Five Cent Wide Awake Library (vol. 2) (1893 05 06)
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“T remember,” said Mr. Drew, musingly. ‘ Well, Mr. Deyon, I trust all to you. Bring me back my boys and fifty thousand dollars will be your reward. Good- night.” . © Good-night and good-bye,” returned the detective, as he left the room. And the next day when the Stanwiz sailed Jim Devon acconipanied her as a passenger. a ae CHAPTER VII. ON BOARD THE “ DEMON.” THe Demon worked magnificently, and Bob, in his ex- uberance felt as if he would like to join Yawpey in cutting up tricks and didoes, such as prancing around wildly, standing on his head, turning cart-wheels, and the like, 5 “ Hurroo, Bob, but aren’t this splendiferous,” ejacu- lated Yawpey. ‘‘Ha! ha! ha! what’d the folks at Luggers’ Pond say to us now—Yawpey Dick engineer i of the great original and bully boy ship Demon,”’ and u he laughed heartily, his wide open mouth, opened to ifs fullest extent, forming a cavern of no mean dimen- sions. They were gliding along at a splendid rate, and Yaw- pey’s enthusiasm was not misplaced. “Turn on more,’’ ordered Bob. The jaws, which seemed to work on a spring, closed withasnap, the inevitable “ Yah,"’ escaped his lips, his hand sought the lever, and faster than ever the De- mon ploughed the water. . Thus they pursued their way all day long, both so entranced with the situation as to totally forget the necessity of eating, of which they both now began to be reminded by a gnawing sensation in the region of their stomachs. : - Upon an order from Bob to that effect, Yawpey de- “scended to the kitchen, and in a short time returned | with some smoking hot stew, composed of turtle meat and eggs, thickened with mushrooms which they found on the island, and sea biscuit. > On this Bob made an excellent meal, washing it down with water. — _ Supper over, they determined on taking a view of the _ deep, and the electric lights having been lighted, every thing was in readiness tor the descent, which was effected by forcing the air out of two huge ajir-cham- bers, one in each end of the boat, and allowing them to fill with sea water. 4 Ave the lights all right 7” i 4 “+ Yah.’ 1 - “Then stand by your engine. now. Keep her so.” ; -. One more glance at the manuscript he always kept near him, and Bob’s hand sought the pull-board and _ slid along until his fingers were hooked in “ Pull 4.°’ - There arose a throbbing sound as the exhaust-pum p shrew the air from the chambers. ris glide connecting with the sea opened, and as the x filled inthe Demon slowly sank beneath the ace. rx descending some distance, Bob tet go of the nd the vessel remained suspended in the water, slowly moving forward. : ‘he huge, electric light on top of tbe pilot-house lighted up the water as by the noondaysun, and a queer sight is revealed. Darting hither and thither, startled by the strange light, and seeking to escape from within the radius of its glare, were thousands of the denizens of the deep, some familiar in shape and size, others strange - and horrid-looking, with eyes protruding far enough ftom frighful heads to be swept in any direction. One fearful-looking monster had eyes situated at the _ end of an antenna several feet from its body. and these being flexible, the oddity could swing them around to Bight or left, gaze under or over his body; while ano- her, with perfectly round back, which seemed studded ith eyes, had suspended from the lower part of his -a fringe of tentacles much the same as those of Slow down—easy, he deyil-fish. Look, look!” cried Yawpey, pointing in wild excite- ment first in one direction and then another. “How “ugly they are—ugh!” and a shudder conyulsed his eo. - fe paused and turned toward Bob, and the latter in saw Yawpey’s eyes glaring, and their retina was Micture of their terrible struggle ; he island. Bob had heard of such phenomena before, but now ‘he beheld it before him in startling, vivid reality. — __ And thus it ever was as long as he lived. ‘When in an excited, nervous state, there was reflected his eyes that terrible picture. » turned away from Yawpey and kept an eye out well it was that he did so, for they came so | upon arise in the bottom of the sea that had ; pe pn a nee the boat would have aground. 4 By eaily tired ont, Bob sunk the D until she ied on a level plateau, and then both boys went to nd slept, dear reader, as soundly and as sweetly _ the great waste of waters rolling above them together they had sufficient air to exist under water ap y rd 5 without « sufféting ay particular breakfast, after which Bob | walk and a search for a tidbi Bob brought 0 roposed to go oar gaaenege. So t5ts = THE DEMON OE THE DEEP. | great square knapsack on the back which contained fresh air. And under the arm was an oblong, thick rubber arti- ele, which, being pressed somewhat in the bag-pipe style, forced the air into the huge helmet from the knapsack. Thus equipped the boys opened a door of a perfectly air and water-tight chamber, just large enough to con- tain them and closed the door ; then Bob. turned on the exhaust-pump, a door in the side of the vessel opened and as the air was withdrawn the water filled in, and in a few moments they weresurrounded by the sea. They stepped ontside on the plateau, and their feet, which when inside it was barely possible to drag along, so heavily weighted with lead were they, now seemed light as feathers, andindeed seemed inclined to slip | from under them at the slightest provocation. Their weapons for.defense or capture, of game were | two peculiarly constructed knives—the blade being in the hilt, at the endof which was a small projection, | which, being pressed, sent out the long, keen biade with | lightning-like rapidity. | This was necessary, as at that depth the free use of an ordinary knife would be prevented by the weight and density of the water. « As they wandered around hereand there, they star- tled many curious-luoking specimens of the submarine world from their lairs. ; ‘ Bob was in eestacy This was living indeed. To set at defiance the ordinary modes of terrestrial life, and wander around the bottom of the sea with countless myriads of strange beingsandsights contin- ually coming and going, ’twere a life for a king. So thought Bob as he stood at the edge of the little plateau and tried to fathom the depth beneath him, phe was formed by the precipice on whose brink he stood. | But they had come out intending to hunt for some- | thing that would form food; and a huge sea-turtle Bob | just at that moment happened to discover,-head and feet drawn within its shell, quietly sleeping in a little hollow. ‘ Turning, he held up his hand ‘as a sign for Yawpey, who responded by coming immediately to Bob’s side, when the latter pointed at the turtle, intimating by dumb show that they must capture it. Yawpey started slowly and finally edged about until he stood in the rear of the turtle, about four or five feet distant. - : With his knife ready, he conrmenced to slowly ad- vance, intending to step on it, and, as the head appeared from the shell, to send the sharp razor-like blade through it. ks But man proposes, God disposes. As Yawpey took the second or third step he slipped —turned half way round—and fell, laading back down on the top of the turtle. Thus suddenly aroused, perhaps from slumber sweet, from pleasant dreams, like a flash came forth the tur- tle’s head. Yawpey’s helmet projected over in front. Antagonistic to the highest degree, the turtle’s jaws snapped together, opened again, the neck was stretched forth, and when they closed again they held between them‘a portion of Yawpey’s helmet. ~ Then the legs shot out, and Bob, who had stood a spellbound spectator of this transitory scene, helpless to avert the catastrophe, saw the turtle dart like a flash, bearing Yawpey with him. Yawpey was another Mazeppa, except that his steed was a turtle instead of one of the equine race. Over the precipice the turtle glided, and in an in- pe had disappeared in the depths of the gloomy abyss. ; With an inward groan Bob sank down. , « Yawpey was gone,”’ was the thought that flashed ple death—gone—gone—and all my fault. Ishould not have sent him to capture the creature whe has now taken his life. Verily that craft is a demon, and al- ready have two lives been sacrificed to her. But can- not I rescue him ?” ny aa t ‘The question seemed an idle one, yet it infused new life to the lad, and he speedily placed himself on his taken. But all was dark, all was blackness and gloom before him. “Tf I had a light,” he thought, “I could, perhaps, find him.” Sl Presently, animated by an idea the birth of thinking ofa light, he hurried towards the Demon. Quickly he entered, closed the door, forced the water out and the air in, opened the door to the inside of the vessel, threw back his helmet and rushed to the pilot-house. Back of te large electric light was a concave reflec- tor... : - This he quickly adjusted into position, and then with the blood seething in painful anxiety through his brain, and high-beating heart, he raised the Demon a little and started her. etrat- er gaze he scanned the crannied again and again through his brain. “Gone to a horri- }, t ob- | the electric lights, the Demon pushed. ——— short while later, Bob threw back his own hemlet, and then opened that of his companion. Yawpey lay still and white, apparently deaé, But Bob found his heart still beating although faintly. Vhe next thing to be done was to get him warmed up. He pried open the resisting lips and al- lowed some brandy to gurgle down his throat. Then | rolled him in blankets, after removing his clothing, and half an hour later had the satisfaction of feeling that his exertions were rewarded, for Yawpey began breath- ing regularly, and a short while later opened his eyes. As he saw Bob bending over him, an amused smile flitted across his features followed by a hearty laugh, as he said: “Yah! Isee—Yawpey's all right—thought I was in purgatory, and didn’t uidre open my eyes for fear of seeing the old chap hisself. Yah ! Yawpey’s all right,” ; and despite Bob's remonstrauces, he struggled to his feet and restored his clothing to his body. A few days passed without anything of note occur- ring, when after lying on the surface with lights burn- ins all night long, the boys on arising found themselves the subject of inspection from the deck of a low, rak- ish-looking vessel scarce a quarter mile distant, who was standing goward them. “T'Jl show them my heels,” quoth Bob, now thor: oughly entranced again with the Demon, and forthwith her engine was started. / Although the vessel was a fast sailer, Bob could haye easily ran away from her; but he wished to see what they could do, and so barely maintained the same dis- tance from her. Several hours were consumed in this manner, when Bob, who had been paying more attention to his pur. suer than his course, saw the latter come up suddenly in the wind, and pay off sharply on another tack. “Given it up, { guess,’’ said Bob, sarcastically, to Yawpey, who, too, had watched the race, it such it may be called, with interest. “Yah.” Meanwhile the Demon's speed seemed to accelerate to some extent, and Bob was puzzled as to the reason, and was wondering to what it’ was due, when glancing ahead, he saw that which explained all, and another terrible sight it was. B The sea, not many hundred feet ahead, appeared as if lashed into a fury; and great, white-capped, foamy wayes were dashing at each other, to meet and break, to rush back and dart forward again, Andin the cen- ter the water was running around in a circle, with scarcely a ripple on its surface, Fi There was a loud gurgling sound as the waters were drawn forward and sucked down—down—who knows where? It was the maelstrom of:the South Seas ! All this Bob took in at a glance. tT He stopped the boat, and backed her with all the power she had, but they were within the mighty grasp of the remorseless whirlpool, and rapidily the current into which they had struck bore them on to inevitable destruction, : With a hope born of desperation, Bob seized “ Pull 4,” drew it; the Demon sank below the surtace. ‘Were they safe ?”” No; the angry mae the next moment the Demon was seized by an irresist- able current, which bore her swiftly down—down—uu- til it seemed to Bob that the center of the earth must have been reached. j e Then, still held in the resistless power of water, they — were swept through an archway, and were then carried along with lightning-like spee water-worn tunnel, : The water seethed and boiled; the roar was deafen- ing, as the current forced it through narrow openings which lined the tunnel on both sides. t The electric lights displayed a scene of rie Above, beneath, and on either side were black, shiny walls, with projections here and there which threat- ened each moment to carry away the lights. : ‘The iron shutter, to protect the glass, Bob dropped as s00n 4s he recovered from the first shock oecasion- ed by their entrance into the terrible trap. “Is there an opening at the end?” Bob thus question- _ ed himself. : , He fondly hugged the : breast, as he gazed out of the front of the pilot-house — escaped his lips, and Bob sank to the floor in a swoon. The end of the tunnel was of solid rock, and were rushing toward i. ; This much Bob had seen, and, with this cry on his lips, had swooned away, all hope of life Gone 1 WORKING FOR LIFE. We left the Demon held in the of an irre- sistible current, being hurried on toward the solid nel. | ; Lhe Demon rushed on, and to Yawpey, who, when Bob, overpowered by the sight, fell with senses be-— the floor, total annihilation Seemed inevit- On, on, nearer the black shiny mass, hghted up by Bob rallied immediately upon Yawpey’s grasping him y the shoulder and shaking him, and side by side they — af | stood, waiting for the es would demolis to nomentarily expected shock — ih their vessel “Seana thet: lstrom was not to be cheated, for ‘ through a narrow and — “hope that there was;to his , eee rock which barred the end of this underground tun- feet and gazed in the direction which the turtle had| Almost the same imstant the cry, “God help us!” — 4 they 5
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This tunnel was not unlike the main gallery of a coal mine, with numerous smaller ones stretched away in all directions. The two boys were stupefied by this sudden and un- expected event, and as they gazed ahead with shudders of dread at the rock which shut them in to meet an unknown fate,a feeling of thankfulness arose from their hearts that at least immediate danger was averted. As to what eventually might happen Bob dared not Shink of. They were inclosed on all sides by rock, or virtually %o, since they could not go back through the tunnel and against the fierce tide that had swept them along $o this recess in the bowels of the earth. It would in all probability form the sepulchre in which the Demon would be forever interred, and the bones of Yawpey and himself would lie and bleach in this same natural tomb, far away from the toil and bustle of the world, far away from human scrutiny. ! Thus thought Bob, despite his efforts to repress it, Already they had faced death, and neither of the boys were cowards, still it was dreadful to think of the ter- rible death which awaited and seemed so absolutely to encompass them. At the outside they could exist three or four days ' eniy on the amount of air contained in the. Demon, and a.ready it had been confined four or five hours. How frightful it was to think of this and calculate how many hours of life remained, we leave to the read- ers imagination. And yet this was what Bob did. He calculated they could live eighty hours yet—no more. ) Neither had spoken, but had stood in the same posi- tion, side by side, a lethargy seeming to have seized their-physical powers. At last ‘Bob broke the silence that had been main- tained between them. - ““Yawpey, we are doomed, Woe are enclosed in a liv- ing tomb, trom which escape is impossible,” said Bob, solemnly. “Yah,” was Yawpey’s usual assenting answer. “That am 2 fac’.”’ Hours passed by. and all that either had done besides watching the currents eddy and circle, and seethe and dash away into the side galleries, was when Bob used “Full 4” and sank the Demon until she nestled on tho righ bottom of the tunnel. flunger’s pangs at length assailed them so fiercely that astupor, which had settled over them,was thrown’ - off, and Yawpey prepared some food. This was placed - 9n the table, and on the end Yawpey, who had taken ‘private pull from the brandy-flask, afterwards placed any _ Hungér satisfied Bob, feeling the need of something : nvigorating, took a few swallows of what was rare, old ; genuine brandy. in It infused new life in his veins, and with this new %eoling came a wild, yagile hope that even yet they might find a way out of their danger, might elude the __- grim monster—death. - Another draught from the flask and the hope grew stronger. Another, and success was assured. a Yawpey, meaiwhile, had not been backward in in- - @ulging and both boys had now arrived at that period which might be turned jubilant and a little foolish. This is adventure, Yawpey, hey ?” “Yah 1’ “With a vengeance.” “ee Yah 1? «The old man with the horns and hoofs wants us, Yawpey, and thinks he has cornered us, hey ?”? ” eae 148 “Tet’s bilk the old cuss,” suggested Bob, rising to his feet, on account of feeling a little shaky, using the table to help him up and support him afterward. “* What do you say ?”’ nhs. Veh. Veh came Yawpey’s monotonous reply, a joyful, hopeful ring pervading it; “‘ but how?” “Dunno,” replied Bob, “Let’s put on our suits, and go on a scouting expedition.” by Yawpey’s last adventure, when in the suit, did not __- prepossess him in its favor, and had he been perfectly _ sober (for he was not at the present moment) he would _ probably not have assented to Bob's proposition; but, fired by the liquor he had drank, he hailed the suggs- tion as a good one, and so far forgot his traditional reply astoexclaim: _ “By the jumpin’ Jehosaphat, but yer a brick, Bob, and if that old cuss as you spok of git me on this deal, call measlabsided piece of salt from Yankee- land, spread with molasses, fried in a spittoon and served as a sandwich between two pieces of bed-slat.’? _ And having delivered himself of this long speech, and feeling somewhat enervated and exhausted by it, e seized the flask, and soon the last of its contents mt gurgling down his throat. - He was the leader now, and struggling to his feet a inute or two later, he cried in a husky voice: Come on, Bob, lez explore zis darned devil's trap, and bust it to bla—z—z—es.” — ‘awpey was drunk—unmistakably and gloriously so, hit inet at reason we can pardon his sweai ring—the instance which ever came to the knowledge of the ay nition of his using profane language. ‘The liqnor, too, had mounted into Bob's head, and had all he could do to navigate with certainty of his col lown where he intended it to. A circumstances Bob would not have | th: n above all things. u der the ot quor, for he detested it, and a drunken # cumstances, the*brandy had done roke the apathy to their surroundings uisly hung overthem. == raf A THE DEMON OF THE DEEP. + and when the sea-door glided open they stepped out- side. Side by side they stumbled along over the uneven botiom until they reached the bows of the Demon. Here they paused before venturing into the swiftly- gliding current, which might have earried them—who knows where ? Bob ventured a few feet further, but feeling the \weight of the current to be too strong, he carefally backed down. The Demon lay, as it were, in a still-pool, between the opposite currents, which did not meet, butrushed away in the before-mentioned galleries on either side of the main one, thus accounting for what would otherwise | be a strange phenomenon. Bob and Yawpey explored this still portion of the water, but found nothing in their exploration to bol- ster their hopes of “ bilking the old cuss.” Motioning Yawpey to follow, Bob returned to the Demon, after having been out about three quarters of an hour, which nearly exhausted the life-giving princi- ple of the air which their knapsacks held. The effect of the cold water striking through the armor had removed partially the effects of the liquor, butnotso much as not to leave a stern determination in the minds of both to work valiantly for life. They opened their helmets, rested awhile, then more leaden weights were attached to their feet, their knap- sacks were refilled with the atmosphere inside the yt which itself was now becoming heavy and etid. Then out into the sea again they went. With the extra weight attached to their feet, they found that by care they might venture into the cur- rent in front. They followed one side of the turmel up to the wall that blocked their way in front. A narrow gallery ran parallel with it, and the boys followed it a few feet, when they discovered a narrow opening at right angles with the gallery, pointing in the same direction that did the Demon. Down this a few feet and again if turned sharply to the left. ‘They followed it still, anda few moments later Bob calculated that they were standing directly in front of the Demon, not over twenty-five or thirty feet distant, and that a wall of rock, perhaps four or five, possibly eight or ten feet in thickness, formed the vail that screened her from their gaze. They had stood facing this rocky vail. Turning squarely about Bob cquild see a continuation of the main gallery, but how far it continued before being again blocked was a mystery he could not solve, as the light was but very dim, and it required a strain- ing of the gaze to see anything. Still the fact of there being any light at all, to Bob's reflective mind, seemed to prove that beyond them the way was clear. : But why should this huge rock separate these two tunnels, which, as Bob supposed, were directly op- posite each other, but which idea was wrong, the} newly discovered portion of it being some feet to the left of that in which the Demon was lying. The answer is an easy one, and one that can be ex- plained by perfectly natural causes. This huge mass of rock or mountain was a perfect honeycomb of galleries, and those lying east and west, in the path of the tides, were worn larger by the water which had rushed through them for centuries, gradu- ally forcing their way ahead through the solid stone by the power of friction. Left alone for another century, and the probabilities are that this vail that now interposed would by that time be entirely obliterated, and the two main galleries would be one. 2 “Tf this rock was only out of the way,”’ thought Bob. “If it was—liberty would be ours, death would be defeated.’?, Tf—a small word in itself, but oh! at times how much ue express. : “Jf,” bitterly thought Bob. ‘‘No, nothing can be done, and a miserable death awaits us, death in the most horrible shape.” m ; Despondency in its most radical shape had seized him, when suddenly on the tablets of his memory stood out those words, a portion of the manuscript re- ceived from the hermit: “Tt may be necessary in searching for the treasure on board the Lsmerelda to employ some explosive force, for the purpose of rending her apart. For that I have provided nitro-glycerine, which can be found, hermeti- cally sealed, in a locker in the stern, where I placed it so as to keep it from danger of ignition by lights, shocks, etc.” = At the moment when everything seemed darkest lights had sprung forth. “Why not blow down of himself. * _ The practicability of doing this was rapidly gone over in his mind. At any rate, it was a last resort, and was worthy of a trial. f He cduld not there ventilate his ideas for Yawpey's benefit, so they returned again to the Demon. They had now been prisoners in this place for over forty hours, during which the boys had had no sleep ; and so, after telling Yawpey of his idea, the tired out boys, although they sought to keep awake, at last thought it best to take a few hours’ sleep, after: which Bob felt that they would be better able to undertake the task of blowing down the obstruction. f Tt might seem as if it were impossible to sleep while in so great danger: but a wakefulness of over forty hours and the soporfie effects of a quantity of liquor and espe ee the br it passes off, will speedily convince anybody to thecontrary. fe ‘Hour: than Bob had eCHUuLly O: assed—far greater in num ona, inte i fick this barrier?” questioned Bob till | cup-shaped recesses, Bob distributed the explosive ma- ¥ becoming more heavy and affording less that woulc support life. Bob awoke at iast, the heavy air causing a weight, a: if it were, to rest on his chest, while each respiratior caused him an effort; while glancing at Yawpey, lie saw that individual, with mouth wide open, endeavor ing by the quantity of effete air he was imhaling te satisfy the clamorings of nature for pure oxygen. Bob awoke him. With a bound Yawpey was ort his feet. “We have been imprudent, Yawpey,” said Bob “We have slept too long, and God only knows whether this air will support life another two hours. Come, we must get the nitro-glycerine.” They descended together to the kitchen, and from thence passed into the Demon’s hold. Away back to the right-hand side, built against the . air-chamber, they discovered a small locker, which hat hitherto escaped notice when they had examined this portion of the vessel. Handling it with the utmost circumspection, Bob carried it to the “ parlor,” set it down on the table, sat down himself, and dropping his forehead into his hand, strove fo remember all of the characteristics of this dangerous compound which he had ever heard of. F Then he arose with a haggard face, which, in every lineament betokened how acutely he recognized each little detail of the terrible situation he occupied. If he exploded the glycerine, as he was necessarily r ad .| compelled to do, in such crannies of the rock as he could find, if might or it might not effect the purpose intended; or again, might as effectually compass their destruction as that of the rock, for they were but a few feet from it. With a strained voice he bade Yawpey put on his armor, and assumed his ow7l. They left the Demon again, approached the rocky wall, and in numerous little crevices and pocket or terial. A coil of wire that he had brought with him was un- : wound, the end fastened to ajutting rock, and then laid in such a manner, bent and twisted, until it con- nected with all the deposits of the glycerine. This done, they started to return, and although they had not been outside over fifteen minutes, so fonl hac been the supply of air brought with them, that wher they reached the Demon, and were safely inside witt helmits unloosed, they both sank to the floor, gasping for breath and utterly exhausted. It required some minutes to recuperate sufficiently to rise to their feet; but the dread thought of Gath spurred them up and to work. Bob raised the Demon, and pulled No. 3 fully ont. causing her powerful engine to reverse rapidly. ‘ Slowly the Demon retreated from the rock, unté\ reaching the more powerful portion of the current, hey \ — eneihe was unsuflicient to overcome it, and here she rested. They had conducted the wire into the exit chamber, and from this point one of them had to apply the eleec- tric spark that was to be their salvation or speedy death. : Bob explained it in as few words as possible to Yaw- pey, leaving it to the latter to decide who should go. “You understand handling her better than I do,” said Yawpey afew minutes later, turning his pale, reso. , lute face toward Bob, ‘1’ll go.” “God help you.” f ort * Amen,”’ was Yawpey’s fervent response. He entered the chamber after all preparations had — been made. The door closed behind him, and Bob mounted into the pilot-house. : He kept the engine reversing so as to keep as far as possible from the scene of the explosion. A moment passed. Another. £ We With dreadful anxiety he waited, and then, before he could comprehend it, came a rapid report, a rumbling —low and sullen—a shock as a flying fragment of rock struck the vessel—then quietness. . = Eagerly he looked out—the rock was gone—the way was clear. f ; 232 i He stopped the engine and darted down to the door, through which Yawpey soon appeared. eS Tearing loose the helmet, Bob cried, in hopeful, joy- _ ful accents : : “The way is clear—we have a chance for life.”’ The door was quickly closed, they darted back as fast as they could ies the pilot-house, her engine was started, while b, at the wheel, guided her | through the gap in the rock which the glycerinehad — made, and turning alittle to the right the Demon en- tered the tunnel. ee ‘5 ‘‘Faster—for life—for nir,” cried Bob, and Yawpey, _ who had assumed charge of the engine, turned on fu power, and away the Demon sped. ; The current was atari her, but she overcame it and after battling with it for nearly an hour she shot 4 out into the open sea. [ois Sia © Out came No. 5 to its full extent—thore cameapuis ing and throbbing as she was lightened of the ws ‘ and deserting the wheel and engine the bovs left thy pilot-house, and weakened by breathing the foul : almost staggred along to the parlor. y Up the stairway Bob clambered. : : Thoy had reached the surface, as he knew by fhe cone ing of the pulsations and the smooth, onward progress of the vessel. er 25 ee _ He seized the pin that held the door in the deck, and = with the last remains of his strength drew it. j The door glided back—the blue sky of aoe panc ines bolic : ‘oment later both boys w ul pin, sechouines 1 worked for
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} THE DEMON OF THE DEEP, CHAPTER Ix. " JIM BLACK. 4 asagreed between David Brocks, Mr. Drew's confi- tential clerk, and Pat Harris, they met at the appointed time at a low drinking-saloon kept by Jim Black,a eroney of Pat's. : After they were closeted togefher iu a back room, _ Brocks asked: rir “Well, have you takenany steps towards putting Joe ~ ; out of the way ?” ; ~ “Net yet : but Jim and me are going on a little fish- img excursion in a few days and the Grumbleris to go along. He'll fall over board aecidentally—you know— . and no one’ll’be the wiser.” “T hate delays—they are dangerons,’’ said Brocks. “It's the best we can do, and it’s the safest and 3 surest."’ i “Well, well, have your own way, only see that the boy don’t live too long.” “No fear of his being above ground one week from tuday,” said Pat, with a leer, and their conversation arifted away into other villainous channels, Pat’s por- ~ion of it being freely interlarded with low oaths and eile language. ’ But Joe was above ground a week later despite Pat Uarris’ words, for that individual had in the meantime, nd before the fishir g party came off, become involved én a bar-room muss, during which, finding himself @orsted, he drew a revolver and shot his opponent, who fell at his feet—dead. oy He was terribly frightened at the result of his shot, ' probably not intending that it should have this fatal ending ; nevertheless, it was murder, and realizing how jittle was the mercy he could expect at the hands of a fury, he looked about him with a defiant manner, eowed with threatening words and his brandished re- volyer those who would have stayed his progress; and as a policeman, drawn by the pistol shot, entered the front door, Pat darted out of the back, scaled the fence, entered another yard, darted through the hallway to the street beyond, and found refuge for a few hours in the home of an old pal, who that night, with Patin dis- guise, accompanied him to oneof New York’s wharves. * A yawl was in readiness, and a short time later Pat “was on board a vessel lying in the stream,on whose - Dooks he was enrolled under a fictitious name. _ This pal was one of'a class sometimes called ‘ scalp- ers,” or ‘ seamen’s boarding-honse runners,” who make a business of robbing Jack, or of getting Jack drunk, or drug him, and ship him in this condition on board some vessel that has failed to secure her complement of men, and whose captain, perhaps being anxious to sail, will even stoop to this means of securing hands. He had that afternoon agreed to ship a man that might, and so all that was necessary for Pat Haaris to do es Batis naAyie i, habit of must be ie gether of some, ‘had been out at sea buta few days, and hed so exceedingly good run of it, when one of those | regretted aflairs—the insubordination and f one of the sailors—occurred. : hot yas bound | gn oan When questioned, one of the larboard watch said that near morning he had heard a splash in the water, and what might have been a cry tor help, but which at the time he had attributed to his fancy. All eyes were directed toward Backus, who hadsworn yengeance on the man, but he stood stolidly listening to the whole without a quiver or the movement of a muscle, and furthermore, no proof, however slight, could be found against him, for he was in the star- board watch, which was below at the time, and he, of course, had no business on deck during the time of duty of the larboard watch, and no one had seen him, and so it became the general opinion that the unfortu- nate man had fallen overboard. Deyon, who was a good reader of character, made up his mind that Backus knew more concerning the man’s death than he would care to tell, and warned the cap- tain of him; for, said he: “That Backus is a vengeful, malevolent fellow, and I believe he would as lieve killa man as eat his dinner ifthe thought he would not be detected.” A few days rolled by and still the good ship Stanwia ploughed old ocean toward the dist&int goal. It is evening, or rather night, for the sun had gone to rest several hours before, and the captain stood lean- ing over the quarter rail, musing upon a difficult nau- tical problem, that for some days he had been puzzling over. : “ The starboard watch was on duty, and it was Backus’ trick at the wheel. | Once the captain thought of the man at the wheel and turned his gaze on him, but could he have seen the lurid, vengeful glare in| Backus’ eves as he pre- tended to scrutinize the compass, he would not have turned his back again and resunjed his thoughts as ealmly as he did. Backus gaye one Piette f keen glance about him. The quarter deck was deserted, and the rest of the watch were too fur forward to be cognizant of his action. ‘ Stooping he pioked up the tiller ropes and guyed the wheel so that it would maintain the same position without his holding it. Then he drew his long, keen knife from its sheath, and after another sweeping look about him, he stepped away from the wheel, and with a cat-like tread, so soft it was, he advanced toward the captain, who, deeply wrapt in thought, was unconscious to all that was passing about him. Slowly and stealthily the vengeful sailor drew near, An exultant, develish look shone from his eyes, and in anticipation of the successful issue of his mur- derous attempt, a feeling of satisfaction, of gratified re- revenge swelled up within him, and accompanied by a . silent laugh of demoniacal glee. Nearer he drew. Still nearer. The murderous kuife is raised. One step more and he will be near enough to strike. The step is taken, the knife is drawn still higher. - Nerying his arm for the blow, he strikes—just as a shrill ery of warning breaks upon the air. The new-comer darts forward and seeks to avert the blow, but it is too late; the knife entered the cap- tain’s side as he partially turned about at the shrill frye still the force of the blow had been broken, and he wound which otherwise would have been fatal, berame one of a painful nature only. With a shrill cry of rage and ourses rughing in tor- rents from his mouth, the dastardly Pillain faced about, and made a rapid pass at the intruder, who, how- ever, was too quick for Backus, and darting away, the force ofthe blow carried the would-be assassin to the deck on his face. Before he could rise, he was seized by the other members 6f the watch, who had rushed aft to see what the matter was, and it did not take many minutes to put Backus in irons and conyey him to the ship’s prison, there to await the action of a proper, tribunal for attempted murder. : The person who had so opportunely appeared,and thus saved the captain's life, was Ben, the cabin boy, other- wise Retta Banks, who immediately became quite a, hero. ine ‘ Ben, for so we shall call Retta while in the character she now occupies, had seized this opportunity of going forward to see Joe, who, being in the larboard watch, was of course “offduty.” : Ben had stepped on deck just as Backus drew up the knife for the final blow. i fo utter the cry of warning, and rush forward to : avert the stroke, was but an instant’s work, had saved a life. and Ben vd * CHAPTER X. ; THE ‘“‘ DEMON” PURSUED. Bon and Yawpey lay perfoctly still om deck for over half an hour, drawing in new life from the new, fresh atmosphere. 0 a a aan ee shes | went belo fol == they were at their hunting-ground, Bob suggested that they should go out on a hunt. Yawpey assented, and out they went. They met with first-rate success, capturimg two large _ fish, a turtle, and stumbling across a vegetable greatly resembling plantain leaves, which Bob surmised would make good food, and which, indeed, when boiled, tasted delicious, i As they were entering through the side door Yawpey saw an odd-looking fish which he wished to possesa himself of. To be brief it was a shell-fish, a molusca, generally known as a cuttle-fish, and was attached toa small, flat stone, Yawpey picked up the stone and carried both it and the cuttle-fish inside. ! After they had taken their suits off, which was the work of a few seconds only, Yawpey approached his prize, and bending over it conimenced curiou ly in- specting it. The next moment a yell informed Bob thatsomething — had happened, and hurrying back to the room he had just left, he beheld Yawpey standing in the center ofit, with hands hanging akimbo, mouth wide upen, and he gasping for breath, eyes tightly shut, while from the end of his nose and prominent chin a black liquid was trickling, and Yawpey was as sable in hue as the most tropical negro. To save himself Bob could not retrain from laughing af the comical sight. “Yah |? snarled Yawpey, irately, "stand there and laugh. Yah! yah! of course—stand right still dou't help a fellar.’’ j With his handkerchief Bob wiped the stuff from Yaw~ pey’seyes so that he could see, which was no sooner® done than Yawpey bounced over to the cuttle-fish, vy yelling : “Dang you, I'll fix you,” he raised it up rock amd alk, : |.and smashed 1% on the floor, “Go and look in the glass,” suggested Bob, A little mirror hung in the parlor, and Bob, who re- mained where he was, presently heard a smothered cursing, and then Yawpey strode into the room and in avoice between a groan and a savage yell, lan ented the room back and forth : “Dang the thing,” here he a i and mawed further the already mutilated dy of his enemy. “Dang this crait, the man that built it, and anyone — that has anytiing to do wi’ it, I’m a nigger—a dirty black nigger—a nigger—just think of it,” turning te Bob, “ Yawpey Dick turned into a nigger.’” te The scene was too much for Bob's risibilities, and he burst out laughing. was: ! “«T’'m a nigger—Yawpey Dick's a nigger.” At length Bob suggested that he should wash him- self and try to remove the stain, : thought of it before. ‘ He darted away to the kitchen in which the boys’ always performed their ablutions, and perhaps gaye ceived. » 7 = Meanwhile Bob had been examining the cuttle-fish, and presently discovered a pouch or sachet which bad contained the liquid, tory are aware of the fact that the cuttle-fish possesses such @ pouch, filled with a substance resembling ink, which, when enemies attack it, it ejects into the water, dyeing it so that his enemy is at a loss to find him, this pane the only means of defense which the euttie. fish has. sineetngad Yawpey had been bending over the flsh and had placed a finger on one of its prominent eyes, whem he received the full discharge in his face. rere Presently Yawpey returned, much lighter in com. plexion but yet not in his normal volor. ‘ ait For a time he was almost inconsolable. oad all the folks at Ball's Pond say when Yawpey go home—a nigger.” : ; te Bob cheered him up by telling that by repeated washings the stuff would all come off; and ‘for some days afterwards Yawpey washed at least every half ae until Bob put a yeto on his using so much fresh water. > 7 Their larder supplied, they returned to the surta where they remained all night. x sf When “morning broke, Bob discovered, to the lee- ward, a few miles astern, a steamer, whose course lay i the same direction as that which he was pur- suing. ooh s iremsrrsiec He kept to his course, and the steamer did being a fast sailer, began to pick up a litth Demon. Ste Bob did not wish to come into contac’ stranger, still he determined to remain ‘until she came close, and bie mystif, by suddenly sinking ont of sight. j On came the steather—clos A dooms Those of my readers who have studied natural his- “Tt'll never come ont, and I'ma nigger yet. Whebt 5 ; rv Lee his fate in the following strain, while he perambulated This incensed Yawpey still further, and ho stamped es about, frowned and fretted, and the burden of his ory Yawpey stopped asif thunderstruck. Why had not ter himself the most thorough washing he had ever re- . . A a = “6 algo, and i he on the surface y; cx commande
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Bob that he was dealing with an English man-of-war, Bnd that he had been commanded to “lay to.” He kept serenely on steeple em tes ! The English captain, angered by this apparent con- ‘fempt, issued further orders, which were followed by another puff of smoke, a booming noise, and the sicocieting of a ball across the water, which finally sank -buta few feet from the Demon. . “This is getting dangerously interesting,” thought Bob. “And now it’s my turn to surprise old ‘ ’Alftand- wR’ He drew out No. 4. The Denon did not sink, but glided smoothly on. “Hang it!” growled Bob. “ What's the matter?” He pushed it in and drew it out again, but the Demon failed to obey. i, “Here's a pretty pickle. Crowd on all power, Yaw- _ pey, and let’s try and drop the old cuss behind.” “Yah!” replied Yawpey, and under the fresh impetus the Demen went considerably faster; still not fast -_- snough to get out of range of the long gun of the Eng- fisiman. . ‘ s If they had run previously as fast as they were going mow, they would have easily dropped the steamer ; but a 4hey were now too near the lion’s jaws for safety, which _ #vas evinced when a ball struck the deck a moment dater, only to glide off the rounded deck into the sea, - fnowever. “Lay to,” cried Bob, ‘it’s getting dangerous. I'll go and see what the matter is with the door.” About fifteen minutes’ search disclosed the fact that ' gome wire had been carelessly dropped so that it cama into contact with the connection of the air-pump, which flrow off the electric current and thus defeated its pur- ose. F ee threw the wire into the far corner of the room, way from ili connections, just as he heard Yawpey call He bounded up the stairs and into the pilot-house. The man-of-war, during his absence had come within five hundred feet of the Demon, her boat had been low- A ered, and was now being ae in their direction, over half the distance having been accomplished. The captain piqued at their previous apparent con- tempt for his authority and a little curiosity combined, instead of sending an officer to interview the strange eraft which he had overhauled, took his place in the tern of the long boat. He was a fat, pompous individual, with fierce mus- tachios, and a coat that was almost covered with lace md gold epaulettes and insignia of his rank. _ __ The long boat was laid alongside the Demon, the captain arose to his feet, stepped authoritively on _ board, and with a grandiloquent wave of his hand paeensza the two boys in the pilothouse, pompously said: “This ‘ere vessel must show ’er papers himme- Prato yl demand hit hin the name of ’e: British esty. Let's souse the old duffex,”’ suggested Bob. “Yah! Bally !” chimed in Yawpey. ‘Bob drew No, 4. The captain felt the Demon sinking beneath him, and 1 wildly toward the pilot-house and saw the two joys, Bob laughing contemptuously, while Yawpey had his fingers placed in juxtapositson with a certain ortion of his physiognomy in a manner more expres- sive than polite. The captain was fished out of the water, and returned to his vessel a sadder and wiser man, while our two friends beneath the surface enjoyed a hearty laugh, owever was changed when two or three 4 they found themselves again placed in peril, CHAPTER XI. IN DANGER AGAIN. AFTER asaving the English captain floundering in the ‘water, Bob kept the Pemon on the course she had been eviously pursuing, he having descended, as the ader will remember, beneath the surface. A few minutes after their descent, Yawpey left tho P house, descended the aves, walked back and down tothe kitchen. : a ent “mained for about an hour, at the end of which Bob remarked that he was hungry, and bade Yawpey pro- a mething as good as his stock of provisions and ity could supply. ; { say, Bob,” said Yawpey, as he arose to do his bid- “the fresh water is nearly gone.” yay , [know,” replied Bob. “ There's enough for a e or three days though. isn’t there ?” : ‘Yah ; I guess so.” ‘i , ‘Well, we'll start back to Hermit Island (so Bob had ed the island) to-morrow for a fresh supply. Now nd get dinner, Yawpoy, for I’m fearfully hungry.” and Yawpey started back to the kitchen. w minutes later he reappeared, his face pale, and nxious look in his eyes. ‘ ' s quick return. 4 f attempted to reply, but his lower jaw displaying a cavernous gap from which n sound proceeded. ; i ot au ap shad happened, and vexed yp le angrily rep ¥ i ated his question, ‘that’s the matter?” asked Bob, surprised at Yaw- 8 his mind that somethin sf vexed by the. silénce ‘that 4 THE DEMON OF THE DEEP. “The water is ’—— “Is what?” demanded Bob. “Guy out.” “How’s that? Didn’t you say there was water enough for several days |” Silence. “Are you an idiot?" Bob had lost all patience with Yawpey. “Yah, I ’spect so, cos I—I ’’*—— “What? Come now, what did you do?” “J—I—let it run away.” “Run away! How?’ * “I washed—drawed water you know, and left the spiggot turned on,” replied crestfallen Yawpey, with hanging head and averted eyes. “Fool! idiot!” said Bob, angrily, still somewhat relieved at knowing it was no worse, for from a study of the chart the day before he knew he could reach land in one day’s sail. “Well,” he added, a minute or two later, ‘go down and get me something to eat j anyhow.” 3 Yawpey departed and brought back some sea-biscuit, of which they still had agood store and some raw turtle’s eggs, which, although not very palatable in this state, Bob was hungry enough to eat with pees ‘eh the albumen relieving his thirst to a great extent. “We must go to the surface,” said Bob, when he had finished, “and I'll take bearings, and then we'll away to the island.” Even as he turned to draw No. 5, he became aware of arushing ofsome living mass behind them. As he looked, with lightning-like speed the mass drew near. It was a school of whales. There came a heavy shock an instant after, anda careening as one of them struck the Demon. Quick as thought Bob dropped the iron shutter which protected the glass of the pilot-house, and well it was that he did so, for the shock with which one of the school came against the iron would surely have broken the glass, and that broken meant death. For over five minutes the water was fairly alive with these leyiathans, and then through the hole in the shutter Bob saw the last straggler in the school sweep on ahead. qi ‘ “Thank God, they’ve passed and-we are all right,’’ said. Bob. : All right Scarce had the words escaped his llps, when the De- mon’s engine began making a terrific number of revo- lutions to the minute, while at the samo time she began | slowing down. 4 = Bob’s quick eye saw the engine’s quickened move- ment the momentit began, and realized that at the same time she began slowing down. “What 'can be the matter now?” Bob questioned himself in some alarm. ‘God grant it may be nothing with the engine.’ His hand leaped quickly to No. 2, and the engine was stopped, i “Can it be,” thought Bob, ‘can it be that some- thing has happened to the screw? Have the whales struck it and done it any injury, I wonder?” The Demon by this time had lost most of her head- way, and Bob drew No. 4 and held it until sho rested on the bottom, which at this point was sandy and smooth as a kitchen tloor. Without a moment's hesitation the boys assumed their diving suits, and going outside, Bob led the way to the Demon’s stern. * An examination of a moment and Bob pointed at the bare end of the shaft which protruded—the screw was gone. ‘ { ‘ In a moment Bob’s mind had canvassed tho situation; they could return to the surface and helplessly lie and await the chance passing of some vessel, which, however, could hardly be expected, since they were far away from any regular route, or, they could insti- tute a search for the missing wheel and endeavor to repair the damages. . Meanwhile their water was exhausted, and every hour spent in either way could but bring on the pangs of thirst which Bob knew would begin ere long to as- sail them. x Sick at heart and depressed by their continually re- curring perils, Bob sank down on the sand and drop- pod his helmeted head into his gloved hands. ~ r He was thoroughly disheartened. For perhaps half an hour he remained thus, then arising he beckoned Yawpey to follow, and they re- turned inside the Demon, — : When he took his helmet off it revealed a face hag- gard with anxiety. 4 ‘ An apathy to his fate seemed to settle over this pre- viously seeming inyincible lad, and once or twice a groan escaped his lips. : A = For some hours he paced to and fro, thirst the while growing upon him to some degree. He had recourse to the one single remaining bottle of priate which seemed, if anything, to increase his thirst. his voice husky and broken, “we must not perish ‘thus. We must endeavor to find the lost wheel. If we find it we must bring it here. We can’t take the Demon to it. Whether it will be too heavy to handle or not remains to be seen. It appears to be our only hope of alyation.”’ } : : , “Yah! replied Yawpey. I was thinking of that myself. Let's go now.” : : “Yes, we'll start pepe al or rather, just as soon 6 pilot-house; it must be burning my readers joints of tw chin na “Yawpey,” said Bob at last, breaking the silence, | Ove? the sand, crossing their ‘pathway just oar $ chad made a complete circle around them. The electricity plays between these points and this produces the light, at the same time slowly consuming the charcoal. To keep these pieces of charcoal at the proper dis- tance at all times, the old hermit, fully understanding the principle, had constructed an ingenious piece of mechanism somewhat resembling clockwork in appear- ance, which accomplished this result. ‘ As Bob had anticipated, the light had begun burning low from the fact that of one ot the pieces tlrere scarea. remained half an inch, and this was too far sundered from the other. Glancing into a wooden box which had been full whem they started out, Bob found but two pieces remain-! ing. These he placed in the large lamp, while he, to save what remained in the smaller lamps, disconnected the battery, and the two lights, as a consequence, ex- ‘ pired. . Theyrassumed their suits and started out, and sepa- | rating some few feet, they followed back over the course the Demon had come buta few hours before. For about three-quarters of an hour they hunted about, and then by the growing fetidity ot the supply of air in their knapsacks, they were compelled to return with their tasks unaccomplished. . After arest of halfan hour orso they started out again, but not until Bob had ascended to the pilot-houxo and arranged the large concave reflector so as to send a broad stream back over the ground to be examined, something he had not thought of doing the first time. They separated farther than they had before, but again were compelled to return for fresh air without ee met with a single thing to give them emcourage- ment, Again they ventured out and pointed. Not to have been disheartened would be more than op gi and when Bob had removed his helmet he cried : 7 “Yawpey, it’s no use; we may as well submit to the fate in store for us,” and the tones expressed the hopelessness of the situation. . “Yah! I think so,” said Yawpey, in sorrowful and i lugubrious tones, which, as another thought crossed his brain (which seemed capable of containing but one at a time) brightened, and with a broad smile and pointing ~ with his index finger at his still dark face, he said: ‘Anyhow, the folks at Ball’s Pond will never know I was a nigger.” It was Yawpey who said it, and even ludicrous and flighty this speech seemed more so; and despite the desperate appearance of the situation, the tone of relief with which he had said that “the folks at Ball’s Pond will never know that I was a nigger,” was more than Bob couldstand, and he burst into a hearty laugh. There is something cheering, enlivening in a heart: — laugh, which lightens care and sorrow and remds tha, = i of trouble which have been spun across the i rain. 7 i And thus it was with Bob. eis He grew more hopeful again, and after they had = rested and partaken oi some turtle’s eggs, they started hig out again,and this time they met with success, for having gone farther back than at any previous time : Bob found the lost wheel. : 4 “Thank God!” he fervently murmured, as he sank down on it. } Yawpey was some distance away, but presently he came near, and Bob beckoned him to come to him. As he neared, Bob arose and pointed at the wheel, andan instant later their hands met in a cordial grasp of congratulation, : i a They found that they could lift it, but it was very awkward to handle, so at a motion from Bob, it was laid down again. ‘ They could not communicate their thoughts then, se Bob led the way back to the Demon, carefully noting the precise direction in which it lay from her. bas Sh Here he procured about forty or fifty feet ef wire, and — then they returned to where the wheel lay. Bob fastened one end around it, and then again returned disap- , forming a large loop in thé other, they both entered it,and bring- ing it against their breasts, they bent forward and = began dragging it toward the Demon, over the sand. : ‘The light on the pilot-house was their guiding star, and Bob had glanced up at it, when it struck him that it had dimmed somewhat, and but afew minutes later it expired. ; 1, Still they were headed in the proper direction, and Bob did not despair of finally reaching her, and it was not so dark but that objects of any size could be seen, although but indistinctly.. This was due to the sandy nature of the bottom, which refracted light on the same principle that does snow, which makes moder. ately light what would otherwise be the darkest of nights. My: af at; Suddenly Yawpey halted and shrank back. grasping Bob’s shoulder, and pointing with a finger of his dis. j engaged hand at a dark streak that was rapidly gliding — em. ; ; As Bob looked it swerved to the left, glided ba crossed behind them and eame up on the otherside. te ‘Both boys took their knives out, and then, with terrible fascination, stood and watched this ¢ BA of the sea, as it hesitated a moment and then com ‘another circle about them. no do ubt | © pieces 5
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ae ; ~ flying towards the two boys, who, however, stood ready | to receive him, The serpent had miscalenlated the distance, and passed above their heads, and as he was going Bob gave a dig at him, and the sharp blade springing from the handle, inflicted a great long gash in his side, Enraged, it quickly turned, and with its horrid fiend- ish jaws stretched wide, it sprang again. It struck Detween the boys, but partially turned and with lightning-like rapidity wound a number of folds sround Bob, while Yawpey, terror-stricken, sank prone upon the sand. With the blade of his knife in position, Bob, summon- ing all his self-control to his aid, placed the hilt against the devilish creature’s body and touched the spring. The blade sank deep in the monster’s body,and raging with pain and anger, it suddenly unwound itself and darted away,only to turn a moment after, quick asa flash, and with eyes that emitted a lurid, hellish glare, it darted forward. 3 The serpent struck Bob—he tried to preserve his bal- ance, but could not, and measured his length on the sandy bottom, the wire loop inside of which he had been standing and holding on tb, to steady himself, being jerked from his grasp. He lay flat on his back, the body of the large serpent laying across his breast. His knife-blade was quickly readjusted, and again he sank the blade into the mon- ster’s body. : With a wild lashing, and a writhing that stirred up the sand until it was as dark as midnight, the serpent, - evidently aware that he was getting the worst of the battle, and in agony from pain, darted away and did not return to renew the conflict, ‘ _ Bob arose to his feet, and then assisted Yawpey up, Then he turned to look for the wheel. It was gone! For a moment it seemed inexplicable, and then Bob remembered how the wire had been jerked from his hand as the serpent struck him. It was plain then; the monster had become entangled in the wire and had dragged the wheel away with him, And Bob again was in utter despair. CHAPTER XII. - PAT HARRIS—BEN BOLT. Tue Sea Gull, the vessel on which Pat Harris had felony ey once outside the Hook, bowled merrily on- ward, dashing the water in silvery spray before her bows, and each moment lessening the chance of her Dit apprehended. B land that Pat would venture on deck. His “pal ’’ had shipped him as an able-bodied sea- ~ man, which Pat was not, never having been at sea in his life, and at the first order he received he stood and questioningly surveyed the orderer. “Darn it, why don’t you obey?” impatiently asked the officer, * “What do you want me to do?” asked Pat. “T want you to clear away the maintopsail hal- yards,”’ said the officer, in severe tones. “What are they? Where are they ?’’ asked Pat, thus betraying his utter ignorance of seamanship. “Ave you an idiot? Weren’t you shipped as a first- - elass seaman ?’? demanded the irate officer. E. “JT don’t know what I was shipped for; I was )lind drunk.”’ The officer, thinking Pat was fooling him, became so incensed at that individual that he called the boatswain and bade him give the supposed hypocritea dozen _ lashes, and despite Pat’s entreaties, they were given in good earnest, “ ~ When it afterward became apparent that Pat really knew nothing, the officer who had ordered the whip- . ping merely remarked : ' “T suppose he ought not to have been thrashed, still it’s good discipline’ for a landlubber ; it teaches them what to expect if they don’t mind.” 4 _ Days passed by, the wind continued fair and the Sea Gull sped onward toward the distant port for which she was bound, eh But at length, as if to pay up for such a fine streak of weather, there came a sticcession of heavy squalls, which ae the Sea Gull quiver in every timber. She was not rated as an A 1 vessel ; still, she had ever - been considered seaworthy, and her owners had not hesitated to freight her very Heavily. ‘The consequence was, that ere she had passed through these squalls, she had sprung a leak. ; The pumps, however, kept her free of water during the four or five days of clear weather that intervened, before they found themselves again forced to face a very _ tempest. Then the leak already formed grew larger, andthe pumps could not pump the water out as fast as it came in. : - Momontarily it gained. . - At first, when the boatswain sounded the vessel's well, he reported three feet of water. _ An hour later it was five. Another hour and it was eight. All hands were at the pumps; but, despite their ut- most§efforts, the disheartening information that the water was still gaining greeted them every few minutes, ‘The gale had passed, the sea was subsiding, and tho eaptain encouraged the men by telling them that if they ‘leak eould be stopped. } But in vain. hs 7a ‘ c epi: it was not until they were fairly ont of sight of | could keep her afloat until the sea became smooth the THE DEMON OF THE DEEP. sayed, although it would have pleased me better had] you remained at the pumps a while longer. The ves- sel will probably remain afloat yet some hours. I have studied the situation, and this is what I propose. The boats will contain all but four of us. That four must build a raft and trust themselves on it to the mercy of the waves. I have torn up a paper, and have placed as many pieces as there are men in my hat, numbered from one upwards. Let every man dzaw a piece, and I will accept the last one, whatever it may be, and those who draw the first four numbers must go on board the raft. Are you all agreed ?” Murmurs of “Yes, the captain is acting square;” “he is putting himself on alevel with us;” “he takes his chance the same as any of uwus,’? and the like floated around from mouth to mouth, and when the captain repgated his question there was a mnanimous cry of assert. The numbers were drawn, and, as we only will fol- low the fate of the raft for the present, we will merely chronicle the fact that those who drew the first four numbers were: First, Pat Harris; Bob Gascone, a sea- man; Harry Lucky, the first lieutenant; and a passen- ger who had sailed in the Sea Gull, a foreigner, who was returning home to enjoy the wealth he had gained in America, Taheto Zabue by name. Everything being satisfactorily settled, the captain informed them that the nearest land was due south- | west, about two hundred and fifty miles distant. All the sailors joined in and helped construct 4 raft, which, having time, was made quite complete in all its appointments, 4’small spar haying been erected on it and one of the vessel’s sails cut down in size so as to correspond, : When ready the raft was launched, the four men mice good supply of water and provisions being on oard, The ropa that held her was cut loose, andthe sail filling, she was soon some distance from the Sea Gull, which not Jong after their departure sank out of sight, the freightage of metals carrying her down sooner that she would have gone with a different class of merchandise, As long as daylight lasted they kept together, but m the darkness, aided by the wind, which still blew in strong gusts at interyals, they separated, and when daylight again dawned, those on the ratt saw none of their friends in sight, while the same light revealed the fact that during the latter part of the night the hastily secured cask of water had been washed from its moorings by the waves that occasionally broke over the raft, at times momentarily submerging Or. . This was bitter news, and before nightfall they were all suffering severely from thirst. At the best, providing the wind held out fair, they could not expect to reach land inside of three or four days, and this made the outlook anything but pleasant. : $ And fate seemed against them, too, for their food had become saturated by the salt water, and was unfit to be eaten, . " Ere another night passed, Bob Gascone, a fellow equally as villainous as Pat Harris, suggested to the latter the propriety of ‘slitting the foreigner’s wizend.” as So great was Pat's thirst that he would have been only too glad to slake it at this human fountain; and when his greed, too, was excited by the pros- pera handling Zabuc's money, he consented to join in. Lots were drawn as to who should do the deed, and it fell on Gascone. Drawing his knife, he crept stealthily to where the unconscious victim was lying, leaving Pat at the filler, an oar placed across the stern in a slot made for the purpose. Sa: a deep groan announced the fact that the murderous knife had been driven home, and as Pat darted forward he saw his companion in crime eagerly lapping the gurgling red stream, and with but a moment’s hesitation he too joined in the ghastly banquet. The sudden yawing in the raft, as unguided she came up in the wind, aroused Lucky, _ His eye roved around until it lighted on these two very bloodhounds. With an oath expressing his horror, he bade them stop, threatening to shoot them if they did not, Cowed by his tones, they slunk away ; but when he bent over the dead body of Zabuc, Harris darted for- ward and gave him a violent push which sent him headlong into the sea, and despite his prayers for mercy, the devils that they were, sailed on, and le!t him to sink into a watery graye. f We spare the reader the relation of what further oc- curred for the next two days, at the iration of which they were with in sight of land, They reached the shore safely, all traces of their hideous crime fully removed, to find themselves surrounded by a group of savages, who minutely ex- amined the raft and its sail, and felt of the faces of the sab to satisfy themselves that they were actually white. 4 Never before had they gazed upon a white man, and they were puzzled at seeing a complexion so much lighter than theirown. 3 Ofone thing, however, these two fiends im human shape remained nat longinignorance. ? They had, fallen into the hands of cannibals, and even the most dull could have not misunderstood their significant pantomimic motions as to the final cae of the two captives thus thrown into their ands, i Asingular accident, however, saved their lives. | phosphorescent flashes. _ They were separated, and not allowed to see or speak to each other, otherwise they weve treated kindly, and fed plentifully, on the not uxpalatably prepared ©. the island: pete CL hal Re maatiociees fy “4 Pat had run short of tobacco, and wrote a request om a chip he found, to Gascone for some of the weed. By making motions, he finally made his guard un- derstand that he wanted the chip given to hig com- panion. It was delivered and Gascone returned some tobacco by the bearer; who meanwhile had scanned the chip, turning it in every conceivable position, very closely. He, however, could see no connection between the article given him and the hieroglyphics on the chip, and reported the, to him, inexplicable circumstance to the king, who being gifted with a great amount of curiosity, desired to see further specimens of this wonderful talking-chip. 2 Two or three evidences that each understood what the other wrote only mystified him the more, and having drawn the whole tribe together, with Pat and Gascone in the center, he harangned them a few moments, then gave some directions and Pat was led away. The king took one‘of a number of prettily-colored shells from a string about his waist and placed it be- neath the foot of a blear-eyed individual near him, and then gave Gascone to understand that by the ad of a chip he must inform his friend where the shell ay. ‘ Cassone wrote a fewjwords ; Pat was led back, look- ed at the chip, and then walking up, raised the foot of the man under which it was. This convinced the king that they were of more than earthly origin; they were set free and given to understand that they were persons of great impor- tance, and by signs they were informed that they would be expected to teach the king the mysterious art of talking by chips. And so, by this simple circumstance, were the twe villains made prime ministers to a man-eating king- * * * * + Meanwhile the Stanwix was gliding rapidly along to- ward her destination, everything, from the time of the attempt on the captain's life, running without a jar. Jim Devon, the detective, felt happy at the progress. they were making, and calculated on being able, when the Sea Gull came into port, to board her and place his. hand on the shoulder of Pat Harris and take him into custody. The same squall that proved the destruction of the. Sea Gull struck them, but the Stanwix passed serenely through it, and when it had passed, uninterruptedly pursued her course, We will pass over the little details of the passage from this out, merely stating that when Jim Deyon went ashore, after they entered port, he found that the Sea Gull had not yet arrived. The Stanwiz remained in port several days, during which, the rascal who had attempted the captain’s Kfe was tried upon the charge, convicted and sentenced to : a long term of imprisonment. : = His hatred of Ben Bolt was of the mostintense char acter, and he would do or give anythiag to accomplish the lad’s destruction. ' He had a fitting companion on board the Stanwiz, a sandy-haired, low-browed, repulsive Portuguese; and om the day of their arrival, through the grated door of the ship’s prison, the following conversation ensued: ae “1 say, Porchy, (a slang term for Portuguese) want to make a hundred dollars ?”” “Ya, I think I do; but how ?” “You know young Ben Bolt?” ‘Guess I do,” snarled the Portuguese, whom Ben had once detected in stealing, and for which the pil- _ ferer received a dozen or more strokes of the cat. re “Well, tumble him overboard some night, and I'l | give youahundred dollars. It’s all the money I’ve ot in the world, but by —— Vd sell my soul to the evil for more, but what I’d have my revenge.” — “Where's the money ?” asked the Portuguese. “Here it is,” said the other, handing a roll of bills through the grating. “‘I'm jugged safeenough, and — they'd take it away from me anyhow, so you might as — well hayeit. The Stanwi», you know, is coming ba@lk in two months, and I want you to hunt me wp and lef me know whether you keel him over or not.” si Tae “All right, I'l) do it.” and gritting his teeth ina — vindictive way that boded young Ben Bolt no good, the Portuguese moved away. . : ‘ Before the. Stanwiz left port, one of the hoats/of the Sea Gull arrived, and from a series of questions put to a them, Deyon made up-his mind that Pat Hi was one of those who had taken to the raft, » What next should he do? f inp ean Astrong, undefinable impulse to continue om board the Stanwiw seized him. i $ . In vain he endeayored to shake if off, but ‘like the — ghost in Shakespeare—“it would not down,” and the result was that he accompanied her when shelett,bound for the sunken treasure ship Zsmerelda_ i Ben Bolt meanwhile, by his attention to the duties imposed on him, rapidly advanced in the captain's Tega and by others ou board was regarded asa young — ero. ai Say ae They were well advanced on their way to the sunken ship, when Ben one evening, during Grumbling Joe's | “off duty” spell, visited him in the forecastle; leaving which sometime later he stopped, and Jeanine acr the bows near the cathead was drinking in the scene presented by the waves which lightly rose and fell ith Suddenly, two hands were placed on his shoulders, and a violent push was given. f ue He strove to retain his balance he went. _ ¥ Ms Nake Abe cs Fortunately he caught the cathead chain ashe went, but his assailant, seeing this, tore loose his hold, and — with a call for help which was partially smothered by — the water as he struck it, he disappeared beneath the Surfaces. ha se > "has i Prike _ His fae * * ” {3 put could not and over eee Ft oD
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THE DEMON OF THE DEEP. kinder hands, he gained by battling with the waves un- tal it came near enough to lay hold of. He could see that the ship had been laid to, but she had been crossing one of those currents that sweep | through the ocean for thousands of miles, and the result was that he was carried off by it at right angles with the course they had been pursuing, and so the boat which was immediately lowered failed to find the lad. The Stanwix beat around until daylight, but nought could be seen of the lad, and with a heavy heart the captain ordered the sailing master to lay the vessel once more on her course. : And Ben? With a sinking heart he saw the vessel lost in the distance as he drifted helplessly away. The morning dawned at last after a miserable night, and by its light he realized that he had naught but death to hope for. The sun rose tervid and red, and by the time it had sunk to rest in the western sky Ben was almost dead with the fatigue and exposure to its pitiless rays, which had been pouring down upon his unprotected head all day long. y The night adyanced and Ben felt his strength wan- ing. and his arms were numb and rigid from clinging to the cask. He felt his fingers slipping away from their hold— he sought to renew it, but they refused to be governed by him. A murmured prayer for mercy dropped from his lips, and he gradually slipped away from the cask and was . slowly sinking deeper into the sea, But—is it a nightmare? A hallucination ? f Scarce five hundred feet distant there suddenly arose alight, then two more, and they were upon, to Ben, a strange-looking vessel. With new vigor he clung to the cask and raised acry for help. CHAPTER XII. THE WHEEL FOUND. Bon was completely unnerved by the loss of the propelling wheel, and inwardly cursed the man who putit on in so careless a manner. < The key that held it to the shaft had not been in- serted properly, had worked loose, and as Bob sur- mised, one of the whales had struck it, wrenching it violently enough to cause the key to drop out alto- gether, atter which it was a matter of but time for the wheel to drop off. r Where the wheel had been drawn across the sand, it left a track, and this they followed for over a half mile ’ atright angles from the direction of the Demon, and then they gave it up. A Thinking to save time, and persuaded that he knew precisely the direction to take, Bob left the trail and started off without any guides. It nearly cost him his life; for it was not until they “were almost dead from asphyxia that they saw the dim outlines of the Demon before them. ; They reached the inside, and as the helmets were re- Cohan both’ boys sank exhausted and faint to the oor. * They revived in a short time in the purer air, and » Yawpey, bringing the last of the turtles’ eggs, they ate them. _ They had been some hours without water, and their ‘throats were dry.and parched, but the raw eggs in a measure relieved their thirst. Bob ascended to the pilot-house, and seating himself by the steering-wheel he leaned his head on it, and bent his mind to the task of finding some loophole threugh which to escape. But none could he see. “I’m going to have some light on the situation, at all events,” muttered Bob, at length rising, and shortly after he sent the electric spark to the lamp on the fore deck, and the darkness was dispelled, As he gloomily resumed his seat he happened to glance ahead of the yessel—started violently—and then, itated but hopeful, murmured : _ in accents ag ; “Surely, God is good after all. Woe may escape with _ life yet.” What had he seen? Simply the body of tha serpent stretched out in death a short distance from the bows, _ the wire stretching out behind. The wheel he could a see, but knew that it was at the other end of the ye wire. : a, Calling Yawpey he imparted the good news, and that ‘ndividual fairly went crazy with delight, and gave yent to various phrases such as only a Yawpey could utter, and pranced around and flung his legs high _ enough to have caused the most accomplished can-can dancer to die of enyy. 4 They went outside and found the wheel lying by the side of the Demon. be The serpent after getting the wire in his mouth and boing wounded, had, as the reader knows, started away right angles with the vessel, but, crazy with pain, he y turned two or three times and then approached e Demon. He had darted up on one side and made a hort turn around the bow. The wire slipped under her ‘bottom, and the wheel nies up against the Demon's ide. 1 | ¥ The shock @ith which the wheel struck, so fast was the serpent going, wag sufficient to cause the wire to preak the jaws of the monster, and he expired at almor x ame moment. : ees iite the feelings of thankfulness that filled : in tecs of the two boys would be impossible. They set to work immediately, removed the wire erat and lugged it tothe stern, and it on the: shaft. selecting a nearly fi tinside. Rite Pale ss worn-out chisel, he commenced filing it down to the proper size. The chisel being very hard the progress was slow. But at last a happy thought struck Bob, he would forge it. Using a heavy sledge for an anyil, he carried itinto the battery-room. Then he laid the chisel against one of the copper con¢ucting-rods, and sent a current through it. In less than a minute the chisel was at forging heat, and then with bright hopes of ultimate success, he merrily plied his hammer. Slowly but surely the chisel was drawn out and hammered to the proper shape. Several hours’ work, and the task was accomplished. With a joyful heart, Bob went to the Demon’s stern, carrying a hammer and the key: It fitted to perfection, and with an exultant ery, Bob drove it home. He meant to have secured the skin of the huge ser- pant, over thirty feet long, but time was precious and he dared not delay. With a heart joyous and light, he ascended to the pilot-house and drew out No. 5. She raised from the bottom. Then with trembling fingers he drew No. .+ The engine started, the shaft turned, and de pro- pelling wheel revolved. Once more they were under way, and masters of the situation. “Hurroo !” replied Yawpey. ‘ Hurroo! hurroo !"' “The day is gained, the victory’s ours,’’ was Bob's more quiet expression of his feelings. “Yah! yah! that amso. Hurroo!” delightedly said! Yawpey. They reached the surface and found it to be mid-day. Bob sought his chart, took an observation, and learning where the Demon was, found the nearest land to be over a hundred miles southwest of him, an island which was described, in these words: “Never has been visited—was discovered by Captain Cook in——, and is supposed to be inhabited by savy- ages—preSumably cannibals.” Cannibals or not, water must be had, and Bob point- ed the Demon's prow in that direction, and when the sun was sinking they were but afew miles from the shore. As they approached nearer, Bob saw that they had been observed, for several large canoes, filled with say- ages put off from the island. Gradually the boats came together, exactly in the Demon’s path, and Bob saw that the occupants were all armed with long spears, which they seemed to be holding ready for use. When the Demon came close enough a flight of them were directed at the glass sides of the pilot-house. Alittle contemptuous laugh rolled from Bob's lips, and he formed the resolye to run the inhospitable savages down. Heading the Demon at the largest of the canoes, he sent her Aying toward it. | An instant later came a crash, and the canoe was smashed, several of the savages being killed by the striking of the Demon’s iron prow, and the rest were struggling in the water. As the canoe was struck, there arose from the stern: a white man. ‘ Bob saw and recognized—Pat Harris. : He could scarce believe his eyes, and yet he had suf- fered too much at Pat Harris’ hands not to be sure that the burly figure and lowering, sinister face belonged to that individual. But he could lose no time in moralizing, and turning the Demon partially about, he speedily demolished the other canoe. Glancing at the shore, and scanning it closely, Bob saw, not over half a mile distant, the shimmer of a brooklet, which, running down the hill that ended at the shore, here emptied itself into the ocean. ¥ Toward that he directed the Demon's course, and a few minutes later, as the vessel grounded softly, they jumped into the sea and waded ashore, Yawpey carry- ing several buckets. t sd They slaked their thirst, filled their buckets, and were safely ensconced inside the vessel again. ere the yelling savages reached the spot. Bob backed her. At tshe would not budge; but her enemies, rushing into the water, sought to detain her by clambering on the stern and pushing against it. This just suited Bob, for it elevated her bow, and the Demo glided back in fine style. Bob turned her about, and when they had reached water deep enough. he gank her, and left the savages to swim ashore. He headed her for Hermit Island, where they re- mained long enough to fill up with fresh water, and to burn charcoal for their electric lights. These things provided for, Bob determined to now go direct to the Lsmerelda, and endeavor to recover some _of the wealth which she had taken- with her into her ocean grave. Bob, for the sake of the strange sights which the powerful electric lights revealed, liked sailing beneath the surface best; so, after leaving Hermit Island, he ran for a long distance under water. { At length, however, thinking that fresher air would be beneficial, he drew No. 5, and up they wentto the surface. is Bob ascended the stairs, threw open the door in the deck and stepped out, his ears being assailed at the same moment by a shrill cry-for help. y ~ \ ~ aes ; CHAPTER XIV. - THE ESMERELDA FOUND. 1 “Herp!” So suddenly ored to locat Sots cia Tt Pe he ae y © ; “Help! Help! Quick—orI perish,” * He had mistaken the direction of the first cry, an@ now turning whence the last came he saw within the radius of the electric light a floating cask, and clasping it a boy, whose face, as a waye brought it into view, was unearthly pale. 4 S “Courage,” cried Bob. ‘Just a moment more and T’'ll be with you.” It took but a few seconds for him to place himself im : the pilot-house, to grasp the steering-wheel and bring the Demon sharply around, as well as to send ¥awpey on deck to help the castaway on board. Poor Ben Bolt! - Rescue was close at hand; but a few minutes more and he would be in safety. i But weak and exhausted, he could hold fast to his ~ float only by the greatest exertion. : He saw the figure disappear from the deck, saw the boat turn about a moment later, then saw another fig- ure appear outside. “Thank God!’ murmured Ben. “I ghall yet be saved.” v The Demon was not over five hundred feet from him when a hoarse cry ofalarm burst from Yawpey's lips, and penetrating to the pilot-house, Bob looked around, Yawpey stood so that the glare of the light shone full upon him, and Bob saw his face pale as he looked ; he was trembling and shaking, and as his eyes turned towards the pilot-house there was pictured again im them the terrible scene which would never be oblit- . erated from his memory. : He raised one agitated, waving arm and pointed he- yond the castaway, : Bob looked, and just within the circle of light he saw the dorsal fins of a number of those devils—man-eaters —sharks, He knew to what these fins belonged, knew the repu- tation of the shark, and possessed a dread of ever coms | of Ben Bolt, and assisted by Yawpey, they carried : the ory rang out that Bob was startled; ring himself, he shaded his eyes with his e spot that it came pie Supe contact with one. e sent the Demon flying toward the castaway. ) Would he reach him in time? t = The sharks, who first had been attracted by the light, had now arrived so close that they saw the lad hanging to the cask, and towards him they rushed, each seeming -to yie with the other in point of speed. It was arace between the Demon and the sharks, & priority of arrival meaning life or death to young Ben | Bolt, who, realizing from Yawpey s cry that some new ts danger menaced, had turned himself around far enough - to see these voracious, blood thirsty sea-tigers, for so the sailors appropriately call them. . “Swim toward us,” yelled Yawpey. “T can't,” groaned Ben. - On the Demon dashed, and on with frightful rapidity came the sharks. Nut Yawpey hallooed, yelled and danced around in hopes of frightening them, but to’no purpose, they pursued their course, Which would reach the lad first ? The sharks gain by a second of time, A shrill cry from begga the key-note. fe The Demon's prow was beside him, her swelling middle was within a few inches of his hand. : He sought to grasp it, buf his unnerved fingers re- — fused to close at his bidding. : 4 Yawpey leaned down, shuddered as he saw the white, a upturned stomach of the largest and most ferocious shark of the lot, open mouth, in whieh glistened those banks of white, cruel teeth. Pipes. He nerved himself for the snatch, for the only thing —__ that could save the boy wasa seizing hold of him and = drawing him suddenly away. ~ Ben, as we stated, sought to seize hold of the Demon, but failed. Ere the unnerved arm dropped to his side, Yawpey caught it, Ben was jerked away from the cask, there came a snapping sound, caused by the shark’s teeth coming together. His prey had been snatched from his mouth. » But all was not over yet. 5 _At the rate at which the Demon was going—the re-— sistance of the water wasso great that Yawpey coulda not pull Ben upon deck and tho result was that the boy was trailing along in the water, his rescuer ‘heey ib GS ‘ 4 ro fever—which necessitated throwing its victims ov board without the customary canvas-covering | 3 weights, as soon as they were dead—these sea-wolves cannibals, tigers, as they have variously been eall one followed the vessel into a large harbor, nor did Jeave her until one half their number had been kill by cannon trained to bear on them, from the deck of | war-vessel which chanced to be lying ther, a Although their victith had escaped tiem in this — ce, they did not quit the Demon until nearly day- 1 . : pea ee Tawi Bob had picked up the senseless ‘inside, = The first thing to be done was to restore the nate lad to consciousness. ae mia
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THE DEMON UF THE DEEP. “There was but a little left, and it was the last, they ; thing went along all right, and noticing the confident unpackimg their apparatus and putting togetherahnge Kaving opened and drank from it the day of losing their } demeanor with which Bob maneuvered the vessel, he | raft from which they were to work, it being unhandy propelling wheel. | was quite carried away with the strange sights re-| to make a descent or ascent to or frem the yessel’s Still there was enough, and forcing open the mouth | vealed to his astonished eyes, and yoted that Bob was | deck. of the unconscious lad, Bob allowed perhaps as ame the best of fellows, snd the Demon a perfect miracle,and |. An observation was had, the result.of which was that as would fill a small wine glass to trickle down Mis | expressed his determination to stick by them through | her course was changed a few points, md aboud mid- throat. | thick and thin. | night the Stanwiz was “laid to.” _ A few minutes later he repeated the dose, meanwhile It was getting near noon, and Bob took the vessel to Observations again taken the next day showed that haying taken off the lad’s shoes, dried his feet and | the surface for the purpose of taking an observation, | they were within a mile of the spot where the Hsmerelda wrapped a blanket around them. | by means of which he ascertained that he was barely | had gone down. ; _ ‘The liquor seemed now to take effect, and the lad | twenty miles from the Hsmerelda’s supposed position. The raft was launched that afternoon, and the air opened his eyes, gazed for a moment at Bob, then They glided along rapidly and presently the masts of | pumps and such other articles as were necessary were ~ waaay closed them again. : the Stanwiz could be seen from on board the Demon ; | put on board. ‘ “So far, good,” thought Bob, and then commenced | then they went below the surface again and slowing No breeze of any account was stirring, and the work ‘anbuttoning the wet clothes that hung tightly to his | down, so.as to give them a better opportunity of ex- | progressed rapidly. patient, which seemed to rouse Him immediately, for, | amining the bottom of the sea, they all posted them- The divers were all ready, and if was mutually agreed springing quickly to a sitting position, he cried: selyes on the lookout. that the first descent should take place the next morn- | - _* No, no ; leave me alone, I will undress myself,” They uttered not a word during the next hour that | ing at daybreak. ; “You are too weak,”’ said Bob, ‘‘Lie still and let | passed, each being engaged in eagerly scanning the sea- The first haze of morning had barely given place to me do it.” | bottom above which they were but a few feet. the slender threads of red which shot up above the “No; leave me to myself, please.” Ben’s post was to keep an eye to leeward, and as it | horizon, when the two divers descended to the raft. The yoice was hoarse witn cold, but there was a sfl- | only required his eyes, his brain was busy. : Their suits were donned. and with an enormous very thrill init, nevertheless, andthe last word be-; And this was his train of thought: weight of lead attached to their feet, for when paying /tokened such an evident desire to be left alone that “He must be some relation to Joe, or else it isa very | out chain to anchor the raft they had found out that Bob, after giving him some more brandy, retired, say- | strange coincidence. The same hdir, same eyes, same | the water was of yreat depth, they stepped to the edge © ~ dng as he went. nose and mouth. I feel, py che as if they must be | of the raft. - “T’ll be back in a fow minutes.’”’ something to each other. Ah, can that be it?” and he} The air-tubes were attached to the helmets, and both He went to the pilot-house, altered the Demon’s course | gazed intently to leeward. they and the signal cords were coiled up to a nicety to a few points, and after dallying around a short while, Bob.had hoped that he might be the one to find the | prevent fouling. eturned to the little salon, back of the parlor, whither | Esmerelda, but the honor was carried off by Ben, for Then Barry Benjamin, the veteran diver, who was in they had carried the stranger, to find him snugly | suddenly his sweet, girlish voice rang out: charge of the work, held up his hand asasignal that _ @nsconced in bed with the covers held tightly about “A wreck to leeward.” < all was ready. y f _ him. Bob and Yawpey hastened to Ben’s side, and following All was still as death, the spectators that lined the ' Bob brought other covers and piled them on the bed, | with their eyes the direction his finger pointed out, | side of the Stanwiz holding their breath as they saw and ere long Ben commenced perspiring profusely, and | they saw the dismantled hull of a vessel, two stumps | these two men about taking their lives in their hands hen dropped into a heavy sleep from which he awoke | of masts still uprearing themselves from its deck. in descending beneath the water on their perilous ome hours later much refreshed and with the chill| ‘ Rureka!’’ cried Bob, ‘‘’tis the Esmerelda.”” mission, | - @riven from his system. ‘ “Yah,” chimedin Yawpey. ‘ Hurroo!l’’ and standing | Barry’s companion, Garry House, also signified that Meanwhile his clothing had been dried, and when | on his head he beat a tattoo on the partition with his | he was ready, and then, clasping hands, they were held Bob returned, after a moment’s absence on one occa- | heels, ° an instant over the side of the ratt, up to their middle sion, it was to find the rescued lad, his protege, up and “‘T surely hope it is,” quietly said Ben. * in the sea; then, at the word of command, they were) a : “Tt is her without doubt,” said Bob, “ And*our for- | let go,and sank like ashot out of sight just as three ““Ahtha!up I see,” said Bob, cheerily. ‘You are | tunes are made.” rousing cheers arose from those on the vessel’s deck, _ exerting yourself too soon, I am afraid.” whothus showed their admiration of the courage of Ben started as the tones struck his ear ; there seemed CHAPTER Xv. yiliek the two men. omething familiar in them which he had not noticed rR 7 ‘They shot downward with inconceivable rapidity for before, and then he scrutinized the face of the speaker GRUMBLING JOE—PAT HARRIS. afew moments, and then as the water became more - elosely. ¢ dense they went slower, and by the time the bottom f ; Y Y he captain of the | ,. Bob bore it good naturedly, and jocularly said: Ir was with. a heavy heart that th ye was reached their progress had almost ended. br ee meus you must have seen me before?” Stanwix ordered pan pain to be a fo en Sra They were weighted not an ounce toomuch. i eg—no,” said Ben ina dazed way. “You—you— | When, the morning haying arrived, nought was to be| por’a time they could see nothing at all, but as their” are—not’’— seemor Ben bolt, ; | eyes became more ficcustomed to the darkness, they — “Not who ?” Something in the lad’s ways and manners had won | saw stretching away on all sides a smooth bottom, bus ‘Not Grumbling Joo?” ao the captain a fecling of deep interest and affec- | 14 wreck adorned its surface, “J think not.” ; ‘J ¥hODs : ; a They were standing side by side, when suddenl Nor even his brother?” And so he grieved at the lad’s Joss, but not more | House caught Benjamin by thearm, and pointed el “Nor even his brother,” repeated Bob, “Do I re-| deeply than did the Grumblet, who, too, had learned | shimmering, flashing, dwindling, alternately like a _ semble such’a person a i Pee fo oye tae Sane nace whole-souled, kind-heart- star, which, as Ne gaze at it disappears only to instant~ Yes, very muc eed. And you were never on F y reappear—a light shone, __ / ara the Stanwix ?”” ee Te aati. the foreeastle tothe cabin," t. chaxacter only # xonatabled the star, for the light ‘0.’ : wee , i was of # mellow nature, sugh as the sun gives when You look like him, speak like him—and yet Joe Jim Deyon, the detective, although he had seen Joe | pofracted through a dense body of water. { OR 3 ig’? at work on deck, had never met him face to face, but a oe es won he appoured as cabin boy, tho dotective as’ was | Pluggd” yusory Seatcmie tay, Bonsemin, but he * What else ?” queried Ben. habitual with him, scanned the lad from head to foot. | nevertheless determined to investigate,,and when he H ” ‘ Le “He looks wonderfully like old Drew,” muttered the ‘ i % : ite “That's a a eo ra ce hhaye no other--and. detective. “And very much like that oy of Pat Har. ioe Alea wd Sgt phe Neat tr REE VAOM aL agreed upon, nap now what is y: me j i Ah An id eae ht hich T doubt. ve c) 4 Ww ‘ed, and the air-pumps, which : ) “Ban Bolt. Your last name isn'é Black, is it 2” per- | Tis’s, that is providing it is his, whic! oudt very | never for a moment could be stopped, were transferred Ben in asking questions. ‘|much. I must question the lad a little at the first | to her stern sheets. . a” eek : i opportunity that presents. A picked crew manned the oars, and when all-was * asked Ben, in a puzzled manner. “The next day when Joe was at leisure, Jim Devon ap- | ; S 2 ; ao qiaste.”" returned Bob, with some asperity of| proached and "opene the conversation’ by asking fin ready a signal to that effect was transmitted to the ner, not tauch liking this quizzing, “But come,| Bow he liked his new position. ae utside and get something to eat; you must be hun-| /) Much better than I did the hee pe replied Joe. ; : ry.” : j “Isuppose so- it’s easier,” said the detective, and)” snd asthe long-boat followed tho instructions given | "Without a word Ben followed his conductor to the | then in a careless way asked: “do you intend making / tj16 two men go far beneath them walked slowly toward ae parlor, which Bob bad turned into a dining-room for ee on bien Are you going to tollow the sea for | tne light which began growing more distinct, and be- - {i - A 2 oy an to glow steadily. ea ie Tea oe 1 ta tathiorwad the best their larder supplied, and} “That is hard telling,” replied Joe. “Tam but a are aerettisus rebels tig Walking bereetH Wha sea satisfying his hunger, Ben, who hid meanwhile Beiiespy Cimento ork circumstances probably | »ampered with the life-lines and air-tubes. nies ‘ ‘athi . “Let me see,” said Devon, fiectingly, “you once |}; ; : “T suppose you wou d like to know something about fold’me something of your Pad hie, T believe?” linedby the light first caught their eyes, then they sa ep” ; ie 2 the dismantled hull, and back of that was outlined the a ‘ust as you please,” returned Bob. Never to my knowledge. Demon. As they came nearer, they saw tw atticiven i ast as a . “Then you didn’t tell me that your parents had died | (144 in armor, while inside the pilot-house of the ; ine raecine Geena iiotosmne pom mol eS ae strange craft was a thigl that dasiced around and in ( , me or mm doe. 2 “No, sir.’ nie ntomimic show endeavored to inform them that the perilous position he so lately had beenin,during which | «7 ¢an hardly be mistaken,” said the detective, pends Leet im them tha! he 8} ke of the Stanwiz being on a mission to recover pre oe ane and shrewdly at the lad and tawing je Sn apni ect ert ee he lost wealth buried in the depths, in the Zsmerelda. | jim out unawares to himself. a “Did you say,” asked Bob, when Ben had finished his | “But you are,’’ persisted Joe. “Because my parents ‘that tho Stagwiz was hunting for the lost treas- | are living.” ; ae ; : “Jn New York?’ The tone was one that well-fitted a careless questioner, but Devon knew that to evince a Coe too decided interest in the lad would perhaps keep diver, ; Then came back the command, “go due east, but very = slowly.” mastery ft _ been furfively scanning Bob from head fo foot, said : They approached nearer—two stumps of masts out- n | : 7 ' him silent. . + 4 <*Yes.7) ‘ F “Tn business, then, Ipresume ?” ee aes * * erat Ps : reife ; ; “Yes,” answered Joe, alittle surprised at this lengthy | {Pat Harris and his worthy associate found the duties f. questioning. attached to the office of prime minister to a cannibal — ~ “You used to help him around the shop ?”” ding Ree ble one at that, were not very pleasan “Yes. f or light. : : 7 h they had placed masts in the canoes o Caer Nahe ae Ls hae you lay alongside of the Eymerelda? eens siple, bot ck te aa S 2 % in 3 an said Bob, enjoying Ben’s surprise. ‘‘ And 7 nly « where the Demon can go.” ; ins my seeing your light all of asudden ; jut ner Pe Mae Mone ee i ‘strong enough and will go il show you how we sink ee ere
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dimentary kind, and it took the whites but a few days to pick up the names of all the articles they used, and this acquired they could soon communicate, at least to a limited extent, their thoughts to the king. In disgust with his narrow mind, which could not remember for one hour which was ‘‘A” or “ B,”’ Pat at last told him it was useless, he could not learn it. This was an imsult to his intelligence, and waxing terribly wroth, the king informed them, in unmistak- able language, that unless they taught him the mystic art inside of a wees they would form the basis of a feast to be given before attacking their inveterate ene- mies, the Caujoes, a triba inhabiting a neighboring island. : This was not pleasant to Jisten to, and with crest- fallen faces the two ruffians bowed themselves from the presence of the king as quickly as they consistently could. 7 Pat, the next day, set about teaching the king his letters, and with death ahead in case of failure, he strove hard, and met with some slight success. Three days passed, and the king was highly delighted with the progress he was making, when a new compli- eation arose which again puta threatening aspect on the state of affairs. Anative found a body on the beach. It was that of an old man, whether white or black was a question that could not be answered, as decay had done its work in a great measure. / The lips, shrunk to a nothingness almost, in drawing back disclosed teeth solid and sound, but much yellow- ed by contact with the water. 2 Such teeth inso old aman excited the native’s ad- miration, and he bent over to look at them. He took hold of them, when, to his horror, they all came out. Dropping them in terror, he fled the spot, and going to the king, he related the circumstance which resulted in the inspection of the corpse and the teeth by the whole tribe, Pat ana his companion standing by and enjoying silently the comments of the thunderstruck natives at teeth that could be taken out at will. But their tune was changed when the king signified that he would-like to examine their mouths, Now it so happened that Pat’s upper teeth were al- most all false, he haying had them made at one time ‘When closely pursued for a crime he hac commited, as ‘a partial means of disguising himself. The king himself was toothless or almost so, but the stumps of a few teeth remaining in either upper or lower jaw. Pat’s teeth came out when he took hold of them. He asked some questiong, and when informed that they had been made to replace the natural ones, he signified his desire that they should make him a set, In vain Pat pleaded ae inability. The king's fiat had gone forth—they must be made in two days; if they were not, they would be roasted for the feast. Pat explained that they had no teeth to commence with, thus hoping to nonplus the king; but in some things he was very shrewd, and without an instant’s hesitation, replied that he, Pat, had yet some very fine ones left in his jaws, as also had hiscompanion. — > The king deputed a committee of six of his subjects to act as dentists, and seizing the two white men, they commenced extracting their teeth, which, being whiter than thosein the mouths of any of the natives, he de- sired more.) The fellows were not practical dentists nor had any of the tools usually employed in extracting teeth, but with some nails taken from pieces of boards that had washed ashore, part of the debris of some wreck per- haps, they managed to pry out one of Pat’s molars amid much yelling, howling and cursing from that individu- al, which mingled with a like string of profanity which emanated from the lips of his companion in misery, who too was in the hands of these new professors of dentistry. At last they were permitted to go with bleeding mouths and sore jaws, Pat minus three teeth, his com- panion destitute of four, that had adorned his mouth previously. The king fearing that they would attempt to escape, set a guard over them, but late in the night, as precon- si eentae between them, they made a dash at the guard— ‘upset the two—and started for the beach where the / canoes were, |, : They shoved the largest and best sailing one into the water and jumpedin, A breeze favored them, and al- though followed they soon dropped their ,pursuers _ astern. Whither they were going they knew not; all _ they wanted to do for the present was to keep clear of the cannibals. ; The light ofthe second day had but just come in when a sail was\seen coming toward them, and at the peak floated the black flag that betokened her a freebooter. Tlie pirate captain pickéd them up, and - Jearning who they were, at’ their proposition received them with open arms as fitting and welcome additions to his cut-throat crew. ’ i 4 CHAPTER XVI. i f ' ON BOARD THE WRECK, ) Bow seized the wheel, brought the Denton about and headed her toward the wreck. ‘We stopped her not many feet distant of it, and sank her until she rested on the hottom, which at this point was nearly level, and composed for the most part of shale and rock of a silicious character, interspersed with asoft sandstone. This latter did not resist the wearing action of the water, and when Bob and Yawpey yay, Macaw Fit approached the wreck a shori time later they found f ®& = —t > [THE DEMON OF THE DEEP. treasure but merely to satisfy himself that the divers from the Stanwiz had not yet found the wreck or set foot upon it, They returned to the Demon, and leaying Yawpey to | take his “trick at watch,” Bob and Ben retired to | their respective bunks, arid were soon soundly sleeping. Visions of near-by wealta floating ran through the for- mer’s mind, while through that of the latter there danced a fantasy that made Joe, the Grumbler, and our hero appear as one person. After allowing them to sleep six hours, Yawpey awoke them, and then laid down himself, while Bob and Ben rigged themselves up in the sea-suits and went outside, and wended their way to the Hsmereida’s deck. They remained out nearly an hour, by the expiration of which time they were compelled to return by the fetidity of the supply of air in their knapsacks. Bob and Yawpey, sometimes Ben, made frequent ex- cursions to the wreck, but did not accomplish anything in the way of recovering anything of value, although they became assured that they had not gone astray, that they had really found all that remained of the Esmerelda. It happened in this wise: igre the third trip te the wreck Bob penetrated to the cabin, zi As he passed inside the cabin door and stepped upon the still reraaining companionway, whose steps were covered with sand, he ran against something that toppled over and fell to the bottom. Going down to the cabin floor, on which were several feet or more of the sandy deposit, he stooped and began, feeling around for the object he had toppled over. Andinstant later his hand came into contact with a human skull. At first he knew not what it was, but holding it up between him and the few rays of light that penetrated down the companion, he saw, first a hideous month that, open as it was, seemed to grin in his face, and next the empty cavernous recesses which had held the eyes of a living man, but which now seemed to leer at him in a way supernatural, , Bob was not superstitious, but bring a human skull, under almost any gircumstances so suddenly upon a person, and he will be apt to shudder a little. Dropping it, he went slowly forward until his knees struck an article which he rightly conjectured to be a table, and on feeling it his hand encountered the sharp, square edge of a box, which, unearthed, proved to be a compass. This he took back with him to the Demon, and a seru- tiny revealed in yet traceable characters, on a corroded brass plate, the word, Zsmerelda. Thus was the identity of the wreck proven. Bob and Ben visited the wreck again later, leaving Yawpey behind. They descended to the hold, and each commenced exploring around on his own hook. Ben’s search lef him near the cabin bulkhead, reaching which he paused. j The depth of the deposit was not as mu@h here as it was directly beneath the open hatches, and Ben pat a and with his hands began drawing aside the sani Soon he had a large hole made, and standing in this he dug away at the sides, widening and deepening it at the same time. It was slow and tedions work, and getting disgusted with it, he was about giving up when his fingers came against something that offered positive resist- ance to them. .“ What was it 2” y Could it be a portion of the treasure ? Animated by the hope that it was, Ben flung tho sand away to either side, and atlength could feel the square corner of a box. He dug down until one side was entirely free, and then getting his fingers under the edge he braced him- selfand drew up on it with all his strength. It refused to yield. Then he took more sand from about it, tried again, and it started. ’ ; Taking the box in his arms, which even at that distatice beneath the surface was very heavy, he carried it along until he was beneath whe hatchway. Then he paused and not knowing where Bob was, he approached the side of the vessel and struck sharply on the planking. : ‘ Sounds are heard with great facility under water, and Bob, who was forward, heard and responded to them immediately, and thinking that perhaps he was wanted, madehis way aft. Arriving at Ben's side, that person picked up and placed in his arms the box he had found, which was about thirty inches long, twelve wide and eight deep. They clambered on deck, taking the box with them. Bob wanted to ask where he had found it; but of course he could not ask him in words. By gestures he endeavored to ask the question, but could not. pact Ben, although he knew not and could not imagine what Bob was trying to say, understood that he was endeayoring to make him comprehend sométhing. This set him to thinking, and suddenly up came his hands and holding them so that Bob conid see every motion of his fingers, he rapidly spelled out in the deaf and dumb alphabet these words: “Do you understand this?” “Yes,” was the answer Bob returned as quick as a flash. |. o aK e | selves to two of the boxes which they had found in the $ : them, and imagined Yawpey’s extravagant pantomime was intended for them. > j22? Sap With a wave of his hand toward the vessel, Bob ‘dee scended again, ¥ollowed by Ben. i Meanwhile, the two divers, Benjamin and House, had partially recovered from their astonishment, and, satis- fied that no matter how strange the circumstances — which surrounded, they had only to deal with humam beings, as the boys disappeared in the Hsmerelda’s hold, they signaled the boat to go ahead. am Slowly they approached the wreck, and gaining ite deck they stopped the long boat and commenced walk ing about. At length House caught hold ot the boxes. Hetting one as he picked it up, he pulled his come panion sharply by the arm to draw his attention, hand+ — ed it to him, and stooping, picked up the other. Yawpey, who from the pilot-house, saw them pick up the boxes, danced ayound like a crazy man, but could > do nothing, since there were but two diving sultson board the Demon. Pa Benjamin laid down the box he had received from House, and drawing a heavy knife from asheath by his side he sought to force it open. ue Just at this moment Bob mounted to the degk follow- ed by Ben, carrying between them a third box of the — same description as the preceding two. Z Fs Bob started violently, as, partially turning he saw the two figures close beside him. He was amazed, not so much by their being there, but that they had come so unexpectedly. : His feelings of astonishment gave way toanger when he saw that they were engaged in forcing open the boxes, the fruits of their toil. " ae His blood fairly boiled at the coolrobbery. __ He hesitated a moment and glanced askance af Ben, who, as if reading the thoughts in his companion’s mind, quickly spelt out: “Don’t let them rob us—go ahead—I’ll back you.’’ Drawing their knives, they quickly advanced on the divers, who, becoming aware of their proximity and in- tent, rose to their feet and with drawn knives, too, they — awaited the onslaught. , CHAPTER XVII. “THE FIGHT. We left Bob and Ben on the point of attacking two divers from the Stanwiz who had helped the Esmerelda. It was no more than a barefaced robbery, and regards ing it as such caused Bob's blood to boil with indige nation. At first he was at loss what course to pursue, when, as the reader will remember, Ben, by the aid ot the © deaf'and dumb alphabet, said: c ‘*Go ahead—I'll back you.” : hare They made a rush toward the robbers with knives ready tor work. es Bob avoided the pass which Benjamin made at him, and quickly closing in he grasped him in such a way as to pinion his arms to his side. Garry House his com-— panion, would haveadyanced to aid his comrade had not Ben at this Juncfure claimed his attention. ¢ Ben, who was averse to unnecessarily shedding hu- man blood, bethought himself of trying to intimidate — his opponent, and this he successfully accomplish ¥ by holding up his right hand, containing his knife, and pointing at it with his left forefinger, at the sam: thme touching the spring that sent its long, keen blad: flashing in the light’s rays, out to its fullest extent. ‘Inyoluntarily, as it caught his eyes, House shrank i fy on back. Following up his advantage, Ben followed the treating figure. ey e.. House kept backing away, retreating in a semi-circle until finally he approached the open hatchway of the wreck. Soon his heelsstruck the rotten combiny tumbled over backwards and disappeared. ; Returning to where Bob stood he found the twa battling fiercely. Both had lost their knives and ¥ now struggling wildly for supremacy. © i Tt was an odd sight.. Hampered by their diving suits, with their motions necessarily slow from the density of the water, might have struck an observer as being avery affair when compared with the quick, light Ep ei : two angry combatants fighting on terra firma. Watching his opportunity Benrushed in and seized hold of Bob's antagonist. With a quick motion rat . hand, which informed his companion of his thoughts, they both ran him toward the hatch way, 4 House was just crawling out when the lads chuckes Benjamin over. He struck on House’s head and bo went toppling back into the hold of the wreck, |, peal oe a vs the pone wick the divers stolen, Ben the other, and w: em they quickly r treated toward the Demon. ry sch After depositing them by the sea-door, the: back qnd secured the third box just as the ty divers, who were astonished at the contrefemps | had taken place, and being much alarmed by character, gaye the signal to be drawn up, were : o pie, an ‘i Aying near
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*}. = » He laidit flat, and inserted his fingers in the space he had just made. Bracing himself, he pulled upwards with all his might. : ihe nails which had secured the cover must have been somewhat corroded by lying covered with sea- water, for they suddenly let go, and as Bob struck the _ floor in a forcible manner he hail not cotinted on, the ‘Sid went flying off the opposite side. Ben and Yawpey, meanwhile, had come closer, and with eager and expectant eyes had awaited the uncover- jug of the box. As Bob sat down and the lid flew off, a simultaneous fe = | ery of joy escaped their lips which informed Bob that | his hopes had been realized, that they really were in | possession of a portion of the Hsmerelda's coveted | wealth. i So eager, too, was he to gaze upon the contents of the box that he waited not to rise*farther than on his knees, when he crawled up to it. A glad cry dropped from Bob as his eyes struck upon the meatly-arranged rows of gold pieces. It was full, completely so. h The top pieces were a little dimmed, but under, the ‘old was.as bright and fresh as when it came from he mint. x In his excitement he seized hold of the box, and, un- intentionally upset it, which sent the gold rolling all - around, flashing and scintillating in the rays of the 3 electric lamp which was suspended in the center of the thy room, i Yawpey, the irrepressible, capered round like an es- caped lunatic, shouting: “By the jampin’ Jehosaphat—rich, rich ; just think ef it. Yawpey Dick ain’t a nigger, and is rich—rich— Yich—rich ; bully for the old hermit, bully for Bob, bully for Ben, and—and hurrah for the Demon. Hibp, | hip, HURRAH |” In this last Bob and Ben both-joined. Neyer before had three happier boys been congre- gated together. At Ben’s suggestion Bob opened the two remaining boxes, and found that they, too, were filled to repletion with bright, yellow gold pieces. __. “Yawpey, pick up.the gold,” said Bob, at last, point- ing at those that he had spilled from the first opened box. * 4 . “Yah,” returned Yawpey, “I'l do it. Look at it— ain’t it pretty—listen?” He stooped and picking up several pieces, allowed them to fall to the floor, on | striking which they yingled merrily. ‘Don’t it sound - mice? Hurroo! Hurroo!” With a glance of his disapproval of his noisy manifes- tations of delight, which silenced Yawpey, Bob pro- ‘ceeded to re-fasten tho gold in the boxes. ae Shall we make another visit to the wreck?” asked mn. es ‘Yes, I guess so,’’ replied Bob ; “we will go on My ard once more before we go to the surface for fresh air. There,” he added, giving the last box, which aad been securely nailed, a shoye which sent it into mie. corner, “I’m done with that. Are you ready to go?” on then.” be picked up the suits, Yawpey, who had stood stening to the short conversation, stepped _ forward and said : No, Ben is going with me,”’ replied Bob. ‘That ain’t fair,” said Yawpey, sullenly. Why not?” demanded Bob, somewhat incensed at -YMawpey’s words and manner. “Leastways it ain't,” returned Yawpey, “'cept ’se gi’ me am equal share of what ye git, ‘cos ‘se have all the chance to find it, and I haven’t > “ll do as I please about that,” angrily said Bob. *Puton your suit, Ben—hurry up—éo that those other _ ehaps do not get there before us.” ets went outside, and wero soon on board the ‘eck again. ; Rekyiip Ben on guard on the deck, Bob descended to the hold, and did not reappear for over half an hour, but when he did he held in his.atms another box of similiar construction to those already found. What luck?” queried Ben, talking with his gers. = Only this,” replied Bob in the same manner, at the ( ee ime kicking the box with his foot. Pp oe ‘e's too much sand to do much with our hands, and we must find some other method of removing it if “Shall we go back ?” “Yes; take hold.” Gi oe Bob in carrying the box, and together “they returned to the Demon's side. |. They pped into the exit chamber with the box. ‘h et moment—but not by their doing—the sea- door glided shut, and the water was forced out. c esently they felt that the Demon had risen from tom, and was making headway. To Bob this was inexplicable; but we can explain it eturning to the time when they had started for the reck the last time. wer nettled Yawpey, and besidesit involved nty as to whether the others wold divide fawpey at first sight of the gold had been with that same lo a “ f ¢ ‘or it which a miser exhibits, ey had gone, he brooded over Bob’s words persuaded himself that nono of the wealth m. , ‘ 1ot keep what they had on board the y not hide itfor himself? as | 00 5 ace on board the boat where so much uld be p! a * _ THE DEMON OF THE DEEP. The thonght took forcible possession of Yawpey’s mind, and at last overcome by it, he stepped into the pilot-bouse, and not daring to look toward the wreck where he thought the two were, whom he was about to desert, he pulled the knob which closed the sea-door and exhausted the water from the chamber. Then he raised and started her away from the spot. | *T wonder what the matter is?’ was Bob’s first ex- | clamation as he unloosened his helmet and laid it aside. ‘‘I must see.” Yawpey’s resolution to desert his comrades was more frail than lasting. The thought that Bob had saved him from death ‘on more than one occasion, and that to desert them meant death to them—made him waver—and repent. Then, overpowered by his better self, he turned her squarely about, and as Bob, followed by Ben, dashed into the | pilot-house the Demon settled down into almost the pu positiow’she had been lying in a few minutes be- re. To Bob's angry inquiries Yawpey gave stumbling, evasive answers, which aroused Bob’s suspicions as to the true reason. Y He deemed it best, though, to give Yawpey the bene- fit of the doubt, and so kept his suspicions to himself. The box was opened, and found to also contain gold, which ascertained, Bob placed it beside the others. Then he thought it would be better to return to the surface for air, and said so. “But how about the wreck ?”’ queried Ben. ‘‘Those divers may come down while we are gone.” “That's so,’ said Bob, reflectively. “One of us ought to remain as a guard. I'll do so myself. You can work the boat almost if not quite as well as I can, Ben, so you take her to the surface, and I'll remain be- hind; but don’t stay longer than you can help, for the air I shall have to take out is not of the purest.” Just as you say,”’ returned Ben. Bob assumed bis armor and went outside, after which Ben raised the Demon, and after proceeding a short dis- tance under water, so that they would not come out to the surface anywhere near the Stanwix, he drew Pull 5 to its fullest extent, and they shot rapidly upward. Yawpey meanwhile had ascended the stairs to the deck door, and as the ceasing of the throbbing of the pumps informed him that they had reached the sur- face, he touched the spring, and the door glided back, just as a warning cry from Ben struck his ear. What did it mean? Was it danger? And from whab? These three questions assailed Yawpey at one and the same time, and while in a state of uncertainty concerning what next to do, he saw a shadow fall across him. He had taken a step upward previously, and his head was about on a.level with the deck. As he glanced upward, he saw a face with wicked, glittering eyes, peering into his own, and the next moment was seized» by the collar, and despite his struggles was drawn up on deck.g | © By a litky accident his foot struck a spring, which sent the door back to ors and Ben, from the pilot- house, saw Yawpey in the hands of his captors. CHAPTER XVII. THE PIRATE. Tux pirate vessel, on board of which Pat Harris and his companion found themselves, was appropriately called the Black Devil. She was in structure longand narrow, with alengthy, sharp prow, with a high cutwatey. She was painted ajet black, not being relieved by even a single streak of any color. , Asa sailer she had never found her match, being able, if there was any breeze at all stirring, to even dis- tance first-class steamers. JP Once she had been overhauled by an English eruiser but a well-concocted story, and the exhibition of clear- ing papers, which had been stolen from a vessel robbed | and scuttled but a few days’ previous, completely blinded the English on as to her true character, and the pirate was permitted to pursue her way un- molested. y; Thomas Darrell was the name the Black Devil's cap- tain gave himself. The day after Pat Harrig joined the crew, the English man-of-war that had been seen by the boys on board the, Demon, and whose pompous captain they had given | a ducking, sighted the Black Devil, and immediately ran } up her colors. But there was a good stiff breeze at the time, and having unbounded faith in his vessel, Captain Darrell deigned not to notice the cruiser. ‘ : “Damme!” muttered Captain Puffer, the commander of the man-of-war. ‘“ But these fellows are mighty hunciyil, hand don’t happear to care a straw for the Hinglish flag. Blast their heyes, but hill make them dance hif they don’t be careful. Lieutenant Dobson—- hey, lieutenant.” “ Aye, aye, sir,” replied that individual, advancing and touching his cap. “T’'m mad}"' : 4 “ Aye, aye, sir,” said'the lieutenant, smiling to him- self at the aptness of his reply. X “Y’m mad—hi say mad, because that whippersnapper dar with contempt.” — eutenant, as his superior es to treat hour great fag Aye, aye,” put in the Of a half dozen shots fired before darkness settled down, one took effect, and that at the water-line. The leak thus formed was immediately stopped by a temporary plug inserted from the inside, The pirate captain changed his vessel’s course, and when morn- ing broke the English cruiser was nowhere in sight. After cruising about several days, the temporary plig came out, and about the same time that the fact was reported to Captain Darrell, came another report that the vessel was in sight, and without sails spread, and apparently lying at anchor. As the reader will instantly guess, this newly-dis- covered vessel was the Stanwiz, Darrell immediately went on deck and scrutinized the stranger long and closely. The circumstance of her lying there, apparently not in distress, and with no particular object to keep her there, seemed odd to the pirate captain. e Still, thinking that perhaps she might prove valu-, able game for them, he determined to lay to, and, after repairing damages, proceeded to interview her. ‘The Black Devil was laid to, and her long boat lowered, containing, among others, Pat Harris, who was some- thing ofa carpenter. They had just begun work on the leak, when one of ~ the men suddenly cried out: ** See there! What in thunder’s this thing ?” His cry drew all eyes to where he was pointing, sight alongside the long boat. It was the top of the pilot-house of the Demon appear- ing above the water. She came up exactly beneath them, and lifted the Jong boat from the water. ; Pat Harris, and several others immediately stepped upon her deck, and as Yawpey sent the deck-door back and stepped upward, as Ben's ringing cry of warning rang out, Pat seized the lad by the collar, and, with the eee afforded by his companions, drew him on eck. They would haye rushed down the stairs had not Yawpey accidently sent the door back into its place. Ben foramoment was paralyzed by the occurrence, but, recovering himself, he drew Pull 1, and the Demon glided away from the spot. t “To the boat,” cried Pat Harris, who, having seen the Demon before, and knowing of some of her charac~ teristies, did not care to be soused in the water. “They threw Yawpey into the boat, and, pushing her off, jumped in and rowed back to the Black il, which by this time was about a quarter of a mile distant. Ben went half a mile further before he stopped the Demon, and then, after fully assuring himself that he could not be molested, he opened the deck-door and and allowed the light, fresh, crisp air displaco that which was confined in the vessel. . . The stock of air renewed, Ben sank his vessel, and, having taken his bearings, started back toward fhe, wreck which Bob had remained to guard. , But how fared Bob during this time? Z To understand what happened to him ae, this period we must accompany the two frightened divers, who, after being thrown in the Esmerelda’s hold, gaye the signal to fy the up. ’ After reaching the surface, and clinging to the stem of the boat until she reached theraft, they, were taken up and their suits removed. : Their story was listened to with interest; but when they mentioned the fact of a boat lying there with lights which threw an almost noonday glare over everything, an incredulous smile lit up the faces of all, *« Impossible,”’ said one. «“ They’re lying or erazy,’’ said another. % «They're playing some deep game,” suggested one. « Perhaps they've found the treasure easy of access and want this project abandoned so that they can re turn for it themselves.” " “A boat that can stay under water—nonsense !’” Seeing that their story was not believed, the divers reasserted the truth of what they had stated. “Dimond, are you willing to go down alone?” at length asked Benjamin. “Yes,” replied the diver, a dare-deyil sort of a fok low who cared naught for man or devil. “And I prove that you fellows are wrong,” he added an in- — stant later. ‘ ) : “All right, do so,” said Benjamin, shrugging his shoulders. . j : He was speedily equipped for the journey, and some minutes later came & splash and a gurgle as he disap. — peared from the raft, - f Reuad Deen given directions as to the precise location of the wreck, and started for itas soon as he touched | the bottom. > J aa fase ' Soon he sighted it, and he chuckled inwardly when, on looking around, the wonderful craft of his associate diver’s story was not to be seen. Mie 7 Ps ‘He boarded the wreck, and by a preconcerted ar- rangement of signals telegraphed back the news: “On board the wreck and all right.” RIN Bob, as soon as the the’ Demon. was lost in the @s-_ tance, descended into the hold of the wreck, and making his way to where they had found the treasure, began examining the surroundings as well as he could, at the same time cudgeling his brains for a quick stir method of removin der. 2 nd instantly wheeled, ie aqnarely about, the sand which covered the buried = $ yy x
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~ +" eo aed “1 : ’ te THE DEMON OF THE DEEP. Dimond instinctively recoiled at this unexpected event, and both naturally clasped their knives. Bob made a menacing gesture, and advanced to attack Dimond with sueh alacrity that the latter fell back as fast as the other advanced. In keeping his face to his toe, Dimond failed to back away in a straight line, and deviated sé much as ' fmally to step into the corner formed by the bulk- head and the yessel’s side. As his right foot came down he felt that it had stepped on something more yielding than the sand, tud almost instantaneously he felt his left leg seized and pinched as if in a vise. ¥ What was this new danger which menaced im? ; 1 Glancing downward he saw a greenish glitterin pair oteyes fixed upon him. And Bob, advancing. was also seized hold of by @uis monster of the séa, and so fierce was the grip he almost cried with pain. Mutual danger made the enemies’ cause a com- mon one, and turning their attention to their foe they began slashing away at him with their knives. f The struggle oceupied but a few minutes, but it was aterrific one. Bob’s better-formed knife finally giving him the finishing blow. Together they dragged their defunct antagonist out to the stronger light, and a shudder convulsed both as they gazed on the monster, who greatly resembled a lobster in construction, but with nippers and jaws as thick as any ordinary man’s arm, the fins or feelers fringing his body floating out on both sides of his long body like huge snakes. + It wason one of these that Dimond had stepped and so enraged it as to cause it to attack him. Now, that their common enemy was dead, the truce between them veased, and with a wave of his hand Bob demanded the diver to depart. f Dimond deemed it best to accede to this demand and gaye the signal to be drawn up, and soon left Bob alone. Meanwhile the airin his helmet had been rapidly de- teriorating in quality, and he began to wish for the coming of the Demon. ; He went on deck and sat down. Minutes passed away, and still the Demon had not xeturned. ~ The air was by this time very heavy, and Bob could scarcely respire, and in tact he breathed it in a quick, gasping manner. But, at last, his eyes were greeted by the light of the electric lamp, and soon the Demon settled down but a few feet distant. He hurried to her, found entrance, and when his heunet was remoyed, listened with astonishment to éhe story of Yawpey’s capture. \ CHAPTER XIX. BEN MYSTERIOUSLY DISAPPEARS. Bos wasmuch surprised to hear of Yawpey’s cap- fare, but who the capturers could be he could not con- ~ eeive. : Meamwhile Yawpey had been conveyed to the Black Devil, and at that very time was surrounded by the motley cut-throat crew, while Captain Darrell plied him with questions. When questioned concerning the Demon, Yawpey maintained absolute silence, when Pat Harris broke in, and gave the captain all the information he could con- eerning her. The listenérs could searcely believe in the existence of such a yessol, although with their own eyes they had seen her appear and disappear. ) i Yawpey then recognized in the speaker one of the white men he had seen among the cannibals. After much threatening and the display of numerous - pistols and knives, Yawpey condescended to tell the pirates of the mission of the Demon. " «And that vessel lying out there, I suppose she is also ort the treasuré ?”’ said the captain, inquiringly. “Yah 1” “That explains the conundrum of her staying in that Self same spot so long. Well, boys,’—this to the erew—‘‘ under those circumstances we don’t want to attack that fellow yet. We must wait until they re- ce ea treasure, and then go for them heavy. Am I right cut * Aye, aye,”’ was chorused by the lips of all the vile wretches who heard the words. ' “Come with me—youswhat's your name?” he grufily demanded, , _ * "Yawpey.’ i “Agoodname, and suits you at alleyents. You come with me, and you,” to Harris. . _ Followed by Yawpey and Harris he descended to the cabin, and after gleaning all the information possible - fiom the two, he bent his head reflectively for a few minutes. - He rang a hand-bell on the table, when straightened A young boy scarce sixteen years of age answered the summons. — } j ae ended to the deck. ; - “And now, Harris, I’ve arranged aplan and although ee | a ew alt y of the bell Billy again appeared. fi ppson down,” said Darrell. i Thompson soon appeared. He was the captain’s right-hand man, a low-browed, hang-dog, villainous- looking fellow, and the sailing master. ; Darrell also took him into his confidence, and the leak having been properly patched up, sails were loosened and shook out to the breeze, which, when the San ae was clewed home, carried them along at a fine rate. The Black Devil bore down upon the Stanwix, passing not over a quarter of a mile distant and under her lee bow. Having been observed by those on the Stanwix, they kept a sea-glass fixed on her movements, and as she crossed their bows, the captain, who was watching the stranger's movements, saw a man jump from the gun- wale into the sea, and at the spot from which the man had thrown himself off, there appeared several forms who wildly brandished their arms as if threatening the unfortunate wretch, Of the character of the vessel the captain of the Stanwiz knew not, and when he saw her pass on with- out attempting to rescue the man, he ordered the cut- ter away to pick hint up. The cutter’s crew found the man clinging to a piece of board, which apparently he had seized at the mo- ment of jumping overboard, They drew him in the cutter, and returned to the Stanwix, whose erew lined the side, their interest in the affair being wound up to the greatest pitch on ac- count of the singularity of the circumstance. Among those watching the approach of the cutter, was Jim Devon, the detective, who had for some days -back been Cursing his stupidity in coming out with the Stanwtr, As the rescued man stepped upon the deck, he started violently, and after screening himself behind one of the sailors, he scrutinized the man closely. The reader will immediately form the conclusion that the rescued man was Pat Harris. But how comes it that he jumped overboard, as if to escape some great danger which threatened him ? Later on we shall reveal the reason. « Well, said Bob, when Ben for a second or third time had minutely recounted the story; ‘if Yawpey’s gone, he’s gone, and that’s all aboutit. You are sure it was none of the men belonging to this diving crew that captured them ?”’ “Of course ; don’t I know every man on board the Stanwia ?”” “True, I had forgotten, It was good you reached here when you did, for | was beginning to teel the need of a change of air.’”’ “J couldn’t get here any quicker,” “T know,” replied Bob, “Suppose we go on board the wreck again?” . “Very well; I’m with you.’? They put on their suits and made a trip to the Hsmer- elda, from which they returned without having met with any success. It now became a question as to how they were to re- move the sand from off the treasure. Various plans were proposed and rejected, none ap- pearing feasible, until Ben said: “T wonder if ajet—a stream of water would accom- plish the task?” ‘ This was the key that led to an elaboration of the idea, until finally they determined to try this method of remoying this impediment to their search. In the first construction of the Demon the hermit had thought a hose would be necessary to accomplish certain results, and so procured one. These results he afterward obtained without its aid, and ina much simpler manner. When sinking the vessel, as the reader knows, the watex-chambers were filled with water forced into them from the sea,a short pipe: running from the pump to the outsideof the Demon,and another con- ducting the water from the pump to thechamber. This latter connection Bob ‘urscrewed, and, being a machinist, he, without much trouble, attached the hose to the pump. He next conducted the hose out through the exit- chamber, having drilled a hole ofthe right size through |, one ofits partitions, packing it round the house so that it could not leak. x He had also conducted along with iv, side by side, a length of wire, and everything being in readiness for atrial, Bob put on his suit and went outside, leaving Ben inside. ; ) * He carried the end of the hose and wire on board the wreck, and with them in his hand descended into the hold, when he made the discovery that it was too short. Still he wished to try the experiment, and gave Ben the signal to start the pump, and presently he felt the hose harden and placing his hand across the nozzle, which he had made froma glass throat such as pro- tected the copper rods where they passed through the floor, it was instantly driven away by thestream which the powerful electric pump was forcing through it. Stooping he placed the nozzle within a few inches ot the sand, and lo! as if by magic the sand scattered, and as he followed up’ the rapidly deepening hole it widened and spread. ; «®ureka 1” cried Bob to himself. “If the hose were only long enough. If it were—but—why nof bring}. 1 the Demon closer ?”” The last question flashed through his mind, and—it solved the problem. He signaled to stop with the order. : Hurrying back to the Demon, Bob went inside and ex- plained matters, and told Ben whav he wanted done, Then he passed outside again, and taking up his posi- tion onthe deck of the wreck he signaled “ allright.” “Ben, inside, raised the Demon above the bottom, and as he slowly brought her near the wreck Bob hauled in the hose carefully, he haying gone outside for the 4 A the pump, and Ben complied purpose of preventing its fouling during the yessel’s | ‘received no answer. Tas approach, which at a signal Ben lowered so that she lay within a half dozen feet of the Lsmerelda, Then Bob went into her hold, and seizing the hose dragged it with him. j It reached the spot from which they had taken the boxes, with a few feet to spare. He signaled * start the pumps,’ which was speedily complied with, + He then bent over and applied the nozzle elose to the sand and if spread about on all sides, the solid volume eating its downward way with great rapidity. Finally Bob stepped into the hole, and by bending the hose, so as to apply the nozzle sideways and up Ree he enlarged it until it was three or four feet . road. Then he deepened it again, the stream of compressed water forcing itself downward until it reached a sub- stance which refused it progress and diffused it in all directions. ~ Bob played the stream about until finally, the com- plete outlines of another box, similar to those they had previously found, wasin view. An instant later another, and then another, and still another was uncovered. He dropped the hose, andin his joy pranced about, somewhat in Yawpey’s style. Then he gave the order tostop the pump, and seiz- ing one of the boxes he conveyed it outside across the deck, and the few feet that separated the Demon from her, and into the exit-chamber. > A minute or so later he was inside, with helmet un- loosed, in wild excited tones telling Ben of the success of the scheme. He did not stop to open the box, but, after a few minutes’ rest, he went out again, and hurrying back gave the order to start the pump again. Before stop- ping Bob cleared away a great large space, which was completely covered with treasure. He was wild, frantic with joy, and had not his supply of air began to fail he would not even then have given the order to cease numping. He gave the order—but it was not obeyed, He waited a few minutes and gaye the order again, but with no better effect. : ’ “ What can be the matter with Ben ?” he thought to himself as, again giving the order, if failed. “Something must bo wrorg,’’ he murmured. ‘1’}] go back right away ;” and after fastening the end of the hose, with the wire, to one of the vessel’s knees, and with another box in his arms, he returned to th Demon. 3 After removing his helmet, he shouted for Ben, but Somewhat alarmed by the fact, he searched the Demon from stem to stern, but could not finda trace of Ben. It was not until ho roturned to the room in which the engino was, that he discovered any clew to Ben’s whereabouts, the clew being afford- ed by the fact that the other diving suit was gone. We must have gone outside,” muttered Bob ; “ bug. if he has it was queer that I didn't seehim. Well, here goes to see where he is.’” He fastened his helmet again, and going outside, he first surveyed the deck of the wreck in hopes of atch- ing a glimpse of the missing lad, and then descendad into the hold. Back to the treasure spot he went, quite sure that there he would find Ben; but no, he was not there, and if he had been he had loft no trace of the fact behind, 5 F With a sinking heart Bob searched every nook and crauny of the wreck, but with no sucocss. * Then he explored the bottont all about the wreck and the Demon, but could find no trace of his comrade. After a fruitless search of several hours, during which Bob had returned to the Demon several times to arrange the electric lights, so that they would burn brighter, and to rest, the conviction forced itself upon his mind that Ben could not be found. Sinking down, in griefat his comrade’s inexplicable loss, he groaned : ; ee 5 lost, rs bac Sealer so.” es, Ben was lost, and mysteriously disa: — had gone—but where ? x sf pir ‘ CHAPTER XX. WHERE BEN DISAPPEARED TO, Wuen Dimond, the diver, was drawn to the wie the excitement on board the Stanwtr was intenne aoe his gaing down was to prove or disprove the almost in- credible story told by Benjamin and House. ‘ The armor was removed and he mounted from the raft to the deck, where he was immediately met by his — companion divers, who, with quizzical looks, were — watching him, and the captain asked : ie * Well, Dimond, what is the result of your trip to ola Sona bed 2?” “The result is very unimportant, I’m a ” T6. turned Dimond, , sheet “Did you see the wonderful vessel spoken of by your associate divers ?”” ‘ What ” oried “What!” cried both Benjamin and Ho: ; Pig “Didn't you see her ?” nee ow Yo.”” ue ware you on board the wreck ?” “Yes.” : * “Did you see any one ?” « You,!* which, wh: some extent, belied it at ot
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eae f “4 , iy i they not caring n to encounter the antagonists who had done for on 80 easily. ; 543 And so, on board the Stanwiz, for some time, things remained statu quo, as faras descents to the wreck were concerned, although thé monotony of the situation had been broken by the reseue of Pat Harrison. “Tt’s too bad,” said the captain, speaking to Jim Devon, * that we have come to a halt alter finding the wreck and getting all ready for work. I believe, my- golf, that their stories are all gammon, and if they do mot manifest a disposition to continue the work, inside ef three hours, I shall offer a good sum to anyone who will take their places.” Joe, the Grumbler, was near enough to overhear these remarks, and without any hesitation he advanced and said: is “Captain, beg pardon for interrupting you, but I will take the place of one of the divers in case they will not go down again.” “Do you think you could stand it?” « Yes.”? . * All right; I'll accept your offer on the conditions mentioned.” The captain was as good as his word, and when, after waiting three hours, the divers still refused to make a descent, he made an open offer to the whole crew for some oue to fill their places. Joe was the only one who answered, and when by stepping out he signified his readiness to go, and so exhibited his courage by daring to face the dangers feared by the practised divers, a cheer burst from the throats of all the seamen. He descended to the raft, the armor was put on and - fastened properly by the attendants, during which ex- pene oe the system of signaling were given him, » Desides various other important points, Then the visor was pulled down and fastened, and encased in armor, closed from fhe outside world, Joe was ready to take ‘his first plunge in asuit of that de- scription. ( The life-lines and air-tubes were attended to and ar- ranged in little even coils to prevent fouling, the . leaden weights were attached to his feet, he was held over the side of the raft a single moment, then came a gurgling sound as the waters closed above his head, and Joe was rapidly descending to old ecean’s bed. - Once down to the bottom he signaled back “all right,” and then started slowly off in the directicn of the wreck, which soon became visible in the glaro of the light from the Demon, He had doubted the stories of the divers, but here : was aay that one or both was right. 1 As hecame closer he saw a figure outlined for an instant in the light, and then it disappeared into the wreck. 5 Ashort time later he clambered on the Esmerelda’s deck, and crossing it to the hatchway his foot struck the rubber hose which Bob was at that very moment using so successfully in uncovering the buried treasure. 4 Joe now turned his eyes on the Demon. , Long and earnestly he gazed, and once, secing Ben ‘moving about in the pilot-house, satisfied any doubts he might haye had as to its being habitable. After Bob had left the last time for the wreck and Ben had started the pump, he became very restless, and at last determined to don the other suit and pay Bob a visit. ) : With hig mind once made up it took but a few minutes te array himself for the trip, and once ready he entered the exit-chamber. ; Joe, who was looking with curious eyes at the Demon, saw a figure suddenly emerge from her side - nearthe bottom. hee 235 “He shrank back immediately behind one of the stumps of spars which screened him completely from th ae observation of Ben, who with slow steps advanced to the wreck and climbed upon her deck. tm ‘Ben approached the open hatchway and peered down, ‘put of course Bob-wasinot to be seen. Ben’s back was ward Joe, and the latter suddenly conceived a plan Nt for finding out something concerning these strange people who manned so strange a craft. : ‘He sidled from behind his screen, first taking care to see that none of the diving apparatus had fouled in _ anyway, and across the few feet that intervened. ‘Then, just as he came within two or three feet of Ben, he gave three sharp pulls at the signal-line, which ‘means “Great danger—pull quickly if you would save ” my life,” andat the same time seized Ben from behind gitly about the waist, thus pinioning his arms down so that his prisoner could not use them, Ben struggled and kicked, but it was of no use; Joo ad him at a great disadvantage. ; sently they struck the surface and they were towed along to the raft, where Ben was first drawn mt of the water, then Joe. : ay Bon would have thrown himself over, but strong hands detained him and quietly passetl him up to the ck of the Stanwiz. ; e off the armor,” said the captain. — ne S hands jumped to perform the task; if was un- ned, and as the suit was drawn off, Ben threw back | helmet and stepped forward until scarce more than eet separated the captain and himself. the! ‘bwo fe he For an instant silence reigned, and then the captain pears, Pecks and with eyes bulging with surprise, he © st Ww caine ae ae + : ¥ THE DEMON OF THY DEEP. ey " Yes,”” “Who did it 2” “That Portchy yonder,” said Ben, pcirting wt the outside edge of the group where the guilty Inciyidual | stood. “ It’s a lie,” shouted Portchy. “ Boatswain, arrest that man,’ said the captain. ‘ And put him in the ship's prison.” Despite Portchy's struggles he was taken into cus- tody, and then at the captain’s request Ben avcom- panied him to the cabin, when he related the story of his adventures since being thrown into the sea. The listeners beside the captain were the ship’s officers, the divers, anid Jim Deyon. Joe’s suit took longer to unfasten and get out of, | and by the time he was rid of it Ben had descended to “a cabin, whither directions had been left for him to ‘ollow. He knew not who it was that he had captured, and when he went to the cabin, as directed, he started back in blank amazement at coming face to face with his old friend; Ben Bolt. 4 He rubbed his eyes, looked at the person again, then rubbed his eyes again, then looked once more. “Ts this really you, Ben ?’? . “Yes.” “Where did you come from ?”” “T just came from the bottom of the sea.’ “What? Wasit you I captured?” will take a fleeting glance at our old Yawpey Dick, whom we have, perhap; ns
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THE DEMON OF THE DEEP. ” lected a little in leaving him in the background . 60 long. After reaching the deck of the pirate vessel, he was surrounded by a curious, gaping crowd, who perpetrated coarse jokes on his personal appearance; some of the more bdld, at inter- vals, advancing, and with a coil of rope sig- nifying their intention of taking the dimensions of Yawpey’s huge mouth, or tweak his nose and gars, er something of the sort. For some days he was the common laughing- stock and football of the whole crew, he hay- ing, sinee being in the galley, to come into contact with all of them. And especially did he form merriment for the huge negro who presided over the cooking. “‘T say, where you get dll dat mouf ?” asked the negro, the question being called forth by seeing Yawpey open it, and, without a bit of . difficulty, place a whole potato therein. “None of yer business, old Tarball,” snarled Yawpey in reply. “Tt ‘ud dks a nice spittoon—haw! haw! haw!—ho! ho! ho!” and pleased at having uttered what he considered an excellent retort, .- Tarball laid back in his chair and gave yent to a hearty horse-laugh ‘‘Ver'd oughter use it sometime,” said Yaw- pey, slightly wincing at the comparison. _ ‘So I will,” replied Tarball. “* And so he did; for during the afternoon, Yawpey, seized with a gaping fit, stretched his jaws to their utmost extent. Just then Tarball caught sight of him and came near. as if to attend to some duty that called him in that direction, when, suddenly, he bent forward and expectorated a small flood of nasty, tobacco-impregnated saliva, into Yaw- pey’s mouth. ‘ With a yell that would have done credit to a Sioux warrior, Yawpey bounded to his feet, reeled blindly a moment, and then, falling on ail fours, commenced coughing and spitting in trying to clear his mouth of the disgusting /> tuff. A portion of it, however, had managed fo. wrickle downwards until it reached the partially- digested dinner he had eaten but a short while before. - Of course the reader knows the result, During the transpiring of the scene thas far Tarball had been laughing extremely hearty, which drew some of the crew to the spot. Seeing that he had a full audience, Tarball said, pointing at the crouching figure ; { “Fore de Lord—but I nebber hab so good a _ time since when my brudder hab his eye _ seratched out by a yaller gal for who he was a | tryin’ to hug. He hab his mouf wide open— 80,” opening his own in illustration, ‘‘an’—an’ as ~—haw—haw—haw--a—a—spitbox—haw—haw —haw,” and doubling his arms across his stomach, he assumed a half-stooping position, - and roared with laughter. __ Yawpey had partially recovered, and actuated by a desire for revenge, he darted forward, and a violent push from behind sent ‘Tarball sprawl- _ ing on the floor, his face striking into the mess ' upheaved by his antagonist. _ . Then it was Tarball’s turn to feel bad—and he didfor the crew chaffed him unmercifully until he rose to his feet, when his comical ap- pearing face, which can best be described as looking as if bread and milk had been plastered on a blackboard, caused a burst of laughter from all who witnessed; but the better result we that thereafter they let Yawpey |. OHAPTER XXII. | RHE '(DEMON” AND THE “‘ sTANWIX.” ‘Arren the treasure was uncovered, Bob worked like a beaver in carrying box after box ito the exit chamber, taking them inside each 8 aly he was compelled to enter to renew ty zy eer ~-haw—haw—haw I’se got to larf—I tuk it fur | tense excitement above, extra hands were sent | graphed that he was all right. men from the Stanwix would obtain a foothold on the wreck which they would most likely be able to maintain. 2 He stood itas long ashe could, and then, hoping that the uncovered treasure in the hold of the wreck might remain undiscovered and undisturbed during his absence, he raised the | Demon and shot up toward the surface. But his hopes were vain. After some reflection and consultation, the captain of the Stanwiz informed Ben that he wanted him to descend in company with Di- mond, and try and make a compromise with Bob. So, in pursuance of this idea, at just about the same time that the Demon glided away from the spot, they were descending. ‘ Ben, when he saw. that the Demon was ab- sent, immediately concluded that she had gone to the surface, but could not communicate this to his companion, who, availing himself of the opportunity, made his way into the hold of the wreck, on whose deck they had alighted. Stumbling along, he atlength toppled over into the excavation in the sand, and landed on top of the treasure boxes. His fall caused an inquiry from above; the sudden tightening of the lines informing the \ attendants that something had happened. He replied ‘‘all right,” and picking himself up, he pranced about in as lively a manner as was consistent with his accoutrements ‘and position. Next he picked up two of the smallest of the boxes and staggered along until he was beneath the hatchway. Here he \gave the signal to be drawn up} quickly. When his-hond appeared above the water and they saw that Joe bore him not com- pany, a dissatisfied expression was heard, but the next instant when the boxes were raised up and laid on the raft, and the sailors got an inkling of what they were supposed to contain, they heartily cheered the diver, who staid but long enough to have his visor opened to tell his companions of the find, and then have it replaced, House and Benjamin of course quickly don- ned their suits, and only waiting long enough to take apeep intothe boxes which had been opened and which were found to contain, one, precious stones, the other gold, they descended. They fouud the impatient Dimond waiting for them on the deck of the wreck. Beckoning them to follow, he descended and preceded them to the treasure-spot, signifying it by a wave of his hand. ; Each took up two of the boxes and tugged them beneath the hatchway, when all gave orders to be drawn up. : The three simultaneous signals created in- on board the raft, and they commenced haul- ing up the divers. ‘As it became evident that the three were near ‘the surface, a silence as of death ensued. The side of the Stanwix on which the raft lay was crowded with the sailors, who, with bated breath, gazed intently at the spot where the divers would first appear. j They reached the surface, the boxes were taken from them, amid a general sigh of re- lief from the on-lookers, then came three simul- taneous plunges, the water gurgled and bubbled in three separate places, and they had dlis- appeared again in the direction of the wreck. During all this time Ben had remained on the Hsmerelda’s deck, he being unable to go to the surface, as he was clad in the diving-suit in which he had been dressed when captured. Finally he descended into the wreck and helped get out the boxes for the divers to take to the surface. Dimond’s fall into the hole in the sand had injured him, notwithstanding he had tele- "Was again pure an His request was complied with and he was — taken to his state-room, while Joe, with the. captain’s assent, assumed his place. Rapidly and energetically the divers worked, and box after box found its way to the surface. . Joe and Ben worked together, the latter car- rying the boxes beneath the hatchway and hay- ing them ready for his companion each time he came down. F It may seem as if Ben was hardly acting fair toward Bob who had saved his life inthus help- ¢ ing to rob him of the treasure, which by his in- genuity had first been discovered, and then un- covered. ; : At first Ben had not thought of this, but when he did he instantly ceased work. ‘ He was ina quandary. ‘ He liked both Bob and Joe—which one the best he could not say—still he owed the former a heavy debt of gratitude, and he was not tak. ing a very nice way of paying it. But what kept Bob away so long ? Knowing that his identity must be known on board the Stanwix through Ben, whom he con- jectured had been captured by some of her divers, he ran only about a half mile under wa- ter, and then went to the surface. In the excitement of the gold and jewels coming up, the little, low black hull of the_ Demon remained undiscovered for some time ; but the moment it was, a boat was lowered and started off towards her in charge of the first lieutenant, Jim Devon going along as — passenger, and one of the oarsmen being Pat _ Harris. Once at the surface, Bob stopped the Demon and leaving the pilot-houge he went aft and — up the stairs leading to the deck-door, te Somehow it failed to answer the touch of the spring which worked it, and after trying it ~ again and again, Bob went to the “ battery- room” for a hammer. It took him some minutes to find the article, He had remained at the wreek longer than - he should have done, and the consequence was that even this slight delay had caused the } air confined in the Demon to become fetid so § rapidly that he could scarcely breathe it. Es Hammer in hand he returned to the deck. door, which in some manner had become jammed, and after a few minutes’ work in gently or forcibly pounding he managed te — open it. ‘ The Demon’s prow lay toward the Slanwix, and when Bob stepped out upon his yessel’s — deck he did not’see the boat, which was within — fifteen or twenty feet of him, the pilot-house acting as a shield for them. ’ : Jim Devon, as soon as he saw Bob, thought “if I only could bring Harris, Bob and Joe all face to face, why not arrest Bob on the charge of murdering his mother and hold him until the tight time comes. I'll ido it.” ; An) _Bob was first apprized of the nearness of visitors by a slight jar as the boat's prow touched the Demon’s side. : E The first man out ot the boat was Devon, — i % a who with rapid steps neared Bob, who in his first surprise had started backwards. ma “Get off this vessel,” commanded Bob, at the same time preparing’to make a sudden dive below stairs. ae : _Nothing daunted by these words the detec. oat tive advanced as Bob retreated, and then’ heel 4 2 t said, in a low tone of voice: ‘Bob Harris, I order you to surrender your- self to serye out the balance of your sentence — of murder.” ; : “Neyer!” yelled Bob; “ get off, I tell you.” “You must surrender,” and the detective, as he uttered the words, darted forward te seize Bob, who, to ayoid the onset, jumped lightly aside, and ere the detective could turn about he gave him a clip that sent him into the sea. ara for, darting down the stairs, hi to its place in time to defeat their kind tions in regard to himself. ie _ He had no need ot remaining on the s ‘any longer, for the eerie of the Den “ ¥ : sh, 450 Ss t "
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He sank her before the disgusted men could return to the boat, and they receiyed a good ducking for their frouble about Bob's welfare. Meanwhile, on board the Hsmerelda every- thing had worked swimming: Bob’s long absence had amount. As the divers descended, they saw the first faint gleam of the Demon's headlight, but, being in point of numbers more than a match for the inmates of the vessel, they heeded not her coming, but descended into the hold of the wreek. . From the pilot-house Bob saw the descent into oe wreck, and a grim resolve entered his mind. ly. fost him a great ‘The divers went inside without a thought of danger, and little dreaming of how great would be that which was so soon to encompass them, they commenced gathering up the treasure boxes. Bob put on more speed, and threw her stern around a few points. The divers were beneath the hatchway, and was. about to signal to be taken up, when a dark body glided over their heads, and there _ remained suspended for a minute or two, then ‘slowly settled down over the hatchway. For a moment they could not comprehend it, then slowly the conviction forced itself upon their minds as to what it was. _* Bob, who reasoned, and rightfully, too, that others had no right to the fruits of his toil, had determined to punish those who thought other- wise, and laying the Demon’s course properly, - he ran her above the hatchway as described, and there allowed her to settle down over it, thus inclosing the divers as securely as if in a stone cell with iron bars. he divers realized the truth neously. That they had outraged all laws of right and justice in’ taking the boxes that Bob had worked Fi hard to uncover, they knew. * They had outraged the captain of the Demon; - they were in his power, in a living tomb if he - ¢hose to make it such. They were in his grasp—helpless—powerless _—to avert any fate he might mete out to them, andthe agonized thought of the imprisoned men was: Ave we to be punished by death?” | instanta- CHAPTER XXIII. JOH BECOMES AN INMATE OF THE ‘‘ DEMON,” "Tux two men whom Bob had imprisoned in the Hsmerelda’s hold, fretted and fumed, and inwardly cursed the lad Who had made them prisoners. As minutes passed by their anxiety as to the - disposition their captor was going to make of _ them silenced all other thoughts. oD Allhe had to do was to compress the tube | hich brought air to them, and they would lit- ) ally be in Davy Jones's locker. | ; The reader will remember that Ben was also with them, or, at least, was when first they _ ‘were made prisoners. : : He had remained down since first descend- g, which was now over half an hour, and as ‘he could not remain under water over an hour without receiving a fresh supply of air, it be- : ; fitdie atch, and then went aft and climbed he Demon’s deck. ‘e could not see Bob in the pilot-house, as ad left it a few minutes before, but a sharp ing on the glass speedily brought its in- e to the spot. 2 tp _ Bob started as he saw outside a figure, which, n beirfy clad in the costume peculiar to t’ 2 emon, he knew must be Ben. : Are you Ben ?” he quickly asked, spelling © words with his fingers. ‘ es,” came the reply. te | THE DEMON -OF THE DEEP, “ Ave the divers below ?” asked Bob, disre- garding his remark. “Yes.” “Then I can’t let you in; because the exit- door is directly over the hatchway.” “ But I must come in,” urged Ben, ‘If you don’t let me in I shall perish. The air in my knapsack is nearly played out.” ‘I can’t help that. The’ divers have been robbing me, and I want to punish them. Did you help them ?” “ Yes, I did ; but you nee pe yourself when youtalk that way. Did notI discover the wreck ? didInot find the location of the treasure? and finally, did I not suggest the water-jet to uncover it?” These words struck Bob with sledge-ham- merforee. He had not looked at the matter in this light before, and he could not help feeling that Ben, at least, had an equal right to the treasure. He stopped even as he would have replied, and then asked : ‘« What do you propose ?” “Let the divers go on their promise not to bother you any further.” «© But how ?” ‘* Write to that effect, ana pass it out to me through the sea-door.” “Tl do it,” replied Bob, and as he turned away Ben went to the fore-hatch, descended and went aft until he stood beneath the sea- door of the Demon. A few minutes later it glided open, and Bob in his diving-suit and with a piece of white pine in his hand, ap- peared. He handed the piece of board to Ben, who in turn handed it to Benjamin, who managed to read these words which had been inscribed on it in large, heavy, plain characters : «You are in my power, but Pll release you on one condition—your promise not to inter- fere with the buried treasure again. ‘Will you give it ?” Benjamin then gave it to his companion, who, after reading it, glanced at his leader, and then nodded assent in company with him. This was conveyed to Bob, and. he entered the Demon, followed by Ben. His first move was to raise the Demon, and send her away from the hatch. The divers were not long in giving the sig- nalto be drawn up, they not relishing the position they had been in. After Bob saw them disappear he stopped the Demon, and, backing her up, settled her down in almost the same position she had 9c- cupied before. ‘Then he deyoted some minutes in listening to Ben’s story of how he had been caught and taken to the Stanwix. Then Bob led him to where the fruits of his labor, during his absence, had been piled. To say that Ben was astonished at seeing so much wealth would be drawing it mild, for he was fairly wild with delight, and nothing would do but an immediate visit to the hold of the wreck, from which they returned much richer. Several hours later they ate dinner, when they found that their larder was very low, so much so that it was necessary to replenish it immediately. After finishing the meal, at Bob's suggestion, | they started out to hunt up some of old ocean’s delicacies. Several hours later, laden with the fruits of avery successful hunt, they wended their way back to the Demon. ; As they stepped upon the Hsmerelda’s d ck they found a figure confronting them, Had the divers broken their promise ? We will follow the divers, when ‘released from their prison, and see what transpired. Of course, by their signals, they had im- parted the information that they were threat- ened by great danger, but refused to be al- lowed to be drawn up, which ee the cap- tain of the Stanwix very much, since he knew not the nature of the perils which encompas- (aed, Dremel, Mot) Fingers 7 The excitement among all on board was 4 + ing. greatly relieved when at last came the signal “ draw up.” 5 As soon as they were relieved from their div- ing costumes, they told the story of their im. — prisonment and the promise that had been ex. torted from them. The captain could not but believe that there was something of romance connected with the story, and said so. ‘All right, captain,” said Benjamin; ‘ be. | lieve as much or little as you please; I wash my hands of the entire affair, and shall not endan. ger my life by another descent until the Demon, as Ben calls her, and her occupant has left these waters.” ‘‘ Where is Ben ?” suddenly inquired the cap. tain; Benjamin’s allusion to that individual having brought him to mind. ‘He stayed down with his former compan. ion, and I suppose is on board the Demon,” re- turned the diver. The captain was greatly vexed, at the turn affairs had taken, and tried to urge the divers to make another descent, but none of the argu. ments he used could change their determination, and they-stubbornly refused all and every prof- fer he made them. At last, out of patience, he said: **& pretty set of cowards, you are. Why here is Joe—a boy only—who, Pll guarantee, will brave what you dare not.” : The conversation had taken place in the cabin, in the presence of Joe and the officers of the ship, and turning to that lad the captain asked ; “Joo, amIright? Will you go down?” ‘*Yes—to be sure.” ‘© When ?” “ As soon as you please.” ‘All right,” replied the captain, ‘* You shall go down within an hour, and as for you, gen- tlemen,” turning to the divers, ‘‘you need not expect that you will make much out of this trip, no matter how much may be recovered.” ‘‘But, captain, we promised the lad not to interfere with him again,” said Benjamin, secking to mollify the captain by this ex- planation. : ‘Hang your promise. It was extorted under fear of death, and does not amount to arush- _ light. Bah! for your pretensions—give me men who .are not afraid to come into centact with a mere boy ;” and the irate captain turned on his heel, and bidding Jce to follow, ascend- ed the deck. As agreed, some time later, Joo donned the diving-suit he had used before and prepared for a descent, which he made as soon as all was in readiness for it. : At first he endeavored to descend into the — hold of the wreck through the after-hatchway, but the Demon so nearly covered it that he re- frained from fear of fouling or jamming the air-tubes. ; 2 He then turned his attention to the Demon itself, and during his examination even stepped through the sea-door into the exit-chamber. So far he had not met with anything to make him sorry for having tndertaken the descent. He left the exit-chamber very soon after en- tering, for he knew not what might transpire should he remain. ry { | He stepped on the deck of the wreck and slowly made his way toward the fore-hatch, and had arrived near it, when suddenly above — the Hsmerelda’s’ side appeared two figures, those of Bob and Ben. d Fora moment, both parties were startled, — put this speedily passed and Bob, drawing his knife and advancing, sternly pomted upward with his finger, indicating that the intruder had best withdraw. ; ae But Joe was equally as full of pluck as was Bob, and determined not to be frightened by mere show. PSR. ie 'To show his contempt of the order, he folded — his arms across his breast and stood passively watching the giver of it. ; Beau, _ Bob gency quickly toward him, but Joe moved not, until when within striking dis. tance Bob’s hahd, holding his knife, was raised on high. Pfee rates ta tam 2 ce eee aa
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- Then Joe recoiled a step or two and drew his ewn knife as a signal of defiance. Bob, nothing daunted by this display, ad- - vanced again, but shrank back as he saw hoy- ering above Joe’s head a frightful-looking mon- ater. ; What it was he knew not ; but in appearance it was terror-inspiring. ‘ Ben, too, saw it at almost the same instant, and, with an inward ery of alarm, pointed at it. Joe, aware from the movements of both that something was above him, threw back his head and glanced upward. .: The monster darted down, and a fearful struggle ensued, during which both of the air- tubes were severed by the teeth of the crea- ture; and gasping for breath, Joe sank down, when his antagonist, apparently satisfied, darted away. Ben saw him fall—realized his danger, and drew Bob’s attention to him. Altogether, two minutes had not transpired from the opening of the fight until its finish, and Joe was yet gasping convulsively, although his brain began to dim with dark clouds which began to weigh down on it and he realized that death was near. | : He groped blindly around for the signal-cord, but could not find it. * He felt the air-tubes attached to his helmet " jerked and pulled just as reason was fading. The thought ‘“‘God haye mercy on me,” _ rushed through his mind, then all became'a blank. é With Bob, to think was to act, and when his attention had been drawn to the diver, he hesi- tated not a moment, but sprang to his side. He saw the cut air-tubes, knew that it meant _/ death to the diver unless rescued. : ‘Take hold of him,” he spelled out, after eompletely severing all connections with the ~ surface. . Together they carried him to the Demon, and inside of her through the chamber. - Quickly they removed the suit, and as the | visor was raised, Ben cried: ‘© Bob—Bob, ’tis Joe—my friend—him whom I thought was something to you.” And Bob started in surprise, for in the pale- faced, inanimate figure before him, he saw a second self. CHAPTER XXIV. OFF FOR HERMIT ISLAND, Anrnovex startled to see that the stranger was almost a second edition of himself in ap- pearance, Bob did not forget that heneeded at- tending to, and after they had carried him to the room which contained the bunks, where they laid him on the floor, Bob commenced un- _ dressing him and asked Ben to help. “No,” was Ben’s‘reply. ‘You undress him and I’ll go and make some hot broth from that turtle meat to give him.” **¥ou had better lielp me,” said Bob. * Oh, no,” replied Ben. ‘‘I know best in this matter,” and he repaired to the kitchen and busied himself in making the broth he had - mentioned. ; © Queer,” thought Bob. ‘‘ Queer as blazes— can’t understand him. He’s as modest as a Odd, hanged if it ain't; but he’s more a girl than a boy in actions, speech, voice, manner;” and thus musing he rapidly _ worked away at the half-drowned Joe. “ He rolled him and wrapped him in blankets afterward, and it was not until then that Ben é in an appearance with the broth, a portion 0 a Bob allowed to trickle down Joe’s roat. 2 y Under its warming, stimulating influence he ame to himself, and in a short while was fully himself again, and, really, was not, loth to stay when he found himself in company with Ben, don board a craft in whose praises his ship- was so enthusiastic. , was much surprised to find in Bob strong resemblance to himself ; and, in- th: meeting set both to thinking. _ ’s mind reverted to the story which Mary Si 1 arding his ‘parentage. THE DEMON OF THE DEEP, She had told him that he had hada brother, but | right, and then rushing along, struck the pilot that Pat had drowned him to get him, the boy. out of the way, which yeally had -been the dis- eee which it had been intended to make of oth. ‘*Can it be possible that she was mistaken, and that my Protiier was not drowned? Can he be my brother, or is this resemblance a mere coincidence? Shall I tell him the story, and let him go to my father, if he still be living?” These and other questions greatly perplexed Bob, and he took an early opportunity of get- ting the history of Joe’s life, which, as the reader already knows, we will not repeat, sim- ply saying that when Joe spoke of the intimacy of Pat Harris and his father, it strongly in- clined him to answer in the affirmative the first question. Bob’s interest in his previous life and their resemblance started a train of thought in Joe's mind that was curious in itself, for he imme- diately began building up aromantic story in his tniagination that made them long lost brothers and sons to some millionaire. This was a freak of fancy, yet how near the truth will be disclosed further on. For two days after Joe’s advent as an inmate of the Demon they worked hard, and stored ray eyen more treasure than they previously At this stage their placer failed. Should they seek further ? 3 This was the question discussed between the three when the last box had been placed beside the others, ‘Bob estimated that they had on board easily a half-million dollars, the sum spoken of by the hermit—perhaps more, ‘There was more than what we have on board of her when she went down, wasn’t there ?” asked Joe. } Nes.” \ ‘‘ Well, don’t give it upthen. ‘Let's continue until we get all we can.”’. ; ‘* What say you, Ben?” ‘T agree with Joe.” “Very well. Still the first thing we must do is to lay in a fresh stock of water, for we have scarcely five gallons left in the tank. We have | been improvident in its use, or else there is a leak, We might as well start for Hermit Island now, don’t you think so?” The reply from both Ben and Joe was in the affirmative, and so after all three had repaired to the pilot-house, Bob drew No. 5, which raised her, and then No, 1, when she glided away from the wreck, that had been the scene of so many perils, joys and sorrows. Joe, as had every one who had boarded the Demon, was perfectly delighted with her sub- | marine movements andthe scenes she presented to view, as her long, sharp prow cleft the waters in herrapid onward progress. : They had sailed along some they went to the surface to refresh phere of the Demon. ’ Then they again descended. -An hour passed away, and they were pro- gressing smooth-and fast when, without any preliminary warning, the Demon was tossed hither and thither by giant under-surface waves as lightly as though she was no more than a chip. , a and Joe were thrown violently down, and Bob would have kept them company, had he not had hoid of the wheel, and thus stead- ied himself, to resist the rapidly-reoccurring shocks. ‘“‘What is the matter, Bob?” cried Ben, as he attempted to regain his feet, only to be thrown down again the next moment. “ God knows, I don’t’ replieh Bob, rapidly hours, when the atnios- glancing about on all sides for asolution of this phenomenon. But all that he could see was great white foaming masses of water, chasing each other about in all directions. TInstinctively he drew No. 2, M and the Demon and just as she did a huge mass of stopped, senting water struck her'under the prow and she almost’ stood up-! sae yee i foreed it upward, until as} house with a force that strained it and made it groan, while acrackling, noise making Bob fear for the glass, caused him to drop the protecting ron-shuter. Several more hard shocks from fore and aft, then came a tremendous roaring, rumbling- sound, deafening in intensity. Then astillness like death for a moment, then they felt a shock from beneath, and a sudden lifting motion. Up, up, up they went; up, up, up. Then daylight suddenly streamed in through the square hole in the shutter, and they knew they had reached the surface, and yet up, wp they still went. & Then in an instant, and simultaneous with ‘| another deafening peal of ri¢bling, their up- ward progress was stopped. The rumbling decreased in intensity, until finally nothing was left but the continuous low sound of far-off thunder. Dazed and confounded, Bob threw up the shutter, the sun streamed in. Ben and Joe too, regained their feet and looked out, and a ery of consternation escaped the lips of all, for the Demon rested on arocky peak two hundred feet above the water, which was yet foaming and seething about the base of this volcanic island, which had been so in- stantaneously upheaved from the bottom of the sea, and to their left scarce a quarter of a mile — distant from the sumnfit of another peak, a yoleano was belching forth great streams of fire and molten lava. The formation of such islands is not an un-~ common event, and any of our readers can find - numerous instances quoted in their geogra~ shies. » Truly, the boys were in a strange predicas ment. \ é ‘ No way of escape could either of them dis- cern. There was as Bob had said scarce more than five gallons of fresh water in the Demon. Food they had in plenty, but when the water was gone what were they to do? The island afforded none, and the Demo rested on the edge of a rocky precipice two hundred feet above the sea. What could they do but patiently await the fate in store for them? — r : CHAPTER XXV. THE ‘‘STANWIX” AND THE ‘‘ BLACK DEVIL.” Tux captain of the Stanwix himself super-. intended the arrangements for Joe’s descent, and after he had gone tended personally the signal-line. ne Several times in response to his returned the reply ‘‘all right.” It was just following one of these replies that Joe met Ben and Bob. The fight quickly followed in which the air- tubes were pierced by the. sword-fish. Of course the air-pumps immediately refused to work properly. A startled exclamation from the man who was tending, the pumps conveyed the information. of something wrong to the captain. | ~ yi ‘¢ What's the matter ?” he demanded, fiercely. “The supply tubes have burst, or something like that,” replied the agitated man. 6 Tn his eagerness to draw Joe up, the captain dropped the life-line, and it being near run ont, the end’slipped off into the sea. He danced wildly around in agony, dictating _ first one order and then another. Sea ate “Haul him up by the air-tubes !” he at last eried. : vy Three pairs of willing hands were applied but even as they tautened, they felt the weight slacken. G The slow, sad way they drew up the tubes and theix sorfowful faces told the captain as explicitly as words could have done that Joe was not there. : Still, to cover his real feelings, he assumed brusque manner, and yelled at them: ha ‘What's the matter with you, lazy-bones? queries, Joe yee Can’t you pull up quicker? He'll be dead b doo ae ee SUN ;
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oe fore he gets to the surface, if you don’t hurry w ” . ’ _ Sorry, cap’en, but there ain’t nothin’ to the end of these air divin’ tubes no how,” replied one of the men; ‘‘Billcan pull it in alone.” And Bill did draw in the remainder of the apparatus all alone and with the greatest of ease, and when at last the whole of it was lying on the raft, a sad and curious crowd sur- rounded it. * Captain, see here.” The speaker was Benjamin, and he pointed solemnly at the end of the tube, which he had | picked up a moment before, and which he had, been scrutinizing. “ What's the matter now ?” testily asked the captain. * Cut |” es ’ The word was a simple one, but what a weight of meaning it carried to those men’s ' minds. Of course, not knowing the actual circum- stances, they supposed that Joe had met his death at the hands of the commander of the Demon.» f The captain cursed, raved and stamped in his anger, and vowed every manner of dire vengeance on the Demon and her captain ; and when at the end of three days none was found who dared descend to the wreck, he - himself, after transferring charge of his ves- sel to his first officer, donned the diving ar- mor and descended to the wreck. On the raft the attendants momentarily ex- pected some catastrophe, but as time passed on, and again and again came the signal ‘‘all tight,” they changed their minds. f Of course, the Demon having gone, the cap- tain found nothing to oppose his course ; but when, after hunting around for over an*hour, and finding nothing to reward him for his trouble, he signaled to be taken up. After resting awhile, and reproaching the divers on their want of courage, he descended again, bub was compelled to return again un- ‘successfull { - Tn his next: descent Dimond consented to accompany him, and, although they found nothing, confidence was restored, and after that the three worked together beneath the surface in perfect unison. They found that the place by the cabin bulk- head had ,been worked to its limits; but, al- though somewhat discouraged by this, as they - wished to regain their former position in the + captain’s esteem, and he wished it, they con- tinued their exploration. Li hei \ After toiling painfully and slowly in digging ‘away a large mass of sand about fifteen feet from the bulkhead, they struck upon another portion of the buried treasure. The good news was signaled up, and although the divers knew it not, three rousing cheers and a tiger broke from the throats of the seamen at their success. 3 Their perseverance—as perseverance always is, no matter what the object be—was re- warded, and when they appeared on the sur- } ¥ heartily. From this time work went rapidly onward, - descénts to and ascents from the wreck follow- ing each other rapidly, After a peculiarly successful day’s work, even- g settled down. While lying still.as they were, yy kept but a lookout on deck besides the icer/in charge. The evening wore along. ‘Seven bells—half-past eleven struck, and almost tthe same moment the lookout cried out in " ’ came the stentorian reply. H <s ‘the face each with a box, they were again cheered }) THE DEMON OF THE DEEP. Then all at once a bright red light sprung up from a tin plate on one of the catheads of the Stanwiz. ; Quickly the lookout rushes to the spot, but even as he arrived there, it died out and the dish fell into the sea. The circumstance was immediately reported to the officer in charge of the deck, who, hav- ing been sleeping while on duty, commanded the man to say nothing of the circumstance; and, as he was the only one who saw it, the strange affait failed to reach the captain’s ears. The next night and the next following a strange vessel hove in sight and dashed by in the same manner, excepting that no bright light burned on board the Staniviz. These last two happenings were reported to the captain, and he determined in his mind to 'watch Pat Harris closely, the detective sug- gesting thet it might be the vessel from which the villain had jumped, and which he possibly was in collusion with. A few more nights passed, and on each one, about midnight, they saw or heard the’ creak- ing of a yessel’s spars not far off as she went past. f , They had removed from the Hsmerelda’s hold all the wealth that by patient, untiring, wnflag- ging zeal they could find. So far the weather had been exceeding fine, but on the day of the bringing up of the last box, deep, heavy clouds hung low, appeared wpon the horizon, and began creeping toward them at a snail’s pace. By dusk everything looked so fierce and dark .that the captain determined to slip his cables, and leaving the raft anchored where she was, beat around the neighborhood until the storm had passed. The hours wore on, and as midnight ap- proached a figure crept up on deck fron: the forecastle, and approached the bow. Not many minutes had passed when the} creaking of spars and blocks told these on deck that a vessel was passing not far distant. Then up rose this figure that had been crouching in the shade of a heap of cable, and the next instant the glare of a burning blue- light flashed out, and in its ghastly flame was revealed the features of —Pat Harris. Scarce an instant later came an answerin: light, then sounds of orders given in a lou and rapid voice, interspersed with curses at the slowness with which they were executed. The captain of the Stanmwix had been stand- ing on the quarter-deck, and as he saw the blue light flash out from near the fore-chains, he darted forward, and with an oath yelled : ‘Die, dog of a traitor!” As he ran, he had drawn his pistol, and as the report rang out Pat Harris dropped prone to the vessel’s deck. The truth was apparent then to the captain} He ran,to the forecastle companionway. “Up, up,” he shouted. ‘We are attacked by pirates,” Y In dim confusion the sailors rushed on deck, seized marlinspikes, anything—everything that could form a weapon of defeuse. 3 Several minutes later~came a shock—the Black Devil lay alongside of the Stamwit. The first man to mount the sail was Darrel, the pirate captain. “Hollow me—down with them!” he shouted, and then a horde of yelling: fiends swarmed upon the decks of the lanwiw. CHAPTER XXVI. - THE RESULT OF THE ATTACK. ;recoyered; and in its turn the blue light in — formed him that the time for an attack had ~ come. What need of describing the fight? It is the same old story which has been de- — scribed times innumerable. - : Suffice it, that before the Stanwiz's crew could hardly realize it, one-half their number were stricken down in death, and the remainder — were penned up in one corner, while the gleam- \ ing knives arid pistols in the hands of those de- 9 tailed to guard them prevented their striking another blow. _ Under the leadership of Captain Darrell, « search was instituted for the place of deposit of the wealth that had excited their cupidity. You will remember that when the captain of the Stanwia fired, Pat Harris fell to the deck; but that was only a ruse, as the. ball whistled harmlessly above his head. The captain then turned his attention to re~ pelling the boarders; buf, at length, he was. struek by a bullet and wounded soseverely that he could not fight further, although his ringing — yoice urged his men on to battle. Niele The wealth was found, and quickly transfer- red to the Blach Devil. Wer crew boarded her, the lines were cast off, and they drifted apart. But a short distance intervened when the pirate _ opened a fire into the Stanwiz, determined to finish his devilishness in a manner worthy of. the bloody beginning. tl A fortunate shot struck the mainmast and it went by the board, and shortly after the mizzen | followed. The captain ordered the wrecks cleared away, and as the rigging was cut away and they went smashing into the sea, the Stan- wix, which under their weight had been heeled over, righted up. A few minutes later they — discovered that while heeled over « ball had passed through ‘her side below the water line. Into this break formed by the pirate’s bul let the water was rushing, but not so fast bu that she could be kept clear by the pumps. _ The Black Devil still kept wp her cannonad: |, — ing, but owing to a rising, choppy sea, which , — foreran the storm that we have stated had been brewing all day, their aim became less effect- ive, and further, the lights had been taken from her rigging, which made one less guide for the pirate to shoot by. The storm now came on apace, and Captain * Darrell was at last obliged torun before the storm, and in a short while all trace of the Black Devil was gone, except in the mutilated ; condition of the Stanwin and the mangled bodies'that lay upon her deck. Rano: Happily for those on the Stanzwiz, the fore-— | mast was still standing, and the forestay-s was loosed, a few reefs taken, and then it wag bolted home. Len ee This gave her steerageway, and she, toc ran before the storm which had now increase toa very tempest. eee ele a: The wind, to use an old, well-worn nautical %: phrase, ‘‘ blew great guns.’’ ; Bh They took it onthe beam, and away she wen ploughing throngh the mountain-high waves which now and then, in.curling its crested top on high, broke over the quarter and went rushs ing up the waist to discharge itself in small ca aracts throngh the seuppers. aie All day long this wild race went on. But, ag the darkness of night began se down, the fury of the tempest somewhat ab and gradually grew less violent all night long. _ By morning the tempest proper was over, although still yet the elements fiercely The leak had grown from the straining | {her timbers, and they had all they could do. keep her free from water, and, in fact, it length became so bad that they coul even this. f N Galireee ea ther quarter, — th ‘
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' men were tired and worn-out and could not work longer, while the vessel was nearly water- logged. y The tempest had -entirely passed, and but a nice sailing breezo was blowing. @ . The unfortunates who had met their death at the hands of lawless men and pirate bullets were now accorded a burial, which had been = inapossible before. : _ Truly it was a sad, a solemn sight, this con- | > signing to the waves the brave-hearted, gallant tars who had perished at the hand of human tigers—human fiends. This sad duty performed the remainder of the erew was divided into watches of equal number. An attempt was made to free the vessel from water, but it failed. They could prevent a further raise in its depth but could not gain on it, and it was welcome intelligence when ‘“‘Jand ahead” was reported. foward it the bows of the Stanzwix were hended, and, some hours later, the battered, shattered hull of the once beautifully formed and proportioned vessel was grounded on a rough, pebby beach in a cove formed by two promontories which jutted out into the sea. - Landlocked as the cove nearly was, the surf 4yas not very heavy, and after a passage to the shore had been gained, and a rope stretch- _ ed from the Stanwix to the beach and fastened to a tree, the remaining persons on board found no particular difficulty in getting ashore. _ It providentially happened that they had tepunded at high tide, which when it had ebbed left the, Stanwiz almost entirely out of water. Owing to this circumstance they were en- _ abled to bring ashore various articles which eonduced greatly to their comfort, such as sails, - from which they constructed tents, bedding, - cooking utensils, ete. ! It took several days to arrange things proper- they having constructed two large tents, in one of which were installed Jim Devon, who had come through the fight unscathed; the yptain, whose wound, thanks to the detective’s nowledge.of surgery, was progressing finely ; the divers, House and Dimond, Benjamin hay- ng been killed, and the other officers of the ill-starred Stanwix, while the other sheitered all that remained of her crew. - ‘Well, captain, what do you intend to do now?” asked Devon, after all these arrange- ' ments had been concluded. “The only thing we can do,” was the reply, is to remain quietly here and wait the chance passing of some vessel.\ Our small boats hav- ing all been splintered in the fight leaves us at on our backs, to speak in a metaphorical . Ishall climb to the top of the peak in e center of the island, forsuch Iam con- ‘vineed we are on, this afternoon, and erecta ar And that afternoon, Devon and the captain climbed the peak, followed by the sailors, who carried a short extra spar obtained from the old of the Stanwix, — —® ‘They reached the summit, from which they could see that the captain had surmised cor- tly ‘concerning their being on an island. jits boundaries. ; miei “Ashe stood gazing at the view before him, ‘saw something that caused him to start in U rise. ut a few m along under a cloud of canvas, and, ver, her prow was headed in the direction vessel with: the index finger of his right. 730 « { " a; f ul look and flag there. That's all that can be | bank Til go along with you,” said Devon. _, | kne y simply turning on his heel Devon saw all miles out at sea he saw a vessel gl island, . ee Ne ve e, aptain,” he cried, clasping the cap- ee with his left hand, and pointing | — THE DEMON OF THE DEEP. ‘¢ What's the mattet?’’ asked the detective, who had noted the chamye of expression. ‘Look at her again,” was the only reply vyouchsafed. Devon scanned the vessel, then said: “T see nothing wrong. What do you mean ?” ‘*Can’t you see ? ae No. ” ‘* Look at the masthead.” A glance, and he ejaculated : ‘‘My God, ‘tis the pirate.” S And true it was, for from her peak floated the flag of the freebooters. ‘ Can’t you guess 2?” CHAPTER XXVIL A SHORT RETROSPECT. To better understand the relation of some of our characters to each other, and some of the incidents which will be spoken of further on, we must beg the kind reader’s permission to carry him back some years previous to the opening of our story. Jobn Berry was the president of one of New York’s, at that day, most wealthy and stable banks, and besides being an officer in it was a heavy stockholder. He had always been noted for his keenness and shrewdness on financial questions. Starting out in life a poor boy, he had*work- ed his way up in the World until, finally, he found himself one of New York’s wealthiest men, and furthermore, it had all been gained in legitimate business. He married a young girl who had hitherto | been dependent upon her brother, a wealthy bachelor, for support. \ Shortly after his marriage he commenced dabbling in stocks, and, ledaway by the spirit of speculation which took hold on him, he dove recklessly into all sorts of enterprises, notably one which had been started even at that day to recover the lost treasure of which our friend, Bob Harris, had become a partial possessor. The bubble bursted, and left him a goodly sum out of pocket, One reverse followed another, and although it was unknown to the outside world at the time, he found himself a bankrupt man. - Ever since the idea of regaining the wealth lost in the Hsmerelda had been started he had been its warmest advocate, and when, as loss after loss followed quickly in each other's foot- steps, he began brooding in secret of the lost treasure, a tithe of which would have restored him to his strong financial position of bygone days, it became with him a monomania, One day it was rumored about Wall Street that he hadlost heavily and had not met his ‘engagements. ‘ The next:came the report that John Berry had absconded with most of the funds of the ‘And so he had, but where to, the world never W. : e .had been seen the night before, but when morning came he could not be found - he had completely vanished. : All his wife could tell of him was revealed by this note, which had been left at the door by a boy, after dark : ‘ «Dear Wr1re—When you are reading this I shall be speeding away from New York—where God will determine. I am bankrupt, and dare not face honest men. ‘The house we live in, is in your name. Keep it and the ready money you have, and strive to bring our little girl up in ignorance of the disgrace her father inflicts gpon her. God forgive me for this step, and you, too, and our little Retta, Good- ‘bye, forever perhaps. ; pe ‘Your husband, _ ee: ; ae “ Joun Berry. ’ eh ase read the letter—he had gone—that was A collision occurred —she was severely wounded, and rendered senseless. When she recovered her senses.it was to find that her child was gone, whither, she knew not, nor could she learn. She was taken to her bachelor brother's house, and there remained quietly, attending to his wants. , An extended search was made for the child) but it availed nothing. ; So the years rolled on, and, beyond the few visitors that came to Beach Lawn, the monot- ony of her life was not broken. James Raymond, her brother, was a lawyer of high standing, and it so happened that the relatives of Dr. Banks got into a muss aste the division of the property, and one faction employed him to represent them in court. Some allusion was made to the child which Dr. Banks had found, and her name of Retta was mentioned. : : Quietly Raymond pursued his inquiries and learned enough to conyince him that Retta was his niece, the long lost child of his sister ; and learning further of the doctor’s intended — disposition of his property, he contested their claim in court so successfully, on grounds such as only an ingenious lawyer can raise, that Retta was declared the heir-at-law. Of course Mrs. Berry was made acquainted © with these facts, and immediately detectives - were set at work to ferret out the whereabouts of the proud young girl, who, sooner than be ~~ taunted, had started out to brave the world alone. y a 8 She removed her residence to New York to be better able to further the work of hunting _ up her daughter, for Retta had been seen pur- — suing that direction, and Mrs. Berry felt sure that ultimately she had reached the city. Mrs. Berry mingled but little in society ; but one night while at the house of a friend of her brother’s, a lawyer by profession and the — legal adviser of William Drew, the banker, ' that gentleman happened in to consult with his counsel on some point of law. An introduction fhtiowed, superadded, on Mrs. Berry’s part, by the words : Fad “JT believe Mr. Drew and myself have met before.” | - He stiffly nodded assent, and maintained a reserve toward her. — This melted away, however, when the law- _ yer began telling the story of Retta’s léssand — final disappearance. On this point Mr, Drew could sympathize c with Mrs. Berry, and he signified as much by his words, and in his turn made them con- i fidants as regarded the steps he had taken to discover the whereabouts of his two sons, ~ _ whom he was confident were still living, z, It may be well to mention here that Berry and Drew had been rivals in business and var rious other matters, which at first had caused him to be reserved when introduced to Mys, Berry. hens i ae Days lengthened into weeks, and weeks into months, and still no tidings had ever reached the mother concerning her daughter, > es a ee CHAPTER XXVIII. BEN FALLS INTO ‘THE VOLCANO, Iv was some minutes before the three mates of the Demon could realize the truth what they saw. e : ; Bob looked about him, rubbed his eyes’ looked again. No, it was : a
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% He tasted of it. = gcure everything from sight, resembling snow in appearance as it fell. An hour passed by, and as if in’a dream the boys sat still inthe pilot-house, and stared blankly at each other, or endeavored to see through the pall of ashes. : At length the ashes grew less in quantity, the sun began to struggle through. Finally, the atmosphere was clear of them altogether, and but for a runibling sound they might haye fancied that the volcano was quiet, since it had ceased vomiting its fire and ashes. Then came one prolonged rumble, and, as the boys looked, from the crater was ejected a | mass of water and steam which ascended high toward heaven. ‘ This eruption of water and steam lasted about an hour, and then ceased, after which the rumbling grew less intense in character, with fener intervals, and finally ceased almost en- tirely. ; ' Bob had heard of islinds being formed almost instantly, but had ever considered it as a fic- tion; but he now was convinced that he had been mistaken. The proof of this, their haying been lifted bodily from beneath the sea over two hundred feet above it, was not to be doubted. The island thus formed was not over half a mile broad in any direction, and was in shape nearly a perfect circle. The peaks rose up high above the surround- ing portions of this volcanic island, one, that on which the Demon rested, and which deseend- ed precipitously to the water, the other that from which the volcano had issued. The boys remained inside, and did not ven- ture out until, with fresh water exhausted, they began to be assailed by the pangs of thirst. Then they sallied forth, yet with no definite views, for they could not expect to find fresh water on the island. ; The inner face of the peak they found to slope quite gently toward the valley that di- vided the two cones or hills. They had descended half way to the valley when a pool of sea water that been aught and retained ina cup-shaped recess in the rock caught Joe’s eye. . : “‘@ah’t we use that somewhat?” thought Joe. Tt was salt and bitter. Somewhere he had heard of filtering water through earthen jars, and turning to Bob he asked : “Have you an earthen pot or jar on board the Demon ?” “No, Why do you ask?” ‘ “Simply because if you had, we could filter this sea water through it.” “Would that make it fit to drink?” «Ves. ‘And would it filter through fast enough to | supply our needs ?” “That is a question I cannot pretend to answer. At any rate, just at this time, a few _ drops would be better than none.” | “Very true; but would passing it through an earthen pot make it fresh enough to use?” “T answered that question once before,” replied Joe; but the asperity of the answer was lost on Bob, whe stood with head bent as if in thought, and engrossed with some _ idea. : “Thaye it.” 2 It was Bob who spoke, and so suddenly and decisively, that Ben and Joe, who had - mutely stood watching him, started involu- barily. F _ Joe, the next moment, asked: “Have what?” ** An idea.” _ Well, let’s have the benefit of it.” “Is simply this: If earthenware will extract the salt from sea water as it passes through \ pores, why will not vessels made from this sandstone do the same?” and, as Bob he pointed at several detached pieces e mentioned variety of stone almost at his $e es ae, | take the other, and we'll go back and commence THE DEMON OF THE DEEP. head on your shoulders, hanged if you haven't: but,” he added after a momentary pause, ‘‘ how are you going to make those filtering vessels you spoke of?” ; “‘Pve got iron-working tools on board the | Demon, and Til press the chisels into service } for cutting stone.” j “Bob, I say it again, you’re smart, and no mistake. But we'll have to hurry up, because I'm fearful dry even new, and it'll be some time before we get water.” ‘Allright. Take hold of this piece and I'll ” work right away. Each carried # piece of the sandstone back to the Demon, and passing through, they took them up on deck. Then Bob procured the chisels spoken of and several small hammers, after which he and Joe commenced the laborious work of making bowl-shaped receptacles of the blocks of stone. After some hours of hard work Bob had one nearly finished, when an unlucky stroke demol- ished the result of his labor. In his vexation he was nearly ready to swear, and so disheartened was he when a similar acci- dent happened to Joe that he gave up work altogether. Ben had been busy in various ways during this time inside the Demon, bué came on deck in time to see the disastrous result of their work., After a moment's hesitation, as if scarcely daring to hazard an idea which had entered his mind, he hesitatingly said : \ ( “T say, Bob, don’t you think—that is—can’t you th SNE Seeds “*Can’t I what?” asked Bob, taking advan- tage of the momentary pause which Ben made. ** What I meant to say, is—can’t you rig up some attachment to the engine to drill them out !” For the space of a minute Bob was silent, and then springing to his feet he cried: ‘‘Ben, you’ve struck the nail on the head, I believe. I can arrange something of the kind.” He went inside, and after examining the me- chanism connected with the pump, a joyous cry escaped him. : He unscrewed the connections, heated a piece of iron against the copper rods, forged it into a collar which clasped the end of a shaft which revolved and held the end of a chisel. He started the engine and thechisel turned rapidly. ‘Eureka! Glorious!” he cried. a piece of stone ?” - The soft stone was brought down, and hold- ** Bring me ing it in his hands he pressed it against the | chisel. fc A gritting, grinding noise immediately suc- ceeded the whirr of the machinery, and the chips began to fall to the floor. he problem was solved, or was when from several pieces of board Bob constructed a rack to hold the rock while being bored out. An hour and a half later he had finished a re- captacle capable of holding several gallons, the sides of which were about half an inch thick. This was quickly filled with sea water, andin ten or fifteen minutes, the anxious watchers saw great beads of clear water begin to form on the outside of the crude vessel. : Bob ran his forefinger along the stone, and placedit, dripping wet, in his mouth. The result was satisfactory, for the exuda- tion, although somewhat brackish, at least had been thoroughly deprived of its saltness. With a piece of wire the receptacle was sus- pended above a tin pan and then they turned their attention to boring out more of them. The filtration of the water through the stone was yery slow, no more than a pint in twenty- four hours. And yet to the boys who had began tos ffer deeply from thirst even that much was vats precious. _ ¥ After much arduous work they had six of | ed, they turned their attention to procuring more. In this search they were fortunate ; for in several large, hollow cup-shaped receeses,in the rock filled with sea water, they found fishes of various kind®, which like themselves, had been. carried up from beneath the sea in the ascent of the island. Truly a kind Providence seemed to watch over them and provide relief from the count less perils they had undergone. ce The next thing that demanded their consid-* eration was the means of leaving the island; but although they all bent their minds to the task, none could devise a means of accom~ plishing this object. So, as the only thing left them to do, Bow took a piece of canvas, the remainder of the piece which the hermit had used to make the leovers to the openings in the rock at Her mit Island, and fastened it to an extra con- ducting-rod made to replace any of those that should be broken in the Demon, and planted this signal of distress on the edge of the bluff. ‘ With this provided, the boys began to look about them, and, curious to see the inside of the voleano, which had remained inactive for some time, Bob proposed that they should make a trip to it. To this the others assented, and the next ‘ ‘morning, by sunrise, they started. It was quite a journey, down the side of the peak on which the Demon rested, and up the other to the summit, but at last they arrived at the top, which they found to be nearly in — the shape of a triangle, and as smooth as a ta- ble between its edges and the rim of the crater. Approaching this, side by side, the boys bent _ over and glanced downward, and simultane- ously saw, away down in the bowels of tha earth, a fiery mass of molten matter, which — rushed in mimic waves against the sides. eae, It was a sea of fire in verity; boiling, bub | — bling, with riplets and waves darting over the | surface, struggling and contending as when — sea-wayes meet the surf Sa rock-bound shore. The crater or cavity was largest at its mouth, gredually narrowing as it descended, its sides rough and irregular, while from erevices be- side jutting rocks here and there, jets ofsmoke and steam issued. £5 ie A sulphurous smell pervaded the air. ere Truly, it wasa grand sight, something worth — a lifetime of exertion to see. The boys were deeply impressed by the — scene, and after looking at it for some minutes _ 3 they skirted the mouth to get a view from an- ie other point. q am ag Once Bob paused and glanced over, but ins stantly staggered back, struggling and gasp+ ing. 4 i Dae This was caused by the sulphurous fumes — that had exit from a crevice but a few feet be- — low. 3 . The effects, however, soon passed off. Later, they stopped and looked down again. The character of the molten fiery mass “ha changed, and at spots was shooting up infoun. tain-like jets far above the surface. Bea ‘«We must leave here soon,” said Bob, “for % ‘top. Come, we must go; it is dangerous te stay longer.” ; 4 As Bob was speaking Ben had walked on — ward; and as he ceased pee bent over and peered again into | e depths. ‘ them suspended from the ceiling, slowly-drip-|_ .| placed beneath them. _ ‘ eir food b peal’, ping the precious fluid into other receptacles | Cc
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_ his fall killed him ?” THE DEMON OF THE DEEP. 25 2 CHAPTER XXIX. BEN Ig RESCUED FROM HIS DANGER. As we have stated, Ben was overcome by the sulphurous fumes which he inhaled, and went downward toward the lake of fire which bub- bled and hissed in the bowels of the earth, headlong. As he fell, one single cry of agony escaped his lips, and then all was still. Joe and Bob saw him go, and both staggered and mearly fell to the earth under the crush- ing weight of the calamity. Chey turned and stared blankly at each other for some moments; and then, in a hoarse, unnatural yoice in which his anguish yes be plainly read, Bob gasped out these words : “Took down, Joe, for God’s sake, and see |, what has become of him.” “T can’t,” groaned Joe, shuddering with hotror as he spoke, his mind having conjured up a terrible picture, which he durst not have confirmed by what he felt sure would meet his aze. : “Please look,” cried Bob. “‘T can’t—I can’t,” moaned Joe, With tottering steps Bob approached the ¢erater's edge, reaching which, he attempted to look into its gah ; but with a shiver of hor- Tor he involuntarily closed his eyes. But nerving himself to withstand a horrible sight, such as he felt positive would meet his gee, he opened his eyes and looked down- wards. At first he saw nothing but the boiling mass of' fire. He scanned its surface, expecting to see the body of Ben there. But no ; it was not. Could the body have been consumed by the fire 40 soon? . } Bob asked himself the question, and in- wardly answered ‘‘no.” ' Then a wild hope took possession of him—a hope that by some means Ben’s downward progress had been stopped ere reaching the lake of fire. ; - And so—hoping yet fearing—he scanned _ the bowl-shaped side of the voleano with a great intensity of gaze. And—yes—no—yes—yes—his hope was not a vain one, for on a ledge of rock which jutted out of the side, about fifty feet from the top, lay poor Ben, senseless, and with the blood streaming from a cut in his head, which hung over the side of the jutting rock on which he was lying. A glad cry—a escaped Bob’s lips. ‘What is it’? What is it?” eagerly asked Joe, advancing to Bob’s side. “See, see,” was the reply of Bob, as he _ pointed out the inanimate figure. “But is he alive yet ?” queried Joe. heartfelt, ‘‘God be praised,” “ Hasn't ‘“No—no—I am sure it hag not. But how are we to get him up from there ?” **T don’t know ; but one thing, Bob, is this: Whatever is done, must be done quickly, for _an eruption will take place in a very short while, Tam sure,” said Joe. “True, only. too true; but Pil rescue him or porish in the attempt; but itll be the ‘former. God helping me,” was Bob’s solemn rejoinder. ; He wasted no more time in useless talking, but, finding a spot which gave him foothold, he began climbing down the precipitous side of the lava-scored crater. Z It was no child’s play, for now and then he game to places that required the utmost cireum- > spection in crossing, and the sure-footedness of n Alpine goat. ft ‘He could DO} pursue a straight course toward Ben, but was compelled to follow a zigzag way, that finally carried him beneath the very ledge on which his unconscious companion was ying. M After a tough struggle he mounted to the and picking Ben up he laid him down in such a way that his head was elevated, dno longer hung down, = ge, fk is * Mea ad Suc srae Jon ; ; Ben’s face was deathly pale, and Bob could not fully persuade himself that he was really alive until he placed a hand on his breast and felt the yet faintly-beating heart. The next moment a look of incredulous’ surprise appeared on Bob’s face; then he gazed intently at the small, clear-cut features before him, after which he murmured. ‘““T’ve suspected as much before. . What is the mystery here? But first toget him—her out of danger.” ** Bob—Bob!”’ The voice was Joe’s and the tone betokened some alarm. “ee Well Tle “Tf you don’t hurry you'll be too late.” ‘Aye, aye,” returned Bob, thus intimating his knowledge of the necessity of being ex- peditious. He looked above him. wis The way was too steep for him to carry Ben up, and yet he could not wait until he became conscious. ‘What sheuld he do? This puzzled Bob exceedingly; and yet it required solving speedily, for each moment was the molten matter below him growing more angry, and darting in fountain-like jets higher and higher, and ultimately one of these towering jets rose to a level with the ledge and close beside, and as it fell some sparks of the fiery spray fell at Bob’s feet. Bob was much vexed for a solution of the problem of saving Ben’s life; but this was ar- rived at by the lad regaining his conscious- ness. When first he opened his eyes Ben gazed about in.a dazed way, as if not fully compre- hending the state of affairs. Then, as he remembered the terrible fall, he shivered from ‘head to foot, and groped about with his hands, as if to satisfy himself that he had not fallen into the lake of fire. Then, as his eyes fell on Bob, who had stood curiously watching the rapid changes of ex- pression on his countenance, a reassured look took the place of the previous one. He rose up to a sitting posture, «ad with Bob’s help rose to his feet. ‘¢Oh, it was terrible—fearful. I remember I choked, screamed, and then féll, and all bee came dark. My head felt—what’s this— blood ?” : He had raised his hand to his head as he méntioned it, and encountered the still fresh blood, : ‘ Yes; you struck your head in falling. But we can’t stay here any longer. Are you strong enough, think you, with my help, to climb up to the top?” ‘‘[_think—so,” replied Ben, but in a tone which exhibited some doubt. ‘Well, let’s try,” said Bob. ‘‘Now take hold of my arm, step here, first—that’s it— now there—that’s it—you’re doing well.” And encouraging Ben by cheerful words as they slowly advanced, Bob began to hope for the successful ending of their upward progress, They had arrived within eight orten feet of thetop, whenthe ground began to tremble, and from its bowels came a tremendous rolling roar. } The cratex’s side, from the spot they stood on to the top, was perfectly perpendicular, and for a moment Bob was nonplussed ‘concerning his next move which necessarily must be quick- ly accomplished, for he knew that the rum- bling meant a speedy eruption. _ Then he said in a quiet reassuring voice : “Ben, just get upon my shoulders, and Joe |. will then be able to reach you and pull you up.” “T can’t,” moaned Ben, who, having passed through so much, was completely umnerved by the apparent imminent peril. ; “You must,” said Bob, authoritatively. “T can’t,” again moaned Ben, ‘Joe, just drop me one end of your coat,”, said Bob next. \ Joe complied with the request, although the end dangled some two or three feet above Bob's head, aig ae MAST IR | things ?”’ Bob now clasped Ben in his arms, and rais- inghim up, commanded him to take hold of the coat, which order was complied with. Joe then commenced drawing up on the coat, and soon, as Bob also assisted from below, Ben’s hands were near enough the top for Joe to seize. A good strong pull, a slight struggle on Ben’s part, and he was in safety. As for Bob, he skirted along the side for a | short distance, and, with Joe’s help, was also H soon in safety, and yet not a minute too soon, as was testified to by a quaking and jarring, and rumbling beneath them. Supporting Ben between them, they hurried down the side of the peak, and had but barely erossed the valley and commenced ascending - the hill on which the Demon was lying, when there came a report as of innumerable batteries of artillery, and as they turned and gazed at the crater, they saw mounting high toward heaven a gigantic volume of red-hot matter. They had not gotten away a moment too soon, for, as the burning fluid dropped, it fel] on the inside of the hill and rushed in fiery tor- rents to the valley below, which the boys had crossed but such a short time previously. After an hour's toilsonie work they arrived at the top of the peak, and the three thankful boys entered the Demon, completely fagged out. ee re CHAPTER XXX. THE HOME OF THE PIRATES. 3 Wuen at last the storm grew so fierce that they could no fonger fire with any accuracy, the pirate captain gave orders to ease the vesseJ of her canvas, and allow her to run before the a now very hurricane, : : As a vessel, the Black Devil was a beauty. e Built with an eye to speed, her prow was { long and narrow, and cut through the water z like a knife. The water-line was low. Spars , - raked slightly and were full-rigged. Captain Darrell and Pat Harris stood side by : side on the quarter-deck, gazing at the disman- tled Stanwix, which they were fast dropping astern. i “Do you think she'll float long, captain ?” : asked Pat. rm ‘No. I'm quite sure she will not; for when she was heeled over, I saw through my glass : that one of our shots had made an ugly hele below her water-line.” , “Tt don’t make much difference anyhow, for she can never outlive this storm,” said Pat. “‘T'm quite sure of that, and I’m glad of it,- for every time that a vessel escapes with any of her crew living, it creates a devilof a hullu- ; baloo, and they generally send out a cruiser to — look for me. Not that I care so much for that though, for I consider myself just a litile bit too sharp for the fellows they send out. But you see when a vessel, her crew, and every- thing disappears, why they are apt to lay it to foundering at sea or something of the kind. Understand ?” “Yes, of course,” replied Pat. “ But, ds tain, what do you think of the way I managed ~ “T think you did first-rate. We've made a good spee out of the Stanwiz. It was a capital thing, that capturing of Yawpey, who gave us information of as object of the ves- selene f “So it was. What is to be your next move ?” inquired Pat. \ t _ ‘Why, as soon as the storm passes, I shall head for the cove.” aa «* What cove is that ?” : “Pirate Cove—or home, if you choose to call it such. Pve never told you of it be- — fore, but we have a retreat on an out-of-the-— way island, where in case we are hard-pressed we can retire and. remain until the exigency of the occasion has passed.” ee sh “Oh! Tunderstand. Phew! How it does blow. Can we stand it, captain?” ¥- ‘* Yes, or twice as much,” and Captain D, ' Nagy
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of ell here closed the conversation by turning - onhis heel and descending to the cabin, The Stanwix by this time was lost to sight, and nobody on board the pirate vessel thought - more of her, their time being fully occupied in attending to the various duties which a storm always entails. As soon as practicable the Black Devil's ] course was changed and she was headed in the | direction of Pirate’s Cove, but as she had gone s0 much faster and further than the Stanwiz, the latter, although by accident, «ar- i rived at the island first, and on the side op- posite the cove ; so that the vessel which the _ captain of the Stanwiz and Jim Devon saw _ from the hill in the center of the island was, as they correctly surmised, really the one with which they had had the fight. _ The top of the hill on which they stood was perfectly bare, and at Devon’s suggestion, as they did not wish by any chance to be seen by _the pirates, they descended it far enough to be out of sight, while the men who had fol- lowed with the canvas and spar were ordered " to come no further. After a few minutes of hasty consultation with Devon, the captain crawled up until he could see and watch the incoming vessel. As she came nearer the shore he could see _thatshe was aiming for a cove which, after running in from the sea perhaps slightly more than aquarter of a mile, turned sharply to - the rightand ran: inland, parallel with the shore for a mile or nzore, the tongue of land forming this L-shaped cove being covered with timber. \ Bae Truly, as Captain Darrell had said, they could, when hard pressed run in there and lie _ until all danger had passed, for, with topmasts “ shipped, when behind this tongue, nought could betray the presence of the Black Devil to a ves- sel passing outside. As the captain and Devon watched the on- ward progress of the pirate, they saw her enter 10 cove and run wp it. , _ Arrived at the bend, they wore about and, favored by a light breeze, sailed up toward the head of the cove. | Bis Having had their eyes so firmly fixed on the vessel neither of the watchers observed the at the head of the cove, or the number of rude huts just back of them. : These they did not discover until the Black Devil had penetrated nearly the entire distance. “There is our home,” said Captain Darrell, advancing and placing one hand on Fat Harris's houlder, while with the index finger of the ther he pointed at the collection of hubs. ‘What do you think of it as a hiding-place ?’’. “Its perfect,” replied Pat. ‘This cove is just the thing; you ean never be discovere officer; to whom he had addressed the lat- ter pars of his speech. __ rebar - Darrell and Pat were set ashore immediately, the former being welcomed by wild demonstra- £ joy by a motley, villainous-looking set and women. fi thought as how ye must ha’ met wi’ bad i gin ter fear ye wasna cumin’ bac ie you vas, captain, eh? Goot luck, é ” oY Pardoenz moi, captane, but ze happe look zat you haf good news.” — Pome 7 were but afew of the expressions de- various accents, showing the nation-| i ipsie 4 ‘- 4 +e crowd which had formed on the narrow beach. THE DEMON OF THE DEEP. the accumulated treasure of the rascally crew, which was kept in an underground vault built for the purpose, and to take care of the women, of whom there was over a score. * Captain Darrell’s wife, Pat found to be a rather fine-looking woman, whom, as he after- wards learned had been captured and taken from a merchantman that the pirates had at- tacked and destroyed. Her greeting, which was cold in character, evinced her state of feelings toward her hus- band. f It was evident that her residence on the island was compulsory. Later in the day, the treasure which had been stolen from the: Stanwix was brought ashore and deposited in the vault, after which a barrel of whisky was brought from a store- house situated near the vault, and being tapped was dispenséd with an unsparing hand, and the watchers from the hill saw a wild drunken revel instituted which lasted the rest of the day, and far into the night. ” CHAPTER XXXI. THE VOLCANIC ISLAND'S ANTICS. Tux first thing which Bob did after reaching the inside of the Demon was to wash thoroughly the cut on Ben’s head, and apply a piece of court-plaster to the wound, after which, at his suggestion, Ben went to bed. Bob had heard the history of the meeting be- tween Ben and Joe, and yet he went to the latter and requested him to narrate the circumstances again. His object in this was to find out if possible whether Joe was in possession of the secret which he had stumbled into that morning. Joe’s narration and subsequent answers to his questions convinced Bob that the other knew nothing concerning Ben’s real identity. Later, Bob visited Ben’s bedside and found him in quite a high fever and wide awake. “Water,” said Ben faintly, his eyes gladden- ing as he caught sight of Bob. Bob returned to the room where the filtering receptacles were, and collected all there was, about a quart, with which he returned to Ben’s bedside. . Raising him up Bob applied the vessel to his | ps, and Ben took a long, deep draught, and murmuring: ‘Thank you,” sank back on his pillow. “How do you’ feel?” asked Bob, in a gentle tone of voice. _ ‘*Not very good,” said Ben, with a, faint at- tempt at a smile. ‘‘ Quite weak, I believe.” “You bore up a great deal better than I should have expected, considering that you are—are—unaccustomed to—to—roughing it.” Whether it was the manner in which Bob spoke, or his words or his hesitation, or all combined, or a vague suspicion founded on! something else that his well-guarded secret had been discovered, only Ben can tell, but turning his eyes full on Bob, he raised to his elbow, and remained thus for some moments still in- tenth zing at his companion. maz 5 Then, in "4 low, tremulous voice, he hesitat- ingly said: x ; “Haye you found out—that is do you know —lnow—that I am not” —— He paused, and waited for an answer, and Bob on the principle of straight-forwardness in all matters, mutely nodded assent; seeing which, Ben sank back on his pillow again, dumbly moaning, and covering his face with his HANGS aN cicameel ty te \ Seeing that Ben was much distressed, Bob considerately left him to himself for oyer.an hour, at the expiration of which time he re- turned again. : Ben looked and then, ; | thirst. | efforts, and as this was the last available piece | drifting rapidly to for masquerading in this style, still I believe you a true friend, and will tell you the circum. stances connected with it;’’ and then Ben re- turned to the time when he had lived an inmate of good old Dr. Banks’s house, under the name Retta Banks. She told of the doctor’s death, the cruelty of his relatives, her flight, the abuse inflicted on one of her sex traveling alone, of her adopting male attire to obviate this, and finally of her meeting with Joe. Her life sub- sequent to this event was already known to Bob, and did not need repeating. ‘‘That’s the whole story,” she said, in con- clusion, ‘‘and although I may have been im- prudent, I was not much wrong. Do you think I was ?” she appealingly asked. During her recital Bob had been much af- fected by the woe it told of, and when she had asked the question he could not findt in his heart to say other than : ‘‘T am sure you have done nothing wrong although, as you say, you were imprudent; for you have since entailed on yourself a long series of hardships and dangers.” ‘‘T care nothing for that,” returned Retfa. ‘Ag a child, I dared do things that boys, much older than myself, shrank froi, and I’m so glad you think I've not done wrong.” ‘Well, well—say no more,” satBob, kindly. ‘* Bob—does—does Joe know ?”’ asked Retta, a moment later. No.” ‘¢ Are you going to tell him ?” ‘(That is just as you say.” Z ‘¢ Then do not.” i ‘“‘ Very well. Now try and go to sleep, for — you need rest sadly,” said Bob, leaving Retta to herself ; and her mind being relieved some- , what, she soon sank into a gentle slumber, from which she awoke some hours later much — refreshed. wis After leaving Retta, Bob went to the filtering vessels. for a drink, but found scarce enough fresh water to satisfy the thirst of a bird. Peer The truth was, that as the sea water filtered? through, it left a saline incrustation on thein- side of the vessel, which, as it thickened, dimin- ished the quantity of fresh water which oozed _ through the pores of the stone. f Discovering this incrustation, Bob knocked ~ it off; still, although it had a good effect,he ~~ found that it had not accomplished what hehad ~ expected it would. Ce Tes This was accounted for by the fact thatthe pores of the stone were themselves partially filled with salt. : al A Retta, inher feverish condition-was con- tinually asking for a drink, and the cupful which had filtered through during the time she had been asleep, Bob carried ih to here although his own throat was parched with *’— x1 After this peice he was compelled to even" deny her all the water she wanted, yet all there was to be had he gaye her, taking not so as a drop for himself. # And Joe refrained from drinking any of the precious liquid when he learned how much more it was needed by Ben, for so Retta still remained to him, than himself. : ae Joe searched for and obtained several pieces — of sandstone, and commenced drilling them out — tomake other filtering vessels; but bad luck attended his efforts, for in both instances, when nearly finished, he broke them. eM tae a: Vexed and impatient at his want of success he ixied again, but bad luck still clungto his much ae of sandstone it seemed as though they were to be compelled to go thirsty, as every drop that trickled through the other vessels made it m different for the next to follow: eS ae: But it is always darkest before dow: it proved in this case, for || vitals seemed consumed by the ra water, hope dawned with the appea bank of clouds, which, ha ard them. ' far-off ey Soon the eir
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The rumbling grew louder as it came nearer, and when satisfied that it was going to rain, “they brought upon deck every vessel in the Demon which could contain water. _ Rapidly, the storm-cloud approached, and simultaneously with a heavy peal of thunder, ‘the clouds yielded their contents first in big pattering drops, then in a very deluge. As the first drops fell, Bob and Joe turned up their faces and allowed the great large drops to fall into their open mouths; then, after suffi- sient had fallen to cover the bottoms of several of the receptacles, they seized these and eagerly drained the contents. It fairly poured for over half an hour, during which, as fast as the vessels were filled, they were carried below and emptied into the fresh swater-tank, and when this God-sent shower had passed, they had stored away twenty-five or thirty gallons. It was an hour of rejoicing for all, for their greatest need had been supplied. During the _ shower, so intent had they been in profiting by it that they had not noticed the discontinuance _of the eruption from the volcano; but Joe soon after discovered the fact, and drew attention to a hazy appearance of the atmosphere, _ | Bob and Joe went up on deck. _ Far away to the southeast, the shower that had passed over them was disappearing below the horizon. The sun was shining, but not with its accus- tomed brightness. It either had taken to itself a yellowish cast,,or else its rays obtained it . from the atmosphere. _ And this was the case; for on gazing above them, in any direction they would, the air had a dead, dull, heavy appearance. Glancing at the crater of the volcano, they could now see issuing from ita smoke, similar to the color of the air, but much more dense. The wind had completely died away, and this smoke mounted a straight column far up toward the heavens ty ‘. 4 ; b above. Gradually the air assumed a darker, heavier appearance, and a sulphurous smell began to pene it. The sea, whose usual troubled eat could be heard about the rock-bound island, quieted down and could no longer be eard; and as the boys looked down upon the ‘ace they saw that it too had assumed this me yellow, muddy look. Notas much as a breath of air stirred—not the slightest sound occurred to break the still- ess, which was of an ominous, death charac- was a scene to inspire one with awe. at portended these things? he boys knew not, and yet they could not but admit an inward feeling of fear—a pre- ~ sentiment of something about to happen. ‘Had they been bronght up in the torrid zone that portion of it which is voleanic in char- 2 and frequently visited by earthquakes, they would have known that it was the fore- runner of one of those convulsions which now m seem to shake the earth to its very et’s go in,’’ said Joe, thus echoing Bob’s ken thoughts. , passed inside first and Joe followed, from some instinctive reasoning closed ned the deck-door, : t a few miuutes later, there came a heavy a quick shock, which threw Bob and the floor; then they felt that the island rocking to and fro. 4 ; ;on the rocks.” prog Zable. e8S 7 cination, | for the island. come disarranged ? | She promptly ob: | made. over the |. 4 THE DEMON OF THE DEEP. shock, and the Demon started on her terrible downward course, } CHAPTER XXXII. THE DEMON ESCAPES. As, inch by inch the Demon worked over the edge of the precipice, the earth continued its conyulsions. A great land swell caused the peak to rise and sink. There camea rapid succession of jars and a continued roaring sound, then, just as the Demon fell, in the same rapid manner in which the island had been forced up from the bottom of the sea, it descended to its former state, and the Demon struck, not the bed of rock which Bob expected it would, but the water, cleaving which, it descended some distance, much in the manner of a diver, when, as the water-chambers wereempty, it arose to the surface and rested as peacefully there as though its course had never been disturbed. Bob with closed eyes had stood waiting for the shock, but so easily and gently did the Demon leave the water that he was confounded. When she righted and returned to the sur- face, he darted to the side of the pilot-house and gazed out through the hole in the shutter, he having, as the reader will remember, drop- | ped it ere the fall took place. Before him he saw nothing but along stretch of troubled waters. He quickly run the shutter up’ and looked It was gone, while at the spot about where he knew the crater must have stood, the water was leaping up high in great masses. The roaring, rumbling sounds still con- tinued, and Bob, afraid longer to stay in the neighborhood, drew Pull1 to its fullest ex- tent, and the Demon glided rapidly away from the spot where had been seen so much of in- terest. although of deadly peril. Half an hour’s run left the spot away behind them, and outside of the circle of the earth’s dis- turbance, Bob felt safe. The abrupt descent had thrown Ben and Joe from their feet, and upset all the loose articles, while the treasure boxes which had been neatly piled up, were thrown violently down, many of them being broken open by the fall and the weight of their contents. The two lads, however, beyond being a little ‘bruised were none the worse for their fall, and did all in their power to facilitate the Demon's progress away from the place of’ their dangers. Bob’s first move, after a sufficient distance had been gained, was to turn the Demon about and lay her on her course toward Hermit Is- eg aE Ca It was not until he had been running a num- ber of hours, howeyer, that he, chancing to look at his compass, found that the Demon had deflected a few points from the’ course he had laid her to. He threw the wheel far enough over to make up, as he supposed, for the deflection, and then, as the course was perfectly clear, strapped the wheel, and beyond a mere casual glance ahead, did not watch her movements. : It was far into the night, that, in comparing his course with the compass, he found out that even a greater deflection bad taken place. He could not understand it—was nonplus- sed for a reason to account for her strange movements. Again he laid her prow at a particular point of the compass, and, watching both, he discoy- ered an almost imperceptible change. 3 Could it be that the steering apparatus had be- ' Seizing the wheel, and then the oth ‘ he v? the slightest change xe he threw it first to one side | faith in Bob’s judgment, ‘‘ Bob said we should used, ‘hen | cb’ of | Joe answered not, but with He tried them together again. Still they disagreed. “Tt must be something with tho steering. wheel or rudder,” thought Bob. ‘‘ I'll take the compass as the safest, anyhow,” and although it required careful watching all the wnile, and a continual working of the wheel, Bob kept her course with the compass. In this, however, he did wrong. For this reason. It has been clearly established that earth quakes and sudden volcanic actions, such as the raising of the island from which they had just made their escape, if not caused by, at least accompanied by strong magnetic currents, which seem, for the time being, to depolarize the true magnetism which pervades and ani- mates all nature. As an example of this, you will find no mariner on the face of the globe, who after even visiting a country which even may be only susceptible at long periods to yoleanic or sub- terranean disturbances, who will trust entirely to his compass, for he finds that the magnetic needle has in some way lost its power to al- ways act correctly f : ‘The same mariner has also found that pres- ence at the time of these disturbances in- variably so affects the needle that, for a time at least, and perhaps for all time, it is absolutely worthless. Bob, of course, did not) know these things, the consequence being that hé did not distrust his compass, which nevertheless was unequivo- — eally lying all the while. : . For this reason, then, Bob, although he im- agined that by following the directions of the magnetic needle that he was going in a per- fectly straight course, was really describing a sort of semi-circle. Ben, who had been to sleep, finally came up to relieve him; so, after explaining the cir- cumstances to him, and showing him what te do, Bob went down stairs to seek a much- needed repose. Ben had been on duty perhaps two hours, when suddenly the electric light on the Demon’s prow gave a few slight flutters and then totaily died out. g He immediately disconnected the electricity so as not to waste it, and then by the hght of the lamp abovgathe puvt-house pursued his — course. The lamps had all been refurnished with char- coal at about one time, and presently the large lamp gave a fluttering light for and instant, | and then, too, expired. Bob had told Ben that the way before was perfectly clear, so, as he expected Joe to come up to relieve him shortly, he forbore calling anyone or stopping the Vemon, as the time of Joe’s coming would be soon enough to care for the lamps. : So reasoned Ben, and fatal reasoning it was for the Demon's welfare, as after events will show. As expected. Joe, an hour or so later, put in his appearance, and to him Ben deliveredghe — charge of the wheel, sayiag as he did-so: fie «Pil get some charcoal and fix the lamps.” ~ ‘That's dangerous running without any light,” was Joe’s comment. $ Res “Oh, no, xeturued Ben. ‘‘Bob says the — way is clear, Ill be back in a minute.” — ; The char : room, and descending to it Ben selected four _ pieces of the article and returned to the — pilot-house, intending to light the large lamp _ first. + +e tt He mounted a largé step-ladder, and had just — laced his hand inside the lamp when Joe said in a voice of alarm : , B ee ae “TJ think I can see the outlines of land © ahead.” oO eeg see ” replied Ben, who had great 78 ‘* Nonsense, not reach Hermit Island until noon, and: uld interpose before we reached it.” peered out ahead. Bet, Aflxed: One pieoe’in ita: thent oal box was kept in the battery-— :
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THE DEMON OF THE DEEP. SS ALTraqoqoeeeeeeeaeee Ow —MW’WN.—CO— Ow es “—_—__v——ee_—v—ae—_ a He stepped down from the ladder just as Joe eried : : _ Tis not nonsense. See, there is the out- lines of land. I’m going to stop her. _ **No, do not,” said Ben. ‘‘ Here, I'll light the lamp, and show you that you are wrong.” As he spoke he made the connections by turning a thumbscrew. . Instantly a brilliant light shone out. « The Demon was under full headway, dashing slong at meteor-like speed, when the electric light, as its rays widened, disclosed what Joe had predicted was near—/and—and in the shape ef rocky bluffs, which towered far up toward heaven, the line here and there broken by fow stretches of rocky beach above whose shallow wake projected great black water-dogs, as the vars term rocks, which, submerged at high, are uncovered at low tide. “Turn off—turn off,” cried Ben, as he caught a glimpse of the rocky base against which the dashing waves were churned into foam. _ ‘‘ Back her—quick—for heayen’s sake—back her—pack _ Hee!” the last words being almost shrieked. . Joe’s hand leaped quickly to Pull 2; he drew it completely out. Then he changed to Pull 3. The powerful engine reversed the screw rap- ldly. The Demon lost a portion of her headway. But too late! For the next moment came a tremendous shock, which threw both boys from theix feet to the floor. The Demon had struck one of the numerous water-dogs, whose head was lifted a few feet above the surface. As the prow struck, it lifted, and their head. way carried her more than half way out of the water upon its apex. Then the still reversing screw slowly drew the Demon back. : ‘ Bob had been thrown from his bed by the violence of the shock. ; Quickly springing to his feet, and dreading he knew not what, he dashed in the direction of the pilot-house, and reached its stairs justas the Demon began gliding back. He hesitated a moment, then ran lightly up _ the stairs, and entering the pilot-house, asked in excited tones : ‘Por heaven's sake, boys, wiiltt is the matter? Speak quickly ” Ere an answer could be given the Demon had descended from the water-dog, and a gurgling sound, accompanied by a settling motion, car- .ried the whole story with living power to Bob’s brain. The Demon had struck a rock; her iron prow had been shattered—demolished, and in the gap _ the water was rushing. They must quickly escape or be drowned. “Quick! quick!” Bob cried. ‘‘ We must get out. Follow me!” and he darted out, and down the stairs, Ben and Joe close behind. ‘They were compelled to stop, though, for already was the water mounting toward the pilothouse, and then to return. " It had been Bob's intention to escape by ‘way of the deck-door, but this was now impos- What could they do? ; ‘They were penned in the pilot-house, a per- _ fectly air and water-tight compartment with’ no means of exit, save that which led to the in- terior of the Demon, now already filled with water, and hence sure death to attempt to ven- ture into. _ The three boys stood in the center of the floor and gazed blankly at each other. ~ ‘Bob—Bob,” at last cried Ben, in an appeal- ing tone, ‘ you ean find some way of escape, I know youcan. Try, try, iy, forI know you — @an.” 4 ere came a jar. The pave me Rover tie bottom. Slowky e water mounted, Itenters the pilot-house fl submerged. — glances quickly about him, a look of hope resting for a moment in his eye. But his hope was fleeting, a look of despon- dency usurped its place the; water has reached his waist—he mutters : ‘Tis useless, we can’t escape.” **Bob—Bob,” wailed Ben. ‘‘ You do not try.” Stung by the words, and realizing how fully Ben depended on him, he cast off the lethargy, and like lightning revolved in his mind their chances of escaping the terrible death that seemed in store for them. The water all the while was slowly mounting upward, but its progress was less and less fast, as the air in the pilot-house, which could not escape was pent up in a so much smaller space, It became difficult to breathe, so heavy was the atmosphere. A chance of escape presented itself tc*Bob’s mind, and although loth to break the Demon’s engine, he seized a small hand-bar and with it, endowed with an almost superhuman strength, he wrenched off one of its heavy connecting arms, “Take hold,” he cried, and using it asa battering-ram with all their strength the three shot it out against the glass sides of the pilot-bouse. 4 ‘Be ready,” cried Bob, ‘‘for the glass once broken, a moment's stay after widl be death /” Again the heavy iron bar was poised. ‘Now,” eried Bob. Forward it dashed, there came a shivering sourid as a great large hole was opened, then a horrible guigle as the water forced the air out, and our three friends found themselves strug- gling in the water. Z CHAPTER XXXIIt. THE ATTACK ON THE PIRATES. ¥ ‘ As the crash occurred, Bob dropped the iron bar, and clasped Ben in his arms, at the same time giving Joe a shove toward the opening. The air rushing ont, caught Joe with his mouth open when the water rushed in, which caused him to strangle badly. — The ending of the circumstance, so far as Joe was concerned, would probably have been fatal, had not Bob dropped Ben, and seizing Joe, have given him another shove which~ sent him through the opening. ‘oO grab Ben was but the work of an instant, and him, too, Bob passed, through before he himself did so. : Joe reached the surface, and had sense enough, left to seize hold of the water-dog, by whose side he found himself. Ben had taken matters very coolly, and when he arrived at the surface, not seeing Joe or the rock, he paddled about until he saw Bob's head appear—only to disappear instantly, for so long had Bob remained inside the after the others had left that he was weil nigh caved in. Then Ben, realizing Bob’s condition, ap- proached the spot where he had disappeared, and, as he came up again, he seized him by the hair. , Joe by this time was himself again, and by the first famt gleams of the coming day saw this event. He threw himself in the water, and with Ben’s assistance he soon had Bob on fop of the water-dog, whose smooth round top afforded so little foothold that they soon after took him to the shore, which was but several hundred feet distant, \ Bob was exhausted, but not unconscious, and They skirted along the shore for a while’ when they found that its character changed, fo¥ now the land sloped gently back from the water, and its side was studded with timber, ‘* Let's go inland,” suggested Joe, ‘* Agreed,” replied both Bob and Ben. So they started yp the sloping hill, which proved not near so high as they had expected, they soon finding themselves on its summit, while glancing down the opposite side, Bob caught glimpses of a sheet of water. Shinning a tree, to get a better view, he saw @ narrow channel, which entered from the shore and bending sharply, ran parallel with it. Followingup this narrow sheet of water with his gaze, it finally rested on a vessel, while just beyond her, at the head of this arm of the sea, on the gently sloping hill, a collection of houses. : A cry of surprise burst from his lips, and of joy also, for he imagined of course that he must be gazing upon a civilized community, al- though what they could be doing in this out-of the-way quarter of the globe puzzled him to — determine. At length something in the appearance of the vessel caused a suspicion to flash across his © mind. “They were pirates,” so he thought. Descending, he communicated what he had seen, and Ben, after going up and having a look, gave it as his idea that she was a pirate and, moreover, looked wonderfully like the eraft on board of which Yawpey had been taken. Excited by curiosity, Bob determined to ap- proach nearer this village, if such it can be called, and skirting the ridge of the tongue of land, they made a slight detour, and approach. ed close enough to see objects quite distinctly. As they were standing in the edge *of the woods, @ near by voice, and the tramp of teet startled them. They quickly slunk back, and dropped out of sight amid some underbrush. : 3 Phe voice came nearer. The words were distinguishable. **T'd like to blow up sky-high the hul caboo. _ dle uy the murderin’ deyils, particularly old Tarball. Yah! they kin laugh at me and | make fun ov me all they wants to, but by the: — wooden jumping-jack uv my grandfather, that ITused to play with when I was a squaller, r?—— i ‘* What’ll you do ?” in It was Bob who asked the question, az he rose up before the speaker, who, at first started back in alarm, halted, hesitated, advanced, — gazed at him fixedly fora moment, and then wildly crying - “‘Hurroo! hurroo! hurroo |” turned a cart- wheel, bent his head and looked from between his Jegs at Bob, then turned a few somersaults, _ stood on his head, and finally with extended — arms, rushed up and threw himself so, forcibly on Bob, and hugged him so tight, that equilih- rium could not be maintained, and they we to earth, where they rolled over: and ove Yawpey, for it was he, gasping between whiles : ty ep “*By the great, jumpin’ Jehosaphat, Bob, who'd a tho't it—Bob and Yawpey—yah—fried pork and ‘lasses’s good—so it is to see you.” Bob was glad to see Yawpey, but notso muck — so that he had to express his exuberance in thir
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ee jb: _ The story of Yawpey made several things plain to Bob. One was that even if they could, it would be useless to return to the wreck, since all the treasure had been recovered. Another was, for he had learned of the pres- ence of Pat Harris on board the Stanwia, through Joe, that any hope of penning that person in a corner and demanding a confession of his innocence of the murder of Mary Harris, was now futile. : As Yawpey had said, the men of the Black Devil were at it again, that is, drinking, and the four boys lay in the edge of the woods and lis- tened to the noise of the carousal long after night had fallen, and canvassing the means of leaving Pirate Island without being discovered, . for of course after hearing Yawpey’s story and. learning of the character of its inhabitants, _ they did not wish to come into contact with ' them. And how went éverything with the wrecked _ €rew on the opposite side of the island? It will be remembered that the captain of the Stanwix and Jim Devon remained, on the day of the pirate’s arrival on the hill, watching the events that transpired in the pirate village until after nightfall. _. Then slowly and with grave faces, they and _ the few men who had come with them re- Bs traced their footsteps down the mountain’s side and to where the remainder were encamped. A council of war was called. The question was—what shouid they do? _ Should they take the aggressive, or should "they assume the defensive ? Their numbers were so few that to attack the pirates seemed aknost like a piece of folly, and et should the pirates attack them as they surely would, should they be discovered, they ~ would be just as badly off. When called on for an opinion the captain said: ; “Tf we could have attacked them awhile ago, when in the midst of their carousal, we would ive stood a good show of success. To attack _ them in their sober moments would be utter folly, for they outnumber us, three to one, and are much better armed. If they continue their spree to-morrow—if a majority wish it, e will sweep suddenly down on them and rust to God to help us through.” The undercurrent of common sense pervad- ing, the. captain’s words was felt by all, and when seconded in toto -by the detective, it was xry them into effect. Two men immediately started for the emi- nce to act as lookouts, and the moment that orning broke, the castaways were all astir, and frequent visits were made to the wreck of the Stanwie in search of weapons. ie ‘he day passed *on, hour by hour, when, at bout two or three o’clock a signal agreed upon shown upon the top of the hill, which con- yed the intelligence. f ‘The pirates are continuing their earousal.” ater, another was exhibited, meaning: ‘Chances good-—they are all joining in— ae ing on the men.” ement to his men, and bade them, if they met mflict with the pirates, to fight to the utter- t, for it would be for life or death. ‘ hen, in single file, the captain leading, Jim Devon second, they ascended the hill. By the time they reached the top it was near height. ~ ‘and then telling of one who has gone to meet unanimously resolved, if opportunity offered, to} The captain addressed a few words of encour.’ THE DEMON OF THE DEEP. They were Darrell’s wife, Billy, the cabin boy of the Black Devil, and Tom Darrell himself. He had run along ahd successful career of ‘wickedness, but somehow he felt, as he sat) within his hut that night, listening to the wild shouts and blasphemies of his drunken follow- ers, that ib was nearly over. He had a presentiment—something that told him so. He bent his head into his hands, and tried to think it a foolish fancy, but, like Banquo’s ghost, ‘‘it would not down.” As he sat there, the drunken shouts gave place to a wild cry of alarm. ‘ ‘* What could it mean ?” He paused—listened. Again it came, and with it was mingled the report of a revolver, then another, and another. Leaping to his feet, he darted toward the sounds of the conflict, to behold a small body of determined men valiantly battling with, his horde of drunken followers. Their presence surprised him, but he had no time for conjectures as to who they were, or whence they came, and shouting and yelling like a fiend, he led his men on to battle. “ Charge!” yelled the captain, and the crew of the Stamwiz rushed down pell-mell upon the cut-throat gang. Suddenly the attacking party receive an ad- dition of four persons, and it turns the seale in their favor; for the pirates, too drunk to fight well, break and run. f But under the magic of their leader’s voice, they rally. “* Charge !” Away the attacking party rushes. The two sides cu Somewhat sobered, the pirates fight like devils. : Now the Stanwiz mem have the best of it, now the pirates. Shouts, groans, yells, curses, commands fill the night air, a shriek cf mortal agony now | a just God. But the right triumphs at last. oF approached, the detective being in search of Pat Harris. “Ah! here he is,’ said Devon, while the captain, after staring hard at Bob, exclaimed: ‘Will wonders never cease! How in the world came you here, Joe ?” i ‘““My name is not Joe, sir,” replied Bob. “But have you any liquor with you ?” ‘*T have,” said Devon, taking out a flask which he had provided himself with from the pirates’ store-room, exhibiting no surprise at < Bob's, presence. : : He placed the flask to Pat’s lips, presently he opened his eyes. “Pat,” cried Bob, immediately, ‘will you retract that charge, and tell the truth, here in the presence of these gentlemen ?” ‘“No~you, never!” almost yelled the dying man. y: ‘See here, Pat Harris. **No.” “Lam Jim Devon.” ““The devil you are!” gasped Pat. “Yes, and I want you to make me a@ confes~ sion of some few things before you die.” ‘“‘T won't,” stubbornly replied Pat. ‘‘If you don’t,” returned Devon, in a cold tone, ‘‘T'll arrest you for murder, and hang you to the nearest tree in a jiffy!” Cowed by the words, and knowing the re- putation of the detective for carrying out his word, Pas Harris relented, and answered all the question put to him by Devon in the presence of Bob and the captain. Writing materials were found on board the Black Devil, and after being reduced to writing Pat Harris signed the following, which we will premise by stating is but an abridgment of tho original. * * * * “And I furthermore state that ° these two boys, Robert and Joseph, sons of William Drew, were delivered into my hands by James Thompson, a driver, who, stealing from — Mr. Drew, was convicted and sent to prison, from which he escaped, and afterward, in a spirit of revenge, stole the boys. They wero and Do you know me ?” One final charge is made, it is their last hope, and the little handful that is left of the Stanwiz men, fight with the fury ofa tempest. “They win; the pirates, disheartened by loss of numbers, flee. “They attempt to leave the harbor with the Black Devil, but are intercepted, The living pirates were secured and bound. The long night passes and morning breaks, disclosing a pioodey scene, for stretched out in death on all sides are the bodies of those who perished in the conflict. Bob had escaped with but a slight scratch. Joe was entirely unhurt. Ben was suffering from an ugly wound in the arm; Yawpey was dead. y Poor Yawpey, requiescat in pace. Leaving Joe with Ben, Bob, by curiosity drawn, went to have a look at the surviving } pirates. As he passed the row of wounded, he sud- denly started, for before him lay Pat Harris. The mortally-wounded man saw Bob at the same moment, «Pat Harris,” said Bob, solemnly, as he saw that theman must die, ‘‘ we have met in your dying moments; do you, will you re- tract the charge of murder against me?” A malignant scowi crossed his features, but | 3, as he would have answered there came a sud- den paling of his features, his under jaw saepeed and his eyes closed. ae Re ‘Had he then died without clearing Bob of the stain of murder? Sa ; d women reeled and stag- | disp to have been drowned, but my wife had just lost her own babe, and I allowed her to keep the eldest child, Robert. ‘The other I told her Thad drowned, but really I'gave it to a saloon ‘keeper named Black. “We ran away, from Black, was on board the Sianwix, and was lost while down in a diving-suit. * * * ™* The other, Robert, I saw here by my side but a minute ago. * * * * He was convicted of the murder of my wife, but he was not guilty. It was an accident. Thad been beating her. He dared me to strike — her again, and said he would shoot me if I did. T tried to take the pistol away from him, and | it went off accidently. I testified against him. on the trial with another man, who was hired by David Brocks to say that he had seen the © shooting done. Dayid Brocks knew that these two boys were Mr. Drew’s sons, and wanted — me to put them out of the way, and offered mo large sums to do the job, * * * * The foregoing is true, so help me, God. — his = f ‘Par b4 Harnis.” mark Jim Devon and the captain attested this as witnesse, and this done both turned and shook b heartily by the hand, congratulating him on the good fortune in store for him. The captain spoke regretfully of the loss of | Joe, when Bob informed him that he was alive and well; after which he conducted him to the hut, where Ben was lying down, being kept watch over by Joe. apy ; To say that the captain was delighted at meeting also with Ben, is but a faint descrip- tion of his joy. ; : “Joe, old bey,” said he, Demon had gobbled you up.” “Oh, no, not so bad as that. He is not give cannibalism. There is the Demon,” and Jo “I thought ‘the
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THE DEMON OF THE DEEP. ‘« Then you are the fellow that gave usso much trouble ?” / “No, you are the fellow that gave me so much trouble. I arrived at the ground first, and had the right to first pickings.” ‘¢ Well, well, it’s all over now, and we won’t guarrel,” said he, good-humoredly. And now we must hurry on. Bob explained to Joe the relationship be- Sween them. ‘“‘Tknew it—I knew it,’ cried Ben, clapping his hands” gleefully together. ‘‘You are brothers. I’m so glad, for I like both of you #0 much.” : Then Bob told them the story of his past life, about which before he had been so re- ticent. | Pat Harris died ere sundown, and was buried in a pit dug for the dead bodies of the pirates in common. Tom Darrell, the pirate captain, survived the fight, but escaped the guards when they were taking him to the Black Devil for confinement, and throwing himself in the water, ‘was drowned. The few remaining living pirates were con- veyed to the Black Devil's prison, there to be kept until they could be delivered to the proper authorities. pee Explanations as to each other’s presence on the island followed, when the really fortunate deflection of the compass needle was explained by the éaptain. ; There was a small council convened, the re. salt of which was that the conclusion was reached that all hands could live amicably tspether on board the Black Devil, and imme- chate measures for securing the treasure from on board the sunken Demon were taken. CHAPTER XXXV._ THE TREASURE RECOVERED. ‘Tur treasure-house of the pirates was broken + into, and the contents carried on board the Biuck Devil, atter which she was taken out of the harbor and around the shore to near where _ the Demon was lying. a te : _ The diving-suits had been recovered from the Stanwix, and clad in one of these, Bob de- scended to the Demon’s deck and opened the deck-door, after which he passed down the steps, and to the room where the treasure was stored. heen at _ Several days’ hard work, assisted by Joe, sufficed for Bob to recover the whole of it, _» swhich was then stowed away by itself on board the Black Devil. } '| * The last thing bah had been recovered from the Demon, ind Bob, with visor unlocked ; re hanging back, stood on the Black Devil's eck, six “ All through?” queried the captain. 6c Yes.” y ; “Then you; will not go down again, will i ae i 1) you ? j } } “ Why 2”? , ‘ _ “Because I want to take a farewell look at the dear old Demon, on board of which so many pleasures have been had as wellas perils,” nd Bob’s voice was husky and wh his eyes dimmed about him, and with his eyes swept | ™ em. to stern, ere giving the order to}! , Once more the vessel entered the pirate’s harbor, the women were all taken on board, eyerything made secure and taut for their |, long voyage, then they started, leaving the huts standing as they found them. The so-called wife of Thomas Darrell, evi- dently a lady, was treated with the utmost re- spect, particularly when she had related a story of leaving a home of elegance, in com- pany with her new-made husband, a young minister bound for a foreign mission; of the attack of their ship by pirates, she the onl pérson of all allowed to live, and that for a life far worse than death. The other women, or most of them, had been captives, but long association with the low and brutal, had made them like in feeling and thoughts. ¥ Reader, we will not tire you with a descrip- tion of the tedious homeward voyage, void of any incident to interest, only saying that the weeks that elapsed before they reached New York, were occupied by Bob in thinking re- gretfully of the far-away grave, at the head of which stood 4 board, on which was inscribed, in rude letters: ‘‘Yawpey. A faithful friend.” f Jim Devon had told him of his father, of his search, and desire to find his long-lost sons, hence he feared not the reception he would meet athishands. © , Meantime Ben had fully recovered, and when. the Black Devil cleft the waters of New York Bay, as she approached the metropolis of the New World, the happy trio, with clasped hands, stood side by side, upon the quarter-deck, gaz- ing at the yet distant spires, which each mo- ment grew nearer and more distinct. But Ben’s happiness possessed some alloy, for what was to be his next step ? } As he thought of this, a shade of sadness swept over his face, which, being noticed by the cbservant Bob, he inquired the reason. “Tam thinking of how you and Joe, once without known parents like myself, are soon to meet a kind father, said Ben slowly and sadly. “He, too, will be a father to you, Ben, or he shall not tome. And once ashore, you must assume your proper position before the world.” Joe glanced suspiciously and wonderingly from one to the other, as Bob uttered these last words, for they betrayed to him the fact of some secret resting between the two. The captain approached. } a “Well, boys,” said he, in his usual cheery tone, ‘‘we are almost ‘home:” and then ad-| dressing himself particularly to Bob, asked + ‘* Haye you yet opened the manuscript which the hermit gave you?” “No, I had forgotten it. Come into the cabin and I'll do so immediately.” In the presence of the captain, Devon, Ben and Joe, he solemnly broke the seal, and a moment after read the following, written in the form of a diary, which we, for brevity’s sake, have cut down, only reserving those parts re- } lating to our story: rei “June 14, 18—. On board the Rover. The city of New York, even as I write, is fading from my view. In two hours I will be far out} on the deep, safe from—sad that I should be compelled to say—pursuit, for it establishes the morning will carry with it the intelligence that | John Berry, once rich and wealthy, and re- spected, has fidd, and carried with him the funds of the bank of which he was presi- ‘and more dim, | 1 Y | over a period of years. fact that Jam a criminal. The light of another | x to take my place again r * * * i things and endeavor among honest men. eae “January 26, 18—. My plans are all done. Now for work at my wonderful craft. aE Z = “ January 30. I have made a commencement and hope for success. * * * ‘ “July 20th. To day Ifin sub-marine vessel.” ‘ss Here in rapid succession’ came items expres. sive Of disappointments at some failure of theo. ries, when introduced into practice, extending Gh ished the hull of my : * * a They were sufficient to have disheartened any _ man, other than one who was battling for a lost _ position in society, with a determination to do — or die. : 7 ‘July 19th. To-nightI put the finishing touch — to my vessel. In the morning I shall try hen Oh, that morning were here. * * : “July 20. Hailure. * * ‘September 19. Fourteen years since fix I stepped upon this island and my life work not _ yet completed. ~To-morrow I go to Brundart _ for a part of my electrical engine, and if that works—if it does ? * bolts: a: *3 ‘September 25. I have tried my vessel, and God be praised, she works splendidly. I went out on a trip to a neighboring island, an taught the cannibals a severe lesson, They — called her a demon; henceforth that shall be * \ * * * * “September 30. To-morrow I start for Eismerelda. Yor several days past I have “se a devil-fish lurking about the island, an must be careful. I close here. I shall se this manuscript, and leave it here in the hut and then, should accident happen me, the world may possibly learn what became of J ohn Berry.” \ Here the story related by the hermit closed, © — but appended immediately beneath it was 1 following: 2 “Tam dying. I broke the manuscript o to add these lines. ‘To-day I was attacked by the devil-fish, and received internal injuries, from which I am sure I shall die. Should — fall into anyone’s hands I pray he will carry my plans. My indebtedness amounts to four — hundred thousand dollars. Let him p dekts; the rest he may reserve for himse My creditors are named herein.” ~ Then followed the names of the various cred. itors of John Berry, and the amounts due each. The detective, perhaps, was the most aston- ished man of the party, for he had been - sonal acquaintance of Berry, and fully und stood the circumstances connected with flight. _ f * Poor misguided man,” murmured 4 “Yes,” said Bob, ‘‘ call him misguided. not acriminal, I can sympathize with Fourteen long years of penance for his slip. is enough. Let charity’s mantle coves his n deeds.” P , hi * * = hg carry out his wishes?” the captai : “To the letter,” promptly return «You know I arrived at his habitatio: : third day,of his death, and in his dying ments I promised to fulfill the conditions sed on me in this manuscript, — Gods help, 2U doi.” 3 “‘Brayo !” eried the admiring captai: They came to anchor off the Battery s after, and a party, composed of th who wanted to report the success
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to ail near where she was supposed to be, and _ find out if she were actually there. af William Drew, hearing of this through the th e would have found ont from the absent and 60 long silent detective the result of his labors -m the search for his sons. _ When he reached the office on the morning _ ef the Black Devil's arrival, he found awaiting him there a letter, which told of the detective’s remaining on board of the Stanwix after leay- Th, a ee. oe a Noes SS be Maes a se ‘THE. DEMON OF THE DEEP, — learned of their recovery, congratulations began pouring in from all quarters. It is the evening of fhe second day of occu- ‘public press, also made arrangements by which | pancy of their Fifth Avenue home, and the happy Mr. Drew, his two sons and Ben are in} the parlor. eee As yet Bob had not informed his father of Ben’s real sex, but it had been agreed between them that it should be told that evening In the parlor. For Bob’s sake Ben had been made welcome ing the foreign port at which she first stopped, | to the home of Mr. Drew. and telling him further that all hope of ever again seeing the Stan had been abandoned by the company, for the vessel sent in search _ eould find no trace of her, the presumption __ being that she had perished in a storm. ' Sad and disheartened by the intelligence, ‘Mr. Drew bent his head in his hands and in- wardly groaned. : A stupefaction seemed to settle o’er him, and » when requested to sign several checks he did | s0 in an automatic manner, without even glancing at them. Seeing his preoccupation of mind, a villainous | the two boys, determined to lose no time in ‘smile crept over the face of David Brocks. Taking out his pocket-book, he drew from it | escort of her brother, she had come just at that & piece of paper on which was written some-| moment. thing that caused him to chuckle with glee as} Her congratulations over, she bade the boys _ he read it. asked, advancing and laying it down before that __ gentleman, a blotter covering all but the place a _for signature. “Yes,” and with a merely mechanical mo- tion, Mr. Drew appended his name to the doc- - ument. PP as | Brocks picked it quickly up, and behind the old gentleman’s back, he suffered a smile of _ triumph to light wp his face as he surveyed it. _ Bis hour of triumph had come. _ Although unwittingly, Mr. Drew hadsigned a will, transferring to his clerk all his worldly ae possessions at his death, which Brocks calculat- ed on hastening. ‘oes not hear it open, nor any one enter. The person glances over Brock’s shoulders, es the purport of the words, snatches the in- _ strument from his hands, clasps him by the _ Shoulder and says : Bye “T arrest you for conspiracy in regard to the I er of Mary Harris.” : if stung by an adder, he quickly turns Mr. Drew, roused by the words, glances ‘Game see before them, Jim Devon, the ctive. Brocks sent away, handcuffed, to a prison ; : _ At first Mr. Drew protested against this pro- g; but when the paper which he had just d was placed before him, proof sufficient © fellow’s rascality, he said no more. Then followed a few minutes of silence, and en Devon laid Pat Harris’s confession on the Drew, picking it up, read it. Where are the boys’?” he gasped. Outside.” aN Bring them in.” , and Joe were taken in by the detective. at them was proof enough for the . Drew, and—but to intrude on the followed would be sacrilege, and ac- nied by the detective we withdraw for our, at the expiration of which Mr. Drew is sons appear, a carriage is called, and le party, including Ben and the detec- rapidly driven to Mr. Drew’s resi- ‘Fifth Avenue. ; _ CHAPTER XXXVI. ~~ €oxcuvsion. : ‘jit was unnecessary, Jim Devon ished undoubted proofs that the two boys r. Drew’s sons, and when the ‘world ¥ he _ ‘* Will you sign this check, Mr. Drew?” he! quiringly at Ben, who had modestly shrunk is back was toward the private door, and |_ A police officer was called in, and David. ‘| and answered. ‘* Father,”’ began Bob, the yet SEE Ge word sticking slightly in his throat, ‘‘I have to- night to tell you something concerning Ben, who has been sailing under false colors.” ‘How so ?” inquired Mr. Drew, while at the same time there came a clanging of the door- bell. ‘Hang it,” he exclaimed, impatiently, ‘‘why can’t people leave me alone for a little while ?” The parlor door opened, and the servant an- nounced ‘‘ Mrs. Berry and Mr. Raymond.” Mrs. Berry, having heard of the recovery of congratulating Mr. Drew, and hence, under a warm, cheery welcome, and then glanced in- back in a corner. As he turned his face so that the light struck fairly upon it, Mrs. Berry gave a'violent start and clasped her hands to her heart. ‘* What is the matter ?” queried Mr. Drew. ‘‘A momentary pain—there—it is past ;” then, turning to her brother, she asked in an undertone, which, however, reached Bob's ears : : ‘« Did you ever see such a strong likeness re at the same time intimating. Ben by her manner. ‘*To whom?” : ‘*To Retta, as she would be at this time.” ‘Excuse me,” said Bob, a wild hope creep- ing up in his mind. ‘‘I didn’t mean to listen, but I heard what you said. Did you not say something about Retta?” Ves.” ““Who is she ?” ‘* My daughter ; lost years ago in a railroad collision.” | ““My God!” gasped Bob, ‘‘can it be? Did she afterwards live with a Doctor Banks ?” («She did. Oh, what do you know of her?” cried the mother. ‘ know aught of her ?” “ec Yes. ” - “For God’s sake, then, tell me what you know.” ME pbs “Your daughter lives, and is in perfect health,” said Bob, not daring yet to blurt out the truth. : Ben yet stood in the corner, his arms ex- tended, his eyes filled with tears of joy. “ Where is she ?” asked the mother. _ Involuntarily Mrs. Berry’s eyes sought Ben’s. The outstretched arms, the advancing, fal- tering steps told the truth. She glanced toward Bob, he smiled a con- firmation, then came a simultaneous ery of ‘Retta, my daughter!” : ‘<Mother!” and they, the long separated mother and daughter, were locked in each oth- er’s arms. ys Joe's amazement can be better imagined than described. ° ‘Ben was a girl. Could it be possible ? | We will pass over the next two hours, during which questions innumerable*were propounded peak! speak! do you if | As Mrs, Berry, her mother, and Retta, were thout to leave, a thought entered Bob’s mind, | and he asked : ig! ae _ “Excuse my seeming impertinence Mrs.-Be ry; but your husband, what was he?” — \ The wording caused a flush to mount i va, to the lady’s cheeks, and suspecting the truth Bok © asked : “* Was his name John Berry?” ‘* Yes,” she faintly replied. ‘* He left New York many years ago?” “ce Yes.” ‘* Was a bank president ?” Aad Yes.” “Then Ben—excuse me—Retta, can givy you the history of his life subsequent to thi event.” They departed, and when they had arrived home Retta gave them the story of her nis. ° guided father’s life as she had heard ft. What need of prolonging this story further? Clothing of a proper character was svoa made, and Retta appeared before the world her true character. The pirates were sent to prison, and aftr trial, were hung. Dayid Brocks hung himself in his cell. The women from Pirate Island were allowed to go whither they chose, Tom Darrell’s wife finding a home with relatives, who had lon:z given her up as dead. é Billy, the cabin boy of the pirate, went to sa again in the merchant service. Jim Devon received the reward promised him by Mr, Drew, in addition to a handsome bonus, which enabled him to withdraw fron, the profession and establish ‘for himself an elegant home in the country. The captain of the ill-fated Stanwix receive t high encomiums from the company, and money enough to enable him to purchase an eleyant clipper ship. As for Bob and Joe, after selling the jowels on board the Black Devil, and realizing on the gold, they found themselves in possession of nearly a million dollars. 2 oh First they paid the debts of John Berry, which, when paid with interest, left them over a hundred thousand dollars. ; This they divided into four equal parts, one going to Retta, one to the relatives of Yawpey, and the remainder between the two. : Of course the confession cf Pat Harris was laid before the authorities, which relieved Bob of any stain upon his name. One other thing he did shortly afterward which we must net forget, since it shows how well Bob could remember a kindness. He hunted upethe captain of the brick sloop, who had so kindly aided him at the time of his escape frem Sing Sing Prison, and remembered both him and his crew in a decidedly substan- tial manner. 4 Ashe promised the dying hermit, hearing the wish expressed by Mrs. Berry, he sent to’ Hermit Island, and had the remains brought to — New York, where, after appropriate ceremonies they were interred in Greenwood. ; Well, dear readers, here we are at last. Has Tue Demon or rau Deep pleased and interested you? . We trust that it has, and we add but two more words— \ [Tue END.)
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ry Fre Nt Ti ae. ousey's Hand Containing Useful Information on Almost Every Subject Under the Sun, Price 10 Cents Per Copy, - bad ¢ No. }. No. [4. : No. 26. : Napoleon’s Oraculum and Dream Book. HOW TO MAKE CANDY. HOW TO ROW, SAIL AND BUILD A BOAT. — Containing the great oracle of human destiny; also the | A complete hand-book for making all kinds of candy, ice- | Fully.illustrated. Every boy should know how to row an@ true meaning of almost any kind of dreams, together with | cream, syrups, essences, etc., etc, Price 10 cents, sail a boat. Full instructions are given in this little book ms, Ceremonies, and curious games of Ca: A com~- together with instructions on swimming and riding, Com: — plete book, Price 10 cents. panion sports to boating. “rice 10 cents, Sih No. (5. : : ees HOW TO BECOME RICH No. 27. y A ‘ ; : HOW TO DO TRICKS. This wonderful book presents you with the example and HOW TO RECITE AND BOOK OF RECK The great book of magic and card tricks, containing full | life experience of some of the mostmoted and wealthy men TATIONS. : instruction of all the nding card tricks of the day, also ; in the world, including the self-made men offour country. s # 4; the most popular magicul illusions as performed by our | The book is edited by one of thermost successful men of | Containing the most poplar selections in use, comprising leading magicians; every boy should obtain a copy, as it | the present age, whose own example is in itself guide | Dutch dialect, French dialect, Yankee and Irish dial will both amuse and instruct. Price 10 cents. enough for those who aspire to fame and money, The | Pieces, together with many standard readings. Price 16 book will give you the secret. Price 10 cents, cents, rc No. 3. % HOW TO FLIRT. No, (6. No. 28. 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HOW TO BECOME AN INVENTOR. e title of a new and handsome little book just issu Containing full instruction in the art of dressing aud ap- | Every boy should know how inventions originate. This — af senate ee Ee ee a pearing well at home and abroad, giving the velections of | book explains them all, giving examples in electricity, hy, todresh “acd tail directions for calling off eles opuiar | COlOrs, material, and how to have them made up. Price 10 | draulics, magnetism, optics, pneumatics, mechanics, : square dances. ‘Ihe price is 10 Sent: pop! cents. ete. The most instructive book published. Price 10 cents. 7 = No. 5. No.1. G No. 30. HOW TO MAKE LOVE} HOW TO BECOME BEAUTIFUL. hs ga | pte a bea i = i 1 tshi d jage, givi ° f the brightest and most valuable little books ever | UR° Of the most instructive books on cooking sver pub= Panes wpa as re Seciquatts 7 ian ousered wit tyaneen tie, world. 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Handsomely illustrated, and contait.ing full instructions ; Handsomely illustrated, and containing full directions ae ane mae eae and training cf the Mae ah mmocking- No. 20. mounting ridine ariel meciegng, - Bievales zaiy exnlk r re ackbi aroquet, parrot, etc., etc. Pr: * ractical illustrations; also directi 10 cents. ithe hie , How to Entertain an Evening Party. | 2 machine. Price 10 cents. hone f05 eet om, N A very valuable little book just published. A complete oO. 8. compendium ae ames, bad ae Neen erp comic No. 33. " recreations, etc., suitnble for parlor or drawing-room en- How To BECOME A SCIENTIST. tertainment. 1¢ contains more for the money than any 4 HOW TO BEHAVE. 4A useful and instructive book, giving a complete treatise | book published. 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It is the greatent HOW TO DO SECOND SIGHT. in fencing. A complete book. 100 109 nts, 2 pep a pa mi el a ree eee raw %% | Holler’s second sizht explained ‘by his former assistan' / fst a ia Fred Hunt, dr. iplainiug how the seoret dialogues ers No. 35. = carrie: ween the magician and the boy on the stage; = » .. No. 10. also giving all the codes and él nals. ‘The only authentic HOW TO PLAY GAMES. HOW TO BOX. explanation of sacond sight, rice 10 cents. A complete and abated ette nooks I COnEAeICE Sree 4 ’ pee ee a 5 a ee ae : - ards, baga ‘backgam: The art of self-defense made easy. Containing over thirty No. 23 ] ners dominoes, ae Price 10 oetta: mi paca seasons of fracas, Blows a io citeren s positions at " seve 7 J s xer. Every boy should obtain one of these use: - oo ae ease Doke a piizanmn vou now toboxW-| anu fr he il of tm do 7 Non 36+ is ut aninstructor. Price 10 cen vi iy mi i i e ry ae ? 4 and woman. Te ae explanation £0 all HOW TO SOLVE CONUNDRUMS, _No, Ite See enolsdats the book of fate.” 2 i¢ | Containing all the leading conundrums of thed HOW TO WRITE LOVE-GETTERS. | Sista “*?01000'* Ortontnme” the book of fain, rice 1 | riddles, curious catches and witty eayiogs, Brio most lote little book, containing full directions for ‘ : ‘ Siting, tre lattes, Sad when to use.th i ~ No. 24. No. 37. heed ‘HOW TO KEEP HOUSE. speoien letters for both young and old. ja agri ee sd od HOW TO WRITE LETTERS TO GENTLE- No. 12. : 1 , ; - : and wemen; it will teach you howto HOW TO WRITE LETTERS TO LADIES. | Containing tull directions for writing to gentlemen on all | around the honse, such as parlor o ts, brack Giving complete instractions for writing lottérs to ladies | Ubiectss also giving sample letters for instruction. Price | coments, olian hsrps, and bird lime for catohing on all subjects; also, letters of introduction, notes and re- | 7” °°? 3 { Price 10 cents. me eee guests. Price 10 cents. » Nos 25. - No. 38. Nowt3e | How 70 BECOME A GYMNAST. | HOW TO BECOME YOUR OWN DO How to Do It; or, Book of Etiquette. Containing full instructions for all anak aymnastio “A wonderful book, containing useful and practic It is a great life secret, and one that every young man de- | Sports and athletic exercises. Embracing thirty-five illus- | mation in the trea fires to! F ss 74 | tratio By Professor W. Macdonald. enandy and use- | common to SPN Sean TN tte ren, bend Wy canis ane’ eee: Shere’ 6) Fal bok,’ rise 16 coats. \ ges For sale by all newsdealers in the Uni o States il Canada, or sent to your address, post-paid,‘on recefpb of price, 10 centa, Y ; FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 34 & 36 North Moore Street, New en
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right, the READ ALL ABOUT HIS ‘Wonderful Adventures With His Wonderful Inventions BOYS’ STAR LIBRARY. ISSUED EVERY SATURDAY. - - - PRICE 5 CENTS. The following is a complete list of the JACK WRIGHT stories already published in THE BOYS’ STAR LIBRARY. No. 216 Jack Wright, the Boy Inventor; or, Hunting fora Sunken Treasure, ; by “Noname 220 Jack Wright and His Electric Turtle; or, Chasing the Pirates of the Spanish Main, by ‘‘ Noname 223 Jack Wright’s Submarine Catamaran; or, The Phan- tom Ship of the Yellow Sea, by “ Noname” 227 Jack Wright and His Ocean Racer; or, Around the World in Twenty Days, by ‘“‘ Noname 229 Jack Wright and His Electric Canoe; or, Working in the Revenue Service, ” by “ Noname 231 Jack Wright's Air and Water Cutter; or, Wonder- ful Adventures.‘on the Wing and Afloat, by ‘‘ Noname” 235 Jack Wright and His Magnetic Motor; or, The ; Golden City of the Sierras, by “‘ Noname” 238 Jack Wright, the Boy Inventor, and His Under- Water Iron-Clad ; or, The Treasure of the Sandy Sea, : by “ Noname” 241 Jack Wright and His Electric Deers; or, Fighting the Bandits of the Black Hills, + by “‘Noname” 246 Jack Wright and His Prairie Engine; or, Among’ the Bushmen of Australia, by ‘‘ Noname” 253 Jack Wright and His Electric Air-Schooner; or, The Mystery of a Magic Mine, by ‘‘ Noname” 257 Jack Wright and His Electric Sea Motor; or, The Search for a Drifting Wreck, by “‘ Noname” ” ” ” ” No. 2 276 Jack Wright and His Ocean Plunger; or, The Har-_ , poon Hunters of the Arctic, by ‘‘ Noname’” 277 Jack Wright and His Electric “Sea-Ghost ;” or, A Strange Under-Water Journey, by “ Noname 279 Jack Wright, the Boy Inventor, and His Deep-Sea Diving-Bell; or, The Buccaneers of the Gold Coast, by “ Noname” 281 Jack Wright, the Boy Inventor, and His Electric Tricycle-Boat ; or, The Treasure of the Sun-Wor- shipers, by ‘‘ Noname” 283 Jack Wright and His Under-Water Wrecking Raft; or, The Mystery of a Scuttled Ship, by “‘ Noname” 285 Jack Wright and His Terror of the Seas; or, Fight- ing for a Sunken Fortune, by ‘‘ Noname” 287 Jack Wright and His Electric Diving Boat; or, Lost Under the Ocean, by “‘ Noname” 239 Jack Wright and His Submarine Yacht; or, The Fortune.Hunters of the Red Sea, by “ Noname ’ 292 Jack Wright and His Electric Gunboat; or, The ~* Search for a Stolen Girl, by “ Noname” 294 Jack Wright and His Electric Sea Launch; or, A Desperate Cruise for Life, by ‘“‘Noname” 206 Jack Wright and His Electric Bicycle-Boat; or, Searching for Captain Kidd’s Gold, by ““ Noname” 298 Jack Wright and His Electric Side-Wheel Boat; or, Eyenee the Brigands of the Coral Isles, ; ” 262 Jack Wright and His Ocean Sleuth-Hound; or, - by“ Noname” Tracking an Under-Water Treasure, by ‘‘ Noname” ey 266 Jack Wright and His Dandy of the Deep ; or, Driven on fee pics ae Rah ace 3. Waves; i The a has Afloat in the Sea of Fire, by “ Noname” en ‘ 7 Lee 271 Jack Wright and His Electric Torpedo Ram; or, f The Sunken City ef the Atlantic, by “‘Noname” 272 Jack Wright and His Deep Sea Monitor; or, Search- ing for a Ton of Gold, by “‘Noname” ; 275 Jack Wright, the Boy Inventor, Exploring Central ‘ Asia in His Magnetic Hurricane, by “‘ Noname” The above books are for sale by all newsdealers in the United States and Canada, or sent to your address, : ‘post: -paid, on receipt of price. Address P ©. Box 2780. 302 Jack Wright and His Electric Exploring Ship; or, A Cruise Around Greenland, by “* Noname” 304 Jack Wright and His Electric Man-of-War; or, Fighting the Sea Robbers of the Frozen Coast, by ‘‘ Noname” : 306 Jack Wright and His Submarine Torpedo-Tug ; or, Winning a dS canis We Reward, by ‘“‘ Noname” RAN —K TOUSFHY, Publishes : _ 84 and 36 North Moore Street, New York. _
Page 32
la 1011 The Traveling Dude; or, The Comical Ad- eenaewee of Clarence Fitz R Roy Jones— Ne Dae sine Wa sauteed webieteiws by Tom Teaser 1012 Black Brow: nos or, The irate of the Dark Riv by Roger Starbuck 1013 The Yankee Vacht Club; ior, Around the World by Water............. y Geo. G. Small 1014 Frank Reade, Jr., ee a River of Mystery. A Strange tory of ae ““Noname ” 1015 i Ati | 8 Trip Around the AWoriie!-dovnins by: Tom Teaser 1016 Muldoon’ 8 Trip Around the World—comic. NU A ee ine by Tom Teaser 1017 Fiat Boat Fred; or, The Young Swamp Z Hunter of Louisiana....by H. K. Shackleford 1018 Among the Sun Worshipers; or, Two New York Boys in Peru.. ..by Berton eee 1019 Jack Magic, the Boy nder; a - Smartest on the Stage...........-. es Cc. We ttle 1020 Frank Reade, Jr., and His Hlectrie Air Yacht; or, The Great Saver Among the AZtOCB.. io) Ee ms reat or a Peaituni aes ad us Williams 1048 The Castaways of Iceland; or y the. Fiend of the Lava Caves......... by Roger Starbuck 1047 Billy Moss; or, From One Thing to Another SAGOMUNG, <a udes czpasesvs cose td Lg Teaser | 1048 An Engineer ac ola nate cs Bottom to the Top.......-....-.++5 ar Little 1049 Chicago Carl; om For- NAN Go sta lar satin cos vues Be 1050 Cast Away With Cannibals; or, the White ‘Seal King of the Man-Haters. “A Thrilling Stor, ony the South Pacific...by J. G. Bradley 1051 Frank Reade, Jr., in the Sea of Sand, and : His Discovery of a Lost og ee by ““Noname ” 1052 Pawnee Bill’ oe eas The Great s Scout’s Best Trail........... y Paul rE 1053 Pacer Dane, the ‘Senate Detectives or, Be : hind the Scenes in Washington.. by C. Little 4054 The Skeleton Island; or, A Cruise in an py Ri by Roger pera 1 Prince; or, The Treasure of Oo be iia esdRs on hoes cove pile eas by Paul: Bewiagn 1056 Locomotive Fred; or, Lifeon a Railroad.. by Howard De Vere 1057 Dandy Dan of Deadwood....... rye eh dang é 1058 Twenty Years on An Island; or ae! of a oung, Castaway..... Ne lyde 1059 apse on ae 's Boy; or, The ae 7h Phat sii Hi Pe Nore byveter ter Pad ra G} m Lig one or, T: of the Storm-Coast...by a er Starbuck 1061 Danay Dan of Deadwood, and the Fresh 5 Peon WrisC0 3. 0a 5.6. ccs acscsece by ‘‘Noname”’ et 1062 Bhan Rival Rangers; or, The Sons. 2 Re Cav AD ae vice Chae oS AN dalacorces oat .b JG . Bradley Sik a8 ack Rob, the Boy of Pine or Mak- 7% g His Own Way Through the Wiaeld.-x b by C. ‘Little price, 5 cents. Address. aka) est Issues of THI b 1098 Captain Tom eh ee: the 1064 The Fines oe of the Pueblo; +, the Phan: pan lee aacrteatan sale by Paul Braddon 1065 Dontiy Dan of Deadwood in Danger........ by_“ Noname” 1066 Pawnee Bill’s Gold Hunt; or, "rhe Lost Treasure Train by Paul Braddon 1067 Icebound; or, Among the Foes PR CS aeris by Berton Bertrew 1068 Gi a Sam; or, A Gedins: to the Sea of OOM dale sais suites ancanees Roger Starbuck 1069 Sohn Brown & Co. at School; or, The Deacon’s Boy at His Old Tricks “comic. y Peter Pad 1070 eae Reade, Jr., and His Gre Mace of e Air; or, The Search For the Mount- “ Wie? ob There; th De 1072 Go-Ahead Harry, the Bo: or, Where There’s a Will, There’s a Be Fite le 1073 i Toso or, The ee oF Engi- Meee er th err eet Pes by Howard De Vere 1074 The Boy Mate; or, Cast Away With Con- MAOH a2 en eteay. sadn by Ro; ae Starbuck 1075 jim Jack and Jim; or, Three Nuts Jrack—comic. . te ‘The King of the to ‘Tom Teaser 1076 Colorado Carl; or, Saddle mee 5 ng Bo- Pehinn uses RegusMede nthe eee Reaaie! 1078 The | Tout Diamond 3 Or, rm paren for an Unknown Lake....... , by Roger arsine 1079 Benny in ag or, A Block of the Old Chip—comic. .o<isi-cecovceesacass Peter Pad 108) Nozzle Ned, ‘the “Boy Fireman of Madison. by Robert Lennox 1081 The Two Boy Cattle Kings; or, An Indian Mail Carrjer’s Oath......... by Paul poe es 1082 Nimble Nick, the Boy of erve: oe High ing His Own Battles.............-. Tittle 1083 From Pole to Pole; or, Frank Theda, Tr.’s Strange Submarine Voyage. .by “‘ Noname” 1084 Bee Iwo Boy Clowns; or, A Summer With a Circus—comic.. by Tom ‘Teaser 1085 aire ae =a Mystery; or, Saved by a _Car- San te dee vioanes ...by Paul Braddon 1086 Shandtase Sid, the Bow ho Never Surren- dered; or, Standing p for a Square Deal by C. Little or, The 1087 ea Daring, the Boy Unknown; ; othe Death 5 a es by Rt. iis i ic iatand= or, The Strange Cru lack Frigate. -ee. DY RO} a Starbuck 1089 Dandy Dan of Deadwood and Great PVG as heh oes ang wae peehend by S Nonamné i! 1090 Sarigs Dick Plunket; or, The ‘Trials and Tribulations of Ebenezer eee Ee joie be an Smiley 1091 Old Oak Burrell, the Journalist ees 1093 acne in a Tiger’s en: or, The Wreck of the Menagerie Ship........ by Roger Starbuck 1094 Newsboy Ned; or, From the Pavement to SG PRIBOO Sse aisie cetbonadauie cae adele . Little 1095 Frank Reade, Jr., and His Wiectric Coach; oe ve Search for the Islé of Diamonds. SAS atdete ceed satel ose a by “ Noname ” 1096 Frank Reade, i re, “and His Hlectiic Coach; or, The Search for the Isle of Diamonds. Part faved vabesnsdsacs aw een “ Noname” 1097 Rob. hendy, the Life Saver; On he Pirate Wreckers of the Bahamas.........4..-+04. Roger Starbuck nite Cock of the RMOBBU Su sceas lh okccaiea aes ae Ip Sues keeesl ‘oname”” 1100 The Black Fiend. of the Red Ate or, The Lost Girl of the Coral Cave = Shah Ace tea r Starbue 1101 Muldoon’s Hotel. Part I pic tan mie, hia ne, ‘om Teaser j102 Muldoon’s Hotel. Part II, Sonat 5 LAR es Tom Teaser 1103 Dae Dan of PMs. in Texas; or,’ ilver Moon Myst . by ‘‘ Noname”’ 1104 ee 8 of the wis! a 1, izitin or Land ater. icee.% ae ral organ H aN Beh 1105 Pawnee Bill's ohn o he Yowse Boo ers of Tn risa od oo ee DY oul Braddon 1106 The Boy Scout.........---s.ee.0s ge . 5. Wood 1107 Muldoon in Tesla: or, The Soli Man pn Then rau ee ‘easer 1108 Frank Reade, Jr.) With His “‘AlcShip in Asia; or, A Blight Across the Blepnes. oname ” 1109 On Feel a Slave ees te, Kidnapped For a Strange Voyage......).... Bradley 1110 The Weird House ¢ of White ro Bart aia His Band ¢ H; Kellogg. lilt ge boy Bill, Jr., and His Band of Dead Ghd Achaia Gains Cot ainel eM aisiaie ry Allyn Draper 1112 The. "Ship ‘of Silence; or, he Terrible League of the Black Sworducsadiccscs seks r Starbuck 1113 Fred Frost, the Young Pes ie Bxplorer; or, Bound to Reach the Aq Pole) sacks } bert J. Booth 1114 Bootblack Bob; or, From Wen to Broad- ' eloth Fesissneites by ©. Little For sale by all newsdealers i in the United States and Canada, or sent to ‘FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher 34 & 96 North Moore FIVE GENT WIDE AWAKE LIBRARY: 1115 Afloat in a Cannibal Ship; or, The Fated ‘War-Sloop of the Ladrone os Pe Pie PRS AS by Roger Starbuck. 1116 The meh! Firemen; or, Stand by-the Ma- fe chin by Howard De Vere. Diamond Seekers; or, Rough- e Carolina Mouniatie RT. “Emme! 1118 The Youn Van Winkle. hed Allan Rat 1119 bes Lost ola aft; or, A Perilous Cruise For a Floating Treasure. . by Roger Starbuck 1120 ee Swift and Spry; or, Three Jolly Pe OFB—=COMICI i ces deans by Sam Smiley sia 1121 The Maa Pioneer's Daughter aS W.Hanshew 1122 gen badline the Young Revenue Cap- Pirate of the Gun-Brig...... by Roger Starbuck ' 1123 Young King Crusoe; or, The Treasure Trove of Falcon dss aa Hook and rece 1117 The Young ing it in t 1126 Billy Button, the Young Pile and Bare- back Rider. A Stora of ene hE win jeu ello; 1127 The Orphans of New eye A Pathetic iss Bron, of a Great, cite Soe Tce aiepe maaan ine tate S. Wood (whe Young American Actor» 1128 onus Pag Perry, the Hero of 1812. An : Excifing Privateer Yarn. by George G. Smal? 1129 Amon; e Fire-Worshipers; or, Two New York ‘oys in Mexico...... by Berton Bertrevy 1130 The Actor’s. Son. A fant hi fee and 4 Triumphs On and Off the S ty = eter} Williams 1131 eee oon Wolf. A Story of Privateering. r eres ee eye ri hee. by George G.Smalk or, The fidden ard slate bias emae's eoaee cow y T. W. Hanshew 1133 Bound Boy Ben; or, Sold Into sage aoe y C. Little 1184 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Electric Ice Sake or, Lost in the Land of ee Snow. Part I by iNoname™ i 1135 Frank Reade, Jn’s @ Ice ‘Boats or, Lost in the Land of Coimisgn mk Part 58 erry eee ye ““Noname 1136 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Electric Gyeiones iOY, eer Thrilling Adventures in No Man's Land. Ant Dt Sodsee usenet oresue rete by “‘Nonaine™ — 1137 Fronk! Reade, Jr.’s Electric Gyclone; or, eres Adventures in No Man’ 8 Land. 1138 Sad seeeln ae Joe, the Old We PRR. y Lieut. , i 1139 Red ight “Dick, the iongineer Prince..... Benes J. Boo! 1140 Adrift in the Tree-Tops....... sk, aioe thee 1141 Lost in peteheec el ae * ser or ae Frozen Pirate... Li Littl 1144 The Young esd msey's Island 1145 “ seis Bob; or, 1149 The Boy weinttits or, young America Russia. . by Capti tain Geo. Granville, C8 1150 ee Boone's Best Shot; or, 'The of the Kentucky Pioneers. . by John Sherm 1151 The Parson’s Boy; or, The Innoce’ es 0: the Family—comic...........+ by 1152 The cole ock of Deadwood. % Sto the id Northwest......... by Geo. 1153 Haney Moline the Young Aap Lh j Story of Heroic Deeds..... Robert le ng 1154 ai ee Xo tes or, orte,. n Wor! 1156 The ‘Silent Bak # Seger 1157 Kit_ ro ne . Little Seout; or, : instant mae sev ecs 1159 The Men in Green.. 1160 Yellowstone Kelly .. 161 fon in Jack aa en... Petes Schoo sae Ventrlloniet) ye “School Serapes or, tthe Re Rackets egune: ee oaniets Part choo 1163 rita Re a mic 1164 Boardine “ feet te cee on as my Qn Shi your address, posta, on ree