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 coanIGHTED IN lass.av BEADLE a; ADAMS.

     
Ex'rxmm AT ma P081 Omen AT NEW YORK. N. Y.. n- Saconn cuss MAIL Ru'ls.

 
N 0 5 8 1 Published Every QBeadZe (f- ﬂdams, r @ublishers, Ten Cent: 9. cm- V01 

W°dn°'d‘7' 9e WILLIAM STREET, N. Y.. Dvcember 11, 1889. “'00 3 Y.“

 
The GANTLET-RUNNER.

A Romance 01 the Coast and High Sena
In Privateerlng and Pirate 'l‘lmea.

 
BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM,

AUTHOR or “ MERLE, THE m‘nxmm,” “ noma-
zmu, nu: MERCILESS,” 11:10., ETC.

CHAPTER I.
THE DIAMOND RING.

“THAT is the mansion. Mart. and I wish you
to launch the boat, land some distance down the
shore, rind approaching by the land-side give
this letter into the hands of Lady Lulu Lang-
on.”

“ Yes, sir, I’ll attend to it all right,"

The ﬁrst speaker was a young man of twenty-
six, with the air of a gentleman, but with the look
of one who led a life of reckless dissipation, and
which had marred his otherwise handsome fea-
tures.

He was dressed as a sailor. and stood on the
deck of a small ﬁshing—smack, which had just
come to anchor in Boston Harbor, several “ -
cable’s-lengths of! from the shore, which was ” nAc

 
D.

 
‘ \5_  ‘ 7  ﬂ

K, ALL OF YOU, FOR I AM x0 LAVE TO an 51:1sz AND mrmsoxxn 0x A KING‘S smPE"

‘ lligyndom has got the riches ter keep it, too for
-,ﬂshayman,‘rto whom the remark was addressed.

)
u
f

" V little vase] had run into the harbor from
_ ‘saward and dropped anchor only a short while

 
23

The  Skipper.

‘1'  ,...,,

i
l

 
’there dotted with handsome residences, the
houses of the wealthy colonial citizens, for my
story opens amid scenes of the past century.
The one he addressed was an ordinary sailor, l
and besides these two, there ’were on the little '
vessel a bronzed-faced ﬁsherman and a boy, !
seated in the cockpit, while in the cabin, as:
though to keep out of eight, were a couple of v
men in sailor’s dress. i
“It is a handsome place,” said the young
man, as he glanced at the mansiou, which was a ‘
grand old structure, surrounded by ornamental i
grounds running down to the water’s edge.
“Oh, yes, cap n, I calkerlates thet are ther
finest house in these parts, and Mister Rupert

s got a mint 0‘ nzoney they tells me,” said the

'1'“ young man made no reply, but eyed the

. I throdgh his glass for awhile, and then

1; his gate upon the sailor who had rowed
in the smack’s boat.

before, and was one of the class of craft known
as fishing-smacks, with nothing about her to,
attract attention, unless it was that-she was
more trim in build, perhaps, than most of her

antc-liing‘Mart as he rowed slioreward. the

oung man saw him land at a int where a
zinc ran down to the shore, nnr semi after he—
held him enter the arched gateway of the man-
man.

Lying in a ship’s hammock, swung between
two large trees, was a maiden, a book in hand
and seeing the sailor’s approach, she arose an
called to im to come to her.

“ Do you wish to see my uncle, Mr. Wyndom,
my man?”

“ No, miss, I wanted to see the Lady Lulu
Langdon who lives here, I believe.”

“Ah! am Lady Lulu, so what would you
with me i”

“ To give you this, ladyI " and the man handed

her asealed package,  h she took with 011- ,

dent surprise.

“ For me?”

“ Yes, lady, if you are the Lady Lulu Lang-
don.”
“ I am she' but wait, and I will give you an
answer, for douth a reply is desired."

“ No, lady; I was simply told to place that
in your hands,” and with a l‘siolite salute, such
as a man-of-war’s man wou give an ofﬁcer,
Mart hastily walked away.

For a moment the mai en stood gazing at the
package, which had her name. and printed with
aquill pen, rather than written. as though to
disguise the writing.

The seal bore a stamp of an anchor only
and realizing that by breakin it alone she could
discover the mystery, she at at did so, and in-
staiigtly face ﬂushed and then pale‘d, as she
so : . , .. ' .

“ His writing I ”

A momént she stood undecided, and then she
hastened after the sailor; but he had already
left the grounds, and going to the arched ate-
way she lanced down the broad highway cad-
ing into he town, which was not far distant.

But the man had mysteriously disap ,
 going to a seat undera tree near y, she
sai :

“ How dare he write to me? And what is
this he sends? Oh! how beautiful!”

She had opened a small morocco case, as she
spoke, and there was revealed a diamond ring,
the stone being of great sins and purity, and the
setting massive. ~

“ This is an insult to send me this,” she said,
as sheganed upon the beauiful ring, and then
she turned to the accompanying letter, which
she read aloud, and which was as follows: ‘

“Ar Sn, Monday. 17—.

" Do not start, Lady Lulu, u n recognizl the
writing of your old friend 333mm, becanusse it
comes from him in his hitter sorrow and disgrace;
but read through to the end, and then judge me as
you hope some day to he 3nd ed, with mercy.

“ Since you ,were a wee ttle girl at your roud
father‘s home of Arleigh Castle, and I a mi ship-
man, I have loved you, Lady Lulu, and that love
but row with ears. /

h was wil . whorl, led away by my elde to
gamble. and wand yet. when I a sin at
you, after long service at sea,l and saw you adding

ate-beautiful womanhood. I oved you more dearly
and vowed to reform and be worthy of you.

“I told on of my resolve, and you bade me be
brave and 0 right, and hops.

“Was I Wrong in takin that as a romise to give
me {our love some day, I was wort y of it?

“ think not. and I meant to win the prise I aimed
(figs, pd my whole life became changed from that

I'But I had. enemies. and amenity brother of-
incerzita‘nd thqwene determined to truth me, and

‘Charges. Iwasnot guilt of m" htu
against me, and one day I fgund W
from the navy of Grea Britain. sent forth in

‘ knew that the sad news went only too quickly
tohyo andsclhccameswan

 
dos-er.
th M 08 in discs-ace, I was :10th-
med,  a vessels! myowu, deter-
tOco 4 .
V “In going to I learned that your father
had sentqcu to visit your mother’s brother in

i x

1

America. and Visiting the port of Boston on busi-
ness, I take this opportunity to write to you, Lady
Lulu, asking that you accept the accompanying

‘ sonw-nir and Wl'ﬂr it for my sakv.

" As I must also sail during the night, and I beg
that you will grant in~- an interview.

“Then. ir you bid me go from you and hope no
longer. Iwill obey; but, if you tell me thatlcan
hope to one day win your hand, I will liVe down
my luckiess past and be worthy of you.

‘So, I bag of you to meet me in the little boat-
arbor on the grounds of your uncle‘s mansion, at
nine o’clock.

" I shall be there and know my fate from your
meet-lips. VDOLPK RAVEL."

“ Oh! what shall I do?" cried the maiden,
when she had ﬁnished readin the letter.

“ I wish my uncle and Ma ge were here; but
they will not return until very late, I know.

“ I must not keep this ring, and yet I almost
fear to go and meet him, for they have told me
such terrible things about him.

“ But I know not how to ﬁnd him, and wish I
had kept that messenger.

f‘ Yes, I suppose I must meet him, as he asks,
and he shall know that there is no hope for him
ever to win my low.”

With the ring clinched in one hand, the letter
in the other, she paced to and fro for awhile,
and then entering the mansiion, went to her
room.

The windows overlooked the beautiful harbor,
here and there dotted with a sail, with the town
and shipping further inland, and radiant under
the rays of the setting sun.

The little smack lay at anchor not far away,
but she did not connect it with the missive she
had received.

Further down the bay the sunlight fell upon
the brown sail of a small coaster comin in to
an anchorage, borne along by the light rooms
that was blowing.

Graduall the sunlight died, twili ht came,
lights spa led here and there from t a differ-
ent vessels, ‘and a maid smut-ed to light the

y Lqu t t tea

candles and announce
was waiting. '

She went to the table alone, but left the food
untested, and the stately butler in livery won-
dered at her loss of appetite.

As the distant tolling of a bell announced the
hour of nine, she arose tremblingly, threw a
cloak about her shoulders, and went out into the
grounds.

Hastily she tripped along to the little arbor
boat-house, and as she reached it a man’s form

stepped-toward her.

\ ‘ ady Lulu, I thank you for this kindness,”
said the young man, stepping forward, and ex-
tending his hand.

“ Mr. Ravel, I came to return your ring, and
to tell you how sorry, how very sorry I am to
know that you have lost the opportunities you
once had of making a name of honor and fame,
while, in your changed career you have my
sympathy, with the hope that you may at least
know happiness.” ‘

She had spoken rapidly, as though to end the
interview at once while she seemed not to See
his extended han .

“Then you will not believe me when I say
that my enemies have ruined me, and that now,
pending up a new record, I can hope for your

ove

“ No, you can never hope, for our paths in life '

have divided, and they must never meet again,
and now I bid you farewell.”

-The man sprung sudden] forward, and threw
over her head a c oak, w e instantly she was
seized behind, and, unable to make an out-
cr she was borne to a waiting t.

were four in the rty of kidna ,
and while one he who ha signed blame] is-
dolph Ravol, held her ﬁrmly in his arms, the
man Mart, took the tiller and the two others
seized the cars and sent the boat rapidly away
from the shore.

“ Look out for that l r, and ve it a wide
berth Mirt; but fortuna ly she as fainted,”
said t 9 leader.

“ I’ll run  of the lugger, sir ” answered
My? po’intmg the boat’s bow accordingly.

es

Hardly had the afﬁrmative left the ii of the
leader, when the maiden uttered a lou cry for

help.

‘ Save me! oh, save me!”

“ Curses! I thou ht she was unconscious,”
crbd the man, an be forced his hand hard
over her month, while he said sava el :

“ Pull, you devil pull! for an: lugger’s
crew are alarmed by er cry."

That this was true was certain, for the logger
swung around asthougb on a pivot and gave
chase among?! of wind cumin just then
to ad her, for t sent her swiftly t rough the
wa rs.

“ e’ll be taken, sir,” said Mart, anxiously,

as the cutter was gaining, and they were yet a

ion way of! from the little ﬂshin —smack which

 had left to go upon their ki‘ napping expe-
on.

“ Curses, yes, and that must not be,” was the
save e response, and, as theluggeroamenearer,
that w 3:" “ii: i As

you era as u , us you
will notuhe mine, no shamlaim you, for
thus I sacriﬁce you!”

"i.   ‘f ‘ ' ,i,

 
l though

As he s oke he raised her in his arms and
threw her into the sea. -

A wild shriek rung out over the waters,
smothered by the waves as she sunk, and calling
to Mart to seize an car and aid him. the in—
human man also Went to Work and sent the boat
on its way with increased spued.

But his cruel act had lrneii seen by keen eyes
upon the lugger, the (lespuirii'g‘ cry had been
heard, and a form leaped into the sea and
grasped the drowning girl, while the vessel luﬂ‘ed
sharp and lay to.

Then a boat was lowered from the stern da-
Vits, and springing into it, an oarsman pulled
rapidly toward the gallant rescuer.

“Take her in gently, Potomac, for she is un-
conscious,” said a manly voice.

“ No, I am conscious, sir, and I know that I
owe you my life.

“ My home is vonder, where you see that
bright light, so must ask you to take me
there.” '

“ Gladlv, lady, and then I will try and cap-
fure”yon kidnappers, for such they are, doubt—
ess.

“ Yes, but I beg you to let them go.”

As the. boat was rapidl disappearing from
view and Would have too .ir a start to atteni t
to follow, after he had landed the maiden, t 0
bold rescuer made no reply to this request, and
a moment after they reached the shore.

As be aided the maiden ashore she said, grasp-
ing the hand of her rescuer:

“ I am the Lady Lulu Langdon, and this is
my uncle‘s home, so you must come in and let
him thank you for saving my life.”

“ NO. lady, I must return at once to my ves- .
sel, and I bid you good-night, with the hope that
you 7will suffer no ill from to-night’s adven-

ure.

As he spoke he raised his tarpaulin, and
gringing hack intohis boat gave the order to

ve wa . ~

',‘ Ah, sir! will you not let me at least know
to whom it: is I owe my gratitude?” called out
the surprised maiden.

“ It matters not, lady, for our walks in life 0
diﬂerent ways,” was the response, she thong t
in an imbittered tone, and again raising his hat
he sped on his‘ way.

She stood where he had left her, watching the
receding boat until she saw it board the waitin
logger, which at once got under way and sail
on toward the town.

Then, dripping. cold and half-ill from ‘the
shock, she wended her way toward the mansion,
while she said aloud: '

“ I shall at least know that face wherever}
meet it again, for ,it was not one to forget, if
seen only in the night.”

CHAPTER II.
was rouse Ymnn mean.

11' was on the eve of the great conﬂict, which
was destined to give birth to the great Ameri-
can Re ublic, and dismember the powerful em-
pire of naland.

The inutterings of the coming war-cloud were
heard from Maine to Georgia, and Americans,
oppressed by the measures and malice of the
British ministry, were ready to rise and cast of!
the yoke of tyrann and colonial bondage.

Petitions and p eas had proven unavailing,
addressed to the stu id and irascihle King
George, and revolt was to follow.

England had seen the gathering of the storm,
and was sending over her ﬂeets and armies, to
be read to force the colonies into subjection
should hey break forth in revolution.

To add to her force upon the seas, the British
naval oﬂlcers were wont to take from on board
American merchant vessels what men they
needed, pressing them into service, and for this
wicked practice, what was known as “Press-
Gangs” went amogg the shipping at anchor in
the ports, and seiz oung sailors upon what—
ever deck they could nd them. .

A large vesselof-war' was at anchor in the
harbor of Boston at that time, and her boats
were kept busy trying to impress all sailors the
could ﬁnd, while a small tender, a schooner wit
two guns and a crew of thirty men, cruised
from time to time about the adjacent ports of
Gloucester, Salem, Portsmouth and other places,
to st seamen for the receiving-ship.

1% British army was then garrisoning Boston,
and much bitterness was shown continually be-
tween soldiers and citizens, and among whom a
cordial hatred existed.

At the time Our story opens a youth was
mndinﬁ “POD a pier, waving his handkerchief
as 8 Signal, to some one on board of a small ves-
:1?“de off and on a few cable-lengths dis-

n . ’ -

She was of the fore and aft style, with high
stern, than much in-use, and some thirty tons
buﬁden' rvi nd tch

ersaiISWerebrowned b as can 'pa -
ed. and she carried a foresaiI, ib mainsall and a
sort oftopsailcalleda“ h 1013” ~-
mr mixer W has “ﬁﬁwtie'tt‘ﬁ”;

' ed 11 ﬂa n a 09]!
mermai skillgilly embroidered-in colors, as

' overth
-. Upon hm of

- 3 . ' - 4 1’ ‘l‘i
 H V  l’nv;‘“/r‘r_f r.

‘1. iiw‘ . I. "d
‘1!  'f'keiih, ‘5};1

.J x 1 13;, ,e’"

(.

esea. ‘
the venehwhich was“ ,

m- .

._ n‘.
rim: ‘

xi

 
e.

 
 ,toﬁnnpopa

The Outlawed Skipper.

3

 
trim build, sharp forward, lean astern, and
showed good points of speed and seaworthy
qualities, were two persons.

One of these sat at the helm. and managed s

the little vessel, as she stood of! and on, with
consummate ease and skill.

Though dressed in a rude sailor garb, it was
evident that he was an Indian, one of the tribe of

the Kennebecs, which have now about wholly ‘

passed from off the earth.

The second individual on board the coaster,
for such the little craft was, was as black as a
well-polished boot and as shiny.

He was dressed in a better sailor suit than was
the Indian, and wore his tarpaulin with a rakish
air that never failed to catch the eye of the
dusky dumsels of his Own race, when he went
ashore for a cruise in Boston town.

They were of about an age, the Indian and
the negro, and Kennebec and Potomac were the
names they were known by, the one after his
tribe, the taking the other appellation from the
river on the banks of which he was born.

The eyes of the two were ﬁxed upon a large
frigate, that was anchored half a mile away,
and which was the receivin -ship for the victims
of the cruel Press-Gang, so hat they did not see
the signal from the shore.

The one who waved the signal was, as I have
said. a young man of perhaps twenty—one years
of age.

He too was dressed as a sailor, and wore his
clothes with a jdunty air that was very attrac-
tive.

Tall, broad-shouldered, small-waisted, he was
perfect in build, his‘ physique being that of an
athlete, combined With grace in pose and move-
ment. ‘

He was darkly bronzed his cheeks being
tinged with the hue of health, and his features
were delicately carved, expressive, and stamped
with intelligence, daring and manliness o a
Iii h order,

is hands and feet were small and sha ly,
his black silk scarf neatly tied in a sailor not
under his broad collar, and a blue silk scarf en-
circled his waist and half bid a knife thrust into
its folds.

Altogether he was one to attract the admira-
tion of a man, and win the love of a woman.

In a graceful way he waved his handkerchief,
which was as white as a woman’s, and, unobser-
vnnt of eyes fastened upon him, stamped his foot
somewhat impatiently as he saw that those on
the lugger failed to see the signal.

. “Ah, my ﬁne fellow, you are just the one I
wish, for it is not often catch as ﬁne a ﬁsh as
you seem to be.”

The young man turned quickly and beheld an
oﬁlcer in the naval uniform of Great Britain,
and with him were three seamen, who had evi-
dently just landed from a boat upon the other
side of the pier.

“ How can I serve you, sir?” asked the youth
politely, touching his tarpaulin in salute.

“By going upon a king’s vessel, my lad, and

_ becoming a foremast hand."

“ No, sir, I have a little coasting craft of
my own, and a mother depending upon my
exertions for a living, and I do not care to be-
come a deep-water sailor,” was the ﬁrm, but
politeresponse.

0“ It matters not what you wish to do, for the
king wants just such ﬁne fellows as you to man
his ships, and I shall take you.

“ Seize him, men l”

The three seamen advancedto obey their 0&—
cer’s bidding. but, instantly, the calm, courteous
manner of the young skip r changed, and he
cried, in a voice that rung ke clashin metal:

“Back, all of you, for I am no save to be
seized and impressed on a kin ’s ship l”

“ Seize him, I say i" yelled e omoer, furious.
l , and the men sprung forward once more, for
they had shrunk bac before the threatening
attitude of the young sailor.

“ Back, I warn you! I will not be taken i”
came the ringing reply.

But the men had their orders and they rushed

, upon him, one to be felled his length n n the
pier, where he lay stunned by the terrl c blow
, iven him on the temple, another to be buried

m the ier into the harbor, and the third to
be seized y the throat, choked an instant, and
then hurled backward with a force that sent
him s rawling.

“ i strike king’s men, do you! I’ll suit

On With my "0rd." shouted the ofﬁcer, draw-

bis blade and rushing upon the young man.

ut, quickl drawing his knife, the youth
parried the t rust, an Bolﬂug the weapon,
with an exhibition of remarkable strength, tore
it from the Briton’s band and mapping the
beautiful blade threw the pleas into the bar-

bca'. .
“ There, Sir Englishman. the sw
would have run me throumithﬂ' "91211 ’3]:
young American skipper, as be tossed the naked
weapon into the harbor.
The British' ofﬁcer was wild with , ma
Win apistol threw it forward to‘ ' fun
k ’3“? a???» '3.“ “” Jim: in?"
c up, u as a cam -
o the law;

10?. ﬂew over the head ed victim.
“ For Llsuumant galloni for shame,
man

 
The words rung with scorn, and the speaker
was a woman.

Unseen by the others a party had landed
from a man-of-war’s boat and had seen all that
had happened.

In the party there were four persons, one a
gentleman of distinguished appearance, dressed

i in civilian attire of that age, and wearing sev-

eral “ orders” upon his breast as tokens of his
king’s appreciation of services rendered.

second person was a gentleman of middle
age, in the uniform of a British naval captain,
and with a stern face by no means prepossess-
ing.

The other two were maidens, and as different
as daylight and darkness, for one was a golden--
haired, blueeyed beauty of seventeen, of the
English type, and the other, a year her senior
was a brunette, with the American stamp of
feature, and equally as lovely as her companion
in both face and form.

They were handsome] y dressed _in boating at-
tire, and had, evidently, just come from a trip
on the water, when the had so opportuner ar-
rived to hear and see w at had occurred.

The one who had so boldly s rung forward
and struck up the pistol of the nglish ofﬁcer,
thus saving the life of the bold young sailor,
was the blonde, and her large blue eyes ﬂashed,
as she turned them upon the English lieutenant,
whom she recognized, while the two seamen the
one who had been stunned by the blow, an the
other who had been choked, now shrunk back,
for they Were again coming to the attack.

“ Lady Lulu, was in the discharge of my
dut , as Captain Delaﬁeld there will tell you,
for have orders to impress all likely young
Americans 'for his Majest ’5 service, and this
one set upon us, and has oubtless cost the life
of the king’s man be hurled over the ier, for
he could not swim.” and the ofﬁcer spo e earn-
estly in his own defense.

But the re 1y came very prom tly:

“ I know t ecruel dutyo the Bress-Ga , sir,
without asking Captain Delaﬁeld; but was
just upon the pier fr om our boat, and heard and
saw all, and I admire that young gentleman for
what he has done, while it is to him that I owe
my life, as I now recognize in him the m s—
terious stranger who rescued me from the kid-
nappers two nights ago, and I wish you, uncle.
to now thank him for his /.noble act,” and she
turned to the gentleman in civilian’s suit, who
said quickly:

“ Indeed, Lulu, and this is the bold fellow,
who slipped off so modestly from our thanks.

“Your hand, young man, and allow me.t0
say how much of gratitude I owe you for sav-
in my niece from those marauding pirates,
w 0 would have carried her off but for you.

“Your name, please?” and the gentleman
still rasped the hand of the youth, whose face
was ushed with embarrassment. ‘

“ﬁrt Brandon, sir,” was the re ly.

“ ell, Master Bert Brandon, am glad to
meet on, and if you will let me know where I
can nd you, I will send you a golden souvenir
of my gratitude.”

The handsome face ﬂushed deeper, and the
e es ﬂashed, while the young man said, haugh-

t 1y:

“Thank you, sir; but I am neither so poor
nor so mean as to take gold for such an act as I
was so fortunate as to render your niece.

“ Ah 1” and the gentleman was somewhat non-
plused at the response, while the Lady Lulu
said. earnestly: * ‘

“ My gratitude, sir, is deeper than thanks or
recompense can pay, I amure you.”

“ Your debt to me, lady, you have fully re-
paid, in just saving my ife, as on did and
now saving me from the Press- ng, so am
your debtor.

“But, here is my lugger standing in, and I
will say farewell."/'

He raised his tarpaulin with courteods grace,
and, as the Indian at the tiller ran the little
lugger near the pier. as though to luff up, he
called out:

“ Keep her under headway, Kenneboc, and I
will jump aboard.”

The Indian nodded, the youth made the spring
upon the deck, and the ugger swept on; the
naval ofﬁcer had lost his rey.

“ He drowned Coxswa n Sheehan, sir, whom
he threw into the water ” said the lieutenant
addressing Captain Dela old, who commanded
the recelv ng—ship at anchor in the harbor. .

“ Then overhaul him with the tender and
carry- him aboard ” whis thecaptain, as
he turned to join the side y gentleman and two
youn ladies. '

“I do it, and that insolent Yankee shall
swing at the yard- in for this day’s work,” do-
clared the angry ofﬁcer as he called ’to his men
to follow him to their boat at the pier stairs.

CHA R III. ’
ran FAIR covsms.
Mn. Rum'r Wyndom was, so to speak, a
“ war in tha‘ land ” of America.
ewasa o .a ntleman ouerespectsd
by his king, sharia he been glan h h rank in
the colonies, bein at the time this opens,
presidentofthek ’soonnciL, ’.' .
His fathe- had n a British general in

 
America, in its early struggles with the Indians
and the French, and the son, after ﬁnishing his
education, had come to the colonies as his aide
and private secretary.

While in America the young secretary had
married the daughter of a wealthy Boston mer-
chant, and thus had become thoroughly identi-
ﬁed with the colonies.

His home on the shores of Boston Harbor was
furnished in a style not surpassed in England.
and was the resort of the oﬁicers of the army
apd navy, as well as of the rich and reﬁned
colonists.

At the time of the opening of this story, Mr.
Wyndom was a man of ﬁfty, of genial manner,
and enjoyed life as it came, while he was the ac-
knowledged leader of the I‘ory element and the
adviser of the British generals and admirals.

For some years he had been a widower, but
his only daughter, Madge, had been most ten-
derly reared and nurtured, and at eighteen was
a brilliant, beautiful girl, the belle of Boston
society.

A few weeks previous to the scenes narrated
in the foregoin chapters, the secretary had re-
ceived a letter rom his brother-in-law, the Earl
of Arleigh, which read as follows:

“Amman CASTLE.
“Mr DEAR Rnrm:— '

“Since your noble sister. in devoted wife, died,
a year and a half ago, I have en wondering what
islhould do with my daughter, the young Lady

ll 11.

" As you know. she is in her seventeenth year,
very beautiful—if a father does say so—and re-
markably matured and advanced for her ears.

” In fact, she has already suitors by t e score,
and, tho h 1 do not believe her heart has been
hurt yet i new is a young scapegrace that seems de-
term nod to win her from me.

“He was well born, and had high prospects be-
fore hlm in life; but, naturally bad. it seems, he
went wrong. became dissipated, gambled away his
patrimony and at last was discovered in some very
questionabe work aboard his ship—for he was a
naval ofﬁcer—to raise money.

“ He was promptly dismissed. and rumors have it
that he has gone utterly tn the bad.

“ So I wish to have a change for Lulu. and, though
I have her under the best govarnesses and tutors, I
am not suited to the raising of a young lady. and I
know that you are.

“ So 1 send her to you, knewing you will be as a
father to her, and your lovely daughter as a sisterto

her.

" She will leave with Admiral Shuldam, who has
kindly consented to take her under his charge. as he
sails for America in two weeks. sent out by the
kink to command the BritiSh ﬂeet in the northern
waters of the American colony.

" The Lady L , u will bring with her some souve-
nirs for you an dear Madge. and ample exchange
notes for all money she may need.

"She is anxious to go to America, and I think if
she has been heart-hurt by that t{oung wretch,
Ravel. she will soon get over it wi you and her
sweet cousin; but, should she rovea worry to you,
or grow homesick, do not heal to let her return
to me at once.

"From the mutterings heard u n all sides, I do
fear we are to have war with! a American colo-
nies; but the king’s gallant tars and soldiers will
soon crush out rebellion.

“With love to Madge, and best wishes for your
health and ha ness,

“ ectionatel , your brother.
“ upon or Autumn.“

Nothing could have given the secretary and
Madge more pleasure than did this letter.'and
preparations were at once begun to receive the
young English girl.

Castle Wyndom, as the home of the secretary
was generally called by all, on account of its
turrets and great size, was, as I have said, most
delightful) situated, within pleasant walking
distance 0 Boston, and upon the harbor shores.

There were some half-score acres about'it, a
pine-wood park in the front on the highway,
and a lawn and ornamental grounds on the wa-
ter front.

Spacious halls, substantial wings, a large din-
ing—hall, a breakfast-room, libraig), vast parlors
and a sitting-room were upon e ﬁrst ﬂoor,
with delightful bed chambers on the second.

The larger tower at the north end was used as
a cupola. and, handsome] furnished as a sittin -
room, was a most delig tful resort, while
view from there was simply”?i .

The southern wi coat: a suite of rooms,
which Madge clai ed as her own, and these
were overhauled and made most luxurious and
cozy for the Lady Lulu to share them with her,
for_ there were two handsome bedchamberv, a
sitting-room opening upon a balcony overhang-
ing the flower rdens, and another overlookii:
the harbor. w ile a fourth room was wha
Madge called her “ studio,” it being where she
painted, embroidered and studied her lemon
and music, for she was still under the careof
able tutors, who drove outdaily from Boston to

instruct her. ,

A noble-hearted, im nlsive 1. beautiful and
fascinating, and her ther ovin , genial and
kind, there was little oubt but at the Indy

{lulu would he must happy there in her new

cine.
And.as the time drewnearwhen Admiral
Bhuldam’s nest should be

Mad wu .
wonttospendmuchtimelnthecupolalogng “

For-the lanoeofasi-ﬂ.
Spreadgnthedistant

sea. . - ‘
Atlssttheﬁsstwassiglrtsdnndaﬁsstv“

,.

z

‘z.

 
' dar ness coming on the three was

4

The Outlawed Skipper.

 
held in readiness, sailed out to meet the voy-
agers, the secretary and Madge on board.

The ﬂag-ship was signaled, and the little
schooner ran near her, hailed, and Mr. Wyndom
and his daughter were invited on board.

The bluff old admiral welcomed them heartily,
for he had known the secretary in England: but
great was their disappointment to learn that the

set had been ordered off several days sooner
than it was expected it would sail, and without
delay. and hence the Lady Lulu was not on
board.

“But she’ll be right along in our wake, 'Wyn-
dom, for my ﬂeet dispatch brig remained to
wait for later orders, and I sent a messenger to
the earl, telling him to put the Lad Lulu under
Lieutenant Neal Nelson 3 care, for e is coming
out to take command of a vessel here, and is a
handsome, dashing fellow, and they’ll be in love
with each other before they get half-way across
the sea.”

It was a little disappointment toMadge but
she could only await the coming of the brig,
which the admiral told her was about the ﬂeet—
cst craft in the British Navy, adding: '

“ She will enjoy her voyage far more,
Miss Wyndom, as there are a number of ladies
on board, the wives of army ofﬁcers stationed
in the colonies, and they’ll be a jolly party.”

Returning home, Madge went at once to the
cupola, and hardly had she leveled her werful

lass out upon the sea, when she call to her
ather, who was seated in an easy-chair in the
yard below.

“ Father, the admiral said the dispatch vessel
was a brig, with very tall masts, and an outﬁt
of new canvas, did he not?”

“ Yes, my child.”

“ She is in sight, and from a direction I had
not looked for her. Yes, and there is a schooner
astern of her! 0h. fatherl the schooner is
chasing the brig! Hark !”

Across the waters came the deep boom of a
gun, and the secretary at once hastened to the

cupola.

“ It is without doubt the dispatch brig
Madge, and she is crowding along underf i
sail, while that schooner is n chase, and must
be a Frenchman or a pirate. I will at once
drive to town and inform the admiral.”

The secretary hastened away, and soon after
Madge saw the carriage roll rapidly along the
hiwwa to the town.

atc ing the vessels, she saw that both were
under all the canvas they could carry, and the
brig was ﬁring from her stern guns, while the
schooner kept up a steady ﬁre from her how

.chasers.

The schooner was very fast, and seemed to be
gaining a triﬂe upon the hrlif, yet very little,
and unless the latter was c pied by a shot,
there was every prospect that s e would escape.

In a little while after, Madge saw a stir in the
harbor, and soon after a schooner shot away
from her anchorage, oing seaward.

'ill‘hen a light brig-o -war, and next a sloop set

a O

“ Father has done good work indeed. for there
goes even the receiving ship,” cried Madge.

Her position gave her a swee of the entire
bay, and she soon saw that the ri was safe,
than h the schooner in chase still fol owed her.

“ h, he sees the little schooner coming out to
ﬁght him, and at he holds on.

“ He is a be] fellow indeed, for he must see
all of the vessels new,” and Madge wondered at
the daring of the former, which still held on in
chase of the brig.

Finding at last that he dare not venture in
ran e of the frigate’s broadside. he luifed sharp
as t on b to go about.

But ustantly he sent a broadside after the
brig. and Madge uttered a cry of alarm as she
saw its topmast shot away.

Then thd daring ursuer sent a broadside at
the little armed so ooner. that was boldly run-
ningnctuhtatitéhthgo leadﬂof all, and so well 1ﬁlmed
was e we . was cut awa as d
distinct] saw. p y. ‘0

But t e sloop and frigate were now under
clouds of canvas, sweeping down undera
good breere. seemed to move at a speed hat the

nor felt it wise not to test at too oi range,
or “be great about angtstoodhsiilaamrdi
e wasnow e,w e e teand
sloo stood seaward in chase of her urgder, and
soon after
disappeared from v ew. r
dﬂAn hon; afteri heardd wheels upon the
ve, an runs as oor found her cousin
had arriVed. -

The warm greeting of the En lish rl made
her feel at once at home, and du ng grip r she
told how the brig had been chased if} the
schooner from the very day they left the English
channel.

‘j 0h Madge! you have no idea the anxiety
we all sit, for it soon became known, in spiteof‘
all the eﬂorts of the ofﬁcers to deceive us, that
our ursuer was a pirate.

“ n vain did we try to throw him off our
track, for he hu there day and night, and in
light weather an storm.

‘ The brig is very fast, and her oﬂcers were
surprised to see her so closely held bﬁ another
vessel, slid we kept under full sell all t s time.

 
“ One night we had a calm, and the schooner
was a league from us.

“ I heard Lieutenant Neal Nelson, who is a
ﬁne sailor and very pleasant gentleman, and
acted as ﬁrst lieutenant coming over, for he is
to have a commission here, I heard him tell the
captain that the pirate would doubtless attempt
to board in his boats.

“ So all the crew were armed and slept on
deck, while the passengers, and there were a
dozen of us, were ordered to remain in the cabin
and our state—rooms.

“ Sure enough, just before dawn I was
awakened by Lieutenant Nelson’s voice shout-
ing out:

. ‘ ‘ Kee off, or I ﬁre into you 1’

“ Deris ve laughter came from out on the

calm waters, and then follmved the order to

fire.

“ Oh! it was terrible! but the boats were
beaten back, for though the crew of the dis-

atch brig numbered but forty men, we had on

rd some twent officers of the army, a dozen
men-servants, an a marine guard w ich made
our form superior to that of the sc ooner.

“ So they were beaten off, and a breeze spring-
ing up, we came on our way; but there hung
the schooner as before, right in our wake, thou h
the vessels sailed with such equality of speed s e
could not gain 11 n us.

“ As we nea port, she pressed as ver hard,
and they had rigged and sent 11 some rivin
sails, for we were before the win , which can
her to creep up nearer.

“ As they saw that we must escape her, they
viciously opened ﬁre, and we could only reply
with our light stern guns.

“ Lieutenant Nelson told the captain that but
for the precious freight he carried—”

“ Meaning you, of course, Lulu,” said the sec.
retarv slyly.

“ Yes, uncle, and the other ladies—he would
risk a ﬁght with the pirate; but they had to run
as it was, and yet they cost us a number of good
men, to in the attack in the calm a dozen fell,
while the schooner’s ﬁre this afternoon brought
several brave fellows to the deck.

“ But here I am, and I am so hap y to be
with you all, I assure zou, and I shall 00k upon
this as my real home.

“ Do so, Lulu, and you will make both Madge
and myself most happy,” was the earnest re-
sponse of the secretary, and so the English girl’s
entrance to her American home was a most
joyous one indeed.

CHAPTER IV.
RUNNING a GANTLET.

HAVING made my reader acquainted. in part,
with some of the characters of my. romance,
who are introduced in the ﬁrst and second chap-
ters, I will now return to the darin young
skipper who so boldly resented the attac of the
Press-Gang to make him a prisoner. and whose
life would have been the forfeit, but for the
timely act of Lady Lulu.

The ofﬁcer who had led the attack upon Bert
Brandon, was Lieutenant Neal Nelson, who had
come over in the dispatch brig with Lady Lulu.

He was a handsome man, the younger son of
a nobleman, had proven himself a thorough sea-
man, and was winning his way up rapidly.

After his arrival in rt he had been placed
in command of the 'icious, a trim little
schooner of sixty tons, and a crew of forty men.

She carried two guns, pivots, fore and aft, and
was a vary fast sailor.

For ofﬁcers Lieutenant Nelson had a junior
1qu and four midshipmen, and, as the duty of
impremment kept him in port, where he could
see Lady Lulu, with whom he had fallen (les-
Rerately in love, he was more than happy, for

e believed he could win her.

Handsome of fascinating address, and rich,
he was greatly courted and admired, while he
was considered a good “ catch ” among old
(ti‘olwagers with daughters to trade off for gold or

t e. .

The large frigate, which was the receiving-
ship, was made the ﬂagship of Admiral Shul-
dam, while the cruisers of his ﬂeet were sent off
along the coast, cruising on various missions.

A sloop-of-war then n port, under command
of Captain Delaﬂeld, .a particular friend of
Secretary Wyndom, was then made the re-
cipient of the impressed men, and as seamen
for the British Navy were very much needed
just then, and volunteers in American waters
were Very scarce, the Press-Gangs were set to
work continually, and the ski pars of vessels
were constantly on the wato to save their
crews. -

Owning his own vessel,and with but the Indian
and the negro as a crew, it w s not to be won-
dared at that Bert Brandon rzsented the idea of
being made a seamau on a British vessel-of-
war.

Educated as he was, reﬁned in manner, he re-
belled at the thought of being forced to go be-
fore the mast and do the drudge work of a gun
hand on board ship, when he felt himself com—
petent to command a vessel.

So he had fearlessly resisted the cruel conduct
of Lieutenant Nelson toward him, and the result
the reader has seen.

The day that the affair occurred, the score-

 
tary, with Lady Lulu and Madge, had been to

dine on the sloop-of-war with Captain Delaﬁeld,
who was to escort them home and remain to
tea, and they had just landed on the water
stairs}, when they saw and beheld what had hap—
pene .

Instantly, as she saw his face, Lady Lulu
had recognized her rescuer from Ravel a few
weeks before, and which kidnapping scheme
had occurred button days after her arrivalin
America.

She had only seen her preserver in the dark,
but even then she had said, as he left her with—
out giving his name, that she would remember
him if she saw him again.

Within a month she a ain met him. and she
did recognize him at a ance, and sprung for-
ward and struck up Neaﬁ Nels )n’s pistol just in
time to save his life.

As the young skipper departed so uickly, she
had had no opportunity to talk wit him; but
she had seen that he was a man of distinguished
ap arance, even though he wore the garb of a
sai or, and his manners were courteous and even
elegant. _ . '

Madge was also struck wtth his ﬁne looks and
gentlemanly air, while both could not but ad-
mire his courage and the manner in which, he
had handled Lieutenant Nelson and the sailors.

“Ido not wonder that on remember that
face, Lulu,” whispered adge Wyndom, as
they walked toward their carriage in waiting,
not dreaming that Captain Delaﬂeld meant yet.
to seize the young skip er.

Arriving at home ulu hastened ug to the
cupola, and thither Madge followed er, for
they wished to see the little logger run out of
the harbor, as they began to feel a dread. from
words spoken on the way out, that she plight
be pursued, as the receiving-ship was bringing
to all vessels bound and in out to throw a Press-
Gan on board and search for seamen to seize.

“ t is positive] necessary, young ladies, and

there are hundr s of these able-bodied young
Americans, who are perfect seamen, and mi ht.
as well serve his Majesty as run on a misera le
coalster from port to port,” the captain had
sa .
Upon reaching the cupola, the maidens saw
the admiral’s frigate anchored about two miles
below what was at that time Boston town, and
southwest from Governor’s Island, from which
it was about half a mile distant. '

The ﬂagship rode at a single anchor, her re a!
yards across, and her three to ails were brai ed
uprdand hanging in gracefu folds from the

a s.

y She wasatrim craft, snug alow and aloft,
and a vessel to gladden a sailor’s eye.

The in ger was seen now running out from-
among t e shipping, and standing out cf! the
harbor, heading so as to give as Wide a beth as:
possible to the ﬂagship, t e sloop-of-warand the
schooner, which was the tender of the latter
vessel in the Press-Gang service, and both of
which lay at anchor in such positions as to com—
mand the harbor entrances.

“ See! the lug er is heading as though to run
out by Shirley ut. as she fears to attempt to
try the ntlet of the frigate in the main chan-
nel,” said Madge. she knew pretty well the
various channels out of the harbor.

“There is the reason, Madge,” and Lady
Lulu pointed to two boats that had suddenly
put out from the sloo of-war, or station-ship,
as though to head off i e logger.

“Yes, the sun glances on the weapons of
armed men, and they are boats from the sta-
tion-sbip; but I fear there is not water enough
for him in Shirley Gut and he will be taken,”
Madge said, anxiously.

“Oh, how cruel for England to thus treat
these poor Americans, Madge,” and Lady Lu-
lu’s eyes ﬂashed indignantly.

“ I am glad, Lulu, that you see things as I
do, for England does override this land With
iron heel; but father, of course, is not in sym-
pathy with the Americans, and no one of our
set other than I, can see that the king does
wrong in his acts toward these noble, free—
hearted people.”

“I have sit for them, Madge, ever “nee 1
have heard of their bravery and listened to
stories of what was done here.

“ I do hcpe they Will not capture the logger,”
and Mad e answered finickly 1

“Not ff that handsome rescuer of yours can
help it, for see, he disobeys all their signals to
come to.”

“ I glory in his courage; but will they not ﬁre
on him and sink him rom the frigate, sloop or
schooner?”

“ From here it looks so, Lulu: but the course
he is taking is to avoid the ﬁre from the ves»
sale by keeping the islands between, though he
will have to run the gantlet of the boats.”

“ And see. the m ate is sending, out her
hosts. as is also the sc ooner Vicious.

, “ Then Lieutenant Nelson has had orders si ,-
naled from the frigate to do so, or he woud
hardly attempt the capture of the young sailor.
after you gave him our protection. as it were."

“ Or he may not ave gone on board, and his
junior ofﬁcer may have sent the boats.”

And so the maidens discussed the subject,
while the daring young skipper held on his way,

 
l

 
‘ FarmingK the lugger after he
s i

The Outlawed Skipper.

5

 
though ﬁve men-of-war boats Were striving to
head him off and capture him, the courses for
them to steer being signaled from Copp’s Hill,
where there was a signal-station.

Then the two maidens turned their glances
upon the lugger, which was skipping along un-
der a six-knot breeze, and holding on well
through the way her young skipper had chosen
to run out.

“ He is at the helm, Madge,” said Lulu, and
she added: .

“ He stands up and steers with the tiller
against his thigh, while he holds a glass and
turns it upon the vessels and the boats.” .

“ Yes, and a tall negro is forward throwmg
the lead, for they well know how little water
they have through that way, and that if they
tohch they are gone.

“ Few vessels of her size dare attem t to make
that run by the Apple Island Channe ”

“ There is a man on deck, with a bucket on a
pole, throwing water upon the sails. Madge, for
they know to avoid being headed off, they must
keep the lugger at her utmost speed in this
wind.”

“Yes, and she slips along swiftly too, does
she not?” _

Drawing five feet as she did the lugger had
to keep the channel very closely, and it ave
her by no means much water under her eel,
and this Madge knew, for she was very fond of
sailing and many a time had she gone over the
entire bay.

As the armed boats had headed, four of them
were in a fair wa to cut her off as she ran out
of Shirley Gut, w ile the others, following her
through the channel, had her in a very close
place, as the reader can well ima ine.

“ I fear that large barge wil capture him,
Lulu, after he gets around the island, for it has
pulled across the South Shoal.”

“ Can he not run his vessel ashore and es-
ca l” asked Lady Lulu anxiously.

‘ Yes, be con d have put away and run
ashom on Chelsea Point; but, I think he is one
to stick to his ship.”

“ The four boats crossing the shoal will
surely head him off, and they carry fully fifty
men, so there is no hope for him and he must
know it.”

“ He cannot see them from his position. Lulu,
but knows’, from having seen them start, the
Course they took, and is on the watch for them
-—ohl the man who was throwing water on the
sails is taking the helm now.”

“Then the brave fellow has given it up and
means to surrender-no! he is gomg up into the
rigging.” .

As the maiden spoke the young skipper was
seen to ascend the rigging, and from his elevated
point looked around the horizon. _

They saw him motion to the man at the helm,
and the lugger chan ed her course somewhat,
while the one forwar ceased casting the lead.

Just then the secretary and Captain Delaﬁeld
came up into the cupola, having seen from their
seat on the piazza that there was some excite-
ment going on upon the waters.

,“Well, young ladies, what are you gazing at
so intently?” the captain asked, though, having
ordered Lieutenant Nelson to pursue the young
skipper he well knew what was going on,
though he had not even hinted to his host.

“ We are watching that hold young ski per
defy the efforts of your boats to capture im,
Captain Delaﬂeld, and, as you admire pluck

lease take my glass and see for yourself,” an
adge handed her glass to the officer while
Lulu ave hers to her uncle, with the remark:

“ ncle, if you care for me you must not let
that young man be put on board the station-
ship as a common sailor, for he saved me from
death."

“ We will do all we can for him, Lulu, after
what he did for you— Oh! helnffsu tosur-
render, for he sees the beats have hea ed him
off, and there is no chance for him to escape."

“ No, no! he has not surrendered, but at
back toward the town,” cried Madge, exci ly
as the lugger was seen to put about and hea
back on the course she had come. ‘

CHAPTER V.
ran YANKEE smrna’s PLUCK.

“ Ir he can get back to an anchorage, young
ladies, he will be safe fromimpressment, as the
law does not allow us to impress a man upon a
moving vessel," said Captain Delnﬂeld, as he
saw that the lugger was heading back foran
.anchora e in front of the town.

“But 6 has the barge In Shirley’s Gut to
pass, and in that narrow channel he can never
do it, for he has no water of depth enough to
sheer oil.’ in,” the secretary remarked,

“Then he will be taken?” anxiously asked
Lidwmialu'td bt r I recognize a: ‘

‘ itou on ,or ch: as
being from the Vicious, and ieutenant £130..
is not a man to be thwarted.”

“ Yet, Captain Delaﬂeld, did he act right in
knew that- the
youn p r had saved Lady Lulu’s life, and
{an ai owed him to go thee?” asked Madge

ndom.
'gnaled to do so, evidently, Min;

 
i ‘ He was
Wyndom, an could only obey orders.

/

 
“ Having started to capture the lugger. he
did his best, and she, having avoided the four
boats that were heading her off, is either going
back to surrender, or attempt to reach an an-
chorage.”

L “1 And I hope he can do' both,” said Lady

u u.

“ He deserves it, for the plucky way he has
run the gantlet, and he may dodge by Nelson,
ghough the chances are a hundred to one against

ini.‘

“ He cannot do it, captain, as he will meet the
barge in the very narrowest part of the chan-
nel,” said the secretary.

“ Then he is doomed.”

“ \Vill he surrender?” asked Lady Lulu.

“He must, for Nelson has over a dozen men
with him, as you see.”

“‘ And but three on the lugger, so it would be
madness to resist,” Madge said.

“ No man would dare resist a king’s oﬂicer,
Miss Madge,” the captain dryly remarked.

“ Well, that young skipper resisted a king’s
ofﬁcer a little over an hour ago, and did it well,
too,” Lady Lulu responded.

“ Yes, and broke poor Nelson’s sword and
tossed it into the sea, which will be a fearful
blow to the lieutenant, as that weapon was a
present from the king for services he had ren-
dered.”

“ He should have honored it too big
(Iii-1w it upon an unarmed man,” sai

u u. 4

“ We have no sympathy here Delaiield, for it
is all with he youn Yankee skipper,” the sec-
retaﬁy rem rked wi h a laugh.

“ gadi that’s so. Mr. Wyndom, and— Bless
me! I believe that fellow intends to run down a
king’s boatl”

A 1 eyes were now turned upon the lugger and
the barge.

The former was driving gallantly along,
making ei ht knots out of a seven-knot breeze,
and was c oser following the narrow channel
where there was water enough for her if her
helmsman made no mistake.

Ahead of her, directly across her bows, was
the large ba 8, half of the men resting upon
their cars, an the others having seized their
pistols and cutlasses prepared to throw them-
selves aboard.

Astern of the in ger were the other four boats,
a long way off, bu pressin toward the scene to
be in at the capture if possi le.

It was a thrilling moment, and the four per-
sons in the cupola regarded the situation with
feelings of mingled hope, dread and foreboding.

The daring gantlet run by the oung skipper
had now attracted attention all a ong the shore
and upon the various vessels, and one and all
were watching the result with breathless inter-
est, the Americans lying their sym thy to
the bold Yankee at t e be m, and the ritish to
their comrades in the boats.

Nearer and nearer the lugger approached the
boat, and the naval ofﬁcer in the cupola said in
an excited tone: ,

“ If he strikes that barge he puts his head into
a n .
Lady Lulu and Madge were new white with
anxiety.

They could see now without the aid of the
glasses, and in breathless silence all awaited. ‘

“ God grant he be not so reckless as to strike
the barge,” said the secre . .

1i“? should get out of h way,” Madge re-

e .

“ The skipper holds the helm and his two men
are not now in sight,” said Lady Lulu.

“ Nelson is hailing him! see! he waves his
sword, but that wild devil holds on—no, he
veers, and will attempt to go by—see! the cars
fall in the Water to lay the barge alongside—
Great 1 he has run her down !"

The rapid words of Captain Delaﬂeld in the
thrilling instant before the crash but told what
all saw.

The lugger had run down the barge.

The crew of the barge had ﬁred on the lugger,
and the reports of their pistols had come to the
ears of the onlookers.

But Bert Brandon had swerved slightly, to
see if he could go b , and discoverin that he
could not, had hroug t his bows directfy against
the quarter of the barge. ’

The side was stove in, the stern was forced
under water, and the lugger swept by, leaving
destruction in her wake. I

“.Bravol sec, Nelson has leaped upon the bow-
sprit and sprung u n the deck, while his men
who attempted to ollow him have been hurled
back into the water—ha! the oung skipper
gives the negro the tiller and ashes into the
cabin—by Heaven! but he returns with a blade
and dashes upon Nelson.

“Now the voung Yankee ski per has met his
match, for Neal Nelson is the best swordsman
in the British ,Navy—whatl Nelson disarmed,
ay, and a prisoner! can I believe my own
eyes?" and Captain Delaﬂeld rubbed them as
t ough he was surely mistaken.

“ No, sir, there is no mistake, for the best
swordsman in the British Navy has been dis-
armed by a Yankee skipper,” cried Madge, and
there was real glee in her tones.

hly to
Lady

 
“ Yes, and he has taken the helm once more,

while his men are IOWering the yawl at the
stern davits—seei the set it adrift, what is
that for i” cried Lady ulu.

“Young lady, that is a noble act, for the
young skipper is as generous as he is brave, and
has set his yawl adrift to save the men he ran
down.

“Observe how they swim to it, some helping
others who do not swim well, or were hurt.

“ Mr. W'yndom, I admire that Yankee, sir,
and I cannot help it,” said Captain Delaﬁeld.

“ He is deserving of our admiration, Delaﬁeld,
and I am lad to see the men reaching the yaw],
and all wiIl be picked up before the other boats
come up, while, but for the act of the young
sailor half would have been drowned; but what
will he do now?” and the secretary continued to
gaze with deeper interest upon the ﬂying ing-

or.
g “ Run for an anchorage as quickly as he can,”
said Madge.

“ It will do him no good, new that he has run
downs. king’s boat, my child,” said the secre-

tar .

“yHe will then run to Chelsea Point and
beach his vessel, escaping with his crew to the
shore, well knowing that the villagers will hide
them from king’s ofﬁcers,” Captain Delafield
remarked.

“ Yes, that is his only chance, and he knows
it,” Mr. Wyndom said.

“ Lieutenant Nelson is taking his captivity
coolly, for he stands with folded arms near the
skip r,” Madge remarked.

‘ ﬁeis presence will revent the lugger from
being ﬁred on, should e run in range of the fire
of any of our vessels.

“See! other boats are utting 03 from the
frigate, and that Yankee as run himself into a
hornets’ nest,” and Captain Delaﬂeld laughed
lightly.

“ So far the hornets have had the sting taken
out of them,” Lulu responded saucily.

“ I’m getting stung now, and by a butterﬂy,"
the captain responded gallantly, while the sec-
retary laughingly remarked:

“ A butte ﬂy with a sting, is like a rose with
a thorn, Deiafield, but let us watch that hold
mariner.”

The position of the Mermaid was now critical
in the extreme, although she had left her pur-
suers far astern, and had run one boat down.

Birds’ Island lay upon her starboard quarter,
and to the south pulling toward her was a barge
full of red-coated soldiers, who had joined in t a
chase, having come from Long Wharf.

Beyond the barge was the frigate, from whose
side other boats had just left to add their
strength to the chase after the bold fugitive.

At the main royal mast-head signals were ﬂy—
ing, and they were being answered from the
signal station on Copp’s Hill, from whence a
perfect view was obtainable by the oﬂicer there
of all going on.

The towh lay now ahead of the Mermaid, as she
was pointing, with groups of vessels anchored
of! the wharves, whi e towering above all was
the monument on Beacon Hill.

The water about the In rgar was very shoal
and a loss of nerve wou ground her and
end all, as the lockers-0n well understood, and
not one who beheld her, from those in the
cupola of W ndom Castle, and the signal ofﬁcer
on Copp’s ill, to the pursuers, the peeple
crowding the shores and wharves and seamen
on the vessels-ofowar could see the shadow of a
(fihance for Bert Brandon to escape from his

oes. -

 
CHAPTER VI.
rm: FUGITIVE “mum.

BEMIN Birds’ Island what is now known as
East Boston, a shoal stretched well out from the
land, and within it were the waters of the har-
bor proper, and where a vessel ﬂeeing from a.
Press-Gang boat could dro anchor and come
pltlir‘ler the protection of the ritish law then ex-
is n .

Thgis shoal the lugger had just cleared, the
wind steadil increasmg, as though to lend aid
to so much aring, and sendingher along at a
sla ping pace which surprised all who saw her.

at t e lugger had good ints for sailing and

stanchness, too, and s well up under the
pressure of the wind, while she certainly showed
that she was a sea dyer, far beyond what ves»
sels of her class were expected to do.

“ Father, do you thin she will be captured?“
asked Madge, earnestly. .

“ It cannot be possible otherwise, my child,"
replied the secretary. '

“ Is there not a shadow of a chance, sir?"
Lady Lulu asked, plaintively.

“ He might, for he seems the man to do it,
tack ship and run down the harbor, risking the
ﬁre of the frigate, my vessel, the schooner, and
the castle; but if he escaped the vessels’ ﬁre for
they would have to be cautious ﬁring in the hare
bor, I think the guns of the castle would blow
him out of the water,” Captain Delaﬂeld said.

“ Yes, he is now in the harbor, so can only
come to anchor and let the boats heard him,"
added the secretary.

“ He is running for the wharves. sir,” aid
Madge. as she saw that the Mermaid m
stretching directlyacroas the harbor.

v—ai syn-

 
6

The Outlawed Skipper.

 
The wind had shifted more to the northward,
and the lugger was braced up sharp and headed
toward Faneuil Hall, as though it were a beacon
light to steer by, while the barge of soldiers was
not very far off and the nearest of her enemies

bel‘.

“ What does that mean?” suddenly cried the
captain, as he beheld the negro and Indian
spring forward and quickly ease off her jib, fore
and mainsheets, and the bow sweep around un-
til the wind was brought dead astern.

“ She is going to lay to and surrender, and I
am glad the agony is over,” replied the secre-
tary.

“ I thought him too good a seaman to blunder
thus in bringing a vessel to anchor,” and Cap—
tain Delaﬁeld looke.l disgusted.

“ He has made no mistake, captain, for that
dOes not look like anchoring,” cried Madge, as
she saw the Mermaid heading dead north, and
ﬂying along like a bird.

“Neptune’s ghost! he is going to beach his
craft on Charlestown shore and not surrender
after all,” and both Lady Lulu and Madge
laughed at the surprise of the naval ofﬁcer, and
the renewed boldness of the Yankee skipper
ﬁlled them with delight, for after all there was
a chance for him to escape, though he must lose
his vessel necessarily.

“ That fellow deserves an epaulet from the
king’s own hand,” said Captain Delaﬁeld, as he
saw the Mermaid now leaving the boats and all
her foes far astern, just when her capture
seemed assured.

“ Bravo!" cried the maidens together, and
then all watched what move Bert Brandon
would take next.

The Mermaid was now surely destined to de-
struction, it was said, whatever her crew might
have befall them, as torun her ashore seemed
the only chance.

But the nader must know that the Charles
River ﬂows into Boston Harbor between the
town of Charlestown and. the peninsula on
which the city stands, and a hundred years ago
the stream was not a network of bridges as
now, while it was navigable for light—draught
Vessels for perhaps half a down miles inland.

This the young skipper knew, and though it
seemed like running one’s head into the lion’s
month, he caused an exclamation to go up from
thousands of throats, as the vessel’s course
changed quickly, the mainsail was thrown to
starboard, and. wing-and-wing, the lugger
headed into the Charles River. .

“ By the Lord Harry! but that young man is
a daring one,” cried the secretary with admira-
tion, as he beheld the maneuver.

“ And as skillful as he is brave!

“See, the breeze is fair for him to run up
into Back Bay, ascend the river with the wind
abeam, and be miles inland when dark over-
takes him, so that he can 'readily escape.”

‘3 The barges still pursue him,” Lady Lulu re-
marked.

“ Yes; they dare not give up the chase until
dark, and are now being ridiculed, I’ll wager,
by the people ashore and on the wharves.”

“There go some soldiers at a double-quick,
and they will doubtless end tile matter now by
picking off the crew,” and Captain Delaﬁeld
seemed to feel that after all the end had come
for the lugger’s fearless captain.

“ Will not the young man place his prisoner
asa shield to prevent their ﬁring?” asked the

tar .

“Oueywould think so: but he does not, for
see. he 'has not moved his position. though he
waved his hand to his men, and they at once
drop (1 upon the decks, while Nelson still has
not con placed as a shield certainly, Captain
Delaﬂeid said. °

“ They are going to ﬁre!” breathlesst said

Lady Lulu.

“ Ah! Nelson has checked them, for see, he
signals .the commander of the sol iers, who
on utes, and orders his men to bring heir mus-
kets to a carry,” and all in the cupola watched
the ﬂying lugger until a bend in the river shut
her out from their view.

Then Captain Delaﬁeld said, bluntly:

“ Ladies, your Yankee hero has escaped, and
if I can but capture him, I’ll place an epaulet
upon his shoulder, for bolder work than he has
done this day I never saw, and be well deserves

mccess for his skill and iron nerve.”

With glad hearts the. two cousins clapped
their hands, while the secretary added:

“ Yes, Delaﬂeld, that young skipper deserves
t commission in the ing’s service, and he
shall have it, even though he did throw one of
his Majesty’s sailors of! the wharf, and run
down a barge.” '

“Surely, you would look upon a man asa
coward who dld not defend himself, Captain
Delafieldi” ,

, “ E ad, I would, Lady Lulu: but then orders
bust e obeyed, and when the king wants men,
they must submit."

“ But I never saw a youth show such pluck
and seamanlike qualities as he has shown this

con, and am half sorryl was not in Nel-
non’s place to witness all from the lugger’s deck.”

“I only hope he'will not harm Lieutenant
Kellogg; laid the secretary, “ for should he do
no, I f we cannot save him.”

. , , .

  
:followod by the mental “God speed you, bravo

 
“He’ll treat him all right, for if he had
meant to harm him, he would have done so in
the heat of anger, when he disarmed him.

“But I do not understand how a Yankee
skipper could handle a vessel as he did, and
especially disarm Neal Nelson, whom I have
often fenced with, and always to my defeat,
and I am considered a good band with a blade,”
and the handsome captain of forty-five smiled
with benign self-satisfaction at his own accom-
plishments, which certainly were of no mean
order, as he was a Splclldld seamau, and noted
as a brave and gallant ofﬁcer, who once, when a
midshipman, found himself in command of a
small brig, in action with a large French vessel,
and, instead of striking his colors, after the
death of his three superior ofﬁcers, had fought
until his craft went down with her colors ﬂying,
when he was picked up b his foe.

Taken to prison, he he made his escape and
cut out, with the aid of his crew, whom he had
helsped out, too, a ﬁne French merchantman.

o the captain justly felt pride in himself,
while a ﬁne-looking man, holdinga high rank,
a bachelor with a good income, he was greatly
courted in colonial society.

When night fell upon the scene, the party ad-
journed from the cupola to the library, and tea
was soon after served. ‘

As, at a late hour the captain arose to de-
part, the deep boom of a heavy gun fell upon
their ears and all started, for what could it
mean.

“ That gun is from my vessel,” cried the cap—
tain, and a moment after he had stepped into
the carriage and was being driven rapidly to
the town, while the secretary and the two
maidens once more sought the cupola as a point
of lookout.

 
CHAPTER VII.

A CAPTIVE.

LET us now make a visit to the deck of the
bold lugger, which‘had so gallantly run a deadly
gamlet, and present to the reader her young
ski per and crew for a better acquaintance.

rt Brandon was the owner of the little ves-
sel, and her captain, and the Indian and the
negro comprised his crew.

A coaster between the Kennebec, Portland,
Portsmouth or Boston, as the trade carried her,
she was of a better class of vessel than was
usually seen in this work, and on this account
often carried passengers to and fro.

The indian, Kennebec, was a perfect sailor,
did his work Without an order, and seemed de-
voted to his young skipper.

He was a man of ﬁne physique, as strongas
a lion, while his movements were as quick as a
cat.

The negro was also pessessed of a sturd
frame, had been a sailor from boyhood, an ,
stolen from his home on the Potomac by a
British cruiser, had escaped one day in Port-
land and been befriended by Bert Brandon, to
whom he clung afterward as his master.

He was as good a cook as he was a sailor, and
the fare on the Mermaid was pronounced ﬁrst-
class by those who had tried it.

The vessel itself had a roomy cabin, very neat
throughout, and all about her was kept as ship-
sh%pe as on board a man-of-wsr.

pon springing on board, from the pier, Bert
Brzndon had at once taken the helm, while he
sai :

“ I am sorry you did not see my signal sooner,
lads, for it might have prevented trouble; but I
suppose it had to come.”

“ We was watchin’ them Press-Gang boats,
Massa Bert, for day seen us stan’in’ oﬁ’ an’ on,
an’ were jist layin’ fer us ter run out, and dis
Virginny nigger kn0ws jist what it am ter be a
sailor on board dem craft, and me and Kenne-
bec were consideriu’ of you c’u’dn’t run out
thi'Ough Shirley Gut and give ’em de slip.”

This long explanation was satisfactory, as to
why the signal had not been seen, and Bert
Brendon responded:

” It’s all right, Potomac, and we will try the
Shirley Gut, though I never heard of but one
vessel of this size running through that way,
and that was a harbor pirate some years ag0'
but 1 have often sailed through in a small
boat.”

“ Golly, Massa Bert, how you did knock dem
sailor folkses round do dock: and' oh my! didn’t
(lat putty lady skeer dat ossifer most tor death?”
and Potomac laughed, while Kennebec said:

“Girl much brave, make good squaw for sea
chief."

In spite of himself the young sailor blushed
and then he kepg) his eyes down the harbor, at
though watching is chances for running out.

The eyes of the crews on the various vessels
were upon him, wondering what he would do to
escape the Press-Gang boats, and delighted at
the pluck he had shown to strike the king’s men
and break their oﬂlcer’s sword, for many had
witnessed the act from their decks. -

For awhile th ~lngger stood oif' and on, and
then. Bert Bran: on having made up his mind as
to her course, she shot away down the harbor,

 
‘ .” of many a skip,orwho saw him start.

i
ll.

 
The daring run he made, has been seen by the
reader, from the cupola of Castle Wyndom, and
how the young sailor had to go up into the rig-
ging to pick out his course by the color of the
water, the deeper blue marking the greater
depth.

When he saw that it would be madness to at—
tempt to dash through the four boats that had
rounded him off, Bert Brandon decided prompt--
ly to put about and run for the Charles River.

He knew that he would have to run by one

. boat to do this, but he hoped to be able to dodge

it in some way.

As he drew near, on his backward run. he
recognized in the stern of the barge the ofﬁcer
he had defeated upon the pier.

A bitter smile curled the lip of the young
sailor, and he muttered:

“ If I haVe to run him down, I am glad that
it is one who has given me cause.”

As they came nearer the boat, Bert Brandon
saw that they could not have met in a worse
place, for just there the channel was very nar—
row and he had no chance to sheer by.

“ must run him down, lads, for it is our
only chance,” he said resolutely. ..

“ All same to Kennebec,” was the indifferent
reply of the Indian.

“ Massa know just what to do,” was Potomac’s
philosophical response.

Makinga movement as though to sheer by,
the skipper suddenly brought his bows back
land headed directly for the stern quarter of the

arge.

At once arose a cry of alarm, while Lieu-
tenant Nelson shouted, at the same time ﬁring
his pistol at the daring helmsman.

“ Port your helm, you Yankee lubber, or
you’ll be into us!

“ Port, hard a-portl”

But the bows never swerved, and then came
the cry:

“ Spring for your lives, men!

“ Board him i” _

The crash followed, the cars were snapped like
pipe—stems, the gunwale was stove in, and the
stern forced under the keel of the lugger.

The men had sprung indeed for their lives,
while some were forced down with the barge.

The brave lieutenant had sprung for the bow—
sprit, caught a good hold, and the next instant
was upon the deck of the lugger, when he in-
stantly drew his sword, for his remaining pistol
he had had to let go to save himself.

His men were less fortunate, and not one of
them had gained a footing upon the lugger,
though several had caught hold of the martin-
gale and anchor-ﬂakes, but been forced to let go
and save themselves as best they could.

“ Here, Potomac cut the yawl loose and let it
drift to the aid of those poor fellows, while you,
Kennebec, take the helm and hold her as she is.”

So sayin , Bert Brandon darted into the
cabin, seized an old rapier, and met Neal N elson
advancing rapidly aft.‘

“You are my prisoner, lieutenant,” he said -

calmly.

The response was a savage blow to cut down
the young sailor; but which, to the English-
man’s surprise, was skillfully warded off.

Thinking that it was an accidental act, Neal
Nelson made a thrust, which was also arried.

“ Ha! yoa understand the use of a dude Sir
Yankee, so have at thee i” and the British odicer
pressed forward to the attack, when he was dis-
armed, his sword ﬂying off into the sea.

“ Curses on you! there is my second sword
you have lost this day i” cried the young ofﬁcer.

“You are my prisoner, sir, and as I do not
wish to conﬁne you below, I hope you will give
me your word not to make any attack on me or
my crew.”

“I do, sir, and I thank you,” said Nelson,

struck by the air and generosity of his foe, while,

as the yawl was cut loose, he said: ,A

“ You are as humane as you are brave, to try
and save my men.” , .

Then the lieutenant stood near With folded
arms, watching the young skipper sail his
vesse . ' ‘

He saw,-where others did not, that he was not
running back to an anchorage, but what he
meant to do he could not understand.

When be swept so near the town, he was at a.
loss to understand what bold maneuver the
skipper intended, and could not withhold his
admiration, when he hove round,,left his ene-
mies astern, and were slipping away up the
rivar.

“ By Neptune’s beard! Sir Yankee. but you
are a bold and a skillful sailor,‘and I wish we
were nits. and I had you for a luff on board
my 00 ooner.”

“ Thank you, sir; but if I enter the service-of
the king it will be willingly and not from being
forced to do so.”

“ Well said. and if you will enlist I will do all
I can to shield you from harm for your Work
Sentry, and advance you toward the quarter-

eo. .

“ I again thank you, sir: but I have acted as I
deemed right, and if taken must accept the con-
Sequences, for I Would not shield myself from
the result by shipping in his Majest ’8 service.”

Then, turning to his men. Bertx randon told

them to stand by the sheet halyards, as they ’

l

 
2. so

 
"Laureuyonattack.

4:: ma, . '

’ The" Outlawed

,v

’ kipper.

7

 
would have to act promptly in following the
circuitous channel of the river.
” There are more soldiers on the point yonder
rcparing to ﬁre on you, skipper, and they have
Been signaled to do so doubtless, for they are
from the town barracks,” said Lieutenant Nel-

son.

“ You had better retire to the cabin, Lieuten-
ant Nelson, for you might be slain by your own
men,” was the generous answer.

“ You mistake me, Sir Yankee, for I will not
shun what you dare face: but I will show my-
self and prevent the ﬁring,” and just in time he
stepped out and waved his sword, while,
recognizing the ofﬁcer in command, he called

out:

“Ahoy, Shackelfordl don’t ﬁre on a king’s
oﬂicer and a friend!”

” Great God! Nelson, 1 would have ﬁlled you
full of lead in a second more, for I supposed that
craft was a smuggler or pirate,’ and the lugger
swept out of hearing, while Lieutenant Nelson
asked:

“Now, my young shi mate, I would like to
ask what you intend to o with me?"

“I have not yet decided, sir, for I See the
boats are all following us,” was the calm reply,
and Bert Brandon looked astern to where a
barge ﬁlled with soldiers and two men-of-war
boats were still in pursuit, dimly seen in the
gathering gloom.

CHAPTER VIII.
THE samoa’s THREAT.

“ WILL you desert your .VQSs‘el, sir. for you
can go no further?” asked Lieutenant Neal Nel-
son, as the In ger, under shortened sail, ran
slowly alongsi o of a narrow dock, jutting out
from an old stone warehouse that was in ruins.

A beam jutted out from the upper ﬂoor, which
had been used for lowering and raising freight
from a vessel’s hold, and against this the lug-
ger’s foremost rested.

A number of country ple, hearing of the
fugitive lugger’s run up t e river had thered
upon the shore, and some called out bol ly:

“ Say the word, skipper, and them boats sha’n’t
take yer.”

“ I thank you, my friends, but I wish to avoid
bloodshed if itscan be avoided, and believe that
I can do so.

“ If not”. I will ask your aid, for I am deter-
mined to defend my vessel to the last.”

The crowd cheered at the answer of the young
ca tain, .while Neal Nelson remarked:

‘ Heaven only knows how you are going to
' l,

“ I will show you," was the calm reply, and,
as the boats came nearer, he hailed in a voice
that.rung stern and clear over the waters:

“ Boats, ahoyl”

“ Ahoy i” came the answer.

“ Rest on our cars where you are, for I wish
a parley wit you.”

“ Well, what do you want?” came the blqu
answer. and the boats rested on their cars,
while all was silent, even the frogs ceasing their
croaking and the crickets their cries at the sound
of the voices.

“ I wish to say that I am at bay, for I can go
little further, and if you attempt to attack me I
will resist.”

“ It will do you no good.”

“ You are mistaken, sir, for there are many
brave countrymen here who have volunteered
to defend my vessel if necessary.”

“ We do not fear an unarmed mob," was the
deﬁant reply, and a ﬁerce yell arose from the
crowd on shore. which ended as the young skip-
per demanded silence.

Then he said:

“ It is easy for you to send for reinforcements,
but while you do others will come to in aid,
and a conﬂict will be the result, which w' lend
in your defeat, for I shall ruin my .vessel and
retreat inland, so yon will not gain your ob-
jefft,” which is the capture of my vessel and my.
as . ,

‘ “ We will at least make the effort," said a
stern voice, and then came the order:

“ Give way, men 1”

“ For your lives, hold I” cried the Yankee
Skipper. and histrumpet v01ce caused the can.
men to rest on their blades at once.

“ Let me say to on, Sir Leader, that I have
here as prisoner, leutcntant Neal Nelson, and
that I do not fear to act, you have already seen,
no believe me when I an that I shall hang him
up ‘50 yonder beam. 80 +pme Heaven, as surely
as'you press me.”

hose bold words created consternation in the
attacking forces: but Neal Nelson never changed
a muscle, though he knew it was no idle threat.

“ You would not dare do such a deed,” shouted
back the leader.

“ Do not force me to prove my words, for I
respect Lieutenant Nelson as a bravoman; but
, are he the kin himself, I would carry out my
throat did you efy me.” _

as “have  a G.

"n ’ l‘ “8 ° vernor’s
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‘ w ‘l “8 999 or 9 an 80 Iki

r is as ﬁrm as Admiral Hood himself, or evil;

uldam, and I’ll be dancing a jig in mid-air as

 
“ Still, don‘t mind me, but do your duty, for
a sailor must expect ups and downs in life,”
was the plucky iejoindcr.

“ God bless you, Nelson, you’ve got the rit of
a lion: but I’d rather lose a. hundred nnkee
lugigers and their crews, than have you suffer,
so ll draw off,” came the response.

“ One Word, sirl” called out Bert Brandon.

“ I hold the winning hand, sir, and I know it;
but if you will withdraw to the town, 1’” pledge
myself to release Lieutenant Nelson in safety’
before nine o’clock to—morrow morning.”

“ Will he do it, Nelson l"

“ Yes, if he says so, Slinckelford, he surely
will and I vouch for it,” came the reply.

“I thank you, sir,” said Bert Brandon, while
Major Shuckelford replied:

“ All ri ht, my man, and if you do not keep
your word a fearful vengeance shall be visited
upon you and your people.”

“ And if you do not draw off as you pledge
yourself to do, but attempt to attack me to—
night, Ishall kill Lieutenant Nelson at the very
ﬁrst alarm,” came the deﬁant threat.

“ I’ll withdraw, I promise you,” was the sullen
reply. _

“ And all With you?”

n Yes.” I

“ And send no others to attack me?”

“ No, you cunning Yankee, no i”

“Then I will keep my pledge, and see to it
that you do not force me to keep my threat in-
stead.”

“Good-night, Shackelford, and for my sake
let no action be taken until the morrow, for I
believe in my Yankee friend here.”

“ It shall be as you wish of course, Nelson, so
good-ni ht, and breakfast with me at my quar-
ters in t e morning at nine sharp, and I’ll have
a number of your friends on hand to welcome
you out of the lion’s den.” -

“ Thank you, I’ll be there,” was the cheery
replv, and as the boats moved away the crowd
on s ore set up a terriﬁc yell of delight, while a
numbei began to at once board the vessel to see
the daring young skipper and his prisoner.

 
CHAPTER IX.
SAVED BY A FOE.

“ I HAVE your permission to enter the cabin,
sir,” said Lieutenant Nelson, amazed at the
staring and remarks of the crowd of‘country

people.

“ Certainly, sir, if I have your parole not to
attempt to escape,” was the answer.

"I give it with pleasure, Skipper Brandon”
and so saying the ofﬁcer entered the neat ‘litt e
cabin of the lugger and interested himself in
lookin about him.

“This is not the sea home of any common
man,” he muttered, as he saw a guitar hanging
on one side of the companionwa y, and some
back-shelves in one corner, while upon the table
were writing material, the lugger’s log and some
charts of the coast evidently drawn by the
you'pg skipper, for one was not yet completed.

T en there were some surveying instruments,
and in an open portfolio a number of very ar-
tistic pencil sketches, one of the logger being
particularly good.

“The skipper has reﬁned tastes, and talent,
1500, while his cabin indicates an educated mind,
cepecially when I see such books as he has here
for his reading.

“ By Jove! he’s a genius, a gentleman, and a
sailor, every inch of him, and I hope to know
him better- Ah! what is that- trouble on
deck ?”

The young oﬁicer arose as he spoke, and ap-
proached the companlcnway, for a noisy scene
was transpiring on deck.

There were some who did not like the courtesy
extended to the Englishman, in allowing him to
remain aegrisoner upon his simple word, and
gay Swish him to be put in irons or securely

on .

For a while Bert Brandon had paid no atten-
tion to these demands, until he saw a very ugly
spirit arising among some of the men, and he
said in a pleasant wag: I

“ Come, friends, wish the lugger cleared
now, for it is growing late.” 4

" And what is you gwine ter do with that in-
ternal Britisher?” asked a burly fellow, who had
evidently come to the scene from some tap-mom
in Cambridge, as he was under the inﬂuence of
rum. ,

“ I am going to return him to the town,” was
the uiet answer.

“ Vaal I says no, for them red-coats and
king’s sailors treats us like we was brutes, and
as we has one in our power we’ll just make him
feel our fury. ,

“ Won’t we,,metesl” and the man turned to
the crowd, at his back, who had evidently been
nagging him on to say what he did. ‘

“ hat’s so, Pike! Let‘s hang him l” said one.

“ Yes—string him up!” ‘

“ But you have not got the prisoner, my
friends, so you can do nothing with him,” calm-
ly remarked Bert Brandon.

“ We helped you to take him, and he’s as
much ours as yours.” said Pike.

“ You are mistaken, for the gentleman board-
ed this vessel of his own free will.”

1 .
i l

a , " ' .
:.. ,\':I- . 

 
4

“Well, we saved your vessel, and you from
hanging.”

“ That’s so,” said a number of voices in
chorus.

“ You are mistaken, my friends, for the boats
kept back not from fear of ou, though I do
not doubt but that you won d have bravely
fought for me; but from fear of causing the
death of Lieutenant Nelson,” and Bert Brandon
spoke in the same calm tone as before.

“ Well, we has got him now, and we will hang
him,” cried Pike.

“ You have not got him, and if you attempt
to lay hands upon him, 1 will defend him to my
utmost strength, was the stern rejoinder.

“ Come. mates, he’s a good fellow, and we
don’t wish to hurt him: but there’s nobody but
him and his two men, so let us take ther
Britisher and hang him, and it will scare the
English general. Lord Howe, almost to death.”

“ All right! Take and hang the Britisher!”

“ Avenge our comrades who have been seized
by the Press-Gang!”

“ Seize the Britisherl”

“ Kill him !”

“ Swing him up!”

“ Don‘t hurt the skipper, but hang his pris~
oner!”

There was a perfect pandemonium of yells for
awhile, and, unheeding the voices of entreaty
and warning from the better disposed people,
the advocates of mob law pressed forward.

There were fully a score of them, determined
young fellows, now that they thought they had
all their own way.

Those who would not join them hastened off
of the logger, and cries arose in the crowd
ashore to run to Cambridge after the con-
stables.

Perfectly calm, Bert Brandon stood his
ground, having placed himself aft, by the cabin
companionway.

“ She is only fast forward, Potomac?” he said,
in uiringly.

‘ Yes, Massa Best, only one line out.”

“Then if they press us. we will drive this
gang ashore and shove 011', so whisper what I
say to Kennebec.”

“ Yes, massa.”

Then the young captain turned to the crowd,
who were now ready for mischief, and said:

“ Back, men, for am on mv own deck, and
I will stand no trifling,” cried Bert Brandon, in
a voice that showed he was not going to be
browbeate'n.

“We don’t want ter harm you, skipper: but
we does want ter hang ther Britisber, and we
intends ter do it, so on jist step one side, for
yer can’t help yersel ,” said the man Pike, who
was the ringleader, and he stepped forward.

“ Back, say, for I will ill the man who
presses me l”

At this moment Lieutenant Nelson stepped
out of the companionway, and he saw the sitar
tion at a glance, while, suspecting it, from what
he had overheard, be had brou ht with him the
very rapier with which Bert randon had dis-
armed him, and a brace of pistols which he had
also found in the cabin.

“I will not use the weapons, except to save
my life, skipper, but I place them here for you,”
he said, as he laid them on top of the sliding
batch of the companionway.

At that moment Pike sprung forward, armed
with a musket, and Bert Brandon thrust his
hand quickly into hisbreast-pocket. ‘

It returned With a pistol, and at that instant
the man ﬁred, having aimed at the English-
man. .

But the weapon had been struck up by the
young skipper, the bullet burying itself in the
main boom, and the rin leader was felled to the
deck by a terriﬁc blow ull in the face.

Maddened, he sprung to his feet and clubbing
his musket rushed upon Bert Brandon, unheed-
ing his warning to keep back.

Then followed the ﬂash and report of the pis—
tol, the ringleader fell in his tracks, and seizing
the rapier from the top of the hatch the oung 
ski per dashed upon the mob, and aided by the
In inn and negro cleared the decks in a manner
that made the crowd ashore yell their admira-
tion, and excited the wonder and respect of the
captive, who stood with folded arms calmly .
gazing upon the exciting scene. ‘ '

“ Throw the body of that reckless fellow .
ashore, Potomac, and you, Kennebec, cast off.” '
came the command, as the young skipper
ste pad to the helm. .

s the lugger swung out into the stream and ‘ .
her sails caught the wind, Lieutenant Nelson "
said earnestly:

“ My friend, on saved me from an ignomini- ‘ "
ous death to-n ght, and I newer saw a mob so a i
readily mastered. _ ‘ -~

“Now me aboard my vessel, ahd iny‘ ‘ -
word for it, you shall receive pardon for your f
lawless acts to-day, and can go tosea undi— . ‘:
turbed.” , ' "

“ Lieutenant Nelson, I do not admit I have
done a lawless act. for if I took life in resisting]
a Press-Gang, I did but my duty, as [did also. T
in running down your barge to prevent leisure , 
and death at the yard-arm when I had commit- ‘
\“ To-night I took an American’s life to can

 
/

' 8

I at their anchors as though envying

' 'The mama” shes '

 
you, an Englishman, for I felt I was right in
doing so, and while I a reciate your words,
and good intentions, I wi not take the chances
of risking mercy at the hands of either Admiral
Shuldam or Lord Howe, so shall land you near
the town and then put to sea.”

“ Great God! would you attempt the same
mad act over again?" cried the English oﬂlcer.

“I have only that to do, sir,” was the cool
reply, and the young skipper gave orders to his
crew to see that all was in readiness for running
the gantlet, adding:

“I think, as it is night, we can make it in
safety." ’

“ From my soul I hope so! but you never
can,” said the English ofﬁcer, as the lugger sped
on her way down the river, back toward the
city.

 
, CHAPTER X.
I. THE MERMAID’S FLIGHT.

DOWN the river sailed the ﬂeet lugger, her
sails all set and drawing well, while, as if to aid
the young skipper in his daring enterprise, the
wind had changed around and blew fair for the
run out to sea, having also increased to a good
ten knot breeze.

“ Let me urge that you be not foolhardy, my

oung friend, and trust to the clemency of the

ritish commander here,” said Lieutenant Nel-
son in a kindly tone, addressing Bert Brandon,
as the Mermaid sWept out of the river and
headed toward the wharves of the town.

“ I prefer to take the chances, thank you,
Lieutenant Nelson, and attempt to run out,’
was the re 1y.

“ Then insist that you do not place yourself
in greater danger by runnin up to the town to
put me ashore, for if you wi lrun in close I can
Jum overboard and readily reach the land.”

“ on are very kind, sir, to think of my
safety: but I rather lessen the danger than in-
(grease it, by running around the point here to

he town, as the guard-boats below, if they see
me, will think I am on Some harbor duty. and
when I start to run out will naturally imagine I
have a permit or would not make the attempt.”

“ You argue well, Skipper Brandon, but my
word for it, if you can pass the frigate before
she can bring you to, the sloop-of-war will not
fail to open on you, and should she do so, I have
a wide-awake ofﬁcer on my schooner who will
pay his compliments with iron salutations, yes,
and folloiv you out to sea, and the Vicious is
very fast." .

“ So is the Mermaid, sir.”

“Yes, I have observed that and with a good
start you might drop the Uicious; but then

here is the castle to get by, and the numerous
guns there will surely sink you.”

“ It will be a desperate gantlet to run, sir, I
admit. if I expected to receive the ﬁre of the
ships and the fort' but I half-believe I can al-
most get out beforeI am suspected of being the
fugitive lugger of the afternoon’s adventure.

“But here we are, Lieutenant Nelson at the
wharf, and I will luff sharp, sir, and go by with
a shave and very slow, so that you can step of!
if. l0,1,1 will, as I do not care to come to a stand-
s l .

“ I can readily spring of, and I wish (you suc-
cess, and .that we may again meet an or more
favorablehuspices.

“ Good-by,” and the lieutenant held out his
hand, which Bert Brandon warmly grasped, for
he had, after all, found his enem of the Press-
Gang service a most clever gent eman, after he
came to know him better. ,

As the Mermaid ﬂided slowly b the edge of
the wharf, her sai ﬂuttering, t e lieutenant
tossed a well-filled purse to Potomac with the
remark:

“ Divide that with 1your red-skin mate, my
man, and know that hold no ill-will to your
master, his crew or his vessel.”

With a leap he reached the what and the
Mermaid passed on, while the Englishman stood
still watching her.

It was growing late, for ten o’clock had pass-
ed, and the lights of the t0wn were, one by one,
going out, as the early-to-bed citizens retired,
after the excitin scenes of the day.

Upon the vesse s at anchor a twinklin light
was visible upon each, while they tuggeg away

_ e lugger
gliding among them under sail.

Further down the harbor the frigate loomed
up grandly, with the sloop-of-war. which was
the station-ship, and the schooner, also showing
their bright lights.

Here and there a red light creeping over the
water marked a guard-boat on its rounds, and
still further distant was the castle, with its many
guns, and sen tinels on the alert to snuff danger,
or mischief in the air.

In the east the skies were brightening as from
a distant fire, but soon the moon. on the wane,
soared above the horizon. silvering the waters
fumed by the fresh breeze that was blowing.

“ The wind is our friend, though the moon is
110‘. lads.” said Bert Brandon, as he gazed down
the harbor and settled himself for the terrible
ordeal before him.

0 lugger was gliding along like a witch,
every sail drawing, er skipper at the helm, the
Indian forward by the fore sheet, and ready to

spring to the jib sheet, while the negro crouched
by the main sheet.

She bent gracefully to the wind, and her
course, watched by some who were on the alert
on the anchored merchant craft, was noted
with deepest interest, for they recognized, or
thought they did, the fugitive lugger.

In the path of the luggg; as she sped down
the harbor, was a guard- t.

It had eight oarsmen, a coxswain and a mid-
shipman in charge.

In the bow burned a red light, and gently the
men rowed over the waters, now becoming
brighter under the rising moon.

“ My glass, coxswain, for I see a craft, or a
phantom one coming down and this after 9 ecial
orders from ashore and aﬂoat not to let a shing
skiﬂ’ put to sea to—ni ht,” said the midshipman.

“ I see her, sir, an she is under full rig, and
coming along so boldly she must be under or-
ders,” answered the coxswain.

“ N 0, or she would carry a red light forward,
according to orders.”

“ What can she be, sir?”

“ Some of these fearless Yankee skippers, de-
termined to run out, whether or no.”

“ It may be the fugitive craft that escaped up
the Charles River, sir, for the moonlight shows
her to be a lugger.”

“ Hardly, coxswain, or she would be coming
out of the river, and as we came across on our
run we saw nothing of a vessel coming out.”

“ True, sir; but will you challenge her?”

“ Indeed will I, for I am working for promo-
tion, and would like to make a clever capture to
aid me.”

“1 see but one person on board, sir, and he is
at the helm,” and the coxswain was watching
the lugger through the middy’s glass.

The moon was now shinin brightly, and the
lugger came along at a s that called forth
exc amations of admiration from both the cox-
sw sin and the middy the latter remarking:

“ She comes along like a bird, her sails are all
ataut and belay, and she looks as though she did
not intend to start, tack or sheet.

“ But we must make her trim. coxswain, and
bring her to, and maybe we will be repaid for
rowing in these waters of? and on for a watch
of four mortal hours, when with the war-ships
and castle covering the channels nothing can
get in or out surely.”

“ It Would seem so, sir; but she holds on as
thou n she did not see us.”

“ rue; her skipper needs waking ucp so I will
hall,” and rising in the boat the mi dy’s shrill
voice went over the waters with:

“ Lu ger aboy l”

But t e lugger still came on and no response
was given to t e hail.

“Ahoy, that lugger! Heave to or I’ll ﬂre
into you i” shouted the middy through his speak-
lug-trumpet.

‘ Ay, ay, sir!” came ina manly voice from on
board the In er.

Still she be on.

“ Drop your oars, men, and glet your muskets
ready! quick i” cried the mids ipman, and six
of the oarsmen obeyed, two only retaining their
oars to keep the boat on her course.

The boat was lying heading toward the com-
ing lugger, and the midshipman seeing her still
standin on, shouted out:

“ Lu , you Yankee lubber, lnﬂl or you’ll be
into us!

" Starboard, hard a-starboard your helm and
come to!”

“ Ay, ay, sir, I’ll not harm you!” came the
clear response from the lugger’s elmsman, while
the hows, now almost upon the boat, veered off
and swept by like a race-horse. .

The young ofﬁcer, and all on board the ard-
boat, gave a sigh of relief at seeing the ug er
so skillfully avoid what seemed an inevita le
collision, and the middy cried out:

"Well done, my man! Now heave to asth
of gs, and I’ll forgive you the fright you gave
us.

. The oarsmen had laid aside their muskets to
resume their oars, and all believed that the lug-
ger would immediately come to; but a cry from
the coxswain startled the middy. who beheld the
craft ﬂying on her course, and some distance
away.

“Seize your guns men! You, oarsmen, give
wav. and coxswain. head her in chase.

“ Blast the cunning Yankee, he has given us
the slip. Fire!”

The rattle of the six muskets broke rudely
Over the waters, and the bullets wont ﬂying
after the lugger.

But still she held on her way.

“ Send up a rocket of warning. coxswain, for
we can never catch yonder streak of moonlight
with oars,” ordered the middnand an instant
after. a rocket, ignited by a lantern, went
skurrying its way into the heawns.

“ Send up another, and another, coxswain.\

“ Curse that fellow. he made us believe he was
lubberly in coming to, and he was playing with

us.

" I’ll never take a step up the ladder of fame
for this night’s work, coxswain.”

“ No, sir,” frankly admitted the coxswaln, as

 
he sent up a third rocket.
“ That has alarmed them on ship and in fort.

/.

 
“ Hark, hear the bugle-note of alarm and the
rattle of the drums.

“ See! there goes a rocket up from Copp’s
Hill, ay, and another from the fri ate.

“ Pull straight in the ﬂying devi ’8 wake, cox-
swain, and you’ll be in at the death, when the
heavy guns knock him out of the water— Hal
there runs a blue light up from Copp’s Hill; yes,
and another on the schooner Vicious.

“ The lads are waking u Aha! listen to
that thunder from the frigate,” and a deep
boom startled the sleeping town, awakening
many an echo along the shores. as the iron shot
went ﬂying after the fugitive Mermaid.

“ Ah! the sloop is awake, yes, and the schooner
too,” cried the mid ly, as these vessels alsoo ned
ﬁre, and then he a ed, as the iron ﬂew s riek-
ing over their heads:

“ And we are in range, so give way, men,
or we will have an iron ball dropping upon our
heads. 0

“ Pull hard, for we don’t wish to be sacri-
ﬁced,” and the men bent to their oars with a
will.

“ Hal the sleepy soldiers are at last aroused
from their nap, and the old castle joins her deep
basso into the braze-mouthed chorus,” cried the
midd , and a moment after he said:

“ Hyarkl this sounds like a battle of a ﬂeet of
frigatesl

“ If that lugger escapes this night she is a
phantom craft, or the Flying Dutchman in
disguise.”

 
CIIAPTER XI.

GONE.

IT was the first gun from the frigate that_had
startled all in VVyndom Castle, and sent Cap-
tain Delaﬂeld so hastily away.

Upon reaching the on la, the 6 es of the sec-
retary and the two g rls soon ame accus-
tomed to the change of light, and they beheld
the harbor a blaze of glory, as a blue light blazed
forth from on board the frigate, and soon after
on Copp’s Hill, revealin the harbor distinctly
and showing at a glance be cause of the ﬁring.

“ That desperate fellow is running out by
night!

“ hold! there ﬂies his lugger!” cried Secre—
tary Wyndom, excitedly, pointing to the Mer—
maid in her ﬂight.

But the keen e es of both maidens had already
fallen upon the ugitive craft, and they knew it
at a glance.

They saw her deck 11 hted u by the burning
blue lights, and beheld t e tall orm of her dar4
ing skipper at the helm, with the red-skin and
black crouching forward, ready to obey their
master’s slightest bidding. _,

They saw the guard-boat, with the midship-
man and his crew, and knew that the lugger
must have run b it, and without injury.

As they look , the blue lights faded out, hav-
ing revealed to the ships and fort just what
was going on.

But, knowing the cause of alarm, the gun-
ners could now train their pieCes upon the bold
mariner who had dared their aim so recklessly.

Their eyes becoming accustomed to the moon-
light, the secretary and the maidens now dis-
tinctly saw the lugger, without a glass, and
they were white with dread as the mansion
fairl trembled beneath the roar of the one of
the t ree vessels, which were sendin their iron
hail after the fugitive lugger, alt ough the
knew she had to run the gantlet of the castle s

as.

“ He will never get to sea, father,” said
Madge.

“ If he does it will be a miracle under the ter-
rible cannonading he must yet stand,” answered
Mr. Wyndom.

L ‘I‘He has escaped thus far, sir,” said Lady

11 11.

“Yes, but the ships are at anchor. and not in
good position to fire on him.” . _

“ See! the schooner is getting up sail!” cried

e.

“’Igben be is surely doomed. for the Vicious is
very ﬂeet,” Mr. Wyndom said.

“ I did not observe Lieutenant Nelson on
board the in er, when she was under the glare
of the blue 1E ts,” Lady Lulu remarked.

“ True: I hope no harm has befallen him—but
see! the lugger has run up another sail, ay, and
there goes another.”

The ﬁrst sail referred to had been run up from
the deck, on a stay between the two masts, ex-
tending from the foot of the foremost to the
head of the mainmast, what was a jib, or stay
sail. and which added to the speed of the lugger.

The second sail was what is called a “ driver,”
and was rigged upon a small mast stede on
the starboard end of the taffrail. and wh ch also
increased the ﬂeetness of the Mermaid, which
now seemed to fairly ﬂy over the waters in-
stead of gliding through them. _

“ The crew are throwing water upon the sails
with buckets fastened upon long P0193. and this
too helps her speed,” said the secretary, who
had a powerful glass to his eye.

“ Her skipper seems to bear a charmed life,”
Uncle Wyndom,” Lady Lulu said, siriving to
bio gala), but yet greatly exc1ted at the thrilling
s g t.-.

 
 *“v'r’ttosuawéa Skipper.

g,

 
“ He does indeed—ha! there goes the castle’s

guns upon her.

“ Hark how they roar!” cried the secretary.

“ Heaven have mercy upon that little craft,’
fervently said Lulu, while Madge breathed an
earnest:

“ Amen!”

“ Oil, this is fearful!” cried Lady Lulu, as the
castle’s. guns thundered forth their appalling
peals, and illnmined the sea. With the red glare
of their explosions. ‘

But still the lugger held on her way. .

“They do not hit her! they do not estimate
her marvelous speed, and all their shots ﬂy
astern,” the secretar said, with conSiderable
gladness in his voice, or he wished the lugger to
esca , as he said:

“ hat bold young sailor deserve success, and
were I the commander of that fort I would or-
der my gunners to cease ﬁring.”

“I am so glad to hear on say that, Uncle
“’yndom, for, outsnle of t e fact that I owe
my life to that brave young American, he
would win my admiration, were he an enemy,
by his superb courage.”

“ Yes, and were he to tread a quarter-deck,
he'd win your heart, me, I’ll warrant, for in
faith, I believe both you and Madge are half-
smitten with the handsome scamp as it is,” said
the Secretary, slyly. .

“Brave little vessel! ﬂy on your way un-
harmed,” cried Lady Lulu, while Madge said
quickly: _

“ There goes the schooner in chase. and see,
that is cruel, for her to ﬁre also from her how
guns, when the castle is pouring upon the lugger
such a terrible iron bail. ’

“Pouring  astcrn of her, Madge, for I do
not believea hot has touched her,’ the secre-
tary said. ‘

“ If she escapes the fort, I have little dread
of the schooner overtaking her, for she sails

7

like a witch,” Mr. Wyndom added, after a mo- _,

ment.

Suddenly a blue light was burned 'upon the
castle, and once more the moonlight was dim-
med by its brilliancy, while the lugger was dis-
tinctly revealed.

The secretary had his glass at his eye, as also
Madge, and the former said excitedly:

“ Shahas been hit, and often, for her sails are
shottorn in a number of places, while her bul-
warks amidships and forward are cut away,
and her foreto mast has been carried away.”

“ Yet she sti holds on, and her brave skip r
is at the helm holding her on her course,” “use
rejoined.

“ Yes, and—but I fail to see her, now that the
blue light has burned out,” said Lady Lulu.

“ Egadl I have lost her too; that light blinded
me, and I cannot get her exact ” Mr,
Wyndom said, in a puzzled way.

‘ Nor can I ﬁnd her, father.

I‘ Can aught have happened to her?”

“ Perhaps the castle has sunk her.”

“ But the ﬁring still keeps up.”

“ It is slacking up now, unc e."

“ Yes, the castle has ceased ﬁring, niece.”

“ What can it mean, father?”

“ I do not know, unless she has been sunk, and
if she has not been, and has esca , then all
Beaten will believe she carries a em witch as
a ﬁgure-head." ,

“ I will half believe it myself,” Madge re-
marked, half in earnest.

“ Well, she has gone, that is certain; but
whether she has escaped or gone down, who can
tell?” Lady Lulu said, sadly.

“ Well, there goes the schooner, and to-mor-
row we, will know all; but after what I have
seen of that man’s pluck, I will not believe he
has' been destroyed on the very ve of suc
cess,” and the secretary again swept t waters
with his glass.

But: nowhere was the lugger visible, for she
had indeed disappeared as mysteriously as
though a witch from Salem had controlled her
destinies through the terrible tlet of iron
rain she had been forced to pass rough.

 
CHAPTER XII.
m DANGER.

WHEN Lieutenant Nelson was left upon the
wharf by Bert Brandon, he stood looking after
the little vessel a minute, and then muttered:

“ He intends to hold] make the attempt, I
see; but, though I be vs I am astra to
fear, I would not like to be with him, for t can
never be done—— Ahl than isla boat putting oi!
trom the water stairs, and I veril believe it is
min:d my schooner," and was {1. voice, he
ca 1 :

“ Vicious, ahoyl”

“A71 “Yr 3“! 'ﬁmw‘yr’ m “10 1'0-

I use.
p3 Is that you, M hip n Vaner‘,

“Yes, air; and thin I recognize our com-
mouder s voice. '

" Give way, men. and we’ll gotothsatairs yon.
der,” and a moment after the boat touched the
stairs upon which Lieutenant Nelson stood.

“ Well. lieutenant, this is I glad for
I have Just been scouring the town to ﬁnd out
something about on, and here you ﬁnd me,”

laid the middy, rence Vane.

i"X l  

I
i
l
l
l
l

 
“ Yes, Vane, I just landed from a short and
exciting cruise,” was the dry response.

“ You was captured by the lugger, sir?”

“ No, I captured the lugger; but she was
more than I could hold, so she held me.

“ Tue-fact is, Mr. Vane, I have just been re-
leased from the lugger by her very polite, skill-
ful and brave skipper, and if you look yonder
on the water you will see her trying todo by
night what she failed to do by day!”

“ Run out, sir?”

“ True.”

“ She can never do it, for orders came to not
allow a sail to move on the waters after dark,
and the guard-boats are as busy as bees about
the harbor.

“ Why, I was sto pod twice b
up the harbor, for ieutenant aters sent me
to see what I could hear from you.”

d “\‘Vere any of my boat’s crew drowned to-
ayi‘

“ No, sir, though one had an arm broken and
three were some out and bruised by splinters,

them coming

while two came pretty near drowning, and, but ‘

for the falling of the dugger's yan into the
water sevaral would have lost their lives.”

“ The yaw] was cut loose to save them, Vane;
but give way, men, more lively. for I wish to
see what happens to the lugger,” and at the or-
der of theihcommander the four oarsmen pulled
with a more rapid stroke toward the schooner.

As they neared the vessel the alarm was sent
up' from the guard-boat, by the three rockets,
and answering signals came from Copp’s Hill and
the ships.

Then the frigate opened, for she lay in a posi-
tion to partial y command the ﬂying vessel.

“The ball has opened, and now for the result,”
said Lieutenant Nelson. ,

“ They’ll blow her out of the water, sir,” vol~
unteered the middy.

“ Pull, men, for there opens the schooner,”
cried Neal Nelson, and the boat went rapidly
along, urged by the strong arms of the crew.

The ﬁring now became brisk blue lights were
burned, rockets were sent up, lights 5 rkled in
the town, and in the homes along the s ores, and
all was excitement.

But still on sped the lugger, untouched, it

seemed, by shot.

“ Ahl there is a signal from the frigate for the
reco izas that the lugger, sailing as she does,
will hard to hit. \
to himself, as he felt that the capture of the lug-

er was sure if she did, even though she escaped

As the boat ran alongside of the schooner she
was under way, having slipped her cable to get
went along.

“ Ah, lieutenant, I am glad Vane found you,

leu-
tenant of the Vicious, Rowell Waters.

“ I found vm Waters, but I thank you for

“ on are in chase of the lugger, I see?”

“ Yes I got orders from the fri ate to catch
she is the craft that played with us all this after-
noon ~

“ And Satan is her skipper from the way she
is handled.” ’

icture, brave as a on, a. ntleman, and the
t seaman I ever saw on a eck.”
you now sir.”

“ No; eep command, and I will look on.”
adventures soon, and how you esca .

“ I did not escape; I was simply set free.”
Hon to open on the lugger. But, see! she ee-
caped the ﬁre of the frigate, and the sleep, not

Vicious to start in pursuit, for the admiral
“ I am sorry the schooner has to go,” he laid

t e ﬁre of the forts.

of! quickly and the crew began to set sail as she

and I welcome you back,” cried the junior

your ood wis

her or blow her out of the water: ut I see that
“ She is.”
“No; he is a youngi man, as handsome as a
“ High praise, lieutenantl But 1 relinquish to
“ Thank you, sir; but I hope to hear; of your
“ Indeedl' But I think I will soon be in posi-

to speak of the few shots We sent after her, and

she is calmly taking the cannonading of the.

castle as though she did not know she was the
obéect of so many com liments.”

‘ I’ll guarantee tha her skipper is as uncon-
cerned under that ﬁre asIam here andIdo
believe he will s by the castls,”‘said 'Neai Nel-
son, watchi e lugger through his glass.

“lie so a broom at his fore, sir, and a
witch at the helm, or he could never do what be
3:21 vdone,” said the boatswain, mlgting po-

“No, bo’aen, the i get is sailed by amdn,
and senior, ev inc of him, while the only

loco of femiuiui I saw about them-aft is t
ittle ﬂag, which is a mermaid represented
swimming over the sea, and a rett [piece
work it 1!, too. But, seal I thR‘lk s e was bit
then though she still holds on.”

“ es, sir; her foretoth was cut away,”
answered Waters.

“Yeshandshe has been otherwise hard hit,
though it tides not seem to hurt her sailing
qualities.” .5 i

“ I can 0 on her new, sir. and a raking ﬁre
will doubt on: ,be, successful,” said Lieutenant
Howell Waters. .

“.1 will go forward sud act uguuner myself.
Waters,” and Neal Nelson went forward, cleared

 
the pivot eighteen-pounder for action, and aim-
ing it himself, ﬁred.

“A good range shot, but too high,” he mut-
tered, an.i again he tried it.

The schooner was now abreast of the fort,
which was so euVelOped in smoke that the lug—
ger could not be seen from it.

Running Swiftly in chase, the b0w-pivot kept
up a steady ﬁre, but with no result that was sat-
isfactory to her crew, though it might have
been to her captain, who was serving as gunner.

“ Ha! that last terriﬁc broadside from the
fort has knocked her to pieces.” cried Neal Nel-
son, as the lugger seemed to suddenly disa pear. \

Springing upon the gun he eagerly g anced
out over the waters, but the lugger was not
visible.

“ Ho, the castle!” he shouted through his
trumpet for the fort had ceased ﬁring.

“ Ay, ay, the Vicious,” came tlw resp'mse.

“ Your last tire d0wned her, for she is nowhere
in Sight.”

“ The smoke of our guns hides her from us as
it rolls owr her course."

“ But I can see where she was, and saw her
the instant before your last broadside.

“If she appears again 1 will look after her.”

“ All right. Lieutenant Nelson: but what the
deuce is the craft.”

“ A lugger with a crew of Salem witches on a
pleasure cruise, I 685, from the way she be-
haves,” laughed Ne n, and the schooner swept
on out of hearing.

For a quarter of mile she had run, and then
the smoke from t e fort rolled by and upward,
and Midshipman ane sung out:

“ Lugger, ho!”

“ Whereaway."

The middy pointed off the port bow, to where,
thr. uarters of a mile distant, the lugger was
seen ying along with her sails thrown to
starboard and hauled well aft.

“ By Heavenl that fellow swung of! at a
direct angle after that last ﬁre of the fort, and
that is where we missed him.

“ He is the best I ever san’

“Yes, sir, and he means to run throu h the.
island channels, and thus dod us,” said aters.

“You know better than do, Waters, so tell
mez can he do it?”

‘ There is not more than six feet, perhaps ﬁve
at this tide, but he hardly draws more an
might drag through.”

“ If be grounds, we will have him.”

“ Yes, sir.”

“ Then we will not ﬁre now, but wait awhile,
to see what he can do.”

“If he gets through, sir, he can throw us a
long astern, and get out to sea far ahead of
us, and hen it is good-by Yankee lugger.”

“ Well, I’ll open ﬁre again.”

“ No, sirl for he has found he cannot run
thro h. and is putting about.”

“ on are right, Waters; he sees that he can-
not”escape, and is coming back to give himself
u .

p.

In spite of their disci iline the men who heard
their commander’s we 3 broke forth in a cheer,
for if the lugger surrendered it certainly was
not a witches’ pleasure boat on a cruise, and
that relieved their minds greatly. '

“ Yes, he is coming right dewn toward us to
surrender, that is certain, and as we will have to
come to, sir, shall I take in sail?”

" Yes, do so, Waters, for we’ve got him now.”

“ He was bold to attempt to run the isle. ‘
sir; but I saw that he had two men forw

throwing the lead, and all of a sudden they ;

went about,

sprung to the sheets and the lugger
t the keel grat-

as though they had suddenly f

in .”

5‘ Well, human endurance and nerve have an
end, and I suppose the poor fellow feels he can
stand no more and must ive up, trusting to me
him out, and I wi ,” said Neal Nelson to
himse ,audhe raised his glam to his eye to
{stitch the lugger, now coming rapidly toward

m.

 
CHAPTER XIII.
Prom UP.

Tan night was almost as brilliant as day for

the moon, though on the wane, rode in a c . . , '_

sir .

{he wind was blowing a good ten-knot
breeze. and the lugger was making all of twelve
outoi it.

Bending to thawind, as she came back to-
ward the schooner, she ﬂew over the waters ’

v] ea‘f tenedbird.

l

Upon r deck her skipger and his crew
crouched at their posts in si nee, and the little
Vessel was closely watched by all on board ﬁle '
Vicious, and by no one with more interest than
did Neal Nelson feel.

“ Poor fellow!” he muttered.
the heartto have to give up; but I am glad I
am on board to receive him, and he cannot say
the ﬁre of the schooner harmed him any.” a

As the two vc-els drew nearer to end: other  *

itcould beseenthat the strong breeze ca

{he schooner to lay down to it pntil those on the

in

ten nglihe 1d.
The Hugaid

“Itcutshimto, ‘

saw her weather copper sheathing glisé - y.
‘  3‘?
also had her lee gunwsle  I
water, and wasdiving along like a 

"A?

’ 5““ ‘ “NP 1 G.‘

7117's? 31,-».— Am ‘3 m.qu ' -‘ -
I  g ,1 u, , v  A“ ‘ -  .f .. ' .
-  <!>‘l' .‘,;E:\‘;?~Ih.\fj -. 13“

 
10

The outlawed skipper;

 
the two now but a quarter of a mile apart were
nearing each other with great velocity.

“ I will hail.”

So saying Lieutenant Nelson raised his
trum t to his lips, as the lugger drew nearer,
and s outed:

“ H0 the Mermaid, ahoy l”

“Ahoy the Vicious!”

The answer came back promptly in Bert
Brandon‘s voice, and there was not the shadow
of a tremor in the tones.

“His voice don‘t seem that of a man much
alarmec ,” said Rowell Waters.

“ Pass astern of me, while I heave to, and
V0111 round to under my leel” ordered Neal

e son.

“ Ay, ay, Lieutenant Nelson,” came the reply.

“ Ah, he recognizes me,” said the lieutenant,
and he at once gave the order to round the
schooner to.

The lugger, meanwhile, as ordered, shot by
like an arrow, and, as her taffrail got abeam,
he gave a low order to ease off the jib and fore
sheet gently, while he loosened the main sheet,
for it was within reach of his hand, at the same
time steering with his knee against the tiller
which he had put up a triﬂe.

This change, which seemed to indicate that
her skipper was obeying orders, sent her through
the water at a greater velocity than that at
which she had been going, when close hauled,
and she darted away in a surprisingly swift
manner.

The bustle on board the schooner of laying
the topsail to the mast, to ring her to the
wind, that the lugger might r und to and come
alongside, prevented any one on board from ob-
serving the little craft for a few moments.

When therefore Neal Nelson looked for the
lugger under his quarter, she was not there, and
an exclamation of amazement was heard upon
all sides, as she was discovered ﬂying along to
leeward with a ﬂowing sheet and insolently
throwing her slippers in his faca in sea parlance.

“Outwitted after all! I might have known
it,” iie said with real chagrin, and then he con-
tinued.

“ Our guns will not touch her, as we now lie,
Waters, so get under way again and we’ll give
chase; though if she dodges us around yonder
island she can slip to sea far ahead of us, and
that was Brandon‘s clever little game."

“ Yes, sir, he saw he could not run through
the islands, and so let us believe he ran back to
give up,” said Rowell Waters, after givin or-
ders to let the schooner fall of! and catc the
wind once more.

“ Ahoy the schooner l”

The voice came from the waters, and nail “(ayes
were strained to reach for the one who ail .

“Hereaway, Marsar right plumb in de sea,”
came the response to Neal Nelson.

“ Whereawa are you i"

“Let the sc ooner come up until her sails
shiver, Waters, and lower away a boat to pick
that poor fellow up, for he is off of the lugger.”

“ Ay, ay, sir.”

The schooner, which had barely worn around
to get her sails full, was n0w brought up once
more, while a boat was lowered wi two oars-
men and Middy Vane in it.

A short row brought them to the swimmer in
the sea, and he was picked up.

“ Hello, Potomac, it is you, is it?” cried Neal
Nelson, as the he stepped 'on deck.

“ Yas, massa, it’s Potomac, sub, and I power-
ful glad ter see on, sah, for I knows I won’t be
eated up by de ritishers.”

'3“ They would ﬁnd you a tough morsel to ex-
periment cannibalism iupon, Potomac; but have/
you deserted your ship

“ Yas, sah, it seems so, tho’ I didn’t mean ter

do it.”

“ How did it hap n asked Neal Nelson, as
the boat was haul up to the davits again and
the schooner once more started in chase of the
lugger, now a mile away and headin so as to
round an island, thus cutting 03 the re of the
Vicious, and, by drawing far is. water than
did the larger craft, manage to creep near the
land and gain great advantage in distance be-
tween them.

“Waal, sah, it happen jist this way, Mama
Nelson.

“ Yer see, Massa Bert he concluded ter try '

ther island channel, but it shoal so quick on us,
we had t‘i“ put about and as we did, we thought
ther keel inder touch bottom.

“ ThenI says:

“ ‘ Massa Bert, yer is gwine tar give up, bain’t

yerl‘

“ ‘ Thet bain’t my style, Potomac,‘ an s h
' ’uiet like, though he were heading righz back

or or.

“ hen he tells Kennebec and me ter stand
by ter ’tend ther jib and fore sheet, while he’d
lookk eater ther main sheet, though his arm were

to O. '

“ His arm broken?” asked Neal Nelson, quick-

y.“ Yis, sir. a piece 0’ ther taifrsil were thrown
ag’in’ him by a shot from ther frigate, and it
knocked him clean dawn; but he jumped up
allylqum’l'ilngtmdlh, lads f it onl
. u ' in or are
myZlef armadis brokad.” ' _ y

’ i

 
“ Only his left arm?”

“ Yas, massa.”

“ Well, what then?”

“ It were pretty bad broked, I guess, fer it
hung down by his side I obsarved, and then I
noticed his cheek were bleeding, and I pulled a
splinter out of it; but he didn't seem to mind it
one bit, and kept on: but the fort cut our fore-
topsail away arter that, and then one shot tore
in our bulwarks ainidships, another raked the
deck forward, a third jist cut clean through
ther conipanionway, and our sails kinder looked
like a pepper-box; but Massa Bert luff so pleas-
ant like and say:

“ ‘ Boys, it’s hot work; but it won’t last
long.’ ”

“And he ran b
arm ?” asked Nea
miration.

“ Yes, sah, he did, and be fooled yer mighty
ting, when he shot of! toward ther islands, didu t
he

" Yes, he did, I frankly admit.

“ I thought you had been knocked to pieces.”

Potomac laughed, while Neal Nelson said:

“ And you found you could not make it through
the islands?”

“ No, sah, fer ther tide was ebb, and a leetle
too low; but two hours sooner and we jist could
have made it.”

“ And then our master ran down toward us,
to get out of his bad scrape, cornered as he was,
by making us believe that he intended to sur-
render?” ,

“ Yes, sah.”

“ But he cleverl made us round to, and shot
awa like a bird, saving us still on the waters."

“ as, massa.”

“ And you laughed so heartily you fell over-
board?”

“ Well, Massa Nelson, not adzactly that, sah
for we got de order ter let of! de sheets, and

the fort with that broken
Nelson, with increased ad-

Massa Bert, wid his broke arm, minded de main.

sheet.

“ Den I started aft. and my foot caught in a
rope as de lugger gave a lurch scuppers under,
and I went overboard mighty easy.

“ I ris u , and I seen dat'needer Massa Bert
or Kenne had see me take do water, and I
w’u’d not hail, knowin’ my massa w’u’d put back
arter me right of! and git cotched; but he knows
I is gone now, for I seen de lugger half come

? about, and den stand on her way when you low-

ered de boat fer me, so he knowed I were picked

u . - .

p“ But, Massa Nelson l” and Potomac’s voice
sunk to a whisper.

“ Well, Potomac?"

“ Don’t put me on de station ship, sah, as a
sailor.”

“ No, Potomac; I will take you with me on
the schooner, for I need a good steward ”

. “ Thank ou, sah, and I guesses I’ll like dat
mi hty we ,” and Potomac grinned, as Neal
Nelson called to his negro cook and told him to
give his new steward some dry clothes and take
him under his charge for service on board the
schooner.

“ Now Waters, what are our chances to cap-
ture the lugger?” asked the young commander,
turning to his lieutenant.

“ Slim, sir, unless we can cripple him before
he can get that island between us, for there is a
bar juts out, which he can cross, and we will
hav’e to round, so he’ll gain over a league on

s.

“Then he’ll esca , for once he reaches open
water he can hug t e coast, while we must kee
off, and he will give us the slip, especially as t
is clouding up.”

“ Yes, sir and a blow threatens; but we
might cripp e him with our forecastle pivot,”
urged Rowell Waters.

‘ Try it, thou h I do not believe that any-
thing can chec that fellow when he makes up
his mind to go through, for I would have bet
the chance of an admiralship against him, anti
ever dollar I own thrown in.”

“ would any one else, and the men are
very anxious, sir, saying that the negro was
thrown off by the witch who is on the craft, to
check our pursuit, and they do not wish to chase
the lugger further.”

“It s not as,the men wish, Mr. Waters; but
try “your gun u n him, and see what you can
do, and, as the ieutenant moved forward, he
said to himself:

“ I have no dread for Brandon now, for I be-
lieve ha would pass safely under a frigate’s
broadside.

“He will escape me, and he deservesi for
more iron nerve superb courage and sk ll I

ever saw; but I am really sorry he is wound-

,” and, as Neal Nelson spoke the bow pivot

opened are upon the lugger. .

CHAPTER XIV.
an arrormnm nr'r.

'l‘imumm he could do better than his or
officer bad, though he did not sag so well
Waters went forward himself to re the pivot
gun and see if he could not bring the in or to.

The gunner loaded the lace as he wish , and
the ofﬁcer took long and eliberate aim.

The result was that he came very near the

lugger, but mined her. .

 
Again he fired and did not so well.

A third shot went between her masts, causing
her foresail to jerk up as it tore through the
canvas;

But still the lugger held on with no mortal
wound.

A score of shots, ﬁred in rapid succession, the
lieutenant sent after the speeding boat, which
had crossed the bar and was running for the lce
of the island, and then he said:

“ There she goes behind the island, and I give

‘ it up, for she has escaped "

“ Well, Waters, no luck, I see?” said Lieu-
tenant Nelson, as his rﬂicer came aft.

“ No, 811‘, he‘s gone."

“ And What do you say about the distance he
has ained upon us?”

“ 9 will have, if he runs out to sea now, and
we follow, just about four miles lead of us.”

" Then it is useless to pursue him further,
especially as you know We are not provisioned,
for I intended getting supplies aboard to—mor-
row.

“ Head back for our anchora e, and I will re-
port to the admiral in the morn us, and then 0
on to town, for I have an engagement to br -
fast with Major Shackelford at nine.

“ Now I will get some rest, for I am very
tired,” and the young commander entered his
cabin, partook of some supper that awaited
him, and then retired to his state-room to seek
much needed rest.

In the mean while the schooner sped on her
way back toward her anchorage, running close
in to the frowning fort, when a hail came from
the officer on duty, who had been watching the
maneuvers below with deep interest.

“ Ho. the Vicious!”

“ Ay, ay, sir," answered Rowell.Waters.

“He dodged you after all?” '

“Yes. sir, he played a Yankee trick on us.”

“ So I saw; it was most clever.”

“ And we gave him up."

“ You were wise. for you could never catch
that cunning/fellow.”

“ No, si , so we all think.”

“ A line-of-battle ship would never‘ have got-
ten by us as he did; but he seemed to he never
where we aimed; but good-night,” and the
voice of the oﬂicer could hardly be heard as the
schooner was passing on.

Arriving at her anchorage she picked up her
cable, which the had slipped, and soon the
pretty craft was riding at anchor, while the
t »wn was once more buried in repose, or at
least had‘put out its lights once more.

At seven o’clock the dyoung commander of the
Vicious was called, an be arose in a lazy wa
and, as the scenes of the hi ht ﬂashed before h s
mind, said to his negro coo :

“ Hallo, Blackstone, where is your assistant
that I engaged for you last night, and who an-
swered to the name of Potomac?"

“ Massa Cap’n, that nigger am gone.”

“ Gone 1”

“ Yes, sah, he am nowhar on de ship.”

“ Blackstone, what does this mean?” asked
Neal Nelson in surprise.

“ Massa Cap’n, do dat nigger look like me?”

“ Well, Blackstone, he does look enough like
you to bedyour brozher.” ~

“ That e way he played it, sah.”

“ Played what?”

“ I gwine ter tell yer, sah.

“ Yer see, he made a heap o’ fuss over me
said we was doubtless twin brudders, separa
when we was young, and tho’ I told him I were
borned in Boston, and kuowed my maminy was,
and daddy too, he say c‘at were nothin’ and he
knowed we was brudders, for I was so hand-
some-looking.

“ So, Massa Cap’n. I let give dat nigger my
best uniform sailor clot es ter put on. and told
him ter bunk in ‘wid me.

“ Den he got sick, he say, and go to de sur-

n fer some morphine, and I make him some
at coffee and hab a cup in self.

“ Den, Massa Cap’n, I on’t know nothin’
more ontll half hour ago when d9? w01m me

u .
R‘ I had is awful headache, and dey tell me do
ni er were gone.

“ ump up and I ﬁnd dere two pieces ob gold
he ha put in my cap for me, and de sailors say
he come ougiist afore dawn and hab my white
cook-cap a a n on, and sa de‘ pervisions
hadn’t come on , and he ha in go to town
to market.

“ So, Massa Morgan, do new midsbipman,
who were ofﬁcer of de deck, he tell two of do
men toglt de Kit! and let him go ashore, dey
thinking it were me.

“ , oﬂ he go and land at de wharf, and de
men wait for him. ' '

“ Bimehy a man come, soon arter sun-up, and
say to do men dat dey needn’t wait no longer, as
de nigger was not co n’ back.

“ So out day comes nd reports, and den dez
look up de other nig and finds me in de bun
so sound asleep dey n it hard time to wake
me up. '

“ New, Massa Nelson, dem am de gospil facts
0' de case, and what you think 1”
Neal Nelson burst out into a hearty laugh and

said:
‘ Blackstone, I think he played the sick dOdgo

 
3-59.» ’r 3 _. ‘ (Yup. a" pa ‘ t; 

, «I. wed Skipper.

11

 
to et the morphine from the surgeon—for you,
and not for himself.

{ :‘ No, sir, not in one word that he uttered.”

‘ Well, try and ﬁnd his whereabouts in some

"He drugged your coffee, and then, seeing way, Nelson, and tell him from me that no
that he looked like you, madea bold stroke for [ hari’n shall befall him if he will come and see
4 me

freedom.

“ He is as cunnin as his master, and has
given us the slip equa ly as cleverly."

“ He seem like honest nigger.”

" And is, or he would never haVe left you the
poll to pay for your suit he wore off,” and Neal
Nelson laughed again.

“ Well, get me a cup of coffee, Blackstone,
for I must report to the admiral, and I shall
breakfast in town, so you need cook nothing for
me, and half an hour after, the young ofﬁcer, in
full uniform and looking his best, Went into his
gig alongside, and was rowed to the station-ship,
the Nero.

He was greeted most cordially, when recog-
nized, and many questions were asked him as to
how he escaped; but he evaded an answer, and
went to the cabin to see Captain Delaﬂeld, who
was 'ust dressing.

“ 'ell, Nelson, the Old Harry was to pay
yesterday and last night: but I am gladito see
you safe and sound, while I was surprised to
learn you had called as I supposed you were
yet a prisoner to that dashing Yankee scamp,”

“ No, Captain Delaﬁeld, he released me, and
I wish to make my report to you, as I am on my
way to the ﬂagship.”

“I’ll go with you, and then ashore, for I’m to
drivo out to Castle Wyndom this morning and
see the secretary.

“ By the way, I’m invited out to dine, so I’ll
extend an invitation to you also, for those young
ladies, yes, and Wyndom too, will be most anx-
ioust. hear all.”

Neal Nelson looked embarrassed for a mo-
ment, and then he said:

“ Captain Delaﬁeld, [desired to o to Wyn-
doni Castle, to try and clear mysel in the eyes
of Lady Lulu and Miss Wyndom, for my hasty
conduct of yesterday.

“ The fact is, I had just had considerable
trouble in impressing some men up-town and
was angry.

“ Again, I am new in America, and was led
to su pose that Americans were a most inferior
peop e, so in this humor I met Brandon, and at-
tem ited to take him.

“ ou know the result, as you do also that he
took my sword from me, broke it in twain and
threw it into the sea. -

“Enraged, I drew my pistol, not upon an un-
armed man, as Lady Lulu cuttinglg said, for he
was armed with a knife in his ban and a small
pistol in his sash, which I saw.

“ She was very severe u 11 me, but I wish to

see her and thank her for coping me from kill-
ing one of the noblest fellows I ever met, and
that he is skillful and brave, you have seen.”

“Then you will come out?”

“ Yes sir, and I wish you to pave the way
with what I have said, or my position is an
awkward one."

“ I will do so; but now let us go to the ad-
miral's, and we'll catch him at breakfast, and
he lives well.”

“ N 0, you go with me to breakfast with Shack-
elford at the barracks, and I promised to be
there at nine sharp.”

So the two ofﬁcers, and friends, were rowed
on board the ﬂgshlllp, and the old admiral
greeted them co in Kand heard the lieuten-
ant’s story, laughing eartily at Potomac’s cs-
08 . and stiﬂing, with a brave man’s admir-
ation for pluc :

“ Well. that young Yankee skipper has cour-
age I never saw su and to run the
gantlet of the_castle, with a broken arm, alone
should et him a pardon, while I’ll get an
epaulet or his shoulder if he’ll serve the king;
but you did not chase him out to my”

“ No, sir, as it would have been moles, after
be doubled so cleverly upon me, throwing me
four miles astern.”

“ True, you did best to return; but were none
of your men hurt?”

‘ Not one, sir. as I found the man he hurled
oi! the deck was picked up by a scaven er boat
and returned to the schooner, and t 9 men
whom he hurt in running me down, are none of
them fatall injured.”

“ I am g ad of it, for it will be the easier to
pardon him, and he must become a king’s man,
especially as I learn he was the fellow who
rescued the Lady Lulu Langdon from drowning,
who}: that accursed pirate threw her into the
sea.

“ Yes, sir, he was the same.”

“ And he was modest about it, too, not to let
her know who he was, or where he could be
found, while he would accept no pecuniary re-
ward from the secretary.”

“ No, admiral, he is not that kind of a man,
and Yankee skipper though he is, I found him a
perfect gentleman.

“He saved me from being hanged h a mob,
and he is entitled to full honor and credft for his
miraculous escape.

" id’ilﬂhwm "m‘ “m Sgﬁ’ll’dd‘m “d I
won 0 in war a pardon'
he declined.” y w ’

“ He was not insulting toward the king and
his oﬁicersi”

 
“ Thank you, admiral,” answered the young
ofﬁcer, and soon after the two visitors took their
leave, and landing in the town, walked rapidly
to the barracks.

A hurrah greeted the arrival of Neal Nelson,
who was known to ’most all of the oﬁicers who
had been invited to breakfast, and were
anxiously awaiting to see if the young skipper
would allow him to keep his appointment as he
had romised he should.

“ en minutes late, only, Nelson, and ou are
welcome, and you too, Captain Delaﬁel ,” said
Major Hal Shackelford, a ﬁne-looking omcer of
thirty-ﬁve, and all joined in a glass of welcome
to Neal Nelson, who had met with such astrange
adventure, while the “ Yankee skipper’s ” health
was drank with admiration at his courage and
success even ainst themselves, as one who was
deserving of a 1 that he had won.

Toward noon Neal Nelson took a carriage
and drove out to Castle “'yndom, Captain Dela-
ﬁeld having e(preceded him an hour, and it was
with a ﬂush face that he alighted from the
vehicle and lifted the heavy brass knocker upon
the massive carved door, for he had not forgot-
ten Lady Lulu’s biting words to him the day be-
fore and wondered how the beautiful girl would
receive him.

 
CHAPTER XV.
ran murmnanr’s s'roar.

CAPTAIN DELAFIELD was a ood talker, and,
somewhat anxious to escape be 11 known as the
one who ordered Lieutenant Ne son to pursue
and capture the young ski per, when he knew
just what Lady Lulu and adge thought of the
affairI he was desirous to put the commander of
the Vicious in as good a light as possible.

So, when he drove out to Castle Wyndom,
some time ahead of Neal Nelson, he was eagerly
greeted by the secretary and the maidens, who
were most anxious to know all that he could tell
them of the chase of the lugger.

His rece tion really delighted him, and be-
fore he cou d hardly speak he was asked a dozen
questions by each fair maid, the principal one

mg:

“ Did the lugger go down, under the ﬁre of
Castle William?

“ She did not.”

“ Thank Heaven !”

“Oh! how glad I am to know this,” came
fervently from the lips of the two girls, while
Mr. Wyndom said:

“ I told the young ladies so, or that ﬁring we
afterward heard would not have occurred.

“ Do you know, Delaﬁeld, they got me back
in the cupola, after we had separated for the
night, when they heard a dozen or more shots,
some half-hour after the castle cease ﬁring.”

“ That was the saucy little Vicious after the
lugglgr, but Nelson says he could not hit her.”

‘ elson?” cried both ladies, in chorus.

“Yes, Neal Nelson.”

“ Why, I thought he was a prisoner?"

“ So he was, Lady Lulu; but he must tell you
his own stor , for I cannot, and it is a most inter-
esting one assure you, as you will say when
you hear it, for I asked him to come out, tak-
ing that liberty, as he said he had an explana-
tion to make to you."

“I think an explanation is necessary, when
he went in chase of the oung American, after
mﬁlmeeting on the w arf,’ said Lady Lulu
co y.

“ y Lulu, I think you wronged Nelson in
one thing, for the young skip r was armed,
with a knife and pistol, and t wronged the
lieutenant to have his men knocked about, one

03 the dock, and his own sword torn
from him, snapped in two and thrown into the
water. .

“ Under impulse he was about to ﬁre upon the

r, when you so nobly saved his life.

‘ , ut Nelson is as brave as a lion, he is a
splendid fellow though impulsive, and I hope
you will not be hard 11 n h .”

“ Yet he deliberate y Went in chase of the

youn man.”
“ e had orders from the ship to do so,‘and
he had to obey his su rior oﬂicer.”

Here Go. tain Dela ld winced a little, for he
was inferr ng a falsehood, as he meant the ship
should he understood ﬂag-ship, and superior
ofﬁcer the admiral, whereas it was his own ves-
sel and himself.

“ Did the admiral order him again at night,
after his escape to chase the logger. sir?”

“ He arrived on his schooner, Lad Lulu,
when she was already under way to c ass the
lugger, havingI been signaled to do so;but he
must tell you is own story, for he is quite in-
fatuated with the Yankee ski , I assure you,
and Major Shackelford gave Nelson a breakfast
this morninsiat his guarters, and I went with
him, and ipper ert Brandon's health was
drank with a bumper.”

" Indeed l” and Lady Lulu arched her pretty
brows, while Madge said in a tone of sarcasm:

- “ British oﬁlcers drinking the health of a

 
Yankee who outwitted, outsailed and out-
generaled them?”

“ Strange, but true. Miss Wyndom, but then
we can appreciate courage in a foe, and I never
saw it shine forth more grandly than in that
same Yankee skipper.”

Kn0wing as they did, that the lugger had es-
caped and that the British ofﬁcer had given
Bert randon credit for what he had done, both
Lady Lulu and Madge “'yndom felt in better
humor, and when the name of Lieutenant Nelson
was announced by the liveried butler, they re-
ceiged him pleasantly, and Lady Lulu frankly
sai :

“ Forgive my harsh words, Lieutenant Nelson,
yesterday, especially as they were uncalled for,
after Captain Delaﬁeld has told us the Yankee
skip r was armed.” ,

‘ Vith all my heart I forgive and forget, Lady
Lulu: but the skipper was armed, with both
pistol and knife, though he had such conﬁdence
in himself, and justly, as not to make use of his
weapons until he had to, and, when I tell you
that he saved me from being hanged last night,
by killing the ringleader of a mob, you may
know that I feel most friendly toward him.”

The secretary and the young ladies were now
most curious to know the story, and Neal Nel-
son told of his adventures, from his receiving
orders—here he looked slyly at Captain Delaﬁeld
—to go and capture the logger, until his being
cleverly foiled in her capture by Bert Brandon’s
daring act at the very moment, as be supposed,
of his success.

He gave the young dripper. credit for his won-
derful nerve, his untiring endurance, his bril~
liant plans to extricate himself, his unsurpassed
courage, and through all for a coolness that no
peril could ruﬁle.

“ Without boastin , I may say, and I think
the captain will susta 11 me in what I say, I have
been considered the best swordsman in the ser-
vice; but yet that young skipper disarmed me
with his knife on the wharf, and afterward on
board his vessel with a rapier.

“ When he ﬁred upon the leader of that mob,
he hit him uarel in the forehead, and I never
saw a deck c car as those three men cleared it
of that angry mob.

“ He threatened to hang me in the coolest
manner possible, and Shackelford said he knew
by the man’s voice he would do it.

“ No one expected he would dare attempt to
run out by night, yet orders had been given to/
not let a sail move on the bay, and an expedi-
tion of boats was to go up and attack him this
morning.

“ He went off cheerily after leaving me on
the wharf, layed with the guard-boats—for I
saw the mi dy in command of the one that tried
to bring him to—and took the ﬁre of the ships,
the fort, and my schooner.

“ He was hard hit, but still held on, and with
a broken arm ran by, Castle William.

“ Then he deceived me completely, running
right back to me when he found he could not
get through the islands, and answered my hail
promptly, to dart away like a bird, and leave
me rounded to.

“ Half of his crew, in the person of the negro,
Potomac, he lost overboard, and I picked im
up, and he proved to the qualities of his
master in a wonderful de ,” and Lieutenant
Nelson went on to tell of he negro's escape, and
the gold pieces he had left topav Blackstone, his'
sable-colored confrere for his clothes.

“ I have told my story to the admiral, and he
declares that he will appgint Skipper Bert Bran-
don to a midshipman’s rth, an apply to the
king to commission him, while, Mr. Secretary,
I wish to ask your inﬂuence to get him a pardon
for what he has done, in resisting his Majesty’s
ofﬁcers and runnin d0wn a king’s boat.”

“ Gladly will I 0 all in my power for the
young man, Lieutenant Nelson, while, if he does
not care to enter the service, I can offer him a
civil position of some kind.

“ In fact, Lord Howe desires a military secre-
tary; and asked me to look about for a young
American who could ﬁll such a position, as he
thought it would be a rap to the colonists, to
have one of their numbers. pointed, and he does
not care to take any Bri sh ofﬁcer from his
duties, either naval or military.”

“ I only hope he is not a ﬁre-eating colonist,
who will stand 'in his own li ht by e ressing
his hatred of all that is Englis from t king
down to his British-born subject,” said Captain
Delaﬁeld.

“I do not think you will ﬁnd him so, for in
what he did, it was not resistance against the
king, but rather that he would not be seized and
forced to serve against his will.

“ Such I gleaned from «him, as also that he
Owned the logger, and sup rted those depend-
ing upon him by runnin or as a coaster be-
tween the Kennebec a Baotou.”

“ Well, we must ﬁnd him,” said the secretary.

“ Yes we must,” added Ca rain Delaﬁeld.

“If they don't, we will,” u sotto voce said
lady Lulu, with a knowing glance at Madge.

CHAPTER XVI.
aoxnwm norm).
As Potomac had stated to Lieutenant Nelson,
when he was picked out of the water and

 
 4“?”  .. , 

 
r 12

 
The Outlawedi i 4"

 
on board the schooner, neither Bert Brandon or
Kennebec had noticed his going overboard.

At the moment, the young skipper had his '

eyes astern. and the Indian was giving the jib
halyard a better turn around the cleat.

Potomnc‘s foot had caught on a coil of rope,
just as the lugger gave a fearful lurch, and he
had gone in head-ﬁrst.

The negro’s presence of niiud had caused him
to dive deep, to avoid the suction of the hull,
and when he arose the lugger was half a cable’s
len th "way.

0 ball her, he knew would cause her capture,
as Bert Brandon would surely put back for him.

The schooner was not so Very far away, and ,

he would hail her, for, if made prisoner, it would
trouble him but little.

If the schooner «lid not pick him up Potomac ,

had conﬁdence in his ability to reach an island

by swimming, for he was almost as much at ‘

home in the water as a fish.

Hailing the schooner he was picked up, as the
reader has seen.

In the meantime the lugger was dashing along,

keeled far over and carrying full sail in what ,

was really a resting breeze.

“ I shall scud through a break in the bar,
which I know of, lads, and put that island be:
tween us and danger, while the schooner will
have to round the bar point, and thus lose miles,”
called out Bert Brandon.

“ Yes,” said Kennebec, as was his wont,

though no lazily came from where Potomac was
an .
RAlter we round the island,” continued the
skipper “ the wind 'will be astern, and we can
run he ore it out to sea, and then keep under
the lee of the land on our way home, and I shall
run close inshore and not have to reel.

“When we get over the bar, Potomac, with
the breeze aft, I wish you to take the helm,
while Kennebec helps me with my arm, which
is ver painful.”

Still, no reply from Potomac, and Kennebec,
knowing the promptness with which the negro
always replied to his master, said:

“ Potomac sleep.”

‘ “ Poor fellow, he needs rest, but where is he?”

The Indian glanced about him, arose, and then
said:

“ Potomac gone i”

It was not often that Kennebec showed snif-
prise at anything; but this time he was really
excited with astonishment!

"Gone?"

It Yes.”

“ But where?”

“ Dunno.”

“ Is he not in the forecastlei”

(t No. ”

“ In the hold?” .

“ Hatch shut tight.”

“ He certainly has not gone into the cabin or
I should, have seen him.”

“ In the caboose?"

u Empty." '

“ Then he has gone overboard.

“ Great God] have,I lost the noble fellow?”

“ Guess so.”

“ He must have just gone overboard so,
broken‘armed though I am, I will put back for
him, if I am taken and banged for it,” said the
young Yankee skipper to the Indian.

o “ Stand by to go about!”

The lugger began to go about, as the Indian
had run rapidly to the fore sheet and jib, while
the skipper, one-armed though he was, tended
the main sheet, when Kennebec called out:
bOZH‘im all right! Schooner pick him; up with

t.‘

A glance astern showed that a boat had been
lowered, and that the schooner had rounded to
once more.

“ Well, he is not drowned I am glad to know,
and he’ll soon escape from them, so we Will run
once more, KennebeC, and a hard run we’ll have
of it, crippled as I am.”

“ Me jump lively—do heap!” was the laconic

N V.

R11 know our willin em may be good, Ken-
nebec, but is is a g vessel for one man and
a half to mans ”

“ Where hal man?"

“ I am, with the broken arm.”

,“ Have one arm, one leg,,one eye more man
in'saa chief than meet men Kennebec knows,”
was the compliments rejoinder of the Indian.

“You are very g to say so. my good Ken-
nebec, but I am suﬂering very much.and, as

' anon as WP get through the" cut in the bar, I will

ask you to take the helm.”

In a few moments more the schooner opened
fire, as the reader will remomber, but other than
is. shot throngh her foresall, she suffered no
damage, ran through the cut in safety, though
her keel slightly touched the sandy bottom, and
she dragged aboard over the stern a heav y fol-
lowing sea. , ’ ‘

But she. went through all right, and soon was
running before the wi seaward, and out of
light of the Vicious.

' “ Schooner going back.” said Kennebec, as he

' saw her sails over the island heading for the

.9

we. ,
“ I believe you are right, Kennebec,” said the

young sailor, and soon after he became con-
. vinced that the Vicious had given up the chase.

Not knowing but that he Would meet some
English vessel-of-war runnin in that might
bring him to, he determine to run on out to
Sea, throw his sails to starboard, and head for
home with all speed, holding on until he reached
Salem, which port he could enter and see a sur-
geon about his arm.

It was just dawn when he dropped anchor in
the port, and leaving Kennebec in charge, Went
* ashore to look up a physician.

1 The home of one was found. but the doctor

; had just been called away, and the young man

‘ was forced to wait for him a couple of hours.

I Then the man of surgery returned and inves-

i tigated his injuries.

. Bert Brandon knew him as a colonist whose

; sympathies were all with the American people,

. and when he was asked:

' “ How did you crrne by this broken arm, my

. friend?” he answered f_rankly:

I “ Running the gantlet of the British fire last

1 night, in my determination not to be seized by a

: Press—Gan .”

i “ No! hat? You didi Glorious! Glori-
ous!

i “ You did well, my brave sir, you did nobly,

1 and I must know all about it," cried the delight-

g ed physician.

‘ “ It is easily told, sir,” said Bert Brandon

, with a smile at the doctor’s enthusiasm.

, “Then tell it, please; but what was all that

i hengy firing abdut last night, in Boston Har-

. r!

i “ They were trying to sink my little bigger,
‘ sir, but she is no worse hurt than am I," and
the skipper told the story of his adventures, in a
quiet, modest way, from the attack upon him
by Lieutenant Nelsiin, only he did not refer to
Lady Lulu in any way, simply saying that the
English officer had been prevented from shooting
him.

The doctor listened with delight, ejaculating
the while as certain events referred to won his
admiration.

Then, having all in readiness for work, be ex-
tracted scvera splinters from the face of the
young hero, and set the broken arm with the
greatest care, bandaging it skillfully.

“ Now, my friend, you must get other help to
take your vessel back, and you simply com—
mand, for I wish that arm of yours to be as good
as new in a short while.

“You stand pain with marvelous fortitude,
and now you need a good drink of brandy, and
I have already told wife you would join me at
breakfast.

“ Then I will drive you down to the shore and
we will look up some good sailor I know.”

“ You are very good to me, sir, and now I
would like to know what 1 am indebted to you
in a pecuniary way!"

“ Not One penny, sir, not a copper centime,
for it has been a pleasure to serve you, and I
hope to see more of you before I die, and if I
don’t, I am sure I’ll hear of you, for you will
not be idle when the call comes for patriot
Americans to ﬂy to arms against Englishmen.

“ And it’s coming, sir, coming, and very soon

“ Now we will go to breakfast.”

And such a breakfast as the good wife gave
them, for the doctor had run out and told her a
part of his patient’s story, and she had prepared
the best in the house.

Getting into the gig with him, after break-
fast, Bert Brandon rode down to the shore,
arriving there just as a tall form came rapidly
down the road. ‘.

“ By all that’s good! there is Potomac!” cried
Bert Brandon, delighted] y, and the negro came
rushing forward and rasped his hand.

“ How did on get ere, Potomac?” asked the
young sailor n uniform.

“ Massa Bert, I jist concluded I w’u’dn’t stay
on board dat skunner, and so I lighted out.

“ l tuk ther road ter this village, wishing for
git here in da time, and thinking maybe you
might put in ere, as yer said er wanted ter
have yer arm mended, and ef I idn’t ﬂnd yer
I intended footin it on tar ther Kennebec, and
bain’t lost no time so far, for it’s jist about
three hours since I left Boating t0wn.”

“Well, I am delighted to see you, Potomac,
and I’ll hear all that has happened to you, as
we sail homeward for I fear some vessel may
run out by daylight and catch us, so we must
be 01!.”

Getting a boatman to take them of! to the
lugger, which lay in a secluded spot. the doctor
went along too, and he was profuse in his praise
as he saw how the little vemel had weathered
the iron storm that had bursted upon her. and
yet not been struck in a vital part.

"I wish you good luck ever, Captain Bran-
don. you and yours, and i’ll keep your name in
mind. expectln to hear it again, while, by the
way ” he add in a whisper: ‘

' I’m tty well fixed financially, and if you
think 0 ﬁtting out a ivatoer to command
when the to comes. ust call on me, for I’ll
help with fun a.”

‘ I, thank you. air; but I have made no plans
for the future.

 
“Good-by,” and Kennebec having gotten ,
' l

.x' ‘ V, \

 i.

‘ 'YV«'« ‘ f} .,';, ‘

 
things ship-shape while the skipper was ab>ent,
the anchor was hauled up and the little Mer-
maid went ﬂying seaward, homi'ward bound.

CHAPTER XVII.
THE HOME ON THE KENNRBEC.

THE scene of my story changes to the present
State of Maine, at a point below the pretty
town of Bath upon the Kennebec River.

There is to be found a Very romantic cove,
making into the 8! ON frrin the Kennebec, and

 
' shaped somewhat like the letter J.

The cove runs in bctwer n high rocky shores,
through an entrancc not very wide, but with
plenty of water to that a vessel of a hundred
tons.

Upon the tops of the overhanging cliﬂ's are
firs, lichens, and pines, Which fringe the edges
and cast the little basin in deep shadow about
half the day.

It is a wild, picturesque spot, and at the. inner
end of the cave the hills tower almost to moun-
tain height.

Into the cave, at its land end, (Need a crystal
'stream, which came bounding down the rocky
steeps, keeping up a steady and musical ripple
that was very soothing.

On‘one side of the stream where it emptied
into the basin, was a small lili‘l' ol‘logS, over
which was a roof, and upon either sidcrnstic
seats had been laced.

A sandy bcac of only a few feet had upon it a
life skiff, and yawl, With a fisher-heal of one
ton burden and a single mast lying at anchor
near.

From the little dock steps led up the hillside.
following the winding sin-um, and with arailing
of Saplings upon either side. .

Where the rocks served as steps, they had
been made use of, but in other places hewn logs
had been placed in position, and again board
stairways here and there were seen.

At the top of the steps, a hundred in number,
upon a level plot of land, a quarter of an acre in
size, stood a pretty little Cottage of logs.

It was one story in height, contained four
rooms, and a small kitchen, wood-house and
store-room in the rear.

It was whitewashed neatly, as was also a
smaller cabin further back inaglen, where a
patient cow stood, awaiting the coming of the
milkmaid, for it was nearly the sunset hour.

There were chickens roaming about the hill—
sides, a paling fence incloSed a vegetable gar—
den, piles of cut wood stood near the out-house,
and an overhanging cliff sheltered all from the
cold blasts of the north and the disagreeable
east winds, while the sunshine fell upon the little
plateau during much of its westWard course
across the heavens.

Flower beds, trailing vines and rustic seats
under a huge fir tree, with a. porch running
across the front of the cabin, gave the place,
with its other attractions, a most home-like, cozy
look, and it was an abiding place where one
could dream life awav without a care.

A path led along the steep hillside from the
plateau. under the overhangin walls of rocks,
here and there crevices spanner by rude bridges,
and one passing along it looked down into the
gasijn below, or up to the pine-fringed cliffs over-

ea . I
g A walk, the length of the basin, or inlet,
brought one to a jutting point of rocks .over—
han ng the Kennebec River.

Here was a snug little arbor shut in with
gliaiss windows that could be raised or closed at
w .

A tiny ﬁreplace was in the land side, and

. upon the hearth of rocks, were two iron dogs for

w n
Then there was a table, and several chairs.
the place being evidentlya favorite resort by
winter or summer, for it commanded a view up
and down the riVer for quite a distance. '

The windows were 0 n now, to admit of the
balmy breeze, and the ittle arbor contained two
occupants, while outside a large dog, of the
Newfoundland breed, and two immense cats lay
sunning themselves in the last rays of the set-
tin sun.

one who were seated in the arbor were, as
their appearance indicated, mother and daugh-

r

The former was a woman of, forty-ﬁve, with a
signiﬁed, sad face, full of reﬁnement and intel-

genceo .

She looked the lady in s ite of her rude sur-
roundings. and her dress t ough of plain jeans
was neat and fitted her form well.

She was engaged in knitting woolen socks.
and worked With the air of one who enjoyed
what she was doing.

The daughter was a maiden of eighteen with
a face full of fascination in its innocent loveli—
noes.

H" eyes were black, large and intensely ex-
pressive, while her mm- was golden and 'was
$092? in heavy braids at the back of her shapely

Her lips were full, red as a rose, and partin
as she spoke to her mother, displayed teeth 0
the whitest. -

Her hands were small, though browned
by the sun, and the beaut of her feet was not
b dden in a pair of stonts oes that she wore.

\ I.
i

 
I

 
‘ ' - one: ostiaw'é‘d‘ Skipper‘

'13

 
Though dressed in a home-made gown, of
home-made material, with simply a ruffle at her
neck, she looked the lady of reﬁnement, though
her home was an humble cabin on the river
bank.

“ Ah, “latch, what is it?” said the mother as
the large dog raised his head in an inquiring
we '.

“)Do you see master’s lugger coming, Watch?”
asked the maiden, and at her words the dog
sprung to his feet with a joyful yelp, which
startled the two cats from their nap.

“You are right, Watch, there comes the
Mermaid,” cried the girl, asavessel suddenly
appeared in view coming up the river, and in-
stantly she threw down the sewing she had been
engaged upon, and seizing a little blue ﬂag,
hoisted it upon a ﬁagstaﬂ‘ that stood upon the
cliff.

The ﬂag was of blue, and neatly embroidered
in its center in white letters, were the words:

“ WELCOME HOME.”

Instantly the ﬂag of the lugger was dipped
three times in acknowledgment, and, taking a
rustic seat outside, the mother and daughter
watched for the coming nearer of the little
vessel. ‘ _

“Something has detained Bert, mother, he-

ond his time, for, with the fair winds we have
had the past week, he should have been here
three days ago,” said the maiden.

“I have feared that harm had befallen him,
Bessie, though I would not say so to on; but I
am glad to see him back again, as have been
most anxious regarding his safety, since the
British have been seizing our seamen as they
have.”

“ I wish brother would give up the seaand
take the village school, which was offered to
him, until all this trouble is over,” Bessie Bran-
don said.

“ I wish so, too, my child; but you know your
brother’s adventurous spirit crnVcs excitement
and he loves the sea, and it is well that he does,
for what would have become of us, after your
father’s mysterious disappearance, had not Bert
been able to take charge of the lug-per?”

“It was the best he could do; but you will
never speak of father as lost, or dead, mother,
only as having disappeared.”

“ I do not believe he is dead, and have never
believed he was lost at sea, the night he went
out in his skiff to ﬁsh on the river.

“ I have tried to\ believe him dead, to picture
him at the bottom of the sea .or in his grave,
but I cannot do so, and so I live with hope of
his return some day.”

“ Heaven grant it, mother; but he has been
gone ﬁve years now.”_

“ True, and yet I gwe not up hope.”

“ Nor shall 1, my brave, noble mother, until
there is no longer hope; but, mother, tell me
more of my father, for you have never spoken
of his past.”

A shadow passed over the face of the woman,
but she said:

“ Bessie, all I know of your father, you know.

“He came into the village where was my
home, one afternoon late, and Providence
brought him there just at the ri ht moment,
as a huge  rushed from a yard irectly upon
me, springing at m throat.

_“ The brute’s we ght knocked me down and
his heav body fell upon me; butI had heard
the crac of a pistol, and the moment before
had seen a oung man, in vel-stained and weary,
ploddln a ong the road.

“ He 1 was who had ﬁred the shot, that pene-
trated the dog’s brain just as his ﬁerce teeth
glittered in my face.

“He dragged the d of! of me, raised me
tenderly in is arms, an supported me to my
home, which was near, where my father, who
had seen all, met me. white with terror.

“ Throwing myself into my father’s arms I
fainted and he bore me into the house; but
when recovered from my swoon and asked
for my preserver, he had not been thought of,
not a word of thanks had I given him even,
and he was gone.

“My father tried hard to ﬁnd him, that he
might reward him handsomely, for you know

our grandfather was a very rich man, Bessie;
but we could learn nothing of \who he was, or
where he had 8008.

“ A year after We went to the college where
my brother "99 to graduate, and there I came
face to time With my preserver.

“ He was a professor there, but no one knew
aught regarding him.

“A splendid looking man,” on know your
father was, for your brother is is counterpart,
a gentleman, tow and owmg him my life, it was
no wonder I loved him.

“My brother inVited him home, to spend a
few weeks of vacation. and be came, and loving
me, asked my father for my hand.

“ Instantly my stern father turned him out
of doors, and it was a year before I “w him
aga n.

“ Thenoze came to me. told me that he had a
small sch l on the Kennehec River. which he
was to take charge of, and asked
his wife and go there with him.

“ Again my father stormed; but I became his

mete become

 
wife, though I was disowned, and I never had
cause to regret my act, Bessie.

“ Poor as we were, your father, who was a
good seaman, found he could do better as mate
of a Vessel, and after two years he became its
master, and then was able to buy the lugger.

“ Educated as he was, he has taught both you
and your brother, until to—day no college gra-
duate is better informed than is Bert, and, like
your father, he is worthy of a far better pOsitiou
than the skipper of a coasting-craft.

“ But We were left so poor, and Bert has done
so Well, that we cannot complain, and I do not.”

“ No, no, mother, I am very happy here in
our little nook on the river, and Bert is making
money, and has said we should 'et mOVe to
Boston and have a fine home. ut see, the
Mermaid is almost here,” and both turned their
eyes upon the little vessel, which was now al-
most oﬂ the entrance to the basin among the
rocks.

 
CHAPTER XVIIL
THE RETURN.

“ THERE is something wrong with the lugger,
mother,” said Bessie Brandon, who had been so
interested in her mother’s story about her father
—though she had often heard it before, that she
had not attentively regarded the vessel as it
neared the cave.

“ So there is, Bessie, for her fore-topmast is
gone, her taif rail is cut away, and her bulwarks
have been stove in several laces.

“ What terrible Weather rt must have bad,
though here it has been delightful.”

Bessie had taken a spy-glass from the brackets
in the little cliff house, and leveled it at the lug-
ger, which was a third of a mile distant.

“ Mother, those are shot-marks, and the lug-
ger is scored in many laces, while her sails are
torn; but there is brot er and his faithful crew,
so they are all right, though they seem to have
passed through a fiery ordeal.”

“ Yes, I can see now that the logger has been
in trouble, but she luﬂs up outside and rounds
to, so that means she is not coming into the
basin,” and Mrs. Brandon looked really alarmed.

Bessie had made another discovery, but this
she had not spoken of, fearing to alarm her mo-

ther.

This was that though her brother had tried to
hide it, his left arm was worn in a sling.

“ I will run down to the dock and meet bro-
ther, for, I suppose after landing he intends to
run on up to town with the lugger,” and so say-
ing the young girl bounded away, while her
mother awaited at the lookout, or as they called
the little arbor, the lighthouse, for it was the
custom of the young sailor to keep a light burn—
ing there at night, or the aid of any one on the
river in darkness and storm, and Bessie was the
“ Fair Maid of the Lighthouse,” as Bert called
her and never failed to attendit regularly.

S e tripped lightly down the stairway to the
basin; but as she\ reached the little dock she
geard her mother’s voice from above calling

er. .

“ Yes, mother I”

“ Bert hus'hailed and says you are to come
ggt tin, the slut! after him, as they have lost their

a . '

“ Yes, I’ll go at once,” and the skiff was
shoved into the water; the maiden sprung into
it, and seizing the cars sent .it rapidly along,
wondering as she did so what could have hap-

pened.

“ Oh, Bess, I had to call on on to set me
ashore, as our boat is gone, an I will let the
boys run the lu or on u to town with her
cargo, while I lan ,” cried rt Brandon, as his
sister neared them.

A moment more she was upon the deck, while
Potomac grasped the skiff.

“ Brother, what has happened?” she said, as
she saw his pals face, scarred with fresh wounds,
and his left arm in bandages.

“ It is a long story, sis: but don’t be alarmed,
for I am all right, though feeling worn out and
bruised after our misha and run up.

“ Now, boys, take t e Mermaid in to her
dock, and when you unload her, let Builder
Wright put her in trim for me from keel to top-
m t.

as

“ Tell him I wish a longer main boom and
gaff as long as she will stand, and ﬁve feet more
height to the new topmosts, with fully seven to
thighowsprit, and anew set of sails through-
on

“ Why, brother, what do you intend to do!”
asked Bessie, with surprise.

“Get more speed out of the Mermaid, Bess,
and I can do t, though she can show a clean
pair of heels to any craft I have yet seen.

“ To give her better luck, I shall also call her
Mermaid Bessie.”

“ Oh, brother l”

“ True and when she is changed a little in her
how, and wholly in her rig, you’ll ﬁnd she will
be the queen of the waters; but now we will go
who”. .

“ Good—by, lads, and expect me up in a few
days, so do not lose any time in getting the .Mer-
mairliq in Vg’ri ht’shagﬁsﬂu ri '

” o, i e ugger a ght; hope on
jwell nick,” said Kenuebec, while Potomac $2

0 n

l

 
“Yas, Massa Bert, you need ﬁxin’ up more
den dude lugger, snli.”

Bert Brandon laughed, and replied:

“ Oh, I’ll soon be all righz."

Then Bessie sent the skiii‘ shoreward, and as
they reached the dock, Mrs. Brandon met them
there, for she too had seen that her son was
wounded.

“ My noble boy! thank God it is no worse,”
she said fervently, as she greeted him.

“ It’s only a broken arm, mother, and a few
splinter scratches on my face and neck, sodo
not worry.”

“ But you look pale and haggard, so lean on
me going up the stairs, and Bessie will aid you,
w) 3)

“ Oh, no, mother, thank you, I am all right,”
and the young sailor briskly ascended the many
steps to the top; but it was evident that he was
suffering, and by no means well.

“ Thank heaven, I am at home again, and can

rest,” he said, as he drop into an easy-chair,
whi e Bessie lighted a mp, and made things
look comfortable. .

The room was a large and cheerful one, evi-
dently the sitting-room of the little home.

There were pictures hanging upon the wall,
both paintin and pencil sketches, with skill-
fully carved rames, the artistic work being the
handiwork of Bessie, and the frames having
been made by Kennebec.

A rag carpet was upon the ﬂoor, there was
a sofa, some easychairs, a center table beneath
a swinging ship’s lamp; some book shelves In
which were a number of volumes, and upon the
mantel a number of curiosities from the sea and
land.

In the back of the room was a large stone ﬁre-
place, and upon two sides doors opened into the
sleeping-rooms.

A door in the back of the sitting-mom, and to
the right of the ﬁreplace, led into the large
kitchen and dining-room combined, and all, in-
cluding the two bed-rooms, were neatly, though
plainly furnished.

The room on the left was the young sailor‘s,
and with its swinging cot and ship furniture,
looked more like the cabin of a vessel than the
bedchamber of a house.

The other room was where Mrs. Brandon
slep and opening from it was a smaller one
whic was Bessie’s.

Altogether it was a delightful, though humble
little home, and with game from the forests, ﬁsh
from the river, and a well-ﬁlled larder, they cer-
tainly lived most contentedly, though the fre-
quent absences of Bert Brandon from home was
a source of regret to his mother and Sister.

The young sailor, during his fathcr’s life, had
been sent to an academy in Boston, and thus
had learned the bay most thorou hly, for his
leisure hours were spent in a sail- t gliding
over its waters.

He had made several deep-sea voyages to
southern ports, and also to England and the
West Indies, and thus had becomo a thorough
sailor, going as mate of a barque when but eigh-
teen years of age.

His home being but several leagues from the
sea, he had run out in his little sloop and learned
the coast most thoroughly.

Being an educated man, Mr. Brandon had

taught his son and daughter most carefully. and '

in it was aided by his wife, until they had re-
ceived an education such as, in that early day,
few of the children of the wealthiest colonists
could boast of having. ' »

Mr. Brandon was also of a military
education, and had been a sailor as well, so Bert
was taught navtgation, all the duties on board a
man-of-war, from the foremast hand to the ad.

miral while showing a wonderful aptness in the.
use of arms, he became such an expert swords: ,

man that he could easily disarm his father, who
was a master at fence, while no deader shot with
riﬂe and pistol was known along the coast.
After the death of his father, or the disapo
pearance, whichever it was, for his fate was
shrouded in mystery, the young sailor found

. that it devolved upon him to support his mother
, ,

and sister. \ , , ,

It was supposed that Mr. Brandon had accu-
mulated and laid aside a snug little sum of
money; but no trace of it could be found, and so
Bert turned his attention toward the sea as the
best means to gain a livelihood for those depend.
out upon him, -

He had known Kennehec from his b0 hood,
hunted, ﬁshed. and explored the coast wi him,
and Potomac he had befriended, so that these

two formed his crew for his little trading lugs Y

er.
8 He made a good living by his voyages, run-
ning eight months in the year, and lay ng up in
the winter, the Mermaid being
the cove, and the Indian and negro

housed overin, ,_

 
their home on board. while the skipper dev , I  ‘

his time to reading, studying, drawing '
fencing with his crew, both of whom he ,
tau ht to fence, and also with Bessie, who hang.

a blade most skillfully. ' ‘ .

Thus was life gliding away in the home of
Brandons, when

ning to an anchorage in Harbor,

pened to be in the right place to saveIAdy‘ ‘ ‘5' '
carried by her  ;l

Langdon from being

LIV' ‘:

ll ,‘  ,3}, 3, a, r",‘..-

one night the/logger. insulin 

 
“up; .

04.35.

Afr-era
, I ‘


i I

 
The ounawed Skipperl

I“, e;

; ‘.i-.,:‘-‘nf'.'r- 

 
lover, and savin her from death when the
treacherous Rave had thrown her into the sea.

Strange to say, Bert Brandon had not spoken
of this adventure to either his mother or sister,
and yet he seemed not to have forgotten it, for
the image of the beautiful Lulu seemed ever be-
fore him.

then she canceled the debt by saving his life
it seemed to cut him to the quick, and he would
have given much had the affair on the dock not
occurred, that he might still feel that she would
regard herself as his debtor for what she could
not repay.

Still he was not ungenerousin this, for his was
too noble a nature to be guilt of amean act;
only he wished to feel that he ad saved one so
beautiful as was Lady Luln, and, where she
could not give gold as a rec-ompense, she must
at least think of him with sincere respect and
gratitude. _

“ She has had cause to remember me now,” he
had muttered to himself, after his desperate

antlet was run, and he felt that Lieutenant
elson would tell all that had occurred.

And to his mother and sister he told his story,
from his meotin with the Press-Gang to his
running into the ennebec on his return home.

They listened with deepest interest and
amazement to his story, and when his mother
said:

“ y boy, I fear you were very
less, when you know that you are all
love ” he answered:

“ Mother, now I have some good news for

ve reck-
We ve to

on.
y “ In the ﬁrst place, the cargo I took down was
a Venture, you know, of my own, and there
happened to be treble what I expected realized
on the sale.

“ This I shall devote to changing the Mer-
maid’s model a little, and reﬁtting her wholly.

“ Then in Boston I met an old friend of
father’s, and who has been away off in China
for ears with his vessel, a clipper ship.

“ ow, mother he said father put half the
price of the vessel -in with him, when he bou ht

t, an they took the venture together, an it
has t ned out so well that he gave me, when I
told him of father’s death—”

“ Loss, my son.”

“Yes, mother, his loss, for I too have hope he
may reappear some day; but, as I said, Captain

uben enton told me the investment was
made by father in my name, and the receipts as
my share, of the cruise, were even more than
had been invested as. my share.

“I de sited this money, mother, so you see
we are a most rich, I may say, and, but for the
trouble that is brewing, I would say that you
and Bessie should go at once to Boston to live,
though as it is, I think you had better remain
here for the present.”

The news brought by the son and brother

glpéldened the hearts of all, while Mrs. Brandon
sa :
“ think we had better remain here for
awhile, my aim, for it does seem, from what I
have heard of late, that the colonists mean to go
to war with the British.”

“They do, mother, and even now we are on
the ver 6 of a volcano.”

’ “An on, my son, what will you do?”

“ I sha keep up my trading trips in the Merc
maid, mother, until hostilities be in‘.” .

“ Dare you venture again into oston Harbor,

m son
y‘Oh, es, mother, for they’ll not know the
Bessie under her new name and rig.”

“ And if warbreaks out?”

“I have not decided, mother, and we will
wait and see,” was the somewhat evasive reply
of the young skipper.

o

 
CHAPTER XIX/
rim mnxnnraa‘s DAUGHTER.

THE days glided slowly away to Bert Bran-
don, as he waited for the completion of the re-
ﬁtting and repairing of the Mermaid Bessie,
and his arm to get s‘rong again.

, So well had the Salem doctor set it and ban-
,dhged it that it gave him no trouble, while his
perfect health caused the bone to knit quickly,
ﬁnd his wounds to heal. v

The week of perfect rest he passed at home
helped him greatly, and then he tooktorun-
hing up to town in the skill each day to look
after his vessel. ‘

He had sent up his plans and models to the
builder, who was greatly pleased with them,
and the bow of the lugger had been sharpened,
added’ to. and raised a couple of feet.”

, The buiwarks had been strengthened and

made higher. and the stern also improved upon,

no that the logger had been given some ten feet
we in length.

_ The mainmast had been placed further aft
1nd this gave more expanse for the formal].
while the new 'topmasts made her spread of
canvas upon them much greater.

Then came the mainsail. which was far larger,

 to ﬁt the new spars, and the bowth was ten

feet longer than the old one, so that the new
soils of the vessel would have an area very

@315 near! double what she had carried before.

ted black, with a red ribbon running

 
from how to stern, the hull looked as graceful
as a acht, and as an old sailor remarked:

“ nly wanted guns on board to make of her
as trim a small cruiser as floats.”

Bessie had made for her a new set of colors,
and a ﬂ ure-head of a mermaid, and a most
artistic piece of work it was, too, added to the
beauty of the craft.

Among the many applications to ship on the
lugger, Bert Brandon had selected two young
men, brothers, whom he knew to be perfect sea-
men, and a boy of fourteen, who had been the
only survivor of a wreck on the coast, and to
which he had swum out himself and rescued him
some years before my story opens.

The boy said he had run away from his home
in England, and been cabin-boy in the wrecked
vessel, and until ho could hear from his friends
in England, to whom he had written, Bert
Brandon had left him in the care of the village
school-teacher who asked the young sailor to
take him, as e was utterly incorrigible, and
could not be mana ed.

“ i’ll take you With me on the Mermaid, Imp,
if ou’ll behave yourself,” said Bert Brandon,
ad ressing the boy by the name which the young-
ster had said they called him on board the vessel
that had been wrecked.

“Captain Brandon, I’m not so bad as they
make me out; but I have cut up pranks, hoping
they’d let me go to sea to et rid of me, and you’d
take me with you,” said t e youth, who was a
bright-faced lad, with as much mischief in his
composition as would supply half a dozen ordi-
nary boys.

And so the crew of the Mermaid Bessie was
made up, and Bert Brandon felt that he could
de mi upon each and every one.

he vessel being at last ready for sea, it was
given out that she would sail upon a certain
day, and freight and passengers would be
taken.

The clouds of anticipated war were becoming
more threatenin each day, and rumors came
with every vesse arriving in the river that the
British in Boston were increasing their forces
on sea and land, while seamen were impressed
from every American vessel.

So a great interest was felt in the sailing of‘
the Mermaid Bessie under her daring com-
mander.

There had been several Kennebec craft in
port when Bert Brandon had made his desper-
ate run, and resisted impressment, and coming
home they had told h0w bravely it was done,
how Bert had saved a young no le lady’s life
and she in turn had saved him from death, an
the young ski r had shot the leader of a mob
to rotect his ritish prisoner.

his made the young sailor a hero in the
Kennebec, and many went down to “ The
Nook.” as the Brandon home was called, to con-
gratulate the mother upon the deeds of her
splendid son.

In this way both Mrs. Brandon and Bessie
heard of Lady Lulu. and their curiosity was at
once excited and they questioned Bert about it.

“ Mother, the gossips are making a mountain
out of a mole-hill, forIsimply kept a youn
lady from being kidnapped, and she happen
to be the one who I to d you prevented my
being shot by knocking up the pistol of the Eng-
lish oﬂiCer.”

Such was his explanation, and a truthful one;
but both the mother and sister seemed to feel he
was keeping something back, and Bessie said
playfull :

‘ Don t break r Hettie’s heart, brother, by
falling in love w th some one else.” v

“And don’t fall in love, m son, where our
love can never be returned,” t 3 mother a dad.

Bert’s face ﬂushed, half with anger, from the
ﬂash of his e es, while he said:

“ Bessie, ettie is a silly little dunce, for I
have never given her the slightest reason for
believing that I cared for her.’

“You risked your life tosave her, brother,
the day her little skiﬂ' was caught on the river
in the hurricane and capsized, going when no
one else dared go. to her rescue, and she has
loved you ever since.”

“She has regarded me most kindly, yes, and
has tried to show me that she appreciated what
I did: but Hettie Lynn cat] never say that I
have made her believe I cared for her more than
a friend.”

“She does not say so, brother; but she loves
on, she is impulsive headstrong, and does not
lide»that she cares for you more than any one

9 se.

“ I am sorry, sis.”

“ You thought her very lovely only a few
months back, and she is indeed a fine girl,” said
the mother.

“ I think her lovely now, for she is beautiful
in face and form, and old Landlord Lynn has
taken care to have her become an educated and
accomplished woman, but she is not my style”!

“ W at is your style, brother?”

“ You are, sis.” he said pleasantly, and rising
from the breakfast table. e went down to his
skid and started up to town, for he was anxious
to nail in a couple of days.

His arm was strong now, so that he could - use
it a little. and soon it would heugoodasof

Old, so he felt no fear about that.

i
. ,   /- v
‘ \3/ _  .e 

The wounds on his face had healed, leavin no
trace except a slight scar upon one cheek t at
looked like a dimple, and was rather attractiVe
than otherwise.

His sister went down to the dock to help him
set sail on the skiﬂ’, and with a wave of his
hand, he was off.

“Go and see Hettie, brother, and say good-
by, for she 18 very unhappy.”

“All right, sis, if you say so,” he called back,
and shooting out into the river, he headed up
toward the town.

He found a crowd about the Mermaid Bessie,
watching her with deep interest, and his crew
greeted him pleasantly as he boarded.

The lugger had indeed been metamorphosed,
for her bows were razor-shaped, and as sharp,
with their iron prow, whi e in place of her
short bowsprit of before, one now ran far out
over the waters, ending in a needle-like int.

The breadth betWeen her masts ha been so
increased as to give hera much longer spread of
sail there, while her main-boom rivaled the bow-
sprit in running out over the water.

The stem had been cut away so that she
would not drag water, and altogether the craft
had been changed for the better, while, very
ﬂeet before, Bert Brandon was assured that he
had added three knots an hour to her speed.

Kennebec and Potomac were as proud as pea-
.cocks of her, and the two young brothers, known
as the Napier b0 3, and answering respectively
to the names of ick and Van, were delighted
with their chance tosail in her.

“Lads, I have a great boat here, and a re—
markable crew inasmuch as I have no sea-
men, for you, Nick, are my mate, Van is bo’sen,
Kennebec is pilot and quartermaster, Potomac
is cook, and Imp is cabin-boy—so where are the
men?” cried Bert Brandon, as he stepped on
board.

“ The crew’ll be on board when wanted, cap—
tain,” said Nick Napier. saluting polite] ,and
who. with his brother Vanloo, was a sp endid
specimen of the hardy and daring marine sea-
man.

“Yes, I am not afraid of not ﬁnding them
when needed; but with all officers we are like a
Virginia regiment; but, Nick, are there any pas—
sengers booked?”

“ Yes, sir, several; and we’ve got all the
frei ht we can carry; and I’ve loaded it so as to
put or on her best eel for sailing."

“ That is right; but have the guns come on
board?” he asked in a whisper, not caring for
any of the gaping cr0wd to hear him.

“ All in the secret locker you had made. sir,
for Kennebec helped me bring them last night.

“There are ten muskets, five long—range riﬂes,
ﬁve pairs of pistols, ten bayonets, and five cut-
lasses, besides your private weapons, which the
gunsmith put in fine condition, and they are
hanging in the cabin, for those you won’t keep
hidden.”

“ No, and I hope we will not have to show the
others; but all will be ready to sail day after to-
morrow, at noon i”

“ Yes, sir.”

“ There is nothin more wanted to add to the
ﬁtting out of the ermaid i”

“ Not a thing, sir.”

“Then 1 will go around and pay my bills for
all that has been done,” and the youn captain
went ashore and devoted a couple 0% hours to
“ settling u .”

This wor com leted, he wended his way to
the inn, which h a large sign hanging be ore
its tap-room door, which read:

“CABIN AND FORECASTLE,
By Landlord Lemuel Lynn.
WELCOME ALL!”

It was r. comfortable structure of two stories,
with a double piazza running the length of it,
the stable and ard on the tap-room end, and a
kitchen and ower-garden combined upon the

rlor end, as the two sides of the inn were des-
ignated. ,

In the rear the yard slaped down to the water‘s

e. ‘

me host Lynn was an Englishman. knew
just how to keep a hotel, had married the daugh—
ter of the former landlord. and had become more
American than the natives, it was said.

He had gotten the inn and a snug sum with
his wife, and had not lost money, rumor had it,
in his management of affairs.

His wife had died in giving birth toa little

rl, and the father’s life was wrapped .up in the

ittle child from infancy to womanhood.

As she grew in years her father had sent her
to Boston to be educated, and to make a ﬂue
ladlyhof her. - ‘

e fact is he had spoiled Bettie. for he told
her she was beautiful, and reared her to know
that she was. '

He thwarted her in nothing, and she grew up
to be an im ulsive irl, fearles, hang ty, and
one who won d have her own way in all things.

Yet all loved her, for she was good to the

, and she won friends withal. and had lovers

y the score from the sons of the best people in
town to the honest ﬁsher-lads.

 
Upon no one had she seemed to look with
favor, until she accidentally mot Bert Brandon.

 
A  if Outlawed A Skipper.

' \

\

 
Soon after he saved her from drowning in the
Kennebec, swimming out to her rescue, and
bringing her ashore, or there was no boat that
Would have lived in the wild hurricane that had
swept down the river.

From that day he had been her idol, and she
did not hesitate to show her reference.

He had called upon her 0 ten, had taken her
sailing on the river, and enjoyed her society;
but he had never committed himself by a con-
fession of love. -

As he approached the inn, she was seated up-
on the upper piazza, engaged in reading.

She saw him coming down the street and
arose.

A splended looking girl she was, with her
olive complexion, tinted with perfect health, her
tall, willowy form, superb, dangerous black
eyes and handsome features.

“ Ho, Captain Bert, I am glad to see you, and
to congratulate you upon the ﬁnishing of your
vessel.

" She’s as chipper as a lark, and will beas
ﬂeet as a pigeon, or I know nothing of sailing
vessels,” called out Landlord Lynn, who stood
in his tap-room door, smoking a pipe, and ad-
vancing to meet the young sailor with afriendly
grasp of the hand.

He was an honest-faced old man, with rosy
com lexion, black eyes and white hair, while
his orm was corpulent and showed the good
living the “ Cabin and Forecastle” was noted

or. .

“Thank you, Landlord Lynn, for your kind
words—ahl Miss Hettie, I am glad to see you,
and will pay my respects to gin in your parlor
soon,” and looking up Bert randon raised his
tarpaulin politely.

“ The house is stiﬂing hot, so come to the river
arbor please, Master Bert, for I am going there,”
said Hettie.

Bert Brandon bowed and passed on into the
inn,.while Hettie threw aside her book and went
out into the garden, toward a little arbor, hidden
away amid a group of dwarf pines.

 
CHAPTER XX.
LOVE on HATRED.

AFTER a short chat with Landlord Lynn, who
admired the young sailor greatly, and really
looked upon im as a prespective son-in-law,
Bert Bragdon wended his way to the ine grove
at the en of the arden, and where ettie kept
her little skiﬂ an sail-boat, for she sailed a boat
well. and was the best oarswoman of the town.

Hettie was there, and she greeted the sailor
pleasantly, though in a certain constrained
manner that was marked.

“ You sail day after to-morrow, I belbve,
Master Bert?” she said, as she motioned to her

' visitor to sit down beside her on the rustic

bench.

“ Yes, I hope to, Miss Bettie.”

“ Is your arm well yet?”

‘“ It does not give me any pain, Hettie, thank
you, but is still a triﬂe awkward and stiff.”

“ Why do you risk your life by going back to
Boston, Berti” _,

“ The'fact is, our skippers seem to be afraid to

o, fearing their crews will be seized, and there
15 a splendid chance to make money now, for
freights and passage are very high, while our
citizens really need supplies.” ’

“ You have neVer seemed to care for money
before.” .

“ I care for it for what it will bring, and if I
should be killed, I would like to leave my mother
and sister enough to support them.

“ The truth is, Hettie, not a coaster has gone
out of the Kennebec for weeks, and I am not
one to hang back When there should be vessels
regularly running.”

H You will be seized, perhaps hanged, for re-
sisting the king’s ofﬁcers and taking life.”

“ I have a right to protect myself, Hettie, and
in doin what I did, acted as any man would
or shou (1 do who had any pride or luck.”

“ And you do not expect to be ta en l”

_" I hope not, for I shall run in by night, get
rid of my freight as quickly as possible, and put
to 595 again by daylight, ﬂying the coasters’
ﬂag, as_well as the king’s, and in the change the
Mermaid has undergone, I do not think she will
be recognmed as the little lugger that was a fu-
giil‘f‘f some SIX $1ka igo'” ll 1

on are en an on wi a pea
to the. ady Lulu to save  y p

“ The words were uttered spitefully, and the
handsome face- was pale now, while the eyes
looked like wells of slumbering ﬁre.

“ No, Hattie: I am not one tn beg for mercy
fro‘uﬁa min, let algae a wolrinan.”

at s e save your to so nob] ad on
saved hers.” y’ a y
“ Then we are quite.”
“ Oh no,‘ not it you are captured, for you
, know that she is the niece of the late War Secre-
tary of the colonies, and the daughter of a dis-
tinguished British noble.”

‘ What do I care for rank, Bettie?”

“It gives her inﬂuence; and then she is very
beautiful, they say, very rich, only about seven-
teen, and has a kindly spirit for Americans, es-
ﬁt‘aciglly a Yankee skipper to whom she owes be:

e.

    
“You seem to be well-informed, Hettie, re-
garding the Lady Lulu; far better than I am.”

“ I have talked with people who were in Bos-
ton when on made your desperate run, and I
know all, ert Brandon.

“ I know that you acted in that mad way to
win the admiration of Lady Lulu.”

l

!

CHAPTER XXI.
A WOMAN SCORNED.
THE one who so suddenly appeared in the

‘ arbor doorway, coming from among the pines,

“ Hettie, what has come over you, to say such I

things?

“ I did not know who it was, even, that I ,

saved that night, until she told me.

“I did not see her again until she a peared
on the dock and struck up Lieutenant i elson’s
pistol.”

The maiden’s face was white now, and her
eyes blazed.

Her lips quivered and her bosom heaved with
emotion, for she madl loved the man before
her, and saw, as she believed, him slipping away
from her to love another.

“ You aim high, Bert Brandon, though you
are but a poor Yankee skipper.

“ You go out of your walk in life to seek a
born lady’s love, forgetting what you are,” she
said ﬁercely.

“ ettie, my father was what you call a born
gentleman, mycmother a born lady.

“ We are poor, have been very poor, but I do
not feel we are inferior to others who are rich
and titled, as long as we are true and good.

“ You seem not well, Hettie, for your face is
pale, and you tremble, so return to the inn and
seek rest, for you are really ill.”

“ Would you know what I am ill with, Bert
Brandon?”

He did not answer, for he read her secret.

But, without waiting long for a reply, she
continued:

“ I am love-sick. I love you, Bert, with my ‘

whole soul.

“ Every ﬁber of my being thrills with love
for you, and I dare confess it to you, th ugh
you have never asked me if I loved you.

“ You were ever good to me, Bert, and I loved
you from my early girlhood, though you seemed
not to care for me.

“ You saved me from death—you held me in
your arms, as you swam ashore with me—you
were so good, so kind to me, and my love turned
to idolatry. '

“ You seemed to care for me, come to see me,
and I took it that you meant some day to ask
me to be your wife.

“ Call me unmaidenly if you will say I am
bold, unwomanly and all that, but I will have
my say, I will let you know that I love you
heart and soul, and beg you not to go back to
that proud English beauty, not to desert me.”
h_She spoke in an impassmned way that startled

im.
Her words, her manner was such that he did
not think her unmaidenly, but pitied her.

What to say he knew not.

He did not love her, that was certain.

The face of Lady Lulu ﬂitted before him with
all its beauty and tenderness, and bel’w, the
two his heart made selection, where his and
might never claim.

‘ Hettie,” he said, in a kindly way:

“ I am sorry to have you speak thus, for had
I really loved you, in a] the time I have known
you, I would have told you of that love.

“You are very beautiful, educated, accom-
pliShed. and I regard you as I would my own
sweet sister.

“ I am young, and do not think of marriage,
while I have a future before me in which to
win fame and fortune.” '

“ Yes, a name and a‘fortune to offer to Lady
Lulu," she hissed.

“ My path in life is different from here,
Hettie, for though I feel myself no less well-
born, I have a livelihood to make by the toil of
my hands, the sweat of my brow, and we have
no friendships in common.”

“Oh, you will soon seek them, you will win
fame, she will get you an appointment in the
British Navy, as an ofﬁcer, an in the war that
must come, you will turn your guns upon the
hearts of your own people.

“ You will ride over all patriotism, home and
love to win her, Bert Brandon, for on will be
as determined to have her love, as have been
to have yours.”

“Hettie, on wrong me, and in your present
humor, I Will no longer force my presence upon
you.

“ When next we meet, I hope you will be in a
pleasanter mood, and not so arsh toward your
old friend Bert.”

“ When next we mfet, Bert Brandon, I will,

hate on.

“ ouhave scorned my love, and a woman
scorned is as deadly a foe as a ser at, and so I
warn you,” and she shook her little ﬁst in the
face of the young sailor, who anSWered in his
gentle way: I ,

“ Make no threats that you will be sorry for,
Bettie.

“ Good-by, and I wish you only hap iness.”

He held out his hand, but she refu to take
it, and wheeling haughtily, he walked away.

He had hardly disappeared‘before a stepin
the pines startled her, and a man stood in the
entrance to the little arbor opposite to that b
which Bert Brandon had entered and departed:

l

 
was a young man of prepossessiug appearance,
at a first glance, though a study of his Counte-

‘ nanCe Would reveal selﬁshness, dissipation and a

lack of moral tone. ‘

He was dressed as a sailor of the better class,
his attire was really that of a dandy, and he
was about twenty-four years of age.

His mother was a widow, and had been very
rich; but she had spent a fortune in getting her
son out of scrapes into which his extravagance
and dissipation had gotten him.

At last she had purchased a small coaster for
him, and thus he had been doing well for half a
year past, having reformed it was said.

But he had been overhauled by a British
cruiser a few weeks before, and two of his crew
had been impressed, and he had narrowly es-
caped being taken, so that upon returning to
port he concluded not toventure another run
until he knew there was safety in his doing so.

For years he had Wooed pretty Hettie Lynn,
and yet, though she was ever friendly toward'
him, she did not, as the reader has seen, return
his affection.

He had seen for himself, or thought he did,
that Hettie loved Bert Brandon, and he hated
him the more for it, for he already held ill-will
against the young milor for taking the part. of
the boy Imp one day, whom he was pounding
for sheer deviltry. _

“ Hettie, I saw you coming out to this arbor,
and so I came around by the thicket—to find
that you‘ were not alone,’ he said, as he stepped
into the little retreat.

“ You know who was here then?” she asked,
quickly.

‘6 I do.”

“ You heard what was said?”

“I did.”

“ You know then that I do not love you?”

“ Yes.”

“ And will not therefore marry you i”

“I did not expect to gain your love, Hettie;
but I have wished you to be my wife.”

“ But, now, knowing what you do, you no
longer wish it?” she said, with a sneer.

“ You are mistaken.”

“ You do wish it?”

' H Yes.”

“ That I shall marry you?”

“ Yes, Hettie.”

“ Knowin that I love Bert Brandon as'I do—
or rather di f”

H Yes.”

“Brewster Talbot, you are a fool,” she said,
ﬁercely.

“ Yes, for loving you.”

“And you know that the man I loved does

'not love me?”

“I am sure of it, though I cannot see how he
can help it.” ‘ .

“ Shall I tell you?”

H Yes.”

“ Because he loves another.”

6‘  :5,

“ You wonder who, and I will tell you. for I
am willing to make a compact with you, Brew-
ster Talbot. ”

“ You have but to name it, Bettie."

“ You hold m secret, that I told a man of my
lovo for him, w en he does not love me?”

tt I do.”

“ You know that he scorned me?”

“ No,he simply said nothing,in fact, I thought,
acted very well.” é

“ You take his then?”

“ Oh, no, I am or you all the time, Hettie.”

“ Well, I will marry you, Brewster Talbot,
upon certain conditions.”

“ Name them.”

“ That you get Bert Brandon hanged by the *

British.”

She fairly hissed the words, and the man was
startled at the passion and hatred in her face.

“ Why, Bettie?” he cried, in alarm.

“ I mean just what I say, Brewster Talbot.”

“ If Bert Brandon is banged by the British, ‘

on will marr me?"
y “I will.” y
“ When?” _ »
“ The day after he is strung up.”
“ But how can it be done, Bettie?”
“ I leave that to your wit, sir.”
“ I thought that you loved him?”
“ So I did.”
“ And now—" ~
“ [hate him.” ' ’~
:: This”is a most remarkably sudden change.”
es

“ I cannot understand it.”
“I can.”
“ I wish you would enlighten me.”

“ He scorned me,” she said, with a vehemean I’

that showed the d th of her nature to hate.
“ Well, it is wort the prize.”
“ And you will agree?"
: *chertainhv shall.” k?”
- en no you begin wor
“ When shall I!"

‘t  once.” ’ 

“Very well; but he sails day after winery
row.” '

‘l

 
,/

fez; :, r

‘V ' 16
g t
c".

The Outlawéd/Skipper.

 
“True, and you can sail with him.”

“,His crew is made up.”

“Go as a passenger, then.”

The face of the young man ﬂushed, and he
I , seemed nervous.
Q.) Seeing it she asked:
’ “ Will you not do as I ask?”

“The truth is. Hettie, passage is high now,
 and I have no ready cash, while my mother
a" , would not advance me a cent to leave home
 ,' with."
“=33 “ “'ant of money shall not stand in the way.
 ‘ “ \Vait here for me,” and she hastily depart-
ed, leaving the young man standing alone.

“ Bail (H I have, been, I have never taken
money from a woman before,” to said, forget-
ting the many dollars his poor mother had paid
out for his wild ways.

. “ What does the girl mean!" he continued.
 _ “ A while ago she was begging for Brandon’s
 IOVe, and now she is spending“ money to get him

 
 hanged. _
5,?" V “ Why. 1 half fear her; but then I am madly
,s::‘ in love with her, and I’ll keep my bargain and

hold her to hers.”
- In a few moments Hcttio returned, and throw-
ing herself upon the rustic seat, she said:

“Brewster 'l‘albot,l have brought you here
just three hundred dollars. '

“Your passage money will take up twenty-
ﬂve, and you will need some to work on when
you arrive in Boston.

“ If you squander it in dissipation and gam-
bling, beware of me. for 1 shall know it, and
more, you shall regret it.

" Tell your mother that you are going to see
what chances there are for Brandon to run in
and out, that you may try with your Vessel.

“ Now here is the money, and remember, you
will be watched.

. I “ You can readily get Bert Brandon arrested
, and banged, if not this trip, on his next one,

." and when you have accom lished your work,

come and c aim my hand and) it is yours.”

_. y  ' “ I’ll do it, Hattie.

I 97;- “ I hate to do this against Brandon, for he is
' a ﬁne fellow, though I have not forgiven him

for the thrashing he gave me the day I was

pounding that Satan’s imp.

“ But I love you, and I would commit murder

wm you.

“ I do not like’taking money from you either
Hettie, but I must, and some day I’ll re y it.”
 a “ Bah! doiasIask andIam more t an re-
l“; . paid.
,, “ If you must have more money to accom-
%‘ : lish it call on me, and I will provide it, so
r, ' (mg as I do not think you are squandering it.”

' “ I hope this will be more than enough.
“ Now good-by, Hattie, and remember, you
are lodged to me.”
“ t is a fact that I cannot readily forget,”
, she answered, with sarcasm, and then coldly
l v took his outstretched band.
.133 he ventured to kiss her, she draw back and

,, sci : -

<5. ‘ _ “ No, sir, you have not bought me yet. When

the price is paid, then you own me, not before.”

,1. He bowed, turned and walked out of the arbor,

"- ,  disappearing behind a huge bowlder, where he

 1,, had stood and heard all that had passed hetWeen
 the scorned maiden and Bert Brandon.

For a long while did the cruel girl linger in
the arbor, brooding with her bitter thoughts:
but at last there came the clanging call for din-
ner at the inn, and she slowly wended her way
to the house.

7, I ‘ The next day but one, the Mermaid Beale,
e 3 ,v ‘with her new name in gilt letters on the stern,
,3,“ ,2 the handsome ﬁgure-head of a mermaid upon the
I"  I; ‘ . ttiiielliows, and her new rig, cast of! from the
’V via ’ m 0

. ,. ~ . Nearly all the town were down to see her of!

' on her venturesome cruise.
Her four state-rooms were all engaged by ﬁrst-
class passen era, and the half-dozen extra bunks

' forward h been taken, so she carried a full

,7": ‘ passenger list, while her hold was full with a
- i, grgo that would bring big prices in Boston

1, ‘ wn. ~ »

Bert Brandon, or “ Capting Brandon,” as the

natives called him after his heroic escape from

, , “.Bosmn Harbor, was on deck, wearing a neat-

. s ﬁtting new sailor suit and cap to fit the mansion,
 and his men were at their posts, while the pose

Dangers were. gathered hft enjoying the‘ scene,
, , with one exception, who. was in her state-room,
-. I' and whom‘Nick Napier had told the skipper was
" "W a‘ vniied lady, who had come on board after

" ynightfall, be supposed arriving in town on the
s e from Augusta.
1‘ he had gone at once to her state-room and
‘J' said she cared not to be disturbed before sailing.
Brewster Talbot was also on board and waved
farevrell to his sad-faced mother who stood up-
on the dock wishing him godspeed.

As the lug r swung out from the pier and the
.wind caught r sails, she bent gracefully tothe
.'  breeze, and dashed away with a speed that
3% brought cheers from the crowd at her ﬂeetnees.

, ,l . Paula “ The Nook,” Bert Brandon dipped

‘ ' . his new to his mother and sister, who stood
' 5, : in front the “ Arbor Light-house,” wavin
' ' their kerchiefsand sending many a good wish

 
\c

; y".
"1 ii”
.59

 
; 3 after him. , ,
Soon the '“ light-house ” was lost sight of, and

. t y
i

 
.\‘

the open sea began to loom up ahead, the run
having been made in such remarkable time that
Bert Brandon was satisfied that his vessel had
surpassed his expectations most fervent.
“ Your Mermaid fairly flies, Captain Brandon,”
said a voice at his elbow.
Turning quickly, he recognized Hettie Lynn.

CHAPTER XXII.
Tm: cause or TllE BOTIIER.

“ YOUNG ladies, how would you like to join the
secretary in a cruise along the coast this pleasant
weather, say as far as the Kennebec and back?”

At :| glance the. speaker saw that his proposi-
tion met with success, for the answer of one
whom he addressed was:

“ It would be delightful!"

The others responded in a like enthusiastic
strain:

“ I should like it above all things.”

It was Captain Delafiold who asked the ques-
tion, and he had driven out to Castle W yndom
for a call, and, the secretary being in the city,
he had been received by Madge and Lady Lulu.

“ The fact is,” he went on to say, “Nelson
is to take command of the new schooner, built
expressly for coast work. J.

‘ She is a perfect beauty, and if anything
aﬂoat can outfoot her, she will surprise me.

“ She is about a hundred tons register, carries
a neat battery of three broadside guns. a pivot
bow chaser, and a stern gun of equal size as the
one forward.

“ Her crew will number sixty men, and Nelson
is to be her captain, while his ofﬁcers and men,
now on the Vicious are to go with him.

“Her cabin is fitted up grand enough for an
admiral, and she is to cruise from Montauk to
Portland, while the Vicious is to do duty in the

 
y.

“ Nelson is anxious to try her at once, and I
so gested that he ask the secretary, yourselves,
and your humble servant to accompany him as
guests, for he’ll not be gone over a couple of
Weeks at furthest.

“ Now what do (you say?”

“I say it won] give us pleasure to go and
We‘ll tease father to-night to say yes,” M'adge
W‘yndom answered.

‘Uncle VVyndom shall know no peace until
he sa 8 we can. go," Lady Lulu-responded.

“V ell I’ll goin and hunt up the secretary,
extend my invitation, tell him your wishes, get
his consent, and then send word to Nelson to have
all in readiness for his guests, as we must start
to-morrow.

“I am really anxious myself to got off on a
little cruise, for the harbor is dull, since we ﬂred
On that daring young skipper that ni ht, and not
a Yankee boat will run in or out, caring cap-
ture, so it will be a relief to get away for awhile,”
and Captain Delaﬂeld returned into town to see
the secretary.

He found him at the British head narters,
told him of the invitation extended by ieuten-
ant Nelson, and its acceptance by the maidens,
subject to his approval, and was pleased to have
Mr. Wyndom’s concurrence.

" Why, of course we will go, for it will be a
pleasant trip all round, and I’ll take the liberty
of contributing to the edibles and wine-list.”

So it was arranged, and the next afternoon
the Bother, schooner-of-war, set sail, receiving
the salutes of the frigate, station-ship and other
vessels-of-war, as she passed down the by.

Before reaching Castle William, the icious,
under a new commander, saluted and ran along-
side for a race, and the fort gave them a salute:-
tion as they ﬂow by. -

It did not take long for all to see that the new
craft was dropping the ﬂeet Vicious, and the
commander of the utter vessel crowded on every
stitch of canvas that would draw, and then just
held his own.

After leaving the castle astern and getting the
‘wind fresher, Neal Nelson ran up his topsails
.and an extra lid, and the Bother shot right
away from the icious, amid the cheers of her
crew. '

" I expected her to be fast, but I did not
think she could drop the Vicious like that, and
thisis the little craft’s best point of sailing,”
said Neal Nelson, justly proud of the new
schooner.

“Now, which way, Captain Nelson?” asked
the secretary, as they began to ride the waves
of the open sea.

“This is a pleasure cruise, Mr. Secretary, but
I wished to turn it to proﬁt by running to the
Kennebec, with the permission of yourself, Cap-
tain Delsﬂeld, and my fair lady ests, to see if

“I could not ﬁnd that dashing ankee skipper,
Brandon.” -

Madge and Lulu lancod at each other.

They had watcher and waited to hear some-
thing of him, and Madge had asked her father’s
clerk to ﬁnd out just where on the Kennebec
dwelt Bert Brandon.

But not a word had been found out regarding
him, and the words of the oung British oﬂicer
just chimed in with their w shes.

“ Suit yourself, captain, while I confess I
would like to hear more of the young skipper,”
the secretary replied. ,

“ You know I am whollv at yOur service,
, Nelson," responded Captain Delaﬂeid.

‘ I ,l 

 
l

.t .
u.

’ it‘s'ﬁ“:’.%l’i..u.‘): s ". ‘ ~ ’ _

 
“And the ladies?” and he bowed to them.

“I think I should like to see the picturesque
Kennebec, of which so much has been said,”
Madge responded, while Lady Lulu added:

“ Indeed, I think it would be delightful to run
up one of the superb American rivers, which
are the talk of all in England who have ever
seen them.” ‘

“ Then to the Kennebec we go, for I have the
pardon of young Brandon, for what he did, and
would like to give it to him myself, in return for
his kindness to me.

“ But you know ladies, though this is a pleas-
ing cruise, I shall he expected to overhaul any
Yankee craft 1 may see, as the threatening
troubles impose the duty upon British naval
ofﬁcers to Search every vessel belonging to the
colonists of King George.

It was the afternoon of the third day after
sailing, for the schooner had loitered along.r the
was;I that they sighted the mouth of the lien
n

8 ..

Hardly had the lookout at the maintop re-
ported it, when there shot out into open water a.
craft speeding along under a fair spread of can
van, and heading for open water.

“ Sail ho!” shouted the lookout from aloft.

“ Ay, ay, sir, I have my eye on her," answered
Lieutenant Nelson, while all the Others on deck
now turned their gaze upon the stranger.

“ She is a logger, but trim enough for the
king’s pleasure craft, and has a tremendous sail-
carrying capacity, though she has up but main-
sail, foresail and glib, and is'slipping along at a
lively pace,” said eal Nelson, as he took in the
different points of the vessel.

“ Will you give chase, Nelson, for she looks
rakish enough to be one of the small coast
pirates?” Captain Delaﬂeld said. .

“ Yes, as we are now headed we chn cut her
off, for we are bowlin alon rapidly and I do
think she has a su ic on: 100 , while I see quite
a group upon her ecks.

“ Let her of! a couple of points, halmsman, so
as to be sure of cutting the fellow out in his in-
tention to get to sea.”

“ Ay, ay, sir,” responded the quartermaster,
as be obeyed, and the schooner pointed so as to
cross the bows of the stranger, at the rate of
sailing at which the two seemed then to be
going.

To get well up the river before dark, Neal
Nelson had crowded considerable sail upon the
Bother, which then had up maintopsail, main-
sail, foresail and °ib. \

The wind was lowing fully eight knots, the
sea was not rough, and the fourth schooner was
bowling along at a pace that won the admira-
tion of her crew.

“I fear you are not going to make it, Nelson,
for she wil beout of the embrace of the land
before you can cross bar bows,” said Captain
Delaﬂeld. I

“ You are right, for she is making far better
time than I thou ht: but even on this course as
we are, we woul come within easy range and
could bring her to with the bow pivot.”

“ You might; but since that little logger ran
such a gantlet of ﬁre. some time ago, I am not
so convinced that a vessel can be brought to
easily, if her skipper has the pluck to take the
iron as it comes, and stand on, and right here
of! the coast of the Commonwealth of Massa-
chusetts"I is the place to find the men of mettle
to take all we can give.”

“ I believe it, and as that fellow is fairly ﬂy-
inghlfwill order the foretopsail and ﬂying jib
set

This order was promptly obeyed, and the dif—
ference in the sailing of the Bother was at
once remarked upon.

But the stranger, which had been runnin
dead before the wind, his huge sails spread
wing and wing, suddenly changed his course,
pointing so as to brin the wind owr his, stern
starboard quarter, whi e at the same time up '
went a huge ﬂying jib and topsoils.

" By Jon! but the fellow not only does not
seem to fear us, but intends giving us a closer
look at him, and I‘ll do all I can to oblige him.

“Keep her how pointed for the stranger’s
bow, quartermaster, and, Lieutenant Waters,
have the men ready to tend the sheetoropes as
necossary.”

“ She’s a beauty, Nelson,” said Captain Unla-
ﬂeld, who was examining the stranger through
his glass. \

“ Yes, and she stands up well under her can-
vgs, and in a quiet sea might give us a hot
0 use.

“ There! he wears off, as though satisﬁed, and
runs before the wind once more. \

“ I’ll send a shot after him.”

“ It’s a good chance to try the spender our '

vessel, sir," suggested Lieutenant Waters.

“ I agree with Lieutenant Waters, Nelson,
and I almost believe yonder craft would give
you a better chase than did the Vicious,’ the
secretary remarked. '

“ I am more than willing, I amure you,” and
iNeall1 Nelson gave. orders to at once square away
11 0 use.

 
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But it very soon became evident that the
stranger was gaining on the schooner, and all
hands sprung to Work to set every stitch of can-
vas that W0lll‘l draw.

But there mm no denying it, the luggcr was
gaining steadily. .

Li Autennut Nelsmi looked at Captain Dola<

‘ ﬁeld in tilllllZ'.‘lllcllt, and that oﬁiccr returned
2. 0 look.

'thut could it mean?”

“ We tried her With the Vicious on this same
p 'l'll’, of sailing, and we walked uwuy i'rozn
lirr.” sniil Rowcll “raters, (lisconsolntcly.

“ She is badly trimmed; doubtless too much
d )wn by the head,” said Neal Nelson, and he
w. nt forward to see.

But she seemed all right.

Still, to mnkc all sure, he had the broadside"
guns dragged ufl’. and all the men posted as far
aft as was pmsihlc.

“She sailed faster before, Nelson,” said Cup-
tain Delulield.

“ You are right, and it is not the fault of her
trim.” ‘

té N0.”

“ What is it. then?” asked the young ofﬁcer in
a quandary. as he ordered the lieutenant to have
the guns replaced.

“Perhaps it is because she does not sail fast
enough to gain on the other vessel,” Lady Lulu

: remarked dry 1 y.

“ Ah, Lady Lulu! would you hit a man when
he‘s down? For I confess I am down in the
mouth to see. thnt craft walk away from us that
way, when I thought the schOoncr fast.”

“ She is fast, lieutenant; but there is one
trouble.” - ‘

“ What is that, Miss Madge?”

“ The other vessel is the faster,” was the wick-
ed remark.

“ I cry mcrcyl but on are right, thou h if
we had more winll an a rougher sea, I be ieVe
we would witlk oVer him.”

“ 'I‘hat cloud looks like more wind, sir, and as
We get out from the land, the sea grows rough-
er " said Midshipman Clarence Vane.

“ You are right. Vane; we are to have wind,
and plenty of it, and I notice that where the
cruise is now, slw’s got a much vier sea.

“Try the bow chaser upon im, anyhow, for
he’s almost out of range.” ‘

In a moment after the heavy gun forward
belched forth its iron shot with a doe roar, and
tin missile was watched with deep Interest by

evr-r eye.
“ gal fell short by several cable-lengths,
“ He is further off than I suspected.
“Try it again!"
In obedience to the order the gun wasa second
time tired, and once more with the same result.
“ Try again, and with a heavier charge of

“ powder, Mr. Vane,” called out Lieutenant Nel-

son.

" That last Was with a full charge, sir.”

“ All right, try once more, but I fear we can-
not reach him.”

Again the gun roared, and the third shot fell
short while several voices cried:

“ e is rounding tol" ‘

“ N 0, he simply changed his course, kn0wing
he was out of range; and now, Nelson, you have
a. chance to try what your vessel can do with
him. when the wind is abeam.” ‘

“ Yes, Delhﬁeld, but if he did not think his
craft good with a beam breeze, he would hardly
try it.

“ I fear We have picked upa craft that threw!
her slippers in our face at all points, or the
Bother is not so fast as I believed.”

“ The Bother is fast enough, but yonder craft
is a marvel,” was the reply of Captain Delaﬁeld,
who was watching the stranger upon her new
point of sailing.

“ The Bother is doing splendidly, and goes
better with the Wind where it is,” said Neal Nel-

.801), for the schonner had followed the move-

mont of the chase iromptly.

“ Yes: but that aukee gains even more rap-
idly than he did before the wind.”

“‘ You are right, captain.” '

“Nor is that all.”

“ Well?”

“ He is in rougher water there than we are
here.”

“ True again. He’s a marvel !"

“ But there comes a squall, and we’ll.get more
breeze than we want with the sail we have set,"
and Captain Delaﬂcld pointed to a thunder-
ahowar sweeping Over the sea from landward,

~ and threatening to bring a tiny tornado with it.

But Lieutenant Nelson held on to his canvas
until the last moment. and then it was taken in
with remarkable speed, and the stench schooner
met the blow in splendid style.

“ She-’3 stanch as a church.” said the lieuten-
ant. til-lighted at the behavior of his vessel.

‘ “ She is a superb craft. Nelson. and I do not
understand the craft we are after.”

“He carried canvas as long as I could see
him, Captain Delaﬁeld, and if he did not get it
in he’s lost his sticks, or gone down,” said Neal
Nelson, trying it vain to penetrate the haze
upon the waters and discover the stranger.

For near y an hour the storm continued but
then the c ouds swept away seaward. and the

, sun shone forth once more, though the mud

 
blew a stiff reeﬁng breeze, and the sea had been
lashed into a rather rough state.

“ Gone under, sure!" cned Captain Delaﬁeld, 1
as he in vain searched for the stronger.

“ Right you are! I’ll stand off and on, to see
if any of the poor \Vl'ottllcs can ho l'ound.

“ Keep a. bright lookout aloft there, my
man!”

“ Ay, ay. sirl”

“ For what are you searching, Licutcnant
Nelson?” asked Ludy Lulu. just turn returning
to the deck with Nudge and the secretui'y.

“ The stronger, Lady Lulu."

“ You ure not looking in the right direction.

“ Soc there!”

Non] Nelson «mun Very near uttering an oath,
while Cnptnin Delnih-ld exclaimed:

“ 'l‘o windward, lav nll that’s holy!”

A murmur arose from the crew at the surpris-
ing sight of llt'll()lllllll.', the stranger a full mile
and a half to windwzi rd, curryingmainsail, fore-
sail, and jib, not reefed, and dashing through the
rough waters in splendid style.

“ He simply put his helm down when the blow
struck us, and headed right up into the storm’s
eye, passedmcar us in the haze, and there he is,”
said Lieutenant Nelson.

“ Yen. and 'you can try him now in a run to
windward, and pardon me if I say I would
shake the reels out of your fore and maiusail.”

“ I will, for he carries none, and is walking
right awn from us.”

The ree s wrre shaken out, but the chase still
gained, and, though the b0w-chaser was again
and again ﬁred, it did not bring the daring
skipper t0, and, ﬁnding he was being led a
merry dance for nothing, Lieutenant Nelson
gave the order to about ship and to head once
more for the Kennebec, where he hoped to
anchor by nightfall.

CHAPTER XXIII.
A DISCOVERY.

IT was just dark when the Brother came to
anchor under the lee of an island, not intending
to attempt an entrance of the river until the
next morning.

A ﬁshing-smack had been sighted and brou ht
to, and the poor ﬁsherman, instead of losing is
little craft, and being forced to serve the king,
before the must in a cruiser, had been told he
would be paid a handsome sum to pilot the
schooner up the Kennebec and back.

So he told his two sons, who were his crew, to
await his return in a cove of an island, and
then he ran the schooner to a safe anchorage
for the night.

After breakfast the next morning, when the
had breakfasted, having as a treat some fres
ﬁsh from the pilot’s smack, the Brother got up
her anchor and headed up the river.

It was a perfect day, and as they glided along
under easy sail, all admired the picturesque an
romantic scenery of the Kennebec.

“ What craft was it that ran out of the river
yesterday afternoon. my man i” asked Neal Nel-
son, of the rugged-faced pilot, who stood at the
schooner‘s wheel. .

“ Capt’ing, I dunno; but she was a mighty
fast oer.

“ c’s new to me in these waters.”

“ Were you ver near her?”

“ Near ’nough, or I didn’t know but as how
she might be a pirit.”

“ Was she armed?”

“ Not as I seen, but she could git along, now,
c’u’dn‘t she, capting?’ ‘

“ Yes, she was very ﬂeet.”

“ Maybe as how she’d a-tossed your craft her
Slipper, if you had had a. mind to foller her.”

“ I believe she would readily do so,” was the
frank response.

“ Did you ever hear of a skipper in your river
by the name of Branden?”

“ Wnal, now, capi’ing, thar was a skipper by
that name as runned out o’ the Kennebec some

cars ago; but I have bearn tell as how he were

cat at sea.

“ He come from up ’bout Bath, I believes, and
I don’t git up thereahouts very often 0’ late
years, though when I were young 1 sparked my
wife in Bath.”

“ And you don‘t know a skipper by that name
on the coast now?”

“Bert Brandon is his mule," said Lady Lulu,
who was standing near.

" New, see here, captiniz, and you. miss. I
does recomember the name, now the leddy
speaks it all.

“ Tnn‘Ront was down to my cabin—dewn to-
ward the Sheepscot River is whar I hang out
my washin’, When I'm ashore, and it’s there
where theold ’oman lives, along with my darfer
Sally and little Pharoh, and Tim put up in the
cove during a day of storm we had, and it’s
then he told me what he did." .

“ And what did he tell you. my man?”

“ About Capting Bert Brandon.”

“ What did he say?”

“ He said as how news had come up to Bath
that a young skipper by that name. had refused
to be pressed into the British Navy by a. Press-
Gang, and had run his vessel out under the ﬁre
of the whole. ﬂeet and fort, though his lugger
was torn up; with shot and he had an arm

 
broke. ”

“ Your friend, Tim, told you the truth.”

“ Now, did be?”

“He did indeed, and it is to find this young
man that I have Come into the river.”

“Capting, you don’t know me, nor my
natur’, so let me tell you right now, my
name is Josiah Hall, and I’m 11 humble,

ignorant fisherman, poor und fricndless: but
you kin string me up ter ycr rigging. More 1'”
pilot your bout one fathom further to help you
catch a. young fellcr us did what you say Cup-
ting Brandon done.”

The man stepped back from the whee-l, pale,
calm but resolute, and his words and manner
won the admiration of Neal Nelson and his
guests alike, while the former said:

“ My brave fellow, it is not to harm Captain
Brandon that I am serklng him, but to aid
him.

“I am the British ofﬁcer who attempted to
seize him. and got worsted by him, and I wit-
nessed his magnificent courage on the day it
occurred, and the night he ran out, and I tell
you frankly, I never saw a grander sight than
his doing what he did.

“ This gentleman. Mr. Wyndom, late Colonial
Secretary under Governor Hutchinson, of the
commonwealth of Massachusetts, aided me to
get a pardon from Governor Gage for the
young skipper, {or what he did do. and I di-swe
to give it to him, along with the offer of an ap-
pointment as midshipman on this very vessel.

“ Now you know why I wish to ﬁnd him.”

“ You look the gentlemen, and I believes ym),
captiug, for if you meant to lie to me, you’d
dare'n’t do' it before these two ladies, for there's
only truth and goodness in their faces.”

The rude compliment Was accepted most

raciously by Lady Lulu and Madge, while
- cal Nelson said: ,

“ My friend, you are right, I would not lie to
you, and I despise those of my brother oﬁcers
who do so to gain an end.

“ l have told you the truth and I am anxious
to ﬁnd the young skipper, as stated.”

“ He may accept ther pardon, capting; but he
won’t take the service under the king.”

“ Why not?”

“ Because he’s an American.”

“ Ah 1” and turning to Lady Lulu and Madge,
Neal Nelson said:

“ This smacks of patriotism, and you ﬁnd it
in nearly every man, woman and child in the
colonies.

“ It is such men we are going to ﬁght, and it
is my opinion that it will be a long, cruel and
bloody war before these ple are whip
into absolute subjection to 'ng George, if t ey
eyer are.” r

“ Yo are right, Nelson,” said Captain Dela-
ﬁeld who had heard the remark.

“ Thoroughly right,” echoed the secretary,
and he added: ,

“ Those in England do not know these people
as we know them: but there is an odd little
pavilion on that cliff,” and he pointed out to the
others the object that had caught his eye.

“That’s called the Light-house, capting, for
there’s a skipper lives there as always keeps a
lam lit 0’ hi ht in the little arbor, jist for the
g 0‘ his eller-man, and that’s what I calls

ood human natur’.”

“ It is indeed, my man; but bring her in close
to the shore, for there is some one ﬁshing yonder
under the shadOW of that bank, and I will hail
him " said Neal Nelson.

“ There‘s the house, back under the cliff. up in
the glen; but I ddn’t know who lives that, for

as I said. capting, it hatshbegen some time since I l 

was up this river to Be .
“ Lieutenant Nelson, that is a woman in that
boat, not a man,” said Lady Lulu, as the schoo-

ner drew nearer, and she handed to him her '

glass. 1

“You are right. Lady Lulu, and If I am an
judge of a woman’s looks at this distance, she
ho young and pretty.”

A

.4 a' i-

, :

“Oh, lend me a glass!” cried Captain Dela- ' '

ﬁeld excitedly, and Clarence Vane handed him
his, with which he had also been attentively re-
garding the one in the skiﬂ. ‘

“ It’s a girl, sure and what is more, she’s net
caught a ﬁsh, which she does not seem afrai of.
either, for she has taken it off of the hook and
tossod it into the well in her skiff.

“ Nelson, ask your Yankee pilot to go still
nearer, please. for I would like to see more of a
lady who can bait her own book, as she is doi ,
catch a ﬁsh and take it of! the book when it
can ht.”

“ hope you will not find that distance lends

enchahtment to the view of her face, Captain.)

Dclaﬁeld,” said Madge, laughing. ,
“I don’t believe shall. for she possesses 3
very neat ﬁgure, I observe. and her sun-h

hides an exceedingly pretty face, or I am greaté? \ ,

ly mistaken.” returned the captain.

The skill’ was a graceful one. rising and‘fallfn} __,

saintly upon the waves, and its occupant had
thrown out a little anchor and sat there, read
a book. and yet watching the~hulf dozen ﬁshing
line: she had out. ,

i When the schOoner drew near, she turned M
attention to it most carefully. and kept pp:-

l‘ectly still, as though she hoped to remain 

4

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,.

 
'18.

The Outlawed Skipper. '-

 
But, presently came a hail in Neal Nelson’s
manly voice:

“ Skiff ahoyi”

“ Ahoy the schooner!” ﬂoated back in musical

tones. .
“Didn’t I tell you so?” cried Captain Dela—

 
e
“ Well, she has certainly a sweet voice,” said
Lad Lulu.
"l; " uy I ask you to be good enough to come
 alongside, lady, as I would like to make .some
 inquiries of you?" and Neal Nelson dotfed his cap
most politely.
“ I will come nearer, sir,” was the answer, and
H the book was cast aside, and the ﬁshing-lines
.; drawn in.
n: Then, seizing her light oars, she sent the skiff

1?; ' swiftly over the waters.

 The wind was light, so that the schooner was

“‘6; not making over four knots; but, out of defer-
 , ence to the fair maid of the skiﬂ', Lieutenant
*3 Nelson ordered the pilot to throw the Bother up
, into the wind.

’. , This was done, and running up under the
:r .. stern, the fair oarswoman wheeled her skiii.’

around and glanced up into the faces looking
. d0wn upon her.

, “ H0w beautiful!” involuntarily said both
 ' Lady Lulu and Mad e. while all the gentlemen
raised their hats, an Neal Nelson said:

“Pardon, lady, but I seek to ﬁnd a young
skipper of this river, by the name of Bert Bran-

on. I
r, “ Can you tell me aught of him?”

“ Bert Brandon is my brother; what would
you with him?” was the prompt response.

 CHAPTER XXIV.
.‘ .' BOARDING ran BOTHEB.

THE reply of Bessie Brandon was a surprise to
those on the Bother.

It was so wholly unex cted, and such a
ﬁéncidence that they shou d meet her as they

6"

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‘ '1

 
v .4“.

The secretary seemed the ﬁrst to collect him-
self, after her response, and raising his hat polite-
ly, he said:

“ Miss Brandon, we are happy in meeting you,
and most fortunate, for we were making for the
home of your brother, believing him to 'dwell
somewhere upon this river. ‘

!‘< 2 “Will you not come on board and meet my
daughter and niece?”

The maiden hesitated, while Lieutenant Nelson
at once ordered the lee gangway lowered for the
young lady to ascend.

Then came her response clear and to the point:
., 1 i “This is, the king’s cruiser, and my brother
!" ' has lately resisted the tyranny of British ofﬁcers,

' so I can only believe that you mean him harm.”

“ Indeed no, Miss Brandon, on the contrary,
we are his friends, for I owe to your brother
my life, for you have doubtle heard that he
saved me from a captivity worzg than death?

‘ “ I am Lad Lulu Langdon.”
1' Bessie use with dee st admiration into the
heautifu face and re ! ed:
Y “ I heard rom ot ers of my brother’s res-
t cuing you from pirates, though he did not speak
,, of it until mother asked him about it; but I will
‘ trust you, Lady Lulu, as now I feel you cannot
i , be brother Bert’s foes.”
' There was so much childish innocence in her
. ~ response, that she won their hearts at once,

'” while Madge Wyndom said:

 “ Lulu, your hero cannot be a boaster, as he
« never even spoke to his mother and sister upon
the subject 0 his brave rescue of you.”

i , “ No, he is as modest as he is brave; but let us

i ‘ meet her at the gangway.”
Bessie having determined to go on board the
, ' Vessel, seized her ears and pulls/l around to the
‘ . r lee gangway, and Lieutenant N elson gallantly
i met her upon the step.

“ I am Neal Nelson, Miss Brandon, a lieuten-
ant, and commander of the schooner-of-war
Bother, on board of which I bid you welcome,”
he said, in his pleasant way.

She bowed, acce ted his proffered hand. and
I ‘ , went over the si e, where Lieutenant Nelson
9 v I, resented her, ﬁrst to Lady Lulu, tum Madge,

< he secretary and Captain Delaﬂeld, adding,
with a mischievous look at Lieutenant Waters
and the middies:
 “I will not present my ofﬁcers, for it is best
 for their es of mind that the do not know
on, and or the good of the ship, or our Yankee
adies are dangerous acquaintances.” _
 4 All laughed, though the lieutenant. and mid-
-”a I,   looksd atlitglekcrestfallen; but in a way
a a a y o t e in a court mi rht have en-
: r vied. Bessie said: g "
"Then, Lieutenant Nelson, in self-defense, as
a Yankee girl, you force me to form the ac-
uaintance of your ofﬁcers myself, to rove that
, for one, am not dangerous,” and s e walked
at once up to Lieutenant Waters and held out
her hand in the sweetest way imaginable.

Then came Midshipman Clarence Vane, and
Howell Morgan, her act completely turning the
laughter upon the ganplused Nelson, who said,
“3360‘va fdw: I indeed be

as ra on. recogn on as the

sister of Skipper Brandon.” / y
This little episode made the coming of Bessie
11 into their midst, free from all restraint,

 
,- x1:

 
and the secretary at once led her into the hand-
some cabin of the schooner, the others following.

Had Bessie ﬁtted up for the occasion she cou d
not have looked prettier than she did, for she
had on a new gown she had just ﬁnished, and
which ﬁtted to perfection her beautiful ﬁgure.

A sun hat shaded her wealth of hair, and her
feet were incased in a pretty pair of new shoes,
a present from her brother, which he had
brought on his last perilous run out of Boston
Harbor.

She had thrown aside a pair of gloves she had
on while ﬁshing, displaying her small, shapely
hands, devoid of all rings, and not a piece of
jewelry was visible about her.

As she sat there in the cabin, she looked the
lady, as thoroughly as did Lady Lulu and
Madge, though her complexion was brown as a
nut.

Then, too, her manners were as composed as
though she had been a society miss all her life,
for her mother and father had taught her well.

In a few words, at the request of Lieutenant
Nelson, Secretary Wyndom told her all that
bud ha )pened, and that the young commander
of the other, though beginning his acquaint-
ance in a hostile manner with her brother, had
become his ﬁrm friend, secured ,fOr him a par-
don for his act of resistance, and the position of
midshipman on board the schooner.

“ It is the ﬁrst step, Miss Brandon, under-
stand me, and. with your brother’s nautical
knowledge, skill and during. he will mount
rapidly up the quarterdecx ladder,” said Neal
Nelson.

“ I am sure my brother will feel honored by

our kindness and friendly regard, Lieutenant

elson, and I am happy in knowing that his
life is no longer in danger from his act.

“ But you must get his reply as to what he
will do in the matter, and at present he is awa ,
having sailed yesterday afternoon for Boston.’

Glances of surprise went around, while Cap-
tain Delaﬁeld asked: «

“Did he sail in his lugger inwhich he ran
that desperate gantlet, may I inquire, Miss
Brandon ”

Bessie’s face ﬂushed, and they saw it.

She did not wish to tell, and yet, if they were
friends, what was the harm she thought.

So she answered:

“ The Mermaid was retty roughly used in
her last run, and so my rother had her wholly
refitted, lengthened forward with anew bow,
and larger spars put on her from bowsprit to
topmasts, so you would not know her as the
same.

“ He thought it would increase her speed,
though before she was the ﬁeetest craft he had
ever seen of her tonnage.”

“ He planned nicely in his alterations, Miss
Brandon, I am compelled to admit, for she
walked awa from m schooner, before the
wind, with t e breeze 9. am, and ran to wind-
ward of me in a style that was most gratifying
—-to him,” and Lieutenant Nelson laughed.

“I thought, when she sped by here that she
had been greatly improved; but you saw her
then?”

“ Yes, we saw her and that was all, for we
could neither overhaul her or bring her to.”

“ I thought I heard ﬁring last evenin : but
there were several lady passengers on boar . and
I hope you did not b t her?” and Bessie seemed
most anxious.

“ No, indeed, Miss Brandon, and I regret
ﬁrin upon her, as I now know she was your
brot er’s vessel, while had I suspected we res-
ence of ladies on board, I would never ave
burned powder in an attempt to bring her to.

“ But I must so y your brother is a most dar-
ing man, to deliberately run into Boston Harbor
again.

“ We are poor, Lieutenant Nelson, and there
are no other skippers who dare leave the Kenne-
bec, when the king’s laws in P so severe upon
American seamen, and my brother is anxious to
make a living?

“ Freight and passage is high, and outside of
this fact, our river people need supplies sadly,
and this alone would tempt my brother to run
another gantlet of ﬁre.”

“lVell said. young lady. and I honor him the
more for it.” said the secretary, while Lady
Lulu asked:

“ But is your brother not still a sufferer with
his Wounds, receiVed that awful night?”

“ His arm was broken, Lady Lulu. and he re-
coived some cuts in the face; but he ran into
Salem and had a surgeon dress his injuries, and
then his faithful negro, Potomac, whom he had
feared he had lost, joined him, and so he had lit-
tle difﬁculty bringing the Mermaid back.”

“ But is arm is not yet well, surel ?”

“ Yes, t troubles him but very litt 6 now, and
will soon be as sound as ever.”

“ And that cunning , darky joined him in
Salem ?” asked Lieutenant Nelson, with a merry
twinkle in his eyes. ‘

“Yes sir, he pitched overboard, and neither
Bert or ennsbec, the Indian, saw him.

“ Missing him, my brother was about to put
back to search for him, when your boat was seen
to pick him up, so brother held on his way and
escaped, while Potomac told us how cleverly he
got away, and he at once set out on foot for

 
Salem, having heard his master say he would
have to run in there to have his arm set.”

“ Miss Brandon, your brother is a most re-
markable man, and I have the warmest regard
for him, so I win place in your hands this par-
don from Governor Gage, and the ofﬁcial order
from Admiral Shuldam for him to report to me
for duty."

“ I suonld prefer, sir, that you would ive
ltlhen’i into my mother’s hands, and explain a to

er.

“Certainly, Miss Brandon, if you wish it,i

and I’ll offer myself as your escort home.

“I will be glad to have you all accompany
me, if you care to land, though I assure you our
home is a most humble one, a mere cabin.”

The invitation was accepted with pleasure by
the maidens, the secretary and Captain Dela-
ﬁeld, and half an hour after Bessie led the way
in her skiff into the cove, the cutter following in
her wake, and all delighted at the opportunity
of viewing the home of the daring young skip-
per.

 
CHAPTER XXV.

THE BRANDONS AT HOME.

Mas. BRANDON had caught sight of the cruiser,
and at once sought the lookout point by the
Arbor Light-house.

From there she be seen Bessie go on board
the Bother, and had xiously awaited his re—
turn.

Then she had appeared coming ashore, lead-
ing the cutter. in which she saw ladies, with
ofﬁcers in full uniform, and a gentleman in
civilian's dress. -

What it meant she could not conjecture; but
certainly they were not hostile. apparently.

She saw the schooner glic‘e slowly in under
the cliff to an anchorage, as the wind was
dying out, and then she returned to the cabin to
pre are to greet the visitors.

er preparations were soon made, for her
home was always most tidy.

As the party reached the top of the stairs,
Mrs. Brandon met them there, digniﬁed, ele-
gant—a lady, as all could see at a glance.

In a pleasant way Bessie introduced them to
her mother, who at once led the way to her
little cabin home, still wondering at their com-
ing, until the secretary advanced in his courtly
way, and in a few words told her just what had
brought them.

Mrs. Brandon seemed touched with the words
of praise bestowed upon her noble son by those
who she believed had been his fees, and the

tears came into her eyes when Lady Lulu came ‘

forward and in her sweet way told of her being
kidnapped by a pirate, but just who she never
had told any one excepting Madge, and her
rescue from drowning, when he threw her into
the sea.

“ I owe him my life, and I can understand his
noble nature, which has accomplished so much,
now that I have the pleasure of knowing his
mother and sister,” she added.

Bessie then got out some rare old decanters
and lasses, relics of aﬂinence when Mrs. Bran-
don ﬁad been ﬁrst married, and from a closet
some wine was taken which was ronounced by
the secretary and Captain Dela aid as ﬁne as
an they had ever drank.

he da before Bessie had made some cakes
for her rother to carry with him, and one of
these the visitors pronounced delicious, while
Captain Delaﬁeld said gallantly:

“ It must be a great thing, Miss Brandon, to
be a lady and acook, such as you are combined.”

“ Both accomplishments, if so I may call
them, I owe to my good mother,” was the re-
sponse of the maiden.

After admiring the neat, but humble home,
having a glance into Bert’s “ cabin," as he call-
ed his room, and a stroll about the grounds, the
party walked toward the Light-house, Lieuten-
ant elson remarking as they walked away:

“ I saw a Very ﬁne pair of rapiers, Miss
Brandon, in your brother’s room, and they re.
mind me to ask you when he learned to use
them?”

“ My father was his teacher, and they are his

weapons. _
“ If I had thought, I would like to have cross-
ed blades with you,” she said, mischievously.
“Ah! do you fencei”. he asked, with surprise.
“ It is a woman’s right, is it not, Lieutenant
Nelson?”
“ Indeed, yes; but you amaze me, and I would
like the honor of crossing a blade with you, to
say that l have met one lady who can hold one

u .

p“ Take mine, please, and Captain Delaﬁeld,
let me” have your sword, for it matches mine
fairly.

All stopped and looked on. While Madle laid
with a pretty smile:

“ Remember, you are the challenger.”

The lieutenant bowed the maiden took her
stand. greatly to the interest of the others,
while Mrs. Brandon said chidingly:

“ I fear, Bessie, our guests will think you un-
maidenly.”

“ By no means, Mrs. Brandon! I on], wish
that I possessed such accomplishment, cried
Lady Lulu, and Madge said:

5

 
fl

    
.‘L

 
' The

, ,  
.,—a rain

outlawed Skipper.“

 
“And so do 1; how we would hold our own
then in an argument against mankind.”

“ A woman’s tongue is a more dangerous wea-

on than any I ever saw a man use, young
Badles.” the secretary remarked, while Captain
Del-aﬁeld rejoined:

“I assure you, Miss Brandon, I am anxious
to see a lady fence, and a weapon a man holds
in honor. should not, I think, be out of place in
a lady’s hand.”

“0n guard then, sir,” said Tiadge, sharply,
and the blades crossed with a clash.

If Lieutenant Nelson had felt that it was to
be but a little by-play upon his part. he not only
saw at once that he was mistaken, as did also
the secretary, and Captain Delaﬂcld realized
that fact. -

With a skill and strength that were surprising,
Bessie handled the weapon, throwing her adver-
sary wholly upon the defensive.

Quick, strong and skillful Were her movements,
until, as Neal Nelson was anxious not to harm
her by a miss stroke, he was forced to give
ground.

“I cry hold!” he called out, thoroughly con-
vinced, that, superb swordsman that he was, he
would, if in earnest combat, ﬁnd it no light
matter to disarm the maiden.

“ Miss Brandon you are a prodigy—an artist
of considerable merit, a cook, an oarswoman, a
sailoreSS, for your good mother says you sail a
boat well, a good shot, as we know by the tro-

hies of the chase we have seen of yours, and
ast and greatest of all for a lady, a splendid
swordsman.

“ I better understand, now that I know you,
how it was your brother accomplished all that
he did,” and Captain Delaﬂeld bowed gallantly,
while Mrs. Brandon said:

“My husband trained both of my children
alike, as far as outdoor sports were concerned,
and I must say that Bessie was as devoted a
pa il as washer brother.”

boy had now reached the Light-house
Arbor. when“ an exclamation of surprise burst
from Bessie’s lips.

And no wonder, for a score of small boats
were upon the river crowded with men, and one
was 9&proachingo the anchored schooner, a
white g in her ws.

I

 
CHAPTER XXVI.
DANGER THEEATENE D.

THERE was something startling in the sight of
so many boats, full of armed men, not only to
the visitors, but to Bessie and her mother.

What it meant no one seemed to know, and
Lieutenant Nelson said quickly:

“ I will go at once on board, for this demon-
stration threatens the schooner.

“ Mr. Wyndom, I leave the ladies in your care
and that of Captain Delaﬂeld.”

” I will go With you, sir," cried Bessie.

“ You, Miss Brandon?”

“ You, my child?”

“Yes, for if those men'mean harm to the ves-
sel, I can perhaps revent it, for surely there is
some mistake, as t is demonstration looks most
hostile.”

“ Go, my child, for our people know on, and
may be inﬂuenced by you,” said Mrs. randon,
anxnously.

So Bessie hastened away with the young com-
mander, while the others stood upon the point
of the cliff, where was the arbor, gazing upon
the scene.

It was a strange scene, too, for the schooner
lay at anchor outside of the cove, and clom in
under a lofty cliff.

Not a breath of air stirred the waters, so that
she was helpless..

The boats had come dowu the river, a score in
number, and with from three to a dozen persons
in each boat, and the little ﬂeet had assembled
behind the point that formed the up r bank of
the cove, directly beneath where he party on
the cliff stood.

The men were armed with muskets, riﬂes and
large pistols, and were a quiet, orderly set,
watching with interest the boat they had sent
to the schooner with a ﬂag of truce in the bow.

In that boat were ﬁve persons, four of whom
were oarsmen. I

Looking up the river Mrs. Brandon saw half
a dozen boats tied against the bank. and con-
taining no occupants, and she pointed them out
to Captain Delaﬂeld, who asked quickly:

“ Can they make a ﬂank movement from there,
madam, and reach the cliff above the schooner?”

“Yes, air, for the highway runs along the
ridge, a couple of hundred yards from the river,
and they have doubtless taken that way to reach
the cliff.”

“ Do you recognize any of them, madam?”

“ They are the people of the town, sir, most of
them from the river ﬂeet that is lying there

‘ idle "

“ And can you conjecture their errand?”

“They have suffered much, sir, from the
tyranny—pardon me if I use the word—of Brit-
ish oﬂlcers; their vessels are idle, the‘ people are
poor, provisions are scarce and high, and I
would not be surprised if they thought they
could retaliate upon a king’- vessel and thus
terms; but this is only conjecture, Captain Dela-

 
“ Frankly, they have the schooner at a disad-
vantage, for, becalmed as she is, men on that
cliﬂ’ could pick off every man of her crew, and
no harm could reach them, while their allies in
the boats could board.

“ I am anxious to know what the result will

“See, Nelson and your daughter are going
out of the cove, and will soon reach the schooner,
while I see that Lie‘itenant Waters has ordered
the boat with the white ﬂag to keep off.”

“ Hark! we can hear what is said,” said Mrs.
Brandon.

“ I wish to board and talk with you, captain,”
said the man in the stern of the boat.

“ The ca tain is Coming on board now, so you
can consu t with him: but in the'mean while
keep off,” replied Rowell Waters.

“ Waters has got the men under arms,” said
the secretary.

“ Yes; but the cutter is heading directly for
the schooner. and ignoring the boat, you see,”
Captain Delaﬁeld remarked.

A moment after the cutter ran alongside the
schooner, and Neal Nelson and Bessie arded,
the oarsmen remaining in their boat.

“ Well, Waters, what is all this about?”

“ I know nothing more than you do, Lieuten-
ant Nelson; but that boat w’th a white ﬂag
there wishes to come on board.”

“ Let it do so.”

“ I know the man, sir, who is in the stern, and
he is treacherous as a snake.

“ He is skipper of a sloop, and has considera-
ble inﬂuence among the people, but is the foe of
my brother and myself from reasons I care not
to make knOWn,” said Bessie, quietly.

The boat having been signaled to come along-
side, the man referred to mounted the deck, and
came aft.

He was a young man, with a sinister, cruel
face marked by dissipation and recklessness,
and looked one to lead men in any bad cause.

He saluted politely, raised his hat to Bessie,
and without giving Neal Nelson time to ask his
business, said:

. ‘;”Are you the captain of this king’s schooner,
sir

“ I am the lieutenant-commander, sir, and I
desire to know what this hostile demonstration
on your part means?”

“ I can soon tell you, sir, and you will like it
better when you know.

“ Word came u to town by a ﬁshing-smack
last night that a ing’s cruiser lay at anchor
below, and intended coming up the river to
seize and hang Bert Brandon, because he had the
pluck to resist a Press-Gang.

“ So the men got together and decided that it
should not be done, and we came down the river
to prevent it, and yonder are one hundred good
men, while on the cliffs above are half a hundred
of our best riﬂemen, and a party have gone to
the dismantled fort below, to man half a dozen
good guns that are there to prevent your put-

in to sea."

6 situation looked serious, but Neal Nelson
was not one to show dread, and he replied
coollX:

“ nd what is your demand, sir?”

“ The surrender of your vessel.”

“1in good fellow the man who hauls down
:he flag over a deck I command has got to ﬁght
on .

“ Then you refuse?"

“Most certainlv; so make your attack just
when you please.”

“Ray Deming, one moment?” and Bessie step-

forward.

“ Well, Miss Brandon?” he said with a sneer.

“ You are makinga vast mistake, in what you
are doing, for you are bringing upon the heads
of innocent people suffering for your acts.

“ You know that my brother is not here, that
he put to sea yesto'rda y, and—”

‘ Yet you are held as a hostage for him i” said
the young man nervously.

“It is not true, and you but assume an ex-
cuse to carry out your own evil ends.

“ This gentleman is my brother's friend, he
gained a pardon for him, for his resistance of
authority. and came here to give it to him, and
there are ladies and gentlemen, his friends, now
at my mother’s home as guests, so you see there
is not the slightest cause for you to preci itate
trouble by making an unwarrantable attac up-
on this vessel.”

“ You speak well and wisely, Miss Brandon,
and I hope this headstrong young rson will see
the truth of your words, and not 0 so foolish a
thing as to attack us,” said Neal Nelson.

“ My dear sir, look up yonder and see that my
men can kill every man on your deck, and you
not be able to ﬁre a shot in return, while our
boarders can capture you,” and Ray Deming
pointed to the cliﬂ, where were visible a number
of men. all carrying arms, and gazing down upon
the vessel.

“ No doubt you could do as you cav: I grant
it: but within a, week the British ﬂeet would
sweep into your river, lay waste our towns,

burn your houses, slay our peop e, and take

ample revenge. so do not have that you would

get ; have it all your own way, though you destroyed

unnow.”
“Do you hear, Ray Deming, what you
i

 
threaten to bring upon this fair land?” asked
Bessie.

“ I hear. Bess Brandon, but I do not heed.”

“Then I shall let others hear. for you shall
not have things your own way,” W115 the indig-
nant reply.

“ What do you mean to do?” asked Ray Dem—

ng.

“ I shall show on.

“ Lieutenant elson, remain by your ship,
but give me those papers you brought for my
brother, please.”

He. silently obeyed.

“ May I have the loan of your cutter, sir?”

“ Certainly, Miss Brandon,” and stepping to
the side he called out:

“ Coxswain, obey Miss Brandon's orders,”

“ Ay. ay, sir.”

“ A ﬂag of truce now, please.”

Clarence Vane got her one,

“ \Vhat are you going to do, Bess Brandon?"
again asked Ray Deming, angrily.

“ Try my power against yours.” was the
ban hty reply. '

“ be men will not heed you.”

She paid no attention to his words, but went
Over the side into the boat, while Neal Nelson
said sternly to the young conspirator:

“ If you wish to leave in peace. sir, do so
now”

“ I’ll go, but I’ll haul down your ﬂag, proud
Englishman, within the hour.”

“ If you do not go at once, some other Will
have that duty to perform, for you will not be
able to,” was the significant rejoinder, and Ray
Deming took the int, and springing into his
boat said, quickly:

“Give way, lads, and reach the ﬂeet before
yonder cutter, for that girl has a glib tongue.”

Besaie saw the boat coming on rapidly, and
she said, quickly:

“Pull with a will, men, for that boat must
not pass us.” -

Then it became a race between the boat and
the cutter, and a close one it was, watched with
deep interest by the crowd to which they were
going, the men on the cliff, the schooner’s crew,
and the party at the arbor lookout.

CHAPTER XXVI I.
BESSIE’S ARGUMENT.

“ MEN, I wish to speak With y‘ul" cried Bes-
sie, as she took the tiller from the Coxswain, ran
the cutter just where she wished it, and gave an
order to the crew to cease rowing.

At the same moment up dashed the other boat,
while Ray Deming called out:

“Mates, there is treachery here, so don‘t let
that girl deceive on.”

There were ful y a hundred men before them,
bold, honest fellows, though many of them were
ron h and ignorant.

A I knew Bessie Brandon, and respected her,
her mother and her brother.

80 a number of voices called out:

“ Give Miss Bess the ﬁrst chance to spin her

 
am.”
y “ Thank ou, gentlemen,” and Bessie arose in
the stern o the cutter and steadied herself with
an oar.

“ I say don’t let her gull you,” angrily 'called
out Ra Deming.

“ Ho d your tongue. Ray and let the girl
talk,” said an old White haired skipper, and
turning to Bessie he continued:

“ Now, marm, what has ver ter say ter us?”

“I thank you, sir, and will not detain you
long; but 1 wish to appeal to your good sense,
and not to your patriotism or passion, as Ray
Deming has done.

“ The vessel you ‘see there is King George’s
schooner-of-war Bother, on her trial cruise and
she has brought as a pleasure-party, the on-
orable Rupert Wyndom, late secretary to Gav—
ernor Hutchinson, his dau hter, his niece, Indy
Lulu Langdon, and Cap in Delaﬂeld, of the
British Navy. .

“ You see them standing on Light-house Cliff”

with my mother.

“ The object of the Bother coming into the
Kennehec was to bring to my brother a pardon
from Governor Gage, for his bold act in resist»
ing the king’s ofﬁcers, and running out of the
harbor as he did. s

“ His pluck won the admiration of the British
ofﬁcers, while his act, in saving the life of Lady
Lulu as he did, gained him a pardon.

“ These rs I have here to show you, and
this is the on] object in the schooner visiting
the Kennebec, for she departs again this after-
noon.

“ Your leader there, Ray Deming, would
hrin you into trouble, for, before my face he
told be commander of the schooner that he had

1acme to bang my brother, and held me as a_

“ It is untrue, for you know my brother has
gonetoBdston,audIa.n free. asyousee,andI
went on board the Bother, Where I iced
your leader, fearing his rashness mm
trouble upon you all.

“ There is trouble brewing, we all know, and
it may come very soon; but do not you bring

upon yourselves the thought that you start the  '

dead? conﬂict by a cruel and unjust act.

on can capture the schooner, granted, for p“ v-

I

19

 
 - 5‘ You see that the majority is
w. '} Miss Brandon; but I am ready now,
it Info to leave my ship.”

2

.m. i - ’1' 'Lntthy A   I  Aw :,. --‘

"it I The Outlawed Skipper; ‘ '

 
she is becalmed, and your riﬂemen hold her at

“It is, sir, perfectly safe; but let me say that

their mercy; but mark the result—within a * I am glad that your pilot, whom I noticed to be

week not a village or home will be left standing
on this river, not a keel will be left unburned,
and, unprepared for the worst, your wives and
children will be the greatest sufferers.

“That man, Ray Deming, has nothing t0‘

lose, and everything to gain, so do not let him
lead you against your good sense, for he is not
worthy of your trust or your respect.

“My friends, I have pleaded With you—I
have warned you.”

Every word uttered, in the clear, musical
'voice of BeSsie Brandon, had been heard by
those upon the point of lookout above.

On the distant cliff the riﬂemen had stOod,
regarding the strange scene with deepest in-
teresu.

one of our river-men, has kept out of sight, and
he had best continue to do so, while I will pilot

, you down the river to your anchorage of last
‘ night, for watchful eyes may be on the Vessel,

On the schooner a still deeper interest was ,

felt, and every eye was upon the maiden.

In the ﬂeet of boats the men sat in deathlike
silence, regarding her with respectful attention,
while Ray Deming was uneasy, pulled the ends
of his long mustache, and bit his lips viciously.

When she had ceased speaking she glanced at
the young ringleader, who arose in his boat and
called out:

“ Mates, that is all silly talk, and amounts to
nothing. ‘

“ The girl simply wishes to save her British
friends. and we must not lose the chance of
seizing that vessel, for it is ours.”

“ Seize it then, and woe be unto those who aid
you in your wicked work, Ray Deming, for
they will be sufferers, not you, ’ came in the
ringing voice of Bessie Brandon, and it came in
the nick of time, for the tide was taming with
the leader.

“ No .’ no .’ no I”

A perfect roar of voices arose in the negative,
followed by the words:

“The girl is right!”

“ Bravo, Bessie!”

“ You’ve won, Miss Bess.”

“ She tells the truth, mates!”

“ Don’t throw treachery in her face, Deming,
with the brother she has. ’

“ She’s true as steel!”

Then Bessie arose, and silence fell upon all.

" My friends, I thank you. and may God bios
you. for you have done right. 1

“Now I beg of you to call off your riﬁemen,
and to watch ﬂay Deming, or he may urge
some foolhardy ones among you to ﬁre on the
schooner.

“ I thank you, and bid you good-by.”

She kissed her hand to the crowd, and dropped
down in her saat, while a perfect storm of
cheers followed her as she was rowed away by
the strong arms of the British tars.

“ Beg pardon, my lady, but no man could
have done what you did, for that was an u ly
crowd to handle, and their leader was wick in
his hatred of us,” said the coxswain, and, as he
saluted, each oarsman raised his hand quickly
to his cap in most resp *ctful salutation.

“ I feared for the result, coxswain, for Ray
Deming hates me as he does Englishmen; but
there were many there who knew me, and all
know my brother.”

“ Your brother, my lady, did the pluckiest
act, and the mOst seaman-like one, I ever saw
done, when he ran out of the harbor that night.

“ I was in' the barge he ran down, and he
showed his heart was right by cutting loose his

I ’ yawl for us.

“He is a splendid man, my lady, is vour bro-
ther,” and again came the respectful salute
from the oarsmen, as though to emphasiz;
their views as being the same asexpressed by
the coxswain.

“ They are signaling the men from the cliff so
the will draw off,” and Bessie smiled triumph-
ant y, as she saw the riﬁemen disappear from the
ed of the cliff.

moment more and the boat touched the
schooner, and Neal Nelson stood at the gangway
to receive the maiden, but she said, quickly:

“I will not come on board, for all sarranged,
and we will go ashore now.”

“ Miss Brandon, we owe much to you, more
than I can express in words, and but for the
fact that those men might misunderstand it, the
crew would have given you a welcome that
Would have made these old rocks ring again.

“ As it is, I could hardly restrain them.

I vwhile Midshipman Vane is offended because I
' J id not give you the salute ofaqueen asyou
'- came clengside.

“ But joking aside, we all, down to the w-
dsMnonke s, realize that you saved our ives
and our sh ps, for that man meant no more to
Englishmen. and his men were rife for fol ow-

' n
.  his lead.

You exaggerate the situation, Lieutenant

I 1' - Nelson, I assure you, for I only made them a
little speech,” said Bessie, blus i
V, the e as turned upon her and the praise.

ng crimson at

“ eggin’ yer pardon, my lady, and the

7.. cap’n's, for: spoakiu’ my mind' but it was the

biggest speech I ever heard, and my mates says

“to. too,” said the coxswain.

Neal Nelson laughed and said:
inst on,
you oem

.y.

l your heart the
‘ George owes to you the possession of his vessel

 
and, if ratogiiized, there are men who would
give him troubh'.”

“ He realized that, and asked permission of
Waters to go below when lit saw the boats comv
ing; but you may get into trouble, I fear,
and-»”

“ Oh, no! they will not harm me, sir.”

“ Then I Hb‘lil be most happy to have so fair
a pilot, while I promise you the king shall hear
what you havi- this day done.”

“ I pray you, Lieutenant NeISon, do not say
more upon the subject,” and soon after the boat
reached the little dock, where the secretary and
Captain Delaiielil joined them.

‘ Miss Brandon, every word that you uttered
we heard, and I must say that you are a diplo-
mat of wondrous powers, and you can bug to
sweet assurance that King

and the lives of his crew,” and the secretary
bent low, with uncovered head, and kissed the
little hand he held.

“ Permit me, Miss Brandon, to say that Sec-
retary Wyndom has but uttered my sentiments,
and add that I feel itagreat honor to know
you,” and Captain Delaﬁeld also bowed low.

With tears in her beautiful eyes Bessie heard
these ﬂattering words, and her heart was too

I full. to speak, as she led the way up to the
' cabin.

There both Lady Lulu and Madge advanced
and kissed her, in a manner that expressed
more than words, while her mother said:

“ My brave little Bess, \I felt that you would
triumph over that wicked Ray Deming.”

Then the health of the fair girl was drank,
and as Neal Nelson reported that a breeze was
springing up when they entered the cove, fare-
wells were said to Miss Brandon, and Bessie ac-
companied the party on board the schooner to
act as pilot out to sea, saying gayly to her
mother:

“ I’ll take my surf-skiff, mother, and man run
back again. for the wind is fair.”

Half an hour after the Bother left her anchor,
and all on deck gazed admirineg at Bessie, as
she stood in graceful attitude at the wheel, de-
clining. the assistance of a helmsman, as the
pretty craft bent gracefully to the breeze 11$!)

or run away from the scene where her fate d
been so nearly sealed.

CHAPTER XXVIII.
A sum mom AN unusn.

Wrrnou'r a mistake, issuing her orders quiet-
ly to Lieutenant Nelson, who gave them to the
crew, Bessie Brandon ran the vessel down the
Kennebec past the fort, which held no garrison
then, stretched away beyond Cape Small Point
with its sandy beach, and anchored under the
lee of Sequin Island, where the ﬁshing-smack
awaited the pilot.

Here the maiden bade farewell toher new-
found friends, and got into her skiﬂ for the
homeward run of several leagues.

“It will be night before you get back,” said
Lad Lulu, anxiously.

“ hi I do not mind that, forI have often
been on the river at night, in storms, too.

“ i shall get home in safety, thank you,” was
the plucky reply.

“Remember, Miss Brandon, you have pro-
mised to have your brother bring you to visit
us!” called out the secretary.

“ Yes, and I’ll give you a ball on board my
ship!” cried Captain Delaﬁeld.

“And another on the Bother!” said Neal
Nelson.

“ And the admiral shall give one in your honor
on the frigate!” shouted the secretary, as the
little skiff went skimming away over the
waters.

Having paid the ﬁsherman well for his ser-
vices, Neal Nelson headed the schooner south-
ward, it being his desire to reach Boston as soon
aspossible, and save Bert Brandon from any
other trouble he might have gotten into by run-

‘ning into the harbor.

So the Bother sailed awav, while the little
skiff, under her tinv sprit-sail, went bounding
over the billows back into the mouth of the
Ksnnebec.

As she sailed up the river, before coming to
the fort, a skiﬂ’ suddenly shot out of the dark
shadows ashore and gave chase.

She did not see the skiﬂ' until it was very
near her, and then s e started, trimmed her sail,
and did all she cou d to make her little craft
speed faster. ‘ .

Just then the wind was cut off in a measure,
by the Sugar- f Hills, and the oarsman was
gaining upon t e maiden.

Her face blanched slightly as,th he turned
his head, she recognized .Rny Deming, the
leader of the crowd to attack the Bother.

Seeing that he was gaining rapidly, Bessie
turned and seized her light oars, while she still

kegt her'sail up and steered with her foot.

y this means she quicken‘ed her pace a little,

. l, 5‘s 'l

\

 
though not enough to prevent her pursuer from
gaining.

‘,‘ Oh, that I had my light skid.” she said to
herself, for she had taken a life skiff, belongin
to her brother, and which, though a good sti
sailor, was not easy to row as her own.

The one that Ray Deming came on in, was a
very light boat, and he was a powerful oarsnian,
so held the advantage.

Seeing that he would overtake her she called
out:

“ Ray Deming, how dare you pursue me,
thus?"

He half turned, though he kept up his strong
stroke, and replied:

“ My beautiful Bess, you spurned my love,
you thwarted me to-day when I could have
enriched myself, and I intend to take sweet re-
venge by forcing you to marry me, forI shall
take you far away from the Kennebec, as I
have a mind to become a rover.”

His words startled her, and then the regret
arose in her heart that she had not brought
some weapon with her.

But she said boldly, though unarmed:

“ If you do not cease rowing, you will force
me to use my riﬂe.”

He laughed and replied:

“ I watched you from the cliﬂ, sweet Bess,
and saw that you were so taken up with your
English friends, that you brought neither riﬂe
or istol.

‘ If you have a weapon, as you would have
me believe, now is your time to use it.”

He was now but a couple of lengths away,
and she felt would be alongside in a moment
more, so she shipped her oars, Seized one, and
was rising to defend herself, as best she could,
when there came a sharp report, a cry, and the
pursuer dropped his oars and sank down in his
boat.

Bessie was amazed, for from whence had come
the shot?

She saw a white puff of smoke rising from one
pf the embrasures in the fort, but beheld no
orm.

She hallooed, but no answer was returned.

It was a shot ﬁred from an ambush and yet
he who ﬁred it Would not show himself.

It had done good service for her, however, as
it had checked her pursuer.

The tide was sweeping the two boats on up
the river, and, hearing a groan from Ra Dem—
ing, the brave girl at once seized her til er and
ran to see if he were badly wounded.

She found him lying across the seat he had
been sitting on while rowing, and there was a
red stain upon the right side of his blue 'sailor
jacket.

He was conscious, but unable to move, and
said ﬁercely:

“ You have killed me.” ,

“ I did not ﬁre that shot, Ray Deming.”

“ Do not add falsehood to treachery, Bessie
Brandon.”

“1 did not ﬁre upon you—it came from the
old fort, and who ﬁred it God only knows.

“ See! the wound is in your right side, sohow
could I, from where I was, shoot you, even had
I been armed?”

“ Great God! you are right; but don’t let me
die. Bessie, for the love of Heaven!

“ I am not ﬁt to die,” he whispered.

“ Ray Deming, you have hated me because I
did not love. you, and you meant to be avenged
upon me; but I will do all I can for you now.

“ Comei let me help you into the stern of your
boat, and I will take your oars and row you up
to the t0wn, for i can go quicker than if I tow
your boat and sail.”

“ For Heaven’s sake make haste, for I fear I

am dying."
“ I will do all I can. Ray,” she said cheerily,
and she quickly aided h m to the seat in the
stern, arranging him in as comfortable 8. -
tion as possible, and then seizing the oars at
to her work.

It was new dark, and the situation was an ap-
palling one to her, for the wounded man groaned
continually, and when his groans ceased for a
moment, she thou ht he was dead

But she kept up er strong and steady stroke
over the waters, aided by the tide, and wont
swiftly along.

She had is t her skid adrift, intending to pick
it up as it went by the town, for, being white,
she could see it upon the dark waters. -

As she drew near The Nook, she rested on her
ears, and placing a horn to her lips blew a wind.
ing blast.

It was a signal used b both her brother and
herself, to let their mot er know of their com-

mg.

Again she blew it, while the tide swept her on.

“I wish you would stop that infernal horn-
blowing, Bessie. for it reminds me of Gabriel’s
trumpet sounding for judgment,” whined the
man. .

“ I must let my mother know I am going up
to the town, for she will be most anxious about

me.
“Hark! she answers,” and comes the waters
came the ding-dong of a small ball which Bert
Brandon had Swang in the Arbor Li ht~house.
Then again did Bessie wind her om, me

sound rising and falling musically upon tho ‘

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waters, and awakening many an echo along the
rocky shores.

“ There, mother had forgotten the light, as I
always attend to it now."

“ It works like a beacon of light to me, and
hope,” said Ray Deming.

” I hope you will not die, for you are so wick-
ed I could wish you had time to repent,” the
maiden said, and then, as she was opposite to
the entrance to the cove, she hailed:

“ The Nook ahoy l”

“ Yes, Bessie,” came back in her mother’s
voice.

“ Mother it is urgent that I go on at once to
Bath, but I will soon come back, so don’t be
alarmed.”

“ Why do you go?” came indistinctly over the
waters.

“ Good—night, mother, P11 soon be back,”
came the answer, for Bessie evaded the direct
question, fearing to alarm her mother.

On up to the town she rowed, landing at a
wharf near the inn, to which she ran for assist-
ance.

When men came to the boat to, carry the
‘ wounded man to his home, she said simply, so

that he might hear her:

“ Some one fired at Bay Deming from the
river-bank, and as I saw him fall back in his
boat I went to his aid.

“ Good—night, Mr. Deming, and I hope you
will not ﬁnd yourself severely wounded.”

Then she sprung into the skiﬂ', rowed out and
caught her own boat, as it was being carried up
the river b the tide.

Taking eming‘s boat back to the dock,
where he kept it, she started homeward and
found her mother most anxiously awaiting her.

To her she told her story, adding:

“ Mother, I did not say that Ray Deming was
pursuing me. simply that he was shot by some
one in ambush on the river.

“ So let it be thought for the present; but
who that mysterious person can be who fired the
shot, I cannot tell.

“Nor can I imagine, my child; but come, it
is late, and this has been a long day for you, so
eat a good supper and we will seek rest, as you
look pale and tired l”

__,..__.

CHAPTER XXIX.
'rmc MERMAID’s ESCAPE.

BERT BRANDON was not one to be thrown off
his guard, but he certainly was nonplused,
when he found that he had as a passenger Bettie
Lynn, the innkeeper’s pretty daughter.

“ I did not anticipate the pleasure of your
company, as a passenger, Hettie,” he said pleas-
antly, though he felt annoyed that she had
come, and wondered what her reason was for so
doing.
“ No, it is doubtless an unpleasant surprise to
you, Captain Brandon, for I suppose I must
give you your title, now that you command so

as a craft. and carry five in crew.”

“ No, Hettie, I am plain Bert Brandon, and
Skip r Bert is as high as I have soared vet.”

" at! then you expect to rise higher 1”

“ I have ambition to get above what I now
am, certainly.”

“ Through the aid of Lady Lulu.”

She spoke with a sneer in her voice and face,
and he saw that she was 'in an ugly humor, so
he said ﬁrmly:

“ Hettie, the run to Boston will be a pleasant
one, if you are not inclined to make it unpleas-
ant for all on board. '

“ Your words do not hurt me, and. as there
are some nice people on board, all Will go well,
if you will only make up your mind not to be
disagreeable. ‘

“ Had I known that it was for you that the
state-room had been engaged, I would not have
allowed it, fearing, after your words to me, you
meant to annoy me.”

" I do, and 1 shall,” was the fierce rejomder.

She saw that she had made a mistake, for
Bert Brandon was nou one to be bullied by even
a pretty woman.

His eyes dashed, but perfectly calm he said:

“ Heme. 1 110961 to remain your friend, but
as you 39903 determined not to have it so, I now
V?“ 3’00 mmle if you attempt any scene on
my vessel, I shall put back to Bath and land
you.

“ And more. after we leave the river, if you
8W9!" 5 t0 08"! out your throat, I shall run
“"0 “bland. 0" Portsmouth and land you,
so that you may take the stage'bgck home,

“ l have a valuable cargo under my charge,
and passengers under my care, while] expect to
have to run s. gantlet through Msmachusetts
B to get to my ancho e. and I must be able
to evote my whole atten on to my vessel.”

“ I will not disturb you, Captain Brandon,
and I only said what I did to provoke you.

“ have an aunt in Boston, and have long

../

wl ed to visit her, and I took this opportunity
of going."
‘n'i;,nen let us be friendl. We. andall willbe
we . ‘
“ Friends on and I can never be, Ben Bun.
don, but at gust

we need not be enemies.

 
the outlaws “ei-   ..

“ But I see Brewster Talbot on your vessel; is

he‘plnxe ofhyour creg?” th to B

- o; e engage pass or exam os-
ton, and Nick Napier tgg 598’ 31 oing to
seek service there,” and BER! Eydﬁs turned
and spoke to one of his other passeng rs who
addressed him, having just then approached to
where the young skipper and Hettie Lynn had
been standing alone.

Having gotten out into the mouth of the
river, Imp, who was the lookout aloft, called out
in his shrill voice:

“ Sill, hol”

“ I see her, Imp, and she is an English cruiser,
but I believe we can run out without trouble.”

The “ run out” was made as the reader has
seen, and Bert Brandon was delighted to get a
chance to try the speed of his vessel under her
new rig and alterations.

“ That schooner I do not know, and she is
either new. or newly rigged and painted.”

“ The British were building a schooner in Bos-
ton, captain, and that may be the one,” said
Brewster Talbot.

“ Perhaps so, for I know of no craft in these
waters to answer her description.”

“ They intended to make a racer out of her,”
continued Talbot.

“Well, she is either slow, or we are going
very fast, for she is doing her best.

“ Throw the line, Nick, and see what we are
making.”

“ Nine knots, ’ called out the mates, and an
exclamation arose from all, for the breeze did
not seem to be very stiff.

“ She is doing well, then; but we have escaped
her, and need not fear her now, so can get ready
for the storm I see is going to break soon.”

And so the lugger held on, saw the storm
break u on the schooner, and not until she was
hidden rom view did Bert Brandon give orders
to strip his vessel of sail.

Brewster Talbot and another passenger, both
being good sailors, sprung to be p in the work,
and when the storm came the Mermaid met it
splendidly, and instantly, under close-reefed
sails, changed her course and headed right into
the wind’s eye.

As the reader remembers, she crept acr0ss the
bows of the schooner in the mist, and the storm
and was dashing along far to the windward
when the haze was blown away.

The fire of the Bother did the Mermaid no
harm, Bert Brandon sending the lady passengers
bel0w, while it lasted, and after a pleasant run
Boston Light was sighted the second night out,
for the young skipper wished to run in under
cover of the nrkness.

“ Will on run in through the main channel,
Captain randon?” asked Brewster 'lalbot, who
was watching the young skipper closely, as he
stood, glass in hand, surveying the harbor.

“ I feel certain that I should be brought to by
the vessels, or guard-boats, if I took the main
channels, and do not care to lose any of my
passengers, or crew, to have them transferred to
the station-ship for British sailors. nor do I care
tolbel taken myself,” answered Bert Brandon
ca m .

“ c all have to take the risk of cap ture,
though,” said Nick Napier.

“ Yes, and of death too, if you are ﬁred on,”
put in Brewster Talbot.

“I mi ht get by the fort all safe, as it would
hardly re on an incoming vessel; but if the
guard-boats failed to bring me to, the schooner
and. station-ship would open fire, as they lay in a
position to do so.

“ But my desire is to risk no life on board, if I
can avoid it, and so I shall try the Shirley
Gut.”

“ You can nevsr make it,” said Brewster Tal-
bot emphatically.

“ I believe I can, for by the time I reach the
bar the tide will be about the full ﬂood. or very
nearly so, and I know just what the Mermaid
draws, and think we will have some six inches
beneath our keel.” , r

“ A terribly close shave."

“True. Mr. Talbot, but not near so close as
some of the shot from the ships may make.

“The wind is fair for us, and blowing very
stiff, while the tide will also aid us, and we will
fairly ﬂy along, and any guard-host that ma
be_in our th,hovering about Governor’s Islan ,
Will not are to attempt to board as at such
lapsedmhile we will, however, have to take their

re.

“ But the law is the PressGang cannohtake a
man from a vessel at anchor, and once past
Governor’s Island we are in the harbor proper
and can soon after let fall our iron mud-hook.”

You takebig chances in going through the
gthirleylgegg, as. knever heard of anything but

0 sm . smsc s ' t ” -
“at Talbot. gomg but way, said Brew

“ I have. and I know with this tide just what
mini; we willing” will

‘ you s e on ca
0‘31".” ny rry your sticks out
- am as we convinced of that fac Mr.
Talbotd)?  that if Eve caughta brordside
rem on-s o n e
we would go to the dam“ th guano] "y'

 
i

“It is a chsnce both we and I shall'tak
my judgment in the matter?" .r’ .

 
.'~ . ~- . ...-, . ,, . ,  t
“1,. 1. v Wu ‘_ »  -,.._-.~,,, ,._.. m,

X

“ Why did you urge the channel way?" asked
Hettie Lynn of Brewster Talbot a moment af-
ter.

“Because if he is ordered to come to, by the
guns of a war-Vessel, in port, and does not Obf')’,
he can be treated as a pirate, and would be too,
after his last daring run out, while, if the guard—
boats only try to board him, or stop him. if he
can keep on without injury to the barge or its
crew, it is not looked upon as worse than a ne—
termined effort to avoid being seized by the
Press-Gang.”

“ He will run in his own way, if he destroys
the vessel, you may be sure of that, Brewster
Talbot; but Can he get through the piles!” Said
the girl.

“Yes, I think so, for he knows just what wa-
ter there is, and this is a full tide, and he knows,
also the draught of the lugger to half an inch.

“After running in between Deer Island and
Shirley Point, he can worm his v ay around by
Apple Island and thus get inlo the bailor all
right, with only the guard-boats to bar, and
not them, if they do not see him in the « ﬂing,
for the frigate lies the other Side of Governor’s
Island, and the station ship closer to the town,
or they did when I was in port some Weeks
a o.”

“ But I heard some talk of a schooner—or-war?”

“Yes, Hettie, the Vicious: but 1 guess she’s
cruising down toward Nantasket. or about the
Boston Light, just to accommodate Brandon;
for he does have more luck than any man I ever ‘
saws.” .

“ You do not fear to carry out your compact,
do you, fearing his luck may defeat you?’ she
asked, coldly.

“Oh, no, not I, for luck often changes; but
see, he has set more sail now and is heading in
for the run," and the young sailor turned his
attention now to the vessel, for she was ﬂying
along under full sail, the wind abcani, ert
Brandon was at the helm, and the crew stood
at their ts, ready to obey the slightest com—
mand, w ile Imp went aloft to see if his keen
eyes could ferret out a guard-boat or any other
danger to threaten them on their perilous run
into port.

CHAPTER XXX.
ran RUN iN'ro roar.

“ Curse the fellow! he’s as cool as though on a
pleasure cruise!” said Brewster Talbot in an un~
dertone to Hettie Lynn, as he saw Bert Bran—
don steering into the mouth of the narrow pas-
sage, with a hand that was ﬁrm as an iror.
brace, and his dark eyes taking in the way be—
fore him with a steady gaze.

The night was starlight, and far in the dis.
tance were visible the lights of Boston tovi n,
while just before had come faintly across tl.e
waters the tones of the old Soth Church CIUL"
striking the hour of midnight.

Potomac was forward at the jib halyard, and
Kennebec stood by the fore-sheet, while Val}
Napier stood by the main sheet: his brother
Nick, the mate. being in the starboard bow,
holding the lead in hand and ready to cast it at
a command from the young captain.

Up at the foremast-head was the boy, Imp,
kcepingaclose watch ahead, and in fact upon
all sides

The passengers were grouped together just
shaft the mainmast, excepting Bettie Lynn
and Brewster Talbot, who stood astern, leaning
over the rail, and very near to the skip r.

“ Forward, there!" came in Bert randon‘s
clear voice, and Nick Napier responded sharply:

“ Ay, ay. sir.” 

“ Cast the lead.”

“ Ay, ay, sir.”

A moment after. the lead 'was swung far for.
ward, and as the lugger passed over it, bringing
the line perpendicular, came the call:

“ Four fathomsl”

“ That is as I thought, Nick,” called back the
skipper.

‘ Five fathomsl”

" Ay, a .”

“Five athomsl” ’

“ Ay ay, Nick, that will do just now. Kee
a sharp eye aloft there, I!!! , for we do not wis
to run down a guard-boat i we can hel it.”

A few moments after, Bert Bran on said, ,
addressing Talbot: ’
“This channel is winding, and hard to ‘run at

night. so one gets at fault now and then.

“ Forward, there i, throw the line again.”

“ Ay. ay. sir."

Then a moment of silence, and
the cry from forward:

:: rm “has... t. '

, a , e s ng rap y.

“ Taro: rapidly now, Nick.”

“A ,ay sir.” ,

“ res fathomsl” _

And thus the calls came steadily, ranging.
from 3"": 13nd; he‘llf fathohzs 'tkoi three, Whi‘lzzkba
um a r y ow 1' seem to .
follow the winding ' nncl
depth of water.

‘ Yonssem to have gouty of water. Ca
Brandon; much more an I thought, an the.
tide must be extra full,” said Brewster Talbot. ,' I,

again came

ely from tho-q 

 
I l r r ,

22

The Outlawed‘ 

 
“It is deep enough here, but We will ﬁnd it  As he grasped the tiller again, Bert said:
i

shallow enough ahead, when we get near the

bar,” was the response.

“ Two fathomsl”

There seemed a triﬂe of anxiety in the voice
of the mate, as he a moment later called out:

“One fathom sixz"

“ Ay, ay, that is as good as I expected,” cheer-

, ily answered the skipper, and the passengers
(1 ew a long breath.

“ One fathom four!”

Then all eyes were turned upon Bcrt Brandon.

But his hand was ﬁrm as a rock, as it rested
upon the tiller, and he said nothing.

“ One fathom two!”

The voice again seemed anxious, but the skip-
per showed no sign of nerVousuess, and the lug-
ger still flew on.

“ Onefathom ! ”

Slowly did Bert Brandon rise from his sitting
posture and stand at the helm, both hands now
upon the tiller.

“ Eight fer! .’ ”

“Ay, ay, Nick; throw as fast as you can,”
came the response, and then followed:

“ Lads, give a haul on the halyards and make
all as trim as you can.”

“ Ay, ay, sir,” came from forward, while
Brewster albot whispered to Hettie Lynn:

“ I will help him at the helm and a false
movement now will wreck him, and then we are
sure of his capture.”

Instantly he stepped forward and said:

“ She steers hard, Captain Brandon, so let me
help you!" and he laid his hand upon the tiller.

“ No, sir! hands off!”

The response was not only stern, but threaten-
ing, and the young man shrunk back and re-
goined Hettie at the taﬂrail, while startling was

he cry from forward:

“ Seven and a half!”

The eyes of all were new again upon Bert
Brandon; but he was calm, and silent, holding
the rushing vessel unswervingly upon her way.

She was layin well over under the pressure
of the wind. an this caused her to draw less
than had she been sailing upon an even keel,
and Bert Brandon knew it.

Behind her came a huge following sea, as proof
of the shallow water: but she ﬂew on as though
she knew .just where to avoid every danger.

ii on board seemed to be holding their breath
and emotionless, excepting the tall, silent man
at the helm, and be swayed to and fro ashe
kept the lugger on her course.

“ Swen feet! ” almost shrieked Nick Napier,
and as he did so it seemed as though there was
a slight grating sound beneath the vessel, and a
momentary Igar, as though her keel had touched.

But Bert randon uttered nota word, and still
held on.

“ Eight feet!” cried Nick Napier, in a joyous
toga. to follow it a moment after with:

One fathom six!”

“ All right, Nick, we have creased the bar, so
you need not throw the line any longer.

“ Ho, Imp! do you see where the ships-of-war
are at anchor yeti"

“I see a big ship over the island,” was the
boy’s answer.

w “ All ri ht, we do not mind her, so you do
nothtpe t e station-ship or schooner in our
pat .

“ es, sir, I see a big boat, almost dead
ahead.”

“ Ay, ay, I see it, and it is a guard-boat; but
we have not yet been seen.

“ My friends, you must all go below now, for

we wil soon be under ﬁre ” and he addressed

thatpauengers. who obey with alacrity, ex-

00 ng Hettie Lynnand Brewster Talbot.

‘ I said all, and you must go too, and lie ﬂat
on the cabin ﬂoor, for I see the station-ship
now and she may send a shot through us.”

“ I prefer to remain,” said Hattie, ﬁrml .

“I will not permit you to do so, Miss

so obe me. please.”

“ hat if I refuse?” she said, tauntineg.

“ I shall order the Indian and negro to carry
you below.”

“ Then, if I am to be insulted, I shall obe .”

“It is your Own act‘ that will make area
I: , for I will not allow you to remain on
deck and urisk death, when below you will be

pr . .
She walked uickl down the oompanionwa
while Brewstei'l Talbgt remained. y,
“ You are to 0 too. sir."
‘;I havearig ttoremalnhere,and Ishalldo

“ You refusal”
“ I do, and shall kill the man who attempts to
force me,” and he drew a pistol from his breast

pocket.
“ Brewster Talbot, you seemed anxious awhile
since, under a pretense of aiding ms, to wreck

' v my vessel, and you now desire to attract the at-

tention of the guard-boat b a shot; but I warn

1 ‘ you to go into that cabin w thout trouble."

, “ I shall not- Hal”

'1 His exclamation was caused by a dark object

suddenly striking his

istol from his hand, and
, it fell n
ind

the deck, w Us in an instant he was
Bert Brandon and thrown headlon

so
, into the cabin, the doors being quicklyc
Inpon him.

“ Well done, Imp, that was a good shot with

l your coat ” ed lightly, for the boy
I had rol wad, tied his cravat
! about it. in the main-top with
‘ true aim, ocking the weapon from Talbot’s

i band.

The lugger had momentarily swept up into
the wind, as Bert Brandon had released the til-
ler to seize Talbot, and the ﬂuttering of her
sails had been heard by the sleepy crew of the
guard-boat, who at once disc0vered a vessel un-

er full sail, almost upon them.

“The Flying Dutchman l” o superstitious
seaman had cried, and his comrai es were about
to agree with him, for no one had expected to
see a vessel in that part of the harbor, \\ hen the
lieutenant in command shouted:

“ Silence, you infernal cowards!

“It is a Yankee coaster that has run in
through Shirley Gut, and we must capture

or.

“ Marines, attention! Oarsmen, give way!
head her as the craft is going, coxswain. and
one of you men stand ready to cast a grapnel as
(we gauge alongside, and when I give the or-

or.

“She'll drag us under, sir, at the speed at
which she is going, if we catch on to her,” re-
turned the coxswain.

“I believe you are right, coxswain, so I’ll
hail and order her to come to; if she refuses, the
marines must ﬁre on her helinsman. and she’ll
breach to and then we can board.”

“That is a good plan, sir, and she’s ours.”

Having cleared the Shirley Gut in safety,
Bert Brandon altered the course of the logger
from west to south, close-hauled, as she had
been going, to northwest one-half north, the
crew tending the sheet-ropes nimbl y as she was
more freely put away before the wind.

Boston now was visible, some two miles dis-
taut, marked by its glimmering lights, and the
sliippin at anchor in the harbor could be
placed y their lights, while the station-ship
wns seen distinctly from the lugger’s decks.

“ Heuve the log, Nick, and see what we are
making,” quietly said the skipper.

The log was hovo, and the answer came:

“ Ten kn eta.”

“Good! that guard-boat won’t dare attempt
to board us. knowing we would run him under;
but he’ll ﬁre on us and with musketry, for it is
a barge, and doubtless carries half a score of
marines, so every man of you lay ﬂat to le‘e-
ward, and the hull and bulwarks will catch
their bullets. ‘

“ Hark! he hails!”

The barge was now but a short distance
ahead, running on the same course the lugger
was making, and stem came the order:

“Schooner, ahoyl”

“ Ahoy the bar el” answered Bert Brandon.

“ Round to, or ii ﬁre into on!”

“Ay, ay, sir,” and yet i: e lugger did not
swerve.

“ Bound to, you infernal Yankee, or I’ll ﬁre
into you P

No reply came, and then the order was heard:

“ Firel’

A dozen muskets rattled, and came pattering
like hail over the vessel, while Bert-Brandon
felt one bullet strike the tiller near his hand.

But he had stooped low, only his hand on the
helm being exposed, and not a bit of harm had
been done.

At the same time the Mermaid swept by the
barge as though it was at anchor.

‘ hrow the grapneli pull hard! lay heralong-
sldel ﬁre!”

The orders were given wildly, the men tried
to obey them, the grapnel missed and fell with a
[image in the water, pullin the coxswain over-

for he was entangl in the cable, and a
few of the crew ﬁred their pistols.

But on ﬂow the lugger leaving the men in the
barge utterly demoraliud, and ﬁshing for the
unfortunate coxswain.

The ﬁring of the musketry had given an
alarm, and rockets went u from the frigate,
were answered on board t estation-ship, than
from the signal-station on Cepp’s Hill.

Next came a rocket roaring upward from the
castle, then from far dawn the’ba , where the
schooner-of- war Vicious was cruis ug, and one
after another the diﬂerent -boats scattered

about from Appl Island to the Charles Hirer

sent up their signa

But from whence had come the alarm no one
seemed to know, as the reports of the muskets
had been heard by all on the watch, but not
seen, and tho ooxswain had fallen overboard
with his hand full of rockets and thus preva
the barge from signalinﬁi

In the mean time the ermaid swept on over
the dark wafers like a phantom, until a blue
light, burned on board the ﬂagship, revealed the
daring vessel, and instantly orders were given
to clear a gun for action.

But before it could be done, she swept in
among- a up of vessels at anchor, her sails
were rapii y taken in, and in a few minutes
more she had run up into the wind, her anchor
Jhad been let fall, and shc.lay quiet, rocking
lu the waters, safe in port, after a most

p ncky and gallant cruise from the Konnebec.

 
CHAPTER XXXI.
BOARDED IN roar.

TEN minutes after the Mermaid Bessie had let
go her anchor. she had her sails neatly indeed,
and all on deck in shipshape condition.

The run in to an anchorage had created great
exitirement in the harbor, among the shipping,
and tile crews of the different vessels Were re-
garding the pretty craft with considerable inter-
est, delighted at her clever run in and the
thwarting of the guard-boats.

They also wished to see what would follow,
whether the British patrols would board her or
not, and they leaned to the belief that they
would, as those were times when the English
rulers did pretty much as they pleased.

As soon as his vessel was in trim at her an-
chorage, Bert Brandon Went into the cabin to
see his cabin passengers.

They sat there, eight in number, and four of
them females, among the latter Bettie L nn.

Brewster Talbot sat there, black as at under-
cloud, at having entered the cabin in a heap,
and so unexpectedly, and it had added ﬁre to
his fury to ﬁnd that when he had said a lamb of
the vessel had thrown him from his feet, a quiet
smile Went round the faces of all.

“ No use telling falsehoods, Brewster Talbot,
for we heard all, and we saw you ﬁred into the
cabin as though you had come out of a big gun,”
said an old maid who, in spite of the hard times
had come down to Boston to buy “ notions” to
tempt the girls in and around Bath.

“ And it served you right, for Capting Bert
were doing his best and new his business, and
we come with him when we wouldn't have come
with any other skipper, and here we are, safe in
Bosting, and if you’d have had your we I don’t
believe we’d be here now,” said Miss limpsey,
a rival notion dealer, who never before had been
known to agree with Miss Peggy Crimps upon
any subject whatever.

" Capting Bert has done what nobody else
could have done and I go back with him, if his
insamge money is double,” a Bath storekeeper
sai .

“Yes, and he could have got double coming
down if he had wanted i but he said he only
wanted what was fair in at vance of the reg’lar
price, owin to the risk he ran with his vessel,”
another sai .

And others too agike in the praise of the
young captain, until rewster Talbot was alone,
as he saw, with his grievances against Bert
Brandon, for Hattie Lynn lay back on the sofa,
pretending to be asleep.

" This seems to be a Bert Brandon Admiration
Society,” growled Brewster Talbot. '

“ It is,” was the amrmative response from all.

Just then the skipper came down the compan-
ionvggy, and he said pleasantly:

“ ell, hi friends, wears safe in port, and

on are at iberty to go ashore if you wish it,
{hough I think you had better retire and wait
until morning.

“ Here, Mr. Talbot, is your pistol which Imp
so skillfully disarmed you of, and let me say to
you, that if you have antv idea of, returning in
m vessel, giveit up, for will not allow you to
as foot in her a in, and now get your traps to-
gether for I sha put on ashore.”

“ You see, friends, ow he treats me?” cried
the 'oung man.

“ es, and he does right,” came in a chorus.

“ He uses his power,’ sneered Hettie Lynn.

“I am on my own vessel, true, Miss Lynn,
and have the right and power to do as I pleasc;
but if Mr. Talbot considers himself aggrieved,
he knows that I am not one to shrink the re-
sponsibility of my acts and words.”

' “ There you got it, Bettie Lynn,” snapped
Mi. Polly Slimpeey.

‘i‘Yes, ou had better pretended to be asleep,"
added iss P gy Crimps, and the two old
maids again hat a thought in common.

"You shall rue your words and acts to me,
Bert Brandon,” savage] said Brewster Talbot.

“ I fear no open foe, s r, only an ammin, who
strikes at my back.

“ Come. are you ready!”

“ I am,” and he f0110wed the ski per on deck,
and Kennebec was alon side wit the lugger’s
small boat, for she carri a light skiff, in ad-
dition to her yawl at the stern davits, the
former being taken aboard and lashed to the

w 0
“ You tell your mates that he has made a mis-
take in making Brewster Talbot angry,” hissed
the can proﬁigate, as he reached the deck.
“Iiim on’t care,” was the laconic response
of Kennebec, as he returned on board the lug-

r.
geHardl had the skid been drawn aboard,
when N ck Napier said: _

“ There are two guard-boats rowmg slowly
among the shipping, Captain Bert, examining
everv vessel.”

“ All right, Nick, we are in port at anchor,
we did them no harm, and they cannot, accord-
i to the law, touch us.”

of the boats soon drew near, and it was
examining, as Nick Napier had said, every ves-
sel as it came along, that had any resemblance
to the lugger which had dashed in safety through
the Shirley Gut.

The passengers had remained on deck, m

 
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seain Brewster Talbot off, and discovering the
guar -boat approaching, did not go below.

There were a number of vessels in port, many
not daring to attempt to run out, fearing their
crews Would be seized the moment they left
their anchorage, and others there were who had
discharged their men, the skipper alone remain-
in on board to care for his craft.

nto the midst of them, and there were vessels
of all sizes, from the brig to the smack, the lug-
ger had made her way before coming to anchor,
zfind thus had thrown the distant guard-boats at
ault.

Nearer and nearer drew the boat and then
discovering the lugger, rowed toward her.

“ Guard-boat ahoy! came in the deep voice of
Bert Brandon.

“ Aho . the In geri what craft is that?”

“ The ermai Bessie, out of Kennebec River,
Bert Brandon master,” was the calm response.

“ I am going to board you, sir.”

“ Ay, ay, sir, come on board with pleasure.”

A moment after and the guard-boat ranged
alongside, and a lieutenant, a middy and four
marines sprung on deck. .

“ I do not understand your boarding a peace-
able craft in force, sir,” sternly said the young

skip r. .
‘ gou will soon understand it, sir.

“ Did on not just drop anchor?”

“ Hal an hour ago, I did, sir.”

“ You ran into port by the Shirley Gut?”

“ I did, sir.”

“,And refused to come to when ordered to do
503: I did.”

“ And why did you disobey the command of a
kin ’s ofﬁcer?” was the haughty query.

“ have a cargo and passengers on board, and
it depended upon me to get all to the port which
they paid their money to reach.

“ As I was coming into port, I certainly could
not be disobeyin'r any laws, and I refused to
obey the king’s o cer, as I knew, if he boarded
me out of the harbor, he would take from me my
crew.

“ I gained an anchorage, and the port bill
law does not allow you to touch me, in crew,
my passengers or cargo, and the fine or dis-
obeyin the hall I will ay to—morrow when
orde before the board 0 examiners to do so.”

The British lieutenant was struck with the
manly bearing and handsome face of the young
:kipper, and his polite but forcible way of speak-

ng.

He knew too that he spoke the truth, and yet,
accustomed to do just as be pleased, where the
colonists were concerned, be determined to rrest
him and take him as a hostage for his vessel, so
he said:

“ It is my duty to make you prisoner, and—”

“ One moment, Lieutenant Farwell,” said the
middy who had boarded with him, and he called
his su rior aside.

“ ell, Bronx?” asked the ofﬁcer as he stepped
a few feet away.

“ As that skipper stood in the light of the
companionway, sir, I recognized him,’ whispered
the middy.

“ A pirate, or a smuggler?”

“ Neither, sir' but you remember I was with
Captain Delaﬂeld and the ladies, the day that
Lieutenant Nelson attempted to impress a young
skipger ashore?”

‘ es, but—”

“ This is the same one sir.”

‘?:,Whati the man who so daringly escaped
us

“ Yes, sir, the same.”

“Egad, he looks it Bronx!”

d “Be does, sir, and you know he has a par-

on.

“ True: I will have to go slow, and I am

obliged Midshipman Bronx, for your timely

words,’ and the ofﬁcer returned to his former
'tion and asked:

“ What is the name of your vessel, skipper?”

“ The Mermaid Bessie, sir.” '

“ And what cargo have you?”

“ An assorted cargo, sir, from the Kennebec
with eight ngers, four of whom are ladies.’l

“ When 0 you expect towaill” _

“ I have set no day, sir, as it seems hard work
to get out of port on time,” and Bert Brandon
smiled. -

-“ You are right: but as soon as you get your
cargo out and return freight in, you expect to

0

8
“I expect to try,” was the signiﬁcant re-

spouse.

“ May I ask our name!"

:: gart Bran on,lsir.” h

era was a uggel' are in port so two

months 0, and her name was the tagged.
and her skipper was, if I mistake not, one Bert
Brandon.”

“This is the vessel, 811'. and I am the one to
whom you doubtless refer,” was the modest re;

ply.

‘ But that craft was a smaller onq, and though
a wonderfully fast sailor, by no mean. 50 mm
in build and rig.”

“ I have altered my vessel somewhat, m- in
hull and rig, to add to her speed. as I deemed it
n

“Imhndyonarethe daring “new

 
of guard-boats, ships and fort?” and the ofﬁcer
azed into the face of the handsome young
merican with surprise.

“ I managed to get out to sea, sir, after some
little trouble,” was the reply, and a smile crossed
the face of the oung man.

“Yes, we all, discovered the fact, and gave

on credit for own more than the superior
h ankee pluck and cleverness we see so much of
ere.

“ But did you not see the schooner-of-war, sir?”

“ What schooner-of-war, may I ask?”

“ The Bother.”

“ I know no such vessel, sir, though I maysa
that all of your war-vessels are a bother to me. ’

“ Aha! well said; but when did you leave the
Kennebec?”

“ Three days ago.”

“ And you saw no schooner-of-war?”

“ Oh, yes, sir; one was heading into the mouth
of the river as we ran out.”

“ Did she not bring you to?”

“ No, sir.”

“ You were too far off?”

‘:,No, sir, we were uncomfortably near, for
uS.
be‘z‘nlt was night, and she failed to see you, may-

“ No, she saw us, for it was broad daylight;
but we outsailed her.”

The lieutenant looked at the middy, and the
middy glanced at the marines.

All looked surprised.

“You mean to say that you outfooted that
schooner?”

“ Yes, sir.”

“ Describe her!"

“A schooner of two hundred tons with very
tall raking masts, an immense spread of canvas
on long spars, all new, the hull black with a red
belt, and a broadside of four guns, with a pivot
gun on her forecastle."

” I: was the Bother; but did she try to catch
you

“ We thought she was doin her best.”

“ You had the wind of her? ’

“ On the contrary, she had the wind of us,
and drove us down the wind.

“ Then I changed my course, throwing the
wind abeam, as I did not care to be driven so
far out to sea, and we ran thus for awhile, when
one of the those sudden storms came up, and the
haze hiding us, I worked to windward and drop-
ped the Bother, if it was that veuel."

“ There is one thing makes me doubt its being
the Botherl”

“ Yes, sir?"

“ That you got away from her, for she walked
away from the Vicious going out, and is what
we considered our fastest vessel in these
waters.”

. ‘;"Was the Bother going to the Kennebec,
8".“ Yes-n

“ Then that was she without doubt, and she
looked like a fast racer; but the Mermaid is the
matter of the two.”

“ Well, Mr. Brandon, I guess it’s all right,
you running in as you did to-ni ht, so I‘ll not
arrest you, and in a few days the ther will be
back in port, and I know that Captain Nelson
wished to see you, for he commands her, so don’t
go until on see him.

“ might, sir,” and the lieutenant and his
men returned to their boat and rowed away,
meeting a cable’s length oi! the other guard-
boat, which after a short parley followed the
first one back down the harbor, to the great de-
light of those on board the lugger.

 
CHAPTER XXXII.
SIGNAL LIGHTS.

Ir Bert Brandon had seemed severe in his
treatment of Brewster Talbot he certame had
cause, for the afternoon the l ger arrived 01!
Massachusetts Bay, Imp had p cked up a lace
of paper which he had seen dropped by ettie

an.

e meant to return it to her at once; but Imp'
had a boy’s curiosity, which is hardly second to
that of a woman’s, and so just read what was
written on the paper.

Furthermore, he had seen Brewster Talbot slip
the paper into the girl’s hand, and when she
read it, she meant to drop it overboard and
supposed that she had; but an eddy of wind had
blown it inboard again and along the deck to the
b0 ’1 convenient hang.“r

mpwasapoorsc 0 ,so he took the
to Potomac. who was a worse one, and “18p: g
two sought Kennebec. who said he could “ talk
heap English, but no read it.” .

Then, the Indian and the negro knowing the
history of the paper, advised Imp to carry it to
the captain. - .

Bert Brandon opened it mechanicall and
read, his attention at once riveted by w t he

saw.
It was as foll0ws:

“ Mr Dun. Hui-rm—

“ No opportunity oﬂers here for me to tell you of
{:1}; plai‘iuto glet Brandon glib the hangman's noose;
w ca 11 n on Bosto so ve me
address on a sligoof’paper. 1" 3‘ your

 
“ In running in, if he attempts Shirley Gut, I may.
in pretending to aid him, ground the lugger, and
that will end the craft, and e will soon follow.

"Destroy this. and be assured. to win the prize
you otter me, that B— is doomed.

“ Yours, B. T."

This very interesting missive Bert Brandon
put into his pocket, remarking to Imp:

“ This is a little slip of paper I shall keep
Imp, and if I could make you a middy for it, I
would.”

“ 1 vi on’t let you forget it, Master Bert, if you
ever et to command a war-vemel.”

“ or will 1 Imp,” and from that moment
Bert Brandon new there was a plot between
Brewster Talbot and Hettie Lynn to get rid of
him, while the “prize” spoken of in the note,
he could readily conjecture, was the hand of the
maiden.

“ Her love must have been intense if her
hatred can be so bitter," he muttered, and he
kept his eye upon the movements of the two,
though not in a way to cause suspicion in their
minds.

When the ntlet was run in safety, and
Brewster Tal t had one ashore, the guard-
boat came alongside, an the young skipper was
kept busy getting all ready to discharge his
ca 0 the next morning at sunrise, so he had
littﬁ: time for thought regarding what his enemy
might do. I _ .

His ngers left early, promismg to notify
him 0 their address in town, so that they could
be informed just when he would set sail, for all
seemed to wish to return with him to the Kenne-
bec, the run to Boston having been so success-
ful.

Employing a number of idle men on the
wharves to unload the in r, the cargo was
rapidly discharged, Nick apier superintending
the work, while Bert Brandon went up in town
to select frei ht to carry back with him.

By night t e cargo was discharged, and the
ones to which it had been consigned had taken
it away, while boxes and bales for the return
had begun to arrive in uantities.

Anxious to remain no onger in port than was
necessary, Bert Brandon sent Im around to the

addresses of his passen ers, te in them he,

would sail the next nig t, and to on board
soon after dark.

But his was put on board, and, to his
surprise, he found the largest quantity was for
one merchant in Bath, very little having been
sent for an one else.

Then nig t came, and with it none of his pas—
sengers, and he hurried Imp and Potomac oif to
the addresses to hasten them.

But the boy and the n returned with word
that they were not going ck by the vessel, but
would take the stage.

“Well, I am really glad, for if we are ﬁned
upon, then some of them might be hurt, while,
as it is, we have a gond-paying freight.

“ Well, lads, we will get ready to run out, and
we have a stiff breeze in our favor, and can run
out on the last of the ebb tide, so will fairly ﬂy
down the harbor.”

“ Will you take the passage through Shirley
Gut, sir?” asked Nick Napier.

“ No; I shall go the regular channel, and trust
to luck, for I think if they had intended to
trouble me it would have been done the two
da s 1 have been in port, for the guard-boat
o cer certainly reported what we were."

, “ It would seem so, sir,” answered Nick
Napier, and the lugger was at once cast of! from
the dock, her sails set, and she sped away under
a cloud of canvas. .

Taking the helm himself, Bert Brandon
guided her skillful) throu h the numerous ves-
sels at anchor, rece ving a indly word now and
then from some skipper, an admiring one from
another, and again the remark:

“ You take big chances, capting, in that fly-
in -macbine o’ yonrn.”

ith every man at his postto man the braces.
and Ill’lngCI‘Ched forward on the bows to keep a
lookout or guard-boats, the Mermaid Bessie
ﬂew along, while her skipper said to Mate
Napier, who stood near him: '

‘ Nick. you asked me why I set those three
lanterns to-night, and I did not tell you.”

“ Yes, sir, for I thought we would do better
without any lights showing.”

“ Do you observe the frigate!”

" Yes, sir.”

“ What are her lights?”

“ Blue to starboard, green to port, and red at
the foretzg.”

“ And e station-ship?"

“ Shows the same, sir.”

“ Did you observe that the gnardmt that

irlodtrobringustowhen we camein
ti

“I recall it now that she did.”
“ You remember what they were?”
“ Blue, green and red, I think.”

“ You saw the schooner gas I: through the
as gong

shipping at anchor last nig h looking
for a black sheep in the ﬂock?”
15 Y“ ﬁr.”
“ She carried the same htl.”
“You are right; so she id.” 4.
“ Guard-boat

 
across our bows,”'oame from Imp forward.

dead ahead, moving eastward I

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addressing Nick, he continued:

“ W hat lights had that guard-boat?”

“ A red one on her bows and green and blue
starboard and port astern.”

“ When I run out before, the war-vessels car~
ried their regular lights, and the guard-boats
simply a red lantern on the bows, so this
change is a private signal known to all, and I
believe I can get through on it; at least I can

"

“Captain Bert, you are a. wonder to me, for
who but you would ever have thought of those
lights, and making capital out of them i”

“ I noticed the changIe in the guard-boat near
Deer Island as soon as saw her .as we came
through Shirley Channel; but see, the guard-
boat onder does not attempt to bar our way.”

“ hat is so; but should the frigate or station-
ship open i”

“ I’ll risk their ﬁre,” was the determined re-

use.

“ It looks as though the lights were working
all right, sir.”

“I hope they will, for another such an iron
stormas we went through two months ago I
have no desire to face; but I will, rather than
yield.”

The guard-boat was passed with a rush, no
hail coming from it, the frigate remained silent
and grim, no shot came from the station-ship,
and at tremendous speed, for she had the tide
with her and a ten-knot breeze, the Mermaid
Bessie ﬂew by the somber castle with its frown-
ing batteries, which two months before had
thundered such an iron hail upon her.

“ We have run the gantlet unchallenged,
Nick, and yonder is the schooner-of-war Vicious,
heading to cross our course, but she will fall far
astern, at the rate we are going, even if she
meant to be hostile,” said Bert Brandon.

“ Yes, and she carries your lights, and I am
inclined to think that they got you through,
captain.”

“ I judge they did; at least it did not harm to
try them; but see there!”

As he spoke a signal-rocket went up from
Copp’s Hill. and immediately after a number
were sent ﬂying in the air like many-colored

sei'ipents.

he frigate promptly responded, and then
came a lull, which the schooner, oil? on the star-
board beam of the. logger anewered.

Ni“l;1‘here’s something wrong up-town,” said

c .

“ I guess they have discovered We came out
against orders-seal the Vicious is crowding on
more sail, and there comes a shot from her
pivot-gun for us to come to.”

And as Bert Brandon spoke, the ﬂash of a gun
on the bows of the schooner iilumined the scene,
and a shot came roaring through the aierassing
astern of the logger. ’

“ That was meant to cross our bows, but they
miscalculated our speed, and we are not obeying
orders to-night Man from brazen throats.”

And Bert Brandon devoted his attention to
getting all the speed out of the logger that he
could, for the schooner was too near for com-
fort, and her pivot-gun was a heavy one.

 
CHAPTER XXXII'I.

' Tun THREE wasan.
Tm: Bother arrived in sight of the Boston
‘Light, on her return, about the time the shot
gain the Vicious was ﬁred to bring the logger

.Upon her deck, for it was a ‘pleasant evening,
were Lieutenant Nelson and h guests, the lat-
ter having determined to,remain up and enjoy

v the run in by night.

The rockets sent up were seen as they soared

‘} ' from the signal-station on Copp’s Hill, and the

answering signals from the frigate and next
from the schooner out in the oﬂng.
“That means mischief of some kind,” laid
Captain Delaﬁeld.
‘ Perhaps the logger is running in,” suggested
y.

' the secretar

’ “No he is due long before this; and had such
been the case, of a vessel running in, it would
have been ﬁrst Ii naled from the craft in the
(ﬂag, which is wit not doubt my old schooner,”
replied Lieutenant Nelson.

' ‘True, Nelson; so it is a vessel running out,
and they are wakin up the Vicious to give her
,ample time to has her off,” Captain Delaﬁeld

nded.
‘ I may be the logger running out,” suggest-
i

‘Ode

a ge.
“ ould he attempt that fearful gantletegain,

" 7 do you think!” asked Lady Lulu.
 “ He

would attempt any deed of darin ,
would that young skipper, Lady Lulu; but e

" can hardly have gotten in and been ready to
I runoutsosoon.

“ Do you see the schooner, Nelson?”

5‘ Yes, captain; I just found her by her lights, ‘

i “ Sail hoi”

"‘ You mean the schooner comin
man!” asked Neal Nelson, of

' ‘Idid member dr,but there’s

toward
e man 9103::
a vessel cron-

 bowgand she’s just loaded with can-

“Ay, ay. I see it,” was the answer, and again '

 
“ Ay, av, I see her now, and by Neptune’s
head! it is the lugger I”

“ Running in?” cried the secretary excitedly,
as all sprung to their feet and strained their eyes
over the dark waters.

“ No, indeed! she is running out, in fact is out,
for she is in a line now with Boston Light, and
is dashing seaward with the wind over her star-
board quarter, and the Vicious is standing to-
ward her at full speed with the breeze almost
astern— Hark! the Vicious ﬁres to bring her
t0." and the roar of the gun came to their
ears.

“ Does she obey?” asked Madge anxiously.

“ No, indeed, she holds on as before.”

“ Then she has again run the gantlet of fire?”
asked Lady Lulu.

"No, bad the ships and forts ﬁred upon her,
we would have heard it, so that very clchr
young Yankee skipper has played some very
cunning trick to get out to sea, and he has ac-
comFliSbcrl his purpose.”

“' he Vicious may bring him to, Nelson.”

“ Not unless she aims better than the two shots
she has ﬁred at him.

“ See, the longer is fairly ﬂying, and the
Vicious is coming booming along upon her best
point of sailing.”

“ And the logger has passed the line of ﬁre, as
she now heads,” said Ca itain llelaﬁcld.

“ She has, and now it omesa stern chase—
but there isa sign-:1 from the schooner, and it is
to me, for they have sighted us,” and lantern
signals were set upon the Vicious.

“ That reads: '

“ ‘ Help me to bring that rascal to,’” said Neal
yelson, reading his signal book by the binnacle
ight.

“ Answer him, Lieutenant Waters that we
have a pardon for the skipper of the Mermaid,
for that surely is that craft.”

“ Ay, ay, air,” and the response signals were
made.

“ There comes an answer,” and Lieutenant
VVators read it aloud: "

“ ‘ The follow has been in more mischief, for
the ﬂagship signach stop him or sink him.’ ”

“ I must do my duty with such an order from
the admiral, though I cannot believe that Bran-
don can have done aught to warrant such an
order, at least intentionally,” said Neal Nelson,
after the. surprise of all had been expressed.

“Mr. Vane, clear the bow pivot, and ﬁre a
shot across the bowls of the longer.”

“Ay, a , sir,” and a few moments after the
shot was red. .

“ That went astern, sir,” called out Neal Nel~
son sternly.

“ Ay, ay, sir, but she is going like lightning,
for I aimed three points ahead.

“ I’ll try it again," and a second shot also ﬂew
astern.

The position of the logger was a dangerous
one, for she was between two ﬁres, the Vicious
being about half a mile distant upon her star-
board quarter, and ﬁring steadily, while the
Bother was nearly a mile away on her port
beam, and also ﬁring. ‘

Between the twu the logger was ﬂying sea-
ward, while the cruisers were pointing for her
and sailing toward each other.

All three vessels were now under full sail, the
Mermaid Bessie running along before the wind
with all drawing Well, the Vicious with the wind
on her part quarter, her sails cased off to catch
the wind at its best, and the Bother having the
breeze directly abeam, and her canvas hauled
taut until the sails were ﬂat as boards.

The ﬁre of the two vessels was kept up rapid-
ly and yet with no effect that could be dip
cov~redo

“It is cruel, cruel!” exclaimed Lady Lulu,
“to ﬁre upon that little craft, and I do hope she
will get away.”

“ I cannot think what her skipper has been up
to, Lady Lulu, but I agree with you it does not
seem fair to have two cruisers worr ing, an un-
armed Vessel,” said Lieutenant elson, walk-
ing slightly. apart with the maiden.

“ It is like huge dogs worrying a sheep,” Lady
Lulu said angrily.

“ You may be sure of one thing, Lady Lulu l”
and Neal Nelson spoke in a whisper.

“ What may I be sure of, Lieutenant Nelson?”

“ That no shot from this veasol will harm the
logger.”

‘Ahl is your gunner loch a had shot?” she
asked quickly looking straight in his face.

“ Under orders not to hit a target, he is, Lady
Lulu, though generally Midshipman Vane is our
crack shot with a heavy gun.”

“ I “you speak with Mr. Vane apart when
he star forward to clear the gun for action,
and I thank you Lieutenant Nelson.”

‘; I :m happy In deserving your thanks, Lady

u u.

“ And Madge will thank you too, if you will
let me tell her, for she is deeply interested in the
young skipper also.”

“ You may tell her, rtainly, but let it re-
min a secret between us our—see how that shot
of Vane's went far astern.” '

“ Yes, he ﬁres around the logger, but does not
hiti and neither does the Vicious.”

“ er crew is new upon her. and that pivot
gun on her how- requires long study from a

 
gunner to get its range and possibilities; but
the lugger has passed from between us now, and
it's a stern chase so I must give orders to ease
off 'he shots, and in half an hour if a shot from
the Vicious does not bring her to, we will be
running side by side with the schooner.”

“ She is ahead of us now?”

“ Yes, a couple of cable-lengths, but I think
we can overhaul her readily, and then see what
the Mermaid Bessie can do with us," and the or-
der was given to follow in the wake of the lug—

er.

“ What a remarkable girl that sweet creature
is. Lieutenant Nelson,” said Lady Lulu, as the
oiliner returned to her side.

“She is a lovely girl, and a marvel as you
say, Lady Lulu, while her manners are as ele-
gant as though she Were brought up in the most
fashionable society, instead of on that wild, pic-
turesque river.”

“And her mother is a lady, too, and there
must be some mystery regarding them.”

“One would think so, when we take all into
consideration; but we are nearing the Vicious,
and creeping up on her too."

“ Yes, we certainly are, while the logger
seems to be dropping us.”

“ True, she is doin it in splendid style, Lady
Lulu, and like the randons, the logger is a
marw-l, for I never saw anything that could
sail with her.”

“ There is something in the way she is handled
too, is there not?”

“ Oh, yes, everything; but she is a wonderful
speedy boat, and Brandon gets out of her every-
thing she is capable of.

“ Ahl that shot fell short.”

“ And so did the shot of the Vicious.”

“ Yes, the logger is further away than she
appears to be, and dropping as steadily and
rapidly.

“ I will hail the schooner.”

The two vessels were now close together, hard-
ly double their length divided them, and the
sharp bows of the Bother were about even with
tho t'oremast of the Vicious and slowly creeping
up to her.

“ Ahoy, Farwelli” cried Lieutenant Nelson.

“ Ay, ay, Nelson, how are you?”

“ All well on board, than you; but we are
getting distanced in our rncc.’

“Did you ever see such a ﬂying—machine as
that luggcr is?”

“ I never did: but what has she beer. doing?"

“ Heaven only knows, for she ran in two
nights ago through the Shirley Gut, swe t by
the guard-boat in a style that was splendii , got
to her anchorage, and her skipper was not mo-
lested,-as you had his pardon; but to-night she

7

catne ii ing seaward with the new signaHights- ;’

set, an assed everything until I got the signal
to bring er to or sink her.”

“ You say she went in through Shirley Gut?”

“ Clean as a whistle.”

" And was not molested at her anchorage?"

“No, she discharged her cargo, got another
aboard, and out she came ﬂying to-night with
the red, blue and green lights set.”

“ How did she get them?”

“ ,I’ can never tell, any more than I can catch

“ Then we must give her or?"

“ If we don’t, she’ll give us up soon, for she
is dropping us as though we \\ ere anchored, and
I’m ,getting lonesome, as I see you forging ahead,

“I will give up the chase and put back, for
it is waste of wind to use it up chasing that
logger.”

“ I‘m with you,” was the ready answer, and
the two vessels went about and began to beat
their way back to port, while the logger went
skimming away over the seas, looking, like a
specter craft fading away in the distance.

CHAPTER XXXIV.
BESSIE MAKES A Visrl'.

Tim second day after the adVentuneon the
riVer. Bessie sailed up to the town to see how
Ray Deinin was, having the half-fear in her
heart that s e would ﬁnd him dead.

But, to her delight she found that he was not
considered fatally wounded, then b seriously,
for, bad as he was, she did not win him to die,
as his muttered words had told her, if the doc-
tor said he could not live,'he would accuse her
of having shot him; still, outside of this per-
sonal consideration, she hoped he would recover.

Having made the inquiry regarding him, she
went to the ion, to call upon Hattie Lynn.

The landlord met her with his blandest smile,
for he had always admired the beautiful girl,
and informed her that Hattie had sailed in the
logger for Boston.

This was a In rise to Bessie, for she knew
that hervbrother id not suspect that she would
be his nger.

Dec] ning to dine at the ion, at the host’s ur-
gent entreaty, she made a few purchases and
mars going to her boat, when the landlord joined

“'I’m out for a little walk, Miss Bessie, so will
so ypu to your boat, with your kind permis-

on.

“ Certain] , Squire Lynn,” answered Belle,
for the land 0rd was a squire.

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25

 
“ Miss Bessie,” continued the landlord:

“ What is the matter between Master Bert
and my Hettiei”

“ I really could not tell you, sir.”

“ Did you know that they were out, as I may
say?”

“ No, squire."

“Well, I felt Very sure that my Hettie loved
Master Bert, and he was such a splendid fellow
I was very glad, though I never of course ha
a word with him upon the subject.

“But of late she seems to have changed her
manner, told me ﬂatly she hated Master Bert,
and was as thick as thieves with that vile fellow
Brewster Talbot, before she sailed.

“ Yet, for all that she went to Boston to visit
her aunt, and sailed on the Mermaid, while Ray
Deming also went along.

“Now I don’t exactly understand it all, so I
thought I would ask you if Master Bert had re-
ferred to it."

“He did not, I think, know that Hettie was

oing on the lugger, squire, for he spoke of Miss
- limpsey, Miss Crimps and the others, and said
that one state-room, the best, had been engaged
by some one, but who he did not know.”

“ That was for Hettie, and she would not let it
be known she was going, for some reason.

“ I wish I could understand it all, Miss Bessie,
for it worries me.”

“ Don’t worry, squire, for it will be all right I
am sure, as Hettie is one who can take care of
herself anywhere, and I heard that Brewster
Talbgt was going to Boston to engage in the ser-
V106.

“ He’ll never work, Miss Bessie, as lon as
others will support him, and he is a man to gear
and avoid.

“ But here we are at your boat, and you have
a good breeze for your sail down. ”

“ Yes, sir, and I Will enjoy it, for I love the
water.”

“ You are a good band with a boat, too, Miss
Bessie, and our brother is the best sailor that
runs into the 'unnebec; but then your father was
:i sailor, and you come by it just y.

“ I often think of him, Miss Bessie, and hope
he may turn up, for I cannot understand his dis-
appearing as he did."

“ Mother has hope, too, squire, but 1 cannot
Lut feel that my father is dead; but good-by,”
and Bessie sprung into her little skiﬂ, and the
next minute was skimming along over the wa-
ters on her way home.

“I wonder if my father can be alive?” she
murmured, as she sailed along.

“ Mother will not believe that he is dead, and
if he had been drowned, his boat would certain-
ly have been found somewhere along the coast.

“ Father was a splendid sailor, the Weather
was not bad at the time he left home, and what
ha pened to him heaven only knows."

fter awhile she mused aloud once more, but
her thoughts had taken a different channel, for
she said:

“ Now who could have ﬁred that shot at Bay,
Deming? .

“It came from one of ' the smbrasures of the

, fort, that is certain, and yet no one lives there.

.a

or a'ili‘ywhere within leagues of it.

“ he ﬁshermen dread it, as they sa it is
haunted, and it was built upon an old ndian
burying-ground, it is true, and a number of sol-
diers are buried there.

“ But then I don’t believe much in hosts, and
would not mind oing_ there, thong I never
heard of any one e domg so except ng brother

ert.

“ But then Bert would go anywhere, and
when he was a boy he slept there one night, I
remember, in sheer bravado.

“I believe I will run down the river, about
the time to expect brother Bert back, and take
a look at the old ruinedfort, for I' have always
had a curiosity to land there.”

As she neared the cove, she saw her mother
seated on the rustic bench outside of the cabin,
watchin for her, and wavmg her hand sailed
into the fittle basin.

Upon joining her mother at. the arbor, she
toldher of Ray Deming’s condition, and then'of
the conversation that Squire Lynn had had with
her.

“ Why, I am surprised that Hettie should go
by the lugger, when she expressed such feelings
against Bert.” said Mrs. Brandon, and the two
talked the matter over, trying to arrive at a
solution of the affair as they had both had rea-
son to believe that H'ettie Lvnn had loved Bert,
and really had begun to think, until the words
of the young man upon the sub 'ect some days
before, that he cared for the mal en.

But the mystery of Hettie’s conduct could not
be solved, and knowing what she had said and
done, both mother and dgghter felt glad that
Bert had not comprom' . himself with the
“ Maid of the Inn,” as the impulsive beauty was
called by the Kennebec skippers.

CHAPTER XXXV.
a non anauznn.

“ Morals, sometimes lfeel brother is on his
way back, and should be in the river to-day, for
he had no idea of remaining longer than was
absolutely necessary, you knownaud he has had
very fair wind and weather,” said Bessie Bran-

 
don to her mother, one morning after the lugger
had been gone a week or more.

“ We Will go out to the arbor and spend the
day there,” said Mrs. Brandon. .

“ How Would you like to go down the river to
meet the logger mother?”

“ No, Bessie, I do not care for a sail.”

“Then I would like to go, mother.“

“Do not remain until late, Bessie, as I will be
most anxious about you, after your adventure
of the other evening.”

“No fear of any danger from Roy Deming,
mother, as he will not be out of bed for a month,
and besides, I will take my rifle and pistols this
time.”

And so Bessie kissed her mother good-by, put
a little snack in a basket, and getting her riﬂe
and pistols, started down the cove.

As she stepped into her skiff she called back:

“ I will shoot some game, mother, and catch
some sea fish, so if I do not meet brother, my
trip Will not be a useless one. ”

“ Be careful, Bessie, for somehow I am very
anxious about you of late,” called back Mrs.
Brandon, as the little skiff moved out into the
river, under the impulse of the oars, for seldom
was it that any breeze penetrated the cove, shut
in as it was on three sides by high hills and over-
hanging cliffs.

Once free of the cove, she laid aside her oars,
seized her sheet-rope, and taking her seat astern
laid her hand upon the tiller.

Away darted the skiff, as the wind caught its
sail, and down the river it went at a good pace,
the maiden keeping. well out to get all the breeze
she could.

“ I will go out and catch some ﬁsh ﬁrst, then
stop on the point and kill some uirrels and

nail, and take my dinner later at t e fort, for
Ican wait there until an hour before sunset,
and if brother does not come, can row home by
dark,lif the wind fails me,which I do not believe
it wil .

“ Let me see-yes, I have the tide with me,
and so I need have no dread, should the lugger
not appear. '

So saying the maiden sailed merrily along,
and, roundin a bend she had a chance for a
shot at a Rural, and uick as a ﬂash she ﬁred
and the bu let pierced t 9 brain of the little ani-
mal, that had been so saucin regarding her
from a tree overhanging the water.

Hastin loading her riﬂe, she got a second
squirrel, shooting with the same true aim as be-
fore, and taking a short run in the woods came
back with three quail.

“ I have gotten my ame within half an hour,
so have done well,” 5 6 said gayly, as she re-
turned to the skiff and began to pluck the
feathers from the birds as she sailed alon ,
thereby savin time, while she steered with t e
tiller against er knee.

By the time she reached the fort, the squirrels
and quail had been nicely dressed and placed
beneath the seat where it was cool, and she eyed
the stern old fortress with mingled awe and in-
terest.

Running out past Cape Small Point, she
dropped her kedge, raised an awnin over the
3012]“, to shield her from the sun, an began to

s . ,

She ad taken a position that gave her a good
view the ocean, and far off was visible a sail
upon the waters.

It was too far off, however, for her to decide
whether it was a frigate or a ﬁshing-smack.

The ﬁsh bit briskly at her hooks, and before
very lOng she had caught" enough for half a
dozen messes, for they could be put away in the
ice house which Potomhc and Kennebec had
built back in the glen, where ice hardly ever
melted the year around, so cool and shady was
the nook.

The skiff had a ﬁsh well in it, and into this
they were placed, and feeling hungr , for my
heroine was no wsthetic maiden, she etermined
to run back to the fort, have her dinner, and
then make a tour of inspection of the ruin and
its‘ surroundings. '

The sail she had seen had disappeared, having
stood inshore, until hidden from view, so she
gave up all hope of seem the in ger that day,
and determined to who ly satisfy her curiosity
upon the subject of the fortress.

‘ “ Who knows,” she said, gayly, “ but that I
may ﬁnd some old soldier there who has never
deserted his post, and he may have been the
one who saved me from Rs Demin .

. “ How romantic that would ,” and ier mu-
sical laugh at the conceit made the rocks send
back man! an echo as she skimmed along.

As sne rew near the fort the somber look it
wore toned down her gay spirits.

She held in close to the shore, and passed h
before she decided ust where she would land.

“ The fact is, I lieve I am afraid,” she said,
as she put her skiff about.

“ It docs look strangely gloomy, and so silent
and stern,” she said.

“ But I must not back out now, that is cer-
tain while really I am very hungry.

“ 0, here goes.”

She ran the skiﬂ ashore as she s ke, sprung
out, and made the painter fast to a a stone.

Then she took _her.rifle and laidrfl? upon a
rock, thrust her pistol in her belt, and next took

 
figomflhe locker her basket of lunch and bucket
0 mi '.

Climbing up the steep bank she reached an
embrasure and hesitated before the muzzle of a
"gun that had been long Silent.

Then she deposited her dinner-basket and
bucket; and, with her riﬂe ready, entered the
embrasure and looked about her.

All was as still as death.

The place was grass-grown, several of the
guns were dismouuted, and others had settled
well down into their embrasures.

A few shot and grape were piled up here and
there, and more were scattered about.

The banks were overgrown with grass and
weeds, the barracks in t e rear were going to
decay, and desolation rested upon all.

Becoming accustomed to the surroundings,
Bessie went back for her lunch, and ﬁnding a
sheltered spot, beneath a tree, she sat down and
greatly enjoyed her lonely repast.

After it was ﬁnished she returned her basket
and bucket to the boat, and after regarding the
scenery from the fort, for half an hour, she set
out on her tour of exploration.

The “ Barracks ” were half adozen log-cabins,
set back under the slo of the hill, with one
apart, which had been t e headquarters of the
commandant.

The doors of the Barracks swung to and fro
with creaking sound, fanned by the wind, and
Bessie could well believe that the fort by night
must be a most dismal s t indeed.

Thd cabin that s apart was just in the
way that'she was going, and she was surprised
to trace what she saw must be a slightly-worn

th.
It led from one of the entrancesto the cabin,
and it seemed to wind on up the hillside in the

rear.

She stopped at the door and glanced within,
and as she did so her face paled and she uttered
a slight cry of alarm.

The cabin held an occupant.

At a glance she saw the interior, for the door
was wide open, and therein was a table, a cat,
a bench, some few cooking utensils upon the
broad hearth, whereon smoldered a ﬁre, and
upon the bed lay the form of a man.

He was evidentl asleep for he was fully
dressed, a riﬂe stood by the head of the cot, and
his hat was upon the bench near at hand.

Checking the ﬁrst impulse to run 'awa , Bes-
sie remained, and her eyes were rivet upon
the one who lay upon the cot-bed, calmly sleep-

in .

The form was that of a tall man of ﬁne
physique, and he was clad iqssailor garb on]
that he wore top-boots, and h hat on the hem:
was a sombrero.

Otherwise his garb k of the sea, and
about his waist was a leather belt.

The hair was somewhat long and iron-gray,
while his beard reached nearly to his waist, and
in it were many silver threads, that indicated
pits having passed the ﬁfty-year mile-stone of
l e.
The features were well cut, reﬁned and ex.

ressive, and he slumbered so peacefully, his

ands crossed n n his breast, that Bessie fear-
ed that he was ead when she ﬁrst beheld him.

Then, as she looked, back to her from the

came that form and face, brought from
the cells of memory—younger perhaps, as she
recalled it, with no Silver threads in hair or
heard, but still/the same noble countenance.

White as death she became for an instant,
then against the door she leaned. as thou h for

support; but back to her face. came the lood,
and her eyes fairly danced with by as she
stepped back out of sight and call in a sweet
voice:

“ Father 1”

She heard a movement of the form, and again
she called:

“ Father 1”

Then came a quick movement, and a footfall
upon the ﬂoor, as the sleeper awoke and sat up.
on the side of his cot.

“ Father I”

For the third time she called, and then, in a
fewent, deep voice came the words:

“ Great God! this is no dream.”

A heavy step followed, the. man appeared in
the door. and with a cry of joy Bessie sprung
toward him and. was in her father’s arms.

Her mother’s hope had been realized—he was
not dead.

 
CHAPTER XXXVI.
m wmma’s sroar.

Fan a long while neither the father or daugh-
ter spoke, and both seemed ton happy in meet-
iniagain for words to break in upon their joy.

t last Bessie said:

“ Father. how strange that I should ﬁnd you
here, in this somber old ruined fortress. and
now that I ﬁnd you, I know to whom I owe my
safety from capture a few evenin s since.”

The man loo ed down as thong at a loss to
speak, but leading her to a seat upon a dis- I
mounted n, he said:

“Yes, e. m darling child, it is strange
:lgat on should nd me here. strange that you

on

come to a spot which menshunalliho  

}

 
26

The Outlawed 

 
haunt of ghosts; but I am the only ghost that
haunts the fort,” and he smiled sadly.

“ You are a substantial-looking ghost, father;
but why are you here? Why have you not
come home, for it has been days since you ﬁred
upon that man on the river.”

“ It was Ray Deming?" he asked, rather than
asserted.

“ It was; but did you recognize him at that
distance, after the years since you saw him, for
he was a‘ youth then i”

" I have seen him since: only a couple of
months ago,” and an expression of pain passed
over his face.

“ But, father, why did you not hail me, then ?”

“Did I kill him?” he asked, unheeding her
question.

“No, father, but it was a narrow escape for
him, and he would have died had I not rowed
rapidly up to Bath with him.” ,

‘ It was a long shot, and I meant to kill him;
but let it go.

“ But what is that man to you, Bessie?”

“Nothing in the world, father; but he was
angry because I would not allow a number cf
men to attack a British cruiser that was an-
chored near our cove, and sought revenge upon
me.’

“I saw the cruiser, and you ran beroutto
sea, for I recognized you at the wheel.”

“ Yes, father.”

“ And I recognized my noble boy run out the
day before on the deck of the lugger, which I
hardl knew, she had changed so complete‘ly.”

“ es. father, brother Bert is now away, and
I hoped to have met him this afternoon: but
you have not asked yet about dear mother?”

The same.look of pain as before crossed his
handsome face, and his lips quivered; but he
said nothing in reply.

“ Why, father, do you not wish to know about
poor mother, who has so longed for your re-
turn, and would never believe that you were
dead?”

“ Did not believe me dead, and yet has r-

; jured herself in the sight of God and man!’ he
cried ﬁercely, springing to his feet, while across
the mind of Bessie came the terrible thought
that her father was mad.

“ Father what do you, what can you mean?”
she cried pleadingly.

‘ “ Do you not know, girl?”

“ I know that my mother has done no wrong,
sir,” said Bessie ﬁrmly.

“ Done no wrong! Are you, too, lost to shame,
that you see no wrong in a woman pledging her-
self as a wife to another man, when she believes
her own husband to be alive?”

“ Father! are you mad, to talk thus, of mother
having done so great a wrong?”

“ Do you mean to say that‘your mother is not
the supposed wife of Squire Lynn?” he asked
ﬁercely.

Bessie broke out into a merry laugh, while she
said seriously, a moment after:

“ Father, some one has haser deceived you
about poor, dear mother. Why, she has not
been up to the town, except to church, since you
disappeared, and has been strong in the belief
that you would some day return; and were you
dead, she would marry no man, I feel conﬁdent.”

The strong man quivered from head to foot,
and from his lips came the words:

“God in Heaven, I thank Thee!”

Then he resumed his seat by the side of Bessie,
and after a moment’s effort to control himself,
he said:

“ Bessie, let me tell you why I have been ab—
sent so long—let'me tel you a] :

“The day I left home, I ran down to the sea
,to ﬁsh, and I caught an immense haul in a ver
short time. As I was about to come home, fee -
ing that I would have to row up with the tide,
for the wind had died away, I saw an armed
schooner becalmed a league away.

“ So I rowed to it, intending to sell my cargo,
but, judge of my surprise and alarm, when get-
tin near, I discovered her to be no English
are ser, but a pirate.”

' “ 0b, father!”

“Yes, it was a pirate; but I showed no out-

' ward suspicion, hailed and told him I wished to
sell him some ﬁsh, and was ordered alongside.

“They took my ﬁsh, and my skiff, for they
needed another host, and told me to go to work
before the mast. '

“There was no alternative and I obeyed,
making up my mind I would retend to rather
like the outlaw service, and t as get a better

. chance to escape.

“You can imagipe how I felt, knowing the
anxiety you would all feel regarding me.,

“ But there I had to remain, a irate in
spite of myself and under a most crue master.

“He crui.‘ southward, among the Indies,
capWring, illaging, burning and sinking mor-
chant ves , and running from cruisers at all

“ Thus a year assed and I never had a chance
to land, but at ength he sailed to his rendez-
vous, an island in the Caribbean Sea. and there

mt I

, I "But it was an almost barren island. and
thumb he left us ample provisions, we had not
the ghtcst chalice of getting away. ~

halfadoneu of us were left in charge of hi»

 
“ It was a year before he returned, and then
be divided his booty, selected what he Wished to
take toport and sell, and left the balance for
another visit.

" I begged him to take me with him, and he
did so, but it was months before I could ﬁnd a
chance to escape, and then in the very moment
of triumph I was captured and taken back to
the vesse .

“ The pirate again visiting his island retreat,
I was left there once more and my companions
were half a dozen wretched pirates.

“ I thought, as the time drew near for another
visit of the schooner, that I saw a chance of es-
cape, and determined to sound my comrades
upon doing 80.

“They were divided, four against three of us;
but we determined to make the attempt, and a
ﬁght followed.

“It could end but one way, my child, for I
was desperate, and those who aided me were im-
bued with my spirit, and the weak triumphed
over the stronger party.

“Then we tore down our little but of logs,
built of old spars, wreckage and boxes, and
made a raft of it, for we had plenty of chain
and rope cable.

“ We cut up the boxes, that contained the
pirate’s booty, and after several days made a
very respectable raft, with two masts, a bow-
sprit and a rudder.

“ We put on provisions in a. large box. and
pushed off one day into the sea.

” Our craft was a slow one, but
stanch, and we felt it would support us.

“For a Week we steered about, passing
through one storm, and my comrade—for the
other had been killed in the aifray with the four
pirates, and both of us that remained slightly
wounded, I forgot to say—comrade was lost
overboard one night, and I was powerless to
save him with the raft, as I could not manage
it in the blow.

“ Two days after I was picked up in the At-
lantic by an American vessel, bound to India,
and was well cared for.

“ From India I shipped in a vessel bound to
the Cape of Good Hope, and from there made
my way to England. '

“ Then I shipped for Boston, going as seaman,
and the very day I arrived in port was seized by
a British Press-Gang, and carried oﬁ’ once more
on a frigate bound for the Mediterranean.

“ I to d the captain my story, and he laughed
at me, saying that it was a well-concocted lie to
esca .

“ his was a terrible blow, m child; but I
stood up well under it, dose as soon as I
could, and again worked my way, by shipping
on different ships, to Boston.

“ There it was I met Ray Demin , and be
reco nized me, and I then recalled his ace.

“ magine my agony on being told by him
that a mysterious murder had been committed
about the time I left, and I was accused of it,

it was

and igdivps supposed I had runoff to avoid being .

“ The villain!” said Bessie, as fiercely as her
prett lips could utter the Words.

“ at that was not all, for he told me that my
wife had married Squire Lynn.

“ Bessie, the blow was a fearful on and I
lay for weeks ill in a sailors’ boardinghouse,
after telling him I should go to sea again.

“ But a longing came over me to be near you
once more, and remembering this old ruin, I
came here.

“ I brought ammunition with me, and my
riﬂe got me game, the ﬁver provided ﬁsh, and I
had ample provisions, bile yonder but has been
my home.

“ I dared not go up to Bath, and so walked to
Portland when I needed supplies, and here was
sorrowing'my life away when you found me.

“ Now, Bessie, you know my story.”

“ Father, there was a murder committed after
you left, but no one ever suspected on of it, and
Ray Deming told you what he di to keep you
away, and be avenged on us all because I refused
his love.

“ My peer, poor 'fatherl how I plt you; but
all sorrow is past now, and the brig t future is
before us, for you return with me in my skiff-—
Hark! was not that the ﬁn )ping of a and?”

As she spoke she ran to t e embrasure and be-
held a vessel coming up the river.

“The lug r! the larger! Kee out of sight,
father, and will hail Bert and te. 1 him to come
ashore,” and as the lugger drew nearer she
raised her vows and shouted:

“ The Mermaid, ahoy! ahoyl”

CHAPTER XXXVII.
REUNITED.

THE Mermaid Bessie had not ina progriately
been termed a “flyin machine,” or s e went
along at all times as ough running a race, or
ﬂying from a fee. _

The little vessel had been a noted sailor, be-
fore her alterations, and was known along the
coast, from the Penobscot to Montauk Point, as
a craft that brew her slippers in the face of
any skipger t at had the temerity to tryhis
speed it t her.

 
She would tall with a ﬂeet some afternoon from
Boston, Portsmouth or

I’ortland, drop them

they all hastily sprung to t
the lugger was gotten upon her way, and drove I

 
astern by the time a good ofﬁng was gained, and
have her cargo out by the arrival of those des-
tined to the same port.

The alterations which Bert Brandon had made
in her were just what she needed, and he had
been studying out the problem for some time, of
adding to her speed in some way.

He could not have planned better. for her
ﬂeetness was increased so that it was phenomenal,
while it seemed to make her more stench and
seaWorthy than she was before, and that was
saying a great deal.

After his running the gent-let of the two
schooners, Bert Brandon stood out to sea for
many leagues.

He had come to the conclusion that his Mer-
maid Bessie was indeed a marvel, for he well
knew the speed of the Vicious, and in the trial
with her he had seen that the Bother had walked
away from the smaller schooner as fast as he did
from both of them.

Anxious to avoid meeting any vessel that
might cut him off from the Kennebec, he held out
to sea until twenty leagues were between him
and the land.

Then be shaped his course north by east, and
held it until he was opposite to the mouth of the
Kennebec, when he stood in for it.

Had Bessie looked a little more to the north-
ward when ﬁshing she might have seen a small
sail upon the waters, heading for the river.

But she did not expect the lugger from that
direction, and merely casually scanned the hori—
zon.

As he ran toward the river Bert lBrandon
cracked on all sail, for he was anxxous to get up
to the town before dark and return home for the
nig t.

So the Mermaid went ﬂying into the river
crowded frorn deck to truck with canvas, an
looking grandly beautiful as she sped along be.
tween the picturesque banks of the Kennehec.

As she was sweeping up toward the fort, her
sails making the sound as of thousands of rush-
ing wings between the bold shores, there sud—
denly was heard a hail.

Agdstarted, and almost instantly it was re-

a :

“ The Mermaid Bessie ahoy!”

“ That is my sister‘s voice, for I would know
it among a thousand.

“ Stand by all to lay to,” and Bert Brandon
responded in his clear tones:

“ Ahoy! Miss Brandon aho !”

Then his eyes fell upon t e maiden as she
sprung upon the rampart in bold relief.

“ Come out in your skiff, sis, and I will, pick
you wrap,” shouted Bert, while he muttered:

“ bat in all creation is she doing there, I
wonder?”

“ No, brother, you bring the lugger to and
come ashore, for want you,” came the answer.

Anxious as to the cause, Bert Brandon round-
ed to and ordered the skiff over the side.

Into it he sprung and was quickly ashore.

“What is it, Bessie?" he asked with anxiety,
as she met him at the shore.

9‘ Brother, father is not dead," she said, earn- ‘

estly.

“Thank God! but-—”

“ Come with me, for l have found him."

She led him up the hill, through an embrasure,
and father and see again met.

It wasa touching meeting, for they grasped
each other’s hands and stood thus in silence a.
moment, and then Bert said, while his voice
quivered: .

“ Thank God you have come back to us,
father.” .

.“Ab, my son, I would never have gone, bad
it been possible to prevent it; but on must
hear my story to-nigbt, when I tell a] to your
mother.”

“ Now let us go, father, and what a surprise
it will be for Potomac and Kennebec! don’t any
a word. father, nor look up, until you board the
lugger.”

They went down the shore and Bessie’s skiff
was taken in tow, while they went off in the one
belonging to the lugger. '

As the returned wanderer sprun upon the
deck, Potomac gave a about of de ight, while

Kennebec uttered a regular war-whoop of!

pleasure. _

Then the negro grabbed one hand, and Ken-
nebec the other, the former executing a regular
double-shufﬂe of delight, while he said:

“ De Lord am a Angil o’ Goodness ter let yer
come back to us all, ole massa. Gor’ brass your
soul, sahl” / t

“ Kennebec heap glad big sea chief come
back; miss white brother heap.”

The Napier boys had known Captain Bran—
don for so he was called, in the past, and also
gav’e him a welcome, while Imp grasped his.
band also with a word of greeting.

“ Well, my friends, you give me such a cor-

._,.,‘ .-

dial welcome, you do not observe the lugger is ‘*

drifting ashore,” said Captain Brandon, and
e r posts once more,

on up the river with wind and tide. _

“ Bessie, I’ll drop you as we go by, and you
must break the news gently to mother and
father will come down from the! town with me,
after we have made fast to the dock, for Nick,

 
!
i
l
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 outlawed Skipper.

 
will see to getting the cargo out, until I return
to-morrow,” Fill-i Bert.

And so, as they neared The Nook, Bessie
went Into the skiﬂ', which had been hauled
alongside, and Without stopping she was cast
adrift. and lﬂ‘llelg her oars rowed shoreward,
while Mrs. Brandon stood on the cliff waving to
her sin, and little dreaming that hiding,r in the
cabin, gazing at her through the deudlight, was
her husband.

As the lugger swept on out of sight, Bessie
reached the cliff, where her mother awaited her,
and said:

“ I have been very anxious about you all
day, my child: but I am repaid, b seeing that
you brought your brother back so ely, though I
Hoticcd that the lugger has been again under

re.”

“Why, mother, I did not observe it, I assure
you: but now you speak of it, I did see the sails
had been cut through, and the bulwark pierced
in tWo places: the fact is, mother, I was too
happy to notice any thing."

“ And I am happy, too, to see the noble boy
home again.” .

“ Yes, mother, but this has been the happiest
day of my life, for I have made a great dis-
cove .”

“ Why, Bessie, what do you mean ?”

“ I was successful in getting some game, and
asuperb catch of ﬁsh, and they will make an
elegant supper, for brother is to bring company
home with him, a gentleman I found at the fort,
living a life of exile, becauso he had been car-
ried off by pirates, and upon returnin was told
by a wicked wretch that his wife ha married
Squire Lynn, of the Cabin and Forecastle Inn,
and so he—”

“ My child, you have found your father!

“ I knew that he was not dead!

“ Father in Heaven, I thank thee!”

And the poor woman quivered with joy and
excitement.

“ Yes, mother, 1 found father at the old fort,
and he is to return home with Brother Bert; so
We must have a splendid supper for them. and,
mother, you won’t have time to laugh or to cry,
only to help fix up to receive them.’

And, fearing that her mother would break
down, Bessie hustled about to make pro ar-
ations, and Mrs. Brandon began to a d er,
though tears of joy trickled down her face as
she worked.

As darkness fell, Bessie ran out to light the
beacon, and she caught sight of a little sail dash-
in into the basin.

git the landing she met her brother and father,
and the latter went on alone to the cabin, Bert
and Bessie following, and, reunited as they were,
no four happier beings lived that m ht than
those who dwelt there in the little cab n of the
glen.

 
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
IN DARKNESS AND sronx.

WHEN Bert Brandon returned to the town the
next morninghe was met upon all sides by con-

atulations upon his father’s return, and the
get thathe had asecond time run the gantlet
into Benton Harbor.

He was surprised to ﬁnd however,that no ef-
fort had been made to discharge the cargo other
than a small uantity, for the reader may re—
member that cur-ﬁfths of it had been consigned
to one person—a merchant in Bath.

This party had said the evenin before, when
told by Nick Natpier that they« ad brought a
lar e uanti o freight for him, that he had
orré noth ng and was expecting nothing, so
w ld not receive l '

Under such circumstances the mate had kept
it on board to await the coming of Bert Bran-
don. '

Just as he arrived the stage rolled into Bath
with the mail, and in it was a letter ad

“Sxxrran llaa'r BRANDON,
or
“ The Lugger Mamm Bass“,
.‘ “Bath.”
“Gammonu'ealth of Man.

“Post-haste.”

This letter was from the shipper in Boston,
saying that there had been a mistake, and the

- freight should have gone to a man of the same

w:

l

 
a

name in Portsmouth, and to bring the cargo
back at once and freight would be paid on it.
Bert Brandon was provoked, for he had, after
receiving the papers oft for him by Lieutenant
Nelson. and know“)! a“. determined not to run
thegantlet any more, but to go to Boston, thank
his British friends for their kindness, and ac-

ce ti the pardon, decline the commission
0 9 him, and request Mon to trade nu.
molested along the coast ,his lugger,

This freight mat howeVer, would nmi.
tote his going at on  back, and carrying a
on 0, when he had not intended doing so~until
be ad the proper authority. ,

“ Well, lads, we must get at once to “again,
and, under existing circumstances, I will neither
carry pamengers, or freight. other than what we
are compelled to take back. and I shall, I an

, have to run the gautlet to get in with if,
utwﬂlmakeallplunafterldoeo.

, N: .‘I.’ “r, . ‘4‘ , . y.» ,'

2'7

 
The torn sails were patched, the shot-marks
repaired, and the lugger left the town in the
afternoon upon her return, stopping off the
cove for Bert Brandon, who had returned home
to explain matters.

“ I think you do wisely, my son, to carry no
passengers or freight, after what has been done
for you, as you ran in once since the papers
were made out.

“ And you can readily explain matters, I
think, when you return: but do you think it
wise to run in as before?” said Captain Brandon.

“Yes, father, for if my vessel IS brought to,
say by the schooner, she will be held until all
papers are looked into, and the freight I carry
should be returned at once.

“ I will slip in by the way of Shirley Gut, as
before, run right in alongside of the wharf, and
begin to discharge the cargo at night, when in
the morning I will report to Lieutenant Nel-
son and explain all to him, for he is a splendid
fellow, aft/e";~ all.”

“ I think it will be best, after all, for as you
say, the cargo may be detained at the mercy of
ofﬁcials for days and days.

“ Well, when on get your permit to run as
a coaster, you Wlll be all right, while I shall de-
vote myself to the care of the house,” and all
arose to go out to the cliff, while Bessie was to
row her brother out to the lugger when it came
in sight.

At last the Mermaid bore in si ht. farewells
were said, and Bessie soon rowe Bert along-
side, and on her way the ﬂeet craft went, and
the run to Cape Ann was made without adven-
ture.

It was noon when Cape Ann was sighted, and
Bert Brandon said, as he gazed at the heavens:

“ Nick, we are going to have a black night of
it, the very thing for our run in, for the guard-
boats will have all they can do to look after
themselves if this weather breaks after night-
fall, as it now threatens.”

“ You will not try the lights again, sir?”

“ No, indeed, for I guess they discovered that
little ruse of ours, and have changed the sig-

nals.

“ I shall go by the way of Shirley Gut, and
we will have plenty of water with this driving
east wind, you ma be sure.”

“ But can you to low the channel in the dark-
ness and storm l”

“ I shall put her under just enough canvas to
Work her, and keep two men throwing the lead,
and do not doubt but that I can make it.”

“If we get it as it n0w looks, a kerchief for-
ward will run her in as fast as we wish to go,”
Nick Napier said. -

“ We shall get all we want; and it will be
black as Potomac’a face, you a y be certain, so

et all ‘in ship-shape, have thellinchors ready to

to at short cable if necessar , and see that
the ’pgger is in a condition to help us all she
can.

“ Ay, ay, sir!” and the youn mate set to
work to_obe orders, while the Mirm‘id Bessie,
under aim y reefed mainsail and jib, held on
her way, or Bert Brandon did not wish to get
near enough to be seen before nightfall.

As he had predicted, it came on to storm to-
ward sunset, a severe easterly wind setting in.

The seas became black, and the waves ran
Every high, while tile Vt ind blew with tremendous

ury. —
The Boston Light was left on tho portbeam, as
ghe lugger was headed for the channel between

hirley Point and Deer Island, and Bert Bran—
dOn himself was in the fore p, glass in hand,
trying to find the way in, or there was no
beacon there to uide him.

Keunebcc he] the helm, as he most thorough-
lﬁ' understood the working of the lugger, and

ick Na ier stood on the starboard bow with
his lead- ine, while Van was to port also with a
lead-line.

_ Potomacstood by the main sheet, and Imp was

at hand to look after the jib sheet, for under
these sails only the. Mermaid was driving along
on her perilous course, and these, under the pres-
sure of the storm, were all that she needed. -

The wind was nearly aft, and the main-boom
was drawn up well by the topping-lift, for the
lugger roiled eavily in the quarterihg sea that
was running.

"‘Port your helm!” came from aloft in Bert
Brandon‘s deep voice, and Kennebec obeyed in
silence, for he never replied to an order. 38 ‘5
the wont of seamen to repeat it. that theremay
be a certainty that it is understood.

“ Starboard a little!”

And'the order was obeyed.

“Stead as you are!”

“Port ard! steady! Now we are in the

channel, 50 lewer away the mainsail, for the jib
gill carry her through,” milled down Bert Bran-
on.
The main sheet was instantly hauled inboard
and ggweged, Kdeinnebeg good with Ihis IIiide to
e w, open ngwo u utesiper
and kept the tiller firm] ighagg. ready mime;
the slightest orders, an all others were at their

From his tion aloft the n on in
could better ndihis way, and heyggpg hbpgel
straining into the darkness about him.

‘FHeave the leadi” he called down, and in-

 
';‘ i .‘ v 1 .‘ . . I
,. 5’  1 ‘v .- '-  '1‘ ‘
.3» , ._  ,v , ~ 3.; ‘f  4

spread that the famous Gantlet-Bunner 
beentaken,andwasfwudtobeapinte, 

 
stantly Nick Napier cast his line and called out
sharply:

“ Six fathoms!”

“Four fathoms!” came from Van Napier on
the port bow.

“Port helm! quick i” cried the skipper, and
the lugger fell off from the danger.

“ Five fathoms!” came from starboard.

"' Five fathoms!” from port.

“Steady as you are!” from aloft.

And so on through the darkness and storm,
until there was heard forward in chorus:

“ Eight feet and a half!”

“ Steady as you are I” from aloft.

“ All through in safety 2" the next moment
was heard in the voice of Bert Brandon, and
soon the lugger was headed away for the town.

With bare poles, almoat, she was not seen un-
til almost up to the wharf, and thena uard-
boat barely escaped being run down by er in
the darkness and storm, for the harbor was
rough, and the waves breaking over the barge,
the lantern had been housed forward.

Instantly a voice cried:

“ It’s the Gantlct—Runneri”

Then came a chorus of voices, a stern order
for silence, and next:

“Send up the alarm rockets i”

The lug er had swept on out of hearing, but-
in her waEe danced the guard—boat, while up
into the air soared the fiery serpents, telling that
the daring Gantiet-Runner had returned, and
again was safe in Boston Harbor.

Unheeding the alarm. Bert Brandon went to
the wharf, made fast, furled his sails, and had
begun to discharge his cargo beneath a shed,
when suddenly up came a score of soldiers, and
Major Shackelford was at their head, and he in-
stantly sprung upon the deck of the lugger, his.
sword in hand.

CHAPTER XXXIX.
THE TELL-TALE CARGO.

“ WHERE is the skip r of this craft?” sternly
said Major Shaclwlfor , as he sprung u n the
deck, while his men ranged themselves a ong the
wharf, their muskets ready for use. .

“ He is in the cabin, sir, arranging his pa- \
pens.” replied Nick Napier.

“ Is this the craft known as the Gantlet-Run-

nerl”

“ It is the Mermaid Bessie, sir.”

“ The same; her skipper’s name is Bert Bran-
don?”

“ Who wishes me?” and the young skippers
stepped out of the cabin.

“ You are m prisoner, sir, and resistance
will cost you an your men death at once.”

“ I see no reason, air. to resist a king’s ofﬁcer,
having broken no law,” was the calm reply.

“ That we will soon discover, and for our
sake I hope you s k the truth, for we vq:
met before, Sir kipper, and I admired your
pluck immensely.”

“ Of what am I accused, Major Shackelford,

for I recognize you now, as commander of the ,

governor’s guard,” calmly said Bert Brandon.
“ You are accused of piracy, sir.”
“Piracy! Good God! Who dares accuse m9

of crime?” and Bert‘s voice rung with indignant. '

anger.

“ on will have a chance to face your ac-
cusers, sir, without a doubt; but now it is my
duty to make prisoners of you and your crew.

“ How many are you in

“ Five, sir, in all.”

“ And all are here?”

“ Yes, sir.” i

“ Iron those ﬁve men,” and the major turned.
to a sergeant who briskly step forward.

" One is a be , sir; will you iron him?”

“Yes, my orders are to put all on board in!
irons, and carry you of! to the town jail.”

“ This is indeed hard, sir; why not take um

and let my crew go!”
“ All are guilty if one is.”
“ l have a pardon in my
ernor, and—’ ,
“ That was for your remarkable and d .
rate gantlet~running; but the charge nowil i;
you are a pirate, and you will have to va
that you are not, if you can.”
“I think I can, sir.” _ “
“ If you are not hanged ﬁrst. and tried \aftero

ket from the gov-

ward. for these are days, young sir, when Brit» "

ish ofﬁcers have to be
merly.
“ Are you ready?”

has; particular than for.

“ I am, air, and my crew are also: but will you“. ‘

not leave some one to guard my vessel!"
“ I am to hold her, sir, and my sergeant will)

take you to prison," and Bert Brandon and his. ‘

crew were ironed and marched away under a'

guard of a dozen soldiers, while as man mm
Bhwzelford '

remained with the vessel, Major

making himself comfortable in the cozy cabin.
As the dawn began to break the storm broke

away

completed, when the boxes were brokenopen,'
examined and atom for some reason.

Then followed a t ough search of the 
and a guard- of soldiers was put along the w 3
to keep back the crowd, or the rumor .;

 a

and a number of ofﬁcials came down to, V
the wharf, and the unloading of the, lugger war-‘3-

 
28

The Outiawed Skipper.

 
uise of an honest coaster, while her crew had
een sent to jail.

The major had just returned from his break-
fast, and was enjoying a cigar as he paced to
and fro on the deck of the lugger, when a car-
riage rolled up to the wharf and a soldier came
forward and said:

“ The Lady Lulu Langdon and Miss Wyndom
desire to pass through the lines."

The major at once went forward for he was
very much in love with. Madge TV’yndom, and
assisting the ladies to alight from the carriage,
invited them on board the lugger.

“This is the famous 'Gantlet-Runner, young
ladies, and, though not a sailor, I must say she
is a beauty."

“ When did she come'in, Major Shackelford?”
asked Lady Lulu.

,“ Last night, in the midst of that terriﬁc
storm, and she ran in between Shirley Point
and Deer Island, too; but that is just ike her

oung skipper, and he almost reached the wharf
gefore he was discovered."

“I learn that Captain Brandon is accused of
pirac a”

“ es, Miss VVyndom, we had information
brought us yesterday that the skipper was in
league with a pirate, and took cargoes of booty
aboard at certain secret points along the coast,
and then brought it into port and disposed of it
to a Jew.”

“ It is false,” said Lady Lulu, indignantly.

“ I half believed so, Lady Lulu, but the cargo
has been discharged and examined and it cer-
tainly appears as though it was the booty of
half a hundred ships, for there are silks, satins,
clothing, laces, jewelry and odds and ends of
all descriptions that have the ﬂavor of a Jewish
money-lender’s shop.”

Lady Lulu turned pale and glanced at Madge,
but she asked:

‘?‘"And where did he get this remarkable car-
go

“From a pirate schooner somewhere on the
coast,” was the replfv.

“I think he is alsely accused, Major Dela-
ﬂeld,” said Lad Lulu.

“ And so do ,” responded Madge.

“I sincerely hope so; but the proof seems
stron against him, young ladies.”

“ ho is his accuser?”

“ I do not know; but we received notice from
a reliable source' that he was not trading hon~
estly, but running in with pirate booty, and so
I was to watch for the coming of the vessel and
seize her. ’

“He ran the gantlet last night, in his most
clever way, and would have gotten in and un-
loaded his cargo, and escaped to sea again, but
for the fact that he nearly ran down a uard-
boat, the ofﬁcer of which recognized the ugger
and sent up the alarm.”

“ And he and his men are in prison now?”

“Yes, Lady Lulu.”

“ Conﬁned in separate cells?”

' “ Such were the orders to place them.”

“ They have had no chance to communicate
since on arrested them?"

It one.”

“ Madge i”

“ Well, Lulu?” _

“ If Major Shackelford will give us permission
to visit the prisoners, will on accompany me?”

“Certainly, Lulu; hut w at ood will it do?”

“ I belieVe that Captain Bran on is not guilt .
and I wish to take down the reports of each one
of the prisoners and see how they agree, while
we can get at some facts, perhaps, that may aid

us.

“ He saved me from death, and I will not see

higllhan ed without an aﬂoat go save him." i
w accompany you, t your rmiss on
Lad Lulu.” pe ‘

“ ith pleasure,” and the three drove away to
the prism.

Arriving there the commandant readily ad-
mitted the major and his fair visitors, and Imp
was the ﬁrst one visited.

“ My boy, when did you leave the Kennebecl”
asked Lady Lulu, taking upon herself the task
of interlocutor.

o, lady.” -

" Three days

“ What car 0 d you brin from theret”

“Some fre ght we carri to Bath by mis-
take, for it was shipped to a merchant there, but
did not belong to him.” ‘

“ And you brought it back?”

“Yes, ady, Capn Bert got a letter to bring
it back, and he did so."

“ Why did he not run boldly into port, as he
carried a pardon for his past acts?"

“ I don‘t know, lady, but he could tell you.”

Then the party visited the cell of Van Napier
and the ﬁne-lookin young sailor arose and
tainted with mark politeness, while Lady Lulu
received the same answers to her questions.

Next Nick Napier was sought, and his replies
were about the same, while he replied, when
asked weir Bert Brandon had not come boldly
Into r :

“ aptaln Brandon received a letter stating
that the freight was for a man of the same
name in Newport, I believe, and to return it

, with all haste.

and the cargo be detained a week, as is the case
with American cargoes, and so he determined
to run in and discharge it by night, and then
seek the admiral and re rt his acts.”

” This seems plausib e, Lad Lulu, for if the
lugger had been overhauled y the vessels-of-
war, it might have been a week, or more, be-
fore she would have been given a permit to dis-
charge it,” said Major Shackelford.

“ Thanking the mate they went to Potomac’s
cell, and his story agreed with the others.

“ You did not see a vessel on your way from
the Kenuebecl” asked Lad Lulu.

“ No indeed, miss, the ritishers done skeert
Yankee vessels off de seas, fearin’ dey would git
dar sailor mans tooken.”

“ And where did you take in the cargo you
brou :ht here with you?"

“ Right here in Bosting, Missy Leddy.”

“ ﬁnd were you to take back a cargo with
you

“ Yes, missy, if Massa Bert git one quick, for
he were anxious to git home, as hiOfather done
be resurrected from de dead, fer Missy Bessie
ﬁnd him one day.”

Both Lady Lulu and Madge remembered hav-
ing heard from Bessie how her father had dis-
appeared, and, surprised at his return, they
asked Potomac and learned from him the fu 1
story of Captain Brandon’s long wanderings.

Then they sought Kennebec, and the Indian
told them in his abrupt way just what the
others had said.

“ If this is a story, it is well told,” said Major
Shuckelford, and he added:

“ Now to visit the handsome young skipper,"
and they were taken to the celin which Bert
Brandon was conﬁned.

CHAPTER XL.
A CONSPIRACY .

BERT BRANDON was pacing his cell, when the
door was thrown open and the visitors ad-
mitted.

He stopped where the light from the window
fell .full ugon him, and he certainly leuked
strikingly andsome, while his tall, ele :int
form was commanding and his mien digniﬁed
and courteous.

His face ﬂushed when he saw who his visitors
were, and reddened more as Lady Lulu ad-
vanced and held out her hand while she said:

“ Captain Brandon, I am glad to meet you
again, though sorry to see you here.

“Permit me to present you to my cousin,
:Iis: "Wyndom, and our friend, Major Shackel-

Ol't .

Bert Brandon bowed with courtly grace, and
res Dded:

‘ It is kind of you, Lady Lulu, to visit me
here, and I feel honcred.

“ Major Shackelford I have had the pleasure
of meeting before, and wish to thank him for
hiis in’auly conduct toward me on a former occa-~
s on.

“By Jove! my dear fellow, yours was the
manly conduct, if on refer to our meeting up
the river that nig t, and I only am sorry on
are here, under the charge ﬁled against you. ’

“The charge is utterly false, sir, as can be
proven,if I am allowed time to prove it so,”
was the indignant response.

“Will you tell us the circumstances under
which ou returned to port, Captain Brandon?”
asked ady Lulu. ,

“ With pleasure, lady ” and the ouug sailor
told the story in his fraan way, wh 19 he added:

"Not wis ing, to detain the cargo, I deter-
minwl to risk running in, and then seek Lieuten-
ant Nelson, tell him how much I thanked him for
his kindness. and, while accepting my pardon
with pleasure, and deeply grateful for lt,de-
cline the honor of a commission in the king’s
service.”

L ‘iAnd why decline it, may I ask?” said Lady

u u.

“ To be honest, Lady Lulu, I am an Ameri-
can, my feelings, sympathies and all are with
my fellow-colonists, and as such I feel how we
arelooked upon and—pardon me—tyrannized
over by our rulers, for though of our own ﬂesh
and blood, they are nothing more.

“I hope that there may be no war between
the colonies and the mother countrbiut should
there be. I would ot prove a traitor to the
land of my birth, a d so could not hold a klng’s
commission.”

“I honor on for your frankess. Captain
Brandon,” 8'! d Madge, earnestly, while Lady
Lulu remarked:

“ Assuredly do I, also.”

“ Egad. so do I, for I admit you have cause in
the colonies to grumble, and many of my
brother officers are too bitter—cruel. in fact—
in their dealings with a people whom I have
found to be a noble race: but, as a king’s
ofﬁcer I have but to obey my orders, though
often I detest the service devolvmiz upon me.

" You are a plucky fellow, Brandon, and
should war come, you will be a leader among
youi'Ypeople, and not a follower.”

“ our sentiments as a British ofﬁcer, Major
Bhackelford, I respect, sir, and should we be

 
“Ho supposed. if he came iii by day, he

- would be halted by the schooner, or war-ships“

l

/

foes openly I can only respect you in my heart
on i know ,1... to be, and regard you with friend-

 
shi , provided I am not hanged as a pirate,” he
ad ed with a smile.

“ W’e must save you, Brandon,” said the
major, while Lady Lulu asked:

“ Have you no suspicion that this charge may
be a conspiracy against you, Captain Brandon
—the act of some enemy?”

Bert Brandon started, for across his mind
came a thought that there was something in
the suggestion.

The others saw that the remark had given
him food for thought, and Major Shackelford
said quickly:

“ hes, the Lady Lulu may be right, some en-
emy may be at the bottom of this.”

“Major Shackelford, I did not sus t I had
one who would be so unmanl ' as to a secret
foe; but I believe, now that dy Lulu suggests
it, that I can trace this arrest to one person; in
fact, I had forgotten certain suspicious circum-
stances which are now recalled."

“ Permit me to aid you, Brandon, in any way
that I can.”

“ Thank you, sir, and I" will ask your kind of~
ﬂees in the matter, if you will be good enough
to inform me if one Brewster Talbot is not my
accuser.

“ He came down from the Kennebec with me
on the last run, and I had good reason to doubt
him, as you may see by this note, which I had
forgotten wholly,” and he took from his pocket
the slip of per found by Imp on the lugger.

“ Here a so is the letter I received ordering
the cargo back to Boston, and I think can now
understand fully that it was a plot to hang me
as a pirate, or at least an ally.’

The note was ﬁrst read, Major Shackelford
reading it aloud:

" Why, this alone will clear you, Brandon,”
said the major, eagerly.

“ Do you know what the prize was to be for
this man’s treachery, Captain Brandon?” asked
Lady Lulu.

The sailor’s face ﬂushed as he replied:

“ I can guess, Lady Lulu; but in clearing my-
self, if I can, by showing that I am the victim
of a conspiracy, there is but one onl must suf-
fer, and that one Brewster Talbot, or I would
not have harm befall his ally." -

“ It is a woman?” and Madge asserted it, ra-
ther than askai it.

“ Yes, Miss Wyndom.”

“ Read the letter, please, Major Shackelford,”
said Lady Lulu.

'It was a letter purporting to come from the
shipper of the goods in the lugger, telling him
there was a mistake, as they were not intended
for Bath, and to return them inall haste to Bos-

n.

The major asked:

6 “R0 you know the ﬁrm here named, Bran-
on ‘

“No more than that the a cut came, bar-
gaiged for the freight to go an put it aboard,
sir.

“ Well, I am convinced that on are the vic-
tim of some designin foe, and will so report to
the governor, when am relieved from duty."

“ Permit me to have the letter and note, Cap-
tain Brandon, and I will drive at once to Gov-
ernor Gage and place the matter before him,”
said Lady Lulu.

“ Well said, Lady Lulu, and you will win.

“ The governor will- capitulate the moment
that you and Miss W yndom cross the threshold,”
cried Me 'or Shackelford.

“But t ere is another thing to be done, and
that is to ﬁnd this man signing himself, ‘ B. T.’”

"Yes, I will sends once and have him ar-
rested. for it will do harm, and he certainly

is guilty.”
‘ You will ﬁnd him at the John Bull Inn, Ma-
jgr ghackelford, and his name is Brewster Tal-
t

The party then took their leave, and Bert
Brandon was again alone, and he murmured
sadly:

“ She will save me from the hangman, and
break in heart herself, for I can never hope to
win her ove; no, never!”

 
CHAPTER XLI.
m CONSPIRL'I'ORS.

Govnsson GAGE was seated in his oﬁlc 1 re-
ception-room in his slogant home on orth

Square, and with him were several emcers in '

uniform, making their reports tohlm, when a
liveried servant announced that two ladies de-
sired to see him. .

“ Some of these colonists, eh, Williams, to get
me to right some wrong done by my red-coats!”
asked the governor, adding:

“ I am too busy to see any one.”

“ They are Lady Lulu Langdon, sir, and the
honorable secretary’s daughter,” said an order-
lv, seeing that the servant did not know them,
for he was a new man.

“ Ah! ask them in at'oﬁce.”

A moment after Lady Lulu and Madge en-
tered, and the governor advanced in his courtly
way to receive them, remarkin gallantly:

“ This is an honor my hea quarters is not
often allowed, and I feel assured it is not mere-
ly toninquire after my health that you are
come.

 
I?“

 
.Vﬂrw'.

 ’

 "‘ outlawed Skipper.

.y .

29

 
“ We have come to ask a favor of you, Gov-
eriior Gage," said Madge.

“ And one which, when you know the circum-
stances, you will grant, I feel assured,” added
Lady Lulu in her sweet way.

“You have but to command, and I obey,”
was the gallant remark.

Thus encouraged Lady Lulu told her story,
of her being rescued, which the governor knew,
however, of all that had happened since, the
visit to The Nook in the Bother, and ended by
showing the letters, and asking for the release
of Bert Brandon.

The governor listened most attentively, and
said:

“Young ladies. I gave a pardon to this dar-
ing young Yankee skipper, for I felt that he
merited it, and the admiral wished to commis-
sion him. and one was made out for him; but

'- you say this ,he declines?”

..~-_. ~ g..."

\

“ Yes, sir.

“ I am sorry, for I would like to have a few
just such Americans as he has prov_en himself
enter the service; but if he has feelings to the
contrary, so be it. _

“ As to this charge of pirac against him, I
think it is a conspiracy, from t ese letters and
all you tell me, so I will let you offer him his
freedom if he giVes his parole of honor to you,
Lady Lulu, not to leave the town until this at-
fair is cleared up. .

“ Tell him to set about at once clearing him-
self of the charge, and when he  done so, he
shall by a free man, and the guilty one shall
suffer.

Thankin the governor most warmly Lady
Lulu recs ved the ofﬁcial document, re easing
Bert Brandon from rison and in a few moments
after they were u at the ail, and the young
skip r was brou ht before em.

“ aptain Bran on, if you will give me our
parole not to leave the town or harbor wit out
the sanction of Governor Gage, I will see that
you are set free at once. so that you can obtain
proofs of your innocence of this charge.

“ If you ﬁnd your enemies. you are at liberty,
Governor Gage says. to arrest them, and then

on are to report to Ma'or Bhackelford, for he
s unable to discover t e man whoae name is
signed to the note, while there is no such ﬁrm as
the one purporting to have written that letter.

“ Do you give me your parole, Captain Bran-

don?” ‘

“Willingly, Lady Lulu, and I shall quickly
prove to you that I am innocent of any wrong-
doin ,” and Bert Brandon asked:

“ 003 this extend to my crew also?”

“ Certainly.”

Five minutes after Bert Brandon and his crew
were at the Harpoon Inn, and the young skip-
per had given them certain instructions, after
which all departed u u some secret mission.

Bert- Brandon awaited their return, and after
hearing what they had to report, left the inn
and wended his way to an up-town street, among
the residences, and knocked at the door of a
comfortable-looking house.

A servant appeared, and ,upon asking to see
Miss Hettie Lynn, he was shown into the parlor.

“ Who shall 1 say, sir!”

“ Mr. Brewster Talbot,” was the reply.

A moment after Hettie swept into the room,
looking very beautiful.

She started at seeing Bert Brandon, and her
face turned pale; but recovering herself she

sai :

“ Why, I was told another name than nyours,
and I certain] did not expect to see you.

“No, Miss ynn, you believad me in prison,
and fearing you would not see me, I sent the
name of your fellow-conspirator,” was the stem

re 1 .

P‘ {do not understand you, Bert Brandon.”

“I shall endeavor to make myself fully under-
stood. Miss Lynn, and I will request your deep
attention.

“I was arrested last night, as a pirate, and
With my crew were taken to prison.

“ How I was released it matters notto you;
but you see that I am free, and I havo come
to odor you certain terms." ,

“ I do not understand you. Sir.” She “1d. With
ﬂashing eyes.

"You will before I conclude what I have to

as .
x The day of our conversation in the arbor in

- the pines, at your house, there was an eaves-

dropper. Brewster Talbot, who heard all that
was said. '

“ Then. when I departed. you and he were
overheard in a plot to destroy me,

“ The one who overheard you w “leap in
the thicket, and our voices awoke mm from his
half-drunken slumber, and he heard all that was
said between you and Talbot.

“ When I was away he attain ted to kidnap
my sister, was wounded, and t for We
to lug him to his home, he would have died.

“ I visited him when last in “d 1,, told
me what he had overheard you an Talbot p10;
against me; he told me this to curry favor with
me after his act toward Basie.

“ It was Ray Deming. Hettie.”

“ I would not believe him under oath.”

' Nor I, unless facts In tinted what he
said,” they do in this sass.

l

 
!

l

|

 
“On the way into port, Brewster Talbot
sought to aid me, as he said, intending to wreck
my ug or on the sands.

“ Fai in in this he, with your money, began
a plot against me. '

“ He went to an old Jew here, bought a vast
quantity of trash and bogus jewelry, boxed it
up and, putting the name of a Bath merchant
upon the boxes, shipped it by my vessel.

“There the merchant refused to receive it,
and a letter, sent by stage, told me that it
was for a man of the same name at another
port. and to return it at once.

“ I did so; but Brewster Talbot had reported
that I was a pirate, on my going out, and the
schooner-of-war Vicious was signaled to stop

me.

“ Failing in this, he made a statement to
the governor, that I was allied with a coast
pirate, received his booty outside, and ran into
port with it and sold it.

“ Under this charge, carried out by my run-
ning the gantlet in and out, I was arrested on
my return.

‘ Now I have discovered, throu h my faithful
crew, that he paid out eleven hun red dollars of
your money for a cargo of worthless trash, so to
speak, calling it private booty, and shipped it in
t 6 name of a firm that does not exist, to catch
me with it on board my vessel.

“ But for friends here, I would have been
hanged almost without trial and he would have
gained you, the prize for which he worked, ac
cording to what Ray Deming overheard, and
which the note he handed to you on the lugger,
and which you, as ou sup , threw into the
sea, and did not 0 rve t t the wind blew it
on board again, as you threw it to windward. -

“ The letter he wrote in the name of this fic-
titious firm, the note I refer to, the J ew of
whom he bought the pirate goods, are all in
evidence against you as well as Ray Deming
who overheard your plot.”

“ Now, Hettie I have kept your name out of
it all and I wish to say this to you, thatBa
Deming will, not speak of what he overboard,
and he leaves Bath as soon as he is well enough,
never to return, under guilty of being known
as attom ting to kidnap e. .

“ will not refer to yourpart in the
matter, for it would break our dear old
father’s heart so I say to you, t you can go
home y, by stage, and remain as before, no
one know ng your secret, if you will do so, upon
one condition.”

“ Name it,” she said hoarsely.

“ That you tell me where Brewster Talbot is?”

“ He isat the John Bull Inn.”

“ He is not there though his room is there;
but he knows that I am out of prison, and he
htas sought a hiding-place, and you
t 18.

d “ ’l’yhy do you say what is not true,Bert Bran-
on

“ It is true, for Imp heard him say to Kim:

“ ‘ If this goes wrong and we have to do, go
at once to—’ more he could not bear, but he has
gone where he told on to go.” i

“ I do not remem r the address.”

“Very well, Hettie, I shall not suﬂer from
any false idea of gallantry toward a Woman who
plotted to have me hanged as a pirate, and
you will have to go to prison.

“ Mercy, oh, mercy! ’ cried the girl, drop ing
upon her knees before the young sailor and asp-
ing her hands pleadingly.

“ You had no mercy for me, Hettie, for those
who are dear to me, and would have seen me
han as a pirate, because I did not love you.

“ . ow, you can give Brewster Talbot up, or I
will take you to prison, for I hold a commimion
as a king's officer, and though I intend to resign
it today, being an American, I shall do one
good service under its protection and arrest

you.
“Mercy! oh, mercy!” moaned the wretched

“ Either you go, or Brewster Talbot, so which
shall it be?”

“ The stage leaves at six o’clock?” she said,
eagerly.

Yes." '

“ And I can go, if I tell?”

N Yes.”

“ And you will not betray me?”

6' N0 71 '

“ Notto a soull” '

“ I will, on the contrary, do all I can to pro
tectgou.”

“ ut will not Brewster Talbot?”

‘_‘ No, for I shall place the whole charge of
guilt upon him. and use what inﬂuence I may

ave to have him sent in an India, bound vessel
before the mast, with the penalty. of death, if he
returns to America.”

“ You will find him here.

" He came to me at noon, and said you were
free, and be was goin to hide until he know
vahat the resplt '31:“! t ,” and she handled to
teyoungsa ora o ru c VII
written an address. p up” pon

“ Thank you, Hattie, and do not leave this
house until time to take the stage. for there trill
he one to watch your movements, and arrest
you, should you do so.

“Go home tonight, and let all boas itwas

know where

 
before, for though we may not be friends, at
heart, others shall not know it.
“ Good-by. Hettie, and lease send word to
The Nook that I am out o my trouble, for the
pers will soon get the news of my arrest,” and
ert Brandon left the house, while the wretched
girl threw herself prone upon the ﬂoor in a tor—
rent of bitter weeping.

CHAPTER XLII.
CAUGHT IN HIS OWN TRAP.

BREWSTER TALBOT \\ as in hiding. and the

place he had sought was at the home of an old
riend, who had been a schoolmate years before,
and, like himself had gone to the bad.

Caught cheating one night at cards, his
friend had been shot by his victim. and his arm,
shattered by the bullet, had to be amputated.

Since then he had changed his ways and
dwelt with his mother, who lived in a little out-
tage on the harbor shores.

Here Brewster Talbot had gone to remain in
hiding, knowing his friend would give him a
shelter, at the same time keep him posted as to
all that was going on.

It was the direction how to find this cottage»
that Hettie Lynn had given Bert Brandon upon
a slip of pa 1'.

Havingo tained the address, and frightened
the girl into not warning Talbot, Bert Brandon
had gone to the inn again and called his crew
to meet him there.

“ Boys, I wish you to be here at eight o’clock
to-ni ht, for I havea little expedition to make; in
whic I need your aid.

“ You, Nick, I wish to k an eye upon the
stage from Portland, when it caves, and let me
know if any one departs in it for Both, and who
the are.”

hen Bert Brandon told Van Napier and Imp.
to kee their eyes on the Jew a‘uuk-dealer, who
had so d the goods to Brewster albot, and have
him come with them to the inn after dark.

“ You, Potomac and Kennebec, come with me,"
and Bert Brandon left the inn and wended his
waly to the wharf.

here a shore boat was secured and the negro
and Indian, taking the cars. rowed their master
out to the schooner-of-war Bother.

Getting permission to go alongside, the ski per
was soon in the cabin, where he was gree by
Lieutenant Nelson most cordially, who said:

" My dear Brandon. 1 have just returned
from a search for you. as I learned of your ar-
rest, and also that Lady Lulu and Miss “‘yndom
got you free under parole, to hunt up your accu—
so

rs.

“ What does it all mean i”

“ Simply, Lieutenant Nelson, that I have been
the victim of an enemy’s hatred: but I have run
him to earth, and will capture him to-night.

“ I have come to ask you to go with me to the
admiral, sir, if you will kindly do so. that I may
return my commimion, as I cannot. in justice to
myself, sees the honor conferred upon me.”

“ You wil not reconsider your determination,
Brandon?”

“ No, Lieutenant Nelson, my mind is made

’9

“ Then I will go with you, of course. though
I regret such determination on your part."

“ It is best, air."

“And what is to be done with this base fel'
low who so nearly got your head into the hang—
man’s noose!"

“For the sake of his people at home, sir, I
would wish that he was not imprisoned, but that
the admiral could order him sent away as sea—
man, on the corvette that sails for India tomor-
row, and threaten him with the death-penalty
should he return.”

“ He will get oi! easy at that."

“ I shall feel content, sir.”

“ Very well, we will see the admiral, and them
I will order a crew to arrest our man.”

“ Thank you, sir, but I wil arrest him and de~
liver him on the corvette to-nig t.”

“ That will do just as well; but wh t will you
do then!”

“ Ask permission of the governor to run as a.
trader, sir, between Boston and the Kennebec.”

“ Well, you know best, Brandon, and there
will be no doubt about your getting the permit;
but I did hope to have you as an ofﬁcer on the
Bother.” I

“ You are very kind, sir, but it seems to me
that an American is out of place upon the quar.
tor-deck of a British vocal,” and withontreply
Neal Nelson led the wa from the. cabin and
soon after they boarded t o ﬂagshi , where om-
cersand men showed great cnri ty‘toseetho
daring GautlotrRunner, as Bert Brandon was-
now called.

The old admiral received him with cordiality,
and said bluntly:

“ You batta- acgpt the commission, my
yeoung Yankee fri ,as itwillsavsyoufrom

ing hanged some do as a rebel, for it has got
to come ,to blows yet tween England and er

“ With that belief, sir, I feel I could not be a
kin ’s omcsr,” was the frank reply.

“ ell, you will keep our whole ﬂeet busy, if
you enter the rebel service. if what you have
gone in thepastisany gusrsntsoofwhatyouoan

o.

 
30

" take the stage for Bath, Captain Bert."

' vette, which the next day set sail for India.

‘- Brandon had his logger returned to him by

, which, I may as well here so , he returned to

. »

 don whom the secretar had i vi di
‘ withhimth ’ n “a” "6

“Egad, sir, I never saw-Jr heard of bolder
work, and I am sorry to lose you as aking’s
officer, and drink your health with pleasure,”
.and the admiral ordered wine for his visitors.

Returning to the shore, very much pleased
with his visit, Bert Brandon went to the inn,
:and found his crew awaiting him.

“ Well, Nick?”

“Miss Hettie Lynn was the only one Isaw

“ Did she see you?”

“ No, sir, I kept out of sight, as you requested
I should.” -

“ And the Jew, Van?”

“ He is in another room with Imp. sir.”

“ Get him and come along,” and Bert Bran-
don led the way to the wharf, entered the boat
he had hired and was rowed down the harbor to
a point a hundred feet from the cottage where
Brewster Talbot was hiding.

“ Come,” said the skipper and he was followed
‘by all, the Jew going too, alarmed and won-
dering.

A rap at the door caused it to be opened by
.an elderly lady, and as the room was revealed
Brewster Talbot was seen within, seated at a
table reading, while a young man with one arm
was smoking a pipe as he lay upon a sofa.

“ Pardon me, lady, but I wish to see that
gentleman,” said Bert Brandon, and he strode
quickly into the room and cried sternly:

“ Brewster Talbot, you are my prisoner!”

The guilty man uttered a cry and started to
his feet, but in an instant he was seized and over-
powered, irons being clasped upon his wrists.

“ What means this outrage, Bert Brandon?”
cried Talbot.

“ Yes, sir, what close this outrage meani” and
the youn host confronted the skipper, who re-
plied cool y:

“ Do not get excited, sir, for it will do you no.
.good, as I have authority to arrest this man as a
.conspirator to cause my death by hanging, un-
der the false charge of piracy.

“ Madam, I regret to have caused this scene in
your house, but we will depart now, and free
your roof of a villain,” and Bert Brandon led the
way out, followed by his men with their pris-
oner.

“ Now, Brewster Talbot, do you know this
man?” he asked, pointing to the Jew, as they
reached the boat.

The new moon shone brightly upon the Jew,
and Talbot started, but he answered:

“ I never saw him before.”

“ I vas see you, mine fri’nt, for I tells all, and
tie pizziness vas all over mit. ’

“ Then give me back my money, you infernal
Jew i” hissed the culprit.

“ I keep t’e monish, for t’e goots vas conﬁs-
cated to t’e crown for birate goats.”

“ The goods are on the wharf, sir, and a
worthless lot, so you will take them back too
morrow, and return the money to me, and I will
see that it goes back to the one who gave it to
you, Brewster Talbot, and on know who that is.

p “ As for you, Talbot, could place you in
prison if so I willed; but for the sake of your
people in Bath, 1 simply force you to leave the
country, and here is a document stating that
you can return only under penalty of death.

, “ Now, sir, I shall take you to the British cor-
vette that sails for India to-morrow, and you
are to serve the king as a foremast hand, and
you hdve reason to congratulate yourself that
your punishment is no worse.”

“One uestion, Bert Talbot.

“ Was betrayed by—”

“You were simply caught in our own trap,
air, for I have known for some t me of your plot
to destroy me.

“ Come, utter another word, and I will have
yea gged.” ‘

“ on will let me go to the inn for my traps?”

“ I have them here for on in the boat."

' “Now no more,” an half an hour after,
Brewster Talbot was in irons on hoard the cor-

CHAPTER XLIII.
CONCLUSION.
Tn day after he ran down his foss, Bert

Major Shackelford, and received from the Jew
the money paid him by Brewster Talbot, and

Hattie Lynn. for she had urnished it all to '
carry out her revenge against the young ship-
per who had refused her ove.

Hardly had the corvette, carrying Brewster
Talbot as a foremost hand to far-away India,
gotten hull down, when a carriage drove up to

aetie Wyndom.

‘ From it sprung four s, three of them in
brilliant uniform the fourth i h
attire of a civilian? Mug n ‘ 9

They were Captain Delaﬂeld, Major Bhechel-

 
ford, Lieutenant Neal Nelson and Bert Bran-
at day. i

, the rtybadexpectedtoﬂndthe oun '1
ulbr awrward as a guest in a grand uses. ‘

" ,they were mktahen, for he was as ponrtlyasthe i

Mandasself

The outlawe‘ Skipper.

Observing two very handsome portraits in the
dinin -room, Bert Brandon asked:

“ ay I inquire, without seeming rude, Mr.
Wyndom, who the originals of those portraits
are?’ -

“They are the parents of my wife, who you
may not know was an English noble lady, the
daughter of Lord Langdon, and sister of Lady
Lulu’s father.”

“ Pardon me, sir, but my father is an Eng-
lishman, and he has miniature likenesses set in
gold, the exact counterparts of those portraits,
and now i notice the coat-of~arms upon the
frame, the same is upon the case of the minia-
tures of which I speak.”

“ Indeed! this is strange,” said the secretary.

“ What is our father 3 name, Mr. Brandon ?”
quickly ask Lady Lulu.

“Loyd Brandon, Lady Lulu.”

“ Uncle, do you remember that father had a
younger brother, who was educated for the
church, but being forced into a duel, killed, as
he believed, his adversary, and left England,
going no one knew where?”

“ Yes, Lulu, and his name was Brandon
Loyd Langdon I” cried the secretary, and Bert
Brandon had at once to tell all he knew re-
garding the history of his father.

When he concluded, the secretary said ex-
citedly:

“As sure as I live, Brandon, you are Lulu’s
cousin, and we will at once go to Maine and ﬁnd
if your truant father is not the young curate,
Brandon Loyd Langdon, who avenged an insult
with his sword, though he did not, as he sup-
'losed,,, killed his insu ter, who is now alive, I be-

eve.

“I will gladly offer my lutgger, sir, if you
will accept of my hospital ty or the cruise to
the Kennebec,” said Bert Brandon.

“ Indeed we will, and be glad of a cruise on
the famous Gantlet-Runner, and you will go
too, gentlemen?” and the secretary turned to his
officer nests.

Neal elson and Major Shackelford promptly
accepted, while Captain Deiaﬂeld was forced to
decline, as he had to start upon a cruise in a few

da 3.

The next day the Mermaid Bessie was put in
the best of trim, the secretary sent ample extra
stores aboard, in the way of delicacies, and the
ﬂeet vessel sailed down the harbor in broad day-
light, the war-ships saluting as she went 2%, and
also the fort in honor of her gallant a leve-
ments, as well as the fact that the secretary was
on board.

It was remarked over and over again, as they
swept by the castle, how daring must- be the
man that would tem t such a gantlet of death
as running by, and rt Brandon became still
greater a hero in the eyes of Lady Lulu.

After a pleasant run the Mermaid Bessie
dropped anchor in the cove, and all were we]-
comed to The Nook, when Captain Brandon could
no longer deny his identity. and confessed that
he was the curate, Brandon Loyd Langdon, who,
belliieving his enemy dead, had come to America
to ve.

It was a joyful meetin all around, and during
the days spent at The oak, three love-matches
Were made: Madge Wyndom pledging herself
to Major Shackelford, Bessie Brandon promising
one day to become the wife of Neal Nelson,
while the young skipper won the love of his
beautiful cousin, Lady Lulu, whom he had saved
from becoming a pirate‘s bride. .

'ms: END.

i

Beadle's Hall-Dime Library.

IY PHILIP I. WARNE.

O‘i’ Patent-Leather Joe; or, Old Raiilosnnhs, the Chm.
15 , Arinona; or, Patent-Leather Joe's Big Game.
,‘ ' Musk; or Patent-Leather Joe's Defeat.
lea ard. the Duelist; or, The Mountain v-mplres.
l o h Boy; or, The Dwarf’s Revenge.
.ittlo ornado; or. The Outcast: of ihe Glen.
.ittle lingo; or, the Queer Pard.
.ittlo 0h-Iy’; or. Caught in His dwu Trap.
Lit“. Shoo- ly or, A Race fora Ranch.
tie hither- reeches; or, Old Jumbo’a Cans.
hittie Ah Sin ; or, The Curse of Blood.

 
V

Cd but
tﬂglcﬂ

ha

223
“s
9

A

 
4 i5! Colorado Rate. A Tale of the dines.
£0 'i‘hroo Jolly Pa a.
11 4 ill Gladden a Do at
I? 'l‘he Jolly l’ardu t 0 Rescue.
.4; landy Andy; or A Good Man Down.
D‘ .ariat Lil; or, The Cast for a Lilo.
T4 [lid Weasel-to . the Man with the Dogs.
98 Keen Clean. the such imp.
99 Jilin Dandy the 3!».qu

—

port.
ll Billy Blazes; or, The Shleion’s Legacy.

BY BUOKIKIN IA! (Major Ian. 8. Ball.)
in Md llaehy's "Boyeeo; or. Benito, the Young lione-
Fresher

Giant Boom; or. The Ang'i of the Range.
I 5 Arizona lash ; or Giant George's Pard.
.01 The Torantui; oi’ Tnoai or, Glam George’s Revenge.
.07 The Strange 3rd or, litle Ben's Death Hunt.
Roy-w no or, The Tarantula of Taco.
at. the Cod e; or. The Red and White Yards.
; or, The Tonhaway's Trust.
I The htinl Erie; or. Rattlesnake, the Tonhaway.
.4 Wild olf; or, ig-l’oot Wallaeeio the Front.
I51 The Ranch oi on or, The Siege of 7m PM.

P
Chiota. the Creek; ur.  Thunderbolts.
I l B. or. all]; or. trio Frank in the front.
as} In a
O
o r

d
t ll’ , Th beleaguered Rush.
:19 ihm'ﬁiim fort. gun's.lig Rampage.
' I'0'u
g a“ 3. Trailers; or, Old Bothy so the Reopens.
ul’ ill or The Lyn of the bone.
a L. dam mm lslleefihsOlbele.

is Ker-whee
I" Cree ill
I!” l‘rio

 
BY MAJCR E. L. ST. VRAIN.

.99 Sancho Pedro His Boy Bandit.

am Lendviile Niki; the is... 5pm.

on Redtop Rube, iii. Vigilante Prince.

888 "rim-tone llob, and His Lightning Horse Quartet“.
B53 Tombstone Tom. the Arizona Boy oi “Sand.”
8.39 ilurnmru limo. the \ “II: "mum I: n \\ resiler.
371 Klnzholt Chris, the Yiung Hard-Shell Detective.
3H0 Avalanche All‘. the Foothills Guide.

890 Jaguar Joe. of the Mouutuin Mail~i.iue.

RY EDWARD WILLETT.

167 Ann Scott. the Steamboat Boy.

199 Featherweight the Boy Champion ofthe Mushlnguln.
.93 Ilzark All' or, Fe therweighi Among the Outlaws.

9H9 The Typo Detect ve ; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp.
I95 Fourier-u l’hli; or, The. King oranrlsville.

8| 1 The. Rovin Sport; or, The Pride of Chuckalucli Camp.
892 Nor-o, the eteotlve; or, Kit Kenyon‘s Vendetta.
“0 Clip the Contortionist; or, The Montana Vigilantee.

RY MAJilR HENRY B. s'ronmum. Ex-Soolt.

806 Neck-Tie Ned; nr, The Do -Oul Parde.

.46 Run ier Rn hoe]; or, The word-man ol‘Zaeateeas.

891 Ki -illo\'o 'It, the Dandy of the Rockies.

898 Kid-Glove Kit and Pard; or, The Gold King.

400 The Mad Man-Hunter; or. The Mystery of Golden

Gulch.
505 Powell's Pal-d; or, The One-Armed Giant.

BY ALBERT W. AIKEN.

11 The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes of a Bowery Girl.
76 Abe Colt. the Croinlller.
79 Sol Gin or, the Giant Trnsper.
988 Joe Rue ' of Angela zn His Boy Pard.
447 New York Nat. A Tale of Tricks and Traps in Gotham.
458 New 13;; 13'“! Nick; or. The Fortunes ofal‘ouzdllng.
464 Nimble Ink, the Circus Prince.
498 Tools Ted, tne Arlsnnn S on.
310 Cool Colorado, the Hal -Breed Detective.
518 Cool Colorado in New York.

BY CAPTAIN FRED. WHITTAKER.

15 The Bel-dint; or. The Witch of Darion.
99 The llulnh P o‘er, The Doge‘u Daughter.
48 Dick Darling. l. 0 any Express Rider.
150 Lance and Loan-o; or. The Children of the Chase.
“54 The ﬂwnrd Hunters; or. The Land of the lie bani Riders.
159 The Loni. (inpuln ; or, Skipper Jabes Coﬂn's rules to the
0 n Polar Sea.
.00 The Boy Bede-Ina; or. The Brothers of the Pinned base.
914 Wolf II‘, the Robber of the Rhine.
.49 31'“: loner, the Animal King; or. The Round the World
an em.
.65 The Tiger Taller: or. The League of the Jungle.
“1 Black . lek. the Demon Rider.
895 California Joe’s War Trail.

BY J. C. CCWDRIOK.

.00 Silver-look the Man or Mystery.
809 ﬂhaatn. the ilold King; or, For Seven Years Dead.
4.0 The Ileieetlve'a A lpprentioe; or, A Boy Without u N alas.
“I (Input. John; or. vii-Hot Times It All. Hit.
489 Handy ﬂan. the Street Scout.
40‘! ill-co "an. the Dale Dude.
90 Broadway “lily. t e Boothlscli Bravo.
00 Redll ht Ralph, the Prince of the Road.
514 llroa way Bi 1 ’II Boodle.
594 The Engineer riot-live.
580 Broadway Billy‘s ‘Diilhllty."
‘49 Mnrt, lhe Night Express Detective.
rill? Broudwa Billy’s l'ezth Racket.
57l Air-Lino min: the Young Engineer.
5T9 The (‘hlmney ﬁpy; or, Broadway Billy’s SurpriseoPsrty.
592 The Roy Pinkerton.
605 “'llliiun 0‘ “road wayé or, The Boy Detective“ 31¢ hulls.
615 Fighting Harry the hiel' of Chained Cyclone.

/ BY CAPT. J. I". C. ADAMS.

84 (Dragon Sol; or, Nick Whiilles’s Boy Spy.

40 Giana-Eye. the Great Shot of the Wool».

54 Need Hazel the Boy Trapper.

50 Nick “'hi eu’l Pet; or, in The Val of Death.

60 The “'hite Indian; or, The Scout of i Ie Yellowstone.

70 ()Id Zi ’l Cabin; or, The Greenhorn in the Woods.

8! Ilightnrlg Jo, the Terms oi the Prairie.

85 Ruck Buckrnll; or, Bess, the Female Trafper.
.47 illd Grizzly and His Peta; or, The Wll "nation.
.51 I. ht-hollae Lige; or, Osceola, the Fir-brand.

.57 T e Lost Hnntera; or The Underground Camp.
.88 The Scalp King; or. The Human Thundsroolt.

M l SCELLAN E00! AUTHORS.

4 The \VIId-Horse Hunters. By Capt. Mayne Reid and
Frederick Whittaker.

9 Adventures of’ Baron Multichannel.

I. Gulliver’s Travels. 8 Dean sum.

14 Aladdin; or, The Woude ul (Amp.

10 R0 "neon Cruaoo. (91 illustrations.)

1!! Sindhad the Sailor. His Seven Volyacus.
I. 'l‘hel Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Rob neon Crusoe. By Jan

Lew s.

88 The (let-an Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the
Carribo-es. By S. \ '. Pierce.

.0 The Boy Clown; or, The Queen ofthe Areas. By haul

. inn.
Ill Nod Wylde. the Boy Seoul. 3 Texas Jack.
51 This lloy Riﬂes; or, The Un orgvound Camp. 3y Archie

C. ram.
95 The Rival Rovers; or, The Fmboolen of the Mississippi.
By “smooch Haultlne. ~
98 Robin ﬂood. the Uuilswod lath or,'i‘ho Merry Men of Green-
wood. 3 Prof. Gliderslme.
105 old ﬁnial the Hunter; or, The Crew Captive. By Captain
"‘ 0 mos.
Ill The Mad Hunter; or. TheCave ofDeatb. lyinrieelane.
1M tile". the Texan; or, The Young Champion. a, a...”

1.8 The Young Privateer; or, The Pirate'- Stronghold. by
Harry Coven lsh.
1‘8 Sharp sum; or, The Adventures ofa Headless Boy. By J.
leaaudev Patten.
Cl? bushy Darrell. 'l‘ru per: or. The Green Ranger oftho Yel—
lowstone. llily Edward,“ ‘h N. Y "I no, 3 a L ‘
901 e s eon-on e ow . . an
Oil. £1“ ar. the Oufde; nr.sty Crocheti’s 5...“ Tun.
By Ins! C. D. Warren.
.98 Be our the Ono-Eyed Trapper; or, The laid of the (Iii!Ii
By Captain 0 h
I]? l’eaeee
tenant Alfred The .
.98 The ll‘y Detective; or. A loy's'ight ior'ldi’e-d Hones.
B Meier Mickey res.
soo lived Ralph. the iver Rover; «.11.. lroibsr’s a.-
vonse. By Ned Bu ii no.
the Bootblaeh P. m

Iti‘ B a Detective. A.
:7“: kid-3:: T:-; or, Ben’s Double lately,” George II.

of...
81'. Cnllfonl. Joe'- l'irst Trail. By Colonel Tbs-
Hover Mon-levy. .
s n iiy Ito—none“, the anemia»... 37 Lawn-imp.
'l' e Black 8M by John s Warner. ’
gonarohe and Ilia Three llvheihloe. ’y
Olil'Y . 0

g: “13?;{frm mugs“; 2 am r. non.

 
5’

 
he.
:3 With! the Athlete. By David Druid.
ill Water-a, the Dov ferret. 3v H. lulu.

A New Issue Eveiw Tuesday.
The llalil-Dl-omraryh for sale by all move
subwqymvseasbynadlsereenuoidxuaueeeh.
READ“ AND ADAII. Publishers.
.0 Wilh- Itroet. New test.

motor .
k Pg“, the Lively lad hon: inadville. Dy Lisa- 1
rue

 
gear

 
_._..’ .—_,,_

“In
, ... .
~

 
V ‘ .P.

.i , 1  '7" on ‘” 7‘ "23F -« "_ : ;' .i, ,
‘I‘J’,‘,».,,‘..U." «rs?! f A" ‘

this... 

Published Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Ten Cents. .No Doubie Numbers.

 
BY ‘VILLIAM R. EYSTER.

145 Pistol Pards; or, The SilentSport from Cinnabar.

160 Soft Hand, Sharp; or, The Man with the Sand.

162 Hands Up; or, The Knights of the Canyon.

192 The Lightning Sport.

214 The Two Cool Sports; or, Gertie of the Gulch.

 Captain Cutsleeve: or. The Little Sport. '

.268 Magic Mike, the Man of Frills.

300 A Sport in Spectacles; or, The Bad Time at
Bunco.

3‘33 Derringer Dick. the Man with the Drop.

344 Double Shot Dave of the Left Hand.

356 Three Handsome Sports; or, The Double Com
bination.

375 Royal George, the Three in One.

396 The Piper Detective.

402 Snapshot Sam: or. The Angels’ Flat Racket.

429 Hair Trigger Tom of Red Bend.

459 Major Sunshine, the Man of Three Lives.

478 Pinnacle Pete; or. The Fool from Way Back.

503 The Dude from Denver.

525 Fresh Frank. the Dean er Daisy.

533 Oregon. the Sport Witha r.

549 Belshazzar Brick, the Bailiff of Blue Blazes.

558 Hurrah Harry, the High Horse from Halcyon.

lnY CAPTAIN MAYNE nmn.

8 Th; Headless Horseman; A Strange Story of
exas.
12 The Death-Shot: or, Tracked to Death.
55 The Scalp Hunters. A Romance of the Plains.
66 The Specter Barque. A Tale of the Paciﬁc.
74 The Captain of the Rifles; or, The Queen of the

es.
200 The Riﬂe Ran ers; or. Adventures in Mexico.
208 The White Ch ef. A Romance of Northern Mex-

ico.
213 The War Trail: or, The Hunt of the Wild Horse.
21!) The Wild Huntress; or, The Squatter’s Ven-
geance
228 The Maroon. A Tale of Voodoo and Obeah.
234 The Hunter‘s Feast.
$37 The White Squaw.

BY CAPT. FRED. WHITTAKER.

39 The Russian Spy; or. The Starry Cross Brothers.
65 The Red Rajah; or, The Scourge of the Indies.
69 The Irish Captain. A Tale of ontenoy.
96 Double Death; or, The Spy of W 0min .
98 The Rock Rider; or, The Spirit 0 the S erra.

108 The Duke of Diamonds.

115 Tlae Severed Head; or. The Secret of Castle

ouc

y.
. 132 Nemo, King of the Tramps.

159 Red Rudi er. the Archer.

174 The Phan m Knights.

187 The Death’s Head Cuirassiers.

193 The Man in Red.

206 One Eye. the Cannoneer.

211 Colonel Plunger; or The Unknown Sport.

215 Parson Jim, King of the Cowboys.

226 The ad Hussars; or. The 0’s and the Mac'S.

230 The lving Dutchman of 1880.

242 The Fog Devil; or, The Skipper of the Flash.

247 Alligator Ike: or. The Secret of the Eve lade.

253 A Yankee Cossack; or.The Queen of the ihilists.

265 Old Double-Sword; or, Pilots and Pirates.

272 Seth Slocum. Railroad Surveyor.

g74 glue ggucy 15132:, Privateer.

‘ e ree tes; or. Old Ironsides‘ Revenge.

290 The Lost Corvette: or, Blakeley’s Last Cruise.

295 Old Cross~Eve. the Maverick-Hunter.

303 Top-Notch Tom, the Cowboy Outlaw.

310 The Marshal of Satanstown‘; or, The Cattle-
Lifters’ League.

326 The Whitest Man in the Mines.

378 John Armstron , Mechanic.

406 Old Po Hicks. . howman.

412 Larry ocke. the Man of Iron.

445 Journeyman J ohn. the Champion.

BY 0].]. COOMES.
7 Death-Notch. the Destroyer. .
:43 Dakota Dan. the Reckless Ran r.
44 Old Dan Rackhack. the Great xtarminator.
46 Bowie-Knife Ben, the Non'west Hunter.
48 ldaho Tom, the Young Outlaw of Silverland.
51 Red Rob. the Boy Road-Avgent.
99 The Giant Rliieman: or. lld Camp Life.
187 Long Beard. the Giant Spy.
I48 One-Armed Alf. the Giant Hunter.

BY ANTHONY 'P. MORRIS.

5 The Fire Fiends; or, Hercules. Hunchback.

95 Azhort. the Axman; or. The Palace Secrets.
100 The French Spy; or. The Bride of Paris.

167 The Man of Steel. Tale of Love and Terror.
185 Man 8 lder; or. The Beautiful 8 hinx.
.238 Hank ound the crescent Cit tective.
260 The Masked Miguel-y; or The k
288 Electra Pete, t m of in”.
am The Roughs of Richmond.
813 Mark Magic. Detective.
834,The Cipher Detective; or, My: Magic‘s New

1.
343 The Head Hunter; or, In: [.310 .
357 Jack Simona, Detective. m m, x

BI PROF. ’- R. “GRAHAM.

113 The Sea Slipper; or, The Mobooten,
118 The Bu lar Ca tain; or. The lune
314 Laﬁtte {Em ThepPirate of the Gulf. n sm’
816 Laﬁtte‘s Lieutenant; or. Child of the a...
l
BY GEORGE C. JENKI.

SBSloeplessE e. thePaciﬂcDotoctivo. '
439 The Giant orseman.
' ° “3 ma... m...
o o
the Tent Detective.
Mad  the Bustier.

s?
b

 
BY J. C. COWDRICK.

390 The Giant Cupid: or Cibuta John’s Jubilee.

422 Blue Grass Burt. the Gold Star Detective.

436 Kentucky Jean, the S art from Yellow Pine.

452 Rainbow Bob; the Tu ip from Texas.

473 Gilbert of Gotham, the Steel-arm Detective.

499 Twill ht Charlie, the Road Sport.

519 Old iddles. the Rocky Ranger

557 The Mountain Graybeards; or, Old Riddle’s
Greatest Riddle.

BY CAPTAIN MARK WILTON.

176 Lady Jaguar. the Robber Queen.
194 Don Sombrero. the California Road Gent.
202 Cactus Jack. the Giant Guide.
219 The Sco ion Brothers; or, Mad Tom’s Mission.
223 Can on ave, the Man of the Mountain.
227 Buc shot Ben, the Man-Hunter of Idaho.
237 Long-Haired Max; or, The Black League.
245 Barranca Bill, the Revolver Champion
258 Bullet Head, the Colorado Bravo.
263 Iron-Armed Abe. the Hunchback Destroyer.
266 Leopard Luke. the King of Horse-Thieves.
271 Stonetlst, of Big Nugget Bend.
276 Texas Chick. the Southwest Detective.
285 Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror.
291 Horseshoe Hank. the Man of Big Luck.
305 Silver-Plated Sol, the Montana Rover.
811 Heavy Hand: or. The Marked Men.
823 Hotspur Hugh; or. The Banded Brothers.

I

BY SAM 8. BALL— “ Buck-kin Sam.”

3 Kit Carson. Jr., the Crack Shot.
90 Wild Will, the Mad Ranchero.
178 Dark Dashwood, the Desperate.
186 The Black Bravo' or, The Tonkaway's Triumph.
191 The T‘s-rrible Tonkaway; or, Old Rocky and is
or s.
195 The Lone Star Gambler; or, The Magnolia‘s
Maid.
199 Diamond Dick, the Dandy from Denver.
204 Big Foot Wallace. the King of the Lariat.
212 The Brazos Tigers ‘ or, The Minute Men.
217 The Serpent of El Paso; or, Frontier Frank.
221 Des erate Duke. the Guadaloxt‘ifw “Galoot.”
225 Roc y Mountain Al; or. The aif of the Boogie.
239 The Terrible Trio; or, The Angel of the Army.
244 Merciless Mart. the Man Tiger of Missouri.
250 The Rough Riders; or, Sharp E e. the Scourge.
256 Double Dan, the Dastard; or, T e Pirates.
264 The Crooked Three.
269 The Bayou Bravo; or. The Terrible TralL
273 Mountain Mose, the Gorge Outlaw.
282 The Merciless Marauders; or. Carl‘s Revenge.
287 Dandy Dave and his Horse, White Stocking.
293 Stampede Steve; or, The Doom of the Double

ace. /
301 Bowlder Bill; or. The Man from Taos.

309 Raybold, the Battling Ranger.

322 The Crimson Co otes; or. Nita. the Nemesis.
328 King Kent; or, he Bandits of the Bason.
342 Blanco Bill, the Mustang Monarch.

858 The Prince of Pan Out.

371 Gold Buttons; or, The Up Range Pards.

511 Paint Pete. the Prairie Patrol.

BY DR. J. H. ROBINSON.

13 Pathaway; or, Nick Whitnes. the old Nor‘west
Trapger.

17 Nights ade; or. The Robber Prince.

22 W_hitelaw; or, Nattie of the Lake Shore.

37 Hirl,kthe Hunchback; Or, The Santee Sword-
ma er. -

58 Silver Knife: or. The Rocky Mountain Ranger.

70 Hydrabad. the Stranger. .

78 T11); Knights of the d Cross; or, The Granada

?c an.
163 Ben rlon; or, Redpath. the Avenger.
BY MAJOR DANGEBFIELD BURR.

92 Buffalo Bill, the Buckskin King.
117 Dashing Dandy; or. The Hot ur of the Hills.
142 Ca tain Crimson the Man of he Iron Face.
156 Ve vet Face the ’Border Bravo. '
175 Wild Bill‘s Trump Card: or, The indian Heiress.
188 The Phantom Maze : or, The Hyena.
448 Hark Kenton. the tor.

B! LIBU'I‘. A. K. SIMS.

528 Huckleberry. the Foot-Hills Detective.
552 Prince Primrose. the Flower of the Flock.

BY MAJOR DANIEL BOONE DUMONT.

383 Silver Sam,‘ the Detective.

889 Colonel Double-Edge, the Cattle Baron’s Pard.
411 The White Crook; or, Old Hark’s Fortress.
no The Old River Sport; or. A Man of Honor.

439 Salamander Sam.

4.54 The Night Raider.

464 Sandvcraw the Man of Grit.

5m Topnotch Tom, the Mad Parson.

BY COLONEL BELLE SARA.

53 Silver Sam; or, The Myste of Des wood Cit .
87 The Scarlet Captain; or. Plriysoner o? the Towyer.
106 Shamus O‘Brien, the Bould Boy of Gungal.

BY GEORGE ST. GEORGE.
W Dun the Sea Diver.
(17 Tucson cm; or. The Fire Trailés.

BY GUSTAV]! AIM ARB-

15 The Tiger Slayer; or. is Heart to the Rescue.
9 Red Cedar, the Prairie tlaw.
so The Bandit at Bay; or. Prairie Pirates.
21 The Trap ‘s Daughter; or, The Outlaw’s Fate.
tat Prairie ower. ,
as Loyal Boart' or. The Tra of Arkansas.
49 Riﬂes. A T of the Texan War.
in The Freebooters. A Story at the Tenn War.
to Soalper

l

‘ 144 The Hunchback of No tre

 
BY NE‘V'I‘ON M. CURTISS.

12) The Texan Spy; or. The Prairie Guide.
254 Giant Jake. the Patrol of the Mountain.

BY FRANCIS JOHNSON.

25 The Gold Guide: or. Steel Arm, Regulator.

26 The Death Track; or. The Mountain Outlaws.
123 Alapaha the Squaw; or. The Border Renegades
124 Assowaum the Avenger; or, The Doom of the

Destroyer.
135 The Bush Ranger: or. The Half-Breed Rajah.
136 The Outlaw Hunter; or. The Bush Ranger.
138 The Border Bandit; or. The Horse Thief‘s Trail

BY C. DUNNING CLARK.

164 The Kin '3 F001.
183 Gilbert t e Guide.

BY COL. THOMAS H. MONSTERY.

82 Iron Wrist, the Swordmaster.
1% The Demon Duelist: or. The e of Steel.
143 The Czar's Spy; or, The Nihilist aguc.
150 El Rubio Bravo. King of the Swordsmen.
157 Mourad, the Mameluke; or, The Three Sword-
masters.
169 Corporal Cannon. the Man of Forty Duels,
2i6 Champion Sam; or, The Monarchs of the Show
262 Fighting Tom. the Terror of the Toughs.
332 Spring'Heel Jack; or, The Masked Mystery.

BY ISAAC HAWKS. ‘Ex-Detective.

2‘32 Orson On; or, The River Mystery.
940 A Cool Head; or, Orson On in PeriL

BY NED BUNTLINE.
14 Thayendanegea,the Scourge'or. The War-Eagle.
16 The White Wizard; or. The t minole Prophet.
18 The Sea Bandit; or, The Queen of the Isle.
23 The Red Warrior; or. The Comanche Lover.
61 Captain Seawaif, the Privateer.
111 The Smuggler Captain; or. The Skipper's Crime.
122 Saul Sabberday. t e Idiot Spy.
270 Andros. the Rover' or, The 'rate's Daughter.
361 Tombstone Dick, the Train Pilot.
517 Buﬂalo Bill’s First Trail.

BY E- A. no 

471 The Heart of Oak Detective.
491 Zigzag and Cutt, the Invincible Detectives.

BY EDWARD WILLET'I‘.

129 Misissippi Mose: or. a Stro Man's Sacriﬁce.
209 Buck Farley, the Bonanza nce.

222 Bill the Blizzard: or. Red Jack‘s Crime.

248 Montana Nat, the Lion of Last Chance Camp.
274 Flush Fred. the Mississippi Sport.

289 Flush Fred's Full Hand.

238 Logger Lem; or. Life in the Pine Wood8.

31B Hemtllock Hank. Tough and True.

815 Flus Fred's Double; or, The Squatters' League.
327 Terrapin Dick. the Wildwood Detective.

337 Old Gabe, the Mountain Tramp.

348 Dan Dillon. King of Crosscut.

368 The Canyon King: or. a Price on his Head.

483 Flush Md. the River Sharp.

BY PERCY B. 81'. Jean.

57 The Silent Hunter.
86 The Big Hunter; or. The Queen of the Woods.

MISCELLANEOUS.

6 Wildcat Bob. By Edward L. Wheeler.
9 Handy Andy By Samuel Lover. .
10 Vid . the French Police Spy. By himself.
11 Midshipman Easy. By Ca tain M att.
32 B’hoys of Yale: or. T e rapes of llegians.
By John D. Vose.
60 Wide Awake. the Robber King. By F. Dumont.
68 The Fighting Trapper. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams.
76 The ueen's Musketeers. By George Albany.
78 The ll ysterious Sry. By Arthur M. Grainger.
102 The Masked Ban . By George L. Aiken.
110 The Silent Riﬂeman. By H. W. Herbert.
125 The Blacksmith Outlaw. By H. Ainsworth.
133 Rod the Rover. By William Carleton.
140 The ree Spaniards. BB Geo. Walker.
ame. By Victor Hugo.
146 The Doctor Detective. By Geo 7e Lemuel.
152 Captain Ironnerve, the Counte eiter Chief.
158 The Doomed Dozen. By Dr. Frank Powell
166 Owlet. the Robber Prince. B S. R. Urban.

- 179 Conrad, the Convict. By Pro Gildersleeve.

190 The Three Guardsmen. B Alexander Dumas.

261 Black Sam. the Prairie underbolt. By 001.
Jo Yards.

275 The Smugler Cutter. B J. D.

312 Kinkt'oot rl, the Mann 1: Scourge.~ y Mor-

ris Redwin . ,
830 Cop Colt.the Quaker City Detective. C. Monk.
350 Flashﬁcon. the Society Detective. y Weldon

an Bart Brezimn:  King of Straight mm.

Bv John Cuth .
m6 Tia? Telegraph Detective. By George Henry
roe

O .
410 Sarah Brown. Detective. By K. 1“. Hill.
500 The True-Heart Pards. By Dr. Noel Dunbar.
Richard, the Thoroughbred. By J. W.

hon.
534 Green Mountain Joe; or. The Counterfolter’s
Cave. By Marmadu De .
542 The Ocean Drift; or, The lght for Two Lives.

By A. F. Holt.
545 Hustler Harry the Cowboy Sport; or. Mg
DanShu-k's neral Delivery. Blelliam .

A m mu. every Wednesday.

Beadlo’s Dime Library is for sale  all . 

NewaduieIatonoents poroop tar oentby 'msllol

rooei ottwalvo cantseach. DLE a ADAMS
Worms-madman York. \ \

 
i . - s , r‘ur.‘  . .

BEADLE’S*DIME*EBRARY. I

Published Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Ten Cents. No Double Numbers.

 
BY COL. PREN'I‘ISS INGBAHAM.

2 The Dare Devil; or. The Winged Sea Witch.

85 The Cretan Rover; or. Zuleikah the Beautiful.

89 The Pirate Prince; or. The Queen of the Isle.

94 Freelance. the Buccaneer.
108 Merle. the Mutineer: or. The Red Anchor Brand.
104 Montezuma. the Merciless.
109 Captain Kyd. the King of the Black Flag.
116 Black Plume; or. The Sorceress of Hell Gate.
121 The Sea Cadet; or. The Rover of the Rigoletts.
128 The Chevalier Corsair; or. The Heritage.
131 Buckskin Sam. the Texas Trailer.
184 Darkey Dan. the Colored Detective.
139 Fire Eye; or. The Bride ofa Buccaneer.
147 Gold Spur. the Gentleman from Texas.
155 The Corsair Queen: or, The Gypsies of the Sea.
162 The Mad Mariner; or. Dishonored and Disowned
168 Wild Bill. the Pistol Dead Shot.
172 Black Pirate; or. The Golden Fetters Mystery.
177 Don Diablo. the Planter-Corsair. ,
181 The Scarlet Schooner; or. The Sea Nemesis.
184 The Ocean Vampire; or. The Castle Heiress.
189 Wild Bill‘s Gold I‘rail; or. The Des erate Dozen.
1% The Skeleton Schooner; or. The Sk mmer.
205 The Gambler Pirate; or. Lady of the Lagoon.
210 Buccaneer Bess. the Lioness of the Sea.
216 The Corsair Planter; or. Driven to Doom.
230 The Specter Yacht; or. A Brother’s Crime.
224 Black Beard. the Buccaneer.
281 The Kid Glove Miner; or. The Magic Doctor.
285 Red Li htning the Man of Chance.
246 gueen eien. the Amazon of the Overland.
255 he Pirate Priest; ‘or. The Gambler’s Dau hter.
%9 Cutlass and Cross; or. the Ghouls of the .
281 TheSea Owl: or. The Lad Ca tain of the Gulf.
807 The Phantom Pirate; or. he ater Wolves.
818 The Indian Buccaneer; or. The Red Rovers.
825 The Gentleman Pirate; or. The Casco Hermits.
829 The League of Three: or. Buffalo Bill’s Pledge.
886 The Magic Ship; or, Sandy Hook Freebooters.
341 The Sea Desperado.
846 Ocean Guerrillas; or. Phantom Midshi man.
862 Bun'alo Bill's Grip; or Oath Bound to uster.
864 The Sea Fugitive: or. The Queen of the Coast.
369 The Coast Corsair: or. The Siren of the Sea.
878 Sailor of Fortune; or, The Barne at Buccaneer.
877 Aﬂoat and Ashore: or. The Cor Cons irator.
888 The Giant Buccaneer: or. The Wrecker itch.
898 The Convict Ca tian.
899 The New Monte risto.
418 The Sea Siren: or. The Fugitive Privateer.
425 The Sea Sword; or. The Ocean Rivals.
480 The Fatal Frigate- or. Rivals in‘Love and War.
435 The One-Armed uccaneer.
446 Ocean 0 . the Outcast Corsair.
457 The Sea nsurgent.
469 The Lieutenant Detective.
476 Bob Brent. the Buccaneer.
482 Ocean Tram .
489 The Pirate unter
498 The Scouts of the Sea.
510 El Moro, the Corsair Commodore.
516 Chatard, the Dead-Shot Duelist.
524 The Sea Chaser; or. The Pirate Noble.
580 The Savages of the Sea~
540 The Fleet  or. The SesWin
516. The Doomed aler; or. The Life _.
553 Mark Monte. the Mutineer; or, The Brandon Brig.
560 The Man from Mexico.

BY WILLIAM II. MANNING.
279 The Gold Dragoon, or. The California Blood-

bound.
297 Colorado Rube. the Strong Arm of Hotspur.
885 Will Dick TurpinI the Leadville Lion.
405 Old Baldy. the Brigadier of Buck Basin.
415 Hot Heart, the Detective S y.
427 The Rivals of Montana Mil
437 Dee Duke: or. The Man of Two Lives.
442 ‘Wil West Walt. the Mountain Veteran.
449 Bluff Burke. Kin of the Rockies.
455 Yank Yellowbi . the Tall Hustler of the Hills.
468 Gold Gauntlet. the Gulch Gladiator.
470 The Duke of Dakota.
479 Gladiator Gabe, the Samson of Sassa sck.
486 Kansas Kitten. the Northwest Detect vs.
492 Border Bullet, the Prairie sharpshooter.
498 Central Pacific Paul. the Mail Train Spy.
506 Uncle Honest. the Peacemaker of Hornets’ Nest.
518 Texas Tartar. the Man With Nine Lives.
521 Pa 59 Sam. the Nor‘-West Pilot.
581 SaddlevChief Kit. the Prairie Centaur.
589 Old Doubledark. the W1 Detective.
551 Garry Kean. the Man w th Backbone.

BY CAPTAIN HOWARD HOLMES.

278 Hercules Goldspur the Man of the Velvet Band.

294 Broadcloth Burt. the Denver Dandy.

m1 California Claude, the Lone Bandit.

885 Flash Dan. the Nabob; or. Blades of Bowie Bar.

840 Cool Conrad. the Dakota Detective.

847 Denver Duke. the Man with “ Sand."

852 The Desperate Dozen.

865 Ken Kennard. the Shasta Shadow.

874 Major Blister. the Sport of Two Cities.

$2 The Bonanza Band: or Dread Don of Cool Clan.

an The Lost Bonanza: or. The Boot of Silent Hound.

400 Captain Coldgrlp: or. The New York Spotter.

407 Captain Coldgrlp’s Nerve° or. Injun Nick.

413 c. tain Coldgrlgén New Stork.

421 Fa her Fem t Frisco Shadow.

484 for Lynx. the Wonder vs.

441 The California Shut-g.
y.

458 Captain Coldﬁrrlr's Lo?» Trail

of Salem.

. the Detective.

(lin in wood.

Haw spear. the Man with a Secret.
Sunshine Sam. s Cbi of the Old Block.

496 Richard fire. the 0 Worlds‘ Detective.
5i! Phil Fox the Gentcel S ttor.

518 Captain elvct‘s Big kc.

528 Reynard of Red Jack; or. The LostDctectivs.
Jack Jsvsrt, the Independent Detective.
The Magneto Detective.

Silk Hand, the Mohave Ferret.

Danton. the Shadow Sharp.

 
BY ALBERT \V. AIKEN. |

27 The Spotter Detective: or. Girls of New York. I
81 The New York Sharp: 01'. The Flash of Lightning.
33 OVr‘l‘lﬂild Kit; or. The ldyl of White. Pine.
84 Rocky Mountain Rob. the California Outlaw.
35 Kentuck the Sport: or. Dick i‘albot of the Mines. i
36 Injtin Dick; or. The Death-Shot of Shasta. I
38 Velvet Hand; 0r. liigyun Dick‘s Iron Grip. .
41 Gold Dan: or, The. \ hite Savage of Salt Lake.
42 The California Detective: or. The Witches of N.Y.
49 Th4, Wolf Demon; or. The Kanawlia Queen.
56 The Indian illazeppa: or. Madman of the Plains.
59 The Man from l‘exas; or. The Arkansas Outlaw. ‘
63 The Wingei Whale: or. The Red Rupert of Gulf. ‘
73 The Phant Hand: or. The 5th Avenue Heiress. :
75 Gentleman George: or. Parlor. Prison and Street. ;
77 The Fresh of Frisco; or. The Heiress.
"9 Joe Plienix. the Police Sp .
81 Tne Human Tiger: or. A can of Fire.
Hunted Down: or. The League of Three.
The Winning Oar: or. The Innkeeper‘s Daughter.
Captain Dick Talbot. King of the Road.
Bronze Jack. the Calitornia Thoroughbred.

101 The Man from New York.

107 Richard Talbot. of Cinnabar.

112 Joe Phenix. Private Detective.

130 Captain Volcano or. The Man of Red Revolvers.
161 The Wolves of New York: or. Joe Phenix’s Hunt.
173 California John. the Pacific Thoroughbred.

196 La Marmoset. the Letective Queen.
203 The Double Detective: or.The Midnight Mystery.
25‘! The Wall Sta-eet lilood: or. The Telegrap Girl.
820 The Genteel Spotter; or The N. Y. Night Hawk.
849 Iron-Hearted Div k. the Gentleman Road-Agent.
354 Red Richard: 0! The Crimson Cross Brand.
363 Crowningshield. the Detective
870 The Dusky Detective: or. Pursued to the End.
376 Black Betirds: 0i. The Rio Grande High Horse.
381 The G, psy Gentleman; or Nick Fox. Detective.
884 Injun ick. Detective: or. Tracked to New York.
891 Kate Scott. the Decoy Detective.
408 Doc Grin. the Vendetta of Death.
419 The Bat of the Batter ' or. Joe Phenix. Detective.
424 The Lone Hand; or, he Red River Recreams.
440 The High Her e of the Paciﬁc.
461 The Fresh on the Rio Grande.
46bThe Actor Detective.

75 Chin Chin. the Chinese Detective.
490 The Lone Hand in Texas.
497 The Fresh in Texas.
520 The Lone Hand on the Csddo.
529 The Fresh in New York.
587 Blake, the Mountain Lion.
556 Fresh. the Sport-Chevalier.

-

.- .-
358$

 
BY JOSEPH I. BADGER, In.

28 Three-Fingered Jack the Road-Agent.
80 Gospel George; or. Fie Fred. the Outlaw.
40 Lon Haired Pards; or. he Tarters of the Plains.
45 Old ull‘s-Eye, the Lightning Shot.
47 Pacific Pete. the Prince of the Revolver.
50 Jack Rabbit. the Prairie S rt.
64 Double-Si ht. the Death S 0t.
67 The Boy ockev: or, Honest vs. Crookedness.
71 Captain Cool Blade: or. Miss ssin i Man Shark.
88 Big George; or. The Five Outlaw rothers.
105 Dan Brown of DenVer: or. The Detective.
119 Alabama Joe: or. The Yazoo Man-Hunters.
127 Sol Scott. the Masked Miner.
141 Equinox Tom. the Bul'y of Red Rock.
154 Joaquin, the Saddle King.
165 Joaquin. the Terrible
170 Sweet William. the Trapper Detective.
180 Old ‘49; or. The Amazon of Arizona.
197 Revolver Rob: or. The Belle of Nugget Cam .
201 Pirate of the Pincers: or. Joaquin’s Death not.
283 The Old Boy of Tombstone.
211 Spitﬁre Saul. Kin of the Rustlers.
249 Elephant Tom. 0 Durango.
257 Death Trap Diggings; or. A Hard Man from

sy .
283 Sleek Sam. the Devil of the Mines.

286 Pistol Johnny: or. One Man in a Thousand.

292 Make Homer. the Boss Roustabout.

W2 Faro Saul. t e Handsome Hercules.

817 Frank Light cat. the Miner Detective.

824 Old Forked Lightnim. the Solitarg.

881 Chispa Charle . the Gold Nugget port.

839 Spread Eagle in. the Hercules Hide Hunter.
845 Masked Mark. the Mounted Detective.

851 Nor‘ West Nick. the Border Detective.

855 Stormy Steve. the Mad Athlete.

860 Jumpi Jerry. the Gamecock from Sundown.
867 A Roy Flush: or. Dan Brown‘s Big Game.

872 Captain Crisp. the Man with a Record.

879 Bowling Jonathan. the Terror from Headwaters.
887 Dark Durg. the Ishmael of the Hills,

895 Deadly Aim. the Duke of Derringers.

408 The Nameless Sport.

409 Rob Ro Ranch: or. The Imps of Pan Handle.
416 Monte im. the Black Sheeg of Bismarck.

4% The Ghost Detective; or. T 0 Spy of the Secret

Service.

488 Laughing Leo; or. Sam’s Dandy Pard.

438 Oklahoma Nick.

448 A Cool Hand: 0r. Pistol Johnny’s Picnic.

450 The Rustler Detective.

458 Dutch Dan. the Pilgrim from Spitsenberg.

466 Old Rough and Ready. the Sage of Sundown.

474 Daddy Dead-Eye. the Dcspot of Dow Drap.

m The Thoro nbrcd Sport.

495 Rattlepsto b; or. The Roundhesd‘s Beprlssl.

504 Solemn Saul. the Ssd~Man from San Ssbs.

514 Gabe Guns. the Grlnly from Ginseng.

527 Bandy Andy, the Diamond Detective.

555 Dandy Dutch. the Decorator from Dead-Lift.

541 Major Magnet the Man of None; or. The Muck-
s-Mucks of Animal.

547 The Buried Detective; or. Saul Sunday's Six
Sensations.

 
555 Grip-Sack Sid. the Sample Sport.

B Y LEON LB‘I’IS.

428 The Flying Glim; or. The Island Lure.
456 The Demon Steer.
451 The Silent Detective: or. The Bogus Nephew.

, 484 Captain Ready. the Red Ransomer.

BY JACKSON KNOX—“01d Hawk.” .

886 Hawk Heron. the Falcon Detective.

424 Hawk Heron’s Deputy.

444 The Magic Detective; or. The Hidden Hand.

451 Gnnlock. the Rocket Letective.

462 The Circus Detective.

467 Mainwaring. the Salamander.

477 Dead-arm Brandt.

485 Rowlock. the Harbor Detective.

494 The Detective‘s Spy.

501 S ringsteel Steve. the Retired Detective,

509 0d Falcon. the Thunderbolt Detective.

515 Short-Stop Maje, the Diamond Field Detective.

586 Old Falcon’s Foe: or. The Matchless Detective‘n
Swell Job.

548 Falconbri e. the Sphinx Detective.

561 The Thug ing; or, The Falcon Detective‘s In-
visible Foe.

BY BUFFALO BILL (Hon. ‘5'. F. Co‘y).

52 Death-Trailer. the Chief of Scouts.

88 Gold Bullet S rt: or. Knights of the Overland.
248 The Pilgrim Sha : or. The Soldier's Sweetheart.
804 Texas Jack. the rairie Rattler. '

819 Wild Bill. the Whirlwind of the West.

894 White Beaver. the Exile of the Platte.

897 The Wizard Brothers: or. White B--aver’s Trail.
401 One-Armed Pard; or. Borderland Retribution,
414 Red Renard. the Indian Detective.

BY PHILIP S. WARNE.

1 A Hard Crowd; or. Gentleman Sam's Sister.
4 The Kidnap r: or The Northwest Shanghai.
29 Tiger Dick. Faro King: or. The Cashier‘s Crime.

. 54 Always on Hand; or. The Foot-Hills Sport.

80 A Man of Nerve; or. Caliban the Dwarf.

114 The Gentleman from Pike.

171 Ti r Dick. the Man of the Iron Heart.

207 Olﬁeﬁard Head: or. Whirlwind and his Mare.

251 Tiger Dick vs. Iron Des .

28) Tiger Dick’s Lone Han .

299 Three of a Kind; or. Tiger Dick. Iron Despard
and the Sportive Sport.

888 Jack Sands. the Boss of the Town.

359 Yellow Jack. the Mestizo

880 Tiger Dick's Pledge; or. The Golden Serpent.

404 Silver Sid; or, A ' Daisy “ Bluff.

481 California Kit. the Always on Hand. "

472 Six Foot Si; or. The Man to “Tie To.

502 Bareback Buck. the Centaur of the Plains.

522 The Champion Three.

544 The Back to Back Pards.

LATEST AND NEW ISSUES.

562 Lone Hand. the Shadow; or. The Master of the
Triangle Ranch. By Albert W. Aiken.
' l Zeke. the Ho ur of Honeysuckle'
568 “33313 umility‘s Bargain“ to Travel. B;
Wm. H. Manning.
The Gri Sack Sharp- or, The Seraphs of Sodom.
5“ By .103 E. Badger. Jr.
ce Paul. the Postman Detective; or. Crush-
” P111133 a Serpent‘s Head. By J. C. Cowdrick.
566 The Dauntless Detective: or, The Daughter-
Avenger. By Tom W. King. f f
t Midn ht. the Man 0 Cra t; or, The
567 ca Imenightggs Plot. By P. S. Warne.
‘ D de Detective; or Phelin )ichllagin‘s
568 “HarduLuck Hustle. By L\Vm. R. Eyster.
- . the Hooded M sterV' or. The
m ca “(13633 rHead. By Capt. Edward 'Holmr-s.
570 The Actress Detective; or. The Invisible Hand.
B A. W. Aiken
al. the Ban 3 Detective: or. The Hid-
571 013921362le of Win Canyon. By William G.
Patten.
572 Jauntv Joe. the Jockey Detective. By Geo. C,
Jenks.

Witch of Shasta: or. The Man of Cheek.
578 “Bay Major Daniel Boone Dumont.
574 Old Faicon's Double. By Jackson Knox.
Hand the -Nspoleon of Detectives.

toad
"5 SByWilliamH. Manning. G“ S k Sh

' - ed Sid; or. The so ‘11)”
576 Siﬁiﬁ‘s'iv‘élep. By Joseph E. dger. Jr.

lifornis; or. The Actress Detective‘a
m T%%a%foﬁct. Albert W. Aiken.
578 Seven Shot Steve. the Sport witha Smile. By
William R. W.
579 Old Cormorant. the Bowery Shadow. By Capt,
Howard Holmes.
Paciﬁc one

0. Sb ow; or. The
W 5116333311355 Twig Trail. By J. C. COWdrlck.

d Ski ' or. The Gantlet Runner-
581 “$068333”... gen? Ready December 11.
582 Joram. the Detective Expert. By Jackson Knox..
Ready Decembcris. w R“
Saddle Prince: or, A e nsom-
583 AggrP.‘g.eWsi-ne. Ready .December S.
584 Fire Feather. the Buccaneer King. By Neil
Buntline. Ready January 1.
A new laws every Wednesday.

‘9 mine Library is for sale by .ii
amt“: ten cents per copy. or sent by mail on
receipt of twelve cents each.

BEADLE AND ADAMS. Pcmsnss.
ﬂ William Street. New York‘