Five Cent Wide Awake Library (vol. 2) (1890 11 08)
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PHEFIVE CE ng fintered at tha Post Office at New Fork, N. ¥., as Second Class Matter. ( } Ege. $ FRANK TOUSEY Posiisuen, Sia 86 Norte Moons Sruurr. N. Y. PRICH 4 No, 1004, i SAUL A ya NEW Yors, November 8, 1890. IsgvED Iiveny WDNEBDAY. 15 CUNTS.' Vol. Il teres according to Act of Congress, in the year 1890, oy FRAWK TOUSHY, én the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washingten, D. C. z THE SMUGGLERS BT OR, Of the Death-Coast. By ROGER STARBUCK,
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2 “THE MYSTERIOUS LIGHT-SHIP. The subsoription price for THE WipE Awake Lisrary for the year 1890 will be $2.50 per year; $1.25 per 6 months post paid, Address FRANK TOUSEY, PupiisHer, 34 and 36 North Moore Street, New York — THE MYSTERIOUS LIGHT-SHt Ps OR, THE SMUGGLERS OF THE DEATH-COAST. By ROGER STARBUCK, | Author of “The Boy Wrecker; or, The Young Pilot of the Breakers,” ete., etc., ete, CHAPTER I. A PERILOUS CONTRIVANCE. “Trcur O, right ahead!” roared the lookout at the bow. The speaker was one of the watch aboard the United States gun- brig, Dolphin, from San Francisco, She was a neat little craft, carrying six guns, an@ commanded by Captain Rawlins, who was in search of a notorious sinuggler— a pirat- ical sort of desperado called Ned Watkins, known to have secret hid- _ing-places both on the west coast of Mexico and Panama. Where these hiding-places were located none of the revenue officers had yet Been able to discover, but some of their vessels liad actually been flred upon and damaged by the bold smaggler. The latter was reported to be the captain of an armed topsail schooner, which was so swift a sailer that she had thus far bafiled all the efforts of those who had attempted her capture. At present the Dolphin was about fifty miles to the westward of the coast of Panama, in 6 degrees, north latitude. — The night was both dark and misty, and the brig was heading along to the southward before a light breeze, which was dying away when the manon the lookout gave notice of there being a light ahead. ‘ The captain, aj middle-agedy weatber-beaten sailor, who was on deck, soon had his night glass to his eye, but the mist was too thick for him to make out much more than a vessel’s topmast, with a large globe-like lantern attached to the head of it. *¢ Tf seems to be a li ght-ship, Mr. Gray,” he remarked, in surprise, to his lieutenant. ‘‘ What can such a craft be doing here?” “Ay, ay, sir, I should say she was a light-ship,” replied the lieutenant. ‘She must somehow have drifted from her moorings. That is the only way I. can account for her being where she is.” As he spoke the light suddenly disappeared. Then all at once, a rocket was seen to shoot up high in air from the mysterious vessel and break into red, blue and green stars, which fell in showers toward the'sea.. ‘That was of course meant for a signal,” remarked the captain. Just then the top sails commenced to rattle fore and aft, and a mo- ment later the breeze had ‘entirely left the brig. 2 ‘Send Mr. Ray here,” said the captain to the lieutenant. Mr. Robert Ray—a young master’s mate of twenty, soon came up and touching his cap, awaited orders. “Mr. Ray,” said the captain, ‘you will take the second cutter, with an armed crew, and try;to board the light-ship we have just seen. As she cannot be more than eighty fathoms distant, a rope can be attached to the stern of the cutter—with one end fast to this craft. That will prevent your, losing us iu the fog and darkness, when you are ready to return.” a ee Soe eS ‘* Ay, ay, sir,” answered Ray. “ Choose for yourself the midshipman you ‘Would have with you.” ‘©T would prefer Mr. Dale, Captain Rawlins.” “Very well, sir, Find out all about this strange vessel. I Taye a suspicion she is in some way connected with the smuggler \ we are after. Be as quick as you can, for I think we'll have a blow, of some kind soon.” «Shall I capture her, if she shows fight?” ‘“If you can: Be not too rash, however. If she seems to have more men than you have, and resists, the coxswain can blow the fog-horn and we will send you assistauce ” ‘ Ay, ay, sir. Any further orders, captain?” ‘No, sir, “You can go now.” Mr. Ray saluted, and soon the cutter was down and manned with its crew of twelve, armed with Cutlasses. «Mr. Ray and Mr. Dale were also armed—the former with a sword and pistol-and the latter with his dagger and a small revolver. * Richard Dale, the midshipman, was a fine-looking youth of seyen- teen, with brown hair and dark, spirited eyes. He was an orphan, the son of av army officer, who had Gied in San Francisco, a year affer Richard had received his warrant in the navy. The boy was of a frank, generous nature, and as he had shown un- usual courage during the Nestcan war, he was liked and respected by the officers as well as by the crew of the brig. Not wishing that the light-ship’ £ occupants should he aware of the lowering of the cutter, it haa been dropped as silently as possible, = without the usual sounding of the boatswain’s whistle. “Shove off! give way!” ordered Mr. Ray, in a low voice, and the boat left the side of the vessel—a quartermaster aboard ‘ paying out” the coil of rope fast to it, as it receded in the fog and dark- ness, The boat was headed in the direction where the light had been seen. To the surprise of the cutter's occupants, py could now detect no sign of the vessel. Hither and thither did they pull, Falaty foekine for it in the fog and gloom. “She has changed her positign, that’s plain,” eat Mr. ‘* Probably she has had her boats down towing her. at the end of the rope leading from the brig we can go no further, and will have to return aboard the Dolphin.” : “What is that?” inquired Dale, pointing ahead. There the indistinct outline of something was discernable. “T can’) make it out, ” said Mr. Ray. “‘T should say it was a boat.” i ‘Ay, sir, it looks like ore as weil a3 we can see in the darkness, Ray, AS we arenow .
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It is drifting this way, I think, but so slowly that it will be an hour feaching us.” « There—see there—a light in it,” suddenly cried Mr. Ray. In fact something iike a spark of fire now was seen on the floating object, ‘Tf you consent, I will swim to it,” said Dale. * You are a good swimmer?” *¢ Yes, sir.” ‘¢ We will both gol” cried Mr. Ray, after 2 moment’s reflection. Doffing their hats, shoes and outer upper garments, which they tied to their shoulders, and leaving the coxswain to take charge of the cutter until their return, the two young officers swam for the sup- posed boat. As they drew nearer to it, they perceived that it really was not a boat, but a small raft. The spark on it had become larger and now seemed to emit a hiss- ing sound. “ What can that mean?” said Mr. Ray. ‘Tt puzzles me,” answered his companion, Side by side they swam on, and were soon close enough to the raft to perceive that there was a train of hissing fire upon it, They kept on, but when close alongside of the raft there was an upward burst of flame, and the master’s mate sang out; _ Dive—dive for your'life, Dale!” The youth obeyed, and both dove beneath the service. It was well they did so. ‘As they were about going down there was a noise like the bursting of a thunderbolt. The whizzing fragments of a large shell narrowly missed their heads ere they disappeared beneath the water. When they rose to the surface they were surprised to find the pre- viously calm surface foaming and hissing in a squall which had sud- denly swooped down upon the sea. The raft on which the shell had exploded was near them, still, for- tunately, uninjured, They swung themselves upon it, and now the full violence of the squall broke forth. CHAPTER II. ADRIFT. TwE direction of the gale was away from the cutter, Therefore the two officers were driven further from it every mo- ment, They clung to the ropes with which the timbers were lashed togeth- er, while the seas occasionally washed over them. In the gloom and the driving rack they could see nothing of the boat they were receding from. ‘This will not last long,” remarked Mr. Ray, shouting to make himself heard above the roar of the storm. ‘tT hope we'll succeed in getting back to the cutter,” said Dale. *T think we will, I’ve no doubt now that this raft was sent adrift by some friend of the smugeler, but he was nicely bafiled, as the shell exploded before it drifted to the cutter.” @, ‘‘ Ay, not knowing the cutter was fast to the brig by a rope, he probably thought it would be pulled up to the raft just in time for the shell with the train attached to it to explode.” As the agitation of the water increased and the great surges whirled the raft about and sometimes swept over it, its occupants found it difficult to keep their position. They tightened their grasp and clung to it for their lives, Onward were they swept directly before the raging blast. ~ The seas kept rising higher,sand they flnally became aware that the squall, instead of passing away, was merged into a heavy gale. Several times they were almost jerked away from their hold. ‘My wrists are nearly cramped. Icarnot hold on much longer!” cried Ray. ; ‘*Oan you not twist the rope about your wrists?” ‘No, it is too short, If I am swept off and you ever get back to the brig tell Captain Rawlins that I did my duty.” “ Certainly, but you shall not be washed away if I can help it.” ‘At the risk of his own life Dale, watching his chance, cut away a trailing length of rope attached to one of the timbers. Then, watching his chance, lie tied itsecure about the breast of his companion and fastened the end to one of the spars. THE MYSTERIOUS LIGHT-SHIP. 38 I believe you have saved my life,” said Ray, ‘* Welldone, Dale. gratefully. But even as he spoke a sea swept over the raft, and Dale was anak ed along with it. In another moment he must have been carried off far to leeward but for his arms slipping down through one of the openings between the timbers. Around this timber he threw both arms, and thus sayed himself from going further. Meanwhile the raft was borne on before the gale. The dash of the seas against it and its violent motion had loosened some of the timbers. “(Do you think it will hold?” inquired Richard. . “T cannot tell. If these seas continue I’m afraid it will go to pieces before long.” ‘‘ How far do you think we are from the coast?” ‘All of forty miles, [ should say.” ‘J think I see a light ahead of us,” cried Dale, suddenly. < ‘‘ Ay, there’s a light, sure enough. By the look of it, I think it is that of a light-ship.” Both the occupants of the raft kept their gaze upon the light. Gradually they could make out the globular light of the vessel they had spoken of. ‘‘ We are being carried straight toward her!” said Mr, Ray. ‘« Yes, sir, but I hope we may drift past her.” A few minutes later they could see tle outline of the craft. When still nearer, they could detect the He color of her hull through the gloom. A dim form in an oil-skin coat and sou’wester was bending over the after ‘rail. The vessel, close hauled, was lying to, pitching and ne in the seas. She had three. very short masts, and her main topsaib was ates reefed, Suddenly the man in the oil-skin coat bawled out: ‘‘ Blue lights, there, boys, lively. Here's something close aboard!” “Down! Crouch low! Wemay escape being seen!” said Ray, “The man holds a rifle, and will fire at us if he sees us!” Dale lay down between two of the logs, and his companion did the same, The raft was ewept, on and just as, it was opposite the vessel’s lee counter the blue-lights began to burn, shedding a bright gleam upon the waters and distinctly revealing the raft. © The man with the rifle detected the crouching forms of the two officers, as the raft was borne past the vessel, and, raising his rifle, he fired. The bullet chipped a piece from the log behind which Dale was lying, and just missed his head. A moment later the raft was carried far past the yessel by the rolling seas. g Then a hoarse voice was heard issuing orders. ‘© A pull on the weather braces! Lively, men!” ‘They are going to try to run us down,” said Ray. The outline of the vessel soon was Seen as she came tearing along toward the raft. Presently she was close to it, with ner blue lights again burning. Lifted by a huge sea, it looked as if she must, the next moment, - be borne down upon the raft. On she came, and now the exulting shouts of her crew were heard. Her broad bows, pointed straight toward the drifting platform of logs, were swept toward the center of it. One blow from these heavy bows would dash it to fragments, Both Ray and Dale gave themselves up for lost. But as the vessel was borne toward them with the rapidity of light- ning, a cross-sea struck the raft, and the craft, just grazing it, shot past. aoe f _ **We are saved!” cried Ray. ‘Yes, sir, the yessel cannot beat up to us again in such a blow.” — This was true. The hull of the light-ship soon was lost to view in the gloom, and before long even her globular dentert was obscured by the mist and the darkness. Hours passed, and still the two sae carried along on’ the raft, heard the gale raging about them.
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THE MYSTERIOUS LIGHT-SHIP. Drenched and almost suffocated by the seas, they suddenly beheld | something dark looming up ahead, with masses of white water and spray flying around it. «Tt is a rock,” cried Dale. “Then we are lost,” answered Ray. ‘' Nothing can save us how.” Even a3 he spoke an enormous sea caugnt the raft and hurled it swiftly toward the rock, A moment later, with a loud crash, the raft struck the rugs: jection, and’was torn asunder. The officers were unhurt, but they found themselyes apart from each other, struggling in the wild, tumultuous waters. Dale, throwing out his arms, as he was being carried past a project- ing spur of rock, managed to clutch it. He held on, and, drawing himself up, "soon reached a sheltered niche in the mass of rock. Presently, as he peered forth, looking. for his late companion, he fancied he heard a yoice beneath him. At the peril of bis life, he clambered down the rock, and beheid Ray clinging to a rugged knob. It vas not long enough to enable him to obtain a good hold, and he was every instant in danger of being whirled away from it. Dale saw a huge sea coming and realized that there was no time to losa, if he would save the master’s mate. He reached down, caught him by the collar, and with great exer- tion drew him up out of the water. : “Now hold hard for your life!” he cried, as the sea came thunder- ing down toward the rock. The two clung to arugged column, and, though the sea, dashing upon them, lifted them from their feet, they kept their hold, A mo- ment later both Ray and Dale had clambered up to the sheltered hollow. ‘ead pro- CHAPTER III. THE DRAGON’S MOUTH. Tae gale now showed signs of abating, and before dawn it had subsided to a moderate breeze. As the light began to creep through the drifting fog, the latter gradually lifted. Then the officers, looking about them, discovered that they were not halfa mile ffom the coast of Panama. On this part of it huge cliffs rose close to the oe extending along as far as the eye could reach. But no sign of a human being could be seen on this desolate ‘shore. Both oflicers looked seaward, hoping to discern some friendly sail, but the vast expanse of water was unbroken, save by the rolling surges. ‘We will swim to the shore,” said Ray. *' Probably we will find some crabs or shell-fish there. At any rate, we will find a place in the hollow of some rock where we can obtain rest and sleep. Iam worn out. How is it with you, Dale?” : «My whole body feels as if it had been battered,” the youth an- swered. ‘I will also own that I have a tremendous appetite.” ‘We had better make a start then,” said Ray. They did not have to stop to divest themselves of any of their cloth- ing. The master mate’s coat and shoes, and Dale’s jacket and slip- pers were lashed to the shoulders of each as they were when they left the cutter to swim for the raft. They struck out for the beach, and were within twenty fathoms of it, when suddenly a huge sperm whale, with an enormous jaw, show- ing the white scroll of his teeth, rose in their front, making straight toward them. The creature had been wounded by a harpoon, which could beseen protruding from its hump, and was booming along with tremendous speed, j Its eyes being on each side of its head, and the swimmers’ position being directly in front of it, it was evident the whale did not see them. : Therefore it was that Dale, who was some yards ahead of his com- panion, was in-danger of being scooped up by the monster's jaw, ere he could sheer aside or dive. . The youth had in fact given himseif up for lost, when Ray uttered a loud shout, at the same time beating the water with his feet. : Tn an instant, just as the great jaw was about closing over. the boy, ooo 000050 III IIIs I IA the monster turned off, heading on a diagonal course toward the sea. ‘That was easily done!” cried Ray. (frightened) by a noise.” ‘*T would not have thought of that,” said Dale. whale would have had me in his jaws.” ‘‘It has been struck within a few days, as I should judge by the line and harpoon. Probably some whaler has lately been cruising near this coast.” : The two, not long after, gained the beach. They found a few crabs adhering to the rocks, which, evidently, at high tide, were washed by the water. Dale had some matches in a rubber safe, and, by means of these, a fire soon was made with some driftwood, which was found piled in a hollow among the rocks, The wood had evidently been brought to this “hur ag there were traces of a fire having been made at some late period, on a broad ledge projecting from the front of the cliff a few feet above the beach. Having soon roasted the crabs, the officers made a tolerable meal. Then, putting on their coats, caps, and shoes, they moved along the projections of the clifl, looking for some caye or recess in which they might obtain rest. In a small hollow they found a can of preserved meat, and also a bag, which, on opening it, they discovered to be half filled with sea- biscuits. Near these provisions were pieces of spunyarn, and also the broken shank of a harpoon, «These ‘tell the story,’” said Ray. ‘A boat’s crew of whalers have lately been on this coast, and that explains tke presence of the whale we saw so near the shore. The sperm whale generally keeps away from shallow places near the land, but the one we met had evi- dently been seen out at sea, and being struck and badly hurt, had, after taking all the fast boat's line, been so closely headed off as to be obliged to make toward the coast.” The can of ineat was opened, and the two officers made an excel- lent meal. , ‘Now for sleep,” said Ray, whose eyes were already closing from drowsiness. : They lay down in a sheltered nook among the rocks witi their coats for pillows, and, notwithstanding their hard bed, they were soon fast asleep, They judged they must have slept a long time when they finally awoke, as the sun, high in the heavens, was shining upon the spark- ling water and the tide had risen almost to their feet. “‘Come,”-said Ray, ‘‘the best that we can do at present is to watch for a gail. Who knows that we may not soon behold the Dolphin?” The two were climbing the cliff to attain a higher position than they occupied, when suddenly Dale laid a hand on his companion’s arm. ** See there—a vessel’s mizzen mast, if I am not mistaken!” And, ag he spoke, he pointed along the cliff toward an inlet or small bay, which opened in the rugged wall of rocks about a hundred fathoms from the place where the seamen stood. ‘ Ay,” said Ray, ‘Ill warrant you that is the whaler of which we have been speaking.” The two hurried along. the ledge of the cliff they occupied, but they had not proceeded far when they suddenly paused and looked at . each other in dismay. A projection of the rocky wall affording them a better view of the craft, they perceived that she was none otlier than the light-ship! Hastily they drew back against the rock, but even as they did so they perceived that the mizzen-mast of the vessel had suddenly van- ished. Bending forward from their position, and thus obtaining a view of the mouth of the bay, they discovered that the craft was gone! ‘What can that mean?” said Ray. ‘*Ay—what? It puzzles me, I must own.” “The sails of the craft were furled. She must have been towed further into the bay.” They hurried on, and soon gained the part of the cliff which f ormed the edge of the bay. Looking round it, they saw the full extent of the bay, which was about two hunéred feet in length and seventy in width. But they discovered no sign of a vessel of any kind. ‘The whale is soon galled ‘But for you that i
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y THE The light-ship had strangely, mysteriously vanished. ‘© What can have become of her?” said Dale. Ray’s eyes lighted up. “ Dale,” said he, ‘depend upon it that if we discover where this craft is, we will find out that it is the secret hiding-place of the smug- gler, Ned Watkins!” “You think, then, that the craft is hidden somewhere among the rocks?” : “ Ay, probably there is a large cavern or archway at the extremity of the bay into which she has been towed by her boats.” ‘*Shall we go and look for this cayern?” ‘Yes, bul we must be very careful, as we know nothing about the place and might be discovered.” The two soon found a ragged ledge,that would lead them around the edge cf the height, along the wall which formed oue side of the bay. This ledge, beach on the edge of the bay. Then they beheld an inlet leading into a sort of narrow rayine be- tween two walls of the height. This ravine. was overhurg by masses of vines and other shrubbery that projected from eartby crevices in the rocks on both sides and darkened the inlet, so that it could only he dimly seen. ‘Stay here, Dale, and keep a lookout, while I venture into this place,” said Ray. ‘There may bea skiff or canoe here, which would be usefel to us. This would seem to show there is one.” As he spoke he pointed to a paddle which was floating on the water of the inlet. - Dale stood on the beach near the entrance of the-inlet, while Ray, making stepping: places of projections on one of the walls, keps on into the inlet. All at once the boy imagined he heard a splash. He looked into the inlet, but could see nothing of his late compan- jon. Thinking he might be hidden by a projection of the wall he called him by name in a low voice. There was no response. Then Dale was about entering the narrow ravine, as the master’s mate had done, to look for him, when he saw «small skiff gliding along the surface. : ; iS _ It contained a single occupant, and as the skiff emerged from tke entrance into the light Dale perceived that. this person was a stout, brown-faced female wearing the garb of a fisherwoman. On seeing Dale her black eyes lighted with an expression of sur- prise, ‘Hah, boy!” she cried, in a hoarse voice. one like you here.” “‘T am as much surprised to see one of your sex on this lonely, out- of-the-way place,” was expressed in the midshipmon’s face, and the woman seemed to understand the look at once. ‘‘My husband hag a hut not far from here,” she explained. ‘‘He fishes for pearls and I for the kind of fish that serves for our food.” “How strange to see “Probably you saw my companion—another officer—in that inlet’ * from which you have just come?” said Dale. ‘Not I. [saw not a soul there save myself.”’ ‘He just went in there along the wall. You must have seen him.” ‘How? D’ye tell me I lie? If your companion went along that wall he may never come ont again. He has probably fallen into the Dragon’s Mouth.” “ Where?” ‘The Dragon’s Mouth we call it. It is a sulphur pit. Overcome by the fumes, he has most likely tumbled into it, and I can tell ye, if 80, that you'll never meet him on this side of Heaven.” CHAPTER IY. THE RUIN. On hearing this dreadful announcement, Dale stared at the woman as if he could not credit the assertion. Come into the skifl, my boy, and’ Pil Show. you the place,” she said. As the skiff touched the strip of beach, Dale entered it, when the woman paddled the boat into the mouth of the inlet. “The skiff had not proceeded three fathoms, when Dale became aware _ of astrong, sulphurous odor. sloping downward, brought them to a small strip of. MYSTERIOUS’ LIGHT-SHIP. 5 “There it is,” the woman said, as they passed the bulging wall of rock the youth had previously noticed. She pointed to a slanting hole in the rock, from which the fumes of sulphur issued with so strong on odor as to almost overpower her companion in the skiff. “Tye believe me now? Bh? Dale stared at the opening. *‘T should think he might have drawn back in time to escape fall- ing,” he said, ‘No, the odor was overpowering. in.” “Did you see him fall, then?” the boy inquired. “1? No, I must have heen some yards away when it happened.” “A dreadful fate!” cried Dale. ‘‘ Little did I fancy such was his’ destiny when he quitted me.” ‘ ‘* Well, it’s so and there’s ro use of moaning over it. Will you go with me to my husband’s hut? I do not think you have much in the way of provision to boast of in that bag slung to your back. I can furnish you with something fit to eat for a consideration.” As she spoke, the black eyes of the speaker twinkled. “There are sea-biscuits in the bag; but I am not hungry now.” “Tell me how you came to be on this part of the coast which my husband and I call the Death coast.” “‘Tand my late companion were cast away. That is as much as I feel at liberty to tell you.” “Your uniform shows that you belong to the navy. whom your captain has been looking for.” *« For whom do you think?” “For the smuggler, Nat Watkins,” ‘* How came you to guess that?” ‘Tt is well known that the Government vessels are searching for him.” ‘“« Perhaps you have seen him. Perhaps you can give me some in- formation about him. Half pirate as he is, le should be captured.” ‘Call you that man a pirate who merely defends himself from arrest?” Yes, when he is engaged in unlawful calling.” “ Well, every one to his fancy. For my part, I would not betray the smuggler, even were you to reward me handsomely for doing so.” Dale looked at the speaker. ‘You know where his hiding-place is?” “ Ab, that I do, and as you are most too near it to suit my taste, I see no reason why-I should not send you after your fellow officer!” Ag she spoke, the woman, to Dale’s surprise, pulled a pistol from the pocket of the coat she wore, and pointed it at the boy’s head. The youth looked at her fixedly. ‘ ‘‘T see,” he said. ‘‘ The smuggler is a friend of yours. You have the advantage of me and can shoot me, if you like, but my death will not go unavenged. I would rather a man’s hand should send me to my doom, for it is painful to think of the hangman’ s rope about the neck of a woman!” The latter smiled. The boy’s coolness seemed to please ‘her. ‘Upon my word,” she said, ‘*I think well of your navy, which trains such youngsters as yourself. Give up your dagger to me, and I will not shoot you—at least not at present.” ‘You ask too much of me. I will haye to refuse to give up my only weapon of defense.” ; ‘Tn that case, I will help myself to it!” cried the woman. Before Dale had time to offer resistance, she pounced upon him, and hurling’ him Gown, essayed to tie his wrists with a rope she had picked up from the bottom of the skiff. Dale strove to escape from her, but, to his surprise, her grasp was like iron. : Weakened as he 7 as by his Jate hardships, the youth was soon overpowered, and found himself seated before his late opponent with his wrists tightly fastened by the rope, which was “secured pei a difli- . cult knot. Ashamed of haying been thus captured by a woman, he colored Eh?” said the owner of the skiff. It stupefied him, and he fell I can imagine ° . ' deeply. You need not feel hurt about it,” she said, while a half smile lurked about the corners of her mouth, ‘‘I have mastered strong men before now.” In fact, as he looked at the speaker's broad, Square shoulders, lone. te IY Raine jie 4 p PSR,
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THE MYSTER OUS > LIGHT-SHIPF. arms and determined coe Dale could hardly doubt the truth of her assertion. *t Why have you bound me? Where would you take me?” he inquired. ** You shall know in time.” So saying, haying possessed herself of his dagger and pistol, she seized her paddle, and urged the skiff swiftly along. Soon she reached the rockly cliff at the further side of the bay. ‘* Wait a moment,” she said. With your arms bound as they are, it will be the worse for you if you do.” She stepped out of the boat, and secured it by a warp to a rocky spur, after which she moved along a narrow ledge leading toward a thiek clump of shrubbery a few yards off. In this clump she soon vanished. Scarcely was she gone, when Dale strove to free himself from his cords, He twisted and jerked his wrists vigorously, But the rope was tied with a bowline knot, which only became tighter the harder he struggled. Suddenly he noticed a hatchet lying in the skiff, The edge of this instrument was partly turned upward. Dale was enabled to draw his cords lightly across it. The strands in this way were partly severed. A vigorous jerk then parted the rope. The boy’s wrists were free, He produced his pocket-knife, and with one blow severed the boat’s warp. Then he picked up the paddle and urged the light vessel along to- ward a small cove a few yards off. He soon reached the cove. In it there was a hollow or small cave. This he entered. There he remained for some time, We could hear the voice of the woman as she shouted angrily, ‘looking for the skiff. There was no way for her to reach the cove where Dale was except { by swimming. *_- But it was evident she thought the boy had paddled out of the bay and around the edge of the cliff. Dale saw her moving along the ledge in that direction. As soon as she had vanished round the cliff, the youth emerged from the cove. He then directed the skiff toward the clump of shrubbery. He had to push aside a mass of drooping vines ere he could see what had been hidden by this clamp. It proved to be the entrance of a broad water cavern. “T thought so,” muttered Dale. ‘*But though it is wide enough for the Jight ship to enter, it is not high enough. She could not aye passed into this place.” He directed the skiff into the cavern, Tt was so dark there that he could not see the sides, until his eyes became used to the gloom, ' Then he perceived that the cave was about ten feot high. The sides were rugged, as also was the roof. All was silence here, On he went. Further into the cavern did he rapidly aerate All at once he saw light ahead. This proved to come down through an opening in the roof, He saw in the side of the cavern some rngged stone steps. He fastened the skiff by its warp to one of the projecting stones of which the steps were made, and ascended them. He mounted fifteen steps, Then he found himself in the apartment of an oid ruin. | This had evidently been a convent. The floor upon which he stood was made of square blocks of gtone. These were laid so that they formed a sort. of arch over the square Opening above the water cavern. The room was a large one. ' On both sides of the wall were many small windows. | Some yards ahead of him there was a wall in which was a stout, wooden door secured by a padlock. Above the door was a small, square opening, -mittance of light and air, awhile evidently for the ad- : i a “Don’t attempt to leave , the {skiff Dale resolved to climb to this opening and look through it. He saw a beam standing against one of the walls, This beam he brought and placed on end so he could climb it. In a few moments he kad reached the opening. He looked through it and could not repress a ery of surprise, © Here was evidently one of the secret retreats of the smugglers. Benches, chairs and tables were in the room, Barrels and boxes were piled up in one corner. These certainly were smuggled goods. Dale crawled through the square opening, above the floor. He dropped down to the latter. ei Then he advanced to the barrels and boxes. These he soon ascertained were full. He was still looking at them, when he heard a noise at the door. It was made by the unlocking of the padlock. Some one was about to enter the apartment, As the door opened, Dale ensconced himself between two of the barrels. The next moment the door was pushed back, and alight form glided into the room. 2 Peering from behind his place of concealment, Dale saw a beautiful young girl. : which was about ten feet CHAPTER V, y A FRIEND. THE girl upon whom the young midshipman gazed was not more than fourteen years of age. She was of dark complexion, with large black eyes. Her face was almost childish in expression, although, at the same time, full cf womanly intelligence. Her form was light and graceful, and she was tastefully though rather fancifully attired. Her garb was of blue silix, scarf. ‘Her long, black ringlets brushed this scarf, and now and then she tossed them aside as she walked. She went to a table, brushed it, and taking a plate, a knife and a fork from a shelf on the wall, she ldid them neatly on the table. Then from acupboardshe brought forth a ham, some cold sweet po- tatoes, a dish of fruit and Some brown bread, which she also placed on the table. Dale Jooked wistfuliy from his hiding-place at these preparations for a feast, and was half tempted to step forth. But he believed it to be his duty to stay where he was and watch. The girl having set the table, placed herself on a bench, drew a ismall book from her pocket, and commenced to read. An hour had passed in this manner, when, all at once, voices fell upon the ears.of the youth. ~ The girl started up, and replaced the book in her pocket. A look of blended expectancy and fear was now upon her face. Presently the door was opened, and the samo fisherwoman who had overpowered Dale entered, accompanied by a youth of twenty. The latter was a powerful, reckless-looking person, wearing a sort of watch-coat, and high boots reaching to his knees. ; The coat open in front revealed a blue shirt with a broad collar. The young fellow, though not handsome, had about him that jaunty air which is so pleasing to some women. “Hi, there, Loo,” said the fish-woman. ‘‘I seo you have only set a, place for one. I have brought Weston with me to-day, and {i can tell you he is as hungry as a sea-wolf. So give him the best our lar-— der affords, and season it with your sweetest smiles. Meanwhile, I may as well turn myself into a man now, as I’m tired of these quD bers ly garments!” Then to Dale’s surprise he saw the speaker throw off the female — garb, which proved to core the sailor trousers and manly shape of the wearer. Tn fact he was a man, afl & very robust man at that. His broad, full chest and well-rounded limbs denoted blended strength and activity. His age might have been thirty, though, like most seamen, he look- ed to be.older than he was. : The young man whom he had called Weston bowed to the girl, and made a motion as if he would take her hand. ~ and she wore over her shoulders a red
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THE MYSTERIOUS LIGH'L-SHIP. > ? & | But she drew back with a slight knitting of the brows, which evi- dently indicated dislike of the new-camer. ‘¢ Come, daughter, shake hands with him! Is this the way you treat the captain of my light-ship, which has ever been of such service to us? But for her warnings, your father would have been in prison be- fore now.” To this remark the girl made no answer. She simply went to the closet already spoken of, and, taking from it a plate, knife and fork, she placed them on the table. ‘* And where is the wine, Loo?” cried the elder man, impatiently. “Upon my word, you seem inclined to tredt our guest shabbily enough.” “Tt matters not, Captain Watkins,” said the other, though he look- ed displeased and angry. ‘‘I care not for wine at present. Let us talk business. As I told you, the gun-brig Dolphin is off this part of the coast looking for you.” Dale started. Loo, the person disguised as a fisherwoman, was the noted smug- gler, Ned Watkins. Here was an important discovery, and the youth now hoped that the young man would say something to explain the mysterious dis- appearance of the light-ship in the bay, near the entrance of which he and Ray had seen her just before she so strangely vanished. But the wishes of the youth were not destined to be gratified. Not a word was ‘ttered upon this subject. The two outlaws now were seated at the table. Presently they spoke in lowered tones, as if not desiring that the girl should hear what they said. All at once, however, Watkins, looking quickly and keenly at her, said: : ‘« Where is he?” ‘¢ What?” ‘s Where is he? Come, don’t, pretend ignorance. whorn I allude, girl.” ‘No, I do not.” ‘(No trickery; no falsehood.” Tears rose to the girl’s eyes. ‘‘You insult me,” she said. go away from here.” “ What! you would leave your father?” ‘© You know very well my name is Louisa Brand, and you are not my own father, but simply a distant relative. You and your wife adopted me. She was kind to me, but since her death I have longed only to-leaye this place.” “No; you know too much about me and my affairs to be permitted to go. If you do go, remember Ishali find you, no matter where you may be, and I swear that I will kill you.” The girl shuddered and turned pale, ‘«J did not say [ would go without your permission,” she faltered. ‘Weil, you'd better not. And now answer me truly, where is that young oflicer—that midshipman?” ‘‘ T know not to whoia you allude. ‘I have seen no one during your absence.” «Oh, you hayen’t—eh? How happens it, then, that the skiff in which he came here was at the foot of the steps?” “J know nothing about that. I have not noticed the skiff. I came in here from outside, and did not look down through the opening.” «* Ay, ay, she tells the truth, sir,” said Weston to the captain. would stake my life she does.” He looked at the smuggler’s adopted daughter, as if expecting a glance of gratitude from her for taking her part, but she gave him none. : “Tn that cage, the boy must be hiddensome where “about the prem- ises, without her knowledge,” said Watkins. The two men having: finished their meal, started to their feet. Each drew a pistol from his breast pocket. Dale's heart beat rapidly. : He feared discovery, and having with him no weapon of defense, he regretted his temerity in hiding where he could be so easily found. But the smugglers did not approach the goods. You know to “Ob, how I wish you would let me “ey Tn fact, Dale could not have selected a better place of concealment. - It did not occur to the outlaws that he would dare to seek so simple “a hiding-place. They-moyed in an opposite direction from that where lay the smugeied things, rae Advancing to an old staircase leading to an ‘upper floor, they ascended it. ; They passed through an opening in the floor above them, to where troken altars and deep alcoves would in their opinion afford proper places for concealment. No sooner were they out of sight than Dale emerged from between the barrels. Tt chanced that Louisa—the outlaw’s adopted daughter—was look- ing that way and saw him the moment he stepped forth. She seemed about to cry out, but instantly checked herself. The handsome, manly youth before her, pale and weary from his late hardships, roused her sympathy at once. He advanced toward her. « Would you be good enough to show me how I can escape?” he whispered. Louisa colored deeply. Then hearing ‘he footsteps of the smugglers above, she realized there was no time to lose if she would save the boy. “This way,” she said. ‘‘They would see you from the windows above if you went outsides.” ; Dale followed her. She moved to the further side of the apartment, and raised with some exertion one of the lighter broad, flat stones with which the floor was paved. An opening was thus revealed, having a flight of slimy stone steps. “‘Go down there. They never use that vault,” she said. © The midshipman thanked her and descended. She replaced the flat stone, and pushing a heavy wooden chair upon it, she sat down on the chair. A few minutes later her father and Weston re-appeared. “Tt is very strange,” said the former, ‘‘we cannot find him.” ~ He looked sharply—suspicicusly at kis daughter as he spoke, but she calmly withstood the gaze. Now that she really did know where the young officer was, she showed no emotion whatever.” But her heart beat rapidly. “Come,” said Watkins, ‘‘we must look for the fellow. he left the ruin by the further door.” Having first looked among the smuggled goods, he quitted the puilding. Weston, as he stood holding the door the other had opened, glanced toward Louisa, as if wanting to say good-bye. To his joyful surprise, she said the words before him, and even smiled as she spoke. He shut the door and hurried after Watkins with a light heart. _ At the same mcment Louisa heard beneath her a fierce, guttural Probably growl like smothered thunder. t “Tt is Wolf!” she cried, in dismay. ‘‘I did not know father had put him there.” ’ A CHAPTER VI. ; : A SURPRISE. On descending into the vault, after the girl had closed the slab above him, Dale found himself in nearly total darkness. Through one small hole ic the thick wall there entered a ray of light. = As the youth became more “used to the Ghacarity: he could see the sides of the vault, which were damp and green with age. The floor was of stone or cement. It felt as wet as if water had been poured over it. ‘The sound of deep, low breathing came from behind a brick parti- tion near the further side of the apartment, Then a head was thrust forth. It was apparently that of a Panama wolf, with huge, glaring eyes and sharp fangs. The monster gave a spring, which brought his lank, powerful form in view. : He uttered a guttural growl, and made violent efforts to break from a not very strong rope, which held him toa ring in the brick-work. -To defend himself from this beast, in ease of his breaking loose,
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8 THE MYSTERIOUS LIGHT-SHIP. ‘Dale had only bis RoCEG mastic: with a blade not more than five inches long. Si He could perceive that the wolf was almost as flerce as if iu its wild, untamed state. Hvidently Watkins usually kept it asa sort of watch-dog on the outside of the ruin to give notice of the approach of ‘aby stranger. Louisa now raised the slab over the opening. But ere she could call out to Wolf he, with one tremendous effort, broke the rope which held him and bounded toward the throat of the young sailor. ** Down, Wolf, down!” called Louisa, as Dale dodged the animal. But the latter did not seem to heed her. The midshipman sprang up the Jadder, “Were!” cried the girl, putting in his hand a small pistol] which she had hastily pulled from the bosom of her dress. It is loaded. The dog is mad!” In fact the animal was frothing at the mouth, while his blazing eyes were of the color of green emeralds, f He ran round the vault as if looking for the youth. Then he made a tremendous spring for the ladder, As his dark body clove the air Dave fired. ‘The sharp report of the weapon was followed by one prolonged, hideous bark, as the wolf, shot through the head, fell struggling to the floor. In a few moments he was dead, Then Dale returned the still smoking pistol to the girl. ‘Many thanks,” he said, ‘‘ but will not that noise betray me?” “T think my father and his companion are too far off to hear it,” replied Louisa. -‘‘In fact I think you can venture out for the pres- ent.” Through one of the small windows she could see the two men, now some distance from the ruin. Dale stepped forth from the ladder, “Take a seat at the table,” said the girl, ‘and I will get you some- thing to eat. I know you are both tired and hungry.” The young officer bowed, and complying with Louisa’s directions, he was soon enjoying an excelleut meal, ‘© You have been a good friend to me,” he said, gratefully. «They would kill you if they found you here. Of course I muat do all I can to prevent that.” “The skiff is gone from the foot of the steps,” said Dale, a moment later, as he looked down through the opening above the water-cavern. ‘¢ Yes, my father has probably concealed it in a hollow in the wall of the cavern.” ‘If I took to the boat I might go out to sea and run the chance of being picked up.” *«You would incur the danger of being captured by the smugglers. Bat how came you here?” Dale informed her, when she said: “That sulphur pit is a perilous place, have been lost in it.” **T was very sorry to lose my companion. as a brave officer.” ‘Had he nof lost his life in that way, my father would, I fear, -have killed him. He is a bad man, who would not hesitate at such a crime.” “Unintentionally I Breer enough while concealed behind the barrels to know that you are not his own child, and that you would be glad to leave him.” “J would, but Iam afraid he would take my life if I went.” ‘You would have no cause to fear him were you once aboard my yessel—the Dolphin.” “T don’t know. He is very oWartal and has spies in many places. Several of the smugelurs ‘He was a kind as well - I fear that after 1 left your craft he would find me out. # I have no doubt we would, could I I don’t think she can be very far «- But we hope to capture him. but get aboard the vessel again. from here, and: wish there was some high place whence I could watch j for her.” “T know of a place. take a notion to do so, and then you would be discovered.” **T-will have to risk that.” **Come, then, I will'show you where it is.” Dale followed the young girl, ane condueted him to the summit of 5 the ruined tower. My father seldom goes there, but he might. Here he found himself in a sort of a belfry, overgrown with moss and with trailing vines on one side. It commanded a good view of the sea, but the youth could at pres- ent discover no sign of a sail, although the weather was clear. ‘ Here—take this,” said Louisa, presenting to him the sinall pistol which he had previously used and returned to her. ‘* You may have occasion to resort to it. Here are some cartridges and caps,” she added, taking a small box from her pocket, and also putting it in his hand. ‘¢ You must need these things yourself,” he said, ‘‘or you would not have them. I cannot consent to deprive you of them.” ‘« Nay—nay, you need have no scruples about that. I know where Ican get more if 1 want them. I really have so far had no ovcasion to use them, and only kept them as 4 precaution—not knowing what might happen.” The youth thankfully accepted the weapon and cartridges; then in quitting him the girl continued: “J will do all I can for your safety. visions while you are here.” “Many thanks. I shall not feel satisfied until rescue you from ue hands of the smuggler.” ‘Were I so rescued I would go to live in peace the rest of my life with an old aunt in San Francisco. She wanted to take me after my parents died, but the smuggler’s wife, my father’s sister—came and carried me off.” As the girl spoke, Dale could not help liking her ames, innocent voice. t Her beauty, of the brunette type, also pleased him. She now closed the door after him, and he heard her light step, as she descended the winding stair. Keeping a keen watch from his position, the youth finally saw a fog rising along the western seaboard, It spread rapidly, and soou even the rocky cliff upon which the ruin stood, together with a thicket, extending on the right of it, was veiled from his sight. . Hours passed, when, all at once, Dale saw the dim outline of a man’s form close to the ruin. This man was running rapidly, as if pursued, and suddenly the boy heard the sound of shots and the whizzing of bullets. The fugitive coming closer, Dale uttered a cry of surprise. The person he saw was no other than Robert Ray, the master’s mate, whom he had thought was lost in the sulphur pit, Leaning out of the belfry opening, the youth cried out, in a half- Suppressed voice: ‘Mr. Ray! Mr. Ray!” The latter heard him, and quickly looked upward. * Dale,” he replied, ‘‘is it indeed you I see?’ z “Yes, sir. Go into the ruin and you will find a young girl, who will show you how to get up here.” “Tam pursued, and don’t think I would have the time. vine, I will trust to that.” Looking down to the right of the belfry, Daie saw the officer climb- ing to a ruined wall of the convent beneath. He soon reached it, but he had still thirty feet more to climb. The tendril of the vine leading up from this point looked to ve too slender for a man’s weight. The youth had previously peucey an old coil of rope on the floor of the belfry. He seized the end, lowered it, and fastened the other part to the frame which had once held the convent bell. By means of this rope, which proved strong enough for the purpose, Ray soon reached the side of his friend, who then drew up the line. At the same moment the outlines of the forms of half a dozen rough- looking fellows became visible rapidly approaching the ruin. Dale and his companion then crouched out of sight, watching the men through a crevice in the woodwork, I will see that you have pro- Here is a CHAPTER VIL . DISCOVERED. $ THE men watched by the two officers were armed with pistols and cutlasses, ‘ They stood motionless when near ‘he ruin, looking carefully about them, o> ge my -
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THE MYSTERIOUS LIGHT-SHIP. i) “They are some of the smugglers,” whispered Dale. ‘Yes, they haye been pursuing me.” The mei now entered the ruin. *T hope they will not come this way,” said Ray. ‘7 hope not,” answered Dale, +I haye only a small pistol, which would not keep them back.” The rough tones of the smugglers were hearé, blended with the voice of Louisa. Evidently she was trying to convince them that the fugitive had not entered the ruin. The outlaws, probably after a brief search, left the premises. From the belfry the two officers saw them enter sie thicket. Then Dale said to Ray: yi ‘How is it I find you alive, sir? I was leé to believe that you had fallen into the sulphur pit and perished.” *«T did fell into it, but as I went I clutched a rocky protrusion on one side, and, finding myself opposite a narrow opening there, I crawled into it, when a breath of fresh air partly revived me. “Tt was some time, however, before I was strong enough to creep forward. When, at last, I had strength, to doso, I crawled along, } keeping my mouth toward the fresh air, and at length I emerged upon the beach froin the other end of the passage. «This was partly concealed by shrubbery, but on pushing that aside I found myself near the place where I had left you. ‘‘T was surprised at not seeing you. ‘J moved on, climbed to the top of the precipice, and looked about Ine. ‘Not a living soul could I see, but in the distance : noticed the ruin of the convent. “‘T crept belween two rocks, and sat watching the sea, hoping to sight a sail whicn I could signal. ‘At last a fog came, and just as it became thick I heard approach- ing footsteps and also voices. ‘As these people were coming toward me, I knew I would be dis- covered. I waited, however, until they were near enough for me to judge by their garb that they were smugglers, when I rose apd beat a rapid retreat. They saw me and pursued, as you have seen.” Dale then described his meeting with Watkins, disguised as a fish- erman, and his subsequent experiences. “Have you inquired of the girl you speak of about that mysterious light-ship?” ‘No, but I intend to the next time I see her.”’ Just then a step was heard on the s‘airs, and a moment later Louisa openeil the door of the belfry. She had with her some provisions and a jug of water. She did not seem surprised at seeing Dale’s companion. Evidently she had heard the shots that were fired, and, looking from the ruin, had observed Ray climbing toward the belfry. ‘‘Glad enough I am to get something to eat,” said the master’s mate. ‘But can you tell me what those people of the light-ship have done with their craft? My friend and I saw the vessel at the entraice of the bay, and when we looked at the bay, only a few minutes later, she had disappeared.” “‘T dare not tell the secrets of the smugglers,” answered the girl —‘‘al least not whilelam kere. Not only would I be killed, but [ would firs$ be tortured should they discover I had spoken | of these things, and——” Ere she could say another word, heavy BISps were heard ascending the stairs. Then the rough trio: ‘« Ah, I believe she has betrayed us—that she has the rascals some- where in hiding about the ruin. You are sure you saw her mounting the steps with the provisions?” «7 could take my oath Lo it,” was answered, in a voice which, the girl recognized as that of a youth whom she knew was often dee puted to act as a spy. “« God help you!” she whispered to the officers, ‘ They have learned that you are here and you are lost.” The footsteps came every moment nearer. Ray drew his sword, and Dale cocked the pistol with which the yoice of Watkins thus saluted the ears of the ‘girl had proyided lim. ‘¢ Stand back!” cried the youth, as he leveled his weRDon toward < ¢ ~ J Watkins, who now appeared at the head of the stairway. ‘If you come another step, I will put a bullet through your head!” There was only room for one person at a time to enter the belfry. Watkins, knowing this, resolved to run the risk of standing Dale’s fire, while he discharged the pistol he held. : Quickly he pulied the trigger, but as he did so Louisa caught his arm, disturbing his aim. Then the whizzing of the bullet was heard, as it cut the air close to the ears of the youth. The latter, fearing to hit Louisa, who was close to the smugglers” captain, had not. fired, Watkins, with a savage cry, thrust aside the girl’s arm. At the same moment Dale, bounding forward, struck the captain on the head with the butt of his pis!ol, momentarily stunning him. As he staggered to one side, Weston squeezed past him and raised a cutlass to deal the young midshipman a stroke with it. But the youth dodged the weapon, which otherwise must lave near- ly severed his head from his shoulders. ; Then pointing his pistol at the young outlaw’s brow, he pulled the trigger. Ashe did so, Weston ducked his head, avoldine the shot, which passed through the shoulder of another of the smugglers, who was pressing up to assist his companion. With a horrid scream the man fell backward, involuntarily clutching Weston by the collar as he went. “ Away, away for your lives!” cried the girl. glers are coming up the staircase.” Dale understood that she meant for-him to make use of the rope— - the only means of leaving the belfry. One end, as already stated, was fastened to the bell frame. The young ofilcer, lowering the other part, said to Ray: “ Quick, sir! You go first! I will follow!” Seeing that to olject now would only cause delay, Ray complied, He rapidly descenéed the rope, which was long enough to enable him to reach the ruined wall below. Dale followed. ; Just then they heard a loud voice above: ‘* Stand where you are, or you are both dead men!” Leoking up, they saw Weston aiming a double-barreled rifle toward them. He had evidently snatched the piece from one of his companions, who had arrived. 4 Dale stood motionless. He whispered to Ray: : Climb down by the vines, from the wall, The smugeler can only shoot one of us at a time. You are my superior oflicer. Go and save yourself !” “Til be hung first!” answered Ray. duty to okey my orders!” “Ay, ay, sir! but I’ll disobey this one, even if ’m court-martialed for it!” answered Dale. So saying, and before Ray could prevent him, he seized him by the “collar with one hand, and, by a dexterous movement of his foot, shoved the feet of the other from the edge of the wali. Down went Ray, and as he went Dale let go of his collar. The officer fell as straight as a plumb-line, and landed on his ee. about four yards below. Bang! went the rifle at the same moment. The bullet whizzed close to the head of the master's mate, and, grazing his shoulder, struck the rock under him. Weston had fired one barrel of his rifle. The next moment Ray, crouching behind an angle of the wail, was safe from another shot. . “Climb up!” shouted Weston to the midshipman. are in my power now.” “Very well,” answered Dale. Ray at the same time heard a rush of feet through an open dcor- way not far from him. This was the doorway opening from the apartment below, and he knew that some of the outlaws were coming to capture him. 2 As he could not benefit Dale by remaining where he was, he ran along the base of the ruined wall, screened by the thick fog, looking for some place of concealment, “More of the smug- ‘You go! Come! it is your ‘Come, you ‘ . De
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10 THE ~All at once he stumbled over a stone, and felt himself going head downward into an opening. He threw out his arms, and his hands came in contact with a rope. To this he clung, but the rope was slimy, and his hands slipping along it, his descent was continued. Finally, after going down many fathoms, he found himself up to his waist in water, with his feet on a sandy ground. Then he realized that he was at the bottom of a deep well. CHAPTER VIII. THE WELL. Dae, seizing the rope hanging from the belfry, commenced to climb it. ; ‘His progress, however, was purposely very slow. “ Come, hurry, or J will send a bullet through the top of your head,” cried Weston. «My arms are sprained, and I can climb no faster. Ifyou are in a hurry, why don’t you or your companions pull me up?” “That we will speedily do, my hearty!” cried Weston. ‘Glad to gee you have come to terms, at last! Nothing like a rifle to ‘fix’ you ‘younglings’ of the navy!’ He put down the rifle as he spoke, and told the smugglers, who stood in a line behind him, to take hold of the rope and haul. But scarcely had they seized the rope, when Dale showed his real purpose in inducing the outlaws to grasp the rope. Swinging Limself outward, he suddenly dropped from the line. ‘Hah! the tricky young scamp! He has baulked us after all!” cried Weston. ~ Dale, when he let go of the rope, was about three feet above the wall, so that he now had a fall of about five yards. But as he alighted upon his feet, he was only jarred by the drop. For a few moments, however, the pow er was thus taken out of Ha legs to move. The smugglers who were in pursuit of Ray from below had gone . past the spot, otherwise he would easily have been made a prisoner. ‘He contrived, before Weston could repossess himself of his rifle, to get behind the angle of the wall. Then, as he regained the use of his limbs, he ran along in the same direction Ray had taken, Fortunately the outlaw in pursuit of the latter had passed the well, thinking the fugitive was keeping on ahead of them. Dale reaching the opening, paused by the brink of it, It struck him that this might prove a good hiding-place for the present. He therefore seized the rope and commenced to descend by it. But when he was within five feet of the vottom the rope, which was a rotten one, broke far above. Down went the youth, falling directly astraddle of the shoulders of Ray, with a force which caused the latter to tumble over. ‘© Ay, now, what the mischief is that?” cried the startled officer. tn 2 moment he had shaken off the living burden, and drawing his sword, he had the point at the breast of the youth as he rose sputter- ing from the water. Dale now was in imminent danger of strangulation, not only from laughter, but from the water which he had gulped into his throat. “Ray! Ray!” he contrived to gasp out between his bursts of mirth as the water spouted from his mouth and nostrils. ‘*Do—do—don’t you—oh—oh—know me?” ‘« flow the deuce am I to know you, here in the dark?” responded Ray. ‘'Who are you? Yield, you rascal, or I will ron Don through!” This was too much for Dale. A perfect fountain of water spouted from his nostrils, and the sound of his laughter was like the blowing cf a young porpoise. «J—J—ah—I—ah—I am Mert Maral NN he contrivec to sputter out at last. ‘‘Dale?” cried Ray, instantly sheathing his sword, ‘‘ Ah, I beg your pardon, I thought you must be one of those smugglers. Iam so glad you escaped from:the seoundrels! I thought they had you fast!” The youth explained in a few words. * And now,” he added, ‘‘ here we are thirty feet or so at the bottom of an old well. How are we to get out?” ‘ ‘‘God only knows!” said Ray. ‘‘One thing is certain, I shall _ Starve to death if I don’t soon have some food.” ; MYSTERIOUS LIGHT-SHIP. a ‘'There’s none down here, that’s certain,” answered Dale. “Halloa! I’m not so sure of that,” cried Ray, as his body came in contact with a large, dangling tin pail. ‘What is this? Milk?” ‘‘You think some one has lowered’a kettle of milk into the well to keep it cool? I should not le surprised if such is the case,” Ray lifted the kettle and took off the cover. A pleasant odor came from the pail. “Try and light a match, Dale.” The youth took one from a rubber match-safe he always carried, and contrived to light it by rubbing it against a ribbed blade of his pocket-knife. In this damp place the match quickly went out, but not until Ray had discovered that the kettle contained a couple of roasted wild fowl. . “Glory!” he cried. ‘‘ Here’s a treat.” He shared the fowl with Dale, who, however, ate very sparingly of it. It was delicious, and, haying been kept in so coola place, was as if it had been on ice. ‘‘ Whoever put that kettle here will come for it,” said the youth. “We must be careful how we speak, lest we bo heard and dis- covered,” ‘‘ Ay, that’s true. The kettle is hung by a slender line, not much thicker than twine. Were it only a little strenger we might be able to climb by it from the well.” «Jt would be a pretty hard climb, but I think we could do it if the rope were thicker.” ‘Certainly we could,” + “We are in very uncomfortable quarters. cold!” ‘Yes, sir—we must get out of the place in some way.” ‘But how?” Dale felt of one side of the well. The stones projecting in places would afford a foothold. Hours passed. All at once the twain heard a sort of roaring noise. *¢ What on earth is that?” cried Ray. The other listened awhile, and then, feeling drops of water descend- ing on his, hand, he said: “Tt is fain, and a heavy fall, too, 1 should judge by the noise.” Presently Ray spoke again. > “Tg not the water higher than it was? It was up to my waist before, and now it reaches nearly to my breast!” ‘Yes, the water is rising in the well.” “Tam afraid we are lost,” said Ray. Dale tried if he could climb by the stones in the side of the well, He found he could ascend only about two feet. Then the stones upon which he stood gave way, and down he came, plumping back into the water. At the same moment, from the place where one of the fallen stones had been, two little gleaming points, like diamonds, were seen in the gloom. Then there was a hissing sound, and the next moment the youth felt something coiling about his neck. ‘A serpent!” he cried. ‘‘There’s a serpent about my neck, Mr Ray!” + The master’s mate unsheatked his sword. By the gleam of the serpent’s eyes he knew the location of the head, and with a quick blow he brought the edge of the weapon across the neck of the reptile. It was severed, and the two officers heard the fend drop into the water, ; But it was a full minute ere Dale could free himself from the loath- some coil. ‘a Meanwhile the water continued to rise. _ It was soon up to the chins of the two sailors, who were about of equal height. Presently it rose to their ears. They strove to climb the side of the well, which Dale had not yet attempted. But the loose stones gave way beneath their feet. 7 There was no hope of their escaping their dreadful fate in this man- ner. Ugh! the water ig
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y THE- MYSTERIOUS LIGHT-SHIP. : 11 They were now obliged to swim, for the water had reached their | steps, and soon drew from asmall cove the skiff which Dale had pre- lips. ee viously occupied. For an hour did they continue to keep their heads above the sur- The officers, followed by the girl, entered the skiff. face. ** Paddle out of the cavern,” said Louisa. By that time both were exhausted. _ Complying with the directions of the fair pilot, Dale urged the boat All at once, justas Ray was about sinking, the kettle swung against | toward the mouth of the cave, and soon emerged into the bay, which his shoulder, has already been alluded to. daughter at the opening. from Dale, and backing water with if, brought the boat to a stop. ‘* Halloa! halloa!’’ he cried faintly. There was but a light breeze, and scarcely a ripple disturbed the Dale looked up, and not beicg quite so exhausted as his companion, | surface of the water here. enabled to call louder. *Look?’ said Louisa, pointing downward. The girl heard him. Her companions, gazing awhile into the nearly clear depths, conld ** Who is that?” she inquired. not repress a simultaneous ery of surprise. “Tt is I—the midshipman, Dale. Can you not lower a rope to us? At first they had been able to see only the yellowish gleam of the We are sinking!” water. Gradually, however, they made out the three low masts, and Louisa gave a cry of blended surprise and concern. also the hull of the light-ship, down in the depths. “Try to keep up a few moments longer,” she said, ‘and I will help “Sunk! the vessel is lost!” said Dale, _ you.” “Sunk, but not lost!” quietly answered the girl. She quickly hauled up the kettle. “How?” inquired Ray. ‘I cannot understand that,” A minute passed, then another. ‘By a yery simple contrivance the vessel can be sunk at the will of ‘*No use, I can float no longer,” said Ray. her captain,” answered Louisa, As he spoke he sank. ‘Her single hatchway, leading into the cabin and the hold, has a water-tight covering, which is also air-tight. Attached to the bottom of the vessel there is a bell-shaped arrangement, made of metal, at the cop of which there is an opening, also containing an air-tight covering.” “ But how do they sink the craft?” inquired Ray. ‘« By raising the covering at the top of the bell, which is in the center of the lower hold. The craft then sinks under water, but, owing to the resistance of the air, goes down beneath the surface only a certain distance. This leaves the hold perfectly dry and free from water.” 2 ‘« But how do those who remain in the hold obtain a supply of fresh air. They must have that.” g “ The crew do not remain in the vessel when they sink it here in the bay,” answered Louisa. ‘‘One man goes into the hold, raises the air-tight covering, and as the vessel begins to settle dcwn he runs on deck through the hatchway, puts the covering over it, and jumps into a boat alongside, containing the rest of the crew, who then pull for land. When out at sea, if they have occasion to sink the craft, which is very seldom, they arrange a hose so that the top, projecting above the water, admits air enough to them while they are in the hold.” «‘ There is no one aboard the ship now?” | é ay No.” ‘ « How can you get aboard, while the craft is under water?” «Very easily, if you can swim, you will have to dive down under the bell, and rise up inside of it to the lower hold.” « And when there how are we to raise the ship to the surface?” “ Simply by replacing the covering over the opening in the lower ° CHAPTER IX. THE LIGHT-SHIP. DALE caught Ray by the collar, and with a great deal of exertion managed to get his head above the surface. At that moment something quickly descending touched his shoulder. He knew by the feeling that it was a rope. Louisa had returned to the mouth of the well and lowered this line. Dale quickly fastened it, first about the breast of bis companion— then about bis own. ‘We can now hang to the rope until we get rested,” he said. ‘Then we can climb it gradually, bracing ourselves against the side of the well as we ascend.” Supported by the water as they hung to the rope, the two officers were finally strong enough to commence the ascent. Hand over hand they climbed, Dale above and Ray just below him. By now and then bracing themselves against the side of the well, they were erabled to keep on without becoming exhausted, But it was a long time ere their heads emerged through the open- ing above. “ Thank God! you are saved from a dreadful fate!” cried Louisa, as they sprang out. “Only to meet another, probably,” said Ray, ‘but Ps you for what you have done.’ “All the smugglers have left the ruin to look for ee said the girl. ‘* But the shower we havejust had has cleared the fog, as you can perceive, and they are apt to see you, if they are lurking any- where near bere.” , % «Perhaps we had better go back to the ruin,” said Dale. «Oh, no. My father and his men may come back at any moment. { have been preparing supper for them. That is how I came to be at the well. ‘the wild fowlin the kettle was for my father.” ‘ FJe’ll lose his hash, then,” said Dale, laughing. ‘‘ My friend here is responsible for that.” «: What shall we do?” inquired Ray. ‘‘ Which way had we better g0?” Louisa seemed to reflect for several moments. “There is no help for il,” she said, at last. ‘* Wor your sakes I _ will disclose the mystery of the light-ship. | It is the only way to save your lives. But I will have to go with you. Otherwise my father, already incensed against me for helping you, will kill me.” "Have no fear,” said Dale. ‘‘ We will both risk our lives to pro- tect you.” “Come,” said Louisa, ‘we have no time to lose.” She led the way, and following her, the two officers soon found them- selves at the foot of the steps leading up into the ruin from the water- cavern. Louiga, as lightly as a fawn, ran along a ledge extending from the see near it. This bar by means of certain machinery connected with it works a paddle attached to the craft in such a way that it pushes the vessel upward. As soon as if reaches the surface it remains there.” « A queer contrivance,” said Ray, looking a little doubtful. ‘¢ Come,” said Dale, ‘* I am ready to make the venture.” ‘<Tf you go, I'll go with you,” cried Ray. : ‘And Pll remain in the skiff,” said Louisa. ‘* When the vessel reaches the surface, I will get aboard.” ~ The two officers took off their hats, coats and shoes. Then they dove. Both were expert swimmers and divers. Keeping their eyes open under water, they saw the metal surface of the bell, and aa it was not very long they soon reach the under rim of it, beneath which they swam and rose on the inside. Up they went, and soon arrived at the surface, with their heads now projecting into the lower hold. “How curious!” said Ray, as they crawled from whe opening to the floor of the hold. _ “Yes, sir—a very curious arrangement,” said Dale, “There is the bar,” cried Ray, pointing a strong wooden projection Some one above was evidently drawing it up. ‘Keep on,” said the girl The officer, looking upward, beheld the face of the amugegler’s When the skiff was in the middle of the bay, she took the paddle | attacked to,an object having something of the appearance of a puinp. u -, . BON econ hold, at the top of the keel, and then a wooden bar, which you will |
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ry 12 THE MYSTERIOUS LIGHT-SHIP. = ‘We have no time to lose,” said Dale, here. We need fresh air.” As he spoke hie seized the bar, which he found easy to move. It worked like a pump handle, and he heard a rushing sound which was evidently caused by the paddle of which the girl had spoken. The vessel, buoyant as a cork, rose quickly to the surface, and Ray, laying closed the opening in the lower hold, the craft now floated up- right. The tivo officers moved up a staircase they saw leading to the hatch- way. They then easily raised the air-tight covering, which, like the one below, was made of thick, tough rubber. Emerging on deck, they saw Louisa a few yards off in the skill. She smj'ed, and directed the light craft alongside. “Tris suffocating down Then, with her usual agility, having thrown the warp of the skiff to Dale, who caught it and made it fast to a pin, she seized the main chain plates and mounted the low side of the craft. Leaping lightly from the rail to the deck, she said to Dale: “You should get under way at once.” ; The vessel carried only courses and topsails, together with a ‘stay- sail and a jib. 2 4 The two officers, after they had donned their upper garments and | shoes which they had left in the skiff ere they dove, contrived to loosen and set the courses. “«T will take the wheel and steer,” said the girl. ‘©What! you know how to steer?” cried Dale. ‘Oh, yes. My father taught me that. He has often ABR me with him aboard his schooner.” The youth followed her to the wheel. The breeze was freshening, and Louisa kept the craft along nicely, heading out to sea. *¢You spoke of Watkins’ schooner,” said Dale. schooner?” ‘¢Tn a concealed bay not far from here. You will probably soon see her in pursuit. As the weather is clear, some of the smugglers, who are always on the lookout aboard of her, will notice the light- ship going out to sea.” “This light-ship belongs also to Watkius, does she not?” “Yes, He has her cruising about as a ‘spy,’ not far from him, whenever he is on bis way witha cargo, She makes signals to him, “Where is that _and thus notifies him of the vicinity of any government craft when he is not in a position to see it. This she-does chiefly at night.” ‘¢ We might manage to loosen and set the topsails,” remarked Ray to Dale. a ** Yes, you will need all your sail to escape the schooner, which is a swift craft,” said the girl. The officers loosened the topsails, but their strength was unsufiicient to enable them to hoist the yards as high as they should have been raised, The bell attached to the bottom of the vessel operated as a sort of drag, somewhat deadening her speed. A clumsy craft,” said Ray. ‘ Ay, sir. We will never escape the schooner with such a eich when she pursues us.” — The wind, however, freshening, forced the craft steadily on her way. Suddenly the booming of 4 small carronade was heard, and a puff of smoke was seen carling up among somo of the rocks ona certain part of the coast, ‘¢ We are seen,” cried Louisa. that something is wrong.’* “That signal is to notify Watkins CHAPTER X. A CHASE IN THE DARK, ‘ BerorE Watkins can reach the schooner and get under way, we will be some distance out to sea,” said Ray. ‘Ay, and I hope we may gee the Dolphin, sir,” cried Dale. “Tittle chance of that, I’m afraid,” said Ray, “although she should be somewhere near this part of the coast.” Dale ran aloft and scanned the broad expanse of waters, Far away on the western EMOTE lay a fog-bank, bat no craft was in sight. 2 The sun now was low in the heavens, the edge of the planet’s ate | “just touching the fog-bank, ' ‘Tf the schooner does not come up wilh us before night, we may contrive to escape her in the dark,” said Dale. . “ Meanwhile suppose we have something to eat. must be hungry, too.” ‘‘T have been to supper,” she answered. ‘‘Go below into the cab- in, and iu the pantry I doubt not you will find cold meats and other eatables.”’ ‘Ray and the midshipman went below. The cabin was an uncarpeted room, poorly furnished. There was, however, a table there and a few chairs. From the pantry the officers brought forth a cold ham, some bread, and several bottles of cider. “These neyer paid duty, I dare say,” remarked Ray, alluding to the betuled cider, ‘* but under the, circumstances, governmert officers though we are, I think we are justified in partaking of the contents.” “That is my opinion too,” said Dale laughing. They soon had the bam and bread before them, and uncorking the yottles, they made a tolerable meal. rs When they had finished it they went on deck. The schooner was not yet in pursuit of them. They looked toward the land, and Dale then said to the girl: “ How many men do they have to man this vessel?” ‘Ten, usually, under command of Weston.” «He seems Lo be a very desperate character,” said Dale. ‘We is,” answered the girl, shrugging hershoulders. ‘* And yet he was taken from among the crew of a coasting vessel which was wrecked off the coast. Watkins induced him to join his Sand, but his shipmates—three men who had also managed to swim ashore from the wreck-—refused.” * And what became of them?” ‘They were killed,” answered Louisa, with a shudder. ‘Ts that how Watkins treats those who will not join him?” Yes, and that is why he calls that part of the shore the ‘Death Coast.’ All sailors who come upon him and his party he puts to death if they refuse to serve him.” An hour passed ere the schooner was seen coming out of the bay in pursuit. ‘*There she is at last,” cried Ray. ‘ She was as sharp as a sword-fish, and carried besides her fore-and- aft mainsail and foresail and main-gaff-topsail, a square fore-topsail and a to’gillant-sail. - «She sails like the wind,” said Ray, uneasily. “Tt is now dusk, and she cannot come up with us betere vight, sir,” said Dale. “Troe, and itis going to be a dark mighty which will hel} us.” In fact, the schooner was still a league distant, when darkness closed upon the sea. i The-smugeler showed no lantern, so that it was impossible for the three occupints of the light-ship to determine her location. They ‘had changed her course, hoping thus toelude her, and, as hour after hour passed, it seemed as if they might be successful. Neither of the officers thought of sleep. Dale, having insisted on relieving the girl at the wheel, in Grdée that she might seek below the rest and repose she needed, cast watchful glances about the craft, as he stood steering at the helm, in the light breeze which was now falling away. Ray, forward at the bow, was also keeping a keen lookout. All at once, directly off the lee bow, he saw something looming through the gloom. ‘Sail, O!” he cried in a low but clear voice that reached the ears of Dale. ‘TI think it is the schooner. Luff, there! Down helm and luff!" j Dale obeyed. But now the canvas began to shake viclently with a noise which must haye been heard by the ocenpants of the craft off the lee bow.’ Ray endeavored to pail in the lee braces, and *Dale, steadying the This young lady ‘ship, ventured to leave the wheel long enough to assist him. . The yards were not heavy ones, and worked easily, so that the twain succeeded in bracing them up pretty sharp. But, as the youth returned to the wheel, and the light-ship now forged along on her changed course, voices were heard aboard the other craft, togethe with the creaking of yards, indicating that her course also was being altered. “Tiere she comes. I can see her outline through the gloom!” said
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THE MYSTERIOUS LIGHT-SHIP, Ray to Dale. ‘‘She is the schooner, and will be swcoping upon us like a falcon before many minutes!” Presently a rushing sound was heard close off the light-shiv’s weather quarter. Then there was the gleam of several lanterns, and the light from them flashed along the decks and Oop the canvas of the schooner, not,two ships’ lengths off. Upon the quarter-deck was seen the form of Watkins, with a trum- pet in his hand, and several men were also noticed about a carronade, which was now observed in the open gangway, pointed toward the ship. The course of the schooner was al present the same as that of the ship, and running along parallel with her, she was only about fifty fathoms off. “ Light-ship ahoy!” roared Watkins. “ Ahoy!” answered Ray. ‘‘ What do you want?” “You know well enough. Heave to at once, or we will give you a shot.” The schooner being, ahead. «« Don’t answer him, sir,’ said Dale. don’t. think he will care to fire and damage this ship, as it is one of his own vessels.” ‘«Stand by to keep off, Dale,” said Ray. ‘I'll delay him as long as I can from boarding us, which I believe to be his intention. ” ‘Ay, ay, sir.” as stated, a fast vessel, was meanwhile forging OT «J woulda’t advise you to fire,” continued Ray, speaking to Wat- kis, ‘* You will only damage your own craft.” ‘T know what Tam-about,” replied Watkins. ‘* Come! are you going to heave to or not?” The schooner now had forged some fathoms ahead of the ship. Without replying to Watkins, Ray leaned over toward Dale and anid: “Keep off! Dale obeyed. Tie raised the wheel, and as the craft swung off, he put it amidships. ‘Then he ran to assist the master’s mate. The weather braces were pulled in efit the light-ship was thus headed away from the schooner. Before the latter could be kept off the ship was out of sight of the smugglers, in the gloom. But the sound of moving yards betokened that the saiuiiicls was being put-in her wake. ‘« They are after us,” said Dale. ‘‘ Here they come.” In fact the lights of the schooner were seen rapidly advancing through the darkness. Both the officers had now given up all hope of being able to escape the outlaws. Dale was again at the wheel, and Ray ‘stood near him, when all at once they imagined they heard a shout ahead of them. The master’s mate ran to the bow and peered through the gloom. — ‘* What is it sir?” cried Dale. *T cannot exactly make out, but I think it is a boat.” ‘* Ay, a boat previously lowered from the schooner to head us off, probably,” said Dale. “7 think so,” was the answer. “ Keep off a little more and we may escape him.” Dale obeyed. At the same moment the shout was repeated, now v quite close to the craft. As Ray peered through the darkness, it seemed to him that the out- line of the boat had the appearance of that of a cutter. “Boat ahoy! Who are you?” called the master’s mate, *‘ Coxswain Thomas of the Dolphin!” wasdhe response. “Town with that wheel, Dale!” cried BY running aft. ‘These are friends!” He spoke in a low but distinct voice, as he had done in hailing the “boat, so ‘the people aboard the schooner could not hear what he said. With Dale’s assistance he braced the mizzen and head-yards, and as the light-ship swung up into the wind the cutter glided alongside, and soon its occupants were aboard, with their boat made fast by its warp to the main-chains. : - £*Come into the cabin, all of you!” said Ray. ® They descended into the cabin, when Ray lighted a lantern there. Up with the wheel, and help me square in the yards.” 2 “‘T did not want to show a light on deck as we are being chased by a smugeler, which is close aboard of us,” he said. The gleam of the lantern flashed upon the familiar faces of Cox a Swain Thomas and his crew of twelve men—all of them armed with cut- ° lasses, They belonged to the same ite from which Ray and Dale had swam to the raft on the night before. “Thank God!” said Ray, ‘‘for this unexpected help. I hope now to be able to capture the smugglers and their craft!” CHAPTER XI. TAKEN BY SURPRISE. As Ray spoke he ran up to the deck and took a look at the schoon- ér’s lights. : The breeze now had fallen away almost to a aah so that fully a quarter of an hour must elapse ere the smugglers could come up with the ship. ; Returning to the cabin, Ray said to the coxswain: ‘‘Welt, how happens it you are here? When Dale and I left you, you were fast, by a line, to the Dolphin.’ ‘Ay, ay, sir,” answered Thomas. ‘But when the squall came up we were afraid you and Mr. Dale were in great peril, so I let zo the rope and went to look for you.” ‘Tn such a blow, however’s, we couldn’t find you, and we've been a- drifting abont ever since. «Several times we were near being ‘capswizeled,’ sir, but we managed to keep afloat by great exertion. We looked for the Dolphin, but not being able to find her, I concluded it was best to make for the coast. yourself and how you come to be aboard this ere queer craft?” ‘¢ Certainly, Thomas,” answered Ray, and in a few words he de- scribed his and Dale’s adventures since they left the cutter., ‘« Well, sir, [think we might show them smugglers a good fight, even though ivll be on empty stomachs. All we've had to eat, sir, has been a few biscuits which wasin the boat and ain’t there no longer.” “7 think you will have time to eat something before the smugglers come up with us,” answered Ray. ‘‘Go to the pantry and help your- selves.” The pantry being ransacked, its contests, consisting of some cold meat and potatoes, together with a jug of cider, were soon on the table. The hungry men eat like wolves and speedily cleared the board. ‘Now, sir, there’s some strength in us,” remarked the coxswain, as he stroked his stomach. ‘‘ Our hearts isin the right place—eh, lads?” addressing the men. ; “Ay, ay, ay,’”’ was the prompt response, and as he spoke every man laid his hand on his stomach. “T’m glad to hear it, boys,” said Ray, ‘‘for there’ll be warm work for you presently.” Having been awakened by the racket, Louisa now opened the coor. of the room in which she had been asleep, and came shyly forth. In an instant every one of the gruff seamen withdrew respectfully to one side, Ray advanced, and said to the girl: “T have, as you see, been fortunate enough to pick up my cuts ter’s crew. Will you tell me how many men the schooner usually carries?” ‘‘ Highteen, I believe,” she replied. ‘Come and bring your men on deck, coxswain,” ordered Ray. He went up, followed by the cutter’s people. The schooner’s light by this time was close aboard. ‘* Ahoy, there!” hailed Watkins. “ Ahoy!” responded Ray, “Have you hove to?” ‘Ay, ay! I hope you'll treat us well, if you capture us.” Something like a laugh was heard to issue from the schooner. ‘«Oh, of course,” replied Watkins. ‘‘We are no navy ‘birds’ to harm our prisoners.” : : Again there was a smothered laugh. _ Just then the flapping of the schooner’s canvas was heard. The wind had entirely fallen away. A calm was now upon the sea. Now, sir, may 1 venture to ask how you contrived to save
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14 ——— THE MYSTERIOUS LIGHT-SHIP. The sound of a boat being lowered was heard. By the gleam of the lantern which was lighted, as she approached a dozen men could be seen in the boat. Weston was in the stern-sheets. ‘*T wish it had been Watkins,” said Ray. have them all, if this calm only holds.” ‘“‘They appear to be armed. All have cutlasses,’ said Dale. looks as if they knew of our reinforcements.” “They cannot know about them. They could not see the boat's crew board us in the dark. Jump in the cutter, one of you,” he add- ed, ‘and pull the entter round under the bow, so that those fellows cannot see her when they come alongside.” A nimble sailor soon performed this duty. Then Ray ordered his men to crouch down in the deep Bloom of the rail, near the’ gangway. “But never mind, we'll 6c It He did the same, and all the men held their drawn cutlasses in a firm grasp. On came the unsuspecting smugglers, and soon the boat glided alongside. “ Follow me, my lads,” cried Weston, as he sprang aboard. ‘ Where are you?” he called, ‘‘you two naval officers? Show yourselves, or it will be the worse for you!” ‘ There was no response. ‘‘Here—one of you—bring up the boat's lantern!” said Weston, - turning to his men. A sailor descended into the boat and brought up the Jantern, ‘Flere we are!” cried Dale, now showing himself from behind the mizzen-mast, as had been agreed upon between him and Ray. Instantly Weston pointed a pistol at the youth, But as he fired Louisa, who had emerged from the cabin, knocked up his arm, and the bullet whizzed over the head of the youth, “Now, boys, let them have it,” shouted Ray, in a voice of thunder, These sudden words, followed by the rnsh of the man-of-war’s men upon the smugglers, 80 took the latter by surprise, that, for a moment, they were incapable of striking a blow. Several of them made a feeble: show of resistance, but they were quickly slain, and now the others fled aft. ' «Yield! throw down your swords,” shouted Ray, ‘or we will cut you to pieces!” But Weston, regaining his self-possession, cried out, ina determined voice: “Now, boys, you must light—fight as you never fought before. Re- member that you must all swing if you are captured.” These words seemed to Se spirit and resolution into the hearts of the outlaws. They wielded their blades and fought with the utmost determina- tion. But their practiced opponents warded their blows, and atruck with a skill and steadiness which soon reduced their number to but six men, including Weston. The latter, striking out right and left, had slightly wounded several of his assailants, when Dale, with a powerful blow, severed his cutlass to the hilt. é ; But, drawing a dagger, the young outlaw now sprang under the youth’s guard ond grasped him by the throat. Down came the sharp steel, which would have been buried to the haft in his breast had not he twisted himself to one side. At the same time Coxswain’ Thomas, swiftly passing his blade through the smuggler’s body, fairly pinned him to the mizzen-mast, where he expired in a moment. But five of the outlaws now remained alive, und as their leacer perished, they sullenly threw down their cutlasses in token of sure render. » Ray had gained his victory without the loss of a man on his side, although several were wounded. ; CHAPTER XII CONCLUSION. THE noise of the combat liad reached the ears of Watkins, Surprised and startled, he peered from the rail of his vessel, vainly striving to pierce the obscurity, which was increased by a slight mist that had gathered, ; Sats That something unusual had occurred he was certain, = = By the sounds of strange voices he presently divined that the two nayal ofticers aboard the light-ship had been reinforced. This was also the opinion of the first mate—an unprincipled villain named Jacob Goff. © «Better take a boat and make off, sir,” he said, wind, we cannot escape in any other way.” ‘Fool! What are you saying?” replied Watkins. know that our side may not be victorious?” “J judge by sounds,” answered Goff.. ‘* Hark! did you hear that —Westcn telling his men to fight or they’ll have to swing?” ‘ Ay, sir, and you'll have to swing if you don’t show more pluck!” cried Watkins. But very soon the captain heard enough to guess that his own party had been vanquished, for one of them cried out; ‘‘Boys, the naval fellows have the best of us! May as well give in!” «¢ What do you say now?” inquired Goff. ‘¢T say that we have a carronade which with one shot can spoil the fun of those naval dogs!” Then, turning to the eight men who had remained aboard the schooner, and who now looked rather dejected, he ordered them to stand by the carronade and keep a sharp lookout for any approaching boat. Meanwhile Ray had ordered the decks of the light-ship to be cleared of the bodies of the slain smugglers. By the gleam of the lanterns, which had been previously lighted to enable the man-of-war’s men to distinguish friends from foes during the combat, the dead were taken up and Jaunched into the sea, i «‘Now for the schooner,” said Ray. ‘‘I hope to soon capture her and her master, and thus put an end to the career of the smuggler Watkins!” 5 ‘¢ Be careful, sir,” said Louisa, who from the hatchway ladder had been a spectator of the late combat., ‘‘ Remember they have a car- ronade aboard that craft.” «They cannot fire it from each side of the schooner at once,” re- plied Ray smiling. ‘“‘T intend to attack them oth on the port and the starboard side.” ‘‘T am to have command of one of the boats, I hope?” said Dale, “Yes, sir. You shall take the smugegler’s boat and I the cutter,” The men soon were divided into two parties, composed of five men, besides their commanders. The two who had been most severely wounded were to be left aboard of the light-ship. Louisa looked a little anxious‘as Dale put off in the smuggler’s boat with his men. ‘« Be careful!” she said to him. ‘‘ Kesp out of range of the guns,” ‘At this Dale laughed, while at the same time he answered, lifting his cap: ‘«{ will be as careful as I can, although I will have to own that a shot cannot be very well Godel, and that it is sometimes not possible to keep out of the range of one.’ Then the light-hearted boy, bowing to the girl, sat down by the side of the tar who acted as his coxswain, As the boats approached the schooner it was impossible to guess ‘As we have no ‘How do you the location of the carronade in the gloom, for Watkins now was care- ful to show no light. A dead silence reigned abcard the schooner as the two boats were rowed on. They were within about twenty fathoms of the yessel, when all at once there was a broad, bright flash from the gun. It was easy to see its position now there in the port gangway. With a ‘bur-r-r-ing” suund the shot passed close to the stern of the cutter—so close as to graze the cap of the master’s mate. “Now, boys, with a will, before they can load again,” shouted Ray. The men bent to their’oars with a strength and power that made the cutter fairly fly through the water. But, just as they wer9 close under the gangway, Watkins 128 suc- ceeded in loading the gun again. - There it was depressed so that the muzzle Does toward the cen- ter of the cutter. i “My God, sir, we are lost!” whispered the coxswain to ey “Fire!” roared Watkins, at the same moment, But, as the lock-string was pulled, Ray, who had told the coxswain to ‘ port,” helped him shove the tiller, which brought | the EY nearly broadside to the schooner. = .
Page 15
S THE MYSTERIOUS LIGHT-SHIP. 15 It was a mere venture, but the master’s mate had resolved to try But his crew, with the gratitude of men whose lives had been sayed it, though it was doubtful, owing to the nearness of the boat to the | for the time, declared that he had done perfectly right. schooner, that it would be successful. ‘‘We were surprised and would have been cut to pieces. Where The sound of the shot was heard before the report of the piece. was the use of resistance?” growled one. There was a crash of splintered wood. ‘Fools! don’t you know-you will have to swing in the end?” cried «* Any one hurt?” queried Ray. ; Watkins. ‘‘ Wouldn’t it have been better to fight to the last?” “No, sir, no,” was the response; ‘‘ only the gunwale smashed.” To this no answer was made, and Watkins raved on until he was In fact, the shot had shattered the gunwale ere plowing its way | tired. many fathoms down into the depths of the sea, f At dawn a breeze sprang up, when Ray brought the schooner along- As the water poured, into the boat, the coxswain, obeying Ray’s | side of the light-sbip. order, brought her head round to the schooner. He sent a few men aboard of her with Dale to take charge of the «¢ Another stroke, boys, and we are aboard,” shouted Ray. craft, That stroke was given, and as the bow of the sinking boat touched The two vessels were headed northward, Ray intending to make for the schooner’s side, the brave master’s mate, who had leaped forward, | San Francisco. sprang at once toward the vessel’s main chains. ~ On the next day a sail was sighted to windward. -¢ Now, men, follow me,” he cried. As she drew nearer, all doubts were set at rest. As ne spoke, Watkins aimed a savage blow at him with a long She proved to be the gun-brig Dolphin, and great was the satis- whaling-lance. Za faction of her commander when he learned that the notorious smug- This formidable weapon would have pierced the officer’s body | gler, Watkins, and his crew had been captured. through and through, had not the smuggler captain at that moment In due tine the three vessels reached San Francisco, where, event- peen knocked down by the blow from the butt of a pistol. ually, the smugglers had their trial. That blow was given by Dale, who had noiselesssly boarded the Watkins and severa) of his men were finally executed. The rest schooner on the other side, and, with his men, now had attacked the | were imprisoned for life. surprised smugglers. Louisa, the smuggler’s adopted daughter, had found her aunt, who The next’ moment, Ray was also aboard.the vessel, and his men | was glad to receive her. : from the sinking cutter quickly following, the smugglers found them- She was in comfortable circumstances, and she treated the young - selves hemmed in by their assailants. girl very kindly. ; «« We surrender!” cried Goff, as the cutlasses of the boarding She sent her to a good school, and in a few years Louisa, who was party flashed through the gloom above the heads of the outlaws. quick to learn, was as well educated as many young ladies who had A lantern was lighted, and the stunned Watkins having been re- } had superior advantages. stored to his senses, he.and his men were bound with cords and trans- Dale, who by this time ranked as a second lieutenant, renewed his ferred to the schooner’s hold. acquaintance with the beautiful girl, and she finally consented to be- The captain was furious, calling Goff a coward and a traitor, when | come his wife. i $ - he learned how speedily he had surrendered. _ [THE END.] z e Rocer SrarBuck, the author of this story, is also the author of the following stories published in THE 5 Crt Wipkr Awake Liprary: No. 986, ‘The Lost Boy Captain; or, The Secret of the Hidden Whirlpool.”” No. 972, ‘The Mystery of the Fire Ship; or, A Brave Boy Sailing Master.” No. 966, ‘Chums to the Death; or, The Adventures of a Boy Marine.” No. 944, ‘‘The Limbless Hunter; or, Si Slocum’s Revenge.” No. 936, ‘‘ The Waif of Mystery Island; or, The Adventures of a Boy Who Was Kidnapped,” No. 923, ‘Captain Jack, the Pirate’s Foe; or, The Devil-Fish of the Indies.” Wseful and Instructive Books. fiOW TO MAKE LOVE.-—-A complete guide to love, courtship, and mar. riage, giving sensible advice, rules and etiquette to be observed, with many curious and interesting things not generally known. Yor sale by all newsdealers, price 10 cents, or sent, postage free, upon receipt of price. Frank Tousey,; publisher, 34 and 86 North Moore street, New York. Box 2730. % gOWw TO BECOME A MAGIUCIAN.—Oontaining the grandest assortment of magical illusions ever placed before the public. Also, tricks with cards, incantations, ete. Price 10 cents. Vor sale by all newsdealers, or sent to your address, Bie ‘© free, upon receipt of price, Frank apa paolo 84 and 86 North Moore street, New York, P.O, ox 2780, HOW TO WRITE LOVE LETTERS.—A most complete little hook, con- taining full directions for writing Jove letters, and when to use them; also giving specimen letters for both the young and old. Price 16 cents. For sale by all newsdealers, or sent to your address, postage free, on receipt of the price. Address Frank Tousey, publisher, and 86 North Moore street. New York. Box 2730. HOW TQ BECOME A SCIENTIST.—A useful and instructive book, gtv- ing a complete treatise on chemistry; also, experiments in acoustics, mechanics, mathematics, chemistry, and directions for making fire+ works, colored fires, and gas balloons. This book cannot be equaled, Price 10 cents. For sale by all newsdealers, or it will be sent to your address, postage free, on receipt of price. Address Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore street, New York. Box. 2780. #OW TO KEEP AND MANAGE PETS.—Giving complete tetormation as to the manner and method of raising, keeping, taming, breeding noted and wealthy men in the world, including tke self-made men of and managing all kinds of pets. Also giving full qnBuECHOns for our country. Tho bookis edited by one of the most successfulmenof - making cages, nests, etc. Fully explained by 28 handsome ilustra- the present age, whose own example is in,itself guide enough for NN HOW TO BECOME RICH.—This wonderful book, “ How to Beconza Rich,” presents you with the oe) and life experience of some of the most tions, making it the most complete book of the kind ever published. those who aspire to fame and money. The book will give you the Price 10 cents. Addres3 Frank Tousey, publisher, 84and 36 North GecrcheePcinedl0 Contos ROPEERIS Oe Ree ereerenookee ers, Or Moore street, New York. Box 2730. send price to Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore street, New York, and it will be mailed to you, post paid. HOW TO FLIRT.—Just out. The arts and wiles of flirtation are fully explained by this little book. 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Box 2780. - HOW TO ENTERTAIN AN EVENING PARTY is the title of a very value abio little book just published, A complete compendium of games, sports, card diversions, comic recreations, ete., suitable for parlor or drawitg-room entertainment. It contains more for the money than any book published. Sold by all newudealers, or send 10 cents to Frank Tousey, publisher, 34 and 36 North Moore street, New York, and receive it by return mail, post paid. HOW TO BECOME BEAUTIFUL.—One of the brightest and most vale uable little books ever given to the world. Everybody wishes to know how to become beautiful, both male and female. ‘The secret is simple and aliaost costless. Read this poor end pexcony needs eHow. go Become Beautiful.” Priceten cents. For sale by ne ers, or send ten cents to, Frank Tousey, 34 and 36 North Moore street, New York. and it will be mailed to your address. post paid? 1
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( LATEST ISSUES OF ‘The Great 5 Gent Wide Awake Library. 815 The Wiectric Hite: or, Frank Reade, Jr., and ‘iis Father in Search of the Lost Treasure of the Pernvians.....,..s.+-.+ss.ee0y ‘* Noname’? 8i6 Lion Luke, the Boy Animal Tamer............ by Percy B. St. John 817 Cariilo, the Corsair; or, The Mysterious Mon- arch of the Meditérranean. wo. -bDy J. G. Bradley 818 Fearless Phil’s Uhase...........-by Paul Braddon 619 The Ghost of the School-House,......,.by C. Little §20 The Young Avenger; or, The Knightof the Silk Mask... “*Noname?? 821 Up and Down: ‘or, “ple Life of an silevatan Boy * by Percy B. St. John 822 pick ate Middy; or, A Boy’s Life on a Man-o’- livveaceee DY J, G, Bradley 823 Pooilait Fred the Boy Actor; or, Bong to be a Sta; seseee bY N.S. Wood 824 A Rolling Stone} ‘or, “Jack Ready’s Lire of Fun “=COMIC Vie eeenewsee seevee DY Peter Pad 825 The Secret of the Tattooed Map.. by R. T. Emmet ‘826 Custer’s Little Dead Shot; or, The Boy Scont : of the Little Big Horn............by** Noname”’ 827 A Queer Race, “The Story ofa Sango People by William Westall 828 Kit Carson's Boy Trapper........by Paul Braddon 829 Slippery Ben, the Boy Spy ofthe Revolution.. 880 Paddy Miles’ Luck; or, gle Irish Boy Miner.. by Corp. Morgan Rattler 831 The Boy Fish; or, Little Dick the Diver...... by R. T. Emmet 632 Ben the Bowsman: or, Adventures in the Mon- tezuma Swamp.. cos iecorsx onset by C, Little _833 The Mastodon’s Cave; or, Two Wide Awake Boys in the Far’ West... .-by Percy B. St. Zohn 834 The Boy Stage Driver; or, The Hero of Rocky Pa: -----Dy Paul Bracdon ew York Boy in by N. S. Wood ne Young ‘American A Actor) 836 Alonein the Wild West; or, A New York Boy’s Search for Buffalo Bill... «eee DY R. T. Emmet 837 The Secret of the Sealed Gold Mines.by“* Noname ” 838 Little Blondin, the Tight-Rope Walker..by C. Little 889 From New York to San Francisco in a Catama- -by John Sherman oy. Among the Kings..............by H. K. Shackleford , 841 Onyaen an Errand Boy; or, Gere Up in the Upedecsddaceceverseereus csDY, Kal. ommMet 842 Jack Ready’s School Scrapes—comic.by Peter Pad 843 The Ice-Boat Boys; or, Cruising on Frozen Waters in the Northwesf..........by C. Little 844 Little Blind Joe; or, The Sharks of New York. hy N.S. Wood (The Young American Actor) | 845 Young ironclad, the Boy Gunner.by John Sherman 846 The Boy Gold Hunters; or, Young New York ~ in California .................-.by R. T. Emmet. 847 The Shortysin the Wild nyaaesscamict by Peter Pad 848 Billy the Bugler. A Story of Governor’s Island and New YVork......-+...--..e-+e..-by CO. Little 849 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Chase Through the Clouds. ~ by “Noname” 850 A cUCKY Boy; or, The Mystery of an Iron Ties tecesecs ce QUERiS aetcratecesseheeresacessebY Mele bromet 851 My Triend Smith...........by Talbot Baines Reed 852 The Boy Crusoes; or, The Young Castaways of the Pacific..........by St. George Rathborne 853 eae the Tumbler; or, The Wonder of the Bee Saeredys seen e DY Corporal Morgan Rattler 854 Net the Bound Boy; or, Through 100 years of ROS esse cees y 0. Little 855 Frank Reade, ir, and ‘His Electric panties by “*Noname?? 856 The Shortys’ Christmas Snaps—comic....... by Peter Pad 857 Two Wy cr. Afloat in New York... eseceee vy N. S. Wood (The Young American Actor) 858 Feariess Phil in Disguise; or, The Tiger’s Last Plotsect vosvesperarveseedler tesa DY Palleradcon 859 A Southern Boy in New York; or, Bound to Make His Money..........by ‘nH. ky Shackleford 860 Steamboat Billy; ov, The State-Room Secret... 861 The Boy Lion Tamers; or, Adventures in Africa 862 Out With Kit Carson. A Story of the Karly Days of Kansas....-.......-....by R. T. Emmet 863 The Boy Samson; or, Taking Gare of Fee ; vy C. Little 864 ba sith From New York; or, A Fight for Five MONS s tase. tue ed eee DY Percy B. St. John 665 iat & Co. the Boy Peddiers—comic......-. by Peter Pad 866 A Chicago Boys or, Up ‘From the Lowest... By John Sherman 867 An ae Boy; or, Maloney After Education— MICs rcccvecdeccteccsvene -.-by Tom Teaser mes The Boy Telegraph Op "The Mystery of a Midnight Message. .. by Gol, Ralph Fenton ° “469 Dick Boldhero; or, The Strange Adventnres of a Young Yankee Sailor.......Written by Himself 370 Garry the Greenhorn; or, From Stowaway to / cae by Corporal Morgan Rattler to Lawyer; or, NG to be OV the LOP sc. veer vecep se -by R. T. Emmet 872 Bob Allen’s Ranch; or, A Gattle King si es en . Little 873 Behind the Scenes; or, Out witha awe York : Combination—Comic.....-» +» ++-by Peter Pad * The above books are for sale ) by all‘Newsdealers, or will be sent-to your address, postage free, on receipt of the price, 5 cents per copy. FRANK TOUSEY; Publisher, -P. 0. Box 2730, 874 A Boy Among the White Caps; or, A Victim Of tie Lash. ........000 vee sD. Paul Braddon 875 General Washington's Boy; or, The Youngest Soldier in the Revolution. vase bY Ralph Morton 876 Pawnee Bill and the Oklahoma Boomers..... - by Geo. W. Goode 877 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Search for a Sunken Ship; or, Working forthe Government.by ** Noname” 878 Young Captain Tom Drake; or, In Searcli of pus Pirate’s Home. JJ. ce... cs eee by the Author of * Captain Tom Drake, i ete. 879 A Bad Boy’s Note Book—comilc.........by “Ed? 880 The Young Railroad King, or, From Brake- man to President. SFie8 3 by. Col. Ralph Fenton 881 Joe Junk, the Whaler; or, Anywhere for: Fun Sih dp eee SEER Oe aT ssi... by Peter Pad 882 Lost on the ‘Atlantic....+0.--.by Howard De Vere 883 Monitor Matt; or, The Giant ofthe Waves, A » + Story of the Great Rebellion,..by Ralph Morton 884 The Boy Rovers; or, The Adyentures of Two Plucky NOY Scshsa ewes ssesceescve DY C. Little 885 His Own Boss; or, The Boy Captain of Cat- head Lake.s...sseseceocsces -by Percy B. St. John 886 Braving the Flood; or, The Plucky Figlit of, Two Jolinstown Boy8. essere --by R. T, Emmet 887 Muldoon the solid Man—comic....-hy Tom Teaser 888_The Boy Star; or, From the Footlights to For- TUNES. ssc senesdecscascesvacassaveDy Ne Ss WOOd 889 The Young Commander; or, A New York Boy in the Southern War...........by Ralph Morton 890 Two in a Box; or, The Long and Short of it—COMIC. 60.0.0... ssc ceeeeseeee DY TOM Teaser 891 The Soldier’s Son; or, The Secret of the House of Hight Pines, "A Story of New York... . by . Little 892 Satin Sam the Young Western Sport. 4 by Paul Braddon 893 The Funny Four--comic.............-by Peter Pad 894 The White Queen of the Aztecs; or, Two Yau- kee Boys in Mexico of iby R. T. Emmet 895 The Deacon’s Son; or of the Village —comic..... +++..Dy Tom Teaser 896 The Boy Slave r, The Mystery of the Treasure Ship..... by Percy B, St, John 897 A Bad Bee; or, Hard to Crack—comic....-... by Tom Teaser 898 Two ears With a Pirate; or, The Phantom Ship of the Gold Coast..........by J. G. Bradley 899 Muldoon’s Boarding House-comic.by Tom Teaser 900 The Boy Diamond King; or, The Young Monte Ohristo of New. York.........by ©. Little 901 Ikey;or, He Never Got Left-comic.by Tom Teaser 902 The Armorer’s Son; or, The Mystery of the — Tower of LONGON,. sss sesee0esDY Allyp Draper ‘903 Jimmy Grimes; or, Sharp Smart & Sassy— Comie seston acheses bases: 'y Tom Teaser 904 Dick Getaway; or, Fighting fora Fortune..... by Corporal Morgan Rattler 905 Tom Quick, the Avenger of the ae forts y R. f. Emmet 906 Sam Switch the Boy Engineer; or, Beptinlng at the Bottom....... ....--eeee. Dy Albert J, Booth 907 Daring Dave the Diver; or, The Prince of SwiIMMETS.. eee si ee cow e ees cesses DY OC, Little 908 Sam; or, The Troublesome Foundling—comic. by Peter Pad 909 Velvet, NESE or, Deadly Grip and His Demon Ban sees Dy Paul Braddon 910 A Smar or, From Poverty to Wealth.... -.by John Sherman 911 Foretop Tom; A ee Sailor Roy Among the Malay Pirates......by JG: Bradley 912 Bulger Boom, the Inventor~ comic..by Peter Pad 913 Out in the Streets. A Story of High ‘and Low Lifein NeweYork .wveeve se wate vs by N. 8S. Wood (The Young American’ Actor). 914 The Swamp Demon; or, Lost For Two Years by R. T, Emmet 915 Denver Dan, Jr., the Stage Driver; or, The Mystery of Golden Guleh... cs. by, “Noname ”? 916 Muldoon’s Brother Dan—comic...by Tom Teaser 917. Buffalo Bull's Boy Broncho Breaker; or, The Youngest Hero on the Plains, .by Paul Braddon 918 A Sailor at Fifteen; or, From Cabin Boy to Captain. «...by J. G. Bradley 919 Henpecked—comic..................by Peter Pad 920 Homeless Hal; or, A Poor Boy's life inva ~ Great Clty eee csccest ne by Captain Will Dayton 921 Wild Bill's Boy Partner; or, The Redskins’ Gold Secret....... +. Dy Paul Braddon 922 Mniddon’s "Ghrigemwesseo me .--.by Tom Teaser 923 Captain Jack the Pirate’s Foe; or, The Devil- fish of the Indies........... vby Roger Starbuc& 924 A Bad Boyat Schocl—comic........... eby “ed.” 925 Mr. McGinty—comic..:.. seesseessby TOM Teaser 926 Lineman Joe, the Boy Telegraph eer Aeciee by O, Little 927 Sabo to China; or, The Life of a Ranaway saenatceveccp ose ctedess UVid « GianreAuley: 928 Bearohing for Stanley; or Tom Stevens Ad- ventures in Africa..........-..by R. T. Emmet 929 Boarding-School; or, Sam Bowser at Work: .- and PIAY—COMICs.+.se0seceeecessDY Peter Pad | 930 Young Magic; or, The Boy with a Ohaimed Life -by Paul Braddon ..by Tom ‘Teaser 931 Muldoon Out West—com 932 The Boy Treasure Hunters; or, peo culye: for Lost by John Sherman --+-by Tom Teaser 934 Sam Johnson, the Negr ve, by Harry Kane 935 Frank Reade, Jr, nt the Far West; or, The* Search for a Lost Gold Mine.... by iy Noname aa 986 The Waif of Mystery Island; or, The Adven- ° tures of a Boy Who Was Kidhapped...... by Roger Starbuck 987 The Mystery of the Sealed Door; or, The Old- est House in New York....... +. by R. T. Emmet 938 Island No. 7; or, The Pirates of Lake Michigan ~ by Geo. W. Godde 939 Our Landlord; or, Life in French Fiate—comic Peter Pad 940 From Jockey, to Judge; or, The Boy. Who Was. -. Always Ahead... ses. Was cv aseewe OYROE Little 941 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 Rebbers...............by John Sherman 943 Next Door; or, The Irish Twins—comic,..... by Tom Teaser 944 The Limbless Hunter; or, Si8.ocum’s Revenge by Roger Starbuck 945 The Boy in Red; or, The Czar's-Masked Mes- SCNGET..2eeseee 5 eeoeescess R. T, Emmet 946 Adriftin the Antarctic; or, Two Years on a Continent Of TOdsbe eben t keg iieeccamaby. C. Little 947 The Aldermen Sweeneys of New York—comic by Tom Teaser 948 Pawnee Bill; or, The White Chief's First War Trallicectiases sovsevcseee- DY Paul Braddon 949 The Boy Showman; ‘or, A Circus Manager at SiIXteenvivcrscyegeret . by John Sherigan 50 Tip Top Teddy. the Young Foretopman; or, Four Yeears Before the Mast....by J. G. Bradl ley 951 Mrs. Brown's Boarding-House—comilc........ by Peter Pad 952 a alee Boy Sheriff, or, The Bogda oe Peco 953 The Buried Gold Ship; or, The Sailor Boy’s ’ GUOSiPcseatewcetnneseteratrens oe DVAOs Lithia, 954 Our Future President; or, The Oak That’ Came T. Emmet ~ From the Acorn—comic,..........hy Peter Pad — 955 General Crook’s Boy QGnide; or, The Great Indian Fighter’s Black Hills Trati.s...:.30 _ by Paut Braddon 956 Three Yankee Boys in Africa; or, The Giants of the CONBOssecesacvesecs sDY Perey B. St. John 957 The Boy Suryeyor; or, Running Out a Rail- road in the Indian Country... by John Sherman 958 Rob Rounds, the Young Fireman.....by ©. Little 959 Muldoon's Base Ball Clnb—comic.bs Tom Teaser 960 Fair-Weather Frank, the Dashing ah Boyesa5 J. G. Bradley 961 Fagle Dan the Boy Hermit of the Rockies. Tee by Paul Braddon 962 Captain Lewis, the Pirate.....s0: ...by 0. Little 963 Muldoon’s Base Ball Club in Boston—comic..* * by Yom Teaser or, From a Wait to a Million- «by Captain Will Dayton v3 The Scalp Hunters of Apache Tandgessieeeic ns .. by Paul Braddon 966 Chums to the Death; or, The Adventures of a Boy Marine.........6. aoe Tae DY, Roger Starbuck 964 Harry Horton; 967 Muldoon Abroad—comic..........by Tom Teaser ~ 968 An Engineer at 18; or, The Boy Driver of the ~ Lightning Express... ee ecosseese DY RK. T. Emmet 969 Hardpan Harry, the Hunted Boy; er, A Young New Yorker Among Western Outlaws. euey y O. Little 97¢ The Property Boy; or, Before the Fooili nts, and Behind the Scenes.......s.0+ YY . Wood 971 piditocks Base Ball Club in Phijadelphia— sevesvecseesess Dy LOM Teaser 972 The Mssieiy Of the Fire- Ship; pr A Brave Boy Sailing Master........00.0.6.by Roger Starbuck 973 The Roy Bicycle Scouts; or, On the Wheel Among the Redskins..........by Paw Braddon 974 Roh Rider, the Circus Equestrian; or, Two — Years Under the Canvas......by Geo. W. Goode 975 The Shortys’ Minstrels; or, Working the Same Old Rackets—ComiC.....ccecsecees «by Peter Pad 976 The Tunnel Under the Sea; or, The Adventures of Two Drowned Boys...» wees - DY RK. T, Emmet 977 Pawnee Bill Doomed; or, The Great Scout in —- No Man’s Land... eee eaaeR EADY. Paul Bradden 978 The eta Hunters; or, Wild Life on the Pia Voietswaadconetes by Robert Maynard 979 Little. uate Bounce; or, Something. Like His Dad= Comics... 6.5 cove cassesssees DY Peter Pay 980 The Treasure Trove; or, The Buccaneers of the ulf. seatceveveeeeDy J. G, Bradley 981 Alone on a Wreck; or, THe Mystery of a Scut- tled Ship ..seeccsecceescnsesessDY Ro T. Emmet 982 Dan Darling's Cruise; or, Three Boys’ Lucky Vacationsc.cccesessseces oD: y H. K. Shackleford 983 Muldoon’s Picnic—comic..........by Tom Teaser 984 Luke Lines, the Boy Stage Driver; or, The Four-in-Hana of Keno Camp...by. Pant Braddog 985 Jockey Jim, the Daring Boy Rider; or. Win ‘ning His: Fortune in the Saddle. . ‘ : by Robert Maynard 986 The Lost Boy Captain; or, The Secret of the deb eeee rt eneee Hidden Whirlpo0lse+.+ee--sbY Hogels Starbuck — see i ire 34 and 36 NORTH MOCK a 8T., NEW YORK.