Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 982: "The Girl Storm-Pilot" — page 10: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

10 Lowering his hand for the fatal thrust, his | bosom was for the moment unprotected. Ere he could recover from his mistake, Walf Ranger’s glistening blade pierced his body. With acry of pain he let the sword fall from his grasp, and sunk to the deck. A wild cry went up from the on-lookers as they saw their leader go down, ‘*He has killed the captain!” yelled Mark Wildbell, ‘‘ Down with him!” With the horde at his heels the burly despe- rado hurled himself upon the gallant swords- man, Dean Hammond instantly caugbt up the weapon Gilroy had let fall, and sprung to the assistance of his friend. A wild, confused-struggle followed, A nervous blow from Walf Ranger sent Wild- bell to the deck, Another excited wrecker sprung into his steps to share the same fate. Dean Hammond had felled one of the ruffians when he received a blow upon the head that rendered him senseless, Shots were now fired, but fortunately for Ranger they flew wide of him, He was having his hands full, but he seemed | oe to the occasion and swept down the fourth of his assailants. By this time Mark Wildbell had regained his eet. ‘‘ Stand aside, and I'll cut down the tiger!” he yelled, forcing his way through the excited gang, with heavy blade lifted with both hands above his head, Walf Ranger turned none too soon to meet the giant’s attack. The otaer’s furious blow he caught upon his own.slender blade and saved hi ° But so great was the force of the stroke that his sword was broken at the hilt! The shock nearly threw him down as it did his assailant also, At that moment a heavy missile came hurtlin through tie air to strike him upon the head, when he sunk to the deck without a groan, The fight was now over. Though dearly paid for, after all, the muti- neers had carried their end. No time was lost in securing Ranger and young Hammond, so that when they returned to consciousness they found themselves pris- oners. Gilroy had received a deep and dangerous wound, but it wes thought not a fatal one, Iie was promptly cared for, as were the others of their number who had been injured, One was found to have been killed, and his body was consigned to the sea without the delay of any ceremony. Captain Morrows and four of his crew were put into bonds. The others had joined their fortunes with the wreckers or fallen in the fight, Land was some time since lost sight of so shaking out a full spread of canvas they were borne merrily on before a spanking breeze. Mark Wildbell was virtually incommand, ‘** What are we to do with the prisoners?” asked A mbushade, | ‘* Keep ’em until the cap’n gets smart enough to decide on their fates. By Heaven! here comes that girl, and I s’posed she was under lock andkey. Call Evgerb andCampton. She may give us trouble,” This last was spoken in a whisper to his con- federate, who acted promptly at his bidding. Lena, unconscious of what had really taken pets and unable to bear the suspense longer, ad left the cabin to come on deck, gs started at the sight of the burly Wild- ‘* Where are my friends?” she cried. ** Oh, well enough,” he replied, indifferently, waiting for his confederates to appear, Instinctively Lena had guessed the truth, ‘* What has happened? Oh, this suspense is worse than—” ‘** Don’t fret,” he interrupted, ‘* The ship has changed masters, that is all. “If by your friends you mean the two pas- sengers, we have just sent them below.” ‘* Then they live-—are safe!” she said, with a breath of relief. ‘* Yes, live and are safe for the time, will please return to the cabin,” ‘+7 would see them.” By this time Ambushade with two others had reached the spot. Lena read their intentions, ‘*No—no! Do not bind me again. Ob, what have I done that you should treat me thus?” ‘Girl, what is your name?” asked Wildbell, abruptly, So you The Girl Storm-Pilot. ‘* Lena Riverton,” she replied. ‘‘I—” ‘‘Shades of St. Julian! I thought as much,” he laughed. ‘This is a pretty go, Ambu. Do you see the mistake that has been made?” ‘By beavens, Mark! Idonow, What is to be done?” ‘‘ Nothing, of course, now.” Then turning to her, he continued: ‘‘ Well, girl, it seems the wrong bird has been caught, ‘* Now, as I told you, this ship has swapped masters, and instead of that old sneak-face Morrows I’m for the time being scooper of af- fairs. It’s lucky for you, too, for though I’m no better’n a shark, I was always a gentleman where women were concerned, “Tf you will go down into the cabin and stay there, we won’t bind you, Otherways we shall, true’s lightning. ** Do you hear?” ** But where are my—” ‘‘ None of your confounded business, have you tied if you open your jaw again! you hear that ?” Thinking discretion the better part of valor” Lena returned to the cabin with a feeling of utter helplessness. Bound hands and feet, Walf Ranger and Dean Hammond had been thrust intv the stowaway along with the other prisoners, As the afternoon waned, however, Gilroy so far recovered from his wound as to inquire for them. ‘* Curses upon them!” he growled, ‘‘ I want to see them meet their fate, It isnot safe either to allow that infernal Walf Ranger any respite, ‘* He must die this very bour, Carry me upon deck at gnce. I would witness the work,” In spe of their remonstrances he insisted upon being obeyed, so that he was carried above and made as comfortable as possible. But the exertion cost him dear, and it was several minutes ere he could suppress the groans of pain. gs soon as he had somewhat recovered his composure he ordered that the captives be brought on deck, : In answer to the command, Walf and Dean were brought before him, wondering what fate had in store for them, ‘*So you find that I triumph at last,” he greeted, grimly, to which the prisoners made no Vu Do reply. f Biehl have you lost your tongues? Me- thinks thine,” nodding to Ranger, ‘was glib enough a few nights since, Ah, adversity strikes you dumb. Dost guess thy fates?’ ‘‘T, for one,” replied Walf Ranger, ‘‘ prefer not to anticipate the future,” ‘‘ Nor do [ marvel at thy obstinacy. Men, bring along a plank. Yes; twoof them.” Dean Hammond turned pale as he realized the fate in store for them, Ranger was more calm, and his gray eyes met ey outlaw’s gaze unflinchingly, as the latter said; ‘¢ You can but read your doom now.” ** But you will not condemn the boy to such a fate?” asked Walf Ranger, showing more emo- tion than was normal with bim. ‘The same fate awaits you both,” declared Gilroy, exultantly, asif enjoying the suspense, ‘* He never harmed you,” continued the other, ‘and he hardly took part inthe fray. Do with me as you choose, only spare bis life, He is young and with the bright prospects of his life all before—” ‘* Bah!’ broke in the wrecker chief, ‘‘ you talk like a child now, Whatis he, to be spared in preference to yourself?” BN He is younger and has fairer prospects in ife, ‘“ Ay,” said the other, significantly; ‘‘ some- times those’ very ‘fair prospects’ work against one. Dean Hammond seemed to comprehend the words more fully than his companion. But he hastened to say: ‘*Do not plead for me, Mr. Ranger. I am not afraid to meet any fate, More than that, I do not believe there is a person in the world to whom it matters whether I live or die,” Walf Ranger groaned aloud, Gilroy smiled, but it was the smile of a de- mon. ‘*{ know of one who would gladly see you die—one besides myself. But we are losing valuable time, The sun is already setting, Men, run out the planks,” Under the directions of Mark Wildbell, the lanks were placed on the ship’s rail so that a ew pounds’ weight would tip them into the Sea. Then the ligatures that bound their lower limbs were cut and the prisoners were led fo ward to the fatal planks, with their hands stil} bound behind them, As the wrecker chief had said, the sun wag setting, its glinting ravs casting a golden halo over the sea far and wide, Instinctively the doomed men glanced over the ocean expanse, hoping that some friendly sail might be in sight—a beacon of hope to them. Bat, as far a3 the vision could extend, not an object dotted the horizon-bounded deep. ; Guroy moved uneasily. He was suffering. keenly from his wound, ‘¢ Come,” he exclaimed to Wildbell, ‘‘ are you keeping them until I die? ’Tis tim’ this were over.” . CHAPTER XI, THE DOOM OF THE SEA JEWEL, ‘‘RORWARD there!” commanded Wildbell to the doomed men, Mechanically Dean Hammond took the first gin bei the fatal plank, Walf Ranger hesitated. He was the less calm of the two now. His gray eyes sought the countenance of every man present, but in those bleared, hardened visages he saw no beam of mercy, 4 ? 4 7) by don’t ye move, old graybeard?”’ growled Wildbell, dealing him a sharp blow, ‘* We want no laggards here!” Gilroy chuckled with glee. ‘* Don’t spare bim, Mark! So the old fool isa coward, after all,” Ranger turned a wild look upon him, It could be seen that he was svffering terrible agony. His hands were working convulsively with the ligatures that bound them, ‘¢*Give me my freedom and I'll show you how much of a coward I am.” Gilroy laughed. , ‘‘By the shades of Woland,” he muttered, ‘this well pays me for my wound. But, move them along,Mark. We have littie time tospare. I fear I am not as strong as | thought,” Again Wildbell ordered the doomed men for- ward, : Dean Hammond silently took anotker step and lifted his foot for the third time, Only another step lay be ween him and a watery grave, He had given up hope, and was offering up a a ea prayer to Him whoruleth both sea and and, Walf Ranger groaned in the agony of spirit as he stepped upon the fatal plank. Then, as if to keep beside his companion, he quickened his pace and quickly stood over the ship’s railing. Below him sparkled and gleamed in the dying light of the fast-sinking sun, the deep-blue sea, which was so soon to close over him forever. He looked toward Dean, who was raising his foot for the last step. ‘‘ Let me go first, my boy,” he said, and there was not a tremorin his voice now, ‘‘It is not for myself but youl care, If your life should Le spared—” , ‘‘ Hold there!” cried a ringing voice with wo- manly sharpness. The doomed men paused with a wild glanze backward. Lhe outlaws looked aghast at the startling appearance of a pew actor upon the scene. ena Riverton had rushed upon the deck at this critical moment, to defiantly meet the ex- cited horde, in her outstretched hand a revolver leveled at the shrinking form of Mark Wild- bell. “The first wretch who moves dies!” she ex- claimed, her eyes flashing and her form quiver- ing with suppressed emotion. Oaths fell from the lips of the startled des- peradoes, but for the first time not one durst move. Gilroy writhed in agony, and he turned pale and gasped for breath, muttering over inarticu- late maledictions, His followers stood as if spellbound. “Save yourselves, my friends,” cried Lena’s clear voice. ‘* The first move made to stop you signs the doom of yon burly ruffian!” Wildbell shook like an aspen. ‘Don’t move, boys,” he gasped, ‘ The she- . wolf has it all in her bands now!” The brave girl showed no sign of fear, Walf Ranger and Dean needed no second bid- ding to turn back, though they could hardly venti the sudden reverse of fortune, Glancing in the direction of the hatchway a ere cry left the lips of the first as he saw one of the mutineers spring upon deck and with cat-like tread rush upon the maiden, / » / ye » i = - ‘*s.~ <a | . . '& 5” ¥ dhe « 7. - SAY” i cet, Laan & d ze é 435; ae » - "| d -cO r ee : a . Se on a ee ee ee : ake yt 4 | = . " Ply Miaae pe a { y 7 ‘ i jogs! iy if ‘ek