Beadle's Dime Library No. 151 — page 27: what you’re looking at

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

wt ‘Well, I think you are in the right; for, judging from the turn the conversation has taken, we shoul presently be unable to understand one another at all.” During this conversation the sun had set, and night completely fallen. The two gentlemen passed their horses’ bridles over their arms to prevent them straying and then walked slowly, side by side, in the direction of the Rio Trinidad. the sky studded with a profusion of shing stars, and the atmosphere of marvelous transparency; it was, in a word, one of those American nights that conduce to gentle reverie j The young men yielded involuntarily to the intoxi- cating charm of this exquisite evening; yielding to their thoughts, neither dreamed of resuming a@ con- versation suddenly broken off by a bitter remark. For a long time they walked on thus, till they reached an angle in the road, where the track they were following divided into several branches. Here they halted. We must separate here, Don Juan,’’ the Jaguar said, “‘for we probably do not follow the same road.” “That is true, friend, and I regret it,’ the colonel answered, sadly, ‘‘for I should be so happy if I had you constantly by my side.”’ oe ‘*Thanks, friend, but you know that is impossible; let us, therefore, profit by the few moments left us to be together. Well, what have you done?” ‘‘ Nothing, alas! for a soldier is the slave of disci- pline; in a period of war, more especially, it is im- ssible for him to leave his corps. I have, there- ore, been unable to obtain any information. Have you been more fortunate?” __ “T can hardly say, yet; still, I hope. Tranquil has this very night to give me certain information, which will perfect that | have myself obtained.”’ * And is Tranquil here?” “He arrived to-day, but I have not yet been able to see him.” ‘Then you imagine—?”’ the colonel said, eagerly. “This is what I have succeeded in finding out. Remark that I assert nothing; Iam at this moment merely the echo of certain rumors, which may be well founded, but can also be false.’ “No matter; speak, my friend, in Heaven’s name,” “About six weeks ago, according to what my spies tell me, a strange man arrived in this country a girl with him. This man has purchase a rancho, of no t value, situated a few leagues from here, nearly on the seashore. He paid cash for it, shut himself up in the rancho with the girl, and since then no one seen them. The man has immured himself in his property, to which nobody has admission; but whether this man be the White Scalper, and the maiden Carmela, no one is able to state positively, and I would not venture to affirm it. Several times I have prowled round the abode of this mysterious being, but have not succeeded in seeing him; windows and doors are constantly closed, nothing is heard of what takes place in this strange house, which, through its isolated position, is, to a certain extent, protected from indiscreet visitors. This is what I to tell you, perhaps to- morrow I shall have learned more.”’ ‘“No,” Don Juan answered, pensively, ‘‘ that man cannot be the White Scalper, or the maiden Car- e , ‘*What makes you think so?” “The mystery with which the man surrounds him- self. The White Scalper, you must not forget, is a man for whom the nomadic life of the desert pos- sesses too great charms for him to be willing to shut himself up. And then, what would be hisreason for doing so? to keep a young girl prisoner? But Dona Carmela is no frail and timid wo weakened by the ,ymephitiec air of cities, without will or strength. She is a brave and courageous maiden, with a re- solute heart and strong arm, who would never have consented thus to bow her head beneath the yoke. A man, however strong he may be, is very weak, be- lieve me, when he finds himself in presence of a woman, who says to him boldly—No! Woman, through the mere fact that she has generally only one thought at a time, is greatly superior to us, and nearly always attains the object she desires, And then again, for what reason can the White Scalper, who had in his hands a thousand unknown desert hiding-places to conceal his captive from sight, have retired without any plausible motive to the vicinity of a town, in a populous country, where he must expect to attract suspicion and arouse atten- tion? No, it is evident to me that youare mistaken.” “ Perhaps you are right; still, it is my duty to clear up the affair, and I will doso.”’ . ‘* Certainly, you will act Cong gered by doing so. I confess that, were it possible, : 7 Ma Pe happy to accom rou on your ex tion, or even sup- ven believe, that alecabe is not the White per, itis probable that the mystery with which he surrounds himself conceals a crime, and that if your expedition does not meet with the result you suppose, it will have, at any rate, served to liberate a maiden who is the victim of odious tyranny.”’ ** Who knows?” **Only one man,in my opinion. could put you on the trail of her we have so unfortunately lost, rang the numerous relations he maintains with the In- dians.”’ ‘** Whom do you mean?”’ ** Loyal Heart.”’ ‘**That is true. He was brought up by the Indians and one of their tribes has adopted him, He would be better able than anybody to supply us with in- formation.” ‘‘ Why have you not applied to him, then?”’ “For the wer simple reason that, on the day after the capture of the Larch-tree hacienda, Loyal Heart left us to return to his tribe, whither serious matters recalled him.” é “ That is annoying,” the colonel said chongnstully. “TT know not why. but I feel convinced that this hunter, with whom I am but very slightly acquaint- ed, as I only conversed with him once, and that but for ten minutes—I am convinced, I say, that [this hunter may prove extremely useful to us in our Search for the unfortunate Carmela.” ‘Perhaps you are right, colonel. This night, as I told you, I am to see Tranquil, and shall have a serious explanation with him. He is as interested as we are, perhaps more so, in the success of our researches. He is aman of extreme prudence, and he night was clear, | —__ —_—__- EEE eee The Freebooters. thoroughly conversant with the desert; I shall see wiineiet bear ate d stablishing a friendl “ Insist, riend, on e ishing a friendly connection with Loyal Heart.” **T shall not fail; besides, Tranquil is sure to know where to find him.”’ “That is probable. Now, I can speak to you with open heart. Honor alone has hitherto kept me at my t; I desire to recover my liberty, and only await an honorable occasion to send in my resig- nation. I should not like to abandon my comrades in arms at a critical moment; but I swear to you on my honor, friend, that on the day when I am free, and that day is approaching I hope, I will join you, and then we shall find Carmela again, even at the risk of my life.”’ The colonel uttered these words with a fire and animation which made his friend start involuntarily, and aroused in his heart a lively feeling of jealousy. Still, the Jaguar had sufficient power over himself to conceal the emotion he felt, and he replied in a calm voice: ‘‘May Heaven grant that it may speedily be so, my friend. What could we two not do?” ‘Then you intend to make the expedition you told me of this night?’’ the colonel continued. ‘*It is not I, though I shall probably be present, but another person who will direct it.”’ ‘Why not you?” ‘Tranquil desires it so; he is Carmela’s father, and 1 must yield to his wishes.” * Thatis true. Now, when and how shall we meet again? I have the greatest desire to learn what may occur to-night; whatever be the result of the expedition, I trust to be informed of what you have done. Unfortunately, I fear it will be very difficult for us to meet again.” “Why so?” ‘““Why, my friend, you know _as well as Ido, the truce made between General Rubio and yourself expires to-night.”’ Well?” “T presume you do not intend returning to Gal- veston?”’ ‘* For the present, no; but 1 hope to do so shortly.”’ ‘** Let us not trust to probabilities, for we run great a risk of deceiving ourselves.” The Jaguar burst into a laugh. “You are perfectly right,’’ he said; “still, it is important that we should meet within the next twenty-four hours.” * Certainly.” “If I cannot enter Galveston, you can leave it, I suppose?” ‘Oh, of course.” “Well, then, the matter is easily arranged; I will tell you a spot where you will be certain of finding me. “Take care, my friend, be prudent; I will not con- ceal from you that the general is furious at havin fallen into the trap you so cleverly laid for him, an will do all in his power to seize your person.” **l expect so; but do not be alarmed, he will not succeed. I defy him to come and take me at the spot where I shall be within an hour, and where I shall be delighted to welcome you, if you are. in- clined to pay me a visit.” ‘*And where is this privileged spot, my friend?”’ ‘“*The Fort of the Point.” ‘“What!” the colonel said, suddenly stopping and looking him in the face; ‘‘ of course you are joking.”’ ‘* Not the least in the world.” n ‘* What! you give me the meeting at the Fort of the oint?” ‘** Why, that is impossible.” “ Why so?” ‘**Oh, you must be mad, my friend!’ ‘*Remember that the fort has been in my hands for the past t yelve hours,” the Jaguar coldly inter- rupted im. ‘I surprised it last night.” Ah!" the colonel exclaimed, in stupor. * Did I not tell you that I had serious news to im- part to you?” the young man continued; ‘would you like, now to learn the second item ?”’ ‘“The second!” the colonel repeated, utterly as- tounded; ‘‘and what can the second item be? after what I have just heard I can expect anything.” “The second item is this: the Libertad corvette has been boarded by the privateer brig, with which it anchored at sunset beneath the guns of the fort.” At thi8 unexpected revelation the colonel stag- gered like a drunken man; he turned pale as a corpse, and his limbs were agitated by a convulsive movement. ‘* Woe, woe!”’ he exclaimed in a choking voice. The Jaguar felt moved with pity at the sight of this true and poenes grief. ‘* Alas! my friend,” he said gently, ‘*‘it is the for- tune of war,” ‘*Oh, Gaiveston, Galveston!” the colonel said in despair, ‘“‘that city which the general has sworn never to surrender!” : After a moment's silence, the colonel mounted his orse. ‘Let me go,” he said; “I must immediately im- part this frightful news to the governor.” “Go, my friend,” the Jaguar answered affection- ately; “but remember that you will find me at the Fort of the Point.”’ ‘We are accursed!” the colonel cried wildly, and burying his spursin the sides of his horse, which snorted with pain, he started at full gallop. ‘Poor friend!” the Jaguar muttered cag f as he looked after him, *‘ the news has quite upset him.” After this reflection, the young man mounted and went back to the fort, which he reached about half an hour later. CHAPTER XXTV. THE LANDING. IMMEDIATELY On reaching his anchorage, Captain Johnson, after conversing for a moment privately with El Alferez, gave orders that Commandant Rodriguez and_his officers should be brought into his presence. The commandant, despite the polite- ness with which he had been treated, and the kindness the privateer’s men had shown him, could not for- give the way in which they had seized his vessel; he was sad, and had hitherto only answered the ques- tions asked him by disdainful silence, or insulting monosyllables, hen the officers of the corvette were assembled in the cabin, Captain Johnson, turn- ing politely to the Mexicans, sas — ‘“‘Gentlemen, I am really most sorry for what has occurred. I should be glad to set you at. im- mediately, but ap commandant’s formal refusal to pee himself not to serve against us for ap oe and a day, obliges me, to my great regret, to keep you prisoners, at least temporarily. owever, gen- tlemen, be assured that you will be treated as cabal- leros, and everything done to alleviate the sorrow this temporary captivity must occasion you.” The officers, and éven the commandant, bowed their thanks, and the captain continued: ‘** All your property has been placed in the boat I have ordered to be got ready, to convey you ashore. You will, therefore, lose nothing that belongs to you penser if war has terrible claims, I have tried, — as far as lay in my power, to spare you its bitterest conditions. If not ‘ing retains you here, be kind enough to get ready to land.” “Would it be indiscreet, captain, te ask you whither you have given orders to have us taken?” Commandant Rodriguez asked. ““Not at all, commandant,’ the captain replied: “vou are about to be taken to the Fort of the Point, whose walls will serve as your prison, until fresh orders.” “What!’’ the old sailor exclaimed, in astonish- ment; “‘ the Fort of the Point?” , ‘“Yes,”’ the captain answered, with a smile; “the fort which some of my friends seized, while I had the honor of boarding your ‘fine corvette, com- mandant.”’ The captain could have gone on talking thus for — some time; the old officer, confounded by what he had — just heard, was mospenie of connecting two ideas. At length, he let his head fall wearily on his chest, — and making his officers a sign to follow him, went on deck. boat, with a crew of ten men, was bal- ancing at the starboard accommodation ladder, which the commandant, still silent, entered, and his staff followed his example. “Push off!’ El Alferez ordered, who was holding the yoke lines. The boat started, and speedily disappeared. For some minutes the sound of the oars dipping in the water could be heard, and then all became silent again. The captain had watched the departure of his prisoners; when the boat had disappeared in the gloom, he gave Master Lovel orders to weigh and stand out to sea, and then returned to his cabin, where a man was waiting for him. It was Tranquil, the old Tigrero. ‘Well?’ the hunter asked. “They have gone, thank Heaven!” the captain said, as he sat down. “Then we are at liberty?” / “s ite.’’ ‘When shall we land?” ‘This night; but is your information positive?” Vk Te “T believe so.” “Well, we shal) soon know how matters stand.” i “May Heaven grant that we suceed!” ee “Let us hope it. Do you think the coast is guarded?” . “TI fear it, for your vessel must have been sig- — naled all along the shore.” “Do you kuow whether the Mexicans have other ships observing the ports, in addition to the corvette we have captured?’ ‘I think they have three more, but smaller than os the Libertad.” ? at ‘Hang it all! we must act prudently then; how- — ever, whatever may happen, I will not desert so old a friend as yourself when unfortunate. We have still three hours before us, so try and sleep a little, for we shall have a tough job.” ' Tranquil smiled at this recommendation, but to please his friend, who had already laid himself down in his bunk, in the ee of a man pre-e — to sleep, he wrapped himself in his zarape, eaned back in his chair, and closed his by oe 7 The night, which at the beginning had been wey ~~ bright and clear, kad suddenly becom dark Sor 6 stormy; black clouds surcharged with al! caeered the whole of the ; the eeececsnss « >. sadly in the rigging, and mingled with the dash of the waves against the sides of the vessel. Th brig ae was sailing slowly close to the wind, the only sails meee | carried being double-reefed topsails, the forestay- = = sail, and the spanker. A At the moment when the helmsman struck two double strokes on the bell, indicating ten o'clock, Captain Johnson and Tranquil appeared on 2in deck. The captain was dressed in a thick blue pilot coat, a leathern belt through which were passed a > ma cutlass, a pair of pistols and an ax, was fastened round his waist; a cloak was thrown over his — . shoulders, and a broad-brimmed felt hat comple hs concealed his features. The Canadian wore , hunter’s garb, though, through the dangerous nature of the affair, he had added a brace of pisto to his ordinary armament. The captain’s orders had been carried out with: ~~ that minute conscientiousness which Master Lovel ==> displayed in everything connected with duty. The boarding-netting was braced up, and the running _ rigging secured as if for action. At the star ee ladder the long boat was tossing |with its crew of : thirty men, all armed to the teeth, and holding ae their oars aloft ready to dash into the water, They were, however, muffled, so as tostifie,as far as possible, the sound of rowing, and foil the ~ vigilance of the Mexicans. ti te “That is well, lads,’ the captain said, after giving = = a B age = glance at their preparations; “let usbe = 0 "ne: 4 a a) 7 °* . = bs Mind, father’’ he added, turni to Father | ate Lovel, ‘“‘that you keep a good watch. we arenot Fre n. on board again by four in the morning, stand out to — sea, and do not trouble yourself further about us, for it will be useless to wait for us longer,as we shall be prisoners of the Mexicans, and any le i eee ened stay in these waters might compromise the ough,forD 4 ae > * safety of the brig. Be of good cheer, have hopes of success.” &. And after kindly pressing the old sailor's hand, he =—— went down to the boat, seated himself in a te stern-sheets by the side of the hunter, toek | } as yoke lines, and said, in a low voice, “ Bush off. *: At this command the painter was cast off, the > vr PH, ~ * . ’ ~~ S oars dashed together into the sea, and the boat b Ae started. When it had disap in the fog, - = v— Master Lovel ran at full s to the stern of ge brig, ¢ and leaned over the . “Areyoutherey* = e *. ‘ “ ; “ Yes,”’ a suppressed voice answered him, | ers GDOOKS: A > ve. <€om