Five Cent Wide Awake Library (vol. 2) (1894 01 06)
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TAB YEER, a & 36 Noxry MdormSr., No ¥. PRICE Vol. IT. ‘SSUED WEHEKLY,' 5 CENTS, 3 WOUSEY, in the offihelof the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. O. TP GE». a 4 a a ia) a . ed at a gn aoe hk ee
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THE GALLANT MIDDY. The Callant Middy; _ Captured by Pirates. a “Well—well,” he said, ‘after my express dee sire, this meeting in the grounds is unkind, un- gratefulon your part, Miss Mordaunt. As for you, Mr, Dashwood, it is dishonorable, know- ing x you do that she is the fiancee of another, Nay, but for the letter from your father, who desires that you return to Boston to-morrow,I should feel inclined to expel you from my house.” ‘““Ttis for that reason, my dear doctor,” re- plied Lal, ‘‘that we have both ventured to disobey your orders. You know that Olive and I are old friends, and may never meet again,” ‘* Well—well,” replied the doctor, with af- fected impatience, ‘‘come along, both of you, By RICHARD R. MONTGOMERY. Author of “ Conrado, the Corsair,’ ‘' The Black Flag,” “ Nunez, the Fire Queen,” ‘ Ben Brandt,” Ete. Ete, you are not far off that time now.” ‘CHAPTER I. Laonet DasHwoop, the hero of our story, was a favorite pupil of one Dr, Daverant, a clergyman of limited means, who kept a pri- vate school in a small town some ten miles from Boston. Liouel,or Lal,.as he was familiarly called,was the only child of acaptain in the royal navy, who, with his ship, had: some ten years before the opening of our tale, been lost off the coast of the great island of Madagascar. ships. But tell me, Olive, who is the man to whom your father has promised your hand?’ “Captain -Darlington—a man of good birth, and one of the wealthiest men in the country.” Ah!” said Lal, bitterly, ‘‘and it is you who are talking of pirates! Why, I have heard my step-father say that he made all his wealth by buccaneering!” f “But, dear Lal, why not go and see your mother and step-father, and endeavor by af- fection to persuade them to let you join the navy if you wish, but in an honorable capac- it His mother, Mrs. Dashwood, had married a | ; y.? second time with a Boston merchant. Let us add, that under Captain Dashwood’s will, his widow was left a considerable income, which, in case of Lal’s death before her own, was tobe at her absolute control and disposal. Thus aieerag Opium, a hard, grasping man, regarded our hero, his step-son, with no eat pleasure, feeling that he stood between © inset and a fortune. One bright and glorious summer’s evening Lal might have been seen leaving the academ of Dr, Daverant, and making his way with his head bent forward,as if impatient to meet some person with whomhe had an appointment. Almost forcing his way through a thickly planted maze of shrubbery, the came to a sum- mer house, so tastefully decorated with roses and honeysuckles, it required no stretch of the imagination to liken it to a fairy bower. At all events, something like a fairy was sit- ting within, in the shape of a girl some seven- teen years of age. So intent was the girl with a letter that she observed not our hero, who, with eyes flashing with delight, stood within a yard from where she was sitting. Spier you—that is, if I may judge from your sy thee “Please me!” replied Lal, ‘I should think not! It was from my step-father, Alderman - Opium. What do you think—he actually or- _ ders me to returnto Boston, and take a seat in his office as clerk.” ihr Lal,” replied Olive, coolly, ‘why no! “T sit in a musty old office poring over a lot _ of musty, dirty books! Ill see him in Jericho first! My father was a braveofficer and a gen- _ tleman, and I will follow his profession, and not this musty, fusty old alderman’s. The only thing that makes me dislike going to sea is leavin yon, dear Olive. For don’t you re- member that years ago you promised to be my ‘wife when you were old enough, and you know “That's true, dear Lal, but we were have on your er, and I jpanish Glikzatenes epee ish Main?” shereturned. ‘Shock- eos ing! Surely you would not be- At this moment their conversation was inter- rupted by the barking of a dog outside the summer house, and by the abrupt entrance of a Young neg tO, in evident alarm. “He u! Is that you?” said Lal. “ Not Ju,” replied the black; ‘‘ me Julius Cesar.” Julius was a favorite slave of Lal’s mother, and devoted alike to mother and son; thus Lal was not a little surprised at seeing him there. “Why, what in the name of all that’s gra- cious brings you here, Ju? Nothing the matter with my mother, [ hope?” “ No,” replied Ju, ‘‘nothing matter Missee Opium, but Massa Opium he not well.” “Why, what’s the matter with him?” “Oh, him not ill, but bad at heart. He want to get Massa Lal home, den ship him off to plantation, sc get him away when moder dead.” “T cannot beheve anything so wicked, so hor- rible!” said Olive. ‘It’s all true; ror I tink someting wrong when I see rascal buccaneer br er always wid massa,so I hide in cask in littlestore room, and hear all dey say. Massa Opium offer rascal buccaneer plenty money if he catch Massa Lal on road to Boston, and den put him on board his ship; Den Isay to myself: ‘Dem two dam rascals?” and I go at once and tell lady who has been like a moder to me.” “Ah!” exclaimed Lal, ‘‘what did she say to that pati scheme?” “She only look serious, but say nothing; den she write a letter for you, Massa Lal, and tell me to run all the way, ride, or anything, so I could get to you quick.” ; Impatient] broke the seal. It was to the following effect: * “My Dar Son.—Mr. Opium, I hear, has written to you requesting you to return to Bos- ton to take a seat in his counting-house. Once I rejoiced at the notion, as we would always be near eachy other. Not long since, however, I had reason to doubt whether it wonld be safe either for you or myself. Still more recently my suspicions were confirmed. Thus I ear- nestly entreat you, without mentioning to Dr. Daverant whither you are proceeding, go to m brother—your uncle at Devonport, and ther remain until you hear from me.” - “Now what say you, Olive?’ said Lal. “That itis a most wicked plot for your ruin, and that your mother has acted wisely in giv- ing ‘ou advice.” ‘T should think she had; and I shall act up- on it by quitting the doctor to-morrew. And now, dear Olive, as I may not have another opportunity, give me piey cornet ring you It was an opal in the coils of a snake, the | eyes of ee being small diamonds. a ? \ give you this The dinner-bell has rung once, and as itis a farewell banquet to Mr. Dashwood, we must not spoil it by our tardiness.” CHAPTER II. THE next morning, Lal and Julius Ceesar started from ‘the residence of Dr. Daverant, and shortly afterwards reached the roadside inn at which the coach called. While waiting in the public room, Lal’s at- tention was attracted by the sudden entrance of a person who is destined to play a promi- nent pee in our story. : Tall, nay, almost of gigantic stature, of pro- ortionate bulk, raven-black hair and beard, igh, broad forehead, large features of the Roman cast; he would have been a remarkably handsome man butfor the curl of the lip and sinister expression of the eyes, which bespoke a habit of continual sneering, and the thick lips and heavy jowl, which bespoke sensuality. But what most attracted the attention of our adyenturously-inclined hero, was his col- lar, which was that of a nayal officer of the period. Without the least hesitation, the new-comer entered into conversation with our hero, with- out the formality of an introduction. He soon succeeded in drawing from Lal a portion of his sea-going aspirations, and also that his father had served in the same honorable calling as himself. ““So—so. Then was he?” _ ‘‘He was an officer, a caplet of a king’s ship, sir,” replied the lad, pron y. ; “ And you would doubtless like to follow in his footsteps?” ‘* Nay, 1 said not so,” replied Lal. “T cannot believe it. .Few young men of your build, and I can see, spirit, would refuse the ea ifit were a good one that was offered.” “But however muchI might like to go to sea I cannot, for J am not my own master,” re- plied our hero. “Tndeed,” replied the officer, with his usual sneer; ‘‘ then, at your age, who is?” ‘““My mother; at present,” answered Lal, boldly, for there was more real courage in that reply than if he had refused to acknowledge his mother’s supremacy. ‘‘ Your mother!” sneered the officer; ‘pooh— pooh! at your age I was my own master, chose the sea, went two voyages, and in as many years made a fortune, and still, albeit I am rich, I stick to the sea.” ; A fortune in two years! How hard Lal looked at such an extraordin- ary personage; for had not Olive laughed at him when he told her of his dream of making a your father was a seaman, jpaniards, Sh 7 + Sh Tak 2 ”
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Y * % ?) i “Not so. I am a king’s officer—nay, am | here even now on a particular duty.” THE GALLANT MIDDY. One portion of those near stood silent and motionless; indeed, showing by their counte- “Tam glad to hear that, at all events,” re-|mnances they rather admired the pluck, while plied Lal; “‘ for whatever buccaneers were in the days gone by, now, I know, when taken by the king’s officers they are hanged as pi- rates.” ‘* Ay—ay, perhaps so, ay lad; but many a man does a strange thing he has no intention of “ imen of British pluck, truly!” Away with the mutinous fool! Handcuff ~ 4 and clapa £28 in his mouth. As for the biack, he’ll do fo: sell on the plantation.” Thus handcuffed and closely guarded, they were led down tothe quay, where they found the Sea Dragon's boat waiting, with several men who, like themselves, had been pressed by the brutal lieutenant. ‘Gag that boy and nigger ik they give us another word of their jaw,” cried the lieuten- ant. The hint was enough. : Not another word was spoken till they ¥eached the Sea Dragon. ‘ ¥ If Lal had any®doubt as to his prospects of comfort while afloat with the lieutenant, it was remoyed the moment the boat ted against theship’s side, for unlocking the handcutfts, he ‘said, as savagely as before: “Now then, youngster, Ps the gang way smart, too, or by —— you'll find yourself pro- pelled from behind; and you too, Devilskin, up teh you hall for th ! you brute, you s answer for this F ieretey and ma: Ke atones than you expect!” cried the e rated Lal, as he obeyed. “Golly, yes he shall,” added Ju, as they stood upon the deck. , : “So—so,” returned the lieutenant, who was immediately at their heels, ‘you’ve com- menced mutiny early, my lad. Tl teach you obedience. Yowrea smart colt and must be broken at once. Jones,” added the brute to the boatswain, ‘‘clap this gentleman in the bilboes for a couple of hours. A bucket of water, ‘too, will help to cool him.” : The boatswain and his mate were about to obey the order, but Lal’at once, silly as it was among so many, began to show fight. _ ee Bane off!” he cried. ‘‘I don’t admit your authority, and if I did, ’ve commi no crime, and will not willingly be punished like a thief!” “By ——!” returned the Heutenant, ‘sven come with rage, “this is too good! Look you, ae 7 ike ughty boy.” Se pepaerten treat you like a naughty ae as he spoke, snatching a rattan he struck him across the _ “By Heavent Dll give you better than you sent, rascal, if I’m hanged for it!” cried One blow straight from the shoulder, the enant s' ered backwards, and stumbling ta coil of rope, was upon his back. ‘the ship’s corporal, face r the cuddy, and afterwards to | cab lly, dat one fer him,” cried Ju, grin-| good the others seized both Lal.and Ju. “ Hilloa—hilloa! what’s in the wind now?” eried a good-natured, jolly-looking stout man in undress uniform. “Muntiny, by thunder, Captain Grigg, and set on foot by this young scamp who was only ressed to-day !” replied the lieutenant, adding, ‘he struck me a violent blow. It is death by the articles—death, Captain Grigg. I'll have him put in irons at once.” ‘*Well—well, never mind,” said the gc = natured captain, ‘‘look over it this time to oblige me. We were boys once, and might have done the same thing.” “Golly, dat good; s’pose you’d been cuffed — kicked you’d done same ting, capen,” said u. ‘Who is this black fellow?’ cried the cap- tain, with a look of astonishmeut at the negro’s presumption. ‘‘A nigger pressed at the same time,” replied the lieutenant. J Julius Cesar, slave of Missee Opium, and servant of Massa Lal here, Missee Opium’s son. “Ts it possible?” cried the captain. ‘Tt is, sir,” replied our hero, ‘‘ and this lieu- tenant eb me, if I went tosea in his ship, I should be made an officer.” “And by the beard of old Neptune, you shall, if a behave yourself, for I knew your father! But we must have no more striking superior officers. Now come to my cabin.” ** By Jove, this is Shan, Beton a young mid- pee oe coming up to Lal. ‘I am the only midshipman on board; another is wanted. You are a gentleman,and will do; for I know my father, Captain Grigg, will order you on the quarterdeck.” And so saying, he followed Lal into the in. ‘“T shall not soon forget your kindness, cap- tain,” said Lal, addressing hig commander as he entered the cabin. “Tut—tut! it isfor your father’s sake—my old ee yours. Now what say you, my lad, to a glass of grog, for you are one of my young gentlemen now, and may have one with me—nay, two if you like.” “Jack,” he added, te his son, ‘get the rum decanter.” ‘“‘Now—now, father, please,” replied Jack, coaxingly. “‘ Pardon me, but you have already had more than is good for you.” . “Pardon me, Captain Grigg,” put in Lal, “I never touch Pr a waters.” ‘* Nonsense, i—nonsense! you'll soon get used to them.” “*T hope not, sir-——” 5 : But Jack gave him a wink, and eto d dealt out three glasses of well-watered rum, the cap- tain drank to the health of Lal’s mother and success in life to her son. “ “Tt’s asad pity,” said Jack to Lal, with a sigh as they again appeared together on deck. ‘What's a sad pity?” ; “Why, that he should be so much given td his bottle, for he is a glorious fellow otherwise, and as brave asa lion. But now do you know where we are bound for?” ‘No; how should I?” ‘Well, then, to Corunna to get onr orders from the don, and after that, Heaven knows where.” CHAPTER Mi. THE entrance of our hero upon his forced career was unpromising enough. 3 Yet fortune soon began to smile upon him. fi How long the sunshine lasted we speed- ly see. : It;was strange, almost an impossibility, for such a nature = that of Lieutenant e to change from bad to good, because he was of a vindictive nature, and vindictive people are the same to the end. ‘ Yet so it By Saat for they had not been at sea two days before the lieutenant, upon every possible occasion, sought Lal’s society; nay. was even kind to Julius Cesar, and when ask ‘bluntly the reason, his reply was his admiration of the lad’s pluck, and is desire to keep on ood terms with the captain. : After a quick Toney reached Corunna, and anchored in the bay; there, as we have before ‘said, to await orders. ; 3 E Gas \ re They had been at anchor about a week.” During that time the good-natured Captain Grigg had given both men and officers, by turn, ample liberty leave ashore, not. forgetting to take a fair share for himself. Of course, among the rest, both Lal and Jack had taken their turn; but as there were only two middies on board, and the ship could not be left without one of them at any single time, they had not been able to enjoy the shore-going fun in each other’s company. It was a bright evening in August. The sun was setting with a splendor to be nowhere seen only in the sunny south. The two mids were standing with their arms on. the taffrail. The captain being ashore, taking the extra liberty leave he had granted himself, Ju was sitting on a gun carriage awaiting his return, listening to the lads’ conversation, and@using his ctor of offering interpretation. Re at do you think of yonder craft, Lal?’ said Jack, ‘‘ anchored just in the way of that heavy-hulled Dutchman?’ “Well,” replied Lal, cautiously, “as far as I can judge,she’s English built—in fact,an Eng- lish king’s ship. But what do you take her for?” , “Well, then,” (here he lowered his voice) “either one of the French smugglers we are going in search of, or worse, one of those ras- - Ey. Madagascar pirates.” “Tf you think so why don’t you tell your fa- ther of your suspicions?’ * ‘*Tn the first place, my father is not here to . tell; in the second, my suspicions were only aroused this morning while ashore. But first tell me, is the first luff on board?” ; “No; he went ashore shortly after you and the captain.” ‘** Ah, then,” said Jack, ‘that looks more se- rious still, at least as far as m) icions are concerned. But listen, and ill tell you. Walking through the Plaza Reale, I strolled into a cafe—one of those places, you know, where the lower room is arranged in divisions, the partition being so high as to convert each department almost into a separate room. There were two men in conversation, that was cer- tain. But what they were saying, was any- thing but certain. For a time could not dis- tinguish more than a word now and then. At length, however, by dint of nearly cracking my ears and straining my eyes, I made out: ‘““* Drunken captain, always ashore; or when not drunk, that same ship might be very easily ‘seized by a bold party.’’ ‘ “ Whew!” whistled Lal. ‘It doesn’t sound at all unlike a proposal toset up in. business as pirates ona large scale.” “You are right, Lal, and we must circum- vent them yet.’ “But did you make out the vi of either of the speakers?” vo ‘No, for their voices, like their faces, were muffled; but my opinion is, the en cap- tain is my poor father, the ship the Sea Dragon, and the arch-villain —” ‘The devil, I should think,” said Lal. t Exactly so, old fellow, but who, here on earth alls himbelt Lieutenant Raffle.” "Ss “ Him the bery debil, dat rascal leftenant,” said Ju, adding with the quickness and savage- ness of all Africans, when the jon of re- yvenge is aroused, ‘‘we cut him t directly he comes on board.” “Not bad erect said Lal “Nay, Lo tend plan won't do; mine are only suspicions, we were to attempt that, we should be committing mutiny.” “ Better commit mutiny, as massa midship- man say, den let rascal lieutenant commit mur- — ah der, es steal ship and eberyting,” again inter-— u. ‘ , 2 “No—no; we must wait till my father comes board.” ; 5 = on. board. “Well, perhaps you are right, Jack.” So the conversation midshipmen kept erp Ch emo, rar % oa shes were) brought
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whatever it might be, would not take place that very night. And, somehow, Jack had a notion that it would. What was to be done? Whe could he speak to? For if the first lieu- tenant were really guilty, it was possible other officers might be also, and that would be only making matters worse. _ So, after much cogitation, he resolved to tell his father his suspicions at once before the lieu- tenant returned in on board. Then, followed by Lal, he entered the cap- tain’s cabin. i By this time, and by dint of the assistance of two or three sailors, he had been got to bed, where he = hopelessly drunk and insensible, “Great Heaven, what shall we do to bring him to his senses?” eried r Jack, “Better dash water in ’ims face dan let him be killed in his ted,” said Ju. Acting upon this advice, Jack at once dashed about a pint of cold water in his face. This aroused him, more the indignity than | on d the cold water, perhaps; but lifting himself up, he cried; be hac laerae ag ! pistols!” ‘You are right, father; at least, I think it is so. Come, rouse yourself. I have much to tell you of importance.” «What, you, Jack,” he replied, with a stupid _ Ves—yes. But, for Heaven’s sake, arouse yourself,” But it was useless. He fell back again im- mediately afterwards. His son, however, wasted another hour in his efforts to revive him. >“ Jack,” suddenly said Lal, ‘‘did you hear | that? It sounds to me like the grating of a boat against our side.” “By Heaven! then, there is something wrong.” In another moment, pistol and cutlass in hand, they were on deck. The lieutenant was standing, calmly looking into the water. “Well, young gentlemen,” he asked, calmly, av what brings you on deck so quickly, and armed, too? i He ea Raffle,” replied Jack, “‘ the cap- tain desires to know what boat that is along- side.” : “Tis a lie,” he replied. ‘‘The captain is too drunk to ask any questions.” ange from the boat alongside, a voice cried out: - “Ts your drunken captain on board?” “He is,” replied the lieutenant, And almost simultaneously with the reply, which was the watchword, some thirty or forty well-armed sailors leaped on deck. “Tt is as I thought. Take that, villain!” __ And Jack fired his pistol in his face, but it flashed in the pan. : ‘Lal fired, but with the same effect. ‘Both were now seized and bound. ‘ _ Tt was seen also now that the conspiracy must have been deeply and long made from within the ship; for while the few men 9n deck looked passively on, the rest of the crew were all se- cured under hatches, \ Let us take a view of matters as they stood in the captain’s cabin, : At length, aroused by the scuffle on deck, and | the water together, he stared with astonishment ook at seeing Ri and two other men standing’ b ce = tis Bedside : ee _ “Hallo,” he eried, with a drunken thickness of voice, ‘‘what’s the matter with the ship? - Does she drive? What weather is on?” ri He evidently supposed that there had been a _ storm, and that the ship had been dr#ven from ere, now,” replied Raffle, coolly, ‘don’t d; “listen to the truth, bear it like a you are told, and I will befriend Pas es now . Do you mean mutiny, sir?” THE GALLANT MIDDY. - ve - But no. The dark traitor, knowing the desperate bray- ery of the man, had taken precautions against such a contingency. “Well, listen,” he continued. ‘ You'll soon know all, You must know I am the captain of the ship now, and this is my cabin, so get up and walk out. Iam bound for Madagascar to revenge the injuries the Spaniards have inflict- ed on my countrymen, and to make my own fortune, and the fortunes of the brave fellows who have helped me to treat you to this little surprise.” “Rascal!” cried the captain, ‘‘ get out of my cabin!” : But laughing, the lieutenant grimly said: “Tmean younoharm. If you like to make one of us and turn rebel, I may perhaps in time make you one of my lieutenants; if not, you shall have a boat, and be set on shore as soon as I can have it done.” “Tn the fiend’s name, who are you?” said the ere following the ruffian, as he led the way eck. ‘*Rob the Rover, the terror of the ocean,” was the reply. “Then, look you, Rob, Raffle, or whatever your name may be, I will not budge from this ship without my son and the other young mid- shipman.” “Then have your own way, you driveling old fool. You shall waJk the plank at once, then,” cried Rob the Rover. ‘‘Over with him at once, lads!” “Stay, men,” said Jack; ‘‘ my father knows not what he is saying. Father,” he con- tinued, firmly, ‘‘while there is life there is hope. Get you away from this ship. Better both should be saved than one lost.” “ Now away with you!” shouted Rob, ‘The boat is provisioned, and moreover there are a few firelocks and some ammunition.” So saying, the pirate captain left the waist, and walked to the quarter deck, leaving his or- ders to be carried out by subordinates, the last -order being that the two midshipmen should have their irons removed as soon as the boat left the ship’s side. “Parewell, my good, kind friend,” said Lal; ‘Cand should you ever reach old Boston again, tell my mother I am well; say not where or with whom I am.” “Ay, that I will, lad,” replied the captain, with tears in his eyes. ‘‘ In the meantime, re- member death rather than dishonor.” “Fear not,” cried Jack, shaking his father warmly by the hand, ‘‘ Whatever happens, I shall never dishonor you; so take heart, and the next time we meet, it may be to deal out ven- geance on this scoundrel.” “Under Providence, it may be so. But enough; if we must part, it were better we part at once.” Had Captain Grigg not been of this opinion, it would have mattered little; for the next moment he was hurried over the side by the sailors with whom he was left in charge. ‘It was with tearful eyes that both lads wit- nessed the boat’s departure. Half an hour afterwards, their irons were re- moved, and they were, as far as the ship was concerned, at full liberty. CHAPTER IV. Axovt the middle of the followin: day, the Sea Dragon, now changed to the Buldten eath, no inappropriate name for a_pirate, especially one commanded by Rob the Rover, entered the Mozambique channel. : Suddenly the man at the masthead, cried out ‘asaill? — Re, This ery running through the ship, was heard by Rob and his first lieutenant, a man who had risen from before the mast, and rejoiced in the name of Redfern Dick. j ‘“Why, there are two vessels!” cried Rob, “They are, from their rig, Indian sloops; but no Indian vessels put into that island.” It was on the north-eastern portion of Mada- } are you, and where do you hail from?” “Good!” replied Rob; ‘they will not. long keep to their cables, when we get within range, | Prepare the bow gun!” ‘‘Now, then,” he said about a half an hour afterward, ‘‘wake them up with a shot from the Leah pare The ball whistled across the waters, but there was no answer. ‘* Another,” said Rob, ‘‘ double-shotted.” Still there was no reply. The men were now getting angry—the lieu- tenant equally so. “See, sir,” he said, putting down his glass, “they will escape us. They have slipped their cables!” “The crews may, but the vessels won’t,” re- plied Rob, coolly, ‘‘ Don’t you see they are running in shore.” { ‘“ Well, and what do you make of that?’ re- plied Redfern Dick. “Why?” replied Bob, ‘‘ that they are friends, but mistake us for a king’s ship—that they haye, in fact, run away with the sloops, and now are hiding from Dutch William’s cruisers,” ‘In that case, what will you do?” asked the lieutenant, much chapfallen; ‘‘if the sloops should not, after all, turn out to be prizes?” “Dol why, send a boat ashore, and if [ am right, assure them we are friends, and ask them to join us. Those sloops will be invalu- able in running in shore, as you see now, So mana couple of boats at once; young Grig; will command one, and you take Dosiwoed Wine eat sales tbe ‘Is that safe, begging your pardon, caj tain?’ asked the figatenaite ey (lites 5 ‘Safe, ay. The lads will not part from each f other, and if you should see the slightest inten- ; tion of so doing, senda ball through the at- tempted runaway’s head!” . “No chance of escape this bout,” thought Lal, who very distinctly heard the order given. The boats were speedily lowered and man- ned, each having at its bow a small brass gun. The two sloops, which were anchored iy a ne small cove, seemed deserted; not a soul was to be seen on board. “Tt is of no use overhauling them,” said Red- fern Dick. ‘‘The captain is right; they have run away with those sloops, sold the cargo, and have now run inland, thinking we are king’s men after them. ) “Now, you two named he added, to Lal and J. ack, ‘‘ we'll march into yonder wood, and take care you both stick alongside of me, or Pll blow your brains out, You heard the eaptain’s orders? ign * By Neptune!” he exclained, suddenly, and pointing to a copse with his pistol, ‘‘ there is some skulking scoundrel.” Het He fired as he spoke. There was a slight groan, and a sailor tumbled forward. — \ ‘* So I have winged - you, my mate, have 1?” said Dick, walking up to him. ‘“ But what the devil did se do skulking down there like a_ frightened hare?” ; “Are you not a king’s officer? Is not that a king’s ship? We took if to be the Sea Dragon,” replied the man, very humbly, and terrified from his suspense. -f “That ship was the Sea Dragon, and I was | a king’s officer,” replied Dick, ‘‘ But that ship — is now the Sudden Death, commanded by Bob, the Royer, and I am now his lieutenant. W “rhe sloops are the Firefly and the Wasp, commanded by Captain Dangerfield.” Le “Who, like a gallant fellow,” interrupted Redfern Dick, ‘‘ adopted them with their car- goes in the Indian Ocean, without the owner’s _ permission.” = ; an tia ‘* Right you are, sir,” now replied the man, — with more confidence. ST ae ReAS eins “Very well, then; there is an end of alb palaver. Go back and tell your captain Rob the Rover would like to sai] in his company, — Tell him, also, that to prove it’s all fair and above board, I, with four of my people, all un- armed, will meet him, with as gee his Pens, also unarmed, when he can make short — work of it, and tell me whether we are to take — gascar, the sloops with or without him, and his rev ‘“Then what do you make of them, captain?’ | as friends; for haye them we will!” ts Min Sit sain asked Redfern Dick. f “Nothing as yet,” was the peels ** How- |} ever, see that aay gun is double-shotted, and | pli the men at the posts.” s/s * e lieutenant having obeyed this order, HN nad Ric astth ae ANH ingly buon een through his glass. — eA ea _ ‘“They are both sloops, and both at anchor.”
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eee Ohad ing rascals, all armed to the teeth. ‘Hallo!” cried Redfern. your arms; these fellows mean mischief.” ed, followed by four rough, unkempt-look- t! “Men, look to} THE GALLANT MIDDY. “Now,youngster,” cried Rob, ‘‘have they an- swered our signals?” “The Wasp says,” replied Lal,” she can see the Indian ship rounding yonder small cape, In a minute, however, they threw their arms | and that she andthe Firefly have ordered her upon the grass. and invited the lieutenant and his party to meet them midway. is was speedily agreed to, and Captain Dangerfield, a good-looking young man, and certainly, in appearance, not half the rascal he really was, and Lieutenant Redfern Dick had agreed to terms. Dangerfield, indeed, with his two ships, had agreed to sail in consort and under the com- mand of Rob the Rover. These preliminaries being arranged, Danger- field, with several of his i at once pro- ceeded on board the Sudden Death, to ratify the treaty of joint piracy with Rob. Within a week after falling in with their new consort, they were enabled to set sail together, and ina few days were off the Arabian coast. Captain Dangerfield had imparted informa- tion to Rob that numerous treasure ships were to be met with on that coast. * They were near the mouth of the river Eu- ave when, through the stilled air, there urst upon their ears the dulcet sounds of In- dian music. ““ What have we here. Old Neptune and his court out for a holiday airing?’ asked Lal. ‘Neptune be ‘bothered! But I forget you have not been in the east before,” replied Jack. *+ It is the vesselof some great Indian prince on his way, perhaps, to fetch his bride, for, mark * you, how gaily she is painted and gilt, as well as the silks of colors which decorate her ropes | and sails.” ; _._* Would that we could warn her off, then, if she has treasure on board.” . “Tt is most probable that she has great wealth in gold, silver, precious stones, and si and rare fabries, ’ “Phen Heaven help her owner, if he be on _ board!” replied Lal. She was a very large vessel, and carried ten guns, but of such a caliber that the report, - compared with that of the English ship’s guns, was that of the bark of a lady’s lap-dog to a So that when Rob ordered his guns to firé a command for her to come to; bee k of the : ergud prince by his guns was ridiculed by the ors, | Sag eae at her not. bringing to on the mo- | In ent, Rob at once ran his vessel alongside, and |. oarding commenced. ; ___ Now, although proud, luxurious, and in some instances effeminate, the Mohammedan has ever nah sage ag brave, even heroic in action. ° Hence a bloody confli t ensued, the success ta aps party being for a time doubtful. _ At length, however, numbers won the vic- ; ; edans were defeated, the - Prince Achmet, | ae of the Mogul emperor, with several of his obles, were sent in chains on board the pirate ship, while his numerous slaves and sailors were hurled into the sea, Great was the delight of the pirates on ran- sacking the vessel, for she was literally laden with utensils of gold andsilver, precious stones, ndal*wood, ivory, and rich silks. : ‘The dress alone of Prince Achmet was worth a king’s ransom. ; Greater, however, was Rob the Rover’s de- light when, from’ a wounded slave, he heard at Prince Achmet was then on his way to meet his bride, who, even then, he expected, not be far from the mouth of the Indus, tory. The Mohamm } to heave to.” “By Jove! we are in luck’s way! It is what Lexpected; signal them we shall speedily be alongside,” said Bob, adding to Redfern: “They have my instructions. You take a boat’s crew with two midshipmen, and board her. You know the rest.” “Ay—ay, sir!” returned the pirate lieuten- nt. ‘‘What does he mean by sending us with Red- fern on board?” whispered Jack to Lal. ‘‘Some devil’s trick in that!” : ‘(We shall soon see,” was Lal’s philosophic reply. a —E CHAPTER Vv. eae wasright. hey soon did see, and hear, Os, cen Within an hour they had got within reach of LY ery, eee ne x en came the booming of heavy a “They arein action in earnest; the Mogul fires pluckily,” said Lal. ‘But see,” he continu- ed, ‘‘the Mogul is hauling down her colors, the fire is too heavy for her.” The next minute the Wasp had thrown out her grapnels, and the crew were clambering over the sides of the devoted Indian: “Now, Redfern,” said Rob, ‘‘carry out your order.” : The next moment two boats, each armed with long bow guns, and manned with crews | armed to the teeth, were lowered. © One boat was under command of the boat- swain, and fhe other under Redfern Dick. The boats were soon alongside the Indian Bip, and the crews on : ‘hat a sight presented itself! The long, level deck was strewn with the bodies of slaves. The pirates nad lost no time, for already had they begun to pile their plunder of gold, jewels and precious stones in small heaps, and even to partake of the rich Indian fruits, Nearly one half of the latter portion of the deck was covered with an awning of snowy whiteness, while beneath it reclined a bevy of dusky beauties attired in robes of cashmere and silks, of every hue suitable to the bright sun of dia. One of the ladies, for an Asiatic, was won- derfully fair. She was the daughter of a sovereign of the hill tribe, and her features were of classic mold, regular and exquisitely chiseled. é Well might the captain of the Wasp exci as he entered the tent, and his eyes first light- ed on her: aa prize, by Neptune! ana eote neoke t up to her,and rudel, nd ashe e,he went u er,ani ely elutchin: her beri was stout to kiss it. But daatsng is aside, she exclaimed, with indigna- on: Worthy of an em- that darest touch the hand of Lela, the prin- cess? Away,cowardly, infidel dog! Fearful will be the revenge my husband will take for this insult to his bride!” re find her, we shall make amighty haul. | - rs,” he added to Jack and asp and the Firefly to know out the bearings of the In- y have not, or will et proc to | some gold, which I have brought with me in the boat.’ i “Base slave and sea-robber! who art thou “Tf,” she replied, ‘‘you are not enemies, but friends, why detain him on board that ship?” d ‘Because, to, be plain with you, it isthe will of my captain that you visit your husband,and ara he Seca ds,and looking h ard, asping her hands,and looking heayvenw; pra vertully, she said, Riemer ial _ “Tell me,is what that terribleman says true? is my husband on board that ship?” “Tt is true, lady, that the Prince Achmet,the son of the great Mogul is on board that ship.” “Heaven be praised!” she said. ‘*Then he is still alive. But,” she added, suddenly, ‘‘I see itnow. Youare all sea-robbers. ou have taken him prisoner. But it matters not, I will no longer refuse so that you let me see my be- hr ek beloved. Take me where you will! “‘Now, that’s sensible,” said Dick, returning on board to make preparations for the return of the boats. “Poor lady!” said Jack, as they followed the lieutenant, ‘‘She had no alternative, but she mustbe a = noble creature to prefer the risk of such a des- a pny rather than not see her husband,” replied Lal, adding ina whisper: ‘Iam determined to rescue her, Jack.” alts In a few minutes the princess, with two fe- male attendants, were transferred on board the Sudden Death. : As they reached the deck, Rob the Rover was standing in the midst of some half dozen of his crew, with his arms folded,and his countenance | beaming with malignant satisfaction. ry ‘Which among you ,is commander, of this ship?’ inquired the princess on reaching the _ eck. ; Sit ‘I, at your service, my dark charmer, andI — am very glad to have such a visitor,” replied Rob, Sepping forward, and attempting to take Ne, her hand. ay “Back, rascal!” cried the princess. ‘“Wouldst dare pollute us by a touch? se ‘Now, look you, Captain Rob,” cried Red- fern Dick, roughly, “you ordered me on a spe- cial duty, and J am here to report the result.” ““ Ay—ay} Dick, you are right; while Tam fooling here, Iam forgetting my. Guts: Look! 1 you, youngster,” he added to Lal » ‘take these women below in my cabin, and send the stew- stale tals to attend them, and then return = ere. : mh * Ay—ay, sir,” returned Lal, who nothing loth, conducted the princess and her women be- — low. ey Nees ere “How now, Dick? What prize did yefindon board this princess’ ship?” said Rob, as soon as — the lady had disappeared below with Lal. — sf ‘“ But little did I find, save a few jewels and pt rincess herself, its they have guns and small arms. ‘So far, so good, depo Ay—ay,” rep with a me: grin, “if you can them to trust “Tel peplied en
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inm the _tion, with her face buri _ have been ith hi: ep ebe DI oO THE GALLANT MIDDY. friends of mine, and faithful to your oaths, but it is only while under my eyes, and within reach of my pistols. No—no, friend Dick, we'll fire her magazine—blow her to/atoms.” “What,” cried the lesser rascal, ‘‘ with all her people on board?” «Wes, and why not? You know dead, men tell no tales; alive, they would be dangerous, and an ineumbrance; dead, they, as well as our- selves, will be better off; but now give rest to your jaw taekle, and signal the Wasp tosend and fire the Indian ship’s magazine.” “ Ay—ay,” replied Dick, leaving to obey the order. oF “ Now,” said Rob, aloud, ‘‘ for my dusky Tar- tar.” oa he proceeded down the companion to his cabin. As Rob entered the cabin of the princess, she aa, advanced towards him, exclaiming: eg ere is my prince—my betrothed hus- ae Nay. fear not for his safety,” replied Rob; “he is under the protection of one who will be your friend—your devoted slave.” “You a.friend!” she replied—‘‘you a sea- thief—the murderer of my betrothed husband!” “ Lady,” he replied, ‘it’ is not as you say. Your betrothed is alive, and within a few ards of you. Will you consent, if I set him hee. to share a rover’s life—to become a rover’s bride?” “Never!” she replied. ‘‘I will die a thous- aon deaths rather than accept your execrable offer. “Then, lady,” replied Rob, coolly, ** you love not this prince, who yéu call your betrothed husband.” ; ; ‘Love him, man!” she replied, passionately; “T would die a thousand deaths for him!” “Pardon me, this is not so, lady; for at a sin- gle word you could save his life. The refusal of that word will send him to the sharks.” “That word, man?” she asked, nervously. “Yes,” he replied, “‘to my question. If, apon reaching my island home at Madagascar, | g' ‘you will become my princess—my wife. I will ive you five minutes to decide. Consent, and will, at the nearest point of land, set. the prince on shore, or, if he will it, give him a boat and provisions on the instant of your decision favor.” i « And if I refuse?’ she cried, in agony. “He dies at sunset to-morrow,” replied the pirate, and he abruptly left the cabin. CHAPTER VI. Wuen at the time specified, Rob returned to the cabin, he found the pan i in deep afflic- in her hands. “Now, lady, your decision,” he demanded, sternly. : For minutes the princess bowed her head in her hands in profound thought—grief—then in a tone of the ei i indignation, she replied: “ Cruel man, lam humbled to the dust. It shall be as you desire. Iam your slave for life; for what is the value of my wretched existence te a - the with the life of Achmet, prince of ogul empire? Hindoo widows sacrifice themselves at the tombs of their dead husbands; ean I do less to save the liberty and life of alive nousband?—for husband he is to me in the sight of Allah.” “At length, my beauty,” replied Rob, *‘ you rought to reason. But,” he added, 1 his usual coarseness, ‘‘ attempt no tricks, retract my promise of saving his life.” Confident, however, that with the watch he could keep upon her, the lady would not at- tempt what he called tricks, Rob going on deck he prince brought before him, and once had ‘confronted with the princess. ‘There was a refinement of cruelty even in ;; for he would not permit them to approach other, nor the prince to speak, or at least, incess to hear what he said, for as the for- ke to his beloved, his voice was drowned agony of the lovers would be chronicle a, with @ will therefore onl: The prince called out defiantly to him, threat- ening vengeance. : .“ Begone, dog!” cried Rob, ‘tor I'll fire into you; and thank your lucky stars and aay good nature that I havesaved your miserable life.” “Infidel dog!” exclaimed the princess, who was standing by an opening in the bulwark. ‘Fire upon him at once; like him, I scorn, defy you. If we cannot live, we can, at least, die together. I come, my beloved!” nd to'the astonishment of all around, the next minute she had leaped into the sea. “The she devil! But she shall not escape me,” cried Rob, adding: ‘‘Fifty pieces of eight among the men who bring that woman on board; a hundred if both are brought!” As the reader may imagine, the poor girl had no chance of escape; for in a minute three of the best swimmers in the vessel were in the water, and in a few minutes a boat was manned and lowered. The lady had peaches her betrothed’s boat, and he was attemptifig to lift her in; but, alas! he was too weak, and she was speedily pracped by the sailors, and placed in the boat, while three of the men got into the prince’s boat; one held a’ pistol to his head, while the others rowed back to the ship. With grim satisfaction and fiendish delight, Rob watched the two lovers return to his deck, “Fools!” he exclaimed, ‘‘ Did you expect so easily to baffle Rob the Rover?” “Coward, dog, and thief!” replied the prince. “Would that I had thee alone at the sword’s point for a few moments.” “ Gag the fellow,” said Rob to the boatswain. This was done on the instant. © Turning to the princess, he said: “Girl, you have broken your compact,. Can you guess what will be your punishment?” “Do with meas you will, wretch; the quick- gw er the death, the better.” Go eae I will not that die; the pun ishment would be too easy. You shall be con- fined under lock and key till we land at Mada- ascar; nor dream of escape by suicide; that will be prevented.” “Have you finished, wretch?” she asked with scorn, “No, girl. The first portion of your punish- ment will be to witness that of your would-be husband, when you will learn how Rob the Rover treats those who defy his power.” “Ah!” she exclaimed, now imploringly; “you promised mie his life.” “T will keep my word, ay, to the very letter; ek even to sending him to sea again in a oa ou are, L “Then, even now, wretch that a sickly ean thank you,” she replied, wi smile, ‘Hush, girl,” he replied, savagely. ‘You would thank me more to shoot him through the head. But mark me, however you take the sight, it is I hes who have brought his fate upon him, Hold her by the arms,” he added to two of his men, ‘‘and as you value your lives, see that she neither injures herself nor quits your g ee “What fresh outrage is this?’ she said, as she made a fruitless effort to escape from the men who had now seized her. “Now, lads, look smart there,” continued the villain, disregarding her words; ‘tie the fellow’s hands and feet, into the boat with him, and send him adrift with water and provisions so placed that he can see, smell, but not touch them.” This barbarous sentence sent an involuntary shudder through the frames evenof the crew, villains as they were. ad ;” muttered Lal, through his set Me ‘vou shall pay dearly for this yet, if I ve, As for the lady, for a minute she was speech- less with horror. Then in piteous tones, she exclaimed: “ Shoot him—ghoot him, I pray of you, rath- er than et this, and I will be your willing slave.” ; “Not so—not so, my dusky charmer; it is too late; neither man nor woman shall deceive Rob the Rover twice,” he replied, with a fiend- ish laugh. “ Over with him!” — The order was obeyed on the instant. ; The boat was lowered, cut adrift, and the un fortunate prince left to eee th b em 2 t th ea area ae oh D al FOES 2 neal { him to this horrible fate. Do | th starya- : roiling | thought pilex OL USS ‘ Allah,” she murmur~d, _prayerfull 4 will avenge this foul deed in his oun gens ‘ime. She said no more, but the compressed li the fire in her eyes, bespoke a terrible resolve within her bosom. ‘““There’s mischief in the poor girl’s eyes,” whispered Jack. “Ay,” replied Lal, ‘and I’d willingly give a year or two of my life, for her to have the op- portunity of dealing it out in the proper guar- ter speedily; but see,” he added, ‘* even the vil- _ imse seemso quail a little under their glare. Lal was right, for after rudely staring her in the face for ‘a minute, Rob, with an ironical laugh, said: ““Oh—oh! my dusky charmer, we rovers care but little for the threatening glances from - women’s eyes. Your claws are cut. Now, be- low with hea nor shall you quit your cabin till the end of the voyage. Take her,” he added, to the man who held her, ‘‘ to the small cabin next mine, and tell the stewardess, as she values her neck, to leave her neither by night nor, day till she receives further orders Duw me, CHAPTER VII, Sreapiiy for the next ten days, the pirate ship kept on her course. On the thirteenth they were within a few leagues of the mouth of the Mozambique Channel, and coasting along a large island during the greater part of the day; they came at length to a safe and secluded har- bor on the larboard side of the channel. On either side of this harbor, to the great astonishment of Lal and Jack, was a strong wooden fort, each having a battery of ten ms. The ship being brought to anchor, the was at once served out, and skylarking in toe shape of fiddling, dancing, singing and grog- rerrr) set in, : As if desirous to keep the crew in good hu- mor, Rob himself joined them, and to their surprise, not only joined in their jocularity, but ordered another fouble allewance of grog to be served out. : ney he trebled it, it would not have been re ‘used. : Indeed a regular saturnalia was on the tapis, and long before the order came for putting out the lights, the majority were hopelessly drunk and insensible, { The sober minority, consisting of less than a dozen, had, as we shall see, a good reason for avoiding intoxication. As for our lads, Rob excused either of them from taking charge of the watch. So nothing loth, but sick and weary of the scenes they had witnessed,Jack and Lal retired to their hammocks, and were soon sound asleep. In the course of the night, however, Jack was considerably sarguned on awaking to find Lal close beside his hammock. ‘Hallo! is that you, Lal?’ exclaimed Jack, ‘What's up?” ; é “Hush, Jack; speak only in whispers. Don’t : you hear shy ae There was a slight splashing of the water, as of a boat-being lowered. ; Then a grating of some heavy substance against the side. “ Queer—in the middle of the night, too. What's afloat, Lal?” said Jack. “Pretty plain, I think,” replied Lal. skipper is bolting with the treasure chest, and © that’s the reason he wouldn’t go ashore in the — day time, and made the men drunk at night. -— Well, it don’t: concern us: the morning find us with winning cards in our hands; bu listen, they are safely off.” a‘ s ‘And distinctly théy could hear the sound o muffled oars—nay, through the porthole, per- aig the starlight, the long boat making for e shore, : ee Robis not with the party,” said_ such a fool as own keeping. _ “ T wonder princess with him “Great Heave: 156 3 to trust such treasure cut 0: never iy or the : “Think it not, Jack,” replied Lal; “he’s mot may eat (Heng ae * AJ
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THE GALLANT MIDDY. . ee The ship soar fe 9 the night had changed its penne, soas to bringit in range of the guns longing to the forts on shore: As for the Jads, the earliest moment they ‘Hem! [believe you, Ju. Then wearetobe| ‘Give me — word of honor, each of you taken ashore?” sai : that you will keep silence on the one point, and “Goashore!” repeated Ju. ‘‘Ess; den I help | you s! have your side-arms and pistols, and you, ’cos I shall know all *bout where lily Missee treated every way as free men.” could make their appearance without exciting ‘incess is gone.” ‘ “Then, we agree!” both replied. Suspicion, they were on deck. “But how will going ashore help your know-| And in a few minutes, Lal and Jack stood on urning with anxiety, Lal descended the ledge, Ju?” the quarter-deck free men. d companion way leading tothe captain’s cabin, and confident in his suspicions, opened the door. c It was tenantiless. He then sought the stewardess. She, too, was absent. His worst suspicions were confirmed, ' Forgetting prudence in his indignation, he made his way to the quarterdeck, where he found Redfern standing alone, with his arms’ folded and gazing upon the fort. — ‘Touching Dick upon the shoulder, Lal said: ‘* Lieutenant Redfern, I have a favor to ask of you. I wishleave to goon shore.” “Go ashore—go ashore,” said Dick, as if = gered with astonishment. ‘ Why, what do you want to go ashore for?” ‘«That’s neither here nor there,” replied Lal. “T want leave to go ashore, and if you don’t give it me, Pll swim for it.” : ae don’t you ask the captain?” sneered ick. “You know well enough he’s not aboard,” was Lal’sreply. ‘‘I know that Rob, true to his name, has taken the treasure chests ashore, and that he made the crew drunk that he might do so without their knowledge. I know also,” continued Lal, ‘that the villain has taken the rincess ashore.” “Tl stop your jaw tackle,” replied Dick and giving orders to a couple of the men was immediately seized, taken below and put in irons. “ And you, too,” said Dick, turning fiercely én Jack, “saw what the other young black- guard says hesaw?” : “Tf you mean Rob leaving the ship with the treasure and the princess, yes,” replied Jack, When the men returned again upon deck, Dick cried: ‘Here, take this mutinous youngster, and tar him with the same brush as the other. Jack was immediately hurried below, and sulkily submitting to the anklets and handcuffs, was securely fastened to the cabin wall along- side of his brother midshipman. “Isn’b this lucky,” said Jack, when they Cos,” replied Ju, ‘1 save Captain Rob’slife| By Dick’s permission, the lads were allowed from a big rogue like himself.” access to the arms-chest, and each secretly tak- “You saved his life?’ said Lal; ‘‘then, you | ing a double allowance of small arms, one of vagabond, you deserve to lose your own for | which they concealed in their jacket pockets, your pains!” returned to the lieutenant for further orders. Se og: Captain Rob had_ been killed,” re-| Accompanied by Ju and Redfern Dick, the plied Ju, coolly, ‘‘then none know where prin- | two lads entered the boat alongside, and were cess is, and Captain Rob would have died likea | pulled towards the shore. Sener and not be hung up on hooks likea | The nearer they apppoached the land, the sea thief, as he is.” closer became the lads, examination of the two . ‘Well, Ju, there issome reason in that; but | forts. z : how came it about that you could save his| A proaching the landing-place, they observ- life?” ed two boats under charge of a couple of hang- “When we land,” continued Ju, ‘officer and | dog looking ruffians, armed to the teeth. men come out from fort,and treat CaptainRob| ‘The beats of the Wasp and Firefly,” said like great king, fire guns, and kick up great bees “Derk and Jenks have then landed.” hullaballoo, as if bery. glad to see ; but| ‘You are right,” replied Lal, ‘‘ and they are when they found Robwas going to send the | moored so that the guns at the fort could sink chests up the country somewhere, then officer | them in a minute.” and Rob come to big words. Officer placed his | _‘‘ What’s up now?” said Jack, after landing, istol in Rob’s face, and fired; but not before I | as he pointed to a large, clear space behind the time to knock his pistol out of his hand.” | forts. : ‘Did the officer escape?” asked Lal. The scene; indeed, was sufficient to attract “Golly, no; Rob shot him through the head. | attention. met And then the men no more grumble, but let} Arranged in line between the batteries were him do what he like, and Rob give me gold and | two hundred men. all of whom they recognized say Ishall be with him always. _ So great ras- | as‘belonging to Rob’sship. : cal, great fool, too, ’cos he tink Isave his life| Upon the side furthermost from the sea) once, I save it aie not tink I save his life | stood in line some fifty savage-looking ruffians, from rascal pirate like himself, so dat honest | each armed alike with a brace of pistols, a cut- man hang him by-and-by. lass, and a long knife. FS “Golly, Massa Lal, dey better look out for| ‘ By Heavens, Lal!” said Jack, ‘‘this must squalls if dey want to get much out of de chests | be Rob’s body-guard. : Rob’s got in his keeping.” “iss, Massa coe said Ju, coming up to “T don’t think they have much to fear,” said | them, ‘Dem r is Cap’en Rob’s friends. __ Lal. “He wouldn’tdare to rob them’ of their | Dey man de forts when’ he’s cruisin; , and it fair share.” was their capen who tried to kill Rob. " “Don’t know so much *bout dat,” replied Ju;| On one side, nearest the and inrangeof | ““%eos you see, Massa Lal, when Cap’en Rob | the guns of the fort, stood about phi a men done speaking to Massa Redfern Dick bout you | drawn from the crews of the Wasp and Firejly. he muster crew, and tell ’em dey may all haye| In the centerof the square formed by the ; liberty leave, but dey must muster in full to- | men stood the captains of the two vessels, con- morrow, ’cos rascal says in words: fronted by Rob. ; ““*My men, Ihave reason to believe there are |._ ‘‘ So, Agee nap and brother captains,” said some among us who, instead of delivering up | Rob, with mock politeness, ‘’I ere rae wel- | pies they he beet 2 a as ch be fairly david: come na bo, gee see igen bf io you : ; among us ave hidden them, agreed to sail under the to) e Rover, were left alone, ‘‘that the lieutenant has been | “ay ae palaver,” continued Ju, “there was | both you and your companions took the oath fool enough wo lodge: us together. be chained | uch hallabaloo; all rascals cry: ‘Hurrah for | to abide by our laws, or pay the penalty.” wt What luck?” returned 3 “to be chained |};ave Capen Rob, and death to the sneaks!” “We did,” said the captains, at the same __ like two wild beasts ina cage, only to grin at| “ ‘Bink to murder us in our sleep,” said | feared the impetuosity of Lal’stemper, “when | nothing but ballast. She had been boarded be- ack. ‘© ashore, Lal, hold ’im candle to de | fore by some crew in the same trade as our- As the door opened, it disclosed by the light | debil, else get a bullet through ’im head before | selves, and her gold chests emptied.” ee of a bull’s-eye lantern the form of a negro. time to get away from rascal pirates.” Hold, there liar!” cried Rob, ‘and let an “Julius Ceasar, by all that’s gracious?” ex-| ‘‘Neyer fear, old Ju, ll begin at once to pre- | honester man than yourself answer for you.” claimed Lal, with a laugh. ‘““Why,what brings tock of patience and forbearance.” Then looking towards Derk and Jenks’ own you here at this time of night? And where —ess,” replied Ju, dubiously, as he arose | men, he shouted: 5k ‘ ave you hidden yourself all this time?” “Come, forth, Dick Roberts!” to quitthe cabin. “Massa Lal mean well, and 5 : ‘ believe him got a lot of patience in him inside, his lantern, and seating himself between the’ but directly open *im mouth, it go off like gun- two_boys, ‘and I will tell you all about it.” powder, with a great noise.” “Fire away!” replied Lal; ‘only tell what|” Sosaying, Ju glided from the cabin as noise- help ou can give us?” lessly as he had entered, taking care to careful- ly lock the door after him. “Speak low,” said Ju, closing the shade of “Dick Roberts!” exclaimed Derk. “The villain! I ordered him to remain on board the eee . 4 ‘*Ay—ay, Master Derk, Dick Roberts!” re- poe a young man, stepping forward, “Dick oberts it is, and didn’t I promise ye, wh you Hosged me, that my turn would come som: day? It’s come now, sooner than I expected.” “Takethat, you infernal lubber!” replie enraged Derk. rae And in an instant a bullet whistled past the sa Donw thelr teeth, lads!” cried” Rab “ Draw their cri And before Derk or Jenks cot : 2 CHAPTER VIII. Apovut an hour after sunrise, Redfern Dick ees the cabin accompanied by the ship’s smithy Did you not also go?’ “Hss—ess, both c'rect. Missee Princess go—I g0, too.” : ‘Where is the lady now? Is she in the fort?” — as! z d a ewhere.” __ ; ! cried Lal; “why did you not | ed Lal. t her?” | Within a Lal; but s’pose not too e Princess out when w
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THE GALLANT MIDDY. A bloody conflict ensued, the success of either party being for awhile doubtful. raises a murmur of objection to this sentence, shall share with them their fate! Tell off a firing party, and away with them at once to the fort!” On the instant, the ever-ready Redfern Dick told off the firing party, and with these choice rascals—for they were chosen from Rob's body- guard—-the two captains disappeared. Never was so murderous a decision received with such silence. Awe-stricken, bewildered, they stared at each other, as if not believing in the ibility of the sentence being carried into effect, till the sharp cracking of muskets proclaimed the truth. Then, as if aroused from a trance, came a low murmured grewl, or groan of horror, chiefly from among the crews of the Waspand Fire/ly, of course. With a ready wit—for desperate as Rob was, he dare not excite too far men upon whom he must hereafter depend so much for his success— he cried. in a stentorian voice ‘*My lads, and you men of the Wasp and Fireflu especially, you have seen how I punish treachery: beware you bring not the same fate upon, yourselves. These two traitors would have caused the death or capture of you all, for, had they succeeded in obtaining a share of the wealth we have upon this island, it was their plan to part company with us at once, and sail for the plantations of Jamaica. Having reached there shee would, with alarge portion of their wealth, ave purchased free rdon for themselves, leaving you to your ates. By their death, I have secured the safety of us all, and you shall have the whole of their rich prize iene Fe a and that, too, shared y- without distinction of ranks, for my- a sat, I will not accepta dollar of it. AU I ask - in return is fidelity to your flag.” __ If by the murder of the two captains, Rob, fora few minutes, lost bg) Soearch thie appeal to the men’s avarice, and his artful declaration of self-denial were repaid with immense interest, for Captain Rob. ; - To return to Lal and Jack, who had witness- ed, with silent horror and disgust, the whole scene, Rob sent them to the apres Sapes for them while ashore (one of .the small huts), simply with a caution, and a threat incase the should not be to the fore on the instant of his sending for them. CHAPTER IX. For nearly a week Lal and Jack had been kept in close confinement, and in entire igno- rance in regard to Rob’s future intentions. One morning they were somewhat surprised by a visit from him, accompanied by two armed ruffians. _ Rob approached them good-naturedly, say- ing: } “Now look, youngsters, I would be your friend. To come to business at once, I am about sailing with Wasp, Firefly and Sud- dew Death on an expedition to Johanna, to help the queen against her enemy, the king of Mohilla. Now, although I have plenty of men, I want officers, and if you will take the rover’s oath and join me, there will be wealth and fame to be gained.” “ And if we refuse your offer?” “Close imprisonment during my absence from the island, and death by torture on my return, if I find you have not changed your mind,” was the stern reply. * Tf it be the deyil himself to whom you leave us in charge, it will not alter our resolution. Death before the life of a pirate,” replied Lal. * We will see, my young bantam,” Rob an- swered, ‘ Then'to one of the men he said: pe hither Gaspard, the one-eyed half- ‘a, Aw the ed 2 i hae of this man the boys premied Bee eir pepe Hliog alah he tall, of good figure, not absolu u as far as features went: but he had bu ee Moaetd eye, which seemed out of place, and shoul have been in the middle of his forehead, “‘Gaspard, my friend,” said Rob, ‘‘I leave these mutinous scoundrels in your charge, and as you value life, see that they escape not from the island. If they attempt an escape, shoot them as you would rats.” : “Brave commodore—kind master!” replied the fawning wretch, ‘I am your slave.” ** Now, lads)” cried Rob, addressing his two followers, ‘‘clap on their irons and remain with them till Gaspard leads them to our strong- hold in the morning.” } The lads submitted in silence, rejoicing, how- ever, that they were not to be parted from each other. Alas! for that poor consolation; for, as Rob quitted the hut, he added: “* And look you, Gaspard, after this night see that they have no opportunity of “holding speech with each other.” Literally Gaspard kept his word, for the next morning, having supplied them with a meal of bread and French wine, he ordered them to fol- low him; then Racine Lal between himself and one of the men, and Jack ina similar position tween two others, they began their march. heir dreary road lay through a gloomy and almost primeval forest during the whole day, ‘and arriving ata certain point, Gaspard blind folded Lal, By this process Lal concluded they were ap- proaching the stronghold itself. He was right. They were entering the path that led to the hold. Ttwas so narrow that but one person could pass at a time, and was con- trived in so intricate a manner as to forma perfect labyrinth. Gaspard led the way, dragging Lal by the handcuffs, and soon arrived at the gate of the - stronghold. Now he wasled across what he thought to, be a courtyard, paved with wood instead of stone, until again coming to a halt, Gaspard said: ‘* Lift! your lazy legs, eA you will come to grief with your shins.” Lal found he was ascending a piel of steps. ~~ Reaching the top of these, he hear if produced by lifting a vertical door or shut- - ter. - : i i ayer a ti ere ee eae oungster, or maybe asound as” -
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t THE GALLANT MIDDY. Being thrust through this opening, he heard the door fall with a heavy crash behind him, and the bandage was removed from his eyes. But to what purpose? for he could not see, as all around was total darkness. ‘“Now you shall see where you are,” said Gaspard. As he spoke, by means of flint and steel, he struck a light, and lighted a small oi] lamp, the Farid flame from which yzave just enough light +> make darkness visible, and Lal almost be- lieved that utter darkness would have been preferable to the sight of that long, irregular ty-shaped, and gloomy room or cave, whatever sb might be, and the nooks, and niches, and grevices he could just discern in different rts. PeThe wretch dragged, rather than led him, to one of the niches to which we have alluded, when, to his horror, he saw me the earth, but with chains around its ankle-bones, the skel- eton of a man. “Devil, enough of this, or, handcuffed as I am, I will fell you to the earth.” “Ho—ho! and I would shoot you through the head—it is Rob’s orders; but no, I would not let you slip out of the world so easily; like the wretch there, you should be starved to death and fed to the rats. Ho—ho! they’d soon pick your bones clean. Now you shall have food.” ‘ The half-caste souna asilver whistle,and the pirate who had acted as_he other of his guards. stepped into the place with aflagon of wine an some provisions. : The man, whom Gasparc addressed as Ger- ard, placed the refreshmenv= on the floor and withdrew. - Gaspard then said: “You shall be relieved of your bracelets,” and at once removed his handufts, | While doing so, Gaspard’s svil eye lighted upon the et ring upon lal’s ‘inger—the ring given to him at their parting by his first and only love, Olive. — “You must ae me that ring, it’s hy prize,” demanded Gasp: it 4 “ Stand back, villain,” she cried, “or Twill fire!” With this he grasped at Lal’s hand, but La) gave him a blow on his one eye that sent him reeling—nay, almost stunned him, and follow- nF up his success, snatched a pistol from his alt. “Now move another step towards me, and you die!” cried Lal. * Asif conscious of his helpless position, still with the expression of a m an on his face he exclaimed: “English dog! you shall die for this yet.” “ Repeat that threat,” cried the now enraged Lal, ‘‘and let the consequences be what they may, I will shoot you where you stand!” At this, with a low growl like a baffled beast of prey, he slunk backwards and blew his whistle, the door flew up, and he disappeared. The ruffian gone, Lal had time to think of the possible consequences to himself of the fracas, In such suspense Lal passed many days, his food being brought at regular intervals by the same man, who would, after the first visit, come and depart without a word. To relieve the monotony of his confinement, Lal would, after the first few days, pace up and down his prison, examining as well as he could by the wretchedly dim light of his little lamp, the various nooks and crevices, with a faint hope of discovering some aperture by means of which he might escape, But escape—no, he dared not think of escap- ing until he had discovered the whereabouts of Jack, who, in all probability, was confined in some similar dungeon. Then the princess,where was she? | Not far, he felt certain. With such like speculations did he occupy his mind, and at length resolved up- on still more carefully: examining his prison. There was only one spot he had not hitherto examined, and that from sheer horror; for it was the niche in which he had seen the skeleton, At length, however, he resolved upon explor- ing even that niche. ; e did, and stumbled over the bones, and fell face forward. t But the next instant Lal was on his feet again, + He was seiced to find a small cavernous hele, through which the i dimly entered from above. So, entering the cavern, he pro- ceeded along, feeling his way, and at length placed his hand upon’'a spot, which from the coldness of its touch, seemed iron. Surely it must be a door. If so, perhaps the entrance to. a chamber or another cavern, which in turn might lead to the ramparts or the woods, Pushing ahs he found himself in a lar, chamber, dimly lighted by two windows. He looked out, and found that the room was some twenty feet from the ground below. f However, there was a tree within reach, and that would serve him in place of a ladder, which the pirates on their qnitting had not failed to remove, Tn one corner of the room he discovered, an old chest, in which he found a pistol, a fowling piece anda small quantity of ammunition. They had evidently been forgotten bY the pi- rates; he could now fight for his life,if he could not escape before it was attempted. , Then determining to run all, risks, Lal, tak- ing hold of a branch of the tree to which we have alluded,swung himself to another branch, and took breathing time near the trunk. As he did so, he heard the sound of footsteps, and alsd the growling of a dog, and immediate- ly afterwards one passed by the base of the tree with a couple of leather pannier-like bags slung across his back, and followed by the one- eyed half-caste, Gaspard. t The dog led the way into the labyrinth. “Maybe he is carrying food to the princess j or poor Jack,” thought Lal. tain my end by fol nde IP and suiting the action to the word, he at once descended the tree, and having looked well to the priming of his pistol, followed Gaspardand: the fog at such a disteties as not to attractob- servation. aaa, The sea was in the distance, but between him _ “Tf so, I shall ob- — so follow I will,” , and the beating waves stretched a patch of naked sand, broken by heaps of stones. > _ “A cemetety, by, Jupiter!” exclaimed De",
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10 THE GALLANT MIDDY. eeu, for beneath each heap there lay, doubtless, the body of a pirate. ‘Now what could have brought the rascally half-caste to a place like this?” thought Lal, as concealing himself he waited the return of the pirate and his doe. In the course of an hour or so he saw them | returning, and now both dog and man seemed laden—at least the a were swollen out, and the half-caste himself carried another slung across his back, When they were well out of sight, Lal emerged from his concealment, and proceeded in the direction of the cemetery, where, after satisfying himself that he was unobserved, he began a close examination of the stone heaps. me of these was in the form of a cross. He began to remove the stones, taking care, however, to mark their relative positions, so that he might replace them exactly. One half hour at this employment, and he exclaimed with surprise. ge Oh—ho, my fine fellow, I beginto smell a i. ae had, in truth, come to a couple of bar- rels. The lid of one of them he lifted, and the se- eret of Gaspard’s visit was out. They contained qovel small utensils and ornaments of gold and silver. All plunder taken by the pirates, and by them placed there, probably, only for a time. ' ; Lal carefully replaced the stones, and taking up eae was about to return, but as he ‘re- entered tha thicket, he was startled at seeing in the pathway other footprints than his own, and recently made, too. So, looking again at the priming of his gun, he entered, but had not advanced a dozen yards he caught tha sound of a rustling in the 11S There waz no mistake, neither could it be a wild animal; of that he was certain, which be- hooved him now to be more ‘than ever upon his guard. ‘By Jupiter!” he muttered, “ this won’t do; better get shot at once than bear this suspense: I must find out who this fellow is, and what he wants. (would fire into that bush at once: but after all it may not be either of the vil- Jains, Gaspard or Gerard, but some poor beg- gar of a prowling native.” Walking forward. a few yards, the path turned, arid he found himself in a small cleared space of ground, and his suspense was at end. for within hearing distance he saw the | pirate Gerard coming towards him. At once he brought his gun te his shoulder. Gerard halted, and with something like a smile, an? in a friendly tone, cried out: * Belay there, youngster; you've got away from your moorings somehow, but the devil 4 reason is that I should shoot you, or you me. The tone, the manner was friendly, at least for the man, ‘‘Why, therefore,” thought Lal, ‘should I shoot him? for after all, h« may not know of my discovery of the hidden treasure,and if not, can have no motive in killing me.” But at the same time he noticed that the fel- tow had a long knife in his belt, and a terrible looking hatchet in his right hand, the sight of which mada him nervous. In this quandary, Jack determined to give him achance of showing his real intention, and this he did by a neat little ruse. - ] Falling a little backwards so as to get under Ne cover of the thicket, he drew out the ramrod of his gunas if to feel that the ball was well down; but instead of returning it again, kept itin his hand, and without Jetting Gerard see it, got out - a handful of powder. He then fell still further backwards, and fired at a large bird which at the time was fly- |: _ ing over, butninstantly passing his hand over the muzzle of the gun, drop ip the powder and ran the ramrod down the gun. _ _Nosooner did the wretch hear the report, than, hatchet in hand, and with the gesture and savage aspect of a devil, ha leaped rather sd . than ran forward, _ : g : * Halt, villain, or I'l) blow ag brains out!” bri ; ‘his shoulder. How long he remained senseless he knew not, but aca tan he found himself stretchedupon the earth, with his head upon the knees of some person, who at the same time was chafing his temple with some kind of spirits. \That person was no other than his friend. Jack,” he exclaimed, A here!” “Rather lucky for you, old fellow, that I am. and that I arrived in the nick of time. Bw look there.” Jack, as he spoke, pointed to the dead body of the pirate Gerard, which was a yard or two distant. “Then,” said Lal, ‘‘ I killed the fellow?” “Phe devil a bit, Lal. Your ramrod missed its aim, and the fellow’s hatchet would have split your head in twain, had not a bullet from my pistol entered his brain almost, at the same instant that you fired.” “But how came Ito be stunned and lying here?” “That’s easily enough accounted for. The brute’s hatchet, pate. from his hand, strudk you in the temple, and luckily again for you was it thatit was the wood and not the steel that struck you. But now,” he added, “‘ let’s bury this fellow’s carcass, and clear out of this as soon as possible, or maybe the one-eyed half-caste, with some of his crew (for there’s more than enough for you and I left in the island), will be upon us.” “The murdering wretch should be left for the jackals. He deserves no burial.” “Mut—tut, Lal,” replied Jack, impatiently. ‘“The man’s dead, and he deserved his death; but, lodk you, if his body is found above ground within the next few hours, that one-eyed half- caste, Gaspard, will be close upon our track. Already he may have missed him, for this Gerard was, if not one of his partners, one of his pets.” This reasoning being conclusive, by the aid of the would-be assassin’s own hatchet, a grave was ang in the sand by the lads, and the ody interred, CHAPTER X. . By nightfall the lads had made their way to the sea shore. Jack informed his friend that, since they had parted, he succeeded in making a complete cir- cuit of the island, but reserved for a more fit- ting opportunity the relation of his adyen- S. ures, They halted for the night by the mouth of a smal) river. “ Does this run through the island?” asked » “T think not; but we shall know more about it by this time to-morrow, for we shall have to paddle along its surface for some leagues or so. 1 ‘‘ How along itssurface; where is our boat?” ** Upon the other side of yonder hillock, and near the water’s edge,” replied Jack. And upon reaching the other side of the mound to which his friend had pointed, another surprise awaited Lal in the shape of a large boat turned keel uppermost. “ By Jupiter! you area wizard to have discov- ered so much in so short a time,” cried the de- lighted Lal. 4 * Nothing of the kind, old boys nought but an escaped prisoner; but that belongs to the yarn I have tospin hereafter; but now let’s to roost, and put our heads under our wings.” ‘ But the roosting-place,” said Lal. “ Let’s lift up the boat and see.” So saying, Jack lifted the boat over, and ex- hibited a couple of thick, warm blankets. “By Heaven! this 7s wonderful,” cried Lal; “tnow fora fire.” To gather the materials and kindle a fire was the work of nearly an hour, and by the side of that the lads lay down to sleep. “ Hilloa!” eriéd Lal, as starting up the next morning and el 5 his eyes, he saw the smoldering embers of their last evening’s fire at their feet, and by the purple light which had just begun to appear in the east, saw the dark, overshadowing masses of trees on one side, and f ry i In ten minutes the boat was launched and they were afloat. After pulling some distance up the river, the banks gradually narrowed, and turning into a small outlet, Jack said: “ Here’s something I want to show you, Lal.” The channel was not more than ten feet wide, and ran between a lofty islet and the lofty bank of rock which arose almost perpendicularly from the water to a hight of seventy feet. ‘Some distance above,” continued Jack, ‘‘is one of the jolliest caves you can imagine, and I - don’t think that anybody,except Rob ever looks into it.” : ‘How, in the name of Heaven, did you man- age to discover it?” said Lal, looking above in- eredulously. “That's not to be told yet, i?s part of m eu but Pl tell you what V’ll do if you fol- ow—l’ll show you the way to it.” . And suiting the action to the word, Jack stop- ped and fastened the boat. The lads then commenced to climb up the face of the rock, by means of jutting points, until they reached a ledge which led into’a large, irregular apartment. e dim light prevented them from seeing the vastness of its size. ¥ ‘“ A stunning hiding-place!” said Lal; “what a pity we can’t get a light.” F “That’s a bore; but never mind,” replied. Jack; ‘‘tet’s keep along side this wall, and feel. our way. Youarein search of the princess, and you know, Lal, ‘Faint heart never won tair lady.’” : “Come, Jack, no more of that, or it ma ee of our friendship,” replied re tily. But Jack answered not; for by the aid of the trifling light afforded by the opening into the cave, he had begun to grope his way along. A few yards more, and the wall curving, the light was of no avail. ; So in utter darkness they proceeded, the wall now being damp and slimy, and every now and then their hands lighting upon a cold, clammy lizard. Advancing still further into the darkness, a lmge bat would suddenly flop against their heads, nearly stunning them (for, be it remem- bered, the bats of Africa are giants by com- — on with the mere winged mice of Eng- and). ‘‘Hilloa, Jack!” cried Lal, as one of these creatures struck him; ‘‘these devils are fitting’ natives of the land which harbors Rob and his companions.” } “Poo good—too good for ’em, Lal; the creat- ures are winged angels to the rascals, and have more right here than we have.” There was just enough light to make darkness _ visible, or little more, for they could see that they were in a kind of conical or domed natural chamber, the floor of which resembled thick mud, and the walls and roof covered with creep- ing reptiles. * . ‘Now,” said Lal, “what is to be our next move?” a “Hush!” replied Jack, “listen! Can’t you hear something like the moan or groan of a human. being?’ é : Lal listened for a minute, i “AY, by Heaven! you are right, Jack,” he said, “and your discovery is coming. I hearit— distinctly. Moreover, look ahead; there is a light shining pie de some crevice.” ‘You are right, Lal, and that crevice is from a door that opens into another cavern, or & — chamber of some kind.” oe oan Feeling his way by the wall, till he cameto where the light shone, he cried, with joy: “Tt is a door—it is a door; an iron one, too, by its coldness.” a Ra iigtoe >. “But what use tous is finding the door, if we can’t open it?’ said Lal, despondingly. = Jack, however, ranning his hand up and down. the door patiently, at length exclaimed: — y “Who shall say patience is not its own re- ward?’ Whoever is the custodian of this place, has left the key in the door.” Py “ The Bag proof, we have had our pains and trouble for nothing, and that there is noth- ing beyond it.” . SS oft aN 8 fee ee ‘Avast there, messmate! Ihave heard too — many human groans in my little time to be mistaken in the sound,” replied Jack, due And searcely had he spoken when, the lock eis 2 | yielding to the rusty key, the door ‘rolled back: bapod ies ings Ne Ae [as teehee _ “Debil! rascal pirate! you nigh starv matey we
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‘ - said’ death! You dare not kill oder way for fear of Commodore Rob!” cried a faint voice. “Julius Cesar, by all that’s gracious! You are right after all, Jack,” said Lal. “Yes, it is poor, dear old Ju!” Jack ex- claimed. And before another word was spoken, they had severed the cords by which the poor fel- low’s wrists were bound together, and the rope by which he was secured to the wall. Poor Ju had been kept in close confinement im this miserable den ever since the departure of Rob the Rover on his expedition to assist the Queen of Johanna, “Tell me, Ju,” said Lal, impatiently. “Do you know where the princess is confined?” “Golly, Massa Lal, I don’t know; for Rob, at the last moment before leaving the island changed his mind about leaving her here, an take her with him ’board de Sudden Death.” “The poor girl at sea with that villain, Rob!” moaned Lal. ‘Then vain has been my sol- emn promise to rescue her.” “ Come—come,” interposed Jack, ‘“‘ no time for sentiment. We must away before any of the ruffians return.” So saying, and taking a lamp which he found in a corner, all three made the best of their way from thd cave. Reaching the boat, with all possible despatch, they immediately embarked. ~ But a sudden and violent storm coming on, “they were obliged to seek shelter on a densely: wooded island, a few miles distant below the cave. j Having hauled their boat well up on the bank into a dense,undergrowth of bushes, they were fortunate enough to find a deep recess among the rocks, where, by aid of their sail, which they converted into a temporary tent, they found themselves comparatively secure, before the storm burst upon them in all its bab ray fury. y nightfall the storm had cleared off, but it was deemed prudent to remain upon the island until the following morning. ' As the island abounded in bananas and plan- ,tains, they found no difficulty in laying in a plentiful supply. gee cage and wild pigs were also plentiful, and by a few well-directed » shots they not only supplied themselves with a bountifu i supper, but were enabled to stock the lockers of boat with a large surplus for future use. _ When they awoke next morning, the sun was just streaking the horizon. : Ju now had secured two trunks of small trees which he knew to have a buoyant property. . LasHing these to the side of ‘the boat, to act as floats, and to prevent them from being over- turned by any sudden flaw of the avind, they hoisted sail, and in an hour or two, were re- joiced to find themselves at the mouth of the river, with the open sea before them. Out at sea, their frail boat seemed scarce a speck upon the broad bosom of the ocean. As evening was setting in on their third day afloat, Jack cried out, joyfully: ‘A sail—a sail ahead!” And stripping off his red shirt, he hoisted it on an oar as a signal. For a long time they waited in dread sus- eir oo Ca ep there came across the waters the of what a gun. ! that’s to tell us she has made us fF) ay ian Jack, ‘Hurrah! I ery, too, for she is bearing down upon us. Now for a long pull, and a strong mall to meet her, be it for Basar or for worse, ; “we can’t be worse off than we are resent.” ; i n less than an hour at Mo-| brought out in full relief by the rays of the Hee i THE GALLANT °MIDDY. i seas are infested with the rascals, notwithstand- ing Dutch William’s efforts to destroy them.” his reply satisfying Lal that the speaker was no pirate, as he had begun to think, he ven- tured to ask: ‘“* And you, sir; who are you, and whither are you bound?” “Fairly put,” replied the captain, with a grim laugh. “Well, 1am Captain Bowker, of the ship Swan, bound for the port of London, with dye wood, ivory, and palm oil.” “Tam glad to hear it,” replied Lal, ‘ And if you will give us a passage to England, or even put us on board the first English man-of-war you will fall in with, we will pay you hand- somely.” . ‘“Ay—ay, that’s a bargain; you shall have the deck cabin yonder. But get you there at once, and a mess shall be served out to you, for you look as hungryas a shark ashore. Devilish odd,” he added, to an officer by his side, “ that we should pick up waifs two days running.” | the face of the one-eyed ‘“*Ay—ay,sir. But the other poor devil is on the coctor’s list,” replied the officer, who then led them to the deck cabin named. ‘‘ By Jove! Jack, fortune has not deserted us after all. Hey for old England once more!” said Lal, when they were alone in the cabin. “ Look you, old fellow,” replied Jack, ‘‘it’s as well not to count your chickens before they are .| hatehed, you know. I haven’t made up my mind as to the real character of this craft yet.” A day or so later, and Jack was yet more un- certain as to her character. “1 If the aquatic bird after whom shé was bap- tized is deserving of the adjectival expression for beauty and grace, then the ship Swan de- served her name, Of great breadth of beam, but sharp for- ward, and very lean aft, and heavily*sparred, she gave indications of s which no person could be on board long without perceiving were abundantly realized. Six small pieces of ordnance piercing her high and comfortable bulwarks, and a long twenty-four pound pivot gun, constituted her armament. But the crew, and this excited Jack’s ici- on, consisted of some thirty men, among whom were several Portuguese, most of them hard- looking fellows, and all of them dressed in the characteristic red cap, striped woolen shirt, and worsted sash. There was the usual complement of officers; but between these and the men there was a de- gree of familiarity that shocked Jack’s notion of Mae eae for there seemed to be not the least subordination, except in matters immediately pertaining to the duties of the ship. - CHAPTER XI. “ From certain information gleaned by Ju, the brig Swan turned out to be aslaver, bound or Cuba, with nearly two hundred poor wretches safe stowed on her lower deck. The poor fellow was in t terror as he im- parted this startling fact to his two friends, in the poe of their cabin on the upper deck. “Well—well,” replied Lal, thoughtfully, ‘‘we must make the of a bad job; never say die, old fellow, for it will be hard, indeed, if, at our age, some opportunity does not offer of our escaping.| But now, Ju,” he added, ‘ what make you out about the other waif this rascal captain said he picked up at sea the day before he fell inwith us?” : ‘“Not’ing, Massa Lal—not’ing, not at all; try to see all, to hear all, but not get at anyting; so ’spose still on doctor’s list. But_look, see. Massa Lal, Massa Jack, dere isde bery debil hisself! where he come from to be here?” ‘he added, his teeth chattering as he spoke, and pointing to the window, SE oe Well might he have been terrified, for it was -caste Gaspard, looking ghastly indeed, as its outlines were moonlight. panes 1t: | lads, simultaneously, at thesame moment start- | thinkin; ,” | ing to their feet. A oe 6 By - * us - an’ j little di ‘littl e devil, indeed!” cried the astonished | thro had run around to the cabin door, opened it, and appeared to answer for himself. “Look you, youngsters,” he said, in whis- red tones, at the same time presenting a race of pistols at their heads, “not a word | louder than a whisper, or I'll blow your brains outif it costs me my life! I mean you well now, so listen.” “Well,” said Jack, coolly, ‘fire away, let’s hear what you have to say; no good, I'll take my oath of that, anyhow. ‘Good or bad, it’s this: I intended you no harm till you overhauled my secret in the cemetery, but after that I swore, for my own a to have your lives.” “And you were disappointed, you scoun- drel,” said Lal. «“T was, and so far you had the best of me, and it’s this reason, too, I am on his ship now; but look you further, the Commo- dore Rob plundered and murdered the ey pa of the Wasp and Firefly; then, with my hel; for he could not have done it without—rob the crews of their shares; after .that, with the aid of Gerard, I helped myself, and so far all was square.” . ‘*Hallo!” cried Lal, with a bantering laugh; “T alwa’ ad a there was honesty among peg t ut with yon nest of villians, it’s dog eat dog. ¢ ‘* But,” continued the half-caste, unheedin Lal’s interruption, “‘as I have said, could have taken you, I would have shot you, and re- mained for a time faithful to Rob, for my secret would have been safe; but when I found you had left the island, believing you might somehow fall in with Rob, with the help of one of the men with whom I hunted you 1 packed all the gold and jewels I could collect ina couple of sea-chests, and we set out to sea’ to- gether; but shortly after fell in With this cap- tain “At this I was for by her build and the whole cut of fe jib, I Be. she was a slave-ship, and concluded that the captain would not ask too many questions if I promised to pay him well when he Janjed in Cuba, and I then bought a portion of his slave cargo.” —_ **So you intend to change your infernal trade for another as bad?” said Lal, adding: “But what has all tis yarn to do with us? at Imean to become a planter, and then I shall know the luxury of pare slaves, as [ have known what it was to be the som of aslave mother, s —if the Se dongs of this shi one of Ro pi the contents, and cut our three throats r. ‘Why our throats?’ asked Lal. knew J had been said he had murdered the man of Rob’s crew, for whom, after the commodore hi the | largest reward is offered; for the treasure I ve on board, if taken, belongs, except a cét- in share, as prize money, to hungry William of Orange. ’ “Hem!” e | Seylla and C! ‘bdis, and for our own preser- vation have the offer of becoming a Bet with this precious rascal. Suppose w a few days to think it over?’ t “ Now you haye our answer. will denounce you, even at the certain cost of securing my chests, he will find means of disposing of you before either Cuba or the plantations.” “Well, we won’t talk more about night; if we must fall into such a compact, we must,” said Jack; ‘‘ but look | iy man—you aces had a companion in the boat w. en you ‘ell in with this ship. What has become of him? Did he come on board with ‘“ No,” replied the r ‘ou?’ ‘we got me ste ugh his ’s men, he would search my chest, — “Allright,” replied Jack, adding, to Gaspard: a my own life, to this captain as twoof Rob’s officers, after which, for his own sake, and the — he reaches As for you,” he continued, “it is this “Yours, simply because he would. be hi i by the governor of Jamaica as soon as you had — jaculated Lal, “we are between — st 1 “That will do; butlet it be as I wish, or I | ae
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THE GALLANT MIDDY. ee) i 5 How drearily and with what anxiety the lads d the next few days. Early one morning, wwever, they were startled by the cry of “Sail ho!” from the lookout on the mast-head. a, Hae bree kag for il rough a heavy fog, and the strange was ahiioet close on board before she was discover- ed. ' Tt proved tothe Wasp, who was now on a roving commission under the command of Red- fern Dick. The slaver was immediately boarded, not without a terrible resistance, however, on the -part of her captain and crew. During the conflict Redfern Dick received a ‘desperate blow upon the head, and was carried in an insensible condition to his cabin. After plundering the vessel of everything val- uable, including the treasure-chest of Gaspard, the half-caste,and transferring that worthy, to- gether with Ju and our two lads on board the irate craft, the slaver was permitted to go on r way. The command of the Wasp now devolved on one, Lieutenant Rufus. - j chin ae was immediately ironed, and secure- ly ened between decks, till such time as ‘ern should recovér from his wounds, The Wasp was on her way to the pirates’ stronghold on the island,and was fairly loaded down with plunder, é Afew days previously they had fallen in with Indiaman De Vere, on board of which was Sir Leofrie Mordaunt,his daughter Olive, and Cap- tain Darlington on their wey to England. ° ‘The vessel had been plundered and set fire to, Darlington was slain, Sir Leofrie had been left _ desperate! wounded on board of the burning ship,and his distracted oe Olive, was “now a prisoner on board the Wasp. | Great was the surprise of Lal when the heart- broken girls made their appearance upon deck. - “Olive—dear Olive!” he cried, and in a mo- / ment the long-sundered lovers were locked in -. each other’s arms. ‘ To attempt describing the meeting of the two | ger lovers is beyond our power. Suffice it to say, _ that inthe course of subsequent conversation, the foregoing facts were elicited. Briefly related to Olive the facts known to the reader, leaving out till the last, of course, his knowledge that theship was then bound for f _ the pirates’ island, ety, : CHAPTER XIl.. BRISK run of three days, and the Wasp re at the jaws of the so well-remember- - edbay. se)c4 «There Olive,” said Lal, ‘‘is the pirates’ nest, and those two buildings are his forts.” ; 7 ae on the terrified girl, ‘what will ame of us: I : ‘Rear not, Olive; let us hope for the best,” 4 if . _ After poping 0 anchor, orders were given by pas for the landing of the wounded ern, nd the prisoner, Gaspard, the half-caste. en were landed the chests containing the der from the Wasp’s recent cruise. astly, our lads, with Ju and Olive, were stake ‘ashore in the direction of the ground tn Feat » Rob had murdered his oad captains, This was now covered by a hu an hy t, large enough to hold 4 limared + d opposite the door th taken, stood the pirate chief in ) staff of ruffian seamen. ely reading the report given ough which present, in greatly*softened tones—nay, as if coming under some strong and unusual emo- tion. “Then,” continued Lal, ‘‘ that young lady, like ‘myself, was a favorite pupil of Dr, Dave- nant’s. Nay, she was educated under his care; having lost her own mother, the good doctor’s wife, . Davenant, brought her up.” “My ——!” cried Rob, his forehead, but suppressing the phrase. Then by an effort recovering himself, he add- ed to Rufus: ‘*But what have we to do with women here? Fool for your paiix _ bringing her. Take her away; put her under the care of the best woman ou can find, and”—here he raised his voice oud enough for all to hear—‘‘as you value your lives, let no man harm—nay, nor even of- fend her by a glance.” ‘One more question, and answer me truly,” said Rob, with a terrible expression on his countenance. ‘‘ Did the half-caste help you to eseape in the boat from this island?” Lal then recapitulated the whole of his ad- ventures in connection with Gaspard, including the man’s threat to starve him to death in the dungeon, save only the adventure in the ceme- tery and the shooting of Gerard, “Bring the man Gaspard here,” said Rob, after some few moments’ thought. “ Well, commodore,” said the ruffian, surlily, as he stood before his equally ruffianly chief, ‘*how long am I to be kept like a dog?” “ Silence, you beast, if you would not have me brain you where Pegs stand,” said Rob, add- ing, ‘‘ when did you know me to forbear pun- ishment for disobedience to orders? Did I not order you to treat these refractory youngsters well, and look out that they did not quit the island?” * ‘You did, and I obeyed till they sought to murder me, and make their escape.” sf and liar!” said Lat. ‘‘ You threat- ened to starve us ere we tried to escape. Now did Pe not seek to tear the ring from my fin- “‘Tt?s true I tried to take the ring, and even then, although you nearly brained me, I would have done you no harm, had you not murdered my mate Gerard.” ‘The man Gerard killed, and by your hand, pounesieey exclaimed Rob, playing suspicious- , for Lal’s safety, with his pistol. ‘‘He was one of my best men.” ‘“ Now jlook you, Rob, I mean to answer plainly; f x this rascal, t expect, had not in- tended to have revealed the secret, but he fie it from me. Idid shoot the man Ger- a ‘‘ For what reason had you cause of quarrel with him?’ Lal then told circumstantially his discovery of the hidden jewels in the cemetery. To describe Rob’s countenance as he listened ito this recital, would be no easy task. _ It was ferocious, and exhibited the boiling Tages the premeditated revenge ‘within his r ? **So ho, eae half-caste villain! in my absence you robbed the treasure chests, plundered the men of their shares, and so intended to get away from tlie island, and retire to some quiet place. You shall go to that quiet place sooner than you anticipated.” The half-caste knew full well the meaning of that threat from Rob. ; It meant immediate death, or some terrible “eHfaving lost all hope, Gaspard said, defiantl aving lost all hope, ard said, ntly, and in a tone of voice so loud that ail the see around could hear: E aie sie Rob the phe vhf are the biggest bgt @ greatest thief in our company. You ourself have robbed the irendate Corsi am have hidden the chests themselves. I ask the men if one of them knows where the chests which belong to them are hidden at the present ent.” 5 pressing his haud to | | furder,” whispered Ju, our Own eyes—nay, you .may use your own ands in dividing the property among you, giy- ing me what share you will.” ~ “Hurrah for our brave captain; the half- caste is a liar anda traitor!” cried many voices, simultaneously. “But mark you, men,” said Rob, sternly; I prove this fellow a liar, I will award hi punishment you have never yet seen.” | sie a CHAPTER XII. As our lads that same evening were sitting alone in the hut which had been assigned to their use, they were surprised by the cautious entrance of Ju. “Ju, by all that’s gracious!” cried Jack. ‘Yes, Massa Jack, and lcome wid a discoy- ery, too. I discovered where dey put Miss Olib. She am in the norther fort where Rob lib.” “Then let us go to her at onze,” cried Lal. Ju led them by a tortuous path at the back of the hut into the wood which skirted the little settlement. ; After proceeding some distance through the darkness, they came to the wallof the northern fort, and by a faint light in the distance dis- covered a stone staircase, if i ‘Ts it possible that Olive can be confined in this place?” cried Lal, SRL Vis aa *“You soon see,” replied Ju, and he led the way up fifty or pty stone steps, which brought them to a circular landing-place. “Now, Massa Lal, Massa Jack need go no — ** Look dere!” The African pointed to a light above them » which came through a few small bars of iron. “A prison with a vengeance!” cried Lal. But the next moment, raising himself by : means of the bars, and looking through, he in- voluntarily gave an.exclamation of delight and astonishment. ‘ No wonder, for within that Bbarthnanb Went i was grandly furnished,sat Olive Mordaunt and the Princess Lela! 5 an os pre to Lae and Jack that he had, — n told of this place by a syoung negress to whom he had been ang its love. 3 _ This gal, whose name was Tillah, was anat- tendant on the princess. Mit a, By consent of the princess,Ju had been taken into, her confidence, andsentin questofthelads in the manner we have described. ‘Here, massa, is de key ob de door,” said Ju, placing it in Lal’s hand. The door was immediately unlocked, and as they entered the room, Olive joyfully threw | herself into her lover’s arms. ae “Dear nee !” she exclaimed, ‘t we didnot expect tha ve would be able to escape the — i ‘Rob and his men.” , meet vigilance of ert is the good work of my faithful Tillah,” — cee said the princess. “And our faithful Ju,” added Olive. “Little did I imagine,” said Lal to Olive, “to — whom this man Rob entrusted you. But how — is it,” he said, turning to the princess, “‘thatIT — find you here surreunded by so much luxury?” “Because 1am doomed, and—oh, horror! by _ my own mother,to become the wife of this sea- — i thief—this assassin of my affianced husband, Rob the Rover!” i es She then went into adetailed account of what _ had befallen her since they last met. ~ Tt seemed from her statement that when Re at ef re ized mm: ont Te me to him as a wife, “To this, in ee ny
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* THE GALLANT MIDDY. said: ‘colored lady say she know Rob has missed you, and is coming here.” At thealarm given by the faithful black girl, the lads beat a retreat, and retired to the hut, as they believed without being missed, Before noon, however, next day, Rufus came to conduct them to the presence of Rob. “ What in Heaven’s name can the rascal want of us now?” said Lal. “T ’spect dere’s mutiny, else a king’s ship in sight—somet’ing like dat,’’ said Ju. “Let us hope it may prove to be the latter,” answered Lal. Reaching the ramparts on the northern fort, they found Rob pacing to and fro like an en- raged lion. It transpired that during the night some of the men had succeeded in seizing the treasure- chests, and getting them on board the Wasp, and under command of Redfern Dick, who it s2emed had been only shamming sickness, had under cover of the darkness sailed out of the harbor. What rendered Rob so furious was, that he was prevented following the fugitives in the Firefly by the sudden appearance of a king’s ship in the offing. ‘So, youngsters,” said Rob, approaching the boys, ‘‘ you were not of the party of mutinous sneaks who have run off with the Wasp? Now, look, lads,” Rob continued. ‘TI have a propo- sition to make to you, which will enable you to escape from this island. I will give you, Mr. . Dashwood, a boat, and send you on board King William’s ship, which has even now entered the bay, and will soon be in the harbor. You can see the captain and tell him that half my men have deserted. I am not in condition to fight him; so, if he will giveme eight-and-forty hours, the forts shall be surrendered to him without firing a shot from here.” * Now, the alternative?” asked Lal. “That the landing of his first boat’s crew will be the signal for me to fire the magazine, and blow to eternity all within the forts.” A terrible pang shot through Lal’s heart, as he thought of Olive and the princess, for he too _ well knew the temper and determination of the ny ‘man before him to doubt that he would keep his word. ‘Give me five minutes to consult with my friend here,” replied Lal. **T will, and not a second more,” replied Rob, at once leaving the lads alone. What's to be done, Jack?” “ Accept his terms, Lal.” “But, great Heaven! Oliveand the princess are in his power, and no king’s officer will sub- mit to make terms with a pirate.” : “Don’t quite know about that, Lal. When that same pirate has in his power two ladies, one of them a lady of family, he’d atleast be a i brute torefuse him permission to escape, when we tell him that refusal will insure their mur- der.” fr There may be something in that, certainly; but look you, Jack, it’s just possible they may fire into our boat as we approach the ‘ship, or, anyhow, hang us for pirates when we get on board. a a “At all events,” replied Jack, ‘we had bet- ter risk our lives rather thaninsure the murder f Fy ns Whe \ Haldia a Ps ae | ‘“We do,” replied Lal, “and if you would not have a heavy broadside, or. the landing of a half-dozen boats’ crews, the sooner we go the better.” ‘““ We,” repeated Rob, ‘‘I said not we. You and the black may go. Mr. Grigg here re- mains behind. He is as valuable a hostage to me as Miss Mordaunt,” “Then, villain!” cried the indignant Lal, “our compact is at an end!” For a few minutes poor Jack, who had fully calculated upon accompanying his friend, look- ed chapfallen indeed. “« Accept; go at once, fool, and tell this king’s captain that Rob the Rover has in his power the daughter of Sir Leofric Mordaunt, and the’ son of his friend, Captain Grigg, for, by so do- ing,\you will save their lives as well as your own, which, half an hour hence, otherwise will not be worth a pincly of powder.” “Tal,” said Jack, awaking suddenly from his reverie, as in a fit of inspiration, “accept; go at once. It will, I feel, be the better for us all.” “Do you really mean this, old fellow?” said Lal, a tear standing in the gallant lad’s eye, as he thought of his friend’s danger. “On my honor, Ido, I believe it will be the better for us all, ” replied Jack, shaking Lal's hand warmly, “hen, by J) upitér, Tl do it,” replied Lal, adding, however, dubiously: ‘ But, suppose anything were to happen to you, Jack? I should rahi forgive myself.” “Never fear,” replied Jack; ‘all will come right yet, you know, There is the same Provi- dence above us to protect us here as we should have in feather beds in England.” At that moment a reportof a great guncame booming through the air. A truce to this palaver, youngsters; to the boat at once!” cried Rob to’ Lal. Then to his lieutenant: ‘That fellow means mischief; see, he has brought his broadside to bear upon the fort. Signal to him at once before he can treat us to his heayy metal, that we are sending a boat to him.” \ CHAPTER XIV. . ‘““Gotiy!” said Ju, as shortly afterwards they got into the boat—‘‘ golly, Massa Lal, it all over wid cuss pirates; it’s a king’s ship, and. ’im guns hab fort in ’im power.” “You'are right, Ju,” said Lal, ‘‘and, more- over, three of her boats are coming towards us, under cover of her guns; they must have been lowered before they caught sight of Rob’s sig- nal from the fort.” “Dat right, Massa Lal, but dere are four boats, and two wid brass guns,” replied Ju, as turning a jutting point of rock, that formed a portion of the basin of the harbor, they came in sight of the formidable little flotilla. “Rest on your oars, my men, or we shall have them giving us a salute with “hone tad pop- guns,” cried Lal. In great anxiety, Lal awaited the Girone towards him of the flotilla. Ina few minutes more, the largest and lead-| with ropes around their necks. ing boat was within speaking distance, the men resting on their oars. if “Who are you, and for what: purpose have | in the course of half an hour baie you put off from yonder piratical forts?’ cried ea? ‘beneath ‘the v walls of their > | Out an elderly officer; “answer quickly, rit}! ay am the bearer of an offer rt imrvendt! of ‘the ra at 14h we AS vel 3 Grigg, who, with Laland Ju by his a bad on yondér forts on certain conditions,” shouted Lal. “‘ Conditions!” returned the officer. ‘If this don't out-Herod Herod, I’m a Dutchman. Who ever heard of conditions of surrender Debye a pirate and a king’s officer?” : “ Great Heaven! can it be you, teotake Grigg?” cried Lal, who now plainly recognized in the old officer his friend’s father. z ‘‘Halloo! and who the devil are you, my hearty, to have my name so pat?” igri as the captain. ‘Lionel Dashwood, once midshipman on the books of the Sea Dragon!” “Ts it possible! It is strange, but thank Heaven for it; but my son Jack, I fear to ask —but what of him—is he alive?” said the old man, his voice quivering with emotion. “He is alive, sir, a prisoner i in yon northern fort.” “Thank Heaven for that; but a prisoner, you say? Well, Iswear by the old sea god, I’llsoon sethim free!” “ Stay, Captain Grigg,” said Lal, as the old officer was about to give some orders to the offi- cers in command of the other boats. Then Lal delivered Rob's message, and point- ed out the fearful danger in which Jack and Olive were placed. “My God!” cried the captain, ‘‘then is there no other way of saving their Jives but by let-— ting this rascal and his crew escape?” “T fear not, captain; for you know Rob is not aman likely to break his word.” \ “T too, to let him escape? I, who lave pray- ed night and day for the chance I have before me of bringing him to justice? Butitmust be —it must be. The lives of my boy Jack and — Miss Mordaunt shill not be sacrificed even that: justice may be satisfied. So, lads, aa back to — the ship.” Scarcely, however, had the gallant old fellow come to this—to him—mosf unpalatable resolu- tion, when the guns from the two forts opened i: fire, and one of the boats was sunk. 0 “Treachery, by Heaven!” cried the captain. “Pick up the men and let us land at once. They have murdered my boy, but he shall. be fearful- ly avenged!” “The villain, has been playing a treacherous " part even in this. The story we heard of the ve desertion of the men of the Wasp was a tie, ig Poor Jack and Olive!” said Lal. fea “Dat berry true, Massa Lal; see all de. shore ft crowded with men who have come out of the | forts; Rob means to dispute the landing.” , te postal so, for shortly aftor wars: the miss- ing Firefly made its appearance from the west- j ern side of the bay, and opened a brisk are, upon the king’s ship. ilk “The villain! by this ruse he thinks he has us on allsides. But pull hard, my hearties; the. frigate’s guns will protectus yet. uaviuaty The guns of the frigate had opened upon the se pirates immediately after the first shots re-_ ceived from the forts, and under their fire the captain and his boats effected a iene Ge not without loss. f Once ashore, the conflict became severe, Kile The tars fought steadily, the pirates Iike men “To the southern fort!” exclaimed Cap tain ; In another five minutes the} n within, but Rob ral ; ramparts. a ee
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THE GALLANT MIDDY. At the sight Captain Grigg ordered his party to cease firing, for by the side of Rob stood poor Jack, with a rope around his neck, “Villian, hold!” cried the terrified captain. ® “ Ay—ay!” said Rob; “‘youhave the best of me so far, but I will never be taken alive. Agree to withdraw your men to your boats, and give me the forty-eight hours, or I will hang this son of yours before your eyes!” Seeing the captain hesitate, the heroic Jack shouted: ‘Fear not for me, father. Do your duty!” “My God, Mr. Dashwood, what is to be done?” cried the captain in agony. But not seeing Lal by his side, he added: “Ts the lad dead or wounded?” “‘No—no, captain, Massa Lal not dead or wounded,” replied Ju. “Answer quickly; it is my turn to make terms now. I give you three minutes!” cried Rob. “Den go to your ole fader, de debil, wid your terms!” shouted Ju. And ere he could finish the sentence, Rob the Rover lay stretched upon his rampart, shot through the lungs. “What have you done, you black rascal? his men will now murder my son.” “No—no! see Massa Lal take care ob dat. Let’s lose no time, cap’en; mount at once,” re- plied Ju, pointing to a couple of scaling ladders that some of the captain’s crew had, under cover of the smoke, succeeded in placing = the wall. This conversation, if such it may be called, had taken place with almost eletric quickness, and in another minute the British tars, cutlass and pistol in hand, preceded by the captain and Ju, stood upon the rampart, For afew minutes—ten, not more—the con- flict raged, when those of the pirates who were neither dead nor wounded, were begging for merey, either to the captain and his party on one side, or Lal and Jack and their party on the other, ‘Well done, Mr. Dashwood,” said the cap- tain, “‘and may Heaven bless you for saving my son’s life!” “No thanks, Captain Grigg; Jack would have done the same for me, and but.for old Ju, there, I could not have done it atall. He it was who directed me to the entrance in the wall, by means of which I was enabled to at- tack the rascals in the rear.” “But the lady, Miss Mordaunt?” asked the captain. “Thank Heaven she is’ safe, as is also the princess,” replied Lal; “at least, so Jack says.” Ay!” replied Jack. _ “The princess!” repeated the captain, in as- ¢ tonishment, ‘“* Another woman in this den! But ‘whom havo we here?” he added, pointing to a man dying of his wounds near at hand. ‘One of the pirate’s officers?” “Tt is Rufus,” said Lal, sadly, “and dying.” “Ay! replied’ the dying young man. ‘I am Rufus, the son of Rob the Rover!” “The aga sgt Rob e repeated both lads, simul- taneously. | “Ay, and iscsi pardon me for my wrong- doing! but I could never quit my father, what- _ ever his crimes—nay, by staying by his side, have prevented him committing many. I thus _ could protect you and the lady. But,” he add- _ ed, “Heaven has rewarded me for ‘the little : good jibe bose by ations the. bullet which .gibbet.” has saved me from an infamous death upon the “But,” said Lal, ‘your real name—your father’s real name?” At that question the dying young man smil- ed, as if in satisfaction that he had not divulg- ed his real name. The next instant he had passed away. ‘But the arch-villian, Rob,” said the cap- tain; ‘he fell froma ball from the black man.” “Ess, I told cus rascal long time ago I kill ’im, an’ I kep’ my word as good as white man.”’ “Who asks for Rob? He is here!” The voice came from the dreaded pirate, who, dressed like one of his ordinary sailors, was not recognized at first. “Captain Grigg,” he said, “to you I have naught to say, excepting I would shoot you now, where you stand, had I life enough left. As for you, youngster, I would, before I die, tell AS why I befriended you.” n the name of Heaven speak, then,” said Lal. ‘‘For two reasons. In the first place,” he replied, ‘‘because you were a favorite pupil of my brother, Dr. Dayenant—my much-injured brother.” “You, then, are the younger brother who went to sea, and of whom I have so often heard the good doctor'speak?” ‘“‘T am, and that’s why I proved your friend.” “Then why did you kidnap me and my ser- vant, if you knew that?” ‘*Because I was paid to do so by Sir Charles Opium.” . Yes, dat what I beliebe all along.” “T told you,” continued the pirate, ‘‘I had two reasons for befriending you; the second was because I hated Sir Charles Opium, and for this reason: When Captain Grigg sank my shipy I escaped in the long boat with some thousands of pounds’ worth of diamonds, nearly all of great size, and which I had taken from an Indiaman. Making my way with these to England, I dare not offer them for sale, for fear of being detected, and so was nearly starv- ing. In this extremity, Sir Charles offered to purchase them. I agreed, and gave up the dia- monds, but asking for the money, he laughed in my face, and threatened to expose me if I did not at once go to sea again. If I was pre- pared to go to sea again, he offered to get me, by his interest with King William, placed as lieutenant on board, and afterwards, as soon as we reached Corunna, he would forward to me a portion of the money he owed me. Captain Grigg’s ship, the Sea Dragon, was that to which I was appointed, and the reason of my mutiny——” “What?” asked Lal. ‘ Ah—ha!” he replied, with his old demon- iacal laugh, the more horrible now because in the convulsions of death, ‘ partly because Opium never sent me the money. Chiefly be- cause I wanted riches, and like the tiger, had no distaste for blood. Ah—ah!” And so died Rob the Rover. “Poor—poor wretch, how horrible such an ending!” said the captain. ‘“‘But now,” he added, ‘‘ to free these poor ladies.” “Now, father,” said Jack, as they left the ramparts, ‘‘T am anxious to know how se by what means you escaped.” ‘That is soon told,” said the captain uy was the next day picked up by a ship bound for Jamaica. Once there, I found the governor, - - i 1 4 ats x” an old shipmate. I told him my story. The frigate Royal William was.in the harbor. Her captain had just died; so by his influence, the admiral at the station commanded me to bring her to England, ordering me on the voyage to look out for the rascal, Rob.” * * * * * * ‘Thank Heaven for its mercies that you are safe out of the fearful conflict that has been going on,” ‘ ** Allah be praised!” These were the exclamations of the affright- ed girls, Olive and Lela, upon the captain and his two mids entering their apartment. ““We have much to be thankful for, and something to regret,” replied the captain. ‘‘ My regret is, that the rascal, Rob, has siipped his cable from the hands of justice.” “‘ Rob—the terrible Rob, dead!” exclaimed the princess. ‘‘ Wicked as it may be to rejoice at the death of any human being, Isay: Allah be praised!” ‘“ Would—oh!—would that I had to be thank- ful for the safety of my father!” exclaimed Olive. “Young lady,” said the captain, ‘f you have your wish. Your father, Sir Leofric, is safe, and probably in England by this time.” “*Can this be true, or are you buoying me up with false hopes?” cried Olive, “‘T saw him in Jamaica, and heard the story of his escape; if was a narrow one. The pir- ates becoming intoxicated, failed to fire the — ship ere they quitted her. “ Although the hatches were battened down, — by some good fortune the female passengers suceeded in forcing their way out of the cabin, and so became the means of liberating the men. So the De Vere, falling in with another ship, received sufficient repairs to enable her to reach ‘Jamaica in safety, from whence, after undergoing a refit, she was dispatched by the admiral under convoy to England.” Our story is now nearly concluded. 3 The captain having razed the piratical forts — to the ground, returned with his prisoners and the 3 oung persons who have figured in this his- _ tory on board his ship, and set sail to complete his voyage to England, calling on his way at the Island of Johanna) to return to her mother the queen—the Princess Lela. em To the delight of Lela, at her mother’s court she found the Prince Achmet, who was about to set out with a fleet to punish the pirates of — the island, and rescue from Rob his bride. — This meeting with the prince, and the speedy marriage, was some consolation for parting from her English friends, to whom she had be- come devoted. : . On rejoining her father in England, the joy of Olive knew no bounds. As for the old baro- net, now rich, he readily offered Olive’s hand to Lionel, when he should become of sufficient age. There was one great sorrow for Lal; his mother had died a few months before reaching England. Fortunately, however, that vile derman, Opium, had died before his wife. Lal inherited the fortunes of both, and ‘abl i twenty-three married Olive; became a member of the colonial government, and ultimately a baronet by the title of Sir Lionel Dashwood — Mordaunt; for the old baronet having no male — heirs, by his interest with the king, secured th 5 reversion of the baronetcy to his son-in-law. oY beictda tse de es | _. ’
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FRANK TOUSEY’S HAND BOOKS. Containing Useful Information on Almost Every Subject Under the Sun. Price 10 Cents Per Copy. No. te Napoleon’s Oraculum and Dream Book. Gontaining the at oracle of human easing also the srne meaning of aeaoat any kind of dreams, together with eharins, ceremonies, aan Sy, as games of 3. Acom- k, Price 10 ce nxete boo! No. 2. HOW TO DO TRICKS. ‘fhe great book of magic and card tricks, containing full iastraction of aH the ening card tricke of the day, also go most popular magica! illusions as performed by our ~ ‘egaiog mantel ans; every boy should obtain a copy, as it amuse and instruct. Price 10 cents. me No. 3. HOW TO FLIRT. ‘he and pees of flirtation are fully explained brit this bate Besides the various mmettiodeot handkerchief. love, parasol. window and hat flirtations, it contains _ fm full list of the language and sentiment of flowers, which is shores tine to everybody, both old and young. Yeu can- at not be BRepy without one. Price 10 cents. ‘ No. 4. 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Heller’s more r} sight plained by his former assistant, Fred Hun laining how the secret o8 Were oatried on aan tl tri also giving all the codes and signals. 8 0} rt Price 10 0c cents. 5 No. 232 HOW TO EXPLAIN DREAMS. Mverybody dream hi child to the 0 aged, mar and womsa, This from eee, ae the la rie yh and * Nap resma, ayn a with Incky and unl apoleon’s ” the book of fate, ta fall direction _ wrriti to gentl Ht ciel giving saniple letters fet iistractions Mi Price No. 25, HOW TO BECOME A ye rales padalgtalty ite sponte ce ae for at He ag Fits 8 and al 18 oe ses, rat easor W. Gtasdouate Sic heolg tad roqliae ful book. Los Ul eeane | No. 26. HOW TO ROW; SALL AND BUILD A eae id erie oi Hert Ve Deen given in this Pitie book, tocaier wit te boating, ries 10 cents. 3 0 RECITE AND BOOK 0 HOW T KF RECI- TATIONS. ap French distect Yank anion ond eh alate 4 No. 28, HOW TO TELL FORTUNES. 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Price’ The Boys of New York End Men’s Joke Book. _ Containing s vari ot the latest jokes most fa bag ama rustou i ene is aipcompiats without t this end fore, little boo pitmtawlenatelasanamsiondcistlh aout heel WE The Boys. of New ror ee Speakers Pontaining 2 Ii “Aloo Bd Sent Ste oka ee for home amusement pe fate by A neve In he Ui Sintra Ono sn a ou aro Pr on ref en Address ee
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4072 Go-Ahead Harry, the 1040 i pric Pea Phil; or, to a Merchant. 7 Toe teet estos OL” TEE GREAT 3S CENT WIDE AWAKE LIBRARY: From a Bootblac by C. ttle 1041 A Ship on Wheels; or, The Wonder of Hurricane Coast....... 1042 Truthful Jack; or, On Jane. A Story Full of mpgabeg Seg 1043 The Gold Arrow; or, Cascade. * A Thrilling Northwest............. 1044 “Ga Boy-Lion King; or. Diamond Cayes........ ....by Roger Starbuck Board the Nancy y Tom ga The Daren of Story of the W ild kas by Paul Braddon , The Secret of the by R. T., Emmet 1045 “7” of eet Swamp. A Story of the Great Sout 1046 ee tava 8 of Icel of the ris Pe by Gus Williams and; or. he Fiend by Ri Roger Starbuck 1047 Billy 2 Moss; oan ram One aiplor fa Another 1048 An Engineer at Sev Bottom to the To 1049 Me a Carl; or, 1051 Frank Reade, Jr., in th His Discovery of a Lost People.b Double; 1052 Pawnee Bill’s Scout’s Best Trail 1053 Pacer Dane, the Senate Detective; hind the Scenes in Washington.. 1054 The Skeleton Island; Underground River Tom Teaser teen; or, the by C. Little he ae Boy's For- R. ‘os tee ee hite Sand, and hy gad The _ Great Paul Braddon or, Be- by. C. Little Cruise in an by Roger Starbuck e go o or, b or, 1055 The Pistol Prince; or, The Li lone of the by Paul Bruddon Cache 1056 Locomotive Fred; or, Life on @ Railroad. . 1057 tired Dan of Deadwood....... Years on An Island; or, 1058 went; of a oung, Castaway. 1059 ot = ua s Boy; or, The Worst in Town by ii Regn De Vere Noname’”’ the Sto Kit Clyde Peter Pad 1060 The. Phanton Light-House; or, The Mys- of the Storm-~ ng tery by ie. er Starbuck e Fresh dom 5° 1063 Backbone Rob, the Boy’of: me or Mak- World; ing His Own Way Through the C. Little 1064 sel jaclee lad of the Pueblo; por Figs saree ~ 1065 Dandy Dan of Deadwood in Danger. 1066 Pawnee ees Nap Hunt; or, The Lost Trea by sv are: 1068 Stowaway Sam; or, A Doo: 1069 Tokens Brown & Co. at sahook, Deacon’ ‘s Boy at His Old Tricks—comic. .. 107 Frank Reade, Jr., and or, Where There’s a 1073 1078 the Tet Dianiond Ship: or, A Search for f Unk b or, aevdyase., Clowns; or,, A ti of Niyatrys a banat aed or, The Prince a That Paul Braddon \ abe Noname’ en Braddon iy rirew Cruise to te Sea of y Roger Starbuck or, The by Peter Pad His Gre iotind of ; the ae os ‘The Search For 7) Mount- "1 BOL OIG! ce fuiuide cet Sopwmy ens cig ont a ? 107 png Den of Deadwood, and “His Deal Meath ic i. yietys qed by “ Noname” by Howard De Vere o With _Con- er Starbuck ard Nuts Tom Teaser Roger Starbuck | Old Frank ae Jr’s pr “*Noname”’ Summer ee, own Strange Cruise Be Roger panels =: 1089 Dandy Dan of Deadwool and His Great SGI G led bsticciens ha Lebesaic re diae “Nonanie ” 1090 Young Dick Plunket; or, The Trials and Tribulations of Ebenezer Crow—comic.. by Sam Smiley 1091 Old Oak Burrell, the Journalist Detective by Paul Braddon 1092 Among the Amazons, A Thrilling Story of the Interior of Africa...... by R. T. Emmet 1093 Afloat in a Tiger’s Den; or, The Wreck of the Menagerie Ship........ by Roger Starbuck 1094 Newsboy rom the. Pavement to BIPMACO.. vgs. vist icebina ts See eae cr byC . Little 1095 Frank Reade, Jr., and His Wlectric Coach; or, ae Search for the Isle of Diamonds. PAU EES ¢ ao bate Lie ooh mas Feta etee by ‘‘Noname ”’ 1096 Frank seas Jr., and His Electric Coach; a The Search for the Isle of Diamonds. Ree maa ed; or, 1097 Rob Ready, the Life Saver; or Wreckers of the Bahamas....-..........-. . by Roger Starbuck 1098 brite gras eee Seymour, the Game Cock of LHAY: Mh Ofet: "| a RoE Ee by Ralph Morton 1099 Dandy ay of Deadwood Betrayed; or, The Vultures of Montana “Noname’ 1100 The Black Fiend of the Red Sea; or, The Lost Girl of the Coral Cave...-..........2. by Koger Starbuck 1101 Muldoon’s Hotel. Part I—comic y, Tom Teaser Part It- ee 1102. Muldoon’s Hotel. Part If.—comic........ PE Tom Teaser 1103 Dandy Dan of Deadwood in Texas; or, The Silver Moon Mystery.....by ‘‘ Noname” 1104 phe 5 of the Flail; or, Fightin For Land gb Fr Enea: by Corporal Morgan Rattler 1105 Payee Bill’s Boys; or, The Young Boom- ers of Oklahoma, by ou Br aes 1106 The Boy Scout.. ‘. ey .S. Wood Solid Man on 1107 Muldoon in Irela: the OldiSodis css sew t eds iws by Tom Teaser 1108 Frank Reade, Jr., With His Air-Ship in Asia; or, A Flight Across the Be on oname ’ 1109 On Board a Slave Ship; or, ays B For a Strange Voyage............ Bradley 1110 The Weird House of vantte CHT tineryaey a8 Lieut. E. H. Kellogg 1111 BA aa Bill, Jr., and His ae Pe Dead geo anita ceed LPs as ccd n Draper 1112 Thes Shi of Silence; or, The iterate ague of the Black Sword b; er Starbuck or, Bound to Reach the North Pol a Booth r tye 1114 Bootblack Bob; or, From Haas ta pee Se os FLORETS OR ENE BS, ve lesen, ittle 1115 Afloat in a Cannibal Ship; or, inne’ Fated War-Sloop of the Ladrones................ ote Roger Starbuck 1116 one Beas Firemen; or, Stand_by the Ma- pea dtolee eaves eakinn by Howard De Vere nig The “Young Diamond Speen or, Rough- ing it in the Carolina Mountains.......... by 1118 The Youn; rego an Winkle. b 7 Ailes Arnold 1119 The Lost Gold Raft; or, A Beg: lous Cruise a a Floating Treasure. . by Roger Starbuck 1120 Swift and Spry; bi pers Jolly lers—comic.....-...0+.5.- by Sam Smiley “the MBtoneer’s T. W. Hanshew venue Cap- he Pirate of thie ‘Gun-Bri cee ‘er Starbuck 1123 Young King Crusoe; or, one ‘reasure Trove of Falcon Ke, oe ae ere by C. Little 1124 Hook and Ladder No. 2...by coed De Vere 1125 Sam Sureshot, the Skelston Marine; or, The Lost Frigate of the Demon oa Eeaehe by Roger Starbuck 1126 Billy Button, the tp Clown and Bare- back Rider. A epee of 8 Circus....... r fee dev #. H. Kellogg | 1 * Pathetic ~ i Wasreuee y N.S, Wood e Hero pi "813, Ani (ti ivateer Yarn. by George G, Small 1129 Among the Fire-Worshipers; or, Two New York Boys in Mexico.;.../ y Berto: Tri ‘umphs On and Off the ae 1181 The Ocean hie wi A Story of Palvatarig . in ie mp Foal e G. OF Py Raa den by C. Littie | Lea 's Hlectric Tge Boat; or. Land of Crimson 8 NOW. weart .. by oname J» gash in nthe 1 R, T. Emmet. nm Bertrew | 1130 The Actor’s Son. A Story of oe and } TSW Hanshew f 1133 Bound is Ben: or, Sold into aaa Belo 1135 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Electric Ice Boat; i : Lost in she Land of Crimson Snow, a ‘ ; by ‘‘Noname “ ‘ 1136 Frank *Reade, Jr.’s Electric Cyclone; or, Thrilling Adventures in No ak 8 Land, a CEPEN Es bn srond'n ne Same t Seg hs sa “ Noname’ 4s 1137 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Electric Gyclone; or, % Thrilling Adventures in No ba net s Land. ee pac hairs © GAN, PSI ye meres ot “Noname 1138 pe Oaye ‘ep et pes Joe, the Oia’ ray Pee y Lieut. E, 1140 Adrift in the Tyeo-Tope, 1141 Lost in sees Th Frozen Pirate. . Ram Bei 1145 aed ” Bob; or, The Prid = of the Road. r Albert J. Boo! 1146 Adrift in a Haunted Tate: "or, The Mys- tery of a Lost War Ship. “by Roger Starbu 1147 The Arkansas Scout......... aul ee ) 1148 The Wolf age of me eC hamn aw eoiee ee 1153 Handy TMolline the bide! asnane . tory of Heroic Deeds..... : Robert eee iy 1154 Little Buffalo Bill; or, ates ‘oy Scout of the Rio Del Norte. ft. E. se - 1157 ae te ies * geee 8 Doo: y Gaston Ga 1158 Hook atid Eaddee Jack, the pe Young BAPOMAN 9:5 os gicsie'cas Robert Lenn 1159 The Men in Seely 1160 Yellowstone Kel 1163 Bouin School ‘ache - ae oung Ventril 1164 Boarding: School Scrape saa of fe be oung Ventriloquist. Ae Gan e a Sinking 68 Muldoon’s Flats—com ie The Hut in the Swamp; ae of Hal Perey’s Fate.. i 1170 Nick and Jed, the K Und e Sea 1175 Goldvura, “the ‘Giri cil is 1176 hes Mizzen; or, | ae ise of the Bee Paste y Richard ] R. Mo ui7y Yankee Bob, te, Gun Scout of th ahannock . 1178 The Potomac | 1179 Union Dick {nthe Rabi yes eee D ‘ilderness... 1186 Daniel Boone,