Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 982: "The Girl Storm-Pilot" — page 9: what you’re looking at

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

Zl ij BOCs. ae . -% z ~—_s on foot to the pier. He was disap to bid him g “rf dared, but she did not appear. ‘‘ After all, she cares nothing for me,” he thought bitterly, and tried to make himself be- lieve that he did not care. Vain endeavor! Acton Marble felt a thrill of delight as he noticed her nonappearance, ‘* That goes to show the true state of affairs,” he muttered, with a grim smile of satisfaction. **Oh, I'm all right with her now. And, b Jove! she don’t grieve for that Morland as expected she would, I must have been mistaken, for I don’t believe she cared a straw for him,” As far as his nature was capable of affection he loved Lena Riverton, His determination to marry her had strengthened each day, until it had become bis ruling purpose, When an hour and then two had passed since Dean’s departure and she did not appear they began to grow anxious, rs. Royston came back from her chamber with the startling announcement that she was not there, had evidently not been there during the night. A thorough search followed without disclosing es | trace of her whereabouts, lan Royston was nearly distracted, for he loved her even as if she had been his own child. His wife was terribly excited, while her son was dumb with astonishment, Then, as the search continued without avail, a horrible suspicion began to creep into his slug- gisb brain, When at last it was given up that she could not be found, he cautiously left Cliffwood to pay a visit to the old fisherman’s home, No need for him to seek admittance, for as he came in sight of re iy nan Nyda was at work about the door, and in the overflow cf her spirits she was singing snatches of a Jove song. The last particle of color left Acton Marble’s face, as he felt that his worst fears had been realized, Lena Riverton instead of Nyda Whitehead had been abducted ! At first he thought he would hasten to the pier at once to undo the mistake, PE A second thought showed him the folly of is, The Sea Jewel was already four hours out to sea | He cursed himself and everybody else, He tore his bair and stamped bis feet. One was about as effectual as the other, Thoroughly exasperated the baffled schemer ‘went back to Cliffwood. CHAPTER 1X. THE MUTINY. DEAN HAMMOND could see in the distance the Sea Jewel chafing at its moorings as if impatient to be free, when he was accosted by a voice near at hand, saying: ‘* A fine morning, my young friend. I take ~3 von as well as myself, are seeking yonder sbip. Turning with surprise he saw Walf Ranger coming rapidly toward him, The latter still wore his gray cloak and to Dean he was a stranger, ‘Yes; I have engaged @ on her.” “Good, I feared lest I was going to be the only passenger, You are Dean Hammond of Cliff wood I think,” " The same; but you have the advantage of me,’ “ He isa poblelonseg boy ” said the stranger aside. Aloud he replied: ‘‘T knew thy father well, so made bold to speak to thee, Iam called Walf Ranger.” Gladly did Dean’ accept the proffered hand, and together tbey went on board the ship. ‘“We were beginning to think you were not coming,” declared Captain Morrows, with a show of impatieuce in his tone, and a few min- utes later the Sea Jewel moved lazily out of the harbor, It was a beautiful morning, and the light of the rising sun shone upyn the rugged coast-scene with a pleasing effect. ~ ‘** Cliffwood stands in the shadows,” said Ran- ger, breaking in upon young Hammond’s medi- tations, He started from his réverie ~rith a look of surprise, for the words seeme? in apt keeping with his thoughts, ** The sun will soon dispel its gloom,” he quick- ly replied. **T hope so,” replied the other, fervently. ‘I inted that Lena had not come , land. He lingered as long as he | want to get settled. It is time. a eee ee ee The Girl Storm-Pilot. —_——— » day before, so that he had no baggage to | suppose you intend to return to make it your jook after, and with a hearty good-by he started | future home?” ‘* As soon as I can make a flying trip to Eng- I am tired of this nomadic life and I ‘*But you said you knew father. You will favor me if I ask you to speak of him? He died ogy fe was so young that 1 do not remember im. It seemed the subject uppermost in Walf Ran. ger’s mind, for he talked long and earnestly, The cliffs of Specter Gap and the frowning rocks of the winding passage were passed un- heeded by them, So absorbed were they that they hardly no- ticed the departure of the pilot in his boat, and the fact that the Sea Jewel was at last fairly out to sea, Ranger was describing his last meeting with Walter Hammond, when one of the seamen, chancing to come that way, met him face to face, A startling cry dropped from the latter’s lips, and even the imperturbable speaker started back | with a look of amazement. ' | He had recognized in the disguised sailor Am- bushade the wrecker! The other had discovered his identity beyond doubt. Walf Ranger looked puzzled. ‘‘That man’s presence bodes this ship no good,” he said in a low tone. ‘*‘ We must keep a sharp lookout,” Before noon he had discovered Mark Wildbell among the Jewel’s crew, and another he was sure was Gilroy in disguise. ‘‘There is mischief afoot,” he whispered, as soon as he found the opportunity. ‘ Let’s go below. I want to get out of the sightof those men, for I believe they are watching us.” Dean followed him insilence, hardly knowing what to make of his actions, as the other had had no safe opportunity to make any explana- tion, They had barely left the deck, however, when a sharp, piercing cry reached their ears. Pausing with amazement they listened for its repetition, when the suspense was quickly broken by a ringing cry for help. There Was a womanly sharpness in the voice and it told of fearful anguish, , ‘‘ Some one is in distress,” said Walf Ranger, “Tt sounded like a woman’s voice, but I didn’t—” ‘* Hark! there itis again! I could swear that I know that voice, Who can it be?” ‘‘T¢ seems to come from the skipper’s cabin. He went below some time ago.” ‘‘ Whoevef it is she isin sore trouble. Come, I am going to know what it means.” meres ge would fain have stopped him, but the exci man sprung swiftly toward the ship’s cabin, He kept just bebind him, They could soon hear the sounds as of a severe struggle going on, and the coarse, brutal voice of Captain Morrows reached their ears. ‘* Curse ye! if ye don’t stop this outcry i'll kill e! 3 Dean Hammond stopped to hear no more, Regardless of the consequence he threw him- self the door w th all the force he could muster, sending it from its hing s, to rush head- long into the room, aptain Morrows, who was in the center of the apartment, staggered back with a cry of ter- ror. The glance of the bold intruder turned from the startled skipper to the terrified maiden, who had retreated to the further corner. ‘‘Why, Lena Riverton! can this be possible?” he cried with surprise, ‘‘Oh, Dean! save me!” she implored, springing to his side. ‘* Never fear. I will defend you with my life, How is it I find you here?” ‘‘T was seized and borne upon this ship a cap- tive. Then when I broke my bonds this man tried to fasten me again and—” By this time Captain Morrows had recovered somewhat, and starting forward he cried; ‘‘Dastard, what means this intrusion? Me- thinks you have forgotten your place, I will see that you suffer for this. Release that girl at once, She is my charge—” ** Hold!” cried Dean, as the other advanced to seize Lena, ‘* Another step at your peril.” But Dean Hammond was unarmed, and the excited officer saw it, Drawing a pistol, he was about to level it at the young man’s head, when Walf Ranger reached the spot. se latter’s sword flashed in his hand as he cried: 9 ‘‘Stand! lift a finger until this affair is ex- plained, and you are a dead man!” Captain Morrows ground his teeth with rage, but he was too big a coward to speak or move. At this critical moment some one was heard rushing toward the scene, ‘‘Quick, for your life, captain, come on deck |” lt was the officer of the watch, and he showed great excitement, ‘* What is it?” gasped the skipper. “A mutiny! ‘* Ror God's rake, don’t delay!” There was no mistaking the earnestness of his tone, and Walf Ranger stepped quickly aside for the other to pass, Trembling with fear Captain Morrows fol- lowed his subordinate to the deck, Startling cries were now heard mingled with the reports of fire-arms, ‘‘ Perhaps we are needed there,” said Ranger. ‘‘ The girl will be safe here for a short time.’ ‘‘Yes, Lena; have good courage, and I wil! return soon,” said Dean, following bis friend up the companionway. A wild scene reigned upon the deck, The ship’s crew who had remained faithful had been taken completely by surprise. The first blow struck had felled the mate to the deck—senseless, The belmsman was stricken down, and @.new hand seized the spokes, Disconcerted by the treachery of:a part of their number, the crew made but futile resist ance, Up from the hatches swarmed the concealed wreckers at a preconcerted signal from their leader, who had succeeded in shipping as a reg- ular hand. : The combined parties of wrockers and muti- neers outnumbered two to one the defenders of the ship. Then Captain Morrows appeared upon the scene, pale and terror-stricken, ‘‘ Surrender or die!” thundered Gilroy, bran- dishing his cutlass over the other’s head. ‘‘ 7am master of this ship now!” Captain Morrows was too terrified to speak. ‘‘ Quick! surrender or die!” repeated the out- law. ‘‘f surrender!” gasped the startled wretch, ‘‘ Spare my life.” ‘¢ Bind the old fool!” exclaimed Gilroy. ‘‘ fia! here comes the game we want! Look sharp, boys, that the dog don’t escape this time!’ Walf Ranger had gained the deck! CHAPTER X, WALKING THE P.ANK. A SINGLE glance from tbe steely gray eyes revealed to their owner the true situation, ‘‘Be firm, Dean, my boy!” he said, calmly, ‘‘ We are in for it now.” The wrecker chief, with drawn cutlass, had started toward them, ‘*‘ Seize them!” be cried, brandishing his wea- pon above his head. ‘“ By the sword of Woland! we meet again, old man.” Walf Ranger, knowing that his life was in his hand, boldly met his foe, half-way. Then, as the clash of their steel rung out, the dozen or so of mutineers sprung forward to the assistance of their chief. ‘¢T have a score to settle with the hound!” tted Gilroy, ‘‘Stand back!” His followers, anxious and excited, watched the conflict with breathless interest. It was as short as it was fierce. The chief struck out desperately. Walf Ranger was not in a mood for tri —— himself from the lightning - like blows of foe, he watched with eagle eye for the opportune moment. Gilroy grew more excited as he failed to draw out his antagonist. ‘ Twice his cool opponent had drawn blood, and he felt his arm weakening. Great beads of perspiration stood out on his forehead, and his veins showed like whip- cords. In vain be resorted to every artifice known to him in the feat of arms. As invincible as ever, the cool swordsman parried his every thrust, pressing him closer and closer to the wall. sid Curses upon your head!” he howled, ‘TH The rest was drowned by the clash of their weapons. At last, grown more reckless, Gilroy blindly thought to run his adversary through by a clear up-stroke,