Beadle's New York Dime Library, No. 66 — page 23: what you’re looking at

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

A awoewpwrews ees ** Say the word, Jack, an’ I'll stan’ by ye—so’ll the others that’s in the same boat wi’ ourselves.” “They oughter, and belike will, tho’ there’s a weak- witted fool or two may take talkin’ into it. I mean to go at ’em at once, soon’s I’ve hed my spell at the wheel, which is comin’ on next. Theer’s the bell now, I must be aft. When I come off, you, Bill, be up at the knight-heads, an’ hev that Dutch chap as is on the watch ‘long wi’ ye. An’ also the Dane. They're the likeliest to go in wi’ us, an’ we’ll broach it to them furst.”’ “ Allright, Jack. I'll be there.” The two plotters step out from under the shelter. Striker turning aft to take his trick at the helm, the other sauntering off toward the head. CHAPTER XLVI. A DIRE DELIBERATION. Harry Buew stands aghast—his hair on end, the blood coursing chill through his veins. No wonder, after listening to such a revelation! A plot diabolical—a scheme of atrocity unparallel- ed, comprising three capital crimes; robbery, the abduction of women, and the murder of men, among the last himself! Now knows he the cause of the crew’s insubordi- nation; too clearly comprehends it. ‘ 800,000 aboard the que; stowed in her cabin lockers. News to him; for neither Captain Lautanas nor Don Gregorio had made him acquainted with the fact; the treasure having been shipped in the shape of other merchandise, along with various effects. He helped to get barrels and boxes aboard, ignorant of their contents, only known to the owner, lvestre and Lautanas. 4 An unfortunate move on the part of Don vgs Ne Montijo—one likely to prove disastrous, not only to himself, but those dear to him, with others less in- terested linked to his fate. ; Though easy of comprehension, it is some time be- fore the ex-man-o’-war-man can summon all the de- tails before his mind. He is in truth so held with as- tonishment as to have confused thoughts not un- tinged with terror. Soon he reflects more calmly, and revolving every oe, 3 over sees clearly the scheme of the pirates, as also the abyss that yawns open before him. There can be no ambiguity about the nature of the first, nor yet as toitsineipience. It has all been ar- ranged ashore, and the scoundrels have come aboard with the ge eay design of carrying it into execution. The four Spaniards or Californians as he believes them to be, must have had knowledge of the treas- ure being shipped, and in their plan to appropriate it have engaged the others to assist them. Striker’s talk has told this, while revealing also the terrible intention of the plunderers, to add abduction and murder. The prospect is fearful; and as he reflects upon it, Harry Blew, stout of heart though he be, can not help feeling appalled. For he can not help seein that a dread fate is impending over himself as we as those he has promised to protect. How is it to be averted? The interrogatory comes after he has taken in all the details of the danger; no sign of safety, nothing by that seems to offer a loop-hole of escape. The crew | fied by the affable manner in which the first officer are all in the conspiracy, every man of them—either as principals or engaged assistants. The conversa- tion of the two convicts has shown this. The second mate same as the rest, which to him, Harry Blew, | has caused little surprise. He had already made up his mind about this fellow, observing his Syaipeeny with those showing insubordination. He had al- ready noticed that in whatever was brewing, the sailor Gil Gomez was the directing spirit. A man bearded black, whose glance from under a slouching sou’-wester, which he og wore, was sent forth sinister as that of a shark. Velarde seemed next in influence, both dominating Padillo, notwithstanding | his authority as one of the ship's officers; while Jose Fernandez was controlled by all these. The last had been discovered to be a landsman, with no | sea exparen whatever, when found out excusing | himself on the plea that he wished to work his pas- sage to Panama. The posi of the others was comprehensible from what Striker had said. All were in the scheme of pillage and murder, though not to be equal in the reward. Brin them one after another before his mind, recalling his experience of them which, though short, has given him some knowledge of their cha- racters, Harry Blew ean not think of one likely to take sides with him. They are all men of pg roe and in defending the innocent he will have to stan alone. For it is almost the same as being alone, with no other help than Captain Lautanas, and Don Gregorio and the cook. The first a slight man, with just strength enough to handle a telescope; the sec- ond aged, and still something of an invalid; the third, for fighting purposes, scarce worth thinking of. ‘His fidelity could be depended upon to the death. But he is also an oldish man, and would count for little in a conflict with such a ege. as those designing to make themselves masters 0 the ship. or this presents itself to the mind of the first mate, clearly, impressively. A thought of tellin Captain Lautanas what he has discovered, and whic came naturally, he no longer entertains. The trust- ing Chilian skipper would scarce ee credit to such an atrocious scheme. And he did, in all likelihood it would result in his taking some rash step that would but quicken the fatal conclusion. No; he must not be made acquainted with the dread danger impending. Nor yet Don Gregorio. The terrible secret must be kept from both, and carefully too. Should either come to know it, in an hour all might be qver—the Haury enacted, and its victims consigned to the m Still crouc under the sail, Harry Blew has this before his mind in all its startling A And yet what hope of ave it in the end? In the midst of the open ocean or close to land it must come to the same, Soon as the latter is sighted, the old to be seized along with the . Captain Lau- tana Don Gregorio and himse to be shot down, or niarded; after that the ship to be sunk b ing. No trace left save the boat that bears the flen plunderers away with their victims and their spoils! In contemplation of all this it is not strange that the Gondar’e: first officer feels a shivering throughout his frame. _ The Specter | me ry een es e+ speCwer Seegee: a a 23 aaa It is enough to send dismay to the stoutest heart— twenty seconds. When returned to its owner it feels even that of an old man-o’-war’s-man—even that of brave Harry Blew. He feels itin every fiber. And reflection fails to give relief, since it suggests no scheme by which the danger may be averted. On the contrary, it discloses it darker and darker in all its stark-naked reality. Against such odds a conflict would be hopeless. It could only end in death to all who have been devoted to die, and among these the first would be himself. Harry Blew knows this, is sure of it, and stands in doubtful cogitation. With despair at his heart, he is unable to think clearly. till varied schemes course through his mind, wild thoughts welling up in his soul. At length a resolve is made—betrayed in his mut- tered speech. His countenance, in shadow, cannot be seen. If it could it would surely show an ex- ression unworthy of a Yankee sailor—that of a raitor. For, judging by the words that fell in soliloquy from his lips, he has yielded to cowardly fear, sur- rendered up the sacred trust reposed in him, and along with it his honor. The words are: ‘*There’s no chance for that, nor yet for the sav- in’ of my own life, except by castin’ my lot in along wi' them. Dashed if I don’t do it!” CHAPTER XLVIII. PLOT UPON PLOT. Tne Condor is sailing large, with a light breeze five points abaft the beam. Jack Striker is at the wheel, having but lately com- menced his trick. As the sea is smooth, he finds it easy steering; lit- tle to do but holdthe spokes in hand, and give an occasional glance at the compass card. The moon face, shows it to be that of a man over fifty, with the felon in its every line and lineament, It is beardless, ock-pitted, with thick, shapeless lips, broad, hang- ing jowls, nostrils agape, and nose flattened like the snout of a bull-dog. Eyes gosling green, both bleary, one of them blood-shot. For all, eyes that, by his own boast, can see into a millstone as far as the man who picks it. He has not been many minutes at the wheel when they do duty by observing some one who approaches from the waist of the ship. A man, of course, whom he makes out to be the first mate. He might guess as much; no one else having business aft at that hour. ‘Comin’ to con me,” growls the ex-convict. “* Don't want any 0’ his connin’, blarst him! Jack Striker can keepa ship to her coorse well’s him, or any other "board o’ this craft." Striker is on the starboard side of the wheel. The man making approach comes aJong the port gang- way; and after climbing to the poop-deck stops op- Jie him, 1¢ is Hates Blew... - ae ‘* Well, Striker,’’ he ope not much trouble steer- ing to-night. She’s goi ee, too; windin the right quarter. We ought to be makin’ good nine knots?” ** All o’ that, I dar’ say, sir,’’ rejoins Striker, molli- has addressed him. ‘‘ The barque ain’t a ‘un to Or tho’ she be a queery rigged craft as iver I set oot a on. * And you've set foot on a goodish many I should say, judging from the way you handle a helm. I see | you understan’ steerin’.” “si rey pay Master Blew,’ answers the helmsman, further flattered by the compliment to his profes- sional skill. ‘‘ Jack Striker’s had a fair ow oO’ - schoolin’ to the bizness—that are in days goed by.” ‘* Been a man-o’- war’s-man, ha’n’t you?” ** Ay, allo’ that, Any as doubts it can see the war- rant on ay tes an’ welcome to doso. Plenty o’ the cat’s claws there, an’ Jack Striker don’t care a curse who knows it.” ““ Neyther need ye. Many a good sailor can show the same. For myself I ha’n’t had the cat, but I've see’d man-o’-war service, an’ got rough treatment, too. An’ I've see’d service on ships man-o’-war’s men have chased—likin’ that sort better.’’ “Indeed !"? exclaims the ex-convict, turning his eyes with increased interest on the man thus confessing himself. ‘Smuggler? May be slaver?” ** Little bit o’ both. An’ as you say ‘bout the cat, I don’t care a curse who knows it. It’s been a hard- ish world wi’ me; plea o’ ups an’ downs; the downs oftener than the ea: Just now things are looking a little uppish. I've got my berth here ‘count o’ the scarcity o’ hands in San Francisco, an’ the luck o’ knowin’ how to take sights an’ keep a eS Still the ain't much, considerin’ the chances left behind, dare say I'd ‘a’ done a deal better by stayin’ in Californey an* goin’ on to them gold-wash- in’s up the Sacramento.” “You ha’n’t been there, ha’n’t ye?” ‘““No. Never went a yard ayont the town o’ San Francisco.” “May be jest as well ye didn’t, Master Blew. Me an’ Bill Davis tried that dodge, an’ went all the way to the washin’s on Feather river. We foun’ no gold, but plenty o’ hard work, wi’ precious little to eat, an’ less in the way o’ drink. Neyther 0’ us likin’ the life, we put track for the port.’ For all his frankness in confessing to the cat-o’- nine-tails on board a war-ship, Striker is reticent about a rope of a different kind he and his chum Davis were very near getting around their necks on the banks of the Feather river, For a crime there committed, they esca capital punishment by a San Francisco timeous retreat tow , “Well,” rejoins Blew, in a tone of self-consola- tion, ‘‘maybe after all T’'ve done well in not goin’ that way. I might ’a’ come back empty-handed as ourself an’ Davis. Ye say liquor. was scarce up here. That would never done for me. I must have my regular allowance or— Well, no use sayin’ what. As an old man-o’-war’s man you can understan’ me. An’ as the same, I suppose you won't object to tak- me “Twe "te “ ‘chat 5 tly ‘““ Two, for matter,’ promptly responds Stri- ker, like all his sort, drouthy. ** Well, here’s a drop o’ rum—the best Santa Cruz. Help yerself.”’ arry Blew presents a bottle to the helmsman; who, detaching one hand from the spoke, takes hold aud carries it lighter by a third, in the same perpen etn emptier. he mate takes a drink himself, for the sake of sociability ; then resumes the interrupted dialogue. Which progresses more amicably than ever; the Santa Cruz, as it filters copie I the Sydney Duck, after a fashion, making him friendly, Now the two talk in full familiarity; the mate throwing aside all reserve, and letting himself down _ toa level with the foremastman. _—not a brass farden. | | | | which has just risen, and shining in his It ends in their establishing a confidence mutua! and complete, of the character known as “ thickness between thieves.” Blew first strikes the chord that puts them en rap- port by saying: “Ye tell me, Jack Striker, that ye’ve had hard times an’ some severe punishment. So’s had Harry Blew. An’ yedon’t care about that; no more do he In that we’re both o’ us in the same boat. An’ now we're in the same ship—you as a sailor afore the mast, I first mate. But, for all the difference in our rank, we can work together. An’ there’s a way we may both o’ us do better. Do you want me to tell it to ye?” “AY, ay tell it. Jack Striker’s ears are allers open to hear hgw he can better his sittivation in ife. He’s a-listenin’.”’ “ All right. As I’ve sayed, you're a good hand at the helm. Would ye be as good to go in forajob that'll put a pile o’ money in your pocket?”’ ae depends on what sort o’ money an how much,’ ‘*Good solid gold—in dust. An’ as much as you can ; ay, there’s enough to make you stagger under it.’’ ‘*Am I good for a P hago like that? Funny question to ask, it are; ‘pecially puttin’ it to ole Jack Striker. He’s good for it wi’ the gallows starin’ him full in the face.” ‘* Well, [thought you wouldn't be the one to be basket-faced in fear. It’s i Name | I've on hand; an’ there'll be a fortune for o’ those who go in with me.” “Show Jack Striker the chance 0’ goin’ in, an’ he'll show you the man as knows no backin’ out.” Enough, shipmate. The chance is close at hand; aboard o' this ship. In her cabin there’s stowed somethin’ like half a ton o’ glitterin’ gold-dust; it he- longs to the old Spaniard that’s passenger. An’ what's to hinder us from layin’ hands on it? If we can only get enough o’ the crew to say yes, there needs be no difficulty. Them as won't will have to stand aside; though from what I see o’ them, it's like they’ll all come in, Divided square round, there’d between twenty and thirty thousand dol- lars apiece. Does that tempt ye, Striker?” ‘“Rayther. Wi’ twenty thousand dollars I'd ne'er do another stroke o’ work.” “You needn't, then, Ye can have all o’ that b formin’ in, an’ helpin’ me to bring round the rest. Do you know any o’ them ye can speak to—with safety, I mean?” “Two or three—one sartin; my ole chum, Bill Davis. He can be trusted in a secret o’ throat-cut- tin’, let alone a tritle sich as you're speakin’ about. And now, Master Blew, since you’ve see’d fit to con- fide in me, I'm goin’ to gi’e you a bit o’ my confi- dence. It’s but fair atween two men as hev got to understan’ one the t’other. I may’s well tell ye, that I knew all about the stuff in the cabin. Me an’ Bill Davis war talkin’ o’ thet just afore I coom'd to the wheel. You ain’t the only one as hez set their heart on seizin’ it. Them Spanish chaps hez got it ar- ranged already, an’ hed afore they set fut aboard the ue. Thar’s four o’ *em, countin’ second mate, as I take it, all standin’ in square, whiles the rest o’ the crew only gets so much o’ a fixed sum. That's the way Gomez engaged me and Bill Davis, promising us apiece. He ‘pears to be master mone Stas though Padillo are second mate.”’ “ Striker, ye 'stonish me.” ‘Well, I'm on’y tellin’ ye what be true, I’m glad ou’re agreeable to go in wi’_us, the which ‘Il save ouble, an’ yer own liye as well, For I may tell ye, Master Blew, that they'd made up their minds to send ye to the bottom ‘long wi’ skipper and the old Ss) : Re That's a nice bit o’ news to tell a chap, itis. But I’m thankful to you for communicatin’ it. Lord! it's ‘lucky for me that we've chanced this night to get talkin’ togither.” “Thar may be luck in’t all roun’, Bill an’ me’d made up o'r minds to stan’ out for an sane) divide o’ the dust, like shares to every man. If thar be e dispute ‘bout that bein’ fair, wi’ you on our side, take it, we'll eezy settle it our way, spite o’ them Spaniards. If they refuse to agree, an’ it cooms to fightin’, Jack Striker’s good for any two o’ ‘em.”’ ‘*An’ I for any other two. No fear but we can fix that. How many do you think will be with us?” “Most all, I reckon, ‘cept the Spaniards them- selves, It consarns the rest same’s it do us. ‘’Tall events we're bound to ha’ the majority.” “When would you propose to begin broachin’ it tot “Straight away if you op age word. Soon’s I've goed off from here. Thur several on the watch as’ll be takin’ a drop togither ‘fore we turns in, Thur be no time better nor now.” “Then now do it, Striker; but mind ye, mate, go cautious about the thing, and don’t commit eyther of us too far till you’ve arnt their temper. I'll meet Fag the first dog-watch to-morrow, then you cau me how the land’s likely to be.” “All right; I'll see to’t in the smooth way. You can trust Jack Striker for that.” “Take another suck at the Santa Cruz. If this trip proves prosperous in the way we're plannin’ it, neyther you nor me’ll need to go without the best o good liquor for the rest o’ our lives.” — Striker clutches at the proffered bottle, and holds it to his head—this time till he has drained it eturned to him empty, Harry Blew tosses it over- board. Then parting from the steersman, he com- mences moving forward, as with the design to look after other duties. As he steps out from under the sbadow of the spanker, the moon gleaming athwart his face, shows _ onit an expression that neither pen nor pencil can depict. The most skilled physiognomist would be pe ag bo aay poate See BA een me coe . , 8C guilt, or innocence e rawn to des- his lips; there keeping it for at leasi ' perationu! . fyay? Eomichboo G SH com