” said Tom, with a slight foreign accent. an intportant and most delicate mission. Weare alone?” “Yesh, my tear, we are quite alone, You Prazil- ijans are te mostest cautious fellersh I efer shee. Vot ish your pishness? You yant to puy te gun- powdersh?” Oh, no, we haye quite enough of that at pres- ent,” replied Tom, remembering the trick the old villain had formerly played upon him, “Tf tought you youldn’t vant te gunpowdersh, my tear, ash I soldt a hoondred parrels to te Cap- tainsh Alvarez lasht veek. You haf not met te eaptainsh?” t *€ Alvarez?” repeated Tom. ‘'*here’s no such name among our officers now. You have been deceived. The fellow is no Brazilian.” **T know tat as vell ash yourshelf, my tear, and I wash not desheived. Hish name wash Reuben Harpy, and he fight mit de Pritish, He wash a rasheal, but I makes de monish from him, and vot do I caresh?” _._ *Ha—ha! this is a Dene news,” thought Tom. “I must pump this old yillain and learn _ more,” Then, spreading out a roll of documents upon the table, he sat down and said: *« T have reason to suspect that this man of whom you speak has obtained by fraud certain } papers, which make him appear to be in the Bra- zilian ‘ service, whereas he is little better than a irate. The government offers a large reward ‘or his capture, and if you could give me any re- liable information that would lead to that result you would not be forgotten.” “Butte man isha cushtomer of mine, and I could not pe so base.” “Oh, that alters the case. Isuspect, how- ever, that this man Harpy, would easily be in- duced to come to the island, if he knew that one Captain Drake was in the neighborhood.” “Py my peard, you mean dat rashcal, Tom Drake, te poy privateer, ash tey call him ?” cried Israel, springing to his feet. Trane “Ves, assed his vessel yesterday. She is called the Night Hawk, and he is cruising.” \ Ve “Te Night Hawk! Py my pody, Iwas apout to shell him some gunpowdersh; te quarter- TMashty ashk me to shell him to-morrow, and I Shay I will.” . “Don’t leave yet,” said Tom, the Jew having pec ey uneasy. “I haye other matters to speak of,” “Tt ish not bishness. Come] to-morrow, I wash indisposhed to-night. Where is your yeshel anchored? I did not see her come in.” On the southeast shore,” answered Tom, __ this being directly opposite to the Firejly’s real fi ringing a silver be position, *T come to shee you in te morning,” said Israel, ll that stood near him. As the sound died away, Hester herself entered, bearing a gold tray upon which was a flagon of wine and two silver cups nicely engraved, and set with jewols. s “The wine you asked me to bring, father,” she said, putting the tray down, and pouring out and handing to Tomfa cup of wine. Her eyes fellas sho did so, and Tom, looking ' into the cup, saw a silver bullet at the bottom. * Diyining at once that the girl had heard some- ‘thing and wished to warn him, Tom raised the i _ cup, and said: J, drink to our better acquaintance, Israel Shawm, and contusion to all traitors.” _ Then he emptied his cup, allowing the bullet to ‘remain in one corner of his mouth. When, tak- ng up his hat, he quickly bowed himself out, ughter. | 5 ; iG ““Pody of/me, Hester,” said the wretch, turn- ing livia with rage, “tish wash not te man I wanted te’ wine for. You vill ruin me. it PRIVATEER TOM. “T wish to see you on, eaving the astonished Jew alone; with his “Py myl peard, it vash Alvarez, te man yat I told you yesh- terday,” f oa You said to come when you rang, and so I id.” “Py my robe I forgot dat. slave.” * But I sent him away.” “Sent him pack to me, then, and don’t make such a mishdake again.” “TJ will do as you bid,” said the girl,and then she left the room, knowing that there was more work for her to do if she would save Tom Drake from her treacherous father. - By this time Tom had reached the street, and by the light of the tropic moon was redding a serap of paper which-had been concealed in the middle of the bullet found in the wine, He was familiar with ruses of this sort, and al- most as soon as he had left the room had unsey- ered the two parts of the bullet, and taken out the thin, silk-like paper it contained. When in the moonlight he found that it was in- deed a message of warning, as he supposed, the words being as follows: I ring for te black “Captain Tom: Your old enemy, Reuben Har- py, was here but yesterday, I have just discoy- ered the fact from the black slave. I fear that my father knows you. Be at the Grapes tavern on the shore at midnight and I will send you the latest news, HESTER.” So, so; this is worth knowing,” muttered Tom, as he hurried off, giving his two followers the signal to join him at a distance, “The old villain is going to supply gunpowder to the Night Hawk, is he?” he muttered ‘Good. I know what its quality will be if he takes her for my vessel; and when I draw her out a day or so hence she will be an easy prey. “It was well I discovered her, and also that she has lately arrived like myself. Can Reuben still be in port? The'time will drag till midnight, when Ishall probably know more.” Stepping into a dark archway, the young cap- tain waited until the two men eame up, when he told them of what he had heard and done, and asked them if they had any news for him. “The Night Hawk is Baie in supplies,” said Ben, ‘‘and there have been two new arrivals— British war-vessels—this very night. Several rich merchant vessels are reported to be ap- proaching, bound for England, and those fellows are to go to their protection.” “Is my presence here, then, suspected ?” “No, but other American cruisers have been seen, and they are getting cautious.” “Keep your eyes and ears open, and meet me outside the Grapes at midnight. I will have the boat taken around to that part of the coast.” *Then they separated, Tom wrapping himself in a heavy black cloak, which utterly concealed both form and features, and thus disguised, went about where the British sailors on liberty would be most likely to congregate, to see if he could not pick pp. some hews, As the hour of twelve was sounded from the cathedral towers and taken up by the watchmen upon their rounds, he stood in front of the tav- ern known as the Grapes, and a moment later a muffled figure appeared from within and ad- vanced toward him. “St! Is that the young captain ?” asked tho figure, which Tom now perceived to be that of the peerless young Jewess herself. ns Vos,” he answered, coming near, you heard anything?” Z “Much that is strange and startling. I have tried to find roe before, but could not.” “There is haste, then?” “Ofa truth. Your coward cousin. has depart- ed an hour hence in his vessel, the Terror, and the Night*Hawk will be watched with the utmost care. “Does your father——” “He does not suspect you nor your vessel, but thinks that the Night Hawk is yours. He has be- trayed her, 4s he imagines, and when she leaves eke British vessels here will fire upon and sink er.” “Sheis English?” “Yos, but on a private mission, and none of her crew have been ashore, which increases the sus- picion against her.” «Then I must let her own friends destroy her, “ Have f for if Reuben has departed Ishall follow at once.” “He has gone, for when my father told him your vessel was here, his face'was bloodless in a moment.” ‘SI will overtake the scoundrel, and when I have given him the punishment he deserves, will capture these expected merchant-men while yet these stupid fellows are sinking one of their own ships |” CHAPTER III. AN UNEXPECTED PLEASURE—JERRY MIZZEN’S NARRATIVE, “Two sails on the port bow, captain,” said Jerry Mizzen,as Tom came on deck the next afasi le, : ; The Firefly was well out to sea by that time, - the young commander having got up sail and’ ~ sped away as peo as he had learned from Hestez of his dastard @ousin’s departure. “What do you make them out to be, Jerry?” asked Captain Tom, “ They’re English, fast enough.” “Ts one the Terror, commanded by that rascal ae 7 , . 3 e’s a war-vessel, I take it, sir.” “ 8. “Well, neither of these is that. merchants.” “The very fellows we were looking for. There is no harm in catching them now and settling - Mr. Reuben’s case afterward.” Tom at once sought Harry Vere, and calling him upon the quarter-deck, said, pointing out two sails which were now plainly visible: ««Mhore is a prize for us, Harry, to be snatched right under the noses of these imperious Britons.” “The merchantmen that were expected?” “Yes; and before the war-vessels can get to their assistance they will be ours.” “Good. ‘This will be a bold stroke,’ They’re « ‘Give chase at once, but draw well up on them aA before making hostile demonstrations.’ “Shall we hoist British colors?” on “Sail under the flag of a tyrant? Never! If any disguise is necessary, I shall at least not take that. The hated flag of Great Britain shall never float over my ship while I am in command!” The words were spoken loudly, and the sailors ‘ hearing them, cheered to the echo, Jerry Mizzen saying to his mates as they flewto obey Harry Vane’s orders: ““That’s the right sort of talk, I tell you. 1t would have made me nervous to haye the en- emy’s flag floating over me. I remember well the time when I boarded Admiral Ellis’ ship and found myself among a lot of British tars.” «* By the way, Jerry,” said Bob Hauler, when the work had been finished, for the time at least,” “you never told me just exactly how you got out. of that scrape.” “Didn't 12” sf Well, it’s a long yarn, but I ean spin off a bit. rs of it; and if I have to stop, just take a round turn and knot it off, so’s to know where to begin again.” its et Heave ahead then !” : ‘Well, you see, being an American in: heart, and called a pirate by occupation, I was in mighty danger of having a hempen cravat and dancing on nothing, particularly as that peppery little admiral—blast his eyes!—had got a notion that I belonged to Captain Tom’s ship. “They couldn’t pump me, no matter how they tried, and at last they give it up, but kept me, claiming that I was a subject. “T wasn’t a subject forthe hangman anyhow, — and 1 trusted to my nateral abilities to get away ~ some time and get back to the Will-o’-the- Wisp, which is another name for Firefly, I suppose. “We put right to sea, and I had to fight the French, though, as they weren’t our friends then, I didn’t maine: Then they exchanged me into another ship, and I went further away from home than ever, “One day I got a slighthurt in an engagement mates resolved to die. ~ ‘ “We fixed the thing up between us, and I was the most nateral-looking corpse you ever” see, though when they sewed me up in canvas With — 4 Shs \ off shore, and with the aid of one of my mess- _ a shot at my feet, I thought it wur altogether tio A real, by a good deal. “They gin me a knife, though, and didn’t take a D too many stitches, though I tell you I did feel kind 0’ ticklish when that feller’s needle would » stick into me. ‘
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PRIVATEER. TOM. - : “ ‘accident, of course, and it came afloatin’ my way, as luck would have it. _. “They didn’t see me aboard the vessel, and I - olung to the hen-coop till dark, when I went in shore on the turn of the tide, clean tuckered out. ‘** My troubles wasn’t over, for before I could got out into the country, I was captured by the enemy and sentenced to be hung as a spy. “T thought it was a pretty go, to escape drownin’ only to be hung, and I told ’em they had no business to hang a dead man when there was roa live ones about. : “That puzzled ’em, and they locked mé up for - the night while they thought it over. In the _ mornin’ I told em I was a Yankee, and offered to fight the Britishers for them. “Tt was that what done the business for me, and I was made gunner right off, full pay, grub and Bre: beginnin’ at that very identical mo- “ment. “T couldn’t ‘tell you all the things that hap- pened to me before I finally got away, struck across lots for this country, and found that Cap- _toin Tom Drake was tothe front ag’in and lookin’ for men, and I can tell you that it wasn’t long afore Jerry Mizzen had the number of his mess and was spinnin’ yarns with his old chums.” ‘* Blow my top-hamper off, but we’re hauling ; mies them fellows,” said Bob, at that moment. ; fs ios goos our flag; wonder what they’ll say to at?” _ What they did say was to edge away as rapidly. as possible, hoping to save themselves from be- ing captured by the saucy cruiser whom they had at firsttaken for one of the corvettes sent to protect them. < Oaptain Tom sent a shot whistling through the - fore-rigging of the leading vessel, as an indica- tion that he would notbe trifled with, and gave orders to serve the other the same way if she at- tempted to escape. ; _ The first vessel lay to, butthe otherttried to get away, fancying that the Firefly would have all it _ wanted to doin looking after the other. Captain Tom knew,what he was about, how- ever, and he pave his orders to Iron Arm, who -_was one of his most expert gunners, to bring the runaway to terms. The hereulean fellow rammed the charge home, and pointing the gun to a nicety, fired, carrying ~ away the end of the merchant’s bowsprit, _ Tho sails came down by the run, and the yes- ‘sol, losing her headway, fell off and gotallaback, being unable to repair the damage before another shot went crashing through the main rigging, - and sending all the top-hamper down in a heap. _.- he Firefly had been drawing up all this time, ~ andinafew minutes the two hulls collided, the merehantman’s rail being carried away for sey- eral feet by the force of the shock. Grapnels were thrown out, and the prize was / made fast, the men frona the privateer swarming over upon her decks and cutting down all who _ Opposed them, he captured vessel proving the larger and richer of the two, our hero suffered the other to escape, after first raking her fore and aft with _ his broadsides. _ Hewould not have done this to a merchant- man, had not the latter fired a shot and killed _ two of his men after haying made signs of sub- mission. ; _ The captured vessel proved to have a yery rich eargo, much of which was of use to the navy, and Oaptain Tom was therefore greatly elated at his success. 5 The cartels and crew, not being belligerents, were suffered to depart in boats, the youthful commander haying the daring to run close enough in shore with his prize to permit of this. It was a bold experiment, but at that moment the English cruisers were away, haying given chase to the unfortunate Wight Hawk, and nearly _ demolished her before they discovered their mis- take, and knew that they had been cheated by ‘some clever enemy, though they had no suspi- sae ‘that the Firefly was within a thousand ies. i | ae ee : CHAPTER LY. - FACE TO FACE AND HAND TO HAND. “Tr that isn’t the Yerror, with that miscreant, Harpy, on board, Ill neyer venture another ess.” ; i; . So spoke Harry Vere, two days after the cap- ture of the merchant vessels, as he paced the quar- er-deck early in the afternoon, Captain Tom be ing at that moment below. The man on the lookout had reported a strange ae “a little while before, and Harry, with a pair f powerful glasses, had been gazing intently at} since, — finally gaye yent to th ‘exclamation aboye ak 1 to leap noted, and as he paced the deck excitedly, called out to one of the under officers: *‘Tell Captain Drake that there is a strange sail in sight, which I take to be the Zerror.” The officer at once delivered the message, the boy captain arising hastily and exclaiming: “Then, by Heaven, this wretch shall at last suffer for all the misery he has caused me and mine. Then hastily buckling on his sword and clap- ping his plumed chapeau jauntily on his head, e hastened on deck, where Harry Vere was again looking earnestly at the vessel in the distance through the glasses. The excitement of the young lieutenant seemed to have communicated itself to the men; for they had crowded into the rigging and were gazing with the most breathless interest at the stranger and exchanging opinions as to her real character. “She’s a fast sailer,” said one, ‘‘ but I fancy the Firefly can overhaul her quick enough,” ‘She don’t look like an English-built vessel at all,” added another. “For all that, she seems willin’ enough to fight,” said Jerry Mizzen. ‘By the great guns, if she isn’t hauling up into the wind so’s to let us come PEs ; “Tf she’s an enemy, she ain’t any more anxious to fight than we are,” put in Bob Hauler, “TI say, Jerry, there’ll be work for old Sawbones be- low, before the sun goes down, if I mistake not.” “Faith, there will, for I saw Jacob just now fetchin’ him his saws and tool-chest. He’s a griz- zly customer, old Shrike is.” * All I wish is that he may have a chance to take off Reuben Harpy’s head, and make a clean job of it.” ‘© Avast there, Bob Hauler! Would you cheat our gallant captain out of his revenge? It’s him, and him only, that takes off that skunk’s head. That’s his right and privilege, and nobody ain’t going for to deprive him of it.” “From the description I haye had of her, that must be the Yerror, beyond a doubt,” muttered Captain Tom, as hescanned the vessel, now much nearer than at first. “He is anxious to fight, at all events,” added Harry Vere. : “Then, by the Power that made us, he shall have his wish!” cried Tom, in great excitement. Then, in a voice of thunder that could be heard in eae part of the ship, he cried aloud: “Call all hands to quarters! Unlimber the guns! Open the magazine! Distribute arms‘ Clap on all sail then, and let us see what this fel- low wants.” “There goes his bunting,” eried Harry, as a dark ball shot up tothe peak and hung there for an instant. Run up the Stars and Stripes, and nail them to the mast if ais EE called out our hero, “Tf he wants fight he shall have it,” At the same instant the colors of both vessels were unfurled, that of the stranger proving to be the blood-red flag of Great Britain, as had been expected. af Aseene of great activity ensued on board the Birefly, the men anticipating an exciting scene, and T'om’s valor infecting them, from the brawn- iest gunner down to the tiniest midshipmanite. Under a full spread of canvas the Firefly drew rapidly upon her adversary, and as soon as the two vessels were in hailing distance, Captain Tom seized a speaking-trumpet and roared out: « What ship is that? We are the Firefly, Cap- tain Tom Drake!” In an instant the answer came back, and Tom felt a strange thrill as he heard in tones that he could not fail to recognize, the words: “The British cruiser Terror, Captain Harpy commanding. Surrender before we blow you out of the water, and sink every cursed man of you.” : el , “Aha! we meet again, my beloved cousin,” muttered Tom between his tightly closed lips. ‘< We shall see who will do the blowing up, how- ever.” Then, at a sign from him, the guns belched forth, and sent an iron rain hurtling through the air and across the Terror’s decks, ' It was answered gallantly enough, but being aimed at the hullof the Wirefly, did no damage, the plated bulwarks shedding the heayy missiles as though they had been but rain-drops. - Z Again the Firefly’s guns thundered forth their challenge—the Terror being seen to reel under the eueehaeee like a wounded animal, Shot after shot went crashing through mast, hull and rigging, and ere the Firefly had received more than a few trifling- damages, such as the loss of a topmast or so and some of the lighter sails, the fate of the Terror was settled. , As the two vessels came together for the final struggle, the boarders on both ships being ready Aue 3 upon’ the decks of the other, Reuben Harpy sprang upon the quarter-deck, and way- ing a white flag, shouted: ; “Tom Drake, will you give me one satisfac- tion?” “What is that, you villain?” roared the braye young captain. «That of taking your miserable life.” “You haye tried that and failed. Now yield, ete work your own boastful threat upon your- self. “Will you meet me hand-to-hand upon yout own deck, and there decide who is the best — man?” / “T should think that had already been proven,’ ~ laughed Tom, scornfully. _ “* My vessel is but a rotten hulk and no match for yours. You cannot say I shrank from a con- test which I knew could have but one end.” ‘““That’s true enough,” murmured Ben Barna- cle, aside; “but even a rat will turn and fight when cornered.” “* Will yon meet me face to face and hand tu hand in fair combat on your own deck, and de- cide the fight?” ; “™he impudence of the fellow is sublime,” said Harry Vere. $ ‘Nevertheless, I will meet him,” said Tom. firmly. ‘‘The fellow shows a pluck that I have never given him ¢redit for.” “T told you that you did not know him,” war Iron Arm’s muttered comment. j ‘© Will you promise me your ship if I vanquish you?” asked Reuben. ‘Aye, and a dozen besides, with a free pardon to all your dirty crew. There are two conditions you must fulfill, though.” “« What are they?” “Haul down that ensign, which such a man as you even disgraces.” The colors ,were Reuben asked: ‘« What is your other¥condition?” ‘That I be allowed to fight in my own man- ner, being the challenged party.” “T care not how you fight,so long asTI kill you. But Ido not wish to see your cowardly face, with its appealing look, when I strike you dead at my feet.’ ‘‘What can he mean ?” asked Ben Barnacle of himself. ‘‘ This is strange business surely.” The two vessels now touched, and Reuben stepped over the side, Tom coming down upon the main deck, saying: j i f “Tet no man raise ahand. This is a fair con- test between us two. If you mean false, Reu- ben Harpy, or attempt any treachery, I will kil} you like a dog.” “T mean fair enough, cousin Tom Drake,” said Reuben, his lip curling as he saw Tom flush at the name of cousin; ‘‘and to prove it, you may draw offso that my ship, if she blows , up, may not harm yours,” f There was danger of this, to be sure, the Terror being already on fire in more places than one, ~ but Tom said bluntly: : “The affair will-soon be over, and then we — can save our vessel. Are youready ?” “Tam. What are your conditions?” “That we fight a duel to the death, cutlasses — for our weapons, and with our eyes blindfolded.” ** Blindfolded!” repeated Reuben, his sinister face blanching to the hue of death in an instant. _ “Yes. I told you I did not want to see your — face as you begged for mercy!” ; “This is madness!” muttered Ben Barnacle, — “and yet I must not stop him.” f “Be it so,” said Reuben, doggedly. ‘* At least we shall stand upon an equal footing. Where will you fight?” ! i “Here, on this deck, for I will not have quarter sullied by your presence.” 4 “A truce to your taunts. Produce your weap- ons.” A pair of heavy cutlasses. well-tempered and_ as sharp as razors, were produced and measured to show that they were of equal length, and this — being proved, one was put into the hand of each ~ party to this novel duel. a} peers Their heads were bared and a thick handker- chief bound over their eyes, through which itt SBS impossible for a single ray of light to pene-- rate. | | ; They were then led to the waist, where there was ample room, and placed facing each other, their eee points just touching. » ea RI “Who will give the word?” asked Reuben, hie face pale, but every nerve strung to its highest pitch. ; Bt: J will. When I say ‘ Ready, strike, and may the devil help you, for I won’t.” Ree rie) “Tam prepared,” said Reuben, quietly, putting himself on guard. ~ Hai RE “*Reapy!* | : At the word both blades clashed together, 50 true had heen the calculation of each combatant, and the strange duel at once pro eded, the clash i 4, ¥ quickly lowered, and then my
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PRIVATEER TOM. spate . ing blades giving out showers of sparks as each man sought to give the other the blow that would “ecide the battle once for all. f t CHAPTER Y. “A SINGULAR DUEL AND ITS ENDING—THE EN- GAGEMENT. OLs4sH ! Clash ! The stout blades met again angl again, each yan seeming to know by intuition where to _ strike in order to parry his opponent’s blow, and yet neither could seo the slightest object. , Clang! xi Clang ! Steel rang to steel, every blow being delivered with all the force that could be put into it, strength counting for more than skill in this most . singular encounter. Ring! *~ Fing! + Clang! Dang! Now the blades rang together with the most perfect silvery sound, and they clashed together discordantly, as though sounding an alarm peal, _ the notes grating harshly upon the ear, ‘like sweet bells jingled out of tune,” lash ! Clash! Again and again the blades met midway be- tween the combatants, who, quickly recovering, deal out slashing blows, one at the other, neither being able to see, but both being guided by the sense of hearing and the knowledge that neither had changed position since the fight began. Not a word is spoken, all eyes being turned to that part of the deck where this unheard-of strug- gle is taking place, the spectators scarcely daring to breath for fear they will disturb the balance which seems so well preserved between the two. Now Tom begins to force the fight, and Reuben _ is obliged to retreat, a sharp cut upon the shoul- der telling him that his antagonist has deter- * mined to bring the matter to an end. t ‘The blades ring together again and again, but Renben’s arm is growing weak, and his blows are not delivered with that vigor and dash which wi first characterized them. Ho still fights doggedly enough, and rains showers of blows at the point where he supposes - ‘fom’s head to be, but with no other effect than bi causing the sparks to fly as thickly as rain- _slrops. : Tom suddenly gives an upward stroke and then K Danes his cutlass down in a sweeping manner, which carries everything before it. ». Olang! Reuben’s weapon is twisted out of his grap, and falls ringing and clattering to the deck, while - the whole crowd give vent to their long pent-u feelings in lusty shouts or stifled groans, accord- _ ing as they are classed, as friends or foes to the young American captain. "This slashing blow of Tom’s has laid open _ Reuben’s hand all across the back, and the blood spurts up like a fountain, falling upon the deck in great clots. d / - ‘Tom, hearing only Reuben’s weapor fall, and * knowing that he has not killed the miscreant, -_-pauses, and lets his sword fall to his side, when ~ suddenly Jerry Mizzen roars out: “ Avast there! A foul!” / x a _’ Picking himself up, Reuben springs upon the pally and pointing to the offing, says with a wild laugh: , "You may eseape your danger, but if you do it will be lucky for you, and I shall meet you again and finish my work now left-andone.” _ Then he plunged from the rail into the sea}: and as Harry Vero took the handkerchief from his young commander’s eyes, the latter saw two ar vessels flying British colors bearing down pon him, though ‘still at a considerable dis- tance.) + “Aha, here is metal more attractive!” he cried, leaping upon his quarter-deck and waving his _ trusty sword, > ; ie “Put her off a bit and rig new topmasts!” he batants had drifted to a considerable distance from each other, and it was well for the Firefly that they had, for the Yerror was now nearly wrapped in flame, and might be blown up at any moment, This was not the only danger to be appre- hended, however, the presence of the two war- vessels indicating that there were other things to be feared, Reuben had been aware ail along of the vicinity of these two, and had purposely engaged Tom in the hope that if he were unable to subdue the daring boy, he would at least so cripple him as to render flight impossible. To scud away was certainly the most advisable thing to dounder the circumstances, but he never ran when there was any chance to fight, and he determined to stay and haye it out with his foes, it spite of their size and better equipment. The men flew to their work, and by the time the two Englishmen had come within range the repairs had all been made, and the saucy priva- teer was again ready for action. There had been no one killea on the Firefly and but a few wounded, so that Dr. Shrike had had but little to do, which was a great disappoint- ment to him. He anticipated haviyng plenty of work now, however, and he grinned and chuckled in a hor- rible manner as the shots began whizzing through the air, shrieking and screaming, falling into the sea with a hiss or striking with a dull thud against the plate armor of the hull. In the midst of all the noise and confusion, a report louder than the rest was heard, and turn- ing his eyes in the direction of the sound, Tom discovered that the magazine of his late antago- nist had exploded, and that the Zerror was no more, all that was left of her being a few scatter- ed, blackened and burning fragments upon the face of the waters. That Reuben and a part, if not all of his men, had escaped was very likely, as two boat loads had been seen tobe picked up by the new- comers, and Tom did not doubt that the wretch would save his own life first of all, caring little whether the rest were saved or not. The smoke from the explosion and from the fighting, which had already become brisk, was ‘now so thick that the firing ceased until the heavy cloud should lift, and show the combatants the posliae of their plucky PEpor ent When it did lift, what was their Surprise to find that the Firefly had rin in between them, being in such a position that she could rake them both and be herself comparatively safe, as any shots fired at her would necessarily endanger one or the other of her foes. The Englishmen were higher above the water than she, and consequently a shot that would pass over her deck would strike the hull of either vessel, a fact which soon made itself apparent as the vessels opened fire upon her. They: immediately saw his mistake, and en- deavored to swing around, both upon one side, & maneuver which Tom prevented by shooting away the head-sails of both, one after the other. He then directed all his fire upon the Monarch, the larger of the ne vessels, pouring broadside after broadside into her hull and rigging, and drawing up on her every minute. Prepare to repel boarders !” shouted the com- mander of the Monarch, as the Firefly came near- er; but a clever shot directed by Ben Barnacle curried away the boarding nettings as they were being’ rigged, and when the report of the next broadside had died away the two vessels came together. with a shock tnat threw the Monareli’s captain to the deck. “Upon them!” yelled Tom, waving his sword., ‘One brave dash, my boys, and the ship is ours!” CHAPTER VI. ‘ CAPTAIN TOM AND THE MIDSHIPMAN—ONCE MORE : . A ROYER. Wrrx these words the young hero leaped at one ‘hound from his own quarter-deck to that of the stranger, clearing the intervening space as lightly thing before them. ] ‘. f flag still floated triumphantly ing young midshipman, who equal.” - One of the marines on deck, raising his piece, fired at the daring boy as he was preparing to descend, and hitting him in the shoulder, caused him to lose his hold, and fall heavily to the deck, _ with the bunting in his hand. t With a roar like that of a bull, the gigantic Iron Arm sprang upon the offender, and with one blow of his naked fist split the misereant’s skull in twain, and stretched him lifeless at his feet. Then, snatching tt the flag, he tore itintofrag- + ments, and hurling them from him, yelled fiercely: “Thus would I serve all who fight under the tyrant’s flag! Rally, my brave Jads, and drive these fiends into the sea!” ‘Now yield, or be cloft from head to heel!” eried Tom atthat moment, rushing upon the cap- tain, and whirling the sword from his grasp. vee “You have conquered,” said the captain; how- ing humbly and removing his chapeau, ‘‘and I trust to your generosity. In all my lifo I hive neyer met a younger or more determined foe than’ yourself.” | The second vessel, faneying that the firsthad been overpowered, now began to move off; as, | being smaller, her commander felt that there was no chance for him with such a determined adyver- sary as Tom had proved himself to be. The Monarch’s men, seeing this, felt that they were abandoned, and that it was useless to farther — prolong a fight which could have but one end, ~ “ Poor pores said Tom, as he bent over the form of the little midshipman, now stretched out upon a grating, hishead upon Jerry Mizzen’s lap. “You risked your life for me, and how can I thank you?” : 3 “Has she surrendered, captain?” asked thelad, faintly, his breath coming hard. ARE “Yes, my lad, and to you I owe it.” i “ You really think so?” asked the boy, eagerly, the color mounting to his pale cheeks, “T do, indeed.” , “Thank you, sir. Iam so glad I did some- thing. Will yee tell my father that I made them — surrender? He eer said I was good for noth- — ing because I was 50 little.” “T know him,” muttered Bob Hanlon. “He ~ was always naggin’ the poor lad.” ay “No one is good for nothing, my boy,” said Captain Tom, taking the poor little fellow’s hand and smoothing his fair hair back from his fore- head, upon which the death-damp had already begun to gather, : i * And you will tell him, sir?” : 7: “Tt shall be heard of, my lad, neverfear. You have done bravely, and I trust that+you will live to do many braye. deeds in your country’s — cause.” ; f ve “No, no, I shall do no more, captain. This is my first and last. Don’t let_go of my hand, I ‘ent to feel your grasp. It will not be for — ong.” f ‘ «Wait a moment, my lad,” said Tom, with- drawing his hand, and then the meaning of the © action was apparent, ; 7 he Unfastening one of the decorations he wore upon his breast, he pinned it to the little fellow’s jacket, and said: nS : tee “There, my boy, let all the world know that: Captain Tom Drake can appreciate bravery, wherever he sees it, whether in an humble mid- shipmite, or in the proudest noble of the land.” _ “Thank you, captain,” murmured the Jad, a smile crossing his young face. “Now I can die ~ happy. Good-bye, all, and do not forget to tell them that I was good for something, after all.” “Tt’s only a pity that there wasn’t more like — you,” muttered poor Jerry, letting an unbidden ~ tear fall upon the white forehead of the brave laud who lay in his arms. ? ; ane»: Ii was all over in a moment, and Jerry, placing the lifeless form upon the grating, spread a hand- kerchief over the face, and turned sadly away to_ oe the tears which came to his eyes in spite of im. ; ait “Tt is not to be wondered at that your men — serye you with such faithfulness, Captain Drake,” — said the late captain of the Monarch, now ap-— proaching; ‘for after the scene I have just wit- nessed I cannot imagine their doing otherwise than loving and respecting you.” £5 Indeed it was just such little deeds like that which Ras just been recorded more than his dar- ing ones which made Captain Tom’s popularity, and which endeared him to the hearts of all who came in contact with him. ‘ Natta Meta 9-4 “T have the interests of all under my command at heart, from the highest to the lowest,” replied — the young captain; “and I treat all with equal © measure, for our glorious Declapation of Inde- pendence tells us that all men are born free and”
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ah | 6 PRIVATEER TOM. “Not I, but my ship,” replied Tom, and then added: “T shall be pleased to offer you the hospitality of my cabin until I make some disposition of your vessel,” The offer was accepted as graciously as it was given, and the ship was then formally taken pos- session of, the other vessel being now so far away as to make a chase impracticable, particu- larly with the Monarch to look after. Reuben Harpy was not to be found, and finally one of the sailors of the Terror, that had een picked ue by the Monarch, said that he had gone aboard the other vessel. : The two ships now sailed in company, Har ‘Vere commanding the Monarch with a small erew, & pate of Tom’s men haying already gone off in the captured merchantman under com- mand of the third lieutenant. The youthful captain did not care, therefore, to part company with any more of his men, and he resolved to take in his prize himself, and then run out again with afull crew and follow the main body of the fleet. He much preferred privateering, as in that manner he could harass his old enemies, the British, more effectually than if he had been deputed to stated places and been obliged to go according to orders alwiys. ; The wind being favorable, Tom made up his mind not to do any more cruising until he had parried home his prize, and crowding all sail on both vessels he turned his course towards the ' States and bowled along at a lively rate, meeting nothing for three days. ‘Then he espied a large frigate, and running up she colors of his country was gratified to see the stranger reply by showing the British ensign. Then a lively chase began, for '’om preferred _wtratagem to fight just then, and as a stern chase always a long one, he found the Briton still in pursuit when morning broke the next day. ‘The wind had freshened with the rising sun and all that morning he ran before it, Harry Vere keeping the Monarch pretty weli up with the Firefly, Tom having given him particular orders not to lose sight of him. All that day the chase lasted, but just before night the young captain Ca a sight of two vessels, sailing in company, whom he knew to bo American cruisers by their build and rig- ying. The Englishman turned tail at this, and before - long om hailed the new-comers, finding them to be what he had supposed them. They gave chase to the enemy while he con- tinued on his way, and in course of time reached the States with his prize, which was at once made over into an American war vessel and rechristen- ed the Union, the captain and crew being kept for exchange. : - Tom now learned of the renowned engage- mient between the Constitution and the Guerriere, and his heart beat more proudly as he realized _ that the British had at last recognized the im- ‘portance of a navy they had before scoffed at, » and he determined to follow the illustrious ex- ample set him by his brave countrymen, and fol- ww up the course he had already begun. After refitting, the Firefly set sail for the West ‘ladies once more, his main object being to find Reuben, and at the same time make war upon the British commerce, for with that weakened the naval marine would suffer in consequence, _ and Tom was ready to take any means to annoy his ancient enemies. ' In the Caribbean Sea he met and captured a small vessel carrying ten guns, which he sent ‘home, and then, clapping on all sail, sped right across the ocean, the roving spirit once more animating him, and the spirit of adventure pre- _ ailing over every emotion except the love of country. : one while off the African coast, a strange vessel hove in sight, and when she came near, ran up the black flag, the true sign of a pirate all _ over the world. “T should know that vessel again,” muttered Ben, who was standing by the rail gazing sea- ward. ‘It is the mystic ship of the Death Pirate himself!” ; “Then we meet again,” said Tom, who had - heard the.words, “and this time I mean to see that devil’s face.” “Take care,” said Ben. ‘You remember that _ -npne have attempted that and lived.” _ “TJ will disprove that legend and drive this scourge from the sea, so prepare at once for a fight such as we haye never yet-seen!” Drake, for while he made all preparations for a desperate struggle, he got up additional sail and stood off, as if to avoid one if possible. j «The villain means to evade me,” said Tom, ‘but this time he shall not escape.” “This is a dangerous and treacherous coast, and you had better have a care how you go too near it,” cautioned Ben Barnacle. “ What do you know of it?” “T have been here, and know it to be full ot shoals and sunken rocks, intricate Ieee and dangerous eddies, though if one hada thorough knowledge of it, there are many places he couid effectually hide himself, secure from the most vigilant search.” “You seem to have an intimate acquaintance with this villain,” said Tom, presently, ‘‘ and, if I mistake not, you know him well.” Ben’s face turned to the hue of death, and he seemed greatly agitated, but recovering his com- posure with an effort, he replied: “You have but fancied this. How should I have an acquainiance with such a wretch. Do they not say that no one has ever seen his face?” “Oh, yes; they tell all sorts of superstitious stories, which foolish sailors are silly enough to believe, but I do not credit them for one, and I am determined to make this coward show his ugly face at last.” “Tf you can get aboard his ship, and that seems unlikely with this fog that is beginning to rise?” The sun had suddenly been obscured, and a dense fog was now rising from the water, which threatened to shut out the pirate vessel from sight, and render the dangers of the coast greater than before, “Tt is the ship that makes the mist,” , ob- served Bob ‘Hauler, gravely. ‘See the white eloud that is gathering about it at this moment.” «The fellow is the devil himself,” added Jerry ; “and it will bring us no good to follow him. We shall only be wrecked.” “T have that which will seatter this mist, captain,” said Iron Arm, batting one of the largest guns, “‘and if you say so; [ll do it?” ‘By all means,” answered Tom, quietly. The gunner had evidently been expecting this answer, for in one minute he sent a shower of grape whizzing through the air and striking the sea just behind the pirate ship. The mist was considerably disturbed by the’ rush of air, and lifted for a few moments, reyeal- ing the crested waves for some considerable dis- tance. Then the pirate was observed enveloped ina blood-red cloud of mist and smoke, which thick- ened every instant, and threatened to hide the ship from sight. “Didn’t I tell you he was the devil?” said Jerry, while the men began to murmur and show signs of RAN Bed the general feeling bein one of awe, the expressions that were droppec showing that they strongly objected to fighting against such a foe, bd “Give him a broadside!” cried Captain Tom, ey noticing these signs. “If he be the evil I have a sure means of exorcising him. To your posts all! Boatswain, beat to quarters |!” The drum rolled out its stirring call, and the men, inspired by its notes, sprang to their places and awaited the next orders, Tom’s confidence in his vessel and crew imparting itself to him in @& moment, As the Firefly drew nearer to the pirate she poured in a broadside, and, for an _ instant, the vessel was hidden from sight by the dense smoke. Then it lifted, and Tom was preparing to give the mystic ship another dose when Harry Vere, touching him upon the arm, said: “What in Heaven’s name does this mean? Where is the ship?” Well might he ask, for not the first sign of her was to be seen. ; She had disappeared: totally from sight, and yet there were no signs of her haying sunk or een blown up. To complete the mystery, the fog had again lifted, leaving the sea visible once more, so that an object could be seen for a distance of five miles at least, and the mystic ship had not been nearly so far away as that when last seen. ‘She can’t have been swallowed up,” said Har- ry Vere, ‘‘and there is no place where she can hide, as I can see, in all the coast.” «She is hiding for all that.” ‘ “ But how ean she hide with this unbroken line of cliff running along for miles?” / “Tt is not unbroken,” spoke up Ben. ‘There is a break,so made, however, that until you ap- | proach within five fathoms you cannot see it.” “ at a: ‘You know the passage?” cried Tom, eagerly. ** Yes, but I would not dare to take the ship in.” “Then we will anchor here and wait for this to come out. There is no other way of x ‘Then we will wait for him,” said Tom, quietly. “Stand off a bit so as to be out of range of any shots he may fire from his batteries, and the drop anchor.” ‘ This was done accordingly, and the Firefly rested calmly upon the waters as though she had been on a mere pleasure trip instead of seeking the destruction of one of the veriest scourges of the sea that had ever been known Tom had his plans, but he said nothing until night, when, calling Harry Vere aside, he said: “T leave the ship in your charge. I am going to enter the lair of the pirate!” “You are mad!” ‘“Notso. I shalltake a boat with a crew armed to the teeth, and composed only of men whom I ean,trust, and I shali not return until I have ae- complished what I intend.” « But the danger, the rashness, the madness of such an under——” “Say no more, Harry, for I am resolved, and of nothing can swerve me from my purpose. IfT do not return, take command of the shi you ?” hc: Ben Barnacle, Iron Arm, Jerry and Bob, and half a dozen others. I shall have the long-boat. which will accommodate all that I want.” “ Haye you spoken to the rest ?” > “Thave given Ben orders to pick me out & crew, mentioning those whom I would prefer.” “What does Ben say to the project? I Know you consult him on a good many matters, even though you are his superior.” : ; “Only in rank, however. He approves of it. although he acknowledges that it is a dangerous undertaking.” * And particularly so when you see the proba- bility of the pirates expecting and being prepared for just such a visit.” 2? “And the men that you propose faving with . “So much the better then, for I shall he sure of a welcome, and we can the sooner get to work.” replied the undaunted young fellow. “Of a truth, you have a strange way oflooking — * Mostmen wonld ~ at the matter,” said the other, desire that their coming should be unknown.” *T seek danger, always, instead of shrinking ~ ; from it.” “By my faith, I know that well, as do our enemies. Well, allI can say is that I wish you all success in your rash attempt.” : At that moment Ben approached and announe- ed that the boat was all ready to be lowered and that the men were eager to depart. The night was extremely dark, the moon not having yet arisen, and as the bout pushed off from the ship, she was soon lost to sight in the surrounding gloom. The oars were muffled, and as no sound was — given out to show the position of the boat, it seemed as if she was completely lost, the moment she disappeared from view. ) The giant boatswain directed her course, and in about twenty minutes from the time of leaving the ship, the boat glided in between the cliffs and made its way silently along the passage, the pirate ship being nowhere in sight. “Could they have escaped by another passage while we have been waiting outside?” whispered the young captain to Ben. ' “Tmpossible. Lie on your oars a bit,” he whisperedtothe rowers, ‘‘ Aha, starboard there, or we will collide.” : At that instant the pirate vessel was seen close to, and but for Ben’s sudden order the boat would have run into her, Rte Rowing cautiously ind silently past the silent hull, on board of which there were no signs of life, the boatswain headed his craft toward « point of rocks where a dim glimmer of light could be seen, as if coming from the interior of — & some cayernous recess, fit only for the abode of such lawless men as the Death Pirate and his outlaw crew. ’ Presently the prow of the boat grated. on th sand, and Ben, springing out, drew it up and made it secure, the men signal from Tom, “Remain within call,” said the young man, and then, entirely alone and shrouded in the blackest’ quickly following, at a- of darkness, Captain Tom advanced fearlessly into the very jaws of the lion, so to and unshrinking, while the sailors waited be- hind with the utmost apprehension, but in per- : fect silence. “God save him,” muttered Y Ben, “ for he is now alone in the lair of the wolf.” R : / OHAPTER VIII. < sie Ms THE SCARRED HAND—IN THE CAVE OF DEATH, Pistors in hand, Tom advanced toward the faint glimmer of light which he now perceived to’ come from asmall oil-lamp placed in a niche hollowed out of the rock, and evidently pl re speak, undaunted a
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PRIVATEER TOM. 7 =| Se thuve as a guide to any one penetrating into these silant recesses. When he reached this spot he saw a vaulted assage leading deeper into the cavern, there being a heavy oaken door at the extreme end, which he could just make out by the glimmer of a second lamp placed against the wall. That this door led to the pirate’s lair he had no doubt, and making his way boldly along the rough passage he at last reached it, finding it ‘closed but not barred. Swinging it open with considerable difficulty, for the hinges were aut and clogged with the dust of years, he found himself in a large circu- lar hall with a vaulted ceiling, stone benches ar- ranysed about a table of the same material, in the center, and other benches along the sides of the plate, which was cold and damp, the moisture eiteping from the walls, and the floors wet and sl tay. Giver the central table was suspended half a diwen swinging lamps, which served to dispelthe Rom somewhat, but did not fairly drive away tht» darkness, the further portions of the room being still in deep shade. As Tom stood there contemplating the scene a Sryall door in the wall, concealed until then, ojened and admitted a figure wrapped in a heavy black cloak. Throwing aside this the figure reyealed itself, @othed in a rich uniform of black and gold, a wide sash of red silk, in which was thrust a - njinber of pistols and daggers, being fastened a)iout his waist, and over his face a hideous mask rg presenting a grinning skull. “Tt is you at last, then,” said Tom. ‘‘ You see q have not feared to seek youin your own re- f eat.’ Motioning to a seat at one end of the table, the p.ate, for so he seemed to We, took a place at the other end, and as Tom sat down, rang a small bell placed near his hand. __ Presently a black slave, gorgeously attired, en- tered, bearing a silver tray, upon which were two massive silver goblets filled with choice wine, the ~ perfume of which produced the most delightful sensation upon the nostrils. The attendant Pad the wine upon the table close to Tom, and as he did so, the latter sudden- ly started up in surprise. Across the back of the black’s right hand was a deep scar running diagonally from the lower joint of the first finger, down to the wrist bone, he flesh being ridged, and the veins swollen far beyond their Peeper size, “There is but one man that bears a scar like that!” cried Tom, and in an instant he had dash- ed half the contents of his goblet over the scarred pends at the same time drawing his faithful sword. Ina moment the black hue of the hand disap- peared, its true color being at onée revealed. It, was as white as 'Tom’s own hand, and with a flerce cry he seized it in his own hand, and dashing the remainder of the wine into the man’s face, cried loudly: _ “So I was not mistaken, and it is Reuben - Harpy that I behold, How youcame here I know not, neither do I care, but to-night you die!” ““Not so fast, fair cousin,” answered Reuben, for it was he indeed, in the guise of a black slaye. “Despite the beauty mark your hand put upon it my hand has not lost its strength, as you shall _ 880,” Then, breaking awayfrom the grasp of Captain Tom, who was about to seize him by the throat, _ Beuben drew a dagger from his belt and rushed flercely at his former antagonist. The pirate chief had suddenly disappeared, no “one could tell whither, but Tom cared not for the ‘present, his first aim being to punish the villain _ who uow stood before him. Tt is your master, and not you, whom I sought,” he said; scornfully, as he beat down _ Reuben’s dagger with one blow of his sword, _ “but since you wish it, I will give you what you deserve, and then attend to your betters.” __8o saying he pressed the villain hard, and was ‘about to deal the misereant a blow which would haye forever ended his base career, when. he ' heard a sudden click, and felt the floor giving way beneath him. math. He attempted to spring forward, but the sur- 7 pee was too sudden, and he felt himself being hurled downward at great speed, the last thing __he saw being the sinister face of Reuben glaring at him with a look of the most deadly hate, while a mocking laugh rang out and echoed again and Seen through the vaulted room as he disappear- ed from sight. : _ It seemed an ogo before Tom’s wild flight came to an end, but it did at last and he struck) heavi- ly uponthis side. Not upon the rocks, but upona mass of something which yielded and greatly __ broke his fall,'so that although he was stunned he seriously injured. — Bee foe E Dye Pe | Aftera while he rose and found that a partial light stole into the place, though where it came from he could not determine. ‘ By this light he saw that he had fallen upon a large quantity of bales of silk and other valuable goods, the floor being thickly strewn with them. Judging that he was in the pirate’s store-house, and that there must be a passage leading to the water, for that the goods must have been earried in from some outer cavern and not thrown down from above, was apparent. Tom picked himself up, and soon reached a further apartment differ- ent in character from the first, but with no visible means of exit. As he advanced he heard a dull sound behind him, and turning his head saw that a heavy door had been swung to which cut off his retreat. Advancing further into the semi-darkmess of the place, however, he became conscious of the presence of some dread thing, he could not tell what, and his hand sought his sword-belt mechanically. Suddenly he saw more plainly what it was that had caused the feeling of awe, and he turned pale, not with fright, but with very horror, A human skeleton, white and gleaming, in- folded in the coils of a huge and yenomous ser- nt. PONS wonder thet our hero turned pale, for there was not one alone of those terrible visions, but a dozen lying in different portions of this death cave. From the sightless eyes of the grinning skulls protruded the poisonous fangs of green and slimy snakes, while between the ribs and over the fleshless bones glided and. crawled other venomous creatures, disturbed by the footsteps of the new-comer. In one corner lay a pile of human bones, thrown promiscuously about, and upon these the green mold of decay had fallen, while toads, liz- ards, spiders, fat and venomous; slimy serpents and vampire bats, crawled, hovered and congre- gated about, as if attracted by the noisome pile. The place was a yery pest-house, and Tom drew back with an involuntary shudder, his sword leaping from its seabbard as a huge ser- pent, longer than himself, glided towards him, and raised its bejeweled but deadly eyes to the level of his breast. With one sweep of his keen blade he struck the vile creature’s head from its body, and advanced breathlessly toward the decaying heap of bones, piel Dee eyes haying detected a door just be- nd, The place was suddenly filled with an un- earthly green light, which threw an added mys- tery over all, and at the same time the hissing of the furious reptiles increased, the slimy creatures advancing upon him from all sides. “What sort of death-trap is this?’ muttered Tom. ‘The grave can be no worse. I must escape, or I shall be stung to death.” Then of a sudden the door before him opened, revealing a beautiful and exquisitely furnished room behind, but directly in front arose the sin- uous forms of two huge serpents chained to the posts, and barring his progress. “You mock me,” cried Tom, ‘‘ but I will es- eape despite all these terrors,” and with drawn sword and flashing eye he strode valiantly for- ward, while all about him crept the slimy, hiss- ing reptiles, as if ready to add his bones to the ghastly pile upon which they had already fat- ened, «CHAPTER Ix. MORE SURPRISES THAN ONE, ‘ Into the very midst of death strode the fear- less young commander, but nothing daunted by his danger, the object for which he had entered the pirate’s lair being still unattained. To accomplish that he would brave any peril, and adyancing therefore upon the hissing ser- pents as theugh they had been mere worms, he slashed right and leftr with his well-tempered blade, and at every stroke the severed heads of the disgusting things fell at his feet. Crushing them beneath his heels, he dashed upon the two monstrous reptiles chained in front of the doorway, and looking them flercely in the eyes, raised his sword for,the blow which should decide, once for all, who was to be the winner in this strange combat. Taking one stride, Captain Tom gave a sweep- ing downward blow, striking the monst2r’s neck at an acute angle just below the head. ‘ Then he sprang back with the agility of a cat, 28 the second serpent threw himself forward. The blood spurted ont in a crimson stream, the huge monster still writhing in agony, although his severed head lay upon the stone floor ina pool of blood. — ; Like a ray of light Tom’s trusty sword flashed in air, and in an instant it had cleaved through bone, muscle, and solid flesh, and the remaining python lay dead before him. i With his sword still drawn Tom leaped through the doorway as the iron portals swung behind him with a terrible clang, his heel just clearing the heavy gates as they closed together with a ponderous sound. The apartment into which Tom had made his way in so daring a fashion was furnished with the utmost elegance and sumptuousness, the eye being fairly dazzle@ with the magnificence to be seen upon all sides. The walls were completely covered with rich hangings of amber satin, while upon the floor were numerous large rugs in heayy velet, costly furs and other materials, the foot smking noise-- lessly into the rich masses, giving one the feeling of treading on air. 4 Gorgeously covered lounges and divans were seattered about the place, the very atmosphere of which was redolent of luxury, all the ornaments being of the richest and costliest description and gleaned from all parts of the world. The tanned skinned of a royal Bengal tiger was thrown carelessly over one corner of an antique marble buffet that could only have come from Italy, while near it stood a superb Japanese screen, fairly blazing with gold, placed upon a rug of Russian sables, Tn one corner a silver fountain from Constanti- nople sent upa tiny spray of perfumed water, which imparted a delicious fragrance to the air, while a number of swinging lamps gaye forth ral and a soothing perfume at one and thesame ime, Jewels and works of art, bronzes and excaleie pictures, carved ivory, ebony, silver and gold ap-" peared on every hand, and nothing rare, costly or marvelous seemed to be wanting. It was a very paradise of luxury in fact and Tom could but stand and gaze in wonder, and amazement at the beautiful scene, of which he had before but caught a mere glimpse. ; Opposite the door of the entrance, but a little to one side, was a massive mirror, twelve feet in height, which reflected everything in the room, ” and made it seem at first sightas if there were another apartment beyond, equally as gorgeous in its fittings as the first. ’ While Tom stood there, lost’ in. admiration at the wonders he beheld, the hangings upon one side of the mirror were suddenly thrown aside, and a man of tall, commanding presence ap- peared. } He was most richly dressed, a gold-hilted sword hanging by his side, and a broad searlet — sash about his waist, above which appeared the butts of two large pistols. : There was no mistaking the man, for conceal- ing his face was a hideous mask, representing a grinning skull, though from the sockets a pair of eyes, deep, dark, and intensely piercing, could be seen darting forth a baleful glance. ? “ You have behaved most gallantly, rash boy,” said the pirate, for it could be no other than he who stood before the young captain. “‘Had you ~ been less brave, your rashness in intruding upon me would have cost you your life.” ‘Thad a purpose in coming here,” answered Tom, fiercely, *‘and well do you know what it is. I mean to blow your infernal nest of thieves to the four winds of heayen and—see your face!” zai “Rash intruder, do you not know that the - sight would be your death? So runs the legend. that he who looks upon the face of the Death — — ‘Pirate dies the most horrible death that can be concelved of.” “A truce to such nonsense!” cried ‘Tom. “Death at your hands is not meant for such as me, and you cannot frighten me with old women’s -tales. Draw, villain, for I have sworn to rid the earth of your infamou’ pres- — ence.” “Suppose I do not choose to fight with you?” said the other, in a contemptuous tone. “Then I will save the executioner a job, and — slay. you where you stand, and then, whether you will or no, I will see your face and dis- prove all your vain boasting.” ; “Dare you look upon the face of the Denatk Pirate, presumptuous fool?” asked thefother, stap- — our | ping in front of the mirror which reflected the - whole of his commanding figure. “JT dare, and J will!’ cried Tom, striding for~ — ward, his sword drawn, his eyes flashing, his — lips firmly set, and every muscle strained to its — utmost. ‘ A “Back !” cried the Death Pirate, page! rais- ing his hands to his face ‘‘ Behold!’ , Then he swiftly removed the mask, while an Re exclamation of horror broke from Tom’s lips. Instead of the man’s face he beheld absolutely _ ever par eet nothing! _ ty
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pee : - vo PRIVATEER. TOM. ' ‘The Death Pirate stood before him without w | gead! It could be no trick, for there in the mirror be- |’ hind him was reflected the man’s body and shoulders, lacking any trace of a head, the neck ‘having evidently been severed at the junction of ‘the spine. Horror of horrors ! the man was not human, but was a devil, a spirit, a creature of the imagina- tion | “J will probe this mystery if I die the next minute!” cried Tom, making a rush at the inex- plicable being before him. In an instant the man disappeared through the |. _ mirror, and Tom saw his own reflection only! _ Was the man then a spirit indeed, that he could thus pass through a solid substance and disap- pear from sight like a puff of smoke ? Suspecting some legerdemain, and resolving to sift the mystery to the bottom, Tom sprang for- ward and leaped upon a ledge of pure white . marble at the base of the mirror, at the same time . striking at the latter with his sword. In an instant he felt the marble giving way be- neath him, and before he could recover himself he was precipitated down some dark and slimy passage, and fell upon the rocks in utter darkness. He was somewhat ‘stunned, though perfectly eonscious, and seeing a light, dim and uncertain, ahead of him, he strode rapidly forward, and resontly found himself upon a rocky ledge over- ooking the pirates’ harbor, his own vessel being in plain sight at the further end of the passage. Wondering why she should have ventured into the place contrary tg his orders, he was about to look for a means of descending to the water’s edge, when in an instant a dozen ruffians, dressed in pirates’ jackets and caps, rushed upon him from behind a jutting rock. ; He had lost his sword in the sudden descent from the pirates’ lair, and he had no other means of defending himself against the rufflans who Regan to swarm upon him, elling the foremost villains to the ground with his strong fists, he cleared a passage for himself, and then plunged boldly into the water. Fs When he arose, he struck out vigorously for his ship, which he soon reached and hailed, receiving an answer instantly, a rope being thrown to him ofspeed. Clap on more suil and wet them thoroughly.” This maneuver had theeffect of increasing the Firejly’s speed; but as the stranger appeared to have done something of the same sort, the dis- tance between the two vessels was not materially altered. Presently Ben Barnacle said with a grave look upon his bronzed face: “Phere is a reason for their not wishing to fight us at this time, and I fear that some trap is being laid for us.” «What trap?” } “She may have friends further on, and be leading you thence in order that you may fall an easier victim. I would advise you to stand oft, and let the fellow go his own way.” Tom drew himself up proudly, his chest heay- ing, his eye flashing, and the color mounting into his cheeks, and said in that old, fearless tone of his, which they all knew so well: “Give up a fight, because, perchance, I shall have odds to contend against? Never!” “She must have more wind than us, sir, or she has got up moro sail,” said Jerry, ‘for she’s drawing away from us as though she had the fiend at her heels.” “So she is,” muttered Tom. ‘If she is so anx~ ious to get away, it would hardly seem probable that she was leading us into a trap.” ape ba other motive can she have?” asked en. “Perhaps I can explain,” said Iron Arm, coming up and respectfully touching his hat. ** Proceed.” “When the boat returned to the ship I re- mained on shore, and just before it came for me again, after the ship had entered the channel, I suw a single rocket sent up from the frigate above my head.” “The cruiser sent that up,” interposed Ben. No. I thought so at first, but I afterwards saw another, and that, probably, did come from the cruiser. A short time elapsed after this, and then a figure suddenly appeared before me, and running along the rocks sprang into a boat which I had not before noticed, and sped away through a secret passage, which I do not believe even ‘Ben knew of. by some one on deck. He was drawn up, and then beheld no less a person than Ben Barnacle, whom he had left in the boat, while he ventured alone into the lair of the Death’ Pirate ! CHAPTER X. A FRUITLESS CHASE, - “Wat does this mean?’ demanded Tom, in surprise. ‘ You were to remain until [returned,” - “But you didn’t return, and fearing mischief, T pulled back to the ship, resolving to tear the whole infernal den about the villains’ ears.” ** But the ship?” : f “Mr. Vere brought her in, and was going to bombard the place. Besides that, there’san Eng- lish cruiser hanging about outside, and we thought we wouldn’t let her see us just yet.” ae “An English cruiser? Let us chase the villain ! This carrion here ”—beckoning toward the pirate stronghold—* can await my pleasure upon some other oceasion. Harry, take command of the -Hirefly while I change my wet elethes. Don’t spare powderand shot when you meet that fellow outside,” ! NS “Twill not, I assure you; and I will give him such a peppering as will knock some sense into his stupid head.” : i “Mhat’s right; give him all the thunder and brimstone he wants,”.and with that Tom deseend- ed to his cabin, in order to put on dry garments. Veré proved an able commander, and taking the Firefly out of the passage, headed at once for ‘the strange cruiser, and sent a shot whizzing to- ward her. ea : ‘ es The other, instead of answering, spread allsail _ and hastened away as fastas she could go, Har: pursuing her with a dogged determination, whic sen Tom came up he took in the ‘situation, and said, with a smile: ‘ ~ “At your old tricks again, eh, Harry? You ‘389m bound not to let these fellows rest.” And no more will I, until I haye swept them ‘all from the sea. When I think of the persecu- tions Ihave suffered through the villains that owe alligiance to that blood-red flag, it makes my very blood boil.” ; ; ay fi “T fear that yonder fellow is too fast for even tho nimble Firefyjto catch. He shows us a lively pair of heels, and seems to be already gaining upon us.. T never srw one of the enemy’s vessels promised to prove troublesome to the enemy, , “JT caught one glimpse of the man’s face as_ he fled away, and as I hope for mercy, it was that evil-minded villain, Reuben Harpy himself. — “Mhe exciting events which succeeded, your appearance and our own sailing, drcve the inci- dent from my mind, but just now, hearing you discuss the matter, I remembered it.” “Well,” asked Tom, seeing that the man had something more to say, “what inference do you draw from this?” “That Reuben Harpy is on that vessel, that he has reported you us being the pirate ship, and, probably, told Tom some terrible tale about it, and that is why she is flying away so fast.” Yos; and ——” «How Reuben Harpy came to be here L can’t say, but I can swear that it was he.” «Tt was, indeed, for I saw him myself. What you say, seems reasonable, and that is all the more excuse for my pursuing their vessel, und bringing the wretch to an account. Ben saw that it would be of no further use to try and dissuade Tom from his purpose, and he went away, evidently greatly chagrined. The chase continued through the night, the strange vessel increasing her lead, however, and when morning dawned she was but a speck in the distance. e “‘T did not think that any vessel could escape us so easily,” obseryed Tom, “ and particularly one of our own size, but fear has lent them wings, undoubtedly, and that is the only explanation I ean offer.” “We've scared ’em away, at all events,” said Bob Hauler to Jerry Mizzen, the two cronies be- ing seated forward upon the rail w]th their feet hanging inside. ‘‘I don’t believe you ever run faster than that, Jerry, when King George’s mon were after you.” © “Or you, when you was running after Jennie Gripps, the bumboat woman. You'd like to court that gal, but her limbs was too fleet for you.” Soa This allusion to an old love affair of Bob’s caused both to laugh heartily, and Dr. Shrike, who happened to be passing, grinned and re- marked, in his tantalizing way: “You'll laugh now, but when you get under my. hands, with an arm and, perhaps, a leg to take off, you: won’t be so merry.” “Get along, old Sawhbones,” answered Jerry, “or Tl tie you up in a double-bow knot and leave you to yourself to get out of the scrape.” | “There might have been some fun if yonder runaway had shown fight.” muttered Shrike, * Jess disposed for a fight. However, u stern chuse a long one, and I haye no. objection to a trial aS f CAPA SIAL x Sea) Wert age | te ‘but now ll have to practice on Jacob just to ‘oep my hand in.” Se ers ree Tit SPREE RCL ey had perished. “You might teach him a lesson in amputation,” said Jerry, with a leer. “‘ Let him see how nicely he can take your head off and sew it on again. That's a trick that he would give a month’s pay to — ot to do well. He can try it on just as well as not.’ “Bah! if your head were off, it wouldn’t mat- ter, for the first pig we killed could supply you — with one as good as what youn’ve got now, and you’d never know the difference.” } “Nor you, with a sheep’s head on your shoul- dors, old blood-letter! But I say, Bob,” he con- tinued, as the surgeon moved away, making wry faces at his tormentor, ‘what do you think the captain intends doing?” t ‘Give it up, Jerry; but I wish we were on end again, and had a good chance for adyen- ure.” x This wish was to be gratified sooner than the none fellow suspected, as we shall see by what ollows. 2 eee ee ‘ CHAPTER XI. A MESSAGE FROM LOVED ONES. Tue next day the captain and crew of the Firefly met with a singular adventure. i: The vessel was sailing along undera moderate _ stretch of canvas, when the man aloft deseried something floating in the water. It was at some distance, but appeared to be boat, containing two persons. He made his discovery known, and Captain Tom, ascending the rigging, scanned the horizon with his glass. Ree “Tt is a boat, indeed,” he cried, “and in a— sinking condition. . Whoever the occupants may be,” he said, after a pause, “the danger of being } drowned is not the only peril to which they are : exposed. Those sharp-pointed objects, floating Mpon the water near them, can be nothing less than a school of sharks, waiting for their prey.” } A nearer approach to the floating object showed ; that such was indeed the case, the sharks seemi- ing to know that the boat could not long survive the injuries it had received, and that sooner or later its occupants must fall victims to their rapacious appetites. { bat As it was, the boat was half full of water,and — to attempt to bale it seemed ofno use, as the water came in faster than it could be thrown out, There were two persons in the boat, one an old white-haired man and the other a boy of sixteen or seventeen years, delicate for his years, and re- fined and intelligent in his bearing. Ne They seemed overjoyed when they saw the ship — approaching, although they did not cease their hopeless task of attempting to keep the boat afloat awhile longer. j me Indeed, it was absolutely necessary that they should, for were it to sink before the Firefly eould lower a boat, nothing under heaven could saye | ~ them from the Fepieiys monstors which swam within a yard of the gunwale. ; Indeed they swam closer than that, for every now and then one would glide so near the bout ie ae boy could have touched him with jis and. i At such times he would start back in great ap- prehension, the old man striking the moster with a broken oar, thus momentarily frightenine tha pi eous creatures away and securing a brief res- pite. yee It was evident, however, that both his streveth and that of the boy were nearly exhausted, and that the wretched boat itself must soon give out and, whirling around, sink to the bottom. ie “Courage, my Jad,” called Tom, through his speaking-trumpet, asa boat waslowered, ‘Bear up yeta little while, and you shall be sayed, T promise you.” ‘ The rescuers were none too soon with their aid, for as they came within a boat’s Jength of the ~ little craft, the boy uttered a heuri-rending — scream. t nae One of the sharks, emboldered by his rapacity, no doubt, turned over on his back and threw him- Self bodily into the boat. Peg His weight caused it to tip frightfully and {o let the water in by the gallon, thus hastening the — catastrophe which all were so eager to avert. More than this, his tail, as it swept to and fro, struck the old man and threw him into the water. There was a rush, a whitening of the waves as they were lashed into foam by the een 0 the sharks to reach the victim first, and then erimson flood told too well how the poor fellow i a “Pull ahead with all your might!” eried Tron Arm, who headed the boat, and with ‘a erash i how came against the other boat amidships, stiy- ing it into a hundred pieces. ¢ eit eras » Quick as a flash, as it sped by, right oyer | other, the stalwart fellow seized the trombl:
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——————. boy in his arms, drew him into the boat, ard placed him gently in the bottom. Poor fellow, he has fainted,” he said. ‘* No wonder for it; the sight of that poor man’s fate was enough to make any one grow sick at heart.” He started to loosen the boy’s collar and open his shirt, that he might breathe more freely, when suddenly he gaye utterance to un exclamation of blank amazement. “Heaven save us! It’s no boy at all, but a woman.” A woman?” cried all hands. * Aye, a woman, and a devilish pretty one too, now that I come to look at her. This is the strangest thing I ever heard of.’ The girl, for such she was, recovered at this moment, and said, tha crimson blood mantling her fair cheeks and pale temples: “You will not betray me! Iam indeed a wo- man, and it was to escape a villain that I assum- ed this garb.” “Betray you!” said Iron Arm, ‘You don’t know me. Why, I would do anything for a pretty _ woman, and most of all one in distress.” ‘©Thank you, sir, Iknew you had akind heart. Now that my poor old friend is dead, there is no ous whom I could trust if you should prove alse.” “Yes, there is,” cried the other, pointing to the Ani “there is our noble eaptain, Privateer om.” : “The gallant Captain Tom Drake,” said Jerry; *the terror of the British, the Tee of the patri- ots,and the darling of every lady in the land, God bless him !” “Captain Tom Drake!’ said the girl, in sur- prise. “Then Iam fortunate, indeed, in having met you, for I can warn him against one of his bitterest enemies.” ‘You can tell him the whole story in person, then,” replied the other, as the boat came along- side; ‘for there he is on the quarter-deck, look- ‘ing handsomer than ever. fascinate him, however, for he is married to the sweetest and prettiest girl in America.” The girl blushed, and answared, sadly: ‘«T fear that I have lost the power of fascinat- ing anybody, for sorrow and misfortune have de- pres. me of my former beauty, and placed a urden upon my heart which nothing can re- move.’ ; The powerful fellow now assisted the girl aboard the ship, the others quickly following, after which the boat was hauled up and secured in its place. ‘You have lost your father, or dear friend, per- haps, my poor boy!” said Captain Tom, advanc- ing and speaking in the compassionate tone which he so often used, as all who knew him could testify. “ Not a father, sir, only an oldjandstried friend, almost the only one I ever had.” - “Tam sorry my men were too late to save him, ay boy, but it was inevitable that he should per- ish. e to mourn him, however, for he is at rest, and you will find plenty of true friends here, who will see that you want for nothing. You look like a brave lad, and for such there is always room upon the Firefly.” F Captain Tom was about to turn away, when Iron Arm approached and said: - ‘Tf you please, sir, the young—person wishes to AMS to you on particular business,” ‘‘ Well, boy, speak freely,” said Tom. ‘‘T never yet turned a deaf ear to any onein distress. What do you wish to say to me, boy?” - "Tam not a boy,” replied the other, blushing, “Puta woman. Misfortune has made me thus disguise myself.” “A woman?” ‘Yes, and an unhappy one. Good fortune has brought me to you, and I may be the means of doing you an act of kindness in return for the nit of my life. You are Captain Tom Drake, of bho American Nayy?” “T have that honor; and I am Captain Tom _ Drake, at your service.” “Your wife was formerly——” _ “My wife!” cried Tom, excitedly. ‘Speak, aroma abe isin pone eo peril! I know it yy your pale face, your trembling lips, your agi- tated manner!” ee Siena 5 ‘Her life and honor are both at stake.” | ‘Great Heaven |” cried Tom, fervently, ‘ sup- port me in this hour of trial!” : CHAPTER XII. Li THE DIABOLICAL PLOT OF TWO VILLAINS. Come or no ou mustn’t try to | vic device?” PRIVATEER TOM. Then releasing the woman, he bowed her po- litely into his own private apartments, where he followed instantly, closing and locking both doors. “Be seated, madam,” he said, removing his hat, “and when you are ready proceed with your story. You need refreshment, perchance.” ‘No, no; though perhaps a glass of wine——” Tom at once went to an elegant side-board, opened a door and producing a decanter, filled a glass with rich wine and handed it to his guest. She drank a portion of it, and then placing the glass upon the table, said quietly: “My name is Constance Moreland, and aman English woman by birth, though an American at heart. Forced to leave the country of my adop- tion, however, and return to England, I there became acquainted with your wife.” “Minnie in England?” said Tom. ‘This is impossible. It is not a year since I left her in America, and scarcely two months since I re-| one. Pore madam ; your recital gains in inter~— ceived a letter written in her own hand.” «Allow me to Ee eae ‘Lady Castlemaine? She is a traitress, claim- ing to be a distant relative of my wife. She pre- tends the utmost kindness, although she is as false as hades,* ‘ ui ae is a scheming, unprincipled woman, in- eed.” “T know her well,” added Tom. ‘Did not I trust Minrie to her hands, and did not the treuch- erous Jezebel seek to force my darling to wed a man she detested? Did she not nearly betray me as well?” “She has never pope ran you for carrying your wife away, and it is in this woman’s power that your darling now is.” ‘« How learned you this?” ‘Listen. My story is a long and sad one, and must be told in my own way.” “Proceed, madam; my time is at your ser- e.”” ‘*As I told you, I left America to return to Eng- land. The reason for my so doing was that my husband, whom I had seen but little, our mar- riage haying been brought about by my father, with no regard to my feelings, required my pres- ence in England. “Tt was a matter of an inheritance, and my | y: father sent for me Perot pervs And wishing to oblige him and see whether I could really love the man to whom I had been wedded, I set sail. “T arrived in England, saw my father and hus- band. The business was settled satisfactorily. My father went his ways, and I was left witha man whom I felt I could never love. “In the meantime Lady Castlemaine, together with this man, Hugh Moreland, had contrived to lure your wife over to England by means of false letters purpor ting to come from you. ‘Your own cousin, one Reuben Harpy——” ee the villain! I know him well. Pro- ceed. “This man forged your name to letters which entreated your wife to meet you there and go with you upon a cruise.” “And did Minnie fall a prey to this wretched «The letters were so adroitly worded that she feared some peril had befallen you, or that it threatened, and in her boundless love she obeyed the summons and embarked for England. '** When she reached there she was met by Lady Castlemaine, ‘with many expressions of love and affection, and invited to her castle on the coast. “ She at first refused to go, but the evil-mind-. ed woman threw out some dark hints concerning some peril to which you were exposed, and the poor child accompanied her at once, “The inheritance which my husband had ob- tained was from relatives of my own, but not being entailed, it would go to him; and now that he possessed it, he had no longer any need for me. “ Now comes the jwhole diabolical plot, than which there never was a blacker ever perpetrat- ed. You are listening?” “Yes, yes, go on, and do not keep me in sus- pense.” ‘‘Lady Castlemaine’s estate had been greatly depleted, and she was upon the verge of ruin. Money alone could secure her the maintenance of that courtesy and homage which she had al- ways been paid. “ Without riches her detestable character would have been exposed, and as she haa several schemes of her own on hand, money was needed in order to keep up appearances. “My husband, Hugh Moreland, was tired of me, since all he wanted was my wealth, and that he now had, and it lay in Lady Oastlemaine’s power to enrich him, and at the, same time pro- vide herself with the means she yequired for fur- thering her schemes. g FG ey poe a _ “IT was reported deac, and was removed to a B Us You perhaps know | es ‘Yere came below, * lonely part of Lady Castlemaine’s residence, whero I was kept a close prisoner. : “Then if was announced that you had: per- ished, nad been killed in au engagement with an English frigate, and proofs were not wanting to convince Sue poor wife that such was the case, “Then Moreland, with my wealth to back him, laid siege to Minnie’s ‘heart, Lady Castlemaine having promised—for a large consileration—to secure the poor girl as his wife. / “He had known her in times past, had beer madly jealous of your success in obtaining her hand, and had resolved to possess her at ali? hazards.” , «But I do not know the villain,” said Tom. “He was a friend and tool of one Suuerson, whom you must remember.” i ‘Not Angel? He is dead.” “No, not Angel, but a man fully as bad. The name of Moreland I believe to be an assuméd **Your death was to be but a matter of time, as Reuben Harpy was to accomplish unit, and there- fore he could easily bring himself to uttering & falshood to accomplish his aim. «The plot, then, asitstood, was this: You una I were dead; Moreland had a fortune, and Min- nie, to drown her sorrow, was to be induced, nay, forced if need be, to wed him; Lady Custlemaine was to receive a large share, and I was to be driven mad and perhaps murdered.” ‘As foul a plot as ever the devil invented.” “That was not all; if Minnie proved obdurate, which, to her credit be it said, she did, she too was to be sacrificed, and a forged certificate of eke between her and Moreland brought for- ward, y , “T will show you the motive for this last act of © villainy. i ‘Moreland; as her widower, could ‘not inherit her property, but Lady Castlemaine, being her nearest relative, could, you being proved dead. This wouldincrease her fortune, butin the mean- time she must have ready money, and this More- land supplied.” “But how did you learn this plot?” asked Tom. ety certainly did not conflde their secret to’ ou "No, but I escaped from my place of eonfine- menl and, concealing mysel in Lady Castle- — maine’s boudoir, heard the whole villainous plot disclosed. “Step by step the two conspirators went over everything that had been done, and I, in my place of concealment, heard erery word. “They told. what they had done, and what they proposed to do; how forged letters were sent to you, in order that you might have no ap- prehensions; how Reuben, with stolen papers commanding a British cruiser, was to betray you; and lastly, how, within two weeks, vour pacs Minnie was to be sacrificed, and her in- euenee a salts ee, } uo *Good Heaven!” cried Tom, “how lon, : was this?” g eet “Ten days.” “Then, I may not be too late yet,” eried 'Fom, striking his hand heavily upon a bell-near’him. To ery Vere, who came at the call, and — whom he admitted, he said, briefly: “‘Olap on all sail, and steer for eeland c CHAPTER XIII. ' THE CONCLUSION OF A STRANGE STORY, “To England!” _ Thus di last words, “ce Yes.” *‘ But what takes you to England?” *« Business of the utmost importance.” : i ue Will you not share your secrets with me, liom ? 99 . Yes, but first deliver my instructions. We — > must not lose a minute.’ Harry Vere hastily retired, and in a few — moments the giving of hurried orders and the tramping of men could be heard. Harry Vere repeat his commander’s ¢ ie ‘ The shrill pipe of the boatswain sounded aboye all the din, and the quick answers of the men as — they flew to obey the orders showed that all was) bustle and activity. ; The creaking of bloke the unfurling of sails the whistling’of the wind, the hurrying to and fro of the sailors, the shouts of the officers, al these sounds combined, gave evidence that some unusual exciternent was going Sanat told Tom that his crew were fully inaccord With him, and ie go where he would, they were ready to fol. Ow. ° sab tah ast is _ After a little the noises subsided, and Harry indeed he ‘was. looking flushed and excites an 2
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410 PRIVATEER TOM. SR I A EC, ats a a ‘“Now, Harry,” said Tom, “to be brief, I am going to England to rescue Minnie from a great eril, Heaven knows if I shall be in time; but if ‘am not, some one will have to pay a dreadful reckoning.” He then related, in a few words, what Constance had told him ; after which he said: ‘© Will you tell us how you escaped, and how it was we came to find you disguised as a boy, with ‘no companion bat that old man, in an open boat on the wide ocean?” ; “The story is a painful one,” said the woman ; “but I will tell it, since it concerns you as much as the rest. « After hearing the whole plot of these two ac- complished villains, as 1 may call them, I waited Peeey, for an opportunity to escape, hoping to _ he able to outwit them yet. \ ~“Tn the dead of night I stole from my hiding- ’ place, and getting out of the house with consid- erable difficulty, made my way to a magistrate’s, intending to lay the whole case before him. “Unfortunately, 1 could not get to see. him at _ onee, and while waiting, strolled out into the air, in order to calm my excited nerves; when what - was my misfortune to come suddenly upon my husband ! : _ “He had a couple of villains with him, and one of these swore that I had escaped from a mad- house; that Iwas a dangerous character, and did not know what I was saying; that Limagined all soris of things, and that Iwould kill'some- body if I was not locked up. 1 _*T felt, indeed, as if I could kill one man, and’ that man the cause of all my mser i and ‘in my renzy I rayed like a madwoman, indeed; so that the magistrate, instead of hearing my. story, com- mitted me to bedlam, and the three miscreants - took me away with them.. ; * “T was locked up in the most horrible. place that the mind can conceive of, and I believe that I would have gone med indeed had not an unforeseen event occurred, |, £ It appeared that the friends of one of the in- apates of the place confined there against his will like myself, being perfectly sane, had formed a plan for effecting his escape upon the very night that I was put there. “Unfortunately for him, however, I was put into the cell he had oceupied, while he was placed ina horrible dungeon; unknown to his friends, he raised a ladder to my window and took me out. ; _.**T realized the mistake at once, but said noth- ing, the night being so dark that the’ error’ was not observed, and owing to their wrapping me at once in a voluminous cloak, which prevented ' them from seeing the difference in dress. + When we reached the ground, I was hurried away toa close carriage, which I entered,'the ‘men getting upon the box. ' “Before doing so, however, one of them told ‘me that I would find a suit of clothes in the car- - riage, which I had better put on instead’ of the _ -bedlam uniform—it seems that the men had a distinctive dress, as though they had been con- ' _yiets—so that if we were pursued I need not be . recognized. i ,, “Tneed not say that Taccepted the situation » and exchanged my own clothes for those in the earriage, knowing that in them I would run less risk of being recognized. ‘ “Tt was perhaps wrong in me not to tell the friends of ‘the unfortunate man of the mistako they had made, but I was too excited to think of anything but myself, and so said nothing. _ “Once the carriage stopped ata tavern, and ‘one of the men said he would bring me a glass ‘of brandy to settle my nerves, but after I had. taken it, and before the carriage drove on again, the men being both upon the box, I slipped out and hid until the sound of the wheels was lost in ‘the distance. : _ “Then Tarose and fled away into the darkness, - not caring which way I went so long as I could ascape from my cruel persecutors, nerying me, soon began to mount to my head, for being unused to strong drink, I had taken “more in my excitement than what would have sufficed, and before long I fell by the wayside, utterly stupefied. oe - * When I awoke it was broad daylight, the sun ‘shining fullin my face, and the sights and sounds about me indicating tifkt another day had ad- _ ganced considerably upon its journey. } “While I had slept, some one, evidently a per- ~ gon who knew its value, had cut off all my long, beautiful hair, making - _butas Thad morethe appearance of a yey than “before, I did not mourn its loss very much, feelin sure that now I would indeed pass unrecognized should my erlemies chance toseeme, “7 was tired and hungry, 1 had no money, and sd ‘now my way, but _ “The glass of spirits Lhad taken, instead of |. me look like a convict; | ‘Twas free; and all’ once again, | else was as naught to me with this blissful thought rushing through my mind. 2 “*T forgot that others were in peril besides my- self, and only remembered that I was out of the power of my enemies, and free to come and go as I chose. «As T walked along the country road, thinking this delightful thought over and over again, a company of men suddenly attracted my attention ; and I stood still, wondering whether they had been sent out to apprehend me or not, - ‘As I stood there, bewildered, and not knowing which way to turn, they surrounded me, and I presently discovered that I was in the hands of the Ries gang. “T did not care very much, for I saw that here was a chance of escape, and that there would be plenty of time to make my identity known, after the, ship, on board of which I was’ placed, had left land. © “There was an old man impressed at the same time, and he and I became great friends, being companions in misfortune. He guessed my secret, but promised to keep it, and in many ways saved me from annoyance and discovery ; as otherwise I should haye been ,subjeeted to trials which I could never have borne. “‘ When the ship sailed and the land faded from sight, I remembered the ae of your poor wife, and thought how wicked and selfish I was to have forgotten all about her: sacks “We had passed Gibraltar, when one dark, stormy night [ implored the old man to leave the ship and trust to the merey of the waves rather than remain on board one day longer, ‘He was as eager to be free as I, and we srole one of the small boats—how we managed it I can- not tell—and embarked upon our perilous journey. “We wore nearly swamped once and lost our water and provisions. The waves had badly damaged our boat, and when you found us there seemed but little hope for us, but that Provi- dence which watches over us all directed you to me, and. I was saved, ; “Tortune threw me into your path, and now my only hope is that you may reach England in time to saye an innocent creature from death, or even a worse fate, and make you the means of punishing tayo of the vilest creatures that ever had existence,” ; ; Vitae “Believe me,” cried Tom, ‘*I will move heayen and earth to rescue Minnie, and bring these miser- able miscreants to justice.” OHAPTER XIY. THE MYSTERIOUS TOLLING OF A BELL. Iv was midnight, and the Firefly, under a full spread of canvas, was scudding along before the wind, the waves breaking into foam all around her, and now and then a shower of spray, bright with the phosphorescence, striking the forecastle and falling upon deck. No one was upon deck exce and the officer that heade alee in their hammocks below. ' Suddenly a thick mist arises, and the man on the lookout can hardly see the end ofthe jibboom. Like.a thick yeil the mist settles over every- thing, LEAVY, clammy and burdeusome, chilling one’s very bones, and covering one’s face and clothing with a damp like that of death itself, It grows thicker and thicker, and the lights in the rigging appear dimmed by it, as though it were a noxious vapor which was hurtful to life and light, and sought to destroy them. Heavier and denser it settles over ship and wave, until all is enveloped in a clammy gray cloud, which not only congeals the blood, but dampens the spirits as well, its effect being most depressing. nthe midst of the dreariness and desolation which ensues a startling and most unsual sound is heard. Ba The tolling ofa great bell in this waste of waters. Ding—dong |! Dine acres It tolls with a regular stroke, and each peal seems to send ‘’a shudder through the frames of the listeners, who cannot but regard the sound with feelings of terror. Ding—dong! Ding—dong! Slowly and steadily, and with a solemn sound, the deep notes clash out upon the silent air, Is“it the knell of some departing spirit? Is it real, or do the listeners only imagine that they hear the awful sound? The tolling of a bell in the mist and fog out upon the wide ocean ! ; What can it mean? os aa This is no trick of the seamen, for at that mo- ment tho bells forward and aft tell the hour, and mingled with the sound comes this heavy tolling t the regular watch ry it, the rest being | ' dressed. cellent at this time.” — f Vain is it for them to try and pierce the im~ penetrable mist, to ascertain the cause of the strange sound. It is impossible to see one foot beyond the rail. ee “Mr. Somers,” says the officer on the quarter- deck to one of the midshipmen, ‘‘go below, if you please, and bring me a speaking-trumpet.” It is brought to him, and putting it to his lips, he shouts out in stentorian tones: { #y “Ahoy, there! Bell ahoy! Who are you, and whither bound?” He waits. for several moments, expeeting an answer, but none comes, f “Tt is some vessel, doubtless, lost in the fog like ourselves,” he murmurs, ‘‘and they are sounding the bells for safety’s sake.” “In my opinion it’s Davy Jones and his phan- tom vrew out for a lark,” said Jerry Mizzen, “Tt’ll be a mercy if we don’t see ’em.” : Ding— dong! Ding—dong! Still that same monotonous tolling. Steadily and slowly, every note sounding at reg- ular intervals, the unseen bell peals forth i eon message, and all hands are hushed in six ence, : “T will hail it again,” says the officer, and rais« a his trumpet to his lips, he roars louder than efore : an “Bell ahoy! What vessel is that, and whither bound?” Ry No answer but the tolling of the bell. ; Slowly and with dreadful monotony the sonor- ous notes fall upon the ear, and every man holds his breath in very terror from the deep mystery which surrounds the affair, i “Mr, Somers,” says the ‘offler; “call the firs officer.” Vy In afew minutes Harry Vere comes on deck, and Hearing the bell; says: te What is that?” ; y ‘We cannot make it out, sir. There is no ves- se] to be seen, and I have hailed thething twice.” ‘** Does it seem to come nearer as we proceed?” “No, sir; and it seems perfectly inexplicable.” “Tdon’tunderstand it,” murmured Harry, \«T am not superstitious, but there appears to be no explanation for the thing. I don’t disbelieve in warnings, but I would rathér have somo’ better explanation of the matter.” i fe finally he concluded to vall Tom, as the men were getting neryous and restless, and he feared that their alarm might be contagious, and that all hands would be unfit for work. i Abe Going below, he awoke ‘Tom and told him what was thé matter, the young captain hurrying on his clothes and hastening on deck as’ quickly as possible. ah se sei 2 | He listened attentively, but could hear no sound. 4° { ites There!” cried the officer; ‘‘do you not hear it?” 4 “No,” said Tom. ; jaa Sa “Nor I,” added Harry. 4 “But you heard it before?” : “Yes, and so did we all.” ratty «“There—there! do you not hearit now?” cried . the officer, with the most terrible excitement, ~ “T hear nothing !” Wax “Nor.do I!” i ele “But, my God! captain, it is louder than ever — Mr. Somers, do you not hear it?” , tr “No, sir.” at ; Pets «There itis again. Boatswain, young gentle. mon, seamen!” he cried, appealingly, to all with: in sound of his voice, “do you not hear it?” é *"No, sir,” said the midshipman. k Bye “No, sir,” added the sailors, in hushed tones, _‘Nor you, Captain Drake? nor you, Lieuten-— ant Vere?” > f nok : “We hear nothing!” : : “And it is fairly thundering in my ears. My God! Lam going mad. No, no; it is a warning of death—my death, since I alone can hear it, Heaven haye pity on me!” Ute ne eee Then he reeled and fell to the deck insonsible, — A he was carried below and the surgeon sent or. } “Ho has a malignant fever and will die before . morning,” said Dr. Shrike. : ya ce “But ne was well this evening,” answered Tom, to whom this commurtication was ad- ie pe? “He has a fever nevertheless, andafatal one = We are off the Spanish coast. The bell we heard was from a convent. Sound travels to enormous — distances under certain conditions of the atmos- phere.” / ey ses Calas me But he heard it when we did not.” a ete “Sharper ears and a more vivid imagination,” replied the doctor, sententiously. Riva _ “But the fever? The health on the ship is OX- Blood too stagnan “Caught it in Africa. ir increased it. Maybe some fey
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ea! PRIVATEER TOM, it: fave been blown from the Spanish coast. Ter- ribly unhealthy place. Convent bells often toll for the victims of the plague.” “Tam glad that you try to account for this by natural causes, but I cannot explain the matter myself, and would hate to have any superstitious fear gain ground among the sailors.” At this moment Somers, the midshipman, came up and said, respectfully: ‘Beg your pardon, sir, Mr. York is dead !” CHAPTER XY, THE STORM—THE PLOT. WHETHER the tolling of the bell had been pro- duced by natural causes like those suggested by Dr. Shrike or any other, or whether it were in- deed a mysterious forerunner of death, was hard to tell, and om was greatly puzzled to explain the matter satisfactorily to himself. Certain it was, however, that the officer had died of a fever of which there were no other eases on the ship, and the symptoms of which had not appeared until after the mysterious tolling. _ However much thoy tried to explain the mys- tery, the more they tried the deeper it grew, and as there are myriads of wondrous happenings at sea, and many casos stranger than the above which are well authenticated, we ourselves will not undertake td sift the matter, but must let our readers be content with the tan record of the facts as thoy occurred to our hero, and the ac- counts of which are still preserved in the family records. Two days after the eyents just narrated, the ship encountered a seyere gale, and for several hours scudded along under bare poles, as not a ‘stitch of canvas could be kept in place, so fierce was the wind. t Anon it would seem to lift the vessel nearly @ut ofthe waves and then dash it down again un- til the billows fairly surged over both rails, a per- | fect flood of water rushing from stem to stern, and washing away everything movable that came in its path. . Luckily the officers and men were firraly lashed to the rigging, as otherwise they would have been swept overboard and drowned, No boat could live in such asea had it been launched to go to the rescue of any unfortunate seaman, and as‘Tom had given strict orders that ‘no one should come upon deck except such whose duty called them thither, there were no _ accidents to be recorded, ‘A thick darkness fell over all the scene, the gloom being dimly lighted by a number of pale blue lights which afflxed themselves to the ends ' of the spars and at the top of each mast, the ap- pearance filling the sailors with superstitious dread, + _ “*T’ve seen such lights before, andthey never meant no good,” muttered Jerry Mizzen, secure- ly lashed togthe fore-rigging. ‘I don’t like ’em one bit.” ; A “They’ro only St. Elmo’s fires, and there’s no harm in’em,” answered Bob. ‘Some folks say they’re.the souls of dead sailors, lost and gone, - coming back to visit the scenes of their past ' lives, but that’s all rubbish.” ; “T don’t know about that,” answered the cred- - ulous Jerry, “for if the souls of some sailors I’ve known could come back, I reckon there’d be plonty of fire hanging to ’em,” : As for Tom, although he had no superstitious fears, he could but feel that the lights presaged some disaster to himself, although he was fully aware that ttheir presence was due to elec- tricity, and that they boded no more harm than the lightning or any other exhibition of nature’s powers, which might or might not be dangerous, _~ Constance Moreland, who, owing to the lack of suitable raiment.on board the Firefly, still re- tained the garb of a boy, was visibly disturbed by - these natural phenomena, and seemed to feel _ that they boded no good to Captain Tom and his _. projects. | ee ; aN ‘Sho remained in the rigging, despite Tom’s en- treaties that she should go below, and watched minutely every phase of the storm as though _ she would have read their fate in the clouds, and gathered a warning or a hope from the light- - ning. pies ‘The tempest passed without doing them any _ - material injury, and ‘Tom once more crowded on all sail, hoping yainly that he would yet reach ‘England in the short time allotted to him. This was an impossibility, for the fastest steamer of our own day could hardly have accom- plished the feat. \ _ He reached the coast of France threo days after the time had expired, and immediately steered or Falmotth, that being the nearest point to Lady Castlemaine’s estate, me ind came on to blow again, however, and being driven far out of his course,he was obliged to put in at Plymouth for safety, the rule of “ any port in a storm ” being an imperative one in that instance. Luckily it was nearly night when he dropped anchor, and therefore he was not discovered by any of the jealous officials on the lookout for suspicious vessels, there being a great number of those gentry cruising about the harbor at that time, : The Firefly ey sized vessel of .her own build, which sailed inJhis Majesty’s service and carried twelve guns, besides a swivel amidship, and mustered a good-: ly crew as well. The privateer, disguised as a clumsy Dutch lugger, in case any one should be spying about, passed unnoticed, except from a few of the offi- cers aboard the English vessel, who laughed at his clumsy build and rigging and passed uncom- plimentary remarks as to his suiling abilities, for Yom had so disguised his pretty vessel by means of paint, canvas and timber, that she was utterly unrecognizable, ‘* Never mind, my fine fellows,” thought Tom, who, in the garb of a Dutch skipper, sat on the rail smoking a huge pipe and took in the whole conversation, “the Dutch lugger may give you a surprise yet.” When night fell, the young commander, with a few of his bravest men, went ashore in a boat to reconnoiter, Harry Vere remaining upon the Firefly. An hour later, as he sat in the tap-room of a tavern, evidently oblivious to everything but his pipe and pot, Jerry Mizzen sauntered in, appar- ently drunk, and stumbling against him, whis- pered cautiously: “There’s the best chance you ever had to cap- ture that vessel, captain. The commander isn’t known to his men, and he ain’t going abroad till morning.” “Where is he?” whispered Tom, letting him- self fall, with Jerry on top. “At a ball in the town. His name is Lord Mouton. Bob and I found out all aboutit, and Ben has spotted his coachman and flunkeys, and got ’em as full o’ rum as hogsheads.” «Tom, that vessel shall be ours. Meet me in a quarter of an hourand take a note to Lieuten- ant Vere.” OHAPTER XVI. TOM OUTWITS HIS OLD ENEMIES. Tur gorgeously-decorated salons of the Lady X—— were gay with brilliantly-dressed ladies, officers in uniform and gentlemen in full recep- tion toilet, the lights and flowers, the musie and the hum of conversation making the scene one to be remembered. Prominent among the guests was a tall, dark; handsome-looking young officer dressed in a green uniform, with an abundance of gold lace, and his breast fairly covered with decorations. «Who is he?” asked everybody, but no one seemed to know, although some of the officers said that he was a South American of some kind. There was one lady who appeared to know bet- ter than this, for although she said nothing, she contrived to beckon the young man into the con- servatory, which was unoccupied at that moment, and when they were alone, placed herhand upon his arm and said: 4 ‘ “Gaptain Tom Drake, what new danger is this that you are running into?” ; ay “Tiady Arbuthnot,” said Tom, for his fair com- panion was indeed his beautiful friend of former days, “I. know you to be my friend, and can con- fide in you,” 3 “Do you not know that Moreton is in com- mand of the Jntrepid, in the harbor, and that he would be more than pleased to capture your Saucy vessel?” “T intend to capture his, and you must assist me.” “Tf it were known that——” “Tt need not be. All I want is for you to grant him an interview in the garden. I know he wants it, for I haye seen how he has hovered around you al the evening.” “And, then——” ei “My men will abduct him, and I will go aboard his vessel and take command.” x ‘Bold as/ever, I see. You must be cautious, though, for Vane and Claremont, and all your old enemies, are here, and may recognize you.” “T will take the risk. One thing more. Do you know anything of Minnie?” ‘ “Your wife?” asked Claire Arbuthnot, in sur- prise; “ts she not in America, with your-—” “Sho was, but has been lured away,” and Tom related all he had heard. “T have heard nothing of this,” declared the lady. ‘‘Oh, that wicked Lady Castlemaine! What a reckoning she will have, someday!” r j right under the lee of a good- |i |smoke cleared away the Firefly was discovered “‘Then, you know nothing?” “Nothing.” “Tf you did, you could help me. I must not stay longer, for time presses. Doas Task and the Intrepid will be mine by the morning.” * * * * * * The Intrepid lay in the harbor, nobody stirring aboard her except a few whose duty kept them. on deck, as it was expected that the new com- mander would come aboard in the early morn- ; ng. : The officer on duty was not prepared, how- ever, to see Captain Lord Moreton as early as this, and when he heard the sound of oars, and — saw a boat approaching, he hardly knew what it meant. ‘ ? The barge pulled alongside, and the coxswain . asked that a ladder might be lowered. % “Captain Lord Moreton has come to take com- mand,” he said. “He will explain his reasons for so doingin person. He particularly requests, however, that absolute quiet may be observed.” In a few moments our hero, in Lord Moreton’s dress, and with Lord Moreton’s documents in his possession, stepped upon the quarter-deck, and presented his credentials to the retiring cap- tain, who had remained on board, and now came forward. ‘ Both captains went below, and Tom said, after mutual courtesies had passed between them : “T know to a certainty that the impudent Privateer Tom—better known as Captain Tom — Drake—is in this very port, and will sail in the first dawn of the morning, I shall be pleased to have you assist me in his capture.” ‘Tt will give me the utmosf gratification, my lord, todo so, Your career as commander of the Intrepid opens prosperously, I must admit.” ae * * * me * , Do you see that vessel just getting under sail?” ‘Yes; she is a clumsy-looking craft enough, She came in last night.” : “That is the Firefly.” ** Impossible |”? . ; “Not at all. Raise your colors and see what answer she will make,” ‘ ‘ Captain Tom and the late commander ofthe — Intrepid were standing upon the quarter-deck in: the early morning, before any one on board any ‘of the other vossels in port was stirring, watching the movements of the supposed lugger. The Intrepid hoisted her colors and began to got up sail, when there was an instant change in tho appearance of the stranger. The canvas masking upon her sides fell away, ~ the heayy lugsails disappeared, and there was ex- posed to view the trimmest and daintiest little craft that was ever seen, Up ran the Stars and Stripes, and adefldnt shot — eaume whizzing over the waters, waking the echoes and startling the sleepy inhabitants of Plymouth from their slumbers. “Tt is the Firefly indeed,” said Tom. give chase and capture the he is in the harbor.” Somehow or other, however, the new captain did nét seem to know how to Propedly, chase a vessel, for the Firefly drew rapidly away from the Intrepid, and it was not until both were well clear of the harbor that the supposed Lord Moreton, acttng under the suggestions of her former com- mander, began to gain upon the Firefly. Glancing over his shoulder, Tom saw 4 stir going on in the harbor, and suspecting that his pee had been discovered, and that he was being: ollowed, he determined to bring the affairtoa termination at once, 5 : Bob and Jerry had secreted the captured lord _ in an old stable adjoining Lady X——’s residence, and from this he had escaped; and at the yery moment that the Firefly sailed, he was exposing the matter to the commandant,” sie: “Tt is that villain, Tom Drake, who has done — this,” he cried. ‘‘He has my papers atid my — ship; and unless we do something, we shallbe laughed at by all England for having been made fools of,” ; PRS While measures were being taken to eapture — Tom, he was hauling up on his own vessel, and resently began to send shot after shot toward’ er, taking good care, however, that none of them proved effective. : steven The dntrepid was almost alongside of the ~ Firefly, the latter not having fireda shotsince the — first one, when she suddenly opened upon her adversary and poured ina broadside, == It shook the vessel from stem to stern, carry- ing away the foremast, tearing down the rail, and doing much general damage. \ ; ae A second broadside followed, ‘and when the “Let us bold privateer while. to be fast to the Intrepid, and t hauled down. “My lord! my lord! this is (eo © latter’s colors” m ' ery e ee disgraceful *? cried.
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12 the .we captain. rendered?” “T have in¢eed,” cried Tom, as Harry Vere, Ben Barnacle, and a score of sailors and marines came on board, ‘‘ and to myself!” Then throwing off his outer coat, he stood be- fore the astonished captain in the uniform of an American officer, and avied: *“T haye yielded to my own ship, for I am Cap- tain Tom Drakel? ~ “You surely have not sur- i. 8 y CHAPTER XVII. THE ENEMY DISAPPOINTED—ON SHORE AGAIN. ‘* BETRAYED !” cried the captain. “Not at all—outwitted,” answered Tom. * Lieu- tenant Vere, take this zentleman’s sword.” “And the Firefly? They are beginning to give chase.? ‘ “JT will take command, and you will remain here and get off if you can; if not, destroy her, and I will pick you up in boats,” ; Tom accordingly went over to the Firefly, and Harry Vere took command of the other vessel, ¢erowding on all sail and following the lead of his gallant commander. ‘The English frigate in the harbor had already. begun to follow, and it was evident that there would be a lively chase. * Smarting under-their defeat by the dashing Yankee privateer, they seemed determined to make amends for their loss by capturing the Firefly and making an example of her young captain by hanging him as a pirate, Itis always necessary, howeve1, to catch your man before you hang him, and there did not seem to be much chance of their doing cither, as Tom was now a good distance in advance, and rapidly running away from them, Had not our hero had such an important mat- ter upon his mind, the rescue of his darling Minnie from the hands of the cruel enemies, he would doubtless have remained behiad and fought his enemies, even though they outnum- - bered him, three to one, but this was not to be thought of, and he scudded away, resolving to _* give the pursuers a good chase, and finally de- feat them after all. Several shots were fired after him, but the only had the effect of crippling the other vessel, doing him no damage whatever, ‘Harry Vere soon determined to abandon the prize, and he signaled Tom to that effect, so as to be taken up as soon as his plans were ma- tured. : The boats were lowered, the prisoners being - putinto them, and then the vessel was fired in ' several places at onee, so as to make her destruc- tion more certain. Vere himself was the last man to enter the boats, and as they moved away the doomed ves- sel was one mass of flames. _ The pursuers crowded on all sail in hope of either preventing the destruction of their vessel or at least of capturing some of the firefly’s crew, but both these hopes were doomed to disappoint- ment. When within two cable’s lengths of the Firefly, which had lain to in order to pick them up, the abandoned yessel blew up with a loud report, the flames having by this time reached the maga- zine. ~ Nota stick was left remaining, and the chagrin _ of the British vessels may be better imagined than deseribed, particularly as Lord Moreton was on board one of them, and witnessed not only the destruction of his vessel, but of his chances for advancement also, as it was not likely that he - would be appointed to another vessel after this disaster, i “Tom, after taking up his own men, retained nly the captain and chief officers of the other essel as prisoners, allowing the petty officers and seamén to go freé, leaving them in their oats, to be taken care of by their friends. ' Then he fised a shot in defiance, and sailed way, leaving his pursuers to swallow their mor- ification as best they could, for there was not one of them that could come up with him. _ “Now for the abode of that flend in the guise lagain, may the Lord haye mercy on her, for I yon’t!” He did not say that he feared he might be too ate, eyen now; for he determined not to give u all hope ‘until the very last, resolving to do all hat lay in his power to save one whom he loved better than all else in the world. : Tf he should be too late to save her, then let his enemies beware, fcr he would take sucha revenge upon them as the world had never yet seen, and imply repay them for their treachery. By coast where he desired to dand; but fearing that rl 2 eet + f a woman, Lady Castlemaine,” thought Tom; | ‘and if she ever gets my darling ‘into her hands: nig¢htiall Tom had reached that part of the | bx PRIVATEER TOM. there might possibly be cruisers lurking about, | made him feelas thougha horse had fallenon he waited until dark before he ventured in. im. ‘ When he had dropped anchor, he lost notime! They had succeeded in getting the animal te in going ashore, when he sent Jerry and Bob to | Tom, despite these troubles, buthe at once realiz- look for a fleet horse, resolying to ride cut to | ed what sort of a creature it was that he was te Lady Castlemaine’s at once. ride several miles upon, and did not contemplate The two worthies whom he sent seemed to| an agreeable journey, haye their old faculty for getting into scrapes;| ‘‘ Whoa, you devil in horsefiesh !” he cried, seiz- for, grown bold from past experiences in getting | ing Balky Dan by the bridle, ‘Steady now, you ~ out of trouble, they took no pains to disguise | brute; and once on your back, I will show you themselves, und consequently at the first place | who is master, you or I.” they stopped they were taken for what they really | Then, leaping adroitly upon the almost unman- were—Yankee seamen. ageable steed’s back, he reined him back upon his Mine host of the Fowler and Pigeons, the inn | haunches, and said to his two companions: where the two made their inquiries, suspected at “ Now be off, and gather all you can.’ Be care- once that something was wrong, but wisely kept | ful that you don’t get locked up, though, for you his own counsel, making up his mind, however, | don’t seem in good condition to EE RRM R to entrap his two guests. He would have said more, but Balky Dan bolted away at this juncture, and our hero had all he could do to retain his seat in the saddle. Determining to give the contrary beast all he wanted, however, Tom dug the spurs’ deep into the creature’s sides, and lashed him across the flanks with his sharp whip, which fairly cut to the flesh, Stung to fury by the unexpected treatment, the animal reared and plunged; but, finding that Tom kept his seat as though rooted to the saddle, he darted ahead with the speed of the wind, evi- dently intending to take his own course; lead where it might. He found that Tom was more than a match for him, however, the young man having a grip of — iron, and using it unsparingly. He tried to get the bit into his teeth, but Tom. had other intentions, and again the whip descend-— ed upon the creature’s flank, the pain being fairly maddening. . Balky Dan tore down the country road with the speed of a racehorse, but Tom kept in his seat like a centaur, never budging an inch, and keeping a firm hold upon the rein. After ten or fifteen minutes of this sort of thing, the horse began to desire a change, and attempt ed to slow up somewhat. ; It was now Tom’s turn, and he urged the — brute, with whip and spur, faster than ever, giving him no Fob but keeping him to the same killing pace that he had himself chosen, “You wanted to run,” muttered Tom, ‘‘and now you can keep it up until T tell you to stop, Iam master hero, my irate friend.” 4 Balky Dan reared and kicked and plunged, trying to throw Tom from his seat, but ail to no purpose, for the daring young fellow remained glued to the saddle, and despite the beast’s efforts to dislodge him, or break from the road, kept him in a straight course, and never let him ~ swerve from it. ; : Trees, rocks, and hedges flew by,:cottage and — hovel shot past them on their terrible journey, ~ and still Tom kept the steed to his work, tireless and undaunted himself, though the animal was _ beginning to show signs of fatigue. i Oi. His breath came heavily, and great flecks of foam rolled from his sides, but caring nothing for this, Tom urged him on, until at last, almost ready to drop from exhaustion, the conquered animal let his head fall and whinnied piteously for a release, t i So, so, you haye come to terms, hayé yout” spoke up the young hero. ‘ Well, I don’t ‘want to push you, and as you appear to have made up your mind who is the master, I will give youa “T can give you what you want, certainly,” he said volubly. ‘‘ It’s a saddle horse, I take it.” “Aye, and a regular clipper-builf one at that,” responded J erry, “‘one that’ll go under full sail, and mind her helm like a lady.” “None ocyone Dutch build,” added Bob, “that ean’t go unlessshe has a gale of wind at her stern, which in a horse means whip, and spurs, and swearin’, and hollerin’ every minute, none 0’ them kind, but a reg’lar gentleman’s animal.” “Oh, you want it for a gentleman, then—the captain, perhaps?” “Yes, the captain, of course,” answered Jerry; ‘fand he won’t take anything less’na ten-knot one.” “Will the captain come after it himself?” in- quired Boniface suavely. ; ‘© No, oh, no, we'll take it to him,” replied Jerry, beginning to fear that perhaps he had been too free with his tongue, already loosened by a draught of strong ale, which the wily landlord had begged him to take, wherewith to seal the bargain. i “Oh, ho’ll wait till you bring it,eh? Very good. Set down, my friends, the ostler will be ready ina moment. He’s heatin’ ’is supper.” ** Heatin’ it?” queried Bob. ‘* Was it cold?” “Not heating, but h’eating; cahn’t you per- ceive the difference?” ‘Oh, yes, eating it, you mean, puttin’ it inside his shirt.” “No, no, my man, putting hit hinside ’is stummick,” replied the landlord’s wife, now ap- pearing at an inner door; “though I axes par- ding for using such a wulgar word hin the pres- ence of my ’usband.” “Here’s your health, missus,” said Jerry, “and don’t you worrit about using vulgar words, The stummick is a very necessary piece of rigging, and what’s necessary can’t be vulgar. Now if I hadn’t any stummick I couldn’t drink your .good man’s ale; but as I has, here she oes.” ir Make yourselves comfortable, gents,” said the host, ‘and I'll let you know when tke animal is ready, Betsy, you look arter the bar while I speaks to Joe,” The wily fellow immediately sought the ostler, and said, cautiously : ** Joe, there’s a gent’s saddle ’oss wanted. Get out Balky Dan; he looks mild and hinnercent, but you knows what he is. And, Joe, keep your heve on the coves that takes him away and the eo 8 that gets honto ’im, and tell me what sort e is. “Allright, gov’nor. T’ll tellee all aboot it.” Ten minutes later, Bob and Jerry, in rather a | chance to rest.” ay ; ae boozy condition, led vey the horse which Joe} ‘Then he turned to the now docile steed;and had brought, the ostler following them slyly, un- patting his neck spoke kindly tohim and allowed observed, and taking note of everything. im to jog along at a more easy pace than be- “JT don’t altogether fancy that Captain Tom | fore. P ; will like the beast,” said Jerry, the animal haying| ‘“ You can see that it is better to do as I want already begun to show his viciousness. than to follow your own inclinations, don’t you?” “Oh, that’s all right,” retorted Bob. ‘It'll be| asked the young man. ‘You never hada true — a highly vicious beast that Tom Drake can’t han-) American on your back. J faney, or you would _ dle.” long’ ago have had the :unsense taken out of ou,” ae 3 He presently allowed the horse to walk, speak-’ ing to him now and then in gently chiding tones, — the animal seeming to understand him perfectly, and to know that here was his master, and that man’s will, not his own, was to govern his actions” in this event at least. : ; ce “You are not the first Briton who has tried to. throw a Yankee,” muttered Tom, as he increase his speed a trifle, using neither whip nor spu now but merely making his wishes known b; word of mouth. : ata “You have failed, ag have others,” continue Tom, ‘‘and in this case, as in those that have gone before, the Yankee has ‘proved the winner, — ducting the vicious beastintrusted to them to the | Your countrymen would do well to take heed of young captain, and he it was who had spoken. | the lesson I have taught you and give up trying - Jerry had received a kick in the side from the | to subdue a nation that knows not how to yield.” ugly brute, which had nearly stayed ina couple} After riding a few minutes longer, Tom began — of his ribs, and Bob had been sent'to grass by a | to look about him for some Jandmarks by which blow in the stern from the animal's heels, which | to guide his course, for the road seemed totally — did much toward sobering him, and certainly | unfamiliar and ther one stirring Wc $4 2 palpi Panes ; = Baht ih ‘. dae gers ‘ 4 eric’ i i “ Captain Tom Drake,” muttered the ostler. “T’ve’eard o’’im afore. Maister wull be glad to know this.” — CHAPTER XVIII. AN UNRULY BRUTE CONQUERED—A SURPRISE. pA sort of brute is thisyou have brought 2” R } m “The very best in the place, captain.” “Then I can’t say much forthe others. Never mind; howeyer, I think I can manage him, ” Bob and Jerry had considerable difficulty con- te
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PRIVATEER TOM. 13 whom he could apply for directions as to the proper road to take. » *f{ have no time to lose,” he mused, ‘‘and I don’t want to be wandering over the country all night looking for the right road. I had better push on a bitand maybe I shall discover some familiar object.” He pushed on therefore, and presently dis- “ covered in the distance, the towers of some castle Standing out against the sky from above a grove of trees. ‘*That looks familiar,” he muttered, ‘* Al- though this road seems to turn off in the wrong direction, just ahead of me. here. However, I will investigate the matter.” * In a few minutes he saw a light shining - amongst the shrubbery at the side of the road somefew rods ahead, and he murmured softly: “A light, eh? Perhaps an inn, If Ido not find my way by thetime Icome up, I must needs ask mine host to direct me.” | ~ Urging his steed forward in-the direction of the light, he was about to frame some inquiry which he would put to the inmates of the place, when the light suddenly disappeared and his horse stopped short, nearly throwing him from the saddle. He was about to uae him on once more, think- ing that perhaps he had fallen back to his old vicious ways, when he perceived what it was that had caused the animal to stop so abruptly. Right before him, inthe middle of the road, was the figure of a horseman enveloped in a black cloak and wearing a mask upon his face. Stand and deliver!” said the figure, sternly. Tom realized the situation in an instant. His road had been obstructed by a highway- flan, CHAPTER XIX. TOM ACQUIRES NEW FRIENDS, _ *$ranp and deliver !” These startling words broke upon Tom’s ear as he began to urge his steed onward. He instantly reined up, and drawing a pistol, eried promptly: ; _ *Stand aside, or I will not answer for your life. You have no trifler to deal with, my man, ' 80 stand aside I say.” J “Neither am La trifler,” replied the other, ‘I am Midnight Dick, the highwayman, and none dare dispute my word.” «You may be the devil for allI know,” retorted Tom; “andI care not whether you are or no, I am armed as well as you, and will broke no hin- » drance.” He was about to urge his horse over the dar- ing rider who stood before him, when the latter seized the bridle, and clapping a pistol to Tom’s head, eried flercely: ‘Now, fool, yield, or 171] blow your brains out! Your money or your life!” + “By Heaven, you shall have neither!” cried Tom, and with one blow of his whip he eut the man across the face, tearing the mask off at the "same time, and exposing the villain’s face, _ The highwayman fired, but the bullet merely razed the top of Tom’s hat, and: in an instant oe had lifted his assailant from the saddle and - thrown him into the ditch. “Lie there, Mr. Midnight Dick,” he said, with a laugh, “and the next time you attempt to stop an honest man on his road, learn beforehand - whether or no you area match for him.” fee A second shot whistled past Tiom’s head, and _ thinking that perhaps the fellow might have companions at hand, and be taking this means of signaling them, our hero sprang from his ’ gts and pulled the highwayman out upon the road. “Now, mark you, my man,” he said, deter- - minedly, ‘‘you seem bold enough and are not such a bad-looking fellow, now that I come to examine your face, but you are ina bad business, and I adyise you to giveit up, If your compan- ‘ions come up and offer me any harm I will shoot "you through the head.” Pi / ~ “Who are you?” demanded the other, “Tt matters not. I am your master at all events, and a bad man to trifle with. Do you eke a practice of stopping gentlemen upon the road?’ -“T am a froe rider,” said the other, “and never until now have IT met my match. Join me ' and together we will make the countey ring wit ‘our gallant deeds.” } ; ; Rank you. I have a higher mission to per- form than becoming a highwayman. Haye you companions?” » “Yes, but they are not at hand.” “Tt is lucky for you that they are not, for if y should come I would kill you.. Be off with ourself, for I have no time to waste, upon you, he neighbors will be around by your shots, and sip tvat sre cee you are discovered, you will have to run ‘or it. ‘J fear them not. Ican outdistance the whole cowardly crew on my fleet, more and one shot will disperse the crowd. Who are you that have thus braved the gallant Midnight Dick, wntil now without a rival?” ; “Who am I? That concerns not you; but nevertheless I will tell you, at the same time warning you that if you betray my presencn here to a single soul, your miserable life shall pay the forfeit. IT am Captain Tom Drake, commanner of the privateer firefly, and the bitter foe of all British tyrants,” ‘*Qaptain Tom Drake?” repeated the highway- man. “Then I am your friend, and whatever you ask I will do it.” ‘You do not know me, surely?” “TJ know those whom you have cause to call your enemies. They are mine as well, and I will do all in my power to aid you.” “T accept your aid,” said Tom, “but remem- ber,” he added, sternly, ‘‘if Isee aught of treach- ery in your conduct, you die upon the instant.” **T cannot blame you for your suspicions,” re- joined the highwayman; ‘but you will find me true to my word.” “One moment,” said Tom. ‘Do you know aught of my affairs? Is my wife “3 “J know that you have been reported dead, and that your wife has long ceased to mourn for you. “Liar!” eried Tom, fiercely, drawing his sword. ‘‘Take back the base calumny, or I will hew you to pieces!” “Not so fast,” said the highwayman. “TI do but repeat the gossip of the castle. I believe in your wife’s fidelity as much’ as you yourself do, and merely say what the gossips tell, not believ- ing a word of all their stories,” : “Then she is still alive?” “Tt is so given out, but whether it be so or not I cannot affirm.” “That we must determine,” cried Tom. “Torward, and if I find her not, I will not leave one stone upon another of that she-devil’s anode |” “Stay,” said Dick, “you will need the’ assist- ance of my comrades. Shall IT summon them?” « Yos, but hasten, for I hear voices. We have aroused the neighbors. I cannot be detained now for any explanation.” T will ae summon my comrades when we have ridden further,” and with that Dick fol- lowed Captain Tom’s example, and mounting his horse, rode off at his side. At the 6nd of half a mile he suddenly paused and blew a shrill whistle, which was soon an- swered ata little distance, and presently three men came galloping down the road. “What news, gallant captain?” called one. “ Hot in danger?” : “Not so, but others are and we must take them aid,” responded the highwayman, intro- ducing Tom, but saying nothing of how the latter had so neatly subdued him. “Tf it be Mistress Drake whom you would help” spoke up one of the highwaymen, “I fear me you willbe of little assistance, for her corpse assed out of the castle gates but a quarter of an hour since, upon its way to the chapel and the tomb.” : 5 “Then, by Heayen, she has been murdered,” cried Tom; ‘tand this fiend, Lady Castlemaine, is at the bottom of it. Let her beware, for I will make her pay dearly for this act.” Then setting himself deep into his saddle, he said resolutely : “Tf you. be highwaymen, it is nothing; all I eare for is that you have sworn to assist me, On, then, for I would know the worst at once.” “Oommand us as you will, we are ready to do ‘your bidding,” said all in a breath. *«“Then, forward,” and as the party dashed on- ward, the deep tones of a bell sounded from some steeple hidden among the: trees, and not far away. ‘Hark |” cried Tom. “The funeral pounce ee into the chapel,” explained the man who had before spoken. ‘Tt is the knell of these demons that I hear, as well as of my darling,” groaned Tom, ‘‘ For- ward, friends, and let these wretches tremble.” OHAPTER XX. THE INTERRUPTED FUNERAL, On dashed the young captain and his newly- found friends, the bell tolling slowly and solemn- ly as they rode on, b ‘ Suddenly the path turned abruptly, and the friends came uponasmall stone chapel, the doors of which were open to sion just approaching, } Gey receive a solemn proces- Two black-robed figures bearing torches marched at the head of the procassion, being fol- lowed by a company of priests, or mourners, and these in turn by four stout men, who carried a tesa their shoulders, draped with black eloth, Behind these again came a train of white-robed figures; but whether they were men or women could not be told, so completely enveloped were ey by the garments they wore. The sight was a solemn one, and was mado doubly so by the gloom of night and the deep sone of the bell, tolling forth its monotonous nell, : : : : Tom was visibly affected by it, but suddenly mastering his emotion he dashed forward and interrupted the solemn procession as it was about to enter the chapel. ‘ , *« Hold!” he cried, “ for whom are these solemn rites to be celebrated? What was the name and condition of the deceased ?” «An unhappy woman, whose husband was ax outlaw, has passed away. Her friends could not deny her the last rites of Christian burial, and at their instance we haye consentea to waive the rules of the church.” ‘‘ What mean you?” dasmanded Tom of the map who had thus answered kim. ; . “That suicides deserve mot to be buried in CO Ee ground, but yielding to the prayers of : “Tell me the name of her whose body you bear to its last resting place?” ; “She was called Minnie Drake, and was the relative of——” “Then I demand to see the body of this un- fortunate.” “You must not hinder us in the performance of our solemn duties,” said the minister, coming from the chapel in his gown and surplice, LG pray you let the PEmassion pass,” “Not until I have seen the face of her yon dark-robed figures bear upon their shoulders,” ‘Tt cannot be,” “But I tell you I have a right.” ; “What right haye you to—” i The right of a husband!’ I am Captain Tom Drake!” ‘ At the mention of this well-known name there was a sudden commotion in the ussembly, and then a woman’s voice cried out; “Arrest that man. He isan impostor, Cap- tain Tom Drake is dead, hanged at the yard-arm of a British frigato,” ; Thespeaker was Lady Castlemaine, Tom hay- ing necoe ued her voice at the first word she ut. ered. ' “Tt is you then, tigress,” cried Tom spurrin forward. ‘How have you murdered my wife By the knife or poison? Speak quickly or I will not give you your choica, but dispatch you at once before you have time to make your peace with Heaven,” “Arrest that man, I say!” cried the woman, at- tempting to escape from the impetuous rush of the young commander, ‘He is a villain and a pirate, and there is a reward of one thousand guineas for his head |” ; The crowd which had gathered in the rear of the procession now began to murmur and make ~ hostile demonstrations, pushing forward towards where Tom and his friends stood, and a disturb- ance seemed inevitable, ; 2%: “You're Gentleman Dick, the knight 0’ the road,” said one stolid bumpkin. “A know un ~ well; a robbed ma pookets 0’ a’ ma goold yestr- een. : so Highwaymen!” yelled the crowd. ‘‘Down wi’ them!” : eee Heeding not the presence of the procession, - unmindful of the solemnity of the vceasion, the noisy rabble dashed toward ’om and his friends — and scattered the mourners right and left, ; The bier was thrown to the ground, the pall rent in twain and the corpse exposed to view, ~ “Sacrilegious hounds!” cried Tom, dashing ~ into the crowd, and belaboring their thick skulls — with his riding-whip. ‘Do you see what you ~ have done ?” iAady He and the highwaymen quickly dispersed the louts, who, forced to keep their distance, retali- ated with a shower of stones, doing more damage. to the chapel, windows, however, than to Tom and his friends, : pair Our hero knelt down by the coffin, and with his strong hands tore away the lid. NOR Then he started back in horror, while an ex+ pression of the greatest surprise crossed his faee, The coffin was empty! ee “ What mockery is this?” he eried. ‘ You bring but an empty casket to the church. | Your sacrec rites are hut mummeries, your holy ceremonies but a delusion aud a lie. There are no remains here, and yet you—— By heavens! I My wife stilllives!? 7 = f Then, Springing up, he looked about him to
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‘ 14 \ PRIVATEER TOM. discover the treacherous Lady Castlemaine, to whom he owed all his misery. She had suddenly departed, and with her, the mutes and pall-bearers, the clergyman and the various officials who would have assisted him. The church-door was closed, and all was dark and drear, the bell had ceased tolling, and no one remained but the crowd of spectators who had been so eager to rush upon Tom. «There is somo mystery here,” muttered the lat- ter. ‘They dare not kill my darling, but wish her to be considered dead. Hence this mockery of a funeral. Follow me, and, if necessary, I will sack the abode of this monster of hypocrisy, the false- hearted Lady Castlemaine.” , — CHAPTER XXI, THE WILD RIDH OF TOM AND HIS NEW FRIENDS. ' Away galloped Tom, the highwaymen follow- ing close behind, while right and left scattered ‘the i Poeenuts and others who had made the as- sault. “Mhe eountry is ruined,” muttered one old fellow with a prodigious stomach; ‘an army of robbers is abroad, and we shall all be murdered where we stand.” Then he tumbled heels over head into the ditch, impelled thither by his affrighted country- men, while they scrambled out, leaving him to extricate himself as best he might.» fies “Gall up the constables, ring the bells, burn watch-fires, somebody,” shouted another coun- try squire, not so fat, but more Bey of lung. “ead, if we ‘have to rouse the whole country we'll rid the land of these curses.’ One would think that Dick Turpin had come again.” Three or four huge fellows, with more biceps han brains, hurried into the little chapel at this, and soon the frantic clanging and tlashing of the oell sounded out upon the air, startling tho echoes, and spreading alarm far and wide. Out upon the silent night air rang the clamor- ous’ tones, and soon they were answered by others from the hills round about, while hoarse shouts in the distance told that the whole - country was alarmed and hastening to the scene of the excitement. - Messengers darted hither and thither, down Janes and narrow by-paths, carrying the dreadful news that a large party of highwaymen had in- yaded the peeuad and that nothing but a gen- eral uprising would suffice to put them down. Wateh-fires were lighted, and soon, from the tops of all the hills, for miles around, blazed answering fires, the whole neighborhood being in a perfect ferment. Many of the messengers took short cuts through the flelds, spreading the news so rapidly that there was great danger that our friends would be intercepted by the mobs which poured forth and filled the roads. It was known which road they had taken, for Lady Castlemaine, rightly fearing that an attack would be made upon her abode, called upon the people to protect her castle, whither she told thom, excitedly, the pirate Tom Drake and his outlaw friends were hastening. ‘While allthis hubbub and outcry was going on, Tom and his new friends urged their steeds to the very top of their speed, for Dick well knew that the bumpkins would endeavor to in- _tercept them, and he told Tom as much. “A pretty hue and ery have I raised,” said Tom, With a laugh. “Well, I live in constant excile- ment, and I cannot complain if I occasionally ‘have a little more than usual.” » “Whatever betides, we will see you through - this affair,” said Dick. “You are a brave man, and it is a pleasure to serve with such.” ‘Join my ship’s company,” replied Tom, “and you shall go with me to a land where you will not need to cut the purse strings of the rich in order to make a living, for there all are equal, ah the glorious sun of liberty shines alike on “Zounds! You almost tempt me to follow -you,” returned the highwayman. ‘ Let us see _ what the night brings forth, however, for then I gan tell better what I might do.” i The tumult increases,” now spoke up one of the gentlemen of the road. “See! the alarm flres are blazing from every hill-top!” ‘* And bell answers bell in frightful confusion,” putin another. “Such an uproar has, not been heard since the time of Turpin and his gallant gentlemen.” 4 _“ How far are we now?” asked Tom presently of his conductor. | - to the left, and dash:up the hill.” — _“ Ah, I remember it now. We are not likely to be intercepted on our way thither.” i ; x “ But a few minutes’ ride. ‘Take the first turn ‘No, but I fear that on our return——” - “One word,” spoke Tom, hastily. ‘If we come safely out of this venture, will you join me on the Firefly2” “YT can hardly answer.” “Answer you must, one way or the other, for if you refuse, I cannot allow you to imperil your life further in my cause. Iwill on to the castle alone, and you and your men must look to your own safety.” ; “ButifI say yes?? + «Then we'll strike hands and call it a bargain, aus we will cleaye together through thick and in. ‘‘ What say you, friends?” said Dick, turning to his followers. “Where you go, captain, that is our path,” answeved one. ‘Your way is ours,” said the rest, in a breath, “Mhen, if we come safely out of this night's work, call Midnight Dick your messmate.” “ And his dashing followers your slaves,” add- ed the others, “Thanks,” cried Tom, ‘itis a bargain. Yonder is the abode of theis wicked woman, and there, beyond a doubt, I shall tind my darling.” They dished forward, there being now but a short distance to travel; when suddenly there was a rustling in the bushes by the roadside, and half a dozen men sprang into the road, forming a line which reached clear across it. “Tire!” shouted the leader. Tom recognized the voice in a moment. His despicable cousin, Reuben Harpy, had in- }, deed arrived before him, and was now disputing ‘his path, At the command so suddenly given, Tom sud- denly bent forward, right upon his horse’s neck, and whipping out a pistol, blazed away at the nearest man, “ Orack |” *€ Crack |” “ Orack |” © Orack |” In quick succession the reports rang out upon the air, the highwaymen answering upon the in- stant, the weapons of both parties being dis- charged literally in the faces of their opponents. Two of the highwaymen uttered shrieks of mortal agony, and rolled from their saddles into the dust of the road, dead, while their riderless steads dashed madly on, breaking through the line of the enomy and overturning the daring fel- lows who had thus disputed the road, Tom was unhurt, and spurring his horse on- ward, he sent a shot flying so close to Reuben’s head that it singed the hairupon his temples, and had liked to have ended the miscreant’s life then and there, “ Forward |” yelled Tom, dashing past his false- hearted cousin, ‘The prize is almost within our grasp |” —s CHAPTER XXII. BOB AND JERRY FALL INTO THE HANDS OF THE PHILISTINES, Lerus return for the present to our old friends Bob Hauler and Jerry Mizzen, the comic Damon and Pythias of the Firefly. f Notwithstanding Tom’s advice to them, to keep out of mischief, they walked directly into it, for hardly had the echoes of his horse’s hoofs died away in the distance, than they returned to the tavern to indulge in another pot of beer apiece. The treacherous ostler, being unable to follow Captain Tom, as he had expected, the latter hay- ing completely mastered his vicious steed instead of beth thrown, this man now determined to cap- ture our two friends and make them betray their comrades. : It was with undisguised joy, therefore, that he saw Bob and Jerry re-enter the tap-room and Set for pipes and pots, intending to make anight of it. ' Having seen them, through a crack in the door, comfortably seated and evidently enjoying them- selves, he went out and got together a miscel- laneous crowd of stable boys, scullions, raga- muffins and tramps, and atthe head of this noble pry) having sent’ a boy after the nearest con- stable, sailed valiantly into the tap-room. “There are the infernal Yankee traitors,” he cried. ‘Now then, boys, gi’ un a larrupin’, sich as they ’a nivir had in a’ theer loives.” This was the signal for attack, and it began in hot earnest. if Before Bob and Jerry could comprehend what was up, in their muddled state of mind, ashower of missiles of yarious and sundry kinds, flew ‘about their heads and brought them to a realizing ‘senso of the situation. bh an eR } Rotten eggs, decayed vegetables, puppies and kittens, which had long since departed this life and had found a watery grave in the horsé- pond, sticks, stones, and bludgeons, all these, and many other things too numerous to mention, flew about them, and, as with so many marks- men, some shots were sure to tell, the poor fellows received a good pelting,” i Mirrors were demolished, mugs and tankards smashed and battered, tables overturned and the walls frescoed in a manner that made mine host’s heart sick to see. “Stop, stop, for the love o’ the Lord!” he yell- ed, dodging an over-ripe turnip meant for Jerry aaanioe: stop, mon, he'll hae the place ruined on me “Gi it to the pirates!” yelled-the mob." “ Gi’ ’em blazes! Dang. our bootens, gi’ ’em a hound- iw’ fur once,” “Bust my topsail braces,” yelled Jerry, leapin to his feet, ‘‘this’ere are more than flesh an blood can stand!° Take that, ye mealy-mouthed chaw-bacon !”” i The particular ‘‘ chaw-bacon ” in question re= ceived the contents of Jerry’s tankard in his face and those of Jerry’s boot in the pit of his stom- ach, the latter doubling him up on the floor in pretty short order. : ' Bob Hauler, less sober than Jerry, was not a ” whit behind him in valor, for, seizing the heavy Perse pot from which he had been drinking, he srought it down upon the ostler’s head with a force tthat, but for his thick skull and matted hair, would certainly have brained him. ~ He toppled over as it was, and lay upon the floor like one dead, while Bob and Jerry now re- turned the fire of their assailants with compound interest. ie Pewter pots, earthen mugs, glasses, fire-irons, sticks of wood, chairs, stools, and table-legs, flew in quick succession at the heads of their enemies, who began to beat a hasty retreat, thinking that eye had stirred up the wrong pigs this time in- eed. They were suddenly reinforced, however, by the constable, two beadles, a lawyer’s clerk, and_ half a dozen farm hands, stalwart fellows the latter, and the tide of battle, which seémed for the moment to have set in favor of the two sea- men, now turned against them, ‘*Murder, watch, thieves!” yelled the land- lord’s wife, as the new party made its appear- anee, but she was quickly reassured at sight of one of the beadles, for whom she had once had a sneaking affection, and she threw herself into the ood man’s arms with a force that nearly upset him, and quite upset her husband’s patience. Bob and Jerrry, haying used up their supply of missiles, now concluded that they had best beat a masterly retreat, trusting to luck to continue the fight at some more opportune moment, / The enemy had flunked theni, however, and whichever way they attempted to escape they found new foes appearing and cutting off their retreat in all directions. Les The thing was now getting serious, for up to this time neither had doubted their ability to get out of the inn when they had had all the fun they wanted, and to suddenly find that they had reckoned without their host, literally so in this case, they began to be alarmed for the first time. : The landlord now suddenly appeared, armed with a brace of huge horse jpistols, loaded to the very muzzle, and with more zeal than discretion began to pepper away at our two friends in the most alarming manner. ; : Jerry was struck in the leg and Bob in the © shoulder, both falling to the floor, where they were pounced upon, and ignominiously dragged, ‘off and put into the stocks. y This mode of punishment was still in yogue in England, albeit the pair that stood not far from the inn were rather rusty from want of use, ~ To the stocks our two worthies were hurried, the constable ak the procession, and the beadles following behind to keep the mob of small boys in check, for although it was night a large crowd of these young individuals had gathered, and were making the air fairly thick with shouts, yells, and catealls. «his ere is a pretty kettle 0? fish,” mumbled Jerry, as he was forced upon the rude bench by one of the beadles, while the other put his legs” out straight in order that his feet might settle into the sockets intended for them. Bob was placed next to his companion in misery, and then the’ heavy wooden bar was dees in position and secured with a rusty pad- ock, “Make ’em tell where their pirate captain is,” said the landlord, the ostler haying communicat- ed to him his discovery of Captain Drake’s — ” identity. ‘‘Keep ’em here until they do. The constable put the question, but both Bob ei ‘and Jerry stoutly denied any knowledge of Tom, i e
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N — and as the ostler was not there to repeat his evi- ears the landlord's story was considered rather shaky. ‘ pe Let *em stay there till morning,” said the constable, and then leaving one of the beadles to keep watch over the two culprits, much against his will, for the worthy functionary was anxious fo get home and tumbie into bed, he dispersed the crowd and went away, leaving the two sea- , men in limbo, wondering how they were going to get out of the scrape into which their love of beer and a frolic had placed them. CHAPTER XXIII. FROM ONE PERIL TO ANOTHER, DxivinG his spurs deep into the sides of his now nearly jaded steed, Tom overturned two of his adversaries and dashed up the hill, Dick and ) one of his comrades following. ' he others had been thrown from their steeds, and as there was now no time to be lost but little attention could be would not otherwise have abandoned them. The three riders soon reached the gates, and here Tom dismounted and made ‘his way boldly into the court-yard, and thence to the’servants’ quarters. : 2 The first person he met was a big, burly, brutal- looking fellow, who was leading forth a splendid- ly-built horse from the stables. : “ Look you here, my man,” said om, address- ing him in tones that left no doubt in the fellow’s mind that the speaker would be’ answered, whether or no, ‘‘ where has your wicked mistress placed my wife, Mistress Minnie Drake?” | * “ead, said the man, shortly. ‘Put in’ the chapel yaults this blessed night.” - 4 «You lie, you slavish cur!” cried Tom; leaping upon the man and seizing him bythe throat. «Tell me this instant, or I will tear the truth from your cowardly heart!” ° “Within there!’ roared the man.’ ‘ Master Moreland! Tom, Hiram, Joseph!’ help from’ this devil of a pirate! Help, I say !” 7 ~ Several men came rushing out at this moment. and by the light of the moon Tom récognized ‘Moreland, the villainous husband of the poor girl he had rescued frem such deadly peril. ‘Throwing the man to the highwayman, ‘Tom |' Sprang at the throat of the new-comer, and cried, in a voice ofthunder: : : “Wretch! villain! dastard! give me my wife pefore I tear you in pieces and throw your mis- erable carcass to the dogs !” **Merey !” pleaded the cowardly villain, falling to his knees, his. boasted courage failing him in an-instant. «Speak then,” cried Tom, holding’ his ‘empty, pistol to the scoundrel’s head, while the two high- wWwaymen kept the others in check: : : “Tn the vaults,” said the man) his form quiy- ering with the deadly fear he felt. - “Give me the keys, wretch, and lead the way. No treachery, mind you, or quick goes a bullet into your brain.” ‘ ‘ “T hayé them not, Spare me, for the love of——” ; spot _ Keep your wicked tongue still, blasphemer,” cried Tom in a rage. epee quickly and tell me who has them, or by the power that made = mo——” ‘ 3 PRIVATEER TOM: aid them, although Dick | left acles | would, not. tle whether Lady Castlemaine’s abode were sack- ed and razed to the ground so long as Tom was sacrificed. At the head of a vast mob he therefore sallied into thefcourt-yard, and gave orders at once that the place be surrounded, and no one allowed to enter or leave except with his permission. The highwayman, at sight ofthe crowd, wisely concluded to decamp, it being madness to at- tempt resistance against such a host. 3 He therefore dashed into the passage leading to the vaults, taking two horses with him, both fresh animals, leaving the jaded steeds outside. On his way he met his leader and Captain Tom, who bore in his arms the unconscious form of a young woman, pale, but surpassing beautiful. It was Minnie, whom Tom had rescued from a fate worse than death. is ‘The knight of the road immediately communi- cated his startling news to his comrades.’ When Tom, turning to Moreland, said sternly: “Show us a secure way out of teis den of wickedness, scoundrel, or your base life shall pay the forfeit.” 1 *“Purn: back; then,” said Moreland, trembling with. fright, “‘and open the second door on the ** Whither leads it, varlet?” “To a narrow Beer steep and precipitous, and thence to the cliffs which directly overhang the sea. PSs tt, ‘Ts there a path along the cliff wide enough for a horse to make his way?” “Yes; but you ataely would, not take, your horses through the castle?” “Aye, and through her lady’s chamber, were it necessary. Ha! I hear shonts and hurrying footsteps. Haste, villain, ortyou.will rue the day you ever met me,” Moreland hurried onward, his limbs tremblin beneath him, and, unlocking the door ho had spoken of, allowed the party to pass. “Tock it again,” cried Tom, impetuously, “and lead.on. There is no time to lose. I tear, we will be surrounded, butif [ haye.to drive m steed breast deep through these hirelings’ blood, I shall yet escape.’ Reb fiah 4 at 1 a: a OHAPTER XXIV. TOM’S HAZARDOUS LEAP, Bos and Jerry had remained for about an hour in’ the stocks, their guard being very drowsy, when a great tumult was heard in the distance. “‘What can that be??? asked Jerry; arousing himself, / r s ; Tail «The: captain is waking swered Bob. j ; ~ “Ts not often that: it gets such a rousing as he'll give it.” Se asi 9 alt} hii “Hark!” said Bob, suddenly, ‘‘They’re mak- ing a regular hubbub. Hear the bells. Look yonder,’ and’-all around. The whole country is awaking. Don’t you see the watch-fires?”” ; * And down the ‘road scomes a party with torches and all sorts ef Weapons. We’re done for this time, as I’m) a sinner.” } The drowsy beadle awoke at this, and seemed as much frightened as poor Jerry himself, at the sight of the party now jae nes ? In yery truth he might well be alarmed, for the new-comers wore Ben Barnacle, Iron Arm, anda dozen of the most'stalwart: seamen of the Firefly. : « What’s this?” demanded Ben; as he came up, ‘holding ' his torch aloft, so-as to light up the strange scene. f «Mhat needs no questioning,” retorted Jerry. “Oan’t you see it’s Bob and me in the stocks?” “How came you in this plight?? asked Iron Arm, with difficulty eae a laugh at the comical sight which the two men ‘presented, seated on a bench, with their legs stuck straight out before them, and their ankles held down by a solid bar of wood. : * “Don’t ask us how we got: into it, but take us out,” retorted Bob.. ‘‘ It was all the fault of too much English beer.” > «« And the captain?” asked Ben. “Gone off across country to Lady Castle- maino’s upona very fiend of a horse.” . “The whole country seems to have been aroused,” continued the boatswain. “ My word for it, there will be hot work this night, and blood will flow like water. There is no staying that young firebrand when once he becomes inflamed with passion.” ; ‘2 “Hero, you fat-sided old rat,” exclaimed Iron Arm, seizing the beadle by the collar. ‘“Re- lease these men.” 2): Pde NIE ‘Verily, good gentlemen, I could not if T| having the wherewithal in my pos bi nas'p : the country up,” an- Session, ” 15 “What do you mean by that, you pot-bellied idiot?” ; “The keys wherewith this instrument of punishment is locked, have been carried off by my colleague in office the worthy ——” “Enough of that. Stow the rest in your jaw, it will ba good for the face-ache. I have a key that will unlock it, and quickly too.” ~ 4 Thereupon the man seized the end of the bar in his strong fists,’ and, with one sturdy tug, ripped it clear of locks, hinges and screws, and threw it upon the ground, y “Now, my worthy Jacks,” he'said, addressing Bob and Jerry, “stir your pegs and don’t let them get into such shoes again. By my veracity, if I ad not made yonder instrument utterly useless for the purposes intended, I'd put our worthy friend the beadle into it, and let him sit cooling his heels for the rest of the night.” Q Fearing that the man might detain him in spite of this, the terrified beadle made off as quickly as his size and long-skirted coat would allow, while Ben said, addressing his» com- rades? : ia - We can do nothing here. We had best go aboard and report to the lieutenant. He may think best to. run the vessel down the coast a bit.” «There will be no escape for Captain Drake in » this direction,” murmured Iron. Arm, “ for the whole country is up in arms, and there will be miatiy waiting to intercept him.” - ; At this moment a messenger from the ship came running up, and said, hurmed)y: ; Out The lieutenant commands you all to return with’ all speed to the. vessel... There are war- ships in the harbor outside, and they are sus- picious of us, .Already.a crew has been landed, with orders to inspect us most minutely.” — ‘ “Tall in!” cried Ben, “and Jet us.lose no time: Then, as they made their way rapidly towards the spot where the Firefly lay moored, Ben, turn- Y | ing to his giant companion, said hurriedly: - “There is a point near the castle of, this » wretched woman where we can run in. up to the very cliffs.’ Our captain knows this, and: I doubt not that he will be in waiting forus at the very place.” » Wow aaa sui ys ; In ten minutes they were aboard the Firefly, and in an indeseribably short time thereafter we 8 | swift'little craft tran out to sea and swept al thé coast far enovgh out to escapevall dangerous rocks and eddies, and near enough in to see any signals which mightbe ‘made from shore, i vs a RIE, * eeL 1% Meanwhile, Tom had made his yay possible haste sat the many secret passages of the castle, Moreland ‘proving a true guido from very fright; and now stood outside, the first faint streaks of dawn appearing in’ the east. ‘Quickly mounting his horse, and placing Min- nie upon the Saddle before him, he waited until — Dick had yaulted into his own’saddle, and then, with a word 'only to the noble ‘animal which bore him, made his way carefully down the steep descent. © ” ai ; ; As he reached the cliff a chorus of shouts, yells, and imprecations burst upon his ear. : Looking, quickly in the direction whence the /noise proceeded, he. saw a motley crowd of peasants, country squires, and retainors, all ar- rayed in some fashion, rapidly making its way toward him, “‘Cut down the pirate!” cried a voice in therear _ of the multitude, and Tom had no diMeulty in recognizing his well-intentioned cousin, both by voice and face. fe ij “We are lost,” cried Dick, as the mob ap- proached. » fi é “Not so,” cried Tom, shall yet escape.” ; “We cannot retreat to the castle.” ~ ui Follow me, and all “Have no fear. We Orging “3 speed, om dashed along the narrow ledge at — the to horse and rider disappeared over the cliff, fol hy Midnight Dick, while a ugh the whole assemb! heir knees in prayer, % with all
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16 } PRIVATEER TOM. CHAPTER XXV. ON BOARD OF A SMUGGLER. Ir was indeed a frightful leap that our hero took, and one that would haye cost a less daring man his life. He had measured the distance well, however, and knew just what his horse was capable of do- ing, neither urging him forward too soon or too late, but making the effort at prescisely the proper moment. Through the air went the steed, bearing Tom and his helpless burden, and striking the water at the proper angle, down they went out of sight, ' The horse was terribly winded, but Tom spoke encouragingly to him, and as he breasted _ the wayes, after rising, our hero looked about him and espieda fisherman’s boat not far off. A second splash told them that Dick had made ' the plunge, and successfully, too, for in a short time the man reappeared, still astride of his horse, and waving his hand, he shouted to know if Tom was all right. ' Tom replied that he was, and then hailing the fisherman, asked to be taken on board his craft. - |The boat was soon near enough for the man to talk to them, and as he brought it around by a pressure upon the tiller, and a slackening of the sheet, he cried: -“D’yez want to come aboord?” ¥ Yes,” answered Tom, ‘‘and quickly, too, so throw me a line,” “De yez want the bastes on boord, as wellas yerselyes?” he asked, witha broad Irish brogue. W No, we will have to let the horses swim for “Paix, it wor a wondherful lape yez made in- toirely,” answered the man, bidding one of his AGT nts, of whom there were two, throw Tom 4 line. : “There was no help for it,” answered our hero, ‘and I would do it again, were it necessary to save this lady from her foes.” “* Mobbe the leddy is yer shwateheart, thin?” “No, she is my wife.” * An’ *tother mon is he yer brother?” “No, but a kind friend.” **Yo’ll have to lave the bastes now, for I daren’t have them come up to the boat. They'd be. thryin’ to toirely.” Tom then slid from the animal’s back, and holding Minnie with one arm, quickly swam to- wards the little vessel and was taken aboard, ' wet and dripping to be sure, but safe and sound. The former highwayman soon followed, and then the Irish skipper stood off from land, as al- gotintil it, and we’d be swamped in- Char numerous boats had. been launched, evi- _ dently forthe purpose of intercepting the two - fugitives. There was a close, hot, snuffy little cabin on the vessel, and therein Tom carried darling, whom he had rescued at such great danger to life and liberty. ) Minnie soon recovered, Tom giving her a few ‘drops of some rare old Trish whisky. furnished him by the captain, which quite revived her, literally putting new life into her,chilled frame. ts The skipper was more smuggler than fisher- man, if the truth were known, and it was but a short time since he had landed a cargo of silks and wines from France, and he was even now bound to Ireland for a load of whisky which had never received the government stamp. “T know yez to be gintlemin,” he said, when ' ,Tom came on deck after leaving Minnie to doff Peaster dripping garments, ‘‘and I kin therefore trust * ‘OZ, » “You can, indeed,” | “Thin Tl tell yez that it’s sorra a bit of a fisherman I am at all, but a rale free, thradin’ gintleman.” “You need have no fear from us,” answered Tom, ‘for we are both hunted by the blood- _ hounds of a tyrant. My friend will tell you who _ heis, but I am an American, and captain of as ; gallant a privateer as eyer scudded over the waves,” t ' An Amerikin, is it? Faix, thin, I’m f see yo, for it’s many a day that I have wished. to go to that free counthry, and, begob, the next MS ey this T’ll do it.” : W. “What you do on the water I have done 0 land, my worthy free-trader,” said Dick, with a light laugh. ‘‘I-relieve the rich of their super- fluous wealth, and they call me Midnight Dick,” __ “ Faix, I’ve h’ard of ye, and no good have I - Ward, be the same token, but if ye’re this gintle- man’s frind that is all I wantto know.” _. “Yam his friend, indeed, and I mean to follow him to that Jand that you love so well.” LEV OBR ss ui i ‘An’ give up robbery on the highway?” * Yes; TL have cut my last purse-string.” — me u ) lad to _ “¥aix, then, ye're as honest as mesilf, an’! have I had withthem.? Le ; Pea 4 Mee ‘ i res 4) ere ihe og there’s me hand to show I meant ye no offince be phat I might have said the now.” **Since none was intended, none was taken,” said Dick, gallantly. “Ye wouldn’t mind takin’ a run over to th’ Oirish coast; wud ye, now?” asked the skipper, “‘bekase it’s there that I’m goin’, barrin’ no ugly bosthoon of a excise officer shtops me. The coast guarrud wur abroad the night, they tell me, and I mesilf seen the rockets.” “That demonstration was made upon my ac- count,” answered Tom. ‘However, I do not fee that I can go to Ireland. I must rejoin my Ss p.” “Where might she be lyin’, sur?” “Down the coast a bit. TI have an idea that my lieutenant has been obliged to leave, but he knows where I am, and will doubtless look for me.” **Faix, thin, he’ll have to foind ye soon, for there’s bad weather comin’ up, and I daren’t stay hereabout.” Tom scanned the horizon eagerly for any signs of the Firefly, but saw none, the thick mist hav- ing suddenly closed in all about them, and the waves Being tossed about in a manner which made the little vessel, stanch as she was, a most perilous abiding place. CHAPTER XXYI. TOM TAKES COMMAND OF THE SMUGGLER—A CHASE, Tnx skipper put right out to sea, as the open water was sefer at such a time than the coast, where they might easily be wrecked. : Among other stores which the little vessel car- ried were several handsome dresses, which the captain had bought in France, and which he was eelsar to ladies of fashion who did not care to pay the customs charges, but were willing to pay the honest skipper twice their value, for the sake of having them errureed over. The atv: offered one of these to Tom, say- ing that if it was a bit rumpled when the lady for whom it was intended got it, he could say that he had had to fight for it, and that that would en- hance its value. “T am afraid that we shall haye to take a trip to Ireland, after all,” said Tom to his friend, *‘ for I do not care to run this good-natured fellow into danger on my account, and by the time this mist lifts we shall be half-way across the channel.” The fog presently grew so dense, however, that the skipper was ob! iged to drop anchor, and wait for it to clear up, and in the interim the two pas- sengers, with the captain and mate, amused them- selves in the cabin by playing whist. The fog lifted a little toward night, though not sufficiently so to allow them to proceed, and now a new danger appeared. There was a strong breeze blowing in-shore, and the little craft, dragging her anchor, threat- ened to run upon the rocks. It was just dusk, and all hands were very much excited, the skipper haying determined to put to sea, at all risks, when a pale, blue light was seen to shoot up into the air from a ciiff about a hun- dred rods away. « It hung poised in the air for about half a min- ute, and then faded, a pale, green light taking its place upon the instant, and hovering above the water for a short time, as the other had done. “Begorrah! that manes that the coast guar- ruds is expected,” muttered the Celt, ‘ Bear a hand, Mickey and Brian, and help me get up th’ anchor.” ‘*Whatever assistance we can give you, you are welcome to,” said Tom. “Shall I take the helm?” “ Yis, an’ ye have a mind to, for, be the howly piper I fear that mischief’s a brewin’, Be gob *m right, look at that!” - At that moment a bright red star shot up from the cliff, and shedding a lurid light over the waters for the space of a minute, fell into the sea with a loud splash, “ Bear ahand, ye gossoons,” said the captain, working like a beaver. ‘Sure, the guarruds is upon us, this mortil minute. Dinny, on the hill beyant, has seed ’em, and knows that I must be in it, and is givin’ me warnin’.” ‘ Boom! A dull reportsounded through the fog which was now lifting, immediately preceded by a flash and a puff of smoke. “ Howld hard to the tiller and rin her straight for the.say, whin I gi’ ye the wurrud,” said the smuggler to Tom, ‘ Ye’re a gintleman born, an’ I knows I ew’d trist yez.” ; ti evel there, then,” cried the late highway- man, springing to the assistance of the three men, “*for yonder, not two ship lengths, I can see the cutter of the snORAt gaan s, through the fog. I know. the gentry well, and more than one brush leader had made f ‘*Oh, Tom, there is danger; you will be aap- tured |” cried Minnie, coming on deck at this mo. ment. { “Danger, yes; captured by those fellows, never! Ah! is she up? Then beara hand and trim those sheets a bit! Aha, that doesit. Don’t trim them too flat, or we'll be driven on shore.” ‘‘ Begob, it’s the foine sailor ye are, and a bet- - ther arty Maguire niver saw in his loife,” said the skipper, allowing Tom to take the lead en- tirely, and obeying his orders promptly and ex- actly as they were given, Boom} Another flash, and another report, and as the shot speeds across the water, narrowly missing the little craft, a stentorian voice’ is heard erying: é ‘Stop, you rascally smugglers, or I’ll blow you into ten thousand pieces !” ‘Begorrah! we c’uldn’t do it if ye war to make it eliven thousand,” answered Maguire. ‘‘Kape her till it, darlin’,” he added, addressing Tom; “‘ faix, ye’re making her go beautiful.” “Haul up, I say!” yelled the coast officer again; ‘it’s not you I want, but the two men ou have on board. One’s the captain of a ankee privateer and the other a highwayman. You may go free, but I must have those men.” «Paix, an’ if they were the apostle Pater and his grandfather ye couldn’t have thim,’’ retorted the skipper. ‘ Luff a little, darlint,” he added to Tom. ‘‘Ye’re doin’ sphlendid, but I knows me vessel a bit betther than you, ye know, and un- dershtand her whims. She’s a bit cross-eyed, — and ye has to give the tiller a bit more lee-way than ye think ye are to make her go straight.” Tom soon got used to the little vessel’s “whims,” and before long he had carried her quite out of the reach of the cutter’s guns, and was speeding ies he out to sea, or as hearly so as possible with the head wind which she was forced to meet, } } By degrees the wind blew the mist away, and then the cutter was observed signaling to some Maser) at a distance, but hidden behind a point of rocks, “They are speaking some war vessel,” mut- tered Tom, ‘‘and acquainting her with my pres- ence. Aha! were I upon my own deck now, L would not run from these braggarts. Where can the Firefly be all this time? If she would but come up now, I would not give a rush forall their frigates.” ! Then, heading as close to the wind as he dared, Tom sent the little vessel fairly flying through the water, leaving her larger pursuer far behind, as — though they had been becalmed, eae OHAPTER XXVII. TOM IN IRELAND—THE VILLAIN AT WORK, — agin upon the shores of the Emerald Isle at > { ' “ Gs renee we are, and it’s to ye intoirely that I owe it, me bould American,” Fie saa These words were uttered by Tom and the Smuggler captain as they stepped upon shore, the little schooner having madea safe, though ve rough, passage, meeting with no enemies, thoug constantly buffeted by the waves, and more than once in imminent peril. } To Tom’s efforts the skipper and his crew, in- deed, owed their lives, for, but for his experience — in handling a vessel, they would have been wrecked a dozen times in making the run across the channel, ; beh ks It was nearly pee when they landed, not far from the beautiful bay of Cork, and, drepping anchor in a little inlet, where, sheltered by rocks and cliffs, the smuggler was not liable to meet !| with discovery, the skipper had lowered a boat and gone on shore at once, accompanied bythe two friends and Minnie. Bock Tom found a neat cottage not faraway, where his wife could remain in safety, and then, ac- companied by Dick, he sought the coast and spent hours in nS up and down, keeping a look- ~ out for his vessel. ea te In the early morning he espied her, hearing close in to the coast; her well-known outlines he clearly distinguished, there being no doubt/as to — her identity. Pads das Tom at once put out in a boat, and in less thin — anhour had the joy of once more treading the quarter-deck of his own beautiful Firefly. * How did you know I had come oyer to Ire- — land?” he asked Harry Vere. ‘‘I was afraid I’d miss you and haye a long search.” Bei Harry then told his young captain how he had sailed for the cliffs near the residence of Lady Castlemaine, but being delayed \by the fog, had missed finding him, adding to this the followin **T came across a former highwayman, who told ‘me of the gallant leap which you and his old the cliff. He hims } “I f 8 ol Was
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“yh smuggler, and had assisted in giving the signals | which’showed you the presence of the cutter. **T met her myself afterwards, and had a lively brush with her, sinking her in very sight of a large frigate which was in chase of me. “JT ran up the Yankee colors, and seudded ‘away for Cork, trusting to find you somewhere in this neighborhood, but not thinking to find _ you so soon.” Mg _ “We must run further up tho coast,” said Tom, “and then I will go across and gef Minnie.” ’ “That will be the wisest plan, for the frigate will follow us and give news of the smuggler, - whose whereabouts are known, so that it will not - be safe for us to remain on this part of the coast any longer than necessary.” ; Twill run right up into the Bay of Cork in the guise of a merchantman, and in the city I may get news that it will be well for me to know.” That night Tom’s vessel lay in one of the most secluded spots to be found, and ‘om himself, in eompany with Ben and Vere, was in the city seeking information, but finding little. _ ~~ The next day, however, he heard the news of the arriyal of un English war vessel, and dis- eovered also, that his presence in the neighbor- » hood was known, from the general posting of a notice, offering one thousand pounds reward for ‘his capture dead or alive. He did not know that it was owing to Reuben’s watchfulness and bitter animosity, that this last affair had come about, but soit was, and not only was the traitor aiming at Tom’s life, but at that of Minnie also. Reuben hated his gallant cousin with a most ‘malignant and deadly hatred, and was determined to attack him upon every side, in his affections, _ his pride, his honor, and at every point which he considered vulnerable. For instance, Tom was declared a 1m when he was a commissioned officer in the service of ' his country: the associate of highwaymen and _ thieves; a pillager of private dwellings, also ac- eomplice of smugglers and a disturber of the public peace. Rewards of a less amount were offered for the arrest ofiany one connected withthe young cap- » tain, whether officer or seaman, or even those who had given him assistanée in any way, al- * though without knowing who he was, ‘om was in tho ecoffee-room of an inn, accom- '. panied by Vere and Ben, when he saw _ this notice, butas all were in disguise, they did not ~~ fear detection. Tt will be as well to get away from here,” sug- gested Tom, ‘for there is nothing of special in- terest to detain us, I should indeed like to have anencounter with the frigate, and perhaps I shall, _ ut first of allI must get Minnie safely on board 4 - my vessel.” peel you go over to where she is?” asked en. ‘ “No, but send a faithful messenger, ‘who will aécompany her hither. Do you get a good man, ~™ Bon, and I will write Minnie a note.” Now it happened that right behind where Tom Sat was a secret apartment, not much bigger than adloset provided with loop-holes and contrivances _ for both seeing and hearing all that took place in the room. _» Snugly ensconced in this secret pute was the arch villain, Reuben Harpy, himself, having been long waiting for an opportunity to ensnare Tom. He could now compass his wishes, but first he ’ miist secure Minnie, and here was his opportuni-+ ty’ ~ While Tom was writing the note which would bring his wife to him, Reuben wrote another, be- ‘ing an adept at forging, and being able to imitate ‘Tom’s handwriting so well that no one but the young man himself could haye detected the cheat. _ Then he secured the seryices of two murderous - villains whom he well knew, and who would commit any crime for the sake of a few pounds, and put them upon the track of Tom’s.messen- 7 ‘| Rony a , Night had set in when Minnie Drake, waiting » in the peasant’s cabin for some news of her hus- band, was handed the following letter, which she perused with the greatest eagerness : “Dean Wree,—I am hunted down, and am bliged to'seek safety in the mountains. Come to the Devil’s Basin at midnight, and we will “mike our escape. The bearer of this will ac- eompany\you. He ean be trusted. Say nothing any one ose, as I fear treachery. Tom.” “The Devil’s Basin!’ thought Minnie. “TI _ttave heard them tell of that place. It is a wild ‘pot, and erimes have been committed there be- ero now, but if Tom wishes I will go any- Ore, eK npA ue Laas : Fy as le s had been committed there indeed, and rpy were not frustrated in time, s t a rit LY PRIVATEER TOM. obliged to fly, but had watched you board the | the Deyil’s Basin would witness another tragedy before morning. CHAPTER XXYIIL. WHAT HAPPENED AT THE DEYIL’S BASIN. Aw hour after Tom had-giyen the messenger his note for Minnie, while he and Vere were sitting alone in their private room at the tavern, Tron Arm suddenly entered in a state of great excitement. “You are betrayed, captain,” he cried. “Some villain has informed upon you, and a file of sol- diers are at this moment marching down the street to arrest you.” ** Lock the door, and hold it against all comers while I make my escape. Then follow, and if you are in danger my men will help you out.” The huge gunner locked and barred the door, while Tom and Harry instantly decamped by the window, leaping lightly to the ground, and seek- ing shelter at once, - { ! Vore dropped down the well at Tom’s instance, waiting there to watch the officers, but Tom walked boldly outinto the street, actually saluting the officer as the men passed by, and making room for them hy stepping into a doorway, This boldness alone saved him, for notwith- standing that the officer thought he recognized his man, he was convinced from Tom’s free manner that such could not be the case. Tom did not wait for him to change his mind, however, but darted into the house, where, to his surprise, he met Dick engaged in. conversation with a beautiful young lady. { ““T fear we are betrayed, captain,” said the man, ‘‘and I haye just sent your gunner to warn you. Ben has gone for a car and fresh disguises, and will be-here in a moment.” “Then it was lucky that I came in here,” said Tom, ‘as otherwise we might not have met.” “Follow me at once,” said Dick. ‘There is a lane back of this house, at the end of which we will flnd our men.” * But Vere and the gunner. They are at the tavern.” «7 willsend my maid to them,” said the young lady. ‘‘You can trust me, sir, for Dick is my own brother.” ; “Then let us go at once,” said Tom, and with- out further delay, they hurried through the house and down the lane, where they found Ben ete with a car, and the disguises of peas- ants, : " Assuming these, they drove away, avoiding the prinbine) Streets as much as possible, and yet not seeming to care whether they were followed or not. They drove out towards the country, having heen joined by Vere, and night had just begun to fall, When, what was Tom’s surprise to see his messenger come running down the road, covered with dust and blood. “What has happened?” asked Tom, and then for the first time the messenger recognized him. “Arrah, captain, darlint,” he gasped, : there’s mischief to pay, aud the divil and all S$ in it! “Speak. man, what has happened?” : * Faix, I have been set upon be a mardherin’ hound called Black Dan, and him and a collague of his named Red Murtagh, hey gon’ to the leddy, wid a lyin’ message, biddin’ her hie at wanst to the Divil’s Basin.” “The Devil’s. Basin!” said Dick. ‘*I know the place well, and the evil reputation it bears.” “They thought they’d killed me,” continued the man, “‘ but I follied thim, and heard the mes- sage they gave. Black Dan is goin’ to tak’ 'the leddy to the place, and Murtagh is to meet some wan ilse there, and togither they will pit the poor eraythure out av the way.” ; : d “ How far is this?” asked Tom with breathless excitement, “Three miles,” said Dick, “and the road is the wildest one in all Ireland. It is infested with robbers, and is too rough for a cart to traverse.” «We must hasten then. Can we reach there in time?” Perhaps, but we will be obliged to go on foot.” They at once dismounted, and made all haste toward the ill-spoken neighborhood of the Devil’s Basin, a wildtravine through which a turbulent stream made its way, being the outlet or a deep pool which was fed by a torrent that leaped from the crags at one end of the rayine. ; At the buse of the crags lay the pool, dark and turbid, the waters at the center forever boiling and tumbling and drawing down to their slimy Mepehe whatever was thrown or fell into them. _ People had been murdered before now, at the of the crag, and their bodies thrown into the rling stream, where, finding their way to the ya Tater Aiea § Ee Ne SY Aehe pena Widtia ea down the glen!” 17 pool below, a veritable Devil’s Basin, they had been dvawn down and never more recovered. Huge rocks and bowlders, gray and moss- grown, were strewed about the place, a narrow ath leading to the top, where a frail wooden bridge spanned the stream as it leaped from the crag. Near the edge of the pool grewacypress, which, partly uprooted, hung over the dark waters, its branches festooned with long, creeping yines, which hung within a few feet of the whirlpool. The trees above grew so thick, and the place’ itself was so hidden and obscure, that it was al- ways dark here, except when the sun or moon were directly overhead, and eyen then the light was filtered through the leaves, and neyer fully” illumined the scene, the very center of the pool being the only part that was ever in full light. To this weird scene came poor Minnie, guided by the villain whom Reuben Harpy had hired t6 do his dirty work, and, though strangely im- pressed by the desolateness of the place, she feared nothing, because she expected to meet her beloved husband. *T see no one,” she said, as she reached the top of the crag by the little bridge. ‘* What a fearful place this is, Where is my husband? Did he not say that he would be waiting?” " “Vis, me leddy, but he might be a bit late. The sogers has been huntin’ him lively this phe and it’s tin to wan if he don’t hey a rin tur 3 At that moment there was a sharp whistle heard, and a cloaked form suddenly appeared fel the bushes upon the other side of the rude ridge. ; Minnie darted forward, expecting to clasp her husband in her arms, when, as she reached the middle of the bridge, the figure suddenly threw aside his cloak and in the moonlight stood revealed, oe It was not Captain Tom, but Reuben Harpy, his face inflamed with evil passions, and alow mock- | ing laugh eseaping from his lips. ; ** What does this mean?” cried Minnie, in ac- eents of terror. “That you haye come to your death !” hissed Reuben, aud taking one swift stride forward, he seized the affrighted girl in his arms and hurled her into the stream, which quickly bore her, vainly erying for help, towards the fatal pool. CHAPTER XXIX. TOM’S ADVENTURE IN THE WOOD, TurouGcH the tangled underbrush went Tom and his friends, now clambering over fallen trees, now climbing up steep ascents, and then leap- ing from rock to rock where a single misstep would have been fatal. Along the dreary road, which could hardly be called a path, they made their way as rapidly as possible, while the time flew by at an alarming — rate, every instant’s delay being perilous, j Once they came upon a cabin hidden among ~ the rocks, when Tom and Dick, who were in ad- vance of their comrades, were suddenly set upon by four rufflans armed with bludgeons, who demanded their valuables. j wea Tom quickly whipped out his sword and laid open the face of one of the cut-throats, Dick run- ning a second through the body with his sword, Ben and Vere, hearing the noise of the strug-— gle, ran hastily off, when the rdbbers were sud- denly reinforced by half a dozen villainous-look- ing fellows, some with shot-guns and some with bludgeons, ; ‘ ties “ Down wid the spies!” yelled one of the out- ~~ laws. ‘We'll hev no meddlin’ wid an honest | man’s thrade. Murdher the bastes an’ trow dem “Not so fast !” cried Dick, seizing the villain by the throat. ‘I know you, Lanty Monahan. You're a black-hearted thief, and you once be- trayed me to the magistrates.” Ni “ Begor, it’s Masther Dick,” cricd the man; “the gintleman robber. Faix, that were on’y a bit of merriment. I meant no harrum at all, darlint.” 1 ; Capes “Then hére’s another bit toremember me by,” cried Dick, and he hurled the murderous wretch _ down the steer bank, wétere he lay groaning aud) calling for help, it being a mercy that his back had not been broken, i _ Vere had transfixed another of the ruffians, and Ben had brained a third with his own cudgel, — and sent a fourth to follow Lanty at the bottom ~ ofthe glen, so that when Dick rejoined Tom, the footpads concluded that the country yas becom- ing too hot for them, and began to make away ax full speed. * Lantdhaeeenres Are ey eae ahey quickly disappeared in the bushes, and thongh they fired a, few shots at our friends from. behind trees and rocks, they were fortunately without effect.
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18 — Tom and the others made haste to get away from the dangerous neighborhood, however, as they could not tell what might happen, and there was no time to be lost, the encounter with the ruffians having already delayed them. Half an hour later, a withered old hag, having a stout, uprooted sapling for a stafl, suddenly ap- eared in the path before them, and pointing her ong, skinny forefinger at Tom, croaked, in dis- eordant tones: » “Ye’re young and braye, my child, but tak’ heed o’ an ould woman’s warnin’, I’ve h’ard the owl shriek thrice the night, and just now a vino- mous toad hopped betwixt me and the sthrame. I saw ye in my dhrames three nights, an’ the evil spellisuponye. Turn back, for there’s death in the path!” ie “Stand aside, woman!” cried Tom, impetu- ously. “Ihave no time to listen to your non- sense.” “ Beware!” cried the hag. ‘‘ The curse is hang- ing over your head, and will fall, if you do not heed my words. I read your’ dogm in the stars. Turn back and be saved, or be the powers above ——” - “Now then, mother, step aside, and don’t bother honest gentlemen,” said Dick, taking the creature by the arm and putting her aside. ; Then all four dashed ahead, the harsh cries of of the angry seeress coming faintly after them as they sped away through the tangled thicket. “Could she have known of the treachery,” said ‘Tom, ‘‘and have been placed here on purpose to intercept and turn us from our path?” Oh, no!” answered Dick. ‘She is honest enough, but a trifle crazed. She often gives pro- phetic warnings, but I never heard that any harm came from disregarding them.” “T don’t like to think that perhaps she may have been right, and that we had better have heeded her,” mused Tom. ‘‘I am not supersti- tious, but I have frequently been warned against danger in as strange a manner, and I have always obeyed the warning.” i *Pshaw!” cried Dick. ‘ This is but a harm- less old hag who can neither harm nor benefit you. Think no more about it. Itis now close upon midnight, and we have some distance yet to go. This brought Tom to himself once more, and he-dismissed the old woman and her frantic warning entirely from his mind. _ Minnie was in danger, and all other thoughts gave way before that, and now nothing could turn him aside. + Up hill and down, through brook and briar, over rock and bank, up steep inclines and across level stretches of country, hurried the little party. Dick in advance, asthe guide, and Tom following elose behind. “Wark !? cried Vere of a sudden, pausing as a strange, unearthly sound broke upon the still- ' ness. . Mg but the hoot of an owl,” said Dick press- ing forward. - i *No, no!” cried Tom, now pausing. “Itis ~-acry of distress.” ; 4OTNis but the scream of a night bird. Haste, man. We eannot pause to listen to every sound that greets us in the forest. You are nervous, distracted, and give way too much fo foolish fears. The wood is not your element I plainly see, Upon the broad ocean you would be another ' man. ‘They pressed on faster than eyer, and present- y when Dick announced that they were close to the Devil’s Basin, a piercing scream awoke the - echoes far and wide, followed immediately by a terrifled ery for help. “Tt isshe!” cried Tom. ‘Sheds in peril. For- ward, and may Heaven aid us now !” CHAPTER XXX. THE ADVENTURE AT THE POOL, _ Ty another moment Tom was on the left bank of the torrent overlooking the pool, and about _ ten feet below the falls. The path led along a narrow ledge, and taking the first turning he had come out upon a sort of shelf which overhung the dark waters. ‘fhe fullrays of the moon struck the center of the mad pool below him, and there, whirled around and around by the eddying waters, was ? _ the form of his daring wife. Her face was turned towards him now, and her white arms uplifted for help, while from her pale, _ bloodless lips came that piteous te for help. In another moment Tom would haye leaped in- to the pool, had not Dick seized him around the _ waist and forcibly detained him. “What would you do, man?” he cried in terror; “! would you lose your own life as well as hers?” _ “Detain me not,” ¢ried Tom, in accents of de- | t 5 PRIVATEER TOM. spair, ‘‘I cannot see her perish before my eyes. eG fe ro i; ; “Help! Help!” called the struggling girl from the midst of the whirling eddies. Soap ce Tom shook off the detaining grasp of his friend and leaped straight out from the ledge. Into the boiling, surging waters to meet death face to face with his beloved wife? Notso. We have spoken of the cypress with its festoons of creeping vines which stretched across the water almost to the opposite bank. Tom sprang out, not down, and as he leaped he caught the strong, closely-entwined stems of the hanging vines, They swayed back and forth for a moment under his weight, and then the tree from which they depended bent down under this new burden placed upon it. It bent. far over; and Tom looking down as he clung to the vine with hands and feet, saw that tends of the creepers touched the water of the pool. Sliding down the rope of- twisted vines by one hand and foot, he reached a point directly | in over the center of the eddy. His foot touched the water, but at that moment Minnie was whirled close within his grasp. Clutching his support with the tenacity of death, he reached down, grasped the poor girl around the body just under the arms, and drew her to him with a frantic ery for joy. She was saved, and at the very moment when death seemed inevitable. There was danger still, however, that Tom might slip from the vines into the fool, or thus breaking under the combined weight put upon them, let their living burden down into the water. Vere had come to the rescue, and dashing down the bank to the bottom of the ravine, crossed over, and climbing along the tree, reached down and drew the vines toward him. Tom, now bidding Minnie grasp him firml around the shoulders, so that he would have both hands free, now began climbing up, hand over hand, and with Vere’s assistance soon clambered into the tree. It bent frightfully under the combined weight of the three, being not much more than a sap- ling, and an ominous crack now sounded at the roots, Vere hastened back with all possible speed and dropped to the ground, thus relieving the tree of considerable weight, but it was already strained beyond its powers, and its destruction seemed certain. Tom hurried along the Projecting limb, from which the vines depended, towards the main trunk, and then dropped Minnie into Vere’s arms, the latter waiting below to receive her, Our hero then descended himself, and not a bit {oo soon, for the cypress, weakened at its roots und loosening a large stone which had helped to support it, now sent the latter crashing into the pool, and in another moment followed _ itself, though at less speed. “Saved,” cried Tom. “Ah, this has been a night of adventure indeed.” ‘But why did you send for me to come to this wild place ?” asked Minnie of her husband, as he clasped her to his heart. : **T did not. Tell me, dearest, who was the traitor that placed you in such peril?” “ Your cousin Reuben.” ‘Ah, the black-hearted ruffian! I thought I recognized his hand in this. When next I meet him let him beware.” ; Then wrapping his long cloak about the form of his wife lest she should be chilled by the night air, Tom bade his faithful friend Dick lead the way back to the coast. “Perils yet beset us,” he said, “‘and I know notif we shall escape the many dangers that sur- round us.” * Once upon the sea you can laugh your ene- mies to scorn.” “Aye, but we are not upon the sea yet, so hasten my good friend, and lose not a moment on the way.” : “Tf I could find the wretched hirelings whom Reuben Harpy got to assist him in this foul night’s work,” niuttered Ben as they hastened back towards the town, “I would split them from head to heel.” ~ ‘ : ““Mhey have doubtless fled,” said Harry Vere, “though they could not have been very far away when we arrived atthe pool.” { Nothing was seen of them or of Reuben, and no further incidents occurred during the return to the town, which they did not reach until nearly daybreak. . Then they were met by Jerry Mizzen, who reported that the true character of their vessel was suspected, and that within a short time she would be visited by an armed party from the : ; j ; i have te . ‘ \ ae, frigate lying near, which had already covered her with her guns, “Then we must be off,” cried Tom, hurrying towards the shore, ‘‘and as for catching us, let them try it if they will.” ‘ CHAPTER XXXI. ANOTHER GLORIOUS VICTORY. THE sun was just rising, its first beams gilding the dancing waves as the Firefly sped away to- sea. Close behind was the frigate, evidently deter- mined on capture, every sail set and all hande ready for action, One or two shots were fired, and Tom answered them, running up his colors in defiance, and — waying his hat saucilyas he stood upon the quarter deck, “Come on!” he shouted. the fun you want.” Half an hour later, when he had got well into the open water, he electrified all hands by cry- r ‘We'll give you all gt “Now then, all hands to *bout ship. Boat-— swains, pipe all hands to quarters, I’m going.to have a tussle with this fellow and prove who is the better man.” A tremendous shout rent the air, and then Ben Barmore began giving the necessary orders, in a voice-that could be heard distinctly in all parts of the ship. 3 The orders were quickly obeyed, and then, to the astonishment of the British frigate, the Pirefly wae observed bearing down upon her under full sail. That the pursued should suddenly become the pursuer, the assailed the assailant, was almost. too much for them, and they had not yet recoy- ered from their surprise, when the Firefly poured in a deadly broadside. y They replied in good earnest, but the awmored sides of the gallant little cruiser threw off the rain of iron and steel which rattled against them as though it had been nothing more hurtful than — so many musket balls. 2 Sih “Now then!” roared Iron Arm, as he directed a shot at the enemy’s main rigging. Down upon them came the Firefly, pouring in shot after shot, broadside after broadside, the Englishman retaliating, until the air was so thick with the sulphurous smoke that nothing could be’ seen, and a cessation of the firing became ubso- lutely necessar, § Tom had Eten his bearings, however, with the utmost nicety, and he continued to urge on his ship, pouring in a deadly rain upon the other vessel, although he could see nothing until a sudden crash told him that the two had collided. “Upon them!” he shouted, leaping forward, and though his brave lads were fairly blinde by the stifling smoke which enveloped every- thing, they leaped upon the Briton’s decks and: cut down all who opposed them. “Are you fiends, or what?” cried the com- mander. ‘Do you not see that I have surren- dered ?” * “How!” cried Tom, at these words. another blow be struck !” ; Then, as the smoke began to clear away, hc Hen to the quarter-deck, and said po-- itely : wt wish you a very SO00 NOL URE, sir, and congratulate you on the brave defense you haye made. You must admit, however, that the Yan~ kees are invincible, whether at home or abroad.” — “ Whether this may be true or not, in general, — you certainly seem to he,” replied the other, with deep mortification, ‘Lieutenant, hand the gen- tleman my sword.” , “Tell your superior,” cried Tom, the hot blood i Let not : mounting to his cheeks, ‘‘that I will not take his sword from any one but himself.” ie I *T will teach this insolent fellow better man- | — ners,” he muttered, between his teeth, and then, — giving Harry Vere a glance of deep meaning; he awaited the conquered captain’s pleasure. — t The latter, with ill-concealed chagrin, stepped ~ forward and handed his sword to Captain Tom. The latter, quickly stepping aside, made a mo- tion to Harry Vere, who quickly advanced and took the sword. pt «This is an insult, six,” cried the irate English- man, turning crimson up the very roots of his hair, and trembling with passion. “Anything would fea courtesy to an officer who has already shown such a want of good. feeling and suchan entire ignorance of etiquette,” — replied Tom. ‘“‘ Lieuterfant, let the boatswain — conduct the prisoners to our vessel,” he added, determined to punish the man’s arrogance, ; The vanquished captain saw that his young conqueror had him at a disadyantage, and he ~ wisely concluded to give up any further attempta to show his spite. PRO AS ; + bes
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PRIVATEER TOM. ers He and the officers and crew of the vessel were marched between a double line of sailors aboard - the Firefly, and then Tom drew off as the other ship was already on fire and fast settling down in the water. His victory bad been a signal one, for it had been dceomplished right within sight of the shore, and in the enemy’s own stronghold, as it might be. Pisesd The defeated vessel was left drifting idly upon the tide, and the gallant, saucy little /rejly sped away with all sails set, looking as though she were the winner in some regatta, and notas ifshe had just come off the victor in one of the hard- est fights that had ever been seen in those parts, If was a a eae defeat for the Englishman to be captured and his vessel destroyed in sight of his’ own shores, and he thought he would ' never get over the disgrace. There was nothing for it but to submit to fate, however; and in future he was less arrogant, be- ing forced to admit that the Yankees were worthy of even his steel, and more vigorous fighters than he had fancied. Away went the Firefly towards the English eoast, for Tom had not done with his enemies, and meant to punish them so that they would never dare plot against him again, As the white sails of his noble ship faded from sight, the English vessel blew up with a loud re- port, and was scattered over the face of the waters, thus depriving the enemy of even the cold comfort of saving a defeated ship from wreck. CHAPTER XXXII. THE TABLES TURNED. A mMontTH and more has passed, and Tom has been fairly raking the English coast, sinking or otherwise destroying every British craft that he has met, Cruisers have been sent out after him, but the daring boy has escaped from under their very guns, and continues to harass the merchant marine, being resolved to do as much mischief as lies in his power. _ He darts about from place to place like the fire- _ fly he is, and no one knows where-he is going to turn up next, so sudden are ‘his many appear- ances—now here, now hundreds of miles away, and then back again in a twinkling, almost, Tom has never mot with Reuben, although he has more than once been on shore, and he is not satisfied until he can encounter this wretch, and onee for all put an end to his career of crime, After having annoyed them to such a degree as to materially cripple the local mercantile trade, Tom determined to strike one last blow, and then speed away to other scenes. : Running his vessel in one night, under cover ox thick darkness, for there were two or three eruisers out in search of him, Tom made his way to the abode of Lady Castlemaine, to which the owner had returned, as he had been informed, Giving orders to his subordinates, he advanced boldly up to the very gates, and demanded to see tho traitress, : He was admitted, and asked to await her lady- ship’s coming ina little anteroom. é e had been there for about ten minutes when aman entered whom at first he thought he di ‘not know. : : ‘Voice, gesture, bearing, everything seemed - strange, until of a sudden he caught sight of his entertainer’s hand, which until then he had kept tarefully concealed, although with no evident ' effort ar concealment. s : _ ~ Tt is you, then!” he eried, leaping to his feet, _ and drawing his sword. ‘I would know that __ S2arred hand again, were I to see it in Egypt! _ The man was Reuben Harpy, who until. this proment had completely hidden his identity from him. ; ) *Itis I, indeed!” cried Reuben, resuming his - ~naturalyoice. ‘‘Yam are nicely caught, Captain _ Tom.” 4 ; “Tf Tam then your life shall Draw, villain, and defend yoursel ** With all my heart.” ; “ But, first, before I-kill you, I must see Lady - Castlemaine,” ‘At this moment an attendant entered and said: _ “ My lady awaits you in the grand hall.” _ ead on,” said ‘Tom, and then giving way for _ Reuben, that he might not follow him, he made \ his way to the place where Lady Castlemaine “was in waiting. oy : This was a large hall or drawing-room, the ap- po iiments of which were most sumptuous. Around the walls, ata height of about ten feet, _ Were large panels, into which were set the family ortraits, there being at least twenty of them, all done by famous artists.“ Pasa 4 _, Below were niches and alcoves at frequent in- ryals, these bei tapestry, pay the forfeit. igi ng hung with heavy eo | We Tek eae te A num "Sait yoke representing scenes of the chase, battles and pas- toral scenes, being all of most excellent design and workmanship, As Tom and Ruben entered, the lady arose and bowing gracefully, though with the utmost hau- teur, said with freezing civility: “Mo what do Iowe the honor of this second visit, Captain Drake?” “To my desire for justice and retribution. I have a demand to make.” ‘Request, would be a better word.” “Not to you. Icome not here to bandy com- pliments, but to demand, not request, a confes- sion f.om you, giving the full particulars of your late dastardly attempt upon the life, honor and fortune of my wife.” “You forget that you are in my castle, where I can summon aid at any moment, and punish your rash presumptions.” “You have writing materials then, I see,” re- plied Tom, paying no attention to this haughty speech. ‘ Write what I dictate.” “And if I refuse?” «Then 1 will tear this den of infamy down about your ears.” (“We shall see,” she replied coldly, and then nodded to Reuben. ‘You are caught, Tom Dreke,” the latter said, with a laugh. * While the lady has kept you waiting, I have been preparing a reception for you. . Behold!” He suddenly clapped his hands and took two strides to the large fire-place, at one side of the room. ‘ Instantly the tapestry concealing the alcoves was thrown aside, and two score armed retainers leaped into the room. “Upon him!” yelled Reuben, “and cut him to pieces !” “Not yet!’' cried a voice, and from the fire- Hage sprang brave Ben Barmore, sword in hand. ‘To the rescue!” he shouted, and then suddenly putting his boatswain’s pipe to his lips he blew a shrill blast. ~ In an instant a startling event took place, Every one of those painted panels slid back, and in the opening thus displayed were seen Oaptain Tom’s gallant crew. : Every one of them was crowded with faces, and a hundred muskets glistened in the light of the hanging lamps, their yawning muzzles being pointed at the armed hirelings below. “Do his bidding!” thundered Ben, ‘or I shall order those brave lads up yonder to fire!” “What shall I write?” asked Lady Castlemaine, turning pale. «What I have said.” She hastily wrote a few lines, signed them, dusted the sand-box over the paper, and handed it to Tom. Our hero glanced over the paper, folded and putit into his breast, and then said: ; *Tt'is sufficient.” ‘* Now away with you,” cried Ben, and putting his arm through Tom’s he hurried towards the fire-place, where there was a secret door. It. was open, and Reuben and Harpy had sud- denly disappeared. “Never mind,” cried Ben. ‘I know another way out, Follow me, my brave lads.” Then he dashed out with Tom, the panels were again closed, and in half an hour afterwards Oap- tain Tom was upon the deck of the Firefly, sur- rounded by his faithful crew, and leaying Eng- land far behind, t CHAPTER XXXIII. THE BIG SBA EMERALD APPEARS ONCE MORE. 5, Mes sort of place do you make it out to be, er 9? , ‘in island, sir, but I don’t think it’s inhabi- ed, \ «Are there any signs of water there?” “T should think so, sir, for there are trees, and yonder, in the little cove, is what looks like a stream running from in-shore,” \ “Put in closer, Harry, and we'll send a boat ashore with casks.” The Firefly had run down the African coast, and they were now in sight of a small island, where Captain Tom determined to land. He was in need of water, and as this would be the best place of any to lay in a supply of that most necessary article, he resolved tosend a boat or two ashore and give his men a chance to run around a bit. ray When the vessel was brought within a mile of the little island, the anchor was dropped, the sails lowered and two boats launched, ‘Tom hime self being seated in one. The signs did not prove false, for there was water in abundance on the island, and of a very fine quality. i é : ber of casks had been brought, and by lald while the men were filling these, Tom went off fora tourof the island, accompanied by Dick, the former highwayman, and Iron Arm. Orders had been given to send to the ship for all the empty casks they had on board, as Tom thought it as well to make the most of a good thing, and their stay on the island would be con- siderably lengthened in consequence, The men were glad enough for the chance to stretch their legs after being so long aboard shir and the work on hand was made to last as Jong as possible. Two hours and more had passed when Tom and his Companions, emerging from the trees upon the opposite side of the island, came sud- denly upon a singular-looking ¢reature sitting © upon the beach under the shadow of a bank, He was so greatly engrossed with something or other that he did not observe the approach of our friends, and Iron Arm was about to speak, wher Tom suddenly clutched his hand an for him to keep silent. ‘Ha! ha! how it glistens,” he was saying. Tt is mine, all mine, and I shall be king of the island, and wear itia my crown.” Ata signal from ’om all three dropped noise- lessly to the ground, and making their way si- lently to the verge of the bank, gazed cautiously down upon the maniae, for suchin very truth he seemed. He was nearly naked, such clothes as he had being in rags, and totally unfit to shield him from the rude blast, had not the island been situated in a warm latitude, His hair was matted and unkempt, his nails long and sharp, like the talons of a bird, and his whole appearance denoted utter want and mis~ ery. signalled black hair; his feet and head were bare; his loins girded with the skin of some wild animal, aod his back barely egvered with an old military coat, He had something in hi$ hand, which he gazed at with the profoundest admiration, now utter- ing the most unintelligible gibberish, and then talking with evident. understanding. “Ha! ha! itis mine at last!’ he eried, with a loud and discordant laugh, such as’ only one crazed eould’utter. ‘It is mine, and I am king! What a beautiful golor it has—bold green, like rhs ce under the sunlight, and then as red as blood.” ; “Good Heavens! what can the mad creature mean?” thought ‘om, : *'T'ig a priceless gem,” continued the maniac, ‘and is wortha king’s ransom. And now itis mine, yes, mine, and Iam tho king of all this splendid domain. None daré dispute my rights, and I shall wear this glorious gem in the center of my crown of gold.” Tom demented one’s shoulder, caught a glimpse of the object of his admiration, 2 tt was an emerald, as large as a bird’s ogg, shone with a fire that was as baleful as i dazzling. It was that fateful gem, the sea emerald. It was that accursed stone with the stain of blood upon it, the desire to possess which had brought death to so many. ? Tom recognized it ina moment, and drew back with a shudder. re Dick leaned forward, and catching a glimpse as hoe beautiful, yet terrible jewel, crie edly. ; “By the riches of Ophir! What a wondrous jewel! Would that it were—” “ Beware how you covert that accursed stone !” was excit~ His arms and legs were covered with short leaned forward, and, looking over the ‘ and — cried Tom, in deadly terror, “for that wish may — be your death.” “But why should I not have it? This sense- Jess idiot cannot know its value. Would that it were mine indeed !” Alas for the luckless man! his heart and he is doomed from that instant. The maniac, aroused by the sound of ‘voices, : now sprang to his feet, and seeing our friends, — sped away with the swiftness of the wind laugh- ing and gibbering like the insane creature he was. : “T will haye it vet!” cried Dick, and before either of the men could stop him, he was hurry- ing after the maniac at full speed. Had Tom looked upon the jewelthen, he would have seen that its luster was dimmed by a blood- red cloud, which spread over all its facets, and ~ made it appear like a mass of clotted gore!” ; ape | CHAPTER SXXIV. 9) 5” a3 THE CURSE STILE FOLLOWS. THE SEA EMERALD. Away sped the maniac and after him, fleet-foo ed, followed Diek, the desire to possess the emé aking full possession of t : i He has spoken the © wish, the desire for the sea emerald has entered |
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ro + Zo 4 RES SE PRIVATEER TOM. ; si _ With the desire came the utter contempt of the means to be taken for the accomplishment of his end, and now, so far from éajoling the gem away from its possessor, as was his first intention, the shedding of blood would be nothing to him. ' He was mad, infatuated, and nothing but the ossession of the blood-eursed jewel would satis- y his insane desires. Drawing a pistol, he leveled it at the flying inaniae and fiend. Orack ! Ping! Thud | The sharp, whip-like report, the whistle of the winged messenger of death, and the dullsound of a falling body. The bullet has been true to its aim and the poor “unfortunate lies dead, the baleful gem clutched tightly in his fingers. t “By Héaven, it is a sin that this aceursed jewel should remain in the world to move men to such awtul crimes,” cried Tom. ‘‘ Would that _ it were forever buried in the depths of the sea.” . “Took there!” cried Iron Arm. ‘‘We are not ‘he only persons upon the island. Others have come here besides ourselves.” The truth of this remark was at once apparent, Through an opening in a belt of trees which extended nearly to the water’s edge, and which the comrades had now entered, could be seen the sails of a vessel at anchor, while upon the shore, not far away, were severel men just landing from a boat. Their picturesque costumes, the appearance of {their vessel, both told the same story. ‘The)men were pirates | “<A pirate vessel,” cried Tom. “Can it be that——” ‘ «No, yonder vessel is of a different build,” re- turned the other. ‘This is not the death pirate, but I warrant that he is bad enough.” *“ Tet us return to the boats, We may have an } encounter with those,gentlemen, andit is as well , tobe united.” : + “Took!” eried Iron Arm again. ‘Some of them have come upon this murderer, and they are bandylng words. Ha, there they are, at it | with dagger and cutlass. There’ll he more blood spilled yet over that miserable bit of green stone.” , : When Diek reached the fallen maniac, he stooped over him and endeavored to take the stone from his fingers, exulting in the thought of possessing it. Fi ““Mhese siy stories cause me no fear,” he mut- tered. “Iam nota man to be frightened by such childish takes.” t _ Then he tried to loosen the stone, but found _ that it was clutched more tightly than he had imagined. Seizing the dead man’s hand in his own, he ‘wrenched the jewel from between the iIngers ‘and held it up to the light, laughing as he did so, _ Wire and furies!” he cried, ashe looked at it. . “Tt is not green, it is blood-red. What diabolical jugglery is this? Curses on the thing, it is a cheat!” : The blood-red shadow slowly passed off, leav- ing the stone green and sparkling as before, and "thé man laughed with fleree joy as he beheld it. Twas but a fancy,” he murmured. ** How it sparkles! It is inéeed well worth a king’s ran- “som. Ha! what is that?” The crackling of the twigs denoted that some one was approaching, or perhaps hidden in the bushes and watching him/ Bofore he could conceal the gem, three or four ’ men appeared, dressed as pirates and wearing a ‘flere look upon their swarthy faces. “Tt is a precious gem, indeed !” cried the fore- most of the party, “and petter befits men of our stamp than it does you.” ) “You shall not have it!” cried Dick, flercely, drawing his dagger. '. “No? We shall see.” “Who are you that dares dispute my title to this gem?’ ' ~ “The Sea Wolf, and my comrades are the ' iger and the Fox. Give up the jewel and no _ harm shall befall you.” _ “Twill not!” ~ } . “Upon him then!” cried the pirate, and at the word the three villains sprang forward, others “approaching as the sound of clashing steel broke _ upon the air,’ ; Dick fought with the utmost desperation, but he was s00n surrounded, and as he parried a blow, dealt by the piri captain, was stabbed in the back by one of his comrades, mane ‘He fell upon his face on the grass, and in an pirate man drove his steel once more deep breast, took out the jewel. = : Give ibto mel” 2 into his side, and, thrusting his hand into his u ! cried the pirate, with an a= . f Deh a e A cae ‘Twas my knife that Jet ont the villain's blood, and the stone belongs to me.” “Dare you dispute-my will?” “T dare. You command only on the ship, not here.” «Then go aboard at once and await my com- ing.” j ; . This man has IT will “TJ am content to remain here. companions doubtless upon the island. unite my fortunes to theirs,” “NotifI say you nay,” remarked the pirate. «Seize him, men. He is a traitor, and will betray you to the men of yonder vessel, which is a man- of-war.” This. was enough for the pirates, and they leaped upon the luckless possessor of the’ ill- starred emerald and. bore him to the earth. Their daggers drank his life’s blood, and the jewel was wrenched from his hand by the pirate chief. , Let him lie there and rot,” hissed the Sea Wolf, “‘and let this be a warning to all traitors.” ‘*He is killed,” whispered Tron Arm, who, with Tom, had witnessed this whole scene. ‘Who can tell what may be the pirate’s fate, now that he has the jewel?” : “Tf it compasses his destruction, and that of ereatures like him, it will have somewhat atoned for the mischief it has done in the past. Ha! what sound is that? The pirates have discovered our hiding-place, and are advancing upon us!” CHAPTER XXXY. THE LAST OF THE EMERALD. “STAND firm,” cried Tom. ‘We are but two, but we need not fear those demons!” At that moment, a party of the pirates having discovered the two strangers, gave the alarm to the chief and his men, and by their advance the gallant young captain and his comrade suddenly found themselyes hemmed in. ; “Who are you?” demanded the Sea Wolf haughtily, as he came up. : “Captain Tom Drake, commander of the Firejly.” » ‘A cruiser of the enemy.” ; *“T don’t know whom you may mean, unles: you reckon all mankind as your enemies, but I am an American.” ** All men are alike to me, that command war vessels. You are my prisoner.” “Don’t be too hasty,” spoke Iron Arm. “This gentleman owes no allegiance to pirates, and he has been no man’s prisoner yet.” ‘Then he shall be mine. Yield up your arnis upon the instant, or be cut down by my men,” “« Neyer!” cried both men in a breath. «Upon them!” yelled the enraged Sea Wolf. If he had imagined that the two strangers would fall an easy prey, he was very much mis- taken, for nothing was more improbable. As the murderous wretches rushed forward, Tron Arm gave an exhibition of his wonderful eon tet which was as startling as it was terri- ble. Seizing one of the pirates by the head, he lifted him high in the air, and smote right and left with ae novel weapon, bringing down all whom he struck, Then, releasing the man, and whirling him rapidly around, he seized his feet and dashed into the midst of the pirates, braining full half a dozen with his now lifeless foe. Throwing the body down, he rushed upon the pirate captain, who was now engaged in a hand-to-hand fight with Tom, and seizing him by the throat, hurled him to some distance, where he Jay panting for breath. “Look yonder! the demons are coming in perfect swarms !” “Took again!” cried Tom, ‘do you not see our faithful Fireflies also approaching?” This was true, for the men of the Firefly, hay- ing somehow discovered the presence of the pi- Flee, had communicated the news to Harry Vere. { The latter, apprehending that Tom might be in ‘peril, had dispatched a large force to the assist- ance of the captain, and those men, headed by Ben Barnacle, Bob and Jerry, were the party now approaching. | The two forces met, and a terrible battle was the result, the pirates hating honest tars as the arch-fiend is said to hate the light of a church, and fighting with the greatest ferocity. During the melee, the Sea Wolf, knowing how the affair must end, crept away unobserved, and made his way to the shore, taking a part of his men, whom he met on his way, back with him, and making all haste to board the vessel. It was not long before the pirates discovered gan to lose” hea: 4 The tars charged thera and compelled them to } retreat, leaving many dead on the field. s They made all haste to the shore, but when ~ there discovered that the captain had deserted — them, the pirate vessel being already under way. They swore and raved, but finding this of no avail, fled in all directions to escape the fury of - the sailors, who pursued them relentlessly. 2 Calling back his men, Tom allowed the wretch-" es to escape, and then ordered a return to the Airefly, sufficient water having been obtained. i Shortly afterwards the gallant Firefly left the island behind, the abandoned pirates erying loud= — ly to be taken on board, They rushed down to the water’s edge and beg- ged to be taken off, but Tom had no fancy for — such companions, and their prayers and curses: were alike unheeded, i Meanwhile, the Sea Wolf had made ali haste to leave the island, resolving to attack Tom later on under coyer of the night, thinking that the latter would remain near the island. i His surprise may therefore be imagined whe: shortly afterward he beheld the American in full | chase, evidently bent on his destruction. Pia Li The chase was an exciting one, but did not last long, owing to the better sailing qualities of — Tom’s yessel. ; c “Sink the accursed ship,” he cried, ‘and spare not asingleman. We will rid the seas of such ~ yermin.” big Sth - Shot after shot crashed through the enemy’s — rigging, and in a short time she was completely — disabled, the Firefly being stillunharmed. i “Sink her!” roared Tom, and a broadside was directed at her hull below the water-line with ~ the intention of settling her case as quickly as possible, { f Rie ‘There may be treasure aboard,” said Ben, as shot after shot struck the hull. 4 fy “T care nothing for it. Tho stain of blood : npon it, and I will touch none of it, Letus burn and destroy every traco of the villain? ~~ When the yessel at last began to sink the Sea Wolf sprang upon the rail, and holding aloft something that gleamed and sparkled in the sun- | is” light, exclaimed: ie: “Tf it is the gem you want, golook foritinthe sea. 1 defy you to the last!” i It was the sea-emerald which he held, and as he spoke that red shade passed over its face. Then came a sudden puff of white smoke; a column of fire shot up from the hold; a deafen- ing report followed, and then all was obscured by — a thick cloud of black smoke. & May When this cleared away, and the waters sub- sided, not a trace of the pirate ship remained. | ‘That is the last of the emerald,” said Tom. “Thank Heaven! we shall never see or hear cf it again.” F Pitta And he never did, for from that day to this all, _— trace of it. has been lost, and the stone, with its of: curse of blood, no longer remains to bring misery and death upon all who desire its possession, ~ 4 CHAPTER XXXVI. NEWS OF OLD ENEMIES. From here Tom made his way to the West In- dies, meeting a couple of British cruisers when ‘near the Bermudas, Piha One of these he disabled, and then, as night was coming on, made good his eseape, the other vessel being much larger and more heavily armed) _~ than his own. f Apa his absence, and thinking that he was dead, be- hi When near the island of Cuba, he fell in with an’ — American vessel, and learned of the many suc- cesses during his long absence, and of the glor ous name made for themselves by Porter, Bain. bridge, Hull and others, whose names have long been recorded in the temple of fame, ay “The war is not over jets” said his informant, “but the imperious Englishmen have at, last bee obliged to acknowledge that she is not the mis: tress of the seas by any means, and that we are an enemy not to be despised.” ; Pha tot) There was considerable prize money due the Firefly’s crew, and Tom determined to takela run home, pay his men, and start out again 0} fresh voyage, cae 8 He accordingly madestraight for port, andafter — making a few repairs, fitting up his vessel, and seeing Minnie safo among~her friends, erui along the coast for a period of six or eight mon meeting, an occasional cruiser, after which he cided to run straight out to sea, eh peay Constance Moreland had been restored to he ‘i friends, and now there seemed nothing to do bu make one more search for Reuben, who wi ported missing, and bring him to an accoun’ hhis tnanyrcrimos. si sduemhe tials awns: “T should like to haye one more brus im,” muttered Jerry to Bob, one night. 8 joi nd with that blood, ey
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PRIVATEER TOM. Sane eas ees again, and then we can wipe’em both out to- gether.” “Took out or you may get into the stocks again,” laughed Dr. Shrike, who was standing near. ‘‘H’m, I’d like to have been there that night. Id have taken your ass ears off clean to your head.” : : “To fit on your own?” said Jerry. ‘ Youdon’t -' need ’om, old Cut-and-Slash. People will take ye for what ye are without any such ornaments,” _ “Ugh! monkey-face, wait till get my hands ‘on you. You won’t be apt to talk so big.” _ Montkey-face !” yelled the irate Jerry, Be a belaying-pin at the eccentric surgeon. “Take yerself off, you blamed old cannibal, or Pll give Tacob a subject to practice on to-night.” The surgeon went away, growling as usual, and Bob and Jerry continued their conversation without further molestation. _ Some weeks later, Tom fell in with an American “privateer that had just come from Barbodoes, and from him he heard néws of that old rascal, Israel Shawm, the Jew. “He has done one bit of villainy too much,” said Tom’s informant, ‘“‘and he won’t trouble you any more.” “What was that?” Oh, he swindled one of the British captains, and then you know that affair of the Night-Hawk - got out, and they would have it that Israel knew what he was about on that occasion, and pur- posely swindled the captain.” _ ** Well, what happened?” “Previous to that his daughter ran away with a good-looking Christian and took half his for- tune. ‘That nearly used him up, and then the government confiscated the other half.” ’ Served the old rascal right,” “But that wasn’t all.” , «6 No?” *Tndeed not, for the old shark was convicted of treason and of betre Ye Suan vessel to the enemy, and was hanged for it. He swore like a pirate on the gallows, but the noose soon cut that short, and there was an end ofall his mischief ~ and scheming.” “And Hester?” : _ ‘She never was his daughter at all, but a child whom he had stolen. She was living happily, the last I heard of her, haying married the Aine she went away with. The mofey she took was her own, but if it hadn’t been, it would haye served the old fox well to take it away.” - ‘om cruised around the West Indies for sey- eral months after this, when suddenly he heard _ news of the great depredations of a certain pirate whom he had no doubt was his old enemy of the death’s head, who had played him sueh a trick with his mysterious jugglery in the cave, and he at once determined to go in pursuit of him. _ “Do so,” advised , Ben, and I do not doubt _ that you will find Reuben in his company,” If I do I willrid the earth of two villains at one blow.” : oer: CHAPTER XXXYII. 2 - | READY FOR ACTION—THE PIRATE, ¥r was a lovely day in the fall of the year, the ‘saves sparkling and dancing in the sunlight, and , the air fresh and balmy. : The Firefly, under full sail, was scudding along ~ ever the waters, all hearts beating with gladsome emotions. _ The plucky little vessel had lately been in sev- Pee peane ments, and had come off successful in all. f Many rich prizes had been sent home, and the men were in high spirits, ‘The war could not last much longer, the pride of the British being greatly broken. ~. The United States would soon be acknowledged to be a power not to be despised, and her place among the gréat nations of the earth was already an assured one. _ Sut in spite of all this our hero felt that there Was still work for him to do, _ The mystery of his birth had never been satis- factorily cleared up, and, though that could not affect his high position in the least, he felt that ‘he must discover the truth. . ‘He had spoken to Ben upon the subject. often. but the man was very uncommunieative, and enerally managed to change the subject. : hen there was Reuben Harpy, Tom’s villainous usin. j : There was no knowing what villainy he might mmit at any moment, his soul being steeped in crime, and nothing pleased him so much as be- enna up in some hellish plot. While the man lived there was no safety for om, and until he was swept from the earth Tom ould never feel safe from his villainies in one m or another, — i Sy: ate Pest aldnty | Om Se sea There were seyeral mysteries besides to bel Boom! — cleared up, and Tom determined that they should no longer remain to puzzle him, being determined to clear them up at once. The Firefly was speeding along, this fine morn- | aloft, keeping a ing, the lookout being posted ap cenit y or otherwise, sharp watch for vessels, frien and eyery man was on the alert. Visions of prize money filled their eyes, and under those circumstances, and flushed ‘with victory, it was only natural that they were ready to exert themselyes to the utmost. Nothing succeeds like success, and this our worthy friends were well aware of; this last cruise of the sturdy little privateer being a notable example of the truth of the saying. ‘ Every man aboard, from the captain to the tiniest midshipman, from the boatswain to the cook, was wide awake this day and ready for oe startling. And before that day should pass away, more than one startling event was to take place, which would make the famous name of Captain Tom Drake'ring from one end of the land to the other, : ““T kind o’ feel it in my bones,” remarked Jerry Mizzen to Bob Hauler, “that something is going to happen to-day.” “Not a doubt about it, Jerry. Something usually does aboard this craft. She’s no sleepy old Flying Dutchman, I can tell you.” “Yes, yes, matey, but something out of the common.” : “Perhaps Dr. Shrike will wash hisshirt., That would be uncommon, and no mistake.” “Ha! still chattering, are you?” snapped the mun alluded to, Bob haying spoken thus upon seeing him approach. ‘ “Sharpening up your tools, are ye?” asked Jerry, the man’ haying a case of surgical instru- ments under his arm. ; “They're all ready,” he grunted in return, “and you may have a taste of them before the day is out.” “T’d rather bo killed clean out than get under your dirty hands,” returned Jerry, with a snort, “for then I’d be out of my misery, but the Lord help me if you ever get hold of me,” “Tt would be worse’n the time you fellinto the enemy’s hands, Mr. Jerry?” asked Bob, witha laugh. “Quite right; or even when I got into the stocks. That was a rum go, wasn’t it?” ( “Sail bo !? These words came from aloft, and in amoment | ily. { “He fears td fight you upon eyen terms, and all was excitement. «Where away?” shouted Harry Vere, who \yas on the quarter-deck. “Three pints off the lee-quarter, sir.” Harry sent an under-officer below, and ina moment Tom appeared on deck, glass in hand. Seanning the horizon attentively for some mo- ; ments, he eried: ‘Tt is our old enemy, the pirate. Tack ship !” ‘All hands ahay !” valled out the lieutenant. The pipe sonnded patna ee the ship, and all hands flew to their posts. ‘Haul up your mainsail! Down with your wheel!” came the order. A yo—aye, sir,” ‘Hard a-lee |” xe “Tet go your fore and jib-sheets!” shouted |. Ben, the wind being now ahead of about one point on the weather-bow. “Tet go itis, sir,’ muttered the men as they obeyed the order on the instant. “Mainsail haul! yards.” | i In a few moments the large mainsail began to fill, and then came the order in quick, sharp tones: ~ j “Right up your wheel to meet her.” *« Aye, aye, sir!” ; “ Fore bow-line! Let gound haul! foreyards! Haul down your foretack |” Then, in an instant, while yet all hands seemed fully oceupied : ‘Haul aft your sheet! Trim the mainyards! Set the mainsail,” “ Full and by!” said the quarter-master to the helmsman, and in another moment the Firefly was racing along upon a new tack, and bearing straight down upon the stranger, That he was no stranger after all was soon ap- parent, however, for as the Stars and Stripes fluttered from the Firefly’s peak, the black flag was seen to float above the mass of canvas upon the other vessel, and a shout of deflance went up from the Firefly’s decks. * OHAPTER XXXVIII. AT CLOSE QUARTERS. “Ha-Ha! he shows his colors at hist!” cried Bring round your after- | Trim your ; A flash, a puff, and the whizzing of a shot over the waters and a splash, the spray flying high in air. ‘And his teeth, too,” muttered Ben, under his breath, ; “Of all the fights we have ever had with that demon, this will be the flercest,” said Iron Arm, apne brought a piece to bear upon the mystic ship. “He speaks first, does he?” was Tom’s com- ment. ‘Don’t fire yet,’"he added. ‘save your powder and shot for close range,” ‘ : “Mhe fight will be the toughest yet,” thought | Ben. ‘Those who live to tell of it will indeed be fortunate.” Boom! | but again it falls short. “Down behind the I give the order.” f Below, on the, gun-deck, and on the decks above as well, the men were ready for action, al- though a silence as of death rested over all the | scene, from the openings; piles of amymunition stood accustomed place. Pistols and ¢utlasses had been given all around, }and there was not a single soul that was not | thrjlled with the utmost excitement, although all was so silent. Boom! Boom! Again the stillness is broken, and again the hurtling messengers of death come ehrlolelige through the air, The vessels are nearer now, but as yet no sound has been heard from the Firefly. “The villain dares not fight!” muttered the pirate chief, as he strode up and down his quar- ter-deck. , “He intends some treachery,” returned a fig- ure who accompanied the terrible buccaneer. Can it be possible that the man so gergeously dressed is our old acquaintance, Reuben Hurpy? It is he, indeed, his fortunes now being united | with those of the death pirate. The latter still wears that hideous mask, from | behind which his baleful eyes glitter with a do- moniae fire. M “ What treachery do you mean?” he asks, mood~ Ua i} when eet up close, will blow up his ship.” | Such language does not sound strange from | Reuben’s Jips, for, being false and treacherous ‘himself, he imagines every one else to be the | sam |he does. I have sworn to kill him the next time / we meet, and. what care I what he does if he as- sists me in my task, so much the better.” } “Pour in a broadside and wake him up, Make the coward fight!” Coward, indeed! , Such a word sounds well, indeed, in the mouth of such a miscreant. é i ; Boom! The pirate has opened, fire with #I1 his guns, and the ship fairly reels beneath the shock. | The air is filled with dense smoke, but still not }a sound comes from the Firefly, The smoke clears away Aas she is seen, per- fectly unharmed, bearing swiftly down upon them, though not a man is visible. j “Death and furies!” gasps the pirate under |his breath, his fingers working convulsively; can nothing harm them?” i ’ . “hey are armed with steel plates,” said Ren- | ben. them,” Before the guns could be trained to throw the within a cable’s iengt | waving his glittering sword, cries fiercely : | Now, then, my brave boys, do your work! | Give them thunder and lightning!” t | It is Captain Tom who speaks, and in another | instant comes the thrilling command: PRE |” ¢ Scarcely before the echo of the word ceases to with flying missiles. Then from the upper decks comes another layalanche of the deadly messengers, and the 4 ' smoke is fairly stifling. upon the pirate’s deck, and she staggtrs under | the shock. i Bays Crash! © pis Boom! i “‘Thud! Port-holes had been opened, the guns frowning ; ready by each piece, and every man was in his 8, “ Bahl? mutters the pirate. ‘I do not care if. Then a boyish form suddenly sprngs up, and : greet the earthere comes from the portholes ofthe Firefly a solid column of fire, and the airis filled Another shot comes whizzing over the waves, ~ bulwarks, éyery man!” © cries Tom, ‘and let none show themselves until ‘“Aim at the rigging and you will cripple — shot to the rignt height, however, the Firefly is A burning, blistering rain of steel and iron falls —
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tA t ; ] PRIVATEER TOM. & Then the two vessels come together with a noise like thunder, while above all the din of booming cannon sounds the voice of Captain Tom: ; “No quarter! ‘Wipe the villains forever from the face of the earth!” **Spare nono!’ yells the pirate. ‘‘And above all, kill that young braggart. A hundred pounds “to the man who brings me his head !” The two vessels are now firmly lashed together, and now a fight at close quarters begins, the guns being silent. i **Now look out for sport,” mutters Jerry, “‘for the man that comes out alive from this scrimmage will haye something to tell of.” “follow me, my brave lads,” cries Tom, and in another moment he is upon the pirate’s deck, followed by Vere, Iron Arm, Ben, and a score of his bravest followers. Itis a fight at close quarters indeed, for the freehootersanow come swarming: from below, all armed to the teeth, and all determined to fight till the end. The deck is crowded with one mass of strug- gling combatants, sword clashing against sword, cutlass against cutlass, while at short intervals the report of pistols is heard amid the din. “Death to the pirate!” cries Tom, and, push- ing his way through the crowd towards the quar- ter-deck, he suddenly comes face to face with * his old enemy, the arch traitor and villain, the peneaate and pitiable coward, Reuben Harpy mself, : CHAPTER XXXIX. TOM SEES THE PIRATE'S FACE. ““STanp aside, miserable wretch!” cries Tom, dashing Reuben’s sword to the deck. ‘It isnot you I seek, but your master.” Then he leaps forward, stretching more than one brawny pirate at his feet, and at one bound * springs upon the quarter-deck. ‘ * Now, villain, I mean to see your face!” he ey fait aims a blow at the pirate’s head. | Cras The blow falls full upon the pirate’s skull, and a shower Of sparks follow. The trusty sword is shivered with the force of the shock, and the blade, broken in several pieces, falls to the deck. , Quick as lightning, Tom drawse a pistol and aims at the grinning mask. Crack ! Crash ! The report rings out upon the air, and the bul- let speeds to its work, Then with a dull sound it strikes some hard substance and falls to the deck, flattened out of shape. if _ With a cry of disappointed rage, Tom leaps forward, an aot wrenching the sword from _ the pirate’s grasp, hurls it from him, and seizes the strange being by the throat. ul They are at once surrounded by a crowd of angry men, pirates and ‘honest sailors, all strug- ' gling most fiercely. _ Harry Vere is below omthe main deck fighting hand to hand with Reuben, while Jerry heads a party that are struggling with the pirates for the ' mastery of the forward part of the vessel. Bon and Iron Arm are both on the quarter- - deck, and wherever they go blood flows like water, the hayoc being something frightful to witness. “Save that noble boy, Howard, for the love of Heaven!” says Ben to his giant companion, “I ' feel my strength leaving me.” % $4 “Aye, that I will, Paul; but you must not suc- _ cumb yet, while there is yet so much to be done.” 5 - nothing could penetrate. ie 4. ¥ Méunwhilo Tom had seized the pirate by the throat in the attempt to tear off his mask, and both were struggling most frantically. Tom felt the touch of cold steel beneath his fingers, and realized at once why his bullet had _ failed to do its work. The man wore a helmet of steel firmly riveted to a heavy gorget setting upon his shoulders, under this again being a shirt of mail, which © Villain!” hissed Tom, ‘‘I will see your face, ‘eome what may!” : ee “ Thon he threw the ruffian to the deck and knelt upon his breast, his dagger poised above the “man’s eyes, which glittered with a deadly light. ‘Suddenly Tron Arm uttered a ery, and dashing forward smote a man upon the head with his naked fist with a force. that broke his skull and spattered Tom with blood. The wretch had been upon the point of stabbin our young hero in the back when Iron Arm ha seen him in the nick of time. Striking right and left, he hurled thefpirates into the sea,-and then springing forward put one knee upon the chief’s neck and cried: “Now, Henri, your time has come, and your career of crime is atanend. Acknowledge your- self and yield!” “Neyer!” hissed the man, flercely. ‘At that moment a ery of agony was heard from Ben, and then came the sound of a falling body. “*Tom !”” cried the man, ‘‘ help, for God’s sake! Tam dying!” Tom forgot all else, and leaping from the pros- trate pirate rushed to Ben’s assistance. The death-pirate sprang to his feet, but Iron Arm was upon him in an instant, and seizing his head in both hands wrenched the frightful mask apart and threw it from him. The face of the death-pirate was at last re- vealed. : It was dark and forbidding, the lower part be- ing covered with a close, black beard. Its aspect was stern and fierce, rendered more so Bi a terrible scar, red and livid, which extend- ed clear across the forehead. But what surprised one more than anything else was the remarkable resemblance that the man bore to Ben Barnacle, the boatswain. “Alas! poor Ben is dead!” cried Tom at that moment. “Behold!” cried Iron Arm. Tom leaped to his feet, and seeing the pirate’s face for the first time, eried excitedly: “My God! Who is this man?” «The father of Reuben Harpy, the husband of your mother’s half-sister, and my own cousin!” “Villains! then do I defeat you all!” cried the man, and throwing his arms around the form of the giant gunner, seared with him into the sea. There was a splash, and both men sank be- neath the waves, but nevermore arose again, the billows rolling over the spot where they had dis- appeared forever, and sealing for alltime the book of mystery, at which Tom had caught but one brief glance. CHAPTER XL. THE MYSTERY IS CLEARED AWAY—CONCLUSION. THE battle, though interrupted, was not finish- ed by any means, and was quickly resumed with full vigor. Though their leader was dead, the pirates still fought with their old-time ferocity, and the decks literally ran with blood. \ /Disarming Reuben by a clever stroke, Harry Vere cleft the villain’s skullin twain, and stretch- ed him lifeless upon the deck. «At last you are avenged, my best friend,” he cried, ‘and Tom Drake’s hand is not stained with this yillain’s blood.” Jerry Mizzen, wounded and nearly exhausted, had at this moment gained the victory he had so dearly fought for, and the pirates were hurled into the sea or killed where they stood. Poor Jerry, however, would never live to tell of his triumph, for when the shouts of victory rang in his ear, he sank back into Bob’s arms, the lat- ter having just come up, and said: ** Good-bye, Bob. You and I haye been good chums, hayen’t me?” ~ «We have so, Jerry,” said Bob, his eyes begin- ning to moisten. “T made a good fight of it, didn’t I, Bob?” “You did so, old friend.” “You'll tell ’em about this, when you get home?” é **To be sure.” ““And I say, Bob?” his voice beginning to grow faint. cia Well?” “Bury me in the sea, won’t you?” “Surely.” “With m by my side?’ “Til put it in your fist, old man, for that’s where it belongs.” F “ And another thing, Bob?” Well?” “Don't let Shrike get ahold of me, will you?” best suit on and this good old cutlass ~ [THE END.] “He shan’t so much as cut a lock off yor top- knot, Jerry.” “That's good. You'll remember me, won’r you, Bob?” p “No danger 0’ my ever forgettin’ you. Me and roe has had too many good times together for: at.” “Tell Captain Tom——” “He’s here, Jerry. The fight is over, and them as hasn’t been killed or chucked overboard has surrendered,” ; ‘ ‘Will he speak to me?” asked Jerry, growing; weaker, his breath now coming in fitful gasps. “* Aye, that he will, and be glad to do it. ie ‘ there, Captain Tom! Poor Jerry is about to slip his cable, and he wants to speak to you.” Tom, with Vere at his side, hastened forward, and bending over the dying man, said gently: ¢ “Ah, Jerry, my man, you were always an old friend of mine, and I shall be sorry to lose you. What would you say to me?” “ Ben Barnacle knows something that interests yous captain, and tell him that I say he mustn’t her dread commander, and from that time forjh, — piracy declined, haying received a blow which eventually proved its ruin. The body of Reuben Harpey was left upon the — vessel and was*thus destroyed, this fate being a ~ fitting ending to a life-long career of crime and — wickedness. ‘ ‘ Iron Arm never re-appeared, though the mys- — tery surrounding him had been somewhat clear- - ed up by his own declaration at the time of the — unmasking of the pirate.” , The packet which Ben had spoken of was opened, and then it was discovered that the boat-— swain was Tom’s own father, and the brother of — the death pirate! ; ; He had never made himself known to Tom on — account of certain events which had occurred in ~ his youth and of which he was ashamed, havin been a pirate with his brother, but, althoug never acknowledging himself, he had always kept a watchful eye upon Tom’s interests, and it was to him that our hero owed much of his ad- — vyancement. : : _ Now he was gone, however, and Tom, respect- ~ ing his secret, still retained the name of Drake, and with it won distinction in his struggles for his country. - / ages The war was ended at last, and Tom, covered ; with glory, returned to his darling Minnie while thé country rang with the praise of its naval — heroes, among them, and by no means the least, — being that of our old friend and hero, of whom ~ ble now take a flnaladieu, the gallant PRIVATEER (oy av we z
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\ THE FIVE CENT WIDE AWAKE LIBRARY---Continuea. 33 Trapper Against Renegade; or, Life on the PIRINS....2.ee000 sevessseesby Kit Clyde $64 Young Davy Grocket;” or, “The Hero of Silver GUICH. cocsteseceseccvevessescsssssDy Wild Bill 655 Tom Basswood, theSwamp Hero. By Capt. E. Park 656 ASallor’s Diary..............by Col. Leon Lenoir 857 Frentier Frod.......... seeveeeee by Texas Joe 658 Tales of the War.....6.... «By J. D. Ballard 659 Wrecked on the Coast of Florida. By Zach Brewster 660 The Boy Mechanic..........By Jas. D. Montague 661 Among tlie Danites; or, The Price of a Life.... By Kit Clyde 62 New York Noll, the Hartor Police Boy........ By Horace Appleton 63. Young Marion, the Patriot Spy of the Revolu- OD. oe eee ects cdcevesscoeees bY Ralph Morton 664 Young America in Egypt; or, The Drummer Boy’s Bravery ,........By Alexander Armstrong 65 The hortys’ Country Sioresccomios «»By Peter Pad 66 Gunboat Harry; or, The Navy’s Best Man...... By Col. Ralph Fenton 667 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Great Electric Tricycle, and : What He Did for Charity.........By ““Noname?”? 868 Dick Wheel, the Young Roller Skater....... tee : By Percy B, St, John 069 The Ghostly Bell Ringer......By Horace Appleton 670 Man-of-War Dick; or Wighsog for the Stars and Bars e+ eeeee-DY Ralph Morton ert Tie snark, Fighters; or, At War with the De- ish... .-.-.By Harty Rockwood 612 Sam; "badale “the Wild Horse panes Seacsee : By Morns Redwing 673 The ae ape Explorers; or, ae Search of : the Nort sesccteceses arry Rockwood $74 Old One Eyer on Trapper Guide of the North- west. wodevesccoccoacccsssvesebY s NONAMO ap A Yankeo: Boy in Mexico..........By Don Jenardo ‘6 Cast Up; or, Adventures on the Pay Deep. By J.T. Broughatl 677 ee nurone Steve, the Boy Pilot of the Missis- : ppl. -By Hal Standish 818 8 The ankee Boy Whaler......By Albert J. Booth eee eeen ee eeseeesesesersans 819 Little Mike Malloy, the Pride of the Irish Coast. , By Corp. Morgan Rattler €60 Dick Twilight’s School Days... By Captain Will ‘Dayton 681 ees the Bngineer...... Albert J. Booth _ $82 The Spr of the Northwest..... os as, D. Montague 683 The Pacific Specter....By Alexander Armstrong 684 The Lost Whaler; or, Adventures of neo Je Vets Co CoO EES 435 Penama Pete; or, The Outlaws of tho Isthmus By Hal Standish “686 Sightless Saul, theMysterious en of Montana : ** Noname ” 87 Josepn Jump and His Old Blind eco meete ‘ By Peter Pad 888 A Stroggre for Fame; or, ek Against FAO acccccccsccccece +e.-.By H. K, Shackleford 889 Jack Hawser’s TaVeniootiie, eseee By Peter Pad y 690 Black Sue Bill; or, The Hero of the Coal Min -By Ralph Royal ‘ ol A Boy ¥ With ‘Grit; ‘and How He Made His For- tun ss eeeceececeee-eby Captain Will Dayton 602 Jack! BORA Way! or, Bound to be aTar...... By Moward De Vere 608 The Sunken City. A Tale of Mexico.......... By H. K. Shackleiord 7 60k Royal Dick; or, Standing by His Chums.. By Hal Standish 605. Wing and Wing; or, The Young Captain of * _ the Flya Ne eesceeretrccncee ce »-.By Kit Clyde aa Dick Davie, e American Boy Miuay..By ©, Little Frank Keade, Jr., Witn His Air-Smipin Africa Bv **Noname 7 008 “‘prusty Joe, the Brave Old Scont...By “* Noname” 699 Found at bea; or, The Secret of a Boy’s Lite, Pee By Hal Standish 100. Little Ned, the Leader of vie School...... oe By Captain Will Dayton 101 wit o’ the Wisp; or, The Wila Man of the ‘Co: Gixcosas's secasececseeeoby Kit Clyde 702 Acrobat Nea, the Prince of the Air,....by ©, Little 103 Tack, the Wrecker’s Bon; or, Adventures on ABE... ssecsenncsecesseeD¥ J, Te Brougham 104 ‘The Fire Bogs of Chicago....by Jas. D, Montague 106 Lighthouse No. 6; or, The Ghost of the Sea.... ; by Allyn Draper 406 The Wolf-Fighters; or, The Aaventures of Two : New York Boys in Minnesota. seevecess by Howard De Vere wm Railroad Larry; or, Always in on Time...... by Albert J. Booth 408 Bound Together; or, The Youn Fire Laddies of Springdale................by Robert Lennox 100 Two peut on &,Wreck; or, Aceaaanes in Mid Oce: 710 The Jolly Travelers; or, Around the World for a Fon—comic.. eeeeeee DY Peter Pad TL The Haunted Pioneer; ‘or, fighting for Texas. **Noname” 2 pater From a Diary; or, A Youre. Clerk’s Downfall,.....-.seeeeseeeeDY H. Ke eum kleford ms Econ’ and the Renegade; or, Life in ICKY »erescsesserssses PRT TOONE RA Clyde 714 Before the Mast; or, A Sailor Boy’s Travels in - Many eseevecsccveccese- DY Jas, D, Montague Monaco, the Jaguar Hunter.....by Hal Standish y or, Working his Way --by H. K. Shackleford urt—comic. Ken- Bia by T ‘easer Rough and Ready; or, The Heroine of .-by ‘* Noname” kand Ladders ~ by Robert Tenntox Forced on a, Man o’ War seveesseeesDy Hal Standish A | 780 ey Lal 781 Lost in he Land of Snow; or, T "| 782. Coal nS Kit; or, Th 733 The Bend of "12; or, The Knigi 721 Jack o’ the Plains; or, The Headless Mazeppa by Paul Braddon 722 The Prisoners of the-Castle; or, A Blow for reedom. HA cooceaxteabyss Jas. D. Montague 723 Muldoon, the Sport—comic........by.Tom Teaser 724A Newsboy’s Trip Around a World......... y. H. K. Shackleford 725 In Dixie; or, A War Soneniniiite Thrilling AGVeNEUTES. oo. os0eeeeees0-D¥- Col. Ralph Fenton 726 The Skeleton Sentinel....by Lieut. E. H. Kellogg 727 Muidoon’s Vacation—comic......by Tom Teaser 728 The Valleydale Social Clab; or sed by Wine by. H. K. Shackleford 729 Davy Crockett’s. Vow; or, His Last Shot for VONZCANCO. sos. cee eeeccvevscccesees Dy Kit Clyde 730 Keeping His Word; or, puck ya Landy’s PLUCK ev. o ssc cccceccoce +e..-by Jas, D. Montague 781 Young Tom Drake; or, Bound to bea Captain y the Author of ‘Privateer Tom,”’ etc., etc, 782 ae feb Maiden; or, Through Deadiy Dan: tecscscosessDY COrp. Morgan Rattler 783 me. Textiod Prince; or, Two Boy Explorers in AIASKO. 100 se cececcssesscsseesee= y J. G. Bradley 784 Pilot Boat No.7 and ItsAmerican Boy: Captain y Kit Clyde 785 In the Wild West; or, On The Plains With Buffalo Bill........-...-....by Robert Maynard 786 A Sailor Boy’s Kingdom; or, Young America In the South Sea Islands. .by i. Shackleford 187 The Forest Mystery... ..by Jas. D. Montague 738 Beater Kee or, Three % in the Yellow- Sg sesssseseeeDy Kit Clyde T3A walt from the Sea; “Or, Fiung, from the Foam by Thomas P. Murray 740 The Book Agent’s Luck—comic.. by 7 » 741 Dandy- Rock, the Man from Texas... 742 Near the Gallows; or, A pounee Phinns Peril y R. T. Emmet 143 Dick Daunt tne D yer; or, Done ponte the Spon Inttors......+.....-....by J. G. Bradley 744 Across the Continent on Wings; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Greatest Flight......by “‘Noname? 745 Lost In an Unknown Sea; or, Adventures Un- der the Earth...............by Jas. D. Montague 746 The Shorty Kids; or, Three Ohips of Three Old BIOCKS—COMIC......s..ee eee eens ..by Peter Pad 747 Dick Walton Among the Cannibals..........- by W. I. James, dr. 748 The Six Swordsmen; or, The Boy Cavalier... by Richard R. Montgomery 149 The Leis ieb or, Dick Walton is ne South Sea: se ay . L. James, Jr. 750 Fraikd Reade. in, Exploring exico in His New Air-Sh {p..2 Grisessteent antes .-.by ‘‘ Noname ”? 751 The Fighting Twins; or, The Cavaliers of Mys- tery.. seeeeseDy Richard R. Boutmemery 152 Five Dollars; or, A Cheap Revenge.......... by Percy B St. *Jonn 753 Mike A or, GIs ae Pleas- tevens TTE—COMIG. 2... cceccecccccevee 'y Tom Teaser 754 Old Gradge, the cont; or, The Siete on tke Dake sctcwieetccusweccccctsccewe *t Noname ?? 755 Young Sam Patch, the ‘Champion Boy umper by H. K. Shackleford 756 Little Jack and His Twenty pore Firemen...... y Robert Lennox 757 Dick Spray; or, A Stowaway’s Tip to China.. by J. G. Bradley 758 Barnum’s Hunters; or, Trapping Wild Ani- mals for the Greatest Show on Earth..... 5 By Richard R. Montgomery 759 The Seven Masks; or, The Quaker City League By Perey B. St. Jom 760 Muldoon’s Night School—comic,:..by Tom Teaser 761 The Uniucky Miner; or, The Rivais for Dead Man’s Olaim,..........-+----«-by Paul Braddon 762 Cal, the Cowboy; or, The ep CunER King of Las- S0eTS..... «ssee-Dy D. W. Stevens 763 His.First Drink; antry Boy's Life in Ne w York............+..--by H. K. Shackleford 764 The Czar’s Boy Mail-Carti or, Young Amer-' ica in Russia ..... oveseee bY O. Little 765 Trappers and Tratle With the Red Men.......s0e .by **Noname ?? 766 On the Queen’s Servico.......s0 .-by J. G. Bradley 767 Bite Tack, the Messenger Boy; or, Sharp Work for a Million......-..s-Dy Robert Lennox 768 Sam Spry, the New York Drummer; or, Busi- ' ness Before Pleasure—comic..... 2 by "Peter Pad 769 A Lost Boy; or Homely Jack’s nba A Story of Bae Herder 770 The Black Rider. y Ralph Morton 771 A Week Above ae, ones or, Gant Adrift in B eovcscbeDYy, aa Standish y Re ?, Emmet c Father.....c0. sasucese DY. Paul Braddon 774 Little Matt, the Pilot; or, The Perils of the DakGtevswcsiescccsphenee ececsecceeesesby O. Little 775 The Trish Boy Monte nine oS by Corp, Morgan Rattler 776 A Nhe Among Pirates; or, The Blue-beards of the Seatselesccevetsercces seeese Dy Kit Clyde 777 The Littie Joker—comic...........by Sam Smiley 778 The Two Runaways; or, The Hardships of a Circus Life....... seaveacdedoeeeuby, Hal Standish 779 The School-boys’. Leagne; or, a orxtnes ilis Way Against Odds..2c0..000-D! 2 Robert Lennox the Newsboy; or, Olimbing the Fame....sscnesesssesesee'es DY O, Little ‘wo American — Ladder of F; 7 Boys in the Arctic. Boy of Diamond ‘| 848 aan the Bugler. A Story af GorernOns Island wt | 784 Muldoon the Fireman—comic.... hefes Tom Teaser 785 Diving for Gold.......... seneseeby Kit Clyde 786 The 12 Owls; or, The Secret Band of Chicago by Paui Braddon 187 The Fire King; or, The Yankee Boy Explorer by &. T. Emmet 788 The Boy Bank Messenger; or, Brave Bob Brad- shaw’s Secret Foe........... seeeoee-Dy O. Littls 789 His Last Cent; or, How Joe Datton Made His Fortunes si2ccesceusdlasees by H. K. Shacklefor2 790 Born to be a Sailor; or, Bob Dare’s Life on tho Waters. .cescisscueckloieuece esaby Kit Oly 791 Baee fast Man;. or, Frank e, Jr; in snanied ies sveseceeessDY.* oname 792 Saianzco or, The Mystery of'Ten Years, ines by Howard De Vere 798 Those Quiet Twins—comic..........by Peter Pad 794 ned Mate pico eey or, The Burning of - ....-by R. T, Emmet 795 A Soldier at 16; ‘or, Fighting for ihe Union . ra rr y 0. Lit 706 Teddy of the Toll ‘Gate; or, The Man with the Green Shades....... «BY Corp. Morgan Rattler 797 The Maysower Boys; or, Life in a Yankee SChOOleecssniss veeceacce by Percy B. St. John 798 The Young Snow Tratlers; or, -Big Track. Giant Moose Hunter..,........by Paul Braddon 799 Denny the Clown. naeees y J. G. Bradley tor; or, Bou to be aeons bY Ne 8, WOO 'g Life of Fun | «by Peter Pad & Stal 824 A Rolling 0 mic. BS 825 rhe § Secret of the Tattooea Ma < by. R. T. Emmet 826 Ouster’s Little Dead Shot; or, Tile ver Scout of the Litile Big Horn............by Noname ” 827 A Queer Race, The Story ofa ol People William Westall 828 Kit Carson’s Boy Trap’ Tes. Helo Pau) Braddon 829 sade tlt Hip the Boye ofthe Revolution.. 830 Paddy Miles’ Luck; or, - {rish Boy Miner... Corp. Morgan Rattler 881 The Boy Fish; or, Little D ick the Divers5e%' b . Emmet 882 Ben the Bowsman; or, Adventures in the Mon- tezuma Swamp,.....s.--seeee cesses DY O. Little 838 The Mastodon’s Cave; or, Two Wide Awake Boys in the Far Weat......by Percy B. St. Join 824 ane ey Stage Driver; or, The Hero of Rocky siveceedeseeeD¥YPaul apa 835 Pine Newsboy, Up; or, A New Business ork poy in by N. 8. Wood (The Young American “Actor) 886 Alone in the Wild West; or, A New York ato Search for Buffalo Bill..........by R. T. Emmet 837 The Secret of the Sealed Gola Mines,by** Noname ” 838 Little Blondin, the Tight-Rope Walker. .by 0. Little 839 pron New York San Francisco ina Catama- sgnecin cede y John Sherman 840 A syOung: Jay" Goula; or, A ioy mong the Money Kings.........-055 . K. Shackleford 841 Only an Errand Boy; or, Getting Up in the Old seisecececcccoseusstecees . Emmet | 842 Jack Ready’s School! Sera’ mic,by Peter Pad © $43 The Ice-Boat Boys; or, ising on Frozen =. Waters in .the Noreiw Gates seeeee DY O. Little 844 Little aks Joe; or, The Sharks of New York. by N . S. Wood (The Young American Actor) 845 Young Ironclad, the Boy Gunner.by John Sherman 846 The Boy Gold Hunters; or, wong: ew York.” in Callfornia............+.-.-.--DY RT, Emmet — 847 The Shortys af the Wild West oon ic.by Peter Pad — and New Work.... by Percy B. St.John] — ts of the Trail... | by Paul B:
Page 24
3 ; ‘Latest Issues of THE 5 CENT WIDE AWAKE LIBRARY, P10 A Sailor at Fifteen; or, From Cabin Bay to Captain ...........ecasee. 22s5.0y J.G, Bradley 919 Henpecked—comic..........-......+D) Peter Pad 920 Homeless Hal; or, A Poor Boy’s Life in a Great Uity..............by Captain Will Dayton 921 Wild Bill’s Boy Partner; or, The Redskins’ Gold Secret.......... ir vebst aby. Paul Braddon 922 Mniddon’s Christmas—comic ....by Tom Teaser 923 Captain Jack the Pirate’s Foe; or. The Devil- fish of the Indies.......... = .by Roger Starbuck 924 A Bad Boy at SIMU IEE NC aga “Wd? 925 Mr.\McGinty—comic.........:....by Tom Teaser 926 Lineman Joe, the Boy. Telegraph oat? Hea y O, Little 927 Shipped to China; or, The Life of Ronaway 2 Rewiee Bill Doomed; or, The Great Scout in No Man’s Land... 978 Te arate Hunters; or, Wild Life on the, Bide q crested pedive kee . by Robert Maynard 979 Litt ae Bounce; or, Something Like His Dad—comic,.......c0+ iistesveuses Dy Peter rad 980 The Treasure axove: or, The Buccaneers of the GUIfsrete cei crevencsseseaseesesDYidaiGe steel) 981 Alone on : Wreck; or, The pate of a Scut- tled Ship .....- sasseeesDy R. T. Emmet 982 Dan Darlingis Cruise; ‘or, Three Boye? Lucky Vacation........0.-+......by H. K. Shackleford 983 Muldoon’s Picnic—comic..........by Tom Teaser 984 Luke Lines, the Boy Stage Driver; or, The Fonr-in-Hand of Keno Camp...by Paul Braddox Arete ic, seseeesesessdy J. G, Bradley | 985 Jockey Jim, the Daring Boy Rider; or, Win- Boy 928 Searching ‘for Stanley; or Tom Stevens* Ad- ventures in Africa.............by R. T. Emmet 929 Boarding-School; or, Sam Bowser at Work and Play—comic..................by Peter Pad 930 wenn Magic; or, The Boy with a Charmed SocedentlesescnbsetssovecessssDY Paul Braddon 931 Mmracen Out West—comic..s.....by Tom Teaser 932 The Boy Treasure’ Hunters; or, Searching for Lost Money...... seseseeseseeeby John Sherman 983 Senator Muldoon—comic.. ...eby Tom Teaser 934 Sam Johnson, the Negro Detective, Dy. Harry Kane 985 Frank Reade, Jr, in the Far West; or, The Search for a Lost Gold Mine.... by “Noname?? 936 The Waif of Mystery Island; or, The Adven- ’ ’ te Ly -948 Pawnee Bill; or, The White Ohief's Rirst War tures of a Boy Who Was Kidnapped. ard by Roger Starbuck 937 The Mystery of the Sealed Door; or, The Old- est House in New York....... J by RB, . T, Emmet 988 Islund No. 7; or, The Pirates of Lake Michigan * by Geo. W. Goode 939 Our Landlord; or, Life in French Flats—comic by Peter Pad 940 From Joekey to Judge; or, The Boy Who Was Always ANCA. ......cceeeceesseceessD¥ O, Little O41 Alone in New York; or, Ragged Rob the News- boy. by N.S. Wood (The Young American Actor) 942 The Boy. Express Messenger; or, Fighting the ‘Train Robbers................by John Sherman 943 Next Door; or, The Trash Twins—comic...... by Tom Teaser 944 The Limbless Hunter; or, 51 Slocum’s Revenge by Roger Starbuck 945 ane Boy in Red; or, The Ozar’s Bites Mes- senger..... sseeeees-. by R. T, Emmet 946 Adrift in the “Antarctic; or, WY ears on a Continent of Ice.....,..............-by O. Little 947 The Aldermen Sweeneys of New pian ee ‘easer Paul Braddon anager at AUT coe ney 949 Be Boy Showman; or, A Gircus IXLECN ces st . ...by Jolin Sherman 950 Tip Top, Teddy, ihe Young Foretopman; or, Four Years Before the Mast.....by J. G. Bradiey 951 Mrs. Brown’s Boarding-House—comic........ " 970 The Property Boy; or, Before the 974 Rob Rider, the Cireus AOU TA, 975 The OG Minstrels; or, Work by Peter Pad 952 The Boy Sheriff, or, The Regulator of Peco Valley tevévee R. T. Emmet 953 The Burled “Gold Ship; or, ‘The ‘shor Boy's GHOSt eee ee teks neaseetcccenalerecs ss OY. O2 Little 954 Our Future President; ‘or, ‘The Oak That Came From the Acorn—comic.... seeees DY Pater Pad °955 General Crook’s Boy Guide; or, The Great pindian Fighter's Black Hills Trail......... by Paul Braddon 956 Three Yankee Boys in Africa; or, The Giants of the © CONGO. scseseehecee sDY Percy B. St. John 957 The Boy Surveyor; or, Running Out a Rail- road in the Indian Country. ..- by John Sherman 958 Rob Rounds, the Young Fireman. ....by O. Little 959 Muldoon’s Base Ball Olnb—comic.by Tom Teaser 960 Fair-Weather Frank, the Dashing Sailor Boy.. ; by J. G, Bradley ! 961 Eagle Dan the Boy Hermit of the Rockies..... _ by Paul Braddon 962 Captain Lewis, the Piraté.......0....+-by O. Little 963 Muidoon’s Base Ball Club in Sa “by Yom ‘Teaser 964 Harry Horton; or, From Be Waif to a Million- Captain Will Dayton BITC. Wo. ene eens vesecee oD. 965 The Prairie Post Boy; or, The Scalp Hunters of Apache Land........4......by Paul Braddon 966 Chums to the Death; or, The Adventures of a Boy Marine,..........- +«....by Roger Starbuck 967 Muldoon Abroad—comic..........by Tom Teaser 968 An Engineer at 18; or, The Boy Driver of the _ Lightnin EXPress......es0006+DY R. T. Emmet 969 Hardpan Harry, the Hunted Boy; or, A Young New Yorker Among Western Outlaws...... ys by ©. Little Footlights and Behind the Scenes...... y N.S. Woo b71 aloo Base Ball Club in Phiiadelphia— FAR +.s.+s.by Tom Teaser 972 The: Mysieny of the Fire-Ship; ws A Brave Bo Saiting Master...............by Roger Starbuck 978 The Boy Bicycle Scouts; or, On the Wheel Among the Redskins..........by Paul Braddon or, Two by e0. W. Goode ng the Same CtS—COMIC! vssseseeseeeene by Peter Pad Years Under the Canvas...... 976 tthe Tunnel Under the Sea; or, The Adventures of Two Drowned Pores swaeeee a R. T. Emmet ning His Fortune in the Saddle... ... by Robert Maynard 986 The Lost Boy ett) or, The Secret of the Hidden Whirlpool..........by Roger Starbuck 98% Honest Jack Jarrett; or, Hew He Made His MOney..e si seess WTA PD HORS Shackleford 988 Rob Rivers, “the Raft Boy; or, Log eae, on the Missouri River.......c0.0.- y R. T. Emmet 989 Muldoon the Cop, Part I.—comic. by Tom Teaser 990 Muldoon the Cop, Part 11.—comic..by Tom Teaser 991 The Boy Wrecker; or, ‘The Young Pilot of the Breakers..................--by Roger Starbuck 992 Born to be Rich; or, A Boy’s Adventures in Wall Street. cevssarcevecsesDY H. K, Shackleford 993 Frank Reade, Jr., and His Queen Clip er Ol the Clouds—Part I..............by “ Noname” 994 Frank Reade, Jr., and His Queen Clipper of the Ulouds—Part {1...0.......5 -by “‘ Noname 7? 995 The Boy Lawyer; or, Fighting For a Stolen Million........... by R. T. Emmet 996 Little Tomy Bounce on His Travels—comic. by Peter Pad 997 The sem: tiack Rover; or, The Mysterious Privateer of New York Basievce ae ies by Corporal Morgan Rattler 998 Pawnee Bili’s Oath; or, ‘rhe Oklahoma Scout’s Lost Gold Cache seis ..-by Paul Braddon 999 Jimmy Grimes, Jr; ov, The Torment of the Village—comic.........-.+..-...by Tom Teaser 1000 The Pirates of the Black Cave; or, The Mys- tery of the Hidden Lake.... .by Roger Starbuck 4901 Through Thick and Thin; or, Our Boys ADIGA ero cscs ese eS e by Barton Bertren 1002 Jack and Jim; or, Rackets and Scrapes at School—comic. --.by Tom Teaser 1008 Littie Quick-Sho o Bills Wild West in Europe.. +s+.e.-..Dy Paul Braddon 1004 The Mysterious Li ht-Ship; or, The Smug- glers of the Death Coast.‘...by Roger Starbuck 1005 Muldoon’s Grocery Store—comic, Part I.. by Tom Teaser Part I. by Tom Teaser 1007 Frank Reade, Jr., and His Monitor of the Air; or, Helping a Friend in Need. by “ Noname” 1008 Gerald *0'Grady’s Grit; or, The Branded Trish Lad,..........by Gorporal Morgan Rattler 1009 Denver Dan, Jr., the Silver King; or, The Richest Lode in Nevada....... .-by ‘*Noname’?? 1010 Six Weeks in the Saddle; or, The Adventures ofa Boys’ Riding School. . 2s. «by R. T, Emmet 1011 The Traveling Dude; or, The Comical Adven- tures of Clarence Fiz | Roy Jones—comic... by Tom Teaser 1012 Black Brow, the Pirate; or, The Cruiser of the Dark River............+ “by Roger Starbuck 1018 The Yankee Yacht Oinb; or, Around the World by Water,............+.by Geo. G. Small 1014 Frank Reade, Jr., Exploring a River of Mys- Ty. Strange Story of Africa.by ‘‘Noname” 1015: Na Trip Around the World—comic. Par seeseess-Dy Tom Teaser 1016 Muldoon’s Trip ‘Around the World—comic. Part ID.... 0.2... .ee eee eeceee sees Dy Tom Teaser 1017 Flat Boat Fred; or, The Young Swamp Hun- ter of Louisiana... seaeeesDY H, K. Shackleford 1018 Among the Sun Worshipers; or, Two New York Boys in Peru......,...,by Betton Bertrew 1019 Jack Magio, the Boy Wonder; or, The any “est ON the Stage..isssescsese ee 0. Little 1020 Frank Reade, a r., and His Electric. in Yacht: or, The Great Inventor Among the Aztecs by ‘‘ Noname,?? 1021 Two Boy Wanderers; or, The Chums of the Lost Island....... ... «by Roger Starbuck 1022 The Wonder of Wall St ;.or, A Boy Among the Bulls and Bears...... ‘by ‘H, K/ Shackleford 1023 The Unknown............++++..0¥ Paul Braddon 1024 Sankt pee eS Adventures of Two Dudes— “t seenecssaeee ss Dy Tom Teaser 1025 Cast. ‘Aariity cr, One Year On a Ralt........-6 by J. G, Bradley 1026 The Rival Boat Clubs; or, The Boss School at Beachwood...........+... by Howard De Vere 1027 The Demon Captain; or, The Doomed Boys of the Gun-Ship....s..0s..-by Roger Starbuck 1028 Held by Sitting Bull; or, The Siege of a Da- kota School-House....s+.+.. -by. Paul Braddon 1029 Bob eat te oe A Boy of Business and Fun —com secevseesssesess DY TOM Teaser 1080 Bob Bright; or, A Boy of Business and Fun —comic, Part Il........0+-.... by Tom Teaser 103t Pawnee Bill’s Shadow; or, May Lilie, the Girl Dead Shot....0...0..05 aed Paul Braddon 1006 Muldoon’s Grocery Store—comic, scree ceseteesby Paul Braddon ead 4032 Tom Topp; or, Fighting Against Fiends..... by Allyn Dra: reper 1038 The Poisoned Ship; or, Adrift on a Sea of % Death.....4.. by Roger Starbuck 1034 ee Darts or, The Fiend of the Revenue Ont- seececccececcsese DY Berton Bertrew 1085 The’ Boy Slave of New York; or, Sold to a Hunted Man..............0eeceeeee- Dy O. Little 1086 Around the World in a Sail Boat.......... by Harry Kenneds < 1037 Fred Fresh; or, As Green as Grass—comic,.. by Tom Teaser 1038 Old Buckskin, the Man With the Trained Doses or, The Indian Scout’s City Man oath Hani aes wepecesscesetDS Raul Braddon 1039 “Sport, ithe New York Bootblack.. eae by N.S. Wood 1040 Philadelphia Phil; or, From a, Bootblack to 3 @ Merchant,........+ veseees by O. Little 1041 A “ship on Wheels; or, ‘The Woneer of Hur- ricane Coast............s...by Roger Starbuck 1042 Truthful Jack; or, On Board the Nancy Jane. tO A Story Full of "Lies—comic....by ‘om Teaser 1043 The sols Arrow; or, The Demon of the Cas- \ oe she 1044 The Boy Lion Diamond Caves,... 1045 ‘*7 9? "Of Dismal Swa Great South....... 1046 The Castaways of Iceland; or, The Fiend of the Lava Uaves. Senta .by Roger Starbre& 1047 Bly, rea or, Fr: ne Thing to Ancther mic. +... by Tom Teaser 1048 An mingles at Seventeon; or, From the | Bottom to the Top.............-...by O. Little 1049 ghicaeo Carl; or, The Kactory Boy’s For- tune... i... sseneeby R.T. Emmet 1050 Cast Kae With” Gannib: is; or, The White Boy King of the Man-Baters, A Thrilling Story of the South Pacific.....by J. G. Bradley 1051 Frank Reade, Jr., in the. Sea of Sand, and ; His Discovery of a Lost People. by “Noname?? 1052 Pawnee Bill’s Double; or, The Great Scout’s if Best Trail......ssecseee -by Paul Braddom 1053 Pacer Dane, the Senate Detectives or, Behind the Scenes in Washington,.....-...by 0, Little 1054 The Skeleton Island; or, A Oruise in an Un- ~ ' derground Rivers. .sces+0 «bY Roger Starbuck 1055 The Pistol ence, or, The Treasure of the Cache. by Paul Braddon 1056 Looomotive Fred; or, “hife on @ Railroad.... * RW POR AG De Vere ) 1057 Dandy Dan of Deadwood. by ‘* Noname.?? 1058 Twenty Years on An Island; or, The Story of ib a Young Castaway..,..01.0...4.<by Kit Clyde ae 1059 ine hg Boy, or, The Worst in Town— Osereas sevcesees DY Peter Pail © 1060 me sPhantotn Light-House; or, The Mystery 4 of the Storm-Coast.........by Roger Starbuck 1061 Dandy Dan of Deadwood, and the Fresh |= = From Friscoslriiccitecs cecpoosby, “Noname.*? 1062 The Rival Rangers; or, The Sons a Freedom - by J. G. Bradley x 1063 Backbone Rob, the Boy of Pluck; or Makin His Own Way Through the World... sby CO. Little — 1064 The a) oi of the Pueblo; or, The Phantom Hand haeeere teu. ances seseeueesby Paul Braddon 1065 andy Dan ot Deadwood in Danger......... by “‘ Noname* 1066 Pawnee Bill’s Gold Hunt; or, The Lost'Treas- UTE TVAIN. ...eevececeesesceessDY PAU Braddon 1067 Icebound; or, Among the Fl00S,......-s...-- by Berton Bertrew 1068 SD lakhs Sam; or, A Cruise, to the Sea of Messed) scecsceeecsaseeby Roger Starbuck 1069 TOuDRY, Brown & Co. at School; or, The Dea-~ con’s Boy at His Old TrickS—COmMIC.....00. by Peter Pad © ts ex 1070 Frank Reade, Jr., and His Greyhound of the oie or, The Search for the Mountain of ae Seeeacaties DSann i Siocn 3% IO7L Dandy" Dan of ‘Deadwood, and is Deal with Death....0.......0204 eNoname? ‘ox 1072 Go-Ahead: Harry, the Bo i Who Got Theres or, Where There’s a Will There’s a Way... _ by 0, L 1073 Old Sixty-Nine; or, The nace ot Bugineers, , De Howard De Vere’ ” oe 1074 The Boy Mate; or, Cast Away ith Convicts. Dy OER ae Pa 1075 Jim, Jack and Jim; or, Three Hard Nuts Has Orack—COMIC. 220... e sense --by Tom Teaser 1076 Colorado Oarl; or, The King of the "saddle, ye eine by J. G.'B Bradley € 1077 ends Dan of Deadwood and His Big, Bonan: yy * Noname ?? 1078 The} Lost ‘Diamond Ship; or, aN Sean forén Unknown Laké.......+++.-+ the ola © Sari: 1079 Benny Bounce; or, A Block’ of e Old Chip.._ ' by Peter Pad a i 1080 Nozzle Ned, the Boy Fireman of Madison.... ey by Robert Lenno3 1081 The Two Boy Cattle Kings; on An arene Mail Carrier’s Oath....... ..--by Paul Br: don 1082 Nimble Nick, the Boy at Norvaie a Sent ofits His Own Battles.....0...cceseeeen 1083 From Pole to Pole; or, Frank iteader Jr.'s “out Strange Submarine Voyage,....by * Nona; FR 1084 The: TWO Boy Clowns; or, A Summer at nl f 6 poitens omen aetna