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Copyrighted, 1887, by BXADLI AND Anna. Enured at. the Fun Office at New York, N. Y., as Second Cl

V01  92,50 Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams, Price. No 

3 ‘ “I” No. 98 WILLIAM 51., NEW YORK. 1"“ 09"“-

 

 

 

 

 

 

“mm: Max AND manwnzx. mun MARKERS. on I WILL FIRE won vow!“ YELLLD THE CONSTABLE ,'

 

The Boy Commander.

 

The Boy Commander;
THE MAID or PERTH.

A Romance of New York and its Waters
in the War of 1812.

BY COL. PRENTISS INGRA'HAM,
AUTHOR OF “MERLE, THE MUTINEER,” “MON-
rnzuna, THE MERCILESS," “THE FLYING
YANKEE," “A CABIN Bor‘s LUCK,”
“rim SEA RAIDERS,” ETC., ETC.

CHAPTER I.
ran DEATH-BLOW.

“ TALBOT TREVOR, you liel”

Crisp and stern fell the words from the lips of
a youth of eighteen, who, unobserved, had up

roached a group of men, earnestly conversing
in front of an old inn, still standing upon the
shores of Staten Island, and commanding a
grand view of New York Harbor, with the city
in the distance, and in another direction the
Lower Bay. Sandy Hook, and the blue ocean
be 0nd.

hen, at the time of which I write, 1812, the
Island was the home of well to do farmers, fish-
ermen, and the rendezvous of deep-sea sailors,
and not, as now, dotted with lordly country-
seats and villages.

And the “Keel and Anchor Inn ” was the
“social ground” where the rich lendower, vil—
lagers and seamen met to discuss the affairs of
the nation and the war with Great Britian.
which was then being waged, with vigor, on
both sea and land.

In the midst of the group thus assembled upon
the piazza of. the Keel and Anchor, was a young
man of twenty—three perhaps, stylishly dressed,
and with a face marked by reckless dissipation
and vice' but, the son and heir of old Judge
Trevor, the wealthiest landowner on the island,
and a prominent man, he was courted by many,
and feared by others, until he delighted in being
looked up to as a superior by those with whom
he came in contact.

He had just called to the landlord, Bruce
Benedict, styled “Colonel,” from having served
in the militia years before, to give them a glass
all round, when he made the remark that
brought the stinging words:

“ Talbot Trevor, you lie 1” ~

All started at the ringing voice of Carl Man—
ners. and stepped aside as he forced his way
toward Talbot Trevor, who turned as pale as
death, as he answered: ..

“ I said Carl Manners, that your father was
a traitor m the war of the Revolution, and that
you, his son, would prove one in’ the present
struggle."

“And I again hurl the lie in your teeth,” was
the fearless retort, while the crowd swayed to
and fro with excitement, for both young men
were well known as pmsessing- pluck. '
v With a cry of rage, Talbot Trevor sprung to-

ward the youth, ,who received him with a'weilu

 

directed blow upon the temple, that causod him
to fall like one cad.

“ Bravo! you have an iron fist, Master Carl,
and you have punished him well for calling you
a traitor,” said Ben Buntline, an old fisherman

“ He has killed him I” I

The speaker was Colonel Benedict, who bent
over the prostrate form. '

“ No, no, he cannot be dead!
kill him i” cried Carl Manners, springing for— ,

ward and kneeling beside the body of the man he: ,   i

had struck down.

Tearing open his vest and shirt, he placed his
hand upon his heart; it had 'ceased to beat—tho '
pulse of life was stilled forever!

“ Great God! I have killed him, and his life'is ‘
upon my hands!” and the youth staggered to his _
feet, his face as white as the one that looked up 
toward the blue skies, and et saw them not. ~

“And I arrest you, Car Manners, as a mur-
derer.”

It was the village constable that spoke, and he», , '
laid his hand heavily upon the shoulderof the
youth, who struck it off, and cried: ' '

“ Neverl I meant not to kill him, Dick Dawes,
and you shall not arrest me.” . , ,
“ But I will, so resist at your peril,” and the
officer drew a pistol from his pocket. ’ 

But, with the spring of atiger, Carl Manners '
was upon him, the weapon was wrenched from
his hand, and presenting it at the startledcrowd,
he cried: , ' I

“ Stand from my way, all of on!” -

They shrunk back from his ashin eya'and.
opened a way for him, and he str e toward, a
the street, running by the side of the inn, and ;
there he paused, as t ough undecided what to ,
do, when a voice, as clear and sweet as a bird’s, ,
called out: 1

“Mount Trevor’s horse, Carl, quick! and ride ,7
to the cove yonder, where Ben Buntliue’s sloop 
lies at anchor.” > ,-

Carl Manners glanced quickly up at the Win'
dow, from whence came the voice, and beheld -
the beautiful face of Agnes Benedict, the inn‘L‘w
keeper’s daughter; she pointed down the shore,

Where, threequarters of a mile away, the little  i , ‘

fishing craft lay at anchor. _

Waving his hand to the maiden, be bounded
toward the rack, where the blooded mare of Tab
bot Trevor was hitched, an throwin himself ‘
into the saddle, he darted away, like t e wind
just as the constable, Dick Dawes, comman
all who were armed to fire upon him. , -

A few scattering shots went flyin§ after the
fugitive, whose derisive laughter al heard, as f-
they did his cry: .

“ Agnes, see my mother and tell her all.”

“I will, Carl,” reached his ears as he dashed
away, while Dick Dawes shouted:

“Give chase. men, or he‘ll reach the sloop and
run out to the English fleet yonder.” _ . r »

“ The forts will bring him to,” cried one, while ‘
another answered: I ‘ ‘ ' _

“They may not, and he’s a bold lad and Will
take. his chances.” ’ ~

Then the inn stables were stripped of their
horses, and, three minutes after the departure ,
of Carl Manners, half . a score of horsemen were
in rapid pursuit, vowing to bring back thedar-t
iug youth, dead or figh‘v‘a. 7 . _ ' '

,l , r, , A

 

I meant not Vi," " ' g

 

The Boy Commander. 3'

 

   
 

CHAPTER II.
a A FEUD BETWEEN THEM.
/ 7 g I A MILE from the Keel and Anchor Inn, and
:m 2‘ nestling away under the shelter of a wooded
- ' hill, was the home of the widow Manners, a
dignified, sad—faced woman who had passed the
meridian of life, but who yetbore traces of hav-
ing possessed in early life great beauty of face
' and form.
Just at the breaking out of the war of the
' " Revolution, she had come to America, a mere
.. girl-wife, having fled from her grand old En—
l ' ‘ glish home with the man she loved. and whose
elder brother, an heir to a noble title and vast
estates, she had‘ been destined by her father, an
earl, to marry.

'ButJ preferrin love to title she had lefthome
and kindred, an in America had found a haven
of refuge.

Thou h allying himself with the Americans
Mark anners would not take up arms against
the English, and for this ceason he was often
spoken of as a traitor and a spy, yet certainly
without cause, and a successful merchant, these
aspersions were, after the close of the war, re—

. membered only by a few who desired to keep
the flame of hatred burnin brightly.
 Fora long time no chi d was borne to the

I house of Manners; but at last a son and heir

r ' ‘ made glad the hearts of his parents, and, three
0 'x ' V i years after, a baby sister put in an appearance,

 

  
 

to the great delight of little Carl; but, in the
>midst of their joy, Mark Manners and his Wife
had misfortune tall upon them as a severe
storm at sea wrecked the merchant’s ship in
which his all was invested, and a fire swept
w'away his dwelling place; but with abrave heart,
he put his shoulder to the wheel to once more
climb the ladder of fortune, and the future
looked brighter once more for awhile: then Mrs.
Manners was called upon to mourn the loss of
her idolized husband, whom death claimed in
4 the very prime of life.
With what was left out of the wreck of her
fortune, Mrs. Manners retired to Staten Island,
I g to dwell upon the little farm her husband had
' y . given her, years before, and, too proud to re—
; ' ‘ l ' turn to her relatives in England, she devoted
herselfto the education of her two children,
Carl and Clarette, and the improvement of her
home and its hundred surrounding acres.
‘ To that pretty cottage home I ask the reader
to" accompany me, upon the afternoon that
opens this story, and a short hour before the
 death-blow that made Carl, Manners a fugi-
tive.
“ Why, Carl, your game-bag is empty,” said
. Mrs. Manners, as her son came toward them,
'g'uu in hand, and threw himself into a chair.
“ I know it, mother, for I did not go hunting;
I have been yonder on the hill, looking out upon
.1 ' ‘- the sea and thinking," said the youth, who, for
‘ 3 .1 his age was afine specimen of [physical develops
ment. and as handsome as an donis.
," Ah Carl, 1 fear I know too well your
thoughts; you wish to become a soldier in the
,war now going on with England.”
-, ” Not a aoldrer,‘mother, but a sailor. for you
, know the fishermen have told yen that I am a
_ 'na‘tural born seamen, and my studies in"navi~
gation fit me for the navy. Oh, mother, if you

I

 

    

 

      
  
   
  
 

  

 

 

 

would only consent to my going on some vessel:
of war, or grivateer, I would be happy indeed.”

“th1 arl, you are strangely earnest in
this deSIre; what has caused it?"

“Mother, it is whispered around that father
was English in his ideas during the Revolution,
and folks say that I would serve Great Britain
did I get half a chance, and I wish to prove
that I am heart and soul an American, and I
can do so if you will only give your consent,
for there is a privatcer being fitted out over at
Perth Amboy, and Hugh Trcvor is to command
her, while Talbot is to, be a junior officer and I
certainly am a better sailor than either of
them, but then, as their father fits out the ves—
sel, I cannot expect to be more than a midship-
man.”

“My son, I would rather you would go as a
common soldier than an oificer with the Tre—
vors, for you know something of their past and
ours, but not all.

“Captain Trevor, the father of those two
young men, commanded my husband‘s vessel.
which was lost at sea, and some say he did it in
revenge to ruin your father. who knocked him
down for insulting me: still, he sailed as cap-
tain of the clipper ship, and it went down,
while he and the crew escaped, and while we
lost all, he suddenly became rich, though we
would not believe the stories that he had sold
the cargo to coast smugglers and then scuttled
the vessel.

“Wlshing to bury the past I have never re-
fused to allow you and Clarette to associate
with the Trevors, for Nellie I like, though the
boys are wild and dissipated; but somehow, I
have ever dreamed that trouble would yet come
between our name and theirs.”

“ Mother, I do not like either Hugh or Talbot
Trevor, for they are overbearing, haughty, and
sneer at all who do not possess the wealth they
do, and I think it IS Hugh’s admiration alone
for sister Clarette that has prevented him from
insulting me' but I will not go on their priva-
teer, thoughI am determined to be at sea with-
in the month. Now, I will run up tothe inn
and see what is the news.”

“Carl, if you are going up to the Keel and
Anchor please ask Agnes to come down and
spend the day to-morrow,” and Clarette Man—
ners, a fairy-like little beaut of sixteen, ran
out upon the orch as Carl wa ked away.

“ I will to] her, Clarette,” he answered, and
kissing his hand to his mother and sister, he
strode along in the direction of the inn, little
dreaming of the insulting words that would
greet his ears upon his arrival, and the fatal
consequences it would lead to.

CHAPTER III.
THE FLIGHT FOR LIFE.

THE steed upon which Carl Manners was
mounted was noted as the fastest on the Island,
and Constable Dawes had little hope of over-
taking the fugitive on horseback; but he knew
that it would be hard work for the outh to
raise the sail and anchor of the sloop a one, and
get under way before they could reach the little ,
craft. so they urged their animals onto their
greatest speed. , -

But. like the very wind the horse ridden by V

, , c _ 

 

   

In

  
 

4 The Boy Commander.

Carl sped along, his rider le but determined,
and a rim smi 6 upon his ace, as he patted the
anima and muttered:

“Ah, my brave beast, you little know that
you are aiding the escape of the one who has
just killed your master.”

Riding at the speed he did, it was but a few
minutes before Carl reached the shore, and at a
point where a skifi’ lay upon-the sands. .

Springing from the saddle, by an effort of his
great strength he shoved the boat off into the
water and sprung in, at the same tune tearing
up a seat to act as a paddle, for there were no
oars in the skiff.

Hardly had he gotten forty feet from the land
when u dashed Dick Dawes and his posse, and
threw t cmsclves from their horses.

“ Come back and surrender, Carl Manners, or
I will fire upon you!" yelled the constable, and a
mocking laugh was the only answer.

“ Come back or I fire!”

But Carl paddled the more vi orously, and
raising his pistol, the constable mad, the ball
striking the water at one side of the boat.

“ You are a had shot, Dick Dawes; try again i"
was the reckless answer, and seizing another pis-
tol from one of his posse, the oflicer fired again,
this time the bullet striking the boat.

“ You are improving, Dick; keep it up," was
the cool admonition of Carl, and the constable
did keep it up, his third shot piercing through
the board in the youth‘s hand.

b Bll‘lt, undaunted, the fearless fugitive called
ac :

“It's me you want to hit, Dick Dawes, not
the water, boat and paddle."

“I‘ll have you yet, youngster," shouted the
constable, and he urged his horse into the water
to, swim after the receding boat.

The horse swam well, but dropping his paddle,
Carl hastily raised the pistol he had wrenched
from the constable at the inn and cried:

“ Now. you keep off, Dick Dawes!”

“ You’ll not dare fire on an officer of the
law,” answered the constable, and he urged his
swimming horse still faster.

“ I dare do anything when hunted down;
keep off, I say!"

But the officer did not heed, the pistol flashed
and with a wild scream the horse sunk beneath
the waters, leaving his now frightened rider
stru gling above him.

“ could have shot you as easily as the horse,
Dick Dawes, and I will, if you do not keep off,”
and shoving his hand into the pocket of his
huntilng suit, the youth hastily reloaded the
piste .

Convinced now that Carl would kill him, the
constable swam back toward the shore, but, de-
termined not to give up yet. he called out:

“ There is an old skifl? lying around yonder
bend: get it, and we’ll board the sloop.”

Several started to obey just as Carl ran along-
side the little craft and sprung on board.

With his knife he cut the nettles that bound
the mainsail and jib; quickly the canvas was
sat, and the anchor raised upon the deck just as
cheat-load of men from the inn rounded one
point of the cove, and the constable’s compan-
‘i'ms a peared around the other in the skiff.

. A manhunt from the different Crews, for

4 r. 1' ,
“gav‘ ,  , ,. ‘  'j _‘  Wu, 3

the two boats,

 

l
they expected to head the sloop ofl ere she

could clear the cove; but, as though to favor
his flight, a squall swept over the island, and the
young sailor met it skillfully with his helm, and i ‘
then sent the sloop flying away toward open
water. ~-’ ‘

“ Ahoy‘ Carl, that’s my craft, remember,”
cried old hen Buntline from one of the boats.

“ I know it, Ben, an if I wreck it, or do not
bring it back, mother will pay you its value.
Good-by old man!” and Carl waved his hand ‘. ,.
to the fis erman whom he always had liked, and  ' r
with whom he had passed many a day out in
deep water.

“ Good-by, my boy! Is yer goin’ ter the Brit~ ~
is!) fleet?” r V

“ Ben Buntline, I am no traitor to my coun—
try,” answered Carl in ringing tones, and he
sunk down into the cockpit, as he saw that Dick
Dawes was preparing to fire upon him, as were
also the men in the other boat, when the sloop
would pass between them.

It was a dangerdhs gantlet to run, but Carl
Manners knew no fear, and, still holding the lit-
tle sloop on her course, until the waves swept
half the deck to leeward, he-watched his enemies
with a smile upon his handsome face. ' ’ >

“Carl Manners, you shall rue this day, for I
shall track you to the death!” i u

The voice of the speaker was clear and deter— ‘ ,
mined, and, as he smod up in the boat that had
come down from the inn, Carl Manners recogi ,
nized the dark, cruel face of Hugh Trevor,ta
man not yet twenty—five, but one whom few ’ ’
loved. and all feared, for he led a wild and rock-
less life. ‘

As the sloop assed like a flying bird between, "
ugh Trevor fired, and the splin—‘~ ~
ters were seen to fly from the tiller, only a few ,
inches from Carl’s hand; but he did not flinch, , 4
or let his helm move an atom, while his mockin ‘
laugh brought upon him a {usilade from both
skiffs, and angry curses, as his pursuers now Saw- _ ’
that he had escaped them. , ‘ ‘ ‘ 7

“Remember, Carl Manners: it is your life or "
mine when we meet again,” called out Hugh ,,
Trevor. ' ,

“ Ay, ay, Hugh Trevor! On land or sea, your
life or mine,” answered Carl, and he headed his , '
little vessel for the Narrows, at the same time v r‘
turnin his eyes astern, and glancing back to—.
ward tie land. ,

Over his face came a troubled look then, for
upon the bluff he saw three forms he knew well: ,
his mother, standing with outstretched arms ‘
gazing after him, as though stx'lylng to, drag
him back to her embrace, and his Slster Clarette,
with her head bowed upon the shoulder of Agnes V
Benedict, whose resence With them told him ‘
that they knew al ~knew that he had thestaiiu "
of a life upon his hands, and that he, Carl Man: . ‘1
ners, the devoted son and brother, was a tug} '
tive from justice—a hunted man! ‘

CHAPTER IV. ' /
THE MYsrnRIOUS scnoomsn. '
WHEN Carl headed for the Narrows, he did
not like the appearance of soldiers upon the ram-_
parts of the two forts that guarded the passe e
to the city, for it was. evident they had ob’ser'vgd
the sloop and the two boatsin chase, andthe

 

    
  
   
 
 
 
   
  
 
   
   
  
 
 
   
    
   
  
   
  
 
  
   
   
   
    
  
   
  
   
   
  
   
   
  
  
   
   
   
    
  
    

crews of which were making every effort to at—
tract the atlwntion of the soldiery toward the
aym craft.

'“ es, they are going to open on me, but I
shall hold on and trust to luck,” muttered Carl,
as he saw the soldiers running to and fro, and
heard the roll of the drums calling them to their

posts.

“It is rapidly getting dark, and this good
, breeze is driving me along like a race-horse. Ha!
‘there comes the shot for me to heave to,” and,
as he spoke, there came a all? of smoke from an
embras'ure; immediately ollowcd the deep boom
of a heavy gun and the roar of the shot, which
struck the water a few yards: ahead of him, and
ricochetting, buried itsell‘ in the green bank on
the Staten sland shore.

But the daring youth did not heed the hint to
come to, and a second shot came from the other
fort: still he held on.
, “Now I’ll catch it hot and fast," he thought,
as the guns roared incessantly, and the iron mes-
sengers fell thick around him, yet not one. strik-
 in his flying sloop, though they dashed the spray
' 211 over him.
With stern face and unflinching hand he held
on his course the size of his little craft being in
his favor, and the speed at which it was going
preventing true aim while darkness was swiftly
coming on, and would hide him from view.
But then, another danger awaited him, as a
std—boat from the city, and en route to tho
orts, had been spoken by Hugh Trevor, and
r , atonce bore awa in pursuit, with that young
"man, Constable awes, and old Ben Buntline
, upon her decks.
Carl saw the boat run alongside the schooner,
' which, a moment after, crowded on canvas and
stood on in pursuit, and he said half-aloud:

.“I could escape by running for the English
fleet; but, to save my neck from the gallows, 1
would not seek safety through an enemy. I
will head for the Highlands and take to the
shore," and he changed his course so as to cross
I the Lower Bay to the Navesink Bluffs, (lime
’ visible in the distance, while the forts. finding
. he was out of range, and, in fact, barely visible
in the gathering gloom, ceased firing, and left
his cap ureto the armed cutter that was rushing
ahead in hot chase.

Having once gotten out of sight from the
land, Carl again changed his course, running in
toward Staten Island, hoping thereby to elude
his pursuers. who would natural] keep seaward
after him, thinking he would ma e for the Eng~
lish fleet 011’ the harbor.
As be swept in nearer the land, the cutter
passed through the Narrows, and held on in the
direction in which Carl had been sailing when
the darkness bid him from view, and it was
.Withalsi h of relief that the brave youth' felt
‘ that he'iad escaped from those who he knew
Would show him little mercy if taken, for
though he had merely defended himself against
Talbot Trevor, and had not intended to seriously
injure him, the blow had proved fatal. and he
knew the family of the slain man, being rich
and werful, would use every effort to have
him ie on the gallows.
, 'Shortening sail, Carl ran around the shore for
some distance, mechanically holding the tiller,

 

 

 

 

The Boy Commander. V I 3

for now that the cxcitemcnt of the chase was
over. he knew not which way to turn or go, for
he was pennilcss, and would lorm no plan for the
future.

A short while before, and he had held high
hopes for a brilliant career; now, all was gloom
ahead. and the past had only l‘ugl‘ct.

As though Fate guided his craft, he suddenly
found that he had run into a. little cove, sur—
rounded by high wooded points of land.

He knew the place well, for oftcu before had
he been in that sccurc and lonely retreat, with
no habitation within half a lcaguc.

He was about to put his hclm down and stand
out of the cave, and once more head for the
Highlands, with a llfilf‘lOl‘IllEK’l idea of going to
Philadelphia on foot, and there sceking service,
when he heard the creaking of a block, followed
by a human voice, and Within a cable’s length
ahead of him.

Instantly he put about, and then, finding that
his sloop had evidently not been seen, he ran
close in under the shadow of the land, and
dropped his anchor, while he peered into the
darkness across the cove.

“Well, what can that veswl be doing there,
I wonder?” he muttered as he beheld indistinct—
ly the tall masts of 0. schooner lying close in
against the opposite shore.

“ Ha! I have it; thcy must be smugglers, for
I have heard that this cove had once been their
haunts; but I shall see, and if they are—"

He said no more, but poled his sloop around
until he could spring from the stcrn upon the
shore. and. armed with a short stick and Dick
Dawes’s pistol, hc cautiously began to make the
circuit of the 111%.

Keeping under the shadow of the overhanging
trees, he walked along the beach, until he
was within sixty foot of the vessel, which was
made fast to au'old ruined dock that had not
been used since Revolutionary days, so it was
said.

And upon this dock were a dozen men. talking
in suppressed tones, and moving to and fro from
the shore to the vessel. r

“There is some devil’s work going on there
but I will ferret it out,” be determined, and
with the greatest caution he approached still
nearer, until he crouched down within th feet
of two men who were standing apart from the
rest. and every Word they spoke came distinctly
to his ears.

As he came toa halt, the shorter one of the
two was speaking): '

“I tell you, arrell, I don’t half like this
business,” he said, while the other, with a light
laugh responded: '

“ Don’t get chicken-hearted Ferris, now that
all is about ready to start. by, we don’t and
the enemy, only furnish thcm ammunition for
their stomachs, and I informed you that the
English admiral, when I went out, two weeks
ago, told me he would pay one thousand pounds
for the cargo of provisions, for it’s been many a
long day since any one in the fleet has tasted a
chicken, fresh meat, or a vegetable, and I‘give
you half for the use of your schooner and the
things you have bought, and which, all told,
hav’n’t cost you a hundred pounds.”

“True, but I take all the risk of losing my

/

 

  

 

 

6.

vessel, should we. be discovered, and buy the
revisions, and you get the lion’s share,
ai'rell.”

‘1 It‘s my plan, Ferris: but I’ll not be mean,
but call it another hundred pounds. Now, the
turkeys, geese and chickens, are all aboard and
down in the hold, while the barrels of vegetables
are on deck, so we only await the fresh meat;
when will they arrive, for we must get off to-
night, and back to—morrow night?”

‘ The carts are coming, and should be here
within two hours, Darrell.”

“Good, so we can get off by midnight, and
with this breeze can reach the fleet in two
hours; it is nine o’clock now," and the speaker
held his watch up to a light of the cigar, which
also illumined his face.

“ It is Ned Darrell, of Amboy, and the other
is Captain Ferris, whose schooner was in the
coasting,r trade before the war; but I shall cir—
cumvent their little game, be the consequences
What they may to me, ’ and Carl Manners crept
cautiously awa from the Spot, climbed the steep
hill, and gainct an old, Ion unused road.

“ It is nine o'clock, and have six miles to go
to the village; but I’ll make it," and at a swing-
ing trot Carl set off across the island. to return
to the very place from which he had fled a few
hours before, and where he knew that bitter
foes awaited him.

CHAPTER V.

A SURPRISE ALL AROUND.

THE tap-room of the Keel and Anchor Inn
was a scene of wild excitement, after dark the
evening following the flight of Carl Manners,
for the villagers had all assembled there to talk
‘ over the exciting incidents that had occurred,

' To all of them Carl was well known, and

, with very few exceptions he was well liked, for
his genial manners, known courage, and hand-
some face had won him respect among the lower
classes.

Yet there were some few, who, from policy,
sided with the Trevors, and thought that the
youth should be hanged. if captured.

The bod of Talbot Trevor had been taken to
hisfathcrs flne old mansion in the hills, and
the grief of the old sea captain was great, for
with all his faults he dearly loved his son, and
imprecations most bitter be poured out upon
the head of the slayer of his boy, while pretty
Nellie Trevor, in the quiet of her own room,
wept with ' twoffold sorrow, for she mourned
her brother dead, and at the hand of one who
had stolen from her her girlish heart, for Carl
was her beau ideal, and mingled in all her
thoughts for the future, and many pleasant
memories of the past, for, though the captain
and Mrs. Manners were not on friendly terms,
their children often met at seeial gatherings.

While the discussion at the inn was waxing
warm, there suddenly entered Hugh Trevor,
Constable Dawes, and Ben Buntline, whom the
reader will remember as having boarded the
armed cutter and continued on in pursuit.

“Well, have you 1; him?” asked Colonel

. Benedict, with an humans look upon his face, as
the three men entered. ,
“Curse him! no! he escaped to the British

The Boy Commander.

 

 

 

fleet," said Hugh Trevor, who was strangely
like his brother Talbot.

“Yes, he got away from us, and he almost
deserved it for his nerve, for he ran the gantlet
o’ the forts without letting his bows sway an
inch, and is as game a boy as everI want to
sofa” (put in the constable, while Ben Buntline
a e Z

“ Yes, mates, he give us the go~by, andI hain’t
sorr , even if Master Hu h here does look mad,
for holds an affection For the boy, and if the
Skip-long turns up all right, I’ll be content; but
I does love that leetle craft, and ’speciall since
I see what Carl made her do; I swear, didn’t
know ’twas in her, though I’d never found fault
with her. But come, constable, let us have a
drink with Master Hugh."

“ Yes, all come up and join us; fill a bumper
all around. colonel, and then let me have my
horse, for I must go home. Oh, curses on you,
Carl Manners, for the sorrow you have brou ht -

upon our home!” and Hugh Trevor dashed o a ,

ass of brandy, to hide the tears that welled
into his eyes, for his young brother had been ‘
very dear to him.

“Here’s that you catch him, Master Hu b,"
said a burly fisherman, uafiing 01! his drin .

“ And here’s that you on’t,” said Ben Bunt—
line, bluntfiy, and half a cheer followed his words,
at which ugh Trevor’s dark e es flashed fire;
but, as though feeling that Car had the most
friends present, he smothered down his temper,
and said, earnestly: ‘

“ I’ll yet meet him, and I vow it under heaven!
but he is free for awhile, as he has carried out
poor Talbot’s words—turned traitor and gone to
the English fleet," '

“ Hugh Trevor, you lie!”

In spite of the nerves 01 iron of many present,
all started at the words, and turning uickly,
beheld the tall, splendid form of Car flamers ’
standing in the open doorway, his face calm,
but his black eyes on fire, as they turned upon
the man who had denounced him as a traitor to
his country.

“ Carl Manners!”

Every tongue spoke the name, and eve eye
was fixed upon him, while. pistol in handffiugh
Trevor s )rung forward, crying:

“ Mur erer, move one step, and you die!”

" Yes, my game youth, surrender to the law,”
and Dick Dawes, the constable, also sprung to-
ward Carl, his drawn pistol covering his heart.

“ You are a fool, Hugh Trevor, to think I
would place myself in our power without a
Cause,” and turning to t e constable, Carl con-
tinued: .

“ To you, Dick Dawes, I surrender myself; but
just now I wish to see you upon a matter 0“
more importance than my personal safety.”

“It must be considerably important, Carl. for
I’m afraid you’ve got ourself into a' ham ng
scrape; but I accept t e surrender, so te me
what it is has brought you back here, after giv-
in us all such a clear go—by?”

fieckoning the constable one side, Carl told
him of his discovery and the reason of his com-'
ing back.

“Well, bw, it any man says you is a traitor
after this, I’ll give him the is to his face, for
you could have gone to the British fleet, and.“ .

  

 

 

 

 

4%-
. J‘J‘». l—J "‘

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Boy Commander. ‘l'

 

    
 

 

'  ‘ you didn’t you could have gotten away; but to
‘5 comeback here and give yerself up to catch
' traitors, is what I calls gilt-edge patriotism, it
is,

E “You have no time to lose, Dick Dawes, so
% j ge‘t‘ Vyi‘our crew together,” quickly said Carl.

l

 

rue; well, let me see, we’d better tell

'- .. Colonel Benedict and Hugh Trevor about it, if
n,- v ' you are willing.”
i ’ “Certainly; to serve In country I sink all
3 private feeling against  Trevor; but what
» r ' i you do must be done at once.”
7. The colonel beckoned to Hugh Trevor and

' Colonel Benedict to a preach, and in a few
arl had made known to

  

words told them what
him. .
‘9 Sure he'didn’t reach the English fleet and is
laying a trap to catch us all in?” asked Hugh

Trevor with a‘snoer.
“It is cowardly to insult me when I am in
t , your wer, Hugh Trevor,“ retort/ed Carl, his
 eyes hing fire, while the colonel remarked
,5 .quickly:
 ' v 9‘ Now, Trevor, don’t go too far.”

 

 

 

 

 

   
  

“ That’s the music, colonel; I for one am will»
ing to trust Carl, and if Mr. Trevor don’t wish
to j’ineflcompany on the expedition, he‘d better
so so.
‘ Oh, I’ll go: only it is well to be cautious.”
V “It is not well to delay,” was the blunt re-
. , minder of Carl, and the constable turned to him
f _ , and asked:
.2 “ Well, have you thought of any plan, Carl 2”
’ I  “Yes; there is a trim-looking schooner lying
at anchor off the shore here, and she could run
there With this breeze in an hour, and We could
head the craft off.”
‘ “ How many men has the smuggler?” asked
, Hu hTrevor.

“ counted twenty.”

, ‘ “ Then we should have double that number,
 a I for they will make a stout resistance. Hal 1’
I, j , have it; the cutter that gave chase to you,
'5 ’ Manners, is anchored down by the Narrows, so

we can go there in a small boat.”
, “ The very thing, Trevor: and you will act as

/'/' pilot, Carl?” asked the colonel.
_ ' “ Yes, Iwill do anything in my power: but,
, . let us lose no time, for it is now after ten,” and
e ‘ a. .' _ Carl inted to an old-fashioned clock that
" stood hind the bar.

In five minutes the four men left the tap-
room, to the great surprise and curiosity of the
two-score villagers gathered there, and rapid]
Vended their way to the shore, where a ski ,

. belonging to the inn, was at once taken posses-
’ .siou of.

‘ , Hugh Trevor and Carl Manners being skilled

oarsmen at once seized the ears, and sent the

 
 
  
 

light boat flying down the harbor, and in a
'short while the long hull and raking masts of
thocntter came in view.
“Boat ahoy!” hailed the watchful lookout,
and Carl answered promptly:
“ Important news for t e captain.”

The order was 'ven to come alongside, and
the four were us cred into the comfortable
cabin, where sat a young man of twenty-six.
_wit’h a. frank fearless face, and a form that
looked well in‘his naval uniform.
“All! back again so soon? You must have

   
 
  

 

    
   

  
 

     

  
 

   
    

 

news of the fugitive,” he said pleasantly, re-
cognizing the constable and Hugh Trevor.

“He is with us, captain, and this is he; but
he gave himself up out 0’ patriotism, for he has
news for you.”

At the constablc’s words, Royal Dean, the
cuttcr’s commander, turned his gaze with un-
mistakable admiration upon the handsome face
of Carl Manners, and said:

“You do not look like the desperate fellow I
was led to believe.” ‘

“ The devil is not as black as he is painted,
sir; but I lied under the impulse of the moment
to avoid being thrown into prison, and I have
returned to make known a discovery 1 made,
and which is important for you to know; in
brief, a large schooner is now on the Staten
Island shore, loaded down with provisions to
run out to the British fleet in the offing, and she
is to sail at midnight.”

“Hal this is important news, and it is now
eleven o’clock. H01 on deck, there i”

“ Ay, ay, sir,” responded a young middy, ap-
pearing in the companionway.

“ Tell Lieutenant Murdoc to slip the cable
and get sail on the schooner at once. Now, sir,
where is the smuggler schooner?”

“ I will pilot you there, sir, and with this
breeze we can make it in an hour.”

“ And in return you ask freedom from arrest
for your crime, I suppose?”

“Lieutenant Dean I committed no crime, for
I had no intent to kill Talbot Trevor, but to
punish him for an insult, and I ask no favors 09
any man, for 1 am a prisoner in the constable’s
hands, and am willing to undergo my trial,” re-
turned Carl, proudly.

“ And you will end on a rope.” sneered Hugh
Trevor.

“ Mr. Trevor, you doubtless feel bitter toward
this youth, but you shall not insult him on board
my ship, 811',” was the stern refoinder of Royal
Dean, and he led the way on deck, where they
found the schooner was already under way.

“ Mr. Manners, for I believe such is your

name, if you will give me your parole nott’o
attempt to escape, you shall have the freedom
of the vessel while on board, and I will make
you pilot for the ex ition,” the schooner’s
commander turned Carl, who answered
promptly. . ‘
“ i1 ingly, sir, do I give my word; now will
you have the schooner put under all sail she
will bear?” and Carl stepped to the wheel with
the air of one who fuily understood every duty
devolving upon him, while the cutter rushed out
through the Narrows under pressurefiof a ten-
knot breeze. ‘ ’ ' ' ’

 

CHAPTER VI.
THE MAID or PERTH.

ONCE through the Narrows, and having sig-
naled the forts, to show what vessel it was run-
ning out, the cutter headed for the secret cove,
and after a rapid run, was suddenly put uare
before the wind and dashed into the ittle ud-
locked haven, just-as the smuggler schooner was
discovered beating out.

3%

   
  

That the smugglers were taken wholl
surprise, was evident, for the schooner tel

   
   
  

  

 

g

 

The Boy Commander.

 

her course badly, and then came ufi into the
wind until her sails fluttered, as t ough her
commander was undecided what to do, while
the greatest excitement was visible upon her
decks.

But, having the advantage of the cutter by
bein already upon her tack, and some few
huh red yards ahead, her commander seemed
determined to stand on his way and make a run
for it.

But having discovered his prey, Royal Dean
would not be thrown off the scent, and he gave
ringing orders to put about, which Carl exe—
cuted 1n masterly style, and are the schooner had
obtained a good offing out of the cove, her
armed pursuer was in not (than.

“You are certain that is the schooner, Mr.
Manners?” asked RoyalDean, eying her through
his ni h glass.

“ es, Sir; I am sure, for I know Captain
Abram Ferris’s schooner well, and she’s a witch
for sailing."

“ So I see and I’ll have to bring her to with
my guns. Get the bow chasers ready, Mr. Mur-

Carl?" asked the old Colonel Benedict.

“It is, sir.”

“Then you had better not let her get a
lead lieutenant, for she’s the fastest craft
in t ese waters, and as rakish and trim as a
pira .”

“ You are right, colonel. I tried to purchase
her for a. privateer, but Ferris wouldn’t sell her;
he’ll wish he had now. B Jove, how she gains
on us," exclaimed Hugh revor. -

And it was true, that the “ Maid of Perth”
was walking away from the fleet cutter in
splendid st le.

“Well, thought this craft could show her
heels to an thing afloat, but yonder schooner
shows her t e way right nobljy‘, and we are on
our best sailing lpoints, too. Throw a shot over
her Mr. Murdoc .”

Him Murdock, the dashing oung lieutenant
of the cutter, was onl too g1 to obey, and the
flash of the gun, the envy boom, and the rush-
ing of the iron shot commingled.

‘ Well aimed, Marti It struck in a dead
line ahead; it she don’t come to, fire at her,”
cried Royal Dean.

“ It’s a pity to hurt the craft, too, for she be-
longs to the captain’s pretty daughter Madge,
whom the villagers call the Maii of Perth—ah!
that shot told,” continued Colonel Benedict, as
the second discharge of the gun cut away the
main—topm of the schooner, bringing the
wreck and s il upon the deck with a crash.

“ He still holds on; he is stubborn: so pepper
him well, Murdock,” ordered Royal Dean.

“Oh, it’s not Ferris, 1’“ bet, forit he had
nerve he’d ’a’ been pzrivateerin with his schoon-
er afore this. It’s ed Dame 1 as has the nerve
yonder, for Carl says he’s the one who planned
the expedition," and the constable made a glass
out of his fist and gazed uponthe flying schooner,
while the tWO bow guns now kept up a rapid
fire some of the shots falling harmlessly ahead
an about her. and now and then one striking
with tellin effect. \ ,

But all t a time the schooner still held on her

 « r . 92"“

 

 

course, and without her topsails was gaining
steadily upon the swift cutter,

“ Here, this Won’t do or she’ll get awn from
us yet! At the guns there! Stand by -0 give
her a broadside! Now, Mr. Manners, let her
come round—steady-flrel”

The six broadside guns of the cutter now
burst forth with a terrific roar, and the crash—
ing of timbers and cries of the wounded told

how well they were aimed; but the Maid of ~ ‘ 
Perth still held on defiantly, and Royal Dean 

called out:

“Give her the starboard broadside, or we’ll I

have the whole British fleet turning in to her
aid. Now, Mr. Manners! steady—fire!”

Again the fleet schooner was the recipient of .

a. terrible iron hail, but without bringing her to,
a fact that caused the constable to remark:

“That Ned Darrell is a devil, and no mistake; I  '

but hark; there is trouble on board there.”
Loud and angry voices were now heard comin
from on board the Maid of Perth and severa
pistol-shots and the clash of steel followed.
“ Yes, they are having a row among them
selves; now she is ours, for the crew have muti—
nied against the officers—ha! there she comes

up into the wind nowl” and, as the schooner i

lay to, a loud cheer burst from the lips of the

cutter’s crew, and found an echo from the quar—‘fi

tor-deck.
A few moments more and Carl Manners skill—
fully luid the cutter alongside of the Maid of

Perth and followed Royal Dean and his crew * V 

upon her decks. u

A sad sight presented itself to their gaze, for
the beautiful schooner was badly scarred with‘
shot marks, and half a dozen dead and as many
wounded lay upon the. deck, showing how true
had been Mart Murdock’s aim.

“ Well, sir, what have youtosay for yourself?" 

and Lieutenant Deon spoke sternly to Captain
Ferris, who, the object of misery, stood by the
cabin companionwa 4

“I am innocent, sir, I was dragged into this
scrape, sir, by another man, for until you gave
chase, I believed I was carrying a load of pro-
wsions to the American fleet. ”

Carl Manners knew that Captain Ferris told a r ‘

deliberate lie, and yet he would not betray him,
for the lovely face of his daughter Madge one
whom all who knew her loved, came before im,
and he asked: ' '

“Where is Ned Darrell, for he is the one 



who betrayed you into this scrape, Captain
Ferris." . '
“True, my son, true; it was his venture, and
17

he has esc .

“ iscupegf when and how, sir?" asked Royal
Dean.

“ You see, he modem stand on until the crew

mutinied. and then, when we luifed up and laid r  'y

to, he Soak the light yawl and his men and rowed
away. '

“Lower the boats, Murdock, and make a cir-
cuit to See if you can find that renegade," orderw
ed the cutter’s commander, and turning to Cup-
tain Ferris he continued:

you and your crew risoners,” and calling: to,
Junior officer, he ~or cred him to 100}: site,

\

    

 

 

 

“ Captain. I fear you have lost your schooner- ,
by this night’s work, and it is my duty to hold '

 

 

t.

 

     

  

 

 

 

 

 
   
  
 

 

 

5 men from their captured vessel, and go on board
f with a crew to run her up to the city.

’ In twenty minutes more the boats returned
unsuccessful in their search. and the two vessels
stood back toward the city, Carl Manners
leanin over the bulwarks and gazing u n the
dark 5 ores, with sad and bitter thoug ts, for
1111(1) knew not what the future held in store for

m.

CHAPTER VII.

THE TRIUMPH 0F HATE.

THE sun had not yet melted the dew from off
the flowers the morning following the scenes re—
lated in the foregoing chapters, when a horse—
;voman, alone and with her dark hair floating
far down her aek, rode at full speed down the
road running along the Staten Island shore; and
turned into the ateway leading to the cottage
home of Widow anners.

Throwin herself from her anting horse she
a proachetgf the door just as ilrs. Manners and

arette came out upon the piazza, their faces
pale, and e es red from weeping.

. “ Oh, C arette! they have taken Car] to
prison,” burst from the lips of A res Benedict,
and With a moan of anguish Mrs. Ianners sunk
down upon a rustic settee. while Clarette said:

“ They captured him, then?”

“No, he returned and gave himself up. and
the cause that prompted it, father says, should
set him free, for he discovered Ned Darrell
smuggling‘provisions out on the Maid of Perth,
Captain erris’s schooner, cu know, and he
came back, told what he be seen, and father,
.‘ that hateful Hugh Trevor and Constable Dick
I Dawes went with Carl on board the cutter and

the smu gler was captured after a hot chase.”

“ We fheard heavy firing in the night; and my
“son returned to lead this expedition against the
sum lersl”

“ 9 did, Mrs. Manners, and it is to be hoped
he will not be tried for the murder of Talbot

Trevor, for as I told on, he did not mean to
kill him, forI saw it a .” ‘
' “Bless you, dear Agnes; but they have taken

Carl to the city l”

“Yes, they landed father and Hugh Trevor
at the inn, and then went on u to town, car-
rying Carl and Dick Dawes; ut father says
Lieutenant Dean will befriend him all in his
power, for the cutter would never have cap-
tured the Maid of Perth, if it had not been for
Carl.”

“Poor boy! I hope all will come well, but

, those Trevors are revengeful, as I know, and
will spend half their fortune to convict him of
, ,. murder; come, Clarette, let us go at once to the

1 city and see your poor brother.”

‘ And I will accompany you, if you wish,”
.\,Said,Agnes Benedict, and it was arran ed that
they should have breakfast at once, an then let

Clark, the farm hand, sail them u to town in

Carl’s sail-boat, which was at anc or in a little
‘ cove not far distant from the cottage.

 

.‘ g’

by

 

 
  
 

   

V But though the fond mother brou ht com-
m fort to the heart of the prisoner, ‘w om the
’ three ladies found already in jail and in irons,
it was evident that there was a bitter feeling
ungainst’cal'l, for the friends of the Trevors

 
   

The Boy Commander.

 

  

9

were already at work to injure him all in their
power.

And so much harm did the hate and money of
Hugh Trevor work, that when brought to trial
Carl saw at once, as did the few steadfast friends
who clung to him, that he was destined to sufier
for the death-blow he had given, no matter What
had been his intention, or that he had acted in
self—defense.

With consummate skill the attorney for the
prosecution turned the tide against the prisoner

y referring to Carl’s father as a traitor, and
there were witnesses to swear to any lie that
the Trevors originated.

And worse still, evcn the part played by the
gallant youth in the discovery of the secret ex—
pedition and ca ture of the Maid of Perth, was
turned against im, for, purchased by the gold
of Hugh Trevor, some of the crew of the
schooner swore that Carl had been one of their
number, and had only betrayed them, hoping
to escape trial for the killing of Talbot Trevor
therebfin

Wit a pale but fearless face, Carl heard the
verdict against him:

“ Guilty of murder, but recommended to the
court for mercy, on account of his youth.”

A low moan came from the 1' mother, while
Hugh Trevor scowled, for be ad hoped to have
him die on the gallows. '

But the judge was merciful if a life sentence
instead of death can be called a. mercy, and
Carl Manners was led out of the court-room, to
go out of the world forever, while behind him
echoed wails of anguish from his mother and
sister, that were sweet music to the ears of
Hugh Trevor, whose gold and hate had triumph-
ed over right and justice.

 

CHAPTER VIII.
maven, ran ram nun or PERTH.

IN a pretentious brick mansion, still to be
seen in the quaint old town of Perth Ambo ,
and whose grounds then sloped down to e
water’s edge, sat a beautiful girl one pleasant
afternoon, a month after the trial and condem-
nation of Carl Manners.

Gazing out upon the water, and idly dream—
ing, her gaze suddenly fell upon acat-rig sail-
boat approaching the shore, as if to look at the
dock near the mansion.

Going out into the hall she took down a ship’s
spy-glass, and after taming it upon the boat,
exclaimed in a joyous tone:

“ It is father! God grant his troubles are
over.” "

Running down to the landing, she was infold—
ed in the arms of a man whom the reader will ,
remember as Captain Abram Ferris.

“ 0h father, you are back once more and no
hateful constable with you."

“Yes, Madge, I am free, for nothing was
found against me, thanks to the testimony of
one whom I shall tell you of, and I was released,
though the schooner is held in durance vile.”

“Never mind the schooner, father, but come
into the house,” and Madge led her father away,
for the sail-boat which was a regular ferry be—
tween New York and Perth Amboy, stood away
for another landing. ‘

.fl‘

 
 
   

 

. 10 R The Boy Commander.

 

 

When the two had entered the mansion, Cap—
tain Ferris said earnestly: ‘

 “ Madge, it is a hard thing for a father to tell
a daughter, but] must do so, for I need your
aid; but I was guilty in that affair with Ned
Darrell.”

“ I know it, father.”

“ You know it, and how?”

“From Ned Darrell himself, for he has been
here."

“ That man has been to my house?”

“ Yes, father; he came in the disguise of a
man—of-war's man, and it was the same old
story, for he begged me to marry him, and—”

“ Your answer, girl?”
“ Father, do you doubt me?”
“No, no, my child; but tell me of his visit

3, '

“ Well I told hiln that there was a time when
I had believed that I loved him; but his (lis-
honorable career had changed my mind, and
now I hated him.

“He then said that you were his partner in

‘ this smuggling affair.”

“ Too true, Madge; I thought to make a few
hundred dollars in two nights, ruu little risk,
and after all give no real aid to the enemy, for
I only took fresh meats and vegetables, but I
see now that I did very wrong; but did Darrell
say more?”

‘Yes, he told me he would turn state’s evi-
dence against you, swear you had plotted the
whole thing, and send you to prisnn if I did not
promise to marry him."

" Curse him! .Anil your answer?”

‘ “ Why, I laughed at him, and dared him to
do his worst, and he left, making all manner of
threats against me.”

“ Bah! he dare not show himself; but, Madge,

.\ do you know how I escaped?”
.\ ,

No, father.”

“ Throu h Carl Manners.”

“ Carl aniiersl how I pity him and his poor
mother and sister.”

“ And so do I, for he is a noble fellow; but the
Trevors' money bought lying witnesses against
him and he has gone to prison for life: but,
M go, that boy must not stay there, .for when
the cutter captured as that night, he did not be-
tray me, though now I know he knew all, as he
heard the conversation between Darrell and lily-
sell; and when they went to when to take his
testimony, he cleared mo of al blame although
he knew me to be thoroughly guilty.

“ Do you wonder now that I wish to get him
out of prison?”

“ No, indeed, father, and I will aid you; but
how is" it to be done?”

“ I’ll tell you my idea, and then you can plot.
for women are splendid at that; you know old
Bon Buntline? Well, he was once a rich man,
and he gave his daughter a high-toned educa-
tion, same as I have given you, Madge, and
spent a great deal of money upon her, which
turned her head it seems, for w on he 10st his
gold, and took to fishing for a living, she
wouldn’t 've up luxury, and Went to the bad,
they say, or she ran oil? with one of these flashy
gamblers we see 0 the Battery of evenings

oglin the girls.

“ I ow Ben came down in the ferry with me

i

 

 

from York, and he says that Carl Manners
hadn’t ought to remain in prison, and talkingf
the matter over with him, we concluded we ‘
could serve him, for Ben saw his dau hter to~
day, and you know the boy saved her life once,
when a sail-boat upset with a party of them,
and she’s on our Side, and says her lover can
arrange it to get him out, but it’s risky business;

but if they succeed, we’ve got to help him out of -' -' ’

the way of the law." ~
“ I am more than willing, father, and I will
think up some plan, and well talk it over; now

let us go to supper—ha!” and Madge Ferris gave  

a startled cry as the tall form of a man sudden-
ly confronted her.

It was Hugh Trevor, and Madge and her father
both turned pale, fearing that he had overheard
their conversation. '

The young man was well known to the Fair ‘

Maid of Perth, as Madge was called by the vii-j ._ V. V

lagers; in fact he was considered as one of the!

suitors for her hand, and recovering her pres- 7 .

once of mind, she said, leasantly: 

“Well, Mr. Trevor, confess that you star-
tled me; have you been knocking long‘ at the
door?” ,

“I had not time even to knock, Miss Madge,
for, seem you, I took the liberty of stepping 1n— ‘
to the ha] unannounced; but allow me to con- ,
gi'atulato you, captain, upon your getting out of .
that unfortunate affair a i right.” ‘ "

“Thank you, Mr. Trevor, or rather Captain

Trevor, for I learn you are soon to run a. priva— _

teer out.” -

“ Yes, such is my intention, sir, for you known I

I had several years‘ experience in the na ; but
it is about this I have come to see you an Miss
Madge.” ‘

“ And how may I be interested in My?“ going
a—privateerini, Mr. Trevor?” asked dge.

“ I was in o
gret I was going to face many (1 ingers.”

“Oh, no, for I think it the duty of ever man
to serve his country, be the danger w t it
ma .‘

“ Bravo Miss Madge, you are indeed an Amer-

ican girl, hut it depends upon you whether I go-\ I.

now or not. ”

.“ May I ask how?” and Madge raised her eye- i "

brows in liaucrhty surprise.

“I will eprain: the schooner my father pur~ .,, . '
chased for me, and which is being overhauled 

up the Hudson, does not come up to my expec-

tations, for she is neither fast, or very‘see— 

worthy, I’ve been told, and I desire to purchase
the Maid of Perth, which I believe belongs to
you, Miss Madge.” ' I

“ Yes, my father presented her to me when
she was built a year ago, and the villagers
insisted upon naming her after me: but the,

trouble that Mr. Darrell got my father into, 
causes the schooner to be held by the Govern-

ment.” /.

“ That I know; but the great influence of my '
father at headquarters, Will get her released, it-
you are willing to sell her.”

“But I am not willing to sell the Maid-of 

Perth, Mr. Trevor, any more than Imam to sell .
myself to the highest bidder.” and Madge.
smiled as she saw that Hugh Trevor Winona.
under the sly thrust that she gave him, tor his

pos that you would at least re-I I. l' . 

   

 

 

     
   
 
 
  
  
  
 
 

 

 

 

     
 

\

. “ meney and connections” had been the induce-
’ I gents he had offered when he asked her-to marry

in.
, _ “Money will be no object, for I Will pay a.
V ’ liberal price.”
’  : “And money is no object to me, sir; I will not
’ K part with the schooner."
“ I am sorry, but I will have to get father to
have the Government ress the schooner into
I service for me,” he said, with some Show of
an er.
g ' Rich as you are, Mr.rTrevor, the United
‘ States will not press the Maid of Perth in! o ser-
viceto send out as a. privatecr; if the Govern-
ment needed the schooner as a cruiser, I would
give her up willingly.”
“ And this is your answer, Captain Ferris?”
and Hugh Trevor turned to the father.
' “ Yes, for Madge ownstho Maid, and can have
all the say.”
. _“ I would be willing to make you my first offi-
cer, captain.”

,‘f Thank you; but I do not care to sail under
' you, Mr; Trevor; I am getting along in years,
and theexperience I had with the cutter was
‘ War enough for me, and I’ve got a little money,
a. snug house, and a. daughter to love, and I’m
content,” said Captain Ferris, with more
*brusqueness than he was in the habit of show-

in .
,y I; Then I will bid you good‘evening," and. Hugh
Trevor, not at all pleased with his reception and
i ’. refusal, bowed himself to the door, where he
“hesitated and said:
, “I 811' pose you heard the news over on our
3 side of t e island’s“
.“To what do you refer, sir?” asked Madge,

coldly.
""10 the death of Mrs. Manners: she died of
i , abrokcn heart, they say,” responded the man
, Soggy; but he shrunk back when Madge hissed
i O '

-u.

 

     
 
  

, nd as sure as there dwellsa just God, Hugh
Trevor, you are her murderer.”
He snow to speak but the excited girl waved
him. away, and with her words ringing in his
cars he left the house, and springiu into his

    
  
 

I ' she )k her ha,an in menace and exclaimed:‘
“ ’Ah, Hugh Trevor, if Carl Manners does get
‘ free, beware of his just anger.”

   
 

 

 

CHAPTER IX.
VA DARING PLOT. r

ACROSS the waters of the East River the sil-
ver radiance of the rising moon cast a brilliant
' t way, and threw heavy shadows from the
 rowning walls of Blackwell’s Island, far out
;,,from the shore, bile the villzulotted banks of
Long Island lay ike a picture beyond.
f~«.Afar, 01!, from the then distant city of New
York, came the rumble of busy life, mingling
' with the song of a sailor, floating out upon the
“rotors, and pomin from the deck of a passing
sobmn‘er, liding y under the pressure of the

I m the. SEIruug up with the rising moon. .

\ ouflthe anhattan Island (now New York
, shore, and opposite the huge prison, stood
an dim]. where in years before many a gay

hadrassembled; but now a look of deso-


.party

 
    
  
   
   

 

   
  
   
   
 
  
 
 
 

  

The Boy Commander.

sail-boat sped swiftly away, while I: e maiden

 

11

lation rested upon all, for the lawn, sloping to
the river, was overgrown with weeds, and no
friendly, welcoming light gleamed from the
windows.

Once this inn had also been a place of depart-
ure and arrival for persons going to and from
the prison; but this was now in the past, as u
more convenient spot, nearer the city, had been
selected, and with the departing patronage to
his place, mine host had also departed, leaving
the owls, bats and rats in full possession of the
dilapidated structure.

And yet, upon the night when the quiet scene
is painted for the eye of the reader, a human
being set upon the dilapidated porch, and looked
with long lug eyes upon the dark and frowning
prison across the river;

Suddenly she started, for it was a woman who
sat there alone, and quickly shrunk hack in the
shadow of the vineclad porch, as the clatter of
boots was heard coming down the grass-grown
lane leading to the inn.

“ Great Heaven! It is Gil “fright, the detec—
tive,” and the woman shrunk further back into
the shadows as a horseman suddenly dashed up
and drew rein in the moonlight space in front of
the crab.

H ate l” »

“ “Thy, it is on after all, Alston,” and the
woman sprung rom her concealment, adding:

“ Why, you are the image of Gil “Wight.”

“Yes, I ‘ made up’ to represent him, Kate:
but you must have been lonesome, waiting in this
dreary old place,” and the man glanced round
him with a shudder.

“ Yes, it is not 2i cheerful spot. and I have
been here since sunset, when I dismissed the our-
riage at the head of the lane, expecting to find
you here,” and etc ping out into the moonlight,
the woman stood hy the side of the man, who
had dismounted.

Her face was clerk, her eyes black and as bright
as diamonds, while her form was exquisitely
molded. In fact, she was a. beautiful, fascinat-
ing woman, yet here the mark of dissipation
upon her features. I

Her companion, dressed in the uniform of a
constable, was tall, raceful, and possessed a
face of singular daring and determination; a.
reckless, yet not an evil countenance.

Replying to the woman, he said:

“ I expected to have come in the boat, Kate,
but thought it best to ride, should your friend
wish to take the chances of a horse to escape;
and I came in this disguise, knowing how close—
ly I resembled Gil Wright, the detective, and, if
overhauled, could play is part, and say the pris—
oner was in my custody.”

“ And a good idea it is, Alston; but Where is
the boat?” '

“ Oh, the boys will be along with it soon.”

“ And the prisoner?"

“ Hus his cord, file and pistol: it was slipped
in to him, as I promised you it should be _by one
of the prison guards, and he is now filing his
way out to fre om.”

‘2 God grant he succeed.” I
“ Now tell me, Kate, your motive for serving
this oung man; ou surer do not love him.
askes the man, wit a suspicion of jealousy.

“ No, and yet I‘have a 11th regard for him;-

(

 

    

  

w A, WVWIW—wm we.”

n.1,,

mammalsut. Mk4 . s k . ,-

The Boy Commander.

 

but to tell you the truth, Alston, I serve him to
confer a favor upon another."

“ And that other, Kate?” ”

The woman walked quicklyto and fro, and
then turning to her companion, laid her hand
upon his shoulder, While she said, in a low
tone:

“ Alston Brooks, when I was a girl of twelve,
and you 3. b3 of fifteen, you told me you loved
me, and ask me when we grew up to man’s
and woman’s estate to be your wife-had I kept
my promise to you I would not now be the.
guilty thing I am; but I was dazzled by the
ascinations of Ringold, and I forsook my old
father in his sorrow and poverty, and went to
the bad, and my act drove you to dissipation,
ay, more, for I know all, Alston, and I blame
myself for your evil career.

“Now, my old father comes to me and asks
me to do him a favor, for he thought that I
could, through my evil associations, do what he

h

s e .

“He told me he would take me back to his
heart. if I would free from prison, where he
had been guujustly sentenced for life, a brave
noble boy, one who saved my life once, and I
promised him I would do all in my power. and I
asked Ringold to aid me; but he was jealous, and
though knowing he could, with his power as a
gambler, get the boy out of prison, he refused;
so I thought of you, and I came to you, Al-
ston.”

“Yes, and I have kept my promise as far as
I could; if he escapes, will do more for him
for your jsake, Kate; but don’t speak of Flash
Ringold to me,‘for I hate him, ”

“And I do too, Alston, and I will keep my
promise made you, for you have a noble heart to
take me as I am, and make me your wife.”

“ But I swear it, Kate, and from this, night I
will cast all evil associations behind me, and, if
your father will take you back to his heart and

once, I will ship on board some privateer and
win a name for myself.”

“ Good, true Alston; but is not that the boat
creeping along yonder under the shadow of the
land?”

“ Yes; you have good eyes, Kate.”

“Oh, t at success may oome to us, for I
would give my life, Alston, to do some not to
win the gratitude of my (poor old father, Whose
life I have wrecked,” an the woman trembled
with emotion, while the man said softly:

“Cheer up, Kate, for, as you see the moon
yonder rising above that pile of misery, leaving

eneath it the sin and wretcheduess within
those stone walls. and sailing up into the bright
blue skies. so will our lives in the future rise,
Pheuix-like, out of the ashes of bitier deeds and
accursed memories, and glide into the paths of
honor and rectitude.”

The woman silently pressed the hand of her
companion, and the two walked to the bank
where a light skiff, with two men in it, arrived
asthe did.

“ A 1 right, boys, we have done all we can, and
he must do his perv-see} is not that his form in
the window nowwthere, where the moonlight
falls on that angle?”

“ Yes: it is unfortunate that his cell is where
the moonlight strikes it, for the guard will be

/

almost certain to see him,” answered one of the . V

men in the boat. '
“ God grant he be not seen; how long was the
re you sent him, Alston?” asked Kate. . -

‘A hundred feet, and his cell is fifty from i

the ground, so he will have a chance to tie knots .
in it every foot, for it is a small line to hold one’s,

weight upon, but I could not risk a lar er bun-. . 

die—see, he has swung himself out 0 his cell
window, and is coming slowly down; now may

good angels protect the brave boy,” and as Al- / 

ston Brooks spoke the eyes of all four were fixed

upon the swinging form, hanging between heav- a

on and earth, and makin a desperate, daring
stroke for freedom from lite-long imprisonment.

CHAPTER X.
A SHOT FOR FREEDOM.

THE object observed by the keen eyes of the
party on the opposite shore, was indeed a hu-’
man form; a prisoner making a. bold efl’ort to
escane. .

As he stood on the sill, and arranged the slen-
dcr cord upon which his hopes were centered, _
his face was turned toward the moonlight, and .
revealed Carl Manners, thou 11 he was re
pale, haggard and a stern, her look had Settled
upon his men h. ’ r

“ It is nine chances toone that the cord breaks
and I fall, and as many more that the sentinel ‘
puts a bullet through me; but it is worth the
risk, for death is preferable to staying here, and
I would risk ten thousand deaths to gain myd’
freedom and avenge the death of my poor mo-o'
ther for he killed her by

“ (3h, curse you, Hugh revor, I will yet hunt
you down.” r

He glanced down the dizz hight, yet with-
out a quiver, for he was a sailor and had a cool
head, and then he looked long and earnestly, out
over the river, and muttered:

“ I wonder who my friends are, that are thus.
aiding me? The guard that brought- me the file
and cord, did not know, or would not tell, but
said they would await me yonder at that old
inn, I have seen in the daytime, and they sent,
me word to make every effort, for I had my
mother’s murderer to track down; well, I might
as well start ” and re-enterin his cell, through
the opening he had made, by lin
bars, he soon returned with a sum bundle hang-
ing at his back, and fearlessly swung himself 01!
into mid-air.

The rope. or rather cord, was very small. but
he had knotted it all thean down, and this on-
abled him to get a tolerabl firm grasp, and slowe
1y he desoended, hand un er hand, until he was
within twenty feet of the ground. '

 

There, upon the sill of the lower tier of cells, ‘ 3

he paused to rest his cramped hands, and-as he. .
did so, he felt himself firmly grasped by‘two
stron arms thrust ’out of the rating. _ '

He new that it was a to] ow prisoner, envi-
ous of his good luck, and determined to prevent
his escape. ‘ ,

“ Hold on, chum, you cannot go unIess you

take me with you.” said a savage voice.

i; "hat is impossible, for I left my files in my ‘ ‘
ce . ' .-
“ Climb back and get them." ' ’

«g I

;
l
,r :
A
i.

 

  
 

   
 

   
  
 

utting me here. ' v -

 

out the iron- , r I ’

   
  

 

 

  
 

 

 

   
   
   
   
   
  
  
   
  
 
 
   
  
  
   

 
    

  

 

 

 

1 ,

  
 

“Thai I cannot do to; my hands   '

 

 

The Boy Commander.

13

 

out now with this small cord; 1111th me,

' please?"

“ No, I’ve been waiting for you, for I saw the
cord come down, being awake, for I have mur«
der on my conscience, and can't sleep much,
but I’ll stop your little game right here, if you
don’t take me with you."

“tell on I cannot; if it were possible, glad—
ly would free you from these walls; but were
. my own freedom to depend on it, I could not

climb ten feet on this cord.”

V 3 “I’ll give the alarm, and hold you until the

V i b guards come,” said the man threateningly.

5’ ~ “ And if you do, I will kill you,” came the de-
’ termined'reply.

* ‘ “ No, you’ve got nothing to kill with; will you
~ 2 r, help me out?”

, ‘ No, for I cannot.”

“Then here oese—help! help! help!”

Loud and s rtling the convict’s voice rung
out into the night air, just as the voice of the
sentinel had rung out in rawling tones:

" Ten o’clock and all’s well 1”

Hurrying feet were heard, loud voices rung
through the corridor, and Carl Manners knew
that he had but one chance for freedom, for the
man’s arms were locked around his legs with a
: r, stren he could not shake ofl’.

r v “ ‘nhand me, or I will kill youl I swear it!”
 _ ‘he said in suppressed tones.

‘g. The convict gave a derisive laugh, and in—

l stantly, swinging by one hand, Carl drew from

, his waist-pocket a pistol with the other and

hoved it into the man’s face.
“Will on release me now?"
“ N01 will die first!”
“ Then die I”
There followed a flash and ringing re rt 9.
shriek and a heavy fall, and the fugitive prisoner
swung himself downward with a rapidity that

‘ blistered his cramped hands.

' But unmindful of the pain he dashed across
the garden. in which he had landed, bounded a
fence, and struck across a low meadow for the
river.

“ Halt!” cried the ringing voice of a guard,
followed by the report of a musket and a bullet

 whistled by Carl’s ear.

. “A‘eonvict is escapin ! To the boats!" call—

ed out another sentine, and then the line of
guards opened fire upon the flying youth, who
was now plain] visible in the moonlight, run-

  

 

   

4*:

 

 

 

 

 

‘  L  \ ning like a frig tened deer for his life, for free-

.  A (10111 lay before him and death behind.

g  ,. I - CHAPTER XI.
,  AIJSTON aaooxs’s CLEVER RUSE.

in 3 I ,WITB beating hearts Alston Brooks and his
, l » companions watched the desending form of the
3f; I prisoner, saw him pause upon the led e of fie

‘ .5 ‘_ ‘ window, and, as he remained longer t n for a

 , , tam or rest, Kate said:
g I ‘* h,w y does he pause now?”

/

“Therope cuts his hands, doubtless; but he
‘ does stop too long—what can it,mean?”
/ “ Ohl what can it mean?” cried the woman,
as the ytuth still clung to the window sill.
. “It means thar’s trouble that,” said one of
the men in the boat.

/'

 

 

“You are right, Tom; there is trouble; he
has been discovered; see how he struggles—
Olil Heaven aid him— Ha—~”

The flash of the pistol brought a startled cry
to the lips of the four, and then, almost a
cheer followed, as, after the report, they saw
the risoner rapidly descend.

“ he prison is aroused; now, my brave boy
you have to run the gantlet of death!” cried
Alston Brooks.

“And he is doing it nobly: see, he cleared
that fence at a bound-there! he is down—no,
no; he merely stumbled, and see how he flies—
oh my brave, noble boy, come onl come on! for
the love of God, comelonl” and Kate clasped
her hands and gazed with straining eyes at the
fugitive, as he bounded toward the river, un-
hurt by the rattling fire poured upon him.

“Oh, those horrid gunsl they will yet kill
him, Alston!” and dropping upon her knees,
with hands raised supplicatingly to Heaven, she
cried in leading tones:

“ Oh, eavenly Fatherl save him, save him,
for he has committed no crime!”

“Ha! he has gained the river, and yonder
come the boat crews out of the prison; now is
our time to act, Kate.”

“ And what would you do, Alston?”

“ .1 cannot now tell you, but I will save him,
while you mount my horse and ride him back
to town; I will return by the boat, and we will
meet to-morrow.”

The man gave a low whistle and the well—
truined animal trotted up to the river-bank,
aud Alston Brooks raised Kate lightly to the
saddle.

“You know where he is to go, Alston?”

“ Yes, I will run him there myself in Bolton’s ‘
yacht. Now, be off.”

“And you will save him, Alston?”

“Ay, if I have to fight the guards, for I
work for you, Kate, and for our future—now,
be oflz‘l”

She kissed her hand to him, and dashed off in
the direction of the lane, while Alston Brooks
sprung into the skiff, and said, merrily:

“ Give way, men!”

Out from the shadows of the tree-lined bank
darted the skiff, and a moment after was speed-
ing toward the brave swimmer, who, with tre—
mendous strokes was making for the other shore,
while the crews of the prison boats were springs
ing in and seizing their oars.

“Hold, sir! you are my prisonerl” cried Al-
ston Brooks, as he drew near.

But Carl was not to be taken easily, and dove
out of sight.

When he reappeared, Alston said, quickly:

“ I am your friend, not your foe; swim
liere.”

As Carl saw that the boat was almost upon
him, he said, gloomil , for he knew that escape
was impossible, and id not believe that Alston
was his friend:

“Kill me, but do not send me back to yonder
prison.“

“ 1 am your friend. i say, and disguised as a
de ctive,” and he called out aloud:

‘ Drag him in, he s!” v

“Now I will hail the guard-boats, and he

, cried: '

 
 

to

l

   
   

The Boy Commander;

 

“ Ho the prison boats!”

u Ay, fly.”

“ I have one of them safe; the others have
reached the shore, so row after them.”

“ Were there more than one?” asked a voice
from the boat.

" Oh, yes; two reached the river before the
alarm. See, they are landing; yonder; if you
pull fast you can catch them.”

“ 1 am Gil Wright the detective," answered
Alston, with uublusliing offrontery, and the
olficer in the leading boat said pleasantly:

" Ah, captain, I recognize you now.”

“ Yes, I should have. told you who I was be-
fore; I am on a little secret expedition up here;
but I have your man safe. and will deliver him
up, for I go to the prison.”

“ I guess I’d better take him, captain, for——"

“Helpl help! help!”

The cry rung out from the old inn, and in a
female voice, and changing his mind the officer
pulled rapidly away, followed by the other boat,
and headed for the shore at the spot the skid?
had left.

“ I told you they had landed, and already they
are in mischief,” ealled out Alston Brooks in a
loud tone, and then he added: ,

“ That was a narrow escape, young man; but
I would have fought before ave you up.

“Yet Kate, noble girl, crie out just in time,
and it was clever in her to think of waiting to
see if you escaped.”

“ She prevented trouble certain,” said one of
the mrsmen.

“ Yes, she sung out just in the nick 0’ time,”

answered the other»
’- “Kate is a noble girl, and you owe her your
life, young man,” and Alston gazed upon the
fearless and handsome face of Carl, who an-
swerel: '

“ And I owe you my life; but who you and
the one you call Kate are, I do not know.”

“ Boys, the guards have landed; now pull with’
a will down the river—that’s the way, make her
fly; new, young man, I’ll ask you it you know
Benjamin Burdickl”

“ One whom we call on Staten Island old Ben
Buntline?” asked Carl.

“ Yes, that is the man.”

“ Yes, I know him; and he has a noble
heart.”

“ Well, Kate is his daughter.”

“ What! Kate Bin-dick has been my friend this
night?” asked Curl. in untei ned surprise.

“ Yes; you saved her li e once, and her old
father came and begged her to help you out;
land’she did it, as you see, with the aid I gave
her. ’

“ Poor Katel” \

“ It was poor Kate, but she’s changed now;
and I guess, young man, she’ll win your respect

 and not your pity in the future; but we’ll not

discuss her new, but yourself, for 1 have orders
to take you to the home of Captain Abram
Ferris.” a

“ At Perth Amboy?”

“Yes; we’ll get a yacht, belonging to,a
friend of mine, when we strike the city, and
We can run you down before daylight. for the
wind is fair; now let me congratulatelyou,
for you are safe now, andin this blindle you’ll

 

find a new rig, for that suit you have onisn't -

becoming. ” -

Carl grasped the outstretched hand, but ut-
tered no word, as he dare not trust himself to
speak, and in a few moments he had discarded
his prison suit, and robed himself in the cloth-
inrr which Kate Burdick had Erovided for him;

In half an hour more, the s
of a trim little sloop yacht, which was soon after
standing down the harbor. and her destination
was the home of the Fair Maid of Perth.

CHAPTER XII.
THE HAUNTED MANSION.

THOUGH the night had be u in calm beauty
it was not long after Alston rooks had reached
the little sloop yacht, with the youth he had so
darlngly released from prison Wall's, before
dark clouds swept over the heavens and the

if! ran alongside

    

'(sw

"'V’VL‘

 

light of the moon was shut out by the rising I V L

storm. '

With the increased wind the little craft
bounded elonglin her fli ht, Alston Brooks hav-
ing given the elm to arl Mannershwho knew
every foot of the harbor of New York and the
surrounding waters.

“We are (going to have a. severe‘storm, sir,
and we con] not beat down to Amboy against
it before day; in fact, if it comes On to blow as
it threatens we dare not run,” said Carl,’g1anc—
ing anxiously around him at the gather-lug

gloom. - l
“ What is to be done then, for I promised to
carry you down to the home of Captain Ferris?’
answered Brooks. '
“I will tell you; do you see yonder
wooded land on Staten Island?” \
Yes, we have to stand in pretty close to:
1 . '
“Well, up in those woods, and back a few
hundred ards from the shore, stands an old-
mansion is at has not been inhabited for years,
not in my recollection, and the people on the
island give it a wide berth, saying it is haunt-
e( .
“Ah, yes, I have heard of it; and “in fact
Seen it, in

Muns1on. ”

“ That’s the place, well, it you are WillingfI I , ”
can land there, for no one will ever come there

to look for me, and you can return to New

York and reach the Battery before the storm _

breaks.”

“ You are a lucky youngster, to go to that ' 7
place; I wouldnt do it for a fortune—~that is,“
alone, for I don’t like the dead," said Alston

Brooks, with a shudder.

“ It is the living, not the dead, I fear; but I, - r

will be safe there. and tomorrow ni ht I will
go on to Amboy for I must not stay 3. out New
Y ~k just now.’

but you must not, for the escape ou made: ‘
to-night will arouse the city, especia y if you i

kill ad that convict.”
“I killed him; it was his life, or my goi

hack inti the prison for life: I warned him thfi  '

I would kill him, and I had to do it. Now I,
will land there,” and Carl ran the yachtclose in
under the land. ' ‘ ‘
l‘ I hate to see
the best you can 0, I guess; but here are a con:

 
 

pm of ‘ ‘

passing by; they call it the Haunted ”

on go to thntlhouse, yet it’s 1' '

 

 

 
 

  
 

 

 

j may come useful.

L i the bank gazing

I up moon

The Boy Commander.

15

 

ple of pistols and a knife for you, and this little
purse may come in handy.”

“ 1 can nevsr repay you, I fear sir, for all
you have done for me; but thank K’ate for me,
and tell her I hope the future will bring her the

 happiness her noble heart deserves.”

1‘. shall, if man’s devotion will bring her
joy. Now here is a little bag of provisions that
Goodby, and may luck at-
tend you.”

Carl ran the yacht close inshore, seized the
hand of Alston Brooks, and with a word each to

the other men, took up his belt of arms and

provisons and sprung on shore.

With a pleasant good-by the men shoved the
hem; off, and away she darted before the rap—
idly rising wind, while Carl Manners stood on
after it and seemin 1y more
anxious about those who had proven his friends
than regarding his own safety.

“They’ll reach New York before the storm
catches them,” he said, after watching the craft
until the gloom hid it from sight, and then he
turned and slowly ascended the hill by a road
that had long been weed-grown and untrod.

A thick undergrowth of brush was springing
the forest trees, that had once been a
park, an the darkness, when in the timber, was
intense; but Carl seemed to know the way. and
after a few minutes’ walk, came out in front of
an old brick mansion, where once had dwelt an
English lord, ’twas said; but who had, a score
of years before, been found dead one morning

r in his bed, along with two servants who slept in

the house with him.
Who were the murderers none ever knew, and
no heir claiming the place, it had gradually

‘ fine to ruin, until the gossips vowed it was

unted, and strange stories were told of ghost-
ly forms seen there at night, by those who had
ever gone near the old placeafter dark.

But nothing denoted by their weird tales, and
seemingly unmindful of the bowling winds and
muttering thunder, Carl Manners boldly ap—
proached the rambling old structure, and ascend—
edthe creaking stairs leading to the piazza.

There he paused, while the wind dashed the

‘yshutters to and fro with angry bang, and whis-

. tled dismally through broken window panes and

 

crevices.

“ Well, this is a dismal placeto live, I’ll admit
-—(yet it is cheerful in comparison to that accursed
ol, prion and I am content; now to find a nook
to rest in, ’ and he tried the door knob, but found
it fast.

Then he turned to a window, shoved up the
sash and stepped within, but to suddenly spring
back on the piazza more quickly than he had

" entered.

The cause of Carl’s sudden retreat was at see-

; ing the flash of a light coming from the hall be-

yond, and hearing a heavy step upon the
cor.

“No, there is no one here: and ct that was
not the flash of lightnin ; I must cautious,”
he whispered, and crouc ieg down close to the
wall he waited a moment, and then throu h the
glass upon either side of the front door, e saw
streams of light pour forth out upon the piazza.

, and dancing about as though held in on unstead y

 

hand.

 

   
   

A moment after the light disappeared, a nick
stop resounded in the room, throucrh the ass of
which Carl had entered and made is rapid exit;
and then a human head and shoulders looked out
into the gloom. _

Crouching close age irst the wall, and with pistol
in hand, Carl Waited, While the one who looked
out upon the darkness, said quickly, in a deep,
angry voice:

“ In the devil’s name, who opened this window;
can any of the men have arrived? No, orI
should have heard them.”

With eager glance he peered into the gloom,
and then lowered the sashand turned away.

Carl drew a long breath, and as he heard the
man walk across the floor, he sprung to the
door and gazed into the window—lights upon
either side, when he saw a large burly indivi-
dunl, with heavy beard and sailor suit, while
in a. belt around his waist were twopistols and
a lon 'knife. ,

Pic ring up the lamp from the steps, the man
ascended the stairway to the floor above, each
step causing a creaking sound that might be
likened to the shrieking of demons.

“ The house is haunted; but not by ghosts: I
must be cautious,” muttered Carl, and he de-
scended from the piazza and soughtahiding-
place beneath in the basement area, where he in-
tended to decide upon some plan to discover the
cause of the man’s presence 1n the old mansion,
and who it was that he was expecting.

Hardly had he taken up his position in the
shadow of the piazza, when he was startled by
hearing voices approaching, and the next mo-
ment three men appeared and ascended the
etc 5.

‘ Give the signal, Pete,” said one inacom—
manding tone, and a long shrill whistle fol-
lowed

“He’ll not hear it for the howling wind,”
said the one who had before spoken; “kick on
the door l”

“ He’ll take that for the hanging of the shut-
ters, captain; ugh, What a dismal place to live
11]

“Then break in that window and we’ll enter!”
said the leader impatiently.
“ And get a shot for our
“You are right; Devil

us—haloo! halool”

The clear voice rung out above the howling of
the winds, and soon after the sound of a. step on
the stairs was heard, and avoice from within
asked:

“ Well, what’s wanted?”

“ O n, Dick, for it is I,” answered theleader.
“ h? captain, it is you; come to the window
and enter, and we’ll go up—stairs,” and the man
raised the sash, while the three visitors sprung
into the room.

“You’ve not been here before to-night‘,’ cap-
tain?”

“ No, we just landed.”

“ That sash was raised awhile since, and I can-
not account for it.”

“ Ah, there’s been no one around, I'll wager,
for they dread this place as they do the devil;
in fact, Devil Dick, you are the only manI know
who would stay here alone.

“ It is a better place than a prison, captain,”

ins?”
ick would fire upon

   
 

   

- - ,2; we. -2 xmamuuame an». new»
i .

rI‘he Boy Commandos“.

w wetvuwm"

 

was the si
cended to t e 11 per floor.

iflcant answer, and the party as-

All that had een said, Carl Manners had dis-
tinctly heard, and confident that some deep plot
of mischief was on hand, be determined to
discover what it was, and once more cautiously
ascended to the piazza and entered the room
through the window, and leaving it up, in case
he should have to beat a hasty retreat.

CHAPTEL XIII.
A PLOT OVERHEARD.

UPON account of the creaking boards and
steps, it was a most daring undertaking in Carl
Manners to attempt to ascend to the upper
story but he was of an utterly fearless nature,
and hearing the voices of the men above, be
slowly, and with extreme caution felt his way
along, crossed the hallway and reached the

rs.

His first etc here caused an unearthly creak-
ing sound, an the voices ceased, and a heavy
step came to the landing above, but after listen-
ing awhile, the man returned, and his words
were distinct] heard by Carl.

“ This old 5 auty has more strange noises in
it on stormy nights than any place I ever struck,
but I never heard those stairs cry out unless
some one trod on them.”

“Nonsense, Devil Dick, it is the wind; just
listen how the storm bowls, and here comes the
rain,” answered the one whom Carl had heard
addressed as captain.

Convinced that he must be more cautious,
Carl got upon the stair—railing, and began to
pull himself slowly up by sheer strength, and
after a severe struggle reached the landing.

A bright stream of 11' ht came out of a door at
one side of the hall, an through this the cour-
ageous youth pooped, to start with surprise, for
seated at a table were the four men, and one of
them was Ned Darrell, the one who had escaped
from the Maid of Perth the night of her capture
by the cutter, while Devil Dick, as he had been
called, Carl recognized as a famous river pirate,
who had been sentenced to death, but had es—
ca .
be cause of their meeting there in that old

haunted mansion, their conversation soon told
to the listener.

“ Well, captain, what luck?” asked Devil Dick,
addressing Ned Darrell.

“ All is well, only I’ve changed my mind about

‘ the schooner.” ,

“You can‘t get a better craft than the Maid
of Perth.”

“ Not a faster one I admit, but one that can
sail like a witch and is edyuipped from keel to
truck; I mean the cutter.

“ The deuce! You don’t mean to say you are

oin to cut out Lieutenant Royal Dean’s cruiser
t 6 ea Wizard?"

I “That is just what I do mean Devil Dick, and
I’ll tell you why: you know Dean ran out a
month ago and captured a British brigantine af-
ter a savage fight, and he won his captaincy for
it, and, as the cutter was badly wounded, Gov-
ernment had her put in perfect order for him,
and she was drawn out into the stream to—dav,

’ and he 'went on board with a dozen men, to
await his crew, which is to be made up from the

\

 

other vessels of the fleet; but it will be a week
before all are on board, and we must strike to‘
morrow night, and at once put to sea throu h
the sound, for I know the cutter’s signals or
passing the forts.”

“ A good plan, captain; but can you get your
men together?” I

“ Yes, for Rodney here will go to work at
daylight collecting men along the docks, and
White says he can get those already shipped in
a few hours."

“ I can easily," answered the man addressed
as White, “ for the lads will be more anxious to
go on an armed craft than on one we had to
arm, as we would have had to do with the Maid.”

“Yes, and I believe Hugh Trevor has some
arrangement with Government to let him take
Ferris’s schooner; so now, Devil Dick, can you
get your Staten Island crew ready?”

“ Oh yes, captain, and I am to be first lieuten—
ant, am I?”

“Yes, and Rodney and White my other two
officers, and if we do not make a fortune it will
be our own fault.”

“ Have you got your flag yet?”

“ Yes, and it is su gestive, for it is black, with
a red gallows and w ite skeleton form suspend—
ed; do you fear toserve under it?”

“ I fear nothing except a prison cell, Captain

Darrell.”

“So I should think, when you dwell in this
place all alone; great God! it sounds as though
fiends incarnate were having a revel below

stairs; but you understand, we will meet at mid-f

night with our respective crews, at the cove a

uarter of a mile from here, and run down to
t e'cutter, which Dean has anchored oil? the
Keel and Anchor Inn, for he’s dead in love with
Clarette Manners, the sister of that accursed
convict who betrayed old Ferris and myse ."

"Well, you are even with him, for he’s in for
life at Blackwell; how many men do you take?”

“Eighty, and more if I can get them; but if
there is not a still? breeze blowing, I won’t at-
tempt it to—morrow night; now we must be
off——7

Carl Manners Waited to hear no more, but slid
down the baluster rapidly, crossed the hall and
room and sprun out upon the piazza, closing
the sash down he ind him.

It was raining hard, and the storm roared
through the forest, but unheeding the fury of
the elements he set of! at a rapid pace through

the woods, going in the direction of a highway ‘

which he knew ledto the inn of the Keel and
Anchor. ’ -

CHAPTER XIV.
A MIDNIGHT VISITOR.

 

RECKLESSLY trigging at her cables. and with

the wind whistling furiously through her rigging
the Sea Wizard lay at anchor, the eighth of a
mile off the shore, and nearly opposite the Keel
and Anchor Inn.

Her commander. Captain Royal Dean. had

retired to his comfortable cabin. and with his f ‘
Lieutenant Mart Murdock and a couple of '1

midshipmen. was indulging in a game of whist,
f or the night had been foo inclement for him to
venture ashore on a visit to the inn, where
ll "'olt the fair Claretfe Manners,

  

since the death

 

 

s a

& ,.,_‘

'_ '1:- 3
to!  "

 

  
  

 

v. ..

 

 

 

 

 

The Boy Commandera I?

 

of lcr mother, for the old colonel and his
daughter Agnes had felt the deepest compassion
for the orphan girl since the grief that had fall-

’ en upon her in the death of Mrs. Manners, and

(he incarceration of Carl.

The few seamen on board the cutter had gone
below and turned in, excepting the watch, and
they were hugging the high bulwarks to escape
the pelting storm, and the forecastlo Watch was
lmlf-aslce , when he was awakened by a tap on
the shoul er.

- Starting suddenly, he discovered a dripping
form bg his side, and a deep voice asked:

“ Is aptain Dean on board?”

“ First tell me how you got on board?” asked
the surprised watch, his hand upon his cutlass.

“ Over the bows, and by aid of the forechains;
if you do not keep better watch, it will not be
well for you; but I would see your captain.”

“ He don’t want to see you.’

‘.‘ That we will soon see, and if you do not keep
a. more civil tongue, I will tell him I surprised

_ you asleep.”

0

62;“ 

“ No, lad, don’t do that; I hailed you just as
you came near; of course you can see the cap—
tain, for your business must be important, or
you wouldn’tihave swam out to the cutter, for I
see no heat; come this way, and don’t tell the
ca tain.”

9 led the way aft and reported to the middy
who had charge of the deck:

“ This man wants to see the captain, sir.”

“ Ha! when and how did you come on board,
sir?" asked the midshipman, in a pompous tone.

f‘ I swam out, sir, and boarded over the bows
two minutes ago; can I see Captain Dean?“

. “I guess so,” and opening the cabin compan-
ionway, while he still kept his eyes fixed upon the
stranger, whose hat was drawn down and collar
turned up to hide his face, he said:

“ Captain Dean, there is a man here to see

w you. sir.’

“ Send him in, Caruthers,” came the answer,
and the visitor stepped down into the cabin,
but seeing others present, held his head down

I and said:

“ My business is private, sir, and to you alone
can I communicate it." I

“ Ahl gentlemen, I Wlll have to ask to be
alone, please,” and the officers arose and passed
from the cabin into the ward-room.

“ Now, sir,” and Royal Dean turned his pierc-
ing eyes upon the man before him.

“ Do you recognize me. Captain Dean?" and
the head was raised. the dripping hat removed,

and collar thrown back.

“ Great heavens] you are Carl Manners!” ex-
claimed Royal Dean, in surprise.

“I am, sir.”

“ I thought you were in prison.”

‘ “I was until four hours ago, Captain Dean,
but I escaped, and—”

"‘ Escaped? and came here to me. Manners,
though you knew my duty as an officer must
compel me to turn you overto the prison author-
ities again? Oh. Carl, why did you force this sad
duty upon'me?” ~

“Captain Dean, I acted in this case, as I did

‘ 611cc before: to serve my country, and sink my-

‘ .. self in the act.

5‘ Then I suffered, oh, how deeply, but to-nigh’r

/;

 

 

I escaped from behind those wretched ,rison
walls, and yet, in making my escape, was orced
to take the life of a fellow convict.”

“Oh, Carll Carl 1”

“I am telling you the truth, sir; be tried to
hold my freedom from me because I could not
aid him, and, though I warned him, he disre-
garded m warning, and I shot him; but it is not
of myscl that I would speak, but of you, and
that which concerns you; but first tell me of my
sister Claret ."

“ She is well, or was this morning; you know
that your oor mother died of a. broken heart!”

“Yes, I now all: but thank God Clarette is
well; and she is at the Keel and Anchor?”

“ Yes; your old home is closed up.”

“ AM how I longed to see Claretto, as I came
by the inn; but I dared not, but hastened on
here. ’

“ And how did you reach the cutter?” ’

“I swam out, for I could find no boat on the
shore.”

“ And why did you come here, Carl, for you
ligve’ put upon me the most painful duty of my
I e.

“ I came, sir, to tell you of a plot to seize your
vessel."

“ What! a plot to seize this craft?” asked
Royal Dean in surprise.

‘ Yes, sir: where I discovered it, I will not
tell; but after escapingI from prison I sought
refuge in a. house where heard four men plot to
take your craft tomorrow night.

“ As I heard it, they had intended seizing the
Maid of Perth, but the leader changed his mind,
when he learned that the cutter had just been
repaired and fully equipped,u and had only a
dozen men on board of her.”

“ That is true; myself, Lieutenant Murdock,
three midshipmen and ten men are all on board;
but during the next few days we are to get our
full complement; but continue with your story.”

“ W01], sir, the leader is. Ned arrell, who
you remember escaped the night we chased the
Maid of Perth.”

“Yes, I remember him, and I remember too
that your service that ni ht should have cleared
you at your trial; but revor’s money bought
the jpry, though I did all that I could to save

on

“ I know that well, Captain Dean; but I was
sacrificed to the gold of the Trevors; but I have
come again to serve you, for at midnight, if
there is a good breeze to-morrow night, eighty
men are to board the cutter. seize her, and run
out to sea by the way of Hell Gate and the
Sound, and when you know that Devil Dick, the
escaped convict, is second in command to Ned
Darrell. you may feel how desperate will be the
attempt.” v ‘ .

“ Foolsl the forts will not let them pass With-
out the signals.” , ‘

“Darrell claims to know the Signals, and
with their numbers, and your small crew, they
could easily take the cutter without attracting
attention.” I

“They could indeed, I frankly admit; but
forewarned is forearmed, and through you I will
be able to meet them, for I will mail the cutter
to-morrow.” . '
“May I suggest, sir, that you give them the,

I !

    

 

 

  

is

 

The Boy Commander.

 

 

surprise they intend for you; by sending to the
fort to—night, you could get a hundred men on
board the cutter by dawn, for to-morrow you
will doubtless be watched: but taken b sur-
prise on could capture the whole ban , and
when {tell you that the intention of Ned Dar-
rell is to raise the pirate flag, you may know
that it is best to have such men where they can
do no harm.”

“You are right, Carl; I will send Murdock
at once to the fort, and—but do not let him, or
any one else see you, for I will not be the man
to ive you up; there, go into my state-room.”

e threw open the door and Carl entered.
while Lieutenant Murdock came into the cabin,
in answer to a call from his captain.

“ Mart, I have received important news of an
intended seizure of the cutter to—morrow night,
and as I wish to get a crew on board to meet
them, and not have it known they are here, I
wish you to go to the fort, represent to the com-
mandant the situation, and ask to have seventy-
flve or eighty men return with you. Take the
two cutters and the gig, with men enough to
row them, and let not a word escape you as to
the cause."

“Ay, ay, sir,” and ten minutes after three
boats pulled silently away from the cutter, and
headed toward the fort.

CHAPTER XV.
ON THE FUGITIVE’S TRACK.

“AGNES, I wish I was a man,” and Clarette

Manners looked lougingfi out from her com-

, fortable room upon the rbor, the Long Island
shore beyond, and the rakish'looking American
cruiser lyin at andhor a few cables’ length from
the Keel an Anchor Inn

“ Why, Clarette?” asked Agnes Benedict,
"who sat also by the window, engaged in sew-
1112.

“ Because I would free Carl from that hate-
ful prison if it cost mo my life,” said the beauti—
tul girl, determinedly.

“ Ah, 018 that were an impossible thing to
do; but still women have done as daring deeds
as men, and—"

“And what, Agnes?"

“ And I believe if 'we set our heads to work
we could get Carl free.” ,

“ Oh, Agnes!”

“ It is true, I do believe we could, and I would
give my right hand torelease him, for I saw him
strike Talbot Trevor down, and the blow was
given in self—defense, and not meant to kill,_ and
the money of the ’l‘revors only sent him to risen,
so I would like to get him out, even if I ad no
interest in him, only to make Hugh Trevor
tremble for he fears Carl.”

“ Carl has a‘ noble nature, Agnes; but if he
were free he would hunt down Hugh Trevor;
but see, there is a police boat landing. ”

The boat to which Clarette referred touched
the shore, and three men in the uniform of city
guardians of the peace, sprung ashore and ap-
proached the inn.,

“ Well, gentlemen, walk upon the iazza and

r have a mug of my own brewin , or it isn’t
g , often I ‘Bee you on the island,” said olonel Bene-
 dict, in his hos itable way, and his words were

' distinctly, hear by the two maidens at the win-

 

zu,

 

 

dow, as was also the rep]
charge of the party, who sai :

“Thank you, colonel; we will wash the salt
air out of our throats; but have you seen any—
thing of an escaped convict, whom you know
well, and who is none other than Carl Manners,
who lived near ht-reabout?”

“ Curl Manners escaped?”

The words came from the lips of Colonel Bene—
dict, but they were echoed by the two maidens,

while in the tone of all three there was secret-

exultation.

“ Yes, he made a daring escape from Black-
well’s Island last night, for you know he was
put there in the new prison, and he killed a fol-
low convict in [getting out, and run the gentlet
of half a bun red shots and reached the river,
where a man, disguised as Gil Wri ht the detec-
give, Ctlfcxerly played it on the gua s and carried

1m 0 .

“ Gentlemen, I am really glad the boy got
away, for his trial was a farce, and his convic—
tion a cruel crime.” I

“ He wasn’t dealt fairly with, all admit, col-
onel“ but he was sentenced, and has escaped,
besides killing a convict in making that escape,
and our duty is to hunt him down; haven’t seen
anything of him in these arts, I judge?”

“ No indeed; he’d be a 001 to come here; but
I hope you won't find him, for I like the boy;
but here is your ale, and here comes another
friend of the boy’s." ‘

The new-comer was old Ben Burdick, or Bunt-
line as he was called on the island, and in
breathless suspense the two girls listened to hear
more, a fervent prayer upon their lips that Carl
would not be taken.

“ Ah, old man; haven’t seen Carl Manners,

around have you?" asked the officer, enjoymg
the cool piazza of the inn, and a glass of foam—
ing ale, more than looking fora fugitive from
justice.

“ I see no joke in poking fun at an unfortunate
boy who is under life-sentence,” was the surly
reply of Ben Buntline, as he took a seat and 'or—
dered a glass of the cool beverage.

“ He’s emigrated from prison, old man.”

“ Gone! escaped! Carl Manners free!” cried,
the old fisherman, springin
dashing down the mug of ac, smashing it to
atoms. ,

“ He’s out, I tell you.”

“Thank God for that news; well, I suppose
you are looking for him; trying like the honest
ofllcers of the law you try to believe yourselves,
to catch him, and then earn a little ‘blood-
money.” V

“ We are doing our duty, sir,” answered the
chief}, gighlan era t d

o epte uy,whenitisto raga 1‘
boy back to prison, and I say, thank Godimde

‘hasescaped; but fill up the glasses, colonel, and

we’ll drink to the boy’s freedom." and Ben Bunt—
line laughed heartily, while he cast trium hant
glances at the officers, who were rising to apart
when one of them remarked: I

of the ofiicer in 4. '.

to his feet, and,

     
 

. i?
x;
n
3.



‘ Q's: :.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“ We won’t have to go, out to the cutter, for > ,, I

there comes a boat ashore. ” ,
Agnes Benedict and Clarette Manners saw the
boat also, and the former remarked: ‘

“There is Captain Dean in the stern sheets,

  

  
 

.ifl‘

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.

, glanced upon the stranger,

 

Cla, and an officer I do not recognize; but just
to think that what we were speaking of has come
to pass.”

‘ Yes, Carl has escaped; but oh, how terrible
to think he had to take human life againimy

koor, poor brother, how cruel is fate to him;
at where can he have gone, Agnes, and who

can have been his friends?”

' “,I do not imagine who; but while we were

thinking they were working; but see, the cap-

tainnand his companion are coming up to the

inn.

The two officers, one of them Royal Dean, the
other a tall, well-formed man in lieutenant’s uni—
form, and with a heavy beard hiding his face,
approached the inn, when the police arose and

' saluted the leader, saying:

“Captain Dean, I was ordered to report to
you, sir, that the convict, Carl Manners, who
murdered Mr. Talbot Trevor—3’

“ Hold, sirl Mr. Manners did not murder Mr.
Talbot Trevor; he struck a blow in self defense,
and Mr. Trevor’s soft head could not stand it;
but poor Manners had to suffer for it though,”

‘ and Royal Dean spoke sternly, which caused the

officer to say.

. “ He seemstohave many friends in these parts,
511'; butI have to report that he escaped last
night, and in doing so, killed a comrade in prison
who tried to check his flight. ”

“ Well, sir?”

“They want you to be good enough to keep a
sharp lookout for him. sir.”

“Tell your chief that I am not under his
orders, nor do I intend to do his work; but you
,are merely discharging your duties, so, colonel,

ive them a glass at my expense,” and R0 81

can entered the tap-room, accompanied by is
brother officer.

“ Bessie,” he said to the pretty bar-maid:
“kindly ask Miss Manners if I can come up to
the second parlor and bring a friend l”

“Yes. Captain Dean, come right up, for I
saw you coming and ran down to meet-you,”
said Agnes Benedict, opening the hall door.

"My friend, Lieutenant Carleton, Miss Bene-
dict,” said Royal Dean, and the maiden greeted
the officer pleasantly. and led the way to the
sitting-room that overlooked the bay.

The next moment they entered the pleasant
room, and Clarctte. with a blush, arose to greet
them, and in her dress of deep mourning, she
looked as beautiful as an angel, in the eyes of
Royal Dean.

“ I saw you with my glass and concluded I’d
pull ashore on a visit, young ladies, especially
as I was anxious that you should meet my
friend, Lieutenant Carleton,” said the captain,
and his eyes were fastened upon Clarette, who
gave a slight,
startled cry, and springing to the door closed
and locked it, when she rushed up to the sup—
posed lieutenant and threw herself in his arms,
sobbing forth:

“ Carl! Carl! my poor, poor brother.”

\

 

CHAPTER XVI.
'rnn PLOT RIPENS.

.4“ AH, Carll have you dared come here when
the ofllcers or the law are now looking for you?”

 

The Boy Commander.

 

   
  

i9

asked Agnes Benedict, when the greeting be-

tween the brother and sister was over, for, in

ipite of his disguise Clarettc had recognized
1m.

“It is my fault that he is here, Miss Agnes,
and, as far as I can, I will explain why, for he
boarded my vessel last night to make known a
desperate attempt, he had accidentally learned
of, to turn the Sea Wizard into a irate, and of
course I will not betray him; but Ewished him
to see Miss Clarette and ourself before he
leaves, for I have advised ‘arl to go to Balti-
more and ship on some privateer, and conse—
quently I disguised him in my old lieutenant’s
uniform, and a false heard I got to wear at a
mask ball some time ago; you have keen eyes,
Miss Clarettc. to recognize your brother, as he
now appears."

“ God grant no one else may do it; but, Carl,
Carl, how was it that you had to stain our
hands to escape—must Death ever follow w ere
you go?” asked Clarette, deeply moved.

“ I will tell you all, and I do not think you
can really blame me; for oh! what did I not
suffer in those gloomy walls," and Carl told the
whole story of his escape.

“ But who were your noble friends, Carl’sm

“That I cannot tell, sister Ola, for it would
not be just to them.”

“ To think that others aided you, While I re-
mained inactive here; but you must not stay
around here now or you will assuredl be
taken, and I will aid you to do as Captain ean
says that is, go to Baltimore.”

“ o, Ola, you must do nothing, for you will
be closely watched, as it will be expected that I
will try to fee you.

“I have a place to go, and to—morrow night I
will leave the Island and start on my way, and,
if I cannot win a name during the war, that,
will take the stain now rating on me 011', I am
very much mistaken, for, though the world
may believe me guilty, at heart I am innocent
of all crime.” ‘

“You are indeed, Carl, and when you are
gone. I will see that your name does not suffer,"
said Royal Dean, and calling to Agnes, he left
the room, leaving the brother and sister to-
gether. ,

For half an hour Carl was with Clarette, a
half-hour that seemed but a minute to them, for
they talked of their dead mother, the past and ,
their hopes for the future; then Captain can
and Agnes entered the room, farewells were
spoken, and the cutter-’3 commander and his
supposed lieutenant departed from the inn,
leaving the city oflicers still discussing the best
way to go about the capture of the daring
young convict who had so c everly escaped from

rison.

p Entering their boat, Royal Dean and Carl re~
turned on board the cutter, when the latter
again retired to the privacy of the state-room,
and the farmer paced to and [re the quarter-
deck, his eyes often taming n n the wmdow
in the inn, where sat Clarette anners, whom
the young officer was compelled to admit had
stolen his heart wholly out of his own keeplng.

At last the twilight shadows fell upon the
waters, and shut out the shore from distinct
View; buta light shonein the window of the

EL /..  I. .

  

 

 

 

 

  

' ‘20

_ amen in them?”

   

inn, and ere long the moon arose and shed a
bright light over the waters.

As the time wore on Captain Dean descended
to his cabin, and said simply:

“ Come! it is now ton o’clock, and a stiff
breeze has sprung up with the moon; put on
your dis uise, and here are arms.”

Carl annex-s came out of the state-room,
wearing the same disguise he had gone ashore in,
and buckling on a belt with a con 1e of pistols
and a sword attached, he said simp y:

“ 1 am ready, sir.”

The two then ascended to the deck, and
calling to Lieutenant Murdock, Royal Dean
sax, :

“ Mart, get the men on deck now.”

“ Ay, ay, sir and the lieutenant gave a few
low orders to the midshipmen. and out of the
ward-room and steerage, one by one, came hu—

’man forms.

Slowly, guietl they came on deck, all well
armed an lay own in rows under the shadow
of the hulwarks, presenting a strange sight in-

' deed, for an observer would at a casual glance

have believed them to be dead.

And up into the heavens sailed the full moon,
and the rising breeze caused the vessel to tug
impatiently at her anchor, as though impatient
to spread her white wings and fly away from

, the danger that threatened her.

And crouching back in the shadow of the
quarter—deck was Royal Dean and his officers,
talkinor in low tones; but none of them knowin
who the strange lieutenant was, for they ha
not seen his face, and believed him to be what
their captain represented, simply Lieutenant

I ' Carleton, who had come on board to warn them

of the danger of an attack, which he had ac—
cidentally discovered.

Forward, one man was visible on duty, and
purposely pacing the quarter—deck was a young
midshipman'; to a passing vessel or boat, these
were the only signs of life upon the cruiser; and
yet how formidable were those rows of silent

,men all resting upon their arms and waiting

the dread moment of combat, that must usher

,. —' acme into eternity, yet all willing torisk their
.lives, and die if need be, in the good cause of

their country.
“ There is a boat visible, sir, coming aboard,”
said the midshipman in a low tone, turning his

glass upon the object descried. and which was '

co-.nir;1;,r slow] toward the cutter.
“ Av, ay, airfax; watch for others.”
“ Here they are, sir; four of them. and they

‘ come on with regular man-of-war stroke, and

without trying to disguise their intention," re-
sumed the middy. ~

“ They are up to some trick; keep your eye
on them, Fairfax, and report,” answered Royal

can.
Proud of the duties devolvin upon him,.the
midshipman continued to w'atc the approach-
ing boats. the regular stroke of whose oars could
now be distinctly heard by all on deck.
“They are coming two abreast. and heading

 ' for the stern, as though they were going to boa
I on each quarter, sir."

“All right. Can you see if there are many

 

“Yes, sir; they are crowded, and there’s a

The Boy Coml'nandel‘.

  

 

uniform among them here and there, while the

men look like regulars.” ,
“Now hail, Fairfax,” said Reyal Dean, in a

low tone, as the boats drew nearer. '

Instantly the shrill voice of the young middy I

arose clear and distinct:

“ Boats ahoyl”

“ Ahoy! the Sea Wizard l” came back in a
man] , ringing voice.

“ hat boats are those?” sung out the middy.

“ We are from the flag~ship; the admiral has

work at once for the cutier to do, and has sent
a crew aboard with orders for Captain Dean,”
came in the same clear tones.

“Heavens! can that be true? Ask him who
is in command,” quickly called out Royal

can.

“Who brings these orders to Captain Dean?"
promptly asked the middy.

“ I am Lieutenant Worden," was the reply.

“ That is not \Vorden’s voice: bid them come

alongside, Fairfax,” and in a low, distinct tone,

Royal Dean continued:

“ Stand ready, alll Await my orders.”

“ Ay, ay, sir; come alongsidel” called out
Brete Fairfax, and the oars of the four boats
fell simultaneous] into the water, at the stern
commandvof an o cer: '

“ Give way, menl”

“Those crews are well trained; but we will
soon know what they are," said Royal Dean, as
the boats once more resumed their course toward

the cutter; then he added, in a low tone, but =

which was heard by every man on deck:
“ Ready, all! when I command, then fire!"

 

CHAPTER XVII.
run ATTACK.

DEEPLY agitated by her unexgected inter-
view with hor brother, and mos anxious re-’
garding his fate, Clarette Manners sat in her
room window long after his departure, her eyes
fastened upon the cutter, where the well-known
form of Royal Dean was distinctly visible.

Declining to go down to sup r, she still re‘
mained at her post until long a ter dark, when,

Agnes, having attended to the household duties '

devolving upon her, came and joined her at the
window, sayin kindly: '
“Don’t be b no, Cla, for it is a joy to, know

that Carl has escaped, and he will come out all -
I

ri ht.”
23‘ He has not yet gotten out of harm’s we. ,

Agnes, but [trust he may; but look, how beau i— ,
ful the night is, and who would think yonder '

little vessel could be so terrible in battle, as she
has pr‘oven herself."

“The Sea Wizard is a. gallant commander,
Clarette, and one who I think is very deeply in

love with a young friend of mine, even if she is  '

not yet seventeen.” r
f“ ansh , Agnes; he would never love the sister
O ——<) — ‘

“ For shame, Clarette, for you were going to i

say that fearful word, convict; but Car], is not

guilty, and cruel circumstances made him What ‘

he is, and placed that shame upon him; but be
Carl Manners'what he may, Captain  51,
Dean is too noble a man to v_isit.the”‘ins‘o¥a

\

  

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

;~,0IM~H**»£~ "‘2

   

 

 

«

  

  

 

The Boy Commander.

21

 

brother upon a sister, and I tell you he warships
the ound on Walk on.”

“ t woul make me happy tothink so, Agnes,
I frankly admit; but see, are not those boats
moving along the shore?"

“Yes, there are four of them, and they are
crossing the bay to the Long Island shore:
where can they be coming from?”

” See, now that they have half crossed, they

/ have turned and are standing toward the cut—

ter, as though they had come down from the
city; you don’t think they can meditate evil,
do you, Agnes?”

‘ I he not; but there is a good watch on the
cutter, larette.”

“ Yet only a dozen men, for the crew has not
yet been sent on board—seel they have ceased
rowing, and I heard a hail from the Sea Wizardl
and there is an answer.”

"For a moment the maidens listened in silence,
and then Clarette said:

“They move on again; thank Heaven all is
right: but I wonder if the cutter is ordered sud—
denl away."

“ 11, God! what can that mean?”

The cry burst from the lips of Agnes Bene-
dict, and it was no wonder that what she saw
wrung from her the startled question, for sud—
den] , out upon the waters flashes of red fire
enve oped the cutter, and then came the loud
roar o firearms, the rattle of musketry, clash of
steel meeting steel, and shouts and curses of
combatants.

Dropping upon their knees before the window,
with c ed hands and straining eyes they
watched t e fierce combat, while along the shore
shouts of alarm were heard, lights flashed in the
village houses, and men came rushing toward
the inn.

“ Oh, father! What does it mean?” cried Agnes,

v as she beheld her father, half-dressed, appear
,upon the piazza.

“ It must be a. mutiny on board the cutter;
come, men, letus go out and aid that gallant
boy Royal Dean,” cried the old colonel, with en—
thusiasm.

“ That’s no mutiny, colonel, for there are two
hundred men inthat fight, and the cutter hadn't
a score on board,” cried a villager.

“ It’s the British, I guess, run in in their boats
to cut the cruiser out, ’ cried old Ben Buntline,
 had just come up from his cabin under the

1 .

“ No matter what it is, we ought to go out to
the aid of the captain; come, lads, arm our-
selves, and follow me," called out Colonel ene-
dict. and rushing into the tap-room he soon re
turned with a musket and long cutless.

“ Hold on, colonel, for the fighting’s over; see,
the boats are driven elf! Give the gallant cut-
termen a. cheer,” called out Ben Buntline, and
the belt-dressed group about the inn gave a

' rousing hurrah, in which both Clarette and

Agnes joined, for they saw, as had the others,
that the attacking party had been beaten off.
“They are going to the Narrows; but they

' came the other way,” said Agnes.

“ They must be the British, and they doubtless

, name entirely around the Island; but see, Agnes,

there are but three boats, and there were four——
hark! There goes a heavy gun.”

\

   

 

'As Clarette spoke the hows of the Sea Wizard
were lighted up, and the deep boom of a heavy
gun startled the surrounding country.

And again and again came the deep tones, un-
til the third shot was followed by a terrific crash
and loud cries. »

“They have struck one of the boats; see, it
goes down, and the others do not stay to pick
them up; ohl how inhuman is man to his fel ow-
man,” cried Clarette, while Agnes said:

“They are flying for their own lives, and how
fast they row; there, that point of land hides
them from our view, but the cutter still fires up-
on them, and they cannot escape.”

“ Clarence, let us ask your father to go on
board the cutter, for I wish to know if Carl, or
Captain Dean are injured; do you not remember
now that Captain Dean said Carl lied come on
board to warn him of an attack, but I believed
it had been averted.” -

“Yes, and so did I; but this then was it, and
I do hope they are all safe, for there has been
bloody work yonder to—night—oh, father l” she
called out.

“ Well, child, what is it?"

“ Are you going on board the Wizard?”

“ Yes; I wanted to go before, but old Ben
Buntline was the only one I could get to go with
me, for these villagers are great talkers, but poor
fighters,” and with this sling at his patrons, who
knowing they deserved it kept silent, the old man
walked to the beach, accompanied by the old
fisherman, and peremptorin declining the assist-
ance of others, who, now that the danger was
ovrr, had a morbid curiosity to go on board and
look at the dead and wounded.

As the skiff shoved off from the inn dock with
the two old men, two boats darted away from
the cutter’s side in pursuit of the pirates who had
been so handsomely driven off in their daring
attack upon a cruiser almost under the very
guns of the forts, and within a league of half a
score of vessels-of—war.

“ See, Clarette.'they are picking up the men
from the sunken boat; and now they press on
once more in pursuit; but we will soon know
all, for father has nearly reached the cutter,”
and the two maidens still kept up their watch-
ing and waiting, yet dreading to hear sad tid~
mgs.

 

CHAPTER XVIII.
A STRANGE MEETING.

THE attack upon the cutter, described as wit-
nessed by those from the shore, roved, as the
reader has seen, unsuccessful, t iough it was
only after the most desperate resistance that Ned
Darrell was driven back to his boats, and then
only after the loss of the two officers known as
White and RodneB, and the wounding, though
sli htly, of Devil ick and himself. '

ne third of his men he left dead or wounded
upon the cutter’s docks, and finding that he had
been surprised, instead of surprising, as he had
expected to, the Sea 'Wizard, he gave the order
to retreat to the boats.

Though pressed hard, and with every eflort
made to capture him, Ned Darrell, with a cour-
age worthy an honorable cause, got his men into
the boats and shoved 0R, tor he realized the

     

k

  

\

 

 

The Boy Commander.

 

madness of trying to take the vessel with more
men to fight than he had with him.

As they pulled away, a volley followed them,
and the Royal Dean gave orders to pursue at
once in the boats; but the men on board were
soldiers from the fort, not sailors, and it was
some time before they could launch a boat, and
get into the one left by the pirates.

“ Oh, if I had had a crew of seamen on board
not one of those devils should escape,” cried
Royal Dean to Carl Manners, who through all
had won the admiration of both officers and
men.

“ They did not seem at home, sir, aboard ship:
but they fought bravely, and saved the cutter,”
answered Carl.

" Yes, but you saved the cutter, Manners, and
I owe you a life—long gratitude; hurry up there,
men, or those fellows will reach the Narrows

fore you get off—«forward there!"

“Ay, ay, sir," answered the shrill voice of
Brete Fairfax.

“Turn that bow gun upon those boats and
sink them.”

“AY, ay, sir," came in the middy’s cheery
tones, and soon after the cutter trembled under
the discharge of the heavy gun.

"Bravo, Fairfax! you’ve sent one down to
the bottom; now, Murdock, pull after those pi—

' rates!"

“ Shall I go in the boats, sir?" asked Carl.

“ N o, Manners, it is best for you to remain on
board, and to-morrow night you can leave; now
go into the cabin, for I notice a boat coming'out
from the shore, and some of those officers may
be along, and I don‘t wish you to take any
chances, notwithstanding your good disguise.”

Royal Dean grasped the hand of the youth as
he spoke, and while Carl entered the cabin, he
hailed the approaching boat.

“ Boat ahoyi" ‘

“ Ho the Sea Wizard; can we comeon board?”

“Ay, ay, colonel, and glad to see you,” an-
swered Royal Dean, recognizing the voice of the
old landlord.

“ Well, you’ve had a red time of it here,”
said the colonel, as he crossed the gaugway.

“ Indeed we have, for I’ve lost a dozen brave
fellows and twice as many wounded: but we
saved t e ship and punished the pirates badly l”

“ Pirates! pirates! Captain Dean?”

“Ay, pirates, for such they were, and intend-
ed seizin the cutter and running her to sea un-
der the b ack flag.”

“ This is marvelous; but I am glad you are
not wounded, captain; but what about your
oflicersl”

“ Midshipman Field was killed I regret to
say, and an officer from the fort bed] y wound-
ed; but we must expect such a fate; but, give
my regards to the youn ladies, please, and say
that t iel‘r friends are sa 0.” \

The colonel promised to do so, and after plac-
ing his inn at the disposal of Royal Dean. for tho
woun'lei, if he cared to send them ashore, he re-
turned homeward, where a large crowd eagerly
awaited them. ,

. But the old landlord was out of sorts with the
villagers on account of their tardiness in volun-
teering teego with him to the cutter‘s aid, and
be We in a surly tone: - ;

   

   

“The cutter was attacked by pirates, and
beat them off handsomely; but she might have
been taken had she depended upon the patriots
ashore here to aid her crew; there were many
killed, more wounded, and it’s to be hoped the
pirates will be hanged: come, Ben, let us go up
and take a little something warm, in honor of
Captain Dean," and the colonel led the way into
the tap—room. where Bessie, who had been
aroused, was dispensing “something warm ” to
thirsty villagers.

Dashing ofi‘ his drink, to the health of the out
tcr’s commander and crew, old Ben started to
his lonely home beyond the bill.

It was a neat little cottage, surrounded by 'a
garden, and could have been made a most com—
fortable and pretty home under the refining in-
fluence of a woman’s )resence; but since his
daughter had deserted im some years before,

the oil man had had no heart to keep the place ,

in repair. “It will outlast me,” he was wont
to say, “ and when I'm gone, I don’t care what
becomes of it.”

As he now approached the place, following
the curving bone from thoinn, he saw two
forms standing by the little gate, and their
voices distinctly reached his ears.

Instantly he sprung to the shadow of a. clump
of. trees near by, and every word uttered by
the two sunk deep into his heart.

“I tell you, Alston Brooks,I have tracked
you here, for I know that Kate left me for you,”
said one in an angry tone.

“And I admit it, Flash Ringold; she left the
man that had wrecked her life, and who had
never kept his sworn word to make her his
wife, but who had dragged her still dee .1-
down in the mire of sin to come back to or
girlhood love—430 me, who had
through all.”

“ And she is here now?” '

“ No. but she is under my protection." ,
to“ Bah! let me see her, and she will come back

me.

“ Oh no, my fancy gambler, the darkness has i

been raised from her eyes. and she hates you,
and will never return to you.” .

“And you lie, Alston Brooks, for if I am a
gambler, I am not, like you, a convict."

“Hold! Flash Ringold; I went to prison, I“

admit but before Gpd, I was innocent of the
charge of forgery ’aguinst me, and upon his
death—bed the man confessed that he was guilty,
and laid the charge against me. '

“ You know that I was pardoned out of pris-
on; but alas! my heart was crushed for good.
and I went in the downward path to the

devil; but now I am a reformed mam/and I tc‘l I

you,'incarnate fiend that I know you to be, tho
woman you seek is now my wife ”
“ Liar again,” hissed the gambler.

“1 swear it; Kate Burdiok married me this i

very night, and I came down here in yonder
boat to see her old father, and ask him if he will
receive her into his heart once more, and you,
Flush Ringold. I warn never to cross her path
or mine again."

“ Alston Brooks, I came here to-ni ht tose‘ek

Kate Burdick, and I tell you frank y.,be she

 

your wife or not, she shall. return to me,”

loved her ,  H

 

 

t '1

 

 

 

    

   

 

 

rswm-w- w»-.; '1: .

 

.9551}, kw."

 

 

  

 

The Boy Commander.

28

 

“ Beware, Ringold, for I am a desperate
man.”

“ VVhatl do you threaten me?”

“ Ay, I threaten you, and I warn you."

“ You will not give her up then?”

“ Never!"

“ Do you love her enough to fight for her?"
sneered the gambler.

“ Tr me ’

“ I will; are you armed?”

“ Do you think I am a fool?”

“ Good! stand by yonder post, and I will re-
main here; we will count together, one, two,
three, and at three fire.”

.“ It will suit me.”

“ Hold! gentlemen, I have a word to say just
here.”

Both men started, turned quickly, and beheld
old Ben Burdick confronting them.

 

CHAPTER XIX.
THE MIDNIGHT DUEL.

WHEN the fancy ambler, who was known as
Flash Ringold, and the man Alston Brooks,
with whom Fate had so cruelly dealt through
life, beheld the form of the outraged father
standin ,before them, his form drawn up to its
full big 1:, and his eyes flashing, they were si-
lent, for the one shrunk back in real terror, and
the other, though up rently surprised, stood
firm; but both were 51 out, and it was a relief
when Ben Burdick spoke.

And what he said though his voice was low
each heard, and each felt, though with difleren
emotions.

“ The moonlight tells me upon whom I look,
and your words told me that one was a villain,
the other a man with a noble heart, whatever
his misfortunes might have been. Need I say
to you, thou accursed gambler, that you are a

 , 'vile scoundrel?"

“ Hold! old man, your gray hairs alone pro—
tect you,”cried Flash Ringold, stepping for-
ward.

“Liar, you would hesitate neither at e or
youth, were your heart not craven; di my

r child find mercy when she, an innocent

. girlbxileaded to you?

, nol But I would have taken 'our life
had not I pied ed my word to her would
spare you; I p egged that word to spare her
life, for she vow she would die by her own
hand; but from that day our paths in life di-

. . verged, and I feared our graves would even be

. .tara rt. .
'i “ ut now a deluge of joy floods my heart
for she has asked to come back to me, an
she shall! But you, thou accursed bound of
Satan, what do you here in the shadow of my
home? .

“ Begonel or I will forget that vow and strike
you dead where you stand, for every gray hair
in my head you put there, and every sorrow in

’ mfiheart you planted the seed of l”

e stepped forward and the g mbler shrunk
from before his flashing eyes, bu recovoring his
self- , ’on he said, in a sneering tone:

“ All right, old man, we part now; but don’t

, dlraglmyfteps, would ydu'save your worthless
o ,

 

He turned to go, but in an instant Alston
Brooks confronted him, saying, in a way that
could not be misunderstood:

“ I believe we have an engagement, Mr.
Rin old.”

“ will meet you at another time, sir,” was
the haughty reply.

“Oh, no; this is the time, and Mr. Burdick
can;1 'act asthe second for us both; will you not,
sn-

“ Willingly; for though my vow prevents me
killing that vile wretch, I will be more than
willing to see him die at your hands,” said the
old man with the intensest hate.

" So he it, as I see I am forced into this
duel.”

“Oh, no, it was your own proposition, and
had not Mr. Burdic come u n us as he did,
you or I would have been eadere this: now,
sir, take your stand, and Mr. Burdick, will you
give the word 3” -
. The gambler saw that there was no chance
:for him but to fight, for he knew he was in the
presence of two desperate men; but a crack
shot under all circumstances, he trusted in his
deadly aim to rid himself of the man who now
professed to be the husband of Kate Burdick,
for in asfaite of his treatment of her, he loved her
with l the afl’ection one'of his nature was
capable of, and did not doubt but that he could ‘
make her return to him once Alston Brooks was
out of the way.

With a sneer upon his face he followed Ben

Burdick and Brooks down to the ver edge of
the water, when the old man remarked;
_ "This isa good place, for the tide is coming
in to wash away any blood-stains, and should
either be killed, he can be thrown in, and his
death will be set down to the attack upon the
cutter.”

“ A good idea,” sneered the gambler, and the
two men took their sitions, ten paces apart.

“Are you ready.’ asked Ben Burdick, ab—
ruptl .

“ es,” simply said Flash Ringold.

“ I am,” was the quiet response of Alston
Brooks.

H Fire!”

With the word both pistols flashed. and then
both men remained standing.

“ You are not crack shots," said the old fisher-
man quietly, and then he added:

“ Try again.”

But as he spoke Flash Ringold sprung into the
air, and then fell heavil upon his face.

" Ha! I knew I cou d not have missed him,
and his bullet scraped my temple,” said Alston
Brooks. »

“ He is dead; shot throu h the heart; so ends
his crime-stained career. ere goes Wand with
little ceremony old Ben Burdick raised the bed
and threw it out into the water, where it to
with a heavy splash. ,

“With him perish the sin of my child!” he
said, bitterly. \ . '

“ Amen!" came in the doe tones of Alston .
Brooks, and as the body sun from sight, the
two men turned and walked back toward the
cottage in silence. -

{(1113 the gate they paused, and the young man
’Sa'l : .

 

 

    

24

The Boy Commander.

 

“ And shall I bring Kate, my wife, home
again?"

“ Oh, yes, and never a word of reproach shall
she hear from me. When will she come?”

“ My boat lies yonder near the inn; I will re-
turn for her to-night.”

“ So be it, for my old home needs sunshine
across its threshold.”

“ And of this night’s work she must not
know.”

“Never. If his body is found, he of course
was among the pirates attacking the cutter,”
said the old man significantly.

“It is best so," and Alston Brooks turned
awe. ,and in a few moments after his cat-rig
sail— out was bounding along on the way to the
city; but within three hours he was on his way
back, and by his side sat Kate, now his happy
Wife, and just as the sun arose above the Long
Island hills and glimmered upon the white walls
of the little cottage, the exiled and erring woman
crossed the threshold of her father‘s house, and
once again shed jog into the heart that had so
long been dark an gloomy.

 

CHAPTER XX.
CARL MAKES A DISCOVERY.

WITH the dawn of day. following the hi ht
attack upon the cutter, Royal Dean sent is
wounded men ashore, buried the dead, and then
went to make his official report to the admiral
telling him the information of the attempted
seizure had been secretly brought to him, and
that it alone had saved the vessel from capture.

The unsuccessful pursuit- of the pirates was
also made known, for when the landed and took
to the woods, Lieutenant Mur ock was compell-
ed to give up the chase, though at daylight sol—

diers from the fort were sent to scour the island
in every direction.

The admiral complimented the young officer
upon his victory, and gave him orders to detach
a certain number of men from each vessel in the
harbor, for a crew, telling,r him that the Sea Wiz-
ard should not long remain idle.

That night the cutter had her full complement
of officers and men and it was with a contented
mind that Royal bean went into his 'cabin and
called to Carl Manners to come out of the cabin
and join him.

“ I did not say who you were, Carl. but I hint-
ed that you were a young friend I would one
day ask a favor for, and after on have won a
name, which you will soon do, will place the
full facts before the President and ask for your
pardon.”

“ You are very kind to me, Lieutenant Dean,"
said Carl, with eeling.

“ Ah, no, for you ave done for more for me
than I can ever repay; but I must tell you that
I saw your sister and Miss Agnes on my way
back, and told them all, and they witnessed the
whole combat from their window, for they had
not retired.

“ They sent their love to you, and hoped to
learn ood news about you before long; now
{flu wi l have to leave the cutter, but I will have

‘dshipman Fairfax take you down to Amboy,
or any place you deem it best to land.”

 

 

Carl thanked the captain warmly for his kind—
ness, and the boat having been called alongside.
he wrung the hand of his friend in ' arting, and
went over the gangway and seated) himself by
the side of the gay young middy.

“ You will carry Lieutenant Carleton to any
point he may wish to land, Mr. Fairfax.

“ Ay, ay, sir; give way, men!” and the boat
was rowed away at a stron , steady stroke.

“ As I know the shore we 1 will you resign me
the helm?” asked Carl, and the midshipman re-
linquishing the tiller, the poor outcast headed
close in toward the beach, and at a point direct- "
ly opposite the cottage of old Ben Buntline.

A bright light streamed from the door and
windows, and distinctly seen were three forms,
two of which Carl knew well, and the third he -
was certain was the man who had aided him
two nights before, and was disguised as Gil
Wright the detective. h

The other two were old Ben and his daughter
Kate, and it looked like a happy home.

“Thank God, they at least are happ ; but
will joy ever come to my poor heart. won.
der,” he said sadly, and his face grew dark and
stem as the boat glided b the Keel and Anchor
Inn and he rememberedt escene enacted before
its doors that had sent him to prison, and his
poor mother to her lonely grave beyond the hill.

Suddenly an impulse seized him to visit that‘ ,
lonely spot; to kneel by the side of the mound "
that covered the form he had loved so well, and
he put his helm down quickly and the bows of 
the boat grated u n the beach.

“Mr. Fairfax, thank you, sir: this is‘as far‘
as I will trouble you to go: men, here is some-
thing for a glass of grog to drink my health
with," and touching his naval cap. for he still '
wore the uniform and beard, as Royal Dean -
had insisted upon it, he sprung ashore and walked
quickl up the hill, while the midshipman took
the til er and started on his return to the cut-
ter. remarking half-aloud: '

“ That is the gloomiest shipmate I ever sailed '
with; but he’s got nerve, and fought like a tiger
last night; but I’d give a month’s pay to learn
what the tie is that binds him and our hand-
some captain together, and I’ll beta like sum it’s
a tticoat.”

hen turning to the crew of the boat, he con-
tinued: - r

“ Lads, we’re off duty tonight just six hours
sooner than I expected, so we’ll pull back to the
Keel and Anchor and I'll treat you to a glass
all round.”

a‘

This suggestion met with unanimous consent, ‘ '

and half an hour after Carl Manners left the
boat, the middy and his crew were enjoying
themselves over a glass of the old colonel‘s prime, .
ale, while Brete Fairfax waschatting with the ~
landlord, vet keeping a weather eye open to
catch a glimpse of Clarette and Agnes, whom
he had often observed through his glass, and
wanted to have a closer look at, for, as he ex-
pressed it: '

“Captain Dean’s visits ashore so often have
got something todo with one or the otherofi
those petticoats, and I’d like to get a glimpse of ‘ ‘
them, just for his sake. , -

But leaving the sailors drinking atthe e;

 

 

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, ed among my fellow—men.

' ' llheavy shadow of the willow tree, he beheld

The Boy Commander.

'23

 

. and fAnchor, and the middy' spinning yarns to

the old colonel, 1 will follow in the path of Carl
M'anners after he left the boat.

The spot Where he landed was a lonely one,
and alou ' the hillside, some thirty feet above
the beat: , ran the highway that encircled the
upper end of the island, and upon which here
and there fronted a farm.

After a short walk along this road he came to
a little vale running back into the hills, and be
fore him was an humble church, where the
islanders were wont to worship, and beyond it
lay‘ the resting-place of the dead, their stone
tombs looking grim and ghasrly 1n the moon-

liggt.
e knew the spot well, for often had he been
thereto attend the last rites to some neighbor
that had passed away forever, and there also
his father lay buried, and he knew that by his
side he would find the grave of the mother
whom he had so loved, and whose deep affection
for him had broken her heart at the thought
that her son had been imprisoned for life.
Bounding over the low fence he wended his
way among the graves, until he came to a wil-
low tree, which his mother had planted years
before, and beneath its drooping branches he

' knew rested the ashes of his father, and now he-

side them, he saw the new-made mound where
slept the one who had guided his steps from
childhood to manhood. ’

The moon streamed brightly down upon the
scene, and within that sequestered vale there
rested a Silence that could be felt; but his heart
and soul were in the graves with the dead, and
in bitter grief he stood, while bitter memories
crowded upon him in a flood that hung like a
weight of iron upon his heart.

“ Mother, mother, men call me a murderer, a
criminal, a convict; but you know that law
not guilty at heart of one act to bring dishonor

' upon the name my father willed me, and that

cruel fate alone has made me what I appear to
the world.
“And now a hunted fugitive, an outcast,

r homeless and a wanderer I stand by thy grave,

to look, down upon the earth that covers your
form, before I fly from these old familiar scenes
to save my life.

“ Ah, me, it were better, perhaps, that I rest-

, ed here by your side, for then all struggle and

sorrow would be over; but no, I will yield to no
weakness, I will fight against fate and m foes,

“ and here I vow to win a name that shal wash

off the stain now upon me, and make me honor-
I‘ He leaned against the tree, his face buried in
his hands, and for some time he remained thus;
but, then he started and looked quickly behind
him, for the sound of voices reached his ears,
and he beheld, coming into the churchyard,
three men.

Did he leave the shadow of the tree they would
see him, and he had no desire to have a scene of
trouble there; besides, why were they coming
to that desolate spot?

That he would discover, and he looked around
him for a. hiding—place.

And good fortune favored him, for just be
yond, a few yards, where the moon cast the

n .,..

     

 

t" “  -

open grave, the earth newly turned up to re—
ceive a human form upon the morrow.

Carl Manners was not superstitious, and he
was utterly fearless, and keepiiu the trunk of
the tree between him and the approaching men,
he sprung forward, and dro )ped down into the
grave, crouching back in t e shadow as far as
possible and waiting.

Nearer and nearer came the sound of voices,
and then he knew that they had stopped by the
side of the brick and stone tomb that was above a
his father’s grave, for one said rudely:

“I stop here, for we are far enough in this
dismal place now, and it does not bring up
pleasant thou hts.”

“No, inclee , and I don’t see why Devil Dick
made the rendezvous here,” said a second voice,
and then a. third person answered sternly:

“ He appointed this lace because I did not
care to go so far as the aunted Home, and he
knew no one would interru t us here.”

“I guess not, captain; wouldn’t,” said the
first speaker.

“ One voice I recognize; it is Ned Darrell, the
others I do not know; it is a fortunate thing I
came here, and if I am not discovered, I will
make a discovery,” muttered Carl Manners,
crouching still closer down in his loathsome
hidingplace.

A few words more of conversation followed,
but unimportant, and then the voice which Carl
had recognized as Darrell’s said:

“There comes Dick now.”

The heavy ste of some one approaching Carl
could ( istiuctlyhear, and a. moment after Dar-
rell called out: .

“ Here we are, Devil Dick.”

“ Ah, I feared you might not have come;
well, what news, ca tain?” said the man whom
Carl had seen in t e Haunted Mansion, and
again upon the cutter’s deck, fighting like a de-
mon.

“ Hugh Trevor has put to sea,” answered
Dairell.

“ And in what?”

“ His own schooner; but he says it won’t be
long before he gets a faster and a better one.”

I was afraid his father’s influence would ,
make the Government give him the Maid of
Perth.”

“ No, she will be ours, for she has been over—
hauled, and ‘I think the admiral intends using
her in conjunction with the cutter, so we must
act at once.”

“Where is she?” asked Devil Dick.

” Anchored in East River, and she has but half
a dozen men on board.” v

“Then say to—morrow night to cut her out.”

“ No, the day after to-morrow night, for I
have a plan on hand to take a. fair passenger
with me.”

“ Captain Darrell, I do not wishto dictate, but
you had better let women alone.”

“ Not this one; she is to be my wife.”

“ Ah! it is Claudine?" ,

“No, it is not Claudine; it is Madge, the Fair
Maid of Perth.”

“ An unwilling bride, I fear.”

“Nevertheless my bride she shall he; say day
after to-morrow night, and we will rendezvous
at the old inn opposite Blackwell's Island at

“Med

  

/ not extend above Chambers street—Tu AUTHOR.

 

m» r

The Key Commander.

 

nine o'clock, for the schooner is anchored just
above the city* and close inshore; but there are
two men I would like to find.”

“ Who are they, captain?”

“One is a mere boy; that dyoung Carl Man-
ners, who so gallantly escape from prison the
other night; he knows this coast well, and I
would make him an officer in spite of this trick
he served me and old Ferris; the other is Alston
Brooks, a fair sailor and as game as a tiger.”

“Would they go with you?"

“ Wh , of course, for one is an escaped con—
vict an the other a rdoned one, and I would
give much to have t em as my junior officers;
it I do not find them, my two friends here I have
promised the berths.”

“Hope you won’t find them, captain," said
one of the men who had come with Ned Darrell.

“It’s a gity about the cutter, Darrell,” sud-
denlv said evil Dick.

“ It’s deuced good luck we were not all taken; I
have not gotten over that run yet, and if it
had not been for an oyster sloop we would have
been taken; but what a surprise when we
thought we had it all our own way; but I hope
to meet Royal Dean yet, when I have an armed
deck beneath my feet. ”

“I hope so, too; but if it’s arranged for day
after to—morrow night, at the old East River
Inn, nine o’clock, don’t let us linger here,” said
Devil Dick.

“ So I say, too, for graveyards are unhealthy
at night,” put in one of Darrell’s companions,
while the other added:

“I don‘t fancy them by daylight.” Ned
Darrell laughed lightly and then said:

“Well, be there promptly, and Brandt and
Sylvester here will meet on with their men,
and on can run down to t e schooner.”

“ nd you, ca taint”

“ Will be on card with the fair mistress of
the schooner.”

i‘ getter drop that part of the aifair, Dar-
re 1. l

“ I know my own business, Dick Duncan,”
was the sha retort, and Devil Dick made no
reply, other is an:

r ‘ will be there; good—night.”

He strode silently away, and a moment after
had Darrell and his companions retraced their
Ste 3 toward the hi hwa‘y.

ut hardly had t ey isappeared from sight,
when out of the open grave arose the dark form
of Carl Manners, and at a rapid pace he left the
churchyard, his mind evidently made up as to
the course he was to pursue.
__l._

CHAPTER XXI.
A WOMAN’S PLOT.

WITH his daughter once more in his home,
:and the man whose love for her had been true
throu h cod and ill-repute, her husband, old
Ben u ick seemed happy once more, and
when Carl Manners sudden y appeared in the
doorway, half an hour after leaving the grave-
yard, he azed in upon a cheerful scene.

A kuoc at the door brou ht all to their feet,
and a look of anxiety swap over the handsome

 

'At the time of which I write New York city did

 

face of Kate, as she glanced toward her hus— V

band, for the wild life he had led caused her to
dread evil to him.

Seeing an oificer in naval uniform there, Ned
Buntline said pleasantly:

“ Come in, sir; come in, for those who serve
their country are ever welcome in the home of
Ben Burdick.”

“ Thank you, sir; I called to see you, and also
Mr. Brooks, while I have also something to say
to your sweet daughter here,” and closing the
door behind him, Carl continued: ’

“But as I am among friends, I may as well
removem disguise.”

“Carl anners!”

The name was upon each lip, and Alsto
Brooks and old Ben s run forward and grasped
his hand warmly, w ile §{ate, with rare pres-
ence of mind, closed the shutters, and turned
the key in the door.

Then Carl in earnest tones thanked the three
for all they had done for him, and made known
the discoveries he had ferreted out at the
Haunted Mansion, and how he had Warned
Captain Dean of his danger, though he did not
compromise the young naval officer by saying
that he had known who he was.

“But now I have another important matter
to relate, and I need your aid to circumvent it,”
continued Carl, and he went on to relate all he
had heard at the churchyard, to the surprise of
his listeners. ,

“ That Ned Darrell will run his neck into a
noose yet but how are we to circumvent him?"
said Ben i3urdick.

" I can go on board the cutter, and—"

“No, Carl Manners, you must do no such
thing, for you give your thunder to others, as

ou did in capturin the smugglers, and in sav-
ing the cutter; act or yourself in this matter,
for you have the skill to command and the nerve

to execute,” and Kate spoke with earnestness-

that made Carl fee] that he was not a mere
youth, but one who had it in him to make a
name for himself.

“ Kate is right; you lead, and I will follow,"
said Alston Brooks.

' “And I too,” chimed in old Ben, with enthu-

Siasm.

“ No, father, you have me to look after now;

but let Carl and Alston go, and my advice is ,

that if Ned Darrell takes the schooner to go
pirating, you take it from him and go priva-
teermg.” I \

Carl uttered a cry and bounding forward 7

seized Kate’s hands in both his own, while he

cried: ,
' “Fool that I was not to think of it before'

ah, Kate, you have. made a man of me mail will
do as you say; but I hate to take poor Madge

» Ferris’s vessel, for she and her father, you sayfl ,

were the ones who came to you to aid me out 0
prison.”

“ Better let the Schooner go as aprivateer, in»
which she can claim her share of prize-money,
than lose the craft altogether.”

“ I tell you, Carl Manners you have it in you
to command a great name for yourself; Alston
is a good sailor and can go as our lieutenant,
and he can get a crew in one
can you not, Alston?”

yin the city;

Wt

Lat-s'

   

 

< )5 1,3,4

 

m era-3, “it,”

 

 

swarm, WM .

 

 

  

 

 



 

 

 

 

   
 

 

“Easily; I know just what men to got, and
welcgn cut the schooner out ahead of N ed Dar-
re .

“ No, no, I would not do that; let him steal
the schooner and we can recapture her after she
has ssed the forts in the Sound,” said Carl.

“ ut how can that be done?”

“That we must figure out; now, Mr. Brooks,
I wish to run down to Amboy to see Captain
Ferris, and I want Mr. Burdick’s boat, and you
to ancompan me, for we will go from there to
the city and gin the good Work at once. ”

“ I will go willingly; but I have Bolton’s
yacht anchored Iyonder in the cove; it is the
same I had the ot er night, and she sails like a
witch.”

“ Then we will go at once.” and after a few
more words of conversation they departed, both
Kate and her father sending after them a fer—
vent—

“ God bless you, boy!"

Three hours after they landed in Amboy, and
knocked loudly at the door of the mansion,
where dWelt Madge, the Maid of Perth.

“ Who are you? Friends or foes?” asked Cap-
tain Ferris as he opened an upper window, and

i: thrust his head and an old blundcrbuss out to-
4; other. for the loud knocking had aroused him
I, ‘ Q. rom sound slumber.
  , ,'“ Friends, captain; don’t fire, for that old
. E . athin would kill and bur us.”
,: “ h, that is you, is it rooks?"
I“; “Ay, ay, come down and let us in, for the

morning air is chill, and a glass of grog would
make us happy, for we’ve come a long way."
Five minutes after the door opened cautious.
ly, for those were trouhlous timcs, kind reader,
and Alston Brooks and Carl Manners were ad-
mitted, and a most warm welcome did the lat-
ter receive when the old captain discovered who

was.

“ I’ll call Madge 'in, for she is awakened and
will wish to congratulate you.”

f‘And I wish to see her, to make known to
her the intention of an old bean regarding
her.” said Carl, and a few minutes after the
Maid of Perth entered, looking as bright as
though she had not been roused from a sound
s eep.

After the greetings were over Carl told of his
adventure in the graveyard, and the intentions
of Nod Darrell rcgardin the Fair Maid of
Perth. and her namesake t e schooner.

Madge listened in silence to all, and then said
with deep feeling: .

“The despicable wretch. to plot against a
woman, but it is like Ned Darrell.
th" Ah, it I were a. man, he should suifer for

is.”

“ We have arranged a plan to take the
schooner from him,” said Alston Brooks.

Quickly Madge turned, her eyes flashing, as
she ansvvered:

“ Carl Manners, I have refused offers of
double the worth of that schooner; but if you
will save her from Ned Darrell, and capture him,
I will give her to you, and if you cannot make a
name in a craft so fleet, I am mistaken in you,
and let me tell you that father already has her
pa rsasaletter-of—marae.”

n Brooks and r1 exchanged qnim:

 

 

  

/

The Boy Commander.

 

 

  

27'

 

glaéicos with each other, and then the latter
sai :

“I will frankly confess Miss Madge, that
after we took her from Ned Darrell and his
crew of pirates, we intended to put to sea in
her and go to privateering, making you, as the
fair owner, one claimant of one-third the prize
money.”

“A splendid idea; but where will 1:you get
your uns to arm her?” asked Captain erris.

“ ith the fleetest craft afloat and a gallant
crew, we can take them, for there are many
English (privateers cruising in our waters,” an-
swered all

“Then success attend you; but do you know
how arrell expects to get Madge in his power?”

“ o, captain, unfortunately he did not say;
but I would advise that you and Miss Madge
go to the city with us.”

“ Ah no! I will not be caught napping, I as-
sure you; but let me get you some breakfast, for
day is breaking 1 see,” and Kate left the room,
and the three men plotted and planned together
until summoned to the substantial meal that had
been prepared, and towhich Carl and Alston
Brooks did full justice.

CHAPTER XXII.
PLOT AND COUNTERPLOT.

DARKNESS was just creeping over land and
water, When the midshipman, who was in com-
mand of the beautiful schooner, Maid of Perth,
came out of his cabin and glanced around him,
as the vemel la quietly at anchor.

“ This is dul duty, coxsu ain, and this craft is
too good a one to lie idle here; when she could
skim the seas with an armed deck and gallant
crew,” said the young man to one of the four
seamen who acted as guard of the schooner.

“ You are right, sir; but ar’n’t they going to
do somethin' with her, sir?”

“ I hope so; you know Government has just
had her overhauled, and she is provisioned for a
cruise, Captain Dean told me when he ordered
me aboard yesterday; but I guess the Sea Wiz- ,
ard will go to Sea, and this vessel take her place;
but is not that a. boat approaching?”

“ Yes, sir, and it's a man-o'—war’s boat; will.l
you hail, sir, for she’s headin” here?”

“ Ahoy, the boatl” sung out Brete Fairfax.

“ Hol the Maid of Perth; 1 have orders for
you. sir,” answered a clear voice from the boat.

“ Ay, ay, come alongside,” and the midship~~
man Walked to the gangway just as a tall officer
sprung on deck.

“ Ah, Lieutenant Carleton, it is you; come;
into the cabin, please."

The supposed lieutenant followed the midshi
man into the cabin, and taking a seat opposite-
to him at the table, said firmly:

“Mr. Fairfax, a few nights ago I saved, as:
you know, the cutter from ca ture by pirates,
and I have now come on boar this schooner t0- ’
do a like service, for to-night about ten o’clock:
she will be boarded by some six desperate men:
under the same daring leaders w 0 led the at~
tack upon the Sea Wizard."

  

 

  

 

The Boy Cammander.

 
  

 

 
  
  
  
   

“This is astounding news, lieutenant, and I
have but four men, who accompanied me from
, 1 the cutter yesterday.” ,
‘ , i “ In my boat alongside I have a dozen, and on
‘1 the point of land opposite, on the Long island
shore, are sixty brave fellows whom We will
ferry across as soon as I have arranged my plan
with you.” r
“And that is sir?”
: r “ That we hide in the hold, and that you hold
3 z the deck and allow the pirates/to board Without
‘ v resistance, for they will pretend to be man-of-
} .1 war boats, and they will force you. under pen-
} ' alty of death, to give them the signals to run by
“ ' the forts up the Sound.”
“ They can never force mo to forget my (hity,

sir,” promptly said the brave middy.
' “ ey will attempt it, and I wish you to do
as flay re uest—-”

\ “ ” h , ieutenant Carleton, would you have

me—

“ You forget, Midshipman Fairfax, that my—
self and crew will be concealed down in the
hold; once beyond the forts and I will come on
deck with my men and capture them, for one
third of their number are our own crew.”

“A good idea, sir; but would it not be best
not to pass out of range of the forts?”

“ I have my reasons, sir, for wishing to pass
them.” ,

“ I have nothing to say, sir, for you are my
superior, and I obey.”

‘You shall not be the sufferer, I promise you;
now I will have my men' come on board, and
send the boats back after the others.”

Silently the men boarded the schooner, and
crept down'into the hold, and in half an hour
there were sixty brave tars between decks, im—
patiently awaiting the time for them to act.

'With monotonous step Brete Fairfax paced to
and fro the quarter—deck, and turning to the
coxswain, to whom he had before spoken, he
said:

“ It’s not so dull now, coxswain, and it ap-
pears as if things were going to be lively.”

“Yes, sir, there will be stirring times; but
there come the boats, sir.” -

“ You are right; now you and your mates do

. as I directed, and we’ll give those fellows a sur-
‘ prise worse than they got on the Sea Wizard the
other nigh b.”

Three long boats were now drawing rapidly
near the schooner, ands. voice in the leading one
hailed: ,-

' “Ho, the schoonerl”

“ Ahoy!” answered the middy.

“ The admiral has sent a crew to man the
Maid of Perth.”

“ The same old story,” said the middy, in a
10v: tone, to the coxswain, and ulond he called

‘ l on : r 
 “ Ay, ay, sir; come aboard.”

He approached the gangway to greet the
omoer in charge, and in an instant found himself
in a clutch of iron, while the ooxswain and his
three companions were overpowered as quickly,

' and without a shot or a word to betray what
had occurred.

4 « “ Now up with that anchor, men, and, Mr.

' Duncan, dress her 11 lively for a. dance up the
Sound,” called out ed Darrell, and seeingthat

   
  
 

 

the crew were working with a will, he turned to
the midshipman, who had been heavily ironed,
and was standing near. .

“ Now, my young fledgling, if you value your
life, you will si 4 nal this craft past the forts.”

“And if I re use?”

“ You shall die, for the Stars and Stri
give way over this deck for the black
pirate.”

b “nAnd you will kill me if I do not run you
y?
“I will, by Heaven; for the forts would soon V
knock the beauty off this pretty craft. Well, 
what do say?” , ‘

“ Will you release myself and men as soon/as
we lgye passed the forts?” ‘

“ es: I will set you adrift in a boat, so get
your signal lamps ready.” ' -

“ My hands nre in irons, and I will need the
comwain and another man to aid me make the
signals.” , a » w

“Uniron this man and two of his crew;'b '  3 
Heaven! but this schooner flies like a bir' ,  ' '
Dick," and Ned Darrell turned to Devil Dick,
who ‘ust then approached.

“ he does indeed; but where is your bride,
the Fair Maid of Perth?” ,

“Imust be content with her namesake for
curse her, Madge Ferris gave me the slip; butI ‘
will yet have her in my power; but how many
men have we, Dick?” 2 , " ,

“ Fifty-five all told, and twent of these are
follows I had to pick up at the l moment, for ‘
the Sea Wizard, sickened many of v- the old
crew.” , _ . ’ 

“ Who is that large heavily bearded man at r- ‘ r
the wheel?” ' ‘  

“ Ah, he‘s afellow that came to me and said '
poor Bolton had intended bringing him upon
the Sea Wizard attack, but he got left; he calls"
himself Al Black, and he got the new men for
me, and I think he’ll prove a good one; but
where are we going to get our guns, captain?” .

“Oh that is all arranged, Dick, for near 
where I was born, on the Kennebec, is an old If
fort, in which are some dozen good guns, and , 7 ’
we can run down there and take them on board
by night, and they will help us to capture better ,
ones; but here we are near the fort—now sir, if V -
you love life do Iyour duty,” and Ned arrell, ' w
turned to Brete 'airfax, who stood near with, '
two of his men, and at their feet were several
blue, red and White lanterns. , ‘ ,

A cable’s length more and there came a. flash _'
from t! fort, and the roar of a heavy gun. » '

“ That is the signal to heave to: now, sirl” /

The midshipman made no answer to the
pirate captain, but raised a. red light and swung '_
it around his head rapidly, his two aids,-at a",
low order from him, also swinging the other
lanterns. . ’ , n

“The signal is given, sir; new release myself ’
and men according to promise.” ‘ _

“ As soon as we are out of range, youn sir, '
and bear my compliments to Ca tain , 31
Dean, and tell himtbat Captain ed Darrell ‘
has avenged himself upon him for, his capture’
of this very vessel once, and the, reception he
gave us on the Sea. Wizard the other nightl" .

“ 1’11 tell him, sir, and know that he? ‘ be glad

must
:12 of a

 

 

    

 

 
       
   
   
       
     
         
    

 
       
    

 

 
   
         
   
   
          
        
 
      
           
       
     
     
     
     
      
   
     
    

  

      
   

   
   
 
  

 

  

       

to meet you at sea sometime: we'araout of

  

  

   

 

The Boy Commander.

   

29

 

A range now,” Brete Fairfax [added some time
after, when the forts could be only indistinctly
j seen in the distance.

   

into t e wind!”

The bearded man at the wheel rapidly obey-
v ed, While the crew sprung to their posts to work
the sails but aboVe the fluttering of canvas
and creaking of blocks, arose a shout from three-
score throats, and out of the forward hatches,
and the cabin, poured a stream of humanity
thirstng for the deadly fray, while one—third of
the pirate crew threw themselves fiat upon their
faces on the deck.

“Here are our foes! at them, men I” yelled
Carl Manners, and he sprun into the midst of
, the pirates, and striking up t e pistol leveled at

~, him by Ned Darrell, he brought that individual
. to the deck with one severe blow of his cut-

 

rBut Devil Dick had rushed among his men,
' and rallied them uickly to resistance, though
he now saw that t e man who had called him-
self Al Black, and the men he had brought with
” him, were in the ranks of his enemies, and with
"his beard removed was none other than Alston
Brooks. =
, For a few moments only the fight raged
.‘ fiercely. and then cries-of quarter went up from
‘  the pirates, and Devil Dick falling dead under
ablow of a cutlass in the hands of Bret Fair—
, fax, the combat came to an end and the good
 Schooner was won.
, “Well, this is lucky, for we have not lost half
a,dozen men, sir,” and the midshipman walked
1 :upto where the su posed Lieutenant Carleton
stood; but he starte , as the handsome, youthful
face of Carl ‘Manners was tumed upon him—a
" face he remembered well, for he had been on
r board the Sea Wizard, the night of the chase
. after the Maid of Perth and had also been often
at the trial, for the killing of Talbot Trevor.
- , “Mr. Fairfax, I have deceived you, for, as
' you see, I am not a lieutenant in the navy, but
the-escaped convict, Carl Manners; but in my
. _ disguise I saved the Sea Wizard the other night,
 and it has helped nowto get possession of this
‘ schooner, which you will hear me out in saying
, I liege captured from pirates, not our Govern—
men . r
' “ In this vessel I intend to cruise the seas for
the enemies of our flag; and—and-—to trail to
 death, I frankly admit, one man who has in«
‘ jured me more than all others.”
. ‘Carl paused, and the midshipnmn who had
' listened in astonishment, said:
\ “Mr. Manners, you have my sympathy, and
that of all on board our vessel, I assure you,
and I even forgive you the ruse practiced upon
. me, as-I know the schooner would have been In
to hands now, but for you, and I should
v ‘aVe been dead, for Without your orders, be.
r lievin you my superior, I would never have
’. sl algeél this vessel past the forts: but, Mr.
antlers, running to sea now as you do, you
Will be, pardon me for saying it, looked upon as
a "pirate, for the schooner does not belong to
on, and you hold no commission."
“Thereyou are wrong, sir.” ‘
All mmed‘at the low, et clear voice, and
’beheld , e, slender youth, in senior, suit

    

 

 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
   
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
   
  
 
 
 
 

      
 

   

“A ,‘uy, at the wheel there! Bring her up,

 

 

and cap, but with a face that was feminine in
its beauty.

“Great God! that is the voice of Madge Fer-
ris!” said Ned Darrell, half raising himself from
the deck.

“ Yes, I am Madge Ferris.”

“The Maid of Perth !” came from a dozen lips.

“80 called, the Maid of Perth; and inter-
ested in this expedition, and knowing all about
it, I disguised myself, as you see, in male attire
and came along to witness the success of Carl
Manuel's, to whom I now present the papers of ,
ownership to this vessel; with a free discharge
of it, given me by the admiral to-day; anl
more, into the hands of Carl Manners I give the
warrant, authorizing Captain Abram Ferris to
send an armed schooner to sea as a privateer,
and he sends this gentleman to command in his
stead, and. here is his letter to that effect; now,
Mr. Fairfax, you see that you have done no
wrong, and that Carl Manners will not be a.
pirate.”

All were astounded at this revelation, and the
voice of Carl Manners failed him when he at:
tem Jted to speak to the noble irl; but turning
to t e midshipman, and wit an effort con—
trolling his emotion, Carl said:

“Mr. Fairfax, you will please make known
to Captain Dean all that has occurred; and into
your hands I intrust the prisoners and wounded,
for as they are ironed you can easily manage
them." ‘

“ And I will impose upon the good nature of
Mr. Fairfax to let me return with him; for I am
no longer a sailor now,” said Med e.

Willingly, Miss Ferris, will accept the
charge, and conduct you safely to your father;
and Captain Manners, for I suppose I must now
call you so, I will deliver Mr. Darrell on board
the Sea Wizard, and I hope, if We meet again,
to report to you that he was hanged at the yard—
urm for piracy; but, holy Neptune, how I
would like to go with you on this cruise,” and
the boy in the middy broke oLt when he
glanced over the rakish schooner and saw the
gallant tars around its young commander.

Getting to work with a wil it took but a short
time to transfer the prisoners and wounded to,
the pirate boats, which had been in tow esteem,
and with warm hand—grasps in parting, Carl
Manners and Alston Brooks saw the brave mid—
shipman‘ and daring Maid of Perth go over the
gangway, and cast leose from the schooner.

Remembering the words of Carl Manners, to
trail Hugh Trevor to the bitter end, the Maid of
Perth sung out in a clear voice, as the schooner
swung around on her course:

“Farewell! and success to the Sea Trailer!”

“Ay, ay, three cheers for the Spa Trailer,”
cried ‘ Brete Fairfax, and his four men and
Madge joined in a ringing huzzah, while Ned
Darrell and his wicked crew groaned in agony of
spirit, and bitterly cursed their fate.

And over the moonlit waters of the Sound
sped the fleet schooner, like a bird freed from a ~
cage, while upon her deck paced the boy com-
mander, who was to win a name for himself
that would go down in history and romance
among the daring deeds done in the early days"
of our nation’s eXistence. _, i
‘ THE END.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

80 Kentucky Ben, the Long Rifle oi the Ciucmiel. By
Roger Sterhuck.

81 The Kit Onruon Club. By T. C. Hnrbnngh.

83 Little Huck. the Boy (inhia. Iiy hurry Ringgnid.

33 Pony Bob the Rackleas Rider oi the Rochlen. By Col.
Prentin In rnhnin.

84 Onvtrlin ly-b -Niuht. liy Joreph E. Badger, Jr.

8 Ca‘FtLIhI flqu ,tilu Young Explorer. By C. Dunning

(, nr . .

86 Little Dan Rock-i By Morris Redwing.

8’? The Menu erie llnntern. By M . H. Grenville.

88 The liofv ' ramps; or, Life Amang tu Gipeies. By
1. hi. i omnnn.

9 ’Lon nilore Lilo. By C. T), Clark. -

0 llovflug Rifle, Uuster'n Little Scout. By T. C. linrhnngh.

; Oregon Jon-II; the Wimml iiilln. By Roger Stnrbuck.

Hurricane Kit. liy A. F. Holt.
8 Jnmplnr Jake, the COlOI’liiiO Circus Buy. By Brynn:
anhri: its.

94 Film Spence, the Brandimrn Buy. lty Ed. Wilieit.

95 Mil-cow to Sibel-in) or, A Yankee Buy to the Rescue.
ny Uhnrlvr Morris.

96 Fighting: Fred; or, Thu Cnntnwayr oi Grizzly Crimp.
y 'i‘. c. Hurhunfii.

91 Orulne of the 1‘ lyaway; or, Yankee Boyl In Caylun.
iy (7. Dunning Ciui'k.

98 T L- Boy Vigilante-x M, King Cole Ind i-Iia Band.

liy Mn'. ll. ll. Stodtimil.

99 The “ilhite Tigern; or, Silver Rifle the Girl Tracker
oi'the Superior. Bv (‘n :2. Charlie: “Emma.

100 The Know-Shoe Trn I: or, The Forest Derpendtm.
RV St. (ieorxu Rnthhnnn.

101. M'nrinno, the Ottawa Girl; or, The Mysterioul Canoe.
By Edward s. Ellin.

105 The h‘lynwa Aflnnt: or, Ynnkea Buyl mourn! the
World. By 2 mining (31m.

108 Pat Mulloncy’n Advent ran: or, Silver Tongue
the Dimotuh Queen. By (1. I. .dwnrdu.

104 The "a" l’roupector, or. The Secret of the Sierra
ltni'inc. 1y Rogrr Sturinn-k.

105 Mlnonee. the Wnod Witch; or, The Squntt-r’n Serra.
Bv Edwin Emerson.

106 The Bov Cruiser-A; or, .100 end an‘a Big Find. By
Eiiwlh‘ti 'iiliatt.

107 The Border- Rovern; or,LoAt an the Overland
'I‘rnil. ilyJ. Milton iii-fllnnn.

108 Alllkn. the Wolf-Quenn; or, The Glrty Brothel-5’
anhle Crime. Bv Cu it. llmvnrii Lincoln.

109 Christian Jim, tho 'hito Man’s Friend. ByErlwnrd

110 Pluck] Joe, the llny Avenger; or, Dick Beiinont’e
Last Ride. liy J. Milton Huffman.

111 The Border Gun-maker: m, 'I’imiluntmi Muidun.
Hy .lnniun L. Bowen. v’

119 Len-"unded Pete, the Double-Knife. By Joseph
E. Buriunr, Jr.

118 The River Rifles; or. Thu Fate oi tho Flnthont. Ily
Capt. .I. F. t". Ailnnm.

1114 Alone on the Plains. ilv Edwnrd Willatt.

115 Silver llorn, nnii in. Riile Firodenlh. ny Roger
Stnrhnch.

116 laxlijnitn oi’llezekinh Smith, tin Backwoodnmnn.

v

3
o

 

nnurmn Rmimnn.

11'? The Young Mnutnnzernt or, Dink Many-'- Rang-
srx. By C. Dunning Ulnrh.

118 01“ TH! ll nr, thu liny iiivnln. By Bnrry Rinzznid.

119 Center .,hot. the Whitt- Crow; or, Roving Ritie‘r
Firnt Cnm nigh. Bv T. (I linrhnugii.

120 A Hot 'lcrnill or, Clark (Ii-n'erlyAmong the antan.
B (ihnrlee Morris.

191 “Dinner l’ard Ben; or, The Wain-hm Blind Land.

Bv er Stnrbuck.
123 The lquimnux' Out-mu; or, The Myeiery of the
Lane lint. By G.Wnid0 Browne.

193 Tim, the Boy Acrobat; or, Lift in the Circnl Ring. By
Charles hinrrln.

1M gueen Bennie. the Bnnh-rGiri. BvHenryJ.Thomm.

195 om Tabor, the Boy Fugitiva; or,The Young Lynch-

Gnn “ Wolvu." By flurry Ringgoid.
126 Min Goat, the Death-S at; or, The Spring of the
Tiger. By Jon. E. Badger, Jr.

121’ The Duer Hunter-n. By John .1. Mnnlmli.
186 Winif-Oa ; or The Night‘IInwkl 01‘ th- Fire-Luann
By Capt. u. ownrd.

 

i

  

LI

129 flinernpun or, The Mountain Heroine. By Edward
'i ett.

130 Koetsen, Qnr an o: the Plains. By Percy B. St. Jubn.

181 \i'intnh. the (thilil Spy. By George Glen-on.

132 The Inland Trnpper; m', The Young White—Bulimia
limiters. By (Jhiu‘ine Howlml.

138 The Form-It Specter; or, The Young Hunter-’1 Foe.
llV Edward Willeli.

134 “Viid Nat, ills 'i'roupcr. By “'m. R. Eyrter.

185 The Silver Buflc; or, The Indian Mniden of St.
(mix. By Lioul. 'ol. Hazeiion.

186 The l’rnirle Trapper. By C. Dunning Clark.

187 The Antelope 110V. By Geo. L. Aiken.

188 Iron}: Shot; of. The Dwnrquide. By Capt. Comltack.

189 Yolofiiei Crockett, the Bear King. By char]... 3:,
men a.

140 0h! l’egpz, the Mmmtnineer; or, The Trapper Rink.
15y Lewis w. (mun.

141 The Giant Hunter: or, The Mad Scamp of tho
Kickapuvs. By Hurry Hazard.

112 Black Panther, illti HelLBIood. By Jouph E.
lhuizar, Jr. -'

148 (inmon, the Guide; 01', Per“: oftho Frontier. By Llout
J. H. Rumiolph.

144 Kent, the Ranger; or, Tho Fugitive: o! the Border. By
Edward 5. Ellis.

145 “ill Robbins, Hunter; m,The Man In Green. By
Edward “'illtsit.

148 The llnlf-lireed ilivnl: or. The Tangled Trail.
ll} Joe. E. lindizer. Jr.

147 The Mnuked Avenger. ,By Col. i’rentiu Ingnhnm.

148 Il\'ni. the ’I‘rnppcr and Indian Fighter. By Paul J.
’rn-scnii.

149 The Elk Demon] or, Tho Giant Ilruihan. By T.
(t. iinrimugh.

150 The Boy Multan Jlunter; or. Euulnlio, the
ltnnniifulAmuwn. 15y 'redrrick Whittaker.

151 Frnnk Yntcn, tin! Ymmlz Tm [WU or, Mount-in
Kute‘s \Vnrning. iiy Jiill'pll E. list gar. Jr. _

152 “lild Rnan the Smut; or, Blanche, the Ovorlnnd
Mniden. By 0| i "am".

158 Lynx-Cap; or, Funny 'I'rapperl' Among the Sioux. By
Puui llibhn. ‘

154 The Churnrion Texan Rider; or, Red Bufl‘nln,
and the llercu til Hunter. By Hurry St. George.

155 Hunky Dick’a Doom .or. Toho Cantor. thl Old
Srnnt. By Jon. E. Badger,

156 Frank Bell, the Boy Spy; or,The Myltrry oi'CryItal
uiw. By Oil Cmnn-K.

157 Nick Doyle, the Gold Hunter.
. yum.

153 Killnnpped Dir-kt or, The FM. 0! the Fin Fly. By
l. Stnnii'y Hmvdz'l‘lun. .

159 flum‘n Long Trail; or, The Twin Scoutl.
Hnlniitini.

160 llnnk Trinict’u Vow; or, The'Old Guide’n Wm;
Tran-k. By Hurry llnmrd.

161 The Mad Skipper. By R. Starhuclr. Rudy May M,

162 The Trappi'r King. By Maj. Mn: M: rtine.
iii-ndy‘ Ainy ‘11.

168 Billion Kenton, Hunter. By Ememn Rodmm.
Rimin Mny 2x. A

164 The Boy Chief: or. Frnnk Bell'r Compact. By 011
Comma. Ready June 4.

185 The Trader Traitor.
Rn-ndy June 11.

By P. Hamilton

By W. 1.

By J. Stank-y Hendemn.

Beadie‘s Boy’n lernr-y in for sale by Ili Nuudenlen,
iivo cent; per copy, or rent by mnii on receipt ohix cent; mh.

BEADLE AND ADAMS, 1’ubliahers,
98 William Street, New York.

 

 

 

   

 

  
   

 

 

 

 
 

(I I ‘3  a? oo'uvo PAGES. /§EADLE,SM-
 v pOCKET LIBRARY.

namuuaamanonmahhhhwhauhhwrahhmwhhhhmhahhhhhhfnwha

 

 

 

 

 

" 1 Deadwood iilek, 0.. Prince of tha Rand. By 51 Pageant-leather Joe or,01d Rattle-min, tho
. Edward L. Wheel". Charmer. By i'hlli S. time.
9 Kflnhfl Kinzl 0’: Th0 N 3‘11“ HI“- B)‘ 55 The Border- Rub nllood; or,’i'hu Prairie Rev-r.
Bufl'ain Bill. Glii' Builulo Bill.
0

a The F] I“ Yankee; or, The Ocean Outcut. By 53 d Rifle, the Shnr Iliuoler or The Bo Detacth
Co], “in”: hm“... of 11.. Black min. B; Edwar’d 1.: Wheels); '
4 The Double Daggers. By Edward L. Wheelor- 54 01d le’n Cabin or, A Greenhorn in the Woodl.
5 The Two "emotive; 01:, The Fortune: of I By Capt. .F. C. A mm.
Bowery Girl. Bv Albert '. Aiken. 55 Delaware Dick, the Young Runner Spy. By Oil
8 The Prairie Pilot; or, The Pluan Spy. ily Coomeg. ' ,
Bunnie um. 56 Mud Tan Western, the Tana Rang". By W.
7 The Bufl'nlo Den-inn; or, The Bord-r Vulturu. J. Hnmilton.
B}. Edwmd 1,. Wheeler, 57 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or Cninmlty June.
3 Angelo )e Abe, the Boy Guido. By 0” Coomel. the Hrrorne ni Whoop-U r. By E.  Wheeler.
2; 113dB igvlrladth: Boy $60!"- By “Tam Jntk" 58 "allyvgieye Harry, the our"; Tmppu Ranger. By
( . . nmiun ro . V .onnuen.
10 Buil'nlo lien, Prince ofthePlrml. By E. L.“ healer. 59 The Boy; Duelistl or, The Cruise 0! the San Wolf.
ll Ralph liuy. the Buy lSuccnmer. By C: l. Ingruhnm. By Col. reniisn ingralmm.

Night; or, Thu Boy Spy oi ’76. By T. 60 Abe Colt, the Crow»K\ller. Bv Albart W. Aiken.

12 Nick 0' th
61 carldulr-ny Charlie, the Boy Bravo. By Edwerd L.
er

C. .
18 Yellowstone Jn k or, Trapper: of the Enchanted Be .
Ground. lly Juan-uh “Miller, Jr. 62 Will Some". lhe Boy Detective. B Chu. Monk.
14 Wild [vnn tlw Buy Claude Dm‘nl. By E. L.Whoeler. “B 801 Gin er, the Giant Trupner. B V . W. Alien.
15 Diamond inrk‘ ur,’i‘he Mynlery of tho Yellow- 64 Rosebu Rob: or.N g 0! Ned, the Knight of the
Items. By Culnne Prentiu Ingruhnm. Gulch. By Edwurrl L.  eelar,
16 Keendinlfe, l‘rinre uf the Prnlnu. By Oil Coomu. 65 LlfihtnlnEJm-i the 'lcmrr oi the Pralric. By Cnp-
l'f Ore on Hall or. Nick Whllflen Boy Spy. By Cunt. tn n J. F. . Adumu.
J.  0. Admin 86 Kit- llnrefoot, the WoadJluwk. By '1'. C. Hhrr

. 5

  

I
2
U‘
z
,-:

 

 

18 Death-Friars, the Detective. By E. 1.. Wheeler. bnngh.
l9 Lasso Jack the Ynung Mustang". B Oll Coomu. 67 Rnilo, the Boy Ranger; or, The Heinz: of the Golden
20 Ronriug flnlph lloekwood. t o Racilau orh. By 01 Cuomen.
Runner. Br ilnrry St. George. 68 ldyl, the Girl Miner; or, Roubud Bob on Hand. By
21 The Boy Clown; or. The Queen of the Arena. By Edward L. Wheeler.
Frank S. Finn. 69 Detective Dick l :r, The Heroin Rug]. By elm]...
$2 The Phantom Miner} or, Dendwood chk’n Norrie.
Bonnnzu. By Edward L. \fi haeler. '(0 Sure Shot- Setlr, the Boy Riflamrm. ByOllCoomu.
'23 The Seaman "1', The Witch of Durien. By Capt. 71 Elm? Sam; or, The Advenlurel ofa Frimdleu Bay.
1 Frederick Whittaker. By . Alcxnndrr Patten.
f, \ 24 The numb Sm; By 01] Carmel. 78 The Lion oi'the Sun or. The Vaiied ley of Sen
5 I 25 Rattlinz Ruhe' or The Night leh of Ken. Tropaz. By Allmrl W. Aiken.
1“ 1 . tucky. lly llnrry ht. éeovga. 73 Photograph l’hil,the Bur Sleuth; or, Rmbud 3013':
is ’ ‘ a 26 Old Avalanche, the Great Annihilator. By Ed_L. Reappenrunce By E. L. “'heeler.
3‘ ' ~» Wheeler. 74 Plan 'Ime Pete; or, Nlciidclililh, iha Dog Deuatiu.
i »_ V , a? 913 I-Eye, ihe Great Shnt of tho Wort. By Capt. J. By lmrlen Morr e.
i" T F. C. Adunu. 75 Island Jim; or.'l'he Yet of the Flmily. By Braci-
5‘  28 The Boy Curtain; or,Tho Piuta’l Daughter. By bridge Horny-nu (Jiwk ilm-hnwny).
:54 it ‘ , Roger Sturhuc . 16 W atoll-Eye, 1h» Shadow: or, Anib- And Aug-ll of u
1, B9 Dick Darling. the PonyErpreu Rid". By Captain Grant City. ll ' Edward L. Wheeler.
. l‘rederlrk Whiltnker. 7’? Dick Dead Lye. the Boy Smugglcr. By Col.P
 80 Bob \Voolf, tlm llmder Ruffian. By E. L. Whoela-r. llmrlllmm.
i. 81 Nightingale Nut; or, The Fore-t (Jeptnlm. By 78 Dendwood llit-k’n Device; or, The Sign of th-
T. C. llnrbnuxh. v Double Group. By Ed. l.. Wheeler.
82 Blur-k Jnhn. the Rand Agent. B J. E. Bndnr. Jr. 79 The Block Muutnnzcr; or. Tho Wild Hone
, 83 Omaha 0“, thn MulK-d Terror. ' E. L. \Vheeler. Hunters. liy Capt. lurian Reid.
84 Burt Bunker. the Trn'FEer. By .eorze E. Lunlla. 80 old Frost , the Guide; onMi'hM. lhb Whlh Queen
85 TAheCBloy Hillel; or, e Underground Camp. By 81 Tar the lllnr reet. By  gnrhnugh.
. . mm. a So. \'i er or. e ldnhl Inln'l Le c . B-
88 The “'hite~ ii li'nio. A Tale olStnnge Adrnn- Col. Prentlnnllnmfahnm. P n y }
turel in the horihwest. By Georg- li. Lnulla. 52 Seth June” or, The Clptlvu of tho Frontior. By
a? Jig: Bllluiaoe, Jr.. the Boy Phenix. By Edvard L. 8 Edward S.{.llie.h c
l" 3'“ . 8 Canada 0 ct t e ounhrhiur Chief. B law-rd
38 Ned llnzel,tne Boy Tripper. Bndpt.J. F.C.Adnms. L. Wheel". ' f y
i ‘ _ ' 39 licndiy‘lfiye. tlne Unknown Scout. By Bud-l" Bill. 84 The Dumb Pugex onThe Dogn'n D-ughur. By
K . 40 Nick ’hlfllen’l Pet; or, In the anluy of Death. Capt. Frederick Whittaker. \\
' ' "3' CNN- 1- 1“ 0- Adm“ 86 The Boy Miner-u or. The Enclnntod inland. By
* 41 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles: 01, Tim Plrdl of Edwurd S. Elllu.
Flood Bur. By Edward L. Wheeler. . 53 Jack narkawny in N", Yofk. By 3"“.
42 The Border King; or. The Secret Foo. By Oil brld e Hemyng.
.

‘3' The uunr Oar-taint or, The Hermit of Hell
G By Col. Prentiss ingmharn

C a.
4B Olodml‘lickory; ar,Pnndy Ellie’s Snip. By Harry mm I
88 Dendwood Dick in Leadviile M, A Stung.

St. Grong

44 The White Indian; at, The Scout: of the Yellow- St'oke for lem r. By Edward L. hunch

Ituna. By Ca wt. . . Adam. 89 Bill Biddon, rapper; ar,Llre in tho North-net.
45 Buckhorn ill; or, The Red Rifle Tum. By By Edwnrd S. Ellie.

Edward L. Wheeler. I 90 Ti py, the Texan: or, The Young Chlmplon. By
46 The Hhado‘f slhlpg or, The RlVll Llouwnnh. gorge Glemn.

By COL Pm" " mm “m' lulled Every Wednesd-

llrotherhood or The Twelve ’-

“, Tiling-$3)" W. J. Hnmilwnl ' Bendie’l Pocket Library lllvr sale by :11 New

. 48 “gngycliackbg or The Outlaw of the Oregon Trnil. duh", a" um. I)" navy, or u" by m.“ on “a,” M dx
- . If I“ .
49 Iluyrrlenne Bill“; onMulinng Sm nnd Hi.“ P.1d." can“ “ch.

- , . By June E. Bndxer, Jr. BEADLE ‘5 ADAMS, Fulfil-hen,
‘ u ‘ ’ . A w r w. B w. J. ~
 5" sfimfmfml‘ °’ ‘ " ‘ ' y = 08 wan-n Street, Now York.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/ 82 OCTAVO PAGES. /‘9_ELE,S \ PRICE, FIVE CENTS. ' .
POCKET LIBRARY.

91 Mustang Sam, the King or the Plains. By Jon. E.
Badger, Jr.

92 The Ocean Bloodhound ; or, The Red Pirates of
the Cm-ihhocl. liy Sunnn-i \V. i‘rnrue.

93 Phil llnrdy, the liunn Hm nr.’i‘lm Nyeturyoi'tim
Strongbow. liy Churlen 7) in.

B4 Deadwood Dick on Den-L Ive. By E. l:.“'llr.elr.r.

95 Buck linukriun or, “HID. tha Fuiillllu Trapper.
li (‘nptnin J. F. L. Adlllnti.

96 Garth-Edged Dick, tlm Sport Detective. By E. L.

30 «er.

9'? Tilenliinuk Steed ol’ the l’rnirlen. By Jnmc-
- owun.

98 The Son Serpent; or. The Buy Robinson Crusoe.

By Jimn Lewn‘,
99 Bonanza Bill, the Mnn Trnt‘lier.’ By E. L. Wheeler.
100 Nnt Todd: rtr, Thu Fate of the Sioux Coptivo.
Edwnrll S. Ellis.
101 lsimgnz linvy; tlm Ynnnu Bear Killer. lly Harry

1. eurgo.
102 The Yellow Chiotl or,Thu IIulf-hloml‘u Vungennce
Iiv Capt. Mnva Rum.
103 Chip, th~-. tiirl Sport; or. Tho Golden Idol of hit.
I (livunl L. Wheeler.
| k Schooner; or, Jih JunkI the Old
r-r Sim-1m r.
llnrry, th.) [3: othlnck Detective. By
"imrlvn .\lulrin.
106 Night-IIan Kit: ur, the Daughter 0! tho Rnnch.
liy .lIN. E. ilmigvr, .ir.
101’I Jack “03 le’n Lead; or, The Young Spudntor.
Hy Eilu'lll‘ll L. \Vlmnln'r.
108 Rovky Mountain Kit, the White Mustang".
By '1‘. if. llnrinmgh. _
1.09 The lirnnded llnnd; or, The Man of Mystery.
liv Frnnll Dumunt.
By

110 The Ilrcnil Rider; or,
Gunrgu \V. lirnwlm.
111 Bonn liol). the Kingol‘ liontlilm‘h‘h‘. By E. l..\\'|u-eler.
112 The llelplenn llnnd. iiy (‘urnt inyne Reid.
118 5 Face Snnl, thc.‘iluntliunte . By 0“ Comma.
1141’! l'nul, llm Mountnin Boy; or. The Lima
Arrow of the Adirunilucks. ll)‘ '1‘. C. lllll'hnuzh.
115 Demiw od Di "(4 Double. liy id. 1.. Vi'lwoler.
116 Julyez mm“ l per: or, [mat in the Polar Regions.
liy Cnpt. l" Winitn 'nr.
117 mey Fr nk, ot'i‘ulnmdo. By lion. W. F. Cody.
' “ Buil'nln liili."

’i‘lm Texan Duelist.

118 wm \‘l’ildiirc, the Thoroughbred. By mu... mums]

110 Blonlio lilil' nr, Dafldwomi Dick‘s Home llasm
By 19.1mm 1.. V 'hu‘sler.

120 Gopher Gld, tin.- lioy’l‘rnp wr. iiy 'l‘. (J. llm'lmurll.

121 Hurry Armstrong, tho ‘npmin ofiho Club. My
Bucchrldgu llvm 'ng. (.inck llnrlinwuy.)

122 The Hunted lunter; nr,Thi-Strnngn ilnracmnn
of this l’rniriu. Hy Eriwn ‘1 Ellis.

123 Solid Burn, the an Rom -

1% Judge Lynch. i’.; nr. The Day Vlgilnntu.
T. C. llnrlmugh.

135 The Land Pirate" or, Tho Longing of Devil’s
Island. By Capt. Muvn- Reid.

126 Iliuc Blazer or,’l‘he Uruuk 0' Day Boy: ollloclry
liar. liv Fman Jun-unt.

12’? Tony Fox the Ferret; or, BOD! Bob'n Bun Job. By
Edwnrd L. \i’hm»

l‘y

lar.
128 “lat-k Bonn, “'iil Wildfire'n Rnccr. liv C. Morris.

129 ’Enxiu Hit, the My llunmn. iv Oll ('oolnel.

180 Gold Trigger. tim 5pm. By T. C. llnrbnnnh,

131 A Gmno of Gold; or, Deadwood Divk‘u Big
Htrikl- liv Edwnrd L. \ermtler.

132 Dainty .nntsc, l'no liny Sport. By J.E.Bndzer,.lr.

183 “’Ild-liro. the lion m llw ltmm. My il‘rnnk Duniont.

134 Mikoncrrv thu-Harlmri’oliceliny. By(‘..hlnrris.

185 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood. dy Eanrd
L. “'hrclor.

136 Old Rnho, thalluntnr. By Cn t. Hamilton Holman.

13? Dnndy Rock, the Mun tram ' ‘uxm. By U. \ando

Brmvm.

138 Bob Rookcti, thn Boy Dodger. By Chan. M. rris.

39 The Blue Giant; or. Dainty Lnuco inJuapnrdy.

liv Jon» uh E. limizur, Jr.

140 Cairn n Arizona, tlm'King Pln oi Road-Agentl.
By 'hill ‘ S. “'anw. u '

Ml New ‘ ork Nell, tha Boyxiirl Douctwa. By
Edward L. Whoelur. «

“y .

th‘ut. By E. Liwmnn. ‘

 

ammmmmmmmwmmmmmmmmmwmwmoflifiammmwmmmmaflnmmmmummww

142 Little Tcxuudhe Ymmullnslnngor. By Oil (‘omnem

143 Homily Dun-in; ur,l<‘ighting hire with Firu. By
.1 09. h). lhulul‘r, Jr.

144 Little Grit, the Vi'ild Rider; or. Brsaie, theStuck

y 'l‘iender’s Dilugl'tvr. By ('01. l‘mlltian [nzrulumh ‘

145) The Tiger oi‘TnoA; or, Wild Kate, Dundy Rock’l
Angel. By (4.... \Vullln liruwnc.

146 The (‘nttlo King; or, Cortinn’s Right Bower. By
l‘_rnnk Duiunnl.

147 knobby Ni -k oi'chmyln: nr,The Scamp: of the

Sicrr is. 1 Vi hush r

; or, ’l‘hu Wolf-Harder of tho

liy Harry M. (u‘eurL'o

1-19 Bob Rorimn. the Bunk Runner; or, The Road to

linin. liy ('hlu‘les Mon‘lfi.

150 The Hind Miner; ur_Dnndy Rock’l Doom. By

G. “'nldu Browne.

151 The Eon 'l'rnller; or, A Vow Well Kept. By

Cnl. Prentiss inuruhmn.

152 Dandy Ihu 'e; or, The Tigers olegh Pine. By
\Villinln R. .r.

[53 \‘l'liill Frnn , the Bmkskin Bravo. By Edward L.

ire cr.

154 The Boy 'l‘rnilentf or, Dninty Lance on the
\Vm-Pntli. li)‘ Jos. E. imiflur, Jr.

[55 Gold Plume, the Boy lhimlit: or,Tlm magma
 m. liy m. Prentiss ingmhmn.

156 “’ili \l'lldilre in the “'oodfl. By C. Morris.

15’? Ned Temple, the Border lioy. By'l'. Zilnrbnugh.

158 Deadwood Dick‘s Doom. By E. L. \Vlmritsr.

159 agent-Leather Joe‘s Defeat. By Philip. S.

nrx-e.

160 lliuii’gflo Billy, the Buy ilnllu-hncker. By Col. 1’.
num mm. 1' .

16l Bob ltockcn. the Crnchsnmn; or, I)rlv.n m m.
Vail. 1y (‘hnrlcs Morris.

162 I‘llitle lilirrlrnnc, ‘leu Boy Captain. By Oll
‘mvlnes.

163 Deadwood Diuk’fl DrI-nmz or, The Rivals of
the Rand. IS\' ‘lwnrtl L. \"llrclor.

16-! 'l‘ormulo 'l‘om; or, lnjuu Jnck frnm Red Core.
My '1‘. c. llnriunugli.

165 Buffalo lilil’n Bet; or, The Gnmbler Guide. By

(lol. l‘rvniin‘ lnzmhnxn.

[66 Will \‘i’iidllre Vl'inn nnd Loses. By Clmrln

i Orri‘i.

i6? Dandy ,Rook‘n Pledge; nr, llu..iell to Ouch.
ny ammo \\'. iirr-wne.

16S Dcudwoml Dick’s “'nrd ' or, The Black iliil-
..-v «m. n;- Edward 1.. When .

160 The Boy Champion; or. Dutch Harman nl' tho
:‘luahingmn. My 19an Willi-n. «-

170130b‘ Knckctt's Fight. for Life. ByChariu

Moms.

. 1?! Frank Morton. the Boy lll‘ll‘illl‘l. By OllComneI.

1?? The Ynnkce Bangor. Ry Edwin Enmnnn.
lflf Dick Dingle. Smut; or, 'i'in- Frontier Angrl. By
Edward 5. Ellis.
174 Dnndy liock‘n Sulxeme;l<wr,The Gnldxvn Hand.
“V G. W. lirnwxw
175 The Arrilr ll ,»tive3 or, Snuozor, the Buyshnrp.
By Edwnrd i.. \\ hrvlvr.
176 “'ill “'iltlflrc‘n l’llu-k: «yr, The Hidden Hand.
in Chn rlvn Mums.
177 The Boy (‘mnlnnndcn ByColfrvnii-n ingrnhnm.
Re (if. .innv- 1. 3
178 The Mnnllw ilnnter. By Burton San.
l’wndy John a.
179 Dninty Lunm‘, ll)! Mystic’ Marksman. 'By J05. E.
iimiger, Jr. Rmin Juno '15.
If“) The Boy Gold-Hunter.
“may .lnnl- w. '
181 Tom 'l‘nnnor. Scapegrau: nr, Two Bontbimkn lu
Ncw York. ily (lharlrn Morris. Ready Jun ‘19.
' IAnncd Every Wednesday.
iicudle’a Pocket. Library in for sale by all Ntwr
duenlen, five canin per copy, or;th by mail un receipt u! an

cent: caéh.
BEADLE dz ADAMS. I’Ilbliahero,
98 W'ii'iiam Street, New York.

iiy 'l'. C. Hnrbnugh.