 CHAPTER IX THE ATTACK Don Leonardo was no favorite among the tribes and chiefs of the region which was his immediate neighborhood, and he lived within the walls of his well-arranged residence, more like one in a fort than in his own domestic dwelling, maintaining himself, in fact, by a regular armament of his servants and a few countrymen whom he retained in his service. With the Negroes he was, therefore, no friend, safe so far as he purchased their prisoners of them, whom they secured in their marauding inroads upon the interior tribes. They feared Don Leonardo because he was a bold, bad man, and cared not for the spilling of blood at any time, for the furtherance of his immediate gain in the trade he pursued. It was for his interest to make them fear him, and this he contrived to do most effectually. As Don Leonardo always paid for the slaves he purchased of the coast tribes in hard Spanish dollars, they believed him to possess an inexhaustible supply of species, and the idea of robbing him had more than once been broached among them in their councils. But fear and one of tact as to proper management and conducting an assault, they felt would ensure the defeat of such a purpose, and thus the Spaniard had remained unmolested for years in his present position, but in no way relaxing the necessary degree of vigilance which should render safe his household, for he knew full well the treacherous character of the Negroes, and that they were not for a moment to be trusted. Maude, his daughter, was in no way ignorant of this state of affairs. She fully understood the entire matter. Perhaps the fact that some portion of the blood of that despised race ran in her own veins led her to conceive a plan for revenge which should embrace not only the party who was the grave object of her hate, but even every person of white blood in her father's household, not even accepting her father. No one, save a North American Indian, can hold and nourish a spirit of revenge like a quadrone. It seems to be an innate trait of their nature, and ever ready to burst forth in a blaze at any moment. It was impossible to understand exactly by what course of reasoning Maude had arrived at the purpose of attempting the destruction of the household as she did. One would have supposed that she would have been apt to adopt the easiest mode of arriving at the desired result, and that with even her simple knowledge of poison, she might with a little adroitness have taken the lives of all who were gathered under her father's roof at a single meal. But the revengeful girl evidently had some secret filling to gratify in the employment of the agents whom she engaged for her purpose, and the blow she resolved should be struck, and decisively too, by the Negro enemies of her father, who were his near neighbors. For this fell purpose Maude held secret meetings with the Chiefs, represented that her father's strongboxes were full of gold and silver coin, and that the Negroes had only to affect an entrance at night, means for which she was herself prepared to furnish them, and at the same time representing to them that they would have it in their power to revenge themselves for all their past wrongs at her father's hands, fancied or real. The Negroes and their Chiefs were only too intent upon the treasures their fancy depicted to think or care for Maude herself, or to question the reason of her unnatural treachery. So they promised to enter the stockade under her direction, rob the house, and then screen the deed they had committed by burning the dwelling and all within its precincts. While this diabolical plan had been thoroughly concocted, Captain Ratlin and the two English ladies had passed many pleasant hours together, all unconscious of there being any danger at hand, and even Maude, with subtle treachery, seemed more open and free than she had been in her intercourse with them at first. But when she thought herself unobserved, she would at times permit a reflex of her soul to still over her dark-cantome features, and the fire of passion to flash from her eye. At such moments the quadrum became completely unsext, and could herself scarcely contain her own anger and passion so far as not to spring, tiger-like, upon the object of her hatred. But the hour for the attempt upon the dwelling, and the destruction of its inhabitants, drew near. The Negroes had sworn to stand by each other, and had sacrificed an infant to their deity, to propitiate him and ensure success. It was long past midnight that the blacks might have been seen pouring out of the adjacent jungle nearest to the house. They had selected the hour for their attack when they supposed the dwellers in the stockade house would be soundest wrapped in sleep. And they had indeed chosen well, and all their plans had been carefully arranged. But just as Maude opened the secret entrance for them to pass in, and she herself passed out to flee for the time being from the scene, Don Leonardo came out from his sleeping apartment, followed by a trusty slave, and promptly shot down the two first figures that entered by the door, causing them to fall dead. This unexpected repulse caused those behind to retreat for a while to the jungle, where they might consult undercover as to what this unexpected opposition to their plans indicated. The reader may as well be here informed that a faithful slave, who had been long with the Spanish traitor, and who had been confided in by the robbers, at last could not keep the secret, but just at the opportune moment aroused her master, while he, by his promptness for the moment, stayed the attack, until the door could once more be fastened, and the people awakened in arm to repel the congregated mass of the enemy. The father did not for one moment suspect his child's treachery, and was amazed and alarmed by her absence, but there was little time for speculations upon that or any other matter, since the large numbers of the Negroes had rendered them bold, and they seemed determined, now they were partially foiled in their purpose as to entering the place by stratagem, to carry the house at all hazards by actual storm, while they rendered the air heavy with their yells. Don Leonardo was not at all alarmed. He had fought too many battles with the Negroes to fear them. He quietly prepared his firearms, and loaded to the muzzle a heavy swivel gun he kept mounted at one of the main windows. While he gave arms to such of his slaves as he felt confidence in, and to his immediate retainers, the Negroes had never seen nor heard the swivel fired as it was a late importation. They had become somewhat accustomed to small arms, and though they had a dread of them, yet it was not sufficient to deter them from making the attack after having congregated in such numbers, and having become so wrought up by each other. But as they made a rush bodily towards the stockade, Don Leonardo filled the swivel, which had been loaded with shot, slugs, and bullets, into their very midst, every missile telling on the limb or body of one or more. The effect was electrical, and the slaughter large. The astonished savages rapidly gathered up their wounded companions, and returned to the jungle once more. At first this terrible slaughter among them seemed to deter them from the idea of a second attack, but the loud report of the gun rapidly augmented the numbers of the blacks, until they made a second onslaught, with almost precisely the same effect. They could scale the stockade only on this side, while on the other, or opposite side, Captain Ratlin kept up such a deadly and accurate fire of musketry, that everyone who approached the buildings was sure to forfeit his life. It was fortunate that this arrangement had been made, for the Negroes twice attempted to set the dwellings on fire from the rear, but were instantly repulsed by Captain Ratlin's double barreled gun, which was ready loaded by his side, and which he used with fearful accuracy of aim on every approaching object. The Negroes seemed to be wrought up to such a state of excitement that they would not give over their purpose, though it involved such immense risk and sacrifice of life, and the attack was continued at intervals far into the morning and long after the regular course of duty, until at last the Negroes divided their mutilated numbers into four parties, and it was evidently their last and most determined attempt. They did not hurry this, but seemed to pause and take refreshments and rest for a couple of hours, when once more the onslaught commenced, and the inhabitants of the stockade founded a desperate fight, and one even of doubtful result if long continued as it began. Keep the black camps cleared, Don, for a short half hour longer, and it will be all up with them, shouted Captain Ratlin from the rear. I see a heavy square rig rounding the point, and standing in for an anchorage, we shall find civilized help. That is lucky, growled the Spaniard, as he coolly shot down a Negro, our powder is fast giving out. The inhabitants of the stockade sadly needed assistance at this critical juncture, for the infuriated savages had become desperate and reckless in their attack, and must soon have carried the building by storm. But they're soon pulled to the beach a half dozen boats, with the detachment of marines and seamen led on at full speed by an officer, before whose approach the angry Negroes retired exhausted, leaving many dead upon the ground, and many too severely wounded to affect their retreat to the jungle. The fight had been a very sanguinary one to the half-witted creatures outside the stockade. The newcomers were an officer, and part of the crew of a man of war that was cruising upon the coast, and which had been attracted to the harbor by the firing of the heavy swivel. They were admitted within the stockade. That they were English was at once observable, by the flag that floated from the graceful craft that had now rounded to, and come to an anchor within blank cartridge shot of the factory or barracoons. The officer felt authorized to interfere, as we have seen, but his power of search and of interference in the peculiar trade of the coast ceased the moment he touched the land. His jurisdiction did not extend over any residence on their property, unless it was afloat. Over the coast and rivers he claimed jurisdiction only. The newcomers were hospitably entertained by Don Leonardo. While the officer who had led them, and whose insignia of rank betrayed his station as captain, was introduced into the more private apartments of the place, where were the ladies in Captain Ratlin, the latter trying to reassure them and to quiet their fears on account of the late fearful business of the fight. He was thus engaged when the English captain entered, and was not a little astonished to hear the mutual expressions of surprise that were uttered by both the ladies and the officer himself, while a moment suffice to show them to be old acquaintances. The reader would here recognize, and the newcomer, Captain Robert Bramble, whom we saw paying suit to Miss Huntington not long previous, on the shady veranda of her mother's house and the environs of Calcutta. Notwithstanding the excitement of the moment, and the joy felt on all sides at the timely arrival of the English officer and his people. Notwithstanding the surprise of the moment, that filled all present at the singular melting of old friends under such extraordinary circumstances, yet a close observer might have noticed an ill-suppressed expression of dissatisfaction upon Captain Ratlin's face, as he saw the English captain in friendly and even familiar intercourse with mother and daughter. Who could have possibly foreseen this strange, this opportune meeting? said the mother. It is as strange as agreeable, I assure you, replied the newcomer, and you erect and picked up at sea, you say, and brought hereby. Captain Ratlin interrupted the daughter, fearing that her mother would have introduced a word that would have betrayed their protector. Yes, by Captain Ratlin, continued the mother, permit me to introduce you gentlemen. Captain Bramble, this is Captain Ratlin, you are both seamen, and there is no need of compliments, though I am seriously indebted to you both. Of the merchant service, I presume, said the English officer, regarding the young and handsome commander of the sea-witch, with a somewhat suspicious eye. From childhood, was the cool reply, while, as though by a feeling of common content, both turned away from each other to other objects. Captain Bramble saw that she whom he had so profitlessly saved, she who's smile would have been invaluable to him, now spoke low and gently to the merchant captain, and even smiled kindly upon his remarks to her, of whatever nature they might be. Doubtless, from the moment of their introduction, a vague suspicion of his true character crossed the English officer's thoughts, but now he needed no other incentive, than the fact that Miss Huntington received and entertained his address so agreeably, and with such evident pleasure, to make him more than watchful, and resolve to find out the truth. You are not long arrived, Captain Ratlin, asked the other. Within these two weeks, was the calm reply, not seeing your vessel, I presume she has gone to the windward for ivory, or perhaps to leeward for other cargo, answered the other somewhat hodlily. The hint was sufficient, and the English officer saw that, let his trade be what it might, he had one to deal with who was master of his own business, and who feared no one. It was nearly night when mod Leonardo appeared, expressing profound surprise at what had occurred, and feigning well-assumed grief and regret, so honestly too as to deceive all parties who observed her. But her secret chagrin could hardly be expressed. Indeed, her father, who knew her better than anyone else, saw that there was something wrong in his daughter's spirit, that some event had seriously annoyed and moved her. He knew the child possessed of much of her mother's wild, revengeful disposition, and though even he never for a moment suspected her unnatural treachery, yet he resolved to watch her. The negroes she had joined in the attack were completely routed and disheartened, and fearing the power and cunning of Don Leonardo, retreated far inland and incorporated themselves with the tribes that gather their wild and precarious living in the depths of the jungle. End of Chapter 9. Recording by Jerry Dixon, Zephyr Hills, Florida Chapter 10 of The Sea Witch This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information, or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Jerry Dixon The Sea Witch by Murray Maturin-Balu Chapter 10. The Duel Affairs in the immediate vicinity of Don Leonardo's residence began to assume a singular and very peculiar aspect. In the first place, there was within doors, and under his immediate roof, four newcomers, nearly each of which was actuated by some contrary purpose or design. Mrs. Huntington was exceedingly desirous to obtain passage up the coast to Sierra Leone, and thence home to England. Her daughter secretly dreaded the approach of the hour that was to separate her from one whom in her unrevealed heart she devotedly loved. Captain Rytland was, of course, all impatient to have the English cruiser up anchor and leave the harbor, her proximity to his own fleet clippership being altogether too close, while Captain Bramble felt in no haste to leave the port for several reasons. First, he had a suspicion that he should soon be able to trip up the hills of his rival, as it regarded this business on the coast. And secondly, he was very content to have Mrs. Huntington remain here, because he knew if she was once landed at Sierra Leone, she would directly sail for England. Don Leonardo hardly wished them all at the bottom of the sea, or any other place except his house, with the exception, of course, of Captain Rytland, whose business with him was seriously impeded by the presence of these parties. Mod, too, was not a disinterested party, as the reader may well imagine, after the audacious treachery which she had already evinced, but she was comparatively passive now, and seemed quietly to bide her time for accomplishing her second resolve, touching him she once loved but now hated, as well as satisfying her revengeful spirit by the misery or destruction of her rival. We say affairs in Don Leonardo's residence had assumed a singular and peculiar aspect, and the dull routine of everyday life that had characterized the last year was totally changed. The singular coincidence of the meeting between Mrs. Huntington and her rejected lover, Captain Bramble, under such singular circumstances, led him once more to press this suit, and now, as she regarded him largely in the light of a protector, the widow quite approved of his intimacy, and indeed, as far as propriety would permit, seconded his suit with her daughter. When in India, she had looked most favorably upon Captain Bramble's intimacy with her child, where there were accessory circumstances to further her claims, but now she soon told her daughter in private that Captain Bramble was a match fit and proper in all respects for such as she was. But mother, well, my child, suppose, for instance, that I do not like Captain Bramble, then is he a fitting match for me? Not like him, my child! Yes, mother, not like him. Why, is he not gentlemanly? Yes. And of good family? Undoubtedly. Enhance him, and hold, mother, you need not extend the catalogue. Captain Bramble can never be my husband, she said in a mild but determined tone that her mother understood very well. But Captain Bramble himself could not seem to understand this, notwithstanding she was perfectly frank and open with him. He seemed to be running away with the idea that if he could but get rid of Captain Rattlin, in some way, he should then have a clear field and be able to win her hand under the peculiar circumstances surrounding her. Thus moved, he redoubled his watchfulness touching the Captain's movements, satisfied that he should be able ere long to detect him in some intrigue, as to running a cargo of slaves, and doubtless under such circumstances that he could arrest and detain him, if not by some lucky chance, even have him tried in a judged upon by the English commission upon the coast. To suppose that Captain Rattlin did not understand entirely the motives and conduct of his enemy, and would-be rival, would be to give him less credit for discernment than he deserved. He understood the matter very well, and indeed, bore with assumed patience, for Miss Huntington's sake, many impertinences that he would otherwise have instantly asserted. But he marked out for himself a course, and he resolved to adhere to it. Captain Bramble was not only a suitor of Miss Huntington's, but an old and intimate friend, as he learned from her family, and therefore he should avoid all quarrel whatever with him, and so he did on his own part. But the English officer, enraged by his apparent success, took every occasion to disparage the character of Captain Rattlin, and even before Miss Huntington's own face declared him no gentleman. You are very severe, Captain Bramble, said the lady, upon a person whom you acknowledge you have not yet known a single calendar month. It is long enough, quite long enough, Miss Huntington, to read the character of such an unprincipled fellow as this nondescript Captain. I have known him about twice as long as you, Captain Bramble, replied Miss Huntington calmly, and I have not only formed a very different opinion of him, but have good reasons to feel satisfied of the correctness of my judgment. I perceived that Miss Huntington has taken him under her protection, replied the discomfited officer sarcastically, as he seized his hat and left her. While in this spirit, the two rivals met in the open space before the house of Don Leonardo, when the English officer vented some coarse and scurrilous remarks upon Captain Rattlin, whose eyes flashed fire, and who seized his traducer by the throat, and bent him nearly double to the earth, with an ease that showed his superior physical strength to be immense. But as though impressed with some returning sense, Captain Rattlin released his grasp and said, Rise sir, you are safe from my hand, but fortunate it is for you that you can call this lady whose name you have just referred to, friend, the man whom she honors by her countenance is safe for many injury I can inflict. A very chivalric speech, replied the enraged and browbeaten officer, but you shall answer for this sir, and at once, this is not the spot, you must give me satisfaction for this base insult, or by the heaven above us I will shoot you like a dog. As you will, sir, I have spoken openly, and I shall abide my word. I am no boaster, nor do I expect any special favor at the hands of the lady whom you have named, but I repeat, sir, that my respect for her renders her friend safe from any injury that I might otherwise, in just indignation, inflict. Little did either know that the object of their remarks had been a silent but trembling witness of the entire scene, from the first taunting word Captain Bramble had spoken. Early the subsequent morning, even before the sun had risen, a boat might have been seen pulling from the side of the English loop of war, propelled by the stout arms of a couple of seamen, while two persons sat in the stern, a closer examination of whom would have revealed them to be the captain of the ship and surgeon. At the same moment, they are shot out from a little nook or bay in the rear of the barricades, a light skiff propelled by a single oarsman, who rode his bark in true seamen style, cross-handed, while a second party sat in the stern. The rower was Captain Ratlin, and his companion was the swarthy and fierce-looking Don Linnardo, that the same purpose guided the course of either boat was apparent from the fact that both were headed for the same jutting point of land that formed a sort of cape on the harbour's southern side. That is the fellow, he who pulls the oars, said Captain Bramble to his surgeon. He must be a vulgar chap, and pulls those instruments as though bred to the business. Not so very vulgar, either, said the other. The fellow has seen the world and has his notions of honour, and knows how to behave. That is plain enough. Eagad, he shoots that skiff ahead like an arrow. The fellow could make his fortune as a ferryman. Continued the surgeon facetiously. Give way, lads, give way, said the English captain, impatiently, to his men, as he saw that the skiff would reach the point long before he got there himself. A short half hour found the two rivals standing opposite to each other at some twelve paces distance, each with a pistol in his hand. The preliminaries had been duly arranged between the surgeon and Don Linnardo, the latter of whom had not ceased up to the last moment to strive in effect to reconciliation. Not that he dreaded bloodshed, it was a past time to him, but because it jarred so manifestly with his interest to have his friend run the risk of his life. Both of the principles were silent. Captain Bramble was exceedingly red in the face, and evidently felt the bitterness of anger still keenly upon him, while the open manly features of his opponent wore the same placid aspect, as had characterised them while he leaned over the side of his own ship, or gazed idly into the rippling waters that laid the dark hull. It had been arranged that both parties should aim and fire between the commencement and end of pronouncing the words, one, two, three, by the surgeon. And that individual, having placed his box of instrument with professional coolness upon the ground, took his position to give the signal agreed upon when he said, in a preparatory tone, gentlemen, are you ready? To which both answered by an inclination of the head, and then immediately, one, two, three. Almost before the first word was fairly articulated, the sharp quip report of Captain Bramble's pistol was heard, and the next moment he was observed gazing intently upon his adversary. To see whether he had wounded him, and observing that he had not, he dashed his weapon to the ground, uttering a fierce oath at his luck. In the meantime, Captain Rattlin had not moved an inch, not even a muscle, his hand containing the pistol had hung quietly at his side, and his face still remained undisturbed. He had kept his word, and would not fire upon the friend of the woman whom he truly respected, and earnestly, devotedly, though hopelessly loved. Captain Bramble paced back and forth like a caged lion, until at last, coming opposite and near to his adversary, he coarsely remarked. It is a much easier for a trembling hand to retain a perpendicular position than to assume a horizontal one. Captain Rattlin understood the time, and stepping to where the English officer had thrown his discharged weapon, he threw it high in the air, and at the exact moment when the power of gravitation turned the piece towards the earth, he quickly raised his arm and fired, sending the bullet in his own pistol completely through the wooden stock of the other. Then turning coolly to Captain Bramble, he said, A trembling hand, sir, is hardly so sure of its aim as that. This fellow is the evil one himself, whispered the surgeon to his principal. Come, let us on board. If he should insist upon a second shot, we should be obliged to give him the chance, since he did not fire at you, and he would drop you spite of fate. Cursed his luck, I am sure I had him full in the breast, such a miss, and I, who am so sure at a dozen paces. And the English officer continued to chafe and growl until he had got into his boat, and was out of hearing from the shore. Captain Rattlin and Don Leonardo quietly pulled back towards the barricades, and as they neared the shore they saw the form of a female, which both at once recognized to be that of Miss Huntington, who stood there pale as death, and who gazed intently at the young commander as he drew nearer and nearer, and as he jumped upon the shore, said hastily, You have been on a fearful errand. Have either of you been hurt? Nay, lady, it was but a bit of morning sport, said Captain Rattlin pleasantly. Answer me, was he injured? For I see you or not. There has been no harm done to flesh and blood, lady. Heaven be praised, said the half fanning girl, as she leaned upon the young commander's proffered arm, and they together approached the house of Don Leonardo. There had been another witness of the affair, one who was secreted on the very spot where the meeting took place, one who had overheard the arrangements for the same, and one who had secretly repaired thither with hopes to have seen the blood of one, if not both, flow even unto death. And this was Maud, poor deluded, revengeful girl, who had permitted one passion to fill her every thought, and who now lived and dreamed only for revenge upon one who was as innocent of any intended slider wrong to her as he was to the being he really loved. Maud, with the fleetness of an antelope, had ran by the land path from the spot of the contest, and reached home nearly as quick as the boat containing her father and Captain Ratlin had done, and now, as she saw her hated white rival leaning upon his arm, so pale, so confiding, and he addressing her with such tender assurance, a fresh wound to her already wrinkled and goaded fillings was imparted, and once more she swore a fearful and quick revenge. Captain Bramble, too much chagrined to make his appearance, at least for a few days, did not soon land from his vessel, but mused alone in the solitude of his cabin upon the abduracy of Miss Huntington's heart, and the good luck which had saved his rival's life. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information, or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Captain Bramble did not long remain contented on board his ship. This he could not do while he realized that Miss Huntington was so near upon the shore, for so far as such a being could really love, he did love the lady, and yet his sentiment of regard was so mixed up with selfishness and bitterness of spirit and pride at being refused that the small germ of real affection which had found birth in his bosom was too much corroded with alloy to be identified. He felt that he had been overreached by Captain Ratlin, and also that he had good grounds of suspecting his successful rival of being either directly or indirectly engaged in the illegal trade of the coast, and determined, if possible, to discover his secret, he again became a frequent visitor of Don Leonardo's house, where he was sure to meet him constantly. There were two spirits whom we have introduced to the reader in this connection, who were fitting companions for each other, but they had not as yet been brought together by any chance so as to understand one another. We referred to Captain Bramble and Maude the Quadroon. Both now hated Captain Ratlin, and would gladly have been revensed in any way for the gratification of their feelings upon her whom he so fondly loved. With this similarity of sentiment it was not singular that they should ere long discover themselves and feelings to each other. Indeed Maude, who had been a secret witness of the deed, already realized that Captain Bramble was the enemy of him whom she had once loved, and whom she now so bitterly despised. Untutored in the ways of the world and fashionable intrigue, yet the Quadroon saw very clearly that through Captain Bramble she might consummate that revenge which she had so signally failed in doing by the agency of the hostile Negro tribes she had treacherously brought to her father's door. He had not been long at the factory, therefore, on landing after the duel, before Maude sought a private interview with him, on pretext of communicating to him some information that should be of value to him in connection with his official duty. To this, of course, the English officer responded at once, shrewdly suspecting at least a portion of the truth, and therefore met Maude at an appointed spot in the jungle, hard by her father's house. You will speak truly in what you tell me, my good girl, he said sugesously, as he looked into her dark-spirited eyes with admiration he could not avoid. Have I anything to gain by a lie? responded Maude with a curling lip. No, I presume not, he answered. I merely ask from ordinary precaution. But what do you propose to reveal to me? Something touching this Captain Rattlin? I said the girl quickly. It is of him I would speak. You are an English officer, agent of your government, and sent here to suppress this vile traffic? True. And have you suspected nothing since your vessel has been here? I suspect that this Captain Rattlin is in some way connected with the trade. He is, and but now awaits the gathering of a cargo in my father's barracoons to sail with them to the West Indies. It is not his first voyage either. But where is his vessel? He cannot go to sea without one, said the Englishman. That is what I would reveal to you. I will discover to you his ship, if you swear to arrest him, seize the vessel, and if possible hang him. You are bitter indeed, said the officer, almost startled at the fiendish expression of the quadroon's countenance as she emphasized those two expressive words. I have reason to be, answered Maud, calming her feelings by an effort. Has he wronged you? Yes, he loves the white woman whom he brought to my father's house. Thus far, at all events, my good girl, we have mutual cause for hate, and we will work heartily together. You know where his vessel lies? I do. Is it far from here? Less than a leak. Indeed, these fellows are cunning, used the officer. When will you guide me in a party of my people thither? Tonight. It is well. I will be prepared. Where shall we meet? At the end of the Cape where you and he met a few days since. Where we met, asked the other, in surprise. How knew you of that? I saw it. The duel? Yes. It is strange. I thought none but ourselves were to be there. He has moved in no direction since this woman has been here that I have not followed. There I hope to see him fall. But he was strangely preserved. You are a singular girl, Maud, replied the officer. Take this and wear it for my sake, he added, unloosing a fine-gold chain from his watch and tossing it around her neck. And be punctual at that spot tonight after the last ray of twilight. I will, answered the quadruined, as she regarded the fine workmanship of the chain for a moment with idle and childlike pleasure. Then, turning from the spot, they both returned, though by different paths, from the jungle towards the dwelling of her father. Captain Bramble dined with Don Leonardo that day, and his good spirits in pleasant converse were afterwards the subject of comment, exhibiting him in a fairer, more favorable light than he had appeared in since his arrival at the factory. Maud, too, either for the sake of disguise, or, because the knowledge of her plan imparted exhilaration of spirits to her, was more agreeable, seemingly frank and friendly, than she had been for a many a long day. If we accept the day before the late attack of the Negroes upon the house, when the same treacherous assumption of cheerfulness and satisfaction with all parties was similarly assumed. Captain Ratlin, on his part, was ever the same. He found that he must wait some weeks, even yet, before he could prosecute the purpose of his voyage, and indeed he seemed to have lost all interest in it. His thoughts were full of too pure an object to permit him to participate to any extent and so questionable a business. Gladly would he at any moment have thrown up his charge of the sea-witch, and he had indeed promised Miss Huntington that for her sake, and in honor of her friendship, for he had never aspired to any more intimate relationship, he would ignore the trade altogether, and that he would dispatch Mr. Faulkner, his first officer, to the owners in Cuba with the ship he had himself taken in charge. Having been brought up from childhood upon the sea, he had never studied the morality of the trade in which he was now engaged. But the nice sense of honor, which was so strong a characteristic of his nature, only required the gentle influence of a sweet and refined nature like her with whom Providence had so opportunely thrown him, to reform him altogether of those rougher ideas which he had naturally imbibed in the course of his perilous and daring profession. In the presence of that fair and pure-minded girl he was as a child, impressable and ready to follow her simplest instructions. All this betokened a native refinement of soul, else he could never have events the pliability which had rendered him so pleasant and agreeable a companion to her he secretly loved. Lady, he said to her as they sat together that afternoon, Heaven has sent you for a guardian angel to me. Your refining influence has come to my heart at its most lonely, its most necessary moment. I have done with this trade, never more to engage in it. That is honorable, noble in you, Captain Rattlin, so promptly to relinquish all connection with a calling which, though at a forged fortune and command, can never permit you self-respect. The ship will probably be dispatched within these two weeks, and then I will take any berth in legitimate commerce where I may win an honorable name and reputation. There is my hand on so honorable a resolution, said Miss Huntington, frankly, while a single tear of pleasure trembled in her clear, lustrous eyes. The young commander took the hand respectfully that waits extended to him, but when he raised his eyes to her face and detected that tear, a thought for a moment ran through his brain, a faint shadow of hope that perhaps she loved him, or might at some future time do so. And bending over the fair hand he held, he pressed it gently to his lips. He was not repulsed, nor chided, but she delicately rose and turned to her mother's apartment. How small a things will affect the whole tenor of a lifetime! Trifles lighter than straws are levers in the building up of destiny. Captain Rattlin turned from that brief interview with the young commander, Captain Rattlin turned from that brief interview with a feeling he had never before experienced. The idea that Miss Huntington really cared for him, beyond the ordinary interest that the circumstances of their acquaintances had caused, had not thus far been entertained by him. Had this been otherwise he would doubtless have differently interpreted many agreeable tokens which she had granted him, and to which his mind now went back eagerly to recall, and consider under the new phase of feeling which actuated him. How else could he interpret that tear, but as springing from a heart that was full of kindly feeling towards him? It was a tell-tale drop of crystal that glistened but one moment there. Could it have been fancy? Was it possible he could have been mistaken? The matter assumed an aspect of intense importance in his estimation, and he paced the apartment where she had left him alone, half in doubt, half hoping. In one instant how different an aspect all things were, life, its aims, the persons he met at the door as he now passed out, even the foliage seemed to partake of the freshness of his spirit, and the world to become rejuvenated and beautified in every aspect in which he could view it. This was the bright tide of the picture which his imagination, aided by that gaudy painter and fancy colorer, Hope, had conjured up before his mind's eye, but the reverse side of the picture was at hand, and now he paused to ask himself seriously. Can this be? Who am I? A poor, unknown sailor, fortuneless, friendless, nameless. Who is she? A lady of refined cultivation, high family, wealth, and beauty. Is it likely that two such persons as I have considered should be joined by intimate friendship? Can such barriers as these be broken down by love? Alas, I am not so blind, so foolish, so unreasonable, as to believe it for a moment. So once more the heart of the young commander was heavy within his breast. In the meantime Captain Bramble had found an opportunity that afternoon to see Maude, and to learn from her that Captain Rattlin almost always slept on board his ship, departing soon after dark for the spot through the jungle. Satisfied of this Captain Bramble once more proceeded to make his arrangements, for to have seized the vessel without her commander on board would have been to perform but half the business he had laid out for the night's engagement. But all seemed now propitious, and he awaited the darkness with impatience. When he might disembark a couple of boatloads of sailors and marines, and with the quadroon for guide follow the path to the jungle to where the sea-witch lay. Why do you muse so long and lonely, my child? Asked Mrs. Huntington of her daughter that afternoon, as she came in and surprised her gazing out at a window vacantly. Oh, I hardly know, my dear mother. I was thinking over our strange fortune since we left Calcutta. The wreck, the nights in the boat, our fortunate rescue. Fortunate, my dear. I don't exactly know about that. Here we have been confined at this slave factory little better than the slaves themselves these four weeks. Well, mother, Captain Bramble says he shall sail soon, and then we can go round to Sierra Leone, and from thence take passage direct for England. For my part I can't understand why Captain Bramble insists upon staying here so long. He doesn't seem to be doing anything. He came into the harbor by chance. He says that business and duty, which he cannot explain, detain him here, but that he will soon leave, of which he will give us due notice. Heaven hastened the period, said the mother, impatiently, for I am most hardly tired and worn out with the strange life we lead here. This conversation will explain to the reader in part the reason why Mrs. Huntington and her daughter, English subjects, and in distress upon the coast, had not at once gone on board the vessel of their sovereign which lay in the harbor, and been carried upon their destination. From the outset Captain Bramble had resolved not to let his rival slip through his fingers by leaving Port himself, and thus he had still remained to the present time, though without any definite plan of operation formed until he availed himself of Maj. Proposal. Why bless me, my child, you look as though you've been crying, said the mother, now catching a glimpse at her daughter's face. Do I, mother? she answered vacantly. This was just after she had returned from the meeting with Captain Rattlin, as already described, and whether she had been crying or not, the reader will probably know what feelings moved her heart. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Todd Lennon. Captain Bramble knew very well that he had desperate men to deal with in the taking of a slaver on the coast, but he had gathered his evidence and witnesses in such a strong array that he felt warranted in going to any length in securing possession of a clipper craft which had been so fully described to him. He was not wanting in personal courage, and therefore, with the well-selected body of sailors and marines, and one or two officers, he quietly pulled away from the ship's side under cover of the night and landed at the proposed spot. Here he found Maude patiently waiting as coming and ready to lead him to the hiding place of the sea witch and her crew. The men were all well armed and instructed how to act in any possible emergency that was to be met with in the business which brought them on shore. On the whole body pressed in silence through a tangled and narrow path, being more than once startled by the growl of some wild animal whose haunts they disturbed. It was weary struggling by this path through the wood, but it was the only way to approach the desired point by land. Maude hesitated not, but stole or glided through the tangled undergrowth as though she had passed her whole lifetime in the deep, tangled ways of the jungle. As they went on, the moon gradually rose and lifted up the dark path by little gleamings which stole in through the thick leaves and close turning branches of the lofty vegetation. On and on they pressed, and now they paused at a sign from Maude and listened to the sound of voices which have a strange and echo-like sound in that wild and tangled spot. Hark! those voices are not from the tongues of natives. That is English which they speak. Hist, hist! whispered the quadrine. We are almost upon them. In which direction? asked the English officer. Here you see not through those bright, silver-like scales through the leaves? Yes. That is the river's bed, and they lie on board their craft, Maude close to us. How many do they number? I know not. It is not important, continued the Englishman, turning to his followers, and in a low voice bidding them look to their weapons, for the game was near at hand. A few more steps brought the party to the skirts of the thicket, where it bordered on a small clearing, opening upon the river and looking across which, while they were themselves, screened by the jungle. They discovered the dark hall of the sea-witch, with her lower mass and their standing rigging. The vessel was moored close to the shore, with which a portable gangway connected it. Shallow as the water was, yet so light was her draft, that she evidently floated upon its sluggish current. Voices were heard issuing from the fore-hatch, and two or three petty officers were seated about the entrance to the cabin, smoking cigars and pipes, all unconscious of any danger. There is your prey, spring upon it, and be quick, for they will fight like mad, and he will lay a dozen of you by the hills before you take the sea-witch, said Maude. Captain Bramble rushed forward to the attack, followed by his men, and was soon on the deck of the vessel. But though he took Mr. Faulkner and his crew by surprise, he did not find them entirely unprepared, and after dropping eight of his people upon the slaver's deck and being himself severely wounded in the arm, Captain Bramble thought at best to beat a retreat, at least for a few moments, and so sought again the shelter of the jungle. The conflict, which was very brief, was also very sanguinary, and five of the sailor's people had been either mortally wounded or killed outright, but from the habit of constantly wearing their arms, even to pistols, when on the coast, they had been found in a very good situation at even the shortest notice for defending themselves. Captain Bramble now saw evident tokens of a purpose to unmoor the vessel and let her drift out into the river, which would at once place her beyond his reach, as he had no boats within a league of the spot, and therefore he resolved upon a second onslaught, and this time divided his men into three parts, one to board at the bowels, one at the stern, and himself leading a dozen picked men at the waist. This division of his forces was the best maneuver he could possibly make, and succeeded admirably, since his own people outnumbered the slavers, and by dividing them he strengthened his own power and weakened theirs. Once more upon their deck the hand-to-hand battle was short, bloody, and decisive, until towards its close Captain Bramble found himself driven into the folksal with a number of his followers, and at the same moment saw the mate of the sea-witch, with those of his people that were left alive hastening to embark in a quarter-boat, and pull away from the vessel's side with great speed. A sort of instinct explained to him the meaning of this, and hurrying his people on shore with the wounded they sought the shelter of the jungle once more. Scarcely had they gained the shade of the thick undergrowth when a report like that of a score of cannons rang upon the night air, and high in the air soared a body of flame and wreck and terrific confusion. The slavers had placed a slow match in connection with the magazine, and had blown in one instant of time that entire and beautiful fabric into ten thousand atoms. Even Maude, with all her hatred and passion, quailed at the shock, and trembled as she crouched to the ground with averted face. She realized the result of her treachery, but looked in vain for the object on whom she had hoped to wreck the strength of her indignation and her hate. Where was he? This was a question that Captain Bramble had several times asked, but in vain, until now, when suddenly there appeared before their eyes, hastening towards the scene, Captain Will Rowland. Seize him, my men, seize him and bind his arms. He is our prisoner, said the English officer. By what authority do you give such an order as that, Captain Bramble, as the young commander? In the Queen's name, sir, in the name of the English people who abhor pirates and slavers, was the taunting reply from the Englishmen. Stand back, said Captain Ratlin, felling two seamen to the earth who approached him to lay hands upon his person, and at the same time drawing a revolver from his pocket. Stand back, I say, I carry the lives of six of you in this weapon, and I am not one to miss my aim, as your valiant leader Yonder well knows. Now, Captain Bramble, I will surrender to you, provided you accede to my terms, otherwise you cannot take me alive. Well, sir, what have you to offer, said the English officer, positively quailing before the stern and madly front of the young commander. That you accept my word of honour to obey your directions as a prisoner, but that you shall not bind my arms or confine me otherwise. Have your own way, replied the Englishman doggedly, but give up your weapons. Do you promise me this, Captain Bramble? I do. It is well, sir, there goes my weapon, saying which he hurled it far into the river's bed. As soon as Maude saw him, she sprang to her feet, and with all the bitterness of expression which her countenance was capable of, she scowled upon his upright figure and had some features. It was evident she felt a bitter disappointment at the absence from the late Afray, and would only have rejoiced had she believed he was blown to Adams with his vessel by the wild explosion which had so lately shaken the very earth upon which she now stood. It was plain that up to this very moment, however, that the young commander had never expected her of treachery or even jealousy towards himself, but now he would have been worse than blind not to have seen and realized, also the deep malignant feeling that was written on her dark but handsome face. Maude, he said, in a low but respectful tone. Is it you who have betrayed us? I said the girl quickly, with a shrill cadence of voice, a double heart should be dealt doubly with. It was I who led these people hither, and I hoped the fate of so many of your ship's company might have been yours, but you are a prisoner now, and there's hope yet. Maude, Maude, have I ever wronged you or your father? asked Captain Rattlin reproachfully. Do you not love that white-faced girl you brought hither? And if I did, Maude, what wrong is that to thee? Did I promise thee love? Nay, I ask it not of you, said the angry girl. But you have done me a great wrong, Maude, one that you do not yourself understand. I forgive you, though, poor girl, you are hardly to blame. These kindly intended words only aggravated the object to whom they were addressed, and she turned away hastily to the shade of the thick vegetable growth, where he lost sight of her figure among the branches and leaves, while he walked on with the English officer and his people over the ground they had just passed, towards Don Leonardo's. There, being now no further cause for secrecy, they marched openly, and enlivened the way with many a rude jest, which grated harshly upon the ears of the wounded, who were borne upon litters made from branches of the hard, dry leaves of the palm. As they came upon the open spot where Stan the barracoons and Don Leonardo's dwelling, they found the entire family aroused and on the watch, the heavy explosion of the sea-witch's magazine having seemed to them like an earthquake. Don Leonardo, who shrewdly suspected the truth, seemed satisfied at a single glance as to the state of affairs, and walking up to the young commander, and watching for a favourable opportunity, when not overheard, he asked significantly, treachery? Yes. Whom? It matters not, was the magnanimous reply, for Captain Rattlin was too generous to betray the quadrant to her father, though she had proved thus treacherous to him. As he now recognized himself to be a prisoner, and had been told by Captain Bramble that he must go forthwith on board his ship as such, he desired to say a few words to Mrs. Huntington and her daughter, a request which his rival could hardly find grounds for refusing, and so he took occasion to explain to them the state of affairs, and to advise them to the best of his ability, touching their own best course in order to safely reach England. They felt that his advice was good, as truly disinterested, and both agreed to abide strictly by it, but doubted not that as Captain Rattlin had not been engaged in any slave-commerce, and indeed had not been in the late action at all, that he would be very soon liberated, and free to choose his own calling. Captain Rattlin was conveyed on board the ship in the harbor, and Mrs. Huntington, with her daughter also, with Maude and with some other witnesses that Captain Bramble desired, and the vessel shaped her course along the coast, towards Sierra Leone, where there was sitting an English court of admiralty. With extraordinary authority relative to such cases Captain Bramble was now about to lay before them, and who would be only too much gratified at the bringing before them of an offender to make an example of him. Captain Bramble, of course, offered to Mrs. Huntington and her daughter his own cabin for their greater comfort, and strove to make their position as comfortable as possible for them while they were on board. But he had not the nice sense of honour, that true delicacy of spirit which should have led him to remember they were his guests from necessity, and that to push a suit under such circumstances was not only indelicate, but positively insulting. And yet he did so. True, he did not actually impertune Mrs. Huntington, but his attentions and services were all rendered under that guise and aspect which rendered them to her most repulsive. Captain Bramble took good care of his prisoner and rival, and should have no degree of intercourse with her whom he knew very well Captain Rattlin loved. Under pretense that he feared his prisoner would attempt to escape, he kept him under close guard, and did not permit him upon deck during the entire trip from the factory of Don Leonardo to the harbour of Sierra Leone. This chafed the uncommander's spirit somewhat, but yet he was too true a spirit to sink under oppression. He was brave and cheerful always. Of course Mrs. Huntington saw and understood all this, and the more heartily despised the English officer for the part he played in the unmanly business. Maude kept by herself. She felt miserable, and as is often the case, realised that the success of her treachery, thus far, which in her anticipation had promised so much, had but still more deeply shadowed her heart. The English officer looked upon her with mingled feelings of admiration for her strange beauty, with contempt for her treachery, and with the thought that she might be made perhaps the subject of his pleasure by a little management by and by. It was natural for a heart so vile as his to couple every circumstance and connection in some such self a spirit with himself. It was like him. Maude, he said to her one day. Well, she answered, lifting her handsome face from her hands where she often hid it. You have lost one lover? The girl only answered by a flashing glance of contempt. How would you like another? Who, she said sternly. Me, answered Captain Bramble. You, she said contemptuously, with so much expression as to end the conversation. No, he had not rightly understood the quadrine. It was not wounded pride. That sentiment so easily healed once bruised in the heart of a woman. It was not that which moved to the laughter of the Spanish sailor. It was either love, or something very like it, turned into actual hate. And the native power of her bosom, for revenge, seemed to be now the food upon which she sustained life itself. Taking her lonely place in the cabin, after the conversation just referred to, she again hid her face in her hands and remained with her head bowed in her lap for a long, long while, half dreaming, half waking. Poor, untutored, uncivilized child of nature. She was very, very unhappy now. CHAPTER XIII. THE TRIAL At the immediate time of which we now write, there had been some very aggravated instances of open resistance to the English and American cruisers on the African station by the slavers who throng the coast, and the home government had sent out orders embracing extraordinary powers in order that the first cases that might thenceforth come under the cognizant of the court might lead to such summary treatment of the offenders, as to act as an example for the rest, and thus have a most salutary effect upon the people thus engaged. It was under these circumstances that Captain Will Ratlin found himself arraigned before the Maritime Commission at Sierra Leone, with a pretty hard case made out against him at the outset of affairs. The truth was, he had not been taken resisting the attack of Captain Bramble and his men, but his accusers did not hesitate to represent that he was thus guilty, and several were prepared, maud among the rest, to swear to this charge. Indeed, Captain Bramble found that he had people about him who would swear to anything, and he had little doubt in proving so strong a case as to jeopardize even the life of his prisoner, since many of his crew had died outright in the attack upon the Sea Witch, to say nothing of the seriously wounded. All that could prejudice the court against the prisoner was duly paraded before the eyes and ears of the individual members, ere yet the case was brought legally before them, and at last when Captain Ratlin was formally brought into court he was little less than condemned already in the minds of nine-tenths of the Marine Court. He was rather amazed to see and to hear the free way in which evidence was given against him, corroborating statements which amounted to the most unmitigated falsehoods, but above all to find maud unblushingly declare that she saw him in the fight, and that he shot with a pistol one of the men whose name had been returned as among the dead, and that he had wounded another. The girl avoided his eyes while she uttered her well-fabricated story, but had she met the eyes of the young commander she would have seen more of pity there than of anger, more of surprise than of reproach even. But in the meantime while these feelings were moving him the case was steadily progressing and began to wear a most serious aspect as it regarded the fate of Captain Wheel Ratlin. There still remained one other witness to examine whose illness had kept him on board ship up to the last moment, and who it was said could identify the prisoner as one of the party engaged in defending the deck of the slaver. He was a servant of Captain Brambles, had attended his master in the attack, but having received a blow from a hand-spike upon the head was rendered insensible at the first of the action, and had been carried on board his ship in that condition, from which state he had gradually recovered until it was thought he would be able to testify before the court at the present time. After a few moments of delay the man made his appearance evidently not yet recovered from the fearful blow he had received, but yet able to take his place at the witness's post and to perform the part expected of him. No sooner had the court, through its head, addressed the witness, then he answered promptly the preliminary queries put to him, while the effect upon Captain Ratlin seemed to be like magic. Was it guilt that made him start so, rub his eyes, look around him so vaguely, and then sitting down to cover his face with his hands, only to go through the same pantomime again? We ask, was it guilt that made him act thus? The judges noted it, and even made memorandums of the same upon the record of evidence. It was observed as significant also by everyone present. Captain Brambles himself looked at the prisoner with surprise to see him thus affected by the presence of his servant. For the love of heaven exclaimed the prisoner aloud, as though he could bear this intensity of feeling no longer. Who is this man? It is my servant, an honest, faithful man. May it please the court? Leonard Hust, by name, born in my father's service, said Captain Brambles. Leonard Hust, used the young commander thoughtfully, Leonard Hust. I, sir, added Captain Brambles somewhat partly. Do you find any objection to that name? If so, sir, I pray you will declare it to the court. Leonard Hust still mused the prisoner, without noticing this interruption. There is a strange ring upon my ears in repeating that name. Prisoner, said the judge, do you recollect having done this man a severe and almost fatal harm in the late conflict? I, I, said the young commander, somewhat confused in his mind from an evident effort to recall some long-forgotten association. You will be so good as to answer the question put by the court, repeated the judge. The court will please remember that I hurt no one, and that I was not even engaged in the action referred to. These good people are mistaken. Now it was that the attention of all were drawn towards Leonard Hust, who in turn seemed as much surprised and as much moved by some secret cause as the prisoner had been. He hastily crossed the courtroom to where the prisoner sat, and looking full into his eyes, seemed to be for a moment entranced, while the court remained silent, observing these singular manifestations which they could not understand. Leonard, Leonard, I say, repeated Captain Bramble. What trick is this? Trick, whispered the man. Trick, Captain Bramble? Tell me, sir, who is that man? Why, they call him Captain Will Ratlin, and we know him to be a slaver. The servant still hesitated, looking from the prisoner to his principal accuser, the English officer, then at the court, and finally drawing his master a little on one side. The man again went through the pantomime, described, and placing his mouth to his master's ear, whispered something which startled him as though a gun had been fired at his very ear. The shock was like electricity, and made him stagger for support. Two or three times he repeated, impossible, impossible, and finally begged the court to stay the proceedings, as he was taken suddenly ill, and should not be able to attend until tomorrow. Being the principal prosecutor and witness, of course his presence was requisite to the progress of the trial, and therefore, as he made this request, it was at once formally granted, and the court adjourned for the time, while the prisoner was remanded on shipboard for safekeeping until the next day. That the reader may understand the singular conduct of both a young commander and Leonard Hust. He must follow the latter worthy into his master's private room in the government house, where they proceeded at once after the occurrence is described. In Heaven's name, Leonard, what do you mean by such an assertion? asked Captain Bramble, throwing himself into a chair and wiping the cold perspiration from his face. I mean, sir, that the man on trial today is no more nor less than your brother. Charles Bramble? Yes, sir. How strange is all this! How know you beyond all cavill, Leonard? By the scar over the right eye. You gave it to him yourself. Don't you remember, sir, just previous the dog affair for which he ran away from home? By Heaven! I believe you speak truly, and yet how strange, how more than strange it all is, that we should meet again in this way. It quite numplest to me, sir. I thought he was a ghost at first. Strange, strange, means the elder brother. In those days, long ago in our childhood, he crossed my path constantly, and here he is again, off the work my house. By Heaven! But it is strange, wonderful, that fate should have thrown him and Helen Huntington together again, and that neither should know the other, and yet not so very strange, for she was but eight years old when Charles ran away. Yes, he thwarted me then, but even in childhood the girl fancied him above me, and now she affects him even in his fallen fortunes. What shall we do, sir, now that Master Charles has turned up again? asked Leonard Huss in his simplicity. We cannot testify against him now, sir. No, no, no, said the elder brother hastily. He must not be further examined. How he has altered, sir, only to thank, continued the servant. Why, when he went away from Bramble Park, sir, he wasn't much more than nine years old. Yes, I remember, I remembered, Leonard, replied his Master hurriedly, while he walked the apartment with quick irregular steps. I remember only too well. This was, indeed, that elder brother who had, when a boy so oppressed, so worried, and rendered miserable his brother Charles, as to cause him, in a fit of desperation, to stray away from home, whether he knew not. His parents saw now alas, too late, their fatal error, but the boy was gone, no tidings could be had of him, and they believed him dead. The honest tar, whose yarn the attentive reader will remember, as given on the deck of the sea-witch, spoke truly of his commander. He had years before straight alongside a vessel, as has been related, from whence he hardly knew himself, or was afraid to say. Hunger and neglect even then had greatly changed him, and he shipped, as has been related. The fall he got at sea threw a cloud over his brain as to pass recollections up to that time, and here, if the wish ever possessed him as to returning to his early home, he knew not of it. When he heard the voice of Leonard Hust in the court, it seemed to strike upon some string in memory's harp, which vibrated to old familiar recollections, and the more he heard him speak the more sensation came over him, which led to the demonstrations which we have already witnessed. And yet he could not recall ought that would serve him as a clue, the early injury to his brain seemed to have obliterated the connecting links that memory could not supply. The reason, probably, while the servant's voice and not the brothers thus recalled him was that the former had been kind, and his voice had ever sounded like music in the neglected boy's ears, but the brother's voice had never had that charm or happy association connected with it. As to little cousin Helen, as she was then called, it was not strange that Miss Huntington, after years of estrangement in India, meeting him under such circumstances, himself so changed, should not have recalled enough of the past to recognize him. And yet we have seen that at times she dwelled upon the tender accents of his voice like sleeping memories, herself quite ignorant of the cause of this particular influence. She was now with her mother on shore at the mission house, in an agony of suspense as to the result of the trial which was taking place. She feared the worst, for Captain Bramble had taken measures to instruct those about her to their effect that the prisoner would be found guilty, and either strung cup by the neck at once, or be sent home to England for the same purpose. Mrs. Huntington felt sad and borne down by the position of affairs, for although she did not understand her dodger's sentiments toward Captain Rattlin, yet she recognized the fact of her and her child's indebtedness to him, and then he had evinced the characteristics of a gentleman. Mother, if they find Captain Rattlin guilty, what can they—what will they do with him? asked Helen Huntington anxiously of her mother on the day of the trial. Why, my dear, it is terrible to think of, but the penalty of such a crime, as is charged to him, is death. But we must hope for the best, and why, Helen, help hell you look. It was only a passing spasm, mother. I am—I believe I am already better, said the daughter, in an agony of suffering that she dared not evince. Come, Helen, lean on me and go to your bed for a while. These sudden changes in so much exposure has rendered you weak. Come, my dear, come. And the poor girl, all trembling in pale, suffered her mother to lead her to her chamber, where a gentle anodyne soothed her nerves, and she soon fell to sleep. Had her mother not been a little better than blind, she would have easily read her daughter's heart, and have seen that she loved with all her woman's soul the man who was that day on trial for his life. What mattered it to her that he was nameless, a wanderer, a slaver? She loved him, and that covered each on all faults, however heinous the sight of the law. She felt that it was not the outward associations which made a man. She had looked beneath the surface of his soul, and had seen the pure crystal depth of his manly heart, frank, open, and as truthful as day itself. To her he was noble, chivalric, and true, and if all the world had blamed him, if all had called him guilty, her bosom would have been open to receive him. Could he have realized this as he lay in the chains on board his elder brother's ship? Could he have known that he was really loved by that fair, sweet, and gentle creature, how it would have lightened the weight of the iron bands he bore? How cheered his drooping spirits. CHAPTER XIV THE BROTHERS Now commenced a struggle in the bosom of Robert Bramble. It was some hours before he could recover from the first blush of amazement at the strange discovery he had made. Not to have had something of a brother's feelings come over him at such a time, he must have been less than human, and it was between the promptings of blood, of early recollections of childhood, before he grew to the age when his disposition, ruined by indulgence, had led him so bitterly to oppose and injure his brother as to drive him from the home of their youth. And the recollections of those little more matured years when jealousy at his superior aptness, strength, and success with cousin Helen had made him hate him. It was impossible for the man to forget the bitterness of the child. Besides, had not the same spirit of rivalry ripened until he found his brother in manhood still his successful rival with Helen Huntington? The reader will remember that they had all three men children together, and that the last time Charles had looked back at his home as he started away from it, his eye detected the little form of Helen, where she stood gazing after him. If there had been any better promptings in the heart of Robert Bramble, they would have turned the balance in favor of his brother, and he would have befriended him. But this he did not do. He walked his room, bitterly musing upon the singular position of affairs, while he knew very well that Charles lay in chains on board his ship in the harbor. Then he recalled the memory of his parents. The father was dead, the mother, a weak-minded woman, was also bowed by ill health. Indeed, their early lives had few happy associations. Robert himself had embittered all its relations. It was nearly midnight, and the moon had sunk behind the hill that sheltered the harbor on the north, leaving the dark water of the bay in deep shadow. At long gunshot from the shore lay the ship in which Charles Bramble was confined. All was still his death, save the pace of the sentinel in the ship's waist, and a ripple now and then of tied way against the ship's cable. An observant eye from the leeward side of the ship might have seen a dark form creep out from one of the quarter-ports and gradually make its way along the molding of the water-lines towards the larbored bow-ports, of which it stealthily entered. Entering with this figure, we shall soon find it to be Leonard Hust, who now, watching an opportunity, slipped into the apartment where the young commander had been confined since he left the factory of Don Leonardo. No sooner was the door closed quietly so as to avoid the observation of the watch between decks. Then the newcomer opened a secret lantern and discovered himself to the prisoner, at the same time cautioning him to silence. Who are you? Cooley asked Charles Bramble, for thus we must know him in future. Leonard Hust was a reply, your friend, as I will soon prove. But it is only a few hours since you were giving witness against me. That is true, but bless you, sir. There's been a great change in matters since then. So I thought, by the movements I observed, though I did not understand them. Hust, speak lo, sir, said the other, and while I am talking to you, just let me, at the same time, be filing off the steel ornaments upon your wrists. File them off, well then, you must indeed be a friend, said the prisoner. Leave me to prove that. Sit here so the light will fall on them with your back this way. That will keep the light from showing between decks. So, that's it. But what was it that made your voice and the sound of your name affect me so this morning? I could not divest myself of the feeling that I'd heard it somewhere before. Heard it, bless you, sir. I'd rather think you'd heard it before, said the fellow, as he worked industriously with his file upon the handcuffs. Well, where and when, in under what circumstances, as the prisoner, curiously? That's just what I'm going to tell you, sir. And you see, Master Charles, Master Charles, Charles, why do you call me by that name? Why, you see, that is your name, to be sure, Charles Bramble, and you are Captain Robert Bramble's brother. And take care, hold still, or the file will cut you. How do not trifle with me? What is this which you are telling me? Indeed, sir, indeed, it is all true, said the other, half frightened at the effect his words had produced upon the prisoner, who now stepped away from him and stood aloof, withdrawing his wrist from the operation which Leonard Hust was performing. Come hither, Leonard Hust, if that be your name, he said. Sit here and tell me what this business is that you refer to. No blind hints, sir, but speak out plainly, and like a man. Thus interrogated the man did as he was directed, and went on to tell the commander of the sea-witch his story, up to the time when he was lost to his parents and friends, how he had never been kindly treated by his eldest brother, who, indeed, drove him from his home by his incessant oppression. He referred to that last-gallon act he had performed by saving his mother's favorite dog, and how little cousin Helen, she is the same as Miss Huntington, had seen it all, and had thanked him over and over again for it. And a thousand other reminisces, thread by thread and link by link, filling up the space from earliest childhood to the hour when he had left his home at Bramble Park. As he went on relating these things, in the same old natural voice that he had poured into the same ears from their infancy, until nearly ten years had passed, a long closed vein of memory seemed gradually to open in the prisoner's brain. He covered his face with his hands, and for a few moments seemed lost in connecting the various threads of the past, until gradually it all came plainly and clearly back to him. His memory had again, by these hints, become completely restored, and he was himself again. Leonard, Leonard, I see all, I remember all, he said, while a tear, a man's tear, wet for a single moment his bronze cheek. I am rejoiced, sir, to hear it, I am sure, said the other. But, Leonard, where is my brother? And why is it necessary to remove these badges of shame by stealth? Tell me, where is Robert? Alas, sir, you must remember that he never held a brother's regard for you. It was the very thing which drove you from us when you were a wee bit of a boy. True, true, but he must see the hand of Providence and all this, and I know he will give me his hand, and we will forgive each other and forget the past. Alas, sir, I always perfended you at home when Master Robert had set both the old folk against you, and I would do so now. But as to him, sir, I'm sorry to say it, but he's a bad man, and he makes all those who are with him bad men. And I have many a sad thing at heart that I have been guilty of by following his orders, sir. No, no, Master Charles, take my advice, don't trust Robert. Make your escape, or you will be hanged at the yard arm of this very ship, ere another twenty-four hours have passed. Is he capable of this? asked the younger brother, in tones of amazement. Nobody should know better than I, sir, and I tell you yes. My blood, then, shall not be upon his hands, said Charles Musing. I will escape, come, good Leonard, relieve me of these shackles, and quickly. Slowly, slowly, Master Charles, we must be cautious. There are watchful eyes on bolder ship, and sentries who know their duty. So be wary. The young commander seemed now to stand more erect. There was a freer glance to his eye. His lips were more compressed and firm. He felt that what had been to him heretofore, as an indelible stain, a stigma upon his character, was now effaced. He was not only respectably born, but even gently and highly so. His father was knighted by the king. His blood was as pure and ancient as any in England. He could now take Helen Huntington to his heart without shame. He could boldly plead a cause that he had not before dared to utter. He could refer to her, to the dear hours of their childhood, to the tender kiss he gave him when he left that distant home to become a wanderer over half the globe. He no longer felt the irons that Leonard Hust was filing away. He seemed to feel a strength that would have snapped him like a pack-threp. He was a man now, a free man, and not a thing of accident. A thing for the world to point at in scorn. Nor an abandoned child of shame. No, he felt nervous at once by this singular, this almost miraculous discovery. And could hardly restrain his impatience. Yet a shadow for the moment crossed over his brow, as he thought of that brother, who could coley look and see him sacrificed, knowing what he must and surely did know. Could he have permitted such a result? Had he been in Robert's place? Indeed he felt he could not. Does my brother know that you are here on this errand, Leonard? If he did it would cost me my life, said the honest fellow. Charles would have placed some favorable construction upon the case, but alas he could not. There was no possible way of disguising the matter. Robert was the same bitter, jealous-spirited soul that had rendered his childhood miserable. Time had not improved him. It was his nature and could not be eradicated. Charles now realized this, and within a few further inquiries of Leonard, touching matters of vital interest to him, he resolved not to seek Robert. As he had at the outset intended, neither would he avoid him. He knew no other person save him could bring a continuance of the suit against him, but he hardly feared that even he would do that. Of course, Helen Huntington knows nothing of this development yet, Leonard. No, sir, and Master Robert bid me be careful not to let her find it out, or to say one word about the matter to any one whatever. I wonder the lady didn't know you, sir. You forget that even Robert did not recognize me. And that too seemed funny to me. Why, sir, I seem to know you the instant I set eyes upon you in the court, and when I got close I soon settled the doubt in my mind. Well, my good fellow, it seems that but for you I might have been hanged, and that too by my own brother. But I trust all is set right now. I hope so, sir. Only you must not let Master Robert know that I liberated you from these ruffles, sir. Will you, Master Charles? Never fear me, Leonard. I shall not do as you are about to do towards me. Give testimony that will in any way discriminate you. But I wasn't, sir, of my own free will. Only Master Robert had told me what I must say, and stick to it, and swear to it through thick and thin, and I am afraid not to obey him. Poor fellow, I see you are indeed his tool. But if I find myself in any sort of position ere long, I will take care to make your situation more comfortable. Thank you, sir, said Leonard Hust, just as a last shackle dropped from the prisoner's wrists. In the meantime, let us turn for a moment to the bedside of Captain Robert Bramble, for at his long past midnight, and weary in mind and body, he had retired to that rest which he most certainly needed. But sleep is hardly reposed for the guilty, and he was trebly so. Phantoms of all imaginable shapes flitted across his brain, pictures of suffering, of misery, and of danger, to all of which he seemed to be exposed, and from which he had no power to flee. Alas, how fearful the shadows that haunt a bad man's pillow. He writhed like one in physical pain, tossed from side to side, while the cold perspiration stood in big drops upon his brow and temples. Now his dreams carry him back, far back a score of years, to his childhood at Bramble Park, when all was innocence, and then, with leaping strides, he finds himself years after, even as today, bearing deadly witness against his brother. His dead father seemed standing by his bedside, pointing at him a warning finger, and sadly chiding his fearful want of feeling. He tosses and turns, and rise again, then, leaping from the uneasy bed, looks bewildered around, and half grows alarmed. Quickly he wraps a dressing gown about him, and hastily walks back and forth to still the agony of feeling and the bitter phantoms of his dreams. How haggard and wild he looks by that dim candlelight. Once more he throws himself upon his bed, and, after a while, is again asleep, if such unconsciousness can be called sleep. Again he tosses and turns, and sighs like one in a nightmare, until at last, toward the breaking of day, the quick startling breathing ceases, and subsides into a regular and equal respiration, and he lies still. Nature overcomes all else, and now he sleeps indeed, but not until he has passed through a fearful purgatory of dreams, all too real, too trying. His brother, with soon the prospect of a disgraceful death on the gallows, had not suffered thus. No, he was repentant for the wrong he had done, and had already resolved to completely reform if the opportunity were offered to him. But Robert Bramble was outraging the laws of nature and of God. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information, or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Elliot Miller. The Sea-Witch, by Mathur and Murray Beleu. Chapter 15. The Escape Charles Bramble found himself playing a dangerous part. It was true that Leonard Hust had freed his hands from those shackles that had confined them so long, and it pointed out to him the way to retreat and escape. But he must run the gauntlet of dangers in order to do so. As to fear, it was a sensation he knew not. But prudence was much more requisite in this instance than any especial degree of courage, as is always the case on board a man of war. Especially when lying in port, where the escape to the shore is easy, sentinels were placed at stems, stern and waist of the English ship, at all hours pacing their allotted round of the deck, and keeping watchful guard over every avenue of exit from the vessel. The only possible plan of escape that suggested itself to Charles Bramble under the circumstances was to place a few necessary articles of clothing in a small package, and confine it to the back of his neck. While he should divest himself of all garments, slip quietly into the water on the seaward side of the ship, where none of the sentries were immediately placed, the object being to guard the access to the shore more especially. Once in the water he had only to strike out quietly for the shore, trusting the dullness of the sentries and the favoring darkness of the night to enable him to reach the land unobserved. He had the most to fear from the sentry placed on the top gauntlet forecastle of the ship, as that post was so near to his line of passage. He would have to swim around the bowels far enough to clear the land tackle, and when he got on an even line with the ship's bows, the sentry, if he happened to be on the lookout at the moment, could hardly fail to see him on the surface of the water. To obviate this difficulty Leonard Hust, who was a sort of privileged person on board, being the captain's confidential servant and man of all work, undertook to engage the sentry's attention by sonic device, for a few moments, just at the opportune period, while the prisoner should be fairly clear of the ship. "'See ya, Bill,' said Leonard Hust, carelessly as he emerged from the forehatch. "'Look ye, oh boy, I've had such a dream, hang me if I can sleep awake.' "'What's that to me?' growled the sentry morosely, and not much more than half awake. "'Why, if you knew what it was I dreamed, you would think it was something to you,' continued the other, with assumed mystery and seriousness. "'Look ye, Leonard Hust,' said the marine. "'Do you know you're talking to a sentry on duty, and it's clearly against the rules of the ship to do so?' "'Why is to the matter of it? I don't see Hust at you as much to blame as I am,' continued the other. "'But who is there to peach on either of us?' "'That's true,' added the marine, bringing the butt of his musket lightly to the deck. "'But for all that, Leonard, it's dangerous business. Or if you see if, hello, what's that?' "'Nothing, nothing but me drawing this colk,' said the other, quickly producing a small bottle of brandy from his pocket, and urging the marine to drink. The temptation was too great, and the sleepy and tired sentinel drank a heavy draught at the liquor, smacking his lips, and forgetting the sound he had just heard, and which Leonard Hust very well knew was caused by the prisoner's dissent a little too quickly into the water alongside the ship. "'Now, Bill, what do you think I did dream?' continued the captain's man. "'Bother it, how can I tell?' answered the marine. "'Let it out if it's worth telling.' "'Why do you see, Bill? I kept tossing and turning uncomfortable like for an hour or so, until finally I thought I saw you, with your face as black as an ace of spades, and your body dangling by the neck from the main yard arm of the ship. A dead man.' "'Well, that's comfortable at any rate,' said the marine, and you needn't trouble yourself in future, Leonard Hust, to repeat your dreams to me, especially if they are personal. "'Never mind, man. It was all a dream, no truth in it, you know. Come, old boy, let's take another drink for companionship, and a good night to you, and I'll turn in.'" The marine greedily drained the rest of the bottle, and with swimming eyes thanked Leonard for his kindness, bade him good night, and with an unsteady step resumed his musket and his walk upon the forcastle. In the meantime Charles Bramble, who was an expert swimmer, had got out of gunshot and even sight of the ship, or rather, where his head could not be discovered from the ship's deck, and was nearing the shore very fast. He had secured, as he proposed, sufficient clothing upon the back of his neck, and in an oil cloth covering so as to keep it dry, to equip himself quite comfortably on landing, and in these garments he was soon dressed again, and making his way through the town to the Mission House, where he knew Helen Huntington and her mother used to be, and where he knew also that he could find at last temporary lodgings. He had no longer any fear that his brother would resume the charge concerning him before the court, bad as he knew him to be. He did not believe that he would do this, though he doubted not that he would have managed to keep him in confinement, and perhaps to have carried him thus to England, partly from revengeful feelings towards him, and partly to keep him out of the presence of her whom he so tenderly loved. But lest his brother should be betrayed by his feelings into any extremity of action concerning him, he resolved at once to write him a note, declaring that their relationship was known, and that should any further persecution be offered, the same at once be made public to the oppressor's disgrace. With this purpose he hardly awaited the breaking of day before he possessed himself of writing materials, and wrote and dispatched the following to his brother. Captain Robert Bramble, about the same time you received this note, you will also be made aware, doubtless, of my escape from Durin's vile in your ship. The purpose of my sending you on this is not to ask any favors at the hand of one who was never actuated towards me, even in childhood by a brother's regard, but whose sole desire and purpose have been to oppress and injure one related to him by the nearest ties of relationship. My object is rather to let you know that any further attempt to arraign me before the court will lead at once to a public decoration of the fact that you are my brother, a relationship which necessity alone will compel me to publish to the people of Sierra Leone. Charles Bramble. Alias, Captain Will Radlin. Charles Bramble felt that he was safe from further immediate oppression on his brother's part, and it was only necessary for him to keep quietly within doors until some chance for shipping from the port should occur, to enable him to distangle himself from the singular web of circumstances which Chance had woven so netlike about him. In spite of the sad accomplishments of the realization of his condition, as it regarded his brother, and the partial danger of his present position, yet there was a lightness to his heart, a buoyancy in his breast, which he had not known for nearly a score of years, for he now felt that all shame of birth was removed from him, that he was respectively and even highly born, and that in point of blood was even the equal, full equal, of that fair and lovely girl he regarded so devotedly. Of course there was no disguise between Charles Bramble and Helen, and her mother as to the charge brought against him. They knew very well that he had been engaged in the evil trade of the coast. But they knew also that he had conducted his part of the business upon the most humane principles which the traffic would admit, and that he was not such a principle but an agent in the business, sailing his ship as rich owners had directed, and also that besides the fact of his having utterly renounced the trade altogether, since he came acquainted with Helen Huntington, his heart and feelings had never been engaged in its necessary requirements. Realizing these facts we say, neither Helen nor her mother regarded Captain Ratlin, the only character in which they yet knew him, to be actually and seriously culpable as to at charge of inhumanity. The gratification which Helen invents on meeting him the next morning after his escape from the ship was too honest, too unmistakable in its import not to raise up fresh hopes in his heart, that, in spite of his seeming disgrace, his confinement as a prisoner, his trial as an outlaw, and his fallen fortunes generally, still there was one heart that would be purely and tenderly with at least a sister's affection for him. And even Mrs. Huntington, who would not for one moment suspected the true state of her daughter's sentiments towards the young commander, did not hesitate to salute him tenderly and assure him of her gratification at his release from bondage. She was a generous-hearted woman, frank and honorable in her sentiments, and she secretly rejoiced that they had herself, the daughter, untidely been able to exert a refining influence over so chivalric and noble a character, as she fully realized Captain Ratlin to be at heart, and in all his inward promptings. Charles Bramble still hesitated as to revealing his relationship to Captain Robert Bramble, from real feelings of delicacy, even to Mrs. Huntington, whom he felt he could trust, partly because he had reason to know that the mother had favored the suit of his brother, whom Helen had rejected in India, and partly because at present of his own equivocal situation. But to Helen herself he felt that he might, indeed that he must reveal the important truth. And that very evening as they sat together in one of the spacious apartments of the mission house, he took her hand within his own and asked her if he might confide in her as he would have done a dear sister. You know, Captain Ratlin, that I feel so much indebted to you, in so many ways, that any little service I am capable of doing for you would be but a grateful pleasure, was the instant and frank reply of the beautiful girl, while a heightened glow mantled her cheek. Then Helen, listen to me, and if I am too excited in speaking of a subject so immensely important to me, I trust you will forgive me. Already I have given you a rough outline of my story, rough and uncouth indeed, since I could give it no commencement. You will remember that, previous to the fall I got on shipboard, while a boy in the sea lion, I could recall no event. It was all a blank to me, and my parentage and my childhood were to me a sealed book. Strange as it may seem that book has been opened. And the story is now complete, I know all. Indeed, indeed I am rejoiced to hear you say so, was the earnest reply, while the countenance of the fair creature by his side was lighted up by tenderness and hope. You look pleased, Helen, he continued, but supposing the gap in my story, which is now filled up, had better for my own credit have remained blank. That cannot be! I feel that it cannot be, she said almost eagerly. Supposing that it is now a certain that the parents of the sailor boy, whose story you've heard, deserted him because of necessity, supposing they were poor, very humble, but not dishonest, would such facts rob me of your continued kind feelings? You know, Captain Radlin, that you need not ask such a question, she replied, as she looked into his face with her whole gentle soul upon through her eyes. You are too kind, too trusting in your confidence in me, Helen, he said. The only reply was from her downcast eyes, and still a warmer blush which covered the delicate surface of her temples, and glowed in silent beauty upon her cheek. Helen continued he by her side in tones of tenderness that were momentarily becoming more and more gentle, more and more expressive of the deepest feeling. Helen, do you remember the days of your childhood, at home, in far-off England, at home near Bramble Park? Yes, yes, she answered eagerly. But why do you speak of those days? She looked into his face as he asked, almost as though she could read his meaning. Do you remember Robert Bramble then? Well, well. And do you remember his brother, Helen? Gracious heavens, yes, she quickly answered, almost anticipating his words. Well, Helen, Charles Bramble is before you. She did not faint nor utter a shriek at the effect of the powerfully condensed feelings which crowded upon her heart and senses. But she stood for one moment gazing at him as though a veil had been removed from her eyes, recalling in one instant of time the sweet memories of their childish days together, recalling even the kiss, the last kiss he had given her years, years before, when he saw her for the last time, until they met in the broad ocean. She recalled these things and a thousand more in a moment of time. She remembered how strangely the tones of his voice had affected her from the outset, how they had seemed to awaken dreams of the past nearly every time she listened to him. These things she thought like a flash of mind in one instant, and then, covering her face with her hands, sobbed aloud. One moment Charles Bramble stood and looked upon that long-loved, beautiful form. One moment, like herself, recalled the past, the sunshine of his childish hours, eye even the last kiss which she, too, remembered. Now that so much had been recalled, and then he tenderly drew the weeping, loving girl to his heart, and whispered to her how dearly he loved her still. End of chapter 15