Beadle's New York Dime Library, No. 66 — page 24: what you’re looking at

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ee CHAPTER XLIX. REPELLED. Sra-SICKNESS is no respecter of persons—at least, when these go to sea for the first time. Voyagers of every age, and either sex, must pay toll to that terrible mal de mer, which it equally exacts from the strong, robust youth, and the frail, delicate maiden. Even beauty must submit to the disagree- able affliction: the red lip and rose-tinted cheek for a time showing wan and pallid. It is not the first voyage made by Carmen Montijo and Inez Alvarez; both have been at sea before, on their passage from Spain, but that was long ago, and now anew upon the ocean, they expe- rience the old pang as acutely as ever. Stricken down by it for several days, they keep to the cabin, most of the time confining themselves to their state- room, As ill-luck has it, they have no one of their own sex to attend upon them, this arising from two circumstances, not foreseen. One that there is no stewardess on the trading-ship; the other that their own maid, who was to have accompanied them, failed in her engagement. Having undertaken an- other with a swain of San Francisco, she' was miss- ing at the last moment of departure from the port. With all, they are not so ill off The old negro cook, acting steward, comes up to the occasion, and waits upon them with delicate assiduity, And Cap- tain Lautanas is constant in attentions, placing most of his idle hours at their disposal. In due time they recover, Carmen first, from being of stronger con- stitution, and both at length venture upon deck, _. During their sojourn below they have had commu- nication with no one save Don Gregorio—like them- selves an invalid—the captain, and cook, but not any of the other officers or sailors of the ship. On none of these have they set eyes, though there is one the very much want to see, and also speak with. It the American sailor whom they know to have been made chief mate. Now that they are restored to health and strength, their thoughts return to a theme spoken of when taking their last look at the land; an intention then expressed to interrogate Harry Blew on some matters remaining unexplain- ed, and yet giving pain. About the abrupt depar- ture of their lovers they have no need to inquire; its cause they have learnt long ago. But why no letter sent save that to Don Gregorio, with its salutation to themselves, so cold and ceremoniously formal?: This it is that makes them anxious for an interview with the sailor, both believing that he may have been intrusted with secrets that concern them. From the way Crozier spoke of, while reeommend- ing him—taking into account also his having saved the sailor’s life, Carmen cannot think otherwise than that this man should know much about his patron and preserver. Among other knowledge, perhaps a little of his love affairs. She recalls certain words spoken jocularly by the tar while at the house, par- taking of the hospitality there extended to him. She now longs to hold conversation with him, in hopes of having these words repeated, with fuller explanation. nd so also Inez, who can likewise recall some sly allusions to Willie Cadwallader. ey are on the quarter-deck, in front of the cab- in door: seated on chairs brought out for them, Cap- tain Lautanas, who has escorted them on deck and carried up the chairs, is by their side. He stays there endeavoring to entertain them by pointing out objects on the ship, and ex ainnis their uses. This after they have bent their eyes over the sea; and seen nothing but its blue expanse, on all sides extending till it meets the paler blue of the sky. They give but little heed to the technical disserta- tions of the well-meaning wee 2 And only a passing glance to the objects pointed out. Two strange forms for a moment occupy their at- tention, creatures covered with reddish hai that f0 gambo about the deck, displaying uncouth. fomnies, and uttering a hoarse jargon, painfully e human speech. ; On those Captain Lautanas for a time dilates, de- scribing them as Vyas monkeys, brought by him from Borneo, and proceeding to give a detailed ac- count of their habits. Little care the two senoritas to hear the natural history of the ourang-outang, and little do they listen to it. After a glance at the hideous brutes, their eyes turn tow the fore-deck, and scan the forms and faces of men moving over it. They there observe some that, instead of pleasing, repel them; coun- tenances of sinister cast, that ret ag scowling. Among them none resembling that of the American sailor; for his they remember to have been smiling and cheerful. He is not there. Despite his considerate kindness, they grow tired of Captain Lautanas, and wish to be quit of him. In time they have their wish. The skipper has other duties to attend to, and, making an apology, leaves them to themselves, Alone, they again glance over the decks, first for- ward. Then, rising to their feet, they look aft, scan- ning every part of the vessel from stem to stern. But they can see nothing of the sailor, Blew. There are ie aay who look like Americans, but not the one wanted, While thus vainly interrogating they hear the tolling of a bell. It gives eight strokes, telling the time to be twelve o’clock, meridian. Simultaneously they perceive a movement among the men upon the forward deck. Some disappear tiie a hatchway, while others come scrambling up t. To the senoritas there is nothing strange in this. ““aving been at sea before, they know it to be but t e signal for a change of watch. And now they scrutinize the figures and faces ‘veshly presented to their view; after a time seeing that they search for. With a thrill of satisfaction they behold Harry Blew. e has not come up out of the fore-peak, but from a deck cabin, attached to the caboose. Once outside, he turns toward the quarter, and in ten seconds is beside them. Rising, they salute him eagerly, affectionately. He bows, touching his hat, and returning their a — in speech barely civil, and to them un- telligible. After which he passes on to the poop-deck, and takes his stand by the helmsman, as if to give the latter directions, Abashed by tie rebuff—for it seems such—won- ihe Bpector, Baraqne. dering what it can mean—the girls forsake their seats, and return to the cabin, there to talk over it. CHAPTER L. SHARE AND SHARE ALIKE. In the Condor’s forecastle. The first watch is on deck, they of the “ second dog” having gone down. To-night Padillo’s section holds the first watch; in it Gomez, Hernandez, Velarde, and the two men of nationality unknown. The off watch consists of Striker, Davis, La Crosse, the Dutchman, and Dane. All five are in the forecastle, the chief mate having retired to his own cabin. . They have been below for some time, and it is now near nine o’clock of the night. The five have fin- ished their suppers, and are seated, some on the sides of their bunks, some on their sea-chests. A large one of the latter, cleated in the center of the floor, does duty as a table. Onit isa black bottle containing rum—the sailor’s orthodox drink. Be- fore him, or in his hand, each has his pannikin. In every mouth is a pipe, and the forecastle is full of smoke, A pack of cards is upon the lid of the chest. They are Spanish, as shown by the pictured faces. They lie scattered as if left after play. Not by those sitting around; who, whatever their custom on other nights, on this particular one show no signs of an intention to take them up. They have that in their minds of more importance than card-playing: money to be made ina less un- certain way. It is ON paren Se of equally dividing the spoils of the purpo robbery. ee has yet been said upon the pg ae though all are thinking of it. For it has already been before them, informally. During the two days past, Striker has been sounding the crew, one after another. He has communicated his purpose to all; and had their approval of it. The four Spaniards he has not yet approached; but this night intends doing so, as the others insist that an immediate understanding be ar- rived at and the thing definitely settled. They are waiting till they on the watch, not re- quired for deck duty, come below. These have had intimation that they will be wanted in the forecastle; and as the night is fine, with no changing of sails, only the helmsman need absent himself from this mustering of the crew. There are footsteps on the forecastle stair, and down come the two sailors not thought worthy of a name. Soon after Padillo, and Velarde. The second mate is a man over forty years of age, rugged in frame, Mbt bronzed complexion, and the features of a free- oter. In all, except age, Velarde is not so unlike him. Only of a more slender form, taller, and less brusque in manner. Padillo, speaking authoritatively, demands to know why they have been summoned to the forecastle. Striker, putting himself forward as the spokesman of his party, replies: ‘Hadn't ye better sit down, master mate? The subjeck to be discussed may take a start o’ time, an’ heer it’s as cheap sittin’ as standin’. Maybe ye won’t mind joinin’ us in a drink?” While speaking the ex-convict clutches at the bot- rae a some rum into his pannikin, and offers it 0. to The 8 ard accepting, drinks; and peeaiig the cup to Velarde, sits down. The latter, also drinking, takes a seat; the other sailors having already done the same. **Now,” pursues the second mate, what's to be said?”’ “Theer be two not yet among us,” says Striker. “*In coorse one must be at the wheel.” **Gomez is there,” responds Velarde. ‘Where be Hernandez?”’ ‘*T don’t know. Likely he is along with Gomez.” “Not much matter,” puts in Davis: ‘I dare say we can settle the thing without either. You begin, Jack, and tell Mr. P. oO and the rest what we've been talkin’ about.” ‘*T won't take a very long time to tell it,”’ responds Striker; ‘‘nor be there anv need for wastin’ words. All I've got to say are, that the swag in this ship sh’u'd be ekally divided.” Padillo starts, Velarde doing the same. “What do you mean?’ asks the mate, assuming an air of innocence, ‘**T mean what I’ve say’d—that the swag sh’u'd be ekally divided.” ** And yet I don’t understand you.”’ “ Yis, ye do. Come, Master Padillo! ’tain’t no use shammin’ ignorance—not wi’ Jack Striker. I be too old a bird to git cheeted wi’ chaff. If ye wants to throw dust inter my eyes, it must be o’ the sort that’s stowed away in the cabin lockers—that ere gold-dust. Now d'ye understand me?” Padillo and Velarde look grave. The two name- less sailors show no sign of feeling; both being al- ready apprised of the demand Striker intended to make, and having given their promise to back it. “2 Well,” says the Spaniard, “you talk of gold-dust in the cabin lockers. And I suppose you know all about it. What then?” ‘*Only what I’ve sayed,”’ rejoins the ex-convict. ‘*Tf ye need, it can be sayed over ag’in. That theer eller stuff sh’u’d be measured out to the crew o’ his craft, share an’ share alike, an’ it shall be! Shall an’ must!” ** Yes," indorses Davis, with like emphatic af- firmation. ‘‘Shall and must!” “Pe gar, moost it!’’ adds the Frenchman, follow- ed in the same strain by Dane and Dutchman, also the other two. “Tt a’n’t no use your stannin’ out, masters,” con- tinues Striker, addressing himself to the Spaniards. “Ye see the mayjority’s agane ye; an’ in all cases 0” the kind, wheresomever I’ve seen ’em, the mayjority meens the right. Besides, it be right in the job as is afore us. I’m willin’ to allow that some o’ you chaps hed to do the first plannin’ 0’ it; as also that ye brought the rest o’ usin. But what signifies that wheer all ha’ got to unnergo a like danger? “Tain’t the nin’, but the eend that’s o’ importance; the which consarns ev’ry one 0’ us the same. For this thing, we stan’ a good chance o’ gettin’ our necks streetched; therefore, we sh’u’d all hev a ekal reward for runnin’ the risk. Ay! an‘ theer be one who’s coomed in later’n any 0’ us, who'll be claimin’ a share. Him, I dare say, nobody ‘ll objeck to, His joinin’ us ‘I! make the job eezier to do; besides, *let’s hear Te it may save complicashun in the full crew bein’ unanymous. He mote ’a’ gi’ed us trouble by stan- nin’ apart.”’ ** Who are you speaking of ?’’ demanded Padillo. **T needn’t tell ye,’ responds Striker. ‘‘Theer be the man to speak for himself !’’ At the words a footstep is heard on the stair. A pair of legs is seen descending; after them a body — the body of Harry Blew! Padillo looks aghast, Velarde the same. Both believe their conspiracy discovered, their scheme blown, and that Striker with his talk has been de- ceiving them. They expect nothing else than to be set upon, and put in irons. For this purpose the first officer has entered the forecastle. They are soon undeceived, on hearing what he has tosay. Striker draws it out, repeating the conver- sation passed, and the demand that has been made. Thus Harry Blew gives rejoinder: ‘“*I’m with ye, shipmates, to the end, be that sweet: or bitter, Striker talks straight; an’ his seems the only fair way of settlin’ the question. The majority must decide. There’s two not here, an’ they’ve got to be consulted—one’s at the wheel, and belike the other’s along with him. Let’s all go aft and talk to them. No danger now; the skipper’s asleep, and we've got the ship to ourselves.” So saying, he leads up the ladder; the rest starting from their seats and following. Once on deck they cluster around the fore-hatch, and there stand in conference, the first mate having still something to say. The second leaving them skulks aft under shadow. Soon the others go the same way in a string, which — compacts into a crowd as they step upon the quarter. There they again stop, when the moonlight falling rete their faces betrays the expression of men in mutiny. But mutiny unopposed. On the quarter-deck no one meets them. e traitorous first mate has spok- en truly. The captain is asleep; they have the ship to themselves. CHAPTER LI. GOMEZ AND HERNANDEZ. THERE are two men at the wheel, one steering, the other standing idly beside. It is Gil Gomez who has hold of the spokes, the idler being Hernandez, Both are youngish men, neither above thirty. Both are of sallow complex- ion, and bearded; one black and the other reddish brown. Neither has mustaches; only whiskers grown well forward on their cheeks, and around their throats. So luxuriant as to conceal the great- er _ of their features; that seem hie ger enough. It is difficult to tell their figures dressed as they are in coarse sailor toggery, widely cut, and hanging loosely around their bodies. Both are of medium hight—of the two, Gomez taller and more robust. On the heads of each is a sou’-wester hat; that of Gomez slouching over a pair of eyes that sparkle with a fierce light, and a glance that betrays deter- mination, with the will of one accustomed to com- mand. ough acting as one of the common crew, he is beyond doubt chief of the party that has con- spired to plunder the ship; in all matters relating to this the second mate giving way to him. On several occasions since coming aboard, his ascendency has been seen by Striker and the other sailors, Besides, it was Gomez who engaged them, giving such hints about what he expected them to do, as were neces- ro Me secure their consent to doing it. All knew their duty would be very different from that of or- dinary ship’s work. Ten thousand dollars for less than a month’s service, was pay too unprecedented to escape suspicion. Nor did the entrepreneur leave it to this. While promising it, he too rg in return that the re- cipients of such bi oty should bear a hand in whatever they should be called on to do. The crew so shipped were not men to stick at tri- fles; and most stepped aboard the Chilian barque prepared for piracy, or murder if need be, Since becoming acquainted with the particulars of the scheme in which they are to assist, they do not back out of it. They are still ready to do the deed; . under changed conditions. mez, at the wheel, is not yet aware of the strike that has taken place. Though during the day /he had heard some whisper of, and is half-expecting it, Hernandez also. Tt is not about this they are now conversing, but a. theme altogether different. Beauty, not booty, is the subject of their discourse, which is carried on ina tone loud enough to be heard by any one near. Their comrades are in the forwa art of the ves- sel; or below in the fore-peak; the s Pia is asleep in his cabin, Don Gregorio in his, the lady pas- sengers in theirs. It is about these last the two are talking. And in terms that for sailors might seem strange; rough, ribald men bandying free ee and making fami- liar remarks about two delicate, high-born dames, such as Carmen Montijo and Inez Alverez! Not strange to one acquainted with the desigus of Gil Gomez and Jose Hernandez; too intelligible with a ity of their intentions, which is not only to rob Don Gregorio Montijo of his riches, but to take away his life; afterward to pag off and _ appropri- ate, one of them his daughter, the other his grand- daughter! Such is their fixed determination—has been from the first. Their pretensions, apart from the scheme of plun- der, have been hitherto unopposed by their fellow- conspirators. All seem tacitly to have admitted their having some right, since no one has disputed or questioned it. It may be that no one cares; that with the rest of the ruffian crew the greed of gold absorbs all other pe -anoe leaving no place for love or any such ender sentiment. It is different with the two men at the wheel, more cepectelly. with him who is steering. On the da when Carmen Montijo first stepped on the Condor’s deck, the eyes of Gil Gomez were seen riveted — her, like one who had given way toa fixed fascina- tion. Since, he has not seen her, till this same day; apes were his glances upon her, like those of d cascabel bent alluringly on the bird; or that disguised serpent in the Garden of Eden gazing on the mother of mankind. Hernandez at the same time keeping Inez Alvarez Gbooks e Eom iGO