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Published Ewery
Wednesday.

v31. mm.

The Fugitive Privateer.

A Romance of Ocean Trailu.

BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM,

AUTHOR or “MERLE, THE MUTIXEER," “mox-
TEZUMA, Tm: MERHLESS,” ETC., ETC.

CHAPTER I.
THE SKIPPER’S DAUGHTER.

“ MY child, I have roceivvd my death-wound,
I fear, so take my place at the helm: but never
give up the brig, for yonder craft is 8. pi-
rate!”

The Speaker was a man of fifty, with iron-
grav hair. and the air of one born to command.

He stood at the wheel of nsmall. saucy-looking
brig, that was fairiy flying over the rough wu-
ters, er a storm was raging upon the sea, and
carrying;’ canvas enough to run her under, for
she would lmry her lee-sail at times far out of
sight, as she heeled over at a frightful angle,
and again would drive her sharp bows into a.
huge wave, and seem as though she would never
rise from the weight of waters upon her decks.

QBeadZe (fa fldarns, @ulflishers,

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‘ ‘tflfldE AT NEW YORK AT SECOND CLAss MAIL RATES. 

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Ten Cents a. Copy.

9s WILLIAM STREET. N. Y., October 97, 1886. $5.00 a. Year.

 

 

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“ FATHER, RATHER THAN SURRENDER THE BRIG, I “VILL SET HER ON FIRE AND TAKEfi‘O THE
LIFE-BOAT “’1'”! ALL ON BOARD," WAS THE REPLY OF THE BEAUTIFUL HELMS\VOMAN.

 

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The Sea Siren.

 

 

 

. Along the weather bulwarks crouched her
crew, a dozen gallant tars, clinging for their
lives that they might not be washed into the sea,
and their eyes were bent alternately upon the
clouds of canvas set, and which threatened to
tear the sticks out of the brig, and the wheel,
where stood their brave skipper, holdin his

*stanch craft upon her way with a ban that

never swerved, a heart that never qu vered at
the peril about them, as in their wake was a
peril far worse than death in the cruel sea.

Near the skipper, clinging to the taffrail, and
glancing astern at a rakishrlooking schooner that
was coming swiftly on in pursuit, also spreading
an amount of canvas that threatened to run her
under, was a young girl of eighteen.

Her face was bronzed by sunshine and wind,
and her hair of red-brown hue, was here, torn
from its fastening b the fierce winds, and was
floatin about her 11' e a huge vail.

Her orm was slightly above the medium hight
of levely womanhood, but perfection in mold,
graceful in every movement, and showed
strength and beauty combined.

She was attired in a stylish suit of sailor blue, ,

trimmed with old-lace across the bust, upon the
sleeves and co lar, and upon her head wore a
jaunty blue cap, also embroidered in gold, and
with a tassel hanging on the left side.

Beautiful in face, yet, as in her form, her
beauty was alive with strength, for character,
fearlessness and resolution were stamped upon
every feature.

" ather, it is an English privateer, for she
carries British Colors,” the maiden had said,
11%;; closely examining the pursucr through her

8

Her father made no reply, while he kept his
vessel as steadily on her course. as he could in
that wild sea and savage wind, and the girl
once more turned her glass upon the schooner,
which came so swiftly on in chase.

Then, as she looked there came a huge burst
of white smoke from the schooner’s bows, as she
rose on a mighty wave, the deep roar of a heavy
gun mingled with the thunder of the heavens,
and the daring helmsman was torn from the

deck with one arm shattered to the shoulder.

Then it was, that he had uttered the words
that open this story, as he lay limp and bleeding
upon the deck.

But already had the one he addressed sprung
to the helm, some strange impulse causing her
to seize the wheel, instead ‘of going to her
father’s aid, while she called out in a voice that
reached the car of every seamen:

“ Ahoy, mcnl take my father into the cabin,
and you, Bronx, come to the whecll”

" No, no, leave me here! lash me to the
weather bulwark, and you, Sibyl, keep the
helm, for you know what the Mermaid can do
better than any one else on board.” cried the old
skipper, and the seamen who had rushed to his
side, drew him under the shelter of the wind-
ward bulwark, and, crouching about him made
his osition as comfortable as was possible.

“ t me aid you, Sibyl,” said a young sailor,
ste ing to the side of the maiden.

‘ 0, Bronx, but go to my father’s side, for
the Mermaid steers easily, and I know her every
movement, and a strange hand may throw her

I 'over or run her under, and you know how pre-
’ . cious is our cargo,” said the young irl.

“Ay, precious indee‘d, my chil , for, better
my death a hundred times over than that we
lose this [fine cargo more valuable than gold,”
called out the wounded skipper.

“ Go, Bronx, and do alold'you can to save my

r father,” commaan the girl in a low,
emulous voice, as she held the brig on her
perilous course.

The young seamen turned away, and, as he

" did so, a sin came a shot from the vessel in

chase. an the iron ball went tearing along close

to the deck, splintering the mainmast as it did

' so.
But the fair helmswoman never flinched, never

looked back at their foe, but he t the brig on

her way without the swerve 0 half a point ‘
' from her course. ‘

Again came a shot, and this time it tore
alou the deck, killing one man and wounding
an' r, while the splinters flew in all direc-
tions.

Still those small hands upon the wheel trem-
bled not, nor did the bronzed, beautiful face

« blanch with fear, as her wounded father’s

. voice, was heard:

“ Sibyl, do not give up the brig, for remem-
ber the cargo we carry, and above all remem-
ber that yonder craft in pursuit is a pirate.”

“ Father, rather than surrender the brig, I
will set her on fire and take to the life-boat
with all on board,” was the re ly of the bean-
tiful helmswoman, and a cheer roke from the

.. lips of the half score of brave seamen, while

the wounded skipper said fervently:
“God bless you, my noble girl, for now,

i if die I must, I can die cement, and my words

to you are, before you allow yourself to fall
into the hands of that cruel pirate, driVe your
stiletto to your heart.”

“ I will’do it, father,” was the low response,
and the resolute face showed that she meant

wheel by the iron messenger and hurled to the '

 

 

CHAPTER II.
BIANCA THE BUCCANEER.

THE brig that was flyin through the storm,
from her pursuerin her we e,showed her stanch-
ness by not running under, or going over in the
the severe blow.

Standin at her wheel the fair helmswoman
faced the ouble danger, of the tempest and the
scblliooner’s fire, with a nerve that was remark-
a 0.

Her skill in handling the vessel was wonder-
ful, and many a time the crew held their breath
as the brig made a fearful lurch, expecting
never to see her rise again; but Sibyl knew the
craft, and her strength was equal to her skill,
and she would ease up u n the helm 'ust in the
right time, and bring t e Mermaid ack to a
level keel once more.

Pale, with features set as though carved in
marble, the young girl would lance each mo-
ment toward her wounded ather, with the
group of seamen about him, while be, brave
man that he was, would repress his groans of
agony that he might not distract the attention
of his noble daughter from the sacred duty im-
posed upon her of saving the brig.

The schooner coming on so swiftl in the
wake of the brig, was a vessel of ecidedly
wicked appearance, belonging to the style of
craft known in those days, a century ago, as
“ long, low and rakish,” and which were the ac-
cepted class for both pirates and privateers.

She carried a reef in her foresail and main-
sail, and her topsails were not set, but her jib
was up, and this canvas drove her through the
water at a tremendous speed.

For long hours the chase had been kept up,
at first in a light wind, when both vessels seem-
ed equal in speed, and then, as the storm swept
down upon them, a summer thunderstorm, the
schooner had gained slowly, yet steadily. ,

The skipper of the brig had hoped to keep
out of range until night, and then dodge his
enemy.

He knew the wonderful speed of the Mermaid,
and as the schooner began to gain on her, he
had muttered:

“ There is but one craft afloat that can catch
the Mermaid, that I have ever heard of, and I
will soon know if that is the one.”

He had called to the young seaman, Bronx,
to take the when], for his daughter was then
in the cabin, while he turned his glass upon the
schooner.

For a long time he watched the schooner and
thcn muttered:

“ Yes, that is the craft I feared it was, for I
can distinctly see her strange figurehcad, as
lll‘r bows rise, the red hand grasping a flaming
torch.

“ Yes, it is the pirate craft Sea Torch.”

Soon after his daughter hzzd come on deck,
but until he was wounded he had not made
known his discovery.

“ Do not yield an inch, but hold her on her
way, Sibyl, for she had better go under than
become the rize of the Sea Torch," called out
the wounde man.

“The Sea Torch, father?” cried Sibyl, and

her words were echoed in a chorus by the
crew.
“Yes, my child, that schooner is the Sea
Torch, with Bianca the Buccaneer her master,
so you know the inhuman bloodhound that is in
our wake.”

The small hands did but clinch the wheel
spokes more clOsely at this, and the pretty
mouth become more firmly set.

Thus the chase continued, the schooner stead-
gy gaining, and firing when she could at the

ri .

is: a short while the storm had swept ,over,
bu the wind still blew fresh, though, getting
out of the path of the tempest the sea was
less rough and the brig seemed to hold her
own.

Then the schooner shook the reefs out of her
main and foresail, and once more began to walk
up on the brig.

“Ahoy, lads! set her topsails, for she’ll bear
them now i” cried Sibyl, and the crew of the
brilg sprung to work, and with'this reserved
sai the brig held her own, though at the risk of

her spars.

Seeing this the scbmner also set her topsails.
and a cheer broke from the men on the Mermaid
as the fore-topsail was sna ped off.

A moment after, as she eeled fri htfully, the
maintopsail was taken in and the rig merely
held her own.

Seeing this the schooner’s commander opened
a steady fire, and thick and fast the shot fell
about the brig now and then cutting through
her sails or striking the deck.

But the brave girl never flinched, and her si-
lent prayer was that night might come on dark
and stormy, and thus allow the brig a chance to

escape.

But vain the hope; in vein the prayer. As a
solid shot came shrieking after the brig, just as
the shadows of night began to deepen upon the
sea, and with a crashing sound buried itself in
the foremost. l

The veSSel reeled under the terrific shock, and

all then came the crashing of timbers, snapping of

ropes and flapging of canvas. as the mast went

 

Rafael Hurst had been in range of

over 'into the sea, the strain tearing the main-
topnrliiist from its hold and carrying it with the
wrec .

A cry of dread arose from the crew, but the
oung girl uttered no word of alarm, but sim ly
et go of the wheel and stepped toward her
father as the brig lay to.

“Father, I haVe done my best,” she said, in a
voice of perfect calmness.

“Then take to the lifeboat and set the brig on
fire!” shouted the old ski per.

“The lifeboat hangs attered at the davits,
and the other boats were swept into the sea,
father,” was the response. ?

The old skipper groaned in a ony of spirit,

and for a. moment was silent w ile, crouching
by his side the youn irl laid her hand upon his
Wounded arm, whic ronx had dressed as best
he could.

At last he said:

“ You have your stiletto, my child?”

“Yes father.”

“An will use it, if need be?”

“I will, father.”

“ Enough! then we can only wait the coming
of ,the buccaneer, and Heaven have mercy upon

. And thus the wrecked brig lay with her wait-
ing crew while the schooner came swiftly on.

The sea tossed her about, while the wreckage
was not cut away and hung over her side.

Coming up to leeward the buccaneer schooner
lay to, and a boat was soon after launched, and
came bounding over the rough waters toward
the. brig. .

“Brig ahoyl What brig is that?” cried a stern
voice from the boat.

“ The merchantbrig Mermaid, C" ptain Nor-
man Hurst, commander, bound South,” called
out Sibyl, in quick, scamanlike tones.

It seemed to the young girl that her words
caused some excitement on board the boat, for
there came the order for the oarsmen to cease
rowing.

“Then, after a moment, the order was given
to give way, and the boat came in toward the
brig.

As she ran under the lee a tall form sprung
on deck, cutlass in hand, and advanced to where
Sibyl stood near her ' father, the crew grouped
about them.

The one who boarded was a man of fifty, per-
haps, with iron-gray beard and hair, both worn

lon .

lfe was dressed in the uniform of a British
naval captain, which carried out the idea that
his vessel was an English cruiser, from the flag
flying over her decks.

He looked surprised at sight of Sibyl, raised 1
his ca with a quiet dignity, and said:

“ here is the captain of this brig?”

“ I command now, sir, for my father was
wounded by your fire.” was the reply of Sibyl.

“A fair commander surely: and now I see
that I was right when I thought I saw a woman
at the brig’s wheel; but where is your father,
young lady l”

The men stepped one side, and revealed the
wounded man, 1 ing against the bulwark. and \
supported by cus ions brought from the cabin.

“ Are you Norman Hurst?” asked the captor,
gazing intently at the wounded skipper. ,

“ I am; and somehow your voice and your,
face are strangely familiar to me,” answered the
ski er, suppressxng a (groan of agony.

‘ hey well shoul be, for I am your
“alien” God! gest b th/

reat ' you are m oun ro er,
Bianca Hurst?” cried the skipger. ‘

Over the face of the captor came a look that
was dark, sinister and revengeful, as he an-
swered, in a\ voice t at was full of sarcasm:

“ Yes, I am that curse of English aristocracy,
a younger brother, while you, Sir Norman
Hurst, were the first-born, and inherited title,-
estates, and all.”

“Ah. Bianca, do you still hold that against
me, after all that I did to step aside for you and
Rafael?”

“What did you do!” sneered the man, as be

down upon his brother.

“ I left England forever, and came to America
to seek my fortune,” was the brave skipper’s an-
swer.

“ You did not die?”

“No: but I led all to believe me dead, that
you might fall heir to the title and estates you
so craved."

“ There was Rafael yet between me and the
prize,” said thelpirate, scowling vengefully ashe

ke.

sp?‘ I thought that our brother Rafael had been
lost at sea.”

“ Oh no: he turned up again, and so stepped
into the place you had vacated for me, curse

im!

“ Thank Godl Rafael is not dead 1”

“ Ah, yes. curse you! you are rejoiced to keep
me out of my rights, are you i” ,

‘ ‘ Your rights when both Rafael and I are
dead, Bianca. I fear I Soon will be, for your
shot shattered my arm, as you see,” sadly added
the wounded skipper.

“Would to God it had killed you. and that
the same
shot,” was the fierce rejoinder.

 

  
  

  

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“ Ah! Bianca. my poor, misguided brother,
vbitter indeed must be your hatred for those of
your own flesh and blood, that you utter such
words.”

“Bitter indeed is my hatred of all who stand
lfietween me and the title and estates of Norman

ul'st.

" By bein a younger son I lost it, yes, and my
soul, too, fog know you, Sir Norman Hurst, as I

i am your own brother, am I Bianca, the Buc-
caneer 1”

CHAPTER III.
A anoma’s HATE.

"FOR a moment after the fiercely uttered words
of the captor of the brig, a Silence fell upon
all. .

The wounded skipper gazed at the man in hor-
ror, while Sibyl stood like a statue, her eyes fas-
tened upon the face of the man as though fas-
cinated.

“ And you really are my brother, Bianca?” at
last murmured the skipper, as if dazed by the
announcement.

“ Yes, and I re at I am Bianca, the Bucca-
neer, and you an your craft are my prize,” was
the nick reply.

“ ou confess to your shame and crime, sir,
with seeming pleasure,” said Sibyl.

He started at her words and turned furiously
upon her, as though with intent to strike her to
the deck; but she did not flinch, and met his
gaze with a look that seemed to abash him for a
moment, but only for a moment, for with sav-
age earnestness he demanded:

“ Girl, are you that man’s daughter?”

“ I am proud to say I am.”

“ And you are, therefore, my niece?”

“With deepest shame I confess that is so, if
j you are indeed Bianca Hurst.”

“ Spare your tongue, girl! What I am the
accident of birth made me—blighted me—cursed
me. Looked down upon, given a poor relation’s
pittance, a mere nobody among my_ equals in
blood, is it strange that I became imhittered
with the world, hated my kiusmen, and (ietestcd
mankind in general! or that I sought to carve
out my fortune in my orvn dcs rate way? No!
Not strange! and that you fin me a pirate is
the result of my wrongs, others having usurped
my rights.”

“ And a most inhuman pirate, if rumor speaks
aright of the cruel commander of the pirate Sea
Torch,” the brave Sibyl added.

“Yes, I am all that rumor has painted me,
perhaps worse, as even you shall see, for I shall
now be able to remove one barrier from between
me and the inheritance of Norman Hurst, by
swingin my eldest brother, Sir Norman up to
the yar -arm of his own vessel, wounded though
he is, and adopt you as my daughter—a pirate's
daughter I”

That the reckless man meant all that he said,
his cruel face showed, for it fairly writhed with
hatred and passion and triumph.

At his worth the skipper turned even more
allid than his wound ad caused him to be'
ut he showed no fear, for it was not of himselt

that he thought, but of his daughter, she whom
he must leave in the hands of a corsair, or who
must. to save herself, die by her own hand.

“ Bianca has done you but justice, for you
certainly are a devil in human form,” retorted
Sib l.

T e bold words startled the fiend she con-
fronted, while Bronx whispered:

" For God’s sake, Sibyl, do not infuriate
him to kill you.”

“ I wish to,” was the low reply. I

The pirate caught her words, for he said:

“ I will not oblige you, my sweet niece. Ah
no, for I cannot afford to lose you, just yet.

“He, men, come here and run this wounded
brother of mine up to the yard-arm l” '
His words were addressed to the crew of his

boat who had boarded with him—a; damn in

number and who now stood on the lee of the
wrecked brig.

At his words they moved promptly forward;
but as they did so, a deep roar broke upon the

plaid and an iron shot came flying over their
‘ h s.

A cry of alarm came from the lips of the cor-

sair ca tain, and in the thering gloom he saw
--a vesse coming rapidly own ulpon hisschooner.

That she was an armed vesse a glance showed

had not the shot done so, and that she was a
' match for his schooner seemed evident from the
bold advance of the stranger upon him.

“To your boats, men, and we'll pull for the
schooner; but you go with me, my sweet niece
and I’ll hang your father after I have whipped
off yonder bold cruiser, for this brig is too valu.
able a prize to lose!”

As he spoke, the Ocean Outlaw sprun to-
ward the maiden, as though to grasp her 11 his
arms and carry her with him.

Springing backward Sibyl drew a small sti-
letto from her bosom and cried:

“ Stand back, you monster, or I will drive
this blade into my own heart!”

The pirate shrunk from driving her to the

dread act, and turning, ran toward his boat, as
another shot came from the stranger, and cries

 

The sea S'ren.

were heard from the Sea Torch, giving the

rm.

“Another time we shall meet, girl,” he
shouted, as his boat Went speeding toward his
schooner.

 

CHAPTER IV.
A FRIEND IN NEED.

A FEBVENT utterance of thanks came from
Sibyl Hurst, as she saw the pirates’ boat speed
away, leaving her father upon the schooner, and
herself free.

She then sprung to the side of the wounded
skipper, to see what she could do to alleviate
his intense sufferings, and she was thus engaged
when the cheers of the Mermaid’s crew told her
that the huccaneer was flying before his ap-
proaching foe.

It was still light enou h to see the tw0 vessels,
and she beheld the blac flag of the buccaneer
defiantly hoisted to the peak of the schooner,
where t 6 English colors had been flying.

Then she turned to the vessel that was coming
swiftly over the waves toward them.

It was a schooner, and she sailed well.

Her tonnage was hardly more than that of
the pirate craft, while she seemed not to carry
so large a spread of canvas.

As she came on she opened sharply from her
bow guns, and her aim was perfect, for every
shot seemed to strike the outlaw craft.

The pirate schooner replied rapidly and vi-
ciously from his stern guns, and now and then
changed his course somewhat so as to send a.
savagely meant shot at the crip led brig.

Seeing this, the cruiser lu ed and sent a
broadside u n the pirate, his commander sceni-
ing to feel t at he was unable to overhaul the
chase, as he had not speed enough.

The broadside cut away the foretopmast of
the schooner, and brought the foresail down
with a run; but the sail was quickly raised
again, and the outlaw craft held on, though the
delay had caused her pursuer to creep up on her.

Again lufling the cruiSi-r sent another broad-
side, and this cut the end of the pirate schooner’s
bowsprit oil‘: but this damage was also quickly
repaired by running out a jury spar, and the
Sea. Torch still held on.

With all that he could do to keep aboard of
the schoonerof—war, and also to stand her fire.
the revengct‘ul old pirate had no time to turn
his guns upon the brig, and the Mermaid cs-
caped this affliction after the first broadside
the cruiser had sent after the flying craft. ‘

Standing upon the brig’s decks, Sibyl had
seen all, and had reported to her father what
was Occurring.

“ How far oil? is the cruiser now, my child?"
asked the skipper.

“From the brig hardly a quarter of a mile,
and from the pirate over a mile, father.” _

“ He is still in chase?”

“ Yes, father, and seems to bear 011', so as not
to bring us in the line of fire.”

“  tho cruiser overhaul the pirate, think

on

“ No, sir, for the outlaw craft is too fleet for
him, crippled though she is.”

“ Yes, she must be a phenomenal sailor to
catch the Sea 'i‘orch, for that craft is the only
one the Mermaid has to fear; and, differently
rigged, our little beauty would have nothing to
fear from any keel afloat,” said the wounded
ski per, with justifiable pride in his own craft.

the cruiser seemed to realize the utter use-
lessness of chasing the schooner, unless crippled
more than she then was, she kept up a hot run-
nin fire upon her.

Tins she swept by the brig and held on for a
mile, when the pirate had increased his lead, and
though suffering from the fire of his pursuer,
had managed to escape.

So the cruiser at back toward the brig, and
running near. hai ed:

“ Ahoy the brig i”

“Ahoy!” shouted Bronx.

“What brig is that?”

“ The Mermaid-an American craft, in the
Government service i” responded the young sea-
man.

“Ay, ay! I will board you ” came in reply,
and in ten minutes more an o cer sprung over
the side of the brig and walked aft with Bronx,
who met him at the gangway.

He raised his hat politely as he caught sight
of Sibyl, and said:

“ I had no idea a lady was on board and under
the fire of that pirate.’

Si; You know the schooner then, siri”, asked
y .

“ Yes, miss, as the Sea Torch under that
arch-fiend Bianca the Buccaneer; but your ves-
sel seems to have been badly crippled, and I fear
her skipper has suffered.”

“ It is my father. sir, Captain Norman Hurst,
and his arm was shattered by a shot from the
pirate.” ‘

“ This is bad i” and turning quickly, the officer
hailed his vessel.

“ Ho, the Scorpion!”

“ Ay, ay. sir!” came the answer.
th“ Stead in: nil Bgmett at oneewon board

is rig, t a t tisnecessary care or
the wounded.” .

“ Ay’ “’3 sir!”

I
l

 

“You are very kind, sir, and I thank you,
for my poor father sadly needs surgical aid,”
said Sibyl.

“He shall have all the care we can bestow
miss, I assure on; but who is your first mate?”

“I act in t at capacity, sir, as my father is
wounded,” was the low reply.

6‘ Yes, sir, my dau hter commands now, and
she is as ca ble as am, girl though she is,”
spoke the s ipper.

“Then, fair captain. my busmess is with you,
so kindly give me what particulars you care to
of your vessel, its last port and destination.”

‘ May I ask what vessel yours is, sir?"

“ Ah, yes, and I beg pardon for not before
stating.

“ I am Manton Moncrief, lieutenant and com-
mander of the United States schooner-of—war
Scorpion.”

“I thank you, sir, and I am Sibyl Hurst, at
present commanding the American brig Mer-
maid, n0w a Government store-ship, with arms,
ammunition and supplies for our army in the
Carolinas, whither we are now bound.”

“ Then you have indeed a cargo as valuable
as gold, for it is sadly needed in the Carolinas,
as know, having just run the gantlet of the
British fleet out of Charleston, and have been
urgently requested to forward supplies by the
commanding officer there.”

“By your coming, sir, to drive off yonder
huccanecr, you have saved the brig and cargo;
but we are in a crippled condition, as you see,”
said Sibyl.

“ True, but we can rig jury-masts, and I will
act as your conVoy on to Charleston; but I see
my suggcon coming, so will have your father
reniov into the cabin.”

This was done, and half the Scorpion’s crew
were ordered on board the brig and Set to work
repairing damages, while Captain Hurst, after
undergoing the amputation of his arm close to
the shoulder, was given ever hope by the sur-
geon that his strong constitution would pull him
through the dangerous wound and gum. shock
which he hrd received.

Leaving Bronx in charge, Sibyl deVotcd her-
self to the care of her father. and toward dawn _ '
leaned over upon his pillow and slept.

W hen she awoke the sun was shining bright]
upon the sea, and seeing that her father s '
sh t, she hastened upon deck.

0 her delight she saw that the brig had been
most skillfully rigged with jury—masts, and
under a fair press of sail was gliding swiftly
along before a ten-knot breeze, holding her own
with the schooner-of-war which was a few
cable-lengths to leeward. ,

“ HcaVcn be praised! we have escaped from
the power of that man, our ki'nsman.” she mid,
with deep emotion. and taming, she beheld the
surgeon of the Scorpion, who, at the command
of Lieutenant Moncrief, had remained on board
the Mermaid to devote himself to the care of
the wounded skipper. .

CHAPTER V.
WHAT THE SURGEON KNEW.

SEVERAL days after the escape of the Mer—
maid, from the hands of Bianca the Buccaneer,
Surgeon Bennett of the Scorpion, came into the
cabin of the brig, as she was sailing swiftly
along on her course for Charleston. '

The wounded skipper was reclinin in his
cabin, and near him sat Sib l, readin him.

After dressing his woun ed arm surgeon
sax :

“ You are improving ra idly, Captain Hurst,
and by the time we reac port, will be out of
“titling?” i r haggard d bed

9 s lp rs acewas an pine
with sufieriprfg, but he felt himself that he had
fallen into skillful hands, and was steadily im—

 

proving.
“Be seated, S n Bennett," said Sibyl,
when he had finish his work.

The surgeon obeyed, for he was young, hand-

 and already very much in love with
i y .

“ May I ask you, Surgeon Bennett who is the
commander o the Scorpion?” said Captain
Hurst, after awhile. \

“ His name is, as you doubtless how, fir,
Manton Moncrief, and he is a lieutenant in the
Nav of the States, having been appointed such
for is distinguished services as captain of the
American privateer.” ‘ _

“ Can he be Captain Moncrief, of the Priva-
teer Sea Dragon i” asked Captain Hurst.

“ He is none other, sir: but his splendid ‘
schooner Sea D
mat with a Bride brig-of-war and an En
privateer, the Scorpion.

“ He boarded the Scorpion in his boat, when
the Dragon was sinking. and carried her, after,
which he attacked the bri with the privateer '
and made her strike her co ors.

“ He had won fame before, as you know, sir,
for you seem to have heard of his career in the
Sea Dragon, and for this victory was commis-
cloned a lieutenant in the Navy of the"
United States, and sent out upon the Scomion
cruising, the brig being pretty badly cri pied.”

“ He has a t record, and his agiliig this
vessel with its valuable stores, will a d to his

fame,” said Sibyl. '   

 

nwas sunk in an enga ,. A,
gig

 

 

 

 
   
     
         
     
         
     
     
     
       
         
       
     
     
     
       
       
     
   
     
   
         
     
       
     
     
     
     
       
         
     
   
   
   
   
   
   
           
     
       
       
       
           
     
     
   
       
     
       
         
    
     
  
  
     
    
       
   
       
         
     
       
       
         
     
     
       
    

4..

The SeawSiren. L

 

 

 

“ Yes, he is called the Sailor of Destiny, by
his men, and his crew idolize him.

“ Had the Scorpion been as fleet as was the
old Sea Dragon we would have ended the career
of Bianca the uccaneer, for Lieutenant Mon-
crief was once the captive of the irate chief,
and has a score to sett e with him or his cruel-
ties to him, outside of his acts of piracy. "

“ Ah! he was the captive of Bianca, you say,
Bar on Bennett?” asked Sibyl.

“ es, Miss Hurst, for Lieutenant Moncrief
has risen from before the mast to his present
position, and, when cabin-boy on board of a
merchant Vessel fell into the hands of Bianca,
and, for nearly a year was his prisoner.”

“ He has had quite an adventurous experi-
ence?”

“ Yes: he began life on a vessel at sea, for he
was born on board ship, he says, and nothing
more is known of his life than that, for he has
little to say of his past, and, in fact, seldom
speaks of himself.”

“ He is quite youthful looking,” said the skip-

r.
pe“ Twenty-five, I believe, but with the expe-
rience of a man twice his years, and a nerve of
iron, a courage that reaches desperation at
times, for he takes fearful chances to win, and
as a sailor I have never seen his equal, and I
was sur eon of the Sea Dragon when he was

‘ third 0 cer on board, and saw him, in two

. Government as a cruiser, so

years, 0 up to commander,” and the surgeon
devo himself to his captain, ran on about his
, ood qualities for a long time, little dreaming
fiow deep an interest he was awakening for him
in the very heart that he was so anxious to win,
for Sibyl had been deeply impressed with Man-
ton himself since the moment her eyes had met
his as he boarded the crippled brig.

The next day the two vessels were becalmed
and lay a mile apart, rollin upon the swell an
flap in their sa ls idly, as hey were spread to
catc t e first breath of a breeze.

“I will 0 on board the S rise, Captain
Hurst. and8 see if I ma he need , for this calm
will doubtless last for ours,” said Surgeon Beu-
nett, and Bronx ordered a boat to be lowered,
and it pulled away for the schooner-of-war.

“ Well, Bennett, how is your patient?” asked
Lieutenant Moncrief, as he sat in his cabin, idly
puffing at a cigar.

He wasa man of fine physi us, with an air
of grace in every motion, and t appearance of
strength, endurance, and activity of one who
knew his power and kept up his athletic train-

1 .

nfile was attired in a neatly-fitting fatigue uni-
form, wore it well, as though long accustomed
to it, and his feet, that rested u n a chair in a
lnzy way, and his hands, one 0 which held his
cigar as he spoke to the surgeon, were small and

shgiely.

is ead was small and well ised above his
broad, square shoulders, and is face was a
study in its powg', intelligence, and manly

, beauty.i . , .
Loo fig older than the years With which Sur—

eon Bennett had accredited him, be yet had a
lzook of boyish pleasure restiugu n his face,
mingling well with the stern manhness his posi-
tion demanded.

His hair, a dark brown, was rather long, and
clustered in waving masses about his neck,
while a long, silken mustache, then uncommon
in America and England, gave him a foreign
look.

In answer to his question Surgeon Bennett
said:

“I came aboard, sir, to report him rapidly
improving, and in a fair way to recover.”

“I am glad, indeed, to hear this, for his own
and his sweet dau hter’s sake; but I hardly be-
lieved he could ra y.”

“ His will is great, sir, and he was determined
not to die, while he has an iron Constitution to
uphold him and has had the best of care.”

“I do not doubt that, Surgeon Bennett, for
otherwise he would never have pulled through
with such a wound.”

“No, sir, the bone was shattered from below

a the shoulder to the hand, and the shock was

fearful to him; but he is a man of pluck."
“ And his daughter inherits it?”
“Yes, Lieutenant Mdncrief, to a wonderful
extent. ~
. “Wh , sir, she can command that vemel as
well as her father, and fear seems to be a word
unknown to her.”
“ Who are the , Bennett?”
“ From what could learn, sir, from the young
mate, Bronx, and what they have said, Captain

‘ Hurst is a retired sailor, and a rich one.

" He has a farm on the Long Island shore,
near Jamaica Bay, I believe and ‘dwelt there
with his daughter, his only child.”

“ And has taken to the sea again, it seems i"

“ Yes, sir; but he built the brig, after a model
of his own, and was going to resent her to the
ate Bronx said
when he was asked to run a caigo of stores and
ammunition in her to the Caro nae, and he left
New York for that purpose when he was over-
hauled by the Sea Torch.”

“ Well, the bri sails like the wind and, but
for bein cri by the pirate, would have es-
caped hfm, am sure; but it was strange that

It,

i

 

' from neither vessel we were seen until I opened

fire.

“ Still, Bennett, if the brig was mine, as I have
watched her the past few days, I would rig her
as a schooner, and so rigged, my word for it, she
would outsail any craft afloat.”

“ I agree with you, sir, and he might sell her
to you if you asked him.”

“ Well, I have just twenty-five thousand dol-
lars laid up from m prize~money, and all I
have put away, and ’11 give it to him for the
bri so ask him if he will sell her.”

" tter go back with me, sir, and ask him for
this calm will last till sunset ” and Surgeon Ben-
nett put another stumbling-block in the way of
his winning Sibyl’s heart, by this invitation to
his handsome commander, who promptly ac-
cepted it.

 

CHAPTER VI.
THE sxrrrna’s STORY.

WHEN Surgeon Bennett had departed for the
schooner, Sibyl asked her father if she should
read to him, as was her wont often to do.

“ No, Sibyl, talk to me, or rather let me talk
to you,” he replied in a thoughtful manner.

“The surgeon said that you were to keep
quiet, father. and not to talk much.”

“ True, but I will feel better after what I
have to say to you is off my mind.”

“ You are sure it will not hurt you, father?"

“I am certain, for I wish to tell you a secret.”

“ Indeed, father?”

“Yes, for I have never told you much of who
I was, never told you more ef our family than I
had to, as I was in hiding, as it were.

“ But now, since my meeting with my poor,
sinful brother, I feel that you should know all.

“ I am an Englishman, as you know, my child,
and well born, for I bear a title.

“ My parents both died ere I was twenty-three,
and our family consisted of my father, mother,
my two brothers and myself.

‘I was the oldest and therefore the heir to
the title and estates, while my brothers, as
youiiger ones, got but a small income.

“ nfortunately my parents made both Ra-
fael and Bianca feel their inferiority to me, as
did the servants, though, I am happy to say
that I did not, and - have nothing to censure
m self for in that r ct.

‘ Bianca entered t e nav , and Rafael be-
came an army officer, while remained at home
in the enjoyment of my estates, after the
death of m parents, and devoted myself to the
call of my arge mercantile interests, for I had
several ships in the East India trade

“ A year after the death of my mother, who
quickly followed my father to the grave, I mar-
ried and the lady was one who had discarded
my brother Bianca, for she never loved him.

‘ Our little boy that was born to us died soon
after his birth, and under mysterious circum-
stances.

“ Then your mother was taken ill, and I nearly
lost her; ut she recovered, and one day I was
shot at and wounded, while returning home
from a hunt.

“ I felt that my brothers were the ilty ones,
and caring nothiu for the title I he d and pos-

of riches had made, outside of the
estates, after a long talk with our mother, I
determined to yield them up, an in such a way
that I would supposed to 1'0 dead and the
next heir, Rafael, cnony tho rizo he coveted.

“For this purpose fitte out a vessel, with
all we should need in the New IVorld, and
ordered her to a certain part of the coast near
my home.

‘Then your mother, with two faithful ser-
vants, went sailin one day in my little yacht,
when it threaten a storm, and after nightfall
we boarded my vessel, capsized the pleasure craft
and set it adrift.

“ It was washed ashore, and we were natural-
lti supposed. to be lost, and Rafael was of course

9 next heir.

“ So thoroughly did I drop the past, and wish
to wash out every memory of my brothers, that
I never 3 ke of them, and never tried to find
out one t in regarding them.

“ Purcha ng our Present home upon Long
Island, I was conten to turn farmer, and yet
was drawn into sea service, after the death of

our mother, and became skipper of a vessel in

he Boston and New York ade, and, as you

know Sib l, I but added tomy fortune, until

{Eur nher tance will be far larger than it would
ve been from my En lish estate.

“ And also. you have n uall as wall nur-
tured and educated, while ay, mm the sea
service you have seen with me, you are as fit to
command a vessel as are half the skippers I have
met.

“ Having been chased b the Sea Torch, I re-
cognized her, and so drea ed to see you fall into
the hands of a pirate, little dreaming that that
pirate was my own brother.

“ His words told me that poor Rafael had been
wrongly judged by me in the past, for he is now
in 'on of the title and estates of Norman-
Hurst, and has doubtless been the victim of Bi-
anca’s plotting, as I have been.

“Then, when I 'left England, Bianca was-a
midshglp-i‘nan in the British Navy, andnow I find
him, i a pirate, and a curse tomankind.

\

\

 

' “But, thanks to that noble young American
ofiicer, we escaped from his clutches, and we
can return to our home on the Atlantic, and
there dwell in peace, for Bianca will never track
us there.

_ “ Such my dear child, is the story of in
life, and bitter indeed is the thought thatl’
to tell you of my brother’s crime.”

“ You are not guilty, father, for no one could
have done more than you did for your brothers.

past
have

and if one has turned pirate, he has his own‘.

crimes alone to answer for, so bury him from all '
memory once more as you have in the past, and
we Will not let his eVil deeds make our lives un-

hapgy”

.“ on are the dear, noble girl I thought you,
Sibyl, but hark! a boat is coming alongside. for
there is a bail,” and as the skipper spoke Bronx
appeared at the cabin companionway to report
the return of the surgeon, and along with him
Lieutenant Moncrief of the Scorpion.

CHAPTER VII.
THE JEALOUS SAILOR.

SIBYL HURST had seen the young commander
of the cruiser under the glare of battle-lanterns,
and heard his voice when it had the stern ring
of warfare, and he had impressed her then in a
manner that never had man moved her before.

Taken up with her rief for her father, whom
she feared she woul see die ere another sun
should rise, she had not re arded Manton Mon—
cricf as otherwise she won d have done; but he
had been often in her thoughts, and the sur.

eon’s stfiry of the gallant sailor had interested

r rea .

en, gherefore, he was ushered into the
cabin, where she sat by the side of her father,
she arose to greet him, and to thank him for his
great kindnem to them.

She saw the face no longer lighted up with the
fire of conflict, and heard a voice that was soft
and full of the sympathy that Moncrief‘s looks ‘
gortmyed, whilet epressure of his hand, though

rm, was the grasp of a friend.

“I certame am most lad to see on improv—
ingsora idly, Captain urst,” sai; the youn
comman er, as he took a seat by the wound
man.

Then followed a pleasant chat upon general
topics, and anton Moncrief was well enter-
tained and left the bri to return tohis schooner
with the knowledge t at the skipper and his
dau hter were no ordinary peo 1e.

ith the sunset the win arose, and it.
brought with it a brig-of-war flying the British

ag.

“Hold on for port and I will throw myself
between on and the Englishman,” signaled
Manton oncrief from his vessel, and the Mer-
maid was crowded with all the sail that her jury
rig would bear.

‘ That brig is larger than the schooner,” said
Sibyl, as she stood on deck watching the prepa-
rations of the American to throw himself in the
way of the Englishman.

She addressed the surgeon. who answered:

“ Yes; and she has a very hea‘y armament, I
notice.”

“It seems cowardly that we should run awav
and leave the schooner to fight our battles”,
Sibyl remarked.

“No, Miss Hurst, for the cargo of this ves-
sel is worth more than a ship of the line, just
now”

“ But, Surgeon Bennett, your lace is on
board your own vessel, for there wi 1 be wound--
ed men for you to look after before long, and I.
can care for my father n0w,” and Sibyl spoke.
u ith sudden earnestness, as the thought flashcd
through her mind.

“Miss Hurst, that was my own thought.
thou h I did not wish to ask my release of you.”
“ hen go I beg of you, for you can take th

gig and readily reach the schooner.” ’

“ I thank you, and I will do so,” was the an-
swer, and the surgeon hastil entered the cabin
to visit the skipper, gave Si 1 a few instruc-
ticns as to the care of her fat er. and ascending
to the deck, found the gig ready for him.

“l‘hope we will soon See you in Charleston,
Surgeon Bennett, and for all you have done for
us I sincere] thank you.

“ My than 3 also to Lieutenant Moncrief, and
prayers for his victory,” said Sibyl, as she‘

sped the hand of t e surgeon, who bowed
ow, and with a few words of farewell, went
over the side into the gi . .

The brig at once signa ed the schooner of his
coming, , , ,
Sibyl, and bidding her to crowd the brig mt
all she would hear, adding:

“This is a formidable oe, and if he defeats
me he will press on after you: but I shall fight
him to the , so as to detain him from pursu-
ing the brig.” _

i A noble man ” muttered Sibyl, as she turned ‘
toBronx and sai :

“ We must push the bri to her utmost, Bronx,
for the schooner is no ma h for her.”

“ So I. think, Sib ,” was the reply of the
young mate, who ad ed in an undertone to him-

self:
“ I am so to wish it, but I h the Eu lish-
man will sin the schooner, for but has some

young captain is becoming a dangerous rival."

and the answer came back thanking ‘

 

 

 

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It was twilight now and the wind, freshening
briskly, was sendin the brig swiftly along.

The Scorpion maneuvered so as to lead the
British brig away from the Mermaid, but _seemg
that the Englishman seemed to divme his mo-
tive, and considerin the crippled brig a valua-
ble craft, held on a ter her. Manton.Moncrief
at once headed back so as to throw himself be-
tween the two. .

As he did so he opened fire upon the English-
man, who, anxious to end the little schooner’s
career, ave a broadside in return, and once
again ue d on after the Mermaid. .

But Manton Moncrief still held on his course,
to cross the bows of the British craft, and saw
that he would do so, unlem he was greatly dam-
aged, and thus give the Mermaid over a league
start.

This maneuvering Sibyl saw from the deck of
the Mermaid, and it was very plain to her that
Manton Moncrief meant to save the brig and its
valuable cargo, even at the sacrifice of the
schooner. .

“ He is a plucky fellow, that young captain,
for he must know that he has no chance with
that British brig,” said Bronx admiring the
courage of his rival, for such he was, as the
young mum‘s words had admitted.

The fact was that Hugh Bronx was a young

sailor whose mother’s farm ad 'oined that of
Captain Hurst. and he loved ibyl from the
time she was a little girl of twelve, and always
looked u in her as his especial property.
The ad been “sweethearts,” as it were,
and Syibyl had always liked him, though the
idea of real love for the fine-looking young
sailor had neyer entered her heart or brain.

Hugh Bronx had been a sailor six months in
the year from boyhood on his father’s coastin -
packet that ran from Boston to New YOI‘K,
goin through Louor Island Sound and touching
at eWport, New ndon and Sag Harbor.

Skip r Bronx was a farmer as well asasailor
2.3}! is t his wife and son acomfortable home

on he was lost at sea one night of storm,
when Hugh, by a fortunate accident was not
on board, and thus became his mother’s protec-
tor.

Hugh was a fine young fellow, dcvottxl to his
mother, whom he idolized, and was very con-
tent to give up the sea to be near Sibyl.

When Skipper Hurst built his brf; at Sag
Harbor, Hugh Bronx was of great hclp to him
in many ways, and when the Mermaid sail-
ed with the valuable cargo on board, he
had been offered the position of second mate,
and gladly accepted it, Captain Hurst remark-

m :

g‘Sibyl is m first mate, Hugh, for she oes
with me, and t e Mermaid belongs to her; ut
if you care to go as second mate the berth is
yours.”

Hugh Bronx was delighted, and in fact would
have gone as an ordinary seaman, or cabin
steward, to be near Sibyl, and thus it is that
the reader finds the young sailor on board.
yielding to the fair commander of the Mermaid
perfect obedience in all things.

But Bronx was by no means blind, and des-
perately jealous, and so he found himself wish—
ing two such dangerous individuals as Were
Lieutenant Moncrief and Surgeon Bennett out
of the way.

“These flne manners, brass buttons and rank
will turn her head from ]poor plain Hugh Bronx,”
be muttered to himse over and over again,
until he grew reall revengeful toward them in
his deepseated jea ousy.

CHAPTER VIII.
THE SACRIFICE.

Wm; his manliness asserting itself, Hugh
Bronx had 0 nly raised the pluck of Manton
Moncrief, w 0 so idly threw himself in the
way of‘xthe English cruiser as a sacrifice to save
the Mermaid and her valuable cargo.

As the shadows darkened upon the sea, and
the,Mermaid held on her wages swiftly as her
limited rig would admit of, t ibyl went into the
cabin, leaving Hugh Bronx at the wheel.

The wounded skipper lay there, ggnng out of
the stern cabin ports upon the nglish and
American cruisers, both of which he c d see,
and Sibyl took a seat near him and wh she
could watch them also. .

“‘ Who has the deck, my child?” asked the
Wounded man.

)‘ Bronx,” answered Sibyl, who had dropped

ling the younfisailor
ugh.

 

Bronx on board ship when ashore it was
' “ Is the Mermaid doing her best?”

“Yes, father”

“She is really seeming to make wonderful
time for the ri she has.”

“She is, fat er. The Mermaid is a remark-
able boat, and you deserve the greatest credit
for our model. ’

“ have an idea of making her intoa schooner,
Sibyl.”

“ Lieutenant Moncrief seemed to think she
would do hotter under such rig, father, and be
more easily handled and go far faster.”

“ I shall have her changed then as soon as we
teach port.” _ _

“ Bu}: you certainly will not command her,

er

I .

“No, my sea life is over, my child; but I
would present her to that gallant young lieuten-
ant w o richly deserves her, and my word for
it, he will win a name in her; but of course
you’liave the say as to whether I shall do so or
n t

“ I do not think she could serve our country
in better hands, sir, and from present appear-
anees, I believe he will need a vessel very soon.”

“ Ah! you refer to his present daring attack
upon the pirate to save us?”

“ Yes, sir."

“ They are both opening now, retty hotly,
and the schooner’s fire is coolly elivered and
with ood aim.”

“ es, sir; but the Englishman is double the
schooner’s tonnage, her armament is twice as
heavy, and she carries two to one in the number
of her crew, for I examined her closely through
my glass,” and there was anxiety in the voice
and face of the maiden.

“ Then he/has no chance.”

“ I do not think that he expected to, father.”

“ Why should he risk such a combat, than?”

“ To save this brig on] , sir.”

“ That is it, you may epend upon it for he is
just the man to do such a thing; but I am glad
gou slept the surgeon back to his post of duty,

iby . .

“ Yes, sir, for there will be work for him to
do; but see, the schooner gives the brig a broad-
side,” and as Sibyl. spoke the broadside of the
Scorpion was turned upon the Englishman.

It was too dark to see the effect, but the brig
returned the fire promptly, and at once the fir-
ing became hot and rapid.

The flashes of the guns showed Sibyl and her
father just where the two vessels were. and that
the schooner would not leave her )sition be-
tween the enemy and the escaping ermaid.

The Englishman fired furiously and fast, and
it seemed stran e that the little schooner could
take such punis ent; but the fplucky American
kept up his slow but steady re, and still held
his own, it seemed.

Further and further away sped the Mermaid,
until at last the fire of the two vessels seemed to
mingle together, as the flashes were visible, and
Sibyl said:

“Father, they are broadside to broadside
now.” ,

“ It can end but one way, Sibyl, though the
American is making a fight I did not believe

szsible.

“ Ha! that was a broadside from the brig at
short range!”

“ Yes, sir, and the schooner replies feebly,”
answered Sibyl.

“There, see those flashes! that means small—
arms now, and the heavy guns have ceased.

“ Hark! hear those cries at even this great
distance— No! that was the schooner’s broad-
side, ay, and the brig answers. so they have not
yet boarded,” and Captain Hunt seemed so
greatly excited that Sibyl, ever watchful of

im, said:

“Father, you must not endanger your owu
life, sir, so p ease lie back upon your pillow, or I
shall have to close the ports and shut out the
sight.”

“ True, I was too excited, my child: but I
cannot help it, when I see such superb pluck as
that noble Moncrief is showing.

“ Go on deck, please, and see that the brig
does not lose an inch wet the sails and make her
fly, for it will be too had, after Moncrief’s sacri-
fice, to have this craft captured.”

“ Then you think the schooner will be taken,

‘ father?”

“ It éannot be otherwise, my child.

“ Hank! there comes the rattle of small-arms
again, and the heavy firing has ceased, so they
must be boarding.”

“ I will go on deck, sir.” and Sibyl hastened
from the cabin, and bade Hugh Bronx to have
the sails wetted, and do all he could to increase
the speed of the brig.

Taking the helm herself, she held the Mermaid
on her course unswervingly. while the firing far
across the sea gradually died away, the flashes
became less frequent, and then darkness and
silence reigned. , x

“ She is making eight knots, Sibyl, and can
do no more,” said Hugh Bronx, coming aft
and joining the fair girl as she stood by the
wheel.

“No, she can do no more, come what may,
Bronx; but the fight has ended between the
Seor ion and British brig.”

“ es, and a su rb fi ht it was for that
brave fellow to fig t the ritisher, Sibyl; but
fit is over, as you say.”

“ Yes, and one of these vessels is a prize to the
other now.” \

“It can only be the schooner that has struck
her flag,” was the disconsolate reply of the
young seaman, while through his brain flashed
the thought: ‘

“I wonder if Moncrief and his surgeon were
killed?” -r

 

CHAPTER IX.
a ram: 1):. ran ormo. '
Asthe night passed on. and- the best glass

 

could not any vessel in chase of the bri ,
Sibyl  to feel that perhaps the-English-

’q-.;»iu, .
.- . .e

.9,"

 

man had not triumphed, and she so ex rened
herself to Hugh Bronx, who shook his as

re 1 .

%en the sun arose the following mornin
and no sail was visible in their wake, not a bit
of canvas upon the vast expanse of water,
Sibyl told her father that perhaps, after all, the
schooner had roven the Victor.

“No, my c ild, that could not be,” was the
answer. -

“ Then why has not the English brig come on
in chase, for we have not changed our course!”

“ True, but the Britisher has good reasons for
not overhauling us, Sibyl.”

“ And those reasons?”

“ Moncrief punished her
forced to strike his flag, that
pursue us without repairs.”

“That seems reasonable,” said Sibyl, while
Bronx remarked, for he was at breakfast in
the cabin with the skipper and his daughter:

“Yes, Ca tain Hurst, the Englishman won
the fight, Without a doubt; but he was inno
condition to crow over it, after the terrific fire
the Scorpion ured upon him.”

“I sincere y hope 1 at Lieutenant Moncrief
was not killed,” and Sibyl’s face paled at the
thought.

so even if he was
she was unable to

Hugh Bronx saw this, and it came into his.

mind:

“Ah! it is the lieutenant then, rather than
the surgeon. ,

“ I will see.”

So be said aloud:

“ I would not be surprised if the loss on the
8ch ion was fearful.

“ n fact it could not be otherwise under such
a fire.”

“ We could afford to lose men, Hugh, and
many of them to save this brig’s cargo; but I
do not think Lieutenant Moncrief could be re-
placed very soon to the nav ,” said Sibyl.

“ And his surgeon is a no fellow too,” sug-
gested the young sailor. '

“ Yes, a 00d commander makes a
officer; but urgeon Bennett is not to be named
with Lieutenant Moncrief.”

“Ah! .he cat is out of the bag,” thought
Bronx. is ,

“ I see ‘w that it was the young empmaiider
of the schooner, and not the surgeon, as I half
thought. r -

“ \Vell, I hope that Manton Moncrief fell un
der the fire of the Eu ishmau though I can

almost hate myself for t e thought' but no man,

must come between me and my ove for that
girl,” and, impressed by his jealous, reven e»
ful feelings the young sailor arose from 
table and went on deck, while Captain Hurst
remarked:

“What ails Hugh of late, for he does not
seem himself .3”

“ He is anxious about you. father, and for the
safety of the Mermaid, well knowing what a
dire calamity it would he did her cargo not

reach the Carolinas.”

Such was Sibyl’s explanation but she too had
noticed the manner of Hugh Bronx, and into
her woman’s mind was stealing the thought that
she was the cause, for the young sailor had
shown to her the same gloomy nature several
times before, when other beaux were attentive
to her, for, beautiful and an heiress, the maiden
had many admirers among the sterner sex. and
her lovers could be numbered by the score,
though she had never s‘. own a preference to any

one, unless that one wa; the i: ate of the Mer- ,

maid.

So the good vessel held on her way, all anxi-
ously watching for a sail in chase, and wide-
in" when none was seen.

Toward the afternoon of the next da land
Ends sighted. and by sunset the cripple; brig

a
in ,harleston arbor, the gantle aving been
safe]: run, while it becoming known that the
vessel brought much needed arms, ammunition
and stores for the American forces in the Caro-
linas, the whole town was illuminated, 

guns were fired in honor of the brave skipper ~

and his crew.

Captain Hurst had in Charleston an old met:

chant friend, who dwelt in a lordly home upon
the shore of the. harbor, and he at once _
the brig and insisted that the skip r and his
daughter should be the guests of  mansion
while they were in the town, and so it was de-
cided, greatly to the joy of Sibyl, who knew
that her father would receive far better care
ashore than he could on the Mermaid, and he
most comfortable besides.

Poor Hugh Bronx nrggd against it, as he said
it would be dangerous remove the ski r in

his then weak condition; but his real reason was '

that he feared to have Sibyl go where she would
a: surrounded by the young officers stationed
ere.

But the skipper was safely maved, and that
night rested comfortabl in luxurious quarters
in the fine mansion of his friend, Major Perry
White, the commander of one of the water bat-
teries near. V

The grounds were extensive, beautifully or-
namented with trees, shrubs and flowas in pro-
fusion, and from her windows Sibyl could see

in 

on one side the Mermaid,-

\

in lg the forts and dropped anchor , '
t

—.\

 

 

 

 

  

' constrained wa ,

,

6

of the Government dock, and discharging her
valuable car 0, and upon the other the distant
sea and the orts.

It was decided that the brig should go at once
upon the stOcks for repairs, and to have a
schooner rig in place of her other, and as this
would take several weeks, both the skip r and
Sibyl settled themselves comfortably in their
new quarters for that length of time.

After a reception the next night by the major
and his wife, in their grand parlors, which all
the prominent people of the town attended, and
at which Sibyl was made a heroine, she retired
to her room at midnight.

It was starlight, and, seated in her window,

I the flag of the States, mi ht

 

she gazed out upon the scene of beauty before ;

her.

Far out upon the sea she beheld a light, and
then another, moving slowly along, and getting
her glass, which she had brought with her, she
turned it out upon the dark waters.

“ Theyare vessels, but more I cannot make
out.

“ Doubtless they are some of the English
blockading fleet, which were fortunately absent
when we ran in, or the Mermaid, after all,
might not have escaped.”

So she said to herself, and watching the lights
for some time, she saw them remain stationary,
and the more convinced that they were English
cruisers that often blockaded the port, she re-
tired to rest.

She was awakened by voices outside, and at
once recognized one speaking as Hugh Bronx.

The sun was shining brightly, and she knew
that she had slept late, so arose quickly and
dressed herself.

What she heard Hugh say caused her to go
to the window overlooking t 9 sea and throw it
open.

There were two vessels in the offing, evidently
those whose lights she had seen the night he-
ore.

Taking up her glass she leveled it u n one of
the craft, and instantly her face pa ed as she
muttered:

“ It is the Scorpion."
’ There indeed was the little American cruiser,
but the joy at sight of her was turned to sorrow
at the sight of the English flag flyin at her
peak, with the United States colors neath,

o

‘ showin beyond all doubt how the fierce combat

had an ed.
“ feared it; but is be dead?” she murmured,
as the tears came into her eyes.

Completing her toilet, she ran into her father’s

' room.

Hugh was there, having just been brought
up-stairs by Major White, with whom he had
been talking out upon the piazza when their
voices awakened the young girl.

“ Oh, father! the schooner is the prize of the

, English brig?” cried Sibyl.

“Ah! you know that, do you, Miss Sibyl?”
said the major, adding:

“Our youn frien here, Mate Bronx, just
came over to nform our father of the fact.”

“Good-morning; iss Sibyl," said Hu h, in a

ut not notici his co d man-
ner, she took h 3 hand and said p easantly:

“Good-morning, Hugh.” ‘

Then she went over to where her father lay,
kissed him tenderl and said:

“ I hope you fee better this morning.”

“Yes, I am steadily improving, my child;
but this is bad news Bronx brings us, though
'not unexpected.”

“Yes, father; I saw these vessels come to

or last night, from my window.”

" I wish we could learn if that allant fellow,
Moncrief is dead or alive,” said t a skip r.

“ Could he not be exchanged, sir, un er flag
of truce? as I heard the general sayV last nigh
that he had cite a number of Bri ish ofiicers
fifieOners,” ibyl remarked, and Hugh hit his

p at her sug ion.

“A ’good i ea, Miss Sib l, and I shall s ak
tothe neral on the sub ect to-day for on-
crief‘s ame has reached us here, and we would
give much to see him again upon an armed

och,” Major White responded. '

“How does the work on the brig progress,

Bronx?” asked the skip r.

“ We have her out o the water, sir, and the

. Workmen begin to workon her this morning,

while I selected two su

rb masts and spars for
the schooner rig," was he reply.

“If she was armed and ready, and such a
man as Moncrief in command, he would ,0 out,
retake his schooner, and ca ture that nglish-
man, I verily believe," sai the skipper, with

"enthusiasm; and the idea seemed to impress

Hugh Bronx, for he muttered to himself as he
left the mansion: I

“ And why phonld not I do as well as Manton
Moncrief’i”

 

CHAPTER X.
mu our ran sna.

Au. da ion the angry townspeo 10 kc t
their e131 n ghe vessels in the omngfihe deli)!-
ant B tish rig and its prize, and man bewail-
ed that there was no way to retake the merican
schooner, and prayed that some cruiser, bearing

‘1 '  ;.:='h

.s!_»v

 

 

The Sea Siren.

nt in an appear-
ance to engage the saucy ng ishman.

But no such good luck came, and night fell
with the brig and her prize still lying at
anchor.

After supper Sibyl wandered out upon the
piazza.

She was alone. for her father lay in his room
the major’s duties had called him away, an
Mrs. White was something of an invalid.

From the piazza Sibyl strolled throu h the
grounds toward a' rustic arbor upon the arbor
shore.

It was 11 n a int of land, jutting out from
the groun s, an was a favorite resort with the
inmates of the mansion in the late afternoon and
upon balmy nights.

From the point she could see the lights of the
two vessels in the offing and she seated herself
in the arbor and gazed upon them with strange
feelin s filling her heart.

“ ould that I knew his fate.

“ Would that I knew whether he was dead or
alive?”

So she murmured, and over her stole the
thought that she was becoming deeply interested
in the handsome young naval officer.

“There are vessels in this harbor that could
be manned and run out toattack the English-
man if some one had the luck to lead.

“ If I were only a man would throw a crew
on board some vessel arm them thoroughly, run
out and board that n lishman before he could
get his anchor up, and ht it out upon his own

cck for victory or do eat,” she said, with a
sternness of tone that was not like her usual
voice, so full of music and richness.

For a lon time she sat there, lost in deep
thought, an then her eyes fell upon a dark ob-
ject upon the waters.

The night was starlight, though clouds were
beginning to sweep over the heavens and she
could see the object that had caught her eyes,
sweeping along upon the inflowin tide.

Nearer it came until she hear a splash, and
then the object divided in two, one coming to-
ward the shore, at the very point where she was
seated.

“ It is too small for a boat,” she murmured.

“Yes, it is a swimmer, and he will land here.

“ He was evidently floating on a spar, or a
sunken boat,” and she watched the moving head
as it neared the shore.

Reaching the sand point the swimmer -
gered out of the dept s and shaking himself li e
a huge Newfoundland dog, stood as though rest-

I .

11Then he glanced toward the two vessels in the

21mg, and shaking his clinched fist at them said
on :

“ Remain where you are, roud En lishman,
for a short while longer, an if I find t e brave
hearts I hope to in this port, I’ll lower your flag
for on, or die in the attempt.”

a evidently did not suspect that any one was
near, and turning, started toward the path that
lep 13p to the mansion.

‘ aptain Moncriefl”

The man started, gazed about him for an in-
stant, and then said:

“Did I hear my name spoken by human lips,
or was it an angel’s voice ’

“ Captain Moncrief. I welcome you out of the
sea,” and Sibyl step forward and grasped his
hand all wet thong it was.

‘ iss Hurst!”

He fairly ga the words.

“Yes. I am ibyl Hurst.”

“ And the brig arrived in safety, then?”

“ Yes; thanks to your noble sacrifice, sir. ”

“ I su it was a sacrifice, Miss Hurst, for
I lost my schooner,” he said, with a smile.

“ After a most desperate battle with a foe
double your size.”

“ Yes, it was the worst fight I ever fought;
but I was determined the bri should escape.”

“  looked cowardly in us run oil’ and leave

on.

“ Oh, no, for your cargo was not to be risked
for human life.

“ No, without us, and with but a few men
and crippled cra t, you could only run for it, and
I am happy y u escaped.”

“ Tell me 0 your combat, Captain Moncrief.”

“ There is little to tell, though my men and
vessel suffered terribly, in fact half my crew
were slain or wounded: but I kept pegging
away at the brig, hoping to cut away her masts
and prevent her pursuit of on, while, with my
spars still unharmed, I con (1 get away with my
schooner.

“ Finding I could not cut down her masts, I
determined to board llt‘l', or run her down, so as
to sink her, and I did the latter, my helmsman
losing his nan, just as he came near, and fail-
ing to strike lwl‘ l‘m’r.

‘ I boarded him. but it was a useless fight, and
seeing that he could not give chase for hours, as
he was in no condition to do so, I stopped the
slauvhter on both sides and surrenderml.”

“And you Were not harmed yourself 1” anx-
iousl asked Sibyl.

“ id not get a scratch, as you may know,
when I tell you that I swam from the British
brig into the harbor, when 1 came up with a
floating spar that helped me greatly. '

fl

 

r

“I just left it to land here, feelin that I
would find friends to our cause at you er man.
men.

“But how did you escape, Captain Moncrief?”

“ I have fortunately, a very small hand, Miss
Hui-st, and they put me below decks with a
number of my crew, placing irons on one wrist
of all of us, and chaining us to the decks.

The iron on my wrist I discovered, was a
large one, so to-night I slipped it off, lowered
myself from the open port and struck out for
the shore, whispering to the one nearest to me
and who was Surgeon Bennett, that I intended
to risk the long swim.

“The tide was running in, as I had observed
before making the attempt. and i thought that
I might find men who would go with me and r9
capture my schooner.”

‘ Captain Moncrief, on are a brave man in-
deed, and I am so gin that you are free; but
how selfish of me to keep you here, wet and
tired as you are, when you need dry clothing
and food.

“ Come my father and myself are guests here
at Major Terry White’s mansion, and you will
be most welcome, for Captain Moncrief, the
Dashing Privateersman, as you are called, is by
no means unknown here.”

“Thank on, Miss Hurst, I will accompany
you, with p easure: but if I can get a volunteer
crew and a craft here, I will be better known,
for I intend to recapture my schooner,” was the
determined response of Manton Moncrief, as he-
walked along with Sibyl toward the mansion.

CHAPTER XI.
HUGH BRONX’S PLOT. -

A WARM welcome was give". to the young
officer, by both Captain Hurst and Major bite
for the latter had returned to the mansion, and
were in the skipper’s room when Sibyl entered
with Manton Moncrief.

Dry clothing was at once given him by the
major, a warm supper was ordered, and while
discussing this, with a good appetite, after his
few da 3 of hard fare as a prisoner, the lieuten-
ant to (1 again the story of his combat and es-

cape.

“ The British brig lost heavily,” he added,
“and was so badly out n that it took a day to
make repairs, before the ermaid could be fol-
lowed, and so we were late in arriving of! this

rt.

“And are your men all on board the brig,
Lieutenant Moncrief?” asked Major White.

“No, the wounded men were left on the-
schooner, and the rest of us were taken on
board the brig;

“ And you ink the schooner could be taken,

as she now lies!”

“ Yes, I think a boat attack could be made,
boardingl the schooner, slip ing his cable, and
getting under the cover 0 the forts before the

rig could do us much damage; but my idea
was to take men enough to ca ture the schooner,
and then run her aboard the Erig and carry her
by boarding.”

“What force has the brig?”

“ About a hundred men on the brig, and
thirty as a rise crew on the schooner.

“She a crew of a hundred and sixty, and
sixteen guns: but her loss was considerable in
killed and wounded in the action.”

“ You think a boat attack would be safer
than mug in a vessel?"

“ es, Major White, for a vessel would be
sighted, and her object divincd, for they know
there is no American cruiser now in port.

' “ Boats, with muffled cars, could creep well
up before being seen and more, they could
board before much reelstance could be offered
while sending picked men to slip the cable and
set sail at once, others could fight for mastery
as we sailed for the brig, which would have but
little time to are are for resistance, as she lies
but a good ca 10 s length from the Scorpion.”

. ‘éAnd you would need about how many men,
811‘

“I Would risk it with a hundred.”

“ I will supply you with the boats and men to—
morrow night, Lieutenant Moncrief, for your
plan is a good one—well orderly, what is it?"
and the major turned to a soldier who just then
entered the supper room.

“A large vessel has 'ust passed out by the
forts, sir, and Captain rifiin told me to report
it to on, sir.” _ .
“ _hl what can she be?” asked the major in

an rise.

{PHe said he received this note, sir, shortly be.
fore she came down,” and the sergeant handed
the major a note. ’

It was addressed to I

“Comma Harbor Forts."
Opening it he read aloud:

“sz—Itis my intention to run out to-night and
attack the British brig and schoon. r in the cilia . so
kindly let me pass unchallenged, as i wish my [5an
kept secret to the last.

“ I secured a merchant ba we today. and a
couule of heavy guns I mount. upon her bows,
while I have a crew of seventy men, and by surpris-
lng the enemy, hope to take him.

“ Very Be . tfully,

“ cos B in .
“ Second Halo 0/ Brig 11mm “in I

 

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The Sea Siren.

7

 

This letter was a great surprise to Sibyl, and
she clapped her ban s with de ' ht and cried:
“Bravo for Bronx! it is j like the brave
fellow; but he has taken the wind out of your
sails, Lieutenant Moncrief.”
. “ Yes, he has saved you the risk of an attack
' in boats, sir; but how perfectly quiet he kept
the whole thing, for he was here this mormng
and said nothing about his plot,” the major re-
marked. _
But Manton Moncrief looked serious, and
said:
“I am sorry he has gone, for that English
commander is too wide awake not to notice a
Ilarge vessel a preaching, and he has a heavy
“a armament, an the barque and her brave crew
will suffer, while Mr. Bronx has not men anon h
for the work without a perfect surprise— A !
there is a heavy gun, and the Enghshman has
sighted the approach of the barque,” and all
hastened to an upper room, that commanded a
pgfect view of the harbor and the vessels in the
o n .
When they arrived there the roar of heavy
guns filled the air and far out upon the waters
the red flashes lighted up the sea and rendered
the vessels visible.
The barque was heading directly toward the
British brig, and not half a mile from her, while
her two pieces of artillery were being fired rap-

idfiupon her.
return, she was receiving the fire of both
the brig and the schooner while both vessels
were rapidly getting up anchor and setting sail
to meet the attack.
“ He is foolhardy,” said the major.
“ Yes, he will be captured.”
And Sibyl turned her gaze upon the face of
- Lieutenant Moncrief to see what he thought of
i the young mate’s rec ess attack.
But Mdncrief said noth' , and kept a glass to
his 9 e, intently gazing at t e scene.
“ You see he stands 0 in spite of the double
; fire, Lieutenant Moncrie , and he may win yet,”
I cried the ma or.
r , “ He acts he a desperate man, Major White,
irather than a brave one, for he has but two
! small guns, a large, slow—sailing barque, and a
3 crew he certainly does not know as he has had
: no opportunity to try them, and he will simply
: become a prize for the Englishman,” was the
' replfi of the young sailor.

‘ gad! you are right. See there I”

As the major spoke, the bowsprit of the

barque was shot away, the vessel lay to, and the

.bri and the schooner, now under sail, headed
rap dly down upon the ill-fated craft.

‘ She has surrendered; t o had!” said Mon-
crief, as, a few moments after, the firing ceased
and silence reigned out upon the waters.

‘ ' “Yes, Hugh has been foolhardy, and sealed
his own fate ’ Sib lsaid.
“ Major bite
“ Yes, Lieutenant Moncrief.”
“The men you were to supply mewith are
soldiers, are they not!” ,
“Yes, sir.”
“ From the harbor forts?”
6‘ Yes.”
-.' “ Are there any seamen in the port, sir?”
i “ Yes. a few on merchant vessels.”
1
l

w...

“ Could I get, say, twenty-fivepr thirty!”

“ Certainly.”

“ To-nightl”

“ It would be difficult to do so to-ni ht, sir.”

“ I will try it, sir, and if you will ve your
3 soldiers. say four-score men, ready for me with-
} in three hours, I will come by the forts with

v‘ what sailors I can get.”

“ Do you mean to go out to-night, sir?” asked
the amazed major.
, “Yes, just assoon as I can do so, for the En-
glishman will not expect another attack to-
night,” was the uiet response and ten minutes
after Manton oncrief and a or White left
A the mansion to carry out the  d plan of the
' young sailor, to capture the British vowel and
retake the prizes.
CHAPTER XI.
THE NIGHT sxrmnmox.
- WHAT Moncrief set forth to do, he did nick-
; ly and well, so that it was but a short wh e at-
lter leavin the white mansion before he had
1 thirty g seamen under his command.
Major White had driven him to the place

I , where the merchant vessels lay, and the young

.I' sailor had at once set about et! ing a crew,

I while the soldier went down to his forts to pick

,  men for the daring expedition.

, vm secured four good men and a boat,

, Moncrie rowed from vessel to vessel, told his

. errand and secured from on board one craft two
men, from another three, and so on until he had
the number he wished.

He picked out the test boats for rowing and
carrying men, had the cars securely muffled
and then set out for the forts.

It mas after midnight when he reached the
fort w ere.MaJor White awaited him, his men,
four-score in number, drawn up in line upon the
sandy beach, armed to the teeth, but stripped of
311 extra clothing.

“ M there is honor to be gained in your to-

. night’s work, and plenty of prise money too, so

'Imntnomantogowith mewhofears todie,

 

and his not willing to obey my orders to the
eat .

“ If there is any such man in this party, he he
sailor or soldier, let him ste out now, for he
will be only in the way of g men and true in
the expedition I have on hand to-night.”

So spoke the young sailor and not a man
moved from the soldier’s ranks, or came out of
the boats lying at the shore, though all heard
the terse words addressed to them. '

“ Men, I would say to you, that
confidence in your leader, that this is Lieutenant
Manton Moncrief, the Dashing Privateersman,
who this night escaped from the British brig, by

swimming ashore, and who is determined to re- =

take his schooner and rescue the gallant Ameri-
can prisoners held upon those vessels in the
oiling,” and at Major White’s words the men
would have broken forth in a cheer, had they
not been quickly checked.

“ My men, I wish to divide (you into two par-
ties, one of fifteen seamen an sixty soldiers to
makea dash with me upon the schmner, the
other party, under a gallant captain here, con-
sisting of us many seamen and twenty soldiers,
to board um! curry the barque captured to-night,
and which lies near the brig-of-war.

“The seamen are to get up anchor and set
sail at once, while the soldiers are to do the

fighting.

Once under wa , the schooner and barque are '
ritish cruiser, board her and .

to head for the
carr her thus:

“ nce fibu have the bar as in your possession, '

Captain ainbridge.” an Moncrief turned to

the young soldier who was to be second in com-

nhiand, and to whom the major had introduced
1m:

“ You will release the prisoners on board, for 3

thev will aid you tly.”

With these few orders the s ilor commander ‘

bade Major White good-b , bowed to the officers
of the fort who were here, and entered his
boat]. the soldiers quickly following his ex-
am e.

e forces were then divided into two boat
columns, there bein three boats in one and six
in the other, all wit oars heavily muffled, and

weighted deep in the water so as to present as 1
little obstacle as possible for the sharp—eyed look- =

out on the vessels to discover.

Silently they sped away in the darkness, fol- ’

lowed by the 00d wishes of the oflicers and men

in the fort, al of whom stood at their posts 1

waiting for the conflict that must soon begin.

Not a word was spoken on the boats, the oars
rose and fell without sound, and the tide, which
had turned, aided their advance toward the
enemy. .

The lights from the three vessels wore visible,
for the cagtured barque lay in a line with the
brig and t e schooner. and a quarter of a mile
only divided the British cruiser from the Scor-
pion and her other prize.

“ There is your me, Captain Bainbriél'ge
and, you know my structions ” said Mon of

in a whisper, addressing the soldier, whose boat
was alongside of his own.
“ All right, Captain Moncrief. ~

“Good-night and success,” was the low re-
sponse, and the two columns of boats seed,
one heading toward the schooner, the ot for
the barque.

There was a light wind, and the sea was
quiet, and as the m ht had come on dark, ow-
ing to heavy clou obscuring the skies, the
boats Were hardly visible half a cable’s length
away, as Moncrief was lad to observe when he
parted with Captain Ba nbridge. \

Seated in the window in her father’s room,

' Sib 1 had awaited the attack.

e skipper, knowing what was going on
could not sleep, and as he knew that ibyl
would not retire until she knew what the re-
sult would be, he had asked her ,to come into
his room.

There she had been seated, conversing in a
low tone with her father, while she watched
and waited.

With hi‘l‘ stron lass she could see the dis-
taut vessels, the g ts of the three rising an
falling upon the swell, and the suspense was
awful, for she had noted the boats passing down
the harbor and knew that they must be rowing
out to the death-struggle.

“ They must soon attack, my child, unless the
xpedition has been given up to-night,” said the

p r.

c
sk gs

“ o, father, for Major White would have re-
turned had it been given up.”

“ True, and Moncrief is not a man to give u
what he undertakes, but it will be dawn soon.
Al‘l‘lyot for more than an hour yet, father—

The cry came from her lips, as bright flashes
suddenly became visible far out upon wa-
ters, and to their ears came the sound of fire-
arms that told her the attack had begun.

.CHAPTER XIII.
run FIGHT FOR uaeraY.
“ 11' has begun, Sibyl,” said the skipper, mov-
ing uneasily in his excitement.
“Yes father.” ‘
“W ch vessel has he attacked!”
“ The schooner and the barque.” .

you may feel i

l “ You can see?”
i “ Yes, sir, for the flashes of the fire-arms

1 der the vessels visible.”

I “ And the Englishman?”

I “Is setting sail I think, sir, and getting up
I anchor.”

I “ He is not firing?"

, “ No, sir, for he has prise crews upon both
i the barque and schooner, you know.”

| H True.”

For a moment no word was spoken, and then
,5 Sibyl cried exultautly:

 “ They have carried the schooner!”

, “ How do you know?”

, “ She is under way, her sails are being 86
. rapidly, and she heads for the brig.”
i “ Bravo! Moncrief is there, my child.”
I “ Yes, father.”
3 “ And the ba uel”

. “Is now movmg, sir, but they are fighting
i fiercely; upon her decks, as you can hear y the
. ;:,'§es; but is there no firing upon the schoon-

‘ er
“No, sir.”
“ Then she is certainly captured.”
“ True, father. ”
“ And the barque?"
“ There is still fighting on board, in the fore-
: castle, though she is sailing along.”
“ In which direction?”
“Toward the brig.”
i “ And the brig?”
“ Is crowding on sail, though her anchor is
not et up sir.’
“ a! what is that?” ’
“ The schooner, father.”
I “ She has opened upon the brig?”
h “,Yes, sir; .and is standing down to board
‘ er.
“ Brave Moncrief!”
“He will win, father, for the fighting on the
ue is over.’
“ ut our men may not have won.” ,
1 br‘i‘ True, father; but she heads toward the
‘ That may be to aid her, in child.”
,l “ Yes, sir; but do you hear t ose cries!”
“I do, indeed.”
“ They seem to come from the schooner and
5 the bar ue.”
“ An hark! the British answer them, and
their cheer is louder.”
, “No, father no! that last cheer is from the
; forts, sir, and am sure that Lieutenant Mon-
' crief is, so far, the winner.” -
“ But the brig is yet to be taken!” .
“ Yes, sir; and she is opening fire on both the
| bar no and schooner, for she is now moving.”
“ wonder if he will run?” '
3 $51; cannot now sir, she wieseullg.”
y, because e sc ooner ying along~
I my}? heliil-d! vellilsl'has happened!”
y c ' my c i l w t
“ The barque is on fire, father!”
“ Ha! then many lives will be lost!”
w flames arebreakmg' outinhslf adom
p !
“ What are the men doing!”

, “ Her decks are crowded, sir, and they are 

5 layin her to.”
; “ ey have boats?”
“ Yes, sir, and are going into them now.

3 “ They have those e attacking board-
! ed in, and are 10wering those from 
9 davits, and are working rapidly.”

“ They have need to.”

“ Yes sir: for the flames gain headway with
wonder rapidity.”

“ Heaven save the poor wounded follows on
board l”

“ The boats are putting away, sir.”
fl “rWhat! and deserting their comrades to the

re

“ Alas! it seems so, sir.”

“ Too bad that men should be so inhuman;
but what of the brig and schooner?”

" They lie side by side, sir, and the fight is
ragin upon the brig’s deck.”

‘ ou canseeallnow, lie},- Inoticethe glare

d I of the burning bark m

“ Yes, father; “nd 0 l joy!”

“ What is it, child!”

“ The three boats that left the barque, sir, are
filled with armed men, for the flames ghsten
u n their weapons, and they are pulling with
a l haste to the schooner to aid their friends for
a young officer stands in the bow of the lea ing
boat his sword drawn, and waving them on.”

“ rave fellow!”

while ”men are lowering the iwounded into

t em. ,
“ They are not inhuman, after all. But what

of the scbmner and the brig, child?” ' ,
“There is one dparty drivin the other, air,

for they are ami ships now,

mons, yet one side yields slowly.
“ And the rescuing boats?”

clamber on board—the youn oilicer leads them

—he is upon the brig’s bu wark—oh! he has

sprung down into the midst of the

was giving way, and his men follow him ,
“ ark! hear their cries, father !”
“Thank God! down come the B

 

“ And other boats are alongside of the bark, .

hting hke do- > ‘
“ Are now reaching the schooner’s side: they

tint

 

    
 

I!   - Clin-

 

'ed, so that she had gone up in flame ibyl

, quarter-deck of the captured brig, and lobservc

_ I judge,” from the cheers that come from but
r

 ,to his side of the Egg ish brig, and Lieutenant by Captain Baintgrnig 

 

,

8 ' ‘ The Sea Siren.

 

and up goes the American flaw, and it is Mon- Moncrief and Captain Bainbridge also were
crief that has raised them, for can see him dis— . asked.
tmctly with my glass in the vivid glare.” “ 1 will go with leasure, thank you, major,

“ Father, he has won the fight which Hugh ard I feel sure that ’laptain Bainbridge will not
Bronx lost!” and dropping her head upon her ' refuse,” said Moncrief pleasantly, and turning to
bands Sibyl burst into tears of real joy as to her ‘ the English officers, half a dozen in number, he
tears came wild cries of trium )h from the sol‘ i continued:
diers at the fort, who seemed delirious with joy. 7 “Gentlemen, I acce t your parole not to
 leave the vessel, so wil not place you in con-
. fincment."

'l’hen Moncrief followed young Bainbridge
into the major’s boat, which at once pulled for
the mansion, disa pomting the populace, who
had ho )ed it won] land at the town.

_S a ing pleasantly to Hugh Bronx, Moncrief
sai -

‘ CHAPTER XIV.
INGRATITUDE.

HAVING convinced herself that it was no op- 2
tical illusion, but a reality, that Manton Mon- ,
crief had won the fight, and so told her father, =
Sibyl was willing to seek her room and gain the l
rest she greatly needed after the night of ex- :
citement.

She had seen, by the burning bark, that the
wounded had been removed, and the boats were
r0wing to the schooner, which had now drifted ,
a rt from the brig, and now lay to not far 1 “You will have to ask Ca tain Hurst, sir,”
distant, the British cruiser being in charge of a i was the somewhat sullen rep , and Moncrief
prize crew. 1 said no more, as he could not but notice the

The flames of the burning vessel also showed manner of the young mate.
her that the forts were crowded with soldiers 3 Arriving at the mansion, Ma 'or White wel-
eagerly watchin the scene, and shouts were re- , comed his guests, and at the oor they were
sounding throng the town at the glorious vic— l greeted by Mrs. \Vhite and Sibyl.
tory won. “Lieutenant Moncricf, I congratulate you

‘ And he is spared, as though he bore a f with all my heart upon your splendid achieve—
charmed life,” murmured Sibyl, as she laid her ment, and for rescuing our gallant mate here,
head upon her pillow. Mr. Bronx, who so recklessly ran into the lion‘s

“And Surgeon Bennett, and poor Hugh, and I month,” said Sibyl.
that gallant youn officer who led the attack , “Fate faVOis some, but it turned its back on
on the barque an then went to the rescue of me,” said Hu 11 Bronx, ina half-whisperto Sibyl.
the schooner, 1 hope they are all unharmed,” She turne( quickly upon him, saw his dark
and with this ho e in her heart she went to face full of gloom, and said:
sleep, from whic she was awakened by the “Hugh, 1 am so glad to see you safe once
thundering of heavy guns down the harbor. more, and you owe much to Lieutenant Mon—

In alarm she sprung from the bed an rushed , criot' in the way of gratitude.”
to the window. l “I owe him only hatred,” was the fierce re-

The sun had been up for several hours. and joinder, as the young mate turned away and a.“-
what she beheld was a sight that thriiled her cended to the room of the skipper, and unhccd-
heart with pride, for up the harbor came the ing the words of Sibyl:

Scorpion, and astern of her the British brig— “ Come, Hugh. we are going in to breakfast
of-war, while the forts were firing a salute to now, and you can see father afterward.”
the gallant men who had won so brave a battle. :

The Vessels had been through a fearful ordeal. i
as their torn bulwarks, spars and sails shew d 1
clearly and they were coming slowly along, 2
towing the boats that held the soldiers from the 3
fort.

As they passed the forts the. boats were cast
loose, the soldiers cheering wildly, and the two
vessels held on their way up toward the city.

Every vestige of the harque had disup )ear-

“ Have you any idea, sir, when Captain Hurst
will sail for home?”

“ I have not, sir,” was the cold reply.

“ Could 'ou tell me if he would part with his
brig, for I would purchase her of him, if he
would do so?”

 

CHAPTER XV.
THE mum‘s argasonvs.

“WELL, Bronx, I am glad to see you out of
the hands of tho Philistincs, and Moncrief is
deserving of all praise for his gallant rescue of
you,” said the skipper, as he saw the young
sailor enter his room.

“ That M..iicrief again.” hissed Hugh Bronx,
aim wallked toyard thialgunlge ucpon which the
s 1 r ay, an graspe is an .

Him he said, shortly:

" Thank you, sir.”

“ But how secret you kept your expedition.

“ Tell me of it.”

“There is little to tell, sir, more than that I
conceived the idea of rescuing Lieutenant Mon—
ci-ici’ and his men, and retaking his vessel.”

" it was worthy of you, Hugh; but I fear you
were too rash ”

" Face was against me, Captain Hurst, for the
barqiie was Slow, the two guns were not worth
much, and my men did not know me, or I them,

i so it was a failure."

“ And you were taken?”

“As you know.”

“ But you had little idea of a release?”

“None, sir, and et, when it was rumored
about the ship, and heard it, that it was found
that Moncrie had escaped, I supposed he would
just be fool enough to attempt to capture the

nglishman, and told them so.”

“ What! do you mean to so you at them on
their g ard against an attac i” as ed the sur-
prisei skipper.

The face of the young mate flushed, and he
stammered out:

“ Oh, no. sir; but I said that if Moncrief
Eafely reached the shore they would hear from

im

“ And they did.”

“ Yes, sir.”

“He swam ashore, was here when your attack
failed, and at once decided to act, and well did
he do it, and on should be overwhelmed with
gratitude. to im for it, as he saved you from a
cruel and long imprisonment.”

Hugh Bronx made no repl , buthis face work-
ed with the bitter thoughtst at seemed to have
taken possession of him.

“It was a useless af'air, that attack in boats,

well knew.

Dressing herself, Sibyl sought her father’s
roam, and reached the window just as the two
vessels were passing the mansion.

She saw the flag on the brig-of—war dip id
three times, in answer to the waving of icl'
kerchief from the window of the mansion and

am :
.“ Father, Lieutenant Moncrief is on the

seVeral officers in British uniform by his side,
while also with him is the young leader of the
attack on the bar uc. whom I recognize now as
Captain Robert (liainbridge who was at the
major’s reception the other night.”

“ Yes Major White spokepl’ him as a splendid
dashing fellow, rich and handsomerand told me
he seemed to fall desperately .in love with you,
Sibyl,” said the skipper slyly.

“ Did he, sir?” was the innocent response.

“ Who is on the schooner, my child?”

“ Hugh Bronx is at her wheel, father.”

“ I am glad he has “capital unhurt; but from
what you say, Moncrief not confined the
British officers below decks, which shows he is a r
generous foe, for he was put in irons.”

“They stand near him, father, gazing at the ,
town as they approach.”

“ And the town people are mad with deli ht,

quarto .

“ Yes, sir, the shore is a solid mass of peogle,
and a battery is etting ready to fire a salu .”

As Sibyl spoke t e roar of artillery was heard,
8 ing a salute, the tribute of the town to the

lant deed of the (young commander.

Rumor" had alrea s read around that it was ‘1
Manton Moncrief, t e ashin Privateersman,
who had escaped from the ritish brig, and,
with the aid of some soldiers from the forts, un-
der Captain Bainbrid 9 had retaken his vessel
and captured the Eng ishman, and all gathered
about the landing, eager to welcome him as he : Hu h.”
came on shore. “ es, sir.”

v Major White, affir the twp vessels had passed I “ oncrief led the one on the schooner, I sup-
the forts, had driven ra idly home “to order I pose?”

breakfast pre red, and ad then gone to the “ Yes, sir.”

landing to we. come Moncrief, and request that “And Captain Bainbridge led against the
he and Captain Bainbridge should return home i ba lie?”
with him. i “ es, sir.”

He‘also did not forget Hugh Bronx, including l “ What was the trouble about the barquei”
him in the invitation. especially as the skipper “ She had as many men on rd as were in
had expressed a desire to have his mate visit the attacking party, and when forced to surren-
him, and learn about his attack and co. ture. der they broke open some oil cask: and set the

flowing first on board the schooner, t e m' ba no on fire.”
urged Bronx to accompan him', and he ha 1 “ ere on on the torque?”
done so: but his brow ow rk asthe boat ran ' “ I was eld there  o prisoner, until rescued

' \ _

.u'O', 7.

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“And then you went to the aid of Moncrief?”

“I did not, as I remained in charge of the
bar no, to get the wounded and ten prisoners in-
the ts.”

“ And then?”

“ That was all, sir, for when we reached the
schooner, to which 1 took the beats, the brig had
struck her colors.”

“ Why, Hugh, you seem strangely indisposed
to talk upon the subject."

Hugh Bronx was silent for a minute and then
sale:

“Captain Hurst, will you do me a favor?”

“ Certainly, Hugh, if in my power.”

“ I am anxious to serve my country, sir, and
I wish to purchase f l om you the Mermaid, arm
her and command her as a privateer.

“ I will give you so much cash, and my note,
secured by my house, for the balance, until she
is paid for.”

‘ But, Hugh, I have already decided to give
the Mermai to Moncrief, and I thought you
knew that I was having hcr refitted for him, as
a gift?”

" Something was said about it, sir, but I will
pay you your price, for I can get privateers-
man‘s pa rs.”

“ No, ugh, I will give the Mermaid to Mon-
crief, for I owe much to him, and I would ad-
vise that ycu seek an officer’s berth under him,
for I will ask it.”

“ Never, sir!” and Hugh Bronx spoke with
savage earnestness, and seeing the surprised
look of the Sklpi‘ef‘ he added:

“No, Captain Hurst, I can never win fame
as a second officer and I am determined to make
a name for mysel .

“You know that I am a good scaman, can
command men, and I am no coward, so I will
risk all chances as ca tain of a privateer, and as
you will not sell me t e Mermaid, I mdst get an-
other vessel.”

“ Don’t be rash, Hugh, for you have had too
little experience as an officer, and your experi-
ence last night as a commander, was most disasc
trons.”

“ I fought fearful odds, sir, and with a green
crew.”

“Yet Moncrief had no better, and captured
the brig, as well as the schooner, also the
barque, though be divided his forces, and went
in boats at that.”

A muttered oath, escaped the lips of Hugh
Bronx, and he said, sharply:

“ Well, I’ll yet win as great a name as has
Manton Moncrief, Captain Hm st; you mark my
words!

“ And I beg now to resign as second mate of
the Mermaid.” ,

“ Do nothing rashly, Hugh,” said the skipper,
kindly.

“ I will not be rash: but my mind is made up,
sir, and I will turn the Mermaid over to boat-
swain Brace until her repairs are completed.”

“ Well, Hugh,I am sorry about your deci-
sion; but you know best—so pay yourself from
the ship’s fund which you have charge of, and
if you need more call upon me, while you must
keep me aware of what you are doing, said the
kind-hearted skipper. '

“You will kn0w of me, sir, and before long,”
was the reply as the ycung sailor lf ft the room,
making an cXcusc to a servant who came to
call him to breakfast, as the family awaited
him in the park ,

“ You certainly will go to breakfast with the
major, Hugh?” said the skipper.

“ No, thank you, captain, for I must get back
to the brig.

“ Please say, my man, that I have important
business calling me at once away. but thank
Major White for his kind invitation.”and Hugh
Bronx left the room, walked out of the front
door, and disappeared down the foliageaborder-
ed gravel wal . ’

The servant reported the result of his errand,
and all regretted that Hugh Bronx had not
joined them, as Captain Hurst and Sibyl had al-
wa s spoken so highly of the mate of the Mer-
maid, and his daring attempt to recapture the
schczaner with the barque had been greatly ad-
mir

 

CHAPTER XVI.
THE om.

Tim capture iof the British brig and recap-
ture of his own schooner, alon with the rescue
of the unfortunate men who ad gone in the
barque, made a greater hero than ever of the
young sailor, and many were anxious for a look
at the dashing rivateersman.

Whatever ot ers might feel of the conduct of
Hugh Bremt, Lieutenant Manton Moncrief saw
that something was wrong, but - what he could
not discover.

He had noticed that Hugh real] seemed to
regret being rescued, and had act in a man-
ner that showed real ingratitude; but not sus-
pecting his love for Sibyl, and not for a mo-
ment dreaming that he had caused him a jealous
pang, he did not know in what way to account
for the strange conduct of the Mermaid’s second

mate. ,
After breakfast the young commander was

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asked by Sib l to go up and see her father, as he
wished to tal with him, and he followed her to
the skipper’s room.

“ You are a prompt man, Lieutenant Mon-
crief, and one who carries out just what he
undertakes, and I congratulate you,” said the
ski) ‘1‘.

‘IXLnd more,“ he continued. “ I really felt as
though I was in the action, for Sibyl sat in the
window there, telling me every movement as it
Occurred, and seeing the glare of the burning
barque, and hearing the firing and the cries of
the combatants, it made the attack most real-
istic I assure you, though I lay far out of dan-
ger here.”

“ I feel

sailor colored up like a girl With )lf‘flSUI‘O, to
feel that Sihyl had watched the who 9 affair.

“ Now, lieutenant,” continued the skipper, “ I
have a favor to ask of you.”

“ It is granted, sir, before I know its tenor."

.“ “'ell. it is about my brig, or rather Sibyl’s,
for the craft really belon s to her.”

“ I wished to have a tu k with you about her,
Captain Hurst, for she is a mOst remarkable ves-
sel, tlioiivh, us I said, would make a better one
for spec and stanchness were she altered to a
schooner rig.”

“ It is 'ust' that, sir, and she is now undergo-
ing that c iange, for as you know, her foremast
was shot an ay and her mimnmast was weak-
ened."

“ Yes, she was roughly handled about the rig-
ging, though her hul was not harmed.”

“ Barely scratched, sir.

“Now, I drew the model of that vesscl and
built a small pleasure craft after it, and the re-
sult was just as I anticipated—I had a stanch
and, ver speedy boat.

“ I tried her in all kinds of weather, and made
what im )rovements I deemed for the best, and
than bui t the brig, intending to present her to
the Government as a cruiser.

“ant I was asked to use her as a d tch-
boat, on account of her speed and size an made
several runs in her, dro ping everythin that
crossed m path in smoo or rough weat er.

“ 'l‘h n {was ordered to bring much-meio'.
arms and stores here, and you know the r.»-
sult.

“ My days of service are over, and I shall re- 5

tire to my farm and live, so I wish the Mermaid
to still continue her career, and I know of no
one under whom she could win greater fame
than you, so I beg of you to accept her person-
 as a gift from me.” i

' My dear Captain Hurst, you amaze and
overcome me With your enerosity; but 1 had
determined to offer you a ig price for her, and
would like . on to sell her to me, for I cannot
acce t so uable a craft.”

"‘ ut, lieutenant, I intended to 've her to
the Government, as I said and if do, some
other omcer will command her, doubtless.

“ But I give her to you personally, and you
can fit her out and arm her as you deem best.

“She is now being fitted out, as I said, with
two splendid masts, a bowsprit of great length
and 5 rs that will enable her to spread sai
enou for a horror-battle ship, and my word for
it, she will add to her speed one-third under her
new ri .

“. Yogi: have a- chance here to get a fine but

tery for her, and can readily ship a crew in ud— ‘

dition to your own schooner’s men, for all will
be glad to serve under you, so ust Set to work
whenever you wish, for the ermaid is your
vessel, and you can have Sibyl and nigh-El" as
passengers back home, if so you will.”

"(}ludly, sir, I assure you shall the vessel be
at your service, and as frankly as you 'vo me
the vessel so I aCcept it, and when she 15' ready
for sea I shall claim you and Miss Hurst as my

dsts on your Voyage home: but there is one
filling I would like to ask you about, Captain
Hurst.”

“ Well, lieutenant?”

“ I need a good second officer, m. officers and
crew havin suffered considcrab y, and one
whom I won d appoint in that position the Gov-
ernment would confirm, if he is the right sort
ofa man, and I know of no one better than
your oung mate, as far as I know him."

“ Hg would be the very man, Lieutenant M on-
crief, and I wish you would tender him the ‘si-

v ,tion for it may get a silly notitm out 0 his

" head to o as the captain of a privatecr.“

“ I aha ldo so at once, 511‘, for he is a gentle-
man and appears to be a good sailor. while he
is brave to mklessness, as his attaLk ( n that
ha no showed.

. " Will seek him now, and get my crew organ—
lmdff‘T. a cruise in the English brig, while
awaiting the completion of. the Mermaid’s re.-
filll‘s. and which, air, with the permission of

iss Hurst and yourself, I would like now to '

call the Sea Siren.”

“ Certainly. lieutenant, you are at liberty to
do as you deem best." answered the skipper, and
he saw the younglofllcer depart. with a feeling of
real leasurc at aving been able. to return his
serv ces in part by giving him the brig; and he

' held the hope that the offer of a berth of rank in

the he would et Hugh Bronx out of his no-
flon'to’y g "

a privateersman.

flattered that Miss Hurst should have ‘
watched the attack and combat," and the young ‘

1 “Indeed! and I

 

CHAPTER XVII.
'rnr. REFUSAL.
I HUGH BRONX stood upon the end of a pier,
regarding attentively the schooner.of-war
' Scorpion.
She had been pretty well battered up, by her
sea service and late actions, but was avery
prett craft withal, and speedy, if not com-
pare with the Mermaid.
She Would make a good rivatcer, second to
few, he thought, and if Illieutcnant Mont-riet‘
was to have the Mermaid, and had also the
English brig, he certainly ought to be willing
to part with the Schooner, which Hugh had
heard was the especial property of the young
oflleer.
, “ Adinirin
' ton Moncric
; toward him.
| Hugh started, his face changed color slightly,
i and he answered with a sullen air:
“ Yes, I was admiring her, for I wish to make
you an offer for her sir.”
ve an offer to make you,
gand was looking for you when I spied you
. here.”
“ IVhat offer can you have to make me, Lieu-
tenant Moncrief?” asked Hugh in surprise.
“You are a sailor, sir, and a good one, and
- our pluck I have seen tried, while Captain
l urst gives you a mest excellent reputation as
a gentleman and seaman, so I tender you the
acting junior lieutenancy under me, until the
Government commissions you, which will be
done, as 1 send your name in at once, with an
l account of your gallant endeavor to rescue the
‘ Scor ion from the British brig.”
“ ou olfcr me this position, sir?” asked Hugh
with intense surpri~=e. .
“ Yes, and why not?”

my craft, Mr. Bronx?” said Man-
, w 0 had spied Hugh and walked

3
l “ I cannot accept it, sir, though I thank you,”

was the cold response.

“ And why not, pray?”

“ I have other plans, Lieutenant Moncrief,
and I was about to seek you also, as I (lesire to

i purchase onder schooner of you.”

“ For w at purpose, may I ask.”

“ i wish her as a privatcer.”

“ lzet’u'r accept my offer, Bronx, for then you
are commissioned in the regular navy.”

“ I prefer to go as a privatecr, captain, to a
lieutenant in too navy under another’s com-
mand.”

” You know best, sir; but tell me what you
wish me to do?”

“ Sell me the Scorpion.”

“ As I havigur’ had a present of that splen-
did brig, the er. aid, from her generous owner,
I can arrange with you, I think, Mr. Bronx, for
the schooner.”

“ He gives to him what. he refuses to sell to
me,” muttered Hugh, while he said aloud:

“ IVhat is your price for her sir?”

' “ You are really in earnest?”

“ I am, sir.” ‘

“ Well, I can afford to be generous too, so I’ll
make you a present of the schooner, With the
exce tion of one of her guns, the bow pivot.”

“ do not ask for faVors from you, Lieutenant
Moncrief.”

. “ I am aware of that, my fine fellow- but I de-
an to bestow the schooner upon you.”

“ I will not accept her.”

“Permit me to urge it!”

“No, forI will not take her unlem you sell
her to me.”

“ What will you ve?”

“ Ten thousand ollars, sir, on an order on

 

New York, with some cash down, if you V| ish it,
and Captain Hurst will vouch for me."

“ I do not fear you, sir; but I will let you
have the schooner at your figure. excepting the
pivotgun, which I wish to transfer to the Mer-
maid, though I will give you a gun from the
English brig to replace it.’

“ I thank you, sir.”

“You can give me the order on New York
for the money in full, and permit me to say that
the schooner already has 'privateer pa rs, with
the name of her captain in blank, as retained
her papers when I entered the navy, expectin
to p are one of my officers in command when

I captured with her a larger vessel, for she is my

own propv-rtv.”

“ This will assist me greatly, sir, and I thank
you indeed.” .

“Do not thank me, Bronx, for I get my
money, you get your boat, so there is no favor

. upon oi'lier side; but when do you want her?”

_ “ At once, if lOF'RlbIC.” '
“You shall ave her. for I will piacé m
wounded on the British bri , and remove what
things there are on board t at do not go with

the craft.

“ You will find her a very stanch craft, an
easy handler, fast when the Mermaid is not
astern of her, and in a condition to readily res
pair and refit.

 

l her

I with the splendid battery an

“ Come, let us go on board and I will give you
pers, and remove the pivot 'iving you
one in its place, for I shall qu/ip the Mermaid
small-arms on

board the Englishman, and have half a dozen
guns tospare, Il’or I shall take as my prize-money
the armament of the British cralt.” ' .
“'What will you do, with her sir, may I ask!”

 

in? "

“ Take a cruise in her for a couple of weeks,
until the Mermaid is ready for sea, and then
transfer her battery to my new craft, sending
the brig, under a prize crew, to New York,
where the Government will he very glad to get
her, for she is a very able and fine vessel.”

“ She is indeed, sir. and will be a valuable ad-
dition to the United States Navy, doubtless win-
ning for you your captaincy.”

“ In which case you would go up in rank
also, Bronx, if you were with me,” said Mono
crief with a smile.

“ I prefer to take the schooner, sir.”

“ As you pleaSe,” and being now alongside
of the Scorpion they boarded her and entered
the cabin.

The transfer was soon made, and while the
,iVot-gun on the schooner was being landed to

is placed on the Mermaid, when she was ready
Hugh Bronx went in search of a crew.

He secured half a dozen of the men, from the
Mermaid, and whom he knew well, making two
of them his mates, and a third boatswain.

Then he got Some two-score seamen about the
harbor, some of them having been with him on
the barque, in his unfortunate venture which he
had hoped would turn out so much to his credit.

The schooner was then hauled inshore and
the men set to work to put her in perfect order
for sea at the earliest moment, her young
captain having already removed his kit from on
board the Mermaid.

“ That young man works as though he had
some deep purpose in view, in getting to sea
wi b that vessel. and I only wish him success,”
said Manton Monerief, as he watched the
rapid work of the crew of the Scorpion, under
the eye of Hugh Bronx.

Until the last glimmer of light did Hugh keep
his men at their work, and then he sprung into
a boat and was l‘OWml nslnre.

'l‘alzing his supper at the best inn in the town,
he then Wendevl bi< way toward the elegant
home of Major Perry White.

CHAPTER XVIII.
rua THREAT.

WHEN Hugh Bronx reached the home of
Major White, he saw some one seated upr u ti; ~

iazzu, enjoying the l-nlmy breeze and the star-
it scene out n )01] the harbor.

A glance s owed him that it was the one.
whom he had come there to see, Sihyl Hurst.

She. recognized him, as the light from the
ope? hall door fell upon him, and she said pleas
ant v.

“ Ah, Hugh, I am glad to see you. for I felt'
really lonesome, for other has dro; pct] off to.
sleep since supper, Mrs. White is an inanid
you lmow, and the major is gone to the torts
for an hour or SO.”

“ Perhm-s ither company than mine might be
more agrwrmle,” he said coldly, as he took a
seat near her.

“ If you are ing to be cross, doubtless other
company woul , for you were really disagreea-
ble this morning.”

“ I did not worry you with my resencc.”

“ True and perhaps it was tier in the
humor that you seemed to relish,” she said,
quietly.

“ My presence now may be distasteful, Miss
Hurst?”

“ Hugh Bronx, what ails you!" she asked,
sharlply.

“ othing.” I
h“¥ou are not your good old self at all of.
te.

“ Perhapsyon have changed, not I.”

“ Not one iota.”

“ You th'nk so?”

“ I know so, for I am not one to
to-day and cold to-morrow.

“ It is you. Hugh, and I wish
me wit-at is the matter?” .

“ Salim I prove to you that you hava
chanr‘tl's”

“ Do :0, if you can.” ’

“ Do you not like Lieutenant Moncriefl”

“ Immensely.”

“ And he likes you?”

“ I hope so.”

" And Surgeon Bennett?”

“ Yes, he is a splendid fellow.” - . "’
“ And Captain Bainhridge? you like him too?” .

“ Ve much indeed.” . '

“ An those three men love you, Sibyl.”

“ Why, Hugh. what do you mean?”

“I mean just what I say. Sibvl Hurst, those .
three, men love you, and they intend to win

“ All three?”

“ “'cll, one of them.”

“ “which one!”

“ I know." ’
“ Pray tell me, sir fortune-teller?”

“ Mantnn Moncrief.”

“ Are you sure?”

“I am.” '
9‘ What reason have you for your saying so!"
“ He lows you.” .

“ Hoyou said before.” » ’

“ You lone Min.”

be friendly
you would tell

\

‘.‘Not so fast, Hr..Bnonx, for you five.   . ‘

,1 I .  ‘   , ,.: r-w. ‘ ;

 

 

I

,“h'i I l

.r «l: I

 

 

   

.J

V ‘ - i “No, I hate him,” hissed

' tween you and I, Sibyl

.10

The, Sea Siren.

 

I

 

 

“ It is not
watched
crief too. ’

“ You have been well employed.”

“ You ma sneer, but it is so.

“ At first thought that you liked Surgeon
Bennett, for I saw that he was deeply interested

in you.

“ Then I judged'that Moncrief had the strong-
est hold upon your heart, for you seemed to re-
gard him more tenderly.

“ Next, when I met you this morniniain the
presence of Captain Bainbridge I saw t t you
smiled sweetly upon him.”

“ You have been very watchful of me, Mr.
Bronx, and I would like to know for what pur-

1”

icion, it is the truth, for I have

“ To iard on.”

“ F‘roiigrli what!”

“ Danger.”

“ What danger?”

“ You are beset by three dangerous men, for
hey are all young, handsome, and have fascina-
tions of manners which I do not possess.

“ You lead them all to believe that you care
for them, and—” ,

“ My dear Hugh, don’t be a fool, for a woman
is supposed to treat all men alike until she finds
one she can love.

“If I smiled on Surgeon Bennett, it was be-
cause his skill saved my father's life, and his ex-
treme kindness won my respect and regard
while he is certainly a man of rare culture and
intelligence.

“If I was pleasant toward Lieutenant Mon-
crief, you have but to remember that he saved
the Mermaid from the hands of Bianca, the Buc-
caneer, and what your fate would have been,
and my father’s, you had reason to know.

“ He is as brave as a lion, has won fame u n
the sea, is very fascinating, and I am prou to
call him my friend.

“ Now to Captain Bainbridge:

“ He is but a shade less handsome than Lieu-
tenant Moncrief, is a dashing, splendid fellow,
and half the girls in the town are desperately in
love with him, and so I am glad to number im
amon my friends, and so I treat all three
alike.

“Until you know which one you love,” he
sneered.

“ Yes, and then there will be no difference in
my manner, until I know if that one loves

7?

e.
“ It will be Moncrief."
‘ “ Indeed?”

it Yes.”

“ Well, suppose we drop this subject, Mr.
Bronx é”

“ No, for I came to tell you, Sib I, that I love
you, although you already know t at.

“ 1 came to tell you that I have loved you
since we first met, and to ask you to be my wife.

“ Do not be frightened, for 1 do not ask it now
but when I have won fame and riches.

“ You know me, Sibyl, and all about me, and
I am not as those other men, a stranger to you.

“ To-day your father refused to sell me the
Mermaid, but gave it to Moncrief ; but I was not
to be thwarted in my determination, so I bought
the Scorpion from her commander, the papers
are already in my hands, and I have forty good
men upon her, getting her ready for sea, and I
go as her captain, commanding my own boat as
a rivatcer.”

‘ Hugh Bronx, have you Well considered the
" step on have taken!” asked Sibyl, earnestly.

‘ have.”

“Though a fine seaman, Hugh, you have had
little experience as a commander, and none upon
an armed deck.”

“ I will soon gain it.” I,

“ You made a failure of your attack with the
barque the other night, in attem ting tocapture
the schooner, while ieutenant ogcrief went in

’ boats and ca tured the schooner, t e barque and
the British ” rig, showing thereby the skilled

“ Curses upon him! I’d have rather died in
an English prison than owed my rescueto him,”
uvagely said the young sailor. ~,

/ I “ You do not like Lieutenant Moncrief it is
evident; though he saved on from the yard-arm
of Bianca’s vessel and an righsl‘i) prison.”

us

“ And how has he ever harmed you, that you
Ihould hate him?” I I
“‘ He loves on, and he is Winning your love
,i from me, antiv I hate any man tha comes be—
Hurst.
“I have a vessel, and I aid for it, by draw-
' ing upon my inheritance 11 New York, and I
shall win fame and then come back to make
you my wife.” '
“My dear Hugh, don’t be foolish, for you can
' never make me any such thing.”
. “What! do you say I can never win you,
when I have gained fame at sea?”
‘~ “ You can neVer win me, Hugh.”
,/ “ You refuse me, then?”
' “Utterly.”
‘ “ Why ’9’” he gasped forth.
' “ Because I do not love you, as you wish my

6.
“You are dear to me as a friend, yes as a
bother, for I have ever so regarded you; but I

,-(

ou c oaely, yes, and Manton Mon-~

 

 

do not love you, Hugh, as you wish, and I never
can never will.”

He seemed stunned by her words, for although
he had accused her of loving others, be yet had
felt when he was in command of avessel, and
on the hi hway to fame and fortune, that she
could not at love him as he wished.

“ You send me from you, Sibyl?”

“ I would rather that you accepted Lieutenant
Moncricf’s offer, which father told me of, and
showed me that officer’s letter to him, saying
you had declined, for then I believe you could
get experience and work your way up.

“But to go out as acommander yourself, I
fear that you but go to your own ruin; but if
you win fame, far exceeding that of Moncrief’s,
you can never be to me more than you now are,
a dear good friend, one who has stood in the
place of a brother.”

“Enough; I thank you for our advice, Miss
Hurst, but will not profit b i , as I sail as soon
as my vessel is ready, an you will soon hear
that the Sea Scorpion has not lost her powers
on account of a change of commanders, while I
wish to say to you, and have you know that I
mean what I say, and that is, never shall you be
the wife of any other man than Hugh Bronx.”

With these words he wheeled on his heel and
stroderapidly away, unchecked by a call for
him to come back, which he had hoped he would
hear from Sibyl’s lips.

CHAPTER XIX.
A DEADLY DEED.

THE British brig-of-war, Brimstone, was cer-
tainly a mOst valuable prize, for Lieutenant
Moncrief, for she was found to be a crack craft,
a good sailer, and her armament and equip-
ment were perfect.

Manton Moncrief found that he could equip
the Sea Siren, as he called the Mermaid, in
splendid style, with a large and formidable bat-
tery, a complete outfit in small-arms, ammuni-
tion, boats and all that was needed, while the
brig would yet have half a dozen guns and a
good supply of small-arms 101' t.

Her officers and men wrro taken ashore, as
prisoners, to await the return of Moncrief from
a cruise, for he could not bear to be idle, while
waiting for his now Vosscl, and then they were
to be taken north in their own vessel, the Sea
Siren acting as convoy.

Finding that he cou d spare them, and know-
ing just what the Scorpion was wanting in,
Manton Moncricf sent several boat-loads of
things on board the schooner with his compli-
ments to Hugh Bronx, and the insulting rc~
spouse from the jealous young sailor was that
“ as he needed the things very much, and Could
not otherwise procure them in the town, he
would take them paying for them in New
York when he reached that port.”

The eyes of Manton Mom-riot flashed, as the
midshipman delivered his message, but he said

 

simihy: .
“ e can do as he pleases, and what he pays
can so in as prize-money for the men.

“ How I have offended young Captain Bronx
I do not know; but he must be careful not to go
too far, as he seems inclined, I have observed, to
pick a uarrel with me.”

The rimstone bein_ in good condition, was
gotten out to sea first, oncrief having enlisted
a number of men for the cruise, as his own de-
pleted crew were not sufficient to man her.

Several days after Hugh Bronx went to sea in
the schooner. and she Went flying down the har~
her under fullsail, and winning much admira-
tion from all who saw her, for certainly she was
a saucy looking craft.

Standing at the window in her father’s room
Sibyl saw her go by, and waved her kerchief,
though it gained no reco ition from the morose
young captain, though ie saw it and turned
away.

Finding that he did not call again upon
her, Sibyl, not wishing to have him go of!
in anger, wrote him a note, tellin him to come
and say good-by to her father an herself, if he
had time, but if not, please to accept her heart-
felt wishes for his success as a commander, and
to be sure and visit them when his cruising
brought him near their home.

This note he had not answered, for he was too
full of jealous bitterness to do so, and he had put
to sea without calling. I

Seeing that his captain walked forward, and
evident y did not see the waving kerchief, and
reco izmg the one who held it, Vescy, one of
the o d crew of the Mermaid, and the first officer
of the See
halliards an dipped the flag in response, for,
like the rest of the crew from the brig, they loved
and respected Sibyl eatly.

Catchin sight of is act,‘ Hugh Bronx turned
like a ma man, and rushing upon the unfortun-
ate oflicer, dealt him a blow with his pistol~butt
glinth felled him to the deck, while he hissed

ort :

“ How dare you dip that flag, sir, to a saluteI
did not notice?”

The officer did not move, but lay prone upon
the deck, and Rossmoro the junior officer, an
the men looked on with horror at the act of their
commander.

“ Come, men, hear him to his berth, and have

 

ion, at once sprung to the peak ‘

 

the surgeon sent to him,” called out Hugh
Bronx, turning slightly pale, as the form never
moved.

Rossmore a handsome young seaman, step-
ped forward, bent over the form, and said:

“ Officer Vesey is dead, Captain Bronx.”

“ Quick! send the surgeon here,” cried Hugh
Bronx, now thoroughly alarmed and a moment
after the surgeon, a doctor lured from his prac-
tice in the town with the hope of prize-mone ,
£3316 up from his state-room and bent over t e

“IDead, sir he is.

“ An attack of heart trouble, I suppose, but a
post—mortem will show, if you wish to know the
exact cause.” ‘

“ I know the cause, Surgeon Scott.

“ He acted without consulting me, and against
my wishes, and I struck him with my pistol-
butt though not intending to kill him.

“ r. Rossmore, you are new first officer, sir,
so have the body sewn up in a hammock for burial
at sea,” and Hugh Bronx went into his cabin,
well knowing that his cruel act had won the
hatred of evory man on heard his Vessel.

“ I have begun badly, and bad luck may dog
me: but I’ll not let my crew see that I feel, and
shall rule them with an iron hand. for I am to
be master of this craft, in the fullest sense of the
word, and I’ll yet win a name that will make
that proud beauty bend her haughty head in my
presence.”

Once out in deep water, Hu h Bronx ordered
the burial of the unfortunate esey, and with a
brazen efl'rontery that seemed to thrill his crew,
read the service for the dead over him.

Then the schooner was put away on her course
up the coast, and a bright lookout was ordered
kept for prizes.

he schooner was certainly in good trim, and
her crew, which Hugh Bronx had increased to
seventy men, were set to work practicing at the
guns, and with the small-arms, and the young
captain congratulated himself after a week’s
cruise, that he had a formidable vessel for her
size and the number of her seamen.

Several British cruisers had been sighted, but
being large sloops-of—war, Hugh Bronx had to
try the Scorpion’s heels in flight, and he was
pleased to see that he had a fleet-going craft.

One night, just after dark, and some ten days
after sailing, he was bccahned not far from
the shore, and between two points of land, some
two leagues apart.

When the dawn came, to his dismay, he saw a
large sloop—of—war standing in toward him, and.
bringing a stiff breeze With her.

She was British, beyond all doubt, and she
was in a position to cut him off from escaping to
sea. .

The men realized their danger, as he did, and
mutterings went around:

“ Now for his punishment for killing Officer
Vesey.” ,

CHAPTER XX.

AN ACT OF SUSPICION.

FOR the second time in his life Hugh Bronx
felt what it was to have a fearful responsibility
resting upon him alone.

He had experienced it the first time when he

had taken the barque down to cut out the -

leasant
bet his

schooner, and it had not been a
thought especially when ‘he realized
undertaking was a failure. .

Now, when he was becalmed, for the Wind had
not yet reached him, and a large British sloop-
of-war was coming down upon him. he felt the
full danger of the situation, and that seventy

airs of eyes were looking upon him, seventy
ives depending upon him.

He : aw that he was in a trap, for he had been
caught in a large cove, or bay, between two
headlands.

He was fully a league from o n water, and
the sloop coming in, would have im fully under
the range of her broadsides, so that he must
surrender, go ashore in his boats. or run’his
vessel upon the beach and destroy her. as soon
as the wind reached him, for it would be mad-
ness to open fire upon the Englishman.

As the wind reached him he decided upon his
course, and that was to run the schooner ashore
set her on fire and escape in his boats with what
they could carry with them.

He had just given the order to the helmsman
to head for the shore, when the sloopof-war
fired a shot over him. ,

He had no fia at the peak, and to try and
escape a hroadsh e as long as possible, ordered
the British ensign run up.

But, as he still held on his course, the sloop
fired again, and soon after, 1qung sharp, sent a
broadside after him.

Several shots tore along his decks, two men
fell dead, and others were wounded by splin-
ters. ’

“ Lower away that English flag, and set the
American, for she shall die under our own
colors, as she will have to go,” called out Hugh
Bronx, and Rossmore sprung to obey, but sfo
ped short as suddenly a shot came from (if t e
starboard—quarter.

“Sail ho!” shouted the lookout, as the shot -

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drew his attention to the stranger, which had
just shot around the headland on the starboard
.quartcr.

“ The brigof—war!”

“ The captured brig, Brimstone!”

Such were the cries that arose at sight of the
sail, and Hugh Bronx saw at a glance that the
stranger was indeed the Brimstone.

“ She has been recaptured!” he cried, and ina
low tone he added:

“ I hope that Moncrief has been killed.”

The gun from the bri had not been loaded
with ball, for it seem to have been fired to
attract the attention of the large sloop-of—war,
Xhich had not seen the stranger, it was evi-

: ent.

“ What does that mean?” asked Hugh, as he
saw the Brimstone signaling rapidly to the
sloo -of-war.

“ he brig is under the British flag, sir,” said

ore.

“ So I observed, and she has therefore been
ca tured.”

‘ It would seem so, sir, but that makes but
another foe for us.”

“ Yes; but do you read those signals?”

“Yes. sir.”

And Rossmore, who was gazing at the brig
through the glass, read aloud:

“ This is his Majesty’s brig-of-war Brimstone,
and yonder schooner is our prize, under our own
crew.

“Around the headland to the south is our
'enem .”

“T is is remarkable,” said Bronx, and then
Rossmore continued, reading the signals from
the sloop in answer:

“This is his Majesty’s sloop-of-war Consort.

“ The schooner should have come to at our

fire.

“ Is it the American frigate President, that is
be 0nd headland?”

To this the brig returned answer that the
‘schooner’s commander had doubtless mistaken
.the sloo for an American.

She a so answered in the affirmative regard—
ing the vessel be and the headland being the
American frigate resident, and added that after
5 aking the schooner they would follow the
srcfop and aid in the combat with the large and
formidable Yankee craft.

The British sloop at once squared away to
round the headland to the south, while the rig
headed toward the schooner, which had held on
her course durin g the signaling.

“ What do you make of that, RossmoreT’

“ I make out one thing, Ca tain Bronx, and
that is that I see Lieutenant oncrief distinctly
on yonder vessral’s quarter-deck.”

“ A prisoner?” eagerly in uired Bronx.

“No, sir. he does not 100 it, for he appears
to be giving orders.”

“”He is either a prisoner, Rossmore, or a trait-

“ I don’t understand it, air, but there he is, as
you San see by turning your glass upon thd

r1 . , ' '

“gYou are right! he has turned traitor; but
he is signaling to us.”

Rossmore, who was perfectly skilled in signal-
.reading at once read:

“ Head out to sea and cross my wake, as I
follow the sloop.”

“ What does he mean by that?” "

“ It looks as though he wanted to give us a
chance to run out to sea.”

“We can do it, and neither the brig or the
, raloop can catch us once we cross his wake,”
i gerly said Bronx. ,

' ,It does not look as though the bri wished
to do so, for she could head us of! fly now,

as on see. sir.”

e schooner’s course was now changed so as
to g0 8.8156111 0f the brig, .which was following in
the wake of the sloop-of-war, and about half a
lea e astern. '

11 her changed course, as the Brimstone was
then headi , the Sea Scorpion Would pass
across her we e about half a mile from her, and
once well across, she would have nothing be-
tween her and the open sea.

True, did the sloop and bri wish to pursue,
the schooner would still be wi in range, even
within easy range of the latter; but ere the two
vessels could go about and give chase, the Sea
Scorpion, in the breeze then blowing, could get
a fine start. and if she could run the gantlet of
their fire in safety she could rapidly increase
her lead, for she was on her best point of sailin
and the light wind, a ten—knot breeze, won]

‘send her along twice as fast as it did the two
larger vessels.

But the bri did not seem to care to put after
her, and the s oop held straight on to round the
southern headland, to find an enemy there, as

signaled from the Brimstone.

’~ ‘He certain] is not a prisoner,” said Bronx,
referring to anton Moncrief, who was seen
distinctly. in full uniform, standing upon his
quarter-deck, and, as the schooner shot across
his vessel’s wake, waving to her.

“ I do not understand t, sir, for, while he
‘tects us, as he seems to be doing, be certain y is
in lea ie with the sloop-of~war and carries the
Brit' flag at his peak.” answered Rossm .

.“ Well, we are safe, for a mile divides us ow,

.1
/I

 

and I care not what he is, though I certainly did
not believe him a traitor.”
“Nor I, sir; but had we not better round

yonder headland as quickly as possible, for we ,‘

can run a mile nearer to it than can the brig or
sloop, were they to chase us, as they draw far
more than does the Schooner, and it Would give
us a grand start?”

“ Do so, Rossmore,” answered Bronx, and the
schooner at once was headed so as to round the

int of land from behind which, half an hour

fore the Brimstone had come into sight.

As 8 e did so it was seen that the sloop-of-war
was headin so as to round the southern head-
land with speed, while the brig was following
in her wake and gaining on her.

That there was some cause of excitement on
board the British sloop was soon evident as
Bronx noted, having his glass turned upon her;
but what it was he could only guess at, and a
moment after the Sea Scorpion went out of sight
around the high point of land.

A few moments after the roar of heavy guns
reached their ears, and with all sail set, the
schooner went flying away to seek safety, having
niadle 1:) most narrow escape through the coming
0 t e rig.

As she sped on the firing in the distance be-
came hotter and hotter, though it seemed to be
receding more rapidly than from the schooner‘s
speed would cause it to do, and Bronx said, with
a tone of exultation: ‘

“They have run upon the American frigate
beyond that headland and I h now that

Captain Bainbridge held it for the one-armed
~. skipper, all waited for his report.
i ter awhile he said:

“ Take the glass, Sibyl, and make your report
and see if it accords with mine.”

The maiden leveled the glass, arranged the
. focus, and all saw her face flush as she said:

5 “ That schooner is the Sea Scorpion i”
i “Such was my decision, my child; but what
i else?”

“ She is leading her pursuer a mile and gain-
ing slightly, I should judge, though 8 e seems to
have suffered, as her sails are torn and her
mainto mast shot away.”

“ Rig t, my child; but now go to the end of
the piazza and see if you can get a view of her
pursuer.”

Sibyl did so, and when she came back her face
was e and anxious.

“ ell, Mi Sibyl, what report have you to
make?” asked the major.

“ The leading schooner is certame the Scor-
pion,”and she is straining every nerve to reach

rt

“ And our
then?”

“That is his vesel major.”

“He should have the craft in his wake as a
prize in tow,” said the major.

“He is brin ing her after him, major, but
got in a way e would like,” dryly responded

ib 1.

“yThat is cruel, Miss Hurst,” said Robert
Bainbridge, “ for the bravest of us must some-

young friend Bronx is in command,

 

Manton Moncrief wiil be puni ed for his
treachery, for a traitor to our cause he has oer- 1
tainly become, or he would never have been in ;
alliance with the British sloop.”

 

CHAPTER XXI. ]
THE TWO SCHOONERS. I

FOUR weeks had passed since the sailing of .
the Brimstone on her cruise, under her daring !
captor and commander, and in that time Cap- 2
tam Hurst had improved so much that he was 
able to sit up for hours each day, enjoying the ,
view from the piazza of his friend s home, where 1
he had been cared for with the greatest kind- 3
ness.

With the reception of the stores, arms, and ;
ammunition brought by the Mermaid, in her i
eventful voyage, the struggling Patriot Army
had gained new life, and had been able to more
than hold their own, where before the scarcity
of powder and ball had threafianed seriously to
cause the forces to fall back or surrender before
the advance of the British.

The home of Ma 'or White had been the scene
of many a gay at cring, for thither were wont
to congregate t 0 young officers and beautiful
maidens of the town, and Sibyl gained more
and more renown, not on] as a heroine, but on
account of her exquisite oveliness of face and
£01m, added to WhJCh was her wit, intelligence
and noble heart.

Captain Robert Bainbridge had become her
most devoted admirer through all, and man
were the sails u(pon the harbor and horsebac
rides the two ha together, for the major great-
ly admired his junior officer, and being a con-
nection of his wife, he was anxious to see him
with the fair daugth of his dearofriend, Cap-
tain Hurst, and minor had it that Sibyl would
surrender her heart before long to the attacks
of the gallant soldier.

As for the skipper be calm]
vinced that Robert Bainbri was a man
worth of an woman’s love, at withal con-
vin . that Si y] was not one to act hastily in
anything, and when questioned by the eager
major on the subject, said:

‘ No, major there is nothing between them, I
am sure as Sibyl would certain] tell me.”

One afternoon, a month after t sailing of the
brig, the major was seated ugn the piazza of
his home, talking with the p r, when the
keen eye of the attor caught sig t of a sail in'
the oiling far away.

“It is a schooner, and she is crowding on all
sail for rt,” said the skipper.

“An do on not hear ring, though it is a
lon way 0 i” asked the major.

“ certainly do- and it‘ seems to be coming
nearer,” answered Captain Hurst, whose pale
face flushed with the brave irit within, as the
roar of distant action reach his ears.

Thus the two sat for uite a while, watching
the coming vessel, while firing of heavy guns
grew louder and louder. _

“ Ah] here comes Bainbridge and Sibyl, and
they ride as though they had news for us!” cried
the major, as, mounted upon spirited horses, the
young ca tain and Sibyl Hurst dashed up the
carriage rive to the door.

“ Father, do you see that chase?” cried Sibyl,
pointin out to sea at the distant schooner.

“Isi a chase. my child?" asked the skipper,
as, aided to alight by the soldier, Sibyl ascended
the iazza steps with Captain Bainbridge.

“ IYes, captain, you do not see the Second ves-
sel from here, as she is directly in the wake of
the leading one; but from our ride along the
shore we saw both, and it has been a long and

looked on, con-

times run.”

“ True, but poor Hugh want to sea with such _
determined resolves to do or die, I expected
great things of him,” was the quiet rejoinder.

But Captain Hurst had observed, more than
had the others that her face wore an anxious
look, and he asked:

“Did you make any other discovery, Sibyl?”

“ Yes, father.”

“What was it?”

‘:  I know the craft in chase of Hugh.”

‘ l ' .

“ Yes, sir: it is a schooner.”

“Then it is a British cruiser of heavier metal
than Captain Bronx has,” remarked the ma 'or.

“I only wish we had a vessel in port ‘
could go out and aid Captain Bronx in the cap- .
ture of his pursuer,” remarked Captain Bein-
bridge. '

“ Yes, it is too bad there is nothing here. We
must keep some armed craft in harbor for just
such an emergency.”

“Yes, major; for yonder vessel chasing the -
Scorpion would be a valuable prize, as it is the '
schooner known as the Sea Torch, commanded
by Bianca the Buccaneer,” said Sibyl, in a
low, earnest tone.

CHAPTER XXII.
THE RETURN or THE SEA SCOBPION.

THE feeling in the heart of Sibyl was that it
would be better for her father and herself not to
s ak of the rest of mankind, if Bianca the

uccaneer was captured and hanged, as he cer-
tainly would be hanged if taken. .

His being her father’s brother and her uncle, A
had nothing to do with the matter, as he was an
outlaw.

With the exception of En h Bronx, no one on
the brig had heard what he passed between the
pirate and her father as to their relationship, '
though it was evident to the crew that the two , -
had met before, and recognised each other.

With the Sea Torch chasing the Sea Sco
into port, it was a great pit that she con]
in turn be chased and cap ed, and

ion '

Bainbridge seemed to fret greatly under the 

fact.

“ If the Mermaid was only read , I would 1
command of her with a crew o artillerymen,
and in chase ” he said. ,

“ only wis she was ready,” added Sib 1.
while her father, who did not wish to see
Eggher taken, crim' e—stained though he was,
“ She is not ready, and will not be for several
days, while I am sure
in this vicinity long.”

“ No, he is drawmg of! now, as he nears the
forts, evidently suspecting that we have a cruiser
in port that willtsoon be after him,” Captain
Bainbridge said. ‘

The Sea 800
the naked eye showed that she had been under
a hot fire, while the pirate vessel, with theaid'
of tlie glam, seemed to be
tive . ‘

Bainbridge drove the buccaneer stray from our

brig, when he held it as a prize, and yet the sea .v  .

800%!) is running now. 
“ at can be the matter with Hugh, I won. (
der?” and Sib I wore a troubled look. _ ‘
No one cou d anSWer her question, and all re- v
mained watching the coming vessels. , ~.
' As they drew nearer the forts the irate ,
shortened sails, and lufllng, sent a broadsh 9 fly-
ing after the Sea Scorpion, which still pressed on _
under every stitch that would draw. _
Then, under easy sail, the Sea Torch stood o! 2/

 

hot chase,” said Robert ,Bainbridge. I
. The major at once got hisglase,  while

I I. .1

, . ,. 1
_ t. 7 . , H. .74, ., u 3"».
 .7. .,..,.., ,.:_.,.s,,?..\,:w, .. a...» ,4”... .M “xv”... ..  a-.. 

to sea once more, her euemyb ing msrdflj

. , ’

not, -'

the pirate will not remain 

rpion was now quite near, and A 

unharmed, comparas "=2, 
“ W, with that very schooner Lieutenant  it 

‘12

The 893-31.???1'

 

 

 

“ Take my boat, Bainbridgc, and board the
schooner, find out what is the matter, and ask
Captain Bronx to come ashore with you,” said
Ma'or White.

he major’s barge, with four ne ro oarsmen
and a coxmvain, was kept constant y ready for
use, and Captain Bainbridge started toward the
boat-house to enter it, when Sibyl called out:

“The schooner is going to lay to, or anchor,

, Ca tain Bainbridge.

.‘ e waited a moment, saw the schooner lufl’
sharp, and a boat was at once lowered and put
of! from its side.

“Bronx is coming ashore, ma'or, doubtless to

r. A see me, or report to you.” said t e skipper.

.1 The young captain returned to the piazza, and

all watched the coming boat, while the schooner

held on once more up to an anchorage near the

shi - ards.
' ‘Pld’ugh is in the sternslieets,” said Sibyl, as
She took her glass from her eye.
“ Then we shall Soon know just what has hap-
,,peiied,” ansvvered the major, while the skipper

. 3 , paid:
yr?" \Q‘ Bronx has his glass turned upon the pirate,
5} ' ' as‘though watching her movements; but she is

93‘ - putting out to see. again.”
, In less than half an hour Hu h Bronx landed
} , at the mansion Bier, Ca tain ainbridgo being
there to receive im, an be said pleasantly:
“Welcome back, Captain Bronx, though you”
seem to have had hot work on board, from the
appearance of your vessel.”
_ Hugh Bronx was very pale and his face was
l." stern; but there was a. rightness in his eyes
 that was not pleasant, as he returned, coldly:
f‘ ,‘ ' “Yes, I have had hot work, and my cruise,
5' ' excepting in one respect, has been an unfortun-
l'r ateune.
 “ I am not mistaken in thinking I saw Cap-
tain Hurst upon the piazza of ajor White’s
' mango”; h ' still is f th ‘ 1
‘  r' e is a gues o e major, a on
‘ .with iss Hurst.” g
“ Thank you,” and Captain Bronx seemed to
' ‘enjoy his own thou hts better than conversation
as he walked on n silence until they reached
, the iazzaste .
“ eloome ome, Hugh, even if you do bring

7'- 1.» k with you an o d enemy Bianca 'the
4, » My said Sibyl, advancing with exte'nd—
' ._j '; He took her hand coldly, and she too noticed
‘1 *‘v , theevil glitter in his eyes, while he said quick-

,‘ly“eru recognized the craft astern of me
' .! “0h, es,as soon as I can ht sight of the
1 . vessel/c ' you so hotly, knew her,” she
;  withaha f-malicious smile at the shot she
‘ gave him, for she was a at his haughty
‘ ~manner, and was determined e should feel that
‘1  knew he was flying for safet .

   

 

  
  
   
   
   
    
   
   
   
   
   
 
  
 
  

  is face flushed, but he step uickl for-
. ‘ {ward and shook hands more cord y wit the

, ‘ ski r saying: .
' ‘Pfeam very glad‘ to see you out again, Cap-
..tain Hurst.”
.- Then he turned to Major White and greeted
' lilm in the same constrained manner, a manner
that caused him to seem in ill—humor with the
: Vorld in general.
1.. , “ Now, Captain Bronx, tell us of the cause of
your running from the Buccaneer?” said Sibyl,
* more and more incensed, that because he was

,  egry with her, all the rest should be made to
,1 his humor.

iii, ' A 'n he flushed aswith shame, while Cap-

;e? t: min ' brid said in his kindly way:

 :“fl‘he on to , doubtless, had some good mo-
. tire. Miss Hunt, for those pirates carry‘a ve

. heavy armament and large crews while the r

I ~  anetrained by daily combat-2!”

‘ g" . “Yes, air, and the stren h of the pirate was

t. , , my own, I may say, added Hugh Bronx,

: / seeing that his fli ht from the buccaneer really

w -  ' ed an e nation to save him from the

' A Drifmiiarh‘iiiiafood f V I
reasons or runmn ,

2s? we wi all see when he tells fins

, Hugh, tell us of your cruise,” said

I pper.
;. "-fYou will find one of my adventures of re—
tp‘arkable interest, I assure you,” and he glanced

  fishy], while into his eyes came that same
.s' t4 '

f" ,;’gflqht, as otwicked triumph. ,
2’57. ‘31! this is to be a report, sir, to me as com-
,“ , 2! pray you begin,” said the major,
,  ismnner was stern, for he had begun to
 , libel tthere could be charged a ainst Hugh
4*  the crime of cowardice, an the young
' ‘ "pr'ivateelrsman read his thoughts at a glance.

3  CHAPTER XXIII.
,  - WAS IT rnmacnnnrl

 " Hues Baosx felt the cutting words of the
major, and quickly r ded:

‘ I came into port, ajor White, in distress,
and hardly with any intention of renderingany
,mrt, as owninfimy own vessel, 1 have re»
me't only to the overnment.” , . i v
 As ouplease sir,”wasthecold ..;

' Maor White,1desimto make on
rmltofm cruise, forlintendedre-
it all to my commander here.

A

          
  
 

    
 

   
   
   
    
 

 

“ We sailed in good trim as you doubtless
know, but failed to find any Biiglish merchant—
men, though I had to run from several British
cruisers of large size.

“Une night the Sea. Scor ion was becalmed
upon the coast, in a sheltere cove, protected by
two headlands.

“The dawn brought a breeze from the sea,
and with it a large British sloop-of—war, the
Consort.

“ She came with the wind, and I having not a
cat’s aw to fill my sails, was caught in this cove,
and ind either of two alternatives, to run my
Schooner ashore with the wsnd as I got it, set
her on fire and take to my boats, or tosurrender.

“ I chose the former, and set sail for the shore
under the fire of the sloop, which damaged me a
little and killed and wounded several of my
crew.

“ Hearing,' 8. shot from another uarter, to my
surprise, I beheld the Brimstone, ‘aptain Mon-
(‘ricf’s vessel.

“ She had fired a blank cartridge to attract
the1 sloop's attention, and then began signaling
to :01:

“ She had flying, as I said, the English flag.”

“ This is strange, sir,” said the major.

“ So I thought, sir, and my first olllcer, Ross-
morc, read the signals, which were, in effect,
that my schooner was his prize under a irize
crew, but that the American frigate President
lay beyond the other headland, and he Would
aid the sleep in an attack upon her,”

“ Remarkablei” said the major.

“I cannot understand this,”the skipper re-
marked, while Ca tain Bainbridge said:

“There must some mistake, Captain
Bronx.”

“There is a mistake,” quietly responded
Sibyl.

“There is no mistake, for all occurred as I
have stated, and the brig followed in the wake
of the sloop.”

“ And on?”

“The rig si aled to me to head out across
its wake towari the open sea, and I did so.”

“ With what result?”

“ lVith the result, Major WSII’B, that I assed
out across the wake of the rimstone 211! a
mile away from her and three times that dis-
tance from the British sloop, and 1 at once ran
for it.”

“ Did not the sloop observe this?”

“ Yes, sir, there seemed to be some excite-
ment on board, but,as I drew less water than
either vessel, I ran close in to the headland to
the north and rounding it, threw both vessels
out of sight, ining thereby overa league start,
as they won] have to go about, and, standing
far out to round the point, would be unable to
catch me, especially as the light ten-knot breeze
favored me more t an it did them.” ‘

“And you thus lost sight of them?”

“ Yes sir.”

“And the brig wont on with the sloop?”

“Yes, sir, to attack the American man-of.
war President, for, Soon after we rounded the
northern headland, we heard very heavy firing
around in the cove, it seemed, and we decided
that the two British vessels had attacked the
American frigate.”
qg What two British vessels, Hugh?" asked
L l .

“)"I‘he sloop~of-war, and tho brig.”

“Do on mean to say that Lieutenant Mon-
crief jomed forces against the President, with a
British vessel?”

“ Yes, that is just what he did. -’

“That would make him a traitor,” the major
remarked.

“And a traitor he is, for he came around the
headland under the English flag, signaled the
Englishman that I was his prize, and ordered
me to follow in his wake as such after which he
signaled the sloop that he would go with him
and attack the President.

“ This was tmacheq', and more, he was
treacherous to the Enghsh commander us well,
as I was not his prize, and he sought to gain me
by falsehood.”

The gentlemen present seemed fairl stunned
by this charge a ainst Moncrief, ut Sibyl
smiled serenely an said: ,

“ Let us not judge until we hear Lieutenant
Moncrief’s story, for he can doubtless offer some
good reason for what appears to be treachery.”

“ He can offer no reason to clear his name of
treachery.” hotly responded Hugh Bronx.

“ And why did you not 0 and see if the
American pirate, with two ormidable foes to
fight. did not need your aid?” asked Sibyl.

“ M vessel is a privateer, not a cruiser,” was
the su len reply. ‘

“Avessel t at is igommpmedflbyltciovegn-
men as a rivateer, sup to g or er
flag if need) be, and if not, if mere] a runner
down of defenseless merchantmen, ugh Bronx,
she degenerates into’ what might be called a‘
pirate.

Hugh Bronx winced under the galling words
of the maiden while the skipper said:

' “Yes, Hugh, I should have thought after

ed open water with no fear of being
emmed in, you would have gone to have seen
the rough of theooinbat; but did the firing seem

011

 

 

 

H  .19

“ Anfiyhow lon did it last i”

“ ch heard it or an hour or more."

“ Broadsidcs?”

“ Yes, sir. frequently.”

“Major White, is the President now on this
coast '4”

“Yes, Hurst, and about where Captain Bronx
says she was, I suppose.”

“ Had she captured the sleep or brig, she won] L
,have brought them to this port .3” i

“Without doubt; but when was this, Captain
Bronx?”

“ About ten days after I left port.”

“ Then I sincerely hope the President was not
taken 1) that poworful sloop-of—war, C(‘nsort,
and the irilg, as you led us to believe, Moncrief
joined the .nglislmian in the attack.”

“ If not, why the heavy firing!”

This was a question hard to answer, and Sibyl
answered it by asking another, Ynnkrc—like:

“ But what of your flight from the pirate,
Hugh?”

Hugh Bronx shot an angry glance at her.

He had cxpeotcd tofairly wither her with the
report of Moncrief’s treachery, and had not
done so, and she-seemed more anxious to learn
of his having been run into port by the pirate
than to discuss the fact that the man he accuse
her of lovmg was a traiton.

 

CHAPTER XXIV.
run sscasr our.

THAT all were staggered by what was told
them by Hu h Bronx, riigarding the suspicious
conduct of Iiieutenant oncrief, there was no
doubt, and even Sibyl felt anxious, though she
did not show any anxiety.

The way it looked was that Moncrief had seen
that the sloop-of-war was about to run the
schooner to destruction, and determined to save
her as his prize, and so signaled the British vesw
sel, expecting the Scorpion to cross his wake and
then follow on, until he was able to take posses!
sion of her.

The Brimstone had then gone after the sloop-
of-war, to join in the attack on the American
frigate President, while the Scorpion had made
her escape, and afterward heard the firing as the
two vessels engaged with their enemy.

So it looked to all who heard t 8 story of
Hugh Bronx, and it seemed but natural that
Moncrief should be a traitor.

In refiionse to the question of Sibyl, as to his:
flight, ugh said:

‘I was not a vessel-of-wa’r, but a rivateer‘,
to prey upon the shipping of Englani , and so '
secured m escape, leaving the sea warriors to
fight it on .”

“ And how about your flight from the pirate?"
persisted Sibyl.

The face of the young sailor flushed, and he:
seemed annoyed; but he replied, in an indiffer-
ent way: .

“ That was one of the accidents of war, the'
pirate being the stron or.” v ’

“ Yet Licutenant oncrief, with the vessel
you command and a smaller creyv put that
same pirate to flight, when he bed the Mer-
maid as a prize,’ urged Sibyl, to the evident
enjoyment of the major, while Captain Bein-
br dge, in the goodness of his heart, seemed to
feel for the young sailor.

As for the skip er he looked pained, f r some—-
how he felt that Hugh Bronx had not met his,
expectations of him.

n no more inquisitive hands than Sibyl‘u,
could Hugh Bronx have fallen, for she seemed
to appreciate, what the others did not that. he
sou rht to throw odium u on Manton omrief,
an she was determined
far as lay in her power.

With an angry toss of his head, the young
sailor replied: -

“ Circumstances alter cases, Miss Hurst, as-
you doubtless know, as I will rove, whenI tell
you that I lost several men, ed and wounded,
under the fire of the sloop.

“ Then, too, two days after we were caught in
a hurricane and seven of my best men were
washed overboard, while several others, with
broken arms and legs, were unfit for duty.

“Sighting a prize, I gave chase to her, two

0 punish him to; it, as-

«u

days ago, and she proving a good sailor, I ‘

gained very slowly.

“.I he t up: running fire, from the pivot-gun

which ieu nant Moncrief had given me, in

flare of the splendid piece he removed for the
ermaid, and which was far inferior to the one

he took.

“The prize also opened heavily on me. and
thus was our chase kept up, both of as suffering,
I in my crew, and as I afterwards learned,
the merchantman in herrig and bull.

“This morning at dawn I was near enough
to give her a broadside, and it brought her to,
when I went down to board, but was met by
a hot fire which further out down m men. ‘

“I boarded, however, and, after a hot fl ht
the rize was taken, proving to be a ric y-
freig ted vessel With supplies for the British
fleet and a number of officers on board comi
out to £31 their regiments in America, and this
acooun for her determined resistance, for

i .

‘ "iy . . ' . ‘ r». I A: ‘l‘
 ‘~‘~‘   u 7, T's ' .,. 4“" ‘ . ’-

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they had gotten out of the hold a fine cannon and
mounted it astern, and this piece it was that had
done my crew so much damage. .

" I had hardly learned what a splendid prize I
had, and looked aftcr the number of my pris-
oncrs, when a sail was sighted.

“ She had come down upon us, enveloped in
the morning mist, and was near at hand when
.HL‘Cll.

" At a glance I knew her as the Sea Torch,
under the. connnand of—well, you know who
Miss Hurst,” and Hugh Bronx gave a wicked
smile, feeling that he had the power to make
Sibyl and her father fear him.

But the maiden instantly said, and in the most
indifferent manner:

“ Yes, under the command of my uncle,
Bianca the Buccaneer.” _

Then turning to the surprised major, and Cap-
tain Bainbridge, she continued:

“ There is one thin 1 must tell you and Cap-
tain Bainbridge, Major White, and that is the
fact that my father had a brother who went
wholly to the bad, and whom he recognized in
Bianca the Buccaneer, when his vessel the Sea
Torch ea tured the Mermaid.

“ We 'd not speak of this before, as it was a
painful subject, but as Captain Bronx has re
ferred to it, it is best that you know the facts.”

“ We can only be responsible for our own
actions, not those of others, Sibyl," said Major
White promptly, while Captain Bainbridge re-
sponded:

" That Captain Hurst should be the brother of
Bianca the Buccaneer, is his misfortune, not his
fault.”

“ I so feel it, gentlemen, though I bewail
deeply the fact that my poor brother has become
what he has.”

“ No one need know the circumstance, for my
lips are sealed, as are yours Brainbridge, I am
sure, while Captain Bronx being your devoted
friend, Hurst. will certainly keep silent upon a
matter so inful to you and your lovely daugh-
ter,” and ajor \Vhite spoke in a manner that
conveyed more than did his Words, while he
riveted his eyes upon Hugh Bronx.

The oung privateersman was astounded.

He ad ex ted to humiliate Sibyl, and
she had frank y told the secret and thus foiled
him.

Having thus gained the advantage, and seen
how the major and Bainbridge took it, Sibyl
said:

“ N ow Captain Bronx, tell us more fully about
your flight before the ire of my piratical uncle,
please.’

Hugh Bronx hit his lips with vexation, then

.d.

39.1 . -

“ I saw that I must fight the pirate, thou h
_ my crew were great] depleted, and ordered t ie

En lish prisoners be ow decks, in their vessel,

an my men back on board the Scorpion to
«quarters.
“ But, as I have said, the prize had a number
«of officers on board, and they at once saw their
chance, for the mutinied against m control,
and refused to cave the decks while was forc-
ed to retreat to my vemel to defend her, as the
red-handed pirate was coming down savagely
upon its.

“ He opened fire upon me, and the result, a
broadside, was terrible, for he strewed my decks
with dead and wounded.

“Then he were around and gave the British
be. ac a broadside, heading down to heard her.

SI saw that my men were demoralized, and I
had but one course to pursue, and that was to
fly, as with but a score of men fit for work I was
no match for the pirate. '

“ So I ordered sail crowded upon the schooner
and we gained a good lead while the pirate was
capturing the barque, which it did by boarding.

‘ Having placed a prize crew on board the
barque, the pirate set sail in chase of me, open-
ing at long range, though without damage, ex-
cept from an occasxonal shot.

‘ Thus the flight continued the pirate gradu-
all gaining upon me, until his shots be u to
teli: and I trying all in my power to reac this

)ort.

I “ The result you know,” and he ended the re-
cital abruptly. ‘

“Barques seem to be fatal to your success,
1111 h,” calmly observed Sibyl. _

“ am sure, Miss Hurst, Captain Bronx acted
for the best, to save his vessel, for those irates
are all heavily armed and mann ,” said bert
Bainln-idge, really gfitying the. young sailor un-
der the battery of ib l’s sarcasm, more than he
had under the fire of t huccaneer.

Seeing that he had no sympathy from Sibyl,
Hugh Bronx arose, and refusing the invitation
of the major to stay to tea, took his departure.
he said to quickly repair damages, ship addition-
al men and go in search of the Sea Torch.

“ Better stick to running down merchant ves-
sels, Hugh. for pirate-hunting is dangerous work
and Uncle Bianca is a desperate man," called
out Sibyl with provoking sarcasm, which the
young sailor could not but feel; but she meant
to make him feel.

CHAPTER XXV.
AN UNLOOKED—FOR ARRIVAL.

I I The sea Siren.

 

was a silence of some moments between those he
left upon the piazza.

He seemed to have left an unpleasant sensa-
tion upon all.

At last Major White said:

“ Isannot understand this story about Mon-
crief.

“ He will come round all right, sir, I am sure,
for treachery can never be char ed against Man-
ton Moncrief my friends,” He rt Bainbridge
remarked.

“ He has certainly overstayed his time, for
he hardly expected

major said.

As for the skipper and Sibyl they both re-
mained silent, the latter glancing far out toward
the sea.

Sluddenly from her lips broke, in real maintop
st e:

)‘y‘ Sail ho !”

All eyes were turned seaward, where, coming 4 _ '
1 Mrs. White, who sat there, was jomed by her

up the coast had suddenly shot into view the
white sails of a vessel.

It had been noticed, that when the pirate ,1

schooner had started out to sea she had at first
headed down the coast, and then changing her
course quickly, had gone directly in an opp0site
direction, soon disappearing
those seated upon the piazza.

Now, from the direction just opposite to that
which the pirate had taken, the sol appeared in
si t.

gSeizing her glass Sibyl leveled it u n the
stranger and the cry that escaped er lips
proved that she had made some important dis-
covegy. '

“ ell, my child?” queried the skipper.

“ It is the brig.”

“ \Vhat brig?’

“ The Brimstone !”

All were upon their feet in an instant, and
the several glasses of the mansion were quickly
leveled.

“Yes, it is the brig, and she is under a tro-
mendous pressure of ‘canvas,” said the skip-

per.
. “Can anything be in chase?” asked the ma-

jor.
2113 she not in chase of the pirate?” Sibyl
.sai .
“ You are right, my child, as you ’most al-
wa s are, for the—the-—-well, I might as well
cal him such, as he is nothing more, the pirate,

started down the coast. and then went about, I

crowdin on sail as he did so, and without doubt
saw the rig, which caused him to do so,” said
the skipper.

“ Yes, she holds on by, so is not coming into the
harbor,” said the major, who well knew the
coursea vessel had to take to run up to the
town, though he was no sailor.

All e«(aisles were now u n the brig, which,
crowd from truck to eck with canvas, was
going with all speed in chase of the pirate
schooner, it was very evident.

Hardly had she glided by out of of sight, in
the direction the Sea Torch had taken, when the
skipper said: ‘

‘ here is a bank of fog coming in from sea-
ward, so I think the Brimstone Will have to give
up her chase, as she will not dare hold on near
the coast in a mist.

“ But will Moncrief dare enter this port?” the E

major asked.

‘ Wh not, major?”

“ Wel , Miss Sibyl, if he should be the traitor
Bronx reports him, it will be a very bad place
for him to come to."

“He will come to prove that Bronx :5 mis-
taken ” was the ready mpg.

“I hope so,” Captain Ba bridge said, and he

added fervently:

“ And I believe so.”
' “ Sail ho!”

Again the cry broke from the 1i of Sibyl,
and all eyes turned upon a largf sc ooner, evi-
dently armed, hat came boun 'n along into

view, following in the wake of the rig.

“ Is that the brig flying from her, after all?”
asked Major White.

‘_ :1 It does appear so,” the young soldier captain
sai .

f“ Is the schooner not ratherlone our {geoph-

0 -war, tryin to get into port one 9 0g
strikes them i‘gwas Sibyl’s inquiry.

“We will soon know, my child," and then;
quickly following the skipper’s words came in

his rin ing voice:
“ Sal ho!” ~
“ Yes, I see her.

a ba ue,” cried Sibyl.

“ ey carry the American flag, both the "

barque and the schooner,” remarked Captain

Bairlibridge, who was regarding both atten-

tive .

“Xnd did an one observe the flag at the

peak of the bri ’asked the ma 'or. ‘
No one had, and all wonder at it. .

The schooner was now seen, to round up to.
ward the town. and that was a proof that it was i

 

not‘an Englishman under merican ‘colors.

to be gone half the time; 1
but his ex lanation, if he returns, will doubtless ‘
\put a di erent light upon his conduct, from i
what our young friend Bronx gives it,” the i

from the View of ‘

 

 

“ She is dead in the wake of the schooner, and _
i

! pirate!” asked Sibyl quietly.

ing in the schooner‘s wake, and in a moment

, more Sibyl cried:

“ There comes the brig!”

It was true. the Brimstone now came into
view, headin r for the harbor entrance, and in a
short while er prow was pointed toward the
town.

Behind her rolled a great bank of fog, and she
scenth anxious to keep ahead of it and gain an
anchorage.

Overhauling the barque she passed her in
grand style, and was abeam of the schooner
when the forts were reached. _

Then the fog—hank roved the victor. and the
three vessels were s at out from the view of
those on the piazza of the White mansion.

As the mist swept up toward the town, the
party heard the plunge of the anchors. signify— .
in;r that the brig, the barque and the schooner
had anchored, and then all entered the mansion
to escape the damp and chill air, as night was
now coming on.

A blazing wood fire

11 n the spacious hearth
of the library made 8.80

cheerful within, and

husband and guests. v '
Hardly had they become seated when a quick, * .1
firm step was heard on the piazza, and the brass
knocker clanged loudly.
The major stepped to the door, and a moment -.
after returned to the library accompanied by ,
Manton Monerief. ‘ 

CHAPTER XXVI.
AN EXPLANATION.

Tarzan: was certainly no look upon the hand-
some face of Manton Moncrief, as he entered
the libra of Major White’s mansion, that
would 1e13, one to believe that he had really
connnittod a treacherous act toward his coun-‘~

tr . , ~ »
He looked a trifle haggard, as though he had i i
seen hard service, and wore his left arm in I. .~.
sling, as though wounded. -‘."-
He had been warmly greeted at-the door by
the major, who had ushered him at once into 3,»;
the library, and there Mrs. White and the others . {if
all gave him a kindly greeting. v 5,,
“ Ve saw your vessel pass the harbor, avian .
dently in chase of the schooner that had gone on  
up the coast, so hardly ex ted to see you back 3 
so soon; but you are we come, Moncrief, and- .'
we are most anxious to hear the story of your Tie
cruise,” said the major. '  ‘
“ I will give it to you with pleasure, but first ,. 21
tell me if you haVc seen or heard aught of the mix!
Sea Scorpion?” ' 
“ fies; she came into port a few hours before 
you. . _  '
“ I am glad of that, and I hope he had a sno- 
eessful cruise; but you ask me of my voyage, "7"}-
and I may say that I ran by the harbor entrance ,1
in chase of a vessel I recognized-as the Sea 37:...
Torch, under that noted pirate, Bianca. "if;
“ I saw that I was tobe can ht in a tog- 
and, as 1 saw the schooner isa pear in it, 
recognized the uselessness of he] ng on, so put 
back to port and followed my prizes in.” _ ., 
“ Your rims?” asked the major. ' ;; a
“ Yes; or I cagtured the schhmer sevemml’al
days ago off the rmudas, and placed apprise  -~
crevmon board, while the barque I caught to‘-' 
da _ ,, 1:“
“ \Vas the schooner an En lish veMot—war,  
lieutenant?” asked Major W its. ', 
“ No, a British privateer though, and a \splfll- f”,
did prize, while the barque was a swift  3"“
sent out as was your vessel, Captain Hurst, loath. 

ed with supplies. . v i: “-
her way to find the Briti‘ 

.r 1,3

'1

  

     
   
   
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

“She was on
squadron, with arms, ammunition and stores
0 all kinds for the English troops and “wheat,
and isas valuables. capture as wecould ' , 
while she has a colonel of infantry oxidant-are "
junior officers on board, coming to, join their
commands here. ' J ‘ 

“ The colonel told me that they 
chased by an American schooner-of-war 
had just captured them, whena' secondoch‘m .
came up and drove the Ame \ '  ‘ -‘ '. ‘

“ This second one prOVed to be apirata, in.” '
the Sea Torch, and it threw a prize cram
board and then went in chase of he American;
which put off in flight from some 
son. ,,

“ It was several hours after that I came up
with the ac, running upon he almost, in ‘.
fog-bank, an made her my pr' andthepirab‘
crew who had her in charge, fteen in mini-1,,

bar, I”have in irons in the hold of the Brink ‘* .
stone. ' a 1‘ ‘

“ So you made two valuable captures,  ._
ant, on your cruise?" '  in": ’

“ Yes, Major White, for the privates-shame"
is a. good vessel, and like the Brimstone, willhei
valuable addition to our navy; while the banning...
put in good trim, will also make a good cruihér;
as she .is a fleet craft.” - ' .

“ HaVe you any idea, Lieutenant Moncrief 
what American schooner it was that

the no, and then had to run from
“Itned to get a correct description? 

 

   
    
   
  
 

i y ’ v orher name, but could ad, but
Amn the departure of Hugh Bronx, there _ ' I it

Soon after the ban-qua ' 'the'aame, still hold» was some privateer. cut down  j ‘
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14

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The Sea. Siren.

<u~2v v,"""". 91-33“. t" ~~

-. "'1 -3;‘s-'r.a: ' 

 

whose captain knew he was unable to cope with
ilehe ,pirate, and took the wiser course and
ed ’

“Do you not know what schooner it was,
Lieutenant Moncrief?”
“ Miss Hurst, you seem to imply that I do
know.”
“ I am sure that you do, but will not say.”
“Why should I?”
“You do not wish to say aught to reflectupon
' a brother sailor.”
i “ Well, to be frank, I believe I do know the
vessel, but I prefer not to mention her name
until the captain has made his report.”

“And that he has done, for he says that he i h

was not strong enough to fight the pirate.”
“ Then on know who it was, Miss Hurst?”
“Yes, ieutenant Moncrief, it was Captain
flu in Bronx.”
’4 “ t was then, as I supposed, that his crew
' 2 had been depleted in action, or from other
, causes, and he dared not venture a combat with
the famous corsair, and I think he was wise,
though if he had known the value of the cargo
g." of the barque, he would have made a stand to
:‘ save her for our forces.”
' “ Do on not think, Lieutenant Moncrief, that
he mig t have told the crew and officers on
3 board the barque that their foe was a pirate
 . and offered them their liberty if they would
5: _ join in with him and capture the irate?”

ii ‘ “ You fput telling questions, Miss urst,” said
Moncrie , with a smile.
“Do you not think by such an alliance the

' ,pirate might have been taken, or at least beaten
'ofi’?” persisted Sibyl.
. “ Both might have been possible, Miss Hurst,
i- but it is hard to say.”
L, g “ You are generous, lieutenant, more ener-
“ ous, I may say by far than Captain ronx
would be to you.”
~ , “ I hope you misijudge him, Miss Hurst.”
'“' “If you are wi ling to explain the circum-
stances of our meeting with Captain Bronx at
. lea, we wil all be able to judge. ’
g .r ’ “ He told you then of our meeting?”
g. r; “Yes, sir, and we Would like to hear our
 story,” and Sibyl smiled, while the others ook-
 > ed on in silence, with intense interest at the
 , manner in which the maiden was working up to

 f the demuement of how Moncrref could refute
.‘  the charge of treachery.

As for Mrs. White, who knew not the circum4
stances, she wondered that her husband and
Captain Bainbridge were seeming to encourage
the questioning by Sibyl; but t ey were glad
not to have to ask the young commander for an

,,  explanation.
;  ‘ A sto loses its merit b being retold, Miss

4‘ -' Hug-st, an ,Bronx has dou tless told you all
v  as esaw it. ,
 “ Permit me to urge the story from your lips

 also, Lieutenant Moncrief,” said the skipper,
 . , coming to Sibyl’s aid.
17.}? “ Certainly, for there is something to tell after
,‘ . all w ch Captain Bronx did not know of.
' .y,‘ “ fact is, when I rounded the headland,
 _ where the Sea Scorpion had been becalmed over
- night, I not being very far distant from her, I
, 4 sighted firs the British sloopof-war.
3.32. _ “ Then schooner came in sight, further in-
 shore, and seeing1 that we were not seen by
' either, I ran up t e king’s flag and fired a gun
.. j i to attract attention.
  “ Irecognized the sloop of-waras one that had
' often chased me in the little schooner, and seeing
 the great danger of the latter and that Bronx
f’ 2"- ' evidently meant to beach her, I fired the shot,
2.. ,, intending by a trick to save her.
it 5 . “This trick was to be the British private sig-
1». *2 nals I had found on board the Brimstone, and
:55, ,. thereby rescue the schooner from her peril.
' ‘ _ “ So I signaled the sloop that I was the British
brig-of-war Brimstone, and that the schooner
” was my prize, the young commander evidently
 . » not knowing the sloop as a friend, and therefore
' . running from her.

 

cw “ sgodevice worked’ to a charm and to get
I 2’.  the p out of the. way, so that the schooner
‘5‘ ' . could escape to sea, I made the signals tell an-

_1 other sto , in effect that there was, beyond the
 «‘z~ . .southernrzeadland, the American f ate Presi-
,' dent, and that together, the three 0 us might
"ca ture him.
- ,1  ‘ The sloop signaled that she would go on to
  ' I the attack. and for me and the schooner tocome
' 4  - on after her and join in the combat.
‘ "'5- ' “I then signaled to.the schooner to cross my
~ , wake to windward, and was glad to see that
'3" Bronx understood me, and at once doin so,
 headed close inshore around the northern end-
  « (land and escaped. ‘
if I “Had the schooner been a trifle stron er, I
 . would havebeen glad to have Ca tain ronx
.5“. v‘ join me in an attack upon the soop, for we
is" v ' might have been successful; but as it was per-
 haps it was better that he should not risk his
vessel, she not being a regular cruiser, and thus
made good his escape.

“Sirich isgny story of the schooner’s escape,

 
  

 

  
  

a “ And your escape, Lieutenant Moncrief, you

. ' do not refer to?” . ‘

' . “Ah, yes.” and the young sailor smiled;‘but

" . all saw that there was something back of the
. V 7 smile that he carednot to make known. '

 

CHAPTER XXVII.
FOR anornna’s sum.

SIBYL was persistent, that all present saw and
Manton Moncrief felt.

She was not disagreeaby so, but in her
ant way showed that she was anxious to
all that there was to tell.

She had (lichvcred a phase in Hugh Bronx’s
nature which she had not before suspected.

That he loved her she felt, and yet he had no
right to wish to crush all opposition to put his
foot, so to speak, upon the neck of all rivals.

He had shown himself a dangerous man, and
she~wishcd to know just what to expect from

rm.
He had threatened her, and she was not one to
idl live under a threat.

She loved his dear old mother very much, and
she had loved Hugh Bronx as though he had been
her brother, while, not wanting others to show
her her mistake, she might have one day become
1113 wife, believing that she loved him as he
wished her to do.

But, meeting Lieutenant Moncrief and Cap-
tain Bainbridge both, had proven to her that she
couldinevcr love Hugh Bronx as a wife should
love her husband.

Frankly she had told him so, and she had seen
the evil nature that was his.

She knew that he owed his life to Manton
Moncrief when rescucd from Bianca, the Buc-
caneer, and again, that he had tried to rescue
Manton Moncricf simply to repay the debt, and
had been taken prisoner and again saved by the
man he sought to save.

This had niaddcncd Hugh Bronx, Sibyl Well
knew, and made him hateful in the extreme,
though he had been given the schooner by Lieu-
tenant Moncricf at one-half her value, though
he would not acknowledge the favor.

Going to sea in the Sea Scorpion as her com-
mander, his carccr would have been quickly
over but for the coming of the Brimstone upon
the scene, and when saved again .by Manton
Moncrief, Sibyl saw that Hugh Bronx had re-
turned, and with seeming pleasure charged him
with being a traitor.

His whole conduct had so incensed her that
she was determined to get at the bottom facts
and let Hugh Bronx know that she understood
him as he really was.

Thus it was that she ur ed so rsistently for
Manton Moncrief to tell er al that had hap-
pened, while her father and the others, from va-
rious motives, were anxious to have the truth,

0W

asthe char 9 against the young officer of treach- :

ery had 1 him in a very painful light to other
eyes.

“Yes, Moncrief, with Miss Sibyl, I would like
to know how you escaped from the sloop—in
fact. all of us would,” said Major White.

"It is soon told, sir, for the sloo saw the
flight of the schooner, and at once srgnaled to
know the cause.

“ I was too near her dangerous broadsides to
attempt to run also soEave signal back that she
had gone around the eadland to pick up two
boats’ crews which had been on a raid for fresh
provisions.

“ You see, Miss Hurst one who tells a false
hood must cover it with another, and I had to
make the signals tell untruth after untruth—but
it was in a good cause, as you know.

“ This answer seemed to satisfy the sleep’s
commander, and he held on around the head-
land, I still following in his wake; but he sig-
naled to me to have the schooner come to our
aid as soon as possible, and I sent such signals to
Captain Bronx. feelin that he would understand
them; but he return no answer.

The sloo now began to round the head-

land and I all readsi to gut about and run
for it as soon as she oul disappear from
view. '

“ In the wind that was blowin I had gain—
ed on the sloo , and I felt the I could out-
run her, once could g’et out of near range,
so as not to be crippled y a broadside.

“ The schooner had already disappeared
around the northern headland, and twenty min-
utes after the sloop went out of sight.

“Hardly had her stern disappeared, when I

ve the order to go about and head seaward,
gough on a course that would not bring me in
view of the sloop again, or at least until I had
gained quite a start. .

“ It seems, after roundin the headland, until
she could get a fair view 0 the entire shore for
miles, the captain of the British vessel did not
discover my American frigate, and, having
waited a reasonable time for me to appear, an
I not doing so, he became an icious.

“ Such is my idea, for e ut about, and
when be rounded the headlan again he was
read for action.

“ 0 saw the Brimstone making all haste to
seal.) and the schooner of course was not in
si t.

‘3‘ He saw too what showed him that he had
been deceived by a Yankee, the flag of our
navy flying at my) peak, and he luifed quickly
and let me have a roadsrde. .

“ Fortunately it did no damage, and to gain a
little more time, forI was increasing my load
steadil , I signaled him that I washed to speak
with hiin.

 

i
l

i
i

 

l

“ He asked what I wanted, and I sent the Sig»
an] up that the schooner was the American
cruiser Scorpion, which the British brig-of-war
Brimstone had ca tured, and carried to an

leas- j anchorage off Char eston.

That I had been the schooner’s commander
had escaped and recapturing the Scorpion ha
also captured the Brimstone, and, to.allow the
Scor ion to escape him had signaled as I had.

“ 1] this took some fifteen minutes, and he
patiently heard all. and then gaVc me another
roadside, which did but little damage however.
" I had gained a quarter of a mile in distance,

b my signaling, and so had not so much fear of
his fearful broadsides, and ran for all the brig
was worth, firing1 upon him from m stern
guns, and doing im some injury, as I could

see.

“After a chase until nightfall, when Iwas
out of range, the sloop gave it up and I went on
my way; but what became of the schoonerI
did not know, and was glad to hear from you
that Captain Bronx had arrived in port irr-
safety."

Such was Manton Moncrief’s story, and it
drove from the minds of his hearers, who had
listened to Hugh Bronx’s charge, all idea of
treachery.

He saw that there was some cause for the
looks passin between the party, but said noth-
ing that e ibited any curiosrty to know what
they meant, and soon after remarked:

“I‘Vith the Scorpion in port, the schooner I
have just captured, and the Brimstone, I think
we have a splendid chance of capturin the
British sloop-of-war, should she appear 0 this,
port, as I'fcel assured that she will, in hope of
riding either the brig or the schooner, and I
shall make the attempt.”

“ There is another vessel to aid you, lieuten~
ant,” said the skipper.

“Ah is there another American cruiser in
port?” e asked.

“There is one soon to be made one—your Sea
Siren.”

“Ah, Captain Hurst, you remind me that
your beautiful vessel is ready for sea.”

“Yes, and a beauty she is, while it will be a
good chance to try her speed with the Sea Scor-
pion, so that we can judge if her change of rig
as improved her.”

“I am sure that it has Captain Hurst; but,
as you say, with the Sea iren armed from the
battery on the brig, to aid us‘ I would not fear
to attack a line-of-battle ship close inshore
where we could have a port to run into i
worsted.”

Just then the knocker resounded again and
the negrobutler ushered into the room Hugh
Bronx, who had learned of the arrival in port
of the Brimstone, and returned quicklglto tlxig
mansion of Major White for a purpose e no
chapter will reveal.

CHAPTER XXVIII.
CONFRONTED.

THE entrance of Ho h Bronx was a surprise,
and all who saw his p 6 face felt that his com-
in was for a purpose.

major arose and greeted him, presented
his wife, and then said:

“ The rest of my guests you know, Captain
Bronx."

“ Pardon me, Major White, but there is one
here whom I am Sorry to hear you call your
guest, as I came to ask you for a force to go and
seize his vessel, having learned he had entered
the harbor. '

“I need not say that I, refer to Lieutenant
Moncrief.”

And the voice of Hugh Bronx fairly trem-
bled with the rage that he in vain tried to sup--

Press- .

“ And why seize my vessel, Ca tain Bronx!"
asked Manton Moncricf, with a icesant smile.

“I would seize her, sir, as t e vessel of a
treacherous American, and her commander as a
traitor!” was the reply.

Moncrief’s face became serious, and he turned
to Major Whit», who said quickly:

“ Captain Bronx, my house is no place, sir, to
make charges against a brother officer, charges
which we now know cannot be sustained, as
Lieutenant Moncrief has fully explained all cir-
cumstances which to you. and through your
story to us, seemed suspicious.”

“ Can he explain away his having engaged an
American frigate with a British sloop-of-war as
an ally?”

“ My dear Bronx. you are not well, surely, or
you would know that I am no man to accuse as
you do,” and Manton Moncrief smiled, but it
was a den rous smile. '

“Hugh roux, you are no longer under my
command, sir, but through my friendship for
you, you were introduced to this mansion, and I
command you to at once depart, before on
brin more disgrace upon yourself,” and ap~
tain urst arose and confronted the. young pri-
vateersman.

“Is itadis ace to accuse a man of treach-
ery ?” he ask eternity;

‘ It is to do so in t e manner that you do, and
to accuse one who is above suspicion, sir,” re-
tortcd the ski per.

“ Then, Mayor White, do you decline to give

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A: t"\" '1'. ma...

 

, «—.-»-——..—.—_...... W.__._.-. e. , . l . ... .. H... w . ..... . .. -..n......_...-,- ....

- «alpr .. V’s .,

The Sea Siren.

15

 

 

me a force to seize Lieutenant Moncrief and his

vessel?”
“ I most assuredly do, sir," was the stern re-

sponse. .

“Pardon me major, but as I seem to bea
bone of contention, I will take my departure, and
if Captain Bronx would find me he has but 
come on board m brig, the Brit! stone; but if
he had shown ha the courage at sea, when .I
risked my Vessel and crew to save him and his
schooner, as he does in making charges of treach-
ery a ainst me here in the resence of ladies, _he
woul not have had to run into this rt'to hide
from a pirate, but brought a valuab 8 prize With

‘ h

The voice of Manton Moncrief wayclear, and
every word told upon his hearers, while, bowmg
his wa toward the door as he concluded, he

1 glanc at Hugh Bronx in a way that that per-
sona e could not fail to comprehend.

“ ardon me, Lieutenant Moncrief, but you
are to remain to supper with us tonight, and
when Captain Bronx wishes to see. you, he knows
where to find you,” and Major White stepped
forward and laid his hand ently u )0!) the s on]-
der of the naval officer, w iile he wed to the

. privateersman in a way that showed he had dis-
missed him. '

“ And you refuse to give me a force_to arrest
that man upon my charge a ainst him, MaJor
White,” excitedly said Hugh roux.

“ Most certainly I do, sir.”

“ I denounce him as a traitor to his flag and
country.” .

“Seek Lieutenant Moncrief, air, as he says,
on board his vessel, and not in the presence of
ladies, and then accuse him,” said the maJor,
quietly.

“ That means that I am not believed i”

“As you please, sir.” I i

“ I bid you good- ght, MaJor White,” and
with a fierce lance at ibyl, Hugh Bronx bow-
ed low and le t the room. .

“Now, ma'or, permit me to go,” said Mon-
; crief, in his p easant way.

i “ Sibyl, kindly take charge of Lieutenant
I Moncrief, and show him the way to.the supper-
, room for Ben announced it as our irate young
I friend arrived.”

1 “ Your arm, please, lieutenant,” and Manton
‘ Moncrief was led ca tivo away b Sibyl who
l was glad that he di not follow ugh ronx
from the house, as the young uprivatoersmsn was
mad with ' ousy, and wo dnot have hesita-
! ted to attac the naval omcer, she well knew.

I Around the cheerful supger—table all discussed

the strange conduct of ugh Bronx, and as

Sib I kept silent as to his motive, no conclusion

~ CO d be arrived at other than that his brain

a was turned by his suddenly becoming captain of
an armed vessel. '

Soon after supper Manton Mpncrief arose and

took his leave, e skipper telling him that the

SeaSiren,astheMermaid wastobe was

'3 at his disposal and ready for sailing at any

time.

“I trust tohave the pleasure of seeing you
soon again, Miss Hurst, and shall expect my
friends here to all dine with me on board the
Sea Siren, when she is an armed vema ” said
Moncrief, as he grasped the hand of Sibyl in
' parti and then left the room.

“ nfil you not 0 after him, for somehow I
dread trouble,” sai Sibyl, glidin up to the side

.i of Captain Bainbridge, who h been detained

} by the major, as he wished to give him some

2 personal instructions for work on the morrow.

‘ “Gladly, for I intended do so, perhaps
from a feeling that harm might to ow. .

t “ W ill you lease say to the major that I Will
call early in e morning for his instructions,
Miss Hurst?” and the young soldier hastily de—

from the mansion.

Quickl wending his wa .down the gravel
walk to t e road, which led the town, and al-
“so to the landing of the mansion, Robert Bain-
. bridge heard voices ahead of him.

i The mist was very heavy, and he could hard-

' ly see ten feet ahead of him, but, as be advanced
he heard the words:

; “ Our orders, sir, are to take you alive if we
can, but to kill you if on resist. and we have

. your breast covered wit our weapons.”

1 Instantly the meaning of the words flashed

' through the mind of Robert Bainbridge, and he
felt that Moncrief had been set upon by a party
who sought to capture or kill him.

- He knew that the young sailor had come
ashore in his undress uniform, and unarmed
while his left arm was in a sling, from a wound
received in the combat of the brig With the
British schooner.

‘ Cau ht unawares, and covered b weapons
in the ads of desperadoes, Captain ambridge
knew that Manton Moncrief was at the mercy
of his foes. '

At once he decided to act, and utterly fear-
less, he did not count the odds that might be
against him.

Drawing his sword in one hand, and a pistol
in the other, he sprung forward and confronted
the astonished party, while his blade struck up
the leveled pistols of three men who faced Man-
tcn Moncrief, who stood two paces before them.

“ Villains! down with your arms, or my men
fireon you!” he cried, in a voice of thunder.

 

One man had been wounded seVerel by the
severe upward cut of the sword, and is pistol
had already fallen from his hand, while the
other two, believing themselves covered by
muskets, quickly dropped their weapons.

“Down on your faces, all of you!” cried the
soldier, and the men obeyed quickly.

“ Captain Bainbridge you have rendered me
good service, sir, so tell me how I can aid you
now ” said Moncrief, coolly.

“ .et us see that these rascals are secure first,
lieutenant. '

“ Guard them, please, while I step to the shore
and see if they have not a boat— Ah! one of
them has a rope, I see, evidently brought for
you, but I will use it on them.”

The three fri htencd men were then quickly
bound, and lea ing them to the water’s edge,
their boat was found awaiting them.

“ Let us take them on board our brig, lieu-
tenant, and know who is at the ttom of this
little plan to get rid of you.”

“ As you please, Captain Bainbridge; but my
mm boat awaits me a hundred ards up the
shore, and we will go on board in t at,” was the
answer, and the prisoners were marched up to
the spot where the gig of the Brimstone, with
two men and a coxswain in it, were awaiting
the return of their captain.

Entering it, the officers and their prisoners
were pulled rapidly out over the fog-clouded
waters to the Brimstone.

CHAPTER XXIX.
THE SECRET FOE.

UPON arriving on the deck of the brig, the
wounded prisoner was at once turned over to
the surgeon to care for, and his wound having
been dressed, he was led into the cabin, along
with his comrades who had all been kept apart,
so that they could arrange no story together.

“ M man, I’ll examine you first, as you are
suffering.

“Remove the other two to the deck and await
my call,” said Manton Moncrief addressnig the
wounded prisoner, a low-brow , evil-faced sea-
man.

The guard led off the other two, and the pris-
oner was alone, under the e es of the officer he
had sought to capture or kill, and the one who
had thwarted the plans of his comrades and him-
se

 

1f.

Robert Bainbridge sat in an easy-chair smok-
ing, while Manton Moncrief was seated at the
ta le, near a middy, who had an inkhorn, quill
pen and paper before him.

“fYour name, my man!” quietly asked Mon-
crie .

“ Lemuel Ryder, sir.”

The middy wrote down the reply.

“ Are you a seamanf”

to Yes, an”

“ An American?”

“ Yes, sir.”

“ You are English, my man.”

“I”am Enghsh born, sir, but an American
now.

“ Ah! and what vessels have you served on!”

e man mentioned the names of several,
which the middy wrote down.

“ pr what are you doing in Charleston

rt
“ Awaiting to shi , sir.”

“ Do you want a rth under me!”

“ Yes, sir, when my arm gets well.”

“Why did you seek to ca ture me and
threaten, if I resisted, on we kill mer’

“ I was ashore, sir, cad broke, and had the
offer of gold for a little work.”

“ What ’was that work?”

“ To capture you, sir, and to kill you if you
did not yield.”

6‘ I see.”

“ And your comrades!”

“ I hired them to help me, sir.”

“ Who hired you, my man?”

“ I do not know, sir.”

“ Mind you, I want the truth.”

“ I am telling the truth, sir.”

“ Remember, not many feet above your head,
where you now stand, is a yard-arm, and ropes
are lent on board this bug.”

“ ’ll te I all I know, sir.”

H Do so. 7’

“ I was in the Patriot’s Rest, having a glass
of beer, when the landlord asked me for my
bill, which I could not pay him, so he ordered
me out into the street.

“‘I Went feeling awful blue and almost des-
perate. and I nearly ran up against a stranger
who was standing outside, looking in through
the window.

“ ‘ You’re in hard luck, my man,’ says he.

“ “Yes, sir, Iam,’ says .

“ ‘ Need money? says he.

“ ‘ I’m dead wrecked,’ says I.

“Then he told me if I would does he asked
he would pay me well.

“ I askcd him what there was to do, and he
placed in my hands a dozen pieces of gold, as
much a- a half year’s wages, and said:

” azllave you got two mates that can help
on.

“ I said:

" ‘ What to do, your Honor?

" ‘ Nothing very wicked,’ says he.

, ,

' I I

“So I told him I could get two mates ri ht
,inside the Patriot’s Rest, who were wrec ed
} like myself in a money way, and he told me we
' were to go down the shore road to the large

erry its, the Commandant of the Harbor
Forts.

“ We were to secrete ourselves in the shrub—

mansion, when we were to spring forward, with
our istols leveled upon you.

“ was to tell you to go quietly with us. and
if vou refused, we were to kill you.

" He did not tell me who you Were, but said,
if we took you prisoner to row out in the Cooper
River with on. straight from the shore. where
a boat wo'u d await us and take you on board,
when we could go our way.

“ He sent me in after my mates, telling me to
give them some gold, which he handed me for
them, and when we met the boat out on the
river, we were each to have a handsome sum
more: but we were not to kill you unless you
fought us, which he said was not likely, as you
were not armed, and moreover you was wounded
in one arm.

“ This is all I know, sir, excepting that while
I went after my two mates, he got pistols and a
boat for us.”

“ And who was this man?”

“I don’t know, sir.”

“ Did you ever see him before?”

“ No, sir.”

“ You are sure?”

“ Yes, sir.”

“,It will be to your interest, my man, to tell

“I could not see his face sir, for on know
there is a heavy dam mist. the nig t is ve
damp, and he kept his t pulled down over his
eyes, his collar turned up, and thus hid himself
most rfectly.” ‘

“ I hat kind of voice had be?”

“It struck me that he talked in a disguised
voice.”

“ Ab! and his dress!”

“ He wore a heavy sou’-wester, sir, and I could
not see.”

“ Well my man, stand yonder with your face

turned from us, while question your cam-
rades.”
, Then Moncrief called for one of the other
prisoners to be sent into the cabin, and this man
wtiut through a close catechism, as had the
0 er.

His story tallied as to his having been called
out of the Patriot’s Rest b Lem Ryder, his
shipmate, and asked to join ' in a little plot
that there was money in.

“He had been given some gold by Ryder and
the had been met by a stranger, so enveloped
in aoeandformasnottobe who
gtgiven them weapons and led them to a

“Hetoldhim, andhis comradethenondeca

that Lem R der had his orders, and they ush
off, pulling own the river to the house of ajor
Pe White.
“ en Ryder had told them what to do, and
they had hidden in the shrubbery and awaited
the coming
kidnap, or kill, failing to do the former.”

The third man was then ordered into tlm
cabin and his sto coincided with the othesfi
while he also con! not tell who the plotter was,
thorigh be said:

“ know you, Cap’n Moncrief, sir, and lid I
know’d it were you we was to nab, or kill, I‘d
never hev gone there.

“No, sir, your name wasn’t spoke, and not
until that brave officer, Cap’n Bainbridge, run
us down and took us in tow, did I suspect that
it was you We was after.”

“Well,mymen, as ou seem totelltheiana
story. I believe you

it matters little now. .
. “ If you wish to ship with me, you 02:51“ so,
and say no more about it: but if not, I m

see that you are punished for our work to-‘
ni ht, as the act was committed in his domain.
‘ Now what will you do?”

“ You have made three faithful friends in
those men, Moncrief, I amure you.”

“I hope so for I wish good men about
those that will stand by my side and die, if n
be; but who was this arc
think you 5'”

“ W'ait awhile for my answer, please, that I
may consider. after having looked at the matter
more carefully” was the cautious reply, and,

lit

the night,
he

89
state-room with the thought

to
that he would
Moncrief.

 

CHAPTER XXX.
11m CHALLENGE.

 

 

.13, .l. (a-.- ..._ 

ll the truth; but I am
sorry I cannot find out who my enemy is, though '

you over to Captain Bainbridge here, who will,

The men were onl too glad to get 08 so «3in l

and readil shi under the man the-v had ,
been hire to , while Robert Bainhridge '
said:

villain, Beinbridge. ‘

having the h ‘talities of the brig tar '
liobort Bmm'd retired )

able to pick out the underhand foe of Mannin-

Wm Robert Bainbridge joined an host a 
breakfast the following morning. he found lib 

gatew%hlming into the grounds of Major '

bery and wait for you to come out of the ,

of the officer whom they were to '

 

 

 

 

“1...”... .. .

 

The ea Siren.

 

 

  

the same genial gentleman, with no shadow
resting upon him oi" the occurrences of the night
before.

"But for you,' my dear Bainbridgn, I Would
not be enjoying breakfast this morning, as I
should not have submitted to the demand of
that precious trio to surrender, without resis-
tance, and doubtless they would have killed me.

" St) you see I owe you my life.”

“ l har-lly believe that these men would have
, killed you, though I think they would lrWe
-, r tm'owzi ill.‘lll~K)lVCS upon you to capture you.”
“as th‘ r.-ply.

“And my capture Would doubtless have on-
(led in my death, at the hands of my unknown

"wig- '.,. ;.

i-oiu'fw... .

; " I closely for my idea was that the major detained
'  v ' I you for some special instructions?”

  “ So he said, and he went up—stuirs to get some
' papers for me; but Miss Hurst came over and

i’ ‘ .; . said she had a fear of evil to you, and begged.
.1 me to follow on quickly.
“ I had h , strange to say, a like dread, re-
l', garding you, and, leaving Miss Sibyl to make
' my peace with the major I departed, and was
just in time, I am glad to say.”

“ Heaven bless that sweet Woman, I say, as
it well as you, Bainbridge; but what a remarkable
a , girl she is, as good a sailor as I am, brave as any
 , ‘ man, with a nerve of iron, 8. heart all nobleness,
“ ‘- and a spirit and wit that is to be feared.”

   
   
  
  
   
     
    
   
   
 
    
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
   
   
  
 
 
   
    
   
   
  

 j... “ My sentiments exactly,” said Robert Bain—
 ‘ . bridare with a sigh.
if, ' “ ell, captain, here is an epistle I wish on
.,, , toread. and to place it in your hands for w at
l : 5 use on deem best.
,4 g, “ i; came before I got up, and was left b the
i; f ’ bearer, who is to return for a reply,” and lieu-
:" ii. , ' tenant Moncrief handed a letter to the soldier,

‘ the sealof which had been broken.

It was addressed to:
" "LIEUTENANT MANTON Mommas,
- ,r On board Brig-of-war Brimstone,

Charleston Harbor.”

The handwritin was bold and legible. and
openmiait Bainhrit go read aloud at the request
0 Lieu nant Moncrief, the following letter:

“ Sim—Upon my return to this ort, I made known
facts that had occurred at sea 0 ususpicious nature
against you, implicatin as they did your loyalty as
an American and your «mor as a naval ofllcer.

. "I need not refer to your taking sides with the
British sloop-of-war against the American frigate
Presulent. for you understand the case inpoint.

, , “Also. your denials cf my statements rrgardiug

f;- flm, impl falsehood upon my part, while our
. ugua e ast’ night to me, in the presence of o ers,

.  impl that I shrunk from cin~ dan ers.

- ‘ For these reasons, sir, I am ore to fling my

glove in your face, demanding that you grant me a

moo

a?

' g? ‘ ' “ Your obedient servant,
' = l “ Econ J norm.
“ ammondlng Puma. er Sta Scalpion."

: y .t A postcript followed this strange epistlo which
'  -, road as follows:
 . z ' -' Do not c~nsider me ungrateful, asyou have ren-
-.- dered me services in the Ipast, in now challenging
you; but I cannot and wil not overlook what has
occurred, as it places me in the light of a falsificr,
, y , ,.and believing you to be a traitor. i feel that I will
, I i ‘ ‘ gedoing a rent. 00d, should i rid the naval service
- ‘f,_._ ‘20. man w o is laying a double part."
“Well Lieutenant monericf, this is a most
remarks 19 communication,” said Robert Balu-

“ as, it is a strange letter, but Bronx strikes
moss being a very strange man.”
 {3.1.2633} cogminly is; but what notice will you
“*0 it?
5‘ ’ “What would you advise?"
3“ Well. you can et'out of it very readily. ”
., V . “ In what way, 3 ould I desire to do so.’
~ 3‘. By making a charge against Bronx of hiring
men to’assassinato on.”
f‘ Ah! yep think he was the one who hired

 *l ' “ menet to say that I do.”
’  j "‘ myour motives?” r
.I F1 can think of no one else, and, havi lis-
e';  attentively to all that has been sai , by
. ,  Captain Bronx you, recalling his
~ behavior upon the time of your rescue of him.
" .~ his conduct last night, I cannot but feel
‘" he is the uilt one.
., "‘Thasame lie is forceduponme: but what
“would. be his motive?” and Moncrief gazed mrn-
, cstiy into the face of the young soldier.
“‘7! ma be wronggpt I think hi;l is jealous
you, 0 o r repu ion, your ac ievements
..«. f where he  failed, and lastl , he has looked
‘, upon you as one that might it p between him
3" and his-claim for the hand of Mi Hurst.”
' " Oh! you deem him than an aspirant there?"
. , ‘ “ I am sure of it, from what I have seen.”
,  .,"‘_'I‘hank Lou for your frankly spoken words
 Clinton) Ba bridge, and I knew that you would
- ,. have me make a charge against this man,
Bronx and thus avoid trouble with him; but,
'ns'heleels that I have wronged him, thou h it
mfar from my iptention so to do, I wi lac-

ecpthis
 '* Would youfi this lieutenant Monet-let?”
2- A“. gamut: youio bemyfriendinthoaf-

,Ifrl l

  
 
  
 
   

   
 

 

  

  

   
  

  
 

  

enemy: but how was it that you followed me so 1

l

 

 

 

“I will gladly serve you, Moncrief; but if
this man is what we fear, I Will be sorry to have
you meet him.” ’

“ I may place him under further obligations,”
was the quiet remark.

“I know your courage and fighting ability
with a ship, Lieutenant llloncricf, but as a
swordsman, or shot, I do not, so pardon me if
I tell you that Bronx has the credit of being a i
deadly lllfll'lihlnflllJlllil he disarmcd our sworrl-
mnslor ut the i'orls several times, in a 1' iendly
bout, I wa; told." '

“ I am noiilwl‘ a poor shot nor a had swm‘ds-
man, liaipbridge, so i are not which weapons are
chosen, nor when or where you decide upon for
the meeting,” was the indifferent reply of Mom ‘
criei“ and as Captain Bainbridge was about to

o ashore to make his peace with the major, a '
' at came alongside, and Rossmore, the first
officer of the Sea Scorpion came on deck, re-
que sting to see Lieutenant ll oncrief. 

He was ushered into the cabin, and stated that
he came for an answer to the note left some two '
hours before. I

“ Are you ac unintcd with the nature of that
note, sir?" ask Moucricf.

“ 1 am, sir.”

“ Then permit to say that I shall grant the do ,
mand of Captain Bronx fora meeting, and I
refer you to my friend here, Captain Dain-
bridge,” and Moncrief wcnt on deck. I

S .on after he was joined by Robert Bain- ‘
bridge, while Rossmore entered his boat and _
rowed to the Sea Scorpion, lying half a mile i
distant and alrtmdy undergom repairs for I
workan were busy upon her ecks and rig- i

 

gm, .

“El arranged for sunset this evening, Mon-
crief, wen )ons swords, and the lace a bit of
woods on he river shore above t e town.” l

“ All is satisfactory, my dear Bainbrldge, so I ‘
will now accompany you ashore, as I desire to i
see Captain Hurst,” and soon after the two i
friends ascended the broad steps of the White ;
mansion, and were met by the major, who was i
at once. told of _the occurrence of the night be- 1
fore. __ _ ‘

CHAPTER XXXI.
narnamn BY A vorcn. ’

Tun: arrival of the Brimstone in Egrt, and ,
with her a small British cruiser and a rque as g
prizes, the latter with a valuable cargo, which
the American forces in the Carolinas stood
greatly in need of, added to the fame of the
young naval oflloer, and loud Were the cheers
given for him.

Seeing that the citizens had been so demon-
strative he had been anxious to escape into the
house of Major White.

The skipper soon came out upon the piazza,
and Sihyl was with him, gently aiding his steps,
for he was still quite weak.

Sibyl lancod quickly at Robert Bainbridge,
as thong to read in his face if an ht had hap- ;
pom-d the nl'rht before, but the sol ier’s counte-
nance betray d not the secret, and that of Mou-
(-rief ww as placid as a millpond.

But out the ma'or came with the story in his
blunt way thong he ha. i not heard it su gest-
cd to him b the young man that Hu h mm:
was the gui ty one. so said nothing of im.

“The rascals! I hope we can trace them,”
said the major, adding:

“ But you think you have a clew, you say,
Robert?

“ Yes, major.”

“ Then follow it up, and I’ll relieve you from I
duty at the fort.

“Egad, you are one to depend u n, and I
could not understand your movmg of! t night,
but I am ver glad ou did.”

“ And I be 'eveM ss Hurst was the prom ter,
so I owe my life to her as well as to my ga lant
defender,” said Moncrief. '

Sibyl turned crimson to feel that she was
known as havmg sent Captain Bainbridge to
follow Moncrief and said quickly:

“ Somehow. I feared trouble, and Captain
Bainbridge Willineg went at my suggestion, so
all credit is due to him alone.”

“I called, Captain Hurst, to ask on when
you would be ready to sail in the Sea iren, and
to ask Miss Hurst if she would not rechristen the
pretty craft after herself, for I learned from the
men who were her crew as the Mermaid that
you had the name of the Sea Siren?”

“ A vcrv pretty compliment Lieutenant Mon-
criei' and I accept the honor with pleasure,” said
Sibyl while her father said: '

“ es, Sibyl was called the Sea Siren by the
seamen of Our craft, who often saw her in her
little leasure boat facing the fiercest gales and
man ng in and out through the inlet, where the
breakers threatened to swamp her, and I then ht
the Mermaid's name was well chnn ed, w on
you told me. what you wished to call er, Lieu-
tenantMoncrief.”

" Then I will have her armed and equipped,
Miss Hurst, in a couple of days, and We wil take
a run out to sea in her, in compan with the
brig, which is a rapid sailor, that w may see if
the change of rig has improved her."

“ Perhaps Bronx will go in the Sea Scorpion
too for we know not what her speed is, and i
will ban run- test. ’ i .

3'1,

 

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' about to return to the house, wh

No one said aught for or against the Sea Scon-
pion’s going in response to the skipper’s sugges-
tion, and soon after Manton Moncrief took his

2dcparture, to turn the barque and 1111‘ cargo
, over to the port captain as u i rm, and the na-
‘ JUl' and Robert Bumbridge

\wnt donn to the
forts to attend to their «int-la] cuties, the youn

Captain intending to ](’Ilil‘ll H on, for Silly] hag
vhispercd to him that si.e \ri:h(‘d him to do so,

‘ as she had something to ask him.

In a couple of lzoux‘r: ( n; loin Bainbridge ro-

, turned to the mansion mu: Sd.yl met him in the

grounds, leading the v uy to an arbor where
they would be free in In intrusion.

“ Cnptrin lininbridgc, l \\ irh to thank you for
so promptly obeying my request last night," she
said earnestly, extending her hand. -

“ I feel that I am more than repaid, Miss Sibyl
in what occurred, and in receiving your thanks,”
was the low reply.

“ May I ask you if you recognized the assail-
ants of Lieutenant Moncrief’!”

“No, I had not seen them before.”

“ And they were taken prisoners?”

‘6 Yes. 3’

“ And where are they new?”

“ On board the Brimstone.”

“ Were they seamen?”

“They were.” -

“ Pardon a woman’s curiosity, but did you
question them?”

“ Lieutenant Moncricf did.”

“ And they made known their motive?”

H Yes-H

“ Please tell me."

“ They acted for gold, intendingtoca turethe
lieutenant if they could easily do so, bu kill him
if he resisted.”

“ What will their punishment be?”

“ They have been forgiven and have shipped
on the heutenant’s vessel.”

“ Dare he trust them?”

“ I think so, for they were but tools.”

“ Ahi and their master t”

“ They did not know him.”

“They saw him?”

“Yes, but not his face.”

“ They described him?”

“ Yes, but it was of no use, for he was envel-
oped in a sou’wester, had his hat pulled down
owr his eyes, and evidently disguised his voice.”

“ You told Major White that you thought you
had a clew?”

h X798.” 

“ Will you tell me whom you suspect?” I v

“If my clew proves right you shallknow; but
I would not wrong the one I have reason to sul-

t should he prove innocent.”

“ Let me tel‘lxyou what I saw.”

“ You?” ask Bainbridge in surprise.

“ Yes, for I came out soon after you did.”

“ Alone?"

to Oh, es."

s; You did wrong in these dread times, Miss
l y . -

“ eIdliad no fear, and I wished to see what hap-
n . . .

“ I had a presentiment of evil, and I knew I

I could not sleep, so I threw a cloak about, mound

came out in the yard. V
“ All was still and I Went tow, the shore.
“ I felt that nothing had gone rig; and was
on I card the
dip of ours out upon the water.
-‘It was very foggy as ‘ou know, and very
dark, so I waited, for con d not see a boat.

“ Soon a beat up red near shore. a
crouching behind you er cedar I watched what
it would do.

“ It held but one occupant, and’he landed and

‘ walked up and down the shore, asthough search-

ing for somethin .
‘ Then I heart him say:

“ ‘ Their boat is not here; can they'have land- '

ed at some other point?’

“ Then he walked toward the mansion, pass-
ing within two feet of me. .

‘ He inust‘have gone quite up to the house,
and seeing that the lamps in the library were
out, returned, for he said as he passed me: -

“ ‘ Yes, he has gone, and they have either
missed him, or I passed them out [upon the
river. ' / '

“ ‘ I will return and search for their boat out ~ i- l

on the waters.’
“With this he walked down to his boat, and
entering it, revved away.” '
“ He was the man t c three men referred to,
Miss Hurst, and he missed them by our allowing

their boat to get adrift and taking them out to y.

the brig with us.”

“ 'lhis man was enveloped in a storm-coat,“
you state the men said he was?”

“ Yes. Miss Hurst.”

“ And no one would have recognized him, but
for one thing.” .

“ And tha ?”

2: ii.“ as"... h.

i you c m 1" A V

“ Yes and knew him Inpehiks voice.” '

“Iwul you tell me who 0 is, Miss Hurst?”

“ “7,, I regret to say that it was Hugh

rm ‘

\

“Then it is as I suspected for he is the one
thatIhadimspicion of.” ' *
“Then warn Lieutenant Moncrief, for Hugh

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Bronx is a man who would stop at no crime to
gain his end,” was the earnest reply, and having
giyen her warning, Sibyl returned to the man-
sion, while Robert Bainbridge went in search of
Moncrief. to make known his latest dismivery,
so that the young naval officer need not fear he
had maligned the privateersman in the suspicion
they had held regarding him.

CHAPTER XXXII.
SIBYL’S SAIL.

 

FOR some reason, inex licable toherself, Sibyl i

Hurst felt strangely rest ess, after the departure
of Captain Bainhridge.

The same dread of evil seemed to be upon her,
and she Went back and had a talk/With her
father, who was seated upon the piazza in his
easy-chair. ,

“ Father, what do you think of Hugh’s ac-
tions of late?” she asked.

“He acts like a fool,” was the quick rejoin-
der.

“ He seems ill-humored with the whole world.”

“ Yes, he does not appreciate what has been
done for him, and his seeming hatred of Mon-
crief is unaccountable, for he would not see that
he had wron the gallant fellow in suspecting
him of treac ery.”

“ Do on think he would seek to harm Lieu—
tenant oncrief in any wa l”,

“No, I do not believe t t of him; but the
truth is, he is envious of Moncrief, and his fail-
ures have made him more so for llugh has
done nothing that was successful in his late ven-
tures.

“I hoped he would do something as a priva-
teersman, and so far he has disappointed me,
and what course he now will pursue remains to
be seen; but I wish him good-fortune.”

“ He parted with Lieutenant Moncrief last
night, father, as though he meant to seek a per-
sonal ciicmrmer with 'm.”

" He had better not,” was the blunt reply.

H  ‘3‘)

“Well, for all of Moncrief’s velvoty manners
and smiling face, he is a man that it will be
most dangerous to arouse, and Hugh would
stand no chance with him.”

“ Do you forget, father, that Hugh is a superb
Swordsman, disarming even you in your prac-
tice together, and that he is a dead shot, as
well?” _

“ True. Hugh is a dangerous man with wea-
pons, I admit; but Moncrief may be, too."

‘ “ It is not often two men of the skill of Hugh
Bronx can be found, father.”

“ I agree with you there my child; but then,
Moncrief is cool-headed and can avoid trouble if
he so wills, and I will send for Hugh and advise
him to go to sea. and win aname for himself,
and this will keep them o rt.” .

This caused Sibyl to ecl less anxious; but
still restless, she sprung into the sailboat belong-
' to the mansion, hoisted the sail, and went

ming away over the waters of the river.

She ran around the captured bar us, which
was being towed in to a dock to disc her
cargo, and then sailed near the schooner, which
had been taken by Moncrief. .

This craft had been hauled inshore, and men
wore alread busy u n her, repairing the dam-

she h receivc in action.

got far away was the Brimstone, and her
crew were also at work Li‘ipon her, while upon
the shore, having just land , were the prisoners
from the two prizes under a guard that was to
'march them ofl’ to prison, a smaller squad in
hea irons being the pirate prize crew found on
bong the barque.
heAnchored nos; 51111013:1 shegdav: 1the SealSiren in

r‘i rig an e mi e vesse t y
as mghded slowly by. W

Only a short distance from the Sea Siren was
the Sea Scorpion, and every man of her crew
seemed to be at work on her from her to masts
to her water line, as though her coinman er was
in eat haste to get out to sea, again,

ming oil? from the shore were barges, hear-
ing stores and the munitions of war, and all was
busy work about the privatcer.

Rossmore, whom she remembered as a gallant
young sailor on the Mermaid, was ing the
deck of the Sea Scorpion, but Hugh ronx was
nowhere visible

Sitting low in the cock-pit of the milboat and
with a sailor’s ulincovering her head, Sibyl
knew that it we (1 take a good eye to recognize
her at a little distance, and she co uentalfi

I sailed - near the different vessels, taking em
,. in with her skillful

glance. -

“The Sea Siren certainly is a beauty, and I
hope she will sail even faster under her new rig,”
:she muttered, turning her gaze again upon the
pretty craft. .

Glidin on up the river, to continue her sail,
still furt or, she suddenly heard the sharper-ask
of a pistol from the shore.

Glanci in that direction she beheld a put! of

' white smo e rising above the tops of a clump of
.cedaras, and soon after a second shot was
hes.

As she glided by close inshore. she beheld _the
femofamamandshestartedasshereeogmzed

in. “
Heading her heat so as to command his moves

Cméntsthrough anopeuspaoe mthéoodamsha

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\has been good to me, made me L's second oflicer

 

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saw him place a small white object upon the l
gunk of a tree, and stepping back once more, !
re.
This he repeated again and again, each time :
walking forward and examining the target on
the tree.

“Hugh Bronx is practicing for some purpose,
I know," muttered Sibyl, as she turned her boat’s
prow down the river and started homeward.

As she wont b the Sea Scorpion she saw that
Rossmore had ( isappeared and that a strange 1
officer held the deck. 4

“I am sorry, for I wished to speak to Ross- '
more, as I belicve I could trust him,” she said, as 1
she sailed on her way. '

Arriving at the mansion landing, she was low-
erin 1* sail, when a voice near her said:

“ crmit me to aid you, Miss Sib 1.”

She glanced up quickly and saw ossmore, the
first officer of the Sea Scorpion, and lie sprung
from the little dock upon the deck of the boat as
he s )oke.

“ Vh , Rossmore, I am glad to see you, for,
do you now, I was thinking of you a few mo
mcnts ago, having seen you on the See )ion’s
deck as I sailed by,” and she extende her
hand.

“ I feel flattered, Miss Sibyl; but I recognized
you as you went by, but for certain reasons did
not speak to you.”

“Permit me to eon’gratulate you upon your
promotion to an oi‘iicer’s bcrth.”

“I the nk you, 'Miss Sibyl, but I wish it was
under a diil’ercnt commander.”

“You do not like Hugh Bronx then?”

“ Yes, in some respects; but, Miss Sibyl, I saw
you in the boat, as I said, and knowing you
would not be long away I left the second ofliccr
in charge and coming ashore walked down here,
for I wish to see you particularly.”

“ Well, Rossmore, how can I serve
asked Sibyl, who had always liked the
some youn sailor.

“ Don’t [gliink me ungrateful Miss Sibyl, for
Captain Bronx made me what am, and yet it
is of him that I would speak.”

“ I am glad to hear you sa so, Rossmore for
had you .been on the deck as passed back, I in-
tended hailing you, and ask you to come ashore,
for I wish also to talk to ou about Hugh
Bronx,” was the reply of Si yl, and the sail
being furlcd she took a seat in the boat and
motioned to the sailor to do likewise.

CHAPTER XXXIII.
WHAT ROSSMORE TOLD.

“MISS SIBYL, ou must pardon me for troub-
ling you, but I ' ow your influence with Cap-
tain Bronx, and so I come to you,” said Ross-
more, after a moment of hesitation.

“ Tell me what it is I can do, Rommore, and
count on my aid,” was the reply of the youn
girl, who was convinced that no idle errand has
caused Rosemore to come to her.

“ Well. I (is; Sibyl, the fact is, Captain Bronx

on i”
and-

 

on the schooner, and then after he killed—I
mean after Vesey’s death, he put me in his
place as first Officer, so it does not look well for
me to talk behind his back.”

“ Is Vesey dead, Rossmore?”

“ Yes, miss.”

“ tilled I think you said?”

“ Yes Bliss Sibyl.”

“In battle, I su pose?”

“ Well no, Miss ‘ibyl, but he was killed.”

“ On board ship?”

“ He was.”

“ By whom i”

“I am sorry I spoke of him, Miss Sibyl, so do
not ask me angshing about him.”

“I will not tray your confidence, Rossmore;
but I thought I saw something ha pen on the
deck of the Sea Scorpion, but spo 'e to no one
about it.

“ She was going out to sea and I was wavin
ood luck and farewell. When Bronx walk
orward, and Vesey, I thought it was, sprungto

the halliards and di ped the flag, when his cap-
tain ran back and uck him to the deck.

“ Is this what I saw!”

“Y Miss Sibyl.” .

“ An he killed him?”

“ He did not mean to do so, I am sure.’

“ But he did i”

“ Yes, miss.”

“ It was Vesey, then?”

‘ It was ”

“ He killed/him for nothing?”

“ Well, the first officer had no right to dip the
flag without orders.” ,.

‘ He knew me, Saw my waving, kerchief, and
sude he was doing no wrong.

‘ ell, Miss Sibyl we were all hurt :3 the
captain’s act; but he is king on boa his
vessel.”

“I should think he was todo ashe did; but
now to what you wished to tell me, Rossmore?"

. “Well, rise Sibyl, the captain has not seemed
his 'oild sel since we came into port on the Mer-
mai .

“He is stern, and more, he is very ill-temper-
ed, and he has sou ht a uarrel with that gal-
lant oung naval o cer, oncrief.”

V“ h! be seeksa qyuarrel with him, does he!”

“YeahlisS Siby ' ,.  .

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“ From what reason?”
“ I do not know, miss, for he owes Lieutenant

‘ Moncrief his life, as we all do, and more, we

were rescued by him, after Captain Bronx got
us cgptured by the English brig.

“ he other day the lieutenant helped us out of
a scrape at sea, and Captain Bronx said he was
a traitor, roingr with the Lngli>h sloop-of-warto
light an American vessel, l.ut I beliei e be mere-
ly did it as a ruse for an escape, and stood the
tire of the British craft to save us.”

“ You are right, Rossinore, for Lieutrnant
Moncrief so reported, and I suppose you are
aware that he brought into port the British
barque, which the pirate Bianca forced Bronx to
give up?”

“ Yes, and that enraged Captain Bronx, and I
believe is one of the rcasons he has quarreled
with Lieutenant Moncricf.”

“ They have qual‘rcled, then ?”

“ Yes, miss.” 1 "

“ When l” w

“ Last night, I suppose, for the captain sent ,1:
me on board of the Brimstone this morning with
a challenge.”

“ A challenge?” cried Sibyl. I ,

“ Yes, miss.” I '«.

“ To fight a duel?” '

“ Yes.‘

“ And the result?” do,

“ The lieutenant accepted it, of course, and in 1"
as pleasant a manner as though it was a note full "-

of compliments.” - ‘x '5
“ “'hen was this?” ' 
“ Early this morning.” I 5'
“ How earl ?” °

f “ inst as Lieutenant Moncrief finished break- 
ast. 
“ \Vas Ca tain Bainbri e wi him?" ,  '"z'
“ He  dg t1} '
“ And Moncricf accepted?” . 
“ He did.” ' 
“ W'ho was his second?” ' J
“ C tain Bainbridgc.” ‘
“ And on acted for Bronx?” . 
“ Yes ' Sibyl.” ‘ 1‘24
“ An 8. meeting was arranged?” - 
(4 Ya.” . - . ‘ p"
“ \Vheni” "3 
“ To—night at sunset.” ’ ‘ »'  ;I ~’
“It is now about one o’clock?” ‘ . 
“ Yes; ' t about one.” .22;
“And t 6 place, Rossmore?” '_ '1:
“ In the little grove up the river, ,  '
which you put about in your sail a sh while
a

“ Ah, yes. I saw Captain Bronx there prac- ' ,
ticing With a pistol." . __ 
“ ‘1 es; he went there for that purpose.” ‘ f ~ J 

“ Then pistols are to be the wea used?"

“ No; swords were selected by aptain Bein-
brid 6, but Captain Bronx said to me that he
she d disarm Lieutenant Moncrief with'his’ 
sword, and ofl'er him his life in such a way thatv, ’, .3:
he would demand another meeting, and '  
should be the weapons, when he we kill ~

“Ah! hehaswell laidout hisdeadlyplothe’ ‘3 -
forehand.” ~

“ Yes- and knowing what Captain Bronx 
do with both the sword and pistol, Miss Siby , I
came to tyou to see if this meeting cannot be prev" r

   
  

 

 

,.
3
i4-
.1

vented, or the lieutenant will be killed in this i 
foolish afl‘air 'ust as he is making a I: name ft“?
for himself, or I am sure my cap has in!  ,3"
mercy in his he ” ‘ ,, '3,

    
    
  
 
   
  
   
  
    
   
  
  
 
  
   
  
  
 
  

“ I am glad you came to me Ressmore ve~ '7 A
glad; but can you see any wdy in which  ‘
matter can be stop l”

“ I confess that cannot, Miss Sibyl; 
notwishtobeknown intheaflair,soplsasado
not betray me.”

“ I will keep your secret, Rossmore and [fins
do all in my pewer to stop this duel, for, 3 you.
say, Bronx is a deadly foe to meet and a merciv;
less one.” .

“ I am so glad I came to yo Miss Sibyl,-for
I wished to save that splendido cer, 
aroused, and repay part the debt I m, '

m 7 ,

“ I will not target ’what you have done, ROS-3
more, rest assu ; but now return to yous-1m?
ac] and leave me to think up some plan to thwart ..
the deadly intent of Hugh Bronx.” And utter: ‘
the sailor departed Sibyl walked toward
W“ it a "min wt???“ m' we” at“

ra was try g p 0 ago. a a,
between H “sh Bronx and Manton Moncrlsf, aj
meeting whic she could not but feel would hem
deadlyone. ., 

 

. \'\

CHAPTER XXXIV. ‘ ‘  , 3
ran: SECOND rum. 7 ,, I
Tar as she might, Sibyl could not concoct ‘ 
plan by which she could prevent the  
meeting between the two men .
ed to have meet. ’ ~  ., #3,;
She understood fully that Hugh Bronx ha ‘ §~
been dismrded by her, had tnrned’his b’ I ,  1
upon Lieutenant Moncrief, whom he regardedpffis
the I I erstoodthat the con is: i 3i
She also imd ‘
Bronx had almost devel  
that he would do any to   

s, 1 8

e

i

«The Sea Siren.

 

 

5‘ out of the way whom he believed stood in his

‘ path to his successful suit for her band.

From regarding him with kindness, and not

i sisterly love, she was beginning to detest him,
and he was making of her a dangerous enemy.

i ' So how to thwart him in his intention to re-

i move Manton Moncrief from his way, was what

.' worried her brain.

2 “I will do it if as alast resort, I have tomake
him suffer deeply,” she said, as she sat in the

'library after dinner.

The major had gone up into the town after
dinner, her father had retired to his room for
his usual rest, and Mrs. White was in her cham-
ber with one of her sick headaches, so that Sibyl
was alone. _

Suddenly she started, for a qluick step along
the hall had ushered into the 'brary a visitor
whom she certainly had not expected to see.

i

i That visitor was Hugh Bronx.

, He had met the negro butler out in the
: ’ . grounds, and learned just how the field was
‘. , clear for his seeing Sibyl alone, Black Ben not

dreaming that he was paving the way for an

unwelcome visitor.

 “You here, Hugh Bronx?” and Sibyl arose

w  hau htily.

. ' I , “I am here, Sibyl, and to see you,” was the

answer, as he came forward.

, “ You should have given your name to the

. servant, sir.”

"r: “ The servant told me I would find you here,

alone, so I came in, for I wiShed to speak to
on.”

y “I am 8 rised that you should dare cross

the threshold of this home, after your conduct

last night, which was soungentlemanly.”

“You call my accusation against Moncrief
ungentlemanly?’ he said, with almost savage
earnestness.

, “ I think you strove to make him outatraitor
:( to gain your ends.

 ,_ ‘ But you were foiled, for his own story
pulled how base were your charges against a
.‘" ‘ man to whom you OWe your life.”

. -’ 1, “ And you believe his word against mine?”

 ' f‘ Assuredly, even were there not other proof
  . of his innocence.”

2 i ii?» “What other proof?”
 “His crew.”

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 mam-.— o-“‘!Ao“¢ ~xr-It c.
A, ' n : - ,V ; .-
a; ' . “ ‘M ~

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'  “8181‘? they are to be behaved, for all would
not lie in such a case, while his capture of the
barque, which you were forced to run 01! and
leave, and his ca ture of the British schooner-
of-war, all show t he is loyal to the cause of
America."

“You talk well to rove the innocence of the
man won love,” he said with a sneer.

“ ill you do me the favor to answer me a
question, Hugh Bronx?” she retorted quickly.

“ If I can.
.7 “Have you made up your mind to kill Lieu-
~  tenant Moncrief in your duel with him at sun-
‘s. , set to-day?” .
fl ,  " ’ The question came so unexpectedly that the

i,  ’- ,man flushed and paled by turns, and Sibyl

'i‘t j. ,  
’  _ ‘ ow knew you this?” he asked hoarsely.
'   “ It matters not.”
“ Ah! I know now.”
“ Well?” '
“ He has told you.”
6‘ Who?”
“ Moncrief.”
“You are mistaken.”
“He has.”
 “I my no.”
4 “ He was afraid to meet me, althou h he ac-
cepted my challenge, so came to you, nowing
you would prevent it if in your power.”
“You do not know the man you have chal-
this of him.”

 

  
 
   
 
 
    
 
   
  
   
    
   
 
   
   
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
   

\  ‘ ‘t true.”
' “ I say it is not.”

“W you swear that it is not true, Bibyl
Burstr’
“ 08, a thousand times es, Hugh Bronx.”

- _“Then he sent Bainbri e to you, which is
y. about the same.” ,

’f I “ Again you are wrong.

“As on each: to wish my word indorsed by
I will swear that you are wholly

. “ ou could get it from no other source.”
‘ y' “Oh yes.”
“ From whence?”
., “ That is none of your business.”
‘1' , “ Ah! you defy me?”
_ “ Of course, for what are you. to be defied?”
“ You will rue the day that you throw insults
in teeth, Sibyl Hurst.”
“‘ do not fear our threats.”
‘n‘ I threaten no idly.” .
“ I care not how you threaten, I defy you.”
“ I came not here to quarrel With you,’ he said

patiently.
‘ What then came you for?”
v “ To ask you again to become my wife?”
. ,, Sibyl laughed, a ringing, musical laugh, and
3 yet there was a mockin sound in it that caused
an to crit his teet with rage.
“ Yourefuse again to be my Wife?”
, “I would rather be the wife of the lowest sea-
' '. man on board your vessel.”
 vfi‘flal dare you say this to me?”

. w u. wen-w». i-v;

 

“ Yes, and more if you wish me to do it.”

“ I will one day make you beg for mercy from
me.”

“A queer thing to say to the woman you ask
to marry you.”

“ Sibyll ’

H Well?”

“I love you, and the thought of loving you
drives me to madness.

“Forget all that I have said, and forgivel”

“ You plead in vain.”

“ Be my wife, or at least ledge your word to
me that one day, when I iave Won fame and
riches, that you will be, and I Will go away at
once and begin to carve out a name that you
will be roud of.

“ Wi 1 you n'omise me this, Sib 1?”

He had spo ‘cn with impassione earnestness,
and eagerly awaited her re )ly.
It came, cold, cutting an merciless.

“ Nevar!
Bronx, for I know you to be as treat
snake and an assassin!”

CHAPTER XXXV.
THREATS.

HUGH BRONX shrunk back before the blazing
eyes and words of Sib 1 Hurst, and his whole
form quivered as he as ed in a hoarse voice:

“ Do you call me an assassin?”

H Yes.”

“ No, no, I am no assassin,” and he almost
groaned the words.

“ You arc.”

“ You cannot prove it,” he said quickly.

“ I can.”

“ Do so,” and he spoke defiant] '.

“ My own eyes saw you strike Shiicer Vesey to
the deck.” ‘

He gave a sigh of relief and asked:

“ Is that all?

M  .277

it Yes.”

“ Is it not enough to murder a man?”

“I did not intend to kill him, but the blow
proved fatal. ”

“ He was your first oflicer and you had no right
to strike him.”

1“, must keep my discipline on heard my ves-
se . ‘

“ Bah! you are not fit to command men, for
you cannot command yourself.”

" He disobeyed my orders,” he said, wincing
under her words.

“ He was sacrificed because you Were angry
with me.”

:: {1e was noft.” . f f u

sa ycs, or on saw in signal 0 . arewe
to you, find you Wyould not agknowledge it.

“ Poor Vesey saw it and did so, and his life
was the forfeit.”

“ How knew you of this?”

“ I saw it.”

It 9’

“ X33 have all eyes.

“ What do you mean?”

“Never mind but answer me if you intend to
meet Lieutenant Moncrief to-night?”

U do 1’

“ You. will not, for my sake, break this meet-
?

‘ If on will promise to be my wife, I will.”

“ I s 11 make no such promise.”

“ Then I will make no promises to you, Sibyl
Hurst.”

“ You refuse?”

H I do.”

“Then I shall see that you do not fight this

duel.”
He laughed.
o u doubt me?”

Never would I marry you. Hugh
:- erous as a

H 
H I do.”

“You think I cannot do so?”

“I know it.”

“ I can in one way.”

it How 1”

“ I will go to Major White and have him ac-
company me to the captain of the rt, and I
will openly charge on with the mu er of poor
Oflicer Vesey and emand your arrest.”

The man laughed again.

" You doubt in power to have this done?”

“ It cannot be one.”
n Y 80?”

“ Because I visited the port captain, reported
mfg cruise, and told him of my killing my
0 cer.

“ He heard my story, told me that he was sur-
prised that I would go to sea with such a set of
wild. untrained men, and acquittcd me of wrong-
doin in the matter.

“ ere is his Harper,” and , Hugh Bronx
gigkla paper from is pocket and handed it to

i

S e saw that it bore the official seal of the
Kort, and was signed by the captain of the port

imself, and lancing at it she re nd ilwi'c that it
exonerated (agitain Hugh Bron:- «vt'cll blmno
in the killing his mutinous first ofli'w'.

“You gained this by a i‘nls'chmd. Hugh
Bronx, for you did not iv“ the truth: lmtit

 

l
i

l

to the test if you think ()lllOi‘VllSL', l ominous pattern that denoted it use receptacle

i

protects you I sup W,” she said in u dimin‘
pointed way.

“Put it
fair Sib 1.”

“ No, will put something cl so to the tcst.”

 

“ And that is?”

“ I” have another charge to make against

ou.

“ Well?”

“It will not sound well against the captain of
a privatoer, flying the American flag.”

‘What is your charge, I ask on?”

“ It will cause your arrest anti, trial, and upon
your conviction you will doubtleSS swin at the
yard-arm of Lieutenant Moncrief’s vesse .”

“ In Satan’s name what do you mean?” and his

face became pallid, for he was convinced that .

she had found out something else against

him.

“ What about the three men you hired, to do
some red work you feared to attempt?”

The question seemed to fairly stagger him,
and he said hoarsely:

“ that do you mean?”

“ Just what I say, sir.”

“ Three men?”

it  7’

“When?”

“ Last night.”

“ I know nothing about any three men.”

“ I do.”

“ “’hat about them?”

“I know that they were hired by a man in a
storm-coat and hat, and gold was paid them to
kidnap Lieutenant Moncrief, and failing to do
this they were to kill him.

“ They tried to do their work well, and would
have succeeded, but for the fact that I asked
Ca tain Bainbridge to follow Moncrief when
he cft the mansion.

“ He did so, and came upon Manton Moncrief,
unarmed, wounded as he was, confronted by
the three hirelings, who would have killed him,
for he was not a man to submit without a
stru gle.

“ aptain Bainbridfie acts promptly and
well, and he captured t ose three men. and they
were taken as prisoners on board the Brimstone,
where they now are.”

“ What have I to do with all this?”

“ You were the man who hired them for their
red work.”

“It is false!”

“ It is the truth.”

‘ No man can prove this against me.”

“ A woman can.”

“ N ever I”

it Oh, ya.”

“ Who is she?”

“ I saw you land last ni ht, for I went out
into the ounds, and I hear (your words spoken
aloud, w en you failed to flu the boat of your
men, and they had not met you on the river, as
agreed upon.

“ I heard your voice, Hugh Bronx, and I will
swear to it.’

“"It is not true, for I was on board my ves-

|“You were here, sir, and the hour you left,
and when you boarded your vessel can be
proven.”

“ I say I am false] accused.”

“ So was Manton ' oncrief, and yet you were '

merciless in your hate of him, and I will be the.

same toward you, so give up this duel find
what excuse you may, or I will tell
White all and et him report you as unwort y
to command a vessel bearing the flag of our-
country.”

The man seemed impressed by her words and
stood for a moment in thought.

Then he said slowly:

“ Sibyl, I am not guilty of this charge, but it
would ruin me to have you bring it t me,
and I yield to your demand.”

:: find’you will not fight this duel ?”

o.

H
“ Yg'oi’i, your oath?”

“ How will you get out of it?”

“I Will go to the place of meeting tell Lieu-
tenant. Moncnef that I do not believe him guilty
of‘trfiaclif , and retract my challenge.”

‘ u
heart, do.”

A vicious light flashed in the man’s eyesas
she uttered the words, for they but increasedhis
jealous rage, but he said quietly:

“ Good-by, Bibyl, but remember my threat
that one day 011 shall be my wife.”

Ere she cou d reply he turned and strode from
the room.

 

CHAPTER XXXVI.
THE MEETING.

Tm: gun was near its settin , when a boat
Y‘llllfil away from the side of g!)
Brimstone, and headed up the river toward a
woodml point of land.

In it. lwsidcs the oarsmen and a coxswain,

were limit nrmi Mom-rief, Captain Bainbridge,
and Surgt on Bnmwtt.

Upon the :4 at ncar the surgeon was his box
of surgical instruments, and a hand litter rolled
up was in the boat, which showed that the W031?
had been prepared for.

Near Cupmin Paiubridge was a, box of that
for dueling pistols and a ir of re iers c 080
wrtipped up were held acrgezs his 1311)). , 1’

Iv OI"

ronx, I thank you for this, from my -

e brig-of-war ,

 

 

Wheemnniug. a-...:aa..;-.kn£¢.z..~n ‘ . . . I

4's

  

. a .
.‘ “sum; “erh‘; M ' . <

 

r‘rr’*fi1~vxrmmfi‘m a J.  ~- ’-‘

\ [The Sea Siren.

is-

 

 

Upon the faces of Moncrief and Surgeon Ben-
nett there rested no shadow, but Captain Bain-
bridge looked a trifle anxmus.

Arriving at the point of land the boat ground-
ed, and the three officers sprung ashore, the cox-
swain and his men remainin in their places.

“ You can land if you wis to, lads, and wit-
" . ness a. little scene that is to be enacted here,”
1 said Moncrief in his pleasant way, and the men
saluted and sprungl ashore, the eoxswain bear-
ing the litter, and is men the weapons and sur-
gical case.

A walk of a few hundred paces brought them
to an open space, the same in which Sibyl had
seen Hu h Bronx practicing that afternoon

Here t 0 party alted. .

“We are first on the scene,” said Captain
Bainbridge.

“ I saw the other boat coming as we entered
the thicket,” Moncrief responded.

Then he moved about carelessly, while the sur-
geon 0 mod his case of instruments and got all
in rea iness, and Robert Bainbridge laid out his
weapons.

Soon there appeared at the shore a second
boat.
i In it were four oarsmen, a coxswain, and two
i officers.
‘ The latter were Hugh Bronx and Rossmore,
his first officer.

The face of the former was itively wicked
in its expression, and that of t e latter anxious.
v “Meet them, please, Bainbridge, and say that
? I gave my crew permission to be here,” said
i Moncrief.

“ Captain Bainbridge walked rapidly toward
the shore and saluting politely, said:

“ Mr. Hossmore, Lieutenant Moncrief gave his
coxswain and two men pennission to go on the

 

 field, and you are of course at liberty to do like-

, . .
x"; "wul‘t'fu? mews-,1 Wu“

,‘ wise if so you wish.”

“ Thank you, sir,” and turning to his com-
~ mander, he continued: I
i “You heard what Captain Bainbridge Just

' said sir?”

H es.”

s “ And our response?”

 “ Let t em come, for they will be entertained,”
was the reply.

> Ca tain Bainbrid e felt like resentin the
v. wor s and manner 0 the man, but wise y re—
frained, and all moved toward the open space in
the woods. '

Arriving there Moncrief saluted all politely,
raising his hat courteously and arrangements
were at once begun for the duel.

The preliminaries were soon arranged, Robert
Bainbridge showing that he was an expert in
the art of being second, while Rossmore had
never been on the field before.

Seeing this Captain Bainbridge was very
courteous, and all was arranged most satisfac-
‘ ' torily to both sides.

The principals were then placed in position
and their swords handed to t em.

Moncrief, up to that moment, had been smok-
ing a cigar, and his face turned toward the
west, he seemed to be enJo ' greatly the beau-
tiful sunset, while the ligh revealed nota symp-
tom of emotion u n his handsome features.

Called by Bain ridge to take his stand, he had
thrown his cigar away, smiled pleasantly and
ste to his ition.

33: the facpng Hugh Bronx still restet. 1 that
look of maliciousness, a. triumphant flash being

pacing to and fro, his hands be-
hind his back, until called by Rossmore, and
then he had walked briskly forward.

It had been decided to use the brace of swords
which belonged to Hugh Bronx, and be grasped
his weapon as though it was the hand of a well-
tried friend.

 

him by Bainbridge, in an easy way, tried its
temper casually, and then both men were read ,
Bronx throwing his left hand behind his bac ,
while his adVersar still carried his in a sling,
but lowered to his It, so as_not to a barrier
to the point of a sword reaching the cart. .
The swords were crossed, and Bainbridge
. ~. stood between the combatants, his blade held up
". beneath theirs.
' “Are you ready, gentlemen?” he asked

stern] .
Monycrief bowed, and Bronx said impatiently:
.J‘, _ V ' ‘( Yes. 7, '
‘ ii I Down fell the sword of Captain Bainbridge
and he ste ped quickly back.

But neither blade moved, for each seemed to
be measuring the stren h of the of her.

The face of Hugh roux was now really
wicked in the litter of his eyes, while Moncrief

x was placid ant? smiling.

A moment of suspense, with their seconds
watching them, Surgeon Bennett unmoved
and with arms folded standing near, and the

, two groups of seamen in the background, made
I up a picture that was most thr' ling.
. Then Hugh Bronx began the ght by a light—
3 nin like movement intended to disarm his fee.
0 his surprise he did not succeed.
ain he tried a sudden device, and once
more was foiled.
He chan to an attack then, and a
"was met With a defense he had not expec

 

'u he

 

 

He was sim 1y amazed, for his skill had never
met its equal efore.

Enraged, he began a savage attack, for etting
his intention to humiliate oncrief by isarm-
ing him and giving him his life, and determined
to kill him.

But he was foiled at every thrust, and with a
skill that was marvelous, a nerve that was like
iron while the pleasant smile never left the lips
of Manton Moncrief, and the color in his hand-
some face was in striking contrast to the pallor
of his adversar .

Instantly the face of Robert Bainbridge
cleared of its shadow, for he had feared the re-
sult, knowing of the remarkable skill of Hugh
Bronx, though Sur eon Bennett had told him
there was no cause, ‘or dread, as his commander
was a fine swordsman.

Being a fine master of fence himself, Captain
Bainbridge soon saw that Moncrief was fully
the equal of Bronx, and he watched the combat
with the reatest interest as a iece of expert-
ness on 0th sides which he (1 never seen

ualed.

Several times did Hugh Bronx show a desire
to lower the blades for an instant of rest but
just then Moncrief would begin to press 'in
and he woald be forced to struggle on, and did
so with a furious attack, as if to cut his adver—
sary to pieces.

As the fierce battle continued, the smile sud-
denly left the face of Manton‘ Moncrief, and he
changed from the defensive to the attack.

His eyes were threatening now, and his lips
stemly set, and the manner in which his blade
was handled shOWed to the lookers—on that Mon-
crief had simply been playing with his enemy
before.

“His mastery of the sword is phenomenal,”
whispered Robert Bainbridge to the surgeon,
who responded in the same low tone:

“ I told you to have no fear of the result.”

Rossmore and the seamen were also amazed,
blfi no one more so than was Hugh Bronx him-

From its being a science with him, and never
having met his equal, he had come to think that
he would never find his match.

In a few short moments he had discovered his
master, and he became livid with rage and
fought with des ration.

Pressing him ackward step by step, Moncrief
seemed at last to tire of the sport, for to him it
seemed nothing more, and suddenly he sent the
sword of Hugh Bronx flyin in the air.

Bronx shrunk back, p 'd as a corpse, ex-
pecrtgpg his death—thrust; but Moncrief said
ste y: ~

“Captain Bronx, I give you your life—yes,
and your sword too!”

And he took t e weagm from the hands of his
coxswain, who had pic edit up, and gracefully
ha§ded it to lain]. h In t H h

otawor passedtew 'te lipso
Bronx for fully a. quarter of a. minute, and tllligen
he hissed fort :

“ I demand a meeting with pistols.”

.‘ “ And 1 sa no I” came from the li of Sibyl,
as she sudde y appeared from behin a. thicket,
before the astonis ed gaze of the duelists.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
A MAD ACT.
THE appearance of Sibyl Hurst u n the duel-
ing-field was a surprise to all, wit one excep-

tion and that one was Rossmore, who anx-
ious y hoped for her coming, or looked for some
interruption of the duel through her agenc .
She was in her riding-habit an car-
ried her whip in her hand.
Her face was flushed fr'om excitement, and
she looked grandly beautiful, as she walked

, briskly toward the group on the field.
Moncrief had taken the weapon handed to i

“ Miss Hurst, this is no scene for ou, and I
must request that you allow Surgeon ennett to
at once escort you home,” said Manton Mon-
crief with a sternness that surprised her, while
Hugh Bronx said with a sneer:

“ She has comedo save your life, doubtless;
but demand that you grant me a second meet-
ing, ml with isto s.”

‘Lieutcnan Moncrief. I am here for a pur-
pose, and but for the fac t that I could not cross
a fence. with my horse, I would have been here
sooner.

“I however arrived in time to see you give
that man a life he does not deserve, and who
meant to take years.

“And more, he pledged his Word to me this
afternoon that he won (1 not meet you, and he
has broken it, and now I say he shall not have
a second meeti ,and I cdmmand him to de-
part at once, for e is unworthy of your notice,
and as a gentleman you can decline to meet one
wh is not.”

“ his to me, Sibyl Hurst!” cried Hugh Bronx
savagely, and he stepped forward threatening-
ly; but there was that in the faces of those
atbout him that checked his intention, whatever
1 was.

“ Go, sir, ere I make known all,” cried Sibyl,
sternly, and her eyes flashed fire as she is he.

He met her gaze and seemed to rea V there
that she meant all that she threatened and a
muttered curse escaped his lips as he half-tuned
away. ‘ '

 

Then he said with a sneer:

' “ As I will not engage in a duel before a lady,
I shall postpone our meeting until another time,
Lieutenant Moncrief.”

“ As you please, sir,” was the cool reply, and
beckoning to his men to follow, he called to
Rossmore and was walking toward his boat,
when he saw that his lieutenant was not follow-

in him.
5‘ Come with me at once sir!” he shouted, f uri-
] ‘)
ous .
“ fin, Captain Bronx, I decline to serve with .
you longer, sir, so resign my position,” was the
calm reply. .
ou hear me, Sir?”
H

“ And 7you refuse to obey?”
“ I do. .
“ Remember, you are under my command.”
“ I acted here, sir, as your second, not as an
officer, and my berth I give up.”
“ Obey me, sir, or take the consequences as a
mutineer!” fairly shouted Hugh Bronx, frenzied
with passion.
“ I will not obey your command, Captain
Bronx.”
“ Then die !”
As Hugh Bronx spoke he threw his right hand
forward and it was seen to hold a pistol. . 5’,
In an nstant came a flash and re rt, and the '
desperate man walked ra idly on, his boat’s crew ., ‘E
crowding close upon his eels. "i
But he had seen one man fall. and a wicked
smile crOSsed his lips as he muttered: . ' ‘
“ That ends his hfe.” l, 
But it was not ROSsmore that had fallen, for 2,
the bullet had flown wide of him and entered the :11“
side of Manton Moncrief, who sunk to the earth ’ '4"
with a low moan. 1‘
A cry of horror broke from every lip, and
Sibyl sprung forward and threw herself by the
side of the fallen man, while she cried in piteous
tones: . ‘
“ Save his life, Surgeon Bennett! save him ’ "
from death, I pray to you!” ' ‘ 
The surgeon w'as already by his side and ex- 
amining his wound.  ,
“ Come, lads, get the lieutenant on the litter a H
and carry him to his boat, for this is a very bad ' '

wound.” a _ ,1

“ He is not dead, then?” ’ Xi .

“ No, Miss Hurst.”

“ Thank God! but will he live?”

“I hope so.”

Turning, without a word Sibyl glided awayain
the gathering gloom, going t 9 way she (I 3,
come, and as the bearing Moncrief reached v 
the boat, they heard the clatter of her horse’s ' 3::
hoofs, as she rode at full speed hack to thei . , 
town. . ;’ “a,”

“ Will ou permit me to lend what aid I can, ' ’*
for I am unfortunate cause of the lieutenant’s
wound?” said Rossmore to Captain Bainbridge,
who responded in his frank way:

“My dear sir, you are not to blame, and I
honor you ,for severing your connection With

such a. ,

“ Captain Bainbridge, that shotwas not aimed
at me, sir.”

“ Ha! say you set”

N  mil-.7

“ Why do you think so, Mr. Rossmore?”

“I stood ten feet to one side of Lieutenant
Mogcrief, and Captain Bronx is a dead shot,
sir. I

“ By Heaven! I believe you are right.”

“ I had intended to with the captain, but
wished first to speak wit Mim Hurst: but when}
ordered in the manner that I was, I declined.”

“You did right, sir; and if Lieutenant Mon-
crief dies, that man Bronx will go to the yards ,
arm!” and Robert Bainbridge spoke earnestly. , I

“The Sea Scorpion is getting under wzze \ '
sir,” said Rossmore, as they rowed down «
river. '

“Yoh are right, and we have no power to
sto her; but I will go and see the port captain,
and) see if hewill not send the brianchaae,
under M oncrief’s lieutenant.”

“He must not go to sea, sir, for absolute
quiet alone can save him,” said the surgeon. ,

“True: and his quarters are on the Brim— ‘ -
stone—but can we not take him to the Sea.
Siren i" ‘

“ She is getting her armament on board,” said

 

 

   
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
    
 
   
   
    
 
  
   
 
 
  

the surgeon. , »
“Ah! I have it: Iwill take the liberty of
takin him to my kinsman's, Major W bite, for ,

there 0 will be most welcome.”
“It would greatly add to his comfort (‘ap-x
tain Bainbridge," Surgeon Bennett remarked.
“ Then we will head for the mansion pier—a
see! the Sea Sc. ion is well under way, but
the brig can catch er if the. port captain orders

her in ursuit.”
As t e boat neared the brig, a bar was
seen coming from alongside of it, and belt,

Bainbridr'e. at once said:
“ It is Major White‘s barge, and it is coming
toward us.” ,
The bar was soon near to the boatxand.
Major White called out:
“ Is that the Brimstone’s boat?”
“ AK, ay, major.” :-
“ A ,- Bain ridge! that is you!”
H  sir.”

. *wharf as I was starting home.

, if she started soon, before she got many leagues

v the mansion, an added:

A ai sir, and you can get the brig un or way,

. ‘ his services, for he seems to be the gentleman as

’ ’ his boat, which at once pulled rapidly down the

I “id.” .
' ' seamen of the brig seemed to recog

~ _ it and father often said he was fitted
' tor-deck, for he is a fine fellow, and I believe has

 

./
 ’4

 

"20

I The“ SeaflSire‘n.

 

 

 

“You have Moncrief there?”

“‘ Yes, sir.”

"‘ Is he alive?”

“ Yes, sir, but very seriously wounded.”

“So Sibyl raid, for she met me at the city

“ I told her to ride on and have a room pre-
pared—so row at once for the mansion.”

“ I thank you, sir; it will be a great help to
Lieutenant Moncrief’s recovery to be there,”
said Surgeon Bennett.

The hon ts were now near together, and Dam-
brid re said:

“ )id Miss Hurst tell you how he was wound-
ed sir!”

‘ Yes. by a shot meant for another, in the
hands of that mad fool, Bronx.”

“Here is Captain Bronx’s first ofliccr, major,
and his second, and he says the shot struck the
‘one for whom it was intended.”

“ Hal this looks bad, Bainbridge.”

“ Yes, sir; and Worse, to see the Sea Scorpion
.already on her way out to sea.”

“By Heaven! you are right; but the Brim-
stone can go in chase.”

“I am sorry to say, sir, the Brimstone has
now but one officer on board who could com-
mand,” said Sur eon Bennett.

“ If I would considered capable my ser-
vices are at your command,” Rossmore said.

“ I advise that Mr. Rossmore’s offer be accept—
ed, for the Brimstone might catch the schooner

awa ,” Robert Bainbridge sai

“ rue, and she must try it, for I will set you
on board the brig, Mr. Rossmore, and take the
responsibility as port commandant of ordering
the Brimstone to give chase.”

The boats now run alongside, and Rossmore
leaped into the barge, which at once pulled for
the brig, while Captain Bainbrid e ordered his
men to give way With all haste or the White
mansion.

CHAPTER XXXVIII.
THE BRIG SETS SAIL.

UPON arriving on board the Brimstone Major
White quickly made his errand known to the
lieutenant in command, and presented Rossmore
as One to aid him as a junior officer.

He told of the duel, of the wounding of Lieu-
tenant Moncrief and his having been taken to

“ Surgeon Bennett told me, Lieutenant Roe,
that you were short of officers, one being in
cha go o the prize, your captured schooner,
andr Mr. os~more has volunteered to aid you,
having severed his connection with Captain
Bronx.

“The Sea Scorpion has a lea e the start of
you, but I hope on can catc him, and as I
said, I will take responsibility of sending you
tones. in chase.” ’

“ I thank fieu, Major White, but it is a case
Where I we d read' y assume responsibility to
catch that man Bronx, whose conduct I think is
detestable.

“And, Mr. Rossmore, I gladly accc t your

crowd her with all she will stand,” said ;
Lieutenant Roe. .

Rossmore was a thorough sailor and had risen

from a boy before the mast, so there was not a
r about a ship he did not know well.

.ogee had sailed on vessels from a Massachusetts
coaster to a ship-of-the—line, and his fine voice
. rung out with a thrill, as he gave his orders, that
,sent the men tow rk with a zeal that showed
they obe ed one ii to command.

“ E , but that young fellow has stuff in
him ” said the ma'or.

“ He has, ind , sir, and I hope I can retain
well as the officer,” replied Roy Roe, glad to see
that he was to be so ably seconded.

Wishing the young ofilcer success the major

him farewell, and went over the side into

aiver toward his home.
As he reached his landing the Brimstone went
1! 'ng by, under clouds of canvas, in hot chase
the schooner, now along wa ahead.
In the darkness Sibyl came ward him and
said ickly: . .
“ e Brlnistonehas gone in ursuit?”
» “Yes, Sibyl, and she is fair y flying, as you
1‘ .

860.
“ Rossmore went on her, Captain Bainbridge

“ Yes, dud he’s a splendid oficer, too, as the
nize at a
glance; but he was with you on the Mermaid,
was he not?”
“ Yes, sir.”
“ And what kind of cfllcer did he make?”
"He was only a seaman, but a ?Jlendid one,
or the quar-

been a sailor all his life, his father having been
a sea-ca in.”

; hatiing gone up to see his wounded guest, Sibyl
sai -

 

v- “ We , I hope he will do well enough to get a .
berth on the brig; but how is Moncrief?”

'5 ' “There is nochange, sir, and Sur eon Bennett 2 sea. ,
His stern commands made the crew work with
a will, and the schooner was moving away from
her anchorage, and, under her sails, set as

q .

{is new searching for the bullet, w ich entered ’
dust over the heart.” /
 “What a pity; but Rossmore told me of the

. I , ,\ ,

l
l

' I ’ V .
l r’. ‘ l > ‘ ‘ 1' . . I: ‘

l in danger, and be determined to go at once to

 _,_ A

affair and said that Moncrief fairly played with ; rapidly as possible, began to forge through the

Bronx in the sword combat.”

intended for Allen Rossmore s ould fly so wild _
as to hit Lieutenant Moncrief!”

“ Rossmore says the bullet hit the man it was
aimed at.”

Sibyl stopped short at the steps, for the two
had walked on toward the mansion as they
talked.

“ What did you say?” she asked in a whisper.

“ Rossmore said that the anger of Bronx with ‘
him was but a blind to fire upon Moncrief.”

“ Major White, I am convinced now that this
it the truth.

“ Yes, Allen Rossmore is right, the bullet hit
the man for whom Hugh Bronx intended it, and
I pray that the Brimstone may catch him and
he be punished.”

“If I had in way I would string him up to
the 'ard-arm,’ said the major.

“ Ie deserves it sir, and if Manton Moncrief
dies, then shall Hugh Bronx die,” and Sibyl
sEoke with a voice so full of depth and feeling
t at the major was amazed.

Entering the house they were met by Captain
Bainbridge, who had just descended from the
room where the wounded officer lay. -

Both glanced anxiously into his face, and he
said quickly:

“ Surgeon Bennett has found the bullet.”

“Thank Heawxn!” cried Sibyl.

“ And what says he, Robert?” asked the ma-

jor.

“ He says there is ho , for Moncrief has a
confititution of iron, an may pull through all
n .

‘ God rant it.”

“ To t iat I fervently say amen, major; but
what of the brig?” ‘

“ She has gone after the Sea Scorpion at a
splendid pace.” _

“”I hope she may catch her; but did Rossmore

o?

“ Yes, and he will render good service.”

“I believe it, ‘for I like the young man, and
Was struck with him when he came as the second
of Captain Bronx; but I will go to the fort now,
sir, so have you any orders?”

“ N 0, Robert, but come up to breakfast, or
sooner, if you have to report the capture of the
Sea Scorpion b the brig.”

“ I hope I wi have to do so, major, but I fear
this breeze is ing out.”

Sibyl step quickly to the piazza and raised
her hand.

“ Yes, this a land breeze, and I fear will not
last long; but there may be a ood wind out up-
on the sea,” she said, with t 0 air of one who
knew of what she spoke.

Biddingbghe major good-night, and bowing to
Sibyl, Ro rt Bainbridge wa ked away mutter-
ing to himself:

“It is true; I can never win her, for her se-
cret is betrayed. She loves Moncrief, and she is
not a woman to love but once.”

And standin on the piazza, gazing out into
the gloom, an far down the harbor, the major

“ Heaven help him, for if he should die I would
$011,153 revengci‘ul, and Hugh Bronx should
ng.

 

CHAPTER XXXIX.
PURSUER AND PURSUED.

WHEN Hu h Bronx fired the shot that struck
Lieutenant anton Moncrief, he believed that
he had given him his death-wound.

As Rossmore had said, the shot had not been
at him, thou h Bro'nx meant that it should so
be considers .

Seeing his victim fall, he had quickly entered
his boat, and his oarsmen had no need of being
told to row hard, for they saw by the face of
their captain that he intended that they should

0 so.

“ But for the secret that Sibyl Hurst holds, I
need not fly, but remain and face an investiga-
tion, as it would be thought an seeident, to kill
Moncrief, and I had a n ht to subdue mutiny
among my own officers,” e muttered.

“No, she will do all in her power to punish
me, and she will gain the port captain over as
sh: has the port commandant now on er
s1 e.

" I will find it best to leave at once, and there
will be no need for me to enter tnis port again,
as she will return to her home on Long Island,
and I can see her there.”

For a moment he was quiet, and then he said

savalgely:
“ have ended his career, and so shall perish
every rival l‘ or her hand i”
hing the schooner, his voice rung outwith
orders to get up the anchor and set sail before
he got fairly on the deck. '
His Vesse had been undergoing repairs. which
were not completed, and his crew had not been
increased, in the short time since his‘arrival:
but that mattered not, when he felt himself

 

 

 

| waters.
" He did, sir; but how stran e that the bullet ‘

"l‘he wind was blowing about ten knots, and
directly astcrn, while the tide also favored her,

‘ and the Sea Scorpion went down the harbor at

a lively rate of speed.

"There will be wee ing and wailing in that
grand mansion to-iiig t; but so shall all your
lovers die, Sibyl Hurst!” said Hu h Bronx, as he
gamd upon the home of Major I hite while the
schooner was gliding by.

The forts were soon after left astcrn, and the
open sea seemed to insure safety, for the fugi-
tive privateersinan seemed to have no dread of
pursuit.

“ Sail ho!”

The cry came from the man whom Hugh
Bronx had a )pointed to act as first officer. in
the lace of ossmore.

“ Vhereaway?”

He asked the question eagerly.

“Dead astern, sir; she is coming out of the
harbor after us.”

The privatoersman called for his glass and
leveled it at the sail.

“It is the bri -of-war Brimstone, and she is
crowding on sai in chase.

“Ho, men, set the topsails, throw water on
the sails, and do all you can to make this craft
jump ahead, for there is a vessel astorn that
must not catch us!”

The men sprung to obey with a will, and
the schooner was soon doing her best.

But the wind grew lighter and lighter, and,
by the time the schooner was well out to sea, she
was hardly making three knots.

The brig however seemed to still hold a breeze
and was coming rapidly along.

Cursin his ill fortune, Hugh Bronx knew not
what to o.

The vessel in chase was under an officer of the
regular navy, and he was but a privateersman,
so must obey if ordered by his su rior.

If he dared fl ht the brig, he ew that the
combat would but a short one, and he
would be taken, and ban ed. "

He was in a frenzy 0 dread, when the first
officer, a burly, Weather— ten seaman, said:

“ Cap’n we have sweeps aboard."

“ You are ri ht,” cried Hu h Bronx ladly,
remembering t at Moncrief e Sea
Sciorpion fitted with six heavy sweeps to a.
S] e.

The had been lying in the hold unthought
3f Ibo ore; but they were quickly ordered on

ec .

“ The wind has left us sir,” said Hutchins.

“ It has indeed, but the brig still comes on.

“She is. barely moving, sir, as you can see
if you look close. ’

“ Yes, she is becalmed, as we are; but they
are lowering their boats,” said Hugh Bronx
who had his lass to his eye.

As he spo e a bri ht flame shot from the
bows of the brig, an a shot came flying after
the schooner.

It however did no damage. and the distance
was so great that it fell into the sea soon
after passin the schooner.

That the ate wore being lowered from the
brig, the seamen of the schooner knew, for
thev had heard the words of their commander,
and they seemed anxious to get the sweeps out.

These were brought up twelve in number.
and were some twenty- ve feet long, with
heavy blades, and two men were put toeach,
sweep. ,

Sail was taken in, so as not to retard the
schooner’s motion, and the heavy sweeps were
set to work.

A glass shoWed Captain Bronx that seven
boats, filled with men, were coming ’from the

bri .

Ife know well that Moncrief’s crew idolized
him and that they would seek nick rev
for is death, for he had not a don t but that 9
had killed him.

He anxiously watched the movement of the
schooner, to see how rapid] she was being ur

forward by the sweeps, an was glad to see t t, v

thgly Were makin good time.
he brig still ept up her fire, and one shot
fell on deck, killing the man at the n heel, and
rolling forward, injured two more.

“Pull hard, you devils, and we will escape
them!” and Hugh Bronx went forward among

the crew, ur ring them with oaths and promises

of reward, ' they kept ahead of the boats,

But some one was 11 'ng on the oarsmen of
the boats also, for the came rapid] on.

“There’s our frien sir,” said utchins, and
he came up to the Slde of Ru h Bronx and
pointed to a dark cloud rising a vs the hori-
zen.

“ A storm ?” '

“ Yes, sir”

‘ “ The boats will reach us first.”

“ They dare not risk it, sir, for they must get
back to their vessel.” ,

“ Yes, for they are miles away from her.”

“ Yes, sir. '

“But they are gaining on us rapidly, Hut-’ "

chins.”
“ Yes, sir, but our men must do better.
“ Shall I put three at each sweep?”
“Yes, at once.” ‘

«-..~J.—¢«-‘,—~.mp..,t . ‘

.
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.s‘.

 

 front window of Fl

" the coast, and close inshore,” she said, as a ves-

' . 'flies the American flag,” she call

' called back Mrs.

‘ . 'éoming back, with Captain Hurst and Sibyl, or

V ftotho Government, andthenbesenthome ma
g minor” ' '

 

l/ ,. I'

The Sea Siren. r

21

 

 

 

The extra men were called and placed, and it
took\ all of the schooner’s crew, with the excep-
tion of the officers, and Hutchins took the
wheel.

\Vith this extra weight upon the sweeps, the
schooner moved forward more rapidly, but the
boats were seen to be still gaining.

“ They are pulling as though they meant to
risk all to catch us."

“ Yes, sir, but they will soon have to calculate
how long it will take, and how long before the
storm strikes, not to speak of the distance back
to their vessel.”

“I believe the are giving it up, Hutchins,”
and Bronx turiieilihis glass upon the boats.

 

“Yes, sir, I think so, too,” and Hutchins,
glanced asicrn. . i
“ They are putting back,” gladly cried Bronx. !
The crew gave a cheer and stopped rowing, ’
but with bitter oaths Bronx set them to “'(il‘k
again, and when they were ordered tocease row- 1
ing and draw in their sweeps, the storm was al—
most upon them, and the brig miles away. -
To set stornisails and get the Sea Scorpion !
ready to meet the storm was soon accomplished, .
and the schooner went driving on through the :
darkness and gale, her fugitiVe commander con— i
gratulating himaflf upon his escape from his

rsuers.

“ Luck has returned to me, for I have killed
Moncriet' and escaped from his crew.

“ Now I shall carve out my fortune in my
own way,” he muttered, and he told IIutchins to I
head for New York Harbor, where he knew he
could fit out his vessel and add to his crew.

CHAPTER XL.
THE RETURN.

THERE stands to—day, not far from the sea,
11 n Long Island, a. handsome old mansion
which, a hundred years ago, was the first home-
stead to be seen aIOng the coast.

There. a century ago, was the home of Cap—
tain Norman Hurst, which he had found for
himself in the New World to which he had
come.

Broad acres surrounded it, with comfortable
houses for the laborers, ornamental grounds met
the eye, a broad avenue of cedars and Loin-
bardy poplars led up to the door from the high-
way, and massive elms protected it from the st.»
vere gales that swept across the sea.

Within all Was comfort, nay, luxury in that
early day and it was a home where one would
be content to spend his allotted days of life.

From the broad iazzas a and view could be
seen of the ocean, lf a mi e away, and an in.
let, a. secure anchorage _for vessels, if their skip-
pers knew the channel in thro, h the surf.

A cou le of miles from urst aven, as
Sibyl h named the homestead, was another
substantial mansion, though not so grand in its
appearance, nor were its acres surrounding as
numerous. .

There had dWelt the Bronx family for severa
generations and there it was that the widowed
mother of Hugh Bronx dwelt with her only
dau ter, Bessie, a beautiful girl of sevean
at 9 time of the opening of this story.

A woman of refinement, she had been left a.
comfortable fortune by her husband. a sea-cap-
tain, and she was wrapped up in her two chil-
dren, Hugh and Be~sie.

BetWeen the families of Hurst Haven and the
Bronx homestead there had existed a warm

.~friendship. Mrs. Bronx had been ve lad to
have Hugh-sail under the command or Laptain
Hurst, though she knew the  of the v0 age.

The fond mother had also glad to now
that her son loved Sibyl, and she hoped one day
to see the maiden his wife.

One afternoon, Bessie Bronx was seated in a.

’ Ship Hall, as Captain

\ Bronx had named his ome,‘ ing out upon the

' sea, half a mile distant, wlnc was tossed by a
fierce wind that was blowmg.

“ Mother, there is a schooner coming along

 

sela peared in sight.

“ lgot a brig?” quickly asked the mother, com-
ing over to the window. '

“No, mother, it is not the Mermaid, but an
finned vessel as I can see.

“ I will get my glass and have a look at her,”
and risin Bessie went out into the hall.

There s 9 put on a storm \coat and tarpaulin,
and taking down a large spy-glass from a heck-
it, she went out upon the piazza and took her
stand near the window where her mother sat.

' There was a driving rain. and the wind blew
with vicious force. but half protected by the
large pillars of the piazza, she turned her glass
'upon the vessel.

“It is a large armed schooner mother, and

ed out.

“ She is standin very clase inshore, Bessie,”
roux.

“ Yes mother, and I do believe she is head-
7 for e Rockaway Inlet.”
‘ Then some one we know must be on board."
“Yes, mother. and perhaps it may be Hu h

 know, if the Mermaid roved to be all the
f pper expected, he inten ed to give the. brig-

piazza.

 

Hurst. . . , .
,“Wen, mother, he sent  board

“ I hope so, Bessie, for I long to see Hugh,”
was the answer.
Watching the schooner closely, Bessie saw her

suddenly change her course and head directly

for the inlet.

She then came on under stormsails alone, and
after seeing her make one or two changes, which
proved that she had a pilot on board who knew
the dangerous channel into the inlet, or haven,
Bessie called out:

“ Yes, mother, she is coming into the inlet,
and I feel that we will see Hugh soon: but it is
getting too dark to see much more now,” and
the oung girl entered the house.

“ t must be Hugh, Bessie,” said her mother,

as she entered the room, “as she runs in by 1 the lips of mother and daug

night.”

“Yes, mother for no one but Hugh. Captain 3
Hurst and Siby , that I know of, could pilot a ;
largo vessel such as the schooner, in by ni rht.” l

“ Then if one has returned, all have; at I ,
suppose we will soon know, as Hugh will come 3
up home, so I will have a. splendid supper pre-
pared for him,” and the good mother went out
to the kitchen to order a sumptuous rcpast for
her son, should he return on the schooner that
had just run in to an anchorage in the inlet.

Half an hour after the two sat in the room
awaiting anxiously for the footsteps on thei

The blinds had been left open, and a cheery
fire was burning upon the spacious hearth, cast-
ing its iddy rays far out into the darkness.

Sud enly out of the gloom a man’s form ap—
peared, and he was enveloped in a storm hat
and coat.

He paused as he reached the piazza, and gazed
in through the open window.

“There sit my mother and sister,” he mur-

O

mu . I

“ Oh! if the but knew all,” and then he stood
in silence for all a minute.

A sigfl at last broke from his li , and he
passed 3 hand across his eyes, whi he mut-
tered:

“ What a fool love has made of me, ay, more
than a fool.

“ But I must not stand here, but go in,” and
he ascended the steps, crossed the piazza with
a quick ate and had his hand upon the huge
brass knoc er, when the door was thrown open
and Bessie Bronx, with a glad cry sprung into
her brother’s urine.

CHAPTER XLI.
THE FUGITWE PRIVATEERSMAN.

WHEN Hugh Bronx had thrown off his storm
suit, and sat down before the blazing fire both
his mother and sister saw that a great change
had come Over hiui.

He looked much older, in the few months he
had been away, his eyes were deep set, his face
haggard, and he had a stern look about his
mouth that had not been seen there before.

“Why, Hugh you have been sick,” cried
Mrs. Bronx, anxiously. ‘

“ Or wounded?” his sister asked.

“ No, I have been neither ill or wounded, but
I have passed through a fearful ordeal sinceI
left home,” was the reply.,

“ Oh! when will this long and cruel war come
to an end?” said Mrs. Bronx.

“,l’llothcr, it is not the war that has affected

“ What then, Hugh?”

“ y pain is here, in my heart, and in my
brain. ’

“ Why, Hugh, what has ha period?”

“It is better to tell all, suppose,” was his
mood rep] .

“ es, tel all, for here you have those who
love to sympathize with you,” his mother re-
turned.

“Mother did you behave that Sibyl Hurst
could be fa se?” '

“ 210, my son, no, I cannot believe it of

“ Well she is false, false as Hades.”

“ Oli, Hugh!” cried Bessie.

“ I know that (you love her devotedly Bess;
bult so do I, an yet I tell you that the is
fa so.

“ She lured me on to love her, and I felt that
I was one day to call her my wife, but she was
trifling with me.”

“' You cannot have understood her, Hug .”

“ Yes, mother, I know her but too we .”

“ Tell me what has occurred.” I

He was silent a moment and then told how
the brig had been sent on the dangerous errand
to, Charleston, and being chased and captured
by Bianca, the Buccaneer, how it had come out
that the pirate was the brother of Skipper
Hurst.

The reasons for Captain Hurst fiiving up his
home in England, his title and a , he did not
tell, nor that the pirate sought to hang his
brother. ‘

“We were rescued,” he continued, “by a
cruiser, once a privateer, her captain being a
man by the name of Moncrief, and whom you,
have heard of as the Dashing Private'ersman.” '

“ Indeed! he hAs won a great name, and was
made an officer of the regular navy,” said Mrs.

4—.

2‘  ’1'qu I ‘

l

I

 

 

I.”

to attend to the wounded skipper, and Sibyl fell
in love with him.

“Then, when we roacth Charleston
that she no longer cared for me.

"This man. Moncrief', was captured by a.
British brig—of—war, whi<h ,ilmscd us to Chm--
leston, and then anchoud off the pit mm ls 1'
prize, and I raised a crew, placi them on
old barque in port- and sought to rescue the
schooncr‘s crew.

“But the brig vas tco string for me and I
was czipfnrcd with all my men.”

"()h, Hii rhl”

“M son!’

Suc were the cxclamatiotps that broke from:

ter.

“ It seems that Moncrief‘, however, had made'
his escape in some way, and reaching Charles-
ton he lcd an attack on the brig. with a large
force, and captured her, and, with the aid of
his men, who were prisoners and my band in
the barque, those men were a so taken, and We-
rctnrned to Charleston.”

“He is a noble fellow.”

Bronx smiled inily.

“ Of course. being a naval officer, he was feted
and potted, and I soon found that Sibyl had
stopped her flirtation with a young artillery
captain to devote herself to Moncrief, the lion

I saw

{.11

l of the day.”

“ This is not like her my son.”

“ till it is true, mother, and I was cast off.

“ Not wishing to remain under Captain"
Hurst‘s command, especially as he was having
his brig, the Mermaid, fitted out to present to
Moncrief, I gave up my berth and determined
to carry out a vessel for myself.

“ I offered to buy the Mermaid, but Skip r
Hurst preferred to give her to Moncrief rathgr
than sell her to me, and as his schooner—for the
cruiser belonged to him—was to sail, I bought
her of him.”

“ You bou ht her, my son?”

“Yes, mot er.”

“What money had you, my son i” .

“Well, mother, I got her, with her entire‘.
armament, stores, ammunition and fittings, for
ten thousand dollars.”

“It seems remarkably cheap,- my son; but I
knovg that you had but a few hundreds with

on. -
“True, mother, but I ave an order on our
shippin merchants in ew York, where you ‘
know I vs some money.”

“ Yes, but it is cash on interest. and belongs
‘to me, your sister and yourself together, the
amount being just ten thousan .”

“ True, mother, but I felt that you would,«
with Bessie, si an order to me for your shares;
when I t sue a fine vessel for so small a sums
and wit her privateering papers, for I have
my permit from the Government as a privateer
captain.” ‘

‘ I congratulate you, my son, and under the
circumstances will, with Bessie, transfer the
order to yo so that you may have it to meet

our draft, w 'ch I hope will not be presented!

fore you can arrange it with Blake d: Com—a

guy, 33 it Would not otherwise be paid, you;
ow

“ I will see them before the order them,
mother, for I will sail for New Yor to—mor-
row.”

“ So soon i”

“Yes, mother, for I wish to refit my vessel:
and also ship a 1:.rgcr crew for her, as I am;
scan: of seamen; but I will return as soon as L.
can. -'

“ But, Hugh, do you think you are ca able of ’
being a commander of an armed vessel ,

“ 1 consider that I am, mother. and my crew -
have
what an

“ But a

. /,

hty response.
at Sibyl, brother?” asked Beale.

“ Oh, yes, as I was telling you. she fell in lové 2'

perfect confidence in me,” was the some-_- ‘

with Moncriei’, and when 1 urged her to become . ;_ A 

my wife she coldly dismissed me. ‘

“ I then set sail. and had not ill-fortune dog-
ged me, would have carried several prizes into,
portznbut I was forced to draw 03' from a valu-

able ritish vessel that I had ca tured, toflght  . 
this Bianga the Buccaneer, my prize es. -  “
ca me. ' ~ . ,

201400 had but you captured the pirate?” ‘

“ I would have done so had it not been for his ' -
greater speed that enabled him to escape me.” ' ‘

was the unblushing response.

“ But while on m
crief in his captur brig, and I saw him si
ing with British vessels, and other things
pening that led me to believe he was lo '31

d?

in name to the Colonies, and at heartan nglish- »

man.
“ Upon retu '
to Captain Hurst

to Charleston I so

against ncrief.

“Thatnighthecameintoport,andlbranded. ., 

him as a traitor. , ,
out of the accusation in some‘~
way. insul ' mandl'challengndhim.”
mu 1" . I ,

Eh,»

I], 1 would not pint up with eve,
{13% saw that Sibyl was 

. .
M,
. .

.‘ . .l .. |
‘ I

, .

1 ’7 a“? " - r   .»  1.1.4..  -  «

cruim, mother, I met Mon- ~ ' 

    

_ rciiorttd ’5' -  
ibylandotheraand 'wasy,'.'_ ,
insulted lgrossly for my charges of treachery ,- v-

0 u . ,

5' ‘,

 

I .preaents it to our agents.

 

   

22

'The Sea. Siren.

r

 

“Well, we met, with swords, and neither of
us was injured: and when I demanded a meeting
with istols, why upon the field came Sib 1—”

“ t was unmaidenly in her,” sai Mrs.
Bronx.

“ I am surprised that Sibyl should do this,”
Bessie remarked. '

“ Well, she did, and so the afl’air ended; but
one of my officers, who had seconded me, was
very  to me, evidently bought over by
Moncrief, an I ordered him on board ship.

“He refused to go, and seeing that his con-
duct was influencing my boat’s crew to mutiny
I in ordered him aboard under penalty of
edea , and seeing that trouble was coming, I
fired upon the man but unfortunately the bul-
let missed him and  Moncrief.

Mrs. Bronx ed, and Bessie turned white
as death, as young privateersman uttered
thesewords.

CHAPTER XLII.
TH]: MIDNIGHT DEPARTURE.

HUGH BRONX could not but see how deeply
his deed pained both his mother and sister ashe
related it, and he understood but too well how
great would be their grief, if they but knew the
whole truth.

His desire was to place the skipper and Sibyl
in so bad a li ht, and as such foes to him, that

all communic tion would end between the two '

families and, upon the return of the inmates of
Hurst Haven, neither his mother or sister would
go near them, or permit of a visit from them.

“ Mother, my act was unavoidable, and it

,  me deeply, I assure you,” he said, in a sad
v ne.

“My son, I will not censure, for I cannot see
that you are to blame, and with a human life
resting upon your soul, our punishment is
great; but I regret exceedin' gly that you are
called to be so severe and to have under you men
'who are mutinous.”

“It is the fortune of all commanders, mother.”

“ I suppose so; but what did you do then?"

“ I was so deeply grieved that I had to be led
away to my ship, and I decided to at once put to
sea, and did so.

“ My vessel, as I said, needs repairs, some fit-
ting out, and I wish to ship about thirty more
seamen, when I will be in a position to cruise the
seas for prizes and I will win a name that will
make that false woman regret her conduct to-
Ward me.”

. “ Try and forget her, Hugh,” urged Bessie.
‘ ""ch my son she is not worthy of cu, and
~it was ongh er acts and words, as under-

-, ' stand it, that ou were led into the dimcnliiy that

cost a human its at your hands; but wil Cap-
:tain Hurst not go to sea?”
“ No, mother for I forgot to tell you that his
'wound, received from his pirate brother’s vessel,
cost him his left arm.”
“ I am sorry for him, for I have always liked
him‘ but does he remain in Charleston?”
“ No, he will return here to Hurst Haven, and
I sup before long; but for my sake I beg you
not to allow either him or his daughter to cross
your threshold, for it will be just like them to
visit on.”
“ y servants shall have their orders, Hugh
and neither Captain Hurst or his daughter 
attempt to call a second time,” said the woman,
sternl .

' “ I aym sorry, but it shall be as you wish. bro-
ther: but oh! what can have so changed Sibyl?”
and tears came into Bessie’s beautii'u eyes.

“ Now, my son, what are you to do?”

“Remain to-night, mother, With you, and
early to-mcrrow morning, on the full tide, run
out of the inlet and head for New York.

I " I will see our agents, and carry your order,

.aud Bessie’s, for that money, and—”
“ But wasnot the man you accidentally killed,
‘my son, the one to whom you 1gave the order 7”
‘ ‘ Yes, mother, but he had a ready received its

. “equivalent, having negotiated it there in Charles-
ton ”

“Ab and I he on will be in am 16
t6 yes, the $3302 before the hol er

1
.- “ There will be no trouble about that, mother,
’ assure you. '
, “ And when I get the schooner in rfect trim,
I will run u here and have you an sis come on
and (Iine with me, after which I will go
‘~  m cruisin to seek fame and fortune.”

“. ut the ri is so great, Hug .”

“ Oh, no not on a privateer, you know
mother, as I can run from English cruisers an
war upon merchantmen only.

“ I pray the war may soon end, that you may
return to us and live in peace and comfort,” fer-
vently said Mrs. Bronx, and then she left the
room to see if supper was ready. . .

A moment after Hugh and his Sister were
x called to the supper-room, and therc had gather-

ed to wclmme im home, all the servants on the

farm, hswing braved the stormy night to see
him, when word was sent that he had returned.
In lte of the most tempting supper spread

‘ out he oyim, Hugh Bronx ate but little, for
be seem nervous and really wretched, and soon
left the table; but until a late hour that ni ht

 .2 the three sat up talkin together and then 9
  :prlvateersmanretiredtge ’

his room.

 

How familiar every object seemed to him and
get upon all seemed to rest a shadow he could not
rush oil'.
When last in that room he had been a happy
man.
Now he was wretched, crime-stained and a
fu itive.
ife had seemed to him then a dream of bliss
to come; but then he had nevezdpassed through
any great temptation, never h to stand any
great trials, and so he appeared to be strong and
onorabel.
But when sorely tried he had proved so weak
that he went uickly downward and his real
flue developed with arapidity that astounded

To and fro, to and fro he paced, clutching in
one hand the orders he held, si ed by his
mother and sister, and waiting for e dawn to

break. _ .

At last he sat down to his httlo table and
wrote:

“ Dun Morass:—

“Thou ht so crowded upon me that I could not
sleep, and so I slip‘ away to my vessel, and shall put
to sea, not awaiting for the morning.

“ Within a short while I will return, however, and
hope than to be in better mood.

“ Remember that between Hurst Haven and our
blood a great gulf is fixed, and that we must never
cross.

“Say good-by to sis, and with love to you both,
believe me, Ever your devoted son.
“ Hues.”

This note was left upon his table, and then the
man, feelin like a culprit, stole out into the
hall, donn his storm-coat and hat and made
his way to the shore of the inlet, where he had
left the gig which he had come ashore in.

In a few moments more he was upon his deck,
and though the storm still raged, the anchor
was gotten up, the sails were set, and the Sea
Scorpion was run through the breakers out into
the open sea.

 

CHAPTER XLIII.
ON THE DOWNWARD COURSE.

WITH a skill and nerve that won the admira-
tion of his crew, Hugh Bronx ran the Sea Scor-.
Kion out through the surf and headed her for
New York, hoping, with the gale then blowing,
to anchor in the harbor before dawn, and in a
secluded anchorage where he would not attract
too much attention.

It had been his intention, after running out
of Charleston as a fugitive, to head directly for
New York; but he observed a spirit of discon—
tent amon his crew. a

They ha not taken a priZe while under his
command, and consequently they had received
no pay, for the rivateersman had spent all of
his money on t e repairs of the schooner in
Charleston.

Provisions had run short, and the men needed
clothing.

All these things Hugh Bronx had hoped to ob-
tain through the capture of a valuable prize.

But iron, not gold, the had gotten, he had
lost heavily in men, and ying to sea in a brig—
of-war, flying the American flag, in hot chase,
was not c nearing to the men.

So it was no Wonder they grumbled, and hav-
ing been one of them, Hutchins had heard their
grumblings and reported it to Bronx.

The men had been ve much attached to
Allen Rossmore, and they iked not his remain
in behind.

I‘hen those who had been at the duel with
Bronx, had reported the mad act of their cap-
tain, and altogether they feared him and yet
were afraid to trust him.

“ Something has got to be done, cap’n, for the
crew are as ugly as sharks,” said Hutehins, as
the schooner neared New York.

“ What Can be done, Hutchins?”

“ Do you ask me because you wish me to tell
you. cap’n?”

H  fl

“ Take a prize.”

“We can find none.”

“We have several.”
“ Not Eng en?”

H No.”

“ Americans!”

H .11

“ Why should I war on my own country’s
vessels?’

“ To uiet the crew, cap’n.”

“ 0, will never do it.”

“ There’ll be trouble, sir.”

“ It must come, then.”

“ Could you not raise some mono to pay the
men oil', for if theygot say, a bun each all
round. they would be satisfied.”

“ I have no money now.”

“ Could you raise it, you think, sir?” I

Bronx was silent for a moment, and his face
wore a troubled look. ,

Then it brightened up, as an idea flashed
through his mind, and he said:

“.Hutchinsl” ‘

“Well, sir.”

“ We need stores, ammunition, supplies of vap
rious kinds, and repairs done to the schooner.”

“ True. captain.’ v

“ It will take about three thousand dollars for
all this?” ' ‘

_‘ W  i 1". ,,-:,: ’._i {f w 3

Q

 

“Yes, sir; all of it.”

“ We have thirty-six men on board, an a
hundred each will be all they need.”

“ Yes, sir, and gin c thcm confidence in you.”

“ That will make about six thousand six hun-

dollars.”

“ Yes. sir; but better say seven thousand, for
fear of accidents—such as repairs and mpplies
costin more.”

(L  1’

“ Then you forget the officers, sir?”

“ Who? ’

“ Your three mates, if you will call us so. and

we would like to have a couple of hundred .

each—in fact, I would like to use three hundred
in the city.”

It I 8w. 1

“ Call it eight thousand, cap'n, and it will
cover all.”

“ Very well; I will devote that sum, for I be-
lieve I can et it,” and having decided what he
should do, ronx headed for the inlet on the
Long Island sea-coast near his home, and the
reigdcr has men that he arrived and departed in
sa ety.

As he had he , the schooner reached an an-
chorage about awn, and it was near a shipyard
on the East River.

As soon as he had breakfasted, Hugh Bronx
ordered a boat alongside to go ashore in, and
called to Hutchins to accompany him.

He made his way at once to the agent’s office,
in Water street, and Mr. Blake, the senior mem-
ber, knowing him well greeted him leasantl ,
for he had often seen Hugh there wit his fa -
er, and in fact within the year past.

L‘What can I do for you, Skipper Hugh!” he
as ed.

“ W ell, Mr. Blake, I am after money, for I
have purchased a vessel, an armed schooner,
have got her papers as a privateer, and am go-
ing cruising for a fortune.”

‘Indeed! well, if on are half the man
your father was, you’l do well, my lad; but

on know how we hold your money, in trust

or your mother, sister and yourself conjointly,
and it can only be drawn on the written orders
of all three?”

“ Yes, sir, I know that now, for mother tnld
me yesterday of it; but I had given my order
for ten thousand on your firm, and now revoke
it, as I will draw the money myself and pay for
the vessel, for here you see, I have the r uisitc
papers.” and he placed the orders of Mrs. roux
and Bessie on the desk.

“ These are all right, and when yours is placed
with it, Hugh, I will send to the bank and get
the mono for you.”

“ Than you, Mr. Blake, and I would like to
have, you for my agent, for the sale of prizes I
may ca ture, and other business.” ‘

“ Ce 'nly, my lad, we are always willing to
do business) -

“And if my order comes in, you can simply
say that the money was drawn out by me to
pay for the vessel in cash.”

“ Certainly; ah! here is your order,” and tak-
ing up the piece of paper which Hugh Bronx
had Just written on, he handed it, with the
other orders, to a clerk and sent him to the
bank '

In half an hour after Hugh Bronx left the
office of Blake & 00., and joined Hutchins, who
was awaiting him in an in near by.

“ Well, cap’n?”

“ I got ten thousand,” was the re ly, in a tone
that was meant to show how rea ' y he could
raise monfiy.

“ Holy eptunei as quick as that?”

‘6 Yes 1,

“ And now on wish to order the spare and
all needed for he schooner first?”

‘6 Yes. 1’

“ Now, cap‘n, suppose I tell you how to save
a cgpplo of thousand, will you go halves with
me

“ I will, Hutx‘hins.”

“ You command the Sec ion, don’t you?"

“I call her the Sea 800 on.”
on the navy register

“Yes.” .

“ She is a regular cruiser.”

“ She was.”

“ That is what I am after, sir.”

“ What then 1”

“Why to the Navy Yard, tell the com-
mandant t at you are Lieutenant Hugh Bronx,
commanding the American schooner-of-war,
Sco ion, and that Lieutenant Moncrief sent
you are to refit and get su lies with all haste,
while he is waiting at leston for you,
wounded, and in command of the British brig-
of-war Brimstone.”

“I don’t see through your plan, Hutchins.”

“Why, cap‘n, you will have our schooner
put in A No. 1 condition in h f the time it
could be done in a mercantile yard, and all
Would be charged to the Government and not
cost on a cent.”

“ utchins, you have a Wise head on your
shoulders. and will do it; but the crew?”

“They’ll nevm‘ betra you. after you have
given them a hundred round, never fear.”

“ I will do, it, and you shall have half the cost

Iamsaved.

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“ Goodl now to get more men, sir.”

“ Yes, we will want say forty.”

“Yes, ca ’n, better have enough towork with
in a tight p ace.” '

" Then you get the men, and I’ll give you five
dollars each for them.”

" It’s a bargain, cap’n.” .

“Then now let us return on board ship and
pa off the crew.” _

is was done, and the sight of money dispell-
ed the clouds from the faces of the men, and
checked a plot on hand to mutiny. .

Hutchins told the crew to kee silent upon all
subjects, except what he told t :11 they could
say, and the schooner was at once taken into the
Navy Yard, and a heavy force putte Work upon
h

er.

Supplies were also ordered on board, the mag-
azine was stored with ammunition, a complete
outfit of small-arms was given, and a week after
arrival the Sea Scorpion set sail in splendid
trim fully sup lied in every particular, her crew
numbering e' hty men, all uniformed, and with
Hugh Bronx ving several thousand dollars in
his cabin locker and thus feeling himself rich
and to be envied, with such a fine cruiser under
his command. _

As the schooner swept out of the East River,
and rounded Governor’s Island, Hugh Bronx
saw Hutchins give a sudden start.

“ What is it? ’ he cried. excitedly.

“ Do you see those three vessels down near the
Narrows?”

it Yes.” .

“ Don’t ou recognize the Brimstone, the cap-
tured schobner and the barque, sir?”

“ By Heaven! you are right, and they are
coming up to the city.”

“ Sure, cap’n.”

“ What is to be done?”

“ They cannot recognise us here, amon these

other sail so &)ut about head through He Gate
out into the und, and thence around Montauk
into the sea ”

“ I’ll do it,” and the vessel was at once put

 

about and headed up the East River toward Hell ;

Gate. Hugh Bronx muttering aloud, as he ner-
vously paced the deck:

“ Once I get into deep water I will win a name
and send in so many prizes, the Government will
overlook any little irregularities I may have
been guilty of.”

CHAPTER XLIV.

THE WOUNDED LIEUTENANT.

WHEN the young officer com the
brig-of-war Brimstone, saw that they were to be
caught in a calm‘, he felt that the chances were

in favor of the schOoner’s escape, as he expected

she Would et a breeze first.

Then Al en Rossmore had asked to take the
boats and carry her by boarding, and it had
been ranted, so that the boats were lowered
and led with men. .

As they discovered that the schooner was
using her swee ., a hot fire was opened, and the
boats, in the ace of the coming storm, were
forced to put back, so that the Sea Scorpion, as
the reader has seen, made her escape.

The brig, however, when the storm struck her,

held on, hoping to find the schooner, but when ‘

dawn came and no trace of her was visible, it
was decided to ut back to port.

Having ably one the duties devolving upon
him, Allen Rossmore was asked by Lieutenant
Roe to remain on board the brig and assist him‘
for the present, an invitation the young man ac-
cepted with pleasure.

‘I wish you would go ashore Mr. Rossmore,
and find out how Lieutenant Moncrief is,” the
officer had said to Rossmore, as soon as the an-
chor was dropped.

Calling the gig alongside, Rossrnore entered
it and started for the landing of the White man-
Sion.

Captain Bainbridge, who was aiding as a
nurse for Moncrief, saw the return of the Brim-
stone, and he Was about to 0 down to meet the

1%, which he saw ap reaching, when he beheld
gi yl in the river ar r awaiting it, so he re‘
framed from going. for since he had beecme
convinced that his love for her was hopeless of
return, he wished to shun her all in his power,

t as was the temptation for him to be with
her.
As the 'g reached the shore and Roesmore
sprung to ad, he was met by Sibyl, who, after
greeting him pleasantly said:

" You did not catch the schooner?”

“No. Miss Sibyl; but I will tell you after I
know if Lieutenant Moncrief is better.”

“ He is better, and Su n Bennett says if in-
flammation does not set in he has strong hopes
that he will recover.”

“ I am glad to hear this, indeed, as all will be
on board ship.

“ Lads, you heard what Miss Hurst said?” and (
Rossmore turned to the coxswain and four oars- l the bar-qua, pronounced them

men in the gig.

“Yes, sir. and we are glad to hear it,” an-
swered the coxswalu.

“ Now, Miss Sybil, we were gaining upon the
schooner when a calm caught us.

“ I went in the boats to attack her, when she

got out sweeps and pulled away from us, and a here,

u

 

l
v
I
l
l
|
l

 

storm drove us back to the brig, so she es-
. 77

“ I heard firing.”

“Yes, we opened on her, but she paid no heed
to it.”

“Then Captain Bronx has outlawed himself
by his act?”

“ It would seem so, Miss Sibyl.”

“And what is gem intention, Mr. Rossmore?”

“ Lieutenant has asked me to remain on
board and assist him, for the brig has lost several
officers in action of late, you know, a lieutenant
is on the schooner-of-war that was captured a
midshipman has charge of the barque, and e
captain‘s being now wounded, cramps Lieutenant
Roe for aid. ’

“ I am glad of this, Mr. Rossmore, for your
sake and when Lieutenant Moncrief is bet-
ter, I shall have father ask him to extend to you
the offer he made to that most unworthy man,
HugvlérBronx.

“ ill on go u and report to the major, and
also see urgeon ennett who can tell you just
how Lieutenant Moncrie is?”

Rossmore decided to do so, and was ushered
into the library b Sibyl, where sat Major White,
Ca tain Bainbri 're and Skipper Hurst.

hey all greeted the young sailor kindly, and
heard his story of the unsuccessful chase of
the schooner.

Then Captain Bainbridge led him up-stairs
to the room of Surgeon Bennett, who gave
him strong assurances that Moncrief would
pull through all right, and in a few days the
crisis wou d be passed.

Happy in the thought that he had made
friends out of those who had appeared as foes
before, on account of his connection with Hugh
Bronx, Rossmore returned on board the Brim-
stone with a happy heart, and when his report
of Moncrief‘s condition was made to the crew,
thgg broke forth in three ringing cheers.

ajor White had told him to also say to Lieu-
tenant Roe that it was beast for himto go on with
the Work of fitting the vessels out, and arming
the Sea Siren, just as Lieutenant Moncrief had
determined to do.

The men were at once set to work with a will
to get the barque, schooner-of—war and Brim—
stone in readiness to sail when the Sea Siren
departed for New York.

CHAPTER XLV.
OUTLAWED.

AFTER several weeks it was secn that Lieu-
tenant Moncricf could not be able to depart for
a month or more, though he was improving rap-
idly, and all dan r was past, so it was decided,

' in a council held in his rooms, at which the port

captain, Major Perry White, Skipper Hurst,
and Lieutenant Roe Wore present, that it Would
be best to send the prizes on to the Navy De-
partment for Government use.

The bar ue was a fine vessel and a fast sailor,
and could readily made into a cruiser, while
the captured schooner was in good condition to
be used as such.

The Brimstone, which had been depleted of
her best guns for the Sea Siren, could have her
armament made complete at the Government
yards, and would be a most valuable acquisition
for the navy.

The port captain made his report, the major
added his, and the highest praise was wed
upon Moncrief.

Then it was requested that the admiral com-
mandant should appoint Allen Rossmore a lien-
tenant in the navy, he being in every way fitted
for the rank and worthy of the honor.

The young sailor was to go on in command of
the barque, and was to then return with the
crew of the Sea Siren, who were divided among
the three vessels for the run north.

So it was that the three vessels set sail one
night for New York, and, short-handed as the
were, the brig but half-armed, the bark with
only a show of strength, and the schooner-of-
war with only a this of a crew it was decided
to keep close togethe during the v0 age, so as
to present a formidable 100k to any ge Brit-
ish cruisers the might meet.

The reSult 0 this strategy was that an Eng-
lish sloo f-war si hted gave them a wide berth,
and a ip-of-the- me seemed not at all anxious
to try conclusions with three formidable looking
vessgs, and New York Harbor was entered in

e .

Running up close to the Government yards
the anchors were let fall. and Lieutenant Roe,
Rossmore, and the officer commanding the
schooner went ashorb to re rt their arrival
and the former to deliver dispatches and
other im rtant papers that he bore.

The miral received them most graciously,
and was immensely pleased to learn of the safe
arrival of the Mermaid and the capture of the
barque, especially with her most useful cargo.

He went on board the brig, the schooner. and
flrstrcla’ss vessels,
and complimented Moncrief, his officers and men
in the highest terms. I

“As you say that Moncrief prefers to com-
mand his new vessel, the Siren, I will raise
you to a first lieutenant, Mr. Roe. and givgmyou

he brigr Brimstone, promot’ also this oer
. . ,

t .

 

Fionimmg,and leav himin com-

mand of the schooner, and you can get your
outfit and crews here.

“ This gentleman, Mr. Rossmore, as Moncrief
earnestly requests it, I will make an officer of
his schooner, the Sea Siren, and, as more sup-
plies must be sent South, he can take them on
the barque with the Sea Siren’s crew, and b
{hat time Captain Moncrief will be able to ' ,

ho .

‘.‘ hen he is to be captain?” eagerly asked
Rossmore.

“Yes, sir: you will carry back his commis-
sion as such, for these three prizes would have
won it for him, if nothing else.”

And the delighted faces of the three young
oflicers proved to the admiral how popular Mon-
crief was as a commander.

“ You will hear from Cagtain Moncrief, sir,
I assure you, for the Sea iron is the fleetest
craft afloat, as she escorted us out to sea when
we left, with a junior lieutenant and twenty
men on board, and she walked away from us,
admiral, as though we were at anchor, and we
were under a press of canvas and she had not
her to ils set,” said Lieutenant Roe.

“ e have heard of Moncrief ever since he
commanded a craft, and his name of the Dash-
ing Privateersman was well won; but how
about the fellow Bronx, of whom you speak?

“ Tell me all you know about him i”

“ Mr. Rossmore can tell you better, sir,” said

Roe.

Thus referred to, Allen Rossmore said:

“ He was mate on the Mermaid, now the Sea
Siren, admiral, Captain Hurst making his
daughter Sibyl, whom we all call the Siren of
the Sea, his first mate. for she is well able to
command and navigate a vessel, and really
saved the brig when we were chased by Bianca.
the Buccaneer, and her father was, as we be-
lieved, mortally wounded.

“Bronx belongs to a good family living on the
coast, and they are well-to-do, his father having
beenHa sea-captain.

“ ugh is a good sailor, but has a temper '

that is ugly in the extreme. and outside of
that: the men liked him, and suspected no harm
of im.

“ But from the day of the chase by Bianca,
he deve oped a new nature, and after. arriving
at Charleston he seemed tohate everybody he
came in contact with.

“His attempted rescue of the Scorpion, and
capture, his purchaSe of the schooner and sail-
ing as a privateersman, and all that followed,
you have there, sir, in Captain Moncrief’s re—

rte, along with those of the port captain and

jor White‘s. ,

“He seemed to feel a deeper anti thy for
Captain Moncrief than for any one egg, and I
was sent with his challenge to that officer, after
the affair of our being so cleverly saved by the
ruse of the signals to the British 5100p. I -

:ng accused Captain Moncrief of treachery,
an —-

“ He was the traitor!” grimly said the ad- .

miral.

“ Yes, sir, it seems so: but his accusation whs
replied to in a manner that he took as an insult,
and hence the challenge, the result of which you
know, sir.”

“And the scamp never came to when you .

fired on him, Roe?”

“ No, sir, and it is lucky for him he did not
for I could not control my men, and they we
have Swung him up to the yard-arm.”

“ Egad, it would havs been an easy settlement ,
of his case; but then of course we cannot couno ‘

tenance disobedience in a crew.” V
“ And then he came to New York, you said,
admiral?”
“Yes, Mr. Roe, .and represented himself as
lieutenant commandin the Scorpion

Captain
Moncrief as laid up wit a wound, and that he.

had come in to repair ship, add to his crew and
ship stores. ‘ '
' ‘

I gave him a carte blanche“ order, and he -' I I,

got about thirty-five hundred dollars out of us,

32d Eben put to sea in perfect trim only yester- .' ,, .
he will do something to retrieve him- I, . 3""

y.

“ I hope
self,” said ore. ~

“ He can do nothing, for his wounding Mon-
crief as you say, his ight, refusing to come to
when you fired upo
ggrt and fitting out under false pretenses, ren-

r him unfit for the service asa privateersman,
and he is an outlaw.” . .

“An outlaw, admiral! '

Yes Mr. Roe, and I shall give to Manage! '
m
wherever he finds him, while you too can 0 the" :7.

the no’doubt cheerful task of capturin

same.
“ But did he pay Moncrief for his vessel!” ,
“He gave him an order, sir. for ten thousand
dollars on Blake ‘& 00., his a

to collect,” said Allen Rossrnore

“Ten thousand! why Moncrief gave him’the' 

craft. for she was worth, as she was armed and
fitted out, five times that sum:

“ But I warrant the order is no account,”sailf
'

the angry admiral.
“ I think it is. sir.”

“ Then go and see, Mr. Bangalore, and I 

await your return.”

4

n him, and coming 

 

germ, of New :1.
York, and Captain Moncrief put it in my hands ' “

I); i

,2.

   
  
  
      
    
 
 

,4—
u

I

24:

l i I I

TheMSea Siren.

 

I

 

 

, quarters, btit in half an hour he was back again.

“ Well. sir?”

“Mr. Blake said that Bronx had drawn the
money himself, intending to pay the cash to the
Captain, as h.- stated.”

" I told you re; and mark my words, Moncrief
will Ilchl‘ see it dollar for his vessel until he re-
cuptures her. ~‘o we '.\ ill leave the work to him to
do. oung giant-trail."

T e admual ‘lhcn told Allen llossmol‘t‘ to hold
himself ready to return in about. two weeks. and

, that the cargo of the torque slmuhl be gotten

’2' ready by that time.

' I The other two vesw-ls were ordered to be got-

 ten ready for sea, and thin the three young

5% Officers departed from the quarters of tho old

' ‘ admiral, elated over their good fortune, yet
ined at the brand of outlawry which Hugh '
roux had brought upon himself.

1’
,k‘

l

, - ——~ !
: ,, ' CHAPTER XLVI. j
l

l

l

  
 
  
  
     
  
  
     
   
    
  
    
     
    
    

in... sEA SIREN surs SAIL.

THE barqno sailed at the allotted time, and the
crew of the Sea Siren Were on board and Allen
- v Rossmore in command, road of his position as

uheutenant, and delighth to be the bearer of a
. ‘ c'a. tain’s commission to Manton Moncrief.

 I Vith such a crew the barqne was superny
 -.i manned, and the admiral had ordered her
‘ ' armed with a. batter to protect her against any
, ordinary fee.

«2' There was on board, besides, a regular crew,
., ,[.with an Cflllfl-‘l‘ to command her on the return af~
rter she had delivered her cargo at Charleston, so
that she would prove a. dangerous adversary to
’an small crui er she might meet.

‘ = .fiut Allen Rossmore knew that he was to take
. no risks, so headed at once for Charleston, de—
termined to press on with all sail, as his freight
\ was too valuable to detain by the way, or lose,
' in t ing to act as a vessel-of-war.

. “go, after a very7 rapid run, he swept up the
4,}- harbor one d y. su uting the forts and dropping
H  anchor near the GOVernment dock.

 tam Bainbridge had reco nized the vessel,
ssmore on her deck, an met him as he

 

. Ca
..:-snd I
I “Fidel : ..

“Welcome back, Mr. Itossmore,” he said,

pleasantly. ! _

-“ I am glad to get back, sir, and especially as
I: bring good news, for our armies ave been
 arrow: of late in the Northern Colonies, and
i I bring a cargo that will be welcome to our
two in the Carolinas; but how is Captain Mon-
“Grief;

a 

      
    
 
 
   
  
 

i

l L7» “I may say well, for he walksabout now, and
fsgaining strength daillly. I

- But come, we w'l go to the mansron at
g . once, and you will have a warm welcome.”

J; And a warm welcome did Rossmore get in-

   
 
  
   
     
  
   
 

. deed, from one and all and the listened at-
 tentively to his story of all’that ad happened
and tulated him upon the rank 9 had

attained, While Moncrief fairly blushed under
7 t is warm congratu’ations showered upon him.
-“ And so poor Bronx has been outlawed?”
T'hlaid: Captain Hurst, who was quite himself
again, with the exception of having but one

4. 

' r ~1,‘»"Yes, sir.”

,- "“I at it exceedingly on account of his

 mother and sister,” t e skipper returned.
“"Yes,’ Heavep shtilpltbefil; but Hugh brought

:1 himse ’ i r sai .

“Won sayythat he went into New York

harbor and fitted the Scor ion out at Govern-

m'entexpensei” Moncrief s ed. '

1,, Ice sir ”

‘ twirl? drew the money that was there to

‘ i met my order?” I

u ,. » “80 Blake& Co. said, air.”

' Ef “ Well,‘ he is welcome to the schooner, if he

“  put her to a ood use, but I almost doubt

it, and Moncriof ooked pained that his pretty

ft should 1be devoted to other than a good

cause, for he cared nothing for the money.

“.I wonder if he will turn pirate?” said Sur-

, “goon Bennett, who still remained at the man-

' sion, near his patient, at the urgent request of

linger White. I
f “If he is outlawed, he is really no better
a irate now,” Major White said, and
oncrief, having opened his special
' rs, remarked: “ Here are orders for me to
tare Hugh Bronx, Fugitive Privateersman
and outlaw, and hang him without trial. ,
. t‘ I regret this exceedingly”
‘ _: s». The words fell like a pa ltgpon all, and every
' , ‘qc was upon the young cape n.
‘ “ You will have to o y orders, captain,
tater as it is, for it is indeed a painful thing
to have to put the noose about the neck of one
_ om we have known and called friend, believ-
fugigm to be such ” Major White said.
' as, I shall obey or orders; in fact, were
‘my brother I we (1 not shrink if my
Government ordered me to do it,” was the low

1 Again a'rilenee fell upon the group, broken

ot‘last b Moncrief, who said:

Xmldeu nt Rossmore, 1 wish you to get

' ' crew on board the Sea. Siren, and have all

readiness for sailin ten days from to-day,
f ' are to be my rst'ofllcer.” r'

        
   
 

  
 
  
     
  
  
   
    
   
   
  
  
  
    
    
   
  
  
  
    
 
  

1/

 

        

Allen Rossrnore departed from the admiral’s

 

 

)

N, I you, Captain'Moncriof.”

 

  

 

“ You will be satisfied with that date for sail- I
ing, Captain Hurst. yen and Miss Sibyl?” ‘
‘ Yes, sir, for I think we have taxed the hos- .
pitality of our host for a great while.” 4

“ I only wish I had you with me always, my
friends, for Mrs. White has not been as well in
two years, as during your stay," the major re-
p icd.

“ Yes, and I shall miss you all greatly, in fact
the house will be as lonesome as a graveyard
without you,” responded Mrs. “'hitc.

So it was arranged that the Sea Siren should
sail within ten days, and that she might go out
to sea as slipper y as an ccl, she was draWn out
upon the ways and her hull made as smooth as
rr ass.

Then she was put in perfect trim from keel to
truck, her crew of eighty nien donned their new
uniforms, and all was in readiness to receive her
ca )llllll.

‘wo days before sailinghe went on board, and
the morning she was to depart Captain Hurst
and Sibyl took osseSsion of their luxurious
state-rooms, fort to skipper had spared no exa
pense in making the cabin of the Sea Siren like
a In'jou palace in all its appointments and fur—
nishings. .

“ This 15 fine enough to suit the tastes of an
Algerine corsair,” said Captain Moncrief, when
he llrst entered the cabin and lookcd about him.

Farewells were then said, the anchor was
hauled up, sail spread, while the cheerful sea 1
songs of the crew filled the air.

Like a snow-cloud the Sea Siren darted down
the harbor, saluted liy the forts, cheered by the
populace that lined the banks, and her guns
ringing forth an answering salute. :

“ That craft sails like the wind,” said Major 2
White to Robert Bambridge, as the two stood ,‘
upon the para t of the fort watching her fade
awa in t e d stance.

“ he is well named, sir,” was the reply of the
young captain, whose face wore an expression ‘
of deep sadness, for the Sea Siren carried away ;
his heart, and Sibyl the siren knew i though ‘
an; gallant soldier had never breathed

er.

 

CHAPTER XLVII.

THE NIGHT CHASE. o

“» Dons her change of rig improve her sailing,
think you, Captain Hurst?” as ed Manton Mon-
crief, when the Sea Siren had been a. few hours
at sea.

“Immensely, I am sure, and what is more,
she will be a. better rough weather boat, go to
windward several points closer, and I am sure ‘
be superior in every respect,” answered the ,
ski r. a
in? he seems to fairly fly,” Sibyl said, adniir- ‘

ly.

he Sea Siren was carrying full sail, though a
10wer sail breeze, for most vessels, was blowing,
and she was cutting through the water at a rate
that won the admiration of her crew, who
watched her with the greatest pride and in-
terest.

They saw that she stood up well under the
great pressure of the wind. that there was no
“ bone in her teeth.” as she cut the waters with
her sharp prow like a. razor, and that she did
not under heavy gusts, get her lee scuppers
an or.

She was also a dry boat forward, though the
sea was very rough, and her wake was Clean
and even. |

To try the vessel more, Moncrief pointed her 
into the very eye of the wind, and et she.
forged ahead Well with her sheets as at as a 1
board. ‘

Then he jibed her, and she stood it without a ;
lurch to her scuppors, while before the wind the i
wexiii‘; along, wing and wing like the very wind 1
itsc . ,

“There is no Joint of sailin that she is not i

ood on, Captain urst,” said on‘cricf, warm- 1

 

 

mg up with enthusiasm, aftcr'he had practiced ’ sa .1

with her for a couple of hours upon every
Course, and saw that she also went about as
though she was upon'a ivot.

So delighted were t a crew with her, that
when reheved from duty they ave her captain
three cheers, then three for t e schooner, and
ended 11 with three for Sibyl, the fair siren for
whom s e was named.

The wind held good, and the third night out
the lookout called from aloft:

“ Sail ho!”

It was a. beautiful night, and several hours
after sunset, and the stranger was under full
sail, coming up on tho‘starboard bow, and head-
in so as to cross the bow of the Sea Siren.

t was soon descried to boa large schooner,
and Moncrief said in a low tone: V

“ With Miss Sibyl on board, Captain Hurst, I i
will run from that-fellow, for he is surely arm- l,
ed or'he Would not be in these waters ” . 3

“No, Captain Moncrief, my daughter 19% not '
one to stand in the way of your doing your duty, ;
sir so hold on as you are. and if the stranger is i
a british cruiser you think you can capture, ;

ht him,” was the plucky reply. i

‘ I will make him show at least whether he is I
WI)” a wolf, for I have a pivo n forward .'
has not Its superior on any got-battle
: .' g . l ‘l’ «will» fr ' , 

J ',,L.
o

 

  

  

 

. cricd

l aft.

 

 

shitp,” answered Moncrief, and then he called
on :

“ Forward, there!”

it Ay, ay’ Sir!”

“ Lieutenant Rossmore, clear that Forscastle
lPet 7for action, and toss a. shot over that fcl-

ow.

“ Ay, ay, sir.”

The gun was quickly loaded, and belt lied forth
its llt'l')’ flame and iron.

All watched attentively, and the ct ash of
tinilu rs. accent aiiicd l) ' cries, l'ollcucd.

" \Vhofircd 1 at in?’ called out Moiicl‘ief, as
Sibyl. hearing the 5 tot, came running on deck
from the cabin.

“ I did, sir,” was the reply.

“You are a superb shot, Lieutenant Ross-
morc, but I hope she is not an American; but
we uill know soon.”

All u aited for a moment, and it was seen that
the stran er suddenly changed his course and
began to t y.

"Show our naval secret signals, Mr. Ross-
more!”

(1 “Ay, ay, sir!" came the answer, and it was
one.

“ No, she is not of our navy, so try your hand
again, Mr. Rossmore.”

The gun was again fired, and again was heard
the crash, showing that the aim had been true.

“ If you can do that a third time. Iiossmore
I‘ll say you are the lest cannon shot afloat,’

.[ont-i‘icf, and a third tine the gun was
fired. '

A moment of deathlike stillness. then cries
and crashing timber, and a wild cheer broke
from the crew of the Set Siren.

“I give you the palm, Rossmore, as a dead
shot; but cease firing, as the craft ma be one

' of our privatcers, though she should 8 ow her
private signals, that we might know it.”

As Moncrief spoke there came a flash from the
stern of the chase, but the shot fell short.

Then the vessel rounded sharply and gave the
Sea. Siren a broadside; but these too fell into the

“ That is a marvelous gun, Captain Moncrief,
that you have there,” said Rossmorc, coating

l
is love i sea before reaching her.

" Yes, it is a wonder at long range, and I had
it on board the Sea. Scorpion with me.

“ But yonder fellow is runnin well, and we
will follow in his wake until day io'ht. when we
will make him show his colors and fight us.”

“ He sails well, sir,” said the ski per. ‘

“ He has all set that will draw, athcr, and we
have not sent up our topsails,” responded Sibyl.

“ And we are gaining rapidly enough,” was.
the re ly of Moncrief, and he continued:

“ I £19.11 still shorten sail if we creep u much
closer, for I wish to have a look at him iy day,
and, as he is sailing our way, it is all right.”

And soon, as the Sea Siren showed an anxiety
to owrhaul the chase too rapidly, the mainsail
had a reef put in her, which held her about an
e 'ual rate of sailing with the stranger.

etiring to his cabin Mont-riot left Rossmoro
in command of the dec , with orders to call him
at daybreak. ‘

This was done, and when the young captain
ascended to the. deck, he saw the sea growing
b ' ht under the approach of day.
is first glance was at the chase, and he saw
that the Siren crept up nearer, though no more
sail had been ret upon her; and the schooner
ahead was covered with canvas and lay well
over as she drove along.

“Ah, Miss Sibyl, you up so soon?” he asked, ‘

girl standing near.

as he saw the you
onc‘rief, like you, I had a

“ Yes, Captain

, desire to see that vessel by daylight,” was the

answer.
“Will ycu have n) glass?”
“What do you ma 0 of her?” -
“See for, yourself if I am right,” and she
smiled, and a strange smile it was.
He leveled the glass and almost instantly

i- :
“ It is the Scorpion.” '

Then he turned uickgyutmd gave orders to
change the course 0 the Siren, to the great
surprise of the crew; but when the dawn grew
bright/:r many of the old crew of the Scorpion
rccogniwl her, and they wondered more at the
strange act of their commander. \

CHAPTER XLVIII.
run: FAIR PILOT. .
WHATEVER those on the Sea Scorrion might
have thought of the strange conduct of a ves-

sel, which they could not but see it was in the I

power of to overhaul them, and yet drew off, it
was certain] a surprise to the crew of the Sea
Siren, and t a talk in low tones about it.

But an old seaman at last set the matter at
rest by saying: ‘

“Shipmates, there is a mi hiy pretty leddy
on board 0’ this craft, and t c cap’n looks on
her asaangel, and I tosses she is, and as he
has orders to capture t eSca Scorpion and hang

her‘skipper, he don’t want no 1fight. nor-no '

yard-arm and noose work, while as Sihyl are
on board so he jist hides his time, yer see."
They all did seem tosee that this was the case
and thought no more of it. ,
Butthat afternoon Sibyl came on deck, and

a ’, "t'

 

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The Sea. Siren.

25

 

 

seeing Captain Moncrief leaning over the taff-
raii, ste ped up to him and sai in a low tone:
“ Wivaou tell me something, if I ask you?”
“Certainly, Miss Sibyl.”
“ Why did you draw of! from the Sea Scor-
Biogthis morning, as soon as you reoogmzen
er

“Miss Sibyl?”
“ Yes?” _

4 “Had I held on a fight would have followed,
and a sea combat is an ugly sight for a lady’s
e es.”

y“ You should not have thought of me.”

“ But I did.”
“ Was that your only motive?”
H V

“Tell me the other.”

“Well, my orders are to capture Bronx and
ban him Without trial to the yard-arm.

“ ow a battle between the Sea Scorpion and
the Sea Siren could end but one way.”

“ And that way?"

“B the capture of the Sea Sco
thoug Bronx would doubtless
peration."

“ He would.”

“Once he became my prisoner I would have
to obe orders.”

“ ell 1”

“And hang him.”

“ And you shrink from it?”

“ I do.‘

‘0 '3”

“ Well. he was your friend.”

“He is so no lo r,”

“ You are the friend of his mother and
sister." ‘

“ Ah, yes, and I pity them.”

“ So do I, and I WlSh that some one else than
I mi ht be his captor.”

“ You have a 00d heart, Manton Moncrief.”

“You are kin to say so, Miss Sibyl.”

ter walked

She made no reply, and soon
rd; next day at night came a severe gale set

ion of course,
ght with des-

8W8.

in.

The course of the Sea Siren lay for Long
Island, the skipper desiring to return home as
soon as possible, and Moncrief had promised to
run into the inlet and spend several days at
Hurst Haven, for he was not et wholly strong,
and he knew the rest would .nefit him, not to
speak of the delight he had in being near
Sib l.

“yYou sa yon channel isabad one to run, Miss
l Sibyl, in a low?” asked Moncrief.

“Yes, sir, but it can be done with proper
eare.”

“ We will not be there, you know, until after
nightfall.”

‘So I see.”

“Then we had better stand 03 and on until
daylight, and then run in.”

“ no means.”

“deu‘ know your father has but one arm
now. and as a pilot he—”

“ I will be your pilot, Captain Moncrief.”

“You?”

“Yes, why not?” .

“True, your father _has said on were as
good a sailor as he is and I beieve it; but
will on dare attempt the inlet to-nighti”

“ rtainly, for the wind is abeam and this
vessel works to a charm.”

“You will have no light-house you know to
guide you.”

“ I can go in by the sound of the surf, and
b watching the breakers, which are wilder in

e inlet.”

“ The vetsel is in your hands for the trial,
Miss Sib l.”

“ You onor me with your confidence. Iassure

on,” but do you see onder mansion on the

ill?" and she poin two leagues away to
the shore.

H Yes.”

“That is Hurst Haven.” '

He turned his glass upon it, and after a long
look, said:

"‘ It is a and mansion, trul .”

“ It is a ear old home, and love it; but see!
it is just growing dark, and you Will see a light
stream out from the tower on the east wing of
Hurst Haven, for father has given orders for it
to be lit every night, as a beacon to some poor
mariner— . .

“ Ah! there it is,” and afar of! was v1s1ble the
li ht.

t was an n ly night, for the seas ran wild,
and the winds owled over the schooner as they
sped on with terrific speed. .

The skipper soon came on deck. and glancmg
about him, recognized the Hurst Haven beacon,
for he said cheerily:

“ Home aini”

“But aadhngrous inletto pass throu h be-
fore reaching an anchorage, Captain urst,”
said Moncrie . .

“ 0h! Sib 1 will pilot you through all right,”
was the re y.

“Then 5 e isa fine pilot to do so on such a
night.” . _

“ That is just what she is, Captain Moncnef,
as you will see.”

- In a few moments after he said, in a low
tone: ‘

 

“ Now don’t say anything to her, and see if
she does not know what she is about.”

Half an hour after, as though to verify her
father’s words Sib 1 said:

“Captain Mono at, you mean for me to be
your ilot, do you not?’

“ es, Miss Sibyl.”

“You do not fear to trust the schooner and
the lives of your crew in my hands?”

“ By no means, and throw my life in the bal-
ance,” he said, with a smile.

“ Then please put another reef in the foresail,
and shake a reef out of the mainsail, for she
will work quicker.”

The orders were given and promptly exe-

outed.

“ I will head now directly for the inlet, for
we are opposite it.”

S “ You have a good eye to know that, Miss
ibyl."

“ I tell by the beacon at Haven Hurst, as it
now lies, and the small light you see dead
ahead.”

“ Ah, yes! I see it, and it appears to be in the
window of some house.”

“That light is in the sitting-room of Hugh
Bronx’s home.”

“ Indeed!"

“ Yes; and now I want two of your best men
to take the wheel with me.”

“ There are no better than the two now there,
Miss Sibyl.”

“ Then into the inlet we go,” was the cheery
rep] , and she took her stand to the right of the
star rd wheelmen.

“ Steady as you are, men!” ‘

“ Steady ’tis,” was the reply.

“ Head so that one of you keeps the bows rit
to starboard of that light, the other to an
board.”

Thus the Sea Siren drove on, until the roar of
the surf was appalling.

But the fair pilot never moved, and the
schooner was soon burying her sharp prows in
the wild breakers.

“ Starboard hard!” cried Sibyl. as the break-
ers were even With the stern of the schooner,
and quickly came the response:

“Starboard hard ’tis!”

The sharp bows seemed drowned for a mo—
ment: as they swung around, but the Sea Siren
went flying along for a dozen lengths ere another
order was given.

Then came:

“Starboard hard!”

“ Starboard hard ’tis!"

“ Steady as you are!”

“Steady ’tis!”

Again the schooner held on, for a cable’s
length, and then came:

“ Hard! hard a-larbnard!”

“ Hard a—larhoard ’tis.”

An instant the hows swung rapidl , and then
Were brou ht to a steady, and the sc ooner shot
ahead in the still water, for she had assed in
through the inlet and was in the little aven be-

ond the sandy stretch of beach which kept at

a the mighty ocean.

liding on for a quarter of a mile the sail was
taken in, the anchor let 0 and the Sea Siren
was in a haven of safety, rought there by the
fair pilot, Sibyl Hurst.

CHAPTER XLIX.
THE REBUFF.

IT was still early in the evening, when the
Sea Siren dro ped anchor in the cove, and Cap«
tain I-Iurst ecided to go home at once, as it
was but a short distance up through the woods.

A boat was lowered at once, and 'the father,
daughter and Moncricf were set on shore and
Sib 1 led the way up to the mansion.

The haying of a dog Ogreeted them, but a shrill
call from Sibyl chang his angry bark into a
yelp of greeting and a huge mastifi? came bound-
in toward them.

he servants in the kitchen also heard the sig-
nal, and recognized it, and the door was thrown
open and a joyous welcome given them.

Lights were flashed in the mansion windows,
fires were built, for the night was raw, and the
old cook set to work to prepare a substantial
Sill)

 

r.
oncrief gazed about him with silent delight.

It was Just such a home as he had pictured .

what home should be. but which he had never
known, as, from boyhood he had followed the
sea.

The rooms were large, elegantly furnished,
and thick carpets were on the floors.

a huge wood rackle upon the hearth, and
sinking into an easy-chair he began to build
castles in the coals and became lost to the pre-
sent until the skipper came to call him to sup-

r.

peAnd such a supper as the three sat down to
Moncrief had only imagined there might be but
never enjoyed, while the skipper had brought
out of his collar a bottle or two of his choicest

wme. .
It might have been the surroundings perhaps
the pretty dress, which Sibyl had has y uton,

for the one she had worn on the sc ooner,
was wet with spray, but certain it is that Man- *

oaththathehad

ton Moncrief mentally took
. . ‘ " g

r ,

never seen her look half as beautiful, or appear
as fascinating.

It was midnight before the said good-night,
and sinking into a downy bed Manton Moncrief
$133!) sunk to sleep and dreampt that he was in

en.

The next morning after a bee breakfast
the skipper set about showing him is splendid
farm, and returning by the shore they boarded
the schooner, when the oung sailor was sur-
Erised and pleased to fin that Sibyl had sent to

is crew the greatest quantity of milk, fresh but-
ter, eggs, fowls, vegetables and all kinds of good
things to tempt the palate, vhile the officers
were invited to dine at Hurst Haven that day,
thjough they had not been forgotten in the sup-
es

“Leave the boatswain in command, Monerief,
and let all your officers come, for Sib 1 has set
her heart on it, and to—morrow we wi i give the
men a dinner ashore in the woods,” said the
ski per.

oncrief could refuse nothing, and so it was
decided that Allen Rossmore and his junior offi-
cers should dine at Hurst Haven at two o’clock
that day.

Having otten all going right in the house-
hold, Sihy mounted her horse, determined to
ride over and see Bessie Bronx and her mother.

She did not an . that Hugh had been
home, and more, he had, that he had breathed
one word that would reflect u n herself.

She loved Mrs. Bronx and essie dearly, and
she was determined that the shortcomings of the
son and brother should not stand in the way of
their friendship.

Entering the gateway, Sibyl rode up to the
piazza, but seeing no one. dismounted and
walked in through the open hall door.

Tapping at the door which she knew led into
the sitting-room, the answer came from within:

“ Come in!”

She knew the voice.

It was that of Mrs. Bronx, and she quickly
entered.

Mrs. Bronx was a woman of fine appearance,
though a trifle cold and haughty in manner.

She idolized her children, had few friends,
was lenient with them but very firm with her
servants.

She was an ambitious woman, and had lived
in the hope that Sibyl Hurst would one day be
the wife of her son, for she knew her to be an
heiress. She was beautiful, refined and educat-
ed. while not a word could be said against her.

She was reading a paper as Sibyl entered, and
looked up at the opening of the door.

Her face paled as she recognized the maiden,
who advanced toward her in her pleasantest
way, saying:

‘ Mydeaers. Bronx.I am so lad to see
yellil opoe more, and I hope you an Bessie are
we .

Sibyl paused, for the woman had drawn her-
! self up to her full hi ht, her face was white and
. 1);? eyes flashed, whi e she stepped back and said
; s a :

i “ iZs Hurst, I believe?”
. “ Wh , Mrs. Bronx, do you not know me?”
I cried Si yl, in alarm.
l “ I knew one once by the name of Sibyl Hurst,
I and believed her to be a noble girl.
I “ I have found her to be fickle. false, heart-
: less and treacherous, and I despise her!”
| The words seemed to come in a hiss from the
woman’s lips.
Sibyl was appalled, and seemed to feel that
, the lady had lost her mind.
“ Mfipoor Mrs. Bronx, you are ill, for I am
i Sib l urst, and I love you very dearly,” die
sai .
i As she spoke, Sibyl advanced toward her, but
, the woman drew back, and said sternly:
“Do not come near me, girl. but leave my
, house at once, for you are not worthy to be be-
* nenth its roof!”

' The eyes of the maiden flashed fire at this,

‘ and it seemed to dawn upon her that if Mrs. ,.'

 

jBronx was insane there was method in her . 

madness;

and she said, in her cool, cutting
way: -

i once. nor will I ever do you the on to step

1 foot into it a in. v

‘ “ Anger I

, that you should he the mother of Hugh

i now a fugitive upon the seas.”

' The words were stin 'ng, the manner so calm,
so cptting, that Mrs. ronx shrunk back before '

roux,

: the awful anger of the girl whom 'she had so in- x  i
A charmingl room was laced at his disposal, ' suited. . ’2‘ H ‘
re c But at the allusion to her son, she cried in ‘ai ’

, vo‘ioleI of frenzy: dz . h

‘ o, no, no! you re not say ang 1: against
! Lny goblo boy—he whose heart you have bro-
, en.

‘ heart, he has none to break.

“ I bid you farewell, madam.” ‘1».
Wheeling majestically. Sibyl drew her riding~

, habit about her superb form, and strode from’ ,
5 the room and the house. 

Her horse awaited her, and sprian into 1’ 
' saddle, she rode home at a rapid'gallop. ""

To her father and Moncrief she related what
had occurred, for her angry face caused

first.
“.My dear madam, I shall leave on houseat 

5: not feel for you, but pit -pity  V'

 

" I 58! nothing that is not true, and as for. ‘ r   !

 

26

The Sweeten-

I

 

 

 

to feel that something had gone wrong and
 questioned her, and the young sailor said in his
i kindly way:

“ Do not feel anger against a mother who
defends her son, Miss Sibyl, for the truth is,
Hugh Bronx has been home and told his story
and it is believed."

“God hel her then, and I am sorry I said
what I di , and I will write to Bessie soon
and tell her how sorry I am.”

Then Sibyl left the piazza to dress for din-
ner, and w en the officers an'ived every trace
of what had ha pened had faded away, and a
most enjoyable inner was had that long linger-
ed in the remembrance of those who sat down to
it.

..'.: Jam..-

 

CHAPTER L.
e.‘ .« muowmo A LIFE smr.

, ~ IT was not a very hard matter to rsuade
g" Mouton Moncrief to spend a few days onger as
a I the est of Hurst Haven.
 ' , T e picnic dinner in the woods had been given
1: to the crew and they enjoyed it to their hearts
,7 . . and stomachs’ content.
  Then too the skipper kept their men supplied
I daily with fresh meats, poultry and vegetables
1:, 3;; from his farm, and had their captain Wished to
.1, . strip the ship and 0 into winter-quarters in the
cove the crew wou d have been content.

As he wished to return at will, by day or
night when his cruising would bring him near
'. . i the coast, Mcncrief set about learning the chan-

nel in and out of the cove, through the inlet,
yhere the surf constantly broke with savage
orce.
In a life-skiff belonging to Sibyl, and with
, that young lady for a pilot, he ran in and out
several times a day until he was able to make
the tri without a word from her, even after
ni htfa .
he tried a five-ton pleasure sloop that
belonged to the farm, and this also he ran
. through with perfect success.
‘. , Getting u sail he then ran the schooner in
and out, an as itvwas growing dark he tried it
, in under cover of the ni ht until he was con-
v. ; ' 1god that he could come in, as Sibyl had, in a

.1!  “He had instructed Allen Rossmore to also
u. ' ‘ learn the channel, and that young man was tak-
i '  ing sounding, drawi a chart and doing all in
,. his power obey o are, without instructions
4:" ' , from so sweet a pilot as had Moncrief for a
 1 teacher.
, The Sabbath day coming while the Sea Siren
‘ was in the cove Moncrief and Su n Bennett,
whowas alsoa guest at Hurst even, drove
, , with the skipper and Sibyl to attend the church
.’. ;, at the meeting-house some miles inland. '
51 The humble church- rs of the island gazed
 ' ,upon Moncrief with a miration, for it had be-
,  come noised about the neighborhood that the
 ,3. ' famous Dashing Privateersman was at Hurst
f‘i‘, Haven, and many crowded around the skipper
 . - afterservi was Over to condole with him on
s" , the lossof is arm, to get a word and a smile
ii I .. from Sihyl, and an introduction to the young
” sailor whose fame had preceded him.
, 'Sibyl had seen Bessie Bronx at church, her
mother not being present, and had tried to
speak to her, but saw that she evidently shunned

0n the we home they passed the Bronx car-
, and S byl bowed low and half gave an
i to the coachinan to stop the vehicle that
j ,shemi htspeakwithher. ‘
_.  ’ ‘But cold, haught stare of Bessie Bronx
.. , , g 2 her, and the urst carriage rolled on.
1’? ,. V ,‘ That wapthe sister of Hugh Bronx, and you
it"? i use that she refused to notice my how.
i ‘. 41' . “ Now I have done with all 0 them, though I
.  ' pit them.” she said to Moncrief.
  , ‘ She is v beautiful,” said the surgeon.
, “m,- » “Yes, very ovel in face,” Moncrief added.
. f ' “Shois, and as, ovely in character also, and
; "4, ‘1 have dearly loved her; but then H h has ma-
.ga; -' ligned me to his mother and sister, am sure,
3; ‘ ; andso let it rest until they see their error.
_‘ '. ‘ 4"! As Captain Moncrief had ordered all in readi-
'»”~, mtonil on Monday. Lieutenant Allan Ross-
.7 .' , more determined to improve the Sabbath after-
 ‘ noon b running in and out of the inlet a few
‘ more in practice.
 The day had come on tobe raw and windy
..  afternoon, and the sea being rou h the waves
133 ‘ were unusually high, but he thong t that abet-

, .‘g’ 

. :‘~_5_‘ 5;? zit:

f  “naming, , -

 

 

    
  
   

 

 

  
 
  
  

f , te'ropportunity to his skill through the fierce
3’  31:1, so\sailed awafl‘om the schooner in the life-

. Sea Siren was anchored in a er0 of the
_, cave protected from view from the sea by a
.I ‘ wooded point of land, and so the young officer
" soon lost sight of the vessel.
. As he stood out into the bay he sawa boat
' shootout from the shore a uarter of a mile be-
, h I lowand immediately o to to the inlet.
3% , He knew that there lay the boat home of the
in, w Brazix farm, and having seen no one there dur-
.313 . ing the schooner's stay in the cove, he turned his
""1"." , glassuponthe boattodisccver who was its oc-

 

 

 

.. tr
fl *fihissurprise halawthat-it wasnotaman
_ “eyelinng ’

 
  

l

, l  -,,.~.;-

“ That is Hugh’s sister 1 have heard so much
about, and they say, as a sailor, she is only sec-
ond to Sibyl Hurst,” he muttered.

“She is searching1 for the inlet, surely; but
what can be taking er out to sea such a day as
this and Sunday afternoon, too.

“i will follow her, for she trifles with life to
go out through that mad surf.”

The skill! with Bessie Bronx in it held straight
on, and the pretty pilot looked neither to the
right or left, so did not see the skiff containing
Rossmore following her.

Into the surf she dashed, and Allen Rossmore
held his breath until he saw her little sail far
out beyond the dashing breakers.

“ I will go yonder and land,” he muttered
and he ran into a nook, sheltered by an arm of
sand, but almost in the surf that surged through
the open inlet.

Landing, he made his boat fast, and ascending
to the top of one of the sand dunes, he looked
over in search of the skifl’.

An exclamation arose to his lips, for off-shore,
inst coming to, and witn the skiff in which was

ie Bronx heading directly for it, was the
Sea Scorpion!

 

CHAPTER LI.
A son IN ran WAY.

THERE was no doubt of it, there is the Sea
Scorpion, half a league ofl-shore, an she had
just come to at a signal from Bessie Bronx.

“ I will watch events,” muttered Roasmore
and he lay down on the sand dune and looked
out through the long grass that grew on the

t0 .

I'l‘he little skifl’ had signaled the schooner, and
the latter had at once come to.

Running alongside, Bessie Bronx was drawn
on board y her brother and at once led to the
cabin.

Hugh Bronx was pale and looked haggard,
while he seemed ill at ease.

“ Well, sis, what on earth brings you out here
in this blow?’ and there was anxiety portrayed
in the question. \

“When I returned from church I sighted
your schooner comingbglong the coast, and hur-
ried out to meet you, fore you got beyond the
woods where you would be seen from Hurst
Haven.”

“ And why, sis?”

“ Well, there are visitors at Hurst Haven.”

“ Visitors?”

“ Yes, Captain Moncrie and his opioers!”

“ Captain Moncriefl reat God!’ and the
inlan sunk back in his chair as though he was
s 015.

“ Yes, brother.”

“ Im iblel”

“ No, Hu h, he is there.”

“ But I led him.”

“ You thought so; but he has just recovered
from a severe wound the servants said.”

“ Well! I am amazed.”

“ You may well be; but he is there, and his
sehooner, the bri Mermaid, changed into the
schooner-of-war a Siren, lies in the Shelter
Cove.”

“ Sis, I must go at once,” and the man fairly
trembled.

“ Hugh, I do not wish you to go, for I know
trouble will follow between you and Moncrief,
for the neighbors say that he is to marry

Sib l.” -

Hye saw that she had misunderstood his star-
tled words, for he had meant go out to sea, not
into the inlet, and so he said:

“ Well, if you do not wish me to go in and
anchor I will no ”

“ No, Hugh, you must go away, for I hear the
Sea Siren sails soon, and when you return up
the coast come by night!

“ If the Sea Siren is in the inlet I will display
in the sitting-room window a red light, if she s
not then I will leave the window-shutters simply
open as usual.”

“ All ri ht, sis; you are a good girl; but have
you seen ibyl Hurst?”

H Yes. ” _

“ When?”

“ She was at church to-day."

“ Who was with her?”

“Her father,.Captain Moncrief, and another
officer they spoke of as Surgeon Bennett.”

:: ,”yes; but did you speak to her?"
0.

“ That was right.”

“ She bowed to me, on passing my carriage on
her my home.”

“ Di you return if?”

“ Of course not, Hugh. after all you told us
about her; but she. does not look the one you
say she is, while Captain Moncricf has a pleasant
face.

“ Curse him, and her! they are devils!”

it Oh‘ Hugh!” .

“ Was mother with "(u to-(Tny.’"

“ then I met Sibyll"

U Yes- ” , r

“ No, she had a. sick headache and remained at

onie.
“ In fact, Hu ,b, ipothcr has not seemed Well
since Sibyl visi ed Lto iiCilflU the other day.”

3 .
.  ,,

 

“ Did she come there?”

He fairlv hissed the question.

“ Yes, Hugh.”

“ When?”

“ The morning following the arrival of the
Sea Siren in the cove.”

“How dare she go to my home?”

“ I was away, for I had one to the village to
make some purchases, w en she rode up on
horseback.

“She saw no one, so dismounted and knocked
at the sitting-room door.

“ Mother was alone in the room, and was
amazed to see Sibyl Hurst enter.

“ Sibyl advanced in a pleasant way to greet
her with some remark about being glad tocome
back, and mother drew herself up, ordered her
away from the house and said she was un-
worthy of the shelter of her roof.”

“ Mother has spirit, and she did just right.”

“ But to think that mother and Sibyl should
be angry with each other, Hu h?”

“ It is that wicked girls fau t.

“ But did she reply to mother?”

“ Oh, yes, and bitterly, for she said that she
would never enter the house again, and she pitied

mother and myself as the mother and sister of"

an outlaw.”

The man winced under this shot, while an oath
broke from his lips.

“0h, Hugh! what did Sibyl mean by that.
that you were an outlaw?”

“- She but said it to hurt mother.

“ It is like her, Bess, as I know her.”

“ Well, brother, I must go, for I wish no
trouble between you and Captain Moncrief, and
if you lie off here long some one from the
schooner or Hurst Haven may see you, and I
fear trouble will follow.”

“ Had you not better remain on board, for it
is ve? rough in the inlet with this sea and
wind' ’

“ Oh, no, I can run in well, and mother would
be nearly crazy about me, as I did not tell her
where I was going.”

“All right, Bess: but be very careful in the
run back, for that is a nast place, that inlet.”

“ I’ll be careful, brother; ut don’t forget that
it will be a red light if the Sea Siren is still in
the cove.”

“I’ll remember it sis,” and leading her on
deck a in, be aided her into her little skiff and
aways e went flying over the rough waters,
while the schooner got under way once more,
and headed along the coast toward Montauk,
Hugh Bronx too anxious to escape discovery
by the Sea Siren, to watch the running into
the inlet of his brave sister.

CHAPTER LII.
m ran scar.

Ovna the rough waters came the little skit,
with its fair occupant, as Allen Ros-more
watched it from the sand dune.

The sea had grown more turbulent since the -

oun rl had run out, and the tide had begun
a. flrgvghut, which increased the fury of the
surf in the inlet.

But Bessie Bronx had a brave heart, and she
was skillful in the mana ment of a boat.

Still she could not ut feel that she had
neVer been through the inlet when the sea was
as wild as then, and the wind blew as hard.

But on she went heading directly for the 
between the sand dunes, though it was the w l -
est rt of the surf.

“g? mother had only seen me on board the
schooner, I would have remained there, rather
than face this sea,” she said to herself.

Then after a while she said, as she drew near
the outer breakers: -

“ I must run in for the storm will but in-
crease with the night, and no one knows where

am.

“ Heaven help me 1”

With this fervent prayer upon her lips she
nerved herself to the task.

Her boat now rose on the outer breakers
and was sent forward With terrific force, and
in braci herself to hold on more firmly, her
foot  the wooden plug in the bottom of
the skiff and forced it from its place.

A cry of horror br<kc from her lips as a
spout of watr came up through the drain-
hole, and yet, in that inad surf she could not
release her tiller to spring forward, grasp and
re lace the plug.

ike a torrent the water ured in, and like
a ilnything the boat was int e angry surf.

Still the brave girl did not lose her presence
of mind, held her sheet-rope firmly. and glowed
her tiller with a hand that held the. a on
its rilous way.

at the waters pouring tin, and breaking'

over, began to rapidly ill he beat, and then
she would not answer her helm as before.

Then the waters surged fore and aft, when
the skiff rose or fell on the waves, and the
Weight, as it Went down in the stern buried it
ancuth a curling breaker, and Bessie was
stauvggling in the midst of the surf.

th her clothes on, and in such a sea, lb '

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The Sea Siren.

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would not have lived a minute, and she gave
up all hope, when suddenly a man’s form ap«
peared near her, a firm hand grasped her arm,
and a voice cried cheerily:

“ Do not fear, for we can make the land.”

She saw a handsome face near her own, a face
that was full of courage and confidence; the
Voice cheered her, the grasp about her was
strong, and she gained hope and nerve.

A good swimmer, she aided herself all she
could, and after a desperate struggle she felt her
feet touch bottom.

“We are safe now.” he said.

But the voice had lost its strength, and the
brave man having saved her, fairl sta gered
out of the sea upon the sands, he havm ex ust—
ed his reat strength in his mad butt 6 for her
life and his. . _ _

Sinkin upon the sands he said with a smile:

“I wil soon be all right; but it wasahard
fight against big odds, miss.”

“ It was, indeed, and you won the battle nobly,

“Heaven reward you for the life you have
saved, for I cannot' I can only remember you
in my prayers,” and her voice quivered as she
s ke.
p3 I saw on 'go out, and feared for you, miss,
so lay yon er in the sand dunes and watched for
your return.

“.I saw, too, that you could not manage your
boat in such a wild surf, so I came to the shore
and just in time to see your skiff go under, so I
plunged in to your aid. . I

“ See, yonder is my boat, and I W111 sail you
across to your landing, for I suppose you are
Miss Bessie Bronx?”

“ Yes, i am Bessie Bronx, and you are i”

“ Allen Rossmore, miss, first officer of the
American schooner-of-war Sea Siren, that lies in
the cove beyond the timber yonder.”

“ Captain Moncrief is your commander, is he
not?”

“ Yes, miss.”

“ Has he not later received a severe wound?”

“ Yes, one that well-nigh cost him his life,
Miss Bronx; but shall we go now?” and Ross-
more was anxious to change the subject; but,
though Bessie started for the boat, she con-
tinued:

“ Was it not my brother that shot Captain
Moncrief by accident?”

“ It was no accident 1” blurted Rossmore,
quickly, and then he added, hastily:

“ Yes, miss, yes, it was Captain Bronx.”

“ Did you say that it was not an accident?”
and the large eyes opened wide with astonish-
ment.

“ ardon me, Miss Bronx, if I decline to talk
on this subject,” he said, frankly.

“ But I urge it and beg you to tell me.”

“I s ke hastily, for I feel strongly upon the
subj , Miss Bronx, and I regret to say that no
one considered it anaccident.

“ I seconded Ca tain Bronx in the duel he
fought, for I was t en his first officer, and I saw
that he was very angry because Captain Mon-
crief disarmed him and gave him his life.”

“ Did Captain Moncrief do this?"

“ He did. ’

“ Go on, sir.” _ . .

“ He demanded another meeting, With istols,
which Miss Hurst, arriving u n the fie d, pre-
vented, and, feeling that. your rother was in the
wron , I urged him to give it up.

“ £3 was angry with me. 8 he severely, or-
dered me to 0 on heard these ooner under pain
of death, an I declining to obey. he fired. not
at me, for he is a dead shot, but at Captain Mon-

ef.
“ Pardon m frankness, but you forced me to
explainj and am frank in all I say, though I

1' et ee ly the in I ive.”
. ‘ And tigen, sir'iBa and ssie was white-faced
and stern.

“ Then your brother fled to his schooner and
set sail.” . .

“ Will you answer me a question more, air?”

“ If you demand it.”

u o.”

“ Well. Miss Bronx?”

“ Miss Hurst visited my home some days ago,
mother’s greeting of her, she
said that she pitied the mother and meter of an
outlaw.

“ What did she mean?”

“ Your brother refused to come to, when fired
on by a vessel sent in chase, and has been out-
lawed as a Fugitive Privateersman by the Col-
onial Government. " .

“ God have mercy upon him!

“I almost wish that you had allowed me to
die in the surf,” moaned the poor girl.

Then she asked:

“ What do you think of Sibyl Hurst?”

“ One of the noblest of women, I think her,

Miss Bronx.”

“ And of her treatment to my brother?”

“ She loved him as a brother, not as he wish-
ed, and his own rash temper caused all the
trouble.”

', “ What do you think of Captain Moncrief?”
“ A more noble man never lived.
“ Wh , he saved your brother from being

‘ ‘hanged {a irate, rescued him from an Eng.

lish vesse on of which he was a prisoner,

4 .‘ ‘ t
we). ,I  , I.

 

l

gave him, almost I may say. his vessel as a pri-
vateer, and did offer it to him as a gift.

“ Ofi’ered him the position I now hold, as a
regular naval ofiicer, and gave him the papers
that allowed him to go as a privateersman, sohe
could not be his foe, and tried to be his friend;
but two men cannot love the same woman, Miss
Bronx, and be friends."

“ Lieutenant Rossmore, your words surprise
me, even as much as they amaze me.

“ You saved my life, and you now open my
eyes to see that which I did not see before.

“Yours is a frank nature, and I thank you
for our frankness.

“ onder is my home, and I will be glad to
have you visit me ere you sail, that my mother
may thank you; but I pray you do not say to
her what you have to me, even though she
should ask on leading questions.

“ I thank, you again and say good-by; but
come tonight and see us."

He held her hand, as she would have drawn it
swagi and said:

“ Iiss Bronx, if I pained you, forgive me: but
I saved you from death I risked my life know-
ing who you were, and I feel that I have aclaim
upon you.

“ What I said of your brother I said on pur—
pose, that you might know that he was not all
that your sisterly love believes him to be.

“ In a very short while it must come to your
ears, from ruder sources than from my lips, the

full story of your brother’s career since he left ,1

your home as mate of the Mermaid.

“ His jealous love for Miss Hurst secrrrl‘. tr)
make him a different man. and if you \vi.i let;
me tell you all I know of him, it may save you
from a little shock, to hear it from others.”

There was something in the face and manner
of the young officer that seemed to fascinate
Bessie, and she said in a low tone:

“”Sit there on that arbor bench, and tell me

He led her to the seat, and in his frank. kind-
ly way, told all that he knew of Hugh Bronx,
from is first jealous madness, after the capture
of the Mermaid by Bianca the Buccaneer, to his
fitting out the Sea Scorpion at the Goverment’s
expense under false colors.

He also told about the money-order, and how
Moncrief had hauled ofl from chasing the Sea
Sco ion when he recognizcd her, that he might
not ve to obefi his orders and ban one who
had been Sibyl urst’s friend, before or eyes.

“ Now, Miss Bronx, you know the truth, and
from the lips of one who will befriend you,
come what may; so command me as such if ever
I can serve you.”

Bessie was deeply affected, and for a while
could not speak.

At last she held forth her hands and said: ,

“ You are very kind, for bad this come to me
differently, it would have killed me or driven
me mad.

“ New I know how to act with my poor bro-
ther; but I must p my mother for the
worst, and I beg on come to-night.” ,

“ I will come,’ was the answer and they

rted, she goin slowl homeward in a dazed

ind of way an he, ter watching her along
the path until he saw her reach the house, turn-
iniand going back to his boat.
rriving on board the schooner he said, in
excuse for his wet clothes, that he had gotten
a ducking in the surf.

CHAPTER LIII.
nxnunr 01mins.

Tan position in which Hugh Bronx foun
himself was not an enviable one. I

He was strangely unfortunate in finding Brit-
ish merchantmen, and his men soon began to
grumble and show a mutinous spirit (nice more.

In his distress Hutchins became his adviser.

“ Better strike a. craft that will pay, cap’n,
and never mind the flag.”

“ You mean capture a craft of any nation?”

“Certainly, sir.” ‘

“That is piracy.”

“ We are not much better now, can’n, after
what you did in Charleston and New York.”

“ That is too true; but I hoped to have wiped
out th0se stains.”

“You can never do it; and something must
be done.”

“ What shall we do?”

“ Get money.”

H XOW r9 ”

“ n we .

“ Hutchinzi”

“ Sir to you.”

“ l have a way.” I

“Yes, sir.”

“There is a mansion on the coast that is own-
ed hv a very rich man.

“ He is said to keen fifty thousand in gold in 3

his cellar and his siIVer plate is very valuable.
“Now I’ll give you al points. you go in and
rob the house, get the silver and we are made.
“ I say you. for I must not be seen.

I’- ‘ «

 

 

see, her father will give half his fortune as ran»
som.

“ Then, Hutchins, we can keep the men easy,
and I’ll make a name for myself that will soon
wipe out the charges against me.

‘ What do you say?”

“ Where is this mansion?”

“ I will pilot you in to a harbor and direct
you to it.”

“ How many servants?”

“ About a dozen on the farm, I guess.”

“ Where is the gold ?”

“ In an iron box in the cellar.

“ I have seen it, and know it is there.”

“ And the plate?”

“ ls kept on the mahogany shelves in the
dinin .room.”

“ I’ 1 do it.”

“ All right, we will head for the place at once
and reach there soon.”

But Bessw’s going out in her skiff, at the risk
of her life, changed the plans of the young out-
law just then.

Putting back along the coast, as the reader
knows. he sighted a sail and gave chase.

It proved to be an English merchant ship,
and after a long chase he ca tured her.

She was a. store-shi , an a rich haul, so he
ut a rize crew on ard and sent her in to
’ew ork as his first ace-offering.

This raised the spirits of the men, but only
for _a day or two, and then they began to fret
again.

h So Hugh Bronx headed for the coast near his
ome.

It was night when he arrived, and he saw no
red light in the sitting—room window, and he
knew all was safe.

Sointo the inlet he ran, and Hutchins with
twenty picked men went ashore on their maraud—
in and kidnapping ex ition.

mfatiently and annously Hugh Bronx paced
the eck.

Half an hour passed and then he heard shots
and shouts up toward the Hurst Haven man-
sion.

Then came the shots more frequently, loud
orders, oaths, and cheers.

But from whence came the cheers he did not

ow.

He had not long to wait in suspense, though
it seemed hours to him, and then was heard run—
ning feet, and he saw through the darkness men
springing into the boats.

They were soon alongside and a voice cried:

“ Ca ’n, the Sea Siren lies in this basin some-
whar, or her cap‘n are u at ther house and he
kilt officer Hutchins, an some of the boys is
dead, sir.”

This was enough for Hugh Bronx and he slip-
ped his cable, crowded on sail, and stood for

he inlet.

But, as his vessel began to move he knew that
the man had told the truth, for he heard voices
around the point, and loud orders given to
get up the anchor and set sail. ’

And well he knew that voice, for it was in~
deed Manton Moncrief's, he having run into the
inlet just after dark that evening after a week’s
cruise, so that is knew not of his presence
there and hence did not show the red light in
the window. .

With the start she had the Sea Scorpion was
a league at sea, when the Sea Siren came
through the inlet.

But she was in sight of the keen eyes on the
cruiser’s deck, and a hot chase was at once be-

gun. .

At the request of Allen Rossmore, no fire wu-
opened upon the Scorpion until the two vessels-
were leagues away, far out of hearing of these
back on the shore. ,

Then the Sea Siren began to creep up,rapidly

upon the Sea Scorpion, the latter opening a hot

fire upon her.
But the beautiful cruiser seemed to bear a‘
charmed life, for the shots of the Fugitive Pri-l

vateer fiew wild, while her fire hit hard every ',

time.

It was not long before the Sea Scorpion‘s men
were driven from their guns, and the vessel was.
carried by boarding.

\Vhen Mantcn Moncrief sprung upon the deck
of the schooner. outlass in hand, his eyes at once
fell upon the form of B h Bronx. lying dead
on his quarter-deck, hav g been killed by the
fire of the Sea Siren. .

The Sea ScorpiOn had been so badly hurt by
the fire of the Sea Siren. that he was found to
be sinking. and she had to be quickly deserted.
going down to her grave in the deep with her
commander and his slain crew with her.’

“So let her perish.” said Moncrief, and then
he headed for New York. ,

Arriving there be held a conversation with
the admiral, who had a few days before receiv—
ed the store-ship prize from Hugh Bronx, and
was getting in a better humor with him.

“ Admiral,” said Moncrief, “ I am going to

i ask a favor of you, not for the man, but for his

moths-r and sister.
“ I have told You how we took the Sea Seer:

’ pion, and that. Hugh Bronx went to the batoni

“You are also to get a treasuie for me in the of the sea With her, and as he has sent you in
shape of the young lady of the house, for she is that valuable storeship, and no one knows that
an oiress, and with herjn my possession, you he hasbeen outlawed, that you allow it to be

 

 

 

 

 
   

1383

 

reported that the vessel was sunk in action with
an enem , for I was his enemy, and that her
comman or went down with her.
l “This will not bring dishonor on a noble
: name, and save t sorrow from the hearts of
his mother and sister, and Rossmore here has
’ asked me to make this request of you.”
3 The admiral listened attentive] and said:
E “You are a noble fellow, an have been the
" one to suffer at his hands, so it shall be as you
wish.”
Thanking the admiral, Moncrief went aboard
the Sea Siren, and after sending his prisoners
 on board the Brimstone, that was in port and
i needed a crew, he set sail for the inlet near
Hurst Haven, for he had been in the mansion
when Hutchins tried to kidnap Sib l, and was
- ' anxious to see it she had suffer from the
5’ v shock, for he had killed the bold marauder

 

i3 while he was leaving the house with Sibyl a
g ‘ captive.

, After a rapid run the Sea Siren arrived at the
 , inlet and anchored just after sunset, and while

3 Moucrief went up to Hurst Haven, Allen Ross-
more wended his way to the Bronx homestead,
for he was anxious to break the news to Bessie
. and her mother, how he had learned in New
: ' York that Hugh, in an action with an enemy,
i had been killed and his .Vessel sunk.
w‘. It was a sad blow to the mother and daughter,
' and yet both rejoiced in their hearts that the
:‘ unfortunate young man had not lived to be
 . brought to a dishonorable end for his unlawful
9' ' career. '

So deep was the sympathy that Allen Ross-
more gave to the sorrowing ones that he won
the heart of Bessie, already her rescuer from

4 death in the surf, and when, at a subsequent

 visit he asked her to some day be his wife, she
gladly consented.

,. And Moncriet had also received welcome at

t - . the Hurst Haven mansion, for Sibyl had

sighted the Sea Siren running along the coast
before sunset and expec him.
i’ The shock had affected her but little, though
‘ she little suspec ed who it was that sought to
, kidnap her, and supposed, as her father said
‘? the were pirates w 10 sought to rob him, and
fai ng, throu h the presence of Moncrief, had
a tried to take er for ransom.
’ The day after she told the young sailor she
had been rejoiced by a visit from Bessie and
Mrs. Bronx, who had come to ask her to for-
'V6, forget, and to renew past friendshi , for

i ey had been told the truth by Allen oss-
- more.
"’1 “ SO I am happy, very happy,” she had said
thgtAm ht’n k h ' ha ‘
11 W1 on ma e me ap y, very py
Sibyl?” aske' Manton Moncrief, in a ow:
eager tone.

 -, V I “ How can I?” she asked, in a voice hardly
‘5 ' audible.
1*, . A “B some day becoming my wife, Sibyl."
; An Sibyl answered:

,3 “ Yes, for I have loved you, Manton, from
 the moment that first we met.”

 Is not to story told, kind reader, in the
'-. - answer of ibyl, the Sea Siren?

’  ‘, THE END.

 

 

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5' ’ 1 DEADWOOD DICK. By Edward L. Wheeler.  5c
' 2 YELLowsTONE JACK. B Jose )h E. Badger, Jr... 5c

 

8 Runs KING. By Bu alo ill . ..  5c
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'/ 8 SETH JONEs. By Edward S. Ellis
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,. NAT TODD. By Edward S. Ellis . .. .. . 5c
' i 11 THE Two DETECTIVEs. By Albert W. Aiken... 5c
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13 RE DUMB SPY. ByOll Comes.  . . . . . . . .. . be
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16 RoaInsON CausOE 5c

17 RALPH ROY. By Col Prentiss lngraham.  'c
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19 THE PHANTOM SPY. Banfl'aio Bill .. . ..  5c
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" , 21 FRONTIER ANGEL. B Edward S. Ellis . .. .. 5C
W THE SEA SERPEFT. v Col. Juan Lewis . . . . . .. 50
., 28 NICK 0' THE NIGHT. By T. C. Harbangh..  .'-c
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28 BUs-PALO BEN. By Edward L. Wheeler .  50
29 THE DUMD PAGE. By Capt. F. Whittaker..... 5c
80 ROARINO RALPH Rocxwoon. By B. St. George. 5c
31 KEEN-Kim's. By 011 Coomes  5c
., 32 Boa WOOLIL By Edward L. Wheeler ..  5c
.  88 THE OCEAN BLOODHOUND. By S. W. Pierce. . .. 5c
2 84 OREGON 801.. B Capt. J. F. 0. Adams...... . 5c
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:L. 36 THE BOY  ByFrankS. Finn .  5c
‘  87 THE HIDDEN LODGE. By T. U. Harbaugb .. .. 50
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EATH- ACE, THE ETECTIVE. BvE. L. Wh l
40 BOVING BEN. By John J. Marshall.  be
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42 THE PHANTOM man. By Ed. L. Wheeler.  50
43 DICK DARLING. By Ca t. Frederick Whittaker be
«We RUDE. By arry St. George........ 61:

 

The Sea! Siren.

45 OLD AVALANCHE By Edward L. Wheeler.
46 GLASS-EYE. B Capt. J. F. 0 Adams . 
47 NIGHTINGALE AT. By T. C. Harbaugh.......
48 BLACK JOHN, THE ROAD-AGENT. J. E. Badger, Jr
49 OMAHA OLL. By Edward L. Wheeler........ . ..
50 BURT BUNKER. By Charles E. Lasalie. . .  . ..
51 THE BOY . By Archie C. Iron...........
52 THE WHITE BUFFAID. By Charles E. Lasalie...
58 JIM BLUDSOE, JR. By Edward L. Wheeler.. . ..
54 NED HAZEL. B Capt. J. F. C. Adams . . . . . . ..
55 DEADLY-EYE. y Buffalo Bill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
56 NICK WHanrLEs‘s PET. By J. F. C. Adams“ . ..
57 DEADWOOD DICK‘s EAGLES. By E. L.Wheeler..
58 THE BORDER KING. By 011 Coomes . . . . .  . ..
59 OLD HICKORY. By Harry St. George . . . . . . ..
60 THE WHITE INDIAN. By J. F. C. Adams.  
61 BUCKHORN BILL. By Edward L. Wheeler... 
62 THE SHADOW SHIP. By 001. P. in ham..... .
63 THE RED BROTHERHOOD. By W. . Hamilton .
64 DANDY JACK. By T. C. Harbaugh. . . . . .  . .-
65 HURRICANE BILL. B Joe. E. Badger, Jr......
66 SINGLE HAND. By . J. Hamilton . . . . . . . . . . ..
67 PATENT-LEATHER JOE. By Phili S. Warne...
88 THE BORDER ROBIN HOOD. By uflaio BilL...
69 GOLD RIFLE. By Edward L. Wheeler . . . . . . . ..
70 OLD ZIP‘s CABIN. By J. F. C. Adams ........ ..
71 DELAWARE DICK. By 011 Coomes. . .. ...... . . ..
7‘ MAD TOM WESTERN. By W. J. Hamilton.......
73 DEADWOOD DICK ON DECK. By E. L. Wheeler..
74 HAWK-EYE HARRY. By OllCOomes. . . .  
75 THE BOY DUELIsT. By Col. P. lngraham. 
76 ARE COLT. THE CROW KILLER. B A. W. Aiken.
77 CORDUROY CHARLIE. By Edwarr L. Wheeler.
78 BLUE DICK. By Captain Mayne Reid. .. . .
79 SOL GINGER. THE GIANT TRAPPER. A.W. Aiken.
80 ROSEBUD Ron. By Edward L. Wheeler  .
81 LIGHTNING JOE. Bay Captain J. F. C. Adams...
82 KIT HAREFOOT. y T. C. Hal-baugh . . . .  . ..
83 ROLLO, THE BOY RANGER. B 011 Coomes. ..
84 IDYL. THE GIRL MINER. By .d. L. Wheeler ..
85 BUCK BUCKRAM. By Ca tain J. F. 0. Adams.. .
86 DANDY ROCK. By G. aldo Browne .. . 
87 THE LAND PIRATES. By Capt. Mayne Reid.....
88 PHOTOGRAPH PHIL. By Edward L. Wheeler....
89 ISLAND JIM. By Bracebridge Hemyng . . . . . . . ..
90 THE DREAD RIDER. By G. Waldo rowne. 
91 THE CAPTAXN OR THE CLUB. By Bracebridge
Hemyng........ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
92 CANADA CHET. By Edward L. Wheeler... . .. ..
93 THE BOY MINERs. By Edward 8. Ellis... 
94 MIDNIGHT JACK. By T. C. Harbau h  .
95 THE RIVAL ROVERs. By Lieut. Co . Hazeltine.
96 WATCH-EYE. By Edward L. Wheeler. 
97 THE OUTLAW BROTRERs. By J. J. Marshall. .
98 ROBIN HOOD. By Prof. Stewart Glidersleeve...
99 THE TIGER or TAos. By George W. Browne...
100 DEADWOOD DICK IN LEADVILLE. D Wheeler.
101 JACK HARKAWAY IN NEW YORK. y Brace-
bridgeHemyng.....   .
102 DICK DEAD-EYE. BK Col. Prentiss Ingraham..
103 THE LION or THE EA. By. Col. DClle Sara

104 DEADWOOD DICK‘s DEVICE. By Ed. L. Wheeler. .

111') OLD RUDE, THE HUNTER. B Capt. II. Holmes .
106 OLD FROSTY, THE GUIDE. y T. C. Harbaugh ..
107 ONE-EYED SIM. By J. L. Bowen , . . . . . . . . . . ..
108 DARING DAVY. By Ilarry St. George... .

109. DEADWOOD DICK As DETECTIVE. B Wheeler
110 THE BLACK STEED or TIIE PRAIRIEs. y Bowen

111 THE SEA-DEVIL. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham..
112 THE MAD HUNTER. By Burton Saxe . , . . . . . ..
113 JACK HOYLE. By Edward L. Wheeler.. . . .
114 THE BLACK SCHOONER. By Roger Sim-buck. ..
115 THE MAD MINER. By G. aldo Browne . . . . . .
116 THE HussAR CAPTAIN. B Col. P. Ingraham.
117 GILT-EDGED DICK. By El ward L. Wheeler...
118 WILL SOMERs, THE BOY DETECTIVE. B Morris..
11!) MURTANG SAM. By Jos. E. Badger, r . . . . . . . ..
120 THE BRANDED HAND. By Frank Duniont 
121 CINNAMON CHIP. By Edward L. Wheeler.... ..
122 PHIL HARDY. THE Boss BOY. By Chas. Morris.
[23 KIOWA CHATLEY. By T. C. Harhaugh . 
124 TIPPY, THE TEXAN. By George Gleason . . . . ..
125 BONANZA BILL. MINER. By E. L. Wheeler. . . ..
1% PICAYUNE PETE. By Charles Morris. . . . . . . . . ..
127 WILD-FIRE. By Frank Dumont . . . . . . . .. ..
128 THE YOUNG PRIVATELR. By Harry Cavendish.
129 DEADWOOD DICK’sDOUIzLE. ByE. L Wheeler.
180 DETECTIVE DICK. By Charles Morris . .
131 THE GOLDEN HAND. By George W. Browne.
132 THE llI'NTED HUNTER. By Fdward S. Ellis. .
133 Boss BOD. By Edward L. Wheeler . . . . . . . ..
131 SURE-SHOT SETH._ By 011 Coomes . . . . . . . . . . . ..
135 CAPTAIN PAUL. By C. 1). Clark . . . . . . . . . . .
1:16 NIGHT}!wa KIT. By Joe. E. Badger, Jr. .
137 THE HELPLESS HAND. By Capt. Ma De Reid.
138 BLONDE BILL. By Edward L. Whee er . . . . . ..
139 J CDGE LYNCH, JR. By T. C. Hnrbaugh . . . . ..
140 BLUE BLAZES. B Frank Dumont .  .. ..
111 SCHILSQEM. By dward L. Wheeler . . . . . 
112 HANDso HARRY. By Charles Morris . . . . . ..
148 SCAR-FACE SAUL. By Oll Coomes. .. 
111 DAINTY LANCE, THE BOY SPORT. By Badger.
115 CAPTAIN FERRET. B Edward L. Wheeler...
146 SILVER STAR. By 01 Coomes . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
117 WILL WILDPIRE. By Charles Morris . . . . . . . . . . .
1-18 SHARP SAM. By J. Alexander Patten. .. .
119 A GAME OF GOLD. By Edward L. Wheeler...
150 LANCE AND LASSO. By Capt. F. Whittaker...
151 PANTHER PAI'L. B Joseph E. Badger, Jr...-
15?. BLACK BEss. By C Iarles Morris  . . ..
15‘! EAGLE KIT, THE BOY DEMON. By Oil COOIUes.
151 THE SWORD-HUNTERS. By 7am, F.Whittaker
155 GOLD TRIGGER. By T. C. Hnrhanch.. ..

156 DEADWOOD DICK or DEADWOOD.
157 MIKE MERRY. By Charles Morris .

158 FANCY FRANK or COLORADO. By Bufl'aio Bill.. 
159 THE LOST CAPTAIN. By Fred. Whittaker..... '

160 THE BLACK GIANT. By Jns. E. Badger. Jr...
161 NEW YORK N ELL. By Edward L. Wheeler
162 WILL WILDF'IRE IN THE WOODs. By C. Morris.
168 LITTLE TEXAS. By OllCoomes . . .. . ..
164 DANDY ROCK‘s PLEDGE. By Geo. W. Browne.
165 BILLY BAGGAGE. THE RAILROAD BOY. Morris.
166 HICKORY HARRY. By Harry St. George. . . 
167 Mm SCOTT. By Edward Willem . ..
168 DEADLY DASH. By Joseph E. Bad er. Jr. ..
169 TORNADO TOM. BV T. C. Hnrhmir . .. .. 
170 A TRUMP CARD. By Charles Morris . . . . . . . . . ..
171 EBONY DAN. By Frank Dumont..
172 THUNDERDOLT TI‘M. By Harry St. George. . ..
173 DANDY ROCK‘s RIVAL. By Geo. W. Browne.
174\BOB Bocxm. By Chm-1m Morris . . . . ..
175 CAPTAIN ARIZONA. By Philip S. Warne. . . .. .
176 THE B0Y RUNAWAY. By Lieut. H. D. PERRY..

171 Nam NICK or N i-JVADA. By E. L. Wheeler.. '

\

B y Wheeler. 

5c

88888883888888'888'88'8‘8‘82888838888831???

S‘S'SS'S'S'S'

S'S'S'

 

178 OLD SOLITARY. By. 011 Coomes. . ..  5c
179 BOB ROCKE'I'T, THE BANK RUNNER. By Morris. 5c
180 THE SEA TRAILER. Lieut. H. D. Perry, U. S. N. 50
181 WILD FRANK or MONTANA. B E. L. Wheeler. 50
182 LITTLE HURRICANE. By Oll oomes..... .. 5c
183 THE HIDDEN HAND. By Chas. Moms . . . . . . ..
184 THE BOY TRAILERs. B Joe. E. Badger, Jr. ..
185 EVIL EYE. By Frank umont  .-.
186 COOL DEsMOND. B (‘01. Deile Sara . . . . . . . ..
187 FRED HALYARD. 1y Chas. Morris ..
188 NED TEMPLE. By . C. Harbangh ' 
189 BOB ROCKE'I'I', THE (‘RACKsMAN. By C. Morris
190 DANDY DARKE. By Wm. R. F. 'ster . .. ...
191 BUFFALO BILLY. By Capt. A. . Taylor,U.S.A.
192 CAPTAIN KIT. By Lieut. H. D. Perry U.S.N.
193 THE LADY ROAD-AGENT. By Philip S. arne
194 BUPEALO BILL’s BET. Capt. A. B. a *lor.U.S.A
195 DEADWOOD DICK‘s DREAM. By E. L. Wheeler.
196 SHADOWED. By Charles Mo 9 . . ..
197 LTI'rLE GRIT. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. . ..
198 ARKANSAW. By T. C. Harbau   
299 FEATHERWEIGRT. By Edwa Wiliett . . . . . ..
100 THE BOY BEDOUINs. By Capt. F. Whittaker .
201 THE BLACK HILLs JEZEDEL. E. L. Wheeler.
202 PROSPECT PETE. By Oll Coomes. . ..
203 THE BOY PARDs. Jos. E. Badger, Jr.
204 GOLD PLUME. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham 
205 DEADWOOD DICK’s DOOM. By E. L. Wheeler.
206 DARK PAUL, THE TIGER KING. B C. Morris.
207 NAVAJO Nli'K. By T. C. Harbaug . .. . .. ..
208 THE BOY HERCULES. By 011 Coomes . . . . . ..
209 FRITZ. THE BOUND-BOY DETECTIVE. Wheeler.
210 FARO FRANK OF HIGH PIN By W. R. lgyster. ..
211 CROOKED CALE. By Jos. E. Edger, r . . . . ..
212 DASHING DAVE. By Charles Morris. .
218 Fer To THE FRONT. By E. L. Wheeler.....
214 WOLFGANG. By Ca t. Frederick Whittaker..
215 CAPTAIN BULLET. y T. C. Harbaugh 
216 BIsON BILI. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham .... ..
217 CAPTAIN CRACK-SHOT. By E. L. Wheeler.. .
218 TIGER TOM. By 011 Coomes .. ..
219 DESPARD, THE UELIST. By Philip S. Warne.
220 TOM TANNER. By Charles Morris . . . . . . . . . .
221 SI'GAR-COATED SAM. By Edward L. Wheeler.
222 GRIT, THE BRAVO SPORT. By Col. lngraham.
223 OZARK ALF. By Edward Willett .. .  .
2% DAsIIING DICK. By 011 Coomes. ..  ..
m5 SAM CHARCOAL, THE PREMIUM DARKY. By
ChaI-lesMOrris ..  .. 
226 SNOOZER. THE BOY SHARP. By E. L. Wheeler.
227 DUSKY BARREL, TRAPPER. By E. Emerson...
228 LITTLE WILDFIRE. By 01] Coomes.
229 CRIMSON KATE. By Col. Prentiss In m..
230 THE YANKEE RAJAIL By C. D. Clar . . . . . . . ..
231 BLUCKY PHIL. By T. C. Tarhangh  ..
2‘32 GOLD-DUST DICK. By E. L. Wheeler.. . 
233 JOE BUCK or ANGELS. By Albert W. Aiken.
234 BENITO. THE YOUNG HORSE-BREAKER. By
Buckskin Sam . . . . . . . . . . . .
235 Sm. Dow SAM. THE MEssENGER BOY. By
Charles Morris. . .. . . .. . . . . . . . . ..
2‘16 APOLLO BILL. By Edward L. Wheeler... .. .
257 LONE STAR, THE COWBOY CAPTAIN. By Col.
Prentiss Ingraham. . ..  . . . . . . . . ..
238 THE PARsON DETECTIVE. By Oil Coomes ..
239anE GOLD-SEEKER GUIDE. By Mayne Reid... r‘
210 CYCLONE KIT. By Edward L. Wheeler.. .. ..
241 BILL BRAVO AND His BEAR PAaDs. By T. C. .
Harbaugh. .. ..    
212 THE Two ‘BLOODs.’ By (harles Morris.  5c
243 THE DIsGUISED GUIDE. By 011 Coomes. .
244 ngdai SAM, THE FRONTIER FERRET. By Ed-
w . . . .. . .  ..
245 MERLE, THE MIDDY. By Prentiss Ingraham.
246 GIANT GEORGE. By Buckskin Sam ..  ..
247 OLD GRIZZLY AND His PETs. By Captain
"Bruin”Adams..    .. 
248 SIERRA SAM’s SECRET. By E. L. Wheeler .
249 MILO ROMER. By Captain Fred. Whittaker...
250 MIDSHIPMAN MUTINEER. By Col. P. Ingraham.
251 LIGHT-HOUSE LIGE. By J. F. C. Adams ..... .. 5c
252 DICK DASHAWAY. By Charles Morris 50
253 SIERRA SAM’s PARD. B E. L. Wheeler . . . . .. be
254 THE HALF BLOOD. By dward S. Ellis. .. ..
255 CAPTAIN APOLLO. By T. C. Harbaugh.. .. .
256 YOUNG KENTUCK. By (‘apfain Mark Wilton.
257 THE LosT HUNTERs. By J. F. C. Adams... ..
258 SIERRA SAM’s SEVEN. By E. L. Wheeler....
259 THE GOLDEN HARPOON. By Reger Starbuck.
260 DARE-DEVIL DAN. By OllCOomes . . . . .. ..
261 FERGI's FEARNAUGHT. By George L. Aiken.
262 THE YOUNG SLEUTRs. By Charles Morris. ..
263 DEADWOOD DICK‘s DIVIDE. By E. L. Wheeler.
264 THE FLOATING FEATHER. By Col. Ingraham.
265 THE TIGER TAMER. By Capt. F. Whittaker..
266 KILLD’AR, TIIE GUIDE. By Ensign Charles
Dudley Warren. (of the Engineer orps.)... . ..
267 THE BUCKSKIN DETECTIVE. By Harbaugh....
268 DEADWOOD DICK’s DEATH TRAIL. By Ed-
ward L. Wheeler  _ . . . . . . . . ..
269 THE GOLD SHIP. By (‘01. Prentiss lngraham.
270 BIIEZARD BEN. By Ca tain Mark Wilton. 
271 THE HI‘GE HI'NTER. y Edward S. Ellis...
272 MINKSKIN MIKE. By Oll Coomes. . . . . . ..
278 JI'MDO JOE. By Edward L. Wheeler . . . . . . ..
274 JOLLY JIM. By Charles Moms
W5 AnzoxA JACK. By Buckskin Sam . , . . . . . ..
:76 MERIE MONTE's CRI‘ISE. By Col. Prentis
lngrraham ..  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .
277 DI'NVER DOLL. By Edward L. Wheeler... ..
218 THE anxcn TRAPPERs. By Maj. L. W. Carson.
219 OLD WINCH, THE RIFLE KING. By T. C. Har-
hnuph  ..  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
2‘20 .1? um I: MONTE‘s FATE. y Prentiss I‘Dfiraham
281 l‘rNVER DOLL’S VICTORY. 1;; E. L. I eeler.
292 THE TYPO DETECTIVE. By iward “illett. ..
2“?! lNI-.IAN JOE. By Major L. W. (“arson 
284 THE SEA MARAUDER. By Prentiss In am.
285 DENVER DOLL’s DECOY. By Ed. L: ‘heeler.
286 JOSH, THE BOY TENDERFOOT. By Capt. Mar
Wton . . . . . . . . . . . . .    .. ..‘..
287 BILLY BLUE-EYEs. By Col. P. Ingraham.....
288 THE SCALP KING. By Cart. J. F. C. Adams.
289 JOLLY JIM’s Jon. l-‘y (‘lmrles Morris . . . . ..
290 LITTLE FOXF'IRE. By Oll Coomes...  ,7
2:1 TURK, THE FERRET. By Edward L. Wheeler.
292 SANCHO l’mao. By Major E. L. SLVrain. .

 

ssssssssssssssssssss

8888888

8'85???

sssss segssssssss

8' 8‘8‘55‘8'

8'8'

8'8'8'8'

 

8'8'8'8‘8‘8'8'8‘ 8‘8' 8'888‘8'8‘8‘8‘8‘8‘8‘8‘

388'

3838' 8‘8‘8‘8‘98'8'

S‘S'S'

A new ism/2 army Tuesday.

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‘2] Cinnamon Chi , the Girl Sflort' or. The
Golden Idol of Mt. B E. eeler.
122 Phil Hardy, the Boss oz; or. The'Mys-
te of the Strongbow. By C arles Morris

.123 K owa Charley, the White Mustanger.

B T. C. Harbaugh.

124 Tripp? the Texan; or, The Young Cham-

ion. y George Gleason.

125 onanza Bill, Miner; or, Madam Mys-
tery. the Female Forger. By E. L. Wheeler.

126 Picayune Pete' or. Nicodemus, the Dog
Detective. By Char es Morris.

127 ‘ViId-Fire, the Boss the Road: or. The
Wolves of Satan’s Gap. y Frank Dumont.

128 The Young Privateer; or. The Pirate’s
Stronghold. By Harry Cavendish.

129 DeadWood Dick’s Double ' or, The
Ghost of Gorgon‘s Gulch. By  L. ’whepler.

130 Detective Bic-k; or. The Hero m Rags.
By Charles Morris.

131 The Golden Hand’ or, Dandy Rock to
the Rescue. By George Waldo Browne.

132 The Hunted Hunter; or, The Strange
Horseman of t‘~.e Prairie. By Edward S. Ellis.

133 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks: or. The
Pawnbroker‘s Plot. By Edward L. Wheeler.

134 Sure Shot Seth the Boy Riflemanyor. The
Young Patriots of the North. B'? 011 Coomes.

135 Ca tain Paul, the Kentucky Moonshiner;
or, he Boy Spy of the Mountains. By C.
Dunning Clark.

136 Night-Hawk Kit; or. The Daughter of
the Ranch. By Josiah E. Badger, Jr.

137 The Helpless and; or. Backw00ds
Retribution By Captain Mayne Reid.

138 Blonde Bill; or Deadwood Dick's Home
Base. B Edward . Wheeler.

139 Judge ynch, Jr.; or, The Boy Vigilante.
B T. C. Harbaugh.

149 Bylue Blazes or, The Break 0’ Day Boys
of Rocky Bar. y Frank Dumont.

141 Solid Sam, the BoEyé Road- . ;
Branded Brows. By ward L. eeler.

142 Handsome Harry, the Bootblsck Deteo
tive. B Charles Morris.

143 Scar- ace Saul, the Silent Hunter; or,
The Mystery of Fort Rene. By Oil Coom es.

144. Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. By Joseph
E. Badger. Jr.

145 Ca tuin Ferret, the New York Detective;
or. oss Bob’s Boss Job. B E. L. Wheeler.

146 Silver Star, the Boy Knig t. BflOll Coomes.

147 \Viil Wildfire the Thorough red; or, The
Winning Hand. y Charles Morris.

148 Shar Sam; or The Adventures of a
Frien ess Boy. By J. Alexander Patten.

149 A Game of Gold' or, Deadwood Dick’s
Big Strike. By Edward L. Wheeler.

150 Lance and Lasso; or, The Children of
the Chaco. Biz Ca taln Fred. Whittaker.

151 Panther an , the Prairie Pirate; or.

Dainty Lance to the Rescue. By Joseph E.

Badger. Jr.
152 Black Bess, Will Wildflre‘s Racer; or,Win-
ning Against O'lds. By Charles Morris.
15! Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon; or, The Out-
laws of the Gold Hills. By 011 Coomes.
154 The Sword Hunters' or. The Land of
the Elephant Riders. By apt. F. Whittaker
1 55 60h! Trigger the Sport; or, The Girl
Avon er. ByT (,. Harbaugh.
156 Den wood Dick of Deadwood; or,
The Picked Party. By Ed. L. Wheeler.
157 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. By
Charles Morris.
1 58 Fancy Frank, of Colorado; or, The Trap
r‘s Trust. By Buflalo Bill.
1 59 he Lost Captain: or, Skipper Jabez
Comn's Cruise to the Open Polar Sea. By
Ca 1:. Fred. Whittaker.
160 e Black Giant' or, Dainty Lance in
Jeopardy. B Jos. E. edger. Jr.
1 61 New York ell, the Boy-Girl Detective; or,
Old Blakesly’s Money. By Ed. L. Wheeler.
162 Will Wildfire in the Woods or. Camp
= Life in the Alleghanies. By Chas. orris.
163 Little Texas. the Young Mustanger. By
Oll Coomes.
iG—i Dandy Rock’s Pledge; or, Hunted to
Death. By George Waldo lrowne.
165 Billy Ba 2 no, the Railroad Boy; or, Run
to Earth. Charles Morris.
arry; or. The Trapper-Bri-
gade's Spy. By Harry St. George.
[67 Asa Set. tt, the Steamboat Boy; or The. Land
Pirates of the Mississigii. By Ed. Willett.
168 Dead] Dash ; or. ighting Fire With Fire.
Bv Jon. . Badger, Jr.
169 Tornado Tom; ori Injun Jack From Red
Core. By T. C. Harbaugh. '
170 “ A Trumg Card'” or, Will Wildfire Wins
and Loses. y Charl’es Morris.
171 Ebon Dan or. The Rival Leagues of
Silver (.ircle. y Frank Dumont.
'172 Thunderbolt Torn; or, The Wolf-Herder
of the Rockies. By Harry St. George.
173 Dandy Rock’s Rival or, The Hunted
‘ Maid of Taos. By George aldo Browne.
174 Bob Hoekett, the Bo Dodger; or, Mys-
‘ teries of New York. By arles Morris.
175 Captain Arizona, the King Pin of Road-
ents; or, Patent-Leather Joe‘s Big Game.
By Philip S. Wame. ,
0 Boy Runaway ;Dor The Buccaneer
of the Ba . By Lieut. H. . Perry U. S. N
177 Nobbv ick 0 Nevada; or. eScamps
of the Sierras. By Edward L. Wheeler.
178 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper; or, The
n of Silver Lake. By Oil Coomes.
179 HO Bockett, the Bank Runner; orI The
‘ Road to Ruin. By Charles Morris.

 

 

l80 The Sea Trailer; or, A Vow Well Kept.
l‘wLieut. H. D. Perri, U. S. N.
181 iid Frank, t e Buckskin Bravo; or,
Lady Lil 's Love. By Edward L. Wheeler.
1 82 Little urricane. the. Boy Captain. By
0 Coomes.
183 The Hidden Hand; or, Will Wildflre’s
Reven . B'yi‘Charles Morris.
184 The oy raiiers; or Dainty Lance on
the War-Path. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.
185 Evil Eye, Kin of Cattle Thieves; or. The
Vultures of the la Grande. By F. Dumont.
186 Cool Desmond; or. The Gambler's Big
‘ Game. B Col. Delle Sara.
187 Fred Ha yard, the Life Boat Boy: or, The
Smug lers of the inlet. By Charles Morris.
188 Ned emple the Border Bo ; or The Mad
Hunter of Powder River. By . C. Harbaugh.
189 Bob Bockett, the Cracksman; or, Driven
to the Wall. Bv Charles Morris.
190 Dand Darke' or, The Tigers of High
I‘ine. y Wm. R. Eyster. I
191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker; or,
The Doomed Thirteen. By Capt. A. B. Taylor.
192 Captain Kit, the Will-0’ the-Wisp; or. The
Mysteryyot Montauk Point. By Lieut. H. D.
Perry, . S. N.
193 t'aptain Mask, the Lady Road-A ent; or,
Patentrleather Joe's-Defeat. By P. . Warne.
194 Bull‘an Bill’s Bet ' or. The Gambler
Guide. By Capt. Alfred ii. Taylor, U. s. A.
195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream ' or, The Ri-
vals of the Road. B Edward L. ’Wheeler.
196 Shadowcd; or. ob Rockett‘s Fight for
Life. By Charles Morris.
197 Little Grit, the Wild Rider; or. Bessie, the
Stock-Tender’s Dau hter. By Col. Ingraham.
198 Arkansaw the an with the Knife; or,
The Queen of Fate’s Revenge. By Harba h.
199 Featherweight, the B0 Champion otufiie
Muskingum 5’55», On his usele, Wits and
Honor. By ward Willett.
200 The Boy Bedouins or, The Brothers of
the Plumed Lance. y pt. F. Whittaker.
201 The Black Hills Jezebel; or, Dead
wood Dick’s Ward. By Ed. L. Wheeler.
202 rospeet Pete, of the Boy Brigade; or, The
oung Outlaw Hunters. B OllCoomes.
203 ' he Boy Pards; or, ainty Lance Un-
masks. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.
204 Gold Plume, the Boy Bandit; or The Kid-
Glove Sport. 1:; Col. Prentiss Ingra am.
205 Deadwood ick’s Doom; or Calamity
Jane's Last Adventure. BV Ed. L. heeler.
206 Dark Paul, the Tiger ng; or, Caught in
His Own Trap. By Charles Morris.
207 Navflo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. By
T. C. arbaugh.
208 The Bogv Hercules; or, The Prairie
Tramps. y Oil Coomes.
209 Fritz, the Round-Boy Detective; or, Dot
Leetle Game Mit Re .ca. Bv E. L. Wheeler.
210 Faro Frank of igh Pine; or. Dandy
Darke‘s Go-Down Pards. By Wm. R. Eyst-er.
21 l Crooked Cale the Caliban of Celestial City.
By Joseph E. Badger. Jr.
212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. By
Charles Morris.
21 3 Fritz to the Front; or. The Ventriloquist
Scamp-Hunter. By Edward L. Wheeler.
214 \Voli‘gang the Robber of the Rhine. By
Capt. Fred. Whittaker.
2‘. 5 Captain Bullet, theRaiderKing; or, Little
To knot's Crusade. By T. C. Harbaugh.
216 B son Bill. the Prince of the Reins. By Col.
Prentiss lngraham.
217 Captain Crack-Shot, the Girl Brigand.
21 8 1:}; Edward L. Wheeler.

ger Tom, the Texan Terror. By Oll

Coomes.

219 Dcspa d, the Duelist‘ or, The Mountain
Vampires. By Philip S. Warne. _

220 Tom Tanner, Scalawag and Sea grace;
or The Black Sheep of the Flock. yPhilip

S.Wame.

221 Sugar-Coated Sam or. The‘Black Gowns
of Grim Gulch. By Ed. . Wheeler.

222 Grit, the Bravo Sport' or, The Woman
Trailer Col. Prentiss lugraham.

223 Clark li' King of the Mountain; or,
Featherweight Among the Outlaws. By Ed

' ward Willett.

224 Dashing Dick; or, Trapper Tom’s Castle.
.y 0]] Coomes.

225 SaerhareoaI the Premium Darkv; at
How the Ho Got Even. By Chas. Morris.

226 Snoozer, he Boy Sharp}; or. The Aral; fle-
tcctive. Bv Edward L. Vi eeler.

227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper or. The Green
Ranger of the Yellowstone. By Edwin Emer-

son.

228 Little Wildfire, the YourgPrmrie Nomad;
or, The Idyl of Echo Canyon. 8; Oil Coomes.

229 Crimson Kate, ‘the Girl Trailer; or, The
Cowbov's Triumph. By Col. P. Ingraham.

230 Tile Yankee Ba sh',‘ or, The Fate of the
Black Shereet. By .._Dunning Clark.

231 Plueky Phil, of the Mountain Trail; or,
Rosa. the RedJezehel. By T. C. Harbaugh.

232 Gold-Dust Dick. B Ed. L. Wheeler.

233 Joe Buck ofAnire I and His Boy Ferd
Paul Powder'horn. Bv Albert W. Aiken.

234 Old Rock 9s “ oyees '99 or. Benito,
the Young arse-Breaker. By Maj. Sam 8.

Hall. “Buckskin Sam.

285 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy; or.4

Turning the. Tables. By Charles Morris.
236 Apollo Bill, theTrail Tornado; or Rowdy
Kate from Right Bower. By Ed. L. Wheeler.
237 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain; or, The
Mysterious Ranchem- By Col. .Ingraham.

 

 

238 The Parson Detective; oi Lilli: Shrieky
the Ranger of Raven Roost. By 01. ('wnies.

239 The Gold-seeker Guide ' or The Lost
Mountain. By Captain Mayne Reid

240 Cyclone Kit, t e Young Gladiator; or. The
Locked Valley. By Edward L. \\ hm-ler.

241 Bill Bravo and His Bear Pards; or, The
Roughs of the kies. By T. C. Harbaugh.

242 The Two ‘Bloods ’; or. Shenandoah Bil
and His Gang. By Charles Morris.

243 The Disguised Guide; or. Wild Raven.
the Ranger of the North. By Oil Coomes.

244 Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret; or, A
Sister's Devotion. By E-h-rml L. Wheeler.

245 Merle the Middy; oi. The Heir of an
Ocean Freelance. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

246 Giant George ° or, The Ang‘l of the Range.
By Major Sam S. ali—“ Buckskin Sam.

247 Old Grizzly and His Pets. By Capt.
“Bruin " Adams.

248 Sierra Sam’s Secret; or. The Bloody.-
Footprints. By Edward L. Wheeler.

249 Milo Homer the Animal King; or. The
Round the World Wanderer. By Capt. Fred.
Whittaker.

250 The Midshipman Mutineer; or.
Brandt. the Buccaneer. By Col. 1’. In aham.

251 Light-House Lige; or. Osceola. t e Fire»
brand of the Everglades. By Captain J. F. 0..

Adams.

252 Dirk Dashaway' or. A Dakota B0y in
Chicago. By Charles Morris.

253 Sierra Sam’s Pard; or. The Angel of
Bi Vista. By Edward L. Wheeler.

254 T e Half-Blood ; or. The Panther of the
Plains By Edward S. Ellis.

255 Ca tain A oilo, the King-Pin of Bowie.

1‘3? . 0. Ear ugh.

256 oung Kentuck; or, The Red Lasso. By:
Cafitain Mark Wilton.

257 T c Lost Hunters; or. The Underground:
Camp. B; Captain J. F. C. Ad

258 Sierra am’s Sevon; or. The Stolen
Bride. B Edward L. Wheeler. '

259 The Go den Har oon: or, Lost Among
the Flees. Roger tarbuck.

260 Dare-Devi Dan, the Young Prairie Ran-
ger. By 011 Coomes. ,

261 Fergus Fea rnaught, the New York Boy-
B Geor e L. Aiken.

262 he onng Sleuths; or, Rollicking
Mike's Hot Trail. B Charles Morris.

263 Deadwood Dir ’s Divide‘ or. The
s irit of Swam Lake. By Ed. L. Wheeler.

264 he Float n Feather' or Merle
Monte's Treasure land. By Col’onel Prentiss
Ingraham.

265 The T1 or Tamer; or. "he League of the
Jungle. y Captain Fred. Whittaker.

266 Ki ib’ar, the Guide' or, Dav Crockett‘sL
Crooked Trail. By Ensign C. D. arren.

267 The Buckskin Detective; or.Clands‘

gmgyh King of American Road~Agenta By |

. . arbau h.

268 Deadwoo Dick’s Death Trail; or;
From Ocean to Ocean. By Ed. L. Wheeler.

269 The Gold Ship; or. Merle. the Con"
deuined By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

270 Blizzinrd Ben. the Arizona Cyclone; or.
The Riot at Keno Camp. By Capt. M. Wilton.

271 The Huge Hunter; or. The Steam Man.
of the Prairies. By Edward 8. Ellis.

272 Mink-kin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooterg.
By Oli Coomes.

273 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol; or. The Rival-
Heirs. By Edward L Wheeler.

274 Jolly Jim, the Detective A prentice; or.
Harry Kern’s Big “ Lay.“ By .arles Morris.

275 Ariznna Jack; or. Giant George‘s Tender"
foot Pard. By Buckskin Sam.

276 Merle Monti-9- Cruise ~ or. The Chase of
“The Gold Shi  By Col. P’rentiss lngraham.

277 Denver Do I the Detective Queen. By

Wheeler.

Edward L.
278 {he Three Tn rs or. The Mountain

ouster. Isaac .

279 Old Wine ,t eBttieKl ' or, The Bach
skin Desmradoes. By T. C. arba h.

280 Merle M'onte’s Fate; or. Pear, The P!.
rate’s Pride. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

281 Denver Doll‘s Victory” or. Skull and
(mass-bones. By Edward L. Wheeler.

262 The Typo Detective; or. Weasel. the
Boy Tramp. By Edward Willett.

283 Indian Joe; or,The White Sflit of the
Hills. By Major Lewis W. Carson.

284 The Sea Marauder' or. Merle Monte’s

‘ Pledge. By Col. Prentisslugraham.

285 Denver Doll’s 0900'; or, Little Bill’s-
Bonanza. By Edward L. Wheeler. .

286 Josh The Boy Tenderloot' or. The
wild Men of Buzzard Bar. By Gag; i1. Wilton.

287 Billy Blue-Eyes. the BY ver 0! the
Rio Grande. Bv Col. Pre - n

288 The Scalp King; or.

. By Captain J. F. C. Adams.

289 JollyiJinvs Jo": or The Young Detec-
tive‘s riumph. By Charles Morris.

290 Lit'le Foxfire, the Boy Spy. By Oil

Games.
291 Turk, the Boy Ferret. By E. L. Wheeler.
292 Sancho Pedro, me Boy Bandit. By Maj.
E. L. St. Vrain., .-

A New lame Every Ruddy. .

The Half-Dime Library is for ale by it]
newsdeaiers. iive cents per copy, or sent by mail on
receipt of six cents each.

BEADLE AND ADAMS, Penman-as.
SB William Street, New York.

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een‘s Big Campaign. B
“297 Tub

:30] E
.302 The Mountain Detective ' or. The Bul-
303 ’Liza

3309

'317

‘ 3
' 330 Little

’ 344

.2355 The Kin
Boon

 

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r

293 Red Claw the One—Eyed Trapper; or, The
Maid or the dim. By Captain Comstock.

294 Dynamite Dsn or, The Bowie Blade of
Cochetopa. B T. . Harbau h.

295 Fearless P il' or, The ug of Quartz-
ville. By Edward Willett.

296 Denver Doll’s Drift; or, The Road

E. L. Wheeler.

e Tarantula of aos; or, Giant

George‘s Revenge. By Buckskin Sam.

"298 The “Mum-Hound; or, The Young
Thoroughbred. B Charles Morris.

‘299 A No. 1, the ashing Toll—Taker or, The
Schoolmarm 0‘ ran. By E. L. Wheeler.

.300 The 8k Demon; or, Rainbolt, the Ran-

er. By ll Coomes.
eadville Nick, the Boy Sport By Major.
L. St. Vrain.

1y of Trifizer Bar. By T C. Harhaugh.
uue, the Girl Miner; or, The Iron-
Nervcd Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler.
1304 The Dead Shot Dandy' or. Benito, the
Boy Bugler. By Col. Prentiss ,Ingraham.
330'; Dashatvay ot‘ Dakota; or, A Western
Lad in the Quaker City. By Chas. Morris.
306 Neck-Tie Ned the Lariat-Thrower; or, The
Dug-Out Bards. By Maj. Henry B. Stoddard.
307 The Strange Ford; or, Little Ben’s
Death Hunt. By Buckskin Sam.
308 Keno Kit, the BoyBugler’s Ford; or, Dead
Shot Dandy’s Double. By Col. P. Inzraham.
Deadtvood Dick’s Biz Deal; or. The
Gold Brick of Oregon. By Ed. L. Wheeler.
The Barranca \Voli'; or, The Beautiful
Decoy. By Jos .ph E. Badger. Jr.
The Roving Sport ' or, The Pride of
Chuckaluck Camp. By Edward Willett.
fledtop Ituhe, the Vigilante Prince. 8}
Major E L. St. Vrain.
(iimarrou Jack, the King Pin of Rifle-
Shots. By Frederick Dewey.
The Mysterious Nlaruuder' or. The
Boy Buxl. T‘s Long Trail. By Col. P. l’ngraham.
Ned the (‘ahiu Boy' or. The Witch of
the Iiaunted Fort. By Joe Farragut.
Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona. By
T. C Ilarhaugh.
Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Lead-
ville. By Lieut. Alfred Theme.
Ker-\Vhoop, Ker-\Vhoo! By Buckskin

Sam.
The Black Rider ; or, The Horse-Thieves’
League. By Joe. E. Badger. Jr.

310
311
312
313
314
315
316

318
319

‘320 The Sea Sorceress; or. Lieutenant Ned,

r. By Jack Farragut.

321 Deadwoo Dick’s Dozen; or. The
Fakir of Phantom Flats. By Ed. L. Wheeler.

322 Nemo, the Detective. By Ed. Willett.

323 Arkansaw Jack of the Man Hunters; or.
The Scourge of the incs. By Harry Hazard.

the Boy Skip

. 324 Ralph Ready, tho}1'>tel Bov Detective; or,

Tracking the Foxes to Earth. By Chas. Morris.
325 Kelley, lllckev 65 "0., the Sleuths of
Pl‘lladeiphia. By Edward L. Wheeler.
326 The Ten Pards. By T. C. Harbaugb.
327 Creeping Cat, the Caddo- or. The Red and
ite Pards. By Buckskin am.
328 The Sky Detectivo' or. A Boy‘s Fight
for Life and Honor. By Major Mickey Free.
29 Red-Skin Tom. y Harry Hazard.
nick-Shot. By E. L. Wheeler.
331 Black ick, the Demon Rider. By Capt.
F. Whittaker.

1332 Frlo Fred; or, The Tonkaway‘s Trust.

By Buckskin Sam.

‘ 333 Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse

rtette. By Major E. L. St. Vrain.

334 angaroo Kit; or. The Mysterious Miner.
, B Edward L. Whetler.
. 335 Old Double Fist; or. The Strange Guide.
Jos'efh E. Bad er. Jr.
.' 336 it enson, he Brazos Bombshell: or.
The Queen of the Lasso. By T. C. Harbaugh.

7837 gen Birdwthe Cave King; or, Big Petes

cop. B .J. Hamilton.
338 A Toug Bo . BlyPhilip S.Warne.
.389 Kangaroo K t’s ackct or, Tne Pride
of P19. ed-Out. By Edward L. eeler.

340 (‘li ,y the Contortlonist; or. The Vigilantes of
Mon ans. By Edward Willett.

' 341 Tony Thorn, the Vagabond Detective; or,
n

Runn

1': Down a Rogue. By Charles Morris.
342 The
On w Captain. B

ountain Devil; or. Yellow Jack, the

Harry Hazard.
343 Ma hattan Ill ke, the BOWery Blood.
B Edwari L. Wheeler.
he Fightin Trio; or. Rattlesnake, the
Tonkaway. By uckskin Sam.
'345 Pltiless Mat, the White Sla or; or, Red
Thunderbolt's Secret. By T. C. arbaugh.
346 Rapier Raphael or. The Swordsmen of
Zacatecas. By Maj. .B. Stoddard, Ex-Scout.
347 Deadwood Dick’s Ducats or. Rainy
Days in the. Diggings. By Edward . Wheeler.
348 Firehcelsi; or, Old Sklnflint, the Death-
Shsdow. By R0 or Starbuck.

. .349 Wild “'olr,t e Waco; or. Big-Foot Wal-

lace to the Front. By Buckskin Sam.

350 Red Ralph, the River Rover; or, The
Brother‘s Revenge. By Ned Buntline.

351 Deadwood Dick Sentenced or The
Terrible Vendetta. By Edward L. heeier.

"352 Tombstone Tom, the Arizona Boy of
“ d " By Major E. L. St. Vrain

'353 The Reporter-Detective orCFred Fly-

iiy Charles Mo s.

Ike, the Hill Tramp: or, The
ByRo er Starbuck.

or t e “foods; or, Daniel
Trail. ByJos. E. Badger. Jr.

er‘s Blizzard
354 Bit! Horn
Odd Pards.

e's Les

 

356 Cool Sam and Pard ' or. The Terrible
Six From Texas. By T. C. arbauglh.

357 The Ranch Raiders; or. T e Siege of
Fort Purgatory. By Buckskin Sam.

358 First-class Fred, the Gent from Gopher.
By Edward L. Wheeler.

359 Du raugo Dave, the Young Champion
Wrestler. By Major E. L. St. Vrain.

360 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery; or. The
Cross of the Golden Kai's. By . C. Cowdrick.

361 The Phantom ight - House. By
Roger Starbuck.

362 Deadwood Dick’s Claim ° or, The Fairy
Face of Faro Flats. By Edwar L. \\ heeler.

363 Little Tornado; or, The Outcasts of the
Glen. B Philip S. Warne.

364 Sun i-S not, the Boy Ranger; or The Snake
and t e Dove. By Buckskin Sam.

365 Baltimore Ben, the Bootblack Detective.
By Anthony P. Morris.

366 Velvot Foot, the indiau Detective: or, The
Taos Tiger. By '1‘. C. Harbaugh.
367 \Vide-Atvake J0e. B Charles Morris.
368 Yreka Jiul, the Gold- atherer; or The
Lottery of Life B Edward L. Wheeler.
369 Shasta, the Gold ing. B J. C. Cowdrick.
370 Breaker Ben, the Reef- unner; or, The
Telltale. Hand. By Roger Starbuck.

371 Klllgbull. Chris, the Young Hard-Shell
Detectlv. By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain.

372 Yreka Jim’s Prize. 1: E. L. Wheeler.

373 Little Jlugo; or, The ueer Pard. By
Philip S. Warne.

374 Gold Dust Tom; or, Ambergris Ben’s
Double Match. By George Henry Morge.

375 ()hiota, the Creek; or, The Three Thun-
derbolts. By Buckskin Sum.

376 California Joe's First Trail. By Col.
Thomas Hoyer Monstery.

377 liouodcl, the liov Rover' or, The Flagless
Schooner. By Col. Prentiss ngraham.

378 Nahoh Ned' or, The Secret of Slab City.
By Edward L. theeler.

379 Larry, the Levelor' or. The Bloods oi' the
Boulevard. By Charles iorris.

380 .\ vuluucho .i If. the Foothills Guide. By
Major E. L. St. Vrain.

38 l lianderu Ill il ; or, Frio Frank to the Front.
By Buckskin Sam.

382 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or. A Villain’s
Vengeance. By Edward L. Wheeler.

383 The Indian Pilot. By Col. P. Ingraham.

384 \‘i’hlp-Kiug Joe, the Boy Ranchero; or,
The Border Schoolmaster. By Oil Coomr-s.

385 Yreka Jim’s Jokcr° or, The Rivals of
Red Nose. By E. L. Who or

386 t‘aptain (‘utlnss, the Ocean S ider: or.

The Buccaneer‘s Girl Foe. liy T. C. I arbauch.

387 Warpath “’ill, the my Phantom; or. The

Traitor Guide. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

388 Little Oil-my; or. Caught in His Own

Trap. By Philip S. Warne.

389 Bicycle Ben. By Edward L. Wheeler.

390 J azuar J oo, of the Mountain Mall-Line.

By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain.

391 Kid-GI l wve Kit the Dandy of the Rockies.

1‘3; Maj. H. u. Stoddard. Ex-Scour.

392 omeo and the Reds. By BuckskinSam.

393 Seawall, the Boy Lieutenant. By Colonel
Prentiss Insraham.
394 Yrcka Jim ot Yuba Dam. By Edward

L Wheeler.

395 California. Joe’s “'nr Trail. By Capt.
F. Whittaker.

396 Rough Rob, oi Dynamite' or, The Twin
Champions of Blue Blazes. By T. C. Harbaugh.

397 Bob 0’ the Bowery. 13y 0 Pierce.

398 Kid-Glove Kit and For Igor, The Gold
KingoiWeird Can on. By Me . .B. Stoddard.

399 Black Bucks in. By oi. A. F. Holt.

400 Wrinkles the Night-Watch Detective. By
Edward L. Wheeler. V

401 Little Shoo-Fly. By Philip S. Warne.

402 Isodor, the Young Conspirator; or
The Fatal League. Bv Col. P. ingraha-n.

403 Firefly .Ia ck, the River-Rat Detective. Bv

Charles Morris.
404 Little Lariat. By Buckskin Sam.
in Dead City. By

405 Dvadtvood Dick
Edward L. Wheeler.

406 The Mad Mali-Hunter. By Maj. H. B.
Stoddard. Ex—Scout.

407 The Boy Insurgent. By Col. [nzrnham

408 Little Leather-Breeches. By P.S.Warne.

409 Hercules, the Dumb Destroyer; or. Dick,
the Boy Ranger. By Oil Coomes.

410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds. By Ed-
we rd L. eeler.

41 1 The Silken Lasso. By T. C. Barbaugh.

412 The Wild Yachtsman; or, The Cruise
of the War-Cloud. By Col. Prentiss inernham.

413 Billy Bombshell, the Cliff Climber. By
Frank S. Winthrop.

414 The Daisy from Denver. By Buckskin

Sam.
41 5 TheVagabond Detective. By Jo Pierce.
416 High Hat Harry, the Base Ball Detec-
tive. y . L. W ler. ‘
417 \Vehi‘oot Mose, the Tramp Detective. By

0 Coomes.
418 tFuelihx Fox, the Boy Spotter. By T. 0. Ear-

ug .

419 Kenneth. the Knife King. By A. F. Holt.

420 The Detective’s .\ nprcntice: or, A Boy
Without aName. Bv J. C. Cowdr'ick.

421 DeadWOod Dick in New York. By
E. L. wheeler.

422 Baby Ram. the Boy Giant of the Yellow-
stone. By 011 Coomes.

423 The Lost Finger. By Charles Merrie.

.w

_'.
 vi '12“ «

 

Cibuta John. B J. C. Cowdrick.
Texas Trump. y T. C. Harbaugh.
Sam Slabsides, the Beggar-Boy Detective.
ii E. L. Wheeler.

he Three Trailers. By Buckskin Sam.
Fred Flycr, the Reporter Deti ctive. By
Charles Morris.
Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. By Col.
Prentiss Ingraham.
DeadWood Dick’s Dust; or. The
Chained Hand. By Edward L. Wheeler.
Little Ah sin. By Philip SWarne.
Invincible Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret.
By Charles Morris. ,
A Cabin Boy’s Luck. B Collngraham.
Jim Beak and Pal, P vate Detectives.
By E. L. Wheeler.

424
425
426

427
428

429

435 Little I ightt‘oot, the Pilot of the Woods.
By A. F. Holt.

436 Phil Flash, the New York Fox. By T. C.
Harbaugh.

437 The Sea Raider. By Col. P. Ingraham.

438 Santa Fe Sal. By E. L. Wheeler.

439 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. By J. C.
( owdrlck.

440 Litt e Foxt‘oot, the Gold Bowie Kid. By
Arthur C. Grissom.

441 The ocean Firefly. By Col. P. ingraham.

442 Blutl' Bill ; or, The Lynx of the Leona. By
Buckskin Sam.

443 Deadwood Dick, Jr. By E. L. Wheeler.

44-1 Little Buckskin. By OllCoomes.

445 The t ity Sleuths. By '1‘. (‘. Harbau h.

446 llaphazard Harry. By Col. Ingra am.

447 New 1' ork hat. By Albert \\'. Aiken.

448 Nickel-Plate Ned; or. Deadwood Dick
Jr’s Defi:.nce. By Edward L. Wheeler.

449 Kit Fox, the lioriier lloy Deiec'ive; or, The

Brand Burner’s Daughter. By J. E Badger Jr.

\Vizu rd u III, the Wonder-u orL er; or. The

Boy Ferret of New York. By Col. P. Ingraham.

(‘olorndo Kate. liy P. S Warn%

Hotsnur Bob, the Street Boy elective.

By Jo Pierce.

Suuilou'er Sum, of Shasta; or, Deadwood

Dick Jr‘s Full thd. By Edward L. Wheeler.

“’izard \Vill’s Street Scouts. By Col.

Pl”. ntiss Ingrahznn.

Little Lone Star. By Buckskin Sam.

Billy Brick, the Jolly Vanubond. By Chas.

Morris.

\I’lngodl‘oot Fred. By 011 Coomes.

New England Nick. By A. W. Aiken.

Flush Fa n the Ferret: or. Deadwood Dick

Jr‘s Biz Round-up. By Edward L. Wheeler.

The Lawyer’s Shadow. By Jo Pierce.

One. Against Fm y. By T. C. Harbaugh.

The Born Guide. By Col. P. :ngraham.

Ta marac. Tom, the Big Trapper Boy. By

011 Cooines.

Nimble Nick. By Albert W. Aiken.

Philo Fly of Pheuix; or, Deadwood

Dick Jr's Racket at Claim No. 10. By Edward

L. Wheeler.

Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or, En-

tombed Alive. By C. Morris.

(111110 Dan, the Daisy Dude. By J. C. Cow-

ric .

Neptune Ned, the Boy Coaster. By Col.

Prentiss Ingraham.

The Rival Giants orNowhar’. By J.

W. Osbon.

470 The Boy Shadow; or. Felix Fox’s Hunt

for the Nabob. By T. C. Harbaugh.

471 Bozeman Hill of Big Brace ; or. Dead-
wood Dick Jr’s Corral. By E. L. Wheeler.

472 gaunty Joe, the Young Horse-King. By

0. ' rce -

Pie .
473 mu Tom Rattler, the Red River-Epidemic.
By Oil Coomes.
474 Flora, the Flower Girl; or, Wizard Will‘s
Vagabond Pard. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.
475 The Black ship. By John S. Win-nor.
476 Humboldt Harry, the Hurricane; or,
Deadwood Dick Jr’s Dog Detective. By
Edward L. Wheeler.

$-
Oi
°

ul-ibio'i iii;- v5- ii-i fini-
"‘ tn“ tn in may
at“ i- w (OI-i

trivial
cam-1

468
469

477 The Excelsior sport; or, the Washingtdn ,

'Slpotter. By T C. Harbaugh.

47,8 a gemund, the Desert Detective. By
Fre< erick Dewey.

479 Detective Dodge; or. The Mystery. of
Frank Heart . By Charles Morris.

480 Three Jo ly Pards; or, The Pets of
Padd ‘s Flat. By P. S. Warne.

481 Mo] Mysterfi gLor. Deadwood Dick Jr. in
Deadwood. Hy . Wheeler. Ready Oct. 12.

482 Stonewall Bob the Boy Trojan of the
Great Range. By Oil Coomes. Ready Oct. 19.

483 Ferrets Afloat or, Wizard Will‘s Last

Case. By Colonel ntiss Ingraham.
484 Comanche Dick and His Three In-
vincibles. By Henry J. Thomas. B
Y

485 Git Thar Owney, the Unknown.
rge C. Jenks. Ready Nov. 9.

488 Sealskln Sam, the Sparkier. ByEdwsrd
L. Wheeler. Ready Nov. 16.

487 Nevada Ned. the Revolver Ranger: or The
Wait of the Gold Mines. By Col. P. ingrsham.
Ready Nov. 2;. . ,

488 Wild Dick Racket; or. How He Fouht
tor HonOr. By Chas. Morris. Rudy Nov. 80.

A New Iam Dav-y Tuesday.

The Half-Dime Library is for sale by all
newsdealers. live cents per copy, or sent by mail on
receipt of six cents each.

BEADLE AND ADAMS, Pom
. 98 William Street. New York.

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40 The Long Haired “ Pards ;” or' The
Tsrtars ol' the Plains. vgivflJos. E. B 1', Jr.

41 Gold Dan; or The teSavageo theGreat
Salt Lake. By Albert W. Aiken.

42 The California Detective' or. The Witches
of New York. By Albert W. en.

43 Dakota Dan the Reckless Ranger; or. The
Bee-Htlnte-rs' Excursion. B 011 Coomes.

44 Old Dan llackback,t :- Great Extarmina-
tor; or. The Triangle's Last Trail. Oll Coomes.

45 Old Bull’s E e the Li htnlng Shot of the
Plains B Jos. . Badger, r.

46 Bowic- nife Ben, the Little Hunter of the
Nor‘-\Vest. By 011 Coomes.

47 Pacific Pete, the Prince of the Revolver. By
Jose h E. Badger. Jr.

48 [da to Tom, the Youn Outlaw of Silverland;
or, the Hunters ot’ the W“ West. By Oil Coomes.

49 The \Voll‘ Demon. By Albert W. Aiken.

50 Jack Rabbit, the Prairie Sport. By Jos.
E. Badger, Jr.

51 Red Bob, the Boy Road-Agent. By Oil
Coonles.

52 Death Trailer. the Chief of Scouts; or. Life
and Love in a Frontier Fort. By Buflalo Bill.

53 Silver Saln' or, The Mystery of Deadwood
Cit . By Col. belle Sara.

54 A ways On Hand. By Philip S. Warne.

55 Tile Scalp Hunters. By Capt. Mayne Reid.

56 The Indian Niazeppa; or, The Madman
of the Plains. By A. \V.Aiken.

57 The Silent Ilunter' or, The Scowl Hall
Mystery. By Percy B. St. John.

58 Silver Knn'e ; or, \\'ickliffe, The Rocky
Mountain Ranger. By Dr. J. H. Robinson.

59 The "an From Texas; or, The Outlaws
of Arkansas. By A. W. Aiken.

60 \Vido Awake the Robber King; or, The
ldiot of the Black Hills. By Frank Dumont.

61 Captain Scxnvaii, the Privateer. By Ned
Buntlino.

62 [.0 a1 Heart; or, The Trappers of Arkansas.
B ' listave Aimard.

'63 The \Vinged \Vhaie. By A. W. Aiken.
64 Double-Sight, the Death Snot: or, The Outr
law of the Chaparral. By Jo-x. E. Badger, Jr.

65 The Red llajah' or, The Scourge of the

indies. By Capt. r. Whittaker.
‘66 The Specter Barque. By Ma 'nc Reid.
67 The Boy Jockey. By Jos. E. tiger. Jr.
68 The Fighting Trupper' or. Kit Carson
to the ltesouc. By Captain J.  C. Adams.
69 The lrish Captain. By Capt. F.Whittaker.
'70 H yd rnlm ti, tne Strangler; 0“ Alethe, the
Chill of the Cord. By Dr. J H. Robinson.
71 Captain Cool-Blade; or. The Man-Shark
0f the Mississippi. By Jos. E: Badger Jr_
72 The Phantom llandf or, The Heiress of
Fifth Avenue. By A. W. Al en.
73 The Knights of the Red Cross; or, The
. Magician of Granada. By Dr. J. H. Robinson.
‘74 The Captain oi'the limes; or, TheQueen
of the. Lakes. By Capt. Mayne Reid. _
75 Gentleman George. By A. W. Aiken.
76 The Queen’s NI nuketcers; or. Thlsbe. the
Princ \ss Palmist. By George Albany.
77 The Fresh 0! Frisco. By A. W. Aiken.
78 The Mysterious Sp '. By A. M. Grainger.
79 Joe Phenix,the Pol ce Soy. B A.W. Aiken.
80 A Man or Nerve. By Philip Warns.
81 The Human Tiger; or. A Heart of Fire.
By Albert w. Aiken.
82 Iron “’rist. the Swordmaster. By Colonel
Thomas Hoyer Monstery.
83 Gold Bullet Sport. By Buffalo Bill.
‘84 Hunted Down; or, The League of Three.
By Albert W. Aiken.
85 The Cretan Rover; or. Zuleikah, the
Beautiful. B Col. Prentiss Ingraham.
86 The Bi unter; or. The neen of the
Woods. By the author of “ The Si ent Hunter."
87 The Scarlet Captain 01-. The Prisoner of
~ the Tower. By Col. Delle. .
88 Big Geor e, the Giant of the Gulch; or, The
Five Outlaw rothers. By Jose )h E. Badger. Jr.
89 The Pirate Prince. By ol. P. In raham.
90 Wild Will, the Mad Ranchero; or, he Ter-
rible Texans. By Buckskin Sam.
-91 The Winning Oar; or, The Innkeeper's
Daughter. 3y Albert W. Aiken.
92 Bllfl‘alo ill, the Buckskin Kin ;or. The
Amazon of the Wes . By Ma . Dange eld Burr.
93 Ca tain Dick aibot. ‘ng of the Road;
or he Black-Hoods ot Shasta. By A. W. en.
94 Freelance, the Buccaneer; or. The W311 of
the Wave. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.
~95 Azhort, the Axman; or, The Secrets of the
Ducal Palace. B Anthony P. Morris. ,
96 Double-neat ; or. The Spy Queen of Wyo-
ming. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker.
97 Bronze Jack, the California Thoroughbred.
B Albert W. Aiken.
98 he Rock Rider: or, The Spirit of the
Sierra. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker.
99 The Giant ifleman. By Oil Coomes.
100 The French Spy; or, The Bride of Paris.
By Anthony P. Morris.
101 The Man From New York ; or. TheBo-
man e of a Rich Young Woman., 8; Aiken.
102 The Masked Band or. The an With-
. out a Name. By George . Aiken.
103 Merle, the Mutineer; or. Toe Brand of
the Red Anchor. By Col. Prentiss lngraham.
104 Montezuma, the Merc-iiesu' or. The
Eagle and the Serpent. By Col. P. ngraham.
105 Dan Brown 01 Denver the Rocky Moun-
tain Detective. By Joseph  Badger. Jr.
106 Shamus ()9 Brien, the Bould Boy of Glin-
fiat. By 001. Bella Sara.
107 ichard Talbot ol‘ Cinnabar; or. The
Brothers of the Red Band. By A. W. Aiken.

 

 

108 The Duke ofDiamonds; or. The Flower
of Calcutta. By Calptain Frederick Whittaker.
109 (‘a tain Kyd, t e King of the Black Flag.
B 01. Prentiss lngrahsm.
1 10 ' he Silent Hifleman. By H. W. Herbert.
111 The SmuggBier Ca tain; or, The Skip-
er's Crime. y Ned untline.

112 oe Phenix Private Detective° or. The
League of the Skeleton Ke s. B1 A. . Aiken.
he mateur Free-

113 The Sea Slip er‘ or.
hooters. By Pro . J. Ingraham.

114 The Gelltleman From Pike' or. The
Ghost of the Canyon. By Phili S. ame.

115 The Severed Head' or. he Secret of
Castle Couciy. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker.

116 Black P ume, the Devil of the Sea. By

Col. Prentiss lngraham.

1 1 7 Dashing) Dandy the Hotspur of the Hills.

By Major angerfield Burr.

118 The Burglar Captain; or, The Fallen

Star. By Prof. J. H. In raham.

119 Alabama Joe; or, he Yazoo Man-Hun-

ters. By Jos. E. Badger. Jr.

120 The Texan Spy; or, The Prairie Guide.

By Newton M. Curtis.

1 21 The Sea i‘adet ; or. The Rover of the Rigo-

latts. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

122 Saul Sabberday theldiot Spy; or, Luliona,

the. Seminole. By tied Buntline.

123 Alapaha, the S uaw ; or, The Renegades

of the Border. By rancis Johnson.

124 Assou'auln, the Avenger; or. The

Doom of the Destroyers. By Francis Johnson.

125 The Blacksmith outllnv; or. Merry

England. By Harrison Ainsworth.

126 The Demon Duelist; or. The League of

Steel. By Col. Thomas Hoyer Monstery.

127 S01 Scott, the Mask: d Miner; or, Dan
Brown’s Double. By Jos. E. Badger. Jr.

128 The Chevalier Corsair. By the author
of "Merle the Mutineer."

1 29 I'llflsninsilipl Mose ' or. A Strong Man‘s
Sacrifice. y Edward Willett.

1 30 (‘aptain Volcano or, The Man of the Red
Revolvers. By A. W. iken.

1 3 1 Buckskin Sn In, the Texas Trailer; or, The
Bandits ot’ the Bravo. By Col. l’. Ingrahaln.

132 Nemo. King oi‘the Tralnps. By Capt.
Frederick Whittaker.

133 Body the lloVer the Ribbonman of ire-
land. By William Car eton.

l 34 Dnrkie Du n, the Colored Detective; or, The
Mississippi Mystery. By Col. P. Innraham.

1 35 The Bush “anger or, The Half-Breed
Brigade. By Francis Johnson.

1 36 The OlitlllJV-HII nter; or, Red John, the
Bush Ranger. By Francis Johnson.

1 37 Long Beard, the Giant Spy. By Oli
Coomes.

1 38 The "order Bandits ' or. The Horse-
Thief‘s Trail. By Francis Johnson

139 Fire-Eye. the Sea Hyena: or. The Bride of
a Buccaneer. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

140 The Three Spaniards. Bv Geo. Walker.

141 Equinox Tom, the Bully of Red Rock; or,
Dan Brown‘s Mantel-stroke. By Joseph. E.
Badger. Jr.

1 42 l‘aptain Crimson, the Man of the Iron
Face. By Maj. Dangerfield Burr.

143 The Czar’s Spy ;v'or, The Nihilist League.
Bv Col. T. H. Monstory.

Hunchback of Notre -Dame.

1131 Victor Hugo.

145 s istol Pards

or, Soft Hand, the Silent
on from Cinna r. By Wm. R. Eyster.
146 The Doctor Detective;or, The M stery
of the Golden Comn. By Geo Lemuel:
147 Gold Spur the Gentleman rom Texas. By
Col. Prentiss raham.
148 One-Armed All‘ the Giant Hunter of the
t Lakes. B 011 Coomes. .
149 he Border ifles. By Gustave Aimard.
1 50 El Rubio Bravo, King of the Swordsmen.
By Col. Thomas Hoyer Monstery.
1 5 l The Freebooters. By Gustave Aimard.
152 Captain Ironnerve, the Counterieilor
Chief B Marmaduke Dev.
1 53 The W ite Seal er. By Gustave Aimard.
154 Joaquin, the Saddle King. By Joseph E.

Badger, r.

155 The Corsair ueen; or. The Gipsies of
the Sea. By Col. ntlss In raham.

156 Velvet Fame, the Border } ravo; or. Muriel,
the Danite’s Bride. By Dangerfield Burr.

157 Mourad, the Mameinke; or. The Three
Swordmasters. By 001. Thomas H. Monsto .

158 The Doomed Dozen; or. Dolores. the
Danite‘s Daughter. By Dr. Frank Powell.

159 Red Budigerfihe Archer or The Lady
Bertha's Treachery. By Cs t. F lttaker.

160 801! Hand, Sharp séeor, (5 Man With the
San . Wm. R. Ey r.

161 The olves or New York
Phenix‘s Great Man Hunt. . . , en.

162 The Mad Mariner ; or. Dishonored and
Disowned. By 001. Pren iss ingraham.

163 Ben Brion, the TrapBer captain: or. Red-
};‘sth. the Avenger. By r. J. . Robinson.

164 he King’s Fool or. The Knights of the
Clasped Hands and Re Branch. By C. D.Clark.

1 65 Joaquin, the Terrible. By J. E. Badger, Jr.

1 66 0wlet, the Robber Prince; or. The Unknown

ghwa man. By S ptimus R. Urban.

167 The an ofSteel or, The Masked Knight
of the White Plume. v A. P. Morris.

168 Wild Bill, the Pistol Dead Shot; or. Dagger
Don’s Double. By Col. Prentiss lngraham.

1 69 Corporal Can on. the Man of Forty Duels.

y Col. Thomas oyer Monstery.

170 Sweet “’illiam, the Trapper Detective.

By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.

or, Joe

 

171 Tiger Dick, the Man of the Iron Heart; or.
The Dumb Baidlt. By Philip S. Warne.

172 The Black Pirate; or. The Mystery of
the G01 en Fetters. By Col. P. Ingraham.

178 California John, the Pacific Thorough
bred“ By Albert W. Aiken.

174 The Phantom Knights. By Capt. F.
Whittaker.

175 Wild Bill’s Trump (‘ard' or. The Indian
Heiress. By Major Dan erfleid Burr.

176 Ladv Jaguar, the R0 ber Queen. By Cap-
tain Mark Wilton.

177 Don Diablo, the Planter~Corsair; or, The
Rivals of the Sea. B Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

178 Dark Dashwoo 9 the Desperate; or, The
Child of the Sun. By Major Sam 8. Hall

1 79

1 8 0

l 8 1

l‘onrad. the Convict; or, Was He Guilty?

By Prof. Stewart Gildersleeve, LL. D.

old ’49; or. The Amazon of Arizona. By
Jos. E. Badger, Jr.
The Scari‘et Schooner: or. The Nemesis
of the. Sea. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham v

1 82 Hands L’ ; or, The Knights of the Canyon.
Bv W'n. R. ystor.

183 Gilbert, the Guide; or, Lost in the Wil-
derness. By C. Dunning Clark.

184 The ocean Vampire; or. The Heiress of
Castle Curse. B Coii’ro-ntiss 1ngraham.

i 85 The Man S i or; or, The Beautiful Sphinx.
By Anthony . Morris.

186 The Black Bravo; or. The Tonkaway’s
Triumph. B Buckskin Sam.

187 The cat vs Head Culrassiers; or.
Brave of all Braves. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker.

188 The Phantom Mazeppa; or, The H ens
of the Cha arrals. By Maj. Dangerfield urr.

1 89 \Vild Bi l9: Gold Trail; or. The Despero
ado Dozen. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

190 The Three Guardsmen. By Alexandre
Dumas.

191 The Terrible Tonkawa ; or, Old Rocky
and His Pards. By Buckskiny‘ m.

192 The Lightning Sport. B, W. R. Eyster.

193 The Man in Red. B Capt. F. Whittaker.

194 Don Solnbrero,the ‘aiit‘ornia Road Gent.
By Capt. Mark Wilton.

195 The Lone Star Gambler; or, The Maid
of the Maznolias. Bv Buckskin Sam.

196 La Marmoset the D: teclive Queen' or, ’
The Lost Heir of More]. By Albert w. Aiken.

197 Revolver Hob, the Red-Handed; or, The

B lle of Nugget Camp. By Joe. E. Badger. Jr. ‘ .

198 The Skeleton Schooner; or. The Skim- ' .t'

mer of the Sea. B t‘ol Prentiss Ingraham. ‘

199 Diamond Dir t, the Dandy from Denver.

By Buckskin Sam. - ' .

200 The Rifle Rangers. ByCapt. MavneReid. . 

201 The Pirate oi'the Pincers; or, oaquin‘s - "

Death Hunt. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. ‘ g

202 (‘actus Jack, the Giant Guide. By Cap "1.

tain Mark Wilton. '

203 The Double Detective. By A. W. Aiken. ‘ ’
204 Big Foot “’allacc, theKing of the Lariat; A ,.-.
or \‘ild Wolf. the Waco. B Buckskin Sam. ~ 
205 The Gambler Pirate. y Col. Ingraham. , l1“
206 one Eye, the Cannoneer; or. Marshal Ney’s ‘s 3
Last Legacy. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. ‘ t;
207 (Did Hard Head. By Philip S. Warne. v 
208 The White Chief. By Capt. Mayne ReiIL 
209 Buck Farley the Bonanza Prince; nr.'il- s b I“
Romance of Dt-afh Gulch. By Edward ‘Willett. ,5.
210 Buccaneer Bess, the Lioness of the Sen;  * ’
or, The Red Sea Trail. By Col. P. lngmizam.
211 Colonel Plunger' or. The Unknown Sport. ' ls
Bv Capt Frederlck Whittaker. = f

212 The Brazos Tigers. By Buckskin Sam.
213 Tha‘Var Trail.

By Ca t. Mayne Reidn
21 4 The Two Cool S

orts. yWnl. R. Eyster.

215 Parson Jim, ng of the Cowboys. By
Ca tain Frederick Whittaker.
216T e Corsair Planter; or, Driven to

Doom. By Col. Prentiss lngraham. ,, ~
217 The Serpent of El Paso; or. Fronti~r '5 ‘
Frank, the Scout of the Rio Grands. By Buck-

skin Sam.

218 The ‘Viid Huntress; or, The Big Squat-
tor‘s Vengeance. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 

219 The Scorpion Brot era: or, MsdTom's _
Mission. By Ca tain Mark Wilton.

220 The Specter acht. By 001. P. Ingrahsm.

221 Desperate Duke the Guadeloupe “Ga-
loot. By Buckskin 

22213111, the Blizzard. By Edward Willett.

223 Canyon Dave the Man of the Mountain. r 

Captain Mark ’Winon. '2" 

224 lac Beard, the Buccaneer: or, The ' .. 1
Curse of the Coast. By Col. P. . . s

225 Rock Mountain Al. llyBuckskinSam.

226 The ad Hus-arr or, he 0's and the
Mac‘s. By Ca t. F. Whittaker.

227 Buckshot en. the Man-Hunter of Idaho.
By Ca t. Mark Wilton. -

aroon. By Capt. Mayne

.

tain Cutsleeve ° or Touch-Me-Not, the

230 gfi: 83in» Bygfidénfi n 3': 1880
£1.31 ‘ 

 

 

 

Who was rdeeken. By Capt. Whi
231 The Kid Glove Miner" or
Doctor at Golden Gulch. Bv dot am.
232 Orson 0xx. toe Man of iron; or. he River
Mystery. By lsaac Hawks.
233 T e Old Boy of Tombstone: or. .
WageringstheonaCard. ByJ.E. . . '
234 as: Hunters’ Feast. By Capt. Mayne ‘ - 1 .
' I r.» ‘
Amumem-yWadrmday.  
Deadle’s Dime Library is fox-sale 131a]!  
hewsdealers. ten centspercopy or sent by m o. ‘
trecei t of twelve cents each. mm. Loans.”
Pub as William Street. New York.

 

 

 

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' 273 Mountain
[274 Flush

.. 3...”. -.................s .. . .

 

 

.___:H_B__|Fl41 D ILIE [Sit—fill) l1 I!“ IE lljjii L! 113 {BJNARRFI ’

235 Red Lightnin , the Man of Chance. By
Col. Prentiss lngra mm.

236 Champion Sam. By Col. T. H. Monster-y.

237 Lon r-llaired lllnx. By Capt. M. Wilton.

238 Run Iiound, the Crescent City Detec-
tive. By Anthony P. Morris.

239 The Terrible Trio. By Buckskin Sam.

240 A Cool lleud ; or. Orson Oxx in Peril. By
Isaac Hawks.

241 up tiire Saul, King of the Hustlers. By
Jos E. Badger. Jr.

2-12 The It‘a 2 Devil; or, The Skipper of the
Flash. By Capt. l‘n-d. \\ hittaker.

243 The 1"; grinl Shur 1. iv Buffalo Bill.

244 Merciless Mart, t to Man-’ligcr ot' Mis-
souri. By Buckskin Sam.

245 Barraneu Bill,’l‘lie Revolver Champion.
By Captain Mark \\ iltou.

246 Queen Ilelen, the Amazon ol’ the Over-
land. By Col. Prentiss lngraham.

247 A Jim-tor Ike ' or. The Secret of the Ever-
glade. By Capt. ‘red. Whittaker.

248 Montana Not. the Lion of Last Chance
Camp. By Edward Willett.

249 Elephant Tom of Durango; or, Your
Gold-Dust or Your Life. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.

250 The Rough Riders; or, Sharp-Eye, the

Seminole Scourge: By Buckskin Sam.

25 1 Tiger Dick vs. Iron Despard; or.
Every Man Has His Match. by P. S. Warne.

252 The \"all Street Blood; or. Tick Tick,the
Te egrap': Girl. By Albert W. AlkPD.

253 A 1 ankec (‘ossack ' or, The Queen of the
Nihilists. By Capt. Fre< erick Whittaker.

254 Giant Jake, the Patrol of the Mountain.

13y Newton M. is.

255 ' he l'irato Priest. By Col. P. Ingraham.

256 Double Dan, the Dastard; or, The Pirates
of the Pecos. By Buckskin Sam.

257 Death-Trap Di gillglfi or, A Hard Man
from ‘Way Back. Jose E. Badger, Jr.

258 Bullet Head, t 6 Co orado Bravo. By
Captain Mark Wilton.

259 Cutlass and Cross. By Col. P. Ingraham.

260 The Masked Mystery. By A. P. Morris.

26 1 Black Sam, the Prairie Thunderbolt; or,
The Bandit-Hunters. By Col. J 0 Yards.

262 Fighting Tom, the Terror of the Toughs.
By 001. Thomas Hoyer Monster .

263 Iron-Armed A be, the unchback De-
stroyer. Captain Mark Wilson.

264 The Crooked Three. By Buckskin Sam.

= 265 (lid Double-Swordidor Pilots and Pi-

rates. By Capt. Fred. W ttaker.
266 Leopard Luke the King of Horse-Thieves.
B Captain Mark Wilton.
267 ' he White Squaxv. By Capt. Mayne Reid.
268 Magic Mike the Man of Frills; or. Bad
Ben‘s Bad Briga o. By William. R. Eyster.
269 The Bayou Bravo. By Buckskin Sam.
270 A ndros, the Free Rover; or, The Pirate‘s
Daughter. By Ned Buntline.
271 Stoneiist, ofBi Nugget Death or Old
Ketchum‘s Tug of ar. y Capt. Mar Wilton.
272 Seth Slocum Railroad Surveyor or. The
Secret of Sittin Bull. By Capt. F. Wlhittaker.
osc, the Gorge Outlaw. By
Buckskin Sam. ‘
Fred the Mississippi Sport: or,
Tough Times in ennessee.. By Ed. \\ illett.
275 The Smuggler Cutter. By J. D. Conroy.
276 Texas Chick, the Southwest Detective.
By Captain Mark Wilton.

I 277 The Saucy Jane, Privateer. ByCapt.

Frederick Whittaker.

278 Hercules Goldsrfiur, the Man of the Velvet
Hand. Br Ca tain oward Holmes.

279 The Go (1- ragon. By Vim. H. Manning.

280 Black-floss Ben ' or, Tiger Dick‘s Lone
Hand. By Philip S. arnc.

£281 The Sea Owl. B Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

282 The Merciless larnuders; or. Chap-
arral Carl‘s Revenge. By Buckskin Sam.

' 283 Sleek Sam, the Devil of the Mines; or, The

Sons of the Fiery Cross. By Jos. E Badger, Jr.

284 The Three Frigates; or. Old lronsidcs’
Revenge. By Capt. Fred. \‘hittaker.

285 Lightning Bolt the Can on Terror; or.
The Mountain Cat’s Crud o. y .liark Wilton.

286 Pistol Johnny. B ,' oseph E. Badger, Jr.

287 Dandy Dave and I is Horse. White Stock-
ing; or. Ducats or Death. By Buckskin Stun.

288 Electro Pete, the Man of Fire: or The
Wharf Rats of Locust Point. Ii A. P. Morris.

289 Flush Fred’s Full "on ° or. Life and

' Strife in Louisiana. By Edward Willett.

299 The Lost t‘orvette' or, Blakeley's Last
Cruise. By Ca t. Fred. Whittaker.

291 Horseshoe lank, the Man of Big Luck,
11:; Capt. Mark Wilton. '

292 oke Ilorner, the Boss Roustabout. By
Joseph E. Badger. Jr.

293 Stain rode Steve. By Buckskin Sam.

294 Broa cloth Burt. the Denver Dandy. By
Ca tain Howard Holmes.

295 0 d l‘ross-Eyvcfilthe Maverick-Hunter. By

Capt. Frederick ittaker.

296 Duncan, the Sea-Diver; or, The Coast
Vultures. By George St. George.

297 Colorado Rube, the Strong Arm of Hot.
s ur City. By Wm. H. Manning.

298 .ogaer Lem ; or. Life an Peril in the
Pine Woods. By Edward Willett.

299 Three of a Kind. Tiger Dick. Iron Des-
pard. and the Sportive Sport. v P. S. Warns.

300 A Sport in Srectaeles. Bv Wm. R. Eyster.

301 Bowlder I! I]; or. The Man from Taos.
By Buckskin Sam.

802 Faro Sun I, the Handsome Hemules' or, The
Grip of Steel. By Joseph E. Badger. r.

 

 

H... a .1... ,

303 Top-Notch Tom, the Cowboy Outlaw; or.
The Satanstown Election. By Cant. Whittaker.

304 Texas Jack the Prairie Rattler; or, The
Queen of the Mid Rideis. By Buflalo Bill.

305 Silver-Plated So], the Montana. Rover. By
Capt. Mark Wilton.

306 The Roughs of Riclunond' or, The
Mystery of the Golden Beetle. l-‘y A. . Morris.

307 The Phantoln Pirate. l’y Coi.[ngraham.

308 Hemlock Hunk, Tough and True. By
Edward \\'illett.

309 1hrybold, the Battling Ranger. By
liuckskiu Sam.

310 'I he M arshal of Satanstosvn. By
Capt. Frederick \\'hittak< r.

31 l lleav "and, the Relentless.
Mark iltun.

312 Kinkioot Karl, The Mountain Scourge;
or. Wiping Out the Score. By Morris Redwin .

3 l 3 Mark lllugic, Detective. By Anthony 5
Morris.

314 Laiitte' or. The Pirate of the Gulf. By
Prof. J. I . inuraham.

315 [flush Fred’s Double; or, The Squat-
ter's League of Six. By Edward Willett.

316 Laiitte’s Lieutenant; or, Theodore, the
Child of the Sea. By Prof. J. II. In sham.

317 Frank Lightfoot the Miner etective;
or, Following a Blind lead. By J. E. Badger.

318 The. India In Buccaneer; or. Red Rovers
on Blue Waters. By 00]. Prentiss Ingraham.

319 \i’ild Bill, the Whirlwind of the \\ est. By
Buffalo Bill.

320 The Gentcei Spotter. By A. W. Aiken.

321 California Claude, the Lone Bandit. By
Captain Howard Holmes.

322 The Crinnto n Coyotes. Bv Buckskin Sam.

323 Ilotspnr Hugh ; or. The Banded Brothers
of the Giant‘s Arm. l'y Captain Mark Wilton.

324 Old Forked-Lightning, the Solitary;
or Every Inch 9. Man. By Joe. E. Badger. r.

325 T w Gentleman Pirate; or. The Her-
mit of Casoo ltay. By Col. P. lngraham

326 'l he ‘Vhltest Man in the Mines; or.
The Dog-Town Crowd. By Ca t. F. Whittaker.

327 Terra pin Dick t Wil Woods Detec-
tive. B v Edward Willi .

328 King out; or, The Bandits ol' the Bason.
By Buckskin Sam.

329 'l he League ofThrce; or, Buflalo Bill’s
Pledge. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

330 Cop Colt, the Quaker City Detective. By
Chas. Morris.

33 1 Chispa Charley,the Gold Nugget Sport; or,
The Rocky Mountain Masks. By J. E. Badger.

332 Spring-Heel Jack. By Col. Monstery.

333 Derringer Deck, the Man with the Drop.
By Wm. . Eyster.

334 The Cipher Detective. By A. P. Morris.

335 Flash Dan, the Nabob; or. The Blades of
Bowie Bar. By Capt. H. Holmes.

336 The Magic SM 1. By Col 1’. Ingraham.

337  Gabe, the ountain Tramp. By Ed.

' ett.

338 Jack Sands, Sport. By Philip S. Warne.

339 a tread Eagle Sam the Hercules Hide-
} unter. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.

340 tool Co nrad. the Dakota Detective. By
Capt. H. Holmes.

341 The Sea Des erado. By Col. Ingraham.

342 Blaneo nu , the Mustang Monarch. By
Buckskin Sam.

343 The [102.11 Hunter; or, Mark Magic in
the Mines. By A. 1’. Morris. I

344 Double Shot Dave oi'the Lei! Hand.
By Wm. R Evster.

345 Masked Mark, the Mounted Detective.
By J 08. E. Badger. Jr.

346 Ocean Guerrillns; or. The Planter Mid-
shipman. By Col. Prentiss In am.

347 Denver Duke, the Man ith ‘Sand" or,
CentIilpede Sam’s Lone Hand. By Capt. How-

ard olmcs. .

348 Dan Dillon, King of Crosscut; or. A Wo-
man’s Wild Work. By Edward \\'iilett. \

349 Lion-Hearted Dick the Gentleman Road-
Agcnt. By Albert W. Afken.

350 Flash Falcon, the Society Detective. By
Weldon J. Cobb.

351 Nor’ “'est Nick the Border Detective; or,
Dan Brown’s Fight ior Life. By J. E. Badger.

352 The Desperate Dozen. Ly Cap. Howard
Holmes.

353 llarb Brennan, the Train Wrecker. By
John Cuthbert.

354 fled Richard. By Albert W. Aiken.

355 Stormy Steve, the Mad Athlete. By Jos.E.
Badger, Jr.

356 g‘hrce Handsome Sharps. By Wm. R.

yster.
357 Jack Simons, Detective. By A. P. Morris.
358 The Prince oi'l’an-Out. By Buckskin

Sam.
359 Yellow Jack the. Mostlzo: or, Tiger Dick
to the Rescue. ,By Phill S. Warne.
360 Jumping.r Jerry, the amecock from Sun-
down. By Jos. E. Badger. Jr.
361 Tombstone Dick. By Ned Buntllne.
362 Bull'an Bill’sGrip. ByCol.P.Ingraham
363 Crosvningshleld, the Sleuth; or, Pitlless
as Death. Bv Albert W. Aiken.
364 The Sea Fugitive. Bv CoiPJngraham.
365 Keen Kennard. the Shasta Shadow: or.
e Branded Face. By Capt. Howard Holmes.
366 he Telegraph Detective: or. The Dy-
namite Leaziie. By George Henry Morse.
367 A Royal Flush
Game of Freeze-On .

or. Dan Bmwn‘s‘Blg
368 The Canyon King.

By Captain

By Edward Willett.

 

By Jos. E. Badger. Jr.
369 The Coast Corsair. By Col. P. Ingraham.

-» ww- .sr. «nae .

 

 

 

370 The Ducky Detective. By A. W. Aiken.

371 Gold Buttons; or, The Up-Bange Pardw.
By Buckskin Sam. ~

372 Captain Crisp; or, TheMan WithaRecord.
By 0s. E. Badger. Jr.

373 The Sailor of Fortune; or, The Buc-
caneers 0t Barnegat Bay. By Col. P. Ingraham.

374 Major Blister the Sport of Two Cities.
By Capt. Howard Holmes.

375 Isoyal George, the Three in One. By Wm.
R. Eyster.

376 The Black Beards; or, The High Horse
on the Rio Grande. By Albert W. Aiken.

377 Ailoat and Ashore. By Col. P. Ingraham.

378 JUhn Armstrong, Mechanic. By Capt.
F. Whittaker.

379 IID‘VHIIL' Jonathan' or. The Terror from
Headwaters. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.

380 The Golden Serpent; or, Tiger Dick’s
Pledge. By P. S. Warne.

381 The Gypsy Gentleman' or. Nick Fox.
the Demon Detective. By Alhert W. Aiken.

382 The Bonanza "and ' or, Dread Don, of
the Cool Clan. By Capt, H’ouard Holmes.

383 Silver Sam. etective. By Maj. Daniel
Boone Dumont of the U. S. A.

384 lnjun Dick, Detective; or, Tracked from
t e Rockies to New York. By Albert W. Aiken.

385 \Vild Dick 'l urpin, the Lion of Leadville.
By Wm. H. Manning.

386 Hawk Heron, the Falcon Detective. By
Jackson Knox, (Old Hawk.)

387 "ark Durg; or. The Ishmael of the Hills.
Bv Jos. E. Badger. Jr.

388 The Giant Buccaneer. By Coi.Ingraham.

389 Colonel Double-edge. the. Cattle Baron’s
Pard. By Maj. Daniel Boone Dumont. U. S. A.

390 The Giant Cupid; or. Cibuta John’s
Great Jubilee. By J. C. Cowdrick.

391 Kate Scott the. Decoy Detective; or,
Joe Phenix's sou Hunt. By A. w. Aiken.

392 The Lost Bonanza; or. The BoototSilent
Hound. By Capt. Howard Holmes.

393 The Convict Captain; or, The Battles of
the Buccaneers. By Col. Prentiss in raham.

394 \Vhite Beaver the Exile of the P site; or,
A WrongedMan‘s Red Trail. 13’ Buffalo Bill.

395 Deadly Aim, the Duke of e
Jos. E. adger. Jr.

396 The Pi er Detective. By Wm. B. E ster.

397 The izard Brothers; _ or, bite
Beaver’s Red Trail. By Buflalo Pill.

398 Slec less-Eye the Pacific Detective: or,
Itunn n Down a oublc. By Geo. C. Jenks.

399 The cw Monte Cristo; or, The Wan~
dering Jew of the Sea. Bv Col. P. ingrahatn.

400 (ta )lillll Coldgrip, the Sport Detective.
By Capt. Howard Holmes.

401 The one-Arm Pard. By Buffalo Bill.

402 Snapshot Sam, the Pistol Sharp. By Wm.
R. Eyster. .

403 The NamelessS ort. ByJ. E. Badger,Jr.

404 Silver Riifle Si . By Philip S. “‘arne.

405 Old Baldy, the Brigadier of'Buck Basin.

rringers. By

By Wm. H. Manning.

406 Old Pop Hicks, Showman. By Capt. F.
Whittaker.

407 Captain Coldgrip’s Nerve or. Injun
Nic on Deck. By capt. Howard olmes.

408 Doc Grip, the Sporting Detective. By'
Albert W. Aiken.

409 Rob Roy Ranch; or. The Imps of the
Pan Handle. By Joseph E. Badger. Jr.

410 Sarah Brown, Detective: or, The Mystery
of the Pavilion. By K. F. Hill.

411 The White Crook' or, Old Hark‘s For-
tress. B Ma . Daniel oone Dumont.

412 Larry oc e, the Man oflron; or. A Fight
for Fortune. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker.

413 Captain Coldgrip in New York; on

The Dragon League. By Capt. H. Holmes.

414 Red Renard, the Indian Detective. By
Buffalo Bill.

415 Hot Heart, the Detective Spy. By Wm.
H. Manning.

416 Monte Jim, the Black Sheep of Bismark.
By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.

417 Tucson Tom, the Bowie Bravo. By Geo.
St. George.

41 8 Sihyl, the Sea S'ren: or. The Fugitive Priva»
teer. By Col. Prentiss lngrsham.

419 The “at om.» Battery; or. J9» Phenix,
King of Detectives. By Albert \\ . Aiken.

420 The Old River Sport. By Maj. Daniel
Boone Dumont. ‘ '

42] Father Ferret, the Frisco Shadow. By
Capt. Howard Holm' s.

4 2 I «nuns Bu rt. the Gold Star Detes.

2 tlizrelfoB; J. C. Cowdrick. Ready Nov. 24.
4 3 The Lone Fand' or. The Recreants of
2 the Red River. By Alger-t W. Aiken.
Ready Dec. 1.

424 Hawk Heron’s Denntv- or. leey’;
Nip. Bv Jackson Knox, (Old Edwin)
Ready Dec. 8
1‘] a Sea Toreh' or. The Dragon of the

425 neép. By Col. P. mgr-sham. Ready Dec. 15.

A firm issue every Wednesday.
Beadle’s Dime Library is for salery an.

Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or sent by mail on

receipt of twelve cents each.

BEADLE AND ADAMS. Pumas.
98 William Street. New York.

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