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8 Merle Monte’s Pardon.

 

 

Merle Mome’s Pardon;

on,

THE PIRATE CHIEF’S DOOM.

BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAIIAM.

 

aa-

 

CHAPTER I.
MERLE MONTE.

Two armed vessels were lying at anchor
in a secluded inlet in what is now the Louis-
iana Coast, and at a time when piracy on
the high seas was rapidly becoming a thing
of the past, though the Gulf of Mexico still
floated upon its waters a few daring rovers,
too desperate to give up their lawless lives
even with a certainty of death upon the gal-
lows staring them in the face.

The presence of the two vessels in that
secluded retreat was evidence sufficient to

rove that some mystery hung about them,
or few craft ever found their way into into
a place so desolate, and wholly away from
all highways of trade as was the inlet.

It was a little harborage. large enough to
ride at anchor perhaps half-a‘dozen vessels,
with heavily wooded shores, and a narrow
passageway connecting with the waters of
the Mexican Gulf.

Along the low banks all was drear, and
the foliage formed a wall almost impenetra-
ble to the eye, with its heavy draperies of
moss and luxuriant undergrowth.

Even in the darkness that rested uponthe
scene, the two vcssels displayed a trim and
somewhat rakish appearance, one being a
brig of some three hundred tons, and the
other a cutter whose tonnage was not over a
hundred.

Both vessels were heavily armed, yet their
crews were few in number, it seemed, from
the half score of men visible upon the deck
of each. ‘

" Sail ho!"

The cry rung out in clear tones, and
from the deck of the brig, where were visible
but two persons standing aft.

One of these appeared to be a youth, and
be it was who had given the warning.

The other wasa woman, and stood leaning
listlessly over the bulwarks, until startled by
the cry of her companion.

" Yes. I see it, and she is standing into
the inlet," said the woman.

“Then it is the cruiser, and the end must
soon come," responded the youth, in a low,
earnest tone. -

All eyes upon both vessels were now bent
upon the sail, which was visible in the offing,
and standing in toward the inlet.

 

“ Ho! the cutter!”

He hailed the little cutter, and back came
the reply in a deep tone:

“ Ay, ay, sir.”

“Put your men at the guns, and stand
ready to greet that craft with a broadside, as
I shall do if she answers not my signal,”
was the order.

“ Ay. ay, sir,” came the response, and the
men of the two vessels went quietly to their
guns, and in silence waited the coming of
the stranger.

Nearer and nearer she drew, until the time
came for her either to go about and stand
off on the starboard’ tack, or run straight
in.
The next moment decided it, for she stood
on into the channel. and at once the youth
on the deck of the brig seized a battle lan-
tern and whirled it five times around his
head.

Almost immediately, while all eyes were
bent upon the stranger, came a response, for
a red light was turned once in a circle, and
a blue one quickly followed it; both cvi-
dently held in a man’s hand.

“It is the Sea Wolf, and Merle Monte has
been successful!" cried the youth.

And then on into the inlet came the
stranger, shortening sail as she did so. until
lufling up sharp, she dropped anchor not a
cable's length from the two vessels that had
been apparently awaiting hcr coming.

Hardly had the anchor of the new-comer
found a place upon the bottom. when a boat
got off from her side and approached the

rlg.

As it came alongside, two persons came
over the ganngiy, one of them in appear-
ance an ordinary seaman. in peajacket and
general sailor garb, while the other was in
the full uniform of a captain in the United
States Navy.

“ I am glad to see you back in safety, Cap-
tain Monte," said the youth, meeting the
two at the gangway, and addressing the sea-
man,

“And I am glad to get back, and to bring
with me Captain Mayo Meredith, of the Sea
Wolf, whom you have before met,” re-
sponded the person addressed, while the
uniformed oflicer grasped the hand of the
youth, and said;

“ Yes. I have known your lieutenant here,
Merle, under several climax, first as my
cabin boy. Little Belt, then as my friend and
ally, Mr. Belden, whom I believed to be an
old gentleman, and now as——"

“Lieutenant Belt. the men call me, Cap~
tain Meredith, though they know that I am
a woman. But I am glad to meet you once
more, and it is a happy moment for me now.
when I know you have come to take Captain

 

 

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than

"u’1(9

Merle Monte’s Pardon. 3

 

Monte’s prisoner, Brandt, the Buccaneer.”
said the supposed youth, in an earnest tone.

“It is a happy moment for me, too, Little
Belt, I can assure you. and by the capture of
the noted pirate chief you have all done won-
ders. and accomplished what. scores of cruis-
ers have failed to do,” answered Captain
Meredith.

“ I suppose it wasa surprise to you, sir, to
see Captain Monte?”

“ch, Little Bclt, a great surprise, and a

glad one. My vessel was becalmed 01f the-

Delta, on her way up to New Orleans, and
Merle boarded in his little boat and came in-
to my cabin. In his disguise I failed to rec-
ognize him. and was astounded to hear him
say that he had not only killed the Mexican
pirate, Eduardo, and captured his cutter, but
also had taken that sea-demon, Brandt, the
Buccaneer, and his vessel.”

“No, Captain Meredith. I but aided Little
Belt here, and Mrs. Branch, to whom, per-
mit me to present you,” and the speaker
turned to the lady, who has already been re
ferred to,

Captain Meredith greeted her courteously,
while she replied:

“ Captain Monte is too modest. for it was
his daring plan that captured Brandt the
Buccaneer, and I was but an instrument to
aid in the'carrying of it out.”

“ Well, madam, I have you all to thank
for it, and the deed will raise the shadow
from Merle Monte that now sits upon him
with his Government, and he Will yet be re-
stored to full honor."

“ch, Captain Meredith. I live with that
hope in my heart I acted in self-defense,
and to save my slave, Mezrak. and myself,
took life. and for it I was sentenccd to death,
and am now known as Merle Monte the Con-
demned Midshipman; but I have work ahead
of me to accomplish, and when that is done
then I will ask that my Government remove
the stain it has put upon my name,” and
Merle Monte spoke with deep feeling.

“I wish you would ask it now. Merle, for
I can assure you the capture of these two
vessels, to say nothing of having Brandt the
Buccaneer in irons beneath your deck, de—
mands that y0u be honored.”

“ Not yet, Captain Meredith. for I am
still to remain the commander of a havenless
and flagless vessel, my Gold Ship, which
must continue to cruise until 'I have kept my
pledge ’to this lady, and removed from the
seas one other bold pirate.”

“Ah! can you mean the Sea Marauder?”

“ I do. sir. A strange fatality took this
lady and her daughter to sea. to join, as she.
supposed, her husband, who had departed
for Galveston to better his fortunes. He
had sailed in the Galveston packet-brig

 

Montezuma, which Brandt the Buccaneer
had recently shipped a crew upon, and cap-
tured when out in the Gulf. A fee of this
lady’s led her to believe that her husband had
sent for her and her daughter to join him,
and they started upon the packet-schooner
Flyaway which was wrecked in a storm.
My vessel, the Gold Ship, picked up three
persons off the wreck—this lady, the captain,
and the'man who had lnvcigled Mrs. Branch
and her daughter from their home under pre-
tense of joining thc husband and father in
Galveston. One of the boats was picked up
by the brig commanded by the buccaneer
chief and upon which we now stand, and
the daughter of Mrs. Branch was unfortu—
nately in that one and hence fell into the
hands of Brandt, who thereby gained pos-
session of both father and daughter, for, as
I said, Mr. Branch was a passenger on the
vessel when it was seized by the pirate crew.”

“And now that you have captured the
brig and chief, where are Mr. Branch and
his daughter,” asked Captain Meredith, who
was deeply interested in Merle Monte‘s story.

“ They were not on board when we cap-
tured the Huntress, and Brandt, the Buc-
caneer, says he released them and sent them
by a. smack to New Orleans, and I have
since learned by a coaster, that the little
craft was overhauled by the Sea Marauder,
and Mr. Branch and his daughter were taken
prisoners by the pirate, and, the duty I have
pledged myself to, Captain Meredith, is to
restore to Mrs. Branch those whom she so
fondly loves, and in doing so, to capture
that third terror of the Gulf, and thus almost
end piracy in these waters. Now come, and
we’ll go and see the pirate chief, but as there
is no longer need of my disguise I will cast
it aside."

As Merle Monte spoke he went into a state-
room. and almost instantly returned, but so
wholly metamorphosed that his voice alone
seemed the same. -

The unkempt beard and wig had been
thrown aside, revealing a darkly bronzed
face of rare power of expression in every
feature, and handsome and youthful, for he
was not past eighteen, though he had the sp-
pcarance of being older. on account of the
stern resolution that stamped his mouth and
dwelt in his brilliant black eyes.

The pea-jacket and hat had also been cast ,

aside, and he appeared in an elegant black
uniform, trimmed with gold lace, and in his
hand was a cap encircled bya gold cord,
and with a miniature ship of gold on the
front of it. '

Such was Merle Monte. a fugitive from
his Government, which had condemned him
upon the testimony of his rivals, and the
commander, though a 'boy in years, of the

.-..4

. ~-—-.».~~:~'w-”r'. . s, - —

a

 

«5--. .

4 Merle Monte’s Pardon.

 

Gold Ship, a craft that was known to cruise
here and there over the seas, with no nation’s
flag at the peak, and no port into which she
dare go to drop anchor, yet whose young
captain had captured two noted pirates and
delivered them up to the very ve3sel upon
which he had been senteneed to die at the
yard-arm.

 

CHAPTER II.
Tim PIRATE PRISONER.

IN the guard-room of the brig, which he
darineg seized and turned into a pirate
cruiser, sat a man of fine presence, dignity
of manner, and face so stern that it marred
the perfection of his features. ‘

His physique was mest striking, for both
symmetry and strength, though now upon
his wrists and ankles were heavy iron man-
acles that held him chained to rings in the
deck.

There was no look of fear upon his face,
although he knew he was utterly in the
pOWer of his foes, and that his crimes Were

legion. and almost any one was enough to 3
i. from the navy. to further my ends.”

condemn him to death.

He was attired in an elegant, though fancy f
t ing act?”

uniform, and was not enough cast down by
his fearful position to neglect his appearance,
which was tidy in the extreme.

Without the door of the guard-room paced
a guard heavily armed, and, as though to al-
low the pirate chief, for he was Brandt, the
Buccaneer, no chances of escape, there were
stationed near by several seamen to watch
the guard apparently, that bribery might
not buy the prisoner out of imprisonment.

“ Ahl I know that voice. I am to have a
visitor from my boy captor it seems," said
Brandt, the Buccaneer, glancing up quickly
from his brooding attitude, as Merle Monte
stopped at his door.

The guard saluted and stepped aaide in re-
spectful silence, while Merle Monte placed
the key in the lock and threw open the
door.

“ Well, Captain Brandt, I have come to
tell you that we part to-night,” said Merle.

“ What! do you hang me without a trial?”
asked the chief.

“ With your hanging Iliavc nothing to do.
for I have surrendered you and your vessel
to this gentleman.”

“' Hal Captain Meredith!” cried the chief,
evidently momentarily nonplused, as that
gentleman stepped into the guard—room.

“ch, Brandt,,wc meet again, and again
do I accept you as a prisoner from Midship-
man Monte,” said Captain Meredith, quietly.

“ Midshipman Monte?” sneered the piram.
“ Then I suppose his capture of Brandt, the
Buccaneer, has given him his old place and
rank in the navy?”

 

“ It would do more than that for him, Cap-
tain Brandt, if he would accept it.”

“ Is he such a fool as to refuse?”

“At present he prefers to cruise in his
Gold Ship,” quietly said Captain Meredith.

The pirate chief looked earnestly at Merle
for an instant. and then said:

“ Merle Monte, do not be a fool, but accept
all you can get for your capture of me, for,
if you continue to cruise about without a
flag you Will one day end as I Will, at the
yard-arm of a man» of-war."

“I thank Iyou, Captain Brandt, for your
advice, but prefer to do as 1 please in the
matter,” said Merle, coldly.

V The pirate smiled, and turning to Captain
Meredith, he said:
“Strange as it may seem. sir, I like the

boy, and I liked his father before him, for he ' ‘

was a good friend to me.”
“One moment, Captain Brandt. It was

‘ reported at the court-martial that you were

none other than Merle Monte’s father."
“True, Captain Meredith, and I set that

rumor afloat, for I sought to drive Merle
“ And you did save his life by a. most dar-

“I did, sir, for I was determined not to

, see him die on the gallows.”

“ May I ask your motive for this clemency
on your part, when you will end your life on
the gallows through him?"

“ Yes, it was to obtain his treasure, for if
he died it would be forever lost.”

“ But you failed in that?”

“ I did, through the boy’s nerve, for he re-
fused to divulge the secret of where lay his
treasure. "

“The same which you now have on the
Gold Ship. Merle?” asde Captain Meredith,
turning to Merle, Who answered:

“ Yes, Captain Meredith."

“ It was left him by his father, sir, who was
known as Montezuma, the Merciless, and
created the wildest furore in New Orleans a
score of years ago by his extravagant living.
He went to Persia to live and leaving there,
carried his immense riches with him, along
with his wife, and this boy was born one

night of storm, in the midst of battle, and 

his mother died then, While his father was
killed. The faithful slave. Mezrak, whom
you know, being the head servant, brought
the yacht to the Mexican Coast, I then being
an under officer on board. But I sought to
get the treasure, was thwarted by Mezrak,
and set adrift in an open boat, and the yacht
went ashore on an island. Mezrak saved the
infant boy’s life, and brought him up upon
that island, and in long years of search I
failed to find them; but when at last I did, 1
determined never to give up until I had the

.‘Ar-am m

 

 

 

Merle Monte’s Pardon. 5

 

treasure too. Now, Captain Meredith, you
have the history of the boy and his treasure,
excepting that my vessel was wrecked upon
the island where the riches were buried, and
I escaped death to go and get a vessel to
seek the place once more, I returned there,
to find that the boy had thwarted me again,
for he had already secured a vessel, put his
treasure on board, and it isin that craft, the
Gold Ship, that he cruised after me and cap-
tured me by a most daring deed. Now I am
your prisoner, it seems, and it looks as
though my end had come; but, as I have
lived, I will die, without fear."

The pirate chief had spoken rapidly, and
in a manner that proved he seemed anxious
to show that Merle Monte was more sinned
against than sinning, and Captain Meredith
had listened attentively to all that he had
said, deeply interested in what he heard of
the youth who had in the past been his ]}’)‘0-
tege and friend, and whose life had been one
of such strange romance and thrilling adven-
ture.

“ Well, Captain Brandt, I am glad to
know what you have told me regarding
Midshi man Monte—”

"Mi shipman Monte,” sneered the pirate.

“ Why, he is as tit to command a seventy
four as you are, and a better oflicer today
than half the admirals in the service.”

"I agree with you, Captain Brandt. for
Midshipman Monte, for such is his rank
only in the navy, is a born sailor and com-
mander, and he shall have all justice at my
hands, and I thank you for your honest ac-
knowledgment that he has been wronged.
But my duty compels _ me to keep you in
irons on board of my vessel, try you for
your crimes, and hang you if you are proven
guilty.”

“Why not hang me now and be done
with it, for my trial can be but a farce,” said
the chief bitterly.

“No; if there is one thing,r in your favor
you shall have justice, sir. Now I will send
a guard for you, and have you carried on
board of my vessel.”

“ I care not where I am, but what is Merle
Monte to do?”

" He prefers to still cruise in his Gold
Ship."

“ Why do you not seize it, as in duty
bound, [or the vessel has no flag?”

“Because, Sir Pirate, lhave honor, and
Midshipman Monte having trusted'my honor,
is free to goas he came, with no act of mine
to detain him.”

“Then I have afavor to ask.”

“ Name it.”

“ It is to request Monte to send a message
for me.”

 

“ If he so desires he is at liberty to do so,”
said Captain Meredith.

“Will you do this for me, Monte?"

“ Yes, if I consistently can."

“ “Tell, let me whisper to you.”

Merle stepped close to the chief, who
raised his manaclcd hands to his shoulders,
and drew his car toward him.

Then,» quick as a flash of lightning, he
suddenly raised his right hand, and it
descended with terrific force straight for the
heart of the youth, and in it was a small
dirk-knife, with along, narrow, needlepoint-
ed blade.

 

CHAPTER III.
BACK TO THE GOLD SHIP.

WITH a cry of horror at the sudden and
daring act of Brandt, the Buccaneer, Cap-
tain Meredith had sprung forward to check
the blow.

But he had been too late, for Merle Monte
had himself thwarted the deadly deed of
the pirate.

He was ever watchful, and when he had
stepped up to Brandt to have him whisper to
him the message, he had seen a motion of his
right arm that was suspicious, and, as the
hand was raised to his shoulder his quick
eye had caught sight of something held
tightly in it, and which had evidently been
dropped there from up the sleeve.

Thus he was on his guard, and when
Brandt, the Buccaneer, had quickly elevated
his hand and brought it down. his arm had
been caught in a grip of iron, which checked
its downward flight, though the keen point
had out through the cloth and pierced the
flesh for half an inch just over the vital spot.

Then, still grasping the arm with a
strength that was almost superhuman, for
Brandt was a powerful man, he drew a pis»
tol from his belt and struck the knuckles
several hard raps with the iron barre], which
caused the pirate to utter a cry of pain and
drop the dirk to the floor.

Kicking it away out of reach, Merle re-
leased his hold of the bleeding, benumbed
hand of the buccaneer, and sprung backward
out of reach, just as Captain Meredith pre-
sented his drawn sword at the heart of the
intended assassin, for all had occurred in an
instant.

“Hold! do not cheat the gallows by kill-
ing him. Captain Meredith,” cried Merle,
seeing that that officer was white with rage
at the act of the buccaneer.

As he spoke, Merle clutched the blade, and
Captain Meredith said quickly:

“You are right, Monte, and I thank you
for your interference.” _

“ Curse you, boy. you have again thwarted
me by your strength, that broke the force of

 

 

   
 

I

oi
ii
.1

 

Merle Monte’s Pardon.

 

my arm, for I sought to avenge myself, and
make that officer, in his anger, shoot me,
and thus cheat the hangman's rope.”

Merle laughed lightly, while Captain
Meredith said quickly: “ Merle, I will
leave the vessels and the prisoners in your
charge, and return to my Gold Ship With my
people.”

“If such is your decision, I have nothing
to say, Merle." answered Captain Meredith.

“Farewell, Captain Brandt. May God
have mercy upon your crime-stained soul.

“Now I will send one down to bid you
good—by. whom you will care less to see than
you do me.” and Merle turned on his heel to
follow Captain Meredith, who had stepped
outside of the guard-room, when Brandt, the
Buccaneer, said. eagerly:

“ Will you still pledge yourself to do me a
favor. Merle Monte?"

" I will.”

“ Then send a messenger to New Orleans
to seek out one Basil Branch, a planter and
a gambler; his plantation is on the Missis-
sippi River, and known as The Retreat.

“ Let that messenger tell him that Brandt,
the Bu6caneer, is a. prisoner on board the
Sea Wolf brig-of—war.”

“ What is Basil Branch to you?”

“ It matters not what he is to me.”

“You set him and his daughter free when
they were your prisoners?”

“ I did.”

“And you now wish only that message
delivered to him?”

“That is all.”

“Well, he is not in New Orleans.”

“What?” asked the chief, in surprise.

” I speak the truth.”

“ Where is he?"

“ On board the pirate schooner known as
the Sea Marauder."

“ Ha! And his daughter?”

“ ls with him.”

“How came they there?”

“ They were captured by the Sea Marauder
from the smack which you placed them on
board of, and the pirate captain holds them
for ransom.” ,

“Ha! ha! ha! Little ransom gold will he
get out of Basil Branch.”

“Well, as I cannot deliver the message,
farewell," and Merle left the guard-room and
rejoined Captain Meredith.

Instantly orders were given to have four
boatloads of men sent from the Sea Wolf
to relieve the two dozen seamen Merle had
in charge of the brigr and cutter and to take
charge of the captured pirate vessels and
their prisoners.

While these preparations were gorng on,

 

Little Belt slipped down to the guard-room
and suddenly confronted the pirate chief.

The prisoner sat in moody silence, his right
hand, which had received such a severe blow
from the pistol of Merle Monte, clasped in
the left. though of the pain he suffered phys-
ically he seemed not to be thinking.

“ Well, Brenlford, we meet again,” said
Little Belt. who had bade the guard step
aside, and he, being one of Merle’s crew,
had readily obeyed.

“Great God! your voice is that of Belle
Denham!" cried the prisoner, half springing
to his feet and facing her.

“I was Belle Denham, Brandt, the Bucca~
neer, before you dragged me from my home
to bring sorrow and despair upon me,” an-
swered the disguised woman in earnest
tones.

“In Satan’s name, what do you here, after
all the harm you have brought upon me?" he
savagely asked.

“I will tell you, Sir Pirate, what I am d0-
ing here.”

“ Curses rest on you, I thought I had done
with you when you had wrecked my vessel
on Monte’s Island and I left you there.”

“Oh, no, for I let you go then. you re-
member, to have you yet die on the gallows
or yard-arm. I knew you would gain a
port and come back to the island for Monte’s
treasure, and so I let you go. I told you
then that Merle and his slave, Mezrak, yet
lived, and it was I that urged him to get a
swift-sailing vessel, place his treasure on
board, and thus thwart you. He did so,
and more, he has hunted you down and
captured you and your vrssel, and I aided
him to do so. Now he has given me leave
to go to New Orleans, and I will not re-
turn to the Gold Ship until I see you hanged
at the yard-arm. Now I will leave ou.
Brandt, the Buccaneer, but remember am
near you, and when you come to die for
your crimes you will see my face among
the others that are turned upon you, and
upon mine you will read the joy I feel at
having at last brought you to your death
at the end of a rope.”

Without another word, but with a mocking
laugh at his-bitter curses, Little Belt turned
and left the pirate.

Upon reaching the deck she found two
boats alongside, with the crews which had
been on the cutter and brig in them, while
Merle Monte stood at the gangway talking to
Captain Meredith.

"I have seen him, and when he is hanged
I will rejoin the Gold Ship. Captain Mopte;
but for the present, good‘by," and Little
Belt stretched out her hand, and Merle Monte
grasped it warmly. .

Then, as his guard, which had been reliev—
ed by men from the Sea Wolf, came on deck

“iris-

 

'FVGI

I 'Wfimm

 

Merle Monte’s Pardons 7

 

and entered the waiting boats, Merle Mentc
said with feeling:

“ Now, Captain Meredith, I must leave
ou, and when next we meet I hope I will
e able to give into your keeping the Sea

Marauder, her captain and crew.”

Captain Meredith grasped the youth’s
hand, and then Merle 1‘ onte rapidly descend-
ed to his boat, in the stern-sheets of which
sat Mrs. Branch awaiting him; the oars were
let fall,and the Condemned Midshipman and
his crew pulled away in the darkness on their
way to their vessel, the Gold Ship, which
was hidden in an inlet a league away.

 

CHAPTER IV.
THE SEA MARAUDER.

THE Gulf shores of the United States have
a formation that constituted them the pirate’s
paradise, as there were innumerable hiding
places in the lagoons, bayous, inlets and bays
that indent the shores.

It was in one of these numerous inlets of
the Louisiana Coast that Merle Monte had
secreted the two pirate vessels he had cap-
tured until opportunity offered to surrender
them to Captain Mayo Meredith, of the Sea
Wolf, and, as 1 have before stated, his own
vessel, 3. schooner, yet known as the Gold
Ship, was then hidden, and most securely,
though numerous cruisers were there on the
search for the mysterious craft, which com-
mon rumor said was none other than a
pirate.

So intricate and secure were these basins
as hiding-places that, at the very time Merle
Monte was pulling slowly a'lon the shores
in his hosts en route to his Gol Ship, after
leaving the Sea Wolf and her prizes, he
passed within a few cables’ lengths of a craft
lying concealed in the mouth of the lagoon.

It is upon this vessel, so securely hidden .

away, that I would have my reader accom-
pany me, and upon the very night on which
Merle Monte made the surrender of his
prizes.

The little pond, or lakelet, was by no
means a desirable anchorage, for its muddy
banks were the resort of alli ators, frogs
croaked dismally by day and night, and the
trees were somber in their draperies of Span-
ish moss, which trailed to the black waters.

But it was the very place for a vessel to
hide, whose captain cared not to have his
whereabouts even suspected.

The Vessel that had sought this secluded
and gloomy refuge was a schooner of a hun—
dred tons burden, and carried a broadside of
three light twelve pounders, and a thirty-two
pivot fore and aft.

As there was no need for a watch on

deck in such a retreat, the men had been ali

names-ml 

lowed to turn in, excepting one, who paced
the deck, with a quick, firm tread.

He had a cloak thrown over his shoulders,
to protect him from the chilly night air, and
his appearance was that of an oflicer.

Presently he started in his walk, for,
though evidently deeply meditating, his
quick car had caught the splash of water.

It might be an alligator floundering in the
pond, or a fish springing up into the air to
fall back again.

Yet he was not one apparently, to neglect
any sound that had a suspicious ring about
it, and instantly he became alert, and peered
toward the canal leading into the pond.

But suddenly, over the side of the vessel,
appeared a human form, and turning quick-
ly, the officer confronted it.

“ Ha! Peon, is that you?” he asked, as his
hand dropped upon his sword-hilt.

“ Yes, senor, I have returned.” was the
answer of the man addressed as Peon.

“You Indians move with such noiseless-
ness, that I heard not your coming, save
what must have been the splash of an our,”

“ It is better to move quietly, senor," was
the reply of the man, whose appearance, as
seen in the starlight, indicated that he was a
Mexican Indian 0! the class known as peons.

“Well, what have you discovered?” asked
the officer.

“ Two boats have just gone up the coast to
the Gold Ship, senor.”

“Well?”

“ They came from the basin, where I told
you the pirate brig and cutter were an—
chored.” '

“ And you said one was the Huntress,
Brandt the Buccaneer’s brig?”

“ Yes. senor.”

“ And you thought that the cutter was the
pirate craft of Captain Eduardo?”

“ It was, senor.”

“Then the two must have formed a com-
pact to cruise together?"

“ No. senor, they were both prizes.”

” Prizes! how mean you, Peon?"

They were both the prizes of the Gold
Ship.”

A l  P)

“True, senor, for the young captain of
the Gold Ship captured them, and this night
surrendered them to the Sea Wolf, the Ameri-
can cruiser,

“ By Heaven! is this true, Peon ‘I"

“It is, senor.”

“How know you this?” .

“ I went in my canoe under the stern of the
brig, and drew myself up to the cabin stern
ports. and while there the Sea Wolf came
into the basin, and Captain Meredith came

 

on board the Huntress with Merle Monte, the
Condemned Middy. I did not hear What

 

 
  
 
 
 
  

   

Merle Monte’s Pardon. V

 

was said, but he surrendered the vessels to
the cruiser's captain, and with them Brandt,
the Buccaneer.”

“ Ha! then at last he will meet his fate?”

” Yes, senor."

“Well, tell me more that you saw, Peon.”
‘ " I only saw the boats leave the brig, and
I the crew of the Sea Wolf placed in charge
' of the prizes.”

“And who were in the boats?”

“Captain Monte and his men.”

“ By Jove! what a chance we have missed
to take the Gold Ship in the absence of her
crew.

“ Yes, senor, but we had to know that the
crew of the Gold Ship had charge of the pi-
rate vessels."

“ True; but you know where the Gold
Ship lies at anchor?"

“ Yes, senor. I saw her last night.”

“ How far away?”

“ Half a league from here, senor.”

“ Peon, we have sixty men on board;
do you think it possible to capture that
craft?”

“ Her armament is heavier than ours,
senor.”

” Yes, but I mean in our boats?”

‘~‘ She has a crew of sixty mcn, senor.”

“ But We have the advantage of a sur-
prise."

“If we can surprise them, senor.”

“ How far does she lie from the shore?”

“In the. center of the lagoon, senor, which
is about a hundred yards wide.”

“And the. banks?”
‘~‘-Are overhung with trees, senor.”
‘=‘ Then we can muffle our cars, pull our-

, selves along the overhanging branches, and

dash out upon the craft, and I believe can
capture her.” . i

“ We can but try, senor,”

‘-‘I will call up, the crew, and if we are
successful the cruise of the Sea Marauder
shall end; for we will get gold enough to
suit the, most avaricious heart.

“Go, below, Peou and order- the-men on
deck," and the officer turned and descended
into thetcabiu of the Sea Marauder, in which
burned; a bright light.

CHAPTER V.
THE PRISONERS on A PIRATE._

Tun officer who entered the cabin of the
Sea Marauder paused as he reached: the- last
step of the companionway, and threw aside
his hat and cloak,

‘ His face and form, were. thereby fully- re-
vealed. and while the latter- was elegant and
graceful. the former was noblein expression.
and not such a countenance, as one would
look for in. one, who held command, on a
pirate deck. ‘ ‘

 

He was dressed in a uniform that was
somewhat fanciful in appearance, and wore
a belt containing two pistols and a sword,
the hilt of the latter being gem—studded.

His face was youthful, for he could scarce-
ly have passed his twenty—fifth year; but it
was resolute, fearless, handsome, and, as I
have said, was not marred by the impress of
a life of crime.

The cabin was one of luxurious surround-
ings, and certainly most inviting as a re-
treat, for a velvet carpet and rich rugs cov-
ered the floor, paintings were hung here and
there, wherever space offered, ottomans,
sofas and easy—chairs were scattered about,
and stable under a lamp had on it a rich
silver service for wines and refreshments,
and a few books.

Upon each side of the table was seated a
person, each of whom glanced up at the ap-
pearance of the young officer.

The one was a man of stn‘kin appear—
ance, dressed in a kind of sea uni orm, and
with a face that was very dark, and almost
f orbiddingly stern.

The other was a young girl of fifteen, per—
haps. though there was that about her in
calm dignity and roundness of form, which
caused her to appear older.

Her face was one of rare beauty, though
now within her lustrous eyes dwelt a look of
sadness, commingled with anxiety.

“Pardon my intrusion, Mr. Branch, upon
yourself and daughter, but knowing that on
had not yet retired, I sought you for a little
talk,” said the pirate officer in a tone of
marked courtesy.

“ Be seated, Lieutenant Murell, for, since
we have been your prisoners, your kindness
to us has been such that we have no need to
dread your presence," returned the gentle-
man.

"Thank you, sir; but I have done that.
which 1 deemed to be my duty toward you,
for, though cruel circumstances over which
I had little control, drove me to a pirate’s
deck, 1 yet have not forgotten what is due to
my fellow-beings in their distress.”

“This sentiment does you honor, sir, and
I would that you felt it in your power to re—
lease my daughter and myself upon the ran-
som I offer.”

“I am not, sir, unfortunately, m own
master, as you know, and Captain ierre,
who. went up to the, city in the very fishing-
smack from which he took yourself and
daughter‘. demanded that I keep you until
his return, having- refused the ofiered ran-
som you then made, and which 1 deemed
most generous.”

“-I can offer no larger sum, sir,” coldly
said the gentleman.

“ Snyou have. said, sir, and I believe you."

 

(
g

 

 

 

“ The truth is, I am not now a rich man,
and having been on tnred by Brandt the
Buccaneer, who seize the vessel upon which
- I sailed, and afterward picked up a boat in
l which was my child here, I had to buy our
freedom from him, and have now but the
gems Iofier you.”

“ I cannot accept them, sir, I am sorry to
say; but as I have a grain of hope for you, I
have come to make it known.”

“ Oh, sir, what hope have you ‘2” cried the
young girl, in a rich, pleading voice.

“ I will tell you:

“ I have a Peon Indian on board, who is a
perfect seamen, and in his light skiff goes
almost anywhere he desires to.

“While fishing, two days ago, in the
mouth of the lagoon, 1 saw a vessel run in
toward a secret bayou up the coast, and
almost at the Same time a brig and a cutter
seek a haven down the coast.

“ I returned to the schooner, and sent Peon
as a sp to discover just what the vessels
were, or two ' of them I felt sure I recog-
nized. ‘

“ He returned from up the coast with the
news that the vessel there was the Gold
Ship-4’

‘ “Hal that craft?” and the gentleman had
sprung from his seat.

“ Do you know the mysterious vessel, Mr.
Branch?”

V “Only asseraft that is said to contain
immense treasure, and which Brandt the
Buccaneer was continually searching for,
v while I was a prisoner on board.”
3 “Well, sir, the Gold Ship is now at an-
chor in a lagoon not half a league from here.”
“By Heaven! what a chance to capture
her!” said Basil Branch, excitedly.
The pirate lieutenant smiled, and contin-
ued: '
“ But to the other vessels, sir."
u Ah, es."
. “ The eon went last night to discover the
cause of their presence on the coast, and re-
turned only a few minutes ago and made his
report."
“ And he found them?”
\ "He did, Mr. Branch. and one was a Mexi-
can cutter captured by a Captain Eduardo,
‘ and which he turned into a pirate craft."
' ‘V‘ I have heard of this craft. She is known
. as the, Gold Hunter, and a seaman who
joined us. or rather Brandt’s vessel, reported
, “191" She was cruising in search of the Gold
\ Slug; but. at the same time boarded and
» ‘ob 'd any defenseless vessel found on the
seas; but the other craft, Lieutenant
u‘rell?" ‘
“~“ Was the brig Huntress.” _ ,
“ Hat the vessel of Brandt the Buccaneer?”

 

Merle Home’s Pardon.

“ The same, sir.’

" And Brandt 7"

“ is a prisoner, sir.”

“ Great God! you astonish me!” and Basil
Branch arose and paced the cabin in .an ex—
cited way, that surprised both his daughter
and the pirate officer, and ’which caused the
former to say calmly:

“Father, why do you allow this news of
Brandt the Buccaneer to so unnerve you?”

The man flushed, then paled, and throw-
ing himself again in his chair, answered in a
low tone: .

“ It -is surprise and joy at feeling that.
Brandt is at last in chains, and will meet his
fate; but, lieutenant,” he continued:

“Who was the captor of the brig?”

“ Merle Monte, sir, the commander ofthe
Gold Ship.” .

“ No!”

“It is true, sir. for while Peon was there
the American cruiser Sea Wolf swept into
the inlet, and the condemned Midshipman
surrendered the cutter of Captain Eduardo,
and the Huntress, with Brandt, to Captain
Meredith. ’ .

“ This is astounding.”

“It is indeed, sir; but, as Merle Monte
has just retired to his vessel in his boat,
and certainly will not at to sea to-night, I
have decide to go an attack her." '

“A bold plot, sir, but you have the men to
carr it out?”

“ have sixty men.”

"And the Gold Ship?”

“Peon reports her with a crew of three-
1slcore; but I rely much on my surprising

er.” .

" Does she lie in a position that will give
you that advantage?’

“ She does, my spy reports.”

5‘ Then by all means attack her, and I
will aid you,” said Basil Branch with enthu-
siasm.

“It was to ask you to do this, sir, that I
sought you here, for I have no officer, to aid
me, as we suflered seve ely awhile ago, in
escaping from the Sea W If.” r

“ You may rely upon me, sir."

"Thank you, sir, and if we capture the
Gold Ship will release yourself and daugh-
ter upon my own reponsibility, feeling thatl
the treasure thus gained will more than
repay my captain for your loss.” ,

“And should I fall, sir?” and Basil Branch

lanced in a significant manner toward his,
au hter.- - ‘ ,

“ will regard Miss Branch as my own-
sister, sir, until I can return her to her ‘
friends.” ,  ‘

“ And should you fall, lieutenant, will your "
men release us?’ , ;

“ I will give my orders to that effect, Mr

 

 

 

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10

Merle Monte's Pardon.

 

Branch, and Peon will see that they are can
ried out.”

“ Enough, I am ready."

“ I will call you, sir, when the boats are
ready. Farewell, Miss Branch, and hope
for the best," and Vance Murell, the pirate
lieutenant, left the father and daughter alone
in the cabin.

 

CHAPTER VI.
A BLACK SPY.

WITHOUT any adventure, Merle Monte re-
turned to his vessel, which, as the Peon spy
from the Sea Marauder had reported, lay at
anchor in a lagoon, some half mile from its
mouth.

The lagoon was deep, the banks were hea-
vily fringed with trees, and the spot was a
dismal one, but a. secure retreat from prying
eyes on any vessel cruising along the coast in
search of craft that might be of a suspicious
Character.

The watchful lookout on the Gold Ship
sighted the boats, and promptly reported
their coming to the oflfleer in charge, who
was the former captain of the Galveston
packet schooner, which had been wrecked
in a storm with Mrs, Branch and her daugh-
ter on board, but who, with those of his
crew that had been picked up by the treasure
craft, had willingly united their fortunes
with those of Merle Monte. '

Recognizing the boats as those from the
schooner, Lieutenant Trencr. the former
merchant captain, called down the compan-
ionway:

“ Ho, Mezrak!”

“Ay, ay, sir,” and there appeared in the
companionway, where the cabin lights fell
full upon him, the form of a negro.

Black as ebony, deformed in shape, for his
legs were short, his body stout, and arms of
great length, and with a head of massive
size, the person who answered to the name
of Mezrak was one to be feared by those who
would bring his anger upon them.

An Abyssinian slate. he was the one who
had reared Merle Monte from infancy, and
he loved his young master far more than all
else on earth, while he seemed to almost hate
the rest of mankind.

He was clad in a rich Persian costume,
gems of rare beauty glittered upon his huge
fingers, and in spite of his appearance he
seemed a dandy in dress and love of orna—
ments.

He wore a pair of pistols in his sash, and a
superb cimeter hung from his belt, the hilt
glittering with precious stones.

“Your master is coming. Mezrak, and will
doubtless need supper,” called out Lieuten-
ant Trenor to the slave.

 

“ Ay, ay, sir, I will prepare it,” answered
Mezrak, in his deep tones.

A few moments after the boats touched the
schooner's side, and Merle Monte was met by
his lieutenant.

Aiding Mrs. Branch on deck, Merle said:

“Have the boats hauled up, Mr. Trencr
and get all in readiness to sail at daybreak.”

“Ay, ay, Captain Monte,” responded the
officer, and he at once gave the necessary
orders, and while they were being obeyed
paced to and fro.

After awhile Merle came on deck, and
lighting a cigar handed one to his lieutenant,
to whom he then told the story of his suc~
cessful surrender of the two pirate vessels to
the Sea Wolf.

“ And Little Belt did not return ?”

“No, and I will relieve you in her place
to-night, so get what sleep you can.”

“ I hope no harm befell Lieutenant Little
Belt, Captain Monte?”

“Oh, no, she but remained to go in the
brig to New Orleans and witness the execu-
tion of Brandt, the Buccaneer, after which
she will rejoin us.”

“ Poor woman, he has made her suffer
fearfully,” sighed Lieutenant Trenor.

“Yes, and soon she will be avenged for
all her wrongs; but now seek rest, for we
sail at dawn, and we must hunt down that
Sea Marauder, for that is my one aim now,
as her captain holds as prisoners the husband
and daughter of poor Mrs. Branch.”

The lieutenant made no reply but left the
deck, and Merle Monte told the watch they
could turn in and that he would remain up
for the remainder of the night.

Pacing to and fro he became lost in deep
reverie, until presently he started, for his
quick car had caught a strange sound.

It was not the cry of the night-birds on
shore, nor the snort of the alligator, or croak
of a frog, but a sound that had a strange
meaniugto him.

Stepping to the companionway he gave a
low call, and instantly, Mezrak, the Abys-
sinian slave appeared. I

“ Well, master?” asked Mezrak politely.

“I heard a sound over in the foliage, down
the stream some few cables’ length; listen
and see if you hear it.”

Mezrak listened attentively, and for a mo-
ment stood thus in silence.

Then he said quietly; .

“ Master. I hear the splash of oars."

“I heard a, sound, Mezrak, as though an
oar had broken, and I must be right in be-
lieving there is a boat coming up the
stream.”

fl :1‘ Yes, master, but if so the oars are muf~
e .
“ Mezrak will see,"

i
i
r

g
i
l

 

 

  
  

place 7 I

Little '

n the

xecu. j 

rhich

utfer , ,

‘. for

'we, 

that
ow,’
and

the .

hey “

“P

aep
his _

 

 

 

Merle Montc’s Pardon.

 

 

Instantly be cast aside his turban and ele-
ant costume, and slipping over the side
rapped noiselesslyinto the water. Merle
went to the side and watched him, for he

" . knew the danger he ran in that lagoon, where
‘ alligators had their haunts.

But Mezrak seemed to dread no danger,
and swam rapidly away toward the shore.

For minutes, which seemed almost hours,
Merle awaited, looking searchin gl y out over
the dark waters. '

At last he behold a ripple upon the surface
of the lagoon, then a dark object appeared,
and next, Mezra’k came over the side of the
schooner.

“ Well, Mczrak?" asked Merle quickly,
for the rapid pace at which the slave had re-
turned proved tp him that he had made some
discovery.

‘ “Master, boats, filled with men are com-
ing up the lagoon, and one awaits opposite
the schooner, now, for the others to come.”

" Ah! you have done well, Mezrak; but
you always do that, my brave friend. Now
call the men on deck, and tell them to make
no sound, and I will call up Mr. Trenor and

' ' arm myself."

Merle s oke with the utmost calmness.
and Mezra quickly disappeared to obey his
orders.

Entering the cabin the young captain was

absent but a couple of minutes, and return-
ing to the deck was accompanied by Lieu-
tenant Trenor, both armed to the teeth.
‘ The crew were coming rapidly and silent-
ly to their posts. arming themselves from
.t e' sword and pistol racks as they appeared,
'andhve minutes after Mezrak’s return to
the schooner all was in readiness to greet
a foe, which the Black Spy had reported
coming upon them.

CHAPTER VII.
v THE BOAT ATTACK.
. V FOR 9. short time only had the crew of the

'7' ' “schooner, to wait for their foes to show them-

selves. and at it seemed an age to them, for
they bided t e moment breathlessly that must
open a fierce conflict,'and lay many of their
number upon the deck.

The schooner swung starboard broadside
tothe dark shore. from which the attack was
‘ expected, and Merle took up his post on the
quarter-deck near the wheel, while his Lieu-
tenant Trenor, went forward.

Not far from Merle Monte was Mezrak,

'1 ,who had resumed his Persian garb once

more. and exchanged his handsome blade
With the gem-studded hilt, for one of a more
business-like look, as far as its capability for
,killing was concerned. ,

Y He had *alsowfituck two extra pistols in his
_ V ,>

 

 

   

belt, and thus armed was a. most formidable
looking antagonist. r

The re ard felt by Merle Monte for the de- ’
formed lack was such that he ever wanted
to guard him from danger, if in his power,
though he well knew Mezrak reveled in mad
combat, so he said to him:

“Mezrak, had you not better keep in the
cabin, to protect Mrs. Branch, should the
fight go against us on deck?“

“If master so wishes,” calmly responded
Mezrak.

“ It is my wish, Mezrak."

The slave simply bowed and made his
way to the companionway, and even entered
the cabin, where he found Mrs. Branch
quite anxious regarding the expected attack
from unknown foes.

To keep her mind occupied, Mezrak sug- .
gestcd that she load a number of pistols, and I
place them convenient for use during the
fight, and the brave woman at once set to
work at the task. ‘ '

“ There they come. lads." ‘

“Await my order to fire," said Merle, in a
low tone, and his words were passed for-
ward, just as four dark objects came out
from under the shadow of the shore and
moved swiftly toward the schooner.

It was evident that those in the boats ex-
pected to completely surprise the Gold Ship.
for they came on with a rush, and though
their oars were muffled, the blades splashed
loudly in the water.

“ Hol there, boats!"

Merle hailed in ringing tones, that sent a
thrill through his crew, for they awaited the
order that soon must come.

.Involuntarily, as they heard the clarion
voice, the oarsmen paused upon their oars,
but gave way again with a will, as a stern
voice answered:

“Pull, you devils, and board before the
crew can come on deck! Then raising his
voice, the same speaker anSWered Merle’s
hail with:

“ Ahoy, the schooner!"

“ What boats are those?’ cried Merle:

“ From the American cruiser Sea Wolf l"

"Keep ofi, orl‘ll fire into you,” ordered,
Merle, sternly, convinced that the man spoke -
falsely. _r I

“Pull, devils, all together, and the
schooner is ours!” were the words then
heard, and with a wild yell from their crews,
the four boats dashed upon the schooner. ‘

“ Fire!" .v

In answer to Merle’s ringing command,
the whole starboard bulwark of the G014
Ship seemed to be a line of fire, and sixty
grailkets flashed forth a shower of leaded,

a1 . ‘
Then came the pattering of bullets a

 
    

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12

Merle Monte’s Pardon.

 

wood, the splashing of oars in the water,
shrieks of agony, groans, curses and shouts
of the officers to “seize the Gold Ship and
show no mercy!”

The next instant two of the boats struck
the side' of the schooner, and their crews
threw themselves upon the deck, and at once
a fierce and most sanguinary fight hcn‘an,
assailants and defenders becoming locked to-
gether in a hand—to-hand conflict.

The attacking party realized that where
they had expected to surprise their foe, they
had been surprised by finding that fee pre
pared for them; but the goal for which they
fought was the far-famed Gold Ship, the
capture of which would make all of them
rich, and they determined to win or die.

Their young leader, Vance Murell, was
the first man upon the sehooncr's deck,
and he fought with a courage that set his
men a good example, and they rallied around
him with a will.

He had boarded aft, and consequently was
opposed to Merle Monte and his defenders,
and the fight became most desperate.

Forward, Basil Branch had boarded the
schooner with thirty men at his back, and he
fought with desperation, for he felt how
much was at stake for him,

But from stem to stem of the schooner her
crew were held in thorough discipline, and
they met their fees with a cool courage that
could not be broken.

At last the sehooner’s crew began to slight
1y waver, when out of the companionway
darted a black form, and his hands seemed
to ' hold fire in them, so rapidly did he fire
pistol after pistol, as he rushed upon the at-
tacking party.

“Hold, Mezrakl” cried Merle, as he saw
his faithful slave hurl himself into the midst
of the enemy,

“ Come. men, follow me, or he’ll be slain I”
shouted Merle, and he sprung into the breach
made by Mezrak, and before whom the as-
sailants shrunk away as from a demon.

Backed by his men the onslaught of Merle,
in going to the aid of Mczrak, was irresisti~
ble, in fact. overwhelming, and the boats’
crews were panic-stricken, and turning,
sprung over the side in wild flight.

In vain did Vance Murell, the pirate lien-
tenant, and his ally in the attack, Basil
Branch, strive to stay the current, for their
men would not remain longer, and seeing
that all was lest they too sought to escape to
the boats.

It was a mad stampede. and but three of
the boats got away from the schooner’s side,
the fourth having been captured by Mezrak,
who sprung into it, and threw overboard
those who had there sought refuge.

.And those three, still under the fire of

 

their fees, pulled swiftly for the shelter of
the dark shores, when they turned their
prows down the lagoon, and kept up their
wild flight.

But ere they reached the open water the"
beheld the sails unfurled upofil wgnmp hr-
and spread above her decks 1., s ..uge white
wings, while the beautiful craft sped sea.-
ward at a swift pace, as though anxious to
leave quickly astern the scene of carnage,
which had dyed red the dark waters of the
sluggish lagoon.

CHAPTER VIII.
AT A PmA’rE’s MERCY.

IT was with the most intense anxiety that
Pearl Branch awaited the return of her fath-
er, who had gone with the boats to attack
the Gold Ship. .

So far she had not suspected her father’s
complicity with Brandt the Buccaneer, so
carefully had both he and the pirate chief
guarded the secret that he was really an
officer upon the Huntress, and not a passenger
as he had said, en. route to Galveston on the
packet brig when she was seized and turned
into an outlaw craft.

His gambling havin brought him to the
verge of rum, Basil FBranch, in sheer des-
peration had turned to piracy hoping in a
short time to redeem his fallen fortunes,
build up his estates again, and spend his lat-
ter days in what comfort he could with his
wife and daughter, for his conscience car-
ried a painful load upon it.

But a bitter fee was upon his path in the
captain of the Sea Marauder, who sought to
revenge slighted love and his hatred of a
successful rival, and had inveigled Mrs.
Branch and Pearl away from home, under

pretense that Basil Branch had sent for .

them._

The wreck of the vessel, upon which they
took passage, followed, the separation of
mother and daughter. the former being left
upon the sinking hulk, with her pretended
friend but real foe, and the picking, up of
the boat, in which was Pearl, by the vessel
of Brandt. the Buccaneer, when the maiden
and her father came face to face.

In the mean time the wreck had been
righted hy the Gold Ship, and Mrs. Branch.
Pierre, her pretended friend, and the captain
taken from it, add then the capture of
Brandt, the Buccaneer. came about, and the
poor motherlearned that her husband and
child had been released and sent to New Or-
leans, to immediately after hear that they
had been again captured, and this time by
the Sea Marauder. whose captain she little
dreamed was none other than Pierre, the
pretended friend, that had mysteriously dis-

 

( :lSi-‘C
Sim 1; .
reader
leagur
attack
her.
Aft
whicl
Pierr

 

 

 

 

Merle Mantels Part! on.

 

._ 1.3“; I

 

 
 

appeared from the Gold Ship one night,
if of when it was anchored 0E an inlet, awaiting
the” the dawn to run in and attack the pirate ves-

  
 

« 881 reported to be hiding inshore.

While the suspense-haunted mother was
"’46, Riding in the Gold Ship, in search of the
' "der,.tliat trim little craft, as the

 
 
 

‘ Tl" ' "M U,

me , reader and v ~ , ms hidden within less than a

’33- . league of her'; and sending her hosts out to
to attack the very vessel that was looking for

get her.

he After the capture of the smack. upon

;. ,which was Basil Branch and Pearl. Captain
 Pierre, the one who sought to avenge fancied
:- ,, wrongs in the past, had recognized his enemy
' i? and his daughter, and not wishing to be seen
., v‘ by them, had left them in charge of his lieu-
at: v a tenant, with orders to hold them prisoners
r i. until his return from the city, whither he
i ' went to secure heavier guns and more men,
r" 'with which to hunt down the treasure craft;
’ " of Merle Monte. '
I The lieutenant had obeyed orders by run-
r’ning for the Lost Pond, where the reader

has seen the Sea Marauder hidden away; but
, »_. thou h circumstances had made him an out-
‘It  law. is heart was not wholly warped from
, j good, and he had pitied both Basil Branch
-_ 1‘ ’ and Pearl.

- '_ " Most kindly had he treated them. and he
~  ‘ was anxious to give them their freedom; but
~ ;5 he was left in command by Captain Pierre,
r  and would not betray him, so he plotted
some way in which they could go free and
. ,not compromise him.
The maiden had interested him from the
 first. and the more he saw of her the more
, his heart warmed toward her, until he was
‘ determined to take a bold step for her re«
1 Jesse from the power of his cruel chief, and
that step he‘decided upon when he learned
through his spy, Peon, that the Gold Ship
was anchored near.

Could he capture that vessel, loaded with
' fabulous wealth. he felt it would be full re-
compense to Captain Pierre for allowing his
prisoners to go free, especially as he \rould
tell him Basil Branch had ably seconded him
in the attack. ‘
' To poor Pearl. knowing, or believing,r that
she did, the motive that prompted her father
to join in the attack, the hours passed their
Vent-y length along. .
 She believed that her father was actuated

wholly b a desire for her release and his
Oymtffin , had thus volunteered, when really
his eyes were fastened upon the Gold Ship
.Wlfll hope of gain, for he had in his posses-
sion proof I that he was one of Brandt’s lieu-
tenants; which. it compelled to show what
.195113‘ WEB._ he felt: assured Would gain
his freedom and his daughter's upon the re-
turnof the captain of the Sea Marauder, for

w»?

 

 

   
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 
  
 
  
  
 
 
   
  
 
 
  
    
   
  
  
  
 

 
 

 

 

he little knew that he was a foe of his of
long years’ standing.

The Gold Ship Pearl had looked upon,
from all that she had heard, as little better
than a pirate, and her commander, 3 Con-
demned Midshipman who had mutinicd and
then escaped death at the yard—arm by flight}

Hence she did not deem the attack upon
her to be unlawful on the part of her father.

Unable to sleep, she pacod the cabin nerve I
ously, counting the moments as they drag-
ged along. and starting at every sound.

Upon the vessel had been left hut four
men, for Vance Murell knew there was no
need of a guard there, and these she did not
see nor hear, and therefore her position was-
one of abject loneliness and gloom.

At last she started, for she heard the quick
dip of oars, then a low order, and next came?
feet upon the deck.

She tried to spring toward the companion-
way, but was unable to move.

“Had her father returned?"

“ Had her father been killed?"

" Had the Gold Ship been captured?”

“ If so, Would her father and herself be set
free?” 1

Such were the thoughts and questions
chasing themselves in rapid succession
through her brain, and like a statue, bent
forward, hands clasped, eyes staring at the
companionwuy, she stood and waited in
breathless suspense.

A quick stop crossed the dark, another or-
der was given, and in the vorce of Vance
Murell, the pirate lieutenant, and ti ( n she
saw feet descending the companionm 3 steps.

Yet still she could not moveor utter a cry.

Then a form/appeared. It was that of the
pirate lieutenant.

She seemed to read the sad look upon his
face and gasped forth:

“ .My father I”

“Alas! Miss Branch. it pains my heart to
tell you that he did not return with us,” said
the pirate officer, sadly.

“Is he a prisoner?” she hoarser whisper-
ed.

“ I think not, for ‘I saw him turn to take
tor the boats with us, when we were beaten
0 .” ' ‘-

“ Then heris dead?” . .

She said the words hoarsely, and in the
form of a question.

“Alas! I feel that it is so.” ‘

Believing that her mother had gone down
with the wreck. and that her father was dead,
poor Pearl cried bitterly: '

“Oh, God! Iam all alone in the world,
and worse still, I am at the mercy of a pi»
rate.”

She swayed forward as she spoke. her
eyes closed, and she would have fallen, had."

 

    
   


it
‘1

  

 

mud-

P

 

her in his arms, While he cried in thrilling
tones:

“ No, no, my beautiful Pearl, you are not
all alone, for I will live for you and be your
very slave.”

But she heard not his words, for she had
sunk into a deep swoon that seemed akin to
death. _

CHAPTER IX.
A GOOD DEED REMEMBERED.

WHEN aroused to resistance, Mezrak, the

slave of Merle Monte, was a very demon,
and as merciless as a tiger.
i Hence, when the crew of the Sea Marau-
der turned to fly to their boats and escape,
he had pressed them hard, and had cut them
down with his huge cimeter without the
slightest mercy.

One of the attacking party he had dragged
backward upon the deck,-just as he sprung
upon the bulwark, and the next instant his
head would have been severed from the body,
had not the prostrate and wounded man fired
a pistol almost in his face.

The bullet missed its aim, as it struck the
blade of the cimeter and glanced off, doing
no harm; but the flash of the discharge had
illumined the face of the prostrate man and
instantly the murderous blade was stayed in
its deadly work.

Mezrak was one who never forgot a face,
seen under circumstances where there was
cause to remember it.

The man whom he was about to kill he
had met before, and what is more, he recog-
nized in him onewho had once befriended him».

His mind flashed back to the scene some
time before, when a vagabond crowd had
pursued him in New Orleans, jeering his de-
formities and threatening him with violence.

Suddenly a carriage appeared upon the
scene and drew up, while a handsome, dark,
Stern-faced man dismounted and instantly
commanded the crowd to desist.

They had jeered the deformed black, but
they fell back before the bold man who con-
fronted them, and he bade Mezrak enter his
carriage and at once drove him to the pier
off which lay the Sea Wolf, on board of
which Merle Monte was then a midshipman.

The man now prostrate before him was
his bold rescuer that da long before, and
by the flash of the pistol ezrak had recog-
nized him and spared his life, and seeing
that he was wounded, he raised him in his
strong arms and bore him aft.

CHAPTER X.
THE wonnnnn PRISONER.
“MASTER, spare this man for my sake,
for though our fee now, he is the one who

 

 

. 4 ,:  as... .

Merle Monte’s Pardon.

I

not Vance Murell sprung forward and caught l served me well long ago, the day the crowd

hunted me in New Orleans,” said Mezrak.

“ Certainly, Mezrak. if he served you
once he is my friend now, not my foe.
Bear him into the cabin. as he seems
wounded, and look to him,” answered
Merle.

Mezrak bore the wounded man into the
cabin and -placed him upon a lounge, and
then hastily returned to the deck, for he did
not consider his Work there finished.

He found the Gold Ship’s crew clearing
the deck of the dead pirates, by robbing
them and throwing their bodies overboard.

Driven to frenzy by the attack upon his
master and his vessel, Mezrak set the exam-
ple at once of hurling the wounded as Well
into the lagoon, and ere Merle Monte, who
was quickly told of the act of his maddened
slave, could get forward to prevent, the last
one of the pirates had sunk beneath the dark
waters.

Boats were lowered and an effort made to
save them; but too late, as they were unable
to keep up, wounded as they were.

"Mezrak, you have grieved and angered
me,” said Merle, sternly, laying his hand
hard upon the arm of the black.

“Master, they sought your life and your
inheritance, and they did not deserve to live,
and had they lived to recover, it would be
but to die upon the yard arm,” was Mezrak’s
reply. '

“ Still you did Wrong, and I cannot easily
forget it, Mezrak.”

“ Alas, master, do not be angry with your
poor slave," said the black in a low tone that
quivered with emotion.

“I believed you in the cabin, caring for
the wounded man Whom you savod.”

“He served me, master, and I would not
see him die. Forgive Mezrak, master.” and
the slave stretched forth his huge hand,

Merle grasped it warmly, and instantly the
negro dropped to the deck and pressed his
lips upon his master’s feet.

“Rise, Mezrak, and see to the wounded
man in the cabin."

“Am I forgiven, master?”

“Yes, Mezrak.”

Instantly the slave sprung to his feet. and
walked toward the cabin, while Merle,
anxious to find the vessel from which the
boats had come to attack him, at once order-
ed the schooner gotten under sail, and away
sped the fleet craft seaward determined to
stand off and on along the coast to await the
coming of day, when a search would be made
for their foe.

If a cruiser, Merle knew the Gold Ship
could run away from it.

If a pirate, he would fight it, and who real-
ly were his assailants he had no means of

 

 

 

 

 
    

  

Merle Mexico’- Pardon.

 

 

 

 

fgfiw‘i f knowing. for Mezrak had disposed of the
i '0 wounded too quickly to find out from them.
, {er , . As the schooner was gliding out of the la-
Seem' goon. and feeling the waves of the Gulf un~
were; , ,der her bows, there came from the cabin a
, 3 wild shriek, which quickly caused Merle to
K) the seek to know its cause.
and “Gain an ofling, Mr. Trenor, and keep her
8 did < off and on,” he called out to his lieutenant,
as he hesitated an instant before dashing
"in down the companionway.
hing Upon entering the cabin a strange scene
.d g met his gaze.
lin. Upon the lounge lay the wounded man,
a ‘3 whom Mezrak had placed there, and bending
“WEE over him was Mrs. Branch, her form trem»
wh bling convulswely, and low moans coming
neg from her lips.
last -1, fibove them stood Mezrak, calm and si-
. en . .
alk » The wounded man seemed conscious, for
to . I his eyes were open, and he grasped his wife’s
mp handybut his face had on it the hue of
‘ death.
.ed . Seeing his master enter, Mezrak said,
nd calmly;
' “Master, it is the husband of this lady
I that I haVe saved.”
f“ _ ,, Merle ‘ was thunderst'ruck. and calmly
I? . walked forward to where the wife bent over
_.8 wher husband, whom she had so strangely
‘5 found.
ly

CHAPTER XI.
HOPE AND DESPAIB.

SEEING Merle come forward, Basil Branch,
,for he 'was the wounded man whom Mezrak
had saved, turned his eyes upon him, and
the look caused Mrs. Branch to start, and
glance over her shoulder.

“Oh, Captain Monte, I have found my
' husband,” she cried, eagerly.
Then she continued, speaking rapidly and
nervously:
r “I saw Mezrak brin him into the cabin
and'lay him here. and feared at first that it
was you. But I knew that it could not be
when I saw his dress, or Lieutenant Trenor
either, and yet my eyes seemed to be riveted
upon his form. For a long time he lay siv
. lent: and so motionless that I deemed him
_ dead;_ Then Mezrak came down and bent
overrhim to. dress his wound, and Iheard
him'gman With a ony. and then speak. His
voice told me 'w o it was, and springing
forward, I found my ears had not deceived
me, for see, it is my husband.”
‘ “ Yes, my dear madam, and I rejoice that
you" have found him; but come. I know
s mething of surgery, and Mezrak is well
skilie’d'in; the cure of wounds, so we will

 

  
  
   
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  

 

  

take him in charge now, and you can nurse
him back to life.”

“But he 'Will live, will he not, Captain
Monte?” eagerly asked the poor woman.

“ I have every hope that he will, Mrs.
Branch: but he must be kept perfectly
quiet, as the wound is in a dangerous p051-
tion— See! he has become unconscious.”

Merle then drew aside the clothing, and
the act revealed a bullet wound in the lefl:
side.

That it had not touched the heart was
evident by the wounded man being yet
alive; but that it was most dangerous was
also true.

A word to Mezrak caused him to bring to
his master a case of surgical instruments,
and breathlesst Mrs. Branch watched the
amateur surgeon as he probed for the bullet.

Now and then the wounded man winced
and groaned under the pain; but Merle
Monte was as gentle as a woman 'in his
touch, and soon drew out the bullet.

, “Thank Godl" fervently said the sorrow»
ing Wife. while Mezrak gave a grunt of sat-
isfaction at this result.

Then the wound was skillfully dressed,
the invalid made as comfortable as was possi-
ble, and the wife left to nurse her husband,
while Mezrak remained near to be of any
service should he be needed.

Returning to the deck Merl - Monte found
all ship-shape once more, for the dead had
been buried in the sea, the wounded put in
the sick-bay, and the schooner’s deck washed
clean.

Lieutenant Trenor held the deck, and the
beautiful vessel, under the pressure of a five-
knot breeze oflf-shore. was standing ofl.’ and
on, running about half a league each side of
the lagoon on each tack, as the vessel from
which the boats had come must certainly be
not far away, the officer had thought.

With the first appearance of dawn the
schooner was cleared for action, the men
went to quarters, and every eye onthe Gold
Ship was searching for a foe. ,

Knowing that the water was of sufflhient
depth to permit it, Merle ran closer inshore,
and then would luff up and send a boat in to
search the inlets, and the lagoons as fast as
they dared venture. r

In this way he began along hunt for his
foe, whoever that foe might be. for,.as Basil
Branch yet remained unconscious, and his
life hung by a thread, Merle had not found
out that his assailants were from the very
vessel for which he was so anxiously search-
ing. ' '

True, knowin
daughter had 11 captured by p the Sea

’Marauder. a certain suspicion would cross

 

his mind that the boats  come from that

 

 

that Basil Branch and'hisf, . "

         
       

 

a." pm“ _».- —

 

 

.‘ -w,

l
is.

 

 

16 Merle Monte’s Pardon.

 

vessel; but then he hooted the idea, when
he thought that it would be next to impos-
sible for the wounded man to be fighting
with the very pirates who were the captors
of himself and child, and he preferred to
think that the Sea Marauder had been cap-
tured by an English cruiser, the two cap-
tives released, and that the planter had
joined their crew in the assault on the Gold
Ship believing it to be another buecaneer.

Yet if such was the case. where was the
cruiser from whence the boats had come?

He had noticed in the fight that the as-
sailants seemed to wear the English sailors‘
garb, and he had particularly observed the
very gallant manner in which Basil Branch
fought; but he knew that there was no Eng-
lish cruiser on the coast then that should be
afraid to meet the Gold Ship in combat, and
he was in a deep quandary as to why the
mysterious and unknown vessel did not
boldly run out and fight him.

If he knew it to be a man-of—war, he
would not fight but run, for he was de-
termined to do no not of outlawry, although
a fugitive, condemned to death by his Gov-
ernment.

But, should the stranger prove the Marau-
der, or any other outlaw craft, most gladly
would he give it combat.

Knowing well, that as he sailed without
the flag of any nation above his decks, and
that as a havenless craft all vessels of war
considered him fair game, yet he trusted to
the speed of his schooner to escape from
them, and only in the last moment would
have used his guns to protect himself, his
treasure and his crew.

As the boats had been the assailants, he
was determined to find out to what they be-
lon ed, and if it proved to be an outlaw
cra t, then he would do all in his power to
haul down its black flag, and thereby gain
another point in his favor with his Govern-
ment, to which he had not cast 01? his alle-
giance, though it had cast him off, and,
more still, branded him as a mutineer, a
condemned officer and a deserter.

But though seemingly every inlet along
the coast for miles was searched, and days
were passed in the work, no trace of the
boats. or the craft from which they had come
could be found and Merle determined to
continue his cruise in the Gulf, in the search
for the Sea Marauder. V

In those days of search, Mrs. Branch had
bent over her husband, hopin for his life to
be spared, and yet fearing tiat he would
die, and most kindl through all had both
Merle and Mezrak aided her in nursing him.

At last, just as hope of finding the mysteri-

despair seemed to seize upon the poor wife,
who had asked, as soon as her husband dared
speak a word:

“ Where did you leave our child?"

Hardly audible was the answer, and the
words came slowly; but the despairing wo-
man, Merle and Mezrak heard them:

Sea Marauder.”

CHAPTER XII.
BASIL BRANCH TELLS HIS STORY.

WITH these words, which brought despair
to the fond mother’s heart, for it told her
that her beloved child was in the power of a
pirate, Basil Branch could say no more.

He seemed too deeply moved to utter an
other word, and those who watched over him
dared not ask him more for fear the thread of
life would break, and the good wife recog-
nized this and forbore from asking, though
her anxiety was intense.

And on sped the Gold Ship on its cruise,
anxious eyes searching the horizon day and
night for some trace of the Sea Marauder,
upon which the hopes of all were now cen-
tered.

At last Basil Branch was pronounced out
of danger by Merle Monte, for the crisis had
passed and he called to his wife that he wish-
ed to tell her all.

Merle and Mezrak would have left the
cabin, but the wounded man and his wife
urged that they should remain.

“I have wanted to speak before,” he said,
in a low tone. “But I dared not trust my-
self to do so, for fear I would break down,
and I do not Wish to die. I have said that
our poor Pearl was in the power of a pirate,
and she is; for Brandt the Buccaneer re-
leased us, and we were on the way in a small
coaster up to the city, when we were retaken
by the Sea. Marauder. You have told me,
Annabel, when I dared not speak, how you
and Pearl were inveigled from home by a
foe of mine, and of your being wrecked, and
knowing that Brandt had seized the packet-
brig Montezuma, upon which I was a pris-
oner, and then picked up the boat in which
was Pearl. All this is true; but Brandt let
us go free, bad as men say he is, and we fell
into the clutches of this pirate, Captain
Pierre. Upon the very smack, from which
he took us, he went on to the city, pretend-
ing to the skipper that he was a rich gentle.
man who had been captured and released
upon payment of ransom. Neither in self-
or Pearl saw him; but he left us. an his
vessel. in charge of his first officer, a dash-
ing. handsome young man. and a gentleman
in manner, whatever his crimes may be. He
ordered the lieutenant to a secret retreat he

 

ous enemy was given up. and hope of the
recovery of Basil Branch became certain,

called the Lost Pond, on the coast some

“ On board the pirate craft known as the [

 

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.9

  
  

Merle Monte’n Pardon. -

i 17- ,

 

 leagues from the Mississippi Delta, and

.‘t‘hlthcr 'we went, while he visited New
Orleans to et more men and several heavier
guns for his truly splendid little vessel, that
he might cruise in search of the Gold Ship,
and finding her, be able to capture her. The
lieutenant refused the bribes I oflcred him,
to free us, for he would not betray his com.

1 'mandcr; but he learned through an Indian

i.

spy that his vessel was near. and he deter-
mined to capture her. He believed, if he
could take the Gold Ship, he would be free-
, . ly forgiven for setting Pearl and myself free,
’ which was his intention, for he seemed to be
unable fellow and pitied us, well knowing
the cruel nature of his commander. Being
short of officers, he asked my aid, and 1,
looking upon this vessel as the world be-
lieves it, to be little less than a pirate, will—
reingly consented, especially as upon our
success depended our freedom. I therefore

under Lieutenant Murell. and the result on
know. He, and those of his crew not ki led

, - and ,wounded retreated to the boats and

, escaped when beaten back by you, Captain
Monte, and I remained behind. and our
daughter is in the hands of .the pirates, who
must have reported me as dead.” I
I “ But from what you say, sir, of this young

pirate lieutenant, there is every reason to be-

7' " lieve that he will act with honor, now that

she is so wholly in his power," said Merle.
“ Of that, sir, I have no doubt, pirate though
he is; but his captain may have returned, and

  I know what he is.”

There was a certain significance in his tone
and-words, in referring to the Sea Marauder,

" r that impressed those who heard him with the

idea that he knew more of the outlaw chief
than he had admitted, and Mrs. Branch asked
in a low tone:
“ Do you

' Basil?”

"I do, Annabel.”

“ Has he come to hate you ‘2”

“ He has.”

“How know you this?"

“From certain things I saw that belonged
,_ to him on the schooner I discovered 'ust who
this Captain Pierre Dupont of the Ma-
.Lwrauder is."
-,‘. ‘ PierreDupont?” cried Mrs. Branch, start-

 

 
 

  
  

ing u .

“ by, Basil. that was the name of the man
who professed to have been sent by you, for
Pearl and myself.”

' 1 ,“I know it,”

 

      
    
 

v “ He told us to call him Pierre, and We did

wirbtttrhis name was Pierre Dupont.”
“.And that explains the mystery of his de-

sertlngthe Gold Ship, theialght we lay off

took command of two of the pirate boats,‘

know this Captain Pierre,

 

,that inlet, waiting to run in with dawn ‘hnd

attack the pirate vessel reported at anchor
there.” said Merle.

“ Yes, it was his vessel, and he escaped by
swimming to it, and, in the darkness got his
boats out with muflied cars, and towed to
sea,” replied Basil Branch, and he added:

“This his lieutenant told me, and more.
for he said that his captain had gone to New
Orleans and sent down word to him to lie in
wait for the Galveston packet schooner. Fly-
away and capture her, and that he would
find him and more valuable prisoners passen-
gers on board. The sclmcnt-r, so says Lieu-
tenant Murell, had given these to the Fly-
8.“ ay, which was a very nimble-footed craft,
and had escaped him in a storm that had
come on.”

“That is true, every word of it, and thi
Pierre, or Dupont, tried all he could tn make
Captain Trenor believe that the schooner in
chase was an American cruiser, That night
the Flyaway was wrecked, and you know
the rest." said Mrs. Branch.

“ Well, I know just who this Captain
Pierre Dupont is, Annabel,” responded Basil
Branch.

“And who is he, Basil?’,’

“ Do you remember that I once detected a
man I believed to be a gentleman, and who
was so looked upon, in cheating his opponent
in a game of cards, on which hung a heavy
stake?”

“ I do remember him,” said Mrs. Branch
in a low tone.

“That man was the one your father had
selected for your husband, though I believe
you did not love him; but mydempose of his
rascality sent him in dishonor from his circle
of friends, and he went from bad to worse,
until he became the head of a band of river
pirates, known as the Mississippi Marauders.
One night Captain Monte, 1 rescued in
wife here, and her father from that ban .‘
Mr. Tracy, Annabel’s father. was severely
wounded, and I had him taken to my’_plan-
tation home, The Retreat, and there he
died.” .

"It was he very night, too, that your _
father died, sail, and you were standing on
the river-bank, sorrowing for his loss, when
you heard the fighting upon the river, and
came to our rescue; but are you ill?’ and
Mrs. Branch sprung toward her husband,
who had suddenly become livid. - .

“No, no, it is a passing weakness, ’ he »
said, quickly. ‘

” Perhaps we are taxing your strength too
much.” suggested Merle. ’

"No; let us harm it over with now,” he
murmured,,and then he continued, and in a'
stronvger voice:

“. ell, your old lover, Annabel, led those

   

     

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,.


)8 Merle Monte’s Pardon.

 

Marauders that night, and escaped by swim~
ming ashore, though he was wounded by me.
It was reported that he was killed that
.night, and so we all believed, as you know,
but what I discovered upon the Sea Maraud—
er proved to me that her captain is none
other than—

“Dupont Pierson!” almost shrieked Mrs.
Branch.

“Yes, and he has changed his name of
anont Pierson to Pierre Dupont, and that
ol' Marauder of the Mississippi, to The Sea
rilm'muder."

“Now I recall him, though his long
beard, and the change in his face that sev—
enteen or eighteen years have made, made
him unknown to me then as Pierre,” said
Mrs. Branch.

“ Yes, he is an old foe, and when in his
power to accomplish it well, he sought re-
venge against us, and though you and I have
escaped him, Annabel, our child is in his
power.

 

CHAPTER XIII.
A MYSTERY SOLVED.

THESE were crushing thoughts for the
poor mother and father, to feel that Pearl,
their beautiful daughter, was at the mercy
of their old foe, who sought revenge against
them.

True, Basil Branch took some hope in the
thought of what he knew of Vance Murell,
the pirate lieutenant, and felt that he would
protect Pearl all in his power.

Yet still-he feared for the worst, and earn-
estly urged Merle Monte to do all in his
power to capture the Sea Marauder.

As he had been allowed the freedom of the
deck on the schooner, and even to fish in the
lagoon, when Pearl was on the vessel, he felt
he could again find the Lost Pond, and he
begged Merle to head at once for that part of
the coast, and, by the time they reached
there, he would be well enough to be lower-
ed into a small boat and make the search at
least.

This Merle decided to do, as something
might have detained Captain Pierre in the
city and the schooner yet be aWaiting his
coming in the Lost Pond.

Merle could also understand, from the de-
scription given of the place by Basil Branch,
why he had been unable to find the little
vessel.

At once, then the Gold Ship was put
about and headed for the neighborhood of
the Delta of the Mississippi once more.

While en route, one pleasant day Merle en-
tered the cabin, and, telling Mrs. Branch to
go on deck and get some fresh air, said that
he Evenld remain by the side of her hus.
ban .

 

She was utterly worn out with worry and
nursing, and readily consented. and Merle
threw himself into an easy-chair beside his
guest.

“Mr. Branch,” he said, after a few words
on ordinary topics, “mayl ask you what
claim Brandt, the Buccaneer, had upon
you?”

The wounded man turned very white, and
for a moment did not reply.

Then he said:

“I do not understand you.”

“ I ask what claim Brandt, the Buccaneer,
holds upon you?”

“ None, sir,” the wounded man said, with
some indignation of tone.

“ I believe you, sir; but when I last saw
Brandt, the Buccaneer, whenI parted with
him on his way to the city to be tried and
hanged. he asked me to do him a favor.”

“Well, Captain Monte?”

“That favor was to send a message to
New Orleans, to seek out one Basil Branch,
a planter and a gambler, he said—’7

1‘ Sir!”

“Those were his words, Mr. Branch.”

“Pray, continue, sir,” said the planter,
with something very like a sneer in his tone.

“You shall hear all, sir. He asked that
my messenger ,zshould seek out and make
known to you that he was a prisoner on
board the Sea Wolf.

“In Heaven’s name, what good would
that do him ?"

“You are the best judge of that, Mr.
Branch.”

“ Captain Monte, you deal in innuendoes.”

“I will be more explicit, sir. .

“When I captured Brandt and his men
off Galveston, through the aid of your noble
wife, who led him into a trap set for him, I
brought him on board of this vessel in irpns
for safer keeping. In the state-room in
which he was confined, Mezrak, my slave,
found a roll of papers which he had evi-
dently dropped there unintentionally. I
have them here, and one is a letter from you
to him, telling him that you will get him a
crew to seize the brig, and see that her own
men desert her from some cause. And also,
that, as you are driven to despair by your
losses at the gaming-table, and have beg—
gared your wife and daughter, you will go
with him as a. lieutenant, to get money
enough to raise your family above want
once more, and that the world will know
nothing of your sin, and those you love will
be none the wiser. This letter, Mr. Branch,
lets out the secret, solves the mystery, and
more, another paper is a copy of instruC-
tions given you to go to New Orleans and get
him more men and heavier guns for his ves-
sel, and meet him at a certain rendezvous.

 

 

 

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liferle Bhutto’s Pardon. i.

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g; ‘ en, on the bottom of this paper are these
is - ords in a note, written by .Braudt:

“ ‘ oor Branch, he turned to piracy to
s
t now keeps this secret from his daughter,
1 , .‘ leaving her to believe he was my prisoner,
l and not my lieutenant, all will one day come

 

out, for the man who has once stepped across
 the threshold of crime, try as he may, cannot
hide forever from the world’s eye the know-
. ledge of that crime.‘ ”

, “ Oh,'God! Have mercy upon me!”
 "The groan came from the man, wrung by
 "meng agony, and seeing his suffering Merle
sat :

l ‘ » “ Mr. Branch, your secret is known to
Brandt the Buccaneer and myself only. He
- will soon end his life at the yard-arm, and
I his pirate crew will quickly follow him. I
pity you in your misfortunes and your sins,
I and, for the sake of your noble wife, and the
daughter you so dearly love, as also for the
‘ goo service you once rendered my slave
Mezrak, I spare you. Your wife shall know
nothing of the past, and today I offer you a
position With me as an oflicer, and I pledge
.you that in me you shall not want for a
friend. New bury the past behind you, and
we will do all that we can to find your
. , daughter, and wrest her from the power of
 this See Marauder.”

' Basil Branch tried to speak, but his emo-
tions overpowered him, and he could only
stretch forth his hand and grasp that of Merle
in silence.

 

 

 

 

 

     
  

CHAPTER XIV.
THE BEA WOLF naacuas FORT.

I MUST now return to the buccaneer chief,

whom Merle Monte surrendered to Captain
Mayo Meredith of the Sea Wolf. '
\ When taken on board that vessel and
chained to the deck in the guardroom, he
certainly could not see the sligntest chance
of escape from the doom with which he was
gathreatened.

The Sea Wolf at early dawn
way, and followed by the brig, an
 H the cutter, headed out of the inlet.

The two captured vessels had prize creWs
H on board, and, the Sea Wolf setting the ex-
 ”ample, all spread their sails to make all of
the six-knot breeze that was blowing.

, Had the wind been heavier the majestic
cruisér might have held the lead, but, as it
>- was, the brig worked ahead, which showed
, that Brandt the Buccaneer had decided upon
good vessel when he selected the Montezu-
‘affor his new craft over which to flaunt the

  

 

  
 

 

  

ot under
next by

  
 
 
  
  
 

 
  

 

 

  

 

 

       

  

fla . - ‘
lit%le cutter, too, for ed to the front.
 her own with the rig, and Captain

v

Meredith and his officers greatly enjoyed the
sea race. which showed the respective merits
of the three vessels. '
At last the Delta was reached, and the two
leaders shortened sail to allow the cruiser to
lead up the river.

The wind being fair, the three held on up
the mighty Mississippi, and when at last their
anchors were dropped in the murky waters,
and it became knoWn that the Sea Wolf had
returned with two pirate vessels as prizes, and
that one was the craft of Brandt the Bucca-
neer, who was himself in irons on the cruiser,
the city went almost wild with joy.

But Captain Meredith was no man to wear
honors not justly his own, and he soon made
known that the Sea Wolf was not the cap-
turer of the two pirate vessels, only their
guard, and that'they had been taken in bat-
tle by the mysterious Gold Ship, and sur-
rendered to him, and this report he sent on
to his Government. at the same time giving
an account of MerleMonte’s career, since his
escape from death at the yard-arm, and mak-
ing known other facts to prove that the affair
for which he had been branded as a mutineer,
and tried and condemned as such, was the
working of rival officers.

As soon as he could, Captain Meredith
arranged for the trial of Brandt, the Bucca-
neer, and his pirate crews, and-all knew how
it must end

Little Belt, the poor wronged woman, who
could have slain Brandt many times, yet
spared him, that she might one day be in- '
strumental in bringing him to the gallows,
and thirsting to see him thus die. had kept
watch upon the chief all the way to the city.

Captain Meredith had told her that he
could thoroughly trust his men; but she had
shaken her head doubtingly, and begged to
be allowed to also keep an eye upon him, if
it was not against the discipline of the ship.

“Do so, if you wish, Little Belt; but I
remember once you freed this very man, after
he reached Washington, where he was to be
executed, so perha s I ought to keep swatch
upon you,” said aptain Meredith, with a
smile.

“No, for now I am content to see him die.
as it is with my aid he will be brought to the
yardarm. Then, I had no hand in his cap-
ture, and had he been executed without, I
would have been cheated‘out of the joy of re
venge. No, no, Captain Meredith. .I have
lived but to see him end his days thus, and
when all is over I will be content, andm I
wrecked life will be avenged,” she answere ,
with deep earnestness. . I

Not wishing to sub ect herself tothe gaze »» v
of those about her, an to save the captain of r

 

the Sea Wolf from questions he cared not to t I
answer regarding her, Little Belt went ashore

 

 

 

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a»«-\.... - A .__ u _
« V<  ..

  

 
 
  

 

Merle Monte’s Pardon.

 

and took up her quarters as soon a the cruis—
er arrived in port.

But ere Little Belt left the Sea Wolf, she
sought out each one of the men selected as the
guard of the buecaneer chief, and gave them
a generous sum of gold, with a promise to
quadruple it if the pirate did not escape.

The men gladly pledged themselves that
the pirate would never get away from them,
and then Little Belt went ashore with a far
lighter heart, for at last the end she had
longed for was near at hand. and the re-
venge she had devoted her life to would be
consummated.

CHAPTER XV.

THE TEMPTATION.

AT last the day for trial came near, and
Brandt the Buccaneer felt that the sands of
his life were rapidly ebbing away.

He however kept up a bold front before
his guards, and though often lost in deep
reverie, no trace of what his thoughts were
was to be read in his stern face.

Now and then he jested with the guard
constantly kept on duty over him, then he
would smoke a cigar with apparently the
greatest relish, ate his meals with real enjoy-
ment. and when he laid down to sleep. all
ironed as he was. seemed to have no fltful
dreams and fearful nightmares.

All of his acts and sayings were reported
about the ship, and he came to be looked
upon as a wonderful and most fearless man.

Each day. since the anchor was let fall in
port. Little Belt had visited the ship. and with
a permit from Captain Meredith, had gone to
have a look at the prisoner.

“You seem to revel in gazing at me in my
chains?" said Brandt to her one morning,
the day prior to that set for his trial.

“I do," was the calm reply.

“ You hope to see me condemned to die?”
he said, with a sneer.

“I shall have that pleasure. for your eon-
demnation is a foregone conclusion."

“Then why try me?”

“It is a mere form."

“ About how long will my trial last?”

“One day will end it with the evidence
against you."

“ So soon ‘2"

“Ah! you would like it to drag out for
days?"

“Oh, no, I care not, for I do not shrink
from death,” he said with an air of indificr-
ence. while the guard put in with:

“I do say that of him. he is the gamest
one I ever saw to face death, excepting one
other.”

“ Who was that, my man 7" asked Brandt.

 

“The midshipman who was once on board
this very craft, and the idol of the men. and
whom the Government sentenced wrongfully
to die, if I do say it as shouldn‘t, a seaman
on board a Government vessel.”

“ You refer to Merle Monte?” said Brandt.

“Yes, sir.”

“ You are right, he is certainly the most
fearless being I ever had to deal with, and
his slave is equally so, I must admit.”

“ He had no cause to fear death, as you
have, Brandt, the Buccaneer. with all your
red crimes to weigh you down to perdition,”
almost viciously, said Little Belt! The buc—
caneer chief paused for an ' Vent, but then
laughed lightly and said:

“ Well, Belle, all I ask of you is to come
and see me take my last spring, and fetch up
at the end of a rope."

“ I Will do so, and shall be happy in the
thought that I was part instrumental in
bringing you to such a death of ignominy.”

“Well, I shall be content to see you there,
so now leave me.”

“ For the present, I will; but Brandt
Brentford, the pirate beware of tomorrow,
and then of what shall follow it.”

She spoke in a deep. thrilling voice, and
wheeling suddenly walked away.

“The little one seems not to love you,
cap’n." said the guard.

“ No, she hates me."

“ She?"

“ So I said.”

“ Is he a she?"

“It is a woman.”

"‘ The one Who just left here?”

"Yes."

“A woman?"

“ Yes."

“  gracious goodness! do you mean it?”

It 0. H

“ I declare! then I am upset."

“ Did you know it?"

“Never had a suspicion."

“ Well, she does disguise hersolf well, I’ll
admit!"

“ She does for a fact, sir.

“ But I did think she was awful handsome
and trim—figured for a man, yet I hadn’t an
idea she was a woman.”
1 “ Does no one else in the ship suspect
101‘?"

“None, less ’tis the cap’n, sir.”

“I think he knows her as she is for she

,got permission from him to come on in the

ship and see me hanged."

” [’ll declare to gracious. I am all at sea.

“ You see, sir, we looked upon him, or
rather her, as a mysteriOus youngster. and
couldn‘t make out her colors; but we didn‘t
suspect her of belonging in petticoats, and
kinder thought he was, or she was, you see I

 

o
’1 —

 

4. u

Merle Monte? Pardon,

 

\ 'do mistake hen y'kt, a young fellow that

'v had been a prisoner on the pirate vessels.

'* Yet there was that about her that kept any

" of us from asking her about herself.”

f' “ Well, she is a woman, and one I deemed
long ago dead, and “ish to Heaven she had
béen. for she has dogged me as untiringly
as a bloodhound,’ and has been with me in
half a dozen disguises, working to get me to
the gallows. when 1 never suspected her.

 Now she has succeeded, and soon I must

 die.”

‘ ' “Well, you are cool about it, cap’n.”

“No need ’, ’1': otherwise.”

"You don in to care whether you live
or die.” ' " r

“ Oh yes, I wish to live, and I would give
much to do so.” '

I ~ .“But there is no hope for you now, cap‘n,
for they’ll find you guilty and sentence you
to the yard-arm all in one breath, so you

V had better make your peace with your
Maker.”

The chief smiled, and said quietly:
“My man, I never give up the ship until
she sinks with colors flying, and if I can

" - _ escape trial and sentence to—morrow I will do

1 .

“ But you cannot.”

"I am not so sure of that, my man, for
gold will do wonders.”

“You can’t buy off those that will try you,
if you had all of your pirate earnings on
board here with you.” r

“ I do not expect to buy them off; but

“now for instance. if I should say to you, my

' “ man'. that I could make you rich to aid my
esca e, what would you answer?"

‘ would say, sir, that it would be a sad
temptation to any poor sailor, and I would
hate to have you offer it to me, and I am
glad. for my honor‘s sake, that they took
your gold from you when they brought you
on board,” said the man frankly. ~

Brandt the Buccaneer smiled lightly, and

,ysaid in a low tone:

t‘7My man, the gold they took from me did
not rum me financially, for I assure you that
I have now with me a fortune worthy of a
prince. Gems are of small size. even the
most valuable, and one can hold vast wealth
shin mouth even while he is being search—

_ ed. For instance. see this diamond, and tell
me what It is worth?” and Brandt handed

. , .. ~ .to’the'guard a gem of great beauty and

value.

“Lordyl it looks beautiful, and I never
,sa-w one so large before; but I don’t know
anymore about diamonds than the chaplain
doesiaboutrnavlgating the ship,"and the

‘ neyed the diamond with unfeig‘ned de-
-;light..as it restedjn the hollow of his hand,
’ sparkling likes little star. -

 

CHAPTER XVI.
PRECIOUS STONES.

“ WHEN you go off watch at eight hells,
my man, could you get leave to go ashore?”
asked Brandt the Buccaneer, in his low, and
most insinuating tones.

?‘ Yes, cap’n.”

“Would you like to take a walk up into
the city then?”

“I wouldn’t mind.”

“ Will you do me a favor then ‘2"

“ If it isn't ag'in’ orders.”

“ Oh. no, there are no orders against What
I would ask you to do.”

“Well, sir, I’ll do it.”

“ You mustn't let any one know about it.”

“Not if you wish me not to, cap’n.”

“Well, my man, just take that stone you
have in your hand up to Griswold & Com-
pany, jewelers, and ask them to give you its
exact value.”

“ You want to leave it to somebody in
your will, sir, and would like to know just
how much its value is?”

“I would like to know its value, my man,
and also the value of this stone.”

"Good gracious, it’s as red as a drop of
blood," said the guard, taking the second
stone handed to him by the pirate chief.

“Yes, it is a ruby.”

“ It’s mighty pretty,"

“Yes, and is of nearly equal value with
the diamond.”

“ Indeed. sir?"

“ Well, you will ask the value of it, too?”

" Yes, sir, if you Wish me to.”

“I do.”

“And you are not afraid to trust me with
them?” «

“ No, my man, for you are honest.”

“ Thank you, sir.”

“And also see how Griswold & Company
value this gem also,” and a. third stone was
dropped into the hand of the guard. .

He seemed dumb with amazement and de—
light, and cried: .

“ It’s as green as grass.” .

“ Yes, it is an emerald, and may be of like
value With the ruby and diamond.” ' I

“What do you say they are worth, sir?" ,

“ Well, my estimate, from what I know of'
precious stones, is that the diamond will bring
you nearly ten thousand dollars in gold. the
ruby perhaps a few hundred less, and the
emerald something over seven thousand; but
Griswold & Company will soon give you‘the '
value of them in round figures.”

“ Yes, sir. and arrest me for stealing
them, or being a pirate. who cut somebody’s
throat for them!” bluntly said the man.

“ Ah! I never thought of that; for they,
might do so.” . -“

f‘ Yes, it won’t do, for a poor sailor hissing;

 

 

 

,

Merle Monte's Pardon.

  
  

l

 

 to go to fooling round with such gems as and the ship‘s roll has me down as Jae 
( > they be about me.” Johnscn, when my reald handle is John the
' ~  “True, so do not go to them, but a Jew, Jolmxfone." 18w
7! ,, Isaac Jacobs, who lives upon the RueRoyale. “Then the former name will be pu u
9 (1'; He will give you their value, if on offer to abroad as the deserter, and you can return and
'1 .1! pay him for the valuation, an I know he with your fortune and marry the girl of Wm
; v 1; will make the three worth more than twenty- your love. Come, don’t be a fool. but think a
l, ‘ , five thousand dollars.” of what you can do with your money and
,  l t “ That’s a big fortune, sir, for a man to how happy you can be.” paE
{ : ' , have.” “ The precious stones tempt me, sir.” i, a
:  ,4 “ See here, my man. Here are three more “They would tempt any one, even if hel a;
ff E 9  precious stones of equal size and value, a was rich.” i I
'3 j  f ruby, an emerald, and a diamond, and when “But I may be caught, and—” " 10H
 }  you find out the value of. those you have, “Iwill take you with me to a place of} mg
‘ I l l ,’ come back to the Slllp decxded in your mind safety, and you can remain there for months, i
I , ‘ that when you go on duty to~n1ght you will until the affair is forgotten. (tome, I’ll give cm

a

no» —;'... 4‘

get all 31x of them for your own.”

“ How can I, sir?” asked the guard, in a
hoarse Whisper, and he turned deadly pale.

“Why, in the simplest way in the world."

“ How is that, sir?”

“Just let me drop out of that port-hole.”

“ But you are heavily ironed, sir.”

“ You can get keys and files ashore to free
me of them.”

“ Oh, sir, this is terrible!"

“It will be more terrible for me to die,
my man.”

“ But, sir—”

“Now don’t say any more, but when you
go ashore, go to Jacobs’s and ask the value
of those gems. When he tells you, then
purchase what you need to set me free of
my irons, and then you get these other
three stones, and Will be worth a fortune."

“But, eap’n, what good will it do me,
when they hang me up with the rope they
had for you?”

“ Don’t be a fool. my man, for I would
not leave you here to sufier, but take you
with me."

“ You mean for me to desert, sir?”

“ Of course.”

“ What would the officers and my ship-
mates say?”

“ Are you married?”

“No, sir."

“ Are you alone in the world?”

"Yes, sir, excepting the girl I intend to
make my wife.”

“ Where is she?”

“In Maine, sir.”

"When did you ship?"

" Two years ago, sir."

“Where?”

“ Here in New Orleans.”

“ How did you come here?"

“ In a packet from Kennebec to York,
sir, before the mast, and then in a schooner
from York here.”

“Did you ship under your own name?"

“Not adzactly. sir, for the boys call me

you a line to a friend of mine, and he will
be on the river below here with a carriage.
The night is close, this port can be left open,
and we can lower ourselves into the river
with ropes and then swim shoreward, and-‘-
go at once to a place of safety. What sayi
you, my man ?" , t,

“The precious stones tempt me, sir, and ‘
I’ll do it if Jacobs says they are worth the
money you tell me.” 

“Then go and see.” 1

“Now be on your guard, for it is nearly '
eight bells,” and even as the buccaneer chief (
spoke the ship’s bell struck the hour, and
another guard took the place of the one who
had been dazzled by the displav of gems,
and the prisoner saw in the face of the man
who then came on duty that, did he offer
him a hundred gems, he could never bribe
him to forget his honor and his duty, for he
was of different material wholly.

CHAPTER XVII.
THE JEW AND THE. SAILOR.

IT was with a beating heart that John
Johnstone asked leave to go ashore, and he
felt guilty when it was granted.

With the diamond, ruby and emerald
clutched tightly in his hand he sauntered up~
town, and first sought the elegant establish-
ment of Griswold and Company, to gaze in
the Window at the gems there displayed.‘

“They are elegant, but mine beats 'em,"
he muttered, and' then he wended his way
down the Rue Rog/ale to the shop of the
. cw. ~

The three gilt balls hanging over the door
told the story of Isaac Jaeobs’s business, and
within it looked dingy enough.

But the sailor had made up his mind to
act, and in he went.

A young Jew greeted him with a sly look,
to take his measure, and then asked:

“ Vell, sailor mansh, vat ish you vant?”

“I don‘t want you, youngster, but some-
body old enough to attend to business."

/

A, “m;

 

1'." «5‘:— - .

Jack, though I hail to the name of John, " Oh, I ish olt enough to attend to all t’e

n

z
- t.
a
‘r

 

  

Merle Mom's Pardon.

 

 

   

-,pizziness you ish got mit us,” was the pre—'
cocious response, with an emphasis upon
the you, which sounded as though the young
’ Israelite had a contempt for the sailor.

“ Well, I want to do business witha man,
and if you keep the shop I’m 01f to trade else—
where

‘f Hold on, mine fr’endt, and Ivrill call my
papa.

In answer to this summons a Jew ap-
V , feared, who at a glance, the sailor saw was

'1, . be business man of the establishment.

j . He was a shrewd-looking man, with a
lon beard, and a. thorough type of the Is-
rae ite. ,

“ Is this Mr. Isaac Jacobs ‘2”
cautious seaman.

“Yesh, mine fri’nt.”

“ Well, send that boy off, for I have got
some im ortant business with you."

The ew spoke to the youth in Hebrew,
and that individual at once decamped;but
‘ With an angry look at the seamen.

“Vell, my fr’int, vat can I do for you?”
“Tell me the value of this diamond.”

asked the

“ Aha! it ish quite nice.
“ Does you vants to sell him?”, ,
d’ j . " I want to know what it is'worth.”
{9% “Ah!” and the cautious Jew looked the
m stone over thoroughly, and then said:
ho ’ “ I give you srx t’ousant tollars for him.”
)8 ’ “No you won’t, for it is worth nine." an-
al; . swered Jack Johnstone, who had had suf-
yer i ficlent dealing with Jews to know that they
be  never offer near the full value for an article.
he ‘ “Veil, it ish a nice stone, and I makes it
 seven t’ousant for him.”
“ Say eight.
I V “Vell, makes him eight, just to please
 «you, my fr’ent, though I don’t make a cent
n“ , on him, if I. has to sell him.”
,3 “ No, I guess not.
' "Well, tell me what this is worth?” and
d the ruby was handed over.
,_7 " Aha! dat ish a pretty one, too.”

 

, , “ What will you give for it?”

:“ I vill give you four t’ousant dollars,“
said the Jew, fearing that he had hit too low
before.

” Make it ‘ust eight.”

“ Aha! veil, it is more prettier than I first
see him. 1 makes it eight."

The emerald was then handed over.

, “ Aha! dat ish a very pretty stone, too.
0}: is have fine taste, m fri'ut,” said the

delighted Jew, holding his head down to

prevent his [eyes from betraying his joy at

expecting to make a rich bargain.

' ‘ Wel , what is it worth to you?"

ell, ash I ish to puy t’e otters. my

- make it {our t‘ousant.”

I Ci , stain?
v9 1  ’

  

 

at, Itake it at six t’ousant."
, , , ,

   

 

“ No,.you won't, for I want more.”

“Want more, mine fr’ent?”

“ Yes; the three are worth twenty-ei ht- or-
twenty-nine thousand dollars, and you now
it.”

“Dat ish a pig sum 0’ monish.” ‘

“ I know it, and they are fine gems, and
you know it.”

“Vere did you git 'em, mine fri’nt?”

“ That is none 0’ your business, Jew; but
they cost me enough to make me get their
value out of them Instead of you, and I want
just twenty-five thousand dollars for the
three, in good crisp notes."

“1 make him twenty—tout.”

“ Not a dollar less.”

“ Twenty-four t’ousant five hundre .”

“ Not a dollar less, Jew.”

“ Vell, mine fr’eut, 1 takes 'em at dot price
but I makes me very little on ’em.”

“ You know better, for you can get several
hundred on each before night. Now-out
with the money, and I want good crisp bank 
notes, do you hear?” ‘ «

The Jew knew he had made a good bar-
gain, and he hastily opened his safe and
counted out the money, at the Same time do-
ing a stroke of business by selling the sailor
a belt to carry his riches in for a dozen times
its real value, and chuckling over it in high
glee to himself. 

Thus armed with his belt of money, the
sailor wended his way to a‘ hardware shop,
and having an idea of the kind of keys to fit
the chains that held the pirate, he purchased
a number of those he thought most likely to '
suit, and then several good files. .

Back then to the Sea Wolf he took his way»
stopping en route to deliver the note to the
man to whom Brandt the Buccaneer had
written to meet him on the river-bank Witha
carriage. ‘

Going on board the vessel he felt guilty,
and shunned his shipmates, while he lived 111 i
dread suspense until the time for him to, go
on watch. ,,

At last eight o'clock rolled around and he ,
took his post at the door of the guard-room,
nervous and trembling, though, when he
glanced at the pirate chief he saw that he
was perfectly (1001, and smokinga cigar after 1
his supper with an air of utter unconcern as
to what would be his fate. "

CHAPTER XVIII.
. TEE REWARD.

THE first hour of, his watch dragged its v

weary length along so slowly to Jack John-

stone. that he seemed to live a lifetime in

waiting for it to pass by. 4 .,

At ast nine o’clock came and thecre
went to their hammocks.

Then ten came, and all was silent ‘

  

 
 
      
   
   
   
     
         
          
      
 
       
 
    
      
   
    
      
    
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
   
   
   
       
       
   
    
    
    
 

 

    
          
    
    

      
 

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'é
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mul—
A an.

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' l
y
'i

‘Merle Monte’s Pardon. I }

 

the ship, and no sound was heard save the
rumble of the wheels over the stone streets.

Still Brandt the Buccaneer had spoken no
word to the man, upon whom his life de-
pended.

But, as the ship‘s bell struck “ four bells,”
the pirate chief said quietly:

“ Well, my man, time flies.”

The seaman made no reply, but quietly
handed to him the package that held the
keys.

His hand trembled as he did so, and the
perfectly cool pirate said sternly:

“Keep cool, my man.”

Then Brandt the Buccaneer took key af-
ter key and fitted them in the key-hole to
see if they would unlock his chains.

It seeme' that none. would, at first; but a
second tria succeeded in opening the pad—
lock that held the chains about his ankles.

Next the handcuffs yielded to a key that
fitted, and Brandt the Buccaneer was free of
his chains. '

The port had been half—raised, at his re-
quest, by the former guard, and Brandt held
forth his hand and said, with the utmost
calmness:

“The rope.”

From where it was coiled about his waist,
Jack Johnstone took it, and passing it
through one of the iron rings that held the
chains he had freed himself from, Brandt
the‘ Buccaneer said :

“ Now I will go, and you follow."

Noiselessly he lowered himself out of the
port into the muddy waters of the river, and
clinging to the side of the vessel, waited the
coming of his guard.

As he thus waited, he could hear the low
voice of the officer of the deck humming a
love song,  he paced to and fro not twenty
feet from him. and the snoring of some robust
seaman forward.

At last the dcserting sailor appeared in the
port, and lowered himself down nearly to the
water, when his nerveless hands failed him,
and he fell into the stream with a splash.

Instantly he was seized in a vise-like grip,
and dragged beneath the waters.

The slash was heard by the officer of the
deck, who walked quickly to the side and
looked over.

But all was dark and still, and he mut»
tercd:

“It was some large catfish doubtless,
springing up to see the lights of the city.”

Then he resumed his walk and his song,
and an instant after Brandt, the Buccaneer
and the frightened seaman arose for air.

“Fool! you nearly lost all.

“ Be calm, and swim low in the water,
and without noise!” hissed the buccaneer,
and the two went down with the stream,

,\

 

——

\
until the Sea Wolf grew dim in the dis-‘1‘
tance. 1

Then the two turned shoreward, and ati
last reached the bank, where a vehicle wa HE D
visible, evidently waiting for some one, and ur, an

a. man paced near. 111, v
“ Giro l.” _ s;
The chief spoke the name in a low tone. H We}

“Senor,” was the prompt reply, “ I am “Oh
here.” “ Yes
“ The Virgin be praised i” said the man, as 5“ Do‘
the chief and the seaman staggered from the ex- g

river. scove
“ Spring upon your box now, and drive “ Th
with all speed to your den.” e pat

“ Yes, senor,” and the two fugitives hav‘ ssels
ing entered the vehicle, the man whom The
Brandt had called by the name of Giro. med
sprung upon his box, and whipped his horse hich
away at a rapid pace. 91; ch

After a ride of ten minutes. the vehicle id 01
drew up before a low, dingy‘looking house, “'1‘:

and Giro threw open the door. en (
“There are cloaks in there for you to hen
throw around you, senors,” he said. ief ‘
“I have mine, but my friend will not “N
need his," was the reply. short

“It is better, senor, as you will have to e] or
pass through the cafe, and some may remark  “ E
your wet clothing." 1 " I

“ I will use mine._Giro, but the one who in t1)
accompanied me will not need his, for he is ,1 “1
dead." ihorc

“ Dead, senor? ” gasped Giro. ‘ “l

“ Yes; I put my knife into his heart, for voul
it was the best thing I could do, Giro, born
and I am too poor 9. man now to throw away i “]
twenty-five thousand dollars. my,

“Drive hack to the river, Giro, and throw he i
the body in, and then come up to my “
room." Fire.

“All right, senor; you have your old “
quarters, and Iwill be there as soon as I ‘
have gotten rid of your friend and put my hat
horse up," and the vehicle rolled away, while ’ “
Brandt, the Buccaneer, entered the door of i
the house, and found himself in a dimly I
lighted cafe. where were half a dozen men a
smoking and drinking. Drawing his cloak fie:

t

around him, he passed on through to an er.
opposite door, and ascending a pair of stairs  ‘
turned into a pleasant chamber at the r ‘
top. ino

“ Well, I am free once more and back in ‘
my old quarters. Ha! hal ha! I begin to ‘
believe the hemp is not growu yet to make a sul
rope to hang me;" and closing the door he
bolted it, and threw himself down in an ,yo
easy-chair to think over his escape. and with i
no compunction for the man he had slain,
and whose reward for serving him had been '
death at the hands of the one he had so Well 31
served. 5c)

,‘Merle Monte’l f’ardon.

CHAPTER XIX.
tram TWO cmsms.

_IIE man Giro was not gone more than an
, r, and his first remark, upon entering the
m, Where Brandt, the Buccaneer, sat,
3:
::Well, senor, the news is abroad.”
Of my escape?" coolly asked the chief.
"Yes, senor. '
~ ‘Doubtless, for at eight bells, when the
er guard went on watch, my escape was
s» OVerod.”
“The city guard has been alarmed and
, n the streets, and men from the
ssels have on landed and sent out.”
, Git The buccaneer laughed at this, and re-
hor 9 rped to his repast of cold fowl and wine,
which he had ordered, after changing his
et clothes for a suit Giro had thoughtfully
m.
“ Take_a glass of wine, Giro, for you have
m t an out in the m ht air," said Brandt, and
0 hen his host ha drank to his success the
i to! continued:
“Now, Giro, what am I to do? I am
bore, stranded high and dry, without ves-
’9 ‘0 l_ or crew.”
mark “Both can be procured, soon.”
“Not easily this time, for even row-boats

Who . n the river will be watched now.”
he is "‘ Yes, and the city will be searched most
h roughly, senor.”
f ",“I c not doubt that; but then no one
‘F 0'" vould suspect good, Christian Giro, of har-
1ro, Orin a pirate. ,

, .“ o, senor, I stand well with the commu-
»‘ity, and am thought to bepoor,” mildly said
' he man. ' '
, “ When the truth is, you are a salesman of
irate goods and are worth a fortune.”
“ Yes, senor, thanks to you.”
 “Then, if you thank me, Giro, aid me, so
3’ hot I can go to sea at once.”
L “ Have you thought of any plan ‘2”
“None, Giro.”
V "How do you wish to go?” _
__ . “Any way in which I can, for once at sea,
, page: soon find a way to tread a deck as mas-
:zxYour brig might—”
I, j No, it would be impossible to cut it out
ow, after my escape.”
*l‘ The cutter of Captain Eduardb?"
‘ That could not be done with any more
ccess than the brig.”
“ There is no vessel in port that would suit.
e cruiser.”

POW

V ‘ ‘ ? ($30!.0
' ‘Shs is too large for a irate, and besides,

v.1, nhtnttenipt to ta e herwith a raw'

or I know Meredith would let every

, I 0

' rise to her now, and

 

man on his deck die before he would give

7’

“Then, senor, how would you like to play
second fiddle!"

“ I do not understand-you?

“I have as my guest at present a gentle-
man for whom I am shipping a crew.”

“For what purpose?”

“ Piracy."

“ Where?”

“ In the Gulf?"

" If he is a new band he’ll be hanged With«
‘in the month, for piracy has but a short race
to run now, Giro."

“ Yes, senor, the good old days are going
fast before the march of civilization; but this
person is not a new hand. He has fought
many a battle for plunder, and commands a
good craft.”

“ Then what is he shipping a crew for?"

“ I-Ic wishes to enlarge his crew, and I am
getting the men, but have failed to find him
a second luff he needs."

“ Second lufi?”

“ Yes, senor, for he has a well trusted first
lieutenant in command of his vessel. while he
is here in the city.” .

“I see; then I would have to be third in
rank?" -

“ Yes, senor: but you know I merely sug-
gest this as a chance ior escape and promo-
tion.”

“Ah yes, I can soon promote myself, you
think."

“From what I know of you, senor, I think

on can.”

“ Well. I think favorably of your plan, so
who is this pirate?”

“ Captain PieW‘e.”

“ Ha! ~*The commander of the ’Sea Ma-
rauder, and who is himself also called by
that name? I have heard of him often, but
never met him. He is a good commander
and has a fleet and stench craft.”

“He is a good man, captain, and his ves- ‘
so] is a good one.” '

“ Where is he now 1”

“In his room."

“When does he sail?”

“Tomorrow night.”

“ In what?"

“ A lugger he has loaded with heavy guns,
and with a crew that go blacked up as plain
tation negroes.” .

“ A good scheme; but is not his craft
armed?’ ,

“ Not with as heavy as as those he car-
e is preparing for a
particular cruise. ” a,

“ After what?”

“ The Gold Ship.”

“Ha! Giro; just seek Captain Pierre, and
ask him to my room to have a glass of wine -

 

   
 

 

 

26

Merle Monte’s I’m-don.

‘- __ g...“

 

 

with me. and bring us up a few bottles of
your best,” was the prompt order of Brandt,
when he learned that the Sea Marauder was
to cruise after the Gold Ship.

Giro was absent from the room but a few
minutes, when he returned accompanied by
none other than Captain Pierre, whom the
reader is already acquainted with as Pierre
Dupont, and whose real name was Dupont
Pierson.

“Captain Pierre, permit me to introduce
to you Senor Brentano, whom I have en~
gaged to serve as your second lufi,” said
Giro, who deemed it best not to let Brandt
be known just then in his true character.

Captain Pierre was pleased with the ap-
pearance of his new oificer, and at once ac—
cepted his invitation to drink a bottle of
wine with him, and over it, the two captains
seemed to become most friendly.

“When do you sail, captain?” asked
Brandt.

“ Giro promises me I can get off to-morrow
night, Lieutenant Breutano. and I hope that
is not too soon for you.”

“ 011, no, I am ready to-night for that mat-
ter,” was the indifferent reply, and Giro said:

“ It will be impossible to get all the men
before to-morrow night, as, in these days of
suspicion and treachery, senors, I engage
them at the last moment.

“ Your guns are on board, captain, and I
have but half a dozen more good fellows to
get for you to-morrow, and then you can
sail," and with this the two pirates seemed
content.

 

CHAPTER XX.
PEARL, THE PIRATE’s PRIDE.

WHEN Pearl swooned away at the sad tid-
ings brought her by the young pirate lieuten-
ant, it was a long, long time before he could
restore her to consciousness again.

When at last she opened her beautiful eyes
and gazed into his anxious face, her first
question was for her father.

Again he told her the sad story of the at-
tack and the defeat, and of her father’s hav-
ing been left behind. while he held forth the
hope that he might be alive, and a prisoner.

“ No, that would be even worse, for he
would be taken while fighting with pirates,”
she murmured, and seeing the pained look
that flashed over the face of the young officer
at her words, she said quickly:

“Forgive me, if I wounded you; but I do
not look upon you as a pirate at heart.”

“Thank you for those words, sweet Pearl,
and I frankly tell you I am not. To
confess to you, I will tell you that I am ana-
tive of Carolina, and was brought up in the
navy. My father was a planter, and he died
leaving my mother, myself and my sister "

 

well off. I entered the navy, and, aftera
cruise of five years returned to find that my
mother had married a. man whom all knew
to be an adventurer and gambler, and that
he had forced my sister into a marriage with
one of his friends, a man as bad as himself.
Between them they had squandered our
wealth, and well»nigh broken my mother’s
and my sister’s hearts. Instantly I deter-
mined upon revenge, and I called them out.
They refused to meet mein a duel, they said
on account of the relationship they bore to
me. But I was rendered desperate by their
behavior toward those I loved, and 1 would
not hear to a refusal, and forced them to
fight me, and both fell. One was instantly
killed, my step-father, and the other inor-
tally wounded, but before he died he said
that they were unarmed, and that I had
murdered them, Some friend of his carried
off the pistols they had, and, as I had no
witnesses I was proclaimed a murderer and
forced to fly for my life. I had little money,
and I shipped before the mast in a small
vessel which was wrecked, and I alone was
saved of the crew by clinging to a boat. I
drifted about for several days, and nearer
dead than alive was picked up by this
schooner, and Captain Pierre nursed me
most faithfully, and upon my recovery of-
fered me the place of first lieutenant, telling
me his vessel was a Mexican cruiser.
gladly accepted the offer, joined him in a
fight with a vessel, and then saw that he was
apirate. But the step was taken, and in
sheer despair I remained with him. This
was nearly a year ago, and yet I linger upon
a pirate vessel when my manhood and my
honor tell me I should give up the life I
lead.”

“And why will you not?” asked Pearl,
who had listened to his story with such deep
interest she had almost forgotten her own
sorrows.

“ I cannot betray the man who has served
me well; but I will soon leave this hated
vessel. and I pledge you my honor, Pearl,
that for your sweet sake I will give up this
fearful life at the very earliest moment that
I can. And more, I promise that no harm
shall befall you from Captain Pierre, if I
have to take his life to prevent it, for since I
have known you I have loved you, and girl
though you may be, you have wrapped about
me the tendrils of your heart, until you have
become to me my life, my love, my pride.”

He spoke with deep earnestness, dropping
upon one knee before her.

It was the first confession of love she had
ever heard, and it frightened her, and with
pale face and startled eyes she sprung away
from him crying:

“ Oh, do not talk thus to me, for I am a

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

l
I

 

Merle Monte’s Pardon. 5'3

 

mere child. I pity you—yes, respect you—-
but know nothing of what love is.”

At once he arose to his feet and said
softly:

“I Was wrong, Pearl, to alarm you. Do
not fear me, for I will be as a brother to
you."

“Thank you; now I will trust you,’,’ she
said, offering her hand, which be grasped
warmly and then went on deck.

From his peon seaman he heard that the
Gold Ship was standing off and on along the
coast, and he knew Well that his vessel must
keep close in her retreat.

And there she remained, until finding that
the Gold Ship did not depart, and fearing a
more thorough search would be made, he
watched his chance one dark night, and,
with his boats and under bare poles, towed
out. to sea and sailed away, leaving a word to
Captain Pierre, should he return during his
absence, as to the cause of his departure.

CHAPTER XXI.
THE scrap OF PAPER.

WHEN the Gold Ship arrived off the
coast, where it was hoped that the Sea
Marauder would be found, a boat was low-
ered, and into it Basil Branch was placed in
as comfortable a position as was possible.

Then, as soon as he got his bearings, he
piloted the boat, in which were Merle Monte
and half a dozen oarsmen, t.) the inlet into
which flowed a lagoon.

Once on the right track, it did not take him
long to find the narrow canal-way, which led
into the Lost Pond.

As soon as the locality was placed, as they
dared not venture by day, the boat returned
to the schooner, as though it had made no
discovery. should the Sea Marauder be i..
the Lost Pond, and prying eyes be watching.

But at nightfall Merle and Mczrak started
together in the gig, and rowed with muflled
ears to the canal.

Then Mezrak landed and made his way
along the low shores, to return to the boat
after half an hour and report to his master
that no veseel was visible in the Lost Pond,

Then the black rowed the boat Into the
canal that Merle might see, and returning to
the schooner, the men were called up, and
the. vessel was turned shoreward.

Without accident or trouble the schooner
got into the Lost Pond, and was safely
moored there.

With the first break of day Merle was up
to view his surroundings, and Mezrak, who
had not retired at all,‘ handed him a scrap of
paper which he had found pinned to a tree,
on shore.

“Well, Mezrak. as usual you have made
some important discovery,” said Merle, as

 

 

he glanced over the paper, and then read
aloud:

“‘ Attacked the Gold Shi , which lay in lagoon
near here, with my beats an was beaten 0ft.

“ "Your male prisoner aided me, by acting as oflis
cer, and was killed.

“ ‘Gold Ship searching the coast so thoroughly I
tow out to-night, and Will return about the fifteenth
of the month.

“ ‘Lady grisoner well, but grieved most deeply at
the loss of er father. V. M.’ "

“ The Sea Marauder will be back about the
fifteenth, he says here, so we will wait right
here. Mezrak, to give him a welcome.

“ You must keep a bright watch for the
coming of Captain Pierre, for this is the ren—
dezvous where he was to meet his vessel, and
as I have time before the fifteenth, to go up

-to the city, I will row up the bayous to some

of the Indian carrps which are there, and get
them to take me to New Orleans."

“When will master return?”

“As soon as] can see Little Belt, who I
hope will be willing to return with me, as,
by this time doubtless, Brandt the Buccaneer
has been hanged.

“ Now to tell Mr. Branch and his wife
what this scrap of paper makes known, and
give them What hope I can," and Merle (—n‘
tered the cabin.

But half an hour after he was on his way
up the lagoon in an open boat, which was to
leave him at the camp of some Indians,
known to live inland a few leagues, and from
thence he could readily make his way to
New Orleans with a good guide, by way of
the network of bayons.

CHAPTER XXII.
THE LUGGER.

WHEN the morning dawned upon New Or-
leans, after the escape of Brandt the Bucca~
neer, it found the citizens in a state of great
excitement.

The news of the daring escape of the pirate
chief had become known, and while patrols
marched the streets and made search of every
suspicious locality, guard-boats rowed about
the river, and every vessel, from a‘fishing-
smack to a clipper packet ship, was most
thoroughly examined.

To add to the excitement the body of the
dead seaman had been found, with a knife
thrust in his heart, and from censure the
feeling turned to pity for him, for few could
but believe that the bold outlaw had killed
him at his post.

One of the first orders of Captain Meredith
was to hang the most guilty of the pirates,
while the others were sent ashore to the city
prison.

After this duty was attended to Captain
Meredith sought the quarters where he knew
Little Belt had located herself in town.

 

 

    
 

 

28

Merle Monte-’5 Pardon.

 

To his surprise Little Belt had not visited
the ship upon learning of the escape of
Brandt, the Buccaneer, as she must have
done, and that fact aroused his suspicions
against. the woman.

The landlord said that he (for he believed
the woman to be a youth) had paid his bill
at daylight and had gone away, leaving no
word; but that just as he had left the door
he had suddenly met a person whom he
seemed delighted to see, and who in return
was evidently glad to meet him.

“That was the pirate, and none other, she
met. The woman is a fraud,” growled Cap-
tain Meredith, as he went on his way to the
headquarters of the city officers, to see if
aught had been heard of the buccaneer.

But nowhere did he get any comfort, and
he returned on heard his vessel. to see that
a large crew was put at once on the brig and
the cutter,_as he well knew the daring of
the escaped chief, and did not doubt but
that he was concealed somewhere in the
city, awaiting an opportunity to seize some
vessel, and put to sea in it.

And at last night settled down upon the
town and river, and Maya )‘leredith paced
his deck in no enviable frame of mind.

Presently he heard the sound of voices in
song. and beheld a large lugger coming down
the stream under light sail.

He listened, and heard a plantation song.
sung in chorus by half a score of voices, and
knew it was one of the coast luggers that
traded between the city and the estates be-
low. or perhaps a vessel belonging to some
wealthy planter.

But he had given orders that no vessel
should leave the port that night, and sternly
hailed: ,

“ Ho, the lugger!"

The singing of the negroes prevented his
hail from being heard, and waiting until
there was a pause in the song he hailed loud-
ly again:

“ Ho. the lugger. alloy!”

“Ay, ay, massa,” came back the answer
in the dialect of the plantation slave.

“ What lugger is that?”

“Massa Vincent’s lugger, sah, from de
Soldier Rest Plantation, massa,” came the
reply.

“ Do you not know orders have been given
that no vessel is to leave port to-night?"

“No, sah, nobody done tole us so,” was
the innocent reply.

“Well, I will tell you so now."

“ Lordy. Massa Cap‘n. our massa tan our
hide well if we don’t git ter plantation afore
day. ’cause he sent de lugger after s’plies.”

Captain Meredith was in a quandary what
to do.

“Who have you on board?" he finally asked.

0

 

“Only us, sah."

“ Who are us .9”

“Jim, and Dan, and me, and Bob, and
Sam, and—"

“For Heaven’s sake hold.

“Have you no passengers on board?”

“Not a one, massa, ’eause our massa. don't
’low it.”

“ All right, you can go on your way; but
keep quiet while you are passing through the
shipping.” '

“ We will, massa, t’ankee sah,” and the
lugger went on its way.

And Captain Mayo Meredith continued to
pace his deck, little dreaming that there was
not a negro on the lugger, but only white
faces blacked up, and that the one who an-
swered his hail and questions was none other
than Brandt, the Buccaneer, himself, while
Captain Pierre stood by his side. and two-
score of men, enlisted for “desperate work
on the high seas, and plenty of gold in re-
turn,” were crouching below the decks,
breathlessly awaiting the result of their bold
venture.

 

CHAPTER XXIII.
THE SEA MARAUDER’S RETURN.

To keep his appointment with his captain,
after a cruise out into the Gulf, Vance Murell
put back for the rendezvous at Lost Pond.

Arriving off the coast, he was glad to see
that the Gold Ship was nowhere in sight, so
stood steadily in.

He was a cautious commander, and hence
preferred night to venture in, and lufied up
until dark.

Then he sent Peon ashore to reconnoiter,
and see if the captain had returned.

Peon launched his light canoe and paddled
swiftly shoreward, entered the inlet. then the
lagoon, and ran ashore to have a look into
the Lost Pond.

As he stepped from the canoe he found
himself in a grasp he could not shake off.

The Indian was as wiry as a snake, and
very powerful; but he had met his master.

Without seeming trouble his captor bore
him to a small hut, made of the branches of
trees covered with moss.

Within was burning a ghastly fire, yet
the moss kept its light hidden from without.

Then there were skulls, bones, and many
other things hideous to look at.

His captor looked part human, part brute,
and all devil. 1

He was deformed in body and head, and
Peon, with the superstition of his race, was
assured that the Devil had him, and he lay
on the ground passive, looking up in horror
at his captor and making no effort escape.

His captor gazed down upon him in an in-

i

 

 

 

   
 

l

 

Merle Monte’s Pardon. 2S3

 

stant in silence, and then said in sepulchral
tones, and in the Spanish tongue:

“ You are a Peon Indian of Mexico?”

"Yes, senor,” groaned Peon.

“Your name is Itzi‘?"

“.Yes, Senor Diablo.”

“ You sail the sea in an armed craft?”

“ I do, senor.”

“ They call you Peon there?"

“ They do, senor.”

“The vessel is known as the Sea Marau-
der?”

“ It is, Senor Diablo.”

“ Her captain is away?”

“Yes, cod Diablo.’

“ Her ieutenant sent you here to see if
there was danger in the Lost Pond to the
craft?" '

“ Yes, beautiful Diablo.”

“I am Satan."

“ I know it well, Senor Diablo.”

“You are my slave?”

“1 am, senor”

“ You will obey me?”

“ ln all things, senor.”

“Then go, I command you, back to your
vessel, and tell your lieutenant that the Lost
Pond holds no danger for him, or his ves-
sel.”

“ Yes, senor.”

“If you disobey me, your tongue shall
wither, and—”

“No, no, good Senor Diablo; I will
obey.”

“ Begone then, and beware

The frightened Indian sprung to his feet
and darted away like the wind.

Springing into his canoe, he sent it flying
down the lagoon.

“ Well, Mezrak, thanks to what Mr.
Branch told you, you played your part of
Satan well, and frightened that poor lndian
half out of his wits,“ and Lieutenant 'l‘renor
entered the moss hut, and almost started at
the hideousness of the black’s make-up, and
his fearful surroundings. .

“He will be faith ul, sir," said Mezrak,
calmly.

“ I do not doubt it, so now to prepare for
the coming of the schooner,” and the officer
returned on board the schooner, which was
moored to the shore, and in a short time had
his men arranged on each side of the canal,
and securely hidden.

The canal leading into Lost Pond, was, as
I have said, little wider than a vessel, and
the banks were clad with trees, while the
basin was so surrounded with foliage that
the Gold Ship could not be discovered In
there even by any one forty paces distant. .

A wait of an hour and then the steady dip
of cars was heard and Mezrak, who had
been reconnoitering in the gig, reported the

In

 

boats towing the schooner in, and that they
were already in the lagoon.

With bated breath all waited, and especial-
ly the mother and father of Pearl, whom
tiey longed to see, and yet dreaded to hear
what might have been the fate of the beauti-
ful girl. _

Nearer and nearer drew the Sea Marauder,
the boats headed for the canal, the helm 'was
put down to point into it, and not one on
board dreamed of danger.

Then the two boats in advance entered the
canal, the next two folloWed, and then the
sharp bows of the beautiful schooner passed
into it.

“ On board, lads, and remember not a shot is
to befired/ Take her with the cutlassl”

The cry of Lieutenant Trenor fell like a
thunder-clap from a cloudless sky upon the
cars of the Sea Marauder‘s crew, and in one-
dience to his command half a hundred men
sprung with mighty leaps upon the deck of
the schooner. followmg their leader, and
instantly, almost, the vessel was in their
possession, while the crew in the boats, un-
armed, surprised and caught, cried lustily
for quarter. At that instant a bright light
illumined the scene, for a blue light had
been lit upon the deck of the Gold Ship, and
upon the quarter-deck, his hand upon the
wheel, plainly revealed, stood Vance Murell,
the pirate lieutenant, and by his side Pearl,
watching the wild scene Willi terror.

With amazement they had both heard the
ringing cry of Merle Monte, and, with two
thirds of his men in the boats ahead. and
those on deck at once cutdown by the board-
ers, the young officer knew that resistance
was useless.

That pirates were his foes he felt assured,
and well knowing in such case what a fate
would be Pearl's, he determined to defend
her with his life, or even take her life, rather.
than that she should fall into their power.

Hence he drew a sword in one hand and a
pistol in the other, and as Lieutenant Trcnor,
who in Merle Monte’s absence held com—
mand, advanced with several men at his back,
he cried:

“ Back, or you die!”

“ Surrender, sir, I demand you!” cried
Lieutenant ’I‘renor, sternly.

“Never!” was the defiant reply.

“ Then your fate be upon your own head.
Advance, men, and cut him down, but fire
no shot to hurt the maiden.”

“ Hal that is your game!” cried the young
otficer, hearing the words and misunder-
standing them; and he turned toward Pearl,
at the same time placmg his sword’s point
over her heart.

She never flinchcd, but stood like a statue,
seemingly preferring to die thus than become

 

 

 

 

 

80 Merle Monte’s Pardon.

 

the prisoner of pirates—which she supposed
the attacking party to be.

“ God forgive me, but, Pearl, my beautiful
darling, I will drive my sword through your
pure heart before their vile hands shall pol-
lute you with a touch!”

Vance Murell said the words in calm de-
fiance of his foes, and he would have kept
his word and then fought until he fell; but
suddenly a black form sprung over the stern
of the schooner, a very (lemon it looked in
the wild glare, the sword’s point was knocked
upward, the pistol wrenched from the young
officer‘s hand, and he was at once in the fear-~
ful clutch of Mezrak.

“Hold, Mezraki do not harm him!" cried
Lieutenant Trenor, springing forward justin
time to catch poor Pearl, whom the sight of
the painted and disguised black had caused
to faint away.

“ Senor, we are no pirates, and mean you
no harm.

“Come with me, for I hear this lady to
her father and mother Who await her on
yonder vessel," said Lieutenant Trenor; and
in a half-dazed way Vance Murell. whom he
had addressed, and whom Mezrak had re.-
leased, followed his captor in silence, gazing
the while anxiously upon the face of Pearl
as she was held unconscious in the strong
arms of the officer of the Gold Ship.

Springng ashore, Lieutenant Trenor
crossed the narrow strip of land. and thus
reached the Gold Ship; and with a glad cry
the mother sprung toward her daughter, cry-

mg:

“ My God! is she dead?"

“No, madam; she has only fainted and
will soon recover," assured Lieutenant
Trenor, as he placed Pearl in her mother’s
arms.

 

CHAPTER XXIV.
THE TRAP.

THE night passed away in the Lost Pond,
and, reunited once more. the father, mother
and daughter were happy, and sat in the
cabin until a late hour.

Nor were they selfish in their joy. for
they invited Lieutenant Trenor and the
pirate lieutenant, Vance Murell, who had
proven such a true friend to Pearl, to be
with them to talk over the past and plan for
the future.

In the mean time, while all was satisfactory
in the Lost Pond, with the exception of the
pirate prisoners. a lugger was standing in to-
ward the lagoon which the canal opened into.

Her decks were crowded with men for
ward, but aft only three were visible, and
one of these held the Wheel.

A close scrutiny of the craft would show
that it was the same lugger which Captain

 

Mayo Meredith had hailed from the deck of
the Sea Wolf, on her way down the river,
and with the black washed off of their faces,
the two men standing near the helmsman
were recognized as Brandt, the Buccaneer,
and Captain Pierre, of the Sea Marauder.

Captain Pierre was a man of caution in all
things, and therefore, though he believed
the Lost Pond to be known to only himself
and crew, he yet would not run in Without
reconnoitering. and when half a league from
shore he lufied up, and said:

“ I’ll take aboat and two men and run in,
for I do not care to get into a trap. If I
signal with my lantern, stand down for me
in haste, Mr. Brentano, and keep the lugger
OE and on under'full sail ready to fly, should
there be danger.”

The boat was at once lowered, and two of
the crow promptly sprung to the oars, as
Captain Pierre came over the side of the
lugger.

Straight for the inletthe boat was headedhy
Captain Pierre, who had the tiller, and cross—
ing this it moved slowly for the mouth of the
lagoon. the oarsmen placing their jackets in
the oarlocks to muffle the oars.

“My oar will creak, sir, so please let me
have your cloak," said one of the rowers, and
the one nearest the stern.

Captain Pierre arose to hand it to him.
when suddenly his hand was seized with a
grip he could not shake ad, a pistol muzzle
was thrust into his face, and a stern voice
cried:

“ Surrender, Captain Pierre Dupont, or you
are a dead man.”

The pirate saw that he was caught in a
trap, and that death was certain if he resist-
ed, and he cried nervously:

“ Who are you?"

“ 1 am Merle Monte of the Gold Ship, (7a))-

min Pierre, of the See Marauder,” was the

startling announcoment.

“And you. my man, will you let your
captain be seized without resistance?” cried
Captain Pierre, as soon as his amazement
would allow him to speak.

“ Oh. I am Little Belt, the first lufl of the
Gold Ship,” was the careless reply of the
supposed seaman,whose disguise, like Merle‘s
no one could have penetrated.

“ Then I surrender,” was the cool re l of,
P y

the man, who had regained his nerve.
“ You are wise. Hold forth your hands,
please,” and Merle clasped irons upon the

wrists, and then disarmed his prisoner, tied

his feet together and gagged him.

“Now, Belt, I will land yonder and go by
shore to the schooner and get ready to greet
the lugger, which you return to and tell
Brandt the Buccaneer to run in," said Merle.

The prisoner made a sign that he wished

 wk H  ‘r. a V”,

 

 

 

   

A

 

Merle Monte’s Pardon. 81

 

to speak, and Merle removed the gag, after
threatening him with death if he cried out.

“ Did you say Brandt the Buccaneer?” he
asked.

“ I did, and I referred to your lieutenant.
Brentano, who is the pirate chief in disguise.”

“ Great Heaven! can this be true?"

“ It certainly is, for he bribed a guard to
set him free from the Sea Wolf, and my lieu-
tenant here, Little Belt, tracked the man,
saw what his game was, watched his chance,
shipped on your lugger, through your agent
Giro, and meeting me, I joined him, and
here We are.” ‘

The man groaned, and the gag was re-
placed in his mouth, and he was taken from
the boat and tied to a tree for safe keeping
until Merle could return for him.

Then Little Belt sprung into the boat and
started back to tell Brandt that Captain
Pierre said to run boldly in, as all was safe.
while Merle went along shore toward the
Lost Pond.

His sudden appearance upon the deck of
the Gold Ship was a startling surprise. But
he had no time to explain matters, so gave
his orders quickly, got. his boats and their
crews into them armed with cutlasses only,
and with orders not to kill Brandt, the
Buccaneer.

Lieutenant Trenor took charge of one
boat, and Vance Murcll volunteered to com~
mand anotln r, and, as Merle heard of his
conduct toward Pearl, he readily consented.

Then the boats moved out of the canal,
and laid in wait under the branches of the
trees along the banks.

They had not long to wait, for the lugger
came slowly up the lagoon using her sweeps.

When opposite the beats, out they darted;
their crews threw themselves upon the deck,
and, after a short fight, the craft was cap-
tured.

Brandt, the Buccaneer, had drawn his cut-
lass the moment the boats appeared; but Little
Belt was standing by his side, the chief little
dreaming who she was, and instantly striking
the blade from his hand, she thrust a pistol
to his temple, and cried:

“ Brandt, the Buccaneer, you are my
prisoner at last!”

“God abovel you, Belle Denham?" gasped

. the pirate chief.

" Ay, ay, sir, and Merle Monte too,” and
Merle sprung to his side and seiztng his
hands clasped manacles upon his wrists, and
thus the lugger was captured in the well-laid
trap.

 

CHAPTER XXV.
MERLE MONTE’s FATE.
THERE was one drawback to the gallant
capture of the lugger, and that was, when

 

 

Merle Monte sought the place where he had
left Captain Pierre bound to a tree, that un-
worthy wretch was missing

Search was made for him, but without
avail, and Vance Murell reported that Peon
had been out in his canoe, and had doubt-
less sct him free and escaped with him. fer
the Indian was devoted to the pirate captain.

With the dawn the Gold Ship, the Sea
Marauder and the logger got under sail, and
headed for New Orleans, and the fellouing
day the three vessels glided into port. and
startled the good citizens, for swung.r up in
the rigging was Brandt, the Buccaneer, who
had at last expiated his crimes at the end of
a rope, and Little Belt had given the order
to hang him, for she requested Merle to al-
low her to do so.

The Gold Ship dropped anchor near the
Sea Wolf, and the first one to board the
beautiful vessel  Captain Mayo Meredith,
and he held in his hands an official docu-
ment. while he said:

“Merle Monte. the Government has St‘nt
you pardon, for your gallant service. and in-
stead of being hanged, your fate is to he a
lieutenant in the navy, and my word for it,
that. when this last venture is heard of, you
will be made a captain.”

Merle thanked the captain most heartily,
and returned:

“Now that I am restored to honor, and.
given rank, Captain Meredith. I shall at once
resign and settle down to private life, to (n-
joy my fortune, which has been, so far, é-lll'h ,
a curse to me.”

And in spite of all entrcaties Merle lu‘pt '
his word, and his pleasure was in restorng
to Basil Branch his former home in all its
beauty, and enriching all who had served
him faithfully.

The Gold Ship he kept for his private
yacht, saying that some day he might need
it again.

Taking a fancy to Vance Murell, he made
him his lieutenant, and Captain Trenor was
given a large vessel in his own right, and
was thereby made truly happy.

Rumor had it that Merle Monte loved
Pearl Branch; but as Vance Murell also
loved her, and the two were friends, both
seemed to yield in favor of the other, and
neither asked for her hand.

As for Little Belt, she threw off the garb
of manhood, resumed her own attire, and.
after long urging, became the wife of Cap.
tain Mayo Meredith.

And Mczrak the Faithful still remained
the devoted slave of his dearly loved master
to the end, but he seemed grieved that Merle
did not make Pearl the Pirate’s Pride his
wife,

THE END.

 

BEADLE’S POCKET V LIBRARY.

Published Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Gems.

 

129 Eng-Io Kit. the Boy Demon. By Oll Coomes.
130 Gold Trigger. the Sport. By T. C. Hnrbangh.

131 A Gume of Gold; or, Deadwood chk'g Big Strike. By
lidwnni L. \Vlwulc‘r.

139: Dnlnty Lance, the Boy Sport. Bylilnrlger, Jr.

188 “'iId-ilre. the Runs nl llle ilond. iiy ank Dinnunt;

[34 Mike Merry, lin- llnl'hnr 1mm. lioy. By CllnrlL-n Morris.

135 Dendwood Dick 01’ Dendwood. By E. L. Wlmnler.

136 Old Rube, thu limiter. lly ('npl. llmnilton liolnws.

13’? Dundy Rock, the Mnn 1mm Tang.

138 Bob Iioeketi, the Bu; Dodger. By Chris. Mnrrin.

139 The Kim-k Ginni; or. Duinty Lance in Jeopnrdy.
l‘l. ilndgvr. Jr.

140 Onptnln Arizona. liy Philip S. “’nrne.

14.1 New York Nell, the Buy-Girl Deiective. lly E.i.. Whaelnr.

142 Little. Texas, the Yoan Mnutnnger. By 011 (funnies.

148 Dendly Dth; or, Fighting Fire with Fire. By Jon. E.
lizuluor, Jr.

144 Little Grli, the “'ild l‘lvler.

145 The Tiger oi'TnM. By Geo. “'nldn Browne.

116 The (‘nt tie King. By Frank Dumont.

14? Nobhy Nick of Nevudn. ily Edward 1.. Vi'hucler.

14R Thunderbolt Tom. By llnn-y St. Georgia.

119 Dob Roeketi, the Bank Runner.

150 The 31nd Miner. By G. Wnldn Browne.

151 The Ben Trailer. Dy (ml. Preniiss lngmhmn.

152 .Dnndy Dnrke; nr, The ' :rs e-lliigh Pine. By W. R. Eyster.

153 \Vilil Frank, the Buv-lmhin Brnvn. By E. L. “'healer.

154: The lioyfl’l‘ruilern. liy Jay. E. Bridger, Jr.

155 Gold Plume, the Boy Bandit By Col. Prentiss lngrnhnm.

156 \Vlll “'ildilre in the “'oods. By C. Morris.

157 Ned Temple, tho liordcr Buy. By ’1‘. (I. Hnrbnngh.

158 Deadwood Diek‘n Doom. By E. L. Wheeler. 7

159 Patent-Leather Joe’s Defeat. By Phi ). S. Wnrne.

160 linil'nio Billy, the Boy iinllwhm-kcr. By Col. 1’. Ingmhmn.

161 lioh lioekett, the Crnchmnnn. By (‘hnrlrs Morrls.

102 Little Hurricane, the Boy ('npmin. By 011 Cryonics.

163 Deadwood Dick’s Dreur . liy E. L. \Vheoler.

16 l annudo Torn. By T. (5. llnrlmngh.

161$ iiuifnio iiiil’u Bet. ily Col. Prentiss lngrnhnni.

166 “(Ill “'ildilre “'inn and Loren. By (‘hnrh-n Morris.

16’? Dnndy Rock‘s Pledge. liy George W. Browne.

168 Dendwood Dick’s “'nrd. By Edwnrd L. Whaeler.

169 The Boy (‘hulnplom By Edward Willeit.

110 Do!) Rockci‘t‘u Fight. for Life. By Charles Morris. .

171 Frltnk Morton, thn Buy Hercules. ByOll Comm».

172 The Yankee Hunger. lly Edwin Emcnon.

178 Dirk Dingle, Srinul. lly Edward S. Ellis.

174 Dnndy Rock‘s-t Fcilclllc. lly (i. W. Browne.

175 The Aruh Di teeth-e. 11y Edwurd L. “'hreler.

176 “'ill “lilliiire‘n i’lui-k. By Chnrlvs )lorm. .

11"? The Boy Connnnnder. By Cm. Prentiss lngmhnm.

178 The Mnnlnc Hunter. By Burton Snxe.

179 Dainty Lam-e; «1'. The lilyntic \inrhsmnn. By J. E. Bridger

180 The Boy Gold-Hunter. By T. C. Hnrbnngh.

181 Tile Scnpcgruee Son. By Clmrlns Morris.

182 The, Dark-Skinned Spout. By Lieut. Col. i-inzlvltine.

188 Jnlwz Dnrt, Detective. By 011 Gnomes.

1244 Feniherweight, the Bny Spy. By Edward Willi-it.

185 lihon Hill, the Overland Prince. By Col. Prentins ingrnham~

1.96 Dnluty Lnuee and "in Pard. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.

187 The ’l'rupped Tiger King. By Chnrleu Morris.

188 The Ventriloquint Detective. By Edwni’u L. Wheeler.

189 Did Roeky’rl Boy“. By Maj. Snm. 5. Hull.

190 Fin: Simpkinn, Scout. By .‘nmea L. Bowen.

191 Dnndy Rock’a Rivnl. By Geo. Waldo Browne.

192 Hickory Harry. By Harry St. George.

198 Detective Josh Grim. By Edward l.. Wheeler.

By a. “'21 (in Browne.

By Jon.

By Cnl. Prentiss Ingmlmm.

By Charles Morris.

'221 Merle the Buddy.

 

fig

194 Pronpeet Pete, the Boy Miner. By Oll Common.

195 The Tender-foot Trailer. By T. C. llnrbnngh.

196 The Dandy Detective. By Clmrlen Morris.

1!)? Boy, the Young Cattle King. By Col. l‘reutisr lngrahnm.

1am Ebony Dan’s Mfiflk. By Frnnk Dumont.

199 Dictionary Nat, Dewitilvv. By T. (:Jiarmuwiu

200 The Twin Horsemen. By Cnpl.‘ Frederlék Whiiiiiltbr.

201 Dandy Darké’a I’nrdn; By Wm; R. Eyuer:

202 Tom,’ the Tcxnn Tiger. By Oil Comma;

203 Film, the Office Buy. By Charles Morris.

20-1 The, Young Cowboy. liy Col. Prcniisu ingrnlmrn;

205 The Frontier DeieeilVC. By Edward L. \Vhekler.

206 “'hltc Light lug; or, 'l'hr. iiny Ally. By T. (7. ‘lnrbnugh.

207 Kentuek Tnlbot’s Band. [Ky Cnyi. Mark Wilton.

208 Trapper Tom’s Cuntle llynicry. By Oll Coon)".

209 The Meucnger-Bny Detective. By (“hurles Morr‘l.

210 The Hunchback of the Mines. By Joseph E. BFdE‘T, Jr.

211 Little Giant and His Bnnd. By Philip  Wnrnu.

212 The Jimtown Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler.

213 The. I’irntc’s Prize. By C. Dunnng Clurli.

214 Dnndy Dnve, nf Shanta. By T. C. linrlmngh.

215 The Denver Detective. By Oll Comm.

216 The Cowboy Cnptnin. By Col. l‘i'milsl Ingrnhun

2|? liuid Head of the Rockies. By )inj. Sam. 5. Hill.

218 The Miner Sport. lly Edward 1.. Wheeler.

219 Buck, the Detective. By Albert W. Aiken.

220 Crnrk-Shot Frunk. By Chhrles 'l‘Ii rril.

By Col. Prantisa Ingmlmm.

222 Ronehud Ben’s Boys. ,By Oll C'miima.

223 Gold Conrad’s Watch-Dogs. By T. C. Hnrbnngh.

224 Frisky Fergus, thele York Buy. By G. L, Aiken.

225 Dirk Draw, the .‘ilncr’s Son. By Edward 1.. Wheeler.

226 anotu Dick in Chicago. By Charles Morris.

22’? Merle, the Boy Cruiser. By Col. Prentiss lnzrnhnm.

228 The, Preacher Detective. By Oil CooInCI.

229 old Hiekory’n Grit. By John J. ershnll.

230 Three. Boy Sports. By Capt. Fredvrirk Whiunknr.

281 Sierra Sam, the Detective. By Edward 1.. thlrr.

282 Merle Monte’a Treasure. By Cnl. Prentiss lngnhnm.

238 Rot-Ry Rover Kit. By Ensign C. l). “'nrvcn.

234 linidy, the Miner Chief. By Capt. J. F. C. Miami.

285 Jnek Stump’s Crulne. By Roger Stnrhnck.

236 Sierra Sam’s Double. By Edward L. Wheeler.

237’ Newsboy Ned, Detcclive. By Charles Morris.

238 Merle Montc‘n Sen-Scraper. By ("’L “WU” I“(if-l1“!-

239 Ben’s Big Boom. By Cnpt. Mark Wilton.

240 Sharp Shoot Mike. By Oll Comm-s.

2111 Sierra Snm’l Sentence. By Edwnrd L. Wheeler.

242 The Denver Detective. By T. C. ilnrbnngh.

248 Dutch Jnn’n Dilemma. By Mnj. L. W. Carson-

244 Merle Monte’n Disguise. By Col. Pnnntia Ingrnham.

245 Buddy’s Boy Partner. By Edward S. Ellis.

246 Detective Kcen’l Apprentice. By Charles Mord-'2"

24? The Girl Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler.

248 Giant. George’s Pard. By Buckskin Stun.
Randy October 10.

249 Rnneh Rob’s Wild i'llde.
Ready October 17.

250 Merle Montc’s Pardon.
Ready October 94. I

251 The DeafDetcctive. Bv Edward Willett.
Read y October 31. “

By T. C. Harbnugh.

By Col. Prontiu Inguhlm.

Issued Every Wednesday.

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