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Entered at the Post Office at New York. N. Y.. at Second Class Mail Rates.

 

Copyright. 1886. by “an2: AND ADAMS. August 31, 1886. .‘1

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Price,

No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents.

 

 

 

No. 475.

 

 

 

CHAPI‘ER I.
pnnuomromr 'ro comma nvss'rs.

The sea yawned around-her like a hell.

And down she sucked With her the whirling wave
Like one who grapples with his enemy,

And strives to strangle him before he dies.

And first one universal shriek there rushed,
Louder than the loud ocean. like a crash

or echoing thunder; and then all was hushed,
Save the wild wind and the remOrseless clash

Of billuWS.—BYRON.

“MAY God have mercy on us! The vessel will
not flont one-half hour longer, and our boats are all
stove.’

The last vestige of hope has fled. The dark-wing-
ed presence of death was hovering over that doomed
vessel, as her captain uttered the words which
seemed wrunz from his heart. They Were addressed
to a young girl. in the prime of early womanhood,
who stood shivering with fear by his side. Her
sweet face was overshadowed with the fearful peril

     

 

THE BLACK SHII'.

 

 
   

2

 

The Black Ship.

 

 

 

of the moment, and her beauty was cnhancedb

the abundant tresses which had burst from the r
confinement and now streamed in pgetty disorder
around her ace. The angry waters of the ocean
roared and seethed around—their summits wreathed
in foam, their spray rising and striking the face
with stinging violence as they jostled and smote
against each other. The heavms were cversprcad
with a rayless gloom, and the vast gra clouds roiled,
volume after volume, out from the epths of their
boundless home. The wind blew with terrific
violence, nmv sobbing and sighing, or whistling with

‘-

a shrill voice through the rigging, as if the demons -

of air were contending, with horrid shrinks, for the

mastery. The masts (-reaked and groaned, tlnir ,

spear-like tops whipping and swa ing against the
inky sky. threatening to go by the oat d at any mo.
ment. The vessel groaneti and strained heavily at
every fresh sea that struck and threatened to ingqu
her, while the pumps, although ke it constantly at
work by the frenzied exertions 'of t to men, showrd
plainly the rapid increase of the water.

A few short weeks previous, a merry party were
gathered at the aristocratic mansion of a wealthy
gentleman in England. it was on the occasion of
the departure for America of Mr. Snowdcn in com-
pany with his sister, Mrs. Bryce, and her daughter,

Jlara. Little did they then think, when the cheer-
ful faces and merry voices of friends wished them a
safe and pleasant voyage, of the fearful perils winch
so soon would cncom ass themi

“ Have we no ho a: eft—no chance of life to which
we can cling?" as ed Clara, in tones that Went to
the captain‘s heart.

“N ne, young lady. I have done all that lays
within the power of mortal man but all in vain. He
will soon meet again before our Maker," was his sad
response.

" Oh. is our end so near—is death so inevitable?"

She dropped her head upon her breast a moment.
then raising it, glanced u ward, while her lips
moved in silent prayer, and tar hands. meekly fold-
ed upon her breast, gave her the semblance of one
of those saint-like a (pearances we ascribe to the be-
in of another wor .

The captain had, in the mean time, motioned his
first officer to him and given some order, which the
mate hastened to t-rform.

“I have just or cred Mr. Gre to fire our gun as a
signal of distress,“ he said, again addressing Clara;
“ but it seems almost useless, for I doubt if the gun
can be heard any great distance from the ship."

" The repozt of a cannon penetrates further than
we would believe, and it may attract the notice of
some vessel that may chance to be near,“she re<
plied, a slight shade of hope lighting somewhat the
gloom of her countenance.

“ I hope it may. As you say, a vessel may be
near: but from the manner in which the sea is agi-
tated. dpuhtiess would pass us unnoticed. Oh, there
i. so s.’ -

A bright flash leaped from the muzzle, and the
l ud report boomed over the waters, of “ the minute-
gun at sea."

At a distance of not more than two miles from
where they floated, lay a British man-of-war, which
had not noticed the roximity of the merchant-
vessel on account of t ie roughness of the sea. The
attention all Were obliged to give to the safety of
their own ship, also, had rendered the officers unob-
servant. She was a staneh craft, and. unlike the
merchantman, was under as much canvas as pru-
dence and her successful management Would er-
mit. It was evident her commander was a pm out
man, for the ale had not caught him " on the
wrong tack." e was standing aft. surrounded by
officers, narrowly watching sea and ship and at
times issuing such orders as ex erience told him
were best. Lieutenant Harold VIerton—for so he
was named—was a young man of commanding ap-
pearance. His face were that frank expressi in so

leasing to contemplate. but his thoughtful eye
llushed with an occasional glance which betrayed a

nick but generous temper. He was scarce twenty-
s x years of age, yet, by his untiring exertions, and
in the successful accomplishment of numerous duties
that had been assigned him, he had risen quickly in
favor and station. '

“ A rough day, this, Mr. Merton, for a vessel to 1-9
caught unprepared,’ remarked one of his com-
pan ons.

“It is. sir and many a one. I fear, will seek the
depths of ocean before the Wind lulls. I pity poor
Jack, with his few inches of wool between him and
eternity." replied the lieutenant, wtthout once look-
ing at the person addressed, hutvipmdently fixing
his aze eit er on the vessel or. to \ ndward.

“ on s eak, sir, as if we were not tied up in the

same bun le.”

“ Our situation is one of comparative safety tothat
of many others who are out at this moment. But
the wind freshens, I think. See that an extra reef

' is taken in that foretopsail, and in “l h the mizzeu-

topsail." .

“ A hard time for reeflng, sir. but it shall he done;"
and he hastened to have the order executed.

The order had been obeyed, and the privileged few
again were assembled within the sacred Coniilles of
the uarter-deck.

~‘ r. is singular that We have not passed a ship or
vessel of any kind to-day lying as we do, in their
direct course to and from the American ports,“ was
at len h remarked. v

“ e have, without doubt," replied the com-
mander; “ but we would be obliged to almost run
them down before we could see them." '

At this moment the faint booming of the cannon
met their ears.

“Bush! did you bear that?"

“I did. Did you mark the direction?”

 

“No. sir, but we may hear it again."

“True, for I suspect it. to be the minutegun of
some ship in distress. Hal there it is a ainl'

“ From the north and westward 0 us, sir, and
some distance ofl'."

“ We. will be sure by waiting once again for the
sound."

“Your intention is to go to their relief?"

“ Most certainly I shall, if I can work up to them."

“ it will be a difficult, and perhaps a dangerous
undertaking.”

“ And yet I shall attempt it, were the shadow of
death to stand in my way. Do you think it becom-
ing the dignity of an otfleer of his Majesty‘s ser-
vIe -, even to entertain the thought of leaving a
suffering fellow-being. when his 1 fl‘orts might snatch
him from a watery grave? lhit this is no time for
words," he added, as the distant report again came
wafted to them on tire wind. " Get your vessel
ready for stays.
against this heavy sea.”

The winzl now was b‘owing a terrific gale, and the
relative positions of the two vessels were entirely
different. The merchan'man was drifting before
the wind, and not a sail set. her bows )rit badly
sprung, and her main and mizzcn—mast t reatening
to go ovrr at any moment. . he was in fact. in a
hopeless c nidition. The vc sel-of—war had her head
pennted into the very jaws of the wind, and although
very little onward progress was made, site yet was
enabled to hold her own, and to successfully battle
against the wall of waters that essaycd to check her
progress. When the first report of the gun had
reached the licntennnt’s car, it came from the north-
west. but, as each succeeding discharge grew fainter,
it convinced him that they who fired it were passing
to the cast.

With great difficulty and nice scamanship, the
head of the vessel was brought on the other tack,
and swiftly sped on its errand of mercy. lt required
but the lapse of a short s )ace of time ere the sink-
ing ship hove in sight. It her deck could be seen
her crew. They had left the pumps, knowing as
they did, that death was inevitable; and the torture
of mind under which they suffered made them wish
the end to come quickly. The appearance of the
strange sail, however, inspired them with reneWed
be .e, and with frantic gestures they besought their
de ivcrers to make all haste to reach them.

“ Lower away the quarter-boat," shouted Merton,
“ and follow me. my men 1"

It would have seemed a matter of impossibility
fora boat to live for one moment in such a sea. but
the noble heart that issued the ordt r, and those
brave fellows that obeyed, thought not of danger.
Before them in re fellow-beings hovering on the
brink of eternity, and to save them, even thou h
they lost their own lives in the attempt, was the ( e-
termination of all. Providence watched lover that
frail craft; and, although it was buffeted hither and
thither by the raging element, at one moment lifted
high in air with a quick erk, or lost to sight in the
watery valley, it yet reac ed the stern of the ship.
With superhuman efforts her crew succeeded n
safely removing all the pastengers from the vessel.
To reach their own ship was now to be effected with
much difficulty, but it was at last accomplished;
and so completely were the boat‘s crew exhausted,
that they were unable to return for the remainder.
The boat, however, did not remain idle for want of
hands. Forth came another knot of those lion-
heartcd followers of the sea, to take the place of
their fatigued comrades; but. alas. their disinter-
ested motives were of no avail; at the very moment
they were about descending into the boat the;
were checked by the sudden exclamation of the
commander: -

“Back on deck with you, my lads! for yonder ves-
sel will go down before we can reach her, and it
would but jeopardize our own lives to be near. God
help them, for we 0 ill do no mere.”

As he spoke. all eyes were turned upon the hap-
less bein on the deck of the sinking sh p. They had
noticed t lat the men had been recalled from enter-
ing the boat, and the fearful truth burst upon them
that their deliverers would but arrive too late to
save them. With what stinging agony did they
watch the arrival of the moment which was to mark
their last on earth. Slowl but surely the noble
fabric sunk. Up, up, and still higher, crept the an-
gry waters. Now t ey were but a few inches below

er decks—now just even with them—and.now, as
if in pity for their sufferings. the ship gave one last
lift like troll, and shot quickly from sight. One
wild agonizing cry, that rung out high above the
win , reached the ears of those who had so lately
been saved, ere the waters ingulfed them. The
masts and spars quickly disappeared, one rapidly
following the other. dragged down by the huge hull.
The ship had sunk from sight forever.

A shiver ran-through the hearts of those who
had witnessed this tragedy, and the gasp of horror
that escaped their lips indicated how strong'y they
felt for the hapless beings it had been beyond their
power to save.

Unnoticed and unheeded by Lieutenant Merton
had Mr. Snowden and the ladies descended to the
cabin. the latter giving way, as they reached it, to
their hitherto controlled and overwrou ht feelings
in_a flood of wee ing. It was some time efore their
commander con (1 restore the crew to their wonted
cheerfulness and discipline, so strongly had those
rou h though tender-hearted men been im ressed
wit the fearful sight, and hours had passe before
he was reminded to look to the personal comfort of
those he had saved. Descending to the cabin. he,
asked pardon for his seeming neglect, and explained
the cause of his detention.

“Do not speak of neglect sir. to those whom you
have already laid under sue a weight of obligat on

 

lshnll put about, if it is possible, I

 

Rest assured you have our lasting atitude for the
service you have rendered us," an d Mr. Snowden,
extending his hand to the oung man, while a tear
of genuine fceling stood in is eye.

“You will refrain from mentioning it,“ replied
Merton, bowin Jolitely.

“True,” quic y answered Mrs. B ce. “It is one
of those occurrences in life, sometimes met with,
when words are inadequate to ex fess the oy,
thanks and indebtedness we feel to t 0 one who as
been instrumental in producing them."

“And one.” said Merton, wit I much earnestness,
“from which the sweets are robbed by the very
thanks uttered by those who have received the bene-
fit. With me, conscience ives all the reward re-
quired, and by pleasing t tat little monitor I feel
amply repaid.“

“ And yet. sir, it would seem very strange did we
allow our sentiments to remain unspoken.”

" I hope you have experienced no inilurious effects
from the excitement your fearful peri pr duccd?"

“For myself, I can assure you, none; but my
daughter is of a more nervous temperament, and I
fear for her. How do 'ou now feel, Clara?"

The young lady rep ied that she was extremely
weak, but echoed her mother‘s thanks for their pre-
servation.

“ We have been conversing some time Moog“ as it
were, and I think would feel more at ease could we
call each other by name. Permit me to introduce
my sister, Mrs. Bryce. and Miss Bryce, my niece.
My name is Snowden " said that gentleman.

“ I am hap yto ma 6 our acquaintance,“ replied
Merton bowm , and, as to fixed an admiring glance
on Clara, adde : “ and sinCerely hope, sir, that our
intercourse may be, by no means a transient one. I
an: Lieutenant Harold Merton, of his Majesty‘s ser-
vr'e.‘

The young man then inquired as to the port they
wished to reach. Finding it be ond his power to
touch there his with own vessel, e laid his course
in a direction where he would be likely to fall in with
some trading or merchantship. and to it to resign
his charge. During the period the young man and
maiden were thrown together. the fen ling of admir-
ation on his part, and that of gratitude on ht'l‘S had
increased to one of sincere amction' and though
when the moment of partln arrived, nothing had

assed between them, the to lowing summer found
erton a visitor at Mr. Snowden’s house. When the
parting came. it found our youthful couple nfflanced,
with the hearty approval of both uncle and mother.

CHAPTER II.
THE BLACK smr AND THE GEORGIA HARBOR.

ON the north part of the coast of Georgia, where
the Medway empties its waters into the sea, ex-
tends a cape. or more propel ly a headland, the base
of whose rockv sides is washed by the Atlantic
Ocean. Some little distance further out lay a small
island, which afforded an excellent harbor, safe and
well hidden from sight. The entrance of it. how-
ever, was lined with sunken reefs and shoals, which
required the bold seaman who essayed to enter its
protection thoroughly to understand his business,
and know where were the hidden dangers.

it was in the month of May, 1776, some two years
after the events narrated in the previous pages that
the two men were seated on this headland, adt rees-
ing each other at times in earnest conversation, or
else gazing out upon the broad expanse of waters.
They were dressed in loose-fitting roundabout-
jackets, and wide pants of blue clo: h; the collars of
their coarse, strong shirts, of the same material,
were turned down, exhibitinf,r their muscular necks.
On their heads rested jaunti y Circular caps devoid
of all brim, and surmounted on to by a knot of
black ribbon. The hard, weather- eaten lines. to.
gether with the dark-brown hue of the skin. plainly
denoted their callin . showing they had oft “ battled
with the breeze." n appearance they were strik-
ingly different, as they were in nationality.

James Conway~ as the name would indicate—was
by birth an Irishman, possessed of quickness of
temper and generosity of nature. He was a tall,
powerful man, of dark complexion and raven hair,
with an eye deep-set and at times fierce in its exo

ression; in fac . he was one to be cherished as a

fiend. but dreaded as an enemy.

IIis companion was not so tal , yet more compact-
] made. his broad shoulders and expansive chest
rimming great strength. Unlike the other, he was
fair-haire : his eye, of a bright blue, was mild in
its glance, yet there was a “ beware " expression, if
we may he allowed the term about the general out-
line of his countenance which would cause the same
feelin cf rrspcct, on the ground of a man to be
anl‘t‘ . as that of his comrade. He answered to the
single name of Ronald. and had first seen the light
of day among the frowning highlands of Scotland.

“it's a lang time we lia‘o to hide for the Black
Ship Jamie. and maybe she will no. more be seen by
either 0’ our ainsells."

“ By me faith, but you're right, Ronald, for what
bctWeen storms and the enemy's ships, she may be
snu enough, faith, at the bottom of the sea."

‘ ha’e as fear 0’ the shi she meets, for it mun
be a gude one that would sin her."

“Well, be it as it may, I “181] she'd heave in sight,
for this isn’t the best country on top of the earth
for a man to be in. I tell ye what it is man, give
me old Ireland before all, and America 11 xt."

“ And wad ye leave Scotland out in the cauld alto-
gether. Jamie?" asked the Scotchman, resenting
what be conceived to be a slight upon his countrfi.

“Not I, Ronald; but we all have a land we ke
best, und mine is lreland. It is hard traveling in

mu» country; and, by me Word, but you shoul be
gig-legged when ye have so much to do in the way
of climbing."

__J

 

 

 

The Black Ship.

 

 

 

“ But we he‘s a fine fresh breeze, laddie when we

reach the craig. and, it makes a man bould and
burlie to sand the keen air 0' the hielands."

“ Well, faith, they are both good countries,“ re-
plied the Irishman; and then suddenl changing the
subject, for he well knew his compan on would talk
forever in raise of his native land, he asked: “ Did
ye, see the ady esterday?" _

“Na, Jamie, did us; but I did the. day aforc. I
tell thee they're a’ glide followers of the king in that
house, and we maun be careful what we say or do,
else the ’11 find us out.“

“ By t e sweet land We’re on, Ronald, but it would
be ill for them to try and dog our footsteps, and
blood might be spilt before it ended " replied his
companion, his eyes sparkling, and t e hot blood
mounting to his face.

“"l‘would be an awsome day for them did they
try it, an‘ we could play deil-gad o'er Jock Webster
With them, but I would no let it make me angry till
the time cam," replied the more cautious Scotch-
man.

“ But do you know for what the ship wants to
stop on this shore at all?" .

Ronald was about replying, when a rustling Ill the
shrubbery to the left attracted their attention. 'A
man soon emerged and approached.

“Good-day to you,” he said, in a gruff voice, and
in a manner that struck both pleasantly.

“ And a good-day to you,” replied Ronald._

“ Belong about here? ’ was the next question,

“Don‘t you see we don't by the cut of our jib?"
re lied Conway, curtly.

‘ I see you are a seaman."

“Yes.’

“ And to what shide you belong?”

The Irishman was about to give her name, for he
was proud of his vessel. and of the f w brilliant
deeds she had achieved since the commencement of
the Revolution. when a sharp pinch from Ronald
warned him to'silence, and he allowed his companion
to act, as spokesman to all the questions which fol-

we .

“To the first one that may cam."

“ This is a hard shore to expect a ship to stop at,
and unless you expect one, I would advise you to
seek some on either north or math of this. ‘

“It woul na do for us.” replied Ronald briefly.

The reply indicated some hidden meaning, which
was thrown out so as to discover, if possible, with
‘53;th one of the parties of the day the stranger
st .

“ And why not for you?“

“ Because 9. mon now-a-day can na tell where he
will meet a friend or foe.”

“But if you are loyal to America why need you
fear?‘ r

" I was an born here. as ye ken free my 3 eech."

“ Yet, for all that, your sympathies may with
the Colonies.”

" And I might na," again answered Ronald, slow-

‘ ‘iy. et more directly than was his previous answer.
u

erhaps there are many others about this coun-
try that would answer as you have," replied the
newcomer, in a tone so low that Conway failed to
hear t.
" I was born under the ould flag, and why should I
want to learn. it?"
"Spoken like a man," said his questioner, now

firmly believing the Scotchman and his companion

Were warm friends of the king. ‘l‘ If you will k~ep
‘hid where you are a few days, 1 W111 try and place
you beyond harm’s way.”

As he finished 5 eaking, he bade them good-day,

mmdng to see hem a sin, and was soon out of
- t. Both men indulge in a hearty laugh, while
Ronald remarked: ‘ ,

" ltell thee, Jamie, on chap thought he would
blaw in my lug, and . take it a‘ for truth, but ye
munna believe a mon frae what he says."

Little did the. two seamen know the true purpose
of the man‘s visit. Had they. blood assuredly woul'i
have been spilt. Mr. Snowdeu, who resided but a
short distance from where they were had noticed
two men prowling in the neighborh of his house.
Being a stench Tory, he had hired the man we have
introduced together with a sufficient force, to go in

nest of t em. If they proved, as he suspected,

riends to the States and enemies of the king, the
were to be arrested. Should resistance be offer ,
they were to be summarily disposed of. yet in so
careful a manner as not to arouse the loyal men of
America who lived in the vicinity. \

“ I would like to knpw whether there's been any
fighting on land yet,‘ remarked Conway, after he
had been gazing out on the ocean for some time.

' “ Ye may believe there has. laddle for ye dinna
think that two armies would na’rneet. 'being sa close
to each ither for sa lang a time.

“Faith, an’ you‘re right. Ronald and there‘s
man a dead and wounded man by this time north.
glut tags] in; look yonder, at that speck, fer it looks

a a .

“ It’s a sail," replied the Scotchman, after gazing
some time, “ and helike it may be the Black Ship.’

“I onlfr hope you're right, and that once more I
may fee a ship‘s deck under my feet. Faith, it’s
hard for a sailor tobe kept so long on land."

“SYre ha’e the signal‘ready?"

H es."

“And would no. it be weel to take a walk among
thetrees. store the Ship lifts, for you chap may be

watchi f”
. ' “ In fin), but it would, Ronald; do you hide here
while I go.’

“ Ye ha' better let me.“ .

"No. no: you stay and watch the ship."

“ The wind was blowing fresh and the Vessel was

not in coming near e h for the tchman
“idea it as his own veeee . Conway returning.

 

reported no one in sight. Both proceeded to the
further extremity of the clifi', and made all ready to
si nal the vessel.
he ship referred to, which bore the sinFular title
of the Black Ship, was an American cru ser, fitted
up for the purpose of preying upon the enemy's
commerce. She could not, however, be strictly
called adprivateer, as she was directly under the
common of the Continental Congress, and was
used partly in carrying orders, or to operate direct-
ly against any 0 the larger war-vessels of the
enemy that, from time to time,,might become un-
usual y troublesome. She had been fitted up un-
der the immediate supervnsion of her present com-
mander, and was as stanch a craft. if not as large,
as any then floating in the American waters. Her
name wag, evidently, given her in harmony with
her color, which was of the deepest black—not con-
fined to hull alone. but eVery mast, spar, and block
was painted of like somber hue, and. although in
itself gloomy, formed, in contrast to her snowy
sails, a )leasing and striking appearance. The
model 0 her iull was of marked beauty and
strength, while her long, rakish masts, her thin,
tapering spars, and the snow appearance of h r
sails. made her a worthy spec men of the masterly
skillof her builders. Not a rope but was neatly
coiled away, and her brass shone like gold. Her
decks were as clean as brush coul I make them and
her crew seemed to emulate the ship‘s example, in
their unusually neat and tidy appearance. Her
commander, Ca tain Monmouth, was a man in
the rims of ll 3, and well known as one of the
stric est disciplinarians then in the American
service. He was stern in manner, quick of com-
rehension. and untiring in his exertions against
he vessels of the enemy. There was a cloud of
mystery connected with his history, of which e
never spoke own to those who were most intimate
with him. t was hinted that he had robed his
ship in darkness so as to he in unison with the
thoughts that cher allowed him to smile. One of
his officers was the lieutenant through whose instru-
mentaliiy our shiwrecked party had b en saved
from the wreck. hen the first symptoms of the
trouble between England and her colonies agitated
the public mini of the mother country, Merton al-
ways had sided with the latter in the many ar -

ments which had been held on board the vessel e A

commanded or among his associates on shore. At

last, so 2 alone did he become that he was called the

“ loyal rebel." This title, although playfully given,

ma e an impression on the young man‘s mind.

until, at length, without giving any-reason for the

act. he threw up his commission, embarked for the .
western world, and, offering his sword to the new

country of his adoption, was appointed second

omfier on board the famous Black Ship of the Re-

pu lc.

“ How long is it, Mr. Merton. since on left Ronald
and Conway to find their way to t iis part of the
coast?" asked his commander. as they rapidly near-
ed the shore.

“ Somewhat over six weeks. sir."

" You have arranged with them as to the signals
to be us :d i" ‘

“ Perfectly, sir."

“This is somewhat an encroachment upon
orders, and a deviation from my own law; but as
you= Merton, have been of great value to me, I am
willing to do you all the favor that lies in my
pOWer.”

“I am truly grateful, sir, for your kindness,
agd ’trust I may some day be able to recompense
y u. ’

“You will oblige me by not mentioning it; and
now. as you understand the code of' signals arranged
between you and Ronald, i shall leave you to bring
the slrp safely to her anchorage."

Merton bowed his reply, and going forward, or-
dered. as soon as they were near enough, some
powder flashed in a pan. As soon as the wreath cf_
white smoke had passed to leeward. he raised his
glass. After running it up and down the shore for
some time, he finally noticed a small white flag flut-
tering on a point of thetheadland. He instantly
notified the ca min of thefsct.

“Do you th nk the harbor will be a safe one?"
asked the captain.

“ 1 do, sir.”

"I also mean whether we will be, safe from the,
notic; of any war-vessel of the enemy that may

“ We will. sir. he completely hidden—partly by
the point of the cliff, and partly by that island. Be-
sides. no vessel can enter without the aid of a nilom."

“ Then how are we to arrive at our moorings?"

“ The seaman will inform-me by signals howto
avoid the sunken rocks and liars. How would you
wish the vessel to lay?"

“ What kind of a roadstead will we haw?“

"I can hardl sav. sir. what name would be
proper it can called a tide-way, for the ebb and

cod of the river affect it somewhat, and it can
hardly be called an open roadstead."

“ Anchor, then. Mr. Merton, with an np~n hawse.
and to seaward. if we find that will not answer. we
can readily change, and lay the anchor for the flood
and ebb, up and down, in the direction of the flow.”

“ How long shall you lav here, sir?"

“I shall probably remain some days, now that I
do come to anchor: and. as the vessel would look
all the better for a little cleaning, you will see all in
readiness to commence when we moor.”

The officer instantly gave the necessary directions.
The men were at once set to work scrubbing and
cleaning the nt—work, especially under the bows
and chains. he studding-sail booms were sent on
deck. and, after bole? lightly planed, were set up
and painted. ’Chaf places on the boats, lower

 

booms, masts, fl -blocks, ng, etc., were blacked.
Lizards and lad ers got re , and, as they were in
a fine latitude. and would be in smooth water,
paratlons were first made to clean the ship‘s st
and paint them down as far as it was foun
necessary. The decks were holystoned, together
with the accommodation ladder. and put in order;
topgallant masts fresh stayed, and the squaring
marks of lifts, braces and buntlines looked to- hang-
ing mats were taken down, and up went harbor
gaskets; the tacks and sheets were singled; spans of

opsail buntlines taken off; in fact. al made ready
to bring the ship into the quiet harbor they were
heading for with as neat, c can and senmanlike a
manner as if they were entering the crowded port
of some large city. It was by thus constantly exrro
cisiug his crew. whenever the opportunity offered,
that Captain Monmouth was enabled to preserve the
neat appearance his vessel wore, and the strict dis-
ci line his crew were under.

y this time, they had rapidly niared the shore,
and the order was given to have the lighter sails
taken in. The on tain sat with his glass to his eye
ready to inform h a officer of the signals that would
he made, while Merton stood by the man in charge
of the helm to give the necessary directions.

“Ronald shows a black signal, Mr. Merton," at
length remarked the ca tain.

“Let her fall oi! a litt e—steady-—so.“

“ e now showa white over black," was said,
after they had stood on for some time in the direc-
tion taken. -

“ Lee braces—brace up sha Keep her as close
as she will fill. Stand by to o y orders promptly,
lads, for we must obey yonder signals as rapidly as
they are given." '

e two sailors under whose guidhnce the ship
was now carefull winding its wa amon the many
hidden dangers t at surrounded er. ha been left
some time previous at a northern port. to make
their way to the spot they were now at. and find out
the channel to the entrance of the little harbor. Th: y
were ordered to obtain an intervi-‘w with Miss Bryce.
if possible, and mention to her the intended visit of
the lieutenant and, if it lay in her power. she was
to aid them. bu her uncle’ plantation lived an aged
negro who had spent most of his 1'younger days in
fishing; consoquently, that part 0 the shore was
familiar to him. Clara had secured his services, and
from him Ronald had learned how to signal the ship
so as to avoid the rocks and shallow waters of the
inlet! Being informed some time previous of the
changein the young man‘s politics she was much
opposed to the intruded visit. not t at she did not
long to be clasped once more in his loving embrace.
but, knowing well how bitterly h: r uncle would feel
toward him, and also Merton’s quick txmper. which
would nothrook insult, she feared that unpleasant
consequences might ensue. Hearing from Ronald
that it was too late to prevent the meeting, she had
advised the lieutenant not to attempt a seeret one,
but boldl to enter the house, let the results be as
they won d.

“They have changed signals to red,“ remarked
the captain.

The ship was again allowed to fall away from the
wind, until she was running directly be fore it. The
signal was shown a moment. and then withdrawn
from si V ht. This was repeated several times. when.
in o tence to it, the vessel was put on her star-
board tack. .
. "A crooked iece of water this Mr. Merton; and
if a ship shoul chance to see us she would he apt to
knock a hole in her bottom befcre she could reach
us. Ronald has now hoisted white over red, and the
upper color is now being waved."

“Which wear“. wear ship. and to do it without
less of time."

Merton‘s Of‘df’lgs were at once given with prompt-
nose. The ship, as mentioned, was selling on her
starboard tack. To dgaden her way she was thrown
up in the wind. as the intention was to Wear short
round. her trainsail hauled up. and her speaker
brailed up. The head-yards were brat ed a~box, and
the afar-yards squared. When the shipbad -
cred stern-way the helm was pl t a- ort a I:
who n she lost it, and as the aft. r-rails n ’  e
gathered headway, the order rung out!” i "

"Starboard your helm— square the headoyards."
Tlifn, as thetglndfgmegé’ung 0:] the 3163?! Igymnkuarter:
" eave up 9 a .r-y’a s- a -. 0 er,
and board the main-tack.“ W -

Thus, as from time to time the girlish were
changed, so was the direction ofthevess d.
At times she would he on her or sterboafd tack,
or else come up in the wind I ting onward with
the force given her bv the w ’e impulse, while the
sails were full. While headway enou h continued.
so that she would yield obedience to er helm, she
would cefully fall away. her yards hauled and
sails, fifiEd, eVery moment increasing "the. bone in
her tee! .‘-’

“ I see now, Mr. Merton, white, black, and white
over."

“ We have then reached our ground. sir."

i “I am glad to hear it. Lose no time in anchor~
"K."

As they reached their position, the weather-anchor
was let go, when veering away. They stood 0n till
far enough. when the topsails were clewed up, and
her other anchor let go while sheer enough 'was
givenher over the right- way. that the cable should
not cross. The precaution was taken to hold on till
they hove in, to avoid fouling the anchor. The nails
were then furled, and all made snug. -

CHAPTER III.

m name or was. arm you.
Mr the time the Black Ship was making her em u

into the little harbor, a merry party was gath

   
 

 

  

4

The Black Ship.

 

at the house of Mr. Snowden. The arrival of two
British officers with their attendants had caused the
usual quiet of the place to be disturbed; all now
was li e and animation. Their resence at his
house was kept secret as possib e, for the entire
country was aroused, and Mr. Snowden was fearful
his guests mi ht be attacked were it generally
known who t ey were. The anxiety felt by Clara
was intense. She knew that Merton was likelyto
call at any moment, and did he encounter the om-
cers a disturbance was sure to arise. Hastily sum
momng the negro man already mentioned, she gave
him a note. with directions where to find the two
seamen, and bade him tell them to present it to the
heutenant as soon as he arrived. This he succeeded
in doing at the time they were signaling the ship;
find, as soon as Merton had landed, it was handed to
im.
It was early in the afternoon of the following day,
and the family had assembled in the parlor. The
younger of the two officers, evidently, was much
impressed with Clara‘s appearance; had she favored
his advances, it was lain to be seen an aflair of the
heart might have fol owed.
“ This is an awful and wicked rebellion, Miss
Bryce," he remarked, drawing his chair by her side,
:md gazing with admiration on her beautiful coun-
.cnnm‘t'.
“ War is {an awful thing," she replied, somewhat
cvasiwly,
“War! It is unworthy of the name. You can
not call a revolt from one of the most liberal of
Wyernments by such a misconstrued expression.
by, Miss Bryce, the honorable contest engaged in
between two countries is, in itself, noble: but when
a colony rises in arms against the country that has
brought it into being and nurtured it intoprosperity
, and strength, it is but a base return for it to strike
‘ at its benefactor in malice and bitterness."
“ There may be a diflerence of opinion between

‘ individuals as to what is right and wrong, and in
‘ this instance there are two sides to the question,"

she replied, briefly.

“ You sure] do not favor the acts of these Colo-
nies in the slig test degree?"

“l do somewhat."

“ Miss Br ce, y \u astonish me."

“i shoul be pleased to know why?”

“From the fact of your being an Englishwcman.“

“And does not America possess man warm
4‘ friends in England, even among those high K] (files?
i You do not forget the venerable bishop of St.
J Asaph’s, who uses such stron language against the

system of taxation impose upon the provincial

government of America? His lan uage was, as near
'as In memory serves me, as to owe: 'Arbltrary
. taxat on is plunder authorized by law—it is the es-

sence and support of tyranny, and has done more

mischief to mankind than those other three

scougges’ from heaven—famine, pestilence and the

swor .

“ On my word but you are a brave defender of
i the conduct of t 0 States. and it stands me in hand
to be guarded in my speech. You quote the bishop
, of St. Asaph’s, but what of him? He was but a
~ single man, and his a single 0 inion. 'Tis true this
, country has many defenders 0 its infamous course,
- but show me a system however bad, ora man how-
. ever vile, that has not some few friends. No, Miss
’ Bryce, the land of your adoption has done, and is
doing, wrong; and it will require England as a duti-
ful mother to an undutiful child, toadminlster the
chastisemcnt so well merited. even thou h seas of
blood may have to flow, and thousands o valuable
lives be sacrificed." e
“I have no fear for the result,"  the quiet but
firm reply. .
“ You think, then, England will fail to subdue this
people?"
. " most certainly do, sir, and you will eventually
see that I am right."
" But the Colonies can not hope to battle success-
‘fullg against such superior odds."

heir 1mm are grown into a firm purpose. The
will achieve independence.“ y

“ i regret we can not agree in our views. For my-
self I have but a poor opinion of either Americans
or their countxay.‘

This was sat with that air of egotism and assur-

iance which one vanquished in debate is ever apt to
,assnme. \
I “ I warn you not to carry that opinion into the
lbattle-field, for it might cost you your life."
.‘ “ How so?”
“ Because the American is not apt to call up all
this ener es in operati against one he knows to be
an infe or; but one suc expression as that would
' render one rebel a match for thrice his number," she
; replied, pointedly
, ‘ Let us change the subject, Miss Clara,” said he,
flulshéng at the implied sarcasm. Rallying again, he
as ’e :

“ I presume you have heard of the notorious ves-
sel in the rebel service called the Black Shi ?”

"I believe i have." She started slight y at the
question.

“She has been extremely troublesome to our ves-
sels. is very ra id in her movements, and audacious
in her acts. 8 e is a fit representative, in her color
and recklessness, of the American cause. She is, I
an ‘pose, not unknown to you “

. ara felt her cheeks tin le at the insult so evi-
(lonlly implied, but she re rained from expressing
'hcr su rise and anger.

As if render his words more painful and insult-
inrr. he added.

"‘1 have heard of her second officer, a traitor to
his country. He left the shi he commanded in his
MaJesty‘s service, to offer is sword to the rebel

 

Congress. Ishould like much to meet this fellow
and cross swords with him, for the honor of St.
Geor e."

“ e opportunity is ofifered sooner, perhaps, than
the valiant gentleman would wish," exclaimed a
dee voice at the door.

C ara uttered a low scream, as the manly form of
Harold Merton stepped forward to confront the offi-
cer Standing at t e center of the room, dressed in
the uniform of his calling, his cap in his right hand,
while his left rested on the hilt of his weapon, his
handsome face flushed with passion, his eye proudly
returning the lowering glances of the two officers,
he was t e impersonation of a righteous Nemesis."

“ Who are you?“ in uired the officer addressed.

“Lieutenant Harol Merton, of the Black Ship of
this Republic," was the proud reply.

This answer produced much sensation. Mr. Snow-
den, not aware that Harold had renounced the flag
of St. George, nor that he had espoused the cause
of the Colonies, was astounded at the sudden dis-
closure. Captain Moore, the elder of the two om-
cers, as he heard the name and character of the
young man, called an attendant, unnoticed, to his
side. Hurriedly whispering a few words to him, the
man left the room.

“Did I hear aright, Mr. Merton?" exclaimed Mr.
Snowden, arising and approaching him. “Have
you turned against your country?"

“ I have cast my destinies with those of America.
If that constitutes me a traitor, I most certainl am
one and, furthermore, am proud of the name.‘

“I could not have thought you capable of such
language. The cause of this country is unjust; her
name too darkened by her disloyalt to enlist the
sympathy of an honora Ye man,” was ‘nowden‘s in-
sulting rejoinder.

“ I have no uarrel with you, Mr. Snowden, but if
ou will be peased to find a substitute in yonder
raggart, I should like to make an arrangement on

an terms he ma propose.“

It would ill come a gentleman of En land to
sully his sword with the blood of such a fe low as
you " replied Lieutenant Walton.

“ Cowardl Poltroonl Worthy slave of tyranny i”
was Merton‘s ringing reply.

“ You have uttered your death-wamnt—draw!”
shouted the officer, in a frenzy of passion.

“ Not now," calmly replied Merton.

“Then yo t are the coward, and forget your boast.
But ’tis what I might expect,” replied Walton,
scornfully.

“I forget nothing, sir—mot even that there are
ladies in the room," replied Merton, fixing his proud
eye upon the officer.

" I am reminded, sir; thank you. But let us walk
out, for there are some deli htful spots of ground
about this mansion," said alton, snatching up his
ca and striding toward the door.

‘Which, perhaps, sir, will aiYord us as ood foot-
inflg as this parlor fioor,‘ added Harold, fol owing the
o cer.

He had gone but a few paces, when a light
yet firm hand was laid upon his arm. He turned,

0 meet the terrified look of Clara, who. unmind-
ful of the presence of others, in imploring tones

cried:

“0h, Harold, do not goi For my sake, stop and
think before you engage in deadly strife. What will
it effect—what aid render to our country?"

“ Will it not rid her of an enemy, and will I not
chastise yonder fellow who calls himself an English-
man?‘

“ You forget. You might be killed. What, then,
should I do?"

The tears streamed down her cheeks.

“ It will be but the risk that surrounds every mo-
ment of my life. But I have little to fear in a con-
test with that creature."

“ Harold, you must not, shall not go!"

“ I am waiting im atiently for the test of your
bravery i" called Wal n, from the hall.

Merton started. in spite of the words and efforts
of Clara he gently but firmly disen aged himself,
and hastily imprinting a kiss on or forehead,
started to overtake the lieutenant. Another adver-
sary presented himself, however. in the person of
Caigtain Moore, who, stepping before the young man,
Ba I

“ Perhaps, Miss B ce, my persuasion may carry
mere weight with th s headstrong man than ours."
Calling to his lieutenant to return, he cont nued:

“ Lieutenant Merton, I arrest you for treason, in
being found in arms against your king.”

He essayed to lay his hand upon Merton’s should-
der. but it was dashed away With much violence.
Drawing his sword with one hand, he held a pistol
in the other, while the expression of his counte-
nance. aswell as his menacing attitude, made the
ofiicer shrink away from him.

“I warn you ," he said, “if you value your
lives, to beware how you attempt violence with me.
I am. ’tis true. but one against three. but I am
equal to you all i" He cast around him flashes of
defiance and readiness.

“Harold Merton," said Mr. Snowden, approach
inga few steps nearer the young man, an s ak-
ing with muc feeling. “ my family and mysel can
never forget that to on we owe our lives. I do not
forget your bravery resculn us from the sinking
ship, nor of the lorious se ce you were then in
—t at of the B tish navy. On our first visit to
this house, you sought and obta ned the hand of
my niece, with the sanction of her mother and my-
se f. Little did we then think you ever would de-
serve our censure, by proving recreant to your
country or her interests. But, alas, to your ever-
lasting shame and dishonor be it said, your onw
tongue has proclaimed your disloyalty What as-
surance have we that you will pr0ve true in all

 

things. when you are falsedn this? How are we to
know but you may meet With some other fair face,
whose tastes, form or features may be more to
your liking, and that this poor girl may, at any mo-
ment, be cast aside in heartless disregard of all ob~
lifiations? Return. Harold, to your allegiance, and
a will then be well." ‘

“Neveri” was the short, stern reply. "I-scom
alike your im lications and your toryism.”

“Then yield) yourself a prisoner to this officer c
the king. .

“Not while life remains, or this arm retains its
strength."

“Tnen listen to me, sir, and mark well my words.
for they shall be obeyed to the very letter. Ihere
declare, in the presence of these witnesses, that the
enga ement hitherto existing between yourself and
my niece is at an end, and never shall you be al~
lowed to see her again."

“Are on more than man,“ re lied Harold, with
anair o hauteur, “that you th nk the power of
controlling the destinies of two beings rests with

our approval or disapproval? Mr. Snowden, you

hink to take advantage of me, because lam one
among so many, and frighten me by threats. even.
by the mean, contemptible one you have employed.
in annullin a life-contract made between Clara and
myself, an which is beyond {our power to control-
Shall I show you, sir, how hg tly we heed your com-
mand?" he asked. Turning to the young girl, he
continued: “ Clara, do you think I will ever prove
recreant to our plighted vows? Answer boldly, dear

girl."

“ You never will be false to me, Harold,” was her
confident and unfaltering reply.

“Then show the com )any, y
in mine, that the absolv ng will 0
not sever us from the vows we have made.

Without a moment‘s hesitation she approached
his side, and with the confidence over existing in.
the heart of a true woman, laced her hand in his.
Her uncle could not quietly ehold this. Losing all
self-command, he rushed toward the young man,
followed by the lieutenant.

"Lose no time," he shouted. “but arrest at once
this insolent traitor to his country, and the insulter
of my house.“ _

The upraised pistol and glittering sword, together
with the stern voice of Merton, checked them.
They stood transfixed beyond the reach of his arm.

“ Once more I bid you beware for unless I am
driven to it in self-defense, I woul not wish to shed.
blood in this room‘ or in the presence of these ladies.
Give me uninterrupted pass 6 from this house is
all I demand. If you do not, shall fight my way
out."

“ We consider you a prisoner, and consequently
you can not have your request granted,” replied
Captain Moore, placing himself again in Merton‘s

lacing your hand
P Mr. Snowden can.

,1

wa .

I And as we are the stron eat and can enforce
our wishes," added Mr. Snow en, going to the cap-
fain‘s’ side, “ your defiance is as foolish as it is rec -

ess.’

“ We shall see who can boast of superior numbers.
I did not wish to carry matters to this extreme, but
you have driven me to it.” Then raising his voice,
so called: “Hither, my lads! This way, you sea-

0 l

is heavy tramp was heard. The captain and Mr.
Snowden were violently thrust aside, and Ronald
and Conway strode into the room, to lant them-
selves by the side of their officer. Th reinforce-
ment was entirely unlocked for.

“ Ye be in a tight place, an, but ye ha‘o but to 'e
the sign, and Jamie and I will make a clear path me
here to yonder door."

“Ay, a , sir," continued Conway. “ You have
but to w nk your eye but the smallest bit in the
world, and we ll soon have you clear from these lub-
hers; or, if you‘d like. Ronald and I‘ll jest make
them fast in a running bowline, and take them along
to the ship "

“ We will do nothing yet. my men, if they let us
depart quietly. Then turning to Captain Moore, he
continued:

“ You see I am not destitute of friends. and our

numbers are now equal. Still, I am opposed ‘to
violent measures when they can be avoided. Vi ill
you now give me free passage?"
' “ Not quite ctr my young warrior," replied the
Captain, sneerlvncg . ‘ As you have brought rein-
forcements to 6 field, I will see what I can do in
that line myself." Then raising his voice, he order-
ed: “ Forward with you, men l"

The door in the rear of the room was thrown
open. and fifteen British soldiers, wuth their gay uni-
forms and bright muske ed into the room, and
drew up in line behind t eir emcer. All turned
their eyes upOn Merton and his two rs, expect-
ing to see a look of blank hopelessness in their
countenance, but what was their SLUfiI'lSB to see their
lips wreathe into ascornful smile. erton, step mg
to the center of the roam, exclaimed, in a voice hat
showed the moment of action had arrived:

“Once, and once only, do I again ask: will you
allow me to leave this room quietly?"

“Yes, but as our risoner.

“That Will never .”

“ We shall see. Surround them, men.”

“Back, every one of you or your blood be upon
your own heads!” shouted erton, with a com-
mandin wave of his hand. " Let this farce be
ended. Forl have wasted too much time already.
Ronald, Mind your call I"

The shrill sound of a boatswain‘s whistle pene-
trated to evorv part of the house, and the
hoarse voice of Ronald calling the order of “ Board-
are away!” startled the astonished soldiers. The
sound still rung out far and clear, when the tramp

 

 

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o

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M Lug

—-—r-. , ,_

 

 

 

 

.1 . . I‘LL“

—¢v d—A ....-——..~...._*.

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“ :achieve its independence i”

‘ /

'- Black iii

The Black Ship.

 

  
  

 

of many hurried footste was heard. Soon in from
the door, and climbing ke so many monkevs in at
the windows. apchared twenty stout fellows of the
crew of the Blac Ship.

“ How think you, gentlemen?" asked Merton.
proudly. “Kaye I not enou h now at my back to
successfully force my way? ’ hink you yonder row
of naked swords and plkes are lightly to be counted
.in a contest? I will not. however, for the sake of
these ladies. as I have repeatedly said use the ad-

‘ntage I now hold over you; and. a so for their

tes, will forego the pleasure of taking you all

.isoners. provided you offer no resistance to my
leaving the house. If you do, Iwill give the order
ifor my men to commence the bloody work."

Then turning to the sailors, he. said:

“Away with you to the outside, my lads. but
‘1! you again hear Ronald's call. enter at once and
do your duty. You understand what I mean."

" We are compelled by force of numbers to grant
you your request, but perhaps the fortunes of war
may again bring us in contact. If so [shall hope

 

 

to deal you the punishment youso richly merit,“ -

'said the captain. angrily. at the same time motion-
:ing his men to leave the room.

. "I shall only be too happy to meet you, sir. and
'Iaerhaps may have the leasure of showing you the
. nternal structure of the Black Ship. But time flies,
and I cannot longer stay to engoy such agreeable
company. I wish on good-day.

I and bowing, he eft the room, motioning Clara to
‘ ol ow.

Reaching the ball. he encountered Walton.
Pausing. and fixing his keen eyes upon him, he said
:stcrnly:

“With you, sir, I have a matter to settle of no
small moment. and shall endeavor to find you out
:at the earliest period that offers. Any man who
makes threats or endeavors to defame another he-
hind his back, is only worthy of the notice we give
to dastards." ,

He wal'ed not for re l . but taking Clara‘s hand,
:strode ra ill on. unti t cy were bid from observa-
tion byit a ollaze. Here he paused, and drawing
‘the' rated girl to his breast. said:

"I regret. near girl solely on your account, that
my presence led to what has jusr. transpired; but I
could not avoid it. and surely, love, you do not
blame me.“

“N t in the least. dear Harold. although it may
:seriously at! ‘ct our future." she replied. ga ing up
into his face wit 1 trouble l eves.

" True, Clara. it may rcnd r our meetings difficult.
:and perhaps at long intervals; but the end will be
upglterably the same. if we but remain true to each
-0 er. ‘

“ I can readily answer for myself. and l‘ave all faith

'V 7:? you," he replied. a smile of love and confidence
R .

ting up her sweet face."

“ And Well you may. dear Clara." he replied,
earnestly. “ You are not aware that I played eaves-
vdro per to your conversation with the oilicer?"

“ knew you must have heard something of what

assed between us. or you would not have addressed
. ieutenant Walton in the manner you did."

“I must now part with you, my dear one. for the
"news I shall bring Captain Monmouth will cause him
to make sail at once.”

“stay but f0r a moment lon er, Harold. for God
only knows when we snail mee again, and I have
something yet to say.”

“ You can feel no more reluctant at parting than
I myself am, but recollect. dear girl. that my time is
not my own. What y0u have to say. say briefly."

“ First, Harold. do you think this country will

“Beyond a doubt. it will. Why??’

“ Pardon me for not telling you at
re lied. " What I wish to mention is. t at my uncle
to d my mother some days ago. that it was not alto-
gether safe for a man of his avowed principles to
gremain in this part of the country, and it was his
sntention to remove to New York."

:: VYVrll‘he take the entire family?"

es

“Then we may see each other sooner than I
tthousht for." '

“Your ship is, then. bound for that port?”

_“ 1 am given to understand so."

“ You must not risk your life or liberty simply to
' tify your desire to visit me; for remember the
eltysg to your adopted country. Battle, dear Harol .
bra e y for the_c-.iuse We have both sovnear at heart.
Risk. if yo! Will. a“ for her. but be not rash in
(placing yourself where the power of Captain Moore
or Lieutenant Walton can reach you." r

I “ Are they on their way North."

“They go either. to Boston or New York. as they
shall receive orders.”

“ What method do they take to reach there?"

f "‘ ‘1’: large Bitten mun-ofiwar M to stop on this coast
or ~m."

“ Ah 1” exclaimed Merton. quickly. and slightly
startin . "Then I must lose no more time, for the
does not lay in so safe a harbor as she
Int. x' hen do they expect her?“ 1.
Every day: at any It m‘.”

"'Then good-by. love. for this news is im rtant.
and 'I‘ must communicate it witlioutlosso time to
my captain. May Get bless and keep you Clara.
til we meet again. There. there. be a good. brave

resent." she

mi

‘ woman; refrain from tears; Our parting is but for a

short time. Dear girl, farewell."
And with these last words. he hurried away. leav-
ing; ifs kiss Warm on her trembling lips and pallid
ee s.

 

CHAPTER W.
was ssoarn AND 'rnii YANKIE Russ.

" ‘ Huron safely reached the vessel, and, without

 

loss of time, informed Captain Monmouth of what
was impending. The danger attendln them. did
the man-of—war arrive while they were h dunder the
lee of the island. was by far more important than at
first would supposed. e, it was impossible
for the enemy to reach them through the dangerous
channel they had passed, and equall as impossible
for them to leave while the man-o -war blockaded
the enfrance. w The name. and, of course, the na-
tionality of their ship would be soon known. With
such a prize at h d. the English commander would
not let the oppo tunity pass unimproved for at-
tern ptin her destruction. This he could enact with-
out niuc i trouble for, having open water. he could
change his ositloii at will, so that his cannonade
could bear tom any point he chose. Besides. he
would, without doubt. send u land-party. who could
ODt'll fire with light guns at easy range from the
island, and to dislodge them would simply be impos-
sible. Not a second was to be lost, since the unwel-
come visitor niiglit at any time arrive.

By this time it was nearly sundown. Prepara-
tions were made at once for startin . as it required
all the remaining daylight to extr date themselves
from their dangerous situation. One thing, from its
singularity, is worthy of notice. Ronald and his
companion had been shown the channel from shore
by means of landmarks; consequently, to pilot the
3 ip they must be on store. or they would know no
more of the channel t‘ian did the rest of the crew.
A small boat was instantly at their service. in which
they embarked. With ion and owerful strokes
they forced her through t e we. er. As soon as
they had landed and made signals, the anchor was
got home, and the ship. with bows seaward, com-
men ced threading hcr intricate way our.

They had arrived in deep water. and the boat was
rapidly nearing them, when. suddenly, a cry rung
out from the mast head:

“Sail hol"

“ Whereawayi" called Captain Mommouth.

“ Of! our lee bow."

“What do on make her out?"

“It is too ark to see her plainly, sir; but it is a
large ship."

“ How does she head i"

“ ii i“ “Emit 53“" m

“ s,-no ou , ie verys p we wish to avoid
Mr. Merton," he remarked. turning to the young

man.

“ Without doubt it is. sir."

“ Hays they seen us yet?"

“ltli nk they have. sir. for she comes on under
full riled and has changed her course a point further
sout .' '

“ Let me know if you see any thing unusual.”

“Av ay, sir.”

“ Will \ on tight her. sir?"

“ No, for my orders are not to engage any vessel
unless we are sure of obtaining an easy victory. and
you‘der strangr. I think. carries more weight than

“I think. with you. air. it would be prudent to
avoid her." ' '

“If we can.” quickly added the captain. “You
feeklilerton, she is heading directly across our

rac .

lhe Scotchman and Conway reached the deck.
The former was sent aloft with a glass. No man of
that crew could be better relied on for sharp obser-
vatlon and correct Judgment. It had been son'o
time since the s lp’s people had lend the roar of
conflict. it could be seen plainly, from the eager
looks that sat upon their countenances. that willing
hearts and ready hands stood anxiously waiting the
order to get to quarters. A short time elapsed be-
fore thc voice 0 Ronald hailed the deck:

" it‘s a frigate, sir. and carries the flag 0' England
at her gaff."

“ is she much lar er than we?" asked the captain.

“Amaisl'half as lg again, sir, and she’s heating
to quarters.”

To corroborate the man‘s words, the sound of a
drum reached their ears. and the flash of the battle-
lantern could be pvainly seen.

" Shall I beat to quarters. sir?” asked Merton.

“No. but let the men take their .laces without
noise. ,We may have to receive one roadside, and.
if we do. by the honor of my vessel. but they shall
receive one in return." re‘phed his superior. as his
face ew as settled and rm in its expression as
gran re rock.

" Is it not remarkable they have discovered us so

‘ readily?"

"Not a whit. for this vrssol is very generally
known. Put the ship about, Mr. Merton."-

The order was quickly given. and as quickly
obeyed. Their course now la.v.,provided their enemy
kept on her present course in a direction which
would pass them astern. No sooner, however. had
they gathered good headway. than the huge hull of
their enemy swung up in the wind. and the two ves-
sels were running parallel with each other.

Captain Monmouth saw. at once. that he had a
wily foe to deal with. It would require his utmost
tact to escape. Without waiting a moment to de-
liberate. he glanced first at the stranger and then
aloft then ordered: ' .

“ReadyOl keep your ship full stnysl Ease your
helm down~xbudul Haul ovrr the boom—now
down with your helm. hard! Helm a-ieel Let go
fore and head sheets and overhaul! Raise tacks
and sheets—keep fast the fore-tnck—check the fore
bowlinel Let go the, topgnllant bowlines and
shorten in the lee main tack! Haul well taut!
mainsail liaull Fore-tack. head bowlines—ol‘f all,
haull Pipe-sweepers and hnminock-stowers. Mr.

Merton. and let me see those ropes coiled down
properly.“ .
The ship was nowgieaded. On her original tack.

 

5-.

By the quickness with which she had come about.
much ground had been dgained. yet care was taken:
that their course shoul not lay them under the
sweep of their enemy’s guns which could notbo
brought to bear unless she either came up in the
wind, or else fell away directly before it. After re-
peating this maneuver several times. he saw the
required distance was gained; the moment hadar-
rived. when, by a bold ash. he must effect his esp
ca . or be sunk by the broadside of the frigate.

‘ Siaiid by our guns mv lads. and see toll. on
waste not a single pound of your iron." he s , as
he ordered his vessel about for tie last time.

On they dashed; a moment would suffice tocrosl
the frigate's track. when she was seen to start it in"
the wind. The next instant a flame of fire belc mi
from her huge sides. followed by the deafening roar
of her cannon. The Black Ship‘s reply was almost
instantaneous. Owing to the darkness that now
surrounded them, the Briton's broadside did but lit-
tle mischief. wounding two men. tearing some holes
in the Yankee‘s sails. besides severing some of the
less important ropes. The tire of t 8 Black Shi
was. hocher, much more effective. for. by the flats
of the frigate's guns, they had been enabled to
secure an accurate aim. and the sharp, a nizing
cry, the teaiing sound of wood. which they istinct-
ly heard. told what havoc had been made.

Much as even Captain Monmouth wished to con-
tinue the firing which had commenced with such
effect, prudence warned him to forbear. Conse-
quently his ship hrkl her course and soon was safe
out upon thebroad Atlantic. '

His orders now com .elled him to shape his course
toward the coast of ew Jersey. where it was ex-
pected an additional complement of men awaited

im. together with orders which might assign him to
dankerous work.

“Have ye learned any news, Ronald. from our
lieutenant?“ askrd Conwaythc next day. as the two
men lay lounging on the deck.

“ Wee]. 1 ha'e a sma’ bit to tell ye.”

“ Let‘s have it, item, for, by his soul, it‘s a treat to
git a bit of i ows nowadays."

“ Ye ken the British troops were whipped at .
Boston, dinna ye?"

. “ I heard so. but don‘t know how it was done; and
if you do, suppose you give us a little history like of
the affair."

“ You see, first ( f all. Jam'e. they ha' quite a time
over the flag we he‘s now hoisted at our peak.
\\ hen Was]. ngtcn— bless him—dist showed it,
Howe thought we ba’ submitted again to the crown.
and they ha‘ a great time o‘ rejoicing; but. laddie
it ba’ no 810 meaning. The Yankees were amaist a‘
ready to attack the king's trocps. They were na
lung in seeii. g their mistake, for ll ash ington fortified '
the Hrights 0" Dorchester. and opened the free
Lochmere‘s Pomt. and Plow ed Hills. Ye ken Well
the lace. I lrow, Jamie.”

“ aith do I, Ronald; but go on.” ‘

“ Well, luddie. a little afcre the firing began, they
were ha’lng a mule time in the British camp. play-
ing a farce ca'ed ‘BOFton blockaded.‘ and making a‘
the‘ sport they could 0‘ us Yankees. They ha’ a
men dressed l e V\ aslilngton, ui' a euld wig on his
tired. and a nasty sword by his side. They were ‘
ha'ing their own sport. when in or me a sergeant wi'

the news that the Yankees were attacking Bunker
Hill. At first they thought it were a’ sham. and

.nrt o’ the play. but burly Howe was soon shouting

or his officers to gang to their places. and the
people ran friehtened away. I tell theeb Jamie.
they ha’ no time more for sic fun. I think it wa‘ on
the fifth 0‘ last March. and they say it- wa’ a mild.
sunny city as iver shone this time 0‘ year, when the
British order: (1 twenty four hundred men to Castle
William. so they could that night attack. ourmen.
lt wa’ not meant. Jamie. that the lit should be.
for the wind began to blaw. and t e king’s men.
could no land. so the order cam free Hows the next
day-to get read to let ve Bcston."

“ And have t ey it ft?“ inquired Conway.

“than the be e." -

“Ships an all?"

“ Ay. laddle."

" By me sowl. but that‘s too bad. But wherehavo
they gone to?" . '

“ I dinns ken. but we shall hear when we touches:
the coast 0’ Jersey.” ' -

" Portia they aye gone back to England."

“De'il t e bit. fear 0' list; but Boston wa' too hot
for them to hide a blink larger in." V

"Then it's like we are to hunt them up. or cut in.
to some of their ships."

This remark of Ccnway. although sprkrn at ran-
dom, actually was the truth: frr (n the ship’s ar-
riving at Barnegat lay, the folli ' g ccmmuniw
tion was found awaiting her. togeth - with the ex.
tra crew:

“To Cirrus Monuou'm. crmmanalinn flu- Commen-
tal Congress rental-(firm Amman (lathe Black Ship: ‘

“Sim—Being aware of'the impossibilit of in-
obtaining any thing like a true estimate of theyagir-
rins events now taking glues in the history of our
common country, we brie y mention. in Ol‘ vacation
with the orders IllClOSt‘d. the leading movements of.
both armi‘cs. knowing that, should you fall in with
an enemy s shi , and wish to pass as belon ing to
another nation, ow important it would be i at our
movements, as we'l as those of the enimy. Should
be known to you. ’-

“Howe. with the entire British army. has evacno
ated Boston. He was forced to do SO by the we”?
ing attitude of our forces. 0n the fifth of March
the British evidently meditated an attack.’ bu
(Wing to the gale that sprung up. the could 1:
land their men. The followinn' 1118“? it rained in‘

 

 

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day. This caused Howe to relinquish his design.
Washington reinforced General Thomas
uith two thousand men on the Heights, and
four thousand troys in two divisions, under Gen-
erals Sullivan and reene were in readiness at Cam-
bridge to be led b Putnam to an atack on Boston,
while the troo 3 rom Roxbury were to c00perate
with them. I owe. seeing how exceedingly critical
his position was becoming, called a meeting of his
officers; on the 7th they decided to leave the city.
This they have since done, in a fleet of about one
hundred and fifty sail. The place has been injured
beyond imagination by the foe, together with what

‘ our several cannonadings and bombardments have

caused.. Private proper: has suffered much and,
in many cases, men in a uent circumstances have
been reduced to poverty. liad it not been that the
British soldiers were governed by oillccrs possessed
of some prudence and honor, and were controlled
by the fear of us, the town would have been given
over to sack and pillage. We can not give you a
better idea of their estimate of our skill and bravery,
than quoting an extract from a letter of one of their
officers. who says: ‘Neither hell, Hull,nor Halifax,
can atford worse Shelia-r than Boston ”

"Washin on has sent off five regiments to New
York, toget or with a portion of his artiller .as it
issu posed the will attack that city. it the
nine nth of ay, the Franklin and dyW sh-
in n started for a cruise. but got aground at oint
8h rle . Before they could get Oh! they were at-
tack by thirteen armed boats from the British
vessels. They were enabled. however, to beat the
enemy off, and finally succeeded in making their es-
cape. ‘You will keep a lookout for these vessels
and place yourself in communication with them, if
they fall in your way. It is with the deepest feel-
i s of sorrow we have to report the death of Cap~

n Mugford, of the Franklin who received a mor~
tal wound while bravely defending his ship. His
last words were characteristic of the courage he has
always shown. and rung out far and clear with his
last breath: ‘Dou’t give up the ship! 'You will
beat them offl‘

“ Your orders now, sir, are to roceed to Boston,
and engage any of the enem s vessels that you
may fal in with. Prudence, owever, will teach
you to avoid some. but we have all confidence in
your jud ent. In proceeding to that rt you
will stan well out to sea, so as not to at met the
attention of any along-shore vessels of the enemy.
When you arrive. repor. to the commander of the
gon, and he ma have further to communicate.

on will make :11 haste upon the receipt of this,
and obey orders to the letter. /

“By order of the Marine Committee,
“ Ronaa'r Moms, Chairman."

As soon as Captain Monmouth had read this paper.
he lost no time in haviu" his ship put in readiness
for more active service. anter-casks were reple I'
ishad, an from a store of ammunition mm fully
conceals on shore. the lack- in the ship was re-

laced. The new men were assigned tilt-if respect-
ve stations and watches, and again the ship had
only the sea and her duti s before her.

It was late on the third day out, and Captain Mon-
mouth, surrounded by his omcltrs, was discussing
their probable success or defeat in the new cruising-
grounds they were ordered to, when the loud voice
of the man at the lookout interrupted their conVcr-
sari-tn by reporting a sail in sight. The announce-
ment created no confusion' there was no hurlring
hither and thither, no asking of nacless quest ons.
omcers and men took the matter as an event of
everyday occurrence. It was soon ascertained that
the sail was a British man-of-war. and from its ac-
tions they judged it was in charge of a convoy. This
was shortly verified by the appearance of two other

vesse .
“ Stand ready my men, to mask ship 1” calmly or-
dered the ca tain.

u A ’ ay. . in

Antithen, in a few moments. a voice called out:

“Ready forwardl ready afti"

“Over with itl"

" Over it is, sirl”

The ur rt of this order was to arrange along
her sl as, y means of cords and weights. at long,

road strip of white canvas. When on, it la so
snug as to ap ar like a white streak painted ong

sides, an even at a short distance could not be

noticed. This disguise was assude to enable her to
pass as the British vessel Asia. which was one of the
most valuable and daring cruisers then hovering on
the American coast. The ap arnnce of the vessels
was remarkably similar; t 0 only way in which
they could be distinguishtd was by their color.
Even this discrepancy the canvas was intended to

remed .

“ will you engage. Captain Monmouth i” inquired
Merton.

" That depends upon circumstances." he replied.
“ It is my intention to pass the Asia, and. if possible,
to cut the convoys out during the night. Perhaps
yonder war=vessel may be an old friend of ours. f
so, I shall beat to quarters, but if, as i hope, she
provos a stranger, I shall want one of lyou young
gentlemen to go on board and obtain al the infor-
mation on can."

The e cers were somewhat startled at this propo-
sition. The well knew the, danger attending such
a visit. for, t id the British commander (lchOVo-l‘ the
true character of his visitor. he would scarce hesi-
tate to shoot him on the spot.

“If you find it necessary to send one of us on
board, sir I, as the highest in rank. claim it as my

vilege, ’ at last said Merton. “Have you any

nts to suggest relative to the interview i’"

“None, save for you, if possible, to learn any

 

new signals, or the names of an additional vessel
they ma intend sending out. hould I hear the
report 0 a pistol. I shall at once unmask and open
fire; for. if on fire, it will be understood as a sig-
nal, and if t ey, it will be at on. Let our men re-
main in their boat, for. did I ey ascen to the deck,
some indiscreet remark from them might discover
all. Now, gentlemen, at once to your duties and
posts. Let the men at to quarter without noise,
and keep hid behind t e hulaarks. You will see to
this, Mr. Merton." ‘

The ship was at once cleared for action, but in
such a manner as not to attract the attention of the
foe. it was now quite dark, but. bein a bright
starlight night. the outline of the man-o -war could
be diml observed. thn arriving as near as possi-
ble, wit out creating sus icion, three lanterns were
held aloft in the Black S iip’s rigging the center one
being oscillated to and fro. A short time. and the
signal was answered by a single light, shining out
from the mainmast of their enemy. Thehead of
the ship was now ut directly for the tranger. and
Merton shortly af er appeared on deck dressed in
the uniform of a British officer, while. near by. stood
the crew he had selected. The British vessel had
also been brought up in the wind, to await her sup-
posed friend. while the convoys being deeply laden,

ept on, knowing their protector could easily over-
take them.

“Ship ahoyl” came the hoarse hail .from the
man-of~.war, as they approached Within speaking
distance.

u  1n
. “ \‘~ bat ship are you?”

“ The British man-of-war Asia.”

“ Where did you come from 1’"

“ Mouth of Choptauk River—Chesapeake Bay."

“ What were you doin there?"

3 Looking for a robe cruiser, called the Black

“ e‘ve heard something of that follow. Did you
find him?”

“ lilo—he‘s a slippery chap. What vessel are
you ’

" The Revenge.”

“ Won’t you come on board?”

“ When di 1 you hear from the Colonies?”

This quest'ou was asked to ascertain if possible,
how well informed the enemy were of the events
which had so recently been communicated to them.

“Not for a long time. We are sailing somewhat
in the dark."

‘.‘ What port are you making for?"

“ Boston."

“You are sailing in the dark most certainly,” ne-
marked the captain, in an‘undertone, then again
raising his voice. he asked: "If your orders do not
excgu edvi;itors, I should like to Send my first emcer
on "at s /

“We shall be glad to see him-let him come at
once.

“ Do you think you will be known on board yonder
ship?” he asked of Merton.

"I think not, as the vessel is new to me. I am
willing to run the risk.”

“ lhen so at once, and, after learning all you can,
return without loss of time. ,

Descendin the vessel‘s side, where the boat was
in waiting. 8 was quickl rowed to the Revenge
and as he reached the doc , was warmly welcomed
by t e commander. After seating themselves with-
in the eabin. refreshments were laced before them,
and conversation became genera .

a“; How say you this Black Ship looks?” asked the
o oer.

“ She is the pcrfect image of our vessel, and carries
the same number of guns. A: ht difference ex-
ists in her bein painted a jetty b kness, even to
her masts an spars, while We carry a. white
streak."

“ How are her sailing utilities?”

“ Even as our own, wh ch may be termed a most
singular coincidence.”

“Then you have had a trial of‘speed with her?"

“ Often. Of late we have been detailed to look her
up and destroy her. This we could do, were it not
for her commander, who. for reasons best known to
himself, keeps a sharp lookout, and has so far given
us a stern chase, which would last forever, as we
sail equally well.‘

"I have not heard much of this villain, but I hope
it will be my good fortune to fall in with him some
day, a d if I do, you may depend upon it i shall
not check in fire until I sink him.”

“Pr-rhaps he optp' rtunlty may offer sooner than
you expect," replie Merton, in a somewhat altered
tone and manner. ~

“ .\ but mean you i" asked the officer. shar ly.

Merton started at the moment this questEm was
asked, and at once comprehended the effect his re-
mark had produced. Feeling confident. however
that he could not be suspected, he calmly glanc
at the igguiring countenances surrounding him, and
answer :

“Because she is now floating somewhere in this
neighborhood, or I should not be here. The last
port she touched at was on the coast of New Jersey,
and we have followed on her track, but thus far
she has eluded us."

“I wish you all success when you do meet. her.”

“ i feel confident we shall have her heave in sight
some time tomorrow,” carelessly remarked

erton.

“ Should such he the case. I will give you my as-
sistance in taking her."

" Thank you, sir and in my captain‘s name 1 ac-
cept our offer. although I am sure it will take hard
fighting to capture that craft."

“Never mind the fi hting part. young man. so
long as victory crown 0 end. I should much like

 

to meet this traitor to his king alon ; and now that
the notion suits me, hear my best wishes to your
brave. commander and tell him that if, with the
morning‘s' ht. t e Black Ship—a fit name for
such piratica authority as she sails under—is di-
covered, I would ask, as a particular favor. that I
may have the rivilege of sending her where she will
give us no furt er trouble."

“Rest assured our request shall be- granted,"
quickly replied erton. "What number of men
and guns have you?"

He was informed.

"The exact number we carry. although perha s -
our crew exceeds yours a trifle, and you will
equally matched with that famousship.’

“ You seem to know her well." '

“True. sir, and so I ought. if cruising in her wake
would tend to make us acquainted."

The conversation was. at this point, adroitl
changed, for Merton was impatient to, return. 9
inquired whether the signals had bren altered. and
also as to the number of vessels likely to leave Eng-
land, both of which qmstlons were answered at
length. After ascertaining all that was of impor~
tance. he rose to leave. Bra hing the side of the
vessel, le turned, and extend his hand, which
the captain grasped warmly, sai :

“I bid you farewell. sir. Perhaps we shall soon
meet again. and it may be when all is not so calm as
at present, but when the cries of the wounded, the
groans of the dying, the rending of wood and iron,
and the clash of arms shall be heard, as we both
battle for our cause. We shall hear you company
through the night." ,

" And farewell to you, sir, for I have no doubt but
the enem you encounter will bear away the marks
of ood nglish blows on herhull."

aching his own sti Merton informed Cmain
Monmouth of what hr. , transpired on the B n’s
vessel. The iron will of his determined leader was
soon fixed on the course to be pursued.

An hour had passed, when suddenly a fog, which
seemed toarisr- from the ocean. enveloped them.
So dense it was that an object not mo e than fifty
feet ahead could not have been seen. This was the
very thing Captain Monmouth could have wished.
Being informed where the convoy lay, by means of
their bells, which were toll d at intervals, he shaped
his course taward them. As the fog rose, the wind
died away, and. as soon as the proximity of his rey
would warrant. two boats. loaded to the amped;
edge with his followers. started for the Vessds. '6
will not narrate the manner of tl't ir cs ture merely
statin that it was effected without in se, while the
Britis man-of_war held on 1 er course, little thinking
what the mornmg light would reveal.

CHAPTER V. . 1
m ansuur or ran RUSE. » ‘

Tun Black Ship dropped in the wake of the
Revenge. waiting for the day to dawn. As soon as
the first streak of morning came faintly struggling
through the fog all Was life and animation, in pre-
paring the ship for action. Bulk-heads. mess-traps,
etc., were got down; shot whipped up, and the runs:
carefully inspected and load frr short Ianges.
Tubs were filled with watt r. and distributed where
the men could readily reach them; chain-pumps
worked without nonse to ascertain whether all was
clear; spare tiller got ready. rudder pendants cut
adrift and led inboard, and relieving-tackles placed-
'lhe lower and topsail-yards and aft slung with
chain; topsoil-sheets stoppered; ggies On the
braces. and stays and rifiging-snakss down; cock.
pits and store'rooms we lighted. The magazine
was opened and the asssge wet; the decks were
sanded. In line. all t at isre hired to clears ship
for action was done without no se rr confusion— the
men arrangir'g themselves behind the bulwarks
ready at the signal to sprirg to quarters. The of-
ficers were gathered aft, silently waiting for the fog

to lift.

The sun had risen, and the wind springing up at
the same time, the mist suddenly disgpeared. as if
by magic. revealing to the astoniin crv wzof the '
Raven e a startling sight. But a short distance
from t em in ‘the ark, ominous hull and towering
masts of the lack Ship; htrfrovrnln sides threat~
enlng to belch forth thtll‘ iron hail at any moment.
Both officers and crew. with their looks still fixed
upon the vessel, observed a piece of canvas lowered
over the side, and on it in plain letters Were written
the following words:

“My superior grants the reqkest you made known
to me last night. The Blac Bhi this morning
meets you alone. - oua Vtsrroa ”

The commander of the Revenge was as brave a
man as ever trod deck. After reading the words. he
clanced to where the convoys lay, and Observed the
hated flag of the United f‘oionies flying at each
peak. He ordered the men beat to quarters. while
the hot blood mounted to his verv forehead.

“ Fool that I was," he muttered. “ not to discover
the imposture, and my enemy in my wer. This is
no time for word or idle regrets. told him that
yonder cursed vessel i would smk, did ever chance \
throw her in my way; and, by Heaven, it shall be no
fault of mine if my wr-rd is not ke tl” '

Then. addressing his crew, he a ded:

"In yonder ship. n-y lads, you see no common
foe. They are bone of your bone. and in the con-
test which, we are about to engage, you will simfily
be fighting a foe as unvielding as yourselves. 0—
member our cause—God and St. George! Sooner
would 1 end you to a watery grave. or blow you
into fragments with the ship. than see this proud
flag lowered to yonder pirate crew.“ /

loud shout followed these words, while with it

w

 
  

 

 

The Black Ship.

' 7

\

 

came the stall! sound of a whistle, and the men
sprung to their guns.
yet; not. a human being was to be seen on the
Black Ship. save the man at the wheel. At last the
single ta of a drum was heard. In a second, out
from the r hiding-places rushed the crew.
“ Aim low, my brave lads, and let not a single shot
fie wide of its mark. Rememhe on strike for life,
berty, and a country’s honor. re!”
The noble fabric quivered with the recoil of her
uns. The thunder of her broadside was deafening
n its awful roar. Not a moment was spent in as-
certaining the damage done. She was 8 0t quickl
up in‘ the wind, and a second more her-other bros -
side was brought to bear. and sent its iron ball into
the sides of the enemy. The helm was again shifted.
and she headed directl for the Reven' c.
“ Boarders away! ollow me. my men," shouted
Merton, as the vessels met and were quickly made

ast.
“Repel boarders!" was the loud response; and a

‘hand-to-hand conflict commenced.

“Lay on, Ronald; for, b me faith, but yer sur-
prising yourself," shouted onway, springing to the
side of his companion, and swinging his heavy sword
with as much ease as if it had been a willow wand.

“A , laddie, I maun do In best, and l hinna con-
nie w new I stroke ” he rep led, as he let his weap-
on fall upon the sad of aman who had, for some
time successfully opposed his progress.

As he stepped over the prostrate body, he observ-
ed a man rush with a boarding-pike toward Mer-
ton, who was engaged with an officer, and raise the
weapon In the act of striking. Springing quickly to
one side, he drop ed his pike, and, seizing the man
by the waist, wh ried him round, but in so doing,
missed his footing. and both fell to the dock. His
adversary was ua'ly as powerful as himsclf, and
the struggle whic now commenced was one of ure
strength and endurance. Over and over they ro led,
each trying to secure some wispon, in which he
was frustrated by the quickness of the other.

The contest was finally decided, however, by a
vblle of small-arms fired by the boarding party.
d, who hagigcned at that moment to be under-
most, noticed foe relax his hold, and with a
shiver roll off upon the deck. Raising himself upon
his elbow—for he was completely exhausted—he
gazed upon the death-struck countenance of his
enemy.

“ How now, mon; ha‘ a bit 0' cold lead found its
way to thy mow?“ he asked. as a grim smile of tri-
um h passed over his powd- r—ttained visage.

S ow y turning and evidently with great pain, his
face wore a look of dying hatred, as he gurgled
rather than spoke: ‘

“Traitor! r. brother’s blood be on your head:"
and exhausted with the effort, he fell back dead.

“Na, mm," said Ronald, earnestly, addressing
the ear that was ( eaf to all mortal sounds, “ I he no
m re a brother to ye than be a Frenchman. Ye
fig t for England, and I for America, but,“ he add-
ed, shaking his head mournfully, and rising to his
feet, “*1 may na ha’e got for on the spirit road
dogs I o ow yo, and then God will judge between

'0

Looking about him to ascertain the situation of
affairs, h s fa'ce lit up wi h a glow of victory as he
saw the flag of his adopted count flung to the
breeze, wherehbut a short time be ore, the proud
ensign of British power waved. Joining in the pro-
10 gal shout which issued from the sturdy throats
of the followers of his ship, he turned his attention
to the dead and dying strewing the deck.

Short but blocdy had been that fight. Around the
brave but sim le hearted Scotchmsn lay. stretched
in their gore, he bodies of friend and foe. Some
were already dead; some were hovering on death’s
dark verge; while others were ra ng in“ their
agony for some kind hand to dea t cm the blow
that should end their sufferings. On the counte-
nance of the dead oouid be read, as on a printed

the thoughts latt uppermost in their minds.

0 will to conquer or die, of determination and un-
alterable urpose, was traced by the clinched teeth,
the cl hand and the frowning brow. Some, per-
chance, had thought of home, with all its sunny
joys—of father, mother, or a loved wife—alas, now
parted with forever! and this was discernible in the
melancholy that rested upon their pallid yet reso-
lute faces. Oh. war! When will the v. lturc of car-
ting: cease to never over civilized lands?

' soon as the victo _ was surely won, the atten-
tion of the crew was irccted to the and task of
burying the bodies of their late companions, and in
removing all the wounded to where they could be
attended to. A prize crew was detailed and put in

charge of the Revenge, with orders to repair to the

rendezvous on the coast of New Jersey, together
with the two other vessels. The prisoners, for
re ns best known to Captain Monmouth, were re-
taliated, and his vesstl started for her destined
P0

Arriving near BostOn, the ship was kept under
easy sail, and the strictest watchfulncss kept, as
the strength of the enemy Who yet remained
in those waters was not known. Carefully avoiding
the more open sea, he made his way a ong the
man small islands that abound within . he buy,

, Plac ug his vessel in a deep but narrow cove, where

he was securely hidden from view. he dispatched
Mer on with the prisoners by land to the city. while
he remained to watch, like the bird Wthh America
had selected as the symbol of her aspiring destinly,

'  and...like it, to sWOop upon any vessel which mig

chance in his way.

,, Merton safely reached the end of his journey. and
was warmly welcomed. Owing to the yet disturbed
state of the country. his departure was delayed from

_ day today, until, finally, a month glided by, without

 

any definite order received for him to car back to
his ship. He almost feared that Ca tain onmouth
would weary of this inaction, and t at whenhe did
return it would be to find his Vessel gone. His mind
was set at rest, however. by the arrival in June of
Li utenant Colonel Campbell. with seven hundred
of his men who had been made prisoners. together
with a note from his commander, in which he re-
marked:

“ I have waiteri fo- you with much anxiet , and at
times have feared you had fallen into the ands of
the few dissimulming Tori is vet lurking in secret
places. You have with you Ronald, Conway and
other sturdy fellows, who are equal to a host in
themselves, and this reassures me of your safety.
This will be handed on by the officer in command
of the party taking 11 the prisoners, in whose cap-
ture my v- ssel took active part. Let not a moment
he lost in retyrning when you receive our final or-
ders, for this inactivity is becoming irksonw.”

A few days after this was received, news came of
the intend d attack of the Bri‘ ish troops on the
Amt rican forces then intrenched on Long Island:
and. also, that as the enemy‘s ship. Rot buck, had
become exceedingly troublesome, the Iiisck Ship
was to soil at one", either to destroy her or lead her
off by some. strutngem.

Merton at once wzs recalled. Without delay he
summonel his followers and started. The distance
from the city to the cove where the vessel is was
some twenty miles. Our seamen had accomp ished
nearly half of this distance, when, on turning apolnt
of the road. they suddenly came upon a man seated
where a little stream was murmuring its way to the
sea. He was, evidently, one of those vngabo ds
who, during the Revolutionary struggle. did so much
toward injuring the American cause by givin infor-
mation to the enemy of the movements of t 6 Col-
onial troo s.

“ Goodinay to yo all," he said, as the party came
up to him, speaking in a voice whose very accent
spoke the enemy.

“Good-day," replied Merton, briefly, as he eyed
the f ‘llow sharply.

“ You needn’t speak quite so sharp mister,"
retorted the man, boldly. “ It wasn’t nothing but a
civil question I axed you, and ought to have a civil
answer.“

“I grant it," replied Merton. smiiin in s ite of
himself; “but what more do you wan than have
said?”

“ Nothing, as I knows on, that you can give. But
which way are you traveling ?"

“ To the end 0‘ our journey," quickly answered
Ronald to this inquiry1h

“But you be all a s rp lot of chaps," replied the
fellow. bursting into a loud gufi‘aw.

“ We be sharp enough to ken a fool free a knave,
and ye be none 0‘ the first."

“ l ain't either, but a poor man from the country,
who has been kicked out of house and home by the
Tories, and all because I wanted to fight for the
Colonies," replied the stranger, casting his eyes
upon the ground and wearing the appearance 0 a
mainf alike despised and ill-treated both by friend
an oe.

“ d ha’efye struck a blow for the cause?”
“ Not YK t, or I ain‘t had a chance.”

“ Ha‘e nu had a chance i" replied the Scotchman,
in indignation. “Where were e when the battles
of Lexingon or Bunker Hi , or the fights of
Boston, were gauging on? Ye maun keep a strict
tolugue" and a canny speech, else it Will go hard
w e.

“ I idn’t I tell you the Tories had hold of me?”
replied the man, angrily.

“th. ye di.ina, for ye said they had kicked ye
frae house and home.‘

‘> And so they did at last; but when they let me go
the fighting was over."

“ Over, mon? ha, but ye be‘not right there. for it
will be mony a ion: year yet atore England lets the
Colonies gang free."

“ Glad of it, f.-r Id an then have a hand in helping
my country.” i

‘ Your country!" spoke the hot-blooded Irishman,
who all along had been a most attentive listener to
the conversation. " Your countr ! be me now].
but there‘s many a long mile bethxt this and your
country!"

“ I was born here," quickly replied the man.

“ Faith, that may be. but your heart’s over the
ocean, and to my mind you’re nothing but a sneak,
and a sp , and a Tory; and by all my hopes of par-
don, if thad the minding of you imp of tree, it
would bend a little lower with the Wright of your
body tied to it by a rape round our neck. ’

“ And were you alone, my 1‘? 1y loud-talking Jack,
I'd soon make a hole in your 0( , that would show
the light what you last had fer dinner."

“ Hold i" interrupted the calm, yet stern voice of
Merton, who. attracted by the loud tones and I)an
sionate accents of the angry spOakers, had mmed
ust in time to interce t the blows that were about

eing gian and rcceivet . “ Hold. Conway! Put up
your knife. for you surely would not use it on a
single man were be twice a ['09. and-3’

" I beg your pardon, Mr. Merton but this chap
ain't the man he wants to seem. W en I told him
tlis minute what I thought of him. and what I‘d do
with him if I had m way. he didn't speak much
like a countryman—4k he, Ronald?"

“ Na. sir, ti-at he didna."

“What were his words?" asked Merton, looking
steme at the fellow. .

The man hastened to tell. and by the time he fin-
ished—for he added numerous opinions of his own—
they had arrived at a part of the road where it was
bounded on one side bv a dense wood and on the

other by a steep bank. The stranger, who had per-

 

sistently followed—although Ronald had kept him
in the rear—now stepped quicklyto the front and
boldly addressed the ieutenant. throwing off the
di lse of voice that hitherto be h used. '

“ on have heard that man‘s story, and i wish to
inform you that he is perfectlyt ht in his surmises.
I dogged your footsteps when t you left your
ship, and wished to make our acquaintance; but.
partly owing to the rapid ty of your mowments,
and also fearing your strength— for at the distance
I was, I mistook {our prisoners for members of
your own Party— was frustrated in my wishes.

his time have been more successful. and am rc-
joiced to find that you consist of so. tell and olilililo
a party. It is my desire to kee you com any.”

"And now I am determine you slal not," re-
plied Merion, the hot blood flushing to his brow in

.crimson.

“Then, sir. iyo" must go with n e. whether or not."
he answered, ooking lull in the young man‘s face
with a snecring smile.

As he finished speaking, he raised his hand to his
mouth, evidently with the intention of uttering a
slcnal; but the evil smile pa: srd from his face, and
the spark of bat red died in his eye, as the cold
muzzle of a pistol pressed his temple, and the voice
of Merton hissed in his ear:

“ Make the slightest sound or 'vea single wave
of your hand. and by the God w o hears me. I will
send your black son to his presence." Raising his
voice, that the foe, who he felt convinced were
luiking within the woods, could hear, he said: “ I
have your leader in mv wer, and if one dog of you
dares to show his head. t will be the signal for our
captain's death. Gather around me. my brave ads,
with drawn swords and ready tols, and if they
wish to try our mettle the she] see how free men
can fight. Move on slow y; and do ou, Ronald
and Conway, stand ready to cut down his fellow in
case they fire on me.’ . I

Clutiousiy they proceeded, but though occasional
rustling was heard, not an assailant was seen. At
last they emerged into the open country, and sm n
the tall must of the ship hove in sight.

Feeling perfectly secure from attack, Merton re-
piaced his weapon, and with more hasty strides
proceed. ed onward. The risoner was recoenized by
one of the crew, as one up the most bloodthirsty f0 -
lowers of the king infesting that partof the country.
The day following be was hung 'at the yard-aim.
Such was the'way spies and betrayeis were served
in those times of war in earnest.

CHAPTER VI.
. A nvsrsatoos DIMPPEARANCE.

IT is unnecessary to refer to the New York of 1776.
It was then the "Great Metropolis ” in embryo-a
city of small dimensions hutcf magnificent prom ire.
The "Battery" and “ Bowlirg Green" were th: n
the great hearts of the commercial and social *orid
nnow, alas! they are so far "down town " as ole
outlawed by gentilityl Where now are acres of
brick tuild ng and labyrinths of streets, then were
swamps, hills valleys, farms, “ country mats“ and
commons. Chambers street then was the utmost
city limit—all was “the country" beyond. It will
require no little stretch of the reader's imagination
to portray Broadway barricaded, together with all
the streets leading tt it. to locate batteries on emi-
nences behind Trinity church. A redoubt and but-
tery at Hellgate guarded the lpassage of enemies'
shi sto and fro in the Sound, w lie the North River.
an . in fact. all rppugnable pcints, were put in a
position of defense. v

General Lee saw thatthe Long Island heights was
too important aposition to be neglected. and at
once commenced throwing up a svrirs of lntrench-
ments at different points, one of which was located
in the rear of the then small town of Brooklyn, and
which is now, as then, knewn b the name 0 "Fort
Greene." 0n tine s« uiheily pc nt of Long Island,
and securely shut in from the sea by Coney Island,
extends a deep cut, or. more pioperly, a hey, n
which are numerous cfl'sets and bayous. At the
time we invite the reader‘s ittenticn and when all
were actively at work preparing for the coming foe,
in one of these ofi'sels lay, safely mocrcd and com-
plete-iv hidden by the most ingenious contrivanccs,

l e Black Ship.

After sailing from Pcston, she had. with .he most
consummate skill of her ccnxmancsr. succeeded in
eluding observation, and arrived in the secluded b y

V

to await the Opébrluniiy for service in ti 9 mome t '
e .

cf greatest ne Hcrcrew were app: rt nlly asleep;
yet that silence and a; parent inactivity were omin-
cus of stem (my. One (f the hosts was gone. It
Get med as if the ship needed its return to spring
into life and animation

The sun had set. Twilight began to gather slow-
lv around. giving to her usual g oom ( utline a fill“
deeper hue, “hm the measure stro e of oars, ten.
mg of a, crew vu—ll skilled in their landlin , was
heard. and a tout slot in sight. The dt scrtc deck
was uickly enlivened by the forms of men who had
so of‘gen pressed them in the din ( f battle and anx-
ious faces looked out 11 )th their returning coni-
mu“; eager to learn wha tidings they had to com-
municaie.
- As the boat lightly touched the ship‘s side. and
Merton sprung on deck. he. was met by the captain.
who, after leading him beyond the hearing of the
crew, asked him what he had discovered. ‘

“I carefully roceeded after leaving the ship,"

answered the lieutenant. “narrowly watching the'

shore, and inspecting all the inlets, until I struck
the water running between Coney Island and the
main shore. This I followed west until i arrived at
Gravesend Bay. Here. sir, I discovered the vessels
of the enemy. Fearful of approaching too close, I
ran the boat near the shore, and landed two of the

«a»

fix

 

 

, I
A

 

  

 . "‘2‘ 1. wow- ~15 ‘ -"‘?~'2‘r;"r'?‘sr 

:‘K'

i The Black Ship.

 

 

I

men, whom I ordered to roceed inland, while I re-
mained with the boat. beyhad been gone over
two hours whenI deemed it prudent to dispatch
four others to look them up, but, as they were upon
the int of starting, the two came in. and reported
hav n found many of the enemy already landed,
and t eir pickets were then advanced as far as New
Utrecht.“

" Then we will find it a dimcult task to communi-
ca‘e with our friends on shore, and as to the Roe-
buck. it is impossible for us to find her, unless we
receive information from the army,“ said Captain
Monmouth thoughtfully.

“Send off a land- art , and. let them try before
the British advance urt er to reach the line of our
arm ." suggested Merton.

" at of what use would that be; for, did they
succeed in reaching, how would they return i"

' “It will be a risk, I grant, but it might. perhaps,
prove successful."

“ How far are they from us in force?"

“ Not more than two miles and a half.” 

“ Indeedl" exclaimed the captain, starting.

“ Yes, sir, and their pickets can not be more than
a Italic; besid.s, they certainly have scouting
pa es. '

“ Then we are in danger of being discovered?” I

“Excuse me, but i th nk not. They will scarcely
thinik'pt' finding enemies hid away among all this
san .

"You are, perhaps, right, Merton, but we will be
wise in lacing some of our men to picket the shore.
You w see that they are arranged under proper
heads, and relieved at stated hours. To return to
the fleet—how are they?"

“ All, save one ship. are anchored under the pro-
tecting guns of the war-vessels; that one seems, to
think precaution usnless, for she lays full a mile to
the east of her companions."

"What say you. if the morning light shows her
still further off?" '-

“All you have to do is to say the words ‘take
her,‘ and it shall be done."

."I like to hear it. You have the order: Mr. Mer-
iamyou will this night capture that ship or sink

er. '

The young man at once set himself the task of
selecliliing his crew, and also of arranging the guard
on s ore.

The hour of mi ht arrived. With mufiied oars,
three boats loaded own with armed men, shot out
from the deep shadows of the vessel's side, and
finned rapidly toward the o :1 water of the sea.

ota word was spoken. No a sound was heard,
save the light splash of the cars; or the faint gur-
gle of the water under the bows. .

On board the Brizish vessel all was fancied
security. The crew had turned in. leaving a soil-
tary man to Watch. Even he nodded at his 0st.
In the cabin, quite a arty were gathered, w ere
joy see ed to reign. erision of "the Yankees”
8 .-rved season their entertainment.

“ Well. sir. I must admit,” remarked One of the
comp any, addressin the captain of the vessel
“ that they fight wel . Look at Bunker Hill, and tel
me if the men of any other nation except our own,
would have stood so valiantly as t ey."

“ Stood!” ejaculated a. young man. in a contem -
tuous manner, “ Do you call standing behind eartf-
works, nnd firing u n our gallant troops, who, un-
protected, advance upon them, the act of brave
men " '

"I do, sir, call the act brave, when we’take into
consideration that they were devoid of all drill and
discipline. and but poorly armed. I tell you gentle-
men, that, had the Colonial troops not exhausted
all their ammunition, we would have left Boston in
a_ far diflerent manner than we did. although God
knows, we did it then under, fire and in more haste
than I wished to see.” , .

" You seem to hold a. high opinion of thess rebels,”
said the young man.

“ As men, I do; but as rebels, I despise them and
their bravest deeds. But one thingin which I am
afraid our Government is mistaken. and when it is
too late will discover is, that those Colonies are
weak. possessed of little or no stren th to carry on
the war. If I mistake not, we she! find that years

. will be consumed before we brin them under Bill)-

iection; and the Crown, althoug it has its hands
ull elsewhere, hould send every man that it can
beg. borrow or like to this land.”

“ Allow. me to offer a correction to your remark,
as 00 the number of years it will be required to sub-
due the rising and determined spirit of America to
be free. ln place of several, insert an eternity of
years. ‘

At the entrance of the cabin stood the command-
in form of Merton. His hand rested on the handle
of s sword, while his eye was lit up with the flush

'of anger and superiority

" Who are you t" demanded the captain of the
vessel. angrily, as he sprung to his feet to confront
his visitor.

“Your superior on board this vessel; your equal
as man to man," was the firm reply.

" By heavens, we will try that .mutter with sharp-
er tools than words,” replied the captain, as he
iseizled a cutlass from its peg, and advanced, menac-

ll y.

5 A~ good motto, and one I would advise on, at
this time especially, to adopt, is, to think welly before
you act,” remarked the young man, in a contemp-
tuous manner.

“This insult is beyond endurance. and one that
must be resented," said the officer, stepping to the
captain's side. ’

" i will explain to you. gentlemen, a few things that
may be extremely unpleasant to hear. Your vessel
has changed owners, and you are prisonersl”

 

“ Prisonersl” they all exclaimed at a breath.

“ Exact] .”

“ What 0! on deck!" shouted the captain.
“ Bi al the fleet, for there is treachery herel’

” have no doubt your men bear, but, as the are
in durance vile, it is beyond their ower to o y,”
replied Merton, to the captain‘s 0 er.

‘ Did I understand you to say that this vessel is
ca tured f"

' You did."

“And without in being aware of it i"

“I am so inclin to think."

“And by what vessel?"

“ None at all; but by boats under my command."
. “ And who are you?"

“ Harold Merton. second officer on board the Black
Ship." was answered, proudly.

“ Once of his Majesty's service, I believe?" re
marked the ca taiii. after recovering from the sur-
prise the mention of the vessel‘s name had made.

“ I was, but now, thank God, my life iB‘devoted to
the liberty of my adopted country. Death I do not
shun whi e battling in her cause.’

“Young man, your words should blister your
tongue with-—”

" Hold, sir,” interrupted Merton, sternly. “ I do but
hear the same from every En lishman whenever we
chance to meet, and I tire of i . You think America
wrong; I, that she is right; so for the sake of spar-
ing words, if for naught else, let us refrain from
speaking of it further.”

“ As you please, young man; I still have my
opinion of you."

“Think me a devil. if you will, but have a care the
thought does not find utterance, for, should the
slightest whisper reach my ear 1 shall forget you are
my prisoner, and offer you violence. But enough of
this,” he added, controlling his anger bias. strong
effort. and speaking more calmly. “ v your
weapons upon that table, gentlemen, and follow me
to the deck.”

This command was at once obeyed. Without a
word, the revelers all left the cabin. '

The manner in which the ca ture had been effect-
ed was. from its extreme s mplicity, completely
successful. Ronald rem0ved his clOIhing when the
boats had arrived as near as rudence would war-
rant, and swam slowly onwar . A large bunch of
sea-weed he knotted as firml as possible, and kee -
ing it on that side of his he against which the ti o
struck, allowed himself to float down toward the
vessel. The ship's bows were soon reached. A line
was found, and after ascertaining that it was made
fast. the seaman carefully ascended, hand over
band, to the deck. Peering over her bulwarks, his
eye encountered the figure of the solitary watch,
who, leaning against the mainmast. seemed entirely
listeningFto the voices that reached him from the
Cabin. eeling’convinced that the remainder of the
crew were eit er below or . had left the shi , he
lightly stepped on deck and cautiously ne the
man. When within a short distance, a quick bound,
9. heavy blow and his foe lay insensible at his feet.
Hasti'y securing him by means of the re es that lay
near at hand, he roceeded to signal the at’s crew
of his success. parchmg the pockets of the pros-
trate man. he found to his satisfaction a tinder-box,
which, together with a strand of tarred rigging,
were the access articles he wished. He next

roceedcd to the s lp’s_side, and leaning well over,
gnited the rope. Allowmg it to burn brightly for a
moment, be cast it into the water. What followsd
can be readily conjectured. The first that her cap-
tain knew of the “ change of owners ” was when so
informed b the entrance of Merton. All of value
that the ip contained was in money, of which
there was quite a harvest. The treasure and the
prisoners were removed,. holes were made in the
ship's bottom, and she was left to sink. Before the
small boats reached their rendezvous. the British
ship had gone down as silently as if a shadow had
passed away. When daylight broke, the enemy was
astounded to find her gone.

CHAPTER VII.
iasnoss anvns'runss. 5
THE morning following the events last narrated,
three men could have been seen, at an early hour,

 

.wending their wayas if in search of some person

whom, at any moment, they might encounter. They
were dressed in the uniform of the British navy,
and “ rolled along " in that peculiar manner charac-
teristic of the true :‘old salt.” So well were they
disguised, that were it not for the tell-tale voice of
Ronald, and the hasty humor of Conway. they would
pass as strangers to the soil. Their companion was
none other than Lieutenant Merton.

“ Keep a sharp look-out for their pickets can not
be far from here, and, if the thing is ssible. I wish
to avoid them. If I find we can not 0 this. We must
endeavor to see them first, so that we can ap-
proach without creating suspicion,” remarked the
young man.

“Could na we kee further to the east, sir, and
then beer we mig t gi‘e them a slip?” asked
Ronald.

“ i am afraid not,” replied Merton, “ for they most
certainly have placed guards from their main body
entirely across the bay.”

“Look at onder chap, sir " called Conway, in a
low tone; “ y me faith, but he's giving us a sam le
of what he can do in the way‘cf handling is

ece.

P “Don’t point,” uickly ordered Merton. “I see
him, and he’s signs ing to discover whether we are
friends or no. Let me precede you. and remember
who you represent. You, Conway, beguarded with
your temper. and in no-case, no matter what the
provocation may be, let either word or action betray
who you are.”

 

He then stepped a few paces in advance and stop-
ped. The soldier still kip: on signaling, but receivo
mg no answer. brought piece to his shoulder. as
if about to tire. Merton instantly called out, in a
voice which harmonized with his assumed charaer

ter:

“Avast there, you long-shore lubber, with that
gulili. ?What are you going to do? shoot an English
as or ‘

The man lowered his pi! cc, and. turning: beckoned ,
to a companion who was hidden from view. Soon a
cor oral with a file of men was seen approaching.

“ or the last time. I warn you both to keep a wise
head and a close tongue," hurriedly remarked Mer-
ton. “lily blood be on your heads if you fall my
orders.

“ Dinna fear, air, but we will baith be canny,” said
Ronald.

“ Well. what do you want. and what are on doing
outside the lines? ’ asked the corporalas e halted
his arty a littledislance from them.

" g‘irst, Mister Corporal." replied Merton, gruflly,
“ we don’t want to get 'a hole punched into us be
tween wind and water, seeing we ain’t enemies; and
next, we happened to be outside of yourlines. as you
call them, because we 'did not find anybody to keep
us in, and being out on a cruise Wit out chart or
com ass, we at afoul of sand-hills, and onething or
anot er, untfi we might have run into an enemy’s
port, for all we’d have known."

“ Where do you want to go to?"

“ We bole to the Roebuck, and won’t mindlay-
ing glass on er again, if we know the direction in
which she lays.” ‘

“ I don’t know where your vessel is. but you can
find out from the officer of the icket."

“ Which way does the ocean ay from here, for if
we can get a sight of that, we can do well enough
by ourselves."

“It’s off this way,” replied. the soldier, pointing
toward the south-west; "but you’ll have to be ex-
amined by our officer before I can allow you to

ass.” '

p “Listen to that. lads " exclaimed Merton, with a
loud laugh. "The ankees gave these soldiers
such a scare at Boston that they’re afraid to trust a
man, no matter how he‘s dressed. or where he hails
from. Heave ahead, Mister Cor ral, for we‘ll let
your ofi‘lcer examine us. He‘ll nd we are as good
copper-bottomed, English~oaked man~of-war‘s-men,
as ever sailed into his quarters.”

They roceeded on some uarter of a mile or
more, w ieu they were usher into thgfresence of
the ofl‘lcer commanding that division the picket

uard. '

“ I found these men, sir.” said the corporal, with
itsalute, “ on our extreme right, approaching our

fines. ’ ~
“Which way were they coming!” .
“From the south, sir.‘ I

“And thrir manner—was it suspicious?”

“Not in,the least, sir. They came up as if they
didn‘t know what a guard was posted for.”

f “ How about this, my lads—where did you come
row 9‘

“From the Roebuck._ your Honor,” replied Mer-
ton, twirling his hat in his hand, and seeming ill at
ease. .

“ How long since you left your. ship?"
“ Ten days, sir.” -'

This was said at a venture, but the yonn man
happened to stumble on the right answer, or the
next question assured him of this, giving him a clew
how to answer further questions.

“ Let me see,” said be, referring to a book lying
before him, and ra idly turningK over the it aves.
“Ah, here it is. ‘F gate Roebuc changed station,
to operate with the advance guard. She will pro-
tect the left flank, which will extend to the water.’
It is now a week since she sailed, and you left her
ten days ago, you say i”

“Yes, sir.”

“How came you on shore?” he asked. sharply.
i:nflad three days’ leave, and stayed over time,
s . .

" What was the cause?"

“ Well. sir, it’s a failing we Jacks have. We hap.
pened in with some friends, and took a little too
much ale.”

“But you came in on our right flank, while you
811110;“? have approached our left. How happened
t a i“ -

“ I don‘t know. sir, unless our heads were mud-
dled. and we lost our way,” replied Merton,lo_oking
down, as if ashamed.

"You are honest-looking i" lows, and wear the ‘

right kind of cloth. so i will pa you. without fur"
ther narley, to where you can be forwarded to your

shi ."

'l’iie sailors thanked him, and. taking the pass
which was handed them. bowed themselves from his
presence. Arrivmg outside, Merton glanced at the

aper. and, to his chagrin found it read, “ Pass
these men within the lines.’

“This is had," said he, a perplexed look resting on
his countenance.

“ What, sir?” inquired! Ronald.

“Téll’s’ pass grant us leave to travel within their

ar . r

"Then. sir, let us make a bauld strake, and fight
our way through.”

" Ay. ay, sir: that’s the plan. Do as Ronald says.
for by me blessed father’s memory but we’re good
for six of them. and if it comes 0 a push, I’ll take
three of them alone,” said Conway, eagerly. i

“ I am afraid we shall have to do so. for, to reach
the American lines I am determined, if we fight
every inch of our way throu h." . t _

The delay occasioned by t ieir. detention. with the
numerous halts the guards compelled them to make,

 

      

 

 

 

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The Black Ship.

 

 

had brought th toward the middle of the after-
noon. and. as no lag had passed their lips since
mornifig. the gnawings of hunger were being keenly
felt. ot wishing to exhaust the little food they
had, the set to work looking about for some house
or inn w ere they could procure refreshment. From
the brow of a h ll they rcelve'i a house in the val-
ley to the ri ht. Aroun it could be seen numerous
persons. anl , tied to the tree, were several horses
evidently belonging to a party of dragoons.

“I shall wait until the sun has set for those fel-
lows yonder to leave, though our di ise is good,
:and we could evidently ass unques ioned. Still,
there is not the most fr endlyzfeeliug existing be-
tween soldiers and sailors. o doubt the are
drinking, and perhaps might drop some remar s we
mi ht feel inclined to resent," remarked Merton.

be men, without reply, seated the selves, and
patiently waited the further orders of t eir leader.
the sun sunk behind the distant woods, the word

as given, and all haste was made to reach the
house. The building had been converted into an
inn. evidently gvithout tl}e least attemptdat show.
The sl was t e figure 0 aman. sup se 0 repre-
sent agnking, with a crown upon higohead, whose

‘ points resembled a picket fence, and the scepter

very like a onto-masher. Underneath were the
scarcely legigle words: “The King‘s Arms." The
interior was in kee ing with the outside: and Mer-
ton, seating himsel at one of the long, dirty tables,
inquired as to what the house afforded in the way of
food. As it consisted of a single dish. the selection
was readily made. and much to the astonishment of
rail, unlike. the filthy a pearance of the place, the
food was plain and pa atable. It was eaten with a
relish. After hunger was satisfied, Merton arose,
and going to the till. aid the demand. He was on
the oint of retracing is steps, when a half-drunken
soldier. one of a party of seven who were seated at
the further (xtremity of the room, placed himself
directl in his way.

I “ We 1, m flue sea-water animal, where did you
come from?" he asked. placing his hands on his hips
.and looking irn udrntly into the young man’s face.

" From outsi c, and if that ain’t enough for you to
know, from my shi .” replied Merton, in as careless
Ea manner as be con :1 assume.

“Where's_ our ship?"

“ On top 0 the water. if she ain‘t underneath."

“ Look here. my line fellow,” said the soldier,
speakin angrily, while several of his companions
gather closer about him. “if you don‘t want to

' get a broken head, you had better answer a little

more civil. "

“It‘s very true that I don’t want to get my head
broke. and what's more, don’t intend to- but what
right have 1 on to ask me where I came from, or to
what ship belong?”

"Because I want to find out something about
you, and I mean to. You see, my Lolly sea-dog, I

ave been with on chaps for a w il back, and
have had more 'icks than lrisse' so don‘t feel
over and above friendly to any of. on short-coats,

,nnd would as have have a falling out, together

with a lit le fight, as not."

“ Then fight with those who have given you
cause?" quickly replied Merton, and in his natural
voice; attempting to pass. ,

“No, you don‘t, mv fine fellow,” said one of the
others, stepping bv his companion’n side and effect-
ually blockading the way. "No you deti’t, till we
have a better look. at you. D d you hear. boys,
how this chap can talk when he’s a mind to? L'lt's
take him and his companions along to quarters. for
I swear if I believe they’re friends to the king. in
spite of their dress.”

Merton saw at once that his situation was becom-
ing perilous, and that the soldier who now confront-
ed him was quick to notice and prompt to act.

“ What do you take me for?" he asked, with per~
feet self possession. .

“ Perhaps a traitor, and maybe a spy. But 'we’ll
find out.”

" Here—look at my paperl” he remarked, extend-
ing the pass.

The soldier made a rapid movement as if tosnatch
it; but Merton quickly withdrew r is hand, at the
same time saying: =

“ Not qmte so fast, for I sha’n’t trust it with you.
‘If I was a spy I wouldn’t have this; so if on like
you can take a look. but you don’t take hok ."

“ If you‘re what you say you are. you wouldn‘t be
.afraid to trust me with our pass!"

“You ain‘t quite 11': t comrade. I‘m afraid to
trust you because this. i’rlcnd of yours says he
wouldn't mind having 0: fight; anrl as you side with

  1m: 1 s“ pose you’re of the same mind. Perhaps
. ' 

won a like to get me in limbo so as to spite
yourselves on me for what other seamen might have
'done to you. and the only way you can do that is by

 :steallng this paper.”

“There’s some reason in that. and I might have
been a little fast,” he replied. lifters pause. "I
can’t forget, though, the way you spoke; but I’ll
let you go if you‘ll answer me a QUBSflOIV'

"Let me go!" exclaimed Merton wi'h some tem-
iier; "you had better get hold of me before you

all: of letting me gol”

" You say you’re a man-o -war’s—man?" he que-
fiongrd, without heeding the mark.

a e.- I

“ What’s your ship’s name?”

“The 12m bur-k."

“ Where is she?”

- " She's with the advance along the coast.”
~ While Merton was thus quietly allowing himself

” to bfiitgwstioned. the two sailors were not idle.

ad left the room, and shortly returned with
three stout. heavy sticks, one of which he handed

'5. Conway, who receiVed it with evident satisfaction.

 

“Now, by the powers, I'm ready as soon as Mr.
Merton gives the word, ’ he whis red to Conway,
“and if was he, l‘d not step t to that chap
any longer."

" Na, mon, nor I either,” re lied Ronald.

The soldier continued int rro sting the young
man, who answered without 3 owin the least
temper, At last his tone began to parts e too much
ff command, and Merton determined to submit no
onger.

“You may cut your questions short, for I am de-
termined to answer you no lon er.“

“Just as you like. my jolly ack; but if you’re all
gritish" you won‘t in ad saying, ‘God save the

" 0 never did me harm. and when his_hour comes
I be God will save the king," replied Merton,
evas vely.

ZiBut that ain‘t quite the way you‘ve got to say

“ Got to, have It Now stand out of my way, for I
sha’n‘t be stopped by you any longer.”

“ But I won t, youngster."

“Then I’ll put you out." and before the man was
aware of his intention, he struck him a blow that
YOltlld have felled an ox. The soldier fellat Merton‘s

ee .

"At them, my brave lads, for it’s fight now in
earnest. Save life if you can avoid it. but break as
many heads, Conway. as you please," he shouted,
as. springing over'r'the prostrate body, he placed him-
self by their side. Receiving the envy club from
Ronald, he rushed back into the fray. Right man-
fully did the three bear themselves, and socomplete-
1yI were the soldiers taken by surprise, that before
t ey could gather their arms. they were lai sense-
less by the b ows which were dealt with no niggardly

and.

“ Faith, and you’re the last, my robin red-breast,
and yo'll wake with a pain in your head. I‘m think-
ing," said Conway, as with his powerful arm he let
his club fall on the head of the remaining soldier.

“ Follow me at once.” ordered Merton, speaking in
his usual tone. “ We have not a moment to lose.
for this will soon be poised abroad, and our escape
will be entirely cut off."

They turned as if loth to leave and followed their
leader out into the gathering darkness, to be soon
lost to si ht.

The a ternoon of the day following, Merton and
Ronald arrived within the American lines. Conwa
was not with them, having been ordered the difficu t
task of finding his way back to the ship and to re-

org “lichat had been learned respecting the

0F '10 .

The two were dressed as when they left their
vessel. except that their jackets were unbuttoned,
revealing upon the breast of their shirts the words
Black Shi , worked in distinct letters. Merton at
once set a out flndin the commanding officer, but
he found it a task 0 great dimculty. It was ion
after sundown before his attnmpt tproved successt .
Arriving at General Greene’s has
informed, much to his disappointment, that an in-
terview could not be obtained, no matter how im-
portant the news he had to communicate. as the
general was lying extremely ill of a fever. He was

irected to General Sullivan. but deferred the inter-
view until the following mornin .

An early hour found him closeted with the general,
who appeared much pleased at meeting him.

“ So you are attached to the Black Ship?” he said,
with an approvrng smile. r ‘

“I am proud to say I am. sir," replied Merton.

“ How far were the enemy, when you passed
through their hues. from our outposts?‘

“Not more than three miles, I should sa . I am
inclined to think. however, that the Briti troops
have not all landed. for the bay is not sufilciently full
of transports to warrant it.”

“ Where is your shi . Lieutenant Merton?”

“ Laying hid from sight in a cove that sets into the
mainland. and directly back of Coney Island. Cap-
tain Monmouth’s intention is to attack or draw off
the English man-of-war Roebuck, it possible, forI
doubt not but she will tender valuable service to the
enemy. and cause home and death in our lines."

" You are right. sir. for already 3 :me of our poor
fellows have fallen before her shot. She carries
heavy guns, and I am fearful will prove too formid-
ablo an adversary for your ship to encounter."

" She may, sir, but Ca tain Monmouth is a man
of prudence; what he acks in metal he fully re-
places by stratagem. It will be impossible, general.
for me to return to my vessel- and as every
arm that can raise a weapon or our sufiering
country is needed, I should like to be assigned a

lace where I can be useful. If this cannot be done

shall have to fight on my own responsibility; but I
am sure I shall feel more valiant. and strike a firmer
blow, were I to battle under the control of a good
leader.”

"Your wish is rranted, sir." replied the general,
hastily wriling a note and handing it to Merton.
“Take this to Lord Stirling; he will assign you to
some post“ Now, good-by. and God be with you.
It ma he that we shall never meet again: but should
we mil. let our dying moments be made sweet by
the thoughts that we find our graves battling for one
of the noblest causes man ever engaged in. Good-
by. Mr. Merton."

.h Thin two parted with a warm pressure of the

an .

 

CHAPTER Vlil.
'rnr: DOUBLE CONFLICT.
Tm: moment was rapidly drawing near when the
infant colonies were about to fight their first pitch-
ed battle agains' that country w ose banners floated

.on every sea. The twenty-second of August came.

quarters, he was r

 

The entire British forces landed on Long Island.
Instant information of this was sent means of the
chain of pickets; but as if to nerve t e arm of the
eight thousand e ht undred brave sons of America
who had resolv " to conquer or to die," came the
ioyous tidln of the si re ulse of the English
eet at F0 Moultrie. our aye afterward. the
army of their foe was ready for the attack. Its line
extended from the coast. between Gravesend and
Utrecht, to Flatbush and Flanders.

Between the two armies what a contrast!
side the hardy. undisciplined eomen; on the other
the well-trained soldiers. use to carnage and the
din of battle. Here the homespun garments of the
Continental; there the gaudy, well-kept uniforms
of the Briton; here the rusty sword, the musket
snatched from the peg over the family hearthstone
and the few blood-bought pieces of cannon; opposed
were the polished arms. the abundance of ammunh
tion. and the glistening parks of artille . With the
one the confidence of victory. the obe lance to offi-
cers. and the fatal idea of despislng their antag-
onists; with the other the love 0 count . of home
the ustice of their cause, but. above a , the tie of
brot erhood, and the resolve to do or die. Thus
stood our forefathers—thus let us ever stand.

It was a calm night. The full harvestmoon threw
her flood of light over the hilltop and down into the
valle 3; her beams fell u on the slumbering forms
of so diers who lay in t e open air. Near every
hand lay a weapon ready to be grasped. Every
ear seemed half open to catch the first tap of the

al-drum. The night were on, and the clouds
that had risen chased themselves sluggish] across
the moon‘s pale face. But, harkl he arp re
port of musketry is heard in the distance. The
startling sound roused the American camp into ac-
ti y.

Among the first to hear that sound was Merton.
He quickly formed the little band of scouts which
Lord Stirling had placed under his control, and
anxiously waited Ihe other to move. News soon
came from the distant pickets that their foe was ad-
vancin , and that the Delaware troops, under
Colone Allen. Were retreatin slowly before the
overwhelming force hurled ag nst them.

The order for Merton to advance soon came. He
was directed to scout the road leading to the Nar-
rows, kceping, however. close enough to enable him
to readily communic to with the tree following.
With cautious Ste 3. t 0 band started orward. Its
progress was un terrupted. until near daybreak.
when the Delaware regiment was met. together
with the retiring ickets. Merton instantly threw
his little force to t e front, where the rifles of ha
men sent many of the fee to their last account.

Lord Stirling. as soon as information reached him,
formed his two regiments along an advantageous
ridge ascending from the road, to a piece of wood
on the top of a lill. The brave Delawares halted
and reformad. while the rickets, rallying on Mer-
ton’s force, received the a vanclng co umns of the
British with well-directed volleys. A warm engage-
ment ensued. Their assailants, however, roved
too strong.for it was soon ascertained the they
consisted of two full brigades under General Grant.

The Americans were again compelled to fall back.
They took cat on an eminence opposite Lord Stir-
ling’s posit on and co-operated with Kichlin’s rifle
corps. whose ean’ly fire mowed down the com
columns or the fee as fast as the a . us
the battle became general, an we did Merton
merit the position to which he had been assigned.
He was ever foremost in the fight, urging his men
by voice and example, to most strenuous efforts;
and they, catching his hit, rushed with such im-
petuosityl upon the foe t at the line of his front be-
gan to waver.

Suddenly a heavy firing was heard in their rear.
Every hand ‘was stayed. Again volley after volley
broke upon their car. and they became conscious of
the fearful truth that the enem had succeeded in
turnin their flank. Dismay an confusion follow-
ed. ho longer were the advancing Hessians deter-
minedlv faced; but. in spite of the efforts of their
genera s to rail them, tle Continental troo broke
and attempte to return to their camp. ain was
the effort. On every side they encountered the
drawn sabcrs or glistenin ha 'onets of the foe.
They were driven hither an thit er, cut off from all
the avenues of rscape, and slaughtered with decree
a show of resistance.

Merton. finding that retreat lay through theene-
my‘s ranks, in few words informed h men of the
fact, and proposed that they should ow their way
through to freedom. This gallant proposition was
receivedwithashout of approbation. Augmenting
his forces from the numeroua stragclers that sur-
rounded them. he arranged h ranks, and then led
them to the work. Skirting the base of the eminence
which they had so lately occupied. he wound his
way, choosing the shvller of the more thickly wood-
ed part, until. by the din. he was made aware that
they had arrived near enculzh for him to put into
operation his hastil -formed plan.

Selecting a few 0 the bravest. he put them under
Ronald’s charge. and ordered them forward, while
he effectually concealed the remainder behind a lit-
tle bluff. which lay to their right. there to await the
result that he hopud the Scotchman would effect.
Roland had not proceeded far, when he suddenly
came unon the enemy. For a time he made adeter-

On one

min rl fight: then. giving the word his party gave .

wa slowly at first. but soon brokeintoahasty re-
treat. leading his pdrsuers direc' ly into the am _ush
pre )aer by Mr rmn. The Hvssmns were received
mm a volley. that caused perfect havoc in their,
ranks; and before time was given them tore-form

' he ordered the reserve set apart, to fire. Then. ere

the smoke had cleared away, he charged upon them.

1‘ V».

 

 

 

 

 

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a” re, r-.' ‘" genre

 

 

10

‘ The Black 

.:

 

 

in force, and with two-thirds of his command.
reached their rear. Here he once more halted and
closed his ranks. What was his sorrow to learn that

unit! was nowhere to be found. It was no time
then to look for missing men. The order was given,
and the band moved on. ‘1‘ his “ forlorn hope” had
gone somewhat over a mile. when a sharp firing
was heard a little toward their right. Merton. think-
ing perhaps it might be the Scotchman at once
started to the rescue. Arriving within sig t, be ob-
served a band of brave men, contending With a force
treble their number. His generous nature was fired
at the sl ht.

" Wha saygou. my m'n?” said be, turning to his
followers. ‘ hell we leave yonder party 0 coun-
trymen to their fate, and make our escape, or go to
their su port?”

“ Lem on—we‘ll follow," was the resolute answer.

“ Boarders, awayl” shouted the young man. for-

etting that he was not leading a arty of his own
ardy sea-dogs. W aving his sWo above his head,
he started to the rescue.

The combatanis heard the shout, and while the
Americans grasped their arms with firmer hands,
and dealt their blows with sterner fore», the English
hasti attempted to put their forces in position to
meet he charge.

On came Merton with the velocity of a tempest,
and hurled himself upon their center with such im-
petuosity, that everything gave way before him.
it was but for a moment, however; for, by the ex-
ertions of their omcers, the British troops held firm,
and the carnage ame fearful. The enemy had
yet the advan c of numbers, but the determina-
tion of their ass lants was irresisiible. They began
to waver, when the loud re rt of a piece of ord-
nance met their ear ', an a bail Went whistling
over their heads. The contending parties at once
paused to ascertain against which party the missile
was directed.

Through a break in the trees, the open water could

seen; and while they gazed, a rush of smoke
waftod in sight. The next instant the frigate Roe-
buck appeared n n the scene. The rumbling of
the cannon could a still heard, when a fainter re-
port met their ears; and,as the view of the ba
was extensive, they saw at a distance the dark hu 1
of a vessel stand . with all sails set, for the man-
ofowar. The conflict, for the time, was ended; and.
as before said, both par ies stood gazing on the
vessels. Merton saw at a lance, that the approach-
ing sail was the Black Sh p. H felt a gang of re-

t that he had volunteered t pass t rough the

tish lines. He had thus deprived himself of be-
ing one of the number to enga e in the battle now
pending. As he gazed he saw is ship fly it in the
wind, and a wreath of smoke curl from her 5 des.

The Roebuck had ceased her firing after throw-
ing her second shot; but now, as if aware of this
new danger, and wishing to do all the damage he
could to his enemy on hand, the British commander
succeeded in obtaining a good range, and opened
with all the guns he could bring to bear u n the
Americana-titre death and disorder n their
ranks. Acting upon this signal, the foe again com-
menced the attack with such vigor, that, had not
the watchful Merton prepared for the assault, his
men would have been annihilated. Alas. for the
W“ti‘h°d“ltri°“" “were

a ow ea y a n n . 0
Continental troops tied in confusfon, leaving him
wounded and a risoner. «

The battle 0 Long Island was fought, yet we
can not say lost, although the enemy remained pos-
sessors of the field. The reader might tire, did we:
give a detailed account; yet, had we done so, it
would have been seen how well planned and admir-
ably executed were the maneuverings of the British.
Every pass leading to Brooklyn the Americans had

ed save. one; by this unprotected point had
the foe been enabled to decide the fortunes of the
day, and turn the American flank. Had General
Greene been able to command, this disaster would
not have occurred; and the road from Jamaica to
Bedford+which was the pass unguarded— would
have been held byaforce sufficient in number to
have made the result a far dlflerent one. General
Putnam, the wolf hero. and awarrlor of the true
stdmp, was compelled toremain within his fortifi-
cations. Ail the assistance he could render the field
forces was by sending small detachments to meet
and check as much as possible the advance of the
enemy. Lord Stirling had bravely contested the
ground inch b inch, with General Grant, until the
frigate Itoebuc had opened fire in his rear, upon the
battery at Red Hook. Washington witnmsed the
disaster, and his great heart was wrung with anguish
when word was brought that the American army
was retreating. The violent rain on the twenty-
eiighth had kept both armies apart; but the followin
n ght the British broke ground, within easy range 0
Fort Greene, and the body of their army was com-
ingup by slow but sure approaches.

V n the morning of the thirtieth a British sentinel
walking his beat, now

could have been seen lazil
merican lines, where a

and then glancing at the
sus lcious silence’reigned.
" ho Yankees must be asleep or dead," he at
length remarked, “ for I haven’t heard a word from
them this mornin . .
“ Did you last n ght?" asked the one addressed.
“ Yes; they made noise enough for a larger «gritty
than they have." _
t; Perhaps they have left," was remarked by an-
0 er.
" Don‘t think they have," re lied the first speaker,
“ for we're too sharp to let t em out of the trap
they’rein."
“ i don’t know about that; but to make sure, sup
pose three of us crawl up and e a look."

i

 

This proposition was agreed upon, and they ac-
cording y cautiously advanced toward the American
lines. The nearer they approached, the more the
became convinced that no one was to be foun .
They crossed the well-worn pathway of the outer
breastwork. but all was still. At last they ascended
the fort, carefully peered over the wall; all was de-
serl'ted—not even the smallest thing was left of any
va ue.

" They've gone!" burst from their lips at once.

“ But where?”

Out on the river, and beyond the range of their
guns, could be seen the lust barge load of the Am-
erican forces. In a small heat which foliOWed last,
stood a taxi figure, with folded arms. and a smile
resting upon his countenance. He seemed the
guardian spirit of t!' e destinies of that army, and of

is country. It was George Washington.

The alarm was spread, but; it was too late, for the
arm of the Republic was safe. When Menon was
stric on down. the Black Ship had arrived as near
the frirate as her prudent commander judged safe.
Her rts then flew open and a cutting fire with her
henvnst uns greeted the somewhat surprised
Briton. T e British commander returned the com-
pliment with iron hall, and extended sail after sail
in pursuit of his daring foe. Captain Monmouth’s
instructions were not to allow his formidable antag-
oni- t to close in with him. but to lead him away,
and thus draw the destructive fire which was bein
p ured upon his friends on shore. This he succee -
ed in doing till, knowln that the issue of the battle
must have been decid , be crowded on all the sail
his ship could carry and made good his escape.

c————-

CHAPTER IX.
RONALD on A season.

01¢ a dark. stormy night, some months after the
events narrated in the last chaptr r, a man was has-
tening along the streets of New York. He seemed
not to mind the floods of rain that poured it on him.
Wrapping his large cloak still closer aroun him be
burned along, muttering his discontent in a ow
tone. The wind blew around the corners of the
street in filful gusts, rattling the window-shutters
and causing the sign-boards to creak like the sad
screech' s of some wandering spirit. The street-
iamps sent out a sickly, flickering glare of light
across the drenched pavements, which only made
the traveler’s way more dreary. The distant s lash
and roar of the North and East rivers con d be
heard as their angry waters smote the shore.

The man kept on, now passing through the pitchy
darkness of some lane or byway, or else threading
a more open strel- t, until be aimed in front of what
evidently was an inn or boa lag-house, through the
chinks of whose shutters streamed rays of cheerful
light. Unhesitatingly he entered, without knocking.
Groping his wa along the dark ent , he opened a
door to the rig t and found hlmse within a well-
‘li hted room. Itemaining closely enveloped in his
c oak until well satisfied none were present save the

the well-remembered face of Ronald was revealed.

“ By all that’s good, Ronald, where did you come
from?" asked the astonished landlord in a strong
north of England accent, shaking the hand of his
friend heartily).

“ Frae me ame—as I 05’ it—over the river," he
replied, return the other’s grasp.

‘Bless my so , man; but you must have some-
thing that won’t brook delay to tempt you out
3331!}: night as this, and to cross an angry river at

” It be a matter of gods or ill to one man,” he re-
plied, adding, “ but ha’e ye not a room where I can
chat a while wi’ ye, for it binna safe for me to be
seen by many nowadayi"

" A y, that I have. and as it is a bleak and stormy
n ht I would like a social bit of talk with you.”

‘It binna so much for my ainsell I ask it, as for
the cause."

. “Ahl” exclaimed the landlord. quickly. “Then
flou’ve struck out bouldiy smce we last met, which

better than a twelve-month i"

“A ha’e I, as ye can see frae this.” replied
Bo d, openin his jacket and pointing to the let-
ters worked on is bosom.

“Come along, old friend!" was the quick ejacu-
lation, “ for tho man that wears the name of that
ship about him finds a friend and helper in me,
come what will."

Leading the way to a room situated in the most
remotgfart of the house, he closed and securely
fasten the clear.

“ Here We can speak out and no fears of being in-
terrupted,” he said, seating himself. “Now, what
can I do for you?”

The seaman narrated the many adventures he had

through up to tho resent time, and also the
manner of his escape, so the loss of his com-
mander.

“I ha’o been trying to cam’ to New York for
many a long while, but ha’e not bad a chance till

noo. .

“ What brings you at this time i"

“ At the battle 0’ Long island my officer. Mr. Mer-
ton, was taken prisoner and brought. here. I he’s
as heard aughto’ him since then, and ha’e cam‘ now
to Seek him out.“

“ Let me see. What did you say his name was?"

1;; Harold Merton, who wa‘ first lieutenant o' the
s p. ’

. “Merton? Ah, now I remember. ' He was tried as
a spg and condemned to be hung.”

‘ ung?" echoed the Scotchman, springing to his
feet. “ They he’s not done it? If they a'e. by a’
that’s gude in heaven or bad in hell, not a men 0’

 

landlord and his son he removed his mufflings, when,

 

them shall live to tell it lang. if I be bueraly enough
to strake a knife to his heart!"

“They haven't hung him at " hastily replied
his com nion; " but it’ so. d he will be in a
week. hey gave him but a short trial, for it seems
there was a couple of officers who wanted him
made away with at once. Their names, I think.
were Moore and Walton-one a captain, the other a
lieutenant."

“ I ken them baith weel. But wa’ there a young
leddie wi' him that ye ken of?"

“ N o. I never heard of one."

gonald remained silent for a time; at length he
sa :
"I want ye to hel me if you can to get Mr. Merton
safe frae jail. I tel thee, men, I binna sic a cha as
Would let him dee without gi’en a hand to save im
if I can. Where he he?”

“ I can’t exactly tell you. Ronald; but. if I can do
any thing to help you I will. right gladly. There‘s
Jo n can tell where he is imprisoneu.” ,

“ Then gang at once and ask fer the laddie, for
be it far or near. I dinna care, I shall gang to it this.
night, and a burdlv place it maun be that I canna
make a hole through. ‘

The landlord did as requested, and shortly return-
ed with the information that the rison was but a
short walk from his house near he river. This.
pleased Ronald well, and he began forthwith to
make his preparations and lay his plans.

“Ken ye a Mr. Snowden, who came frae Geor-
gia?" he asked.

“ I think there’s such a gentleman who lives in
KinfiGcorge’s street."

“ as be any leddies wi’ him, or be he alone?"

“He, has two that I know of; but there may be
more.

“ What may the twa be like i" ,

“They be mother and daughter I think, and they
call the younger Clara."

“That he shel” exclaimed Ronald, with much ap-
lapren’t. satisfaction. “ Will you show me where she
ives? .

“I‘ll send John: he knows the house better than
I. Will that do!"

“ I dinna care who gangs wi’ me, so long as Iget‘
there and ha‘e speech wi’ her. I’ll tell thee. men,
more on’t, and then ye can {judge for your sinsell.
The Black Shi stopped at he coast 0 Georgia for
Mr. Merton to a‘e a chat wi‘ the bonnie lass—for
they baith loved each ither weel—but when he came

to the house, who should be there but twa British '

officers. Mr. Mert0n be as. coward, hutas bauld a
mon as iver trod the deck 0‘ aship' and kennlng
there maun be hot words between them did they
meet, he had 0 nwa and myself, wi’ a Barty o’ the
ship‘s men, gang w ‘ him. he chaps e bade lie
bid till I piped a signal, while Conway and me went:
wi‘ him and sto ped by the hall door. He had us
bin gon' iang, w en he gi’ed us a ca’ and when we
got in we aw that they wanted to make him a
prisoner. The ofiicer—Captain Moore—callrd in his
men, but when I blew my whistle and the brnnie
lads o' the ship cam’ in frae doors and windows, he
wa‘ laith to let us a’
wi’ us, andI heard him ca’ her Clara. 1 dinna think
she kens he is to dee, else she wouldna be so still.
and ye would he's heard something of it.’.’ 1’

“ You want to see her then, and together mean to
play some way of getting Mr. Merton free. Isthat
‘ 1

It YeSIQI .

“1 don’t know how you will make out, but I’m in-
clined to think you're going to try more than you
can manage."

“ But canna ye help us?”

"No, l‘m too well known. But draw up a little.

closer, and I’ll tell {on something. ltisn t safe. in

these times, to spca very loud. because you don’t

know 'at what moment (you will be brought up, and

walls. you know, are sai to have ears ”

t1Rnnjald did as requested, and the landlord con-
nue :

" For a long time back, John has been in the ser-
vice of the Colonies, and he’s nothirég more nor less
than a spy. He's a large, unwiel ilcoking chap,
and seems too innocent to do the ing any harm:
but if thegetake him for a fool, the ’1] find out their
mistake fore long. i‘ll warran . Now. notl in .
would please him better than to take hold of th
thing with you. and, if you think he’ll be of any ser—
vice he shall go.”

“ Most sure I‘ll ha’ve him g, for twa hands are
better than ane,” he rep ed, as he rose from his
sea . .

"Then let’s tell him, for if you intend seeing the
young lady to-night, ou haven’t any time to lose:"
and so saying the le t the room. /

As his father ad rightly con’ectured, John as-
sented without hesitation, and, a ter whispering to
his father, left the room. He had been gone some
ten or fifteen minutes, when the door of the room

leading to the hall. opened. and a man entered“

Seating himself with the familiarity of one com;
pletely at home, he rapped loudly on the table, with-
out deigning so much as a glance at either Ronald
or mine host. In stature he was short, yet lar ely
made. and his dress belsfioke him one of the ori nai
settlers of the city. is face was round. and or" a,
aged-natured expression, while its reddish bus at
sted to his fondness for beer. I
“Vat for you don‘t comes, yea I raps so loud as I
can, and prin me my pint of beer?” he hastily
asked. while h s veice had in its tone a sprinkling of
anger.”
“Ibeg our

ing to bin: “ hat will you have?”

go free. The leddiecsm’ out ,

ardon." replied the landlord, hurryfi

"I t’inks you give me some like vat I bad day ,

udder night."

As the wished-for beverage was placed before 'V

    

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ears didn’t," replied the young man.
haven’t any time to lose."

9,
.4

 1..
I

The Black Ship.

11.

 

 

him. he raised it to his lips, and, after swallowing a
little. set it down, and, drawing his sleeve across his
mouth, accompanying the motion with a smack of
his lips, asked, in a tone loud enough for Ronald to

hear:

“ Who's dat man, and vare he come from—eh Y“

“He’s an old friend of mine I have not seen for
acme ears, and has just come. from his ship."

“ ill be take a little beer mid me? 1 likes totreat
de friend of de king."

. “I will ask him “ was the reply.

“Do you kzn him?" ask( (1 the cautious Scotch-
man, as the invitation was extended.

“ Yes. He is an innocent sort of a fellow 1']-
though sometimes guarrelsome when drinking. You
had better please him. His name is Peter.”

“Weel, I dinnu. mind if I drink a pinto’ ale wi'
him," and he moved to where the Dutchman was,
and seated himself opposite.

*~ “Dat ish right,“ remarked Peter, grinning. “ I
dinks ish better for all to be friendly. Better ii’ dish
country had done so mid England, dan shpill so
much blood fighting for nodding."

Ronald was on the point of denying this assertion,
but recollecting how dangerous it was for him, in
an enemy’s city, to differ with the idea. made popu-
lar either by circumstances or by force of arms,
uttered some oil-hand remark, and then wishing
Peter a good health, emptied his cup at a drau ht.
His entertainer followed his example, and tur ng,
inquired of the landlord where his son was.

"He has stepped out, Peter, but will return soon,"
was the answer.

“If he binna in soon, I will gang wi’out him," re-
marked Ronald, impatiently.

" He is here. and has been waiting for you,“ re-
plied the landlord.

lb here?li

“You have but just drank each other’s healths.
Peter and John are one and the same person."

“ That are they," chimed the supposed Peter. “ I
on] wanted to convince you, Ronald, how well I
could play my part of the work you have laid cut
for yourself and me. There is a man, however, who
is known in this town by almost every erson, by the
name of‘ Dutch Pete, and as he is sic just now, I
thought I‘d take his place. ' I have chosen him be-
cause he’s better known to the soldiers than any
one else that I know of, and the think he isa simple,
harmless sort of a fellow, and a low him to do pretty
much as he pleases. Father has told you that I am
one of Washington's spies. You see I’m an old
hand at the business. I guess we’ll get Mr. Merton
out of prison without much trouble.‘

So completely was Ronald astonished at the meta-
morphosis the landlord‘s son had undergone, not
only in apparel, but in voice and manner, that he
seemed to forget the moments were gliding which
were too precious to be wasted.

“Weel I never saw sich a change in a’ my life,"
he exc ed, at len . “Ye binna no. were like
Johnnie, than I be h e a black man. Ye will do.
laddie. and it be a canny one that Will find ya out."

“I think so, too, Ronald, seeing your 3 est nor

' u we

“ Even sac, laddy; so let’s be gauging, and we can
talk this.over afterhand.” ._

“Have you left our boat so it can’t be easily
fourthil”’inquired ohn.

it e.‘ f

“ Have you any companions on the other side of
the river? ‘

“ No, laddief"

“ Does this Mr. Snowden know you!"

to Yafl

“ Is he a friend of the Colonies, or of the king!”
u 0! the ' ing.”
“ Then it won‘t do for you to be seen. But rome

' along: I'll fix some plan that will work out ri ht in

the end, never fear. If any one ccmes in, other,
and asks for me, you can is 1 them I‘ve got a head-
ache tpothache, or whatever you will—you under-

n .
“Will you be  to-night, John?” asked his

parent.
“I don‘t know how it will be; if I do, I‘ll give the

al.”

“fie left the room. and commenced their walk.
The alarm still, railing in all its fury caused them
to hasten their footsteps. It re uired no great
length of time to reach the end 0 their journey.
Alt ough Mr. Snowden resided in what was re ard-
ed as the suburbs, a few moments sufficed! to ring
them to his house.

“Shelter yourself under yonder sloop, Ronald
until lean enter the house and see how the land
lays," said John. “ Be careful that the patrol does
not see you, should thgy pass. I 11 let you know
when they are wan .‘

Without waiting for a reply. he advanced. boldly
rp to the house. The door was 0 yned to his sui -
rirns by a domestic, who, as the ght of the lamp

, shone on his face, exclaimed:

“ Why, Peter, what takes you out such a. night as
this?” ' ,

" on don‘t like to see me out, vy don‘t you
say, ‘6ome in, Peter?’ ”

' Well. come in, Peter, and dry yourself." she
said. closing the door, and leading the way into the
kitchen. . ' ”

“You want to know vy I ish out tonight?

I it Yes.”

“I comes to see you, Mary;" he said this in his
most winning manner.

, “ You flatter me. Peter " .

‘_‘ No I doesn't, Mary; but I t’inks ‘tish a bad night,
raining like dnnderstion. an ' you wouldn’t have
any shweetheart; so I says, ‘ t's go, Peter,’ and I
tomes." ‘

 

“ I‘m sorry you took so much trouble."

" 'Tish no troubles, only when I meets de soldiers,
and dc stops me. Mary, dish ish bad times."

“13 times! I should rather think they were. I
wish the Americans would come b wk. and drive
{base saucy Britishers away,“ said the girl, sincere

This answer suitcd John exactly. as his remarks
were made purporclv to lost the girl‘s l‘celinps.

“ And sodoosh 1, int it ishn‘t safe for a man to
say much about it, lit-cause he might. be ut in de
prison. Vol) 1 say prism, it makes me t‘mk of dat
poor young man riat’s got to die next week.”

" Who, 1’. ter?”

"I means Mr. Merton."

“I'll tell you what, then; if Iwas half a man I
would try and get him out, if I was l ting for it t 0
next minute, though I don’t know him, and never
heard his name before."

“Now, Mary, (lat ish too hard.” he replied. in a
pitiful tone. “I don‘t know how to begin helping
mm or, by dunderation. I would.”

“ You don‘t want a woman to tell you? For shame,
Peter, for if you loved your country as well as I do,
you would be fighting for her and not be running
about on wet nights seeing gir s.“

“ You loves dish American country, den?”

“ch, with all my heart."

“ And if you had do chance, would you do vat you
could to hel do cause?"

“Indeed would."

“Well, young woman, I am not Peter," he said,
s eaking 11 hi; natural voice, "butam aspy from
t 0 government you love. Please make no noise
for I have come to see you on a matter of life an
death, and you can be] me." .

.“Speak quickly. sir.’ she said, with much agita-
tion, "for anything I can do for you or poor
America, I will. ’

" Then pay attention, and come closer to me, so I
need not 3 ak so loud. This young man. Mr.
Merton. is iss Bryce's husband a: is to ha; and, as
I said. will be hung as a spy next week, unless we
can save him. I want you to
once, and after telli her what I ave said, mention
that Ronald, of the lack Ship, and a companion,
are in the house and want to see her this very night.
You must not let her make any noise, or let any
person see you. And now I want you to. hide me
till vou come back."

“Never fear,” said the quick-witted girl, “but I
will manage it. I rather like this, for I am helping
in a go work. Here, get under these clothes, and
lay s it till I come back."

Ie compiled, and the next moment her footsteps
died in the distance. Full half an hour was she gone,
when, removing the coverings, she said:

“ l have been longer than I meant to be, but Mr.
Snowden had company from England, and it was
some time befor: I could get an excuse to enter the
room, and let Miss Clara know. Here sheis, though,
and, ppor thing, frightened enough she is with the
news.

“ Good-morning, miss,” he said, advancing toward
her. “ I bring you unpleasant news, but it‘s not as
bad as it might be.”

Question after question did the agitated girl ply
him with, until he reminded her that Ronald was
without. The faithful fellow was immediately sum-
moned. As soon as he made his appearance, Mary
acted as guard, while the best plan, of operations
was being determined. A rope of sufficient length
and thickness was made by the (xpert fln ers of
the sailors, the requisite material bei foun in the
clothes-line taken from Mary‘s baske Then, with
the promise that he should soon hear from them,
they took their departure.

CHAPTER I.
our on PRISON, nc'r m'ro nouns.

BY this time it was well advanced toward mid-
night but no thouahts were entertained of defer-
ring their Visit to the prison. Its location was in
every way advantazeo and, although well guard-
ed, the character which ohn could so easily adopt
would carry him safely through, as Dutch Peter was
often met with prowlin around late at night.

“ We‘re close on it I nald," at length remarked
his companion, brealun the silence; “and, as I
said, I know that Mr. .erton is in that stout build-
ing; but in what art of itI can’t tell."

“Weel a Weel,’ replied the Scotchman, discourag-
ingly. “ what he’s we to do. then?”

“That’s what I want to know.” replied John.
“You see it won‘t be hard for me to get among the
guards, and I can make 110186 enough to wake up
evcr prisonrr in the place, but that won‘t‘ do no
9: . as Mr. Merton won‘t know I want to and Mm.
out" .

“ Canna e gang inside?"

“th IlyIf I was ilft
wouldn’t allow that.
thing?” “ ”

“ l'might if, I could gang wr ve.

“But that you can‘t do. What would be your
plan if you could?" '

“ I'd gi'e a whistle. like as they do on the ship."

“Tell me how it is done_."

Ronald at once uttered a low sound, which John
repeated until he perfectl understood. Then tak-
ing the rope from Rona d, and giving necessary
caution, to the Scotchman’s surprise, began retrac-
ing his steps.

“ Weel,” he muttered, as he hid himself in a deep
doorway, “ where he the man ganging to? Yonder
be not the road to the prison. But he has canny
yolggh and kens well his business."

had scarce finished speakin , when the tones
of a voice fell on his ear, coming rom no great dis»
tance. and, in a few moments a man came inview.

o and See her at.

 

timesa Dutchman, they
an’t you think of some-

 

His etc was unsteady, and, as far as Ronald'
could (i scorn through the darkness, he hadbeen
drinking quite as much as he was able to bear. As
he pa the seamen, he uttered a loud whistle,
and. reeling toward him, said:

“ Not quite so bad as I seem. Ronald. Stay where
you are until you see me again'“ and then adde d,
as he kept on' “Vel, it ish dark to-night as ish a
(bio) lamp van de room ish blowed out. By Shudas,
1 falls down (hic several, many times. he I was.
drunk, till I ish a over mut. Dat ish a nice whistle,
and I blows m head 03 learning, but 1 glets him pv-
and-py," and e broke forth again,“ if is very ife
depended upon it.

‘ What are you kicking up such a row for, you
drunken Dutchman?" called out one of the guard, as.
the supposed Peter came blunder-ing along.

“ Who ish drunk? Who makes a row?”

“You, you living sample of a beer-barrel,” was:-
the reply.

" You t’inks I gets mad mit vou,but I doesn‘t,"
replied John, trying, with much exertion, to he -
himself erect. "You t‘inks I make the noise (11103:
but it isn't me.”

“Who is it, then?"

“ W’hy de wind and rain, whistling around de cor—
ners.

“ How come on out such a night? I can tell you
what it is Mr. eter, if you don’t stop drinking, vou
won‘t been to of the ground much longer. ’ve
been on post ere fora long time, ever since we
fought the battle of Long island, and it ain'tbecn
man nights that have passed without my seeing or'
hear ng you. If I had my way, you would be some
where besides running at large.‘

“ Where’d I be?"

“ Inside there along with the ferocious chap that
belongs to the Black Ship."

“ De Plack Ship? Ve l, I doesn‘t know (hic) any
t’ing about dat. If de man has a goat room. I.
doesn‘t fears him no more as to dyfll.”

The soldier laughineg informed John that the
Black Ship monster was confined in a room on the
second floor of the north side of the building—a cold
solita place, where no light nor sound could
reach in.

“Sol Dat ish be", to keep a fellow mitout not»
tinks. Iguess I doesn't want to shin mit him. So
I oes along;" and the rooming drun ard started oif‘
in o the darkness, whistling as if to keep up his:
courage.

“ ell, go ahead, my jolly butter-tub, and take
care you don‘t blow out- what little brains you’ve
got. by whistli too hard." ,

“ I may blow your sorrow," replied the counter»
felt Dutchman, in an undertone, as be moved r if.

Blundering and stumbling onward, in the ties
ruts hat lined his ath he soon passed the patrols
beat, and then b no fear of incounterin further"
interruption. Proceeding at a more re i lace, he
soon found himself in the rear of the nilding. It
was a lonely s t. John selected a number of ‘
small stones, an commenced throwing them against
the hard wall, hoping to strike the solitar iron
gratiniiyhioh he knew would be in the bui oing‘s.
side. ora long time he was thus engaged, until
he began to despair of effecting the wished‘for-
result. He was on the point of retracing his steps.
when, as if in answer 0 his efl'ort. a low- whistle
faintly reached his ear. It was the ship's sins]:
John answered it cautious] . It was a spirit tale.-
graph which sent the bl bouncing through two

carts. Soon words were passed and all we arranged.

From under his great Dutch doublet, John drew his: .

coil of no , and dextrouslyilung it up to the grat-
ing. at er several (iforts, Merton caught it, and
soon a stout chisel passed up. Then, in as much
silence as possible, Merton essayed the task of'
working out the iron bars. Help? cf life, of liberty,
gave strength to his am. e bars, he found,
were much weakened by rust. In the space of two
hours. he had removed one and found that hing
large enough to force his brdy through 0 ~-
curcl fasten the rope to the remaining grate,
and escend to the ground, was but the work of a

moment.
y ‘ essyou eeamsyeacuae,as..
“Ma Godbl "h ti 1 ltd
be grasped the band 0 his friend. “ I do not know
who you are, but yru have rendered me a service
which I shall never forget, and I am sure can never-
full£re ay."

on t thank me too soon,” replied John, “for

we’ve got to pass the ruards yet, rod that prison
may. before morning, contain two instead of one
prisoner.” ‘

“ I shall never go back alive," was the calm. et
firm reply. “The liberty I now once more en oy
shall never be surrendered only with my life.”

“I’m glad to hear ‘it, and you’ve a friend in me
that will stand by you until I see you it ave the city‘
in safety. But e ’s be moving. for it’s hard on
morning. Take this pistol, but. use it only to save
life. and if you hear me use a different of speaking,
don’t show an?V surprise.

Without wa ting or a reply his guide started for.
ward, making all the haste the roughness of the
around. together with the darkness, would allow.
They had not proceeded far when the sharp rattle
of a musket. as it .was brought to a charge, broke
n n their unaccompanied by the prompt challenge
0 the sentinel. _

“Vel. it is me vot comes here, and how 1 comes
ish hard telling," at once replied John, instantl as-
suming his borrowed character, without oncer ect-
ipaé how much injury he was entailing upon the real

e er. .

“ It’s you is it—you ghost of flesh and blood?
And where

John had passed on arriving.

ave you come from this time of the: »
morning?“ inquired the soldier, not the same one,

  
   

     

 

      

12

 

The 31.2.1. Ship.

 

“ I comes from do rlson where I oes some time
ago, and falls, down do mud, so lays still and

as to .
“ Falldown and go to sleep in the mud! You were

u .

" I beesh a little ti sy and very shlee ."

“ You were drunk,pso don’t lie to m???

“ Who lies?" asked the supposed Peter, angrily,
and coin nearer the soldier.

“ You 0. But yonder is a man!” he exclaimed,
as the re of Merton loomed from out the dark.
“ness. “ utchman, you have a hand in this. Who
.goes there? Haiti y Heavens. it is the-”

The remainder of the sentence was hushed b the
heavy blow dealt by John, and catching the sol ier‘s
gun as it fell, he repeated the stroke with the breech,
rendering him insenslble.

“ Come on, sir,” he said, in a hurried whisper, as
he caught Merton rudely by the arm and dragged

. him forward; “we have not a moment to lose, for

see. yonder comes the relief.”

He had rightly said, for remote only some three
or four osts, the flash of a lantern shone through
the dar ness, and distant voices could be board.
As they passed where the faithful Ronald impa-
tiently waited, he joined them, and simply pressing
his superior‘s hand, the three made all speed to
reach the inn.

“Now. Ronald, I want to know how you came
here. and in fact, the entire history of eve event
that has ppened during my imprisonmen ,” said
Merton, seating himself n a comfortable chair in
the landlord's secret room.

" Canna ye bide till morning?" inquired the
Scotcbman, for he felt his superior was much in
:need of rest.

“ No. not a moment. Let me hear all now."

“It be a short story. sir," and forthwith he nar-
rated the events of which the reader is already in

ssession. forgetting not to mention the interview

e had with Clara.

The a
throng t e lesden sky as t 6 heroes of the night
sought the re ose that wearied nature craved. A
few hours an cod, and they again met within the
room. The excitement in regard to the escape of
Merton was intense, and a most diligent search was
being instituted, as it was hoped that they had not
,yet been able to leave the citi. So it was necessary
for the greatest prudence to e used. The inn, for-
tunately escaped visitation. It could not ex-
pected t at the affair would be iikelgato escape the
attention of Mr. Snowden long; and t t gentleman,-
Iearing the bold lieutenant migh attem t an inter-
view with his ward. informed th Britis l officers of
'the relations of the parties. A strong guard was
established about his house. This was soon discov-
ered by John. who at once made it known to the
young man. 4 «

“ So you think itwould be best, not to try and see
Misskltryce?” he asked: as his‘ informant ceased
aspen mg.

"I do, sir." _ ’

'“ Young man," he added, with his old resolution,
“I shalt use every effort to see that young lady.
The plan we first adopted will be carried out, that
is, if {on are still willing to run the risk.”

“1 ave en ged in a werk that leads me nearer
to the séafloi with every breath It'draw. But as, in
serving you, i serve my country, I will stand by. you
:to the death." '

“We’re going to have the weather again in our
favor, for it’s oing to be as dark as E pt.” '

After parts 2 of a hasty supper, t ey emerged
from the house, first ascertaining that they were un-
noticed. and with extreme caution directed their
steps toward Mr. Snowden’s. Using the less fre-
quented treets and alleys they at length reached
it e rear of the building. It was evident that what-
ever instructions the guard had received. they were
lax in carrying it out. for our party succeededin
scaling the wall of the garden without molestation.
Cautioning the two to remain where they were,
John advanced boldly to the house, and after a time
his summons was answered by Mary. .

" If you love your life do not tarry one moment
.tonger where (you are,” s e hurriedly exclaimed, as
-she recognize the man. ,

“ I‘m certain I want to live, but for all that I can't
take your advice,” he replied, and then briefly ex-
plained why he was there, and what he wished her

to do.

“I‘m sure it can't be done, but I‘ll try. St'vy
where on are until I return, and should any of the
:guard a pen this waly;é you must act for yourself.”.

“ Whic I shall,” quickly anewered tapping‘
the bleay‘y sword he wore concealed beneath his am-
, e c 0a .

D From the length of time she Was gone, he feared
"she had found it difficult to communicate to Clara
Merton‘s wishes. At len it she reap d.

. " Tell the officer to o o the arbor on the right-
'the lady will soon be t ere," and she again entered
the house. .

“I like that girl.” remarked the spy to himself;
“she‘s made of the right mettle. and assoon as the
war is over. if she hasn‘t any objections, I'll make—
ahem! well, I’ll wait till the war is over.”

There is an old adage. and a true one, that to
increase love vou have but to keep from the object
of your affection. This would seem to have been
true with our lovers. Long had they been separated:
it seemed years to Clara. and the happiness that
enabled. like the sparkling waters of some mountain
spring. from her pure heart was only expressed by
.her rapturous silence. Marion knew that no time
was to be lost in presenting to (‘lara the new hog:
are had allowed to spring into existence during t
wast twenty-four hours. ‘

, ‘ I “My own Clara," he at length said, gentlyraising

light of morning1 began slowly to steal 3
giving a decided refusal,but as she renewed

 

her from his bosom, "you well know the fearful
risk I run in visiting you, and et I could not leave
the city without seeing you. y first thought after
making my escape was, where you were, and how I
should tin you. Had it not been for the assistance
rendered me by the s y. I should have failed, and
perha by this time ave been a sin an inmate of
m pr son cell. But, dear Clara, have something
0 vital im rtance to pro so. which I hope for
our mutual pplness you w ll think for the best."

“ Tell me, dear Harold, what it is. You are now
my guide, and with you rest all the hopes of my
future life."

" I must leave this city at once, and hope to do so
Without interruption. God only knows when we
shall meet again, perhaps never;" he seemed choked
as he uttered these last words. for his stout heart,
that bore him so bravel in nlanyva trying moment.
gave wa at the thong t of parting with the fair
girl by h 3 side. He overcame his emotion in a mo-
ment, and resumed, in an impressive tone:

“ What I propose may startle you by its abrupt-
ness. but it is that we part as man and wife."

“ To be married 1” she exclaimed, at the unlocked-
for request.

“ Does it surprise on?" he added, quickly. “The
circumstances whic surround us warrant it. Mr.
Snowden will never give his sanction, were we to
wait for the war to terminate. and surely you would
only secure our peace of heart by being mine in life
and in death."

“ Then our marriage— l”

“Must be performed to-night."

“ But the time! The—"

“ Is as suitable as before a congregated throng in
church. or in your uncle's splendid drawing—room.
But it shall only be consummated with your mother’s
knowledge and consent."

Tremblin with her com mingled emotions of fear,
love and onbt, the maid sou ht her mother’s
chamber, to startle the good lady yher revelations.
For the moment, Mrs. Bryce was upon the oint of
erton s

istory, she began to think more favorably. The
pleasing, tearful countenance of her child sealed the
decision.

" My child, he is worthy of you; let it he as he do-
sires. I understand the motives that prom t him.
Return and tell him he has my sanction, an that I
will join him with all speed."

Clara hastened bmk to the side of her lover. and
made known the result in blushing modesty. John
was called and to his surprise was asked where the
services of a clergs man could be obtained. Con-
sidering a moment. he at length fixed upon one. who
could be fully trusted. Giving a few orders, Merton
bade him make all haste, and ere an hour had
ela ed, the man had returned. . _

ow solemn was that marriage! No pomp, no
flashes of light, no merry voices, no display; but out
in that black night air, with the wild, stormy sky
abo’ve them, and the darkness around, Merton and
Clara plighted their vows. The ceremony was soon
concluded; a few moments later the heart-rendin
sons of the young wife told that their parting was a
hand. One moment of bliss to be followed by count-
less days of agony. The arting might be forever.
The garden was again eft to .its solitude. The:
“ careful watch ” patrolled his beat, and as his “ all
well ” runs! out from time to time. Clara was in-
formed within her solitary chamber that her husband
had effected his escape unnoticed. Little did Mr.
Snowden think, in his fancied security, as he rested
on his couch in the library, of what was transpiring
—-that the “audacious rebel ” had not only e uded
his vigilance, but had assumed the right of controll-
in the future of his niece, with a powerhe could not

ga nsay. ‘

We will not relate the manner in which Lieutenant
Merton succeeded in passing the numerous guards
posted around the premises and along the streets.

t was owing to the mangement of the s y—a man
of consummate courage. craft_ and devot on.

“And nowwe part,” he said. as be grasped his
hand “ both to engage in the dangers of our calling.
You ave saved my life and enabled .me to consum-
mate the dearest wish of mfibeart. One favor more
I ask of you, if it should so appen that you are able
to grant it. Watch over the Welfare 0‘ my bride:
guard her from ill: and. should it be necessary, on
account of any harsh treatment she may receive
from her uncle, to have her r» moved. aid . her to
reach my vessel. and any reward you may ask shall
be freely ‘ ven."

“Do no speak of reward. sir. unless you want to
aggravate me; and rest easy, that Mrs. Merton shall
not want a friend as long as I am near. But push
ofl, sir. for danger may come at any moment. Good-
by to you both ”

“ Farewell, J ohn; I shall not soon forget you.
Here. receive this—nay. do not reject it,” he said.
drawing his watch from his pocket, and placing it
within the hand of the spy. Then, as if fearful it
would not be received, he ordered, quickly, “Give
wnv. Ronald!” -

The spy stood watching the boat until it was lost
to sight. when, drawing adeep sigh of relief. and
casting his eyes on the present. said: “ Yes, I'll keep
it,’ for we may never meet» again."

His words were prophetic.

—-p——
CHAPTER X1.
m HAVEN AGAIN.

Turn, with steady hand. had tolled the re uiem of
many a year. The cloud of war no lomfir arkelied
the land. The warrior had laid aside h sword, for

r L

 

peace laynpon every 'hearthstone. America was .

   

free, and had taken her place among nations, pro-
mising to become a great and My republic. ’

It was early spring-time. The t flowers began
to open their beauties to the eye. The budding-leaf,
the warblin of birds. the fragrant air. gave pro-

mise of the ntense joy which a bountiful Providence ‘

seemed to lavish upon all around.

The reader’s a tention is again invited to the
headland near the River Medwey. A distant speck
of white can be seen far out on the blue waters of
the ocean. but as the wind blows steadily landward
it gradually increases, until the gloomy hull an
snowy sails of the Black Ship loom up from the
horizon. ‘

Harold Merton had not seen his bride since the
night of his esca e from New York. This was ow-
ing to Mr. Snow en's removing with his family to
England, where he remained until the surrender of
Cornwallis at Yorktown. When he found that the
estimate he had formed. in commoh with the ma-
jority of his count men, relating to the strength
and ability of the Co onies to wage a successful war
against a. power so mighty in its resources as Great
Britain. was erroneous self-interest modified. if not
entirely changed his hitherto loyal feelings, and
he now soon returned to his Georgia estate. to en-
joy the fruits of the liberty he had done nothing to
mer t.

The marriage of Clara had been kept a profound
secret. and he had hinted that an alliance of her-
self withva gentleman whom he had already select»
ed, would. be exceedingly gratifying. .

“So, Merton we are likely so u to part." re-
marked Captan Monmouth, as his vessel dashed

merrily through the water. toward the harbor in ‘

which she had once before rested. '

“I hope it will not be long,” re lird the young
man; for the idea of guiding with is commander
and the shi eflected irn nee rly to tears.

“ It may forever. Merton,” was the impres‘ivo
reply. “ You are soon to be united with 'our wife,
and, in the cares of life. the memory of t ose with
whom you have been associated wil be forgotten ”
he added, after a moment’s silence, With much feel-
ing. “ i once heard the prattling ton us of infencv
call me ‘ father,’ and felt the kiss of ove upon my
lips. But it was a brief bliss—alas, too suddenly
ended l” ’

His lieutenant was astonished, From the first
moment of their ac uaintance not a word had been
uttered which won] lead him to believe this strange
man ever had loved. '

" You surprise me.” he said. at length. “ And
with surprise comes the wish to learn more of your
storv. Your wife—did she die earl ?” g

“ Die—would to God she had! 0, no, Merton; it
was the work of those in whom I placed confidence:
friends of the family the announced themselves,
but I named them the lot ing devils.”

Merton was startled y the captain’s manner; yet
he could not refrain from adding:

“ Your wife—your child—where are they 1’” I

“ ’Tis hard to say. Happy, perhaps, in other
lands—at least so I hope.” i

“ Have you not endeavored to find them?"

“Yes, but it was usvless. I ventured once, and
only once. to obtain an interview, but was told my
guilt was too clear to admit of doubt, and that there-.
fore my wife would not see me. Her special mes-
sage was that for the future the greatest kindness I
could show her would he never again to attempt an
interview.
how hard— God only knows how hard it has been to.
persevere in it." . ‘

“ Captain Monmouth, excuse me but I really
think you have done yourself and your wife a
freat‘wrong, a life-long injury, in not compelling

hose who had wrought your unhappiness to a stem
account.” ,

“My dear hey, all this I did attem t. but ’twas
useless. But no more of this,” head ed his voice
resuming its quick, authoritative tone. “ be you in-
tend returning North ,with me. or Will your stay be
too long for me to wait?”

“M business is solely to see and claim my wife;
and t rn, sir, I shall be ready to r-turn.”

“Then a day or two will suffice?”

it itenfl ,

“ finst say I am byyno means devoid of curiosity,
and should much like to see this lady-love of ours.’

“Will you not go With me to the house —for I
mean to make my second visit, as I did my flrst,-un.
announced.” -

.“ I will accept your invitation, and astonish myself
by meeting society once more. By the by, Merton,
we Win poorly represent the navy of our country,
seeing our, clothes are none of the newest, and that
no tailor sails aboard. But no mat r; we will show
{parks of rough usage, like the old ship—God bless

er!”

“She bears many a mark, air and her black sides
look some less glossy than when she last glided
among the dangers of onder inlet.”

“ But, battered as s e is, it would be a risky mat-
tor for a ship to try her strength; and, with all the
plugs she carries, there is strength in her timbers
yet. I suppose we must enter yonder harbor seize
did at flagst. previded you and Ronald remembe e

s .

I have obeyed that request; but. oh, » "

signs , ‘ ‘ V 
“Yes; it will be necessary, sir.  still remember ~ a ,

my part of the lesson.
‘ Ronald l” ‘
“ A . sy, sir." '
The faithful Scotchman came aft.

“Do you remember the art on layed on this
p y agoard ship?"

snore. whilegve obeyed your signals

again?"
“ I’keu so."

es. . . v - .
“ Do vou think you can go through the same .

 

     
 

The Black Ship.

13

 

 

 

“ Then get you a crew, and lower away the boat.”

“ Ha'e you the flags. Mr Merton t"

“ They are in the cabin. Ronald; and while you get
read I will bring them."

“ eg pardon, sir; but be ye ganging to see tho
leddiet"

“Yes, Ronald, such is my intention."

“I wad like to gang wi ye, sir, for there be na
knowing what might happen. Ye dinna forget the
service poor Jamie and myscl’ gl’ed ye, when ye had
us ang wi‘ e?" .

“ remem er it well, Ronald; but I think this time
We will not be likely to meet enemies. You may go.
however, so lose no time in preparing the boat, my
man,” added Merton.

“ Ay. ay. sir," and the happy fellow hastened to
perform his duties.

Conway was no longer the Scotchman’s insepara-
ble companion. The noble sailor had yie‘dcd up his
life in the service of his adopted country, and now
la calmly sleep.ng beneath the over-movm waters.
03:: had his companion thou ht, as he passe through
the lone hours of lns watc , of his friend Jamie’s
last words. He could almOst hear the stentorian
tones of his voice, as, side by side they fought, until
missing the strength of his brawny arm, he turned
and saw the brave man lying prostrate on the deck,
his life flowing fast away.

“ It’s all up with me at last. Ronald bo , and you'll
have to fight alone the balance of your ( ays. Take
a dying man’s blessing. and stand by the flag,
Ronald, if you have to ive up your life as I have.
God bless you, Ronald, or you’ve been a brother to
me. Raise me u higher, for I want to see the ba’tle.
By me faith, bu the strife‘s ours, boy. Oh! for a
little more life—a wee bit of strength—but it's com-
in -—good-b—-—"

onald was companionlcssl

The host was ready. Merton having examined
the signals, the crew started for the shore. The
little flags did their work well, and the Black Ship
soon swung at her cable. Captain Monmouth, w1t
his lieutenant, started at once for the mansion of
Mr. Snowden.

 

CHAPTER XII.
ALL rs WELL.

“On. mother, when will this cruel so aration end?
When shall 1 again behold the dear ‘orm and face
of that husband who hasbcen kept so long from
me?" said the now despairing Clara to her mother,
on that delicious s rin day.

“Patience, my aug iter. In God‘s good time all
will be well, and the clouds which so weigh down
your spirits will surely pass away. Trust in Him
who doeth all things well. But come, you must
rouse yourself, and not let the com any assembled
below see you wear such a look 0 despondency.
Have you arranged ever thing for the tableau t"

“ Yes, mother but rea ly I detest the folly."

“You will find that it will do much toward chas-
ing away the sadness that seems to .de css your
spirits to an unusual degree to-day, my c ild."

“I will try, mother. Do you descend; I shall soon
make my appearance."

“Harold, my Harold,“ she murmured, when left
to herself again. “011, why do you stay away from
met "When shall we be reun ted, never more to

She seated herself by the window, gazing abstract-
edly out upon the sunny landscape. Long she lin-
gored, forgetful of the promise she had made until
roused by the joyous tones of the company be ow.

She hastened through her toilet. Arranging her
abundant tresses gracefully around her brow,and
robing herself in a simple yet becoming dress, she
descended to the parlor, to mingle with the guests,
and to appear the gayest of the gay].

Mr. Snowden was celebrating t e anniversary of
his birthday—a custom which he never omitted.
And now that the war had ended, and peace again
blast his enlate with fruitfulness. the master of the
mansion enjoyed the festivities of the day with un-
wonted relish.

The hours passed swiftly. The shades of night
stole over all. It was planned that in the evening a
grand tableau should be enacted, representln some
of the leading events Of the past strug le. E a was
to a pear as Liberty. surrounded b er satellites,
whi e her mother intended portray ng some of the
sorrows attending war. She was to personate the
widow robbed of her husband on the battle-field,
and was to be seen in the act of gazin on his ic-
ture. and to appear as if bowed down w th anguish.
The trials of her own life enabled her to act her art
with much uxiidore real feeling than the assem led
com an c0 guess-

WgenyCaptain Monmouth and Harold reached
the mansion, it was quite dark. The first sound
which met their ears was the sound of music and
merry voices, causing them both to look inquirineg
at each other.

“You will be obliged to delay your visit for there
must be a large company gathered in there, Mer.

11.

“ None, Ithink sir, have a better right of entering
than in self. With your permission, we Will walk
in ” rep ed the young man. determinedly.

1‘ Very well lead on," replied his commander. " I
know how it is with you youn husbands, and I do
not blame your anxiety in wanting to see your long-
absent wife."

They approached the door, and knocked for ad-
mittance. It was some time before the summons
was answered. .

“I would like to see Mrs—I mean Miss Bryce,"
said Merton, to the servant.

“ Yes stir—walk in, sir. Miss Clara be in de par-
lor. an can‘t come right away."

 

“ But I must see her at once."

“Beg par.ion, sar, but she‘s playing in de show
jest now."

“ What does all this meant“ said Merton, looking
puzzled.

“De ladies and gemmen am all dressed up and
Slaying like as if (Icy was dead,“ exclaimed the

ar

“ 'l’he man evidently means they are engaged in a
play of some kind,” suggested the captain.

"Ah, true. You can go, boy, and we will wait in
the ante-room,” said Merton, as the negro hastened
awa to witness the tableau.

“ t is many a long year, Merton, since the music
of the social circle 1as rung in my ears," said the
captain, breaking the silence, and glancing around
the comfortable room in which they were seated.
“Moments like these make me sad. and awake fresh
memories of bygone days, which, for the sake of my
peace of mind, were better never recalls I."

“Our natures, sir, flow in very different chan-
nels,” replied Merton, as he noticed the melancholy
which spread over the countenance of his su erlor.
“ With me. sir, did ought trouble my peace 0 mind,
I should make a conii ant of some generous heart,
that would sympathize with and comfort me, while
you keep your secret most ealousl locked within
your own breast. Captain onmout , unsuitable as
the time and place is, will you not unburden your
heart to me?’

“God bless you, my young friend! I appreciate
the motive that rompts the desire on your part,
but on cannot (1 me and the recital of my wrongs
wou d neither be pleasant for me to relate, nor for
you to hear. All will be made right in the world be-
yond this.”

He arose, and hurriedly paced to and fro, across
the little room. Merton watched him for some time.
wondering what could have been the cause which
created so much unhappiness in the heart of the
agitated man before him. Gradually his thou hts
turned to his beloved, whom he was so soon to c asp
to his earning heart, and roudl publish to the
world no tie that bound t em. oments swiftly
flew until he was aroused from his reverie by the
startling yet suppressed or of his superior. He
saw him tottcr to a chair. irom the apartment in
which they were seated led two doors. One, by
which they had entered, and another opening into a
passage which led to the drawing-room. where the
company were assembled. Directly in front of the
door, which stood open. was erected a platform,
upon which the different scenes were bcin repre-
sented. It was evident Ca tain Monmouth fixed re-
marked something which ! isturbed him, for he hur-
ried to Merton‘s side, saying:

“Look through yonder door. and tell me what
you seal" ,His voice was reduced to a hoarse
whisper.

“ A room well thronged with visitors, that is all,"
answered Merton.

” But the platforml Look on the platform!"
“ There is no one thvre.”

” Oh, Merton, why did you bring me here? Would
to God I was out on the wide ocean. Would that I
could feel the quiver of my noble ship beneath my
feet, and hear the fierce unchained winds whirling
and whipping the waters into mountain waves.
This is a new chapter in my life‘s history, and it
will either bequeath to me joy, or a still darker
path to tread. Come, follow mc.’

' Where. sir, are you going?" asked Merton, in
mchi agitation,1

“ mong yom er com an and to introduce a
tableau (rm: to the lifn.” p y,

“ Eat, your agitation—your abrupt entrance--

on —

“ Well. your what? Think you I care for opinion,
or intend molding my actions to suit the present as-
sembly?” He said this sternly, and advanced to-
ward the passage. “ Come, Merton, and see the
end of this."

The two entered the parlor apparently unnoticed.
and seated themselves where they would be likely
to attract the least attention. Merton glanced hur-
riedly around the room in quest of her he [on to
see, but he looked in vain. He then turned is at-
tention to his superior.

“What was it, sir, that caused your agitation?“
asked the young man, in a whi or.

“ Be silent. and you will soon now all."

“What is the next piece called?“ Merton heard a
lady near him inquire.

“‘The Widow. " was the answer. “Mrs. Bryce
is the actress. It will, no doubt, be well represent-
ed

The sound of a bell was heard at this moment,
suppressing at once the hum of voices. All eyes
were directed to see what the withdrawing of the
gracefully draped curtain would reveal.

Seated on a velvet~covercd chair, her head resting
on her hand, with eves fixed on a miniature likeness
she held. was Mrs. Bryce. Her hair was (plainl yet
beautifully arranged, and her dress of eep lack
sat handsomely to her yet well-rounded figure. fie
had lightly touched her with his frosty hand. 6

, soft light thrown upon the stage by the well-ad usted

lamps. made the picture, in all respects, one 0 start-
ling effect and beaut . It portrayed one of the wives
of America, who he encouraged her husband to go
forth and battle in the cause of truth and justice,
and, while obe ing her mandate. death had stricken
him down, andy she was now left to struggle compan-
ionless through life's journey! So well did she act
her part. that not the slightest motion was visible,
and. although the tableau embraced but the single
figure, it was the most striking one of the evening,
Her attitude was changed by the touch of the bell,
and slowly sinking to a kneeling silion, she as-

sumed the attitude of prayer, as i asking God to

 

take her to himself and to the lost one. For the first
time her features could be plainly seen. What causes
that upheaving of the breast, the quiver of the lips—
ay. even a tear glistening in her eye? A chord is
touched whose vibration stirs her entire being. Back
through the stages of herlife’s pilgrimage, now
darkened by time and almost forgotten. shines a
faint light, revealing the memories of happivr days.
She struggles to be calm, to choke back the overflow-
in torrents of asoul overburdened with its mem—
or es, and, thou h successful. it taxed her resolution
to the utmost. hose who gazed could not applaud.
The scene was too truthful to be disturbed by clap~-
ping of hands or the utterance of applause. A si-
ence undisturbed by the slightest sound filled the
room. The bell was, at length, touched, for those
who Wore in charge had neglected their duty, so in-
terested were they in gazing upon this truly painful

icture. Suddenly, a voice, deep and hollow in its
one, startled those present:

“ Let the curtain rcmainl
not yet i" I

The company was startled to behold the command-
ing form 0 astrangcr leap upon the stage before
the still kneeling woman.

“ Am I forgotten. Ella?“

His answer was the fixed, painful gaze of those-
eycs that had so oft looked on him in love.

“ Ella, am I forgorten t" l e continued. “Have the-
long lyears crushed from your heart the love ou
once ore me? Oh, look on me in kindness. if ut
for a moment. Remember our childl Living or
dead, remember that I am her fatherl Still silent?
Then farewelll A long, eternal farewell 1"

He turned to go.

A wild shriek was his answer, as the form of the
woman fell prostrate before him.

All was instant confusion. The guests gathered
around the fainting lady to rofl’er assistance. but
Monmouth waved them bac .saying, as he raised
the inanimate form in his arms:

" Back-give her air!" The company fell back at
his stern command.

The astonishment of Merton, meanwhile. was such
as to banish all thoughts of self, or the lovely being
he called wife. Even when the excitement was in-
tense. and all had rushed to assist the fainting lady
he remained rooted to the spot, nor did he stir unti
Mrs. Bryce had been removed to her room. Silence
being then restored. the explanations offered by his
superior recalled him to the time and lace.

“My friends.“ the caiptain began, ‘ I regret that
my presence has cause the entertainments of this
evening to be so suddenly interrupted. Let me in-
form you that I am Charles Monmouth. command-
er of the Black Ship, whose ex loits doubtless have
tllled the heart of every Ame can with pride, and
struck terror to the seamen of England. Yonder
stands one of whom his country is proud. and
sh0uld he named in connection with myself—Lien-
tenant Harold Merton, to whose courage and wis-
dom the Black Ship owes much of her glory."

The astonished company pressed eagerly forward

tigrasp the hand of the man whose name they
h so often heard. After expressing words of
congratulation, the'y turned to seek Merton, but
looked in vain. T e quick ear of love had heard
the light footfall, and the you}? man was folded
in the embrace of his wife. ey stood in rapt
silence before that assembly. Merton at len th
broke the spell by saying as he disengaged he
arms from his neck and lifted the radiant face of
Clara from his bosom:

“Ladies and gentlemen—my wife—Mrs. Merton.”

“ Mr. Snowden was silent from astonishment.
“ His wife!“ He muttered the words over and
over again after he had collected his thoughts.
And then the reappearance of the husband of his
sisterl Surely it seemed a night of evil omen to
him. He passed out of the room unobserved. The
evening was far advanced, and much as both the
officers were inclined to remain. the stern disci-

line of the service denied them permission.
Bromisin to return the ensuing morning, they
took ther de arture. and with huoyant feelings
proceeded to t cir vessel.

In the morning we again find the two officers
on their return to the mansion of Mr. Snowden.
The manner of Captain Monmouth was calm and
austere.

“ Why are you so gloomy this morning?” at len th
asked Merton. “Surely, sir, you have the ho t at
the mistake of ears 9 to be rectified, and life an-
ticipation that t e remainder of your life will be
bright and happy should make you joyous."

‘ Ve true, ' replied his superior. “ Yet the
mood has so attached itself to me that it cannot be
removed at once. 1 have cause for at least a moo
mentary joy."

“ feel that it is to be a joy forever. sirl And to
think that I am really linked to you by ties of rela-
ticfiisihtig 1’s gory fiwgetl"

e as ace u ex ressed the 1
his whole sou]. .Y D p easure filling
“The captain grasped his hand. and as he said

God bless vou l" the tears coursed down his cheek
unrestraine iv.

The two walked in silence to the mansion. Evi-
dently t1195' Were expected guests. Mr. Snowden
received them with a gentlemanly cordiality. though
his anxious face expressed the mistrust and disap—
pointment in his heart.

The captain at once sought the side of Mrs. Bryce.
fShe gavpdhim her hand, and looking him full in the

ace sa :

"  thank God that you have come back to me!”

Tne stern seamen could only say, “ My wife!" as
he drew her to his bosom.

Clara and Merton witnessed all and. even in their
moment of surpassing bliss, had hearts of tliankfulr

The end of the act is

 

    

 

 

aor compelled me to remain out i

! pines, bo
. )

I 0' bl‘mm“ will“ the the he 38m 1 of 8" T so 0 B
. 5 as O! a“ D I r' 3 HI ARIA" .
. and bade them farewell. - Ronald hexane sé Rm Gnome. - Wigeph

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‘ness for the return and restoration in love of the
Ion ~lost father.
re lon the company regained their seats, when
Captain onmoutli at once proceeded to relate his
Agto , and thus to relieve his soul of its long-worn
ur en.

“In detaili the causes which have so lon
estranged me rom her whom I never wronged,
wish to blame no person of this present company. I
must admit that had you, Mr. SilOWdl'n, allowel me
.a hearing, or you, my dear wife. been not so per-
suaded b those who partly wished me harm, and

The Black Ship.

on attendln Merton, and two years remained on

- land. Theciange, however, was too monotonous,

partly fe t, for a time, so exasperated that they ‘

would not even allow me the opportunity of Clearing
myself from the f :ilse charges preferred against 1111',
much misery would have been spared us both. The
charges that were advanced, and which you all be-
lieved, were these: First, in regard to the will which
left my wife media“? of the property of our only

brother, Mr. Snowden, it was said that t in codicxl .

had been rat/cowl, and that I did it. The rea'ion

assigned was that the will  er did not mention .
lC

any p 01150, while the Co
roperty must not be made over b ' her to her hus-
and but be left to her children. T c second charge
was that i had been from the beginning a wcrthless
fellow, well versed in gambling, and. in fact, in all
the evil ways of dissolute men, but possessed of

vcunning enough to keep them concealed from the

knowledge of her I loved. Circumstances favored
the miserable vwretches who had devised the scheme
to ruin me and shipwreck my happiness. Will it
be necessary for me to minutely detail all that

transpired. or are circumstances sufficiently fresh to

dispense with words? I hope so.”
‘ Be brief. dear husband, for the subject is trying

enough even to think of, much less to be the

theme of conversation,” replied his wife, looking up
through tears. pleadineg into his face.

“As to the will I learn that you have lon since
been convinced of my innocence, for. althoug from

that evil day having never seen you, I have learned -
from others that such was the case. You are satis-

fied Of that fact; Mr. Snowden i?"

“ Fully, sir.“

" The remaining char e still hangs clouded in
mystery, for the truth as never been revealed.
The reason that I was so charged in both cases, was
owin to a man by the name of Tripton, who had
love your sister at the same time as myself, and he
it was who originated the star of the will. which by
some means he discovered. 0 further his aims, he
hired a man capable of any act and he was the dis-
sipated gambler. Between this man and myself
there existed a most remarkable likeness, and this
Tripton turned it to advantage, for, while it

screened him, it enabled the story of my ill-doings

to seem true. The :13? he adopted was, that by re.
ated visits, and e onstrations of the most dis-
nterested friendship, he at last 8 :ke Of me. and in

such a manner as to indicate 1 at the duty. was

painful. To pr0ve what he said, he oflered to con-

‘vince Mr. Snowden and others by the best of evi-

dence. namely, sight. and always chose the time
when business either called me away from the citv,
e. lneed harle
add that the person seen. rep sented as myself,
was his accomplice. I rnmained perfectly ignorant
‘of all this um il, like the sudden burst of the tempest.
my wife was torn from me, and I even refused the
chance of proving my innocence. The proofs of my
guilt it was said were unquestionable, and they did
not wish me to increase my crimes by perJur ."
There was a sprinkling Of censoriousness in us
voice as he uttered these words. After a short pause
he added: f‘ But enough. This pager procured by
me from his accomplice before he led, will show in

a moment my innocence.” I

‘ Receiving the ¢pager presented, Mr. Suowden read
It attentively. s e_handed it to'his sister, he rose,
.and taking the captain‘s hand. said, warmly:

“ You will, I hope. not judge harshly of me for
causing you so many days of sorrow. You must

"see that the proofs seemed almost unqu stionable.

Pardon me, my dear sir. and believe that I will
make all the restitution within my power."

“ All that I require is to have you feel that I am
not the kind of man you have so long been led to
believe. 'in the future. may a friendship without
suspicion exit between us."

“ tshailbeno fault Of mine if such is not the
case; so let us drop the subject. burying it deep
with the unpleasant moments of the past, and live
for love and contentment in the days to come. To
you, also, Lieutenant Merton, i will say a word he-

ure this painful conference is forevor ended.” he
added, turning With a pleasant smile to the young
man. “In the warmt of my love of country I
treated you With the harshness, which I sincerely
regret. and ask forEiVeness. You married Clara
with no gomp, and under extremely gloomy aus-
t as regaids the time and the then laments.
is state of the country. I now pro so that we
sneak on these matters no more bu enter upon
this new era of our lives, by inviting our friends
again. and let the tableau represent, not the sorrow-
ing widow. but the more joyous one, of the reunion
of lives and loves.”

It was with more diflloulty than was expected,
that Captain Monmouth and Lieutenant Merton suc-
cueded in resigning the command of their vessel.
The country to which they had rendered such valu-
able sauce was loth to lose them, and it was at last
> ranted, by their promising to again give their aid

a case it was needed. The parting with the crew
was a most affecting and trying scene. Those men.
who had» met ,with unshrlnkln hearts the dangers

the t, wept

 
  

  

I

  

directed that the i

 

and he returned on shl board, making annual visits
t ) those whom he had a ded in making ha py

Time rolled steadily on, each day bringing 'with it.
an increase of happin' ss to the characters of our :

story. The roof that covered one covered all. They
had settled on the plantation of Mr. Snowden, as the
health of both mother and daughter required the
balmy breezes of a southern clime.

“ SO. Ronald, you have at length determined to
leave the 0031111, and spend the remainder of your
days with us?" queried Clara, one evening in early
spring, as they were gathered in the parlor.

‘ , my leddie." replied the sailor. “ I ha’e
eneuch 0’ salt water."

“ Indeed you have. Ronald, and I do but speak for
all when I say that your home with us shall be made
all you desire."

“ l ken it weel my leddie, and I shall ha’e mony a
merry hour, telling the bonnie bairns 0’ the brave
deeds their faithers did when he and I cruised the
sons in Tim BLACK SHIP.

THE END.

Beadle’s Dime Library.

1 A HARD CROWD. B Philip S. Warne........... 100
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56 THE INDIANMAZEPPA. y Al )el'tV .Aiken. . .. 10c

57 THE SILENT HUNTER. By [gal-gr B. St. John... 100
. O

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86 Tu BIG HEN-run. Author of “Silent Hunter." 10c

LDelles 
.Badger,.".‘..

 

 

 

 

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MEN. By Col. Thomas Ho er Monstery.  . 100
151 Tim FREEBOOTERS. 13g ustave Aimard.. . 10c
B

 

1:12 CAPTAIN IRONNERVE. y Marmaduke Dey we
153, THE WHITE SCALPER. y Gustave Aimard. 100
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155 THE CORsAIR QUEEN. By CC]. 1’. Inei‘eham. 100
156 VELVET FACE. By Major Dangufielrl Burr. 100
15? Moms, TEE MAMELI‘KE. By Col. Thomas

Hoyer Monstery . . . . .. .. ..  .. 10c
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16? Tue MAD MARINER,
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, PATII THE A'VFNGER. By Dr. J. H. Robinson. 100
104 THE 'ING’s FOOL. By C. D. Clark  Do
165 JOAQUIN, THE TERRIBLE. By Joel.3 EFBndger. 10c

y -

166 OwiET, TEE ROEEER PRINCE. eptiinus
167 'I‘RE MAN or STFEL. By A. P. Morris..... .. 100

1&8 WIID BILL, TIIE PIsTOL DEAD SIIOT. By Col:

2' inc

PrentissIn aha_m..    . . ..
169 CORPOBAL ANNON. By Col. Monstery.. L.
170 SWEET WILLIAII. By Joe. E. Badger Jr .. 100

111 TIGER Dick, THE MAN on THE IRON EART.

By Philip S. Warne. .. .. ..  10c
172 THE BLACII PIRATE. By Col. Ingraham.... 100
173 CALIFORNIA JOHN. B Albertw. Aiken... . 100

174 PHANTOM KNIGHTS. Capt. F. Whittakerf. 100
175 WILD BILL’s TRUMP ARD. By MajOr Burr. 10c
176 LADY JAGUAR. By Capt.Mark Wilton. .. 100

17”? DON DIABLO. By Col. Prentiss lngraham... 1%V

178 DARK DASHWOOD. By Major S. S. Hall. . . 1

179 (.‘oNRAD,'iRE (‘oNVICT. Pi-of.,S.Gildersleeve. 10c
180 OLD ’49. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.. .. . .. 10c
181 THE SCARLET SCROONER. By COLIngraham. 10c
182 HANDS UP. B Wm. B. Eyster.  100
183 GILBERT. THE UIDE. By C. Dunning Clark. 100
184 THE OCEAN VAMPIRE. Col. P. Ingraham. 10c
185 MAN SPIDER. By A. P. ll orrls .. . 10c
186 THE BLACK BRAVO. By Buckskin Sam..... 400

... OD

187 THE DEATE’s-HEAD CIIIRABSIERs. Whittaker. 10c .  fl ‘

188 PHANTOM MAZEPPA. Major Dangerfield Burr. 10c
189 WILD BILL’s GOLD TRAIL. By P. Insrabam. 100
190 THE THREE GUAEDEMEN. ByAlex. Du .. 100
191 THE TERRIBLE TONKAWAY. By Buckskin 100
192 THE LIGHTNING SPORT. By Wm; R. By

A new issue every Wadnuday.

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177 Nobhy {lick of Neva
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' BEADE’S

HALF-DIME

 

 

LIBRARY. "

 

 

 

i .21 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl S rt' or. The
Golden idol of Mt. Rosa. By E. . Wheeler.
122 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy: or. The Mys—
tc of the Strongbow. By ( ‘, maries Morris
123 K owa Charley, the White Mustanger.
lay T. C. Harbaugh.
124 ' ippy the Texan ; or,
ion. y George Gleason.
125 lilonanza Bill, Miner; or, Madam Mys-
tery, the Female Forger. By E. L. Wheeler.
126 Picayune Pete ‘ or. Nicodemus, the Dog
Detective. By Char cs Morris.
127 \Vild-li'ire, the Boss of the Road: or. The
Wolves of Satan’s Gap. By Frank Damont.
128 The Youn" Privateer; or. The Pirate’s
Stronghold. By Hurry Cavendile
129 Deadwood Dick’s Double ' or, The
Ghost of Gorgon’s Gulch. By E. L. ,VVllculel‘.
130 Detective Dir-k; or, The Here in Rags.
By Charles Morris.
181 The Golden lland' or, Dandy Rock to
the It sour). By George ’aldo Browne.
132 The Hunted Hunter; or, The Strange
Horseman of the Prairie. By Edwnrd S. Ellis.
133 Boss lioh, the King of Boothlacks: or. The
Pawnbroker‘s Plot. By Edward L. Wheeler.
134 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifieman; or. The
Young Patriots of the North. 13‘? Oil Coomes.
135 (3a itain Paul, the Kentuckv Moonshiner;
or, The Boy Spy of the Mountains. By C.
Dunning Clark.
136 Night-Hawk Kit; or. The Daughter of
the Ranch. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.
1 .37 The Helpless “and; or. Backwoods
Retribution. By Captain Mayne Reid.
138 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick‘s Home
Base. By Edward L. Wheeler. .
139 Judge Lynch, Jr.; or, The Boy Vigilante.
B T. C. Harbaugh.
Blazcs' or, The Break 0‘ Day Boys
of Rocky Ba r. By Frank Dumont.
141 Solid Sam, the Be Road-Agent; or. The
Branded Brows. By dward L. Wheeler.
142 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detec-
tive. By Charles Morris.
143 Scar-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter; or,
The Mystery of Fort Rene. By Oil Coomes.
144 Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. By Joseph
E. Badger, Jr.
145 Cu tutu Ferret, the New York Detective;
or, oss Bob’s Boss Job. By E. L. Wheeler.
1 4 6 Silver Star, the Boy Knight. By 011 Coomes.
1-17 \Vlll \Vildlire the Thoroutzhbred; or, The
Winning Hand. By Charles Morris.
148 Sitar Sam ; or The Adventures of a
Frien ess Boy. By J. Alexander Patten.
149 A Game of Gold ' or. Deadwood Dick’s
. Big Strike. By Edward L. Wheeler.
1 50 Lance and Lasso; or, The Children of
the Chaco. By Captain Fred. Whittaker.
1 51 Panther Pan , the Prairie Pirate; or,
Dainry Lance to the Rescue. By Joseph E.
Badger. Jr. 0
1 5 ‘2 Black Bess, Will Wildfire’s Racer;_ 01', Vi 111'
ning Against Odds. By Charles Morris.
, the Boy Demon: or. The Out-
laws of the Gold Hills. By 011 Coomes.
154 The Sword Hunters; or. The Land of
the Elephant Riders. By Capt. F. Whittaker
1 55 Gold T 'igizer the Sport; or, The Girl
Avenger. By T (.. Harbaugh.
156 Deadwood Dick ol' Deadwood; 01‘,
. The Picked Party. By Ed. L. Wheeler.
157 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. By
Charles Morris.
1 58 Fancy Frank, of Colorado; or, The Trap-
er’s Trust. By Buffalo Bill.
1 59 he Lost Captain:
Cofl’in‘s Cruise to the Ope
(in- t. Fred. Whittaker. r .
to Black Giant ' or, Dainty Lance in
Jeopardy. By Jos. E. _ edger. Jr.
101 New York Neil, the Boy-Girl Detective; or.
Old Blakesly‘s Money. By Ed. L. Wheeler.
1 62 “fill \Viidflre in the Woods ' or. Camp
Life in the Alleghauies. By Chas. Morris.
163 Little Texas. the Young Mustanger. By
011 Coomes.
16-1 Dandy Rock’s Pledge; or, Hunted to
, Death. l;3y George maldpmilirowcfig
Bill 322 1-7.0 0 roa o " or,Run
'65 to Ea¥th. B emf-lea Mon-is: ’ ’
166 Hickory hr. The Trapper-Bri-
ade’s spy. By Harry St. Geo e.
i 67 Ana Set tt, the steamboat Boy; or The Land
Pirates of the Misslsmgpi. By Ed. \\'iiiett.
168 DcadiyEDash ; or. lighting Fire With Fire.
Bv Jos. . Badger. Jr-
1 69 Tornado Tom; 0r. Injun Jack From Red
Core. By T. C. Harbauzb- V _
Card;” or. ll ill Wildfire Wins
v Charles Morris.
Dan ; or. The Rival Leagues of
Silver rcle. By Frank Dumont.
1 72 Thunderbolt Tom; or The Wolf-Herder
of the Rockies. By Harry St- George.
173 Dandv Rock’s Rival' 01'. The Hunted
Maid of'Taos. By George Waldo Browne.
174 Bob Roekett, the B0 Dodger; or. Mys-
teries of New York. By arles Morris.
1 75 Captain Arizona, the Kim: ‘1’”! 0‘ Road-
Agents- or, PatentPLeather Joe 5 Big Game.
By Philip 8. Warns.

The Young Cham-

, Skipper Jahez
Polar Sea._ By

and Loses.

. erry. U.

Li . t. H. S. -
By 9“ a; or. The Scamps

i 176 The Boy Runaway ;gor The BUSCRIROGI'

Edward L. Wheeler

‘1 . .. aortas. B .
 278 old Solitary, {he Hermit Trapper; or, The

n of Silver Lake. ‘ By Oil Coomes.
Bo Rockett, the Bank Runner; or. The
 to Na. By Charles Morris. .

i

.x -. is. '

 

180 The Sea Trailer; or, A Vow Well Kept.
By Lieut. H. D. Perry, U. S. N.
181 \Viid Frank, the. Buckskin Bravo: or,
Lady Lily's Love. By Edward L. Wheeler.
182 Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain. By
011 Coomes.
183 The Hidden ll’and; or, Will Wildlire‘s
Revenge. 15y Charles Morris.
18-! The Boy l‘ruliers; or. Dainty Lance on
the War-Path. By Joseph E. Badger. Jr.
185 Evil Eye, Kim: of Cattle Thieves; 01'. The
Vultures of the Rio Grande. By F. Dumont.
186 Cool Dcsnlond; «.r, The Gambler‘s Big
(lame. liy Col. Delia Sara.
1 87 Fred Halynl'd, the Life Boat Boy: or, The
Smugglers of the inlet. By Charles Morris.
1 88 Ned Temple, the Border i‘oy; or. The Mad
llunter of Powder River. By T. (Y. llarbangh.
189 Bob lioekett, the (,‘racksman; or, Driven
to the \\'all.- Bv Charles Morris.
190 Dandy Darke ' or, The Tigers of lliirh
l’ine. iy Wm. B. lilyster.
191 Bllli‘alo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker; or,
The Doomed Thirteen. By (‘npt A. B. Taylor.
192 i‘aptnin Kit, the Will-0‘ the-Wisp; or. The
Mystery of Montauk l‘uint. By Licut. ll. 1).
Perry, . S. N.
t'apialil Mask, the Lady Road-Agent; or.
Patent‘Leather Joe’s Defeat. By 1’. S. Warne.
Bull'an Bill’s Bet ' or. The Gambler
Guide. By Capt. Alfred . Taylor, U. S. A.
Deadwuod Dick’s Dream: or,The Ri-
v'lls of the Road. By Edward L. \Vheeler.
Shadowed; or. Bob Rockelt’s Fight for
Life. By Charles Morris.
Little Grit, the Wild Rider; or. Bessie, the
Stock-Tender‘s Daughter. By (301. Ingraham.
.-\ rkan’saw, the Man with the Knife; or.
The Queen of Fate's Revenge. By Harbau h.
Featherweight, the Boy Champion of t to
Muskingnm ° or, On his uscie, Wits and
Honor. By ’Ed ward Willett.
Th n Boy Bedouins' or, The Brothers of
the Piumed Lance. By C’apt F. Whittaker.
The Black Hills Jezebel; or, Dead
wood Dick’s Ward. By Ed. L. Wheeler.
Prospect Pete, of the Boy Britmde; or, The
Young Outlaw Hunters. By 01] Coomes,
The Boy Pards; or, Dainty Lance Un-
mask . By Jos. E. Badger. Jr.
Gui Piulne, the Bey Bandit; or The Kid-
Giove Sport. 13 Col. Prentiss lngra am.
Demhvood ick’s Doom; or Calamity
Jane’s Last Adventure. Bv Ed, L, Wheeler.
Dark Patti, the Tiger ‘ng; or, Caught in
His Own Trap. By Charles Morris. '
Wave 0 Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. By
T. (‘. I arhaugh.
The Boy Hercules; or, The Prairie
Tramps. By Oil (ioomes.
Fritz, the Pound-Boy Detective; or, Dot
Leetle Game Mit Reheccn. By E. L.\\'hecler.
Faro li‘rank ol'lllgh Pine; or. Dandy
Barks: Gg-(levn Plardcs. By Wm. R. Evster.
.roo e .a 0 tie .aliban of Cele tial ‘it .
lily Jrisfph EbBat geth r. s c y
as l n-_-: ave t eDand D v .
(filialrles Moi-Iris. ’ y etecu 8 By
. r tz to t Ie Front -. or. The Ventrilo uist
Scamp-Hunter. By Edward L. Wheeler. q
\Volla‘nnn' the Robber of the Rhine. By
Capt. Fred. Whittaker. ’
Captain Bullet, the RaiderKing; or, Little
Topknot’s Crasadc. By T. C. Harhaugh.
Bison Bill. the Prince of the Reins. By Col.
Prentissllngvraharp. s]
Yantn n rae i-. not the Girl Bri and.
By Edward L. Wheeler. ’ g
Tiger Tom, the Texan Terror. By Oli

(limmw' a th D 1 t

espa e ue is - or, The Mountain

Vamplrrs. , By Philip S. Warne.

Tom Tanner, Sealawag and Sea esraee;

or. The Black Sheep oi' the Flock. y Philip

S. Warns.

221 Sugar-Conted Sam or. The Black Gowns
of Grim Gulch. By Ed. .. Wheeler.

222 Grit, the Bravo Soorl- or, The Woman
Trailer B Col. Prentiss nizraham. '

223 Ozark . ll' King of the Mountain: or,
Featherweight Among the Outlaws. By Ed-
ward Wiliett.

224 flashing Dick; or. Trapper Tom’s Castle.
By Oil Coomos. I f l

225 Sam Charcoal the Premium Dnrky; or,
How the Boy Got «‘vrn. By Chas. Morris.

226 Snoozer, the Boy Sharp; or, The Arab De.
tective. By Edward L. Wheeler. _

227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper; or. The Green
Ranger of the Yellowstone. By Edwin Emer-

son.

228 Little “'iidflre, the Young Prairie Nomad;
or. The ldyl of Echo Canyon. By 011 (300mm,,

229 Crimson Kate, the Girl 'l‘railer' or, The
Cowboy’s Triumph. By Col. P. Ingra am.

230 The Yankee Rajah; or. The/Fate of the
Black Shereef. By C. Dunning Clark.

231 Plucky Phil. of the Mountain Trail; or.
Rosa. the Red Jezebel. By T. C. Harbaugh.

28". Gold-Dust Dick. By Ed. L. Wheeler.

233 Joe Buck ol‘Anlrcis and His Boy Pard
Paul Powderhorn. B Albert W. Aiken.

234 old Rock y’s “ fioyees ’9 or. Benito.
the Young HorseBi-eaker. y Maj. Sam S
Hall. " Buckskin Sam.

235 Shadow Sam, the Menuhin” BOY: 01'.
'hn'nin the Tables. By Charles Morris.

236 A1101 0 Bill, the Trail Tornado; or Rowdy
Kate from Right Bower. By Ed. 1.. Wheeler.

237 Lone Star. the Cowboy Captain; or, The
Mysterious Mousse. By Col. . Ingrahlun.

\

.5\ ill»). '3'  V

I ‘ , , I . . ‘ p
' i. - . . . _ » \\ xii” '
: -'_i3’j :.  r _  ' "h

193
194
195
196
197
198
199

200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
21.5
216
217
218
219
220

 

. v .4313 :1“... h"

.“t o

The Parson Detective; or. Little Shocky,
the Ranger of Raven Roost. By 0 Coomes.'
'l‘he Hold-seeker Guide or. The Lost
Mountain. By Captain Mayne eid.
Cyclone Kit, t eYoun Gladiator;or.The
Locked Valley. By Edwar L Wheeler.

Bill Bravo and Ills Bear Pards' or, The
Boughs of the kOCkit-‘S. By T. C. Harhaugh.
The Two ‘ Bloods 9; or. Shenandoah Bill
and His (iang. By Charles Morris.

The Disguised Guide; or. Wild Raven.
the Ranger of the North. By Oil Coomes.
Sierra So In, the Frontier Ferret; or, A
Sister‘s Devotion. By Edward L. Wheeler.
Merle the Miduy; or. The Heir of an
Ocean reelance. By Col. Prentiss Inpraham.
I-‘la nt George ' or, The Ang‘l of the Range.
By Maser Sam S. ii:ill——“ Buckskin Sam.

Old lrizzly and His Pets. By Capt.
“Bruin “ Adams.

2'38
239
240
241
243
243
24-1
245
246
247

248 Sierra Sanvs Secret; or. The Bloody
Footprints. By Edward L. Wheeler.
249 the Animal Kins; or. The

Milo Renter

Round the World

Whittaker.

The Midshipman or,

Brandt. the Buccaneer. By Col. P. ingrahmn.

Light-House Lla‘c; or. Osceola. the l‘lro-

hrand of the Everglades. By Captain J. F. C.

Adams.

252 Dlek Dnshawa " or. A Dakota Boy in

Chicago. By Charles Morris.

253 Sierra Sara’s Pard ; or. The Angel of
Bi Vista. By Edward L. Wheeler.

25-1 T to Half-Blood; or, The Panther of the
Plains. By Edward S. Ellis. !

255 Captain A 0110, the King-Pin ot Bowie.
B l‘. C. Har augh.

256 oungMKentuck; or. TbeRed Lasso. By
('aptain ark Wilton.

257 The Lost Hunters; or. The Underground
Camp. By Captain J. F. C. Adams.

258 Sierra Sam’s seven; or, The Stolen
Bride. B Edward L. Wheeler.

25') The Go den Har oon: or, Lost Among
the Flees. By Roger tarbuck.

260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ran-
ger. Bv Oli Coomes.

261 Fergus Fear-taught, the New York Boy.
By George L. Aiken.

262 The Youn Sleuths; or, Rollicklng
Mike‘s Hot Tra . B Charles Morris.

263 Dead wood Die ’s Divide; or The
Spirit of Swam Lake. By Ed. L. Whee er.

261 The Float n" Feather‘; or Merle
Monte’s Treasure Bland. By Co onel Prentiss
lngrahnm.

265 The Tiger Tamer; or. ’1 he League of the
Jungle. By Captain Fred. Wh‘.ttaker.

266 Kill b’ar, the Guide; or Dav Crockett’s
Crooked Trail. By Ensign ?. D. V arren.

267 The Buckskin Detective; or. Claude
Crecy King of American Road-Agents. By
T. C. liarhaugh.

268 Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail; or. -
From Ocean to Ocean. By Ed. L. Wheeler.

269 The Gold Ship ; or. Merle. the Com
demned. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

270 Blizzard Ben. the Arizona Cyclone' or.
The Riot at Keno Camp. By Capt. M. Wilton.

271 The Huge Hunter; or. The Steam Man
of the Prairies. By Edward S. Ellis.

272 Minkskin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter.
By 011 Coomes.

273 .l umbo Joe, the Boy Patrol; or. The Rival
Heirs... By Edward L heeler.

274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice; or,
Harry Kern’s Bil: “ Lay." By Charles Morris.

275 Arizona J ac ; or. Giant George's Tender-
root Pard. By Buckskin Sam.

276 Merle Monte’s Cruise ' or. The Chase of
“The Gold Ship." By Col. 19m m. v

ntisslngraha
2'17 Denver Doll the Detective Queen. By

Zdward L. Whee er.

278 The Three Trappers or. The Mountain
Monster. By Ma or L. W. rson.

2'19 01d \Vinch. t eRiiie King; or, The Buck-
skin Desneradoes. By T. 0. urban h.

280 Merle Monte’s Fate;-or. Pear. The Pi-
rate‘s Pride. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

281 Denver Doll‘s Victory or. Skull and
Cross-bones. By Edward L. ler.

282 The Typo Detoq-tive; or. Weasel. the
Boy Tramp. By Edward Willett.

283 Indian Joe; or, The White Spirit of the
Hills. By M ior Lewis W. Carson.

284 The Sea arauderx or. Merle Monte’s
Pledge. Bthollerexgiss manhunt!m Bi

285 Denver 0 s ecov; or, a [1‘5
Bonanza. By Edward L. Wheeler.

286 Josh, The Boy 'l‘enderloot or. The
Wild Men of Buzzard Bar. By Ca t. .Wiiton,

287 Billy Blue-E 'es. the Boy yer of the
Rio Grande. B 01. Prentiss'lnmham.

288 The Scalp ing; or. The Human Thun-
derbolt. By Captain J. F. 0. Adams. ‘

289 Jolly Jim’s Jo ~»; or The Young Detec-
tive‘s Triumph. By Charles Morris.

2905.1!310 Foxlire, the ’Boy Spy. By Oil

5 .

Oome .

291 Turk, the Boy Ferret. By E. L. Wll ler.
292 Sancho Pedro the B Bandit. Maj.
n. L. St. Vraln. ’ 0y . ’7‘

A New lama Every Tut-day.

The Half-Dime Library is for sale by all
newsdealers.
receipt of six cents each. .

BEADLE AND ADAMS. Pennants. ‘ ‘
'98 William Street. NewYerk. 

Wanderer. By Capt. Fred.

250 Mutlneer;

251

z.

   

ave cents per copy. or sent by than on

 
   
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
   
   
  
   
  
   
   
   
   
   
  
   
   
   
 
  
    
 
   
  
     
   
    
   
   
    
      
   
 
   
     

 
 

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-----' BEADLE’S“

HALF-DIME

 

 

LIBRARY. " 

 

 

293 Red Claw the One-Eyed Trapper; (-r, The
Maid of the (. ill. By Captain Uomstock. '
294 Dynamite Dun ; or, The Bowie Blade of
Cochetopa. By '1‘. C. Illll'bllll h.
295 Fearless Phil ' or, The ing of Quartz-
ville. By Edward Willett.
296 Denver I Doll’s Drii‘t; or. The Road
Queen‘s Big Campaign. lly E. L. Wheeler.
297 The Tarantula oi" Tao-l; or, Giant
George’s Revenge. By Buckskin Sam.
298 The \Vator-Hound; or, The Young
Thoroughbred. B Charles Morris.
299 A No. 1, the sshing 'l‘oll-‘l‘aker' or, The
Schoolmarm o' Sassafras. By E. L. Wheeler.
300 The 8k Demon; or, Rainbolt, the Ran-
er. By 11 Coomes.
301 .endville Nick, the Boy Sport By Major.
E. L. St. Vrain. .
302 The Mountain Detective ' or, The Bul-
ly of Trigger Bar. By T. C. Harhaugh.
303 ’lea June, the Girl Miner; or, The Iron-
Nervcd Sport. By, Ed ward L. Wheeler.
304 The Dead Shot Daudy' or. Benito, the
Boy Bugler. By Col. Prentiss ngraham.
305 Dashuwuy ol‘ Dakota; or, A Western
Lad in the Quaker City. By Chas. Morris.
306 Neck-Tie Ned the Lariat-Thrower; or, The
, Dug-Out Pards, By Maj. Henry B. Stoddard.
307 The Strauvre Pard; or, Little Ben’s
Death Hunt. By Buckskin Sam.
308 Keno Kit, the Boy Bugler’s Ford: or, Dead
Shot Dandy’s Double. B Col. P. lnzraham.
309 Deadwaod Dick’s lg Deal; or, The
Gold Brick of Oregon. By Ed. L. Wheeler.
310 The Barranca \Voll‘; or, The Beautiful
Decoy. By J oseph E. Badger. J r.
311 The Roving Sport° or. The Pride of
Chuckaluck Camp. By Edward Willett.
312 llodtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince. By
Major E L. St. Vrain.
313 Clmarron Jack, the King Pin of Rifle-
Shots. By Frederick Dewey.
314 The Mysterious Marauder or. The
Boy Bugler's Lon Trail. By Col. P. nzraham.
315 Ned the Cal) n Boy' or. The Witch of
. the aunted Fort. By/Jac Farragut.
316 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona. By
T. C Harbau h.
317 Peacock etc, the Lively Lad from Lead-
villr. By Lieut. Alfred 'l‘hcrne. ‘
318 Ker-\Vhoop, Kcr-‘Whoo! By Buckskin

Sam.

3 19 The Black Rider ; or, The Horse-Thieves’

aguo. By Joe. E. Badger. Jr.

320i'l‘he Sea Sorceress; or Lieutenant Ned,
the Boy Skip or. By Jack Earragut.

321 Deadwoo Dick’s Dozen ; or. The
Fakir of Phantom Flats. By Ed. L. Wheeler.

322 Nemo, the Detective. By Ed. Willett.

323 Ark anuuw Jack of the Man Hunts-rs: or.
The Scourge of the Mines. By Harry Hazard.

324 N alph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective; or.
Tracking the Foxes to Earth. B Chas. Morris.

325 Kellev, Hicke a: 00., t e Sleuths of
P iladelphia. By dward L. Wheeler.

326 The Ten Pards. By T. C.Harbaugh. ‘

327 (‘reepi m: Cat, the Caddo: or. The Red and
White Paras. By Buckskin Sam.

328 The Sky Detective or. A Boy’s Fight
for Llfc and Honor. 3% aior Mickey Free.

372% fled-flu" Tom. y Harry Hazard.

3in Little nick-Shot. By E. L. Wheeler.

3.. l 'Ilack 5‘. MR, the Demon Rider. By Capt.
F‘. Wliltt'iker.

332 i” No I’rccl ; or, The Tonknway’s Trust.
Bv Buckskin Sam. .

333 RH motonc Bob, and His Lightning Horse

33 ‘ .tartette. Bykllfijor ETIE. St. Vra‘i'in. m

augaroo or. eMyste ous oer.

By Ed ward L. Whegcler.

335 0 (1 Double Fist; or. The Strange Guide.
By Jose h E. Badger. Jr. ,

330 l l2; enson, the Brazos Bombshell: or.
The Queen of the Lasso. T. C. Harbaush.

3'37 lien Bird the Cave King; or, Big Pete's
Scoop. By  J. Hamilton.

338 A Tong 1 no . BlyPhillp S. Warns. '
339 Kangaroo K t9: ackct', or, Tue Pride
of Played-Out. By Edward L. Wheeler.

340 Cll , the Contortionist- or. The Vigilantes of

Mon ans. By Edward Willett. ,
341 Tony Thorn, the Vagabond Detective; or,
Runnm Down a. Rogue. By Charles Morris.
342 The ountaln Devil; or. Yellow Jack, the
Outlaw Captain. B Harry Hazard.
343 Manhattan M k0, the Bowery Blood.
Bv Edwari L. Wheeler. ‘
344 The Fighlln Trio; or. Rattlesnake, the
Tonkaway. By uckski-d Sam.
345 Pitiless Mat, theWhit Slayer” or. Red
Thunderbolt's Secret. By'f. C. Harhaugh.
346 Rapier Baphaol£lon he Swordsmm of
Zacstecas. y Maj. . B. Stoddard, Ex-Scout.
347 Deadwood Dick’s Ducatsior. Rainy
Days in the Diggings. By Edward . Wheeler.
348 Flreheels; or. Old, Skinflint. the Death-
! Shadow. By R0 or Starbuck.
349 Wild “'oli‘, t 0 When; or. Big-Foot Wal-
lace to the Front. By Buckskin Sam
350 Red Ralph, tho River Rover. or, The
Brother's Revenvze. By Ned Buntline.
351 Deadwood Dick Sentenced; or The
Terrible Vendetta. By Edward L. xx heeler.
352 Tombstone Tom, the Arizona Boy of
\3 a,“  Byrt 0:3. Lfls't. Vraln. m
a one to . . we or. Fred y-
; m Blizzard. By Charles Mon 8. ’ .
'354 mu Horn Ike, the Hill Tramp: or, The
i ' ' d. rds. By R0 or Starbuck.
3.55 The. Kim: M’ t to Woods; or, Daniel
‘. 309136: Last Trails. ByJos. E. Badger, Jr.
‘ ). In t if '7 I n V‘ Y

 

         

 

 

356 Cool 8am and Yard ' or. The Terrible
' ' Six From Texas. By T. C. liarbau h.
I 307 The Ranch Raiders; or. T eSiege of
. Fort Purgatory. By Buckskin Sam.

358 First-Class Fred, the Gent from Gopher.
By Edward L. Wheeler. '

359 Du rung-o Dave, the Young Champion
Wrestler. By Major E. L. St. Vrain.

360 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery; or. The
Cross of the Golden Keys. By . C. Cowdrick.

361 The Phantom Light - House. By
Roger Starbuck. '

362 Deadwood Dick’s Claim ' or, The Fairy
Face of Faro Flats. liy Edwar. L. \N heeler.

363 Little Tornado; or. The Outcasts of the
Glen. B Philip S. Warne. '

364 Sun -.‘ not, the Boy Runner; or The Snake
and t e Dove. By Buckskin Sam.

365 Baltimore Ben, the Bootblack Detective.
By Anthon ' P. Morris.

366 Velvet B oot, the Indian Detective; or, The
Taos Tiger. By T. C. Harbnugzh.
367 “lids-Awake J oe., B Charles Morris.
368 Yrcka Jim, the Gold. atherer; or The
Lottery of Life. B Edward L. Wheeler.
369 Shasta, the Gold ing. By J C. Cowdrick.
370 Breaker Ben, the Reef-Runner; or, The
Telltale Hand. By Roger Starbuck.

37 1 Klugbolt Chris, the Young Hard-Shell
Detectiv. By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain.

372 Yreka Jim’s Prize. By E. L. Wheeler.

373 Little J inzo ; or, The Queer Pard. By
Philip S. Warne.

374 Gold Dust Tom; or, Ambergris Ben’s

_ Double Match. By George Henry Morse.

37 o Chlota, the Creek; or, Tne Three Thun-
derbolts. By Buckskin Sam

376 California Joe’s First Trail. By Col.
Thomas Hoyer Monstery.

377 Bonodel, the Boy Rover- or, The Flagless
Schooner. By 001. Prentiss lugraham.

378 Nabob Ned' or. The Secret of Slab City.
By Edward L. Wheeler.

379 Larry, the Lovelerf or. The Bloods of the
Boulevard. By Charles orris.

380 Avalanche Alf. the Foothills Guide. By
Major E. L. St. Vrain.

381 Bandcra Bill; or, Frio Frank to the From.
By Buckskin Sam.

382 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or} A Villain’s
Vengeance. By Edward L. Wheeler.

383 The Indian Pilot. By Col. P. lugraham.

384 Whip-Kins: Joe, the Boy Ranchero; or,
The Bordr-r Schoolmaster. By Oil Coomes.

385 Yreka Jim’s Joker" or, The Rivals of
Red Nose. 5 By E. L. the er.

386 (‘aptaln‘ Cutlass the Ocean S ider; or.
The Buccaneer’s Girl oe. 3y T. C. l arbauzh.

3S7 warpalh iVlll, the l’oy Phantom; or. The
Trmtor Guide. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

388 Little Oh-mv; or, Caught in His Own
Trap. By Philip S. Warns.

389 Bicycle “on. By Edward L. Wheeler.

390 Jasruar Joe, of the Mountain Mail-Line.
B Maj E. L. St. Vrain.

391 id-lfil ve Kit the Dandy of the Rockies.
BI Maj. H. H. Stoddard, Ex-Scour.

392 I omeo and the Rods. By BuckskinSam.

393 Seawall; the Boy Lieutenant. By Colonel
Prentiss Insrabsm.

394 YrfilgalJlm oi Yuba Dam. By Edward

. ee er.
395 California Joe’s War Trail. By Capt.
. I“. h ttaker.
396 Bough Rob, of Dynamite‘ or, The Twin
Champions of Blue Blazes. By T. C. Harbaugh.
397 Bob 0’ the Bowery. Bv Jo Pierce.
398 Kid-move an and Pard' or, The Gold
King of Weird Canyon. By Mtg. .13. Stoddard.
399 Black Bucks in. By 0]. A. F. Holt.
400 Wrinkles the Night-Watch Detective. By
Edward L. Wheeler.

401 Little Shoo-Fly. By Philip S.‘Warne.
402 lsodor the Young: Consplrator; or
The Fate. Lflawue. Bv Col. P. Ingraha'n.

403 Firefly J ark, the River-Rat Detective. By

Charles MOrris.

404 Little Lariat. By Buckskin Sam.

405 fl-adwood Dick in Dead City. By
Edward L. Wheeler. ‘

406 The Mad Man-Hunter. By Maj. H. B.
Stoddard, Ex-Scout.

407 The Boy Insurgent. By Col. Incl-mam.

408 Little Leather-Breeches. By P.S.Warne.

409 Hercules, the Dumb De-‘iroycr; or. Dick,
the Boy Ranger. Bv Oll Coomes.

4 10 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds. By Ed-
wo rd L. Wheeler.

41 1 The Silkon Lasso. Bv T. C. Hnrhauzl}.

412 The \Vlld Yachtsman; or, The Cruise
of the War-Cloud. Bv Col. Prentiss lmrraham.

413 Billy Bombshell, the Cliff Climber. By
Frank S. Winthrop.

414 The Daisy from Denver. By Buckskin

am.

41 5 TheVagrabond Dctectivm By Jo Pierce,

416 High Hut Harry, the Base Ball Detec-
tive. By E. L. Wheeler. _

41 7 Wobroot Mose, the Tramp Detective. By
011 Coomes.

41 8 Follx Fox, the BoySpottcr. By T. C. Har-

bau .
419 Kofiineth. the Knife-King. By A. F'. Holt.
420 The Detective": Anprcntire; or. A Boy
WithoutaName. Bv J. C. Cowdrlck.
421 Deadwood ‘Dick in New York. By
‘ E. L. Wheeler. - ' -' a - V
422 Baby Sam, the Boy Giant of the Yellow-

 

stone. By 0110002195.
423 The Lost Finger. B‘y‘Charles Morris. -

  

 

424 Clbuta John. B J. C. Cowdrick

425 Texas Trump. y T. C. Harbaugh.

426 Sam Slabsldes, the Beggar-Boy Detective.
My E. L. Wheeler.

427 'l he Three Trailers. ,By Buckskin Sam.

428 Fred Flycr, the Reporter Detwtive. By
Charles Morris. ' i

429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. By Col.
Prentiss lngraham.

430 Deadwood Dick 9: Dust; or, The
Chained Hand. By Edward L. Wheeler.

431 Little Ah Sin. By Philip S. Warne.

432 Invincible Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret.
By Charles Morris.

433 A Cabin Boy’s Luck. By Col. Inrm‘ am.

454 Jim Beak and Pa], Private Deieltives.
By E. L. Wheeler.

435 Little lightfoot, the Pilot of the Woods.
By A. F. Holt.

436 Phil Flash, the New York Fox. By '1‘. C.
Harbaugh.

437 The Sea Raider. By Col. P. lngraham.

438 Santa Fe 8a]. By E. L. Wheeler.

439 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. By J. C.
('owdrick. ,

440 tht e Foxfoot, the Gold Bowie Kid. By
Arthur C. Grissom.

441 The Ocean Firefly. By COL-P. lngraham.

442 Bill ll‘Blll ; or, The Lynx of the Leona. By
Buckskin Sam. \ V

443 Deadwood Dick. Jr. By E. L. Wheeler.

444 Little Buckskin. By 011 Coomes.

445 The City Sleuths. By T. C. Harbaugh.

446 Haphazard Harry. By Col. Ingrahum.

447 New York Nat. By Albert W. Aiken.

448 Nickel-Plate Ned ; or. Deadwood Dick
J r‘s Defiance. By Edward L. Wheeler. .-

449 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective; or, The
Brand-Burner's Daughter. By J. E Badger, Jr.

450 Wizard Will, the Wonder-Worker; or. The
Boy Ferret of New York. By Col. P. Ingraham.

451 Colorado Kate. By P. S. Warne.

452 Hot-spur Bob, the Street Boy Detective.
By Jo Pierce.

453 Sunflower Sam, 01' Shasta: or. Deadwood
Dick Jr’s Full Hand. By Edward L. Wheeler.

454 Wizard Will’s Street Scouts. by Col-
Prentiss Ingraha’m. '

455 Little Lone Star. By Buckskin Sam.

456 Billy Brick, the Jolly Vagabond. By Chas... 1

Morris.

457 Wingedi’oot Fred. ByOll‘Coomes. ,

458 New England Nick. By A. W. Aiken. ' ‘-

459 Flush East the Ferret“ or, Deadwood Dick -
Jr‘s Big Roun -up. By ward L. Wheeler.

460 The Lawyer’s Shadow. By Jo Pierce.

461 One Against Flay. By T. C. Harbaugh.

462 The Born Guide.

463 Tamarac Tom, the Big Trapper Boy. By
011 Coomes.

464 Nimble Nick. By Albert W. Aiken.

465‘ Phllo Fly of Phenlx; or, Deadwood
Dick J r‘s Rae et at Claim No. 10. By Edward
L. Wheeler.

466 Wide-A ake Jerry Detective or. En-
tombed Ali e. By“ (3.140131%. ’ .

467 Dingo Dan, the Daisy Dude. By J. C. Cow. .

no

468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Coaster. By Col.
Prentiss Ingraham. . A
469 The Rival Giants ofNowhar’. By J..
W. Osbon. _.
470 The Boy Shadow; or. Felix. Fox’s Hunt .
for the Nabob. By T. C. Harbaugh. v
. until of Bi Brace or Dead-
471 $333833: Jr’s Corral. y E. L.3 Wheeler.

472 Jaunty Joe, the Young Horse-King. By-
J 0 Pierce.

473 Old Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemic. ‘
By 011 Coomes. ,

1 ra the Flower Girl' or, Wizard Will's" 
474 F o ’ ‘Prentiss Ingram. * ‘

Vagabond Pard. By Col.
475 The Black Ship. By John S. Warner.
476 Humboldt. Harry the Hurricane: or,
Deadwood Dick Jr's’ Dog Detective. 3;»
Ed ward L. Wheeler.
477 The Excelsior Sport or the Washington.
Spotter. By T. o. Harbadgh.’ Ready Sept. 14.

478 Tangemnnd, the Desert Detective. By 

Frederick Dewey. Ready Sept. 21.
479 Detective Dodge; or. The Mystery C4;
Frankfiesrty. By Charles Morris. ,
Ready Sept. %. _ .
480 Three Jo ly Pard- or The Pots of
Paddy’s mt} By P s. wlme.’ BeadyOct. 5.
4 New New Every Tuesday. A ‘ i

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