{as h \— 'h _—.- ‘— ‘\\\— - U I .’- 4; 'r portunity to put the money in in ' pocket, or to detect any one else in the act of oing so. " But all this is now to no purpose. The past is dead and buried. “ In my prison my mother visited me, in com- any wit the man she afterward married, Col. ‘gbert Stanhope, Adele’s father. Alumst crazed with a sense of utter helplessnem under mon- strous injustice, I threw myself on my knees be— fore them, and assured them of my innocence again and again by every sacred pledge I could think of. “ My mother believed me. Had she doubted me then I believe I would have committed sui- cide, if I had had to starve myself to death by refusing food. " As lf’or Col. Stanhope, if he doubted my in— nocence. he dissembled his feelings. His love for my mother, which was extraordinary, may have led him to do that. Certainl he would have lost her as his wife had he ac otherwise than as he did. " From whatever motive, he espoused my cause; and a father could not have done more for me than he did. But all proved of no avail. I was tried and condemned, and had sentence execl- ted upon me—two years imprisonment and branding in the palm! Under her trouble my mother was completely prostrated. For my sake she would have defer- red her marriage, as if I had died. But I knew that she needed the care that only he could give her. and added my solicitations to his, so that her scruples were overcome: and I believe that the preservation of her life was due to the ten- derness with which he watched over her. " “'hile I was in prison my mother visited me for an hour every day. This saved me from despair. " When my term was expired Col. Stanhope removed to the North with his wife and child, Adele. then a year old, and m 'self. B act of the Legislature of the State 0 Maine, e gave me his name. gratitude! ,, " My mother's very tenderness to me was a constant reminder of the cloud that had fallen upon my life: and I was seized with a morbid dread of every one who knew of the indelible brand in my palm. I longed to be alone among .strangers. Seeing that I was sinking into a brooding monomania, she finally yielded to my incessant entreaties and gave her consent to my going abroad. " For six years I wandered in a vast desert of humanity, never meeting a familiar face. I dared not make friends, lest they should learn the story of that brand of ignominy that burned like a quenchless fire in my palm. As for love, how could I drag the woman I loved down to— Oh, God! Sibyl, my wronged wife! to the fate I have given you! " After six years the man to whose enerosity I owed so much died, and I was called home to console my widowed mother. She placed my sister Adele in my arms, and followed the man who had become necessary to her existence. " I cannot tell you what a boon to my aching heart was the gentle, loving child of seven. loved her and still love her second only to you. 1 dedicated my life to her, nor cared for the love of any other woman until I met you. “ Then. my wife, came the keenest a ony and the greatest joy of my wretched li e. You know the circumstances that brought us to- gether. Had I been alone I might have torn myself away; but I saw that my sister was at- tracted by your brother, and he by her. This, together with the overpowering love I con- ceived for you at first sight. led me to tempo- rize, and temporizing I became lost. “ My strange behavior when Felix proposed for niv sister‘s hand was not, as you interpreted it at the time. chiefly due to pain at losing her, though I confess my heart turned sick with a sense of loss. I shall never forget my mother’s for Felix. their marriage. the secret of my life might be discovered. and Felix in his pride mi ht‘ turn against me and perhaps treat her col y. when he would break her heart. “ For the first time I saw that my life mi ht prove a curse to her. Then. too. how could be related to you. and meet you. as would be un- avoidable. without telling my love? The two women whom I loved could reap only misery from association with me! “Sibyl. when you came to me that night— when I saw in your face that you loved me, I became intoxicated with delight. and cast ev- ery scruple behind me. I swore then to possess you at any and ever ' hazard. My secret might never be discover , and if it was, your love might triumph over everything else. and we might be happy in each other, in spite of the world. “ Up to that time I was not sure whether or not John Boardman reco nized me, thou h it was a constant dread. \V ien he denounce me I was paralyzed. But you asked me to let my life be my vindication. and then I deceived your brother. ' " This statement cannot alter the world’s ver— dict. but I write it in the hope that you will re- ceive it into your heart. and that the belief that I do not merit your contempt may make your sorrow less hard to bear. “ Oh, my injured wife! now that I am dead— for this will come to you as a voice from the grave—can you believe me§~can you forgive me! Think of the vear that you have lain next to my heart! If I were infamous, would no word or look have betrayed me ?—could I have deceived you so completely 3—” But here the reader was interrupted. “ No! no!” cried Sibyl, rising to her feet. now strong in her great love. “ I have heard enough. Let us 0 to him at once. Oh! if a life of un— tirin r evotion can repay him in part for all that the has suffered, I pray God to spare his life to me!" (To be continued—commenced in No. 434.) A Touch of Jealousy. BY JENNIE DAVIS BURTON. “ IF I had known you would care in the least, I would have declined Mrs. Colonel Agnew's in- vitation, but since I have promised, you mustn't be unreasonable, Lu." » A sparkle of indignation came into Lu “'al— ters‘s velvety brown eyes. “You were perfectly aware of mv opinion, Harold. Look at me, sir! HOw would you like it if I were to go to such gatherings as this of Mrs. Agnew's without you. and receive the at- tention of other gentlemen?” “I wouldn‘t 've you the chance." smiled Harold Gale. “ (1 make it a point to be on hand and look after my own property." “ Yet you go to laces which I do not attend —which you woul not wish me to attend.” “ Only because I wouldn’t choose for my fu~ ture wife a young lady given to fashionable frivolity,” Mr. Gale hastened to declare. “ You know, dear, it was because you were such a modest little home blossom that I learned to prize on so." “Still you think it too much of a deprivation to give up enjoyments I may not share. I won- der what I may look for by-aud-by if this is the case now?" “My dear Lu, you wouldn‘t enjoy yourself. You would be out of your element. I don't care for this sort of thing myself. tired of it long ago, and I'll be bored to death. but I can‘t very well get around going since I’ve promised. I‘ll tell you. though. since you take it to heart so, I‘ll only drop in and make my excuses. How will that do I" It was in the process of making his excuses to Mrs. Colonel Agnew, apparently, that Mr. Gale should attach himself as the s ial attendant of a certain Miss Dubar. whose londe beauty had very nearly insnared him the season before. “Do you know the horrible story I have heard of you i" asked Miss llubnr. with a flirt of her ivory fan. But in my absorbing passion for you I had forgotten all about her possible love It burst upon me a com lete sur- prise. and with it came the thought t at, after “I am sure you wouldn’t give anything bad about me a moment’s belief.” “Certainly not. It isn’t my way. I told Frank Howard it was rank treason if you had gone out of our set to get yourself engaged.” “Nothing but despair of winning where I wished to win could ave driven me to such a step,” declared Gale, with a pathetic lance. “ And this is the sort of flirtation w ich could induce him to break his word to me,” thought Lu Walters, standin so near that she could have put out her ban and touched them from the screen of a rose-twined pillar. “ Yes, I will waltz with you once, Clement,” she answered her partner, and Mr. Harold Gale abrupitly broke off the murmured conversation with iss Dubar which, like anything else insipid and sweet, be an to pall, as the floating vision in shinin w 'te went him clasped in a pair of masc ine arms, wit a handsome golden mus— tache almost brushing her dark-ter hair. He gazed, half-doubting his own sight, then started up. “Pardon me, I must go and speak to a friend,” he muttered, and stalked away, leaving Miss Du- bar iqued and resentful. “ n,” be interposed, as she was leaving the floor, “ you little witch, how do you come to be here?” “By invitation,” she answered, indifferentl . “Don’t stop, Clement. We would only detain this gentleman, and he leaves in a moment as I hap n to know.” “I’ll wait," the gentleman hastened to say. “ Come with me, Lu. Let me take you home.” “Thanks, no. I have an escort for the even— ing. Are we to give Mrs. Agnew a duet, Clement?” “Hang Clement, whoever he is,” muttered Mr. Gale, between his set teeth. " Lu, if you have an regard for my feelings you will allow me to ta e you in charge.” But Lu swept serenely past him, unheeding his whispered protests, and Mr. Gale left the scene in a bitter mood, wretchedly jealous for the first time in his life. He was on hand and waiting for Lu at a most unseasonable hour next morning. “ Sorry if I was the means of sending you home early last night,” said she, with sweet unconsciousness. “ Ve left at four. The effect of moonlight in the morning is very striking, I '7 “Effect of Clement. more likely,” growled Mr. Gale. “ Lu is that fellow to come between us? Of coursei you refer him—” “Prefer cousin Ju ia’s husband?” said Lu, with wide-o n eyes. “ Is he? h, then I’ve made an idiot of my- self, but it’s all right.” “All right? I am not so sure. Harold, I thought it well to show you that I can move in the same society you frequent if I like, but I re- gard it as frittering away time and o portuii- ties which can be more profitably But if you find more congenial companionship there— Miss Dubar’s for instance—and were driven through despair of winning her to me—” “You heard that nonsense! See here, Lu, I was never so ashamed of myself in my life. I acce t my lesson. so now make up, there’s a darling girl, and I promise you shall never have reason to re t it.” Nor did s e, for Mr Gale found one little touch of jealousy an effectual cure. UNSEEN AND UNSUNG. BY JOHN H. WHITSON. There is man a beautiful thought That lies, 1i 8 a deep-sea pearl, Embalmed in the casket that God has wrought, 'Neath the ocean’s rush and swirl. There is many a motive grand, That lies but a. lifeless seed, Awaiting the touch of a master-hand To wake it to living deed. There is many a lovely bower, Far, far from all human sight; There is many. ay, many a flower, \Vhose petals ne‘er ope to the light. There is many a silent bard “'hose harp, with its chords unstrung. Hangs cold and mute; all its sweet tones marred; There is many a song unsung. The Pirate Prince ; OR, Pretty Nelly, the Queen of the Isle. BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, AUTHOR or “ CAPTAIN or CAPTAINS,” “THE RI- VAL LIEUTENANTS," “ THE GIRL GUIDE,” “ THE BOY TERROR,” “ THE SKELETON CORSAIR,” “ THE BOY CHIEF,” “DIA- MON!) DIRK,” “ THE FLYING YAN~ KEI-z,” “ WITHOUT a HEART,” ETc., ETC., ETC. CHAPTER XXXVII. THE FLIGHT. FOR some moments Roy Woodbrid and Nel- lie stood in silence, the twilight sha ows deep- ening around them. and the waters of the basin growing darker and darker. Then the maiden spoke: “ You wish me to go to Havana with you, senor?” “ Yes: on can aid me greatly." “Then will go. if my mother and the chief sav yes.” 1‘ And if they object?” “ I will go anyh0w, for Captain Rafael must not die, if any aid of mine can save “ Nobly said! Now I will leave you. Go and bring your risoner at once on board, while I return to t e lugger, for we must get off to- night, as there is a fair breeze blowing out— s1 e. “Then it will favor the American. We shall be under way within the hour, and when I have seen him out of the channel I will return to the cabin and soon be on board the lugger." “Farewell. my brave Nellie. for awhile, and success attend you." Politely raisin his hat, Roy “'oodbridge walked away up t e bank of the stream and dis- appeared in the darkness. while Nellie at once mounted the rope-ladder and hastened toward the secret retreat. her heart full of emotion at all that had passed. Reaching the cabin among the rocks, Nellie found Bancroft Edmunds patiently awaiting her. and the body of Luis Ramirez lying as it had fallen. “Senor Americano, will you do me the kind- ness to place that co ‘ outside? Carry it to a spot near here: 1 Wis the band to know that, in some mysterious way, Luis Ramirez has per- ished, and that Captain Rafael has been avenged against those who betrayed him." “'ithout a word Bancroft Edmunds raised the body in his strong arms. and following the maiden from the retreat bore it to a spot some distance from the rock. “ Let it rest here: it will be discovered in the morning." and Nellie aused at the path leading to the buccaneer ham et. Bancroft quietly (.ibeyed. laying the corpse by the roadside. "NOW we will return to the retreat for the stores. and make all haste to the boat. You have a good breeze in your favor and a stanch little boat, as well as a good sailer. I have also stowed away on board all that you will need for your cruise." “ Senorita. I thank you more than I can cx- press. One of these days I hope to do you some great service in return. ‘ and Bancroft Edmunds spoke warmly. Nellie made no reply. but leading.r the way back to the secret retreat she said: “Here is your bundle. senor, and this I will carry.” and she raised the package brought by Luis Ramirez. while the young oflicer. after urg— ing to carry both. and being rcpulscd, took up to the maiden. Through the darkness they went, Nellie lead- ing the way, and in half an hour they arrived at the rock, overhanging the basin. By means of the ropes the stores were lower- ed, and then, leading the way, the maiden de— scended the rope-ladder, adown which she was quickly followed by her companion. “ W ile you put your stores aboard I will get my boat, senor,” and Nellie disappeared in the gloom, to appear a few moments later seated in er skiff, her hands upon the oars. “We have to tow out. You take the helm of your awl and steer, and I will row.” “I 0, let me take the oars: the work is too heavy for you.” But Nellie would not yield, and Bancroft cast- ing of! the line, the yawl moved out into the stream, towed by the li ht skiff. Through the channe , not more than forty feet wide, the boats passed, the tide in their favor, and soon they came into another basin. “ Senor, there is where I made you prisoner. We return to the open sea b the same channel that brought you in,” and l\ellie headed across thekbasin to the opening through the walls of me . In a short while more out of the gloom of the channel-way the boats swept, past the 1 into which the young officer had fallen, an thence to the open water, for the sea lay before them. “ Now, senor, I must leave you—the breeze will be good, once you get from under the land‘s lee,” and Nellie arose to cast off the yawl’s painter. “Senorita, I owe you my life, and should I ever have it in my power to return the favors you have done me, believe me I will gladly do so. “ I am sorry you have to run back against the tide, and I sincerely hope you will get into no trouble on m account.” Bancroft dmunds spoke earnestly and held out his hand, as the two vessels drifted side by side. The maiden grasped the hand, and said, sadly: “ I did but my duty, senor. May ou have a safe voyage, and may your life be a appy one. Farewell. ’ The American quickly bent, imprinted a kiss upon the little hand he held, and the boats drift- ed apart. In the twinkling of an eye the huge sail of the yawl was raised, the sheet thrown to the wind, the compass drawn from the locker and placed by the side of a lantern, already lighted, and the adventurous young sailor started upon his perilous flight, alone upon the broad bosom of the waters. Watching his departure, until the breeze can ht his sail and caused his boat to careen we] ever and dash swiftl along, Pretty Nellie then turned her skiff and headed back into the channel. Though pulling against the tide it was not at running strong, and she sent her light skiff swiftly back the way she had come and was soon at the spot from which she had started. Hauling her skiff well up on the beach, she as- cended the ladder, drew it up after her, and then sought a high point from whence she could over- look the sea, and by the aid of a lass, which she always carried with her, she be eld the lit- tle sail-boat far out from the land, rapidly skim- ming along. She could not discern him who held the light craft on its course: but she knew he was there, making a bold effort for freedom. Convinced that the yawl had gained sufficient start to hold her way well against the lug er. if it should sail within the next two hours, ellie ran hastily down to her cabin, and there found her mother nervously pacing the floor. “ Well, girl, you are out late.” “ Yes, mother, but I have been arranging to leave the island for awhile.” “ IVhat mean you ?” eagerly asked the woman. “I mean to o to Havana in the lugger. The Senor IVoodbridge says I can greatly aid him in the attempted rescue of Captain Rafael.” “ Oh. Nellie, my daughter, do this and I will bless on! Yes, go with him—go with him," said the woman, coming close to the girl. and laying her hands upon her shoulders. “ And will you ask the chief ?” “ No, no, no! He would refuse. Go, and I will sav you have gone, when too late to stop on. here, let me get you ready,” and Mad and bustled about, and from various boxes took out wearing apparel. and put them in a trunk, until Nellie found herself possessed of a ver rich wardrobe. “i ow, girl, here is gold for you. See, I put it in your chest— lent of it—and you must not spare it. Let it ow li e water, so you get Ra- fael out of that accursed Moro’s dungeons. Now go to the lugger and send a man after your lug— ga e: I will wait here for him.” ten minutes more Nellie was at the creek bank, and met there by Roy Woodbridge, she was escorted on board to the little cabin, which he had already fitted up most comfortably for her reception. “ There, Nellie, you can make yourself at home; but what did your mother say .4” “ Gave her consent most willingly: in fact. seemed most anxious for me to go, and packed me a chest which I promised to send after.” “ I will let two men go at once to the cabin after it. ders from the old chief. I will return in an hour. and the buccaneer left Nellie to her own thoughts and went to see his chief ; but for only a short while was the maiden alone, as the sea- men soon returned with her baggage, accom- panied by Mad Maud. Then between mother and daughter followed a long, earnest conversation, the poor woman seeming no longer mad. as she suggested to Nel- lie plans for the escape of Rafael, and ended by saying: “ Here, my child, if you should need more gold take these: they are worth the ransom of and Mad Maud placed in the hands of Nellie a necklace of beautiful diamonds. each one worth a thousand pesos. “ Let them all go if need be. to save him: he must not die! Now I must go ashore: farewell I" and stoo ing. the woman pressed a hearty kiss upon Nel ie‘s brow and was gone. “ We have left the creek now: will you come on deck?" had left her—the diamond necklace still clasped in her hand. “ Yes, I like not the cabin when I can breathe bosom she went on deck with Roy Woodbridge. who had called to her from the. helm. at which he stood. Slowly. with the boats aboard. the lugger was movin down the channel. and in an hour's time had gained the open sea. Then the sails were spread. and swiftly over the waters sped the really fleet vessel. all on anxious to aid in the rescue of Rafael from the terrible death that threatened him in Havana. (1H APTER XXXVIII. DENOUNCED. W HEN Bancroft Edmunds left the piratc isle. he felt in his heart that he should arrive safely at the end of his voyage. and his anticipations. after several days of buffeting with the waves, slee )less hours by day and night. and arduous wor ', were realized, for he stood in. one pleas- the banks of which glimmered the white walls trees. house for the night: and if the wind is fair. stand on to Havana tomorrow; if against me. am actually worn out." he muttered to himself. as he headed his boat into a little reef-sheltered harborage. down to the shores of which sloped dc casa. before referred to. and which was evi— dcntly the house of sonic wealthy planter. the stores which the kind Velasquez had given , Now I must go up and get my last or- , and then we will get to sea. for all is ready." , a prince. They were my wedding present—see” ‘ Nellie started: she stood just where her mother : fresh air." and thrusting the necklace into her , ant afternoon. t0ward the coast of Cuba. amid * of a men dc compo. among the cocoa and palm ‘ “Yes. I will seek the hospitality of yonder ; I will get a steed and go on by land: but now, I ‘ the grounds surrounding the hacienda. or cam/m ‘ out; made his boat‘s painter fast to an iron ring, ,and ascended the walk toward the hacienda. ! upon the piazza of which he saw, as he ap~ 3, preached, two persons seated. 3 Drawing nearer he observed that one was a l gentleman in uniform—the other a maiden, l tastefully dressed, and wearing the Spanish vail about her head and shoulders. A few steps nearer and a glad cry greeted him, in silvery accents and the Spanish tongue. “ Santissima! it is the Senor Edmunds!" As she spoke the lady advanced from the i- azza and grasped the American’s hand, while he said pleasantly: “ And is it really you, Senorita Inezg I really ex cted not this pleasure.” ‘Then you came not here to see me? I had flattered myself that you had.” Senorita Revilla, I did intend to visit you up- on the return from our cruise: but now I come alone and—” “From where, Senor Edmunds?” “ From a buccaneer island. I escaped, through the kindness of a noble maiden, only three nights ago: but that gentleman wears my country’s uniform, I see,” and Bancroft motioned toward the gentleman who was on the Iiazza with Inez Revilla, and Who had walked a few paces dis- tant. “Yes, he is a naval officer of your country. Come, I will make you acquainted, for you seem not to know each other. Senor Melville, .this is an old friend of mine, the Senor Ed- munds.” Paul Melville, for it was none other, stepped forward, a smile of welcome upon his face and his hand extended, while he said: “Senor Edmunds, I am most happy. You are an officer on the Sea Hawk, I believe, to which I am ordered?” But Bancroft Edmunds stood like a statue, his bright eye fixed upon the man before him, and his voice was deep and stern as he said: “ Mr. Melville, though an officer of our ser- vice, and my superior in rank, I care not to take your hand, sir,” and turning to the aston- ished Inez, he continued: “Senorita Revilla, if this man is a guest of yours, I will bid you adios.” “ Explain yourself, sir! There surely is some mistake!” said Paul Melville, white with rage. “There is no mistake, sir. Senorita Revilla, you are entertaining a villain.” IVith an angry cry Paul Melville sprung for- ward, his hand upon a concealed weapon in his breast; but like a flash of light Bancroft Ed- munds dealt him a blow that laid him his length upon the ground. Pale with dread and excitement, Inez Revilla knew not what to say or do, and turning to her, Bancroft said: . “ Pardon me. senorita, I was perhaps hasty; but Paul Melville, though an American officer, was for years a buccaneer, and in escaping from them he attemplted to take the life of a young girl who aided im. “ IVith a story of having been a captive to the corsairs, he gained an ap intment in the Uni- ted States navy, for he is really an excellent seaman, and came to Cuba for the avowed pur- pose of betraying those who had once been his friends. All this I know; it was told me only three days since. Need I say more? You know me, and know whether I would willfully slan« der any one—es cially a brother officer.” Inez Revilla ad known Bancroft Edmunds for two yeais, and he had been a great favorite of hers. Paul Melville she had met but several days before in Havana, and, at the invitation of General Muriel Sebastian, he had come out to the hacienda for a short visit, the old officer ,having taken a great fancy to the American lieutenant. Hence, when Bancroft Edmunds made the charge he did. Inez Revilla believed him. and turned coldly toward Paul Melville, who.'hav- ‘ ing arisen to his feet. stood gazing upon them. _ with the manner and look of a tiger about to ‘ spring upon its prey: but he felt that Bancroft l Edmunds was more than a match for him, and 3 with a bitter curse he turned away, walked a ‘ few paces, and then wheeling, said. savagely: ‘ this. My address is at Pedro Nunez‘s pulpcriu. l “'hen you come to Havana send me your card —1'f you are not a coward." 1' Bancroft bowed formally and turned to lnez. l while. seeking the stables, Paul Melville was soon after seen dashing away on horseback. at the full speed of the animal he rode. “And your uncle. the general. he is here with you. senorita?" “Yes. Senor Edmunds: he is out over the plantation now. He will soon return. Since my capture, you know, by that buccaneer, Ramirez. my uncle will not allow me to remain here without his personal care. You did not congratulate me upon my escape." “No: but I intended to. Your having been stolen from your home distressed me greatly. senorita. and I was rejoiced to learn. just be- fore we left Havana. that some gallant planter had rescued you. And Luis Ramirez was then your kidnapper?” and Bancroft gazed earnestly into the maiden's face. “Yes: he came here in a small vessel and l stole me and my old nurse. as we were on the i beach one day—oh! I do fear that man so.” “ Senorita Revilla. you need fear him no more: is dead. " I “Dead! Luis Ramirez dead! g you must be mistaken. senor.” ; “ No. he died by my hand. We had a ducllo f and I ran him through. I had often heard of him. yet never met him: but after his death I learned who he was." “Where did this hap n. senor?" asked Inez. with considerable fee ing in tone and man- ner. “ On the pirate isle. where I have been for a short while a prisoner. and from which I was ireleased by the very young girl whom Paul ! Melville sought to slay.“ i "You surprise me. and now that you have g made me your confidante, I will tell you a se- 3 cret: the man who saved me from Luis Rami- lrez. took me from the little cabin where that f man held me prisoner. and restored me to my i uncle. was none other than Rafael the Rover.“ “Vl'hat! I thought it was a Don Bernado somebody. a planter 3” l “ So it was reported: but it was Don Rafael: 3 yet, not a word of this to my uncle. " j “ No, you can trust me: but. Senorita Inez. ’ the Rover is now in trouble." ! “What mean you. Senor Americano‘r" asked 3 Inez. nervously. 1 “ I will tell you. and in his distress he has my I sympathy. for he is not. after all, the very devil ; t at he is painted. but on the contrary a man iof many noble ualities. Now that he has . treated you so we I. I positively have a hi h re 1 gard for him. Listen attentively. and will i he . It cannot be: ltell you all that I know about Rafael the Ro- lme and I determined to have revenge‘ l yer." i In a few words Bancroft Edmunds made .kn0wn all about the daring part that Rafael ' had played as Paul Melville. and his own cap- ture by Nellie and release. with all that he had heard about the young huccaneer chief. The loss of the Curse of the Sea. as told him by Nellie. the betrayal of Rafael by Ramirez. and the young chief‘s noble sacrifice. with all that he had heard of Paul Melville. he told his word. “And Captain Rafael is now on the Sea Hawk. bound for Havana. you say?" asked 5 Guy earnestly. It is a pity for him to die thus." ; my uncle. and to-morrow you will drive on to Havana remember. not a word to my uncle about Don Bernado Rosalia being Rafael the Rover." “ I will not betray you. Senorita Inez." and Bancroft arose to greet General Sebastian. who Running alongside of a small pier, he sprung l ‘ sort in the city during the spring of “ Lieutenant Edmunds. you shall answer for ‘ attentive listener. for the maiden drank in every l “ Yes. and‘ sentenced to the worst of deaths. | “A crime. rather say. senor: but here comes l He Will be glad to welcome you, ; with us. for I mle be in the city at once: but [ The Silver Queen. BY FRANK DAVES. THE Silver Hall in Deadwood was next to the Occidental Hotel, the most popular place of re- 76. This place was presided over by a young lady on the sunny side of thirty, who was called the Silver Queen. from wearing a number of fancy silver trinkets on her person, and by some strange association of ideas, the room or ball it- self was called the Silver Hall. It was a gambling-room in the strictest sense of the word. There were conveniences for lay- ing all the varieties of games to which the West- ern mind inclines. Of course, a barroom was attached, where all kinds of liquors were dis- pensed by a bejeweled Californian, whom the “ Queen ” had employed. The most desperate men in the hills could be found there every night; but there probably was not one of them possessed of a cooler nerve, or more skill with that charming toy of the plains, the revolver, than the proprietress herself. She was a death-shot, as the fate of several poor victims testified. She combined proprietress, dealer and com- mittee on order all in herself. When a man made himself obnoxious to her, she told him to make arrangements for his funeral expenses. This was her grim and standing joke, but her victims seldom lived long enough to see the point. In short, she was as smooth, outwardly, as oil; but a very demon when aroused—al— though she never betrayed an excitement. I was in this gilded hall 0 iniquity the last night of its existence. I shall never forget it. It was the evening of the 9th of May. An old hunter, trapper and guide, well known on the plains as Six-toed Pete, from a personal deformity, was at the Occidental. ' After supper, he being an old acquaintance, I proposed to “take in’ the Silver Hall. He had just returned from a long trip to New Mexico, and beng anxious to see his old friends, we lit i are and started, little dreaming of the trag y we were to behold before morning. A short walk brought us to our destination: and we found the hall unusually full. The sweet strains of a string-band made the pulses throb; and the clinking of lasses and coin, and the rude oath of the an added to the tumult. Life flowed on, as if trouble and death did not exist. The Silver Queen was ruling and controlling this mad mob as com letely as a ship captain does his crew. Her slightest nod or look was respected; and her very wishes seemed to be anticipated by her admirers and backers. She was a very queen, indeed, and these were her subjects. A number of guides, trappers and desperate characters were present; some of them who enjoyed a national re utation. Texas Jack was playing poker wit California Joez'Mis- souri Mike was absorbed in a game with the Man-from-Arkansas: and Wild Bill, or William Hickok, was engaged at the fare—table, rapid- ly losing the money he had as rapidly won at ker. Some were excited and some were not; ut the Silver Queen sat through it all, like an iceberg within its native zone; or, rather like the grand. mysterious Sphinx in the burn- ing sands of Africa. took a seat at a table, and began a small game with my friend for cigars: and it did not take me long to be forced into paying for cigars enough to last 11s a week. IVe had just finished our game. and were quietly engaged in smoking some of the fruits of my unskillful playing, when a tall, rather fine—looking man walked into the room. He or- dered a drink at the bar: and then. taking a cigar. began looking about him. \‘ild Bill at this moment caught his eye. and recognized him. addressing him as Luke. The two shook hands. “It has been a long time since I saw you. Bill." said the stranger. “ Yes: the last time we met was in Santa Fe.” " I believe it was, and at Don Miguel’s ball. That was two years ago.” At this moment the queen glanced at the stranger for the first time. She turned deadly pale: and I noticed that the stranger eyed her rather curiously. The two had evidently met before. but neither spoke to the other. They were not friends. A minute passed: and the ueen raked in another “ pot “' of W'ild Bill’s go (1. "This game is over. entlemen," said she, slowly rising and drawmg a revolver from under the table as she did so. Quick as a flash, she leveled the weapon at the breast of the stranger and shot him dead. It was done so quickly that we could scarcely realize what had occurred: and when we looked for the Queen. she was one. “ It was a foul. cold- looded murder, gentle— men." said \Vild Bill: “ and she must be found and subjected to a fair. square trial. I was a witness to the whole affair, and it was nothing short of murder.” The criminal was a woman, and the Black Hillers felt a delicacy about laying violent hands on a woman: but the affair was such a gross violation of law and order that something must be done for the sake of appearances. . Moreover, the Deadwoodin had not been treated to a “fair. square" trial since Irish Jimmy was lynched, the month before: and now was the golden opportunity. and it must not be lost. A committee was appointed, with “'ild Bill at the head. to arrest her and bring her to jus- tice. Everybody knew that to try her would be a mere matter of form. and that her acquittal was as sure as the revolution of the earth; but the great public demanded her arrest: and so the committee went out to obey the commands of the dictator. But she was nowhere to be found. The house was searched. and all the neighboring dens were subjected to the closest scrutiny: but to no pu ose. “ fary Queen." said an old lainsman. “ will you find tonight. She‘s an o] bird." “ Here's your mule." screamed a shrill voice: and to our utter astonishment we saw in the bright moonlight. standing out in bold relief on the roof of a tall building across the street, the I very )erson we wanted. “ ere is the Silver Queen: come and take her: but I have a little speech to make, and you must listen to that first. “The man I have just killed is Thomas Craw~ ford. of Kansas City. or was seven years ago: and I am his Wife. I had ten thousand dollars when I married the villain. and after spending that. he left me and my two children to die of starvation. “My children died shortly after he deseirted fol- lowed him to California: then to New Mexico: and finally I came here and waited for him. for I knew he would come to Deadwood some time. as every other scoundrel in the “’est does. “ I have made money: but it is planted, and no man will ever unearth it. The man I sought came at last. Tonight is the first time I have met him for seven years. I have killed him. I have fulfilled my destiny: and now] am done with earth and its troubles." Quick as a flash, when she had said this, she ., placed the revolver to her head and pulled the i trigger. and instantly fell to the walk below. a . lifeless corpse. V\ 9 had stood spellbound during all this strange scene: but we suddenly realized what had happened. and instantly the wildest excite- ment prevailed. But she was dead. An inquest was held. The jury could return but one ver- dict. and the next day we laid away in the Deadwood cemetery the remains of the Silver { Queen. IS the lobby of an Irish inn the following in- just then came forward. a smile of welcome 1 scription is painted on the wall in conspicu— ; i l - I‘ known to him. : (To lw con/inIII‘If-(‘0))II)I(‘;1(‘I’II in No. 4529,) . upon his face. for the young officer was we]! , 7 whisky in this house but those who pay money . down." ous letters: "No person will get credit for