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Week- 98 WILLIAM STREET, N. Y.. September 2:. 1882. “~00 '~ Y9"-

 

lHIE GAMBLER  or, Bessie, the Lady of the Lagoon.

A COMPANION STORY TO THE “ SKELETON SCHOONER.”

 

 

BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM,

AUTHOR or “W, Tm: MUTINEER," “noxmzva, THE amnrnxss. ’ “ FREELANFE, THE n1icmxmcn,” “er13 BILL, 111: PISTOL mun snor,"
“WILD mujs GOLD TRAIL,” mu, ETC.

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“HOLD! CAPTAIN 3033mm SURRENDER on You D1121“ “ um ABOVE! YOU man mom THE SEA, mm. non-man!”

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The Gambler Pirate.

 

7h€tamhlei finite: 7

7

Bessie, the Lady of the Lagoon.

A Companion Story (to ‘f'l'he _
Skeleton Schooner.”

 

BY 00:. PRENTISS INGRAHAM,

AUTHOR or “ imam, THE MUTINEER,” “MON-
mm, mm MERCILESS,” lure.

 

CHAPTER I. v
TH]: LADY or ran: LAGOON.

A TRIM-LOOKING sail-boat was skimming
over the waters of Mississippi Sound, 'and
heading directly for a point of land a mile dis-
tant, and which jutted out from the shore in
the shape of a born, the curve being inward
and forming a small harbcrage. '

Upon the deck of the little yacht were four
persons, three in the garb of common seamen,
and the other in an undress uniform.

The latter stood in the bow, leaning against
the mast, and was gazing through h;s glass at
the distant point which was fringed with mag-
nolia and pine trees, and sheltered in their
depths a pretty little cahin, painted white.

Upon the porch of the little cabin cottage,
—for such it was—sat a young and beautiful
girl, engaged 'in embroidering some article of
apparel.

Her face was exquisitely lovely in feature,
and yet was bold and resolute in expression-—
not the boldness that marks forwardness, but
which denoted a spirit that had never been
broken. a heart that knew no fear.

Her hair was golden, and was worn in sim-
ple brai is, and her dress was pure white, of
some S'lfi: material, and was short, displaying
her sliavwly little feet and well-turned ankles.

Her hands were ilso extremely small, but
like her face, burned brown by the sea breezes
that were constantly wafted landward.

Her form was slightly ’above the average
hight of women, well-knitted. graceful, and
yet denoted strength and endurance.

The house was a rude yet pretty one, fur-
nished with ships' furniture, the. interior of the
cabin and the surroundings, however, showing
that a woman’s hand was over all, for flowers,
vines and cosey seats were seen here and there,
and the bonse was most tidy throughout, and
ornamented with many a. little comfort the
fair young girl had made. . _

Glancing up from her work, the maiden’s
dark eyes caught sight of the distant sail, and
instantly she started to her feet, crying:

“Why that is the yacht from The Ever-
glades, and it is heading directly for the
Shark’s Back. ’

“Surely Mark Mortimer cannot beat her

helm, for he would know his danger!

She threw aside her work, soiled from a“
bracket near the door a ship’s spy-glue, and
turned it upon the coming boat,_whichl.m
still heading. for the sunken reef known as' the
“Shark’s Back,” to those along the coast. , -

“ No, it is not Mark, and yet it is his boat,
the Water Spirit. ‘

“There are three seamen in the boat, and
one in uniform v

“Well, whoever they are, I must aid them,
for if the boat holds her present course a min-
ute longer she will strike and go to pieces.”

Laying aside the spy-glass, without hat or
wrap, just as She was, she darted down toward
the water's edge, where were several boats of
various sizes lying upon the white beach, and
n sloop of some twenty tons anchored OR the
shore about half a dozen fathoms distant. .

To one of the boats—7a long, narrow, deep,
but very lightly built skid—she went, and
with a strength one would not have julpmtad

' l of her, shoved it into the water.

\
\

\

Upon one ads of the ,gunwales we. lashed‘a
mast and sprit-sail, and upon the other a pair
of oars, while a rudder with tiller-ropes was
lying aft.

To step the mast, ship the rudder, set the
sail, and, sitting down amidships, to seize the
tiller-ropes, was not an instant’s work for her,
and feeling the breeze, which was fresh, the
surf skit! darted across the basin, rounded the
point, and headed out into deep water, her
destinies guided by one upon whose life a mys-
tery hung—one known along the coast as Bes—
lil Gite, the Lady of the Lngccn.

 

 

_ yous.

 

CHAPTER Ii.

‘ BESSIE AT BAY.

THE man in officer's undress uniform, who
stood in the forward part of the little craft,
whose course had so alarmed Bessie Gito, was
aman of striking presence.

He was tall, broad-shouldered, small-waisted,
with the look of a giant in strength and a wo-
man in gentleness.

He wore a full, dark-brown heard, but yet
sufficient of his face was revealed to show that ’
it was handsome, resolute and refined, while in
his dark eyes seemed to 'hover continually a
smile which lighted up his countenance greatly.

His arms wore folded upon his broad breast,
when he was not looking through his glass at
the little cabin on shore, or really trying to
see the face of the maiden who sat there on the
piazza; and he seemed to 'enjoy the beauty of
the scenery as the yacht bounded on.

But presently his quick eye caught sight of
a. shadow in the water ahead, and he turned to
the one of the three seamen who had the helm
and said: '

“Marco, you are sure you know the waters
in here?”

“Yes, senor,” was the reply.

“ It looks like a shoal ahead," continued the
officer.

" Yes, senor, there are shoals off this point,
but we can go through the channels.”

“ Ami yonder is the home of Juan Gitoi"

“Yes, senor."

“ i hope he is there, after my running in
here «if my course to see him, for I should
hasten on to my vessel with all speed.” '

“ If he is not, senor, his pretty daughter is,”
answered the man with a smile.

“I have no time to while away now even
with a beautiful woman, Marco, and I have
heard that Gito’s daughter was beautiful, and
that he guarded her as sscredly as a nun. ”

“She is known along the coast, senor, as the
Lady of the Lagoon, and a fine lady she is, for
Juan Gito has had her at a convent in New
Orleans the past five years, getting her educa-
tion, though her father is but a poor fisher-
man.”

“Yes, only a poor fisherman,” answered the
officer with a significant manner, and he
turned to walk back toward the stern when
his eyes fell upon the little surf-skiff suddenly
darting around the point.

“ Ha!” he exclaimed, as he steadied himself
once more and raised the glass to his eyes to
low] it upon the little boat.

But as he did so there came a temendous
shock, a crashing sound, and he was thrown
violently to the deck, and very nearly over-
board.

Then came the cry:

“ Now, lads, he is our game!”

With one accord the three men sprung for-
ward and upon the prostrate, half-stunned
mourned although he was sur rised and taken
whollznnnwnres at this attac of his crew, he
met them bravely. V

But they were ready for the work on hand,
and after a short struggle the officer was ironed

’ and also bound securely.

‘.‘ Hounds! what means this outrage?" he
cried, his eyes flashing fire as he was dragged

hit and thrown in the cock-pit, while the men

went forward to clear the wreck, for the mast
had gone down with the shock, .and the little
craft had driven straight and hard upon the
Shark’s Back, and remained there as firmly as
thoughppart’of thereof itself. , l ' _ ,'
The man who had been “command whom
his ofilcei- addressed as Mar-own“! ; - j- 
“ It means, senor, that we knew you 
are, and we laid this plot to get you low M
power, and win the price  ,on your

h ,‘d n . 
“ Devils!” said the officer through his closed .

teeth. .

“Oh you can curse us, senor. but ,thnigold
we getfor you will make .all that secrnliko
blaming. ,- ‘ . 
"‘Wo' knew your schooner had gone into-the
Black Lagoon for repairs, and that you were
visiting at The Everglades plantation, so we
just set our trap, by telling you that your
first luff had sent us for you, and thereby got
you into our power.”

_“And to do so, you have run this yacht
upon a reef, and how you are to get ashore
I would like to know,” said the prisoner,
whose free-and-easy air had come back to him.

“ Ah, that’s a part of our plan, senor, for do
you see yonder lagoon, putting in to the left

H Yes. i,

“ Well, sir, in there lies our little sloop,.with
two of our mates on board, and it will soon
put out, as soon as they see us, and tnkiw ll
01!, sail for New Oileans. f

“ I was afraid to take you inshore, as some
of the fishermen might rescue you, for they'say
you have allies all along the coast, so we stuck
here, toawait the coming of our little craft.”

The man then turned quickly, for he caught
sight of the coming surf-skin and cried:

“ Who in thunder is that?”

“It is a woman sailing the craft,” answered
one of his comrades.

A" 8Yes were now turned upon the surf-
skifl', which was now very near the wrecked
yacht, and lufllng up within easy hail, there
came the words, in a clear, ringing, yet sweet
veice:

“~Ho the wreck! you will have to jump
overboard and swim to me for me to save you,
for I dare not come nearer the rocks with this
sea running.”

“ We don’t want any help, thank you, miss,
for we have 'a craft inshore that will- soon see
us and take us at,” answered Marco.

“ But I do need help, miss, for these wretches
have mutinied and have me in irons,” called
lent the prisoner in manly tones. -

The maiden looked surprised, gazed an in-
stant at the four men, and, in spite of the
others holding him back, the prisoner arose
and showed her that he was manaclrd and
bound. ' ' I

Instantly she arose and unshipped her little
mast, and laying it, with its furled sail, in the
boat, seized the ours, and with her face toward
the wreck, Legnn to draw near the reef, and
under the lee of the little craft, for the ap-
proach from windward would have b. en inad-
ness; and, as it was, the sea was Very wild,
foam breaking over the rocks, and forming a
caldron beneath.

“This man is a pirate, mi, and we are of-
ficers of the law who have taken him prisoner,”
cried out Marco.

“It is not the truth, Miss Gito, for I am
Frank Forrester, a yachtsman, a guest at The
Everglades plantation up the coast, and a
friend of your father!" called out the prisoner.

“Are you Captain Forrester of the yacht
Jack-o—lantern?" asked Bessie Gito, with con-
siderable interest.

I “ I am,” was the response.

“ Where did you know my father?" she
asked.

“ I saved his life‘in Mobile a year ago, the.
first time I met him, and since then we have
often met." .

“True, sir, and I will now serve you.

“Men, you are mistaken, for that gentle-
men is not the one ’you say he is,” firmly said
Bessie, drawing slowly nearer to the yacht.

“He is Forreste'rfthe Freebooter, miss, and
we are not to be. cheated out of our game.

“We have him for, long time. and
played a bold-i-fllteili’o get ,h and don’t in-
tend to givehilflppJ’ 3  

The maidm-mgnd'ono but with a vig-
orous pu‘ll‘n’t  .ngsgher tlightt slfllfl
throw”.  '  :Iwa era 0 e
   had  clear over
hum.“ "wig.   5

‘ . gushed hfior the bow-

'  fant,,aޤ.springing on

4 game the sur-

 - ~collide;prevent, had

     
    
  

 . - .hOld upon their pris-
 .  fprcing down in the cock-
Plty. to meet girl, and were horrified
"to see that shuflfln her band aduck-gun,
which she had  the surf-skifl,find
held it covering  :, -'

I "‘ Into the cabin, .  fire on youl’,’ she
cried, in ringing tones.  ' . ~_v , i .

The three seamen were thunder-struck“ this

bold proceeding. ’ v a a
- They had risked their 1m. to capture a man
who, . they had   aniline under
“.56 colors as a yachtsmmfiz‘whpn he was in
reality none other than  the Free-
bootor. ‘ ' ‘7

- Under fair circumstnnoellhel had not dared
attack him, for they card not to wound or
kill him, and they had run the yacht on a reef
to sprinrupon him under the excitement of
the pretended michep. ‘

Now, a young girl held them at her mercy,

for they had only their knives with them, their
pistols being in their belts in the cabin of the

 

of the point!”

little craft. I

 

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“ Here, girl, you are a-playing a bad game,
which you shall suffer for," cried Iaroo,
threateningly.

“You shall suffer, now, sir, if you do not
obey me. v
“Into that cabin, the three of you, or I
ilrei" - r \ ,
They saw in her face that she meant every
word ‘she said, and by one accord, they bolted
into the cabin, intending to get their fire-arms
and make matters more equal. .

But, with the spring of a panther, seemingly
having detected their intention, she was at the
companionway, and closing the little doors,
bolted them quickly, while she cried:

“ Now, sir, come with me, and lose no time,
for it will not take those men long to break
out i”

 

CHAPTER III.
was mean. '

h was the first time in his life that Frank
Forrester had been at the mercy of a woman,
and dependent upon her for his life.

His hands were ironed, and the key to un-
loose them was in the possession of his toe in
the cabin. ' v

His arms were also Bound at the elbow,-so
that he was almost helpless.

Bessie Gito led him along the deck, dragged
the surf-skiff under the bowsprit, and aided
him into it, though with great'peril to herself
and the man she risked her life to rescue.

Springing into the boat herself, she un-
fastened the painter, and a wave dashed it oi!
from the rock, and like a feather in a mill-race
it danced upon the cauldron of waters.

But, undismayed. the fair Indy of the La-
gown stepped her tiny mast, spread her little
sail, and seated amidships as before, .wbile‘the
yachtsman crouched in the stern, she scudded
for shore before the'stifl breeze.

Hardlyhadthe skid gotten a dozen lengths
from the wrecked yacht, when a crash was
heard on board, and the companionway doors
flying open under the shock? out bounded the
three seamen, their pistols in their hands.

Loud and deep were their curses, when they
saw that their prisoner had escaped-them, and
raising their weapons, two of them fired at the
occupants of the flying boat, while the third
darted again into the cabin and returned with
a gun, which be pointed at the young girl,
while he cried sternly:

“Put that skifl about and run back, or I
fire.” a .

Clear and ringing came the reply of the
young girl: ‘ z" I

“ I dialiuotobey you, soars!”

The gun lashed, dndxthe'bullet struck in the
mast jut {above Bessie’s head, but she did
not flinch.  v

“ Put‘uboat, wig and give me up to them,
for he may harm you,” urged the yachtsman.

Bessie mass, and: replied:

“I! I'did sueh'a madly thing as that I
would not be worthytieo/lira.

“No, I do not believe the charges these
men made against you; and I shall are you
—-oli,r~see.'tlst craft, m outs of to la—
goon.” ' ’ ~ ' '

She pointed tea small stoop, pimdzhlack,
and witl‘wm “ill, Which was being

Wmo‘mt a lago‘m a mile

waflfi'ththtwa-e visibieapon

her‘rm'vuifl  .  ,

“kiwi” canals spoke of, and
they will run “HM?! coolly said the
prim” M" :9 can; «2

“She entered the ' at night, for
no Vessel can so “5‘ ’ “iflher or my-
self not see it; but they will not catch us.”

“In: tmwfl.’  For-
m; “:13ng ~ 1' *2 ‘3 {Lirfitm  ,

was» routs!!!” “

“You emittinng nachos scat, .

sum “genius yes to thus your-
selfflelseand‘whfie I am hydlhsadeg,
unable to strike in my own defense,”‘bn‘ld,
bitterly. .
“ Oh! I gufi'wyai “a?” something to get
those irons ‘« m sesreach the cabin.

to the wrec .”

/

‘umimot  .

yew-“hut! we haw armada 
know how to use them," in it.» 

 

The little craft having gotten out of the
lagoon, and felt the braces, had shaped her
course for the wreck.

In the mean time the surf-skid held on to-
ward the point, and rounded it into the little
harbor, just as the sloop lulled up as near as it
dare go, under the lee of the reef upon which
the yacht had run. .

“Now,.sir, come to the cabin and let me get
those irons 03 for you,” said Bessie, as she ran
the skill ashore, and sprung out herself!

Frank Forrester followed, and he seemed to
forget his danger, as he went along, in con‘
templating the scene of beauty around him,
from the flower-clothed lawn and yard to the
comfortable little cabin.

'Entering the house, Beesie’s first duty was
to bring out a number of guns and pistols,.and
place them by the front door, after which she
looked to see that they were loaded and
primed.

“Now, sir, I will see about those irons, she
said, as she barred the windows, and taking a
bunch of keys from a drawer, she tried to find
something to untesten the muscles with.

But each key was tried in vain, and unable
to pick the lock, she seem at a loss what to do,
but said, quickly: .

“ You see the sloop is coming ashore, and I
will have to defend you alone.”

“No, I will not submit to it, but go back
into the forest, and when I am gone they
surely will not harm you,” said the man.

“ No, for I believe I can get these irons off,”
and she went into an adjoining room, and soon
rammed with a large file.

At her request he laid his hands

upon the

CHAPTER, iv.
m ATTACK.

“30'! within there!”

The hall rung. out sternly, in the voice
of Marco, the man who had attempted the cap-
ture. of the yachtsman, whom he accused of
being a pirate.

“ Ay, ay,what is wanted?” answered Bessie
Gito from within the stout little cottage,
working with all her will with the file to free '
the man she had saved.

" I want that pirate you are hiding bore,
Bessie Gite, and if you do not surrender him
to us you will get yourself into trouble, and I
guess you’ll see your father swing too,” was
the grui! reply.

“ My home is locked up, and I warn you not
to attempt to break in, for I shall defend it,”
was the bold retort. I

“ Give us the prisoner, and we’ll say no
more.”

“Look for him elsewhere than here.”

“ Do you mean that he is not in there i"

Bessie answered this question a la Yankee, by
asking another: ‘ -

“ Do you think I would he so silly as to
bring a man here for safety, when I knew you
would come to demand him i”

“ Girl, I watched with a, glass and Isaw him
enter this cabin with you, and I will have him,
for I tell you he is Forrester, the Freebooter,
and there is a heavy price on his head.

“Now open this door, or I break it down.”

 

table, and she began her tedious work, for .

tedious indeed it was. _

But she filed hard, ever and anon glancing
up to look at the sloop, which was heading in
toward the basin. - -

Nearer and nearer came the sloop, and
harderand harder Bessie plied away at the
cars, her face aglow, her eyes sparkling, and
her lips set with determination.

_ Down into the iron ate the file, and when
half-way through the stubborn muscles, the
sloop rounded the point, the sameman at her
helm who hadron the yacht on the surf.

“I know that man you call Memo,” said
Beasie, gasing at him through the open door, as
he stood at the sloop's tiller, steering her to an
anchorage close inshore.

“ Who is he?” asked Frank Forrester.

“ A fisherman who hates my father and
myself.

“Helms shaVed his beard oi! and cut his
hair close-since I saw him last; but I recognise
him now, and when he left a year ago, be
state to be aveng ”, i

“ What cause bad he?” asked the yachtsmau.
. Bessie blushed, but answered: ., :

“ Ah, he. wanted me to marry him, and he.
magi ’would not, changedhis pretended love"
to te. . '

“But, now, by (amine, and proclaim-
iugfioepirste, couldhesveage W" upon
you ’

“You may not know that men tell strange
stories of .my father, because we happen to
dive hereaall sloaei.” the saint. .. 
“Indeed! what stories can that.di 
the easier ineurprise.  V, , , t

“- no   .
in these waters, and my lather is 31d  n
We“, who dislike m-

 ic do ao‘tknow mainline?“ fly

magma Llano hosed  pew-erase am.
haunts on this coast, and, in fact,  cruis-
ingaheptmmsneheir vesselsi" ~

 
 
  

“Did'you ever see the Skeleton Cruiser!“
quieklyashad Bessie. . - ,
"Yes." »  v
A flu” my, - . , 2. ' Q‘Sil:
“No. it was brim.” ‘-  w,  l
“ Ab! then trouble will come  . ' 
Wimmwmim -'
“enemas-nausea: .

t sayjthat if that weird craft cranes, _
My no they” doomed-tam in

unsaturayiordieflw , . - .
W‘Yes, ‘MVe"M sucth

“ v”!!!  wintering-tore! or to
Wt  t... m M 00 from
thhirouhd.” . y -'

.“Yssmnd’tbsseieomemfoqmt their

“Look here, Mark Odell, I know you even
under your name of Marco, and with your
beard shaved of! and hair cut, and you know
me, so I beg you to take warning and leave
here,” said Bessie firmly.

The man flinched as she called his name, and
.still filing away, with her eye at a lookout
hole, she saw it. . 3

“Well, you know me too, Bessie Gite, and
must remember that I am one to git what I
set my heart on,“ was the’doggod reply. “'

She laughed lightly, and answered in asigni-
ficant tone which he understood well the mean-
ing' of, for he muttered an oath:

“Not always, Mark Odell." I '

“ Girl, I-will stand no trifling, so I demand
that you unbolt this door and let us search
your cabin.

“We will not take any of the smuggled
goods your father has stored away, and if we
do not ,iind our man, then no harm is done."

“ There, you are free," muttered Bessie, in a
low tone, to the yachtsman, and in a loud
voice she called out:

“ You have my answer, so the resglt be
upon your own head, if you attempt to I)”
in.” . ' ’

“So belt, my girl. ' '

“Eire, lads, pick up that spar, yonder; and
use as a battering-ram against this door!

entire force. had come from the sloop,
so that they all tuck up the spar and retreating
with it some fifty feet began to move at a
swift trot toward the cabin,the anallerend
, being aimed directly at the stout door. f , .

,It‘ was some thirty feet long. a foot inclina-
ier at the larger end, and would have 
teredinthedonr. ,. , _ , ,'

But as they moved Tilly forward  it,

t.“ . . ,T

_ FBessie‘s voice rang out

w ' .:
“Hold! lfyou Adenine  ,
,Il'heydid, ,butwlender  
,not to  a, K, _.s warning, sodthey
ahesdoacemm. «1 I i  ..

,nnc, _.withia .feetfiftho
‘ .
fiat-n" ’a-a'... In“. M '

     

  

    

it,

 rm“    “g:  '” immedia-
    who
i. V“: .  w ,. I.  I x

“Boys, dealt  Indown sod
 atus. 

“Gums. therein" 00* k in M cabin.
mammpb hot no nse,sndwe hare
onlyagirl. , detest

ti Comp, 4 

Maren éeer and darted '1,
hhwenrls. . .

as they came  5st of In

a

a

(\I‘

 

PM paces away,” was the calm reply of
the yachtsman. -

andinitstoodthetallm them,
a large dragoon pistol in either hand.

 

 

4

4

The Gambler Pirate.

 

I

“Come on, you hounds, if you seek me,” he
cried in ringing tones.

And, as he spoke he fired two shots, others
followed from the assailants, and when the
cloud of smoke rose above the cabin and
drifted away three men lay dead, and two
others were flying at full speed for the shore.

One of those two was Mark Odell, and the
other was one of his comrades, while the man
they sought stood outside the cabin coolly
looking at their flight, and with a smile upon
his handsome face, while in the doorway be-
hind him was Bessie, a pistol in one hand and
cutlass in the other.

CHAPTER V.
JUAN Grro.

FRANK Fonnesran the yachtsman, whose
deadly aim had brought down three of his as-
milants, and put the others to flight, made no
eflort to follow them, but quietly stood by the
cabin and saw them go on board their little
sloop and set sail.

“I hope this affair will not cause you any
trouble, Miss Gito,” he said, in the courtly
way that seemed natural to him. '

“ Oh no, sir, for I think Mark Odell will re-
member'his reception here too vividly to care
for a repetition of it," answered Bessie.

“ I owe you far more, sweet Bessie, than I
can ever regret, for you have saved me from
the gallows,” he said earnestly.

“ Oh no, sir, for surely you could have
proven your innocence when brought before
the proper authorities.” ' '

He flushed and added quickly:

“Yes, oh yes, I forgot that they were not
to be my judges. '

“ But, Miss Gito, I am anxious to continue
on my way to my vessel, whither I was going
when those wretchee wrecked my craft.

'“ I was desirous of seeing your father upon
a matter of business, and so came inshore to

hell him." '

“ My father is away at present, air, but I ex-
pect him back at any time.”

“Pray tell me, can Inot charter one of his
sail-boats to run on to my vessel, for it is
urgent that I proceedatmce.”

. “ Where is your vessel, sir?" '

“ Near the Black, lagoon, undergoing re-
wk..." 1

“ I thought your yacht was at anchor 03 The
I‘Evrglades plantation!” said Belle inquir~
ng y.

“No, my vessel, as I said, is near the Black

. ,, .

" That is a dangerous locality, air, for hey
say rates have their haunts there.”

“ rue, and that is why I am anxious to get
there at once.” "

Bessie was silent a moment, and then she
said:

“My father will surely be here by-‘hunset,
sir: hutifhe is not! will rnnyou toyonves-
se! in my'own little sail-boat.”

‘ "Ybu?" he dnerisd in surprise.

“ Yes, sir,” she answered with a smile;

“Alhyee, I remember now to have heard
thstfslrneseie, theLadyof the lagoon. is a

 

hora filler, and knows thle'ooast as well asany
'1 > ' .

“Myfather has made a milor of me,.sir,
sineelwuaverylfltlegirhahdlhavestud-
V_ We fromslove'of it—butthere
ne'yfather."
Be glanced in thedinetion her eyaswere

t

' turned, ‘and saw a est-rigged boat coming

9
i
E

V of supple huifl, with
a dark: stern face, flawed with an air of re-
fluemea read with a mien strangely dignified
and ‘ ly for one of his humble esllhig, for
hewaskndwn alongthecoastasGitthehe—
goon Fisherman, there were some who
ted that he knew more of veivets, laces and

E

'wilih' than offlsh: but these suspiciou'
about saying ;
In his “esrs, as JueGito

‘ recsutio
where  '
anthem state with, or to m:-
'terenee withhis’ilhirs: ' ~“

minutes after Bessie stood on the cliff watching

 

He was dressed in dark pants, low shoes, a .

sailor shirt with broad collar, under which was
a black silk neckerehief, and upon his head
was a tarpaulin. g '

His appearance was that of a dandy sailor,
to which his wearing an opal pin in his black
silk scarf, and a ruby ring of rare beauty and
value upon the little finger of his left hand,
added greatly.

About his waist was a belt with a gold buckle

studded with precious stones, and his weapons ‘

were a long-bladed ponia'rd and a pistol.

“It means, father,” answered Bessie, in re-
ply to his question, “ that I saw yonder yacht
running upon Sharks Back reef, and stood out
to the aid of its crew.

“ They proved to be men enlisted for a yacht-

ing cruise, who fancied that inihis gentleman ‘

they had found Forrester, the Freehooter, and
they had him in irons; but he told me he was
Captain Forrester, of the yacht J ack-o’-lantern,
and as you told me once how he saved your

 

He was well dressed, had an aristocratic,
but haughty air, and was one to attract atten-
tion almost anywhere.

Petted by his father, who had been killed in
a duel a short time before, by the master of
Lakelands, the adjoining plantation, with no
mother to influence him, Mark Mortimer had
grown up from boyhood unchecked in his wild
career, and was little fitted to be the guardian
of his beautiful young sister Mabel, some years
his junior.

He had some time before been on a lagoon
in his boat, and had saved Bes=ie Gito from
being torn to pieces by alligators, when she had
darineg forced her horse into the water to
swim across, and since that meeting they had
been more than friends.

“If you have been 'busy, Mr. Mortimer, I
suppose] must excuse your long absence; but

‘ I have not seen you since—” she paused, but he

life, I took him away from his captors, the i

leader of whom was none other than Mark
Odell.”

“ Ha! I hoped that that fellow was at the
bottom of the sea.

continued without hesitating:

“Since young Percy Wyndham killed my
father in a duel, and I in return kept the van—
detta ball rolling by killing his father."

i‘ It was fearful.” she said with a shudder.

“ Which? That Percy Wyndham should kill

3 my father, or that I should kill his father?” he

“ But you did well, Bessie, and the debt I I asked with a sneer.

owe Captain Forrester is returned.

‘9 Both, for it is strange that your family and

“ Iam glad to see you. sir, once more, but 1 his cannot liVe in unity.”

Bessie’s story does not explain the presence of 1
these three dead men.”

Juan Gito spoke in a quick, decided way, and
with a slight foreign accent.

Offering his hand as he spoke to Captain
Forrester, the latter grasped it, and then ex-
plained the attack of his foes upon his cabin,
adding: '

“ And yonder flies their sloop seaward." '

“ A league and a half away.

“ I have half a mind to give chase and pre- ‘
vent any more deviltry being perpetrated by
Mark Odell,” and the eyes of the fisherman
flashed.

“ No, let him go, for doubtlem we will
meet again;‘ but now, Senor Gito, I came by
here to have a talk with you about getting me
a few good men for my vessel, and, as the
yacht loaned me by Mr. Mortimer of The Ever-
glades, is wrecked, I shall have to ask you to ‘
sail me lathe Black Lagoon, where my craft
awaits me.” > '

Juan Gito looked squarely in the faceof the
speaker for an instant and then said:

“ I will all you there, sir.”

“ At once?" '

 

those cdrcasses into the see, that the tide may
take them ca.”
“ And can I accompany you, father?” asked

Bessie.
“ No, my child, I go alone with this gentle-
" was the almost stern reply, and ten'

the little boat fly away over the waters, while
the rays of the setting sun telling upon her
hair made it look like threads of pure gold.

'CHAPTER VI.
A “swear unsonm.
Anna watching the little vessel of her
hther glide swiftly away, Bessie turned to
glance down the coast; and was abetted

by
seeing a lying neat-fie wreak enShark’s

ltwu'nneof thesmsllpleaurehoatsof'rhe
Everglades, and in it, even at that dhtsnoe,
Bessie a familiartosm, while the
other two, so: there were these coconuts,

whe-

Bhesswt little skill putthelnuterof
The Everglades upon the wreck, and watched
him while he remained: on‘hoel'd for is in

moments.

Then he returned tohlslittle at
mntaway for Gite Essen, 
“Wmaned.
twilightde the yseht mutt:
' ‘ rhor,an a yang man .

N light skit. in tow and ram!“

Es ascended to the ridge, which stood
the cabin and was met by me, who said
ratheseoldly: ‘ . ' '

“This visit is an honor, Mr. Mortimer.”

“Bea’tbessrrastie, Beats, for I been

 

toe hurts come of late,” he auswued, lightly.
He was a handsome man of .
 older,“ theserssted

l born between 0
‘ to continue.” 1
“But you will not continue the vendetta?” e

 

upon hisface a look of reckless didption.

“ Bah! it is an old feud, begpn before I was

she urged.

“Why not? Therais had blood between the.
names of Wyndham and Morti‘mer, and it
might as well be let out; but it is for Percy
Wyndham to act now, for if he killed my
father, I returned the compliment, avengirg
Meier Mortimer by the death of Captain
Wyndham. 4

“ Do you see, Bessie?”

“ I should think that Mr. Percy Wyndham's
last act wou'd have wiped out the past.”

“ What was that, sweet Bess!” -

“Saving yonr sister from those who would

i have kidnapped her.”

“ Hal who told you of this!" he exclaimed
quickly. '

“My father heard of it and told me.”

“Ah, yes; and now, Bessie, I have come to
ask your father to aid in the search for m
poor sister’s body,” he said sadly. ‘

“ What! Is Mi- lfortimer dead!”

“ Yes, or rather we  so, for. she disap—
peared suddenly last night from home. and an
upturned boat, in which was her but, was
drifted ashore,aud we feel that she has been lost,
for a storm came up at night which evidently
blew the little craft out to sea with her.”

“This .is feel-mi, Mark, and in my inmost
heart I feel for you, for your mother, father,
sister all are gone now,” and she laid her hand
upon his arm, as the We steed hetero the
cabin. -

“ Yes, I am alone in the world now, and Fate
seems to have hit me hard; but tell me, Bessie;
did you see yonder craft run on he Ihark’s
Back!”

« Ya.” .

“Jt is the Water onut myyaehts."

“ So I know, as ym‘y

“ What sent her on its mil"

In afewwordsBenietoldhimall.

“Well, I smghdwl'onesterescaped; but
how mange dist those matches should take
him for a pirate, when he is a menu! wealth,
eruisssin-hisyeohtforplelsnre, and bone of
the best fellows in the world. ,

“You ssyhe hasgoneontohieveuefl"

“ Yes, so he said."

“ At the Black lagoon!"

u Y..."

“ That is for the Jack-ethane, his
yacht, sailed for w m int Wt on
special end-Ina of Caphin Master’s
men came to Everglades aft. mic-day

upon

the Water Spirit. .
“ This is indeed

mar. rently in a
“Ya, it is mysterious,"»answered Me,

and aa?“ leg M’m she amid

not .

 

Clam VII.
, a nrnln snow.
tea an indent.“ We fled in
silence. and Bessie entered up one and.
uglsted'alhmnfadarknesshadenmeen.

ul' fathers, and left to the sons '

e sailed here in her." ‘

 

 

}

2
l‘,‘
, ,

 

.‘a-a-I—

The Gambler Pirate.

 

.-

“Come in, Has-hand may! oileryou acup
of teal” she called out.

“No, Beale. lam in no humor for a up of
even your good tea,” he answered as‘heeutered
the sitting-room of the cabin. -

It had, when in it, the appearance of a
ship’s cabin, rather than a.house, for the furni~
ture had all of it done service at some time on
board some sense]. .

But it did not look out of place, and with
her skill with needle, paint brush and art, she
had made the house a most attractive and cosey
one. -

While Bessie sat down in an easy chair, the
young master of The Everglades paced to and
fro with thoughtful brow, and the maiden was
silent, for she believed his thoughts were with
his lost sister.

But presently he stopped in front of her'aud
asked abruptly:

“Bessie, what did you think of Frank For-
rester!” \

“ How mean you, Mark!"

“Did you like him?”

“ Yes, he appeared very much the gentle-
man. and is certainly a very brave man."

“You did him a good turn, from your ac-
count?”

“I told you just what occurred, Mark, with
no desire to praise myself.”

“ He must be very grateful to you.”

“ He so expressed himself.”

“ Is he a man ycu could love, Basie?”

“I as: not fickle, Mark.”

“ But if you had not met me, for I know
your remark refers to me.”

“Perhaps I could have loved him. for he is
a very fascinating man, I should think; but I
am so constituted, Mark, that I could (one but
one man, no matter how many more I might
regard with friendship and admiration." '

“ And that one you have met, Bessie!"

“You should not ask that, Mark."

“ And love?” .

“ You know that, Mark," she said softly,
and with some reproach in her tone.

“‘I am sorry," he laid in an emherr-ed
way.

She-reactohss'feetandfacsdhim,while
she ashdd: _ -

“ Sorry that I love you!”

‘3 Ya...” . V

She turned deedly pale, hpt continued to
look him squall-o1, in its face, while she eshed
in a husky voice:

 

l

 

“ Well, Bessie, in spite of your noble blood,
I do not love you.”

“ You should have discovered that, sir. be-
fore you gave me the name you have withheld
from me for months, causing me to keep the
secret of our marriage from my father and the
world through some whim of your own.”-

He assumeda laugh that was not honest, and
answered: ‘

“ Bessie, I acted for good reasons.”

“ Name them."

“ First, we were not really married."

She uttered no word and only gazed at
him.
He feared she was about to faint, for she
swayed from side to side, but when he sprung
forward, as though to eatohher, she stood like
a statue, and waved him back with the words,
spoken in hoarse tones:

o“ Don’t touch me, Frank Mortimer!” I

“ Bess, don’t take it so to heart, for the
secret is known to only You and I,” he said.

“ Do you speak the truth in saying that we
were not married?” she asked in the same
husky voice.

“Yes, Bel.”

“ Who was the padre that married us?”

“He was no padre, but a. hireling of mine,
I had come over from New Orleans for the

purpose. .
“You had other admirers, Bees, and I
wished to bind you to me, so that when I got
ready to claim you, I could do so.
“My father, I knew, wo not give his
consent to my marrying a lie erman’s daugh-

ter,andlwas in nooondition, flnancially,to,

offend him, so I determined to wait until I
had money. .

“Now he is dead, and hehas left me penny-
lese, and I can not live in poverty, so I must
find a rich New Orleans heiress to make my
wife.” , .

He spoke throughout like the cold, selfish
man that he was, and he listened to him with-
out the quiver of a muscle, or the movement
of an eye, which were fixed upon him as
though for the first time she readthe villain in
the man she had treated.

Hewassosnewhat unnervedat the ,
{awhiohehe had received the tearful.
hemadehncwn toherhforphe  not her
Mndhsdalwaysfoundhercoaldhg and
afleeticutstowasd him. ‘

Now. he feared her.

“ You have mokm the truth, have you,
Mark Mortimer!" she asked.

“ Yes, Bessie; but don't feel bad, as you can

,“ Why, lurk W,areyos sorry it ‘ easily catch a husband, whonsed not know of

youhavewoumyleve

“Because, Beasts—teens, I cannot love
yeuhxyne maumd'uuswend
ll

“Domains-nthtyoedenotlovsme,
Msrhorfarthatyoudonotlovemeenoqgh
inretimifcrfleidolatrm level-have given

’sheavhd pineal-sly. M to Main
him, or catchataray of hope.

"Irasan,lede,thatl‘donotloveyeu."

“Notlovedssi”

“Ohyeaas Iwould a friend,“ notnI

sham love... wife; ,
“YetIamyour wife, “Pele said inn
“ ‘ don’t look so wild, and yet keep so

low tone.
u me. I
“I did think-I loved you, and I do still love
Null-W; last the fact il,.I know tilt l
hfl'fl'ot them for you I should have for
0“ 13"“ my wife, one who was my equal in

birth.

She was livid now, but strangely calm
"though her blue on. he banana black with
slumbering fire, and in a proud tone she
said

~ Hark Mortimer. bleed older and wider
flowsin 137 “W “W3 in route. for though
my father isa pocrflslierman m, hemmn .
3pm noble, exiled by his king, and held

 

l

l
l

ourmlmeshir.”

em commas-rum.
“L rwésm'ns uni litedi
or press tarps e -
vuawm, Willeyme
WM”

“Beads, what dcyoa mrhfiramd
lilyherilnpsetl'msaudmidsummer.~ -

“I mean that youishalllsevefiisw
m. “Insulated-tomboy” life.”

Be shrmk bomber. forhesawin herfaos-

that she would do allshe said, andheanswsnd
as hetnrnsdewayr . '
“If you ever‘need a friend, Bessie, cota-
msnd me. »
Vqudby‘u , . ’
He walked hum-the cabin, Jeanna her
my, White, coldand trembling now, gas-
ingcatilso thedarkne- whitherhehadgons.

 

: Nuns or a mums.
Want Juan Gitn sailed away from his lit“.
home, with Frank Forrester reclining indolent-,-

: ly in theaters sheets, his brow worse troubled

look, and he did not gees upon his companion
with any feeling of regard for him, it was very
evident. .

“Youlookasblackasathunde. cud,

higthOWel' in old Spain m 50*!!! hen. ‘ Gito,” said Frank Forrester, in his i t
ished for an act hls'flery temper caused him to : way, mu... mmt alga-non bitween
ha

commit. V » V ,
“You may not love me, sir, but do not say
that I am not ywr‘edual, {or I am your su-

Buthebaddecidednpcnhiscoumeaudwas
determinedtocarryit out,sonep1ied:

 

new. spoke. . a
.“I feel-.- like a thunder-cloud, Capt-inflor-
restsr," was the low. reply of the fisherman.
“ Ah! you domt like this log niflstrun up

V to the Black Lagoon, then

i” . -
“For that Ivcare nothing, ain’t" the cart
«mail but you shall bewell paid for it,
Jam." -

“I. ad no gold for such service for you,
Forrester, but I do ask of you efaver.” -
“ Name your request." ' ‘

 

” You haVe met my daughter?”

“Thank God, yes! She has saved me from
the yard-arm!” was the earnest reply.

“ You feel grateful to her, then!”

“Of course, and she can command me for
any service I can do her.”

"Then keep away from her."

“ What do you mean, maul”

“ I mean what I say, senor,” and Juan Gite
spoke rapidly and in earnest.

“I mean that I know how you fascinate,
toy with and destroy women whose love you
win, and I beg you to never again cross the
path of Bessie Gito.

“She is young, innocent, looks upon all men
as honest——" .

“Even her father,” sneered Captain Form
ter.

“Yes, for she knows not one act of my life
that is sinful, nor _shall she, for were any man

s to tell her what I am, I would drive my knife

to his heart,” and Juan Gite spoke almost sav-
agely. .

“ No man, knowing you, Juan, would be so
foolish as to tell her, unless he wanted to lose
his life,” was the calm reply. V

“Well, she believes me and all whom she
meets to be honest men, and I wish her to so
continue to believe.

“She is 'attaohed to a young man now, who,
though he is wild, is rich, has good blood in
his veins, and will soon tone down, and I
want to see her marry him.

“But I know you would win her from him
if you could.

“You saved my life, Forrester, and I would
give you gold for it, if you were poor, or I
would r‘nk my life to aid you, or save you
trouble, but don’t come between me and my
daughter, or I will forget the past.”

“ My dear Juan, you are fretting yourself
needlessly about nothing, for your daughter
saved me from the yard-arm and I rcapoctand‘
admire her for her nerve and goodness. .

“She is beautiful,

g
E
i
i:
3

One also". and JasaGito cried:
" Great God! itis Jun Jewettl”

repeated: . V V
; '8WhoisJaanJewetti” V .

“A, you-Is~ Marines who first!!! the
coast ’

“ db! you knew him theni’.’ ..

. i

g, “ Yes, well, (or he was one of my I".

:32", thumb of oourso‘ she md, for
“Isswhim two days mauve and well,

and now I ilnd him dead. .
“Poor follow, I will give him deceu burial

when I return, so please take the up.

himwhilelwraphimlnthissail.” V,"
mm;- ohsyed, and Juan Gite stones

l

thehodyinanoldpieesofcanns

toned: : .
“He accomplished the  he swore,“ ‘0,

had us. havingtokiikyl gym to
P P. . V . .
mlha'egivenhimnssshfin'amnld
the fool should have known it,

 
   

G.

“

 

“Now to get. rid of the captain, and then
all will be fair sailing to carry out my plan of
having my child marry that young scapegrace,
the . master ’of The Everglades, who by the
diath of his sister will now become immensely
r ch.” ’

Returning to his post at the helm, Juan Gite
held his little craft on its way to the Black
Lagoon, both he and his passenger for the
rest of the voyage remaining as silent as the
canvas-enwrapped form forward, though their
thoughts were busy plotting for the future.

 

CHAPTER IX.
ma BEGINNING or THE END.

LAKELANDS PLANTATION was the grandest of
the many handsome homes along the shores of
Mississippi Sound at the time of which I Write,
though The Everglades was almost a rival in
every' particular, for both were the abode of
lmry, refinement, yet not of happiness.

In each home a skeleton was hidden in the
doset, and shadows had- hung 'over the hearts
of the masters of the two elegant mansions,
until at last the storm-cloud had broken, and
death had followed.

Long ago Mark Mortimer, of The Ever-
glades, and Percy Wyndham, of Lakelands, had
been like brothers.

But a woman came between, and,when the
their Midshipman Percy Wyndham had been
away at sea. Cadet Mark Mortimer had stolen
from him the one being of his love and made
her his wife.

Upon the return of the young sailor a duel
had followed, and Mark Mortimer had fallen,
severely wounded at the bands of the man he
had wronged.

Going to Mexico, to recuperate front his se-'
vere wound, he had met, and pretended to
marry—for h’s wife was then at The Iver-
glades—a young Mexican maiden, and then
deserted her by pretending to have been cast
of! the coast in a ‘storm.  %

Resumihg her maiden name, to inherit
some property, the deserted bride, as she be-
lieved “herself to be, afterward met and mar-
ried Percy Wyndham, and, after long ears,
he brought her-with their son young 
to his long-deserted home or mamas.

"There it‘Was that‘Mrs.‘ Wyndham, once Nina
Vanuatu Mexican maiden, found how she
had been wrou ed by Mark Mortimer“, 'who
still listed,“ dw‘ g within a mileof’hei', with
his two children, Mark and Mabel, the fornier
law-s youth, most willie to follow in his
fa "  as the r" crwill know, re-
 see'ne between him and poor
BeatifGltdjind “the ism a beautiful ’
gift is! Wuovay W; -wH0"'wh"'Iik
her mother. '7' ‘ "

11m.  was revengefal‘in he's-fin»
me am “Hng her  
band of her former marriage, had datum
which”   wash  the
 ' H 9‘" _' wfi'tdmim’u
high serum as Hanan attorney.

" fit" fo’th‘Mark W, W. 
fore V for a wrozs done, Captain Wynd-
' ' ' to

.4.  I13; 303...?

  
 
      

f .

Wyndham; determined to "Mont.
Todoso,slhin alettcrtbthom'as-

terofTthvei-g’isdes; sent her husband to

New Orton!" in his yacht to seek lrls‘foe, and

mess to Inger arms-sex- herself, demanding a

mechanic-g what hens wanted for, the
dugout master of The'EvergIades went to the
appointed menus. Arbor, where
ion before he had so nearly lost his life in ill
a with Percy .Wynatsm, and he found
thercihowoman he had so cruelly deceived in

Mexico.

She was not alone, for 'l'oby, an old and
rm slave, and his daughter thbc, s
handsome muhttress. were with her. v

Then and there did Mn Wyndham demand
that Mijor Mark W meet her in
thcducl, aadnothsrhusbcndmdson, andthe
manhu‘formd‘toconsent, and thetwo faced

But thbe, tosave her mistre's, had given
Mark Mortimer an unloaded weapon,‘ar"d he
Mfailcu Wonder the the of the woman,

‘ discovering what the moisten-s

who, upon
haddone, fainted away, just as her so: Penny

  Mtohlbim‘bfl, M as
 M rats or 
“I W  noble boys-std  M

 

The ,.Ga.n,1b,1,,er .Biraige—

 

 

had slain the dead man in a due], and that ;

Mrs. wyndham bad fainted upon arriving
upon the scene, and finding what he had done.-
Back to her elegant home was Mrs. Wynd-
ham borne by her faithful servants, it was
said a raving maniac, and to The Everglades
went the news of its master’s death; and a
faithful negro sought to avenge him, and also
fell at the hands of Parcy Wyndham, whom he
had attacked, and was carried back to the
plantation, it was feared, mortally wounded.
And to the‘ village jail went Percy Wynd-
ham, to be tried for fighting a duel without
seconds, which was akin to murder: but no

proof of wrong—doing being brought. against

him, he returned to‘ Lakelands to find his
mother indeed mad, and to receive the body of
his father, who had fallen at the hand of
yoiing Mark Mortimer, who thus had avenged
his father’s death. '

Thus had the shadows gathered around the
homes of the Wyndhams and the Mortimers,
and though soon after Major Mortimer and
Captain Wyndham had been laid in their
graves, Percy Wyndham, the youthful heir to
Lakelands had saved Mabel Mortimer from
being kidnapped by rumans, it had not brought
peace between‘ the two names, though the for-
giving maiden, at the grave of her father, -had
forgiven the man who it was belieVed had
laid him in that grave, and so nobly served her.
’ Among his fast associates in New Orleans,

rcy Wyndham claimed as his boaom friend
Frank Forrester, said to be a wealthy yachts-
man, and the owner of a craft knovm as the
Jack-‘o-lantern, which, before he had pur-
chased her, had been a noted smuggling vessel
along the coast. -’

This man, Forrester, had seconded young
Percy in his duel with Captain Wyndham, and
returning to The Everglades with him as-a
~gnest, had become engaged to the fair Mabel,
who, loving no one, had been urged to marry
the rich, handsome, and fascinating yachtsman,
b her brother, but little dreaming, innocent

rl that she was, that that brother had sold

her for a gambling debt‘he carol to the one he

had 'determined'llle should mar ry. ‘
Such were the scenes and incidents this had

happened prior to the opening of this romance,

aud‘from what has been told the reader will

understand thatBessie Gito was not the only,

maiden against whom a plot-had been form
by evil men, and whethair‘ the dis-
appearance of Mabel. Mortimerhlf‘beu the
remit o! the  show. z '

’ $
 x.
1'3! flilolfflflu " ’T‘

a

In the wing of the mansiolhoWn as Lake-

lands, u n the night of the scene bettieen
 Basie Gite ln'Ollfl' Cabin,
as the fisherman’s home was “led, “blind!
incubated?” IMW' -

One of thc‘recs‘m ‘was 1 «fig 
the other a sitting-room, and they'rmflr—
am‘wlth astound luxury, {or rovesycom-
fort of that sgs‘ssemd modal-am ' 2 

The ladysssmed to be the duly occupant,
andsatiwm W,hr w flied upon
vastney, and Defiance-ion tutor elapsed

reared army cleaners! this  m

She was dressed in a wrapper-of canary-
 trinmt’ed‘wftlrflpanlsh Mend
it was most becoming to her dark styles)!
beauty, for she was beautiful, mom’th
score-yesrs heaps-sod overhd bead.

Ier hands, small and shapely, gutted-with
pseudo. ges- wcro is has cars, and a
massive necklace of gold was about her neck;
but for her ornaments and dress she seemed to
have no thought, and rising impatiently she
W one of the windows, and drew back
the heavy'cunains.

0n the amides, the drawing back of the
curtain revealed heavy hen, like those that
shutina jail window,aad as the eyesof the
woman fell upon them she seemed to shrink
back“ while over herifses passed an expression
of deep pain; ' ‘

“0b,00di am I indeed themed mm
tell me I am?” she groaned, and leach; I.“
the minimums” face in “Funds,
unmflldful d the view of flown-gm, ever-
green-mediate and rolling gun beyond,
that was spread before her. '

"Mad, lay my fan, and yet I -~remember,
or seem to remember, that all was not as they
dy‘ft'ish‘“ ‘  ,

“That man wrongedme bya “how
new  "may years agbgsand tea pre-
tended this Mi torsion-t insulin-masses.

 

 

“ I took my maiden name, hid the secret of
my marriage, and kept that dread secret too,
even from poor Percy, whom I untried.

“ And at ‘last, when I had a loving husband,
and noble, handsome son. and was all so happy,
the dread secret came out, and I sent my bus
band away that I might kill Major Mark Mor-
timer, and thus gain revenge for the wrong
done me and mine. r

“ So it seems to me; but they tell me now
that my son, my darling Percy, killed Major
Mortimer, and that, although I tried to shield
my husband from danger, he fell at; the hands
of the man whom they say Percy killed, but
whom I behave I killed, or all is a bitterde
to me.” '

Shelgently caressed her brow for an instant,
as though striving to collect her thoughts, and
then said, eagerly:

“I must know how all this is, so shall ask
Nance again.”

She touched a silver hell, that stood on a
table, and a key turned in the look of a door
in the outer room, and a young and pretty
mulattress entered.

“Phrabe, where is your mother?"

“ She is over at the quarter, mistis, just
now,” answered the negress, and she added:

“ Can 1 do anything for mistis?”

“ Yes, I was thinking about MajOr Mark
Mortimer, and how he was killed.”

“Don’t think of that mistis,” said Phebe,
who had been with her father, old Uncle Toby,
the companion of her mistress upon that

' eventful occasion, and infect the one who had

socleverly given Major Mortimer an unloaded
weapon, determined that he should not wound
or kill her mistress.

“ But I must talklof it, Phoebe.

“ We went to the Magnolia Arbor together,
you, your father, and myself?"

“ Yes, minis.”

“ And I sent Uncle Toby to bring Major

. Mortimer thereto meet me?"

“No, mistis," replied Phoebe firmly, having
been" taught her lesson well by the dutiful sen,
Percy, who was determined that r the duel
shdd M113!!! him,‘~~'and not onvhis mother,
to drag her down in the public eye:

“No, mistis, we were walking will; on in
the forest, and came upon Marse P (2de
Major Mortimer just asthey fired, and you
ran forward and fell near the major, whom
Marse Percy had shot, undiluted away.

“When you came to, mistis, you “you
hadikilt “ems-{Whitber dd

She listened breathlessly to tlm’words‘of then.

Mattias, her eyes growing Righter and
brighter, and then said sadly: ‘
- “thbe, then Pa- mad!" ‘

“ Yes, mistis, you are essay-about that one
subject, but all right about other things.”
e'i‘hsn“ why doesmy “runways-shore
prison, thbei"  a ' an"  .9 '
4-He’ll as you one-soon, 
Percy, for be W  hue'lmtil

you get well." .. ,  .

in

‘1 whmr .  ’5
u ’ m t ou‘gh I u, “at m
mum Mark Martina, than)!“ batman
I hadhoped to slay, and whomyou tell.» my
“Yes, yes, that youngmm'diofllynofln

ost instantly her absence was noticed
, .tlsrhcli was rung. ' '
“ W malattre. ro-
moored.

“Bid your father come to me!” she cons.

“‘

companied by an on negro with wattle,

lemmas: and evidently the” at
14mm ,

—s——_ -

CHAPTER XI.
“Um Tour” of 141mm wm on. of

hcwasrcspsctsdlpnfioplaeeonlyssecadto
Ito phases- aadg wife, while blind.”
minus!!!“ tters  ill»

 

-the MM!» said with

 

Uncle Toby had been the “ body-guardian ”
of Captain W dhad in his boyhood, and had
been his confl tial servant on board ship, un-
til he began to take care of the young Percy.

His wife, “ Auntie Nance,” had been a faith-
ful ssrvitor for the captain’s mother, and in
the long years of absence of her young master
at sea, had been in charge of the plantation as
it were.

When the captain, his wife and the young
Percy returned to Lakelands, Auntie Nance
became the faithful housekeeper to her new
mistress, while Phoebe, her daughter, was in-
stalled as maid.

Uncle Toby had witnessed the duel, long
years before, between Major Mortimer and his
master, had been selected by his mistress to
bring the major to the Magnolia Arbor, when
he met his death, and in tact knew all the
secrets of the family.

It was then for Uncle Toby tlthrs. Wynd-
ham had sent thbe, for, in the absence of his
young master, *he held full'eharge.

A noble-faced, digiamed old man, with hair
that was whitening with age, Uncle Toby
presented bin-elf before his mistress.

thbe had warned him that she was ex-
cited, and he saw that she had spoken the
truth, for Mrs. Wyndham was pacing to and
fro libs a tigrw, her eyes flashing and bosom
heaving.

“ Toby, I would know of you why I am con-
fined here like a criminal- in a prison!” she said
almost savagely. I

“It is because you are ill, mistis, and mater
commanded it, fearing you might do yourself
some harm,” answered the old negro.

“Illlvlook atmeand youwlllseetbatlam
in perfect health of body.” .

“Yes, mistis, but the unable is in your
head!” -

“ Ah! I am mad they say,” she messed

“Ho, mistis, only you have had deep aflic-
tions that have burst your heart and heated your
brainrand master‘says that a little rest will
bring you round all right.”

“Once again, Uncle Toby, I ask you,» did I
not kill Major Mortimer?”

“You kill him, mistisr’asbed thenegre
we‘l‘l surmise.

“ Why," ninth, don’t you remember when
you saw him dead how you fainted?” .

“Andomy 'son Percy killed him, Toby!"

‘sYeaemistia” and old Toby ohobd under

'thelleb'efeltit hiardutytotell.‘

“Then I am indeed mad,” she moanedyand

'it cut the negrotothe heartto witne- her

sorrow and desfilr; . » ~

AsToby turned depanssheealled  to
him: " xii. tam".- 'x‘ T' w .

“Muwbseeii your MP

“Be is absent, M" .

“But “who be gone!” ’ ’

4‘ New Mattie.” -

“ int?” and she seemed she‘d.

“ an‘mflis, lie-Went h the city.”

“Alone?”

u Yes, mistis.”~  I

“ And Mark Mortimer?” .

«has The Emmi-ism."-

“ You are sure of this?" . a .

191d, alias, for he has muses, and
they do say his Ister has MGM!“
“Hamish; boat, and Magisfleyifonnd
it,  early this musing; she was.-
where smut -

“horamlbrfisy do my Ibo has alon-

 plokadny, to sh.
0. ~

“Itleapftythat IhohlmatM.fm,
andtbthsrbrotherwill newts“.wa

lsaaworthyotu.

“Bideeth lstrike Mum...“
the nuns of Mortimer shall be wipedmitof
andm e
earnestness, and after a moment of silence
asked:

“Uncle Toby,“ you "I. “NMH d-t

notath to use adnsl with Mr.
«Ya—mime...» ~ I
Show“ turned wombat-lulu-

“In his 7' \
Uncle Toby loobed troubled, for he knew

 

 

The Gambler Pirate.

that Frank Forrester’s yacht, the Jack-o’-
lantsrn had sailed for New Orleans on special
service for its master, and that Perhy .Wynd-
ham had gone on board in disguise and thus
went with her. .

To tell this to his mother he knew would
cause her great alarm, and so he answered:

“No, mistis, he sailed inI the yacht of a
young friend that touched here on a cruise.”

The woman smiled, for when she had asked
the question she had her eyes upon every yacht
belonging to Lakelands, then lying quietly at
anchor in the little basin, so that Uncle Toby,
with no thought of this, had cleared himself
well by his prevarication.

But he was no adept at deception, and was
most delighted to escape the ordeal which he
had been put through, by retiring from the
rooms of the unfortunate woman.

a

 

CHAPTER XII.
on nosan m mandamus. .

Ir was a dark and blustering night, and the
lake, some four miles back of the city of New
Orleans, was lashed with foam, and the waves
caused a graceful sloop yacht to tug im-
patiently at lar anchors, as though anxious
to fly away ox .r the wind-swept waters.

The craft w i a trim one from truck to keel,
and had every indication of speed and stench
sea-going qualities.

Her decks were in perfect order, every rope
coiled, the sails closely furled, and but tw0
persons were vidble upon her decks, and they
at Id near the stem, glancing out toward the
la. 1 and talking earnestly together.

The yacht carried twosmall guns amidships,
a ninepounder forward and one of like caliber
aft, but they memed really more for ornament
and salutes than for use, for what need had a
craft of so small a size for an armament against
a fee. ‘

Upon the sharp bowsprit of the vessel was
and a lantern that .gave forth a weird and
mysterious light, which fell upon the deck and
also illnmlned the waters ahead.

It was a ghastly glow rather than a light,
“dinning over the waters at night had the
appearance of awill-oi-the-wlq, er jack-o’-laa-

One ot- the dean of-the companionway was
partially open, and within a bright light was
visible, shed from the swinging-lamp. .

At the table beneath‘this lamp set a youdg
girl dressed in pure white, though her dress

hadaflnnpledloohastheughithadheen
m

Herbeewasone of-eanielte beauty. sub
featm'e being mashed wltnan elapse-ion.“
sweetness of temper, yet resolution“ charac-
ter, andherasnmlenlsa as pareasa lily, yet
bronned by the balmy south Mad. r' ~ "

abs-had sheet henshoulders a Spanish scarf,
and her hair was in braids and bangle,“
Ieoras shesatatflss “law in read-

Pressatly shall on  hes-ate start.

andshpntlsllewedthe mandof footstepslabov'e
her head,eala mountaftsrapu‘londs-
scended into the cabin. »

“ Pardon me, Miss Moitimer,” he said, “ for
detaining you selling fi'om "yotn' friends, but I
was unable to get a crew sooner.”

He wasa‘yeash- ol- stalk“ am in
form and fsaarra I

Tell, slender, yd;meme
strength and agility, and his motions were
quick and decided.
for a woman even,
aboutthemonth a‘nd hr back in the large.
sad-looking eyes, the look of thoroughne-
hood, areeolute willanddaringneture.

He wore a sailor cap upon his blown ends
and was attired in a suit of dark blue that
was most becoming to him;

He looked scarcely eighteen, yet wasolder,and
whenhis’taeewas in repose one might have
believed him all of twenty-four, for then there
Mapuitthetbmghdul look of the sta-

laenswer tolls remark, Mabel Mortimer,
torshelt'quaidwithasmile: ‘
“I am too thankful, Mr. Wyndham, M
yea‘havessvedmexfsom'dmflnc to'qm‘
withthsdehy atrotumingtomy fer-I

“ ' will [do so, Miss Berti-an
and now, as have let you into my secret in

knswyeazw'i'lltabams.heseassoenssltisin .

andyvttherehovhed.

7

i
.4.

1 coming here, I will tell you that the boatswain,
l Lomax, concluded that he would rather betray
1 his pirate comrades than lose his life at the
yard-arm, so guided Captain Norton, the com-
mandant of the City Guard. and myself to the
rendezvous where he intended to get the crew
to reinforce this Skimmer of the Sea, and
they fell into our hands without dimculty.”

“lam glad of that, for I feared theman
might betray you,” answered Mabel Morti-“
mer. .

“ I gave him no oppdrtnnity to do so, though
he endeavored to get me to follow his advice
and thus lead me into a trap.

“ Having imprisoned this band of pirates,
for they are little more, Captain Norton and
half a hundred of his men, disguised as seamen,
have come on board with me, and we sail at
once for the Black lagoon, or will first land
you at The Everglades, if you so wish.”

“ You feel assured then, Mr. Wyndham, that
this Captain Forrester, whom my brother
that I should marry, is sailing under m
colors?” asked the maiden.

(f I do.”

“You even suspect that he commands the
vessel now lying in the Black Lagoon!”

“Yes, Miss Mortimer.”

“Well, sir, I will accompany you to the
Black Lag00n, and see for myself if younns-
pioions are correct; that is, if I do not incom-
mode you by my presence,” she said, with a
smile. .

“ Not in the least, Ieseure you, for theyacht
will readily accommodate those on board for
the short run, so make yourself as thoroughly
at home here as you can,” and Percy Wynd-
hamturned toleavethecabin,whenMabel
called him back.

. “ Mr. Wyndham,”sbe began, in .an embar-
rassed way, “ pardon me if I speak plainly un-
der the cos, but interest in one
other prompts me to do so.”

Percy Wyndham bowed, but made no rqvly,
and Mabel continued: .

“0f the wrong myfatber did years long
years agorand wueh I now know, through.
correspondencehe ‘eftat hisdeath, [will not
speak, not willlask youjnstwhy you demand-
ed a meeting with my poor father and killed
him, for his death at your bands was’ can“
by the act of my misguided brother in slaying
your father, and you, having twice saved my
life, put the debt largely upon the Mortimer-
to you. , '

“But I must ask ytmtodo mea flavor.”

“Name it, Hummer,” answered Pic}.

“Fiat, do you think my brother Mat
knemwhoFs-ank Fausterreallyisi”

“Frankly, ldonot.” . 

“an were-anot- hnimate (sienna. sea

“Tana-hm otbcvth- knowing that he
strangulation-ad. (estua- about...“
city, I believe yonrbrnthes'ls.m»“

colossud be reunion 
are going to the“ I‘m tonaptnre.”
“sam- W.yeas brother 1 tool:

nponasaabsaolfilennn, Who-h my
foe, and hehas been—pardon me r so

-merely a tool in flse‘lmnds of m. v
“ I disliked Mr. Fortester at our first :med-

,3
8
B
i
i
B.
&
oi
3
:
B
8

youupthatnkhtatseaandsaveyou- leg.

your little boat could have lived thank

the blow that “flowed.” .
“Hm/Ioweyonmyllfe a sees-due,“

 

a

TV ‘
CHAPTER XIII.
own at a accounts.

Willis Percy Wyndham went on deck, he
found full half ‘a hundred seamen assembled,
and a boat just coming aboard with another
load. '

I A tall, tine-looking man in sailor garb, stood
aft, and seeing him, said:

‘V‘ Well, Mr. Wyndham, here comes the last
boat-load, and we will be all ready for you."

The speaker was Chptain Norton, the Chief
of the City Guard, whom Percy Wyndham
had let into the scent with him, and obtained
his aid in the intended capture of a vessel in
the Black Lago m, said to be the famous Skele-
ton SchOoner, commanded by the Skimmer of
the Sea, a buccaneer who had spread terror on
the Gulf by his bold piracies.

When the yacht, Jack-o'-lantern, had been
anchored OR The Everglades plantation, and
her elegant master, ‘Frank Forrester, was a
guest of Mark Mortimer, who had sold his sis-
ter to him for a gambling debt he owed the
yachtsman, Percy Wyndham had been trying
to solve the mystery connected with the strange
man, and finding out sumcicnt to cause him to
play a bold part, he had daringly gone on
b‘oaOd the little vessel in disguise, and sailed in
her to New OileaUs on a mission to bring back
a picked crew for the mysterious’ armed Vessel
then undergoing repairs in the Black Lagmn.

Upon his way o-it from the harborage of The
Everglades, he had picked up a boat adrift,
and in it Mabrl Mortimer, securely bound, and
the daughter of the man he had taken upon
himself the claim of having killed in the duel
at Magnolia Arbom

Percy Wyndham, in his disguise, was not
knohm to Mabel Mortimer but soon he told
her just who he ms and twat his mission to
New O'leans was to track down the man,
Frank Forrester, whom she had consented,
urged by her brother, to marry.

She had not loved the man, though she found
him a pleasant companior, and she readin «-
sented to continue on in ti 0 yacht, rather than
thwart the plot of her preserver by having
him r-turn with her to The Everglades, as he
had offered to do.

Having successfully, with the aid of the
yacht’s ‘boatswain‘, accomplished his pdrpose of
capturing the crew, the man had been sent
after for the mysterious vessel in the» Black
Lagoon, I wi i now follow the fortunes of the
Jack~o'-lantem in her daring undertaking.

_ Hardly had a good ofllng into the lake‘
gained. when; a light was sighted at the star-
board quarter, which Percy Wyndham’s night-
glass soon diam)ch to he a renal under
Madamhea‘dingsewardtbsm. '

“ it is a schooner, Lcmax; do you know
Wit-ad Percy, c! aburlymaaat hisside,
and the same whol-d providtraita' to his
1  “mflfim i look

man took vs a
' " it, muttering to Mt!» v.31:
Io v did he  observation that

 mid: .
. .Wsil, Marylin“ so tell'm'sl
we», I guess. ' ' '

Lorna: made no reply, but continued his
gase‘. until Wyndham ssid sternly:

50mm,” mus, doyou know that craft?”
.. "Iwasjut tyin’tndudout,"wasthesnl—
“You have seen her before!"

H Y”, m." I

“lashes: Americans-slot wart”

v“ Do you think she is Mair!”
. .“Iknowsheis, forluwthatin thsglancc
I took at her; ande us may-shat
you did not discover it!"

“Yes,sir, abhumefiandItMnkan

American.” v~
. “ Well, I think not, for I how every Ameri-
an. craft of her caliber in thcsswatsrs, and
she is rigged far different mm anyo! them.
i, "Let theme fall on half adosan points,
helm-nun, and hsrs, lads, shake than not;
ourdf the sails. for PE run from yonder craft
.untflil‘know just what use is.” .

The orders were obeyed by the in
theirseamen’s dress, fmmost of t em had
hs-ptehsddor their knowbdgs of theses. and
napalm at once darted away over the
mus with bersasedspssd.‘ »
“sunny the course of is W was

aid at «mesh was man, itwss
hflache, while” who had b. as-
tentlveiy regardhg the other vensl, uttered:

“ Curses on the luck! I hoped to have

The Gambler Pirate.

caught them that time, but that youth is too
cunning. .

‘ “Now I must see if I cannot redeem myself,
for I verily believe he suspects my little game,”
and turning he called out quickly:

“Captain Wyndham i”

turned toward the man.

“ I have got my hearings on that craft, I
think, sir.”

“ Well?"

“She is one of two vessels, for there are
but two hulls of her size in these waters that
carry the tall sticks she‘s got and can spread
the canvas she does.”

“ What vessels are those two?”

“ One is the craft known as the Red Rover.”

“ Ha! commended by Basil, the Buccaneer!”
exclaimed 'Captain Norton, who had heard his
words.

“Yes, sir.”

“I know much of that sea rascal, for he
first )egan as a coast smuggler, Was caught,
sentenced to be hanged, and escaped, to re-
appear as a pirate in this Red Rover. which is
said to be as fleet as is the Skeleton Schooner,”
said Ca; tain Norton. '

“ And she is, sir, for we have had runs
together,” boldly answered the can, while
Percy Wyndham asked:

" What is the other vessel you eferred to,
Lomaxi"

“ The Skeleton Schooner, sir.” ‘

“But you know that you left her at the
Black Lagoon, repairing damages after her
fight with that American cruiser, so how could
it be the schooner?”-

“Well, sir, our captain, or that h thqons
who was my captain, is a strange man, and he
may have run on here in the schooner, intendv
ing to get his own crew. ”

“ And the vessels are so much alike that you
fail to recognise whether that is the Red
Rover or the Skeleton Schooner!” '

“At night, air, theyare yanks, for
I cannotssethe‘redhuilof the var, andif
it is the Skeleton Schooner, she hamitgot her
skulls lighted up. ”

“Well, whichever it is, we will be safe in
running from her,” said-Percy.

“If it is either vessel, sir, fast as is the
L'antern, she can ovsrimnl you,” said Lomax.

“If moccasins iswelcomato dose; butI
will lead haste ruinif shsfeiicwsms, unless
sfle hasapflotonbeardthatcanrun achanuel

gun came s-solidv'shet cut-tbs deekscf the
M—o‘dsatsrn. ‘-
“Besthessdhnllfcucaphinxoetanns
flashrevuiedit.

“Ya,th udanttse,”aassssrcd
“Itselfiagyou knewthatflseayou

. laneed at her, so beware, 'sir, that I have no
reason to doubt you.” stamiysaid Percy

 

W and I” dunk am, hot as
firing. . ~
0mm XIV.

run nla'rl carer: -

N . the . out of the

reefs in the Jack-o'dantern‘s 'flls, and the

whiting awondq'fullyfastmilsr, tthed
r continued to yin upon her.

The sea was very and though a
lunch craft, the Jack-okhu'tsru was too small,
What deepen h- in the bull, to enable her
tovstsndtbe rude out of the wavss, and on a
quarteringmss, =as Percy < Wyndham had to
keep her to heldhsr toward the point for
whichhewasstesring. 1.. r ‘ 

With a twelve-knot-brsese, and in ordinarily
rough water, the Jacbo’dantsrn had shown a
clean pair of heels-to the fastest of such, but
now slashed one in her wake,th Lemar,
the traitor, a returned pirate, as-‘ths case
might be with him, asserted was quest. speed
to the notorious vessel known as the Skeleton
Schooner: and filled bye maawhnssssespes
had won him the same 0! Skimmer of the
‘Doall onmmrsahtmsflns-Pmr
Wyndham, it was a “picture, in wild

 

drenched by the waves, ahead unmiti-
 “e firm-and?“ came
the parsnsr, herrsdhnillighssd upsvsr

 

and anon by the flash of her how guns.

“ Ay, ay. what is it?" and Percy Wyndham 

M '

i Percy Wyndham had been a sailoraince his
- infancy almost, for he was wont‘to climb to the
1, mast-head oi his father‘s vessel when but five
; years of age, and taught by all, from the cap-
| tain to the cabin boy, he had become thorough-
; ly acquainted with every duty on board ship.
His whole boyhood life, in fact, had been
‘ passed on shipboard, and in cruising about the

Gulf, pirate~hunting with his father. he had
! learned the in-shore waters well, and, upvn
‘ going to Lakelands to dwell, in his own yacht,

and a negro crew, he had spent days-cruising
‘ along the coast, until the shoals and. channels
were as familiar to him as were the walks
about the mansion grounds at home.

Knowing now that the Red Rover w0uld
ruin his plot, for he would side with his
brother pirate, Percy Wyndham was most anx-
ious to prevent the capture of the yacht.

It would give Lomax a chance to crow over
him, put in durance vile Captain Norton and
his sailor guard, and worse still, place Mabel
Mortimer in the powerbf a pirate known for
his cruelty to all.

He was therefore most determined in his in-

should fall into the hands of the Red Raver.

“Captain, I have heard that these were
deadly waters to sail in,” said Lomax, ap-
proaching the wheel and joining Percy.

“ You have heard right, sir, they are deadly
waters, but astern comes a greater danger to
all, except such men as you are," was the grim
reply of Percy, whose eyes were piercing the
darkness ahead. ,

In the cockpit was Mabel Mortiuwr, and
near her stood Captain Norton, whom. the
young sailor had presented to her, while amid-
ships crouched Nd clung the crew, all im-
pressed with the gravity of their situation.

Behind Percy stood two seamen, he had
called there to aid him if necessary, while he
alone held the wheel, and put it to starboard,
orportyas the case demanded, with a strength
thatsurprisedall,and unease that made it
.a like ordinary work.

he firing of the Red Rover was steady, but
her shots flew. wild, though she still kept up
the chase, doubtless believing the y t to he
a pleasure craft with a party out of e city,
than jeweh-and gold would repay the capture
0 t.

“Have you hsasdcf tbs Death (had here-
abcnt, , will" sshd  to
the charge again, and m » as

‘t  

“ It can’t be far away, sir."

‘i No, not a league.”

“ There is wild water thereabout, sir.”

“Yes, but Mkawildarboflunnnder a
heel," was the grim reply. .. A -. .

“ They say that not a dasn My“ the
coastcanrnn the Dailieanal hr Muir,"
continued Inn-x. , I :
i‘gknowof saswhn intends to run it by
n s M '

“ Who is he, may I uh, sir?’

u MW” :1 ' ‘

Thouplysssrflsd theme-demise“;
Mabel asked:  .7. ..

“ Ur. Wyndham. what. in the Death Canal,
forlth often hurdofitl" . i

“ A channel-way balm shoals. Uh Mor-
timer,er theastimrcf. the m changes
several times a figs-gag whichw in
.my, willpntns » sound. the
islands, M “a Red Boyerdars afith
to follow us, unless he has apilot tilt take
the climb this blow.snd dsrkusli" an-
swered Percy l v yndham.

“And. you intst .to ,dfi‘thVthsml"
asked Captain Norton.

f‘ i  . .0 ‘ r'. v ‘ g."

The captain glmced out over the wa-
ters, then at the pnrsnsr as‘tm'n. and .let~
ting his eye run Over the yachuand mining
her behavioral» said: .

"‘ The chances must be fearfuisuoha nkht as
this, Wyndham.“  . .

“ They are, but I will take them, for I have
run through once befnrs ins-tow, and many
tunes in rasgh weather .dsmsnd evenif
we go dowu, it is a better ate than our cap-
ture by yonder Mullins-insane as.”
“intros seasoth to snide you. Mr.

nd 7’

 

Wy said Mabel, who is“, ,.and
glanced steadily out over the-wild”

“I can tell the moment} .* first
shoal, Miss Mortimer, by the All the
imeters, and thsnl shall rm ‘ l' asund-

ug.

tention to wreck the yacht even before she, .

q :-

‘ " Harm...” ...

w.-,..

“ma 2.:

' Wyndham held the yacht steady, with the

SECOND EDITION.

The Gambler Pirate.

_ ‘3

 

 

“ Forward, theme! two of you get headlines,
and stand ready starboard and port to tin-ow
them,” he called out, in ringing tones, and
soon from the bowl: came the reply:

“All ready, sir.”

Jus‘. as they spoke there came a shot from
the Red Rover, and the topmast was struck
and shivered to atoms by the iron ball, some
of the pieces dropping upon the deck.

But the hand that held the wheel never wav-
ered, and on the Jack-d-lantem flew like thy
wind, held steadily on her course, into greater
dangers than those that surrounded her.

 

CHAPTER XV.
FOILED.

Ox through the darkness, unhurt by the fire
of the Red Rover, save the splinter-lug of her
topmost. rushed the Jack-o’dantcrn, all eagerly
Watchingr the pursuing bucc'mcer, the young
and fearless pilot, and then peering out into
the darkness to try and discover what danger
Was ahead.

Calm. wholly indifferent to the deadly dan—
gers Surrounding him, and the fact that all
rested upon him, Percy Wyndham stood at his
pest, his hands firmly grasping the wheel, and
his eyes seeming to pierce the blackness.

The Red Rover had crept much ncarer, and
was coming on at a hot pace, seemingly deter-
mined to run the Jack-o’dantern down, or =
wrec her, for her commander must know of
the Death Canal ahead.

Her two bow gurs were now firing, to dis-
able, if' pcs iblc, the craft before she could
reach the shoals, and only the roughness of
the waters prevented her aim being true, for
the gunners on lhlt pirate deck had had long
practice in just such scenes.

Suddenly the yacht seemed rather to glide
than bound along as before, and instantly
Percy Wyndham‘s voice cried: A

“ Forward, there I”

“Ay. ay, sir.”

"Cast!"

“ Ay, ay, sin” and the two men threw their
leads, and one instantly called out, in a drawi-
ing tone:

“ Five fathoms!”

Then followed the other with:

“'Four fathomsl”

Instantly Percy Wyndhanf put his wheel
half round, and the course of,’the vessel was
changed, and again came the cry:

“Five and a half fathoms!”

“ Six fathoms!”

“ Good!” cried Percy, and he kept his ves-
sel’s bow pointed toward the deeper water, un-
til again came from forward, the starboard
leadsrnan shouting:

“Gavan sum!”

“ Six and a half fathomsl” came from the
starboard leadsman, and lumng a little, Percy

quiet remark:
“We have hit it right, and are now in the
Death Candi.” -
Not a word was said in reply, and every eye
aft was turned upon the daring young helme-

stern.

. tdfllhmnfisflfld ne'er;
M. hsknewthat Ch“ng
c continue to find on with

sues-sinus Mom-hung, in mi,

tones:
“Iowa; (In Red “.mm folloqu
the Death 06801 I”

' sums label Mortimer sun. to her
feet and gazed sstern. nadian others, while
from mutants“ lips hobs a aiming cheer."

 gal the “rice to
the Death Canal, the Red

var was 

 

in about, to best  the Gulf.
got, as 'she wors'sound, as though angry at

being foiled, and at not daring to follow, she
sent a broadside after the little Vessel.

Well aimed, several shots tore along the
decks, through the hull, and cut holes in the
large sail, but, Worst of all, left several men
dead and wounded i their wake.

But not a muscle of ercy Wyndham’s hands
quivered as he held his vessel on her course,
while he cried, when excited voices were
heard forward:

“Silence! for I must hear every word of
the leadsmen!"

The voices ceased, only a moan of pain be
ing heard, and on fl:w the Jack-o’dantern
through the Death Canal to safety in the
watezs bc yond the shoals.

 

CHAPTER XVI.
xx ms BLACK LAGOON.

A SMALL snrtskiii', under a li-g-of-muttOn
sail was dancing alongr over the dark waters of
what is now Mississippi Sound, and about a.
league (if-shore.

The skid was the same craft that had gone
out to the yacht, wrecked upon the Sharks
Back reef, and the occupant, for it held but one
person, was a woman, or rather a young girl,
and none other than Bessie Gite, the Lady
of the Lagoon.

She had paced the floor of the little sitting-
room of the cabin for a long time, after the
departure of Mark Mortimer, brooding bitterly
over his cruel confession to her, and with a
heart full of sorrow and bitterness. which
found no relief in tears for they refused to
flow.

Since the day that Mark Mortimer had

saved her from a fearful death, she had loved
him with all the intensity of her Spanish na-
ture.
Men said he was wild, dissipated, haughty,
but she saw only his virtues, and her mind
conjured up for him goodness he did not
possess. -

Often he was wont to mes-t her, when she
was sailing along the shores in her surf-drift,
and hours the lovers, for such they seemed,
passed together.

That the young planter was infatuated by
the beautiful girl there was no doubt, and his
intention was to make her hit wife.

But his financial aflairs worried him con-
stantly, for he owed large gambling debts, had
run through the most of his inheritance, and.
he knew his father would not help him out of
many more scrapes in the future, as he had in
the past.

He feared that he might lose the fair maid
of Clifl Cottage, and to bind her to him urged
that she should secretly become his wife.

In an evil moment she yielded to his “Quest,
and one day in New Orleans, whither she had
gone with her father in his sloop, she met the
young scapegrace, and was, as she believed,
married to him by a priest.

But Mark Mortimer had prepared himseif
against contingencies, should his love for her
change, and he not win a fortune with cards,
by making, it s. muck marriage.

True to his instinct of viliainy, when, by his
father’s death, he found he was penniless, and
that his sister Mabel got The Everglades and
fortune as her inheritance, he had traded that
sister’s hand to n gambler, as he knew Frank
Forrester to he, as the settlement of a gam-
bling debsnndforsumuchcashoverin hand.

- Having done this, and dreading longer to de-
pendupuths fickle Gmidessef Fortuns,hs
formed in his wicked mind a huinous' plot to
enrich himself, and which precious bit I: vil~
lsiny will on long he revealed to the .

[is also had decided that he would marry

hiding and some time after he left,
them, some plan of action
mum htoherminmsndatonceshe
ins-ed herself in a hosting suit threw what
necssssrieashe.wished totaksalongwith her
how, and locking the cabin, walked
memthssbou.

and ghastly light, Ihigh Beale Otto" had

 

pressure of a breeserthat sent her skimming
along swiftly over the waters.

Thus she sailed along through the darkness,
sending eight knots an hour astern of her, and
seemingly as much at home by night, and at
the tiller of her craft, as at home in her little
cabin. ‘.

“ There opens the Black Lagoon, as well as I
can judge,” she muttered, peering earnestly
landward.

Then letting oi! her little sail, she squared
away dead before the wind, and went flying
straight for the dark, forest-grown shores.

Here and there a tall pine reared its foliage
far above the dark line that marked the tops
of the other trees, and this seemed to be the
maiden’s only, guide to reach the mouth of the
lagoon.

As she drew nearer the shores were dark,
dismal, and impenetrable, and the waters
seemed to have lost their spray, and appeared
to be as black as ink.

All around her was still and somber, with
only the wash of the waves upon the shore,
and the occasional hoot of an owl to wake the
awful silence.

In spite of her nerve Bessie Gito shuddered,
and said to herself:

“This place is well named, for indeed it is a
Black Lagoon."

On into what seemed the very forest her
surf-skiff glided, lOOking most ghostly in its
white hull, relieved against the blackness of
water and land, and then before her opened the
huge arms of land, and she was floating into
the mouth, and upon the inky waters of the
lagoon. ‘

As the wind blew directly up the lagoon, her
surf skiff held on its way, while on either side
the heavy drapery of Spanish moss hung in
many long festoons arr und her, and trailed in
the water like f unereal garmqnts.

At last, as she rounded a bend, the wind no
longer filled her sail, and furling it against the
mast, she took up her cars and started to rOW.
when a light far ahead suddenly caught her
eyes.

“It is from a cabin on shore, or a vessd;
perhaps the vessel." she muttered, and taking
the bearings of the light, she rowed with an
almost silent but strong stroke up the lagoon.

For half a mile she went on, and glancing
over her shoulder and seeing from ’ whence
came the light the headed for it.

In under the festoons of moss her ski! glidi d
and then she shipped her cars and turned to
utter a wild cry of terror. ' .

And no wonder that she did so, and sank
down upon her knees with the ringing prayer:

“Mary Mother save me, or I am forever,

lost I ”

There, within a few feet of her, dimly
visible, black hull, raking masts, tapering
spars, furled sails and all, over which the
foliage and moss hung like a van, was a large
schooner lying against the bank.

But, worst of all, and far more terrible, the
figure-head of the strange vessel was a skeleton
arm.

One bony arm was extended, the skeleton
fingers grasping a outline, and the light she
had seen, and believed shone from i cabin
window, or vessel, came from out the lighfless
suckets of the skull, emitting a weird, ghastly
glow that seemed to look down into her inmost
heart, and illuminsd the hideous form, and
grinning teeth with a smile that was fearful
and diabolical.

CHAPTER XVlI.
m litmus "as...

T8! shIdOvy lcoki vessel, with the weird
come
upon hiding away in the moss-hung foliage of
the lagoon bank, was a la schooner, who»
saucy rig under the ' would have
won for her admiration and uqicion.

I Some half a hundred and malls years a
Vessel with a “long, low black hull, and

“raking masts, was the t craft for
free rovers, and all honest _ gave sucha
wide berth whether meeting dug the

coast or far out in mid-ocean.
lSuch angnewtlfinmilhiddsnhthe
3800 I 00 "I 0 3  ,. "Wt
shfl‘nfing’ {tom sight. rm "‘ ‘
Eerhnllwssdeepln   ssa
hound, amidshlps, and her masts '  tall
and raked in a most saucy manila-.7: ‘

Then her decks were nr  four
éighteens to a broadside, null “ m“fpivots

mounted forward, aft and in the waist, and on

’s-

L

10

 

 

a line with the masts, which gave an additional
weight of three pieces of heavier ordnance to a
broadside.

It was a heavy armament for a craft of her
tonnage, which was about two hundred and
sixty tons, and the pivot guns were thirty-
twos, showing that she could make a good fight
in offense or defense, if she had a good crew.

It was long after midnight, when Bessie
came so suddenly upon the vessel, and but one
person was visible upon her deck, and he was
pacing to and fro in the waist, more use form
than on, watch, for what need of watch was
there in that lonely, desolate spot?

A glimmer of light was visible in the sky-
light of the cabin, and beneath the swing-lamp
from which'it came were two persons.

One of these was Frank Forrester, the other
Juan Gito, the Fisherman of Cliff Cottage.

They had arrivod on board the schooner
about midnight, and, after a substantial sup-
per, had begun an earnest conversation which
had lasted into the small hours. '

Before them were” numerous papers and a
book of accounts, it seemed, for Captain For.
roster frequently referred to it to cattle some
mooted question.

The cabin was furnished with a luxury that
showed her commander to be one who loved
his ease, and a perfect profusion of articles of
value were scattered here and there.

“ Well,’ Senor Gito, you undertake the work,
do you?” asked Frank Forrester.

or Yes.”

“ And will meet the vessels by night that, in

sailing by your cottage by day, give you the ,
, dropped into the surf-skiff, the mast of which

right signals, and carry the goods to trusted
agents in Orleans, Mobile and Pensacola?”

“ Yes, Captain Forrester, provided I am
disguised in all my dealings with your men,
and are known to none of them by name.”

“ it shall be as you wish, and I feel that
neither of us will regret the contract.”

“But what will become of your vessel?”

“ This one, the other cruiser, or my Jack-o’-
lantern, Gito!"

“ All of them, senor, I referred to."

“ Oh, they may continue to cruise, if my
lieutenants so wish, excepting Lantern, and
her I will keep as my private yacht.

" Now, let me pay you the amount due you
for past services.

“Let me see; we made it twenty-one hun-
dred dollars, I believe?”

“Yes. senor.” '

“Will you take_it in gold “or in gems?"

“Precious stones are always the easiest to
carry, Captain Forrester, and I prefer them,”
anSWered the fisherman.

Captain Forrester arose, walked to one end
of the cabin and drew back a divan, after
which a rug was taken up, and a trap was dis-
covered in the flooring.

Touching a secret spring, an iron panel flew
back and a compartment was reVeaM, in
which was a mass of what appeared to be vari-
ous kinds of treasure.

Taking up a leather bag, the captain walked
with it to the table and from it took a number
of diamonds, emeralds and rubles.

“Two of each, Gito, will liberally pay you,
for they‘nre worth four hundred for the single
stone; but I'll not be grasping with you.”

The fisherman glanced critically at the gems,
selected six of them, and answered:

“Yes, th are worth more than my debt—
lmt what in’ eaven's name is that!” I ,

Both men had sprungto their feet in alarm,
while Captain Forrester, hastily thrust his gems
back into their hiding-place, and sprung on
deck, followed by Juan Gito, fog the sound
that, , "no startled
 A a woman’s voice.

.- . h

’ ‘Il - v\\   >

one 'ue‘chi the deck. Captain Frank
norms:- roundngm under oflcer on duty, and
who was, the man'that hid been pecfzgto and
fro  ship’s waist, wholly unnerv
cry ’thad‘bmntsoenddenl uponhisears.

Up the tobes, better-eke tor, half dressed
and to , mine a some of who had
been mined by the piercing mot, and
swayed by mperltition, there was not one of
Mid W with the idea flint they had
heard a death-call and were doomed.

“  whence came that cry!"
MW 03M, Muster, of the enter

“Thenolylotheronlyhowadrchiefflor

them wasarlngingoryof'

bythe l

1 The Gambler Pirate.

 

; i; came i"~om the trees. the lagoon, the heavens,”
answered the man in trembling tones.

“ Fool! Were you asleep?”

“ No, captain. I am not a man to sleep on
duty, as you know.”

“ That is true, Patric, but why could you
not place the cry i”

“ I know not, captain, for it seemed to come
from everywhere.”

“ Ha! what does that light mean over the
bows!” and Captain Forrester pointed to the
glimmer from the skull lantern.

“It is from the figure-head, air, for the lan-
tern was lit up to guide some of the crew back
to the schooner, for they went up the lagoon
fishing, and I forgot to put it out, sir.”

“ You were negligent, and in future I want
no lights shown, even if we are in this dismal
place. \

“ Put it out, now, and then lower a boat and
have search made for the one who gave that
unearthly cry.”

The emcer walked quickly forward, and soon
he called out, in a startled way:

“Oh, captain! come here, please!”

Frank Forrester and Juan Gito walked
quickly forward to where Petrie stood leaning
our the sharp bows and pointing down into
the Water.

What he saw there caught the eyes of both
men at the same time, and Juan Gito cried ex-
citedly:

"Good God! it is the surf-skiff!”

“ And your daughter lies in it either dead or
unconscious,” answered Captain Forrester, and
instantly be swung himself over the bows and

had lodged against the schooner’s bowsprit.

In the bottom of the skiff, beneath the weird
glare of the light in the skull of the skeleton
figure-head, lay Bessie Gito just as she had
fallen back at discovering the fearful eyes of
fire glaring into her own. ‘

Taking up her small hand, Forrester touched
the pulse lightly, and said:

“ She lives, and has only fainted from fright;
and no wonder, poor girl.

“ Here, Juan, take her up, and carry her to
the cabin.”

limp form in his arms, bore it to the schooner’s
cabin, followed by the captain, while the half-
dressed crew gazed on with superstitious dread.
“ Well, what in the saints’ names when
brought her here?” said Juan Giro, as he laid
her upon a sofa.
“ Perhaps some trouble at home has caused
her to follow you to make it known,” responded
Captain Forrester.
“ No, for all my family are here now, and
nothing occurring ht the cabin, that I can see,
would cause Bessie to come here."
“ Well, we will soon know, for she in recov-
ering,” said Forreetdr, bathing her face with a
perfumed liquid that spread a delicious odor
through the cabin.
As he spoke Bessie’s eyes opened, and falling
upon her father‘s face bending over her, she
smiled and said:
“ Oh, father! I am so glad you awakened
me, for I had such a fearful dream—ob, where
’am If” and she caught sight of Captain Forres-
ter, and then her eyes roamed uneasily around
the cabin. ‘ ' ' L '
"‘ You are amongfriends, Miss Gito, as you
may see by your father-5 presench he“, find
mine,” replied Funk Forrester, in-hie pleasant
way. '
v “ Iremember now; itwas not adreem then,

for I came hither to the Black-Lagoon to seek
my'father, and I discussed, oh‘eueb a hide-
ous . almost touching me, and-‘4’

" l in! he!”- laughed nitrates.- -' ,

"You neth skeleton lantern“ F hung out
forward to scare the Mn who may come
near, and maketthem believe that‘tbie‘ vessel is

the Brenton‘fichooner. ~- - " -" fl .
.“You see, Kiss Bessie, I luff! theilu'v‘ice
of my country, antiwbound all W‘ duty,
and therefore hereon play a pin-t. -‘ ' "

“ My Myrna damagedueverefy inc Itorm
some  ago, and ‘I pdt'in hue for repairs,
,aiidcarlngnbt tohereoogniaeduacruieer, I

have to play triokrto deceive the coasters, and
this may have b'eeh the reason these men from
whom you so bravely rescued me mistook me
‘Yor Forrester, the Motor.~

“Here, let me odor yai a l‘ of wine, and
um m" flut- toetart n his
 bowie the!“ plea-

All thiswae saidwitheaeb‘atur freedom

 

from embarrassment and frankness that Bessie
held no suspicion, especially as she beheld her
father in friendly intercourse, apparently, with
the captain of a vessel she had, when discover-
ing the figure-head, set down at once as the
Skeleton Schooner.

Calling his cabin-boy, Forrester ordered re~
freshments, and half an hour after Juan Gito
and Bessie took their departure on board the
sail-boat, the surf-skit! being in tow.

As there was no wind felt then in the la-
goon, Forrester called away a boat and crew,
and himself at the helm towed his visitors out
into open water, when he cast them loose with
many kind wishes for a speedy and safe return
home, just as the eastern skies became gray
with the approach of dawn.

 

CHAPTER XIX.
'rnn cosrnssron.

FROM the time of Bessie’s appearance on
board the mysterious schooner, Juan Gito had
seemed strangely nervous and had little to say.

When Frank Forrester had told her about
his vessel being on secret service, and explained
the presence of the weird figure-head, he had
given him a look of intense gratefulness, and
even after the two were alone in the sail-boat,
which he had headed down the coast, he hard-
ly appeared to he himself.

True, Juan Gito was always a stern, silent
man, but .with his daughter he had never
shown the cold side of his nature, and seemed
fairly to idolize her.

Although he had taught her all manly sports,
such as sailing a Vessel, rowing, riding a
bursa bare-back, swimming, shooting, and the

 

Juan Gite leaned over, and grasping the ,

like, he had toned her down by sending her to
the coavent for several years, where she had
learned refinement, and shown herself a profi-
cient in music and her studies.

Somehow he treated her as though she were
his superior, and was as respectful to her as he
could have been to his Own mother.

All rumors regarding himself he had tried to
keep from. her ears, and when incidentally
they had come to her, and she had spoken to
him regarding what the gossips said, he had
explained them away to her entire satisfaction,
and told her who he really was, and that an
exiled Spanish nable he had been forced to
seek an humble home in America.

Her following him to the Black Lagoon, and
even finding the mysterious vessel, he‘ could
not account for, and it was therefore that he
was nervous until he had heard from her lips
what she ind to tell, for be well know some
important circumstance had brought her
there. -

Having shaped his coarse for home, he
settled bimeelf'by the tiller, add said:

“ Come, Bess, lay.down and get some sleep,
for you need it.” .

“ Father, I cannot sle'ep,” she lid, petu.
lantly. \

“What ails my little girl, that she is so
worried I" he asked kindly, yet fearful that he
was really the mass of her trouble.

“ A greatbal worries me, father, and unable
to remain alone atbome, I came after yen.”

“But how did you expect. to .Indume,
child?" s .

“ captain Forrester  I vessel pas
undergoing repairs in the Black Ingoon, and I
knew wellwhere that wd, while, as. you had
promised to come aback as soon :aagou
had” taken him there, “WI would met ycu,
as the wind wae‘hom'the Gulf, and'Iknemthe
coarsoyou Ifltwy “  . .i‘.,,.'w;":
“But you have often stayed mm. the
cabin with no idea of fear.” '
"'15th he. I had.- mefithr as
aw. J‘ ~ ' is: ooh: a»

«mu hm warmth-“humans;
to insult on and make you afraid?" «hm
. 

bi

‘ u   ‘u I" » 2 " ‘ffiz
. “~qu father.” s ‘ - . ac; 3 ~,;.- 54*?
i‘why,whatoanyel‘meaaf! s   .1.
"I moon that I am not thewfhwfltwelvo
hours ago, for within that time I‘hflo’hflled
a secret thathfls imbdttend ' Mills.”
She spoke with fat.” M lid believing
himself the canned“ Helm, he bembled,
andmadenorefly. '* ' ~ ; 3
mummaw ,
“Mar, I have—a  to
M.” , U .> .‘
‘1‘ ‘  “W: I

 

l ‘iquwlhafidene‘m/Mthe

,emvmnw' she

!  «nu-m

f - w ,v Imam.

‘

J

  
may,  - .   ,,
Wendi _ _ Misfit?  __
. . .“ We went . ..    .1. 9.“  a
rdrzgkod.”; , "Xi;  ’ “kt-fl
arm the ceremony,

gigs comm

“Bu  while "havibeutalkln ,
' I haveabesn t inkingfid I have a plot to

,to be all that was true and noble, and urged by

2': hi .1! by hisowefwosdfi» W119. en-i
as: c '



Holy Mother knows I did not know how
wron ." _

“Child, in God’s name what do you mean?”
the man fairly gasped.

“ I have deceived you.”

“ Deceived me?"

“Yes father, and in turn for my sin I have
myself been deceived.”

“Bess, for Heaven’s sake tell me what you
mean!” and he gazed pleadineg into her pale
face, to which the gray of early dawn gave an
ashen look.

“ I mean, father, that I loved one I believed

him, I, as  believed, became his wife !”

The man let go the tiller and sprung toward
her, unmlndful that his boat lufled up into the
wind, while he cried in a savage tone:

“Bess, who was this man?”

“ Mark Mortimer.”

“Thank God!" ,

“ Do you thank God for your daughter’s
shame?" she said with intense scorn in her
tone.

“It is no shame for you to become his wife,
for he is the one I wished you to marry, though
in making the marriage a secret from me you
did do wrong."

“You misunderstand me, sir, for I said I
married him he I believed, but he cruelly
deceived me by a mock ceremony.”

“Then by the God above, Mark Mortimer
shall die for this! -

“Bess Gito, I swear itl” .

The words were shouted in such wild, ring‘
ing tones. that they were echoed back from
the dark foliage-clad shore half a mile away,
and caused poor Beale to become livid with
another dread that seized upon her heart.

CHAPTER XX. ,
JUAN Grro roasts a PLOT.

BESSIE, Grro had felt most revengeful
toward Mark Mortimer, as she had a right to
feel. for the wrong done her. ‘

But she still loved him, and her hope was
that if her father knew all he would be able to
persuade the young man to act honorably
toward her. ,, '

With.thja idea in her mind, and so crushed in
heart andpride she dared not remain byher-
self, she had gone to seek Juan Gite, and the
result was dilferent from her expectations.

She did not wish Mark Mortimer to die, and
above all to have his blood rest upon the hands
of her father, and the ringing threat of the
fisherman against the life of the man she so
dearly loved, caused her, to tremble with fear,
and brought her upon her ,knees before Juan

Gite. I

Clasping her hands she cried earnestly:

“ No, no. father, do not say that, for I love
him, oh! so very, very dearly. _

“Only ‘seghim. and bring him back to me,v‘
andwhenhe is made to feel the wrong he has
done me his noble heart will teach him what is
due to ‘ from him.”

' "‘ Nob e heart,”sneered Juan Gite. .

“Wh he has thé heart of asnake.”

‘4 An yet, father, you said only awhile since
that he was the one you w the to marry,”
and the ,maiden’s eyes Opened with

The, man’s face flushed, for he had nearly

 

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’11”

 

The Gambler "Pirate.

 

things right, I believe.“

“ Will you tell ‘me of it, father?” she asked
eagerly. .

He made no reply, but stepped back to the
tiller, and after getting the'little vessel once
more on her way, seemed lost in deep medita-
tion, which his stern face forbade Bessie from
breaking in upon. ‘

At last he looked up with a smile, and said:

“ Bessie, I have had a great many oflers for
your hand, do you know!”

“ I have heard of several, sir.” ‘

“ There was Carr Gray, captain of the Pen~
sacola packet ship, you remember—”

“ A man I did not, nor could ever love, sir. ”

“Well, there was poor Jean Jewett, whom
I picked out of the water last night, and buried
on the bank of the Black Lagoon.”

” Jean Jewett dead?” gasped Bessie.

“Yes, indeed, drowned night before last in
the storm.”

“Poor Jean,” and the tears came into the
beautiful eyes.

“Yes, he was a good young fellow in his
way, Bea, a fine sailor, and met a sailor's fate;
but to continue, I will say that I had heped
Mark Mortimer would love you, and you re
turn that love, for he was of good stock, had a
fine home, and I believed, if a little wild,
would tone down under your influence, and if
aught happened to me I knew I could leave
you well cared for.

“ Now that he has confemed to playing you
this shabby trick, I will simply compel him to
make you his legal wife.” ‘

“ But, father, he is not one to force into an

H ,

against him which I do,” was the significant
replv.

some secret of Mark’s life you intend to hold
in terrorem over him.”
“No, no, child, I only know that I can

you his wife.” v
“I will accept no t’erms unless he voluntarily
oflersthem,” she saidyproudly. V '
"mat be will do, and my word for it that
he’ll kneel, at your “feet within twenty-four
hours, confess his wrong, and ask you to let
him make full rep ration.”

he,” cried the maiden, smiling through her
team.

Juan Gito turned his head away to hide the
expression resting upon it, while through his
shut teeth came the words: .

“Yes, Mark Mortinier, I will lower your
proud head before long’ and make you due for

shall die, as I have sworn it.” I

, CHAPTERXXI. .‘

‘ A vtsrr 'ro cum crass; ‘ n

‘  Homes, I amgin a‘quandary.

“ np'IsidyoaJl‘yddhsnpr’. ‘
. .The speakers were Phrcy
jaws. Norton. bf V “
Guard, and the two stood on the deck of
J ack-o’dantern.
. It}: ,
the in dents re

 

sunwen

persuade him that it is for his good to make -

 

“Yes he is, when one holds the argument T

' "‘Why, father, you imply that you know 1

l

l

l
I

mercy to me, for my plot will’su'ocsed,  you ‘

 

Wyndham and v
‘the New Orleans City .tascended to the to of the" undyiw’ a
the  shining‘from (£e

l ' ejust

the ni t. :ud‘fin the'one‘bn‘ which  
in thegforego'i " chapter clearas (flute, and  and fell '11“ ‘a ca.

“Well, I am at slot to know what to ad-
vise,” said Captain Norton.

“May I ofler a suggestion?” - i

It was Mabel Mortimer,“ and her beautiful
face a above the companionway, re-
vealed by the light behind her in the cabin.

" Certainly, Miss Mortimer," answered
Percy.

“ I meant not to be an eavesdropper, but

your words reached my ears, and it occurred
to me that as we were of! the Clifl Cottage, an
hour ago when the sun set, you might get
Juan Gito, the Fisherman of the IAgoou, to
pilot you.”
' “A bright thought, Miss Mortimer. and I
thank you for it, as he is the very man, if he
will aid us, though rumor has it that he is
little less than a pirate himself.

“But he knows this coast well, and if he
loves gold he will aid us. ‘ g

“ Well Lomax, what is it?" and Percy
Wyndham turned to that individual, who just
then approached.

“ We are as near inshore, air, as we ought
to go, so I came to tell you that you better
wear and stand off again and up the coast.”

Percy glanced out over the waters atten-
tively, then shoreward, and stepping up to the
man, placed a pistol muzzle against his heart,
with a sudden, quick movement.

“ Lomax, you are a double traitor, air, for I
happen to know this cruising ground well,
and Wei-e I to follow your advice, I would put
the yacht on a shoal within ten minutes.

“Captain Norton, please put this man in
irons and gag him, that there may be no
further trouble.” ‘

“You promised me my freedom, if I would
aid you, and now you break your word," sul-
lenl y said the man.

“ Your freedom you shall have. with all
else promised you; but I see that you, while
willing to aid us if compelled to, are still try-
ing to bring the yacht to grief, and I will not
depend upon you,” sternly replied Percy Wynd-
ham.
“I warn you not to attempt to 'run into the
Black Lagoon at night, without my aid, for
'you will wreck your ml." '

“I know that, Lomax, and if I do not get
a pilot I will see that you tabe'the helm and
will risk you there. -

“ But I will first tryto get one who is to be

“Ah! if he onl would, hOw happy could I f trusted.” "

“ You mean Juan Gite!” sneered-the man.

it Yes. D .

“He’ll not pilot you there for the. yacht
itself, as his interests lie with those y. n seek,
or man lie about him. "

“If hedoss‘n’ot, you will, but I’ll try him

Percy then given order to lower away the
gig, and springing into it with two oarsmen,
win rowed rapidly ashore, while the 'Jack«o’-
lantern lay to: to await his return. ‘ '

He roundedthe point of land forming the
little boy, and landed upon the shore within a
stone’s throw of the cabin. ‘“ ‘ ' "

" Telling the men to‘await'his coining he
' oparsoo‘r as we” cabin,
'thenaresesvolesl'a‘shug.‘ '-*‘i
It was a woman’s .voice, sweet as a ,fiII’s,

own the ' dence that was most sympathetic, -“e“mng

amiw . 0..  _ ,
my) , lecture one and head- l thewbrdsofanoidhailad. ‘«
‘ ‘ one aggmhleagstoganml P‘e’réy wysam m  " "mu-

ou  ,Gito. . .
o,  vista-wester you  as

. rbor near New“
tfmgadmi’yhunsgs a at the

  
    
  
 

thou vI’haVe ' 

i are vas- "itsde
ageefitl‘éié‘gi‘fit °

   

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, . V . yr: .~,:j _'r«‘.’
u 511” aft-gt:  w .‘ her-w r 3"“
r w;  3,“, - , A a. fin a -
“iv” ” ’ “he trduble,’ or‘i’doubfifih"
l‘ 'fi ' *sslrm‘tobs'zmm rifled
Mn. ‘ hi“

freggrdin  the " Red Rover;
i . l to hi _
  

“A good idea, if- he were not litre that we

 
  

itwerethemerfll’aéoid’uittn

 

our'suooess d.

 

. ‘ . Wilt m '  ,
ting alongside the schooner 

IUD 519,}! why._ _ ,_  m i vessel had'glided over the w.

'hé‘ééifl‘refl mm'tiskoiasd‘ y * voice was mam,- meme
gm 1 every note. and yet, imam

“ man ‘ ‘ V   y a

t sweet andss hignfrm'wm term

Ll‘tsfbr’u'xkiieamaeiA” *  em
I W ndham stood‘mj ‘
‘ ,. , I. .

bound for who could in sweet ’sin‘gerfif‘
Mabel Mortimerhadisungfor them, as the
 her
‘ful in
r , '  fisher-
caiiln‘esmeflnas‘“ «ah-l"
on the altar that accomw‘her that
” In "silence-uni! Me'eprs
,2 a 

es .‘en  morfirflsefe‘ an. .

‘ rapid: and brilliantly  upon the

W - ,s
dtLplaee him at _

’ wish to aflrm the scheduei‘s crew ‘

;"the"W”0f new his sp-
proaching footsteps to the ears offis 
Arriving heir  he beheld as fair
mum  within showy room.
She had indoleutly thrown was upon a
sofa, and her hands _mechan 
swept‘he‘strlfis‘d  our guitar

? she eld.

 invite-winters, heebnld mums 

lin ndhungahmthuhbanm‘fifi‘half
|

hail‘hédfidbfilmitsfaswm

hi ‘gwmhmin an. of

.5": Peter

12

The Gambler Pirate.

 

“ TheLady of the lagoon! Gito's daughter!

“I had forgotten her very existence,” said

Percy Wyndham to himself.

He had seen her now and then sailing over
the waters, or dashing to the inland village
mounted upon her pony: but he had never
spoken to her, and now as he beheld her, re-
fined, beautiful. fueinating, he again muttered:

“She is rightly named the Lady of the La-
gow, fer lady she certainly is, and a lovely
one too.”

As her fingers struck the last notes of the
waltz, Percy Wyndham stepped forward, when
the light from within fell full upon him, and
with a half startled cry, Bessie was upon her
feet, her grasp upon a pistol that lay near her
upon the lounge.

CHAPTER XXII.
'rnn con. TIGHTENING.

“PARWN me, lady, my intrusion, but I
mean you no harm," said Percy Wyndham,
bowing low with uncovered head.

“Mr. Wyndham of Lakelands, I believai"
answered Bessie, dropping her pistol and
guitar, and advancing.

“Yes, I am Percy Wyndham, and I believe
I address the fair Lady of the Lagoon.” he
answered in the courteous manner natural to
him.

“I am simply Beasie Gito of Cliff Cabin,"
she returned with a smile, and then added:

“ Your preunce startled me at first; but
will you not come in, though my father is ab
sent?”

“It was to see your father I came, Miss
Gito, and I regret exceedingly his absence,
though I was rewarded for my coming, by the
very delightful treat I enjoyed in your sing-
ing, for I have been an eavesdropper."

“ You are welcome to be, si‘ if my singing
gives you pleasure; but I regret that my fa-
ther is away, and he will not return for a day
or two, as he sailed for Mobile this afternoon. "

“Iam indeed sorry, for my desire to see
him was most urgent, as I wished to secure
his services as pilot. ” v

“If it is urgent, Mr. Wyndham, may I not
serve you as well?’ she said with one of her
sweet smiles.

“You!” be asked in surprise.

“ Yes, for I know the coast and lagoons
from Pensacola to the lake.”

“I remember now to have heard so, and
that you are a perfect sailor too, Miss Gito;
but do you know the Black Lagoon?"

“ Well, sir."

“Itisthere I wished your father to pilot
me."

, “Itis a most dismal and Wm locality
for a yacht’s cruise, Mr. Wyndham, for I sup-
pose you wish to go there in your yacht,” she
answered.

“ Miss. Gite, may I trust you!” he asked, af-
teraainetantof silenee,andasthoughhe had
suddenly come to some decision.

She looked surprised, and replied, with some
coldness of manner:

f‘ I do not believe, sir, that I have given any
one cause to doubt me."

“Donoths “(17.1103 tell me if you can
pilot a, hsgevesssl into theBlackIAgdin at

t.

“Whatisthedraeghtofthevsssell”
u Ml!

“Y-,tbsdarke¢ligthtlcaarunbsriu,but
nothhgdsawisgoverourtssa cancross
thehaiahstwsutbesheals.” M
“Andzmkaowtbeshoakweilf’

it!“

“Willyoumshsaseapromisef’
I‘uh‘am."

“uyoa astgeasinypilotyeawillnot
speakof-ypssssnesheeqto-uightr’
"iwiilnut,dt."

“’Ihankyoqnissoitqsldnowl will us'

yosif sahasahsardof a mysteries“ vessel
WLWMIagm-P

lbs shit-d at the qssstiou,snd hesawit,
but‘sIhsasssnredr-srkly:

‘ luv-hand a vessel wasan
repairsthsns.”

"Doyouhnowthenatusoof the vocal!"

“lb-vsbuntoldthstitwasacsuhsr."

“Of whatenaflonalityi"

“Andean.”

“Maylagaiatronble youto ask how you
gained this information!”
 my” yed, and that as-

..“ Wyndham, willyna tell meyesrmo-
tive for your questions, for if a pod one, I

 

 

may prevent further trouble to you and to
others.”

“ I will tell you all as soon as I discover by
your answer. if my suspicions are fully con-

“Will you tell me how you knew of this
vessel?"
“ Do you know the Shark’s Back reef!” she

ed.

“ Well.”

“ A yacht from The Everglades was wrecked
upon it yesterday, and I took a gentleman OR
in my surf-skiff, and my father carried him to
the Black Lagoon in his boat, for he said his
vessel was lying there undergoing repairs.”

“Ah! was that gentleman Mr. Frank For-
rester, known as a yachtsman, and commander
of the Jack-o'~lantern?"

“ It was Mr. Forrester."

“ rid your father carried him to the Black
Lago n?”

“ He did, air.”

“And put him on board his vessel!”

“ Yes, sir.”

“ Did your father speak of the kind of vessel
it was?”

“It was a schooner, armed, and Captain
Forrester said that he was on secret service.”

“ Miss Gito, have you ever heard of Forres-
ter, the Freebooter?”

“I have, air.” '

“ Well, let me tell you that, strange as it
may seem, the man calling himself Frank For-
rester, a yachtsman, and the guest of Mr. Mark
Mortimer of The Everglades plantation, is none
other than that famous sea rover.” ‘

Bessie started at this broad accusation, and
answered: '

“ This is a fearful charge to make, Mr.
Wyndham.”

 

“ It is a true one, Miss Gito, as I can prove,

and I need your services now as pilot to guide 5

the Jack-o’-lantern to the Black Lagoon, for
Captain Forrester sent his yacht to New 0r-
leans after a crew, and I went in her in dis-
guise, forcedhis men to turn traitors. and now
have on board of the craft, not half a mile off
here, Captain Norton and a number of his
City Guard, going to take the mysterious vessel
in the lagoon, which I frankly tell you is none
other than the Skeleton Schooner.”

Bessie Gito was astounded at this, and the
weird skeleton light came back to her, the
strange appearance of the craft, the attempt 'of
the crew on the wrecked yacht to capture For-
rester as the Skimmer of the Sea, and she felt
convinced that he must indeed be that famous
sea outlaw.

He had been good to her, she liked him, and
it seemed hard that she must be the cause of
his capture; but then if one-hundredth part of
the stories told of his cruelties were true, he
deserved a thousand deaths.

“There have been strange whisperings ii\ 1

these parts of late, Mr. Wyndham, and the
strangest of all is what you now tell me,” she
said, slowly;

“ Yes, and there is more to tell, Miss Gito,
for now on board the Jaek-fl-lantern it Miss
Mabei Mortimer, of The Everglades, who was
kidnapped from her home by a witch-madden“
wretch, one Jean Jewett—” .

“Jean Jewett 1" she cried.

“ egayoungflshermsnthatyoumayhave
known.

“IdidknowJeanJ'ewett well, sopseknqt
agnissthiis, forhs wasagoodmau, andhsis
dead,” she said, ally.

“How knew you of his death" quickly
asked Percy. , ,
“Myfathsr found his body Will the
Gulf. and buried it." _

“ Yes, he kidnapped Miss Mortimer, drlvbn
mad by superstition, and believing he was

by .,
would have dcasso butter“ semingnssr
mam hewas in as open menu;
bound, of the Skeleton losooasr, which
frightensdhimhe intethsssa.

“Some hears after picked up his boat
seaandfouad Missllortimsrinit,udsheis
nowwithme inthe yacht, deteiflinedto see
if Frank Forrester, her We guilt, is the
famousSkimmeroftheSea.’

“Now, Miss Gito, you knowwhyl askyour
sarvicesaspilo " , .

“And you shall have them.

“Amuse yourself as best you can, while I

Ind

 

get rsady,”and sin. ti , in an inner
room,ieasiug Percy tmthimatthe
restsdupenthe

which looked little like the home of a fisherman,

CHAPTER XXIII.
’I‘Kl GIRL PILOT.

“BI: is bringing the pilot back with him,
Miss Mortimer,” said Captain Norton, who
with Mabel Mortimer was watching for the re-
turn of Percy Wyndham, while the Jack—o’-
lantern lay to upon the waters.

They could see in the darkness that there
were four persons returning in the boat,
whereas but Percy and two oarsmen had left
the yacht in it, and their hopes were high that
before long the sharp prow of the Jackrohlin-
tern would be pointed up the Black Lagoon.

A four-knot breeze had been blowing, but
now it was increasing steadily, and before an
hour the yacht would have wind enough to
send her bowling merrily away on her danger-
ous and daring mission.

At last the boat ran alongside of the yacht,
Percy gave a low order to hoist it to its devils,
and then sprung aboard, and came aft with
one who had nimbly followed him.

“ Miss Mortimer, may I present Miss Bessie
Gito, better known as the Lady of the Lagoon,
and now our fair pilot?” said Percy, pleasantly,
and then he added: “Captain Norton, of the
New Orleans City Guard, Miss Gito.”

Mabel had often heard of Bessie, and also
had seen her often cruising about the waters
in her little boat all alone, when few men
would have dared face the storm.

She knew that she was the pride of her
fisherman father, and her brother, who had
told her of his rescue of Bessie, had said the
was even more beautiful than she was, and

’ fully the lady in education and refinement.

She had felt for the girl in her lonely We,
and new extended her hand with winning
sympathy, while she said, frankly:

“I am glad to meet you, Miss Gite, for you
are by no means unknown to me, as my brother
Mark has often spoken of you.”

Bessie hit her lips at the mention of the
name of Mark Mortimer, but said in her soft,

! sweet way:

“And I am happy in meeting you, Miss
Mortimer, while to your brother I owe my
life. ”

Then she turned to Captain N000“, who
was deeply impressed by the beautiful being
he beheld before him, clad in a jaunty sailor
suit of blue flannel, for she had prepared her—
self for her voyage, and the Lady of the La-
goon he had often heard of, for the sailors had
told many yarns about her daring life upon
the waters.

“ I will now set sail, Miss Gito, and head for
the Black Lagoon,” said Percy, a few mo-
ments after his coming on board.

“ How much does your yacht draw, Mr.
Wyndham?” asked Bessie, turning from speak-
ing to Mabel.

“ Eight feet, I believe.”

“ No moref,’ -

“ No more, and if anything half a foot less."
“Then we will save several leagues by m-
ning up by the inner channel.”

“But I suppwd that only my light-
draught boats could go that way!"

“This yacht can if properly managed,” was
the gist response.

“ is in your hands, Miss Gite,” ma
Percy. and ten minutes after the Jack-o'eiantern
was gliding al under full mam“ and jibe,
andnota ofamilefromtbedask
(shores, while at herwheel stood the Iadyof
the handling her with masterly skill,
while , the yang lid“ of “Islands
and Caph'in Nos-ten steed ns‘ar whiting bar
svgmotioasad psrtsct eoolasu with m

 

osmium.
rasr'swo rassosaws.
msuaflskymeloudsdia
of dghhasd‘tbegrandamfllcuef
looks somber and still fathom aowiad’est‘is
alightvisible.
Aunt Nance insist.me

‘thbelhopt iah‘sr casing the on»
all secure fertile.

infused, and havisgmade _
night. Uncle Toby has stretched himself #0.
the lattes. in the hall to sleep.

But there are two 'wakeful ones in the man—
sion, and sleep seems wholly driven from their
eyes, almighthey are’not  r.

One is the mistress o Lakelanda Mrs.
Wyndham, who is newcailedamaaiac, since
the day of her duel with Major MarkMorti-
mer. .

The other‘h‘Duh, the mnlatto five and
130(1th of Major Mortimer, saith-ho, in

£ ’Mwiaa- :- -

Hwy” . .

A

The Gambler Pirate.

13

 

o‘-

attempting to avenge his master's death, or
himself, for he knew he must fall from the
high pinnacle he had occupied upon the planta-
tion, had nearly lost his life at the hand of
Percy Wyndham.

The night be bad sailed in the Jack-china-
tern, Duke had been seized by Percy Wynd-
ham and turned over to Uncle Toby and an-
other negro, with orders to keep him prisoner
in the garret of Lakelandl until his return,
and the prisoner had been confined in what
was known as the “ strongoroom," where were
kept the valuables of the family not in use.

The room had a door to enter it, and a
round window in one end to give light, and
was certainly a secure prison for an ordinary
person, and doubly so if that person was in
irons.

But Duke was an exceptional personage,
strong as a giant, cunning as a fox, and with
indomitable pluck and will, and from the first
he made up his mind to escape, although he
had chains about his ankles and hand-cuffs

about his wrists, for Uncle Toby had determin- ‘
1 not what to do, as he felt the grip upon him.

ed to keep him secure until the return of h
master. '

Some days and nights had passed away since
’Percy Wyndham‘s departure, and yet Duke
remained in his prison; but upon the night in
question he was' wide awake, as was also Mrs.
Wyndham, and each wee plotting escape.

The mistress of Lakelands felt that she
must leave her rooms, her home, or else go
raving mad, and perhaps, when away from the
influences by which she was then surrounded,
she might regain her mind, for she was dazed
in regard to the duel. and th she could
recall the scenes as they mil were, when
told by her son, by Toby and her faithful
slaves that she was mad to say that she had
killed Major Mortimer, it really did turnher
brain, for she could see no motive they had in
:saying so.

How to from her prison, for such it
seemed to her, she did not know, for her son
had had the windows secuer barred ouuide,
and no strength of here was able to remove
them.

Long did.she sit and ponder orer a plot, .1
then decide to call I‘bcobe, whom she knew
toheon gnerdwithout, epringnpon her, kind
her. and then stealthin leave the roen-~ h‘ythe’
«door thin left opp.

Asshewuebonttoealkshoheard a sound
seemingly without, and stopped to listen V

In theatrmgroolnDukehadaleobeenplot-
ting howto escapaandatlest’his 
brain it won a” way.

Hand to  IpoI' thewaii he ‘
eeverd’ ,  W
from , ass . em shoals
aid hini.

With his hands he tech the. down,
andsocof theeddeoftwoofehe-to
the handle of ahsevy Within the room.

Then he wait to he window and looked
out. ‘ ‘

Itwnsalougdhhnoetothegrcend, forthe
house was two storieaabessnentsad anat-
tic, and his room was in thegnbleof chewing.

The window was round, hardly large enough
for his body to pass through, and yet this was
his only shoes of escape.

11‘ ’s sword he found there to the end of
one ' ' he“leriatt, he lowered it cautiously
from the window to see if it would touch the
ground.

It did haphandjust as there wasnota
foot more of “a ihsio in his hand. '

Then be 1m fie other lasso, that the
two together might make a larger hold for his
hands.

His next act was to take a costly silk dress
hanging in the mom and hecus'ely wrap it
around the chains that bound his feet, that
ghgy‘might not rattle. - "

To get out of the window was the start work
in hand, And for a man with four feetot heavy
chain about his ankles, and his wrists in iron,
was no easy task ‘ '

With as little noise as possible, and after
hard work, he managed 7‘0 We trunk! against
the well until they were on a level with the
wind”. A ‘ ‘

Then he took the third lariat, aod.paming
the end up through his belt, made it also that
to a tr!!th ' ' ' '

With considerable work he managed to then
get his feet out 'of. the‘ window, and gradually
worked his body through until at last he hung
by his hands far above the ad.

. KW“
Sewngthsthhdhnqthaspamedupthrough

 

his belt, he caught a firm grip upon it with his
white, strong teeth, and saw with delight that,
should his hands givo out, he could thus hold
his weight to rest them.

Then be grasped the two lassoes and began
his descent. '

As his wrists were in irons he could move
but slowly his hands, and downward he began
to go, almost inch by inch.

The iron out his wrists, the ropes blistered
his hands, and still week from his wound, he
felt several times as though he must fall.

But at such times he would grip the lasso
ame with his teeth, and thus hanging in
mid-air, would rest his hands.

Nearer and nearer to the round he descend-
ed, until, just as he got love with the top of a
small ornamental cedar tree, and knew he
must soon triumph, he felt a firm grip upon
his throat.

 

CHAPTER XXV.
ran nacarn.
FOR amoment Duke was dazed and knew

 

He was just opposite to the Iowa window,
and it was not more than a dozen feet to the ,
ground; but there was a brick pavement be~ |
heath, and should he drop, in his irons, he
might be killed, or at least severely injured,
while he would be unable to fly, even should
he not he hurt by the fall.

Who it was that had thus seized hiin he was i
not left long in doubt, for a stern voice, though
a women’s, cried in a low whisper:

“Hold, air robber, and aid. me to escape, or
I will call for aid, and the bloodhonnds will be
put on your track and tear you to pieces.”

Duke know well what those terrible blood-
hounds were, and he shuddered while he an-
sweredr:

“ Who are you?”

“i amthe mistress of and they
have me confined here because they say I am
mad."

Dukeknewthenwhoitwas, endthathehad
a mad woman to deal with; but, mad or sane,
he knew she held him in her powc, endhe en-

swensd~ . .
yoetoesmpaifyouwiiigdde

“lme
myieetbthedlhfortemtoreu‘cqiormy
handearegivingont." ~

Bhoquiehly’did nadireeted,forthewiadew
sill was not a feet away, and, feeling the silk,
mid: '

“You live even stolen my dresses and"
wrappedthemahoutyou,hutyoueanhaveaii
ifyon willouly helpntetogofreofrcm
m"

a! now, please.” ‘ . t
. She disappeared in the room, and soon re-
turned withthepoker. '

“ Ah, this will do,” andrclieging to the
withhisteeth, and trying tc'dhguisethefast

“There, you can pass'thsoegh
and, when I reach the greased,
these ropes,” he said, as he again swung him—
self oi! the sill and began the descent, while in
his ears rudg the whispered, trembling words:

“Thief though you are, may God forever
bless you.” I

She- watched him descend, saw him move
slowly away in the darkness, and then hastily
gathered together a few articles she felt she
would need, thrust her jewel-box and pone
in her bosom, and seieing the untested food
and wine upon the table, made all into a bun-
dle. '

Slinging the bundle over her shoulder, mak-
ing ribbons serve as ropes, she wrapped I POI"?
shawl around her and sprung nimbly upon the
window-sill. I

Grasping the ropes securely, ails committed
her weight to them and rapidly. 6080011081,
rand-under-hand, to the brick pavement be-

ow. ‘ ~ '

Aiiwasdarkaodas silentesthograve, and
shegiided awayin the gloom-and madeher
:13! file garden down toward the L

ore. A r

 

Reaching the little pier, she sprung in!) a
light skid she had always claimed as her own,

. and glided away in the darknem, her can

hardly making a sound as they rose and fell in
the water.

 

CHAPTER XXVI.
rncr wmm’s noel.

Tn Jack-o’lantern had gone but a short
distance, under her new pilot, before all saw
that she was in safe bank

The wind had increased to a ten-knot blow,
and. coming Might from seaward, sent her
along swiftly with her sails full and hard.

Percy Wyndham had stepped forward to aid
with his strength at the wheel; but Bessie had.-
declinod his ofler with thanks ad the remark:

“She is easy on the helm.“ -

Percy had also noticed how readily the fair
pilot rounded shallow pints, passed around
shoals, and avoided dangerous places which he
knew of, and this fact caused him to feel
elated with every hopeof success.

“Do you see that point of land ahead half a
league?" asked Bessie, pointing through the
darkness to where a wooded point jolted out
from the mainland.

“ Yes,” anewerai Mabel Mortimer, to whom
the question had been m0re directly adduced.

“That is our port shore of the Black moon,
and when we round it, we will ease ed the
sheet, and run deed befon the wind 09 the
bayou.”

" This wind ought to send us up a league I
more,” said Percy. f

“ Yes, it will do so."

“How far uplies the ochooneri” asked &.
young leader of the expedition. .-

“ A league, fully.” 3

“ Upon which sidpi" »- I

“Our starboard.” , -

“Thank you,” and Percy turned to Captain
Norton and gave an order, and that gently”
at once went forward among his men. .

Soon he -retnrned. peeled by Donal,
whcwalkedwithdiflculy, for he was w
hands end fest. ’ -

“The men are all ready, Ir. Wyadha..~
and I hevehroeght this fellowett tom»
mm in spiteof himself,”said m"!

“Is that the traitm' flrete whose can.“
ea‘nnd yen to seeped him!” shed H. '

“ Yea, Miss Gite.”

“Then I would advise you touflm, in
voice might do considerable harm linen,"
was the quiet aw.

“1‘ thank you, Hi- Gite, and willdo so,"
sateen-d Peony, night a Isa-swathhbt

flamrfituauihe-
suggestion.

Withhereyee pierci' fibdarhfinh‘s
Be-ieheid oqherccurse, rounded the fl.
and-thumthaudsrinabw tins: ~

5.3
h
E
E
E,

y“ apart. ' 

“Now, captain,” dd Percy  ‘91.
intend to have the lantern on- the Wt
lighted, and to play a mans- the schooner
for Captain tweeter wiflnetnreliy tflnk that
it is lame: returning. .m'.‘fl‘ m.
oftheyeehtisreporbdtohim”, '

“ Yes, no. I think,” answered out“:
Norton. . 

-“‘Wiiell I g“ in the vicinity oi-BM
ii thoydo nothaiius, I shellplecsmy hib-
hand against the an. of this nan. jmt-as he is
bound here, and where it will pierce his heart,
and thentakethegegfromflasnonth. .

“If he obeys my “notepad hilt as I
demand, well for blunder“! he mils out, it.
attempts to betray us, my hails ' ht;
heart. -

“ Nod, if you nodes-mad me, Loosen."

The gagged and bound man nodded aeveeal.
times, and Percy continued: .

“ As soon as we find exactly when
sohoonerliee, I willtshethehelm 
yacht alongside, while you ladies he . pod
enough to atonoem to theeelinceflot
danger. m u m

“ Then, on you. you -
the yacht forward, and I will hard m
eft,and the schooner nun beau-hasten-
events." . '

1
.L“...‘ -

Tammie:   .

 

 

~. - . -....._-___ .-._.. 7.- . .. ..___._._i_ ..

" Cam nly, there must b! no such word as
rail, Mr. Wyndham.

“ M w come. and let us mm rurselves,” said
Cs; tain Norton, and the two descended to the
cabin tl‘1,'('iil¢_‘_'_ i

In '1 f w moment-s tiny returned, armed to 1
the ten-iii, and saw that the Jack o/ lantern :
had rounded the first bend in the lagoon, and
was gung at a much slower pace from having
been cut off from the wind in a great
measure. ,

Bufi she. was making two knots an hour, and l
the weird lantern lighted upon the bowsprit ,
was casting a ghutly gloom dhoad over the 1-
inky waters. '

“ When we round yonder bend, Captain
Wyndham,” said Bessie. “the schooner will not
be a cable's length distant,” and the words of
the fair pilot caused a hush to fall upon all.

l
l

 

 

CHAPTER XXVI].
A CRITICAL APPROACH.

Wm hardly'any hmdnav after rounding
the second bend of the Black Lagoon, the Jack-
o’-lnntern moved silently along in the darkness,
which now was must dense, accepting for the.
weird light upon- the bowsprit, that had given

he YUilllG to lhe pretty little vessel.

Bessie Gite still held the almost useless helm,
and stopping to the side of Lomax, Percy
Wyndham tore away his jacket and shirt, and
pressed the point of his long-bladed knife just
over the heart and until it pricked the skin,
causing the man to wince as well as he could,
bound‘as he was. -

Thcn he still in a low tone: -

“Lomax, “hon caught in a trap you sided
m nix-with others-of your cemrsxles; but
each time where you thought you'sawa chance
to entrnp us and escape yonnseli', you have
tried to do so, or your conduct. has certainly
‘Id that appearance.

“flow, to guard against all 'mistakeo, I have
hd‘ywv‘mmphtm, who like you are re-
tormed pix-M’sent' below, and it your-do not
onyQIy overrun“, { will drive‘tkisknife to
yourhearsa r ‘ . -  .g ,

“Obey me, and, 8.5.1 pledged you; you M
wféfinrades“=are m. to' go," and I will ask
Wdept'l pardon for you-if you join with
“to Me; an shall release yotall
soon as we begin the attack. ' .

1% Wilt you d0?" ‘ '

“ 0M"  undoing-soil}
reply. i. , ' _

veranda ~ r v ' ,

‘* “Naispcaptanos'too, please remove tho
gag from his mouth, and“ plus-wardens;

' fI-caasiaaage sho'whssl now with
sud 'Mfiy, slurs will he so.
‘ then there will be time enough for us t0“ sssb
I“??? m M -. . r u g,“

“ tas- Norton  gig fra
the mouth “Jamal, aller m, just.
as there came out otrshs shallow o! thoshsrs,
W lengths of the yacht away:

rfi'mwsri" said Percy, in a stern whisper

Manon the knife. I '.
“ Ahoy l” sung out Lornax, in sharp, sarasst

“m craft. is that!” casino the question-
fru tin dashe- ahsat f '

“The flour-lance, sloop, Oaphln Poms»
“you ohm Oils—Ia” replied Ignaz, in
obedience to Percy Wyndhan’s command.

"‘Ay, ay, is that you, nomaxr'oams in a
different voice, and onein whicl’ige two maid-
en “Percy Wyndham at recognised
the older ringing tonss ot Frank Forrester.

, “ Amwsrl” dsnly qld Percy. ~

“ Ay, ay, sir," sung out Ionian.

“Isallrlghtwflh you, Iymanr’ame the
question from the schooner, as though a pro-
ssntiinonsot wrong had-x flashed through the
bin-of hank Formula

Lomax hesitated, and the moment was criti»
'cal; but the knife pro-ad harder over his
lssart, and Percy Wyndham hoarsoiy whis-
pered: - '

“ Ame-ss- yes, or dis.”

#4!—

s

“ As, no. air.” was out tho threatened m. l gals, while from his lips broke the cry: ,

an actor cry of pain, for Percy
“'st was passing on the knife-point
Ilth no light hand.

“mainde form is Ming
soma" slu‘tlis order from Gaptain For-
- m. “dill Boll-l the Wheel, Bessie the
next instant laid the Jack o’-lanter=i broadside

 

'guns tohoar upon the approaching craft, put

 

to the mysterious sohoOuer, whose outlines
could barely be traced in the shadows-of the
foliage and overhanging moss. ~ .

 

CHAPTER XXVIII.
A TREBLE SURPRISE.

As the sloop run alongSide of the schooner
men on both vessels threw and caught fasten-
ings, and instantly over the bulwarks sprung
Percy Wyndham, with the cry on his lips:

“Follow me lads, and this irnte’s cruisin 1
3 p 8

days have ended.” _ .

A wild yell‘ answered his words from the
crew of the sloop, and Captain Norto.i’s voice
was heard as he and his boarders went on to
the decks forward.

“Hal treachery is it?

“Pirates, fight for yourne'cks, for there are
honest dogs come upon us," shouted Frank
Forrester, in clarion tones, and he sprung for-
ward to meet the attack, and instantly the
fight became fierce and sanguinary. , .

The lookout of the schooner, warned by the
unseen approach of Bessie Gito the night be—
fore, was on the alert that night, and, some
hours before the approach of lhe Jack-o’-lan—
tern, had sighted and hailed a small sail-boat
coming aboard with but a single occupant. _

Though he expected no other arrivals the».
night, he knew that his captain was awake in .
the cabin, conversing with the mun who had ,
come in the boat, and therefore he was anxious ,
to keep awake. ' ‘

It was well for him that he did, for some
time after he descried a dim light down the
lagoon, and he was on his way to report it to
his captain, when he met that personage com-
ing on deck.- ~ .

" it is the Jackal-lantern returning,” cried
Captainl‘urres’er, gleeful] y, and, as the reader
knows, he hit the truth; but he was not amen
to be caught napping, and instantly be called
up his crow, trained his broadside'and pivot- I

a man at each to discharge them, while 9
gathered in minder, just mason, to repel
boarders, should the stranger proves. foo. ., I
“You will aid me. if we havatpfightif’ he
asked, taming to the one who had 
aboard some time helm in a sail-boggy . . ,
“Certainly, I 1 never desert in man in
trouble,” was the reply.  I g. __ _ . , 
Thus it was..i:lmt-tho~orovv ot,.ths.sohoonor
were ondpok, armed ,snd ready, when. that
Jack-o’lanternranged alongside; but, thrown...
of! .theirW,:Nl at them, by recognizing
the sloop, and hovingwellhthervigico of-Lpr.
In“, uni-'0" N token Wholly. by surpriseo

when they were suddenly attacked with pistol. bower.

andwptlass byltthiwhom they. believed to he

turnowa nominates“ - I, .‘ I 

~ Upon any n: "Mock Frank We: and.
him”. “he” hank foes, and it waswz:
new museum ndthoy, fought now 4
desperation, knowing that those that faced

t .mrrisdasoonformr-m _, .

' mote icrow. 0‘. “0.81009 
leaders in Percy Wyndham and Captain N, r-z,
torn-and they dummlith reckleeagiluok,
and outnumbering their foes, hsgpn to press,
thunk-kn ,   

Seeing this, Frank Formter got his martin
aoompaotmanflshimand said in a low
tons to Meats-sage compassion: I

“Keapthemat bay hero minnow), while
I train the stern pivot upon them." ,

“Ar, sy," wathsmssponss, and the captain
glided aft, while the whisper having gone
ammg fie plume! what waato be done, they
fought th renewed energy and ferocity.

But Frank Forrester want not at once to the
pivot-gun mounted upontho sohobnor’s stern,
but glided into his cabin, where he remained
fullytwo minutes. ,

Thou be returned on deck and sprung to-
ward the gun, to wheel it round, the music
polo g forward, so as to rake the decks.

. ith an client 0‘ his great strength he had
just moved the gun, when suddenly a clear
voice cried:

“ Hold! Captain Forrester, surrender or
you die!” .

’ One look in tho direction fro:n whence came
the voice, and a strange sight met his startled

“ God about! you risen from the sea, Mabel
Mortimer 73’”. 1

It was indeed Mabel Mortimer, standing
upo- iho bulwarhs,zollngin‘g withono hand .to
the stays, and promoting a p‘stql in tho vat-her,

i.

But she was not alone, for standing upon the;
, buiwiii'ks beside her, and unaided by any sup-5
 port, was B ssic, ii-c L: uly of the Lagoon, and
i_ she too was armed, tor in one hilnd was a cut~
I lass. in the other a l‘isi’» l. '
1 With horror in his face, Frank Forrester
, sprung backward. as though he had seen a
, pair of ghosts, and dcserting vessel and crew
leaped into the waters of the lagoon.

The pirates had seen their captainat the
gun, and the. next instant beheld other ,forms
there, and believing him killed, by a party at-
tacking over the stern of the 5(11001181', and
that they would be between -two fin‘s, they
broke in confusion, some crying for quarter,
others springing over the bulwarks to fall
upon the deck of the sloop, or the bank, and
more to sink down under the msh of Percy
Wyndham and his crew.

“Bravo, lads! the schooner is cure, so’ cut
down no man who cries. for quarter,” shouted
Percy Wyndham, as be seized a man by the
shoulder, and presented a pistol to his head.

“ You are my prisoner, sir,” he said slernly.

“ I admit it.” was the sullen reply of the man,
and he was the one who had come that night
in his boat to the schooner, and had told Frank
Forrester he would not desert a friend in trou-
ble.

l‘ I have noticed that you were an olficer
sir, so shall be sure that you do not escape,"
said Percy Wyndham, and he added:

“ Come with me.”

“ Oh God! it is you, my father,” camealow,
earnest cry. and Bessie Gito stood beside
Percy Wyndha. ‘l and hisprisoner.

“Your father? Yes, I recognize you now,
Juan Gito,and Glad knows I am sorry to find
that rumor has spoken true of yru, rind that
you have been caught fighting on a pirate-
deck,” said rPorcy Wyndham. '

“ Father! ,oh‘ my fetberl you a

leaned against the bulwark for support, while
'thouniortunate man bent hisrhead low and
trembled, violently, seemingly crushed b the-

.bittofmz, of tip blow thntibad ls, , so cavi-
tly upon im in the presence of h s daughter,

frogwhoseears ho had kept every shadow of

suspiciowtthat he was really ogie'r than he re

p , “todlhimself to be no matter what men
‘ sayof him. ..

  
 

meg... Yunnaisoomodasu, ,y ,
agiuaa,Bo§sie.Gi,i ,ratithe an, _ I  'of'
her father upon the dentin! 

 

\

   3;:
,RW, fills“. _, , , 9 w ye
had discovered t e sherman fifthe role, of a
bum

' Thyhiitile'  "31w of
the sloop  , no.4“..and'fl3901l-

standalone ,in thov‘essel, alittle furw d of
midships,  glad topbserve‘t (no~
one appeared to have noticed'th'e piiinfnl' recog-
nition of the W by his ‘ '

' These thoughts mud
lightning, and pitylng .ihs,gorsow\ - ho girl,
and knowing well'thst Juan Gite am hang as
a pirate,“ retained “\a prhonor, is said
quickly; ‘ I . . t ,

“Miss Gite. for your sake I spare ,your
father, and bid“!!! 10.” A, I.

“What! do you do this terms?” rly
cried the plan, raising his bowed limit!)

hope-

“I do it for your daughter’s sake, for she
has done me a service which I am glad to
reciprocate," was Ihe reply. ,,

“Bless you for your noble act, sir,” said
Bessie earnestly, while Juan Glto remarked in
a. voice thdt trembled:

“ Whatever your motive, Mr. Wyndham,
God bless you funit.” , .

Then turning to his daughter he continued:

“Bessie, Iam caught in bad company, I ad-
mit, but I can perhaps explain away my
presence here; and frankly I pledge myself that
Mr. Wyndham shall never regret givingme
my pardon'this night.”

“Do not tarry, or it any be too late, for if
you are seen and rooognild, I'cannot savo-
yon,” said Percy.

“ you. sir. sod good-by.

“ is, my child, farewell, and tonnes-row

 

and the nosflscovorsdhis heart, While!“ ‘98-
tended hand was as'firm as iron. -

I will be homo.” . , ,
He walked: quickly  and

. .5
pirate?" /
groaned poor Bessie in agony of grief, as she‘

8W.    " "  ffs'ome
impormt matter: and thatfefglcto :33 Bessie, _

lddlike’

We. .1 .i. .m—«yfl.- w, u“ a

9’..-

We, .M ... ~Mn“....,, A... .

9:..-

fl.

Thezflambler .‘ Pirate

1-5

 

 

 

they saw 1 him disappear. over the bow of the
schooner. and then Basie turned again to

'Percy, and with a heart tor) full tumulter a

word; Silently pressed his hand, after which she
walked slowly away to join Mabel Mortimer
whom she saw standing aft with Captain
Norton.

Percy soon followed, and said pleasantly:

“Well, captain. thanks to our fair pilot, and
to you and your brave lads, we have gained a
signal victory, for we have captured the Skel-
eton Schooner.”

“ You deserve the praise,. Wyndham. and
the Navy will want you back in it, I assure
you: hat, we have lost the Skimmer of the
Seas ” answered Captain Norton.

(t 0‘"

“You, for he escaped? .

“ Why one of the men said he saw him fall

' dead from a pistwl-shot.”

“ It is a mistake, for he retreated aft alone,
to turn this pivot gun' upon us, and (Miss Mor-
timer and Miss Gito boarded Over the bulwarks
just in time to see hisintention and thwart it,
and covering him with their pistols he sprung
over the stern into the lagoon and escaped.”

“This is indeed unfortunate, but I am glad
that Miss Mortimer had an opportunity of see—
ing that the Skimmer of the Seas was in reality
Frank Forrester.”

“ I did \so discover, Mr. Wyndham, and have
to thank \you for being my preserver a third
time,” answered Mabel, with feeling.

Percy Wyndham made no reply, but turned.
away, as though to avoid doing so, and ordered
a seamen to bring Lomax to him.

At the last moment Inmax , had been freed
of his irons, and, with those of the shop’s crew
that had been pirates, aided in the attack with,
a vigor that»st they were in earnest, at
least, when they knewthat there was no hope
for their outlaw companions.

As Lorna: approached, Percy Wyndham
said:

“ Well, my man, seeing that you had to,

you redeemed yourself, so set to work on the: _

schooner and aid in getting things Wrights,
and your intended treachery to us will be over-
looked.” ; -, .x - <
v ,.‘*§,§mnkyon,_eaptfln,” answesgd-,the man,
andth turned swear-t9 obeylm More and.
when the dawn  schoonprjull 
dition to actually  , . -,

Than Mabel and Bessie went on hpard this
sloop, which was put int-charge of a young
0 oer of the. guard and, a crew, with orders
t leave the maidens at Mama 1:: ._ I: 
MWDWh-onm. . . .t neg-es
point 'to New Orleans..,an_dv there await his

for} 2w  e) ~,  . .  .

with Jim.- .nt. noth at mime-
Wn, thefleetomttstondput of the Black
Legion: thefflholomficm worries close,
later with  the ch‘suoslof tho.“
shoals she kept slugging meanwhile the larger
vsd squamdawlor New Osmium the
Mississippi Deltas. ,v 1 r ‘ . .

1-, '4 {J , I ' , , .
-. ..CHA.PTEB».XXX.

As Mabel Mortimynstarrod to accept the
ole; of Bessie Gite, 304W] her home in has.
Mfr-kill, the young oflicer .in-ohu-ge of the
Jack-o‘-lantern . reluctantly can» to OR the
mint on which stood the Gito commanda-
oortcd his fair guests ashore in the gig.

Thanking him kindly for his kind attention,
they saw him depart, and watched the fast-sail-.
ing sloop giidausdltly away up the sound.

Then Beasts led, the way to her little cabin
homo. .

All wasasshelsftit. 'nd thecatgavehera
joyous welcome, whfl. 1,.“1; ,

“Your father is_still owl” .

“ Yet” 3nd Bk‘fifilfi mfnod her face away to
hide her feelings, and unlocking the “bin door
threw it wide open and‘badeher me one",

Mabel had risen deeply interested in the fair
I‘dy of the Lagoon, from their um Mug,
and the scenes through which tby had M

1- had greatly endearedhsr toher, and
.5. Marion the pretty cabin with, surprise
at one in bumble circumstances having around

I

1

her such comforts, nay, luxuries, as were scent

upon all sides.

“hisnearly sunset;so wewill have teal».
fore starting, it you willhcnor me with your
patience,” said Bessie.

“Hear it will cause you to be lateinm,
tuning honed! we delay now, so will
if you will remain at The Everglades all
night,” anu‘ond m1. -

“ Nol nol nol I could not do that,;indeed I

would meet there the man who had so deceived
her.

But, seeing Mabel’s look of surprise at her
excitement. she added:

“You see, I must be here to welcome my
father, and besidesl am not afraid to be on
the water alone at night.

“Come, [ will get tea, while you amuse
yourself with my guitar.” v-

Mabel threw herself down in an easy-chair,
and took the proffered guitar, running her
fingers over the strings with a. skilled hand,
and praising the tone of the instrument, while
Bessie hustled in and out, and soon had pre-
pared a really tempting supper.

It was twilight when they arose from the
table, and then taking her oars Bessie locked
the cabin and led the way to the shore.

The surf-skiff lay where she had last left it,
and pu-hing it into the water with an ease
that surprised Mabel, Bessie bade her guest
spring in, and soon they were running swiftly
along out of the little basin.

Once around the point Bessie set her leg-of.
mutton sail and the surf skiff went skimming

- lightly over the waters.

An hour’s run brought them to the pier of
The Everglades, and 'Mabel begged her new-
fnund friend to accompany her to the man-
sion; but Bessie was firm in her refusal, and
with a hasty farewell turned to go, when
Mabel impulsively grasped her hand and said:

“ Bessie, now that I have found in you a
friend, I do not intend to give you up. so if
you will not visit, me at The Everglades, I
will come to Clifl Cottage to see you.” .

“You will be ever Welcome there, Miss
Mortimer, l assure you." ' . l '

“Miss Mortimer! Call me Mabel, Bessie,
and remember, come what may, Lam over
your friend. r , . ,

“I am sorryyou will not go to the mansion
with me, but ygouk‘nnw best.  . . a 

“(bod-by,” and kissing her affectionately.
she madam-n while Basis arms into her
boat: We! .frpmthswisr.  08 in
the shoutimou‘ the dark  heriheart
full and bitterly setting, for in ,a few short
homjwmnien badlpiled her, the one, as she
had believed, a husband, the other a father.

-l ‘ ..._.._.

CHAPTER xm ‘ - 3 '~ -
rnnpgasfrna or ran: 'nvnhonmus. ‘
. Moat Momma sat 'alons in the‘handsoine
'brary of The Everglades, his. 11. I ,
sting upon his hand, and the lightning,”
lamp  ' ' 

r'.,.

,overtakcn by sleep, or  .
of scenes of the past, or building easths hair
of .‘lhatmg'ght he. .

i I tired way around him.

. Mintrheaidnot screams! the Blatant
{maimdnviting repose. the rows of well-
hound books, the paintings thstiadonnsd the
walls, or the superb workmanship of the mas-
sive mantle clock. , , . . L

His eyes seemed to  faraway,
piercing the library wall‘snd resting upon
space sway of! from there.

sounded, he began topics to and fro, his

velvet carpet. ,

He had a droning-gown on, rarely embroid-
ered, a smoking-cap of velvet and slippsrstbat
were evidently the work of some fair hand.

Strangely handsome. he walked in. his easy
attire and elegant surroundings, and yet he
seemed not happy. ,

Was be thinking that only a short while be-
fore his father had been laid out in that very
room, shot down by one whose land joined. The
Everglades?

so loved his only son that he had paid his large
ambling debts, given him money and allowed
in: free rein, until at lost his Wild b9! Md

been his!

If such were not his thoughts, paths” he
was thinking of how he. had avenged that
father by killing Captain Wyndham. a man

accept. who had nuttskan the life of him when he
manage. . -
Was it remorse eating into his sold that

 

Rising with an inpatient imhrccation, so it,
quick. firm step giving back no sound from the

Was he mourning for that father, who had

sqme the inbuitanoe that should have,

l

l

could not,” Bessie cried almostexcitedly, re- ' tered curse to his lips?
membering whose house it was that she was
a~.ked to pass the night in, and fearing that she L that he was thinking, and how he had fasci—

l
l

brought that shadow to  brow, that mut~

Or may it not have been of poor Bessie Gito

hated her. as a snake does a bird. to in the and
most cruelly wrong her and cast her off}

The thought that his cruelty might break
her heart, may have caused the cloud upon his
brow. _

And again, his meditations might have been
of another fair being. she who called him 1
brother, and who was the heiress of The Ever

= glades, the one upon whose bounty he wou'd
 have had to, live had she not gone out upon the
l dark waters one night and returned not.

.15. . .
, count of my killingfihis father, 
. more to hila'tlfll MW: 9

Long had first” inflicting", ,; ..

Presently be raised, tuba!  n. ,

 

.not napping, as he isadan e use" y. 'y,_or ‘
'hetnew would have,  the easier.

That sister, the beautiful Mabel. who had
been left to his guardianship by their father’s
will, and who, loving no man, he had urged to
engage herself to one whom he knew to be a
prodigate and a gambler, a inan who held no
mercy for men or women, a man who had for-
given him his large gambling debt to him and
paid him a handsome bonus to drag down that
young being whose veins held the Mortimer
blood, as his did, as his wife, when there was
dishonor. in the name where Frank Forrester
was the husband.

All these. thoughts may hare flashed through
his mind as he had sat in silence tl ere, and as he
paced to and fro, and remorse and sorrow may
have set his lips and shadowed his brow: but,
presently these lipsxmove, mutterings are heard,
and then he speaks aloud, and the gender-
knows which is the trut' by his owngwords.

“Well,” he says in a‘. by bptgistinct tone:

“ I have freed myself 1of . poor Bessie. but she
will soon marry some fisherman and forget all.
about me, so .what need I care, especiallyas I
will have wedded a fortune. -. g

“ Peer Mabel is gone, and I. shudder to
think of it, though by my father’s “Wm. her , .

death leaves me master here, and thanksto the. ' "

sale of her hand tquorrester, Ihsve  to
pay my‘indebtedness and start with afghan _

' record, as tar as debt is concerned.

,“ I haveplann'ed, plotted aqdlexecnied liven
and I must hold what I have.me . , g  ,
' _“Bahl ,I forget that fella; Wyndham, who
may  meant y “mats While no
, “e is

. m' k to
my pistelnnd sword practicet f ragga“:

m
father. , , - t ,. .V ,I .y.
“WelLI am glad that ,qurssteg  gone, '
for 1 half fear that‘mand In“  ‘1'th ,,
mysterious affair he has gonei‘en, for his
ame stranded-lee -. £va  , . ,
tune hwy malts-else» 7.  .tor
a newly engaged lover, and won d
lieve that she wnsvdead. wflle, 

liar ybo- '
Shim?"

.his . healed-lam“ «we '9
1 been initiate has 81.» mecca. 131%.. “cr-
glades to have been his 1': ‘ ‘W he.
would have to win the plantat on, nemand
81“ ’.  .. _  ’  .»
highs notiolflfiim. .. furl
know but too well his lu 

 . ‘as '
whiehvl havenot yet  to]!  er. ’
h “And Duke; what Can have equip 0:
im? - v

“ Outside of his pecuniary lost,  was

' valuable as a slave, I have lclt one who would

serves me astral! u he did. my “that ./ ,
“I have not whim-inn I sent him with
Forrester-h   to a: 1:33:15 Mlflkht,
and. mo M V  '. on tern, I ough'
I  his doing so withou leave
.4131 w. sound is that! I
“By savenl it is you, Duke, and your

. coming but carries out the old,saying:

“ ‘,Spsak of the Dovil andhil iniptwill ap-

“But what in Satan’s name is the matter
with you?” _ I ,

“I am in iro hand and foot, master,"
was the reply, sci-bub SEEM into “3810113,
open window which led out upon the piazza,
and Mark Morfimcr beheld his handcnfled
wrists and chained anklu.

cam xxxn.
. nun’s smnr. I
Tsar something of uncommoan had
happened htngqu lootedMOI‘tiM  lta
lance, for n wan _ ,
his hands weremed, and  and
palms bleeding, while he was m outlets,
and about his ankles was a huge roll of silk.
“ In Heaven‘s name, Date, what allsvyoul"
cried Mark in utter amasemcnt.

 

' freedofgallhgirone, his young-neural

16

The Gambler Pirate.

 

 

“ There's a great deal the matter, master,”
answered Duke with a and smile. ,

“ So it looks, and I would like to hear what
has happened to you, and where you have
been.”

“Master, my tongue can talk better when
my hands and feet are free of irons,” was the
significant reply.

“True, I will send for the blacksmith and
have these chains knocked off, and—”

“ No, no, master, I do not want any of the
hands‘ to see me in irons, and that is why I
came to you here, sir. "

“ Well, what can I do to get them of, Duke,
for I have never studied the art of black-
smithing you know," was the reply of the
young aristocrat.

“Master, your father, sir, bad a bunch of
keys that could be made to fit any lock.

“He kept them in that drawsr, sir," and
Duke pointed to a locked drawer in the ele-
gant desk near by.

“Yes, I saw them and pitched them into
the closet. yonder,” and going to the designated
spot Mark Mortimer hunted around among
some rubbish and soon found the bunch of
keys.

After a little trouble one was found to fit
the irons on the wrist, and these were soon
taken at, when the young man handed the

eys to Duke to help himself, for be was one
0 those persons always unwilling to do any-
thing that looked like work.

Duke tried key after key upon the padlocks
securing the chains about his ankles, and of
course it was the last one that fitted the locks.

Unlocking them he gave a sigh of relief,
and straightened up to his full hight, a splendid
specimen of manhood, though he was a slave.

“Now, Duke, give me your story,” sai
Mark Mortimer with some impatience. '

Duke gave a quiet smile, for he remembered
how dilsrent had been the father from the son,
for Meier Mortimer had treated his trusted
and faithfulslavemoreasaaequal thanonein
servitude,“ wheaaloae together,“ negro
hadalwaysbeeaaskedtotehpachair.

How, weary, sulerihg, bleeding, and east
ow.
ed him to mend.

“I am ill,mseter. and would like to sit
down with your mission, sir," he said with
some repromh in his tones. ‘

It wmshenproaashsslarklortimerne-
ticed, and he answered in an angry tone:

“Sitdownthenifitsuits'Mandthen
keep use-now in suspense.”

“YeI Member, master. the you
called me spud asked meif I had sntly
recoveredfsommywoandtobe'of ssrviceto
you!”

“ Yea, what then?

carryeahosrdhlsyechteedso
Whom" ’

u 

“W air, Istartedwiththe'papsrs, asyon
know, '1 was mstnponthebeachhyonewho
took M from me.”

“Hal'iliissstrdagestory; but one man,
you say!”

H “r.”

4‘ " ‘

‘ “gm, fines yonf’ V

“Duke, . know that on possess 
strength, and neverhefore here I heard 0 any
man whb souls master you.” - _

“M,’Ihdvejust " " fromasevere
wound, as you know, signed have not regained
my former strength; but had I beefi‘ln‘ good
health that man could have mastered me."

“ Who in Satan’s name was bet” ' -

“Mr. Percy wyndhsm,"sir."

“ Hal by the gods of war, but this becomes
mutating.” ‘ " '

“ He it wadsir, and he is a ant in strength,
in spite of his sienna» form 'he handled me
with (n me that was remit-lame."

“ He doubtless wished to kill yen, in revenge
for your having'shot him the day he killed my
father.” '

“ No, sir, he .made no attempt to kill me,
but he took from me my 

“He took‘thOse’ papers given you by For-

vaelnesomemg.

rester?’  c

“He did, sir, and called two of his slaves,
old W‘a’nd‘to hind me and carry me
01! ” ‘ " ‘

‘3 Yell are sure it was Wyndham?l

‘Theplaiitation negroes  are spoken eras
" hold hands." or “ hahds."—Taa Amen.

 

“Certainly, sir, though he was disguised by
a beard and rough sailor suit.

“ Then he got into a boat and rowed out to
the yacht, which at once set sail in spite of the
blew that was coming up.”

“This is astounding news, Duke, and Percy
Wyndham' has played n bold game against
Frank Forrester, which he will be held account-
able for.

“ But has he returned?”

“ No, sir.”

“ You know this i”

“I do, air; ’but has Miss Mabel been found?”

it No.”

Duke made no reply, but the expression on
his face spoke volumes and Mark Mortimer
said:

“ You have some idea yen have not made
known?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Then speak out.”

“Well, master, Mr. Percy Wyndham saved
the life of Miss Mabel, and—” -

“ Hal who told you this?”

“I heard you talking to the captain about
it, sir.”

“ Ah, yes. Well?”

“ And as he took the yacht dud set sail, and
Miss Mabel went about the same time, I
thought—”

" Duke! don’t you dare say that one of my
blood has lied with one who bears the name of
W yndham," almost yelled Mark Mortimer,
with rage. ‘

“ Forgive me, master; but it did look strange,
for you say Missy Mabel hasn’t been found,
and Mr. Wyndham is still away from home,
and the yacht has gone too."

“ How know you that Mr. Wyndham has not
returned home!"

“ I juit came from there, sir.”

“ You have been at Lakelandsf”

“ Yes, 1r, since Mr. Wyndham made me
prisoner that night." ‘

“ By Heaven, but the plot thickens." ,

“I waspnti'n the garretstrongroom, andl
heavily ironed, as you saw, master, by old
Toby and wish; but I managed to escape,
withtheaid ofsomelfexieaa lemoes,all bound
as [weathoughyou can see I blistered my.
hashbadly,aadtheirhnscntmywrists.”

“Ah, ym’vegotMDuke, and Ian glad
ymoagoteway,forlfearedyouhadheen

led.

“Asitis,Icanmake thisPercyWyndham
suterforstmlingoneof myelaves.

“ But continue your storyl’ .

“When Iwascomin downon thelassoes,
sir,lwassdasdbya Mawindew,
mammwnsam."

“‘I'heyhysheismed."

“Yes,sis,she is; butshemistoek mefora

midnight robber, aw to cry ons'
anWIaidedherte pa." ‘ '
"What"

“True, air, for her son had her in
in her' roots and heavy bars of wood
on the outside of the windows.

“I knewtha‘tlc‘ould notrnn,and thatthe
bloodhonnds, if at on my track, would tear
metopieuflo asked hertoges theh'oa
poker, and prying oi! the lower 1 then
went on. and came on here, sir.”

“ And Mrs. Wyndham?

“‘She was coming outof the windowas I
left, air, and as I hobbled along the shore, I saw
her putofl‘fromthe pierof mndsina
small skit.”

“ Which wa'y' did she got" ' ' '

“ Straight out into the Gulf, master.”

“ Well, Duke, there is some strange mystery

in: all thie,'and I will solve it; but I need‘your
a d.
, “Now‘go to lied, and to-morrow we will
talk it all over, and if I do not mistake, I can
avenge myself on Percy Wyndham in a way
that will be worse than death to him.’

Duke took up his irons and left the room,
walking with evident pain, and once more was
the young master of The Everglades alone.

CHAPTER XXXIII.
“A DREAM res-r was nun.

 

Fen a long time-after the departure of Duke, I

Hark'Mortimer remained intronbled thought.
The story of the slave had been a remark-
able use, and  cool in no way think what
he’d been the cause of ercy Wyndham’s run-’
bin 08, mete ’Jsek-oP-lante'rn, nor why be
1m!8 menus pipers from the 
Then Mrs. Wyndham’s escape pnsaled him,
for Whither had the gene. " ' -

V (W, livid, trembling,

4

 

Had she some motive in her escape that had
him as an object, or was it the more freak
of a madwomani

“As for this silly idea of Duke’s, that
Wyndham has run of! with Mabel, that is
ridiculous, for I know what her fate has been,”
he said as be paced to and fro.

Presently he threw himself into an easy-
chair, and Worn out with mind-worry he at
last sunk into a deep sleep. ' .

The lamp burned as brightly above him, the
breezes without blew as balmy, and tired na-
ture was soothed to repose.

And as he slept the workings of his waking
mind shaped themselves into visions in his
dreams. '

Fancies innumerable flitted before him.

First he was fighting a duel with Captain
Wyndham, and he dreamed that he fell, and
there came to him thoughts of his punishment
after death, and be writhed in his chair, and
beads of sweat broke out upon his brow as he
felt the torture of Hades gnawing into his
Vitals.

Then a. fair vision flitted before him; he
clasped it in his arms and found it to be Bessie
Gito, but an instant changed the beautiful face
and form of the maiden into a skeleton, with
grinning skull facing him, and with a cry of
fright he thrust it from him, yet still slept on
when the horrid nightmare had vanished.

For a while then he slumbered peacefully,
and then came vivid pictures before him once
more, and he. was struggling in the lagoon
with a huge alligator, which suddenly, as he
was dying, took the shape of Bessie Gite. '

Uneasily he moved in his chair, as these
visions haunted his dreams, and then one more
appeared before him. .

Bessemedtoheara cryout upon the dark
watesg which were lashed to fury with a
storm.

He listened, and the cry'was in hiseister’
voice. -

Be heardhsr, hemw her, in hisdreem, and
she was sinking down, down into the depths,
andhestretched forthnohendtesayeher.

Then she disappeared, and he turned away
and entered his home.

But lo, suddenly, in the darkne- of night, ’

there oame‘a wild cryfrom the negrees, and
beforehimeppearede

It was the face endf. ofMabelhis sister,
andshe'oamedir'ecely him,herbger
pointedathlmwifi ' .

Betsiedtoly,bnt 
reinssdwoh‘syhlswili. '

Ben-ledtoeryoutiaelarm,buthisteagae
clsvetotheroof ofhismoath.

He strove to motion the dread form away,
buthishndeleymeetonleminhishp

Then, with a Mb“, as the form
drew m, he awoke, and springing ‘to Us

'-feetwithaatyofhorror,suak masons.

but awake. ‘
"mocha, humerus-used, for I have
triedtowskenyoufor vem '”
His eyes were wide now, his mouth too,
and he gesed lash-“shat theispeeker.
It was indeed his sister m
She stood before hiin, clad-in the some white
diessshelledmrnwhelawe‘ekheforeshe
had been carried out upon fl water by Gees
JeWett, the witch-heuateiumnan.
Thedresswasnolorgerspotless, forsbehsd
had no change, and around her shoulders we
a wrap loaned her by Denis. v
' She looked m, yet not “happy, and she

stood by the side of her brmher, ‘he'rsmall’

hand resting firmly upon his shoulder.

“Brother, is this your welcome to me, who
have returned to you as from the grave!" she
asked, inc reprohchful tone. - . ‘

“But you are from the gnave, at least from ‘

ihe depths of- the sea, Mabel, are you noti” he
asked, in a shivering voice. and with downcast
eyes, for he dared not look upon her.

“No, I 'am in my Own desk and blend,
though in need of rest, and sadly disarranged

in

in toilet. ~ * -

“ I did not‘die, as you seem to have thought.

for my life was marvelously saved, and half an ~

hour ago I landed upon the pier, and seeing
Lawrence; the boatman, called to him, and he
fled like a deer from rile.

“ Then I Went to the kitchen; and old Dinah
lieii in s swoon, for me fell at sight of me, and
her husband, Ned, rushed out into the garden
yelling, wher Fidele, fly maid, I think‘has
been taken’ within fit, for I met her in the
hall. ‘ ' "

“ Coming here to seek you, I findyou writ-

 

l
i
a

 

 

 

 

 

The ailinbler Eme-

#17

 

 

I

9;—

ing in your chair. as withsome terrible night-
mare, and in striving to awaken you, I aim
feared you would die of fright.

"Truly, brother mine, I have a strange wal-
come in my own house.”

With a mighty eflort Mark Mortimer cast
oi! the dreadupon him, and convinced now
that it was his sister in propria persona, and
lbt in ghostly form, he tried to atone for his
fright by saying: '

"Well, sis, you are indeed most welcome;
give me a kiss, and let- me know how it is-that
I find you alive.”

His words were cold, in spite of his eflort to
appear enthusiastic, and she returned not his
kiss, but said:

" You had better look after old Dinah, Ned,
and Fidele, while I go to my room, Mar .”

"But you have not told me how you es-
caped death, sis.

“Curse the darkies, let them die of fright,
but tell me about yourself.”

“I was saved from drowning by one with
whom those of our name hold a cruel ven-
detta.”

She spoke impressively, and her brother
sprung to his feet with a smothered oath, while
from his lips fairly burst the name:

“Pony Wyndham?”

“Yes, brother."

“Ohl curses rest upon him and all of his
name.”

“For saving the life of your sister, Mark?”

He saw the scorn in her words and he
winced, while she continued, and in an im-
perious tone:

“Mark, you may carry the vendetta on if
so you will, but for my part the hatchet lies
buried, as I owe my life, and more, to one who
killed our father, which father, I kn0w, had
bitterly wronged those of his name.

“There are graves between the Wyndhams
and- the Mortimers that prevent the hand of
friendship being grasped across them, but from
my heart all bitterness against Percy Wynd-
ham has gone, I frankly admit.

“When you are in different humor 1 will
tell you all that happened to me, but now—"

“Hold, Mabel Mortimer, I would hear now
where you have been for days and nights with
this wretched villain and negro-thief!" he
shouted in anger.

She turned calmly toward him ahd gave
answer I ‘

“ Well, Mr. Frank Mortimer, as you desire
to know..to give you more occasion for night-
mare to .visit your dreams, when you have
retired for the night, I will simply say that
I have been all these days and nights on board
the yacht Reid-lantern, which Mr. Percy
Wyndham selaed, manned with a crew, and
last night. bearded and captifi'ed in the Black
Lagoon «he fidetcufichooner, whose com-

, mander you caused your sister to enter into an

engagement with, and who is none other than
the notedflhimmer of the Sea, Forrester the
Freebooter, or Frank Forrester, gathbler and
yachtsmn as you like best to call him.”

The man was livid now, and the veins stood
out on his forehead like whip-cords. ,

mumtmveckbumu nomad. u‘

Mabeltu‘rnedand walked from thereon: he
betkeaedt'ohertoremain. ,
B‘fiszhuded not his call,and hesuuk
down in his chair, with a groan, while he
mum“:
“Muthemyaterylssoived-Prankl'or-
mrbtbumaofthemsfl'

exam xxxrv.
Isaiah-oar.

11".kuthth
tom- “Mush.
only sunk toeieep. outlaw “he:
thkmmfllumw
bli

Dmhevi‘t‘suthedutlssofvdst
himself toward hisnew master,as for the
one,hew‘enttohisroom abouttuo‘ehmk
uywmmmm-m-
Md

Asses-Duke, he had validly m
with a few hours of felt, find VII .8”

Es!

5:2!

in a neat suit of white
duck,.andquite .nrprlsed Mark with his ap-
pearance whsn he called him. - .
“ly starts may, you say. Duke?
asked.
“Yes. sir, andltellyw, m, deemed
[lost of the kitchen brigade to death last

night, sir, and Fidele hasn’t gotten over it yet,
Wk"

“ She startled me, too, Duke, for I had
dropped to sleep in my chair; but thank God
she has returned.

“Did you hear of her miraculous escape!”
asked Mark, anxious to know what story of
her rescue Mabel had told, for he knew it
would spread from one plantation to another
like wildfire.

“ Yes, sir; she said she was picked up adrift
in an open boat, having been kidnapped by
some man, and that the craft that rescued her
was bound to New Orleans, so that she could
only get back last night, so Fideie says.”

Mark Mortimer gave a sigh of relief, for he
felt that the secret of who had been the res-
cuer had been kept by his sister. .

“ Yes, her escape was a wonderful one; but
who her kidnapper was I cannot imagine.”

“It might have been Mr. Percy Wyndham,
sir,” suggested Duke, who tliireted for revenge
against that young gentleman.

“ Hal it may have been, and I will look
more closely into the matter, for if Mr. Percy

Wyndham isa kidnapper of young ladies. as'

well as astealer of my slaves, he will get him-
self into more serious trouble than can the
duel be to him.

“ Now tell my sister that I will be with her
soon.” ,

Duke departed upon his errand, and tin
minutes after Mark Mortimer descended to
the breakfast-room. .

It was a lovely room, with windows upon
one side overlooking the flower-gardens, and
on the other commanding a view of the water.

Costly paintings hung upon the walls, the

tables and chairs were of solid mahogany, and ,

massive; the sideboard groaned with the
weight of silver upon it, and throughout it
presented the appearance of the wealth and
cultivated taste of the owner.

Mabel stood by the window looking out,

upon the placid waters, barely rippled by a
breeze, and her thoughts seemed. to be d0wn in
their depths, where then her form would have
been had not she been saved by Percy Wynd-
ham.

She was dressed in a robe of pure white,
heavily trimmed with lace, and which had a
train reaching a yard behind her.

A blue scarf encircled her net-k, gold buckles
were upon her tiny slippers, and a comb of the
same precious metal upheld her beautiful hair.

Otherwise she were no ornament of jewelry,
not even a finger-ring.

Lovely she certainly did look. though a little
pale, and turning as her brother entered, she
seemed ready to bury the hatchet, and greeted
him with a pleasant goodanorning and a kiss.

Mark Mortimer talked rapidly through?
breakfast, never once touching um he: -
venture and return, and seeming, by lace-ant
conversation, to wish to avoid the subject.

But, when the two strolled out under the
large live oaks dotting the lawn and tooka
seatuponarustiosettee, the brother“,
nervously: p ,

“Now. Mabel, tell meof your remarkable

storm came on, and I wonidvhave been dr

 

for I was securelyrbound, had not the Jacke-

lantern sighted me, and Po cy Wyndham
taken me on board.”

“ And then, Mabel!” asked Mark with an
ugly sneer.

“ And then he would have landed me at The
Everglades, but he frankly told me his mis-
sion, and fearing the return of ihe sloop would
destroy all, I went on to New Orleans with

' him.” 1
“And that mission, Mabel?” asked Mark

with the same sinister leek.

her captain.

“ He went to the lake harbor, took the bout~
swain of the Jack-o’-lantern on with him, got.
him into a trap, forced him to confess all
about the pirate vessel, before Captain N01 ton
of the City Guard, and then set sail in the
Jack-o’-lantern for the Black Lagoon.”

“And captured the vessel?”

“ Yes, for Captain Norton accompanied Mr.
Wyndham, with fifty good men, and, fearing
to trust the treacherous pirate Lomex. he got
that strange but beautiful girl, Bessie Gito,.to
act as pilot."

“ What?”

“Yes, she piloted the sloop to the Lagoon,
Mr. Wyndham and his allies boarded the ves-
sel, and alter a short, sharp fight, captured
her.”

‘f And Frank Forrester also?

“No, he escaped.”

“ Ah! then I do not believe that he was the
pirate leader," cried Mark exultantly. . .

“ But I know it, Mark, for I saw him, and it
was at sight of me, and my demand for him to
surrender, that caused him to jump into the
lagoon and escape.”

“And Where is this gallant Percy Wynd-
ham now?” sneered Mark. ,

“ Gone to New Orleans, round by the Delta,
with his captured vessel, to deliver it up to the

 

Government, while the Jack-o’-lantcrn brought
me home.” ‘

“ Curse him! he will get a lieutenant’s com-
mission for that, if he cares togo back into .the
navy.” _

“Yes, and he will deserve it, for it was a
most gallant capture. .

,“ Now, brother, I wish you to have Duke
arm some of the slaves, and have them sleep
in one of the rooms of the mansion at night,
for I fear that man Forrester, when I know
just what he is, and that he is free to compit
any mischief he has a mind to do.” '

“ I will see to it, Mabel; but give yourself
no alarm on that score,” answered Mark 1 r-
timer, who seemed deeply moved by all he
heard. .

 

CHAPTER XXXV.
m Gaosr or run uooon.

“08, Min: Rubella, I eawa ghoatl I gw
a ghost 1"

The speaker dashed into Mabel‘s rooms"-
eral days after her return home, and smiled
her. with the above announcement ,

It was Fidele, Mabel’s quadroon maid, and
- who spoke English with “PM accent, always

calling her mistress Missy abeile.

The girl was pretty, as most of the Creole
quads-oops are,petifeand n‘vacionaandnow
she wasthoroughlyscared, andlookeditt

“Noumea,” Fidele; you have been
and at your own w,” said Mabel.

“may Isabelle, emscared,l.know,h¢it
wugotnymbdow, hateresllive

“Auflm mrmhedlahalma

“Patna-liq.” _ .
“Tellmeaboutit,l‘idels.' I
 mummlwsatgs
tweet reasons -
mm. so Woven
«rahugmmmxawu
whit an  down.

“Yes,_Mlssy Hahelle, as distinctly  I see
.younow, foritweshseadmeaashinaoalythe
woodsweresothiekitdwtdinet and

 

therefore was kinder dark.

“ Was to capture the Skeleton Schooner and I

ll

 

 

‘18

The Gambler'Pirate.

 

 

 

“ But I saw the ghost, and it was a woman.”

“A woman?"

“ Yes. missy, ’thout it was a young man
ghost, and men ghosts wear long robes like
women.” '

“ How near were you to this apparition,
Fidele?’ asked Mabel.

“ Well, missy, before I could ‘get my feet to
1 move right, it landed, and then it came straight
toward me, until it was not fifty feet away.

and here I am, but I saw the ghost, and I left
it the magnolia. flowars." '

“Well, Fldele, I do not know how to ac-
count for this strange story; but do not speak
of it to any one, and we will see if others also
see your ghost,” said Mabel. .

And others did see the ghost, for there were
a score of‘ negroes from both Lakelands and
The Ererglades that beheld the white-robed
form either near the burying-ground or pail-
dling upon the waters, and it was but a few
days before the “ Ghost of the Lagoon ” became
the talk of the plantations along the coast for
leagues.

it though Mark Mortimer had gone with
Duke and remained a fly and night in the
fol-set ghoet-hunting, they had failed to capture
the evange apparition, though both had seen
it, chased it, and beheld it glide away from
them at a speed they could not equal, and dis-
appear near the lagoon shore.

This fact set Mark Mortimer to thinking,
and gave him another cause of inquietude.

CHAPTER XXXVI.
'm Juana or muses surpass.

Tunas: was one favor which Percy Wynd-
I‘m had asked of Bessie Gite, upon parting
from her, and that was that she' would request
her father, upon his return to the cottage, to
go over to Lakelands and request Caleb to
odme over to' the lake'harbor, in the Glide, the
yacht which had belonged to his late father,
and bring with him a crew of ten negroes.

‘ Asher father did-not'returu as soon as she'

had expected, Bessie took upon herself the ful-
fillment of this request, and going to Lakelands
by night, delivared to old Uncle Toby the mes-
Hg‘e from his master, which resulted in Caleb
‘ at once sailing in the Glide‘to the lake ha'rbor
Ieerew Orleansi" V ' ' "
In the mean time the Skeleton Schooner had
‘gbne'on her ’way without mishap, theiigh she
‘ fid been recognized and hotly chased? by a
"British-cruiser, andsho‘w‘n her speed in a most
masterly manner, as Percy Wyndham- did’fiot
wish to be overhauled b a foreign vessel.
Ascending the Missing -, to the consterna-
tion  may coasters that ‘
‘ ran her ‘to anchorage o

‘ ized her,
"the city

justat sunsethand going ashore withOaptain- :-

ficrton, reported to the Gayerninent‘ naval
"diner then on duty-ht  mum, ‘ l -'
The result who that the city Mona: the

delvoslof gunst in lionUr of momma.

' Jud Percy Wyndham was banality ene‘ sad
an. ‘ ' .- ~| -_

“You must carry the vessels and the glad
' statics-to the Government; Wyndham, enemy

g word for it, you wear a 11mm ‘Mpedor
“Qdur ' warty-Id opossum ‘

“  your, "within I‘cdhfiudwmy
 “maxim;
 "st-m you'ltb gen/Ilia pirhtetpardonelfii

aided . and to see that the reward and”

t {not ‘ wespunn»

modestly returned Percy. _ p

, “ But you deserve sommynd-
hun, “Italy.” new;   a: ‘1‘”. .1 i‘

3'" ‘ “15‘: amm‘»fl-,'M€Wa re-

" ,  Ml   d! ‘ of

Meniscus my m min, seen a a

little Mm-Iwm

. ‘ venom .l
, Miami-um I
'M ’ . .flli hearse-w: 3.3.3 he“,

; WWW

m , .
was“ communionwsmidm ?= "This! title, mm: but hike you
ship you stood well.” ‘  h  “i lied newerdJm my mother!” : 1r 
‘ u  emu-wild m, is leek-liter, “mi-sh; tor! Menorah Iepe‘wil,‘and‘ .
* sate .MOG‘“ on: name- satire lie, the ole’ n, washab- have W quiee'
care,li k inprivate lire,co‘ ' , alonemlstistelng Incontinence-e hack,
W'iwll’ HMan I-mbi”?5= ' - r ‘ -   .-
 et catfish“ vtwrm- “And Duke?" ~  ~

homer, endlshall  pm...  .

in, g, .‘2 I; H'-

 ‘Wfiflm
"":.ft-t°s?.°;::b “m”  >

On.

“Then I did go, Missy Mabelle, ’deed‘I did, v

the’veseerofi'erto'ybu, 
m’=“floodGod!” w, '

mimr‘hh 'men,”i

'ben
imam-ion!

 

young friend, and you Will nobl and well
serve your country, for piracy in the waters of
the Gulf is a great curse to us now.” .

After a short while Percy Wyndham took
his leave of the commodore, and refusing all
invitations, and avoiding those who wished to
lioniza him, he drove out to the lake, where he
found his Jack-o’-lantern awaiting-him, and his
own yacht, Glide, just coming to anchor.

The crew on board the Jack o‘—lantern were
wallpaid for their services, and being set on
shore Percy took six of his negro crew from on
board the Glide, and set sail for home; leaving
Caleb to follow in the smaller yacht.

But head winds retarded him, and it was a
slow run the two pretty vessels made to the
harbor in front of Lakelands.

It was night when the anchor of the Jack—o’-
lantern Was let fall, and the Glide was but half
a mile astern. . -

Sp‘ringing into a boat Percy Wyndham was
rowed ashore, and it was no wonder that he
felt a conscious pride in what Jhe had accom-
plished since his departure two weeks before.

He had made up his mind to have an inter-
view et once with his mother, urge, and
i receive a pledge from her that she would allow
the Secret of her killing Major Mark Mortimer
a secret still, and that the world might still be-
lieve that his hand had been the one that shot
him down. '

Then he would tell her that it was to protect
her that he had taken upon himself the respon-
sibility of the duel, and had maintained it, as
she in her nervous state might confess all.

“ Once the cloud of doubt is banished from
her, and she will be the same dear mother asof
yore, and if we cannot be happy at dear old
Lakelands, on account of the shadows hanging
over us, we can at least live away from here,
where no pall rests upon us," he said to him-
self as he walked toward the mansion.

Ascending the broad piazza step she knocked
at the door loudly, and then while awaiting a
response, and listening to the echoes of the huge
brass lmocker, he turned his gaze over toward
The Everglades.

A light was burning in the library, and
another in one of the upper rooms, which he
knew was the heudoir of Mabel.

He sighed as he looked, and then turned as
old Uncle Toby opened the door. -

“ Thank God,» master, you is back again,”
said old Toby most fervently, stretching forth
his hand which Percy grasped warmly.

“ All going right, Uncle Toby?’ he asked.
“Nd, master, all' golu’ wrong!” was the sad
"Ply. . .

“ My mother?” gasped the young man.

“ God knows where she-is, master.”

"Good Heavens! -Is my mother not here
iUncie 'l‘ohy‘l" ' '

“filo, master."
“ Sneak, man, and tell whereshe is,"‘he said,
“Well, mater, to. at, the first: we

brought that nigger Duke me andiput himin
the garret strong room, putting hanthudsbu
 and chaining him around the ankles with

padlocks fastened in the links, sah. / - .r
‘ “ Then, ssh, I'Kept the key of the do’, and I 3
took him his wistab myself.

“ But, matte; other manna. by gel:
Home come momg to me within news that a
nuns-tit in mm, ssh.“ ‘

’ “Mesh; and) Iwent to see, and I found
the'lower bar had-teem pried fl-with the
poker. awn lay outside“. winder, yeah, and
"and “swine ofthese' Mexican-hush hang-

Y‘QMIM tle‘gairetwinder.«  -- a

ifilmm upthere, ah, fast as mygold legal
*eould  as, salt, and. I tom strainer:

Duke gone. 4 ' ‘ ~
:3 «names on

his irons  but he

'“ - , ' mi” 1: littflewmdewiue he! on hunks, esd‘"siipped.
Wren-may” manpower is “M m  heve‘ heeajelrby-
" the coolest-om taste, in: . .

' “SunfiMeflutrdibflsome
mm,'ur1rm Inherit-“Muted

~-fl:rough~thes Oaths
one“ the] Wash:

 

' Junk-d humans of

 

“Good! Persevere ‘in that good‘wnrk, my r-‘watohe'd thoa place a whole day with the glass,

and 1. saw him.” '

“Then he has tild his master all, It sup-
pose!” .

“Yes, sah, and Missy Mabel Mort’mer has
got back, and Wasn‘t drowned after all; but
they say she was kidnapped, and a vessel picked
her up at sea. in a boat."

Percy Wyndham, in spite of his distrea at
his mother’s escape, smiled at this piece of
news. but said:

“ Well, Uncle Toby, nothing can be done to-
night, but in the morning I will have thorough
search made for my poor mother, and she must
be found at all events, for, Toby,” and his‘_voice
slightly trembled, “she may do herself some
harm, or may already have done so.”

i CHAPTER XXXVII.
'rnn nsoarn.

WHEN J nun Gite ls ft the deck of the schooner
he seemed to care little whither he went.

The crushing blow that led fallen upon him,
in the knowledge that his beautiful daughter
knew him as he was, a pirate, nearly maddened
him.

He had been a man of honor, was a noble, as
he said he was, and had held high authority in
Spain.

But in an evil moment he had been led to
plot against his monarch, and being found out,
had been forced to fly for his life, with the
brand of exile upon him.

He had long lain ill in America, and kindly
cared for by one who had tenderly nursed him
in his sickness, he had made her his wife.

In a strange land, without friena and with-
out money, he had led a precarious existence,
and at last had been forced to become a
fisherman.

The death of his loved wife, when their only
child, Bessie, was a wee thing, nearly broke
the exile’s heart, and it was to bring that little
girl up with every comfort that Jn n Gite had
just stepped out of the path of titude and
become the agent of a band of smugglers,
taking their goods to a market for them.

A pirate he had never been, but his honor
blunted by association, gold became his god,
and he soon formed a league with Forrester,
the Freebooter, whose life he saved on-one oc-
casion, and disposed of his ill-gotten treasures
to buyers in New Orleans, Pensacola and Mo-
bile, as he found markets for them.

At last he had- been found out by the Very
one for whom he sinned, for itwas to leave
Bessie a fortune that he did sin. and the mask
of honor had been torn from his face by his
own child. ,

'The rumors regarding him he had laughed
at to her, and she did not believe them; but
caught upon the’deck of the Skeleton Schooner
with arms in his hands, white” bed he to
Oflfifl - Ll .

Thusit was, alum-t hi'okeudieartrd, crushed,
humbled in spirit, he left the Skeleton Schoon-
er, cursing his own ill-fortune, and blaming
Percy Wyndham for allowing him to as free,
when he could have had him strung up to the
yard-arm. . .

thsnically he went .to: the his little
salidioat was moored. also; lb bank", and then
to his surprise and  heme dis-
axons” the waterehddmannpon its
d ' , , _

The sluggish current of the lager." hardly

r l-moned is along, and sliple into fie water he

struck out tar it With int strong
stroke. ~

As he swlfllfifl hwih‘ltitfl potion on board
was poling the craft dunno lagoon, keeping
hobo: UWI' tilt mmmgdver y
MM pt away “I. “it the pi-
rate-chooser; ' w r I .  ,
 the till! comma-due ,wiodvns
felt close inshore, the craft was movhg at a
from because-haul

Who the one was that died “flaunt,
_ his h natur-
ally suspected that it was some onefl tab cu-w
oft“ qirsto ml that'vhatmd to es-

c-n . v

'He‘dsred not call outto him, for the schoon-
er and sloop were not allde feet away, :‘0
he shot I. aim the rudder-post.

The men our thelilliisjugger had gone for-
ward to clear the melt fromaa ‘ng
mammoth-d checked its and Inn
Gite managed to reach the deck and gasket

 

-hiltheisallrightat'rhellvergladee,sah, forI

lemme m a a... wusuhcient,

 

t... a. «gm... . ';
u

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vtaaww _

 

 

 

.-

.g

The Gambler Pirate.

19

 

E

for be recognized even in the day-know the
stately form of Captain Forrester.

“Ahoy, captain! which way with a mess- .

mate‘s luggeré” he asked, in a loud Whisper.

Frank Forrester had just cleared the most
from the drooping branch when he heard the
voice, and with the bound of a panther he was
upon the fisherman, a knife, hastily drawn, in
his upraised hand. ,

“Hold! I am Juan Gite,” cried the Span-
iard just in time to avoid the savage blow
meant for him.

"Ha! I knew you not, good Juan.

“Are you alone?” and Forrester spoke with
the utmost (sadness.

“ Yes, I escaped." «

“And your daughter was the traitor.”

“Have a care, Captain Forrester, how you
speak of my child, for she was no traitor.

"' She neither knew you or I as we are, and
when that craft came for me to pilot them
here, she oflered her services, believing she
was doing right.”

"I beg pardon, Juan, but I feel a little bit-
ter, naturally, after losing my vessel.”

“ All right, captain, but you saved your
life, and hat is more than half the battle.”

“ Yes, far more, for I will soon be afloat
again, and on a vessel as fine as is the Skeleton
Schooner, and now that the mask is torn off,
let mfiv foes look out. '

“ y Heaven! Juan Gite, I received a fright
tonight that set my nerves in a tremor in a
way I did not believe possible, for, on board
that craft was Miss Mabel Mortimer, whom all
believed dead.”

“No!” exclaimed Juan Giro, in great shr-
prise. .

“ It is a fact, for she boarded with your
daughter, and it Was believed she was lost in a
blow the night she disappeared, as you know.”

The words of the captain seemed to impress
the fisherman deeply, and he became lost in
thought, while, having gotten out his sweeps
as they talked, he worked on in silence.

It was along, hard pull to the mouth of the
Black Lagoon; but at last the little luggcr felt
the Gulf braces, and began to glide through
the water. '

“Well, Juan, which way i” asked the pirate
leader, as he laid aside his sweep, and joined
the fisherman, who had now taken the helm.

“Where would you go, Captain Forrester,
for it is most urgent to first secure your
safety!” answered Glto. ~

“ To Mobile, good Juan.

"Run me into that port, and I will pay you
well.” ' ~

“ I  do? your pay for a service like that,
senor,” hotly bid the Spaniard.

“ Weill! Wynn, Juan,‘ and will not for.
get, you; so make Mobile with all dispatch,
and than lwllt‘lnd means to start out anew
in my caréér.”

And toward Mobile the little logger was
headed, and, at a‘ slapping pace, as though
glad to-escap‘e flom its foes, it went dashing
along On its way. ,

CHAPTER xxxvm.
JUAN orro‘e Reruns non

3&me had begun to feel more anxious
regarding the safety of her father, for three
dam?” May, since her from
themlm and still he had not appear-
e . .155 nail? “x  \

She knew he had on home in his favorite

mm mammal he had professed to be

going tomm‘iflntfie had Med for that
me.  flung the bank, and
mm- tho Mon-Moon's, and had not been
able to use «guests canan an: hcr father
 “serene...  *

Yet _ was .. good ~hce am
and find confines mfiason forbi- not 
home, other  he Blight M fl “4. 1
some flyieakod‘lfltatliat he had teen agile“;
with the raw-fin!" of tho-law am,
new; ‘ fins tartan. ‘ - ' ..

“as: us shouldhow {would be oahand to
warn "‘she said t6 behalf. ‘

,ansbuslssodimheminawwup. h.
was “to face her, after her' discovery
that he wu‘other than what no bad In

Still'ififl'*  him most dam

last cruel visit, nor Wile wish to, unless he
came to  and cents. to her

A beaten.”

‘toolwu m for you «nothing more?”
'm for file pot, and beg you to forgive and

*gladgand

 

he had wronged her, but was more than will-
ing to atone for it. 1

Each afternoon she was wont to sit on the
rustic seat that commanded a fine view of the
waters up and down the coast, and, as at last
she was about to turn away, again disappoint-
ed, in the gathering sunlight she caught sight
of a sail.

Leveling her glass at it, she cried eagerly:

“ It is the logger! my father comes!”

To the cottage then she went, and setting to
work soon- hadJa tempting supper prepared,
the cloth laid, and all ready for the coming of
her father.

She meant not to reproach him, she meant
not to speak of 'the past, for she felt that he
had had punishment enough; but some day
she would beg a promise of him that he would
forever bury the evil past.

At last, when all was ready she started to
go out and see if it was possible that she had
been mistaken.

“ Bessie!"

The word was uttered in a most plaintive
tone, and the door ‘was - darkened by the form
of her father.

He stood there like one who dared not enter,
and his eyes seemed riveted upon her face.

“ Father!”

With the single word she bounded toward
him and threw her arms about his neck.

“ You forgive me then, Bessie?

“ You do not hate me?” he murmured.

“ No, father, Icould never hate you, and I
forgive you,” she cried, and then the strong
man broke down, and, for the first time since
his boyhood, shed bitter, scalding tears.

She waited until his deep emotion was over,
and then led him to his seat at the table, and
served the supper, while she chatted cheerily
the while.

“ No news of any kind, Bessie?” he asked
after awhile.

“None, father, and yet I did hear, from a
negro from The Everglades, who was fishing
of! the point, that Mr. Mortimer intended call-
ing out Mr. Wyndham.”

“ He had. better not, for that youth is no
mn‘to trifle with. '

5‘1 never saw a man handle aswordfi he ~

can, and his aim is sure'death everytimehe
touches a trigger. -

“ Why, if it had not been for him, the crew
of the schooner would never have been

Bessie made no reply, and her father seemed
to feel that he had touched upon a sore subject,
so extricated himself quickly by saying:

“Bessie, I wish to explain to you my
presence there. '

“lam uotasbadasyouthinkme, for-lam
no pirate; but I have dodged the Revenue, and
sold goods for Forrester, and it was to see him
on business that I went to his vemsl, whence
mutate Mobile. . -

“ When there, and about to depart, the
“009 Ollie up and attacked the schooner, and
Forrester asked me not to desert him, and
hence I fought by his side.”

.“Iam glad to know this much at least,
father; butdld you know that Captain Fortes
ter escaped?” .‘ 

“Did he?" he “evasive”. .4 n.

|“ Do‘ynu'not know it; lethal”. .

“Iconfessmrnsmlqldo.  V 3“.-

“HI wasoamyduggee', and Isms-Maud
Wed her, toned him-there.” s . 

“Andwhereisheuowf”-  v 

zfilfihfiihlofller” . ~ ~
“ Father, do you and town Mail.

“Mme-rpm in 410 have W‘M
ever. so say no more about it. aniline};
“You how just one I am, and I wills

forget. . .. .  ,

“ Now lotus it of yous-altitu- on"
I go toss. the young master. of« 
' know why.» has as“ whistle-l
honorw;m!hs ~ :1.  2'  

“ You will not harm him, fatherl” said Ben-
sie anxiously“ I ~ '

ff“? ' hit I thhlk I  babhivtocon-

W‘s...

for villain he has shown himself. in his con-
ductto you,” and Juan Gito sought his room to
retire, and Bessie heard not his muttered
words: .

“ Mark Mortimer shall marry her, or my
knife will find his heart.”

CHAPTER XXXIX.
A PROPOSED cnUISI .

THE morning following his return to Inke-
lands, Percy Wyndham arose quite early, and
after breakfast called a council of Uncle Toby,
old Aunt Nance and thbe.

From them he heard in turn all that had
transpired during his «abuses, and tried to
glean all that would aid himin the such for
his mother.

One thing gave him great relief, and that
was the circumstance of her having carried
with her her jewels, some clothing and what
money she had, for this did not point toward
suicide, as he had at first feared was the case.

An investigation by Amt Nance revealed
the fact of her having ggne quite well supplied
with clothing, and Percy well knew that his
mother’s jewels were of great value, and that
she had a well-filled purse at the time be left
her, with no means of spending any since.
Could she have gone back to Mexico, he won-
dared?

If not, where had she gonel

The idea that she had returned to her old
girlhood home in Mexico, took the firmed; hold
upon his mind, and be determined to at once

to that coast.

To get there he knew she would have to go
to New Orleans or Mobile, and take a packet
to Vera Cruz; but that would be quite easy of
accomplishment by going into the interior and
taking the stage to either of those cities, or by
going out in a skiff and hailing one of the
coasters that plied along shore.

Uncle Toby had gone to the village, and by
discreet inquiries at the stage oflice, discovered
that no person, answering the description of
his mistress, had taken a passage in any coach
of late, so the coastwise ve-els must have been
her way of escape. ,
“Uncle Toby, tell Caleb to come to me,”
said Percy. , .

Now Caleb was shied of head man in the
place, for he had been. the fisherman of the
plantation foryean, and no better “or lived
than he had shown himself to be.

Captain Wyndham had mid trequonflythat
he Would make a good captain of a vocal, and
did not hesitate to trust him wholly with the
management of his yacht.

. A. tall, broadishmeldered man, with bold,
honest but black face, Caleb appeared before
his master, dressed in a suit of spout. duck.

“ Caleb, how many men can you master
from the place who are good wracked

“Just twenty, sah, ‘ddcs myself," was the
ly.
“ oucanrelyupaathsmalll’
f‘Yavm.a n
“Would-they he willing to “ht for me,
Caleb?" ~ . .
. “list by  and youflnlthsy

“Immanuelhxm owe
a eminent!  into some
out, '. . "   gr"; .7 ~51?“ ~ 52': :5
“Imam”  . .. 7 . x .
.. “Ben I“ wfll take toast
perm:aad-v1ctual  a oral-ti"...
FL “' o, the maxim   ..;, if”...

 .“:iws:-dewm.m:§goeo

x7.

.‘>=~ .43 reign; «a. :a.» a» Xflfilé‘ 
“ You and your twenty sailors.”

full 0f MPH 1 iii 2'1 a“ 5m mic was: 0 my. ..
~.?,;:£ said Mimic 2 s

 lflslitalloaboand

 

 

store his yacht, the Jack-o’-lantern, for a cruise.

ii

 

 

BI)

Percy then gays his ordereto Uncle. Toby,
as to what he needed to have sent on board for
himself, in the way of stores and clothing, and
teen sauntercd forth for a walk about the plan-
lat-ml.

A short stroll upon the lawn, a walk among
the flO'rer-unrliens. and then his steps led him
by a p :th landing to the forest beyond. Where
lay the Magnolia Arbor, and still further on
the burying-ground ol' Lakelands.

 

CHAPTER XL.
ran MEETING as m mun
Pine? WYNDHAI had not progressed very
far before he came suddenly upon threenegroes,
seemingly flying with terror.
Their faces were of that ashen bus that the
- negro complexion assumes under excitement,
and they were flying along at their utmost
spec i.

Seeing their master, for they belonged to the
Lain-laan pirmfiltidn. they came to 8 hilt, but
were evidently greatly terrified.

“Ball! Billneyi A'aronl what on earth ails
you?" asked Percy. sternly.

“Mam, oh, massai” gasped one, while the
two orbers were unable to speak.

Percy glanced in the direction from whence
they had come, and saw neither panther, bear
nor wolf, which the woods sometimes con-
Named. to frighten them, nor was any one in
sight that‘could have pursued them.

" Speak, Aaron, as you seem to have a 'ittle
bre‘ltii lam-and telti me what is the matter.”

" The ghost!" gasped Aaron.

“ Whit gh '8' i"

‘- The Gilmtpf de Lagoon. mama.”

Parr-y had been told by Uncle Toby of the
strange apparition seen upon the lagoon banks,
and how Mark Mortimer had endeavorei to
discover it, and though doing so, had failed to
capture the strange and ghostly creature.

He also knew that the ghost was wont to
appear in broad daylight too, though it had
also been seen by nigh', and near both the
plantations of L lkelands and The Everglades.

In those early days superstition ran ram~
pant. and-there were intelligent and educated
people who were silly enough to believe as
thoroughty in spooks, goblins, ghosts, witches,
an-i fairies as.the ignorant of to day do, so it
was no wander tb'ss Percy Wyndham, as brave
as a lion, ‘vns yet impressed by the strange
storiesi‘he hndheard, and the really painful
terror of the negro“.

' “Nonsense, “on, a ghost den't walk by
daylight," he said.
'fllarsa, dot ghost am a deception to de
rule, sail, for it do walk in daytime. for I seen
it, sah, Ball he‘sesn it, an’ Binuey done see it,
tab.” I ‘ , '
“ What-did it look like?"
I ‘ “Look’hke hit weredeed, ssh-l”

“ Was it a man or a woman!" ‘

“ But, ssh, for it had long close on, but
- look funny in de hoe.”

“ Well, Aaron, you can goon to the quarter,
sol i will see if I can Ind year‘ghosu”. .

“ Don’t do it, mares, don’t do it, ” cried

in three ndgrees in a chorus, for the two

negrees stood gaalng in vacuum-awning
“dbl-fora“: toneeoufromehcitisnd.

Asslvi at Met MWyndo
has. museum-awe:
thought“ hathadhppenedsineethere.

a;
iii
2
i
E

ins-1m lathe gar-
ilen of Lakelauds; but then lb Woes had all

'Iislntsnalon to have m

 

The i-Gambler Firsts.

loved their dead master, and some of them,
doubtless, had thus shown their respect for his
memory.

Standing by his father’s grave, with head un-
covered and eyes downcest, he allowed memory
to have full sway, and sorrow most poignant
swelled up from his heart.

And then into his ears seemed tcbe whis-
pared the words:

" Yet understood! yet umoeaged I”

With a little imprecation, because he could
not drown the whisper, he turned away, and
beheld, not twenty feet from him, and standing
in the shadow of a large magnolia, a form
robed'in pure white.

In spite of his nerve be slightly started, for
the first thought that rushed through his mind
was that he was face to face with the Ghost of
the Lagoon.

But a closer glance showed him that it was
Mabel Mm.”

CHAPTER XLI.
'r n I w A RN I N G.

QUICKLY springing over the wall, Percy
Wyndham advanced toward the maiden, while
his face flushed, and hers was pale.

In an embarrassed way she said, as he came
up to her, meeting his lookin a shy way:

“ Pardon me, Mr. Wyndham. for daring to
come to this spot, spared to your dearest mem-
ories, and where one of my name can but
bring up feelings of. bitterness; but I have
wanted to see you upon an affair of vital im-
portance.”

“ i am wholly at the service of Miss Morti-
mer. wherever she may be pleased to meet
me,” answered Percy in a quiet tone.

“ You are evor good to me, sir; but I have
watched anxiously for your return home, and
had a note written to send you by my maid.

“But she is closely watched, and I saw you,
with my glass from my window, come in this
direction, and felt that I should find you here.”

“In what way can I serve Miss-Mortimer?”
asked Percy in a .low tone.

“You have already served me so deeply,
Mr. Wyndham, the debt of gratitude must
ever remain unpaid; but, as a slight recom-
pense, I have sought you here to say that you
are in danger of trouble." ~, "

“I am always in trouble now, Miss Morti-

 

.mer,” he said sadly.

“ Yes, and bravely face your misfortune,
Mr. Wyndham, but this time it is my brother
who would plot against you."

“ I do not fear Mr. Mortimer,” was the very
calm reply.

‘ ‘ You do not fear an open foe, I know, but
I warn you, that, though he is my brother, he
will strikeat your back.”

Porcy looked surprised, and said:

“ Surely a Mortimer cannot turn into an
anemia.”

She flushed at being misunderstood, and
quickly replied: -

“ No, no, no; I do not mean that Mark
could be so vile as that; but he means to get
you into trouble been» you made Duke your
prisoner one night. .

“Yonknow I ref. to my late lather’scom
fldentiel slave!”

“ Yes, the one who attached-Ins after ray-‘-
myduel with you-father, and! allowed to
shoot," was Percy! 0001 mark.

“Insane, and he is now the devoted slave
and instrumentto aid my brother in anything
he may undertake.” ‘

“What chute does you W make

Mi. lortimeri"

was
“Innueny it,sir; but lugs.“ is
arrested negro-

l

cairn-an xm. .
run our: none m mums»
In: W had evkisntly.» heard the

moment they both knew could not M as Mabel
had mew“ the buying-pseudo” her

 

f

His companion was a man of forty, with a
cruel, sinister, low face, and Percy Wyndham
recognized him as an officer of the law, who
dwelt some few leagues away.

A remorseleas wretch, cruel to all in his.

power, a grinder down of the poor, and a
sycophant to the rich he knew him to be, while
he was just such a man as Mark Mortimer
would want for a tool.

“ Well, sir, you have but demeaned your-
self the more by playing the spy and eaves-
dropper,’ said Mabel, scathinglyfas begother
approached, closely followed by the o r.

As for Percy he held his ground, calm, dig-
nified, yet defiant; but in his eyes there played
a dangerous light.

“ Mabel, I will have no abuse from you.

“ Because this man has accidentally dragged
you out of danger/ you have seen fit to forget
that his hands are red wikh the.blood of our
father, and treat him with a kindness that is
unworthy of you,” said Mark Mortimer in a
vicious tone.

Percy never flinched, but remained silent,
while Mabel answered:

“ He has saved my life, and gladly in return
do I warn him that you would strike at his
honor.

“My father fell by his hand, yes, and yet
that same hand has saved my life more than
once. while you sought to wipe out one dealh
by taking the life of one who had not wronged
you.

“ Go, sir, you and that creature, for I would
be alone with Mr. Wyndham.”

She was beautiful1 nay grand in her anger
and scorn, and her brother seemed slightly
cOWed before her, while the ofllcer of the law
winced at the very appropriate title of creature
which she had bestowed upon him.

Then, for the first time, Percy Wyndham
spoke, and in his calm 'way he said:

“ As Mr. Mortimer seems to have conic here
to seek me, Miss Mortimer, perhaps it would
be best for you to retire, for I will frankly say
that I am on my own ground, within twenty
feet of my father’s grave, a grave filled by the
wanton act of your brother, and ban 1 shall
remain until he and his hireling depart.”

Mabel seemed deeply pained, for she felt
some deep tragedy was imminent.

Go she would not, for she was determined
that no harm should come to Percy Wyndham,
and in her presence she was assured that he
would never raise hand against her .hrotber,
whatever he might do did she depart;

As for Mark Mortimer he determined to at
once shift the responsibility upon the shoulders
of his hireling, and answered with a super:

“ I faccd your father, Percy Wyndham, in a
duel, for no man could say but thathe was all

. honor. '

“ But, with the charge against ya; that I
make, and can prove, and which this caper is
here to arrest you for, you  understand,
thatI cannot grant you s meothm

“There, Dustanl there stands your man, so
arrest him.”

The emcer thus called on drew two objects
from his pocket and took s step toward Percy.

One of these objects was a pistol, the other a
pair of handcufls.

.“Bsek.dr. “your sdvsa-s nose- Inr tr-
rsst," said Percy sterniy.

“Itdoesmesnlt, my fine young man,and
your haughty slrssadasgry eyes uls’t going
toscsremeoffthelineofdnty,”wasthe hold
repiyoftheomcsr. ,

“With what am I charged!” demanded
Pm. Whi- hsml lilo Weapon

s mtbeaeathhlslomesaflerjecket.
“ ,.isachergeesl‘n’ you, Kr. Percy
Wyndhfln, that willpsggrevate _ boys of

the village, when I tells it to “In, t you’ll
“swung uptostresbetore you ever yesch

trial," remarked the «floor. whom Mor-
timerhedaddrsqedssnustpa.

“ azmhrmvmto. III-by
mob-law and try me afterward? Percy,
sndthere wusdsngmsrhgtchis taes.‘

“Mydntylstoarr __andIintendsto

do it. so no airs,” was s saliva reply.

“Do 3091' duty, Damn-for he only came
homelast night, and will be gone Io-nlgh ”
cried Mark Mortimer. - ,- .

“Back, or you’ll me it,” said Percy. .

“Don’t threaten me, young map,~for I’ll
not Itond it," and the ofllcer advanced nearer.

“I do threaten you, and was-aqua 03 my

“Youoanitscsnme.” - 
“Back, ortake them. ~

I

 

. 

 

. on..-

-— .~.Ww-_e_. ...._ e ,

 

 

. . ”—-:y-w—~—"fi_

The Gambler Pirate.

21

 

!‘ Ah! that’s .your game.” and the oflloer
raised his pistol, while Mark Mortimer cried:

“Do your duty. Dustan!”

He may have thought it his duty to level his
piatel and fire; but he made a sad mistake, for
ere the echo of the two pistols had ceased to
rumblethroughtheforest he lay dead in his
tracks.

 

CHAPTER XLIII.
noun rum warcuan.

“ MURDEBERI l arrest—4’

“ Hold! I do not Wish to kill you, Mark
Mortimer, and simply on your sister’s account;
but I will do So, if you do not drop the wea-
pon you have your hand on in your bosom.”

Hark Mortimer had not been quick enough.

His hireling lay dead at his feet. a bullet in
the center of his ferehead, while .the shot
meant for Percy Wyndham had missed its
mark. A

He knew he was at the mercy of the man he
had expected to get into his power, and to es-
cape from it, he said: '

“I am' at your mercy, sir, but I shall ere
nightfall again face you, and upon more equal
terms.”

“Mr. Mortimer, I have sought no quarrel
with you, nor do I wish one.

“For his crimes toward me and mine your
father was punished by death, and you are the
one that laid the vendetta between our names
by killing my father. '

“If you drive me to it, sir, I shall has you
in the duello; but let the dead past bury its
dead, and open enmity between us end here,
no matter what we may feel in private."

Percy Wyndham spoke impedously, and
with a dignity that was surprising in one so
young. .

Every word he uttered went to the heart of
Mabel, but failed to touch the feelings of her
brother.

Hark Mortimer hated his enemy from vari-
ous reasons, and he wished him dead, and he
was more than willing to risk his own life to
secure that end.

He was ambitious, grasping, and feared that
bias“! was fergetting herself in her love,
with: I, marry the young master of Lake-

} , -, 0131! their hands must be united
nets-i grunts in which lay their fathers.

 Wanted The Everglades all to himself,
therefore must take big chances to get it.

f‘xMr. Wyndham, I accept no compromise,
for-it shall hewar to thehittcendbstweea
ss,"hesaidss‘j" . ’

“flit you ,“sir, I am whollyat your

‘f’l‘hen let us liereudj this had blood be-
tween us.” ‘ ' -

“Int,_ _of onrsistersirl”and
“bow amusement!) '

-“ "should notthifi you would object to
such a settleme- when youkilled myfather
‘fh‘the ' ’ 'Of ourmether.” ,

Percy his lip at this direct shot, but so-

mad:
"‘ We have'no seconds, Ma'xrlrtimer.”
“‘Nor had you, sir, in your deal was my

"Wgtothe nick, Percinflled’: '
. a"? you p162“, sir, if is locum-reen-
7am  '“ ’

had stood calmly by, white as a sheet,

“ I anély watching every movement
dill!-  every word. . .
 ‘ ew that he brother ladplottod
“‘Ia‘idflalh"firey, ‘by sving him arrested
upon the plea of in ng Duke.

 better cldss’would boot.at the idea of a
Wyndham so dishonorin ‘himself, but the
masses would be easily] te'take the law in
their hands, and she “did not feel that her
brother was anytoo good," little hatred for
Percy, to take careto have the train already
ma that would ‘carry‘ his enemy to destruc-
tion. ' ' '
"Thlsfhsvint‘filled. by the prompt times 0!
the officer by Percy. she saw clearly thit
Mark intended to fl he s duel, t0 ssh his
end. '

When Percy said he wouldmeet herllether
with her! consent, she answered with stern de-

' “ Mortimer decidedly refuses to give
her consent." ‘
“Then [shall let the law take its course
saith Mr.  the charges of kid-
na ' a my slave, and murder ofan officer.
“ abeli‘you accompany me to firehouse,”
and he stepped toward the maiden. I

 

But the lion in her nature was roused then,
and springing back she cried in ringing tones:

“ Mark Mortimer, hear me, and I mean
every word. brother though you be of mine.”

He looked at her in angry amasement, not
knowing what was to come next, while she
continued:

“ That hireling of yours attacked Mr. Wynd~
ham, and in self-defense he killed him, so make
what excuse you care to for the death of the
man, or toes his body into the lagoon to suit
your humor, and let him be accounted for as
one who disappeared mysteriously, for if you
dare report to the authorities that he fell by
the hand of Mr. Percy Wyndham, I will bring
a charge against you that wi lhang you.”

“ Good God! Mabel are you mad!” he cried,
alarmed at her manner and words.

“ Nd intensely sane, as you will discover.”

“ In the name of Heaven! what charge will
you bring against me?” he cried with a sneer.

“That ofgpiracy upon the high seas, that of
being the ally of Forrester, the Freebooter.

“ Now, sir, dare to carry this matter further
and we will see who will be the sufl'erer.

“ The charge of kidnapping a slave is non-
sense, for Mr. Wyndham was on the track of a
pirate, and captured Duke, your servant, carry-
ing papers on board the yacht belonging to
the pirate chief, who was your guest; so you
see how easily that will fall through. .

“.As to killing that man, I, your sister, will
swear that you brought him here to kill Mr.
Wyndham, who acted in self-defense, and then
I’ll bring the accusationof piracy against you.

“ Now, sir, do your worst, and we leave you
here by the body of the man, whose death you
brought on, to decide. -

“Come, Mr. Wyndham, give me your arm
far as Magnolia 'Arbor."

Percy oflered his arm with courtly grace,
and the two walked away together, leaving
Mark Mortimer livid, trembling, astounded.

But they had barely passed out of sight,
when they heard a heavy splash in the waters
of the lagoon, and it told them that Hark Mor-
timerhad taken a newcourseforhieowngood,
andintended to cover up his own tracks’as

best he could tor‘ the present. -
at ‘
forth her hand in farewell, and said simply‘
“Beware of my brother. b 1” He

bowed and the two part ed, and several hours
after, as she sat at herOpen window, she saw
the Jack-o’-lantern gliding out of the harbor in
the darknem, and wadshed her until she
disappeared far out in the sea.

 

CHAPTER XLIV.
a now an nurse sun.
'ffuanuaorofths e" ‘ of agho‘din

the forests back of 'l‘h’t ' Everglades and Lake-- sea.

lands, of its also being seen a the
watsnof the lemlcreated grea and
greater excitement each day not only among
the negrofratlrnity, but also with the whites.

'Ihere were a score or inore of loudly plants-

‘ . prettnsions, and eyerywhere ran the
. w

tlythat pin 1 maiden made up her
mind that she would. li "a to see aghost, and he
waitedoueafternooa out! her father'liad' his
outdeep-aea “ ' ’
for her trip. 1 _ _ _
. She got her lightest isle, has ‘ and
dressed herself in her row'ing's'uit, a" was
read , as soon as she took the precaution to
put n her belt a pistol. “ ’ ‘
Getting into the ski! she'rowed"albng 
shore until she came to. the mouth of,the larger
lagoon, into which numerous smaller bayous,
or lagoons, emptied their sluggish 
She knew the net-work, formed [by file tilt
ferent streams as well as any one on the coast
“4, held 011 her: way with a steady, siren?
. puttho burying-grounder the Mortal.
’ "pali‘ldgtwm “'8‘ a” “t
- 0 . .. s. g , . ‘
Hmd‘ehld her skifl in the folilflofthe
overhanging trees and started for the little
"Wfflflfl  ..
Outer!"  lb“
~shill: ‘ dshe 'keli upa'fiun-
ld‘ a piece 0!

FR" . . ,

die of keydand near it '

paper-

It was an unsealed letter, the seal having

We. and en lit-listed herse' lg-

 

been hrsken, and was addressed to Daniel
Dustan. ‘

She knew the handwriting at a ghnce.

It was that of Mark Mortimer, and without
hesitation she read the contents.

I It was crumpled, «bed the day before, and
simply read: l

“ Come over and spend a few days and I can take
care of you quietly.

“Then we can catch him. for he returned last
night, and in the yachthe captured.

‘Once you arrest him, l wxll take care of him
until on can go on ahead and collect and excite a
crew to readily take him 01 our hands, and on
shall have your reward. M. 

“P. 8. Burn this as soon as road."

For a moment, after having twice read this
precious missive, which the reader can more
readin understand than could Beale, having
interpreted the meeting at the hkelands
graveyard, the maiden pondered deeply. '

“This is Mark’s handwriting: I should know
it among a thousand letters as his, even did the
initials not betray him.

“It is addressed to that 'cruel constable; Dan
Dunstan, of the village, and who can it refer
to but Mr. Percy Wyndham, who returned
night before last, and this letter wu dated
yesterday.

“There seems as if there was some plot
against him; but then he sailed last night in
the Jack-o’-lantern, for he passed father off-
shore and hailed him, so he did not fill into
trap. ’

“I will keep this letter and the keys,”and
thrusting them into her bosom, me went on
toward the little graveyard.

As she reached the gate she suddenly saw a
white object disappear behind the wall.

Instantly she ran there, it was too high
for her to IoaIVovergand muses to the
gateshe pamedthroughanddartedsround on
the outside. ' '

Arriving at the corner, that gave her a view
of that side, she beheld nothing, but turning,
saw, a hundred yards off, a white form run-
ning swiftly away. '

To follow it was Dude’s Int thought, for
shewascertain silehadseenthe Ghostof the
Lagoon; but ifshe did se,how wouldilecross
the bayou, toward whiehthe weird flormw'as
makingi v ~

Hie eased after it, and saw that it could
only cross by a boat, or swimming, slid there
must be its boat. ,

Bheconldnotmakeo'nt wlititmthough
she could see that it was a human form clad in
snowy white, with a long robe and full
sleevas.

Instantly she was for her boat, sprung
in,andsettli lured! wellin herseanpulled
with a rapidrgio‘ag stroke, which had qrried
a much  though manyalrough

8

‘ floodlit.”

class  Males-s men, an.
skiff stealing flung museum shudowedf‘the
f' a“ v ' '{gtbathungfr‘omlhe Maud
tar eut'oy thewam v
“It unsealed, and lthhsmhntflbboat.
‘NNwabr it, for lw‘ill edve‘  ry

 

skiff. ' '

'A rowof several hundred  and again
she looked around her to- see that the weird
creature immanent  and
llqu lea; all  was A“ ’g in mid-
lagoon, with  slrohg stroke, ' where the
trees w‘elther "side did not interfere with

‘heroan.

'l'ae'lagoon  not morethan  ‘ t
We nom‘ ' ,fiiulrto bank, and asthii‘h‘h aim
6 them? achgemupw‘fiove
feetof gave rowel-3' ' 1!
up“ ’ "lam f . loathsome-s “‘1‘”
“ j’olook

, 7 't she
pulled a faster pace than the ghastly ‘iflns
could propel her skiff, and was gaining.

  
   

.22

Thefiambleafimte

.. _.._ ...._... .-...

I

 

 

 

She knew that above her a mile was a net-
work of bayou, and did she' not m near the
chase before arriving there, she might be
thrown o! the scent, and this she bent her
every energy to accomplish.

As they went in, the bayou slightly nar-
rowed. and soon there were but a few feet on
either side between the toes that drooped in
the water an-i her oar-blades, and she had to
row with the greatest of care 'not to foul these
obstacles.

At last tle ghost reached the first lagoon
branching off from the one in which they
were rowing. and Bessie turned her head just
in time to see her dart into it. '

She knew that it was not thirty feet wide,
and its banks being also fringed with foliage,
that it would be impossible to useher oars
there.

Reaching the entrance to it, she gave one
long, tremendous pull, which shot the skifl into
it, and then, ere its headWay was lost, had
shipped her ours and had seized a wide-bladed
paddle, .which she fortunately had provided

’hersolf with. . ,

This gave her an advantage, as she was. en-
abled to have her face in the direcnion in
which she was going, though her speed was
diminished; but .shekuew that the ghost’s lo-
.comotion in the narrow lagoon had to be the
same. I
It was but ashort while before she discov-
ered only a few lengths ahead the object of her
pursuit.

It was standing up in the skiff. sending the
light craft aloug by.the vigorous use of one of
the cam-gyms suited the place of a paddle,
and uidpprtainly loo weird and spectral-like
in its long flowing ro .

AsBessie camein sight it scorned to start,
for there seemed to have been shops in its
mind that she would be checked at the narrow
bayou, .. . . -. . . .

But it kept on for a short distance, and then
run in, ' the trees, and springing ashore,
darted away on foot. I

Bosnian” not to be Max-ted, however, and
followed wt, gathering her skirts around her

, for. a rapid run, and soon found she was fleeter
onlootthantheghost. r._ ..

It" was now sunset, and in the dense shadows
of thadorestitappeared tobes dim twilight;
,bueBessie saw the white form flitting ahead of
her, and 'sped on. ' e '

Suddenly; it stopped, and the next haunt
Bosnia found.th face to face with the

‘ Ghost of the Lagoon. ' .

 

 w, w. -

CHAPTER" XLV. ‘

. . ; some 44 W1. . 
,“W’a‘r have on W , ‘ we”... .'
'Such was the’question of the alleged Ghost

of. the, Lyons to‘Besslcfiisa as she suddenly
the We! hobs

  

8 no mo: and sides were of bark,.fhs 
ingot small Wand/it was carpeted with

Inside Bessie could discern a few clothes,
and  was a silver  a few
Marlins-wanes. smallgnn,

the lower features, making is almost impossi-
his to recognise her. .
There was that about the woman that com-

hcfsupcsnandoclvethe my”, dad in re-
ply to the query. delivered in a law, and, re-
P . Melfl'm‘bd-Omfl

“ meant sou unmanned-m; but you
have «cited the whole

 

“They call me a ghost, do they?" said the
woman,’with a and snails.- ' '

“ Yes, you are‘so spoken of on more and in-
land.” '

“ It is better- so, and I confess to dressing as
I do to keep of! curious negroes, who are often
wont to pass through these forests.

“But you must leave me now, and promise
not to reveal who or what I am.”

“ I do not know who you are, or your mo-
tive for hiding here, for this is no place for a

lady. as you appear to be, and I beg you to"

come home with me.”

“ You are Bessie Gito?”

‘_‘ Yes, madam.” .

“ They call you the Lady of the Lagooni’f

“Yes, madam.”

“ You areaplncky girl, and it is said of you
that you have a noble heart. -

“ I am one in misfortune, and I prefer this
life in the forest to dwelling inn. prison, at
least until I can find a way to escape to a
different existence, Which will only be after I
have performed a certain duty I owe the
deeds" .

“ You speak of a prison. You do not look
like one who has done wreng,” said Bessie, in
a. kindly tone.

“Nor have I.”

“Then why Would you be put in prison?"

“ It is a prison to me, for they keep me be-
hind bolts and bars, because I am mad.”

“Mad! you mad?" exclaimed Bessie in sur-
prise and'pity.

“ So I am told,” was the calm reply.

Bessie knew not what to say, so asked:

“ How is it that .you know me?”

“ I hate often seen you on the water in
your surf-skiff, and sail—boat.”

“Whoare you. may I ask?” K

“ My name is Nina \Vyndh'mn,” was the low
reply. '

‘.‘ Holy Mother!” burst from Bessie’e lips in
amazement. ‘:

Now she knew well who the poor woman
was, though she believed berm be confined in
her own bome,~a maniac.

She had not heard of her escape, and what
diddt mean, that Mrs. Wyndham was hiding,
like a hunted deer in the depths of the forest,
We league of her ownolmnt mansion?

How had this beautiful woman nurtured in
luxury, subsisted in this dense swamp, alone,
and coloring!  e I : a
At duos her mind «was: made up; and she

..“Mrs. Wyndham, Licow of the sadcauso
that made them sq you mined, audit was
a fearful blow upon you, and from my heart I
pity you. , i , ' « v

“I belieyed, “other:l (13,0 thati 31;; were in
your, own ho how wn n g ‘ ef,,,more
thm-Merhgfithw ' 51,0. ahdnowths
you have ccme'liereto h   frankly té,
you that hero yodmnnotremsin. f '

“No, no, I will not go from here,” cried the
unfortunate  in a half frightened way.

II I)“

. “Ye'sh‘fo .‘b with me, to my home,
and! ,, hirsute ofyou. 1 fl ' I
 “Come, noose dwells there ' jay
Melanoma i 9“ 110 009.9!» ' see
1911.9: cum. w. of yourmsorco there,
will“ I will  a War. in them
you-were my own 15'”, ' ,, ‘ v ‘

. “You will uctlot ‘ tshouie from your?
she asked, sugar to 0, yet fearful of remaining.
“ No, no one s see you, or, harm you.”

“God bless you,” and the proud woman
droppod'hor heed , n Besie’s shoulder and
sobbed bitterly, the, Mars she had shed for
many a long day, for her heart had seemed in-
cased in an tine shell, through which
no tear could ores its way. , ‘

Bessie soothed her with kind words, gained
her entire confidence, and half an hour after
her arrival at the cabin,  for can
Cottage.

It was dark now, and Mrs. Wyndham sat in
Bonnie’s boat, for the maiden would have it, so,
and she rowed, the skiff of the unfor-
tunate woman, and in it, the treasures she had
in her little bark cabin, where, since-the day
after her escape she had‘dwelt, procuring food

by hunting and fishing, and preform; that.

drear existence  perfect Mom, to being
looked up in a m a madwomsu'.

011st xxm. . ,
‘ u‘ . .  . I " ll  
, ‘! Beam! that Mover-twang;

and etlsm ' Mllle
the death of mtgfatberfl' ‘ ‘ ‘ ’

 . ,nm. s.._._.___._._.:

Such was the remark of Mark Mortimer, af‘
ter the departure of his sister from the burying-
ground, leaning upon the arm of Percy Wynd-
ham, his worst enemy.

“Can that be my dove-like little sister,
whom father called the Angel of The Ever-
glacial?

“Well, something has made her-show what
she is, and I must be careful. '

“By the cross! but she threatened to de-
nounce me as a pirate, and prove it, too.

“It would be hard to prove, I reckon, for I
did not know Forrester to be as black as that

. Percy Wyndham has proven him, though I did

suspect him of being a smuggler, close as he
kept things from me.

“ But then if she said I. was a pirate, why,
pirate the world would have me,and I’d dance
a jig from the yard-arm of an American vessel
sure as sm.

“ That I could not afford, for there is work
ahead of me, so I yielded, Mabel triumphed,
Wyndham sneered, and here I am left on the
field to bury the. dead, or account for being
found with a corpse as best I can.

“Dustan, your aim was bad, and he was
cool and struck you square in the forehead, and
thus my plot is ended against the master of
Lakelands, whose capture of the Skeleton
Schooner is creating such a furon.

“Well, digging is tiresome work, so I'll give
you a sailor’s burial, Dustan, and throw you
into the sea, or rather the lagoon, and then
you'll drift seaward before long.”

He bent over the body as he spoke, and ran
his hand through the pockets with the utmost
coolness, transferring to his own what he
seemed to cure for.

Then it was he dropped the .keys and letter
which Bessie had found, and the dropping of
which escade his notice.

Raising the body in his strong arms, he
walked to the edge of the lagoon with it, and
buried it out from him with all his might.

With a heavy splash it fell into the stream
and sunk from sight.

Until the last ripple had died away, Mark
Mortimer stood with the utmost coolness gar:
ing upon the spot, and, then turned a  hand,
switching the with his cane, w ed up
to the L'akelcnds'graveyard. ,, , , A

With a revengeful, sinister smile u his
handsome face, he stood gazing down althe

raves, and let his eyes rest ,  ‘ Hie
one in which slept Cowgirl Percy : 
whom his hand had, , ‘  ‘,  ' Y

A "slit man bmg’efiom. inn- who turned

away and wooded his steps omeward. ~ '

,Going to t e cry, his favorite room, he
paced to an fro in dee’p thought, his brow
clouded andhis  compressed. .

At last he communed aloud, as was wont

whet]: deep1%m%ved. . “MM h , t J

ercy yn ham must  , cerium,
but heistoo dead a 'shot,fo:’jnototubthe
mm  v 2.2.4., lg  .s V

“ 1' have no equal, a! (grandam, now
father is dead, for Lewd " v F0 r,
so! shall have to force a challenge“ I
and choose my p-for if I c ‘ ’

“If”, ., Bio  ll id b nuqt  and
I bi ' " riff.» ad (:use gambliow about 

  
      

deadly aim, for, major was, the 
3w, and he ore ma  duel while
ustcn "was  ocke'd over wifi unease 
saweqnaied. . . . ,
.“ht‘lione. 1’11 , my  and
when he goes to New unsfolow, ii .- 
bya public tforce him to  'vm
codewords ‘u be my weapon, and Maw
the object of my ambition. 

“ But I mutt takeanhc with me, for 
fellow is getting .to be a mt useful piece of
furnituroto me now.” '

He touched a bell and soon after Duke made
his appearance, greatly improved by his red.

“‘ VKVell, mastsrl”_

‘ eepancyc on Lach and what
Wyndham sails for NewMOrlms lam
know, and pack up ready toaccompauy me
than." . '

at Y”, in»

“ Any news of the msdwomanf"

“Mrs. Wyndham?” ,

“Yes, who else could I rear to!”

{ “ No, master; but she must have
rightened that ni and returned or

«Else what?" “In _' w

u Got dm‘ “1-.” , I ‘

“ Qr committed suicide, which is me”

 

-“immoondnndom,nm,hrwe

 

 

_—i

might be able to charge Wyndham with the
murder of his mother.”

“But what motive would he have, sir!”
asked the astute negro.

“True, he is rich enough in his own name,
and all she has goes to him.

“Well, well, I have another plan
and that is to fight him.”

“Master, I know you are a good shot, sir,
but Mr. Wyndham cannot miss; they say.”

“ I’ll fight him with swords, and there I yield
to no man,” was the haughty reply.

“Yes, sir, you might kill him then, master,
for you are a magnificent swordsman,” an-
swered Duke, who, in practice with his in“
master, Major Mortimer, had proven himsel‘
also a master with the weapon. ’ _

“ I’ll try him, Duke, and if I fail in killing
him, I have another plot.” ‘

“Yes, sir,” and by the afllrmative Duke
meant to ask the question:

“ What is that plot, air?”

“It is for you to kill him.”

The negro’s eyes glittered, as though he
would be glad to take the aflair 03 his mas-
ter’s hands.

Several hours after, Duke came into the
library-to report that the Jack-o’-lantern had
sailed, and at once Mark Mortimer gave orders
to get his Own yacht in readiness, and before
midnight he too set sail, to follow in the wake
of his foe, greatly to the alarm oi' Mabel, who
saw the departure of both vessels, and felt
convinced that her brother was up to some
other scheme to get rid of his enemy.

 

CHAPTER XLVIi.
ero IN warr'.

11' was Mark Mortimer’s first a use in
New Orleans, after his duel with Captain
Wyndham: in his so-called revenge for killing
his father, and he was greeted by a certain
number of his intimates with every demonstra-
tion of pleasure, and quite lionined for his most
romantic deed, for it had become known how
it was fought upon the water, with each duelist
standing upon his own yacht.

Then, too, his Well-known intimacy with
Frank Forrester, who had since been proven
the pirate Skimmer of the Seas, and commander
of the famous craft, Skeleton Schooner, can a
certain hole over him“ in a romantic way,
though ,no one torian instant suspected that he
had not been also duped by the pretended gam
bier, "as to his real character, as were others. ~

There was only thing that cat Mark Horti-
mer deeply, 'and that was to hear everywhere
the name of Percy  ' "" rather Cap-
tain Percy Wym,“ he callediior his

the ,i vessel ‘  people
emit  his late hibtr’s name
"On‘a'll sides Percy's test was 
the highest praise,*‘and~ m found‘ that :his
hated foe was euervto, ~ _ up before him.

But Percy Wyndb" hadnot put in an up
pearauce at  Orleans, though the last seen
of his yacht, the Toad-11m, Q she drop-

tsnrk in)st vdtei astern, was that

she seemedto be' ,
“ He is on on a
but :11] end up "here, so i “wait,” said
milmur‘e tbgn willing to 9“ “time in the
gay cit . especially as hehad tho ll A-ob-
talasd‘ Forrester in payment for con-
sent fqr him to marry Mabel—to enable him to
pay’hisd'ehhhaidto launch out againin’to a
um ' ‘ ;

to! lake harbor.

nowhere, Duke,

lilac! as: and mbllng.

T0. ' . 1 luck at in his favor, for he
nightiywou sums, and took this turn of
fortune’u tide “‘Wtiment of what his
intended meeting vac, w”;de woum
bring about. 7 ' -

Thus the days passed , and m week,
followed,'but still Pastry came not,

not lack gem held on the side or Mark nor.
timer, and he felt that, large winner as he was,
he could «Cord to-l'emaln as long a film
in the city.

At last, after being there a month, he {at
that he must return home, to see arrai- stabs
on’ the plantation, and what Mabel was about.
and hence ordered Duke" to be ready to “a;
the followln morning. I

Waste e gambling  to hum
for the last time before his return, to his Mp
ch38!“ he lost on the first game.

Asecoudgline aad'hewas alosertoo,and
mnmntonMMhdpMmhfletfls
large winnings. ' 

“ Luck has turned against me, so I will play
no more now," he add, deeply annoyed, and

in view, .

 

The Gambler Pirate.

rising from the table beheld, not ten paces
(rem him, none other than Percy Wyndham,
in conversation with the Port Commodore,“
whom he had evidently strolled into the sa-
loon. ' ' .

 

CHAPTER XLVIII.
PERCY WYNDIIAM MAKES A VISIT.

STRAIGHT for the shores of Mexico sailed
the Jackvo’olanteru, her daring young master
not hugging the coast, where he could runiuto
some shallow inlet, or river, to escape a ice,
but boldly putting out across deep water and
heading for the seaport of Corpus Christi.”

Landing on the coast, at the desired point,
to seek his mother’s girlhood home, he visited
the spot, and was not long in discovering that
she had not returned to that locality.

But he did not give up the search, and what
to diflerent places, where he hoped to get
tidings of her, but was forced to return to his
yacht disappointed.

Setting sail (or his home on the shores'of the
United States, he again dropped anchor in the
little harbor in front of Lakelands, one pleas-
ant afternoon just before sunset. .

Old Toby had seen the yacht coming, and,
with Nance and Phoebe, had gone down to the
pier to welcome back the young master.

After greeting them in his kindly way, he
said: '

“Well, Toby, my voyage was without re-
sult." -

“Oh, master, I was in hopes mistis was on
board the yacht with you,”. answered the old
negro, sadly.

“Then there is no news, uncle Toby, of my
poor mother?" -

“No, nah, not a word.”

“Yes there is, Toby, you old forgiti'ul,”vj
‘ 3 shone directly upon it. ,

chimed in old Nance.

Percy saw that there was something to com-
municatc, and asked anxiously:

“ Well, Toby, what hit?”

“ The Ghost has gone, sahi”

-“What ghost!”

“ The ghost of the Lagoon, ssh."

“ Ah yes, I remember. <

“ You say it has disappeared?” 3’

«Y’s’m31 ,, I H ,,

'“Goue hank new animal-«nth grave,
doubtluit '. - ' 

u  .11.}! H . A . .

“ Master, old Toby hsiu’t'toie yes all, salt,
for you know mistis‘s skit! what was missin’
when she went away?” said old Nance, w
Uncle Toby broke in with: , -

"‘Yes, yes; yes kasgot-a good mem’ry, old
’oeman.” - ‘ « e
“ Y? Nance, wlnt o! ths'skifll" ’eageriy
. ".I, "i'.- u~ hr. "3

“ Ithas it... uh, momma
is,”  ' fie We 
u Who mm mm My!" ‘1 7:

“Irdda't know, «buster, nnuuhse Inn ~11
found it one morning right where you “Wit.”
“Tint-h my, my ‘ ‘ V ,
“What have y“ telsay, r  see
that you"wlsh to  'to'v mil” Lad “Percy
WM dined  m-
maid and favorite. - " u 
"‘I- wished way, Mr, the the fisher-
man, Jinn Gite,  daughter, hovelbeen

ovei' here'a doses times, slate see-i! {you had -

returned.” - ' ,
“Tones  Percy, talus-pub.
“Yes, sir.” ,

“A‘rdea'eu times!" - ‘

“‘Yes, sir, use young-lady has sailed over
nine or ten times, and the iishermautwion.”

“Mb ' n «

“ And any ahays'came at night, air.”

-“ At night!" '

“Yes, sir' each time.”

Percy e no reply, but could not but
wonder why Juan Gite and his beautiml
daughter had been so anxious to see him.

Assoonaahe had hadhis manlth
pretty moonlight night, and he had a lair
wind to and from CM he “termlned
to sail over there and see Juan Gite!“ M
and discover whaswaewaaasd was him. .

“Perhaps Gite has gotten him-dilute. ma-
trdable,” baud, nan-emu formats-visits,
and-"how Mtohav'e idem oat-boat
ready i'orhim,aud sea aft-rho m tor
me home 0! the usher-mm.

Long and earnmtlyhe baked it thewhite
walls of The Everglarhs Vina! Inmflong
by it, halt a film,m “helm

 

‘Theu Mexican territory.

 

as

«fa

 

of welcome home to him, burned the bright
am in tin room of label Mortimer.

At last the clifl point came in sight, and
rounding it, he ran into the little hay, sprung
out upon the white sands and wended his way
@110 the Gito cottage, in which wan the
glimmer of a light through the open door. « v

 

CHAPTER XEIX.
a srnrrnmo mscomr.

UP the hillside to the top of the cliit, went
Percy Wyndham, and arriving there, bemused
to survey the scene of beauty around him.

The scent of flowers came to his nostrils, the
balmy autumn air blew against his cheek with
a delicious coolness, the waves fell lazily upon
the shore, and the waters were like a silver
lake, beneath the radiance of the moon, while
against the dark background of forest, nestled
the little white cabin, with the lamp within
casting a bright stream of light out through
the open door.

For some moments he stood there, drinking
in the scene of beauty', and than, with a sigh, he
moved on toward the cabin.

As he approached he saw thaudme one was
seated in one of the large rustic/chairs which
the ingenuity'of Juan Gito had manufactured,
and which he had placed upon eithersideof
his door, oa-the little pie-a. »

A glance was suflcient to show him that it

-was not Juan, and as his approach was not

observed, he coughed slightly to attract atten»
tion. l'
But the occupant never moved, and believ-
ing it to be Danie, and asleep, he drew nearer.
Ai'ew steps brought him to the side of the
occupant ot/the chair, and thou he stopped and.
denly, gaaed in rapt attention upon the tee,
whibh was lighted up by the moonlight that

“My God! isit deep—or death!" he fairl
groaned, and the sound at his voice around
the sleeper, and springh' forward he knelt.
before her, burying his has in her lap, and,
crying fervently: ' *

“W! MWIhuefomsd you...”

She had started at'seeing him, but sauna»
nisinyrhis ibrnr and. voice, had retaliated her
seat, and when behalt at Wyhadtflidiy'
laid'thnd annulus bored head, while she
“moldy: ' ' - ' 

“Yes, Percy. my sen, you have found II:
but this as makemn sufler again by’bdnfim-
prisoued in my own home ammo
’. “No; no, mother, never  satin,"
hauiedurnfifly.’ <  ‘- ' 
“Thank God for those m my noble sun,

.4

“linewall-ot‘fi'e'sadue'y’uib m
{rem your W'giMflr I he”,
returnedirrom Mexico, 
told me all. '-" '_

“Knowing-what?! do” and um
mer when you werea dilld,'and its
numb-Hthan

24

The Gambler Pirate.

 

 

to her feet. clutching him by either shoulder
with intense excitement.

“ Be calm, mother,” he said, sternly.

“I'll be calm, Percy, oh! so calm, only tell
me that I am not mad,” she pleaded, sinking
back into her. chair.

CHAPTER L.
narran oxcn x031.

“ No, mother, you are not mad,” said Percy
Wyndham, impressively, in answer to the
urgent appeal of his mother for him to tell her
the truth,

“ God bless you, my son, for those words;
but tell me, why have you so made me
believe?” she added, reproachfully.

“Mother, listen to me, and seeif I sinned,
and if sinnlng there is not palliation.

"You forced Major Mortimer into a duel
with you, and in killing him you avenged the
past, and gave to me, your son, an honorable
name.- . -.

“But you stained your fair woman’s hands
with the life of one whom it should have fallen
to the lot of my father, or myself, to have
killed. ‘

“ Killing him as you did, you wiped out the
dishonor, to suddenly find, through Phoebe’s
confession, that she had given to Major Morti-
mer a pistol that contained no bullet.

“ The poor girl did this to save you.

“ She knew the deadly aim of the man you
faced, and she said that she saw in his eyes a
determination to kill you.

“ She trusted in your superb marksmanship
also, mother, but she determined to guard
against all accident of danger to you, and
hence poor Phoebe’s act.

“ Her confession to you of .what she had
done, brought in a flood upon you that you
had shot down an unarmed' man, and it over-
whelmed you, sending the blood in, such tor-
rents to your heart, that you swooned away,
:3 fell by the side of the man you had justly

n.

“At that moment I arrived, and in a M,
as well as he could, Toby told me all.

“But before ‘I could s'eys. word, or not, up,

 

‘rodeMertonMasseysndhissou. v

C

“ Could Iallow‘you in suflsr, my mother!
" Could I let the brand of that duel fall upon

yon! , . .
“Would I-heseitsaid thatyon had ought.
to avenge wast any man! . .
“Oh no, mother-l bases I—took span myself
the name of luring slain Major Mortimer, and
hotter a thousand times that they, mould

ageing fromsllsheseesst ottheiiboatet the
con. , v
And aim-e she album, and that was of
and .. the stains ma .-,whiohr
Mortimer had deceived her for the.
girl NJ!“ bans ht 3°
. Wyndham, whqnishemed. to leye
new she had bssaubeaom: ' ,
x‘fAndy _ has thuswronged this:
“minim,

 sinful father's
tempura mhedr  m in law
 u: ,~‘v 4“ M?“ 4
1“ She rode’over to the I what I expect
herbacksoon.” -" , '-  ‘
“And her father-1”»  .

ww- is has.» ready for use...
to be gone a couple of weeks, he said."

“'Ve well; then we will all take a little
eschewthoni him, tor I want you to goto
New Orleans with me, mother, and Bessie
must accompany you, for the trip will do your
health good, and Phcebe can go, too, and we
will sail in my new yacht, which i suppose
you have heard how I capturedi”

“ Yes, I know of your daring capture of the
pirates, Percy, for Bossie has told me all.

“ But there comes Bessie now.”

The maiden just then dashed up upon her
little pony, and was delighted to see Percy, as
he stepped forward to aid her to alight.

Gladly she accepted the invitation for the
cruise in the Jack-o’-lantern, and soon after
Percy took his departure. promising to come in
the yacht for them the following night, for
Mrs. Wyndham said she did not care to return
home until after her voyage to New Orleans.

True to his word, Percy ran the Jack-o'-lan-
tern into the little harbor the next night, and
Mrs. Wyndham and Bessie were rowed on
board, where they found all in readiness to re-
ceive them, and Nance and Phoebe wild with
delight at seeing their mistress once more.

CHAPTER LI.
AN iNSUL'r. ‘

I WILL now return to the gambling saloon in
New Orleans, the night upon which Mark
Mortimer had decided to return home, and
luck had so thoroughly set against him.

It was a resort of. the most aristocratic kind,
where only well-known gentlemen were, al-
lowed to enter, and the proprietor of which
had been compelled to stand a great deal of
joking, on account of Frank Forrester having
been one of his favorite guests, and who turned
out- to he a pirate.

Gentlemen who did not gamble were often
wont todrop in the saloon of an evening to
meet some friend who did, so that it was noth.
ing against a man to see him there, and there-
fore the commodore, in whose company Percy
Wyndham had gone there, felt that it was no
detriment to himself to drop in in a friendly
"ye ‘

He had met Pusey at the. hotel, and had
gone on heard his yacht with him, at the
m ilMtatien to dine there, and had met
Mrs. yndham and Bessie; and boon charmed
with them, while he had extolled the courage
of the young plantar-to the skies and told him
hehad orders from the'Gcwernment to ofler
his: a naval lieutensnoy, should he be willing

to accept it.
dsdinsd with thanks, and after

 

But Pesos .
dinner on heard the Jaek-o’dshtsrn, he and
Commodore New“ had up ten to the
gambling saloon, where k Mortimer'hsd
use,me surname-ft, justsshs was
“to: xeflallldn'otthsnflndinghim.

“ Dy eptuneluht not} know. why I. have
lad th in em M has haunted me

“ t is the otthstfellew asst-me,"
hehissed' issstteeti. .
~ As'ifdetsrmlning-snddenlynpusomeeoasse
to posses, he tars-d again tothe tablasnd
began to play heavily.

.“Mlon for. m game going on,
gamma; let tumult,” said'Commodore

vmnmmwmwmubn'.

where a crowd was gathering, interested in the
heavy,” of Mark ml,
again begun to win. ,

They drew near, and then Penny recqnized
who the player: was, f9: he had not noticed
'him home ‘. _. -

Walking around facing him, hestood with
the canmodore, the lattes-uwflohiog intently
the game, the former with his eye upon the
man. - . .

minim Percy Wyndham tookhis stand,
Mark Mortimer saw him, and a frown psmed
over bis.brow, while, to his meat the
pine-went scam him. - .

The next was likewise lost by him, and in
moor  tbs-swoon a, large sum

H lost.  ‘ ddwoniodhesghi
e raspy , n

fleet and thy squarely in-the face,
‘ “An angel could .hqve no luck when 1
mm mm hiatusth anddestrcy-
inaitwlth his basil» crest"

[and many-present knew ercy Wyndham and

 

had heard of the Vendetta betweenhis name
and the Mortimers.

s.  .
,plaoeon thaw-199‘ bulk, M 9

‘ who lmd “

. ith a. he  to. his.

 

Commodore Nevilte had only seen Mark
Mortimer that night’ to know him, having
asked of a bystander who he was; but the
name had brought up the Mortimer Wyndham
vendetta, and he was just about to draw Percy
away, when the insult was given.

“As you look at me, air, it is tobe presumed
you mean your language for me,” said Percy
in the coolest tones imaginable.

“If you are not a coward, sir, you will
understand to whom I allude as the murderer
of my father,” was the bitter response. I

Percy was pale, but perfectly calm, and
answered:

“I wish not to misunderstand you, Mr.
Mortimer, and if you will name your friend, I
will have mine call upon him.

“Captain Norton, sir, of the City Guard,"
was the reply of Mark Mortimer, to the sur-
prise of Percy, who had intended seeking that
very gentleman to ask him to become his sec-
ond, as he did not know the captain had been
cultivating his enemy during his last stay in
the city until the two had become quite inti-
mate.

But Percy bowed at the mention of the
name and walked away with the commodore,
who said, as soon as the two were out of the
saloon: .

“ Percy, my young friend, I intend to. offer
my services to .you in this affair, which was
certainly one of the most unprovoked insults
ever offered.”

Percy was agreeably surprised at securing

the services of so distinguished a personage,

and answered:

“ From my heart I thank you, sir; but I
came here to seek Mr. Mortimer, and he saved
me the trouble of looking him up.

“ I have but one request to make as to this
meeting, and that is, as my yacht lies in the
river, that we descend the Mississippi in her a
league, and have the duel at some good spot on
the bank.” .

“ Will he accede to this?”

“He must, sir, for I have a motive in it
which will transpire.

“Anqure, commodore, do not allow him
to suspect that there will be other on the yacht
than you, myself and crew. ”

, “ Certainly, I’ercy, but do you wish to make
a stand about weapons!" .

“Hoosasslsetsnythat suits him best, Com-
modore Nevilts; but, if genus-gs fer the meet-
ing to be down the river, and to go inimy
yacht, he will yield, or rather Norton will for
him, as I feel assuredthe captain is plays: a
deep game for some purpose in pro ng
friendship for him.” «

Percy.” and the

“ It shall he as -w .
commodore departed: loo up Captain Nor—
. amsetingfer a duel that was

tonandam
towiseootthimultsisen.
B ‘  h ' Percy
.“ woans,sre. s c ossn, ;
the time, this  sunset, and the

 

ill'elo; the angina you desired,fl;’°sa}d Com‘ . re
as to can gall boar! . '
i ’ {  y‘

, , .  . rtimar fought
against it to such an attest that he sent Cep-
tain Norton to nylon-riots early this morning
tonrge thpt theplaee of meeting .he‘chas ed
to inland; but thecsptain and myself is ed
it over, and thotesult is that he and Mortimer,
with a surgeon, will come down in asail-boat.
“ Mortimer wanted witan of all who
caredtogo, it seems,” the captaintoldmethis
morning, but I vetoed that most WP-
” " '

“Thank you, sir,” returned Per , and loav-

.ing the commodore to be enterta and by his

mother and Bessie after breakfast, he rowed
ashore and was. gone for several hours.

Early in the afternoon, however, he re-
turned, and. a stranger accommnied him that
looked as though he was asurgeon, for he car-
ried: a- carpet-sack in his handthat appeared
heavy. an if surgical instruments might be the
contents. ., .  4 .

.The yacht soon after got under way and
dropped down that, Mississippi under a. light

t w

breese to a poin ere the bank seemed to m.

‘Jdtsa'lasding toxest under the majestic live-

oak trees there to be seen.  ' M,
Here she was moored close to the  and

 

 

 

f

Commodore Nevilte and Percy went on shore,
accompanied by ,Caleb bearing a handsome
sword-case, as well as a box of dueling-pis-
tols. ,

They had not long to wait before a boat was
seen pulling down the river, urged by two ne-
gro oarsmen, and in the stern-sheets were three
persons, two of whom Percy recognized at a
glance as his enemy and Captain Norton. The
third person he did not remember to have seen
before. ‘

“My dear Percy, I hope y0u are a good
swordsmen,” said Commodm'e Nevilte, anx-
iously, as the boat touched the shore, “ for I
have made some inquiries about Mortimer, and
hear that he is a superb hand with a blade, and
intends to kill you.” -

“If he can, commodore, he is welcome to
do so,” was the reply, with a smile that reas-
sured the old naval ofll‘cer.

As, the three gentlemen approached all
bowed politely, Mark Mortimer raising his hat
in response to a like act on the part of Percy
VVyntlham.

He was pale, but his face was coldly cruel,
stern and determined, while the expression
upon the countenance of Percy Wyndham was
one of utter indifler‘ence, it seemed.

Captain Norton greeted Percy with a bow
and asmile, and the third one of the party
prepared for work by coolly laying a case of
surgical instruments out ready for use.

The swords of each duelist were then ex—
amined, and the weapons brought by Percy
were selected as most superior blades, and to
his enemy he generously offered a choice be-
tween them.

Mark Mortimer took both in his hand, tried
them to the bent of‘ his humor, and pitched one
to Captain Norton ah his choice.

The commodore then took the other blade,
and handed it to Percy, who walked to his
stand with the same air of indifference he had
shown throughout. '

A moment after Mark Mortimer faced him,
and stood glaring into his eyes with a 100k the
very personification of hatred of the bitterest
kind.

At a signal from the commodore, the blades
crossed, and at once was , a most master-
ly feat of arms, for hot man :aurely were
adepts in the use of the weapons they held. '

It could be seen by all after a. few‘passss that
Mark Mortimer was looking very black. for he
had expected a victory from the first, and it
fretted him to find one who could coolly parry
his thrusts, as no other man had-ever done.

He had knowu Percy Wyndham to be a
dead shot, but he had not eXpected so much
perfection in his handling a sword, and. Duke,
who hadoomedowninthehoagnowap-

,hed nearer, feeling some dread for the
ate of his master. ’ ‘ ,

While Mark Mortimar grew more h'rltahle
each instant, Percy Wyndham still held the
same calm, indilereut demeanor, and, as if not
caring to have the stair continue longer, be at
once began to press his foe.

From the ofleusive, Mark Mortimer was
compelled to quickly switch oVer to the defen-
sive, and all saw that he turned livid with
fury, when he realized that the one before him
was his master with the sword, while Dug.
drew nearer and seemed' painfully nervous

about the result.

Ashtode his adversaryharder, the
old Modern smiled in spite of himself, and
 very like an emphatic oath dropped
from lull when he saw the blade of Ink
lord-m was“: nun an hand, by athrllluant
movement, the sharp int 0 ercy
Wyndham’s weapon “is” agriut the body of
is foe, Just over hta heart. .

“Mr. Hemmer, forum. as m m
and mama horseman-tornl
give you your-life.

“ Otherwise I would kill yeaas you deserve,
"is: M W “nausea M-
1 ll! In! PI" .9 ~: '
tlmtthia was tobe a'duel to the death  and

mercy asked or given, and will kill you.»
‘ sous, when. ._
lag his sword-point just over Hark Mommy,

Percy spoke in clear, um
. and all gathered around in intense won.
her, sun. the defe'ated man cried angrily: '

“ In my name what do you demand?"

In answer, racy Wyndham so" a long.
shrill whistle, and instantly odor the yacht, .
cable's: . came three persons. "

Mas ‘ltwasevidentthatltark‘ -
mer recognised (meet them, for he am the
name with a mattered cares. '

his d ughtar had that erynd’ the
i a gone, «v i
J ack-d-lantern arrived gone over tom-

 

The Gambler Pirate.

That one was Bessie Gito, and the other two;

were Mrs. Wyndham and a priest in his robes.

They came at a swift walk to the spot, Bas-
sle dressed in pure white, -and Mrs. Wyndham
in deep black.

Halting near, they looked at Mark Mortimer
and then ‘at Percy, as though wishing him to
speak.

“ Mr. Mortimer,” he said, while Bessie be-
came very pale and trembled violently:

“You will recognize this lady as- one whose
love you won and then inveigled her into a
false marriage.”

“ It is not true,” savagely said the manat

“You so told her with your own lips, and
though she utterly casts you 08 as unworthy
of her love, she at least is entitled to your
name in a legal sense, and for her honor's sake,
I demand that you give it to her.

“Here is a. priest to unite you, and these
gentlemen will bear witness that this is no
mock marriage.”

“ I will not be forced into any such a damna-
ble ac ” was the angry retort of the infuriated
man. - . »

“ Padre, take your stand there, please.

“Bessie, come here,” said Percy, quietly.

Both obeyed, .nnd then turning once more to
Mark Mortimer, Percy Wyndham continued:

“ Mark Mortimer, this holy father is ready
to unite you, and, so help me God, if you re-
fuse, I will use. my right, according to the
terms of our duel, and run you through the
heart. _

“ Speak, air! for not. an instant do I give you
todecid "

Mark imer saw that he was in a trap;
he loved life, and he yielded as gracefully as
he could by bowing his head in assent.

The padre then performed the marriage ser-
vice, and with the last word Bessie said
sternly: ‘ I .

“ Now, Mark Mortimer, go your way, and
never again cross my path.” .

He turned on his heel, and, without a word,
but with a look at Pe’rcyWyndham that spoke
volumes, walked away, accom nied by Cap.
taln Norton, his second; and h faithful slave,
Duke, while the Jack-o'-lantern, after return-
ing to the city and leaving the commodore and

the r . 1-. white- wi tor the run
he to  ‘ 3'
CHAPTER LIII.

Juan orro’s ran. -‘
Ame. a pleasant run, the Jack-o‘-lantern
dropped anchor in Lakelands harbor, and Bea-

sie Gite a the invitation of Mrs. Wynd-
hamtore atthemansionatlesstforth
night. ' _ , ‘
Little how slight a thing some-
times al I

the whole current of ves,
Bessie remained at Lakelande, for slim not
believe her father had yet returned (rearran-
.c all . . ’ - “1

But Juan Gite had refilled. .

I

glades to seek Mark Mortimer and demand 0

f
himreparationlorthe wroaghehaddaue his

daughter, for heknew not that Percy Wynd- .

hamhadtareedhhutorlxhlthmmncp
duelwith em. Wndamandlnh , has
it wouldbesoonovez' tows: an be ' ‘

wmwmummm
atonoeaailt'erhome.

 

 

25

“Tell him I cannot see him.” I

The message was delivered, and Mark Mot
timer was again interrupted in his reveries by
the,appearance of Duke.

“ Well?” he said, impatiently.

“ He says you mud see him. master.”

“Must, says be? Well, tell him I any to
go to Purgatory." was the savage response.

Duke faithfully deliVered this insulting mes-
sage, and Juan Gito turned away and went.
back t0ward his little beat.

But, with the shadows of night, he came
cautiously back toward the mansion, gained
the, piazza, and suddenly entered the library,
into which the servant had a moment befone‘
brought lights.

Mark Mortimer had excused himself from
the tea table, and was pacing to and fro in the
library; engaged in bitter thought, when sud-
denly he was confronted by Juan Gito.

“ Furies! have you dared come here after
my refusal to see you?” he said, with savage.
manner.

“ Yes, for who are you, Mark Hartliner,
that a man, whose daughter you bitterly
wronged, dare not face you in your own
home?” was the stern and deep response. ‘

“ Begone, Spanish dog, or i will call my
slaves to hurl you into the Gulf.”

f‘ Bahl you . will do no such thing. .Mark
Mortimer, for I will tell those same slaves, and
the world too, that you twice came to my
cabin in disguise, and bribed me by a hand~
some. sum to kill your sweet sister, as your ia-
ther’s will gives you her fortune at her death.

“ See! Do you recognize this ring you gave
me as security until my money was paid!"

Juan Gite held forth, as he spoke, a diamond
ring of rare worth, and with a bound Mark
Mortimer was upon him. ,

But the fisherman nimbly;elnded him, and
drawing his knife, cried:

“Back! or I will kill you, for I thirst for
your blood to avenge my child’s honor."

Instantly Mark Mortimer thrust his hand.
into his bosom, and it returned with a pistol.

.A flash. and report ‘folldwed, and with a cry
of'angulsh Juan Gite fell deadupou the library
floor, just as Mabel. Duke and several of the
homer “admin. , -

“ hat a ed ma, label, and. I
killed him.

“‘But I must away until the stair blows
ova-Joelle is most popular along tliaooast
withmen of his class. .

“Gatmy crew on boardtln Glide at nice,
Duke, and you accompany me. .

“Good-by, Mabel, and when I have gone
send over and this Ill-it, and Mayan,
my I did it in self-defense.” .

I Heleft the roomashe spoke, soughtflaown
chamber, and half an hour after the 
swiftla out oLthe little harbor,-.leavl .hdlind
heraaoeneo! woe forpoorllaballio' .

ooacnuseoa. . -
I! was a bitter blow to.BeasieGito,.,whe
she was, awakened at. ease-tithe!!!  '
Wyndham, who had just been interned by

 

F

3‘
.,

“w

26

 

 

burial from his Own home; but she was deter-
mined, and at last Percy called for the planta-
tion launch, and a crew and himself escorted
poor Bessie to the landing at The Everglades.

As he-urged it, she consented to remain in
the launch, while he and four negroes went up
to the mansion for the body.

At the last moment before starting in his
yacht, Mark Mortimer had told Duke to remain
so as to be able to serve him the better, if
necessary, and it was that haughty negro that
met-him at the dOor'.

Upon his (Me was a sinister smile as Percy
Wyndham stepped forward, but unheeding the
negro’s manner, the young planter asked:

“ Is Mr. Mark Mortimer in?"

“He is not in.”

“Who is in authority here in his absence,
for I care not to disturb Miss Mortimer at such
a time!” ‘

“ I am, sir.”

Percy gave the insolent negro a look that
made him quail slightly, for there was that in
the young planter’s manner that told him
he dared not go too far, while he said stemly:

“You are but a slave, whom I will teach
his proper place if need be."

f‘ Thank you, Mr. Wyndham, for the rebuke
to this negro, whom my brother left behind
him.

“Duke, go to the quarters and wait there
until I order you to leave them,” and Mabel
swept up to the door looking grandly beautiful
in her dark dress, which caused her face to
look even more pale than it was.

The negro looked as though he would not
obey for an instant: but seeing the burning
eye of Percy Wyndham upon him, he turned
away, while Mabel said sadly:

“ Ah, Mr. Wyndham, is this not a sad, ster-
rible affair? ’

“It is indeed, Miss Mortimer, and I regret
to disturb you at such a moment; but poor
Bessie Gito has begged me to come for her
father’s body, and she awaits it in the launch.”

“ The body lies in the library, Mr. Wyndham,
where I had it brought back, for Duke had
ordered it to» the quarters.

“ Piesent to poor Bessie from me my deepest
heartfelt sympathy in her sorrow.” '

She bowed, while her eyes filled with tears,
and glided away, while Percy Wyndham _en-
tered the darkened library, and had his slaves
bear the body of Bessie’s father to the‘launch.

Words cannot depict the grief of poor Bessie
when the dead form was laid beside her.

Not 'a tesrdid she shed, not a sigh escaped
her; but she clasped the cold hands in her own,
almost as icy to the touch, and held them until
the launch arrived at the landing of Clifl
Cottage. ‘ ’

Tenderly the body was borne to the little
home and "laid in the pretty sitting-room, and
then Bessie commanded that she be left alone
with her dead for the day, but for Percy and
his mother, as they had promised, to come at
sunset to aid- in laying her father away in his
grave, which should be near the cabin, the
maiden said.

In vein was it that Percy urged that two of '

his negroes ihould remain and dig the grave,
for the would not permit it, and declared that
she would be alone for the day. ‘

With deep s6rrow in his heart for the poor
girl, Percy returned homeward, to make all
preparations for the burial in the evening.

But a storm followed him to Lakelanda'and
burst Witheterriflo fury along the shores.

All day long it continued, and no boat could
get burnt lubh a blow, and in idkmay'for the
phor'mburining girl, the young planter tried to

gain Clifl'CoWage'by  laying the coiiln in v

'a wagon. '

Bdt theistorm Ind driven the lagoons beyond

their banks, and that way to the-cabin was im-
hle too. ' ' "I .‘

All- night long; Percy? Wyndham and «his

isomer-fut in the 'grandlibnryod malady,

listening to tho‘fbowiln tempest, and pitying

« .tse 1m, body I, wholly'alone' with

her dead, and they prayed indrhopod- for the
storm to hmriiolf out. - ‘ '

'But it was late the following day before it
died my stiflciant: for a boat to‘ live in the
rough waters, and then Percy Wyndham, his
mother and s stench crew boarded. the Jack—
o’olanteih, which, desiccated, was able to beat
out with amenity. '

Atlastthe little harborwls reached, sland-
ing was ofloctod, and with his-slaves hearing
the ccfln, the young plantorand his mother
started for the house. .

«181:!

he Gambl: Pirate.

 

 

 

But no answer came to their knock, the
door was unlocked, and they entered.

But no dead form met their gaze, nor was
Bessie to be seen anywhere.

The interior of the cabin icilked as usual,
though some things seemed to have been dis-
turbed.

Then upon a table the eye of Percy Wynd-
ham fell upon a slip of paper.

Hastin be seized and read what was written
thereon.

It was as follows: _

“ I bury my dead in the sea he loved so well, and
to—day go forth to wreak revenge u on the one who
brought a curse upon Iny life an who made me
fatherless and alone in the world.

“For what revenge may drive me to, may God
pity and forgive me.

“BESSIE GITo."

This was all that was ever heard more of
Bessie Gito, the Lady of the Lagoon; but there
were many 'whispers upon sea and land that a
band of pirates were commanded by a woman
known as Buccaneer Boss, and that she was
strangely like the fair maid of Clifl' Cottage.

As for Mark Mortimer, he, too, mysteriously
disappeared, after a meteoric career in New
Orleans, and some said he had become an oiii-
cer upon the Red Rover, a buccaneer vessel
many asserted was commanded by none other
than the Skimmer of the Seas, also known as
the Gambler Pirate. ‘

And Percy Wyndham and his sad-faced
mother lived on in secluion at Lakelands,
seemingly caring little for the outer world;
but those who could have seen into the inmost
heart of the young planter would have found
imaged there the lovely face of Mabel Morti-
mer, who was loved by all as deeplyas was
her brother hated, and whose noble deeds of
charity gained for her the well-deserved name
of the Angel of The Everglades.

But between those two, the master of Lake-
lands and the heiress of The Everglades, was
a “ great gulf fixed,” across which neither dare
stretch forth the hand of love for fear it would

‘ clasp the bony fingers of a skeleton.

THE END.

 

Waverley Library.

1 Tan MAstD BRIDE. B Mrs, Mary R. Crowell.
2 WM; IT LOVE? 13me. ason Turner.
3 THE GIRL Win. B Bartley T. Campbell.
4 A BRAVE HEART. y Arabella Southworth.
5 Bassu RAuoa. By Wm. Mason Turner, M. D.
6 Ta: Swan MARRIAGE. By Sara Claxton.
7 A DAuomn or Eva. By Mrs. Crowell.
8 HEART To HEAR-r. By Arabella Southworth.
9 ALONE IN m WORLD. B author of “ Clifton."
10 A PAIR or GRAY Ens. y Kennedy.
11 human. B Henrietta Thackeray.
12 His LAwnn. In. Mrs. ’
‘18 MADCAP. By Corinne shman.
1:  I lg‘ARRIEDBHXI. By gum Claxton.
, An Acn. y y . Campbell.
16 TRusT BER Nor.  aret Le cester.
17 A In LOVER. BiAra lla Southworth.
IDOL. By Mrs. ary well.
.19 Tan Baoer BamrnAL. By Mary G. Balpine.
album NELL. By le Penne. ,
21 Now AND Fomsa. H. keray.
22 Ta: BRIDE or AN Acres. By the author of
‘,‘ Alone in the World," etc, etc.

23 Law YEAR. IESN‘B n.
24 HER FAcs: WAs an Fon'ruNE.

 

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ison.
uthworth.
eming.
A MARRIAGI or CoxvnNInNcs. By Sara Claxton.
ALL AGAINST Hrs. By Clara Wm .
86 Sir. Aacnna's BRIDE. By Ara a Southworth.
37,111: COUNTRY CousIN. B Rose Kenned .
Southwort .

3.2382888
E m

H . A. Denison.
Brown 83:10le But. Biwce Fleming.
IN Srm or 11mm. 8. Bherw00d.
His BtAnr'sHanass. Arabella Southworth.

mas. BX“ .Msry A. Denhon.
Youno Gnu. By caFlomig.“

I Winona lineman. Bylag Crowel.
om Horn. gyw. M. Turner, .D.

N: WOIAN’s uRr. B George S. Kaine.

In DID Nor Lovl nil. Arabella Southworth.
Levi-MAD. By Wm. M. or M. .

A BRAVE GIRL. By All]? Flemin

3-17
mm. Rachel Bernhardt.
By Jennie Davis Burton.
10m Bun. B BaraClnxton.

O}???

 

BBSSSSSSSZSSSSSBBS
an

A W
Tan MANIAc BRIDI. Margaret Blount.
Tin Canon: SISTIRS. By Anna E. Porter.

1 01 WHAT J "gun'st DID.

._,._ ,__,_____.

By Alice Fleming-r.

65 THE WIFE's SECRET. By (‘01. Juan Lewis.

66 A Bnormzn's SIN.

67 Fulllili‘lN-IN JiANs. By Arabella Southworth.

68 WEAvuns AND \VEFT. By Mrs. M. E. Braddon.

(39 (‘AMI .I.;-:. By Alexander Dumas.

70 TIIE TWO Oill’HANS. By D’Ennery.

71 MY YOUNG \VIFE. B My Youn Wife‘s Husband.

72 TIIE Two \VIDOWS. Annie omas.

73 Roar: MICIIEL. By halide Hilton. .

74 CECIL CAs'rLEnAINE’s GAGE. By Ouida.

75 THE BLACK LADY or DUNA. By J. S. Le Fanu.

76 CIIAnLo'I'rE TEMPLE. By .Mrs. Rowson.

77 CHRISTIAN OAKLEY’s MISTAKE. B ' Miss MuloQ.

78 MY YOUNG HUsnAND. By Mysel .

79 A QUEEN Anoxosr WOMEN. By the author of

“ Dora 'l‘horn.”

80 HER LORD AND MASTER.

81 LUCY TEMPLE.

82 A LONG TIME AGO. By Meta Orred.

83 PLAYING FOR HIGH STAKES. By Annie Thomas

84 THE LAUREL BUSH. By Miss Mulock.

85 LED ASTRAY. By Octave Feuillet.

86 J ANE'r’s REPENTANCE. By George Eliot.

87 ROMANCE on A POOR YOUNG MAN. By 0. Feuillet.

88 A TERRIBLE DEED. By Emma G. Jones.

89 A GIIDED SIN.

90 THE AUTHOR'S DAIIGIITER. By Mary Hewitt.

91 Tm: Jm. By Charles Reade.

92 EILEEN ALANNA. By Dennis O‘Sullivan.

93 LOVE’s VICTORY. By B. L. Farjeon.

94 THE QUIET HEART. Byl Mrs. Oliphant.

95 LE'I'rIcE ARNOLD. By rs. Marsh.

96 HAUNTED HEARTS. By Rachel Bernhardt.

9? HUGE MELTON. By Catharine King.

98 ALICE LEARMONT. By Miss Mulock.

99 MARJORIE Barron's-LOVER. By Marv Patrick.

100 Tnnonan FIRE AND WATER. By Fred. Talbot. ‘

101 HANNAH. By Miss Mulock.

102 PEG WornNOTON. By Charles Reade.

103 A DESPERATE DEED. By Erskine Boyd.

104 SHADOWS ON THE SNOW. By B. L. Far'eon.

105 THE GREAT HOGGARTY DIAMOND. y W. M,
Thackeray.

106 FROM DREAIIs To WARINo. By E. Lynn Linton.

107 POOR Zara. By F. W. Robinson.

108 THE SAD FORTUNES or TEE REv. Anos BARTON.
By George Eliot.

109 BRIAD-AND-CEEEsE AND KISSES. By B. L. Farjeon

110 THE WANDERING Hum. Bv C. Reade.

111 THE BROTHER’s BET. Bi E. F. Carlen.

112 A HERO. By Miss Muloc .

118 PAUL AND VIRGINIA. From the French of Ber-
nardin de St. Pierre.

114 'TWAs IN TRArADGAa’s BAY. By Walter Besant

and James Rice.
115 THE MAID or KILLEENA. By William Black.
116 Hm. By Henry Kingdegzt
117 THE WAYsID: Cnoss. y pt. E. A. Milman.
118 THE VIOAR OIWAKIF'IILD. By Oliver Goldsmith
119 MAFD MORAN. By Annie Thomas.
120 THADDEUS or WARSAW. By Miss Jane Porter.
121 THE KING or NO-LAND. B B. L. Fadeon.
122 Loan THE WIDOWER. By .M. Thackeray.
123 AN ISLAND PEARL. By B. L. Farjeon.
124 COUer PEILLIB.

By Florence Marryat.

125 LEILA; or Tan SIEGE or GRENADA. By Edward
Bulwer, (Lord Lytton.)
128 Want THE SHIP Couns Hons. By Walter

Besant and James Rice.

127 ON: or ran FAMILY. James Payn.

128 THE Bm'rnmn'r. By rs. Gore. ,

129 Mo'rnERLrss; or, The Farmer‘s Sweetheart. By
Colonel Prentiss Ingraha'm.

1&1 Housman; or, The Two Orphan Girls in New
York. By Albert W. Aiken.

181 SIsTER AGAINsT SIsTsR: or The Rivalry of

Hearts. By Mrs. Reed Crowell.
132 80%)‘ rtgn GOLD; or, Zlmost Lost. By Mrs. M.
. c r.
183 LORD ROTrI‘s SIN; or Betrothed at the Cradle.
By Mrs. Georgiana D ckens.
184 DID H: Lovn HIR.‘ By Bartley T. Campbell.
185 SINNID AGAINST; or, Almost in His Power. By
Lillian Love oy.

136 Wu San His In? By Marv Reed Crowell.

187 TE: Vnuon ON m Curr. By Miss Thackera .

138 POOR VALIRIA; or, The Broken Troth. y

Margaret Blount. .

139 MARGARET GNAEAII. By G. P. R. James.

140 Wmon'r MERCY. By Bartley T. Campbell

141 Reno; BOUND. By Lillian Lovejoy.

142 Frame most Lovn. Mrs. Harriet Irving.

143 ADDUCTED. By Rett Winwood.

144 A STRANos MARRIAGE. By Lillian Love 0y.

I 145 Two GIRLS’ LIvEs. By Mrs. Mary Reed rowel].
146 A DEsPERA'rE VENTURE. By Arabella South worth
147 Tm: WAR or HEARTs. By Corinne Cushman.
148 Wmcn WAs m Won“? By Sara Claxton.
14.9 AN Annrrrous GIRL. By Frances K. Davenport.
150 Lovr. LORD or Am. B Alice May Fleming.

.151 A WILD GIRL. By Co nne Cushman.
152 A MAN‘s SACRma. By Ha at Irving.
158 DID Sn: SIN? By Mrs. Mary Crowell.

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NOW READY AND IN 'PRESS

1 Adventure. of Bufalo Bill. Prion-Boyhood to Man
(1. Deeds of Daring, and Romantic Incidents in the early
life of William F. Cody. By 001. Prentiss Ingraham.

2 The Ocean Hunters; or, The Chase of the Leviathan. A
Romance of Perilous Adventure. By Captain Mayne Reid.
W111i extra large number. m

3 Adventures of Wild Bill, the Pistol Prince. Remarkable
career of J. B. Hikokflknown to the world as “Wild Bill"), giving
the true story of his adventures and acts. By Prentiss Ingraham.

4 The Prairie Ranch; or, The Young Cattle Herders. By Jos.
E. Badger, Jr..

Texas Jack, the Mustang King. Thrilling Adventures in
the Life of J. B. Omohundro, “Texas Jack.” By Col. P. Ingraham.

By C.

O!

6 Cruise of the Plyaway; or, Yankee Boys in Ceylon.
Dunning Clark.

7 Roving Joe: The History of a Young “ Border Human.” Brief
Scenes from the Life of Joseph E. Badger, Jr. By A. H. Post.

8 The Plyaway Afloat; or, Yankee Boys ’Round the World.
By C. Dunning Clark.

9 Bruin Adams, Old Grizzly Adams’ Boy Pard. Scenes
of Wild Adventure in the Life of the Boy Ranger of the Rocky
Mountains. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. ‘

10 The Snow Trail 3 or, The Boy Hunters of Fur—Land. A Nana-
tive of Spert and Litevaround Lake Winnipeg. By T. C. Harbaugh,

1 1 Old Grizzly Adams, the Bear Tamer; or, The Monarch of
the Mountain. .By Dr. Frank Powell.

12 Wood. and Waters; or, The Exploits of the Littleton Gun
Club. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker.

18 A Rolling Stone: Incidents in the Career on Sea and Land as

Boy and Man, of Col. Prentiss Ingraham. By Prof.Wm. R. Eyster. _
e, ' and Amateur Hunters on the-

14 Adrifi on the P
Bufalo Range. "By 011 Coomes.

15 Kit .Carson, King of Guides: or, Mountain Paths and
Prairie Trails. By Albert W. Aiken.

16 Red River Rovers: or, Life and Adventures in the Northwest.
By C. Dunning Clark. .

17 Plaza and Plain: or, Wild Adventures of “Buckskin Sam,”
(Major Sam S. Hall.)' By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

18 Rifle and» Revolver; or, The Littleton Gun‘ Club on 

Buffalo Range. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker.

19 Wide-Awake George,the  Pioneer; or, Life in a Log
Cabin. Incidents and Adventures in the Backwoods. By Ed. Willett.

20 'The Danish??? Dragoon; or, The Story of General George A.

Custer, from eat Point to the Big Horn. By Capt. F. Whittaker. '

- or, Why Wild Ned Harris, the New

21 Deadwood Dickua-Bo ,
the Western Prince of the Road. By

England Farm—lad, became
Edward L. Wheeler.

22 The 80y Exiles of Siberia; or, The Watch-Dog of Russia.
By T. C. Harbaugh.

23 Paul De Lacy. the French M
York Boys in the J angles. By C. Dunning Clark.

84 The Sword Prince: The ROmantic Life of Colonel Monetary,
(American Champion-at-arms.) By Captain Fred. Whittaker.

; or, New

 

l

25 Round the Camp Fire : or. Snow-Bound at “Freeze-out Camp."
A Tale of Roving Joe and his Hunter Pards. By J 03. E. Badger, Jr.

26 Snow-Shoe Tom: or, New York Boys in the Wilderness. A
Narrative of Sport and Peril in Maine. By T. C. Harbaugh.

27 Yellow Hair, the Boy Chief of the Pawnees. The Ad-
venturous Career of Eddie Burgess of Nebraska. By Col. Ingraham.

28 The Chase of the Great White Stag and Camp and
Canoe. By C. Dunning Clark.

29 The Fortune-Hunter; or, Roving Joe as Miner, Cow-Boy,
Trapper and Hunter. By A. H. Post.

30 Walt Ferguson’s Cruise. A Tale of the Antarctic Sea. By
C. Dunning Clark.

31 The Boy Crusader; or, How a Page and'a Fool Saved 3. King.
By Captain Frederick Whittaker.

32 White Beaver, the Indian Medicine Chief: or, The Ro-
mantic and Adventurous Life of Dr. D. Frank Powell, known on the
-‘ Border as “ Fancy Frank,” “ Iron Face,” etc. By Col. P. Ingraham.

83 Captain Ralph, the Young Explorer: or, The Centipede
Among the Floes. By C. Dunning Clark.

34 The YoungBear Hunters. A Story of the flaps and Mishaps
of a Party of Boys in the Wilds of Michigan. By Morris Redwing.

85 The Lost Boy Whalers; or, In the Shadow of the North Pole.
By T. C. Harbaugh.

36 Smart Sim, the Lad with a Level Head: or, Two Boys
who were “Bounced.” By Edward Willett.

87 Old Tar Knuckle and His Boy Chums; or, The Monsters
of the Esquimaux Border. By Roger Starbuck._

88 The Settler’s Son; or, Advanturos in Wilderness and Clear-
ing. By Edward S. Ellis.

89 Night-Hawk George, and His Daring Deeds and Adventures
. in the Wilds of the South and West. By 001. Prentiss Ingraham.

40 The lee Elephant; or,.The Castaways of the Lone Coast. By
Captain Frederick Whittaker. -

41 The Pampas Hunters; or, New York Boys in Buenos Ayres.
By T. C. Harbaugh.  , ‘

42 The Young Land-Lubber; or, PrincePorter’s first Cruise.
. By C. Dunning Clark.

48  Billy, the Saddle ~Prinee. By Colonel Prentiss
Ingraham. ‘ ‘1 ' . _
44. The Snow Hunters; or, Winter in the Woods. By Barry
" De Forrest. l

45 Jack, Harry and Tom, The Three Chantpion Brothers; or,
Adventures of Three Brave Boys with.the Tattooed Pirates By
Captain Frederick Whittaker. I , . . . .

so The Con‘d'or Killers: or, Wildedvehturss at the Equator.
By T. Ckfiarbaugh. - ' I - ‘ « ~

~ _ A New Issue fiery Week;
Bunm’s Bar’s LIBRARY is for salg‘ hy all 'Newsdealsrs, five cents
per copy, or sent by mail on receipt ot'six'cantleach. 

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1 A Hard Crowd.
2 The Dare-Devil.
3 Kit Carson, Jr.
4 The Kidnapper. By P. S. Warns.
5 The Pire-Fiends. By A. P. Morris.
6 Wildcat Bob. By E. L. Wheeler.

7 Death-Notch. By Oil Coomes. '

8 The Headless Horseman. Astrange
story of Texas. By < ‘apt. Mayne Reid.

' Handy Andy. By Samuel Lover.

10 .Vidocq, THE FRENCH POLICE Fry.

Written by liiiizself.

11 Midshipman Easy. Capt. Man) at.
12 IThe  oath-Shot. By Mayne Reid.
13 Pathaway. 'By Dr. J. H. Robinson.
. 14 Thayendanegea. By Ned Bu’ntlme.
15 The Tiger-Slayer. By G. Aimard.
18 The White Wizard. Ned Buutllne.
17 Nightshade. By Dr. J. H. Robinson.
18 'The Sea Bandit. By Ned Buntline.
19 Red Cedar. By Gustave Aimard.
20 The Bandit at Bay. By Aimard.
21 The Trapper’s Daughter; OR,

THE Oi'me‘r: FATE. By Gustave Ainiai'd.

22 Whitelaw. By Dr. J. H. Robinson.
23 The Red Warrior. By Ned Buntliue
24 Prairie Flower. By G. Aimard.

25 The Gold-Guide. By F. Johnson.
26 The Death-Track. By F. Johnson.
27 The Spotter-Detective. By Aiken.
28 'I‘hme-Pingered Jack, THE RnAn-

AouNT on THE lwc ' ‘3. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.
29 Tiger filth, THE FARO KING; or,

THE (,‘Asnirm‘s ('IUNE. By Philip S. Warne.

30 Gospel George. By J. E. Badger.
31 The New York Sharp. By Aiken.
32 B’hoys of Yale. By J. D. V030.
33 Overland Hit. By A. W. Aiken.
34 Rocky Mountain Rob. By Aiken.
35 Kentuck, the Sport. By Aiken.
36 Injun Dick. By Albert W. Aiken.
37 Hie]. the Hunchback; on, THE

SWORDMAKER on THE SANTEE. By Dr. J. H. Robinson. .
38 Velvet Hand. By A. W. Aiken.
39 The Russian Spy. By Whittaker.
40 The Long Haired ‘Pards;’ on,

THE TAnTAns on THE PEA-Ins. By Joe. E. Badger. Jr.
41 Gold Dan. By Albert W. Aiken.

42 California Detective. By Aiken.
43 Dakota Dan. By Oll Coomes.

44 Old Dan Rackback. Oll Coomes.
45 Old Bull’s Eye. Jos. E. Badger, Jr.
46 Bowie-Knife Ben. By OllCOomes.
47 Pacific Pete. By J as. E. Badger, Jr.
48 Idaho Tom. By 011 Coomes.

49 The WolfDemon. By A. W. Aiken.
50 Jack Rabbit. By J. E. Badger, Jr.
51 Red Rob. By Oil Coomes.

52 Death. Trailer. By Buffalo Bill.
53 Silver Sam. By Col. Delle Sara.

54 Always on Hand. By P. S. Warne.
55 The Scalp Hunters. Mayne Reid.
56 The Indian Maseppa. By Aiken.
57 The Silent Hunter. P. B. St. John.
58 Silver Knife. By Dr. J. H. Robirnon.~
59 The Man From Texas. By Aiken.
80 Wide Awake. By Frank Dumont.
81 captain Seawall. By Ned Buntllne.
82 Loyal Heart. - By Gustave Aimsrd.
63 The W d 0. By Aiken.
84 Do'uble- t. By J. E. Badger, Jr.'
85 The Red ah. By F. Whittaker.
88 The er argue. Ma no Reid.
87 The Boy Joe By J. . Badger.
88 The hting or; or, KIT

Cullon m " 1:. By Cap 'J. . .~Adsms
89 The Irish Ca tain. By Whittaker.
70 Hydrabad. y Dr. J. H. Robinson.
71 Captain CooloBlade. J. E. Badger.
72 ThePhantom-Hand. By Aiken.
78 The Knight of the Red Cross:

or. Tn nucleus or GEANADA. Dr. J. H. Robinson.

By P. S. Warns.
By Col. Ingraham.
By Buckskin Sam.

   
  

.74 ' Captainiofthe man. Msymrllsid.
75 Gentleman Geo By Aiken.
78 The Queen’s steer-3 or,

Tamas, m Parsons  , George Albo'ny.
sh of  By Aiken.
iltorions . By Grainger
79 Joe Phenia'Pou‘OE er. rny Aiken. ‘
80 A Man of‘lierv . _ By P. S. Warns.
81 The Humaii' get. "By Aiken.

see Hon  as swordmaster.
By Col. Thomas H. Monstery.
83 Gold Bullet Sport. By Buffalo Bill.

i .

'Tns Roms! Gum's 'VENaEANcn. By Whi tak’er.

 

84 Hunted Down. By A. W. Aiken.
85 The Cretan Raven. By lngraham.
88 The Bi Hunter; or. THE QUEEN
or Tm: quns. y the author of “ Silent Hunter."
87 The Scarlet Captain. Delle Sara.
88 Big George. By J os. E. Badger, Jr.
89 The Pirate Prince. By lngruham.
90 Wild Will. By Buckskin Sam.
91 The Winning Oar. By Aiken.
92 Bufl'alo Bill. By Dangerfield Burr.
93 Captain Dick Talbot. By Aiken.
94 Freelance, By Col. P. Ingraham.
95 Azhort,_'l‘nE AXMAN. By A. P. Morris.
96 Double-Death. _By F. Whittaker.
97 Bronse“ Jack. ‘By A. W. Aiken
98 The Rock Rider. By Whittaker.
99 The: Giant Rifleman. Oll Coomes
100 The French Spy. By A. P. Morris.
10.1 The Man. from New York; or,
Tun ROMANCE or A Rios YOUNG WosAN. B Aiken.
102 The Masked Band. Goo.  Aiken
103 Merle, the Mutineer. lngraham.
104 Montezuma. the Merciless; or,
THE EAGLE AND THE SERPENT. By Col. 1’. Ingrnhnm.
105 Dan Brown of Denver, TEE
ROCKY MOUNTAIN DETECTIVE. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.
108 Shamus O’Brien. Col. Delle Sum.
107 Richard Talbot of Cinnabar;
or, THE BROTHERS or Tm: RED HAND. By A.W. Aiken.
108 The Duke of Diamonds; Or, THE
FLOWER or CvarTA. By Capt. Fri-(l. Whittaker.
109 Captain K (1. By 001. Ingralmm.
1 10 The Silent iiie n. By Herbert.
1 1 1 The Smuggler C ptain; or, THE
SKIPPER'S CRIME. By Ned Buntline.
112 Joe Phenix, PRIVATE DETECTIVE;
or, TEE LEAGUE OF THE SKELETON KEYS. By Aiken.
113 The Sea Slipper. J. H. Ingraham.
1 14 The Gentleman from Pike: 01',
THE GHOST or TnE- CANYON. By Philip S. Warns.
115 The Severed Head. Whittaker.
1 18 Black Plume. By Col. Ingrahnm.
1 17 Dashing Dandy. By Major Burr.
1 18 The Bur lar Captain; or, THE
FALLEN STAR. By Pro . J. H. Ingraham.
119 Alabama Joe. By J. E. Badger.
120 The Texas; S y. By N. M. Curtis.
121 The Sea Ca et. By lngraham.
122 Saul Sabberday. Ned Puntline.
123 Alapaha. the Squaw. F. Johnson.
124 Assowaum, the Ave er; or,
TEE D00: or TEE DEs'rEOYERs. By Franc Johnson.
125 The Blacksmith Outlaw; or,
MEEE! ENGLAND. By Harrison Ainswortli.
128 The Demon Duelist. By Monstery.
127 Sol Scott. THE MAstD MINER; or,
DAN BROWN'S Dovnu. By Joseph E. Badger.
128 The Chevalier Corsair; or, THE
HERITAGE or HATnEn. B the author of “ Merle."
129 Mississip i one. By Ed.Willett.
180 Captain olcano. By Aiken.
131 Buckskin Sam. By Col. Ingraham.
132 Nemo, King of the Tram -' or,

133 Body. the Rover. By W. Carleton.
184 Darkie Dan. By Col. Ingmham.
135 The Bush Ran or. By Johnson.
138 The Outlaw- unter. Johnson.
187 Long Beard. By Oll Coomes.

135 The Border Bandits. Johnson.

139 Fire-E e. By 0*]. P. Ingrahsm.-

140 The Spa s. By
Geo eWslker.

1 1 Equinox Tom. By J. E. Badger.
142 Captain Crimson. By Major Burr.
148 The csar’s . B Monetary.
144 The Bunch of otre-Dame.
By VActor Hugo. f
1 5 Pistol Pards. By W. R. Eyster.
146 The Doctor Detective; M, Tu
Mum! or was our“ Comx. By Geo. Lemuel.
"147 Gold' pu’r. By Col. P. lngrshsm.
1.48 Ono-Armed All‘. By 011 Geomes.
149 The Border Rifles. By Aimsrd.
15.0. El 3, io Bravo. KING or 'rns
STOW. By ol. Thomas H'oyer Monetary.
151 The Preebooters. By Aimard.

152 Captain Iromrvo. TEE COUN-
Tsnnn'ln Cmicr. By Marmaduke Day. .
153 The White Scalper. By Aimard.

154 Jongnin. ms SADDLE-Into. By
Joseph E. Badger Jr.

155 The Corsair eon. Ingraham.

158 Velvet Pace. y Major Burr.

157 Mourad. THE MAKELUKE. By
Col. Thomas H0 or Monster .

158 The oomed Olen. Dr. Powell.

 

159 Red Rudiger. .By F. Whittaker..
180 Sofl: Hand. Shag). By Eyster.
181 The Wolves of ew York; or,
JOE l’nsxix’s GREAT MAN HENT. By A. W. Aiken.
162 The Mad Mariner. By Ingmham.
163 Ben Brion. THE TRAPPEB CAP-
TAIN. By Dr. J. H. Robinson.
184 The King’s Pool. By C. D. Clark.
185 Joaquin, the Terrible. Badger.
188 Owlet, the Robber Prince: or,
TEE UNKNOWN HIGHWAYKAN. By Septimus R.Urban.

137 The Man of Steel. A. P. Morris.
188 Wild Bill. By Col. P. Ingraham.

169 Corporal Cannon. THE MAN or
For.“ Denis. By Colonel Thomas Boyer Monster-y

170' Sweet William. Ins .TRAPPIR
DETECTIVE. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.

171 Tiger Dick, THE MAN or TEE
InoN Hum. By Philip 8. Warns. '

1 72 The Black Pirate. By Ingroham.

173 California John. By AW. Aiken.

174 Phantom Knights. By Whittaker.

175 Wild Bill's Trump Card. By
Major Dangerfield Burr.

178 Lady J aguar, THE ROBBEE QUEEN.
By Captain Mark WiltOn.

177 Don Diablo. By Col. P. Ingraham.
178 Dark Dashwood. By Major Hall.

179 Conrad, the Convict: or. WAS
HE GUILTY? By Prof. Stewart Gildersleeve,LL.D.

180 Old ’49. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.
181 Scarlet Schooner. By Ingraham.
182 Hands Up! By Wm. R. Eyster.
183 Gilbert. the Guide. C. D. Clark.
184 Ocean Vampire. By P. Ingraham.
185 Man Spider. By A. P. Morris.
186 The Black Bravo. Buckskin Sam.

187 The Death's Head Cuirassiers :
or, BRAVE or ALI. Bums. By Capt. Fred.Whlttakei-_

188 The Phantom Maseppa. By
Major Dangerfield Burr.

189 Wild Bill’s Gold Trail: or, THE.
DEernAno DOZEN. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

190 The Three Guardsmen" By
Alexandre Dumas.
191 The Terrible Tonhaway; or,

Om Roots ANn His PAEns. By Buckskin 8am.
Bul) QMEN'EESLArddgglL BAIL  ,R. 1%;th E
193 The Man in Red. By F.Wbittaker.
194 Don Sombrero. ,By Capt. Wilton.
195 The Lone Star Gambler; or,
THE MAID or THE MAGNOLIAs. By Buckskin Sam.
198 La marmoset, THE DETECTIVE:
QUEEN. By Albert. W. Aiken.
197 Revolver Rob. By J. E. Badger-
By

198 The Skeleton Schooner.
Col. Prentiss lngrshsm.
199 Diamond Dick. By Buckskin Sam-
200 The Ride Rangers. By Capt.
Mayne Reid. ‘
201 The Pirate of the Places-s; or,
JOAQMN’E DEATH-Hm. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.
202 Cactus Jack. In GIANT Gums...

By Captain Mark Wilton. .
203 The Double Detective. By Al-

bert W. Aiken.

204 Big Foot Wallace. m szo or
m LAuAr. By Buckskin Sun.

205 The Gambler Pirate. By Colonel
Prentiss lngrshsm. ‘

208 One Eye. the Cannoneer: or.
W Nn'sIns-r LssAcr. By Capt. Whittaker-

207 Old Hard Head: or, Wmnnwmn»
Ass His Minx-Wm MAss. By Philip B. Warns.

208 The White Chief. By Captain
Msyne Reid. '

209 Bush Parley, TEE BoNANzA PRINCE;
(551R: BonAIcs‘os Du'rs Gown. By Edward

e .

210 Buccaneer Boss 3 or, Tn RED BIA

Tun. ByColonel Prentiss Ingram.

Amisaueeveryweek.

Bosdle’s Dime Library is for sale by all
Newsdealers, ten cents per copy or sent by mail on.
recei t of twelve cents each. BEADLE & ADAMS.,
Pub hers. 98 William Street. New York.