Beadle's New York Dime Library, No. 259 — page 13: what you’re looking at

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

> T suspect her of being a lawless craft now, and as she was stolen from me, and I find you on board, of course I look upou you as the thieves until you prove yourselves guiltless,” gaid Irving. ‘‘ Yes; you were caught with stolen prop- erty, and hence you will have to suffer,” added | the colonel, ‘** Well, gentlemen, this craft is now a smug- 0 ae ‘** Hal you mean that?’ ‘Yes, sir, for she carries smuggled and pi- | ratical goods to Mobile, New Orleans and Pen- sacola to dispose of.” “This is indeed a valuable secret, my man, but tell us more,” said the colonel. ‘* Well, sir, she was on her way to New Or- leans when you caught her, and she has a rich cargo on board,” “I would like to know where she has it stored?” remarked Irving. ‘* There is a lady in the cabin?” cae kOe ‘“ Sha told you that she was on her way to New Orleans with ber traps, her family having broken up housekeeping on the coast, and left her to bring the household effects?” “So she said. “She further told you that she bad intended to go in a coaster, but it not hk forge and this yacht being sighted, was signaled, and she engaged the skipper to take her and her traps.” ‘Yes, that is what she told me.” ‘* Well, young sir, sbe bas told youa pack of iies, for her trunks are filled with laces, silks and other rich fabrics, while she also has silver plate, jewels and many articles of value.” * All smuggled?” cried Colonel Brandt in amaz ment. ‘* Worse than that, the greater part of them.” “ How worse?” ° They are the booty gotten under the black flag. Tal she is leagued with pirates then?” ** Just examine her trunks and you would think so,” ** And smugglers too?” **Oh, yes, she is a clever hand at the work.” ‘I believed ber story and promised to let her go free, with her baggage, when we reached port,” said Irving. “Oh, yes, ber bright eyes and winning ways would turn older heads than yours, young sir.” **But who is she?” ‘Her name was Rita Restel.” ‘*Ah! there is a famous smuggler by that name?” ** Yes, sir, the Sea Owl they call him.” ‘That is the man; but what is she to him?” ‘* His daughter.” ‘Indeed! I deemed her a lady.” ‘*Onb, yes, she would fool any one, and she is a lady in manners and education, and a hand- some one, too.” ‘* And she is smuggling for her father?” ‘* Well, sir, more for her husband now,” “Her husband?” ‘“* Yes, sir.” ‘‘She is married then?” * Sne is.” ‘« And who is ber husband?” “Have you heard of a crew afloat of late who are winning the name of Ghouls of the eaf “Ab! that isthe name they give the Pirate Priest and his crew.” “Yes, sir.” ** Well, what of him?’ ** He is her husband.” “The Pirate Priest is the husband of the wo- man now on board this yacht?’ asked Colonel Brandt in utter amazement, Yes, sir, and she only lef$ his vessel night before last to run this cargo into the city, and I tell you it is a rich one.” ‘(And where is the Pirate Priest now?” “ After meeting this yacht at night and put- ting his wife and booty on board, he started on a cruise along the coast to sack some of the houses of the rich planters.” _ ** By Heaven, but you are right there, for he paid us a visit, but got beaten off.” ‘ ‘He had a large crew to be beaten off, sir.” “Well, he was driven back; but tell me what you know of tliis Pirate Priest.” ‘* Mighty little, sir.” ‘* What is his real name?” ‘*T do not know, sir.” ‘¢ How long have you known him?’ “Not very long, for he only lately took com- mand of the schooner; but he is a terrible man in his way and shows little mercy.” ‘Describe him, please.” “A tall, handsome man, superbly formed, possessing wonderful strength, and with dark eyes that seem to look clean through you.” “*Bradford Carr’s description to a dot, Ir- vie. cried Colonel Brandt. —— — —— = pet ——— oe — —_— re Cutlass and Cross. ** Well, my man, you have given us some val- uable information indeed,” and Colonel Brandt turned to the seaman. ‘It is worth what I asked then, sir?’ ss Yes.” ‘“* And you will set me free as soon as you reach port, and give me the gold I ask?” +s Yes. ” ‘*l am satisfied, sir, only do not let any of my , Messmates, or the captaiu’s wife think I told on ‘em.” ‘*No, we will give out the idea that you es- caped, and will give you the means to get away. ‘* Now, Irving, let Wood take this man below decks, while we go and interview that beautiful | Savhaness in the cabin,” and Colonel Brandt walked aft with the air of a man who had dis- agrveable work on hand. CHAPTER XXII THE PIRATE’S WIFE, In the cabin of the captured sloop sat a woman lost in deep meditation. Ever and anon she would bite her full red lips as thougb in anger, and ascowl would cross | ber well-arched brows, is not a bad description of Mr. Carr, fa- | ther; but there are many meu in the world who m5 tery, bim,.” *‘ Foolish boy, to still cling to the idea that Brad ford Carr is not t the Pirate Priest.” I shall my to that idea, father, until I know that he is the Pirate Priest,” was the re- ply ef the youth. Jt She was well-dressed and looked the lady. But the reader has seen her before in the per- son of Rita Restel, the daughter of the smuggler captain, resently steps resounded overhead and a mo- ment after two persons entered the cabin, They were Colonel Brandt and Irving. ‘*Madam, this is oi father, Colonel Brandt,” saitl Irving by way of introduction, The woman arose and bowed politely, while she said in her soft, melodious voice: ‘*IT am happy to meet you, sir, and would like to tell you how kindly your son has treated me in the very awkward position in which I was placed through taking passage on this strange vessel.” ‘* My son, madam, could treat a woman only in kindness; but itis his painful duty, as well as mine, to let you know that we are aware of just who you are,” said the colonel sternly. ‘Sir! I do not understand you,” responded the woman haughtily. ‘“*] will explain, madam.” ** Pray do so, sir.” “Tam sorry to have todoubt your word when you say that you are the daughter of a planter on the lower coast, on your way to New Orleans, but we know tbat you are no such thing.” ‘Sir, you are insulting,” and the woman’s eyes flashed, while her face became very pale, **It is far from my intention, madam, to offer eat fo any one; but knowing you as I do, an — “Pray, what do you know of me?” 0 Le you are the daughter of Restel, the Sea wil,’ **Can you prove what you say?” and the wo- man became perfectly calm now. “Yes, madam, and more,” ** What more?’ ‘‘That you are the wife of the Pirate Priest.” She winced at this, and Colonel Brandt saw it; but he continued: “Neither my son or myself, madam, care to make war upon women; but we know that your trunks are filled with smuggled goods, and booty gained by piracy, and that we shall lay claim to.” ** And what will you do with me?” said the woman, her voice quivering, now that she saw concealment was useless, ‘You will be free to go your way upon our arrival in port.” ‘You are kind, sir; but some traitor has brought this upon me,” and she fairly hissed pid last words, while her eyes flashed revenge- ully. To this Colonel Brandt made no reply, and Irving asked: ‘* Will you kindly answer me one question, madam?” ‘Yes, if in my power.” ‘‘Of course you know the name of the man to whom you are married?” She smiled at this, and said simply: “Naturally.” * Will you tell me his name?” ‘* Your father said awhile since that he knew me to be the wife of the Pirate Priest.” ‘* And it is his name that I would like to find out?” ** For what reason?” “To discover if he is the one he is accused of being.” ** You would know his name?” ‘Yes, if you please.” ‘*My husband’s name is Bradford Carr,” she said guietly, ., By Heaven! I believe it. , Ow, my son, what bave you to say more in behalf of your tutor?’ cried Colonel Brandt triumphantly. It was evident that Irving was staggered. He turned deadly pale; but be kept his ones fixed upon the woman’s face in a way that caused her to feel uncomfortable. Then he said quietly: _ “Istill hold faith in Bradford Carr, father in spite of what has just beeen said.” Sen — a LE te ih ER ‘Bradford Carr is the - , i i i CHAPTER XXIV. PALAFOX AND MYRTLE. Upon the arrival of the lugger, and her prize, in the lake, Irving Brandt fouvd himself quite a hero, as soon as it became known that he had recaptured bis stolen vessel, and in do- ing so had taken a valuable lot of booty, and a crew of desperate men, He went with his father to the Government head-quarters, to make his report; Lut neither the woman or the man who had turned traitor were spoken of as being in league with the smugglers. These two were released as soon as the yachis arrived, while the more unfortunate of the crews were turned over to the authorities, A constant stream of vehicles was going out to the lake shore from the city, all being anx- ious to see ‘he two vessels, and Irving was bored to death to have to tell over and over again the story of the stealing of the yacht, and her recapture by the lugger. In the mean time, Colonel Brandt had found a furnished house for rent in the city, an thither had gone with Maud and the servants, while Irving remained on the lugger with hiv sable crew, until the Government officials de- cided what should be done with the captured yacht, One day, among his visitors announced by Wood, as Irving sat in his little cabin, was a clerical-looking gentleman, accompanied by a. young girl. There was something attractive in the appear- ance of the man, showing that he was no ordi- nary person; while the young girl was very beautiful in face, and just padding into maiden- hood, for she was about fourteen; her foria was one of exquisite grace. Irving glanced into the face of the gentleman first, but failing to recognize him, though he telt that he bad met him before, he then turned — his gaze upon the young girl, and, with an ex- clamation of pleasure, sprung to her side, ‘*Oh, Myrtle, how glad I am to see you! and how beautiful you bave grown!” he cried, with a frankness that caused her to blush. ‘= Then grasping the hand of her escort, he con- tinued: oe ** And I know you now, Captain Palafox,al- though I failed to recognize you at first, with your very demure look and clerical dress, if ‘* But be seated, both of you, forlameverso — glad to see you.” ae Captain Palafox, the Sea Fox, for heit was, threw himself into a chair, while ae 2 feat vA Myrtle to a seat, and called to Wood to bring , | wine and refreshments for his guests. raat | ‘*Well, Master Irving, you are becoming quite a hero, are you not?” said the Sea Fox, — pleasantly. Vay “Well, captain, I retook my Matra got aricb baul of booty with her; but I do not — know that I deserve any credit for it,as the — lugger outsailed the sloop, and my crew out- numbered her men.” tae ‘*Ever modest, Master Irving. PAs, “But, tell me, do you know aught of the Ghouls of the Sea?” fe. ‘* You mean the Pirate Priest?” eer | ‘* Yes; your old tutor. Bradford Carr.” ‘Captain Palafox, I do_not believe that Pirate Priest,” said Irving earnestly. an The captain shook his head, and answered: } “TI did not know Mr, Carr as well as youdid, __ Irving, for 1 only saw bim at his trial, and af= terward when I aided him to escape; butIam |. confident that the man I saw on the deck of the —_— Ghoul of the Sea, as he calls his schooner, and — whom I met face to face in his priestly garbt ee night of the fight on your lawn, was none othe: than the tutor.” ‘‘Teannot believe it, Captain Palafox, un I see him with my own eyes: but let me th i you for your very noble work in ian ¥ our home the other night,” t “Tt was an act of friendship I cannot forget, any more than my father and sister can under- stand.” me The pirate captain smiled, and answered: | — . -_ ‘“‘IT would not see your home robbed, and perhaps worse done, Irving, when I could p vent it.” a Onn ** But how was it that you happened so or >. portunely upon the scene? o,f 4 eee “T was in my schooner watching for the Ghoul of the Sea, when one of my men, acting — as a spy, reported that the Pirate Priest in-— tended raiding your home. paid: “T wrote a note of warning, and beetles a myself to your sister, meeting also your father, and upon my way back to my vessel, 1 the pirate schooner in chase of you. eae”. ‘Watching her, I saw her put back, when you were dropping her with this flying lugger of yours, aud I felt confident that Brandt Plantation was his destination. : **My schooner lay in the bayou undergoing ~ repairs, so I could not take her; but took half of my crew in boats, and headed the Pirate Priest off by geiting iss bo the mansion ar 1 a ot. ° > m. tt lying in ambush for ‘‘My men reported that ho met the Lad) Maud, your sloop yacht, and that the twe lay alongside of each other for some tiie. 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