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)) Copyxlglfled. 1891, by BIADLI nu: ADAII. Entered ll the Pan Ufliru u New Yuk. N. Y.. 33 Second Clan Mull Munch

 

Published Weekly by Peadle and Adams v 1. ,
Nu. ‘JN‘ \VXLIJAM ST. Nl-Lw Yum, , “Yer-(aim  

 

 

 

 

‘ E TWO SAT, CHATTING PLEASANTLY TUGETHER, UNTIL PRESENTLY A FACE
PEEBED INTO THE WINDOW.

 

 

 

 

 

The Sea. Cat's Prize.

   

 

The Sea Cat’s Prize;

on,
The Flag of the Red Hands.

BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM,

AUTHOR or “ CRACK-SHOT HARRY," “ our, run
BOY MINER,” “ ROY, THE BOY
CRUISER," mo.

CHAPTER I.
run PIRATES or THE LAGOON.

Over: the restless waters of the Gulf of Mex-
ico, a small vessel was sailing, a light breeze
waiting her upon her course, and a small party
upon her decks, enjoying the balmy breeza, and
the scenery of the coast which lay hardly a

e distant.
he craft was of the class known in West In-
dian waters as a Garrard, and used by the rich
lauters of the coasts to convey themselves and
l’amilies tothe towns. when need be, as well as
cargo~bearers for the produce of the planta-
- tions.

The can-era referred to was sixty tons bur-
den, and above her decks was flying the Mexi-
can flag.

She was of stauch, yet graceful model, and
bore evidence that her master loved his comfort
when on board, for all was ship-shape, and lux-
uries not found generally open vessels, were seen

 

at every side.

Here was a divan on deck, there a lazy-‘

looking chair, a wicker settee, rugs were
spread u n the quarter-deck, an awning shield-
ed the a ter part from the rays of the sun, and a
small table contained decanters of wine, silver
goblets, and solvers of Cakes and sweetmeats.

A Spanish guitar hung at the end of the set-
tee, a pet dog was coiled up asleep upon a rug, 9.
monke balanced himself upon the taflrail, and
levers. parrots were perched upon the back of
an easy-chair. ‘

Upon the quarter-deck were, besides a peon
helmlmen four persons, one of the latter being

' l, whose duties were evidently thoeeot

my" man t i t htee d essed
’ he was a pre ty ir o eig n, r in
white, wearing a redgscarf about her head, an;
' was eye-flirting with the handsome young helme-

mau, whose w its ants and shirt, red sash and
silk skull-cap of or mean, with silver tassel, were
var becoming to his dark face and black eyes.
T 6 other three who were seated about the
deck were two gentlemen and a maiden.

That they were Mexicans their dark faces and
black hair and eyes denoted. -

The maiden was very youn . scarcely over
sixteen, and yet with a form t at was rounded
into perfect womanhood, and a face of rare love-
liness. _
Her eyes were full of intense expression
though in repose, her lips were ruby red, and
,her hair was wavy and ebony in its hue.

‘  was  in aLrabelof white, am; her
= y eet n (‘50 -wor 'e si pars, peeps out
' * slyly from eneuth her skirts. p

‘x.

 

A sash of yellow was'abont her slender waist, '

and a comb of maurice gold, representin an
eagle and a rattlesnake in combat, nphel her
masses of black hair.

Diamonds flashed from her ears and upon her"

fingers, and about her necklace and upon her
wrists were bands of gold, set with the' same
precious stones. , *

The gentlemen were both of them smoking
cigarn‘tos, and- one of them was attired in the
undress uniform of a Mexican naval officer, the
other in a suit of white linen, and wearing upon
his head a palmetto sombrero, richly embroi-
dered with silver thread.

The former was a man of hardly more than
twenty-two, yet with a strangely stern face for
one of his years, and to which a scar on his
cheek gave a sinister expression.

That he was the lover of the maiden was evi-
dent, for he kept‘his eyes [almost constantly re-
garding her. ’ ‘

The other gentleman appeared just; what he
was, a wealthy Mexican planter, and the resem.
blance between himself and the maiden was
striking, indicating that they stood in the re—
lationship to each other of father and daughter
for he was fully forty-five. ’

Forward were the crew, a score in number
all of them peons, and dressed in snowy sailor
garb, but not of such fine texture as the suit
worn by the helmsman, who, was the sailing-
master of the little vessel.

Upon the deck of the carrera were four small
highly polished ,brass gunsywhich seemed more
for ornament, than for use, as in action with a
foe they did not look as though they could prove
very dangerous.

The hour was approaching sunset, and as the
day drew to a close, the wind began to lull, so
that occasionally the sails would flap listlessly.

“Chico, the breeze is leaving us?” said the
planter, Don Maceo Gonzalvo, addressing the
young helmsmnn in Spanish.

“Yes, senor, there will be a dead calm, I
fear,” was the answer, as Chico glanced at the
sea and sk y.

A troubled look came upon the‘t’ace of Don
Gonzelvo, as he glanced shoreward, and said:

. f‘ ( Wish we were well out 01' sight of land, for
this part of the coast, you know, Captain Rosa],
18 the haunt of thefirates of the Lagoon.

“True, senor, and a cut-throat lot they are;
but I hope, for the, Senorita Amnbel’s sake, we
Will not be attacked by them, though for my-
self, I would rather like a brush’with the red-
handed pirates.” - .

“ Senor, I have no desire to meat them. unless
1 am assured of victory, ay and revenge. for
upon tlns~very coast, sixteen years ago, my

carrcra was attacked by the Piratespf the La- _ L‘

goon. and my wife was with me.

“They were beaten off, but oh! at what a,

lsacriflce for my wife, my Amahel's mother .was

wounde , and when the fight had endedIhad ,

to mourn her death, though she left me a little
daughter to cheer my life. or all would have
belonndegolate Indeed—See! the wind has left us
w 0 y. 

1‘ it has indeed, senor, and the sun. will  7
do the samc,” answered Captain Luis Pineal; - 4
Just then a couple of servants came onto! the
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The Sea, Cat’s Prize. 1 3

 

cabin. bearing trays, while a third followed with
three small Gypsy tables.

One of the tables was placed before the Don,
Amabcl and Captain Rosal, and the servants
proceeded to help them to the tempting supper
which had been prepared for them.

As the meal was finished,-darkness fell upon
the sea, and the vessel lay idly rocking upon the
placid waters.

One by one the stars came Out and illumined
the scene, and taking up her uitar Amabel be-
gun to sing some touching litt a Spanish air, her
exquisite voice floating far out over the waters
inthe deathlike stillness that rested upon the

sea. '

Tiring at last of singing, Amabel bade her
father and Ca tain Rosal good-night, and ac—
companied by izi, her peon maid, she sought
the cabin, while Don Gonzalvo and Captain

- Rosa] had hammocks stretched for them on

deck, and reclining in them, lazily smoked their
cigarritos.

“Ho! Senor Master, boats are coming upon
us!" suddenly came the cry, in the clear tones of
Chico, as he came rushing aft.

Instantly all was a scene of excitement on
board, for, OE upon the waters, not a quarter
of a mile distant, and pulling swiftly with muf-
fled onrs straight {or the little vessel, werea
number of long, narrow boats.

“ Holy Heaven! they are the Pirates of the
Lagoonl

“ To your posts, all l” shouted Don Gonzalvo;
and “as he recalled just such a scene, sixteen

‘ years before, his voice quivered with emotion,

or well he knew what» was before him, and
all that he had to defend. ‘

 

CHAPTER II.
AMABEL : GONZALVO.
- WHEN Amabel Gonzalvo retired to the cabin,

‘ ' her father and the young Mexican naval cap—

tain supposed that it was to seek rest.

But upon entering the comfortable cabin of
the carreru, the Senorita Amabel threw herself
down in an easy-chair, beneath the swinging
lamp, and took up a book, greatly to the sur-
prise of her maid.

About her all was comfortable lo luxurious-
neuflor soft velvet carpets were upon the floor,

Jillian divans invited -one to rest, paintings
' adorned the wall, and a bookcase was there,
_. filled With/ the latest English, Spanish and

French works of that age.
- A beautiful harp, with a head-piece of the
same desxgn_ as was the golden comb in the
senorita’s ha}r——thatpis the eagle and the ser-
pent—stool in one corner, and in fact the little
cabin was adellghtful retreat indeed, and one
which refinement and art. had decorated and
formed into a bfiou of beauty. , ‘
Forward of this cabin were four state-rooms,

" with a narrow ganzway running into a dining

salon tor bad weather, for upon pleasant days
the meals were all partaken 0 upon deck. '

' “ I thotht my mistress was tired and wished
to reflrc,’ an gested Tizi, when she saw that
the Senorita; mabel had become interested in

 

her book, and who had formed the idea that,
utter she had seen the maiden comfortably lo-
cated in her state-room, she would go on deck:
and enjoy a quiet liltle flirtation with Chico the

“No, am not tired, Tizi, and you can go on
deck and see Chico; for I will not need you for
sometime yet,” said Amabel With a, smile, for
she read the desire of her pretty maid.

The red blood rushed into the dark face of
Tizi, and she answered:

“ Ah, senorita, you come away from the man
you love, to read a book, while I would give all
the books ever written for an hour with
Chico." _, '

“ The difference is, Tizi, that y6u love Chico,
and I do not love Captain Luis Rosal.”

“ Yet he is to be your husband, senorita.”

“True, because it is my father’s wish that I
marry him, and his desire to make me his wife.”

“ The Senor Captain is rich, handsome, stands
high in the Government, and hundreds of fair
ladies envy you for having won him, my mis-
tress,” urged Tizi, who 'was the companion of
Amabel as well as her slave.

“ I wish some of the same fair maidens would
win him from me, Tizi, for I do not love him, as
scenes that I read of in this book tell me Ishonld
love the man I would make my husband.

“ Ah, me! I would die for one I lova, and et
I have never met that one, and the good Mot or
grant I meet him not when it is too late, for
wretched indeed would my life be."

“I know now, my mistress, why you have not
seemed happy of late: it is because youare to
marry one you do not love.” -

“ I am not unhappy, Tizi; for it might as well
be Ca min Rosa} as any one else, as 1 love no
one; but I would rather not marry at all——
Hark! what soundsiare those on deCk!

“Oh, Heaven have mcrcyl we are attacked
by the Pirates of the Lagoon, and right off this
goes}: y poor mother met her fate at their cruel

( 5. '

bite with fear, yet now calm, Amabel went

upon deck, while Tizi, in an agony of dread, had
thrown herself upon the cabin floor, where she
lay;V moaning and praying alternately.’

he scene. that met the aze of Amabel Gun—
zalvo, as she reached the eck, was a thrilling
one. '

The peon crew were at the guns, the flaming
matches of the gunners lighting up the.vessel
and the dark faces and white-clad forms of the ,
crow presenting a striking scene.

Don Gouzalvo, armed to the teeth, stood
amidships. directing the peon sailors there, Chico
was forward, acting as a leader, and Captain
Rosa], 9. cutlass in one hand, a pistol in the
other, stood near the cabin companionway,
while, under his orders a squad of peons were
loading the brass gun mounted aft.

Out upon the waters, two cable-lengths away
came half a dozen long black boats, crode
with men, and urged forward at the utmost
speml of the oarsmen.

Such was the scene that met the gaze of
Amabel Gonzalvo. and it was indeed enough to
strike terror to the heart of any one who knew
just what hill] to be met at the hands of the
*cruel Pirates of the Lagoon. ‘ ’ '

   
 

CHAPTER III.
“ AT rnEM, SEA DOGS, AND snow NO QUARTER.”

“HOLY Mother protect us, and give to us vic-
tory. But should those fiends triumph, forgive
my act, Mary Mother, for far better is death by
my own hand, than to become the captive of
merciless men 1” ,

Such was the prayer that broke from the lips
of Amabel Gonzalvo, when she beheld the scene
described in the foregoing chapter, and she
looked grandly beautiful as she stood there in
the glare of the torches, her eyes upraised to
heaven, and one hand thrust into her bosom and
half—drawing forth a small dagger, the deadly
instrument with which she meant to take her
own life if it came to the worst and the pirates
were triumphant. I

Hardly had the prayer left her ‘lips, when in
thrilling touos came the command from Captain
Luis Rosal: ,

“ Aim true, peons! fire!”

The broadside of the little craft was discharged
as one gun, and mingling with the roar came
the c ras‘iing of timbers, shrieks, groans and
bitter oaths, for the pieces had been well aimed,
and two of the boats had been wrecked.

“ SWim to the carrera, you devils. would you
save yourselves from drowning!

“ Pull, hounds, pull!” shouted the pirate lead-
er, addressing first the men who were left strug-
gling in the water by the fire of the peons, and
then the oursmen of the boats which still re«
niained unscathed.

“ You did well, my brave fellows! Give it to
them again!” shouted Don Gonzalvo, in a voice
that was heard by the irates. for immediately
came the words in the pirate chief’s tones:

“ Pull hard, or you’ll get another broadside
before you reach the craft 1"

The pirates answered with a cheer, and they
bent to their oars until they fairly lifted their
long, narrow boats from the water at every tre-
mendous pull on the sweeps.

“ Ready! fire!" commanded Captain Rosa],
and again the little vessel reeled under the shock
of the discharge.

“Too bad!” cried Don Gonzalvo, as he saw
the iron hail pass over the heads of the pirates,
doing no da nage, as the guns had not been de-
pressed sufficiently. ‘ .

“ Boarders to repel boarders!” shouted Captain
Rose], while the Don added:

“ Draw your pistols, my men, and fire upon
them. Then meet them with your cutlesses!”

A fusilade of small-arms was at once begun,
and the pirates were almost staggered by the
leaden storm upon them; but their leader, stand-
ing up in his boat urged them on, and the next
moment there came the crash, as they ran along-
side of the carrera, and then over the sides
they threw themselves in the most reckless way.

Don Gonzalvo, Captain Rosal and Chico,
backed by the peon crew met them bravely, and
sent in a telling fire; but the leader of the out-
laws, a tall, black-bearded man. armed with a
long cutlass, heat back those before him and
gaining a footing on the deck, was soon follo \ei

y his men.

Then hot and savage waged the fight, the car-
rera. crew being slowly driven aft from for-

The Sea. Cat‘s Prize.

ward, the rattle of pistols, clash of steel, oaths
of the pirates, shrill war-cries of the peons, and
commands of the leaders making up a turmoil
that was fearful to hear and awful to behold.

And there was one who did behold the dread
scene, and that one was Ainabel Gonzalvo.

Like a statue she stood at the entrance to the
companionway gazing upon the scene of car-
nage, her lips quivering with prayer, her face
white as death, and one hand firmly grasping
the jewel-hilted dagger she had determined to
drive into her breast, should the pirates prove
victorious.

The situation had now become desperate for
the defenders of the carrera, for the pirates had
boarded over the bows, to avoid the fire of the
guns, and had pressed the crew back steadily
before them.

The peons were outnumbered two to one, and
their outlaw adversaries reveled in the scene of
carnage.

Their tall leader seemed to bear a charmed
life, for several times had he been fired upon by
Don Gonzalvo and Captain Luis Rosal, yet
without seemingly wounding him.

Chico had twice been slightly wounded, and
both Don Gonzalvo and Captain Rosal had re-
ceived a shot, one in the arm, the other in the
shoulder: but they knew that it was death to
surrender, and more, they were aware that
Amabel looked to their courage to defend her.

Half of the peon crew were either dead or dy-
ing, and the force of the pirates was still driv-
ing them aft.

One peon sailor, losing his nerve, threw down
his weapon and cried for quarter, to instantly
fall dead beneath the blow of the pirate chief’s
Cutlass, while in hoarse tones came the order:

“ Show no peon mere , you hounds! but woe
unto the man who kills on Gonzalvo and that
young naval captain, for they are golden game.”

“ Men, you hear! they show no mercy, so give
none and fight to the death!” shouted Don "
zalvo.

“ To the death it is!

“ Die right here, men !” came the clear voice
of Luis Rosa], while Chico ordered, speaking in
his native tongue:

“ Peons. show that you do not fear to die!”

With renewed ardor on both sides, the battle
now raged; but steadily backward were forced
the vessel’s brave defenders.

They knew that there was no hope, but they
meant to fight to the bitter end.

Standing in the companionway, her frightened
maid, Tizi, kneeling on the deck, and clinging
about her feet. Amabel Gonzalvo watched the
backward tide of those who so bravely defend-
ed her.

’The flashing of firearms illumined the decks,
and she saw all that took place, beheld her fath-
er, her lover, and Chino and his peon crew bat-
tling against desperate odds:

“ All is lost, and a cruel fate must end mv life
here as it did my mother’s! Alas! alas! my
father and all must die! A moment more and
may Heaven forgive my taking my own life i”

She raised the dagger above her bosom as she
spoke. when suddenly a tall form bounded over
the taffi'ail, and springing to her side, seized the

 

uplifted dagger, wrenching it from her hand.

    

A

.(t
p

 

 
 

The Sea. Cat’s Prize. " ‘5 ’1 '

 
  

 

  
  

With a shriek of terror, that rung above the

din of conflict, Amabel staggered back into the

entrance of the companionway, while she heard

the joyful words:

‘ “No, sweet girl, you are not to die by your
own hand, for l hahe come to save you."

The voice was rich in tone, and the Speaker
worea uniform that proclaimed him a naval
officer, while following him over the stern of the
carrera were a. score of gallant sailors.

As his men reached the deck, in tones that
rung like clarion notes, were heard the thrilling
words: '

“At them, Sea Dogs! and show them no
quarter 1'”

 

CHAPTER 1V.
rm: RESCUE.

IN amazement at the specter-like way in
which the strangers had come upon the camera,
mingled with joy at them proving to be friends,
Amabel Gouzalvo unneeded the almost oom-
mund of the young leader to go into the cabin,
and stood regarding their advance to the aid of
the vessel’sIdefenders.

, So sudden had been the arrival of the relief
party, so wholly unexpected, that the Lagoon
Pirates knew not of their presence on the vessel,
until the young captain suddenly hounded into
the midst of the combat, and with one sweep of
gig (-uLlass laid two of the outlaws dead at his

( of.

A cry of despair went up from the peons at
first, for they believed that another boat-load of
pirates had come to aid their comrades, and had
taken them in the rear; but this was at once
changed to joy, when they saw that the new
arrivals were their friends.

V Starting his men in a desperate rush, the
young ofllcer drove the pirates hack like sheep
before him, and though the outlaws still out-
numbered their adversaries, this unlockedofor
onslaught unmarried them. and they fled in ter—
ror, unheedinz the wild cries of their leader to
fight it out, for the craft was theirs. -

Seeing that he had no chance to cheek his
men. in the panic that had seized upon them,
the pirate chief reluctantly turned and bound
over the. side into his boat. v

V Hastily seizing their oars the outlaws pulled
 V away as best they could, escaping in three of
 , their boats, and with a loss of half the force
7 V with which they had come to the attack.
; , , Sdpringing to one of the guns, the gallant
lea er of the rescue-party turned it upon the
retreating pirates, and himself applied the
match. V

With the roar of the gun came the crash of
timbers, mingled with oaths and cries of wound-
ed men, while cheers broke from those on the
camera’s decks.

“ Hold, men! they have had a. little lessonl”
called out the officer, as his crew were preparing
‘. ,, to'kfep up the fire upon the rapidly retreating
pira es. _

,. 1‘ senor, do you believe in showing mercy to
fit such devils?" angrily cried Captain Rosa),

springing toone of the guns, as though to fire it.
v ‘3 I do not believe 1n firing even upon a pirate

,, mm; x;  . Mn

, a museum ,.

  

    

 

in retreat, sir, nor shall I permit it to be done,"
was the calm reply. ~ ‘

“ Ha! do you dare dictate to ,me, sir, and
upon this deck 1!” angrily said Luis Rosal.

“ I do, senor, and I- mean just what I say.”

“Ho, there, peonsl load these guns and fire
on those flying pirates l" shouted the young Mexi-
c‘an captain furiously.

“ Hold, there, peonsl for at your peril touch
these guns,” came the stern order of the stran—

 
   
     
  
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
 
   
   
  
 
 
   
  
   
   
   
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 

ger.

The peons fell back, for there was that in the
look of the man before them, as he stood in the ‘
tull glare of the battle lanterns, that completely
ma~tered them.

“By the Eagle and the Serpent, but this is
too much! and upon the deck where I com-
mand,” shouted Captain Rosa], and he hastily
raised his blood-stained outlass as though to at,-
tuck the stranger.

But the latter stood unmoved, and said calmly:

“Beware, Senor Mexican, for you want no
quarrel with me.” '

“ Ay, do 1, Sir Stranger," was the quick re-
sponse, and he sprung forward with uplifted
sword just as Don Gonzalvo, who had rushed aft
togreet his daughter after the combat was end-
ed, apyroached with Amabel leaning upon his
arm, ntending to thank their gallant rescuerr

“ Hold, Rosa]! what madness is this?" cried
the Don.

“I will not harm him, air. There is your
sword, senor,” was the cool response of the
stranger, addressing Don Gonzalvo first, and
then disarming Luis Rose] as quick as a flash
and handing him his blade in a courtly way.

“ Oh, but this is not the end of our acquain—
tance!” growled Louis lineal, deeply mortified
at being so cleverly disarmed before the Don,
Amabel and the others; and his eyes fairly glit-
tered with hatred as he turned them upon the
strnn er, who bowed and said politely:

“ e senor shall find the ready to meet him
again at any and all times." '

Don Gonzalvo now guickly stepped forward,
and, extending his ban , said:

“ Senor, permit me to. offer my heartfelt grat-
itude for the lives of my daughter, my compan-
ions and myself, for your gallant rescue has
saved us from death. , ,

“ I am Don Maceo Gouzalvo, a coast planter
ot Mexico, and this is my daughter, theSunorita
Annabel, while it would give me pleasure to re- , /
sent my guest, Captain Luis Rosa], of the ext.
can navy. only he seems to have some quarrel
against you." , V

“ Only, senor. from the fact that I would not
allow him to fire upon a flying foe, pirates
though they be,” said the stranger, bowing low
before Amabel.

“They deserve no mercy, senor; but I com-
mend your kindness of heart in not wishingto
strike a fallen foe. May I ask who it is I have
the honor of owing our rescue to?” " , ,

" I am Achille Murtagh, senor, an American
by birth, but a captain in the Cartagenian navy,
and very happdv at having served Don Gonulvo
and his fair aughter,” and the young oficer, ,
beat his gaze upon Amabel, ‘while she blushed
and looked down, as she bowed in acknowledg~ r
meat of his remark. v ‘ ' ;~

      
   
      
       
   
       
 

 

      
       
   
       
       
         
   

  

I

   

’ 6

f‘ had very nearly entered a nest of pirates.
as they did not see me, T quietly waited for

‘ said

 

 
 

‘

CHAPTER V.
* BIVALS.

WHILE Don Gonznlvo was profuse in the ex—
pression of his gratitude to the Cu-rtagvnian
officer, Captain Luis Rosal had walked unwilin
to the stern of the vessel, and Ainubel managed
to lance slyly at her preserver.

git; form was erect, tall, and his hearing was
haughty, while his step was firm and confident,
as of one conscious of his own power. v

He was dressed in a black uniform, trimmed
with silver lace, and it fitted his fine form to
perfection.

He wore top-boots, ornamented with silver
bullion tassels in front, and gauntlet gloves
shielded his hand, which, like his feet, were small

I and shapel .

About his slender waist was asnsh of silver
thread. and in it were a pair of pistols, and sus‘
pended by a gold chain, from a belt beneath, was
a serviceable sword, though he carried a. heavy

,cutlass in’his hanrl,

His head was sheltered by a soft sombrero,
embroidered in silver thread, and ornamented
with a. jet-black plume of great richnese.

But his face was what most riveted the gnz i of
Amnbel Gonzslvo. for its manly beauty was such
that an artist would have raved about it.

Still it was a stern face, and the impress of
sorrow seemed indelibly stamped upon the lips,
and to haunt the dark eyes.

He wore no beard, and seemed thereby young-
er than he really was; but he was one to fear, as
well as love, and his men seemed to stand in re-
spectful awe of'a look from his penetrating eyes,
and were already looking after the dead and
wounded without any orders from him, as
though they Well understood what he expected
of them.

It Amabel Gonzalvo was impressed with the
appearance of the man who had so duringly come

.to their rescue, he, too, seemed deeply so with

her, and his manner, in addressing her was most
courtly and gentle.

“Lady,” he said, in his deep, rich voice, “ I
ran into a lagoon a league from here two nights
ago. to repair my vessel, and discovered thiiit I

ut

night to run out, when one of my lookouts re-
ported your vessel becalmed off the coast, and
another brought word that the Lagoon Pirates
were preparing to go out and attack you. With
my glass I saw that the carreru had a. fair pus-
senger on board, yourself, lady, and I deter-
mined that you should never fall into the hands
of such merciless villains as I knew the Lagoon
Outlaws to he, so I took my long~hoe.t, with
twenty men, and, with muffled oars, followed in
the wake of the pirates, and Heaven be praised

that I did “so.”

Such was the story of the handsome young son
captain, and to it Amabel listened as did her
father, with the deepest interest, while the latter

“You will certainlyhe our

Senor Captain Murtagh?"
“I thunk. you, Don Gonzalvo, but I haven

guest tonight,

i ‘  ship to look after, and those huccaneers
W

'ook my vessel up without a doubt, so that

‘youwill pox-don me tor declining, while, with the

(The Sea. Cut 3 Prize.

 

rising of the moon you will get a breeze and can '
go a on your way.”

“ hen may we not expect some time to have
the honor of a visit from you, as you doubtless
often cruise along the Mexican shores, and my
home is just twenty leagues north of here?”

“ I will give myself the pleasure of looking in
upon you, senor— Ha! those Lagoon Pirates are
after my vessel, and I must bid you a hasty
farewell.

“ Senorita, we shall meet again.

“ Don Gonzalvo, adios,” and raisin his som-
brero the young officer walked rapid 3' toward
the stern of the current, where his boat Was
made fast. ,.

“ Ho, men, to your, boat, for there is work at
the schooner for us!” run out his voice, and,
seeing Captain Luis Rosa near, he politely sa-
luted, and said:

“ Senor Captain, we will again meet, perhaps
on sea, maybe on shore; but when and where I
am at your service” ,

“ Yes, Sir Cnrtagenian, we shall meet a sin,”
was the angry retort, and with a light §augh
Cnptuin Murtagh sprung over the tuflrail into
his boat, and the crew sent it landward through
the darkness, at a speed that told that they
knew the necessity of their presence at their ves-
sel, for, from the inlet where they had left her,
come the sounds of fierce combat.

“0h, father! what a superb-looking man he
is, and now he has gone to aguin rush into dan-
ger,” cried Amalie], when Cuptniu Murtagh had
deported, and she clasped her little hands in real _
distress, as she peered into the darkness, trying
to keep his receding boat in view. I

" Yes, Amabel, he is a splendid-looking fol-
low, and we owe everything to him; but I re-
gret cxceedin ly that he should have had a quar-
rel with Rosa . “ It was Captain Rosella fault,
evidently, and his overbearin manner caused
him to attack a man to ‘whom e oWed his life, '
ancl who proved his master.” ' ’

“’Sh! Mabelle, you must not speak thus of
one who is be your. husband," said the Don.
1‘9 roachfully. '

“Alas that it is so,” answered Amahel, and
slieivvnlked aft and leaned over the taflrail. still
trying to catchaSI ht of the young seaman’s
bout, ‘While DOD. onznlvo set to work, with
Unptmn Rosal‘s aid, to look after thewounded
and Zlve the dead a hasty burial in the sea. .

“_Oh, my mistress, is not that young Cart-a~
geninu a man to win a girl’s heart?” whispered
T121, coming and j( ining her mistress, as she
leaned over the bulwarks, ,

f‘ Indeed, he is, Tizi, and already has he won
mine. v

“ But vou‘are betrothed to the senor—" ., ,

“Hush, Tizi. 1 know that I am'bound to's.
man I do not love, and that I have this night
met the. only one who could win my whole
henrt, with all its idolatrous worshi for the
being: upon whom I set my affections; u’t hark!
heard you not that ringing cry? It is his voice,
and he has reached his vesselehal and the
pirntes fly, for listen to the cheers!" 1

The cries of triumphant combatants now dilk ‘ 1'

ti nctly reached the ears of those on the camera’s .1

decks. and the sounds of battle ceased. _ g
“The combat is ended, Tizi;  the 

  

s",

 

   
   
   
   
    
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  

Aoij—a ,..u

    
    
     
    
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
    
   
   
    
    
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
    
   
    
     
    

The Sea. Cat’s Prize. '

 

'7

 

Mother grant that no harm befall him. See! is
not that a ship on fire at sea?” and Amabel
pointed to alight far across the waters where
sea and skies met.

“ That is the moon rising, Senorita. Gonzalvo,"
said Captain Rosal, approaching her.

“ Yes, I see it now, senor; it is very beautiful,
rising as it does from out the sea, and it brings
a breeze with it, too, as Captain Murtagh said
it would.”

“ Captain Murtagh I” sneered the young
Mexican, and he added:

“Is the Cartagenian rover your oracle, sen-
orita'!” '

" His words have come true, senor, and I
would trust him under all circumstances; but
why do you call him a rover?”

‘ Well, the Cartageuian cruisers are little bet—
ter than pirates, and several of the captains of
their navy have turned buccaneer as did this
arch-outlaw, Lafitte.”

“ The same charge is also made against officers
of our Mexican navy, Captain Rosal,” was the
quick retort.

“ True, and those who have been taken, after
becoming outlaws, have been promptly hanged
at the yard-arm, and if a few of those Curta-
genians are captured and treated in the same
way, it will teach others a lesson, and lwill,
when next I sail, have a look at the papers of
those I meet.”

“I warn you, after {Eur experience to—night
at the hand of Captain urtagh, not to attempt
to call him to account as a rover,” said Amabel,
almost wickedly.

At her words Captain Rosa] became livid, and
he fairly trembled with suppressed emotion,
While he said through his shut teeth:

“ The Senorita Gonzalvo seems to have such a
high regard for this Cartageuian rover, that I
feel almost like looking upon him as my rival for
her love.”

“_I should feel honored, Captain Basal, could
I Win the love of such a ‘man as he who saved
this camera to-night, and should we meet again,
and he regard me with favor, then indeed may
you look upon him as your rival, and a danger-
ous one too.”

A curse was crushed between the teeth of
Louis Rosa], as he turned away, muttering:

“ By the Land of the Montezumas, but , she
loves that man already, and there is but one
way to end this, and that is to kill this Carta-
genian, and I will hunt him dowu, for 1 allow
no rivalry for the hand of Amabel Gonzalvo,
for she is mine 1”

CHAPTER VI.

THE MYSTERIOUS SCEIOONER.

WITH the coming of the wind, the cam-era. got
under way, bending gracefullyto the breeze, and
gliding along at a Swift pace. '

Don Gonzalvo had urged his daughter to go
below, and then he tried to put the craft to
rights.

_The scene of beauty on the deck, when the
little vessel lay so peacefully at anchor, was
sadly changed, for the easy—chairs had been
broken, the little tables and divan smashed tn
atoms, the guitar had been brought into use 2151'

r

 

club and the rugs were saturated with the blood
of friend and foe alike.

Forward lay a ghastly pile of humanity,
awaiting the departure of Amabel from the
deck to be thrown into the sea, and in the fore-
castle were a score of wounded men, Chico, who
was skilled in surgery and medicine, dress-in
their wounds as best he could, wholly forgetfu
of his own condition.

Don Gonzalvo went here and there, attending
to everything, while Captain Rosa], moody and
savage, devoted himself to having the dead
thrown into the sea, as though such duty chimed
in best with his mood.

“ Sail hol”

It was Chico that gave the cry, for, looking
up from his work, his eyes had fallen suddenly
upon a sail creeping along shore, and slightly
ahead of the cawera.

Instantly every eye was upon the strange sail,
while Captain Rosa], leveling hisglass, said after
a moment’s scrutiny:

“Don Gonzalvo, we are not done with the
Lagoon Pirates yet, for that is one of their
vessels, I feel confident.”

“ Well, we will have to run for it, Rosal.

“ It is doubtless the same fellow who attacked
us, and came ofi in his boats, as there was no
wind to bring him in his vessel. After being
beaten ofl’? by that young Cartagenian, he tried
to seize his vessel, and, again defeated, he re—
turned to his own craft, determined to catch us
anyhow, and only wants to get d0wn the coast
as far as pussible, out of hearing of the cruiser."

“You are doubtless right, Don Gonzalvo, in
your surmise, and he will come up with us at
the oiut below, unless we change our course.”

“ 6 will change it, and at once, and head
right back to the protection of the Cartagenian.”

“ No, no, sir, I would not advise that,” hasti-
ly protested Captain Rosa], who could not bear
the thought of Amabel again meeting the man
he now looked upon as a rival. “ We can run
right out to sea, senor, and the Lady of the Gulf
is too fast for any craft to catch her in this
breeze.”

“ I would much prefer to return to the pro—
tection of the Cartagenian, for I dislike to take
any chances, Rosal, and fleet as the Lady of the
Gulf certainly is, yonder craft is really forging
ahead of her. Ho, Chico l” '

“ Yes, senor,” and the
preached.

“ Chico, I am confident that this craft in
chase of us is the very pirate whom we drove
oif, and he is trying to again attempt our cap-
ture, so I will run back to the protection of the
Cartagenian cruiser.”

“ Yes, senor.”

“ Sail ho!” shouted Captain Lui-.~ Rosal in a
voice that fairly rung 'with joy.

“By Neptune! but she heads us off, and we

young peou ap-

-have to run to sea!” cried Don Gonzalvo, as be

discerned the new sail astern of them, though a
long distance oflf. “ Chico, we will stand straight
outto sea, and see if the Lady of the Gulf can
not drop her disagreeable company,” and thou h
hopeful, Don Gonzalvo ‘ looked anxious, t a
cloud upon his brow deepening as Amabel sud-
manly appeared on deck. accompanied by her
1' metal maid.

 

    

1

8 The Sea. Cat’s Prize.

“ Father, thereis still danger threatening us,”
she said, as she saw the car-Tera headed sea—
ward. . .

“ There is a strange sail inshore which we Wish
to avoid, my child, to he on the safe side.”

“As she was heading us off, father, why not
run back to the protection of the Cartugcnian i”

“ Well, Amalie], such was my intention, un—
til I saw that we had another strange sail astcru
of us,” answered the Don, who now saw that he
could hide nothing from his daughter.

“Your glass, please, Captain Rosal,” and the
young Mexican placed it in her hand.

After a long look through it at both vessels,
Amabel said slowly:

“ Father, I have seen that vessel inshore often,
when it has gone by our coast, at times when
I have been riding along the shore, and I re
member that one of our peon fishermen said it
was a Lagoon Pirate.

“ That craft astern is an American schooner,
such as the Gulf Pirates have, and I think we
have cause to dread both.”

“Such was my opinion, Amabel, and we will
therefore have to depend upon the speed of the
Lady of the Gulf. See, the fellow inshore has
changed his course, too, and is now in pursuit.”

“Yes, Don Macco, and he is a latceu—rig, and
evidently a Lagoon Pirate, for, now that he
comes out from under the shadow of the shore,
I can see him distinctly,” said Captain Luis
Rosa].

“ The schooner still holds in along the coast,"
remarked Amabel.

The carrera was soon put under full sail, and
all watched most anxiously her flight, and
whether the Iateen—rig astern was gaining upon

er.

A half-hour's chase proved conclusively that
the pirate was gaining at a slapping pace, and
every face in the Lady of the Gulf looked blue.

Putting her glass again to her eyes, Amabol
bent her gaze upon the American schooner,
which, after a while, she discovered directly in
the wake of the Lagoon Pirate.

“Oh, father] that mysterious schooner is fol-
lowing the pirate now ]" she cried.

“ Yes, and is gaining on him as rapidly as he
on us," said the Don.

" And doubtless they are in league together,
as the pirate seems to show no dread of the
schooner,” came with a sigh from the lips of the
maiden, which low as was the utterance it
reached the ears of Luis Rosa], who hissed
forth:

“Rather than that she should be saved by
that man a second time, I would sooner see her
the captive of the Lagoon Pirates.

“ Oh, but I will track that Cartagenian to the
death, if ever I escape from the danger now
threatening!”

And Captain Rosa] walked forward among
the crew, for he dared not trust himself to re—
main near Amabel and the Don until he had
gained control over his revengeful emotions,
which completely mastered him.

CHAPTER VII.
A DOUBLE SURPRISE.
THE moon, though on the wane, shone bright—
ly, and its silvery light, reflected upon the white

 

/

 

sails of the three vessels, rendered the scene a
pretty as well as an exciting one.

The little carrera was fairly staggering under
the canvas she carried, for the wind was moo
mentorin increasing, and the wavcs'were be-
ginning to be rough enough to tell against her
small hull.

The lateen-rig astern was much larger,-and
also under a cloud of canvas forged through the
waters at aswift pace and one that began to
tell, for she was gaining rapidly, and not the
distance of a mile now intervened between her
and the chase.

Her decks, the glasses revealed. were swarm-
ing with men, and beyond all doubt she was one
of the craft known as the Lagoon Pirates, and
the very one whose crew had attacked the car-
reru in the early part of the evening.

Astern of the pirate, and with the same dis-
tance dividing her from him as was now be-
tween the two vessels uhead, came the American
schooner.

Her hull was low in the water, while her
masts aroso to a great height, and she spread a
vast amount of canvas and stood up well under
the pressure upon her.

By watching her closely with her glass, Mabel
saw that she was gaining even more rapidly
upon the lat<-en-rig,thnn was the letter 11 on
the carrera, and she so reported to her fat er
and Captain Rosa], who just then walked aft,
having smothered his angry feelings, at least
outwardly. (

“Yes, those are two remarkably fast Vessels
in chase of us," said the captain.

“ They are, indeed, to pick up the little Gulf
Lad , as they are doing,” rejoined the Don.

“ ou think that they are both in chase of us
then, father?”

“Yes, Amabel, for what else can they be
doing?”

“That they are in league is shown by the
lateon-rig taking no notice of the schooner so
close in his Wake, and I know that the Lagoon
Pirates have half a dozen good vessels in their
fleet, several of which are American schooners
they have captured or bought," said Captain
Rosa].

“ And it is a. shame that our Government does
not put an end to this Lagoon League, which is
becoming most powerful indeed, and whose
haunts extend from the Sabine to Campeche,”
indignantly said Don Gonzalvo.

“ My dear Don, let me make known to you,
and to the Senorita Amahel, a secret.

“The GoVernment has, at my suggestion,
taken a stand in the matter, and my new vessel,
thehrig—qf-war Patrol, is destined for service
against thls Lagoon League of Pirates, my cruis-
mg—ground being from the mouth of the Sabine
to Campeche and back.”

“ Indeed] I am delighted to know this, for of
late we dwellers near the coast, Captain Rosa],
have been in dread of visits from these Lagoon
Pirates, and now that you are to hunt them, I
feel confident that they will be forced to seek
haunts elsewhere than along the Mexican
shores."

“Thank you, Don Gonzalvo, for your good
Opinion of me, and let me say that this secret I
have not before divulged, and wish it to remain

I
r ]

 

   

 

 

 

 

The Sea; Cat’s Prize.

  

 

unknown still to others. When I urged that the
senorita should become my wife on the first of
next month, this was my motive, as I have to

’ sail on the tenth on my mission. You were kind

enough to set the day, and ask me to accompany
you to Vera Cruz, to make the purchases which
the senorita desired, and I sincerely hope our
little voyage will not prove one of sorrow to
us all.”

“Captain Rosal,” said Amabel earnestly, “ I
thank you for your confidence, and I wish you
success in your expedition against the Lagoon
League of Pirates; but, let me now say that I
have decided to postpone our nuptials for the
present, as I prefer to wait until after you have
successfully carried out your orders from the
Government.”

Captain Rosa] turned white, but remained
silent, while Don Gonzalvo said quickly:

“ But, Amalie], my child, all preparations for
the wedding have been made, and—”

“ Father, tonight we barely escaped a fearful
fate, and now upon our wake hang two foes,
pursuing us to the death, and I care not to
speak of anticipated joy as a bride, with a. cruel
end staring us in the face. If we escape, I shall
do penance for one month in thankfnlness, as I
have vowed to do, and hence, I shall postpone
my weddingvduy indefinitely.”

“But, lady. remember that I have to sail
upon my perilous duty, and—77

“Captain Rosa], when you have executed

our duty, return to me, and then you shall
know my answer; but for the present I will say
no more than that I_ do penance for one month
if we escape this night from yonder pirates.”

“ Heaven knows, my child, 1 would willingly
bind myself to do penance too, should we
escape; but alas! it seems as if we must prepare
to meet the worst, for they gain most rapidly
upon us,” said the Don sadly.

“Yes, and we are powerless to resist; but,
Senorita Amalie], I will sacrifice my life in de—
fending you, that you may see how true is my
devotion to you."

“ I thank you, Captain Rosa], for your
bravery in my behalf, and am glad to know
that in protecting me you are defending your
own life too; but see, was that not a flash on
board the pirate?”

"Yes, it is a torch, and they intend to open
fire upon us, and their aim will be good I fear,
as day is breaking,” the Don remarked.

The skies were now growing gray overhead,
while in the east a rosy light, the forerunner of
the rising sun, was visible.

A few moments of suspense now followed.
and then came a red glare from the bows of the
pirate nearest astern, And immediately after
followed the roar ofa heavy gun, and a solid
shot flew over the camera’s decks.

But the Don gave no order to come to, and
Chico, who held the helm, kept the craft un—
swervingly upon her course.

As the daylight made things more distinct;7
the little vessel presented ascene that demon—
strated clearly what a fiery ordeal she" had
passed through. ‘

The decks were still blood-stained, here and
there the planking and bulwarks were cut by

bullets, the masts bore the same marks, the

 

sails were cut in several places, and the faces of
all were white and haggard.

A few moments of suspense, and thena. second
shot was fired, and with such precision that the
howsprit was shattered to atoms and a peon
was killed.

“With the howsprit gone the carrera broached
to and lost headway, and all felt that the bit-
ter end had come, until a cry from Chico
caused every eye to turn upon their foes.

The American schooner had, meanwhile,
changed her course, from following directly in
the wake of the lateen-rig, running off on
the starboard tack, until she gained a point
where she would not have the carrera in range
of her guns, and then suddenly a sheet of flame
burst from her broadside, and half a dozen guns
sent their iron rain upon the lateen-rig craft.

The effect was disastrous, for the pirate was
seen, by all on board the carrera, to be severely
hurt, while the peous burst forth in a cheer,
and Don Gonzalvo shouted:

“ He is not a pirate at all, but our friend!"

“Father, he flies the Oartagenu flag I” cried
Amabel excitedly, and her words brought an
oath from the lips of Captain Luis Rosa],
while again he muttered:

“ A second time does she owe her life to that
man. My duty is plain, and the sooner I am at
sea in my brig the better.” 5

In the mean time, while the peon crew sprung
to repair the damage to tho carrera the pirate
was seen to be recovering from its shock and
surprise, and preparing to meet the American
schooner which was hearing down upon him, its
men at their guns.

“Can it be possible that the pirates had not
discovered the Cartsgenian in their wake?"
asked the Don.

“ So it would seem, senor, for they were doubt-
less so taken up with chasing us, as not to have
sighted her in chase; but I observe that the
Cartagena rover has fewer men than are on the
pirate, so with your permission I will take a
dozen of your good peons andgo to his aid."

“ That is generous of you, Rosa]; but I almost
fear to leave the craft so short-handed, and we
must get a new bowsprit rig ed, while that
young captain can take care pf imself—seel he
signals us!"

Chico read the signals aloud:

“ Rig a new bowsprit with all haste and fly.
for that craft is the flagship of the La oon
League, under El Moro, the pirate chief im-
self."

“ That Captain Murtagh is a noble fellow,
Rosa], for the pirate outn'umbers him in men
and guns, and his vessel is much larger, too,
It seems wrong to fun off and leave him to
fight for us, but what are we to do, for With my
seventeen peons. and half of those wounded, I
can do nothing,” said Don Gonzalvo anxiously.

“ Senor. permit me to have eight of your men,
in a small boat, and you continue your flight in
the carrera with the remainder of your crew,
for the Senorita Amabells safety must not
again risked, and I assure you our little‘ boat’s
crew win he of great aid to the Cartagenian."

“ You are very kind, Captain Rosa], but when
the bowsprit is rigged, I will retire to the cabin,
and we can aid Captain Murtagh With our guns,

 

 

    

10 The Sea. Cat’s Prize.

by running closer, for I will not consent to your
doing so foolhardy a thing as trying to reach the
schooner in a small boat,’ said Amabel firmly.

“ By the Mexican Sunl but I almost believe
she read my purpose, to board the schooner and
see that her captain did not come out of this ac-
tion alive, and pray Heaven he does not as it isl”
muttered Captain Renal, whose mad jealousy
had completely changed his nature from a high-
toned man of honor to a level with the com-
mon assassin.

In the mean time the schooner was standing '

down toward the pirate, who had his guns cleared
for action, and both vessels were taking in their
extra. canvas and preparing for a conflict which
each seemed to know would be a bitter one.

CHAPTER VIII.
RUNNING INTO A TRAP.

KNOWING that their lives depended upon their
work, the peon crew lost no time in rigging a
bowsprit and repairing the damage done by the
well-aimed shot of the pirate.

So rapidly did they work, under the direction
of Chico, that the action between the two vessels
had hardly begun, when the carrera was ready
to be put on her course again.

The Cartagenian had his men at their guns,
a band of boarders ready amidships, and though
short-handed, was moving down upon the pirate
with evident intent of coming to close quarters.

His guns were manned with rfect coolness,
fired as regularly as though sa uting, and, with
a cigar between his teeth Captain Murtagh
stood upon his quarter-deck, a boarding helmet
upon his head, and a belt of arms about his
waist. 4

This much Amabel saw, as she gazed through
her glass, and more, she could not but admire
the calm consciousness of victory, that the
young captain wore in the presence of a dcsper-
ate foe.

Then she turned her glass upon the pirate.

She saw that he carried sixteen guns, six more
than did the schooner, and that his decksfshowed
more than a hundred men visible, and a. wild,
hard-looking lot they were, with their red skull-
caps, and stripped to the waist for their red
wo w
aken by surprise as the pirates were, and
checked in their pursuit of the carrera, and a
second time thwarted by the captain of the
cruiser, it was very evident that they meant to
take a sweet revenge upon the schooner’s crew,
after which they oped to overhaul the little
craft of Don Gonzalvo, which they evidently
knew, and were aware that it would prove a
valuable prize for them.

Upon the quarter-deck of the outlaw craft,
Amabel beheld the famous Corsair Commodore
01! the Lagoon League Pirate Fleet, and one
whose name was a terror along the whole Gulf
shores.

She saw a tall man, with broad shoulders, a
long black beard, and hair worn in wavy masses
—in fact, the very same leader who had board-
ed the current the night before!

A splendid looking man he was, and his vessel
was certainly a beautiful one, from bull to
truck, but somehow Amabel seemed to prefer
togaze upon the schooner, and her young com<

mander, while her lips murmured a prayer for
his safety.

“See, father, the Cartagena cruiser signals
again,” she cried.

Again Chico was called upon to read the sig-
nals. and said:

“ He signals that you must fly, as if the fire of
the pirate cripples him, he will leave him and go
right on in chase of the car'rera, senor.”

“Signal back that we will attack the pirate,
too,” said the Don.

Chico quickly obeyed, and back came the an-
swer:

“ You have no right to risk your daughter’s
safety. Do as I tell you, for El More is merci-
less to men and women alike, and it we meet
death, it is but the fate of those who go to sea to
battle.”

“ That is the answer of a noble man, Rosa],
and 1 will do as he says: but first, I will double-
shot the guns with grape, bear down as near as
I dare and give it to him, for it will at l-«ast
thin out his crew,” and Don Gonzalvo ordered
Chico to head the carrera on a course that
would approach the pirate in such a Way that
he would not be able to fire on them, without
endangering himself from a. broadside from the
schooner.

The pirate crew showed some excitement, as
could be plainly seen, when they beheld the
car-rem, instead of flying, apparently coming
down to join the cruiser in the attack upon
them, while Captain Murtagh hastily signaled
again to urge Don Gonzalvo to flight.

“ You, senorita, must go into the cabin,”
urged Captain Rosal, as he started forward to
personally supervise the loading of the guns.

“ I shall remain here, Captain Rosa], and take
the same risks that my father, and those who
are defending me do,” was the answer of Ama-
bel, and the Mexican officer noticed that she did
not mention him by name, but classed him
among her other defenders.

Don Gonzalvo then begged his daughter to re-
tire to the cabin with Tim, but Amabel was firm
in her resolve to remain, and seeing that he
could not move her he desisted sadly, and sought
21 st where he could he of service.

he battle was now raging fiercely between
the pirate and the cruiser, and Amahel was
watching it with more interest than she was
bestowing upon the movements of the carrera,
and the actions of those upon her deck.

She saw the tall form of Captain Murtagh,
calm and fearless in mien, giving his orders to
his crew, and upon the pirate was El More, the
corsair commodore, issuing commands in thun-
dering tones to his gunners. .

“ Sink that accursed carrera!” she heard him
yell to his men, and the bows of the pirate were
wearing around to give the little vessel a broad—
side when, nick as though on a pivot, the
schooner lu ed sharp, and the broadside she
poured upon the outlaw was so terrible that it
took all idea of the current out of the minds of
her crew.

Going about, the schooner gave the pirate
another broadside, and then, In the midst of the
death and confusion it caused, Captain Rosa]
called out;

“ Peons, fire 1”

 

  

  
   
  

 

s‘
a

.fi
 /

 

 

  
 

   

    
 

   

 

the regularity of minute guns.

The Sea. Cat's Prize.

1; "

 

The cowera reeled under the disclarge of her

light battery, double-shotted as mere the guns,

and, well aimed, the grape Went tearing across

, the decks of the Hints.

“ Now, let her XLChico I" cried Don GonZalvo,
and. under all the soil that could becrowded upon
her, the fleet little craft darted away in flight,
haying dealt her blow, and done her worst
against her cruel foe.

“ By the stars of night, behold how that superb
fellow goes into action!

“Hark! how his guns roar, and see how he
handles his splendid schooner!” cried Don Gon-
zalvo, lost in admiration at the manner in which
Ca thin Murtagh fought his cruiser.

nvolunterily Captain Rosa] responded:

“Yes, I never saw a vessel so well handled,
or a cooler crew in action, but for all, the
pirate will be the victor, fer the Curtageninn is
no match for him."

" You are mistakeanénor Captain, for be-
hold! the pirate flies !" cried Amabcl excitedly.

“ By the dogs of war! you are right, Senorita
Gonzalvo,” shouted Captain Rosul in a burst
of enthusiasm, and then added, as he saw that
his rival was driving the pirate:

“ The buccaneer h some motive for this,
and will lead the Cartogenian into a trap.”

“I sincerely trust, not. He, Chico, can we
not fire a . gun to attract the attention of the
cruiser, and then signal for him to give up the
chase, as the pirate is playing a trick to entrap
him?” called out Don Gonzalvo.

“ I can fire the gun, Senor Master, and signal,
but that young captain does not seem the men to
give up," answered Chico. ~ \.

“ Try him, at any rate.”

The gun was fired, and Chico signaled:

“ Don Gonzulvo bags you to give up the chase,
as the pirate is leading you into n trap, for he
doubtless has- vessels hiding inshore.”

Back came the signal:

“ Thanks to Gonzalvo; but I shall I run El
More to his luir, and that the carrera. will
continue her flight, as know that there are
other vessels of the Lagoon League in hiding on
the coast."

Chico read the return signal, and Amabel
turned away, while the tears come into her
beautiful eyes.

Captain Rosal saw the chap 6 that came upon“

her face, and gritted his teeth n silent rage.

ll eyes now turned upon the flying pirate
and the pursuing schooner, and watched the hot
fire kept up, between them, the former from her
556?“ (runs, the letter from her bow-chassis, un-
til they founded a point of land and disappeared

I y from view.

But a few moments after their disappearance
hot and furious became the firing, and Captain
Rosal’e face bri htened as he said:

“The irate as led that reckless fool into a
bra , as suspected, and he has now to fight the
out aw fleet, and his doom is certain I”

-—-.—J_

CHAPTER IX.
THE THREE PIRATES.
Wm the Curse enian cruiser started in chase

', of the pirate, the utter vessel kept up u sullen

fire upon her pursuer, which was returnedfiwith

 

What motive had prompted the flight of the
outlaw the young captain of the schooner seemed
to understand, for he turned to one who stood by
his side, and said quietly: _

“ El Moro menus to lead me into a trap; but
be little dreams how I can get out of it.”

“ They are signaling, senor, from the current,”
said a sub-officer, npprouching. -

“All, yrs,” and Captain Murtugh turned his
face upon the flying craft, while he continued:

“They uarn me of the very danger that I
just referred to, Seawm1'."

“ The trap, senor?”

“ Yes,” and the young captain ordered the
answer returned, which the reader has already
heard road by Chico the peon.

“ If there are other vessels on the coast, senor,
how can we escape them?” asked the one ado
drvssed as Seuwaif.

“ That you shall soon know, Seawaif; and
more, you shall be the one to represent me in an
interview with Chief El Moro.”

“You mean to have an interview with
senor?”

“ 1 mean that you shall, my lad. Ho, there at
those guns!”

“ Ay, ay, sir!”

“Fire over the pirate and not to hit him,”
was the surprisi n g order. ‘

“ Ay, ay, sir.”

“ Seawaif, you observe that he does not fireto
hurt us?" , v

“ Yes, senor, or he fires wretchedly bad.”

“It is became he wants this schooner, and
does not wish to hurm her in the least, if he can
avoid doing so. Now in yonder inlet, behind
that heavy timber, El Moro has Several vessels
lying hidden uithnut doubt, but he shapes his
course to run by the entrance to the little bar-
bor, while, it I follow, out of their hiding-place
will dnrt his other cruisers, and he Will have us
in a tight place.” '

“ And yet you follow him, senor?” ,

“ Certainly, my led, and you shall see that I
can handle the famous corsair commodore by
proxy, for, as 1 said, you shall beard the lion in
his den,” and Captain Murtegh left lbe deck
and descended to .his cnbin, after having tokens.
glance at the fur-awn y current in her flight. ’ ,

The‘_ one whom he had called Seawaif was a
mere lad of fourteen, and yet he wore the uni-
form of a. junior officer.

He was u handsome youth, with curling-black

him,

'hair falling upon his shoulders, large earnest,

decrvlikc eyes, and features of great regularity,
and yetetamped with a strength and expression
far beyond his years.

He was well formed and grown to:- hjs egg;
there was ficthing awkward about him, and e
wore at his side a sword which he know well
how to handle.

Although there were two lieutenants his
superiors on board, on account of his being the
right~hund of the captain; as he was called, he
was looked upon as next to the commander by
the crew, while his influence with Captain Mur-
taa'h was unbounded. ' '

Watching the Wooded point attentively with
his glass, as the schooner sped along, Seawaif
1cui‘iught sight of a signal fluttering among the

  

  

   

12

The Sea. Cat‘s Prize.

 

Instantly turning his glass upon the irate, he

saw that signals were being display by her,
but in such a. way that the sail kept them con-
cealed from those on the schooner.

Descendin into the cabin, he at once reported
to Ca tain urtagh what he had discovered.

“ on have good eyes, Seawaif, and will some
day makea great sailor, for I’ll guarantee no
one else on the schooner saw what you did; but
it is just what I expected, and as soon as we
shoot past the entrance to the inlet, you will see
one or more vessels run out in our wake, and
thus get us into a line between them and El
Moro, so as to compel our surrender. Now go
on deck again, and when you see the other ves—
sels run out, call to me.”

Seawaif departed, and he kept his eyes fixed
11 n the shore, but saw nothing more to excite
his suspicious of foul play.

Then he searched the line for a break, and soon
discovered it.

“ There is the inlet the chief says leads into a.
little harbor,” he s Lid; and still keeping his eyes
upon it, he saw suddenly shoot into view, as
though it came out of the green woodland itself,
the long bowsprit of a vessel.

A moment after and a lateenvrigged craft,
with her guns run out and her crew at quarters,
was visible, while just astern of her, coming out
of the inlet was a second vessel, and either of
them was the superior in size of the schooner.

As he hastily called Captain Murtugh, the
pirate they were in chase of suddenly put about,
and the cruiser was thus thrown between time
foes, and as the three vessels opened ahenvy fire
upon them, the crew looked gloomily at their
comm inder as he just then came on deck.

But upon his bun lsome, fearless face there
was no suadow of anxiety, and he calmly looked
about him and beheld the trap into which El
Moro had led him, and quickly noted the fact
that though he was under a cross-fire, none or
the vessels seemed anxious to do him harm, as
their shots were flying wide.

CHAPTER X.
THE SECRET SIGNET.

WHEN Captain Mnrtagh came on deck, he
carried a roll of somethino‘ under his arm.

Taking his glass. he loo ed at the vessel of El
Moro a moment, then turned his gaze upon the
other two craft.

“ They are not going to harm us, for all their
firing, but carry us by boarding, for, as I said,
they wish this schooner,” was Captain Murtagh’s

uiet remark to Seawaif, after he had taken in
t e situation.

The vessel of El Moro was now about three
quarters of a mile away, and heading on a
course to cross the schooner’s bow. Besides her
men at quarters, gathered in a group amidships,
were a large number of boarders, while El Moro
was seen standing on the quarter-deck, looking
upon the situation of aifairs with evident satis-
“’ faction.

At the fore of the fiirate was a small blue flag,

I with a pair of red ands clasped in the center,

‘while at the point of the huge lateen mainsail

fluttered the black flag of the pirate, with the
skull and cross-bones.

The other two vessels were also lam-rigged,

 

 

carrying the same flags, and their crews were
manning the guns, while others were grouped
for boarding, though they did not have as heavy
an armament as the craft of El More, nor so
many men.

One of these had headed so as to get to wind-
ward of the schooner, and upon her port
quarters.

The other had shaped her course so as to bring
her upon the starboard quarter, and thus the fire
of the three, when they opened upon the cruiser,
did not damage each other.

The men on the schooner eyed their young
captain fixedly, wondering; what he would do
against such odds; but they did not look as
though they meant to flinch from the work be-
fore them.

“ Here, Seawaif, haul down the flag of Carts.-
gena, and run this up in its stead,” ordered Cap—
tain Murtagh, giving the boy a roll of hunting.

Seawaif at once drew ému the flag from the
peak, and as he did so, Captain Murtagh called
out to one of his lieutenants: '

” Senor Salvator, lay the schooner to, as the
flag goes up, and let fall my boat to board you-
der craft.”

“ Ay, ay, air; but you surely do not intend to
surrender—”

“ Do as I tell you, Senor Salvator," was the
stern rejoinded, of the young captain. At that
moment the flag was hauled up to the peak by
Seawaif, and, shaken loose, it revealed a large
blue field, with red clasped hands in the center—
the same as the small flag at the fare of the
pirate vessels.

Instantly the pirates ceased firing, and up into
the wind then swept the schooner, and calling to
Seawaif to follow him, Captain Murtagh entered
his cabin.

In a few moments the youth came out, went
over the side into the waiting boat, and was
pulled rapidly away toward the vessel of El
Moro, which still stood on t0ward the schooner,
the pirates, one and all, seemingly greatly
amazed at the action of the cruiser.

Seeing the bout approaching, El Moro rapidly
signaled his other vessels, and the three at once
lay to, and all eyes were turned upon the gig
in the sternof which sat little Seawait, behind

'him fluttlring‘ a small flag like the larger one
the cruiser had displayed. ,

As Seawaif drew near the pirate craft, he
saw that she was stancth built, with good

‘lines, and points that proved her afine rough-

weather boat, as well as a fast one.

She was broad amidships, and she seemed to
draw little water, in comparison with the
schooner, though she was sixty tons heavier.

Her canvas was well set, and all about her
was ship-shape, excepting that her crew dressed
to please themselves, represented a dozen nation-
alities, and were as evil a looking set of cut-
throats as could be gotten together.

The guns were bright, as were the small-arms,
and seemed to have been often used,

“ Boat ahoyl" came in the slentorian tones of
the chief, as the gig drew near.

“ Ahoy the Devastation l" was
Seawaif‘s shrill, clear voice.

“ What bout is that?” .

“ The Crimson Hands I” was the answer,

the answer, in

MIN to dusk

   

(t 
when 

chief (

  
   
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

     

    
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   
  
 
  
   

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
    
   
  
 

The Sea. Cat’s Prize.

18

 

 

“Ay, ayl Come aboard,” called oht El Moro,
when he heard this response, and soon after $38.-
waif walked aft and, confronted the terrible

I chief of the Lilan League.

The boy, however, did not flush as be looked
up into the face of the man in whose power he
had placed himself and said quietly} \

“ You are El More, the corsairvoommodorc,
are on not?”

' “ am, and it would please me to know who
on are?” and El Moro looked down upon the
ad in a way that showed he was surprised at his

temerity, and admired his pluck. _

El Moro had the appearance of a man With
whom the world had gone urong, and who de-
termined to revenge himself upon mankind in
general, taking his life in his hands, and willing
toaccept the gallows as a just punishment when
he could no longer avoid it.

“ It matters little, senor, who I am; but I
come from one who sends you this letter,” re—
plied Seawaif.

El Mar) took the letter and telling the led to
follow him, descended to the cabin.

It looked more like an old curiosity shop than
a cabin, for excepting a berth on one side where

' the pirateslept, a table used to eat on, and also

to serve duty as well as a, writing—desk; and two
chairs, all the rest visible consisted of booty of
every description, taken from the numerous
prizes which had fallen into the clutches of the
chief. in

Motion-lug the led to a chair, the pirate leader
sat down in the other end, drawing it up to the
table. and opening the letter read it aloud.

v “ Well, air, this is a, strange communication
to send to me, claiming the rights which our
Secret Signet bestows upon the holder, after he
has driven me off from the deck of a prize, then
a second time taken her from me, and luraued
me into my very stronghold," said 1 More

I savagely, turning his fierce eyes upon Senwuit.

“ You seem to overlook the fact, commodore,
that my captain first had the Erize as his own,
and that you attempted to to c it tram him,”
Seawall remarked. -

“So he says; but I have watched for an op-
portunity to capture Dun Maceo Gonzalvo for a
year past, and when I knew that ho had gone to

era Cruz in his carrera I lnid in wait for his
return, for I was well aware that he had one
there to fit his daughter out for her marriage

/_ with Captain Luis Rosa], 9. foe of mine. ‘

“And more, i knew that Captain Rosa! was

' 7,; mu . that costly wedding presents had been

V t, and that these would fall to me. not to
apes of the ransom of the Don, which I would
have made h'eavy, and the pleasure of my re-
venge 0V9? WPtaln-Rosal, whom I intended to

bani” I
:2 nd the lady. sir?” asked Seawaif fearleely.
Oh, yes!  mended to enrich myself b her
1111350111, and, If the Don would not pay it, {
Would beggar him, to make her my wife."
“Thank God my captain thwarted you. then.
for it would have broken her heart,” was the

or it

' daring remark of the lid.

El Moro gazed at him in utter ammmen

I" 321', Beawaif was indeed bending the lion in hi:
or '. r
‘3 Well, i; youroaptaln has been your teacher,

o

 

 

I do not wonder at the manner in which he has:
thwarted me," he said. _

“M captain has been my teacher, for he is
the on y friend I have on the sen."

“On the seal but the land’l”

“ I have no friend on the land, senor,” was the
reply‘}
“ ell, you are cut out for one who will make
himself heard upon the sea, I’ll Warrant, my
lad; but how is it that your captain claims this
Gonzalvo prize, I pray you tell me?”

“ He had determined upon‘seizing the current,
from her sailing out of Vera Cruz, and ran
ahead to be near her on her run down the coast.

“When the current was becalmed, we were
lying in an inlet neck” ‘

“ When did you gointo the inlet?”

“ The night efore.”

“ My lookouts did not report that to me.”

“That was not my captain’s fault, senor.”

“ Well, sir?" '

“ We saw your boats going out to the attack,
and so followed you." -

“ Why did you not worn me that you carried
the Crimson Hands flag l”

“ We knew not that you belonged to the La-
goo League, senor, for there are many outlaw
era. 8 along this coast who do not.”

“True; but flying the Crimson Hands flag is
not the only requisite in making the demand
that you do." ’ I

“ Np, senor, there isa Secret Signet.”

“ Have you it?"

’ “ I have, senor," and the lad held forth his
hand, which contained a huge seal ring, the
stone being of blue, and in the center was set
the design, in small rubies, of two clasped hands.

On theoutsidc of the ring was engraven the
words: ,

“ The Secret Signet of the Crimson Hands
Flag! Respect it I”

“ I cannot refuse to obey the Secret Signet, my
lad, and your captain is at liberty to go his way
in peace, though it is a disappointment to me, I
confess, 331 had my ‘eye on your beautiful craft.

“ Next time we meet, I ho 9 your leader will
not'hoist false colors, but sci under the flag he
owns, so there will be no mistake.”

“ I shall tell him what you say, senor."

“ Do so, and may I ask you why he did not .
come on board to me?”

“ He was wounded, senor."

“Ahl not seriously I hope?” , a

“ No, senor.” .

“ And the name of your vessel, my lad?”

“ The Sea Cat senor.” .

“gout captain signs himself Achillo Huh

‘ Yea senor.”

“ He 3 a new man at sea.” -

“ Under the Crimson Hands, yes, senor.” - ~

“Itrust we shall meet some time; but tell ,
him that El Moro sends him greeting, and

laces the Lagoon retreats at his service, either
a) remir ship, rest, or store booty.”

" In tho name of, Captain Mnrtagh, I thank
you, Senor Commodore,” and Seawaif arose to

de rt.
Stayimy lad! Do you anticipate remaining ,
with Captain Murtaghi" . ,_ ‘
#51 do, senor." ,

a

J a

  

   

  
    

   
   

14

The Sea Cat’s Prize.

  

 

 

“ Should he be slain, or aught happen to him,
come to me, for I like you, and I will make you
In aide.

‘ Here, this rin was made for the hand of a
woman, one who led with it on, and it will just
fit your finger.

“ I loved that woman, my led, and my iving
you this ring prove's how highly I regar you,
although we have but now met.

“ W ear it, and what you ask in its name I
will grant.” .

The corsair commodore slipped upon the fin—
ger of Seawalf, as he spoke, a ring, the exact
counterpart of the one which he had brought
from Captain Murtagh as the Secret Signet.

“I thank you, Senor Commodore, and I will
not forget your goodness," respondel Seawaif,
and bidding El Moro farewell the lad returned
to his gig, which pulled swiftly back to the
schooner. .

As he touched the deck he stepped to the hal-
yards and dipped the Crimson Hands Flag three

' times, at the same time, as the captain was in
his cabin; issuing orders to set sail upon the
schooner and head seaward.

The crew saw that the salute with the flag
was returned from the pirate vessels, and, s the
Sea Cat headed seaward without having t hat-
tle against such odds, they broke forth in ring-
ing cheers for their captain and the lad, who
had in some mysterious way extricated them
from their peril. .

CHAPTER XI. "
s A F r. I N P 0 R 'r .

“ WELL, Seawaif, you found that the Crimson
Hands acted as a talisman with the corsair
commodore?” said Captain Murtagh, addressing
the lad as he entered his cabin, after starting
the schooner seaward.

“ I did, sir; and more——he gave me this ring,
which bears, as you see, the emblem he so
respects,” and Seawait held forth his hand.

‘ Yes, it is a facsimile of my ring, and was
made for so small a hand, that it fits yours.”

“ It was made for a woman, senor—one whom
the chief told me he had loved, and who died
with it upon her finger.

“ Why he gave it to me I do not know, but he
told me that any favor I asked in the name of
this Secret Signet he would grant.

“ See! there is a name within it——that of
Gertrude.‘

“ Gertrude!” and Captain Murtagh sprung to
his feet and paced the floor, his face white, his
brow clouded, and his lips compressed.

“ Gertrude is the name of her he once loved.

“ How passing; strange, for I, too loved a
Gertrude, and it was that love that— Bah! I
must not dream of that hellish past, or I shall
go mad," and passing his hand rapidly across

is face several times, he seemed thereby to
drive from it evary sign ol’. sorrow and passion,
while he said in his uiet way:

“ Well, my boy, 1 More gave you the ring
because on pleased him, and you must ever

i wear it, or in this life no one knows but that

_ some dayyou may have to seek his aid.

r g “ But how found you the chief, in good or ill—
humor?”

.

than this, but did he ask regarding me?”

 

“He was disappoian at not being able to J did,” he added.

 

 

have yodr schooner as a. prize, senor; but h “You say
respected the Signet, though he seemed surprisedico'i” askai
to know that you possesse one.” , a Yes, Sen

“ Doubtless; I knew that it would surpri -. M1 to 15863“
him,” dryly said the young captain, andthen h u Indeedl,
added ' l, e captain!
' nding- ‘

“Come, ~

here and
our after
“it enter
v , '09“ Prete
I m

  
 

“El‘Moro will yet receive greater surprise

    
   
     
   

“ He wondered why you had not gone on
board of his vessel.”

“ What reason did you give him?”

“ I took advantage of the fact that you had
received a slight wound, and sotold him that

you were wounded.” A3 thOS
“_ You have your wits always about you Sea- Rosal, an
waif, and some day I predict that you will) make a Lancer!

a great commodore.”

“ 80 said the corsair commodore, senor,”
modestly replied Seawaif.

“ I can well believe himg but I note that the
schooner is under way i”

‘ drinking
Mather.

" Yes, senor, I ordered her seaward at once, , CAFE.
as 1 deemed that you so wished, after I had seen * ranch 0
El Moro.” miv

“ You did right, my lad, and, after we have ; .Thei
dropped the land an houmastern, I will head v the as
along the coast, as I fear me, the carrera of twee
Don Gonzalvo is not yet out of danger, andI did m
would protect her to haven.” my sh

“ Yes, senor, for it would be a fearful thing pact-
for the fair lady'on the carrera. to fall into .ho 1' The
hands, of another at El More’s vessels." _. letter

“ Yes, or into the power of other pirates, Sea— I from
waif, for the Gulf is full of outlaws now it won
seems, especially along the coast from Vera ' GOV‘
Cruz to the Belize; butI was told by a spy ' in S
whom I have in Vera Cruz, that the Mexican mOS‘

Government is fitting out a brig-of—war, huiltin Cl

 

America, for the especial service of pirate hunt- be 8
ing, and her commander is to be a senor whom the
I met last night on the carrera. one Captain hor
Luis Rosal, a gallant officer withal, a good to“
sailor and a entleman but one whose insane ,fif
’ealousy will and him, I fear, to devote most of m‘

is time to hunting me down, as he deems that . '
he has cause of uarrel with me, Seawall; and . de
in faith he may right, if I sightthose beauti- a!
ful eyes of his lady-love once more, for they shut 0|
darts into the very depths of my heart.” ., ‘ tl

And on the schooner sped, until it ran into the a;
little port near the home of Gonzalvo. c

The cam-era lay there at anchor, with Chico _ i

and a few of his crew on board, and hailed to
come on board the schooner, he told Captain
Murtagh that they had reached port without
further adventure, and Don Gonzalvo and the
Senorita Amabel had gone on to the octets.
while Captain Luis Rosal had remained in the
village, as he had received word that his brig-
of-war was to join him there. I ‘ ,

Chico further stated that the Senorita Ama— ,
bel had expressed the deepest gratitude at the. =,‘
noble self-sacrifice of the Cartagenian captain. w: I
and anxiety regarding his fate, after they had , , ‘
boldly seen him chase the pirate right into his . . *
retreat. and heard the hot firing that followed , r l ‘ ’
proving that other vessels than the craft of
Moro had attacked him. . , ‘ .

“It was a miracle how you cerium; Senor ~
Captain, and the Virgin be pr that you

 

     

 

 

\z The Sea. Cat‘s Prizen ‘ 1‘
y Senor; h
‘9de sur 3 ‘You say that Captain Rosal is ashore,” he managed to spend most of his time upon his

  
   
 
 
  

ice?” asked Captain Murtagh.

“Yes, Senor Captain, but he will hardly be

8 ad to seeyou, as he looks upon you as a rival.”
Indeed! he honors me; but I cannot allow

edcnptain’s being in port to prevent me from

in .

“Come, Seawaif, suppose we take a stroll

shore and see the little hamlet," and half an

out after Captain Achille Murtagh and Sea-

aif entered the little tavern, which was the

star 5 . ’°
. me 3,, "Tprisesg

not 80119 0n
n

a

but You

'11 him tlgad ost pretentious structure in the wretched little
at] on.

It you, gem As they did so their eyes fell upon Captain

ll Will make 5308a], and a Mexican officer in the uniform of

 

{a Iiaiicero, seated at a table near engaged in
re, senor,” , (tirinkli'lng a. bottle of wine and talking earnestly
_ oge er.
9 that the (I
CHAPTER XII.
1 at one, r run: INSULT.
[bed 588,; CAPTAIN LUIS ROSAL had not gone on to the
ranch of Don Gonzalvo for two reasons, when he
we have arrived in the little port.
Vlll head I The first was that he knew it was expected by
rrera of ,y the neighbors of the Don that he was to marry
91-, and I ,1 the Senorita Amabel upon their return, and he
i did not desxre that the maiden should simply
,1 thing , saytshe would not do so, thus breaking the com-
mto _‘ , { D110 -
L0 The second reason was that he found there a
35, Sam , letter awaiting him, brought by the servants
now It 1, from the Don’s ranch, telling him that his brig
Vera ( would he sent to the port to meet him, and the
a spy  Government ordered that he put at once to sea
iximn , in search of the pirates, who were becoming
um: in most troublesome along the entire coast.
hum,~  Captain Rosal was well aware that it might
71mm be a. couple of days before his vessel arrived, and
9min that time he could have spent at the elegant
good , home of ‘the Don; but the coldness of Amabel
“as l toward him caused him to wish to remain away
it of from her, and so he bade her farewell as she
that mounted her horse to return home.
and There was also in the mind of Luis Rose] a
um; desire to board his brig immediately upon her
hot I arrival and stand up the coast in the hopes of
1 catching Captain Murtagh, for somehow he had
,he 1 the thought that the Cartagenian cruiser had
I escaped the trap laid for it by El Moro, and he
so ; determined that he would put Captain Murtagh
to upon the basis of a pirate and so attack him, for

the schooner would certainly prove no match for
his brig.

. Remaining therefore at the port. though tak-
mg up his quarters at the tavern, Captain Rosa!
had gone. to the ranch of a friend of his who
lived a mile away, well knowing that he would
be a. welcome guest.

This ranchero was a young man who had been
the rival of Luis Rosal two years before for the
hand of a lovely maiden, and the naval officer
had won her love, and a duel was talked of be-

i

y?
n i
‘t
e

{,

( tween them when the sailor should return from
:, a cruise; but this was nipped in the bud by the
,“ death of the fair girl. and this sad occurrence
2 seemed rather to cement the friendship of the

rivals, for they never referred to their enmity
again.

_The young ranchero was also a soldier, but, as
1313 company was at the fort of the small town,

 

ranch, living a life of idleness, and leaving his
lieutenant in command of his Lanceros, who
were nothing more than a nominal support to
the little fort that guarded the entrance to the
little hamlet harbor.

The two captains, Luis Rosal of the Mexican
navy, and Leon Rivcras, the Lancero, were en-
'oying a bottle of wine when Ca tain Achille
litiurtagh, accompanied by Seawai , entered the
tavern.

They caught sight of the handsome commander
of the Sea Out at the same moment that his eyes
fell upon Captain Rosal, and the face of the
latter turned white with rage, and then his eyes
flushed with triumph.

“Riveras,” he said, fairly hissing his words
between his teeth.

“ Did you ever see that man before?”

“No! but what a splendid-looking fellow he
isl

“ See, he smiles and bows to on.

“ Who is he?” answered the ancero.

Luis Rosal did not return the smile and bow
of Achille Murtagh, and the American passed on
to a table and took a seat, Seawaif taking his
position opposite to him.

“ He claims to be a Cartagena captain, and if
he is he is nothing more than a pirate, as all the
cruisers of that country are.”

“ He looks American.”

“ He is an American, so he says, and he is the
man whom I told you saved Don Gonzelvo’s
carrera from capture by El Moro.”

“Then let us have him join us in a bottle of
wine. along with that handsome lad, who wears
an oflicer’s uniform, young as he is.

“Introduce me, Ross], and I’ll have him as
my guest."

“No, Riveras for you do not understand, the
situation,” said uis Sal.

“ Ahl explain it, then, please.”

“ That fe low had the impudence to issue com-
mands upon the carrera’s deck, where I acted as
commander, and, when 1 resented his act, he in—
sulted me.

“ I resented the insult promptly, and sprung
upon him with my sword, when in some way he
disarmed mel”

“ N01 And you the best swordsman in
Mexico?”

“‘Well, I could not understand it, other than
that I was too confident, and he struck my blade
from my hand before I knew his strength.”

“ I am surprised at this, for I well know your
skill. Rosal.”

“ He then tried to flirt with. the Senorita
Amabel, and so we quarreled, I tellingrhim that
we should meet again.”

“And you have,” said Leon River-as, anxious
to break the monotony of life by a duel, if he
could fan a uarrel into a flam

“Yes, we ave met, and I s all force himto
meet me in the duello.”

“ He does not look like a man who would re-
quire much forcing, Rosal.

“ If he does, he belies his looks.”

“ Oh, he is brave enough, I know; but I am
confident, when I am aware that I have a den.
gerous man to meet. I can defeat him, and i! I

do I shall kill him." ‘
t'»

V 4

 

16

“ You are right, for he doubtless runs into our

rt to follow up his acquaintance with tho
ghoulvos.”

“That is just why he is here, I’ll wager my
inheritance on it.”

“ And he is too fine-looking and dasling a. fel-
low to permit to be your rival, so you intend to
meet him,” urged Leon Riveras.

“ Just that.”

“ But how can you arrange it, for be is a for-
eign officer in our port?"

“ True; but he can understand an insult."

“ How given?"

9‘ I will show you,” and calling for u quill—pen
and paper, Captain Rosa] wrote a few lines
hurriedly and handed them to the Lsncero to

The lines were:

"As I see that Captain Achille Murtagh, the Car-
tagena rover, has come into this port, immediately
in my wake, lcan only understand by his having
done so that he is here to make his threat good that
he Would again meet

“ Luis ROSAL,
“ Captain Mexican Navy.“

“ That is plain enough, Rosal.”

“ I mean it to be,” and calling to a peon ser-
vant the Mexican said:

“ Hand this to that officer at yonder table."

The‘peon did so, and Achille Murtagh looked
up, smiled, read the lines without the slightest
change of cniateuance, and than addressed a
few words to Seawaif, who arose and approach—
ed the table where the two Mexicans sot.

“ He sends the lad to reply,” whispered the

- Lsncero.

“Senora,” said Seaweif, bowing, “may I ask
which of you is Captain Luis Rosal?”

, “ I answer to that helps, my boy," said the
Mexican naval officer.

” Ah! with yourappenmnce, and the rank you

' hold, one would suppose you to be a gentleman,
which your written insult sent by a servant dis-
provss; but my chief waives your ignorance
and ill-breeding, and accepts the insult, request-
ing me to state to you that he is wholly at your

, service.”

The two Mexicans were utterly amazed at the
cool delivery of these words, by a mere boy,
and in the purest Spanish, and they sat gazing
at him, as though they had not fully compre-
hended him. .

. But Seawnit having,r delivered his message,
and in a way that threw an insult pat in the
face of Luis Ros-ll, turned upon his heel and
walked back to where his captain sat awaiting
him, the servant having just brought in the
supper the two had ordered, for a. meal away
from shipboard was then, as now, most enjoy-
able. '

CHAPTER. XIII.
our: CHALLENGE.

“ WELL, Captain Rosin.- your insult was re-
ceived in a manner that throws it upon you to
not now. '

“‘Bainted padres! but that boy officer, for he
wears a rank, I notice, fairly took my breath

_ away with the words he threw at you,”npd Cap-
giin Leon Rivsras laughed lightly at the’remem—

,‘ taboo. i ’ ‘ ' 4 '.

 

The Sea eat’s Prise.

' “A

Luis Rosa], however, scowled darkly, and
muttered:

“ I shall punish the boy as well as his master;
but what am i to do now?" ‘

“ I see but one thing that you can do.”

“ Well?"

“ Honor me by making me your second.”

“ That I intended to ask of you; but then?” ,

“ You began the quarrel and you got your an-
swer, so it remains for you to send a challenge.”

“ That gives him the choice of weapons.”

“ True, but what do you cure for thntrwhen
you handle a blade n. - know no man cup do,
and can shoot with the deadliest aim?" '

“True, but I would have chosen pistols." .

“ Blades or pistols, both are alike deadly in
your hands.”

“Well, if you will be good enough, say to
the Senor Cartege'niun that I consider myself
aggrieved by his conduct toward me, and, if he
can write, demand a. written apology from him
for any intended offense?"

“I understand; but should he refuse?”

“ Simply say that I demand a meeting at his
earliest convenience at any place, and with any
weapons which he may select.”

“ I will at once deliver your message, Rosal,”
and the young Luncero came and approaching
the table where Captain Murta h and Seawall!
sat, just finishing their meal, a bowed with
courtly grace and said: '

“Permit me to ask if this is Captain Achille
Mui'tagh of the Cartageninn navy ?”

“ My name is Achille Murtagh. senor,” was
the ‘polite response of the seamen, as he arose to
his est politely. ‘

“ Allow me to present myself as Leon Riverss
a captain of Lanceros in the Mexican army,
and introduce my reason for disturbing you by
saying: that I am the friend of Captain Luis
Resell.”

“ Indeed! I am surprised, senor, and 'I am .
glnd that the person in question has gotten it
gentleman to represent him,” was the cool [0- ,
spouse, and Leon Riveras bowed and continued:

“ With the nature of the quarrel between you ,
and my friend, Captain Murtagh, I have noth—
ing to do; but I have come to demand of you,
for him, an apology in writing for your oflensev
against him.”

“ My dear senor, I have no quarrel with your
friend. I assure you. ' ’ ,

“ We met under circumstances which I mp-
posed he would be thankful to me for, but feel- _

ing to the contrary, he disputed my right to act  ‘

as I did, and I resented it. .

“ The result was that he crossed swords with
me, and I dissrmed him.

“I S‘lW then that he wished to push the mat—
ter, and if he does, I have nothing more may
upon the uhject.”

“You refuse an a

” Senor Lancers
to apologize, I shall be
insult me.” , ,

“ As you please, senor; but at present myduty
is to ask you to name your place and weapons ,
for n meeting with my friend, and your qar- .
liest (ignvenienoe will please CaptaihRosul rand, ‘

as 000. ' v
‘I carneinto, port, senor-Lu) see it Den'Gon

logy. than, senor?” r _
a thin, if you again ask me, '
eve that you too wish yr ,

 

 

 

l
h)“.

The Sea. Cat’s Prize.

 

 

zalvo’s carrera had safely run the gantlet of

‘ all foes, and having nothing to detain me here, I

may as well state to you that if you are not ad-
verse to a moonlight meeting, as it is now grow-
ing dark, I will be at any place you may np«
point within two hours from the present time.”

“That will suit us, seam, and the place will
be at an old ruined fort just half a mile down
the shore, for it is a secluded spot, and we will
not be troubled with lockers-on.”

Captain Murtagh bowed, and said: ‘

“ The rendezvous will suit us, Seawaif, will it
not?”

“ Yes, senor.”

“And your choice of weapons, Senor Cap-
tain?”

“Ah, yes! permit me to present my young
friend and junior leftenant, Senor Seawaif, who
will arrange with you for any Weapons you wish
to have Captain Rosnl use.’7

“ Cool that, very,” muttered Leon Riveras,
and he bowed to Seawait who returned it cold-
ly, and said with the utmost indilference:

“ As Captain Rosa] has already been dis—
armed by Captain Murtngh, senor, perhaps I
had better so ect pistols as giving him a better
chance.”

Leon Riveras could hardly restrain his aston-
ishment at the cool manner in which the youth
gave Captain Rosal the choice of weapons.

It certainly showed perfect confidence in the
prowess of his commander, and a strange light
flashed over the face of the young Lancero.

“ I will say pistols, and as the gentlemen both
wear their swords, they can be used if desired,
or needed.”

“We will be on time, senor," said Seawaif,
with a how that plainly terminated the inter-
view, and Captain Riveras took the silent hint
given by the precocious lad and returned to his
companion, who had been calmly observing the
scene between his Second and the sailors.

“Well, Riveras?” he said as the Lancero re-
turned.

" The challenge was given and accepted, the
lad is his second, we meet at the old Spanish
fort on the beach, and the weapons are a. inat-
ter of utter indifference, but pistols preferred,
as having disarmed you once, the youth said,
Captain Murtagh would be on more equal terms
with fire-arms.”

“ They are cool about it, at least.”

“They are the coolest pairI ever saw, and
your hand and your eye must, not fail you,
Rosal, or you are a dead man, certain,” was the
significant response of the Lancero captain, and
the two arose and left the tavern, the face of
the sailor dark and stern, that of the soldier
wearing an expression that it was hard to
fathom, but which the reader n ill yet under-
stand the cause of. ,

CHAPTER XIV.
A PEON SPY.

As the two Mexican officers left the tavern,
Seawait hastily arose, and, excusing himself to
his chief, went out into the little street.

. peon was there, seemingly waiting for
something to‘tum up for his benefit, and the lad
called to him to approach.

“ Do you see those two officers?” be asked, as

 

 

  

the Mexicans were walking down the street of
the little hamlet.

" Yes, senor.”

,“ Here is a golden (11201. for you, and if you
wish to get its mate, hring ms news of Where
they go and what they do."

“ Yes, senor; but wlwre will I find you?” said
the peon, delighted at having made an onza al-
ready, and the prospr'ct of receiving another
with such little work to do.

“ You will find me llL‘l'e.”

“Yes, senor; but you do not wish me to 11%)
my knife?” was the cool query of the peon.

“ No, my man, I would strike at no man’s
back.

“ Simply find out just what their plans are for
to—night, and let me know.”

The peon darted away and Seawaif returned
to where he had left his captain, but made no
report of what he had done.

“ You will go on board the vessr‘l, sir, before
we start for the ineeling place?” he asked.

“No, there is’nnthing to call me there, and I
can send the coxsu‘ain after my weapons."

“I will go, senor, while you smoke your cigar,
for I wish to go out to the schooner, anylum ,”
remarked the lad, and a few moments after he
went down to the landing. wheie they had left
the boot, and calling up the men, from a sailors"
inn near, he rowed out to the schooner.

C .lling to Lieutenant Salvator, he held a few
minutes’ earnest conversation with him, and
then, getting Captain Mnrtagh’s pistol-case and
a. pair of superb swords from the cabin, he re-
turned to the shore.

As he was about to enter the tavern, the peon
approached him and beckoned to him to follow
him into the shadow of a wall near.

For some moments he stood there, talking
earnestly with the man, and then alone entered
the tavern.

He saw his chief seated Where he had left him,
and quietly smoking; but he was not alone.

Captain Leon River-as was with him.

“ Well, Seawaif, you are back again. and
Captain Riveras was waiting to see you, for, as
I told him 1 was in your hands, I cared not to
hear what he had to say,” said Captain Mui‘tagli
pleasantly.

“Yes, senor, I waited to see you, to say that
my friend, Captain Rosa], wishes the meeting to
be private, and so will walk to the scene of
meeting, and bogs that Captain Murtagh and
yourself will do the same, and not go in your
boat. as you doubtless anticipated doing.”

“ Yes, we certainly expected to go in the
boat; but will yield to your wishes, though I
shall have to get a peon to show us the spot,"
answered Seawaif.

“Oh, no, for you cannot miss it, if you take
the coast road, for it leads right to the old ruin.”

“ In regard to a surgeon, had you thought of
any, senor?” .

" I can bring my company surgeon.”

“ He will be sufficient, then, senor; but should
one of the principals be wounded or killed we
would wish some way to bring him back here.”

“ I have thought of that, senor, by ordering a
vehicle held in readiness near by, to await a.
call. ’

“Then no other arrangemnts are necesaary,

 

The Sea. Cat’s Prize.

 

since you have been so kind,” said Seawaif, and
his bow again dismissed Captain Riveras, who
departed mm the tavern.

Again did Seawaif go outside and calling his
peon spy, he hastily wrote something upon a
slip of paper, and the man bounded away, for
he saw another golden onza in view, as he muto
tered:

“ The yenng senor pays like a king for my
services, and three onzas of gold will keep me
for the year in aguardz'ente and food.

“Juan Lerdo, you are in great fortune this
‘ni ht.”

eturninfir to the tap-room, Seawaif rejoined
Captain Murtagh, and the two sat chatting
pleasantly together until presently a face peered
into the window within reach of the lad’s hand.

He nodded slightly, and the face disappeared,
the young captain not seeing it, as he sat with
his back in that direction.

“Senor, I guess it is time for us to start, for v

themoon is rising,” said the Seawaif.

‘ Yes, we do not wish to make Captain Rosal
impatient by being late; but where are the wea-
pons?" and Captain Murtagh arose. ~

“ They are here, senor, and I have engaged
apeo’n to carry them, after which we can dismiss

in

bi .

“It was arranged that no one should be there
but ourselves, Seawaif.”

" Yes, senor; but the peon will offset their
sur son, you know.”

“ am in your hands, my brave boy, and let’

me say that you have conducted this affair
splendidly.”

“ I should, senor, as you know that I have had
practice in your behalf before," was the signifi-
cant answer. r ,

“ True; but there was no mercy in my heart
for that wretch, who is nothing more than
an assassin, and there is for this jealous tool,
Rosal.”

“ He insulted
from the first.”

“Very true; but he is aflianced to a most
beautiful girl, to whose heart I would not bring
sorrow.”

“You must protect your own life, senor.”

” Oh, I’ll do that, never fear, my good lad,”
and the two left the tavern, the same peon, at
the lad’s command, picking up the pistol~case
and swords and trudging on ahead in the capa-
citX of guide as well‘ as armsbearer.

sthey left the tavern the moon was above
the horizon, and its light illuminated their way
to the old ruin, which had been set as the scene
of the duello.

you, Senor, as I understand it,

 

CHAPTER XV.
THE DUEL BY MOONLIGHT. >

THE scene of rendezvous appointed by Cap—
tain Riveras was an old ruin, once known as a
Spanish tort.

The entrance to the harbor had beenchanged
by the shifting sands years before, and thus the
‘ fortificationbecame useless, and another was
buiilt in its stead, and it slowly crumbled to
m n.

A few of the guns had been left, and the car-
, rages had rotted away, and desolation dwalt
 upon all. , ‘

  

 

Mesquite bushes grew here and there, the
adobe huts of ofllcers and men were crumblin '
away, and in the moonlight the spot seemed t
very place for a secret and hostile meeting, such
as had been appointed there.

In one corner of the fortifications nearest the
sea, were a score of white crosses which marked
the lust resting-places of the dead who had died .
at the fort, or who had been slain at their ports \ , ,_
by the shots of some hostile cruiser. - 1‘ "

Walking along the beach road the peon led his V
two followers directly to the fort, and through
a. grass-grown embrasure into the open space
near the little cemetery.

Here be deposited the weapons upon a grave,
and turned away, after a few words in alow
tone addressed to Sea ’aif.

“ Here, my man, t this in your pocket,”
said Captain Murtagh, and he handed him a
golden onza, at the same time adding:

“Return to the old lightning-riven tree we
passed some distance back, and wait there until
you hear a shrill call, and then “return, for we v.
will want you to carry the weapons back again.”

“ Thank you, senor; you are most generous
indeed too. poor devil," and the peon walked
away, disappearing among the mesquite bushes
not far distant. ’

“ We are before them, lad," said Captain Mur— , ,-
tagh. '

“So it seems, senor; but I hear voices now,"
and soon after there came into vie w three forms. r "

“ There they come, senor,” and they evidently ' [i
met the peon, for he disappeared in that direc- .
tion," remarked Seawaif, asthp three men came
into the little inclosure. ,

One of the three carried a bundle in his arms,
and this he laid down, while Captain Riveras
bowed to the two Cartageninns and said: i ,.

“Good-evening. senores? I see that you are
ahead of us; but I thought that there were to
none other than those referred to?" ' .—

“What have you reference to, Senor Cap-’
tam?" asked Seawaif. _ ’

"‘ We met a peon just now leaving the ruin." ,

“True, he brought our weapons, and we dis- v
missed him, when we should have detained him
as an oflfset to the third one of your party.” _

“ This entleman is our surgeon,” said Captain
Riveras, fictly. , .

“And the pooh was. our servant,” retorted
Seawaif. V V. _ 

“ Senores, we came here to fight, not to quar-.
rel,” calmly said Captain Murtagh in his deep
tones, while Luis Rosa] rejoined: ‘

“ Yes, Riveras, let us end this affair and I
quickly.”

Captain Riveras bowed and said, addressing
Seawuif: r _, ’ ,
I. “ Pistols were the weapons 11ng upon, I be

ieve.

“No weapons were actually.agreed upon
Senor Lancero; but, as the challenged party i
have decided upon swords, and if these We
not fatal, then pistols can he rose to. v

-” My principal has a pair of elegant Damascus
hla es, perfectly alike, and just thirty inchesito
the oint, and you can take your choice 1
them,” and Seawaif took up the‘weapone and
held them out toward the Lancefmz.  '

“ They are beauties, senor; but Captain 

   

 

 

i,
if

  
   
  
   
   
    
 
    
 
   
   

 

 
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
    
  
  
   
  
  
    
   

 
 

 

   

   

 

i
l,
l
l
i
u
]

 

 

The Sea. Cat’s Prize.

19'

 

 

has his own sword, and one that has served him
well upon other occasions of this kind.”

“ Let him use it then," said the youth.

“But it is tl'ree inches longer than those of
your principal.”

“ It makes no difference, lad let him use his
sword and I will take mine,l' put in Captain
Murtagh, and this calm confidence in himself
did not please either of the Mexicans, for they
saw that the Cartagenian was giving Captain
Rosal the advantage in weapons.

The Mexican naval ofl‘icer now threw aside his
coat and hat, rolled up the sleeve of his right
arm and acknowledged himself ready, while the
surgeon Opened his box of instruments and stood
to one side awaiting a call upon his services.

“ I am ready, lad,” said Captain Murtagb,
who still retained his coat and hat, and made no
preparations other than to take his sword and
try its temper by bending it into a hoop over
his head.

“He disregards your skill, Rosa], because he
once disarde you; but watch him well, for my
idea is that he has a strong arm and Is a good
band with a blade,” whispered Captain Riveras,
as he placed the sword in the hand of his friend.

“ I do not believe he is my equal by any
means, but should he be, then we are prepared
against the worst,” was Captain Rosal’s re-
mark, in an undertone.

“ Gentlemen, take your stands, please,” called
out the lad, Seawaif, and Captain Mun-tugh and
his adversary stepped toward each other.

“ Let the combat begin, senors,” cried the lad,
Seawaif, and the swords of. the two combatants
came together with a. clash.

Luis Rosa] showed that it was his intention
to kill the Cartagenian at once, for he attacked
him furiously; blit Captain Murtagh acted
wholly upon the defensxve, met the assault with
a calmness and skill that foiled his antagonist,
and while the Mexican grew fierce in his passes
and thrusts, the coolness (f his enemy caused
Leon Riveras to mutter with amazement:

“ By the sun] but he is playing with the best
swordsman in Mexico I"

Hardly had the W1 rds left his lips before
Achille Murtagh began to slowly give back,
and, as though tiring, he did not show the same
skill; while, encouraged by the thought that he
was wearing his enemy out. while he himself
was perfectly fresh, Captain Rosal pressed him
still harder.

“ What] the Cartagenian gives ground] He
has the skill. but not the lasting'powers, and
Rosa] will kill him, when I had hoped it would
be the other way, that I might step in and win
the fair Amabel Gonzalvo. But I am to be dis—
appointed, it seems, for Rosal is too good a
swordsman for me to pick a quarrel with, even
if she is a beauty and an heiress—ma] what does
that mean 2"

Such were the muttered words of Leon
Riveras, and which told how he was plotting
the death of Captain Rosa] at the hands of Cap-
tain Murtagh.

But his last words were caused by seeing the
Cartagenian suddenly drop the seemingly weary
way of acting on the offenswe, and, quick as a
flash, become the assailant. I
Captain Ross] was thrown off his guard by

 

this, and in the very moment he had believed
victory in his graspi was forced backward and
]

had all that he con do to defend himself.

Then it was that the Mexicans both realized
that the Cartagenian had sim ly been playing
with his adversary, for his ski I now displayed
was marvelous. and after showing his adver—
sary how completely he was his master with the
sword, he suddenly caught his blade upon his
own, and twisting it from his hand sent it flying
twenty feet distant, where it came down point
first and stuck quivering in the earth works.

At that moment Luis Rosul believad that his
time to die had come, and he felt a thrill of hor-
ror through his heart, and a cry was upon his
lips, when Captain Murtagh said sternly:

“ Captain Rosa], I give you your life, sirl"

Then came the cry from the lips of Luis Rosa],
as he shouted in a loud voice:

“ Men, are you ready!”

“ Ay, ay, sir!” came a chorus of voices, and
dark forms were visible over the breastwork,
while the moonlight glimmered upon the muskets
they held ready to fire.

“ Captain Murtagh, those men have you under
their aim, so surrender, for you are my prison-
er,” cried Luis Rosa] in a voice that rungr with
malicious triumph.

CHAPTER XVI.
AN UNEXPECTED CLIMAX.

VVHEN Captain Murtagh heard the words of
Luis Rosa], and beheld at the same moment the
half-dozen soldiers on the rampart, with their
guns leveled at his heart, he saw that he had
been entrapped by those whom he had trusted as
officers and gentlemen.

To resist was to throw his life away, and this
be well knew, so he stood calm and motionless,
while he asked sternly:

“What does this treachery mean, senor?” -

“ It is not treachery, Captain Murtagh, to en—
trap api'rate,” was the sneering response of the
Mexican, who, with Leon Riveras and the sur-
geon, now held a pistol covering the Carts-
genian.

“ A pirate, senor?” asked Murtagh coolly.

“Yes, for I accuse you of being in league
with E1 Moro, the corsair commodore, in fact,
you are one of his officers.”

“ Ir deed! this is news to me, senor.”

“ You dare not deny that you refused to
allow me to fire upon El Moro, when you re-
cognized who it was that had attacked the
camera of Don Gonzalvo.

“ You do not dare deny that you followed E]
More’s craft into his retreat, where were other
vessels any one of them more than a match for
your schooner and crew, and yet you escaped
unharmed.”

“ That is true, senor.”

 

“ Yes, for a cruiser has come alon the coast,
and saw you surrounded by  oro’s fleet,
and in communication with him. Knowing

this, 1 determined to meet you in the duello, as I
had agreed, and at the same time arrest you as
a irate.”

‘ You have layer] a hold game, Senor Renal,"
said Captain urtagh, in the some quiet way in

which he had before spoken.
“ Thath not all, air, as Captain Riveras can

  

 

 

 

20

 

The Sea. Cat’s Prize.

 

tell you, for the forts have been ordered to sink
your Vessel, if it attempts to get up sail, uni
within a Couple of days my brig will be here to
capture your schooner, and then you shall be
strung up to the yard-arm as a pirate.”

“It seems that you hold the winning cards
just now. Captain R )5111, so I can but submit,”
said Achille Mnrtagh. and he turned his sword-
hilt toward the Mexicali, to surrender it, when
the lad Seawcif stepped forward and cried out:

“ Hold, SEDOI‘l for be we pirate or not, I hold
the Winning card and not you!”

“ Hal do you show your teeth, boy, where
your chief submits?” cried Captain Rosul an-
grily, and he leveled his pistol at the lad, who
answered in his cool way:

“ Senor, I would not be such a fool as to show
my teeth unless I knew that I could bite. The
fact is, Captain Murtngh is in perfect ignorance
of a little game I played against your treachery.
You plotted to get Captain Murtagh in your
power, and not only save yourself from injury
thereby, but to make him a prisoner, and you
were aided in your treachery by Captain
Riverns. and it resulted in your having half a
dozen soldiers sent here to hide and wait your
orders. Now, discovering that you were plot—
ting, I did likewise. and since yourselves nnd
your soldiers came to this old ruin, just forty
gallant sailors have surrounded it, and you have
been caught in your owu trap.”

“ It is falsel” cried Captain Rivrras.

“ He is trying to frighten us,” said Captain
Rosa].

“ Senores, I am, as the lad 5:: ye, ignorant of his
plot; but from what I know of my Boy Lieuten-
ant, I advise vou not be rash,” came in the deep
tones of the Cartageuian captain.

“ Ho, Carlos! do you see any foe near?" called
out Captain Riveras, addressing the sergeant,
who stood with his five men upon the top of the
ramparts.

“N o. Senor Captain, there is no one near to
dread,” was the answer.

“Now, Sir Pirates, you see you cannot play
that game, so surrender, or I give the order to
have you shot in your tracks.

“Ready, there, soldiers!" cried Captain Ri-
veras.

“ Ho, Sea Cats! show yourselves,” shouted
Seawait’, and his clear voice was heard afar off.

In response, instantly came a. cheer from the
four points of the compass, and hurrying feet
were heard, while Sergeant Carlos and his so]-
diers sprungr hastily down from the rampart,
into the little burying plot, and the next instant
the hreastworks were darkened by many forms,
and there came in Lieutenant Salvator’s ringing
vome:

“ Ahoy, Senor Seawaif, we are hercl”

A laugh broke from the lips of Achille Mur-
tagh, as he said: '

‘ Lad, I am proud of you, for you have given
these. gentlemen a climax they little antici
pated.”

Then turning to the Mexicans, he continued:

“Senores, the tables are turned, and did I
serve you right, I would carry you as prisoners
on board of my vessel; but I will not return
evil for evil, though you, Captain Rosa}, I shall
keep as a hostage until I get out to sea, as I

 

 

have no desire to run the gantlet of the forts to

get my pretty craft knocked full of holes.

“ Once I am at son, you shall be set free; but
I advise you, Captain Riveras, toga to the forts

and warn them not to fire on me, as your friend

shall have the most conspicuous place on deck

until we drop your batteries a league astenru.

“Senor Seawuif, I. place Captain ltoeLi‘ in
your charge, and we will at once start for the
schooner.”

Luis R snl was livid with passion; but he'

dared not resist, and so olferell his sword to
Captain Murtagh, who said simply:

“Keep your wenpons, senor, for you are a
hostage, not a prisoner.”

“ May I have a word with Captain Riveras?”
asked the Mexican naval officer.

“ Certainly. senor."

Stepping quickly to the side of his friend, Luis
Rosa] said in a low tone:

“Riveras, this is a nice trick that accursed
boy has played upon us.”

“It; is, indeed, and I only wish 1 had a few
boys like him."

“ Curse him i hutyou heard Murtagh’s words?”

it Yes."

“Then you will hasten to the forts and bid
them not fire on the schooner, for they can
knock her out of the water."

“ If the new artillerymen can hit her, yes; but
they are recruits, you know."

“Still I do not care to take the chances, so
pray do as I ask.” '

“ Certainly, Rose], for I would not place you
in harm’s way, as you know, so will hasten to
Major Durnngo, and tell him just what has oc-
curred, while I will come ofl? myself in a small
craft after you." .,

“You are very kind, Riveras, and I will not
forget you. Adios,” and clasping the hand of
the man he believed his friend, Captain Rosa]
turned away and said:

“ I am ready, senor, to accompany on."

With a how simply, Achille Murtagh led the
way up the beach, where Seawaif had told him
the boats were awaiting, and his men followed
with their hostage, while Leon Riveras and his
soldiers hastened back to the little seaport.

CHAPTER XVII.
To GET RID OF A RIVAL.

WHEN Captain L *on Rivoras started on his
way to the hamlet, he walked rapidly along
ahead of his brother offim‘, the surgeon, and
his men, and suddenly came upon a man who
Seemed desirous of hiding behind a mesquite
tree. - -

“ Ho, fellow, stand 2” he called out sternly.

“ Who are you?"

” A poor devil, senor, who made a piece of
silver, to keep his family from starving, by tak-
ing some packages to the old ruin for two sen-
ores,” and the poem stood in a position that was
criugiug in the extreme.

*‘Ah! I know you now asahanger—onabont
the tavern.

“Well, do you wish to make a piece of gold?”

“ 0h, senor l” ,

“Can you keep your tongue between your
teeth?”

“As though I were dead, senor.”

 

    

s.”-

   

  

 

   
 

 

 

“ Well, I wish you to bear a note for me to
\Major Durango, the commandantc of the forts."

“ Yes, Senor Captain.”

“ Mind you, I will write the note for you at
the tavern and you are to start with it, butI
am anxious that it should not reach him until
after he has sunk a schooner, that is now in the
hart' r, and will attempt to run our.”

“' -zesfisenor."

“ You might reach the major dripping wet,
tell him_ that you had been upsrt in your boat,
in crossing the harbor, and hand him the note;
but you must see that the schooner has either
been sunk or has escaped."

“ I understand. senor."

“ Here is a silver onza for your work, and
when you bring me word that the nore was
delivered, just as I wish it to be, you shall have
an onza of gold.”

“ I will do all that you wish, generous senor,”
replied the peou, and he walked on to the tavern
where Captain Riveras wrote the note and
handed it to him.

Then he departed upon his errand, muttering
to himself:

“ This is my night of good fortune, and when
I have gotten the onza of gold, [will give this
silver one to the padre, to pray away my sins.”

As he reached the shore he saw, coming around
asmall point of land that jutted out into the
harbor, three boats, rowing at a rapid stroke.

“ They are the schoonor’s bouts, but if the
craft attempts to run out, the hir guns of Major,
Durnngo will knock her to pieces. I

“ I guess this letter to the major tells him not
to fire upon the schooner, but for some reason
Captain Riveras wishes him to do so, and yet
get the credit of having sent him word not to
do so. Now I would hate to are that gallant
youth. and handsome captain, who were so gen-
erous to me, killed by the fort’s fire; but then
Captain Riveras is to remain here-ganvl he is the
one I’ll have to make my money out of in future,
so I must obey him, yet I’ll see what the letter
says, as he thinks I cannot read, and hence Sent
it open, and it may tell me what hold I have on
him.” .

Going: up 010% to the swinging lamp of a
wretched inn, he opened the letter and read as

follows:
“MAJOR Dunmmo. COMMANDANTE. molt-u

“Samm—thn I sent you word to keep your
guns on the strange schooner in the harbor. and to
sink her if she attL-mpted to run out, as Iliad reason
to lwlieve her a. pirate. I knew not that her com—
mander would protect himself as he has (lone.

“At :1, meeting with C ptain Rosa], he has made
the 'atterprismcr. and carries him upon the deck
of his vessel to prevent your firing upon him, and I
beg pf you to nl‘ow him to escape, rather than that
poor Rosal hould he slain.

“ When we "met I will explain fully, but I hast‘m
.to send this by n trusty won, that it may reach you
in time, as I am detained here just now by an in-
land courier, who has Just arrived with dispatches

for me. .
‘ “ With esteem,
“ RIVERAS."

“Aha! he writes one thing, and bids me
arrive too late. so I see that he wants Captain
Luis Rosal killed. So be it, for I do, too, as he

The Sea. Cat‘s Prize.

 

once struck me with his sword, when I ran up‘

  

21

against him accidentally, and I have not for-
gotten the blow. No, no, Juan Lerdo is not one
to forget a. blow, so for my own sake, Senor
Riveras, I will be tardy with this note. and take
your golden onza, too, ay, and many more, as I
hold your secret, for I am no fool, and can see
you never forgave your friend for being your
successful rival a. year ago, and mean now to

et him out of the way that you may win the
Senorita Gonzalvo back in the hills. So, 80!
Juan Lerdo is no fool, no fool, and his wits will
make you pay him well. Now to take a small
boat and row over to the forts."

And going to the shore the peon selected a.
small sea canoe and started on his way, paddling
along with a most leisurely stroke.

He had gone but a short distance when he saw
the boats reach the schooner, and with a rapid-
ity that seemed like magic he beheldthe sails
set and the anchor gotten up.

“They work like lightning on board that
crn ft,” he muttered.

Hardly were the words out of his mouth, be-
fore n flash came from the fort’s dark side, and
a solid shot rushed shrieking across the bows of
the schooner.

But the vessel did not heed the brazen order
to belt, and glided on its way toward the pass
leading out of the harbor.

AlmOst instantly, from the other fort came a
shot and it passed directly over the head of the
pe( n.

“Holy Motherl I am directly in range,” he
cried in alarm, and he began to swiftly paddle
toward the fort where he knew Major Durango
had his quarters, when from both fortifications
the guns opened fiercely upon the schooner, and
one shot striking the canoe it was shattered to
atoms and Juan Lerdo was hurled into the
water. __

CHAPTER XVIII.
THE GANTLET ON FIRE.

CAPTAIN Ro‘snn certainly felt that he had
gotten himself into a scrape; but he tried to
make the best of it, and put on an air of indif-
ference.

It however cut him to the quick to feel him-
self a prisoner, where he had expected to be
cantor.

He had determined to get rid of Achille Mur-
tazh by foul means, if he could not by fair.

If he proved the better swordsman, and was
able to run him through the heart, well and
good, and, knowing his own skill, he did not
doubt but that he could do this.

But then there was the chance that pistols
might be used, and although he prided himself
upon his deadly aim, he might meet his match
in the Cartagenian, and he did not care to take
the chances of doing so.

Therefore he said to Leon Riveras, when the
two left the tavern together: ,

“ Captain, I have reason to belicvo that Cap-
tain Mnrtagh is a rover. and not what he repre-
sent: himself to be, so my idea is that we find
out

“ I am willing, Rosel, so how will We go about
it— Ahl hereis a courier,” and the young Lan-

cero hailed a mounted soldierJ who was riding
rapidly by,

  

 

 

22]

The Sea, Cat’s Prize.

 

“ Dispatches for you, senor.
“ I was going to the inn to seek you," said the
man.

The Lancero officer took the dispatches and
read them, but as they have nothing to do with
this story I will pass them by.

The courier then made known to the ca tain
that he had seen an American schooner, ying
the Cartngena flag, chase a pirate craft into an
inlet and thereby run into a trap, as two other
vessels came out of the lagoons, and hemmed
him in.

But the schooner hoisted the same flag the
pirates were flying, and sending a boat aboard
one of them, no more firing occurred, and the
supposed Cartagena craft sailed out to sea un-
molested.

Such was the courier’s story; and hearing,r it,
Luis Rosalcried excitedly:

“ The schooner of Murtngh it was, and her
commander is, as I believe, a pirate. New, Ri-
veras, we must capture that man."

“By all odds, ROsal; and I will order a ser-
geant and five men to go to the ruin and be there
to support us.”

“ Yes, and if Murtagh selects pistols, they
must interfere before the word fire.”

“Certainly, for you must not risk your life
against his.’ ‘

“By no means,” and the two men passed on,
while a crouching form, near by, arose and
walked rapidly away.

It was Juan Lerdo the peon. and his having
overheard that which was said, was what put
Seawaif on his guard, and enabled him to
counterplot against the treachery of the Mexiv
cans.

Thus it was that the Mexican officers arrived
on the scene of the due], prepared to capture
Captain Murtagh as a pirate, and little dreamed
that they would be so cleverly outwitted by a

ho .

lylaving been thus caught in their own snare,
Captain Riveras congratulated himself upon
having so cleverly gotten out of the scrape, while
his more unfortunate friend, Rosa], was taken
on board the schooner, with every prospect of
being killed and leaving the field clear to his
secret foe to win the hand of Amabel Gonzalvo.

When taken on board the schooner, Luis Ro-
sa] was taken aft by Seawaif and placed near
the helmsman, while Captain Murtagh himself
got sail on the vessel and Lieutenant Salvator
called the men to quarters.

“Thanks to having me on board, senor, you
will escape to sea,” said Luis Rosa]. when Cap-
tain Murtagh walked aft, and the schooner
awn? around to the wind.

“ ou think that your resence here is aguar-
antes, then?" responded chille Murtagh.

“Certainly, for Ma'or Dnrango would never
dare flre upon a vessel at the risk of killing me,
for he would rather lose El More and his entire
fleet of pirates.”

Hardly had the words left his lips, when the
flash of flame came from the fort, followed by
the boom of the gun and the rush of the shot.

“Ahl your friend the major intends firing a
salute in your honor," said Achille Murtagh,
sarcastically.

“I cannot understand it, for Riveras must

    

 

 

certainly have sent word that I was a prisoner
on board," answered Captain Rosa], as the firing
now became rapid from both of the forts.

“ You are a hostage, senor, not a prisoner;
but as the former 1 find you of little value, for
your friends fire in a way that would cause
one to think they wished to get rid of you by a
shot.

“ See] that shot came near killing you, but if
they fire no better than they are now doin , I
do not care," and Captain Murtagh then called
out:

“ H0, at the guns there!”

“ Ay, ay, sir,’7 rung out the officers in charge.

“ Those gunners may improve with practice,
so give them an example of what you can do.”

“Ay, ay, air,” was the cheery chorus in reply,
and a moment after the schooner reeled under
the rlisl-harge of her guns.

Almost at once the firing from the forts
ceased, for the shots of the schooner had been
truly aimed, and doing considerable damage,
had driven the gunners from their posts, almost
in a panic.

But the officers rallied them, and again the
forts opened fire, though not with much pro-
cision, while the gunners on board the schooner
were skilled and cool, and seldom threw a shot
away.

“It looks as though we were going to run the
gantlet of fire without much damage. senor, so
that you are not in much danger from your
friends after all," said CaptainvMurtagh to Luis

osa].

‘ Oh, they cannot know that I am on board,”
said Captain Rosa].

“ Perhaps they are miSsing the schooner pur—
posely on your account, Captain Rosal, and
merely firing to frighten us,” said Seawaif with
a little laugh.

“From their wretched aim it would seem so,”
gIOWIed Rosa]: while Lieutenant Salvator re-
marked:

“ I do not think you shouldcomplain of their
marksmanship, senor, as if it was truer, your
danger would be far greater— Oh] they are
improving," and as Salvator spoke a shot tore
through the bulwarks forward, killing one man
and wounding two others.

“ That shot came from that last gun tothe left; I

return it, lads!” shouted Captain Murtagh, and,
as he addressed no particular gunner, all whose
pieces would bear upon the position were instant-
ly aimed and fired.

“ That can is out of the fight,” coolly said
Captain Murtagh. who was watching the effect
with his glass, and that he spoke truly was soon
shown by no more shots coming from that
point. ,

The schooner was now in her most perilous
situation, and there would have been many
chances against her, had the firing of the forts
been better.

But Captain Mnrtagh knew that his vessel
would be running very fast, under the ten-knot

breeze, and that she was a hard target to’ hit -

under the circumstances, ,and even without Luis
Rosa] on board as a hostage, he would have run

out
He had boldly run into the port under a neu-
tral flag, and had anticipated no danger in get-

 

       
    

“1 my. -.

 

 

 

    

The Sea. Cat’s Prize.

 

    

ting out; yet he was not a man to count the
chances for and against him.

As the schooner got into the position where she
would have to stand the hottest fire, Captain
Murtagh called out:

“ Lively at the guns there, men, for thisis their
last chance and their best at us," and then spring-
ing to the wheel, he grasped it firmly, and him-
self ran the rest of the gantlet out through the
narrow pass.

“Senor Captain, even without your aid we
have gotten through; but I shall release you as
I promised.

“Being a sailor you can readily run back in
the little boat I brought out for you.”

“ I can, sir."

“ I will at once lay the schooner to then, and
you are at liberty to|depart.

"Pray. present my compliments to the com-
mandante of yonder forts and say to him that I
never saw worse aim than his gunners were
guilty of, and yet I no not quarrel with them
on that account, as it has saved my vessel many
a hard knock, and a number of my crew from
death.

“ Seawait, kindly have the schooner brought
:10; and Captain Rosal’a boat gotten ready for

im‘i

“Adios, Senor Rosa], and should you happen
to see Don Gonzalvo and the beautiful Senorita
Amabel, kindly present my compliments to
them,” said Achille Murtagh, as Luis Ross] was
goin over the side.

“ he Senorita Amabel, and Don Gonzalvo
will consider it an insult to receive a message
from a pirate," retorted Luis Rosa].

“ Doubtless, but I send the compliments of
myself, Achille Murtagh of the Cartagena
navy,” was the unrnflied reply.

“And be you such as you say, I warn you
never to visit this port again, or ever to cress
my path at sea, for so surely will you be treated
as a pirate if you do."

“ I shall visit yonder port at my pleasure,
senor, and if I cross your path at sea, you shall
never see the stern of my schooner. even if you
tread the deck of a line—ot-battle—ship, I so pledge
you my word.

“Now, Senor Rosa]. ermit me to bid you
adios,” and Captain urtagh raised his hot,
while the sailor holding the boat’s painter cast
it aboard, and the Mexican officer went dancing
away landward in‘ his little craft, while the Sea
Catstood swiftly out to sea, her crew rapidly
repairin the little damage done her in running
the gent at of fire. v

 

CHAPTER XIX.
AT GONZALVO RANCH.

CAPTAIN LUIS ROSAL was in anything but a
good humor, when he headed his little sail-boat
back to port.

Instead of being thankful for his escape, in-
stead of feeling that he had been well treated by
the man whom he accused of being a pirate, he
was roused at What he had passed through, and
he swore vengeance against Achille Murtagh as
soon as he should get upon the deck of his Ves-

so].
He could not understand how it was that

 

 

Major Durango, the commandante, had fired
upon the schooner, knowing him to be on board.
“ Ahl there is a sail, and it is running out.

“ It is a pilot boat,” he said, as a small sloop
was visible standing out of the channel between
the forts.

As the course he was then on would bring
him near the sloop, he held on his way and soon
after came a bail in a voice he at once recog-
nized:

“ Ho, Rosal. ahoy!”

“ Ay, ay, Riveras, is that you?" he anewered.

“ Yes, and out after on. I’ll luff up and you
come alongside and we ll tow your boat in.”

The naval officer was soon on the sloop, and
with the boat in tow it put ha ck for port.

There were three men on the sloop besides
Captain Riveras, be having chartered the craft
to go out, as he said, to pick up his friend.

“ Vtht does this mean, Riveras, that the
schooner was fired upon and I on board?“ asked
Luis Rosal, in no pleasant humor.

“I am utterly at a loss to understand it, for
I sent a trusty messenger with a note to Senor
Durango, telling him the circumstance.

“ We will stop at the water stairs and ask an
explanation.”

“ Certainly, for if Durango has subjected me
to this fire knowingly, I shall resent it."

“ You are right, Rosa]; but how hotly the
fort opened.”

“ Yes, and threw their powder and iron away,
for the schooner was very little hurt.”

“ I am glad for your sake that it was so.”

“ So am 1;,but here we are at the water
stairs.”

The sloop glided alongside of the stone stairs
of the fort, and the two officers at once sought
the quarters of the commandunte.

They found him considerably excited, reading
a letter, the paper being wet, while Juan Lerdo
the peon, his clothes dripping, was standing near

im.

“Ah! my dear Rosa], I rejoice to know that
you escaped, and regret exceedingly that you
were subjected to my fire; but Riveras’s letter
only just arrived, owing to his poor devil ofa
messenger finding some trouble in getting a
boat, and then, it being sunk by a shot, having
to swim ashore.” -

This explanation fully satisfied Captain Rosa],
and each Officer having remembered the peon
with a generous donation, accepted the invita-
tion of the maj )r to a supper and a. bed for the
night.

Returning to Captain Riveras‘s ranch the next
morning," the two officers found there official
letters awaiting them, and as his brig would
not:j be in port for several days, Captain Rosal
sai :

“ I believe I will run up to the ranch of Don
Gonzulvo for a couple of days, Riveras."

“ It would be a good idea, and, if agreeable, I
should like to accompany you.”

It was not agreeable, but Captain Rose] did
not say so, and told a polite falseth about his
being delighted to have company.

So the two rivals, as in reality they were,
started for Gonzslvo Ranch, and arriving there
received a warm welcome from the Don, and
from Amabel a somewhat cold one. '

  

       
       
       
      

 

         
 
        
          
      
   
     
     
   
      
      
     
          
      
      
 
       
        
       
   

  

       
       
    
  
 
       
 
 
     
    

 

The Sea. Cat‘s Prise.

  

 

That night at supper the story of the midnight
firin was told, while Leon Riveras, as if by
acci out, came out with the duello and the re—
sult.

Luis Basal hit his lip viciously, at having
Amabel know that the Csrtageniun had proven
his master with the sword for the second time;
but Leon River-as went on to say that “the
pirate," as he called Achille Murtagh, was the
finest swordsman he had ever seen, or heard of,
though without doubt Captain Rosal would get
his revenge at no distant day.

“ in what manner, senor?” asked Amabel,
quickly.

“ When his brig—cf—wnr arrives, for then he
can hunt down the pirate and hang him to his
yard-arm.”

“ You persist in calling Captain Murtagh a
pirate, senor; have you other reason than that
given for so believing him?" asked Amabcl.

“ Well, no, senorita; but I consider that amply
sufficient."

“ If a pirate, he is also a gentleman, u brave
man, one of refinement, and possessed of won—
derful courage, we must admit, senor,” sail Don
Gonzalvo. ‘

“Granted; yet still a pirate, and as such de-
serving of the yard-arm, and I shall make it
my :husiness to hunt him down and hang him,"
remarked Captain Rosal.

“ He is a dangerous foe, Senor Rosa], and you
must beware that he does not hunt you to
death,” said Amahel, with a smile that had some-
thin of a sneer in it.

“ e may have proven my superior with a
Sword, senoritagbut where my brig is almost
double the size of his schooner, carries half as
many more guns and twice his force of men, if
he can defeat such odds I am willing to have
him do so." ‘ ‘

“ He certainly was not beaten by El More’s
three vessels." »

“ Ah, because he was their ally—~a fellow~
pirate, senorita." ,

“ Strange then, was it not, that he should have
boarded our carrera and driven El More from
our decks, and afterward chased the pirate into
his lair?” Amahel said with a sneer.

“ He was El Moro‘s ally for all that, I believe.
and as a pirate 1 shall hunt him down and pre-
sent to you, Don" Gonzalvo, his schooner as a
pleasure craft in place of your carrera, and

‘ then, with her speed, you need fear no foe in

your at cruises.”
“ I t hi: you, senor. I shall prize the schooner

l most highly, and Am bcl will then not fear to

take a. voyage ” said 9 Don. 9

“For myse f, I will reserve my gratitude,
Captain Rosal, until the schooner has been cap.
tured," almost wickedly said the maiden. and
Leon Rivera: laughed, while Captain Rosa!
winced under the shot.

Gonzalvo Hacienda was certainly a grand
home, for there had dwelt the forefathers of the»
Don for several generations, and with ample
wealth each one had added improvements, until-

, no grander dwelling was there in Mexico.

The richest furniture, the coolest and largest
rooms, the grandest halls, and in fact every lux-

ias hostage on his craft while putting to sea.  J,

x

Both officers looked covetously upon the '
domain, which would be the home of the one-
:50 became the husband of the beautiful Ama-

 

Of course Luis Rosal was the acknowledged '
lever of the maiden, and she was pledged as his
bride at no very distant day; but Leon Riveras
did not despair on this account, for he argued
that Amabel did not appear to be intensely
smitten with his rival, and could he remove him
from his path, then the field would be open to
himself. ~

Such was the state of affairs at Gonzalvo
Ranch, where two do s after the two oflicers
bade farewell to the on and Amabei, and set V
out for their return to the coast, for word had
come that the brig—of—wur Patrol had arrived.

CHAPTER. XX. . , -’
THE BRIG AND THE SCHOONER.

WHEN Captain Luis Rosal and his companion,
Leon Riveras, reached the little seaport, they
found there the hrig-of—wsr Patrol, which had
come into the harbor the day before.

She certainly was a brautiful vessel, an agent
of the Mexican Government having been sent to
the United States to have her built, and that she
possessed splendid sea-going qualities, as well as
speed, the merest glance would show.

She was most thoroughly armed, and no com-
mander could wish for a better equipped vessel,
or one better manned. »

Upon going on board of her the young Mexi— / '
can was delighted, and mentally vowed that  ‘
should not be very long before the schooner of ,-
guptain Murtagh shOuld strike her flagtohis

rig. ‘

As soon as he could get off he did so, and the
Patrol stood out of port, followed by the good
wishes of the people, and hearty hope of the"
Mexican officers that she would make a name
for herself. ‘ a .

Hardly had she dropped the forts astern, when‘ '-
a sail was sighted, rounding a point some two ‘
miles distant, and heading for the port, it
seemed, to judge from her actions. '

One glance at the stranger, and the cry of joy '
which Captain Rosa] gave vent to amounted to
almost a shout.

“ It is the schooner! it is the pirate!” he cried. 

“What schooner? What pirate, Senor Cap—. 
taini” asked an officer, surprised at the excite
ment of his commander. , I ' ' , i ‘

“The Sea Cat, whose commander claims to n
be in the Cartagenian service, and who held me ' '

 

 

 

 
      

 

other night. , .
“I declare, this is far better luck than Ian '
ticipeted, for I shall capture him in full sight of
the forts and the town.” ,« , ‘- ‘
Then lowering his voice hesnid in a lime
meant for his own ears alone: i ‘ " ,
“Amabel will hear the runs. and the news
shall soon be sent to her tliatI have captured '
and hanged her pirate hero.” , ..',,3 ,. ’
Calling out to his officers, Captain" Rosa}
ordered the brig to be quickly put in fighting
trim, and the men were sent to quarters ,
In'the mean’time the schooner crime bowling
along at a livcl pace. r

  
   

  

  

  

  

 

nry and‘oomfort was found there, that heart
could dome. . ‘ , . » ’

fl, ,1 , , 3,5

The brig hay evidently been sighted iron

\

 
 

The Sea. Cat’s Prize.

 

.deekg yet no preparations were visible on board
on warlike character.

Atvher peak floated the flag of Cartngenn,
while the brig :arriod the Mexican colors.

. That the townspeople and the soldiers at the

fort had also seen the schooner was evident, as

3 numbers were seen seeking elevated positions to
View the combat which must certainly occur,

3 ,and the gunners in the feitifications were or-
dered to their guns, to be ready for work, if

they were needed, which they did not ex ect

‘1 would he the case, as the Patrol could ccrta nl y
43;; ture the schooner without outside aid..

he schooner was now not half a. league from
the brig, sailing at a slapping pace, under the
light wind she had, and heading on her course as
thou h she had not sighted the brig, or was
who] y indifferent to her presence.

“ This indifference of Captain Mui-tngh seemed
todgreatly disturb the mind of Luis Rosal, who
di not like the confidence shown by his enemy.

Still he could not for an instant doubt his
power to easily whip his foe, and the Patrol
went down to meet the Sea Cat with perfect
confidence of all on board, and a surprise that
the schooner should be so reckless as to meet an
adversary so much her superior in size, men and

uns. ' .

But the Sea Cat came on, and her men were
seen going quietly to quarters, and all being
getten ready for the combat.

As the brig fired a shot as a feeler, the schoon—
er ran up the strange flag, that of the blue field
.and red hands, and a shout arose on the Patrol,
for it seemed to proclaim the foe to be indon a
, into.

I Lufling up sharp the brig fired a broadside,

,bht wearing around as she was her shots flew
stern of the schooner, which. while her adver-

‘ sary wasin stays, put her helm quickly down

' and, filave' her the benefit of her port battery.

- _ 13h fire was well delivered, and the result
was that a dozen men on the brig went to the
deck, killed or wounded, a gun was dismouan
and other damage done which caused considera-
ble excitement upon the Patrol.

While in temporary confusion, from the shock,

t

the schooner, working like a piece of machinery

"delivered at the brig her other broadside, and
followed it almost immediately with a third,
and the result was terrible upon the enemy, who
wasr'badlv crippled. ,

‘fiy Gadl that man handles his craft as he

oes‘a'sword, so we must get to close quarters,”

r said‘Cnptain Luis Rose), who sawthet his own
fire had done the schooner no damage.

Orders were given new to fire as they could
upon the pirate, gun for gun, while the brig
endeavored to work down upon her enemy and
carry her by hoarding.

\But the schooner had trained the point in the
fight which she wanted, and her guns were mun-
ned with the utmost coolness, rapidity and pre—
cision, and the damage done her large adversary
Wtearrul, for dead and wounded weie upon
ailsldes, two guns lay diamonan and the bul—

fii’ks and rigging had suflered considerably, so
that‘her crew began to wavern ‘ V

Bedlngthe altuation of affairs, Captain Luis
’ grew almost desperate . A r
' saw that the combat wag viewed from the

r:"

 

shore, where were gathered all the townspeople,
and at the torts, too far off to fire upon the
schooner, the soldiers were grouped together
anxiously watching, lhe unequal conquest, and
yet beholding lhe weaker vessel getting the liotc
ter of the stronger.

Suddenly, as he turned his eyes landward, he
caught sight of a party on horseback, gazing
upon the Scene from the old ruined fort.

A swooping view through his glass told him
who they were.

“ My God! there are Don Gonzalvo, his daugh~
ter and their attondantsl

“They have ridden down to see the battle,
and defeat almost stares me in the face.

“ No, no. it shall not be, for, suffer as I may I
shall carry the schooner by boarding.”

The words came through his shut teeth, and
than loud rung out his orders to bear down
upon the schooner and carry her by boardin .

The crew did all they could to obey the or er,
for they saw that the schooner was getting the
best of them as it was, and their superior num-
bers, at close quarters must be their only salva-
tion.

So down toward the schooner thebrig was
headed, under all the canvas she dared spread.

Captain Rosa] had hoped that Achille Murtagh
would fly when he saw his intention; but in-
stead the schooner darineg headed for tho brig,
passing in a furious fire as she came, and which
at last became so hot that the crew of the Patrol
brokein Confusion and ran from their guns.

Instantly the ilvep voice of Captain Murtagh
was heard:

“Cease firingl”

Then as a lull followed he hailed:

“ Ho, the brig—of-war!”

“ Ahoy the schooner!” gruffly answered Luis
Rose]. ‘ W

“ Do you surrender your vessel?”

it No?!

“ Ay, ay, sir—firel”

25'

Again the schooner opened fire, the Patrol ,

doing likewise, us her men had been forced to
quarters by their officers, and the two vessels
drew nearer and nearer, forming a grand
and thrilling sight to those who viewed the
scene from the land. r

CHAPTER XXI.
ran nor LIEUTENANT’S PmZE.

As the schooner and the brig neared each
other, Luis Rosa] called picked men about him
to lead them as boarders upon the deck of his
enemy. , '

He saw that, in spite of all that he had suf—
fered, he still greatly outnumbered the‘ toe in
men. and could he once gain his decks, he did
not doubt but that he could bodily drive them
overboard into the sea. ,

To accomplish this he bent every euergyto
getting his best men about him as boarders;
and, the helmsman had orders to lay the
Patrol alongside of, the Sea Cat at; the. earliest
moment. . ,
~ The two vessels were now approaching each

' other in a manner that would bring tbovbrl ’s _
bow against

the schooner,'alightly aft of an: ,
I i  :y i ,, ' '

~ I

 

26 I V The Sea. Cat’s Prize.

ships, when by luiling she could slide along: the
side of the Sea Uut, heading sternward, and her
crew, pouring over hnr hows, as the grupnels
were thrown, would force their foes forward in
their own vessel.

This plan appeared to work well, up to an in-
stant before the two vessels came togotlior,
when suddenly the schooner delivered u broad-
side of grape-shot, and putting her helm down
hard, swung round with 8. Spend that was rc—
markable, right under the hows of the Patrol,
and the situation was instantly changed; for
whore the Mexicans were rcpared to board
thLl cnemy upon his starboari quarter, his port-
bow, by his quick and skillful movement was
presented, and a gun dikcharged with tolling
effect was followed by tho pouring upon their
decks of tho Curtugenlaua

Surprised, many of them Svat down by the
fire of tho schoonar, and attacked with an irre—
sistible fury, the Mexicans wore forced han by
the Curtageniuns, who soon broke in a panic
and cried for quarter most lustily. ‘

Instantly the carnage ceased, and Ca; 'lill
Raul, trembling with rage, was confronted by
Seawuif, the Boy Lieutenant.

“ Ha! is yourchief killed?” asked the Mexican
officer with savage delight.

“ No, senor; but I will take your sword,
please,” was the answer.

“ Is he wounded?" grimly asked Rosnl.

“ Oh. no, senor.”

“ Then why do you. demand my surrender,
b0 ?”

XBecause I fought tho schooner, senor, with
the kind permission of my good captain,” was
tho uiet response.

“ ' '01:! you fought that schooner?”

“ Yes, senor.”

“ direction of your chief?”

“N3o, senor. Captain Murtngh gave no nd‘
vice; he was simply a locker-on, for I asked him
to allow me to take you as a prize, that I might
have my reven re."

“ Your revenge?” and Luis Rosal gazed hard
at the boy.

“Yes, senor, for I have not forgotten you, if
you do fail to remember me. I have not forgotten
that you married my poor sister Inez for her
money, and then broke her heart by your
cruelty, and now the richer-l you possess are bars,
or rather mine, for she died and left me her
written history of all you had done, and asked
me to avenge her, and get back my fortune.
That scar on your face I gave you, the night
you chased us to the shore, and We put to sea in
a little craft in the face of a. storm. I was a. boy
then, of very few years, but I raised the pistol
of one of our prions and fired, and it saved us
from capture! You thought that we were lost
in the storm that night and you were happy;
but it was not so, for I am hero to avenge poor
Incz. I was picked up at sea by Captain Mur-
tagh, a waif on a wreck. My sister wag dead,
but the papers she left I kept, and only yester-
day did look over them and discover all tlm she
had sufiered,nud they bade me avenge her. I
have done so in part, for Captain Murtagh knows
all. and he allowed me to fight you, and defeat
you. The gold you have is mine, and that I‘wili

orce you to give up, and that will be one more

i

.

stroke of revenge, while my last will be to prevent
tho Senorita Gonzulvo from becoming your wife.
Your sword, please, Captain Luis R0581."

The Mexican was perfectly livid, and his eyes
glared 11 um the boy with a look that was no
ferocious as a. wolf.

He had appeared, as from a grave in the sea,
to defeat him in a combat, and to take from
him his ill—gotten gold, while worse still, he said

he would prevent his marrying the Senorita ‘

Gonzulvo.

The two stood together upon the quarter-deck
of the brig, whither Luis Rosa] had walked af—
tor he saw that all was lost.

What had passed utwcen them no one board,
for Seuwaif had .1 ken in a. low but earnest
tono.

He saw that the boy meant all. that he said,
and strategy alone could prevent him carrying
out his determination. ,

So he said in husky tours:

“ Quirtae Alfcn my brave boy, I confess
that I wronng ur good sister and you too;
but bitterly have l repented, and if you will-
give me a few wecks’time I will restore to you
your fortune. You have bad your revenge in
defeating mo, and I beg you do not make known
to the public what I have done, for it is shame
enough to know that you have been the vic—
tor.

“ Captain Rosa], I should show you no mercy;
but I will not make known to your Government
your crime toward me unless you refuse to give
up my fortune. NOW hand me your sword,
senor, for I see Captain Murtngh is growing im-
patient.”

With a muttered curse the Mexican handed
over his weapon, and just then Captain Murtagh
boarded the brig. ..

“Senor Captain, my Boy Lieutenant having
captured your v ssol, he shall, command her un—
til he carries her under the (runs of the fort, and
surrenders her to Major urango, the com-
mundunte. To him i wish Lieutenant Seawalf
to explain that I am no pirate, and that you had
no right to attack me as such. Having taught
you a lesson, I shall prove my honesty by re-
turning your vessel to the Mexican Government,
with a request that more discriminating ofiicers

be placed in command, and whovwill not attack.

the craft of a country with which they are not
at war. With the quarrel between Lieutenant
Seowuif and yourself I have nothing to do; but
should he not return in safety, at his pleasure,
after delivering up your brig totbe comman‘
dame, I shall know that you are the one who
keeps him, and l shull land and place allthe
papers, referring to your guilt, in the hands of
your Government.”

Thou turning to Seawaif, Captain Murtagh
Continued:

“ My lad, you will find me cruising off and on
before the port, when you wish to come out.
NOW take command of the brig, and I will ‘Yo
you a prize draw of eight men, for they wi be
stimulant.”

A few moments after the two vessels swung, I

apart, the crippled brig heading slowly for port,
while the schooner, with her crew rapldl ra-
pairing damages, headed along the coast, ttle
over a league distant from the shore. .

looked u n his:

The Sea Ca.

CHAPTER XXII. '

* I v THE SURRENDER.
SEA'WAXF‘ made no effort. to repuir damages on
board the brig, nor would he permit the men to

5 throw the dead into the sen, though he had the

wounded cared for at once.

Ea determined to surrender the brig»: just as
she was. and let the cmnmnnduntu s \
havoc had been done by Cuptmn [to
attack upon a vessel that was flying a flag with
which Mexico was at peace.

Those at the fort saw the battle cud, as did
the groups of people ashore; but they observed
that the Mexican flag was still left flying, and
that the schooner headed away alone, after the
battle, and the Patrol started for port.

This they could notunderstand, and in breath-

’ _ less expectation they awaited this coming of the

brig.

Slowly she Cnmc, hcr riggingr cut, her sails
torn, her hulwurks and decks splintered, her
spars scarred, and dcml and wounded lying
from quarter-deck to forecustle, while three of
her guns were dismounted, and altogether she
presented a most complete picture of destruc-
tion, sorrow and suffering.

Entering the port, Seawaif, who stood at the
helm, luifed up near the water—stairs of the fort
and dispatched a young oflicer to ask Com-

‘mandonto Duraugo to kindly come on board.

This Major Dumngo soon did, accompanied

be his stalf.

Seswuit mot him at the gangway, saluted po—
litely, and led him aft, whcro Captain Luis ROSA
stood. morosely awaiting their arrival.

” Madre do Dias! what u sconeof carnage! A
sea hutth is fur worse than one on land!” L'l‘lt’d
the Mexican major, as he steppcd on deck.

’I‘ihen, as he approached Captain Rosal, he
sou :

“ Well, Rosal, what is the meunina of this?”

f‘ Simply, Mu'or Durango, tlmtI met more

than my match in the schooner, and had to
strike my flag; to him,” was the sullen response.
« “You caught a Tartar when you certainly
had a right to expect an easy victory, with
everything in your favor. But your flag still
flies.”

“ Let that youth explain,” and Louis Rosal

’nodded toward Souwnif, who said, in his quiet

wa :

' .“ySeuor Commzxndunte, I am directed by (fun—
thin Achille Murtagh, of the Curtng‘cniun scr-
Viral!» any that as Captain Rosa] insisted upon

attacking him as a pirate, although he had told

him who and what he was, ho was forced to pun—
sh him neverely, and now pn-m-s his good faith
y turning: over to you the brig, mm whose

goal: the Mexican flag was not lower-M, with the

ope that you will request Captain Rosal to be

- less hasty in future.”

“My Jupih-rl" have you made such a 'gross

. mistake, Rosal?

,"9 This will cause us tI'Ouhlo,” anxiously said
Major Durango, while Captain Loon Rivcrus,
[who had accompanied him on hoard the brig,
rival with amazmncut.

“N0, ‘ nor Conmunduntc, Captain Min-high
does not intend to epwrr, the matter to his Gov-
rninent; but he hopes that Captain Rosa! will
he more particular in future.” said Seawaif.

q

 

  

 

 

    
  

 

 

   

The Sea. Cat’s Prize.

 

CHAPTER XXII.
THE SURRENDER.

SEAWAIF made no effort to repair damages on
board the brig, nor would he permit the men to
throw the dead into the sea, though he had the
wounded cared for at once.

He determined to surrender the brig: just as
she was, and let the commundantu see just what
havoc had been done by CaptHln Rosnl’s foolish
attack upon a vessel that was flying a flag with
which Mexico was at peace.

Those at the fort saw the battle end, as did
the groups of people ashore; but they observed
that the Mexican flag was still left flying, and
that the schooner beaded away alone, after the
battle. and the Patrol started for port.

This they could not understand, and in breath-
]esa expectation they awaited the coming of the
brig.

Slowly she came, her rigging cut, her sails
torn, her bulwarks and decks splintered, ber
spars scarred, and dead and wounded lying
from quarter-deck to forecastle, while three of
her guns were dismounted, nnd altogether she
presented a most complete picture of destruc-
tion, sorrow and suffering.

Entering the port, Seawaif, who stood at the
helm, luflr'ed up near the Water-stairs of the fort
and dispatched a young officer to ask Com-
mandunte Dnrango to kindly come on board.

This Major Durango soon did, accompanied
by his staff.

Seawait met him at the gangway, saluted po-
litely, and led him aft, where Captain Luis R0541
stonii. morosely awaiting their arrival.

“ Madre de Dios! wlmt u sceneof carnage! A
sea. lmttle is fur worse than one on land!” cried
the Mexican major, as he stepped on deck.

Tlhen, as he approached Captain Rosal, he
Salt :

“ Well, Rosal, what is the meanin of this?”

f‘Simply. Major Durango, that met more
than my match in the schooner, and had to
strike my flair to him,” was the sullen response.

“You caught a Tartar when you certainly
had a right to expert an easy victory, with
Everything in your favor. But your flag still

165.

“ Let that youth explain,” and Louis Rosa]
nodded toward Seawaif, who said, in his quiet
way:

“ Senor Commandunte, I am directed by Can—
tnin Achille Murtagh, of the Cartagenian ser-
vu-e, to say that as Captain Rosal insisted upon
attacking him as a pirate, although he had told
him who and what he was, his was forced topnn—
ish him severely, and now proves his good faith
by turning over to you the brig, from whose
peak the Mexican flug was not loWererl, with the
hope that you Will request Captain Rosal to be
less hasty in future.”

“My Jupiter!" have you made such a gross
mistake, Rosai?

“ This will cause us trouble,” anxiously said
Major Durango, while Captain Leon Riveras,
who had accompanied him on hoard the brig,
looked it n his rival with amazement.

“ No, enor Commandante. Captain Murtagh
does not intend to rep'irt the matter to his Gov-
ernment; but he hopes that Captain Rosal will
be more particular in future,” said Seawaif.

“ And what vessel is it, young senor, that your
gallant ca tain commands?"

“ The artagenian schooner-of—war Sea Cat,
senor."

“ And yet be exchanged fire with my forts, in
running out the other night.”

“ True, senor, for he r- as compelled to return
your fire, and he knew that it was decided that
he was a pirate, and should be treated as such,
and when Captain Murtngh makes n his mind
to do anything, he carries it out if it is in the
power of man to do so.”

“ I can well believe that, young senor, and
Captain Rosal will doubtless agree with me; but
may I ask who you are?"

“ A lieutenant on the schooner, Senor Com-
mandante.”

“ Well, you talk like one who can uphold our
rank, young as you are; but is there anyt ing
that I can do for you, or your captain?”

“ No, senor, thank you. ’

“ Will be not come into port?"

“ No, senor."

“ Can I send you and your men 0le to your
schooner?"

“ Thank you. Senor Commandante, but 1 wish
to go ashore first, and then I will find a shore
boat to run 03 in,” and bidding adieu to the
commandante and 1118 'oflicers, Seawait asked to
be set ashore with his men, which was promptly
done.

As he reached the landing a party on horse-
back dashed by.

They were Don Gonzalvo, the Senorita Ama-
bel, riding side by side, and behind them a short
distance two peons, who were their attendants.

They did not see the youth, and he paSsed on
to the tavern, where he at once put up.

As he went to his room he saw Juan Lerdo,
his peon spy, gazing after him, and be made a
motion to him to folldw.

A moment after the door opened softly and
the peon entered.

“ Senor, I am glad to see you again," he said,
politely.

“I came ashore to see you, Juan.”

“ Yes, senor; how can I serve you “.3”

“ Find me a boat to send my men off in to the
schooner, and 1 wish to have them start just
about dark.”

“ I will run them off, senor, as you desire.”

" No, I wish you to get a man to take them 063
who is willing to tell a lie if need be.”

“ Senor, I can readily find one who would lie
against his brother for apeso."

“ I merely wish him to say, if asked, that I
went off with my men, while I need your ser-
vices for something elSe."

“ Command me, senor.”

“ I wish you to secure two good horses, one
for each of us, and have them ready near the
edge of the town. I will go with you as soon as
my men have started, and I wish you to be my
guide.”

” Where would you go, senor?"

“ Do you know the hacienda of Don Gon-
201W)?”

“ Yes, senor.”

“ I would go there.”

“ I can guide you, senor."

“ How far is it?"

 

  

   

 

The Sea. Cat’s Prize.

 

“ Five leagues, senor.”

“ We can ride it in two hours.”

“ Yes, senor, with the use of the spur."

“ Very well, secure the horses and have them
in readiness. Then get the houtman to carry
my men 011‘ to the Son Cut, and come here for us
at sunset.”

“I will be present, senor,” was the answer,
uml Juun Lerdo’s eyes sparkled as the lad slip-
ped into his hand a Couple of golden onzas.

CHAPJ‘ER XXIII.
SEAWAIF'S VISIT.

TRUE to his promise, Juan Lerdo had the boat
ready, to carry off the seamen of the schooner,
and came up to the tavern just at dark to report
to Seawaif.

The Boy Lieutenant had enjoyed his supper,
and the men had done likewise, so were ready to
go off, and the party startrd for the shore.

The hoatman was certainly one who would
not hesitate about telling a. lie, even for a small
consideration, if one might judge from his ap~
peorance, for he looked like u cut-throat.

“ My man, run these men out to the schooner,
whit-h you have seen standing off and on in the
offing."

‘5 Yes, senor.”

“ Upon your return, if you are asked if all of
us went, off course I wish it; understood that we
did.

“ Yes, senor, so it shall be.”

“ Here is a golden armor for you, so now be off,
and he where vou can ho found to-night, should
I wish to go off later.”

“ I will return here, senor," and having seen
the little craft set sail to join the schooner, Sea-
wuif walked rapidly away with Juan Lerxlo,
who led him to a mosquito thicket outside of the
hamlet where two horses were in hiding.

Mounting the animals, Seawnif and tho peon
set off ata rapid pace, and the horses proving
good. they came in sight of the lights of the Gon-
zalvo Hacienda. within two hours.

A guteman allowed them to enter, and in
answer to the Boy Lieutenant’s query, snid that
the Don and Senorita Amubel had returned
home a few hours before.

In answer to his request to see the Don and
the senorita, Seawnit was shown into the hund-
somely-furnishod sitting-room whore the father
and daughter sat, and who supposed the visitor
to he some one from a. neighboring hacienda.

At the sight of the youth they both arose. for
to them he was a stranger, and he was attired in
his handsome uniform.

“Pardon a visit from a stronger, Don Gon-
zslvo and Senorita, but I am a junior officer of
the schooner—of—war Sea Cut, Captain Achille
Allurtugh commanding, nnd linvo mine to see
you upon unimportant duty,” said Seawaif in
his pleasant way, which at once gained for him
the respect of the Don and his daughter; the for-
mer replying:

“ My dear yodnp; senor, both the Senorita
Amahel and myself are glad to meet anyone
from u vessel to whose oommandur we owe so
much, and we trust that you come with no ill-
tidings of Captain Murtagh.”

“ No, Don Gonzalvo, Captain Murtagh was
unharmed in the action with the brig-oflwar

 

 

Patrol, though of course we suffered severely in ,

such a hot combat at close quarters.”

At the words that Murtagh was unharmed
Sen waif heard a fervent prayer of thankfulness
pass thelips of Amahel, while the Don said with
enthusiasm:

“ A hot acl ion indeed, youngsonorl it was the
boldest thing I ever saw attempted, for your
con'imunder to light the brig, and we had not
the slightest idea of your victory.

“ My daughter fvlt so anxious about the af-
fair, for it was reported that your schooner was
off the coast, and I knew that Captain Rosa]
would attack her, that he rode down to learn
what we could, and the result was that we wit-
nessed your victory, though I could not under-
stand why you left the Mi-xioan colors flying
and then came on with the Patrol into port, the
schooner remaining outside.”

“The fact was, senor, that Captain Rosal de-
rided that the Sea Cat was a. pirate craft, and
he v. as determined to (‘a ture her and hang Cap-
tuin Murtagh, but faile to carry out his inten—
tions, as you saw, as he did also to kill him in
his duel with him.”

“ Yes, Rosul seems to feel the deepest hatred
for your commander; but I trust that he was
not wounded through your foolhardiness."

” No, Senor, Captain Ross] was unharmed;
but it is on his account that I have come to see
you to—night.”

' “ Indeed, young Senor, and may I ask why Y"
said Don Gonznlvo, curious as to the nature of
the visit of the youth in lwhull‘ of Cnptnin Rosnl.

“To give you my reasons for what I tell you
regarding Captain Rosa], Don Gonzalvo, I must
say that he is one whom I have known from my
earliest childhood, and aware of what he is, l
have determined to thwart him in his intention
of making Senorita Gonzalvo his wiie.

“ One whom I should have respected and
loved, for he became my elder brother, through
his marriage with my sister, he showed himself
t) he a man whom I could but hate.”

“ My sister and myself were orphans, and he
was our guardian, for my father believed him

to he a. noble man, and knew that poor Inez ‘ i

loved him.
“ From the day of their marriage he cruelly
treated her, tried to break her heart by his in-

humun conduct t0\\'a.r(l both of us, and atlast ,, ‘I

forced us to fly from our home.

“ He followed ns, and the scar on 'his face I!

gave him. and it prevented our capture; but
my sisterdied of a broken heart, and our little
vessel, in which we escaped was wrecked, and I
nlone survived; and was picked up by Captain
Murtugh, and he is the only friend I haye
known.

“ Here are papers telling who I am, and the
story of our wrongs, my sister’s and mine, writ-
ten by poor Inez herself, and I give them into
your keeping. senorita, that they may be a.
warningr to you not to become the wife of»that
man, who ill-treated his, ybung wife, drove her
to her death, and now is rich upon her fortune
and mine.”

“ This is terrible,” so id Don Gonznlvo excited-
ly and with amazement.

“Yes, a terrible charge“; that you make, my,

young friend."

 

 

 

—L um; (I: m A ~ rdde -—m ‘n EH‘LH UP H'me

4—.

 

 

    

A~_‘_.—4

 

  

    

w..- un-u D'uT'r-‘d‘i' on:

—.—‘cr.—- n...

 

 

The Sea. Cat’s Prize.

  

29

 

’7 “It is true, senor," was the quiet res onse.
“Ay, father, I believe it all, an Heaven
bless this noble youth for saving me from that
man, for you were determined that I should
' marry him,” and Senorita Arnabel arose and
paced the floor In deep excitement, while Don
' Gonzalvo looked over the papers which Seawaif
‘ had handed to him and said earnestly as he fin-
ished their perusal:

“Forgive me, my child, for urging that Luis
Rosal, the man whme crimes are hcrein told,
should be your husband; and you, my noble
youth, accept my gratitude unbounded for hav-
ing saved me from bestowing my daughter, my
idol, upon such a being as these papers prove
Captain Rosal to be, and I cannot doubt their
truth."

“The hand that wrote those lines, senor, are
cold in death," was Seawaif’s low response.

  
 

 

CHAPTER XXIV.
snawmr‘s STORY.

‘ FOR sonic moments, after the scene narrated
in the foregoing chapter, Seawaif, the Don and
Ainahel sat in silence, each buried in deep
thouglt.

At last the youth broke the silence with:

“ Senor and Senorita, I have felt i‘evengeful
toward Captain Rosa], as you very well under-
stand, and to-dny I avenged myself in part,

 

1;  through the kindness of my noble commander,

 
   
  
  
   
  
 
 
 
 
   
  
   
 
 
   
 
 

who allowed me to fight the schooner in my own
way and defeat the brig. Captain Rosa! hund-

 ed to me his sword, upon his own deck, and I

told him who was his victor, and demanded of
him my fortune. He wished me to give him
time, and I promised him the Govornment
should not know of his acts if he gave up my
riches, and he pledged himself to do so. But I
did not tell him that you should not know, and
in making known the secret to you, I beg you to
keep it quiet, as his punishment will be great,
senorita, in losing you, in giving up his wealth,
‘ and in Ithe defeat which he has met with at the
hands of a boy. I knew that Captain Murtagh
was deeply interested in you, lady, and that you
had called up from the past a love which he had
believed could not be aroused again. Pardon
me, senorita, for speaking plainly; but I am
only a boy, you know, and I love my benefactor
so dearly, I do not wish him to have another
sorrow, for, as I S’lld, he mourns for a dcnd love
and I know that you have touched his heart. He
is a noble man, lady, and one who left his
American home to drown his sorrows, and upon
his life there rests no s‘ain.”

“ He is a noble-looking man, young senor, and
we owe much to him, while you are a strong
pleader for him; but why was it, pray tell mp
that when he run into the midst of llio fleet all
the Lagoon Pirates, he was cnablod to ammo
and in fact, held communication with the pirate
chief i”

“ Don Gonznlvo, you are aware that the
Pirates of the Lagoon have a flag they deem al-
most sacred ?”

“ Yes, sol have heard.”

“They call it the Flag of the Red Hands.”

“ Yes, so I know.”

“ A vessel flying this flag, in a certain way, is

 

 

 

no longer looked upon by these Lagoon Pirates
as a foe, and, without further molestation it is
allowed to go its way."

“But your captain not only showed this flag
of the Red Hands, but communicated with the
pirate chief,” urged Don Gonzalvo. ,

“ Senor, Captain Mnrtugh showed the flag,
but Sent me to communicate with the chief."

“ You .9 ”

“ Yes, senor, so I know all that occurred.”

“ I'Vell, are you adverse to telling?”

“ Oh, no, for it will clear my chief of the belief
that he is a pirate.”

“ I will be glad to have every suspicion taken
from my mind, I assure you,” said the Don.

“It shall not be my fault, senor if you still
believe the chief a pirate, for I think you alone
in that belief, as the senorita feels that Le is
not what Captain Rosa! would hane her think.”

“ The circumstances of Captain Mnrtagh‘s es—
cape, as reported by a courier, pomted to his
alliance With the Pirates of the Lagoon; but I
felt that he was not the man Cnptain Rossl de-
clared him to be,” quietly said Amalie].

“I thank you, Senorita, and I will quickly ex-
plain why we Were not captured by the pirates,
into whose absolute pewer we placed ourselves
in running into the retreat of El Moro.

“ The fact was that Captain Murtngh deter
mined to prove what virtue there was in the
Flag of the Red Hands, and hoisting it at the
peak we boldly sailed into thedcn of tho outlaws.
The effect was magical, for when they (pencd
fireut first, it quickly ceased when the Rod [lands
Flag went up. Then 1 was sent by my captain
on board the pirate flag-ship, and met El Moro.
He recvived me well, wondering at the schoon-
cr’s flying his flag, but respected it, and more,
he gave me this ring. which he said would pro-
tcct me under all circumstances when I fell into
the clutches of the Lagoon Pirates,”and Sea-
wnif drew off the ring and handed it to the
Senorita Amuhel, who, after admiring its beauty
handed it to her father.

“ You have a. valuable souvenir here, Senor
Seawaif, and one that may save your life at
some time,” said the Don.

Then Seawaif continued:

“ Of course El Moro respected the flag, shown
bv Captain Murtagh, and I returned on board
the schooner, which at once put to sea, and
headed for the port near here. Then it was
that Captain Murmin told me of the Secret
Signet of the two red hands, and the power of
the flag. He said that he was cruising along
one night when he saw a vessel close iirhore,
and recognized her as the craft of a cruel coast
pirate cfl’ the Balize. Those on the outlaw croft
evidently did not see the schooner, and ran right
upon her, so that after a sharp action She was
captured. Captain Mnrtagh found on board a.
fair captive of the pirate, and upon finding out
who she was, took her at once to her home.
That home was the refrnat of buccaneers, and
she was the daughter of El Moro. In his grati-
tude at the restoration of his daughter, whom he
deeply loved. El Morn gave the Secret Signet
ring and flag to Captain Murtagh, telling him to
make use of them if ever he got into a. hot place
with the Lagoon Pirates. He made use of it, as
I have told you, and with the result that you al-

    
   

     

The Sea. Cat’s Prue.

 

ready know. Such are the circumstances of
Captain Murtagh’s being leagued yvith pirates."

"And I am sure. that your explanation is
more than satisfactory, my lad; and I am anx-
ions to meet your chief, that I may ask him to
become my guest whenever it pleases him to
put into port, and I only wish that he was in
our own service,” said Don Gonzalvo.

“ Senor, it is upon this subject that I also
wished to see on, and when I make known to
you the story 0 Captain Murtagh’s life, and his
wishes, I fee that you will use your influence to
aid him in the accomplishment of his desires."

“ I will do all in my power, my young friend,
for both yourself and your captain, for I owe
much to you.”

“I do not wish to put it upon the plea of
gratitude, senor, for we wish no payment for
what our duty prompted. Captain Murtagh is
an American, as he doubtless told you. He

essed riches, and was in the American Navy,
ut left it on account of a rivalry that existed
between himself and a brother officer, who loved
a lady that was afiianced to my commander.
The ofl'lcer told a falsehood against Captain Mur-
tagh, which caused the lady to break off her en-
gagement with him yet without giving any
cause. Discovering who it was who had maligned
him, Captain Murtagh resigned from the navy,
challenged his traducer andkilled him in a duel,
after which he left the United States, bought a.
schooner, armed and equipped her, and offered
his services to Cartegena. His term of volun-
tary service expires within a week, and, as he
owns his schooner, he is desirous of offering the
services of his vessel and himself to Mexico, and
this is what I would like to have you place before
your Government, senor.” .

“ I will do so with leasure, and at once, my
young friend, and feefthat I can pledge you my
word that I will bring for answer the accept—
ance of your captain’s offer. ’But what about
yourself?” ,

“Oh, senor, I shall regain my fortune from
Captain Rosa]. and after I have devoted myself
to study for a con is of years, wwll get an ap-
pointment 1n the exican navy, for I love the
sea, and am a good sailor for my years.” '

“ You are indeed, my lad; but let me propose
that you get a rivate tutor and make my house
your home. on shall be captain of my car-
rera, and you can certainlv enjoy life as well as
study. What do you say?”

“ Yes, Senor Seawaif, I, too. beg you to do as
my father says, and you will make us both very
happ ,” joined in Amabel.

“ am so thankful to have found such good
friends that I cannot refuse, so I will do as you
wish. but now I must return to the port and
run out to the schooner to tell Captain Murtagh
the good news,” said Seawuil’, and, after a
hearty supper he set out upon his return, just as
the clock in the wing tower of the hacienda
tolled midnight. '

CHAPTER XXV.
me some” BY rm: aosnsnm.

JUAN LEBDO was delighted with his visit to
Gouzalvo Hacienda,~and, as he rode along with
waif, on their way back to the port, he

 

dwelt upon the hospitable manner inrwhich
had been treated.

“I think I shall have to engage you in my
service, Juan. as I may remain ashore for 30111 g
time, and you seem to be a faithful fellow,” sui ‘
Seawall”. ,

“ Ah, senor, golden onzas would make any
one faithful; but I have acted for you from.
friendship as well as gold.” ‘

“Well, Juan, you may consider yourself uu-v
der my pay,” was the answer, and the two then
rode on in Silence for some time.

At length the lights of the port came in sight
and just then two men stepped out into the roe.
before the two horsemen.

The moon was shining brightly, and Seawaif
at once recognized Captain Rosa] and his friend,
Leon Riverus.

“ Well, senor?” he said, as he drew rein before
thorn. . *

“Boy, where have you been?” fiercely de-
manded Luis Ross], his voice trembling with
rage.

“ To your question, senor, I might snv that it
was none of our blisiness; butI will frankly“
answer you t at I have been to the Gouzalvm
Hacienda,” was Seawaif’s response, in a voice
that was unmoved by the surprise he had re~
ceived.

“For what purpose?” hissed Basal. . I

“ To inform Don Gonzalvo and the beautiful 'i
Senorita Amahel of your character."

“ Hal you have dared lie to them about me?”

“ I have told them the truth.” '

“Well, you wear the uniform of an officer, ‘
and pretend to be a man, so I fling thalie in '
your teeth and dare you to resent it.”

“Senor, you wear 13. Sword and pistols, as I .
do, and had I a second, as you have in Captain " ,
Riveras, I would say that I would promptly .
meet you; but, I will be glad to do so at any ’
other time.” ' fl

“ No, you shall dismount and meet me now, or
Ishall shoot you from your saddle,” cried the
infuriated mun. _

“ No. no, Rosal, giVe the boy a chums-rand
say to—mormw you Will meet him, that he may
get a. second." i '

“No, for his second will be that pirate, Murv’
tagh, and he will hold us bothto answer to him-
for challenging a boy. He must fight now unless
he isa coward.” , ‘

“ All right, I’ll act for both of you," said Leon!
Riverzls. ‘ ,

“Permit me to act as my Boy Lieutenant’
second!” and suddenly, out of the thicket, stepo
ped Achille Murtxgh. .7 

A curse broke from the ’i s of Luis Basalt >
while]; Leon Riveras dropped h hand uponihia

lstu . | '
p “ Hold, sonorsl lam not merely a locker-0n
here.” cried J unn Lerdo, and a pistol was he
in each ban 1, and the weapons were aimed fit
the two Mexican officers. ‘ 1 . ,

They saw _ that they ware entrapped, rund‘
Captain Murtsgh remarked in hiscoo way: ‘

“ Senors, after allowing my lieutenant
come ashore, I feared trenchery‘toward him, so
landed at a point uboveand put a spy upon you
movements, Captain Rosa]. T a result, .; ,
my coming here to thwart your little plot, 

 

 

 

The Sea. Cat’s Prize»

 

I am here to serve as the second of my Boy
Lieutenant. Dismount, Seawaif, and meet. Cap—
tain Rosa], with sword or pistol, as he may
select.”

“Let the weapons be pistols,” sullenly said
Luis Rosa], and the weapons were uickly load--
ed by Captain Murtagh and Leon iveras. and
the man and the boy placed ten paces apart.

Captain Murtagh \\ on the word, and his deep
tones were soon heard'

“ Senors, are you ready?"

“ I am,” coolly responded Seawaif, while Luis
Rosa] nodded.

“ Fire!”

The pistols flashed almost together, but one a
trifle before the other.

That one was held by Seawait, and its bullet
went straight to the heart of Luis Rosa], whose
shot. well aimed, cut deep into the shoulder of
the Boy Lieutenant, making an ugly, but not
serious, wound.

“Senor, we will leave you with the body of
your friend; but I shall be glad to stop at your
quarters and send you aid,” said Achille Mur—
ta h.

E I thank you, senor, and shall feel obliged,”
was Leon Riveras’s answer.

“ You will oblige me by stating this affair as
it occurred; if to the contrary, Senor Riveras,
there will be two of us to whom you will have to
answer,” continued the Cartagenian.

“ It shall be truthfully told, senors," and Leon
Riverus bowed as the others departed from the
fatal field. __~_

CHAPTER XXVI.
CONCLUSION.

UPON reaching the port Captain Murtagh left
the horses in the care of Juan Lerdo, and taking
a boat, set sail for the schooner, where Seawnii
was quickly placed under the care of the sur—
geon on board, while the vessel set sail and, by
dGaylfight was far away upon the waters of the

u .

~ Juan Lerdo in the mean time Went to the mili-
tary quarters and sent aid to Captain Leon
Riverae, who, while watching by the body of
Luis Rosa], congratulated himself that a rival
had been removed from his path, and began to
build castles in the air of future happiness with
"Amabel Gonzalvo as his wife.

Having made his report of the affair to the
commandante, Captain Riveras determined to
give himself the Blcasure of reportng the death
.of Luis Rose] to on Gonzalvoand his daughter,
and mounting his horse he rode rapidly toward
:he'hncieuda, anxious to arrive there to break-

as -.

This he did, and he was delighted to see that
the death of her lover did not seem to wear
heavin upon the heart of the fair girl, who
merely remarked that, while she was shocked to
hear of his being slain in a duel with the Boy
Lieutem-nt, it was a justretribution.

Returning to the town, Leon Rivaras bud his
dead rival buried with great warlike pomp, and
while the fort was firing a salute over the slain
officer, the schooner Sea Cut was seen running
into port.

She saluted the forts, and dropping anchor, a
boat went ashore in which were Captain Mur-

 

tagh and his Boy Lieutenant, the latter wearing
his arm in a sling.

At the landing Don Gonzalvo met them, and
the party started at once for the Mexican’s ha—
cienda, where, after a week’s stay, Achille Mur-
tagh received his commission as a captain in the
Mexican navy.

Nor was this all, for soon after Amabel Gon—
zalvo became his promised bride, to the great
sorrow of Leon Riveras, who, however, deter-
mined to make the best of it, as he wished no
quarrel with the commander of the Sea Cut.

As for Seawnif, he received back his fortune,
of which Luis Rosa] had robbed him, and yet
made his home at Gonzalvo Hacienda during
the two years he devoted to study, after which
he entered the Mexican navy, in which, in time,
he rose to high command, and rendered great
service for his country, though he was always
remembered as Seawaif, the Boy Lieutenant.

THE END.

 

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Noll the Si 1) City Sport; or, The Detective’s
Big Si: 01). By E. L. Wheeler.
R e' ' Mountain Joe; or, Dracon Simplicin on
the \‘Jar Path. By Col. 'l'. II. Moustery.

‘ New York Tim; or, The Boss of the Boulevard.
liy Charles Morris.
The Gii‘l Pilot; or, Ben, the Reeerunner.
Roger Starhuek.

‘ » Joe. the Boy Stage—Driver: or, Nick Hicken's
Cunning. By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain.

Twan Frank‘s Crony; or, The Girl Mustang
Rider. 3y Buckskin ham.

356 ldaho Ned. Detective; or. The Miners of Tarpon
lity. By Edward L. Wheeler.

3357 Guy, the Boy Miner; or. Rocky Mountain Bill.
By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham.

358 Jersey Joe. the Old Tar; or, The Wrecker’s
l’rotvgr. By Mrs. Urin James.

359 Dandy Dick's Dash; or, The Boy Cattle-King.
By 011 Comes.

360 Jim’s Big Bonanza; or, Jake Dodd and His
(lung. By W. J. Hamilton.

301 t) ogou Phil, the Spot“; 01‘, Tht‘ Marshal of Two
Bits. By Philip S. Warne.

362 Kit. the Boothlack Detective; or. From
l’hil (Ivlphia to the Rock1.s. By Edward L.
\Vhewlfl'.

36:1 The Ocean Racer: ( r, Trusty Tom, the Tar.
T C. Ilarlmngh.

361 lt'ritz‘s Oltl Scott; or. Sil) C ine's Right B wrr.
By Ned Buntlini».

3655 Crack Shot Harry; or, The Masked Rider. By
Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

366 Gold Dust Rock. the Whirlwind of the Mines.
By G. Waldo Browne.

307 Fred‘s Boll Game; or, The Cave Treasure.
Paul liibbs.

3GB Jim. the Sport: in Wakv-rup; or, Foghorn Fan to
the From. By Edward L. Wheeler.

36!] (f‘vpmin Blake’s Jonah; or, Harry, the Cabin
B y. By Roger Starbuek.

370 Denvrr Kit‘s Double: or, The Giant Miner of Lie
Gulch. By Maj. H. B. Stoddard.

371 Blue Blnzi-s Dick; or. liangrr Doll of Dynamite.
By T. C. IIarhaugh.

372 The Spa Cat‘s Prize; or. The Flag of the Red
Hands. By Col. Prentiss Ingmhum.

373 Larry O‘Lynn's Dash; or, Kyle, the Renegade.
By Joseph 1". Henderson.

. ‘m the Srort‘s Jig BOOIIl' or The Bonanza

374 élim’fl; Rival. By E iward L,’\\'h’eeler.

Ready March 11.
375 Bowery Bob, Detective: or, Bianca, the Tum-
bourine-Girl. By Jo Pierce.
Ready March 18.
y 6 Buckskin Dick‘s Clean Sweet); or. Jonathan
37 Jinks’ Still Hunt. By Col. Arthur F. Holt.
Ready March 25.
A N w [ans-we Every li’ednesday.

liy

By

By

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