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Published Every
Week. -

Vol. XI .

@BeadZe 99' fldams, @zz/blis'hers,

98 WILLIAM STREET, N. Y., March 15. 1882.

' Ten Cents a Copy.
85.00 a Year.

 

No.177

 

Don Diablo,

THE PLAN TER - CORSAIR ;

on,
The Rivals of the Sea.

A ROMANCE OF THE GULF.

BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM,
AUTHOR or "MERLE, rm: Hermann," “nox-
mm, 'rnn macmnss,” “ ran canva-
an CORSAIR," “mum,” “ wrm-

OUT A HEART,” ETC., ETC.

PROLOGU'E.
OUT FROM Tm: SEA.

“ On, father! is there no ho e?”

“ None, my child: the wrec will sink within
the hour, and, with our boats washed away,
and no spars left with which to build a raft, we
must go down into the depths. "

The speakers were father and daughter, and

 

they clung to the shattered bulwarks of a vessel
that the hurricane the night before had made a
wreck of. ’

Dismasted with half the crew washed into
the sea, and those that remm‘ned crouching
down forward awaiting the end they knew
must come, their lot indeed seemed hopeless.

To men, who must meet danger and greet
death with a bold front, it was terrible enough,
but to the young and beautiful girl, clin ing to
her father’s arm, it was indeeda fearf thing
to have to sink forever beneath the dark blue
waves, and have the world and its hopes shut
out from her aze, just as she was crossing the
threshold of ovely womanhood, and life wore
for her its rosiest tints.

After a short visit in Havana, Don Henrico
Hildos and his only child, Corinne, were re-
turning to their home, one of the grandest old
haciendas on the Mexican coast, when the
vessel in which they took passage to Vera Cruz
was overtaken by the hurricane, blown far off
her course, and eft a wreck upon the waters,
and rapidly sinking deeper and deeper into the
depths that must be her grave.

 

Around them all was a wild waste of star: :-
swept waters, and with no sail in sight, despair
rested upon he face of each one on board the
ill-fated craft.

Together the father and daughter stood, e,
yet calm, and havi consigned their son 5 to
the keeping of the irgin, they bided their
time, waiting, watching, and hoping against

ho . .

agee! Father, is that not a vessel 1"

The voice of Corinne Hildos rung out almost
like a shriek of joy as she pointed across the
waters to an object that had can ht her sight.

“ A sail! a sail I” cried Don gHildos, in an
ecstasy of delight, and from the crouching,
be less crew broke a. cheer, for their eyes now
f upon the vessel.

It was a schooner, with only jib and main-
sail set, and roofed down, and she was driving
along before the gale at a. terrific speed

Instantl hats were waved in air, and togev
ther the alt-score of human beings on the
wreck raised their voices in loud, ringing hails.

But the driving craft was a. long we 01!,
and the fierce wind blew their shouts bac into

 

 

 7.x - ORR -c e.

 

 

“I AM AN OFFICER OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY. AND I‘ DENOUNCE

THAT MAN as DON DIABLO. THE RED ROVER.”

 

 

2

Don Diablo, the Planter-Corsair.

  

 

 

 

their faces, and hope again began to settle
down upon each heart, when Corinne darted
dewn into the cabin, and a. moment after re—
turned with an old musket which her father
quickly seized from her hands and discharged.

The resort rung out over the waters, and
again an a sin it was fired, until at last the
sharp bows o the flying schooner were seen to
sweep round and, as it headed toward the
wreck, a wild yell broke from the joyous crew’.

“It is an armed vessel—an American, a Car-
thagenian cruiser, I think? said the Don, With
his slpyglass leveled upon the strangen

“ care not what he is, father, so he saves us
from death,” answered Corinne, and, with the
others, she kept her eyes fixed upon the comin
craft, which soon after lay to a cable’s-len
sdistant, while in trumpet tones came the ha' in

punish:

“ Wreck ahoyl who, and what are you?"

“ A Mexican brig, from Havana to Vera
Cruz, and sinking fast,” answered the oflcer of
the dismasted vessel: _

“lake? I will send a boat to board you,”
was 0 eering response, and, in s ite of the
rough sea, a gallant crew manned a ife—cutter,
and after a hard pull reached the wreck.

A handsome, dark-faced young officer, dressed
in a brilliant uniform, boarded the wreck, and,
at si ht of Corinne, said politely, while he

' his hat:

“ I thought I was not mistaken in believin I
saw a lady on board, and I rejoice in being a Is
to save you, senor-its.” _

“ I am Don Henrico Hildos, of MeXico, senor,
and this is my daughterhaud we owe you our
1iVes ” said the Don, stepplng forward.

“ ndeed, senor! I have heard of you as the
wealthiest ranchero on the Mexican coast and

our dau hter as the fairest of the fair; am

aptain no Quesala of the Carthagenian
nav , and at your service wholly; but come,
for has wreck seems icing down fast.”

Tenderly into his at the oung captain
placed Corinne, and giving her ather a seat at

or side, ordered the crew of the wrecked ves-
sel to get in also, and back to the schooner went
the cutter, and soon after all were safely on

rd.

Another tri back to the wreck and the boat
brought the on’s baggage and such of the
cargo as could be saved; but hardly had it left
the ill-fated craft when, with a mightylfilunge,
down into the sea. went the shattered h never
more to meet the gaze of human eye.

 

rim LOVERS.

Hacienda Hildos was the grandest old home
on the Mexican coast in the early days of the

resent century, and around it spread away

housands of acres of land, dotted with the vast
herds belonging to the wealth Mexican.

Within the substantial a e all was luxuri-
ous comfort, and the fame of Don Hildos as a
hospitable host was known far and wide, as
was also the beauty of his only child, the So-
norita Corinne, who, at the time of the openin
of this story was in her seventeenth year, an
as lovely in face and form as in character.

While the humblest n on the ranch was
ever willing to worship the fair maiden, the
cavaliers and rancheros for miles and miles up
andd wn the coast and far back into the in
terior ookedu nthe Hacienda Hildos as the
Mecca of their opes, for they longed one day.
to win the love of its lovely mistress. «

But though handsome gallants by the hun—
dred laid siege to Corinne’s little heart she had
remained uncau ht in love’s fetters until that
stormy day w n she was rescued from the
sinking wreck y the handsome Carthage-man
ca tam. \ r V

hethel' it was prompted b gratitude for
her life, or that he seemed d' erent from the
rancheros at home,- or the gallants she had met
in Havana,_I know not; but certain it is his
dark eyes pierced straight into her heart, and it
was With a sigh of regret that she awoke one
morning in the schooner’s luxurious cabin to
find the vessel at anchor of! the Hildos Ha-
cienda. .

Accompanying the Don ashore, Captain Reno
Quesala had accepted an 4nv1tation to remain a

uest for some ime, and from that moment
V ove the-Mexican cavaliers craz with jeal-
Gilsy, for. they could see that the .ei'iorita Co-
rinne bent upon the' Carthageman loving
glances that they had never been the rec1pients
o

. When, after a week’s lying at anchor in the
little bay near the hacienda, the rakish—looking
cruiser, with its dark-faced, wild-looking crew,
weighed anchor and stood out to sea, the Mexiv
can, beaux sent after her many a wish for a
rapid cruise to the depths infernal, and again
pressed their suits with Corinne.

But she, a Mexican beaut , and consequently
a natural 0 uette, returns their sweet glances
and—refuse all their offers, and longed for the
speedy return of her lover.

At Ien h the sun mse one morning, some
months after his departure, to show his schooner
lying at anchor in the bay, and to bring curses
upon him for his return from those who wished
him dead, and joy to the heart of Corinne that

 

he had kept his word and come back to her.

When the lovers met, in an orange-grove
near the beach, there was one who saw their
meeting and swore it should be their last, for,
up to the time of Corinne’s meetin Captain
Quesala, he had believed himself to be the fa-
vored suitor. -

That one was a wealth young. ranchero,
whose estate joined the on’s, and who had
scores of maidens most anxious to hear his
name; but he had sworn toyvin the Senorita
Hildos, if he had to kill the Carthagenian to
get rid of him. ‘ I

Burning with jealous re. 6, when he saw the
meeting between the two. 9 at once made up
his mind to seek a quarrel with him, not doubt-
ing the result, as he had perfect confidence in
his skill with sword and pistol.

The opportunity soon offered, as the Don

vs a grand ball at his hacienda, to which all

he beauties and cavaliers were invited, and
Juan Mendez lost no time in seeking an oppor-
tuiiil ito draw Captain Quesalaiutoai difilculty
wit in. ' -

Somethin to his surprise the captain seemed
perfectlyw ling f r a. quarrel. and the result
was a duel the foil wing morning, in which the
Carthaan ran the Mexican throu h the
heart with his sword, and set sail the very
day for another cruise, the accepted lover'of
the Senorita Hildos. ___'_

m rmsm’s OATH.

A ear has gone by since Don Hildos and his
dang ter were saved from the wreck, and the
time has rolled round when the engagement of
the fair Mexican and the Carthagenian captain
is to be consummated b marriage.

The grand old hacien a is ablaze with light
and happy-faced'peons are glidin hither an
thither preparing the tonsof edib es and wines
ordered for the festive occasion, while, from
far and wide, come the youths and maidens,
old Dons and scheme, to particigate in the joy-
ous scene, for though man 1 nt hearts are
sad to see Corinne the do of a stranger,
they will not miss the good cheer they know
that Don Henrico will set before them.

At last daylight fades away, twilight comes,
and then the moon, in a cloudless sky, appears
to throw her silvery radiance upon the scene,
the grand plaza o the hacienda, which has
been turned into fairy-like beauty by myriads
of lamps, which cast bright reflections upon
gorgeous flowers, the scent of which is almost
overpowering.

Beneath a silk canopyan altar of roses has
been erected, and u on velvet cushions the
bride and groom are kneel, and be united in
wedlock by the old gray-haired priest who,
twenty ears before, performed the same rites
for the on and Corinne’s mother.

That afternoon the Carthageniun cruiser had
sailed into the bay with her flags gayly flying,
and saluted the hacienda with eighteen guns,
one for each year of Corinne’s life, and just at
sunset the dashing captain had rewcd ashore,
accompanied by his ofiicers and many of his
crew.

At the hacienda fites they had been met by
a number of oung exicans, and condu ctcd to
the plazayw ere the sailors formed in line
while their commander entered the mansion t3
seek his bride, and the e ctant crowd awaited
in breathless eagerness t c coming of the wed-
ding procession. ,

Soon low chanting was heard by many voices,
and nearer and nearer it came, until out upon
the plaza came the 'choristers, and following
them the bride and groom, the former radiant]
lovely in her exquisite bridal robe and vm‘i:
and the latter proud and handsome in his
gor eons uniform. ‘ ’

p.to the' altar of flowers they went, the
voices still singing, and there the priest met
the H, and the ceremon began. : ,

But a few words on y had been said by the
holy father, when suddenly through the crowd
came a tall form, and in ringing tones cried:

_t J Hold! Priest, commit not sin, for I forbid
1 .

Henrico, confronting the stranger,’ and all
hreathlessly awaited the answer, while every.
eye was turned upon the dashing, daring man
who had invaded the scene of sacredness.

In the same clear tones came the answer:

“I am an officer of the United States nav ,
and I~deuounce that man as Dan Diablo, t e
Red Rover of the Rio Grande.” ,.

A chorus of shrieks from women, wild cries
from men, and a swaying motion of the crowd
followed this terrible announcement. _

,3“, white as though dead, stood Corinne
Hildos, her eyes turned ,u on her lover, as i f be-
seeching him to speak, w ile be, With a face as
black as rage and hate could make it, hissed
forth, as he strode toward the American:

f‘I’l’iarl slandererl I will have thy life for

is.

“ So be it; come on and I will meet thee, Don
Diablo, for I tracked thee here to cross thy
sword, ’ was the fearless answer, and the swords

of the two men crossed with a savage clash, but
almost instantly had that of the Carthagenian
been struck from his hand.

“ You are my prisoner, sir pirate l’”

.“And who are you, sir?” steme said Don‘

 

“Never! Ho, hounds, to the rescue!" cried
the Carthagenian, and his men pressed forward;
but were suddenl checked b .,a loud' cry, mul
into their midst ashed one 0 their own num-
ber who had been left on board the schooner,
and his words seemed to strike terror ,to tho
hearts of his comrades.

“Quick! senor capitan, for the love of the
Virgin, flyl A large American cruiser is head-
in for the bay. Fly, or allis lost!” .

ith a bitter curse upon Americans, the Car-
thagenian turned to Corinne:

“Come, in .bride, come with me, and we’ll
fly far from ere.” . .

- “No, senor not until you have
charge false,’ said the maiden, firm y

“He cannot prove it false, lady: I swear it
upon the honor of an American officer."

“Come; Corinne, for, be I what I may, I
loy‘e manor-lg? the accused man.

ever our words confess our '1:
and—I—hate—you !” ' y gull '

With a low moan she fell back in her father’s
arms, while the man who. so nearly made her
his wife‘, sprung forward to seize her; but the
young American officer leaped between them,
andcried: , Z; .

“ Back! or I’ll savethe ha‘ngmau work.”

“ Hal hal ha! thwarted am I? come, hounds,
and tear this dog to pieces I”

“No, no, senor, for he has scores of seamen
at his call, ’ cried one of the schooner’s officers.

“Hal say you so, Pedro? Then we must be
ofl; but hear me, are I go: I am Don Diablo,
and I swear by heaven and hell to have revenge
for this.”

He sprung suddenly out of reach of the Amer-
ican’s sword, and calling to his men to rally
around him, started for the plaza gates, and
was soon making for his boats, while with a
loutlsi l, the man who had denounced him,

proven this

starte in pursuit.
And to he al came answering cries from
beyond the no em wall of the hacienda, and

soon appeared half a hundred American sea-
men, and in hot pursuit they were led after the
retreating pirates.

But the boats were gained, and in its of the
hot fire of the Americans, Don Diab 0 reached
his schooner, which was already under sail, and
headed for a narrowchannel way at the upper
end of the hey, just as a large vessel-of-war
came in si ht around awooded point of land,
and opene fire 11 n the buccaneer craft.

Sullenly Don iablo return'ed the fire from
his stern guns, while, under his ilota 9, his
fleet schooner gained the open 1?, an sped
away like the wind, her daring commander once
more free upon the blue waters. .

 

CHAPTER I.
DON DIABLO.

ONE balmy afternoon, a score of years after
the scenes described in the Prologue a clipper-
built brigantine was cruising along t e coast of
Cuba, and slowly a preaching a large ship that
was also running a on parallel with the shores
under a light breeze rom the south and west
that just ruflied the blue ters.

The shi , approaching from the east, was a
heavy sai er, for under clouds of canvas she
made but little progress, while the armed brig-
antine was making seven out of the five-knot

breeze. ,

Upon the latter every yard was in its place,
every sail accurately set, and in the hight and
saucy rake of her masts and’symmetry of her
hull she presented a rare model of marine
beauty. ' ’ i -. .

Standinieawward, on a course to meet the
ship, she ad the wind» two points shaft the
beam, so that {she carried foreto set and
10wer studding-ea‘ils on her staer arm, and
presented a strange contrast to the lazily- sailing
ship, for one wasbold, swift and like a ‘hawk
after its prey, while the other was moving like
a vulture on the wing. . .

The larger vessel, upon sightin the brigan—
tine, bore up a. little and hoists the Spanish
flag; but the little craft held silently on her
course,_asthough indifferent to the actions of
the other, though a closer look upon her decks

4 would show that her officers and crew were

watchingthe large craft with far more than the
ordinary interest shown in sighting a merchant-
man atsea.

.“That is our vessel, De Vigne,” said an

elderly officer, in the uniform of a co tain, ad:
dressing a young and exceedingly landsome
lieutenant who stood by his side on the brie-ran-
tine’s quarter-deck. _
_ “ Yes, Captain Graham, there is no doubt of
its being the Spanish Queen for, though I only
saw her b night in the harbor, I recognize
her ener outline,” replied the young ofiicer.

"‘ hen show the stars and stri s at the peak,
De Vigne, and send a shot over Egr as a hint to
heave to, and We Will soon know if on were
ri ht regarding that accursed Don Die 10.”

p to the peak went the American flag, and
from the sharp bows of the brig burst a stream
of fire and smoke, and away went the flying
shot toward the ship.

Striking the water near the vessel it was in-
deed a hint to heave to, and one which the

  

\

Don Diabld, thejlanterflqr’saire

 

 

Spanish commander at once determined to act
upon, seeing which an old, an, for his ion
hair and beard were white as snow, cried out in
stem tones:

“ What! sefior captain, do you intend to let
that insolent Yankee board yog at ’

“ What else is to be done, so or;‘I carry but
three small guns, and he has four to a side, and
fully sixty men l"

“And With passengers and crew you have
seventy.”

“But we are not at war with America,
senor " persisted the vessel’s ca tain.

“‘1‘ en Why permit him to (1 you upon
your own shores, for see, the coast of Cuba is
not amarine league distant?” and the old gen-
tleman ointed to thegreen shores of the “ Ever
Faithfu Isle."

“ I am sorry senor, but I must heave tp, and
when he sees that I am really a Spaniard, and
not an Englishman as he doubtless believes, I
will not be molested,” and the captain ave or-
ders for the shipto be brought-to, while he dig-
.nifled and military-lookingold tleman turn-
ed angrily away, with someth ve like a
muttered oath, and once more g auce at the
looming hrigantine, just as another iron hint
was sent over the vessel.

“ Lively, lands, or he'll send a shot into ,us
next: ready all] lay her to, helmsman, called
out the Spanish ca tain through his trum t;
.but louder than hoarse command, an as
clear as a clarion, suddenly arose a stern order:

“He! Rovers of the Rio Grendel do your
work well i” .

Instantly the ship was a scene of wild con-
fusion, for more than half of the fingers and
one-third of the crew sudden! ew off their
A ises as honest people, an with wild yells

ied around their chief, who, no lo er an
aged man, for his gray beard and wig ayon
the deck, stood now a dark~faced stern and
daring buccaneer—mme other than ban Diablo.

A few pistol-shots, the clashing of steel, and
cries for mercy, and Don Diablo held the vessel,

n which he at once crowded. all the canvas

_ e could spread, and sped away from the new

, thcgoughly astonished Americans on” the brigh
.an ne.

“ Man those gunsthere, you devils and see if
on cannot sweep those fellows rom their
ecks, and then their pretty hrig'antine is ours,”

shouted Don Diablo, as he cast the citizen’s suit
he wore aside and appeared lna naval uniform,
a splendid-loohing man indeed, were it not for
the fierce fire in his black eyes, and the stern,
cruel look upon his mouth.

Having chhnged hercourse suddenly, the s '
sped along with all‘the speed her canvas coul

at out 0 her, while the brigantine had imme-

iately'spread more sail and swept 'along' in

glansuit at a pace that threatened soon to over-
ul the chase: '

“I know not what to think of that strange
movement on the ship, De Vigne; they certain-
ly were fighting among themselves; but, on ac-
count of the number of fair passengers on board,
I do not care to fire upon him,’ said Captain
Curtis Graham, on the bri antine, at the seine
time closely watching the‘s 'p with his glas.‘

“ They are going to fire 0 us, sir, for there
comes their shot,’ answered oward De Vigne,
and as the Words left his lips, the three guns of

, the ship, which had been run 'aft, belched forth
their iron bail, and the rigging and sails of the
American craft were cut in several places,
while two ofher crew fell to the deck mortally
wounded. , ' '

, “ To your cgiartersl forward there at that
pivot gun 1” ed Captain Graham, new thor-
oughly aroused. '

‘ Ay, ay, sir,” answered the midshipman I in

e ,
but'
' “mind you, doh’t fire 'at is hull,” commanded.

the captain, and instantly, almost, the fire of

char . .
“gut that fellow’s rigging in pieces,

the ship was returned, and a running fight be- ‘

Sm .

But where the ship’sfunners d at the hull
.of. the brigantine, the mericans only aimed at
the rigging of their enemy, and the well-aimed
shots gan to Send down spars from aloft, and
cut away the fields of canvas, which greatly
lessened the speed of the chase, which was now
but fi shogt distanoefheeiclh H rd

u my ers away'we can-y er b boa —
ing, De Vigne,” cried Captain Grath, and
two boardinggarties were quickly formed, one
forward and t e other aft, so that they would
take their fees between two fires.

One of these parties “7%; led by the _ca fein,
the other by Howard De igne, who said n dis-
tinct tones: .

“Men, that vessel has been seized by Don
.Diablo and ,his, crew, who were d1sgmsed as
passengers; remember, you have him to light
now, and he shows no mercy.” . , .

A few moments more of suspense, with the
guns of both vessels dashing constantly, and
doing more or le damage to each vessel, and
the Spaniard and the American were close
aboard of each other, for the s bow of the
brigantine was up with the h h stern of the
merchant craft, and all knew t t another mo-
ment would bring a hand-to—hand conflict ugon
'the decks of one or the other vessel, and t at

 

no mere n_ be e ,
cruel dezdsefi n‘ the sea had won for
name of Don iablo.

.—

him 'the

CHAPTER II.
BEmAYlD.

THE Spanish Queen was a mfortahle,
though not fast cket shy), that sailed from
Havana to Vera and hence to Galveston
and New Orleans, and was wont to carry a
well-tilled list of ngers on each  -

Having stowe away her carfi, an gotten
her passengers on board, the c 1: set sail one
pleasant afternoon "from vane, with less
dreadto her commander than ever before in
making his voyages, for only a week before it
was that the amous rover of the Gulf. Don
Diablo, had been suukin his schooner, OR the
Cuban coast, with all on board, by an Ameri-
can frigate, upon which he had run in the dark-

ness and storm.

With this sec at the bottom of the Gulf,
there was little 3 dread other than the or-
dinary dangers of the sea, andall the assen-

rs were ight—hearted at the thbug t that

e would not have tofear chase and. capture
byA he fleetthschooner of Don lggabéo. nigh

mon e passe rs on e 3m
were a nited Sta naval oer an his
daughter, who were bound to New Oi‘leans,
and from thence to Washington, where Captain
erton Marsden had ordered to take com-
mand of a brig-of—w‘ar. , ' I

A man of vast wealth, he had been on leave
of absence fer a few months, ding the time
in Cuba, where his only child, 'ucille a. daugh‘
ter of seventeen, ‘had accom anied , and
where, too, she had lost her eartto Howard
De Vigne, the dashing {cling lieutenant in the
navy, to whom her fat or had introduned her
at a ball at the Captain—"General’s, some months

ore.

Bevin obtained permission from his captain
to run p the coast to Hayana, fromwhere
his brigantine was anchored; Howard De
Vignehad einacutter,withtwoaehmenas
his ‘compa ons, and arrived in time to catch
the S ish Queen before she sailed. , . ,

Wi a heavy heart at firtgfgflwith Lucille,
he had accompanied the u girl and her
father on board, and bade her a last farewell,

and wished them ban voyage just as the Spanv

ish sailors raised the anchor from the bottom.
Springing into his cutter, he headed for the
shore asthe ship left her anchorage, and ‘
his two seamen a couple, of pesos to aiggse heme
selves with until his return, he was e nt to it:
up into the town on some business he wished
transact ere he left Havana,
cos I y an old woman, caning on” 'a staff,
zgo spoke to him in a whining voice, asth for

 

' Thrusting a piece of silver 'to bor, he was
about to on, when he noticed with surprise
that her and wgg white, extremely small, and

exquisitelys p . 0

“You certaml possess a bee tiful hand,
seflora for one 0 your seeming a e and pov-
erty,” he sai ‘with a searching g ce at her

face andspea in B anish.

“ éenor, am notw t I seem, and I asked
you for alms to speak with you; you ust came
from on board the Spanish Queen?” 8 asked,
in a voice that was strangely'soft and musical,
and in remarkable contrast to her beggarly ap-

arance. ‘ -
pe“I did; why?’,’ and he seemed puzzled by the
words and manner of the woman.

V “Didst see on board an el‘derl gentleman, >
one who appeared like-a Spanish

on?”

Yes, I saw such a one as you speak of; a
tall figure, slightly bent, well dressed, leaning
on a gold-headed cane, and with snowy hair
and heard.” “

“ You‘ suspect not who he is, senor Ameri-
cano?” . .
“Why should I suspect him of being other
“anaemia” h
e no orewhathea pearsto t e 20
than am I. for he wears aldisguise, as I 5%,"-

» said the womaghalmost fiercely.

. “And why ould I be interested in your
strayedi uises?” ‘

“ on w ,be when I tell on that I am but
eighteen, and that my fat er is a Cuban of
wealth on'the coast, and from whose home I
fled to become, as I believed, the wife of an
honorable man but whom I found to be the
basest wretch that lives.”

She spoke with almgt savage earnestness,
and at once Howard e'Vig-ne, became inter.
ested in her, and said, kindly;

“Yours has indeed been a sad fate; but has
the man deserted you?” I

“Yes, he is the old man whom you saw on
the S nish Queen?

” al can this be true?” asked the American,
in surprise.”

“No wonder on seem surprised, for his dis-
filise was pe ect, more so than mine; but

en I was in haste to reach here before he
sailed, and forgot that my hands might betray

e

‘5 And did you intend to\sail on the packet?”

“from the  whose is

'hte

ving (actingcru y

when hewas ac-'

‘1 Ya]!
 “Did the one you accuse as so vile
intended so doing?" '

“Ah no; he would take in life, as he has
_man another who w s in h 5 way, for what

he to have me n hiaway when bright
eyes were there he wished for his own 'l”

The American ofllcer started, for there sw t
before his vision the beautiful eyes of L le
Manden. _

“Could she mean Lucille, I wonder!" he
asked himself, mentally. -

And the woman seemed to read his thoughts,
and answered:

“Ahl I see that there is one on bodrd to
whom your thoughts turn, senor; that one is
she of whom I speak, for the man who so
cruelly deceived me, has set his hopes ugh the

lovel dau r of our codn n ‘ tain
yen." E“ y m l P

“Great God! can this be true?” and Howard
De Vi e turned pale.

“ It true, seller; but had I reached the vas-
nl in time to take passe e on her, he vmusl
never have turned his balegul eyes upon another
woman,”and she spokerin a manner of such in—
tense earnestness, that the- young lieutenant

ed:
“What would you have done?"
“Driven my ife into his guilty heart?"
Howard De igue fairly started at the hatred
in her words, but as he believed Mollie Man—
den in danger, be mentally wished that the
stran woman had been in time tomtehthe

paoke shl . -
,“You :0 indeed hate your‘idse lover,” he

d. . i -
“A ,from theiumost depths of 111th I
a ' ; ay, so much do I hate him, senor.
that I will to you who he is, for I know what
you will do." '

“ What will I do?" he asked, more and more
puzzled by the woman's words and manner.
“ Han him to the yard-arm of your vouch."
“ eserves a. severe punishment for wrong-
{if :s he has done; but here I have 'no‘ au- ,
o . v ‘ n, l ‘ .
 ' is yourhoveuemh'sfnori" - v 

. ngatano r aagoon,lome«

downytibp coast.” - ,
“ 1f Lprovegto you that you have'authorlty,

know you

will-Ken use it "
“ dpunish your false lover!
“ Yes. ‘ I

“I must be certain that he has comm
'crimes that veme she ri ht; did I had him

you, wouldlfiiioklyend

(his career; but, salt is, I am power “to not,
though were I your brother, or i’yhour father, 1
would track him to the ends of e earth,- but
what Ikilled him.” ‘ x " v

“I believe 1yod,’ for you have a noble men;
butif ouwil make me aypromise, I will tell
you w c that man is."

“ What promise can I make you?" '

“ To hang him tothe yard-arm of yourvessel,
m- carry him to the United States for trial”

“ I am not the commander‘of the brigaums‘;
only second officer.” ‘ ' ‘
, “‘Stilltaiomomise, if in your power, forwere
, you to e prisoner and give him over to
thgualgthoz‘itiestgiere,hlie hals1 such power that he '
w asca em, on an immense price is
setonhishgzd.” "8 - " t "(

“And who is this remarkable man, may!
ask!” alud Howard De-Vigne was now- most

deeplyinterested. -'
. .S e drew nearer to hing, and asked in a

whi r: * -

“ ave you ever heard of Don Diablo?"

“ Who has not?” I

“ Well the retended old man on the Spanish
Queen is on ablo.’ ‘ - ' I

“ Im blel for he was sunk with his ves-
sel, an all on board, by an American frigate ~
some days ago.” - -

“ His vessel was sunk: but Satan takes care
‘of his own and his namesake, and Dan Diablo
escaped, With a. score of his men, by swimming,
tothe‘shore.” ’ . .

“ Great God! can this be true?”

“As true as the Virgin Mother’s love!” '

“ And he is now on boardthe S shQueeni”
and the young officer turned d ] pale. ,

“ Yes, where the Senorita Mar on is.”

“Woman, how know on this?” and De'Vigne
laid his hand upon her oulder.

“ He comes to me whenever he is in Havana,
and he came the day after his vessel was sunk,
and I secured for ,him the dis also he wears:

' but, by accident, I heard his p an with one of

his crew, to sail in the Spanish Queen to the
United States, and there t another fleet ves-
sel, or if possible, shoal, the ship remain long
enough in port, and he could find a proper craft,
to e it in Vera Cruz, or Galveston.”

‘ And you heard this ?"

“I did, and more and then began my hate
for him, as I heard him saythat he had met the
Senorita Marsden at the Captain-(Eleneral’s ball,
and intend-d yet to get 11 r in '3 his possession,
and again I tell you, SULJIA‘. t .. “ she is on the
Spanish Queen and in his power.”

“ I will at once seektbe Captain-General, and

 

ask that a fleet—” .
“Don’t do so, for if- a Spanish vessel is sent

0

 

4-;

in pursuit, I tell you Don Diablo will empd;
your own vessel lies down the coast, and—”

“ I will go to the brigantine immediately and
start in ursuit,”

“ Hol l the wind is ’ ht, and you could not
make three knots an our in our cutter, if
that is it lying there; but go to e inn and se-
cure a volante with swift horses, and you can
arrive ahead of the packet ship, for see, outside
1here is almost a dead calm."

“ I will do as you suggest, and 1 thank you
for all you have told me; is there no way in
which I can'prove in appreciation?” fervently
said the young American ofllcer.

“Yes, hang Don Diablo to the ard-arm of
your vessel, or carry him to the 'nited States
for trial and then I know he Will be put to
death." ' h -

“ One or the other Will be done, if he proves
Don Diablo the pirate.”

“ You will find him whom I say; and, sefior
ere he die, when the rope presses tightly around
his throat, but while he can yet listen to you,
breathe into his ear these words:

“ ‘ You owe your death to Nita Sabinas—’ ”

“What! are you—”_

“ Senor gol for you should not 

She spo e in a commanding tone, an , raisin
his cap, Howard De Vigne turned away an
hastily retraced his way to his boat, an eav-
ing it in char 9 of a waterman called to his two
seamen to fo low him up into the town, and
half an hour after they were in a volante dash-
ing swiftly along the coast highwa to join the
American bri ntineof-war Vi ette, which
upon the arrive of its lieutenant at once sailed
in search of the Spanish Queen.

.-_——

CHAPTER III.
'1‘ H E C A P T U R E .
Tim scene on the Spanish sen, when Don
tIl))ia.blo I131 hispérew,{thretvlvl 0 their disguises
eggars seen on or e su posed passen-
ers had all been gathered aft (In the quarter-
eck, lookln alternately at the receding shores

of Cuba. an the pretty bri tine which the
felt no dread of, as the Amgrimdan went uly)
to the peak. ’

But, with the ringing command of the pirate
chief to his crew, some passengers, who had
been believed to be women, suddenly cast their
feminine attire to thawinds, and appeared in
sailor costume, and armed to the teeth, while
padres, planters and shopkee rs, as instantane-
ously changed into wild-loo g cut-throats, all
of whom rallied amidships, to await further
“in” f h l

ey soon came, or t e rea passengers and
crew of the Spanish Queen were set upon, and
those who were not hurled into the cabin, and
had the companionway closed upon them, were
mercilessly cut down and their bodies robbed
and thrown into the sea.

Leaning against the taifrail, gazing upon the
approaching b tine had been a di 'fled,
handsome man 0 middle age, while at is side
stood a young, and ex uisitely lovely maiden,
whose face had flush at the words of her

compgnion. _ I

“ at is theVidette as I hve, Lucille! What
a pity that De V‘ e didn’t sail with us, so that
he could now rejo his vessel l"

The maiden thought so too, but made no re-
ply, and afsw moments after the deeds occur-
red that brought a scene of horror and death
u n them, and placed the ill-fated vessel in
t e hands of a sea fiend, for such had Don Di-
ablo become.

At a glance, Captain Marsden had seen that
reSistance was useless for the crew and passen-
gers were panic-stric en, and, hopin for help

mm the bri _ntine, he threw himse f upon a
irate near d 1:31., wrfinc‘liied Ihis sword from
is grasp, an seizmg is an ter in his arms,
sprung toward the cabin confiianionway.

Quicklya burly buccaneer leaped before him
but was disarmed and run through the heart
by the American, who a ain pressed toward
the cabin, to be again con onted by foes.

“ Holdl on our lives hurt not that maiden,”
cried the ringing voice of Don Diablo, and, as
his men paused at his command, Captain Mars—
den sprung into the open com anionway, and
instantly ehind. him it was ma 6 fast.

“Thank God! for the present on are safe,
my child, and if Curtis Graham ocsn’t retake
the ship, I know not the man,” Cl‘ied Captain
Marsden, as he placed the half-fainting Lucille
upon a lounge, and others prossad around him
to ask what was to be done.

‘f My friends, a gallant little American cruiser
is in chase, and we have hopes of a rescue: if
the pirates prove too strong, then we must hold
this cabin, at all odds, to the last, and, Lucille,
if I fall, use this.” _

He steppedto his_state-room and returned
with his sword and pistols, and a dagger, which
he gave to his daughter.

“ Father!” I

“I mean it, my child; when you see me fall,
drive it to your heart, and save yourself from
a fate worse than death.”

The young girl shuddered, but she took the
weapon, and said, in a. firm voice:

 

“If I see you die, father, I will do as you
command.”

A murmur of admiration went through the
score or more of passengers gathered in the
cabin, and several oungfirls crept with scared,
white faces to Luc 9’s in e, while Ca tain Mars-
den called around him the men 0 the party,
and, all being armed they awaited in brea -
less suspense the resu t. .

From the stern ports they saw the Vidette
coming swiftly on in chase, firing her bow-guns,
and heard the crashing of spars, and the tear-
in of sails, as the iron shot tore through them
wfiiie above their heads the ship’s decks Vibrated
beneath the roar of the howitzers, and the
trampling of feet, as the pirates moved about.

Ever and anon the stern, ringin voice of Don
Diablo was hear , and then a cras 'ng sound, as
some shattered spar fell to the deck followed
by a cry of pain, a groan, and then down past
the stern orts went a'dark object, and a heavy
splash tofd that some outlaw, dead, or only
wounded, had been hurled into the sea.

“ See how bravely the Vidette comes on, and
five minutes more will lay her alon 'de,’ said
Captain Marsden anxious to keept eyes of
the passengers off the stru gling, dying irate,
who had been mercilesslyt rown into t 6 sea
by his comrades.

“ Oh, father! see, there is Howard De Vigne,”
suddenly cried Lucille, recognizing the young
ofiicer on the Vidette.

“ By Neptune! you are right, Lucille and
that accounts for t e determined action of Gra-
ham against this vessel; De Vigne evidently,
after leaving us, found out our danger in some
way and now we are safe.”

“Safe!” ejaculated a number of the fright
ened group, with hope and doubt commingled
in their tone, for they knew not the incentive
that the gum American officer had to fight
Don Diab to he death.

“ Yes, safe, for De Vi 9 will never be beaten
ofl, should the band of on Diablo outnumber
him, which I know is the case, as the Vidette is
very short-handed,” remarked Ca tain Mars-
de and, after a moment, he add :

“ 0 men here know our duty, and when the
Vidette’s crew board we must reach the deck
and join them in the ht— Hal hear that 1"

Above the roar of e uns now arose the
stern order in Captain G am’s voice:

“ y her alon de, helmsmanl” ‘

“ Boarders, fo ow mel” came in the ringing
tones of Howard De Vigne, and the next mo-
ment the two vessels were together,_grapnels
were thrown, and with a wild cheer the
Americans bounded upon the deck of the Span.
ish Queen.

It was an hour of terrorto those within the
cabin of the acketship, for the well know
that Don Die. 10 had brought wit him nearly
three—score men, and that the Vidette had not
half a hundred to face the formidable outlaw
chief, and the cries of the pirates were fearful
to listen to. ' .

“Come men! we must gain the deck,” cried
Captain Graham, and he 0 ned the rt, and
reaching 11 , seized the ii, and w him-
self u ont e ship’s deck, while he was followed
by he f a dozen of the male passengers.

A savage scene met the gaze of Ca tain Mars-
den and his comrades, for Captain raham lay
wounded near him, and many more were
down, some dead, some (1 ing, while the fierce
onslaught of Howard De igne had driven the
pirates forward of amidships, where they were
makin a desperate stand.

At t e mercy of wind and wave the two ves-
sels, lashed together, were drifting, for every
man had been called to a duty of 1i eand death,
and hot and fierce the combat raged. '

But steadily the Americans pressed the
pirates forward, notwithstanding their chief
fou ht like a demon.

adit been on his own deck, and backed by
the crew that went down with his schooner the
battle would have soon ended: b t those 0 the
old band were demoralized by t 6 loss of their
vessel, and the new men Don Diablo had with
him were nof. yet accustomed to their chief’s
mode of desperate. warfare, and consequently
give wa before the determined onslaught of
award 8 Vigne and the few who rallied close
around him.

At length, with a wild shout, Captain Mars-
den and his volunteers joined in the mélée, and
with an overwhelming rush the pirates were
forced to cry for uarter, or be hurled bodily
into the sea, if t ey escaped death by the
swords and pistols of their foes.

Seeing that all was lost, Don Diablo gave a
hurried glance shoreward, as though he medi-
tated springing into the sea. and again making
a bold swim for life; but, as if seeing its use-
lessness, he wheeled and confronted Howard
De Vigne, and their swords crossed, While the
chief savagely said:

“ Your life or mine, young sir, for I Owe this

to u.”

‘yAy,Hyour life or mine, Don Diablo,” an-
swered oward De Vigne, and both men braced
themselves for the desperate struggle, when
suddenly their swords were struck up, and a
plilstgl was leveled at the head of the pirate
C 1e .

 

Don Diablo, the Planter-Corsair.

“ You are a prisoner, Don Diablo ” said Cap-
tain Marsden, sternly, and turning to the lien—
tenant, he continued, uickly:

“De Vigne, on sh not risk our life in a
struggle with t is fiend; let him is on the gal—
lows as he deserves, for your captain is badly
wounded and you are needed.”

For a moment Howard Dc Vigne seemed as if
sorry that the encounter had not been allowed
to terminate, but realizing the truth of What
Captain Marsden said, he answered:

‘ You are right, sir; Don Diablo, you are my
prisoner, sir."

. The dark face of the pirate chief showed no
signpf emotion and he made no reply,-simply
bowmg his head in acquiescence of his fate, be
what it might.

As Captain Graham had received a severe
wound .and but half the Vidette’s crew re—
mained in condition to do service, Howard De
Vigne determined to sail at once for New York,
at he same time hoping that Captain Marsden
and Lucflle would as is nests, instead of re«
maimng on the panish ueen which it was
deemed best to put back into Havana fer re-
pairs and a full complement of seamen.

But Captain Marsden said that important
business called him to New Orleans, and, as the
packet ship would be detained but a day or two
in Havana, he would not desert her, but con—
tinue on for the voyage, and thanking the
young officer for all he had done for them, the
captain returned to the S anish vessel, and,
With a kiss from the tips 0 his fingers, which
was prom tly answered by Lucille, the lovers

arted, With the hope of meeting again ere

on .,

159.3! could the but have known when that
meeting would , and under what circum-
stances, their hopeful hearts would have been
filled with bitterness.

CHAPTER IV.
A. BITTER BLOW T0 BEAR-

LIEUTENANT HOWARD DE VIGN'E was firm
good humor with himself and the world in
general as he paced the quarter-deck of the Vi-

ette, which two da 3 before had dropped
anchor in New York arbor, after a ion ut
safe run from the scene of the conflict wi the
s mwtg‘imi k i irons
use. s so a, n ‘was Don Diablo
the Pirate of the Gulf, and a, score or more of‘
his crew, and Captain Graham having had to
lose a leg it was not likely that he would re»
sumo command once more, and the handsome
young officer held hopes of stepping into his su-
perior‘s shoes. or rather gettin under his epau—
ettes, for by his exertions ha the famous cor--
sair been captured. ' ,

He had sent his ofl‘icial report to Washington,
by speCial messenger and was only awaiting
orders, when he would ask for leave that he
might run up to his home on the Sound, where
dwelt his widowed mother. Ashort visit there,
and then a. return to New York, where he knew
he would meet Lucille as a letter from her, re-
ceived on his arrival, had stated that she and.
her father would soon be in the metropolis..

It was no wonder then that the young lieu-
tenant wore a pleased expression upon his
handsome face, and paced the deck with a
joyous step.

“ There is ashore-boat, sir, coming off, and it
has a lady in it,” said a midshipman, who had
been en oying the view of the city, and listen--
ing to t e busy rumble that came of! from it on
the balmy breeze.

“ I see it, and—— Why, it is my dear mother:
what can have brought her here, I wonder?”
cried Howard De Vigne.

“The news of our arrival, sir, was in all the
papers, and with Don Diablo on board a ris—
oner, there are crowds on the shore watc ing
us as though we were a rent national curi-
osity,” volunteered the mi dy, pleasantly.

“Doubtless my mother was in the city, and
hearing of arrival, has come out; at any
rate,  am delighted to see her, ” and Lieutenant
D9 V; e walked to the gangway to receive the
one bein in the world to him,\until he had met.
Lucille arsden in Havana.

The meeting between mother and son was
most affectionate, though Mrs. De Vigne, a. sad-
faced, yet still beautiful woman, looked ale
and troubled, as her tall, dashing-looking 0y,
as she called him, led her into the cabin.

“ You seem weary. and troubled, mother;
have a glass of wine, and tell_ me what is
Wrong,” said the son, kindly,’ placmg his mother
upon an easy-chair, and removmg her wraps.

She took the wine without a word, and after
a moment said sadly:

“ Howard I am weary and troubled—wearied
of life, an ' worried 810k by a great heart
troublefl

“My dear mother, you are indeed not well,
and I was so in hopes to have you full of joy at
my great success for you know I have Won
promotion Since I have been away, and now
expect Government will give me command of
the Vidette, even if I do not get my captaincy
yet; is not all this good news?’

“Yes, Howard yet still it is upon the misfor-
tune of another that you rise.”

s

i
l
l
I

l
I
l
l
l
1
I
l
l
,i


i

:3

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W
i

 

Don Diablo, the Planter-Goran.

5

 

 

“ No, no, mother, for Captain Graham was to
be promoted anyhow.”

‘ I do not refer to him, but to—to—Don
Diablo.”

“Hal that vile wretch, that cruel scourge of
the seag; yes, I rise on his downfall, I am glad
to say.

“ Oh, my son! my son!” and the mother
buried her face in her hands as if m deepest
grief, while her son, unable to account for .her
strange conduct, looked upon her With anxxous

e es.
yAt lest she asked in a whisper:

“ Are we alone; Howard?”

“ Yes, mother. ’

“No prying eyes or eager ears to see and
bear?” '

The lieutenant arose and looked into the two
state-rooms in the cabin, and closed the door
and locked it that led through into the ward-
room.

“ Now, mother, we are wholly alone,” and he
resumed his seat and took her hand.

“Another lass of wine, glease, Howard, for
I need artificial strength—t auk you; now tell
me, where is this man whom men call Don
Diablo'!”

“Below decks in irons: you certame cannot
have an idle curiosity to see one so vile and
wretched?” ' - -

“No! no! no! Inever wish to look upon his
face again,” gasped th‘ewoman.

“Again, mother?” asked Howard De Vigne,
in surprise. '

‘ ‘ Yes again, my son, for we have met before."

“Mot er you have never told me of this.”

“ I hoped should never have to do so, How-
ard; but, alas! now I have a bitter, damning

‘ confession to make to you, my brave, noble
_ boy, that will bow your head in grief, unlessx.

you’yvill do as 1 wish, and ask no questions of
me.

“Why, mother, your word - ur manner,
are so strange, I fear somet mg has gone

“wrong with you since I left; come, tell me, has
father? investment for you proved worthless,
an — \

“No, no in son; myincomeisasrefiular as
the da and have improved our litt ehome
until i is most beautiful; but yesterdaya neigh—
bor brought me a paper containg an account
of your vessel’s arrival, and heralding on as
the hero of the sea, for capturing the amous
Don Diablo, and that is what has cast a sorrow
upon my heart from which I fear I can never
recover."

“ Mother, tell me what it is that lies between
you and this devilish freebooteri” said the son,
almost sternly. . - . .

“Do as I wish you to do, Edward, and ask
me no' uestions.” '

“ An what is it an wish, mother?” ,

In a whisper, an leaning toward her son, she

said.
“Release thispm'smwr.” .> 3 r
“Never! release this vile wretch, and the re-
giest to do so come from-my mother?" and
oward De Vigne sprung to his feet in indig-

nant surprise.
“I have asked it no ,*I beg it, I implore
nee, my son.” I

that on set Don Diablo

H ever!” . ~

“ You utterly refuse me, Howard?”

“I must, for I cannot do otherwise.”

“ You could allow himio escs pa. and-—-”

“ And be held responsible by my Government:
no, mother,-themau must swing with his cut-
throat followers within the week.” ,

t L Never!” .

“ What mother?” '

“ And I'safi never! that man must not die by
your hand, mrd De Vigne,”,said the lady,
almost sava ely. ' i 4

“Great 1 Mother, have you lost your
reason?" cried the frightened son.

“I wish to Heaven I had; for in madnea
there is forgetfulncss. Listen, my son, as you
force me to speak: here, sit just in front of me
where I can see your face, and you can see
mine and remember, when you have
all, the“ tried to c you to act without ask-
ing meeelny 32m one: :uome,lllam rttaady ttg
mm v E on wan Oll
hear, and then_heed.g“’ ’ y! y

She drew him “downlin front of her and,
claSping his halide, said in a low tone, while she
looked straight into his eyes:

“Howard, my son; I have deceived you in
regard to yourself, for Captain Grey De Vigne
was not your father.”

The young man turned. deadly pale, and his
whole rorm trembled. which showed how at
a supine his mother’s confession was to .

-At st he said in a low tone:

“ Is this true, mother? Captain Grey De Vigne

‘ was not my father I” _ _

“_It is the truth, my son: he is in his grave,
while your other sti l lives.” ’

“0h, G l" and the proud head of .Howard
De Vigne was buried in his hands in bitter
grief at his mother’s confession.

CHAPTER V.
m ma’s common.
F03 some mo ents no word was spoken be-
' tween mother and son. .

 

 

The former was calm, for, bavin made up
her mind to tell the bitter story the In. like a.
weight of iron upon her heart, she had ht
all of her force of will to her command, and
was determined not to shrink from the duty.

And her son?

Through his brain flashed thoughts of shame,
of crime, of he knew not what, for from the

his father was in his grave, and there was one
yet living who held that kindred tie to him.

“ Mother! mother! what does all thismean’!”
he groaned, after awhile.

‘ Be calm, my son, and you shall hear all,
and then condemn me, if on wish.”

She paused, and her vome trembled; but con-
trolling her emotion she went on:

“ You know, my son, that I am not an Ameri-
can, but a Mexican, and that in family was
one of the oldestin that land of e Gulf.

“ My father a man of vast wealth, dwelt
upon the Gulf, shores, at his hacienda, and I
was his only child, and we were most happy
there, until on our return from Havana, .where
we had been on a visit, our vessel was wrecked
by a hurricane, and we were saved from death

,only by a miracle, being rescued by the com-
mander of an armed vessel. . _

“He brought us to our home, and being a

non, only twenty-two and one to whom my
father took a great any, I learned to love
him with all my, heart, an we became engaged
to be married. ’ .‘ _

“At last the day of my wedding rolled
around, and it was made agala affair by my
father, and hundreds of the neighbors were in-
vited to attend; but as the dre be an. the
service, to make me the wife 0 the man loved,
there suddenly a red a youn officer In the
uniform of the Suited States avy, and de—
nounced my intended husband as— Oh, God
my son, how can I speak the words?”
‘ ‘ I am listening, mother, and most deeply in-
terested, I assure you,” said the son, ina con-
Mned voice: , . . , '
' Withaneflort, MrsDeV eresumed: 1

“He denounced the man loved, the one to
whom I was about to‘be wedded, as, not the
Carthagenian officer we believed him to be, but,
Don Diablo, the Rover.” ‘

With a startled cry, Howard De V e sprun
y r . .
to his feet and paced rapid! to and o sev . ,
times; but then came bac and resumed his
seat and Mrs. Dogfigne continued:

“.‘I‘here was a f , ul scene, and Don Diablo,
‘ for thoAmerican had sgflren truly, escaped to
'his boats, and thence his schooner, after a
fight with the man who denounced him, and his

(new. . ,

“Hisvemelbein of ' ht. , he tto
see through an inlegt, thgb‘luwame can
vtesselta Eogiwar that was, coming into the bay to
a c m. .

“Thus saved by the American o‘ficer, I felt
deeply grateful to him, and he visited ourha-
cienda as my acce ted sintor, for his vessel was
cruising in the Ga f. , ‘

“,Need I so . my son, that Grey De Vigne was
that ouog o oer?” . '

‘.‘I f sippected it; and yet he is.not my
father?”

H No. it _ a v

“Pray, tell me who is, for the mystery leaves
me all at sea.” , ' «

“”Don’t be severe, Howard, until you learn

all.
"M" "mm" litiga- mama...

. Mrs. De V
a kiss u ’ h forehead, and went on:
“ Ere Diablo departed that day he swore

to be avenged, and be his word, for one
day my father disc. suddfigly, and the
nextI/received a let r from the var, telling
me he had him in his power, and but one thing
would save his, life—band that was for me to be-

‘Hmwclfe' " I a: hard ainst

‘ owar ,m son, s ove my
cruel fate, but yet last I yielded, as wmy
father would certainlflgie. ‘ .

“ One night Dc? ' bio landed upon our
coast, and Good adre Juan to marry us, and
I left, a pirate‘s bride, and I saw my father
sent on shore and set free, though he knew not
then that I was aboard the outlaw vessel.» I

“ Ah me Howard, 1 could not, if I would, tell

on of my life on the Buccaneer‘s Isle. for near]

0 Ion years, the queen of, an outlaw ban ,
and 10v , in his way, by Don DinblO—"

“ And I am his son?” said Howard De Vigne,
in a voice of forced calmness, that was most
painful to listen to. d

“ Yes, you were born on the Buccaneer Isle.”

“ Howard the Devil, is a better name. for me
then, than Howard De Vigne,” he said, with a
bitter laugh.

“ My son, you have not heard all."

“ Nothing can be worse than what I have
heard; in fact the edge of my appetite for more
news is worn off, my mother.’.’ ,

“ db, God! Howard, my poor boy, have you

ity for me?” , ‘ .
‘ es, mother, forgive me; I Will listen to all
you have to tell.” *
“ It will be soon told, my, son; when .Grey De

no
4

 

r
1

“a cl! ,_.‘ I i.»,.

lips of his own mother he had heard the fatal ,
words, that the man he had ever believed to be ‘

young man of remarkable powers of fascina-;

Vi e, towhomI was e , learned that I
ha been ca tured by Don Iablo, for he knew
not the tru , be determined to rescue me, and
being a man of great courage, he decided to fit
out avessel to cruise only against the bucca-
neer chief.

“ My father’s wealth furnished the vessel, and
getting leave of absence for ayear, he started
in pursuit of Don Diahlo.

“ But he found he had set for himself a hard
duty to perform, for to ice “hm he met the
Schooner of the chief Lo was beaten ofl with,
heavy loss and making a landing on the outlaw
1510 once, he was driven back, and nearly lost
his life and vessel,

“Then he determined to accomplish by
strate , what he could not b force, and go-
ingto avana disguised himse f as a common
seamen and with half a score of his crew,
watched his chance, and shipped on the schooner
of D n Diablo. ‘

“ nee in the stronghold be acted secretly
and with wondeth tact, made himself known
to me, and at last planned our successful es-
cape one night of storm.

8 left in an open boat, and you were in
my arms, and reached Havana in safety.

‘ But there Don Diablo tracked us and again
would I have fallen into his power. t rou h his
spies, had not Grey De Vi e shot the aide down
one night, and a second t me we escaped.

“ Coming to New York he laced me in the
care of his friends, not telling em who I was,
and *then on a crdlse in the Gulf once
more whither he had been ordered. ' '

,‘ wo years alter he returned, and told me
that Don Diahlo had been really killed by him in
Havana, and that his lieutenant was still keeping
up his name, and spreading terror over the
southern seas- and more, he told me that this
lieutenant had landed at in home, slain m
poor father, and that I was one in the wor ,
with only you, in child. ~ , .

“Then it was e ed me to become his
'wife, and l consented, or what had he not
done for me, and did he not ‘overlook the 'fact
that be was men-ying a pirate’s widow f” . '

“ He certainly was a good man, mother, and.
Iain glad that I have 0 cause to curse the
memo of the meal be eved my father.”

- “ do you blame me, my soul" asked the
mother, in a piteous, pleading tone. , ,

“Ohno m mother;circumstancesmsdeyour
life wretch .” _ ‘ '

“ , bless you, my noble boy; but, Howard,
it was on! several years after myinarna’gago
captain e V t we learned that n
Diablo was 11 _ , and it"so worried him
that his health be an to fail, and at last he
died and you and were left alone. '

‘6 but he had secure. d for 1you a midshipman’s
berth in the navy, and leav 1: me in comfort-
able ‘ I he orhoppiness; but
ill-fate sent you to the’ and now, my son,
{on have captured your own father, and h ve

t in your power to set him free, or let him '6
on the gallows; which shall it be?" '

he and earnestly into his face, and he an-

sw 1n dee . calm tones: , ‘

“Mother,i Iam dismissed‘from the na ,
Don Diablo shall beset free for, be be what 9
ma , I'will not be the one to bring my rcthm'

“ bless you, my noble be 3. new I will
1'63“! home, and when you get cave cone to
m . ' ' .

'Shearose and finest mechanically he bade
fiber” farewell, ,end, aided her into the waiting

‘ t. .
flarhsmmmmma r“ we ‘
a n o e er .
fore him. " 'p ’ 'msh ‘

‘ alumna vs
_ m cam: m cm

In] clanking of chains coming down the
companiMWegccoaused Howard De'Vigne to
raise hispale from his hands as he sat at
the cabin table, and fix his inn-hing eyes upon

th‘engtfihsoner. -
. 11 right form, fearless face and flash-
ing eyes, Diablo entered this cabin and re- .
hung the chair to which the gang oflcer mo- ~ .,
tion him, folded his muse ed hands across
his broad breast, and saidin his deep tones:

“ You sent for me, senor?” '

“Idld; ldesire to sfieak with you; w
leavg’ the cabin, and will call when‘

on. ~ _

y The two_msrines saluted and deported, and
again the lieutenant motioned to t e prisoner
to be see ; but be refused, and said: -

“ What 'ttle there is for us to converse upon
will not detain me long. ”

“giou  to prefer. cur dismal uni-tors
to s ca ,as you was to return here so
soon.” ‘ _

“I never grumble at fate, sailor.” > _

" “You are fortunately constituted; but will
you my the same when under the shadow of the
gallows?" ’

“Yes; I will die as I live, Without fear," and
as the corsair spoke, there was a look upon his

 

face that was stran ly like his capf'vr‘s: in
fa(-t,ifew Would have ookcd upon the L\\ 0 men

 

 

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"  ] from Washington what to do with you?”

\

' . - “Your name  De Vigne, I believe?”

with
ended
. Satantfkymcareofhisowmandlreoove
' yo'ur supposed father, for Ism‘really your 9:.-

‘ overwhelm the you
‘ horror" but he was '
/ showed no emotion, and answe

*shecame outthis afternoon and her face told

"v

w in the meantime; do you nee

; .~....~.-.. .97.“.-- «h. _..

 

6 7 ' ‘Dda*3m§‘8‘iei'§tliéimenteficcfsairl 

 

and not have been struck with the striking rc-
semblance between them. , '

The one was yet a youth, for he was 'but
twenty—one, and yet he looked older, for
man cares had already fallen upon his young
shou ders.

The other was a man of forty-four or five,
yet did not look that age within ten years for
not a thread of silver was there in his
hair, lvis bronzcd few were no look of care, his
eyes were as brightly beautiful as his son’s
and the handsome, fascinatin r' face was marred
only by the stern and cruu expressions that
haunted the mouth.

“You have that one virtue, then, courage?”
said the lieutenant.

“Yes, I am no coward, Lieutenant De Vigne.”

“Do you know that I am awaiting orders

“So I suspected; it matters not to me what
be my fate.

“ e gallows is a fearful instrument of
death.” ‘

“ I have been so long under its shadow that
it holds no terror for me,” was the calm re-
joinder, and in no manner of.bravado was it

e.
“ Well,‘ on are not to die.”
“Ind x I am to live a life of torture, until
I go mad, as a. refinement of American cruelty.”
‘ No, you are to be set free.”
“Ah! may I ask why this mercy is shown
martin what I am to do in return?" sneered the

p U l

, You are to. led ourself to leave the
United States, anld useryagain set foot _on its
soil of your own will.” '

1‘; matters not; do you so pledge your-
se -
“ No I make no led ”
. “Not even to says {51: life?"
“ No, fornow I see t at a sickly sentimentality
On your part causes you to release me.”
“ What do you mean?” asked Howard, in sur-

“Yes.” ‘ ,

“Your mother was the Senorita Corinne
Hildos, aMexican?”

u Ya.” .

“Imade her to wife and afterward, killed
her father; she escaped m my island -
hold an American officer, who neary

days of usefulness‘ln : at

“That officer was Captain Grey De Vigne,
ternal ancestor.”

The chief spoke as though he to
officer with s the and

ppointed for Howard.
quietl :

“Ialread knowthat I am the sono avile
womb,de set you free,onlybecause Iain
got thyself’yil enough to wish your life upon

'x Ah! as I said, sickly sentimentality sets me
free; but I care not for'the cause, so go free,

ho . .
‘YI saw yourmothelthrough the cpsnport as

methatsheknewwhowasin ironsonthisves

sol; well, when do we partcompany, m son?”

m‘ Donot dare call mefbyhthatrsfifte 
r on are in a or an

“ be' “7- what care I? but answer my ques-
” was reckless reply. _ v
“ 7 at eight bells will take the deck,’
and theyatch, being changed, will not know
'what visitor may be in the cabin, and I will call
a shomhboat to some out at two bells and row
you as ore, an can give an a disgmse' that
will prevent your Won by any of the
crew that may see you. .
“It is a. 00d plans .but'youvwill doubtless be
dismissed or your sins.’ »
" Perhaps; but w at is that ,to you?"
_ “Oh, nothing.” , -
. “ Very well; I will order you broughtto the
cabin before midnight, and pregare your disguise
money?” i
"No, I have a fortune in 1jewels about me l
now; here, let me show that appreciate what l

 

. you do for one you abhor; wear this ring, and 3

should you ever fall into the hands of any of n
my See it will protect you—nag do not ,
reIuse it, and remember, should tron is over- ,
take on, and a buccaneer ask you how you re- 1,
ceiv it, answer simply one word—souvenir.” l
Don Diablo, took the hand of his son, who me- i
chemically rmitted it. and slin d the ring on i
the little nger of his left has , where, be its I
history what it might, it certainly was an orna- l
meat, for the dos: was a pair of solid gold l
eagle's claws, claspmg a ruby of great beauty
and size. ,
~ With but a glance at the rin , and another at .
his father Howard De Vigne med and called 3
the guards, and the pirate chief was led bank 3
below ecks. ‘
Then, up and down the cabin paced the
young man, his lips set, his eyes blazing, until
darkness crept over the waters, when he called
about and rowed shoreward.

I

 

l

“I will return in a shore—boat, Jasper, so do
nmait,”~he said to the coxswain, and then
a] ..d up Broadway into the business part of

e cit ,.

J ust‘hefore midnight he returned to the Vi-
dette, and told the boatman to wait alon de,
while he went into the cabin, bearing in his
arms a large bundle.

“ Mr. Velour, send the Don Diabl to my
cabin, please,” he said to the officer of he deck,
and again, a. few moments after, he stood face-
to face with his father.

At last eight bells struck, and Howard arose
and approached the prisoner.

“ Here, let me unlock your irons.”

Without a. word the chief obeyed, and he was
free of his chains.

“Now step into my state-room onder and

ch e our clothing: you will fin a disguise
“$12530 g .there; in half an hour come ori
dec

As the Videt’re’s bell tolled half-past twelve,
a tall, cloaked form emerged from the cabin
and ap reached the spot where Howard De
Vi e sand, and‘said simply:
I am rcadyl.”

“Then go; ere, boatman, row this gentle-
man to the shore,” said Howard.

“ Farewell, boy: ‘you have‘doue wrong to set

me free; better have ban ed me,” was the _

ominous remark of Don Dish 0. .
“ Goi.
Howard De Vigne made no other 1- se,

and the chief entered the waiting boat an was
pulled ranidly shoreward. ‘
Until the gray dawn was visible over Brook-
lth Heights, the unhappy lieutenant paced the
eck,,w , heart-hurt, and dreading evil yet

_ sunlight ed not the shadows

n n h and with amost joy be 'welcomed

n glit for 's officers and crew looked tr ely

111%:an when the secret came out that on
all

come.
Andthe

1011,13: escaped,'and he made no eflort to
re a . , '

At ' ht bells two boats were seen coming to-
ward , e brig-of-war, one of them bajfu ing
re idly, and g: nick, terse tones the of the
0 er of the" so was answered:

“I wish to see-Lieutenant De Vigne at once.”

Into the cabin the man was shown and How-
ard ' ‘an old tamer, a neighbor of his
mother’s, and saw flint his face was pale, and
his manner excited.

“B Mr. Fra :do-you bring ill tid-
ings he asked. in a curse voice.

‘ Yes, Howard, the worst in the world; your

mother 18

“Deadl my mother deem no, this cannot be,
for she parted from me yesterday in health.”

“ True, my poor boy, but this mornin I saw
a strange boat land at the little pier in nt of
your home, and a wearing a heavy beard.
slouch hat, and long cloak, sprung ashore, and

entered the cottage. ,

,“Half anhourafter I went there, and the
boat had no. and your mother lay. dead on
the sofa, 9. Vin her cart.”

Howard De igne tried to , but no
words could he utter, and be back in his
chair, just as an officer entered. ' '

h It Ydfl the messenger from Washington, and
e as : 

“Pardon me, Lieutenant De Vigne, but I am
ordered to tell you to come at once to Washing;
ton, and bring with you Don Diablo and 11
crew.

_ With a. low moon of an ish Howard De
Vigne drop his'head infis hands, for the
blow had f on bitterly upon him; but the “die
was cast beyond recall. ' ~ \ 0

CHAPTER VII.
‘ “AN INHIBIT ‘Ncn.

Ir is said that troubles nsv rcome singly, and
in nine cases out'ot ten so it seems to he to
verify the old adage; at Ieast so it was the
case of Howard De Vi for, broken-hearted
almost at the death 0 h mother whom he
could not doubt fell by the hand of non Diablo,
the young oficer ha ordered angtherto take
the soners to Washington, while he went to
his esolate cottage home, to
rites over her whom' he had so well loved.

But, hardly had she 1grown cold in her grave,
on the shores of Long sland Bound, when there
came from Washington a peremptory dismissal
from the service, for aiding Don. Diablo to es-
cape, for it was roven that he had himself sent
him ashore in a t, but for what reason could
not be discovered, as the young man offered no
explanationof his strange conduct, for that se-
cret he determtned to carry in his own heart.

With his mother dead. the knowled that
she had died by the hand of Don Dish 0, and
that that pirate chief was his father, added to
his being disgraced by dismissal frOm the, navy,
in which he had so hoped to rise to distmction, It
was almost more than human nature could
bear; but he bravely determined to bear up
against all adversity, and once more seek‘ser~
vice upon the sea, until one day, some weeks
after his mother’s death, as he sat in his room
at a hotel in New York; he read an account of
the loss of the Blue Wave, a packet ship from
New. Orleans toNew York, With all on board.

 

perform the last'

D

 

In bitter agony of spirit he cried:

“ Oh, God! what have I done to be so stricken:
with grief?

“Poor, poor Lucille, here is your last letter,
telling me that, as your father was compelled
to start by stage at once for Washington, you.
would sail on the Blue Wave.

“Alas! alas! and I had intended telling you

all, and had you turned against me, knowing '

who I was, then would life have been unlicen-
able; but with you living I could live- down
sorrow and misfortune.

“ Alas! with you dead, I am reckless of what

_ halppens— Hal who is it that intrudes?” and at
a

oud knock at his door the unhappy young
man arose and o ened it.

“Lieutenant e Vigne I believe,” said a.
stout gentleman with spectacles. ’ I

“M name is De Vi e, sir, but I hold no
rank, ving been dismissed from the navy,” he
replied, bitterly.

‘ There are happy men, sir,‘0ut of the navy,
I can assure you, so you need not despond; but
I heard of your misfortune, sir, and a stnange
affair indeed that you should aid the escape of'
as»: Piablo; but you know your own business

3 .

“ Then why trouble me, sir?” was the curt re-

“Ahl I see, I should have made known my
business, for it is important; I am a lawyer,
sir, a lawyer, and I do not transact business in
hallways. ’ — _

, “Then walk in, if you have anything  say
to me; you doubtless wish me to sue Spain for
the price oflered for Don Diablo’s head: but 1.
will tell you I care not for blood—money.”

“Nothing further from m thoughts, sir,
though as you sug t it, I be ‘eve the money
coul be recover . as you certainly did ca -
ture him; but they would contend that you—

“D— it, sir, what is your business with
me?” cried Howard, angrily, losing all patience
with the fussy little antleman.

U“AsIsaid,sir,as said,1am a lawyeigsir,’

slaw er—”

“ on are a chattering old idiot, fir, and if'
you do not leave my room I will—”

“No; no, lieutenant, I mean Mister De
Vigne you will do nothing rash, for I have
come iomake. on a. rich man.”

“ I care not or money, sir.”

"Butyou m mydear sir. you must in'
this case, for an err-lch has been left you.”

“Bah! you are mad. \

“Not so mad as I look, sir for I hold in my
possession twenty thousand dollars left ydu by
a'relative of your father.” -

Howard started and said, quickly:

“A relative- of' my father; w at do you;
mean?” ’ .

“ He had an aunt an old maid, and she died
several do a 0; was her lawyer, sir, her
lawyer, an , of 1' giving much to charity, she
mktwenty thousand to you, and it is in the

“ Give it to her other kin, then.” -

“No, no, the will' expressly rays it goes to
you to you sir, and‘I have call u on-you. to-
explain mattersyaiid hand 11 thlsc k for it.
sir: it is 031’ the City B as you. see, and ll
only wish your receipt for t same.”

Mechanically Howard took the check. his.-
heart too full of grief to feel an pleasure at his.
inheritance, and while he look at it the fussy
little fat lawyer wrote a necei t, which was
signed with the same air of ind' erence.

“ Your fortune does not please you, sir, does"
not geese you.” -

“ isamatter of utter indiflerence to me;

what shall I do with the money i” ,
. “ My dear sir, live on it, intact it, and double
it: that is the we to do; if you don’t, I- will
return your com meat, and say on aremad,”
and he added, aotto was, “I’ fait I behave he.
is; his troubles have madehim a lunatic.”

“Allrlght, Mister—” . - , ». ‘

“Dean, sir, lawyer Dean, Mordecai Dean,
asquge, sir, at your service,” and the lawyer

w . .

“ All right, iawyer Dean accept my thanks
for the interest you have to en in this matter,
and lease invest the money in a monument for
the ear old lady who has, in dlvin , remem-
bered so unworthy a person as my .” '

‘ “The monument is-arrunged for, £113.11 11"
ranged for: she drew the lans herself, air and
.it is to-be of purest mar e, and she left the.
money to erect' it. ” ‘

“Then how much do I owe you. Sir?”

I

' “Not a cent, sir, not a cent, for the estate I

pays me.” i , . l
“Then I will say good-morning. sir.
The lawyer took the hint. and, when lwfi'

alone, Howard De Vigne 'broke into a bitten

‘lau h, and muttered: V

v
i

“ caredaiotto take this money, but it we.“ -

forced upon me; ha! Iwill invest it this night
and losing it’ Will give me the excitement 2.
crave. ' -

“ Yes, .1 will gamble it away."

‘ CHAPTER VIII.
rim LUCK-STQNE. "
IT was a blustering, chillyazyening in Marsh,
« and the flickering street- ps, cast dauciq-J

 

 

In..- _+ _ 

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l
r s

 

i

 

shadows upon the walls and the searchinngiud
caused wayfarers to draw their cloaks more
close] around their forms, or if they were beg-
;vurs, oping fora penny, to crouch more closely
in the nooks of the houses for shelter.

Yet one erson seemed to heed little the ele-
m nts, as e strode along Park Row, at that
:Lmo becoming one of the fashionable quarters
H‘ the city.

As if searching for some particular place, he
kupt his eyes upon the different doors, until he
u-nme to an entrance, u on either side of which
were two lamps, upon the glass globes of which,
in gilded letters, was painted:

“TEMPLE or FORTUNE.”

“This is the place where I came one night,
1va years ago with oor Knox, who lost his
inwt dollar, and then b ew his brains out in the
presence of those who had mined him.

“ If i do the same—well, who will care?"

He had paused, as be muttered the above sad
story; but once more -he moved on passing up-
stairs into an ante-room, the walls of which
were rows of closets.

In the center of the room sat a man at a table,
and in his hands were a number of ivory but-
tons with numbers marked on them

“ save your cloak and cane, sir?” asked the
man, politely, seeing that he addressed agen-
tleman, and a stranger to the place. ,

“ Yes, thank you,ll and receiving an ivor
button, witéiedth; margiber otfhthe clget in whic
was deposi is ings, e visi r passed on
fhrongh a door into a large and magnificent sa-

oon. .

It was a room of vast size, the walls having
painted u n them rare pictures and the ceiling
colored b no, and dotted with gilded stars to re-
semble the heavens at night. '

A. row of billiard-tables surrounded by play-
ers, occupied the center of the room, and upon
one side was a marble bar, glitterin with lass-
ware, and with the decanters f of c oice
wines and liquors.

In alcoves, upon the other side of the me

were card-tab] also occupied lay players, an
at the extremi es of the gra salon was a
roulette table and taro table. .

For a moment the stranger seemed dazed by
the gorgeous scene; but spying the rouletce
table, walked in that direction.

There were several us around it, and be-
hind it a. man flash y attired, who was the
kee r, and heldin his hand the little ivory
bal to snap in the wheel of polished brass.

He merely glanced up as the stranger en-

tered, and said curtly:

“Doyouplay,s‘ir ’ -

“ Yes,” and he a bank-note upon] a
number on the ta ‘ ’

“ Allsetl”cried the keeper, sna ng the ivor£
ball into the wheel and setting it at the
same time. ‘ " ‘

“ Single 0, black I” called out the keeper, as
the wheel stop in front of that number.

“You risk a lat e sum, and you “what,
sir,” said the amb er, coolly, as with a little
ivory rake he w the money toward him.

The player made no reply, and again deposit-
ed his:l money filpon a number.

9

An lost.

And t usit went on, the losing at
each turn of the wheel, and yet the color com-
inginto his face, instead of its growing paler.

nee fickle fortune turned suddenly in his fa-
vor, and he won back a thousanddollafs; but
the next turn of the wheel and he again oat,

And V and ‘ luck held .aloof from
him, until yers less interested, and risking
much pusher stakes, crowded round the table
and gazed upon him with looks of surprise at
the in iflerence he showed in loding so heavily.

“ Al Set! do you cover a number, sir?” asked
the keeper.

“No, forI have just lost the last of twenty
thousand dollars, and have no more money wi
me,” was the cool reply. . _ -

. " I will advance you a thousand on that ring,
sir " said the keeper, pausin with the ivory
ball in hisfingars, and ready turn the wheel
for the other pla ers. .

“Ha! I had flirgotten this; I willdplace. it
1191?.”and he placed the valuable an unique
ring upon the table, while he muttered, half
along, fill: t?“ sneerquo way:

‘ sway t rid of the resent of
my illustrious father.fie p v

“Double 0, red!” sun out the kee r in his
dgzwéing tone, though face flus ed as he
a e l '

“The ring is a luck-stone, sir; what was it I
offered to loan on on it?”

‘f A thousan dollars !” cried a number of
vOices in chorus, for they were not sorry to' see
the bank lose, as often before, it had swallowed
up their gold.

“Then I owe ou thirty thousand dollars, sir;
twelve thousand more than you lmt,” and while
the keeper was counting out the money for the
indifferent player, the news of the strange
playing spread thro b the room, and scores of
men crowded anxious y around the table.

“ Do you still play, sir?” ‘

“ Yes,” was the quiet response, and the
m placed the ring, upon the double 0,

l DonlD‘iablo,  r“  ‘   7i

“ It goes as a thousand dollars!" .
it Yes ”

“All set!” cried the keeper, mid 'all .e
eagerly watched the revolving wheel, an a
murmur went round the crow as again the
ring won. /

‘ I’ll give you five thousand dollars for that
ring, sir,” said the keeper. ,
“ l Elmo it on single 0, black, at a thousand,”
was t e cold response, and once more it won.

And, with a strange smile u on his face,
which no one present could rea , the player

table, and each time was a winner, until 'he at
last turned away with a. fortune in his hands,
and with a bow to the keeper left the saloon.
At the anteroom a person overtook him, and
said quickly: I "
“Pardon me, sir, but will you sell that ring?”
it No, Sir.” . '
“ I will give you ten thousand dollars for it,
thotliigh it is not worth more than two thou-

“ I will not sell it, sir: it is an heirloom from
one whom I hate most devoutly ” and the
stranger ed on, while the one who had ad-
dressed him muttered:

“If he were ten years older, I would swear
he was Don Diablo, for he is strangely like him
in face and form; anyhow, I wil ollow and
find 'out who and what he is, for just such a
man I want, as I never saw such cool playing,
both when he lost and won a fortune. ”

The speaker was a man of. t -five, with a
fine face; an athletic, though lien or form, and

a esolute,dm§darin air.

9 was ‘ in a kind of undress uniform,
and looked like one who would be a deadly fee,
or truly friend. I

Buttoning his pea-jacket closer around him.
he strode from the gamblin hell, and followed
on the steps of Howard De igne.‘

 

p '. CHAPTER 19:.
um msULr AND run owner» _

“ IN God’s name! what have I to live tori

“My mother murdered by the man
whose life she saved, and by my {when myself
dismissed from the service I so oved and Lu-
cille dead' truly, mine is an unhappy lot—ha! I
found excitement and forgetfulness in one vice
for several hours I will go in here, and drown
thought in the wine cup.

The speaker was Howard De Vigne and that
his sorrows and troubles had driven him nearly
to desperation the reader can readily surmise
by his words. .

The place bra-entered was a brillimtly-lightcd

ntleinen’s restaurant, also combining a bil-

iard-room and enticing bar. ' ‘
r ‘3'? fit: m“ “i limo: a.“ it?“
as one 9 s youngan o '
for I am writing of the early years of the pail
enzgetlhwryrgeous‘ b be r i
e go ar a~num r 0 men
were standing sipping, their wine 0%];
~according' to heir tastes, and we g upto one
side of the group Howard. De Vigne called 'for a
bottle of chain gne. _

As he poure "out the first glass a young man
entered be saloon and was hailed by Slag-cup,
whom he at once oined, while one in a
tone of drawling ectation:

“Where have on been, dear boyi Dancing,
flirting, or gamb g?” .‘

“ I have been watching an intensely interest-
ing. game, played by that oung naval oflcer
De Vigne, who you remem ,was lately dis-
missed from‘the service, for aiding thepirute
Don Diablolto escape.” , - '

is respou‘se‘seemed to m interest all,
apltfi the words caught the ear ' o oward him-
so

“ De V' e amin 1 wk I thought fl ht-
iug wasliilsgxtilnly,g enjoy‘hgient, ariid never hea of
his gambling; are you sure about the man,
Velour?"

“ Oh, yes, for several there know him; he Ha
lost twenty thousand dollars, and then stak
aluck-stone for so much cash, and won on every
number on which he laced it; it was d,

assure you, and he le 01! a cool fifty t ousand

winner.”' .
“Why De Vi e is r; that is he had only
y, and I E: n believe-what has been

whiggered about h m ’. said the young man who
had said that the smissed "officer was not
known beforeto gamble. .

“And what is said of him?" asked all in
chorus, anxious for a bit of gossip, as men often
are, though they attribute that vice wholly to
the fair sex. ' ',

“ Well, it has been said that Don Diablo had
with him large sums of monev,'and also jewels
of great value, and, if De Vime lost twenty
thousand dollars ambling, I be ieve the pirate.
chief paid him we for his freedom.”

It was an unlucky speech, for with the last
word, the s aker staggered back with a glass
of wine das ed full in his face, while the pop,
on ry voice of Howard De Vigne said, sternly:

‘ You are a lying cur, Mark Manly.”

At onoeall was a scene of intense excitemc nt,
and, as soon as the young man, Mark Manly,

 

could wipe the wine from his eyes, with his silk

 

again risked his ring upon each number on the ‘

 

 

handkerchief, he sprun forward, his face white
with rage as he saw w 0 had so insulted him.

But with a quick blow, strai ht out from the
shoulder, Howard De Vigne him I: n his
badr, and then, as the others seemed elf-in—
clined to attack him, he stood at be , and, see-
ing that they did not know him, and calmly:

‘ Gentlemen, I am Howard De Vigne, and I
warn you off.”

The words and manner of the young sailor
created a profound impression, and mingled
with the curious glances of the crowd was ad-
miration at his splendid physiun and hand-
some face, as he cooll stood before them,
quiet in manner, but wit
his eyes. A

Having risen to his feet, half-stunned Mark
Manly seemed anxious to a ain attack his ad-
versary, but was held bac by his friends,
while others in the crowd urged him on, when
Howard said, calmly: '

“ If Mr. Manly Wishes to push this affair with
me there is a better way of settlin our
trouble than by a fight in a public saloon.’

“Yes, and you shall hear from me, air, at
once; Loyd Defoe, will you act for moi” cried
Mark Manly, turning to the oung man who
had unintentionall caused e trouble, by
bringing the news 0 Howard’s gambling. ‘

“ h, yes, Mark, with pleasure; if you refer
me to your friend, sir, we can soon man a the
little matter,” was the rather cheerful re y.

Howard looked round upon the crowd, and
into his eyea‘came momenle a hunted lock,
suchalook as I have seen u n a man’sfaoe
whenéie was 802%»de t and faced his
execu oners; u turned 0 expression
0: deep sadness, as he said with a at attempt
a a e: .

“Iain sorry, sir, but I have not a friend in
the world. ” -

A murmur of sympathy at his words ran
thro h the crowd; but it was hushed when a
man orced his way forward, and said in a.
clear distinct voice: .

“ ' on m MniDcViggabut allowlneto
actas your f and n this air; my name]:
Captain Jack Waldron, and I am a by
profession, and from loveof the sea.”

Howard readily held forth his band, for he
saw in the person before the one who
had ‘made him the liberal oflar for the ruby
riggin the ante-room of the gambling saloon,
a there wasthatin his face and generalis-

that told him be u not seeks better friend. ~,
“I thank cu, ; Mr _ , I am abthe
Washi n .ouse, where your ad can find.

me,” am taming to Captain Jack W9-

dron he plea-ii . . .
“fletushave a be e of wine together,aud
“8113i leava’tly together tb t drank
a. n coach 6 W0
their wing, find maul-m imam left in sa-

1 , followed the e of allwhebad
3&1 the insul n ‘worliz‘of Kai-k “mm

a??? u antisthil old grudge!”
‘ e ,, r. ’ c an ,

asked, CaptainWsl e’astlietwotookseats

migdi'mifih ettit ' be, 1 mint '

no me. or a

get a'dniirerofii youn lid when: I met in

vana, and followed m

113, l

veins for it; .ah ml the poor

d now asabe went down on the Blue 70
log-‘39 30.11 , .

4 a sad, aflair; batik. Do. an
the challenged
prefer?" »

’“ 'ther swords or pistols, it matters not
which.” . . .
th“Y'gu are proficient in the use of both of

em ' ‘

“Oh. I a or rather wan navalionec:
putlfem’puryotg ton, dealuftvouhlc
, or a on. ‘ i . ~ .
I «ills amr ‘no man in misfortune,

sir, and though I did not know who yomwcro ‘

tonight, when you were at the Ton: of For
tune, try“ your luck, I had been! f you and
our mam in themyou havenyfuil
m .. . .
8y“ dyfrom my heal-LI thank on

y sir; I :
visited the Temple of Fortune for excitement, . 1

as I afterwardwentinto the saloontodrewn
thou ht in'a glass of wine.” -

“ You certainly have had excitement enough
for one night, especially with this dual upon
your hands.” ‘ I \

“I am glad of it for the excitement it will

brinaf’ ‘ s

“ ell, only be as cool as you Were tonight
when losing, and winnin , and yen will come
out vii-tor; but I have urd of Manly as a
man of great nerve, and one who has already
sent a couple of men to the grave.”

“So be it; if he sends me‘ there, he will do ,

me a favor, and—"

‘ l
A knock came upon the door,-and a hall—boy "

entered with a card.
Howard De Vigne took it quietly and read
r .

' aloud:
“ Loyd Defoe.”

“Show him up, please,”he said to the ser-
vant, and soon after the young gentleman, al-

a dangerous look in

a ,

Jeefihmdofthelo-ofthatveluhit'
wasin

party, mt weaponl,oym‘

 

 

 

 

 

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Diabio‘,

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:ready known to the reader, entered the room,

and said poll :

“LieutenutftlDe V e, I believe?”

“I am Mister De igne, sir, as I hold no
rank in the navy, having been as
you know; but permit me to introduce you to
my friend, Captain Waldron, who will arrange
any matters with cu that you may.desire ‘on
the part of Mr. Minl , from whom I surmise
you come. ”

“I do, sir,” and bowing to Captain Waldron,
or Jack Waldron, as he said he preferred to be
called b his intimates, Loyd. Defoe took a‘seat,
while oward’excused himself and left the

room.

A shorg abile tiger he returnl ed ktic flnd Defoe
gone an soap in uiet smo ng.

“Well, De Vigne, itqis a arranged; swords
to be the weapons used, though pistols are to be
alsotaken to the field- time, to-inorrow after-
noon at sunset, on the Burr and Hamilton
dueli —fleld in Jersey, and each party, if de—
sired, have a surgeon along."

In“!!!ti gm content; now be my guest for the

fi'l‘hank you, but I cannot, as I have a little

ily expecting me, and it is now after mid.
night.”

‘ A family! If I had thought that-v"

“Yes, yes, but don’t worry yourself, for they
are all grown, and they are as fine a set of fol-
low on as fine a little schooner, as ever floated,
and ‘ll offer on a berth onboard to rove it;
but good-nigh ,” and Ca Jack Wal ndis-
appeared, while Howar said half aloud:

: ‘Thereis some strain e‘mystery about that
man; dressed in half— orm, yet not in the
naVy; a trimschdoner and gallant set of men
un or 1111— 00' stran 6—1 00

d h‘ itlLs g 'tlkindeed
strange."

—_-,-

CHAPTER X.
on in]: FIELD or HONOR.

.AN hour before sunset, upon the day follow-
ing the scenes related in the foregoina cha ter,
a carriage 'ci'ossed the ferry between I‘lew ork
and Jersey, and drove rapidly along the road
leading along the western of the majestic
Hu n river. ‘ _

Reachinga point from whence a grand View
of the river could be keen, one of the occupants
called to the driver to lower the top, that they
could the better see the t panorama
spread out‘before‘them. z , , .
if; As the to t'11))! the barouchewdwas  heel;

displa roe pemonssea wx A wo o
whom zere Howard De Vifi. and Captain
: Waldron,and the thirdagra - n‘ed,-soldierly-

looking individual, who had 11 presented as
Doctor Lane, the surgeon of the captain’s ves‘

“There goes a sloo acht, creepin along
under the land, an i); must contain our
friends,” said Captain Waldron, inting below
them, ttl; as tiny craft that was coding in to-

erse . s

“ es,lre60Fyniae Mark Manly at the tiller;
it is his vesse doubtless, as I have heard he
owneda ya but he does wrong to take the
tiller wheahe torisk his life upon his band’s

' ess;why,itwc were going to usepis-
the strainonthe muscles would wholly
, him for goodaini," said Howard De

Youi are right;i sir: lzfis.second ’lsbtguld not
W- t' on river, or we Wis arrive
oaths self) Im- thatis half the battle, to
get your enemy nervous by seeing that you are
waiting for him; eh, doctor?"

“Traemaptsing it goes a long we toward
unnerving a man, though I doubt .i it would
affect Mr. De Vigne here as he is as uncon-
cerned as he could be; in fact, inthedosen
duels I have attended professionally, I never
saw a man such a nerve of iron.

“ Thank on doctor; but it is,dperha
mnthol life ata discount m deg

preminm.’ , ,
“ Not so should thdugh, De Vigne; there
,. is room enough fifths world for all good
men, and these times one can make a mule
for him that will bring him honor; but here
we are, for the driver halts,” and Ca n Wal-
qmnm “231% “ill? "a" °‘ 3’" villi ’ “Md ‘7”

' w owar an sui- .
It was the sameyspot where Aaron Burr and
Hamilton met ears before, and a
scene rendered one by he Iatter’s fall, and
where many a eadly encounter has since oc-
v carted; but, unmindfnl of the life blood the sod
haddrank n in the pwt, and the sad act that
' l1m! pets be ere perpetrated, the1 little birds
Op merrilyamunduntegrass,or
trilled their notes from thldro branches of sur-

rounding trees.

Hardlyhadthe swords. been laid out ready

for use, and a case of pistols placed near, when' h

voices were h comin up the hill, and soon
after four forms appeared in sight.
“ It is Manly and Defoe, ‘ surgeon and
his valet are with him,” said Howard, quietly.
.“Theiyseem to think they are coming to a
picnic,' growled the surgeon, as he unrol ed his

a”: “‘1’

 

,8‘11‘ 'cal implements, wiping them off as ten-
der y as though they were 0 gold. .

a

“ may not back in the same 011
“dynamitan remind”
as a n e ra'
his in? from. did a Ifiigagg’

That k nly had been drinking was evi-
dent, from his flushed face; yet he seemed not
at all nervous, and the preliminaries were soon
arranged, the principals threw aside their coats
and took their stan s, and Defoe and the cap-
tain stood ready to hand them the weapons.

But suddenly a shriek was heard, and up to
the spot, on horseback, dashed a young girl,
who, drawing rein, threw herself to the (ground
between the two adversaries, crying wil 1y:

“ No! no! no! this must not be.”

She was a woman, and yet a child in years,
with a face of rare beauty, and a form of ex-
quisite mold, and which her dark-green riding-
habit had set off to perfection.

By her rapid ride her.bair had been shaken
loose and hung in golden masses far below her
w ' , while, as she knelt between the two men,
a hand outstretched toward either, to keep
them apart, she made a icture that was beau-
tiful, yet touching to 100 upon.

Howard 'De Vigne’s face changed color at
once, and he glanced inquirineg toward his
enem , who said angrily:'

“ gdalene, what means this strange and
unwarranted intrusion?”

“Mark, forgive me, but I felt that something
was wrong, and finding the fpaper you hid from
me this morning, I read 0 your trouble, and
knew what would follow.

“0h, Mark! Mark! let this end here, I ini-
plore you.” '

“ adolene, you are a silly child; I could no
more 3 p this duel than I could stem Niagara’s
torrent, nor would I do so if I could. Here, I’ll
aid you to mount and then return to your
home.” ., . I

“ I will not go, Mar ,” she said, firmly.

“But I say you must,” he retorted, with
anger. ,

But, unheeding him, she cried pleadingly',
now turning to Howard De Vigne, and still upon
her knees, clasping her hands:

“ Oh, sir, please, for the love of God! do not
break my heart.” . ~ .

Howard was deeply moved, and said in a
voice that trembled: .

"It does not rest with me, lady; but if Mr.
Manly desires to drog the matter,. will——”

“But Mr. Manly oes not desire, norwill he
drop the matter,”_ was the quick. reply of that'

on. . .
pagan/ard simply bowed, and then the woman
one n am er over, or suc e

' d, turni s as ' to h 1 t h h
evidently was:

“Mark, you will let this end here, for my
sake for the sake of our—”

“lilo, not for the sake of all the angels in
heaven! Rise, Magdalene, and I will escort
you to my yacht, ’ these gentlemen will par-
Width??? I 'd H d an o tai

y, sai owar , w e ap n
Waldren bowed. _ ’

“ No, no, Iwill remain here; but gen, sir, who
havetthe' pameof being brave an noble Will
spare his ifei” and she turned, again to ow-
ard, in whosq eyes she read an assent to her re-
quest, for she instantly arcs; and, retreated
backward a few steps. , " .

“ Perha s, under,ex!sting circumstances, this
aifair ha better be pee-timed ” said Captain
Waldron looking towa’rd yd Defoe. .

u 1 will cosmic Mr. Manly, sir.”

“There is no need of a stponement: we
came here to fight, and not stayed by a wo—
ma ’s tears and entreaties,” was the rude retort
of“ Aasrk Manly. m it. , to

. lease, ; was spare a worse
scene toyfdle lady’fe _ that I made the sugges-
tion; we are ready, hough I wish it were other-
wise ” curtly replied the captain. _
“And so are we,” and Lo d Defoe again
pad forward, while‘Mark nly once mere
tuxénedgo the woman he had called Magdalene,
an sai :

“ Do you still insist upon remaining?”

“'Ybs, wh elm I not face a danger that you
must meet, rk?”  '

“Because this is no ght fora woman’s eves.”

“ It is no deed for men’s hands: but I will say
no mor only kiss me, Mark, for, oh! I have
such a oreboding here,” and she pressed her
hand u pan her heart, while, noticing the sudden
pallqKI-l of his principal’s face, Loyd Defoe said,
qu c : .

.“I y of’you not to unnerve Mr. Manlyat
such a t me.

“ Forgive me, and, Mark—” she could say no
more but threw her arms around his neck and
kissed him, passionately.

But the arms suddenly released their hold,

and she would have sunk to the ground, had not ,

Doctor Lane sprung quickly forward and caught
er.
“ Poor child, she has fainted,” he said, with

in th . _
5y“ flaisybetter so; now, let the affair go on,”
re lied Loyd Defoe.
at Howard De Vigne whispered something
to Captain Waldron, who turned to Loyd Defoe,
and said:
f‘ My principal very generoust suggests that

‘4

the mossy bank where

 

i-
after such a scene, Mr. Manly should have a lit-
tle time to recover himself. ”

All looked u surprised, while Mark Manly
responded look toward his second:

‘ Mr. Man! is ankful to Mr. De Vigne, but
is full capab e of taking care of himself, and
is rea y now for the business on hand.”

“ He shall be gratified,” sneered Captain Jack
Waldron handing his sword to Howard De
Vigne, while Loyd Defoe placed a weapon in
the hand of Mar Manly, and the two blades,
alighword from the captain, met with a vicious
c .

 

CHAPTER XI.
'1' E DUEL.

Tnsr both Howar De Vigne and Mark Manly
felt that they had no child’s piety before them to
save their lives was evident, e ore half a dozen

asses had been made, and, seeing them so equal-
_y matched the lockers-on became more deeply
interested, forgettingthe or girl who lay u n
_ ptain Waldron
placed her in an unconscious state.

But the faint seemed but momentary with
her, for while the duel was at its hi ht with an
effort she aroused herself, and still Ealf crouch—
ing, half lying upon the ound, watched the
thrilling combat with an intensity of emotion
that was plain! depicted in her beautiful face.

“Thank God he keeps his romise made me
with his e es, ” she murmure , as she saw How-
ard De gne distinctly let an unguarded mo-
ment of Mark Manly’s pass without taking ad-
vantage of it and which not brought an angry
exclamation from Ca tain Waldron.

That Howard was ghting wholly on the de—
fensive was soon evident, and it caused his ad-
versary to press him harder, and be less can-
tious of himself, for several times he left his
heart exposed to a thrust, which was not taken
advanta of by his enemy.

Thus or {several minutes the sword battle
continued, and then, while Mark Man] seemed
to weary, the long-tried muscles and ardened
frame of,“ Howard De Vigne seemed to
stron r, and Loyd Defoe seein'1r it, uickly
calle a rest, and the two men owerc their
tingzgons, neither haying yet drawn' a drop of

grow

A moment. to catch breath, and again the
blades crossed and from the first clash all saw
that Howard determined to fiess his adversary
to'the wall, uratively spe nglzfor he fought
With increase skill, and seemed untiring, while
Mark Manly realized that he possessed more en-

' durance than he did.

Presently, and when few expected it, Howard
can ht the other blade upo his own, and, by a.
skil ful turn of the wrist, 8‘”? it flying through
the air, where it fell, twenty feet away, and
stuck up in the ound within reach of the
crouching girl, w 0 all now noticed had recov-
ered consciousness.

“I give you your life, sir,” said JIoWard,
quietly lowering his sword-point from the
other’s heart.

“ And I decline such a favor at the hands or
a man who was bribed to release a. pirate,”
hotly retorted Mark Manly, driven to madness
by his defeat. -

I“ Agdyeu pleas; sir,” arid 'Hawah rd Mme
ganc ‘anx on over 0 w ere one
stood and who had heard all.

At his look she came forward, and said on-

trcatinglfi: '

th“ C331,. ark! do not press this matter fur-
er. ‘

“Hush, Magdalene! I demand another meet.
ing, and with pistols,” was the savage reply,
and again Howdrd looked toward the woman,
who said (1 ndeiitly:

“I can as no more, sir; I thank you for
what’you did do; farewel ' and she
turned away with a face ful o h"IE-dish, and
walked slow] ,toward the river» , her cup
of bitterness ull to the brim, '

The seconds now held a co sults't'ion, and out
of respect for theyoman, and his principal be.
ing victor, Captain Waldron tried to effects

in without a second meeting, and, to his

is,”
an

credit it said, Loyd Defoe also urged it: but
Mark Manly was rsistent, and demanded a
meeting With p , which at last was agreed
u

pon.
The weapons ,were then taken [from their
cases, and carefully loaded, and the ten ces
decided u n were carefully measui', oil,
while Mar Man! paced to and fro with ner-
vous, an? tre , a scowl upon his brow, and ‘
Howard e Vigne, seemingly indiflerent, stood
quietly gazing in admiration upon the beautiful
scene. -

Some distance ofl Magdalene had halted, and
was looking back, as dreading to see the
meetting, yet unwilling to fly from the fatal ,

5P0 - .,

A toss for word fell upon Captain Waldron,
end, in quick, quarter-deck tones, he called out,
as soon as the principals stood facing each other,
the istols in their hands:

“ entlemen, are you ready?”

A dead silence gave consent, and then fol-
lowed, tersely:

“ Fire! One—two—”

The word two was drowned in the discharge, ‘

 

 

 
 

visit me in these wretched quarters,” said

i came to say that here are imp

 ’31

 I

‘i' w . :~
:‘ .‘»._.\~.. .1“

'l ,".

the Planter-(361's

   

  

li-

air.

 

 

and the weapon of Howard De Vigno dro ped
from his hand shivered by the shot of ark
Manly; but half a second before its bullet had
gone forth on its life-search, and had cut its
way into the broad breast of the man who had
demanded a second meeting, and who sprung
into the air, and fell in his tracks without a
groan, while aloud shriek burst. from the lips
of our Magdalene.

pringing to the‘ side of Howard De Vi e,
Whose ban was benumbed by the shock, ap-
tain Waldron cried : ‘ ‘

“Bravo! you have done for him, and your
strong grasp on the pistol saved you—let me
s:ch yes, a. scratch or two on your hand, but no
damage done; come, if we Wish to see the re-
flection of the setting sun upon the city, from
the Hoboken Heights, we must be off.” .

“No, not yet, for I wish to see about this
poor girl; for her sake, I hope he is not dead,"
said Howard, sadly.

“He is on the verge of it, sir,” said the sur-
geon who had accompanied Mark Manly.

“Then hasten back to the city with h m, doc-
tor, and give him ever attention; quick, I im-

plore on! for there’s ope while there’s life,”
cried a dalene, pleadingly. '
“I wil at once remove him to the yacht;

come, Defoe, you and the servant aid me.”
And the wounded man was gently raised in
their arms, just as there approached a party of
four men, one of whom as ed, Iy: -
“ Who was it that fought that due i”
“I am one of the parties, sir; what is your
business with me?” coolly said Howard.
“I arrest you, sir, in the name of the law,
for a murder committed on Jersey soil."
“Hold, sir!” and Captain Waldron sprung
forward, evidently detemined to resist; but
giward De Vigne waved him back, and said,
' mly:
“ Stay, captain; let the oflicer do his duty; I
submit myse f as your prisoner, sir.”
“No, no, do not arrest him, for he spared

Mark’s life once, and it was forced upon him to

fight the second time,” cried Ma dalene, sud-
denly rushing back from the slow y retreating
part goin toward the river.

“ flaw is aw, ma’am and I has to do my duty
if ther heavens tumb e; sorry I am, but it’s
law,” and the constable again turned to How-
ard, who said, in a sad tone, to the maiden:
df‘for your sake I hope that Manly will not

1e.
A “ Alas! I fear there is little hope: farewell!”
and she bounded away after the retiring party.

“Poor gal, Iguess she’s some sweetheart 0’
that gay young Ma‘nly’s, who won’t be much
loss if he does die: but, then, law is law, sir, and
i have to hold you,” said the constable.

“Very well I am in your hands; take me
where you will."

“ ’Twill be to jail, sir.”

“ As you please, sir: I care not.” ,

, “You’ll not remain there 101$, ,shipmate,”
was the low whisper of Captain aldron, as he
and his surgeon turned to pick up the weapons,
preparatory to a return to the city.

CHAPTER XII.
/ TEE mnrfs MISSION.
“ Tnnnn’s a wisiter ter see yer, sir; looks like

 

Icing? ther navy middies,” and the jailer put his
e
Howard De Vi%e from the outer worl

For two nig ts and days he had been in

risen, and, as dueling was growin unfash-
ionable, and there Was a chance to ma 6 an ex-
ample of one who had committed so heinous‘a
crime as to set free the noted pirate, Don Di~
ablo, it was whispered around that vary sum-
mary New Jersey justice would be dealt out to
Howard De Vigne. .

“Show the gentleman in, jailer; if it is not
against the rules,” said Howard.

“ Oh! it’s ag’in’ ther rules, sir; but yer see the
young gentleman was so enticing, and the boss
is away, so I couldn’t resist ' , ’ and the man
motioned to some one to approach from the
other end of the hall, and the next moment he
ushered into the cell, for it was nothing more, a
sh ht form, enveloped in a. heavy cloak. -

oward saw the youth extend his hand to the
jailer and 5a in e vs  fer: "

“ There is t 6 twin of the other; now leave us

one. ,
“ Well, sir, I am sorry I have no opportunity
tobeh itable to one who is good. 9110 h to
ow-
ard, turnin to hisvisitor, and he man on
him, while in vain he tried to recall where ey
had met before, for the face of the midshipman
was certainly fam' . . I
“ I do not expect to remain long sir, and on]
laments wi
which yon can file the bars of your window,
and then gain easy access to the yard—”
“But, my dear sir—” . a
“ Hear me, please; in the north-east corner of
the yard, you will find a rope hanging over the
hi h wall, and, as you are a sailor, you can eaSily
climb the thirty feet to the top, and on the other
-side_you will meet one who will giide‘ you to
his boat, that Will carry you to New York,
where you will be said.” J

‘ V x 1 “Pardon me, but though I owe you, a stran-_ Ibeh

 

in at the iron-studded door that cguarded:

 

ger, thanks for your kindness to me I care
not to fly from any fate that awa ts me,”
said Howard, firmly. .

“But you must, for on have done nothing
that on should suffer li e a murderer for.”

“ hen Mark Manly is dead?” ‘

“No, thank God! On. the contrary, there is
are of ho e.”

“, f he lives there can be nothing done with
me. ’ I

“ But why remain here in a felon’s cell?”

“I am indifferent to my fate.”

“But you should not be; the world is large,
and there are many fields on which you can win
a name; come, I have risked much to aid you,
and do not refuse me; quick! for time passes
rapidly,” and the midshipman Seemed nervous
at the delay.

“May I ask who it is that thus serves me?”
and, in the dim light, Howard tried to get a.
better view of the face of his visitor.

“I am one who wishes you well, and sym-
pathizes with yen in your misfortunes and scr-
rows, Ior I too have known deep grief.”

“Hal now I recognize your voice; you are
not a. midshipman, but——”

“ Who?” and the head was bowed as if in con-
fusion.

“The one whom Mark Manly called Mag-
da‘l‘ege.” -  I

es. on vo neth 'my dis 'se; am
Magdaiege Fielding? the—but nevergilililind who,
or what I am; you saved Mark when I asked it,
and I have forgiven you for what you were
forced to down , as he is in a fair way to re-
cover, the surgeon :ags,‘ I have determined to
aid you,vthough, h he died, I would have
done the same; here! take this packs 9 of .files
and promise me you will leave t is disma
place. ’ .

,“ I promise, and, from my heart I thank you,
fair irl,” said Howard, with deep feeling.

“ pm a weight of iron is of! my heart; fare—

' well.’

She grasped his hand quickly, and turning,
sprung out of the door, just as she heard the
jailer’s footsteps approaching to whrn her awe. .

Glancing in to see that his prisoner was safe
the keeper bolted the door, and Howard hard
him pass out throu h the corridor, and at once
set to work to free iinselfz for though he cared
little what happened to him, he had promised
the maiden he would effect his escape and in-
tended to keep his word. '

The files were new, and the iron old and rusty,
and it did not take long to remove a couple of
the bars that crossed the window, and taking
his cloak be quick] leaped to the ground and
sought the corner 0 the yard described.

Feelin along the wall his hand touched the
rope, an , with an agility learned by long prac-
tice, he went up, hand over hand to the top,
and found that it was made fast to a tree on
the other side.

- Springing into the branches he quickly de-
scended to the ground, where he was con-
fronted by a muflied figure, who said, grufly‘:

‘i Are you Mr. De Vignel” v

“Yes. ’ ,

“ Then I have orders to put you on the New
York shore.” ‘

“ I will follow; lead on 1”

Around the wall of the jail the two went,
and after a walk bf a few miuiites reached the
shore, where, in a small inlet, y a boat.

‘t Get in, sir,” said the boatman, and Howard
obeyed; but, who took his seat in the stern,
there _suddenl darted into the inlet a large
boat filled wit men.

To attempt to fly was useless; to resist would
have been madness, and‘Howard De Vigne and
his guide remained quiet as they were, while‘n
stern voice, in a low- tone, said: -

“ Weill who havewe here!”

“ I should know that voice! You are Cap-s
taln Waldroni” remarked Howard.

“ Ay, ay, air; and you are-J

“ Howard De Vigne.” .

“Bless God!” on as the two boats were now
side by side the captain grasped the hand of De
Vigne and cried:

‘ The very man I wasgoingaftermoyouue
these gallant lads? Well they were to back me
in tearing down that old jail and takingyou
out; come into my boat, and let us away. '

“ Ahl. Captain I fear you were going to get
yourself into tron 19 on my accoun "

“ Don’t mention it; but how in the name of
the saints did you escape?”

“A friend aided me' and .you, my man I
will not need now, so are is a souvenir or
you,” and Howard thrust into the boatman’s

andalar apiece 1 1d.
_ ‘;,,And wiat shall lggay to the midshipman,
sir
“ Tell him that I am safe; good-night! Now,
Captain Waldron, which way?” .
‘ To my vessel, for I took the liberty of 5011:
0 our ote a moon an your
t' ';h l  Ito" I d pni b
an your uggage.
“fit when do you sail?”
“ To-night.”
“Ah, me, I know not what to do.”
“Don’t talk that way, Do Vi‘gne; cheer up,
for figs world’s before you, "the accuer past
1,11 you.

a

    
  

 

“Have you no desire to live to accomplish
some end—love—revenge or—”

“ By Heaven! Jack 1Waldron, you have
struck it!” cried Howard De Vigne, with sud—
den eagerness, and he continued in eager tones
that showed by the quivering of his voice how
deeplly he was moved:

“ ere is one thing I have to live for, and
you have struck the ri ht ke ; it is revenge I
ay, there is one I will unt own to kill, for

. there is no one now to beg mercy for him. ”

 gravol now we’ll board my vessel and set
sai .
“But in what service are you, captain!”

. asked Howard, and the old suspicion came back

to him.

“Oh, I have served under several flags; was ‘
once in the Greek service; then tried ,the
Buenos Ayrean, and am now in the—bot never
mind, I’ll show you my flag when we board my
schooner; give way, lads!” ,

The oars fell in the water, and after a pull of
half an hour the boat ,rsn alongside of a
schooner 1 ing at anchor a little to the south
of Gibbet land.

It was certainly a craft of wonderful sym-
metry in architecture, and a rakish appearance
that would have cast suspicion upon her in
southern waters.

“Come, here we are, Mr. De Vigne; this is
the Sea Gipsy, and, if you accept the etc,
I make you my first lufl.” ' ,

“ What! do you mean it?” -, ‘

“ Yes, why not? ' You are a sailor and I have
seen your courage tried; it is too dark to see
my colors, even if they were at the peak, but
you observe that the schooner is armed,,and
there are sixty gallant lads’on board to man the

s. , .
“Get 11 the anchor, Sefior Ramilcz, and put
to sea. ome, De Vigne, let us go into the
cabin and drink to your escape and a lucky .

cruise,” and Captain Waldron led the be— .‘

wildered young man down into his gorgeously- ,
furnished cabin.
' l

CHAPTER XIII.
THE csrmm’s sronv. “ l \
“Br: seated, De Vigne, and join me in a has .
of this wine; it wil bring a little bloodfinto ,
your face— .Ah! feel how the Sea Gi
careens to the wind; she will soon he threw

“the Narrows. and helping over the waves of 9

Atlantic, and then ol for the waters of the
Gulf,” and Captain Waldron gazed upon De
Vigne’s face to note the eflect of his words; .but
his §leit asked calmly: ‘ _

‘.‘ on are bound for Southern waters then i”,

“Yes, I am a lover of the blue waves of the-
Mexicgn Gulf, and its shores are ever beautiful-
to me. ’ - '

“But you are not a Mexican?”

“Oh no; I am a Boston boy,
in the long ago, and my father was a. wealthy
merchant there, and ave me two chances in
hfe—either to study or the church, or follow
in his footste s. ' 

“ I decline both, and decided for' myself, by
runningloif to sea in a pretty brigantlne "whose
beauty had been admiring for some days, as
she lay at anchor in the harbor. '

“ She cleared for the Kennebec in ballast, for
lumber but when she dropped nchor it was in
an can river, and her outliers We: to

of the South. ’

“I liked not such bartering in human flesh,
and deserted the day the bri set sail 'and
filmed the caravan of traders go g info the in—

or. a.
“ Of my wanderings in" Africa I will not tire
on with a description but, after being a slave
o Arabs and passing three years of suu'ering,
I seen , and reaching Algiers, shipped in a.
vessel
tured by a Moorish corsair, and served some
time as a galley slave, when a Greek iser at-
tacked the vessel, and l readily joined e mom

civilized service, in which I rose to a lieutena ‘

ant’s rank. v
“But I fell prisoner some time after to, the
Turks was carried to Constantinople, but my
good luck stuck to me, and I mans ed to get
away, and, after wandering in Eugen: lands
for same time, joined a caravan to Bagdad, .
from whence I went to Calcutta, and soon after
learning of a gpanish man-of-war intending to
sail for Cuba, shi

sailor.

“Well, I served in the Buenos Ayrean navy
and then got a roving commission from Mexico:
but lost .my vessel in a combat with a cruiser I ‘
had no r1 ht to fight. .

“ Now, owever I have this vessel under me,
and I had it built to my own fancy, and I go to
the. Gulf not onl as a Mexican cruiser,‘but as
a pirate-hunter, or there is one man I wish to
run down and that is Don Diablo.” .

Howard started as the captain spoke the ‘
name he now
earnestly: ‘ .

“ I am with on heart and soul, Captain Wal»
dr‘oig in that uty.”

0

had such causeto hate, and said, ,

y like that sea fiend i”

s

  

    
  

or rather was,‘ I

get a cargo of black cattle tor the'plantations ' - 

t was bound'to London but was cap? ‘

pped on board use. common ' _

‘ ,I hoped you would be; but do you know 9
you are strange ' I

 

\

 

\)
. v

\

 

_dron, he took the glass and turned

 Don Diablo, the Planter-Corsair.

 

 

The blood came into the face of Howard De
Vigne, but he asked, in an indilferent way:

‘ You have seen him then?”

“ Yes, I was his prisoner once, for I have not
told you all my experience in southern waters;
he captured a vessel on Wlllch I was a passen-

er, and learning who I was, made me walk
t e plank into the sea, with my hands bound
behind me, and a thirty-two pound shot fas-
tened to me.”

“ Great God! and you escaped?"

“ Yes; the villain who bound me did not take
into consideration my small hands, and I easily
slipped them out of the rope, took a knife from
my pocket and severed myself from the shot
that was draggin me down to death, and rose
to the surface of he see to find that the pirate
vessel was a cable’s-length distant.

“But the land, a small island of the West
Indies was not far away, and, a good swimmer,
I reac ed it, and now live to settle the account
with Don Diablo."

“ You certainly have cause to revenge your-
self u 11 Don Diablo, and—so have I I”

“ ou! why you set him free, or allowed
him to escape, when he was in your power, or
rumor speaks falsely."

“Rumor speaks the truth; I did let him go,
yet why I will not tell you; now, however, I
wish to meet him once more, for he must die,
though not by my hand; but were you in ear—
nest n ofifering me the position of second lufi! on
your vessel?"

"Indeed I was, and we will have a jolly
cruise to ether, for it was to get a roving com-
mission min the Mexicans that I purchased
and fitted out this vessel at in own expense,
for I have another score to sett e in the Gulf,
and with a band of men even worse than pi-

. rates, for they kill with no risk to themselves;

I refer to the wrec ers of the Bahamas.”

“ They are indeed a vile set.”

“Yes, and are in league with the pirates, who
give to them a t deal of their booty to dis-
plose of; but I t 'nk we can mana e to discover

eir haunts, and woe be to t em, for, De
Vigne, I once loved a beautiful girl; it was
some six years ago now, and the ship in which
her parents and herself sailed from Corpus
Christi to New York was wrecked bv the
wreckers‘ false beacons, and all were lost,” and
the voice of the adventurous mariner trembled
as he spoke; but in an instant he renewed his
old light-hearted manner again, and said:

“ Come on deck, and see if my little schooner
does not keep pace with the wind, for the roll
of the waves tells me that we are in the At-
lantic."

As the two men reached the deck, Juan
Ramilez, a dark-faced young Mexican, stepped
toward them, and said:

“Captain Waldron, I was just going to call

on, sir, for, if I mistake not, that vessel astern
is in ursuit of us."

“ a! that is strange, Ramilez; your glass,
please,” and the Memcan commander bent a
ong and earnest gaze upon the coming vessel,
which had just rounded Sandy Hook and was
heading down the coast.-

“Bheis armed, and is coming on well; but
why do you think she is in chase, Ramilezl”

‘ After we passed her, where she lay 03
Staten Island, there seemed some excitement
on board, and signals were exch ed with a
sloop-of-war that was anchored rther in-
shore, and shortly after she set sail and stood
down the harbor."

“It looks stran e; but we have been doing
no mischief, and cannot understand it; crowd
on sail, Senor Ramilez, and let us see if the
Gi y cannot show her a clean pair of bee .”

ore sail was spread upon the schooner,
which increased her speed considerably; but
the vessel asiern also spread more canvas, and
still held her own.

“ By Neptune! I’ll not run from him, now I
seehe is really in pursuit, so shorten sail and
let him come up, and we’ll find out what he
wants with an onest craft; here, Do Vigne,
see what ou think of yonder fellow.”

Howar De Vigne had been listlesst re d-
ing the low, sandy shores of Sandy Hoo ,as
the schooner sped along, not having cast more
than a cursory glance astern atthe comin ves-
sel; but, aroused by the words of Captain al-
~ it upon the
craft that seemed now in full chase. .

It was a starlight night, and not very bright;
but after one glance through the glass, Howard
De Vigne lowered it, and said:

“_I know that craft well, Captain Waldron;
it is the brigantine—of—war Vidette, the very
vessel I was first officer of.”

“Hahcau they have in any way an idea of
gour being on board and intend to retake you!

y Heaven! they’ll dud it rough work.” _

“Ca tam, I beg you not to fire upon the V1-
dette, or sheis now under command of one I
respect and esteem most hi hly."

“ I heard that Ca tain rsden had been or—
dared to command or, and she was to be sent
to the Gulf again.” .

“Yes, air, and Ca tam Mandel: was the fa-
ther of the maiden told you was lost on the
Blue Wave."

“Ah! then we must show the Vidette our

 

heels; dress the Gipsy up in all she’ll carry,
Ramilez.”

“ Ay, ay, sir." and as the Mexican issued the
order there came a flash from the bows of the
Vidette, and a shot was sent flying after the
Sea Gipsy, showing that the pursuit was to be
in earnest.

CHAPTER XV.
CAPTAIN wmmn acre mvsrnmousm.

“ PORT! hard—a-port your helm l”

The order came from the lips of Captain Jack
Waldron, and rung out above the roar of wind
and waves, for it was blowing a gale.

“Now strip her of every inch of canvas, and
the brig will think we have foundered."

The order was quickly obe ed, and lying low
in the water, with her slen er, tapering masts
stripped of every atom of canvas, it was not
gossi le for a passing Vessel to discover the Sea

i y at three cables’ len h.

Itswas several weeks at r the fleet schooner
sailed from New York harbor, with the Vidette
in chase, and the lon course had been a con-
stant pursuit, for the rigantine-of—war was as
fleet as a bird, and, though unable to kee
within range of the swifter Sea Gi sy, had hel
her in sight both da and night. ow the two
were ap roaching era Cruz, and already from
the fore of the schooner the lights of the dis-
tant city ad risen above the horiwn.

A gale at sunset had swept over the Gulf, the
waves ran high and both vessels had been com-
gelled to reef close; but. just as Howard De

igne had expected to see the schooner head
directly for the lights of the San Juan d’Uloa
that arded the entrance to the harbor of
Vera rnz the order had come from the lips of
Captain Waldron that had suddenl chan ed
her course and brought her to under are po es.

Now and then, as the low hull arose on a high
lvivglye, the distant Viditt-etfould bgafieseeitil,I by hi:

ts, ressing‘ persis you a r ecra
that so bravely led her from New York.

“She will expect that we have run directly
for Vera Cruz, and therefore not be lookin for
1‘1;i here,” said Captain Waldron to Howar De

e.

‘ And do you not intend to go on into Vera
Cruz?” asked Howard. with some surprise.

“Oh, yes! you and I will 0 up to the city,
but not the schooner, whic we run into a
lagoon not far away; you see I wish to add to
my crew, for I have some of m old'fellows
awaiting me in Vera Cruz and I on’t half like
this second officer Ramilez, _and the men he
brought with him. ”

“ hen he was not with you in your other
cruises?”

“ Oh, no; I sent, as soon as I got my schooner
started by the builders, my first-lieutenant
Rodri ez, to Mexico after more men, an
he fel sick and died, and Ramilez, who was
his friend, came on with the crew; but see
the Vidette is flyin b us in the darkness, and
will run right into t e arbor, where she thinks
we have gone; now, Mr. De Vigne, you can get
sail on the schooner, and we Will head for the
Black La oon.”

“Why hat is said to be the haunt of hue-
caneersl” said Howard.

“ So I have heard, but it matters not; we can
leave the schooner there, and a fisherman
friend of mine will furnish us with horses, and
we can reach Vera Cruz by daylight."

Howard De Vigne said no more, but as the
Vidette had passed, and was heading directly
for the harbor, he soon got sail on the schooner,
which at once put away for the Black La oon.

Under the guidance of Captain We] ran,
who seemed to wholly understand the channels,
the vessel wound its way into the dark waters
of a small creek, whose banks were lined with
large trees, from the branches of which hung
festoons of Spanish moss.

Droppin anchor in this secluded and gloomy
retreat, a goat was lowered, and into it sprung
Captain Waldron and was rowed rapidly to the
shore.

Howard De Vi e stood leaning over the
taffrail, and, short y after the boat isappeared
in the darkness, heard a loud hail which was
answered from inland a short distance, and then
all wassilent once more, until the sound of oars
again broke the deathlike stillness.

A moment after the boat again appeared, and
Captain Waldron sprung on deck.

‘ Come, De Vigne, Soto can give us horses,
and we will ride at once to the city, for I WlSh
you to accompany me.” .

Howard quick y made his preparations. and
half an hour after the captain and his lieuten-
ant approached a low adobe but, before which
stood a Mexican holding two horses by the bri-

dle.

“ If I do not return by land Soto, I will send
your mustangs to India, ’said Captain Waldron,
and the two mounted and rode rapidly away,
the commander of the schooner seeming to
know the way throu h the dark .Woodland as
thoroughly as he did Elie cabin of his owu vessel.

A hard ride of several hours and the lights
of Vera Cruz came in sight, an , With a stream
of market-people, the two sailors entered the
gates, as soon as they were thrown open.

 

“We will go to the Plaza Hotel De Vigne,
and seek a little rest, and then have breakfast,"
said Captain Waldron, and dismountin .soon
after the captain led the way into the o cc of
the hotel.

Glancing over the list of names lately re?-
tered, he pointed silently to one that caught 1s ‘

eye; it was:
“ CAPTAIN MERTON MARSDEN,
“ American Brigantine-of-war Vidette."

“Yes, he has arrived before us,” said How-
ard, sadly.

“ And, as you do not care to be seen by him,
you will have to keep your room until I get you
a disguise,” and Captain Waldron took up the
quill, and, to Howard De Vigue’s intense sur-
prise, registered as follows:

“ HERNAN Conmz—Captain.

“ LEON SAN Quasar—Lieutenant.
- “Spanish Navy.”

” What means this chan e of names, Captain
Waldron?" asked Howar , as the two were
shown into their rooms.

“ ’Sh—l my dear boy, you must not ask ques-
tions in Mexico, for no one answers them.

“ Come, let us seek rest, now, and over a good

reakfast we will talk about our plans for the
future; pleasant dreams,” and, p into an
adjoining room, Captain Waldron threw him-
self upon a bed and was soon fast asleep.

 

CHAPTER XVI.
ram s'rAn'rLING nan-ans.

WHEN Howard De Vi e awoke the sun was
high in the heavens, as e saw by pulling back
the heavy curtains of his window, and his watch

showed him that it was two o’clock.

Dressing ra idly he glanced into the next
room to find t e captain gone, and upon a table
a note for him to eat breakfast, and not await
his return for their meal. '

This he decided to do, and he called for a ser-
vant and had a substantial repast ordered to his
room, for he cared not to meet Captain Mars-
den, the father of poor Lucille whom he had so
loved, and not knowing, too, at that he had
been sent in the Vidette after him.

“I have committed the crime of releasing
that monster, Don Diablo, and the world wil.
believe me as vile as he: in fact, after in es-
cape from prison, were I taken back to ew
York, I fear they would try me as his ally.

“ Ah, me! it was a sad day for me when I set
that wrench free; but, alas! what could I do
when my poor mother requested that I should
pot 3e the one to bring my father to the gal-

ows

“ And what was her reward? To lose her life
by his hands; and for this act he has torn from
my heart the thought that I am his son, and I
live to reven e her death.”

He aced t e room with quick, nervous tread,
and a ter awhile resumed:

“ But, why these mysterious actions of Ca
tain Waldron, in not, as a Mexican naval o -
cer, running into Vera Cruz, but seeking a bid-
ing-place for his vessel in the Black Lagoon?

“And then re 'stering us under assumed
names, and as of he Spanish navy?

“There is some myster to be solved in all
this; but he seems hones , and has certainly
been a good friend to me, and I will trust him
until I find out that he is different from what I
believe.”

The servant now entered with food, of which
Howard ate heartily, and then sat down to
smoke a cigar and glance out upon the plaza,

which his win ow commanded a view of.

But he had not been seated there long before
a knock came at the door, and aservant ushered
into the room no less a personage than Soto, the
Mexican fisherman of the Black La oon.

“Ah, senor, is not the Captain ernau Cor-
tez here?” asked the fisherman, and Howard
muttered: -

“More mystery, for this man calls him Her-
nan Cortez.”

Then aloud, he answered:

“ No, he has gone out, and I know not when
to expect his return.”

“ It is too bad, for I have a letter for him of
the greatest importance,” and Howard De Vi gne
saw by the man’s looks that he was deeply
troubled about something. . _

“ I am his lieutenant, and if it concerns the
schooner you can give it to me.”

“ Very well, senor, SOI Will do, " and the man
handed forth an ofiicial - looking document,
heavily sealed With wax.

Breaking the sealhhe read, while his face be-
came alhd, and his eyes burned with the i1:-
tense geling within, the following remarkable
epistle:

“ ON BOARD Pmrn Scuoom SEA Girsv.
“To CAPTAIN JAcx WALDRON,
“ Greetin —

“ To a man of your versatile talent and wonderful

pluck, Ifeel that I can communicate startling ad.

 

 

:Diabloxthe Planting

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v l L"! 7 My, .33.

orsair.  . ‘~  .» w '

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ings without fear of breaking your heart, or mad-
dening our brain; but even were th results to,
follow, deem it my duty to state to you, my dear
ca tain, that the writer of this is the supposed old
Quinn sailor, whom, in the kindness of your heart,
you promised to give a berth to his home, when you
found him alone and friendless in New York.

“ And now to a scrap of history from the past:

“Some months ago, now nearly half a car, the

irate schooner of Don Diablo was sunk o the Cu-

an coast, in action with a, vessel-of—war, and Satan.
indulgent to his own, allowed the chief and a few of
his men to escape.

” Attempting to take possession of the packet ship
Spanish Queen, Don Diablo got caught in his own
trap, and was sent in irons to New York, where he
escaped death on the gallows. under circumstances
not necessary to state, and disgmsmghlmself sought
to make another eflort to tread the deck of a fleet
craft as its commander.

“By accident he met you, and agpealln to your
sailor‘s heart for aid, you carried im on card of
your beautiful schooner, thereby giving him the step-
ping-stone to fortune for, in Ramilez, your Mexican
lieutenant, he reco nlzed one who had once sailed
under him and w 0 had put to death your Lieu
tenant Rodriguez, whom you had sent to Vera Cruz
for a crew.

“ A clever rascal, Ramilez at once decided u n a
plan to get ssession of n. line schooner, an went
on to New ork with his cutthroats, with a plausible
story that Rodriguez had died of fever and sent him
on in his place.

“ But, once a member of Don Diablo's lefiue, ever
a member, and reco nlzing his former 0 car, the
chief made himself nown, and the result is that

on had not been gone from your schooner half an
hour before your vessel was under another master,
and those of our men who would not Join the new
chief were q etly put to death." .

“ Great God! Soto, is it true that the Sea
Gipsy has been seized by Don Diablo?” cried
Howard, in utter amazement.

“ Too true, senor; he seized her without trou-
ble, for it seems he had his own men, and put
to death some half-dozen of Captain Cortez’s
crew who would not side with him. "

“Oh curses rest on that man! and to think
that the old sailor, with white locks lon gray
beard and bent, totterin form, was on iablo!

“ Ah, man, there shal one do cornea reckon-
ing between thee and me, for t y crimes,” and
the face of Howard De Vigne grew almost black
with passion.

After a moment he went on reading the letter
of Don Diablo:

“ Tonight the Sea Gi sy sails for deep water, and
ere long 0 world shal hear of ,
“ Don Dunno, ihe Rad Racer.“

As Howard turned the page over a piece of
pa er fell to the floor.
aking it up he saw that it was sealed also.
and to his rise it was addressed to him.
With a hand that trembled, in spite of his
self-control, he broke thevseal and read:

“ Let Howard esala know that the same nio-
tive that promp him to save in life saves his,
for I allow him to go free, the h I ook the life of
his mother, in reven c for her esertion of me.

“In vain did she eg me for mercy, when I held
the knife above her heart, and just so merciless will
I be to him should he ever attem t to hunt down
his father, Ilene Quesala, but now own as

“Don Dunno."

“By the Heaven above I will hunt him down
and, Just so merciless as he was to her, so will I
be to him,” cried Howard De Vigne fiercely, as
he s rungto hisfeet and rapidly paced the cor,
whi e Soto the fisherman gazed upon him with
almost dread of him.

A knock at the door suddenly recalled How-
ard to himself, and,witli an effort to control his
feelings, he called out: .

“Come in!" , .

“ A lady to see the sailor." said the servant.

“ You mean to see Captain Wal—Cortez, I
mean i”

“ N o, senor, to see you."

“To see me P” asked Howard, with an rise.
“ Yes, senor; to see the Senor Leon San en-
tin.”
“ Ahl where is she 3"

“ At the stairway, senor."

“ Bid her enter, please. "'

A moment after a all ht form, heavil vailed
entered the room, and award advan toward
her, and asked politely:

“Is there not some mistake, sefiorita; or do
you Wish to see me?”

“I have come to see you, Senor Americano,
and the captain has sent me; but I wish the in-
terview to be private, ’ and having spoken in
goo of the sweetest of voices, she glanced at

oto. ‘

Howard saw 1181' 100k, and said to the fisher-
man:

“Will you return, please, in half an hour,
Soto?”

“ Willingly, cedar,” and the man departed,

As the door closed upon him, the woman
locked it, and then threw back ,her vail, reveal-
ing a face of rare loveliness, but evidently of
the Jewish tme.

‘ “SeflOI‘, I ya this letter for you from Cap-
tain Cortez,” and she handed a missive which
Howard quickly unfolded, while he bade her be

sea .

Then, as she sunk gracefully into a chair, he
read, with as much amazement as he had the
letter of Don Diablo, the following:

I

“Cm Blame“.
“ To LIEUTENANT HOWARD DE Viosn:

“ Mv Dun DE VIGNEZ—That I have deceived you,
I may as well be the first to make known ere it flies
on busy tongues over the city who and w at I am.

“The histor I gave you of mvself was true ex—
cepting the la ter part of my still being in the Mexi-
can service.

“To be frank, you may have heard of the duel be-
tween the Mexican General Destello and a naval
Captain Waldrosl’

‘ Well, 1 was the Waldros who killed General
Destello, and for it my vessel was to be taken from
me, and I to serve for years in the Castle San Juan
d’Uéoa, which I knew was as good as my death-war-
ran .

“ Not caringlfor death, rpm; to sea, and~ Well,
why deny it? raised the sable flag, and cruised un-
der it for several years, when m vessel was caught
in close quarters one day, and, a ter a fierce action
against a heav oe, was sunk, and I was ca tured
and taken to era Cruz and condemned to ie, but
esca ed throu h the kindness of friends, and then
song t New ork, where I built the Sea Gipsy for
service once more on the blue waters.

“ Now you know why I ran into the Black Lagoon
instead 0 the harbor of Vera Cruz; but I come to
this city to claim my bride, the one who will hand
you this letter, and to whom I owe my escape be-

re

0 .

“ Recognized this morning, in s lte of the dl
I assumed are leaving the hotel. was arres and
thrown into prison, and if I do not again to o to
escape, my early demise at the end of a rope cer-
tain, so do what you can for Yours  .

A031
“ Condemned as Castilla the Corsair."

“What! is the writer of this letter the fa~
mous man whom the Mexicans call El Pirnta,
and who is otherwise known as Castilla the
Corsair?" asked Howard.

“ Alas! it is too true, senor,” said the maiden,

sadl . -

“ Xnd he gave you this letter for me?”

“ Yes, senor; his gold bought a messenger to
come to me, and I sought him in prison, and he
bade mo seek you.”

“ And you will aid him to esca again, that
he may dye the seas with hulhan 100d?"

‘ He is good to' me, senor, whatever he may
be to others, and I love him.” ,

There was no argument that Howard could
bring to bear that would break down this wo-
anan’s love, and he knew it; yet what was he to

o .

He was a stranger in Vera Cruz, only havin
touched there several times before in his vesse ,
and he behaved that Captain Marsden of the
Vidette had come there in chase of him, so he
dared not move out of the hotel, unless in dis- ‘

so.

He had formed a stron attachment for Cap-
tain Jack ngdron, as e knew him, and be-
lie vinithat circumstances, not inclination, had
made im what he was, he would willingl aid
him to escape, and spend the mono be h for-
tunately brought wi h him from he schooner
as freely as water ; but he did not wish to have
him go .free to once more sell tinder the pirate

a . ,
éor some moments he remained in dee
thought, while the maiden watched him wi
anxious eyes, and thenhe asked: ,
“ Doryou believe it possible for the captain to
esca .
“- es, seller, for gold will buy anything in
Mexico.” ~
“And you have a plan, senor-ital”
“I have, senor, and if you will not aid me, I
will act1 alone,” was the firm reply of thallexi-
can 1' .

 

CHAPTER XVII.
consunm.

“I WILL aid you in our plan, sefiorita, but
upon conditions,” said oward De Vigne, after
several moments of deep thosgght.

“Name your conditions, or,” and the girl
arose and faced him.

H That be ll ledges h' If
ever e um on p imsc never
again to sailyunder thgdiiag of a free rover.”

“ Oh, Senor Americana, if he would only
pledge himself to this, how happy would I be, ’
she cried, earnestly.

“ He must make the pledge, or he must meet
his fate,” replied Howard, with firm resolve. .

“ No, senor, I would save him, even if I knew
he would sell under the black flag' but
we must 9 him. believe that he can only a
free under such a pledge, and once made, e
will' keep it. ”

. “ Why, a man of his sea-knowledge can easily
at command of some merchant craft in the

" nited States, that will brin him a good living
for himself and wife, should 9 marry.” .

The maiden blushed, but answered with an
air of pride: ‘

“ He does not need such a position sailor, as

‘but Iwill

Captain Waldron, El Pirate, or what- '

maiden prevailed, and be pro that he
would do so. ‘ , '

“Now, senor, ring for the servant when I

,_ have gone and then put on your dis iso, and.

seek the 'home of the Jew, Jacobi 0, t9

 

he has, or will have, ample means 0 support,
as my father Will give me a fortune upon my l
marriage.” . .’

,“But, your father knows not whom you will i

 

 

, , tillu around her form. the beautiful maiden left
The maiden seemed worried at the question, 3
but after awhile replied: .
” I am sorry to confess that my father knows
all; but, seflor,  had nearly forgotten to tell
ylpu that El Gamma said that your old vessel,
6 Vidette,‘ came not here in search of you, as

he discovered this morning, but after Don
Diablo, whom a deserter from the Sea. Gipsy,
in New York, had said was on board the
schooner in disguise.” '

“ Hal that was then the cause of the Vidette’s
determined chase of us; but the deserter told
the truth, sei'iorita, as this letter, which you
can read, as you seem to know the captain’s
secrets, will tell you," and Howard placed in

her. hands the communication from Don Diablo,

which she read with intense surprise, but, in-
stead of showing regret, cried joyously:

“ The 10 of his vessel, senor, will be another
reasoin to make him pledge himself as you de—
man . ,

“I fear not, sofiorita. knowing the captain’s
nature as I do; it would cause him to be more

anxious for revenge against Don Diablo; you I

must bring amoro powerful incentive to bear
upon him. '

“ And that is—”

H e 11)

“Ah! I will do all in mépowrxr; liit have
you any suggestion to offer aid his escape?”

“None, for I am such a stranger here; but
my plan was to act upon your remark ‘awhile

ago, that gold will buy anything in Mexico, _ ‘I
n

and I have a fortune, I may say, American
gatesh that I suppose I could get exchanged
ere.

“ Oh yes, senor, my father can arrange that;
not require your mone , as I have
plenty, and I have a person to war upon that

know will be won over; but, while I plot-
ting the captain’s esca , will you visit is e veep
selsin the harbor an see if you can buy " or
charter, a small .craft, to hear us out of era
“WW-ad btwill th ‘dbda

W] 0 so; u not 0 v- ta
search the craft goin out, especinlfyughen the
esca of the captain knownf"

“ es, but it must sail at sunset: 3 coast lu -
gfir is best, and, as Don Diablo has run QR wi
t

J

x
)

{r

t « . .
9 Sea Gipsy, the Black Lagoon would be a  ‘ ”

good rendezvous to meet us— Hal”

A knock at the door caused the maiden to "i ‘

start, and opening it, Howard beheld Soto, who 5
said iitoly: ‘ ,

“ ardon, senor; but if possible I would like ~-
to return at once for in my haste I came alone
in my In ,and I Quit it will come on to blow
to?!“ 1111.3. , h f 1 good Soto

‘ atistesizeo your ug , "I"
quickly asked Howard, with a 35:;th glance ,
at the maiden. -

“ Ten tons, senor.”

“And a ood sailor?”

“ She sai like a bird, senor.”

“ Then here is some gold for on, with which

‘to purchase a. month’s stores: 5 there any one "

at ytogu’r cabin that can aid you to sail your
cra "
1‘1" ales, senor, my son isas good a sailor as‘ my-
se . . ‘
“Very well; lay your stores in at once, and '
also put ]your lugger’s cabin in the best of
order for ady gnests‘ here is am 1e money for
you, and you can makemore go d for the ser- ,
vice of yourself and craft for a shorttimc than

you can in a year’s fishing, which I believe is 

your occupation.”- ‘ .

“It is so believed to be, senor,” said Soto
with a smile, and he
with the air of a man who hel it as his

“Nowget to the Black Lagoon as soon as

possible, and keep your sails up to leav'e at a. 

moment’s warning. .
“Si,s¢flor," and the man departed, while
Howard De Vigne turned vagain to Consuelo

Douro, the Mozican maiden, and said:
“That much is arran , seriorita.” .
“And well senor; now to do

2:”; butI will on the pledge from\El 00:23: ‘
n ’ '

“'You must, and your love must make him"
“giggle all' " mtmnicm-y‘ "
o in in power: ,

mm the letter of DonyDiablof”

“ Now, sailor, let me tell you that it is best
that you remain not longer in this hotel,‘so call
the servant and settlg‘your bill, and then put
on this disguise of a exican caballera, for it
will attract no attention, and these whiskers _
will changeyour face beyond on—na ,. ’
do not hesitate, but do as I say, for you are
be my father’s st.”

For an instan Howard seemed unwilling to I L, I
anti-eat of the '

ise himself, but the

which any. one can direct you.

“ Tell my father that his dau htcr, Consuelo,
sent ypu and you will be We me. Adios,
881 or.

Drawing! her vail over her face and her man- ~ ' u

the room, and a Huam i- r I” i ii lwii' after How-
ard De Vigne f0 owod her. in one r-‘.‘"Ogv"z ng‘:

him as other than the Mexican cabaler he ap~' \_ ‘

peared, for he spoke S ish with perfect 5

purity, having learned it in his mother in fish ,-  ‘ ‘ ‘5

kotcd tagged 

    

 

 

H;

 

1
fls

Iliablo,’ the Planter-Corsair. 1

.. mmmlmuxe mu-..__..4_.- . .. .. .

.‘45; «a. "
v , :2 Y . ,‘\:\

 

 

[CHAPTER XVIII.
JACOBI, THE JEW-

Arrm a walk of some squares through the
better part of the city, Howard be Vi e was
directed to a dismal-looking quarter w are he
was told the Jew, Jacobi Douro, dwelt, and the
person who gave the information looked at the
young man with a shrug of the shoulders and a
sad smile as he turned away, while he muttered

, ‘to himself: ‘

“ Been playing too heavy at monté; poor
senor; I know how to sympathize with you, and
you need condolence, senor cahallero, to have to
go to old Jacobi for money, for he will bleed
you of your last ounce of gold. ” ‘

. At last Howard paused before a dilapidated-
looking structure, that seemed to date back to
the age of the Aztecs, and saw on a sign above
the door:

“JACOBI DOURO,
. . “DEALER IN
“JEWELRY, GEMS AND CLOTHING.

“Liberal Advances Made on Personal Prop-
erty of All Kinds.”

’Havlng read this legend of Jacobi’s occupa.
tion, the youn American entered the shop, and
lanced aroun him with an air of contempt, for

‘ ie knew that each article his eye rested upon
held a story of misfortune, want or crime, and
that those who had left them there had paid
,dearly for the little they had received for them.

Around the walls hung amotley array of scar-

let, green, blue, black and gray garments of all
1 kinds and descriptions, fromthe show uniform

of a general, down to the rude attire of the
V border, whileir the windows, on either side of
, the dopr,,were watches, jewelry, precious stones,
' , ,‘pistols, cimeters, dirks of every nationalit ,
f and a vast assortment of articles that went
make up the_collection worthy of a curiosity-
shop, or museum. .

A boy, in a red cap, and smoking a cigarrito,
was the only occupant of the shop if I except a
chattering parrot; which the youth was teasing
' to a fury, for his 0w amusement, causing

in to swear in real go d, sound Spanish, an
' bring down the maledi'ctions of the saints upon
- ', the unbelieving juvenile Hebrew’s head. ,
"‘ Carambo l ’Nombre de Dias l” shrieked the
, parrot, who had been piously raised in a Catho-
' ic tamil , whose necessities had caused them

to um mi to the Jew.

’. . , "Hal ha! ha" laughed the young tormentor,
' ,' “I ish teach you to swear mit Abraham, lsaac
v, antJaoob.” - ' w

*‘ Boy, I would see the Seller Jacobi,” said
HoWard. . _

The young Hebrew, with an e e to business
quickly left off teasing poor Po , and turned
his 'ttering black eyes u on Howard, while he

' sai politely, and in pure panish:

“ ’I‘ 6 Sailor Jacobi is engaged; but I can ar-
\ a loan for you, senor. ’ -

‘ “ need no loan, boy, and did I, it would not
~ be here that I would come to pay usurious in-
terest; I, wish to see the Sailor Jacobi, per-

' l ' .

. “Your name, senor?" , r
“It matters not.” ’ ‘
’ “ Then you cannot see him, for he is engaged.”
“ Tell him that I am sent by the Senorita
Consuelo ” ‘

‘ n This name seemed a talisman, for, with more
: pplitenesathan he had before shown, the youth
emptied a chair of its, heavy load of apparel,
an said: ,
“Be seated, senor, and I will make known
your resence.” '
Dec ing the proffered seat, Howard re-
, mained standing, while the youth went to a
‘ ,coi'ner of the room, and writing a few lines
" upon a piece of pagr, laced it in what a -
'pearedtobeatin u stckingoutof the we.
Then he pulled a bell-rope, and a moment
"after Howard De Vigne saw the paper suddenly
disappear back in the tube. .
For a short while he waited, and then a door
, :pianed at the rear of the shop, and a deep voice

'-“Come this way, seller.” - .
Howard obe ed, and as the door closed behind
him he found imself in a narmw hallway, and
in the recence of a man whOse a pearance
d not fail to strike him as remar ble, for,
w are he had expected to find a small, dried-up
specimen of anatomy, for such he supposed the
money-lender must be, he discovered before
.him a man of fine physique, and ‘an air that
was imposing, for his features were ex ressive,
his brows strongly arched, his eyes b ack and
piercing and his mouth firm; but his arched
nose and red, flexible lips betrayed him as one

‘ , ‘ of the tribe of Israel.
‘ 'But though to the ordinary observer such a
personage, .4) the close student of human nature
acobi ouro’s eyes were full of avarice, his
mouth indicated deceit and cunning, and mor-
ally he wore the stamp of what he was, a

 

fore you, senor,” said the Jew, in deep, though
not unpleasant tones:

“Yes, I am an American, and—”

“Your Spanish is perfect, senor, for a for»
signer,” was the rather suspicious interruption.

“ That maybe, seller; but I am an Amer-lain,
and came here with the one whom I believe you
know as E1 Pirata.”

“ Ah; you are his friend, then?”

“ I am, and your daughter, the Senorita
Consuelo, sent me here, for I suppose you are
aware that El Pirate is in trouble?”

“Yes, and Consuelo has gone to see if she can
aid him: as his friend, sefior, you are mine; fol-
low me.”

He led the way as he spoke along the passe e-
way, up a flight of stairs, and then through a
small, iron bound door into a small anteroom.

To the surprise of Howard De Vi gne this room
looked more like an arsenal than a chamber in a
Jew’s house, for along the walls were ranged
muskets, with the bayonets set on them, and
pistols and swords were close at hand.

Seeing his look, the Jew said with a smile:

“ In this land of revolutions, Senor Ameri—
cano, it is but right that we should be prepared
to rotect our broods and our riches.”

‘ True; but yours is not a race to fight, Senor
Douro.”

“Touch our children and our gold, senior, and

you will find to the contrar ; but come, these
quarters are more pleasant,’ and Jacobi threw
a door on the o posite side ofthe room open,
and motioned Howard De Vigne to enter,
which he did, but was almost startled by the
scene of beauty that burst upon him, as though
he had suddenly stepped into the realms of
Fair land.
- "‘ on are welcome as my guest, senor: be
pleased to be at home,” said the Jew, with
court] grace, motioning Howard to a chair,
into w ich he sunk almost bewildered, while he
glanced around him. _

He found himself in a large room carpeted
with costly rugs that gave back no sound to the
tread, an the walls bun with velvet curtains,
except where they were wn aside to display
some rare painting or other work of art, or the
two windows that opened upon balconies over-
hanging a garden, an acre in size and an Eden
of beauty, for it was filled with exquisite flow-
ers, and there were a score of fountains throw-

around the garden was a wall of consider-
able hight, that recluded the possibilit of
curious neighbors coking into its privacy rom
their house-tops, and easy-chairs were placed
here and there to invite rest, while hammocks
swung from several orange trees, luring to re-

pose. ,

From the lar chamber, which seemed to
be a family sitting-room, other doors opened
into other apartnpnts, which, as the-Jew, ex-
cusing himself for a moment, entered, How-
ard saw were furnished in the same luxuri-
ous and beautiful style.

Rememberin the squalid appearance of the
shop and the rout of the house, Howard De
Vigne seemed to feel that he had been suddenly
transported into an Eden of luxury and beauty;

Returning to the room the Jew was followed
by a servant, also an Israelite, bearing a silver
waiter, upon which were decanters of wine,
glasses and sweet biscuit, with a small taper
and roll of cigarritos. "

Placing the waiter upon a table the servant
reti , and the Jew poured out a glass of rich
wine or his guest, and offered him a cigarrito;
but, ere the wine was drank the door opened and
Consuelo, the Jewess, swept into the room, and
her father rising' introduced his guest, as
thou h the two had never before met.

“ y daughterfihe Senorita Consuelo, Senor
De Vigne ” c said, with tatel di ity.

Howar arose but saw be me im a very
different bein from the darkly clad maiden
who had call upon‘him two hours before, for
she'had changed her street attire for a beautiful
robe of canary silk, that was exceeding be-
coming to her dark style of beauty, w ie its
sweeping train added dignity and grace to her
carriage. ‘

“I am glad to find you my father’s guest,
senor,” said Consuelo, in a p easant tone, ex-
tending her small and shapely hand.

“ The pleasure .is with me, Senorita, I assure
yea; but may I ask if you have seen Captain

aldron?” '

“ Yes I left him half an hour, since.” '

“An he gives the ledge required of him?”

“Yes, though at st he demurred, as he
seemed reluctant to give up his hope of revenge
upon Don Diablo, who in such a masterly man-
ner stole his schooner from him; but he gave
me‘ his solemn led e to give up piracy, and
settle down in ew ork, where my father has
lonngished to go.”

“ am glad of it; now how to arrange his
escape from prison, for I suppose he Will be
taken from the barracks tomorrow out to the
San Juan d’ Uloa?” ‘

. “ And he who enters there, senor leaves hope

inflicts-of crystal water into the air.

usurer, a vampire to grow fat upon the flesh of { behind,” said the deep voice of the ow.

1

others, to be happy on the misery of those who

came to him for aid.

" You would see Jacobi Douro; he stands be-
t

 

“Yes; he is to be sentto 'the Castle to-mor-
row morning, and will be almos immediately
executed, so what is done mus be done to-

 

 

night, and it rests now with but one person,
Major Fernando Navaro.”

re Howard could make reply the servant
entered and said:

“Ma'or Fernando Navaro would see the
Senior acobi.”

“ Ah! now comes the test, for he is here; you
know the saying, Senor De Vigne, ‘S eak of
the devil and his imps will appear?’ ell, this
is one of them, and in his hands .is the life of El
Pia-am,” remarked Consuelo. ‘

“Your manner 'ves me hope for the cap—
tain, sefiorita,” sai Howard.

" We shall see; the God of Israel be with you,
my father,” replied the maiden, as Jacobi

Douro, excusing himself to his guest, left the

room.

 

CHAPTER XIX.
DIAMOND cur DIAM ND.
‘ MAJOR FERNANDO NAVARO as a tall, well-
formed Mexican, of perhaps thirty-five,-and
wore an undress uniform.

About him there was an air of good birth,
though his face were a. haggard, dissxpated look
that marred it in a measure, and. the dark hair
and mustache were already streaked with sil-
ver threads. . /

He was pacing up and down an inner office
on the same floor as the shop, where the Jew
asked his better class of customers when they
came on private 'business, and his. dark 9 es
were burning in the intensity-of thought t at
flashed through them, while his brows were con-
tracted into a savage scowl, and the lips firmly
set, excepting when they parted in some mut-r
tered imprecation, that proved mentally he was
suffering exquisite anguish.

As the door opened and Jacobi entered, he
started, as though he wore in his heart the curse
of a guilty conscience, and said angrily:

“Well, Jew, you take your’time with those
who owe you.” _ I

‘61 did not hasten, senor, for I had a guert
sipping wine with me.” '

“ Cummde he must have paid for it than".
or you will get pay from him in some way, 1': r
you would spend not a peso to keep thy soul
from perdition,” was the rude retort.

“ Senor, as you are in no humor to talk witlr.
I will leave you," and the Jew turned to go.

3131: the officer sprung forward quickly and.
one :

“ Pardon me, sefior, but I am driven mad by
my troubles to-day, and——”

“You brought them upon yourself; if your
play, you must expect to lose; if you live like a
prince, you must expect to pay for your lux»
uries.’ ’

“I am in no humor to listen to lectures,
Jacobi; I need money, and by the name of the.
Heavens, I must have it.”

“You received my message that your notes
were due to—dayl”

“Yes, and not an eagle have I to pay them
with, so you must renew them, andgive me
more beSides.” -

“ Must is a strong word to use senor, when a
beggar speaks to one he seeks a avor of.”

‘Curse youl do you dare to call me a beg-i
gar?” fiercely said t e Mexican. '

“ Give me a better name and I will make use
of it, senor; you have come to me for money.
and et owe me to-day thirty thousand pesos ”

“ nd I need twenty thousand more: make
my notes over againlor fifty thousand at three
months, and give me fifteen thousand; that will
give you five thousand for interest.” '

“ And what security have you, senior, to ofler’

me's”

“ Net a jewel, boot, but or acre of land," was.

the bitter reply.

“Then you cannot have the money.”

it You
yo}; now” » _ . .

And you have had one-half its value in
money. which you have gambled away, or
drank and eaten up. Imust have a margin to
make something out of Senor Navaro.” '

“ One-halt you get, and call it a margin:
well, give me the time I ask and the fifteen
thoulsand?” t ”

canno .

“I am ruined it you do not, for I have two
debts of honor to pay this night, and m small
credgtors’pre on my track rattling their ills in
in ace. '

X You should keep out of debt.” '

“ Bah! I should do many things I do not do;
give me the money I ask. ”

i: Ifianppt. ”

i
“ I wgnt security.”

“I have nothing to give ou, as you know,,_

thou accursed usurious son of steel.”

“ And I have no mono for you. ’7‘ _

‘fDog of an Israelite,
thy heart’s blood,” and thrusting his rig t hand.
suddenly into his breast, he drew out, a‘ long
dagger and sprung upon the Jew, aspiug him
by the throat, and olding the b de up if ted
over hisheart.

But the Jew_did not move,~nor did his ,eye-
quail, as he- said in a voice, hoarse from the,

pressure 11 n his face:
“ Sefior avaro, release thy hold.”

ave all my property mortgaged to»

will have thy old, or"

  

' “The

 

 

' H‘Don

W“

 

  

Corsair.. ’ ,'

   

I

 

 

“ Wilt give me the money I ask?” was the
savage response.

H NO. :1
“ I will kill thee if thou dost not.”

“ o, for you are in my,power, notI in thine,”
and the Jew snapped his fingers, and savage

growls answered, while out of a curtained ail--

covc bounded two huge Spanish bloodhounds.

With a cry of horror the Mexican started
back; but the Jew said quietly:

" Have no fear, sailor, unless I am in danger,
and then they will tear you in pieces; back to
your kennel, Don and Diiennad"

The bloodhounds silently obeyed, and the
Mexican officer, wholly unnerved, turned to
Jacobi, and said in a humble tone:

“ Sefior, I was mad, I am mad, for I stand on
the verge of ruin and you alone can save me. ”

“ How, sailor?”

“ Give me the mono, I as .”

"" There is one we can accommodate you. ”

“ How, pray te me?" cried the Mexican,
Bag‘eYfly‘ h k t th

‘ ou avea risonerin our ee' 8. e
barracks?” p y pm

“There are several.”

“There is one arrested this morning.”

5

“ Ah, El Pirata.” ..

“ Yes.”

“Well, he is to die on the morrow; to be shot
outside the city walls ”

“ He must not die.;’

“ I say he must, for the sentence has been
passed a inst him.”

“And say no, Senor Fernando Navaro.”

“ What is he to thee, J ew?”

“He saved my life once. ”

“And you seem to regard him as kindly as
though he had saved thy gold, for, at thy re-
quest I ave thy fair daughter permission to
see him; at he is doomed.”

“I say he is not for you can save him.”

“You are mists en.’

“No, you can and must.”

“Must is a strong word to me, Jacobi Douro.”
,“It is a word you used to me awhile since,
and I return it.

“ I telldyou, senor, I do not want that man
go dig, an if you want money you must save

1m.
t “I. would not do it for twice the sum I ask
or. ’
“ I will give you your notes for thirty thou-
sand, and twenty thousand besides in cash.”
d ‘i’Nol no! no! it would cost me my life if I
o. .

“ It will cost him his life if you do not.”

“What do I care for his life, Jew?”

“ Fifty thousand pesos.”

“ It is a tempting offer, but I will not. ”

“I will return you the notes and give you
thirt thousand £339 besides. ” ,

“ ombre do ' I you are Satan tempting
.sin, J ew."

' ‘ Will you set him free?” ‘

“ I would be shot for it in his stead in spite of
.m family influence and rank.”

‘No need of it; have some one also shot in
your ace.” ‘ '

“ ow mean you, Jew?”

“ Where is be confined?”

“ In the citadel barrack.”

“ How many guards over him?”

“ One at his cell door, another at the corridor
,gate and a sergeant on duty—three.”

“ I.et them be shot.”

“ In Satan’s name what mean you?”
out of lanceros, ust arrived from
 cyity 3f exico, recruited t ere, I believe?”

on

“Send two of them, or three to-night to the
[citadel bar-rack, with an order from on for the
prisoner; once out of the prison w: I will take
care of him and pay those whom you dispatch
for him we for their serVices, besides giving
them a chance to desert from their regiment.

“When itis discovered in the morning that
E’l Pirata. has flown, have the sergeant and
two ds marched out and shot, if need be.”

“ ut they would not deliver him up Without
my seal, and but one person besides myself
could put that on.”

“ And who is that?”

“ g'dy orderly.”

“ ell, what does his life amount to? Ac-
.cuse him of being bribed to do the deed, and
have him shot, too. ”

“Jacobi, you are even Worse than I am.”

“Thank you ; we are Just becoming ac-
quainted with each other; well, what say you?”

“ Make it fifteen thousand more.”

“ Not a peso.” ‘_ .

“El Pirata is worth it; give me my notes
apd Eorty-iyi’ve thousand pesos, font is a fearful

run.

“ Not as much as the sergeant, guards and
your orderly run,” said J acobi, grim y.
‘ “ I will not release him for less than the sum
'1 name, if only to have the delight of wringing
the money from you, J ew.”
“ What matters it what you get; it will be all
gone soon 1) gambhng.” .
“ Oh no; can pay my debts with it, and—”
:: ghati” , '

.1! v
V ‘f‘Ahl I have heard you intended marrying

 

 

an heiress, and if I remained long in Vera Cruz
I would soon get her wealth through, as I have
ours.

“ We shall see, for luck may turn for me yet.”

“I doubt it; but I’ll give you the start by
making it the sum you ask; come here at ten
o’clock and I shall know if you have kept your
word, and will then pay you the money and
hand you over your notes."

“ Can I trust you, Jew!”

“ You will have to, Navaro.”

“ Your race are so slippery, Jacobi.” ,

“ And yours are natural cut-throats, Fer—
nando.”

“ A truce to this bantering; I will trust you
because I have to, and be here promptly at ten
o’clock, for I have two debts to pay to-night or
I am mined, as I told you.”

“ If he is free by nine, so much the better for
him, and you can receive your money an hour
earlier.”

“ Goodl he shall be free."

“ Can I trust on?”

“ Caramba I give you my word.”

“ I have your name on paper past due,
senor.”

“ That was business, J ow,” replied the Mexi-

can,Bwincing under the shot.
t

reak your word to-night, and you’ll find it
business, too, for, Senor Fernando Navaro, I
know that one of the debts on have to pay to-
night is a forged note-of- and of your gm-
eral’s.”

The Mexican was staggered at the words of
Jacobi, and hissed forth, as he again drew his

dagger:
‘ n Satan’s name how know you this?”
“My hounds’ teeth are as sharp as your dag-
ger point, senor,” was the cool reply.

Instantly the weapon was thrust back into
his breast, while he asked again:

“ How know you this, Jew 3” V

“You received on General Cisnero’s note
three thousand , and one of your brother-
offlcers cashed it for you, and needing money
sold it to me, and I know that you to edit.”

.“And does any one else know it ’ almost
groaned the officer.

“No; I hold the note, and I expect on to
keep “your word to—night, and -  keep
mine -

“Enough; El Pirate. shall go free,r if a dozen
men have to be shot, and I Will be here at nine
o’clock,” and turning on his heel Major Fer-
nando Navai'o left the Jew’s abode, a weight
removed from his heart.

 

CHAPTER XX.
. 'rnr. mom.

CAPTAIN JACK WALDRON, or as he is now
known to the reader, El Pirate, was pacing his
narrow cell in the citadel barracks, with a face
expressive of very little concern, for one who
knew that he would look death squarely in the
face on the morrow, unless some lucky accident
aided him to escape. v

But his was a buoyant nature that alwa s
rose high- under~ trouble and danger, and: a
never gays up hope while there was an atom of
life remaining. .

He had seen Consuelo Douro, and had ven
her the pledge demanded by Howard De i533,
not again to engage in piracy, and she
promised to effect his release; this was all the

ope he had, yet he did not despair, and was not
at all surprised when the cell door opened and
the sergeant of the guard stepped in and said:

“ There’s an order for you to go to. head-

uarters, senor, and two lanceros to guard you
t ei'e.’

“All right- one place is as good as another
to me ” was the cheery response of El Pirata.

“You are certainlya cool one, seiior‘ here,
lanceros, ' d you dard him well, and if he
escapes yo - heads Will fall, for I leave his irons
upon him. '

“ It‘s a little out of the usual s le, but I so
pose it’s all right, as I have here jor Navaros
written orders, stain d and sealed.”

Two soldiers in e lancero uniform then
stepped forward, and placing himself between
them El Pirata m0ved toward the door, and
thence out through the prison-yard, until the
stood without the gates, where a clumsy vehic e
awaited them. 1

Into, this the guards and their prisoner got,
and the driVer drove of! rapidly in the direction
of head-quarters; but once around thecorner
of a street and the vehicle turned in another
direction and held on until it drew up under a
shed. .

Here there was a pause of a short while, and

then out from the shadows beneath the shed
came three horsemen, we mounted, and
dressed as caballerosnand at a rapid pace they
rode along in the direction of the city gates
through which they passed without difliculty.
to find onuthe outer, side two persons, also
mounted, awaiting them. ,
‘ “Consuelo! to on I owe my escape; bless
you, my darling,’ and one of the three horse-
men rode up to the two who had been in wait—
ing and one of whom was recognizable as Con-
suelo Douro, theother as Howard De Vigne.

 

“And gladly I welcome you, senor; but.

  

come, let us lose no time, for it is a long, hard
ride to the Black Lagoon, ’answered the maiden.

“ First let me ask De Vigne to for ive the de- -

ce tiou I El Pirate.

racticed upon him,” an
he (1 forth

is hand.

“ It is forgiven, captain, for I owe you much, -

especially as your ledge for the future has
been given; but wit the Seilorita Consuelo I
would ur e haste now,” and thus urged, all
started 0
asked:

“And your father, Consuelo?” - ~

“ Will follow us as soon as he has seen the one
to whose pecuniary troubles we owe your re-
lease; harkl I hear hoof-falls now.”

All drew rein and listened, and the rapid
clatter of hoofs was heard.

“ There are two horsemen,” said El Pirate.

“Yes, one is Padre Pinto, for you know—”
and Consuelo paused. ‘

“I know you are the sweetest little Jewess in
the world, to be married to me by one not of
your faith: yes, here they come,” and the next
moment Jacobi Douro and a person in priestly
garb dashed up and were warmly greeted b

those who waited them, after which the who 3 '

paztty once more moved on at a swift gallo .
ter a sharp ride of several hours they w

11 their tired horses 11 n the banks of the

B ack Lagoon and at t e cabin of Soto,_the,

fisherman, who awaited them.

“Is your lugger ready, Soto?” asked El Pi- . I .
the ground and aided Con- I _

but my accommodations are ‘

rata, as he sprung to
suelo to alight.

“Yes senor;
unwort y so fair a lady,” responded the fisher-
man. -

“Oh I can put. u with the p1ainest,good
Soto, for where lifepis at stake we have no'
cause tocomplain at the means that save it,”
pleasantly replied Consuelo, and the rest of the

rt haviu entered the cabin the maiden

‘1 Pirate f0 owed.

that to give her‘ away, and Howard De Vi e
as 9. Witness, Consuelo Douro. the Jew h

maiden, was made the wife of Jack Waldron', a ' I.

man outlawed from among his fellow- as

a sea-rover, and upon whose head was set a

price. ‘ _ \-
In deep tones the padre performed the cere-

mony, askin no questions regarding the creed‘  I
Sarty drank a toast to
journed on board the

of either an then the
the fair bride, and all a
lugger which Soto had made most comfortable
With
The two lancero deserters were then
liberally by the Jew for their services,
being iii readine
sa' farewells are said between Jacobi and
his aughter and then Howard
preached and extended his hand.
“What! are you not going with us?" asked
Consuelo, in surprise. ' V
“No, I remain in Véra Cruz for a time.”
“Do you mean it, Do Vignel” asked. E1 1’!-
ialtri, in a tone of voice that showed he was

d

it Yes, cap
hand, hastily formed, that I wish to mrw.”

“ I fear that now you know me an El ta
and Castilla, the Corsair, you no longer ckreto
sail on the same deck with me.”

“Not so, cs ‘n for Iyou are no longer the
one or the ot er; but have decided upon a

plan of action I cannot now make known, and ,

one of these days youmay hear of me. -

“Through Senor Douro, I will always know ’

where you are, and from my heart I hope we,
shall meet again,” and Howard again held forth
his hand in farewell, and a few moments after
the lugger sped out of the dark lagoon toward
the open water, while the Jew, padre and
American incunted their horses ,and started
back for thecity, leaving Soto’s peon servant
alone in his solitude.

When a couple of leagues frbm the‘city gates ‘

the sun arose, and, as the three weary horse-

men so strangel brou lit to ther neared the -
walls they heardythe ro of aIierum,’ and behold '

a column of soldiers approaching.

Passing thro h the ates, the troops at slow
march, and the d p ying
filed to the left and formed in three sides 0 a
square, the open space toward the wall, and
there came to a halt. ‘ ‘

f‘ Hal do yousee those three men?” suddenly ’

cried the Jew, pointing to a. sergeant and two
private soldiers in the midst of a small guard.

u Yes;
Howard. « x V
. “ True, in the place of another; do you mark
that officer on horseback?” . ‘

“ It is the Major Navaro,” said the dre.

“ Yes, it is Fernando Navaro, and t ose three ,

poor devils there are to die, for they were the
guards over El Pirate. last night and they'have
been drum-head court-martialed and sentenced
within the hour, on account of the escape of the
prisoner.” ' ‘

“And does Navaro not know they are inno-
cent?” asked Howard De Vigne. I

“ Oh yes; but either he or the guards must

go, and he prefers that they do, and, having»
the power, sees that they sha ; they face their
fate calmly." . :

 

., ,x 
' 1e:
..

at rapid gallop, while El Pirate.

and ,
Then, in that humble adobe but, with her fa- '

the gold given him by HowardDe Vigne. -

‘1],
,Soto and his son spread the ‘
DeVigne apa- ,‘-

tain, I have a certain plan on, -

afuneraldi ,‘

they are to be executed,” answered . I

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
   
  
    
 
  
  
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
  
 
  
    
   
  
  
  
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
  
   
  
  

.

..,

, lace
 mitt”

o

   

AJ

\

/

1 .

it?“

' fleet vessel and

_ ~ I was about tor git ther c

' ". dry, and ther ship sailed wi

Pi

 

“Their innocence upholds them; come, let us

I ride on, for we are forced to see misery enough
in this world without seeking that we can
avoid ” replied Howard. .

“ s, yes," answered the padre, with a sigh,
“let us ride on, and, in a glass of Senor Jaconi’s
good wine, drown the remembrance of these
poor fellows."

And as the. riest spoke and their horses
moved forwm'r , there' came a volley of mus-
keti'y, and three IllilOi‘é’Hli men fell dead.

Then gavly the band struck up, and the
tree 5 moved back toward the city, while Ma-
jor avaro, leavmg the oficer next in rank in
command, rode on ahead.

Catching sight of the Jew, as he
not a shadow crossed his face; but

> pleasantly, he cried:

“An early hour, Senor Douro, to be out; but
we cannot neglect military duties; adios.”

And with a sinister smile, the heartless man
dashed on, no seeming regret in his heart that
he had sacrificed others to save himself.

assed,
wing

 

CHAPTER XXI.
AN OLD SHIPMATE.

"-Smrna'm, you isn’t sailin’ under yer true
colors, be ye?”

, It was several days after the sailin of Soto’s

bigger from the Black Lagoon and oward De

V gne was standing on a pier, looking out over‘
the harbor of Vera Cruz.

He had been the guest of the Jew, Jacobi
Douro, since their return to the city, and dur-
ing the intense excitement that had followed
the escape of El Pirate, for the Mexican popu-

learning of his capture, had reas—
the thought that they would enjoy an
execution scene.
Of course the having been promptly
‘ put to death, for permitting the prisoner to
outon a forged order, and the orderly of

/_ Navaro, who was considered the forger,

ung' m steriously disappeared, along with
the two degerters of the Lancero regiment, gave
of subject for gossip for several days;
ough oversr effort was made to find how
' the prisoner an his allies had left the city
, could be ascertained to throw an lig 6

upon e subject, other than that El irate
must have paid largly for his freedom.

Finding that the idette had sailed immedi-

‘ , ately upon her arrival almost, to once more
‘ search ort

. he schooner, which she had so , r-
sistenat'lg chased from New York to the ,
How DeVigue determined to enter into a
plot to capture the noted Don Diablo, and break

the wrecking-bands on the Gulf shores, and

Re. reby win favor in the eyes of his country-
, men once more, for all feehng in his heart, on
‘ account of relationship, had gone out wholly for
Don Diablo.

With the money he had won, and which he
still had with him, he knew he could urchase a
uip her thorough y, and for

this purpose he h gone down to have a look

at the crafts in the harbor, when he was saluted

with the words that open this cha tor. ,

’ With the de are of. the dette he had

" thrown aside his false beard, yet still were his

-caballero dress, and he quick] turned and
faced the speaker, who was a thic set, bronzed-
faced sailor, evidently an American, and attired

' in a pair of white duck pants, blue'woolen shirt,

and wore on his head a sombrero, while in his
belt was a seaman’s clasp-knife.
“Wh , Nick Nabob, is it you?” and Howard

'l , 'gras e the outstretched hand.

“ t are Master Howard, for sure; I’m ther‘
same old Nabob I war six year ago, when yer
ca hta knife in yer arm that was meant for
my cart that ni t inAlgiers. ,

‘ers, Master oward, you saved my life

, then, and kept me from a flogging too, sir, when
fdr being ballasted
with grog and under a ful head 0’ sail, and I
hasn't forgotten it, sir, ” said the seamen, wring-
 the hand of the young man warmly. ‘

' ‘Nor have I forgotten you, Nick; but what

.are you doing here in Vera Cruz, when there is
no vessel in port flying our flag?”

' “I, might ask the same 01 you, Master How-
ard, but seeing you walk the nutter-deck, and
I am only a foremast hand, I r’n’t, Sir; but I
had a run 0’ bad luck, sir, got ashore high» and

bout me.”
Were you on the Vidotte, Nick?”

“No, air, on ther Tuscarora; I heard you was

first Inf]? 0’ ther Vidette, and captured that
- (pirate Don Dinblo." '

“Ah, Nick I was on the Vidette as her first
officer, and did capture Don Diablo; but luck
has gone against me too, for the pirate chief es-

' _n
, cape; and

503 d! has D'on Diablo escaped?” asked
Nick Na ob, his face flushing, and his manner
becoming excited. -
> “Yes; in‘ New York he made his escape, and
I was diissed from the navy for allowing it.
Did you know the Don '5”

“Know him? lVell, now, I have met him,
Master Howard; and he is free once more, you
say?" asked the man, cautiously.

‘ He is, and what is more, and far worse,is at
see. again on as fine a schooner as ever sailed.”

" \ '.
;~,..

3’?

' Don,

 

what ails you, s1r?”,
\ l .

 

 

    

.1'
.;*

 

 

 

“0h, Neptune’s sister Sal! do you mean it,
Master Howard?”

“I do; but, how is it
ested in the Don, Nick?’

“And on isn’t in ther navy?" asked Nick,
apparent y not caring to hear the question of
his old officer.

“No, like yourself, l'am ashore: but not out
of funds, for if you need gold, Nick, you can
have it.”

“ Bless your handsome figure~head, Master
Howard! you has ther same big heart as ever;
but I don’t need no money now, sir, for I uni in
8. 00d business.”

‘ I am glad to hear that, Nick, and I may say
sorry, too, for I have something on hand was
going to ask you to Join me in, and I would
make you boatswain. ’

“Bo sen! well, now, you does remember yer
old shipmates, sir; but might I be so bold as to
ask (yer what’s in the wind?”

“ an I trust you, Nick?"

“Master Howard, you sav‘ed my life once,
and got wounded for it, and the scar’s in yer
am now; an’ yer saved my back from the eat,
an’ kept ther scars of! of it, an’ so long as you
carry that mark 0’ ther dag er, an’ so long as
my cable o’lifedon’t part, w11 I remember you,
and neVer go back on you,” and the tears came
into the e es of the seamen, that caused How-
ard De lgne to hold out his hand and say,
frankly:

“ I will trust you, Nick, and—”

“Steady yer tongue tackle one minute Mas-
ter Howard, and let me first tell yer that I don’t
fear to make known to you that I am not the
old honest tar I once was.

“Yer See, there was nothing but squalls all
ther time to drive me on ther breakers, and
at last I all t ther cable 0’ honesty, an’ drifted
right on t er reef 0’ sin, for I is a bad man,
sir, a bad man.”

“ I guess not, Nick; your heart is in the right
place I know.”

“ No, sir, for I’ve gone out o’ the channe and

you are so deeply inter-

am, in fact, nothing more than a— We , sir,

I’ll prove you can trust me by showing you m
log, for I know you’ll not betray me, as it isn t
in our natur’ so to do; but if yer can pilot
be. ag’in into the channel 0’ ' hteousness, I’ll
foller er wake, sir; but now is one o’ thet
cu hand 0" a Wreckers.”

Howard De Vigne started, and turned his
piercing eyes upon the face of the seaman, while

a said, stormy;

“Nick, you ve indeed steered wildly- what'
possessed you to give up the berth of an honest
man-o’-war’s-man to become an outlaw?”

“Temptation, Master Howard temptation,
sir; I got too much 0g aboard when ashore in
Havana one time, three year ago, and the ship
sailed without me.

“Then hard luck came, and by accident one
night I did a shipmate a Service and he offered
me a berth, which I took and bless your soul,
sir, it was to be mate 0’ his little craft that ran
between Abaco and Havana, and to Vera Cruz,
and sometimes to the Balize, and our cargoes was
made up from what came out o’ vessels that
false beacons lured onreefs, sir.” _

“ And this heinous crime you have continued
ever since?” ' ~

“I might as well tell the truth, sir; I am now
skipper o’ ther little craft, and brou ht a cargo
in today to our agent here, an old ew, to buy
of us, for I dar’n’t take it to Havana or New
Orleans, as the goods belonged to the Blue
Wave, which was supposed to be sunk.” ,

Howard De Vigne sta gered as though the
man had struckhim a vio out blow, and his face
turned deadly pale; but recovering himself, he
gasp-field, rather than asked: '

‘ 9 Blue Wave, you said—l”

er ship runnin
ew York, and

between

“Yes, sir; a cli hi n
no mg a

New Orleans and
Havana.”

“And she was not sunk?”

“She danced right on to Abaco in a gale,
misled by the False Beacon, which she took. for
the Eu lish Light.”

“An went to pieces?”

“ Was cod kindling wood the next morning,
Master oward: did yer know ther craft, sir,
for yer got white when I spoke of her?”

“And her crew and—passengers?”

“ The crew went into the sea when she struck,
and was lost, but—”

“The passengers 1” and Howard De Vigne
placed his hand upon his heart, as though 'to
still its beating, while his lips quivered With
emotion. «

5‘ They was in the cabin, sir, and some of ’em
were saved, though a few ran on deck, when
she struck. and got washed into the sea.”

“ Nick Nabob, who were saved E)”

“ Nine persons, sir, among ’em ,two young
and one old lady; the balance were men.”

“ Their names! the ladies’ names,.I mean?”

“ There was two of one family; a Colonel
Tudor and his Wife and daughter, and—”

t6  !” >

H Six: in I

‘f Go on! for the love of God i, go on I”

“ The other ,was a pa feet an el, sir, and the
calls her Lucille; bu , sir i aster Howar l

 

1515, the Planter-Corsair.

 

 

“Tell me! where is she now, maul—I mean
ham,” and Howard Do Vigne grasped the
man in a clasp of iron.

“ Aprisonw' in. Abaco, sir— Great God! he
has fainted. ”

It was true: Howard De Vigne had fallen at.
the feet of Nick N abob.

 

CHAPTER. XXII.
run I’LOTTERS.

WHEN Howard De Vigne returned to con—
sciousness, he found the anxious face of Nick.
Nabob-bending over him.

“Thank ther Lord, I says, if I be a sinner,
Muster Howard, ter see ycr come round, sir,
for I feared once you had sli t ther life-cable,
sir,” said the seamen, earnest .

“Ahl I remember now; lyswooned away,

and fell, for I had not the power to save my—
self ' are we alone, Nick?” and Howard sat up.
“ ,Yes, sir, though it’s pesky strange none 0’
them curious Greasers didn‘t see yer fall, an"
think I kilt yer; they is so fond o’ knife-stickin’
themselves, they loves to see a row; but here’s
my boat, sir, an’ yonder is my little craft, an’
111111136 glad to have you go aboard, if you
w1 .

“I’ll go with you, Nick, for there is much I
wish to ask you,” and, with an eflort, Howard
De Vigne aroused himself out of the stu r that
still oppreSSed him, and getting into t 9 little
boat, was pulled by Nick Nabo't out to a little
shallop that lay at anchor, a cable’s length
from the shore. '

As they neared it, Howard De Vigne noticed
that it was a craft of sixty tons’ burden, with
flush deck, was rigged with fore and mainsail,
and steered with a tiller, while risin above'the
taffrail was a stum mast, on whic could be
set a sail called a “ river.” -

In fact it was just such a craft as are often
seen in the Gulf, exceptin that this shallop
possessed an unusual breadt of beam, was re-
markably trim-looking, sharp in the bows,
spread more canvas than was usual in vessels
of her class, and had every indication of being
thoroughly seaworthy and a very fast sailer.

Upon the deck were three men,l ing half
asleep under an awning and who lazi y opened
their eyes as Nick Nabob and his visitor board-
ed and entered the cabin, and then resumed
their siesta once more.

“I hasn’t got man-o’-war quarters, Master
Howard, to entertain yer in, but I has some as
good wine as ever dodged ther Customs, an’
some real Havana cigarittos, such as ther Cu»
ban sefioritters uses ter hide their blushes be-
hind ther smoke; a little 0’ this will do you
good,” and Nick poured out a lass of wine,
which Howard eagerly quaifed, or he felt the
need of it. ‘

The cabin was not an uncomfortable one by
any means, and seating himself in an easy-
chair, Howard said earnestly:

“Nick, you said that Lucille—that is, Miss
Marsden, was a prisoner on the Wreckers’
Island?”

“True, sir. she and the Tudors, and half a.
dozen men-folks."
ti “gave they been subjected to any indigni»

es

-“Lord, no, sir; they dwell in the .prisaners’
cabin up among the rocks, and has plenty to
eat and drink, only the captain hasn’t decided
to ransom ’em yet, knowin’ they could tell
some unpleasant stories about the Beacon, and,
he wants ter git rich fust.”

“And who is this captain?”

“ He’s a young Cuban, as Bretty as a girl, and
as devilish as a snake; but t e real ch.ef o’all is
Don Dihblo.”

“ Don Diablol why is he a wrecker, too?”

“Well, he sails deep water and cuts throats,
but he is real]

run in and sell for him; yOu see he found us
out. and we had to join the Buccaneer League,
or he would have strung 115 up, for we are only
About twenty on Abaco.”

“ Aha! and you all believed he was dead ?”

“Certain sir; and the captain—his name is
Valdos—will be sorry he isn’t, for the Blue
Wave’s cargo will have to be shared with him”

I“ And you are the skipper of this shallop’!”

“ Yes, aster Howard.” ‘ I

“ And came here with the Blue Wave’s cargo
to dispose of?” '

“Yes, sir; an old Jew, Jacobi Douro, is our V

agent here.”

“Hal Jacobi Douro?”

“You knows him, then sir?”

“Yes,” and Howard adhed. mental] y: “ Now
I can understand why, a receiver of pirates’:
booty, he was so willing,to allow his daughter

to marry El Pirata, with whom he doubtless I

bad business of an outlaw nature. ”

“‘We‘ has an agent in Orleans, another in
Havana. and Pensacola, where we gets rid 0’
Don Diablo’s booty and the cargoes o’ wrecked
craft.” ,

“It is a nefarious transaction, Nick, and I
cannot believe that you care to remain what.
you are.”' _ .

“ You has got his so you can rake me, air, if'
it was yer natur’, for I has told yer all; but I

 

/

chief 0’ the band, and fre— _
quently brings ls booty to the island for us to '

 

,.
l
w
l

 

. crzivt, and I owe this

 y "  Dianna“  -'

  

4

\.

 

don’t like the business, sir, and that is why I
said I would go with you on a cruise."

“ Then you shall, and we will work together;
what if I told on that it was to hunt down this
very Don Dia lo and the wreckers, that I in-
tznded going upon when I met you?”

w. But you are not in the navy, you said,
sir?"

" No; but I have moneyDenough to fit out a

on Diablo a little
grudge, which our: day I may tell you, Nick;
and more the maiden, Miss Mai‘sden, whom the
"\‘I'léClCeI'; Valdos, holds prisoner, is my promised
bri e—

“ Oh, no!”

“ It is true; she sailed on the Blue Wave, in
company with Colonel Tudor and family for
New York, and it is believed that the vessel
foundered in a gale, and all on board were
lost.

“ Now tell me, Nick, do you wish to go with
me and hunt down these wretches, or still con-
tinue what you are—worse than a pirate?”

“ I hates to go back on my messmates, sir."

‘f Do you call those your messmates who
without the coura e to meet their foes, lure
vessels to destruction, and Ian h while their
crews drown before their eyes.” sternly said
lloward. ,

“You paint a black picture of them, Master
Howard; but it’s a true one I can’t gainsay.”

“ You can be invaluable to me, and your re-
ward shall be great; enough to allow on to
Russ your latter days in comfort and living an

onest life, instead of dying at the yard-arm,
aswiil be your fate if you still continue your
present viIe life.”

“You ar ifies like a Boston lawyer, Master
Howard, an I guesses I is guilty.”~ ‘

“ You are. guilty, Nick; but you can wipe out
:3: p351: by deeds of honor and daring in the fu-

e.
“ Then I’m on deck, sir; how’ll you head?"

“First, how can I rescue Miss Marsden and
her friends from the island 1” r '

“It will have to be done by stratxokgy, for the
guards have orders to kill ’em all, ' a strange
vesselcomes in shoreward, whose colors don’t
agree with our signals.” . ‘

“ Then by strategy I will free them; when do
you sail?”

“ To-night, sir.”

“ I will go with you as a common hand; what
say on?” ,

“ right, sir; I’ll ship ver for ther fore-
castle, as I needs another hand, one having
been ’lost coming over in a. blow; but it is

“ care not for risks, and once on the island
we can Ian some way to get the prisoners on
board this shallop and at to sea.”

“ All ri ht, Master award, I behave we can;
new, sir, ’ll row you ashore, and while I come
back, you can change your toggery, and to-
night I’ll meet you at the Havana ulperia in
the town, and will bring you on With me as a
new band.”

“ A good idea, and I will disguise myself as a
Mexican man-of-war’s—man, and I am a de-
sorter.”

“ You has a great head, Master Howard—
No, 11,9, that won t'do, for your name is Pecho
now.

“ Yes, my name is Pecho,” answered Howard
De Vi o, with a smile, and leaving the shallop,
Nick abob set him ashore once more, without,
the shallo ’5 crew having seen his face.

Several ours after the shallop set sail for the
Wrecker’s Island, and few eyes would have
been sharp enough to recognize, in the clean-
shaven, short‘haired sailor in Mexican man-of-
war’s uniform, at the helm of the little craft,
the dashing, handsome Howard ~De Vigne.

onAPTE'R XXIII.
A LOVE STORY.

Ir was a balm , beautiful night, when the lit-
tle lugger gain an omng out of the Black La-

oon, and putting‘her helm to the starboard,

ceded along the coast, with New Orleans the
pointpf destination.

As it would not be safe to steer boldly across
the Gulf for the Belize, where El Pirate. expect-
ed to get 8558516 by some vessel up the Missis-
sippi to ew Orleans, Soto was given orders to
run up the coast, keeping the land in view, that
incase of sightin an enemy, some inlet, lagoon
or river might 0rd a safe retreat, should they
be pursued.

Several days had. the lug er glided along over
the blue waters, With the an visible of)? the
port uarter, and .Tainpico had been left asteru,
when iiz, the son of Soto the Fisherman, sung
out,t just us the sun sunk from view in the

Wes . .

“Sail ho!”

The cry aroused El Pirate. from asicsta on
the deck, and he sprung to his feet with alac-
rity, and quickly turned his gaze in the direc-
tion indicated by Luiz. ~ '

There, a couple of leagues ahead, just caning
out from the land, and heading straight out
into the Gulf, was visible a schooner, which
caused El Pirate. to call hastily to Soto to come

_tohim..

 

 

“ That is my schooner, Soto, I would swear to
it among a thousand.”

“ What sefior capitan, the Sea Gipsy?”

“ Yes; I cannot be mistaken."

“ 1 only saw your vessel at night, and cannot
tell, sofior; but your eye is a true one."

“ Yes, it is the Sea Gipsy, and I would give
much to take her from the hands of that accursed
Don Diablo; but alas! that cannot Lo, Soto, for
my wings are clipped now; but they do not dis-
cover us."

“ 0r doing so, senior, care little for our oor
lugger, expecting to get no richer. Ah, if on
Diablo but know that your most (precious jewel
was here with YK ll, quickly woul he alter his
course: shall we continue on, sefior capitaii’i”

“ Yes, for he stands straight out to sea,” and
shaking his fist at the schooner, he continued in
a low tone:

“ Go on, Don Diablo, leavin a red wake be-
hind ou; but, if I mistake not t y days are num-
bere , for there is one on your track that will
hunt on down, though once he set you free.

“ I I thought not 50, base devil that you are,
never would have pledged myself to leave the
sea until I strung you up to the yard-arm, for 1
have not forgotten my first love, oor Nita
Sabinas, whom you dragged from ome and
friends, won by th accursed fascinations to
still cling to thee, t ough she knew thee in all
thy vileness— Ah, Consuelo, have you come up
to breathe this balmy air?” and he turned to his
young and beautiful bride, who just then came
on deck. '

“ Yes Jack, I came to enjoy the balmy even-
ing and to be near you; but your face is dark
an stern: whyisit ’

“ The bitterness of my heart was reflected in
my face, Consuelo; I was thinkin of the past,
ca 1

edu by sight of yonder sc ooner, upon
which e rays of the setting sun are falling
now

‘I‘dI’see her; the canvas looks like burnished
80 ~ '

“True, and for gold her master kills, and
sins: Consuelo, that vessel is the Gi .”

' “ What! Oh, El Pirata, quickly turn in flight
from that man," and the young wife’s face
turned deadly pale.

“ Do not fear, Consuelo, for he sees us not, or
seeing, heeds net; see, he stands out into the
open water, for‘we are too poor to tempt him,
he thinks.” .

“I he but knew Jack.”

“ f we all but knew the heart-aches, loves,
hatred and pleasures waiting for us Consuelo,
how different would be the lives we end.”

“My husband, how sad you seem to-night;
tell me what it is that brings sadness to your
heart,” and Consuelo laid her tiny hand upon
his arm and with a sigh, he said: v

“ I will tell you, Consuelo, the thoughts called
up b that man's presence near me. ‘

“ on I have known two years and do you
remember our first meeting that I met you at
the citadel ball?"

“Well do I remember it, Jack; never can I
forget it,” she said, passionately.

“ Well, before I met you, bri ht jewel of my
heart, I had met and loved anot er.” "

The woman started, but his low, deep voice
calmed her as he went on:

“I had been a sad adventurer, wandering
from land to land, and sea to sea, and talking
love into tiny ears, looking adoration into
dreamy eyes, and yet meaning neither word nor

loo .

‘,‘ At last I met a. fair young girl, whose life I
saved; itwas at a theater in my native land,
where I had gone one night pour r Ze
temps; she was seated in the box, wit several
friends, and her beauty and innocence had at-
tracted my aze. .

“I saw t at she was a foreigner, for her
style was like yours, Consuelo, and her dark
6 es won my attention far more than did the

p a .

“Y Presently there rung throu h the theater
the cry of fire and almost imme ' tely volumes
of smoke filled the building.

“At once all was dismay and excitement, for
women shrieked, men groaned, and only a few
brave voices tried to command order and sys-
tem, and aid in saving human life.

' “ Of one only did I think, and she was in the

. box, and thither I made my way, guided by in-

stinct rather than sight, for the smoke was
blindin and suffocating. -

“At ast I reached it, and, asI at first be-
lieved, found it empty; but no, a soft voice
cried piteously:

“ ‘Save niel’ ‘

“ It was her voice, and she was crouching in
the corner, her friends having deserted her, or
believed she was with them.

“‘I have come to save you, or die with you,’
I said, in reply, and I took her in my arms.

“But where to go for safety was the question,
and cutoff below, I ascended the stairs to the
galleries above, leaving the surgiiifishrieking,
groaning. dying mass of humanity low me.

“I reached the second tier, toward which the
flames were rapidly climbing, knowing if I
gained the roof I could escape along the tops
of the adjacsnt houses, which I knew to be next
‘to the theater. _ .

 

 

 

   
   
 
 
  
   
   
    
  
   
  
   
 
  
  
    
 
  
  
   
 
  
  
    
 
  
 
    
     
   
   
  
 
   
    
  
   
  
   
  
 
   
  
   
 
   
   
  
 
 
    
 
 
   
  
  

“And I reached the ladder leading to the .
skylight, dashed the glass into fragments; and v
sprung out with the maiden in my arms, and
t oroughl conscious. I

“But a as! on one side, the houses had al-
ready ignited, and. my only chance was the ad-
jacent building to the left.

“But the smoke was blinding, the heat in—
tense, the roar of the flames terrible, and the
streets full of a shouting mass of horrified peo-
ple, and I feared the brain of my fair charge
would go mad; but fortunately there had been
carpenters at work repairing the house, upon
the roof of which I sprung from the top of the
theater, and two long ropes hung from the
chimney, over the eaves to the sidewalk.

“ A sailor, I had no fear for myself; but could
she cling to_ me in the descent?

“I feared not, and, with my sash, for I was
in full uniform, I hound her to me, placed her
hands upon my shoulders, and telling her to
have no dread of the result, swung over on the

r0 6.

RIwas descried by hundreds in the street
and one great shout for success went up; bu
they knew not that I was a sailor, and how
great my strength was, and feared I would fall '
but I felt no dread of the result, and reached
the round in safety.

“ oor girl, she ad fainted when she found
herself swinging in mid—air, and I bore her to
her hotel, where I found her‘distracted mother,
into whose hands I gave her, while I went in
search of her father,.who had gone to the thee»
ter, expecting to bring back her dead body.

“ Well, Consuelo, from that night I loved her; ‘
but, alas! she already loved.

“She was a Cuban girl, the daughter of a
wealthy planter, and at her home I afterward
visited her; but though she regarded the sen
brother, she loved another with all the passion-
ate ardor of her nature. ’

“And, Consuelo, instead of being the noble ”
man she believed him, he was the basest of the
base. and cruell deceived her.

“ But, throug all she clung to him, until, at
last, he deserted her, and she became—alas! I
know not what , '
“But, Consuelo, the man who thus deooiv
Bowl-fill}? Sabinas, was none other than
‘ in o. .

~F

 

CHAPTER XXIV. ,
A summers. ,2.

THROUGH the whole story of the first love of i ' ‘
El Pirate, Consuelo had listened with breathless ,
attention; but when he told her who had been ' =
the one who had taken Nita Sabinas from him,
she started, and said, earnestly: '

“And that man nearly kept you from me,
Jack for my father knew him no at first as the
8W1 non Diablo, and believed him onlya am -
gler, and when he was asked for my hayrti —
most consented; but his fascination to me was‘ '
that of the snake, and in spite of his-handsome ‘ ‘
a earance, his winninghmanner and musical
vo ce, I felt over as if e hiss of the serpent
was in my ears when he was near me.” \ “

“ Then you did not love him, Consuelo!"

“No; you were my first, and will be my only .
love, for without you I would wish to die, as did
my mother. , p , », .,

‘She met and loved m father; you know ‘ .. '
what he is, and how little e is like the men of _
our race. v - r L

“ She was a Catholic, and a Mexican, andsho ‘i , ‘
fled from her home to become his wife. ‘

“She fouud’out that gold was his god, and
that he made riches of! o the misery and min
fortunes, ay, the lives of others, and it broken»
her heart, and she died when I was amere child.

“I have now given up my creed foi- you, and -
if I lose you i find you to be what believe ‘

on not to be then I too wish to die, for my

eart will break.” .

He drew her toward him and told her that .
his whole heart was her own, and that his love i
for Nita Sabinas was a dream of the past. ‘ \ ‘.

H_e ictured to her a hop y home in the ‘
Uni States, where they cou d live and grow
old together, for be wasxtired of wandering
and wanted rest; but, as he spoke, an icy hand
seemed graspin at his heart, and he felt that .-
between the fu are and himself arms a wall 129 "
could not look over, and at his very feet seemed ‘
to Byavv‘n an 0 en grave. ‘

ut, back nto the depths of his heart be
pressed these forebodings of evil to cams, and
drew his beautiful bride nearer to him.

And thus they sat far into the night, while
the lugger moved steadily along over the dark. ‘
waters, with little to dread, for the schooner "
had long since disappeared far out over the ‘.
nightclad waters. ' ., ‘ 1"

“ Sail he!” suddenly came est-artled cry frorn' 
Soto, who stood at the helm, and there was no “i
need for any one to ask whereaway, for right
aslerii, not half a mile distant, like a sea-plum -
tom, was visible 9. lar e vessel, coming swiftly -
along under a cloud of canvas. ' ’

“Great God! it is the Sea Gipsy; she has
doiibledxou us, " cried El Pirate, and be mentally
cursed himself for not having glanced astem
occasionally. >

But regrets for negligent watching were 1180!.
less, and action was needed, and quickly the

   

; I, V  u I. «.L  

'1'",  .v

v sawmi- mqm-ay_n.4=no . ._

e,.;?lamter-'C£orsai .‘

 

 

     
  
   
   
   
  
  
  
  
   
   
   
    
    
   
    
  
   
 
   
   
    
   
 
   
  
  
    
    
  
  
   
  
   
   
 
 
  
 
 
  
   

V , ‘ . ,
\ was spread with canvas her helm was
‘ mas starboard, and right before the wind
she headed for the shore. ' '
But the land was a league and a half distant,
and the Sea Gipsy was not half'a mile astern so
the chances of escape were one in a hundred ; but
‘El Pirata was determined to risk that chance
for surrender meant death, and resistance would
be utter madness.

4 CHAPTER XXV.
m nmrn BEACON.

I WILL now return to the little shallop in which
Howard De Vigne risked his life as a common
seaman to go to the Wreckers’ Island, Where he
was determined to make some daring attempt to
 V ' , rescue the woman whom he had so long believed
'i 2,‘ . dead, but who was suffering a living death in
‘ the power of outlaws.
‘ Knowing that their skipper, Nick Nabob, had
intended shi ping a trustworthy seaman in
Vera Cruz, t e crew of the shallop looked with
no suspicion upon Howard De Vigne, and learn-
ing “that the two had, in former years, been
pmates, they did not wonder that they were
_ good friends; besides, Pedro, as the fziloung
' ‘ American was called, had gained their 'end-
' flu in many little ways, and was always most
v ' ob ' in anything he could aid them in, while
at night, when the ttle craft was liding along,
.he was wont to play on a S anis guitar and
‘ ~ sing for them in a voice that won applause
"- in many a refined assemblage.

’ > .After a rapid run the sha lop approached the
vicinity of the Abaco, where many a vessel had
been lured m destruction by the false beacons
set on storm nights by the wreckers.

, .
r l

and y his side was Howard De Vigne, and the
two had Been for some time conversmg together
{in slow tone, while the other three men of the
, crew were forward.
o‘" Yonder rises the Hole in the Wall, Pedro,”
', said Nick, who, for fear of mistakes when not
on-his guard, called Howard by his assumed
name at all times. .

‘,‘I see it, and, as if Satan was ever ready to

. be, his down a storm is coming up with the
and yonder is a lar e vessel standing
toward baco,” answered De igne'.

“ You are right, and it will reach there just
[when the storm is at its hight, and will follow
'. this false beacon to destruction; this are a bad
 . sir ” answered Nick. I
’ ‘ “A ,bad business indeed. Nick; but, if our
V - plans work right, this Death Beacon Will soon be

out forever.”
. _“'Iho so,forIisalmost ttin’terfeel as
~ though were a worse man th ever Cain was

‘ asslew Goliath, or somebody-else, for I forgets
Scripture awful I I
beatit into me with a club: but this storm is
sweeping up rapid, and we must be careful our-
. selves; orwar there, lads!” _

' ‘ “‘Ay, ay,” sun out the three men in chorus.

“ Better reef c ose, and getall ship-shape, fer
- {we is goin’ ter have a blow.”
The men quickl obeyed, Howard ringing
toaid them with a acrity, and b the 'me the
shallo was stripped to meet t e gale, it was
9 ' no? em, and darkness with it. .

 it the suddenness with which the hurri-

 canes o southern latitudes arise, the storm broke
I'upo'n the little shallop; but Nick Nabob, what-
. ever might bahis sins, was a thorough seaman,
~ and handled the craft in a manner that won the
admiration of Howard De Vigne, who was aid-
_,,-":ing him at the tiller, while the others of the

crew crouched forward, ready to be of service

,- when needed.

as the English Light,” sudden-
, I , as a brig t gleam was visible
‘ 1 across the rough waters.
3‘ No, no, that is our light,” was Nick Nabob’s

J. ‘I you mean it, that the Death Beacon, as
the wreckers call their light, is the one We see!”
asked Howard, in surprise.

‘ “Yos, asyou Will see; do you notice how I

, “Yes, you ’keep the bowsprit pointed right

e

 , “You is right: but keep or eyes open for

‘awhile, and see what change I make.”
-§ - Howard De Vigne did as directed; but, after
some time had elapsed, in which the shallop
bounded madly on through the vortex of waters
* something prompted him to glance astern, and
‘ toncea startled exclamation broke from his
fine, for, fl ing on the same course as them-
selves, and ut a short distance awa , follow-
iifiing’in their wake, was a vessel an or close-

 

Th’e cry of Howard De Vigne caused not onl
Nick Nabob, but also the three seamen forwar ,
to look astern, and their eyes also fell upon the
‘_.stra ge craft. _ v
' “ eat God! it is the vessel we saw at sunset,
and it’s headin' fer ruin,” cried Nick Nabob.
j 9‘ Can nothing be done tosave her?” anxiously
' asked Howard De Vigne. . ,
~ . “No nothing.”

 -“ But she is following in our wake,” persisted

 “ And we are leasing her upon the rocks.”
I 4 .

 

U n the eck, at the helm, stood Nick Nabob, I

quick, altho’ my old mammy,

 

 

“Then why not hard-down your helm, and'
ehan e or course?”

“ u dn’t do it here, for sand hills, reefs and
rock islands are all around us; don’t you see
how am headin i” ’

“ Straight for t e English Light.”

“I sa it is ther Death Beacon.”

“ e 1, straight for the Death Beacon; what
then?”

“If I hold on ten minutes more as I am, I’ll
go on ther rocks.”

“Well?”

“ I don’t intend to go on that rocks: but,
when I hear ther breakers, then I’ll bards-star-
board my helm, until I count sixty, and then
hold on as before, pointing the bowsprit just
three points away from the light, and that ,will
run the through the only channel in the reef,
and which isn t wide enough for two crafts like
this to go in abeam.” '

“ And the vessel aste‘rn, Nick?”

“Will run straight on the reef, though God
knows I wish ’twasn’t so.”

Howard De Vigne lanced anxiously astern
at the vessel, now not ar distant, and evidently
following the shallop, believin it a coaster,
runnin to some well-known bar or into which
it coul follow in safety.

Then he said: ‘ .

“Suppose that vessel could go right about,
which with the wind on its quarter as it is, it
could do: what then?”

“ If it kept the li ht dead astem, mind you,
dead astern, it woul run back into safe water.”

Howard made no reply, but taking the night-
glass and opening it, he cried suddenly:

“Good God! Nick Nabob, yonder craft is
the V-idctte 1”

CHAPTER XXVI. ‘
THE DEATH STRUGGLE.

THE words of Howard De Vigne,‘ uttered in
thrilling tones, caused Nick Nabob to utter a.
startled exclamation, for well he knew that the
Vidette was a war-vessel of his own country,

 

"and that, unintentional though it might be, he

Evasieading it to wreck, and its gallant crew to
ea

“In Heaven’s name! what can we do?” cried
Nick, in terror.

“ She must be saved,” shouted Howard, with
stem determination.

“ But how?” \ ‘

“ Any way! put about and warn them.”

“ I dare not ut about, for she would run us
down. Great ! I fear she’s no.”

“ Never!” and Howard faceda ut and gazed
upon the coming vessel, now not a cable’s
length away, and her crew were bus shorten-
ing sail, that it might not run by t eshallo
and thus lose her for a pilot, for the?' litt e
dreamed that a few moments more wou d hurl
them upon the rocks. ‘ ' ,

And, as Howard De Vigne thus stood, striv-
in to devise some means to saVe the noble ves-
se , whose deck he had once trod as an officer,
there suddenly arose from the three voices
ahead in chorus, the startling cry:

“ Breakers ahead l”

“ Ay, ay,” shouted Nick Nabob, throwing his
lvirholg weight upon the tiller to put it a-star-

oar . i v

‘And then, in clear ringing tones, that had
arisen above many a storm and rear .of battle, I
came the words:

‘fHo, the Videttel breakers ahead! hard-a-
starboard your helm! hard, I say! ready about !”

“ Ay a ,” came from the vessel-of—war, as
prompt y er bows swept round, and then again
arose the stern, rin 'ng cry:

“That lightisa' also beacon! Kee it dead
astern! dead astern, I say! or you are est!”

“ Ay, ay,” again came from the Vidette as
she swept round, as thongh on a pivot, and t en
was heard the question:

“ Who are you?”

“Howard De Vigne I”

And then, before more could be said, and
while the Vidette was flying back in the oppo-
site direction, the shal op suddenly boun ed
into a vortex of waters, and torrents of foam
fell upon her decks from either side, as she flew‘
like a frightened bird through the narrow chan-
nel in the reef.

But, while the decks were yet washed with
incoming waves, three dark forms came aft
and two of them suddenly sprung upon Howard
De Vigne, who, taken by surprise, was dragged
down, and instantly a fierce struggle began,
while one cried savagely in Spanish: '

“ Kill the traitor dog!”

“ Caramba! I will,’ was the fierce reply,-and
Nick Nabob, who had-been startled out of his
usual coolness by Howard’s darin warning,
deserted the tiller and left the shafiop to take
care of itself, and sprung to the aid of his friend
in the unequal strug le. ‘

But, as he reache the spot, his sheath-knife
in hand, two forms suddenly arose from the
deck, and one said earnestly:

“ You were ri ht, Pedro, to warn that brave
Ship, and I woul not see them kill you.”

t was Antonio, one of the three men of the
shallop’s crew that spoke, and his knife was

“Yes, Nick they attacked me, and I killed
1: t one with his own knife,” was the cool reply
of Howard.De Vigne, as he touched the dead
Spaniard With his foot.

“ And I killed Rosas,” added Antonio.

“And you saved my life, my friend, and
you will find on have done that which will
serve you we] ,” and Howard held forth his
hand, which Antonio grasped, and said as he
did so: '
“1 am glad forI am sick at heart of too
much killing a 1 the time.” 0

“Well said, Antonio; but now toss these
bodies into the sea, and mind yer, they was
washed over in the storm when we passed
through then reef, and, of any cur’us e es has
seen us la in’ to why they had ther he ” re-
marked ick Na’bob, as he once more too the
tiller, while Howard De Vigne, after hurling
the dead Spaniards overboard, sprung to the
sheet-ropes for the little shallop was pitching
wildly, an only her stanch build prevented her
foundermg when she broached to.

But she was uickly gotten on her way once
more, and then owar turned to look for the
Vidette; but nowhere was she visible through
the darkness and storm, and the shallop held on
her way for some minutes longer, and then ran
into a small basin, with sheltering rocks tower-
ing upon each side, and forming a safe and se-
cret retreat, for a vessel no larger than the
wreckers’ craft.

“Here, Antonio, you ‘go ashore, and see if‘

Pedro’s warning to the idette was heard b
any one on ther look-ontg'if so, give us a sign ,
by drop lng a stone inter ther basin from the
rocks 8. ve, and we’ll put to sea again, for
they’d kill him sure of they knowed it, and on
kin tell ’em you‘jumped overboard, and t ey
won’t hurt you.

“If it wasn’t heard, then come back to ther
shallo an’ let us knew, and by being friends
'with edro hereiés‘you can make more money
and be more hon than at this devilish work."

“All right, senor; you may trust me,” an-
swered Antonio.

“We have just had proof of that, amigo,”
replied Howard De Vigne, and he watched the
wrecker as he 5 run overboard and swam
ashore, while Nic Na ob headed the shallop
seaward, to run at a moment’s notice out of the
secret basin, should they receive a, signal from
Antonio warning them of danger.

 

' CHAPTER xxvn.
' A PRIZE. '

“ Ramz, take the glass and see what you
‘make of that craft,” and Don Diablo as he
stood on the deck of the beautiful craft he had
so cleverly and daringly captured, handed his
spy-glass to his lieutenant, who, as the reader
Will remember, had, with equal cleverness and
boldness, put the officer of Captain Jack Wal-
dron out of the way, and played the part of a
friend that he might betray.

The Mexican took a cigarette from between
his lips, and turned the glass upon the craft
referred to by his chief and answered, after a
moment: - ' '

“ It looks strangel like a lug er I have seen
about Vera Cruz, an upon whic the suspicion
of smugglin has fallen, senor.”-

“ So I thin , and I shall speak him.”

“It will be“ impossible if he wishes to avoid
us, senor, as he will fly for the lagoons,‘where
we cannot follow.” '

“True, but I shall play a trick upon him,
Ramilez; that is, stand on as I am with just a.
little leanin westward, until night comes on,
and then, to ow in his wake, keeping close in-
shore, and thus overhaul him.”

And this was the way in which the Sea Gipsy
managed to suddenly a in the wake of the
lug er, which at once eaded for the shore
an or all sail. _ J

But the Sea Gi y had the advantage, and
sent a, shot after t 6 flying craft that fell into
the sea within a fathom of her b0ws, and sent
showers of spray upon her decks;

“ Shall I come to, senor?" fiked Soto.

“No,” was the stern answer of El Firsts, a:
'he stepped aft and took the helm, where Con-
suelo followed him, for she refused to leave the
deck. ‘

Flash l—bang ! again rung t); schooner’a
metal, and Soto said anxiously: , I

“They will knock us out of the water, cap-
tain,” and he dodged low, as an iron shot flew
j“inimi‘ie his 1m 'r 1 00d Soto

w1 pay you or our ger, g _ ,
if she is hurt; if you 3Eire kfied you Will not
need the money, and if I fall the sefiora will
pay you,” was the quiet response of El Pirate,
and he passed one arm aroupd Consuelo’s waist,
while his other hand held the tiller.

Forward, the two lanceros, who had deserted,
were crouching in fear, while Luiz was care-
lessly watching the schooner.

Flash—bang! flash—bang!

“Ha! that is merry music by night, Con-
suelo,” cried El I’irata, his spirits rising with
the excitement of the chase

“But rather dangerous, Jack,” responded

 

stained with blood. .
. “Ha! they are both dead,”'cried Nick Nabob.

Consuelo, calmly, for she had not shown the
slightest sign of fear. I . .

 

 

 

 

 ;.     ~~ ‘  M   
1;; , . Don ,‘Diablo; the

  

 

 

.:. seq, - ._ ,.,

Plant

   

33*, ~

 

 

 

“ Not so dangerous as it would be for us on”

ygnder craft, Consuelo, nor will death by shot
so fearful as what Don Diablo will vmt upon
me, while a. fate worse than—”

‘ No, no! sooner would I die by your hand,
Jack than face that man.”

“ lthile there is life there is hope, Consuelo-—
ah, there goes our bowsprit; too bad! too bad!

for now we have no hope of escape,” and E1
Pirata spoke with the utmost coolness as he
brought the lugger to, and released the helm.

- Finding that all be e of escape was gone,
Consuelo threw hersel weeping into the arms
.of El Pirate, who now, with Soto and the others
calmly awaited the result.

Like a huge white bird of prey, the schooner
came flyin < over the waters, and, the sea being
comparatively calm, was skillfully laid along-
side the lugger.

“Come aboard here, my gallant captain, and
let me see what mischief you are up to,"stern1y
ordered Don Diablo, and Soto clambered over
the bulwarks of the schooner and faced the
noted jpirate chief, for, acting from a sudden
impulse, El Pirate. had suddenly sprung down
into the cabin of the lugger, dragging Consuelo
afzer him.

“Well, senor, what can I do for you?" asked
Soto, with politeness, trying to shield his face
as much as possible from Don Diablo.

“ Whither bound, senor captain?”

“ To Galveston.” .

“ Where from?”

i.‘ Vera. Cruz.”

“ What cargo?”

“In ballast, for I 'am going after a cargo,
senor.” _

“ What is your craft worth to you?"

' “It is all I have. "

“Where is the gold with which to purchase
your cargo?"

“ It is already bought, senor.” ‘

“There wasawoman on board,” whispered
Ramilez in the ear of his chief, who then asked:

“ Any passengers?”

“ Yes, sefior.’

‘“ Who, and what are they l”

“A gentleman, his wife, and two servants.”

“Ah! I 855 he is‘able to pay his ransom;

but, why IS it you so persistently hide your
face, senor?” '
1 Soto made no'reply, and, rasping his arm,
Don Diablo drew him towa him, and, raising
a battle-lantern, looked into his face for an in-
stant, and then said, with a sneer:

“ Aha, Senor Soto, the Fisherman of the
Black Lagoon, I know you now; and, if I mis-
take not, your passengers are Captain Jack
‘Waldron, and one Howard De Vi e.

“ Rannlez, bring those men on eck.”

But ere the lieutenant Could obey, ,El Pirate,
who had heard all, stepped fromtbe lugger’s
cabin, and, followed b the faithful Consuelo,
came u on the deck 0 the schooner, while he
said ca mly: ,

“ I am here, Don Diablo, but Lieutenant De
VVi no is not, as you will one day discover; this
lady is my wife.

“ Nombre de Dios.’ it is y'on, Jack Weldron,
El Pirate, Castilla, the Corsair or whatever

else they call you: yes, (you, indeed, my rival‘

on the sea, who so' kin y furnished me this
beautiful vessel,” and there was a #one of dev—
ilish triumph in the voice of Don Diablo. '
. “Yes, I am ‘your rival, and your foe, Don
Diablo. was E Pirate’s fearless response

“I am glad of that, for Ilove toes and hate
enemies, and- Sainted Maria! do I look into
the sweetest face I ever knew, the fair Consuelo
Douro?”

“ No, I am the Sahara Waldron, Don Diablo,
.the pirate," replied Consuelo, in stinging tones.

“Hal hal hal and you in great stress upon
pirate, senorita.'wben you ve just said you
were the wife of one, ” sneered the chief.

“Circumstances he could not control made
:my husband a free rover; but never could he
be the human monster you, are.”

“Take care, my pirate’s bride, that you do
not go too far, as your outlaw husband has no
power to Iprotect you, and I am in no pleasant
mood wit him for stealing from me my bride,
as I intended you should one daygbe.”

“Neverl sooner would I have died by my
own hand,” groaned oor Consuelo.

“You may one ay have the choice of
bridegrooms—Death or Don ,Diablo, and we
shall see,which you_ shall choose: Senor Rami-
lez, place El Pirate 1n Irons, and 've the sefiora
the est’s state-room. in my ea in,” said Don
Diab o, with mock politeness.

“No I win go with my husband,” said Con-
suelo mly. .

“Your husband .’ the word seems a honied
morsel between your 1i 5; in fact, it is a sweet
word for all women, efiora P1rata,asI must
call you, not k‘nowin what nameyour husband
was married under; nut if I said irons for you,
too, would you prefer them to the schooner’s
cabin?”

“ Yes; what he suffers I can suffer; What he
braves I can brave."

“ Well said, but we shall see; Senor Ramilez,
put the lugger‘s crew in irons unless they wish
to man our guns, and set the little craft adrift,

tatteryou knock ahole in her hull; then rig a

 

  
 

plank for -El Pirate and his sweet wife ‘to take
a walk on.” , .

“ Good God! do you mean that my )poor wife
shall suffer as I do, monster?" cried 1 Pirate,
in a tone of horror, but fearing for Consuelo,
not himself.

“ Yes; she Wishes to be with you, and she
shall follow you to the depths of the sea,” was
the inhuman reply.

“So be it; I am content to die with you, my
husband; it is but a moment of agony, and then
sweet rest forever,” and not one atom of fear
did the brave woman exhibit, as she placed her
hand in her husband’s arm.

“True, Consuelo, I am content; better that
you die with me, no matter how terrible the
death, than that you remain in the presence of
this inhuman fiend.

“Come, Don Diablo, rig your plank, for we
are ready to walk to death with far bolder mien
than you will show when you come to stand be-
neath the gallows.”

“By Heaven! but you show a bold front; we
will see if we cannot wring'cries of mercy from
your lips; come, Ramilez, hasten and rig two
planks to leeward, and side by side, and muster
the crew to witness execution,” and Don
Diablo’s face was black with passionfiapd quiv-
ering with triumphant joy at having in his
power the woman who had scorned him and
the man who had been his daring rival.

/

CHAPTER XXVIII.
WALKING THE PLANK.

“ ALL ready, z-fior chief,” and Ramilez sa-
luted Don Die. 10, as he came aft and reported
that the planks had been rigged for execution.

The logger had in the mean time been scut-
tled and set adrift, and already had sunk be-
neath the waves while the schooner was lying
to, a league or more from shore, and her crew
had been mustered in four long lines to witness
the execution, not one of them daring to raise a
voice against the inhuman deed of their chief,
though a number held bitter thoughts against
the cruel monster.

“Is all ready?” asked Don Diablo, coming
from his cabin, where he had been examining
the papers and valuables taken from the nigger,
and cursingrhis enem for having placed a his
money in afts on ew Orleans, payable only
to Consuelo in person, and which was one of
J acobi’s cunning acts, to prevent loss, in case of
capture or death.

“We are ready, thou appropriately named
Don of Hades,” said El Pirate, while in a voice
equally as flrm Consuelo added:

“Ay, do your worst; we are ready to meet
death, come in what shape it may.”

“I shall see;' place the irons and weights
upon them," was the stern res use, and in
obedience to a motion from the efior Bamilez,
a brawny,‘ fearless-faced seamen stepped to-
ward Consuelo and arranged about her elioate

chain which extended to her
on clasped around her shapely

 

wrists a heav
feet and was
ankles.

"l‘hen a twenty-fourfound shot was attached
bye. short chain, an she was ready for the
fearful plunge into eternity: but through all
not a quiver of her lips showed that she feared
to meet death. ‘

The seamen then performed a like duty with
El Pirate, whose fearless smile showed how lit-
tle dread, he felt of death, and a connecting
chain bound the man andwoman together.

But in arran in this chain there seemed to
arise some litt e ' lty, and in a low tone
which at a distance, seemed like a muttered
oath, the seaman said something to El Pirate.

It may have, been imagination, ut Don
Diablo, who was closely watching th face of
his foe, thought he saw him start; and his face
flush, and asked, with a sneer:

“ Does an oath so startle you, El Pirate, or is

it fearthat causes your face to flush?"
_ “I have no fear, Don Diablo, and hence en-
JOy your disappointment at not forcing a cry
of mercy from even this poor child’s hps; but
we are read todie.”

“ I have c anged my mind, my dear ca tain,
for as it isa disappointment for me not see
you beg for mercy, I lose my pleasure in your
death, so shall spare your Wife, to see you walk
tori/our death. ”

hese words of the wicked chief brought a
shriek of anguish from Consuelo, who would
have fallen to the deck, had not the seamen,
who had placed the irons upon her, caught her
in his strong arms.

“Knock ofl her irons, Morgan l” commanded
Don Diablo, and after some diflculty it was
done.

“ Now, senora, let me see if you can show the
same courage in gluing upon your husband
walking to his doom as when you behaved you
were to accompany him.

“ Hal bal ha! h0w sweet in my ears sounded
your shriek 'ust now.” ,

“Then I s all deprive you of your pleasure,
sir irate; my husband has told you he ishreedy
to ie, and I am read to see him meet his fate
as a brave man shoul .” »

A murmur of applause went over the crew, but
was silenced h a scowl of Don Diablo, who
winced at the n we of the woman, and turned

 

to El Pirate, whose face had become fearfully
pallid, since he knew that he was to leave Con-
suelo in the hands of his fee; but otherwise he
showed no emotion.

“Perhaps you, In gallant captain, me not
meet death so brave y, now that your w e re. L
mains under my protection.” .- z'

“ Her flte is in her own hands, Don Diablo, fil.
and again I tell you that Iam ready to die.”

“Raise him upon that plank!” was the an ry
order of the chief, and it was quickly obeye .

“Now, sir, have you aught to say 9”

“ Farewell, Consuelo, my loved wife " came
in clear distinct tones from the doom man’s
lips, and, turning to the chief, he cried.

“ Don Diablo, inhuman flend that you are, I
warn you that death follows in your wake."

Then, with quick, bold ste , he walked for~
ward, carrying in his ironed ends the heavy
shot that hung by a chain to his feet, and the
next instant took the fatal plunge, and the dark
waters closed over him.

And down to the deck, without a moon or‘
cry, sunk poor Consuelo in a swoon, for at last
even her brave self-control had broken down.

“ Carry her into the cabin, Ramilez, and send
that accursed American surgeon to her, and tell
him if she does herself harm on her recovery I '
will string him up to the topmost a. pennant.

“ To work there. you hounds o Satan, and
get sail on the schooner, and don’t stand gs. in:
around as though you had seen El Hrata’s g est
arise from the waters.” - .

he stern order of their chief sent the men "
flying to their posts, and five minutes a' her i. u ..
Sea ipsy was flying away from the fatal sect. .

 

CHAPTER XXIX. . ~
THE wnaoxsns’ ISLAND. r.
- CALM and atiently, come what mi ht, Nicki
Kabob and oward De Vigne awai the re. ,
turn of Antonio from his mission to see if the
voice of the young American had been heard, ,
warning the idette of its danger. ‘
After an absence of half an hour Antonio re-
turnedto the sandy beach at the base of the
rocks and called out: . - ~
“ olthe shallopl" .. . l ;
Nf‘fity, ayl is that you, Antonio?” answered A, .b
1c . ‘ . ,
“ Yes; come on shore.” "V l ' 
This was satisfactory if Antonio had not ,__
turned traitor, and Nick Nabob and Howard’ ‘ '
De Vigne rowed to the sandy point in the shul- ‘,
lop’s boat, and were there met by the Wrecker: '

‘ The lads are all in the cabins senor, pinyin
cards, and the look-out preferred the shelter 0 l '
the rocks, for he did not even soothe cruiser or ‘
the shallop come in. " ‘l 7 .

“Goodl Now we’ll go and report to Valdox, r yr
and, Antonio, if you arecertaln, mind on, lad,‘ ",‘
certain you know any one of the ban to: side i
with us three in a pinch, just pump him for all ,
he’s worth, an’ give him an idea that banana
make a round sum-by sailin’ in our company}?

“I’ll do it, senor; good-night," and Antonio
turned ofl toward thecabins of the Wreckers, \ ~
while Nick vNabob, accompanied by, Howard _ .
De ,Vigne, went to seek aldos, the wrecker,
captain.  

walk of a couple of hundred yards brought
them to a narrow glen, which wi seed as ice:-
tended back into the island, and presented aw 4
few signs of fertility; but at the most the homo "
of the Wreckers was a barren retreat for even j 1
men in their wild, cruel calling, and especially ', ,"1
for captives in their war. . ,

“There’s Valdos’s at, and yonder up the!“ ,
glen, where you see those lights, is ther oabins‘ ‘
of ther captives, and there’s a. guard alias wall:-
ing fore and aft in front 0’ ther quartus,. ,
though why Valdos only know as there is but
two craft in the basin besides t e shallop flt’to~ ‘ : _
put to sea in, and somebody sleeps on ’em evor‘y‘ , , ' »
night, so you see the chances of slipping cab e ' ,1
out 0 this island is slim,”sald Nick in a, wuss; 3
prerde they drew near the door of the cabin of

a as. ' '

 

 

“Hold on! hark!" said Howard Dc Vignc, m; an?“

Nick was about to.rnp on the door, and voices ,,

were heard within, and the two, listening, -
could not but hear every word that was said.

“ Well, Colonel Tudor, you know my terms,
but that there may be no mistake I will repeat
them in,” said a. voice, and Nick whim.
pared to oward that it was Valdos speaking. ‘ -

l:rgen another, In deep, earnest tones, re- ~‘

e 1 l ‘ 
p “ You can save yourself the trouble, wrecker, ’
for I know them; you demand for my ransom ‘
twenty-five thousand dollars ‘in gold, for my
daughter fifteen thousand and for my wife ten . ,-
thousand.” ' . ’

,“Yes, fifty thousand pesos in all, and as ou - r
are a ve oh man you can pay it, and the ay 1' 7
our dra t returns paid you are free to go, for . ’-

mggct my shallop back dailfy, and will send ,
the or

her Nabob to Pensacola the money. ” , ,4

“What guarantee have I that you will keep ' v 
your word and release us?” v Q
“My oath.” ’ ‘ i

“'The oath of such a. man as you are is like
the wind,” was the contemptuous retort. ,_ »
“ Yet you have to take it if you care for your

freedom: I tell «in I amti’recbof this life, and

wish to get gol enough to live in luxury in as

 

 

     
   

' i

2‘

_ , you are, and fittin

\

13611151313510; the"§1MtE'r¥dorsair. ,‘

y ,r-Vr

 

 

forei land, and, with what I have laid by

and get from you, I will_ be rich, and Will

break up this Wreckers’ League.”

f‘lt is worth the fifty thousand if only for
that result, and I will give you the draft; but,
for the ransom of Miss Marsden I will pay a
like sum.”

“No, Colonel Tudor, gold cannot buy her
freedom, for I love her, and she shall become
my wife, willing or unwilling.”

At these words Howard De Vigne started
forward, as though to dash into the cabin and
face the man who thus referred to the woman
he loved; but the grasp of Nick Nahob was
upon him, while the wrecker whispered, sternly:

“ Don’t, Pedro, or you will ruin all.”

“True, my good friend; I will bide my
time," and again they listened with rapt at-
tention. ,

“Have you no pity Senor Valllosi” asked
Colonel Tudor, whom the reader will recall as
the person under whose care Lucille Marsden
was oing North at the time of the wreck of the
Blue ave.

“My love is stronger than my pity,” was the
cool reply.

‘.‘ And would you force a young and innocent

. girl to marry, such a wretch as you know your—
self to be for there is no need of mincing
' words, Valdos’l” .

“Yes I love her, nay, I worship her, and I
am not ill-favored; I was reared a. gentleman,
and if she will marry me I will give u my evil
life, and, in another and, devote my wholly
to making her happy.”

“Never will she consent to so degrade her—

 

 , self.”

, “She must.”

,‘_‘Isa no." ,-

“W how can it be helped, as she is in my
power?” '

“I will give you a draft for one hundred
thousand dollars for her freedom.”

“No gold will not buy a gem so precions,
which I have destined to wear in my heart; but,
by the way, my dear Colonel Tudor, as you
seem to have such a good bank account, Just
make your draft for the ransom of youyself,
wife and daughter one hundred thousand.’

* “Devil that you are. not one dollar will I
give you; no, I will remain here with that poor
girl, and not leaVe her in (your hands, and m
wife and Nellie will uphol me in my determi-
nation.”

“Don’t be silly, dear colonel, for you will
only remain to see Lucille Marsden made my
wife, and together we will depart from this
island, haying yourself and family among the
w , .

“0h, thatI had the power to kill ou; but

‘ , » with me dead, I know what would to ow, and

youcannot tempt me to attack you, devil that
tool of that flend of the
sea, Don Diablo, as know you to be.”

“ he is chief, I admit, for he is stronger
than I; sweeps the sees in search of treasure,
undIlureit to me by false beacons, and my
Wreckers owe allegiance to the Corsair, League;
butshould his vessel visit here, as I expect it

. " win, since I learn from my messenger from Pen-

sacola that he was not hanged in New York,
‘ and is ' afloat, I deubt if you will be 'able
to f h ransom enough for your beautiful
(laughter for Don Diablo is a, marrying man,
', Colone’l Tudor, and has broken many a fair

- I And the, gallows will one day break his neck

' andrvours. ,
V “ doubt it, for I don’t believe that the Don
r or myself were born to be hanged or drowned;
,but, tell me, do you buy freedom for younelf
an‘d I4:111},in at the sum I named?”
6, o

‘.‘ Beware, colonel l”-

“ I care not for your threats.”

“ I warn you.”

“Isa no!”

“ it; return to your quarters, toner,”
was the cold reply and instantly Nick seized
Howard De Vigne s arm, and they bounded
away and sought shelter behind a rock near by,

 \and saw. the door open and a tall form come ,out

of the cabin.

As soon ashe had disappeared in the direc-
tion of the ca tives’ quarters up the glen, Nick
motioned to oward,to follow him, and the
next moment he knocked at the door of the

' wrecker captain’s cabin.

‘t Come in l”

The two men obeyed, and glancing up Valdos
saw th sailing—master of his shallop, and cried
out cheerily:

“A’hoy, old lad, it is you, is it?”

“Ay, ay, captain, and this is my shipmate,
Pedro Sanchez, an old friend whose introduc-
tion to the ‘cat’ in the American service caused
him to desert, and join us.”

, , The pretended Pedro Sanchez saluted politely,
and glanced furtively at the man before
him.

But that glance was sufficient to show him a
slender, wiry form, clad in velvet pants and

‘  ‘acket, a la Mexican, in style, and richly em-

, oidered with gold lace; a white silk shirt,
scarf of scarlet abouthis neck, and a sash of a

' like hue around his waist, completed his very

 

elegant costume, excepting a pair of worked
sliplpers that incased his very small feet.

is hands were small and shapely, and the
fingers of the right were filled with rings of
great value, and a. diamond of immense size
and beauty glittered in his red silk scarf.
DU‘pon the little finger of the left hand Howard

9

ignc suddenly spied, with a start. the exact ‘

counterpart of the one given him by Don Di: 1110,
and which had proven a luck-stone in his gain-
bling scene in New York, and which, when he

assumed the character of a common seaman, he I

had put out of sight with his money.

But the face of the man more attracted him,
for it was effeminate in its beauty, and, but
a): ahdark, silken mustache, would have been

15 .

he eyes were large, dreamy and full of ex-
pression,'and the mouth full and determined,
while it seemed ever to have a smile hovering
about it.

His complexion was strangely fair, his cheeks
tinged with color, and his hair was long, curl-
ing, and hung upon his shoulders; in fact, Val-
dos, the wrecker captain, was a man that looked
as though he could be an angel, or aflend, as
his ca ricious humor suited him. _

“I ike a man with a crime to haunt him,
Nick, for he is that much more to be depended
upon in the life we lead; you are welcome,
Pedro, and if Nabob needs more men on the
shallo , he can have you.”

“I sneed more, captain, for I lost Ravel
going over, and. the storm to-night swept over
twonmore as we came through the reef chan-
nel.

“The devil you sayl Well, take what men
you need, and I expect to have you go on an-
other voya e soon.

“New to 1 me how the booty‘sold?"

“It went well, captain, for it was a rich lot
the Blue Wave carried: but did yer know that
ther (":iof Wasn't dead after all?”

“ Yes. so I learned; Satan keeps his head out
of the micro for some good cause, it seems; what
did that ace-urged Jew, Jacobi, pay you?”

“Twelve thousand sos, sefior.”

“And he will rea ize twice that, and one-
fourth of the twelve goes to Don Diablo; well,
storms are frequent now, and we ma make a
rich haulsoon; give in: the metal, Nic ."

Nab b took up his bags of gold and laced
them upon the table before Valdos who g anced
at the seals to see that the strin 3 had not been
broken, and placed them in a ge iron chest
that stood in one end of his cabin.

Ashe turned the key and thrust it into his
pocket, there came a deep boom, like a. clap of
thunder, and the three men started.

“ It is a signal gun!” cried Valdos, as a second
use?!» sound broke on their  f d "

es, a. vesse is firing mmu guns or ai
answered Nick Nabob. ’

“Death will soon put the crew out of their
misery, for the craft is doomed,” and a. joyous
li'rht came into the wrecker captain’s eyes as he

ded in a low tone to himself:

“ Perhaps to-night may add largely to my
fortune.” ‘

“Good-night, ca tain; will ee you in the
morning,” said Nic Nabob, an be turned to-
ward the door. 7

“Good-night Nick; get your crew all right
again for not or run; good-night, Pedro, and
see that you do your duty, for we want no man
in our band who fears to look death in the face,
come as it may, or shrinks from seeing another
man die.” ‘

“I’ll not shrink when the time comes cap-
tain; good-night, sir," and Howard De Yigne
followed Nick out of the cabin; but, before the
had gone ten . etc 5, he grasped the wrecker 3
arm and said in a ow, earnest tone:

“Nick, to-night we must act, for there is no
time to'lose.” ‘

3130, no, now don’t be hasty, Master How-
ar . '

“I know what I am about, Nick; come, lis-
ten at the door towhat I have to say to Captain
Valdos, and then you will hear my plan.”

it No, 110—”

“Not a word, Nick, I am determined.” and
Howard De Vigne walked back and boldly en-
tered the‘cabin of the wrecker captain, while
Nick Nabob, in amazement, played eavesdrop-
per outside. ~

CHAPTER XXX.
non mum's CAPTIVE.

“WELL, sefiora, on are a widow.”

Consuelo raised er head from her,hands,
where for one hour it had rested, while, like a.
statue she sat in the deepest grief.

Before her, in the cabin companionway,
stood the tall form of Don Diablo, and upon her
his dark, strangely luminous eyes were turned.

“Yes, I am a. widow, and you again are a
murderer,” she said, calmly.

"‘That rests light] upon my conscience, fair
lady; it is the first uman life one takes that
drives the dagger of remorse to his heart, and
sets his brain on fire, as he tosses on a sleepless
couch durin the long, hours of the night, his
victim ever fore him; but the second death-

 

blow dulls the senses, and as the list increases,
one becomes as accustomed to taking life as
does the surg’eon to performing an ogrralion,
and is as callous t0 the not as is the snwbones to
the pain of his patient: why then should I feel
; the (loath of the man I hated, my rival on sea'
, as well as on land!”
Don Diablo spoke in a nmnnvr that suited
1 well his heartless words, and seating himself
opposite to Consuelo, looked straight into her
grief-stamped flicc.

But she made no reply to his words, and he
went on : '

“I suppose you would like to return to your
father?

“Oh, can it be possible thatthere is on)
atom of humanity in your heart!” she cried,
[ clam ling her hands imploringly.

 

 

 

lugs or observations lately regarding what vir—
tues I possess; but I am willing to sell you your
liberty,” he coldly replied.

“ Name your price, sir pirate,” she said,
quickly.

“ You had drafts on the lugger with you,
Egyable personally to you, as 1 know, they

in in my possession.”

“ es, my father gave them to me, excepting
one which was my poor husband’s.”

“ They call for, altogether, I believe, about
one hundred thousand pesos E’"

“ Yes, seventy-five thousand are mine, and
the balance belonged to poor Jack." .

“ All are made out payable to yourself only
in person.”

“ True, my husband wished them so. ”

“My men are poor, forI have no money of‘
any amount to pay them with, and I will give
you vour pardon for those drafts.”

“ Gladly.”

“ But you will have to draw for me the
mono .” ‘

“Cannot I indorse for you!”

“ No, for they read, ‘ Pigr onl in person,
fully identified, to Senora onsue o Waldron,
m‘c Douro, of Vera Cruz.’ ”

"Return with me to Vera Cruz, and my
father will give you the amount of the drafts in
cash.’

“ No, I prefer to go to New Orleans, and have
you draw the money and then I will delive
you in safety to your father’s arms.” I

“ What guarantee have I that you will?” she
asked, with biting sarcasm.

“ My word.”

“If you promised to kill any one, I would
myself indorse you, for you would keep our
word; but in anything else I have no confl once
in on. ,

‘ You need have no' fear: El Pirate is dead,
and for your ransom I will get a fortune to
divide among my crew; this is revenge enough
for me.”

“ So be it; I will draw the money for you.”

“ Can you be identified in New Orleans?”

“Yes, I have an uncle there.”

“ Remember, we go to the bank together;
you can even ss me of! as Captain Waldron,
and upon receiving the ld I will sail at once
for Vera Cruz, and de iver you up to your
father.”

“ I am compelledto trust you.”

’7“ You may; where does your uncle live, and
what is his name?” v
, “ Enoch Douro is his name, and his house is on
Carondelet street.”

“ Then, until we reach New Orleans, fareWell,.
for I relinquish the cabin to you, and my ser—
vant shall attend you,” and with the oourtl
grace be well knew how to assume, Don Dish 0
bowed himself out of Consuelo’s reSence, and
took up his quarters among the o cers. V ‘

rapid run and the Crescent City was
reached, and the anchor of the schooner, which
floated the Mexican fla at her eak, was let
fall in the wateif of the ississ‘ippi.

An hour passed and Don Diablo presented
himself once more before the poor young bride,
on whose face rested an expression of anguish
that would have touched a heart of stone.

“ Senora, I am ready to accompany you to
the bank ” he said, pleasantly.

“And I may see my uncle first?” she asked,
eagerly.

“ Senora, I am not to be caught in any trap.
as you intended I should be, so I have sent for
my business agent to identify you, and he will
accompany us to the bank, while to revent a
scene, such as your calling out t at am, Don
Diablo, allow me to tell you that I have sent
for your uncle’s family, and when we leave the
Schooner they will arrive on board, and Seller
Ramilez, my lieutenant, has my orders, if
harm befalls me, to put them to death.

“ If we return without a scene, then, after a
pleasant cruise down the river, I will put them
on some up—coming craft to bring them back
home.”

Poor Consuelo sunk back in her chair. for she
had laid lan after plan to entrap the daring

irate chief, and saw that she was outwitted;
lit she said, frankly: I

“ I admit that I intended to capture you by
some strategy, Don Diablo.”

The chief smiled pleasantly and replied:

“Dear Senora, you should learn to fight the.

 

“ I cannot tell you, as I have not taken sound—~ '

 

 

. . --,..._

 

l y I .

I.

Diablo, the. Iilanter-Corsair.‘

 

 

devil with fire; but come, our carriage and my
agent awaits. ”

She threw on her mantilla and vail without a
word and followed him to the deck, where she
was introduced to a man of the same race as
her father, as she saw at a glance.

“Monsieur Cohen, this is the Sefiora VVal-
di'on, whom I wish to have you present at the
bank, and,” added Don Diablo, significantly,
“ if questions are askcd, 1 am Captain Jack
“'aldrou her husbani .”

“I understand, monsieur,” replied the Jew,
Cohen, speaking in French, the language in
which Don Diablo had addressed him, and he
continued, with a. smirk and a bow:

“ Madam, I am proud to meet you.”

Consuelo did not even notice his salutation, yet
heard his words, and going ashore the three got
into a carriage and drove rapidly up into the
city, just as another vehicle dashed down to the
shore and drew up opposite to the schooner.

“There is your uncle Enoch, sefiora, and his
familv, going aboard to pay you a visit; but
good amilez will receive them."

Consuelo groaned in agony of spirit; but the
carriage now drew up at the bank, and the
three alighted and entered, while Don Diablo
said, in a stern whisper:

T

+

“Remember! you seal their doom if harm be- .

falls me, or there is a scene.”

She made no reply, and Don Diablo presented
J acobi Douro’s drafts, while‘the Jew introduced
Consuelo as the Sahara Waldron.

“ I suppose the lady‘s husband has accom-
panied or, as said in the letter?” and the
cashier held up the letterwhich Don Diablo had
handed him.

“ Oh, yes, he is here; this is Captain Wal-
dron,” replied Cohen with ready lie, hnd being
a large depositor’ in the bank his word was not
{21: ad. moment doubted; and the cashier again
a e :

“ You will indorse the notes, sir, for your
wife?”

“ With p easure, sir,” and Don Diablo smiled
sweetly, w a poor Consuelo would have fallen

but for the warning look she receivedi and, tak- -

ing the n, the pirate wrote in a. bol hand the
name 0 the man he had forced to walk the
plank a few days before. \

Then the money was paid, and the three
turned away and enterin the carriage once
more Consuelo sunk back in a faint, and reach-
ing the shore had to be borne on board the
schooner.

When she recovered consciousne the vessel
was in motion, and she glanced w dl around
her, to see Don Diablo watching her mm the
com8anionway.

1““ h, tlell me what has happened?” she cried,
p e in y. .
' “ Nothing more than that you behaved nobly
at the bank, I got' the money, on fainted, the
crew are happy, and the Sea ipsyis several
miles below the city, on her way to era Cruz."

“And in uncle and his familyl”-she asked,
almost h rically. -

“ Oh, t at was a little ruse of mine, for 1 did
not send for them, only told you the story, and
had a carriage ready to carry out the plot.

“Rest contented now, for soon you will be
with your father. ”

“ The God of Israel grant it besoon or I shall

0 mad,” and burying her face in her hands

nsuelo wept bitter, scalding tears of anguish.

CHAPTER XXXI.
THE DEVIL CALLS ON THE JEW.

A TALL man, with a cloak folded carelessly
around him, a long beard encircling the lower

art of his face, a sombrero drawn down over

'5 eyes, and the air of a. foreigner strode into
the shop of Jacobi Douro, some three weeks
after the departure of his daughter, as the bride
of El Pirate, and asked in a deep, stern voice to
see theJew. . V,

“ He is enga ed,” curtly responded the same
youth who he been, on a former occasion, edu-
cating the parrot, reared in a pious Catholic
family, to swear in Hebrew.

“ I care not, I would see him, boy.”

“ Who shall I say?” ~

“ Tell him the evil,” was the savage re-

' joinder, and the Israelite outh (tickly depart-

V.”

 

ed on his errand, evident y not iking to be in
such close prommlty to one who ailed from so
warm 8 climate.
, But Jacobi seemed'not at all adverse to a visit
' from his Satanic Ma est , for the youth had or-
ders to “ Show the. em up.”
This he did, keeping at a respectful distance,
and the visitor found the Jew in the same lux-
ui-iously-furnished room where he had received
Howard De Vigne. v
“Ah, glad to see on; but you see I am not
alone, for the holy adre Pinto is with me, si -
Sing a glass of wine; come, sit down, for it W1 1
a precious trio, the Devil. a Padre and a. Jew.”
“You are facetious, Jew,” said the visitor,
sternly. -
“ Not at all; Padre Pinto, this is my friend—
' eh—captain—well, The Dein'l, as he sent up his
a name; we’ll toast him in a glass of wine.”
The padre rowed pleasantly, and the visitor
stifil , while the latter said: '

   
   

\

 

“ - the padre will take this small contribu:

tion for his parish, and call at another time to
finish his glass of wine with you, he will confer
a favor, as my business is pressing, and my
time short.”

As he spoke he threw a pursefilled with gold
upon the table. ‘

“ The devil giving aims to the church!” cried
Jacobi, evidently relishing the scene; but the
padre eagerly took the purse and the hint, and
arose to go, pouring profuse thanks upon the
generosity of the stranger and promising to pray
his soul out of Purgatory when he died.

“ You are kind, adre, but you would be
praying him out of iis own domain; but ood—
day, and come to—morrow to drink a bott e of
Spanish wine with me,” remarked J ucobi, as he
bowed the holy father out of the room.

“Well, Don Diablo, 1 am glad to‘ see you;
what brings you here, after your last darin
escapade with the schooner of E! Pirate?" an
Jacobi seated himself opposite to his guest, who
now threw aside his cloak, removed his beard

and sombrero, and turned his sinister gnu full.

upon the other, as he replied:

“Asmall bit of business; a little matter of
ducats; in fact to get a few pounds of your
flesh, that is your go (1, in return for the return
of the flesh of your flesh.” \

“You are inclined to be facetious too, pirate;
explain, please.”

‘ I need money.”

“Doubtless: who does not?”

“ I must have it.” _

“ Where are our collaterals?" .

“ Oh, I’l pro uce the collaterals in good time;
but I want a large sum.”

“ Why don’t you capture it?”

“ I haven’t gotten down to red work yet
since I have had the beautiful schooner your
son-iii-law built for me.”

“ My son-in-law‘l" asked Jacobi, in surprise
for be deemed the marriage of Consuelo to El
Pirata a secret. ' , .

“ Yes, El Pirate, Castilla the Corsair, or Cap-
tain Jack Waldron, if so it pleases your ear
better. ”

“ Well granted he' be, what then 1”

“You ove your daughter, I suppose?”

“ This is impertinence, senor,” said J abobi, in
a di 'fled tone.

“ swer me.” ‘

“ More than all else in the world.”

“ Exoept your gold."

“ No; wit us we hold blood dearer than gold
and ‘ewels.” « '

“ rejoice to hear it, for I demand a large
ransom for the lovely Consuelo.”

“ Ransom! God of Israel! man, what do you

mean?”

“ Simply that my schooner flyin t he Ameri
can flag, ro ped anchorin the her r anhour
ago, and on rd of her is your daughter.”

“ Consuelo in your power? Holy Abraham!
what does this mystery mean i” and the Jew con-
fronted the pirate with flaming eyes and trem-
blin form. .

“ h, do not fear, Jew, forshe issafe; myfor—
tune her misfortune, threw her intomy war.
and I have treated her with the greatest respect
in her sorrow. ” '

“ Her sorrow? You speak only of my child,

Consuelo; what of her husband?”

‘ He was lost in the sea, she was saved: but I
demand ransom of you, Jacobi, for I need
money, as my treasure, you know, went down
in my vessel, that was sunk some time ago, you
remember.”

“ What do you want?”

“ One hundred thousand

' “ One hundred thousan
the Jew, savagely.

“ Oh no- your friend, the padre, will tell you
that one devfl is enough; but I need the sum
named, Jew.” - .

“ Well, .if I give you the loan—”

“ Loan?"

“ Yes, if I give you the loan, what collateral
have on?” '

“ our daughter I” ‘

Jacobi Douro swore a round oath that would
have raiSed Padre Pinto’s hair; but Don Diablo
was firm, and he counted out the amount
named, and then escorted the pirate to the
beach, where his boat awaited him.

‘Calling to a shore boat to follow he rowed
out to the schooner, which lay at anchor, with
her sails spread, and a word to Seller Ramilez
brought the impatient Consuelo to the deck,
and a moment after she was weeping in her fa-
ther’s arms.

“ Up with that anchor, Ramilez! Adios,
sei'iora! adios, Senor Douro, 1 hope we may
meet again,” and springing on his deck, Don
Diablo gave orders to have the boat swung at
the davits, and. the next moment the fleet
schooner was flying seaward, saluting the Castle
San J uah d’Uloa as she passed, and leaving
Jacobi Douro mad with rage at the clever man-
ner in which the daring pirate chief had de-
ceived, outwitted, and r0 bed him, for .the
story of her wrongs he quic ly heard from poor
Consuelo. ‘

But, guilty himSelf, he dared not row to the
guard-boats and tell them that the fastreceding
vessel was not an American cruiser, but the
schooner of the noted Don Diablo. .

~ . l ,

in

see.”
devils!” ejaculated

  

1 ‘ , ‘ l. ' i
«MK »-,....ev,e
Afl-n" i' .. '

 

V and let him lie in wait at the Rocks for him, and,

 

CHAPTER XXIII.
HOWARD 1)]: vaii: PLAYS A BOLD GAME.

WHEN Howard De Vigne entered the, cabin,
of Valdos, the young wrecker captain he found
that he was pacing to and fro in thoughtful
mood, and looked up suspiciously at the in~
trudcr, while he quickly resumed his seat at.
the table, at the same time keeping his hands-
beneath it.

The American saw at a glance the Cuban
was suspicious of him, and knew that he was-
fingering weapons, conveniently placed at hand,
and concealed by the table; but he gave no sign
otdsuspecting t at Valdos doubted him, and
531 :

“ Senor now that I have left good Nick New
bob,'1 will confess to you that there has been a,
deception practiced; but then I knew not just
how far to trust my old shipmate.” »

“ I do not understand you,” said the Cuban,
eyin him closely.

“ will explain: Nick found me in, Vers.
Cruz, but I know not that he was one of the»
Wrecker League, but finding it out came with.
him, for I have a communication for you.”

“ For me?” ‘

“ Yes, senor, and some money.”

“ A communication'for me and some mono ;
now tell me tram whence it comes?” said t 0
Cuban, in surprise. V

Howard De Vigne paused until the reverbe--
rations of the signal gun, which was still flring,.
died away and then answered:

“ From Don Diablo, the chief. "

“Ah! sent he no letter to me!” A

“ No sailor, I am the bearer of this ringnmdi
it entitles me to belief ” and Howard drew tho! ,
lar e ruby, with its gold eagle‘s claws cl _
it, rom his pocket, and lacing it on theulgt &
fln er of his left hand he d it forth to the View
of he wrecker captain.

“ You are certainly entitled to belief, senor".
sit down, pray,”lai the Cuban, with marked,
politeness n his tones. v

Howard seated himself in the chair on tho»
opposite side‘ of the table, and in calm tong. - '
sing with his eyes fixed upon the face of Valdos, . e ‘
m . .

“ Captain, Don Diablo heard of the wreck of” w
the Blue Wave, on this island, and of. the do»
ouers you still hold, and which consist of 00 onol.
Tudor, his wife, his daughter‘Nellie, Miss Lucille“.

en, and several seamen.” ‘ _

“ He has been well informed; well, what: ' V '
then?” was the curt res'pgnse. ,

“Knowing Colonel dor and Miss Marsdcn
to be wealthy, he sought their friends, and row ‘
ceived h'om them a princely ransom, so secured.
as to be paid to him when the captives tron.
landed at is int to which I am ordered to take ' ,
them, and t roith me he sends you our share: - "
of titty thousan dollars, and I have t hero for

on. . r
Howard De Vigne spoke without the slightest;
hesitation, carrying out the bold lan he had‘ ,
suddenly1 formed with n courage at was in- k
note in is nature: but he saw by the sinister
smile on Vsld'os’s face that he intended to play * .
trio with him, and the word of the wrecker W i. .

   
    
   

convinced him of it, for he said quietly: ~ '

“ Senor, it is a handsome sum. and of coal”:
I will accept it; but there is one of the prisonmv
that has~consented to become my wife, and show '
will remain ere. ” ' \

“ May I a which one that is?” »

“ Miss Lucille Marsdem I met her in Kevan!
when she visited there, and loved her then.~
she returned that love, for she knew me not as. *
tue captain of the Wreckers’ League; but acct-V
dent throwing her in my way, she has forgiven. ‘
me my sins, as a loving woman should, and 
to become mywi e. , I ‘ ‘- . H

“The others, however, I will have on board: 
the shallop to-morrow by noon, and on can»
have Nick Nabob land you at any p you:
desire within reason. . _

“ Come to my cabin then in the morning, and ‘7
I will have letters for you to carry back to the
chief, and you can pay me the moneyand rc-' .
ceive my receipt.” ‘ ' ‘ »

“ But must I pay you the fifty thousand when ,
Miss Marsden remains?

“ The arran ment was ten thousand each,
for Miss M cn and the Tudors, and the ball-1 , '. .
ance for the seamrn.” ‘
. “ It matters not, for it will be her dowryfi. , 
come here at noon and we will arrange it, and: -
when you reach the shallop the captives will how
there; good-night, sei‘ior.”

Howard De Vi e nodded, and taking the! --
hint departed, w kin straight away from the
door to a [in e rock a undred feet distant. , 

But Nick abob was not there, and he looked'
anxiously around for him, to descry him coming?
toward him at a rapid run. ' . ‘~

“ Well. Nick?” he asked, quietly. >

“By Nepninel but you worked it well, .Mas-s
t-er Howard, and you are right, that what we. ‘
does we must do tor-night, as when yer left their
cabin Valdos called out to somebody in the ad-
joining room, and a young teller entered, and
says to him, says he: ’ ,4‘

“‘Guatil, you just go after that feller, find '
where he bunks tor-night, s. dthen see Cosala- ’,

a
, ,
3

 

 

  

l

Donbiagblo,  Plantefiddrsaiir.  ~ I 

 

 

l

  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
  

than tell this fine messenger of Don Diablo to
' «come to me; does yer understand?
“The boy nodded pleasant like, and Valdos
roontinued:
“ ‘ Tell Cosala to do his work well and throw
'his body over ther cliff into ther Sea. and come
here for his thousand pesos ’-—but there comes
'ther lad, Master Howard, and—"
_, “ Forewarned is forearmed, good Nick Nabob,”
tresponr ed Howard De Vigne, and they both
.shrunk back into the shadow of the rock, while
«coming toward them at a rapid walk was the
.lad whom Valdos had sent on his mission of
lemme.

 

CHAPTER XXXIII.
AN ALLY.

_ HARDLY had Nick Nabob and Howard De

Vigne sprung back into the rock’s shadow,
when the lad came alon at a swift walk, to
suddenly find himself in t e grasp of two men,
sand a knife held before his face.
“ One cry, one effort to escape, and you die,”
said Howard De Vigne, in a low, stern tone.
The youth took his capture without any sign
‘ (of uneasiness, and glanced into the face of one,
and then the other of his captors, at the same

time saying:
‘ “I have no desire to cry out or esca e; I was
seeking you, Nabob, to tell you that was sent
-ona message that would end the life of your
, friend here. ” .
“Hal say on so, youngster? Who sends
'_ you, and to W cm do you go?" asked Nick, sus-
{,piciously. '
“ Valdos sends me, and I seek Cosala.”
, “That is true, Nick, I can vouch for,” said
.Howard De Vigne.
' . “ For ,what purpose were you going?” asked

, ‘ I “To tellr00sala to put an end to this man’s
rifle,” and he continued, as he turned to How-

“Sefior Iknow who and what ou are; we
have met before, but when and w ere it mat-
, ‘ters not; but I am your friend, and I advise
on to leave this island at once, as Valdos, that
a ma keep Senorita Marsden here, will have
mm led, and say' you never arrived on the
: d, while he wi i get a ransom from Colonel
“ :N’I‘ndickop, and Send him away in the morning with
,“ Well, you has t him down fine, youn r;
‘bnt who are you tfit Seems that fee of Vfideos,
"when we all thought you his friend?"

' I “ I am, as you know me to be. Nick Nahoh, a
' poorlad .whom the wreckers pickedu adrift in
an open boat m‘y vessel having gone own; but
* ' .I serve not Val os from love, but for another
u' ‘motive I care not to make knewn,” replied the
n :youth, and Howard De Vigne said frankl :

“I will trust you, my lad, and more, will
- ‘take our advice.”

/ “ ark! how pitifully those guns open] for
 but the cry in vain, for they wi drift on
the reef; it fearful, this luring brave ships to
.. . 111111 and their crews to death.”

“Fearful indeed is it. Guatil, and I, for one,
am going to quit it; but now what’s tot he
do i" remarked Nick. ‘ '

’ ‘ “ ell, I would advise that you go at once to
the basin and get the shallop ready to sail,
while Lieutenan De Vigne—”

“ Hal you do know me,” exclaimed the
American, in surprise. .

. “I said so senor,” was the quiet response,
and then the lad went on: ,

‘ “AsIsaid,.it would be best for, Lieutenant
‘DeV to go at once to the guard over the
race ’3 quarters, and surprise and bind him,
omit necessary, kill him; I will follow behind.
I and then show him where Colonel Tudor and
‘tbeladies are, and the but of the seamen, too,
. land will lead them by the cliff path to the

'beach, and round that way to the basin, though
rtheyrgill have to put up with wet feet.’
1‘ ‘ is very idea, led, and I’ll scuttle ther lug-
'  so she can’t foller, if we is discovered. and

meet vou at ther basii’i’: but I’ll look up Antonio

 

r Howard.
“ so, for he is a. true fellow; but, my lad,
“won’t you 15 into trouble with Valdos?”

' "'No, se or, for I willreturn as soon as you
Mb the basin. and get Cosala and go with
shim go the captain, and tell him I cannot find

“ But will lyou not go with us?” '
“ No, for have a certain duty to perform
an I go,” said the youth, in a strangely earnest

ne.
“Then let us lose no time, for the night is
growing old,” responded Howard De Vigne.
,“Yes we must do what we have to do
, omptly, sober," and the byouth turned away,
after a hasty word to ick N abob, waard
{followed him. - ,
At a rapid pace the lad led the way further
' 51p the glen, until they came in view or the four
f ins occupi by the captives, and from
’Vhich shone lights, showing that the occupants
M not retired.
"‘gefior, do you see that man there by the

,uYes'” t!
7 “ Well, that is the guard, and if you walk

 

 

straight up to him he will halt you and ask your
business. ‘ .

“ Answer him that Ca tain ‘Valdos has sent
you to request Colonel dor to come to his
quarters, and, as he turns to approach the cabin,
strike him down, and mind you, hit him a blow
that will stun him; then you can gag and bind
him, with your scarf and belt.”

The lad spoke with- the utmost coolness, as
though knowing he addressed one fully capable
of mastering the guard without trouble, and,
Without a word Howard De Vigne advanced,
and then came the challenge in Spanish:

“ Halt! who are ou, and what do you want?”

“I come from aptain Valdos, with the re-
quest that Colonel Tudor visit him immedi-
ately at his quarters.”

“Go to his cabin and tell him,” was the short
reply, and, as Howard approached, not know-
ing which was the colonel’s cabin, the guard
asked: ,

“ Is that you, Cosala?”

“ Yes ” answered the American, gruffly.

“ If t e captain sends you on an errandfilo-

'nd

sale, you generally leave red tracks be

you,” was the significant remark of the guard,
ending with a light laugh.

“ It may be so in this case,” answered How-
ard, and, with a sudden spring, he was 11 on
the nerd, and his fist striking full in his ace
sent 'in reeling to the ground.

Before a cry could escape the ll 3 of the
frightened man, another blow stunne him and
with an alacrity and skill that was astonishing,
Howard had him gged and bound securely by
the time Guatil, t e ad, came 11 . '

“ That was well done, sei'ior; ad I known it
was Tampico on guard Iwould have warned

you that he wzm a dangerous and- owerful
man; do you see yonder tree?” an Guatil
pointed to a solitary tree half a hundred yards
distant. ‘,
“Yes.”
“Well, I will await you there d ou have

an
no time to lose; that is Colonel Tudor s cabin."
As the youth darted away, Howard stepped
forward and knocked at the door of the end

cabin, and a voice within bade him enter, which

he quick] did.

Aroun a table set four persons, evidently
discussing some important s hjwtt, as they had
hushed suddenly at his kn vs 2:, and all looked
rather anxiousl toward him as he entered and
closed the door hind him. .

A fine-lookin man of fit , with a military
air, was the firs the eye of oward De Vigne
fell upon, while in front of him was a matron,
gith a sad, sweet face that was very attrac-

ve.

Two maidens, both of them beautiful in spite
of the anxious expression the wore, sat M's-a-
mls and one of them the rea or will recognize
as Lucille Marsden; the other was Nellie Tudor.

“ Well, air?” and Colonel Tudor arose to his
feet, at the supposed intrusion \of one of the
wreckers. I r

“ 1 have not the honor of your personal ac-
quaintance, Colonel Tudor, but Miss Marsden
ma remember me,” and, while speaking, How-

advanced into the room. '

With a startled cry Lucille Marsden was upon
her feet and there burst from her lips the name
ever in her thoughts: ‘ .

“Howard!” _

flYes, Lucille, I am here to save you; now I
cannot say more for we must start at once,
would we succee .”

With a lad cry, and forgetting the presence
of others, ucillc threw herself into the arms of
her lover, and burst into tears; but his voice of
warning recalled her to herself, for he said

quickly: I

“Come, Lucille you need all our nerve,
would you leave‘ this island to—nig t, and thus
avoid the fate intended for you.”

Instantly she was herself again, and said
earnestly:

“ For ive me, Howard, but your sudden pres-
ence, w on I deemed you far away, unnerved
me: Colodel Tudor, this is Lieutenant Howard
De Vggne, of whom you have heard me often

“Lieutenant De Vigne, I rejoice to meet you;
but, if your words are true, this is no time for
introductions or clay: you say that there is a
chance to leave his island to-ni ht?” ,

“Yes, sir, at once; Valdos'is playing1 you
falso, and I am here to aid you, and a most
alone I may say; your guard is bound and
gagged, and I will ask you to arouse the others
who are captives with you, while I aid the
ladies to get read .”

Colonel Tudor instantly left the cabin, with a
word of warning to hasten to his wife, and
within ten minutes’ time from Howard De
Vigne’s entrance the lights were out in both
cabins and the little party of half a score
started on their way to the basin, the guard
having been more securely gagged and bound
by two of the seamen. ’ ‘

A the solitary tree they were met by Guatil,
Wh hurried them down the steep cliif path at
a really dangerous pace, and from thence to the
beach, upon which every wave was breaking.

The storm was still raging, the imploring
minute-guns still peeled, and it was a fearful

‘i

 

1,:

night; but joining hands in a long line, with
Guatil in advance, they struggled along over
the wave-washed beach, and at last rounded
the ragged point of rocks that formed the shel-
ter of the little basin, where the shallop, with
her sails set, close-roofed, was discovered lying
at anchor not far away.

CHAPTER XXXIVI
THE MYSTERIOUS FACE.

As the fugitives reached the basin, (luntil
gave a shrill whistle, which was immediately
answered from the shallop with:

“ Ay, ay; the boats lie yonder; come on
board.”

A few paces on were several skills, drawn up
upon the beach, and their ears lay near them,
and quickly the half-dozen seamen of the arty
launched two of them, and held them rea y for
the colonel an the ladies to embark, which
they quickly did. ’

“Now, lads
is Guatil?" said
into the boat.

All looked around but the youth had mys-
teriously disap ear .

“ Never min him, for I know he had dut to
call him elsewhere; give way, lads,” said 0W—
ard, and two minutes after the boats were along—
side the shallop.

“ Well, Nick, all goes well so far: but are you
alone?” and Howard sprung on deck and aided

ring in yourselves; but where
oward, as he prepared to get

_the ladies up.

“ No, Master Howard, Antonio’s forwardnit
the anchor; set ther boats adrift, lads; now,
Tony, up with that anchor, and we’ll throw this
durned island ten lea ues astern by da break;
there, she moves, an we’ll catch all the wind
we want when we shoot out beyond that oiiit
o’ rocks,” and Nick Nabob sprung to the elm
as the little shallop began to shoot through the
water, careening graceftu to the breeze.

“Nick, I’ll aid you With the helm— Hal
there goes that signal-gun again; what is 'it,
Nick?" asked Howard, as ones more the deep
reverberations of the minute gun rolled along
the rocky shores. '

“ Seine dismantled vessel, I guesses, that has
dro ped anchor, and is dragging toward the
ree , and hopes some boat will come of! to their
aid—there, now we get thor gale, an’ she’s a-
blowing great s; it’s going ter be uncommon
rou h fOr ther ies,” and, as Nick spoke, the
she op dashed out from the shelter of the land,
and headed for the chaotic mass of waters that
showed them where the channel ran through
the reef. ,

But the stench little craft, though her decks
were flooded, bounded on like a thing of life,
shaking the torrents of water off, and rising
gallantly from the depths that threatened to
ingulf her. '

At length the narrow channel was reached,
and With a staggering, sinking, bounding all
together, the sh op orged her way through,
and was in the wide passe between the sand-
hills and small islands, 9. headin straight for
open Water, for Nick, Nabob hadgglanced u ,
ward as he shaped his course, and brought t e
False Beacon directly astern.

“Great God! behold that ship,” burst from
the lips of Colonel Tudor, as there came a
bright flash ahead. , ‘

All saw it—a large vessel, dismasted, a

-wreck', and draggin her anchors, as the waves

drove her nearer an nearer the reef that had
wrecked so many noble ships in the past.

, “It’s a close shave, Master Howard, but we
has ter go ter leeward of her,” said Nick Nabob.

“Ay, ay, we can hold her steady; but See
that crowd on her decks, and hear that cry,”
and, as Howard De Vigne spoke, there rung out
a Wild shout not of fear, but of joy.

"They believes we is comin to their aid-

oor things, nothing can save ’em now,” said

ick, sadly.

“Cannot we lufl up, and—”

“Master Howard, don’t let your he rt run
foul 0’ er brains: if we was ter me. 'e ther
slightes mistake here, the shallop would go
down; why, I couldn’t ate for you now,”

" They have lanterns an are hailing us; there
are women on board— Oh, God!"

The cry came from Colonel Tudor, and it was
echoed by all on board the shallop, for a huge
wave had suddenly boarded the wreck, and
grept ascore of human beings of! into the wa-

rs. ,

“Heavens! see that face] there, the one the
lantern shines on so brightly—it is she I,”

“Who, Master Howard 2” cried Nick, as How-
ard De Vigne‘ suddenly left the wheel and
sprung to one side of the shallop, gazmg fixedly
at a small group upon the wreck, and whose
faces were lit up y t e lanterns held by several
men.

But, as he spoke, another huge wave was
hurled upon the doomed vessel, and wild shrieks
rent the air, as half the little group were car-
ried off upon its seething bosom, and among
them the one whose presence there had so ex-
cited Howard De Vigne. , v

The wreck was now not two lengths of the
shallop away, and the Wave that ‘had broken
over it came rolling down upon the shallop with
fearful force; but upon its white crest Howard

[ii-"V

 

 

 

fr v«.l- K I, 4

 

 ‘jt'h‘e ,Planterborsair

   

 

De Vigne saw one whom be determined to make
a desperate eifort to save from death, and
hastily seizinga rope he gave one end b. quick
turn around a. cleat and tying the other_around
his waist sprung into the sea, unrestrained by
the cries of those who saw his intention and
n ould have stop ed him if in their power.

Aii'l Lucille arsden, looking with staring
eyes and trenibling‘heart, saw the bold swim.
nicr seize in his arms a human form, and then
heard his words:

“ I have her safe; haul in!”

The men sprung to the rope to obey, but the

resistless wave rushed past with such force that ,

when the check came the hemp parted, and
Howard De Vigne, claspling a woman in his
arms, was home from sig t into the caldron of
waters. ‘

A wzi ilin g shriek firom Lucille Marsden, a
muttered curse from Nick N aboh, and the shal-
lop llew on past the wreck, for to hesitate then,
in that caldron of mad waters, the daring ilot
knew was certain death to all on the 'ttle
craft.

“There is no hope for the brave man,” whis-
pered Colonel Tudor to Nick N abob, as he
glanced at Lucille, moaning bitterly, as she lay
in the arms of his wife. ‘ _

“ None; ther boy is dead by this time, and he
lost his life fer a woman; but no truer lad ever
died than he was,” and the noble-hearted wreck—
er’s voice trembled as he Spoke, while huge
tears rolled from his eyes and mingled with the
salt sea—spray. . . .

But there was no tremor 1n the iron hand
that grasped the tiller, and held the shallop
straight on her course through the wild waters,
while his ears were unmindful of the, fearful
crash as the ship struck and the piteous shrieks,
so soon smothered, for his thoughts were down
in the dark wavos with the man who had years
ago risked his life for him, and whom he had
loved as few men love each other.

 

CHAPTER XXXV.
run 'rwo rmes.

“ Ehrlimu, you are a very rich man, are you
not?’ '

“ I shall not leave you poor, Consuelo."

“I am not asking regarding your wealth,
senor, from any such selfish motive; you are
worth over a million, I believe?” ' '

“Yes, with my securities in Vera Cruz, my
property in New York and my accounts with
the banks in Havana and New Orleans I am
worth over a million, my child.”

“ Of course you deduct the sum you paid for
J ack’s escape, and the amounts that Don Diablo
so cleverly defrauded us out of?” I V

“Yes, curse him, I would give a. hundred
thousand dollars to revenge myself on him for

that; but why do you ask these questions, Con— .

suelo?”

“ You have named the reason—revenge on
Don Diablo.” , .

The two, father and daughter, sat together in
their handsome home, and it was some days af-
ter the sailin of the shallop bearing Howard
De Vigne to t e Wreckers’ Island.

On every feature of Consuelo’s beautiful face
was the stamp of grief, for she had mourned
deeply the loss of her husband; but, the more
she brooded over her sorrows the more a. firm
resolve‘seized upon her to be rev ed upon the
man who had so cruelly ordered Pirate. to
death, and at last she had resolved upon a plan
to bring Don Diablo to hment. ,

What that plan was t 6 further conversation
of Jacobi Douro and Consuelo will develo .

“ Ah, Consuelo, I would freely open my
money in such a cause," sighed the Jew.

“ Then allow me to suggest a lan; you heard
of Major Fernando Navaro’s uck at cards, I
suppose?" '

“ Yes, he won a large sum from an American,
I believe.” ' . '

“And more; the American, it seems, was a
naval omcer of wealth, who received a ear’s
leave of absence, and started on a cruise of
Eleuure in an armed yacht; visiting Vera. Cruz

e fell in with Navaro, who invited him up to

‘the Army Club and as the stranger was a great

Card-gllEYer he ost heavii‘flin fact he lost his
all, I ave cord, to the ' erent Mexican of-
ficers, and the major won a round sum and his
yacht; which was staked against a certain
amount.” ' ‘
“Well, Consuelo?”
“You know Naval-0’5 failing, and that

u

. though the world believes him rich, heis up to-

day and down to—morrow in money matters,
and he will readily sell the yacht to you.”

“ But, m child, I do not want the vesv .”

“But I o, father.”

“And for what, Consuelo? I should think
you had had enough of the sea.”

“Not so; I want that yacht to put, under a

man who will hunt down-Don'Diab o.
“ And who is that man?”
“ Howard De Viane.” ' '

“But I told you, that he had gone away in
the wreckers’ shallop.” _
“fiend you have-means of communication
wit the wreckers, and can, in someway, send
him word to return.” \

  

“Well, my child, I am willing to do what I
can in the matter.’

“Then offer the major a round mm for his

acht, and then give me a certain sum to fit

er u for a long cruise; but first send word to
the reckers’ Island to have De Vigne return;
he went in disguise, you said?”

“ He shaved off his mustache and cut his hair
short, while he dressed as a common sailor; it
disguised him from what he was, but the man
was there, all the some.” '

“ He is indeed a. man, and, the very one to put
on the track of Don Diablo.” ’

“ But, Consuelo, what commission will he
sail under?"

“ None, simply as a pirate-hunter, and I will
make him a flag—a blue field, a red searserpent
and a white eagle with outstretched wings
strangling the reptile.”

“A good device, if you mean the serpent for
Don Diablo, the eagle for our American friend,
and the blue field for the sea; but I would sug-
gest one more to the point, Consuelo. "

“Name it, father.’ _ . '

“ A red field, a black gallows and a hanging
noose awaiting a neck to strangle.”

f‘ He shall have both; yours for the fore,
mine for the peak, and if he ca tures and hangs
Don Diablo, neither the Unite States, Spain or
Mexico will ask him for his commission; when
will ou attend to this, father?"

“ will write at once to my Havana agent to
communicate with the wreckers, and look 11
Pedro Sanchez, which is the name De,Vigne is
known b I believe i” -

“ And avarol”

“ I will send Emanuel for him immediately.”

“My dear good father,” and kissing him af—
fectionately, Consuelo left the room, while
Jacobi wrote two notes, and— summoned his
shar boy, Emanuel.

“ atch the Havana Sacket with this letter;
she sails within half an our; then bear this one
to Major Fernando Navaro,” he said to the
youth, who darted rapidly away, glad to es-
cape from the dingy shop, and leave his master
in attendance, for, though Jacobi made a, liv~
ing out of his business, in loaning to the
needy of Vera Cruz, he made vast sums out-
side by his skill in financial transactions, his
store being but a blind to hide his underhand
deeds.

Emanuel was gone the usual length of time it
takes a boy to go an errand, no matter what the
distance to travel be, or the delay, and Jacobi
Douro was wain'ng wroth when the youth put
in an appearance, with a ready lie on his lips as
to the cause of his detention. '

A ready, and experienced liar himself, Jacobi
knew that Emanuel was dodging the, truth, and
took the story with what allowance he wished,
and asked: V >

“. What said Ma'or Navarol”

“That, he woul come and see you at once;
but that he wondered what Old Shylock wanted
with him.” . ' ,

“Ah! he called me Old Shylock, did he?
well, well, that remark shall be expensive to
himé—there he comes now; send him up to my
room, Emanue ,” and Jacobi hastily retreated
to his sumptuous a artment, and settled him-
self comfortahly at is desk, when the Mexican
officer entered.

“Well, Jacobi, {en wanted torsee me, I be—
lieve ?” and Major nvaro threw himself into an
easy-chair, and takin up the decanter of brandy
near his elbow pour out a glhsso

“Yes, senor; you are in fortune, I hear!”

“True, I have Won some little money; on
Ev: me luck when you paid me the price 0 El

' ta’s freedom.” . ’

“It’s'more than ‘I gave those three soldiers
who were shot,” dryly remarked the Jew.

But the Mexican did not change color; only
answered indiflerently:

“Oh, the were but common soldiers, and
what was ii a to them?”

“True, only the rich deserve to live, senor;
but tell me, please, would you like to sell the
yacht you won?”

“ No, Jacobi, I am not in want now.” .

“ Yet I hold mortgages on your estates.
senor, that ou would perhaps like to pay 01f.”

“It wouldy be the. last thing you would wish
me to do, Jew, for if I do not pay the eighty
thousand I owe you, you well know in the mar-
ket, what you hold mortgages on, would bring
you three times that sum. ’

“ There’s nothing so valuable in a man’s eyes,
sefior, as his own property; it is like a boatman
who has a fast craft; she can beat anything
afloat, and $8113 like the wind until put in a
race, and then comes out at the end furthest
from the Winning stake.” »

“Still I know what my roperty is ,worth;
why, if I cared to have it new that I got
dead broke occaSionally, I could go to a pur-
veyor of roperty here, and get a loan of
nearly tWice the sum you advanced; is this
what you wanted with me, Jew?” _

“ No, I wish to buy your yacht.” ‘

“ What] are you going to (pirating on. the
high seas, Jacobi Douro l“ aske the major, in a
tone of mock horror. ,

“I have not decided whether I shall '01‘ not;

 

perhaps that is why you do not care to sell, ex-

lion, while he had wonderful powers 0

‘ their ears, or they were but a few fathoms disv‘

'mit’t

 

   
    
 
    
   
   
   
  
 
  
     
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
    
   
 
 
 
  
 
   
  
  
   
  

ct'in that you may have to fly for your life
league (fly, and raise the black flag, sneered the v
Jew, and it caused the major to scowl fiercely, .
and say: ‘

“If do, you will have robbed nae by usury ‘
and caused me to do some act I will be driven .‘.
to; but is this all you want of me, Jew!”

“ I will pay you well for the yacht.” ‘

“ If luck changes, I may give you a call; but...
as I know you want the craft, rest assured you
shall pay for it every dollar it cost, with in-
tercst on the amount since the day it was built.

“ I gamble to-night at the Monté Club, Jew,
and you know what a fickle lover Fortune is, so
do not be surprised if I sell you the yacht
though I hope not to do so; but, by the way, i
you care to stake a. sum against it, and come to
the club to-night, I will play you for it.”

“ I never amble, Major avaro.”

“Ha! ha! :11 why, you are a born gambler,.
for your race are speculators from the cradle»
up.
“Never amblel that is good; what do you»
call your caning money on other peo e’s . ‘
wants? Alil that is not gambling, for you, are ~
sure to win; good-day, Jacobi,” and Major Na—
varo left the room: but hardly had he done so, ,
when Consuelo glided in.

“ Well, my child, you heard what he said?”

“Yes, but I do not despair, for Fortune is,"
fickle, as he says- but there is one it will cling '
to, and I will hide my time,” and, though J8.» ‘
cobi Douro asked his daughter'for an explana-J , '
tion of her words, she made no reply. ‘

CHAPTER XXXVI. .

,4 THE MEETING IN THE WATERS. ‘ ,

WHEN Howard De Vi e sprung to the aid? *-
of a. woman, whose fsice a had reco ized by. ,
the light of the lanterns on the wrec . he had ‘ .
hoped to save her by his bold act; but he hadl ’
not thought that the rope might break, and‘thusln
carry him to death. , ‘

When, therefore, it parted, his first thought." .1
was that he was doomed to die with the one.»
whom he had clasped in his arms, and he waved »
a. farewell to those on the shallo , for he 
no effort could he made to save , and gave. -
himself up for a moment as lost. ‘ l . "

But a voice in his ear said: ‘ :

“Oh, sir, you have, but thrown your life'
away to save mine, for now we both must..‘

ie.

There was a strange calmness in the women’s '
words and manner, and it aroused the young:
sailor to action, and he answered cheerily: ‘ , _

“We are not dead yet; cling to me, and we»: ‘
may yet battle our way throu h.” ‘ .

I was a hopeless chance or life, as Boone: ,
among those wild waters; but Howard Del ,
Vigne was a noted swimhier, and as strong as to." ,

eh—
durance, , '

Had he not been through that channel with»
Nick Nabob, he never could have had the) 
slightest chance; but the False Beacon showed,
him where he was, and as he rose upon 8A .
might wave he behold the foamin torrent ‘
that owed through the broken ree the ‘en- ‘.
circled the island, and for this he headed; ‘

To his joy, also, he discovered that the one lie-w 4 »
aided could swim, and he urged her merely tow '.
keeg herself afloat, and save her powers for the, .
wil waters in the reef channel;th they",
should reach there. 1

“ There is some one swimming near,” she rem x I
plied, and Howard glanced in the direction in r'
which she pointed, and beheld nearly a down
dark objects rise on the crest of a wave. ‘

“ Ho there I follow me! it is your -"anly‘ .
chance,”he. cr'wd, and his voice, heard abbva-WL
the howlin wind and wash of waters reached. . ‘

 

unit, and the bold swimmers struck out for the”
one who had given them encouragement "
He waited untilt hey came near. and saw that: '
here were severe womeni n the strugan
group, supported between the strong armso .,
giillant men, while there were others “rimming
A one. ‘ - v
To encourage them, he called out: o \ ‘
“ There where the water is wildest, is a. break.
in the reef: once through there, and yew
comparatively safe; but to attempt to 5.
land elsewhere will be your death. ” , ,.  ,
Then he struck out manfully to lead the for“
but hope ,of swimmers, and they followed,'
strugg out, as their powers ,of endurance W. ‘

When he had gained the current that' was?
hearing him toward the break in the reef yet’ l
quite a distance ofl’, he heard a cry behind him , 
and down from sight sunk some worn , '» ‘
swimmer, and, unnerved by this, several more:
went beneath the waters to find a 

ve. , ,
gritOh, Mark! Mark 1” suddenly cried the one
whom Howard De Vigne supported, and glanc
ing around quickly, he beheld near him
swimmer, who was struggling hard. V .
“Release me, sir, for can aid myself, and
save him,” cried the woman, and Howard '
quickly obeyed, seizing the arm of the worn
oifit swimmer, and say-in encouragingly: - w
‘Now rest, sir, awh' e. and you. w 11‘ be as?
good as new for the final struggle.“ . .1

 

 

 

 

 

~  r

 

i. , ‘r' n ,w,  I

  
 

 

   

.. , V ___l_-..

" 1  er:grtransitions;   7 . ,

 

 

The man leaned heavily upon him for a
'moment, while the woman steadied herself
near, and gaining confidence, and a short rest,

“ I am all right now; but keep near me.”

“ I shall not desert either you or Miss
(Iii‘ielding, Mr. Manly,” was the quiet rejoin-

er. '

t‘ You know us, then!" asked the man, in sur—
prise.

“ Come! yonder lies the death-gantlet, and

' 'we are sweeping rapidly upon it; give me your
'hands,” and as he seized them with his firm
grasp, he called back to the few swimmers. that
, yet struggled on:

“ Kee up! keep up! for once through yonder
.reef an ‘you are safe. "

Then own into the foamin caldron the
fierce torrent swept them, and, ike chi s in a
mill-race, they were whirled and hurl about.

Now down deep under the waves, now thrown
almost out of the water, and then driven for
ward with irresistible force, strangled, blinded,
battered, they found themselves at last throu h

the chaotic e, and only to buflet e
/ [quieter waves of the inner bay.
’ But who? ‘

With his grasp still upon the arms of those he
saved, and whom the rudest wastes had not
from from him, Howard De Vigne glanced be-

, hind him.

Alas! but one bold swimmer met his gaze,
and he was but a few yards distant, battling as
bravely as ever, and with undaunted courage.

that he was not tired out, and fee ing
the man be upheld growing heavier and heavier,
.Howard calledto him in punish:

-“ Senor, will you aid me here?” _

“ Willingly; a lady whom I supported in the
‘waters was em from me in that caldron; but
weareall safe now, what there is left of us,"
'was the cheery response, and with a._ strong
:stroke the man drew near, and held up one arm
of the tiredsout swimmer that Howard had so
.lo upheld.

‘ ow-on once more and we are safe; I can
stand a heavier weight Miss Fielding, a you
are tired," said Howard be Vigne.

“I am not yet tired out; aid him, please for
‘heneeds it'more than I do,” was the unselfish
I use.

d on the four swimmers went, steadily,
but slowly, until at last their feet touched the
sandy bottom, and staggering, almost dro ping

" 171th fa ' no, they reached the rocks a ve,
and sunk own utterly exhausted.

And there they remained, the three listening

'4  to the story of the one, as he told about the

false beacon and the island on which they had
sou ht shelter from death.

A last the shivering group saw the east grow
:gray then rosy, and the looked into each 0th;
or’s‘ d faces, an two men spoke two
names in one breath.

Those names were:

And eir’hands were clasped, while Jack

A ,Waldronsaid: ‘

  

l

. “ Then

“I owe you in life, De Vi e, for I was
headinfifor the erakers, when gyuan hailed me
and to me to follow you.”

“ Howard De Vigne.”

Taken up with their strange meeting, neither
had glanced into the faces 0 the others; but as
ms???” sums“ “ 31°F” “Sis-ml;

e qu an oun rinse
b Mark Mary and Magdalene
Fielding, and said, with no seeming bitter re-
membrance of the :

“go are‘fellOW-suflerers, Mr. Manly. ”,

“ es: the doctors ordered me South, and

w e com me- a ran nan e
m ifac panied ,bt,L'te tD
‘V e, Iowe you my life, as does also Magda-

lene, and here I bag that ,you forgive the past,

amtviif can for at it.
“ ngly,.’Man it was recognizing the

y.
Jane of your wife by the lanterns on the wreck
that made me tr to save her, and the breaking
- of thp rope near y lost both our 'lives; but it is
better as it is now; but come, we have a fear-
:3' to face, so let us get through with

Maggalene turned pale at his words, and see-
-it owes-d sai -

d.
“Your life is safe, Mrs. Manly; only these
‘wreckerswill demand a handsome sum as a
nasom for yourself and husband; are you
known here, Waldron?”
. “No, I think no .”

you are safe; but last ni ht I did that
against Captain Valdos, the Wrec 1‘, that will
cost me my life, if—”

“ If what, De V 3”

“Come, we see,” and Howard led the
my up toward the wreckers’ retreat.

 

CHAPTER XXXVII.
vmos 1mm ms MATCH. '
Tn scene that presented itself the morning
after the storm on Wreckers’ Island, was dis-
mal in the extreme.

 

The clouds had drifted away, the wind had

lulled, and the sea was running down, though
the waves still fell upon the rocky shores with
a heavy roar.

Upon the reef, called the Rock of Fortune.
by t e wreckers, the huge hull of the-wrecked
vessel was visible, shattered, careened to one
side, and desolate, for not one of the forty souls
that had sailed in the noble vessel several weeks
before from New York was visible.

Where she had been hurled by a mighty
wave, there she remained, and a group of two-
score wreckers were standing upon the cliff,
from which had shone the F818” Beacon, gazing
down with gloating eyes upon the sad sight,
though to them a sight of joy, for the huge hulk
held treasures for them they well knew. ‘

Presently into their midst came three forms,
and the wreckers made room for them to pass
to the edge of the cliff.

One was Valdos, the wrecker captain, and his
brow was dark, his eyes burned, and his lips
were set.

Another was Guatil the youth, and a kind of
valet and aide to Val s, and his face wore also
a look of concern. '

The third‘was the guard who had been placed

over the captives, and whom his shipmates

called 01d Tampico and his face was savage in
its expression, while his eyes were bloodshot,
his lips swollen, and his wrists bleeding from
the eflorts he had made to free them of the
thongs with which he had been bound.

Glancin over the sea, and then down at the
wreck, Va dos said, sternly:

“The Beacon did its work well last night;
but there are traitors in this band that shall rue
their work. '

“Cosala, I sent! or you ast night and he
fixed his eyes upon a Spaniard woose see was
a icture of villainy.

‘ Yes, senor; but I received no message.”

“ You could not be found.”

“ I was in the cavern gamblin , senor.”

“Ab! then I hope you lost or not leavin
word where you could be found; have any 0
you seen N abob this morning?"

“ We knew not he was here, senor,” said a sub-
ofllcer.

“ He was here; the shallop came in last night
in the blow.”

“ It is not in the basin now, senor, for I
looked over the cliff, and the la ger was sunk
by the storm,” said the same spea or.

“You lie, El Cabrel the shallop sailed ain
within an hour after her running in, and ick
Nabob scuttled the lugger to prevent her pur-
suing; if you all were as wide awake as Guatil
here the traitor could not have escaped.”

“ Nabob a traitor?” asked several voices.

“ esheither that, hr he was overpowered on
the she op and carried off; but certain it is,
that a stranger came to the island last night
pretending to be sent from Don Diablo, an
under cover of the darkness he struck down
Tampico here, bound and gagged him, and. res-
cued Colonel Tudor and the other captives, just
as I had arranged an enormous ransom for
them.

The men stood aghast with amazement, and
Valdos continued:

“ Tampico was discovered by Gautil this
morning, as was also the flight of the shallo ,,
and you can see how ill-used your comr e
was;th he has been bound and gagged all
m .

5 Now, you accursed crew, what have you to
say, for permitting night to cover up such acts
under your very noses?” '

Not a word was said by any of the band in
reply, for all felt ilt of gross negligence; but
after awhile the ht» eeper said;

“I saw the she op come in and go out, ca
tain: but I deemed it not necessary to report t,
any more than did the comin in of a wreck,
whose guns I map-end could be card.”

“I do not b e you, Sancho; but, by the
saints, I’ll keep you all awake at night, in the
future, if I'have to hang you n by the thumbs
at sunset; but on have lost d by letting- the
shallo run on , and not a mldo of what that
wreck s car brin shall any one of you have.”

Dark 100 wen around he group. ofvmen,
and several muttered oaths were heard; but
unheeding the glances and the murmuring, Val-
dos said sternly:

“ Now, down to the basin, you lazy dogs, and
raise that lugger— Hal who have we here?”

The exclamation of their captain caused all
to glance in the direction in which he was look-
ing, and what had startled him was visible_ to
ever eye, for four persons were seen coming
slow y toward them.

“ Some who have managed to escape from the.

wreck,” said El Cabre.

“ There is a woman amon them, and she ap-
pears beautif ” muttered aides.

l3ut Guatil, the lad, turned pale, and mentally

said:

“Alas! he is among them, and his doom is
sealed; oh, how came he here, when I believed
him far away i”

In silence the wreckers stood until the
approached, their clothing torn, their faces
haggard, and a. general expresfion of wearines

pon all. I x .
“ Aha! you are herehsefior l” seize that man i”

 

 

cried Valdos, furiously, as Howard De Vigne
suddenly stepped forward as spokesman.

Instantly several of the wreckers sprung to
obey the bidding of their captain; but he
warned them back with his upi'uised hand, and
said. in his clear, ringing tones:

“Hold! men of the Gulf heague, I command
you, forbear!”

They shrunk back before his commanding
tones, until Valdos again cried:

“Seize him, I say! be it was who stole from
you your captives and the shallop.”

Again the wreckers moved to obey, and once
more Howard De Vigne spoke:

“ Men, I am unarmed, as on see; but I hold
power here over him, for come from your
chief, Don Diablo.”

“ He lies; cut him down," and Valdos drew a
knife as though to carry out his word.

“Men of the Gulf League, behold the Signet
of your chief.” .

All eyes were turned u n the hand of How-
ard De Vigne, as he held it up before them, and
they beheld the ruby ring and the eagle claws
of old, and again they paused and looked to
Va dos. '

“I rule here; cut him down I say, for he has
robbed you of your ransom for the captives,”
shouted the wrecker captain.

‘.‘ Valdos, you lie in your teeth, for here I have
the ransom money for the captives; men, hear
me‘. and jud e between us. ”

‘ The sh not hear you; seize him I say!”
elled aldos, and he sprun toward ’H

eVigne; but El Cabre, Ol Tampico, Cosala,
and Sancho quickly stepped before him, while
the former said, p0 itely:

“Ca tain, the ring gives the sailor the right
to en , and we must hear him.”

“ al do you dare me, dogs?" and Valdos
drew a pistol from his belt.

“We dare say the senor shall be heard, cap-
tain; put up your pistol, for all are against
you ’ in the same po te and uniet way.

“ Iie‘dare not refuse, or also claim the power
to put him under arrest for the Pirate, not the
Wrecker is the chief of the Gulf he,” re-
sponded Howard De Vigne, quickly ing ad-
vauta e of the demonstration in his favor.

Wit a muttered curse Valdos stepped back,
and the American continued: '

“ Lads I came to your island in disguise, on
your . lop, and I sought Captain Valdos, and
told him Don Diablo had sent me fer the cap-
tives wrecked on the Blue Wave, and given me,
for him, the liberal share of the ransom paid
him for their release.

“He told me that one, afair maiden, loved
him, and wished to remain with him, but that
the others should go.

“I knew that he was playing me false, for
ere I entered his cabin I heard him bartering
with Colonel Tudor for ransom, and refusing
any sum for the release of Miss Marsden.

“And I knew that he intended to keep her
here against her will, and receive a ransom
from the colonel. who was not to know_that his
agen had paid it. ' ‘ .

“ . ay, more, after leaving, I again listened,
and heard him tell this youth to seek Cosala
and put him on my track to kill me, intending
not to let it be known that I was on the island,
and thereby be able to tell Don Diablo I had
not reached here, and get a double ransom, one
of which he would have kept for himself.

“Knowing this, I fought him with his own
weapon, deceit, and making the guard a
prisoner, put the captives on theshallop, and
sent them to sea under Nick Nabob, who was
forced, as one of the League, to obey the power
I hold in this ring.

“If I have spoken trul , this youth will
know, ashe was in the ea in, and the guard
remembers whether it was I that knocked him
down and bound him. ”

“ You did it, and it rised me for I lead
the band in strength,” said Old Tampico,

frankly.

“And you, Guatil, what do on ‘lsayi” and
Howard turned to the youth, gave a. slight
start, as he looked actuarer in the lad’s face.

Guatil saw the loo and sudden start, and his
face flushed slightly; but he answered: ‘

“I am compelled to admit that the‘sefior
speaks the truth.” ,

H Lads, do you hear that? The capitzin
turned traitor to the chief, and would ve
slain one who wore the secret signet,” and El
Cobra faced the crowd, while denuncia-
tions arose on all sides, and one voxce shouted:

. “ He must diel”

“Hold meal act not hastily, for there is
plenty 0 time. ._

“ Captain Valdos has proven a traitor, and I,
wearing this rin , order him under arrest until
you have decide what shall be his fate. and
until orders from Don Dunno, am your
commander ' I ‘

'Does an man gainsay my authority? and
Howard ca his piercing eyes over the crowd;
but no, one spoke, and he resumed:

“I will occupy the head-quarter cabin, and
to-night come t ere, and I will pay you Kgur
ghares of the fifty thousand pesos ransom I ve

0r V011. .
“These,” and he turned to the surprised El

I

I
l

oward ‘

 

in

t"

 

, fell dead; the shot

' ,,' x.

' Den

 

Pirata, Mark Manly and Magdalene, “ are r’
unfortunutes from the wreck yonder, an all
who escaped, and I will lead them to the cap-
tives’ quarters. '

“ Who is ofiicer here under Valdosi”

“ I am, senor," and E! Cobre stepped for-
ward.

“ Then arrest Senor Valdos, put him in irons,
and confine him in one of the cabins: then raise
the shallop, with your men, and rescue the
booty from the wreck.”

“You shall be obeyed, sefio'r' capitan,” re-
sponded El Cobre, and he turned toward the
wrecker captain, who cried savagely:

“ You shall die for this."

The report of a iiistol followed, and Cosala

ad been aimed at How-
ard De Vigne, but, passing over his shoulder,
had sunk into the brain of the wrecker.

All stood thunderstruck for an instant; but,
without the quiver of a muscle, Howard De
Vigne said calmly:

d ‘ That shot has cost you your life, Senor Val—

05. . -

“ Disarm him, men, and lead him awa .”

“ Never! coward, it is your life I will ave ’.'
and the Cuban rushed .toward Howard fie
Vifine, his long, glittering knife in his hand.

lCobre an several others sprung forward
to intercept him; but the American waved
them back, and seizin the knife quickly held
out to him by the out Guatll, he cried:

“Back, men! is him come on.”

Almost instantly the knives clashed together
with a vicious ring, and the two men were en-
ga ed in a combat to the death.

ut the Cuban, feared as he was by all who
knew him, and a tiger when aroused, had met
his match in Howard De Vi e, who skillfully
pinned his every ’blow and t rust, and pressed

'm steadily back, step by step, until he could
go no further, for the clifl! was behind him.

There the two stood, their blades on guard
and eying each other with deadly intent: but
the American seemed calm, and unfatigued,
while the Cuban was panting and nervous.

Around them gathered the wreckers, and in
their midst El Pirate, Mark Manly and Magda-
lene looked on with anxious, staring eyes, for
upon Howard De Vigne their every hope was

centered.

, Pressing the fighting the American again
brought the blades together, and the Cuban
seemed to feel that his strength was failing
him for he cried out fiercely:

“)Yonr knife shall never touch my heart,
senor, for thus I thwart you.”

As he spoke holgprung quickly backward, and
down over the 01' he went, his eyes looking de-
fiance and hatred at the man who had been his
victor. - ' .

One loud cry from every li , and then a
score of eyes ooked' down, an all heard the
fatal thud as the form struck the rocks far be-
low, and then bounded into the sea with a
heavy plan 9.

Then all urned their eyes upon the victor;
but there was no quiver u on his dark, hand—
some- face, as he gazed ca mly down upon _the
blood-stained waters, beneath which bad Just
sunk a man behind sent to his doom. -

“ Sail ho l” ‘

It was Sancho, the light-keeper, that called
out, and ever one glanced seaward, where a
vessel was visible a few leagues distant.

And Howard De Vigne looked at El Pirate,
and he returned the significant look, for they
both recoggized the coming vessel.

It was Sea Gips-y.

CHAPTER XXXVIII.
-A cannon. or wan.

Warm Howard De Vigne beheld th'e schooner,
upon which he knew was Don Diablo, he sli_ htly
changed color; but to the wreckers he ex.h1 ited
an assumed jo at the coming of the-chief, and
beckoning to uatil to follow him, he led the
way toward the cabins, El Pirata and the others
slowly cominhgson behind, while El Cabre has-
tened to get men to work on the sunken lug-
ger. I

Esoorting the m&flves to their uartors, the
9”“ we'll)le by Ion 1 Tudor an hisfamily,
Howard De Vigue went to the cabin of the late
wrecker captain, Guatil following him. ,

ThrOWing himself into a chair, he turned his
piercin eyes upon the youth, and said, simply:

“ We l, Guatil, who have you to say for
yourself I”

“ You know me, then, Sefiorl” ansvvered the
lad, in an embarrassed way. _

“ Yes, as the Cuban, Nita Sabinas.”

“ True I am that poor unfortunate girl,
whose li 0 Reno Quesala wrecked as fatally as
is that hulk lying on the reef,” replied the wo-
man, as she is now known to be, In a tone full
of sadness.

“ Be seated, ashore, and tell me why you are
here ” said Howard, in a kindly tone.

“ came here because you failed in your

promise; ypu did not hang Don Diablo to the,

yard-arm.
“Would to God I had done so; but, no, I car—
ried him to New York for trial, and—but I dare

   
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
    
  
   
 
   
  
 
  
 
 
 
   
  
 
   
  
  
  
     
  
    
 
    
  
   
   
   
 
  
          
   
  
   
    
   
 
   
    
    
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
     
   
 
   

 
   
 

not say more; sufficient be it for me to state
that he escaped.”

“ So I learned; and, knowing that he was free
againz I planned to track him, and taking pas-
sage m a vessel bound to San Augustine, I
watched my chance was towed to sea by a, fish-
ing smack one day, in a small boat, and. headed
for this island, and was picked up by the wreck-
ersl, whom I knew owed allegiance to Don Di-
ab 0.

“ Well, no one believed me to be other than a

lon ago, for our father’s estates joined, and be
me e me his servant, as it were, and I won his
confidence by my seeming devotion to him, for
I hoped to one day, through him, come face to
face with Don Diablo. '

“ The rest you know, Senor Americana.”

“ You certainly hate Don Diablo’i”

“ I do, with all my heart. ” .

“And so do I; so, now, to plot against him:
what shall we do for, within three or four
hours, his vessel will be here?” .

“After the bold c you played a inst
Valdos, senor, I her y need offer you ai ; but
it was done in a master] way, though how you
got back on the island, lmow not."

In a few words Howard told the
maiden of what had he pened after leavi the
basin in the shallo , an that he had sud only
formed the idea 0 using the ring against the
power of Valdos.

“ It was well tho ht of, and splendidly
executed, sefior; but, ow about the coming
schooner?”

" We must arrange some plot; please go and
ask Captain Waldron to come here with you.”

The maiden obeyed, and Howard, with stern,
set lips, and bowed head, paced to and fro in
deep thought, for he felt that the end was com-
ing; but what course to pursue he could not de-
cide u n.

“ ell, captain, we must hold a council of
war; have n fear, for Guatil here, knows who
you are, an is our ,friend- be seated, please,
for we must decide quiekly.’

;:’Do you think the wrecker: would side with
us

“ Not against Don Diablo," put in Guatil.

“ Then our only hope is to escape in some way
from the island.

“ possible, senor, as the boats all lie in the
basin.’ said Guatil.

“Then I would kill Don Diablo, as he lands,
and proclaim yourself chief, as you did so clev-
erly awhile since,” again suggested El Pirata.

‘ A ' impracticable, senor, as the schooner
will not run in, there not being'water enough on
the reef but anchor outside, and fire a n for
Sefior Valdos to go- out with the share 0 treas-
ure that belongs to Don Diablo.” - '

V “ Ha! if that is his way there will be. no
trouble, for I will go out to the schooner.”

“ But you will be ' _, De Vigne.”

“ No, captain, not if Guatil here tries his art
at disguising me.”

“ But on are not Captain Valdos, sailor,”
sugges Guatil. ‘ , '

“True, he is dead, and left me in command
and if I blind the Devills eyes with old, he will
not mourn for the dead valdos; et me see,
Guatil, have you a key for this iron box?” .

“ No, senor Captain Valdos had it with him."

“Then I wi l smash it open; now to my dis-
guise, what shall it be?”

“ There are suits of. the Valdos here, and you
are about his size.”

“ Then I will step into his clothes, and—”

“ He has in a chest, senor, beards and wigs of
all colors.” »

“Good! I will put those ,on, as I leave the
basin, and that the men may not see me will
send them all up here for you to pay 011’, and
row myself out to the schooner, unless you- wish
to act as boatman, captain."

“ De V e, I dare not trust myself in the

resence 0 that man, for I would sprin upon

' be the consequences what they mig t.

“ on know that I sailed with my wife for
New Orleans; but you do not know that Don
Diablo overhauled the. lugger, and made me
walk the plank—” I

“ Great God! Waldron, is this true?” cried
Howard De Vi e.

“ Ay, he he Consuelo ironed to walk the

lank with me; but, seeing that she preferred

die with me to remain in his power, he held
her back, and I went to the plunge alone.”

Vf‘ And Consuelo?” eagerly asked Howard De

1 e. .

‘ Remained on the schooner, and God only
Lknows what her fate has been, ’and the voice

of the stropg man sunk into a hoarse whisper,
while his lips qmvered with emotion.

“ But how did you escape?

“ The man who ironed me was not the brute
his master was, and he had filed the iron claspa
so that, though the closed, they could be pul ed
apart, and. so he w ispered to me.

“ Down into the dark waters I wen dragged
by a heavy shot; but by an effort I _ reed my
hands then m feet from the irons and
chains, and rose to 9 surface under the schoon-
er’s stern.

 

“ As she got under way I let go In _ hold, and
struck out for the lan , a league taut, and

,,_
’,~.,~n

liable: the I lanteréfiors

boy, even Valdos, who was my boy-sweetheart '

 

-_~ A,“ ;. f

-_,~

\

reached it near the ranch of a Mexican who
treated me most kindly, though he knew not my ‘
true story. \ ' f“

“ Going to Corpus Christi I took on a
lugger bound to New Orleans, w ere found
my drafts on that city had been dravlzn by Con-
suelo in person, accompanied by a man who
claimed to be her husband, and in fact signed
my own name in indorsing them.

‘But I had some money in New Orleans,
which I drew, and started for New York tO’ ’
build me another vessel, in which to hunt ,down
Don Diablo. -

“ But the schooner in which I sailed sprung a
leak off the coast of Florida, and we abandoned
her, and only lust ni ht our boat was picked u
by the cli per-ship t. John that lies a wrec ‘
on the rec off this island.

“Now you know why I dare not face Don
Diablo, until I am able to meet him upon equal
terms.” ‘ , 

“I will not ask it, but go alone; now, Guatil ‘ 
let us see what this iron box contains,” and , 
after considerable difficulty Howard De Vi e
mane ed to open the treasure chest of Volga,
thz n recker. ‘

were surprised at the treasure exposed , ....;.,
for the wrecker ca tain had been most generI , V 3
one to himself, an gathering up about one~ ‘ ‘
third, Howard said: - ‘ .-

“ This will be so much more than Don Diablo 7 ,‘ ,1
expects, that he will doubtless ask few quesl ' " ’
tions; the balance, Guatil, please pay to the _ t .
menin ual shares, and I will therebybe en- , ‘r 
abled to cop the money I have, and which I [7:5
was going agive up as the retended ransom

of Colone or and his fann y. ’ I, V
“ Now let me try xn disguise, that on may , ‘
see how’it may pass t a keen eyes of t t fiend ‘; r 51

of the sea.” - V , .
Guatil hastily produced the false beards and -
wigs, and selecting those he considered the best. ‘ “
Howard De Vigne put them on, and both El ‘
Pirate. and the pretended youth pronounced its
perfect dis ise. 1 

“Newt on to face the Devil:hut,if Iam ~-
discovered he shall die," said Howard De Vigue.
in a. tone that showed he meant it. ‘- . .

CHAPTER XXXIX. ,
DON DIABLO a'r noun.

“ Frans gun, Ramilez, and wake those lazy
land-lubbers up. for I have not seen a soul mov-
ing on the island," said Don Diablo, as he stood ‘
on the deck of his vessel and lowered his glass 3",
from his eye. . *

The gun was charged and fired, and its deep 5 ,
roar scnt the sea-birds flying from the rocks, ‘ 
and echoed and reéchoed along the bold shores
of the islands. - =

“Now luff up and drop anchor, for I do not .
like running too far into this devil’s trap,” or-
dered the chief, and the command was obeyed,
and the schooner in at anchor in the main
channel, about half a segue from the sh re. . ‘

“ Give them another n, Ramilez! imp»,
tiently ordered Don Diab o, and a f the deep
boom of the cannon resound along the

shores. ,
aboat, Ramiles, and

 

 

   

3 1

 

’

s‘

i
v“-

\

     

“ (hirse them! call awe
I will go ashore and seew at is the matter with;
Valdos,” and the chief descended to his cabin to
prepareto go ashore, when he was recalled td
the deck by the report that a boat was coming. __

out. .
“Iseeit, and ithas on] one occupant; I do
not understand thi " d Don' Diahlo, with

an. icion, and he ed:

‘ Valdos alwa lstowed out in state, to f
and make me fee is importance; butfihat
not Valdos,” and he again took a long look?
through his glass, and watched the little skifl’ ‘
as it came through the reef, and than out ‘ into
the main channe . ‘

“He ulls with a_ stron stroke, whoever hi.
is; stan ready there, tot owhimn rope!” -. "i

The next instant the skiffran alongside of the
schooner, a rope was thrown, and the boatman- .
calleé'l outlgidcommandipg toga:m m i 

ere s, pass us re, a m n v
you, don‘t let your dlngsrs stick to it, for it’s
your chief’s.” ‘-
“ Well said. my man: what, are you brim:
me the contents of a Spanish galleon your ,
Beacon has lured to wreck? ‘ 1

“Never mind, every ppso is welcome,'if it
come stained with the lood of holy padres;-
now, my man, come into In cabin, and te mo 1‘
who on are, and where ist e Cgptain V on?"
and t e’ deli hted Don Diablo 1 the way into. ”
his cabin, to lowed b the boatman and several
of the crew bearing t e treasure ballad brow
with him. , ‘ . .

“Put that metal there, lads; now sefior, 16'»
fresh yourself with wine, or bran y,'to Silit‘
your taste, and tell me the news. "‘ ’

The man dashed off a glass of brand in an
indiflerent way, and taking a seat, so t at the.
light from the companionway did not fell upon,
him answered:  ”

“ bad news, captain,‘ for Senor Valdos 11
dead ”

“ What! the handsome, dashingWildos dendf’."
“True, captain; he 00 suicide by

iprin ‘ng over the cliff on which stands “3'
also con."

 
 

  

  

 

 

  
  

    
 

  

 

 

   
 

‘ Sanchez, ,what

7 easternend of Cuba,

gearibbean. and then
' around to Vera Cruz. where, if I have not had

. work; but thy days are number
movigfhis beard and wi
‘ head

- firifiiatw ' ht removed from h s

g uponthe

 

 

«,‘~.\ ’ y/., 4'.

Dias

'16,, 'the Plant’er-vCorSair. ' '

.............1....-,....I_.. cur; -, .. _ 
, ’ , . ‘ s , .v

, \

l

 

“ His conscience doubtless troubled him.
the h I hardly expected that of Valdos; and
how eft he his estates, seiiorl”

“He left a goodly sum, captain, which, ex-
cepting what was divided among the band, you
have here.”

“ They doubtless
Do Dia lo.

“ o, senor, the lion gets his share, for you
have a fortune right here on this table.”

“ You are right, and I will not grumble; but
who commands the wreckers now?”

“ I do, senor captain.”

“I thought one El Cabre was next in com-
mand.” .

“ He was, captain; but the men seemed to
prefer me."

“ And El Cabre?”

“ Still holds the rank he did before, sefior.”

“And Captain Valdos left this treasure to me
as conscience—money, having cheated me out of

‘my net shares?"

‘ ‘ h no, captain; he left no instructions; but

' when' I took his lace, as on were chief, I
brought to you hat whic I deemed your
due.’ ‘-

“ You are an honest man, and I will 've
you the rantee—but you have a ring, so 'or;

,may I as where on ot that?” ,

n “ The Senor Va dos ad-—” ‘

“Ah, es; you recotered his body and took
05 the lug.”

« To the visitor this surmise of Don Diablo was
a most agreeable one, for he had the ring of of-
flce upon his finger but he showed no emotion

got the lion’s share,” growled

’ ~ at the escape he ha made. and answered:

“ Yes, captain, the Senor Valdos .fell upon
the rocks?”

“What a pity to mar so handsome a face and
form as he had; but tell me, senor—you did not,
tell me your name—” »

‘.‘ edro Sanchez, ca tain.”

“ Ah! Senor Sane ez, or rather Captain

force have you on the island

now?”

“Forty men, senor; but they are busy to-
day repairing the damages of the storm to our
small emit in the basin; will you not go ashore,

‘ ' senor captain, and be my guest for the night?”

“No, thank you, Sanchez; this vessel is my
home now and am determinednot to leave it,
except under extraordinary circumstances; but

3 I am always at home here to my friends or

foes; is tha wreck I see on the reef the result
of a late'stormi” , - ‘
“Ya, ca taiu; it is the St. John of New
York a pan et ship.”
‘.‘ A'h! chased the vessel once; there must
ve passengers.”
“,1 have a lad and two gentlemen ashore;

I - they were the o y survivors.”

Alad , eh; handsome!”
"Noti - avored, captain.”
' “Rich?”

“ Yea, I think so, and shall demand good ran-

'spm, which ' oushallhave u 11 our next visit
‘. to the  p0

as well also your in the St.
JOhn’s cargo, which I shall have had returns
from in a couple of months; will you return as
soon asthat, sailor?”

"‘Possibly, though, I expect to make a run
from here up the Atlantic coast as far as
Charleston, and then around the Bermudas, the
{pass a few weeks in the
ollow the Mexican coast

.a successful cruise, I will levy on an old Jew
who lives there—”
“Jacobi Douro?” .
“Yes; 'you how him?” ~
“Be is the Vera Cruz agent to whom w
send our cargoes for disposal; but I detain you,
captain, so will take my leave," and the visitor

arena . .
‘ I ‘3 Well, I confess I do not like this locality for

aveasel, even in calm weather, and generally

hasten away; haveanother glass of brandy be-

fore you go, senor.”

. The invitation was accepted, the liquor was
' of! and grasping t e hand which Don

', dashed ,
, Diablo extended, the visitor went on deck, and
‘ from thence into his boat.

“You are not as stylish, as Captain Valdos,’
for he came aboard with a full crew,’

' {called out Don Diablo.

“ The men are all busiin the basin, cariztlain;
adios ” and, waving his and in farewell, ow-

. ard devigne pulled ra idly shoreward, while

the schooner at once 30 under way and stood
in a northerly direction.

“Go on, t on red-handed fiend in thy red
” and re-
Howard De Vigne
on b the reef, -a
be for he

geese through a fearful ordeal, w 'ch he
had ardly dared hope would prove successful.

CHAPTER XL.
-‘ PUT TO THE TEST.

Wm Howard De Vigne rowed into the
basinthe men all looked up from their work,
and all who had held any suspicion of him
were now satisfied that they had been wrong,

The lug er had been raised and was dragged
ach for repairs, and in a few plea.

for the channel t

 

 

, est you

 

sant words the young‘sailor complimented them
upon their rapid wor , and then asked:

“ Did you get your money lads?”

“We did, seller, and than you, sir; the lad
paid us more to—day than the Sefior Valdos
gave us in a year, and to-night we’ll drink your
health in some of the old Wine we have stowed
awa in the cavern,” answered El Cabre.

“ on’t go it too strong, lads. for when the
wine is in the wit is out, you know; but who is
the light’keeperl” ,

“I am, senor,” said Sancho, stepping for-
ward.

“Well, my lad, ouvneed not light the Beacon
again until I to you, for Chief Don Diablo
says a search expedition is to be sent to find us
out, and to-morrow you must et the cargo out
of the wreck and then set the ull on fire, so it
willmot attract the attention of a passing ves-
se .

So saying, Howard passed on u the hill to-
ward ‘t e glen, fully satisfied wit having in—
vented an excuse that would prevent the loss
of an other vessels through trusting in the
False con. '

Going straight to his cabin he found there

‘Guatil, who welcomed him most warmly, while

he said:

_ “The Senor Manly and his wife have been
most anxious re arding your safety, senor, and
begged me to to 1 them of your return, so I re-
ported that you had left the schooner.”

“I will 0 over and see them; but where is
Captain aldron?”

. “ On the Beacon Rock I left him, sefior.”

“Seek him, please, Gautil for so I will call
you, as you seem to still wish
inco ito.”

“ es, sefior, I care for no one else to lmow
me as other than I appear, a lad.”

“I will not betray you; now ask Captain
Waldron to join me here, please.” ,

Guatil darted away, and Howard walked
over to the cabin assigned to Mark Manly and
his wife, and was met by.them at the door,
while Magdalene said, earnestly:

“Oh, how glad we are to know that you
passed the gantlet of that man’s eyes in safety.”

“Yes, De Vigne, we were most anXious‘

about you—don’t misunderstand me, not about
ourselves, but you, for I assure you ,I am not
the man I was when I cruelly insulted you in
hljlpw York, and you sogenerously spared my

e.

“Yourshot, which so nigh sent me to my
grave, set me to thinking, and this little darling
proved such a devoted nurse thatI made her
:3 wife ‘as soon as I recovered, although she

d me what she had done to get you out of

rison; come let the dead past bury. its dead,

orgive me all, and take my hand 'as that of a
friend.” ' i V

The generous tone of Mark Manly, and his
h‘ank manner, caused Howard De Vigne to at
once p his hand, and say:

“ es, with you, I say et the past be for-
gotten; but come to my cabin, for I see Gautil
and the captain approaching and I wish to
settle upon. some plan of action, for we must
leave here as soon as ible.” ‘ i

As- they reached t e cabin they met Gautil
a3? - lCaptain Waldron, and the latter said,
q at y:

“ Do you recognize this rinvg, De Vigne?”

“Yes, it is the same that aldos wore.”

“True; the waves washed his body upon the
western rocks, and seeing it, I went down and
reached it; these documents may rhaps inter-
” and he handed overa undle of let-
ters, which Howard glanced over, ,while a
stran 9 light came into is eyes.

“ ey are invaluable, ca tain, and decide
me upon a plan of action w ich I think will
prove successful; if not, we must in some ‘way
manage to escape from the island and leave
the wreckers to themselves,” and havingread
the letters aloud, they all entered into a discus-
sion as to the best plan to pursue, for the felt
that one mistake made with the Wild nd
would be like a rk in a magazine, and what
could the do, if t e suspicion and anger of two-
score rec ess outlaws were aroused?

' “Guatil, ask the men to come to my cabin
all of them, at meet; you, my_frlends, had
best retire to your quarters to av01d sus cion,”
said Howard, and the others ‘havin _eft, he
paced to and fro until voices warned 1m that.
the wreckers were approaching.

Meeting them at t e door, he ran his fearless
eyes over the crowd, allowing them to momen-
tarily meetthe gaze of each man, and then said
in his clear, distinct tones, that those in the
other cabins, so deeply interested, also heard:

“ Lads, you know but little of me, but I am
determined you shall know me better, for I in-
tend to save your necks from the gallows.”

Each man was now dee y interested,  the
crowd drew closer, wh' e Howard De Vigne
continued: '

“ You have lived here, leading a life of fiend—
ish crime, for a few pesos in gold, while your
leaders have been reapin fortunes—fortunes
made out of the misery an death of others.

“And one of those leaders had already ar-

ranged to betray you—"

Savage exclamations here momentarily in.

to preserve your _

 

terrupted the speaker; but after a pause he‘
went on: '

“I have here the written proofs that he had
plotted to betra you into the hands of a Span-
ish vessel, and or it he was to receive a large
sum in gold and a pardon; here are the letters
of correspondence which you can read, found
amon his effects.

“ ithin two weeks that vessel is to be here;
but they will not find you when they come, for
I wish you to go with me.”

“In what service, captain?” asked El Cabre.

“ In a service that I pledge you will pay you
Well, and gain you a. pardon for the past; What
say you, lads?”

A wild shout went up from the crowd, and
El Cabre cried: -

“You’ve struck us square, captain; we hav
hearts, though we are wreckers, and if you
pledge us good service, and no questions asked,
we’ll follow you. ”

Another shout greeted the words of El Cabre,
and Howard De i e said:

“I'thank you, in s; in the morning a part of
you go to work on the cargo of the ship, and.
he balance put the lugger in perfect trim, and
load her with what we can carry from the
packet ship.

“ In one week we sail from Wreckers’ Island.”

Another cheer was iven, and the wreckers
turned away, while oward ,De Vigne reén—

tered the cabin, to meet the tearful yet joyous.
face of Guatil, who had seen an heard all,
while she said, in a low, earnest tone:

“Senor, now I know that the days of Don.
Diablo are numbered.”

CHAPTER XLI.
THE RETURN.

dark, one stormy night some»
three weeks after the scenes related as having
transpired upon Wreckers’ Island, a bigger
swe t in past the San Juan d’Uloa and dropped
anc or in the harbor of Vera Cruz, not very. far
from the shore, and at a point above where the
mass of vessels were anchored.

Though, to an ordinary observer, difi‘ering
little from the ordinary vessels of her class, to a
true seaman’s eye the lugger presented a trim—
mer build, longer masts, and a capacit for
spreading far more canvas than was usualIy Set
on a mere coaster, and she was handled, as she
came into the harbor, in no lubberly manner
but in a masterly style.

After dropping anchor a boat was lowered
and four of the half-dozen muflied forms on
her deck entered it and were pulled shoreward.
by one oarsman.

“Wait here, Sancho, or in yonder pulpen'a,
where you can refresh yourself,” said one of the
party, handing the oarsman a iece of gold and
pointing to a sailor’s lodging- case and saloon
not far away.

‘_‘ Thank you, captain; you will find me there
when I am needed,” was the' reply, as the four-
he had brought ashore moved up into the town,
their cloaks drawn closel around them, as
though to keep out the chi] air and rain. “

As though thoroughly acquainted with the
city, the four friends set of! at a brisk walk and
in a few moments stopped before a. dingy-look-
ing building, the door of which was closed, but.
through the glass window of which were visible
specimens 0 nearly every small article manu-
factured, from a compass to a crucifix.

A rap at the door brought in response the
keen-eyed, saucy-faced Emanuel, the boy-of—all—
work in the shopéof Jacobi Douro, who seeing
four visitors mu ed to the ears, started back in
aflright and glanced at a huge blunderbuss-
hear at hand, as if threatening to use it, though
he feared it as much as he did the intruders.

“I Would see the Senor Jacobi, Emanuel.”

.The giving of his name, and in QJOIIW tone,
reassured Emanuel, and he answe :.

“ The senor is out.” r .

“Then, ask the Senora Waldron if she will.
see me.”

“ There is no such lady here, senor.”

“Ah! I had forgotten; I mean the Senorita.
Consuelo.” '

“ Who shall I say, senor?”

The stranger made no reply, but simpl re-
veakd his face, and the led at once invi the-

my in, while he dashed away on his errand,
kind y motionng them to seats upon two b’un»
dies of old clothes and a coliln, which some un--
fortunate had pawned.

“ The sefiorita says come up at once,” was the
remark of Emanuel upon his return, and bid-
di the others await him, the ,one who had
spo en ascended the stairs, and u on entering
the room was warmly welcomed y Consuelo,
who said, earnestly:

“ I am so glad you have come as soon as you
received my father’s letter.” -

“I’received no letter from your father, se-
fiora. ’ ‘

“What! why, he wrote you, Senor De Vigne,
to the Wreckers’ Island. ”

“It did not reach me then, for I have just ar-
rived to-night, and—” I

“ Alas! you know not then m affliction,”
and the beautiful head was bowed in grief.

D “I had heard that you werecaptured by Don

iablo. ‘ ,

 

SHORTLY after

 

 

 

 

i
l
i
i

 

' non Diablo, the metastases

25

 

 

r18:I‘ldd’li! you have heard then that poor Jack is

“ I know that Don Diablo forced him to walk
the plank, senora; but he did that once before
and esca .”

“Ah, yes, but, alas! not this time, for how
could be, ironed as he was?"

“ I cannot believe that Captain Waldron
died that way, sefiora.”

“Senor De Vi e, do not raise my hopes to
blast them," and onsuelo spoke almost angrily.

“ I do not intend to, senora; I heard of your
trouble from one who witnessed the affair, and
he-said that when the irons were placed on
Captain Waldron the executioner whispered
something to him, and—"

“God of Israel! I recall that now, and we
were near the shore! Ah, senor! you know
Emething of my husband, and that he did not

e.

“ Tell me, senor tell me and I will fall at
your feet and worship you."

The beautiful woman dropped on her knees as
she sBoko and raised her clasped handsto How-
ard e Yigne, who was deeply moved by her
mingled hope and dread, and answered in a low
voice, while he raised her up:

“ Senora, I do know of your husband; he did

esca .”

fish perfect abandon of joy she threw her
arms around Howard’s neck, and burying her
{ace uponlhis broad breast, burst into a flood of

ears.

He waited until she was calm once more, and
then said:

“ Senora, your husband I would not allow to
come with me until I knew all, for he did not
know what your fate may have been."

She understood him, and said roudly:

“ Senor Americano,‘ tell my usband that I
am his true wife; tell him that my gold saved
me from death by my own hand, for, bad there
been no hope of escape from the power of Don
Diablo, I would have driven the dagger he gave
me to my heart.

“And, senor, even now my father has. gone
to do that which never before did he do in his
life-— hat is, play a gambling game, that he
may ry to win with cards, at monté, a vessel
now in this harbor, and whic‘i the owner will
not sel .” ‘

“ our father buying a vessel, or rather
gambling to win one, lady?” asked Howard, in
sur rise. a

‘ Yes, senor, at my request; and that iswhy
he wrote to you, to place you in command of
it, that you might hunt down Don Diablo."

“ Senora Waldron, that is wh I came to
Vera Cruz; in a word, I wen among the

‘ wreckers to rescue one whom I knew they held

captive, and' accident made me their leader,
and face to face I met Don Diablo, who came
ofl $111.0 island in the Sea Gipsy, your husband’s
vesse

“Two weeks ago I sailed from there with
two-score brave wreckers,  tw ) shipwrecked
Beople. a lad, who; like you, seeks revenge upon

on Diablo,aud—' ' ' .

“ Go on, senor; why do you pause?” she asked,

erly.
‘ And one Jack Waldrou.”

“ Israel’s God, I thank Thee!"

“ He was picked up at and then wrecked
0:) theisland; butlhe tell you his own
I I' . ' t 5

“ ow, downstairs with me are two Ameri-
canfriends of mine,and the lad of whom‘I
Spore-4’

i Kannd Jack, senor; Jack, my husband, where
s e

“ On board the luglger, seiiora- but I will re-
turn and bringhim ere to-n' ht; now I crave
your hospitali for my frlen .” V ‘

“They shall ave it, for we have ample room,
senor; ask them up at once for your friends are
the friends of Jacobi and Consuelo.”

Howard De Vigne instantly obeyed, and in a
moment Consue’o had extended a warm wel-
come to' Mark Maul , Magdalene and Guatil,
the lat two being male attire. for on the
logger the latter had made known her sex, and
beenfiven the aft cabin 'with‘Mi-s. Manly.

“ on are my guests ’now for I, just told
.Senor De Vifine that his frien s are my friends,
and I will or or terreshinents at once; but on,
sefior—” and sh turned to Howard Wig: a
pleading look, which he understood, for he

said: \

“will at once. seiiora,” and he left the
housean swift! wended his we back to the
shore, where he ound Sancho w 3, ma was
put on board the in ger. ‘ .

“Come, Jack, a. is mum; your wife
awaits you,” he said JOYIUHYi lind from Jack
Waldron’s inmost soul came the words:

“ Thank God!”

“ El Cabre!”

“ Si, senor,” and the wrecker officer entered
the cabin.

“There is'a chance of at once securing a
splendid vessel that is in port—”

“Sancho was telling me, senor, he heard in,

.the ulpen’a of an American armed yacht, that

, an merican gentleman had lost at monté to

jor-Commandante N avaro, and it might be
tight for a good sum.

:

 

\ 1

“He says the watermen say she’s a beam
sails like a tornado, and I know the lads wo
put their cash in the locker, should you need
more funds.”

“No. my good friend, I have suflcient, or
can get it; uowI leave you in command, and
tell the lads I hate to keep them bound below
deck but will soon release them."

“ Oh, they don’t mind a little squeeze, senor
for they come up half a dozen at a time to get
fresh air; will you return to night, senor?” _

“Yes, by dawn at furthest, and 1 lefilve you
in charge, El‘Cabre ” and sprin ing to the
boat, in which El irate was eady seated,
Howard bade Sancho pull once more for the
shore, and on the way heard his story about the
famous schooner.

Landin , the two friends Went straight to the
house of acobi; but, upon the meeting of the
husband and wife. so cruelly parted, so strangely
met, I will not speak, for their joy was too
sacred to intrude upon but will go on. to state
that hauin gained the address of the club,
where Jaco icould be found, Howard De Vigne
left the Jew’s house, accompanied by Mark
Manly, and sought the gilded Hall of Chance.

CHAPTER XLII.

rim TUB-R or A cant).

Tim ded Hall of Chance in Vera Cruz was
crowde r notwithstanding the stormy night
with all the sports and gentlemen gamblers o
the city for of late soelge intensely interesting
games had been play , and the Major-Com-
mandante Navaro. former] a heavy loser in
all games of chance, had of ate been a steady
winner, and had mined several young men of
the town, so rumor said, by his good luck,

Havin won the armed yacht of an American
of .wealt , who had put into Vera Cruz, Fer-
nando had refused to sell it even to his own gov:
ernment, but had shown a willingness to stake
it against a large sum of mono .‘ , ~

In this, however, he foun no .takers for
awhile; but at last he ave out that Jacobi
Douro the Jew mone - ender, had sent him
word that he would pu the sum named against
his yacht, and play him for iton acertain ni ht.
V T is was the cause of the large gatherin t
night of storm, and, tothe surprise of all, acobi
Douro had promptly put in an ap nee, his
mone in hand, and his face e but deter-
mine .

What he wanted with the vessel no one could
conjecture; but he seemed determined to have
it, anda table was assigned to him and the ma-
jor, and all other games stopped to see this one

played. V
o b not a mbler,’ the Jew showed no
ignplpaungce of the at e, and ayed steadigyeand
coo , although t e sum pu up was dou . the
wort of the yacht. I

At last the game of nwnté ended and the ma-
jor-commandante saidsneeringl : j

"‘I have won,senor and it oesme good to
finger your money, without having your fin are
on a piece of paper to which my autograp is
attached.”

“ You can finger-more of it, actor for I stake
the same sum once more against the yacht,”
was the Jew’s Cool romark, but instantly be

said: . ,. . ,

“I will stake you to the amount I have made
clear oflof you, my ms. 'or; thenI will not really
have lost anythin o my wealth, excepting
wfigou bro ht n.” ‘

 

in t e me begin the spectators
crowdinagggound wi , more interest than before;
Asthis d commenced two persons

men game
entered the hallway below, and a aimed-form
standing there stepped before them, and said in
Spanish, yet with a foreign accent: _
“Senors, I be that on pgyfor methe eu-
trance fee, that may' stake e small amount I
have once more to try my fortune in that hell
above, where Phave lost my wealth, my all,
ay and almost my honor.”
There was something in the man’s manner
that caused the two he stop, and
toward him, as he stood under the

turnip
bright i ht, they sawa man  the shabby-gn-
tee hub outs of an American, and the co

and air of a gentleman.

“Great heavens! Ca tain Carter Dew ,is it

you?” exclaimed one o the men in
_'1‘he one he addressed looked quickly into his
face. and answered in a low (fine: ‘

" You are Howard De Vigne?"

“ I am, and glad torment you, and serve you,
as I feel that you need aid; this is my friend,
Mr. Manly, of New York, Ca tain Dewy.”

.“ I have seen Mr. Manly be ore, and am glhd
to meet him, but I thought that—”

Ca tain Dewy dpimsed, evidently embarrassed,
and oward sex with a smile:

“ Go on, captain; you thought that Manly
and myself were not good friends: true but
that is in the past, and we are the best of friends
now: but how is it I find you here?”

“ You mean comparatively in rags, and pen-
niiess?” said'the other, bitterly.

“ Yes, for I know you were rich, and I have
not to tten that ouvwere am of my stench
friends 11 my trou es.”

‘11 believed there was some mistake, De
Vigne, for I knew you too well to think you

stranger as

 

had”intentionally freed a pirate Ike Don Dia-
0

"' Thank you, captain; now come, let us go ’

above into the saloon, for I intend to try my
luck to-night.”

“ Howard De Vigne, do not do it; look at me,
and see a man ruined from love of blin .

“ I had a fortune, and I came here on a cruise,
in in own armed acht, Government having
gran d me a car‘s eave.

“To-ni ht have five pesos and I was goin
to tempt ortune with those; if Fortune turneg
her back on me, I had this to end in da s."

The man spoke impressively, an as , con-
cluded, drew from his breasbe. pistol.

“No, no, Dewy, it is not as d as that, for
there are better days for you, I pledge you. ’

“ I am no gambler; but once before 1 tom ted
Fortune an intend to do so again to- ht
merely to gain possession of somethingI can-
not secure otherwise; that is, if it s not won
by another person; by the we , you came here
in your armed acht; did you ose it gaman ’5'”

‘ Yes, to Ma or Navaro, a man I believe to
a cheat, for, until lately he always lost instead
of won; but what his underband method is no
one can find out, and they believe him honest.”

“Ah, forearmed is forewarned, if 1 have to

lay, him; it is your yacht I came here to play
or.

“ He wants a high stake a that it”,

“ He shall have it; aims and Howard De
Vigne led the way up—stairs, followed b his
two com 'ons, whose entrance fees 0 five
pesos he pal at the door. .

The second game for the yacht had, ended ,
when they entered, and there was considerable
excitement in the room‘ but they heard, as they
advanced toward the table:

“ Senor they say there is luck the third time,
and in odd uumbe so I will play you another
game for the acht. ’

It was Jaco i Douro who spoke, and instantly
Magor Navaro answered indiflerontly:

, ‘ Vs well, Jacobi; I tell you]: love to finger
your 0 d.” .

Wit surprise at' the recklessness of Jacobi
Douro, whose love of money was ,well known to
all in Vera Cruz, the crowd gathered closely

around once more; but Howard and his two

com ions had me ed to secure stands near
the ptgblle, and looki‘ilinggup, Jacobi Douro espied
him and started. ,

But the look on Howard’s face caused him to
check his intended reco ition and he settled
himself to his game, ' lay ng with more courage
than before as he re the had a friend near, for
the Jew well knew gublic opinion was against
him on account of is race, as, though than
there had gone to him when driven to t‘ge wall
for funds, and pleaded with him for go V , they
h Buth‘tii'inpionflytho h In ed thr ii on

e, me, u , in
fiautionsly E; J ecobi Dgurg, azimft‘hse others
addone in the favor of the to to major,
and the Jew turned away with dimist and dis-
ap out upon his face; but quickly be
h d,andthenoisyhumofvoioesceased as a

clearvoicosaid: ‘ p v " :

“Pardon, seller, but as on are in luck to.-
nighg’, perhaps you are to test it'fur-

It wu'nowue De Vigne that , and he, ,
stepped suddenl in front of the can ma-
jor-command '

Funandflavam started, and at first ee'emed‘
t this intrusion of a perfect
lance; but there was something
in the face and bearing of the tallyhsn V
man before him, that caused him to ob an
mgyretortthataroseto hislips,and lie-air;
wi coldness, et litely: '
“I‘l’uve not 0 or of the seiior’saoqueint-

about to

can whom on know present me
you,” an?’ How turned toward the man
whom the Mexican had rendered poor by win-

ning from him a fortune.

“ Certainly, Ma reocmmsndsnte Revue, ‘
.,,
’, \ 

this gentleman is eutenant Howard De
an American and my friend.” , -
The major bowed stifly, and replied! ‘
“I am to meet your friends Captain
Dewy; bu for their own sake, Iwou'ld advise
that they do not nzto break mgflmn of luck,
for ustnow Iamt e petof the kleGoddess,
of ortune.”
“sum, sailor, I am willing to risk in chances
with on; Iamastranger in your y, never
b ed but once before in my life. and would
honored if you would oblige me.” , .
“W l , butI have warned on; why, I'.
have just 11 a fortune from one of {he moneyed

institutions of our city, the Senor Jacobi Douro, ‘ '

one of the lost tribe of Israel, who, though a
rolling stone has managed to gathermoss.”

The syco ts of the major laughed at his
sarcasm thrown at Jacobi; but the Jew smiled
grimly and drew near the table those around
giving himroom, on account of his losses.

All was now intense interest, and every eye
was turned upon Howard De Vigne, who, with
Mark Man] and Captain Dewy upon one side
of him, an Jacobi Dpuro upon the other, took
his stand at the table, calm to indiflerence.

 

 

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A new pack of cards were called for by How-

' ard De Vigne, who took them, and leisurely and

critically examined them, which called forth
the reka from Major Navaro, accompanied
by s sneer:

“You do not seem to put much confidence in
our Mexican cards, senor.”

“No; do on ob'ect to their examination?”
and Howar fixed is fearless eyes full upon the
face of the Mexican, who flushed slightly, and
replied haughtily:

‘ I do not care to bemisunderstood; the Senor
Americana is welcome to the closest scrutiny of
the cards.”

“ I have made it, and am ready,” was the cool

reply. r
, en the major asked:

“ What sum, sefiorl”

“Name it yourself, my dear major."

“ Say tax thousand esosf” A

'“Ten, twenty, or ii , it matters not to me,
sofldr,” and the reply of Howard De Vigne
nerved the crowd up to the highest pitch of ex-
citement for the know their countryman had
no back own in '

,“Th let it be then ” and the 9 com-
menced, oward be V watch every
movement of his antagonist, rather the

cards. '

At the end of the game the American was the
loser, and the sympathy of the Mexicans was
shown by a happy hum that went round the
room. '

“ fish, senor?” asked Major Navaro.

“ th leasure; say twenty thoudand.”

' 9 game was played and lost by How-
ard Vigne, and the Mexican said, with his
one] sneer“ ‘

“My Jewish friend, Jacobi, there, as
is luck in odd. numbers; will you test t, Senor
Americano?” ' ' '

.“ Willingly; for five thousand let it be.” ~

And Howard lost it; and seein that he had
come down in his  in Dewy
and Mark Manly t ed to get him to desist,
wlu'lethecrowd seemedtofeel that hehad little

" left.

“The adage went against me, senor; is it
worth your whiletoplay for a thousand pesos!”
and Howard had that amount in his hands, at.
tor counting out the sum won by Major Na-
varo; '

“I will obli you, senor but I warn you
that justnow amthepetod Forums."
’“TheGoddsssof Fortuneismore flcklethan
a woman; but thanks for your kindness in
0 me byplaying for so mail a sum,” and
Ho was azh cool as when he began

_ n 9

And 9 was layed .and the
«WWas lostlgynfioward’, who’smilingly

“senor, you certainl are most fortunate, for
you have won my on wealth; but I have

Sign” a ring of beaugzy and value, gvhichaI’

stake was , outbound one",

and How i} hold forth his hand
a

bi :‘ , ‘ -,‘ V
 Senor Americana said,» had lost his

fortune- h0w then can he pay for wine for two

hundredpersons?” . V V
“Onto! m winnings,” said’ Howard, who

' had“ overhear 'the remark. .

“But. on have won nothing‘ senor.” ‘ .
' fabull.” ’ '


' shrugged his ‘shoulders,’ and
Howard turned to Mark Manly, and said:

“Manly, will you be my banker?"

“ W1] .9, x . . I

“ Permit me to be the actor’s security; bring
the wine, Voxal.” . ,

It was brought, ‘those present drinking a
toast to the American 0 y, but meaning it
for the majorcomman ante, and the e

sliced and was slowly played throng ,the
Mexican with his sheeting smile seeming
less of the remit, and Howard De Vigne stern
and indifferent. ,
\ The burst of astonishment at the conclusion
of the game showed which way it had gone—
the Mexican had lost.

Howard De Vigne showed no triumph in his
face, but said,  -

“The ring and ten thousand now, ma-
gor.

lesing of the former game seemed to surprise
and annoy him, although on former occasions
he had lost thousands without the tremor of a
misc}: ' u. ' be 19. ed d
11 am e game was gun, y an
lost—fo-rgMajor Navaro. Coolly coun ing outthe
amount charged for the wine, and, paying it,

these

The ament was given with. a frown, for the .

 

Howard once mom staked his ring and the bal-
ance of the money, and' once more won, amid
the hum of excitement that went through the
room. .

He had now regained what he had lost, with
some over, and again ut the entire sum, with
the ring, upon the tab e for the major to cover
with an equal amount, which he did, although

his face had grown black with assion.

“The American wins!” was t 6 shout at the
end of the last game, and Major Navaro turned
from t table, his face livid.

“ Ho l sefior commandante, we play again,”
said Howard sternly.

“No, no, De
whis red Ca tsin De .

“ es, Do i e, you ave won a fortune; let
us 0,” added ark Manly.

ut Howard smiled p easantly, and again
called to the Mexican: ‘

“ You play a in, sefiorl”

“ No!” came he fierce reply.

“ I played to my last peso; are you a coward
that you refuse?” came the stinging query, and
a silence as though death hind strode into the
vast saloon followed the words. ,

“Nombro do Dias! No! I will glory you un-
til one of us is beggared and then 0 d you re-
s nsible for our insult thrown in my teeth,”

outedthe exican, and stepping up to the ta-
ble he said, savagely:

“ Name your sum 1”

“ y ring and my w'mnings.”

“ Enough I"

In ectsilence the gambling scene began,
and n a furore it on ed, for once more the
American was the winner. ,

“ Again, s-flor major-oommandante,” said
Howard DeV , in his pleasantest manner
andheplaced erlngandvastpileof notes
the tab e.

“You go and in cash now, senor,” said
Navaro, meagry. y

“ Whatsum will you stake?”

“ One hundred thousand esos.”

“Against my ring and n ty; so be it,” and
the major’s money once more changed hands,
while through his set teeth, he hissed:

“ ombre de Dias! I am ruined I”

“‘No, senor, on own a handsome yacht,” sug-
gested Haw ' . '

“c I will not play for that,” was the angry re-

tor .

“ on (bread my friend, Ca in De ,to
putfiupas a stake, after-you m won mm
mane . ' ~ ’

“ rim not stakethe yacht.”

“If you do not, are a cowar ”

“What!” and 0 Mexican half-sprung to-
ward the American, whose voice rung out
threateningly, as he cried: ,

“H01 senor, do not dareme, even in your
own in ;‘ I repeat, swallow my words, or stake
the acht.”

“ cu havo there an accursed hick-stone;

9

mil _ take it 08 the table and I will stake the yach
for the m jar to 00k at the .ruby ring, for no man shall sayI am a coward.” ,
while his sang-flow manner over his losses won ,Howard De Vigne smiled and said:
i the admiration of nearly all. , nt, for they ’ “ Semi-,1 will‘ take the ring and all I have
sawthat Mark Maui and Dewy were won agmnst your yacht.”
(1W audeven acobi nro ssenednsr- “No.” '
vans, and looked more than he had _,“Doyoufearasimple ruby!” -
ourhisownloéses.  v , “Ifearnothing;lwillfiia as oupropose,”
“It isa Ihave never seen , and with firm-set teeth, , jzr avaro turned
thesettingismost uni ue.and1 stake‘the tohisgsme; but, with haggard eyes and pellid
sum ouname against senor, wl pleasure," as a coir-pee he turned away, for once more he
said r Navaro. ’ had to . , ‘ ,
_" major-commandante:but allow me “Senor my yacht lies at anchor, I believe,
to ' for wine for the gehtlemen resent.” ,near the Mexican cruiser, Cherucca; '1 will take
I ButtheMexieauhostdemm-red,“ V a - onofhermthemorningatten-please

‘fo'rm your sailing-master to that effect.

All how gazed upon Howard De Vigne as
tho ' g was something of the supernatural
abon , and even Captain Day and Mark
Mau‘liy were thunderstruck, while scobi Douro,
can] not suppress the intense delight’that per-
vaded him. ~

“ Senor Americana, 9. word with
Major Naval-o strode up to Howard
who answened indiflerantl’y:

“ With pleasure, sefior.’ ‘ v

" You have thrown an insult in my face, and
I demand a meeting, for no retraction will do,”

the Mexican. '

“ None shall be
cline a meeting '

‘ - on ” and
De Yig'ne,

ven, senor,- and more, I do-
you.»
“What! are you. then a coward?” and the

Mexicanspoke loud enough {or several to hear '

“0h,no, butl never meet as a gentleman
one whom I know to be a cheat and a mur-
derer.”

Fernando Navaro was now wild with rage,
and seemed about to spring upon the American,
to tear him in ieces; but something in the e e
of Howard De igne'held him at bay, and e
said with suppressed passion:

“ Curse you, what mean you?” ' .

“ Simply, that I discovered your little trick
in playing, and thwarted you each time; and
more, I know why asergeant and two men were
shot for El Pirate's escape; don’t drive me dear
major, to make public that which would cost
you your life "and Howard De Vigne turned
awe. . and fol owed by his two companions left
the all of Fortune. ‘

l .~

Vigne, let well enough alone,”l

 

CHAPTER XLIII.
THE TWO SCHOONERS.

Wm Howard De Vi 6 left the Hall of For-
tune, accompanied b ark Manly and Captain
Dew , he wended his way in the direction of
the ome of Jacobi Douro; but hearing rapid
footsteps coming after, the three paused, and
soon a form came in si ht.

“it is Jacobi the ew; well senor, now I
greet you with pleasure,” and Howard extend-
ed his hand, which the Jew grasped warmly,
and said:

“ And rejoiced am I to see you, senor.

“ Land of Israeli but you have nerve and it
has brought you a fortune—and the sc ooner-
yacht.”

“It was the yacht I went there to win, senor,
go Lgiye back to,‘you what you lost in the ef-

or

’ .

“Yes, yes, for I would not keep your gold,
nor that of my friend Ca tain Dewy here, for
I won back for him his oases, and enou h to
pay him for his yacht, which I have to e of!
of his hands for a little service; allow me to
present you, gentlemen," and Howard intro-
duced his two friends to the Jew, who at once
invited them to his home. ‘

.“Ahl we have anticipated your invitation,
senor; at least Manly and milieu have, for his
wife, and two more of my ends are there,
one of thbm being no other than—who do ydu
suppose?”

"The God of my fathers knows. "

“ One you believed dead—”

“ El Pirate!” '-

“The same.” . .

The Jew halted suddenly for they had been
walking along, as they talked, and his li s
movod as though in a prayer of thanks, w e
be said in a tone almost inaudible:

“Now willthere joy come once more to my
poor Consuelo.” '

“Yes, she is more than happy,but hereWe.
are. - *

A knock from Jacobi brought Emanuel to
the door, his eyes halfclosed with sleep, for it.
was after midnight, and in the gorgeous cham-
bers of the Jew a hapfiygarty were soon assem-
bled, while Howard e i e took out his win—
nings, and counted out t e sums lost to the
major by the Israelite and Captain Dewy, in—
sistin tbatif they did not take, the money he
woul return it to Fernando Name.

This quickly decided them, and a laugh fol-
lowed at their eagerness to awfiate that
which they were determined the 'can should
not lay clutches on again.

“Now, Dewy, as time is flyin , let me ask
you what you paid for your yac t, for I in—

tend keeping her for a special urpose?" ‘
“She was built in New Yogi, after a model

of one purchased by a Mexican tain for his

service—I believe his name was aldros.”

Howard De V' as glanced significant! at E1
Pirate. and askeE: , y

“ Who was the builder captain?"

“The noted cruiser-b ' der, Fulton.”

“ Ah! and her tonnage?” ' »

“ Two hundred.” ,

“And she was just like the Mexican craft?"

“ The twin of it, even to. and armament,
for Fulton was so wit his work on the

I ‘ th 1513:: hehlaidhethe kete‘l of”my schooner
be ore e 0 er , r mas in.

“ lire any of your crew now in Vera Cruz?”

“ Yes, a score or more of them, or fellows;
but fortunately I paid them 03 b ore I lost in
money, and some of them have shipped in 
terent vessels.” _

“ I believe you were cruising for pleasure,
cagtain?" ' _
th arter Dewy hesitated for. a moment, and

will not refuse to you what service
on. , ~ . .

“Ihadaleaveofs ear and atmyown ex-
pense arm e 1150122611? and manned my schoon-
er; but I the Government a roving
commission to hunt down the wreckers an
pirates ofthe Gulf, and it was given me, but
see how I abused it. ’ _ _

“ Name your price for the craft, captain!”

“ She is yours already, De Vigne.” r

“130, I Wish to pay you the sum she cost.
you.

“ De 'Vigne, I make her a present town."

“ Upon one condition I accept it.”

“Name it.” .

“This gentleman is Captain Jack Waldron,
former] of the ‘can serv and for him
Fulton nilt the craft, of whic yours is a
model, and Don Diablo, the Red ver, now
commands her, for he cleverly captured her.

“ Your schooner I want to cruise after this.
chief, who dyou remember seen. when in my
charge, an for which escape was dismissed
from the navy as you know, with the stigma
that I was bribed by him.‘ _

“This I intend now to to, by carrying
back in irons Don Diablo. and that is why I need
your vessel.” .

“You shall have it, De Vigne, and gladly,

and I willjoin you, if so you please.
“That is what I was coming to; Waldron.

en . , ,
‘ “De Vigne, after our kindness tonight, I.
was,

 

Don

Diablo, the Planter-Corsair.

2'7

 

goes as my first, and you shall have the berth of
second lieutenant, if you will accept it.”

“ VVillingly and I don’t deserve that for hav-
ing made such a consummate fool of myself; in
the mean time let them at home believe I have
committed suicide, turned pirate, wrecker, or
anything ” said Carter Dewy, bitterly.

“Wrec or you cannot turn, at least on the
Bahamas, for I captured that band and have
them now on a lugger in the harbor, and they
are to form my crew on your vessel, for in the
morning I shall take possession of the yacht,
and run her up to an anchorage near my wreck-
er craft.” v

“Senor, have you no berth for me on our
vessel?" asked a soft voice, and turning, ow-
ard discovered Nita Sabinas, no longer in male
attire, but clothed in a becoming suit which
Consuelo had prevailed upon her to put on.

“ No, senorita, the duty we go on must needs
be such as on] stern men may meet; you re-
main in Vera ruz until I bring you word that
Don Diablo is no more—that you have been
avenged,” said Howard, kindly.

With a sigh Nita Sabinas turned away, but
there was in her face some stern resolve that
those who saw it could not fathom. r

 

0
CHAPTER XLIV.
LED T0 aunv.

Tun sprin line had come, and the migratory
birds were ying from the sunn clime of the
South to the far North; the my, perfume-
laden breezes floated from the shores over the
waters of the Gulf, and all nature, on sea and
land, seemed lulled into cheery repose. ,

Even a. stately brigantine, with all her canvas
set, moved slowly along over. the waters, as
though unwilling to disturb their placidit y with
her 5 arp prows.

A close glance at this vessel, and the reader
reco 'zes the Videtlza, cruising along the south-
ern s ores of the Isle of Cuba and within sight
of the land, for a short while before she had t
the port of Santiago, where she had touched r
letters, bro ht over from Havana.

About the ecks the officers and men were scat-
tered, reading over and over again the sacred
missives from those they loved in their far-away
American land, and smiling with pleasure, or
wipin away the tear-drop, as they read cheer-
ful ti ings, or of sorrow and misfortune.

Seated upon the quarter-deck of the Vidette,
readin a pack 9 of letters, was Lucille Mars-
den, w 0 severe. months before had been re-
stored to her father‘s arms by accident as it
were, as the brigantine had 5i hted the shall?
the second day after it left the rockers’ Ialan
and giving chase, for Nick Nabob had dreaded
an enem , had overhauled and captured a prize
that ma the father's heart lad.

As the Tudors wished to re urn to their home
in the North, Nick sailed with them for St.
Augustine, and landed them in safety, while
Lucille had remained with her father.

Determined to ascertain the fate of Howard
De Vi no, and to break up the wreckers’ band
Nick abob had headed for the cruising ground
of the Vidette, after landing the Tudors, and in
compan with her set sail for the rocky island
on whi had stood the False Beacon.

But its deceiqu rays did not greet him, as he
had expected, and a force landing from the
shallop, diacovered that the ill-omened crew had
flown, and, returning to the Vidette the ex-
wrecker was made coxswain of the captain’s
gig, an honor be fully appreciated. v

As Lucille sat reading her batch of l ters
while her father was looking over his 0 cial
corr ndence, her face wore a look of sadness,
which had haunted it since that fearful night
when she saw Howard De Vigne sink beneath
the waves.

Now, as she read a letter, her face suddenly

ed, then flushed, while she cried in trembling I

ones:

“Father, I have a letter from Nellie Tudor,
and she saysshe has just heard from Magdalene
Fielding— ou remember they were school-
mates, an she ran 01! and married that Wild
young fellow Mark Mani , who fought a duel
with—with—Howard; we , she writes, that he
has made Magdalene a good husband and that
they are now in Brazi , where Mr. Manly has
had business to call him; but the strangest of
all is that they were wrecked on the Bahama
reef by the False Beacon, and—and—rrescued
from there by Howard De Vigne.”

Captain Marsden sprung to his feet with
flushed face, and cried, earnestly:

‘l‘firod grant it, my child; but read on, read
on. -

“She writes,” resumed Lucille, excitedly,
“that Howard professed to be sen_t from Don
Diablo, killed the wrecker captain and won
them over to him, and that he broke up the
band as it was, and sailed for Vera Cruz, where
he secured a vessel and went in search “of this
famous Red Rover, since which nothing has
been heard of him; oh, father! can all this be
true?”

” I trust so, from my heart, child, but—”

“ Sail ho 1”

Captain Marsden started at the cry from the
fore—top, and glancing ahead, as the Vidette

 

suddenly forged beyond a heavily-wooded island
point, saw a large vessel lying to, not a league
distant. .

“ She’s an American by her build, and— By
Heaven! there lies a vessel 'the other side of
her, and—to your guns, men! for yonder floats
the black flag !”

The ringing tones of their captain caused
every officer and man to spring to his feet
ready for busy action.

Letters were thrust aside, and at once the
deck became a busy scene, and in a few mo-
ments’ time the crew Were at the guns and the
vessel ready for action.

“Lucille, I have been examining yonder
craft attentively— Hal there he leaves the
ship, and has set her on fire; crowd on sail, Mr.
Tudor crowd on sail!” and Captain Marsden
turned to his first officer, Randolph Tudor, and
who was a son of Colonel Tudor.

“You were sa in . father—" and Lucille
looked up from the letter from Nellie, which
she had again been reading.

“Yes, was saying the yonder craft is the
schooner of Don Diablo— Ah! there he gives
us a good view of him now—it is the Sea
Gipsgho, lads! yonder flies Don Diablo, the
Red verl”

A cheer urst from the. crew at these words,
and the idette, under increased sail, went
swiftly along in pursuit.

“The ship is signaling sir; and they are
fighting the fire hard," said Randolph Tudor.

“True; we must be humane first; head for
the ship, helmsman, and we’ll see what they
want, and then continue on after the pirate
for he cannot run us out of sight, as I weli
know, having chased that same craft from New
York to Vera Cruz.”

The position of the three vessels now, was, the
schooner nearly a league distant, heading in the
direction of the Isle of Pines, and the lar .ship
lying to, near a small island that ha con-
cealed her from the decks of the brigantine un-
til almost within range of her guns, while the
Vidette was heading for the merchant-vessel,
from which she was distant not quite a mile.

As the Vidette drew nearer it was seen that
the crew of the ship had fought down the fire,
though that they had not expected to be able to
do so was evident, as the boats had been low-
ered, one of which was pullin toward the brig-
antine, and contained half a omen rsons. .

“ Ho, the Vidette!” suddenly h ' ed a man in
the boat, as the bri antine drew near.

“A , ay,” replie Captain Marsden.

“ onder schooner is the Sea Gi , under
that sea fiend Don Diablo; he rob the ship
but your coming frightened him OR and he set
her on fire- I beg that you allow me to board
you and aid in the pursuit.”

Captain Marsden was oing to answer that
he had no time to stop pick him up, when
Lucille cried:

“ Father, that is Mark Manly! do you not re-
cognize him? and that is his wife with him;
please ask him on board.”

“Luff, helmsman! luff sharpl steady now,”
called out Gawain Marsden, quickly, and then
filling}: the t he bade the oarsman come

ongsi e. '

The maneuver was quickly and skillfully ex-
ecuted, Mark Manly and his wife being drawn
on board, without the headway of the bri -
tine being sto d, and at the %ngway t ey
were met b aptain Marsden, andolph Tu-
dor and Lu le all of them havmg known each
other in New York.

“ Mrs. Manly, you owe it to Lucille that you
are to enjoy a sea fight, for I stopped for you
on her account, and you, Manly, shall serve as

my aidé.’ .

‘I will ladl do so, captain, I assure you,
for I owe t at on Diablo 9. grud e, for his past
treatment to friends of mine an but for your
oomin he would have burned my ship, and we
would ave been captives; see how nimny the
fellow flies.” ‘

“ But we gain on him—ah! he is changing his
course, Tudor so we’ll head him ofi.”

Randol h Tudor gave the necessary order,
and the rigantine altered her course full a
dozen points, by which she hoped to gain upon
the pirate,whose strange maneuver now brought
her in range.

“Down below, girls, for our work be ' s
now; forward there! let him feel your me I”

Hardly had the order left Ca tain Marsden’s
lips, when the bow guns burst orth with a ter—
rific roar, and away flew the iron messengers,
to fall near the corsair and sprinkle his decks
with spray.

“Again, lads! aim true and knock his spars ‘

out of him, but save his hull!”

“Ay, ay, sir," came cheerily from the gun-
ners, and once more the heavy pieces pealed
forth, and one shot went through the mainsail
of the pirate; but, before they could a third
time belch forth their fury, one long, loud cry
arose forward from a. gunner’s lips:

“ Breakers ahead! hard! hard down!”

Sternly the order was repeated aft by both
Captain Marsden and Randolph Tudor, and
like lightning the helmsman made the wheel
spin round, and the sharp bows swung quickly
in obedience; but too late, for the impetus

 

—4

drove the noble brigantine hard upon a sand—
bar that lay hidden under the sea.

She struck hard, but fortunately her masts
stood, and there remained, while suddenly the
pirate was Seen to put about, and rapidly his
guns now poured forth their iron hail upon the
defenseless Vidette.

“ Th’E’nk God it was not a rock; but here she
sticks, and will stick; until that devil knocks us
to pieces, ” cried Captain Marsden.

‘ There’s no water, sir, in the hold, and, if it
wasn‘t for that pirate we could lighten her and
float her off,” reported the carpenter, coming.

aft.

“Yes, but that fellow is there, and will con—
tinue to fire upon us and perha s cause us to
take to our boats, for we cannot )ring a gun to.
bear upon him- too bad! too bad 2"

And too bad it certainly was, for cruising:
nearer and nearer. Don Diabld kept u an in-
cessant fire, and his well~trained and ougvex—
perienced gunners sent their iron shots into hull,
and rigging of the Vidette, and brought many
a gallant tar to the deck to die.

“Curses on him! that is why he chan ed his
course, to brin us on that sunken san -bar,’
said Randolph udor, pacing the deck like an.
em edlion.

“ ome, Tudor we must lower the boats to.
leeward, and lpull hard for yonder island, or he
will kill us a! , helpless as we are now; you go
first with the ladies, and when on are out of
ran e, I will set the poor crafta re and follow.”

" our duty, sir, is to your daughter, 11 w
that the ship is lost, so I Will remain and bring;’
the men 03— Great God! see there!”

The startled cry of the young lieutenant
caused ever eye to turn in the direction he

d, and ram every 1i broke an exclama~
'on of surprise at what t ey beheld; but what.
it was the next chapter will reveal. ,

 

CHAPTER XLV.
m 30mm soaoom

AT the cry of the startled crew, both Lucille!
Marsden and Magdalene had hastened on deck,
and they too, gazed at the strange sight in.
open-eye wonder, for, swee ng out from be»
h nd an island, with a speed hat seemed hardly
possible with the breeze then blowing, came a
vessel, the exact counterpart of the Sea Gipsy,
with two exceptions.

Those exceptions were, first, that from bull to
truck she was painted scarlet.

Yes, the long low, gaunt hull, the pencil-like.-
bowsprit the tall masts, raking far aft, the
yards all were of a scarlet hue. ‘

And more, the canvas, from jib to top-sails,
was of the same crimson d e while ugfin her
decks was a crew that looke iike grim ephis-
tos in their scarlet suits, mannin guns that tip--
peared red hot in their intense co oring.

This was one exception in the strange craft’s‘
likeness to the vesse of Don Diablo; the other
was her flags, for she carried two, as did the,
Sea Gips‘y. '

Instea of the black flag floating at the Sea
Gi y’s peak, on the Scarlet Schooner was a flag,
wi h ared field, in the center of which was a
black gallows, with a noose hanginglfrom it,
while at the fore, where Don Diab 0 ad a flag
with a green field in which was a Gipsy in
black, the strange craft had a blue fleld, upon
which was a white is stran ling with his:
talons, and packing wi his be , a large red.
sea serpent.

. “ He sails underno flag known to civilization,
sir," said Randolph Tudor, lowering his lass
after a close examination of the schooner.

“Captain, it is a scarlet craft I heard of on
the South American coast, and it is said to be a
phantom; see! Don Diahlo is ii in from him,"
and, at the words of Mark Manqy the crew
broke forth in a wild cheer for the Sea Gipsy,
on catching si ht of the red schooner, had sud-
denly ceased ng at the Vidette, and taken to
flight, as though her crew had seen the Flyin ;
Dutchman, or the ghost of some craft they had
sent to the bottom with all on board.

“ Now, lads to get the Vidette 0!!! lower the
extra spars, . Tudor and make a raft for our
guns, and, when thus lightened, we’ll tow her
off with the boats,” and, at the order of their
on tain, the brigantine's crew sprung to work
w th 8. will; but stop ed suddenly to gaze when
they saw t e Scar et Schooner receive the
fire of the a Gipsy Without any apparent

arm.

Finding that he was cornered by islands and
bars, Don Diablo at about to run around a
point of land by w ich he could reach open wa-
ter, and thereby brought his broadside to bear
upon the Scarlet Schooner, and kept up a rapid
running fire upon it.

But, whether it was the movement of the Sea
Gipsy, the nervousness of her ners at the‘
close proximity of a vessel that they believed a
phantom, and which did not return their fire,
or_ what was the reason, none knew: but, cer-
tain it is, Don Diablo cursed his crew for lub»
berly marksmen, for they seemed to fire in
vain.

And nearer and nearer came the Scarlet
Schooner, until but a few lengths divided tilt m,
and the crews of the Vidette and the merchant.

Don- Diablo, the Planter-Corsair.

 

 

ashipgasedon with the deepest interest to see
what would bethe result, for the blood-red color
of the strange craft, her seemingtlfr demon crew,
her escaping uninjured, apparen , the shots or
the pirate, and not firing in return caused the
superstitious seamen to behave also that she
partook of the supernatural.

“See how the pirate awsl his crew must be
crazed with fear; by e tunel I never saw a
more masterly maneuver ” cried Ca tainMars-
‘ den, as the Scarlet Schooner was skillfully laid
alon do the Sea Gipsy.

“ ehold the red demons boardl the look like
flyin harlequins; hurrahl hurrah! ’ shouted
Ran olph Tudor, and the crew took up the
cheer and sent it ringin across the waters.

And thus they aze for a few moments,
night coming rapid y on, and the istol flashes
alone lighting up the scene throng the gather-
ing gloom. 7

ut suddenly the rattle of firearms, clash of
steel, and shouts of combatant ended, and si-
lence fell 11 on the scene which darkness shut
out, and o y dimly in the distance were visible
[the two vessels lying side by side.

Yet still all eyes gazed over the expanse of
waters, until the moon soared above the watery
horizon and glimmered upon the sails of the
two schooners that werempproaching the spot
where the Vidette lay, the one white and ghost-
ly—loolnng in the silvery light, the other weird
and fearful with its red sails reflecting back the
radiance with supernatural glare.

Nearer and nearer they came, the Scarlet
"Schooner leading, and when within hailing dis-
tance there came ringing over the waters like
clarion notes:

“ The Vidette, ahoy l’

“Howard De Vi e’s voice among a thou-
sandl” cried Mark anl , joyfully.

“ Ho, the Scarlet Sc oonerl” shouted back
Ca tain Marsden, while all listened breathlessl ,
an Lucille, like a statue, stood waiting, watc -
ing, longing to catch the next words.

“ I Will send boats to your aid and lighten
you oif that bar.”

“Yes, it is, it is Howard’s voice,” cried Lu-
cille, while her father shouted ba k. .

“Ay, :3, many thanks; but come yourself,
Captain e Vigne, for old friends await ou;
glue: cheers, lads, for the captor of Don ia-

0

Three such cheers as the Vidette’s crew gave
were seldom heard on a craft of her tonnage,
and, hardl had their echo died away when I. e
Scarlet Sc ooner swept up into the Wind and
lay to, the Sea Gipsy immediately. doing like-
wise, while from the two vessels boats put off,
one of them black the other red, but with a
scarlet-coated and capped crew in each.

Breathlesst all on the Vidette watched their
approach, and the seamen were draw 11 up to re-
ceive the visitors, who the next moment sprung
on deck three in num ber.

“ Howard De Vigne, from my heart I wel-
come you,” and Captain Marsden grasped the
hand of the tall, splendid-looking man, who was
clad from head to foot in scarlet.

“And here are others to welcome, Captain
Marsden; Carter Dew . whom ou know, and

.m& other lieutenant, ack Wal ron.” A
aptain Marsden greeted both oficers warm-
ly, and then said:

“And here are others to welcome you, De
Vigne' come, Lucille, Magdalene Tudor, Manly
Nick Nabob4in fact, come all 0 you, lads, an ,

t the Victor over Don Diablo, if he does
sail avessel thetlooks as it she had just been
launched in tho infernal regions. "

The meeting of Lucille and her lover before
others, was naturally constrained, and hearing
Captain Marsden’s remark, Howard De Vigne
joined in the laugh about the infernal character,
of his schooner, and said:

“That wasa device, ca tain, to add terror to
Don Diablo, and as a red, unting phantom we
have tracked him from sea to sea, to at last run
him to earth.”

“ And he is at last dead?”

“ I hope so, though we could not find his body
after the combat.

“ He fought us like the devil he is, and for
whom he is named, and my men say they saw
him tall by the hand of one whom I believed a
cabin-boy, but who proved to be a young Cuban

1 l by the name of Nita Sabinas, whom Don

iablo had cruelly wronged.

“ She was wounded, and her sex thus discov‘
cred, and I fear she may die; but she avenged
herself well, and all others whom that inhuman
fiend has wronged.”

“ I do wish on had his body to be certain he
is dead,” said aptain Marsden.

“ There can be no doubt of his death, for my
crew showed no mercy, the Birates asked none,
and the dead were at once t rown into the sea;
but come, sir, let us get yourvessel of! this sand-
'bank.”

“ And then, De Vigne?"

“Ho for New York, where I intend to turn
Don Diablo's schoom r over to the Government
report my hunt for him the past months, and
my action with him, and ask to have my dis—
missal revoked.”

“ It can be done: it will be done; now you

 

and your friends go into the cabin and entertain

the ladies and Tudor and myself will get the
Vidette ed this accursed sand- ile.”

“And poor Nita Sabinas, aptain Marsden;
may I have her brought here where Miss Lu-
cille can care for her?’

“ Certainly; my surgeon shall go at once for
her, and she shall have every attention; now go
into the cabin, where Manly will do the honors,
and you can rest after your laurels, as ou de-
serve, and within two hours I’ll have the idette
afloat.”

And Captain Marsden kept his word, for, be-
fore midnight four vessels were heading for the
western end of Cuba, the Scarlet Schooner lead-
ing, Mark Manly’s clip r merchantman next
and the Sea Gipsy and idette, under shortened
sail, bringing up the rear.

Once around the Island of Cuba, they shaped
fiend course west by north-west, homeward

un .

 

-. CONCLUSION.

AN old history, of the stirring times in the
earl years of the nineteenth century, tells us,
kin reader that Reno Quesala, better known
as Don Diablo, the Red Rover, was not killed in
the action between his vessel and the Scarlet
Schooner, but miraculouslv escaped to commit
man a deed of crime are he slipped the cable
of ii e; but it says nothing of the other charac-
ters of my owor lon romanco, so I, to fill, in
what. the historian as left undone, will say
that Howard De Vigne was reinstated in the
nav ,married Lucille Marsden and, after many
thri mg adventures on sea and land, died at a
ripe 01 age, and, under his real name, which
as a romancer I have not dared to use, lies
buried in Trinity churchyard, with his beloved
wife b his side.

0f its. Sabinas’s fate other than that she re-
covered of her wound, little is known, though it
is whispered that she won the name of the Cu-
ban Nemesis ere she shuffled of! this mortal coil.

And Jack Waldron, the adventurer, and one-
time El Pirata, the rival of Don Diablo, sought
a home for himself and bride in a foreign land,
where all trace of them is lost, and where
Jacobi Douro joined them, doubtless, as he left
Vera Cruz, it was said, in fear of hislife at the
hands of Fernando Navaro, who developed into
a gambler prince, and a. most dangerous man,
whom'all that knew him dreaded.

0f the other characters of this story I can
only say that they lived their allotted span of
years and passed away, some to rest in the
bosom of the earth,'and others, the sailors, to

 

find ves beneath the deep blue sea which in
life t ey loved so well.
THE END.
, . .
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81 THE HUMAN TIGER. Albert W. Aiken. 100
82 IRON WRIST. By Col. omas H. Monstery.. 10c
8‘3 GOLD BULLET SPORT. By Buflalo. Bill .  10c
84 HUNTED DOWN. By Albert W. Aiken . . . . . . .. 10c
85 THE CRETAN ROVER. By Col. P. Ingraham.  100
86 THE BIG HUN'rm. Author of “Silent- Hunter." 10c
8': Tan SCARLET CAPTAIN. B Col. Delle Sara... 101:
88 BIG GEORGE. By Jose h . Bad er, Jr . . . . . .. 10c
89 THE PIRATE PRINCE. y Col. P. ngraham.... 10c
90 WILD WILL. By Buckskin Sam . . . . . . . . . . . .. 10C
91 Tim WINNING OAR. By Albert W. Aiken. .. . 100
92 BUFFALO BILL. By Major Dangerflgbd Burr .. 10¢
93 CAPTAIN DICE TALBOT. By Albert .Alken.. We
94 FREELANCE, THE BUCCANEER. By Ingraham . 10c
95 AZHORT, THE AM. By Anthon '. Morris. Inc
96 DOUBLE DEATH. By Capt. Fred.- hittaker. 11m
97 BRONZE JACK. By Albert W. Aiken .  .. Inc
98 THE ROCK RIDER. By Capt. F. Whittaker.. . 10.:
99 THE GIANT RIF’LEMAN. By 011 C(mmes IN:
100 THE FRENCH SPY. B A P. Morris . . . . . . . ._ IN:
101 THE MAN FROM NEW ORR. By A. W. Aiken. 100
102 THE MAsKED BAND. By George L. Aiken .. 101-
103 MERLE, THE MUTINEER. Col. P. Ingraham.. In,-
104 MONTEZUMA, TEE MERCILEss. By In chum. 10c
105 DAN BROWN or DENVER. B Joe. E on. 100
108 SEAnus O'BRIEN. By Col. elle Sara . . 107'
107 RICHARD TALBOT or CINNARAR. B Aiken. ., Inc
108 THE DUKE or DIAMONDS. By Fred. hittaker. Mb
109 CAPTAIN KYD. By Col. Prentiss In aham . 10c
. 110 TEE SILENT RIFLEMAN. B H. W. erbert . 10c
I 111 THE SMUGGLER CAPTAIN. y Ned Buntline.. 10c
l 11% JOE PEENIX, PRIVATE DETECTIVE. By Aiken. 10c
11' THE SEA SLIPPER. By Prof. J. H. In ham. 10c
‘ 114 Tm: GENTLEEAN PROM PIKE. By P. . Warne Inc
I 115 THE SEVERED HEAD. By Capt. F.Whitta.ker. 100
. 116 BLACK PLUME, THE DEVIL OETHE SEA. By Col.
& P.1ngraham  .. .. .. 10c
117 DASHING DANDY. By major Dangerfield Bnrr. 10c
I 118 THE BURGLAR CAPTAIN. 3%J. H.1ngrnhum. 10c
119 ALABAMA JOE. By Joseph . Bad er, Jr.... Ir‘c
I 1:20 THE TEXAN SPY. By Newton M. urtis. . 10c
I 121 THE SEA CADET. Bv Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 107-.
I 122 SAUL SAnaERDAY. By Ned Buntline  . 10c
I 123 ALAPAEA, TEE SQUAw. By Francis Johnson. 100
I 124 AsSOWAUN, THE AVENGER. Francis Johnson. 100
125 THE BLACKSMITB OUTLAW. B H. Ainsworth. 10c
126 TEE DRuoN DUELIsT. By 001. T. H. Monstery. 100
127 SOL Scorn TEE MASEED MINER. By Badger. 10c
128 THE CREVALIER CORSAIR. By the author of
I “Merle. the Mutineer,” .. . ..  .. 100
' 129 MIssIssIPPI Moss. By Edward Willett..... 10c
I 130 CAPTAIN VOWANO. ByAlbert W. Aiken.  100
I 131 Bucxser SAIL By Col. Prentiss Inm‘aham.. 10c
132 NEMO, KING or TEE TRAMPS. By Capt. Fred.
5 Whittaker.... ..  . . . . . . . . . .. .. 100
, 133 BODY, TEE ROVER By William Carleton... 100
134 DAnEIE DAN. By 001. Prentiss Ingmham. 10c
I 135 THE Busn RANGER. By Francis Johnson... 100
136 TEE OUTLA -HUNTER. By Francis Johnson. 10c
I 137 LONGBEARD,TEEGIANT SPY. By OllCoomes. 10c
, 138 TEE BORDER BANDrrs. By Francis Johnson. 10c
! 139 FIRE-EYE. THE SEA HYENA. By In ham 100
140 THE THREE SPANIAEDs. By Geor 1e \ 'alker.. 100
141 EQUINOX Ton. By Joseph E. Bar ger, Jr. . . . 1(‘c
142 CAPTAIN Canteen. By Major Dan erfleld Burr 10c
143 TEE CEAR‘s SPY. By Thos. H. onste  10c
144 HUNCIIEACE or NUTRE-DAME. Victor ugo.. 10c
145 PIsTOL PARDs. By Wm. R. E r ..  10c
146 THE DOCTOR DETECTIVE. B rm Iemuel 100
147 GOLD SPUR. By Col. Prentss Ingraham. .. 100
146 E-AREED ALE. By 011 Coomes It‘c
149 BE BORDER Rims. Gustave Almard.. 10.:
150 EL RUBIO BRAVO, TEE G or TEE SWORD—
MEN. By Col. Thomas Ho er Monstery. . il‘o
151 THE FREanoa-Ens. Bv ustave Aimard.. . 10c
152 CAPTAIN IRONNERVE. 3g Marmaduke Dey 10c
153 THE WRITE SCALPDR. y Gustave Almard. 100
154 JOAQUIN, TEE SADDLE KING. By J. E. Badger. 10c
166 TEE CORsAm QUEEN. By 00]. P. In . 10c
156 VELVET FACE. By Major Dangerfie d Burr. 10c
157 MOCEAD TEE MAIIELUEE. By Col. Thomas
Boyer Monste . . . . . .. .. ..  ., me
158 THE DOOMED DozEN. Dr. Frank Powell... 100
159 BED RUDIGER. By 08 . Fred'k Whittaker.. 10c
160 SOP-r HAND, SEARP. y William R. Eyster.. 10c
: 161 TEE WoLvss or NEW YORK. B A.W. Aiken. 10c
I 162 TEE MAD MARINER. By Col. . Ingraham . 10c
163 BEN BRION, THE ’l‘RArPER CAPTAIN; or,RED-
I PATH, THE AVENCER. By Dr. J. H. Robinson. 10c
164 THE KING‘S FOOL. By C. D. Clark  10c
165 JOAQUIN, TEE TERRIIILE.~ By Jos. E. Badger. ICC

166 OWLET. TEE ROEEER PRINCE. By Septimns
, R.Urban  ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
167 Tea MAN or STEEL. Bv A. 1’. Morris... ..
168 WILD BILL, THE PIs-IOL DEA-D SHOT. By Col.
Prentiss In ham.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
I 169 CORPonAL ANNON. By 001. Monstery . . . . . ..
17 SWEET WILLIAM. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr
17 IGER DICK, TEE MAN on THE IBDN HEART.
‘ By Philip S. Warne. . . 
172 TEE BLACK PIRATE. By 001. Ingraham. 
173 CALIFORNIA JOEN. Bv Albert W. Aiken . . . . ..
1 174 PHANTOM KNIGnTs. Bv Capt. F. Whittaker.
‘ 175 WlLD BILL’s TRUMP ‘ARD. By Major Burr.
I 176 LADY JAGUAR. By Capt. Mark Wilton... ..
I 177 DON DIAsLo. By Col. Prentiss luggaham. ..
178 DARK DAsnwoon. By Major S. S. all. 

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No. 4. The Prairie Ranch; 01-. the YOung Cattla Herd; l
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88 His Own Anus. By Arabella. Bouthworth.

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64 WHAT Jimmie! Dm. By Alice Fleming.

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68 Wuvms AND Wm. By MissM. E. Bradden.

69 0.1mm. By Alexander Dumas. '

70 Ten Two Owns. By B’Ennery:

71 MiYole Wm. ByMyYoungWfle’sHusband

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78 Ron Minna. By Maude Hilton.

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1 Deadwood Dick, was Prunes orm BOA»
B Edward L. Wheeler.
2 Jellowstone Jack. By Joe. E. Badger, Jr.
3 Kansas Kin ; or‘l‘as Ran Rios-r Hum.
B Buffalo Bill( on. w... r. Cody).
4 fire Wild-Horse Hunters. By Captain
Mayne Reid and Captain Frederick Whittaker.
5 Va abond Joe, was Youso WANDsmo J".
B llCoomes. Double Numb" lOcts.
e m Biddon Trapper. By E. 3. Ellis.
7 The Flying Bankee; or. Tu Ocns Onw-
ms'r. By 001. Prentiss ham.
8 Seth Jones. B Edward 8. Ellis.
9 Adventures 0 Baron Munchansen.
0 Nat Todd. By E. 8. Ellis. .
The Two Detectives. B A.W.Alken.
Gulliver’s Travels. n Swift.
The Dumb 8%. By 0_ Coornes.
Aladdin; or. sWoNni’mt .
The Sea-Cat. By Captain Fred. Whittaker.
Robinson Crusoe. Illustrations.)
Ralph Boy, was Bor Buoomm; or. Tn
Foolms YAcn'r. B Col. Prentiss In in.
Sinde the Sal or. file Seven oyages.
The Phantom Spy. By Buflslo Bill.
20 The Double Daggers. By E. L Wheeler.
21 The Frontier Angel. By Edwards. Ellis.
22 The Sea Serpent; or, TEE Bor' Bonuses
Canoes. By Juan Lewis.
23 Nick o9 the Night. a C. Barbsugh.
24 Diamond Dirk. By onel P. lngrsham.
25 The Do Ca tain. ByBo Btsrhuok.
26 Cloven oo , was 3mm sues; or. Tn
nun Yum". By Edward L. Wheeler.
27 Antelope Abe,wss Bor Grins. Oil Courses
28 Buil‘alo Ben, was. Pluses or was Pinon;
or Dnnwoon Dies m Disomss. E. L. Wheeler.
29 who Dumb Page. snow. F.Whlttaker.
30 Roaring Balph Roe wood, was Bros-
Lnss Rmsa. By Harry St. Geor‘ .
31 Keen-Knife, Pumas or was  By
Oil Coomes.
82 Bob Woolf, was Boson Run-um or. 'i‘ss
Gnu. Dun-Snow. By Edward L. Whee er.
33 The Ocean Bloodhound. S.W.,Pierce.
34 Oregon Sold or Nm errus' Bar Br!
t. J. F. . Adams.
35 ii Ivan, was Bor Curios DWAL‘OI',TEI
ansnnoon or DsA'rn. B Ed. 1.. Wheeler.
36 The Bo Clown . By k s. Firm.
37 The Hi den Lodge. By T. C. Harbaugh.
.38 Ned W lde, was Bor Scour. By Texas Jack.
‘39 Death- see, was: D . Wheeler.
40 Roving Ben. By J. J. Marshall.
41 Lasso Jack. By 011 Coomes.
42 The Phantom Miner. B E. L. Wheeler.
43 Dick Darlirég rss Pom sass Bron.
ii; Capt. Frede ck Whittaker.
44 att lug Babe. By Bury St. George.
45 Old Avalanche was Gan-r ANNIHlLATOR;
or, Wnn Emu, warG'mL 3mm. E. L.Wheeler.
46 Glass E e, was GnsAw Snow or was Wm.
qu Capt. . F. C. Adams.
47 ightin ale Nat. By T. C. Harbau h.
48 Black ohn, was ROAD-AGENT. By edger.
49 Omaha Oil. By Edward 1.. Wheeler;
50 Burt Bunker, m Taurus. C. E. Lasalle.
51 The Bo Rifles. By Archie C. Irons.

62 .The Wh to Buffalo. By C. E. Lasalle.
53 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., was Bor Pnnurx; or.
Tnnooon 10 Drum. By Edward L. Wheeler.

54 Ned Hazel. By Cs t. J. F. 0. Adams.
55 Deadly - Eye, was snows Scour; or, Tns
BRANDED Buowmnoon. B Buffalo Bill.
Nick \Vhitlies‘ Pet. a t. J. F. 0. Adams.
Deadwood Dicllss Bag cs. By Wheeler.
The Border Kinfif By Oil Coomes.
Old Hickor . By a St. Geo e.
The White ndian. pt. J. F. . Adams.
Buckhorn Bill. By Edward L. Wheeler.
The Shadow Ship . Hg Col. P. lngrah
The Bed Brotherhoo . W. J. .
Band Jack. By T. C. Harbaugh.
Hurr cane Bill. B Jos. E.,Bsdger, Jr
Single Hand. B . J. Hamilton.
Patent-leather oe. By Phil! 8. Warns.
Border Robin Hood. B Buflslo Bill.
Gold Rifle. B Edward L. eeler.
Old Zip’s Cab . By Capt. J. F. 0. Adams.
71 Delatvare Dick. By 011 Coomes.
72 Mad Torn Western. By W. J. Hamilton.
73 Deadwood Dick on Dock; or, Cum
JANE, m Emma or Wsoor-Ur. By Wheeler.
74 Hawk-eye Harry. By 011 Coomes.
75 The Boy Duelist. By Col. P. mayhem.
76 Abe Colt,m CROW-KILLER. By A. . Aiken.
77 Gordan-0B Charlie, was BOY Bxuvo; or,
meoon xcx‘s LAsw Aer. By E. L. Wheeler.
78 Blue Dick. By ngtain Mayne Reid.
79 Sol Gin er, Gm pm. By A.W.Alken.
~30 Bosebu Bob; or Nmam‘ Nan, was Kmon
or was Gown. By Edward L. Wheeler.
81 Lightning Jo. By Captain J. F. 0. Adams.
Kit Hareioot. By '1‘. C. Harbau h.
3 Rollo, the Boy Banger. ego Coomes.
4 ldy] the Girl Miner. By . L. Wheeler.
5 Buck Buckram. B Capt. J. r. 0. Adams.
6 Band Rock. By . aldo Browne.
7 The and Pirates. By Capt. Mayne Reid.
3 photo raPh Phil, was Boy Sum-m; or.
Rosssrngos s REAPPEMCE. By E. L.Wheeler.
By Bracebrid e Hemyng.
90 The Dread Rider. B G. aldo Browne.
91 The Captain of the C uh; or, Tm: Yours
RIVA]. Am. BY Bmcebfldfle Hemyng.
‘92 Canada Chet. By Edwaxd L-Wh er.
3:: in: 1m mmr- worse“-
It Ir t J ac E l
Tm: BOYMER. By '1‘. C. Harbaugh.

~95 The Riva] Rovers. Lieut. Col. Hazeltlne.

an: raisins—HI—
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96 Watch-Eye, 'rss Smoow. By E. L. Wheeler.
97 The Outlaw Brothers. By J. J. Marshall.
98 Robin Hood, was OmAwsp EARL; or. Tns
Manny Man or Gnsmwoon. Prof. Gildersleeve.
99 The Tiger of Taps. By G. Waldo Browne.
100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or. A
STRANGE Swaoss ms Lissn'rr. B Wheeler.
101 Jack Harkaway in New By
Bracebri Homing.
ead- ye. By Col. 11: am.
103 The’ Lion of the Sea. By 00 . Bella Bars.
04 Deadwood Dick’s Device. B Wheeler.
05 Old Rube, ms Horns. Cgpt. .Bolmes.
06 Old Frosty was Gums. By .C. Hsrhaugh.
8; gneinyeg Sim. Egyfilmuskgecgwen.
ar ug av . r86.
09 Deadwood {lick aflotective. By
ard.L. Wheeler.
10 The Black Steed or the Prairies. A
W Stem! Texan Adventure: By Bowen.
1 he vil. By Col. P lagraham.
The Mad Hunter. By Burton Sass.
Jack Hoyle, was Yours Epsom-res; or.
Tn: ROAD ro Fem-mm. By Ed. L. Wheeler.
he Black Schooner. Roger Starbuck.
he Mad Miner. By G. Waldo Browne.
e Hussar Ca tain. Col. P. lngrshsm.
t-Bd ed Dic was Bram Dnsowxvs;
'l‘ss Ao—Ao s DAoes'rm. Wheeler.
ill Somers. was Bor Dun-mm Morris.
ustang Sam. By Jos. E. Badger. Jr.
Branded Hand. B FrunkDumont.
was qr. Bros'r; orI
. . .LWhesler.
P . 0. Morris.

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Privateer. Byfi. vendlsh.
Deadwoo Dick’s Double. By Wheeler.
Detective Dick. 13y Charles Morris.
The Golden Han . By Geo. W. Browne.
The unted Hunter. By Ed. 8. Ellis.
33 Boss ob, m KING or was Bomuoss:
or. Tan: PAmnona's Pwr. Ed. L. Wheeler.
34 Sure Shot Seth, was Bar RXFLEMAN; or Tn:
Yonno "more orwns Noam. By OllCoomes.
35 Ca lain Paul, ms Knmcxr Moonsmxmn;
or as Bor SPY or was Mons-runs. B Clark.
36 Night-Hawk Kit. By Joe. E. gen. Jr.
37 The Helgiess Hand. Capt. Mayne Reid.
38 Blonde ill; or, Dunwoon chs‘s Hons
Bun. B Edward L. Wheeler.
39 Judge ynch, Jr. B '1‘. C. Barbs h.
40 Blue Blazes; or Tm: ans 0‘ DA!u§OYS
or Rocxr BAa. By'Fran Dumont.
141 Solid Sam, was BO! Roan-Assn; or, ’l‘ns
Burma!) Brows. By Edward L. Wheeler.
42 Handsome Hang was Boo'rsucs Ds-
mcwrvs. By Ch les 3rrls. .
43 Scar-Face 8a 1. B Oil Ooomes: '
4 Dainty Lance, 11s 1 Bron. By Badger.
4 Capta n Ferret, rs: Nrw You Durac-
~ rrvs; or. Boss Bos's Boss Jon. Wheeler.
:1 Silver Star, was Bor Kmosw. y Coomes.
4
4

u~eem4acmb “N "90¢ 4am» “N

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Will \Vildilre, was Tnoaouossnsn; or,
Tm: Wnnmw HAND. B Charles Morris.
Sharp Sam. By J. exsnderPatten.
A Game or Gold; or, DsAnwoon DIOI'B
BIG Swans. B Edward L. Wheeler.
'50 Lance and Capt. F.Whittaker.
15 mm lerr or,
DAmws LANCE we was: Rsscus. J. E. Badger.
152 Black Bess, WILL WILDFIRE'S RACER; or.
Wmsmo AaAms'r Onns.- By Charles Morris.
153 Eagle Kit, m Bor Damon. By‘Oll Coomes.
1
1

1
1
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asso. B
1 Panther Paul, Tan,

54 The Sword Hunters. 81y .Whittaker.
55 Gold Trig or was Spear. . C. Harbaugh.
56 Deudwoo Dick or Deadwood
Tan chxnn mev. B Edward L. Whee er.
57 Mike Merry, was Anson Pouos Boner,
Tn Nxen'r-Hwas or annmnu. Morris.
8 Fanc Frank orColorado. BuflsloBill.
The ost Captain. By Whittaker.
The Black Giant. By J. E. Badger. Jr.
New York Nell was Ber-Gnu. Dmsowrvs;
or, On: Bunny's idem. By E. L. Wheeler.
Will Wildfire in the Woods. Morris.
Little Texas, was Yours Muswmann. A
Tale of Texan Prairies. By 011 Coomes.
girl-Indyll’toekis Pledge. By G.W. Browne.
y eggs Ire was 0A.!) 1302' or
Res 10 Esswn. y, Charles Morris. ' '
Hitkory Harry. By Barry St. Geo
Asa Scott, Tns SwnAMBOAw 80!. By Wi ett.
Deadly Dash. B J05. E. Badger. Jr.
Tornado Tom. y T. C. Harbaugh.
A Trump Card; or. Wm. wanns Wms
AND Losss. By Charles Morris.
Ebony Dan. By Frank Dumont.
Thunderbolt Tom. By Her St. George.
Dandy Rock’s Rival. By .W. Browne,
Bob Rockett, was Boy Donqm, Morris,
Captain Arizona. By Phi 8. arm,
The Boy Runaway" or, s BUCCANEEB
0. Tim Bu. Lieut. H. D.Perry U.S.N.
Nobby Nick of Nevada. in L. Wheeler.
Old Solitary. By Oil Coomes.
Bob Bockett m Burs Rmm Morris.
0 The Sea Trai er; or Avow Wsu. Kerr.
By Lieut. H. D. Perry, U. but
131 Wild Frank, was Bumxm Bum; or.
LADY Lin 3 LOVE. By Edward L. Wheeler.
182 Little Hurricane, m Bor CAPTAIN.
By 011 Coomes.
183 The Hidden Hand. By Chas. Morris.
184 The Boy Trailers. By Badgm-Tl'.

or,

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5 Evil Eye, Knm or CA-rru'r - or. T3!
Vunrvm or was Rio Guns. B . bumont.
‘6 Cool Desmond. By CoL D eBars.
7 Fred Halyard, was ers BOA-r Ber; or.
Tar Suuoonsns or m . By 0. Morris.

Ned Tern le, was Bonnsn Ber. Barbaugh.

Bob Roe ett, was Cumulus. By Morris.

Dand Darke. By Wm. B. Eyster.

Bull‘s 0 Bill , was Ber Bauhaus.

By Capt. A. B. lor. U. S.A.

Captain Kit. gent. H. D. Perry.U.S.N.

Captain Mask LAD! ROAD-Assn; or.

Puss-r run Jon‘s Dsruw. By Warns.

4 Bull's o Bill’s Bet. By Captain Taylor.

195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream. B Wheeler.

196 Shadowed; or, Boa Rocss-rr‘s om res
Lin. B& Charles Morris

197 Little rit,mWn.n Rxnss. By last-shun

198 Arkansaw, was MAB wrra rss Kmrs'.
By ‘1’. C. Barbsugh.

199 FeatherWeight. By Edward Wiliett.

200 The Boy Bedouins. By Whittaker.

201 The Black Hills Jezebel or Dan»
woos DIOK'I Wmn By Edward Wheeler.

202 Prospect Pete, or was Ber BmoAns; or,
'l‘as Youna Oomw Barnes. By ou Coomes.

203 The Boy Paras. By Jon. E. Badger, Jr.

204 Gold Plume, was 80! Bum-r. hgraham.

205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom. By Wheeler.

206 Dark Paul, was Truss. Kmo. By 0. Morris.

207 Nav 0 Nick, was Ber Gone Boa-rut. A
Tale 0 Arlsona. By’l‘. C. Harbaugh.

208 The Boy Hercules. By Oil Geomes.

209 Fritz, was Borneo-Boy Dswso'rrvs. Wheeler.

210 Faro Frank or High Pine. By Eyster.

211 Crooked Cale, m (Imus or Gnu-run
Cm. By Jos. E. Badger. Jr. 4

212 Dashing Dave, was Duns Ds-rsowrvs.
By Charles Morris.

213 Frits to the Front. ByE. L Wheeler.

214 Wolfgang was Bonn or m Rams.
By Captain ederick Whittaker.

215 Cu itnln Bullet, ms Barons KING. By
T. . Harbaugh.

216 Bison Bill, ran ancs or was Rams.
By Col. Prentiss Ingrsham.

21 7 Captain Crack-Shot. By E. L. Wheeler.

218 Tiger Tom, was Tam Tanner. By Oil
Coomes. .

219 Despard, the Duelist. Byl'. S.Warne.

220 Tom Tanner, Scmwm AND SCAPIGEACI.
By Charles Morris

221 Sugar Coated Sam. By E. L. Wheeler.

222 Grit, the Bravo Sport. By Ingraham. . ’

223 Ozark Air Krsz or was Mamas. By
Edward Willett, ‘

224 Dashing Dick; or, Tun-fronds CAswu.
By Oil Coomes. .

225 Sam Charcoal' the Premium Dar-
ky. By Charles orris. .

226 Sno'ozer, was 30! mar. By EdwardL.
Wheeler. \

227 Dusky Darrell, Tmrm. By E. Ememon.

228 Little Wildfire. By Oll Coomes.

229 Crimson Kate, was: Glut. rm... By
001. Prentiss lngraham.

230 The Yankee Rajah. By C. D. Clark.

231 Plucky Phil, orrs’sMws'rAm TRAIL. By
T. C. Harbaugh.

63“ noon

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a ma 30mm Q@ C

232 Gold-Dust Dick. By E. L. Wheeler.

233 Joe Buck, oi’Angels, AND Bis Ber PAsn
PAm. Powosnsomr; or Tn: Turns WILD MEN
or Emu: BAR. By Alhert W. Aiken.

234 Old Rock ’s “ Boyees 3” or Bsm'ro.
gas Yours onss-Bmm By Buckskin

am.

235 Shadow Sans, m Msssssosn Bar; or,
TURNING was Tums. By Charles Mom

236 Apollo Bill, was 'l‘sAu. TonsAno. ByEd-
ward L. Wheeler.

237 Lone Star, the Cowboy Cgtain
Tu Mstsmons RAEOBlEO. By lonel
tiss Ingraham.

238 The Parson Detective; or, erru
Snocsr, was Russ: or mm on. By
011 Coomes.

289 The Gold-seeker Guide: or 'l‘ns:  1-
MomAnl. By Captain Mayne‘ Rel . B

240 Cyclone Kit. By Edward L. Wheeler.

241 Bill Bravo and His Bear P d .
By T.C.Harbaugh. " '

242 The Two ‘Bloodsh. or. 8mm An
Bus. AND HIS GANG. By ChArles Morris. 0
243 The Disguised Guide' or Wm RAVEN.
m-Rmasn or was Norms. ‘By bl] Coomes.

Ready March 21st.
244 Sierra Sam ran Fnoswn: F ass-r. B
Edward L. Whee er. Ready Mai-‘01: gm. '
A new laws every week.

The Half-Dime Library is for sale by all
Newsdealers. flve cents per copy, or sent by mail on
receipt of six cents each. BEADLE & ADAMSI
Publishers. 98 William Street. New York.

or,
1‘ 011-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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1. A Hard Crowd. By P. S. Warne.

2. The Dare-Devil. By 001. Ingraham.

3. Kit Carson, Jr» Tun Cr.on Saar or
ckan Sam

um Wns'r. B Bu .
4. The lildna. per. By P. S. Warns.
5. The Fire-1‘ ends. By A. P. Morris.
6. Wildcat Bob, THE Boss Bumsnn;
on. Tax Bonanza Bmonnomzns. B Ed. L. Wheeler.
'2'. Death-Notch. TH]: smovnn; on,
’frnc Srnzrr LAKL: Avmsoms. By 011 Gnomes.
B. The Headless H n. Astmnge

orsema.
story 01 Texas. By Capt. ngne Beid.‘
' Hand . y Samuel Lover.

' y
10. Videcq, Tin: FRENCH POLICE. SPY.
Written fishimself. , .
l 1. dshipmnn Buy. Capt. Marryat.
12. The Death-Shot By Meyne.Beid.
13. Pathwaiz; on, NICK Wmms, THE
OLD Tamra 031m onrmsr. y Robinson.
14. Thayendanefea. By Ned Buntline.
er-S ay . By G. Asmara.

15. The

16. The ' “Wizard. Ned Buntline.

17. Nightshade. By Dr. J. H. Robinson

18. The Sea Bandit. By NedVBnntline.

19.'Red Cedar, Tim Plum OUTLAW.
By Umtavenimnrd.

20; “no Bandit at Buy. By Aimard.

21. .
T3? The Trapper’s Dye hter, on,

r 26. The .
27. The Spotter-Detective. By Aiken.
A 28‘ Roman. ByJ J 11131356393?»
swarm . r.
29 THE 5AM KING; or,
1’th S. Wang.
By J. E.» Badger.
'By Aiken.

Smwmsm Bgl’l'..J. .Bohlnson.

'. 88. Velvet Hand. y A. W. Aiken.
89. The Russia: Spy. By Whittaker.
“:3. The > J‘Pnardsz’ (311,
LITme I. . Wt. .
Geld Dan. By Allie: W.  r

45. Old Bull’s Eye. Jos. E. Badger, Jr.

46.'Bewie-Knife 36n- By 0‘1 000136...

Pete. By Jos‘. E. Badger, Jr.‘

48. Idaho Tom. m Yemen OUTLAW'
or

011009 es. ,
Demon. ‘Bth.Aflm.

47. 

or Summer».
49. Thew
B 5’0. gadwkghbit. THE Rummy Brow;
' ' 1' l‘.
yfif  flab; THE BOY ROAD-AGENT.
Byron Gnomes. I

.2. Denth ' Troiler, Tm: Cum on
B Hon. Wm. 1". Cody. (Buffalo Bill).
Silver Sam. By Col. Delle Sara.
54. Always on Hand. By P. S. Wame.
55. The Scalp Hunters. Mayne Reid.
59. The Indian Haxeppa. By Aiken.
D7. The Silent Hunter. P. B. bt. John.
58. Silva Knife. By Dr. J. H. Robinson.
59. The Man From Texas; By Aiken.
60:7Wide Awake. By Frank Dammit.
61. Captain Seawaifi By Ned Buntline
62. Loyal Heart. By Gustave Aimard.
' 63. The Winged Whale. Dy Aiken.
64. Double- t. the  Shot.
By Joseph E. Badger. r. ' I _ - " v
65. The Red Rajah. By F. Whittaker.
66. The Specter Barque. MayneReid.
67. The Boy Jockey. By J. E. Badger.
. 68. The Fighting Trapper; or, KIT
CAnsou To run RESCUE. B," Capt. J. I“. C. Adams
69. The Irish Captain. By Whittaker.
70. Hydrnhad, T‘H‘E STRANGLER; or,
Arman, mCamn or me Conn. By Robinson.
’ 71. Captain Cool-Blade. J. E. Badger
72. The Phantom Hand. By Aiken.

73. The Kni ht 'ofthe Red Cross;
or, TIE MAGICIAN or RANADA. Dr. J. H. Robinson.

74. Captain ofthe Rifles. Mayne Reid.
75. Gentleman Geor By Aiken.
76. The Queen’s u‘s‘keteer: or,
Tmsnn, m Pmcnss PAmns'r. By George Albany.
77. The Fresh ofPrisco. By Aiken.
78. The Mysterious y. By Grainger
79. Joe Phenix, POLICE PY. By Aiken.
80. A man of Nerve. By P. 8. Warne.
81. The Human Tiger. By Aiken.
82'. Iron, Wrist, the Swordmaster.
By 001 Thomas H. Monetary. .V .
83, Gold Bullet 531011;. By Buffalo Bill.
-84. Hunted Down. By A. W. Aiken.
85. The Cretan Rover. By lngraham.
' 86. Il‘he Big outer; or, THE QUEEN
or ran Woons. By th author of “ Silent Hunter.”
. The car-let Captain. Delia Sara.

Gm; or FIVE U'l'LAw Blwrmms. ByBadger.
89. 1* Pirate Pm“. By Ingruham:
90. Wild W111, THE MAD RANdHnno;

or. Tim Tnnmw TsxAN. B Buckskin Sam.

91. The Winning r. By Aiken.
92. Bufl’alo Bill. Tim Bucxsxx’N KING;

By. Major Dangerfield Burr.

93. Captain Dick Talbot. By Aiken.
94. Freelance, THE BUOOANEDR; or, The

War or m WAvr. By Col. Prwtiss sham.
93. rt, Tim AmnN. By A. . Morris.
96. Double-Death. .By F. Whittaker.
97. Bronze dank. By A. W.‘ Aiken.

. 98. The Rock Rider. By Whittaker.
'99. The Giant Hialeah. 011' (Jennies

L100. The PrenehSpw. ByA. P. Morris.
101. The Man front-New York: or,

Tu Romero: or A Bran Yawn Worm. ? Aiken.
102. ' Maskednand.’ Goo. Aiken

103. Merle, the Matineer. Ingraham.

194. Minuteman. the Merciless; or.

Ingmham.
. By J. E. Badger.

121. The'Sea. C t. By Ingraham.

128. Saul Sabberdnyflnn IDIOT Spy-t
or,-LuuoxA, m Sworn. B Ned Buntline.

123. Ala._ the 53.1.3... or, m
RDNMADns or m Boson. B ncis Johnson.

124. Assowaum. the Ave er; or,
Tm: D00: or m Dmnouns. By Franc a Johnson.

185. The 3 law; or,
Mm? GLAND. By HarrisonAjnsworth.

126. he Demon Duelist. By Monstery'
D 1237. SolDScott. €113 MAském MINER; or,

AN Dow’s ovens. oso ..Ba.dger.

188. The Chevalier (glean; or, Tan
HERITAGE or mm. B the author of “Merle.”

129. Mississippli ose. By Ed.Wiilett.

180. Captain oleano. By Aiken.

131. Buckskin Sam. By Col. Ingraham.

132. Home. King of the Tramps; or,
TEE Rom GmL’s Vuowcn. By Whittaker.
‘ 138. Rody. the Rover; or. TEE Rm-
BONMAN or Infinite. ByWilliam Carleton. V

134. Darkie Dan. was COLORED Dnrnc
mm'; or, Tm: MISSISSIPPI Myanmar. By Ingrahsm.

 The.» Bush Ran r 3' on. THE
i-ZALanEnanaADE. ’By Franc Johnson.

138. The Outlaw-Hunter; or. RED
1 Jens, ms Bvsn RANGER. By Francis Johnson.

137. Long Beard. THE'GIAN": SPY. By
011 Coomes.

138. The Border Bandits; or, THE
Hones-Tmnr‘s TRAIL. By Francis Johnson.

I

 

88.'Bi§uGeor e, Tam GIANT or THE '
he

'_ WmmSAND. ByWillinmR.

S y. ByN.M.Curtis.'

or AmzosA. By Jose h E. Badger

 

189. Fire-Eye, m SEA HYENA; or,
THE Baron or A Bucchmm. By Col. P. Ingraham.

140. The Three Spaniards. By
George Walker.

141. Equinox Tom, ran BULLY or RED
ROCK. By Joe. E. Badger, Jr. -

142. Cngtain Crimson, 711an or THE
IRON FAon. y Major Dangerfield Burr.

143. The Czar’s Spy. By Monstery.

144. The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.
By Victor Hugo.

145. Pistol ,Pards. By W. R. Eyster.

146. The Doctor Detective; 01', THE
Mirst? or Tim GOLDEN Comm. By Geo. Lemuel.

147. Gold S ur. TEE GEN'rmnAN mom
Tum. By Colonel rentiss

148. One ~Armed Alf, Tn GIANT
HUNTER or m GREAT LAKES. By Oil Coomes
149. The Border Rifles. By Aimerd.
150. El Ruble Bravo. KING or m.
Swonnsxns. By Col. Thames Boyer Monetary. ‘
151. The Preebooters. By Aimard.
152. Captain Irom‘rve, ran tCouxm
rmrm Game. By Marmaduke Day. I -
153. The White Scalper. By Aimnrd.
154. Joaquin, rim SADDLE KING. By
Joseph E. Badger,‘Jr.
165. The Corsair Queen.’ By 001.
156. Velvet Pace. By Major Danger-
field Rm.
157. Mom-ad. m MAmun. By
qu. Thomas Boyer Monetary. .
158. The Doomed Dozen; 01-, Dow
nous. rim Dmrrn’s DAnon'mn. By Dr. F. Powell.
159. Red Ru r. run Amman. By
Captain Frederick Whi or.
160. Soft Hands 3;; TnMAx

161. The Wolves of How Yen-k; or, -

Jon Parasite Gmr MAN Hour. By A. .W. Aiken.

162. The Mad 'Miu-iner: or, DISHON-
onnD AND DISOWNED. By Col. Prentiss Ingrahnni.

168. Ben Brion, THE Truman CAP»
um. By Dr. J. H. Robinson. '
Pool:

164. The King’s on. Tim.
gymgngsormmm mmmmmmcn.

165. Joaquin. the Terrible.' By Joe.
E. Badger, Jr. .

166. Owlet, the Bolshoi Wine; or

. Tan Umows HrmAmx. ‘ By EepflmusRUI-bnn:

167. The Han of Steel: or, Tar:
msmxmonrormePma Lnuon-ls.

168. Wild Bill, m Prs'ro‘n DEAD Bum;-
or. DAaors, Don's Down, By colonel Prentiss
Ingraham. v... ‘

169. Go rel Cannon. was MAN or-
Fon'rv Dons. y Colonel Thomas Boyer Monetary

170. Sweet William. In TRAPPIR
Dorm; or Tn Cam or menusoNCLAN.
By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. '

171. :- Dick. was MAN
Ines Hm'r. y Philip S. Werne.

178. The Black Pirate; or, In Mys-
rimz or was Gowns Fmims. ByColonel Prentiss
Ingralmm. » (‘7 . ~

173. California. John. m
Taorwuonnnnn. By Albert W. Aiken. . . .l ’

174. The Phantom Ms. A' Tale
of Chivalry. By Captain Frederic hittsher.

175. Wild 3111’: Trump Card.
Moder Dangerfield Burr. '

176. Lady Jaguar TEE
By Captain Mar Wilton. ’

177. Don Diablo, mu PLANTER-CORP
um. By Col. Prentiss mgr-sham.

178. Dark Dashwood. ms: Dnsrnns'rn-
‘or, 'lfan CHILD or ran sow. By Major 5. s. Hall.

179. Conrad, the Convict; 01', WAS
Hr: GUILTY? By-I’rof. Stewart Gilder’sleeve, LLD.

- or m
memo

By

RUBBER QUEEN.

March 29th.
180. Old Port -Nine: 0"me AMAZON
Dolley April 5th.
A’ new mm every week.

- Beadle’s mme Libmry’ is for sale by all
Newsdealers, ten' cents per copy, or sent by mail on.
receipt of twelve cents each. BEADLE a ADAMS. '
Publishers. 98 William Street. New York.