THE SEA-WITCH:

OR, THE AFRICAN QUADROON A STORY OF THE SLAVE COAST. 

BY LIEUTENANT MURRAY. 

NEW YORK:

CONTENTS

 I. OUTWARD BOUND. II. CAPTAIN WILL RATLIN. III. THE GALE. IV. BRAMBLE PARK. V. THE NAVAL OFFICER. VI. THE WRECK. VII. THE SEA WITCH. VIII. THE QUADROON. IX. THE ATTACK. X. THE DUEL. XI. THE HUES OF LOVE. XII. THE CONFLICT. XIII. THE TRIAL. XIV. THE BROTHERS. XV. THE ESCAPE. XVI. THE CANNIBALS. XVII. THE POISONED BARB. XVIII. THE DENOUEMENT. 

 LA TARANTULA. BY GIDDINGS H. BALLOU. THE GOLDSMITH OF PARIS. BY H. W. LORING. MISS HENDERSON'S THANKSGIVING DAY. BY HORATIO ALGER, JR. THE FIREMAN. BY MISS M. C. MONTAIGNE. 

PREFACE. 

LET the reader peruse the following story with the same spirit in whichit was written, and not conceive that it is either a pro-slavery oranti-slavery tale. The "peculiar institution" which is hereinintroduced, is brought forward simply as an auxiliary, and not as afeature of the story. It is only referred to where the plot and localityupon the slave coast have rendered this necessary, and the carefulreader will observe that the subject is treated with entireimpartiality. These few remarks are introduced, because we desire toappear consistent. Our paper shall neither directly nor indirectlyfurther any sectional policy or doctrine, and in its conduct shall beneutral, free and independent. --Editor of The Flag of our Union. 

THE SEA-WITCH. 

CHAPTER I. 

OUTWARD BOUND. 

OUR story opens in that broad, far-reaching expanse of water which liesdeep and blue between the two hemispheres, some fifteen degrees north ofthe equator, in the latitude of Cuba and the Cape Verd Islands. Thedelightful trade winds had not fanned the sea on a finer summer's dayfor a twelvemonth, and the waves were daintily swelling upon the heavingbosom of the deep, as though indicating the respiration of the ocean. Itwas scarcely a day's sail beyond the flow of the Caribbean Sea, that oneof those noblest results of man's handiwork, a fine ship, might havebeen seen gracefully ploughing her course through the sky-blue waters ofthe Atlantic. She was close-hauled on the larboard tack, steeringeast-southeast, and to a sailor's eye presented a certain indescribablesomething that gave her taut rig and saucy air a dash of mystery, whichwould have set him to speculating at once as to her character and thetrade she followed. 

Few things can be named that more potently challenge our admiration thana full-sized ship under way; her myriad of ropes, sails andappointments, all so complete and well-controlled, the power of hervolition, the promptness with which she obeys the slightest movement ofthe helm, the majestic grace of her inclination to the power of thewinds, and the foaming prow and long glistening wake, all go to make upthe charm and peculiarity of a nautical picture. There is true poetry insuch a scene as this, beauty fit to move the heart of an anchorite. Nowonder the sailor loves his ship like a mistress; no wonder hediscourses of her charms with the eloquence of true love and confidingtrust; no landsman can be more enamored of his promised bride. 

But the craft to which we especially refer at the present writing, was acoquette of the first class, beautiful in the extreme, and richlymeriting the name that her owners had placed in golden letters on herstern--the "Sea Witch. " She was one of that class of vessels known asflat upon the floor, a model that caused her to draw but little water, and enabled her to run free over a sandbar or into an inlet, where anordinary ship's long boat would have grounded. She was very long andsharp, with graceful concave lines, and might have measured some fivehundred tons. Speed had evidently been the main object aimed at in herconstruction, the flatness of her floor giving her great buoyancy, andher length ensuring fleetness. These were points that would at once havestruck a sailor's eye, as he beheld the ship bowling gracefully on hercourse by the power of the trade winds that so constantly befriend themariners in these latitudes. 

We have said that the "Sea Witch" was of peculiar model, and so indeedshe was. Contrary to the usual rig of what are called clipper ships, hermasts, instead of raking, were perfectly upright, for the purpose ofenabling her to carry more press of sail when need be, and to hold onlonger when speed should be of vital importance--that the straighterconstruction of the masts furthers this object, is a fact long sinceproven in naval architecture. She was very low, too, in her rigging, having tremendous square yards; enabling the canvass to act moreimmediately upon the hull, instead of operating as a lever aloft, andkeeping the ship constantly off an even keel. Though low in the waist, yet her ends rose gracefully in a curve towards the terminations foreand aft, making her very dry on either the quarter-deck or forecastle. She might have numbered fifty men for her crew, and if you had looked inboard over her bulwarks you would have seen that her complement was madeup of men. There were none there but real able-bodied seamen--sea dogs, who had roughed it in all weather, and on all sorts of allowance. 

There was a quiet and orderly mien about the deck and among the watch, that spoke of the silent yet potent arm of authority. The men spoke toeach other now and then, but it was in an under tone, and there was noopen levity. A few men were lounging about the heel of the bowsprit onthe forecastle, one or two were busy in the waist coiling cable; anofficer of second or third caste a quiet, but decided character, tojudge from his features, stood with folded arms just abaft themizzen-mast, and a youthful figure, almost too young seemingly for soresponsible a post, leaned idly against the monkey-rail, near the sageold tar who was at the helm. At first you might have supposed him asupercargo, an owner's son as passenger, or something of that sort, fromthe quite-at-home air he exhibited; but now and then he cast one ofthose searching and understanding glances aloft and fore and aft, takingin the whole range of the ship's trim, and the way she did her duty, that you realized at once the fact of his position; and you could notmistake the fact that he was her commander. 

He wore a glazed tarpaulin hat of coarse texture, and his dress was oflittle better material than that of the crew he commanded, but it set itsomehow quite jauntily upon his fine, well-developed form, and therewas an unmistakable air of conscious authority about him that showed himto be no stranger to control, or the position which he filled. The hair, escaping in glossy curls from beneath his hat, added to a set of veryregular features a fine effect, while a clear, full blue eye, and anopen, ingenuous expression of countenance, told of manliness of heartand chivalric hardihood of character. Exposure to the elements hadbronzed his skin, but there were no wrinkles there, and Captain WillRatlin could not have seen more than two and twenty years, though mostof them had doubtless been passed upon the ocean, for his well-knit formshowed him to be one thoroughly inured to service. 

"She does her work daintily, Captain Ratlin, " said he who was evidentlyan officer, and who had been standing by the mainmast, but now walkedaft. 

"Yes, Mr. Faulkner, 'daintily' is the word. I wish our beauty could be alittle more spunky, time is money in our business, sir, " was the promptreply. 

"But the willing craft does all she can, sir. "

"I don't know, Mr. Faulkner, we can make her do almost anything. "

"But talk, " added the mate. 

"Ay, she will do that in her own way, and eloquently, too, " continuedhis superior. 

"In coming out of Matanzas, when you made her back and fill like asaddle horse, I thought she was little less than a human being, " saidthe mate, honestly. 

"She minds her helm like a beauty, and feels the slightest pull upon hersheets. "

"I never saw a vessel lie closer to the wind, " said the mate; "she eatsright into it, and yet has not shaken a foot of canvass this half hour. "

"That is well. "

"It's uncommon, sir, " continued the other. 

"She must and can do better, though, " said the young commander, with anair of slight impatience. "Call the watch below, Mr. Faulkner, we willtreat our mistress to a new dress this bright day, and flatter her pridea little; she is of the coquette school, and will bear a littledalliance. "

"Ay, ay, sir, " responded the officer, without further parley, walkingforward to the fore hatch, and with a few quick blows with a handspike, and a clear call, he summoned that portion of the crew whose hours ofrelease from duty permitted them below. The signal rang sharply throughthe ship, and caused an instant response. 

A score of dark forms issued forth from the forecastle, embracingrepresentatives from nearly half the nations of the globe; but they weresturdy sailors, and used to obey the word of command, men to be reliedupon in an emergency, rough in exterior, but within either soft as womenor hard as steel, according to the occasion. 

Now it was that an observer not conversant with the "Sea Witch, " andlooking at her from a distance, would have naturally concluded that shewas most appropriately named, for how else could her singular manouvresand the result that followed be explained? Suddenly the mizzen royaldisappeared, followed by the top-gallant sail, topsail, and cross-jackcourses, seeming to melt away under the eye like a misty veil, while, almost in a moment of time, there appeared a spanker, gaff topsail andgaff top-gallantsail in their place, while the vessel still held on hercourse. 

A moment later, and the royal top-gallantsail, topsail and mainsaildisappear from the main mast, upon which appears a regular fore and aftsuit of canvass, consisting of mainsail, gaff topsail, and gafftop-gallantsail, reducing the vessel to a square rig forward, and aplain fore and aft rig aft. A few minutes more, and the foremast passedthrough the same metamorphose, leaving the "Sea Witch" a three-mastedschooner, with fore and aft sails on every mast and every stay. All thishad been accomplished with a celerity that showed the crew to be nostrangers to the manouvres through which they had just passed, each manrequiring to work with marked intelligence. Fifty well drilled men, thorough sea dogs, can turn a five hundred ton ship "inside out, " if thecontrolling mind understands his position on the quarter-deck. 

"She wears that dress as though it suited her taste exactly, Mr. Faulkner, " said the captain, running his eye over the vessel, andglancing over the side to mark her headway. 

"Any rig becomes the 'Sea Witch, '" answered the officer, with evidentpride. 

"That is true, " returned the captain. "Luff, sir, luff a bit, so, well, "he continued to the man at the helm; "we will have all of her weatherlypoints that site will give. "

"The wind is rather more unsteady than it was an hour past, " said Mr. Faulkner. 

"Rather puffy, and twice I thought it would haul right about, but herewe have it still from the north'rd and east'rd, " replied the captain. 

"Here it is again, " added the mate, as the wind hauled once more. 

The immediate object of the change in the vessel's rig, which we havedescribed, was at once apparent, enabling the vessel to lie nearer thewind in her course, as well its giving her increased velocity bybringing more canvass to draw than a square rig could do when closehauled. But a shrewd observer would have been led to ask, what otherreason, save that of disguise, could have been the actuating motive inthus giving to the "Sea Witch" a double character in her rig? For thoughtemporary and somewhat important advantage could at times be thusgained, as we have seen, yet such an object alone would not havewarranted the increased outlay that was necessarily incurred, to saynothing of the imperative necessity of a vessel's being very stronglymanned in order to enable her to thus change her entire aspect with anyordinary degree of celerity, and as had just been accomplished. 

CHAPTER II. 

CAPTAIN WILL RATLIN. 

THE watch below, after completing the work which had summoned them forthe time being on deck, tumbled helter-skelter down the fore hatch oncemore, and left on the deck of the "Sea Witch" about a dozen able seamenwho formed the watch upon deck. A number of these were now gathered in aknot on the forecastle, and while they were sitting cross-legged, picking old rope, and preparing it in suitable form for caulking theship's seams, one of their number was spinning a yarn, the hero of whichwas evidently him who now filled the post of commander on board theirvessel. The object of their remarks, meanwhile, stood once more quietlyleaning over the monkey-rail on the weather side of the quarter-deck, quite unconscious that he was supplying a theme of entertainment to theforecastle. 

There was an absent expression in his handsome face, a look as thoughhis heart was far distant from the scene about him, and yet a habit ofwatchful caution seemed ever and anon to recall his senses, and hisquick, keen glance would run over the craft from stem to stern with asearching and comprehensive power that showed him master of hisprofession, and worthy his trust. Trust?--what was the trust he held?Surely, no legitimate commerce could warrant the outfit of such a vesselas he controlled. A man-of-war could hardly have been more fullyequipped with means of offence and defence. Amidship, beneath that longboat, was a long, heavy metalled gun that worked on a traverse, andwhich could command nearly every point of the compass, while the shipkept her course. Just inside the rise of the low quarter-deck--the cabinbeing entered from the deck by the descent of a couple of steps--therewere ranged boarding pikes, muskets, cutlasses and pistols, ready forinstant use. In shape they formed stars, hearts and diamonds, dangerousbut fantastic ornaments. 

The brightness of these arms, and the handy way in which they werearranged in the sockets made to receive them, showed at once that theywere designed for use, while the various other fixtures of the cabin anddocks plainly bespoke preparation for conflict. A strong and loftyboarding-netting being stowed, also, told of the readiness of the "SeaWitch" to repel boarders. That all these preparations had been mademerely as ordinary precautions in a peaceful trade was by no meansprobable; and yet there they were, and there stood the bright-eyed, handsome and youthful commander upon the quarter-deck, but he did notlook the desperado--such a term would have poorly accorded with hisopen and manly countenance, hie quiet and gentlemanly mien. A piratewould hardly have dared to lay the course he steered in these latitudes, where an English or French cruiser was very likely to cross his track. 

"He handles a ship as prettily as ever a true blue did yet, " said one ofthe forecastle group, in replying to some remark of a comrade concerningthe commander. 

"That's true, " answered another; "he seems to have a sort of natural waywith him, as though he'd been born aboard and never seed the land atall; and as to that matter, there may be them on board who say as muchof him. "

"That isn't far from the truth, " answered Bill Marline, "seein' hestarted so arly on the sea he can't tell when he wasn't there himself. "

"How was that matter, Bill?" asked one of his messmates. "They say youhave kept the captain's reckoning, man and boy, these fifteen years. "

"That have I, and never a truer heart floated than the man you seeyonder leaning over the rail on the quarterdeck, where he belongs, "answered Bill Marline. 

"How did you first fall in with him, Bill?--Tell us that, " said one ofthe crew. 

"Well, do ye see, messmates, it must have been the matter of thirteenyears ago, there or thereabouts, but I can't exactly say, seeing's Inever have kept a log and can't write; but must have been about thatlength of time, when I was a foremast hand on board the 'Sea Lion, ' asfine an Indiaman as you would wish to see. We were lying in theLiverpool docks, with sails bent and cargo stowed, under sailing orders, when one afternoon there strolled alongside a boy rather ragged anddirty, but with such eyes and such a countenance as would make him apassport anywhere. Well, do ye see, we were lazing away time on board, and waiting the captain's coming before we hauled out into the stream, and so we coaxed the lad aboard. He either didn't know where he camefrom or wouldn't tell, and when we proposed to take him to sea with us, he readily agreed, and sure enough he sailed in the 'Sea Lion. '"

"Well, heave ahead, Bill, " said one of the group, as the narratorstopped to stove a fresh instalment of the Virginia weed in his larboardcheek. 

"Heave ahead. "

"We hadn't got fairly clear of the channel, " continued Bill Marline, "before the boy had become a general favorite all over the ship. Wewashed him up and bent on a new suit of toggery on him, with a reg'lartarpaulin, and there was almost a fight whether the forecastle or thecabin should have him. At last it was left to the boy himself, and hechose to remain with us in the forecastle. The boy wasn't sick an houron the passage until after we left the Cape of Good Hope, when the flaghalliards getting fouled, he was sent up to the peak to loosen it, andby some lurch of the ship was throw upon deck. Why it didn't kill himwas the wonder of all, but the boy was crazy for near a month from theblow on his head, which he got in falling, but he gradually got curedunder our captain's care. 

"Well, do ye see, our captain was a regular whole-souled fellow, thoughhe did sometimes work up a hand's old iron pretty close for him, and sohe took the boy into the cabin and gave him a berth alongside his own, and as he grew better took to teaching him the use of his instruments, and mathematics, and the like. The boy they said was wonderful ready, and learned like a book, and could take the sun and work up the ship'scourse as well as the captain; but what was the funniest of all wasthat, after he got well, he didn't know one of us, he had forgotten oreven how he came on board the ship, the injury had put such a stopper onhis brain that he had forgotten all that ever occurred before it. To mymind, howdsomever, it wasn't much to forget, seeing he was little betterthan a baby, and hadn't been to sea at all, and you know there aintanything worth knowing on shore, more'n one can overhaul in a day'sleave, more or less, within hail of the sea. "

"That's true, " growled one or two of his messmates. 

"Our ship was a first class freighter and passage vessel, and on thehome voyage we had plenty of ladies. 'Twas surprisin' to see how naturallike the boy took to 'em, and how they all liked him. He was constantlylearning something, and soon got so he could parley vou like a realfrog-eating Frenchman. And then, as I said before, he took the sun andworked up the the ship's reckoning like a commodore. Well, do ye se, messmates, we made a second and third voyage together in that ship, andwhen master Will Ratlin--for that was a name we give him when he firstcame on board, and he's kept it ever since--was a matter of fourteenyears, he was nearly as big as he is now, and acted as mate, and throughI say it, who ought to know somewhat about those things, I never seed abetter seaman of twice his years, always savin' present company, messmates. "

"In course, Bill, " growled three or four of his messmates, heartily. 

"Well, do ye see, messmates, we continued together in the same ship forthe matter of five years, and then master Will and I shipped in anotherIndiaman, and we were in the 'Birmingham' for three years or more. Oneday we lay off the Cape on the home passage, and a half dozen of us gotshore leave for a few hours, and I among the rest, and somehow I gotrather more grog aboard than I could stow, and when I came off, thecaptain swore at me like a pirate, and after I got sober triced me up tothe main rigging for a round dozen. When all hands were called towitness punishment, shiver my timbers, if master Will Ratlin, who wasthe first mate, didn't walk boldly up to the captain, and say, blunt andhonest:

"'Captain Brace, Marline is an old and favorite seaman, and if you willlet this offence pass without further punishment, I will answer for hisfuture good behaviour, at all times. I ask it, sir, as a personalfavor. '

"'But discipline, discipline must be observed, Mr. Ratlin. '

"'I acknowledge he's in fault, sir, ' said our mate. 

"'And deserves the punishment, ' said the captain. 

"'I fear he does, sir; but yet I can't bear to see a good seamanflogged, said the mate, apologetically. 

"'Nor I either, ' said the captain; 'but Bill Marline deserves the cat, though as you make it a personal matter, why I'll let him off this time, Mr. Ratlin. '

"The captain didn't wish to let me go, but he said he wished to gratifyhis mate, and so I was cast loose, and after a broadside of advice, anda hurricane of oaths, was turned over to duty again. I didn't forgetthat favor, messmates, and sink me if I wouldn't go to the bottom toserve him any time. He commanded a brig in the South American tradeafter that, and would have made a mate of me, but somehow I've got aweakness for grog that isn't very safe, and so he knows 'twont do. Yousee him there now, messmates, as calm as a lady; but he's awake whenthere's need of it. The man don't live that can handle a ship betterthan he; and as for fighting, do ye see, messmates, we were running onthis here same tack, just off the--but avast upon that, I haven't anymore to say, messmates, " said the speaker, demurely. 

Bill Marline evidently found himself treading upon dangerous ground, andwisely cut short his yarn, thereby creating a vast amount of curiosityamong his messmates, but he sternly refused to speak further upon thesubject. Either his commander had prohibited him, or he found that byspeaking he should in some way compromise the credit or honor of oneupon whom he evidently looked as being little less than one of asuperior order of beings to himself. 

"But what do you bring up so sudden for? Pay out, old fellow, there'splenty of sea-room, and no land-sharks to fear, " said one of the group, encouragingly. 

"Never you mind, messmates, there's nothing like keeping a civil tonguein your head, especially being quiet about other people's business, "added Bill. 

"What think you, Bill, of this present vocation, eh?" asked anothercompanion. 

"I shipped for six months, that's all I know, and no questions asked. Iunderstand very well that Captain Ratlin wouldn't ship me where hewouldn't go himself. "

"Well, do you see, Bill, most of us are new on board here, though wehave knocked about long enough to get the number of our mess and to workship together, and don't perhaps feel so well satisfied as you do. "

"Why, look ye, messmates, arnt you satisfied so long as the articles yousigned are kept by captain and crew?" asked Bill Marline, somewhattartly. 

"Why, yes, as to that matter; but where are we bound, Bill?" asked theother. 

"Any boy in the ship can make out the 'Sea Witch's' course, " said theold tar, evasively. "We're in these here Northern Trades, close-hauled, and heading, according to my reckoning, due east, and any man who hasstood his trick at the wheel of a ship, knows that such a course steeredfrom the West Indies will, if well followed, run down the Cape Verds;that's all I know. "

"Port Praya and a port; that was in the articles sure enough, " answeredhe who had questioned Bill Marline; "but the 'Sea Witch' will scarceanchor there before she is off again, according to my reckoning. "

That the old tar knew more than he chose to divulge, however, wasapparent to his comrades, but they knew him to be fixed when he chose, and so did not endeavor by importunity to gather anything further fromhim; so the conversation gradually changed into some other channel. 

In the meantime, while the crew gathered about Bill Marline were thusspeculating, the vessel bowled along gracefully, with a speed that wasin itself exhilarating to her young commander, who still gazed idly atthe passing current. Once or twice a slight frown clouded his features, and his lips moved as though he was striving within himself eitheragainst real or imaginary evil, and then the same calm, placid manlinessof countenance radiated his handsome features, and his lips werecomposed. 

Now he turned to issue some necessary order, which was uttered in thatcalm, manly distinctness that challenges obedience, and then he resumedhis idle gaze over the vessel's side, once more losing himself in hisday dream. 

CHAPTER III. 

THE GALE. 

"THE Wind seems to be hauling, " said the mate, walking aft, andaddressing his superior. 

"Keep her a good full, " said the captain, to the man at the helm. 

"Ay, ay, sir, " said the old tar, as he tried to make the sails draw byaltering the vessel's course a point or two more free. 

"Here it is, sure enough, " said the captain, "from the southwest. Upwith the men forward once more, Mr. Faulkner!--we must humor ourbeauty. "

"All hands oil deck!" shouted the mate at the hatch--an order which asbefore was perfectly obeyed. 

Almost as quickly as the foremast had been stripped of the square rig ithad at first borne, it was once more clothed again with its topsail andmainsail, and in less than fifteen minutes the "Sea Witch" was under acloud of canvass, with studd'nsails out on both sides, while the foreand aft sails on the main and mizzen were boomed out wing and wing deadbefore the wind. The staysails and jibs were hauled down now as useless, and the vessel flew like a courser. The change of wind had brought thesea up, and the vessel had a gradual roll, causing the waves now andthen to come gracefully in over the waist, while the extreme fore andaft parts of the handsome craft were perfectly dry. 

"It has set her to waltzing, Mr. Faulkner, " said his superior; "but sheimproves her speed upon to it, and I think the breeze freshens from thisnew quarter. "

"Yes, sir. Do you see the long bank of white hereaway to thesouth-southwest; it looks like a fog bank, but may be a squall, " saidthe mate. 

"There are few squalls in these latitudes, Mr. Faulkner, and yet I don'tlike the looks of the weather in the southern board, " said the captain, as he gazed to windward, with a quick, searching glance. 

While he spoke, the wind came fresher and fresher, and now and then adamp puff and lull, that were too significant tokens for a seaman todisregard. Captain Ratlin jumped upon the inner braces of the taffrail, and shading his eyes with his hands for a moment, looked steadily towindward, then glanced at his well-filled sails as though he was loth tolose even a minute of such a fair wind. He delayed, however, but asecond, when jumping down to the deck again, he issued his orders inthose brief but significant tones of voice, which at the same timeimparts promptness and confidence in a waiting crew on shipboard. 

"In studd'nsails, gaff-topsails, fore royal and top-gallantsails, with awill, men, cheerily, cheerily O!"

These were tones that the crew of the "Sea Witch" were no strangers to, and sounds they loved, for they betokened a thorough and completefeeling of confidence between commander and men, and they worked withspirit. 

"Lay aft here, and brail the spanker up!" continued the captain, promptly. 

"Ay, ay, sir!" was the response of a half dozen ready hands, as theysprang to do his bidding. 

The vessel was thus, by the consummation of these orders, quicklyreduced to her mainsail, foresail, and foretopsail, while she flewbefore the on-coming gale at the rate of seventeen or eighteen knots anhour, being actually much faster than the sea. It was now evident toevery one on board that a severe gale of wind was gathering, and itsforce was momentarily more powerfully exercised upon the vessel. 

"She staggers under it, Mr. Faulkner, " said his superior, with acalmness that evinced perfect self-reliance and coolness, while heregarded the increasing gale. 

"Ay, sir, you can drive her at almost any speed, " answered the mate. "She's like a mettled courser, sir, and loves the fleet track. "

"Scud while you can, Mr. Faulkner, it's a true nautical rule. Some menwill always heave a ship to if there is a cap fill of--"

"Double-reef the mainsail!" shouted the captain, interrupting himself, to give an order that he saw was imperative. 

"--Wind, but I believe in scudding, if you can, " he added. 

"Double-reef foretopsail! and look ye, Mr. Faulkner, have presentersheets bent on the foresail, this wind is in earnest, " said hissuperior, more seriously, as he jumped into the mizzen shrouds andscanned the sea to windward again. 

The gale still increased, and everything being now made snug on boardthe "Sea Witch, " she was run before it with almost incredible speed. Itwould have been a study to have regarded the calm self-possession andcomplete coolness of the young commander during this startling gale; henever once left his post, every inch of the vessel seemed under his eye, and not the least trifle of duty was for a moment forgotten. Ifpossible, he was more particular than usual that his orders in thesmallest item were strictly observed, and thus with his iron will andstrong intelligence he mastered every contingency of the hour, impartingthat indispensable confidence among his people so requisite to perfectcontrol. There was a firmness now expressed in the compressed lips, anda sternness in the eye, that had not before been manifested, while therewas a breathing of authority in his smallest order. 

In an instant more the scene was changed! With terrific violence thevessel flew up in the wind with the rapidity of thought, and a reportlike that of a score of cannons fired at the same moment, was heardabove the roar of the winds. 

"What lubberly trick is this?" shouted the captain, fiercely, to the oldtar who held his station at the wheel, and on whose faithfulnesseverything depended. 

"The wheel rope has parted on the larboard side, your honor, " was thereply. 

"That is no man's fault, " said his commander. "Bear a hand here, Mr. Faulkner, and bend on a fresh wheel rope. Be lively; sir, be lively!"

The sails had been blown from the bolt-ropes, in an instant of time, andthe vessel now lay wallowing in the sea. Now once more was seen thepower of discipline and the coolness of the young commander, whose wordwas law in that floating community. Fifty voices were raised in shoutsabove the storm, suggesting this expedient and that, but that agilefigure, which we have already described, sprang lightly into the mizzenshrouds, and with a voice that was heard by every soul on board the "SeaWitch, " shouted sternly:

"Silence in the ship!"

Not a voice was heard, and every man quietly awaited his order, lookingabashed that there had been a tongue heard save his who had the rightalone to speak. 

"Cast the gasket off the foot of the fore and aft foresail. "

"Ay, ay, sir!" responded the mate, who having secured the rudder, nowhastened by his commander, followed by a dozen hands, to execute theorder. 

"Haul the sheet to port!"

"Ay, ay, sir!"

"Belay that!"

As the vessel felt the power of the canvass thus opportunely loosed andbrought to bear, she gradually paid off before the wind, and once morehad steerage way. Another foresail was now bent, and this timedouble-reefed, the foretopsail, too, was bent, close-reefed and furled, while the fore and aft foresail was once more stowed, leaving the "SeaWitch" to scud under double-reefed foresail. 

Five days of steady blow continued before the vessel could again showmore than a small portion of her canvass. Then the wind once more hauledto the northwest, and the "Sea Witch" donned heir fore and aft rig onall her masts steering close-hauled again due cast, until the loftyheadlands of the Cape de Verds hove gradually in sight, and the fleetclipper craft made her anchorage in the harbor of Port Praya. 

The "Sea Witch, " whatever her business in this harbor, seemed able totransact it without venturing inside the forts, or taking strongermoorings than a single anchor could afford her. At this she rode withmysterious quiet. Not a soul of the full complement of men on board werevisible from the shore; now and then perhaps the head of some tallerhand than his fellows might loom up above the bulwarks at the waist, ora solitary seaman creep quietly aloft to reave a sheet through someblock, or secure some portion of the rigging. The captain scarcelywaited for his land-tackle to hold the vessel before a quarter-boat waslowered away, and with a half-dozen sturdy fellows as its crew pulledboldly towards the main landing, where he stepped ashore anddisappeared. 

A suspicious eye would have marked the manner in which the sails uponthe "Sea Witch" had been secured, and the way in which she was moored. If need be, three minutes would have covered her with canvass, andslipping her cable she could in that space of time, had the order beenissued from her quarter deck, have been under way and looking once moreseaward. Whatever her business, it was very clear that promptness, secrecy, and large precaution were elements of its success. 

Nor had these characteristics, which we have named, escaped entireobservation of the people on shore, for at the nearest point of land agroup of idlers were visible, who stood gazing at and discussing thecharacter of the vessel, while at the same moment her young commanderwas seen with his boat's crew pulling back from the landing to hiscraft. His business was brief enough, for even now the anchor is oncemore away. The gallant ship spreads her broad wings one by one, andgracefully bending to the power of the breeze, glides, like a fleetcourser, over the fathomless depths of the sea, while the mind thatcontrols her motions again assumes his reverie on the quarter-deck. 

CHAPTER IV. 

BRAMBLE PARK. 

CHANGING the field of our story from the blue waves to that of land, wemust ask the reader to go back with us for a period of years from thatwherein our story has opened, to the fertile country andhighly-cultivated lands in the neighborhood of Manchester, England. SirRobert Bramble's estate was some eight miles from the largemanufacturing town just named, and embraced within its grounds some ofthe most delightfully situated spots within a day's ride in anydirection. Parks, gardens, ponds, groves, stables and fine animals; inshort, every accompaniment to a fine English estate. Sir Robert was aman of not much force of character, had inherited his estates, and hadpartly exhausted his income so far as to render a degree of economyimperatively necessary, a fact which was not calculated to render anymore amiable a naturally irritable disposition. 

The family at Bramble Park, as the estate was called, consisted of SirRobert and his lady, a weak-minded, but once beautiful woman, and twosons, Robert and Charles, the eldest at this period some twelve years ofage, the youngest about nine; the usual number of servants, in doors andout; made up the household. Sir Robert's could hardly be said to be avery happy household, notwithstanding there seemed to be every elementand requisite to be found there for peaceful domestic happiness; andperhaps it would have puzzled a casual observer to have ascertainedwherein laid the root of that evil, which, like a poisonous upas, seemedto spread its branches through the household. 

There was a cloud apparently shadowing each face there; there wasconstantly some trouble of a domestic character. Sir Robert and LadyBramble seemed to be not on the best of terms with each other, and theservants wore a hang-dog look, as though they expected at any moment tobe called to account for some piece of rascality. There was, however, one pleasant face in that household, though even that seemed tempered bysadness; this was the youngest brother, Charles. He was, or rather wouldhave been, a cheerful, happy boy, but for the malign influence of hisbrother Robert, who seemed his opposite in almost everything. Robert wasjealous, irritable and revengeful; Charles was open-hearted, mild andforgiving. Robert was cruel to both servants and animals; Charles waskind to all, and a favorite with all; even the dumb animals avoided oneand adhered to the other, instinctively knowing a friend. 

Robert was the first born and the favorite with his mother, whom heruled literally in all things, while Sir Robert, looking upon him as thelegal heir and representative of his name, of course considered him in asomewhat different light from that in which he regarded Charles. Attimes it seemed as though an evil spirit had taken possession ofRobert's heart, and he delighted in oppressing, domineering over andabusing his brother, who, though he did not lack for spirit, yet couldnever bring it to bear against Robert. He meekly bore his reproaches andabuse, and even at times had suffered personal chastisement at his handswithout complaint to his parents, rather than irritate both them andhimself by referring to so disagreeable a matter. With a naturallypatient disposition, he suffered much without complaint. 

Sir Robert and Lady Bramble seemed blind to the fact that the unboundedindulgence which they yielded to their eldest child was rendering stillworse a disposition and habit which were already an affliction inthemselves. But Robert was persevering, and would always carry hispoint, let it be what it might, teasing and cajoling the mother untilshe granted his wishes however absurd they might be. He domineered overevery one, mother, father, servant maids and servant men; he was theterror of all. 

Charles added to his light-heartedness and cheerfulness of spirit, greatagility, and for a boy of his age, remarkable strength, in which mattersRobert was deficient, and here his jealousy found ample scope. Charles, too, was remarkably apt with his studies, whereas Robert generally endedhis lessons by quarrelling with his tutor, and setting both father andmother against him, by which reason the worthy who filled that post atBramble Park was usually changed at least once in six or eight weeks, and thus were matters at the period to which we refer. It seemed asthough Robert was never happy unless he was doing some one harm, ordistressing some of the many pet animals about the spacious grounds; inthis latter occupation he passed much of his leisure time, and was agreat adept at the business. 

A fine St. Charles spaniel, belonging to Lady Bramble, had one day, after being teased beyond forbearance by Robert, at last inself-defence, snapped at and lightly bit him, in revenge for which theviolent tempered boy vowed to kill him, and the very next opportunity hehad, he seized upon the little pet, and tying a string and stone aboutits neck, bore the dog to the large pond in the centre of the part, where he threw him into the deepest part. Charles at that moment came insight, and at once saw the act. Without pausing to take off his clothesor any part of them, he sprang at once into the pond and dove down forthe dog; but he found the stone about its neck too heavy for him tobring to the surface, though he struggled long and stoutly to do sobefore he yielded. 

Swimming to the shore, Charles took his knife from his pocket, and oncemore dashed in; and this time diving down he cut the cord, and releasingthe dog from the bottom swam with him to the opposite shore from whereRobert stood, all the while threatening him. Here his younger brothersmoothed the water from the dog's coat, and instinctively rubbing itsbenumbed limbs until it became quite resuscitated, and after a shorttime, following close to Charles for protection, it returned to hismother's side in her boudoir. But Robert had been there before him, andhad already manufactured a story redounding to Charles's discredit, andprovoking both his mother's and father's anger, the latter of whom atRobert's instance, even struck the gallant-hearted boy a severe blowwith the flat of his hand as a punishment for what he denominated aninterference with his brother's sport. 

Charles said nothing; he knew the prejudice which Robert's constantmisrepresentations had created against him in his parents' breasts; herealized too, young as he was, that it was useless for him to attempt toexplain, though he felt the injustice of this treatment; and so with aquivering lip he turned away from the scene and went in his wet clothesto the servants' hall where he might dry them. He said nothing, butlooked much sadder than usual as he stood there before the fire. Acoarse but honest servant, Leonard Hust, who had been born on theestate, and whose father before him had been a servant in Sir Robert'shousehold, came stealthily to Charles's side and busied himself inhelping him to arrange his clothes and dry them, while he smoothed theboy's hair and wiped his face. 

"Never mind, master Charles, " said the honest fellow, noticing thetrembling lips of the handsome boy; "never mind, it's a gallant act inyou, and though I say it, who shouldn't, perhaps, master Robert neverwould have dared to do it; he hasn't got half your courage and strength, though he's bigger and older. "

A tear was all the answer that the boy vouchsafed to his honest effortat consolation. He too proud to make a confidant of the servant, or toconfide to him of his father's conduct, or even that of Robert. LeonardHust watched the boy carefully, and entered keenly into his feelings, until at last he said:

"I wasn't the only one who saw you save her ladyship's pet, masterCharles. "

"It wasn't father or mother that saw it?" asked Charles, quickly, as herecalled the injustice he had just experienced at their hands, underRobert's prompting. 

"No, master Charles. "

"Was it cousin Helen?" continued the boy. 

"Yes, master Charles, " answered Leonard Hust, with a knowing smile. 

"O, " said the boy, as a glow of pleasure lit up his features for amoment. 

It was evident that the knowledge of the said cousin Helen's having seenhis exertions to save the little favorite spaniel, gave Charles not alittle satisfaction. Now cousin Helen--as a little blue-eyed child ofeight years, the daughter of the family whose estate joined that ofBramble Park, was called--was no cousin at all, but the children hadthus nicknamed each other, and they were most happy playmates together. Robert, who was three years his brother's senior, was more fond oflittle Helen than of anybody else; indeed, in spite of his ill temper, he was wont to try and please her at any cost. But the child, who was asbeautiful as a little fairy, did not respond at all to his advances offriendship, while to Charles she was all tenderness and confiding ineverything, kissing him with childish fervor and truth whenever theyparted, a familiarity she never permitted to his brother. 

The truth was, Robert to his great discomfiture, was aware thatCharles's manly and courageous act of saving the dog had been witnessedby Helen, though his brother knew it not until told by Leonard Hust. This had aggravated Robert so much that he had hastened home, andfabricating a story of Charles having thrown the dog into the pond, andwet himself completely, preparing his parents for a rough reception ofhis brother when he should return, and hence the treatment he received. Leonard made his young master change his clothes, and after making himcomfortable, left him to amuse himself in the open park with his ball, where the light-hearted Charles was soon thoughtlessly happy, andforgetful of the unkindness of Robert and the injustice of his parents. So light are the cares and mishaps of youth, so easily forgotten are itshardships, either seeming or real. Happy childhood!

Whether little cousin Helen had been on the watch for Charley, orwhether she was there by accident, it matters not, suffice it to saythat the two soon met in their headlong career of fun and frolic, andtwo more joyous or merry spirits never met on the soft green sward thanthese. Now they tire of the play at ball and sit down together close bythe brink of the clear, deep pond, next the rich flower beds that shedtheir grateful fragrance around the spot. Cousin Helen, still pantingfrom the exertion of the play, looked thoughtfully into the almosttransparent water, and involuntarily heaved a sigh that did not escapeher companion's notice. 

"Art sick, cousin Helen?" asked Charles, quickly. 

"Nay, not I, " said the pleasant-voiced child, "not I, Charley. "

"But you sighed as though you were very tired or in pain, " he continued. 

"Did I?" said the child, thoughtfully; "well, I believe I did. "

"And what for, cousin Helen?" said Charles, tenderly, parting hernatural ringlets back from her beautiful and radiant face--doublyradiant now as she looked up into his, so confidingly and soaffectionately. 

"I was thinking, " she said, ingenuously, "how cruel Robert was to yourmother's pet. I don't see how he could do such a thing, do you, Charley?"

"Robert is quick-tempered, " said his brother, "and perhaps regrets itnow. I guess the dog bit him, or something of that sort. "

He was too generous, too manly, to complain of Robert's cruel treatmentof him, or to mention the unkindness he had experienced from hisparents. But he had not forgotten these occurrences, and his lip oncemore quivered with emotion, and his clear, handsome eyes were suffusedwith tears. Quick as thought his little companion divined with womanlyinstinct the cause, for she was not ignorant of the state of affairs, young as she was, that existed at Bramble Park. Drawing nearer to hisside, she threw one arm tenderly and with childish abandon over hisneck, and with the other brushed away the gathering tears, until Charlessmiled again and leaned over and kissed her sweet little lips as abrother might have done! And then together they plucked a beautifulbouquet, and busied themselves in arranging it and classifying thevarious plants by their botanical names, for both children were wellversed in this delightful study, young as they were. 

While they were thus engaged, Robert came up and angrily discovered thetwo children thus happy together. Saying some rude things to Charles, hepushed him away from his playmate's side with rude and brutal force, throwing Charles to the ground. This was too much, even for hisforbearing spirit, and the injured and outraged boy, smarting under theprevious injury he had endured, rose quickly to his feet, and with oneblow knocked Robert heavily upon the ground. The blow had been a severeone, and the boy was faint and unable to stand for a moment. Charleslooked at him for an instant, then helped to raise him up, and waiteduntil he was again sufficiently conscious to walk. Then he saw him walkangrily toward the house, where he knew very well what would follow onhis return there. All the while his little companion had stood regardingfirst one and then the other. Now Charles stepped to her side, and said:

"I am sorry, Helen; but it is very, very hard to bear. "

She shook her little head as he spoke, but held up her lips for the kisshe offered, and saw him turn away from home towards the distant town. 

CHAPTER V. 

THE NAVAL OFFICER. 

THE reader will think that seven league boots--the storyteller'sprerogative--are in special demand as it regards our story, for oncemore we must return through a period of years to the date, orthereabouts, on which our story opens. It was on one of those close, sultry afternoons that characterize the climate of summer in India, thattwo of our characters were seated together in a graceful and ratherelegant villa in the environs of Calcutta. The air of the lady--for thecouple were of either sex, was one of beauty in repose. She wasevidently listening to the gallant speech of her companion with respect, but without interest, while on his part the most casual observer mighthave read in his voice, his features, and his words, the accent, thebearing, the language of love. 

The lady was a gentle being of surpassing beauty, with black eyes, jettyhair and brilliant complexion; there was little of the characteristicsof the East in her appearance, though she seemed to be quite at homebeneath the Indian Sun. She was of the middle height, perhaps a littletoo slender and delicate in form to meet a painter's idea of perfection, but yet just such an idol as a poet would have worshipped. She wasstrikingly handsome, and there was a brilliancy and spirit in the glanceof her dark eyes that told of much character, and much depth of feeling;and while you gazed at her now, sitting beneath the broad piazza, youwould have detected a shadow ever and anon cross her brow, as though thewords of him by her side aroused some unpleasant memory, and divertedher thoughts rather to past scenes than to the consideration of hisimmediate remarks. 

The gentleman who seemed to be pleading an unsuccessful suit, wore theundress uniform of the English navy, and in the outer harbor, in view ofthe very spot where they sat, there rode a sloop-of-war with St. George's cross floating at her peak. The officer was young, but bore theinsignia of his rank upon his person, which showed him to be the captainof yonder proud vessel. He might have been five or six and twenty, butscarcely more, and bore about him those unmistakable tokens of gentlebirth which will shine through the coarsest as well as the finestattire. The lady was not regarding him now; her eyes were bent on thedistant sea, but still he pleaded, still urged in gentle tones the suithe brought. 

"I see, Miss Huntington has some more favored swain on whom to bestowher favors; but I am sure that she has no truer friend, or more ardentadmirer. "

"You are altogether mistaken in your premises, " she said, coolly, as shetossed her fragrant fan of sandal wood, perfuming the soft atmosphereabout them. 

"A subject who sues for a favor at court, Miss Huntington, if he isunsuccessful, thinks himself at least entitled to know the reason why heis denied. "

"But suppose the Court declines to give him a reason, " said the lady, still coolly. 

"Its decision admits of no appeal, I must acknowledge, " replied hersuitor. 

"Then reason I have none, captain; and so pray let that suffice. "

"But, Miss Huntington, surely--"

"Nay, captain, " she said, at last, weary of his importunity, "you knowwell my feelings. Far be it from me to play for one moment thecoquette's part. I thank you for the compliment you pay me by theseassurances, but you are fully aware that I can never encourage a suitthat finds no response in my heart. I trust that no word or act of minehas ever deceived you for one moment. "

"No, Miss Huntington, you have ever been thus cold and impassive towardsme, ever turning a deaf ear to my prayer. Why, why can you not love me?"

"Nay, captain, we will not enter into particulars; it is needless, it isworse than needless, and a matter that is exceedingly unpleasant to me. I must earnestly beg, sir, that you will not again refer to this subjectunder any circumstance. "

"Your commands are law to me, Miss Huntington, " answered the discomfitedlover, as he rose from the seat he had occupied by her side, and turnedpartially away. 

It was well he did so, for had she seen the demoniac expression of hiscountenance as he struggled to control the vehemence of his feelings, she would have feared that he might do either her or himself violence. 

"May I not hope that years of fond attachment, years of continuedassiduity, may yet outweigh your indifference, Miss Huntington?" he saidearnestly. 

"Indeed, indeed no. You do but pain me by this continuance of a subjectthat--Ah, mother!" she said, interrupting herself, "I have been lookingat the captain's ship, yonder; is she not a noble craft? And howdaintily she floats upon the waters?"

"A ship is always a beautiful sight, my child; and especially so whenshe bears the flag that we see flaunting gracefully from that vessel. "

"When do you sail, captain?" asked Mrs. Huntington, who had just joinedher daughter on the piazza, and did not observe the officer's confusion. 

"The ship rides by a single anchor, madam, and only waits hercommander, " he replied, rather mechanically than otherwise, as he turnedhis glance seaward. 

"So soon? I had hoped you were to favor us with a longer stay, " said shemother. 

The officer looked towards the daughter, as though he wished it had beenher that had expressed such a desire. But she still gazed at the distantship, and he saw no change in her handsome features. 

"We officers are not masters of our own time, madam, and can rarelyconsult our own wishes as to a cruising ground; but I frankly own thatit was something more than mere accident which brought me this time toCalcutta. "

As he said this, his eyes again wandered towards her daughter's face, but it was still cold, impassive and beautiful as before, while shegazed on that distant sea. He paused for a moment more, almost tremblingwith suppressed emotions of disappointment, chagrin and anger, andseemed at a loss what to say further; he felt constrained, and wishedthat he might have seen the daughter for a moment more alone. 

"Farewell is an unpleasant word to say, ladies, " he said, at last, stillcontrolling his feelings with a masterly effort. Then offerings a handto the mother, he bowed respectfully and said "Good-by;" and to her, whonow turned with evident feeling evinced in her lovely face at the ideaof a long parting, he offered his hand, which was frankly pressed, whilehe said: "I carry away a heavy heart to sea with me, Miss Huntington;could it be weighed, it would overballast yonder ship. "

"Farewell, captain; a happy and safe voyage to you, " she answered, withassumed gaiety of tone; but there was no reply. He bowed low andhastened away, with a spirit of disappointment clouding his sun-burnedfeatures. 

The view which might be had from the window commanded a continuous sightof the road that the young officer must traverse to reach the ship, andthough she had treated him thus coldly, and had so decidedly declinedhis suit, yet here lingered some strange interest about him in her mind, as was evinced by her now repairing to the window, and sitting behindthe broad shadow of its painted screen, where she watched his approachto she landing, near the city gates, and saw the sturdy boatmen diptheir oars in regular time, propelling the boat with arrow-like speed tothe ship's side, where its master hastened upon deck and disappeared, while the boat was hoisted to the quarter-davits. 

Anon she saw the sheets fall from the ponderous yards, and sheeted home, the anchor gradually raised to her bow, the yards squared to bring herwith her head to the sea, and then a clear white cloud of smoke burstfrom her bows as she gathered steerage-way, and a dull heavy report ofdistant ordinance boomed upon the ear of the listening girl, unansweredby a deep sigh from her own bosom--a sigh not for him who had just lefther, but for some kindred association that his presence aroused. 

The villa where we have introduced the reader was that of the lateEdward Huntington, a successful English merchant, who had resided manyyears in India and had realized a fortune, which he had proposed toreturn to his native land to enjoy with his wife and only child. Butdeath had stepped in to put an abrupt end to his hopes, and to renderabortive all his well-arranged plans, some twelve months previous tothe period of which we have spoken. Mrs. Huntington, the widow, hadremained in Calcutta to settle up her husband's affairs, and this done, she determined to embark at once with her daughter for England, whereher relatives, friends and early associations were all located. 

Miss Huntington, as the reader may have gathered, was no coquette; hergreat beauty and real loveliness of character had challenged theadmiration of many a rich grandee and many an eminent character amongher own countrymen in this distant land. But no one had seemed to matethe least impression upon her heart; the gayest and wittiest found inher one quite their equal; the thoughtful and pathetic were equally athome by her side; but her heart, to them, seemed encased in iron, socold and immovable it continued to all the assaults that gallantry madeagainst its fastness, and yet no one who knew her really doubted thetenderness of her feelings and the sensibility of her heart. 

Her beauty was quite matured--that is she must have numbered at leasttwenty years; but there was still a girlish loveliness, a childlikeparity and sincerity in all she said and did, that showed the realfreshness of her heart and innocence of her mind. Far too pure and goodand gentle was she for him who had so earnestly sued for her hand, as wehave seen. Beneath a gentlemanly exterior, that other, whom we have seendepart from her side under such peculiar circumstances, hid a spirit ofpetty meanness and violence of temper, a soul that hardly merited thename, and which made him enemies everywhere, friends nowhere. 

Robert Bramble--for this was he, the same whom the reader has seen as aboy at home in Bramble Park--had not improved in spirit or manliness byadvance in years. The declining pecuniary fortune of his father's house, to which we have before alluded, had led him early to seek employment inthe navy, and by dint of influence and attention to his profession, hehad gradually risen to the position in which we have found him, as acommander in her majesty's service on the India station. That he lovedthe widow's daughter was true--that is to say, as sincerely as he wascapable of loving any one; but his soul was too selfish to entertaintrue love for another. 

The same spirit that had led him to the petty oppressions and theceaseless annoyances which he had exercised towards his younger brotherin childhood, still actuated him, and there was not a gleam of thatchivalric spirit which his profession usually inspires in those whoadopt it as a calling, shining within the recesses of his breast. Entirely unlike Miss Huntington in every particular, we have yet seenthat he exercised some singular power over her--that is, so far as toreally interest her beyond even a degree that she was willing to exhibitbefore him. What and why this was so must more clearly appear in thecourse of the story as it progresses. 

Mrs. Huntington was a lady of polished manner and cultivated intellect, belonging to what might be termed the old school of English gentlewomen. She had reared her only child with jealous care and assiduous attention, so that her mind had been richly stored in classic lore, and her handsduly instructed in domestic duties. There was no mock-modesty about themother, she was straightforward and literal in all she said or did;evidently of excellent family, she was sufficiently assured of herposition not to be sensitive about its recognition by others, andpreferred to instil into her daughter's mind sound wholesome principlesto useless and giddy accomplishments. And yet the daughter wasaccomplished, an excellent musician upon the piano and harp, and avocalist of rare sweetness and perfection of execution, as well asmistress of other usual studies of her sex. 

But the idea we would convey is, that the mother had rather endeavoredto fill her child's mind with real information and knowledge, than toteach her that the chief end and aim of life were to learn how tocaptivate a husband; she preferred to make her daughter a true andnoble-hearted woman, possessed of intrinsic excellence, rather than tomake her marketable for matrimonial sale; to give her something thatwould prove to her under any and all circumstances, a reliance viz. , sound principles and an excellent education. 

"Mother, how long before we shall turn our face towards England?" saidthe daughter, soon after the scene which we have described of thesailing ship and her commander. 

"Within the month I hope, my child. I have already directed thesolicitor to close up all his business relative to your father's estate, and the next homeward-bound ship may bear us in it. "

"I shall feel sad to leave our peaceful home here, mother, for, save mydear father's death, has been very pleasant, very happy to be here. "

"There are many dear associations that must ever hang about its memory, my dear; but after all, we shall be returning to our native land, andthat is a sweet thought. It is some twelve years since we lost sight ofEnglish soil. "

"I remember it most vividly, " said the child, recalling the past; "ay, as though it were but yesterday!"

That night, as she lay sleeping in her daintily-furnished apartment, into which the soft night-air was admitted through sweet geranium andmignonette, which bloomed and shed their perfume with rare sweetness, she dreamed of her native land, of him who had that day left her sodisappointed, of her childhood, and all its happy memories, and of muchthat we will not refer to lest we anticipate our story. 

CHAPTER VI. 

THE WRECK. 

ABOUT a fortnight subsequent to the period of the last chapter, Mrs. Huntington and her daughter, with a single attendant found themselvesembarked on board the Bengal, a large, well-found Indiaman, bound forLiverpool. The ship belonged to the East India Company, was a goodcarrier, but calculated more for freight than speed. She was a new shipand strong as iron and wood could be put together, and the widow and herchild found their quarters on board of an exceedingly comfortablenature. They were the only passengers on board, but the vessel had aheavy freight list, and as she moved out from her anchorage to lay hercourse to sea, her draft of water was very deep. 

The Bengal fortunately encountered none but the most favorable winds andtides for many a long and to those on board somewhat monotonous days, and the sun rose out of the sea clear and bright, and sunk again beneathits surface in gorgeous splendor with every diurnal rotation, until atlength the ship touched at the Cape of Good Hope, where, having takenfresh water and provisions on board, she cleared direct for Liverpool. Every hour now seemed more especially to draw the ship nearer her portof destination, and a fresh spirit was infused among passengers andcrew, in cabin and forecastle; but it was a long distance yet, and thewidow and her daughter found time for much study and reading, for whichthey were amply supplied, and thus the time was lightened in itsprogress and also well improved. 

But the ocean is a treacherous element, and the fair weather which hadso long characterized their voyage, was to be varied now by fierce andangry gales. It was the season of the year when they might expect this, and the captain had kept a sharp lookout. It was the middle of a fineafternoon that there was observed a singular phenomenon in the windwhich appeared to come from half a dozen points at the same moment. Theship of course lost her steerage way, and the sea began most singularlyto get up from all points in heavy cross waves. It was evident that theywere either in the course of a whirlwind or close to its track, andevery now and then gusts came first larboard then starboard, and againbows on and stern on, with a force that snapped the rigging like pipestems, and tore the canvass from the bolt ropes, notwithstanding theprompt orders and nimble efforts of the seamen, before it could besecured. Half an hour of this strange weather nearly stripped the shipof her standing rigging, leaving her comparatively a helpless wreck uponthe waters, a mere log at the mercy of the wind and waves. 

The worst had not yet come, however, for the ship was sound still in herhull, and save that she was now wallowing in the trough of the sea, shewas comparatively safe; she had sprung no leak, but her heavy freighttested her powers fearfully, and the captain was fain to acknowledgethat there was nought to be done but abide the raging of the storm untilit was over. His attempt to rig a jury mast, on which to bend sailenough to give the ship steerage way, was perfectly fruitless; sherolled and pitched so fearfully that no effort of the kind couldsucceed, but the crew were kept busy throwing over the heavier at tilesof freight to case the ship. 

As right came on with its intense darkness relieved only by now and thena terrible flash of liquid fire, all on board expected each moment mightbe their last. Prayers were said, and all tried to compose their mindsas far as possible to meet that death which seemed to be fastapproaching them, when suddenly the cry ran, fore and aft that thecaptain was lost overboard! This added to the general gloom; and now acry was heard "there goes the Flying Dutchman, " as was seen by severalon board the Indiaman, during the interval of the vivid lightning, alarge ship dash by them almost within cable's length, with a singletopsail close reefed running before the gale with the speed of the wind. It did indeed look like a phantom craft. All was snug on board, not asoul was in sight, everything battened down, save one dark formapparently lashed to the wheel stanchions and steadily bent upon keepingthe ship before the storm; it was a sight that added to the terror ofthose on board the Indiaman, and its effect was at once visible. 

The ignorant and superstitious seamen, ever ready to argue evil from anystrange occurrence, now felt assured of their destruction, declaringthat the strange appearance of the phantom-ship was but a warning toforetell the fate that was preparing for them. Thus actuated, alldiscipline was gone, and no connected efforts were further made toprotect the ship or render her in any degree safer from the power of thestorm. To add still more to the critical condition on board, the shipafter straining and laboring so long, now began to leak and rapidly tofill. In this desperate state of affairs several of the crew, whosenumbers were already thinned by being washed overboard, got into thespirit room and in a condition of wild desperation became beastlyintoxicated, resolving to die insensible to danger! and at intervalstheir crazy oaths and incoherent songs were heard above the gale. 

At this crisis, as is generally the case, two or three sterling spiritsamong the crew (and there is never a ship's company without some suchamong its members), one, the second mate, and a couple of foremasthands, came into the cabin and assured the widow and her daughter thatthey would protect them to the last, and that they were even nowpreparing the long boat with compass, water and food, so that should thestorm abate and the sea become less agitated before the ship should filland go down, they might launch it, and with the ladies and such of themas desired, attempt to save themselves in this frail bark. Withheartfelt gratitude the mother and child accepted their protection andawaited the crisis; but not without solemnly kneeling together upon thecabin floor and committing themselves to the care of Divine Providence. 

The second mate of the Bengal was the only officer left, but he was agood sailor, a man of cool nerve and great personal strength. He nowwent calmly to work, sounded the well and found four feet of water inthe ship, made his calculations how long it would require for the shipto fill at the rate she then made water, and then set to work with histwo companions to rig a triangle with spars above the long boat, so asto lift and launch it just when the proper moment should arrive, butthis he found to be impracticable. As the morning broke in the cast thegale subsided, but the sea still kept up its angry commotion, thoughthat too, gradually subsided, the waves growing less and less, and theship becoming more and more quiet, enabling those on board to keep atleast upon their feet. 

In the meantime, the ship had gradually settled so that the water wasalready on the cabin floor. In vain were the entreaties of the mate andhis companions for the four or five hands who had possessed themselvesof the key of the spirit room to come on deck and save themselves; theycould neither be persuaded nor forced to move, but lay in a state ofbeastly intoxication. Everything had been done that was possible, toprepare for launching the long boat, and the widow and her daughter hadalready by the mate's sanction taken their seats within it, while one ofthe seamen secured and carefully stored the few articles of necessitywhich had been selected. 

The two masts of the boat were stepped and carefully secured, the gripesthat secured the boat in its place were cut, leaving it standing uprightin its wooden bed, but entirely free from the deck of the ship. Alreadyhad the ship sunk so low that all communication with the cabin was cutoff, and the poor inebriated wretches who had there sought oblivion inintoxication also found their tomb. Food, water and compass wereproperly disposed, so that any sudden movement of the boat should notdislodge them, oars and sails in readiness, and a careful examinationhad, lest some straggling rope might in some way connect the boat withthe wreck, so as to draw them under when the floundering mass should atlast go down. The crisis which they now expected seemed strangelyprotracted, and their fearful suspense was almost unbearable. The matehad placed one of his hands at the bows, another amidships, whilehimself and the two passengers occupied the stern; the precaution havingalso been taken to secure the ladies by ropes to the boat. 

The weather had now entirely moderated, and the sea was comparativelycalm, except that now and then a heavy swell would lift the waterloggedcraft and surge about the hull, causing it to groan as though consciousof its approaching fate. Moments assumed the length of hours now, andthe countenance of each was a picture of agonized suspense and momentaryexpectation, no one spoke above their breath. Again the heavy swellcaused the hull to lurch and pitch until her bows were almost buried, and the water was even with the scuppers--the moment was approaching. 

"Steady, all, " said the mate, calmly, as he saw another approachingswell, which he knew must cause the vessel to lift and settle again, andprobably this time prove the signal for her final plunge altogether. "Steady, I say, and hold on to the boat stoutly now. Don't let go, ladies, for an instant!"

The seaman was right, the heavy hull was ful this surge came on, buryingher for an instant, and actually sweeping the boat clear of her bulwarksout upon the sea, a most fortunate circumstance, which was instantlytaken advantage of, by pulling with the oars for a single instant, andstill further clearing the wreck, which now rose high at the bows for amoment as the stern settled and gradually sunk, causing a vortex whichwould certainly have engulfed the boat, had it not been able thus topull a short distance away, and which even now drew it rapidly back tothe spot where the ship had laid, and causing it to toss fearfully for awhile, but in a few moments more all was quiet. 

"Thank God, that is over, " said the mate, earnestly; "it was littleshort of a miracle that we did not all of us go down with the ship. "

The widow covered her face with her hands and breathed a silent prayerof thankfulness. It was already night again, and steering by the starsthe mate laid his course, after affording a spare sail to cover themother and her daughter, who having partaken of some needed refreshment, the first for many hours, were soon lost in sleep, induced by the greatbodily fatigue and physical exertion they had so lately encountered inthis emergency. 

The men stood watch and watch, relieving each other at intervalsthroughout the night, while the boat with its two lugger sails crept onsteadily upon its course. 

It was remarkable to observe the delicacy observed by those three seamentowards the widow and her daughter, to mark their assiduity towards themas to their necessities and their wants; while they, on their part, werepatient, uncomplaining and grateful. The second and third day passed on, when the mate calculated they were steering direct for the nearest pointof land which they could not fail to reach in another day, it being thecoast of Africa. His calculations were made under disadvantages, but hefelt confident of their correctness. The weather, fortunately, had beenvery calm and pleasant thus far, since the gale had subsided, and thefrail craft thus exposed upon the ocean had really proved quitecomfortable and weatherly for the time being. A snug little apology fora cabin had been constructed over the forward part of the boat, intowhich the ladies could retire at nightfall, and become secure from theweather and be entirely by themselves; and under the circumstances theywere really quite comfortable, that is to say, they experienced littleexposure to the elements at night, and slept securely in their narrowquarters. 

In leaving the ship, the mother had been more thoughtful than manypersons would have been, and had taken the box which contained hervaluables and such papers as comprised her heavy bills of credit onEngland, in which way she was transporting the bulk of her husband'slate valuable estate to her native land. At first she had taken especialpains not to have the fact known to the men that she had any greatamount of valuables with her, lest it should prove a temptation to them, and lead to some tragical result as it regarded the safety of herselfand child. But she need not have feared, those hearty sons of the oceanwere true as steel; and it was only the second day that having laid thecasket down carelessly in the boat, she had retired to the littleforecastle forgetting it, when it was brought to her again by one ofthem who remarked, that he presumed it was something of particular valueby its appearance. 

According to the mate's reckoning, the time had already arrived when theland should heave in sight, and the three seamen were constantly on thelookout for it in the supposed direction where it should appear; but alltheir search for it proved in vain, there was the same endless expanseof ocean before them day after day, bounded only by the dim horizon, andunrelieved by any object, while the same hope reigned in their hearts. The exposure they endured, though not very severe, yet began to tellupon them all, and especially the mate and two seamen, and the cheeks ofthe seamen already looked sunken, their eyes less spirited. This was thecombined result of their feelings of disappointment with physical labor, for they worked several hours at the oars every day, aiding the sailingpower of the boat, in the hopes of reaching the land before another galeor storm should occur. Now, however, they began to discard the oars, andto feel less and less courage to labor in propelling the boat. 

The widow who was not a little of a philosopher and a woman of goodsound mind, determined to do something to amuse the men, and cheer themup in their emergency; she saw how sadly they needed some suchinfluence, and telling her daughter of her purpose, when night againcame on she induced her to sing some of her sweetest airs with all herpower of execution, and to repeat them to the real joy and delight ofthese hardy men, who at once gathered an agency from this music, anddeclared it was the harbinger of good. Whether it was so in the way theysupposed or not, it certainly was a harbinger of good as it regarded itscheering effects upon them, and their hearts were again filled withhope, and their sinews bent once more to toil at the oars. 

CHAPTER VII. 

THE SEA WITCH. 

WHILE those sweet notes were being uttered under these peculiarcircumstances, and the soft thrilling voice of, the English girl floatedover the sea, and the stars looked down coldly upon those wreckedadventurers, the mate who sat at the helm was observed to be peering inthe boat's wake, as though looking for some coming object that wouldsoon overtake them. Leaning over the boat's stern, he placed his cars asnear the surface of the water as possible and listened. This he repeatedseveral times, with increased earnestness, then partially shading hiseyes with his hands, he gazed back into the dim night air with intenseinterest, while the rest in the boat regarded him silently, wonderingwhat could be the import of his movements. 

"Either there is a big fish in our wake, or I hear the ripple of aship's cut-water. But I cannot see hull or canvass in this darkness, "said the mate, after a brief but searching gaze in the direction fromwhence they had come. 

"It cannot be that you could hear the movement of a ship upon the water, farther than you could see her even in this light, " said the mother. 

"It may have been the hauling of a ship's yards, or some rickety block, but sound I did hear that came from on ship board, " said the mate, withassurance. 

"See, see, " said the daughter, at that moment, "what is that?" pointingoff nearly in the wake of the boat into the darkness. 

"A ship!" said the mate, quickly; "a ship, as true as heaven!" adding, "shout, shout together now, or she will run us down. "

As he spoke, all eyes were bent on the dim object that was now fastapproaching them, and steering as nearly on the same course withthemselves as possible. Only a cloud of canvass was visible now, butsoon the dark hull of a vessel appeared, and the mate hastened to lighta lantern and hoist it to attract their attention. The signal wasseemingly observed in an instant on board the stranger, and the hoarsedeep order to heave the ship to, rolled over the waters and rang awelcome sound in the cars of those in the boat. 

"I know not what sort of craft she is, " said the mate; "and this is alatitude where pirates intercept the homeward bound ships sometimes, though according to ny reckoning, we are too well in for the land to bein that track. "

"I trust there is no danger in accepting the assistance that the shipappears willing to give?" said the mother anxiously, to the mate. 

"It is not more dangerous than to pass another night in this open boat, madam, at all events, " replied the mate, frankly. 

"Stand by, to take this tow-line, " shouted a voice from the bulwarks ofthe ship, as the vessel drifted with a side impetus towards the tinycraft, while the figure of a man was observed in the mizzen shrouds witha coil of line ready to heave, at the word of command. 

"Ay, ay, " answered the mate, steering his boat so as to bring her sideon to the ship, and opening his arms to catch the line, which he saw wasabout to be thrown. 

"Heave, heave clear of all, " shouted a stern, manly voice from thequarter-deck of the ship at this moment; "heave with a will. "

And a stout tow-line rattled through the air with a whizzing sound andlay between the mate's extended arms. This was instantly seized upon, and while one of the men took a turn about the stanchion in the bow ofthe boat, those on board the ship gathered in the line until the boatwas safely moored under her quarter. No words were exchanged, until theladies, first, and the seamen next, were taken on board: the fact oftheir being wrecked and in distress being too apparent to requirequestioning. The valuables in the boat were quickly transferred to theship, and the little craft which had proved an ark of safety to theadventurers, was then cut adrift, and soon lay a mere speck upon thewaters, unguided and alone. 

As the boat drifted for a moment astern of the vessel before the partywere taken on board, the mate rend her name on the stern in goldenletters, "The Sea Witch. " The foremast hands who had been saved fromthe wreck soon mingled with the crew on the forecastle of the "SeaWitch, " and told their story there, while the mate and the ladies werereceived in the most hospitable manner in the cabin, where the captainendeavored to offer them every comfort the ship afforded, and to placeevery resource entirely at their command. 

Mrs. Huntington and her daughter were at first too tearful and full ofgratitude for their preservation to converse, and soon took advantage ofthe kind offer which placed the captain's private apartments entirely attheir service, while the mate explained their adventures in detail, notforgetting the phantom ship which passed them in the gale, and which hadcaused such consternation on board the wrecked Indiaman. But his storyin this particular was unfortunately spoiled, when Captain Ratlin toldhim positively that he was at that moment on board the very craft whichhe had designated as the Flying Dutchman. A remark that for a momentpuzzled the honest seaman and led him to look suspiciously about him;but a few corroborating remarks soon placed the subject at rest in eventhe mate's credulous mind. 

The fact was, that the same gale which had made a wreck of the Indiaman, had driven the "Sea Witch" two days' sail or more out of her course, andhad thus brought her in sight of the Bengal at that critical moment whenit would have been impossible to have rendered her the least assistance. The continuance of the gale had carried the ship far to the southward, from whence she was now returning. 

It was early morning upon the day succeeding that auspicious night forthe party in the boat, that Miss Huntington and her mother made theirappearance upon the quarter-deck, and tendered their thanks for theservice rendered. Captain Ratlin received them there with a frank, manlyair, assured them of full protection, and that he would land them atsome port from whence they could take ship for England. A very few hoursplaced him on the best of terms with his passengers, for there was thatfrank, and open discourse of manner with him, which his countenancepromised, while he felt irresistibly drawn towards the gentle andbeautiful girl whose protector he had thus strangely and suddenlybecome. Not one point of her sweet beauty was lost upon the youngcommander, and her every word and movement he seemed to dwell upon, andto consider with a tenacious degree of interest. 

On her part, Miss Huntington looked upon him as her preserver, and didnot hesitate to accord him that confidence which the circumstances ofher situation would so naturally lead to, being delighted andentertained by the sketches he gave her of sea life and wild adventureupon the ocean, elicited by her suggestion. The mother, too, waswell-pleased with the profound respect and polite attention whichherself and daughter received from him, and accorded him that cordialcountenance in his intercourse with her child which placed him quite atease. 

"We have not even asked you, Captain Ratlin, what trade you are in, "said the mother, as they sat together, her daughter and the youngcommander, upon the quarter-deck beneath an awning which had been riggedfor their comfort. 

"Ahem! madam!" hesitated the young officer, "we are, that is, yes, weare on a trading voyage to the coast--just at the present time. "

Whether the mother saw that the subject was not one which was of anagreeable nature to him, or otherwise, she at once changed the subject, and congenial themes were discussed, to the delight of the daughter, whodwelt with evident pleasure upon the manly tones of the captain's voice, which seemed to have some secret charm upon her. Even her mother noticedthis, and seemed to regard her with sensitive watchfulness while thecaptain was near, though there was no well defined suspicion or fear inher mind. 

"Is it customary for traders upon these seas to go so thoroughly armed, Captain Ratlin?" asked the daughter, one day, after she had been shownabout the decks, at her own request, where she had marked the heavycalibre of the gun amidship, its well as the neat and serviceable arrayof small arms within the entrance to the cabin. 

"It is a treacherous latitude, lady, and the strong arm often makes theright, " he answered again, evasively, as he called her attention to somedistant object in the horizon, while at the same moment there wasshouted from aloft:

"Land O!"

"Land, land!" repeated the gentle being by his side, "what land?"

"Africa, " quietly responded the captain, without a token ofsatisfaction. 

"Africa? that is indeed an inhospitable shore; can we land there?"

"Yes, I shall make sure that you land safely, and can despatch you toSierra Leone, from whence you can take ship for England, but--"

"Sail O!" shouted the lookout. 

"Whereaway?" asked the captain promptly, seizing a deck trumpet andabruptly turning from her to whom he had been speaking, while his wholemanner changed at once. 

"A couple of points on the larboard beam, sir, " answered the seaman. 

"All hands, Mr. Faulkner, and 'bout ship; that square rig and the heavylift of those topsails tell what there must be below to sustain them. Lively, sir, the 'Sea Witch' must show her qualities. "

Miss Huntington had watched with some amazement these orders, and theresult of the same, and as she saw the beautiful craft in which she wasput at once on the opposite tack and steer boldly away from the shorewhich had just been made, she could not help for a moment rememberingthe words of the mate in the boat, that pirates sometimes were found inthese latitudes!

After a moment's thought she felt that she did Captain Ratlin injustice, for whatever might cause him to flee from the sight of what she presumedby his remarks to be a man-of-war, yet she felt that he could not be apirate. True, the vessel even to her inexperienced eye was very stronglymanned, and there was a severity of discipline observed on board thatwas very different from what she had seen while they were in theIndiaman, but that man could not be a pirate, she felt that he couldnot--she would not do him the injustice to think it possible. 

Let the stranger be whom he might, the "Sea Witch" seemed to have nointention of making his acquaintance, and as easily dropped the topsailsof the vessel again as she had made them, while from the manner in whichthe stranger steered, it was doubtful whether his lookout had made outthe "Sea Witch" at all--and so Captain Ratlin remarked to his firstofficer, while he ordered the ship to be kept on her present course foran hour, then to haul up on the wind and run in shore again. 

"Is it usual, Captain Ratlin, " asked the young and beautiful girl, "forvessels on the coast to so dread meeting each other as to deliberatelyalter their course when this seems likely to be the case?"

"Trade is peculiar on this coast, and men-of-warsmen take extraordinaryliberties on board such vessels as they happen to overhaul, " was thereply. "I always avoid their company when I can do so conveniently. "

As Captain Ratlin said this, his eyes met those of his companion for amoment, which were bent anxiously upon his face, as though she wouldread his inmost thoughts. He noted the expression, and replied at once:

"Whatever suspicion or fear may have entered Miss Huntington's mind, Ibeg of her to dispel, as it regards her own and her mother's safety andcomfort. Both shall be my sole care until you are safely landed uponshore, where I shall at the earliest moment place you in a situation toreach your homes in England. "

"I know you will do this, " she replied, "and if my looks betrayed anyanxiety, it was not for our safety, but for your own, Captain Ratlin. "

"My safety, lady? do you then consider that worth your anxiety?" heasked, with unmistakable earnestness in his voice. 

"You have been more than kind to us, sir, " she continued, "you have beenpreserver, protector, and friend, and it were strange if I did not feelan interest for your welfare. "

This she uttered so ingenuously, so frankly, that it seemed not in theleast indelicate or forward, while it thrilled the young commander'sheart. 

"Lady, since the moment you came on board, and I heard the tones of yourvoice, a strange interest sprang up in my heart, an indescribable one, and now that you express an interest in a poor wanderer's fate, youattach to it a value that he himself has never regarded it aspossessing. But I read your suspicions, you have feared the worst--yourlooks have betrayed it, and you were ready to believe that I am a--"

"Pirate!" almost groaned his companion, "You are not, pray say you arenot. "

"Not so bad as that, lady. "

"But you are then--"

"A slaver!" said the young commander, turning from her and moodilywalking the deck; with a contracted brow and uneven step. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

THE QUADROON. 

FOR several days succeeding that upon which Captain Ratlin had avowedhimself to his fair young companion to be engaged in the slave tradeupon the coast of Africa, the "Sea Witch" was occupied in running intowards the land and exchanging signals with friends on shore, and thenstanding off and on to watch a favorable moment for running to ananchorage, without encountering one of the English or American cruisersstationed on the coast. During this time the young commander and hisfair passenger found much time for conversation, and she strove with allthat power of persuasion and delicacy of tact peculiar to her sex, topoint out to the adventurous and generous-hearted commander the fearfulresponsibility of the course he was pursuing. 

Perhaps no other agent would have accomplished so much as shedid--indeed, no other could for a moment have gained his ear, and theresult even to herself was very apparent, very satisfactory. He, allunconsciously yielded every argument to her, was only too ready andwilling to grant her the fullest accordance in what she asked or argued, for though he dared not to say so, yet he felt that already he loved themild yet eloquent and lovely girl with a devotion that caused all otherinterests to fade in importance. It was a novel idea to him to realizethat so fair and gentle a creature could entertain such sufficientinterest in him, a rough sailor, to strive and mould his conduct forgood. 

On her part, it would be difficult for us to define the exact state offeelings which actuated the beautiful girl whom we first introduced tothe reader in India. She felt an interest in the commander of the slaverthat she was afraid to acknowledge not only to her mother, but indeed toherself. The tones of his voice came over her heart like the memory ofmusic that we have heard at some distant time, and in some forgottenplace; his eyes betrayed to her the love he dared not speak, and whenshe did pause to consider their relation towards each other, she halfshuddered, and said to herself, "Would to heaved this man was a poormechanic, anything but a slaver! How can I give my confidence to him, and yet how can I withhold it, for he wins from me my very thoughts!"

One evening just after sunset, Miss Huntington and her mother had beentarrying on the quarter deck for a long while, watching the conversationgoing on between the ship and the shore by means of flags, and observingthat the "Sea Witch" had run in closer than usual, the mother asked:

"Shall we not land before long, Captain Ratlin? We have been in thevicinity of the shore so long, that I begin to feel quite impatient. "

"To-night, madam, we shall be on shore. I cannot offer you very goodquarters at first, but you shall find conveyance to Sierra Leoneshortly, from whence you can sail for England. "

"We have to thank you for much kindness, sir, " she continued, gratefully. 

"Nay, madam, necessity and duty to my owners has rendered it imperativefor me to approach the coast cautiously, and hence a delay I could notavoid. "

"You are too honest and manly a spirit, sir, " said the mother, frankly, "to be engaged in such a trade. Ah, sir, why not turn your talents to amore fitting purpose? The field of commerce is extensive, and such asyou need not look for command. "

"Madam, your daughter has already caused me to behold my position in avery different light from what I did when I cleared my ship from thelast port. "

"I rejoice, Captain Ratlin, to hear you say so, " was the frank rejoinderof the mother, as she extended her hand to him, and which he pressedrespectfully. 

"She is thus frank and open with me, " reasoned the young commander tohimself, "because she has no reason for restraint; but were I to tellher that I loved her child, that she was already so dear to me that Iwould relinquish all things for her, that face, so friendly in itsexpression now, would be suffused with disdain and scorn. No, no! such afate is not in store for me; a sailor should know but one mistress, andshe should be his ship. But the heart is a stubborn thing. I would nothave believed that ouch a change could come over me. "

"Stand by to let go the starboard bow anchor, " he shouted, as the vesselgradually crept shoreward with the oncoming of night, and, assumed theposition in which he desired to place her. 

Her sails were gradually furled, and as she drew to her anchorageground, a quarter-boat a was lowered from the davits, while the chaincable rang its loud report as it ran out at the hawser hole, and theship swung gradually with the set of the current, leaving her sterntowards the shore. But a few moments elapsed before Capt. Ratlin and histwo passengers, with such articles as they had brought on board, wereskimming over the short space between the ship and the shore, propelledby a half-dozen stout rowers. It had already been explained to them thatat first it would be necessary to land them and offer them shelter atDon Leonardo's slave factory, until a mode of conveyance could beprocured for them to reach Sierra Leone, so they were not surprised, butplacing full confidence in Captain Ratlin, were satisfied. 

At the house of Don Leonardo, they were hospitably received, and foundthe proprietor to be a rough Spaniard, with a dark quadroon daughter, whose mulatto mother was dead. The household, though primitive, in manyparticulars, was yet profusely supplied with every necessity, and evenmany luxuries. In the rear of the house was a spacious barracoon, wherethe slaves were collected and kept for shipment, and where they wereplentifully supplied with rice and vegetables, with salt meats, and themeans of doing their own cooking. All these things the new corners notedat once, and indeed were very curious in fully understanding. Thereseemed to be little restraint exercised about the place; the slaves werelooked at in the light of prisoners of war, and did not attempt escape. They seemed to be quite indifferent themselves as to their fate, andwere very happy, with good food to eat, and a plenty of it. 

One thing that both Mrs. Huntington and her daughter marked well was thefact that Don Leonardo greeted Capt. Ratlin as one whom he had metbefore, and that Maud, his daughter, also sprang forward to meet himwith unmistakable tokens of delight. On his part, both were cordiallygreeted, and they spoke together like people whose time was precious andwhose business required despatch. Mrs. Huntington gathered enough fromtheir open and undisguised talk to learn, that as there was not asufficient number of negroes at the present moment on hand, that the"Sea Witch, " with her light draft of water, must be run up a neighboringriver and be there moored away from the prying eyes of the cruisers onthe coast, until the proper hour should arrive for shipping her freight. Therefore when Captain Ratlin left them, it was with a promise to returnand join them again within a few hours. He resolved to moor his vesselunder the shelter of the present favoring darkness, to which end he atonce repaired on board. 

The two English ladies, both mother and daughter, found much to interestthem in Maud Leonardo. She seemed to be a strange girl, a rough diamond, with all the tact and ready invention of her mulatto mother, and allthe fire of her Spanish father. They soon learned that this was notCaptain Ratlin's first visit to the coast, and that her father, as wellas herself, considered him the finest seaman and gentleman in the coasttrade. It was impossible not to see with what feeling Maud the Quadroondwelt upon the good qualities of him she referred to, declaring that hewas a father to all the people he took away in his ship, and how kind hewas to them; that he always knocked off their shackles at once and madefriends of them by real kindness. 

Mrs. Huntington, to say nothing of her daughter, saw something more thanmere honest admiration in the enthusiastic girl's remarks about theyoung commander, and the mother shrewdly determined to question her uponthe theme, and to weigh well her answers. 

"Captain Ratlin is very friendly to you, I suppose, Maud?" said Mrs. Huntington. 

"He is friendly to father, and that is the same thing, " she replied, simply. 

"Has he not brought you presents across the ocean?" continued themother. 

"One, " said Maud, with evident pleasure, rolling back a long sleeve, anddiscovering to her new-made friends a rich golden bracelet, set withpearls, a rare and beautiful ornament. 

"This is indeed beautiful, " said the mother. 

Mrs. Huntington examined the jewel, while her daughter turnedthoughtfully away! She could not be mistaken; she saw at once that thisrude, uncultivated girl loved the commander of the "Sea Witch, " nor didshe wonder at such a fact; but yet she found herself musing and askingwithin her own mind whether such a being could make him happy as a wife. She felt that he was worthy of better companionship, and that, notwithstanding Maud evidently loved him, he could hardly entertain anypeculiar regard for her. Could he have deceived the girl? she thought. No, deceit was no part of his nature; that she felt sure of, and thusshe mused alone to herself, placing the relationship of the two in allmanner of lights, until she saw him again. 

Having moored the "Sea Witch" safely amid the jungle of one of the manywinding rivers that indent the coast of Africa, and sent down her upperspars to prevent her from being discovered by any exhibition of thetop-hamper above the trees and jungle growth, Captain Ratlin left hiscrew under charge of the first officer, Mr. Faulkner, and returned oncemore to the seaboard and the establishment of Don Leonardo. Here itwould be necessary for him to remain for a week or more, while theSpaniard sent his runners inland to the chiefs of the various coasttribes to forward the prisoners of war to his barracoons. This period oftime was passed in various domestic amusements, in observing the sportsand games of the natives, their habits, and studying theirnationalities--for the slaves in Don Leonardo's barracoons represented ascore of different tribes, each characteristic of its origin. 

Mrs. Huntington regarded Captain Ratlin's intercourse with Maud withmuch interest, which she did not attempt to disguise, while her daughterdid so under the disguise of indifference, but with the most intenseinterest. Not a word, look, or sign between them betrayed the leasttoken of any understanding or peculiar confidence as existing betweenthe commander and the Quadroon. 

Maud, on her part, began to change somewhat since the first day of thearrival of the strangers. Then she was as free and unconstrained asinnocence itself--now she seemed to regard the new-comers with a jealouseye, for she saw the deep feeling evinced by the young commander towardsthe fairest of the two; she heard a strange charm in the tone of hisvoice when he addressed the daughter, and at such moments Mrs. Huntington more than once saw her bosom heave quickly, and her eye flashwith a wild and startling fire that made her tremble. This was jealousy, plain and unmistakable, a fact that no woman would have been at a lossto understand. 

It was not possible that the mother should be blind to the feelingevinced by Captain Ratlin towards her daughter, and she thought, so longas this sentiment maintained the respectful and solicitous characterwhich it now bore, that it would redound to their security and futuresafety, as they were in one sense completely in his power. But as itregarded the idea of her daughter's entertaining any affection for him, or seriously considering his advances, the idea could not for a momententer her head. She did not at ill consider that there was any danger ofher daughter's losing her heart--no, no! Had not she been accustomed toattention from earliest girlhood, and from the most polished men? Shedid not even think it necessary to speak to her upon the subject; shemight be as friendly as she pleased with him under the circumstances. 

But the daughter herself, who to her mother's eye was so indifferent, was at heart deeply and strangely impressed by the frank, chivalrous anddevoted attention of the commander of the slaver. His attention wascharacterized by the most unquestioned delicacy and consideration; hehad never uttered the first syllable to her that he might not properlyhave used before her mother--indeed, he had not the boldness oreffrontery to urge a suit that he knew was out of the question, and yethe felt irresistibly drawn towards the English girl, and could notdisguise from her the true sentiments that so plainly filled his inmostheart; she must have been less than woman not to have read his verysoul, so bared to her scrutiny. 

It was the first time that she had ever deceived her mother, because itwas the first time that she had loved. Yes, loved, for though she wouldas soon have sacrificed her life as to have acknowledged it, yet she didlove him, and the poor untutored Quadroon girl read the fact that themother could not, with all her cultivation and knowledge of the world, detect. But jealousy is an apt teacher, and the spirit of Maud Leonardowas now thoroughly aroused; she sighed for revenge, and puzzled herbrain how she might gain the longed-for end. 

Captain Ratlin had eyes for only one object, and that was the young andbeautiful English girl. He never gave a thought to Maud; he had neverdone so for one moment. As a friend of her father, or rather as a dealerintimately connected in a business point of view with him, he had givena present to his daughter, and had endeavored to make himself agreeableto her at all times, but never for one moment with a serious thought ofany degree of intimacy, save of the most public and ordinary character. Probably Maud herself would have never thought seriously about thematter had she not felt how much the English girl surpassed her inbeauty, in accomplishment, and in all that might attract the interest ofone like Captain Ratlin. 

Jealousy is a subtle poison, and the Quadroon was feeding upon itgreedily, while its baleful effect was daily becoming more and moremanifest in her behaviour. 

CHAPTER IX. 

THE ATTACK. 

DON LEONARDO was no favorite among the tribes and chiefs of the regionwhich was his immediate neighborhood, and he lived within the walls ofhis well-arranged residence, more like one in a fort than in his owndomestic dwelling, maintaining himself, in fact, by a regular armamentof his servants and a few countrymen whom he retained in his service. With the negroes he was, therefore, no friend, save so far as hepurchased their prisoners of them, whom they secured in their maraudinginroads upon the interior tribes. They feared Don Leonardo because hewas a bold, bad man, and cared not for the spilling of blood at anytime, for the furtherance of his immediate gain in the trade he pursued. It was for his interest to make them fear him, and this he contrived todo most effectually. 

As Don Leonardo always paid for the slaves he purchased of the coasttribes in hard Spanish dollars, they believed him to possess aninexhaustible supply of specie, and the idea of robbing him had morethan once been broached among them in their counsels; but feat and wantof tact as to proper management in conducting an assault, they feltwould insure the defeat of such a purpose, and thus the Spaniard hadremained unmolested for years in his present position, but in no wayrelaxing the necessary degree of vigilance which should render safe hishousehold, for he knew full well the treacherous character of thenegroes, and that they were not for a moment to be trusted. 

Maud, his daughter, was in no way ignorant of this state of affairs. Shefully understood the entire matter. Perhaps the fact that some portionof the blood of that despised race ran in her own veins, led her toconceive a plan for revenge which should embrace not only the party whowas the grave object of her hate, but even every person of white bloodin her father's household, not even excepting her father! No one, save aNorth American Indian, can hold and nourish a spirit of revenge like aQuadroon. It seems to be an innate trait of their nature, and ever readyto burst forth in a blaze at any moment. 

It was impossible to understand exactly by what course of reasoning Maudhad arrived at the purpose of attempting the destruction of thehousehold as she did. One would have supposed that she would have beenapt to adopt the easiest mode of arriving at the desired result, andthat with even her simple knowledge of poison, she might, with a littleadroitness, have taken the lives of all who were gathered under herfather's roof at a single meal; but the revengeful girl evidently hadsome secret feeling to gratify, in the employment of the agents whom sheengaged for her purpose, and the blow she resolved should be struck, anddecisively, too, by the negro enemies of her father, who were his nearneighbors. 

For this fell purpose, Maud held secret meetings with the chiefs, represented that her father's strong-boxes were full of gold and silvercoin, and that the negroes had only to effect an entrance at night, means for which she was herself prepared to furnish them, and at thesame time representing to them that they would have it in their power torevenge themselves for all their past wrongs at her father's hands, fancied or real. The negroes and their chiefs were only too intent uponthe treasures their fancy depicted, to think or care for Maud herself, or to question the reason of her unnatural treachery. So they promisedto enter the stockade under her direction, rob the house, and thenscreen the deed they had committed by burning the dwelling and allwithin its precincts. 

While this diabolical plan had been thoroughly concocted, Captain Ratlinand the two English ladies had passed many pleasant hours together, allunconscious of there being any danger at hand, and even Maud, withsubtle treachery, seemed more open and free than she had been in herintercourse with them at first. But when she thought herself unobserved, she would at times permit a reflex of her soul to steal over her dark, handsome features, and the fire of passion to flash from her eye. Atsuch moments, the Quadroon became completely unsexed, and could herselfscarcely contain her own anger and passion so far as not to spring, tiger-like, upon the object of her hatred. But the hour for the attemptupon the dwelling, and the destruction of its inhabitants, drew near. The negroes had sworn to stand by each other, and had sacrificed aninfant to their deity, to propitiate him and insure success. 

It was long past midnight that the blacks might have been seen pouringout of the adjacent jungle nearest to the house. They had selected thehour for their attack when they supposed the dwellers in thestockade-house would be soundest wrapped in sleep, and they had indeedchosen well, and all their plans had been carefully arranged. But justas Maud opened the secret entrance for them to pass in, and she herselfpassed out, to flee for the time being from the scene, Don Leonardo cameout from his sleeping-apartment, followed by a trusty slave, andpromptly shot down the two first figures that entered by the door, causing them to fall dead. This unexpected repulse caused those behindto retreat for a while to the jungle, where they might consult undercover as to what this unexpected opposition to their plans indicated. 

The reader may as well be here informed that a faithful slave, who hadbeen long with the Spanish trader, and who had been confided in by therobbers, at last could not keep the secret, but just at the opportunemoment aroused her master, while he, by his promptness, for the momentstayed the attack, until the door could once more be fastened, and thepeople awakened and armed to repel the congregated mass of the enemy. The father did not for one moment suspect his child's treachery, and wasamazed and alarmed by her absence; but there was little time forspeculations upon that or any other matter, since the large numbers ofthe negroes had rendered them bold, and they seemed determined, now theywere partially foiled in their purpose as to entering the place bystratagem, to carry the house, at all hazards, by actual storm, whilethey rendered the air heavy with their yells. 

Don Leonardo was not at all alarmed--he had fought too many battles withthe negroes to fear them. He quietly prepared his fire-arms, and loadedto the muzzle a heavy swivel-gun he kept mounted at one of the mainwindows, while he gave arms to such of his slaves as he felt confidencein, and to his immediate retainers. The negroes had never seen nor heardthe swivel fired, as it was a late importation. They had become somewhataccustomed to small arms, and though they had a dread of them, yet itwas not sufficient to deter them from making the attack after havingcongregated in such numbers, and having become so wrought up by eachother. But as they made a rush bodily towards the stockade, Don Leonardofired the swivel, which had been loaded with shot, slugs, and bullets, into their very midst, every missile telling on the limb or body of oneor more! The effect was electrical and the slaughter large. 

The astonished savages rapidly gathered up their wounded companions andreturned to the jungle once more. At first this terrible slaughter amongthem seemed to deter them from the idea of a second attack, but the loudreport of the gun rapidly augmented the numbers of the blacks, untilthey made a second onslaught, with almost precisely the same effect. They could scale the stockade only on this side, while on the other, oropposite side, Captain Ratlin kept up such a deadly and accurate fire ofmusketry, that every one who approached the buildings was sure toforfeit his life. It was fortunate that this arrangement had been made, for the negroes twice attempted to set the dwellings on fire from therear, but were instantly repulsed by Captain Ratlin's double-barrelledgun, which was ready loaded by his side, and which he used with fearfulaccuracy of aim on every approaching object. 

The negroes seemed to be wrought up to such a state of excitement thatthey would not give over their purpose, though it involved such immenserisk and sacrifice of life, and the attack was continued, at intervals, far into the morning, and long after the regular course of duty, untilat last the negroes divided their mutilated numbers into four parties, and it was evidently their last and most determined attempt. They didnot hurry this, but seemed to pause and take refreshments and rest for acouple of hours, when once more the onslaught commenced, and theinhabitants of the stockade found it a desperate fight, and one even ofdoubtful result, if long continued as it began. 

"Keep the black imps clear, don, for a short half-hour longer, and itwill be all up with them, " shouted Captain Ratlin, from the rear. "I seea heavy square-rig rounding the point and standing in for an anchorage;we shall find civilized help. "

"That is lucky, " growled the Spaniard, as he coolly shot down a negro;"our powder is fast giving out. "

The inhabitants of the stockade sadly needed assistance at this criticaljuncture, for the infuriated savages had become desperate and recklessin their attack, and must soon have carried the building by storm. Butthere soon pulled to the beach a half-dozen boats, with a detachment ofmarines and seamen, led on at full speed by an officer, before whoseapproach the angry negroes retired exhausted, leaving many dead upon theground, and many too severely wounded to effect their retreat to thejungle. The fight had been a very sanguinary one to the half wittedcreatures outside the stockade. 

The new comers were an officer and part of the crew of a man-of-war thatwas cruising upon the coast, and which had been attracted to the harborby the firing of the heavy swivel. They were admitted within thestockade. That they were English was at once observable, by the flagthat floated from the graceful craft that had now rounded to and come toan anchor within blank cartridge shot of the factory or barracoons. Theofficer felt authorized to interfere, as we have seen, but his power ofsearch and of interference in the peculiar trade of the coast ceased themoment he touched the land. His jurisdiction did not extend over anyresidents on their property, unless it was afloat; over the coast andrivers he claimed jurisdiction only. 

The new comers were hospitably entertained by Don Leonardo, white theofficer who had led them, and whose insignia of rank betrayed hisstation as captain, was introduced into the more private apartments ofthe place, where were the ladies and Captain Ratlin, the latter tryingto re-assure them, and to quiet their fears on account of the latefearful business of the fight. He was thus engaged when the Englishcaptain entered, and was not a little astonished to hear the mutualexpressions of surprise that were uttered by both the ladies and theofficer himself, while a moment sufficed to show them to be oldacquaintances! The reader would here recognize, in the new comer, Captain Robert Bramble, whom we saw paying suit to Miss Huntington, notlong previous, on the shady verandah of her mother's house, in theenvirons of Calcutta. 

Notwithstanding the excitement of the moment, and the joy felt on allsides at the timely arrival of the English officer and hispeople, --notwithstanding the surprise of the moment, that filled allpresent at the singular melting of old friends under such extraordinarycircumstances, yet a close observer might have noticed an ill-suppressedexpression of dissatisfaction upon Captain Ratlin's face, as he saw theEnglish captain in friendly and even familiar intercourse with motherand daughter. 

"Who could have possibly foreseen this strange, this opportune meeting?"said the mother. 

"It is as strange as agreeable, I assure you, " replied the new comer. "And you were wrecked and picked up at sea, you say, and brought hereby--"

"Captain Ratlin, " interrupted the daughter, fearing that her motherwould have introduced a word that would have betrayed their protector. 

"Yes, by Captain Ratlin, " continued the mother, "permit me to introduceyou, gentlemen. Captain Bramble, this is Captain Ratlin; you are bothseamen, and there is no need of compliments, though I am seriouslyindebted to you both. "

"Of the merchant service, I presume?" said the English officer, regarding the young and handsome commander of the "Sea Witch" with asomewhat suspicious eye. 

"From childhood, " was the cool reply, while, as though by a feeling ofcommon content, both turned away from each other, to other objects. 

Captain Bramble saw that she whom he had so profitlessly saved, --shewhose smile would have been invaluable to him, now spoke low and gentlyto the merchant captain; and even smiled kindly upon his remarks to her, of whatever nature they might be. Doubtless, from the moment of theirintroduction, a vague suspicion of his true character crossed theEnglish officer's thoughts, but now he needed no other incentive, thanthe fact that Miss Huntington received and entertained his addresses soagreeably, and with such evident pleasure, to make him more thanwatchful, and resolved to find out the truth. 

"You are not long arrived, Captain Ratlin?" asked the other. 

"Within these two weeks, " was the calm reply. 

"Not seeing your vessel, I presume she has gone to the windward, forivory. "

"Or perhaps to leeward for other cargo, " answered the other, somewhathaughtily. 

The hint was sufficient, and the English officer saw that, let his tradebe what it might, he had one to deal with who was master of his ownbusiness, and who feared no one. 

It was nearly night when Maud Leonardo reappeared, expressing profoundsurprise at what had occurred, and feigning well-assumed grief andregret, so honestly, too, as to deceive all parties who observed her. But her secret chagrin could hardly be expressed. Indeed, her father, who knew her better than any one else, saw that there was somethingwrong in his daughter's spirit, that some event had seriously annoyedand moved her. He knew the child possessed of much of her mother's wild, revengeful disposition, and though even he never for a moment suspectedher unnatural treachery, yet he resolved to watch her. 

The negroes she had joined in the attack were completely routed anddisheartened, and fearing the power and cunning of Don Leonardo, retreated far inland and incorporated themselves with the tribes thatgather their wild and precarious living in the depths of the jungle. 

CHAPTER X. 

THE DUEL. 

AFFAIRS in the immediate vicinity of Don Leonardo's residence began toassume a singular and very peculiar aspect. In the first place, therewas within doors, and under his immediate roof, four new comers, nearlyeach of which was actuated by some contrary purpose or design. Mrs. Huntington was exceedingly desirous to obtain passage up the coast toSierra Leone, and thence home to England; her daughter secretly dreadedthe approach of the hour that was to separate her from one whom in herunrevealed heart she devotedly loved. Captain Ratlin was, of course, allimpatience to have the English cruiser up anchor and leave the harbor, her proximity to his own fleet clipper ship being altogether too close, while, Captain Bramble felt in no haste to leave port for severalreasons. First, he had a suspicion that he should soon be able to tripup the heels of his rival, as it regarded this business on the coast;and secondly, he was very content to have Miss Huntington remain here, because he knew if she was once landed at Sierra Leone, she woulddirectly sail for England. 

Don Leonardo heartily wished them all at the bottom of the sea, or anyother place except his house, with the exception, of course, of CaptainRatlin, whose business with him was seriously impeded by the presence ofthese parties. Maud, too, was not a disinterested party, as the readermay well imagine, after the audacious treachery which she had alreadyevinced; but she was comparatively passive now, and seemed quietly tobide her time for accomplishing her second resolve touching him she onceloved but now hated, as well as satisfying her revengeful spirit by themisery or destruction of her rival. We say affairs in Don Leonardo'sresidence had assumed a singular and peculiar aspect, and the dullroutine of everyday life that had characterized the last year wastotally changed. 

The singular coincidence of the meeting between Miss Huntington and herrejected lover, Captain Bramble, under such singular circumstances, ledhim once more to press this suit, and now, as she regarded him largelyin the light of a protector, the widow quite approved of his intimacy, and indeed, as far as propriety would permit, seconded his suit with herdaughter. When in India, she had looked most favorably upon CaptainBramble's intimacy with her child, where there were accessorycircumstances to further her claims; but now she soon told her daughterin private, that Captain Bramble was a match fit and proper in allrespects for such as she was. 

"But, mother--"

"Well, my child?"

"Suppose, for instance, that I do not like Captain Bramble, then is he afitting match for me?"

"Not like him, my child?"

"Yes, mother, not like him. "

"Why, is he not gentlemanly?"

"Yes. "

"And of good family?"

"Undoubtedly. "

"And handsome, and--"

"Hold, mother, you need not extend the catalogue. Captain Bramble cannever be my husband, " she said, in a mild but determined tone that hermother understood very well. 

But Captain Bramble himself could not seem to understand this, notwithstanding she was perfectly frank and open with him. He seemed tobe running away with the idea that if he could but get rid of CaptainRatlin, in some way, he should then have a clear field, and be able towin her hand under the peculiar circumstances surrounding her. Thusmoved, he redoubled his watchfulness touching the captain's movements, satisfied that he should be able ere long to detect him in someintrigue, as to running a cargo of slaves, and doubtless under suchcircumstances that he could arrest and detain him, if not, by some luckychance, even have him tried and adjudged upon by the English commissionupon the coast. 

To suppose that Captain Ratlin did not understand entirely the motivesand conduct of his enemy and would-be rival, would be to give him lesscredit for discernment than he deserved. He understood the matter verywell, and, indeed, bore with assumed patience, for Miss Huntington'ssake, many impertinences that he would otherwise have instantlyasserted. But he marked out for himself a course, and he resolved toadhere to it. Captain Bramble was not only a suitor of MissHuntington's, but an old and intimate friend, as he learned from herfamily, and therefore he should avoid all quarrel whatever with him, andso he did on his own part; but the English officer, enraged by hisapparent success, took every occasion to disparage the character ofCaptain Ratlin, and even before Miss Huntington's own face, declared himno gentleman. 

"You are very severe, Captain Bramble, " said the lady, "upon a personwhom you acknowledge you have not yet known a single calendar month. "

"It is long enough, quite long enough, Miss Huntington, to read thecharacter of such an unprincipled fellow as this nondescript captain. "

"I have known him about twice as long as you, Captain Bramble, " repliedMiss Huntington, calmly, "and I have not only formed a very differentopinion of him, but have good reasons to feel satisfied of thecorrectness of my judgment. "

"I perceive that Miss Huntington has taken him under her protection, "replied the discomfited officer, sarcastically, as he seized his hat andleft her. 

While in this spirit, the two rivals met in the open space before thehose of Don Leonardo, when the English officer vented some coarse andscurrillous remarks upon Captain Ratlin, whose eyes flashed fire, andwho seized his traducer by the throat and bent him nearly double to theearth, with an ease that showed his superior physical strength to beimmense, but as though impressed with some returning sense, CaptainRatlin released his grasp and said:

"Rise, sir, you are safe from my hand; but fortunate it is for you thatyou can call this lady whose name you have just referred to, friend; theman whom she honors by her countenance is safe from any injury I caninflict. "

"A very chivalric speech, " replied the enraged and brow-beaten officer. "But you shall answer for this, sir, and at once. This is not thespot--you must give me satisfaction for this base insult, or by theheaven above us I will shoot you like a dog!"

"As you will, sir. I have spoken openly, and I shall abide by my word. Iam no boaster, nor do I expect any especial favor at the hands of thelady whom you have named; but I repeat, sir, that my respect for herrenders her friend safe from any injury that I might otherwise, in justindignation, inflict. "

Little did either know that the object of their remarks had been asilent but trembling witness of the entire scene, from the firsttaunting word Captain Bramble had spoken. 

Early the subsequent morning, even before the sun had risen, a boatmight have been seen pulling from the side of the English sloop-of-war, propelled by the stout arms of a couple of seamen, while two persons satin the stern, a closer examination of whom would have revealed them tobe the captain of the ship and surgeon. At the same moment there shotout from a little nook or bay in the rear of the barracoons, a lightskiff propelled by a single oarsman, who rowed his bark in true seamenstyle, cross-handed, while a second party sat in the stern. The rowerwas Captain Ratlin, and his companion was the swarthy and fierce-lookingDon Leonardo. That the same purpose guided the course of either boat wasapparent from the fact that both were headed for the same jutting pointof land that formed a sort of cape on the harbor's southern side. 

"That is the fellow, he who pulls the oars, " said Captain Bramble to hissurgeon. 

"He must be a vulgar chap, and pulls those instruments as though bred tothe business. "

"Not so very vulgar, either, " said the other; "the fellow has seen theworld and has his notions of honor, and knows how to behave, that isplain enough. "

"Egad, he shoots that skiff ahead like an arrow; the fellow could makehis fortune as a ferryman, " continued the surgeon, facetiously. 

"Give way, lads, give way, " said the English captain, impatiently, tohis men, as he saw that the skiff would reach the point long before hegot there himself. 

A short half-hour found the two rivals standing opposite to each otherat some twelve paces distance, each with a pistol in his hand. Thepreliminaries had been duly arranged between the surgeon and DonLeonardo, the latter of whom had not ceased up to the last moment tostrive and effect a reconciliation. Not that he dreaded bloodshed, itwas a pastime to him, but because it jarred so manifestly with hisinterests to have his friend run the risk of his life. Both of theprincipals were silent. Captain Bramble was exceedingly red in the face, and evidently felt the bitterness of anger still keenly upon him; whilethe open, manly features of his opponent wore the same placid aspect ashad characterized them while he leaned over the side of his own ship, orgazed idly into the rippling waters that laved the dark hull. 

It had been arranged that both parties should aim and fire between thecommencement and end of pronouncing the words, "one, two, three, " by thesurgeon; and that individual, having placed his box of instrument withprofessional coolness upon the ground, took his position to give thesignal agreed upon, when he said, in a preparatory tone:

"Gentlemen, are you ready?"

To which both answered by an inclination of the head, and thenimmediately followed:

"One, two, three!"

Almost before the first word was fairly articulated, the sharp quickreport of Captain Bramble's pistol was heard, and the next moment he wasobserved gazing intently upon his adversary, to see whether he hadwounded him, and observing that he had not, he dashed his weapon to theground, uttering a fierce oath at his luck. 

In the meantime Captain Ratlin had not moved an inch, not even a muscle;his hand containing the pistol had hung quietly at his side, and hisface still remained undisturbed. He had kept his word, and would notfire upon the friend of the woman whom he truly respected, andearnestly, devotedly, though hopelessly loved. 

Captain Bramble paced back and forth like a caged lion, until at last, coming opposite and near to his adversary, he coarsely remarked:

"It is much easier for a trembling hand to retain a perpendicularposition than to assume a horizontal one!"

Captain Ratlin understood the taunt, and stepping to where the Englishofficer had thrown his discharged weapon, he threw it high in the air, and at the exact moment when the power of gravitation turned the piecetowards the earth, he quickly raised his arm and fired, sending thebullet in his own pistol completely through the wooden stock of theother. Then turning coolly to Captain Bramble, he said:

"A trembling hand, sir, is hardly so sure of its aim as that. "

"This fellow is the evil one himself, " whispered the surgeon to hisprincipal. "Come, let us on board, if he should insist upon at secondshot, we should be obliged to give him the chance, since he did not fireat you, and he would drop you spite of fate. "

"Curse his luck; I am sure I had him full in the breast--such a miss, and I, who am so sure at a dozen paces;" and the English officercontinued to chafe and growl until he had got into his boat, and was outof hearing from the shore. 

Captain Ratlin and Don Leonardo quietly pulled back towards thebarracoons, and as they neared the shore they saw the form of a female, which both at once recognized to be that of Miss Huntington, who stoodthere pale as death, and who gazed intently at the young commander as hedrew nearer and nearer, and as he jumped upon the shore, said, hastily:

"You have been on a fearful errand. Have either of you been hurt?"

"Nay, lady, it was but a bit of morning sport, " said Captain Ratlin, pleasantly. 

"Answer me, was he injured, for I see you are not?"

"There has been no harm done to flesh and blood, lady. "

"Heaven be praised!" said the half-fainting girl, as she leaned upon theyoung commander's proffered arm, and they together approached the houseof Don Leonardo. 

There had been another witness of the affair, one who was secreted onthe very spot where the meeting took place, one who had overheard thearrangements for the same, and one who had secretly repaired thitherwith hopes to have seen the blood of one, if not both, flow, even untodeath. And this was Maud, poor deluded, revengeful girl, who hadpermitted one passion to fill her every thought, and who now lived anddreamed only for revenge upon one who was as innocent of any intendedslight or wrong to her as he was to the being he really loved. 

Maud, with the fleetness of an antelope, had ran by the land-path fromthe spot of the contest, and reached home nearly as quick as the boatcontaining her father and Captain Ratlin had done, and now, as she sawher hated white rival leaning upon his arm, so pale, so confiding, andhe addressing her with such tender assurance, a fresh wound to heralready rankled and goaded feelings was imparted, and once more sheswore a fearful and quick revenge. 

Captain Bramble, too much chagrined to make his appearance, at least fora few days, did not soon land from his vessel, but mused alone in thesolitude of his cabin upon the obduracy of Miss Huntington's heart, andthe good luck which had saved his rival's life. 

CHAPTER XI. 

THE HUES OF LOVE. 

CAPTAIN BRAMBLE did not long remain contented on board his ship. This hecould not do while he realized that Miss Huntington was so near upon theshore; for, so far as such a being could really love, he did love thelady; and yet his sentiment of regard was so mixed up with selfishnessand bitterness of spirit, and pride at being refused, that the smallgerm of real affection which had found birth in his bosom was too muchcorroded with alloy to be identified. He felt that he had beenoverreached by Captain Ratlin, and also that he had good grounds ofsuspecting his successful rival of being either directly or indirectlyengaged in the illegal trade of the coast, and, determined, if possible, to discover his secret, he again became a frequent visitor of DonLeonardo's house, where he was sure to meet him constantly. 

There were two spirits whom we have introduced to the reader in thisconnection, who were fitting companions for each other; but they had notas yet been brought together by any chance so as to understand oneanother. We refer to Captain Bramble and Maud the Quadroon. Both nowhated Captain Ratlin, and would gladly have been revenged in any way forthe gratification of their feelings upon her whom he so fondly loved. With this similarity of sentiment it was not singular that they shouldere long discover themselves and feelings to each other. Indeed Maud, who had been a secret witness of the deed, already realized that CaptainBramble was the enemy of him whom she had once loved, and whom she nowso bitterly despised. 

Untutored in the ways of the world and fashionable intrigue, yet theQuadroon saw very clearly that through Captain Bramble she mightconsummate that revenge which she had so signally failed in doing by theagency of the hostile negro tribes she had treacherously brought to herfather's doors. He had not been long at the factory, therefore, onlanding after the duel, before Maud sought a private interview with him, on pretext of communicating to him some information that should be ofvalue to him in connection with his official duty. To this, of course, the English officer responded at once, shrewdly suspecting at least aportion of the truth, and he therefore met Maud at an appointed spot inthe jungle hard by her father's house. 

"You will speak truly in what you tell me, my good girl?" he saidsagaciously, as he looked into her dark spirited eyes with admiration hecould not avoid. 

"Have I anything to gain by a lie?" responded Maud, with a curling lip. 

"No, I presume not, " he answered. "I merely ask from ordinaryprecaution. But what do you propose to reveal to me? Something touchingthis Captain Ratlin?"

"Ay, " said the girl quickly. "It is of him I would speak. You are anEnglish officer, agent of your government, and sent here to suppressthis vile traffic?"

"True. "

"And have you suspected nothing since your vessel has been here?"

"I suspect that this Captain Ratlin is in some way connected with thetrade. "

"He is, and but now awaits the gathering of a cargo in my father'sbarracoons, to sail with them to the West Indies. It is not his firstvoyage, either. "

"But where is his vessel? he cannot go to sea without one, " said theEnglishman. 

"That is what I would reveal to you. I will discover to you his ship ifyou swear to arrest him, seize the vessel, and if possible hang him!"

"You are bitter indeed, " said the officer, almost startled at thefiendish expression of the Quadroon's countenance as she emphasizedthose two expressive words. 

"I have reason to be, " answered Maud, calming her feelings by an effort. 

"Has he wronged you?"

"Yes, he loves the white woman whom he brought to my father's house. "

"Thus far, at all events, my good girl, we have mutual cause for hate, and we will work heartily together. You know where his vessel lies?"

"I do. "

"Is it far from here?"

"Less than a league. "

"Indeed! These fellows are cunning, " mused the officer. "When will youguide me and a party of my people thither?"

"To-night. "

"It is well. I will be prepared. Where shall we meet?"

"At the end of the cape, where you and he met a few days since. "

"Where we met?" asked the other, in surprise. "How knew you of that?"

"I saw it. "

"The duel?"

"Yes. "

"It is strange. I thought none but ourselves were to be there. "

"He has moved in no direction since this woman has been here that I havenot followed. There I hoped to see him fall; but he was strangelypreserved. "

"You are a singular girl, Maud, " replied the officer. "Take this andwear it for my sake, " he added, unloosing a fine gold chain from hiswatch and tossing it around her neck, "and be punctual at that spotto-night after the last ray of twilight. "

"I will, " answered the Quadroon, as she regarded the fine workmanship ofthe chain for a moment with idle and childlike pleasure, then turningfrom the spot, they both returned, though by different paths, from thejungle towards the dwelling of her father. 

Captain Bramble dined with Don Leonardo that day, and his good spiritsand pleasant converse were afterwards the subject of comment, exhibitinghim in a fair more favorable light than he had appeared in since hisarrival at the factory. Maud, too, either for sake of disguise, orbecause the knowledge of her plan imparted exhilaration of spirits toher, was more agreeable, seemingly frank and friendly than she had beenfor many a long day, if we except the day before the late attack of thenegroes upon the house, when the same treacherous assumption ofcheerfulness and satisfaction with all parties was similarly assumed. 

Captain Ratlin, on his part, was ever the same; he found that he mustwait some weeks even yet before he could prosecute the purpose of hisvoyage, and indeed he seemed to have lost all interest in it. Histhoughts were full of too pure an object to permit him to participate toany extent in so questionable a business. Gladly would he at any momenthave thrown up his charge of the "Sea Witch;" and he had indeed promisedMiss Huntington that for her sake, and in honor of her friendship (forhe had never aspired to any more intimate relationship), he would ignorethe trade altogether, and that he would despatch Mr. Faulkner, his firstofficer, to the owners in Cuba with the ship he had himself taken incharge. 

Having been brought up from childhood upon the sea, he had never studiedthe morality of the trade in which he was now engaged. But the nicesense of honor which was so strong a characteristic of his nature, onlyrequired the gentle influence of a sweet and refined nature like herwith whom providence had so opportunely thrown him, to reform himaltogether of those rougher ideas which he had naturally imbibed in thecourse of his perilous and daring profession. In the presence of thatfair and pure-minded girl he was as a child, impressible, and ready tofollow her simplest instructions. All this betokened a native refinementof soul, else he could never have evinced the pliability which hadrendered him so pleasant and agreeable a companion to her he secretlyloved. 

"Lady, " he said to her as they sat together that afternoon, "Heaven hassent you for a guardian angel to me; your refining influence has come tomy heart at its most lonely, its most necessary moment. I have done withthis trade, never more to engage in it. "

"That is honorable, noble in you, Captain Ratlin, so promptly torelinquish all connection with a calling, which though it affordsfortune and command, can never permit you self-respect. "

"The ship will probably be despatched within these two weeks, and then Iwill take any birth in legitimate commerce, where I may win an honorablename and reputation. "

"There is my hand on so honorable a resolution, " said Miss huntington, frankly, while a single tear of pleasure trembled in her clear, lustrouseyes. 

The young commander took the hand respectfully that waits extended tohim, but when he raised his eyes to her face and detected that tear, athought for a moment ran through his brain, a faint shadow of hope thatperhaps she loved him, or might at some future time do so, and bendingover the fair hand he held he pressed it gently to his lips. He was notrepulsed, nor chided, but she delicately rose and turned to her mother'sapartment. 

How small a things will affect the whole tenor of a life time; trifleslighter than straws are levers in the building up of destiny. CaptainRatlin turned from that brief interview with a feeling he had neverbefore experienced. The idea that Miss Huntington really cared for himbeyond the ordinary interest, that the circumstances of theiracquaintances had caused, had not thus far been entertained by him; hadthis been otherwise he would doubtless have differently interpreted manyagreeable tokens which she had granted him, and to which his mind nowwent back eagerly to recall and consider under the new phase of feelingwhich actuated him. 

How else could he interpret that tear but as springing from a heart thatwas full of kindly feeling towards him. It was a tell-tale drop ofcrystal that glistened but one moment there. Could it have been fancy?was it possible he could have been mistaken? The matter assumed anaspect of intense importance it his estimation, and he paced theapartment where she had left him alone, half in doubt, half hoping. Inone instant how different an aspect all things wore; life, its aims, thepersons he met at the door as he now passed out. Even the foliage seemedto partake of the freshness of his spirit, and the world to becomerejuvenated and beautified in every aspect in which he could view it. 

This was the bright tide of the picture which his imagination, aided bythat gaudy painter and fancy colorer, Hope, had conjured up before hismind's eye, but the reverse side of the picture was at hand, and now hepaused to ask himself seriously: "Can this be? Who am I? a poor unknownsailor, fortuneless, friendless, nameless. Who is she? a lady of refinedcultivation, high family, wealth, and beauty. Is it likely that two suchpersons as I have considered should be joined by intimate friendship?can such barriers as these be broken down by love? Alas, I am not soblind, so foolish, so unreasonable, as to believe it for a moment. " Soonce more the heart of the young commander was heavy within his breast. 

In the mean time Captain Bramble had found an opportunity that afternoonto see Maud, and to learn from her that Captain Ratlin almost alwaysslept on board his ship, departing soon after dark for the spot throughthe jungle. Satisfied of this, Capt. Bramble once more proceeded to makehis arrangements, for to have seized the vessel without her commander onboard would have been to perform but half the business he had laid outfor the night's engagement. But all seemed now propitious, and heawaited the darkness with impatience, when he might disembark a coupleof boat loads of sailors and marines, and with the Quadroon for guidefollow the path through the jungle to where the "Sea Witch" lay. 

"Why do you muse so long and lonely, my child?" asked Mr. Huntington ofher daughter that afternoon, as she came in and surprised her gazing outat a window vacantly. 

"O, I hardly know, dear mother. I was thinking over our strange fortunesince we left Calcutta, the wreck, the nights in the boat, and ourfortunate rescue. "

"Fortunate, my dear? I don't exactly know about that. Here we have beenconfined at this slave factory, little better than the slavesthemselves, these four weeks. "

"Well, mother, Captain Bramble says he shall sail soon, and then we cango round to Sierra Leone, and from thence take passage direct forEngland. "

"For my part I can't understand why Capt. Bramble insists upon stayinghere so long. He don't seem to be doing anything, and he came into theharbor by chance. "

"He says that business and duty, which he cannot explain, detain himhere, but that he will soon leave, of which he will give us due notice. "

"Heaven hasten the period!" said the mother, impatiently; "for I am mostheartily tired and worn out with the strange life we lead here. "

This conversation will explain to the reader in part, the reason whyMrs. Huntington and her daughter, English subjects and in distress uponthe coast, had not at once gone on board the vessel of their sovereignwhich lay in the harbor, and been carried upon their destination. Fromthe outset Captain Bramble had resolved not to let his rival slipthrough his fingers by leaving port himself, and thus he had stillremained to the present time, though without any definite plan ofoperation formed until he availed himself of Maud's proposal. 

"Why, bless me, my child, you look as though you had been crying, " saidthe mother, now, catching a glance at her daughter's face. 

"Do I, mother?" she answered, vacantly. 

This was just after she had returned from the meeting with CaptainRatlin as already described, and whether, she had been crying or not, the reader will probably know what feelings moved her heart. 

CHAPTER XII. 

THE CONFLICT. 

CAPTAIN BRAMBLE knew very well that he had desperate men to deal with inthe taking of a slaver on the coast, but he had gathered his evidenceand witnesses in such a strong array that he felt warranted in going toany length in securing possession of a clipper craft which had been sofully described to him. He was not wanting in personal courage, andtherefore, with a well-selected body of sailors and marines, and one ortwo officers, he quietly pulled away from the ship's side, under coverof the night, and landed at the proposed spot. Here he found Maudpatiently awaiting his coming, and ready to lead him to the hiding-placeof the "Sea Witch" and her crew. The men were all well armed, andinstructed how to act in any possible emergency that was to be met within the business which brought them on shore. 

On the whole body pressed in silence, through a tangled and narrow path, being more than once startled by the growl of some wild animal, whosehaunts they disturbed. It was weary struggling by this path through thewood, but it was the only way to approach the desired point by land. Maud hesitated not, but stole or glided through the tangled undergrowth, as though she had passed her whole life-time in the deep, tangled waysof the jungle. As they went on, the moon gradually rose and lifted upthe dark path by little gleamings which stole in through the thickleaves and close-turning branches of the lofty vegetation. 

On, on they press; and now they pause at a sign from Maud, and listen tothe sound of voices, which have a strange and echo-like sound in thatwild and tangled spot. Hark! those voices are not from the tongues ofnatives; that is English which they speak. 

"Hist! hist!" whispered the Quadroon, "we are almost upon them!"

"In which direction?" asked the English officer. 

"Here, see you not those bright, silver-like scales through the leaves?"

"Yes. "

"That is the river's bed, and they lie on board their craft, mooredclose to us. "

"How many do they number?"

"I know not. "

"It is not important, " continued the Englishman, turning to hisfollowers, and in a low voice bidding them look to their weapons, forthe game was near at hand. 

A few more steps brought the party to the skirts of the thicket, whereit bordered on a small clearing, opening upon the river, and lookingacross which--while they were themselves screened by the jungle--theydiscovered the dark hull of the "Sea Witch, " with her lower masts andtheir standing rigging. The vessel was moored close to the shore, withwhich a portable gangway connected it. Shallow as the water was, yet solight was her draft that she evidently floated upon its sluggishcurrent. Voices were heard issuing from the fore hatch, and two or threepetty officers were seated about the entrance to the cabin, smokingcigars and pipes, all unconscious of any danger. 

"There is your prey! Spring upon it, and be quick, for they will fightlike mad, and he will lay a dozen of you by the heels before you takethe 'Sea Witch!'" said Maud. 

Captain Bramble rushed forward to the attack, followed by his men, andwas soon on the deck of the vessel; but though he took Mr. Faulkner andhis crew by surprise, he did not find them entirely unprepared, andafter dropping eight of his people upon the slaver's deck, and beinghimself, severely wounded in the arm, Captain Bramble thought it best tobeat a retreat, at least for a few moments, and so sought again theshelter of the jungle. 

The conflict, which was very brief, was also a very sanguinary, and fiveof the slaver's people had been either mortally wounded or killedoutright; but from the habit of constantly wearing their arms, even topistols, when on the coast, they had been found in a very good situationat even the shortest notice for defending themselves. Captain Bramblenow saw evident tokens of a purpose to unmoor the vessel, and let herdrift out into the river, which would at once place her beyond hisreach, as he had no boats within a league of the spot; and therefore heresolved upon a second onslaught, and this time divided his men intothree parts--one to board at the bows, one at the stern, and himselfleading a dozen picked men at the waist. 

This division of his forces was the best manouvre he could possiblymake, and succeeded admirably, since his own people outnumbered theslavers, and by dividing them he strengthened his own power and weakenedtheirs. Once more upon their deck, the hand-to-hand battle was short, bloody and decisive, until towards its close, Captain Bramble foundhimself driven into the forecastle with a number of his followers, andat the same moment saw the mate of the "Sea Witch, " with those of hispeople that were left alive hastening to embark in a quarterboat, andpull away from the vessel's side with great speed. 

A sort of instinct explained to him the meaning of this, and hurryinghis people on shore with the wounded, they sought the shelter of thejungle once more. Scarcely had they gained the shade of the thickundergrowth, when a report like that of a score of cannons rang upon thenight air, and high in the air soared a body of flame and wreck interrific confusion. The slavers had placed a slow match in connectionwith the magazine, and had blown in one instant of time that entire andbeautiful fabric into ten thousand atoms!

Even Maud, with all her hatred and passion, quailed at the shock, andtrembled as she crouched to the ground with averted face. She realizedthe result of her treachery, but looked in vain for the object on whomshe had hoped to reck the strength of her indignation and her hate. Where was he? This was a question that Captain Bramble had several timesasked; but in vain, until now, when suddenly there appeared before theireves, hastening towards the scene, Captain Will Ratlin. 

"Seize him, my men! seize him, and bind his arms!--he is our prisoner, "said the English officer. 

"By what authority do you give such an order as that, Captain Bramble?"asked the young commander. 

"In the queen's name, sir; in the name of the English people, who abhorpirates and slavers!" was the taunting reply of the Englishman. 

"Stand back!" said Captain Ratlin, felling two seamen to the earth whoapproached him to lay hands upon his person, and at the same timedrawing a revolver from his pocket. "Stand back, I say! I carry thelives of six of you in this weapon, and I am not one to miss my aim, asyour valiant leader yonder well knows. --Now, Captain Bramble, I willsurrender to you, provided you accede to my terms, otherwise you cannottake me alive!"

"Well, sir, what have you to offer?" said the English officer, positively quailing before the stern and manly front of the youngcommander. 

"That you accept my word of honor to obey your directions as a prisoner, but that you shall not bind my arms or confine me otherwise. "

"Have your own way, " replied the Englishman, doggedly; "but give up yourweapons. "

"Do you promise me this, Captain Bramble?"

"I do. "

"It is well, sir; there goes my weapon;" saying which he hurled it farinto the river's bed. 

As soon as Maud saw him, she sprang to her feet, and with all thebitterness of expression which her countenance was capable of, shescowled upon his upright figure and handsome features. It was evidentshe felt a bitter disappointment at his absence from the late affray, and would only have rejoiced had she believed he was blown to atoms withhis vessel by the wild explosion which had so lately shaken the veryearth upon which she now stood. It was plain that up to this verymoment, however, that the young commander had never suspected her oftreachery, or even jealousy, towards himself; but now, he would havebeen worse than blind not to have seen and realized, also, the deepmalignant feeling which was written on her dark, but handsome face. 

"Maud, " he said, in a low, but reproachful tone, "is it you who havebetrayed us?"

"Ay, " said the girl, quickly, and with a shrill cadence of voice, "adouble heart should be dealt doubly with. It was I who led these peoplehither, and I hoped the fate of so many of your ship's company mighthave been yours!--but you are a prisoner now, and there's hope yet!"

"Maud, Maud! have I ever wronged you or your father?" asked CaptainRatlin, reproachfully. 

"Do you not love that white-faced girl you brought hither?"

"And if I did, Maud, what wrong is that to thee? Did I promise theelove?"

"Nay; I asked it not of you, " said the angry girl. 

"But you have done me a great wrong, Maud; one that you do not yourselfunderstand. I forgive you though, poor girl; you are hardly to blame. "

These kindly-intended words only aggravated the object to whom they wereaddressed, and she turned away hastily to the shade of the thickvegetable growth, where he lost sight of her figure among the branchesand leaves, while he walked on with the English officer and his peopleover the ground they had just passed, towards Don Leonardo's. Therebeing now no further cause for secrecy, they marched openly, andenlivened the way with many a rude jest, which grated harshly upon theears of the wounded, who were borne upon litters made from branches ofthe hard, dry leaves of the palm. 

As they came upon the open spot where stand the barracoons and DonLeonardo's dwelling, they found the entire family aroused and on thewatch, the heavy explosion of the "Sea Witch's" magazine having seemedto them like an earthquake. Don Leonardo, who shrewdly suspected thetruth, seemed satisfied at a single glance as to the state of affairs, and walking up to the young commander, and watching for a favorableopportunity, when not overheard, he asked, significantly: "Treachery?"

"Yes. "

"Whom?"

"It matters not, " was the magnanimous reply; for Captain Ratlin was toogenerous to betray the Quadroon to her father, though she had provedthus treacherous to him. 

As he now recognized himself to be a prisoner, and had been told byCaptain Bramble that he must go forthwith on board his ship as such, hedesired to say a few words to Mrs. Huntington and her daughter, arequest which his rival could hardly find grounds for refusing, and sohe took occasion to explain to them the state of affairs, and to advisethem to the best of his ability, touching their own best course in orderto safely reach England. They felt that his advice was good, as trulydisinterested, and both agreed to abide strictly by it; but doubted notthat as Captain Ratlin had not been engaged in any slave commerce, andindeed had not been in the late action at all, that he would be verysoon liberated, and free to choose his own calling. 

Captain Ratlin was conveyed on board the ship in the harbor, and Mrs. Huntington and her daughter also, with Maud and some other witnessesthat Captain Bramble desired; and the vessel shaped her course along thecoast towards Sierra Leone, where there was sitting an English court ofadmiralty, with extraordinary authority relative to such cases CaptainBramble was now about to lay before them, and who would be only too muchgratified at the bringing before them of an offender to make an exampleof him. 

Captain Bramble of course offered to Mrs. Huntington and her daughterhis own cabin for their greater comfort, and strove to make theirposition as comfortable as possible for them while they were on board;but he had not the nice sense of honor, that true delicacy of spirit, which should have led him to remember they were his guests fromnecessity, and that to push a suit under such circumstances was not onlyindelicate but positively insulting. And yet he did so; true, he did notactually importune Miss Huntington, but his attentions and services wereall rendered under that guise and aspect which rendered them to her mostrepulsive. 

Captain Bramble took good care that his prisoner and rival should haveno degree of intercourse with her whom he knew very well Captain Ratlinloved. Under pretence that he feared his prisoner would attempt toescape, he kept him under close guard, and did not permit him once upondeck during the entire trip from the factory of Don Leonardo to theharbor of Sierra Leone. This chafed the young commander's spiritsomewhat, but yet he was of too true a spirit to sink under oppression;he was brave and cheerful always. Of course, Miss Huntington saw andunderstood all this, and the more heartily despised the English officerfor the part he played in the unmanly business. 

Maud kept by herself. She felt miserable, and as is often the case, realized that the success of her treachery, thus far, which, in heranticipation, had promised so much, had but still more deeply shadowedher heart. The English officer looked upon her with mingled feelings ofadmiration for her strange beauty, with contempt for her treachery, andwith a thought that she might be made perhaps the subject of hispleasure by a little management by-and-by. It was natural for a heart sovile as his to couple every circumstance and connection in some suchselfish spirit with himself; it was like him. 

"Maud, " he said to her, one day. 

"Well, " she answered, lifting her handsome face from her hands, whereshe often hid it. 

"You have lost one lover?"

The girl only answered by a flashing glance of contempt. 

"How would you like another?"

"Who?" she said, sternly. 

"Me!" answered Captain Bramble. 

"You!" she said, contemptuously, and with so much expression as to endthe conversation. 

No, he had not rightly understood the Quadroon; it was not woundedpride, that sentiment so easily healed when once bruised in the heart ofa woman; it was not that which moved the laughter of the Spanishslaver--it was either love, or something very like it, turned to actualhate, and the native power of her bosom for revenge seemed to be now thefood upon which she sustained life itself. Taking her lonely place inthe cabin, after the conversation just referred to, she again hid herface in her hands, and remained with her head bowed in her lap for along, long while, half dreaming, half waking. Poor, untutored, uncivilized child of nature! she was very, very unhappy now. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

THE TRIAL. 

AT the immediate time of which we now write, there had been some veryaggravated instances of open resistance to the English and Americancruisers on the African station by the slavers who thronged the coast, and the home government had sent out orders embracing extraordinarypowers, in order that the first cases that might thenceforth come underthe cognizance of the court might lead to such summary treatment of theoffenders, as to act as an example for the rest, and thus have a mostsalutary effect upon the people thus engaged. It was under thesecircumstances that Captain Will Ratlin found himself arraigned beforethe maritime commission at Sierra Leone, with a pretty hard case madeout against him at the outset of affairs. 

The truth was, he had not been taken resisting the attack of CaptainBramble and his men, but his accusers did not hesitate to represent thathe was thus guilty, and several were prepared, Maud among the rest, toswear to this charge. Indeed, Captain Bramble found that he had peopleabout him who would swear to anything, and he had little doubt inproving so strong a case as to jeopardize even the life of his prisoner, since many of his crew had died outright in the attack upon the "SeaWitch, " to say nothing of the seriously wounded. All that couldprejudice the court against the prisoner was duly paraded before theeyes and ears of the individual members ere yet the case was broughtlegally before them, and at last when Captain Ratlin was formallybrought into court, he was little less than condemned already in theminds of nine-tenths of the marine court. 

He was rather amazed to see and to hear the free way in which evidencewas given against him, corroborating statements which amounted to themost unmitigated falsehoods, but above all to find Maud unblushinglydeclare that she saw him in the fight, and that he shot with a pistolone of the men whose name had been returned as among the dead, and thathe had wounded another. The girl avoided his eyes while she uttered herwell-fabricated story, but had she met the eyes of the young commander, she would have seen more of pity there than of anger, more of surprisethan of reproach, even. But in the meantime, while these feelings weremoving him, the case was steadily progressing, and began to wear a mostserious aspect as it regarded the fate of Captain Will Ratlin. 

There still remained one other witness to examine, whose illness hadkept him on board ship up to the last moment, and who it was said couldidentify the prisoner as one of the party engaged in defending the deckof the slaver. He was a servant of Captain Bramble's, had attended hismaster in the attack, but having received a blow from a handspike uponthe head, was rendered insensible at the first of the action, and hadbeen carried on board his ship in that condition, from which state hehad gradually recovered until it was thought he would be able to testifybefore the court at the present time. After a few moments of delay, theman made his appearance, evidently not yet recovered from the fearfulblow he had received, but yet able to take his place at the witness'spost, and to perform the part expected of him. 

No sooner had the court, through its head, addressed the witness, thanhe answered promptly the preliminary queries put to him, while theeffect upon Captain Ratlin seemed to be like magic. Was it guilt thatmade him start so, rub his eyes, look about him so vaguely, and thensitting down, to cover his face with his hands, only to go through thesame pantomime again? We ask, was it guilt that made him act thus? Thejudges noted it, and even made memorandums of the same upon their recordof evidence. It was observed as significant also by every one present. Captain Bramble himself looked at the prisoner with surprise to see himthus effected by the presence of his servant. 

"For the love of Heaven!" exclaimed the prisoner aloud, as though hecould bear this intensity of feeling no longer, "who is this man?"

"It is my servant--an honest, faithful man, may it please the court. Leonard Hust, by name, born in my father's service, " said CaptainBramble. 

"Leonard Hust, " mused the young commander, thoughtfully; "Leonard Hust!"

"Ay, sir, " added Captain Bramble, somewhat pertly, "do you find anyobjection to that name? If so, sir, I pray you will declare it to thecourt. "

"Leonard Hust!" still mused the prisoner, without noticing thisinterruption. "There is a strange ring upon my ears in repeating thatname!"

"Prisoner, " said the judge, "do you recollect having done this man asevere and almost fatal harm in the late conflict?"

"I--I, " said the young commander, somewhat confused in his mind from anevident effort to recall some long-forgotten association. 

"You will be so good as to answer the question put by the court, "repeated the judge. 

"The court will please remember that I hurt no one, and that I was noteven engaged in the action referred to. These good people are mistaken. "

Now it was that the attention of all were drawn towards Leonard Hust, who in turn seemed as much surprised and as much moved by some secretcause as the prisoner had been. He hastily crossed the court room towhere the prisoner sat, and looking full into his eyes, seemed to be fora moment entranced, while the court remained silent, observing thesesingular manifestations, which they could not understand. 

"Leonard--Leonard, I say!" repeated Captain Bramble, "what trick isthis?"

"Trick!" whispered the man; "trick, Captain Bramble! Tell me, sir, whois that man?"

"Why, they call him Captain Will Ratlin, and we know him to be aslaver. "

The servant still hesitated, looking from the prisoner to his principalaccuser, the English officer, then at the court, and finally drawing hismaster a little on one side, the man again went through the pantomimedescribed, and placing his mouth to his master's ear whispered somethingwhich startled him as though a gun had been fired at his very ear. Theshock was like electricity, and made him stagger for support. Two orthree times he repeated "Impossible! impossible!" and finally begged thecourt to stay the proceedings, as he was taken suddenly ill, and shouldnot be able to attend until to-morrow. Being the principal prosecutorand witness, of course his presence was requisite to the progress of thetrial, and therefore as he made this request it was at once formallygranted, and the court adjourned for the time, while the prisoner wasremanded on ship-board for safe keeping until the next day. 

That the reader may understand the singular conduct of both the youngcommander and Leonard Hust, he must follow the latter worthy into hismaster's private room in the government house, where they proceeded atonce after the occurrences described. 

"In Heaven's name, Leonard, what do you mean by such an assertion?"asked Captain Bramble, throwing himself into a chair, and wiping thecold perspiration from his face. 

"I mean, sir, that the man on trial to-day is no more nor less than yourbrother!"

"Charles Bramble?"

"Yes, sir. "

"How strange is all this. How know you beyond all cavil, Leonard?"

"By the scar over the right eye. You gave it to him yourself. Don't youremember, sir, just previous to the dog affair, for which he ran awayfrom home!"

"By Heaven! I believe you speak truly; and yet how strange, how morethan strange it all is, that we should meet again in this way!"

"It quite nonplussed me, sir. I thought he was a ghost at first. "

"Strange, strange!" mused the elder brother. "In those days, long ago inour childhood, he crossed my path constantly, and here he is againathwart my hawse. By Heaven! but it is strange--wonderful, that fateshould have thrown him and Helen Huntington together again, and thatneither should know the other; and yet not so very strange, for she wasbut eight years old when Charles ran away. Yes, he thwarted me then, foreven in childhood the girl fancied him above me, and now she affects himeven in his fallen fortunes. "

"What shall we do, sir, now that master Charles has turned up again?"asked Leonard Hust, in his simplicity. "We cannot testify against himnow, sir. "

"No, no, no!" said the elder brother, hastily, "he must not be furtherexamined. "

"How he has altered, sir, only to think, " continued the servant; "why, when he went away from Bramble Park, sir, he wasn't much more than nineyears old. "

"Yes. I remember, I remember, Leonard, " replied his master, hurriedly, while he walked the apartment with quick, irregular steps. "I rememberonly too well. "

This was indeed that elder brother who had, when a boy, so oppressed, soworried, and rendered miserable his brother Charles, as to cause him ina fit of desperation to stray away from home, whither he knew not. Hisparents saw now--alas! too late--their fatal error; but the boy wasgone, no tidings could be had of him, and they believed him dead. Thehonest tar, whose yarn the attentive reader will remember, as given onthe deck of the "Sea Witch, " spoke truly of his commander. He had, yearsbefore, strayed alongside a vessel, as has been related, from whence hehardly knew himself, or was afraid to say. Hunger and neglect even thenhad greatly changed him, and he shipped, as has been related. The fallhe got at sea threw a cloud over his brain as to past recollections upto that time, and here if the wish ever possessed him as to returning tohis early home, he knew naught of it. 

When he heard the voice of Leonard Hust in the court, it seemed tostrike upon some string in memory's harp, which vibrated to old familiarrecollections, and the more he heard him speak the more the sensationcame over him which led to the demonstrations which we have alreadywitnessed. And yet he could not recall aught that would serve him as aclue--the early injury to his brain seemed to have obliterated theconnecting links that memory could not supply. The reason, probably, whythe servant's voice and not the brother's thus recalled him was, thatthe former had been kind, and his voice had ever sounded like music inthe neglected boy's ears, but the brother's voice had never had thatcharm or happy association connected with it. As to little cousinHelen, --as she was then called, --it was not strange that MissHuntington, after years of estrangement in India, meeting him under suchcircumstances, himself so changed, should not have recalled enough ofthe past to recognize him; and yet we have seen that at times she dweltupon the tender accents of his voice like sleeping memories, herselfquite ignorant of the cause of this peculiar influence. 

She was now with her mother on shore at the mission house, in an agonyof suspense as to the result of the trial which was taking place. Shefeared the worst, for Captain Bramble had taken measures to instructthose about her to their effect that the prisoner would be found guilty, and either strung cup by the neck at once, or be sent home to Englandfor the same purpose. Mrs. Huntington felt sad and borne down by theposition of affairs--for although she did not understand her daughter'ssentiments towards Captain Ratlin, yet she recognized the fact of herand her child's indebtedness to him, and that he had evinced thecharacteristics of a gentleman. 

"Mother, if they find Captain Ratlin guilty, what can they, what willthey do with him?" asked Helen Huntington anxiously of her mother, onthe day of the trial. 

"Why, my dear, it is terrible to think of, but the penalty of such acrime as is charged to him, is death; but we must hope for the best, and--why Helen, how pale you look!"

"It was only a passing spasm, mother. I am--I believe I am alreadybetter, " said the daughter, in an agony of suffering that she dared notevince. 

"Come, Helen, lean on me and go to your bed for a while; these suddenchanges and so much exposure has rendered you weak. Come, my dear, come. "

And the poor girl, all trembling and pale, suffered her mother to leadher to her chamber, where a gentle anodyne soothed her nerves, and shesoon fell to sleep. Had her mother not been little better than blind, she would have easily read her daughter's heart, and have seen that sheloved with all her woman's soul the man who was that day on trial forhis life. What mattered it to her that he was nameless, a wanderer, aslaver? She loved him, and that covered each and all faults, howeverheinous in the sight of the law. She felt that it was not the outwardassociations which made a man. She had looked beneath the surface of hissoul, and had seen the pure crystal depth of his manly heart--frank, open, and as truthful as day itself. To her he was noble, chivalric andtrue, and if all the world had blamed him, if all had called him guilty, her bosom would have been open to receive him!

Could he have realized this as he lay in chains on board his elderbrother's ship--could he have known that he was really loved by thatfair, sweet and gentle creature, how it would have lightened the weightof the iron bands he bore--how cheered his drooping spirits. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

THE BROTHERS. 

Now commenced a struggle in the bosom of Robert Bramble. It was somehours before he could recover from the first blush of amazement at thestrange discovery he had made. Not to have had something of a brother'sfeelings come over him at such a time, he must have been less thanhuman; and it was between the promptings of blood, of earlyrecollections of childhood, before he grew to that age when hisdisposition, ruined by indulgence, had led him so bitterly to oppressand injure his brother as to drive him from the home of their youth, andthe recollection of those little more matured years, when jealousy athis superior aptness, strength, and success with "cousin Helen, " hadmade him hate him. 

It was impossible for the man to forget the bitterness of the child;besides, had not the same spirit of rivalry ripened, until he found hisbrother in manhood still his successful rival with Helen Huntington? Thereader will remember that they had all three been children together, andthat the last time Charles had looked back at his home, as he startedaway from it, his eye detected the little form of Helen, where she stoodgazing after him. 

If there had been any better promptings in the heart of Robert Bramble, they would have turned the balance in favor of his brother, and he wouldhave befriended him; but this he did not do. He walked his room, bitterly musing upon the singular position of affairs, while he knewvery well that Charles lay in chains on board his ship in the harbor. Then he recalled the memory of his parents, as connected with this stateof affairs. The father was dead, the mother, a weak-minded woman, wasalso bowed by ill-health; indeed, their early lives had few happyassociations. Robert himself had embittered all its relations. 

It was nearly midnight, and the moon had sunk behind the hill thatsheltered the harbor on the north, leaving the dark water of the bay indeep shadow. At long gunshot from the shore lay the ship in whichCharles Bramble was confined. All was still as death, save the pace ofthe sentinel in the ship's waist, and a ripple now and then of tide-wayagainst the ship's cable. An observant eye, from the leeward side of theship, might have seen a dark form creep out from one of the quarterports, and gradually make its way along the moulding of the water-linestoward the larboard bow ports, one of which it stealthily entered. 

Entering with this figure, we shall soon find it to be Leonard Hust, whonow, watching an opportunity, slipped into the apartment where the youngcommander had been confined since he left the factory of Don Leonardo. No sooner was the door closed quietly, so as to avoid the observation ofthe watch between decks, than the new comer opened a secret lantern anddiscovered himself to the prisoner, at the same time cautioning him tosilence. 

"Who are you?" coolly asked Charles Bramble, for thus we must know himin future. 

"Leonard Hust, " was the reply; "your friend, as I will soon prove. "

"But it is only a few hours since you were giving witness against me. "

"That is true; but bless you, sir, there has been a great change inmatters since that. "

"So I thought, by the movements I observed, though I did not understandthem. "

"Hist! speak low, sir, " said the other, "and while I am talking to you, just let me, at the same time, be filing off these steel ornaments uponyour wrists!"

"File them off? Well, then, you must, indeed, be a friend, " said theprisoner. 

"Leave me to prove that. Sit here, so the light will fall on them, withyour back this way, that will keep the light from showing between decks. So, that is it. "

"But what was it made your voice and the sound of your name affect me sothis morning? I could not divest myself of the feeling that, I had heardit somewhere before. "

"Heard it? bless you, sir, I rather think you have heard it before, "said the fellow, as he worked industriously with his file upon thehandcuffs. 

"Well, where, and when; and under what circumstances?" asked theprisoner, curiously. 

"That is just what I am going to tell you, sir; and you see, masterCharles--"

"Master Charles, --Charles, --why do you call me that name?"

"Why, you see, that is your name, to be sure. Charles Bramble, and youare Captain Robert Bramble's brother, and--take care, hold still, or thefile will cut you. "

"How, --do not trifle with me, --what is this which you are telling me?"

"Indeed, sir, --indeed, it is all true, " said the other, half frightenedat the effect his words had produced upon the prisoner, who now steppedaway from him and stood aloof, withdrawing his wrists from the operationwhich Leonard Hust was performing. 

"Come hither, Leonard Hust, if that be your name, " he said; "sit hereand tell me what this business is that you refer to. No blind hints, sir, but speak out plainly, and like a man. "

Thus interrogated, the man did as he was directed, and went on to tellthe commander of the "Sea Witch" his story, up to the time when he waslost to his parents and friends. How he had never been kindly treated byhis elder brother, who, indeed, drove him from home by his incessantoppression. He referred to that last gallant act he had performed, bysaving his mother's favorite dog, and how little cousin Helen (she isthe same as Miss Huntington) had seen it all, and had thanked him overand over again for it, and a thousand other reminiscences, thread bythread, and link by link, filling up the space from earliest childhoodto the hour when he had left his home at Bramble Park. 

As he went on relating these things, in the same old natural voice thathe had poured into the same ears from their infancy, until nearly tenyears had passed, a long-closed vein of memory seemed gradually to openin the prisoner's brain; he covered his face with his hands, and for afew moments seemed lost in connecting the various threads of the past, until gradually it all came plainly and clearly back to him. His memoryhad again by these hints become completely restored, he was himselfagain!

"Leonard, Leonard, I see all, remember all, " he said, while a tear, aman's tear, wet for a single moment his bronzed cheek. 

"I am rejoiced, sir, to hear it, I am sure, " said the other. 

"But, Leonard, where is my brother, and why is it necessary to removethese badges of shame by stealth? Tell me, where is Robert?"

"Alas, sir, you must remember that he never held a brother's regard foryou; it was that very thing which drove you from us when you were a weebit of a boy. "

"True, true; but he must see the hand of Providence in all this, and Iknow he will give me his hand, and we will forgive each other and forgetthe past. "

"Alas! sir, I always befriended you at home, when master Robert had setboth the old folk against you, and I would do so now; but as to him, sir, I am sorry to say it, but he's a bad man, and he makes all thosewho are with him bad men, and I have many a sad thing at heart that Ihave been guilty of by following his orders, sir. No, no, masterCharles, take my advice, don't trust Robert, --make your escape, or youwill be hanged at the yard-arm of this very ship ere another twenty-fourhours have passed!"

"Is he capable of this?" asked the younger brother, in tones ofamazement. 

"Nobody should know better than I, sir, and I tell you yes. "

"My blood, then, shall not be upon his hands, " said Charles, musing, "Iwill escape. Come, good Leonard, relieve me of these shackles, andquickly. "

"Slowly, slowly, master Charles, we must be cautious, there are watchfuleyes on board the ship, and sentries who know their duty, so be wary. "

The young commander seemed now to stand more erect, there was a freerglance to his eye, his lips were more compressed and firm, he felt thatwhat had been to him heretofore an indelible stain, a stigma upon hischaracter, was now effaced; he was not only respectably born, but evengently and highly so. His father was knighted by his king, his blood wasas pure and ancient as any in England. He could now take HelenHuntington to his heart without shame; he could boldly plead a causethat he had not before dared to utter; he could refer her to the dearhours of their childhood, to the tender kiss she gave him when he leftthat distant home to become a wanderer over half the globe!

He no longer felt the irons that Leonard Hust was filing away. He seemedto feel a strength that would have snapped them like pack threap. He wasa man now, a free man, and not a thing of accident; a thing for theworld to point at in scorn, not an abandoned child of shame. No, he feltnerved at once by this singular, this almost miraculous discovery, andcould hardly restrain his impatience. Yet a shadow for a moment crossedover his brow, as he thought of that brother, who could coldly look onand see him sacrificed, knowing what he must and surely did know. Couldhe have permitted such a result, had he been in Robert's place? Indeed, he felt he could not. 

"Does not my brother know that you are here on this errand, Leonard?"

"If he did it would cost me my life, " said the honest fellow. 

Charles would have placed some favorable construction upon the case, but, alas, he could not; there was no possible way of disguising thematter. Robert was the same bitter, jealous-spirited soul that hadrendered his childhood miserable. Time had not improved him, --it was hisnature and could not be eradicated. Charles now realized this, andwithin a few further inquiries of Leonard, touching matters of vitalinterest to him, he resolved not to seek Robert, as he had at the outsetintended, neither would he avoid him. He knew no other person save himcould bring a continuance of the suit against him, but he hardly fearedthat even he would do that. 

"Of course Helen Huntington knows nothing of this development yet, Leonard?"

"No, sir, and master Robert bid me be careful not to let her find itout, or to say one word about the matter to any one whatever. I wonderthe lady didn't know you, sir. "

"You forget that even Robert did not recognize me. "

"And that, too, seemed funny to me. Why, sir, I seemed to know you theinstant I set eyes on you in the court, and when I got close I soonsettled the doubt in my mind. "

"Well, my good fellow, it seems that but for you I might have beenhanged, and that, too, by my own bother; but I trust all is set rightnow. "

"I hope so, sir, only you must not let master Robert know that Iliberated you from these ruffles, sir, will you, master Charles?"

"Never fear me, Leonard, I shall not do as you were about to do towardsme, give testimony that will in any way criminate you. "

"But I wasn't, sir, of my own free will, only master Robert had told mewhat I must say, and stick to it, and swear to it through thick andthin, and I'm afraid not to obey him. "

"Poor fellow, I see you are, indeed, his tool; but if I find myself inany sort of a position ere long, I will take care to make your situationmore comfortable. "

"Thank ye, sir, " said Leonard Hust, just as the last shackle droppedfrom the prisoner's wrists. 

In the mean time, let us turn for a moment to the bedside of CaptainRobert Bramble, for it is long past midnight, and, weary in mind andbody, he had retired to that rest which he most certainly needed. Butsleep is hardly repose to the guilty, and he was trebly so. Phantoms ofall imaginable shapes flitted across his brain, pictures of suffering, of misery and of danger, to all of which he seemed to be exposed, andfrom which he had no power to flee. Alas, how fearful the shadows thathaunt a bad man's pillow. He writhed like one in physical pain, tossedfrom side to side, while the cold perspiration stood in big drops uponhis brow and temples. 

Now his dreams carry him back, far back a score of years, to hischildhood at Bramble Park, when all was innocence, and then, withleaping strides, he finds himself, years after, even as to-day, bearingdeadly witness against his brother. His dead father seems standing byhis bedside, pointing at him a warning finger, and sadly chiding hisfearful want of feeling. He tosses and turns and writhes again, thenleaping from the uneasy bed, looks bewildered around, and half growsalarmed. Quickly he wraps a dressing-gown about him, and hastily walksback and forth to still the agony of feeling and the bitter phantoms ofhis dreams. How haggard and wild he looks by that dim candle-light. 

Once more he throws himself upon his bed, and, after a while, is againasleep, if such unconsciousness can be called sleep. Again he tosses, and turns, and sighs like one in a nightmare until at last, towards thebreaking of day, the quick, startling breathing ceases, and subsidesinto a regular and equal respiration, and he lies still. Natureovercomes all else, and he now sleeps, indeed, but not until he haspassed through a fearful purgatory of dreams, all too real, tootrying. --His brother, with soon the prospect of a disgraceful death onthe gallows, had not suffered thus. No, he was repentant for the wronghe had done, and had already resolved to completely reform if theopportunity were offered to him; but Robert Bramble was outraging thelaws of nature and of God. 

CHAPTER XV. 

THE ESCAPE. 

CHARLES BRAMBLE found himself playing a dangerous part. It was true thatLeonard Hust had freed his hands from those shackles that had confinedthem so long, and had pointed out to him the way to retreat and escape;but he must run the gauntlet of dangers in order to do so. This, however, he was prepared to do; as to fear, it was a sensation he knewnot; but prudence was much more requisite in this instance than anyespecial degree of courage. As is always the case on board a man-of-war, especially when lying in port, where the escape to the shore is easy, sentinels were placed at stem, stern and waist of the English ship, atall hours, pacing their allotted round of the deck, and keeping watchfulguard over every avenue of exit from the vessel. 

The only possible plan of escape that suggested itself to CharlesBramble, under the circumstances, was to place a few necessary articlesof clothing in a small package, and confine it to the back of his neck, while he should divest himself of all garments, slip quietly into thewater on the seaward side of the ship, where none of the sentries wereimmediately placed, the object being to guard the access to the shoremore especially. Once in the water he had only to strike out quietly forthe shore, trusting the dullness of the sentries and the favoringdarkness of the night to enable him to reach the land unobserved. 

He had the most to fear from the sentry placed on the top-gallantforecastle of the ship, as that post was so near to his line of passage. He would have to swim around the bows far enough out to clear the landtackle, and when he got on an even line with the ship's bows, thissentry, if he happened to be on the lookout at the moment, could hardlyfail to see him on the surface of the water. To obviate this difficulty, Leonard Hust, who was a sort of privileged person on board, being thecaptain's confidential servant and man of all work, undertook to engagethe sentry's attention by sonic device, for a few moments, just at theopportune period, while the prisoner should get fairly clear of theship. 

"See here, Bill, " said Leonard Hust, carelessly, as he emerged from thefore hatch; "look ye, old boy, I have had such a dream, hang me if I cansleep a wink. "

"What's that to me?" growled the sentry, morosely, and not much morethan half awake. 

"Why, if you knew what it was I dreamed, you would think it wassomething to you, " continued the other, with assumed mystery andseriousness. 

"Look ye, Leonard Hust, " said the marine, "do you know you arc talkingto a sentry on duty, and that it's clearly against the rules of the shipto do so?"

"Why, as to the matter of that, I don't see hut that you are as much toblame as I am, " continued the other; "but who is there to peach oneither of us?"

"That's true, " added the marine, bringing the butt of his musket lightlyto the deck; "but for all that, Leonard, it's dangerous business, foryou see if--hallo! what's that?"

"Nothing; nothing but me drawing this cork, " said the other, quicklyproducing a small bottle of brandy from his pocket, and urging themarine to drink. 

The temptation was too great, and the sleepy and tired sentinel drank aheavy draught of the liquor, smacking his lips, and forgetting the soundhe had just heard, and which Leonard Hust very well knew was caused bythe prisoner's descent a little too quickly into the water, alongsidethe ship. 

"Now, Bill, what do you think I did dream?" continued the captain's man. 

"Bother it, how can I tell?" answered the marine. "Let it out if it'sworth telling. "

"Why, do you see, Bill, I kept tossing and turning uncomfortable-likefor an hour or so, until finally I thought I saw you, with your face asblack as the ace of spades, and your body dangling by the neck from themain yard-arm of the ship, a dead man!"

"Well, that's comfortable at any rate, " said the marine, "and youneedn't trouble yourself in future, Leonard Hust, to repeat your dreamsto me, especially if they are personal. "

"Never mind, man, it was all a dream, no truth in it, you know. Come, old boy, take another drink for companionship, and then good night toyou, and I'll turn in. "

The marine greedily drained the rest of the bottle, and with swimmingeyes thanked Leonard for his kindness, bade him good night, and with anunsteady step resumed his musket and his walk upon the forecastle. Inthe meantime, Charles Bramble, who was an expert swimmer, had got out ofgunshot and even sight of the ship, or rather where his head could notbe discovered from the ship's deck, and was nearing the shore very fast. He had secured, as he proposed, sufficient clothing upon the back of hisneck, and in an oil cloth covering, so as to keep it dry, to equiphimself quite comfortably on landing, and in these garments he was soondressed again, and making his way through the town to the mission house, where he knew Helen Huntington and her mother to be, and where he knew, also, that he could find at last temporary lodgings. 

He had no longer any fear that his brother would resume the chargeconcerning him before the court--bad as he knew him to be, he did notbelieve that he would do this, though he doubted not that he would havemanaged to have kept him in confinement, and perhaps to have carried himthus to England, partly from revengeful feelings towards him, and partlyto keep him out of the presence of her whom he so tenderly loved. But, lest his brother should be betrayed by his feelings into any extremityof action concerning him, he resolved at once to write him a note, declaring that their relationship was known, and that should any furtherpersecution be offered, the same should at once be made public to theoppressor's disgrace. 

With this purpose, he hardly awaited the breaking of day before hepossessed himself of writing materials, and wrote and despatched thefollowing to his brother:

"CAPTAIN ROBERT BRAMBLE, --About the same time you receive this note, youwill also be made aware, doubtless, of my escape from durance vile inyour ship. The purpose of my sending yon this is not to ask any favorsat the hand of one who was never actuated towards me even in childhoodby a brother's regard, but whose sole desire and purpose have been tooppress and injure one related to him by the nearest ties ofrelationship. My object is rather to let you know that any furtherattempt to arraign me before the court will lead at once to a publicdeclaration of the fact that your are my brother, a relationship whichnecessity alone will compel me to publish to the people of Sierra Leone. 

 CHARLES BRAMBLE, "Alias CAPTAIN WILL RATLIN. "

Charles Bramble felt that he was safe from further immediate oppressionon his brother's part, and that it was only necessary for him to keepquietly within doors until some chance for shipping from the port shouldoccur, to enable him to disentangle himself from the singular web ofcircumstances which chance had woven so net-like about him. In spite ofthe sad accomplishments of the realization of his condition as itregarded his brother, and the partial danger of his present position, yet there was a lightness to his heart, a buoyancy in his breast, whichhe had not known for nearly a score of years, for he now felt that allshame of birth was removed from him, that he was respectably and evenhighly born, and that in point of blood was even the equal, full equalof that fair and lovely girl he regarded so devotedly. 

Of course there was no disguise between Charles Bramble and Helen, andher mother, as to the charge brought against him. They knew very wellthat he had been engaged in the evil trade of the coast, but they knewalso that he had conducted his part of the business upon the most humaneprinciples which the traffic would admit, and that he was not aprincipal, but an agent in the business, sailing his ship as rich ownershad directed, and also that besides the fact of his having utterlyrenounced the trade altogether since he became acquainted with HelenHuntington, his heart and feelings had never been engaged in itsnecessary requirements. Realizing these facts, we say, neither Helen norher mother regarded Captain Ratlin (the only character in which they yetknew him) to be actually and seriously culpable as to at charge ofinhumanity. 

The gratification which Helen evinced on meeting him the next morningafter his escape from the ship, was too honest, too unmistakable in itsimport not to raise up fresh hopes in his heart, that, in spite of hisseeming disgrace, his confinement as a prisoner, his trial as an outlaw, and his fallen fortunes generally, still there was one heart that beatpurely and tenderly with at least a sister's affection for him, and evenMrs. Huntington, who had not for one moment suspected the true state ofher daughter's sentiments towards the young commander, did not hesitateto salute him tenderly, and assure him of her gratification at hisrelease from bondage. She was a generous hearted woman, frank andhonorable in her sentiments, and she secretly rejoiced that they had, herself and daughter unitedly, been able to exert a refining influenceover so chivalric and noble a character, as she fully realized CaptainRatlin to be at heart, and in all his inward promptings. 

Charles Bramble still hesitated as to revealing his relationship toCaptain Robert Bramble, from real feelings of delicacy, even to Mrs. Huntington, whom he felt he could trust, partly because he had reason toknow that the mother had favored the suit of his brother whom Helen hadrejected in India, and partly because at present of his own equivocalsituation. But to Helen herself he felt that he might, indeed that hemust reveal the important truth, and that very evening as they sattogether in one of the spacious apartments of the mission house, he tookher hand within his own, and asked her if he might confide in her as hewould have done with a dear sister. 

"You know, Captain Ratlin, that I feel so much indebted to you, in somany ways, that any little service I am capable of doing for you wouldbe but a grateful pleasure, " was the instant and frank reply of thebeautiful girl, while a heightened glow mantled her cheek. 

"Then, Helen, listen to me, and if I am too excited in speaking of asubject so immensely important to me, I trust you will forgive me. Already I have given you a rough outline of my story, rough and uncouthindeed, since I could give it no commencement. You will remember thatprevious to the fall I got on ship-board, while a boy in the 'Sea Lion, 'I could recall no event. It was all a blank to me, and my parentage andmy childhood were to me a sealed book. Strange as it may seem that bookhas been opened, and the story is now complete. I know all!"

"Indeed! indeed I am rejoiced to hear you say so, " was the earnestreply, while the countenance of the fair creature by his side waslighted up by tenderness and hope. 

"You look pleased, Helen, " he continued; "but supposing the gap in mystory, which is now filled up, had better for my own credit haveremained blank!"

"That cannot be--I feel that it cannot be, " she said, almost eagerly. 

"Supposing that it is now ascertained that the parents of the sailorboy, whose story you have heard, deserted him because of necessity;supposing they were poor, very humble, but not dishonest, would suchfacts rob me of your continued kind feelings?"

"You know, Captain Ratlin, that you need not ask such a question, " shereplied, as she looked into his face with her whole gentle soul openthrough her eyes. 

"You are too kind, too trusting in your confidence in me, Helen, " hesaid. 

The only reply was from her downcast eyes, and a still warmer blushwhich covered the delicate surface of her temples even, and glowed insilent beauty upon her cheek. 

"Helen, " continued he by her side in tones of tenderness that weremomentarily becoming more and more gentle, more and more expressive ofthe deepest feeling; "Helen, do you remember the days of your childhood, at home, in far-off England, at home near Bramble Park?"

"Yes, yes, " she answered, eagerly. "But why do you speak of those days?"

She looked into his face as she asked, almost as though she could readhis meaning. 

"Do you remember Robert Bramble then?"

"Well, well. "

"And do you remember his brother, Helen?"

"Gracious heavens, yes!" she quickly answered, almost anticipating hiswords. 

"Well, Helen, Charles Bramble is before you!"

She did not faint nor utter a shriek at the effect of the powerfullycondensed feelings which crowded upon her heart and senses; but shestood for one moment gazing at him as though a veil had been removedfrom her eyes, recalling in one instant of time the sweet memories oftheir childish days together, recalling even the kiss, that last kiss hehad given her years, years before, when he saw her for the last time, until they met in the broad ocean; she recalled these things and athousand more in a moment of time. She remembered how strangely thetones of his voice had affected her from the outset, how they had seemedto awaken dreams of the past nearly every time she listened to him. These things she thought like a flash of mind in one instant, and then, covering her face with her hands, sobbed aloud!

One moment Charles Bramble stood and looked upon that long-loved, beautiful form; one moment, like herself, recalled the past, thesunshine of his childish hours--ay, even the last kiss which she, too, remembered, now that so much had been recalled; and then he tenderlydrew the weeping, loving girl to his heart, and whispered to her howdearly he loved her still!

CHAPTER XVI. 

THE CANNIBALS. 

THE first intimation of his brother's escape from confinement reachedCaptain Bramble through the letter which we have already given to thereader. His rage knew no bounds; he saw at once that he was foiledcompletely, that he could do nothing towards his arrest, even, withoutcasting such dishonor upon his own name as would publicly disgrace himfor all time to come. In vain were all his efforts to discover theguilty assistants or assistant of the prisoner, as it was not known atwhat hour he escaped. Even the three sentinels on duty at the time couldnot be identified, though Leonard Hust's friend, Bill, did more thansuspect that some trick had been played upon him during his watch; buthe could say nothing about the matter without making such a case ofself-crimination as to ensure punishment, and that, too, of the mostsanguinary character. Leonard Hust knew this, and feared him not. 

There was another party sadly disappointed in this state of affairs, onewho only assumed sufficient importance to be noticed when her serviceswere needed, but she nevertheless felt and suffered, probably, as muchas any one of our characters. We refer to Maud Leonardo. She had foundlodgings in an obscure residence in the town during the course of thetrial, and had resolved to remain until the sentence was given (of theresult of which no one doubted), and even until the detail of thatsentence should be executed, which she had already, learned woulddoubtless be death by hanging at the yard-arm of the ship in which hewas confined. Poor girl! it was sad to think that she could gloat overthis anticipated result--such was the power of her revenge. 

But in the same ratio to the intensity of her secret satisfaction at thehoped-for execution of Captain Will Ratlin, whom she had once loved, butnow so bitterly hated, was her disappointment, vexation, anduncontrollable anger, at the idea of his escape, of which she was one ofthe first to learn. 

Captain Robert Bramble, though he did not attempt to find his brother, would hardly have believed that he would remain openly in town, and atthe mission-house; but Maud reasoned more truly. It was the firstthought that entered her head that he had probably gone thither to benear and with Helen Huntington, and thither she stealthily crept, andwatched until she saw him, and thus satisfied herself. Knowing nothingof the discovery that had been made, she hastened to give information toCaptain Bramble, supposing that he would take steps for his immediatearrest; but in this she was disappointed. 

She could not understand the apathy which seemed to have come over theEnglish officer who so lately had thirsted for the young commander'sblood, and she went away from him amazed and dejected. In vain, thusfar, had her attempts resulted as to sacrificing him whom she sobitterly despised. She had trusted to others thus far--this she said toherself, as she mused at the fruitless attempts she had been engagedin--now she would trust to herself. But how to do it she hardly knew. When he was under her father's roof, and she unsuspected of hostility tohim, it would have been an easy matter, with her knowledge of poisons, to have sacrificed his life; but now it was not so very easy for her tofind an opportunity for any sort of approach to him. But this seemed herlast and only resource of vengeance, and she cared to live only toconsummate it. 

Actually afraid to bring his brother again to trial, for fear of apersonal exposure, Captain Robert Bramble was now in a quandary; he waslooked to by the court for a conclusion of the suit he had brought, andwas now so situated that he found it necessary to screen that brotherwhom he so bitterly disliked, from the cognizance of the authorities. Indeed, he became nervous lest the exposure should become public inspite of his efforts at concealing the singular facts. All this, ofcourse, tended to the safety of his brother Charles, who had rightlyanticipated this state of affairs in relation to the part that Robertmust needs enact; he therefore felt perfectly safe in awaiting anopportunity for shipment to England in the first vessel bound thither, and it was at once agreed between Mrs. Huntington, Helen and himself, that they would go together. The period of the return of CaptainBramble's ship to England was fast approaching, and passage had beenoffered to Helen and her mother therein; but Helen had promptly declinedit, and induced her mother to do so also, though it required somepersuasion to bring this result about. 

Charles Bramble, of course, kept within doors at Sierra Leone, and didnot, by exposing his person, provoke arrest. He was reading aloud toHelen a few days subsequent to his escape from his brother's ship, whenthe door of the room was stealthily opened, and a person stepped in. 

"Well, Leonard Hust, " said Charles Bramble, "what has brought yon hereso clothed in mystery? Art well, my good fellow?"

"Yes, very well, master Charles; but I come to tell you that you mustget away from this place, for a few days at least. It is not safe foryou. "

"What is in the wind, Leonard, now? Have the court scented me out?"

"Yes, mister Charles, and your brother Robert has agreed to deliver youup!"

"Has he?" added Charles Bramble, musing. "I did not expect that. "

"Yes, sir; and I thought I would just slip over here and advise you toget off as quick as possible, for the officers will be over here in anhour or so. "

"Thank you, Leonard. What is that protruding from your pocket?"

"Pistols, sir. "

"Very good, Leonard, I will borrow them. "

"They are yours, sir, with all my heart. "

"Are they loaded, Leonard?"

"With two slugs each, sir, and as true as a compass. "

These formidable preparations startled Helen, who looked beseechinglytowards him whom she loved better than her own life. She came and placeda hand timidly upon his shoulder, and looked into his face with all thewealth of her heart expressed in her eyes, as she said:

"Pray, pray, Charles, be cautious, be prudent for my sake, will younot?"

"I will, dearest, " he whispered, as he leaned forward and pressed hislips to her pure white forehead. "We shall not long be separated--I feelthat we shall not. "

Leonard Hust, who had befriended the younger brother while the two wereunder the parental roof, still clung to the interest of Charles Bramble. He had already procured for him a guide--a negro runner--who knew thecoast perfectly, and with him for a companion, and a small pack ofprovisions, and well armed, Charles Bramble determined to make his wayby land back to Don Leonardo's factory on the southern coast. In sodoing, he would be able not only to elude all pursuit, but would also beable to further his own pecuniary interest by settling up his affairswith Don Leonardo, and arranging matters as to the property that hadbeen entrusted to him by the owners of the "Sea Witch. "

Charles Bramble awaited impatiently the coming of the guide, untilindeed he was afraid that longer delay would expose him to the arrestwhich he so much desired to avoid, and then telling Leonard that hewould hasten forward to the outskirts of the town, where he would awaitthe guide. Leonard Hust promised to bring him directly, and thus theyparted; the younger brother, hastening towards the jungle at theenvirons of Sierra Leone, at length reached the designated spot, wherehe quietly awaited the arrival of his guide. It was quite dark beforethe expected individual came; but at length he did arrive, and thrustinga note into the hands of the impatient refugee, waited for orders. Charles opened the paper and read in a rough school-boy hand, that he, Leonard Hast, had intended to come to see him off, but that he couldnot, and that the bearer was a faithful guide, somewhat eccentric, butreliable. 

Charles Bramble looked carefully for a few moments at the companion ofhis long and dangerous journey. He saw before him the person of a negro, slender, agile, rather below the usual height, and clothed after thestyle of the settlers, in pants and jacket, but with a red handkerchiefbound upon the head. In a coarse, leathern belt, the negro wore a shortdouble-edged knife and a pistol, while in his hand he held a short, sharp spear, which served for staff and weapon both, and was designedmore particularly for defence against the wild animals that infested thejungle in all directions. 

The guide was painted in the face after fantastic style often adopted bythe shore tribes in Africa, in alternate lines of red and yellow andwhite, so as to give a most strange and inhuman expression to thecountenance. But Charles Bramble was familiar with these tricks of therace, and saluting the guide kindly told him his plans, and asked if hecould guide him on the route. Being assured in the affirmative, he feltsatisfied, and the two, by the light of the moon, which was now creepingup in the heavens, commenced their journey, intending, after passing afew leagues, to make up their camp, light their fires to keep off thewild animals, and sleep. 

The resting-place was at last found, and after the usual arrangementshad been completed, and a circle of fire built around them, the two laydown to sleep. Fatigue soon closed the eyes of our young adventurer, andhe slept soundly, how long he knew not; but after a while he wasawakened by the breaking of some decayed branches near him, andpartially opened his eyes, half asleep, half conscious, when to hisutter amazement he beheld, or fancied he beheld, a dozen pairs ofglistening eyes peering at him from out the jungle. He did not stir, butfeigning to be still asleep, he cautiously watched to see what all thismeant. They surely did not belong to wild animals--those eyes!

He partially turned without moving his body to ascertain if the guidewas still by him, but found that he was gone. There was treacherysomewhere--there was danger about him--this he seemed to feelinstinctively, but still, feigning sleep, he almost held his breath tolisten. He soon learned by his sense of clearing that there were somehalf dozen or more of negroes near to him, and that he was the subjectof their conversation. He could even detect his guide's voice among therest, though the conversation was carried on scarcely above a whisper. He had on a previous voyage taken much pains to familiarize himself withthe language spoken by the shore tribes in the south, and he now hadlittle difficulty in understanding a considerable portion of the remarkswhich were making by the gang who were secreted in the jungle so near towhere he was lying, while he pretended sleep. 

He soon learned that his guide was followed by a half dozen or more ofnegroes, who had lately visited Sierra Leone on some business of theirown, and who, in common with the guide, belonged to a fierce and warliketribe, whose chief village was but a few leagues from Don Leonardo'sfactory. At first it was difficult to make out the actual purport oftheir scheme, though Charles Bramble could guess what he did not hear, and was satisfied that the cannibals intended to lead him, apparently ingood faith, to the neighborhood of their village, where he was to beseized, sacrificed to some deity of these poor ignorant creatures'manufacture, and afterwards be eaten in council with great ceremony. Allthis he could distinctly make out, and certainly it was anything butagreeable to him. But Charles Bramble knew the race he had to deal with;he fully understood the fact that one after white man with his witsabout him was equal to cope with a dozen of them at any time, and hefelt prepared. 

He gathered at once that it was their intention to guide him safelyuntil near their own village, where they would seize upon him, and fromthat moment make him a prisoner. Meanwhile none but his guide was to beseen by the traveller, so it was agreed, and he was to receive care andkind attention until the time appointed. Knowing all this, of course hewas prepared for it, and now saw that for the present and the few comingdays, he need have no alarm, and beyond that he must trust to his readywit, personal prowess, and the indomitable courage which was natural tohim. It may seem strange, but reasoning thus, he soon fell to sleepagain in good earnest. 

The next morning, he met his guide with frankness, and the best offeeling seemed to prevail day after day, until suddenly one eveningbefore night had fairly set in, and the day before he had anticipatedany such attempt, the negroes suddenly fell upon him, and pinned hisarms, and otherwise disabled him, so that he was completely at theirmercy. Already they had arrived at the environs of their village, andinto it they bore him in great triumph. Council was at once held, and itwas resolved that on the morrow the prisoner should be sacrificed, andcooked, and eaten! This was anything but agreeable to our adventurer, but he did not despair. Thrusting his hand into his pack, he discoveredan almanac that he had brought with him from Cuba. 

Turning over the hieroglyphics and singular figures, to the wonder andamusement of the negroes, he saw that on the morrow an eclipse of thesun would take place, and he immediately resolved to turn the fact togood account. He summoned the chief of the tribe and told him to his nosmall amazement, in his own tongue, that to-morrow, the Great Spiritthat ruled the sun would put a veil over it in displeasure at thedetention of his white child by them, but that as soon as they shouldloose his feet and arms, and set him free, the veil would be removed. 

Amazed at such an assertion, the chief consulted among his brethren, andit was agreed that if the white man's story proved true, then he shouldbe released. 

At the hour appointed on the following day, the negroes were surprisedand terrified to see the gradual and almost total eclipse of the sun, and attributed it to the Great Spirit's displeasure because of theirdetention of the white prisoner, as he had foretold. They hastened toloose his arms and to set him on his way rejoicing. They even bore himon their shoulders for leagues in a sort of triumphal march, and did notpermit him to walk until they had brought him safely and deposited himwith his arms and pack before the doors of Don Leonardo!

CHAPTER XVII. 

THE POISONED BARB. 

OF course, Don Leonardo was amazed to see his friend, deeming him bythis time either in an English prison or dead. He learned with amazementthe part that Maud had performed, for Charles Bramble was forced toreveal to the father, who was eager to inquire after his daughter. Though Charles felt not the least compunctions of conscience as to thematter, yet he now fully realized the cause of all her enmity, though ofthis he said not a word to her father. Don Leonardo cheerfully joinedthe new-comer in completing his business arrangements, and CharlesBramble found himself the rightful owner of some eight thousand dollarsin gold, the product of the goods which he had landed as his privateventure, and he also took good care to forward true bills of credit tohis owners in Cuba, for the specie which had been sent out by him topurchase slaves. 

These business arrangements consummated, he now began to think seriouslyof once more revisiting the scenes of his childhood, Bramble Park. Hedoubted not that Helen and her mother would arrive at their own earlyhome, which adjoined that of Bramble Park, and which, by the way, hadbeen leased during their settlement in India, as early as he couldhimself procure conveyance which would enable him to reach the spot. With this idea, he eagerly scanned the horizon daily, hoping for thearrival of some craft, even a slaver, that might bear him away, eithertowards America or Europe, so that he might get into the course oftravel. 

One morning, when he had as usual gone up to the lookout and scanned thesea view far and near, he at last came down to the breakfast-room withhis face quite speaking with inward satisfaction. He had seen a sail, evidently a large merchantman, and begged Don Leonardo to go up and seeif together they could not make the stranger out more fully. Charles, himself, thought that she was heavy and evidently steering for the smallbay on which the factory stood. But their curiosity was soon to besatisfied, for spar after spar gradually became more and more clearlydefined, until at last the deck itself could be seen, and St. George'scross observed flying saucily in the breeze. The ship was a Britishsloop-of-war, and so it proved. 

In an hour more, Captain Robert Bramble came on shore, accompanied byHelen and her mother, with Maud Leonardo. As it afterwards appeared, Maud desired to be brought back to her father, and the English ship wasbut performing its appointed duty in cruising on the coast; while Helenknowing that Charles had come hither, persuaded her mother that it wasbest to sail with Captain Bramble, rather than stop in Sierra Leoneamong utter strangers. For on ship-board they were under his care, andbesides, as she admitted to her mother, she had good reason forsupposing that Captain Will Ratlin, for thus the mother knew him still, was at Bay Salo, as Don Leonardo's factory was called on the coast. Thusit was that they were once more on this spot. 

The brothers met before the collected members of the returning party andthose on the shore, and regarded each other with a stern glance. It wasthe only token of recognition which passed between them; but Charleshastened to Helen's side, and pressing her hand tenderly, looked thewords that he could not speak before others. Mrs. Huntington seemedoverjoyed, too, at joining one whom she felt was a true friend toherself and daughter, and unhesitatingly evinced this feeling, whileMaud and Captain Robert Bramble walked by themselves filled with bitterthoughts. Robert had at once presumed as to whither his brother hadescaped, well knowing that he must here have left unsettled businessaccounts of great value and importance. He therefore was prepared forthe meeting which took place as we have seen. The Quadroon saw Helen andCharles thus together, she saw the delight that this meeting caused toboth, she was witness to the eloquent language of the eyes that beamedinto each other, and then she hastened from the spot, crazed withbitterness of feeling, and fall of direful purpose. Had she beenobserved at that moment, it would have been seen that there was dangerin her. To her father's kind salute, she turned a deaf ear, and hastenedinto the dwelling with headlong speed. 

Charles and Helen had much to say to each other. Now that he had toldhis love, now that the dark veil had been removed from the past that hadobscured his origin, he felt confidence, and spoke with manly cheer anda light heart. The most indifferent observer would have noticed this, and it waits not without its effect upon Helen, who looked brighter andhappier than ever before, and the two succeeded at once in infusing adegree of cheerfulness all around them, reflected by Helen's mother andeven Don Leonardo, with his heavy eyebrows and shaggy beard. CaptainRobert Bramble and Maud alone seemed unhappy, and they were moodyindeed. 

It was towards the twilight hour on the very day of the arrival which wehave referred to, that Charles and Helen arm in arm started away fromthe house to the adjacent jungle, where was a pleasant trysting-place, with a seat prepared for resort from the house. Breathing into eachother's ears the glad and trusting accents of true love, they saunteredslowly hither and sat down there, Helen upon the rude, but comfortableseat, and Charles at her feet upon the ground. About them grew the rank, luxuriant foliage of Africa; fragrant flowers bloomed within reach oftheir hands, and luscious fruit greeted the eye in whichever directionit sought. The soft air of the afterpart of the day was ladened withsweetness, and they seemed to gather fresh incentive for tenderness andlove in the peculiar surroundings of the spot. 

"So, you have broken off all connection with this business, and havesettled your accounts with Don Leonardo, have you not?" asked Helen, ofhim at her feet. 

"Yes, dearest, all has been done, and I shall have no more to do withthe trade of this inhospitable coast, you may be assured. My only hopeand desire is once more to see you and your mother safe in England, where I can make you by sacred ties my own. "

Helen looked the tender response that beat in her heart, but which herlips refused to pronounce. She was very, very happy, and they talkedover olden times, childish recollections, and the memories of theirearly home. 

While Charles and Helen were thus engaged, two other individuals closelyconnected with the plot of our story were not idle. Captain RobertBramble was now satisfied that without physical force he could notintervene between his rival brother and Helen Huntington; he wouldgladly have done this, but policy prevented, for he saw that in doingso, he would but gratify his revenge without approaching a single stepnearer the consummation of his wishes. It was nearly the appointed datefor the sailing of his ship from the station for England, and he hadmade up his mind to return at once to Sierra Leone, and prepare to sailhomeward. 

He had already taken leave of Mrs. Huntington, and was seeking herdaughter to say to her farewell; the wind was fair, he would sail withinthe hour, and on inquiring for Helen he was told by some one that shehad been seen a few moments before walking towards the jungle. Theinformant did not say in the company of him she so evidently loved, andRobert Bramble hastened forward in hopes that he might meet her therealone; perhaps, even once more press that oft rejected suit; he eventhought as he went what he could say to her, and wondered how she wouldreceive him. It was difficult to say what it was in his bosom whichcaused him so tenaciously to pursue this vain desire; his was not theheart to die for love, it amounted almost to obstinacy. He wasself-willed, and was accustomed to have his own way in all things; herehe had been thwarted from the very outset. 

Maud Leonardo, since her arrival home, was scarcely herself, she avoidedall intercourse, spoke to no one, and locked herself in her chamber. Butnow she started forth intent on some purpose, as was evident from thedirect and prompt step she pursued. Yes, from her window she had seenCharles, and Helen wander leisurely and affectionately together towardsthe jungle, and to the same point she now directed her steps, though bya circuitous path. She muttered to herself as she went, and walked withunwonted speed, as though she feared to lose one moment of time. At thisquick pace, she was soon hidden in the paths of the thick undergrowthand forest land. 

"Hark! what sound is that?" said Helen, suddenly turning and peeringinto the thick foliage which surrounded the spot. 

"I hear nothing, " replied Charles Bramble. "It was some bird perhaps, among these branches. But why do you look so pale, Helen?"

"It is so terrible. I thought the sound was like that of one of thoseterrible serpents that frequent these parts, the anaconda, creepingtowards us. "

"Nay, dearest, it was but your imagination; these reptiles avoid thenear approach to human habitations, and would not be likely to be here. "

"There! there it is again, " she said convulsively, drawing closely tohis side, while both looked towards the spot from whence at that momenta sound proceeded. 

In a moment more there broke forth from the clustering vines and treesthe figure of a man, with a drawn sword, who hastened with lowering browtowards them! It was Robert Bramble, incensed beyond endurance at thesight which met his vision through the vista of the foliage on hisapproaching the spot; he paused but for one single moment, then yieldingto the power of his almost ungovernable temper, he drew his sword andrushed forward, determined to sacrifice his brother's life. Helen seeingplainly and instantly the state of affairs, threw herself with a screamof terror before Charles to protect him, unarmed as he was, from thekeen weapon that gleamed in his brother's hand. 

But strange are the ways of Providence, and past finding out. At thatinstant he staggered, reeled forward, and placing one hand to hisforehead fell nearly at their feet!

Amazed at this, Charles and Helen both hastened to his side, but he wasspeechless, and ere he could be removed from the position in which hefell, life was wholly extinct. What was it that had so strangely, sosuddenly sacrificed him in the midst of his fell intent? Hark! Charlesstarts as a shrill, low whizzing sound was heard close to his ear! Themystery is explained, a poisoned barb had killed his brother, enteringthe eye and piercing the brain, while this second one that had justwhistled past his car, had been intended for him. He turned hastily tothe direction from whence the missile had come, and there stood orrather staggered Maud Leonardo. He hastened now to her side as shegradually half knelt, half fell to the ground. Her eyes rolled madly intheir pockets, her hands grasped vainly at the air, and she mutteredincoherently. 

"Maud, Maud, what have you done?" asked Charles, leaning over her. 

"The barb was poisoned, it--it--was meant for you!" she half shrieked. "I--I--am dying, dying unrevenged--O, this scorching, burning pain!"

"What ails you, Maud--what can we do for you?" asked Charles, kindly. 

"I--I am poisoned, " groaned the Quadroon, holding up her lacerated handwhich she had carelessly wounded with one of the barbs intended to havekilled him. 

The barb she had wounded and killed Robert with, was blown through along, hollow reed, a weapon much used in Africa, and the barb had beendipped in poison so subtle, rapid and sure in its effect, that the woundthe girl had received accidentally in her hand, was fast proving fatalto her. In Robert Bramble's case, it had reached a vital part at once, and had been almost instantly fatal in its effect. But Maud was dying!

"Poor, poor girl, what shall we say to your father?" asked Charles, forhe knew full well the fatal poisons in which the negroes dip their tinybarbs; and he realized that the Quadroon, who was a victim to her ownscheme of destruction, could not live but a few moments. 

She seemed too far gone to speak now, and turned and writhed in an agonyof pain upon the ground, while Helen strove to raise her head and tocomfort her. The poison seemed to act upon her by spasms, and she wouldhave a moment now and then, when she was comparatively at ease. Thelowering darkness of her face was gone now, a serenity seemed to begathering there, and leaning forward between the paroxysms, she heldforth the hand which was not wounded towards Charles Bramble who stoodtenderly over her, and said in a low, gentle voice:

"Forgive--forgive me! will you--will you not forgive me?"

"With all my heart, poor girl, I do sincerely forgive you, " saidCharles, earnestly. 

All was not black in that human heart, the half effaced image of itsMaker was there still; and Maud looked tenderly and penitently uponHelen and Charles. The former knelt by her side, and drawing the poorgirl's hands together across her breast as she lay upon the ground, lifted her own hands heavenward, moving her lips in prayer as she bentover the sufferer. What little Maud knew of religious instruction, hadbeen taught her in the form of the Episcopal church, and she nowlistened to the formal prayer from the litany appropriate to hersituation. A sweet smile gathered over her face as Helen proceeded, andprayed for forgiveness for all sins committed; and as she paused at theclose, three voices repeated the word Amen. 

Charles and Helen rose to their feet, but the spirit of the Quadroon hadfled!

CHAPTER XVIII. 

THE DENOUEMENT. 

THE events of the past few weeks seemed to Charles Bramble more likedream than reality; he could hardly compose his mind sufficiently torealize the serious bearings of his present situation. Of course, it wasnow useless longer to disguise his relationship to Robert, who had losthis life by means of the poisoned barb which Maud had intended for hisbrother. Charles took possession of his body, and informed all thosenecessary duties that his own feelings suggested, and form required. Thesecond officer of the ship assumed the command vacated by CaptainRobert's death, and as the time had now arrived for the return of thevessel to England, he sailed at once for Liverpool. 

Though Charles was loth to be separated from Helen, yet he urged uponherself and mother to join the English man-of-war, in which they couldsecure the most comfortable and safest passage to Liverpool; while forhimself, there was still left business matters which it was imperativefor him to consummate before he left the region where he was. It was atlast decided that the mother and daughter should improve this mode ofconveyance home, and Helen reluctantly bade him she so tenderly loved atearful farewell, and in secret they pledged to each other their heartsfor life. 

Charles Bramble watched the receding ship which contained her so dear tohim, until it was a mere speck upon the waters, and then felt that itwas possibly the last token he might ever see of her. The path beforehim was not one strewn with roses, he had serious dangers to encounter, a long voyage to make, and an unhealthy climate to endure; for he mustcross the ocean, he found, in order to settle honorably with those menwho had placed such unlimited faith in his integrity. But he had no shipor craft of any sort at his command, and must wait an opportunity forreaching the West Indies, doubtless, on board some vessel in the tradewhich he had just abandoned. 

Don Leonardo seemed to little heed the death of his daughter. In fact, he did not trouble himself to inquire into its particulars, further thanto understand the immediate cause. He was a sensual and intemperate man, half of whose life was passed under the effects of unnatural stimulus, and provided his appetite was not interfered with, cared little whatbefell others. Since the English man-of-war had sailed, his barracoonsbegan to fill once more with negroes from the interior, and he was nowprepared to ship a cargo by the first adventurer's vessel which shouldarrive. The funds which Charles Bramble had brought out from Cuba toAfrica, were consigned to Don Leonardo, and he of course would do withthe money as he pleased; he therefore proposed to charter the firstvessel that came, and ship a cargo the same as he would have done in the"Sea Witch. "

It was not long before one of those flat, low, dark clipper schoonershove in sight and ran into the bay. She was small, sat deep in thewater, was scarcely three hundred tons burthen, but managed to stowthree hundred and forty negroes with ease, and would have taken more hadnot intelligence from the lookouts been brought in, that a square rigwas coming down the coast. Charles Bramble hesitated whether he shouldembark in this craft. It was consigned to his former owners, the verymen he wished to meet. He might have to wait for months in order toobtain another chance, it was hardly a matter of choice with him, butbecame one of necessity, and he embarked accordingly. 

Charles Bramble was no sooner fairly at sea than he was filled withamazement at the condition of matters on board the slaver. Himselfaccustomed to enforce the most rigid discipline, he here saw a perfectbedlam; a crew of some thirty people, composed of the vilest of thevile, who must have been shipped only with an eye to numbers, and noregard for character or stability. Added to this, the captain, though aman of some experience as a seaman, had no control of the crew, and wasquite at a loss how to manage them. Twice was Charles Bramble obliged tointerfere between the crew and the captain before they were three daysat sea; and by his stern, calm will he succeeded in preventing openmutiny by the crew. The fact was, the most desperate part of theforemast hands knew very well that the money sent out to purchaseslaves, was still on board in good golden doubloons, and they weresecretly scheming to take the schooner, kill the officers andappropriate the gold. 

Charles Bramble was accustomed to deal with such spirits; he waswell-armed at all hours, and prepared for the very trouble which was tocome, inasmuch as he had anticipated it. There were two mates and thecaptain, beside himself, who might be relied upon to stand by the vesseland the owners' rights, but they had fearful odds against them. Therewas also a lad who had gone out in the "Sea Witch" as cabin boy, whomCharles Bramble was now bringing back with him to his family in Cuba, the boy having escaped the massacre which occurred when the "Sea Witch"was burned, and who had been living at Leonardo's factory. On him alsohe felt he could rely. The boy soon discovered the mutiny that washatching, and told the captain secretly that it would occur at themoment land was announced from the mast-head on making the islands ofthe West Indies. 

This was all the information necessary for Charles Bramble, to whom thecaptain of the schooner gave up all control, to prepare for theemergency. He completely armed the four parties on whom he could rely, and bade them wait for orders from him, but when he gave those orders toact instantly and without pausing for further consideration. The crewwere somewhat puzzled to see their chief officer give up even thesailing of the vessel to him who had come on board as a passenger, butthey could not but also perceive that he who acted as the captain now, was a very different man to deal with, and one who knew his business. They saw that the schooner was made to sail better than ever before, that the crew were kept in their places and busy, an important thing atsea, and though they were still resolved to make the attempt, they didnot like the appearance of matters. 

Scarcely had the lookout after a short passage descried the first land, and hailed the deck with "land ho!" when a change was instantly observedamong the crew. Captain Bramble, however, was on the watch, and so werehis backers; and seeing this, he instantly called one of the ringleadersaft, and bade him sternly to lay his hand to a rope and pull it taut. The man instinctively obeyed at first, subdued by the calm, stern frontof the man who addressed him, but in a moment more he ceased and turnedtowards the officer flatly declining duty, at the same time beckoningthe hands forward to come to the quarter-deck. Captain Bramble pausedone second of time and repeated his order. It was not obeyed, and in thenext instant the man lay a corpse with a bullet through his brains atthe feet of his officer!

This prompt punishment for a moment checked the action of the rest, butit was only for a moment when they moved aft in a body. 

"Hold, where you are!" shouted the young but determined commander. "Theman who advances another step dies!"

All paused, save two of the most daring of the rascals who continued topress on. Captain Ratlin now bade the mates to shoot the first man whocame aft unbidden, while he marched a few paces forward, and once morebid them stand. They heeded him not, and the foremost one fell with abullet though his heart! Captain Ratlin instantly drew a fresh weaponfrom his bosom and presented it at the other foremost man, "fall back, fall back, you imps of darkness, fall back, I say, or you die!"

The crew had not counted on this summary treatment, they were beaten andmastered; the culprit addressed sneaked back among the crew tremblingwith fear. 

Captain Ratlin returned to the quarter-deck, received fresh arms fromone of the mates, and then calmly began to issue orders for the sailingof the vessel, as though nothing had occurred to interfere with thebusiness routine of the day. Those orders were promptly obeyed. Themaster spirit there had asserted its control, and established it, too;and a more orderly crew never moored a slave ship on the south side ofCuba, than were soon busily engaged in that duty after the set of sun onthe day when this bold attempt at mutiny had occurred. 

This little affair, which came very near to costing Charles Bramble hislife, was in one sense a fortunate one, since it put him on the best ofterms with the owners, who had entrusted him with the "Sea Witch, " andwho now pressed a gratuity of $2000 upon him for his part of the presentvoyage, and forwarded him safely without expense on his return voyage toEngland. This additional amount of funds to his already handsome sum ofpersonal property, gave him some $10, 000 dollars of ready money, whichhe took with him to his homestead at Bramble Park. The money enabled himnot only to clear the estate of all encumbrances, but also to make hismother, now aged and bed-ridden, comfortable. 

But he was soon married, and with Helen Huntington, whose estates joinedthose of Bramble Park, he obtained a large fortune; but best of all, hetook to his arms a sweet, intelligent and loving wife. She with whom hehad played in childhood amid these very scenes, she whom he had rescuedupon the waters of the ocean, she who had loved and reformed him. 

THE END. 

LA TARANTULA. 

BY GIDDINGS H. BALLOU. 

IT was scarce past the meridian of a warm summer's day, when from the innof old Gaspar Varni, underneath the heights of Sorento, might have beenheard the sound of viols, and the deep notes of the bassoon ringingclear from amidst the clash of merry voices. Music and careless mirth, the never failing concomitants of an Italian holiday, were here in fullascendency; for the birthday of the portly host happening to fall on theanniversary of St. Geronimo, the yearly festival which served tocelebrate the two in one, was a matter of no small interest to thevillagers. The dining room was filled almost to suffocation, and it werea matter admitting of doubt, whether the chagrined few who chanced bylateness of arrival, or other causes, to be excluded from seats attable, were not to be envied rather than pitied in the endurance oftheir deprivation. 

Such a doubt, perhaps, was entertained by an individual dressed in apeasant's frock and a slouched hat, who, pausing in the open doorway, regarded the mixed assembly with a half smile, not wanting a certainsuperciliousness which in other circumstances would have provokedinstant observation. Now, however, the full swing of common enjoymentrendered every one blind to what the looker-on took no trouble toconceal. Nor did he at all lower his disdainful regard, when a veteranclad in a sort of military undress, arose from the opposite side of thetables, and waving a wine-cup in his hand, drew on himself the generalattention. 

"Comrades, " he said, "I give to you, Napoleon! my noble master, who, sixyears ago, delivered me with his own hand the shoulder-knot of asergeant of the guard. Napoleon!--the soldier's true friend, and thegreatest man on earth. Green be his memory forever!"

The words were scarce out of his mouth, when a youth, some twenty yearsof age, sprang up and hastily replied:

"What right hast thou, Jean Maret, thus to celebrate in our midst, thepraises of our tyrant? Dost thou deem our spirits dead to all generousemotion? A curse on the usurper who burned our country with fire, andpoured out the blood of its children like water! May just Heaven pourdown indignation on his head!"

This speech produced an instant commotion. Angry words were bandied backand forth, and bright steel already flashed in the light, when thesturdy voice of old Gaspar surmounted the din. 

"What means this tumult?" he cried. "Shall a few wine-warmed words thusset you all agog, my merry men? Come, you forget yourselves in givingway to such causeless rage. And thou, Gulielmo, leave thy saucy quips. How darest thou thus spoil good cheer?"

The youth, with a grieved countenance, turned to go. 

"'Tis not, " he said, "that I fear for threats, especially from MasterJean. Yet since thou commandest, I needs must yield. "

So saying, he passed out of the door, while the tumult having ceased, awhisper went round the room:

"Gaspar has a fine daughter; 'tis she who commands through him. "

The mirth, for a moment rudely stayed, again proceeded. Goblets clinkedand wine flowed merrily, till the host, striking his hand on the table, again addressed the company:

"Good people and neighbors all, " he said, "I pledge you here my futureson-in-law. Drink deep then; the wine is good, I trust, and at allevents the toast merits our good will. "

The wine was forthwith lifted to lip, and at the word, the generousliquid, blushing with deeper hue than even did the landlord's jollynose, was drained to the uttermost drop, and the cups, turned bottom up, were replaced on the board. As the ring of the metal ceased, MasterJean, grizzle-haired and scarred with the marks of war, rose up andgrimly smiled around. 

"Mates, " he said, "I am not apt at making fine speeches, though I canfeel as many thanks as another. I'll give you then, our jolly host andhis sweet daughter. Than he, no better rules the roast between here andthe salt sea. And what maiden can compare with her in loveliness?"

This speech was received with the most decided applause by the rest ofthe company, who seemed eager to evince their approbation of all thingsat present said and done, by steadfast application to the festivities ofthe occasion. 

Meantime, far removed from their boisterous cheer, sat within her littlechamber the maiden, weeping at thought of the dreaded marriage-day, towards which the hours were rapidly hastening. 

"O, Gulielmo!" such were the thoughts which she murmured, "shall I beable to support life forever removed from thee? Alas! the fate which soruthlessly severs our mutual loves!"

Meanwhile, Gulielmo roamed the hills, his heart swelling with sadness. What use in longer adherence to home and the lowly shepherd's lot? No, he would no longer tamely submit to poverty and the contempt which itentailed on its victim. The moment was now arrived when he must bidadieu to Rosa, loved in vain, and to Sorento, spot hitherto so loved andlonely. Thus musing, he began to trace on the sandy soil a rude outline, which certainly bore a striking resemblance to Rosa's pretty features. 

"Well done, Master Gulielmo!" suddenly exclaimed a strange voice. 

The startled youth looked up, and in so doing cast his eye on a facewhich seemed not altogether unknown to his remembrance. The strangerpossessed a visage bold and finely formed, a piercing eye, and astrongly-marked mouth set beneath a classic nose; while his tawny colortold a life exposed to daily wind, and sun, and rain. 

"Art thou a student of the art which is our country's pride?" continuedthe latter, "or does love inspire the skill which thou hast heredisplayed?"

"I am no student, " Gulielmo replied; "and yet I daily try, in myunknowing way, to counterfeit the forms which I see. "

"It were pity then, " rejoined the other, "that such as thou should idlywaste those talents which when duly trained would surely bring theirowner fame and wealth. Suppose for instance that some great lord, orother noble patron of the arts, should send thee a couple of years toRome;--but I forget. Perchance the maid whom thou hast pictured here, might interpose her pretty face to spoil so fair a plan?"

"Alas!" said Gulielmo, quickly, "she is not for me. And though I seethat you are jesting, I tell you truly that I would go where any chancemight lead me, so that I might never see her or Sorento again. "

"I do not jest, " answered the stranger. "Indeed, I know your storyalready. I was present just now at the inn, when you and Jean Maret fellat variance. And, friend Gulielmo, I know of a certain lord who I amconfident will do you the office which your talents require. He is aRussian prince, of generous hand, although of a somewhat rough exterior. Take courage; perchance affairs may have a better turn. And if theRussian, as no doubt he will, shall take thee under his wing, mayhap oldGaspar's purpose may yield some grace to thy ill-prospered love. Hiehome then, and wait a little for the flood of fortune. I've faith thatthy ill-luck will shortly change to good. "

The stranger turned away. Gulielmo, in mute surprise, watched his stepsa while, and then hastened along the winding path which led him back tohis own cottage door. 

CHAPTER II. 

PAS SEUL BY MOONLIGHT. 

The moon hung high in silver light above the village and the quietfields which lay beyond, when a gallant train came in order down theunfrequented street. Appareled gaily, each cavalier wore roquelaure andbelt, and in their midst they bore a prisoner--the veteran Jean. Reaching at length the grassy market-place, they halted and formed aring, in the midst of which they placed their captive. Some of thenumber drew from underneath their short cloaks instruments of music, while others cleared their throats as if about to sing. Presently therestepped apart a masked form, who thus gave command in a rude sort ofrhyme:

 "Hola, my merry mountaineers, Prepare a festive lay; Our gallant friend will measure trip While we a song essay. "

Each other masker thereupon drew a rapier, and turned its point to centre. 

 "Unbind the captive, give him room; Now, friend, pray mind your play. Strike up, my lads, and heed your time, And merrily troll away. "

At the word, the others commenced in deep, hoarse voices:

 "An old graybeard a wooing came, "Ha! ha! ha! With plenty of brass, but little brain, Tira la la!

 Merrily round we go, Merrily. All in a circle O, Cheerily! Right joyful was the gaffer gray, La la la! And who so blithe as he I pray? Tira la la!

 Merrily round we go. Alas! the change of time and tide, Ah! ha! ha! That gaffer's joy to grief should glide, Tira la la!

 Merrily round we go. "

"Trip on, friend Jean, " the leader said; "thou laggest wretchedly. Letme spirit thee with this good steel rod; 'twill move thee mostfamously. "

Jean Maret, in spite of himself, discovered great agility on thisoccasion. He could hardly have moved with more readiness in the rusticcotillon among the village lads and lasses. Nevertheless, not a fewoaths escaped him, doubly provoked as he was by the composure of histormentors, and the laughter of the surrounding spectators. But swifterstill flew the brisk burden, "Tira la la. "

"Good people all, " the chief now said, "we have piped this man to play, and now that we the pipes have tuned, 'tis fair his purse should pay. "

"Villain!" replied the veteran, testily, "ye shall not have a doit!"

"Good luck, our friend's not satisfied, " returned the mask. "And yetwe've done our best. Well then, Jean Maret, we will offer you a change. Doubtless you have seen the dance which is inspired by the bite of ourfamous black spider. Let us see if our good steel may not be able tosupply the place of the spider. Come then, my lads, strike up 'LaTarantula. '"

Again Jean was forced to display his powers of agility, as flew themusic and the accompanying voices, onward and still on, withever-increasing rapidity. At length his obstinacy was overcome, as muchby the absurdity of the affair as its personal inconvenience. 

"Cease, cease, " he cried; "have done with this, and the money you demandshall be forthcoming. A pack of fiends were better companions, I trow, than your blackamoor troop. Let me on, then, and I will lead you to mycash-box, and after you have there satisfied yourselves, I pray you togo your ways like honest thieves, as you are. "

"Take heed what you say, Jean, " replied the chief masker. "We arehonest, that is true enough, and we only want a fair payment for ourservices. Our band never performs for a less price than a thousandcrowns, nor will we ask more than this of a worthy soldier likeyourself. So lead the way, my friend, we follow close on your steps. "

With jingling steel and shrilly pipe, the troop retraced its course, till on arriving at the lodging-place of Jean Maret, the latter paiddown the needful scot, indulging himself while counting out the coin invarious hearty objurgations which seemed to add no little to theamusement of his hearers. Meanwhile, from mouth to mouth, among thevillagers, who gathered round the scene, passed the whispered murmur:

"Sartello, the bandit chief, and his followers!"

The person thus indicated turned to the shrinking crowd, and lifting themask from his face, he addressed them thus:

"Good friends, our play is finished. The players through me, desire tomake you their most respectful bow, thanking you for your good company. We rejoice to see that you are pleased with our endeavors for youramusement, and will hope that when next we chance to meet, we maytherein be as fortunate as now. "

At the word, each of the troop made a low obeisance, and with theirleader, quickly retreated from the village. By slow degrees, the streetswere cleared, though here and there a few lingered along to talk overthe occurrences of the night. It was not till near the dawn of morn thatthe village again became quiet, when in the early dew, a carriage droveswiftly up to the inn, the door of which the coachman, having leapedfrom his seat, banged with might and main. At length old Gaspar thrusthis night-capped head from an upper window. 

"What means this cursed din?" he angrily exclaimed. 

"Come down--come down!" the coachman replied, in a gruff voice. "Here isPrince Reklovstt waiting at your door. "

"Good Heaven!" exclaimed the landlord, withdrawing his head in afluster. "It can be no common prince, this, with such a jaw-breakingname. Here Francesco, Rosa, wife, all of you! hurry, haste down stairsas quickly as you can!"

The household were quickly astir, the doors were unbarred, and Gasparpresented himself before the prince, who had just descended from thecarriage. The Russian lord--for any one would have known him as such byhis appearance--possessed a long beard, thick eyebrows, and eyes, whoselook was chiefly a chilly and impenetrable stare. 

"He must be monstrous rich, " thought Gaspar; "he has such a bearish waywith him. "

The coachman, who seemed also to serve as interpreter, now addressed thehost in tolerable Italian, easy enough to be understood, thoughinterspersed now and then with some queer sounding words. 

"The prince wishes to breakfast. Quick then! bring a turkey, a quart ofbrandy, a cup of fat, a good cheese pie, and a reindeer's tongue. "

The landlord was filled with astonishment and respect. 

"O, servant of a mighty lord!" he said, "our larder is to-day somewhatscant, for crowds of guests have scoured our house of all its choicestfare. But we will give you the very best we have, if you will deign toaccept it. "

The coachman seemed disturbed, but consulted the prince, who answeredhim with a frown and a growl of foreign words. 

"Mine host!" rejoined the interpreter, "the prince doth condescend toaccept. But be sure, whatever else fails, that the brandy is good. "

The coachman and his master now engaged themselves in a harsh-soundingconversation, wherein one would have judged that the vowels were farless plentiful than the consonants. Near half an hour thus passed, when--wondrous speed!--a half cooked fowl was placed on the table, together with olives, grapes, and sour brown bread. The Russian lordupon seeing this rare repast spread before him, gave vent to whatsounded very like a Sclavonic invective, but nevertheless plunged hisknife into the midst of the fowl, and carved and growled, and growledand eat, apparently bent on the most murderous havoc. Meantime, hisservant turned to Gaspar. 

"The prince hath heard one of your village youths, by name, GulielmoMassani, commended much for his high talent and great pictorial skill. "

"Ah!" murmured Gaspar, to himself, "heard one ever such elegantdiscourse?"

"The prince last evening met upon the road an old acquaintance, who toldhim much concerning this lad; recounted his whole history, and told howhe drew wonderful resemblances of birds, and beasts, and men. "

"'Tis true, " replied Gaspar. "Strange that I should never have thoughtof it before. "

"So, therefore, the prince offers to patronize the gifted youth, andsend him a couple of years or more to Rome, where he will be able tomake himself a perfect artist, and get fortune at such a rate that hecan soon roll in gold. "

"San Dominic!" said the host; "surely Gulielmo's luck has turned. Theysay that Jean, last night, was robbed of more than half his store, andso, I do not know--but Rosa--"

"You're right, " interrupted the other speaker. "Two hundred crowns areyours, provided Rosa waits two years against Gulielmo's safe return. "

"Ahem!" exclaimed the somewhat surprised landlord. "How comes it thatyou know of this? And yet the girl grieves sorely. I will take you atyour word. "

The courier nodded and spake to his master, who, with a pompous air, told in his open hand the glittering gold, which was seen transferred toGaspar's eager grasp. 

"And now where is this same Gulielmo?" inquired the courier. "Bring himhither as quickly as possible. I doubt not, when he hears of hisadvancement, that he will leap for joy. "

The youth presently arrived. The courier informed him of the matter inhand, while the prince nodded his head most graciously, and smiled sogrim a smile that all the servants looked on dismayed. 

"Haste, " said the courier to Gulielmo, "pack up your knapsack as quicklyas may be, and bid Rosa adieu, for it is time that we were on the roadfor Rome. There thou shalt undertake the painter's art, and work forfame and bread. And, if all works prosperously, you shall soon be ableto wed the fairest maid of all the land. "

An hour passed; the carriage drew up before the inn door, the hostdelivered his most obsequious bow, fair Rosa bade farewell to her lover, the prince and Gulielmo entered the stately vehicle, and, with a loudcrack of the coachman's whip, the travellers set out for Rome. 

CHAPTER III. 

THE STUDENT'S RETURN. 

THE two years had elapsed, when on a bright June afternoon, a wearypilgrim halted within a grove which overlooked the village of Sorento. He gazed around for a moment, as if in expectation of some one, and thensat down upon a mossy stone. 

"It was here, " said he, "that he bade me wait on my return. And yet--"

"He is with you, " said Sartello, leaving the scraggy laurel behind whichhe had concealed himself. "What cheer brings thou from Rome, my gallantlad'? Certes, thy look is loftier and manlier now, whatever fortune thouhast had. "

"Kind friend, " replied the youth, "I may say that I have had both goodand ill fortune; though mostly good, if thou dost agree with my opinion. I bring, through intercession of the pope, a pardon from our king. Andthou and thine, if henceforth ye are pleased to remain at peace, will beaccepted by the law which now holds your lives forfeit. "

Sartello grasped with a vice-like pressure the hand which the youth heldout. 

"I am well repaid, Gulielmo, for what little I have done in thy behalf, since thou hast thus brought me my heart's desire. No more will we roamthe land, outlaws from honest men. We will till and toil, and freelylive, scathless and void of care. But of thyself, what speed? sayquickly. "

The youth frankly smiled. 

"My pocket is rather low, " he said, "although my hopes are not. I havegained some honor, whatever its worth may be. And now, how fares thegentle maid whom I so long to see?"

"Ah, " replied Sartello, shaking his head sadly, "these women are indeeda puzzle. I fear much that Rosa's mind has changed since your departure. Absence, as the poets say, is love's worst bane. But let her go, Gulielmo; fairer charms than hers will soon ease your pain. "

Gulielmo stood for a moment as colorless as marble. 

"Is this the reward, " he said, at length, "of all my weary toil?"

"Pray comfort yourself, " replied his friend. "I may as well tell you theworst at once. They say that her wedding-dress is prepared. Jean Maret'sgold, and the importunities of old Gaspar, have been too much, fancy, for her fickle resolution. "

A single tear fell from Gulielmo, notwithstanding the proud compressureof his lips. 

"Let it be so, " said he. "I will make no words about it. Neither will Ishun her sight. I will face it out, and shame them who think to flout methus. "

"Bravo, my lad!" exclaimed Sartello. "I find that you are of the truestuff. So come along; the hour is already near, when she is to changeher name. I feared at first to tell you the tale, but am glad to learnthat my fears were needless. "

Gulielmo's burning cheek might have sown the pain which raged within hisbreast: but, nevertheless, he accompanied Sartello with a firm andconfident stop till they reached the inn where the guests had alreadybegun to assemble. In the porch, by the side of Jean Maret, sat Rosa, with a few flowers in her hair, her countenance as sweet to view as thefirst blush of a May morn. But when she met the fiery glance whichGulielmo cast upon her, she seemed abashed, and half turned toward hercompanion, with a silent appeal of the eyes. The priest now arrived, andall was made ready, Gulielmo looking on with a heated brain, and afeverish sickness gnawing at his heart. He was only able to see a singlelovely face, in which a sudden sadness seemed to dim its former smilinggrace. 

"Why wait we?" bluffly exclaimed Jean Maret. "The priest awaits, thebride is ready. Gulielmo Massani, come forward; Rosa has chosen you asbridesman. "

"Scoundrel!" replied Gulielmo, "dare no jests with me, else your lifemay fail you before your wedding is over. "

"My wedding may be near at hand, " returned Jean; "but I fear much thatRosa will hardly be my bride. Go, fair maid, and lead this stubbornyouth hither. If all else fail, I think that thou wilt be able to holdhim captive. "

Rosa sprang from the porch to meet Gulielmo. Flinging her lily armsabout his neck, her head reclining on his breast:

"Thou art mine, " she said; "whether poor or rich, it is the same to me. Pardon this deceit; it was not my will to give thee needless pain. "

"How is this?" Gulielmo was with difficulty able to say. "Your bridal--"

"Come, your place!" interrupted Jean. "There, take her hand. How dullyou are! It seems to me that after all I should make the readiest groomof the two. "

"Not so!" exclaimed Gulielmo. "But I must not allow you to be deceived, however little my tale may profit me. "

"Hold then a moment, " Sartello cried. "Your hand, friend Jean; I thinkyou bear no ill-will. Or if you do, the settlement we'll postpone, tillthis present affair shall be concluded. Here, then, in this bag which Ideliver you, you will find a thousand crowns, a forced loan to aidGulielmo's studious years; and with the sum, five hundred crowns by wayof interest. I enacted the Russian on a certain occasion, --a counterfeitlord, --and yet not altogether so, as you will own when you have heard mystory. Four years ago, I held the title of Prince of Cornaro, where I, in the midst of a beautiful country, upheld the privileges of a lord. But one luckless day I joined a secret band, which sought to change therule by which Italy was swayed. We failed, and I was forced to fly mynative towers, to roam the mountain depths as the chief of lawless men. My wide estates were confiscated to the service of the crown. But thisnoble youth has now obtained for me a full pardon from the king for allpast misdeeds. The sovereign also freely restores me to my former rankand possessions. "

He ceased, and every voice was raised in applause. 

"Hail, Prince of Cornaro!" was the general exclamation. 

"Prince, " cried Jean Maret, "I give you thanks for the thousand crowns. The odd five hundred I will give towards Rosa's dowry. "

"Nay, " rejoined the prince; "the half thou mayst; it is all that thoucanst be permitted, for I desire to find some room to add to Rosa'sstore. "

"Ha!" said old Gaspar, with a laugh. "Although not rich, her suitor isyet certain he brings her riches. "

"Good sir, " replied Gulielmo, "I can show you but little coin, it istrue; yet you may perceive some gain will be mine if you but choose toread this obligation. "

Thereupon he delivered a slip of parchment into the hand of the host, who turning it once or twice round in the vain attempt to decipher itsintention, passed it to the prince, saying:

"I pray your excellency to read it. My eyes are somewhat weak, andindeed my scholarship is not so good as it once was. "

"Know all (read the prince, after naming the date), that I will pay toorder of Gulielmo Massani, or his lawful heirs, four thousand crowns, with interest, as soon hereafter as demand may be made. BENVOGLIO. "

"The Cardinal Benvoglio, " said the prince. "Indeed, the lad hathprospered well. But come, the wedding lags. First, let us tie thisyouthful pair, and after that we'll join the revel on the green, whereJean and I will teach you all how to dance 'LA TARANTULA. '"

THE GOLDSMITH OF PARIS. 

BY H. W. LORING. 

IN the good old days of France the fair, when no one dared question thedivine right of the sovereign, or the purity of the church, --when therights of the feudal seigneurs were unchallenged, and they could head orhang, mutilate or quarter their vassals at their pleasure, --whenfreedom was a word as unmeaning as it is now tinder his sacred majesty, Napoleon the Third, there came to the capital, from Touraine, anartizan, named Anseau, who was as cunning in his trade of goldsmith asBenvenuto Cellini, the half-mad artificer of Florence. He became aburgess of Paris, and a subject of the king, whose high protection hepurchased by many presents, both of works of art and good red gold. Heinhabited a house built by himself, near the church of St. Leu, in theRue St. Denys, where his forge was well known to half the amateurs offine jewelry. He was a man of pure morals and persevering industry;always laboring, always improving, constantly learning new secrets andnew receipts, and seeking everywhere for new fashions and devices toattract and gratify his customers. When the night was far advanced, thesoldiers of the guard and the revellers returning from their carousals, always saw a lighted lamp at the casement of the goldsmith's workshop, where he was hammering, carving, chiseling and filing, --in a word, laboring at those marvels of ingenuity and toil which made the delightof the ladies and the minions of the court. He was a man who lived inthe fear of God, and in a wholesome dread of robbers, nobles, and noise. He was gentle and moderate of speech, courteous to noble, monk andburgess, so that he might be said to have no enemy. 

Claude Anseau was strongly built. His arms were rounded and muscular, and his hand had the grip of an iron vice. His broad shoulders remindedthe learned of the giant Atlas; his white teeth seemed as if they wereformed for masticating iron. His countenance, though placid, was full ofresolution, and his glance was so keen that it might have melted gold, though the limpid lustre of his eyes tempered their burning ardor. In aword, though a peaceable man, the goldsmith was not one to be insultedwith impunity, and perhaps it was a knowledge of his physical qualitiesthat secured him from attack in those stormy days of ruffianly violence. 

Yet sometimes, in spite of his accumulating wealth and tranquil life, the loneliness of the goldsmith made him restless. He was not insensibleto beauty, and often, as he wrought a wedding ring for the finger ofsome fair damsel, he thought with what delight he could forge one forsome gentle creature who would love him for himself and not for theriches that called him lord. Then he would sally forth and hie to theriver-side, and pass long hours in the dreamy reveries of an artist. 

One day as he was strolling, in this tender frame of mind, along theleft bank of the Seine, he came to the meadow afterwards called the Preaux Clercs, which was then in the domain of the Abbey of St. Germain, and not in that of the University. There, finding himself in the openfields, he encountered a poor girl, who addressed him with the simplesalutation:--"God save you, my lord!"

The musical intonation of her voice, chiming in with the melodiousimages that then filled the goldsmith's busy brain, impressed him sopleasantly that he turned, and saw that the damsel was holding a cow bya tether, while it was browsing the rank grass that grew upon theborders of a ditch. 

"My child, " said he, "how is it that you are pasturing your cow on theSabbath? Know you not that it is forbidden, and that you are in dangerof imprisonment?"

"My lord, " replied the girl, casting down her eyes, "I have nothing tofear, because I belong to the abbey. My lord abbot has given us licenseto feed our cow here after sunset. "

"Then you love your cow better than the safety of your soul, " said thegoldsmith. 

"Of a truth, my lord, the animal furnishes half our subsistence. "

"I marvel, " said the good goldsmith, "to see you thus poorly clad andbarefoot on the Sabbath. Thou art fair to look upon, and thou must needshave suitors from the city. "

"Nay, my lord, " replied the girl, showing a bracelet that clasped herrounded left arm; "I belong to the abbey. " And she cast so sad a look onthe good burgess that his heart sank within him. 

"How is this?" he resumed, --and he touched the bracelet, whereon wereengraven the arms of the Abbey of St. Germain. 

"My lord, I am the daughter of a serf. Thus, whoever should unitehimself to me in marriage would become a serf himself, were he a burgessof Paris, and would belong, body and goods, to the abbey. For thisreason I am shunned by every one. But it is not this that saddens me--itis the dread of being married to a serf by command of my lord abbot, toperpetuate a race of slaves. Were I the fairest in the land, loverswould avoid me like the plague. "

"And how old are you, my dear?" asked the goldsmith. 

"I know not, my lord, " replied the girl; "but my lord abbot has itwritten down. "

This great misery touched the heart of the good man, who for a long timehad himself eaten the bread of misfortune. He conformed his pace to thatof the girl, and they moved in this way towards the river in perfectsilence. The burgess looked on her fair brow, her regal form, her dustybut delicately-formed feet, and the sweet countenance which seemed thetrue portrait of St. Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris. 

"You have a fine cow, " said the goldsmith. 

"Would you like a little milk?" replied she. "These early days of Mayare so warm, and you are so far from the city. "

In fact, the shy was cloudless and burned like a forge. This simpleoffer, made without the hope of a return, the only gift in the power ofthe poor girl, touched the heart of the goldsmith, and he wished that hecold see her on a throne and all Paris at her feet. 

"No, ma mie, " replied he; "I am not thirsty--but I would that I couldfree you. "

"It cannot be; and I shall die the property of the abbey. For a longtime we have lived here, from father to son, from mother to daughter. Like my poor ancestors, I shall pass my days upon this land, for theabbot does not loose his prey. "

"What!" cried the goldsmith, "has no gallant been tempted by your brighteyes to buy your liberty, as I bought mine of the king?"

"Truly, it would cost too much. Therefore those I pleased at first sightwent at they came. "

"And you never thought of fleeing to another country with a lover, on afleet courser?"

"O, yes. But, my lord, if I were taken I should lose my life, and mylover, if he were a lord, his land. I am not worth such sacrifice. Thenthe arms of the abbey are longer than my feet are swift. Besides, I livehere, in obedience to Heaven that has placed me here. "

"And what does your father, maiden?"

"He is a vine-dresser, in the gardens of the abbey. "

"And your mother?"

"She is a laundress. "

"And what is your name?"

"I have no name, my lord. My father was baptized Etienne, my dear motheris la Etienne, and I am Tiennette, at your service. "

"Tiennette, " said the goldsmith, "never has maiden pleased me as thoudost. Hence, as I saw thee at the moment when I was firmly resolved totake a helpmate, I think I see a special providence in our meeting, andif I am not unpleasing in thine eyes, I pray thee to accept me a lover. "

The girl cast down her eyes. These words were uttered in such a sort, with tone so grave and manner so penetrating, that Tiennette wept. 

"No, my lord, " replied she, "I should bring you a thousand troubles andan evil fortune. For a poor serf, it is enough that I have heard yourgenerous proffer. "

"Ah!" cried Claude, "you know not with whom you have to deal. " Hecrossed himself, clasped his hands, and said:--"I here vow to SaintEloi, under whose protection is my noble craft, to make two inches ofenamelled silver, adorned with the utmost labor I can bestow. One shallbe for the statue of my lady the virgin, and the other for my patronsaint, if I succeed, to the end that I may give thanks for theemancipation of Tiennette, here present, and for whom I pray their highassistance. Moreover, I vow, by my eternal salvation, to prosecute thisenterprise with courage, to expend therein all that I possess, and toabandon it only with my life. Heaven hath heard me, and thou, fair one, "he added, turning to the girl. 

"Ah, my lord! My cow is running across the field, " cried she weeping, atthe knees of the good man. "I will love you all my life--but recall yourvow. "

"Let us seek the cow, " said the goldsmith, raising her, without daringto imprint a kiss upon her lips. 

"Yes, " said she, "for I shall be beaten. "

The goldsmith ran after the cow, which recked little of their loves. Butshe was seized by the horns, and held in the grasp of Claude as in aniron vice. For a trifle he would have hurled her into the air. 

"Farewell, dearest. If you go into the city, come to my house, near St. Leu. I am called Master Anseau, and am the goldsmith of our seigneur, the king of France, at the sign of St. Eloi. Promise me to be in thisfield the next Sabbath, and I will not fail to come, though it wereraining halberts. "

"I will, my lord. And, in the meanwhile, my prayers shall ascend toheaven for your welfare. "

There she remained standing, like a saint carved in stone, stirring not, until she could no longer see the burgess, who retired with slow steps, turning every now and then to look upon her. And even when he was longlost to sight, she remained there until nightfall, lost in reverie, andnot certain whether what had happened was a dream or bright reality. Itwas late when she returned home, where she was beaten for hertardiness, --but she did not feel the blows. 

The good burgess, on his part, lost his appetite, closed his shop, andwandered about, thinking only of the maiden of St. Germain, seeing herimage everywhere. On the morrow, he took his way towards the abbey, ingreat apprehension, but still determined to speak to my lord abbot. Butas he bethought him that it would be most prudent to put himself underthe protection of some powerful courtier, he retraced his steps, andsought out the royal chamberlain, whose favor he had gained by variouscourtesies, and especially by the gift of a rare chain to the lady whomhe loved. The chamberlain readily promised his assistance, had his horsesaddled and a hackney made ready for the goldsmith, with whom he camepresently to the abbey, and demanded to see the abbot, who was thenMonseigneur Hugo de Senecterre, and was ninety-three years old. Beingcome into the hall, with the goldsmith, who was trembling in expectationof his doom, the chamberlain prayed the Abbot Hugo to grant him a favorin advance, which could be easily done, and would do him pleasure. Whereat, the wily abbot shook his head, and replied that it wasexpressly forbidden by the canons to plight one's faith in this manner. 

"The matter is this, then, my dear father, " said the chamberlain. "Thegoldsmith of the court, here, has conceived a great love for a girlbelonging to the abbey, and I charge you, as you would have me grant thefavors you may seek hereafter, to liberate this girl. "

"Who is she?" asked the abbot of the burgess. 

"She is named Tiennette, " replied the goldsmith, timidly. 

"Oh! ho!" said the good old Hugo, smiling. "Then the bait has brought usa good fish. This in a grave case, and I cannot decide it alone. "

"I know, father, what these words are worth, " said the chamberlain, frowning. 

"Beau sire, " replied the abbot, "do you know what the girl is worth?"

The abbot sent for Tiennette, telling his clerk to dress her in her bestclothes, and make her as brave as possible. 

"Your love is in danger, " said the chamberlain to the goldsmith, drawinghim one side. "Abandon this fancy; you will find everywhere, even atcourt, young and pretty women who will willingly accept your hand, andthe king will help you to acquire an estate and title--you have goldenough. "

The goldsmith shook his head. "I have made my choice, and embarked on myadventure, " said he. 

"Then you must purchase the manumission of this girl. I know the monks. With them, money can accomplish everything. "

"My lord, " said the goldsmith to the abbot, turning towards him, "youhave it in charge and trust to represent here on earth the bounty ofProvidence, which is always kind to us, and has infinite treasures ofmercy for our miseries. Now I will enshrine you, for the rest of mydays, each night and morning in my prayers, if you will aid me to obtainthis girl in marriage. And I will fashion you a box to enclose the holyEucharist, so cunningly wrought, and so enriched with gold and preciousstones, and figures of winged angels, that another such shall never bein Christendom, --it shall remain unique, shall rejoice your eyes, and soglorify your altar that the people of the city, foreign lords--all, shall hasten to see it, so wondrous shall it be. "

"My son, " replied the abbot, "you have lost your senses. If you areresolved to have this girl in wedlock, your property and person willescheat to the chapter of the abbey. "

"Yes, my lord, I am devoted to this poor girl, and more touched by hermisery and truly Christian heart, than by her personal perfections. ButI am, " said he, with tears in his eyes, "yet more astonished at yourhardness, and I say it, though I know my fate is in your hands. Yes, mylord, I know the law. Thus, if my goods must fall into your possession, if I become a serf, if I lose my home and my citizenship, I shall yetkeep the skill developed by my culture and my studies, and which lieshere, " he added, touching his forehead, "in a place where God alone, besides myself, is master. And your whole abbey cannot purchase thecreation of my brain. You will have my body and my wife, but nothing cangive you my genius, not even tortures, for I am stronger than iron ishard, and more patient than suffering is great. "

Having said this, the goldsmith, enraged at the calmness of the abbot, who seemed resolved to secure the good man's doubloons to the abbey, dealt such a blow with his fist on an oaken chair, it flew in pieces asif struck by a sledge-hammer. 

"See, my lord, what a serf you will have, and how of an artificer ofdivine things you will make a draught-horse. "

"My son, " replied the abbot, calmly, "you have wrongfully broken mineoaken chair and lightly judged my heart. This girl belongs to the abbey, and not to me. I am the faithful administrator of the rights and usagesof this glorious monastery. Although I may, indeed, liberate this girland her heirs, I owe an account to God and to the abbey. Now, sincethere has been here an altar, serfs and monks, id est, from timeimmemorial, never has there been an instance of a burgess becoming theproperty of the abbey by marriage with a serf. Hence, need there is ofexercising this right, that it may not be lost, effete and obsolete, andfall into desuetude, the which would occasion troubles manifold. Andthis is of greater advantage for the state and for the abbey than yourboxes, however beautiful they may be, seeing that we have a fund whichwill enable us to purchase jewels and bravery, and that no money canestablish customs and laws. I appeal to my lord, the king's chamberlain, who is witness of the pains infinite our sovereign taketh each day to dobattle for the establishment of his ordinances. "

"This is to shut my mouth, " said the chamberlain. 

The goldsmith, who was no great clerk, remained silent and pensive. Hereupon came Tiennette, clad in glorious apparel, wearing a robe ofwhite wool, with her hair tastefully dressed, and, withal, so royallybeautiful, that the goldsmith was petrified with ecstasy, and thechamberlain confessed that he had never seen so perfect a creature. Then, thinking that there was too great danger to the goldsmith in thisspectacle, he carried him off to the city, and begged him to think nomore of the affair, since the abbey would never yield so beautiful aprize. 

In fact, the chapter signified to the poor lover that, if he marriedthis girl, he must resolve to abandon his property and house to theabbey, and to acknowledge himself a serf; and that then, by specialgrace, the abbey would allow him to remain in his house, on condition ofhis furnishing an inventory of his goods, of his paying a tribute everyyear, and coming annually, for a fortnight, to lodge in a burgappertaining to the domain, in order to make act of serfdom. Thegoldsmith, to whom every one spoke of the obstinacy of the monks, sawplainly that the abbey would adhere inflexibly to this sentence, and wasdriven to the verge of despair. At one time he thought of setting fireto the four corners of the monastery, --at another, he proposed toinveigle the abbot into some place where he might torment him till hesigned the manumission papers of Tiennette, --in fine, he projected athousand schemes, which all evaporated into air. But, after manylamentations, he thought he would carry off the girl to some secureplace, whence nothing could draw him, and made his preparations inconsequence, thinking that, once out of the kingdom, his friends or thesovereign could manage the monks and bring them to reason. The good manreckoned without his host, for, on going to the meadow, he missedTiennette, and learned that she was kept in the abbey so rigorously, that, to gain possession of her, he would have to besiege the monastery. Then master Anseau rent the air with complaints and lamentations, and, throughout Paris, the citizens and housewives spoke of nothing but thisadventure, the noise of which was such, that the king, meeting the oldabbot at court, asked him why, in this juncture, he did not yield to thegreat love of his goldsmith, and practise a little Christian charity. 

"Because, my lord, " replied the priest, "all rights are linked together, like the part of a suit of armor, and if one fail, the whole falls topieces. If this girl were taken from us, against our will, and the usagewere not observed, soon your subjects would deprive you of your crown, and great seditions would arise in all parts, to the end of abolishingthe tithes and taxes which press so heavily upon the people. "

The king was silenced. Every one was anxious to learn the end of thisadventure. So great was the curiosity, that several lords wagered thatthe goldsmith would abandon his suit, while the ladies took the oppositeside. The goldsmith having complained with tears to the queen that themonks had deprived him of the sight of his beloved, she thought itdetestable and oppressive. Whereupon, pursuant to her command, thegoldsmith was allowed to go daily to the parlor of the abbey, where hesaw Tiennette; but always in the company of an aged monk, and attired intrue magnificence, like a lady. It was with great difficulty that hepersuaded her to accept the sacrifice he was compelled to make of hisliberty, but she finally consented. 

When the city was made acquainted with the submission of the goldsmith, who, for the love of his lady, abandoned his fortune and his liberty, every one was anxious to see him. The ladies of the court encumberedthemselves with jewels they did not need, to make a pretext for talkingwith him. But if some of them approached Tiennette in beauty, nonepossessed her heart. At last, at the approach of the hour of servitudeand love, Anseau melted all his gold into a royal crown, which he inlaidwith all his pearls and diamonds; then coming secretly to the queen, hegave it into her hands, saying:

"My lady, I know not in whose hands to trust my faith and fortune butyours. To-morrow everything found in my house will become the propertyof those accursed monks, who have no pity on me. Deign, then, to takecare of this. It is a poor return for the pleasure I enjoyed by yourmeans, of seeing her I love, since no treasure is worth one of herglances. I know not what will become of me--but if, one day, my childrenbecome free, I have a faith in your generosity as a woman and a queen. "

"Well said, good man, " replied the queen. "The abbey may one day haveneed of my assistance, and then I will remember this. "

There was an immense crowd in the abbey church at the espousals ofTiennette, to whom the queen presented a wedding dress, and whom theking authorized to wear earrings and jewels. When the handsome couplecame from the abbey to the lodgings of Anseau, who had become a serf, near St. Leu, there were torches at the windows to sec them pass, and inthe street two lines of people, as at a royal progress. The poor husbandhad wrought a silver bracelet, which he wore upon his left arm, in tokenof his belonging to the abbey of St. Germain. Then, notwithstanding hisservitude, they cried, "Noel, Noel!" as to a new king. And the good mansaluted courteously, happy as a lover, and pleased with the homage eachone paid to the grace and modesty of Tiennette. Then the good goldsmithfound green branches, and a crown of bluettes on his doorposts, and theprincipal persons of the quarter were all there, who, to do him honor, saluted him with music, and cried out, "You will always be a noble man, in spite of the abbey!"

Tiennette was delighted with her handsome lodgings, and the crowd ofcustomers who came and went, delighted with her charms. The honey-moonpassed, there came one day, in great pomp, old abbot Hugo, their lordand master, who entered the house, which belonged no more to thegoldsmith, but to the chapter, and, being there, said to the newlymarried pair:

"My children, you are free, and quit of all claims on the part of theabbey. And I must tell you that, from the first, I was greatly movedwith the love which linked you to each other. Thus, the rights of theabbey having been recognized, I determined to complete your joy, afterhaving proved your loyalty. And this manumission shall cost younothing. "

Having said this, he touched them lightly on the cheeks, and theykneeled at his feet and wept for joy. The goldsmith apprised the peoplewho had collected in the street of the bounty and blessing of the goodabbot Hugo. Then, in great honor, Anseau held the bridle of his mare, asfar as the gate of Bussy. On the way, having taken a sack of money withhim, he threw the pieces to the poor and suffering, crying:

"Largesse! largesse to God! God save and guard the abbey! Long live thegood Lord Hugo!"

The abbot, of course, was severely reproached by his chapter, who hadopened their jaws to devour the rich booty. Thus, a year afterwards, thegood man Hugo falling sick, his prior told him that it was a punishmentof Heaven, because he had neglected their sacred interests. 

"If I judge this man aright, " replied the abbot, "he will remember whathe owes us. "

In fact, this day happening to be the anniversary of the marriage, amonk came to announce that the goldsmith begged his benefactor toreceive him. When he appeared in the hall where the abbot was, hedisplayed two marvellous caskets, which, from that time, no workman hassurpassed in any place of the Christian world, and which were called"the vow of perseverance in love. " These two treasures are, as every oneknows, placed on the high altar of the church; and are judged to be ofinestimable workmanship, since the goldsmith had expended all he had onthem. 

Nevertheless, this gift, instead of emptying his treasury, filled it tooverflowing, because it so increased his fame and profits that he wasable to purchase broad lands and letters of nobility, and founded thehouse of Anseau, which has since been in high honor in Touraine. 

MISS HENDERSON'S THANKSGIVING DAY. 

BY HORATIO ALGER, JR. 

THANKSGIVING day dawned clearly and frostily upon the little village ofCastleton Hollow. The stage, which connected daily with the nearestrailroad station--for as yet Castleton Hollow had not arrived at thedignity of one of its own--came fully freighted both inside and out. There were children and children's children, who, in the pursuit offortune, had strayed away from the homes where they first saw the light, but who were now returning to revive around the old familiar hearth theassociations and recollections of their early days. 

Great were the preparations among the housewives of Castleton Hollow. That must indeed be a poor household which, on this occasion, could notboast its turkey and plum pudding, those well-established dishes, not tomention its long rows of pies--apple, mince and pumpkin--wherewith theThanksgiving board is wont to be garnished. 

But it is not of the households generally that I propose to speak. Letthe reader accompany me in imagination to a rather prim-looking brickmansion, situated on the principal street, but at some distance back, being separated from it by a front yard. Between this yard and thefence, ran a prim-looking hedge of very formal cut, being cropped in themost careful manner, lest one twig should by chance have the presumptionto grow higher than its kindred. It was a two story house, containing ineach story one room on either side of the front door, making, of course, four in all. 

If we go in, we shall find the outward primness well supported by theappearance of things within. In the front parlor--we may peep throughthe door, but it would be high treason in the present moistened state ofour boots, to step within its sacred precincts--there are six highbacked chairs standing in state, two at each window. One can easily seefrom the general arrangement of the furniture, that from rompingchildren, unceremonious kittens, and unhallowed intruders generally, this room is most sacredly guarded. 

Without speaking particularly of the other rooms, which, though notfurnished in so stately a manner, bear a family resemblance to "the bestroom, " we will usher the reader into the opposite room, where he willfind the owner and occupant of this prim-looking residence. 

Courteous reader, Miss Hetty Henderson. Miss Hetty Henderson, let memake you acquainted with this lady (or gentleman), who is desirous ofknowing you better. 

Miss Hetty Henderson, with whom the reader has just passed through theceremony of introduction, is a maiden of some thirty-five summers, attired in a sober-looking dress, of irreproachable neatness, but mostformal cut. She is the only occupant of the house, of which likewise sheis proprietor. Her father, who was the village physician, died some tenyears since, leaving to Hetty, or perhaps I should give her full name, Henrietta, his only child, the house in which he lived, and some fourthousand dollars in bank stock, on the income of which she lived verycomfortably. 

Somehow, Miss Hetty had never married, though, such is the mercenarynature of man, the rumor of her inheritance brought to her feet severalsuitors. But Miss Hetty had resolved never to marry--at least, this washer invariable answer to matrimonial offers, and so after a time it cameto be understood that she was fixed for life--an old maid. What reasonsimpelled her to this course were not known, but possibly the reader willbe furnished with a clue before he finishes this narrative. 

Meanwhile, the invariable effect of a single and solitary life combined, attended Hetty. She grow precise, prim and methodical to a painfuldegree. It would have been quite a relish if one could have detected astray thread even upon her well swept carpet, but such was never thecase. 

On this particular day--this Thanksgiving day of which we arespeaking--Miss Hetty had completed her culinary preparations, that is, she had stuffed her turkey, and put it in the oven, and kneaded herpudding, for, though but one would be present at the dinner, and thatherself, her conscience would not have acquitted her, if she had notmade all the preparations to which she had been accustomed on suchoccasions. 

This done, she sat down to her knitting, casting a glance every now andthen at the oven to make sure that all was going on well. It was a quietmorning, and Miss Hetty began to think to the clicking of her knittingneedles. 

"After all, " thought she, "it's rather solitary taking dinner alone, andthat on Thanksgiving day. I remember a long time ago, when my father wasliving, and my brothers and sisters, what a merry time we used to haveround eth table. But they are all dead, and I--I alone am left!"

Miss Hetty sighed, but after a while the recollections of those oldtimes returned. She tried to shake them off, but they had a fascinationabout them after all, and would not go at her bidding. 

"There used to be another there, " thought she, "Nick Anderson. He, too, I fear, is dead. "

Hetty heaved a thoughtful sigh, and a faint color came into her cheeks. She had reason. This Nicholas Anderson had been a medical student, apprenticed to her father, or rather placed with him to be prepared forhis profession. He was, perhaps, a year older than Hetty, and hadregarded her with more than ordinary warmth of affection. He had, infact, proposed to her, and had been conditionally accepted, on a year'sprobation. The trouble was, he was a little disposed to be wild, andbeing naturally of a lively and careless temperament, did not exercisesufficient discrimination in the choice of his associates. Hetty hadloved him as warmly as one of her nature could love. She was not one whowould be drawn away beyond the dictates of reason and judgment by theforce of affection. Still it was not without a feeling of deepsorrow--deeper than her calm manner led him to suspect--that at the endof the year's probation, she informed Anderson that the result of histrial was not favorable to his suit, and that henceforth he must giveup all thoughts of her. 

To his vehement asseverations, promises and protestations, she returnedthe same steady and inflexible answer, and, at the close of theinterview, he left her, quite as full of indignation against her as ofgrief for his rejection. 

That night his clothing was packed up, and lowered from the window, andwhen the next morning dawned it was found that he had left the house, and as was intimated in a slight note pencilled and left on the table inhis room, never to return again. 

While Miss Henderson's mind was far back in the past, she had notobserved the approach of a man, shabbily attired, accompanied by alittle girl, apparently some eight years of age. The man's face bore theimpress of many cares and hardships. The little girl was of delicateappearance, and an occasional shiver showed that her garments were toothin to protect her sufficiently from the inclemency of the weather. 

"This is the place, Henrietta, " said the traveller at length, pausing atthe head of the gravelled walk which led up to the front door of theprim-looking brick house. 

Together they entered, and a moment afterwards, just as Miss Hetty waspreparing to lay the cloth for dinner, a knock sounded through thehouse. 

"Goodness!" said Miss Hetty, fluttered, "who can it be that wants to seeme at this hour?"

Smoothing down her apron, and giving a look at the glass to make surethat her hair was in order, she hastened to the door. 

"Will it be asking too much, madam, to request a seat by your fire formyself and little girl for a few moments? It is very cold. "

Miss Hetty could feel that it was cold. Somehow, too, the appealingexpression of the little girl's face touched her, so she threw the doorwide open, and bade them enter. 

Miss Hetty went on preparing the table for dinner. A most delightfulodor issued from the oven, one door of which was open, lest the turkeyshould overdo. Miss Hetty could not help observing the wistful glancecast by that little girl towards the tempting dish as she placed it onthe table. 

"Poor little creature, " thought she, "I suppose it is a long time sinceshe has had a good dinner. "

Then the thought struck her: "Here I am alone to eat all this. There isplenty enough for half a dozen. How much these poor people would relishit. "

By this time the table was arranged. 

"Sir, " said she, turning to the traveller, "you look as if you werehungry as well as cold. If you and your little daughter would like tosit up, I should be happy to have you. "

"Thank you, madam, " was the grateful reply. "We are hungry, and shall bemuch indebted to your kindness. "

It was rather a novel situation for Miss Hetty, sitting at the head ofthe table, dispensing food to others beside herself. There was somethingrather agreeable about it. 

"Will you have some of the dressing, little girl--I have to call youthat, for I don't know your name, " she added, in an inquiring tone. 

"Her name is Henrietta, but I generally call her Hetty, " said thetraveller. 

"What!" said Miss Hetty, dropping the spoon in surprise. 

"She was named after a very dear friend of mine, " said he, sighing. 

"May I ask, " said Miss Hetty, with excusable curiosity, "what was thename of this friend. I begin to feel quite an interest in your littlegirl, " she added, half apologetically. 

"Her name was Henrietta Henderson, " said the stranger. 

"Why, that is my name, " ejaculated Miss Hetty. 

"And she was named after you, " said the stranger, composedly. 

"Why, who in the world are you?" she asked, her heart beginning to beatunwontedly fast. 

"Then you don't remember me?" said he, rising, and looking steadily atMiss Hetty. "Yet you knew me well in bygone days--none better. At onetime it was thought you would have joined your destiny to mine--"

"Nick Anderson!" said Miss Hetty, rising in confusion. 

"You are right. You rejected me, because you did not feel secure of myprinciples. The next day, in despair at your refusal, I left the house, and, ere forty-eight hours had passed, was on my way to India. I had notformed the design of going to India in particular, but in my then stateof mind I cared not whither I went. One resolution I formed, that Iwould prove by my conduct that your apprehensions were ill-founded. Igot into a profitable business. In time I married--not that I hadforgotten you, but that I was solitary and needed companionship. I hadceased to hope for yours. By-and-by a daughter was born. True to my oldlove, I named her Hetty, and pleased myself with the thought that shebore some resemblance to you. Since then, my wife has died, misfortuneshave come upon me, and I found myself deprived of all my property. Thencame yearnings for my native soil. I have returned, as you see, not as Ideparted, but poor and careworn. "

While Nicholas was speaking, Miss Hetty's mind was filled withconflicting emotions. At length, extending her hand frankly, she said:

"I feel that I was too hasty, Nicholas. I should have tried you longer. But at least I may repair my injustice. I have enough for us all. Youshall come and live with me. "

"I can only accept your generous offer on one condition, " said Nicholas. 

"And what is that?"

"That you will be my wife!"

A vivid blush came over Miss Hetty's countenance. She couldn't think ofsuch a thing, she said. Nevertheless, an hour afterwards the two unitedlovers had fixed upon the marriage day. 

The house does not look so prim as it used to do. The yard is redolentwith many fragrant flowers; the front door is half open, revealing alittle girl playing with a kitten. 

"Hetty, " says a matronly lady, "you have got the ball of yarn all overthe floor. What would your father say if he should see it?"

"Never mind, mother, it was only kitty that did it. "

Marriage has filled up a void in the heart of Miss Hetty. Though not soprim, or perhaps careful, as she used to be, she is a good deal happier. Three hearts are filled with thankfulness at every return of MISSHENDERSON'S THANKSGIVING DAY. 

THE FIREMAN. 

BY MISS M. C. MONTAIGNE. 

IN one of the old-fashioned mansions which stand, or stood, on Broadway, lived Alderman Edgerton. Nothing could have induced Miss May Edgerton toreside six months in the old brick house had it not been inhabited byher grandmother before her, and been built by her great-grandfather. Asit was, she had a real affection for the antiquated place, with itscuriously-carved door-knocker, its oaken staircase, and broad chimneyswith their heavy franklins. She was a sweet, wild, restless littlebutterfly, with beauty enough to make her the heroine of the mostextravagant romance, and good as she was beautiful. 

Little May had never known a sorrow, and in fact existence had but onebugbear for her--that was, the fates in the shape of her parents, haddecreed that she should not marry, nor engage herself positively, untilshe had met a certain young gentleman, upon whom like commands had beenimposed by his equally solicitous parents. The name, it must beconfessed, impressed May favorably--Walter Cunningham; there wassomething manly about it, and she spent more time than she would like toacknowledge, in speculations regarding its owner, for to May, notwithstanding what Will Shakspeare has said to the contrary, there wasa very great deal in a name. By some chance she had never met him. Shehad passed most of her life, for what crimes she could not tell, in asort of prison, ycleped a fashionable boarding-school, and the greaterpart of the vacations had been spent with a rich maiden aunt and an oldbachelor uncle in the city of Brotherly Love. A few days previous to herliberation from this "durance vile, " Walter Cunningham had set out forParis, where he was to remain as long as suited his convenience. 

May had just returned home, and having learned this little piece ofnews, which she very properly deemed not at all complimentary toherself, was in as vexable a mood as her amiability ever allowed. Hercousin Hal suddenly entered the room in a rather boisterous manner, withthe exclamation:

"Hurrah! May, I am going to be a fireman!"

"So I should suspect, " returned May, a little pettishly. 

"Suspect?" said Hal, sobering down in a moment. 

May laughed. 

"Why will you join such a set of rowdies, Hal? I should think it quitebeneath me!"

"Rowdies! Those loafers who hang about the companies, attracted by theexcitement and the noise, do not belong to the department. "

"You know the old adage, Hal, --'People are known by the company theykeep, ' that is, 'birds of a feather flock together. '"

"Why, May, this is too bad! They are the noblest fellows in the world. "

"Noble! I have lived too long in Philadelphia not to know somethingabout firemen. They used to frighten me almost out of my senses. Once wethought they would set fire to the whole city, murder the people anddrink their blood! O, such a savage set you never saw!"

Hal laughed outright. 

"Shoot the men, strangle the women, and swallow the children alive!" heechoed, mockingly. 

"It is no subject for jesting, Mr. Hal Delancey. Philadelphia is not theonly place. Take up the papers any morning, and what will you find underthe Williamsburgh head? Accounts of riots, street-battles, andplunderings, in all of which the firemen have had a conspicuous part, and New York is not much better. "

"Well, May, you do make out the firemen to be a miserable set, mostassuredly. Now, if I had not already committed myself, " continued Hal, jestingly, "almost you would persuade me to denounce this gang ofrowdies, murderers and robbers; but the Rubicon is passed!"

"I do detest a fireman above all men!" ejaculated May, emphatically, asHal left the house to go down town and procure his equipment. Little dideither of them dream what was to be the scene of his first fire. 

May's too sound slumbers were disturbed about twelve o'clock that nightby a confused rush of sounds, cries, shrieks, crackling beams andfalling timbers. She wrapped her dressing-gown around her, and rushed tothe door. Unclasping the bolts, she threw it open, but hastily closed itagain, for smoke and flame rushed in, almost suffocating her. 

"O, God, save me!" she murmured, huskily, flying to the window, only togaze upon a scene which sent dismay to her heart. Clouds of flame andsmoke enveloped everything. For a moment the bursting mass of fire wasstayed by a huge stream of water, and she caught a glimpse of the crowdbelow. 

There were men, boys, engines, ladders, furniture, all heaped togetherin confusion; but the smoke and flame rolled forth with renewed angerafter their momentary check, and all was blank again. She cried forhelp, but her voice was lost in the universal din. The heat becameintense, the flame knocked at her very door to demand admittance; sheheard its fiery tongue flap against the panels, a few moments more andits scorching arms would clasp her in their embrace of death. She kneltone moment, her soul was in that prayer; she rushed again with almosthopeless agony to the window. O, joy! and yet how terrible! That momentwhen the flame relaxed to gain new energy, a fireman had discovered herfrail form in the glare of the light. He did not hesitate an instant;his soul was made of such stern stuff as common minds cannot appreciate. He raised the first ladder within his reach against the wall--amiserable thing, already half-burned, --and springing on it, ascendedamid the flames. 

He had scarcely reached the top of the third story, when he felt it bendbeneath him; he heard the shriek above, the cries below, and turning, sprang to the ground unharmed, as his treacherous support fell cracklingin the blaze. A shout of joy arose at his wonderful escape, and now theypoured a constant, steady stream beneath the window at which May's facewas discovered by all. A moment, and another ladder, much stouter thanthe first, was raised. The undismayed fireman ran up its tremblingrounds, amid the stifling smoke, the eager flames wrapping themselvesaround him as he passed; a moment more, and he had reached the terrifiedMay, caught her hand and lifted her to his side. She gazed a second onhis speaking face--there was a world of meaning in it; she asked noquestion--he uttered not a word, but by his eye and hand guided her downthat fiery, dizzy path, so full of danger and of death. A fresh burst offlame defied the stream of water; it flashed around them while all belowwas as silent as the grave, naught heard but the hissing of the blazeand the crackling of the timbers. May would have fallen, shrinking fromthe embrace of the relentless flame; but the fireman caught her in hisarms and leaped to the ground just as the second ladder fell. O, thenthere were cries of wild delight, and with renewed vigor the dauntlessmen worked against the fire. May's friends came crowding around her; herfather clasped her in his trembling arms, with a whispered "O, May! May!you are safe!--the old house may burn now!" and the mother shied suchtears as only thankful mothers weep. 

But the noble fireman was gone; in vain Hal endeavored to gain someparticulars concerning him, from the members of the company to which hebelonged. They told him that not a single black ball had been costagainst him, although he was a stranger to them all, save the foremanfor he carried his claim to confidence in his honest face. He alwayspays his dues, never shrank from duty, was kind and gentlemanly--whatmore could they desire. The foreman himself was obstinately silentconcerning the history of his friend, muttering his name in such anundertone that Hal could not understand it. On the morrow, all New Yorkwas echoing with his praises. So brave, so rashly brave a thing had notbeen done in years, though every week the noble firemen hazarded theirlives for the safety of the city. 

Hal met May with a pale, a haggard face. He had thought her safe untilhe saw the stranger fireman on the ladder and learned his errand. Heloved his cousin, and had suffered almost the agonies of death. Mayburst into tears. 

"O, Hal, what do I not owe to a fireman!"

Hal then recalled for the first time her words of the previous day. 

"Do you despise the firemen now, May?"

"Despise them? God forbid! How devoted!--how self sacrificing!--howhumane!--how noble to risk one's life for an entire stranger! O, Harry, I wish we could learn his name, that we might at least thank him. Ishall never forget the first moment when he grasped my hand; it was thefirst that I had hoped to live. It seemed to me there was something of adivinity in his eyes as I met their gaze, and I did not fear to descendinto the very flames. But I know now what it was--the noble, self-forgetting, heaven-trusting soul shining through those eyes, whichspoke to mine and bade me fear not, but trust in God. "

Hal was silent for a moment; then he said, slowly and sorrowfully:

"Every fireman could not have acted thus. O, May, will you forgive me? Ifelt that I could not. He impressed me with a kind of awe when after thefirst ladder had fallen he raised a second, as determined as before. Hewould have died rather than have given you up!"

It was a long while before the thought of Walter Cunningham crossed themind of May Edgerton, and then she dwelt upon it but for a moment. Afireman had become an object of intense interest to her. Blue coats, brass buttons and epaulets sank into shameful insignificance beside thenegligent costume of a fireman, and let Hal call, "Here, May, comes aglazed cap and a red shirt!" and she was at the window in an instant. One day Hal returned home with a face glowing with excitement. 

"I have seen him, uncle! May, I have seen the stranger fireman!"

"Where? where?" was the quick response. 

"There was a tremendous fire down town to-day, burning through fromstreet to street. --'s book establishment, which has so longenlightened all the country, now illumined a good part of the city inquite another manner. The paper flew in every direction. All New Yorkwas there, and the stranger among the rest. Every one saw him, thefiremen recognized him, and he worked like a brave fellow. There wasmore than one noble deed done to-day, for many a life was in peril. "Hal's eyes glistened now, for he had saved a life himself. "The poorgirls who stitched the books had to be taken down by ladders from theupper stories; no one can tell how many were rescued by our hero! Theflames leaped from story to story, resistless, swallowing up everything;the giant work of years, the productions of great minds, all fading, asman must himself, into ashes, ashes!"

"But, Hal, our fireman--did you not follow him?"

"Indeed I did!--up through Fulton into Broadway; up, up, up, until hehurried down Waverley Street, I after him, and suddenly disappearedamong the old gray walls of the university. I went in, walked allthrough the halls, made a dozen inquiries, but in vain. I reckon he is awill-o'the-wisp. "

Scarce a week, had flown by before another terrific fire excited all thecity. People began to think that every important building on the islandwas destined to the flames. The hall where Jenny Lind had sung, wherelittle Jullien with his magic bow had won laurels, and the largerJullien enchanted the multitude; the hall which had echoed to the voiceof Daniel Webster, which was redolent with memories of greatness, goodness and delight, was wrapped in the devouring element. Hal Delanceywas quickly on the ground, but the strange fireman already had the pipeof his company. He walked amid the flames with a fearless, yet far fromdefiant air, reminding Hal only of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in thefiery furnace. He was everywhere, where work was to be done, glidingover sinking beams, the example for all, giving prompt orders, aspromptly obeyed, every fireman rallying around him with hearty goodwill, all jealousy cast aside, their watchword "Duty. "

Towards morning, when the danger to other buildings was past, Harryclosely watched the stranger, who seemed to mark him too, and with twomembers of his company determined to follow him and find out who he was, not only that his cousin and her father might have the poor felicity ofthanking him, but because he was himself entranced by the manner of theman, and like May, saw something mysteriously beautiful shining throughhis eyes. The three--a young lawyer, a Wall Street merchant, andHal--now tracked the fireman's steps with a "zeal worthy of a bettercause. " Hal did not think he was showing any very good manners in thuspursuing a person who quite evidently did not wish to be known; still hehad once accosted the stranger in a gentlemanly manner, and received nosatisfactory reply, so now he had decided, cost what it might, to makewhat discoveries he was able to, with or without leave. 

This time it was down, down Broadway, through Fulton to Peck Slip. Thestranger's light, almost boyish form moved swiftly, but evenly onward, while behind him fell the measured tread of Hal and his companions. Arrived at the pier, instead of crossing over by the ferry, the strangerunloosed a small boat, and springing into it, seized the oars, turningback a half scornful, half merry glance at his pursuers. Hal was not tobe outwitted thus. He quickly procured a boat, and the three soonovertook the stranger. They rowed silently along, not a word spoken fromeither boat, the oars falling musically upon the waves, darkness stillbrooding over the waters. The stranger made no attempt to land, but heldon his course up the East River until they approached Hurl Gate. 

"I do believe we are following the devil!" exclaimed the lawyer, suddenly, recalling some of his questionable deeds, as he heard the roarof the whirlpools, and saw the foam glistening in the dim light. 

"He never came in such a shape as that!" laughed Hal, whose admirationof the stranger momentarily increased as he watched his skilfulpilotage. 

"Indeed, Delancey, I am not at all ready to make an intimateacquaintance with the 'Pot, ' or 'Frying Pan, '" again exclaimed thelawyer fireman. 

Still, Hal insisted upon following, in hopes the stranger would tackabout. 

"You have no fears?" said Hal, to his brother fireman, the merchant. 

"Why no, " he returned, calculatingly; "that is, if the risk is not toogreat. "

Now the waters became wilder, lashing against the rocks, leaping andfoaming; it was a dangerous thing to venture much farther, they mustturn back now or not at all; a few strokes more and they must keep onsteadily through the gate--one false movement would be theirdestruction. The stranger's bark gradually distanced them--they saw itenter among the whirling eddies--he missed the sound of their measuredstrokes, glanced back, lost the balance of his oars, his boat upset, andHal saw neither no more. There, on that moonless, starless night, whenthe darkness was blackest, just before the dawn, the brave fireman hadgone down in that whistling, groaning, shrieking, moaning, Tartareanwhirlpool! Mute horror stood on every face. Hal's grasp slackened; thelawyer quickly seized the oars, and turned the boat's prow towards thecity. 

"Do you not think we could save him?" gasped Hal, his face like the faceof the dead. 

"Save him!" ejaculated the lawyer; "that's worse than mad! Malafertalone can raise his bones along with 'Pot Rock. '"

Hal groaned aloud. Perhaps the stranger had no intention of going up theriver, until driven by them. It was a miserable thought, and hung with aleaden weight upon Hal's spirit. He remained at home all the next day, worn out and dejected. May rallied him. 

"How I pity you, poor firemen! You get up at all times of the night, work like soldiers on a campaign, and sometimes do not even get a 'thankyou' for your pay. You know I told you never to be a fireman!"

"I wish I had followed your advice, " answered Hal, with something verylike a groan. 

May started. She noticed how very pale he was, and bade him lie down onthe sofa. She brought a cushion, and sat down by his side. 

"Now, Hal, you must tell me what troubles you. Has any one beenslandering the firemen? I will not permit that now, since I have so kinda cousin in their ranks, " said May, with a wicked little smile. 

In vain she racked her brain for something to amuse him; Hal would notbe amused. She bade him come to the window and watch the fountain inUnion Park, but he strolled back immediately to the luxurious sofa, andburied his face in his hands. At last he could endure his horrid secretno longer; it scorched his brain and withered his very heart. 

"May, you have not asked me if I saw the mysterious fireman last night?"

May could not trust her voice to reply. 

"He was at the fire. "

"Was he?"

"I tell you he was, " returned Hal, pettishly. "When I say he was, I donot mean that he was not. I followed him after the fire. "

"Did you?"

"Good heavens, you will drive me mad!" Hal sprang to his feet. "Ifollowed him I say--ay, to the death!"

Then ensued a rapid recital of all that had passed, Hal was excitedbeyond endurance, every nerve was stretched to its utmost, and thepurple veins stood out boldly on his white forehead. He did not wait forMay to say a word, but abruptly ended his narrative with:

"Was not this a pretty way to reward him for saving the life of mycousin--my sister. O, God, must the roar of that terrible whirlpool ringin my ears forever?" He gazed a moment on May's countenance ofspeechless sorrow, and rushed from the room. 

For a long time Hal and May scarcely spoke to each other. He felt asthough he had wronged her, and was always restless in her society. Hewould not bear to receive the thousand cousinly attentions which May hadalways lavished on him, and which she now performed mechanically; hehated to see the suppers by the corner of the grate, and after a fewevenings would not notice them; but above all he could not endure thatvery, very sad expression in May's eyes--for worlds he would have wishednot to be able to translate it. The time for his wedding was fastdrawing nigh, and he knew he should be miserable if May did not smileupon his bridal. 

Weeks passed, and Delancey did not go to a fire; he paid his fines andremained at home. But he could not sleep while the bells wereringing--somehow they reminded him of that still night at Hurl Gate. Bydegrees the coldness wore off between May and himself, and she consentedto be Emily's, his Emily's bridesmaid. 

One night, however, the bell had a solemn summons in it, which Hal couldnot resist. It tolled as though for a funeral, and spoke to his veryheart. He threw on his fire-clothes and hastened down town. Delanceysoon reached the scene of destruction. The flames were carousing in alltheir mad mirth, as though they were to be the cause of no sorrow, nopain, no death. Hal's courage was soon excited; he leaped upon theburning rafters, rescuing goods from destruction, telling where a streamwas needed; but suddenly he became paralyzed--he heard a voice which hadoften rung in his ear amid like scenes, a greater genius than his ownwas at work. He learned that he was innocent, even indirectly, of thestranger's death. Joy thrilled through every vein, he could have facedany peril, however great. Regardless of the angry blaze, he made his waythrough fire and smoke to the stranger's side. The fireman paused in hislabor a moment, grasped Hal's hand, and with a smile, in which mingled adash of triumph, said:

"You see I am safe. "

"Do you forgive my rudeness?" asked Hal. 

"Entirely!" was the ready response, and they went to work again. 

In a few minutes Hal was separated from his friend--for he felt that hewas his friend, and could have worked at his side until his laststrength was expended. Retiring from the burning building to gather newvigor for the conflict, a sight glared before his eyes as he gazedbackward for a moment, which froze his blood and made him groan withhorror. The rear wall of the building, at a moment when no one expectedit, with a crash, an eloquent yell of terror, fell, How many brave menwere buried beneath the ruins, none could say. Hal saw the strangerfalling with the timbers and the mass of brick he strained his gaze tomark where he should rest, but lost sight of him beneath the piled-upbeams and stones. 

"A brave heart has perished!" cried Hal, thinking of but one of the manywho had fallen sacrifices to their noble heroism. All night long thesaddened, horrified firemen worked in subduing the flames andextricating the bruised bodies of the victims. Some still breathed, others were but slightly injured, but many more were drawn forth whoselips were still in death, their brave arms nerveless, and their heartspulseless forever. O, it was a night of agony, of terror and dismay! Thefireman's risk of life is not poetry, nor a romance of zeal, or picturewrought by the imagination. It is an earnest, solemn, terrible thing, asthey could witness who stood around those blackened corses on thatmidnight of woe. 

Hal searched with undiminished care for the noble stranger, until hisworn energies required repose. In vain did he gaze upon the recoveredbodies to find that of the fireman it was not there, Towards morningthey found his cap; they knew it by the strange device--the anchor andthe cross emblazoned on its front, above the number of his company. 

"A fitting death for him to die!" said clergymen, as they recalled hisbravery, the majesty of his mien, the benevolence of every action. 

The news of the disaster spread through the city with the speed oflightning. Friends hastened to the spot, and O, what joy for some tofind the loved one safe!--what worse than agony for others to gaze uponthe features of their search all locked in ghastly death! Withconflicting emotions, Delancey told May Edgerton of his last meetingwith the strange fireman. A gush of thankfulness shot through her heartthat he had not perished that dark night in Hurl Gate, that he had metan honorable doom. Hal preserved his cap as an incentive to goodness andgreatness, and longed to be worthy to place on his own the mysteriousdevice of the stranger. 

The funeral obsequies of the deceased firemen were celebrated by all thepomp esteem could propose, or grief bestow. Mary Edgerton stood by thewindow as the long ranks of firemen filed round the park, all wearingthe badge of mourning, the trumpets wreathed in crape, the bannerslowered, the muffled drums beating the sad march to the grave. All theflags of the city were at half-mast, the fire bells tolled mournfully, and when, wearied with their sorrowful duty, their cadences for a whiledied away in gloomy silence, the bells of Trinity took up the wail inchiming the requiem to the dead. Everywhere reigned breathless silence, broken only by these sounds of woe. 

As May gazed on the slow procession, her eye was attracted by the emblemon a fireman's cap--it was the same--an anchor and a cross! That form, it could be no other, the face was turned towards her, it was thestranger fireman! His very step bespoke the man, as with folded arms andsolemn tread he followed in the funeral cortege. 

That evening Hal Delancey returned home, his countenance beaming withjoy, in strange contrast with the gloom of the day. "May, he is safeagain!" was his first exclamation, "He is a perfect Neptune, Vulcan, master of fire and flood. Neither the surging eddies of Hurl Gate, norghastly flames and crashing beams have been able to overcome him. How heescaped he scarcely knows, and yet he does not bear a scar. So skilful, so agile, so brave, so dominant over all dangers, we easily might fancyhim one of the old heathen deities!"

The next day there was to be some public literary exercise at theuniversity, to which the alderman's family had been invited. Mayremembered Hal's once saying that he saw the fireman disappear somewherearound that venerable building, so an early hour found her seated at herfather's side in the solemn-looking chapel, watching the arrival of thespectators, but more particularly the entrance of the students. Theexercises commenced, still May had discovered no face resembling thefireman of her dreams. Several essays were pronounced with ease andgrace, and the alderman took a fitting occasion to make a complimentaryremark to one of the officers of the institution who was seated nearhim. "Exactly, exactly, " echoed the professor, "but wait until youngSherwood speaks!"

Marion Sherwood was called, and there arose from among the heavy foldsof the curtain that had almost entirely concealed him, a student whoadvanced with the dignity of a Jupiter and the grace of an Apollo. Dutywas his theme. The words flowed in a resistless torrent from his lips. Every thought breathed beauty and sublimity, every gesture was the"poetry of motion. " More than once did the entranced May Edgerton catchthe dark eyes of the orator fixed with an almost scrutinizing gaze uponher face. The walls rang with applause as he resumed his seat; bouquetswere showered at his feet by beauty's hand, the excited students calledout "Sherwood, Sherwood!" he had surpassed himself. May scarcely heard aword that followed. She was delighted to find that she had not deceivedherself, that in intellectual strength he equalled the promise of hisdaring. 

At the close of the exercises Marion Sherwood would have hastened away, but the chancellor detained him. "Alderman Edgerton desires anintroduction to you, sir, " deliberately remarked the chancellor. Marionbowed. The alderman, after the first greeting, caught his hand. "Icannot be deceived, sir; you are the gallant youth who so nobly rescuedmy daughter from a terrible death. " Again Marion bowed, hesitatingly, striving to withdraw his hand from the alderman's grasp. "Will you notpermit me at least to thank you?" said Mr. Edgerton, in a wounded tone. Young Sherwood had not the slightest intention of offending him, andwished to hasten away only to escape observation. Now, however, with hisusual generosity, he forgot his own inclinations, and permitted himselfto be overwhelmed with expressions of heartfelt gratitude. He suddenlychecked the alderman's torrent of eloquence by requesting anintroduction to his daughter, who stood in the shadow of a pillarawaiting her father. May Edgerton's one little sentence of earnestthanks, speaking through every feature, was more grateful to the youngstudent than all her father's words. One mutual glance made them friendsin more than name. Now many an evening found Marion Sherwood whilingaway a student's idle hours in the luxuriant drawing-room of Mr. Edgerton. May and he together read their favorite poets and the oldclassic writers, his daring mind stored with philosophy, guiding herwild imagination, her gentle goodness beguiling his holder thoughts intothe paths of virtue. O, it was blissful thus to mingle their day-dreams, encircling themselves in rainbows of hope and stars lit by each other'seyes, all breathing upon them beauty and blessings. May had alreadywreathed the unknown fireman in all the attributes of virtue and ofmanliness; happy was she to find them realized in Marion. And he, whensitting in the shadows of the old marble pile, gazing up at thebrilliant sky, had pictured a being beautiful and good, whose soul couldcomprehend the yearnings of his own, and this he found in May. Thustheir two souls grew together, until their thoughts, their hopes, theirvery lives seemed one. 

When Marion Sherwood requested of Mr. Edgerton the hand of his daughter, and learned that she was not free, at least until she had met a certaingentleman who was every day expected, his soul recoiled with a suddensting; he had so leaned upon this staff of happiness, and now it bentlike a fragile reed. May laughed in scorn that she should prefer any oneto Marion, but he learned that the stranger was talented, handsome, wealthy, everything that a lady would desire in her favored suitor. Ifhe did not release her, she was not free, and could he be adamant to thecaptivating charms of guileless, spiritual, beautiful May!

Scarcely had a day passed after Marion--whom May and her father knewonly as one of Nature's noblemen--had learned this wretched news whichsank into his heart like a poisoned dagger, when the vessel arrivedwhich bore Walter Cunningham, his mother and step-father from France. Afew miserable days passed--miserable they were to May and Marion, andthe evening was appointed when Cunningham and his parents should call atthe alderman's and May's fate, in part, at least, be decided. Marionalso was to be there. He arrived early, unknowing even the name of hisrival. He concealed himself among the flowers in the conservatory, pacing up and down the fragrant, embowered walks with hasty step andanxious heart. How fondly memory roved back over the jewelled past, glistening with departed joys; how fearfully imagination strove topenetrate the gloomy future; how tremblingly did he await the burstingstorm of the blackened present. 

The guests had arrived, and Marion was summoned to the drawing-room. With jealous care he had dressed himself in a fireman's costume made ofrich materials, which wonderfully became him, that it might remind Maywhat he had dared for her, and what had rendered them so dear unto eachother. He stood with folded arms, his eyes fixed upon May Edgerton, scarcely daring to glance at the stranger. Suddenly he lifted his evesto the pale face of his rival, which was bowed towards the floor. 

"Walter!" he cried. 

"Marion!" was the startled response. 

"Choose, May! choose between us!" exclaimed Marion, with glistening eyesand extended hand. 

"With your leave, Mr. Cunningham, " she said joyfully, speaking toWalter, but placing her hand in that of Sherwood. 

"Man proposes, God disposes. " A weight was lifted from Cunningham'sheart. While abroad, negligent of his promise to his parents, he hadwoed and won a lovely girl to whom he had been privately married a fewweeks before setting sail for home, with the promise of a speedy return. So desirous did he find his parents that May Edgerton should be hiswife, that he did not dare confess his recreancy, but relied upon thehope that May's affections were already engaged, and thus she would savehim in part from the anger of his parents. Why did not Mr. And Mrs. Sherwood frown and scold at May's poor taste! Why! Because they lovedtheir son Marion quite as well his half-brother, Walter Cunningham, andwere easily reconciled to the change of suitors, especially when theylearned Walter had already secured a most estimable wife. 

Marion had heard that his brother was engaged conditionally to some"proud, beauty heiress" of New York, and was not at all displeased tohave him renounce all claim to his promised bride, when he found to hisastonishment that it was his own May Edgerton, whom Cunningham confessedit would have been no difficult thing to love. 

"Only to think of May Edgerton marrying a fireman!" exclaimed HalDelancey, in great glee, as the wedding, which passed off as allweddings should, without a cloud upon heart, face, or sky. 

May blushed and whispered to Marion that if ever there was a benevolent, noble, trustworthy man upon the earth, it was a true-hearted fireman. 

If my recital has enlarged one contracted soul, has persuaded one mindto throw aside false prejudices, has taught one child of luxury to lookwith sympathetic admiration on those who devote themselves so nobly tothe public good, has encouraged one bold heart to labor with moreexalted zeal in the cause of humanity, this "ower true tale" has notbeen written in vain. 

THE END