/ THE RIVAL LIEUTENANTS:

on,

THE TWIN CRUISERS.

“-

'A TALE OF THE SECOND WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN.

BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAIIAM.
AUTHOR OF THE FOLLOWING POCKET NOVELS:
46 ADRIAN, um PILOT. 114 THE MASKED AVENGER.

 

NEW YORK :

FBEADLE AND ADAMS, PUBLISHERS,
‘ I 98 WILLIAM STREET. '

 

Entered according to Act of Congress. in the year 1874, u:
BEADLE AND AD AMS.

 

Ln the ofiice of the Librarian of Congteu. u V's-lumen.

 

 

 



 

THE

RIVAL LIEUTENANTS.

'0 H A P '1‘ ER I .
run some osnonn’s ADVENTURE.

Tm: brazen notes of the town clock had just tolled the
hour of twelve, one dark, blusteriug, and unusually severe
night of December, 18—, and thrOugh the ice-covered streets
few wuyfarers were to be seen, bold enough to face the cruel
wintry blasts, that rushed relentlessly along the deserted
thoroughfares of New York city, and moaned piteously about
the caves of the hill houses. ‘

The rumble of wheels had died sway, the hum of busy
life had ceased, and the wstchmen of the city, though‘envel-
oped in warm wraps, had sought shelter from the storm

 

around some friendly corner that protected him from the cut- “

ting wind.

And yet there was one human being daring enough to face
the fury of the icy breath of the gale, as, mu-flied in a heavy
Spanish cloak, he strode with firm, quick step along the lonely
streets, his figure casting many a dancing, fantastic shape,
like a giant demon, as be hurried by the flickering lamps upon
the corners.

Turning from Ann street into Park Row, he soon came to
a doorway brilliantly lighted, and ascending a. carpeted stair-
way to the second floor he stopped upon the landing, where-
on, in front of a small stove, sat a man dressed in a suit of
black, thatlooked as if it lmd ()llCe done service for" one of

the priestth or “ brethren of the‘ clutb," for it had that

unmistakable out which usually characterizes the “ ministerial "

garb.
The wearer, a man of forty, possessed s calm, sinister has,

THE RIVAL LIEUTENANTS.

pale and hardened, and his keen, small eyes turned inquir-

ingly upon the stranger who had halted before him.

" What would you, sir i” he asked, quietly, while he still "

gazed intently upon the person he questioned.

The stranger’s face flushed slightly, but he firmly replied:

“ This is a gambling-11011, I believe.”

“ A hard name, sir, to call a place where. gentlemen 91
means can 'add to their capital; but, as I observeyou are a
new-comer, we will not quarrel. Would you play, sir i”

“Yes; for that purpose I came here.”

“zVery well, I will permit you to pass, though it is our cue.
tom‘always to know our man, ere he can enter; yet you look
like a gentleman and not a spy, so I will allow you to enter.”

“ Thank you ;” and so saying the stranger was walking .ofl'
toward a door near by, when the man called to him :

“ One minute, sir: the entrance fee is five dollars, and I

must request you to leave any arms you may have about you, ‘

for it is against our rules to allow an armed man to enter the
saloon." ‘

“ So be it; ,I am no assassin,” returned the stranger, and
throwing aside the folds of his Spanish cloak the act dis:
played“ that he wore the uniform of a naval oflicer of a lien.
tenant’s rank—a circumstance the doorkeeper had failed to
observe before, as, upon entering the stairway, the young man
had taken his gilt-edged Cap from his head, and held it be-
neath his cloaked arm.

“ Here are my sword and pistols, and here is your fee,” re-
marked the stranget‘, and the next moment he stood within

the gambling-salwn, which was furnished with extravagant,

magnificence, and a blaze of light from the innumerable
lamps and chandeliers, made the room as brilliant as noon-
day.

Few persons were in the room, owing to thewstormy cltnr-‘

acter of the night, but those few were engaged at play, staking

 gold according to their possessions, against the fickle god of
fortune. ‘ "

, Hesitating momentarily, as he entered the gilded saloon,

the brightlight fell full upon the stranger, displaying a form

I

pix feet invhight, a perfiect physical development and a car- ,

,riage of wonder-tulgrace, while the face, that or a’yo'ung man

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A NOVICE IN run “11‘. 41-1
‘of' perhaps twenty-four years of age, was one that few persons,
once glancing into, would not turn for a second and third,
look, so striking was it in manliuess, beauty and expression.

It was a. sun-browned face, shaded by waving, dark hair,
rendered more manly by a brown mustache, and with features
perfect in their regularity, while the eyes were black, large,
full of expression and slumbering tire.

Clad in the handsome uniform of a naval oflicer. his ap-
pearance, even amid that indifi'erent assemblage, created re-
mark. and many eyes were turned upon him,as, with a slight-
ly hesitating step, he advanced tOWurd the roulette table,
around which were gathered half a dozen wealthy citizens,
risking the fortunes they had earned through a life of indus-
try in endeavoring to double them by chance. .

Behind the table sat a man of middle age, and upon his
face the crimes and vices of his life seemed engraven with an
iron pen, so deeply were they cut into the bold, had
features.

Still he was well dressed, though with a manner thoroughly
flash, and his voice was not unpleasant as he asked the young

")fllcer, for his quick eye had discovered him as he entered

the saloon:
“Do you play, sir ?" .
“ I came for that purpose; but I must confess my ignor-
ance of the game," remarked the young officer, whose face

' colored, as though it were a crime to be ignorant of the rules
"of gambling. \

“ A novice, eh? Well, you‘ll soon learn, and a lesson
once learned here is-seldom forgotten; but, though gambling

May cause much misery in the world, eVen so does it bring

much happiness—~” ,

' “i asked not that you should moralize, sir, but instruct me
in the game." haughtin interrupted the stranger, and as if
struck with' the tone and manner, which admitted of no tri-
fling, the man said:

“ This little horizontal silver wheel revolves, as you see, sir,
and in each of these cavities are numbers, corresponding with

. numbers of red and black on the table.

' '“ You see I turn the wheel quickl‘ywand spin this marble '
into it, and, when the motion has ceased, whatever cup.

 

 

as , mm mm. mmms.
either red or block, contains the marble, that is the winning
number." '

, “ Thank you;" and so saying the young 'oflicer took from
his breast pocket at large roll of bullkdltfles and placed a one
hundred dollar bill upon the lit-tie square with a black number,
upon the table.

" All set i" cried the keeper, and at. the same time he spun ,_

the ivory ball, or marble-Auto the revolving wheel, and all eyes’
anxiously watched the little fickle messenger of luck, or ill-

luck, as it capered around, and finally stopped in the cup”
containing the corresponding number with that upon which

the stranger had placed his stake.

“‘ Fifteen red l" song out the keeper in professionel‘tonee,
end then he rejoined, pleasantly:

“ Fortune favors you, sir.” _

The young man made no reply, and ngain covered a square
with five times the amount of his first stake, and around
went the ivory ball.

“Double 0 red 1” drawied out the keeper, and with a
email rake 0! gold he held in his hand,-he shoved over
toward the young men thirty-two times the amount he had
risked, and with a calm,but not exultant incerthe vomcer look '
up the money. - ~

“I place the amount won upon the same square, sir,”
said the ofiicer, and the eyes of the keeper twinkled, for it
Was seldom that the double 0 red ever turned up in a game,
and more remarkable if it did so twice in succession.

But by a strange coincidence the bank agnin lost, and the
keeper, with a gloomy face, handed over the ready cash, and
the elmk for the balance of the winnings.

With a countenance become suddenly pole at his good
fortune, but in a calm manner, the oficer turned from the
table, when the voice of the keeper recalled him. ‘ ‘

“ Will you not give the bank at least a small chance of
revenge, sir? You have won nn‘euormous sum.”

" I know it. I needed an enormous sum! Was not my
Winning fair ?" r " '/

“ Perfectly, sir; only the banks always claim'their le-
Ivenge egninet a large winner," said a gentleman who had
been playing and loot. , ,

 

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rumjontaren erme. u
4 “ How mean you, Iir i" V p v '
“ WhyI the winner plays again and given them: chance.”

“Certainly; I would not be niggardly.” andetepping up

Vito the table again. the oflicer placed the whole amount of his

winnings upon the double 0 black. ‘
Again he won, and around him gathered every personage

in the room, drawn thither by the strange. freak of fortune

that had visited him. ‘ V
“Double 0 black calls for double the amount or you

I stake,eir; we have no more cash and must. give you the

\

check of the bank," said the keeper,_in n trembling voice.

V “ Very Well; I now place all I have won, and one them
and dollar. I brought. with me, upon the—the—red." and
with a calm face the stranger watched the circling wheel
and dancing hell, it any thing more unmoved in manner than
any one else.present.

4“ Black wine I” almost shrieked the keeper in his joy, and
he raked quickly toward him the fortune, that a moment be-
fore was in the hands of the stranger.

A: pale as death, and with the veins of his forehead
swelling boldly out, the young otflcer gazed vacantly upon

.hieloet fortune; but then, choking back the sob that arose

in bi: throat, he drew from his pocket a handsome watch
with a. chain of rare workmanship attached, and ,unhssitato
ineg placed it upon It block number.

v “Red wins," cried the keeper, and all eyes turned upon

.the oficer. who, with hard, set features, and bloodless face

wheeled slowly from the table and walked from the brilliant

' saloon.

“ Been unfortunate, sir," said the door-keeper upon the
stairway, as be checked him to place in his hand the sword
and pistols left in his charge.

“ 1 have gambkd away my hfe," was the hoarse reply, and
seizing his weapons, the young officer fled from the hated
halls of gilded crime, and once more faced the bitter cold
and driving sleet. n

Swiftly ,wending his way down Fulton street, hie brow
dark and teeth net, he eppenred unmindful of the piercing
wind. for his cloak flattered wildly behind him ineteed o!
heingdnwn cloueround his form tokeepoutthechill.

 

  

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‘14 unit mun mennsms. ’

In a fewvmomcnts he arrived upon the dark and deserted
banks of East river, and the mad roar of the storm, the dash
of the waters, and gloom of the spot seemed to chime in
wall with his own desolation and despair, for he stood a
long while gazing into the darkness, and apparently in deep
and painful thought.

“Yes,” he murmured, through his set teeth. “ Yes, cer- I
tainly am I doomed, for what on earth is there for me to live
for now ? '

“ An outcast from the circle of my fellow men, branded
with a stain of guilt. I brought not upon myself, I have
naught to live for now. and—yes, these dark waters shall
close forever over— Hal what sound is that f" suddenly
broke oil’ the intending suicide, as the noise of cursing and
blows was borne to his ears, mingled with the bowl ofthe
storm. -

Quickly banishing his own gloomy meditations, the young
omcer strode swiftly toward the noise of combat, and at the
corner of the street that faced the rivsr, came suddenly upon
a most animated scene, and one in which he at once became ‘
a participator. ' ,

Against the brick wall of the houses stood a man, bravely:
defending himself with a short. sword, against four burly
ruflians, who were pressing him hard, each with a formidable

, cutlass; but with a remarkable display of skill and courage,
he that had been wayluid was beating back his foes, and
'eventually might have defeated them had not one of them
became infuriated at his resistance, and drawn a large pistol
from his belt, which he was in the not of firing when the ,
young omcer arrived unexpectedly upon the spot

A glance showed him a solitary mun, in the garb of a gen-g
tleman, defending himself against. four ruflluns; he drew his

award, and by one fierce blow severed the hand that held' the -

pistol. just at the wrist. ,

With a lrowl of anguish. tho rufllan fell back, and spring-
ing forward, the stranger again used his keen blade with ter-. "
:ihle'efl‘ect, and another of the attacking party fell, run through
the heart, while the remainingtwo fled hastily away.
iw “ Younre an expert, sir, in swordsmanship, and I owe you
my life,” frankly/tame the person who had been attacked,

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. stepping forward and grasping the handle! the young oflicer,

who answered, sadly : V

“ Yes. I saved one life, and have perhaps taken two; but,
do not mention the service, I beg you."

“ And not now will I, for already I'hear the alarmed guard
approaching, and it will not serve my purpose to be- mixed
up in a broil just at this time, for special reasons. Come l"

' “And whither 1’" ' - , .

“ I see you are a seamen; I also am a sailor, and was on
my way to my vessel when those devils attacked me; come,
and be my guest for the night."

As if bewildered—for now that the excitement of the
combat was over, the bitter thoughts of the young oflicer re-
turned with full forcchhe permitted the man he had rescued
to lead him away rapidly from the spot, leaving the wounded
{nan lying on the ground, groaning in agony, and the one he
had slain, forever tree from sufl'ering, a ghastly companion for
the wretch at his side.

Hastin slipping his arm beneath the folds of the oficer’s
cloak, the man led the way rapidly up the river street for a
short distance, and then approached a small pier jutting out
from the bunk.

“ Muriel, are you here ?" he asked, in a low, stern tone,
and in ansWer, a six-cared cutter approached the pier, having
I'been resting on its oars a short distance from the shore, as if
awaiting some one’s coming. - ~

“ Enter, if you please. There; now, Muriel, shove of,
and lads, give way with a will," said the scaman, addressing
the young otficer; and the two.having sprung into the stern-
sheets, the boat was shoved otf, the oars were let fall, and
with steady and strong strokes, the crew bent to their work,
and sent the cutter rapidly over the wind-lashed river, the
ooxswnin heading up stream. l .'

Silently the young ofllcer sat in the stern, beside the man
whose life he had saved, seemingly brooding so deeply over

v his own misfortunes as to be wholly indifl'erent whither he{

was going, or wlio’wns his companion. -
“ Boat,-ahoy I” suddenly hailed a hoatsc voice through the ~

darkness, and glancing up, the young oficer‘ discoVered, just

ahead, the dark outline of a vessel lying“ anchor in thertvor.

 
 

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" El C't'nio do Accra I” ansWered the cutter’s coxswain, in
Spanish, and, interest taking the place of gioomy meditation
in the young oflicer's mind, he said to his companion :

“ The Steel Belt is, then, the name of your vessel? There,
is a schooner of that name in the Mexican service.”

“ Yes, the Mexican cruiser, Steel Belt, and the one we are
now about to board, are one and the same. Come. myhrave
friend, you are Welcome on board El Ohio do Accra 1”},

CHAPTER II.
'rnn mom. or run Ram.

“ Farm in heaven, have mercy upon them i”
“ Yes, Claudine, He alone can save them now l”
The speakers were father and daughter; the one a nun or

, noble presence. past the meridian of life, the other a fair

young girl of eighteen. with a face redolent of womanly
beauty, refinement and intellect. and a form of perfect sym.

metry and grace.

v It was toward the close of an autumn day, a year or more
previous to the incidents relate_d in the first chapter of this

' story, and upon a high promontory of the coast of Maine, that

the two, Lord Raphael Vivian and his lovely daughter, Clan-
dine, were standing and gazing with deep interest out over
the sea, which was lashed and swept by the fury of the wind,

v that for twenty-four hours had been blowing a severe gale

from the eastward. ,
The high point of observation upon which stood thelather
and danghter, was a bold spur, or precipice, jutting out into

the ocean, and forming the left bank of one of those rtma‘nr

tic but dangerous rock-bound inlets, or bays, so frequent on,
the. coast of Maine.

The ‘clifl’ was over a hundred feet in hight, hold and fig.
ged, an iron sentinel guarding the quiet waters of the land-
}ocked bay, which washed its base. . .

Upon the point stood a summer-home or  built or

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as run our“. If
took, and in imitation of some nutrient castle of the Rhine,
while from its shelter :1 wide expanse of ocean met the eye;
with foaming reefs, rocky islands. and an iron-bound. coast,
stretching away for miles on either hand.

At the foot oi the precipice was a belt of sand, upon which
the waves dashed with a heavy roar, and around the pro»! 01'
the high rock the sandy shore wound into the little bay, whose-

*waters fell with mimic sound upon the white beach.

In the rear of the look-out the land rotted away- for aquar-
ter of a mile towud a heavy forest, in the edge of which
loomed up the gray walls of a handsome villa, surrounded on
every 'side with ornamental grounds, and presenting the un-
mistakable signs of a home of wealth and refinement.

Built upon the tnodel of a bumnisl homestead in England,
the villa was large, rambling and furnished with every luxury,
for its noble master, Lord Vivian, had drawn around him,

' even amid the rugged forests of America, every comfort that

had been his indulgence inOld England, ere he left its island
shores to seek retirement. upon the Western world.

Years and you before, Lord Raphael Vivian had left his
English home; and coming to America, had settled down on
the com of Maine, having been struck with the wild beauty
and grandeur of its scenery. , -

Accompanied by an invalid wife, e little daughterof three-
years, and a dozen English servants, the nobleman had pur-
chased the homestead of an old farmer, and at once devoted
himSelf to its improvement. until in- time it become a most
lordly estate, and the admiration of the humble denizens, half-
farmer, halt-fisherman, that dwelt for miles around.

OK a generous nature, Lord Raphael soon became most
popular with all chaos of people around him, end his been-
tifnl daughter, Claudine, was beloved for her numerous acts
of. charity and her loveliness, which. Won the hearts of the
honest counlry people, who troubled themselves but little with

> _ discussing. the family alfalrsup. at Sea View Castle, as the

estate was called, so long as the presence in their midst of the ,
English nobleman seemed to benefit their condition. -

True, there were whispers regarding the fact, that since her
arrisal latheir new’ltome, the Lady Vivian had never been
seen, for only. the father-soda daughter ever Jule, drove out,

 

18; tum mar. mums.

or visited together; still, it was said the wife and mother was
an invalid, and this accounted for the strange circumstance of
her never appearing outside the portal of her room.

A broad gravel walk led from the castle to the look-out on
the cliff, upon which stood the father and daughter when -in~
troduced to the reader, and to that point the mad roar of the
waves, breaking upon the rocky coast,carried the two on that
stormy autumn afternoon.

Wrapped securely in heavy shawls, neither Lord Raphael
nor Claudine heeded the storm, and were standing awe-struck
at its terrible beauty. gazing Seuwurtl, when the quick eye of
the maiden had caught sight of a small boat some miles from
the land, struggling hard to beat away from the dangerous
coast and gain an ofling outside.

Bounding in the chaos of waters, bending low beneath the
gale, and with just sail enough set to steady her, the {rail craft
was breasting the waves, and striving hard to beat to wind-
ward and seaward, for the tempest blew from the ocean.

But. in vain the efl‘orts of the gallant crew—in vain the
struggles of the little craft, for each wave but hurled them
nearer the dreaded shore, and the wild wind pursued them to
irresistible rnin.

“ Father, they must be saved i” suddenly exclaimed Clan-
dinc, after she had uttered the prayer to Heaven for mercy
upon them, and her eyes dilated as she drew her form
proudly up.

“It is impossible, my daughter, the crew of yonder boat
is doomed," sadly replied the nobleman. ’

“They shall not he lost without an effort to save them. \

Come, father i” cried the maiden, and without waiting to see
if she was followed, she darted swiftly back from the cliff for

the distance of several hundred yards, until she came to a‘

narrow road leading down the steep hillside to the beach be-
low.‘ ~
Down this she flew at the top of her speed, until she sud-
denly. halted on a small pier that -jutted out into the waters
of the bay, which Was sheltered by the rocky arm of the clil.
Against the pier was .nmored a small craft, known as I.

“ chebncca-boat” along the New England mast, and used by ‘
fishermen inthose. days, fromMaine ‘to New Mr” ‘- - ; "*4 V

 
     
   

 
   

 

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' :.,This craft, however, though built in the style of thumb-
ing—craft of the coast, was about seven tons burden, consideré
ably sharper in the hows, with more breadth of beam'than
was general with her class, and lay gracefully on the water,
gently rocking upon the waves. ' ‘ ' ~ ' '

tAboard, everything: was clean and shipfshape, while her
cabin was large and most comfortable, for the' little Wild
Swan was the property of Claudine Vivian, and had been
built for her by the special orders of her father, who, a hold
seamen himself, was anxious to have his daughter becomean
expert sailor, and encouraged her in all spor s that, though a

, woman, would make her self-reliant and brave. ' '
-Startled by the sudden appearance of the maiden on
pier, several seamen who were upon the deck  the-Wild
Swan, smoking and listening to the roar of the tempest,
sprung to their feet and politely saluted her, while one, a dark,
handsome youth of twenty-one stepped forward and raised
his hat, while his face colored brightly, as he asked:

., “ can I serve you, Lady Claudine 1’"
.4‘. You can, Racine; there is a boat coming ashore on the

‘ reefs," answered the maiden, almost out of bieath with her

long and rapid run.

“ Then we will hasten to the beach, and endeavor to'drag
the crew from the surf. Come, boys l" called the young man
who held the position of captain of the chebacca-boat. ‘

"No.1'holdt that were idle, for none Would reach the
beach alive! You must save them, Racine.“ * "

‘ “ Lady Claudine, no boat could live outside, in this
I blow." » '

“ So you believe ; but the trial must. he made'; so, quickly

set the Swan under mainsail and jib close-roofed," comman-
ded Claudine, with startling flrmness.‘ r

r “ It were death to us to round yonder clifl', lady,” politely
responded the young seaman. '

n-Racine Ney, I came not here to parley, but' to act.‘ If'
/ you fear to go, I will take the helm," angrily said Claudine,
firmly grasped the

and she sprung aboard the Wild Swan and
head of the carved tiller. , ~~ r
In animtnnt she was followed by the [our men who oom-

pouedltae m; andntho young captain, whose-face flushed at"

\

 

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the words addressed to him by the maiden; but walking to.

ward her he said, in an injured tone:

“Lady Claudine, I fear for you new, not myself, for» my
life is of little value. Give me the tiller; I will go.”

“No, Racine; I will take the helm and go with you. I
want not to wound your feelings, for Well do I know youto
be a brave man ;" and the maiden frankly held forth her
hand, which the youth. grasped firmly for an instant, and than.
said, with feeling:

“ Now I beg of you to go, ashore, lady. See, the men an. .‘

about, to cast loose."

“No, I will go. Now look to the working of the, craft,"
answered Claudine, and. seeing that aha was firm in her deter-
mination, and hesitating but a moment, Racine gave the or-
der to above 03, for the moment that the maiden had sprung
on board, the crew had raised the sails, and had all in rendi-
ness for starting. _

Catching a pufl' of wind that whirled into the bay through-
the rocky gateway to the basin, the little craft swung'ofi from
the pier, and, with sails trimmed close, stood away for the
outlet, each moment increasing her speed as the wind fresh-
ened as she neared the entrance to the harbor.

“My daughterl oh, God! what has she done 1’” suddenly '

came a cry across the waters, and glancing astern Claudine
saw her father standing with outstretched hands upon the
pier, the very picture of despair, for he had followed the
maiden more slowly down to the beach, believing it me be!
intention only to send the crew of the chehacca-boat to en-
deavor to save the men who would be driven ashore after
their boat struck on the reels.

But his terror and despair were, feartul to contemplate, _

when he arrival and saw the Wild Swan stretching away
for the outlet to the bay, and his daughter standing at the
tiller and boldly and skillfully guiding her course. \

“ Come back! for God’s sake return, Claudine, and I'will

a go to their rescue l” cried the nobleman, but, waving her? I

hand in answer, Claudine still held her position, andthe little
craft, having reached the narrow gorge dividing the buy from
the sea, she put her helm down and came about on the other
tsclgwhieh led direme out into the wilds-sub: no

   

 
     

 

 

 
 

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a soar: om. , 81

longer was she sheltered from the storm. The Wild Swan
bent low before the blast and bounded madly in the
whirl of the waves, which broke in blinding spray upon her
deck.

Unlteediug the shrieking wind, that blew her golden tres-
ses in loose and luxurious masses around her, and unmindful
of- the blinding and drenching spray, Claudine held firmly to
the tiller, with Racine near by, and the admiring crew alert
and ready to obey hcr slightest command.

About half a mile to windward, and already within the
first line of reefs, but still struggling manfully, the little sail-
boat could be seen, knocked madly about by the wind and
wanes, and drawing nearer and nearer to a rocky barrier,
over which the sea dashed with terrific force and a sound
like the discharge of heavy artillery.

But skillfully guiding'the chehucca-boat through the nar-
row channel, that wound circuitously through the numerous
walls of reefs, Claudine kept her eyes ever on the alert to de-
tectdsnger to her craft from sunken rocks, for even in the
calmest weather the passage-way, from the mean to the land-
looked bay, was most dimcult, and few were there on the
coast willing to attempt running in or out when a gale was
blowing and the waves ran’high.

Yet the maiden well knew the channel, and although she
had never passed through it in ver rough weather she felt
confident that she could accomplish the daring feat, if her

have little boat but held up before the gale, and all aboard

knew that her nerve would nevur fail her as long as there
was a slndow of hope for success.

“ Shall I relieve you at the helm, Lady Claudine ! Tho
shallot) needs a man’s strength now,” politely asked Racine

- Ney, at the same time laying his hand upon the tiller.

" No, Racine, but you can aid rue. Were I to relinquish
the tiller, my strength of purpose would fail me, I believe,
for most terrible is this scene," answered the maiden, and her
eyes swept fearlesst over the foaming waters, and rested on
the small boat, which, having been dismnsted, wos helpleme
bufi'eted about, and rapidly nearing a wull of reefs, to dash
upon which all knew would be instant destruction. '

“ Hal see, Racine! They are now helpless, for their mast

, ,

 

    

/

22 mun: RIVAL mnumnsn'rs.

is gone. 'Oh, what cnn we do to save them 2” cried the uni;
den, in :1 tone of anguish.

The young captain cast his eyes quickly over the waters,
then upon the dismasted bout, and answered quickly:/

“ There is but one chance: to run between the boat and
the reef; but it is a desperate risk for the Swan.”

“1 will take it. I em strong now, Racine, so go forward
und get ropes to throw the poor nufortunates,as we pass
them.” \

“ Ay, ay, lady," promptly answered Racine, and as he crept
forward to obey, he continued to himself:

“ She is as plucky as the bravest man I ever saw. By
heaven, she should have been a man—no, no, I forget; for,
were she other than she is, I could not love her. Here, lads,”
he cried, aloud. “ Get ropes ready to throw aboard yonder
boat, and place yourselves in n position to be of service." -

The four men who composed the crew quickly oheyed,nnd
then stood at their posts, nlternutely eyiug the drifting boat
and their fair young pilot, who grasped the tiller with a
strength one would not have believed possible for one so deli-
cately formed, while with unwavering eye and hand, she held
on her course. .

The positions of both the boat and the Wild Swan were
now most critical, for having passed through an opening in
one of the inner walls of rock, she was running along paral-
lel with it, and at a distance of only two cables’ length,and
heading so as to cut off the drifting boat, which, having by
accident run through the channel of the outer reef, was help
lesst bearing down upon the second, at a point where it
would be instant destruction to strike.

Only a. quarter of a mile apart was_each wall of reefs, and
all on board the Wild Swan well knew if they failed tosave

the crew of the boat while passing them, their fate was sealed,‘

for there was no room for the little vessel to do more than
put at once about, and make back for the passage through
which they had just come. , '

Realizing fully their danger, and as it comprehending the '

intention of those on the Wild Swan, the crew of the bent
put out their oars and strove hard to stem the irresistible force
of wind andywave that was hastening themvon to ruin; but

  

 

 
   

   

-‘~' -A~Tr

 

 

 

 
  
 

t A chose sasvn. 28

 

in -vain their efi'orts, for steadily they were borne on, and
anxious indeed were their glances toward the daring little

craft, so nobly attempting their rescue at the risk of seif-de- ‘
struction.

' “ Racine, if they remain in the bout they will be assuredly

lost, for the wind drives it on as rapidly as do the waves.”

" True, Lady Claudine ; but what can he done ?”

“ Hail them, and bid them spring into the sea, keeping as
close together as possible, and we will run to windward of
them.” ,

At once recognizing the correctness of Claudine’s intention,
Racine faced the boat, and his clear, manly voice rung across
the water:

“ Ahoy, the boat I”

“ Ho, the chebacca-boat i” came the answer, in deep, seaman-
like tones. in which there was not the slightest tremor.

“ Spring overboard and keep close together; we will pass
to windward and throw you lines," cried Rncine.

“ Ay, ay," returned the same voice, and in obedience to the
order, a dozen forms were seen to at once jump into the ra-
ging waters, while the bout, lightened of her load, and pre-
senting a larger surface to the wind, dashed on, leaving her
former crew struggling in the sea.

Down rushed the Wild Swan, pitching, bending and roll-
ing far over, but still held on her course, and the next instant
was hovering almost above the floating men.

Racine stood on the sharp how, lope in hand, and in a
loud voice shouted back directions to Claudine how to steer,
to prevent the running over of some of the struggling men,
and as the prow seemed about to dash into the floating mass
of humanity, he cried quickly :

y ‘5 Let her otF—quicki Steady, as you are, lndy 1 Now, .
men-l", and' as he spoke, he cast his rope out. upon the waters,
and his example was at once followed by his companions,
while Claudine, seeing that the little vessel was forging rap-
idly ahead, cried, in ringing tones, as she put her helm ‘htu'd ,
down : .

f “ Let fly the jib! Stand ready there at the main sheet 1"

The bows of the 'chcbacca-bont swung slowly around
obedient-to her helm, and, feeling the wind upon the other

v:
't

 

 

   
  

24 THE mm. momma
quarter she lay far over beneath its pressure ere she moved
on once more, but the presence of wind and skill of the dar—
iug helmswomau had been the means of saving the life of
nearly every one of ' the shipwrecked crew, for it had given
Racine and his companions time to draw them aboard the
Wild Swan; yet several poor unfortunates, unable to reach

ment before. ,

The crew that had been so miraculously saved from death,
were an officer and ten men dressed in the uniform of the
United States navy, and being once more in safety, they set to
work with professional promptness to aid in the management
of the little schooner.

The officer, a young man whose handsome face and splen-
did form were evident inspite of his sea-drenched appear-
ance, Walked quickly aft as if to aid at the helm, but started»
back with a flushed and surprised face when his eyes fell
upon the beautiful pilot whose fair hands so firmly grasped
the tiller. - ‘

“ Whntl a woman has been the daring commander of this
gallant craft?

“ Lady, I owe you my life, and the lives of my men," and
raising the dripping cap from his head the young oflcer
bent low before the beautiful girl, who, even at that ino-
mcut, could not but feel the t'ascinmion of the earnest eyes
bent upon her.

Quickly recovering from a momentary confusion, Clau-
dine remarked:

“ I am happy to havesaved the lives of yourself and crew g
but, sir, we are yet in great danger, and I will ask you to aid
me.”

Instantly the young omcer grasped the tiller, and begging
' Claudine to relinquish it to him, she did so, while, standing
by his side, she directed him how to steer through the (lan-
gerous channel leading back to the buy, and under her gui-
dance, and the strong and steady hand of the young sailor,
the Wild Swan rctraced her perilous way, and just at night-
fall run alongside the pier where she was met by Lord
Raphael and a large crowd of country people, who, in ads

 

the vessel, sunk beneath the waters, or were buried away and \ -‘=
" dashed upon the reef, as had been the fate of their boat a mo-’ 1

l

l

 

  

-r-wn&?n

9

 

at

mammal.

miflng- dread, had watched the noble rescue, and with loud
cheers greeted the return of the lowly pilot, upon whom they

' at once bestowed the well-earned title of the “ Angel of the

 

 

Reefs."

 

CHAPTER III.
'rnn nor rrnor.

Urea the steep, forest-clad hillside of the New Jersey
Highlands, which look far seaward over the white girdle of
land known as Sandy Hook, can yet be seen the ruins of an
old cabin, which over half a century agone was the humble
home of Enoch Ellis, a pilot.

In those days vessels from every port in the world did
not, as nowadays, throng New York harbor, and hence Enoch
Ellis was not constantly cruising at sea, in search of incoming
ships, but was wont to ‘sit in his cabin door, glass in hand,
watching the wide expanse of ocean for an approaching sail,
when, if it was coming up the coast, he would descend the
steep hillside ot’ the Highlands, and springing into a small
skifl‘, row aches the Shrewsbury, cross the belt of sand that
separated the river from the ocean and bay, and launching
a staunch surf-boat he kept on the beach for the purpose,
would put ofi‘ for the haven-bound craft.

1! the vessel appeared coming down the coast, the pilot
would go aboard a small sloop, anchored under the shadow
or the Highlands, and hoisting sail would run across the bay,

lrooad Sandy Hook, and stand out to meet the craft he was to

t

guide up to New York city.

Enoch Ellis was an Englishman, with an education and
refinement above the calling he followed, and with his wife,
is delicately beautiful woman of hardly more than twenty,

‘ _and m infant,had come to America, and settled in that, then,

lonely Highland home, the husband doing the duties of a
pilot, and cultinting the few acres of land that surrounded
hie cabinflnd the wife attending dutifully to her house-
keeping, though appearing eve: sad, with her large lresmy

‘ eyes and thoughtful flee. "

 

 
 

' 28 Tim awn. Lam-mama

A year had the pilot lived in his new home, surrounded
by many comforts, and apparently enjoying his lonely life.

when, one afternoon, as he sat in his doorway gazing sea- a

ward, his eye suddenly fell upon a small object miles away,
drifting slowly in with the tide.

Hastily descending the pathway to the river, he was soon v i

on board his little sloop, and flying over the bay before a fair
breeze. ,

Rounding Sandy Hook he squared away for the object that
had attracted his gaze from the bluff, and in halt‘ an hour
ran alongside a ship‘s cutter, adrift upon the wide sea,rand
containing two persons, a man of apparently fifty, with a

kindly face, but upon which rested an expression of deepest '

Suffering, and a boy of eight, a handsome, brave-looking lad.
., whose pinched features and hollow,eyes bore the same hungry
look that was upon his companion‘s. ‘
" Ahoy, my friendsl what do you here i” exclaimed the
pilot, in kind tones, as he brought his sloop up into the wind,
and hauled the cutter’ alongside.
“ We are dying of hunger. Thank God! you have come,
and the boy‘s life will be saved,” said the man, faintly;
“ I will save the lives of both of, you, if good food and
tender nursing can do it. Cheer up, and lend a hand in
7 coming aboard," cried Enoch. ,
“ Save the boy, care for him; I need no aid now, for my;
sands of life are ehhing fast.” '
“Tut, tut, my man, both you and your son—”
“ He is not: my son; but—"
“ Well, we’ll not argue that point, but to work," and so

saying the kindyoung pilot raised the form of the dying '

man—for he had told the truth; aid for him had come too
late—and placed him tenderly upon the sloop’s deck. after
which he aided the boy, who was much stronger than his
companion, to get on board.

Then, taking the cutter in tow,he seized his helm and rap-
idly sailed homeward. ,

But. ere the shadow of the Highlands fell upon the little
craft, the shadow of death rested there, for the dying man
had ceased to breathe, sinking from life into eternity without

a-groan or struggle. ” , .. .  v- m,"

e

    

.‘_‘-.a

 

     

4a

 
  

 

I .

)

THE LITTLE WAIT.

! .When at length the sloop dropped anchor, Enochralsed

t i the boy in his strong arms, and carried him up to his cabin,

' where he placed him in the hands of his wife, who tenderly
, caredtor the little waif. .
Days and weeks of sickness and delirium followed, how-

; ewer, for the strong constitution of the boy had been under
? mined by hunger and sutfering, until his frame was wor'
, down by disease. ~

V But, the tender care of Enoch and his wife brought the lit-
tle fellow back to life; and, as though the past was but a
, fearful dream to hitn, he asked no questions of his kind hen.

efaetors, but dropped ‘into a quiet existence that each day

ripened into deeper interest in the pilot, his wife, and the

 humble cabin home.

Enoch had buried the dead man in a quiet spot on the L

Highlands, and from a diary found in the boat, together with
a hag containing two hundred pounds of English gold, he
learned that the two had been passengers in the clipper ship
Vixen, bound from Liverpool to New York, and which, in a
\Vli/olent gale, had been wrecked and the crew foretd to take

I to the boats.

The diary had heen faithfully kept until hunger had 'uu-

 nerved the handof the writer; and Enoch read how, day

 

 

 

nfte:_day passed, and one after the other of the occupants of
‘the boat; had died and been thrown into the sea, until only
'two remained—the lteeper of the record and the boy, for

whom he scented to. have a most binding atfection, although
I he had said he was not his son. ,

But there was no clue "S to who the youth was, and Enoch
sought none, for he had taken a great fancy, and so had his
Wife, to the little waif, and both were anxious to have him
remain with them. ,

— Seven years passed away and the waif, who had said his
,nanie was Harold Marmaduke, still remained at the pilot’s
cabin, and at fifteen had become a most expert and daring
tailor, for Enoch had made him his constant companion in
(all of hiscrnises. on the coast, seaward and up to New York,
“were he went once a month _ after provisions for his little
household.

2‘:

  

_,  his unsettle bouts Hat'old_ seemed content_.and happy _ ,.

  

88 ms: max. LIEUTENANTS.

’ and devoted to the little Aline Ellis, grown from the tiny in-

fant. into It lovely girl of eight, and who looked upon ,Hal, as ,

she called Harold, as peculiarly her own property, claiming
his whole time when he was not absent with the pilot.
It was a strange household in that lonely cabin‘home, for

Enoch, though loving his wife with a. kind of holy adoration, "v
appeared to act toward her as though she was in every re?
spect his superior, and treated her with marked deference,  '

while in his eyes there rested always a look of tender sadness, ‘

as though some bygone bitter memory haunted his life, while
the quiet, beautiful and sad-looking woman, ever kind, ever
gentle toward her husband, seemed an though bound to him
by a tie she would give her life to sever, and though acting
thoroughly a mother’s part toward Aline, there was, in her
tones and look, none of that tnotherly fondness for the lovely
child, yet, toward Harold, she exhibited even more aii‘ection.

With Enoch it. was also the same, for seldom did little
Aline win from him a look of love, though he forced toward
her a kindly manner, while, when alone with Harold, the
cold bearing of the strong man would melt, and he- would
appear. wholly difi'erent.

*Not having children acquaintances near them, to make .

comparisons with their lives, neither Harold nor Aline noticed
the undercurrent of coldness in Enoch and his wife; still it
existed, though every efl’ort was made to make the children
happy, and with success. ‘

One day Enoch was taken down with fever, and, as night
came on, he became delirious, so that Harold was forced to
ride through a blinding storm to seek a phystcian, residing
miles away. '

Returning with the man of medicine, about midnight, Han
old was startled to see, as he reached the cabin door, a bright
light illumine the sea, and immediately after, borne upon the
shrieking wind, came the deep roll of a heavy gun.

Ushering the doctor into the sick-room, Harold hastily

darted down the river-path, the deep_ boom of the gun sun I

ringing in his ears, and was soon on board the little sloop.

Hastin reeling the maiusail, aml hoisting it, he raised his
anchor, and in ten minutes after the first gun was tired, was,
flying mucky in Abe (inaction-l of Sandy Hook, upon

/

 
      

   
 
 
 
 
  

       
 

mmorwaa. . as

in- the low point of which glimmered a faint gleam from the
as {r lighthouse.
ug l t It was a terrible night, and the waves ran high : but, un-
" daunted, the brave boy stood on, his little craft swept fore
and aft with water, and pitching and rolling fearfully.
: But Harold knew his craft, that had once been a large
" life-boat, which Enoch had decked over and rigged asa
sloop, and Well had he learned to manage her in the rough-
eatseas, hence he felt little fear, and braVely shaped his
course across the wild waters toward a large vessel of war,
as shown by the flash of her signal-guns for a pilot, that
n was struggling with the gale, under only her storm stay-
3 : tails.
If ‘
l'

 

The flash of her guns directed Harold how to steer, for
, it was so dark that otherwise the vessel wa invisible, and
I“ his approach was not discernible, lying low as did his little
7 craft in the water, until all onboard the man-ot-war Were
lartled by a hail in a clear but boyish voice.
I “Ay, ay; who hails i" cried an omcer through his trumpet,
8 he sprung into the mizzen shrouds.

“ If you will bring your vessel into the wind and lay to,
I will heat up and come under her stern,” cried Harold, in
distinct tones.

“Ay, ay; by Jove that fellow, boy though his voice be-
tolrens him, knows what he's about,” cried the ship‘s com-
mander, as he turned to his oflicers and gave the necessary
orders for laying to.

I In a few moments the frigate was lying-to under three
topsoil: and forestnysail, and plunging bows under as the
wind and waves pressed upon her. '

Aston, and partially protected by the huge hull, was the
sloop, struggling toward the ship, which, after a while, it
approached near enough, for Harold to catch a stout line
thrown him.

Instantly giving it a turn around the halyard clcets for-
ward, the youth lowered his sail with lightning rapidity, and
noon had it securely furled and all shipahape aboard his little '
craft

Then. another line was thrown him from the frigate‘e
deck-and when this was also firmly secured, ~Hurolti,‘witti

 

 

 

/

80

THE RIVAL LIEUTENANTS.

  

the agility or a cat, intrusted himself to the rope, and hand- '

over-hnnd ascended rapidly to the deck of the man-of-wer,
'where he was warmly greeted by the commander end his
otiicers, who gazed with surprised admiration upon the youth-
ful, during face, and slender, but agile form.

“ Well, my hid," said the conunuuder, as the light from
the battle-lanterns fell upon Harold, “ you “re a youthful

pilot certainly, to trust one of Uncle Sain’s frigates to, but.” I

'your courage and skill have already been proven in coming
out to us in this gale; so beer a hand at the wheel and run
us in, for our good ship has sprung n leak and is settling
fast."

“Ay,ay, sir; I will run you under the lee of Sandy

Hook to-night, and tomorrow will pilot you up to the city,’

for did you go on now you could gain no advantage, and in
quiet water your pumps will be more efi‘ective.” v

“ You speak like u seamen and n sage. Take the wheel ;
the ship I trust in your hands, though I would go on to-night, L
if possible." .

“ ’l‘o cotne to your aid, sir, in answer to your guns, I left

‘ the bedside of n men who has been to me more than a fa-

ther has ever been, and muyhup he is dying." '

“Noble its well as brave, you are, my boy, and I will ,

' come to anchor under the lee of the Hook, and nllow you
'to return to your father‘s bc.iside,"snid the commander,
kindly. .

“ I will take my sloop, when the frigate is safe, sir, and
run across home. I will be gone only a few hours, and in
the morning will pilot you up to the city,“ and so saying
Herold Marmaduke become all attention to his dangerous
duty; but with skill and daring he guided the noble vessel
on her course and in at little more than an hour after he
had boarded her, the unchor was dropped in eolnparatively
calm water, for the sandy arm of the Hook broke the fore
of'the wind and waves. _ '

As soon us the frigate was riding quietly, Harold sprdng

into his little sloop, which had towed safely astern,a.nd"

“mug his sail sped away for the anchorage under the High-
mds. ' , . /

, . . ‘4‘
He mud upon his arrive} at- the cabin, menace was '

 
   
 

    

 

 

1d-
ar,

his

th-

v‘tiu—n .;

.‘._w

 

 

PATRIOTIC, as want,“ cosmenous. 81

'better, having been soothed by an dpiate given him by'the

physician, who was still with him ; but that Mrs. Ellis and
little Aline Were greatly distressed at his own absence,
and fearful for his safety, for the little maiden had gone
forth in the storm and had seen his sloop making for the
frigate.

,After an hour passed at the cabin, Harold again returned

7 on board the sloop, promising Mrs. Ellis to be back as soon

as possible, and just as day began to break he run alongside
the majestic frigate, whose oflicers and crew were hard at
Work with the pumps, and busy getting up the anchor, for
they had observed the land’s approach. .

“Well, my daring young pilot, you are as good as your
Word; you are welcome,” said Captain Moreton, receiving
min at the gringway. and grasping his hand warmly, for he
had taken a great fancy to the brave boy.

“ Yes sir, and we can get under way at once, for the

‘ . wind has shifted to the south-east and will drive us up the

harbor in fine style," answered Harold, glancing seaward,
landward, and their over the rigging of the ship with the eye
of a thorough sailor.

Two hours passed, and the United States vessel of war
was safely moored in the docks, having been guided skillfully
into port by the daring young pilot, who, as soon as the ship

' was safe, turned to depart.

“ Here, my brave boy, take this purse, besides your regu-
lar fee, for it has been made up .for you by my officers and
men, as a token of their appreciation of your courage and
~skill," and Captain Mnreton extended toward Harold a purse
filled with bright gold.

‘4 No. captain, I can not accept the gold, nor will I take a
fee for pilotage; for our country’s vessels,ncither my adopted
flatb‘er nor myself ever charge for our services," and the youth
drew back. “

' “Patriotic indeed are you, and I would that some of the
vgmpires who live off our Government would pattern after

, you :7 but this is nrmsense—refuse the fee, if you will, but take

the pulse." '—
-“No, sir; I will not take gold for what I have done,”

i fan'swer‘ed the youth, firstly, while he glanced around upon the

\ .

 

 

' 33: mnzvu. murmurs

assembled officers and men, all of whom were regarding him
with admiration.
“ Is there any way in which I can serve you? If so, speak,

for you have rendered us all, and our Government, vreat ser. ‘

vice, this past night.” ‘

“ Yes, Captain Moreton, you may be of service to me. I
do not care to pass my days as a pilot; I am ambitious, and
would serve in the navy, even though I enter as a cabin-
boy'_-” ‘

“ And rise to the quarter-deck, which you would do by
your own exertions; I understand. Yes, my brave boy, I
can serve you, and within two weeks you shall have a mid-
shipman‘s warrant on board this frigate ; so return here within
that time,” and Captain Moreton extended his hand warmly,
called his steward, bade him till the little sloop with wine and
deliCacies for the sick pilot at home, and half an hour after,
Harold took his departure from the frigate, followed by
three hearty cheers from her crew, whom he had o 110ny
served.

Harold Marmaduke returned to his cabin home, and for
days watched by the bedside of the man who had so kindly
befriended him, until, after a while, a change came, and Enoch
Ellis was himself again.

Then the youth made known to him, and to Mrs. Ellis and
Aline, the good-fortune that had overtaken him in the promise
of a midshipmau's berth in the navy.

“ I congratulate you, Harold, upon your good-luck, and
you enter under fine auspices," said Enoch, kindly.

“ Yes sir; I know it will be greatly to my advantage, and

it makes me feel elated to think that my own exertions
gained for me an appointment that Judge Montclair’s in-
fluence only gained for his son by hard work,” answered
- Harold. “ '

'“ True; the judge had to work hard to get that wild boy

of his into the service, and I fear me, young Montclair will '

come to no good end," returned Enoch, who never had liked
Judge Montclair and his family, who lived a few miles up the
Highlands, toward Middletown, and, on account of their
wealth, looked down upon poor people and the humble pilot.
Nay, more ~01: several occasions. when Hamid had visited

0

In.

a QGRAE'E‘

ifs

nan-Q

 

u-lI-IV I

F-

1114002.,t‘ 88

5 the village near the Montclair mansion, the young scion of
wealth and respectability, Lennox Montclair, hnd insulted the
~ youth, by asking him if he was a wise enough child to know
who were his parents.

Harold knew that the neighborhood were acquainted with
his story, and quickly resented the implied aspersions cast on
him by the rich boy, by promptly knocking him down, and
_ giving him a severe thrashing, which at once brought down
upon him the ill-will of the neighbors, for gold carries the
' day 'openly, though in secret its worshipers may act difi‘er-
ently. .

r A few weeks before the illness of Enoch Ellis, young
.Moutciair, who was a year the senior of Harold, had received
an appointment in the navy, and had gone on a foreign
cruise; but now it was the young pilot’s time to rejoice, for

« - his own exertions had won for him a commission.

Promptly at the time appointed, Harold was on board the
. frigate at New York, having run up in the sloop with Enoch,
who was to carry it back; and, true to his word, Captain
Moreton presented the youth with his midshipmnn‘s warrant,
and 11 gold medal from the oflicers and crew of the vessel, in
token of their esteem of his courage and skill,and the service
rendered them.
Bidding adieu to his adopted father, who,with a sad heart,
V_ set sail homewerd, Harold donned the uniform of the navy,
and at once commenced his duties on board the frigate,wbich
v a few days after sailed to make war upon Tripolitnn pirates.
her new ofilcer taking the wheel and piloting her down the
harbor, through the narrows, across the lower buy and around
Sandy Hook, out to sea.

 

 

 

   
 

m RIVA]. LIEUTENANT...

CIfAPTER 1v.

LOVE AND RIVALRY.

NINE years went by after the sailing of the frigate on
board of which wns Harold Marmaduke, and in that time the
-youth had but once visited the cabin home on the High
lands. ~ ,

Not that he had ceased to remember‘that, to him, dear old
home. On no—its inmates were ever prest, in his though“
when far away from his native land, and he sincerely regret.

‘A__.nuu

 

ted that duty kept his ship in other seas, for years at a
time.

Once his vessel put into the port of New York, after a five-
ryen’m’ absence, running in one dark. blustering night, with
Harold ut the wheel, for his hand hud not lost its cunning- in
pilotage, and ere tlny broke he was on his Wny, in the gig,

down to the home of Enoch, giving them it joyful surprise at '

ht'eukfnst to have him enter unannounced.

It was the some old home, though improved Considerttbly,
with comfortable rooms, fur sen-view, and rolling acres
around it. Enoch and his wife were still the same quiet peo~
ple, contented, but with a Sl'Cl'eL SltndOW of the past hanging
over their lives; but Aline l tive ycnrs had changed her from
the girl of eight to the budding maiden of thirteen, with ru-
ven-hlack, fiery eyes, that Would flush vividly or melt in inn
guor, and a form breaking forth into true womanly loveli-
ness. .

Almost shut out from the world, and relying only upon
the company of Enoch and his wife, and for ntnusement, on
her suil~hortt and skiff, for she was no expert with both the
tiller mid ()nt‘s, Aline had grown up almost wild, for still an
icy wall SH‘lned to separate her from her parents, who, ex-

cepting teaching her daily in books and household duties, ap-z -,

peared to greatly neglect her.

' Though the maiden felt not this icy berrier, the quick eyo' ( V;
. of Harold noted it, and the youth wondered at the mystery, ‘, w

 

 
   
 

,.

a-"

.—v‘-

 

now u: cans ABOUT. 85

_ for his mingling with the world had made him a reader of

numan naturq and he felt that some dark secret of the past
divided the lives of the inmates of the cabin.

Grown from the boy of fifteen to the tall, finely-formed
young man of twenty, wearing upon his shoulder the rank of
It lieutenant, it is no Wonder that the handsome Harold won

' anew the hearts of Enoch, his wife and Aline, the latter ap-

\

peering to almost worship him with her fiery, passionate na-
ture, and re fusing to be comforted when duty called him back

[to his ship, after a month’s stay.

Again Harold sailed for foreign seas, and four more years
dragged their length along, ere his vessel turned her prow
“ home'ward bound,” and with orders to cruise down the coast
of Maine, surveying the shores, and finding out all possible
ha’tbors of refuge, for the mutterings of a coming war-tempest
Were heard ; the memorable year to Americans of 1812 was
at. hand, and it was necessary to prepare for action against a
most formidable adversary.

Harold Marmaduke, by his senmanship, courage and atten-
tion to duties, had ascended the ladder of promotion to the
rank of first lieutenant and executive ofilcer of his vessel, and
when the Maine coast had been sighted, on her homeward

' cruise, Commander Moretou had dispatched his protegamfor

he had always looked upon the youth as such—to survey the
line of coast, taking with him the frigate‘s pinnuce and full
crew.

,1 The reader has seen how the cutter and her crew came to

grief on the inhospitable Coast, driven upon the reefs by the

’ violent storm, that had been bravely battled against by Clau-

dine Vivian and her chelmcca-boat, in her endeavor, aided by
Racine Ney and his courageous sailors, to save the doomed

' craft.

Also, the reader has witnessed the triumph of the during
" Angel of the Reefs,” and the rescue of Harold Marmaduke

‘ and his men, who were warmly greeted by Lord Vivian, as

Soon as he had infolded again and again to his heart his

y noble daughter. chiding and praising her in the same breath.

"Lieutenant Marmaduke, I am happy to greetyon, sir,

‘ even though you are cast-up by the sea, for your name is

 

knownto me, and I may say to the World, as one of thc- du-r

 

 

“v THE awn. LIEUTENANTS.

ing crew of the Intrepid, who burned the frigate Philader- ’

phi-a, in the war with Tripoli; you: are welcome, shun-find
Lord Vivian held forth his hand and led Harold toward the

mansion, where he was soon made most. comfortable, while

his men were cared for by Racine and his crew on board the
’ Wild Swan.

Several days passed and still Harold lingered a guest at
Sea View Castle, and though he felt. that duty called him
gway, and that he should have gone at once to Boston, where
his ship was to aw:tit him, he could not. make up his mind to
leave the presence of Claudine Vivian, who had ‘thrown
around him a chain of love never to he‘hroken. * -

Owing his life to the maiden,it was not to be wondered at
that Harold loved the beautiful creature, whom he felt was
really not indifi'erent to his regard for her, as indeed she was
not, for Claudine had taken a strange interest in her protege,
as she playfully called him; while his fascinations of manner
and person completely won her girlish heart.

Lord Vivian noted this germ of love between the two,-and

with a father‘s jealous eye, watched them closely, determined ‘ I

to warn his daughter not to too willingly bestow her heart
upon one who, though standing high as an officer and gentle-
man, nothing was known regarding his inner life. I

Appreciating Harold’s noble qualities, and taking a great
fancy to him, Lord Vivian was delighted to entertain him as
long as he would be his guest at Sea View Castle; but then,
as a lover for his daughter, there was the old prejudice against
Americans and republican plebeianism, which the nobleman
could not brook, with his aristocratic title and wealth.

Again, Harold was poor, with nothing but his pay and a
few hundreds he had saved up, and Claudine was of noble
birth and an heiress.

Harold thought over these facts more diligently than did
Lord Vivian, and with more at heart than had the nobleman.

{or he felt that to lose Claudine was to give up every hope in —

life. ,
Thus another week passed, one of storm along the coast,
and it would have been madness for Harold to put tones in

the chebaeca—boat, which Claudine had placed at his sgrviea "

t to conVey hi-tzs-lf and crew to Boston.

/

 

 

 

 

 
   

m m mamas-rs. 7 87'

Chess, a game of whist, reading, sword-practice between
Lord Napier and Harold, both of whom were expert swords-
men, reading loud, many a tete-a-tete in the library between
the young people, and music Served to cause the week of bad
Weather to glide by, far too rapidly for Harold, alas!

Yet that week settled the question, for Harold told his
love and learned with delight. that he was loved ’in return;
then came the disagreeable part of lovemaking—the asking
of a parent for property you already consider as your own,
and that you have the best right to; but with a brave face,

’ ,yet heavier heart than he had ever known in battle, Harold

skirmished around the citadel of the nobleman’s regard, and-

‘ then charged boldly to the front and asked for Claudine‘s

hand, when he should have attained a captain’s rank.

Lord Vivian listened patiently, his face wearing a serious
expression, and was about to reply, when the servant ushered
into the mom tWo gentlemen, clad in the United States naval
uniform.

"Pardon me until another time, Mr. Marmaduke,”_ said
Lord Vivian, quietly, and then rising he advanced toward the
strangers and said, pleasantly:

“ Gentlemen. you are welcome to Sea View Castle.
Lord Raphael Vivian."

“ And I am Captain Courtney, of the United States sloop-
of-war, Amhuscade. This gentleman, my lord, is my lieuten.
ant, Mr. Moutchtir ;" and Captain Courtney presented the om-
oer with him.

Seeing that, although in the same service, they appeared
unaequainted with each other, Lord Vivian introduced Har-
old to Captain Courtney, who bowed slimy, and his lieuten-
ant, who remarked, sneeringly :

“An introduction is unnecessary, my lord; I knew the
fientleman with the aristocratic name when he was a simple
fisher lad.”

Harold Marmaduke's face grew crimson, and then became
white as marble; after nine long years he stood face to face‘

Iam

V I with his old enemy, Lennox Montclair.

At first the young ofiicer seemed about to return some bitter

l mark, but checking. his words, he simply bowed and walked '
{Irons the room, while Captain Courtney‘remarked:

 
 

   
 

THE RIVAL LIEUTENAN TB.

“What, then, is your old acquaintance, Lennox?
(lid-leaking man, an: one who has proven himself a brave

A splen

one. What a pity so dark a cloud hangs oVer his life.”

“ Indeed, captain ; has any misfortune befallen my young
friend, Marmaduke ?" said Lord Vivian, anxiously.

“ Yes. my lord; he was so unfortunate as to have neither
father nor mother to claim him and name him, and war
brought up as a waif by a man, half fisherman, half-pilot, on
the Jersey coast,” replied Lieutenant Montclair.

‘i Indeedl Can this be true, Captain Courtney?"

“ So Moutclair says, and he should know, as the two were
boys together. It is indeed a. misfortune, for though I never
met Marmaduke before, 1 have felt a deep interest in him,
ever since I first heard of his gallantry as an ofiicer.“

“ 0h! he’s plucky, as I well remember; nevertheless, it is
true what I say regarding him, and it is a disgrace to our ser-
vice to have an oflioer in it with a stain upon his family es-
cutch'eou.” \

“ How did he, an unknown, get into the navy,li6lfl0nfint l"
asked Lord Vivian, thoughtfully.

“ He Was, us I told you, a fisher Ind, and a pilot, and one
stormy night piloted a. frigate into port, when She was in
danger of being lost."

“ A plucky deed, too, for I heard of it, I-now remember,"
Said the nobleman.

“ Yes. but he knew the Wflters well, and was in a lifeboat.
Anyhow he was made a midsbipman for the act, it not being
then known that. he was of nameless birth."

“Gentlemen. I fear I have neglected my duty as a host;
pray let me Call servants to see you to your rooms, and in an

hour we will have dinner," said, abruptly, Lord Vivian, as t

though he would change she subject.

“ Thank you, my lord ; u fisherman of whom we bought a
mess of fish from off your villa, informed us a pinnace-load
of seamen had been wrecked here, some days since, so I put
in to see if 1 Could saw. them in any way, and my vessel
lies near. Marmaduke is then the man.” .

“Yes; it was hisintenliou to leave to-morrow, the storm
llaV'lm; delained him, in a small yath I placed at. the Jih-
1"”81 0‘ himself and crew.” ' ~.

wl

 fol
lL‘t
V be

 
   

 

 

 

 

A PROMPT DISMISSAL. 89
“ He need not trouble you, for I will carryvh-m to Boston,
l whither I am bound." ,

So saying, Captain Courtney and his lieutenant turncd and
followed the servants awaiting to show them to their rooms,
leaving Lord Vivian alone and distressed at. what he had
1 hem-d. '

' Pacing the floor in deep meditation for some moments,
he murmured : '

“ Yes. my course is plain ; he must depart at once, for al-
_ ready is she wholly wrapped up in his). A strnnge feeling
{—‘of interest draws me to him. I would it were otherwise.”

4 Seizing his hat the nobleman left the library and walked
rapidly in the direction of the cliff. "

Sented in the summer-house were two persons, Harold and
v Claudine, the lntter weeping, for her lover had just been tell-
: ing her of his life—that he was a wnif cast up by the sen.

“ Lieutenant Murninduke, it; was cruel of you to deceive
' me,»nnd win the love of that young,r and innocent girl, under
, the pretence that you could hold your life und actions up
,_ among honm‘ublc men ;” and Lord Vivian spoke sternly.
“ Sirl Lord Vivian 1 upon my churncter rests no stain of
: dishonor; yet upon my life rests n mysteryJ would (1) God
v- I could solve, if only for my own sake.
“ The mystery of my life I would have told you had not:
Captain Courtney's nrrivnl prevented."
“ I know all, sir; hereafter our paths through life divide,
' uni! poor Claudine must remember you only us an unhappy
dream) flitting nerosa her heart."
V “ No, father! Lord Viviunl I am no child to forget, or
,let sorrows come and go like April storms. I too know
all, and upon ilnrold Mnrnmdnke rests no blame: no, our
paths throu;h life run not sport, but meet. in the end
and he as one, allown which in: shall journey together unto
lite end—"

' \“ Claudine! foolish girl, you know not. how idly yon
. talk. Mr Marmaduke, the chebuccn-bont is at your service,
“ Land Captain Courtney has offered yourself and men passage
“710 Boston. You can take your choice."

 “L054 Vivian, already am I under obligations to you
.ghich I can never t'epny, and no other favor can I accept
' 314 2 ‘ ‘

9
s
F

 

 

40 THE RIVAL LIEUTENANTS. ~ - ~
at your hands, while I can, as my right. demand my trans-
portation for myself and crew at thevhands of a Government
vessel.

“ I will go in the sloop-of—war, and at once call my men’
and go aboard. Stayl one favor I will uska-it is to see
Lady Claudine for one short moment.”

Lord Vivian frowned, hesitated, and then said, in a kindly
tone:

“ Mr. Marmaduke, through life I wish you well; there is
a war brewing between this country and England, and you
will doubtless serVe America well during the struggle.

,n

“ Claudine, I will await you in the library.

So saying Lord Vivian bowed to_ Harold and walked I
away, leaving the youth and maiden. together, neither of-

whom knew how hitter indeed was the charge lying against
Harold’s honor. ‘ t

Need we dwell upon those few hon moments of part.-
ing ? .

No, let. us not intrude upon a farewell, bitter indeed, be-
tween two hearts wrapped up in each other and htwed down
with sorrow; but only say that Claudine declared that she
would leave home, parents, all, to follow Harold to the utter-
most. parts of the earth. ‘

“Not now, sweet; wait a while, and the time will come,
I hope, when I can clear myself of any charge against me,
and our skies will be sunny once more.

“ Tth sacred missions have I. to perform: first to serve
my country in her coming struggle, and second, to endeavor -,

‘to discover my 1)nt'(:ntnge,for not until now did I feel the
crushinsr Weight. of being latitude—S, molhct'less, and unknown
in the World." » '

'l‘he lovers parted, and an hour after Harold Marmaduke
and his crew were on board the sloop-of—war, where they
were most kindly received.

But the serpent of hatred invaded there, for during the.
evening a letter came aboard in a shorelmat, from the sloop‘s
lieutenant, and when llarold ascended 'to the deck the fol—
lowi g morning, he found the, “cold-shoulder” turned to:
war him by all of his brother ofllcers. '

Three days passed, and still the sloop-ofiwar remained ht '

1‘ V

a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

momma. » 41
anchor, her commander and lieutenant ashore, and the
lonely Harold a. prey to bitterest feelings, an outcast, as it
'were, from his fellow-men. -

At length Captain Courtney and Lieutenant Montclair

came aboard, accompanied by Lotd Vivian and Lady Clau-
dine, who were to be shown over the vessel, and lunch with
the commander.
_ They came in the chehacca-hoat, and Harold, observing
them from the gun-port in his stateroom, noticed that Claudine
was paler than when he last saw her, and that her eyes wan-
dered searchingly around as it looking, he hoped, for him.

Lennox Montclair did the honors gracefully, and with a
triumphant look that was not lost on Harold, who closely
watched his every action toward Claudine.

In his lonely stateroom the yottng oflicer heard the tramp
Overhead, the pleasant conversationdnd presently the sound
of laughter and song from the captain’s cabin, and a groan
arose to his lips as he listened to the flute-like voice of
Claudine, floating in melody through the Verses of his favo-
rite ballad, and one they had often sung together.

~“ Oh, God! site has forgotten inc—so soon, so soon I"

I .“ Lieutenant Marmaduke l"

Harold started as the voice hrolte on his ear, and turning
toward the open port saw the head and shoulders of Racine
Ney, the young captain of the chehucca-hoat, which, having
dropped buck from the gangway was lying alongside the
vessvl. o

Smothering down his feelings, he said, pleasantly:

“ Well, Nay, I am glad to see you. 'Will you come aboard

and take a glass with me ?”
i “ No, thank you, sir. The guard told me you were not
well, and that, this port looked into your stateroom, so I
dropped the yacht back until I got a. glimpse of you. Here
is a package for you."

Eagerly taking the package ht-hl forth to him, Harold was
about to thank the bearer, when the sentinel hailed, and bade}

gI’acioe haul the yacht to the gangway.

g “ Good-by, lieutenant, and Success attend you, sir," cried
,Raeine, as he obeyed.
, Clutching close his packet, Harold watched the departure

\\'

4! THE RIVAL LIEUTENANT:

of the Wild Swan, until it disappeared froth sight ill/lllc
bay, and then, as the sound of the hoatswain’s whistle sum-
moned “ all hands to weigh anchor,” he broke the seal, and
examined the contents inclosed.

First was it long, golden curl, a. yard in length; then an
ivory lnininture of Claudine, set in a case of gold and pearls:
then followed a long and closely written letter, which Harold
read and re-rezul with deepest interest.

“I was unjust; she has not forgotten me; but this deep,
mystery she speaks of, I would to God I could explain, or un-
detS'and, for there are points in her letter I can not solVe.
Bles: her for these tokens of herzregnrd, and I’ll ever keep them
near me.”

So saying Harold Marmaduke bestowed one long glance at
the receding shores of Maine and ascended to the.deck, where,
though greeted kindly "Captuin Courtney, he was “ cut "
by Lennox Montcluir an the other otflcers.

It was a long run to Boston, short as was the distance, for
heed-winds and rough sens had to he faced; but at length
the port was reached late one night, and Harold in the morn-
ing awoke from troubled slumbers, to find the ship at anchor,
and but a short distance from his own vessel, the noble frigate
Portsmouth, whose quarter-deck he knew so Well.

0 H A P T E R V .
ADRIFT IN THE WORLD.

As soon as he had made his toilet, Harold went on board .1
his frigate, after thanking Captain Courtney for his kindness
to him. -

What was his surprise to find that the same cold manner
greeted him from his brother officers, that had ,heen shown
him on board the At‘nbnscmle. r

“ Lieutenant Lyle, can I ask where Commodore Moreton
is?" said Harold to the junior lieutenant, who had merely
bowed coldly to him.

 

 

 

‘1. A moon. ‘3 ,

‘ “ He has gone to his home for a visit of a few days, sir." '

“ Who is in command of the frigate i)” -

“ I am.”

“Then I relieve you of that duty. Left the commodore

no word for me ‘3"

“ None; we all believed you last, until the nrrivnl of. the
y'Ambu'scnde this morning, when Lieutenant Montclnir cams
ahOurd and informed us to the contrary.”

“ He has been aboardl To his visit, then, is owing the
coldness with which my former friends have received me ‘2”

“ It is, sir; and, Lieutenant Marmaduke, ahhough you are
my superior ofllcer, and I must obey orders from you, I hope
you will pardon me, if I speak plainly and suggest that you
:resign from a service in which you can no longer hold the
regard of either oflieers or seamen.”

“This to me, sir! by heavens! you shall explain! At
once tell me what have I done, to be thus insulted and
shunned by those I deemed my friends?"

“ You can not be ignorant, lieutenant; in fact, I am told
you have known, since your boyhood, that you were of igno-
bIe birth." -

Hnrold Marmaduke staggered backward a few paces, then
quickly recovered himself and stood like one spell-hound, so
great had been the shock upon him.

Now he understood all—the treatment of Lord Vivian, the
coldness of his brother oflicers, and the mystery in Claudine’s
letter. A r
Could he deny the nasertion regarding his birth?

No; for lit'le did he remember of his earlier years.

' 'Might not Enoch have kept front him knowledge he had
gained regarding him, and it have become known to others?

Yes, it might be true; but. with nbhorrence he lurued
from the thought.

“ Nn,1 will not, can not believe it; I will not. wrong
those who were my parents, and, maybe, still live, by such
a thought. _ .

“ Yet, my nnbclief does not affect my former friends, 01
whom this mun before me is a specimen. Out upon such
honor, such a creed, that visits the sins of the parents upon
the children '

“ r s ' THE RIVAL LIEUTENANTE.

“ Shathen, knows all, and is true. V

“ Thank God for that; but, who has done me this wrong!
Who is my enemy? _

“ Ah 1 well I know. It is Lennon: Montclaz'r, who, from
words I have heard dropped, has dared to rival me in love.

“ Well, I have but one course, and that is to leave a'Ser-
vice where l have lost caste, and where I was striving for rank
and fame. -

“ Then adieu to every high hope, {or the ,present, to every .
ambitions dream, until I solve the mystery overhanging my
life like a dark cloud. I’ll bide my time until in the end I
triumph over my enemies.” ,

I“ Lieutenant Lyle;” and Harold turned from his deep and
painful meditations to the lieutenant, who had been regarding
him silently.

u Sir.”

,“ You will keep command of the Portsmouth, and in your
hands I will leave papers for you to give personally to Cap-
tain Moreton.

“ I intend resigning my commission at. once, and leaving
the service.” -

“It is the best thing you can do, lieuten—”

“ Silence, sir l I asked not for your opinion in the matter,
and be wary how you express yourself, else I may leave my
mark upon you.

“ Within the hour I leave this frigate, and I may say now, ‘
without regret, us I find it is ofiicered by such creatures as
yourself.

“ Until I leave I shall retain command."

Leaving the abashetl lieutenant, Harold descended to lfis
stateroom, and soon parked together his traps, after which he 5
entered the commodore's cabin, and wrote his instant resigna.
tion from the service; then he addressed a long and kind‘ let-
ter torhis Commander, telling him his reasons for quitting the
navy, and thanking him for the numerous kindnesses shown
him.

,When all was finiShed he ascended to the deck, and his

brother otflcers recoiled from the look of stern resolve aud r

anger that rested upon his face. ‘
As Mr 1‘10.”

 

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mans: chunks. " 45

“‘ ay, ay, sir i” and the lieutenant politely tou,hed his cap,
for he saw something in the look of his superior oflicer he
dreaded. /

“ Send the steward into my stateroom for my luggage, and
have the gig piped alongside.”

“ Ay, ay, sir !" and in a few moments all was in readiness
for his departure, when the coxswain of the pinnaca that had
been wrecked, stepped forward, and saluting, said, politely:

“ May it please you, lieutenant, I have a consortia this port,
that has sailed with me, ofl‘ and on, for twenty years, and she
may learn of the loss of the pinnace and think me dead, and
her peepers spring a leak, and grief throw her on her beam-
,ends; so 1 would like to go ashore and have the oldrwomau
get me in ship-shape again, for I ain’t quite as good as I was

 before we was cast away.”

“ All right, Morris. I‘ll go and write you a leave," and
Harold returned to the cabin, and soon came back with the
necessary paper, signed by himself as commanding officer of
the Portsmouth. ,

“ Get your togs and go ashore in the gig with me. You
have a leave of ten days.”

“ And for a longer cruise than that, or I’m mistaken,” mut-
tered the coxswain to himself, while he said aloud: “ Thank
you, lieutenant, and bless you, air, is the word that goes with
you from all of us forward, for if we are common seamen,
sir, we can all see that when you go over the frigate’s side,
Ihe has lost her best spar.”

The words had not left the coxswain’s lips, wnen a voice
cried aloud from forward :

“ Three cheers for Lieutenant Marmaduke, who is always '

‘on duck in danger, and never went back on a friend, in the

forecastlc or cabin." V
Instantly there arose from the fi'igate's crew three dcep,
heart-felt cheers, for Harold was dearly loved by the men, as
he had been by the officers until that day.
The handsome face crimsoned at the compliment paid him,

[and the eyes burned brighter, as Harold raised his gold-hor-

dered cap and bowed to the crew in kind acknowledg-'
tuent. ,
Without a salute to the assembled officers, who felt cha-

 

 
    
 

46 ran awn. HEUTENANTS.

   

grined at the act of the crew, Harold stepped over the side
into the gig awaiting, and taking his seat in the stern sheets,
as he glanced up toward Lieutenant Lyle, who, in it. fever of
anxiety, was watching him, for he fenred his ambitious desire
to he left in command of the frigate might be frustrated,
said: '

“Lieutenant Lyle, I leave you in command of the frigate.
When Commodore Moreton returns, be careful to place in his
hands the papers I have left for him. Give way, men 1"

Without another word, Harold Marmaduke left the vessel
that had so long been his home. . "

Arriving at the pier, he dismissed the gig, the crew bidding
him God-speed, for the men had heard from some meddle-
some-tongued midshipman the cause of their officer’s depart-
ure, and one and all sympathized with him. '

“ Well, Morris, it seems you have brought considerable lug-
gage, for a few days’ stay," snid Harold, as he looked around
for a porter to carry his traps, and his eye fell on the effects
of the coxswain. ' \

“True for you, air; but, lieutenant, can I speak a would
my mind to you ?"

“Yes; what is it, lad ?"

“ Well, you see, sir, the boys all know why you left the
frigate, ’cause you never had any grandfather or grandmother.
Now, don’t turn so red, sir, for I didn’t aim to breeze up your
tender feelings, sir." -

“ Go on, Morris.”

“I will, sir; well, you see, sir, I have been on yonder
frigate many years, and was aboard when you, a youngster
then, took us nll out of a mighty tight. place, and says I to
myself to-day, when I heard you wns going to leave us—
says I:

“ ‘ Coxswain, you must go, too,’ and I did."

“ You wish to go with me, then, Morris? '

“ I do, sir.” . t

“ Wlmt will your consort sny ?”

“ Bless you, lietitenunt, that was all patched up from old
pin-es of suil I found in the locker of my memory.”

“ You are not married, then ?” asked Harold, struck with
theusemnan‘s devotion! to him.

      
      

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A tom’s mavonon. 47

“ Not that I remembers. Mr. Marnmduke; for you see. if I
have taken to my old hulk any feminine timbers, knocking
about round the world one forgets ’em, and a little cruising in
foreign parts. lets it leak out of your mind, and Icnves a man
as good us though he had not been hauled into the dock and
refitted; but, with those female sharks it’s different, for wo-
men can‘t hide devilment, us a mun, and especially a sailor,
can."

"Morris, I fear your morals and your respect for thelsdies
are both at u low ebb; but, joking aside, do you not know
that, to follow my fortunes, you fire a deserter?’

“ No, sir; for you see my time of service is up in three
days,'and you wrote me leave for ten.”

“Very well; return on board in three days, get your dis-
missal and draw your pay.”

“ No, lieutenant, they might not dismiss me, you see, for the
frigate wants more men, and then I'd have to stay.”

“ True; but you will lose your pay."

“ Not much do I care; it. is only a matter of half a year
due me." V

Harold thought a few moments in silence.

The deep regnrd felt for him by the humble coxswain
touched him, and he felt that he would ever he a faithful
friend, did he keep him with him, in whatever course he might
follow, for upon his future steps he had not fully decided.

“ Well, Morris, you can go with me. I have ample means
for both of us until we decide wlmt course it is best to pur-
sue. Go, now, and hring a vehicle to take us to a. tavern."

Delighted at the decision of his oflioer, Morris gleefully de-
parted upon his errand, and an hour after, Harold having de-
cided to at once go on to New York. he und the constant
were soon passengers on bourd a small packet-schooner ply-
ing between that city and Boston.

During the run to New York, Harold had an opportunity
to think over his future course, und at length came to the con-
clusion that he would return to the home of Enoch Ellis,
takiug‘Morris with him,and for the present resume his duties
as a pilot; but as the packet glided up the harbor to her ier,
the eye of the young man fell upon a schooner of wonderful
beautv, moored to the dock.

l
l

 

um 1::an Lmuman'rs.

“ Ain‘t she a beauty, sir ?" ejaculated Morris, who was also
looking with admiration upon the beautiful craft.

“ She is indeed, coxswain ; I never saw a handsomer model,
though one I saw on the Mexican coast was exceedingly like
her."

“I remember her, sirl she was a three—masted shouner,
what those black rascals down there called a cam—some-
thing.”

_" Oaraoel, you mean.” .

“ Yes, sir, and she had an outlandish name that a fellow
could not pronounce for getting foul of his tongue, unless he
had his jaw broke.”

“You are severe upon the language of Spain, coxswainl
the craft you refer to is the same that lay next to us
in the harbor of Vera Cruz! her name was the El C'z'nto do
Accra.”

“ That‘s it, sir, for, if I don’t speak the lingo I know it
runs athwart my hawserl that means steal and bolt, as most:
Mexicans generally do, does it not, sir i’"

“ Not exactly, coxswain," answered Harold, laughing.

“ It means the Belt. of Steel, more commonly called the
Steel Belt."

“ Mr. Marmaduke, why can’t you command such a craft as
lhat, in this coming war i”

Harold started, {or the question came suddenly upon him,
while Morris Continued, as his quick eye detected that ho had
touched the right key:

“ There’s going to be a row with England, that’s certain,
and this Government will need privateurs.

“Now the men in service may have used you hard, but,
the Government hasn’t, and you might just as well as not, get
a swift craft and go privriteering."

“ You are right, Morris, and I will think of it; but come,’

we are at the pier now; get a vehicle and we will look up

quarters."

I Having secured comfortable quarters for himself and the
coszuin, fiarold threw himself into no easy chair, and he-

tuok himself to deep utedita‘tion, refusing the dinner sent up ‘

to him by the kind tavern keeper; but Morris had nothing
to trouble his luck-und-go-eusy’ nature, and patter partak-

 
  

   
 
 
 
 
  



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m 'rwms. 49

lug-0t a hearty meal, suuntered forth to: a look around the
city. ‘

One, two, three hours passed, and suddenly the coxswnin
burst into the room, his face all joyful, undlfound Harold
still in thought. -

“Now, Mr. Marmaduke, I’ve a word for you that will
cheer your drooping spirits, for you see I have been heat-
ing around the docks, and in one of my tucks run. across
twins.” '

~ “ What mean you, coxswain ?" demanded Harold, for he
observed the bright look of the senmnn’s face.

“- Well, I‘ll not bent to windward with my tongue, but
ease the news out at once. You know the queer schooner
we snw this morning?” '

“ Yes, the caravel ”

“ That’s it, the currywell,nnd she’ll carry well any amount
of canvas you pile on these slicks of hers. Well, you see,
I was nosing ’round, nnd run across an old shiptnute, one
who was on the Intrepid with us that night we burned the
Philadelphia in the harbor of Tripoli.”

“ Who was luv, for I should remember him?"

“ And you do; his mune is Jnck Shirley and 00., that’s
the way the sign reads, for you see he’s gone to ship-build-
ing.”

“ Yes, I recall him now, and it good fellow he was.”

“ Truth; he‘d do any thing, from straddling a shark to
drinking,“ the (meers’ liquor; he was a fine fellow, but, you
see, he gave up the sen, Df‘CuUSt‘} an old aunt of his was good

, enough to crulse lo Davy Jones‘ locker, thut is she slipped

her cable of life, and left, him her traps, which consisted of
a ship-yard, for the old woman was the consort of a builder,

‘ , nnd’ Jack is the mun that put up the twin of the craft we so

this. morning." '

“ There nre two of those beautiful vessels, then Y”

“ Fact, just alike, only one’s difl‘erent from the other, you
see."~

“ No, I do not see. Morris, how they are just alike, it one
is dafirem."

“ I’ll tell you, sir: one of those twins, the one we didn’t see,
was built by Jack Shirleyk kind of secretriike, so he told me.

   

 
 

' t

do run 1mm. LIEUTENANTS.

“ He says one day a fellow came in his oflice—a man with
a devil-‘tne—care look, and asked him if he could build an
American shooner’s hull, after a model he would give him;
and rig it with three masts like those West Indy crafts we
see in Southern waters.

“ Juck told him he was the very boy to build any thing,
from a cofli‘n, for another old rich aunt he had an idea. ought
to soil to heaven, to a. Chinese pirate.

“The stranger laughed just like a woman at this, says
Jack, and then, said :

“ ‘ What you do for me, Mr. Shirley, must be done well
and with secrecy. I wish’ you to build a schooner for me after
a model I will bring you this afternoon, and before you be-
gin, you must engage all the hands you wish and discharge
none of them until the job is finished, for I want no copy of
my craft afloat.’

“Jack promised, and at the appointed time the stranger
came and brought with him it nigger, on whose face, Jack
says, charcoal would make a white mark, that nigger was

so black, but he was a jolly nigger, with smiling face and V

shiny eyes——”

“ You saw him then, coxswain i” x

“ No sir, Jack told me. Well, the din-key had a box, and
it-hnd in it the model of the prettiest craft Jack says he ever
saw.

“ ‘ I made this myself, Mr. Shirley, says the stranger, and
I wish my vessel to be like it in every particulurl Here is a
check for ten thousand dollars, and when I come after the
craft in six months' I’ll give you fifteen thousand more, if
she suits ntehand it she don’t I’ll blow her up and send your
ship-yard with her; will you risk it ?’

1‘ ‘ I’ll do it, ’cause I like your style,’ says Jack, and keel-

, haul me, if he didn’t keep his word, for ’I went all over the

craft this morning.”

“Did he break his Word to the stranger and build two
tchooners alike 2” asked Harold. interested in Morris’ story.
I “ Not. he! hut Jack came into his oflice one day, and hear-
ng a noise in a little back room he seldom used, he went
.here, and what did he see ?”

“ I’m sure I do not know, eoxswsiu t"

 
   
  

   

 

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A MODEL VESSEL. 51

“ He saw one of his former workmen, one he was on bad
terms with, putting an exact model of the little schooner
which he had before him. .

“ It didn’t take Jack Shirley long to kick that fellow out;
but the seamp went to another builder, and from memory and
measurements which he had, drew a model, and they com-
menced to put up a twin to Jack’s craft, and that was it we
saw this “morning.”

“ It was an infamous act, but the builder has made a beau-

, tiful vessel.”

“ Yes; she‘s a beauty, that’s a fact; and when you com«
pare them they look as much alike as two beans, but then
there’s a difference, for Jack showed me all over his, which
isjust finished and lying locked up in his dock, and I went
all over the other craft which is for sale."

“ For sale .9”

“ Yes, sir; well, the difference between the two no lands~
man would .discover, and mayhap, few seamen, unless they
were thorough fellows: but I saw it in many places, and
though I would be content to sail always in the copy, I tell
you I Consider J2LCli’s craft is as much superior as you are to
tne, Mr. Marmaduke."

“ Thank you, Morris; you 5 13’ the schooner is for sale l’”

“ Yes, ‘sir: and she’s a beauty and no mistake, and perfect
from keelson to truck; they ask fifteen thousand dollars
for it.” ‘

_ “ Fifteen thousand dollars! Would to God I had that
sum, or knew where to get it." -

“ That‘s why I told you about it, Mr. Marmaduke, for L
thought perhaps we might lay some plan to get the craft.”

“'We’ll try, Coxswain ; we‘ll try.”

 

    

'm RIVAL LIEUTENANTB.

C H A P T E R V I
ON BOARD THE STEEL new.

THE more Harold Marmaduke pondered over what he had
heard, the more he troubled himself to think where he could
get so large a sum of money, with which to purchase the
schooner, for the suggestion of Morris, “to go privateering,”
had determined him upon his future course of action.

All that night the young ofilcer lay awake in troubled
thought, and during the next day, which was bleak and
stormy, paced his, room in anxious humor.

Toward the afternoon the storm increased in fury and I

drove the coxswain “ under the lee of the tavern,” as he ex-
pressed it, for he had been cruising around the streets all the
morning.

“ Well, coxswain, what luck ‘2” I

“Good, sir; for I was taken in tow by an old tar and
went to a house where you chance your money, and I won as
much as fifty dollars, so you see I’m all right.”

“ Yes, yes; by heaveusl I have it. Coxswain, do not
throw your. money aWay, for you may have need of it. I
will return soon.” ' v

So saying, Harold threw on his storm-suit and went forth
into the street, wending his way toward a well-known hank-
ing-house, where he had always deposited his pay as saved
up. ,
A letter from the tavern~keeper introduced him, and he

'drew out over eight hundred dollars, which, with what he

had in his purse, gave him one thousand. ,

“Yes, I’ll risk it; I’ll seek the gambling-hell where I know
, Lyle used to go, and other of the officers, and put all on a
card. ' I

“ If I win, I'll buy the schooner, equip her, and go out as
a privateer. , I ,

“ If I lose, I will not care what becomes of me, for upon
this I stake my hopes of Claudine, honor and all."

»

 

 
    

  

 

 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

 
 

  

 
  
 
  

‘ i

 

   

A DESPERATE RESOLVE. 58

Retracing his way to his quarters, Harold found the cox-
swain awaiting him; but Wishing to be alone with his own
thoughts, he sent Morris to find the owner of the beautiful
schooner, to inquire what. was the lowest cash price she could
be bought for.

Then, with a quick, nervous trend, and troubled brow, like
an April sky, clouding and brightening, as hope or despair
flitted through his thoughts, he paced the mom, often speak-
ing half‘aloud: ‘

“Perhaps Enoch Ellis could lend me the money, for he
never appeared to want, I remember; but then, could I find
it in tny heart to risk what he is Saving up for Aline?

“ No, I will not do it; Iwill risk all on the turn of norm],
though never before have I been guilty of an act unworthy a

gentleman.

“ Yes, I will risk all, for desperate positions compel desper-
ate measures; and then, if stiCCessful, I will first seek my old
home, learn from Enoch and his wife all they know of my
birth, and endeavor to remove this stain from off my life,
while, at the same time, with the vessel at my command, I
can still serve my Government, for America. will need aid in
this coming,' struggle. ,

“ Oh i if I could only clear up the mystery hanging over
my life, ltow happy would I he!

“ What! it is eleven o’clock, and Morris not. back? I
hope no harm has come to him ; but I must be off. Aid me

, all ye good angels, even though it may be in a had step, for

I dp evil that good may follow.”

So saying. Harold Marmaduke wrapped his cloak around
him and strode forth into the darkness and storm, which
were in strange sympathy with his troubled thoughts.

Ere this the reader has doubtless recognized in Ilarold
Marmaduke the ‘young naval oflicer of the opening chapter
of this story! he that entered the gilded saloon of crime
to win a fortune by a freak of luck, and within the hour
lose it as rapidly as he had gained it,l.rcnt:.~e the fickle
goddess" tnrned her back upon her seeming favorite.

Had Ilarold been an expert at cards, he Would have left
the table as soon_as he won so largely, and had he been

1

a

 

    

THE IHVAL LIEUX‘ENANTS.

less particulir, would have refused to play again, for the
bank had taken its chances against him; but, disliking the
charge of meanness, he turned again to play, staking, for he
was a novice in vice, his entire winnings upon a card, trusting
to luck to stir-k to him, and staring fate in the face.

When he lost,_he became reckless, and in the desire to
win back his money placed upon the table a‘ handsome
watch mnd chain, presented to him by the under officers of
his frigate, as an appreciation of their regard for him, for
Harold had always been particularly kind to his men, and
i‘fid not an enemy among them. A

All went from him, and in despair, completely over-
whelmed by the calamity which had befallen him,and,driven
wild, almost, by the thought of the double stain upon his
character, ,he fled forth into the night, temporarily bewildered
and reckless, bent on self-destruction as the only cure for his
sufferings.

‘How his rash intention was thwarted, by the timely
intervention of a sudden conflict, to which he hastened.
and where he did good service, the reader is already
aware.

Now I will follow Harold, and his strange cornpanion,_
on board the schooner and into her cabin, making known what
transpired there.

Upon ascending to the deck, Harold discovered that
every thing was in perfect order, and that the high bulwarks
hid, crouching behind them, several heavy guns. The com-
mander allowed him little time to glance around, but con—
ducted him. at once to the cabin, which was roomy and
tarnished with sumptuous elegance in every part.

"Be seated, sir, and over a bottle of wine we’ll become
better acquainted. Ebony 1”

“Sir,” answered a voice from a stateroom, and a/negro
servant, clad in a dark green nnifcrm,,entered the cabin, and
his black face did not bely his name. _

“ Bring goblets and some of that old Mezz'qua Wine. Two
bottles, do you hear ?”

“ Yes sir,” and in a few moments the black returned with
n salver‘of solid gold, holding two goblets of the same pre-
cious metal, besides the bottles of wine."

 
 

k "7,4

 
 

 

 



A a"?

 

  
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

THE COMMANDER bl? IKE .Y'ZL CINTO.

“Now, Ebony, prepare the larhoartl“ stateroom, fol I have
a guest, and then you Cup go to bed.” ' _

As soon as the black had departed, the commander of the \
schooner threw hims:;lf into an easy-chair, motiouing Harold
to do the same, and commenced opening one of tln‘ bottles
of Mwique, while the lieutenant sat closely regarding him, as
the light from a silVer lamp fell full upon him.

He was a man of perhaps thirty, though a certain stem
look in his face, and a few streaks of gray upon either temple,
caused him to seem older.

His hair was rather golden than otherwise, his face clean-
shnven,sun-browned, and decided, while the eyes were a
peculiar blue, or gray, for they appeared to he constantly
changing color.

His form was of slight build,under the medium hight, but
of perfect symmetry, while his every movement. combined
grace und power, suggesting in Harold's mind the strength
and heuutyof the ltopard.

Dressed in a suit of dark blue, he appeared to ordinary
observation only ‘a seaman; but, altogether, there was some-
thing ahout him, visible upon [1 second glance, that stumped
him as no ordinary man. . -

From hearSay Harold knew something of him—that he
was not a Mexican, though in the service of that country,
and had Won a name as a remarkably successful commander,
havng cruised for years in the gulf, and elsewhere. in de-
fiance of both Spanish and French vessels sent in pursuit of
him. ' ‘

Rumor also went so far as to couple with his name that
of a corsair; but if this was true he had never been discov~
ered in any act of piracy by American cruisers; and Harold,
remembered that for some time his own frigate had orders
to keep an eye upon the Mexican privateer, but. without
having discovered any violation of law upon the high seas, on . L
the part of the mysterious craft.

“ Well, lieutenant, for I see you hold that rank, we will
now drink a toast,” and the Mexican commander filled the
two gohlets with wine. - . ‘

  

‘Inthe time at which I write it wns Iarbourd and slnrboord; oflate
yous n has been chutiged to port and starboard.—Au'ruon. ‘

 

    

 

=56 THE RIVAL LinurnNAN'rs.

“ With pleasure, captain; but first let me make known to
you my name. It is Harold Marmaduke.”

“I have heard of you, sir; in fact, once saw you, for I
recall your face now, at a cafe in Santa Cruz. I am called
‘Biancu, and command this golela, El Oinlo de Acero."

“Captain Bianca, I have also heard of you; I am glad to
meet you."

“ A return of the compliment, senor; I may say, doubly
so, for my life was this night saved by you, and I thank you
for it; your health and happiness ;" and the captain dashed
03 his goblet of wine, while Harold folIOWed suit with less
haste.

"Pardon me, senor; hut, since we first met, I have ob-
served yonindeep brooding, over some heavy Weight rest-
ing upon your heart; surely you are not troubled at the
thoéght that your hand took the life of a human being a
short while since ?”

“ I had almost forgotten the circumstance." .

“Then why have the blues? Let me know what the mat-
ter is, and I will serve you if in my power, for surely I owe
it to you,” and Bianca. leant forward with more interest than
he had liefore shown, while Harold, alter a. moment‘s hesita-
tion, replied:

“Captain, in your voice and manner there is a tone of
sympathy, that chimes in strangely with my bitter feelings at
present, and I will tell you.” _

“ Been dismissed the service for some youthful indiscretion 1’
Do not mind it, my man.”

Harold‘s face flushed, and he replied. quickly:

" You are wrong, sir; I was not dismissed from the navy,
but one week ago resigned my Commission, and left my frigate
in Boston It was, perhaps, cowardly in me to take the step
I did, and mayhnp I should have remained and braved the
sneers of my brother officers.” .

“ Surely your face belies you, if you did ought to deserve
the contempt of men,” rejoined Bianca, warmly.

“From my heart I thank you; I um guiltless of any
crime.”

“ That I will swear to ; you have resigned, you say? Good ll.
You are free, then, and open for a berth, and I, need an

n 1 I .
. 4
\

 

N «f 

 

A amumons arms. 57

“chicane first. lufl“, and give you his place—will you take
it?”

Harold was so overcome, for a moment, that he could not

speak, for he was raised from the depths of despair to the
hights of hope in an instant.

At last he said, lltlvlllg swallowed another goblet of the

generous wmo poured out for him:

lie

“ Captain Bianca, you have done more than you can be-
ve: you have saved me from myself.
“ Deem me u Coward, if you «will—rt silly fool—but when

I heard the sound of combat between you and those ruflians,
I was upon the verge of suicide."

driven you to this, Lieutenant. Marmaduke.

“ Good Godl do I hear nright?"

“ You do, cuptuin.”

“ Some great sorrow, some overwhelming calamity has
A brave man,

such as the world knows you to he, would not Contemplate
self-murder unless his triuls and sufferings were more than he
could bear,” and Bianca spoke warmly.

8D

“ I will tell you all, sir, for you inspire me with confidence,
d you can judge for yoursalf."
Hnrold then told the Mexican commander the story of his

life, as much as he knew of it—of his havingr been found
adrift at sea in an open bout by Enoch Ellis, and reared by
him until his fifteenth year.

Then he nmde known his shipwreck, his det-p love for

' Claudine, and finally, his resigtmtion, its cause, and his gum-
bling for money to purchase it privutcer schooner. \

Bianca. listened attentively, not once interrupting him,and

then said :

t0

“ Thank God we met, Mr. Marmaduke.
serve you, I assure you.
“ You say a schooner, of American hull and West Indian

It is in my power

~rig, one in fact resembling this craft of mine, tempted you to

tie

on

k gaming for purchase-money ?"

“ Yes, sir."

“ Where did you see that schooner ?”

“ At. the pier, as I landed from the Boston packet.” _
“ Strange, very strange. Describe the craft, Mr. Mam“-
ke. and believe me, I ask this from no idle curiosity u I

\

 

    

 
   

~ 58 mm mun menmnams.

will presently show you, for I also have a life-history to
tell."

Harold told all he knew about the schooner, according to

what the Coxswain had said, and a dark frown came upon the
' face of Bianca, who, after a. moment, said:

“Marmaduke, it was I that ordered the schooner built, by
Shirley, after a model I umde myself, and which I was de-
termined should unite both speed and sea-going qualities, far
superior even to this noble Vessel we are now on.

“ The model is a good deal like this vessel, only larger and
improved in many ways; the rigging will be exactly the same
in style, as on this craft, for I like the lateen sails exceed-
ingly.”

“ What can you desire with another vessel, captain ‘9"

“I will tull you. The El 057210 do Acero is now getting

old and leaky, from the numerous wounds she has received in

action, and I came to New York to get my new vessel, for a.
purpose I have in view, and which you shall learn, while this
schooner, after undergoing repairs, I intended to return to
Mexico as a present to the Government; for the craft belongs
to me, and I brought on with me a crew of Mexicans to run
her back.

“ Shirley told tne nothing of this copy of my vessel, and it
is news to‘me."

“ I expect he was afraid to do so, and knowing it was no
fault of his, he concluded to be silent about it," said Harold.

“ Doubtless you are right. In the morning we will see
this twin sister of my goletu, and if she is as good a‘vessel
as you represent, she in net not pass into other hands, for I
am determined to fly the sea faster than any other craft afloat,
st home or abroad. '

 

 

.3 3..

 

 

mama’s sronr. , g 60

CHAPTER VII.
BIANCA’s STORY.

AFTER n few minutes of silence, Bianca pouied out au~
other goblet of wine, and (lashing it otf, said, quietly:

“ Confidrnce begets confidence, llIurnnuluke, and hence I
will now make known to you who and whut I am.

“ You will notice that I speak English without an accent,
although I am supposed to he a Mexican ; but you may say
the same of my Spanish and French, for I learn a language
readily, and have had considerable experience in speaking
other tongues, as fate has made me somewhat of an adven-
turer.

“ By birth, I am an American, having been born in Mary-
land, in which State my father was a planter of wealth, and
my mother, whom he married when in Paris at college, was
a French countess.

“I was the only child of my parents, and until my four-
teenth year was the idol of- the household; then, a dear
friend of my mother's (lied, and being in indigent circum-
stances, begged that my parents would care for her two
children, a-boy of seven and a girl of four.

“ Their parents had once been wealthy, but in n specula-
tive enterprise the father hatl lost his all nntl hnd taken his
own life, leaving his wife and children almost destitute.

“ The wife livud one year only after the denth of her hus-
band, and then died of a broken heart, while my parents ever
kind and noble, cared for her lonely orphan children.

“They lived in Carolina, and my father carried me with
him when he went to bring them on, and from my first meet-
ing with my little brother and Sister, 1131 called them, I loved
them‘as though they had been really such, and did all in my ,
power to make thmrhappy. ~

“ They were beautiful chilJrcn, rather Spanish-looking, -
with dark hair and eyes, and as good as child-flesh can be

 

60 THE RIVAL mumsn'rs.

for you know children always'havc an under-current of devilo
‘ment in their composition. ‘

“My parents made no difi‘erence between myself and the
little ones, who soon really believed that they were my broth-
er and sister.

“Instead of sending me to school or college, my father

’procured for me a private tutor, and hence I lived always at

home, greatly to the delight of all of us. and in quiet hap- ‘

piness the years passed, until one afternoon, when I was in
my twentieth year, as I was returning home on horse-back
along the bay-shore road, for our plantation lay on the Ches-
apeake, I was startled by a loud cry coming from a thickly-
wooded point of land, where there was a summer-house, 01
pavilion, used by the family in pleasant. weather as a look-out.

“ I drove the spurs into my horse and dashed forward, for
I recognized the voice of my little sister, Clarice, then ten
years of age, and suddenly came upon half a dozen rough-

looking men engaged in kidnapping both Clarice and hex“

brother, who was struggling hard to free himself and defend
his sister.

“ A shot from my pistol brought one of the villains down,
and a blow from my heavy riding-whip felled another; but,
ere ‘I could do more, I was’seized, drugged from my horse,
and dealt a violent blow upon the head. ,

“It was hours before I was again conscious, and aching
severely, it was some time ere I could recall what had hap-
pened; but soon my senses came back to me, and listening,
I heard the splash of water, and the heavy tread of men
overhead. I

“ I was at sea, on board of a vessel. I was certain; 30,
springing to my feet I rushed on deck, and beheld a queer
' kind of craft such as I never had seen before, but ,which I
afterward knew to be peculiar to the waters of the Gulf.

“ A dozen dark, foreign-looking men were attending to va-
rious duties, and far asteru there was just the faint outline of
land.

“ At the wheel was one seamen, and near by him stood a '
man whose face I never shall forget; it, was a dark, sinister“

~but strikingly handsome face, of perhaps .torty, and so
strangely filtemy mother‘s that I started with surprise '

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ALL Fort REVENGE. 61

“ To hasten on with‘my story, I will say that the man was
'the brother of my mother; that from boyhood he had been
a wild, wayward fellow, bad slain a servant in a fit of pas-
sion, and after running through with thousands that his par-
ents had allowed him, be plotted against the Government,
was discovered and sentenced to banishment for life from
France, while his estate was given over by the Government
to my mother. I

“ This turned him with bitter hatred against his sister; and
be determined to revenge himself upon her, and having won

heavily at. the gaming-table he chartered a vessel, collected
around him a vile crew and carried out his revenge so far a
to kidnap my adopted sister and brother, believing them to be
her own children.
’ “ I knew before of his wicked life; but his own lips told
me how he had determined upon revenge, and I can not ex-
press his rage when I told him I alone was the one upon
Whom to vent his anger.

“He raved, be aware, and putting me in irons kept me
there until we arrived at an island of the West Indies, where
one night I was put ashore and left alone, while the human
fiend put away again in his craft, carrying with him 'poor
Clarice and her brother, and devoting his after years to
piracy.

“ The place where I was landed would have been my grave,

V for desolate and barren indeed it was, had not a schooner .
touchedxthere for water several days after I was left alone,
and thus rescued me in an almost starved condition.

“*The craft was a pirate; but the crew, barbarians though
they were, pitied and cared for me. and months I remaimd
with them ere I could make my escape.

"At last I succeeded in getting away, by springing over- I
board when in the harbor of Vera Cruz, and swimming
ashore. Seeking the American consul I made knbwn my
story; he kindly furnished me with funds, and I left for my

' home, arriving there after nearly a year’s absence, to find

great changes, for my poor, broken-hearted mother was dead,
aud'my sorrowing father alnuist crushed beneath the- blow
that so heavily had fallen upon him. .

‘ “My father knew all that I could tell him, for a inter had

 

  

s

62 ' THE RIVA]. LXEU’I‘ENAN TS.

come from that human fiend, stating all he had done to me,‘

‘and, also saying he intended rearing up Clarice and her
brother to his liking, all for sweet revenge. The letter was
mailed at Vera Cruz, Mexico, and from my readingr it I de-
termined upon my course—to track that man. to the bitter end.

“ Furnished with ample means, I left home, went to Mex-
ico, and began my work of tracking; but need I tire you
with an account of the lands and sons over which I have wnu-
dered on that duty? ‘ '

“ Need I say howI was wrecked twice, once a prisoner for
a year to the Algerines, and again the captive of Mexican
pirates, to find out that the man I searched for had become
9. Corsair chief, and was cruising in the Gulf? '

“ I will not dwell on this, but simply add, that I returned
to thy home in Maryland, to find my father (lend, sleeping
beside my poor mother, and I the heir to their wealth; but
I cared not for that, and only took sufficient funds with me
for tny purpose, which was to build and equip a vessel and
start in pursuit of that inhuman monster.

“1 purchased this craft in Baltimore, had her rigged and
refitted in Havana, and from the Mexican Government re-
ceived a commission, the better to enable me to Carry out. my
design.

“I named my vessel The Steel Belt, and I will show you
~why.n

Springing to his feet, Bianca quickly cast aside his coat and
vest, and tearing open his shirt, displayed, encircling closely
his waist, a narrow bell of skirting (deal.

I “ Do you see this? Touch it, for ’tis no sham—’tis real
steel, and that monster, in whose veins flows the blood that
flows in mine, placed it here, ere he put me on that lonely
island, now ten years ago.

“ Ay, he had this helt riveted on me as a mark to remem-
ber him by, and I have had a like mark put on my vessel,
giving to. her its name. I .

" 'I‘en long.r years have I worn it, and often has it saved my
life, strange to say, from sword-thrust and pistol-shot; and I
will wear it until I die, unless Ijind that man. 

“ One word. more, Marmaduke : though I have been a wan-
derer,'and served beneath a foreign flag, I am an American;

   

 

    
   

 

 

 

 

 
  
  
 

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A FRIEND INDEED. 68
hence I came here to get my vessel, that I might cruise as a
privateer against England, for already are the guns of war
\loaded, and I have resigned from the Mexican navy.

I “ Now you know all. It is late—let us retire; here is your
room, and I wish you good-night." ‘

Completely prostrated by the reaction that had come over
him, and worn out with bodily and mental fatigue, Harold
sunk to slumber in his sumptuous bed, and woke not until the
sound of voices disturbed him.

“ Strange! Where-can I be? But certainly that is the
coxswain's voice,” he murmured, as he listened and heard :

“But he may be sick, I tell you, my dark-colored friend."

‘ “No, he is only tired; the captain said he was not to be
callet ,” said another voicm that recalled to Harold the tones
of Bianca's colored servant, Ebony.

“ Coxswain ?"

“ Ay, ay, sir,” and the next instant Morris put his head in
at the cabin door.

“ How, in the name of all that’s glorious, did you come
here 1’"

“ In a boat, sir."

“ How did you know I was here ?"

“ The captain—the gentleman with the dangerous and me-
lancholy blue eyes—came to the tavern at eight o‘clock this
morning, and sent me with your luggage aboard.”

" Eight o’clock! What time is it now ?”

“Eleven, sir.”

“ llow sound asleep I’ve been.
him where I stopped; this was indeed kind .of him.
swain, I am glad to see you.”

“ Thank you, sir, and I am glad to see you, for I thought
you had been done away with in the vile town.”

Harold gave the eoxsvain credit for hitting pretty near
the truth, and rising, dressed himself quickly, and sat down
to a good breakfast, that Ebony prepared for him.

Ere he had finished his meal, Bianca entered, dressed in
citizen’s clothes, and greeting him warmly, handed him I

Yes, I remember I told
Cox-

‘ . small packet, 'which, on opening, displayed his own watch

and pbain, and a roll of bank-notes. . .

  

64 ‘ _ m 1mm. LIEUTENANTB.

“My noble friend, how did you get them? Pray tell me,”
said Harold, in surprise. r

“Very easily : I went to the owner of the saloon, told hint ,
to glance at a badge I wore, which was similar to those Worn i‘
by the chief detectiVes of the Government, and after telling _‘_’
him I knew all about your having won a fortune from his "i
“ bank,’ and then, under a false sense of justice to him, had _ , ,.
been induced to play again, I demanded the return of your * V, o
watch, chain and one thousand dollars, or let him take the
consequences. He was frightened severely, and restored them
without ahword.” . »

“ How can I ever repay you ?" said Harold, touched by thi
mark of friendship in the captain. ,

"‘ I will tell you: it is important for me to at once ex- » 
change vessels, and in an hour I will tow into Shirley’s ship- i '
yard, and make the exchange to my own schooner, while you
can run down to your old home and visit your friends for a '
few days, when I will call for you. You and your man can
take the new vessel’s largest cutter, which is all rigged for

. sailing, and in a few hours you can get. there.

“I will at once make the transfer, and join you the third
night from this evening. I say night, because I intend run-
ning out under cover of the darkness, and I will tell you,
why : 7

“ I went to see my schooner's twin this morning, and find
her, though apparently a perfect copy, in reality very (lifi'er- ‘ '
eat, for she will not possess either the speed or weatltt-rly
qualities of my craft, although both fast, stiff, and a beautiful
imitation; but. she is no longer for sale, having been pur-
chased for the United States Government, I hear, anti placed ,
under the Command of your old enemy, Lennox Montclair.”

“ What ?" ' _

“ True, and Walter Lyle is her first luff, the Portsmouth
having gone on the stocks for repairs, and other vessels re-
ceiving her ofllcers, as already the tocsin of war has/sounded.”

“ Do I hear aright ?” ‘

, “Yes, the storm has broken, and all is activity with army
and navy, so you see I am desirous of getting to sea at once,
and I will lie in wait for the twin schooner, and give them
a surprise they little suspect." ' ‘

 

   

   
  

  

 

 

 
 
 
 

   
 
 
 
  

 

 

 

A GEM OF PUREST RAY.

“Surely, you would not uttuck—" '

“ No, no, you misunderstand me; I am as true on Ameri-
can as yourself, Marmaduke."

“ I beg your ptu‘don, Captain Bianca; but~—”

“ I understand you; my own remarks led you to make the
mistuke; but wait and see.”

“ An hour more, and Harold and Morris were darling
through the Narrows before a stifi‘ breeze, the schooner’s cut-
ter behaving well and soiling like u bird, us she headed down
toward Sandy Hook, under the skillful guidance of the young
ofiicer, whose hand had not forgotten its cunning in’his years
of absence from the duty of a pilot.

'.

 

CHAPTER VIII.
THE HIGHLAND CABIN HOME.

NINE yenrs bring grent changes, even in nature, and par-
ticularly in human beings. '

Thus had the coming 'nnd going of nine long summers
changed Aline Ellis, the pilot’s daughter, for more than one
could imagine. ‘

The reader has had it glance at Aline, when Harold was at:
home after more than four years’ ubseuce,and beheld herthen
just budding forth into muldenhood.

Now, when seventeen summers have lightly touched her,
each adding but renewed henuty to face and form, it. was
startling almost to see the change, for a most perfect Wonmn
was the result. \

As darkly beautiful us It Spnniurd, with pink-bronzed enm-
nlexion, heavy masses of rum-n hyir, and eyes velvety in their
’eep depths of darkness, Wlltl‘c slept worlds of passion and
're, only needing the spark of love to burst into flame, n
-zune that would consume the heart with its intense burnings,
and with a form of voluptuous grace, Aline Ellis was indeed
a creature of wondrous loveliness, a gem that any man would
be proud to win and wear.

   

  

08 run BNAL LIEUTENANTB

Upon the pilot’s cubin home change had also come, for,

loving Harold as though he were their own offspring, and
Aline regarding him as denrly as she would have loved an
own brethcr,duily all had struggled to improve the homestead,
making it more roomy, comfortable and beautiful uguinst the
wanderer's return. t .

The cabin of logs had been enlarged, improved, and refur-
nished with many conveniences, for Enoch lacked not means
to live, not depending wholly upon his calling for support.

A lawn of an acre sloping toward the river, had been well
laid out, nnd flower-gardens grew on the south side of the
cabin, while surrounding the inclosure was a neat fence.

Back against the hillside, and thus protected from the chill
north winds, wasthe burn-yard. where two good horses were
to be seen, seVeral cows, and a number of sheep and swine,
while rolling nwny toward the valley was visible half a hun-
(lred acres under tine cultivation.

The steep pathway leading from the cabin to the riverdmnk,
had greatly been improved, graded off, and steps placed in its
steepest places, while jutting out into the water was a neat.
but substantial pier, to which Were tied :1 small cat-rig sail-
boat, and severul row-boats, from the surf-skifi‘ to'the pilot-
ynwl.

Anchored out in the stream was not the old pilot-sloop,
that had served Harold so good it turn when he had boarded
the Portsmouth in the storm, but a trim-looking schooner of
twenty tons, with three men and u boy, her crew, lolling in
the sun upon her decks.

Altogether it was it lovely scene, and one indicative of com-
fort and contentment, for Enoch Ellis, grown more gray and
stern as the years passed on, set on the broad porch in an
easy-chair, smoking and gnzing’ seaward, while his wife, whom
tinlc hnd rendered more sad looking, but otherwise touched
lightly. wns near, engaged in knitting socks for her husband.

Aline lay nt full length upon the grass, in a negligent but
graceful manner, and divided her time between a book and
seaward gazing. '

This scene, quiet and home-like, was eagerly gazed upon _

by one of the occupants of a small cutter that had rounded
Gravelly Point, and was heading toward the little pier. I

 
     

  

 

 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

    
 

A SURPRISE. , 67

With a glass at his eye Harold, for it was the young om'cer,
contemplated, with trembling heart, the home-like scene, and
at the same time mechanically steered the boat through the
circuitous channel up the river. ' ,-

A few moments more and the cutter was under the
schooner's stern, and Harold hailed: r

“ Ahoy 1 what schooner’s that ‘3”

“The pilot-boat Marmaduke; Captain Enoch Ellis,” an-
swered one of the men on board, springing to his feet and
saluting, for Harold was still in full uniform.

“ 15 Captain Ellis at home '2” 4

"‘ Ay, ay, sir: land at yonder pier," and the cutter passed
on, hidden by the hill from the inmates of the cabin.

Springing ashore, and leaving Morris to secure the boat,
Harold sped rapidly up the hill, and suddenly came face to
face with the scene, so changed from what it was when he
last beheld it, years before.

Standing in the shadow of the woods he contemplated for
some time the cabin, its improvements, and the occupants, and
then cried, in the ringing voice of the quarter-deck hail.

“ Enoch Ellis, ahoy l" .

“ Ahoyd ay, ay, sir i" cried Enoch, starting to his feet, and
for the moment thrown otl‘ his equilibrium by the ringing
voice, which reminded him of the days when he went to sea
before the mast in an English vessel of war.

" Harold 1 oh llarold i" cried Aline, recognizing him at a
glance, and dashing forward the threw herself into his ont-
stretched arms, while Enoch and his wife also hurried for-
ward to greet the wanderer home.

It was a joyous meeting, though in Harold’s manner there
was a certain tinge of sadness; but, in pleasant converse. in
which the coxswain joined, for his commander had made him
come to the eabin as a guest, the evening passed away and
bed-time came. .

“ Father Ellis, can I see you a moment ere we retire ?”
asked the young oflicer, who still called Enoch by the name
he had in boyhood,

“ Certainly, my son; let us walk forth upon the porch, and
have a glanco seaward, for it is a ltvely moonlight night,"
and Enoch led the way forth into the open air. .

 

i

68 . 'rrm RIVAL LIEUTENANTS.

“ Father Ellis, I have resigned from the navy,” abruptly
said Harold. -

“ Resigned l and war commencing! I do not understand
my sort," said the surprised pilot.

“I will explain; I told you to-night of my shipwreck,
and my leaving my hospitable entertainers to go aboard
the sloop-of-WnrAtnbuscadc; but I did not tell you the
Cause,

“ The first luff of the sloop was Lenuox Montclair.”

“ indeed! he has risen rnpldky, for a man of as little sen
knowledge as he evidently posseSses; but influence has raised
him." '

“ I am not discussing that point, but another; Montclair
informed Lord Vivian that he had known me in boyhood,
and that I had resting upon me the curse of being a name~
less boy.” I

Enoch Ellis started as though he had been struck a:

1

violent blow; his face paled, his brow grew dark and'

stern; but after a moment he recovered himself, and said
lioursol y :

“ He told this lie ,' then would I take his life.”

“ Yes, he told this, and more, he said you were aware of
it.”

“ He lies, in his false throat he lies I” V

“ Thank God 1"

“Yes, what I say is true, Harold; you were picked up,

at sea in an open boat by myself; one other was with you
_—-a man who appeared to be your guardian, {or he denied
being your father, and did not live until we reached the
land; you know where he lies, yonder beneath the shadow
of Rocky Point. ’

“ All he had with him was a hag of gold. and an old
memorandum-lmok, both of which I still have; the memor-
andum hook stated that he, Arthur Denison, and his young
charge, Harold .Mrll'mudukt‘, had sailed for America. in the
good ship Vixen, bound from Liverpool to New York, and
been wrecked at. sea, with all ml board excepting one boat's
crew, and those afterward died of starvation.

“ His address was at a small village, some forty miles

from LondOn, and I Mr always assured tlmt’by going there'

 

   

  

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\

“mam: AND SON. 60

 

. you could find your parents, or at least. learn whethey were;

but my cowardice at losing you caused me to keep from you
tlie secret.

“Now you know all that I kn .w."

1‘ Indeed I thunk you, my more than father. W'hy I
ilioultl huve been shipped front England to America, in boy-
hood, I know not; but I believe 1 am honorably born; and
that time \till bring all things right.

“ Anyhova nm on Atncricitn in heart now, and will lend
her my aid in this coming ’war." . ‘

” But you hu‘ve left the nuvy, nnd just at a time when you
were winning fume and rank.” . ‘

“ True, I left, hemtuse Moutcluir sowed the seeds of
ham-d toward me among my brother ofilcers, and I was

V ‘cut' by them.

“ I left to return here, and from you find out. the story of
my life, nnd then to St (k for proof of who and what I tun
in England, hut my pluns are somewhat changed for the
present, and it I do not tire you, I will tell you till, even to
my grunts: follies.”

“ 1 nm not tired, my son ; I will listen," uid Enoch,
quittly, nnd IInrold hastily made known to the pilot all
with which the render is alrtndy acquainted, hiding nothing.

“ When will this schooner be here 1*” asked Enoch, after
he had henrd till.

“The third night from this, nnd I wish to conceal her
here until Montcinir's crutt goes to sen, when we will up
anchor and follow in her wnke. llow isvthe depth of water
now in the chunnel ?"

“ little ,sintllot\',I fent‘; hut by midnight, in u dny or
turn, it mil he high tide, und she can run in and round
Rocky Point and lie hidden until the next high Witter."

“ Good! littll that “ill he our plan; now let us retiref’
nnd the two men rv-enteted the enhin nnd tlepnrted to their
Sept-rule sleeping-rooms, Harold with :1 much lighterhcurt

' than before, and Enot-h, from Some cause known to himself,

in n mood strangely gloomy and sail.

Shortly after durk, upon the_ third night of Harold‘s stay
at home, the pilot-tout stood out from the dark shadows of
theilighlauds, and headed up toward the Nairowa.

 
 

70 t irma RIVAL momma.

About. half the distance across the hay had been run, when
the moon arose, and its bright light fell upon the snowy
white canvas of an approaching vessel, which under a. cloud
of Hail was flying toWard the little schooner.

“ That is the goleta ; I recognize her lateen rig," said

‘ Harold, who, with Enoch, the coxswain and Aline stood up
on tlte plint-é-CIIOOIIEIJS deck. -

“Yes, it must be; how she flies through the water,” an
award Enoch. ,

“ Indeed, she docs; her speed is remarkable; bring her
up ,closer, my man, and I will hail her," answered Harold,
and as the schooner approached, he called out in his clear,
manly Voice: ' . i

“ El Cinlo (2e Accra, ahoy i"

“/Altoy the schooner! Is that you, Marmaduke ‘3" came
in the ringing tones of Bianca. ’

“ Ay, ay, sir!
will ho.trd yon.”

“All right!" cried Bianca, and giving an order to his
men, the heautiful vessel swept saiftly up into the wind,
while at the same time, with seatnan-likc skill and speed, a
cutter was lowered from her and put off for the pilot-boat,
which had not yet come to.

"Now, Aline, watch that little heart of yours, for you
are going to meet a dangerouslyfascinating man,” said
Harold, playfully, as the party waited for the approaching
boat.

“I have no fear, Harold; but, how beautiful the vessel
looks lying there upon the water," answered Aline, and the
next instant the hoat came alongside and all sprung in.

"Stand hack for your anchorage, Dave, and see if you
can not make the Marmaduke crowd yonder schooner, for
you know nothing in these waters has ever led our little
craft,“ said Enoch to his helmsman, and, as the boat shoved
otf, the eager crew of the graceful little harbor guit‘e, sprung
nintth to work Crowding their vessel with all the sail she
would carry.

“ Marmaduke, you are indeed Welcome on hoard the Steel
Belt. 1" and Bianca eagerly grasped his lieutenant’s hand.

“ Thank you, captain.

    

If you will cotnc up into the wind we»

This is my sister Aline, whom it

 

  

 

 

  

 

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g .(,'7w

 

 

 

    

unsxrsc'mn rnomo'rron. _'71

    

gives the pleasure to present to you, and this gemleman, my

adopted father, Cnptnin Enoch Ellis. The coxswnin you

have met before,” said Harold, as the party reached the

deck. 0 .

“ Miss Ellis, it gives me great pleasure to be thus honored.
Cnmniu Ellis, I greet you,both for your own and for Marma-
duke’s suke. Coxswain, go forward, please, and ask * my
second lufl‘, Senor Muriel, to tank you as boutswain of the'
Steel Belt.” -

Gracefully unaffected, and with a tender kindness inhis
manner, Biancn greeted his guests, and led them aft to the
slightly raised quartersdeck, where luxurious seats were placed
for them, while Mut Morris, in delight at his unexpected
promotion,owulked forward with n prouder step than he had
ever before assumed.

“ With your permission, captain, I will take the wheel, as
Harold tells me you wish a hiding-place in our waters, for a
day or two.”

“Certainly; the craft is in your hands, and it will be a
finer if you can curry her into n'snug harbor, though it
will not be for long,” answered Bianca, and turning to
Harold he said, with excusable elation and pitch in his
tones:

“ Well, Marmaduke, what do you think of my vessel ?”

Harold glanced admiringly, and with a senman‘s eye over
ner perfect and elegant proportions, from hull to the point
of Let penciled top-masts. '

She was a three-mnsted schooner, or whntfis known in the
Southern waters‘ us at caraeel, or goleta, and registered about

, three hundred tons.

Movinx:r over the waters. as though merer skimming them
in her flight, she uppenred almost like some huge bird from
the upper air, searching the sea for prey.

She was very long, narrow, of great depth, and crouched
low' upon the water, as if preparing to spring like u hound

, upon her game. The hull was painted black, only relieved
‘from stem to stern by n narrow hund of shining steel, like a.
belt, encircling her, and of pure metal, bright and glistening

 "rhinzthe moonlight like the flash of a keen sword; her hull,

~

    

lying low in the Water, was surrounded by high bulwatrks,
814 8 ‘

 

    

 
 

72 THE RIVAL LIEUTENANTS.
the hight of a man’s head, which inclined slightly in~board|
but not sufficiently to conceal three bright guns to a side,
while three more, mounted upon pivots, upon the forecastle,
ustern, and amidships, Were of much rger caliber, and evi.
dently intended for long range, either in pursuit or flight.
The deck was painted white and bore no stnin, while
the quarter-deck was slightly raised above the ordinary level,

giving a. view of the head and shoulders of the man at the .

wheel, to a passing vessel.

The symmetry of the vessel was faultless, and her deep
hull indicated great: weatherly qualities, and a capability of
carrying immense pressure of canvas, even in roughest wett-
ther, while it; also proved she could be driven with Wonder
fol speed through the water by the amount of duck it would
uphold.“

The three masts were slender, single sticks, sloping off at.
the top to an almost. pencil-like point, and the three rearing
to a hight of over ninety feet, for they Were all very nearly
the same length, and raked boldly aft, while the standing
rigging was extremely slight, the sails being hoisted aloft
from the deck, by means of trehlo halyards rooved through
trucks at the mast-heads, where were also halyards for send-
ing up flying topsails. ‘ ‘

The masts were half encircled, near the deck, with racks con-
taining long, glittering hoarding-piltcs; und fore, main, and
mizzen-mnst were all stained arich brown color, and polished
like marble, as were the slender, but extremely long yards
(almost rivaling‘he masts in length), that crossed them. sup
porting the huge triangular sails that. spread an immense
field of canvas to the breeze; also, the galela carried a large
jib, flying-jib, and fore~mast staysail, which, with her three
luteen Sails, were set, and drove her through the waters with
startling velocity, causing her to leave the swift-sailing pilot-
hont far astern in spite of her spread of canvas.

Upon either bulwark, lashed hetween..the guns, in brackets,
were a dozen long sweeps, which could he used in a Calm,
by working them through stnall ports, to which were fas-
tened inside Covers, to hide the holes when .the cars were

not at. work; upon the quarter and stem davits hung three, V

beets, of the same elegant model as/the schooner, while an‘

 

 

 

  
 

  

x

A SCENE 0F SPLENDOR.

78

other, the gig that had brought Harold and his party aboard,
was lying bottom upward amidship, and all having-the belt ,
of steel encircling them.
The binnacle, capstan, burs, wheel, and all other wood-
Work were of black walnut, highly stained, while all the
[moldings from stem to stem, were. apparently of solid silver,
and sparkled brightly in the moonlight; upon a small sta-
tionary stand of carved Wood, just forward of the wheel, lay

é; a. gold speaking-trumpet, studded with precious stones, and

~ glittering brilliantly at every motion of the vessel.
7 ' Forward, and in the waist were groups of seamen, a bun-
g-m dred in numher, dressed in dark-green pants, white shirts,
’ ' the collar of green silk, overlapping the shoulder, and wear-
. L' ing upOn their heads green skull-caps, with a gold bullion
tassel, while around their waists were belts of finely wooen

steel.

For it long, long time, Harold gazed, bewildered, upon the
,. beautiful boat, her strange equipment, and stranger crew,
5,) who appeared to be all dark-skinned Mexicans, and under a

.22.

is, discipline as ,thorough as that upon an English man-of-war.

" Then he turned toward her strange commander, who, sup-
porting Aline upon his arm, had been showing her about the
decks. '

‘Bianca was attired in a uniform of dark-green broadcloth,
trimmed around the cufl‘s, upon the collar, and udown the
outer seams of the pants with bright gold lace,while upon the
shoulders Were solid gold epuulettes, fashioned in the shape of
a sea-shell.

Upon his breast sparkled several “orders,” and around his
waist, and half-concealed by a green silk sash, was a belt of
steel, something like those worn by his crew, but. of finer

, ,

r
«3.

w

 'worktnanship. Upon his head he 'wore a gold wire cap, half-

mu'al, half-jockey, and surfing both as a helmet to word 01?
a blow from it cutlass, and for ormuneht, for it was certainly

if r a magnificant covering for his gold-hrmvn locks.

 A short swm'd hung suspended from his steel belt, which
3” also held two handsome pistols, and this, with gauntlet-gloved-
 hands, completed the outfit uf C..pia‘m Bianca.

i .

 The young officer, second luff, whom Bianca had addressed
if A as Muriel, and another, promenading with him whom Harold

 

 

 

 
  

734/ THE RIVAL LX'EUTENANTS.

,\ I I
knew to be third lieutenant, were attired in like manner as
their commander, only they wore silver and not gold trim-
mings. '

. “ You ask me what I think of your vessel, Captain'Biancaf
I have no words to tell you, for I am speechless with sur-
prised admiration,” admitted Harold, after a critical examina~
tion.

“I am glad you are pleased with your future home. Mr.
' Muriel, set her sky scrapers, and then come aft with Orlando,
for I wish you to meet my friends.”

In obedience to the order, was heard the boatswain’s call,
for Mat Morris was already rigged out in the uniform and
whistle of his new office, and immediately there arose from
the deck, soaring aloft like huge white birds, the three light
flying topsails, which at once settled into their places, and
added renewed velocity to the speed of the schooner.

“ She sails like a witch. See how she has left your little
craft, Captain Ellis,” cried Bianca, delightedly.

“ Yes, I know nothing,r that can be driven through the water
with this speed in such a breeze. Why, she makes ten out of
a six knot puff," answered Enoch, and as at this moment the
two lieutenants approached, Bianca turned and presented them
to his guests, adding, after the introduction: - ‘

“You see I have only Mexicans with me ; you, Marmaduke,
and myself, excepting my servant Ebony, and your man Mor-
ris, will he. the only foreigners, but though I say it, that per-
haps should not, no better crew mans any craft afloat."

“I believe you, Captain Bianca. Shall I assume my duties
now and shorten sail, for we are running in rapidly toward
shallow water ‘t” answered Harold. ,

“ Do so, please, and allow me to say that my ship-tailo’;
has already finished your uniform, which, with otherappur-
tenances, you will find in your stateromn."

Harold bowed his thanks, and then, with an accent of Span-
ish as pure as a native, gave his orders to shorten sail in tones
that told the crew their acquisition of first luff fully knew his
duties and was every inch a man and sailor. ‘

Rapidly the tapsails descended to the deck; down came
the huge lateen mainsail and flying ji‘n, and steadily the ves- ‘

eel swept on, under the skillful guidance of Enoch Ellis, past

 

r .



   

 

  

  

'rnn con. ‘ '15

7'7 the {rewnlng hights of the Highlands, around Rocky Point,into
1' the quiet waters of the north Shrewsbury river, where her
anchor was lowered and she became stationary, while Harold,
"It Bianca, Enoch and Aline entered the gig and were rowed to
.' the little pier, the commander being persuaded to take up his
7_ quarters ashore, while his vessel remained there, and little
.‘ . l; persuasion it needed, for already had his manly heart begun
. , to throh at: every word and look of the pilot's daughter.

t ‘7 VJ‘ 

I C H A P '1‘ E R I X.
t ‘ AN UNEX'PECTED nnncon'ran.

UPON the attgrnoon following the night upon which the
El C‘t’nto de Acero stood down the bay, and saught a hiding
.‘ place beneath the Highlands, a craft, strangely like the Mexi-
 ca|)"sl)e(i through the Narrows, and headed toward Sandy

 

Book.
It was the' copy of the Steel Belt, and to even a close ob-
» , serve,- coutd not, be tnld from the original; but there Was a

- , difl‘erence when it came to a thorough examination: of her
4L parts. ‘
 ‘ Upon the decks, however, appeared a widely different crew,
for the uniform of the United States was visible upon over a
hundred seamen, and some thirty upright marines, while upon ,
the quarter-deck stood her oflicers, two of whom the reader
has met before, for they are Lennox Montclair and Walter
5;;— Lyle, who had been detached from the sloop-of-wnr and fri-
‘ gate, and ordered to the command of the goleta, which Judge
Montcluir had purchased and presented to Government, upon

4 ‘. condition his son should be placed in command.
‘ - ' Walter Lyle was given the position of first luff.

Delighted Wle the movement and speed of their vessel,
the two oflicers were conversing gayly together as she sped
through the Narrows, when sadderin the second lieutenant,

ywho had charge of the deck, came forward and said:

 

 

   

v V s

   

 

‘76 Tim mun LIEUTENANTB.
“Captain Montclnir, will you run directly for the point of
the Hook, or will you go through the inner chnnnel l"

" Keep her away, Mr. Latrobe, as much as possible.
Hold! do you see yonder white villu rising above that sea of
green foliage—there, jnst one point oil" the lee bOW ‘2”

“ Ya, sir." .

“That. is my home; head for that, for I would land there
are sunset and take ,u parting glass of the old governor’s
good sherry.

“ Ay. uy, sir."

f‘ You live here on this hay, then, captain ?" queried Lyle,
Is the second officer wnlked away.

“ Yes; yonder home is my birthplace, and the old gentle-
man owns some Ihousnnd acres there, whichhe holds in keep-
ing for his son and heir, until he slips his cable for a better
world,” unfeelingly laughed Lenuox Montclnir.

“ Lyle, hnve you heard ought of Marmaduke since his
ignation ?” suddenly asked Lennox. }

“ Not a. word; the commodore returned to the Portsmouth
and the devil was to pay generally, when he heard how we
and acted. Ile damned us all for a set of idiots who preached
up republicnnism, and thought more of u name than Euroa
pens princes did.

“ I tell you he was red-hot, and coolly told us all, lufl‘s and
nlddies, that Marmaduke knew more in a minute than the
whole of our pack would ever know in the whole course of
our lives on earth, and our sojourn in a warm climate hereafter,
to which place he (calmly invited us to proceed with all due
dismitch.”

, “ Why old Moreton must have had a high regard for the
iow-horn youth.” ‘

1'89-

“ Indeed he did, and I tell you I was glad to be excused?

from remaining under his eye, after what huppened, for the
old hulk but] it way of looking clear through you; but you
should have seen Marmaduke’s departure from the frigate.” ,
“ It was elegant, I heard.”
" That it was, primcl He made us all feel as though we

-were guilty of some crime, and until he got into the gig '

alongside, 1 did not know whether he would give me spri-
vate parting salute with his foot or not, and hsvinglonoo

 
     

  

 

 

 

~l

    

 

 
   

   
 
 

 
  

   
    
  
 
 
  
 

  

 

 

 

 

  

AN mmmox on smnne'rn. 77'
V
seen. him seize an Algerine in his arms and uurl him bodily
over a. precipice into the sea, 1 Well knew his. strength."
, “ Yes, I heard of that; the frigute’s crew had landed, I
belieVe, to communicate with General Enton, nenr Tripoli ‘3”
“ You ; Commodore Morelon, Mnrmnduke, myself and some
forty men wereof the party. We had penetrated inland‘ a
short distance, and had come to it high hill of rock, where,

- upon ascending, we were attacked by a band of Algerines,

one of whom would have slain the commodore. had not
Mnrmnduke prevented it by sending the fellow on a flight
through mid-sir. I shall never forget the look and gymnas-
tics of that pirnte as he descended en route for the ocean,
hundreds of feet beneath. Ugh! I took the same trip with
him, for weeks and We: ks utter. in my drenms, while upon
Msrnittduke it had no effect, or if it did, he did not show it.
By Jove how this craft. flies.”

“ Indeed she does, and I was lucky to get her."

“ How' did it happen, sir ‘8”

“Why you see she was built in a. most secret. manner for
some wealthy Spaniard living in llavann, who cut the model
himself, and did not wish any one else to get hold of it, no
he was determined to out-sail every thing afloat.

v “ But as he wrote to his builder he could not come on for
three months after her, he determined to play sharp on the
Don, sell this craft, and build him another at once; so he
ran her out into the river where the old governor, my father,
ran afoul of her, and at once paid him, his fifteen thousand
dollars, giving her to Government on condition I should com-

' mend her."

“Lucky indeed for you; then she is the only craft of her
build afloat 2’”

“ Ay, ay, and wouldn't the Don swear if he saw her; but
Lyle, do you know ought of our second lufl‘?" uketl Captain
Moutclair in an undertone, nodding toward Lietenunt Lut-
robe, a mun of perhaps fifty, with a commanding figure, quick,
nervous manner, and a face exceedingly dark, and Well pre-
served for one of his years; his hair was gray, us was also
his long mustache, and his eyes keen, black, and with It bitter, ,

, ‘ cruel look in them-*3 look that was but increased by the
., hardened expression of the, stern mouth.

/

    

  

    

/

178 me man mnrmsm

“No, I never met him before yesterday: he certainly has
a striking {nee ; his name is French.”

“ Yes, 'l‘alhot L‘lll‘tlbe he hulls to, and I believe he was in
the French navy, nt any rate, he is a. thorough seamen, and
comes \vell recommended.

“, My father told me that he was a count in France, who,
losing his fortune and title, for some political ’scheme against
his sovereign, came to this country to ofl'er his service in our
war with England.”

“Then he is all right, but he looks like a thorough devil."

“ Mr. Latrobe, run in about half a dozen cables’ length, and
then come to anchor; I will go ashore in the gig, and you
please retain command, for Mr. Lyle will accompany me,”
said Captain Montcluir. .

»“ Will you return to-night, monsieur ‘2" asked the lieutenant,
with an accent thoroughly French, though he spoke English
well. ' i

“ Yes, sir; I will he back by eleven and will then at once
get under way," and the gig rowed landward toward a wood-
ed point half a mile distant, leaving the Surf Queen, as the
young omcer had named his vessel, lying like a swan upon
.the waters.

The glg grounded upon the sandy shore, near a small grove, .

through which a pathway led to the hill above, and telling
themen that he would send a servant down with refresh-
ments for them, Lennox sprung ashore, followed by Walter
Lyle, and the two started up the steep hillside toward, the
Montclair mansion, a mile distant, and beautifully situated
upon a commanding eminence. ‘

llastily walking along, the two emcers failed to notice the
forms of two men, clad in citizens’ attire, but armed with
Iwm'ds, who were standing in their pathway, until they came
full upon them. . '

“A word with you, Captain Montclairl"

The voice was stern and threatening, as Harold Murma-

duke stepped forward and confronted the surprised officers.

' “ Hal Marmaduke, us I live. What would you, sir ?"
“ I would hurt in your teeth the epithet of liar; you are

a base villain, Lenuox Montclair,” came the hissing words.

“ This to me, sir? you forget—J" ' ~

   
 

  

 

 

 

\._

 

  

 

 

A CHALLENGE. 79

“I forget nothing: you poisnned the ears of my friends
against me with your lies, which were believed by many, and
I am sorry to say by Walter Lyle, for I always considered
him t0o true a man‘ to be swayed by the false tongue of a
villain."

“ You shall answer for this, Marmaduke! before God you
shall,” said the officer, pale as death. x

" Before God I expect to one day answer for sins
done in the body; but before me you shall now answer; draw
and defend yourself, if your hand has nerve enough to de-
fend your craven heart; or, if you prefer pistols, my friend

, here and Lyle can arrange for us ;” and Harold spoke
calmly. '

f ~Lennox Montclair hesitated, his mind filled with conflict-
ing emotions: well did he know the great prowess of his ad-
versary with the sword, for he had heard often of his skill,
and with a. pistol he felt ’twere certain death to face him, for
‘he was a dead shot; his heart sunk at the wrong he had
done a man that never had injured him, and he felt that in-
deed he wns a criminal: but then-came the vision of Claudine
" Vivian before him, and his brow darkened, for he had learned
to love the beautiful maiden as dearly as it was in his vile
nature to 10%, and intended to move heaven and earth to
make her his wife, though he knew that she loved Harold,
and believed not the stories he had told of him.

Determined to use every efi‘ort to put his rival from the

field, and feeling considerable confidence in his own swords-
manship, for really he posswsed great skill, and was a power-
' ful man, he decided to fight, and so said sneeringly :
3 '“I will meet you, and with swonls, for did I say pistols it,
would bring my friend and lieutenant here into the difficulty:
and though I hesitate not to punish the impertlnence of a low-
born disowned, I would not mix Lyle up with the aflair, by
having him arrange terms with your friend, who is doubtless
like yourself, a man without a name.” '

The words Were said slowly, and with distinct utterance,
that they might sink as deep as possible into the heart he
 Intended to wound more deeply with his sword, if possible;
' ,but hardly had the sound of his voice died on his lips, when
"he wu’seized in a grasp he was powerless to resist,and

\

 

  
    

 

730 -’ run RIVAL msUTENANTs.

hurled with terrible force to the earth, where he lay stunned,

and bleeding, while the deep tones of Bianca said :

“Come, Marmaduke, I have punished him sufficiently for
the present; another time he may cross our paths,” and» then
turning toward Walter Lyle, who had been a startled specta-
tor of the scene, he continued : V

“ To you, sir, I will say that, though you are found in bad
company, I will not desert a fellow seaman in distress; .but
will send you help from your boat.”

Marmaduke was as much startled by the act, and wonder- ‘

ful strength of Bianca, as was Lyle, for he had handled
Montclair as though he had been a child in his arms; but
seeing that the stunned captain did not show signs of re-
turning. consciousness, and that further chastisement was
then out of the question; he walked away with his com-
mander, bestowing no other look upon his foe, or former ship-
mate. 

True to his word, Bianca hastened down, to the shore, and
informed the coxswain of the gig to go up the hill with his
men, carrying their oars to make a litter for their commander,
who was severely hurt.

Hurrying up, in a few moments they came to the spot, where I
lay the elegant form of Lennox Montclair, the head supported *

in the lap of his lieutenant.

The handsome face was as pale as death, the passionate
eyes closed, and a. blood-stain around the month, where he
.had bitten his lip. _ I

“Come, boys, the captain has met with an accident; but
it is not serious,I hope. Here, raise him gently on your
oars, and carry ‘tim on board the vessel—gently, gently, my
lads l” ,

“ There, now, coxswain; get aboard at once, and I will
hasten on to the mansion, and let Judge Montclair know
shout it,” and Walter Lyle was hastening away, when a faint
call came from the wounded man. ’ , ,
, “ Well, captain, I am glad to see you are better. What
4 can} do ‘t” said the lieutenant, kindly. -

Drawing his head near him, Montclair whispered'in hid

LW" . s
‘ “Ray 1 am not seriously hurt—that I had a severe fall

I .r,

 

 

 
   

  
  

it
E

 

  

   

 
 

 
  
 
 
 
 

 
 

 

 

 

  

  

‘. A STRANGE um. Cl?
and, Lyle, have the governor send some cases at that good
old sherry aboard, for we must put-tovsea to-nigh‘t, as 1 will
soon be better.” i

The lieutenant promised, and hastened away upon his
mission, und returning two hours after on board the vessel,
accompanied by Judge Montclair, a pompous, portly, port-
loving old gentleman of fifty, found his commander reclinz-

in‘; upon a luxurious louuge, and entirely willing and able

t

‘ , . their mael'a mm, on (thcl counterpart of the Surf
"1‘ t ‘ from kcelsou to truck, from stem to stern.

 

to enjoy a glass of the coveted sherry, which the young
oflicer, as much on his own account as on that of his captain,’
had not forgotten to bring aboard.

CH1PTER X.
'rnn- TWIN cnnrsnns.

Tnonon Lennox Moutclnir hm] been severely stunned by
the violent full Bianca had given him, he was not seriously
injured, for, excepting a slight dizziness, and [min in; the side,
he was, in u few hours, comparatively well.

Toward midnight his father took his departure, stili ignor-
ant of the real onuse of his son’s injury, and the moon having
risen, the cruiser got under way, and before a stiff breeze sped
across the waters, carrying her three lutecn soils, jib and fly-
int,r jib, and with every oflicer and mnn on deck, enjoying the
evening, and admiring the rapid flight of their vessel.

Hardly had she rounded the low point of Sandy Hook thud
squared her lofty triangular sails to the eight-knot land-
breeze that was blowing from the south-west, when ucry
from Lieutenant Latrobe caused all to turn and, look- in the-
direction in which he was pointing, 087 their stern quarter.

Every t-ye fell upon a sight thu caused a feeling of dread
to- strik'e the hearts of the boldest, for not a mile distant, and
just pointing her sharp nose around the low “ Hook,” wus
Queen,

36% were called for, and every otl'lcer leveled his at the

   

   

  
   

 
 

 
 

"i THE RIVAL LIEUTENANTS.

strange, to them, apparition, and noted the remarkable r.
semblance, for the strange craft had her huge lateen sails
spread, with jib and flying jib, as had the Surf Queen.

“ My God 1 what can she be .9” said Lennox Montclair, his
fall having almost unmanned him.

“God only knows ; it is 'the very shadow of this vessel,"
answered Walter Lyle. ‘

“There is no other vessel afloat like this, that is made by
mortal hands ?" said, inquiringly, Lawton Spencer, the third
lufi', and a man who had risen to the quarter-deck from be—
fore the mast.

“ No; this vessel was built after a peculiar model, and I
can not account in any way for yonder counterpart,” amid the
young captain.

“ She is overhauling us, sir,” said Talbot Latrobe, who had
'been regarding her closely.

“ Strangel she has the same sail oet; ah i I have it, she
is getting a stronger put? of wind."

“ She still gains rapidly, captain,” said Latrobe, after a
long pause.

“ Then set the foremast-staysail and rig the bonnet on the
’ib, Mr. Lyle.” ' ‘

“ Ay, ay, sir."

The order was obeyed, and simultaneous with its execu-
tion the same sails were added to the pursuer, to the great
surprise of all on board the Surf Queen, who saw how quickly
their morements were followed by their strange companion.

“I dare not send a shot over her, for she is coming out of ‘
New York harbor, and hence must be a friend—if she be a'
real emf ," added Lennox Montclair to himself.

,“ The wind is increasing, captain, and we are now making
ten: knots; yet the stranger is overhauling us," remarked‘
Walter Lyle, earnestly.

t‘ I, dislike to set. topsails in this breeze; but, run them up,
and we‘ll walk away from our shadow—7m l”

Hardly had the words left the commander‘s lipsI and the
men, who stood realdy at their posts, expectith the order to
morease sail, obeyed, when, like three great balls of snow,
the topsaits of the strange craft r0se aloft and spread their
canvass wings to'the breeze, at the same moment as thence!

 

 

a



a

    

 

< '15

 

c,

 

nu‘ro quan'rmrs. 88
the Surf Queen, and a cry from the crew echoed the exélam~
ation of her commander.

“ By the Lord Harry ! yonder craft is not sailed hy mortal
hands i” cried Walter Lyle, and all now gazed upon her, as
she boldly came on, her sharp hootns cutting the water like
a knife and causing no wall of foam around them, as is usual
with vessels of a less keen prow than was the goletu.

Stendily, swiftly she I'U>llcti forward, standing up as trim
as it steeple against the pressure of the ten-knot hreezu, which
heeled. the Surf Queen well over, nearly. to her lee scuppers,
with the mass of canvass she carried, and each moment caus-
ing renewed credence to the idea of her supernatural powers.

From Lennox Montclair down to the powder-numkoy on
board the Surf Queen, all Were compelled to admit that their
own craft was the fleetest vessel whose dork they had ever
trod, and was making better speed out of the breeze then
blowing than they believed it possible {or craft to make; yet,
there, nstern of them, sailed an exact counterpart of their own
ship, and since their first discovery of her, half an hour he-
lfore, she had overhauled them rapidly, sailing ucable‘s length
and a half to their one.

Soon the strange vessel was within a few ships' length of
the Surf Queen, slightly falling off, as if disdaining to take
the advantage and pass her to windward. Every eye searched

 her hull and rigging, and the glasses of the oflicers Were kept

Constantly upon her, but only to the more fully realize that
she was the twin cruiser of their own crafl."

“Does she carry guns, that you can discover, Mr. Lyle ‘3"
asked Lennox, in a'voice the crew all heard.

“ Her high hulwarks prevent my seeing, sir.
aloft and have a look 1‘"

“No; beat to quarters; have the ports' opened and guns
run out, and we’ll see if he follows suit.” ‘

.“ Ay, ay, sir! but. the wash of the sea will flood our
decks."

“Let it do so; this vessel willvsail, if her decks are under
water, and the crew will only get a ducking which will do
them no harm.” ,

“Ay, ny, sir i" and immediately the beat. to quitrlérs sound.

Shall I go

- .  thKcrcwt sprung to their-places, the port‘slides were drawn

1
‘

 

84 THE/RIVAL mumst
back, and the threatening muzzles of the guns run‘out, while
heavy seas broke through the wide openings.

But hark! the Sound of “ to quarters " is echoed from the
strange craft, the ports (arranged with slides running back
along the bulwarks, the same as on board the Surf Queen) are
opened and a like number of guns protrude their dark mouths.

“ By Heaven! he is our very shadow! Do you see any
one on board, Mr. Lyle?”

“Yes, sir; I observe the heads and shoulders of two men
at the wheel.”

“ Go aloft. and see if you can discover ought else."

“ Ay, 3y, sir ;” and taking his glass the lieutenant ascended
rapidly the delicate tracery that formed the shrouds.

After it careful scrutiny, Lyle descended to the deck and
made his report to his commander.

“It is a. clear night, and I will show my colors. Run up
the American flag, Mr. Lyle, to the peak of the mizzen yard.”

“ Ay, ay, captain l” answered the first oflicer, and taking
from the quartermaster the roll of hunting, he attached it to
the halyards, and hand over hand hauled it up to the peak
of the lofty yard of the mizzen sail, when a jerk caused it to
_unfold in the breeze, displaying the ensign of the American
Republic. V

I A cry from the whole crew, oflicers and men, followed, for
distinctly seen in the moonlight, as the pursuer fell off a
point, was the same flag front his mizzen peak!

“ That fellow appears a perfect mirror to reflect our every
not," said Montclair, with a tone of anxiety.

“ Ay, he does! see i” and as Walter Lyle spoke the sharp
bowe of the stranger crept nearer and nearer, and threatened
. to almost touch the stern of the Surf Queen as she went by
to leeward.

A moment of terrible suspense to those on board the Surf
Queen followed, and then the long, spear-like bowsprit was
even with the stern of their vessel, and not five fathoms dis.
. tant. V

“ I’ll see if they are all dumb aboard.
tain Montclair l’”

“ Yes, Lyle, _do so.” . t -
. “Ahoy! the three-master, okay!" cried the lieutenant in

 

Shall I hail, Cap

!

 

 

 

\

 

 
  

   
 

 

 

   

[mile
the
tel:
no

4,4

 

A SEA PHANTOM. 85

I
stentnrian tnnes; but his voice was blown bnck to him, and
the silent Vessel crept on, ench moment forging past: the Surf
Queen, and although to leeward, apparently keeping her snils
full, in spite of the towering cunVuS of her ndVersnry.

.r Aguin and again the hail was repented, but no answer came
as the strange crnl‘t swopt hy, silently, swiftly, with only the

:keen swap of the wind through her rigging, and the swnsh

of the waws, henrd. With her guns run out, and u specter-
like crew, Seen through the open ports around them, the
strange Vessel sped on, her keen bow edgingr past the stern of
the Surf Quetn, then amid-ships, then alongside, length with
length and only fifty feet apart. and then beginning to forge
on until in ten minutes she had passed nhend, leaving the

g Americmi cruiser to follow in her Wnke; but not for long, as

she continued to stand oeennwnrd. while the Surf Queen, with
()flicet's and men onlyr too glnd to let her nlone, changed her
course along the shut-es of Long Island, and bended for a
northern cruise.

When nt length a league sepernted the two vessels, Mont-
clnir drew a deep sigh of relief, nnd said:

“ Well, in nll my sen serviee I never expected to behold a
sea phnntom: in fnct I knew not such nthing existedgexcept
in the minds of the. superstitious nnd ignornnt. But, behold !
Yonder flies n crnft that wnlked by its, hand ow-r hand, when
we have. the fustest VeSs-el nflont, and although we have to
(Entry reeled snils now, in llll‘llf gale, by Jove she has not
taken in an inch of canvas, or my eyes greatly deceive me."

Leaving Wnlter Lyle in Command of the deck the young
Commnnder descended intn his Comforlnble c:.bin to endeavor,
by aid of n stifl' drink of brundy, n cignr, and sleep, to drive

V from his thoughts the memory of his VL‘t-St‘l‘s twin, nnd drenm

of Clnudine Vivian, whomhe llttpt d in n few (lnys to "green-
bly surprise with a visit, and astound by his promotion to so
gnllnnt n bnzquc as was the Surf Queen, for Mnnlclnir was
plotting bdth love nnd wur, nu he hnd not by any menus for-
‘gotten his downfall before the eyes of his hated rivul, Harold
Mitrmnduke.

 

TEE RIVAL LIEUTENANTK

C II A P T E R X I.
A PRIZE AND A SURPRISE.

FROM the look-out on the Highlands, Harold and Bianca
' had watched the coming of the Surf Queen, until she dropped
anchor under the shadow of the hills.

“ Yes, he is going to visit his home,” Stlld Blanca, as the
Mo friends obserVed the gig push 03' from the vessel and
head shoreward.

“Ay, and with your consent we will meet him, for now I
can throw in his teeth the insult. he has laid at my door?’

“I am~willing, Marmaduke. Do not kill him, however,
merely wing him and leave your mark.”

“I will he governed by your advice, captain.
know the path Well.”

The meeting llt‘lwet'n the two young men has already been
made known. After it, Harold and Bianca walked slowly
toward the home of the pilot, where they were greeted by

r Aline Ellis, between whom and the captain was rapidly spring~
ing up a most tender regard. '

Daily growing in grace and beauty, and possessing a re
fined manner, added to a cultflted mind, for the pilot and
his wife had not neglected the education of their daughter,
Aline immediately won the admiration of Bianca, an ad-
miration that almost as quickly ripened into love, for the
maiden to him was a ram «@229, as ‘twere—so (lifl'erent was
she from any woman the daring young sailor had ever before
met. '

Toward midnight the moon arose, and Bianca and Harold
bade farewell to Mrs. Ellis, and started for the shore, when a
boat awaited to carry them on board the Steel Belt.

On the way to the shore Enoch and Harold walked in ad-
vance, conversing earnestly, while, following them, and wil-
lingly loitering, came Bianca and Aline, for they had much
to say to each other ere parting. I,

«.Arriving upon the pier, farewells were spoken, the two

Come, I

 

 

 

 

 

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     

    

C

(«mt—t

.4

A svnarxnra 8?

oflicers sprung into their boat, and in ten minutes the Sue]

Belt was creeping forth from the land’s shadow and heading
‘ down the Slirewsbury touard Sandy Hook, which the Surf

Queen was then rounding under pressure of a ten-knot breeze

“ By the Lord Harry, but our twin sails well I” excluiintd

Biancn, as he caught sight of the copy of his VCESl 1. dashing

gullanlly along; ‘

“ Yes, but I think we are gaining upon her, although not
yet out of the shelter of the land where we can get the full

' " breeze,” said Harold. . ‘ '

I “ True, we gain upon her slowly, but soon will double our
 r present speet ;” and the beautiful vessel gained rapidly upon
her rival, passed her in silence, and stood directly out to sea.
leaving the Surf Queen to keep on up the coast.

' Toward sunrise the following morning a large brig, ap‘

parently armed, though her rig and build indicated a mer-
chantman, was discoVei-ed to the southward, and immediately
the goletu gave chase, and in two hours had brought her to
it by a well directed shot, aimed by Harold, which carried away

{ her bowspril.

On the Steel Belt swept until only a fathom‘s length di-

r vided her from the brig, which kept up a rapid, but ineffect-

ual fire, for her shots were all hurriedly aimed and wentwide
of their mark. ,
“ Stand ready all t Hardl hard down your helml
“Steady, now l Throw your grapnels aboard l Steel

; Belts, follow me i" A , ’

' Sweeping around gracefully, as though on a pivot, the Steel
Belt came up under the stern and her sharp bowsprit hovered
over hef decks, white, with rattle and thud, the iron grapnels
were thrown by expert hands.

“Sleel Belts ahoy I” again rung the cry, and fifty human
forms Were upon the decks of the Englishman.

In vain the resistance of the dirmayed crew of the brig;
they were driven back as though before an. avalanche, and in

. two minutes the cry for quarter was heard. I
r “ Sir! I surrender the brig to you,” and the commander

I of the English vessel stepped forward and presented bl:

-pword, while a voice suddenly exclaimed : ‘

, " 7‘ A8 I live! there is Lieuttfiaut Marmaduke l”

p

 

a .‘r ,
if? ,4.“ t. r

 

 

    

88 THE RIVAL LIEUTENANTS.

 

" Racine Ney 1 You here, and why ‘2” and Harold grasped
the hand of the young commander of the chebuccu-boat, with
surprise at seeing him there.

“ The story is soon told, Mr. Murr-naduke. I mu 0 prison-
er, having been captured with the chebacca-bout, when out on
a sail, and Lady Cluudinc—”

“ What of her, Racine ‘3" asked Harold, nervously

“ She is aboard, sir."

“ Aboard this vessel ‘2”

“ Ay, ay, sir; we Were out for asail in the yacht, and were
overhauled by this craft.

“Lady Claudine is in the cabin; but, Mr. Marmaduke, who
is yonder man '2” and Racine turned his eyes toward Bianca.

“That is the commander of our vessel; here he comes ‘

Captain Bianca, this is Racine Ney, it friend of mine, and of
whom you have heard me speak.”

“ Great God! Racine Ney, do you not know me? 1 am
Claude Bianca !’

, With a cry Racine sprung forward and grasped the hands
of Bianca, saying earnestly:

“Indeed [remember you, my more than brother, even
though long years have passed since” last we met, and I be-
lieved you dead."

“No, I died not. as you supposed, but lived to seek and
find you; but, Racine, what of poor little Clarice Z?"

“ I know not, Claude; I have not seen or heard of her
since she was torn from my arms in Vera Cruz, by the vile
man who took us from our home."

Bianca stood in silence a moment, and then replied:

“Come, we must away now, for I will put a prize crew
aboard the brig and let her follow us into Burton,” and in a
few minutes nll necessary arrangements were nmde, and Humid
lnwing sought the frightened Claudine in the cabin and pre-

sented Bianca, who at once promised to return her to her

home, with the crew of the Wild Swan. the two vessel:
squared away and headed northward.

/

 

arm; 

    

 

 

  

'rrw'r H

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOME AGAIN.

C H A P T E R X I I .
THE CRUISE OF THE STEEL BELT.

TOWARD sunset of a pleasant evening a week after the cap-
ture of the brig, the bold and rugged coast of Maine was sighted,
and, ere daylight. died, Claudine found herself in the gig row-
ing shoreward, accompanied by Harold, Bianca, Racine Key,
and the crew of the chebacea—boat. '

At the little pier they were greeted by Lord Vivian, who
had‘noted the approach of the adrenal, and seeing a boat put
ashore had gone down to meet: it, hoping to hear some tidings
of his lost daughter, for, whether Claudine had been wrecked
or captured he knew not, though he feared the latter, as pieces‘
of the chebacca-bont, which had been scuttled by the crew of
the brig, had come ashore, causing the distressed parent to be-
lieve she had l'oundered with all on board.

With a. bound, Claudine was on shore and in her father’s
arms, who could only murmur, while tears of joy rolled down
his cheek:

“ My daughter, thank God I have you once more to love
and caress):

“Yes father, I am safe, thanks to the courage of these
gentlemen, one of whom you have before met and to whom
I hope you will eXtend a cordial greeting," and Claudine prev
sented Bianca to her father, who received both him and Bar-
old with marked consideration!

Leading the way, Lord Vivian, still holding the hand of
Claudine, conducted the party to the villa, where, after they
had partaken of refreshments, Harold and Bianca asked for
m interview with the nobleman in the library.

It was readily granted, and having motioned his guests to
seats, Lord Vivian said:

“I have already learned from Claudine, gentlemen, the
strange story of her capture by the English brig, and her re-
capture by your courage, and my heart-felt. thanks are due

roam. ~

  
   

  

90’ . “rm: BIVAL LIEUTENANTE.

“ To you, Mr. Mnrmnduke, I must offer my hand in pardon,
for my daughter has also made known to me the romantic
circumstancos of your eventful life. Believe me, sir, I dis-
liked to helieve the nspersions cnst upon you by Lieutenant
Montoluir; but, cnpluin. you asked for an interview; please
put‘tlon this digression.”

“ Assuredly, my lord. I am glad to see you acknowledge
your error, and offer the hand of fellowship to tny nohle
friend here, whether his parents were Jew or Gentile, rich or
poor, for I am not a believer in any creed that condemns a
man- for the sins of his forefuthers.”

Bianca spoke in his usual decided tones. and the nobleman
was evidentlyJouched by the tenor of what he said, for he
replied simply:

“ I agree with you; but, human nature oftener one on the
wrong path than in the right.” .

“ Lord Vivian,” then abruptly snid Bianca, “ you have with
you here u young min, by name Rnciue Ney. Will you tell
me how you first met him ?”

" I will, with pleasure. It was in Switzorland years ago,
and when Claudine was It little girl. She had rowed out upon
the hike, nenr a villa where we were visiting, when a large
dog, her constant companion, seeing her, swam out and at.-
tetupted to get into, the‘ boat unheeding Claudine‘s commands
for him to desist, for she was fearful he would overturn the
frail skiff. '

“ Her fears were realized, and she was thrown into the
deep water, and, unnhle to swim, would have drowned, but
for it led who went to her assistnnce, and by almost superhu-
man exertions brought her to the shore.

“The lad was Racine Ney, then a mere wunderer, for he
was going along the road, when, witnessing the overturning ‘
of the bout, he had bravely gone to the rescue.

“ Struck with the handsmne face and frank manner of the
youth, I questioned him regurding himself, and found that he
lived in Americu, had been taken from his home by a. man
who culled himself his uncle; but, becoming tired of blows
and curses, he had at lust left him and was seeking employ“.
ment. '

“ From that; day Racine: Ney was my friend, and 1 did all

r

     

  
    

3‘ . L, gas-iammuez

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._ “Km 44-”
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A mm ms'ronr. 591

in my power to make his life pleasant, for I saw that some
trouble was constantly on his mind.

“ Coming to America with me, he soon thoroughly learned
these waters, and possessing, as he did, considerable sea-
‘knowledgefl put him in command of the chebaccu-boat, built

’ him a rustic cottage on the hillside, and made him a kind 0‘

general manager of my estate.”

“ Lord Vivian I thank you. In return let me give you the
story of Racine Nay,” and Bianca spoke of how be had been
kidnapped with his sister, when the two were children, and
how he ulsobad been taken from his home by the vile'man
who was seeking revenge upon a woman who had inherited
the fortune his crinics had caused him to lose.

He then went on:

“ The treatment received by Racine, seems to have been
such as to almost cause him to forget his happier younger
life, for I have talked much with him upon thesubject.

“From his poor little sister. Clarice, he was separated, he
says, soon after arriving in Vera Cruz, and he knows not
What became of her. other than that she was taken from the
Mexican house where they were stopping, by a woman, old

, and hideous; his supposed uncle kept. him with him, carry-

ing him to sea, and from what Racine says, I am confident
the kidnapper was none other than the noted smuggler ‘and
pirate, Angelo.”

“Indeed! that ferocious brute who has so long escaped
punishment, and under numerous disguises has mingled with
the oflicers of the very vessels of war sent against him i"

“ Ay. my lord, I believe that Angelo and my uncle are one
and the same.

“ It is now my intention to sail for Vera Cruz, carrying
Racine with me, whom I hope you can spare.”

“ He is at your service, Cnpluin Bianca.” t

“Thanks, my lord ; my third lulf, Edmund Orlando, is de-
sirous of returning to his own country, so I will proceed to”
New York and place him in command of my old vessel,
which is fitting up there for the Mexican Government, and
Racine shiill have his place. on the Steel Belt. .

" Then I will sail for Vera Cruz. serving the. United States
on route, and endeavor to find some true of little Clarice, nf‘

 

92 THE mu. LIEUTENANTS.
tet- which I shall head up the coast, cross the ocean and visit
England with Harold, here, that we may trace the history of
his parentage.”
“ Would you put your heads in the lion‘s month, captain ?
Do you not. know you would be hung as spies, if captured ?"
“ Ay, ay, my lord; very true; but risk nothing, nothing
gained, and we will not be taken.

“Now duty calls, and we must obey, so if you will sum-

mon Lady Claudine we will say farewell.”

An hour later and the Steel Belt, skillfully guided through
the darkness of the dangerouschannel, by Racine—stood sea-
ward. 0
Touching at Sandy Hook, under cover of the night, Or-
lando was landed at the home of Enoch Ellis, who was to
see him to New York and pilot the Mexican cruiser to sea,
and again Claude Bianca and Aline Ellis met, to part more
deeply in. love with each other than ever before.

Down the coast flew the privateer, capturing several prizes,
and now and then engaging in a cotnbat with some vessel of
war, until the name of the Steel Belt became famous—ad-
mired by the Americans, and dreaded by the British.

At last she dropped anchor in the harbor of Vera Cruz,
and leaving Muriel in command, the three friends, Bianca,
Harold and Racine went ashore to commence the search for
the long lost Clarice.

It Was a long and tedious search, but was at last successful
in finding out her fate, for beneath an orange tree was a
child’s grave, the resting place of poor little Clarice, whohad
lingered on awhileI and in a foreign land, among, strangers,
had sunk to sleep.

Satisfied that Clarice was really dead, and also discovering
from his search that his uncle was indeed Angelo the pirate,
Bianca and his companions went. aboard the Steel Belt, after
a week’s absence, and again the fleet craft put tosea.

Capturing a valuable prize off Cape May, Captain Bianca
determined to carry it into New York harbor, as it would
give him another opportunity of seeing the lovely Aline Ellis,
who was ever in his thoughts.

Accordingly, the following (awning, shortly after sunset,
the Steel Belt and htr prim: anchored beneath the Highlands,

 
  

   

  
 
 
 
  

1-
.71:

 

 

 
  
 

 
   

   
  
 
   
 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 

 

  

98

 

A TBREATENED SCARE.

and was boarded by Enoch Ellis and Aline, who had seen
the approach of the well-known ptivateer,
“ Welcome, cnptuin; and Harold, my noble boy, I greet

you; but do you know you have some one ‘steuling your

thunder?‘ " , '

“ How menu you. Captain Ellis 1’" asked Claude Bianca, as
he ystill, ubsentmindedly, clasped Aline’s hand.

« Why, your old rival,Montcluir, with the twin of your
vessel, has received all the credit of your deeds down the
caust l

“ She came into New, York a few days since, and tonight
will put. to sea, for one of my men has enlisted on board, as
she needed a regular pilot for these waters. Although Mont-
elalr has really done some service, he keeps mum about. there
béing another craft afloat, like his own, and swallows com-
placently all the praise for {that you have done.”

“Indeed! Then we’ll suil to-uight also; follow him to
sea, and give him another score; but, Cttplflill Ellis, we are
then bound to England to search for the missing link in
Harold’s life, and utter we have found it, will return to the
coast of Muine, and make n11 perfectly clear in the eyes of
my Lord Vivian—2’

“ Lord Vivian l Lord Raphael Vivian I Is he in America 1’”
demanded the pilot, excitedly. v

“Ay, he is, and it is his lovely daughter that Harold here
lows more than he does life."

“ My God l how wonderful are the workings of that un-
seen Heavenly power. Captain Bianca, Lord Vivian has a
daughter, you say P" _

“Ay, ny, sir—a most beautiful creature. I would describe
her for you, did I not fear to make Aline jealous.”

' ' “ Not 11 bit of it. I love tlte beautiful ever, especially in

' my own sex,” nuswered Aline, pleasantly.

“A daughter! and she is beautiful, and good? He lives -
in America, then, upon the rugged Coast. of Maine? Well,
all is for the best, perhaps," and the pilot spoke musingly,
and as though his thoughts were far in the pust, exhnmiug
buried memories.

Suddenly he said :

' “‘ Captain Bianca, who you have visited England and I

    
 

 
 

     
   
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
   
   
   
   
     

   

     

, ccenn with you to this my home.

94 'mm rum-x1. mnumxmrs.

gained the knowledge you seek regarding Harold, promise
me you will do me one favor."

“ I will, so help me God, pilot 1”

“ Thank you. Seek ottt, in Berwickshire—nn 01d wotnnn
she must be now, by the name of Mary Smythe—nnd from
me, offer her gold sufllcient to induce her to come ncross the‘
Tell her Enoch Ellis sends
for her, and with her greed of gold, it will cause her to come.
“Bring her here, ere you touch an the home of Lord Viv-

ian, and thither, not only myself, but my wife and Aline will. v
‘accompnny you, for a revelation must be made.

“ Promise me, Claude Bianca.”

“ I promise.”

“ Indeed I thank you. Aline, child, we must get ashore
now, for in a short while the Surf Queen will be coming
down the harbor. Captain, I will see your prize safely up
to the city."

“ So saying the pilot and Aline entered their boat, and an
hour after the Steel Belt turned her razor-like how across the
harbor, once more to full in the wake of the Surf Queen, and
to spread coltstermtliou nhonrd ht-r decks.

The surprise of Lonnox Montclair and his oflicets and

crew, to behold ustern of them the some phantom, or shadow
of their own vessel, us they. sailed seaward, may well be inm-
gined.

“The last time we sailed from this port the same shadow
haunted us," said Lennox to Walter Lyle. iv

“ It is unaccountable," answered the lieutenant.

“ You have as large a vessel, a full compliment of men and

ch: 2" abruptly put in Talbot Lntrohe, who stood near.

“ I am the best judge of my actions, sir,” said Montclair,
angrily, but, not wishing to he considered‘ cowardly, he com
tinned:

“Besides, Mr. Latrobe, yonder craft carries the United
States flag." I

“True; but 1 would fight him if he carried the ensign 61.

Heaven, if he dogged my steps," vehemently replied the lieu-
tenant as he wullted forward. ' r |
As before, the Steel Belt: rapidly gained upon the Surf

7

- o

go? why not fight him and solvele mystery, Captain Mont- I

*t
i”

 

 

room) AT LAST. , _ I 95
Queen. and silently plowed by, unheeding the hail from Mont.
Clair. ,
Standing directly seaward the Steel Belt was soon lost to"
View, hound upon hex mission across the ocean. '

CHAPTER XI'II
STARTLING REVELATIONB.

To follow the Steel Belt On her voyage'ucross the sea would
take too much time, so I will hasten on to the scenes more
nearly connected with this romance.

Seeking a. quiet. harbor on the Irish coast, Bianca left Car-
ryl Muriel in Command, and Racine to aid him, and departed
will, Huroltl for England, both dressed in the Mexican uni.
form, and. carrying passports as citizens of that country.

Arrived with the diary of Arthur Dennison, who had been
in the boat with him, and guided by the information the pilot
had given Harold, commenced his search and readily traced
l‘is parentage, discovering himself, with pride and pleasure,
to bothedescendaut of one oi England’s noblest families, the
only male member of which living, besides himself, was his
grandfather, the old Earl of Marmaduke.

Anxious to welcome an heir to his name, title, and estates,
in the offspring of his own son, the curl received Harold most

.kindly, for he desired to atone all in his power for past uu.
lti'idnesées to the father of the young man.

The finding of his grandson rejuvenated the old gentleman,
Md he Consented to return with Harold to America, for the
5;..qu ofllcer had told him all his life, and then learned how
the ear], in his youth, when but eighteen years of age, the
f..ther of the hero of this story, had secretly Wedded the
daughter of a worthy but poor barouet, and the marriage be- ,
coming known to his father, the Earl of Marmaduke, the
young couple were at once separated.

A Disappointed, and devotedly attached to his girl-wife, Lord
’ ’_ Marmaduke had ofi‘ered to resign his title and estates to claim,

 

 

96 I THE 1mm} menmrs.
her; but this the proud earl would not allow and sent his son;
to India, as an officer of a czWalry regiment, hoping to wean 
him from his attachment. ‘

In that fur—away land, in a churge against the enemy, the
young nobleman lost his life; but to bear his name had been
born a sun, which had been taken from its mother and reared

'in at distant town, until the man and his wife, in whose charge
he had been left, emigrnted to America, carrying the boy
with them, for they Were paid by the young mother to do so,
as she feared harm might befall her son.

Seeing that his grandson was determined to remain in the
AmeriCnn navy, the.earl accepted the invitation of Bianca to
accompany them to Amet'i-Cn, and accordingly‘ the party
started for Ireland, stopping en route for the cap'tnin to keep
his promise made to Enoch and get the woman, Mary Sniythe,
to go with them, which a large bribe caused her to do.

Determined not to have an engagement or capture an En-
glish prize with his distinguished guest on board, Bianca stood
directly across, and in twenty days sighted the bills of Never-
sink, where was the home of Enoch Ellis. r

Standing upon the Highland look-out, Enoch saw the dis-
tant Steel Belt, and calling to his wife and Alice, bade. them
get ready to accompany him. -

The preparations were soon made, the house left in care of '
a trusty servant, and the three went on board the little Mur-
maduke, which at once got up anchor and stood out. to meet

' the incoming vessel.

Shortly after dark the Marmaduke ran alongside the Steel
Belt, and the pilot, his wife and Aline were gladly welcomed
on board the privateer, and presented to the car], 'while a
stiff greeting passed between Captain and Mrs Ellis and Mary
Smythe, for in the bosoms of the three was locked at deep
secret of the past. ‘

A week after the meeting of the Steel Belt and the Mar.
maduke of Sandy Hook, Lord Vivian and Lady Claudine
were standing together upon the rocky point near the villa,
glancing down upon a vessel, upon the decks of which was _
Waging a scene of dire confusion and carnage. - r ,

\>. The vessel was the 8qu Queen, sailing quietly along ovei

    

  

 

 

  

A mum. V 0'!

the waters, while a terrible combat arts waging upon her
decks for rapid firing, the clash of slew-l, and yells: of con-
tending foes were heard far and wide.

“What can it. mean, dear father?” asked Claudine, her
beautiful-face pale with dread.

“ It is doubtless a mutiny on board. daughter; at first I
thought it was the Steel Belt, but now I recognize the uni-
form of the United States, and discwer it is the Surf Queen ;
that. young Montclnir has gotten himself into trouble. See!
the mutineers have raised their own flag, and, horrible l they
m/ throwing the bodies of their dead and living foes into
the ocean," exclaimed Lord Vivian.

And as they gazed, they saw the beautiful vessel tum sea-
ward, having cleared her decks of the (lead and dying, and

I peacefully sail away over the quiet waters,

But ere she was for distant an exclamation from Claudine
attracted her father’s attention) to adnrk object upon the
Water.

- “ Father, it is a man swimming shorewmd; let us hasten to
his aid,” cried the enthusiastic girl, and in ten minutes more
they were in a skifl' rapidly pulling toward the swimmer.

Ere long he was drawn into the boat; an honest-faced
seamau, who exclaimed, pleasantly:

“By the holy Moses, I am thrown into the sea by the devil
and pulled out by an angel. Lady, I am your humble ser-
vant with thanks ;" and he bowed to Claudine, who did not
fail to note the pretty compliment paid her.

“ Well, my man, what is the cause of your being here?
Was there a mutiny aboard ‘2’" asked Lord Vivian.

“ Indeed ‘was there,_sir, the devil of a one, begging" your
pardon miss, and Captain Montclair, Lieutenant Lyle and
a host of others given to the fishes for food by that bound of
hell, beg pardon, lady, the second luff of our craft.”

“ The second ofiicer heading a mutiny! do I hear nright?”

iked the nobleman.

“ It’s as I tell you. Lieutenant Talbot Latrobe, bad luck

) him, was the old sarpint; he won the crew over to his

 way of thinkfiig, and just as we Was putting in here, up rose

, the mutiueers, headed by the second lufl', and in a short while

tire good and true boys were cut down and thrown overboard,

  

 

    

I

THE RNAL LIEUTENANTS.

while I, seeing how matters were going, played possum and
Was cast into the sea for dead, and struck out for the shore—'
Holy apostles! and the ten tribes of Israel ! what is that ?"

With pale face and staring eyes the seaman pointed to
where,just having rounded a wooded point of land'was Seen
a vessel, the very twin of the one just taken by the mntincers.

“ The Steel Belt 1”

“ The privateer l” exclaimed Claudine and her father, as
their eyes fell upon her, and then Lord Vivian, aroused to
action, spoke sternly :

“ We'll head her off and tell them all, and if Bianca does
not quickly overhaul the Surf Queen and punish those mu-
tineers, I am mistaken in the man."

Away flew the light skiff over the waters, and soon a loud
hail came from the Steel Belt, for it was indeed the privateer.

“ Luff up, and we’ll board you. Stand ready to throw us
a line l" 'cried L ,rd Vivian, and a few moments after the
three stood on the deck of the Steel Belt, while the skitf was
hastily cast loose, as the nobleman cried:

“ Set all sail, Captain Bianca, in chase of yonder craft. Her
crew, under her second lieutenant, Talbot Latrobe, have mu-
tinied—”

“ Talbot Latrobe I My lord, ere I welc<vme you on board,

let me ask you if you said Talbot Latrobe?”

“ I did, sir.” '

“ Then I overhaul that vessel, or sink this craft in the at-
tempt with all on board," and the tone of Claude Bianca rung
with tertjble distinctness as he gave his orders.

[Turning again to his guests, his manner subdued once more
though there was a deadly twinkle in his eyes, Captain Bian-
ca Continued :

“My lord, now will I Welcome you and Lady Claudine on
board the Steel Belt,and present to you other glwstsof mine,"

and he led the nobleman, while Harold escorted Claudine alt,’

where 510od Earl Marmaduke, Enoch Ellis and his wife, and
the beautiful Aline, who had watched with interest the coming
of the party on lmtll‘ti, and with surprise the angry vehemence
of BianCa's orders that followed.

“ ‘he Earl of Marmaduke 1”

«“My Lord Vivian 1" were the exclamation: from the two —

 

   
 
 
  

    

 

A...
1

 

 

   
 
 

 
    
 
 

    
 
 

    

A REVELATION. OI

’ noblemen as their eyes fell upon each other, and their hands

were clasped in a warm grasp, for they had been friends for
years; but, us the eyesof Raphael Vivian fell upon Enoch
Ellis and his wife he started back, his face paled, and it was
a moment ere he spoke; then he said:

“ Ellis huye you and your wife forgiven me? It was cruel
at me. to thus deceive you, but bitterly have I repented."

“ You are forgiven, my lord, for I have been avenged.
Here all are friends, ant now I will speak, for my heart is
bursting to—to—to— Raphael, you tell all," and Mrs Ellis
would have fallen, had not Lord Vivian upheld her while he * I
said :

“ Yes, I will tell all, even though it is hard for me to do so.

“ Years ago, as a College boy, I 'won the heart of this wo-
man, who was the daughter of a village curate near the uni~
Versity ; She was happy then, and had for her lover this man,
Enoch Ems, a brave young sailor on the king’s yacht; but
dazzled by the ofl‘ers I made her she gave him up and pro-
mised to be my wife; but willfully I deceived her, for already
Was I betrothed to Margueritte Danforth, the daughter of a
baronol, of little wealth but good family."

“ Well do I remember that, my lord, and after a while I
have a confession to make,” said the Earl of Marmaduke.

“Indeedl then I am not the only penilent; but to con-
tinue: I married Margueritte Dauforth, and cast from me this
“poor woman, who turned again to Enoch Ellis, this noble man,
and beettme his wife, for he deserted her not when he knew
I had discarded hers" .

“ Now, my lord, listen: yes, you discarded me, and Enoch
took me again to his heart; we were married, and I gave hith
to a little girl the very day that your proud wife had a daugh-
ter. Then I thought of retenge, and bribed this woman ltere~
-—Mary Smythc—owho had Come down as my nurse from Lon-
,don, and \ViIOlll your lady was forced to send for, as she was

I .mkeu pram,“me ill; Ihrihed her, I Say, to make an ex-

change of the babes, that my child might grow up to inherit
wealth and fame. Claudine Vivian, do you rt-Cognize in me
your own mot. er ‘3” and with sti‘eninittg rycs and outstretched
. hands the pour woman stoodawaiting recognition.
‘ Claudine turan as pale us denunghtttctd around her slowly,

 
 

 
 

100 THE RIVAL LIEUTENANTS.

letting her eyes full upon Aline for a. moment, then on Lord
Vivian‘s face; then turning upon Enoch and again toward
her mother, she spoke slowly:

“Yes, it must be true; surely you would not deceive me.
Yts, you are my mother, and you my father.”

Willi a cry of joy Mrs. Ellis sprung forward and infolded
her to her heart, while Lord Vivian, with proof too strong
for doubt, drew the surprised Aline to his breast, and called
her his daughter.

“ Now, my lord, listen to my confession, for I have some.

"thiug to say," and the Voice of the curl broke the spell.

“ I am listening, Earl Marmmluke." <

“ Were you aware that. Murgueritte Danforth, the daughter
of Sir Lacey Dant'orth, was married in her fifteenth year, ere
she became your wife ‘f”

“ By no means, sir; that were impossible,” almost angrily
said Lord Vivian.

“ You mistake. Sonic weeks since I found my grandson,
Hurohl Murnmduke, who stands here. His father, my son,
enter<d into a. srcrct marriage with a young girl of fifteen, he

' being then eighteen, but which marriage I had legally dissolved,
and sent my son to India, where, you may reuu-tnher, he lost
his life. His wife returned to her home, and her marriage
beim: unknown, nothing was said of it, and as a young girl
she married you, althouin she had then living a son, and that
son is Harold Marmaduke, the half-Mother of your daughter
Aline.”

Words can not picture the surprise and joy all felt at
these startling revelations, and congratulations were ex-
changed upon all sides, and all in their happiness forgot the
flying Surf Queen, until the stern voice of Bianca was heard.

“Ladies, you must go below now, for I am going to fire
upon the chase, and sink her, for youth-r vessel is Commander]
by my uncle, ’l‘alhot Latrobe, a man who has brought much
misery upon me and mine, and who enteretl- the service of -

the United States to gel possession of a fleet cruiser to devote

to piracy,"
Having seen that Aline, Claudine, Mrs. Ellis and Mary

Smythe had descended lult) the cabin, anti gin-‘ll the earl,

Lord Vivian,Enoch and the seamen from the Surf Queen,

    
  
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

    

    
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

 

 

 

AVENGED. . 101

arms to join in the attack, Bianca issued the order to fire.
and a terrific broadside of iron hail was poured upon the fly-
insr Surf Queen, then less than :1 mile distant. ‘

’l‘hc etl'cct of the fire from the Steel Belt was most disus-
tt’ous, for the howsprit wus shot awry. the inizzetmnast wus
cut down even with the hulwmks, and the beautifu] vessel
lay almost a wreck upon the waiter.

_ But though in a dangerous position, the bold and wicked
Frenchman who commanded the Surf Queen, determined to
‘figlth to the bitter end, uud“rupidly trained his guns upon the
Steel Belt.

Changing his position, Bianca suilcd rupidly down upon
his foe, pouringr in n terrible tire us he :tdmuced, and 'Soon
run his shurp bow ovCr the stern of the tnutineer’s craft, while,
with a cry of rage, and followed by Harold uutl Racine, he
sprung upon the Ves'scl's decks, and confronted 'l‘nlbot Lu.-
tl‘ttllc, who rrted, us his eye fell upon his nephew :

“ lht! Claude Bianca, you alivy‘.‘ Come on then to your
detail."

“ So'be it, vile man of crime.”

'l‘he‘swords crossed with u. clung, flushed for n moment,
and then the tnulineer‘s weapon was beaten - down and Bi-
anca. drove his keen blade through his heurt, just as Harold
came aft to report that the crew of the Surf Queen had been
all shtin or made prisoners. ~ '

" Bianca stood fora. moment in silence, his eyes resting
sadly upon the slain man, and then, starting suddenly, as it
rec.tlliug himself from bitter memories, he said:

“ Yes; it. is well, Mr. Marmaduke; you have done well;
but let us away from here. I

“ Ravine, you tuke Command of this vesselmnd with thirty,
of my crew, carry her into Portland harbor, and soon I will

join/you there. Come [Int-ole”

So saying, Bianca, followed by his first ofilcer, returned on
board tlw‘Sted Belt, when the grapnels were cast loose, and
the privuleer set. sv-il hack for the anchorage under the hills
upon whichstood Sea View Castle. 1

Safely the Steel Belt bore the purty to the land, and ere
sunset all were assembled within the spacious parlors of Sea
View Castle. | -

 

    

102 .

THE RIVAL LIEUTENANTB.

 

Then it was that Lord Vivian told Harold of his \mother,
and how, for years she had been Confined to her mom, her
brain having,r entirely gone; but. the young ()mcer begged to
see her, and was conducted by Lord Vivian to the quiet
Wing of the villa where his lady mother uhode.

'What passed between the two was never known, but cer-
tain it is, that the. cohwebs of disease Were swept away from

tilt. weak mind, the heart. was touched at sight of her first- . ‘
her memory, recognized '

horn, and Lady Vivian regained
as her'own child Harold Marnntduke, and together the two
entered the parlors and gladdened all by the happy change,
' especially Lord Vivian, who had dearly loved his invalid wife.

’i‘hns Aline Ellis became Lady Aline Vivian, fondly de-
voted to her new-found parents, and though Claudine was
only the humble pilot‘s daughter, she Was perfectly happy in
the hove of Enoch and his wife, and more than idolized Lord
Ilarold Marmaduke, when she saw the coming of his title and
wealth had not taken from her his heart. —

Through the three years‘ war Bianca and Harold fought,
the fornn'r still in command of his beautiful vessel; which
was commissioned a cruiser in the American service, and the
latter as commander of the sloop-ot-war Ambuscade, for he
was reinstated in the service with the rank of captain| while
Racine Ney consoled himself for his loss of Claudine‘s love,
by going privateerintr in the Surf Queen, which was refitted
for him by Captain Bianca.

When at last war folded her bloody pinions and peace set-
tled upon the face of the land, Claude Bianca and Aline Viv-
ian became man and wife, while, married at the same time,
so as to have a double wedding, was Harold, Earl of Mar-
maduke, to Claudine Ellis. ‘

Noticeahle among the guests present, other than the famil-
ies of the parties interested, were Admiral Mort-ton, formerly
of the frigate Portsmouth, and boutswain Mat Morris, who
Itenltily expressed his delight at: the beauty and grice oi} the‘
aimorte chosen by his‘otfieers for a Voyage across the sea of
life. ,_ r e

' THE END.

\ r."

   
 

 

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