Pluck And Luck (no. 223) (1902 09 10)
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ett COMPLETE ES OF ADVE Issned Weekly—By Subscription $250 per year, Entered as Second Clasy Matter at the New York Post Office, November 'Y, 1898, by Frank Tousey No. 223. NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 10, 1902. Price 5 Cents, TT, We Lond shouts and cries, and then broke forth the thunder of: cannon. Great streams of flame leaped forth from the iron throats of the cannon. With no show of fear, the heroine stood there, and guided them onward.
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vite as mentioned. THESH BOOKS ARE FOR SALE BY ALL NEWSDEALERS: OR WILL PE. SENT BY MAIL TO TEN CENTS BACH, OR ANY THREE FROM THIS OFFICE ON RECEIPT OF PRICK, GENTS. POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY. ese Books Tell You ck COMPLETE SET IS A REGULAR ENCYCLOPEDIA : Bach book consists of sixty-four pages, printed on good paper,in clear type and neatly bound in an attractive, illustrated cover. ~ Most of the books are also profusely illustrated, and all of the subjeets treated upon are explained in such a simple manner that aiy ~ ‘child can thoroughly understand them. Look over the list as classified she and see if you want to know anything about the subjer 0 ANY ADDRESS Nie Gea 1 BOOKS FOR TWENTY-FIVE Address FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, N.Y. : SPORTING. Wo, 21. HOW TO HUNT AND FISH:—The most complete ‘hunting and fishing guide ever. published. It contains full in- + gtructions about guns, hunting dogs, traps, trapping and fishing, together with descriptions of game and fish. ~ No. 26. HOW TO. ROW, SAIL AND BUILD A BOAT.—Fully illustrated. Every boy should know how to row and sail a boat. Full instructions are given in this little book, together with in- » “structions on swimming and riding, companion sports to boating. "No. 47. HOW TO BREAK, RIDE AND DRIVE A HORSH.— A complete treatise on the horse. Describing the most useful horses for business, the best horses for the road; alsc valuable recipes for diseases peculiar to the horse. ¢ No. 48. HOW TO BUILD AND SAIL CANOHS.—A handy book for boys, containing full directions for constructing canoes and the most popular manner of sailing them. Fully illustrated. “By C: Stansfield Hicks. HYPNOTISM. No. 81. HOW TO HYPNOTIZE.—Containing valuable and in- structive information regarding the science of hypnotism. Also explaining the. most approved methods which are employed by the \ jeading hypnotists of the world. By Leo Hugo Koch, A.C.S. FORTUNE TELLING. - No. 1, NAPOLEON'S ‘ORACGULUM AND DREAM BOOK.— Gontaining the great oracle of human destiny; also the true mean- Gy fing of almost any. kind of dreams, together with charms, ceremonies, - gnd@ curious games of cards. A complete book. ya esNo. 23. HOW TO EXPLAIN DREAMS.—Everybody dreams, from the little child to the aged man and woman. | This little book gives the explanation to all kinds of dreams, together with lucky and unlucky days, and “Napoleon’s Oraculum,” the book of fate. - No. 28) HOW TO TELL FORTUNES.—Everyone is desirous of knowing what his future life will bring forth, whether happiness or misery, wealth or poverty. You can tell by a glance at this little ook. Buy one and be convinced. ‘Tell your own fortune, Tell the fortune of your friends. No. 76. HOW TO .TELL FORTUNES BY THE HAND.— Containing rules for telling fortunes by the aid of the lines:of the \< Jhand, or the secret of palmistry. Also the secret of telling future * events by aid of moles, marks, scars, ete. Lllustrated. By Anderson. x ATHLETIC. No. 6 HOW TO BECOME AN ee full in- gtruction for the use of dumb - bells, Indian clu arallel bars, ‘horizontal bars an rious other methods of de ing a good, healthy muscle; con ing over sixty illustrations. “Hyery boy can * become strong and healthy by following the instructions contained “in this little book. . as No. 10. HOW TO*BOX.—The art. of sell ee made easy. Qontaining over thirty illustrations of guards, blows, and the diifer- ent positions of a good boxer. Every boy should obtain one of these useful and instructive books, as it will teach you how to box ‘., @ithout an instructor. a “Ne. 25. HOW TO“BECOME A GYMNAST.—Containing full instructions for all kinds of gymnastic sports and athletic exercises. Biabracing thirty-five illustrations. By Professor W. Macdonald. A handy and useful book. Lhe eres? Pie HOW fencing and the use of the broadsword:; also instruction in archery. * Deseribed with twenty-one practical illustrations, giving the best positions in fencing. A complete book. ~~ © - TRICKS WITH CARDS. No. 54. HOW TO DO TRICKS WITH CARDS.—Containing rinciples of sleight-of-hand applicable with ordinary cards, and not requiring CKS WITH CARDS.—Em- ceptive card tricks, qwith il- PRICKS. WITH CARDS,— enformed by leading conjurors TO FENCE.—Containing full instruction for: amusement, Fully illustrated.” ae (Continued on page 3 of cover.) el teat eee iy MAGIC. Phage No. 2. HOW TO DO TRICKS.—The great book of magic and =~ eard tricks, containing full instructivn on all the leading ecard tricks of the day, also the most popular magical illusions as performed by our leading’ magicians; every boy should obtain a copy of this book, as it will both amuse and instruct. ‘ wi No. 22. HOW TO DO SECOND SIGHT.—Heller’s second sight explained by his former assistant, Fred Hunt, Jr. Explaining how the secret dialogues were carried on between the magician and the boy on the stage; also giving all the codes and signals. The only authentic explanation of second sight. “ No. 43. HOW TO BECOME A MAGICIAN.—Containing the grandest assortment of magical illusions ever placed before the public. Also tricks with cards. incantations, ete. . No. 68. HOW TO DO GHEMICAL TRICKS.—Containing over one hundred highly amusing and instructive tricks with chemicals. By A. Anderson. Handsomely illustrated. os ae No. 69. HOW TO DO SLEIGHT OF HAND.—Containing over fifty of the latest and best tricks used by magicians. Also contain-~ ing the secret of second sight. Tully illustrated. By A. Anderson. f No. 70. HOW: TO MAKE MAGIC TOYS.—Containing full’ : directions for making Magic Toys and devices of many kinds. By A. Anderson. Fully illustrated. No. 73. HOW TO DO TRICKS WITH NUMBERS.—Showing many curious tricks with figures and the magic of numbers. By A. Anderson. Fully illustrated. No. 75. HOW TO BECOME A CONJUROR. — Containing tricks with Dominos, Dice, Cups and Balls, Hats, ete. Embracing thirty-six illustrations. By A. Anderson. ; i No. 78. HOW TO DO ‘THE BLACK ART.—Containing a com- 7 plete description of the mysteries of Magic and Sleight of Hand, - together with many wonderful experiments. By A. Anderson. Illustrated. ey HANICAL. ‘ No. 29. HOW TO BECOME AN .INVENTOR.—LEvery boy should know how inventions originated. This book explains them all, giving examples in electricity, hydraulics, magnetism, optics, — er i mechanics, ete., ete. The most instructive book pub- . ished. 4 " No. 56. HOW TO' BECOME AN ENGINEER.—Containing full — instructions how to proceed in order to become a locomotive en- — gineer; also directions for building a model locomotive; together with a full description of everything an engineer should know. No. 57. HOW TO MAKH MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.—Full directions how to make a Banjo, Violin, Zithes, Aolian Harp, Xylo- phone and other musical instruments; together with’ a brief de- scription’ of nearly every musical instrument used in ancient or modern times. Profusely illustrated. By Algernon S. Fitzgerald, for twenty years bandmaster of the Royal Bengal Marines. sr ane No. 59. HOW TO MAKE A MAGIC LANTERN.—Containing — a description of the lantern, together with its history and inyention.— Also full directions for its use and for painting slides. Handsomely illustrated. By John Allen. : eS ent No. 71. HOW TO DO MECHANICAL TRICKS.—Containing | complete instructions for performing over sixty Mechanical Tricks, — By A. Anderson. Fully illustrated. ey LETTER WRITING. as No. 11. HOW TO WRITE LOVE-LETTERS.—A most com- — plete little book, containing full directions for writing loye-letters, — and when to use them; also giving specimen letters for both young and old. woe es No. 12. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS TO LADIES.—Giving, complete instructions for writing letters to ladies on all subje also letters of introduction, notes and requests. es Mees No. 24. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS TO GHNTLEME Containing full directions for writing to gentlemen on all sub, also giving sample letters for instruction. i sete No. 53. HOW TO WRITE LETTER A wonderful book, telling you how to write to your sweetheart, your fa mother, sister. brother, employer; and, in fact, everybody a body: you wish to write to. Every young man and eve: lady in the land should have this hook. Mike cute ure No. 74. HOW TO WRITE L BO} taining full instructions for writi also rules for punctuation and composition letters. - anae ‘ ;
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PLUCK AND LUCK. — cee Complete Stories of Adventure.. Yesued Weekly—By neta $2.50 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y., Post Offtce, November 7, 1898. Hntered according to Act of Congress, in the year at in the office of the Lib brarian i of A od Washington, D. 0., by Frank Tousey, 24 Union Square, New York. No. 223. NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 10, 1902. Price 5 Cents. OR, THE [MYSTERY OF THE LIGHTHOUSE. A STORY OF THE REVOLUTION. BY GEN’L JAMES A. GORDON. CHAPTER I. The flickering, fluttering, sickly flame of the candle cast a garish light over the bed and its surroundings. PRE NED NOLAN. Tat Ned’s face paled. There lay the man he had seen full / f of life and strength two hours before, dead, his head hengtne i: The clock struck twelve. over the edge of the bed. Ned Nolan suddenly awoke, and then called: Ned Nolan gazed at such a picture as this—not as “described . “TI say, friend, are you awake?” 4 here, but in all its terrible reality—and he clasped his hand as “There was no answer. i over his eyes as if the sight seared his brain. iE There was something awful in that continued silence. _ How had’ this scene been enacted without his being awake Ey On the narrow, high, old-fashioned mantel stood a candle, | ened? which Ned Nolan lost no time in Hehting, his very blood Tun-}| It was a jeatsey 4 he could not explain. ; ning cold. : ‘And then a horrible thought crept into his mind—would ts ‘Holding the candle above his head he turned from the|2¢ not be accused of committing this deed? chimney-piece, and, facing the centre of the room, advanced } His cheeks grew paler still, and he thought: a few steps, his eyes starting’ from their sockets in strained; “Worra, worra! has my bad luck followed, me exe to this | Surprise; then he reeled back, throwing up his hands as if} country, too?” _ to ward off or drive back some dreadful thing confronting What should he do? Should he Ba the siete shoul f him; the candle at the same time fell to the floor with a}he quickly steal away from the place? The latter seemec Li crash and expired. , the best course, although it would be a tacit admission that ‘Ned Nolan could not repress a thrill of horror that swept he was guilty. f ‘ him like a wave from head to foot. «de took his hand from his heated. prow, and his eyes. ais For a minute or so he stood irresolute, waiting ‘to fly the | covered a bit of paper pinned to the dead man’s: breast. © ‘4 ts dreadful scene, yet rooted to the spot. At jast, in a mechani-| Holding the candle closer hé reads). mi cal way, he sought on the floor the peas; and, as Hes lighted 3 We i eos ke t again, muttered: : “Thus perish all traitors to the ss of Liberty!” — ‘ ; “Faith, it must be peg my own safety demands. si ae feiss ate sab eee , ‘He was’ greatly perplexed. ‘ ade “Baith, ” he exclaimed, “whatever shall ti do
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ee. re aneee Se the garb of one of his majesty’s officers. *. ‘Stepping’ quickly back the young Irish lad placed his hand on. the butt of a pistol, ready to draw it at any instant. The officer entered the room and had closed the door before he looked at Ned, and then he exclaimed: “Youre not the person Hi seco to see. “Vauy?”?~. But he waited for no reply, as chance had directed his ‘gaze to the bed and its ghastly burden. Recoiling at. the awful spectacle so suddenly presented, he gasped: “Good God! Whai’s this?” ~~ Recovering himself he advanced to the bedside, ae an amgry, vexed cry immediately. followed. _ “Hit’s Benson, the smuggler’s hagent!* he exclaimed. you do this?” pt NOY 5 “Who hare you?” was the fierce demand. “A stranger, arrived but this very day.” Sh aa Ah!” and the British officer fastened his eyes on the ponte: Trish: lad. -*What is your name?” “Ned Nolan, before Gud and man!” The officer laughed hoarsely. “Good henough!” he cried. “You will be kind henough to ~ eonsider yourself ha prisoner.” “Not at all,” said Ned, coolly. e : “Surrender! ”- +» "Not to ye, ye beef-eating minion of a bloody king!” _ And he pulled out the pistol, and with a flourish warned Who. hare “Did was the proud reply. > ely toward him. “You shot hand, killed the Marquis of Kerry—ha good Henglishman, hand Hi harrest you zor murder.” ' “T did shoot him,” was the bold reply, “and I'll serve ye the. ‘same, ye dirty redcoat, if ye attempt to lay hauds on me! Back, I say, or Tl shoot ye like a dog!” and Ned’s eyes flashed with the fire of determination. ‘The officer retreated a few steps and then, with an evil ; smile of triumph hovering around his mouth, he shouted for help, adding: “The king has hoffered ha reward for you hof five ‘undred. pounds, hand Hill pocket that—see hif Hi don’t.” “Hurroo!” eried Ned. pected—to have a price put upon me head. But ye’'ll never claim it!” and) ‘shoving his pistol back, he adopted the use | of his fists, and suddenly darting upon the officer, struck him a sudden blow- between: the eyes, exclaiming: “Bedad, but | ‘Il not be after wastin’ powder and lead on the likes of such as ye! Ye’re not worth it. Take that—and that—and that!” and at each “that” there was a spat, as Ned, dancing round,” nted blow after blow on the officer’s phiz. Mad as a bull | "sword, but this Ned forestalled by a sudden clip under the) re, go tell your king Aha I have spat into ise? face } of Los officers, ang Aes ges dirty shoes on his eer rush of feet along the hall warned Ned to fly, AS fficer a kick, he caught wp bib’ hat and coat, flew | AT 12. O'CLOCK: gave a visible start as he saw confronting him a man in off the officer, who, enraged at his words, had started sav- | “Faith, that’s an honor I never ex- | the sight of red. cloth, the officer attempted to draw his | ‘chin that (te him. Quick as a flash Ned planted a foot | CHAPTER II. THR SMUGGLERS’ RETREAT. : ae The date of the circumstances recorded in the precedin. chapter was July 4, 1774, just two years- -prior to the da; when the famous Declaration of Independence: was. aia: to the world. ce The causes that led to that ‘otis. and bloody war. with: fhe a mother country had long been at work, and already noble old Massachusetis was suffering the penalty of-- her eee “EOI: Liberty. December 16, ’73, the inhabitants of Boston: 5 rose ae unjust taxation, and, dressed as Mohawk’ Indians, boarded | English tea vessels and ‘flung their cargoes into the hay. From that time Boston’s persecution commenced. is Four thousand British soldiers were stationed in Boston — and billeted on thé pedple. A family received an order, and es forthwith came three or four redeoats, who took the best * rooms in the house, ate at the table, and cursed the fare if it ae was not good enough, superciliously ordered the inmates a around, and practiced many frdleni tira on the fair daugh- , ters of America, ee | y And the poor man whose family suffered thus petid obtain no redress, and if he ventured to even murmur, was seized and hurried off to prison as a traitor to the king. As it any % wonder, then, that the handful of men who fought for and gained the freedom of our country adopted the ‘motto, “Liberty or Death”? ' a Other punishment fell on refractory but Liberty-loving + Boston. \ ay aie On June 1, 1775, her harbor was closed by order of the king, supplies were cut off, and full many a vec! was plunged “into the distresses. of starvation. But, God be praised, it was a blessing after all, sore fitted men to be soldiers—fitted them to endure the priva tions they afterward experienced during that slorion struggle. j : Excitement ran high during that year in Boston, and man: a conflict occurred in her streets, and many a man, timi before, there smelt gunpowder first, and acquired that tempt for-it which makes the true soldier. sion, Bah! The English had undertaken what they could ot accomplish, and day by day' the British commandant 3 brought to. ‘his notice the fact. that prohibited BUpplions hi ¢ entered the city, and duty free at that. i i His efforts to prevent this were scoffed at—jeered cere os his failure to prevent it was flaunted in his face; a | the. characteristic rage of. maddened John Bull, he cur: smugglers and swore to draw and ‘quarter obi one. that should eyer fall into his hands. : ee But none ever did, and his curses, like. chick ns, mus hav come home to roost, for they never roosted anywhere e Several prominent men in Boston were suspected ; them Captain Gideon Arnow, but against them | t never find a vestige of proof, although 2 smugglers, and at last they found a wor ul Gaus of Benson. :
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AT 42 CLOCK. ~ —— — ; ~ Captain Gid’Arnow smiled significantly when he heard the next day the rumor of Benson’s mysterious, violent death, Had. he chosen, he could haye giyen a goad guess as to who had struck the fatal blow, although he had ‘Ro knowl- edge that it was contemplated. — ‘British spies tracked him all day long, but he affected to be unconscious of it, though he knew it well. And he was dogged whenever he went into the street, for a week after- ward, and then, finding their vigilance unrewarded they relaxed their unsolicited attention, j “Ha! ha!” laughed bluff Captain Gid. “I'll give you the slip to-night, my boys!” and studying up some new problem, he wended his way homeward and went at once to his study, where he remained until the supper-bell rang. He found his wife and daughter in the dining-room before him. Mrs. Arnow was a slight and pale, but evidently high- spirited woman, and Stella Arnow, the daughter, evidently partook largely ot her mother’s spirit as well as of the high degree of bravery. which rumor accorded Captain Gid. : “You're going to the island to-night, are you not, father?” she asked. LORS “Can I go with you?” “I'd rather you'd stay home. What does mother say?” “Stella can do as she wishes,” replied Mrs. Arnow. “Then she shall go,” said Captain Gid, and when he had finished his meal, lighted his pipe and puffed away in silence for some time. At ten o’clock every light in the house was extinguished, to ! | news—a part of which was Benson’s death, at hearing of . mislead any spy into the belief that they had all retired. Stella and her father were all ready for their midnight excursion, but they did not attempt to leave the house until some time after eleven o'clock. Winding their way through the, darkest and narrowest streets, they finally stopped before a tumble-down house that stood by the water’s edge. A dim light could be seen faintly through a chink in the shutter, and Captain Gid gave a satisfied grunt. Advancing, he gave three low raps, twice repeated, on the door, which, being opened slightly, a low voice asked: “Why do you knock here? What’s the time of night?” _ “Twelve o’clock.” wie “And——” “All’s well.” ; The door was now opened sufficiently to admit the passage of Captain Gid and Stella, after which,’ ‘being closed, they _ found themselves in a sort of a dark closet, so arranged that . the light in the room would not shine forth into the night - when the outer door was opened. % They - entered the inner room, but only paused there a minute. was wanted of him, and taking up a candle, crossed the apart- ment and disappeared through another door. Captain Gid and Stella followed their guide, who, finally setting down erik the ‘candle behind a, screen, raised a door in the floor’ and _ they could hear and see the faint glimmer of water beneath. A boat that was hung near the ceiling was let down noise- i lessly into the water by a well- -oiled tackle, and into it]~ : Captain Gid and Stella descended, and a moment later they were skimming like a dark shadow over the surface of the bay. _ Soon they were abreast .of. pal) Island, eae could “see ‘The man who had let them in seemed to know what ‘been selene’ loge, ee the eee ae had not ceased grat- ing on the shaly beach before a low voice called: “Give me the time,” “Twelve o’clock!” “And——” “All’s well.” They could hear the hammer’ of a gun being let down, and then a low voice asked: “Ts that you, Captain Gid?”’ “ Yes. »” 2 “We've been expectin’ of you two or three days. things in Boston?” “As usual,” replied Captain Gid. till I return.” “AN right, sir,” was the Genie: and the fellow politely — touched his cap, for he knew that that muffled figure that ° was with the captain was his daughter. They went up a steep ascent by a rocky, uneven path. After fifteen minutes’ hard climbing they made a sharp descent of a few feet, rounded an abrupt corner of rock, and saw before sia them alow, smoldering fire, around which twenty-five men were congregated, some asleep, some awake and talking or — smoking, while one little group was jules itself sie a pack of cards. J They arose as the pair approached them, and ‘saluted thet ‘c } respectfully, and then, advancing, shook hands all around ‘I, with brave Captain Gid, who was shortly asked for the news — ‘ in Boston, the all-absorbing topic of the time, — The sleeping ones awoke, and crowded around to hear the # How goes “Take care of the boat oe | which several muttered that they had always suspected she Wi fellow. ay “And now,” said Captain Gid, “who is absent to- vege “Oscian, the half-breed, and Pete Slick.” “Ts Slick absent?” quickly said Captain Gid. “Yes—he’s been away the last three days.” Bick he The captain looked grave, and remained ' silent for Boms minutes, as if in thought. \ Finally, turning his attention to the waiting men, he said: “Well, boys, see that no more of you leave, for we have work on hand for the night after to-morrow. n A murmur of approval ran from lip to lip. “The smack will arrive about midnight outside the. light- house. | Be theré with two crews ready to unload her. Tm go from here with you of meet you there.” After drawing from his huge pockets letters fer a number Be of the men—tobacco for this one, and various little packets | for others, he and Stella returned by the path they had come, entered the boat, bade the sentinel good-night, and were se) noiselessly swallowed up in the darkness that ee the bay.’ They had been gone but half. an hour or SO, witeus saitd small boat approached the island. * Be ea “The password was given ali right, ane the: watehtal say tered the Smugglers’ retreat. “Oscian! ‘Pierré! ~ Good- evening igs youl” was: all sides, “But who is this you have with you?” w dn all quarters, and two dozen Beane we curious: eyes canned the stranger. OL oo, Heoqult--Nea Nolan,’ ver
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Sia oe ie aan —— ‘The landlord—a true adherent of the king, which fact, it | __- known by the young Irish refugee, would have deterred his putting up at the inn—accompanied with others of the same ‘stripe, heard the captain’s cry as they were hobnobbing in the bar, and rushed to the rescue. / Rg “What's the matter, mon?” asked the innkeeper, in his - broad English. “What ’as ’appened o’ ye?” Burton’s choking anger prevented an immediate reply, but seeing a pistol in the hands of-one, he snatched it as soon as he recovered powers of locomotion, jumped to the window, and fired at a dark object some feet away, forgetting that by this time the object of his wrath must be at least several _ blocks away. Just then one of the party discovered the body of the dead man, and they gathered around it, too horrified for speech. “The deuce!” hissed Burton. “The Irish ’ound ’as hescaped. Look hafter the body, you!” to the landlord, and he bounded - from the room, clattered down the stairs and burst into the street. He shortly met half a dozen soldiers, who, on parol through the streets, were leisurely going to learn the cause of the shot; for supposing this to be like many another outrage— merely some poor fellow shot by a soldier—they did not wish _ to arrive’until the culprit had made good his escape, 1 As coherently as his excited condition would allow, Burton gave a description of Ned, and one of the patrol remembered that while sitting on a barrel smoking a cigar he had seen ‘just such a person saunter past him. _ “That’s the fellow!” cried Burton. “Hafter ’im, men, hand ha guinea to the man what takes ’im!” In an instant they were off like a pack of bloodhounds, led by ‘the soldier who had seen him, the captain ais those who ‘followed. y* w Sheaey } tramp of feet behind him. . “J am pursued,” he muttered. “Well, they’ve got to be ‘sharper than weasels to take me, that’s all.” And he started onward at a easy jog trot. “ “Help! ” : "Suddenly the cry rang out, and was distinct and clear above the tramp of heavy feet. “It's not me they’re afther at all, ” thought Ned, coming + toa dead halt. “It’s some other poor divil. I'll wait and give him a hand.” j Usually as keen- witted as a “fox, for once the Irish lad was fooled. It was. but a frequently practiced ruse at the time, for the British knew that such a cry would always cause the - fugitive. to think he was mistaken as regarded himself, while the person, if at’ all high-spirited, would stop to help the brother he imagined to be in distress. ‘Ned never discovered bis mistake until the redcoats were out his ears. *YXe dirty serpents!” he exclaimed, his Irish anger’ now “aroused up fully. “Take that in your skillet, some o” ye!” and he pulled the trigger of his ieee : A he snarled, eee his i up, “how do ye like that? you!” and he Aung: his now useless pistol forcibly 12 O'CLOCK. ‘if I don’t do the same for ye some day me name’s mgt Ned { "Ned Nolan was walking quietly along os he heard the within twenty feet, nat the leaden bullets were whizzing | connected. } ness on hand of some secret bral orat Ned laughed in his sleeve, for he was able to ‘outrun Hoses all, and with very little exertion managed to keep ‘ahead; but his laugh was changed when he suddenly found his way blocked up by a house, which, standing at the head of a street, caused its termination. He could not. turn back; he ae was in a trap. tag He saw all this at a glance, but he had no thought of giv- — ing up even then, but clenching his fists until they were as — hard as stones, he waited the onslaught. Lake In a minute he was head over heels in business, and soon Digs floored two of his antagonists. By a lucky accident two others made a mistake on account of the darkness, and each worked away vigorously on the other. Just then Ned felt a firm grip on his wrist and a low: “Hist!” reached his ears, and he was noiselessly drawn through an open door. His strange friend led him along a. ; Bis ce Bo Ce hall, into and through several yards, and so into another — street. ' stn “What had you done?” his companion asked. = “Nothing.” eres ; “You don’t belong here.” : i i: “No. I’m from Portland this very day.” ¥ f A: “Ah!” “Yes, and these fellows wanted to get me back to ae me hung. Begorra, it don’t look much like it now,” he said, mee good-humoredly. “Thanks to ye, me friend.” “Will you trust yourself with me?” 3 “To be sure I will. Haven't you done me a good turn, ‘eat rind Nolan, that’s all.” j é They hurried along, and Ned was led into a neue! can into a lighted room, when he saw that his friend was a tall, slender individual, with a face as smooth as a woman’s, and of a dark shade of complexion. ea 08 “Wrinch, I take it?” said Ned. rp ei reg a The stranger turned and added: m7 re “By birth only; I am an American.” Re Paine The door opened and another person entered. He was darker than the first, heavier built, with a few curly, strag- gling hairs on his face, which was nearly as dark as an In dian’s: “Ts it done?” | Ae Se A The newcomer drew his* niger across his lvdet It was his only reply, and as the motion was made Ned Nolan thought of the dead man, and instantly jumped at the conclusion | ‘tha t this was the man who had committed the deed, but he: ‘said nothing. 7 Pai “My name is Oscian, ” said hig friend. “This ts ‘Pierre. ( Ned bowed and shook hands with both of them. — “You say your life is in danger? mn ie . # Yes)” vr i “And do you hate Bngland?” : Ms “As bad as St. Patrick did ube snakes and toads ished from Ireland.” votes “Would you like to strike a blow’ against the prowd “Faith, I would.’ ¥ tie unfolded tha Story. of the pianasiere with whom 7 1s Needless to say, Ned jumped at ere jo: He remained housed up for some days as Pier
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AT 12. O°CLOCK. {night wore away and the hour of twelve was fast approach- — . ing, when a scene was enacted not unlike those told in fairy tales. The eyes of three men began to grow heavy and the lids drooped in sympathy. Each looked in a dazed way at his | companions, and seeing them in the same condition, sought to rouse himself; but this they could not do, for a fatal spell seemed to be upon them. A quietness almost supernatural hung around the place, broken simultaneously by three in- distinct sighs, and the three men occupied, with strong rigidity, the respective positions in which the spell had overtaken them. The storm-door opened and a slender, lithe figure glided in; it was Oscian. Taking off a cloak, he screened the light in such a way that it could not be seen out at sea, although visible to all inside the, harbor. He sat on the stool between the three men, while minutes dragged out into hours, the while making a peculiar hum- ming noise something in sound like that made by a cat. Suddenly he arose, resumed his cloak and passed outside, and a few minutes later the men were awake, and one com- pleted a sentence which had been broken by. the spell stealing over him. That same night, not long before Oscian entered the lan- tern of the lighthouse, a small boat darted up to Smugglers’ ~ Island. aii It was Stella Arnow. A a “Tam to guide you,” she simply said to the smuggler AS. lieutenant. “Father can’t come, but I ese the harbor BST well.” ; Her own boat she left in care of the sentry, and took a Seat in one of the large, heavy boats they used in unload- ing the smack outside of the lighthouse, as they dared not — bring a sailing vessel inside for fear of discovery. — a Their course lay. over a shallow stretch of water, ‘deep ; enough in all parts to float the boats when empty, but need-_ ing a good guide and a thorough knowledge of the bottom to prevent grounding hard and fast when loaded. | nf “4 Outside the light they found the smack laid to, and in a few minutes the long boats were laid beside her. Then’ en- sued a scene of great activity, yet almost noiseless; the heavy casks and boxes and bundles were transferred with so little noise that a person ten hundred feet away, dependent on hi ears, would not have known that it was transpiring. i The boats were loaded, the good- -byes were said, the smack — stood out to sea once more—while the smugglers, with such piles of ‘things around them that hardly elbow room wa left, “pulled slowly past the lighthouse and made. toward — Castle Island, under whose very guns, almost, ee, WprS ac: customed to run. i Yat: The water was growing shallow. , ; Up rose Stella from her seat in the bow of the boat, , and when she dropped from her shoulders the long, black C she wore, it revealed her in a dress evidently made for and parties. It showed to perfection her splendid figur flowed behind as gracefully as artistic drapery. — . She faced the stern of the boat, but althoug] ; saw only, her back, he knew what she meant when her | hands moved up or down, or this way or that. It was growing late, and the blackness give bai to the approach of iy “Ts Slick here?” asked Pierre. “No. ”» He said no more, but squatting down before the fire, began contemplating it with a moody air. Presently footsteps were heard, and a man glided into their midst from the outward darkness. A grim look and smile lighted up Pierre’s features, and walking up to the newcomer he seized him by the wrists, exclaiming: “Slick, you are a traitor!” A bombshell dropped in their midst could not have oc- casioned more surprise than these words; the accused man turned pale as a sheet, and murmured some faltering reply that it was not so. “You lie!” said Pierre, fiercely. “Last night, at one o'clock, you made a bargain with Captain Burton to betray us, and agreed to lead his men to our retreat to-morrow night. You came here to-night, as | knew you would do, to see if we will be at home to receive them as hosts should always do.” “It is false!” gasped the accused man, his knees knocking together with fright. “T’ll. prove it,” said Pierre, sternly. “Captain Burton gave you an order for money, so worded that you are only to get it if we are captured, and not until then. That paper is on your person; Oscian, search him.” In his vest-pocket was found the proof of his treachery. Now overwhelmed, the wretch went down on his knees and piteously begged for mercy. “Aye, you hound! such mercy as you would have shown in putting us in prison to rot to death. Come!” and Pierre drag- ged him to his feet, and, with a rope which was brought, bound his hands. “Come with me!” he said, and deacon Slick with him, approached a spot where from the bluff above the rock went sheer down to the water. Those gathered around the fire said no word, but looked at each other. Presently came a report, a shrill ery, a splash at the foot of the bluff, and then in a few minutes Pierre glided noiselessly among them, his face as calm and settled as a child’s, bearing nothing to indicate the hand he had taken in the recent tragedy. bd x * * 4 * * * * There was some mystery about the Boston TaD ee, and the subject was on everybody’s lips. A British bark was off the coast one night > ith the light in plain sight. Hight bells (midnight) had just struck, when of a sudden the light, disappeared, nor did they see it again all night long, and were compelled to lay to until daylight _ hefore entering the harbor. i The light-keeper was interrogated when the ship’s ‘captain | told the strange story, but he stoutly persisted that. such was not the case; and in this he was corroborated by divers people on Castle Island, who swore that the light had been plainly visible all night Jong. ’ Tn less than two weeks the same thing happened again, and again were the witnesses | on each side as positive as. before, ‘The light-keeper was a. trustworthy man in every respect, : but. the British commander, to test these strange affairs, put with him another man. K With two in the lighthouse the same thing happened. | And what made it more strange was that each time this happened there seemed to be a fresh influx of contraband “gc ds nto Boston aol vain ‘the English strove to connect | aah
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fat composed as a statue, only differed tradi” one oenes the ex- * tended, supple arms were gracefully moved up or down, They were opposite the fort. A mausket’s report broke the stillness, and then a brazen- ' toned bell sounded forth its warning; they were discoyered! ‘Not a muscle moved Stella Arnow, except to brush off her . hat and allow it to fall at her feet. . Then she remained pas- 585 ‘sive and motionless, but for the moving of her guiding hands. . Loud shouts and cries, and then broke forth the thunder of cannon. .Great streams of flame leaped forth from the iron throats of the cannon that frowned from the battlement, - huge clouds of sulphurous smoke rolied upward, and a can- ~non ball plowed up the water a few. feet in front of the boat. ; With no show of fear the heroine stood there, and midst ‘ . shot and shell guided the smugglers onward. 1 CHAPTER IV. A TOUGH PLAN. ai _ The cannon boomed sullenly, jets of flame jumped forth from their .black throats, and deadly missiles hurtled and ~ whizzed through the’ air; and though none but brave hearts ‘were within the smugglers’ boats, none could repress a start ora shake of the head when a, ball struck the water not half a dozen feet in front of the foremost boat’s prow, and then ‘went ricocheting for some distance ere it sank. ~ We made a slight’ mistake when we said none could re- _ press a start, for there was one that remained as immovable as ‘a statue; it was the lithe, white-robed figure in the bow. ? ever forgot. herself, and, as if she had not heard the roar efore the discovery. Once only she quickly iniad her head and flashed her a and smoke, the excited crowd rushing to the boats, the sen- ae try. with’ musket on“his shoulder pacing the Peet Fay Splash! oh and collected as though she were in her father’s parlor, mak- iz _ some commonplace’ remark. ; The men L seized their oars with firmer grasp and settled they could not and would not & “coul be go cool and quiet. nd boat eek close up, and in a “few minutes both | anger menbead .théth “in? the: #6rm’ of the t din. the small boats be- | AT 12°°O0’CLOCK. were moving: ppeeetly ‘in their seats. _ Stella Arnow, if she felt fear, at least showed no sign of it, | calling to her to stop, and a scornful smile wreathed her lips. of the guns or seen the balls striking dangerously near, | “moved her extended arms slowly up and down, their move- | { fall into the bottom of the boat. ment as graceful and easy as ever, no faster, no slower than | fully aroused, and in léss than ten seconds after their com- | e panion’s fall a dozen muskets were raised to avenge it. ‘eye toward the fort, taking in with that transitory glance’ for us. the frowning walls, the thundering guns, the puffs of flame; oars and pull as you yever pulled before.” Aen instant’s hesitation they dropped the muskets, oars and tugged at them until the strong muscles stood ou A ten-pounder struck ‘the surface near by, and ni Boia their arms in knotted bunches, and the ‘oar blades b down, /sent flying a dense spray. which drenched all in the | near to breaking. sew pulled as indeed they se ai boat, and caused. many a one to gasp for breath and half | pulled. before: turned ahead and: her arms were gracefully directing the was “Stella Arnow who Said this, and ina voice as quiet | course, while the musket reports rang out sharp a bullets whizzed and hissed and splashed in the we emselves to show fear when a woman in their midst | pull sharp—sharper yet"—a long, suljen, grinding olsere, : Pp : oe 2 ae called, and the men 1 bent pibgen to their | tom—another—we're off—easier ' now beh we’ see an ee of doing sunk by any” chance shot was left | f Stella saw that they were safely over, she cried: ‘can never get over that spot, for of Pi tgs ; dy i smugglers to do their pest, while with “laa aetnagteee “she shortened distances by guiding them over shallow places when there often was no more than an inch or two of water to spare, and again led them through narrow channels where Ba. frowning water dogs projected their. slimy heads not more Sit than five feet from either side. See “They're gaining fast!” called the coxswain, after a fleet- ing glance in the rear. “Never mind them,” said Stella, shar ply, without | turning her head. “Watch me!” me The rebuked coxswain became silent and did as he tea been bidden, and Stella, seemingly as devoid of emotion as a piece of marble, guided them onward, nor turned her head — antil a musket-ball went whistling over their heads and) she heard the report. Then she looked back:and saw that the soldiers wele within shooting distance and that the men ” Crack! Another bullet went whistling past. It was an opaay to halt, but Stella paid no attention whatever to it.” Nearer and nearer the redcoats drew, and the men began to murmur among themselves. “Hist!” said Stella. “Quick! It will be a tough pall, for you, but they can never catch us.” Once more the men became silent, and bent to ‘their oars with a new energy.) ‘ Crack—crack—crack! Only a signal, but a very peremptory one, and Stella. oy Knew that the next time those muskets spoke it might be to a purpose, It might speak in tones of death to some es her men. I She could hear the voice of the officer in the leading foe Orack—crack—crack! A low ery, and she saw one of the men drop his oar and The smugglers were now hinge “Stop!” cried Stella. “Are you fools? They are too strong What we do must be done by superior skill, To the Instinctively they knew that she was right, and without an took the Once more Stella’s back was is the men, and her face wi and The heavy boats almost leaped ‘through the water Ww. Stella suddenly ealled for greater speed. “Faster!” she cried. “Faster for just ‘a ipfatiestibes “another good, strong pull—another; we're dragging other boat does.” , ‘ The second boat was folowing the tactics of “Give way again now, lively, and we're safe! The eS ncormaaet by her Scords he
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by same fate; and as a third fetched up on the rocky ridge aes whipped off their hats and swung them around their heads, and gave the pursuers the “tiger.” “Lose no time,” said Stella. “They may drag their boats across and continue the pursuit.” Indeed this was what the officer at once caused his men | to’ do. As soon as they could scramble to their feet he made them leap out and drag the boat across the bar; but when the soldiers piled into their places the boat suddenly filled and.the weight of the firearms sunk her in the deep water beside the bar, and left her occupants struggling for life. The second boat had also had her bows smashed by coming in contact with the barrier of rock, and sunk when she came to the assistance of the other. The third boat was over by this time, and by good fortune saved those who had reached the rock and stood on it knee-deep in water, shivering in the night air.’ At a glance the officer saw how useless it would be to con- tinue the pursuit, and sullenly gave the order to drag the boat back across the bar again and réturn to the fort. He was savage in his manner, for he could hear continually ringing in his ears the taunting cheers of the escaping smug- glers, and besides that he had caught a glimpse of his rueful- Jooking self, and knew that his suit was spoiled. And as the smugglers slowly disappeared in the distance the last they saw of the soldiers was as they were drawing the boat across the bar, and a smile rested on Stella Arnow’s face as she thought: 3 )“I wonder how the bull-dogs will like this?” ; Carefully she guided them across the remaining shallow water, and then resuming her cloak and hat, sat quietly in the bow until the sentry had challenged and received the _ coumtersign and the boats had grated on the beach. Then -- springing out she entered the light boat she had come in and ‘sdon was lost in the hazy darkness of early morning as she _ pulled away to the mainland. ry Choosing the least frequented streets, and making a de- tour, she entered her father’s house by a back way. Her knock. ener the door speedily answered, and she was caught in the _ arms of Captain Gid. , /“T see by your Haan that you have been successful,” said. . ‘ ‘aria was the reply. “Was my absence noticeable?” “It'was remarked upon,” was her father’s reply. “Cap- tain Burton wished to know what became of you after din- ner, and I told him that you had gone to your room with a ' headache.” | “We had a pretty close shave, though,” said, Stella. _/ “What was it?” asked Captain Gid, anxiously, in ‘reply to which question Stella gave him a brief outline of what - oceurred. - ; ‘ -- \*Poor Jonathan! was he hurt much?” asked Captain Gid, Pa when Stella told him of the chance shot. “No; at first we thought he was killed, for he fell back- _ ward with a scream; but the pullet ‘only plowed up his 33 shoulder; it was a narrow escape, though,” said Stella. 5 é “But now I must go to bed and get some sleep, for I've an er "engagement to go out riding with es ua Burton this after- ‘noon. Risin 15 ii _ Captain Gid- went back to his private room, and sat down hi -easy-chair, where he remained for: a tong while, smil- rubbing his hands, Bite IR Stella's a trump!” he exclaimed. ie AT cl oroLo ox ‘would have; so Burton had kept calling at different times, -army; the oe | night ens after; what, then, was their astonishment, ‘| that time. — isin again, not daring to yenttre entering ql 4] little thought ‘Koa Captain Bartha 2he" ha! it's ‘rich! ae a he nodded his head sagaciously. : m * Captain Burton, with Sho our readers are agetaintod: ‘had : chanced to see Stella on the street one Gay, and had at, once sought her father out and obtained an introduction, whic! led to his being invited to the house. Captain Gid shrewdly sought’ to be on good terms with Burton for the’ effect it ah ots bringing with him other officers connected with the British — before Burton had dropped in with Colonel Brower, his superior officer, and three other officers, anuch to Captain Gid’s dismay, for he wished to go to the island that night. This, of course, he dared not now do, and he was - left inia quandary, which, however, “his visitors saw no trace ~ of, for he was more :bland and agreeable than ever, and pre-~. | sided at the ‘dinner table as if he were not in his heart «— wishing his visitors buried a thousand fathoms beneath the © © sea. - ; Rs After dinner Stella beckoned her father, out, and after a — few minutes’ of conversation Captain Gid entered the parlor smiling; but Stella did not reappear. although her mother, a+ younger sister, and a cousin from near by, came in to en-— tertain the visitors; but Burton was gloomy, for Stella was the attraction to him, and he learned from her, father that she would not be visible again that evening. He roamed around the parlor a while, and then played whist Cea: with Captain Gid, while his companions chatted with the aad ladies. As the clock struck twelve he rose ‘and sauntered —_ to the window, giving the colonel a nudge as he passed, tors intimate that it was time to 89; and then, with a yawn, he: remarked: : “The lighthouse is visible from here, I see, Captain cian” aa “Yes,” Dehn the reply. ; out at midnight, isn’t there?” “There is, for a truth,” said Captain Gid. Ye, “T can’t understand,” put in the colonel. “It’s after bwelve : now, but I can Swear it’s burning how, can’t you?” ; a S “1'}].take an oath it is,” said Burton, confidently; “can’t you, Captain Arnow?” he asked, looking at him just too Tat to,see*a queer smile that had been playing about ‘the cap- tain’s mouth. ‘ “It’s plain enough to be seen from here,” said Captain G Bre but neither of them noticed the slight’ stress ‘he placed | the last word, ahd then he bade them good-night and. ha a nap of ae hours in a sitio before he began to for Stella’s return. His visitors were ready to swear they saw the light a m C with munitions of war, swore that it had net been visib ese ey Z 8 ty Z THE cROWN DETECTIVE, ; The story told. by the coe of Hine B man was that he had arrived nearly. abreas' After eruising around an hour or more h ness, ‘nor yet to Tay te in such dang
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bys Mahe Et leave there until some time after twelve. 2 eaten are. oe AT 12 O’CLOCK. strange sleep that had enthralled them, nor did they even mention it among themselves, for each had an idea that he had been sleeping all the time while his companions had been wide awake, and they were positive the light had not ‘been out by the quantity of material consumed being fully as much, if not more, than was usually used by the lamp over night. ‘ Colonel Brower and Captain Burton were sitting in the eaptain’s tent, talking over this and the news that was brought early from the fort of the rencontre with the smugglers, when ‘the general, passing, asked them to step to his headquarters. It was easy to be seen that he was in no very good humor, and he rather savagely turned on’ Burton with the remark:. “I thought you informed me that you had gained a knowl- edge of the smugglers that would put an end to them?” “*So I thought I had,” returned Burton, humbly. “I had made arrangements with one of their number to betray them. According to an understanding between us I went one night to conclude the bargain. Arrived at the place of meeting, I found he had been murdered. Another one of their number is now absent, but has promised when he returns to lead our people to their stronghold.” “Who is be?” was the tart question. “His name is Slick.” ; “What made you let him get out of sight?” growled the ; general. “He may be done slick before you see him again.” “I hope not,” said Burton, deferentially. “You hope not!” sneered the angry general. “What good does that do? Another thing, Burton, this business of the at smugglers has somehow got into your hands and you ought - to be doing something. How about Gid Arnow? I have heard his name connected with these smugglers.” 47% take an oath he wasn’t with them last night, for - Colonel Brower and myself were at his house and did not I did have spies about his house, but we’ve never got a glimpse of him after nightfall.” “Well, well!” said the general, testily, “something must “be done. Here’s the lighthouse dark and the smugglers run- ning in contraband goods under the very guns of the fort, and in the face of myself and thousands of soldiers.” me “As to the light-——” “Well, what of the light?” demanded the general, as Bur- ton hesitated. “Colonel Brower and myself saw it burning after midnight, ru take my oath to that.” “So will I,” said Brower. “Well, well! see to it, Captain Burton, "that you do some- 3 hing. Good-day!” and he es Sang into a file of papers wait: <a ing his inspection. - With: a military salute the officers left the general’s quar- ? ters and repaired again.to Burton’s. The colonel soon after eft, but, Burton had been alone but a few minutes when an er orderly. ushered in a tall, rather thickly-set man, who dropped Lt. a chair in a familiar manner, with the salutation: “Well, old man, how are you?” Biddle, as I live! ” gasped Burton. “I do,” said Burton, eagerly; “and I’ve seen him, sede? “You have? Where?” Burton related. the incidents with which the reader is: already acquainted: “Then he is here in Boston?” said Biddle, in.a reflective tone. “Fle was; replied Burton. : “If he is (ll find him, without any doubt. I’m fortunate in striking his trail so easily. Well, Burton, I’ll leave you now, but will drep in frequently to see you.” “It'll be a pleasure to me, I assure you,” said Burton, but the grimace with which he said these words and a certain gulp as if*he were endeavoring to swallow a lump which had caught in his throat, seemed to be the opposite of corrobora-. tion for his words. ; 2 5 Nor were they unnoticed by Biddle, who arched his eye- brows and. went away, softly whistling to himself. _ A trifle less overbearing, a shade less jaunty, Captain Bur- ton drew rein at Captain Arnow‘'s door. A seryant informed him that Miss Stella would be right down; she did not keep him waiting, and in a few minutes they were speeding along the streets from which they debouched into an Situ road. Stella was playing a deep game with Burton, and meu by piece artfully drew from him such information as he possessed as could be of service to the little band of, “smug- glers, who, though their vocation was unlawful, were. never- theless patriots for striking at the king who ground them down, for showing in what contempt they held the soldiery that had been sent to destroy their liberties, to stamp out the high and noble aspirations’ that distinguish the human being: Ss from the servile dog. Gradually conversation drifted around naiitll it acahet ‘he topic Stelia most wished, the smugglers, “So you British soldiers were not smart enough to catch them?” arching her brows as she spoke. is “They got away, it is true,” he said, in a vexed tone. “ One a . would think you a traitor to the king to hear you talk, some- times,” “Really, that’s too bad,” said Stella, in a tone intended to hha grave, but which she could not altogether rid of a Atte ban- ts ter. “What can I do to prove my loyalty?” sometimes thought you were more than half rebel?” “Indeed!” exclaimed Stella, in an assumed tone of surprise: “Pray assure, me that you have—that py have yeas Rly mind.” : : mi rhe “So I have.” Jf “Dear—dear!” and she bent a keen glance on him from the corners of her downeast eyes. “What a pass things have come to that I should have been even suspected of being a rebel. father has been suspected of treason to the king.” “So he has,” replied Burton. ‘ ae ” eried Stella. “ Captain Burton, you, don't mean ta" ing at your aries s 14 “Thank you, captain; I am sure nae eal: very | kind.” — could he have seen the ae a me (eyes: jf ea satisfied, ieee f but whether he is now or not I couldn't say,” “IT don’t know,” was the reply. “But do you know, I have ny It would not surprise me now to even hear that my a
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AT 12 O°CLOCK. course we will; they’ll give up the minute we put a hand|ing when Pierre addressed him. Soon all was in readiness, sa on them. Why, last night, so report goes, one of their menj when he was addressed by Yankee Davis: * was killed, and they didn’t fire one shot back.” “Would yousjust as soon pull a small boat ta the Sse cl. iui rob ¢ “Why not, do you suppose?” “Certainly,” said Ned. “Afraid to fire on the king’s soldiers.” “You remember the old house overhanging the Beall “J should think this the more likely case. The leader of © ¥es.? -. the smugglers dia not wish to shed blood when they knew “Well, take your boat into the second slip to the south of | escape was certain, for, of course, it was calculated that yourjthat. Go straight into the bulkhead, and there you will boats would smash up on the rocks.” discover the mouth of a sewer. Men will be in waiting to “Bah!” retorted Burton. “No, Miss Arnow, they are too} take the things lying in the bottom of the boat.” | cowardly.” / “All right,” said Ned. “Go now?” At this slur on those she knew so well, the hot blood} “Im just a minute. We want to give the boat that has mounted to Stella’s face, and clenching her dainty hands she; just left about ten minutes headway.” said, quickly, but in a ringing, clear voice: “Now, go,” said Yankee, a few minutes later. Ned stepped “Cowardly! ’Tis false, I am sure. Wait, Captain Burton, | into ‘the light boat, sat down, picked up the oars, and with until it becomes necessary to fight, and trust me, you will|one good, strong pull sent the boat flying out into the dark- rue the day you met them. Wait a little, Captain Burton, until | ness. ; you see them fighting for home and liberty—see if they run, Ned pulled on at an even pace, and finally he saw looming then—see, rather, if they do not nobly stand and fight as|up through the darkness the old house that overhung the never men fought before.” water. He then changed the course of his boat and sought Prophetic words were those of Stella, and long afterward | the second slip from it, into which he glided a minute later Burton remembered them; but affecting to laugh, he said: | tO find it black and grim-looking, and apparently as deserted “'There’s no doubt in my mind now that you are a rebel.” | 8S the grave. “T am a rebel as far as standing up for those born and Pulling to the bulkhead ia inquired the time of night, in brought up here, when I hear them called lcowards. ” a low voice, and received, in low tones, the proper reply, and ~ “Let me apologize for the offensive term,” said Burton, | then a low voice called: “It ig needless,” said Stella, now her old, cool self again.| “This way a little.” “But let us return, it is growing late.” Moving in the direction of the voice, Ned saw the mouth “The gal has pumped him dry,” thought Captain Gid, catch- of the sewer and recognized several of the smugglers in it, ing a glimpse of her triumphant face as she entered the house; | They took the goods he handed them and disappeared. and so she had. Curiosity prompted Ned to follow. So, tying his boat, es he did so. Following the sound of their retreating footsteps, "8 he heard them halt, finally, and give a low. whistle, when from - above there streamed down the rays of a lamp. He hurried ey forward and joined them, and saw that a shaft had been cut down from a store into the sewer. In the store above were facilities for the secret storage of these contraband goods, and Ned could not repress anyexclamation of approval at the cS completeness of the arrangements. After he had viewed. these — things he was warned that it would. be better for him to depart and remove his boat, for if seen it eoent possibly afford aK a clew to their secret. ah Leaving by way of the sewer, he entered his boat and bias under the pier, mbete he sat for. some few moments in — thought. ; : } “T’ll do it!” he exclaimed, suddenly. CHAPTER VI. i s AN» ENGLISHMAN’S GRATITUDE. 4 The smugglers laid-close on their island while Pierre, the halfbreed, went to the mainland to make arrangements for the landing of the goods they had run in. At the expiration of two days Pierre returned, and ‘after a few words to Yankee Davis, next in command after Cap- tain Gid Arnow, the smugglers went briskly to work at the goods. Meanwhile Pierre singled out the young Irishman. “Your name’s Ned Nolan?” % v“ ae ¥ ; “Yes,” A strong fancy had taken hold of him to go. over the “You a a fugitive front the old country?” ground of his flight for life, and this:was what the exclama- “Tam.” tion referred to. Fastening his boat, he went to the street ma geet a price on your head?” before the old house oyerhanging the water, and aides com- “Phere is,” at menced retracing his steps. t “Por murder?” \ Turning now and then and walking briskly, he reachiea _ “No,” returned Ned, quickly. “Not for Sita though tea _ please to call it so. For defending my Ys as any man would.” i “You have been seen and recognized since coming here?” “T have. By, Captain Burton.” . “Do you know him?” - “Know him, is it? Faith, I do, the skilking hound! © was a tithe gatherer until he stole enough money from a x people to sek himself a commission in the army. Know him, iy ABE In faith I do. I knew him well, and once upon a time ys me father made him pretty well acquainted with the toe of ‘his. boot by kicking him out of doors.” “There's a crown detective here after you,” said memes: “How aid you find that out?” asked Ned. ; are. shook his head negatively to imply that he could not ~ tell hit cul de sac into which he had been trapped, and where ‘must have either been made prisoner or met his death, ‘bi ; for Oscian’s kindly help. In its farther end Ned saw a figure slowly slinking around and examining the doors ant A thought flashed across his mind, Probably Burt seen the detective and told him of the fight that had place there. Might not this be the detective seeking te how he had so mysteriously disappeared? i pa Ned’s suspicions were not without foundation. H ing, too, had been correct, for it. “had all come. cisely in that way. ; c Fascinated and held td the spot, ‘Ned watched | tive’s movements for over half an hour. At of that time Biddle gave up the seas and ward ee etree ‘ oe / a, and turning uae on his heb, ey him alone. ay ed
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mh cnet acy gaa ele eet La pte ea, ae ik . AT 12> O'CLOCK. “10: ” = a a xs Er = 7 : = 7 lie ‘envélope. On this he hastily scribbled a few words, and Under -these dcabaeats words the British senered winced then hastened after the detective, who, having turned at the] and Rough he was boiling with rage, he cursed the or sound of footsteps close behind, was accosted by Ned. when he appéared and’ bade him begone. F ‘ “Sir, here is a note that was to reach you; let me deliver it.” During all this‘time Ned stood with that scornful ‘site iS “Who is it from?” | ; : on his lips, his arms folded, his whole being breathing con- t “It will’ explain. itself,” tempt and defiance, and he bent his inquiring eyes on the — ““And who are you?” 5 general, who, battling with himself, bent Ale head in his — “That it will also explain; godd-night and pleasant dreams,” | hands. eT aon before Biddle had a chance to say: anything Ned was In a few moments he raised up his eyes, passed his hand +. gone. An oil lamp lighted up the street at the next corner,| before them in a vague way, and murmured: ; and to this Biddle hurried, and opening the folded piece of “Tt feel so strange—a spell is stealing over me. What is it?” i ‘paper, read: A His strength seemed to slowly depart, he sank back in his 2 ‘ chair, the upraised arm slowly descended until it rested by “Ned: Nolan’s compliments to an old plocanound, and may | his side, the eyes became fixed, but thex saw. nothing, only — you be hung for your trouble in trying to hunt me down:” blank space was before them. He sighed and breathed so fe: i faintly that it could scarce be seen; it was the same terrible — | - . He had been-accosted by the very man he’ was searching for.| kind of a spell that had overtaken those. in the aagiche oa ri The astonished detective gasped for breath, and then started | and Osclan glided into the room. Be ot ae i wildly in the direction Ned had taken, but though he search- % La 4 ed far and wide, he had. to £ive over at last, and turned his that eh Bt tesa ar steps toward his hotel. ‘s “Ned ‘wisely beat a precipitate retreat after giving Biddle C : APTER VII. “the note, and reaching Dis boat pulled out from the pier. He ee : ite: had gone but.a short distance, however, when he saw looming Pe : Ss ae up in the darkness a small sailboat. The wind was blowing OSCIAN’S WORK. : we ; r very fresh, arid something in the way the craft was handled fi . a : sy aie made Ned fear they would upset, so he watched them closely.| Ned Nolan could not have been more surprised than he was ~ _. They were trying to make a pier close by, but ran away past | by the sight of Oscian gliding into the room. It was a a he ‘it, and. when they brought about to stand back, Ned heard| et Surprise than the first, occasioned by seeing the spawn -— loud eries for help, and saw them go over. Quickly. turn-| Sink Into that strange, slumberous state. ; _ ing the prow ‘of his boat that way, never thinking of any| A fear had come upon him that some mortal sickness: sina” _ danger he might run himself, he arrived just in time to catch, | seized upon the general’s vitals, and he would have called by the hair, a head that was going down for the last time. | for help but for Oscian’s entrance. The snaky. Frenchman — By much exertion he got the person into the boat, and then| understood Ned’s feelings at ee first glance, and ee) ie tying the painter around the bow of the sailboat, pulled for whispered: ; eenate he the shore. By the time he reached there the inmate of his “There’s no danger—he’s all right! ‘Close the door!” ee: Wy a boat was quite recovered, and commenced cursing in round} Without a word Ned obeyed, and then 8tood by it watching an if terms. those who. sat astride ‘of. the capsized boat for not} Oscian, who advanced to the general’s side, pulled out his ie attempting to help him. watch and looked at the time, then puit it back, ‘pulled up a "Ned Wondered: that they een this so meekly, but did not chair to the table or desk and began to coolly -overhatil the e - guess at the truth until, kindly assisting home the man he] general’s private papers. had saved, he found himself in thie apartments. of the English He. took them up in the succession in which they had been — _ general, who had been spending the evening in the man-of-| placed by the general, — each cover peed pe made note Jil ee | war, and had been returning when the accident occurred. . The general stepped into another room, and soon returned “clad? in a fatigue suit. He looked at Ned sharply, and then “his eye roved about the room; on the desk he saw a parcel done up in brown paper, with his name on it, and at once See eayes undoing ie Then .a hoarse sey of ae eats ae had been ‘eaiBted in Hite we nearly an how there came a knock at the door, which gave Ned a coolly replied: i “In half an hour.” a? ees } And had not Ned seen his Tips) move he wont have iti : genuine was the Prechitnwe simulated tone ih aa ““Horribie! " gasped | the general, and dropaed into | a chair.} Then Ned could hear the orderly “right about 1 ‘By an effort he gained control of himself and said, hoarsely : march off down’ the hall, at which he could not mother a You have put me under an obligation to-night; let. me | if as far as I can,” and he drew out a purse and a om: eh? Are you a oor irish. lad—a refugee—Ned Nolan.” - Aa BP and you tell me so to a facet I}
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. should ever fulbie inte the water again there is one person give. ye ny word, ee cea all the who yvouldn’t turn a finger to save ye, and that persom is vere it ftom'me.*” : St _the one who now sends his compliments, and signs himself—| “Keep faith with me and Pm ‘your friend tee ‘Vite. ue in spite of all the generals and detectives in the world, “Give us your hand, then!” eried ‘Ned, extending, his iat od vee “Nep Notay.” | and Oscidn’s soon met it. maak “It’s the only hand besides Pierre’s that I ever took,” > said i Oscian. “I believe in you, I trust your Irish blood and honor, “a “Then hurrah for Ould Ireland!” Ned began to cry aloud, | when Oscian clapped @ hand on his. mouth, “Sh!” he said; “it is. ths only trouble with you: frishmen, 2 you are all. 80 excitable. Now, come!” Es MN a ie es At a street coiner a few blocks distant Oscian phate with = Ned, after being assured by the Irish lad that he could’ find ate his way alone to his boat. Ned hutried along w Oscian had — been swallowed tp by the darkness, and after a rapid walk of a few minutes’ duration he reached the pler where he had disembarked ‘after saving the general’s life. Here he found some of the crew of the capsized sailboat still in their wet ~ clothing, keeping guard over their unfortunate craft, which ~ they had tied to the pier, although they had made no “attempts Hee io right her, At Ned they looked rather sharply, and demand- yas ed was he the knave who prevented their gloriously Bi. the general. ‘ “Ye save the echerali ” cried Ned, flushing under ta term ne, knave. “Ye dirty cowards, ye were ‘sitting astraddle the boat a . wid no more thought of the general than had the boat. itselfiy, 7 “Silence!” yelled one of the redcoais;. senate or [ll put, ; a bullet into your Irish hide!” bprebee 315 ey “Ye will, will.ye?” sneered Ned. - ; Be “Yes; say another word and we'll march ae off to “thie lock-up!” . iy “Faith, I give ye me word yell do no such thing? ee retorted ‘ Ned. “The water ye’re all in now is. hot enough without — getting into any hotter. Do ye suppose the general has no. feeling of gratitude toward ‘the man who saved his life?” The soldiers shrank away from himiin: ‘dismay, and one sald, gloomily: Nae é _ “T believe we are in hot water.” : : “T’ll give ye me word on’t, ” said Ned, to. tantalize rok a “It's; hot enough to make ye all, as red as biled. lobsters, — barrin’ the coat!” and Ned brishea past them and entered the. a boat. As he pulled away he sent after them a last shot, “The general was askin’ me opinion about a court-martial, and me reply, I think, settled the mfitter. Shot for cowardli- ness! I’ll be there to testify against ye!” After_a brisk pull Ned drew near Smugglers’ Island, ree the signal and giving the proper reply, was allowed to aay, Recognizing him, the sentinel said, with a laugh: “In trouble the first time you went ashore, eh? Tm rai you'll get’ your liberty stopped.” zi nis Replying with a shrug of his shoulders, Ned started dare . “Paix,” he said to himself, as he glanced over what he had written, “it’s Just as well to be a ‘little defiant-tike. They respect you the,more for it.” Putting this where the general’s eyes would rest on it the moment he opened them, Ned signified that he was ready to g0. E “Come on, then,” said Oscian; “and step softly.” Ned nodded ‘acquiescence; and followed Oscian as he glided along the hall toward the interior of the house and down a flight of stairs to the kitchen hall, past the kitchen door, down another flight of stairs to the cellar, across that, up some stone steps and through a pair of old-fashioned slanting cellar doors, which Oscian raised, into the night beyond. Oscian still led the way, and Ned noiselessly followed him across the yard to the rear of an old woodshed. “Now we're safe,” said Oscian, “and have no further need of particular caution, although every street in the city is alive with danger if we prove careless. Let me Sugeest” s R thing: Give no more nates to detectives.” “What!” gasped Ned. “How did you find that out?” and with an undefined feeling of dread he shrank slightly from his dark-faced companion. - Oscian smiled a strange, queer smile, while his black’ eyes twinkled and glittered. “T know,” he said, “that is enough! I like you, Ned ‘Nolan, or I would not warn you; above all, you can be of usé to us ‘in tormenting ‘the English,: and any imprudence might make you more than useless; be careful.” “Ned’s eyes lighted up. “Then,” he said, catching at the tone used by Oscian, “you really hate the English?” “Hate!” hissed Oscian; “hate! Aye, as the devil does the - God in heaven—as the vulture hates his prey!” Ned shuddered despite himself, for he could see that his question had roused a fierce excitement in the breast of the usually placid, inscrutable, mysterious being before him. “Hate!” hissed Oscian, after catching his breath. “Hate! } / The word does not describe my fecl’rrs, which are like the Three Furies of old. Hate! Have I no reason to hate? Aye, they—the Enelish—robbed me of father and mother, and robbed them of their children, and scattered us to the four winds of heaven, and made us slaves! Hate! Ask Pierre 4f T hate!” - Ned was positively afraid of the man now, whose eyes glis- ‘tened with ‘a fire so bright that Ned saw them glowing in ‘ the darkness like two spots of living fire; and he was silent, the steep path to the rendezvous, where he found gdthe While “he Walted "Oacian’s (pisemures all those he had seen a féw hours before in the. oe abo e | - Oscian’ suddenly seized him by the arm with a painful) ' grip, and eried, shrilly, but ina low yoice: q _ “Aye, I could murder them all, but the time is not. yet | come—is_ not yet come!, | But it is comjne, though—I know —t feel it—God help them then—save them from “Pierre and ate ”" He was bratlent for ges a minute and then added: “Listen, to seaainak the warning you sees before you lett, and got into a peck of trouble. You ‘must’ be more’ ireumspec AOE, our Bales as Be as weut OP: or you" “How do you a that?” cried was so evident as to draw forth a laugh eee sorry, though, ‘that I said a word to you, and §0 see | yah es en fc it at you never lisp a word of what has passed between | — ( end S ght—there "indicating ee house—“or here. Do not,
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AT 12 O'CLOCK. ‘dimly conscious of the light of the lamp, and the surround- _ings as a whole, but was yet enthralled with a heaviness of mind, a lack of perception, and seemed in a dreamy state; that condition just between waking and sleeping, when you are ’ conscious of things going on about you only as if seen through a veil of mist and fog. So when a knock came at his ‘door the general gave no reply, though conscious of its occurrence. When it was repeated, , Jouder and more distinct, it aroused him up completely, and he started bolt upright in his chair and gazed stupidly about '. him as if trying to remember what he was doing there. Then his eyes ¢hanced to fall on the traitor’s head, when quick as lightning an angry flush dyed his face and forehead, and a quick glance revealed the fact that Ned was gone. Quickly covering the ghastly object he had so strangely received, he growled out in response to a third knock: ~ “Come in—come in! What are you standing out there for all night?” The door opened and the orderly entered, made a salute, and came to a halt. The general took out his watch, which, as he glanced at it, caused an expression of surprise to light his face, conceal- ing which he angrily criéd: “Sirrah! what do you-mean by coming here a fell three- quarters of an hour behind your time?” pon ET was here, sir, half an hour ago; the door was shut; 1 knocked, and a voice from inside said: ‘Come in half an hour.’ It may have beeu some one else, sir; the young fel- » low who came in with you when you had stepped out for a few minutes, perhaps?” said the, orderly, eagerly. The general began to understand the matter himself, but -. it would not do for him to take water before the orderly, ' go he curled his lip contemptuously as if he still believed him a liar, and then briskly and sharply said: _ “You mentioned the young fellow you saw come in with “me. Have you seen him.go out?” Tar No sir,” slice atehe! answered the ioe otis orderly. “And yet he’s gone.” eb he ‘orderly looked helplessly about the oat but made no reply. , - “You have been on duty at the foot of the front stairs all this while?” cw PE Have; sire? SOS may go. I have no otders for such a man as” you,” and the poor fellow went away, quaking with fear, a eaving the general quaking with rage, for as\ the orderly “was backing out he had picked up and read Ned Nolan’s note. 3 _ “Now, by all the saints, this is awful—awful!” hissed the general, and then compressing his lips grimly, he added: “This shall be looked into in the morning.” A suspicion flashed across his mind that his papers might ve been tampered with, and he began to scrutinize them ft carefully, but could find “no trace of their having been dis- a ‘bed. Oscian alee did his work well. f tigen a of touch, “You have so!” caren the general, in a way that made ‘Burton feel particularily uncomfortable. . down. Awaiting him he found Moses Biddle, the crown detective, who was in a very splenetic mood, occasioned by his recollec-_ tions of the encounter with Ned Nolan, and Biddle was not slow in pulling out the corks of his vials of wrath and let- ting them pour down on Burton’s head, as if in some way he was accountable for it all. A haggard, hunted look came in Burton’s face, ‘end finally he said, in a feverish way: | “Biddle, for heaven’s sake be quiet! Don’t be too heraieu! y me, for I’m in trouble enough now. Be easy, man, or between aa you and, the general, who is down on me, I’ll be driven to suicide or to desert and hide in the woods for the rest of my life.” lg af “Bah!” said Biddle, contemptuously. “You haven't spunix aie enough to desert; you’d'be afraid of being captured and shot. — Now, if it was only to rob somebody, with no greater penalty - than prison, I might expect’ it of you. But desertion—oh, no!” “Biddle! Biddle!” cried Burton, “don’t go back on” me— help me if you can!” , fy “Ig there anything to be made out of it?” } ui _ “Yes—yes!” cried Burton, eagerly. “Ive got a few haan, ; dred pounds I'll give you gladly.” “It’s a bargain, then,” replied the detective, ina moilified tone. “And if you'll give me the points T’ll look into ‘the 3 matter at once.” After an hour’s conversation they separated, and fant was left in a more hopeful frame of mind, though onl comparatively so, for he was still so disturbed that ~ he en- 5 tirely forgot an engagement with Stella Arnow, and at: never. A occurred to him until three or four days later. — ; ; Biddle ‘had brought him a “report of Progress, * an “He Having been pleasantly received by the ‘patletete: ‘the capta felt that the storm clouds that had lately overhung him were. is eae and looked ey at the general. Haye sen for ron to shave a talk about the smugglers. \ iy rears away, that clearer: skies were appearing} and 50 ae to him. i “T must go and apologize,” he. thought, and ha: hair dressed he made his way to the row ceiving a warm welcome at Stella’s’ hands, es said his dereliction had not be
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: eS : AT 12, O'CLOCK. Se > - Gid decided when she told him what she had learned, and|- _then his face became grave, and he thoughtfully said: “T hardly know hew to accomplish it, though, Stella. ‘That - fellow: I pointed out to you I have learned is a crown ‘ de- tective by the name of Biddle. He shadows the house night and day, and I’m almost afraid to venture out.” “Papa,” said Stella, after a moment’s reflection, “will Oscian be at.the place of meeting?” “Baby enough. Pierre saw the whole occurrence, and formed us of it before we left the house where you. saw f “OR!” said Ned, in such a hearty way that they all hada laugh at his expense, which he did not at all mind, but helped — | them to enjoy it better by saying: att as “Laugh away, me gossoons, ye do it neatly.” The next few days passed very, quietly on the island, and Pierre came out and remained a couple of days. On. th day that Burton called on Stella; Oscian visited Smuggler’s “Ves, ” “Then I will go.” Island, and at once he and Pierre plunged into a mysterious ~ — “You?” and lengthy conversation, at the conclusion of which renee “Yes.” drew Ned aside and said: “Irish Ned, I am going to prove that’ I trust you now. There is not one of our old men you see there but would jump at the opportunity that I am going to give you—well— because I have told you some of my history, and because we ~ both have common ground in hating the English.’ You re- member the place where I first met you?” “Ts it the: place where I was cornered by them redeoats? Aye, I remember it well, that I do.” “Every night at one o’clock I am accustomed ‘to be tute. to meet Captain Arnow in case he wishes to send information to the island. I want you to take my place to-night.” “Paix, I'll do that same with pleasure,” said Ned. “But mayhap you ll remember I don’t know this same Captain Arnow, thcugh I would know his daughter bet beg! God bless her purty eyes.” “Well,” said Oscian, “he is a large man, which is abowt alt a you could tell in the darkness. The safest way is to give our countersign.” pes Sew “No, no, Stella; a woman would be too noticeable now. During the past week many changes have taken place. The streets are guarded where they diverge into the a aida and a woman is never seen at night.” " “Wait here,” said Stella, and then hastened from the apart- ment. : “In a short while the door opened, and Captain Gid gasped at the transformation he saw—Stella, changed into a tall, _ well-developed young man. , She blushed as her father’s eyes rested on her, and said: -*Now don’t say anything about the immodesty, papa. It’s all for my country’s sake, and besides, no one will see me ‘but Oscian, and him I shall not mind. As for you”—and her arms went around his shaggy neck—“I am sure you will never think less of me.” “No, never, never!” cried Captain Gid. “Stella, you’re a trump. Yes, I can trust you. Go ahead.” “Tell mamma.” 1 “Twill.” “Aye, I'll do that same.” . f ue “Wait up for me.” “And one other thing, Irish Ned, be ‘careful; be discreet. “Aye, aye!” They keep sentinels all along the water’s edge now and — : through the outskirts; you must get bint tin 22 without being» seen.” ; nga “Vl do it, never fear,” replied Ned, donadentiy; and when : he had shaken the silent, dark, mysterious Oscian by the hand, that individual joined Pierre and they fie. down — é the rocky path leading to the shore. Auk Ned waited until nearly midnight, and then, seated in Eats light boat, pers across the bay toward the city. i And so Stella crept forth on her mission, escaped the ob- - servation of that watch-dog, the crown detective, and then at a rapid gait started toward a place where Captain Gid and Oscian had frequently met at night, and whither the latter always resorted at a particular hour. It was the cul de sac in which Ned had been trapped the night Oscian rescued him. Toward this point, then, Stella Arnow hurried, and she was within a block of % when she heard a footstep ciose behind her. Half halting, she let a man go by who looked sharply at her as. he passed, went on a few steps, then sud- denly turned on her. “What's the time of night?” “Twelve o'clock, x manne Stella. “And——” _' “All's well,” she added, and then the young man quickly » capked: |) _. “You were going to meet Oscian?” y “Yes,” ; “Then don’t 0, Paix, the redcoats have\smelt out the spot an nd are a-watchin’ of. it. this blessed minute,” said Ned "Nolan, ‘for he it was, “Oscian isn’t there the night, and sent me in his stead. Have you news for us?” ct : e Stella had recognized the young Irishman, and: ee cheeks _ were crimson at being caught by him in the guise she wore, f and so. taken aback was she that for a minute or two she d t speak. Something in his quiet, ‘off-hand manner of sp akin g, the entire lack of anything like surprise, led ai her 3 pe that he had rot Sone eS and controlling els he had selected a place to land, which, in the opinion of a agian; ‘of those he had consulted, was the safest. and gone: a But pean his precantions, he suddenly. found himself « house. The dentinal at once challenged, and presented his [ musket. a pitch to one side, he stood iaeisantis on tis fee a dl and then lurched the other way, at the same time | sun a maudlin tone and air, and with many hiccoughs h “1s: zis Bos’on, that'a man should be stopped in ze | Now “Boston! nenveee to be the fe was pettcctte: intelligible | to the ieAnttnal, ae a 5 Ye, a good notion to run you in, .
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id - bs ar - O'CLOCK. Laughing in his sleeve, Ned rolled along until he had turn- ed the corner. Glancing back and seeing the sentinel stand: ‘ing as he had left hini, Ned thought all danger of pursuit owas® over, straightened himself and briskly walked onward. \ The sentinel, however, was not 0 éasily imposed upon, and oF overcoming ‘his desire to avoid taking any tr ouble for. nothing, he hastened to the corner, only to hear Ned’s distant footfalls, not. wavering and uncertain, but clear and distinct, every one. “The bloody snoozer!” growled the Englishman. “I'll not * be fuddl ed and fooled this way,” and he gave a low, clear call _- which Ned so! indistinctly heard as: not to be alarmed by. Another sentinel responded to the call, and another, and “more, until their party numbered five, when they hurried after Ned, who, true to his Irish characteristics, was whist- ding gaily for his own amusement. It was a feature of his ‘Si natt:s, this devil-may-eare style, even when he knew himself to be in the midst of danger. ' He was easily traced by his pursuers up to the point where “He: left. off whistling, which was just opposite the cul de sac, which b merely glanced into and then passed on, and con- -cealed himselt a couple of hundred ‘feet distant. “The omadhauns!” he exclaimed, when the, redcoats stop- i ped in front of the cul de sac, and then entered it, all but one, » ‘who remained outside, just. far enough/to see up and down ‘the street. “They're after me again and I’ll dance ’em a ‘jig if they catch Ned Nolan, so I will!” . _ When the sentry's back was turned he stole away, and as the reader’ has seen, accosted Stella Arnow in time to pre- vent her going to the place of meeting. To make sure of not addressing the wrong person, Ned had delayed giving the _ signal until hard on the éul de sd&c. Had they instantly faced | i rut they pe cee nt be Pech unseen, but they erred in stand- : : # n eine twinkling of an eye ‘Ned saw how matters. stood. ‘We must separate!” he cried, low and quick. “Ye start | rst and I'll draw ’em off after me when ye get a start. bast eyes—ye mustn’t be seen in, men’s clothes by them eathens.” jh you iknow me?” cone ‘Stella, more! cop iden me?” he quizzed. e mean i have Lida! “4 | induced the inipression that a whole pack’ of artillery ae Go | | is. i ward, sald: their mark; en ah= athe the hubbub a ‘hoise ” louder and louder; on—on—the din of shouting voices, ing doors and raised ‘windows; on—on— and into the arms ot two sentinels hurrying from a direction SREDEL to ie one be was pursuing. Up came his ready pistol, but ere ies could use it it was” knocked from his hand, a blow felled him to the’ ground, and Ned Nolan, name or no name, was a prisoner. ' CHAPTER X. ; Beye NED IN PRISON. : { . The blow which Ned received on the head, besides knocking him down, generally confused his ideas, for, as he afterwar described it to Oscian; he seemed to see a succession , of vivid flashes of light, accompanied by a WHITTRE sound, th: gone pat dit ten ae of him. ing a daze@ look of astonishment, and he was sanrodenee: 2 é all sides “by red¢oats before he could collect his scattered ' senses. Fans “Blarst yer heyes!” gasped the dhitinel “hes Aad: gasping for breath between each word, “come along now; a blarsted fool I was not to take you Taping ety eyes Without much loss of time they marched him off to lock-up, where he spent the remainder of the night. Tt was near noon of the next day when he was taken 0 and . | Companion in visiting’ Captain Gid’s: house on the ee of mies | Stella’s brave piloting of the smugglers. beneath ‘the gu me the fort. Burton had dropped in to exchange compli r on with the colonel, and was doing 80. when Ned: -was le in 1 He started in surprise, and then g look ‘of joy noe Ler his face, and he exclaimed: : “Colonel, hére’s luck!” “What?” ‘ j “See the prisoner?” 7 “Ves.” j Me “It's Ned Nolan, the young ist “ragitive.® “The fellow who shot the Marquis of Kerr “Yes,” said: Burton, eagerly. “And a desp Commit him to ‘a etrong cell in tho. jail, colo el—the | lock-up wouldn’ t hold him an hour if he wanted t out.” | ton’s oomltattar: remark, which, seeing hee ca turned toward him, Ned acknowledged as a com iment | very low, mocking bow. ‘Ned. was speedily arraisned. > Ea “What is the charge against ‘this ‘fellow’ : The fooled seritinel was on hand, end st sree ve “go hor : 5 he gave
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AT 12. the circumstances, while Burton, bidding Brower a hasty good-day, hurried away to inform the crown detective of Ned’s arrest and incarceration in prison. As Ned was marched through the streets he heard loud murmurs of sympathy on all sides-from people who flocked to doorways and windows as he passed. And some, more bold than the rest, could be heard to ery: “For shame to let that man be dragged to prison!” “What an outrage!” “This thing must have a stop put to it!” and had it not been broad daylight Ned felt sure that one single cry for help would have been sufficient to incite the crowd = fall on his guards and wrest him from their grasp. 3 “Things can’t last this way long,” thought,Ned. “There'll be the biggest kind of a‘row anent another year or I’m no Irishman.” And yet he only saw what every one else saw plainly, that the time for an open rupture with the king was speedily approaching. . i As these remarks of epiaaeny reached his ear he would en- deavor to catch a glimpse of the speaker’s face, and on one occasion he could not help giving a slight start as his eyes encountered those of Pierre, the halfbreed. Ned saw him lay his finger on his lips to indicate caution, then giving the’ prisoner a look of encouragement, Pierre dis- appeared. # This little incident made Ned of better cheer than he had been since encountering Captain Burton,.at seeing whom his -heart had sunk, knowing that his identity would, of course, - be revealed. Ag he stood before the court-martial his heart had sunk, though no one who saw him would have guessed it, so proud and defiant was his carriage. : He went onward with a lighter heart and step now, for ‘he’ felt sure that the halfbreed and his mysterious brother Oscian would not leave him to be sent back to England to be hung, without at least attempting to help him escape. And Oscian’s trying, in Ned’s mind, was equivalent to being in -actual safety, for the young Irish lad, though not exactly giving the dark-faced, mysterious man credit with being in league “with the powers of darkness, nevertheless believed him gifted with. some secret, if not supernatural power. . The jail or prison was reached, and Ned was locked up in} a strong cell with one grated window high from ‘the floor. ‘When it became known who he was the jailer would not| ' trust him alone, and -put an armed soldier into the cell with ‘him, who, locking the door on the inside, put the gey in ' his pocket, loosened the heavy pistols in his belt, took a cigar, and while lazily smoking, kept a close watch on Ned. A couple of hours after being locked up; he received a visit from the’ detective, Biddle, who had at last been found by Captain Burton, and who had received the news with the most extravagant manifestations of joy. For in his secret heart he had many misgivings about ever eapturing Ned, yet not’ wishing to return to ‘England arid be. disgraced by Be ' having him cP prisoner. To the detective’s crowing . remarks Nea dnbebea in a _ quiet, dignified way; nor raised his voice above an ordinary tone until Biddle said, with malignant glee: { fay “You ve got a fine neck for stretching, and, Ned, when it =e is stretched I promise you one thing—that your sale shall’ “be ‘there to see it done,” "Then. Ned’s flashing eyes were fixed. sternly, on the- de- ective, and he cried: Beth: ip low-lived ie your lips are too foul ‘That: ny O'CLOCK. © ya! ha! ha!” langhed Biddle. . “Do - think rh a0 ie T'll swear to it!” | “Paith,” he exclaimed, “I'll swear to the contrary. ‘asia ae moind what I now say to ye, Pi be out of this place in seg Y, nor three days!” Biddle started at. the firm ring in Ned’s tones, and cand searchingly at him as if to read in his mind any plan of — escape that might be lingering there, then glanced appre hensively around the cell and at the guard. Ses “Pshaw! it is impossible!” hé thought, and then with a as low, derisive laugh he said to the sentry: s “Do you hear that? He says he’s going to escape inside. 3 of three days.. Did you hear it?” The sentry nodded his head and grimly tapped his pistol butts to indicate, “just let him try it!” In truth, Ned had no more idea of escaping inside of three days than had the sentry, and had only said it to worry the detective. Seeing that Biddle was uneasy, he followed it. ; up by saying: - i ea psty ee “[2]l bet you a guinea on it!” ; ou “Done!” said Biddle, with a laugh. ~*T'll claim it,” said Ned, confidently; “and now. rn give ye me word yer absence ‘ll give me more pleasure nor yer company.” ; Biddle left him, very slowly, but evidently was uneasy in °/ mind, for his face appeared at the grated door a number of - times during the afternoon and evening. Ned saw it for the last time that night just as the gward was about to he see relieved, which was therefore twelve o’clock. It. was at the bars again the next morning at nine o'clock, and every few hours thereafter during the entire day, afford- ing Ned much amusement in watching its reappearance, and giving him a broad field in guessing now and then how much longer he would have to wait. Hach time he would laugh to let® the detective know he saw him, Biddle en- deavoring to keep his visits a secret from the orleery ’ and sometimes Ned would sing: out: a “Keep a guinea handy—I don’t want to wait very Jong when I call for it.” ‘ At nine o’clock at night on the third day of Ned’s dipriagt | ment the face of Biddle once appeared at the door. ‘ “Well, ” he called, “you haven't gone yet?” : et “No,” said Ned, determined to bring the detective to Bas i dame: here then.” Aiea % “Won't find you here?” hee “Divil a hair ot me.” ¥ i «Py risk ft? and Biddle went away, chuckling to him Ned soon after threw himself down on the. low co lay there musing ove? his situation, and wondering whethe ‘Stella Arnow had reached home safely, and- agine where Pierre. and Oscian were, and whi ‘glers had yet ‘received the information he had. deliver ; and while wondering, sank into drea -His waking was then and ever afterward a m him. _It occurred some time after midnight ees if ‘some invisible hand were Taid pon Luge position, and swing his feet off t | the floor, He was sensible of ‘e jae his faculties were bound up a eyes ‘moved. mechanically around. ‘ ys back in his ch it ae
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‘AT 12 O'CLOCK. _ the key, unlock the door, and step out into the hall—when | the numbness was gone like.a flash and he was himself again. CHAPTER XI. NED CLAIMS THE REWARD. Stella Arnow grew more than scarlet when she becamé aware that the Irish youth had recognized her, and it will be remembered that for a minute or two she was too dumfounded to stir. i ' , * Then, recalled to a sense of her danger by Ned’s urgent entreaty to fly, she took to her heels, and Ned having drawn them off her track, she reached home in safety. Panting for breath she entered the house, receiving a greeting from Captain Gid as much of alarm as surprise at her flushed face and hard breathing. “What has happened?” | he cried. “You were pursued?” “In one minute,” gasped Stella, sinking into a chair and striving to regain her breath. When she was composed she related what had occurred, bemoaning the penetration of her disguise with hot and burning red face, and wondering if, Ned had got away in - safety. ' “TI sincerely hope so,” said Captain Gid, “as the informa- tion you gave him can’t reach the island too quickly.’ 1 me will wake your mother and take a nap myself so as to be - out. early in the morning. As to your being known by the young Irishman, my dear, do not grieve yourself, for as a ok ‘gentleman he will never mention it to any one else; and, besides, if he ever meets you in,your proper guise he can- not fail to see that you are a lady, even though you dressed in’ men’s clothing ‘once.” ‘ - Comforted by these reflections, Stella left her father and eed to her own room, where, musing over the occur- - rences of the night, she suddenly paused and murmured: - *T will no longer regret having been seen in that attire, No, never; my country, for thy sake I would appear before e world at large and laugh at nea scorn directed at me by ; cewarm fools.” ‘Mrs. Arnow was only too glad to be of some service to the cause and readily accepted the task of remaining awake until morn iz so as to arouse her husband early.’ era nap of several hours ‘Captain Gid was awakened ac- cording to his directions, and’ at once started out. Saunter- long he gradually approached the Hone above the sewer; ta Captain Gid,” said a bluff,” ed faced man, his appearance, from the rooms above* through a nar. breviated form of salutation. ‘hing wrong?” asked the Pee in a low voice. '“Has the halfbreed been here lately?” “ No. 7 “Not since when?” ~ “Three or four. nights ago. house?”. “The place is watched.” — " , “So—ho!” ejaculated the other. “I must keep my eyes open, too, or I may be—dang it, captain, speak of the fellow with ~— horng and a tail—you know the rest.” . : And he nodded his head toward the door. . Captain Gid turned that way and saw the halfbreed just: entering. “Pierre, you’ re the very man I Sasten to see,” the captain said, when the halfbreed stepped into the back room. “You But why don’t you go to his ta ‘won't mind my speaking to him privately?” to the store- keeper. “Out upon you, Captain Gid, for asking such a question! Mind it? I wouldn’t mind being skinned alive for He Sood: ta of the cause we’re all a-workin’ for!” Neither would he. { It is sometimes a matter of wonder to the present gederae tion that our forefathers, with so small and poorly equipped and provisioned army, should have gained the liberty we enjoy. Can it be so much a source of wonder when such sentiments as the above, and others we” have quoted, fell i from the lips of the sons of the soil? is Captain Gid gave Pierre a brief outline of the affair, and ~ then the halfbreed hurried away, and, as already recorded, — saw Ned a prisoner on his way to the jail sae gave him that look of encouragement, and later in the day he sent an messenger to his brother, then in Salem. I Oscian returned the next night, and meeting Pierre, they both went to Captain Gid’s house, where both received a meinen Ss si) welcome. A IF “You have just returned from Salem?” said the captain, ii “Yes.” } “What about the smack? You heard from them?” PRs pee as “I did; she will arrive threé nights hence with a full load.” zat “Pierre wrote you that we had learned that a manot-wat was to be stationed outside of the harbor to cruise to and fro in search of the smugglers?” ee, “He did, and I left word to that’ effect. for the captain of! the smack. It is only one more complication, but we. can overcome it,” replied’ Oscian, confidently. ae i; ie “And now about this young Irishman,” said Captain Gia. “Tt seems that his capture will result in his being sent to England to be hung. I’m very sorry, for he could have : made good m escape had he not remained behind to cover Stella’s “Tf you get a chance, boeae: See here; 1 should like see him,” said the captain. Oscian bowed, and he and Pierre soon after with Though Ned did not know Hf, Oscian’s dark fac in a minute or two Degan to avadp, ete ere the ‘stupor in which Ned found him. | Then the SAE, black She with
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3 » sal . crossed it transversely, the latter leading down a flight of about, when Ned bounded quickly forward and silenced the _to the thirst of the night guards. — ‘ a table, his head resting on his hand, apparently asleep. The room was otherwise deserted, the landlord being in a back <= and then he stole softly along the ‘corridor to where another “Wake up, man, wake up!” Biddle opened his eyes and sleepily turned them on Ned, not recognizing him for an instant; with a-startled look on his face he opened his lips as Ned said: stairs to the main entrance. Before reaching this Ned saw a guard before it—a soldier, leaning on his musket, gazing blankly at the wall, and mumbling softly to himself at not having been yet relieved, His back was toward Ned, who determined to at once seize the advantage it afforded him. Stepping more cautiously than ever, he discovered the stairs and stole softly toward the guard, who, all uncon- scious of what was transpiring, continued anathematizing his non-relief. Without hearing anything the guard suddenly became aware of the presence of somebody, and was slowly facing hand, which squares me, and to——” Biddle tried to rise, and made a grab at Ned, who finished the sentence: “And to give you this!” bringing the pewter mug heavily down on the detective’s head, who, with a low moan, sank back in his chair and rolled off on the floor. ve “Faith,” muttered Ned, “that was a pretty clip; don’t you feel sick at your stomach, me gossoon?” And he glided out quickly, having noticed the voices in the back room suddenly cease. _He was outside of the door, and just closing it, when the landlord and two redcoats, who_ had visited him for the means of appeasing their thirst for ’alf-an’-’alf, rushed from the back room. And as he and Oscian hurried away they heard the sur- prised exclamations of the trio as they stumbled over the body of the unconscious detective. Oscian quickly turned a corner with Ned, so when the landlord reached the street and gazed up and down, he found it deserté€@, And Ned finished his night's rest in the house above the sewer. ery of alarm on the sentinel’s lips by felling him to the floor with a regular Irish muscular stroke on the side of the head. The sentinel went down like a log. Without stopping to inquire into the man’s condition Ned hastily turned the key in the door, stepped outside, and was about to hurry away when he became conscious of that same strange feeling, and despite himself was rooted to the spot. ; “Hist! ” said a cautiously low voice beside him. “Now, come, but be quiet as possible.” And Ned saw Oscian, beside him. He would have uttered a low cry of astonishment not un- mixed with fear, had not the mysterious being suddenly clapped a hand on his mouth. “Quiet! Now come.” Once more that old, indefinable feeling of dread for this man came upon the Irish lad, and he shrank away from Oseian as far as he could, and thought: “Tt is his presence that gave me that strange feeling; begorra, but I’m almost willing to believe that by one look of his eye he could make a man stand still while he cut him into bits no bigger than a barley-corn.” By and by the feeling of dread gave way to one of grati- tude at his liberation, and he walked close beside eras ida a route he well remembered, that of his flight’ on the night when he first arrived in Boston. And soon they could see all the tavern in which the scene had transpired, and from which the light now shone, for the English proprietor now kept open all night to administer CHAPTER , XII. LOSY OVERBOARD. The next night, in company with Oscian, Hed eee the Arnows. Stella grew rosy at sight of Ned, but ! gave him her hand frankly and returned his warm pressure, at which he be- came bolder and put it to his lips. you should have been made a prisoner-on my account.” — all; it was on me own. If I had only been captured on. a suspicious person, but on my own they put me in prison.” “The detective is putting up there,” said Oscian, appear- | forgotten, I can assure you.” ing to divine that Ned was thinking of the place. “He does?” eried Ned, with a sudden interest and a re- curring to his mind of the wager he had made with the hung for it!” ; ’ f “And,” said Stella, hesitatingly, “I was 80—80—BOrry “that you penetrated my. disguise-——” “Nonsens¢, alanna; if I had not seen through it ye might not have got away so easy.” -“*Cushla!” he ‘Said, softly; then, with a wave of is hand to Oscian, he silently skipped up the low stoop and peered through the glass door into the barroom. He started in surprise, for there sat Biddle, his elbow on ‘this. view ms ihe case. «No, perhaps I am not so ' “Ye need not be,” was the reply. “I’m only a bl Trish gossoon,’ bless your soul, fit a to be ae room ‘talking to somebody. om flash of seth ee crossed Ned’s face. He softly opened | rather liked his frank and manly air, “Say no more,” said Ned, “and e never will B stein’ seen ve togged out in boy’ clothes. ne F “Thank you—but be papa been calling : AT 12 O'CLOCK. RN ages “I am so sorry,” said Stella, later in the pREPEN “that, ‘ “Faith, Miss Arnow, it was not on your account at all—at — account of staying behind they could only have held me as” ; “Well, I was the cause, for all that,” returned Stella. “Your generous action in giving ue time to escape will never be : » “Faith,” exclaimed Ned, “I'd do it again if T was ‘eit “I’ve come to claim the wager! I took a guinea from your . ¥ i
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eg ak ie 12 ae es laughing at him, turn away as rosy as himself by immediately ’ retorting: “Faith, miss, ‘twas yer fault, anyhow.” » Presenting himself before the captain he listened to hear ‘What he might say. “Do you know anything about sailing vessels, Ned?” “I do that, sir. Many’s the hour I’ve spent in me own bit of a craft.” : “Would you like to go on board of the smack instead of staying on the island?” “Ye want me idea of it?” “Yes. » “Then, sir, put me where [’ll Be of the most use, and fave no thought of me.” * “Well,” said Captain Gid, explanatorily, “it is hardly safe for you in and around Boston. The smack is short-handed, and I thought if you’d go——” : * “Tt's settled, sir, without any more words. on board and the job’s done.” ! “Oscian will attend to that; and now, Ned, let me thank . you for covering’ my daughter’s retreat—I suppose she has done the same already—and I assure in addition that——” “Captain,” said Ned, interrupting him, “I don’t like this - game at all.” e “What don’t you like?” _ “Yer spakin’ of the matter at all. There’s no thanks wanted, ; and if there was, Miss Arnow—-God bless her purty pee says Ned Nolan—has more than paid the bill.” 3 “Well—well, Ned, we won't quarrel,” said Captain Gid, with 2 a laugh, and then Oscian signified his readiness to depart. At parting, Stella gave her hand to Ned, but prevented the - earrying out of the gallantry he would have shown by put- Ye ting it to his lips. ae “That. will do on ‘your Stag 22.4 the water, ” she said, 3 not here.” os “You like her?” said Oscian, in a suggestive tone of inquiry, ne after they were some distance from the house. _ “T do,” was the honest reply, and a word from Oscian inieht have drawn Ned into a long eulogium of Stella, who, to him, - was the embodiment of bravery since he had seen her guid- _ ing the boats that night, and now was to him the embodiment asx well of all that was pure and good and lovely in woman. ia tie Accompanying Oscian, he was soon outside of the pickets | _ that guarded the outlets of the streets, and then was driven to Salem, the mysterious man having procured, after an ab- a ‘sence of some minutes, during. which he had left Ned standing by the roadside, a horse and wagon. if * Tying his horse, Oscian led Ned toward the water-side, and Just put me “put down house and pave three distinct raps, three times re- ‘peated. 3 “Who comes there?” _ *A friend.” What’s the time?” — “Twelve o’clock.” after a number of twists and turns stopped before a tumble- | e?, then he saw the ‘smack, with site be canvas, ine ea another tack. : was bearing down upon. him. © canvas above, and could hear heey ‘wate sure beneath her bows. Dy ara letter | os ime itn aay A ‘merciful “Goin’ back now?” queried Ned, as eee crossed to ‘the door. 2 “Yes? 3 “Give me best compliments to the young lady and her | father.” | 4 Oscian bowed, and a minute after the door closed behind him. t ] Ned took things as coolly as possible throughout the long day, made longer from being cooped up in that dismal hole, et but he longed for the hour when he should feel the sea breeze fanning his brow as he trod the smack’s deck, - aus Several hours after dark his host led him from the house _ to the side of the water, where they entered a Small boat and pulled away from the shore. As good fortune had rh they no sooner flashed some gunpowder in a pan than they saw tlre thing repeated not far distant. a It was, the smack, on board of which Ned found himself ten minutes later. De His recent host gave the sadiagk a package, and then mes ui ashore again. “Ha!” exclaimed the captain, ad he was reading by the swinging lamp in the cabin; and turning to a man in waiting he exclaimed: “Go on deck at once and keep a sharp look- out; they have a man-o’-war cruising outside the Boston : harbor!” i. The night was dark, very dark,-and it was impossible +0 i. see ten feet ahead, so they proceeded cautiously. Ned’s letter was read and the captain told him to make : himself at home for the present} he would assign him a po-. sition as soon as. possible. . So Ned went on deck, and was walking backward and for- ward, when suddenly a low cry of alarm from the lookout rang along the deck. ‘ “The man-o’-war! ” That was the cry, and then a voice rang hoarsely out: se “Boat ahoy!” followed by a puff of flame pa the roa of 4 a cannon. by ish The captain was on deck ere this, and bi ‘to ae wheel, cried: “Luff, steersman, ut! ” ; The smack came up in the wind, the boom darted like light- ning across the deck; sweeping Ned into the sea, Mer ec stood away, regardless of his cry for ihe! ; fee b CHAPTER XIII. ADRIFT. rs Saat \ - 4 : a ee ‘ “Help!” Aang This was Ned’s cry as he struck the water. Fa “6 Help! 2 “ and the metallic clank as the mainsail brought up, He was left to his fate. y mee he: And that fate! He turned Dale, ‘tor the heavy man: He could see her black hull, with: its t He knew. not what to do, A cat’s-paw, »
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~ a hails she could be brought back to her course Ned had been left. behind. The bows had sprung past him at a distance of a few feet, and as the vessel’s waist passed he might have touched it with his outstretched hand. He breathed easier now, and, his own immediate danger being passed, he thought of the smack. As long as he could distinguish the positions of the two ‘vessels by the canvas he kept his eyes fastened on them, and even then he continued gazing in the direction where they had disappeared. Then he heard the low booming of a gun, atid knew that the man-of-war was giving a peremptory signal for the smack to halt. But by this time his own condition began to claim his serious attention, for ‘he was rapidly becoming numb and stiff. That deadly numbness continued to grow upon him, and at last he felt himself slowly sinking. He could no longer maintain himself, ‘his exertions being too feeble. The end seemed at hand. Still he battled bravely. He struggled to the surface even after he had sink, and spitting the salt water from his mouth, glanced hopefully around. 4 He was sinking again. His shoulders. were already submerged, when his eyes en- countered a dark object as it arose to the crest of the waye. Another struggle) he waited with eager; expectant gaze to see it rise again. It did so, and a hopeful cry escaped hig lips. It was but a. few feet away, and toward it he goede ien with might and main. He reached it, clasped it, and a faint cheer arose iss his lips. Several minutes later he managed to fling himself and crawl x =f guessed had been flung from_the smack’s deck. ‘His heart glowed with warm feelings as he murmured: “Then they did not altogether forget the poor Irish gos- soon, nor fail to heed his cry.” Still his danger was imminent, for it needed constant exertion to maintain his position on the cask, which was continually rising and falling on the waves, and, indeed, had the sea been less calm he could! not have retained his place at all. But there he clung, his pale face lighted with a Hopes smile, while he muttered to himself: : “Faith, Ned Nolan, but you're a lucky dog! The powers must be sayin’ o’ you to stretch Irish hemp,” and then, whep day began to break, he lookéd long and ieee ia across the 3 3 B hese of waters/in search of the smack. } The smack meanwhile had been’ showing the man-of-war the "a quality of her heels. _. The prompt action of Yankee Davis in bringing her about and putting off on another tack had saved her, for this ‘gave the smack a free wind on the quarter—her best sail- ins Sais smack -ran out of gun-shot. © t _ After a long run, when Yankee Davis felt: it would be saf to do so, he tacked again, and, unheard and unseen e: cruiser, ‘retraced her course. O’CLOCK. = iS a bold move, as if they had been Aiscovered it would ; The royal cruiser powlea on the course the smack had first laid out, and kept closely to it until after daybreak, when, finding himself alone, her commander smelt the ne ; and suspected the ruse that had been playéd on him, so he ~ put about and tacked back toward Boston harbor. Meanwhile the smack had kept well in the offing until - near the tee where Ned had been lost, when she stood inshore. .“Tt’s no use atempting to land our cargo, for it’s nearly. daylight now,” Davis mused. “We'll run along and see if we can’ see that careless Irishman.” Yankee Davis was a thorough seaman and perfectly ac- quainted with the tides and winds of the coast, which en- abled him to make a Calculation as to how far Ned would have drifted from the position where he had gone oyer- board, and when nearing the calculated spot Yankee com- — manded a sharp lookout to be kept, although he spec | but the barest hope of ever seeing Ned again. Day had just broken, when, as he paced the deck, nd was startled by hearing a faint, distant: * “ ZAG hoy! ” A glass revealed a dark object in the water. bore down upon it and Ned was taken on board. The smack CHAPTER XIV. vite CROWN DETECTIVE. “Hi declare, this his ha bloomin’ houtrage!” cried the land- lord to the soldier with whom he had been hobnobbihg, when ‘they turned from the door of the inn and paused beside eign Hi body of the unconscious detective. They lost no time in endeavoring to restore titin’ ta con- sciousness, but did not succeed for a long while, as Nene upon it, and sat astride of a water-cask, which he rightly | blow had been no light one. When the detective first opened his eyes he stared nishiay St around and looked wonderingly at the landlord and ey soldier for several successive minutes. Then he gazed at his surroundings, and finally saw the | pewter mug with which he had been struck. The sight of this seemed to afford him the clew that iis struggling to obtain, for Bie eyes gleamed with HE eee intelligence, and he betrayed his complete knowledge of what had occurred when he hissed: “Curse him, he’s “escaped me!” “Who?” queried the interested raion apts “None of your business!” growled Biddle. “If you'd bee here in your bar attending to your business I wouldn't have this,” and he laid his hand on his head. — ; When he saw the blood that smeared his fingers he sharp ly asked: 2 Sis: it much of a cut?” eut saeels aos 5 Biddle’s brows were ‘éoniractead for Me minute in ii Dus then, hastily rising, he hurried out and to th Here he found things in a pesto? uproar, fort the ali just been given. ; a The guard in the cell had aiieeened froin that ab and finding his prisoner gone, had uttered a er, and fear. Hurrying downstairs ne found the id senseless.
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AT 12 O'CLOCK, / ‘ be oh ‘ A searching-party was soon organized and started out, | ‘but, of course, returned without having accomplished any- thing. Both of the guards were court-martialed and punished severely for this escape of the Irish lad, but that did not put Rim in their hands again. The detective had naught for it but to trace up Ned if he wished to have him once more in his power, and if this was once accomplished—the detective grimly compressed his lips, which silent movement was expressive of volumes of spoken words. s One thing that puzzled Biddle very much was Ned’s having foretold of his escape and fulfilling his promise to claim the wager. j “He must have had help,” thought Biddle, “and, more- ’ over, knew that it was coming at that precise time. ‘Now, who could have helped him? Of course, somebody inimical to the king—by George, the smugglers!” ' He proceeded to put two and two together, as the saying goes, and decided that his sudden inspiration was ‘well grounded. In the first place, as Burton had informed him, Ned had escaped them on the night of the murder in the inn by sud- denly disappearing when they had him cornered in the cul de sac. And it was 46 this spot ‘the soldiers had traced him on the night of his fooling the guard and subsequent capture. By inquiring the detective learned that the upper end of the court was inhabited by several families who were intensely patriotic; so from these things he formed his conclusions, x and he forthwith took up a reconnoissance of ‘the place. ; - During this he, for the first time, caught a sight of Oscian, and something in his dark, mysterious way aroused Biddle’s | suspicions of him. Biddle saw Oscian leave the court early on the evening of the encounter between the smack and the cruiser, and fol- lowed him quite a distance; then Oscian seemed to become aware of his presence, and Biddle could see that the other | . was trying to drop him—which he finally did, despite the detective’s utmost efforts to prevent it. ' Tt was in the quarter of the town where Captain Gid Arnow lived, and having mistrusted him, Biddle concluded that thither it was the intention of the shadowed man to go. ; He did not see Oscian enter, neither did he see him leave; yet, of a sudden, from his place of concealment he saw a patie, dark figure glide past which he at once recognized. : ‘Practicing the utmost caution, he followed Oscian, saw him reach the water-side and enter a slight skiff, and then, by straining his gaze, could faintly see a dark body gliding ~ over the water, which he knew to be Oscian in the skiff, though no sound of creaking oars came to his. ears, for the ea row-locks were muffled. - Biddle eagerly sought for and finally found a light, row- boat, in which he followed the‘ course taken by Oscian, _ which’ the detective thought: was a straight line toward the : : lighthouse. - - The detective rowed hard, but saw uothiog fhrthee of at the point where the skiff had been tied. a 1a reader will surmise, ‘Oscian was going to the jight- _Noiselessly he: setae over the water, looking ei Osea, and, finally pulling back to the shore, laid in wait Opposite direction.) Soon they were enthralled in a terrible spell, eas Oseian glided in. His first care was to screen the light, as we saw him a6 we on a former occasion, and then, sitting down before the mo- tionless figures of those whose duty it was to sure the | light, he gazed long and earnestly at them, his eyes scin- tillating with a strange, feverish light. ‘s His lips opened; he spoke, soft and low. “John Sterling! ” “Aye, aye!” came the low, dull response. “You saw the cruiser leave the harbor?” “Yes,” was the reply, with a vacant expression. “Ts she on the coast?” } “She is.” . . : “Running off and on?” F . “Yes,” pee 4 “Tn quest of the smugglers?” “Yes.” “And to watch the light, that your assertion that it is never out may be proyed?” ; } SOMERS ‘ ihe “Ts that all?” “That is all.” j A low, purring sound that broke with horrible chill on the : ear emanated from Oscian’s throat and continued for some time. ¢ ; Suddenly he bent his head and listened. aM Se “Tis useless waiting longer,” he muttered. | “That is sure- ly the far-away sound of a gun, The smack cannot run in to-night.” a Taking down the screen he had put up he glided out of the. lantern. When he was once more in his skiff he pulled rapidly for the point where the smack was accustomed: to “lay to” to deliver her cargo. There he found the boats waiting. “Ahoy!” cried a voice he recognized as Captain Gid’s. “Ahoy!” he replied, in an equally low ant gai tone. “What's the time of night?” AR “Twelve o'clock!” “Ang——— “All's well!” “Ts that you, Oscian?” “Yes,” j t ie Sette “What's up?” Siete A a ag “There is no use in waiting longer. A erviser is. sii shi off and on the harbor. | She has sighted ‘the smack sci is giving her chase.” ’ “How do you know?” “T heard the sound of a gun.” ? Rp naGs “Then you advise putting bagi A Ay | do.” : 7 aN at ay a rs vs “Very well; so it shall be, Back water—get away!” and smugelers, bidding Oscian poodeateae pulled her in thi darkness. ; Oscian, took Sn uae course, ena in due. time Ja It “was. Captain Burton; who sharply glanced at as he passed him. iS Biddle récognized him “instantly, and | in low. ‘tones related his suspicions.
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AU’ 18 -OCLOUE se Re i expectedly found himself surrounded by a number of red- coats. t . It required no great penetration to understand the situa- tion, which he accepted calmly, and silently accompanied his ; captors to a low, one-story house where the relief pickets were quartered, where he was left in their charge, after having been disarmed, Biddle and Burton not wishing to be both- ered with him that night. Tick—tick, loud and solemn went the clock, and in ae manner slowly told off the minutes. ; ; It wanted five minutes of two. It wanted four minutes of two. It wanted three minutes of two. Then only two remained. Then only one. The officer was interested in his hand, and time had fled more rapidly than he thought. He was recalled suddenly. Whir-r-r-r-r-r! b ’ Thus spun the wheels of the clock, and then the bell struck —one—two! While the sound still trembled a wild, unearthly wail rang out, they saw their prisoner fall to the floor, and then—— A long, continued, terrifying hiss, fire flashed up and ran in zig-zag lines, darting hither and thither between their very feet, clouds of sulphurous smoke meanwhile filling the room. Hiss—-flash—hiss—fiash! Wild yells of terror. : Screams, of pain as the leaping fire licked somebody’s flesh. One last hiss, a column of flame darting up to the very ceiling, another low, unearthly wail, a crash, and they were left strangling in the smoke. Some one reached the door and opened it, and they rushed outside, gasping for breath. In a few minutes they venture inside, but only to find that their prisoner had indeed yanished. Oscian’s prophecy had been fulfilled. The affair reached the ears of the detective, and mystified. him dreadfully, but of one thing he became positive in his mind—that Oscian was in league with the smugglers and that he had been to the lighthouse the night before, for the man-of-war put into the harbor during the day and re- ported the {lighthouse as having suddenly become dark; “which,” said the captain, “convinced me that the smugglers — were about to land, and I found this idea a correct one, for T encountered their vessel sodn after,” proceeding to give a detailed account of the meeting and fruitless chase. Biddle kept close watch in the neighborhood of the cul de sac, but failed to see Oscian again, and for the simple reason | that Oscian was safely housed at Captain Gid’s. “They are after us with a sharp stick,” said Captain Gia, when Oscian had related. the story of his capture, and then he laughingly added: “But your escape beats the Dutch all hollow. But now, what about the smack?” “We'll hear from her during the day, I think,” ‘replied Oscian. And he judged rightly. Sere After Ned was picked up the smack ran into a little cove where she was sheltered from observation, and from there. dispatched aman to Boston, saying they would run in during» the coming night. i , a Oscian sent back word to depend no longer on the dare ess of i Wag the lighthouse as a signal of safety, but for Yankee Davis to a use his own judgment. y The cruiser was on and off that night, but by hugging the! : shore the smack got past her unobserved, and the boats. ae ; in waiting was quickly unladen. es ie “Captain Arnow,” called Ned, as they) were about to. sepa- rate. : j Tertee Nis “Aye, aye!” ’ te rf “Me compliments to yer htewel of a daughter.” aay | “Aye, aye!” was the reply. “You're off for New Yor Captain Davis?” + Pee EN ee “Yes. Py Nope ‘ ve sett 2 ‘ oi be. ite ! u. Give way, my heartiest” — CHAPTER XV. A STRANGE DEPARTURE. When the pickets found themselves alone with Oscian they began to taunt him by calling him “a Yankee rascal,” an “unwashed American,” and divers other such humorous ap- pellations. 1 Oscian made no reply, but at last raised his downcast eyes and fastened them on one of those who had been foremost in taunting him. : The fellow instantly closed his mouth, the color forsook his face, and he uttered no further taunting words, but ap- plied himself. to his pipe and the game of cards in which he was, engaged. At first they pretended to keep up a sort of guard on Oscian, but presuming’ on the good-nature of the petty officer who had them in charge, they locked the door and then all joined in the bout. Oscian arose from the wood on whiecn he had been seated ~ and commenced slowly pacing the floor, which his captors did not interrupt his doing. f Finally he drew a cigar from his pocket, with, the remark: “Any objections to my smoking?” “No; go ahead.” Lighting it in the most nonchalant manner, he resumed his walk, slowly passing to and fro, winding in and out - among the little groups into which the men had gathered. 4 And as he walked he kept glancing up at the face of an enormous clock that solemnly ticked out the passing sec- onds. “What are you watchin’ the clock so close for?” inquired the petty officer, finally observing his action. , ‘Oscian turned on him a grave look. ) “Because,” he replied, “when that clock strikes the hour of two I shall suddenly disappear.” “Ha! ha! ha!” laughed the officer. “Take French leave, you mean?” ; “No;. I mean disappear. iM “How?” - “°Mid fire and smoke.” “At that time superstition held sway over the people to a _ greater extent than now, and Oscian’s dark face and strange- ly glowing eyes, combined with his mysterious words and manner, were Sufficient to cause those who heard him to shiver, if not to regard him as something uncanny. " ' But common sense had already begun to dispel the su- : perstitious mists of the dark ages, and the petty officer, ~ feeling it would be sinking himself to the level of his men to possess the same fears that they did, affected to treat the ¥ matter with contempt. “Very well; we'll be very glad. to witness so Acimoattne? a - disappearance. I’m glad you “warned us in advance. Why, WEE) wants 8 only ten minutes of two now—tut and deal there, we've just time for another hand.” Oxcian bowed gravely. “You, “may, pe he said, in a smooth, purring voice, “but i if es
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The smack eluded the cruiser’s vigilance, and following _ the coast, entered Long Island Sound. : After a swift run they reached Randall’s Island, just above Hell Gate. At the date of which we write there was but little navi- gation on the Sound, and few understood the intricacies of passing Hell Gate, then more’ than doubly as dangerous as ' at the present day. . At that time Randall’s Island was devoid of population and houses, save a rude hut on its eastern shore, and a bronzed and weather-beaten man who followed the vocation of a Hell Gate pilot. A tin horn brought the .pilot..out, and entering his light skiff he pulled out to the smack, and, boarding het, conducted her in safety past the Frying-pan Shoals, Hog’s Back, Mill Rock, and other perilous, points of the passage, when, enter- ing his skiff, he pulled back to his home on the island. The smack put on an innocent character, and the next few days lay at a pier near Wall Street, taking aboard her cargo, during which Yankee Davis was quietly laughing in his sleeve and gazing contemptuously toward a ‘king’s cutter which lay swinging at anchor a short distdnce down stream. One day a letter was hurriedly thrust into the hand of Yankee Davis; he tore it open. “Your character is discovered. Some one has proved treach- ‘erous. Fly, or you will be seized. . A Priend.” ¥ , He summoned the crew, explained everything in a short sentence, and then ordered them to cast loose and hoist sail. This was scarcely more than done, and the breeze had ofily just begun to swell the sail, when a posse of men rushed down the wharf. ; Too late! The smuggler was off! But not too late for the cutter to follow. They saw her Bails unfolded and spread out to the breeze, Baw the cable slipped, and the cutter forge ahead in the water. ‘ ' The exciting chase was fairly commenced. ~The smack held her own, and Yankee Davis was exulting in the probability of escape, when & thought occurred to} him—how could they pass Hell Gate without a pilot? He groaned, and it rose from his very heart, They were caught like a rat ina trap. A cutter in the way of reaching the open sea, and to pass Hell ‘Gate without a pilot was almost certain destruction. _ CHAPTER XVI. OUT OF THE JAWS OF DEATH, “All hands stand by!” “Home with the sheet! ” “Flard down, there!” MAb! she catches the wind now,” muttered Yankee Davis jto himself, when his rapidly given orders had been obeyed, - and the smack went dancing up the Bast River, the king’s es cutter forging ahead in pursuit, her guns oe in tones be of menace. - The face of Yankee Davis was pale with excitement. ‘The latter he curbed with an iron hand, and jumping into he shrouds, where he could clearly see all that was transpir-| ng, he kept a close watch on the cutter and. on the caurses him, only breaking the silence now and then to give AT 12 O'CLOCK, son Yankee Davis saw that no other avenue. ot ie as 4 they passed the poe where Grand Street now #8 and with Cain face, ster “Ha!” exclaimed Davis, when the guns remained Silent, “the blasted Englishman is so sure of taking us that he won’t run the risk of injuring his prize. and the Yankee gritted his teeth. Such really were the Englishman's thoughts. Well, let hita come!” He saw the smack was losing ground, and calculated that. he would surely overhaul her in a short while, so had given orders to run in the guns. But he would not have been so confident had he known the quality of the man he had to contend with, a man who would as soon have drowned himself or blown up his vessel as to have it fall in the hands of the English. “The wind freshened a little, “and changed a. point or two, which: was all in favor of the smack, who began to display her heels of liveliness. , “I. believe we could run away from him now,” said Yankee Davis to his first mate. “We could give him the slip but for Hell Gate. “He won't corner us before we reach it, at any rate.” NO" He “Will you try to go through without a pilot?” “T see no other way,” said Yankee, gioomily. if he’s got a pilot on board?” ““T don’t think so; he slipped his cable and got under way too quickly to admit of procuring one.: They’re not as plenti- ful as huckleberries, you know.” . “True,” was the rejoinder. “What think you, do we gain?” “I wonder Be ee ee et Wee “No? eee? “Lose?” “No, I should say we kept our distance.” farst “Tf we can do that I shall not grumble,” rel arked Yankee. | ; The breeze was coming up fresher every ‘ini ute, and they were favored by the swift tgde of the East River, and a length there could be no doubt that they were slowly gaining, widening the distance between themselves and the cutter. The smack danced onward like a thing of life, the wooded shores of Manhattan Island and the low level of Long Island | flitting past like dim ghosts. Blackwell’s Island was ahead. A moment’s hesitation, and then Yankee chose the cadanaiee to the west of it; and in his footsteps the cutter closely fol- — lowed. /On—on—in a few minutes more the game must he lost: or could be seen rearing its frowning head; on—on—until the, point was reached, and the dangerous pass lay before them. — ‘won; on—on—until above the low point of land Mill Rock oe ‘ As the smack was brought closer to.the wind she almost e if | stopped for several minutes, during which the cutter had been bowling along toward them, and now, with her tower- ing clouds of canvas and the frowning muzzles of her guns, y seemed like some rapacious eagle, about to swoop down on its defenseless prey. “Ha! ha!” laughed the English captain; “it is as I expected , The fellow’s got no pilot and dares not try Hell Gate,” < he rubbed his hands with satisfaction. “We've got him 1 ino) sure! That’s splendid, for we’ve no pilot either, On deck there!” ’ “ Aye, aye! ” “That fellow may attempt to escape Sie coming about nd tacking down. the other channel, ‘it fat does, Bive him a sh “Aye, aye!” as : Presently the captain, gnarled wit estonishient and the ; began giving his orders right and eft. : “43 The smack’s intentions ‘were 00. ahd ‘to ie mista she was going to attempt the passage. lie
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- to the bowsprit, passed out on it, and there hung while keenly scrutinizing the seething mass of water, een to and fro in iroubled confusion. As we have said before, he was a thorough seaman, and the very color of the water to his practiced eye was an in- dication of its depth. “Luff a little!” he called, and Ned repeated it to the ndend: man. : The smack’s prow at one bound was within the boiling y flood, and stout’ hearts turned faint at sight of the ‘water- dogs, black and slimy, poking up their heads all about them, to strike one of which meant total destruction. They were indeed within the jaws of death. A silence that was awful and solemn in its nature settled over the vessel, and gliding to their posts each man stood *-at it with bated breath. The creaking of the rigging and the churning of the waters were the only sounds to be heard. ‘ Suddenly came the order: ‘ “Let the jib go—starboard your helm, quick, for your life!” 2 The smack’s head came around like a flash, and then they trembled while they waited the result, which came an instant later; a long, low, free again, and the men breathed easier. The perspiration was dripping from the face of Yankee * Davis. ; : He glanced down on the black reef which had suddenly * joomed up ahead and upon which they would have dashed -. but for his timely command, and upon which, as it was, the smack had ground sideways. “Good God!” he exclaimed, of draught and it would have ripped our bottom clean out. Up with the jib, lively! Port your helm!” | Boom—boom! The Hnglishman’s cannon began to speak again, for the captain of the cutter began to fear his intended prey would escape, but the balls passed harmlessly by, for just then the _ jib swelled before the breeze, and the smack darted forward like an arrow sped from the bow. On—on, mid the foamifg waters; on—on, the channel grow- ing wider, the Hog’s Back left behind, the Frying-pan well to the left hand; on—on, and the color came back into the face of Yankee Davis, for he felt that the peril was. over. On—on, and the cutter, following ie the smack’s wake, es- ‘sayed the! passage. The cannons spoke in thunderous tones once. more, then ee ee pe ee ee See was cut off sharp, and her tall masts snapped and went by the board. Instantly ensued a scene of the wildest nea and as the cutter commenced settling in the water” those on _ safety. The beautiful cutter lay an abandoned reeks: and her crew , ‘were pulling hither and thither in the sesthing whirlpool, seeking a channel deep enough to reach the shore. ‘4 The smack swept on, and in a few minutes the wee was all past. pie! . They had come ‘out of ‘the jaws of death! : _ They could now afford to take things easy, and accordingly did 80, arriving off the coast of Cape Cod after a good run. she oe the cape, boi entered the pie and saree the AT 42 O'CLOCK. He stationed Ned in the waist, and then gliding forward terible grinding noise, then they pasted) “that was sass another inch, came a heavy shock, an awful crash; the cutter’s progress board the smack could see aS crew rushing to the boats for FP * " " Tn two minutes all was over. ‘ ms ‘ 4 During the day they-were hailed thon on shore, and Pippre: 77 showed himself on the narrow beach, and a small boat being < - sent for him, came on board. eh . Yankee Davis told him what had anak: and ‘ailiied if the warning that had reached him so opportunely came — from Boston. ; “It did not,” said Pierre; “we had no knowledge’ of it. The traitor, if any, and the person who warned you must both belong to New York. I'll attend to the matter at once. We half expected you would arrive to-day and that is why I came here. Will you run in to-night?” “What do you think about it?” “Well, the cruiser still stands on and off, and is likely to do so for some time to come; you might as well venture now as any other time.” “We'll be there to-night; then.” “Any special news?” “ No. ” “Then I'll be getting back, for I have not much time to | spare.” On being set ashore, Pierre at once disappeared, and ues ‘ ing to Boston, visited Captain Gid and informed him of the smack’s arrival, after which, darkness coming on, he went — to Smuggler’s Island to bid the men to be in readiness for the unloading of the vessel. i Returning to the mainland he visited the house whose back opened-on the cul de sac, and there. famed Oscian, to wae he also imparted the news. Oscian remained silent for some time, and then he said, in a low tone: “Do you remember what to-day is the sninerett of?” “I do; the taking of an oath.” . “Which we are——” aot “Accustomed to repeat on sich recurring anniversary.” Sy “Then let us kneel.” They knelt down, face to face, left hands cuapeas each holding in his right a keen dagger whose point he pressed _ against the other’s throat. ee And then in concert they slowly and solemnly epee ban ; “I, Pierre—I, Oscian—on. our bended knees, as we once ~ knelt beside the grave of our murdered father, swear by high _ heaven to avenge his untimely death on the heads of. those Z who represent his murderer, Bngland and her friends. war “He was carried away from his home, his children like- — wise, and were scattered to the four winds of heaven; he died in the wilderness, from starvation, and God directed us to the spot to meet them, for the first time in years, and to i there take upon ourselves the solemn vow to never rest. while — life remained, to stifle all feelings of love for human kind, to have only one object, and that to injure the power of those — who swept him and his family from the earth. ’ These knives: at opr throats was the sign of our oath, and we hereby de mand of each other to plunge deeply the blade into ‘the throat of him who first shows any sect of wavering froma the oe task—Amen!” ; CHAPTER, XVII. ee THE LANDING OF THE ioe had left at the vats choise: as. iain in ee dark as to Fa
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24 AT _*He’s flesh and blood, I'll swear; for I had hold of him,” sdid Biddle. “Flesh and blood he is, of course,” assented Burton. “But there was something mysterious about him.” “So there was.” “Did you notice his eyes?” “Yes, bright as a sea-coal fire.” “He had a dark way about him, too,” mused the detective. ' “But he was a human being, for all that. Strange, though, that I did not see him leave Arnow’s house.” “T don’t think so,” said Burton. “Of course not; you think Arnow is a royalist to the back- bone, but I don’t.” ‘ “I know it.” “And would add, are sorry for it.” “So IT am.” “For Miss Stella’s sake!” laughed Biddle. ‘ Burton colored. “Have you made a conquest in that quarter?” laughed Biddle, sarcastically. The captain evidently did not relish’ this badinage. “Leaving her out of the question entirely, I don’t think he is in. league with the smugglers. ’Cause why? Colonel Brown and myself were there one night when they ran in.” '“That’s right,” sneered Biddle; “stand up for your father- in-law.” ‘ “He ain’t that yet.” “No, nor ain’t likely to be,”’ “Why?” “Because if I have a mind I can put a stop to it,” and Biddle leered at him with a;show of power that Burton dared not gainsay; he fidgeted uneasily for a minute, and then re- plied: x “T thought you promised never to refer to that again.” “Who is referring to it?” svar Biddle. “No one but yourself.” | Burton swallowed. the lump in his throat, and made no answer, but breathed more freély when the detective was gone. Left to himself he pondered over the detective’s assertions of belief that Captain Gid Arnow was not as innocent as he might be in regard to the doings of the smugglers. “T’ll not believe it,” he muttered, “not until I have some stronger proof ihan that.” He visited Stella that evening, and she played her cards so nicely that Burton returned to his quarters more convinced _ than ever that the ban of pedis hung unjustly over Cap- tain Gid’s head. What a revelation it would have been to him could he have seen Stella closeted with her father after his departure, re- tailing at length the conversation between her and himself, in - which he had, without intending it, betrayed enough of the plans to which he was privy to effectually prevent .their being successful. _ Nearly every day he went to the house of the Arnows now, _ and it began to be whispered that he was over head and ears in love with the fair American girl. i! He was there the evening of the intended landing of the ‘smack’s contraband goods. Captain Gid regarded Bytton’s. wbits as one of the ‘best means of quieting suspicions concerning himself, and al- & took pains to be ever present or near at band when Burion was there. tions started on her mission, eng Burton and , father in company, together with her mother ‘and. a eres pore ast a few ra, ios usu. ‘ ee when it became necessary that some one should go to 12° oc1ooK. —t ene a At about eleven o’clock, there came a hasty knock at aie door, and inquiry for Captain Burton. Answering it in person, a letter was thrust into his hand, “Tt came a few minutes ago,” said the bearer, “and I has- tened right here with it; the Label who brought it is wait- ing.” Burton broke the seal, and read the few lines the letter contained, his face lighting with joy. “Duty calls!” he exclaimed, rushing back to the parlor. “You will excuse me!” and seizing his hat he hurried away to his quarters, where he found awaiting him’ a tall, well-built man, who sat gazing restlessly and nervously. about him. “You are the mar spoken of in this letter?” bee ie hoe eae “The one who gave the ERECTA to the cutter in New York?” page > iat “You started on horseback for Boston as soon as you heard of the cutter’s mishap in Hell Gate?” : “T did.” “You were one of the smugglers once, this letter says.” The man glanced nervously around, and then replied in the affirmative, and in. a conversation that followed agreed to play the traitor for a sum of money to him in hand paid, Half an hour later Burton hurried to the water-side,. and calling out a dozen soldiers from a picket-house, had them man two boats, and at once pulled out into the haynes Meanwhile the smack had not been idle; hauling out of 4 her cover some time after dark, she was laid on a straight ie course for Boston light. st By keeping close in shore and displaying no lights, the smack ran but little danger of discovery by the cruiser, whose light Yankee Davis saw about ten o’clock several miles away over the quarter. Ne eS eS He proceeded with more confidence, now that he knew the re vessel’s position, and giving the smack the advantage of the wind at her best point, Peter pie act soon rose above the horizon, R i When several miles from it the crew of the smack saw it: é suddenly vanish. j “Ha!” exclaimed Yankee Davis, “things are quenine ae ast ly again.” “Where. did the light beyant go to?” asked Ned. “That's a mystery,” returned the man addressed, “We even - R ee don’t know that it is a signal of safety, and that the boats will | be there to meet us. Oscian is at the bottom of it, though, I An am sure.” : milk xe Ned could not repress an involuntary shudder at mention of the name of the mysterious Oscian, and, as he va often before, he murmured: e “Faith, he’s a strange chap. God grant he may never be me enemy.” ; The smack soon changed her course, ahd rane: the eatiaed were let run, the little vessel hove to and lay idly drifting — with the current, when out of the darkness came two a boats. “What's the time of night?” called Yankee Davis. “Twelve o’clock!” ; j By “And——” See ele a hl hee ae “Alls well!” Sty ty ; if The boats reached the smack’s side and while they were i all busy unloading and transferring the contraband | goo ie Yankee Davis was engaged in conversation with Stella, wh was standing in the prow of the boat she guided. Half the work had been ie wis Yankee Davi
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AT 12 BHven as he spoke he saw one reason for alarm, for a rocket _ went hissing high in air from the cruiser’s deck. “Tt’s a signal of some kind,” said Yankee, earnestly. @ ly there, my hearties; that means something!” So it did; and Burton knew its meaning full well. “Give ‘way, there, double quick!” he shouted. “There goes a rocket, a signal that the lighthouse is in darkness and that the smugglers are around, Give ’wayfaster there—and keep your arms handy!” Although they did not know it, they were hard on the smug- glers even then, and soon Yankee Davis heard the sound of - their oars in the rowlocks. “We are in a trap!” he called out. “There are boats in- side of us, and the cruiser between us and the sea. I’m sorry, _.Misg Stella,” he cried, earnestly. “I hope no harm will come to you. Will you trust yourself in the boats, or'come on board the smack?” “T’ll stay by the boats.” “Very weil. All hands make sail—lively, there, the Eng- lish are down upon us. Haul away, let every inch of canyas - draw!” With a rush the men were at their Dopts working with a will. “To your places!” cried Stella. “Get ready to give way!” A sullen, Dooming sound floated from seaward, and then a dozen English throats poured forth a stentorian huzza, for : the soldiers under Burton at that moment saw the outlines of the smack and the boats before them. “A strong pull and we’ve got them!” shouted Burton. “Give way, Miss Stella, for God’s sake!” cried Yankee Davis; “the cruiser is standing inshore.” Stella, still standing, placed her hands against the smack’s gunwale to push away so as to give her men a chance to use the oars. At the same instant the smack swung away, and ‘the impetus of her push carried her forward and headlong into the water. A shrill ery from the men on board the smack, but which was not understood by the men in the long boat, whose backs being toward the prow did not see what had happened, and then they separated, leaving Stella to drown or float. She uttered no cry for help, but let them go, murmuring: “It is better so. If they paused, they would be captured: hy Better suffer myself than. that!” : “Ship oars; arm—aim—fire! ” A volley of musketry rung in her ears as she sank. “ Live- CHAPTER XVIII. THE TRAITOR’S PLOT FOILED. That report was the death‘knell of one of the smugglers, oan dropped his oar, uttered one faint moan, and fell back, dead. ‘His oar was quickly seized by another, and then they bent a to the oars, until their sinews stood out on their arms like knotted whip cords, and the ashen blades bent» until they Liga heey beneath the strain. - d For one minute Burton glanced from the fleeing boats to the smack, | undecided which to follow; then, thinking it better to take the smack, he gave the orders, the men dropped their m. Bee ae and gave way rapidly. O’CLOCK. ok desert a woman in cin us They pulled in the new direction, passed within ten feet of Stella, who had just risen to the surface, without seeing her. At almost the instant the smugglers stopped rowing and ut- tered a loud cry of sorrow and surprise. They had just discovered Stella’s absence. A smile lighted her fair face as this cry came floating over the water to her ears, for it showed her that these men would not have deserted her had théy known of her mishap. And with it still ringing in her ears she sank again. For a moment all was confusion in the boats of the smug- glers, and then one man who had overheard the question of Yankee Dayis, but had not caught Stella’s spirited reply, said, in a tone of conviction: “She’s on Lait the smack. it!” They grasped at this solution of the matter eagerly, and once more gave way. The fort was in sight; they were abreast of it, when its cannons spoke in tones of thunder. There was no time for strategy now; it was a simple test of strength, and the strongest crew would win. On—on—the balls flying all about them, a. she bursting almost above their heads. ' On—on—the soldiers were gaining, their light boats more than counterbalancing the strength of the smuggler’s arm when urging along their loaded boats. They struggled pluckily, though every prospect was that of a losing game. Nearer and nearer the redcoats drew, until scarcely a boat’s length separated pursuers and pursued. Then God’s hand bceame visible in their behalf,’ as it was for years afterward, during the memorable struggle for Independence. A ball that came howling from the fort plunged through one of the pursuing boats, which sunk like a shot, Bikeidl wf its inmates floundering in the water. It was Burton’s boat. Had it been the other he would have pursued find left the wretches to their fate, but when he was himself in danger, _ * all thought of duty fied, and he called on the other boat to halt and take them up. a With a wild cheer the smugglers passed on their way, DOP <a were. they pursued further; and wiping the sweat from their faces they pulled more leisurely to the island, their faces % grave and thoughtful as they pondered over Stella’s absence. They would not believe that she had met an unknown fate, — but hugged the fact to their bosoms that she had sought refuge on the smack. : And how fared Stella? ‘ But for her clothing spreading out she would never uae reappeared at the surface after once sinking, but they buoyed her up, though they did not preyent her sinking a second | time. I heard Yankee Davis advise i} 1 4 f =) i Ned Nolan had been one of the first to see the accident, ait had rushed to the gunwale with the purpose of flinging him- — self overboard and attempting to save her, and would done so had not a strong hand held him back. — na “The boat will pick her up!” cried the person ae v holding him back. “Watch and see.” bys Ned did watch, and saw the boats gliding away f shadows, without attempting to save her. ' peer “The omadhauns!” he angrily cried. “The coward); - bas
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fe 8" “The jewel will be drowned!” he moaned. “Oh, purty eyes! God’s blessings rest on ye, an’ save ye from such a fate!” He janimed his hand into his pocket and drew forth a knife, sprang into the light skiff, and with a cry of joy at finding , the oars, in it, he drew his knife across the ropes. As he heard the blocks creak with the running of the rope at one end, he sprang to the other and severed it at one stroke. By this means the skiff was made to strike the water squarely, instead of diving down one end first. The pursuing boats: had already started on their new course, and springing to the seat, Ned ran out the oars, saying: ““Purty eyes, where are ye—where are ye, purty eyes? I’m a-comin’—Ned Nolan will save ye, God helping him!” He strained every nerve and muscle, and continued his ery of: - fet 4 f “Purty eyes, where are ye?” in a pathetic tone, while he - eagerly scanned the water around him, while his heart was sinking as the conviction forced itself upon him that never more would the “purty eyes” smile upon him. CHAPTER XIX. NED SAVES STELLA. “Purty eyes—purty eyes—where are you?” “Here!” cried a low voice. : Ned jumped so quickly as nearly to pitch out of the skiff as he heard the reply, and then hastily sitting down he seized hold of the oars and sent the skiff flying toward Stella, who had just reached the surface after having sunk the second time. ; Had she been less brave or possessed less presence of mind, she must ere this have found a watery graye. “Cool and collected from the first, she retained the use of her facwities, and each time that she sank seized the favor- able moment for struggling to the surface. ‘The second rising was hard of accomplishment, and so nearly strangled was she that Ned’s call had sounded in her ears a number of times ere she could free her mouth from ; water and give {that low reply, % " She managed to keep afloat during the time Ned was flying toward her in the skiff, and when he was about to shoot past, some feet away, she coolly called out and told Re of ' his error. In- a, twinkling the skiff’s prow was Heanght about; one ~ Jong, powerful reach with the oars then Ned flung them down, : _ leaned over the side of the skiff and caught Stella’s > ait arm. yA d Another minute and she was safely in the skiff, ie “Praises to the Blessed Virgin!” exclaimed Ned, gown “Yer safe now, purty eyes.” — "Thank God, yes!” she replied, in a low tone. “And you, _ Mr Nolan—oh, ‘how ean I ever repay you for this service?” “By sayin’ | nothing about it at all—at all,” replied Ned, é eae Bios own happiness that ye still live is more than vill ever Maciel warm toward my preserver,” data owly. “Let my father be the one to thank you.” Jaimed Ned. “But, Miss ‘Stella, yell be after ee afraid. ‘Shall I set you ashore?” AT 12° O'CLOCK. Lof the smack, but Captain Gid clearly saw that this. be : =p “So I will, teh Neds ” said Stella, her eyes lighting with. gratitude toward the frank Irish youth. Ned pulled a quick stroke, and sent the skiff flying toward " Smugegler’s Island, that being the nearest place where Stella 7 could have the benefit of a fire. ; The smugglers had already been Hailed, and giving the — password, had grounded their boats at the landing place. re, “You were discovered!” cried a low voice. “What has hap- — } pened?” It was Captain Gid Arnow who spoke. é No sooner had the door closed on Captain Burton than he had seized his hat and hurried out into the night, fearful that in some way Burton’s hasty departure was connected _ with the smugglers. He was in concealment near by when Burton emerged ee his quarters, and Captain Gid saw him enter with the soldiers, That-something was wrong was very clear, and he determined to be on’the scene if ‘possible. Hastening away, he took a small boat at the usual place and sent it flying across the harbor, and turned Smuggler’s Island. Arriving there he found, as he expected he should, that the smugglers had been gone some time. He was on the point of embarking to follow where they had gone, when the thunder of the sig} guns broke on the solemn stillness of the night. j “They have been discovered!” he sedin nas ‘in anxious : tones. “I hope they will not be hit.” ‘ He fidgeted uneasily for a few minutes, undecided veh to do, then sprang into his boat and began pulling away from . the island; but a short distance had he accomplished when he heard the shout of derision the smugglers sent up as’ ae soldiers were “forced to give over the pursuit. Loy It proclaimed victory to those for whom he had been So- anxious, and Captain Gid returned to the island and greeted the smugglers as recorded. fle i As they recognized his voice every man who heard Kes d turned pule, for they anticipated his next question. In a bie: tone ihe reply was given: us up sharply, poured into us.’ Captain. Gid’s eyes roamed over them, scanning hon’ ds every form as closely as the darkness would permit, and. proetive dread, the audio came: : : “Stella! Is she with you?” po eee For a moment they were all silent. ita “Speak!” cried Captain Gid. Cogs anything happen! Benin They sentatives things to him in as favorable a light as 5 they could, and stoutly maintained that she had gone on bo was more what they wished to think the truth than wis or really ‘feared. , He questioned them sharply and learned in what ‘Dos Stella had been last seen. ea i With a ee swelling his heart ia moaned: his head. “Tt was Got’s, will!” ” ; They commenced unloading: the boats, and “were t gaged while Captain Gid sat on a Bede, poe whose
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Oa as , Pt AT 12 “Twelve a’clock.” “And——” : “As well.” The skiff grated on the shore, Ned sprang out and assisted Stella to do the same. A wild shout of pleasure burst from the sentinel’s lips, -and ihe smugglers first crowded forward, and then repeated -it.in good earnest. “Careful!” said Captain Gid, in a warning ne. be heard.” Stella knew the tone instantly, aurmiacl the truth in regard to what her father had heard, and ere he could be told eo Ee gs ie NP ee ee ee Fee Oe teen “You may : the meaning of that shout she was by his side, her arm was j around his neck. -. “Stella!” he cried, and then pressed her closely to his _ breast. 4 It took but a few minutes te explain matters, and then ‘Captain Gid warmly ‘wrung the hand of the brave Irish youth. They ascended the rough path in company, and oe the fire Stella's clothing soon began to steam. “You ought to have a change of clothes,” her father said, - anxiously. ; “As I haven’t,” said Stella, “I suppose this will have to do.” “Begorra!” said Ned, suddenly, “I’ve an idea.” “What is it?” “T’ve a fine suit of clothes beyant. Put them on while yer - own are drying; I'll go down and keep the men BWaYZ so no _ one’ll see yer but yer father.” Stella accepted the proposition, and Ned disappeared. Her, clothing dried quickly, and just as the first grayish haze, announcing the coming morning, appeared on the east- ‘ern horizon, Stella and her father reached home. CHAPTER XX. OSCIAN AT WORK, The cruiser and the smack. Where were they all this time? The position of the latter was most desperate. Nevertheless, ‘Yankee Davis was too good a sailor to be caught in a trap. By skillful maneuvring he managed to elude the cruiser and put out to sea. Yankee Davis was more than pleased with the success of his escape. ; “They, s stayed out ai sea ‘until dark, when they returned to - the cave. The sails had hardly been let run when Pierre hailed. A small boat which they carried on the fore deck seat quickly slung and lowered into the water. © Two men entered it and pulled for the beach, arriving within a few feet of which, they peels hailed. - “Boat ahoy! ” “Ahoy on shore. “A friend.” “Advance, friend, and give aoe time of night.” ' “Twelve o’clock!” PN pee “Alls well.” Pierre jumped lightly into the boat, and a few steady es of the oar carried him to the smack’s side. a minute Re. was on her deck confronting Yankee Dayis, On peer S con Pee Who goes BiptRe O'CLOCK. Pierre. reverently bowed his head. “Stella is safe!” Yankee cried to the eagerly expectant crew. “The young Irishman saved her life. 35 “He’s a noble fellow!” ¢ried one of the men, enthusiastic ally, and the rest caught up and repeated the sentiment. “Come into the cabin,” ‘said Yankee Davis, leading: the way, while Pierre followed. Their situation was discussed pro and con, and it was finally decided to land the remainder of the cargo on the bleak and desolate shore a few miles south of Salem. After a night had been decided on for the undertaking, Pierre returned to Captain Gid’s, where another long consulta- tion took place. On a dark night the smugglers’ smack skirted the coast, and landed the remainder of her goods at ie spot agreed on by Yankee ard Pierre. ; From here they were conveyed to sacmacne Island to await a favorable opportunity of running them: into Boston. The moon was on the wane, and at ee it no longer bright- ened the gloom of night. It was decided to seize the first good chance to run them in, and they only waited the appearance of one of the mys-) terious brothers with the necessary orders. — They came after many days of waiting, Pierre arriving from the mainland early in the night. The light boats were got out, and the contraband goods > were laboriously* carried down the steep path to the shore. Pierre superintended the work, and when it was nearly done, and Ned was about to ascend for his last load, faa a halfbreed handed him a letter. By the aid of the light from the glowing snd of the fire Ned broke the seai and read: $5 “Dear Sir—You will probably be sent ashore with one of the boats to-night; if so, we should be pleased to have you come to see us—but be very careful, as the house is watched. Approach it from the back, where you will probably find Os- cian in waiting for you. Yours very truly, uk “GIDEON spas *P. §.—Stella sends her best wishes to you. f “Arrah! God bless her purty eyes!” exclaimed Ned, impul- ; sively, overjoyed at sata yes of seeing the beautiful. peo af again. He descended to the shore sth the last load, and stsaing up to Pierre, asked: : “Am I to go ashore?” “Yes; but ss must be very careful. ean?” “Faith, I know bh ped . "Very well.” : : 'Ned was the third to leave the island, and de al pull across the bay drew near the city: A good memo} | places enabled him to make his way to the’ mou 1 sewer with but little trouble, arriving there just as predecessor was pulling away in his empty boat. Ned was soon unloaded, after which he pulled his neath a pier close by, and after a few minutes spent in noitring, he fastened it and clambered upon the pier. Carefully avoiding several sentinels in his” way, he fi reached the street in the rear of Captain Gid’s He was but a short distance from it when, cough near tien I he turned papas to ‘see pay ice beside him, ‘ has Do you think yo
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28 AP 18° OCLOCK.:.2> Pierre to be. Here you never knew of my presence until I could have touched you with my hand.” ¢ “Ye must be a cat,” said Ned, with a little shiver of vague fear of the man beside him. “Perhaps I am,” was the low reply; “or, if not a cat; of ‘the cat kind—say a tiger, thirsting for British blood.” His tone was savagely vindictive, though it was so low that Ned could scarcely hear what he said. “Come!” They entered the house by a back way, and the door had scarcely closed behind them when Ned’s hand was grasped with a warm pressure by that of Captain Gid. “Come into the Darlene eeey. are waiting for you.” “Who?” “Wait and see.” Within the parlor at that moment were gathered Mrs. ' Arnow, Stella, and a fine-looking lady of middle age, rather stout than thin, with a still fresh face, which, however, showed lines of deep trouble. Their conversation was interrupted by the opening of the door and the appearance of Captain Gid and Ned. The eyes of the young Irish lad first rested on Stella’s face, and then they met those of the lady mentioned. He started back, his lips parted as if he would have uttered a ery of astonishment, but could not. The lady first turned ‘pale, and then the color flew to her face and she sprang for- ward, quivering with agitation. é : '. “Mother!” “Ned—my son!” f | And they were clasped in each other’s arms. Captain Gid laughed With joy, while Mrs. Arnow and Stella showed their sympathy by the happy tears that flowed down their faces. Ned could hardly believe his senses, and suddenly releas- ing his hold, held her at arm’s length, looked at her, then excitedly cried: “Yes, it is ye, and no mistake, mother,” and strained her te closely once more. py The Arnows were going to withdraw, but this neither mother nor son would hear of, and when they had grown a ‘little calmer they all sat down and Ned learned how his mother came to be there. She had arrived in Boston several days before, having come from home in search of him. While the vessel was lying at the dock, Captain Gid came on board and told her he knew _ of her son, and asked her to accept of his ‘hospitality. Cap- tain Gid explained his share in it by saying he had seen : her name in the paper as a passenger, and remembering Ned’s ‘ “story, had jumped to the conclusion that it was his mother, a Se fact his visit verified. | Mrs. Nolan’s eyes were lighted with honest pride as they Ms rested on: her noble-hearted boy, while she listened to Stella's story of what she owed him. “Purty—purty eyes—be silent! ” said Ned, coloring, “or Yl be afther tellin’ what I know of you.” Ata late hour he remembered that it was time to go, and arting from his mother with a warm embrace and a whisper- ad ‘emark that better and happier times were coming, he hook Mrs. Arnow and the captain by the hand, and then irned toward Stella. a an appealing look at her he lett the parlor. Ned ohhati her by both hands. nother!” he said, epee Ye will “i good care then, ere she could divine his intention, or prevent its exe cution, he boldly kissed. her, DEGREPG: her hand warmly, and. was gone. Hurrying along, for it was very late, he reached the pier, and entered his boat. He thought of a message to send to his mother. , “Faix, I'll just go into the sewer and ask somebody ‘aie the store to carry it for me.” ne A few strokes of the oars carried him to the mouth of the - sewer, into which he stepped, only the next minute to have the light of a bull’s-eye lantern thrown into his face; then followed a shout of joy, and Biddle, the crown detective, flung himself on Ned, and then commenced a savage struggle. — CHAPTER XXI. THE FIRST PRIVATEER. For some weeks previous Biddle had gone upon the water — every night in a small boat in the hope of encountering Ned | Nolan, as well as in the hope of, by. this means, finding some clew to the proceedings of the smugglers. On this night, while slowly and noiselessly ‘pulling about, | he first heard and then saw the first boat that approached — the sewer laden with goods. Watching her from a distance, » he saw the man row away, to give place to another laden — boat, and then he followed the first until he saw her land at the island. Such a stroke of good fortune was almost incredible to him~— self, and he could hardly believe his senses; and yet he — knew that it was an actual fact—that he possessed the secret i of the smugglers. ; He pulled back across the bay and lay watching the mouth — of the sewer for a long time, the while pondering where ines goods could be taken to through such a channel. Sate As it seemed all quiet and dark, he determined to investi- i gate, and gliding to the mouth of the sewer he fastened his” boat securely, as he thought, and entered. ~ ’ Despite a prolonged and careful search and scrutiny, he Habe as much in the dark as ever as io what became of the goods = after entering the sewer. — a Ao Ss Puzzled thorcughly and Conley, ‘a dip of oars, may soon saw the disor a ein of a boat advancin from hepeate the: pier. cea t nized Ned Nolan; Dropping the lantern he sprang upon him with: ai, thy joy, at the same time snatching out a heavy pistol. ; “Do you surrender, Ned Nolan?” he cried, | “Faith, I do not!” was the prompt reply. “Take that, ye dirty hound!” and Ned planted his clenched fist betw en Biddle’s ees. chat again if you dare!” “4 i : A thrill went through Ned’s frame 0 he felt a 1 cold touch his temple. ; } It was the detective’s pistol.
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He congratulated himself too soon, for during this time Ned’s hand had been slowly stealing up, and the next in- stant it was darted forth, his fingers clutched the barrel and - turned it aside, and then his other hand shot forth and lighted on Biddle’s eyes, just as a report rumbled hollowly along the sewer. Ned wrenched the pistol from Biddle’s grasp as he was falling, and then flinging himself on the prostrate detective, he hit him a fearful clip with the heavy butt, which rendered _ him senseless. A noise sounded overhead, and then a low voice called: “What's the time of night?” “Twelve o’clock.” “And——” “Alls well.” “What's the matter?” asked an anxious voice, and then the trap door opened and Pierre’s face appeared. Quickly Ned explained matters, after which they lifted Biddle up through the trap, He had every appearance of being dead, which caused Ned to feel down-hearted, for he wished not to have upon Ais conscience the death of even 4 his bitterest enemy. ; Watching a good opportunity, they carried the limp body into the street, and left it propped up in a doorway. Ned then left the message for his mother, entered the boat and returned to the island. ' Biddle was not dead, though they had left him in the 3 doorway under that impression. But he wandered in his mind and was very low on a sick ‘bed for weeks; then consciousness returned, a change for the better took place, and strength rapidly returned. When he became able to go about he informed Burton of what he had learned, and made arrangements with him a to make a night attack on Smuggler’s Island at no distant ~ day. _ Burton hastened to the general, binge hie for his kind- ness in so long delaying the execution of his threat, told him ' his hopes, and begged to be permitted to lead the attack. “Jt shall be as. you say,” 1 reriied the general. “But, Cap- ‘tain Burton, attached to it is this responsibility: If you don’t make good your word, if you fail in your undertaking, you shall be instantly court-martiaied.” Burton hesitated, but no course was left open, and bowing humbly, he withdrew. Meanwhile popular feeling was being aroused to a high pitch, and the premonitions of that terrible struggle, which ‘soon after convulsed the country, were becoming too appar- ent for their meaning to be wrongfully taken. ; One day a little boat shot across the bay and made straight ‘for Smuggler’s Island. Pad Tts inmate was Pierre. “They listened to the story he told, at first with bated : breaths and pale faces; but as he went on they drew their breath ‘fast and thick through closed teeth, ‘their cheeks ‘glowed, their eyes sparkled with excitement. — W) we ~The news he brought was of the battle of Lexington, the first, open stroke for Liberty. ‘Night! ‘The smugglers were gathered about the fire, when a , lithe pauiae ‘suddenly appeared among, them. uf It was Oscian! Mg pati arms! Y he eried, with glittering eyes, “The English AT 12 O°CLOOK. “eovered the purposely left boat, and landed. They easily fis > found the path and stole upward—to death and destruction! When they least expected it a deadly volley swept down like grain before the mowers scythe, and another quickly following, left Burton and three others the only ones to. reach their boats alive. With a wild air and eyes ‘glowing with fire, Oscian sprang to Pierre’s side, and grasping each other’s right hand they raised the left to heaven. q . “The day of vengeance is dawning!” cried Osciaas:. “Woe—woe to them all!” The night wore on. @scian gathered the men. “The English will seek to avenge this night. We rade leave this place; it is no longer safe. In an hour the smack will be on and off the coast, To the boats! We will board . her!” They were on board the smack ere daylight, and the rising sun lighted up a strange scene. Gathered on the deck, each man clasping another’s hand, they took upon themselves an oath dictated by Oscian, who re- christened the smack the Rover, the first privateer to Birike a blow on the sea against the king of England. And that very night they crossed the track of a British vessel standing into Boston harbor with government supplies. They hailed her as they passed, and then standing back ran like a race horse under her counter, as Yankee Dans gave the order: “Stand by to board!” . “Keep off!” cried the English lookout. the matter?” A wild shout was the reply, and then the privateersman— once smugglers—swarmed over the gunwale. £ “Keep off! What's — ——ae CHAPTER XXII. THE FIRST PRIZE. Those on board the English vessel had not, of course, anes the news of Lexington, and consequently did not know that hostilities were fairly commenced. Taken completely by surprise,. they were poorly prepared § for resistance, though they fought their best when called upon to do so by the captain, who. had been asleep in ‘the cabin, but had rushed on deck at the first note of the fray. The English captain took them to be pirates, and seeing in. Yankee Davis the leader of them, he aimed a heavy horse- te pistol at his head. It was a critical moment in the smug- a glers’ history, which must have ended there and then for the timely interference of Ned, who chanced to see the — action and felled the Englishman to the deck, ie concerting his aim. : In ten minutes all opposition naa peated eer “the. pris in their Powers at sae : entirely untoaifed! ; vere et on hore
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Anes at 12 O'CLOCK. The captured vessel Yankee Dayis turned over to a com- “mittee of prominent patriots, among whom was Captain Gid _ Arnow, to be put to the best use possible, and she afterward did excellent service in the cause of Liberty, Then the smack stood out to sea and cruised in the track that vessels from England bound for Boston were likely to take, in hopes of falling in with another supply ship whose commander was ignorant of the state of affairs. Good fortune attended the Rover, and within a fortnight her second prize was run in, advancing the patriots’ cause, besides putting a goodly sum of prize money in the pockets of the privateers. _A secret ambition had risen in Ned’s heart, and nearly-all the day long he would be at the table in the cabin studying up the accurate charts of Yankee Davis. Ned held an anomalous position on board the Rover. Being “fully officered, he could not be an officer, and yet he was not one of the crew, for he had his berth in the cabin, and ate in the captain’s mess. He laughingly described himself as an honorary member of the service, more ornamental than useful. But his usefulness was not long in coming to light. ; Having perfected his knowledge of the coast, he took com- mand of a liyely-heeled craft of a few more tons burden than the smack, and soon recruited a brave and daring crew. _* He and Yankee Davis sailed in company now and then, and worked in this wise when they ‘fell in with a prospective prize under convoy of an English man-of-war. While Ned iay in the offing Yankee would beat up from - jeeward and make as if about to swoop down on the merchant- man. Ten to one but the eruiser would give chase. ros Yankee would decoy her on as far as he could, during which Ned would come down on a free wind, and swoop down on the unprotected vessel, conquer her crew, man her, and take | ‘his ravishing kiss, with ‘glowing cheeks, but she did not then to his heels. saat ‘In these escapades they were generally successful, for they | would always select a time just before nightfall, with whose _ friendly aid, a good breeze and a superior knowledge of the | tides and coast they would get away with their prize, run her. to some place agreed upon, where the Rover would meet them. ‘Bnglish admiral, stung to the quick at being so easily Wi p Soned. gave strict orders that ships under conyoy should never - separate on any account whatever. _. ‘Their little game being spoiled by this order, Yankee Davis i and Ned parted with the best of wishes, and thereafter during that es struggle each worked “on his own hook.” - . CHAPTER XXIII, of BURTON AND BIDDLE. ete} re pe ‘his disgust, after listening to his story, the gen- ed the orderly and bade him send in the corporal, harge ‘Burton was delivered, with orders to pro- tore a court, : ipia to be held the next morning. | ps to meet his. This trick they repeated a number of times, until the | watched over and cared for the dntererty of the struggling ‘ Tt was the night of his arrival, and ae happy family were. gathered in the parlor. her peril the night of her falling into the sea, of his own narrow escapes, when the name of Oscian was mentioned. - Shortly after the attack on the island. of that ill- without reason, either, for he possessed many strange pow: a singularly gifted mesmerist and personally high netic. - him put etd to sleep by merely ‘looking boldly accusing the prisoner of being a robber from the gov : ernment while taxgatherer, Burton could not deny the charge, for that of cowardice and incompetency brought against him -by the general, and with bowed head he heard sentence pronounced against him, and was sent in irons on board of the vessel that was to sail that day with dispatches to the king, F A heavily-armed force was sent against Smugglers’ Island, G together with a couple of cannon, for which, however, they had no use, as they found the nest empty, their birds flown. - Biddle was sent back to England in the same vessel with — Burton, who shortly after his arrival was put om trial. He — made a clean breast of it, showing that Biddle had conniyed at his wrong-doing and had helped conceal it, the result of which was that the detective served a term in prison. At its expiration he resorted to the company of a low class. of men, was caught while engaged in a burglarious enterprise and was transported for life. fs In his bitterness of heart he’ frequently cursed, Nea Nolan, the cause of that trip to America, which had ended in his — downfall. is But his curses must have gone home to roost, “for. they never shadowed Ned’s successful career through the long war, — / gaining himself a place in the hearts of the brave men of the time, and one occasion receiving what was and is to this day a treasured memory among his descendants—a few words of warm commendation from the lips of our noble Washington, ~ the Father of our Country. 3 lis ote 5 eee On the day when the news reached Boston of the Declara- — tion of Independence, the Scud lay in a sheltered cove along the coast, while her commander was at Captain Gid’s. Me Here his mother found an asylum for years, visited at id intervals by her son. Ned was met by Stella Arnow on the first occasion nite Ot ie or ever after reprove him for the liberty he had taken, and, in fact, when Ned left this time she dennbiehy upraised her “God bless him!” exclaimed Captain Gid, “J don’t ii of. % another man I’d rather see carry off my darling.” The long war ended in the way ordained by God, who had ; colonies. < Ned flew to Boston, to the arms of his mother and Stella. The old times were talked of—the times when they were at: smugglers, when, Ned first saw Stella in, men’s clothes, | ri “What has become of Oscian, by the way?” asked ‘Ned. T ‘don’t /know,” replied Captain Gid. “He disappeare Pierre went with him; but wherever they were, it was not to be idlé.” “T believe you,” said Ned. “He was a strange fellow. was always more than half afraid of himi? 7.) “So were a great many,” observed the captain, “and ‘no “Hadn’t he something to do with the Tapetere sh the i, house,’ ‘as it’s called?” pao aa. 7, OY GBs?! Wiig yar es “What?” ‘ - “All I ean tell you,” said eapiake Gid, “ig that ‘baci as His simple touch would thrill me, and
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0 AT 12 “No, it was simply and purely magnetism or miesmonlent = ; only he can eyer explain the ‘mystery of the lighthouse’ fully, but no doubt it was due to the exercise of his strange powers.” “And how did vhe escape from the English guards that _ night? ‘What is “the ot ial of his disappearing ‘mid fire and smoke?” j “Ha! ha! ha!” laughed Captain Gid. “That was rich— ’ rich! He gained quite a reputation by it, too. Why, it was - gimply this: He walked around the room a number of times, holding his powder-ilask behind him, and making serpentine trains all over the floor. When he had done, he fell down, ; touched his hot cigar to the powder, and, of course, it went hissing and burning in and out and between their very feet. Wile the room was filled with smoke he flung himself through the ees and half an hour afterward was in this very room.’ At the recollection of it Captain Gid laid back in his chair and his merry laughter was ringing through the apartment, when the servant ushered _in—Oscian and Pierre. The former was pale as death and quite emaciated, and but for Pierre’s assistance could not have stood on his feet. With a wan smile he sank into a chair and extended his hand to take that proffered by Captain Gid, as well as Ned’s. “Yve heard of you,” he said, with a look of approbation. “You did well—my trust was well-founded. All honor to Treland and Irishmen.” It was very clear that Oscian had not long to live, and they tenderly laid him upon a downy bed apo used him devotedly: Pierre never left his side. . One day he seemed a little stronger, and ‘when they, were all gathered beside him ‘he suddenly said: “You do not think we were idle hecause you ‘did not see do you, Captain Gid?” “No.” y “We were not!” exclaimed Oscian, nig eyes flashing with -. some of their old, peculiar light. “Did you ever know, Captain Gid, why we hated the Eng- lish so?” INOS “Well, you have heard of that disgraceful blot in their national history when they attacked a defenseless French settlement and to break it up more effectually carried away theiz prisoners, broke up families, and scattered them to the ' four winds of heaven. My forefathers were among that num- ber, and to that day I trace my father’s death and my moth- er’s. Pierre and I met beside the body of our dead father and swore to avenge his death, and—we have done it.” Oscian sank back, exhausted, and a pallor began to over- spread his face, and they saw that his strength had been aN fictitious, and that he was nearing so end. He knew it, too. ‘ “Good-by, and God bless you all!” he katt weakly, closing ; ‘his eyes. . AS they watched him files seemed to see or did see sparks . Or fire leave the tips of his fingers. Presently it darted from his face and hair, and then, suddenly—was gone. They ‘pent closer and found that he was dead. Though "the sparks were a mystery to them, ‘we, of the present day, can account for them. Oscian had been highly oh charged with electricity—who knows but that his mesmeric aier was in some measure due to this?—and at the spc change it fled: from his body. E lores sobs alone broke ‘the solemn silence that doiiowen ; ; nus, As é fi 7 { was stern and- fixed when he raised himselt. alone with my ye i hg. eae said, cans this hy sft cheek with either hand, he said: ‘CLOCK, Half an hour inter the report ofa ae aoe rang through the house. y Hurrying upstairs they found’ Pierre aheiehon across ‘the body of Oscian. Though dying, he was not yet dead, and raising himasit as they entered, he turned his mournful eyes on them. “What have you done?” exclaimed Captain Gid: A melancholy smile hovered around the halfbreed’s mouth, as he replied, brokenly, with great effort: “Forgive me that it is done beneath your roof, but together we lived for one purpose in common. That has been ac- complished. Companions in life, let us age be eeperied in death.” . His head sant until it rested on Oscian’s breast, and all became solemnly silent. They glided forward to raise him up, but Pierre had already crossed the dark chasm and joined his brother on the other shore. 3 CHAPTER XXIV. CONCLUSION, The treaty of peace was signed, and thus Great Britain officially recognized the thirteen colonies as free. and inde- pendent States. Ned's first care was to become a citizen of the country by adoption, to secure its protection. He then wrote to his old home to the proper autnbeiea” and stated his willingness to return and stand trial on ae charge of killing the’ Marquis of Kerry. His story had reached the ears of many prominent men, — |} some of whom visited him and assured him of their personal protection, while others wrote him to the same effect. = The reply was received in due time, accepting his proposi- tion, and he and his mother at once made arepeicere for his return to Ireland. “Don’t go,” pleaded Stella, with a “stressed face, when. she heard of it. AD must, darlint,” said Ned. “With that eae hanging ; over my head I would never be a free man. To go willingly sf is all in me fayor, and they have the right to take me back i if they wish, which would count against me on the trial if they did, No—no, mavourneen, ’tis best so.” ms “But—but——” stammered Stella, “you will Me all alone there.” “Whisht now, won't I have me mother? It ar as for 3 long, Stella, and we'll be married the day I ‘get back.” “You are determined to go, u see,” said Stella. “T am.” “Then I will go with you.” “What?” “As your wife.” “Hurroo!” cried Ned, impulsively, anécbh Ke into a ete old Irish jig; then, pausing suddenly and clasping a re “Ye'd better not, Stell it may not be SM, pidasant for you, and—and~ \ =.) . * from what I do.” “Tm going, nevertheless,” she said, firmiy, And Captain Gid, with a rueful vibage when he repeated the. ole saying: ; ; , }
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AT 42 It was a very quiet little wedding that took place the day the yessel was to leave; but some unforeseen accident pre- vented her going, and finally it was decided that she was * mot to go at all, so it was really six months after ‘their marriage ere the blue shores of America sank below the horizon as they stood on the vessel's deck, straining their eyes to keep it in sight as long as possible. Going to Europe in those days was not what it is now; at the present time we expect to go there in less than a week; . then, four weeks or even five or six was considered a good Tun. ' It took them nearly ten weeks to reach Ned’s old home. Then there was some delay about the commencing of the trial, and it was fully three months more when Ned, pale- faced but firm, stood proudly up to hear the result of the trial. ‘ Alone, friendless, it must have gone against him; but surrounded by great influence, the adopted child of a power- ful republic, they were compelled to deal justly by him. The evidence was spoken of at length. The Marquis of Kerry had been anything but a moral man; he had been a bad man in many ways. Mrs. Nolan was a widow, alone, unprotected save by her son. The dead marquis had called on the lady, and finding her alone, had grossly insulted her, when Ned- chanced to come in. In a perfectly. natural rage he had struck down the nobleman, who died from the effects of the blow. The provocation had been great, the judge believed the act justifiable, therefore the verdict was— t “Not guilty!” (Ned hurried home, elated beyond measure, and dashing upstairs, burst into his wife’s room, exclaiming: “It’s all over. I’m a free man!” “ft ‘contains 16 ‘Lkeee Pages. Sample Copies | Sent Free! “HAPPY mee The Largest and Best Weekly Story Paper Published. It is Handsomely Illustrated. | . oe It has Good Beanie of Every Kind, O'CLOCK. They remained in the place some time, and by order of the court the property,’ which-had been confiscated after his mother’s departure for America, was returned. — ; Disposing of it to good advantage, they returned to Boston, and, with Ned’s mother and Stella's father and mother, they — lived happily for many years, surrounded by a family of little Nolans. . ee Bey: [THE END.] “THE RIVAL BOAT CLUBS; OR, THE BOSS _ SCHOOL AT BEECHWOOD,” by Allyn Draper, which will be the next number (224) of “Pluck and Luck.” Read re tr, If you cannot’ obtain them from any ti ave always in print. newsdealer, send the price in money or postage stamps by mail to FRANK TOUSEY, PUBLISHER, 24 UNION | : SQUARE, NEW YORK, and you will receive the copies 2 4 SPECIAL NOTICE: All backnumbers of this weekly you order by return mail, ney he
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aa ! THE STAGE. : : No. 41. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK) END MEN’S. JOKE . BOOK.—Containing a great variety of the latest jokes used by the most famous end men. No amateur minstrels is complete without this wonderful little book. ’ No. 42. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK STUMP SPHAKER— Oontaining a varied assortment of stump speeches, Negro, Dutch - and Trish. Also end men’s jokes. Just the thing for home amuse- ment and amateur shows. No. 45. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK, MINSTREL GUIDH AND JOKH BOOK.—Something new and very instructive. Hvery poy should obtain this book, as it contains full instructions’ for or- _ ganizing an amateur minstrel troupe, ~ No. 65. MULDOON’S JOKES.—This is one of the most original joke books ever published, and it is brimful of wit and humor. . It ' contains, a largescoilection of songs, jokes, conundrums, etc., of Terrence Muldoon, the great wit, humorist and practical joker of ‘Ythe day. Every boy who can enjoy a good substantial joke should obtain a copy immediately. : : No. 79. HOW TO BECOME AN ACTOR.—Containing com- _ plete instructions how to make up for various characters on the tage; together with the duties of the Stage Manager, Prompter, Scenic Artist and Property Man. By a prominent Stage Manager, No. 80. GUS WILLIAMS’ JOKE BOOK.—Containing the lat- _ ast jokes, anecdotes and funny stories of this world-renowned and “aver popular German comedian. Sixty-four pages; handsome _ olored cover containing a half-tone photo of the author. HOUSEKEEPING. _ No. 16. HOW TO KEEP A WINDOW GARDEN.—Containing “ull instructions for constructing a window garden either in town sr country, and the most approved methods for raising beautiful | and be convinced how to become beautiful, ; dowers at home. The most complete book of the kind ever pub- sce ; ished. ; BIRDS AND ANIMALS. No. 30. HOW TO COOK.—One of the most instructive books! No. 7. HOW TO KBEP BIRDS.—Handsomely illustrated ans! gn cooking ever published. It contains recipes for cooking meats, | containing full instructions for the management and training of the ish, game and oysters; also pies,.puddings, cakes and all kinds of | canary, mockingbird, bobolink, blackbird, paroquet, parrot, etc. ost and a grand collection of recipes by one of our most popular No. 39. TOW TO RAISE DOGS, POULTRY, PIGEONS ANE) sooks, ¢— i i 2 illizs, No, 87. HOW TO KEEP HOUSH.—tt containg information for hater Do ee » gverybody, boys, girls, men and women; it will teach you how to] No. 40. HOW TO MAKE AND SET TRAPS.—Including hint? _ «make almost anything around the house, such as parlor ornaments, | on how to catch moles, weasels, otter, rats, squirrels and birds evackets, cements, Aeolian harps, and bird lime for catching birds. |’ Also how to cure skins. Copiously illustrated. By J. Harringtow ELECTRICAL. seo'50. HOW TO STUFF BIRDS AND ANIMALS.—A valu _ No. 46. HOW TO MAKE AND USE ELECTRICITY.—A de-| able book, giving instructions in collecting, preparing, mountiny. xeription of the wonderful uses.of electricity and electro magnetism ; | and preserving birds, animals and insects. — . i together with full instructions for making Hlectrie Toys, Batteries,| No. 54. HOW TO KEEP AND MANAGE PETS.—Giving cora- hr 2 Trebel, A. M., M. D. Containing over fifty il- pletevatonna 108 as.to the —— and method bis Pie keeping, 4 * us . i : taming, breeding and managing a nds of pets; also giving ful) No. 64. HOW TO MAKE ELECTRICAL MACHINES.—Con- | instructions for making cages, etc. Fully explained by twenty aining full directions for making electrical machines, induction | eight illustrations, making it the most complete book of the kin#! ; Rg tents, ae ae ics fe be worked by electricity. | eyer published. ‘ . Sy _R. A. R. Bennett. Fully illustrated. J ‘ No. 67. HOW TO DO ELECTRICAL TRICKS.—Containing a MISCELLANEOUS. arge collection of instructive and highly amusing electrical: tricks,| No. 8. HOW TO BECOM® A SCIENTIST.—A useful and ia eogether with illustrations, By A. Anderson. structive book, giving a complete treatise on chemistry; also ex ENTERTAINMENT. periments in acoustics, mechanics, mathematics, ¢hemistry, ans directions for making fireworks, colored fires and gas balloons _Wo. 9. HOW TO BECOME A VENTRILOQUIST. By Harry | This book cannot be sngtee \€ennedy. The secret given away. Hvery intelligent boy reading} No. 14..HOW TO MAKE CANDY.—A complete handbook for is book of instructions, by a practical professor (delighting multi- | making all kinds of candy, ice cream, syrups, essences, etc. etc, ‘eades every night with his wonderful imitations), can mastér thei] No. 19. FRANK TOUSBEY’S UNITED STATES DISTANOP art, and create any amount of fun for himself and friends. It is the| TABLES, POCKHT COMPANION AND GUIDE.—Giving th: greatest book ever published, and there’s millions (of fun) in it. | official distances on all the railroads of the United States ané : No. 20. HOW .TO ENTERTAIN AN EVENING PARTY.—A,|| Canada. Also table of distances by water to foreign ports, hacl _ gary valuable little book just published. A complete compendiumi| fares in the principal cities, reports of the census, etc., etc., makin of games, sports, card diversions, comic recitations, etc., suitable'| it one of the most complete and handy books published. “for parlor or drawing-room entertainment. It contains more for the} _ No. 88. HOW 'TO BECOME YOUR OWN DOCTOR.—A won money than any book published. derful book, containing useful and practical information in th: No, 35. HOW TO PLAY GAMBES.—A complete and useful little | treatment of ordinary diseases and ailments common to” every 900k, containing the rules and regulations of billiards, bagatelle, | family. Abounding in useful and effective recipes for general com- cackgammon, croquet, dominoes, ete. plaints. 4 No. 36. HOW TO SOLVE CONUNDRUMS.—Containing alt] No. 55. HOW TO COLLECT STAMPS AND COINS.—Cow the Jeading conundrums of the day, amusing riddles, curions catches | taining valuable information regarding the collecting and arranging: and witty sayings. of stamps and coins. Handsomely illustrated. hy _ No. 52. HOW TO PLAY CARDS.—A complete and handy little No. 58. HOW TO BE A DETHCTIVE.—By Old King Brady, ook, giving the rules and full directions for playing Huchre, Ctib- | the world-known detective. In which he lays down some realuatie bage, Casino, Forty-five, Rounce, Pedro Sancho, Draw . Poker, | 2nd sensible rules for besinners, and also relates some adventurer Auction Pitch, All Fours and many other popular games of cards, | 20d experiences of well-known detectives. i a _ , No, 66. HOW TO DO PUZZLES.—Containing over three hun-|, No. 60. HOW TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER.—Contain- dred interesting puzzles and conundrums with key to same. A| ing useful information regarding the Camera and how to work it. SOCIETY. ‘ Ns No. 3. HOW TO FLIRT.—The arts and wiles of flirtation ap - fully explained by this little book. Besides the various methods of handkerchief, fan, glove, parasol, window and hat flirtation, it cox tains a full list of the language and sentiment of flowers, which iv a hae dan to everybody, both old and young. You cannot be happy without one. < { ue, te No. 4. HOW TO DANCH is the title of a and handsom« little book just issued by Frank Tousey. It contains full instrue: tions in the art of dancing, etiquette in the ballroom and at partiea, Ror to dress, and full directions for calling off in all popular squax ances. : wish 4 No. 5. HOW TO MAKE LOVE.—A complete guide to love, 4 | a) courtship and marriage, giving sensible advice, rules and etique 4 to He poseeret, with many curious and interesting things not, geis< erally known. eel No, 17. HOW TO DRESS.—Containing full instruction tn the art of dressing and appearing well at home and abroad, giving tho selections of colors, material, and how to have them made up. No. 18. HOW TO BECOME BEAUTIFUL—One’ of tha brightest and most valuable little books ever given to the world. ee to know how to become beautiful, both male ane! female. e secret is simple; and almost costless. Read this boo! eomplete book. Fully illustrated. By A. Anderson. ; ae how some Meer id ho Magic Lantern Slides and othe: | x ransparencies, i 3 y Ce 4 ’ ETIQUETTE. 5 cy ies andsomely illustrated. By Captain W. De W. No. 18. HOW TO DO IT; OR, BOOK OF BTIQUETTE.—It} _ No. 62. HOW TO BECOME A WEST POINT MILITARY \i@ a great life secret, and one that every young man desires to know | CADET.—Containing full explanations how to gain admittance all about. There’s happiness in it. course of Study, Hxaminations, Duties, Staff of Officers, Pos No. 33. HOW TO BEHAVE.—Containing the rules and eti-| Guard, Police Regulations, Wire Department, and all a bo yuette of good society and the easiest and most approved methods | know to bea Cadet. Compiled and written by Lu Senarens, autho; _ »f appearing to good advantage at parties, balls, the theatre, church | 0f “How to’ Become a Nayal Cadet.” : j ‘se oh and in the drawing-room. No. 63. HOW TO BECOME A NAVAL CADET.—Comple: DECLANATION ' structions of how to gain admission to the 4 is Academy. Also containing the course of instruct: No. 27. HOW TO RECITE AND BOOK OF REOITATIONS. | of. out and buildings, historical sketch, and eye Containing the most pee selections in use, comprising Dutch % wh - dialect, French dikes: As ag erage. i oneal 3 gd + Hecomie ues in pi ores Siar 2 Fs Yankee and Irish dialect pieces, together | piled and written by Lu Senarens, author o} ow te with many standard readings. . West Point Military Cadet.” © i ec PRICE 10 CENTS EACH, OR 3 FOR 25 CENTS. ay as Address FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York, =
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PiU C K A IN DP iamwUCEHr. CONTAINS ALL SORTS OF STORIES. 32 PAGES. BEAUTIFULLY COLORED COVERS. LATEST ISSUES: 140 The Richest Boy in the World; or, The Wonderful Adventures of a Young American. By Allyn Draper. 141 The Haunted Lake. A jive» Story. By Allyn Draper. 142 In the Frozen North; or, Ten Years in the Ice. By Howard Austin. 143 Around the World on a Bicycle: A Story of Adventures in Many Lands. By Jas. C. Merritt. 144 mete Captain Rock; or, The First of the White Boys. By Allyn raper. 145 A Sheet of Fea Paper; or, The Adventures of a Young Inventor. By Richard R. Montgomery. 146 The Diamond Island; or, Astray in a Balloon. By Allan Arnold. 147 In the Saddle from New York to San Francisco. By Allyn Draper. 148 The Haunted Mill on the Marsh. By Howard Austin. 149 oe eecne Crusader. A True Temperance Story. By Jno. B. owd 150 oh island of Fire; or, The Fate of a Missing Ship. By Allan Arnol 151 The Witch Hunter's Ward; or, The Hunted Orphans of Salem. By Richard R. 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