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3 ‘ “‘"’~ Na 95 WILLIAM ST. NEW YORK. “'9 C“""‘-

No'  $2.50 Published Weekly by Beadle and Adams, F l’rlt-c VOL 

 

 

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THIS CAPTAIN FIRST BEEELD PUNK’S LEGS, THEN T} E {EST OF HIS PERSON, UPON
WHICH HE DEALT SEVERAL BLO‘VS WITH A BOPE'S END.

 

  

  

 

Captain Blake’s Jonah.

 

Captain Blake’s Jonah;

HARRY, THE CABIN BOY.

BY Rt )GER STA It B UCK,

AUTHOR or “Tire GIRL PILOT,” “THE COAST
DETECTIVE,” me, nro.

CHAPTER I.
SHIPWRECKED.

THE ship Griffin, a New Bedford vessel, bound
from her last port, the Sandwich Islands, to the
East Indies, thence to go home by the way of
Cape Hope, was bowling along through the
Japan See at the rate of tWelve knots. The
wind being fair off her quarter, she had stud-
(lingsnils set fore and tilt, while for aloft her
skysails swept the blue sky like the bosoms of
white sen—birds.

Many of her crew—active follows in dark-blue
shirts and ti'owserusere, on this day, at work
in the rigging, with nrirlinspike and mullet,
singing and whistlng While they toiled. VVnLch-
ing them as they sat ustrmldleof the swaying
yard-arm, 0r hung by long, evident ropes,
swinging to and fro like spiders, stood a lady,
npussenger upon the quarter-deck, holding in
her arms an infant son, a chubby little fellow :1
year old. The lady wus Mrs. Brandon, wifeof
a. wliuling-cnptniu, with whom she had sailed
from New Bedford, in the shiplt'ickluud. Ar—
rived at the Sandwich Islands, he had left her
there, to remain until his return from the Arctic
Ocean. A few months aft 11' his departure, a.
northern Whaler came into port, bringing; Mrs.
Brandon (1 letter from her husband, stating that
he had been wrecked off the Aleutian islands,
that he would havo to wait there :1 long time
before he could get his vessel olf the rocks and
repair damages, tint he would not think of ever
trusting his Wife and child to such a “ pntelied ”
craft, and that she, with his little son, had there‘
fore better tnko passage for home in the first
good vessel leaving the. Islands. ‘

With many regrets, with a singular pre-
sentimeiit weighing upon her mind, Mrs. Bran—
don, as shown, hzul complied with the rwquest.
Captain Blake, of the Griffin, being well no-
qu‘imted with her husband, showed her every
kind attention; but, while very glad to find her-
self so comfortably situated she yet could not
rid herself of that strange uneasiness which had
followed her like asliudow ever since she quitted
Honolulu.

No such shadow rested upon the spirits of
little Will, her infant son. He clapped his tiny
hands merrily, (ind crowing with delight, sprung:l
up and down in her arms, as if anxious to go to
the men aloft. To sit thus upon his mother’s
arm, with the sdhshine and blue water all around
him, undo sugar-coke in one hand, was hup-
piness enough for Master Will. Presently ihe
cake dropped from his hand, and the mother
was endeavorinz to stoop to pick it up, when n
bright-eyed led the cabin-boy, Hurry Warlock,
only ten years of age came skipping along, und

 

 

 

 

pushing ninass of dark—brown curls back from , sters were fighting in its fathomleas depths.

his brow, as he picked up the cake, put it in the
little one’s hands.

“That’s a good boy,” said Mrs. Brandon,
kindly. “ What is your name?” ‘

“His mine is Hurry, madam,” said the cap-
tuin, overbearing the remark, “and, young as
he is, there is note better sailor aboard this
crnft.”

The Ind colored modestly, and yet seemed
pleased with the compliment, After he was
gone, the captain went on to state that he was
an orphan, the son of a deceased friend, and
that he (the captain) had taken him to bring
him up, and was determined to make a good
suilor of him.

“ i see,“ he added, putting his finger upon a.
BLUE ANCHOR, tattooed in India ink on little
Will’sleft arm, “that my friend Brandon has

commenced early to make u seamen of this

young chap. ’7

Just as the skipper finished speaking,a noise
like rattling thunder was heard through the
whole ship. Blake, starting, glanced aloft, to see
every stitch of canvas slotting as if ready to "go
to pieces! He sprung,r to the helm with an angry
ejaculation, but soon discovered that what was
taking place was no fault of the man at the
wheel. In a viord the wind, with a. suddenuess
truly appalling, had died away, there remained
notn ln‘vuth of nir, and the sails, after a few
useless struggles, hung montionless from the
yards. At the so me moment the first mate,
with white face, came running up from the
cnhin, stating that the barometer was falling
with unusual rapidity!

Meanwhile, a. stifling oppression seemed to fill
the air, the men looked in each other’s faces,
with serious eyes and ominous shakes of the
head, now and then glancing up at the cloudlcss
sky, over which a thin haze, scarcely perceptible,
floated like seine stealthy phantom, creeping to
pounce unawures upon the devoted ship.

East, west, north and south glanced the cap-
tain; then his voice rung through the vessel like
the rattling of a chain shot.

“ In with skysails, rzvyals and stu’nsailsl
Stand by to clew up topsnilsl"

The men sprung to obey. . The studdingsails
were lmuled in quickly, and active forms run
aloft, like squirrels, to furl the lighter sails.
Among them was little Harry, who, young as he
was, could “hand” (furl) it skysnil or royal as
well as any sailor in the ship. ‘

“Bear 11 hand, there, aloft!” sln‘ieked the cap-
tain, as an ominous buzzing, whizzing sound
now became perceptible. ' ’

“Ay, ayl” was borne from the sunbrowned
blue-jackets upon the yards.

At the same moment there was a rushing
sound, like the flapping of unseen wings; then,
ripping up the sex in millions of jvhite furrows,
down upon the devoted ship nsliriekmn, howling
Tanoon—a yelling, screaming, gurgling ty—
phoon—came crashing like an avalanche charged
with ten—fold thundersl

There. was not a cloud in the sky, not a speck
upon the sun’s disk, yet, far along the see, the
spray wus whirled, twisted and torn into fen-
tnstic shapes, and the vast oeeun seemed to rise
nnd bubble, to roar and hiss, as if huge mon~

 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  

 

   
 
 
 
 
 
   

Captain Plake’s Jonah.

At the same moment a grinding, tearing noise
Was heard through every timbcr; then a sound,
as if of men ripping up the planks!

Snup-er-r-rackl crack! crash! and somothing
dark flow before the eyes of the crew. Caught
against the lee rigging, it was discovered to be
a timber, which had been torn from the ribs of
the poor ship, under the counter. Then a dis-
mal gurgling prophesied the doom of the vessel
—proclaimed that whole volumes of water were
pouring into her hold!

“The boats, man, the BOATS!" howled the
Captain, in a pit-rcing voice.

The first violcnco of the typhoon had by this
time abated, but the sea was still heavy, and
the Wind still raged with terrific fury. The
men now were busy, stowing provisions and
breakers (small caste) of frvsh water into the
boats. Mrs. Brandon and child were on deck,
carefully lashed to the mizzcnmast, to prevent
their going ovcrboard.

The fair passmgcr trembled in evcry limb,
and was Very pale, but it was evident that all
her fcars wcru for hcr little boy, Whom she had
clasped tightly to hur bosom. The gurgling of
watcr, pouring into the hold, grew louder and
louder; the ship lurched heavily—she must soon
go down.

“Lower away!" shrickod the captain, and
the boats, two in number, splashed alongside

The skipper then took Mrs. Brandon by the
hand, and was about helping her into the cut-
ter, whcn a grcat sea came, dashing the boat
against the side of the ship, and shivering it to

macs.

p The other boat, filled with seamen, parting its
warn, was at the same time whirled far to ice-
ward.

But ten men, with Harry, the cabin-boy, were
now lclt aboard the vessel, and these the captain
at once set to Work constructing a raft. The
raft, put together with all possible dispatch,
was launcth alongside, containing what pru-
tyisions and water the seamen had time to ob-

am.

The sailors, uickly springing upon it, stood
ready to help ‘ rs. Brandon off the ship, as,
with he child in her arms, she was conducted
to the gnngway. Just then, striking against
the VcSScl “ith great violence, the hastilyvcon-
structed raft parted, leaving tho seamen cling-
ing to logs and timbers.

The captain, Mrs. irandon and child, with
Harry now were the solo occupants of the
vessel.

f‘ We are lost! My child! my CHILD!”
screamed Mrs. Brandon, as the ship’s bows
wont up an instant, preparatory to making her
last plunge.

The captain drew the woman to a spar, and
lashed her to it, while Harry, who, throughout
the storm, had displayed the coolness and
Courage of a veteran, performed the same ser-
v‘ise for her boy, whom he secured close to her
S! c.

Having done this, the skipper and cabin-boy
were about fastening themselves to the some
piece of timber, when there was a prolonged
bubbling, roaring noise—a heavy side-lurch of
the doomed vessel, and then, lifting her stern
an instant, down she went, plunging out of

 

,fl

sight forever. Amid the maddening whirl of
wafers, Czriptain Blake and his cabin-boy were
separated from each other, and also from the
mother and child. Thc two last they saw not
again, but each clinging to his separate hold,
finally sighted the boat which had drifted from
the ship, and were picked up, to find those who
had been carried away on the parted raft also
aboard. Mrs. Brandon and her little son, how-
ever, had not been 5991] by the boatmcn, who
now through a thick, foggy haze, which had
settled upon the walcr, pulled hither and
thither, vainly searching for the two cast-
aways.

“Poor Brandon was very fond of his fam-
ily,” cried the captain, sorrowfully, “and a sad
blow this will be to him. He has a little one-
ycar—old daughter remaining to him, but she
can never make up for the loss of his wife and
child!”

On the next day the party in the boat were
picked up by a Whaler, bound to the Sandwich
Islands, where they arrived a month later.

 

CHAPTER II.
THE JoxAn SHIPS.

THE news of his Wife and child’s loss came
to Brandon like a. dcz‘ith-blow. The full par-
ticulars of the wreck were communicated to
him by letter; but, not contented with this,
he smight Captain Blake, hoping to hear seine-
thing which might give him a vestige of hope.

But no; the captain firmly believed that the
unfortunate; were caught in the ship’s rigging,
and carried down with the vessel when she went
under. .

From that moment Brandon was a. changed
man. Previously a light—hearted, merry fellow,
he now bccamc gloomy and reservcd; his once
raven locks were streaked with gm ', and he
often fcll into long rovcries, from which even
the dutics of his calling were scarcely sufficient
to rouse him. Returning home to his little
daughter Mary, whom he had left in charge of a
female friend, the playful ways of the child
threw over his heart the first rays of sunshine he
had felt since receiving the dark tidings. His
whole cx1=tence now became bound up in this
one child, who, as she grew up, realized all his
fondcst hopes. '

Years rolled on, and she grew to womanhood;
the sweet age of seventeen brought a deeper
bloom to her check, a gruver light to her soft,
blue eyes. She was beautiful both in personelle
and dispositon; she was the light and comfort of
her father, who, within the past few years, had
met with a series of misfortunes, which rendered
her all the dearer to him,

In a word, Captain Brandon had suffered so
many mishaps—had been lately wrecked and
burned out so many times at sea, that he had
earned, among superstitious sailors, the unenvi-
able reputation of a Jonah—that is a person said
to bring all kinds of misfortune to any craft
aboard which he may ship.

One morning, after having been for many
weeks obliged to live upon the scanty wages of
his daughter, who had Set up a private school,
Brandon sauntered forth, in the midst of a driv-
ing storm, hoping almost against hope, to obtain;

N ‘ .,. 49" v n n.

 

4

 

a, berth aboard some one of the vessels in the
harbor, preparing for a sea«voyage.

After making several useless applications, he
at length found himself standing under the jib-
boom of a New London vessel—the Albatross by
name‘which had put into this port several
weeks before for repairs, her main-topmost hav.
ing been carried away in asquall just outside
the harbor. Boarding her, he found himself face
to face with the first mate, a finelooking young
man of twenty-nine.

“ I woulil like to shipin your craft," said Bran-
don, in the humble tone which is sometlmes the
consequence of discouragement.

“ We do want a few more hands," said the
mate. “ What can you do?”

Brandon smiled and answered: “ Anything; I
would like a third-mate’s berth.”

“ We had better go and see the captain,” said
the young man. “ Come.”

And he led the way into the cabin. Here
Brandon was agreeably surprised to find his old
friend Captain Blake. The latter was delighted
to see him, and the two shook hands, warmly.

Afterward, Blake, laying,r a hand on his mate’s
shoulder, said:

“ This is Harry Warlock, the youngster who—
Who—” here be lowered his voice almost to a
whisper, “lashed your little child to a spur on—
on that day I”

Brandon quivered all over; then, dashing a
tear from his one eye, be grasped Harry’s hand
in a fervent grip. ‘

“ God bless you i” he exclaimed.

This was all he could say; a choking sensation
in his throat prevented further utterance.

Mastering his emotion by a strong effort,
Brandon now surveyed the young mate, who had
hitherto remained silent, much affected by the
other’s grief. The years which had passed since
he was cabin- boy on the ill-fated Griffin, had
molded the frame of Harry to a hardy, mascu-
line beautv, well fitted for the storms and hard-
ships of a sea-life. His brown cheek glowed with
health, his dark eye flushed a high spirit, and his
broad brow was full of intelligence that softened
every feature. In a word, :1 better looking
goulng seaman than he was never walked a ship’s

ec K.

“ You have here a good mate, that I’ll wnr-
rant," said tho experienced Brandon, as he again
shook hands with Warlock.

“ .Ay, ay,” answered the captain; “ I could not
wish fora better.”

Learning from his friend his desire to ship,
Blake clapped a hand upon his (Brandon’s) back,
as if glad to scuure him; then, suddenly looked
down, shaking his head.

“Bill,” said he, sorrowfully, “I’ve heard of
your—your repaid/5.1m; such things, do you see,
travel very far—mri—md-why, blast me, 02d
chum, but it’s hard—I don"t know as I’ll dare to
take you for fear of the effect you’ll have on my
men—a superstitious set they are, Bill—most all
Portuguese and Krinakas. Still, I uant to take
you—I must take you, but—but» Harry, my
lad,”ehe suddenly added, clapping his mute on
the shoulder, “can not you help me out of this
scra ? What have you to say about it!”

“ ‘ake him, by all means!” cried Harry, im-
pulsively. .

Captain Blake’s Jonah.

 

  

“ But the trouble, lad——that old tar, Tom
Burke says, Brandon isa Jonah; you don’t think
of that.”

Brandon turned upon his heel.

“ GOod-day, Blake; I’ll never be the means of
making trouble in my old chum’s vessel."

“ Stay !” cried the captain, a sudden idea seem-
ing ’to flush upon his mind; “you have a daugh-

) '7
tn“.Yes.”

“ Well, if you can persuade her to go with
you, every thing will be right; for I have heard
your superstitious fellows say that a woman
aboard the some craft with a Jonah destroys en-
tirely the J onuh’s influence. So, you see, old
chum, a woman aboard would satisfy my men."

“ I think Mary will go with me," said Brand-
on, rubbing his hands gladly; “ she takes after
her father, and is fond of blue water.”

“ I expect the voyage to be an unusually lucky
one,” said Blake, “ as I am going to a newly-dis
covered bay in the Ochotsk Sea, where whales
are as thick as gooseberries. I will also give you
an excellent lay, it you can manage to go with
me in the way ' ’ve mentioned.”

Brandon’s one eye lighted up like a coal of fire.
He rubbed his hands gladly, and looked down at
his tattered boots, thinking how soon could he go
with his friend, and replace them by new ones.

He hurried elf to his home, an humble one,
but kept in good order by Mary, a lovely young
girl with a cheek full of changing color, lively
brown eyes, and the lightest foot that ever press-
ed the earth. This maiden would not for a mo-
ment put any hindrance in the way of her poor
father’s success, so she at once consented to go
with him.

 

CHAPTER III.
PUNK’s oomrosunn.

THE wind made the spars of the Albatross
crack, as she went bowling out of the harbor.
By noon the land was faint off the starboard
quarter, and the foam came flying merrily over
her bows.

On ,the quarter-deck stood Mary Brandon,
watching, with feminine curiosity, some of the
men at work aloft, and those who were forward
cutting and fishing the anchor, under the super-
int \ndence of her father, who occupied the posi-
tion of second-mate, in place of a worthless fol-
low, who had deserted at New Bedford.

Among those who worked under Brandon was
a gray—headed old fellow of sixty, named Tom
Burke. The latter held a marlinspike, with
which he would heave the lashinfis taut as they
were p-issod round the anchor. e was a New,
Bedford man, and knew Brandon well, had heard
of his reputation as Jonah, and, worse yet, he
believed in it,

The marlinspike with which he worked, drop-
ping from his hand several times, he shook his
head ominously, and muttered between his teeth
somcthing which the second—mate could not
hear.

” Como, Tom, speak out,” said Brandon smil—
inc. “You were never before in the habit of
speaking ‘ under hatches,”

“ Well, there, it never happened to me before.”

said‘Tom, “ to drop my marlinspike three times!" , _

  

/

   

Ivan.»

 

Egnnmwno (“944 A-

 

 

 

 

 

. h... was.

lr

_ Captain Blake’s Jonah.

M mm—WA..”.M»:

5

 

“You haven’t been taking any whisky, I
hope.” said Brandon, knowing Tom’s failing.

“ Not a drop, sir, except about half a pint,
which I first stirred round in my coffee, this
mornin’."

Brandon laughed, and said perhaps that was
what made the man’s hand so unsteady.

“ No,” answered the old tar, solemnly, “ it is
because there’s a J (man in this craft."

“ Hush!” said Brandon, in a low, stern voice.
“I know you mean me; but remember, if you
will hold to your foolish superstition, that there
is a woman in the vessel.”

“Ay, ay, sir. I know that, and as long as
she’s aboard I won’t com plain, more'n I can help.
None of the men, being Kanakas and Portuguese,
know you, but me, and for your sake I’ll try
not to let on who the Jonah is.”

“You area good fellow,” said Brandon, ex—
tending his hand.

‘ Tom thrust his quickly into his pocket.

“No,” he said, hoarsely, “they say that a
Jonah’s hand gives other hands the ‘ parysaler-
atns.’ ”

At that moment the captain called Burke to
take the wheel, as the man there did not steer
to suit him. The work of lashing the anchor
was soon finished, and the second-mate was
about moving aft, when he noticed that the
hinges of the brakes needed slushing, and or-
dered one of the men to grease them. The per-
son to whom he spoke was a man with remark-
able long legs, a short body, and a little head,
ornuiuented‘with stringy locks of yellow hair and
beetle eyes.

Punk. such was the name by which this per-
son Was known, was a pretended phrenologist.
He had in his possession an old greasy book on
that science, which, it was his especml delight
to boast to his shipmates, he had read through
a dozen times.

He had already examined the head of the cap—
tain, and given him an excellent character, on
the strength of which the skipper—who, to tell
the truth, thought more of whaleoil than of all
the science in the world— had sent him a bottle
of good whisky, some of which, as hinted, had
fallen to the share of Tom Burke.

Punk, having 'never been to sea before, had
conceived romantic ideasof a sailor’s dress, and
wore a broad, blue collar, a huge glazed hat,
with a long, flowing ribbon, loose pants of can-
vas duck, much too short—lie had not been able
to procure a. pair long enough for his legs—and
pink slippers number ten. Thus attired, and
with an enormous quid of tobacco in his right
cheek, he now stood upon the Windlass, his arms
folded over his chest, pants and ribbon rustling
in the wind and imagined that he was the very
picture of a. “ true American sailor.” Never
having chewed tobacco before, this “ American
tar” felt disagreeable at the moment the second—
mate addressed him, and so. taking out the quid,
threw it overboard to windward, whereas it
should have been thrown to leeward.

“ Bear a hand I” cried Brandon.

“Ay, ay, sir: bear a hand it is!" said Punk,
endeavoring to speak in a sonorous voice, while,
in reality, his tones were like the squeaking of a
cart-wheel.

When he had greased the hinges, the mate

,3 in _A

 

ordered him to put in one of the brakes and
try it.

“ Try it it is, sir!” answered Punk, and put—
ting iii the handle, he went to work.

“That’s hel” cried Brandon, (meaning that
will do.)

Punk, however. thinking he was praising him,
kept on.

“ That’s he, I say!” repeated Brandon.

“ That‘s he it is!” answered Punk, working
harder than before.

Brandon soon stopped him by explaining to
him what he meant; for the second—mate was
never violent with his men.

“Ay, ay, sir,” said Punk, grinning, “I un-
derstand. My eyes and tarry lo’lights, shiver
my timbers if I don’t.”

And he scraped the deck with his right foot,
having heard this was “ sailorish.”

The movement brought his huge tarpaulin
down over his eyes, u hen-upon he gave his long
legs what he deemed :1 nautical tn ist, and pushed
the but back from his brow.

“Although something of a sailor,” said Punk,
now thrusting his hand under his waistband
“ I’In skillful, sir, in examining Leads. Shall ll
examine yours?”

f“ Not now,” answered Brandon, as he moved
a t. ‘

One morning, about a fortnight after, he said
to the captain:

“ I perceive you have a plirennlogist aboard.
I hope he’s a better phrenolugist than sailor.”

“ He is green, most uninarcil'ully gre< n," cried
Blake, striking the rail with his clinched fist,
“ but he does know somethin’ about heads, I be—
lievs. He examined mine, :1 short time ago,
and perhaps you’d like to have him look at Miss
Brandon’s,"

“ Certainly,” said the second mute, good
humoredly. “ How would you like that, Mary?”
he added, turning to his daughter.

“Oh, well, papa,” she answered, “I have no
objections.”

The captain called Punk aft to examine Mary’s
head.

The four were soon in the cabin. when Punk,
with a knowing sort of hop, like that of a boy
on stilts, remarked, after lightly touching the
top of the girl’s head: .

“Here we have triinenll: us altimativeness,
together with diabolical conjugalperfection.”

Brandon opened his on; rye very “lLlP, while
Blake, who, as already hinted, knew liltle of the
science of phrenology, shook his head, admir-
inglv.

“ This person,” continued Punk, “ is excessive-
ly alive to a good dinner, especially Vegetables.
Her lamentan‘veness is the one failing of her
contentious nature, which is decidedly pacific.
Lamentativeness is her great—”

“ Avast there!” cried Blake, “ That’s a mis-
take: lamb and taters isn’t your favorite; is it,
miss?"

“ In a word, this person,” continued Punk,
with a superior smile, not heediug the inter-
ruption, “is a—«”

Bur-r-rvrl whiz‘z-zl hoong! belangl crack!
snap! rattle—r: itle—rack he-de-ruckl

The captain sprung up as if shot, and rushed
on deck, closely followed by his mate,

wwwu ~.

 

6 Captain Blake’s Jonah. x.

 

 

A squall had struck the ship, and was making
mad music in her rigging. Asnlphurons hnzs
filled the air; the vast ocmn was one grout muss
of hissing, boiling l'onm. Swift ns nu nrrow,
with a long, grinding, continuous crushing
sound, as if invisible nxmeu were splitting up
her timbers, rsvcrhernting through her onken
ribs, from stem to stem, the vesssl tore along
through the storm—lashed wntcrs. Ilcr lofticl‘
sails had boon rent like so many pieces of paper,
and all her sheets having parted, the larger cans
vas was slotting and whipping; about, with the
din of thunder. The air was fillcd with flying
flashes of foam, strnuguly contrasting with the
dark, sulphnrous vapors, whirch along the
blast with almost incrolilile swiftness.

Rumbling, crackling, crashing and roaring,
the storm denponcd, thickened, darkened, grew
heavier and henvicr. Through the fur—extending
network of. driving snnrl, rain and hail, some-
thing black was suddenly seen rolling along like
a huge winged monster.

This was a gigantic cloud, which, rising from
the eastern horizon, had, in the space of five
minutes, reached the ship, and was now passing
over her trucks. Along the edge of the mass
played lurid fires, the electricity with which the
cloud was charged. while the continual crashing,
snapping and booming ol’ the thunder made the
heavens ring again!

Meanwhile, enveloped in sheets of driving
spray, the vessel continued to boom on, burying
bow nnd Ice-rail at cvcry plunge, and quivering
as if about to fly into :1 thousand pieces. Heed-
loss of the seas dashing ovcr him, sow-waster on
head, trumpet in hand, Captain Blake stood
sounding his orders, while the men vainly en-
deavored to clew up the shitting masses of (gun-
vus. As 10 Punk, he suddenly seemed to have
lost all desire to play the “ American tar.” At
the first notes of the squall he had jumped into
the fore—hold, and buried his nose in a coil of
rigging, with his lengthy legs protruding up-
ward. He was by no means a coward, but like
many men of imaginative temperament, he was
strongly imbued with a sense of the sublimity
and awc~inspiring grandeur of a storm at sea!

“ Ahoy, there! you, Punk, blast ye, where are
you!” howled the captain, noticing the absence
of that person.

He rushed forward, peered into the hold, and
there behold, first Punk’s gs, and then the rest
of his person, upon whic 1 ho could not help
dealing several smart applications with u rope’s
end.

Just then [1 crash, as if the heavens were open-
ing to a thousand thunderbolts, broke upon the
captain’s ear. He rushed on deck lo find the
ship upon her beam—ends, ingull‘cd in roaring
masses of overwhelming water. The blka cloud
had ported, and a water-spout was rushing
down upon the devoted ship. Round and round
sh whirled, in a. Volley of hissing, gurgling
waters—crash, crusher, ruck, boong! and away
went her three topmosts, one after the other,
falling alongside!

The wreck dragging her under, still round
and ro'und in the ingulfing water-spout she
whirled, her timbers cracking, her hnll settling
lower every moment.

In another minute she must go to the bottom

 

with all on board: of this the white-lipped crew”.
hanging to whatever afforded them support,
were u ell aware, and hoarse shrieks, drowned
nmid the torrent—tho. huge, sheeterl, descending
torrent of maddening waters—wore faintly
heard!

Appnlled by their fearful situation, all speech
soon died upon the lips of that terror-stricken
crew. The eyeballs of the Kanakns rolled in
their heads, while the Portuguese, with their
white faces turned imwm'd,seeinerl to implore
the protection of their favorite saints.

A fearful silenco lay upon the lips of every
man for a minute, when the voiCe of old Tom
Burke wns hcrird, picrcing the storm-din.

“ Ir Is THE JONAI! 2" he shontvd, “the JONAH
Who’s thc cause of this!”

And the old tar, ohcying an impulse ho soem-
ed incapable of resis'ing, pointed toward Bran—
(lon, who stood ncnr the stump of the mizzen-
mast, holding on to some rigging.

At this the dusky Knnukns and Portuguese
gnashed their teeth, and, even in that dread
moment, laid their hands upon their bowie-
knives!

“Kill the Jonah! cut him to pieces!” was
shrieked forth on :2]! sides, and several men ad-
vanced, threateninglv, toward the second-mate.

Harry, the young first—male, here advanced to
interpose, but ho had not taken ten steps when
there, was :1 tremendous shock, as of sudden
electricity darting through the ship, and every
man was thrown down!

With a rushing, sweeping sound, the vast
sheets of water tossed hither and thither by the
exploding of the water-spout, and breaking into
thousands of bubbles, poured over the ship,
almost smothering and stunning the awe-
stricken crcw, before they could regain their
feet. The captain, now seeing his vessel piling-
ing, bows foremost, into a culdron of waters
like a whirlpool; perceiving, also, that she was
about being capsized—that the two men at the
helm had been washed overboard—in uword,
that there now seemed no possible way of escap-
ing his doom, stood staring, open-mouthed,
straight ahead of him, perplexed as to what
order he should next give other than that of tell"
ing his men to prepare for their fate.

While he stood thus, a lurid gleam shot into
his face; it was the flash from the one eye of the
supposed Jonah, as he dashed amidshipl
Through the mass of bubbling, roaring waters
he rushed; through the sheeted spray, flying to
the very trucks, he fearlessly made his way!
great volume or avalanche of water poured
across the weather-rail, rolling him over and
over, sending him whirling to leeward, out of
sight, like a shot!

The spectators believed that he was gone;
momentarily expecting their own doom, they
gave the matter little hesd, but with bated
breath and rolling eyes—some of them mutter-
ing about mothers, sisters and relatives—others,
between their teeth, uttering short, half~formed
prayers, they stood, awaiting a fate which
seemed inevitable!

Up from the cabin, wild-eyed and pale, came
Mary Brandon. ,

“Oh, God 1" she shrieked, “ must we be lost?
Is there no way to save the ship!”

  

 

 

 

  

   
  
   

“L‘

 

 

Captain Blake’s Jonah. '2

 

“The Jonah, miss! it’s all the Jonah’s doings!”
muttered Tom Burke, as be tied a rope round her
waist to prevent her being at once washed over—
board. Stulined, almost bewildered by the ter-
rible noises that smote upon her ears, the creak—
ing crash of timbers, the gurgle and wash of
overwhelming waters, the cracking of the spars,
the bowl, the shriek, the maddening roar of the
raging storm—she stood, unable to articulate
another word!

At that dread moment, when all were pre—
pared for the worst, a dark, slender form, with
neck turned sideways like a snake’s, shoulders
bowed, black hair dripping, one eye shooting
forth a red flash, was Seen starting up from the
caldron of waters an‘iidships.

It was the Jonnh,who, now clutching tight
the rope, by means of which he had saved him—
self from going overboard, cut the storiii-diii in
two with his clear, sharp, metallic voice, ring-
ing like an anvil!

“To the wheel, there, one of you! Ilard—
hard-a-port! Steady! Luff a. little and meet
her l—thu L’s he-now, then, steady as you go!"

To the wheel the young first—mate, Mr. War-
louk—who had been severely bruised by the fall—
ing of one end of the shattered mizzen—topmast
across his leg—having quickly dragged himself,
obeyed Brandon’s ordch to the letter.

The one eye gleamed hopefully; a moment
its light was vailed by another sweeping sea;
then the anvil voice was again heard.

“ H ARD-A~STARBOARDI A pull at; the weather
bracesl”

“Ay, ay, now—that‘s the sortl” cried Cap-
tain Blake, who, seeing his ship right a little,
and, like some huge monster, shake hermlf clear
of the overwhelming seas, gathered confidence
and coolness.

The men, obeying Brandon’s magnetic voice,
executed his order' promptly; the ship first
luifed up, to meet a huge wave that otherWise
must have overwhelmed her, now being lzt-pt (11’,
shot ahead, roaring: like a wounded lion!

“No usol” cried Blake, “for though we‘re
saved for the presvnt, the craft soon must go
down, as she’s well-nigh water-logged, in sich a
storm as this!"

Brandon shook bi : head; then, while his single
eye gleanied triumphantly, he pointed Skyward
where a golden gleam of light was visible.
That gleam grew brighter every iiioinont; the
last cloud of the squall was passing over the
ship, the next moment it had passed, and the
vessel lay beealmodmtho squall bud gone—stop-
ped suddenly, like a giant in his wrath, leveled
low by a shaft of an elm-trio bolt.

While a murmur of j-‘y circulated throughout
the vessel~wliile Mni'y stood encircling her
father with her arms, while the young first—
mate, bruised, weak, and bleeding, leaned
against the helm, watching the girl with an
ardent gaze, who should come strutting along,
hands under waistband, turpouliii pushed back
from forehead, a quid of spuiiyarn in lieu of
tobacco in his right check, but Punk, the gal—
lant “ American tar.”

He addressed himself to Mary.

“Coolness and self-possession in peril is the
peculiarium of your thoroughbred sailor,” he
remarked; “and if you had been forward you

would have seen how perfectly unmoved I was
through the whole of the terrific storm. Ay,
my, shiver my tarry to’lightsl”

That Punk was mmde during the storm no
person could dispute. Upon his knees, with his
nose in the coil of rigging in the. hold, he had
remained from the commencement, without
budgiug an inch.

CHAPTER 1V.
” KILL! KILL JONAH.”

VVIIILE folded to her f ather's bosom, Mary,
chancing to glance toward the helm, beheld
Mr. Warlock, and at once comprehending his
situation, hurried, excited by womanly pity
and admiration, to direct her father’s attention
to the young man. It was high time, for “far-
lock, now almost unconscmus, could scarcely
support himself. He was conducted to his berth
in the cabin, where the steward at once pro-
ceeded to wash his bruisos'with cold water, and
to administer an inspiring cordial.

Meanwhile the captain rigged jury‘masts. A
breeze sprung up toward the middle of the day,
and the ship slowly forged ahead on her course
toward Faye], Western Islands, where the skip—
per intended to stop for repair-3.

“ Thank God our troubles are now over,” said
Mary; “ we be ve a good breeze.”

“ Ay,” muttered Tom, the old tar, between
his teeth, and half under his breath, “they are
over just for the present, young lady; that
JONAH will give us some more before long. If
it hadn’t been for the gal in the ship we’d have
gone to the ‘ locker’ down below, afore this 1”

He moved forward with sullen air, and seated
himself by the windlass—bitt.

“ What think?” inquired a Kannka, confront—
ing him, and showing his teeth—“ What think
now? No‘Joiiuh aboard, eh? Make mistakel”

” Hush, blueskin, bush! I have nothing more
to say about it.”

“ How know dis second-mate Jonah, eh?"

“ That is known everywhere,” replied the old
tai‘-“ everywhere by them that knows him."

“ lf Jonah, best get him out of u ay. No—”

“Hush, you lnbber. No, I said no such thing.
Where there is a woman aboard a, sI-ip, she outc
matches a Jonah, prevents him from doing (cr-
Tibld harm, though not altogether.”

“ Ho, ho, liol hi, hi, hi I" laughed the Kniiaku;
“ me no that understand.”

Tom rose and moved away. He sat down on
the kniglitvhcads, and With eyeslialf shut, and a
grim smile round the corners of his mouth,
watched Punk, who, with rolling gait, was now
walking to and fro round the forecastle.

The next morning the young mate appeared
on deck. He had already exchanged a few
words With Mary, and now, finding her near the
quarter-rail, had lifted his cup respectfully with
his left hand, for his right was in a sling.

“Good-iiioriiing,” he said, smiling; “I hope
you are well, after yesterday’s storm, which
must have frightened you much.”

“ I am very u ell,” she answered, “ and hope
you me the some?” and hero her soft 9y 5 beam—
ed pity. “ I perceive that you have not yet re-
covered from your injuries.”

“ They w are nothing to speak of,” he now ered,
inditl'ereutly.

 

 

 

 

. .r a.
View I k

8 Captain Blake’s Jonah.

 

At that moment, chancing to look forward,
his face wore a troubled expression. Mary fol—
lowed his glance. and perceived that the eyes of
the old tar and other sailors were turned upon
her father, who stood in the waist, in a dark,
significant manner, which, she thought, boded
no good.

“ Why do they look >0 at papa?” she inquired;
“surely they can have nothing against him,
after his saving the ship. That foolish belief in
his being a, Jonah must, by this time, have be—
come destroyed.”

“ I don’t know,” answered Harry, uneasily.
“ Still, you may rest assured that no evil shall
come to your father while it is in my power to
prevent it.”

“Thank you, sir; oh, thank you!”

She spoke earnestly, for her fears were much
excited.

At that moment Warlock was summoned from
her side to superintend the repairing of some
slight damage, which, during the storm, had been
sustained by the rudder. A whaleboat being low-
ered, in it two men soon were in their places at
work. The young mute, while seated on the rail,
overlooking them, had the pleasure of seeing
Mary again by his 3' 9. Their glances met; the
girl blushed deeplfigwry half smiled, and both
felt that the presen' ‘of each was to the other
attendedwith those pleasurable sensations which
generally preemie love.

“ Do you really think that they will attempt
to harm papa?” she inquired.

“ No,” he answered; “ I trust not. I shall,
however, he on the watch.”

From this subject they glided on to others.
The girl found her companion a very intelligent
young man, who had employed every leisure
moment of his sea-life in improving his mind.
His air—gentle yet manly—his upright form,
and deep, musical voice inspired her with the
most pleasurable sensations.

When night came, and she retired, she lay a
long time, with the brown, manly face of the
young mate constantly intruding upon her
mind, and warming her young cheeks with the
first blushes of awakening love.

The weather remained good, with fair winds,
for two weeks, by which time the Albatross was
anchored off Fayed. ere she remained a
month, when, new masts and yards having been
fitted, she resumed her course for the whaling—
grounds, off the coast of Brazil, where her cap-
tain intended to cruise for a short period. The
first intimation that the crew received of their

I being on that Well‘lmown ground was the or-

ders to double-reef topsoils, and haul down the
flyin jib.

“ e’re in for a cruise," muttered the old tar.
when sail was shortened: “ but little luck we’ll
have with a. Jonah aboard of us."

“ Say so?” gritted through his teeth a tall

-Kanaka named Marhi, the brother of one of

those who had been lost off the ship during the
gale—“say so? Well, me so think, too. S’pose
go aft, and tell captain to put dis Jonah
ashore!" ‘

“ No,” answered Tom; “ there mustn’t benone
of that. There's a woman aboard, do you sea.
and i’ve heard it said that them creatures does

away ‘with [Jonah’s powers, though I some’at

 

 

.the creature had thus taken revenge onvhhn

doubt it. ’specially when the woman  the

J onah’s darter.”

from the foremast head. 

“ Ay, ayl” shouted Harry, springing into the
waist.

“ A dead whale right ahead, sir, with an iron
in him."

“ Stand by the boatsl Lower awayl” were
the orders, following each other in quick succes-
sion, when down went the two vessels, crashing
into the waters alon side.

lnto them tumbl their crews; in the second-
mate’s boat were Tom Burke and Marhi, and all
were soon pulling like mad. There was not much
wind; the sea lay almost steaming hot under
the burning sun, and thin, sickly-looking vapors
were speeding like phantoms through the air.
The dark faces of the oarsmen, lifted up as they
leaned back, reddened like live coals. while
aboVe them, in the stern~sheets, glowed the one
eye of Brandon like a gleaming star. Upon the
flushed face of Marhi it was turned with a pene-
tration that made the Kanaka rind his white
teeth, until they emitted a soun like the scrap-
ing of knives. _

“ That’s he; Iiti” (stop pulling) cried the sec-
ond mate, when his boat was within ten fathoms
of the whale. The weary crew gladly put their
ears speak, and panting, turned to look at the
whale. Marbi, his red tongue lolling like a
wolf’s, thrust his heated left hand into the sea,
hoping thereby to cool it, then uttered a shar
cry, and hastily withdrew 1t, covered wit
bl

A shark had seen the hand, and shooting up-

ward, grasped one of the fingers, making off 7

with it.

“ Ookl” shouted the Kanaka, as he wrung his
wounded hand; “ Jonah cause of dis!”

Tom shook his head gloomily, and glanced re-
prmchfuny at Brandon, who, however, neither
heeding the exclamation nor the glance, at once
motioned to one of the near boats. This coming
up, the Kanaka was transferred to it, and for-
ried aboard ship.

Soon after, the whale being fastened to, was
towed alongside. It was ” cut in ” that some
day, and in fortyveight hours was tried out,
making twentfibarrels of sperm oil.

Meanwhile arhi, who was by no means a
shirk. remained on deck, working as well as he
could with his left hand. Unfortunately, while
handling the bluhber, apiece of black skin some-

how worked its way to the stump of his finger, ‘

without his knowledge.

Every whaleman knows that this skin is poi-
sonous, and when scratched or wounded the
sailor usually is careful not to come into contact
with it. Reckless Marhi had cause to repent of

his carelessness, for soon, the victim of the most‘

excruciating pain, he was obliged to go below.
Before night his hand was swollen likeya foot-
ball, and through his wild veins his blood,
coursin like molten lead, sent fever and delir-
ium toiis brain. Two men could not hold him
to his bunk; he writhed and screamed, declar-

ing, in frenzied accents, with the well-known », '

superstition of the Kanakas.that the spirit of
his brother was in the shark! He added that

"Below therel” came dowm at this instant,-

     

 

  
   
   
       
      
      
         
      
    
     
     
     
       
     
     
     
       
 
        
     
       
 
   

 

Gaptain Blake’s Jonah.

*J

(Marhi) because he had not avenged his (the
brother’s) death upon the Jonah.

For three whole days he thus raved, when he
became calmer, though still very noisy and ex-
cited. He could neither sleep nor eat, and his
frame wasted to the proportions of a gaunt
skeleton. The other Kanakas, with the Portu-
guese and the old tar, grew dark and sullen.
Brandon was often the subject of conversation
among them; they agreed to march aft and en-
deavor to persuade the captain to put the Jonah
ashore. One afternoon, while they were thus
deliberating, the tull,gaunt figure of Marhi
stalked among them like a dusky ghost.

“ Come, r0 below,” said Tom.

“ No!" exclaimed Marhi. tossing his wild—look-
ing hair back from his face; “me go aft and
kill! kill! kill Jonah.”

“ Hush; you must not talk so.”

“Como!”——shrieking in a piercing voice—
“'come never, never luck have with Jonah!
Comel'

There was magnetism in the voice of the
speaker. Kanakas and Portuguese gathered
round him, their eyes gleaming, their white
teeth grating. Mary, on the quarter—deck
screaming, rushed to her father’s side.

“Papa, ob, papa, do go below— nick!”

There was a yell forward, an with awild
rush, the dusky crew came aft, brandishing
knives and hands ikes.

“Kill! kill! kill!” yelled the Islanders.

“That sounds had,” said the old tar, turning
to Punk, who, with his hands thrust beneath
his waistband, and his long legs stretched far
apart, stood behind the Windlass, glancing aft.

“Ay, ay: bad it is,” answered Pun .

“ Come, we must help our own color,” added
Tom, picking up an ax, and running toward the
quarter-deck.

Bang, crack, crack, crackl went the captain’s
revolver.

Punk heard one of the bullets whizz past his

hea .

“Ahoy there, shiver my splinters!” shouted
the American sailor, and down he went into the
forecastle.

Here he commenced a fierce assault upon the
pots, pans, and spoons of the Kanakas, ranged
on shelves above his head. He kicked the tin-
waro into a corner, he stamped upon it, he
wrenched 01f the handles from the cups, and
broke the forks and knives.

“ I’m not quarrelsome, except when I’m
roused l” he exclaimed, when he had finished.

Then be stretched himself upon a chest, with
his arms folded, and each foot thrust in a broke
coffee—pot. ‘

Meanwhile there was no child’s play on the

uarter-deck. Warlock had knocked one of the

anakas senseless; the captain had seriously
wounded another with his revolver; the rest
stood at bay, brandishing their knives, and pre-
paring for another rush. Brandon had thrust
Iary through the companion out of harm’s
way; he new advanced with upraised hand.

“Back, back where you belong, and do your
duty 1" he shouted.

A yell of derision was the only response; then,
tiger—like, Mai-hi was upon him, With his huge
strength quickly hurling him to the deck,

.- ammy‘

in 'j'rng awn-r

has 

._/-w——-»

“Kill! kill! kill Jonah!” screamed the other
Kanakas, and in a moment half a dozen knives
were leveled at Brandon’s heart. The captain,
with Harry, Toni Burke, and the other mates
and harpooners, rushed to the rescue; but it
was evident that they would not succeed in
heating back the dusky mutineers in time to
save Brandon.

Suddenly the latter raised himself upon his
elbow, and. his one eye glowing like a lurid
light upon the man whose blade was nearest his
heart, exclaimed, in a voice that rung through
the ship like the cracking of a topmast:

“ Hold, hold! ye dusky devils! By the fiend,
if ye lay a hand upon me, my spirit shall come
up from the bottom of the sea and sink ye down,
down, down like so many rats I”

Appalled by these words, the wild crew firmly
believing that Brandon had power to execute
his threat, drew back, lowering their knives.

Even Marhi was abashed.

He thrust his knife into his belt, and mutter-
ing, “ Some other time,” moved snllenly for.
ward, followed by the others, all of whom now
were cowed into submission.

Mary was overjoyed when clasped to her
parent’s bosom.

“ Let us leave the ship, papa," she said; “ we
may have more trouble.”

“ N 0," Brandon resolutely answered; “ I have
shipped for the voyage, and I’ll go through with
it, if the captain is willing.”

“ Ay, ay, with all my heart!” said Blaker
“ Sooner than lose you, I’d ship a new crew for-
ward!”

“I’m sorry for that,” muttered the old tar,
as he entered the forecastle.

The sight which there met his eyes astonished
him. Punk had hidden himself in the fore-hold,
but there lay the battered tinware in a corner.

The Kanukas raved and stormed, but the
true author of the mischief was never suspected.
From the fore—hold he had made his way aft to
the steerage, and having slyly ascended the
main rigging, he was now coiling a rope in the

p.

 

CHAPTER V.

GLOOMY PROPHECIES.

PAST the fragrant Brazils the Albatross,
when her cruise was over, went booming on,
under every thing she could carry.

Although under full sail, her mast—heads were
still manned; for a Whaler, even when home-
ward bound, carries her sun-embrowned look-
outs upon her three topgallant cross-trees. A
chance whale may pop up at any time; visions
of “sperm ile” are forever greasing the brain
of the skipper.

“There’ll be few whales taken aboard this
craftl” grumbled Tom Burke, when for many
days the ship had continued on without a spout
being, seen; “ ’cause there’s a Jony in her, blast
him!

“ Ay, ay; blast him, it is:” ejaculated Punk,
as he sat astraddle of the lee—rail, one morning,
dralwing the water wherewith to wash down the
doc s.

With the sullen manner which they had
shown ever since the day of the quarrel, Kann-

 

 

    

‘10.;

Captain Blake‘s Jonah.

 

kas and Portuguese plied the brooms, used in
scouring the onken planks to a virgin white-
ness.

The washing of a pair of pants, when saturat-
ed with oil, is a diificult job. Punk, accruing
such menial labor, as unbecoming an “Ameri—
can tar," w uld usually either stow his oily
pants away u‘some obscure corner, or throw
them overboard, afterward drawing another
pair from the slop—chest (‘l cask containing sea—
men’s clothing). Not so the Portuguese, thrifty
fellows, who make rags and patches go a great
way. One of these, a man with a huge head,
did the washing for all the officers and boat-
Bteerers, for which he received payment some-
times in tobacco, and sometimes in coins. On
the morning I speak of, he had been up half the
night, and although at the mast-head, he thought
it no harm to indulge ina nap.

Now Brandon was a strict disciplinarian, and
could never hear to see a man asleep when aloft.
I With his single eye he had acquired a wonder-
_',_ ful knack of judging when a sailor was drowsy,
' I and had, therefore, for some time, been watch~

ing the Portuguese at the muintop-gallant mast-

head. Toni Burke, in his turii,stealthily watch-
ing Brandon, could not help muttering to him—
self now and then:

“ Wonder what he’s a-doing now. Trying to
bewitch the man aloft, I believe."

“ Ay, trying to hewitch the man aloft it is!”
ejaculated Punk, overhearing him.

“Hush, you lubberl Who told you to repeat
what I said?"

Punk had spoken so loud that the Knnakas
overheard him, and many anxious glances were
turned toward their shipnmte aloft. Theone eye
remained steadily fixed upon the mast—hood: it's
owner finally rose, evidently with the intention
of hailing the lookout.

Before he could speak, however, the Portu-
guese, suddenly lurching sideways in his sleep,
tumbled headlong, and fell into the sea, whence
he never rose again.

Now a low murmur circulated among.r the
dusky crew; they really believed that the ,J onah
had hewitched the man, and thus been the
Cause of his fate.

That same night Warlock caught a number of
them endeavoring to lower the whale-boat, with
the intention of making off. He gave the alarm,
and ordered them back. '

They obeyed, reluctantly, promising that

, they would never try to desert in this way
again.

The ship continued on her course, rounded
Cape Horn, with the loss of her fore-topiiiast.—-
this, like every other misfortune that had taken
place, was laid to theJonah—and finally arrived
at her secured port, San Carlos, Chiloe Island.

. Here, while the ship was undergoing repairs,

Mary went ashore with her father and the
young mate. They assed the old calnboose,
and saw some of its c uined captives emerging
through the gate. They moved on, and walking
5 V through other quarters of the town, met pretty,

‘ dark-eyed Chilion damsels, on errands to the
little shops, where delicious round cheeses, With
calicoes’ and other goods, were promiscuousiy
coped .i'or sa 9. The swnrthy horseman from
‘ ‘ rred, mantled, wearing leather

  
    
   
  
  
   
  
 
    
  
 
  
   
      
          
 
       
     
       
     
           
 
     
 
      
    

 

 

  

 

  

 
  

 

h
leggings, and with the lasso at the saddle-bowl:

clnttered through the streets on his magnificentl

 

, .

‘ __._—-—-

3: the

horse, and the armed vigilante, with his long} sweat!
sword dangling upon the pavement, paraded ;_——their

with important air.

“ VVI

Leaving the town, with its irregular streets,‘_:Bni‘kr,
the little party wandered among the high hills 4 ing.“

overlooking the harbor. Whole troops of green
and striped lizards crawled at their feet, and
through openings in the shrubbery they caught.
glimpses of magnificent bulls, grazing on rolling

fields of beautiful grrss; over their heads the '

cedar spread its thick branches, also the pine,
while here and there, rising from dense clumps
of fragrant shrubs and plants—among which

were visible the saintolina and tinctoria—was ,~

seen the olive tree, nearly nine feet in circum-
ference.

Leaning on the arm of her lover, for by this
time she had learned to regard VVnrlock us such,
Mary was very happy. The bright sunshine,
the twittering birds, the hay, flashing like silver
beneath the green parapet over which they now
walked, seemed in unison with the feelings of
the young people. They strolled for several
hours, and before they returned to the ship the
girl had promised to marry her companion,
when they should arrive home.

Two weeks later the Albatross was ready to
sail for the Sandwich Islands, whence, after
supplies should be obtained, she would proceed
on her northward course. A minister, Simon
Dalton by name, had engaged a passage to the
Islands, and was aboard.

Having heard of the superstition of the dusky
crew, regarding the Jonah, he mounted the try—
works, after the vessel had set sail, and in a
brief, sensible speech, endeavored to turn the
minds of his auditors from their ridiculous
belief. The speech was without effect; when he
was gone, Kamian and Portuguese shook their
heads, and insisted that no good luck would
come while Brandon was aboard.

Two weeks out from port, the well-known cry
of “ Thvre blowsl" came oown from aloft. ’

The main-yard having been backed, the boats
soon were giving chase. The crews pulled with
life and spirit, and the little vessels fairly
jumped. Brandon’s long-limhed crew felt the
steady light from theiroificcr’s one eye, piercing
their hearts, pricking them up to exm‘tion like a
red—hot needle; their blood seeme l on fire, even
while they trembled with a certain namelea
feeling of superstitious awe. Taking the lead of
the otliervboats, they were soon within darting
distance of a huge sperm-bull, with a hump on
him like a pile of oyster-shells. '

“ Give it to him i" howled Brandon, in a harsh '

voice, like the scraping of a knife.

The bootsteerei"s iron whizzud and missed:
something huge and black bummed through the
air. then came down into the sea with the din of
a hundred cannons! lt’wns the whale’s flukes,

as the monster sounded in a cloud of whirling '

spray! A quarter of an hour after, up he came
again, about a mile oil? the weather bow, going
“eyes out,” as it is termed, to windward. ,
determined glitter flashed in Brandon’s eye.
. ‘r‘ W o must strike that whalol”'he said, quiet-
ly. “ Pull ahead!" ’ '

The pull was a long and hard one, The joints ' ,_

(t 
clinch!
H H!
Portui
H K

1 u N l
 ting}?
The
g went
’3 whicl
‘ of st
shout
thrus
dealt

’ head
-‘ u 1
g; with
5 into

’ fire;
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7 stra:

: ‘Opfii

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94.233. :

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,‘ am-hflki yup, ..

    

 

Captain Blake’s Jonah. 1'1

 

  

;Jt’ the oarsmen cracked at every stroke; the
1003‘ went poured in streams down their dark faces
'aded .1 —-their 9 shells bulged.

"We’l never get that whale,” said Tom

hector;E Burke, sullen! y. “We might as “79” Stop pun—
mns, mg."

green “ M mu YOUR OAR!” gl'itted Brandon, thmugh
, and clinched tteth.

ught: “Hard work, hard work, disl" gasped 9.
“mg ,Portuguese.
{the “Kerr STROKE!"
31138, g “ No pull one stroke more !” cried Marhi, put-
“?PS i ting his our o-peuk.
me“ i “ PULL AHEAD!” thundered the second mate.
‘Waa  The Kanuka never budged. A white line
1l-lm- ‘ went through the air; it was Brandon’s fist,

_  which fell u on the rely-1‘s huge head like a low
the of steel. e fell; then sn'ung up, maddene ,
{0b, sheath-knife in hand. randon parried his
"19, thrust With a paddle, and with the same, then
Iver dealt his adversary a stunning blow upon the
10W " head.
3 of ,. “ Down, you black rot, down!” he howled, as,
aral I, with another show, he sent the knife spinning
the g into the sea. The one eye glared like a. ball of
on; ‘ fire; its unearthly expression cowed the Knnaka

", at once. As he sat downthe boat was lifted

'to ,' straight up from the sea; a. huge white jaw
fer ‘ 'bpened near the bow! It was the whale’s!
zed s “ GIVE IT TO HIM!" ‘
[0" j Whimer hoo-o-o! chock! went the harpoon,
the ; buried to the socket in the monstcr's hump!
' Now the crew were wrapped in spray; the
gplilgted boat rolled, slipping down the whales
ac .

Crash! and the cedar planks flew to chips, the
crew, with the line and the line-tubs, being
tossed promiscuously far up intothe air! Into

  

 

he 1:3

the whale-churned, white waters they fell; there
5"“ { was a horrible scream, as the unfortunate
1d 1 Marhl, trembling between the whale‘s teeth was

{ bitth in two; then down went the monster,
:v‘~ roaring through the green chambers of the sea-
depths like descending thunder!
.Save Marin—who, of course, was killed ont-
right—no man was hurt. The swimmers. in the
:1" Course of a quarter of an hour, were picked up

\  ,by the other boats.

Brandon, soon after, bad the satisfaction of
seeing the leviathan again fastened to. The
monster had nearly taken all the line, however,
before he again come up, after sounding. Mean-
while, having milled, he was now on a course
which must lead him across the how of the ship.

“Stand by l” screamed one of the ship-keep
ers, gvho had dragged a coil of whaling-line for-
war ..

1 As the boat passed under the how, he threw
the end to Brandon. who at once secured it to
that; of the nearly expende line in the light
vesnel. Then, the line on the ship’s deck having

been fastened to the Windlass, the barpooner in

“the boat disengaged his from the Chocks.

,h_ ulw, therefore, the whale was fast to the

  
  

uui manor; aura-g t4

 A,

  

s z

&"grut was the strength of the monster that
be dragged this weight of three hundred tons on
. more to windward, at the rate of eight knots!
, ,Aeysfihe boode alon%,«with the spray flying
t. or her hows, the we boats shot past: her,

 
   
  

 

come up. Soon the line slackeued, and up he
did come, breaching his full length out of the
sen then falling back with the din of thunder.
1he boats attacking him on both flanks, the
lances whist ed through the air, and soon were
stained with his blood. For some time Brandon
had vainly endeavored to reach the life spot, a.
part of the whale which, when struck, noon ends

him. Fiei'cely anathemutizing his ill luck, the r

daring oflicer, no longer able to contain himself,
sprung upon the monster’s back, and with his
one eye vainly endeavored to find the coveted
spot, now immersed in water. As if disdaining
such a burden, the whale, quietly rolling lodged
him into the water, under his fin, and with one
blow beat his senses out of his head!

With difficulty he was picked up; at the same
moment the whale, turning, made straight for
the ship, and drove its huge head against the
bow, staving a hole in the tim lE’TS, through
which the water now pt on d with dismal gur-
glel Sounding, after the mischief be had done,
the monster dragged the ship onward, while
those aboard endeavored to stop up the opening
with a piece of canvas. This was accomplished,
though in a clumsy manner. The leviathan
coming up again, was killed; but, before he
could be towed alon side, he began gradually to
settle down! The iscouraging truth could not
be concealed; he tuas about to sink J

“Ayl” muttered Tom, gloomily. as the evil
eyes of Kanakas and Portuguese were turned
upon Brandon, now restored to sense, “ we
might have known we’d never have luck while
the Jony was with 1151”

Meanwhile, lower sunk the whale, every mo-
ment; lines were secured to him, and, being pass-
fd to the ship, turns were taken round the wind-
ass.

Creek, creak, creakn—snap, snap, sna
cr-r—ackl And the pl‘inci] a1 line was right
asunder! The others soon parted in the same
manner, when, with rushing, gurgling sound,
down went the monster, sinking out of sight!

The men looked at each other with an expres-
sion of blank despair. To lose their whale, after
all their trouble, certainly was discouraging.

They returned aboard, and, as usual the mis-
fortunes of the day were all laid [to the fact of
Brandon’s b( ing a Jonah.

The dusky crew grumbled, and before night a.
party of them came aft, to beseech the captain
to put Brandon ashore.

Blake, who was in a bad humor, sent them for-
ward, with an oath, bidding them never come
aft on such an errand again.

Meanwhile, the wind froshening and, the sea
growing rougher, the canvas on the bow was
found to be insufficient to keep the water out.
The captain patched it up, as well as was in his
power, but some of the timbers bein
under water, he was unable to get at t em.

“ We must pile on every thing, and get to the
Islands as soon as we can, for repairs,” he said to
his mate, in a low voice. ,

Mary overheard him, ud approaching Harry,
inquired if ,there was d :1 er. v

“ No,” hereplied; “it t is wind h Ids
reach the Sandwich Islands, I trust}
comes on a blow l” '

 
 
  

, we will
to there

 

at?" merit raisins for the "hall? to

 

Unfortunately the wind did no '

cracked _‘

   
  
  
  
  
    
   
     
   
  
     
 
   
   
  
   
    
      
   
    
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
   
  
    
 
 

 

   
      
    
       
       
      
   
      
  
     

   

'12

   

Captain Blake’s Jonah.

 

gnu—h

 

 

 
  
    
   
   
    
   
    
   
 
    
  
  
 
  
   
  
   
  
    
   
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
 
    
   
   
 

same night it hauled round ahead, blowing quite
fresh with a chopping sen.

Tom, as usual, was full of gloomy prophecies,
which so frightened Punk that he almost forgot
to ut on his “sailor nirs."

y night the wind, still unchanged, blew a
gale, sending the spray flying all over the ship in
white clouds. The veser leaked budly, and the
captain hud men stationed at the pumps.

“ Fear not!" said Wurlock, encouragineg to
Mary, as he rolled up his sleeves to take it turn
at the pumps. “ We will soon have the ship
clearl” '

The minister. who loved fresh air exercise, took
his turn with Punk to help him. Tho “ Ameri-
cantar," rolling his quid furiously—for by this
time he had learned to chew without being made
sick-stooped, in a. Very unsailor—like manner,
Whilepumping, and the minister, imnginingthut
this was the wny to do, stooped also. The conse—
quence was that the knees of the two men
kept coming in Contact, cracking like billiard-
ballsl ’

All hands grinned, while Tom Burke curled
his lip with a. contemptuous sneer.

Pumping for several hours, the men could
make no headwny nguiust the leukfwhich kept
gaining. The sens become heavier, and the cap-
tain perceived that, if he endeavored to heat
against them, his craft must soon become water-
logged. Therefore, he squared in his close-roofed
topsoils, and put his vessel before the wind, thus
steering northwest. Now the pumps, owing to
the bows being more lifted, were mule to make
some headway; the water in the hold slowly but
surely decreased.

Dalton, the minister, recommended that nll
hand should be culled aft to oil'er up thanksgiv-
ing to God for their escape.

‘Ay, ay,” said Blake; “ a good plan—call ’em
aft, Brandon!"

The latter obeying, the men came aft.

Dalton. mounting a cask, was about delivering
a prefatory sermon, when Blake pulled him by
the coat-tail.

‘,‘ Avast there, sir; just let ’em make ashort
prayer, as there’s some barrels of pork and a few
ensks of ‘ ile’ to he removed in the hold.”

“In one moment,” responded Dalton, with a
wave of his white hand.

Then he launched forth with eloquence and
simplicity, while Blake looked round upon the
audience as much as to say:
“ Did you ever hem- nnything like it?"
When at length Dulton mentioned something
about the “post of duty and implicit obedience,”
[the skipper compressed his lips and shook his
head significantly at the dusk y Portuguese and
Ksnakas. With open mouths and protruding
eyes these men stood, staring ut the minister,
unable to comprehend a word, wherefore the
captain’s pantomime was entirely lost upon them.
Perceiving this, Blake, determined to impress
them, picked up a handspike, and, thumped vio-
‘ rle'ntly on the deck with it. Dnlton reproached
hunter this rudeness with a mild glance.
‘ ' “Beg pardon,” said the skipper, “ but them
blueskin! must be made to understand that part
. fyonr‘sermon relating'to duty, which is most
Mediums-excellent sir." . ' i  ,
our thins: went the handska aga

 
  
  
 
 
  
    

 

 

 

. mine:
Thus attracting the attention of the (insighth
auditors, the captain said: nth Y‘
“ Put ih it in your pipes and smoke it, eve-in lu
blasted mother’s son of ye!" an S-
“ Hip, hip, hip! Shiver me!” exclaimed Punlfl‘he
whirling round on his long legs, and waving lulled
hat round his head. “ The post of duty, forevelen; !
Stand to your guns, my hearties!” ' lirtun
“ I perceive,” said Dalton, turning with il‘and
smile to the captain, “that we have here an 9; NOV
ample of your true sailor. That tull son of ting h]
ocean seems to be one of those who constit letru
the glory of our merchant—marine.”

  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

“What, that ’ere Daddy lnnglegs? W he
blast his eyes, sir, he’s the biggest lubber in he 08
craft!” (Wk

“Alubber? Will you please explain—Dev 33’ V
mind, however.” 7 011m

And Dalton again launched forth into M
sermon: .119 c‘

“ When we look around us,” said he, “at t BShO}
broad, blue, rolling ocean, the far-extendi 10V!
vault of heaven, and—” Vfle‘

“Please, sir," interrupted Blake, “ cut ypnd
short. Remember the pork and the ‘ ile.’ " dlsal

“ In one moment. When we see the stars-— 3|er
one sense these may be termed the eyes of G- .“ —
._we—” ‘ hlnd

“Them’s my sentiments; but the pork a 0f}
‘ ile,’ do you see?”

“ Patience, for just one second. We are fill the,
with wonder at the glory and magnificence, t ‘
beauty, sublimity, and—-" ups‘

“The )ork and ‘ile,’ bear in mind,” so any

,Blnke, giving the speaker‘s cont'tuil a sudd , sev:
twitch. as

“The pork and oil.” repeated Dalton, unco. of ‘
sciously; then, coloring at his mistake, be we 1981
on: mg

“ Sublimity sud—” rm‘:

“ That’s he! that’s he, sirl Let’s have a short
prayer, now, when I can set my men to h’istinl sw
them barrels.” ,’ ba‘

Dalton, perceiving there was no alternative? 1‘
jumped down and began to pray. When 11 “
was through the pork and oil were removed;
after which lilake seemed more at ease. '

“The best part of your swrme‘nt,” said hel
grasping the minister by the hand, “ was its, w‘
shortness, which is the soil of wit.” .  at

“ Ay, ay,” muttered Punk, as he rolled past}. fc
“ Shiver my to‘lights.” ‘

ck

   

 

    

  
   
 
   
 

      
 
     
   

 

      
  
   
  

li'
, CHAPTER VI. 
THE JONAH SAVED.

THE gale continued without much abatemen ii
for four days, by the end of which time the ship;
driven along at the rate of fourteen knots, was m‘. i‘
the Japan Seen - ‘ i t

Fur away. the blue line of the coast of Tar‘ s
tarv was visible along the horizon, like a cloud ’

The captain, having resolved to put into on .
of the buys for repairs, steered directly for land 1
under every thing he could carry. l

In the course of three days he'entered 'a. be 4,
far to the northwest, between two loftymdges‘
These ridges, with another in front, gave to
the land the, shape of a triangle, roughly curvedl
in front. As, the high elevation -. round bin:
shielded thyristor from the wind, he once

   
 

   
 

    

/ (laptain Blake’s Jonah.

i
A
l
fimmenced hoisting out of his fore—hold to
the dustflgten the ship, and thus raise her up forward.
. bt-h Warlock and Brandon entered the bold,
ke 1t, eve:ingling and working freely with the foremast
an! 3.
mod Puanhe young mate, by such behavior, never
waving htiled to win the rcspectand confidence of his
0', fOreveicu; and such, also, until he had earned his un—
:irtunate reputation, had been the case with
1g with Srandou.
ere an 9; Now the workmen, although readily obey—
son of ting him, watched him askance, with fear and
Constimlistrust. They had no faith in the success of
in undertaking where he was concerned.
7? Why ' he forward of the ship, being atlength lifted,
)er in nizhe carpenter, in a boat under the bow, went to
. .‘work repairing the damage. At this time the
m—nevdlay was fine and clear, so that objects ashore
could be seen a long distance.
into hi Mary stood on the quarter-deck, gazing toward
lthe coast, and thinking that she would like to go
“at tuashore, where she thought she could see a dark,
xtendin)moving mass, gliding along the ridge of an elc-
‘ ,vated table-land, towering far above and be-
‘cut iyond the rock: in front of her. The vision soon
3.’ ” .Idisuppeared, when, turning to the captain, the
tars-digirl informed him what she had seen.
:of God “Ay,” answered the skipper, who stood be~
f‘hind her. “1 saw them too, evidently a band
Mi 11111 of Tartars, on their way to Siberia."
“ Are not those people dangerous?” inquired
re filled the fair passenger.
ace, the “ Most all are simple shepherds, hereabout,”
answered Blake, “ who wouldn’t be apt to harm

” anybody except enemies of war. But there are

, said
suddet
, as I know from the fact that the boat’s crew
uncovr of the Japan, Whaler, were attacked, and had
8 Want hard work to get oflf in their boat, after dos—
, ing' a man. Would you like to go ashore,
‘ miss?”
“ To tell the truth, I did feel like going,” an-
swered Mary; “but what you have just said
has frightened the desire out of me ”

, short
i’istin,

“we, “There’s no danger at all,” said Blake.
eu he “ You can see for yourself that the coast now is
loved; clear.”

' Still Mary hesitated.

d 139, Punk, overbearing the captain’s remark,
'35 1‘95 while coiling a rope on the quarter—deck, now

advanced, touching his hat and scraping his
P355: foot.

, _ “ If you intend going ashore, captain, I should
like to go with you. I’m a rough fellow, do
you see-shiver my terry trowsers; but for all
that am always ready to protect beauty.”

_ Here he rolled his quid, and turned what he

“9,0153 intended for a nautical ‘ squint’ upon Mary.
3hlPr _ “ You protect beauty! Why blast you, man,
35173 If anything should happen, I'd expect to see

, those long legs of ‘youru a~g0in’ round, likea
Par-f steamer’s paddle-wheel, toward the shi .”
)“d-i Punk colored, and hitched up his waistband.
011*? “We tars do get slandered once in a while,"
mail he said, “ but—shov sir! ahoyl I shall let my

: deeds speak for me.”

‘flYa “They have spoken for e,” roared Blake,
{65- “ and the story they’ve told asn’t been to your
‘ to, credit. So, forward ye go, and don’t come aft
79d ‘3 here, boasting again."

  He lifted his right foot, mechanically, to hur—

hfi,‘ \

savage fellows, wandering round the country,

 

 13

\

ry Punk’s movements. The “tar,” however,
needed no hurrying now. The sight of the up-
lifted foot, ulono, sent him spinning forward,
as fast  his lengthy legs could carry him.

To console himself for the way in which he
had been treated, he entered the l'orecastle, and
put on a pair of spotless pants of white duck, a.
new tarpaulin, with a ribbon ten inches long,
and a blue shirt, with a huge, white star Worked
upon each collar. Thus attired, he returned to
the deck, to be at onco ordered into the lower
hold amid the dirt and oil, to remove burre'ls
and casks.

Now Punk, although fond of playing the
sailor, was averse to the hard work. He there-
fore exerted himself as little as possible, while
pretending to make tl e most prodigious efforts.

“ A smart man, that fellow,” said the minis-
ter, pointing Punk out to the mate, while the
two stood uan the fore-hatch.

Warlock smiled. Punk, with his back to a
cask, and his long legs against another, was pre-
tending to shove with all his might, when, in
reality, he did not push with the force of a
muskrat. .

“ on ho, ho, ho my, ah yol” he ejaculated, in
what he deemed true nautical style.

“How I love to hear that," said Dalton.
"It speaks of industry. There is something in
the sturdy ‘yo hcm‘e hol’ of our seamen—those
‘ bulwurks of the nation ’—-which, I may say, is
truly inspiring.”

“ I am glad, sir, to hear you say so.”

“Yes,” continued Dalton, warming with his
subject, “I repeat it: something inspiring,
while the confidence which, in peril or hardship,
we may re osc in those blue-shirted fellows,
with their' owing collars and sinewy limbs, is
almost—I may say is eniircly without hounds.”

“ Oh he, ho, ho, my oh, yol” continued Punk,
from below. ~

“ Here, my good follow," said Dalton, taking
a. coin from his pocket, and holding; it up before
Punk’s vision, “ here is something to buy your-
self tobacco with.”

“ Thank your honor!” answered Punk, turn-
ing,aud receiving the coin in his outstretched
palm; “ thank e. I will get a whole cargo
of tobacco with {but Ay, ay, shiver my splin-
tersl”

He scraped his foot, then returned to his
Work, not perceiving that, while he stood up,
Tom Burke, with grim fun, had substituted 8.
half—filled barrel, in place of the cask. The
fact that the barrel dit not move an inch, show-
ed the real amount of force exerted by this
“ American tar.”

Meanwhile, Mary having been persuaded by
the captain to go with him ashore, the star-
board boat was lowered. Warlock and Bran-
don were nlso induced to no, the charge of the
work being left to the third-mate, a smart
young fellow, belonging to Nantucket. The
boat soon was manned, the crew consisting of
three Knnakas, as many Portuguese, and Punk
—the latter being such a poor workmau,the
cnotain had concluded to take him—besides the
officers.

The boat soon grated upon the beach, when
Warlock and Mary, separating from the rest
of the party, passed through a deep gorge, with

 

 

   

 

Captain Blake’s Jonah.

 

the intention of strolling a little way into the

interior.

“ What a pleasant duyl" exclaimed Mary,
with a smile.

“Yes,” he answered, “and I take it as an
omen of our future.”

“ You are in advance," said the blushing girl,
softly. “ People generally look upon the—the
-—wedding day as the one for that.”

She looked so pretty, as she spoke, with the
bright color upon her smooth, round cheek,
that Warlock involuntarily stooped and kissed
her. Then his arm stole round the neat, flex1ble

, waist.

Mary trembled; he had never gone so far as
that before. She sighed, and gently disengaged
his arm.

,.“ Please don’t,” she said, half smiling.
“Papa, you' know, cannot be far behind us!
Besides, what did I tell you once?”

And she playfully held up one little finger.

, “You told me that you did not believe in a
, girl's lover putting his arm round her in that
way, until after marriage.”

“1 know I said so," she answered, looking
archly at him, out of the corner of one of her
e es.

y“ Very well,” said Warlock, respectfully and
sadly. “I had forgotten; but you will hereaf-
ter have no reason to complain of me.”

He walked by her side in silence for some
/tlme, when she said, in answer to his last re-
mark:

“I thank you very much for being so kind
and forbearing."

He bowed, and looked pleased.

“ Yes, you are very forbearingl” she went on,
with the slightest poasible tone of pique.

He bowed again.

“ Oh, how provoking!" suddenly exclaimed
Mar , tears springing to her eyes.

“ hy, what is the matter!” inquired War.
lock. anxiously, as she suddenly stopped.
“ Have you got apebble in your shoe?”

“ No; there is no pebble in my shoe,” she an-

- swered, gravely.

“ l have somehow offended you then!” ex-
claimed Warlock, deeply pained.

She looked down a moment; then suddenly
she laid her rosy cheek, wet with tears. against
his bosom, her heart beating like a bird’s.

“ No, it was not on account of a pebble,” she
said. solemnly; “it was because I grievod you,

‘ just now."

. Warlock, still avoiding the pretty waist, en-
» deavored to’soothe her by declaring that she
had not grieved him.

Still Mary wept, when. unconsciously, hardly

. knowing what he did, his arm again stole round
the waist. He was about to hastily withdraw

, it, terror-stricken at his temerity, when a bright

smile beamed through the young girl’s tears,

andshe at once stopped weeping.

A light broke upon his mind.

""‘ Olill’he said, to himSell’; “so it was because

r. I (lid not do this thing that she wept.”

This reflection was interrupted by the sound
of ' approaching footsteps. From behind a
took. about a hundred feet ahead of the
mo, came a band of wild-looking fellows,
Torture, with the exception of one, a stout,

   
   
  
  
  
  
   
   
   
   
   
    
    
 
 
   
   
  
  
   
    
   
  
 
     
  
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   

  

 

l
roughvlooking man, wearing a dilapidated 5....»—
pair of sailor pants, evidentlya deserter from u
some English ship-ot-war. mob of the otherstiThe 5
was attired nearly alike, wearing shirt audiover”;
trowsers of cotton, and over them a tunic of ‘5
woolen cloth, open in front, and secured round ‘ or
the waist by a girdle, from which hung a. ".5 th
long knife. All were turbans on their heads, light! h
and boots that rose above their knees; their “met 5‘
hair was long, and some had heavy mustaches, r93?“ bl,
trimmed so as to give to the wearers an expres- £111 f“
sion of peculiar flerceness. In stature there was
but one, a outh not over twenty, who stood .ead‘m
six feet. 9 evidently was the chief, as he be ‘1“
walked in front of the rest. There was about 9’10“
him an air of intelligence; his ap arance was m the
heater than that of the others. is eyes, of a “"50",
deep, bright blue, were different from his com- Wb

 
  

panions’, which were dark. The moment the be 3“
rested on the form of Mary, they flashed a - 0"“
mirntion. His companions set up a wild shout. he 5‘
on seeing the two young people, and the chief Capt”
seemed to find it difficult to keep them in their 2%: 3

places. .
“ Finally, forward they all rushed, when, /'°hm"
drawing his only weafion of defense, a long,
well-sharpened sheath- nife, Warlock, calling
upon his shipmates to come to his assistance,
stood prepared to protect Mary to the lust.

“ Come, beysl” exclaimed the deserter. “ I”
we’re goin’ to do anything, let’s do it; don’t L
one man scare us I”

The Tartar chief frowned upon the speaker.
“Silent youl” he exclaimed. “We not want x
to hurt girl! Where belong?" he added, ad‘-
dressing Warlock.

“To the ship in the bay,” replied the young
man, “and I wouldn't advxse you to molest us.
We have plenty of men aboard, and—”

“ Wagh!" interrupted the chief, scornfully;
“I with one handful, quick kill or drive back
your men I” . .

“ That’s the talk—give it to him, will ye?” ex-
claimed the deserter.

A more repulsive-looking person than the
speaker could not be imagined. His protruding
jaw, small eyes, retreating forehad, round,
bulletoshaped head, and face cowred all over
with little sprouts of reddish-colored hair, gave
him something 01' the appearance of a gorilla.

“Whoever you may be," said Warlock, “I
think it woud be more becoming'in you to
endeavor to prevent these wild men from of-
ferin harm to a woman, than to urge them on."

“ A , bah! All the becomin’ has been knocked
out 0' me, until I’ve got tired of white peeple.
Ask a man with three hundred ptripes on his
back, stripes got in the naval sax-Vice, to be be-
comin’, Will ye?”

At this juncture the captain, with Punk,
Brandon, and several of his boat’s mom made

 

 

     
      
 
  

his appearance. On bearing Warlock’s call ‘for *1
assistance, the party had armed themselves with "

boat-lances, harpoons. etc., and each of them n
seemed determined to do his best except Punk, x

    
 

who, quite crestfallen. could scarcely walk on ac-
count of a peculiar tremor about the regions ,of'
the knees. _ ,

“ For God’s 'sake,‘ let us hurry i” exclaimed
Brandon, much excited. as the .WIld Tartar!
closed round-his daughter and Warlock. ,

\

 
  
      
  

  

   

 

  

 

Captain Blake’s Jonah. l B

 

‘11.“

atedl

romt . 7

horse, The girl had thrown both arms round her “Spare himl” she shrioked; “he is my

and ‘vover, as if to shield him with her own person
. of 5mm the knives of his assailants.
and “Eorwardi” exclaimed the ugonized father,
; a (is With uplifted lance, his one eye flushing lurid
Lds, light, be bounded toward the group. The young
lejr chief sprung at him, knife in hand, while the
,es’ rest, hurling Warlock to the ground, tore the
~03. girl from him.
was Dodging a blow from the lance the dusky
.od leader, springing forward, seized randon by
ha the throat, and raised his knife to deal afatal
.ub ,hlow. As he did so be caught the full expression
was ,in the other's eye, and for some unaccountable
{a Vgreuson hesitated.
n- , Why did he hesitate? The Jonah was said to
3 ‘ibe gifted with supernatural power: some such
dz h,gower now seemed to arrest the Tartar’s hand.
t, - he second-mate then knocked him down, while
at .Captain Blake sent his lance whistling toward
ir .the deserter, who, having caught Mary round
the_waist, was e‘ndeavoring to snatch a gold
4: chain from her neck. The lance passed through
‘ the fleshy part of his shoulder, pinning him to
the earth.
,’ I Meanwhile Warlock was fighting desperately
Imth those who held him. One of the Tar-
! , tars fell, badly wounded, beneath his knife,
but before he could do more his arms were bent
back behind him, so that he could not move
_ . them.
5 g The boat’s crew—with the exception of Punk,
. , who ran away and hid himself—fought as well
as they could with such odds against them.
The soon were overpowered: not one cf them
but ore about his person an ugly-looking fins“-
Brandonjs right cheek was seamed with a deep
wound which he had received from a. Tartar,
while endeavoringto dash the fellow who had
disarmed him of his lance against a rock. Hav—
, lug captured the whites, the bond seemed for the
' present content to hold them in a firm grasp;
but the miscreant—the deserter, who had been
pierced by the captaiii’s:lance~fairly boil ing‘ over
With rage, exhorted his wild companions to cut
the prisoners to pieces. The pain of his wound
evxdently drove him almost mad: he rolled over
and over upon the ground. shrieking, screaming
out a terrible oath with every word he uttered.
Some of the Tartars seemed inclined to oom-
ply With his wishes. They glanced fiercely
, from their fallen chief, still lying unconscious,
his head upon the knee of one of his men, to
Brandon. They also glanced savagely at War—
lock, whom it is probable they would at once
have lulled, but for the weird cries and bemoan-
) Eggs of Mary, who begged them to spare his
. e.

11
r
5

Finally they held a consultation, when one of
them said:

“ Must kill one—one who strike down chief;
must kill other who fight much and hurt one
man very bad."

Vainly the girl pleaded; the savage men threw
both the sailors down. and drew their knives to
inflict the deadly blow.

The knife of‘one had alread touched Bran-

 dOn’s bosom, when the hand w ich held it was
1’ firmly grasped. The Tartar, turning, beheld

Mary.

 

 

father!"

Her eyes were large, bright, and wild with
terror. She trembled in every limb. The would-
be murdei or could not H itness the anguish of
the girl unmoved; he drew back, when the voice
of the deserter was again heard.

“Cowardl” he screamed, “why don’t ye do
your work? That chap killed one of your best
men, remember that."

The Tartar, hesitating, glanced alternately at
the girl, at Brandon 'and the deserter,

Finally he called two or three of his compan-
ions aside, held a brief conversation with them,
and then 5'2id, in a distinct voice:

“ One of the two men” (pointing to Brandon
and Warlock) “ mus’ die] Dese two fight much
hard—knock down and kill more‘n the odders;
so that’s it. Let her choose whichl” nodding to-
ward Mary.

How Was she to choose—to choose between
father and lover?

She glanced from one to the other; she pressed
her hand to her heart, as if to still its tremulous
beatings.

Should she choose her father?

“No—oh, no!” her writhingspirit seemed to
shriek. What? the parent who had watched
over her so tenderly, whom she respected more
than any human being on earth; who had
smiled upon, patted and guided her up to wom—
auhood?

Harry, then—choose him; he is young, has no
living relatives to mourn him, and—

“ Oh, God, 1101" she murmured; “ never, never
—a thousand times never!”

He was deep down in her heart; she loved him
with her whole soul.

She flew to the Tartar who had put this dread-
ful alternative before her.

“For God’s sake!” she pleaded, clasping her
hands, turning her wild eyes up to him, “ do not,
ob, do not enforce this terrible—~this fearful—”

“ No odder way!” interrupted the man: “ my
men want, mus’ have, one of two die; see!"

He pointed to his companions, who leaning on
their long spears, stood glaring at W'arlock and
Brandon, like hungry wolves.

Again and again the poor girl vainly pleaded.
Some of the boat’s crew endeavored to save her
the fearful task of choosing. They urged the
Tartars to kill Brandon, if they must kill one.
Brandon, they said, was a Jonah, and would
bring il1~luck wherever he went. I

“ Ay, ay, the Jonahl Kill! kill! kill!” howled
the Kana kas, who composed the greater portion
of the boat’s crew, “kill Jonah!”

The Tartars, brandishing their spears, rushed
on Brandon, joining their shouts to the cries of
the Kunakas, until rock and cliff rung again.
Mary threw herself upon her father’s bosom,
and with one white hand, she motioned the
wild men back.

Tom, the old tar, at this moment interposed,
shouting:

“Away! you must not-you shall not harm
himl Oh, no, no, no!”

Doubtless, however, the Tsrtars would have
torn Mary from her parent, and have pierced
him with their spears, notwithstanding Tom’s
protest, if the young Tartar leader had not at

  

lie

that instant interfered. He had recovered his
senses a moment since, and now advanced into
fihe l:nidst of his floi'ce followers, ordering them
, ac .

As the flame of a fierce fire goes down he-
neath the rushing torrent, so the flashing eyes,
the darkly-flushed faces, and wildly~brandished
spears of the ’l‘urtars receded before their chief.
The young lender turned his glances upon Mary,
‘his eyes beaming like stars, his whole face soft—

   

4

china; ,

“ boy so distressed? that you trouble?" he
inquire in a voice which grated far from un-
pleasautly upon the girl’s ears.

Turning toward him, she could not help no-
ticing that his form was tall and of unrivaled

roportions, that his face glowed with manly
auty; that in fact he was far handsomer,
more civilized, more intelligent—looking than
the rest of his band.
CHAPTER VII.
HARRY’S ENCOUNTER.

HARRY did not fail to notice the a reeable
impression made by the appearance of t is man
upon the girl whom he intended to make his
wife. A ang of jealousy shot through him;
he endea cred, but vainly, to master it. Mar ’5
manner showed that the chief did exert an in-
fluence over her.

Advancing to her side, the young leader took
her hand.

“Beautiful—beautiful!" he ejaculated, in a
deep rich voice—“ beautiful girl; me like much

, to make wife 1”

Mary draw back, glancing toward Warlock.
He was glad to see her do this; still it did not
Seem to him that, although the girl frowned, she
was as displeased at the liberty taken as she
should be.

Trembling all over with excitement, he saw
the chief again seize the little hand, this time

. carrying it to his lips, while he bowed over it as
gracefully as a courtier. Mary blushed; ay,
she even smiled, and seemed, if anything, less
disspleased than before.

g be, howsver, shrunk close to the side of

Warlock, who, now burning to chastise the
’ chief for his insolence, was_struggling fiercely in

the hands of his captors.

_ “ Mo love you i" exclaimed the young Tartar,

T " love much. Be my wife; we go together on
fine white horse; give to you i” ,

Mary could not help smiling; she perceived
her power, and no longer entertained fears re—
garding her party.

“ bio,” she answered, firmly; “I would not do

 

 
  
  
 
  
   
   
   
  
  
    
  
  
   
    
 
  
  
  
 
  

a .
h“ Why, why you no do~not love some other,
.9 . 2 a

‘91 would not wish to leave m father,” fol.
tend the oung girl, much to t e disappoint-
mentof arlock, who had hoped to hear her
declare" firmly that he was the only man she
would ever take for a husband.

Tho c s countenance brl htened.

.0h, 13 that all I?" he crle , evidently agree—
ably disappointed not to hear her say that she
already had clover. “ Never mind take father

    
  
   
    
    
  

 

Captain Blake’s Jonah.

 

tame. Cornelitsodo if owi me re
' mammal» _ -’ ' g _ ’5”, 

 

 

.4.

Mary looked down, and said .not a word; sho
evidently was thinking what reply to make.

Stung to the quick by her tardiness, in not at
once scornfully refusing the offer made to her,
Warlock, with one superhuman effort, breaking
from those who held him, sprung forward, and
bared his breast. '

“ If the sacrifice of a human life be the price
of her refusal, mine is at your service. Strike!
strike, dastard! Pierce me through and through
a. thousand times rather than take my Mary
away from mel" '

At these words, the truth of the matter
seemed to dawn upon the mind of the young
chief. His brow lowered, his eye flashed light-
ning, and with one bound hc sprung, knife in
hand, toward Warlock. a

Mary interposed in time.

“ Hold 1" she said, smilin upon the chief;
"holdl Do not kill himl %e is a dear friend
of my father’s!”

This speech, uttered in the most indifferent
manner possible, almost drove warlock mad.

A friend-she to st 1e him onlya friend!
thf‘ ililaryl” he gasps , “ I had never dreamed of

18

Of course the effect upon the chief, so deeply
smitten with the charms of the [air risouer,
was exactly opposite to that upon War ock. Ha
advanced as his men again grasped the mate,
and quietl encircling er waist with his arm,
did what orlock had not fret dared to do—im-
pressed :1. kiss upon her lips

True, she drew back quickly afterward; but
Warlock thought he could trace but little dis-
fileasure upon her face. His heart sunk within

im: his brain fairly seemed to swim. Mary
glanced toward him, but there was an expres-
sion of indifference upon her face, which only
added to his tortures. They were wrought up
to the very highest pitch when at length, the
youn Tartar, bendiu upon one knee, took botlr
the girl’s imrem’sting ands in his, and pressed
them to his lips.

“ Beautiful sea-girl! I like you to go with me
-—will you not go?”

She excused herself as previously, when the
Tartar, suddenly starting to his feet, turned to-
ward his band, motioning to them with a stately
gesture. ‘ *'

“ Go!” he exclaimed—~“ ride back and tell my
poo in that I will never return to them! Fare-
wel l I am going awayl—I am going to follow
a star—to f0110w the sea-girl. Farewell again 1”

And he flung his spear to the earth.

Old Captain Blake had listened to this speech
with looks of wonder, not quite able to under-
stand it. Suddenly the truth seemed to break
upon his mind.

“ I think I see into you, Tartar! Ay, ay, blast
the if I don’t! You mean that you’ll leave your
people, sons to go abpard my ship? Isn’t that it?"

“ That’s it!” answered the chief. “I follow
the sea~girll”

“And little good that’ll do ye, if I ain’t mis-
taken in my reckoning. However, just answer
me one thing: How is it that you haven’t said a
word either about paying or working your pas- .
sags? P’raps you expect to get your allowance ‘-
of grub for nothing, too? Aint that sci—eh.-

   

 

 

 

  
   
   
  

éuptain Blake’s Jonah.

is

 

'_ "Ronda understand! Mean pay gold,I sup-

pé‘S‘eAy, gold! that’s it! in gold or in Work.”

The Tartar smiled contemptuously.

“ See!” he exclaimed, indicating his band with
a wave of the arms, “me quick kill you all if
like! N t kill—let go back aboard ship—that
pay enough—no?"

“ The pay sartuinly is poor,” answered Blake.
“ However, [don’t know, after all as I’ll grudge
you a passage aboard my craft. may get my
pay when we arrive home, by selling you to
some museum. You may come aboard my ship,
if you like, Tartar.”

‘ Goodl go at once.”

He turned to his band, who now come crowd~
ing round him gesticulating, speaking to him in
their own tongue, in an excited manner, evident-
ly beseeching him not to leave them. He was
firm, however, and breaking from them, he fol-
lowed the seamen, whom he now had set at
liberty. His hand came after him, brandishing
their spears excitedly, and some of them even

' sheddin tears. Warlock, chancing to glance
toward ary, perceived, to his chagrin, that she
seemed much affected by these demonstrations
of love for the young chief. The latter now
stepped into the boat, and the captain was about
giving the order to give way, when a pair of

long legs were seen, flying up Over the top of a'

rock, not far from the beach. The legs were
'followed bya body, and then came the face,
' which, being turned toward the party, was dis-
covered to be Punk’s.

‘V‘ Hello! hello, there! Ahoy! 'shipmntes,
ahoy!" he shouted, fearing that he was to be left
ashore.

“Hurry up,‘ you infernal lnbber!” howled
Blake; “where was you while the fightin’ was

/ a-goin’ on?”

“ 1—1 have been looking for a big stone,” an—
swered Punk. “ I had no weapons, do you see
my heurties—ay, ay, shiver moi—and so
thought a stone would do to crack a kull or two
with.

.“Do you burrow in the earth to look for
stones?” inquired Brandon, noticing that there
were several chunks of clay clinging to the
other’s nose. All bends in the boat looked at
Punk with expressions of the utmost contempt.

“ You were never out out for a sailor,” said
Captain Blake. “ Blast ye, I’ve a good mind to
tiel 1317’s up in the rigging, 31nd give you a repe’s
enr.

At this -Punk’s head shrunk away down boa

tween his shoulders, and he threw his long legs
over the gunwale of th t, so as to be ready
to jump out of reach 0 the captain, if he should
attempt to strike bun, .
The skipper, however, said no more,‘and, in
the course of half an hour, the boat was along—
_ side the vessel. .
. , The Tartar, although it was evident he had
never before boarded a. ship, climbed the vessel’s
_ side with ease and agility. _
-. Blake at once introduced him to the minister,
8 Dalton, who surveyed the young man with nolit-
V his interest and curiosity, siterhe had heard the
captain’s story. ,, .
‘I am rised to hear him speak English so
god the minister. _ ‘

 

“ Ay, ny, he does speak well for a blasted Tar-
tar,” cried the captain; “ but there’s a desariar
-~a lubber—ashore, who has taught him and his
band the lingo, I suppose."

While this conversation was going on, War-
lock and Mary stood near the round-house aft.

The young mate, seeing the girl smile, as the
Tartar passed them, leaning on the arm of Del-
ton—who had resolved at once to take the wild
fellow under his control and civilize him—~felt
his jealousy revive.

“ Mary,” he said, looking down earnestly upon
her, “ why did you act and speak so ashore?
Why treat me so coldly i”

“ Can not you guess the reason 1” she inquired,
returning the pressure of his hand.

“No, indeed, I cannot.”

“ Men are stupid,” she playfully remarked.
“ Know, then, that my reason was to save your
life. That wild chief would have torn you to
pieces, had I given him cause to think that you
were my lover.”

“Never, oh, never will I distrust you again,
my own noble girl,” exclaimed VVnrlock, stoop—
;lng, unseen by the rest of the crew, and kissing

er.

A moment after, the Tartar aged-u passed them.
His flery eyes, lighted with admiration, were
turned upon the girl, who cowered beneath his
glance. ‘

Warlock sighed uneasily.

“ It is strange," said he, “ that the captain
should huve permitted that wretch of an outlaw
to come aboard.”

“It seems natural enough to one,” answered
Mary. “Evidently he would have carried me
off but for that.”

“I don't know,” anewcred Harry. “At any
rate, I for one am not inclined to show him
much kind attention. A robber and a murderer,
he does not deserve it.” .

“I doubt if he ever murdered," said Mary.
“ For my part, I should have far less tear of him
than of that white man whom we saw among the
band. He sec-ms, in fact, more intelligent than
the rest."

Warlock listened rather impatiently to this
speech. Smothering his jealousy as best he could,
gelgvalked forward to attend to his‘duties in the

o .

These were soon finished, after which the ca
tain went to work, getting up his anchors. 8
saw the band of Tartars ashore remain upon the
beach, gazing toward the ship, and feared that
the would come in accelerated numbers at
night, and swimming to his vessel, attick the \
craft. For this reason he was anxious to take
advantage of a favorable wind, and o! the car-

nter’s having finished repairing the bow, to
lave the bay. ‘

It was shout seven » bells, (half-past seven

o’clock,) flrstnight—wutch,when the Albatross ' 

went bowling out of the harbor, under top‘vgal—
lantsails, ‘ I /
The coast receded in twilight and distance,

and the ship was soon well out at sea. 7/
She made good time, and, in the course 01 ‘a

few days, was withina fortuight‘s sail of the. “

Sandwich Islands. . ‘ i , r , _ .
Meanwhile, Dalton had taken into his head to
make a religious convert of f‘ Tamer-lane,” as he

 

  
  

18 Captain Blake's Jonah.

 

    
  
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
   
  
 
 
   
    
   
  
 
 
 
    
   
   
  
   
  
 
 
 
   
   
  
  
  
 

had styled the Tartar, and by which name the
latter now was known throughout the ship.

Brandon was amused at the many odd ques-
tions put to the reverend man by this child of
the coast. As for the captain, he seemed to
think it would be better to make the youth
acauainted with whales and “sperm ile." He
en eavored to teach him how to handle a bar-

n and a lance, which lessons, by the way,
seemed to please the chief better than Daltou’s
gravel- ones.

Brandon, somehow, had felt drawn to the
young Tartar from the first, and truth must
compel us to acknowled e that Mary was under
the same mysterious nfluence. She fought
against it, but somehow the presence of Tamer-
lane alwaysjnspired her with peculiar sensa-
tions.

Harry perceived this, and it troubled him
much. He probably was the only person aft
who held himself aloof, with cold reserve, from
the young man. The latter, since coming
aboard, had opportunities enough of judgin as
to the relation occupied by Warlock and ary
toward each other. He, therefore, was not at
all anxious to cultivate the acquaintance of the
ma .

Whenever the two met they would scowl upon
each other in no amiable manner.

How different was the expression of the Tar-
tar’s face, whenevm his glances rested upon the
pretty features of Mary Brandon. Then his
eyes would glow, and his whole soul, teeming
with admiration, seem concentrated in one look.
Such a gaze could but please a much more fas-
tidious damsel than the fair passenger.

One morning he stood leaning against the
capstan, watching, in his usual ardent manner,
the form of Mary, who had just come up from
the cabin, when Warlock accidentally jostled
against him.

The mate was on the point of apologizing,
when he caught the Tartar‘s glance. bent upon
him from under a scowliug brow. This so an-
gered Hurry that he forgot to make excuses.

“ Dog i" cried the Tartar, fiercely, “ why hit
’gainst me?”

A dangerous light came to the mate‘s eye. Up

_, . want his fist, down went the Tartar!
‘ The latter rose, threw himself upon the young
officer as quick as a flash, and with anunex—
ted movement whirled him over his hip;
hen lifted him bodily, and would have dashed
him over the deck like a stone, if the young
man, as lithe and active as he was strong, had
not contrived to regain his balance by whirling
himself completely round, sideways, in the
‘ other’s grasp. Coming to his feet, he caught his
antagonist by the throat, and a desperate strug-

gle ensued.
Brandon and the captain saw it, and inter-

 

 

“ What means this!” inquired the skipper.
Neither of the young men answered.
,“ What was the trouble about?" v
Punk. who, from the carienmr’s bench had
, witnessed the quarrel, now came aft and ex-
“yr/plain“.
PI will not permit thisl" cried the captain,
‘ angril . “I will not have an officer of mine
 otherwise than respectfully by any por-

 

 
 

s

 

son aboard. So, Tartar, I must confine ye in

the run."

“ I would rather you would notdo that, cap-
tain, ” said Hurry. “The quurrcl was a fair
one. Why should you confine him?"

“For calling you a dog, sir! That’s some-
thing I won’t stand aboard my craft.” v

“ The Tartnr’s combativation,” suggested
Punk, “ is evidently well enveloped. His head
is wide from ear to ear, showing also a large en—
velopment in the organ of instrm-tiveness.”

“Nonsense!” cried Blake; “just you go for-
ward, and help stow them barrels of sperm ile.”

“Av, ay, siri Shiver my tarry trowsers—
ahoyl”

“A true specimen of the American ter: a
perfect sailor, that,”snid Dnltbn, admiringly.

The minister, absorle in his studies and his
own thoughts, when in the cabin, had not hesrd
of Punk’s cowardice ashore.

“He’s the biggest lubber aboard,” returned
the skipper. .

Mary now came to his side.

f‘iYou—you are not going to hurt him!” she
sax. .

“ Hurt who?”

“ Tamerlane.”

Harry, turning upon his heel, walked to tho
lee—rail, and stood uneasily watching: Mary,
who. while she acknowledged that she thought
the Tartar was most to blame, begged the cap-
tain not to confine him.

This she would have done in behalf of a per-
fect stranger, but VVarJock construed every
word into an expression of peculiar sympathy
for Tnmerlnne.

The captain, however. Would not be turned
from his purpose. The steward brought up
handcuffs, and as the Tartar did not know what
they were, the skipper found it. an easy task to
slip them over the young man’s wrists.

The prisoner was then conducted to the run
and the hatch secured above him. As it fell
clicking, Warlock turned to see tears in Mary’s
eyes.

 

CHAPTER VIII.
THE PLUCKY TARTAR,

THE next day, learning that the Tartar’s
allowance consisted of nothing but cold water
and sea-biscuits, Marv persuaded the captain to
give him better. lVarlock hndheard her, and
again was a prey to jealousy. Toward evening
he drew, the young girl usirlc.

“ Mary,” said he, solemnly, “tell me plainly
if you do not love me?"

“Love you? Oh, Harry! how can you doubt
that?”

To this the young man made no reply for
several minutes; then he said that he believed
she felt an interest in Tamerlane.

Mary blushed, and frankly acknowledged
that she did. .

“But,” added she, “it is entirely different
from my feelings toward you; that you must
know.” '

“ He has an influence over you?”

“ Yes; but not like yours.”

“ What is it like, then?”

“0h, Harry, you press me too close! How
cool answer such a question? I could

 

,.,

 

 
    

  

  

 

not exf; '

    
       
          
     
   
  

 

Captain Blake’s Jonah. 19

 

plain the influence. It is peculiar; something I
never felt before i”

This speech stabbed Warlock’s heart like a
knife. He governed himself, however; then,
encircling Mary’s waist, he said:

“ You must prove that you love mel"

“ Prove it!" she exclaimed, reproachfully.

“Yes; by marrying me!”

“ And have I not promised?”

“ Yes; but what I request is that you marry
me now—at once—here, aboard ship!”

“A marriage aboard a ship] Why, Harry,
who ever heard of such a thing?"

“ It can be done. We have a minister here."

“ Oh, I could not think of it!”

Nevertheless Harry, with true eloquence, soon
brought her over to his wishes. She consented
to marry him aboard ship, provided her papa
was willing.

Accordingly Brandon was at once consulted.
He thought they had better wait, but saw no
serious objection. As to Dalton, he was de—
lighted.

“ A bridal at sea—something truly novel,” he
remarked, smiling and rubbing his hands.

Punk, standing at the wheel, grinned and
rolled his quid.

"Ay, ay, sir! Shiver me, novel it is!” he re—
marked, stretching his long legs.

“ Ab, here he is againl our son of Neptune!”
ejaculated Dalton, playfully patting the speaker
upon the back.

” Beg your honor’s pardon l” said Punk.
“ Ahoy, sir, ahoy l” ‘

The news of the intended marriage soon found
its way to the captain.

“ A wedding aboard ship,” said he, “is some-
thing which I’ve never heard of before. I don’t
see any objection, howaver, providing the par—
ties consarned be willing, and the bride has a
gown to wear for the occasion.”

The wedding-day was fixed upon for the mor-
row. The crew forward hearing that they
would be invited aft to witness the ceremony,
soon were busy washing out shirts and trowsers.
Punk polished his number ten slippers until they
shone like patent leathers, and donned a pair of
flowing duck pants, measuring nearly two yards
round the bottoms.

Tom, the old tar, was the only man who did
not seem pleased with the idea of a wedding
aboard ship.

“ It’s no use, mates,” said he, “there’ll be no
luck in this thing, any more than in t’others,
while there’s a J (my in the craft. Mark my
words, the wedding will be misfortunate.”

The Kanakas and Portuguese looked gloomy.
“ Think we have wreck—go to bottom?” in-
quired one. .

“ P’raps so, or even something worse; no tell—
in’ when there’s a J ony aboard."

Next morning a. clear, cloudless sky, and a
light breeze, seemed to behethe prophecy of old
Burke. A more pleasant day could not be im-
agined. The blue waves_ rolled tmkling, shin-
ing all over, as if sowu wlth stars, and the por-
poises went leaping merrily along, past the yes-
sel. Alow and aloft, the broad sails, just filled

 

by the breeze, spread their snowy bosoms, cust- ,
ing graceful, swaying shadows over deck :md ‘
water. All hands were early on deck, neatly

dressed in blue and duck pants, spotless clean
shirts and jackets. Aft, some men were engag-
ed in adorning the uarter-deck with flags, ar-
ranged in graceful estoons, and asnow-white
canvas canopy, stretching from the top of the
round-house to the larboard davits. Old Tom
was one of those thus employed. His face was
gloomy, and his eyes shone with a significant
expresswn, which the captain could not help
noticing.

“ Come, my man, what ails you?"

“There’s a Jonah in this craft,” answered the
c(ild tpr, “and that’s going to afiect the wed-

mg. ‘

“ Nonsense; you are very foolish.”

“filever mind, sir,” said the old sailor; “ you’ll
see

The preparations soon were completed. After
breakfast the captain summoned. all hands aft.
They were ranged on the lee side of the deck,
where their dark faces, side by side, contrasted
curiously with the white of the canopy above
their heads. The minister, with the Bible be-
fore him, stood near the captain, waiting for the
young couple to come up.

Nor was be obliged to wait long. Mary and
Harry soon emerged on deck, the bride wearing
the wedding raiment which had been used by
her mother, and which the oung girl had
brought to sea with her, in er trunk. She
looked surpassineg lovely with the delicate lnce
barely hiding the snowy shoulders and the
matchless arms, with the orangewreath around
her bright dark hair, drooping in heavy masse s.
J List as she stepped on deck some person emerg—
ed from the steerage. It was the Tartar, whom
the captain had released from confinement, a
couple of hours previously. A ghastly hue rest-
ed on his face, his lips were compressed, and he
trembled in every limb. Meeting his wild
glance, Mary turned pale, and Warlock felt her
arm shake upon his own.

He bit his lips and a sharp pang shot through
him. Controlling his feelings, however, be en-
deavored to seem pleased and happy, as he led
the blushihg girl before Dalton.

Brandon stepped up, kissed his daughter, then
put her hand in VVarlock’s.

“Proceed,” he said, in a husky voice, which
plainly revealed his emotion.

The words making Warlock and Mary man
and wife, soon were pronounced. The Tartar
with gloomy brow, watched the couple as they
were about descending through the companion-
way. At the same moment the deafening cheers
of the seamen fell upon his ears. He scowled,
breathed a heavy sigh, and walking over to
windward, stood gazing down into the water,
evidently indulging a disagreeable reverie. Au
instant after he heard the captain’s voice.

“Well, Tom Burke. you perceive that the
viiiladping passed off without any trouble, after
a .

“Ay, ay, sir,” answered the old tar, who,
perched upon the quarter—rail, had for some
time been watching a. cloud of the size of a lit-
tle snow-ball, which Was coming up in the
horizon to windward. “ Ay, ay sir, so far; but
do you see that thing?” pointing to the cloud.
Ay, uy,” repeated the captain. “,What of
1

   

 

   
  
   
  
   
  
   
  

“ We’re goin’ to have a screamer, sir Some-
thin that’ll make the old craft shiver, as she
never shivered before."

The captain know too well the skill of old
sailors in forntclliug n tempest not to disrespcct
the words of Burke. Ho procured his glass, and
carefully scrutinized the cloud.

J ust thou the atownrd thrust his head through
the companionwuy.

” Dinner randy, sirl”

The dinner being a bridal repast, had been got
up with uiiusual cure, and the skipper had luck—
ed forward to it evnr since breakfast, With no
little eagerness. Now, however, he scarcely
headed the announcement. There was a look
about the approaching cloud which he did not
like. It was girded by a yollmvish ring, and
seemed to grow larger every moment.

The rapidity of its approach exceeded any
thing the captain had over witnessed. In ten
minutes it had come from the verge of the hori-
zon almost to the zenith.

“ Dinnor, sir," repeated the steward.

“ Ay, ny, in a moment,” answered Blake,
sharply.

As he spoke a sudden roaring, crackling, hum—
ming noise was heard. Right to windward,
scarcely iiveships' lengths 011?, the white water
rose into great sheets of driving spray. Several
drops Were whirled into the skipper’s face.

At this down he jumped, his voice ringing
through the ship like a wedge going through

I timber.

“ Hands by the halliardsl In with royals
and to’—gnllant sailsl Stand by to claw up top—
sails l"

Kunakas, Portuguese, and Whites ran, swarm—
ing all over the ship. Blocks creaked, yards
began to movenmd canvas to roll up. -

“Lively, lively, nienl Hard-a-port, there, at
the wheel!”

As the helmsman obeyed, a noise like the

a crushing of a hundred huge forest trees, smote

upon the ears or all.

Down went the ship upon her beam—ends, with
the water pouring, tuuibling over her weather-
mil in huge torrents, while she flow along upon
her course with the speed of lightning.

' Soon the force of the gale leveled the vast
ocean as flat as n murblo floor, hissing, seething,
roaring with the din or many thunders, it
stretched far away, dimly away into the blind-

\ ing spray with which the air was filled. Through
this spray the gleam of phosphorus shone like
shooting stairs, while, linked with tho scintilleint
light, might have been observed little electric
chains of fire, circlingr round and round, here
and there, like winged serpents.

‘ The force of the gale was terrific. Sheets and
_j tacks gave way, some of the canvas was torn to
. cutters, While the masts nodded like wi110ws,

creaking and snapping as if about going over.

aThe bridal dinner was of course inteirupted.

The sudden roll of the vessel to leeward had

thrown plates and platters to the deck, where

, they were shattered into fragments. The oili-

car‘rs hurried up to help issue orders and to pull

the sails as the crew were Shorthanded.
With humming keel the vessel tore along upon

barrow-as, rolling, plunging, pitching with a

dummy-which threatened to carry away her
' .(v v ‘ , , '

  
  
   

Claptain Blake’s Jonah.

i 1 ‘
spars every moment. Old Burke, who had just

 

 

   
    

Come down from aloft,‘shook his head.

"I knowed that wedding wouldn’t come off
all right, with the Jouy in her,” muttered he, in
a low voice.

The captain heard him;

“ We will come out," said he, “ without the -
loss of a spar.”

As he spoke the vessel made a furious plunge,
then up she came again, with thunder running
through ever timber. A crack was heard aloft; ,
down went the main~topgullantmush catching in i 
the huge topsoil, and with its weight, combined 4
with the slatting of the canvas, threatening to
carry away the rest of the mast.

“ Aloft, there, and clear that Spm‘l" thundered ,
the skipper.

The sailors, however, shrugged thoir shoul-
ders. No man believed he Could maintain his
footing on the yard, in such a blow,

Harry, who had just been directing the man
at the wheel, perceiving this, sprung to mount
aloft, when the tall form of the Tartar, passing
him, was in an instant seen in the rigging.

Sinco coming aboard ship, that person had
evinced such interest in nautical matters, that
t c captain and Brandon had taken pleasure in
giving him instructions. As he was fond of go-
in aloft, he had been shown how to furl it top-
ga lantsail, (1nd to help the men reef topsoils,
besides being taught to make several intricate
hitches and knots. In going aloft he had shown
wonderful agility. He could run up the rigging
like a squirrel, could climb the leeches of the
sails, and had been seen to walk out to tho-end
of a yard, that is, on top of a yard, while the
ship was rolling and pitching on long, heavy
swells.

Now there was about the manner of the young
chiefacertuin recklessness, a headstrong care-
lessness of life, which did not fail to attract the ‘
attention of all who watched him. Brandon, a
man of penetration, divined the cause. He had
not, of course, failed to remark the Turtar’s ad-
miration of his daughter ashore, nor the subse-
quent tenderness and respect which he had
shown her. With his one eye he at once read‘
the secret of the man of the coast, and felt much
sympathy for him on that very account. _

It grieved him much to behold the youth now
fling himsolf so headlesst into the rigging,
sourcer holding on to the shrouds as he went
aloft. All on deck watched him with anxiety,
expecting every moment to see him dashed head-
long into the raging waters. With a rope. con-
taining a bowline hitch, he was soon upon the‘
tomaii-yard, which he now carelessly straddled.
Thus seated, he was one moment lifted far up,
apparently to the very skies, and the next
carried away down into the watery abyss. V

Even Tom Burke shrugged his shou 41ers. and .
said that the Tartar could never come back
a we.

Fortune often favors during. The young chief
dextrously throwing his rope, caugnt it ronn ,
the end of the careeuing spar, then, pulling V
downward, cleared the sail in"a moment, the
shattered mass of wood falling alongside. .

To return to the deck was, with the ad'ventur- ,
er, the work of a moment. DOW!) he came. by
means of a backstay which he heldfin’lto'quipg;

 ,

    
     
          
      
          
    
       
   
   
   
       
        
      
     
     
         
     
       
       
   
   
   
   
         
  

   
       
   
  
    
  
  
  
    
 

   
  

  
   
  
   
 

  
 

  
 
    
  
    

 
 

  

    

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

,

carelessly, as if not caring much whether he was
thrown overboard or not.

“Ay, ay, now, Tartar!” exclaimed Captain
Blake, advancing and grasping his hand.
“ You’ve got pluck and no mistake!”

Harry, too, filied with the natural admiration
of a during man for during, and for the moment
forgetting the ill-feeling"r existing between him
and the young Tartar, also held out his hand.

Tamerlane, however, drew haughtily buck,
refusing the proffered hand with a gesture of
proud disdain. At this, \Varlock simply turned
upon his heel, and wnlked away indifferently.
As he did so he saw Mary peering through the
compunionway, and knew by the sparkle of her
eyesfthat she had seer. the performance of the
chic .

“ Harry,” she said, adiniringly, “what a
brave deed 1”

“ It was a brave deed,” Warlock frankly an—
swered. “But you had better go below now,”
he added, as a cloud of spray flew over the

’ young girl.

She obeyed, after which Warlock assisted
the men aloft furling tho topsail, which could
now be easily stowed, as the gale had slightly
abated.

CHAPTER IX.
ABDUCTION.

THE gnle kept nbating gradually, and finiilly
the captain ordered the fore and inizzen»topsail
to be loosened.

At that moment, however, a man on the fore—
yard sung out, “ L'ind 0! right ahead!”

“ Never mind the topsail l” roared the captain,
“ Stand by to wear ship!”

The men obeyed; tacks and sheets soon were
whipping about, and round came the ship. Be-
fore she conld gather way on her new course,
she was less than forty fathoms from the Shore,
(1 long, oval-shaped islan‘l, bordered by shrub-
bery-covered rocks, and with a. bench as white
as snow, above which the tall cocoanut was seen,
gracefully waving.

Leaning over the side, the captain now observ—
ed a number of little eddies. whirling swiftly
round and round, betokening a strong current.
This current drew the veSSel rapidly shoreward,
in spite of all the skipper’s exertions.

“ We will have to anchor," said he, and gave
the required order. _

As he always made a practice of carrying a
ready anchor, the ponderous mass of iron soon,
with aloud splash, descended into the sea, and
went roaring down to the bottom, where, luck-
ily, it found good holding-ground. Still the ves-
sel would drag in course of time, so the captain
also had cable bent on to the sheet-anchor,
which we. also let go.

“Now then, we’re safe, for the present,” said
the skipper, rubbing his hands.

“ Ay, ny, safe it 15, Sir,” said Punk, as he went
rolling past, on his way forward.

“W here did you come from?“ inquired Blake,
Staring upon the man as if he thought he had
just risen from his grave. I .

Punk’s face was covered with a curious mix—

, ture of tar and tow, especially the region about

the nose. , I ,
“Where did Icome from, sir?” heinqnired.

4..-, .;,..h.l. - .wrpv%44,u.

Captain Blake’s Jonah.

 

 
    

., “A

“‘Vhy, shiver me, captain, but that’s a strange
question, begging your pardon, for you to ask.
I was aloft, helping to furl the main—topsoil.”

“ Lie!” exclaimed the young Tartar, who stood
not far off, and his lip curled with contempt.
“ Saw you during the storm in the steernge,
among rigging, with your nose against tin"
bucket!” _

At this the whole quarter-deck rung with
laughter, and Punk’s long legs were seen whirl—
iugr round and round, like a paddle-wheel, as he
darted forward.

Dalton, coming up soon after, and beholding
Punk seated on the fore-yard, with both hands
clasping the mast, and his long legs dangling
down, was penetrated with profound admir-
ation.

“ A beautiful sight," he remarked, turning
vsiih a smile to the captain. “ That son of Nep-
tune, even when the dangers of the storm are
over, cannot, like us landsmen, content himself
in staying here below, but must mount to the
dizzy spur between sea and sky, and there fix his
plilCU of rest.”

The captain rolled his quid, opened his eyes
Very wide, then, grinning from ear to ear, walk-
ed off with a mysterious nod.

Dulton then made his way forward, and jump-
ing upon the knighthead, with his hands under
his coat-tails, the following colloquy took place
betwoen him and Punk:

“ DO you not, my friend,” said Dalton, “find
it disagreeable, so far up in the air, on a high
mast? I should think it would make your head
turn round.”

“Good-day to your honor,” answered Punk'
“ahoy, sir, ahoy: we sailors are not troubled
with dizziness, your honor.”

To show his recklessness, Punk, carefully hold-
ing on to the mast with both hands, began to
dance a fandango on the yard, his long legs fly—
ing about like u windmill.

“Hal ha! 113!” laughed Dalton. “Nowrenlly
that is a performance. Why, I could not believe
it possible if it were not passing before my very
e es."

“Shiver my tarry to’lights!” shouted Punk“
“ ahoy there, ahoyl W'hales ofl' the lee binna-
ale 1”

“Oh, dear me!" sighed Dalton; “such men are
the glory of our marine—such men fought in the
Constitution under the gallant Paul Jones. My
friend, did you ever hear oi‘ Paul Jones?”

“Hear of him!” said Punk, with dignity:
“every American seaman, your honor, wears
him in his heart. Hoorayl hooray! hooray l”
waving his tarpanlin round his head. “If we
cannot do better, we’ll sink alongsidel”

“ That is inspiring,” said Dalton, his eyes glow-
ing. “ Really it seems to me as if I could hear
the crashing of‘ the round—shot through the frig-
ate’s timbers!"

At that moment, something struck Punk on
the top of the head. It was nothing but a ball
of spunyarn, conteinptuously dropped upon the
pretender by Tom Burke, who was far above
him, repairing a foot-rope. The long-legged/
“ sailor ” was much frightened, but his face be—
ing just then turned sideways, the minister, who
had now jumped down from the knighthead, and
wigs moving aft, did not observe his terror,

  

  
   

 

 

  

J

’ deck, in time to see

'0: his party, Mrs. Warlook,” he added, rising

 

22

Captain Blake’s Jonah.

 

About this time a whale-boat, to enable the
men to repair some damages done to the rudder,
was lowered astern. The workmen were under
the superintendence of the third-mate, who,
chauciug to look up, saw the Tartar above him,
evidently watching his operations with much in-
terest.

“ Good-afternoon, Tamerlaue.”

‘ “ Good-day.” '
“ i see you take an interest in our work.”
It Yesfl

“ How is it you were not frightened by the
storm, Tartar? You certainly never were to sea
before." -

“ Don’t know.”

“ What?"

“ Don’t know. Feel somehow as it been on
ship’s deck before; must have dreamed. 1t.”

‘ Ay, ay," laughed the third-mate, “' I under-
stand; a Chinese junk, perhaps, when you were
a youngster."

“ Perhaps."

The Tartar seemed to fall into a. reverie. His
brows were knitted, his eyes glowed like coals.

Finally, just as the third-mate, having finished
his work, was about mounting to the deck, leav~
ing the boat still lying asteru, Tamerlaue looked

up.

“ Whale-boat, good boat?"

It  8y.” .

“ Sail fast?”

“A ,ay."

“ With only one man in him, how you do?]
How you work boatl" ‘

 you'd have to scull, if you didn't huvea
sai .

" Show how you mean.”

“ With pleasure,” and jumping into the boat
with the Tartar the officer showed his compan-
ion how to scull with a steering-oar.

The Tartar watched him silently, then took
the our himself, and kept practicing until he
was uite an adept in the business.

“ by, Tamerlane, I never saw anybody
learn as fast as you do." w
r The Tartar seemed intensible to the compli-
ment, but kept working awav at the oar, as if
determined to perfect himself in the use of it.

“ Going to leave boat here all night?"

“A , ay: we haven’t quite completed our
work; I shall set the men at it again in the
morning.”

Tamerlane, dropping the our, new sprung on

ary, who had come up a
moment before, moving toward the companion-
way. Night was darkening over the deck, but
the eyes of the two might have been seen to
shine as their glances met.

“ What is this strange influence that the man
has over me," muttered the young Wife.

As she spoke, she saw the Tartar bound light—
,ly toward her. He seized her hand, and pressed
upon it an earnest kiss; then, before the indig-

‘  nant bride could say a. word, glided on and dis-

ared in the gloom.

a
‘ p hen Mary entered the cabin she found Dul~

‘ tonseatod with the captain and Brandon, be-

(gm a small table.
‘ “. on}: the minister was saying, “I should
li a to go ashore to-inorrow. Will you be

i

 

 

 

 

and offering her his seat. “ I have no doubt we
will have a pleasant time, picking some of the‘
many curious shells which can be seen from our
deck, strewn along the beach.”

“ Yes, sir, I should like to go.”

“Very well," said Hurry, who just then our
tered; “ and,” he added, laughing, “ we will see
if anything happens to interrupt our party, as
it did to interi upt our dinner.”

“I trust not," murmured Ma .

She shuddered as she spoke, and turned slight .

Iy pnle. ,
"‘What is the matter? You are ill I" ex-
claimed Warlock. .
“ No,” she answered, smiling, ” not ill but, I
don't know why, i feel strangely uneasy."
At this Brandon looked up, his one eye gleam-
ing anxiously. His wife had always been sub-
ject to what are termed presentiments, and he
had reason to think that Mary had inherited
this peculiarity from her mother. -‘
He mastered his emotion, and said calmly:
“The excitement during yesterday’s storm
was too much for you; you had better retire.”
Mary, however, shook her head, and said she
would sit up awhile. Her husband endeavored
to dispel the strange melancholy which seemed
to rest upon her like a. shadow, 'but all in
vain.
Finally sh.) retired toner little room, which

adjoiuerl that of Warlock. The young man,,,

while kissing her, and bidding her good—night,
could perceive that she trembled.

Al'ter she was gone, he told Brandon that he
feared she was ill. i,

“No, I guess not,” answered the father un-
easily; she probably will be as bright as a
May morning by to—morrow.”

Wbilo lying at anchor in port the crews of
Whalers generally stand what are termed ém-
chor—watches. An anchor-watch is one which
is kept by a. single man forward and another—
usually a b0at—steerer~aft.
on the present occasion; the man forward being
Tom Burke, and the one aft a Kanakn har-
pooner, with a huge head, much given to dozing
away his time at night, under all circumstances.
Wrapped in his pea-jacket, Burke was pacing
the deck, when he thought he heard a noiseasof
a splash, and a singular gasping astern.

He paused and listened, but not hearing the
noise repeated, concluded that it was caused by
’a shark or some other fish leaping out of the
water. The hour was about eleven o’clock,
the night was dark, and there was some fog
on the water. Burke glanced aft and astern,
but he .could see nothing, and so continued his
walk. Not long had he paced the deck when
he felt a hand upon his arm, and turninp‘ be-
held Brandou, his one eye gleaming 'ke a blood-
red star, in the light of‘ the lantern ung up in
the fore-rigging.

“l have just wuked from a bad dream,” he
"said, in a. hoarse voice; “I hope nothing hits
gone wrong. ”

Tom. the old tar, looked up, shaking his head
gloomily. ,

“It’s no use, sir,” he said; “for, although
nothing has gone wrong since I. came on deck,
yet there is no telling how long it will be before
there will, .seain’ as you, sir, are in, thecraf f’,

This was the case ,‘

 

 

   

 

  
  
 
  
 

     
 

    

  
 

“ Pshaw, man, not cured of your foolish su—
perstition yet?”

“ Foolish! haven’t it come true, sir? Ain’t
we had misfortune ever since we set sail ?"

“Yes; but that was merely chance; I, of
'  course, had nothing to do with it."

' “Might as well cull everything chance; it’s

queer chance, sir, what’s happened!"

“ Well, at any rate,” said Brandon, “ I trust
that at last our troubles are ended.”
“ No, Sim-only one way— for you to go
ashore.”
“ You are mad.”
V v “ While you’re in the craft, there’ll be no luck;

3 {our (latter may yet be drowned, for all you

 now. it you stay aboard."

\' , I “ My daughter!” exclaimed Brandon, anx~

‘ iously; then, stifling a strange, unaccountable
r feeling, he replied: “ You must rid yourself of
4, those foolish notions." Ho added: “ You say
the whale-boat is still aste-rn? That is careless-
ness; cull some of your shipmatcs and hook on
to the Vessel; we must hoist it up.”

Tom obeyed; [our men want aft to execute
Brandon’s order, when, to their astonishment,
they discovered that the boat was gone.

“ I knowed it,” muttered Tom Burke, emphat—
‘icallyyfil knowed that something bad would
_ come of an order from the Jon ."

. ~',’ The” men returned with the news to Brandon,

, ; who. much surprised in his turn, ran aft to find
that the men had spoken the truth.

He steeped, and pulled up a remnant of the
boat»warp dangling down.

i , “ Bring a lantern,” said he.

, A, It was brought when the second-mate held up
 the warp before ' ‘om.

if ‘ it had been severed with a knife.

 ‘,O_ne, or perhaps more of the crew have made
off With. the boat,” he said.

“ Not while I was on deck,” answered Tom.

“ Call all hands!"

The old tar obeyed, and up came the men,
grumbling at being disturbed. When they were
arranged before him, Brandon, with the aid of
the boat—lantern, counted them, to discover that
all were‘present!

“Strange!” he exclaimed. “Who can have
cut that host adrift? None of the officars, cer-
tainly.”

“ No sir,” answered Tom. “ Nobody aft could

have done so unless it were that strong-headed
I fellow, Tamerlanel”
Brandon. beweVer, smiled at this suzgestion.
He knew that the Tartar admired his daughter,
and would not believe that he willingly would
quit the girl whom he had followed out to Sea,
in‘nreference to remaining with his wild tribe.
' Unable to fathom the m stery, and therefore
v concluding to postpone urther investigation
until the following morning. he went below. and
endeavored to compose himself to sleep. For a
long time he lay awake. troubled with astrange,
uneasy feeling to‘ which be her] long been a
stranger. Toward morning he fell into a light
Slumber, from which he was finally waked by
an earnest shake upon the shoulder.

He opened his eyes to see Harry. The face
{the young man was pale and haggard,
yes wild his whole frame trembled.

‘90: does  whatis the matter?”

(.4

 

 

   

  
 

 
 

 
  

 

  

 

 

 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    
      

     

 
  

 

  

Captain Blake’s Jonah.

his:

23

“ Gone 1”
“ Gone? .
“Mary, my wife! my wife! Oh, God, sir!
0h, Godl”

" Speak! What mean you?" exclaimed Bran-
don, springing with a bound to the deck.

“She is gone!” repeated Warlock, with a
half-stifled sob. “ Where—God only knows! I
waited early: I rose, and when ready to go on
deck, knocked at her door. There was no re-
sponse: I opened the door, which, to my sur-
prise, I found ajar, and—and—her berth was
empty 1”

Brandon, almost maddened by the story he
heard, followed the speaker to Mary’s room,_to
discover the truth of what Warlock had said.
The berth was empty, but Mary’s dress was
gone, betokening to the father’s agitated mind
that she had departed in a leisurely manner-
had stopped to dress. . I.

The two men now made their way on deck,’
where they found the oflicers all talking over
the mysterious disapxearance. Warlock had
informed them of it, and they were vainly en-
deavoring to conjecture the cause. I

A disagreeable thought had for some time
seemed to disturb the mind of the skipper, who
stood, rolling his quid uneasily.

When Brandon came up he caught the be-
reaved father by the hand.

“ I am sorry, Brandon, blasted sorry for you,
and for you, Warlock, tool”

Then, drawing the second-mate aside, he:
whispered: .

“ The Tartar hasn’t been seen this morning P

Brandon started; the blood faintly rushed to
his heart; fora moment he was so indignant
that he could have knocked the captain down.

“ You don’t mean to imply—"

“I mean that she sart‘inly has gone oil with
himl but whether willingly or not I of course
ain’t able to say. From what I know of her,
as a. nice, worthy al, do you see, I den’t
she would do anyt ing wrong."

CHAPTER X.
A PRISONER ON THE ISLAND.

THE captain had meant to speak low enough,
for Warlock not to bear; but, unfortunately he
had, during his long sea experience, acquired a
rude habit of talking loud, and every word he
uttered fell distinctly on the ears of every per-
son present. I ' ..

An arrow seemed to pierce the young man‘s
heart: scarcely knowing what he did, he sprung
to seize the captain by the throat.

“ It is false I” he cried. “ She would never—-
never—have done that l”

Brandon interposed between the young man
and the skipper.

“ Hold!” he exclaimed. “let there be no quar-
relingl God knows the matter is bad enough
without that!" .

‘ rNo," said the skipper, “ we should rather

try to devise means for overtaking the Tar-
tar!’ , }
“ Ay. ay, down with tbelarboard beat! down!
down with itl" howled Harry, almost distract» v
ed. “ I will go at once i”

“Calm yourself, young

gasped Warlock. .“ Gone 1”
ho?”

 

 

now coming forward. . You may 1991  '_

    

maul” said Dalton, ’ 

Captain Blake‘s Jonah.

 

dent that you can eventually overtake your
wife, and also that she has heeanorced away l"

“ Of course she has!” cried randon. “ Let
no man dare to say to me that my daughter
went willingly !” he added, his one eye glowing
with lurid light. “And now we had better go
about our business at once. The Tartar cannot
as yet have proceeded very far.”

flung; up uhovo the beams on the quarter-
deck, there was a. ship’s cutter which the crew
had picked up when within a day’s soil of the
Western Islands. This boat the captain
thought would be just the thing for the pursuit,
as it carried a large mainsail and jib, and was
built so light and sharp, that its speed could not
be less than that of a whale-boat, which is
deemed the fastest sailor, for its size, of any
craft that is made. The cutter was taken down
and lowered alongside; then some breakers of
fresh we Ler, with provisions enough to last for a
week, were stowed in it.

Soon after the rail was also placed across the
thwarts, together with some good oars made
expressly for the boat, months before. by the
carpenter. The captain had token this pains
because he was it careful skipper, and bad fore-
seen that the boat, at some future time, would
come in use. When it was made ready all hands
were summoned aft, and ranged on the lee side
of the quarter «deck.

“Meii,”snid the captain, “you have doubt-
lessly heard of what has happened. Now, 1
want volunteers for the cutter, which is to go
in chase oi the Tartar. VVho’ll volunteer?”

There was no response; not a man stopped
from the line.

“ Lively there!" cried the skipper, impatiently.

Still not a man budged.

The captain became angry.

“ What!” he exclaimed, “iire you all such a
pack of cowards that you are not willing even to
run a little risk for the sake of a husband and a.
father!”

Tom Burke stepped forth as spokesman for
his shipmntes.

“ We pity them, too, sir, as much as it is pos-
sible; but. do you see, we don’t like venturing
yvith a Jony in the boat! Let him remain
uboardwand we’ll volunteer to u maul"

" Nonsense!” cried the irritated skipper.

“ Beggin’ your ardon, sir!” began Burke. but
the cnptuin chec ed him With an impatient
wave of the hand.

“ You shall go! I’ll have no such doings
aboard my shipl l'll pick out the crew myself.
You, Burke, for the first man.” .

Burke shook his head gloonil y.

“ I never refused orders and I won’tnow; but
just be so good, captain, as to send my chest,
with the duds in it, home to mv little grand—
child. Ellen Burke, that liws at New Redford?”

“ Why, you old shark, what mean you?"

“1 "Pull that thorn that gees in that bout,
under a Jonah, will never come back!"

As he said this he jumped into tlfla boat.

“Now, there’s a brave man for you!” cried
the skipper, “ and when he comes back he sha’ii’t
go unrewarded.” . '

Thexnext man chosen was Punk, who, with
pretended hardihood, on hearing his name pro-

nounced, stepped forth, touched his enormous

 

tarpaulin, and bowed, scraping the deck with
his left foot. ‘

“ Goodl” exclaimed Dalton. rubbing his hands .
with a cheerful air, and patting Warlock upon ,
the back. “ With such men you need have no
fear about recovering your bride l”

“ Shiver my tarry to’lighis!”exclaimod Punk, '
as he went rolling along to the waist.

“ The light—hearted carelessness with which
yourtrue son of the ocean faces danger is cer-
tainly remarkable!" cried the minister, with im-
bounded admiration.

Meanwhile Punk, trembling in his number
tens, shivering all over with a feeling of dread,
threw up his long legs, and slowly went down
the ship’s side into the boat.

The rest of the crew being selected, with
gloomy faces took their stations upon their
thwarts. Before the bout left the ship’s side.
the captain put into Brandon’s hand a. small
pocket-compass.

“There!” he cried, addreSsing the super-
stitious crew.
in the safe return of this boat, when I trust in it
this compens, which I prize more than anything '
I ever had, as it was a present from my mater—
nal grandfatherl"

A faint cheer was the response, but it was
evident that it was forced; there was no heart
in itl '

“ Give wayl” howled Warlock, in a voice that
rung sharp on the ear; “ give wayl”

The crew, composed, besides Burke, Punk and
the two officers, of four Kauakas and as many
Portuguese, laid back to their cars and made the
boat jump. /

A breeze, blpwing from land,.soon after, mig-
gestcd the setting of mainsnil and jib. This was
done, when away went the cutter with redoubled
5 sad. By sundown land and ship were out of
sight, but nothing of the fugitive had as yet
been seen.

“ We may be on the wrong course, who can
tell?” exclaimed Brandon, despairingly.

There was a low murmur among the crew.

“ Of course, with a J onnh in the boatl” r

“ Silence!” roared Brandon; “ not another ‘
word of such foolishness!”

With sullen faces the men continued to ply '
their oars. Darkness soon closed "round them,
When Brandon permitted them to rest, keepinfi ,
his craft running along‘as fast as his mainsoi
and jib would permit. ,

In the course of half an hour, the moon was,
and silver light glittered far along the waves.
Still there was nothing visible of the fugitive
boat. The wind kept freshening every moment: .
finally it roared a gale. ; ‘

“ Now, then, our time has come!” muttered",
the old tar. scarcely above a whisper. “ No luck
while the Jonah is with us!” v

Punk heard him, and trembled so that he could,
scarcely sit upon his thwart. v ,

Soon the seas came rolling and tumbling over ,
both gunwales, when Punk kept jumping up

and-down in a very frightened, unsallorlikeul L

manner. Brandon, angry at his behavior \
rapped him over the head with a paddle, an
ordered him toremain uiet. '
.“Ay, ay, sir—:quiet t is!" answered. Punk
his teeth (shuttering, , _ 

 

“ You see hOW miicb faith I have ' " '

 

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Captain Blake’s J onah. 25

 

The gale‘continued heavy, several times al—

most swamping the cutter.

“ My God! if Mary be out in such a sea, whet
ho e for her, With that inexperienced Tartar to
gu1de the boat?” cried Warlock.

“ True enough!” answered Brandon, full of
the most dismal forebodings. “ May Heaven
help my child I”

“ Light Oi” howled 01d Tom, who, with son’-
wester Jemmed over his brow, sat in the bow,
helping to keep a lookout!

Yes, there, sure enough, was a light, far ahead,
gleaming through the darkness. Just as Bran-
don was about to take the bearings of it, it was
seen no more!

“ Singular!" exclaimed Harry, “ look sharp
for it, men, again 1”

It was no use: the light was not again seenl

“Of course not,” muttered Burke, “it was
some Will-ol-the wisp! Them kind 0’ things is
often around where there’s J onysl”

Grashl came a. heavy sea at this juncture,
rolling over the boat, and almost swamping it.
There was a cracking sound, and it was soon
disfiovered that the vessel had sprung a. bad

ea .

Tom plugged it up with his jacket, and some
canvas, as well as he could, but the water still
kept comin in so fast that one man was obliged
to constant y bail out.

Toward morning the gale abated, and now a
thick fog settled upon the sea.

“Fog—‘gale—deakl” muttered a Kanake, be—
tween his teeth. “ What else expec' with
Jonah?”

A warning murmur, circulated among his

‘ shipmates, proclaimed that they shared his feel—

ings. Brandon scowled fiercely. his one eye
blazing with a threatehing expression.

When night came, the wind had hauled round,
and the cutter was running along close-hauled.
One of the Kanakas remarking that they might
as well return to the ship, while the wind was
fair, was overheard by the rest. Instantly
whispers were exchanged.

“Come now, no mutiny, matesl" exclaimed
the old tar.

Even as he spoke, however, the eight Kanekas
and Portuguese, with one simultaneous cry, rose,
brandishing their knives, and prepared for a
rush upon Brandon.

“ Kill! killl” they exclaimed.
die! No good-luck while here.”

Brandon’s eye shot fire. He drew a revolver,
and quietly pointed it at the head of the man
nearest to him.

“ Advance one step. and you are a dead dog!”

Harry, who was also armed, stood ready to
assist his father-in-law. Tom also drew his
knife to assist the whites: but Punk, slipping
over the boat’s gunwale as quickly and easily as
a greased barrel, held on to the. bow with both
hands, keeping his head out of Sight as much as
possible.

Two resolute men, well armed, can accom-
plish much. The mutineers sullenly sat down,
and as sullenly promised not to make another
attempt. This promise Brandon forced from
them under the very muzzle of the revolver.

Soon after a pair of long legs flew into the
boat with a flapping sound. They were Punk‘s

“Jonah must

 

 

as their worthy owner drew himself back into
the cutter.

Nearly at the same moment the light was
again seen, this time bearing far away off the
lee—bow. It continued burning steadily for
about twenty minutes, when it was extinguished.
Brandon had now taken the bearings of it, and
directed his boat toward it. He kept steadily
along on his new course until daylight, when the
boat’s how was heard to strike against something.
The vessel was brought up into the. wind. and
now steeping, old Burke fished up an car
from the sea. It. had a blue band about the
middle, and the letter A upon the handle, near
the top.

“One of our oars!” exclaimed the old sea~
man. “That oar came from the waist-boat.”

“Ay, ayl” cried Brandon, joyfully, “from
my boat. We are on the right track, Warlock,
thank Heaven E”

An hour after, a fog-bank ahead clearing,
land was discovered about a league distant.
It was a mere strip, resembling one gray rock,
apparently containing neither vegetation nor
water.

Tom sprung upon the bow, scrutinizing it
closely.

“There’s something on it!” he exclaimed,
“ but whether they be birds or what, is inore’n I
can tell, so far off.” '

“ To your oars, men!” howled Brandon.
“Something tells me that we will there find
those we seek.” _,

The boat, beneath the strokes of the seamen.
aided by the mainsail, seemed fairly to jump.

It soon was Viithin twenty fathoms of the
desert-island, which now was discovered to he
not over one hundred yards in length and about
twenty—five in breadth. It was evidently of
volcanic origin, was composed of rugged masses
of light-colored, porous rock, through which
the wind blowing, produced a weird, singular
harmony. something like that made by hollow
reeds. The men looked sharp, but could see
no living object upon the island, although
1{Burke insisted that his eyes had not deceived

im.

Meanwhile the cutter roared on her way, until
within about ten fathoms of the shore, when
there was a crash, the timbers of the boat
parted, and over she went, spilling out her oc-
cupants upon a submerged rock, Punk fell
upon his head, his long legs projecting far up in
the air. When with the rest he regained his
balance, he almost gasped in. his terror. Bran-
don, however, soon quieted his fears With the as-
surance that the water was not much more than
ankle deep, between the sunken rock and the
shore. He ordered the men to drag the wreck
with them to land.

“Now.” exclaimed Harry, when they were
ashore, “ all hope of finding my bride is at an
end!”

He sat down, bowing his face on his hands,
when he was roused by an exclamation from
Burke, who had climbed an elevated spur, and
now stood, pointing toward the other side of the
island.

All hands were soon on the rock, when, sure
enough, they beheld the wreck of a boat, lying
in a miniature bay, formed by a curve in the

,...\ a... .._,,;,.'I;g;i.~.snmi . s . .l

MM,W,  W

 

  

 

26

Captain Blake’s Joz‘lah.

 

 

shore. They hastened to it, and discovered that
it was the waist-boat, of the Albatross, the one
which the Tartar had made off with. Brandon
and Warlock exchanged glances, turning death-
ly pale. To them it now seemed plain that the
girl and her abductor had been lost in the late
gale, after which the fragments of the boat had
drifted ashore.

While indulging this gloomy reflection, they
noticed that a Kunaka, who had not followed
them, was stooping upon his hands and knees,
about the center of the island, evidently watch-
ing something he had discovered, with the most
eager attention. Soon he sprung up, and his
shipmates saw him motioning to them. They
hurried to the spot, which was a high rock of
rough, conical shape, with an opening in the
top. Peering through this opening, Brandon
now behold the two iersous he and Warlock
were in search of, Mrary and the Tartar, far
down beneath them in a rocky chamber, the en-
trance to which evidently was in the side of the
rock.

Brandon and Warlock were not long in dis-
covering this entrance; it was in the side of
the rock facing the sea, and was just large
enough to admit a human body. The interior
of the passage was blackened from top to
bottom, betokening that the roaring flames of
a terrific volcano had once passed through it,
and formed an outlet at the opening or crater at
the top.

Hurrying along the passage, Warlock and
Brandon soon were in the rocky cell containing
the objects of their search. Mary was seated
in one corner of the apartment, weeping and
sobbing, while, not far from her, stood Tamer—
Iane, leaning against the side of the cave, his
arms folded over his breast, his eyes downcast.
Both turned on hearing the footsteps of the new—
comers.

“My husband! Thank God!” exclaimed
Mary, springing up and rushing toward him.

The young man, however, having made straight
for the Tartar, she missed him, and was caught
in her father’s arms.

“Speak! my child, tell me what this means?
Your going off—" »

He checked himself as a savage cry ran
through the cave. Warlock had caught the
Tartar by the throat, and the man of the coast,
with an exclamation of rage had drawn his
knife. Burke interposed, and several of the
Portuguese assisted in tearing the two apart.

“ Make him fast! Bind his hands!” exclaimed
Harry.

Tamerlane strug led fiercely, but in a short
time he was a bean and helpless prisoner.

Then, turning to his bride, Warlock, holding
out his arms, received her upon his bosom.

Explanations followed. Mary had thrown her-
self down without undressing, and fallen into a
sleep on the night of her disappearance, when
she was suddenly wakened to find herself in the
arms of a man. Bewildered, thinking that a
serious catastrophe had happened, she thought
at first that the man who held her was her hus-
band, come to rescue her from some impending
peril. Soon, however, she discovered her mis-
take; the light of the lantern in the state-room,
falling upon the form'of the person who held

 

 

her, revealed Tamerlaue. She was about to
scream out, when, putting a hand over her
month, he leaped with her out of the cabin Win-
(low—those in the Albatross were unusually
large—into the whale-boat astern, and the next
moment she felt the boat gliding out to sea in
the current, which, at low water, took that
direction from the island.

When out of sight of the ship, Tamcrlane
released his prisoner, telling her that he loved
her, and begging her not to object going with
him to some distant island, where he said they
could both be happy.

She repliul by cries for help, but all to no pur—
pose. She was too far from the ship to he
heard.

Then Tamerlane said that he hoped he could
make her love him after a while. He took his
place at the steering-our, and his manner was,
from that moment, perfectly respectful in her.
He did not even offer to touch or kiss her hand.

Next morning, land and ship were out of
sight, but Mary looked eagei'lyfor asail, hoping
that she might be picked up, and thus rescued
from her ciptor. No sail came in right; she re-
fused to eat a mouthful, begging her captor, as
she had begged him from the first, to take her
back to the ship. He refused, keeping the boat
on her course until night, when a gale came up,
almost swamping the light vessel,

It was about the middle of the night, she
judged, when there was a crash, as the whale—
boat struck upon a rock, and was broken to
fragments. The Tartar seized her in a firm
grasp, and waded with her to this island. He
then struck a light in the bout lantern, which he
had contrived to save, and discovered the cave,
into which he urged his prisoner. HH‘C he had
left her alone to go in search of food, and to
secure, if possible, some of the provisions which
had fallen out of the boat.

He did not return until morning, when he
presented himself with a. bag of sea—biscuits,
which he had found, and begged her to partake
of the food.

CHAPTER XI.
PUNK AT THE CAVE.

BRANDON now Stepped to the Tartar’s side.

“ Young man,” said he, “you have acted in a
strange manner. Did you not know it was
wrong to make off with my daughter, the wife
of a man whom she tenderly lovos?"

“Wrong, no!” commenced Tumerlane om-

hatically. “ Perhaps you white men call it so,
gut my tribe when they want girl, take her—
carry her away. From the first moment I saw
the white girl, I love. I love her hair, more
bright and shining than the ocean grass—I love
her eyes that sparkle like the bright pebble in
the white sand—4 love all—all of the beautiful
sea-girl.”

Mary heard these words; her husband was
pained to see her smile.

“Whatl” he exclaimed, “can you feel thus
toward him, after the way he has treated you ?”

Tears came to the eyes of the young bride.

“Before I married you, Harry,” she said, “ I,.
told you that Tamerlano had over me an in—'
fluence for which I could not account."

“ I know you did,” he answered, sighiug.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Brandon, meanwhiler fixing his one eye steriin
on the Tartar, said:

“ Behave yourself hereafter; know that what
you did was wrong, and never undertake it
a ain.”

“ No, I will not promise. If I have chance I
carry sea-girl away. Perhaps learn to love me
in time," he added, thoughtfully.

Brandon was a quick'tempert‘d man, and for
the moment his indignation mastered him. He
raised his fist to strike Tamerlane, when, meet-
ing the latter’s glance, a strange, unaccountable
feeling came over him, and the hand dropped
powerless at his side.

Astonished at himself, he walked musingly
away. He was still thinking, when upon his
shoulder he felt a light touch, and turning, be-
held his daughter.

“ Well, papa,” she said, “had we not better
set about our return to the ship at once?”

Brandon started. There could he no return
to the ship until a boat was provided. He in-
formed Mary of the destruction of the cutter.

“What can we do?” she inquired, turning

ale.

p Brandon mused a moment, then beckoned to
Harry, who promptly came.

“ Do you think we could fashion, with the re~
mains of the whale boat, any kind of a convoy-
ance on which we could get to the ship?”

Warlock reflected a. few minutes, then an-
nounced that he thought a sort of raft large
enough to safely contain one person, might be
made. with a sail to wait it along. Brandon
was of the same opinion, and advised that they
should at once go to work. They did so, and by
noon a. raft with a sail had been fashioned,
secured With strong ropes, from one of two ceils
which had been brought away in the cutter.

“ A queer craft this,” said 01d tar Tom, “ one
upon which I’d not like to ventur’.” -

“You will not be. asked to,” said Brandon.
“I intend to go myself; 'with my compass, I
think I may contrive to reach the ship, when I
can make known the situation of those I leave
behind me, and bring the vessel to their rescue."

“That’ll never bcl” imittvred Burke, solennr
ly', :3. Jony Will never succeed in such av’y-
n 0.

“You had better let me go,” said Warlock;
“I am not afraid but what I could eventually
reach the ship."

“No, I must be the one to go. I have given
you my daughter, and I have, therefore, no )cr-
son who would much grieve if I were lost. t is
best that I should go.”

“Papa, dear, dvar papal” exclaimed Mary,
tears springing to her eyes, “ how can you speak
thus? You know that I should never ceaseto
mourn your loss."

Brandon kissed her; then reiterated his deter-
mination to go. His daughter endeavored to
dissuade him from his purpose, saying that she
thought it best for all to remain on the little isle
and stand a chance of being picked up; but he
was firm. .

The wind being fresh and fair, and the
weather clear, at present. he thought it best
to set out at once, especially as the party had
not revisions enough to last them over a week.

“ by not take this chap With ye, Sir!” 111v

 

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Captain Blake’s J onah. 2'?

quirod Tom, indicating Punk. The latter, on
hearing these words, suddenly made a grimace,
and complained of a terrible pain in his stomach.
Burke smiled grimly, so did Brandon, who do-
clared that he would prefer to make his voyage
alone.

“ Ay, ay, now, sir; shiver me, but I’d just as
lief go with you as notl” exclaimed Punk, sud‘
dcnly brightening up.

“I don’t want you,” answered Brandon, dry-
ly, at the same time looking wistfully at the long
legs, as if thinking they w ould make an excellent
pair of paddles.

Soon he was ready to depart. He shook hands
with Warlock and embraced his daughter, then,
stepping upon the raft, set sail.

Leaning upon the bosom of Harry, no less
affected than herself, Mary, with the rest of the
party, watched the lessening sail until it was a
mere speck; the next minute it was vailed in a
light mist.

Burke, moving off with Kanakas and Portu-
guese shook his head gloomily.

“ * good luck will come of his goino‘. In
my opinion We’ll never see the Albatross
again.”

Punk, following behind, overheard the re-
mark, and trembled with vague apprehensions.

Entering the cave the party, several hours
after, pnrtook of a slight repast, consisting of
sea biscuit—three apiece—and a cup of cold
water.

\Vhen Tamerlanc’s share was put before him,
he refused to eat.

“Never eat while prisoner,” he answered,
haughtily. “ Rather starve!”

Warlock, with ready chivalry, at once drew
his sheath-knife, and severed the cords that
bound the young man.

“ Thank,” answered the chief, gravely, and at
once proceeded to eat.

Toward night some spare rolls of canvas were
brought in to the cava, which was then partitioned
off by a screen for the accommodation of Mary.
A bed was also made for her, of the same mate-
rial, with two or three Inca-jackets, willingly
provide by some of the crew.

The Whole party, with the exception of Tom-
vrlane, who roved gloomin about the little
island all night, slept well, waking at daylight
much refreshed.

They were preparing breakfast, when Tom,
the old tar, who had been out since he waked,
returned to the cave, bolting very gloomy.
Vthn the breakfast Was portioned out, he
Scarcer ate his share, but seemed continually
brooding upon some disagreeable subject.

Warlock asked him what was the matter, and
Mary's anxious, questioning glance was turned
toward him.

Then the old tar, suddenly seeming to brighten
up. answered:

“ Nothingl”

Warlock, however, watching him closely, was
certain that something had happened to disturb
him. After breakfast he rose and stepped out
of the cave with Mary. They had notproceeded
far, when the old tar touched the mate on the
shoulder.

b “ 1’d jist like to speak with ya a minute,” said
6.

 

  

 

 

28

Captain Blake’s Jonah.

 

Hurry stepped aside with him, when the old
tar, glancing toward the east side of the island,
said, in a whisper:

“ You’ve seen, I suppose, sir, what I’ve seen,
about the formination of the rocks, there by
the coast?”

“ Certainly,” answered Warlock, who had ob-
served that the rock in question rose gradually
from the edge of the sea, or water-line, into
ridges resembling the waves. These ridges were
five in number, rising one above the other, to a
height not quite equal to that of the conical
rock in the center of the isle.

“Well, sir,” whispered Tom, “ I can swear
that when we first came ashore here, them
ridges numbered six 1" '

“ What? Are you sure of that?
were mistaken?”

“ N o, sir; I counted ’em exact. There was
six; now there‘s but five; one has been over-
flowed by the tide since our coming here I"

Warlock could not help feeling uneasy at this
information. He had often heard of volcanic
islands disappearing in a mysterious manner.
Was not this one destined to the same fate?

He walked to the sea-side with Tom, and ex—
amined the ridges closely.

The water now was nearly half a. foot above
the one submerged, and half-way up to the next.

” Perhaps,” said the mate, “ that the tide
here advances and recedes. We can ascertain
that by coming here toward night, and taking
another look."

“ Ay, ay,” answered Burke, “ and we’ll find
it the way we most dislikes to have it. The
Joey is at the bottom of all our trouble!”

“Nonsense! And now, above all, Tom, let
me caution you, neither by word nor sign, to
permit Mary or any of the rest to know of this.”

“Sartainly not,” replied the old tar; “al—
though all mustfind it out sooner or later. In
my opinion, sir, the island is doomed, and our
being saved depends on whether we be picked
up or not.”

When Warlock joined Mary, she, with nat-
ural curiosity, showed a desire to know what
the two had been saying.

The mate answered with all the composure he
could master, tl at they had been noticing the
curious formation of the rock near the sea-side.

“Oh, is that all?” she said gayly. “ I thought
by Tom’s gloomy manner, that some terrible dis-
covery was made."

Warlock laughed a forced laugh, and turned
the conversation.

Toward night he and Tom again repaired to
the sea—side, when their worst fears were con-
firmed.

The fifth ridge from the top was overflowed.
THERE WERE BUT FOUR RIDGES REMAINING.

The mate and the old sailor sat watching the
tide, gradually makng its way toward the next
ridge, with feelings that may be imagined. They
returned to the cave, and threw themselves down,
but not to Sleep.

It was now plain that the island must, in a few
davs, be overflowed.

Brandon would not reach the ship, if he should
reach it at all, within three days. Three more
would be occupied in the vessel’s getting to the
castaweys. This would make six days, and

Perhaps you

   

l there were but four ridges remaining, one ridge
3. day to be submerged.

The only chance for the party, was, therefore,
their being picked up by some strange vessel.

Warlock was resolved to have a good iookout
kept, day and night. He posted a. man upon the
conical rock, and also hoisted a staff for a signal.
The boat-lanterns he ordered to be kept burning
throughout the night, as the light, streaming up
through the crater in the top of the cave, might
attract some passing vessel to the spot.

“Why all this anxiety—these preparations?”
inquired Mary. “Are you afraid that papa will
not come back '5”

Warlock endeavored to turn the conversation,
and succeeded; but Mary’s mind still remained
uneasy. She felt that there was something—
some peculiar peril—the knowledge of which was
concealed from her.

On the next day, another inspection of the
ridges showed BUT THREE REMAINING!

Harry was leaning over to examine the over—
flowed ridge, when he thought he could see some
thing shining upon it. He stooped, securing it,
and discovered that it was a little miniature in
ivory, disclosing the features of a beautiful wo-
man.

It struck the mate that he had seen that face
before, though where he could not determine;
the lineaments were certainly not altogether
strange to him, and he continued vainly to rack
his brain to remember where they had met his
vision.

How came the miniature there? Certainly it
could not belong to any of the castaways. '

'While Warlock still was examining it, Tamer-
lane came and claimed it.

“ Mme!" he said; “ dropped last night while
washing here, and could not find. Glad find,"
he added, as Warlock gave it to him. “ Old man
—old friend—Tartar, my father. give it to me.”

So saying, he turned and walked away.

Punk now made his appearance from the cave,
followed by all the Kanakas and Portuguese.
One of the latter had, for the first time since
coming on the island, discovered that morning,
that the ridges were being overflowedl

He had immediately repaired to the cave with
the news, the result of which was the appear-
ance of the whole party, as mentioned.

Punk was almost wild with fright. He asked
Harry, again and again, if he thought they would
be picked up before the island should be over-
flowed. '

Mary soon came to the sea-side. She was very
pale and thre w herself upon her husband’s bosom

“ knew you were keeping some terrible secret
from me!” she exclaimed.

Then she looked up, calmly.

“ 1 can bear the news as well as the rest,” she
said. seeing the agony, on her account. upon
VVarlock’s face. “ I am not frightened, for I
hope.”

“ Beggin’ your pardon, ma’am,” said the old
tar, “ I don’t think there’s much hope, seein’ as
a J any is consumed in the bizness. But for that
we might stand a chance of bein‘ picked up.”

At this Kanakas and Portuguese began talk—
ing and gesticnlating wildly. Everybody had

 

 

something to say about the impending peril ex-
cept Tamerlane, who stood with an indifferent

 

 

 

 

 

Captain Blake’s Jonah.

29

 

air, his arms folded over his bosom, gazing far
out to sea».

Next morning there were but TWO moons
REMAINING}

Warlock Set his men to work, forming'with a
large stone and some canvas, 3 “ plug” for the
lower entrance of the cave, one which won] be
perfectly water-tight, and thus keep out the
waves, when the isle should be overflowed.
When the stone was ready it required four
men to shove it against the opening. It fitted
well, and the cracks being carefully stopped
upgvith canvas, the cave was rendered water-
tig 1:.

Among other articles mentioned as brought
away in the cutter, and which had been saved
when the vessel was stoven, were several large
coils of good strong rope. There was one coil
remaining after Brandon had formed his raft,
and this was now found very useful. Agood,
strong rope-ladder was made, leading from the
floor of the cave to the crater or opening in the
top, which, being large enough to admit a man’s
body, now served as an entrance to the apart—
ment. This aperture must be left open at all
hazards, to supply fresh air to those in the cave.
Eventually, however, the sea must mount to
the crater, and pour in sheeted torrents into the
cell, which it would fill in less than a quarter
of an hour!

The stopping up of the lower entrance would
therefore be but a postponement, perhaps of
twenty-four hours, of the fate of the party, who,
unless picked up before the dreaded moment,
were all doomed to perish!

CHAPTER XII.
IN roar.

ONE-two days passed in hopeless expectation.
THE LAST RIDGE NOW HAD OVRFLOWED, and
the mm] seated on the lookoutflsaw all round
him nothing but water, and felt his feet sub-
merged every time a long rolling sea. struck the
conical spumf rock, upon, which he was seated.

The heavens grew dark; a gale came howling
down upon the sea. The waves rolled higher
and higher every moment, the spray flying
through the opening in the top of the rock, into
the cave below.

It fellrupon the bright tresses of Mary’s hair,
as she nestled upon-her husband’s breast. She
was pale and sad, yet she endeavored to bear up
with becoming fortitude.

“ Do you see anything yet? any sign of a sail?"
queried the mate of Tom, who now was on the
lookout.

The gloomy reply of the old tar came grating
harshly upon the ears of all the eager listeners.

“ None! Nothing but hungry-looking sea-
birds that’s circling and circling round above me.
God help us all, air l”

Night soon darkened round the submerged
isle, and the light from the two lanterns, burn—
ing in the cell, streamed luridly into the air.
The gale had abated a little, but the water
had now climbed more than half way up the coni-
cal rock.

There was no doubt that before morning it
would be within an inch of the opening; ONLY
ONE INCH OF ROCK between the castaways and
eternity!

 

When morning came, Burke descended into the
cave, with the information that the waves now
rose within two inches of the opening, the
clamor was recommenced.

Some of the men looked round them eagerly
fora piece of wood to which they might lash
themselves, and then launch out, adrift upon
the wide sea, as a last chance of being picked
up. Thhy looked in vain; all the wood, except
the staff—pole, had been used for the formation
of Brandon’s raft, and not a chip was left.

“ Men 1” exclaimed Harry, “ we have re-
muined here as long as there was a chance. But
we must now leave this place. and trust our-
selves to the sea, without support of any kind,
except that afforded by our own arms. Ibe-
lieve you all can swim.”

Punk, who had remained the very picture of
abject terror, crouching in a corner, now rose,
exclaiming that he was but an indifferent swim-
mer, and begging some person to take him in
charge.

No heed was paid to him. One after the other
emerged through the opening in the top of the
cave, and threw himself into the sea, swimming
away from the crater. Warlock, with Mary,
was the last man, except the Tartar, who had
not yet moved.

“ Go,” said the mate, pointing to the opening.
f “ Y’ou first,” answered Tamerlaue. “ Go

lrst.’

Perceiving that he could not change the
other’s purpose, Warlock took his wife by the
hand, and conducted her up the ladder. Just as
he emerged through the opening, a. fog—bank,
which for some time had obscured the water
about a mile off, lifting like a curtain, revealed
the HULL AND SPARS OF A SHIP!

Those in the see also beheld it, and set up a
wild about that rose to the very heavens, dis-
tinctly above the bowling of the wind and the
clashing of the Waves.

Soon a sea ahead of the ship, lifting, revealed
about advancing, her crew pulling like mad.

Harry waved his handkerchief, to hurry them
along; they came nearer every moment, finally
picked up the swimmers, and, just as the water
had risen to within half an inch of the crater,
Mary was clasped to the bosom of her father,
and Warlock was shaking hands with Captain
Blake!

“Pull ahead!” howled the skipper. “ There’s
danger here, boys, when the sen pours through
that opening—~a perfect whirlpool!” _

The men laid to their cars With a Will, and
were but twenty fathoms from the crater, when
through it the water rushed with the rumbling
din of hollow thunder! _ I

The gurgling and roaring continued for about
ten minutes; then a huge bubble r1s1ng as the ,
cave was filled, marked for or. instant the grave
of the little islandl The next moment the bub—
ble burst, and no sign remained to Show the.lo~
cation of the 10st isle, over which the everlasting
surges rolled, booming on, as if nothing had
happened. ,

Explanations were soon finished, by which
time the party were abon'd ship. Tumvrlaue
and Warlock both assisted Mary to mount to the
deck, which she had scarcely reached when the
hardships and excitement she had undergone,

 

  

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

captain Blake’s Jonah,

 

having proved too much for her, she fell sense-
less ngaiust the rail. Tanicrlanc sprung to Seize
her in his arms, but Warlock pushed him aside,
interposiug his own person.

Before either could touch the girl, Brandon,
having been nearest to her, picked her up to con-
vey her into the companionway.

“ Dog!” exclaimed the Tartar, addressing
himself to Harry, “ why you interfere?"

“ Out of the wayl" cried the mate indignant—
ly, pushing aside the young man who blocked
his passage to the cabin.

The Tartar caught him by the throat; a fierce
struggle ensued, which was ended by the mate
dealing Tamerlane a blow upon the head which
knocked him senseless. He lay upon the deck,
motionless, and for an instant all the spectators
believed he had received his death—blow.

“No, he livesl he lives!" exclaimed Dalton,
the minister, putting his hand upon the heart of
the prostrate man. “Loosen his shirt, sothnt
he may breathe freely, and he will recover l”

The shirt was pulled away from the Tartnr's
chest, revealing shoulders and bosom of match-
less proportions and as white as snow.

Upon the left shoulder, Brandon—who, hav—
ing seen his daughter revived, had now come up
to look for Hurry, upon whose name she called
-——behcld an object that seemed to hold him
spell-bound to the dv-ckl

It was a BLUE ANCHOR, tattooed in India ink,
beneath whicn were the letters \V. 0.1

A moment the second-11mm stood, gazing upon
the mark; themas the young man opened his
eyes, and rinsed himself upon his elbow, the
oillcer threw himself upon his knees by his side,
clasping him in his arms and exclaiming:

“ My soul my SON my long~losLSONl My lit
tle WILL!"

While the bewildered crew crewded the quar-
ter—deck, the ("tilt tin picked up something, which
during his struggle the supposed Tartar had
dropXed.

“ y, ayl" he exclaimed. “I know that face
well enough! It is the face of Brandon’s wife,
lost years ugol”

Brandon took the little miniature, and cover—
ed it with kisses. He had Seen his wife hang it
round Will’s neck, just previous to the parting
at the S‘ind wich Islands.

“Tell me! t =ll me, my boy!" he exclaimed,
after he hurl made explanations to the Tartar:
“tell me where she is——the original of this pic-
ture— your mother!”

“I know not,” answered \Vill. “ The old mnn
who brought me up, and who never permitted
me to know that I was not his own son, inform-
ed me when he guve me this miniature, that he
had taken it from the neck of a woman, whom
he found years before lying dead on the sea—
beach, after a great storm."

“Ayl I see how it was!” exclaimed Brandon,
sorrowfully. “She was killed, perhaps before,
perhaps not until after being dashed up against
the rocks, whither she was washed from the
wreck; but her care of you, my boy, her care to
the very last, was what saved yourlil'e! You
were found by the old man, the Tartar. I see it
all now, and were brought up by him us his own
son, to be afterward made chief of his tribe!”

, SO saying, he led the young man into the cabin.

 

“Embrace him, Mary. Harry need not be
jealous now the boy’s influence over you and me
is accounted for: embrace him, I say, he is your
bl'othoi'l”

Explanations were soon made, and brother
and sister were folded in each other's arms.

“I told you,” said the surprised and overjoyed
bride, as She encircled her husband‘s neck, “I
told you that this man’s influence was nothing to
trouble you—was far diil'ervnt from yoursl”

“A I” exclaimed Blake, now entering.
“Shuko hands, \Vill, with your brother-in—law,
for, in my opinion, it was the way in which he
lashed you to the spar, on that terrible day
aboard the storm-wrecked Griffin, that was the
means of your being,r saved 1”

The two men cordially shook hands, and were
sworn friends from that moment.

Punk was so overjoyed at his safe delivery,
and the siii;tii'zii' discovery which had just been
made oft, that he now commenced dancinga
fandnngo, his long,r legslflying about like a. wind-
mill.

Dalton, obsm‘ving him, came forward, and in
the fullness of his heurt, tossed him a. piece of
nionm’.

“ Get more tobaccol” said he.

“ Thank your honor! Shiver mel Ahoy.
there, nhoyl Whales 01]" the lac binnaclc!
Stand to your guns, my henrtiesl Hooruyl
hooray! hooray l”

“ iciilly,” said Dalton, ndmiringly, as he mov-
ed his cont—tails up and down, “ this is inspiringl
Glorv to God l for our gallant American tars I”

“Ay, glory it isI sure enough!” exclaimed
Tom, the old tor, who, in spite of his supersti-
tious belief that somethng would yet go wrong,
as there was a Jonah concerned, could not now
have worn a long face if it were to save his life.

There is li’tlo more to say.

The Albatross, a. week later, reached the Sand-
wich Isluuds and proceeding north, after stay-
ing in port long enough to undergo thorough re-
pairs, shc met with good luck on the cruising-
grounds, and in six months was honieward
bound, a lull ship; in due time she arrived safe-
ly in New London harbor, when, with part
of his share of the profits, Brandon purchased
a neat little cottage, where he and his son now
reside.

Will has lost his wild Tartar ways, and ac-
quired an excellent English education.

As to Hurry Warlock, the former cabin-boy
and his beautiful bride, contentment smiles like
sunshine upon their plensnnt hearth-stone, in
Flushing, Long blond. The happy husband is
the owner of sm‘c-I'ul lino vessels, engaged in the
whaling-trade, and is doing Very well. His
wife has persuaded him to give up the sea, and
take to farming; but, since his marriage, he has
several times paid a vi~it to the Sandwich
Islands and others of his oldl’nciiic haunts.

He has three fine, healthy children, to whom,
whenever Will Brandon visits his sister, he
shows the BLUE ANCHOR upon his arm, and
nnswers their many questions about that and
THE LOST BRIDE. They Iicvrr seem tired of
hearing repented this story, concerning their
own mother.

THE END.

 

   

 

 

-"...ifit

. _ _ LES,

 

BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY.

 

m4 {risky Fe gus. the New York Boy. By G. L.

1ken.
225 Dick Drew. the Miner’s Son; or, Apollo Bill, the
Road—Agent. By Edward L. Wheeler.
220 Dakota Dick in Chicago; or, Jack, the Old Tar.
By Charles Morris.
2:37 Merle. the. Boy Cruiser; or. Brandt, tho Buc-
caneer. 3y Unlwnrl l’rentiss lngrahmn.
522% The Preacher Detrelive; er, The Boy VentriloA
(nist. By Oll C-IHIIH'S.
‘33!) ( ld lliekory's (ii-it. By John J. Marshall.
2:30 The Three Hwy Sports; or. The. Sword Hunters.
By Captain Frederick Whittaker.
231 Sierra Sam, the Detective. By Edward L.
\‘i'heeler.
232 Merle )lonte‘s Treasure; or. Buccaneer Brandt’s
’l‘hreat. By Col. Prentiss lmzraham.
233 Rocky Rover Kit; or. Davy Crockett’s Crooked
Trail. By Ensign C. 1). Warren.
231 Baldy. the Miner Chief. By Capt. J. F. C.
Adams.
235 J aek Stump’s Cruise; or, The Montpelier’s Muti-
neers. By Roger Starling-k.
' S'  Sam’s Double; or. The Three Female De-
teeuves. By I‘ll. L. Wh' eler.
237 vasboy Ned. lh teaive; '. Two Philadelphia
(humus. By (,‘hnrles Morr
235 Merle )lonte‘s SeaSeraper; or. Little Belt’s
Droll Disguise. By Col. Prentiss lngraham.
29 Ben's Big Boom; or. The Boss Miner’s League.
By Capt. Mark Wilton.
M0 Sharp Shot .‘lilce: or, Columbia Jim on the War-
l’ath. By 011 Conmes.
211 Sierra Sam’s Sr ntence or. Little Luck at Rough
Ranch. By Edward L. Wheeler.
24;? The Denver Deleetiw-z or. Dainty Dot at Gold
Gulch. By T. C. 'lIzn'hauelL
213 Dutch Sun‘s Dilemma: or. The Mysterious
Mountain Monster. By . lnj. L. W. Carson.
Eli Merle Mr‘mtc’s Disgi so; or. The Capture. of
Brandt. the Bnce: .10.; By Col P. lngrahain.
245 B ldy’s Boy Partner: 01‘. Young Braillexu’s
Steam Man. {y Edward S. El is.
346 Detective Keen’s Apprentice: or. James Jumper
the New York Gannn. 3y Charles Morris.
247 The Girl Sport; or, Jinnho Joe‘s Disguise. By
Edward L. Wheeler.
2/18 Giant George‘s Ford; or. Arizona. Jack, 611?
'l‘enderfoot. By Buckskin Sam.
210 Ranch Rob’s Wild Ride; or. Old Winch The
_ Rifle King. By T. (l. lInrlmugh.
200 Merle Monte's Pardon; or. The Pirate Chief‘s
_ Doom. Hy Col. Prentiss lngrnhmn.
201 The Deaf Detective; or, Weasel. the Boy Tramp.
iy Edward Willett.
Denver Doll‘s Device: or. The Detective Queen.
By Edward L. Wheeler.
- The Boy ’l‘emlerfoot; or. Roaring Ben Bundy of
Colorado. By (,‘anl. Mark \\'il'on.
251 Black Hills Ben; or. Duteh Jan on the War~
Path. By Maj. Lewis \\'. Carson.
mm Jolly Jim. Detective; or. The Ytung Protege’s
- Victory. ByChnrhs Morris.
52.16 Merle Monte's Inst Cr ise; or. The Sea Robber
at Bay. By Col. Preiri lngrahani.
The, Boy Chief of Boom/Pass; or. The Young
V California l’nrds By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain.
8.38 Denver Doll as Detective. By E. L. Who 'ler.
2o!) Little Foxeye. the Colorado Spy. By 011 Coomes.
261) Skit, the Cabin Boy. By Edward “lilleit.
2131 Blade, the Sport. or. the Giant of Clear Grit
Camp. By T. C. Hnrbauzh.
202 Billy. the. Roy Rover. By Col, P. Ingraham.
263 Buster Bob's Buoy; or, Lige. the Light-House
Keeper. By Capt. J. I“. C. Admns.
261 Denver Doll’s Partner; or, Big Buckskin the
Sport. By E. L. Wheeler.
265 Billy. the Baozmvo Boy; or. The Young Railroad
Detective. By Charles Morris.
266 Guy‘s Boy Chum; or, The Forest Waif‘s Mask.
By Capt. Comstock.

 

  

   

 

 

 

—_

267 Giant George's Revenge; or, The Boys of “ Slip.
up Mine.“ By Buckskin Sum.

208 The Dead Shot Dandy; or, The Rio Grandc
Marauders. By 001. Prentiss lugraham.

269 The Que-'lzvillo Boss; or, Darin},r David l’)arkc.
By Edward Willett.

270 Denver Doll‘s Mine; or, Little Bill's Big Loss.
B E. L. Wheeler.

271 E ony J hn’s Terror; or, Ranger Ruinbolt’s Ruse.
By Oil Comnes.

272 Kit, the Girl Detective. By T. C. Harhaugh.

27:3 The 011'] Rider; or, Nimble Ned’s Surprise. By
Jos. E. Badger. Jr. _

W1 Dead Shot Datndy’s Double; or, Benito. the Boy
Pm‘d. By Col. Prentiss lngrahmn. _

275 Fred. the Ocean Waif; or, The Old Sailor’s
Protege. By Charles Morris.

276 Deadwood Dick Trap ed; 01-, Roxey Ralph's
Ruso. By Edward L. Vheeler. _

277 The Idiot Boy Avenger; or, Captain Wild-Cat‘s
Big Game: By Albert W. Aiken.

278 Arizona Alf, the Miner; or, Little Snap Shot's
Luck. By T. C. I-larbaugh.

279 Colorado Jack, the Tiger; or. The Ghost of the
Trailer. By Frederick Dewey. _

280 Dead Shot Dandy’s List Deal; or. Keno Kit’s
New Role. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

281 Ned. the Boy Pilot; or, The Pirate Lieutenant’s
Doom. By Jack Farragut.

282 Buck Hawk, Detective or, The Messenger Boy‘s
Fortune. By Edward L. Wheeler.

2833 Roving Sfort Kit; or The Ghost of Chuckaluek
Camp. 1 v Edward Willett.

284 The Shownian‘s Best Card; or, The, Mad Animal
Tamer. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker.

2&5 01d Rocky’s Pard; or, Little Ben’s Chase. By
Buckskin Sam.

286 Dick, the Dakota Sport. By Charles Morris.

287 Ned. the Boy Ski per; or, The Sea Sorceress‘
Cruise. By Jack arragut.

288 Deadwood Dick’s Disguise' or, Wild Walt, the
Sport. By Edward L. Whee or.

289 Colorado Nick, the Lassoist; 0r, Old Si's Protege.
By Major H. B. Stoddard,

290 Rube, the Tendcrfoot; or, The Boy’s of Torpedo
Gulch. By Major E. L. St. Vrain.

291 Peacock Pete, the Leadville Sport: or, Hawk, the
Boss Miner. By Albert W. Aiken.

292 J oe Morey, the Night-Hawk; or, The Black
Rider. By Jos. E. Badger. Jr.

293 Dwarf Jake. the Detective; or, Kit Kenyon’s
Man Hunt. By Edward Willeit.

291 Dumb Dick’s Ford; or Eliza June, the Gold
Miner. By Ed. L. Whee er.

295 White Wing. the Ferret Flyer. By Chas. Morris.

206 Govinda, the ’l‘iger-Tamer; or, The American
Horseman Abroad. By Captain F. Whittaker.

297 A: izona Giant George - or. The Boyees of Sardine:
Box City. By Buckskin Sam.

298 Daisy Doll’s Dash; or, The Ten Colorado Pards.
By T. C. Hurbzmgh.

299 The Balloon Detectives‘ or, Jack Slasher’s
Young I’ard. By Hurry nton.

300 Deadwood Dick’s MISSXOII. By E. L. Wheeler.

301 Dandy Duke, the Cowboy. By Major E. L. St.
Vrain.

302 B'g Benson's Bet. By T. C. Harbaugh.

303 The Hotel Boy Detective; or, The Grand Central
Robbery. By Charles Morris.

304 Bald Head‘s Ford; or, Creeping Cat’s Cunning.
By Buckskin Snm. .

305 Dusky Dick’s Duel; or, The Demon’s Trail. By
Harry Hazard. '

306 Spotter Fritz; or, The Store-Detective‘s Decoy.
By E. L. Wheeler.

307 Nick. the Boys ort; or, Three Plucky Yards. By
Maj. E. L. St. rain.

308 Dnuble-Fisted Mat: or, The Mystic California.
Giant. By J as. E. Badger, Jr.

309 Old Graybeard’s Boy; or. The Girl‘s Ruse. By
C. Dunning Clark.

 

BEADLE’S POCKET LIBRARY.

 

3m Kit. the Girl Captain; or. The Mad Sailor’s
~ Legacy. By Col. l’iwitiss lngmham.
311 Frio Fred in Texas. By lluc skin Sam.
31:3 The Detective Roadhgen ; or. The Miners of
Sassafras City. By Eliwitl‘ti L. \\'h.-eler.
Honest Jack‘s Protege; (.r, The Dwarf's Scheme.
By Philip S. Warne.
31! Clip. the Boy Shnrill‘; or. The Two Crooks of
Montana. By Edward Willett.
‘ Tom. tho Arizona Sport: or. Howling Hank from
Hard Luck. By Major E. L. St. Vruin.
The StrovriAral) Detective: or. Dick Dorgan‘s
Do i'hle Battling. By Charles Morri .
Bucks-kin Den of Texas; or, Singlehye‘s Plucky
Yards. By Buckskin Sam,
“ _' Color-dill) Charlie‘s Dotcetivc Dash;
Cattle Kings. By Elwnrd L. Wheu-ler.
7 Frisky Frank in idolio; or. Old Skinflint the
Slimlowcr. By Roger Sturhnck.
Cool Sam‘s Girl Paul; or. Captain Dick and His
Texans. By 'l‘.C. llnrlmugh.
Billy, the Kill from F isco; or. Silver Illask's
)lew. By J. C. Cowdrlek.
' Fred Flyor, Detective; or. Ahc Blizzard on Deck.
By Charles Morris.
Dmd Shot lke 1'1 Montana; or. Hez He‘per, the
Yankee Part1. By Roger Scarbuck.

3133

or, The

Kit. the} Denver Sport: or. The Bonanza Miner
King. By Edward L. thh-r.

Dusky Darrell the (lamp Denictive; or. The
‘Ilanriy‘s Daring Dash.

By Edwin Emerson.
Rov, the Boy (‘ruisi-r; or. The Water “'olf
\\'recl<crs. By Colour-l Prentiss lngrahum.

Ncl. the Roving illi‘lf‘ri or, Arkansaw Jack’s
Match. By Harry Hazard.

328 Rocky Ben's Band; or. Biz,r Putt-9’s Big Haul.

W. J. Hamilton.

Davc. the Colorado Wrestler.

Vrain.

330 The, Denvchporl’s Racket; or, Kit‘s Big Boom.

By Edward L. Wheeler.

The Coast Detectiva; or. The Smuggler Shadow

or. By Roger Starbuck.

33: Dakota Dan in Canyon City; or, Colorado Kate’s

lhcck. By Philip S. VVarnc.

Boolhlack Ben. the Detective; or, Pooler Jim

anrl His Pord. By Anthony 1’. Morris

Frisco Tom on Deck; or, The Golden Gate Suing.

glvrs. By George Henry Morse.

33." BI-n Rnnrly the Bth I’m-d; or, The Plucky
l’arson. By . Stanley Her dcrson.

336 Frcrl, the Sport. in Brimstone Bar Camp; or.

The Boston Wrestler‘s Confederate. By Ed. L.

Wheeler.

Daisy Dave the ColoradogGaloot; or, The Boss

of Dead Line City. By T. C. IIarbaugh.

333 The Coll Bcu' Detective; or. Iron Ike, the Solid
Man. By Major 1*) L. St. Vrain.

339 Rardo. the Boy Gypsy; or, Reckless Rolf’s Re-
volt. By \Vin. G. Patron.

340 Billy Bubhle’s Bio: Score; or, Tim, the Tramp.
By Cluries Morris.

341 Colorado Steve‘s Dash; or. Old Buncomb’s Sure
Shot By Pinlip S. Warne.

342 SnalrShot Stun; or, Ned Norris’s Nettle.
Buc csk in Sam.

343 Mike, the Bowery Detective; or, Peleg Prancer
of Vermont. By Edward L. Wheeler.

344 The Drummer Sport; or. Captain Dasher’s Droll
Dilemma. By Edward Willett.

By

329 By Maj. E. L. St.

331

333

3112'

By

 

345 Jaqucs, tho Hardpan Detective; or, Captain
Frisco, the Road-Agent. By J. C. Cowdrick.

346 Joe, the Chicago Arab; or. A Boy of the Times.
By Charles Morris.

347 Midin Herbert’s Prize: or. The Girl Captain‘s
Revenge. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

348 Sharp~Shooter Frank; or. The Young Texan
l’ards. By Buckskin Sam.

315) Buck, the Mine!" or, Alf, the Colorado Guide.
By Maj. E. L. St. rain.

350 Ned. the Slab Cit Sport; or, The Detective’s
Big Scoop. By E. . Wheeler.

351 R cky Mountain Joe; or. Deacon Simplicity on
the War Path. By Col. T. H. Monstery.

35:2 New York Tim; or, The Boss of the Boulevard.
By Charles Morris.

353 The Girl Pilot; or, Ben. the Reef'Runner.
Roger Starbuck.

354 Joe. the Boy Stage-Driver; or._ Nick Hicken’s
Cunning. By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain.

355 Texas Frank‘s Crony; or, The Girl Mustang
Rider. By Burkskln Sam.

356 Idaho Nnrl. Detective; or, The Miners of Tarpon
City. By Edward L. Wheeler.

3-3157 Guy. the Boy Miner; or. Rocky Mountain Bill.
By Colonel Prentiss lngmham.

358 Jersey J00. the Old Tar; or, The Wrecker‘s
Protege. By Mrs. Orin James.

359 Dandy Dick‘s Dash; or, The Boy Cattle-King.
By 011 Comes.

360 .liin‘s Big Bonanza; or. Jake Dodd and His
Gang. By W. J. Hamilton.

361 Oregon Phil, the Spor‘; or, The Marshal of Two
Bits. By Plllllp S. Wm‘ne.

362 Kit. the Boothlack Detective; or. From
l’hilzdi-lphia to the Rockles. By Edward L.
\Vherlm‘.

363 Tho Ocean Racer: or, Trusty Tom, the Tar.
T. C. Harbaugh.

364 Fritz‘s 01d Score; 01-, Sib Cone‘s Right Bower.
By Ned Buntliue.

365 Crack Shot Harry; or, The Masked Rider.
001. Prentiss Ingraham.

366 Gold Dust Rock. the Whirlwind of the Mines.
By G. Waldo Browne.

367 Fred 's Boll Game; 01-, The Cava Treasure.
Paul lsibhs.

368 Jim. the Sport in Wakeup; or, Foghorn Fan to
the Front. By Edward L. Wheeler.

369 Captain Blake’s Jonah; or, Harry, the Cabin
By. By Roger Starbuck.

370 Denver Kit‘s Double: or, The Giant Miner of the
Gulch. By Maj. H. B. Stoddard.
Ready February 11.

371 Blue Blazes Dick' or, Danger Doll of Dynamite,
By T. C. Harbaug .
Ready February 18.

372 Seawaif’s Gulf Prize; or, The Cruise of the Sea.-
Cat. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.
Ready February 25.
A New Issue Every Wednesday.

BEADLE‘S POCKET LIBRARY is for sale by all News-
dealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on re-
ceipt of six cents each.

BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers,
98 William Street, New York.

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