 CHAPTER XVI The first intimation of his brother's escape from confinement, reached Captain Bramble through the letter which we have already given to the reader. His rage knew no bounds. He saw at once that he was foiled completely, that he could do nothing towards his arrest, even without casting such dishonor upon his own name as would publicly disgrace him for all time to come. In vain were all his efforts to discover the guilty assistance or assistant of the prisoner, as it was not known at what hour he escaped. Even the three sentinels on duty at the time could not be identified, though Leonard Hus's friend Bill did more than suspect that some trick had been played upon him during his watch. But he could say nothing about the matter without making too such a case of self-crimination as to ensure punishment, and that too of the most sanguinary character. Leonard Hus knew this and feared him not. There was another party sadly disappointed in this state of affairs, one who only assumed sufficient importance to be noticed when her services were needed, but she nevertheless felt and suffered, probably, as much as any one of our characters. We refer to Maude Leonardo. She had found lodgings in an obscure residence in the town during the course of the trial, and had resolved to remain until the sentence was given, of the result of which no one doubted, and even until the detail of that sentence should be executed, which he had already learned would doubtless be death by hanging at the yard arm of the ship in which he was confined. Poor girl, it was sad to think that she could gloat over this anticipated result, such was the power of her revenge. But in the same ratio to the intensity of her secret satisfaction at the hoped fore execution of Captain Will Ratlin, whom she had once loved, but now so bitterly hated, was her disappointment, vexation, and uncontrollable anger at the idea of his escape, of which she was one of the first to learn. Captain Robert Bramble, though he did not attempt to find his brother, would hardly have believed that he would remain openly in town, and at the commission-house. But Maude reasoned more truly. It was the first thought that had entered her head that he had probably gone thither to be near and with Helen Huntington, and thither she stealthily crept, and watched until she saw him, and thus satisfied herself. Knowing nothing of the discovery that had been made, she hastened to give information to Captain Bramble, supposing that he would take steps for his immediate arrest. But in this case she was disappointed. She could not understand the apathy which seemed to have overcome the English officer who so lately had thirsted for the young commander's blood. And she went away from him amazed and dejected. In vain, thus far, had her attempts resulted as to sacrificing him whom she had so bitterly despised. She had trusted to others thus far. This she said to herself, as she mused at the fruitless attempts she had been engaged in, now she would trust to herself. But how to do it she hardly knew. When he was under her father's roof, and she unsuspected of hostility to him, it would have been an easy matter, with her knowledge of poisons, to have sacrificed his life. But now it was not so very easy for her to find an opportunity for any sort of approach to him. But this seemed her last and only resource of vengeance, and she cared to live only to consummate it. Actually afraid to bring his brother again to trial, for fear of a personal exposure, Captain Robert Bramble was now in a quandary. He was looked to by the court for a conclusion of the suit he had brought, and was now so situated that he found it necessary to screen that brother whom he had so bitterly disliked, from the cognizance of the authorities. Indeed he became nervous lest the exposure should become public in spite of his efforts in concealing the singular facts. All this, of course, tended to the safety of his brother Charles, who had rightly anticipated this state of affairs in relation to the part that Robert must needs enact, and therefore felt perfectly safe in awaiting an opportunity for shipment to England in the first vessel bound dither. And it was at once agreed between Mrs. Huntington, Helen, and himself that they would go together. The period of the return of Captain Bramble's ship to England was fast approaching, and passage had been offered to Helen and her mother therein. But Helen had promptly declined it, and induced her mother to do so also, though it required some persuasion to bring this result about. Charles Bramble, of course, kept within doors at Sierra Leone, and did not, by exposing his person, provoke arrest. He was reading aloud to Helen a few days subsequent to his escape from his brother's ship, when the door of the room was stealthily opened, and a person stepped in. Well, Leonard Hust, said Charles Bramble, what has brought Yon here so clothed in mystery? Aren't well, my good fellow? Yes, very well, Master Charles, but I come to tell you that you must get away from this place. For a few days at least. It's not safe for you. What's in the wind, Leonard? Have the courts sent me out? Yes, Master Charles, and your brother Robert has agreed to deliver you up. Has he? added Charles Bramble musing. I did not expect that. Yes, sir, and I thought I would just slip over here and revise you to get off as quick as possible, for the officers will be over here in an hour or so. Thank you, Leonard. What is that protruding from your pocket? Pistol, sir. Very good, Leonard. I will borrow them. There you are, sir, with all my heart. Are they loaded, Leonard? With two slugs each, sir, and as true as a compass. These formidable preparations startled Helen, who looked beseechingly towards him whom she loved better than her own life. She came and placed a hand timidly upon his shoulder, and looked into his face with all the wealth of her heart expressed in her eyes, and she said, Pray, pray, Charles, be cautious. Be prudent for my sake. Will you not? I will, dearest, he whispered. As he leaned forward and pressed his lips to her pure white forehead, we shall not long be separated. I feel that we shall not. Leonard Hust, who had befriended the younger brother whilst the two were under the parental roof, still clung to the interest of Charles Bramble. He had already procured for him a guide, a Negro runner, who knew the coast perfectly, and with him for a companion and a small pack of provisions and well-armed, Charles Bramble determined to make his way by land back to Don Leonardo's factory on the southern coast. In so doing, he would be able to not only allude all pursuit, but would also be able to further his own pecuniary interest by settling up his affairs with Don Leonardo, and arranging matters as to the property that had been entrusted to him by the owners of the sea-witch. Charles Bramble awaited impatiently the coming of the guide, until indeed he was afraid that longer delay would expose him to the arrest which he had so much desire to avoid, and then telling Leonard that he would hasten forward to the outskirts of the town, where he would await the guide. Leonard Hust promised to bring him directly, and thus they parted, the younger brother hastening toward the jungle at the environs of Sierra Leone, at length reach the designated spot where he quietly awaited the arrival of his guide. It was quite dark before the expected individual came, but at length he did arrive, and thrusting a note into the hands of the impatient refugee waited for orders. Charles opened the paper and read in a rough schoolboy hand that he, Leonard Hust, had intended to come see him off, but that he could not, and that the bearer was a faithful guide, somewhat eccentric, but reliable. Charles Bramble looked carefully for a few moments at the companion of his long and dangerous journey. He saw before him the person of a negro, slender, agile, rather below the usual height, and clothed after the style of the settlers, in pants and jacket, but with a red handkerchief bound upon the head. In a coarse leathered belt the negro wore a shirt, double-edged knife, and a pistol, while in his hand he held a short, sharp spear, which served for staff and weapon both, and was designed more particularly for defense against the wild animals that infested the jungle in all directions. The guide was painted in the face after fantastic style often adopted by the shore tribes in Africa, in altered lines of red and yellow and white, so as to give a most strange and inhuman expression to the countenance. But Charles Bramble was familiar with these tricks of the race, and saluting the guide kindly told him his plans, and asked if he could guide him on his route. Being assured in the affirmative, he felt satisfied, and the two, by the light of the moon, which was now creeping up in the heavens, commenced their journey, intending after passing a few leagues to make up their camp, light their fires to keep off the wild animals and sleep. The resting place was at last found, and after the usual arrangements had been completed, and a circle of fire built around them the two lay down to sleep. Fatigue soon closed the eyes of our young adventurer, and he slept soundly, how long he knew not. But after a while he was awakened by the breathing of some decayed branches near him, and partially opened his eyes, half asleep, half conscious. Into his utter amazement he beheld, or fancied he beheld, a dozen pairs of glistening eyes peering at him from out of the jungle. He did not stir, but feigning to be still asleep, he cautiously watched to see what all this meant. They surely did not belong to wild animals, those eyes. He partially turned, without moving his body, to a certain if the guide was still with him, but found that he was gone. There was treachery somewhere. There was danger about him. This he seemed to feel instinctively. But still feigning asleep, he almost held his breath to listen. He soon learned, by his sense of clearing, that there was some half-dozen or more of the negroes near to him, and that he was subject to their conversation. He could even detect his guide's voice among the rest, though the conversation was carried on scarcely above a whisper. He had, on a previous voyage, taken much pains to familiarize himself with the language spoken by the shore tribes in the south. And now he had little difficulty in understanding a considerable portion of the remarks which were making by the gang who were secreted in the jungle so near to where he was lying while he was pretending sleep. He soon learned that his guide was followed by half a dozen or more of negroes who had lately visited Sierra Leone on some business of their own, and who, in common with the guide, belonged to a fierce and warlike tribe whose cheap village was but a few leaks from Don Leonardo's factory. At first it was difficult to make out the actual purport of their scheme, although Charles Bramble could guess what he did not hear, and was satisfied that the cannibals intended to lead him, apparently in good faith, to the neighborhood of their village, where he was to be seized, sacrificed to some deity of those poor ignorant creatures manufactured, and afterwards be eaten and counseled with great ceremony. All this he could distinctly make out, and certainly it was anything but agreeable to him. But Charles Bramble knew the race he had to deal with. He fully understood the fact that one after white man with his wits about him was equal to cope with a dozen of them at any time, and he felt prepared. He gathered at once that it was their intention to guide him safely until near their own village, where they would seize upon him and from that moment make him a prisoner. Meanwhile none but his guide was to be seen by the traveler, so it was agreed, and he was to receive care and kind attention until the time appointed. Knowing all this, of course he was prepared for it, and now saw for the President, and a few coming days, he need have no alarm. And beyond that he must trust to his ready wit, personal prowess, and indomitable courage, which was natural to him. It may seem strange, but reasoning thus he soon fell to sleep again in good earnest. The next morning he met his guide with frankness, and the best of feeling seemed to prevail day after day, until suddenly one evening before night had fairly set in, and the day before he had anticipated any such attempt the Negro suddenly fell upon him and pinned his arms and otherwise disabled him, so that he was completely at their mercy. Already they had arrived at the environs of their village, and into it they bore him in great triumph. Council was at once held, and it was resolved that on the morrow the prisoner should be sacrificed, and cooked and eaten. This was anything but agreeable to our adventurer, but he did not despair. Thresting his hand into his pack, he discovered in Almanac that he had brought with him from Cuba. Turning over the hieroglyphics and singular figurines, to the wonder and amusement of the Negroes, he saw that on the morrow an eclipse of the sun would take place, and he immediately resolved to turn that back to good account. He summoned the chief of the tribe, and told him to no small amazement in his own tongue that to-morrow the great spirit that ruled the sun would put a veil over it in displeasure at the detention of the white child by them, but that as soon as they should loose his feet and arms and set him free the veil would be removed. Amazed at such an assertion, the chief consulted among his brethren, and it was agreed that if the white man's story proved true that he should be released. At the hour appointed in the following day the Negroes were surprised and terrified to see the gradual and almost total eclipse of the sun, and attributed it to the great spirit's displeasure because of their detention of the white prisoner, as he had foretold. They hastened to loose his arms and to set him on his way rejoicing. They even bore him on their shoulders for leagues in a sort of triumphal march. I did not permit him to walk until they had brought him safely and deposited him with his arms unpacked before the doors of Don Leonardo. CHAPTER XVII THE POISON BAR Of course Don Leonardo was amazed to see his friend. Deeming him by this time either in an English prison or dead, he learned with amazement that part that Maud had performed, for Charles Bramble was forced to reveal to the father, who was eager to inquire after his daughter. Though Charles felt not the least compunctions of conscious as to the matter, yet he now fully realized the cause of all her eminity. Though of this he said not a word to her father. Don Leonardo cheerfully joined this newcomer in completing his business arrangements, and Charles Bramble found himself the rightful owner of some eight thousand dollars in gold, the product of the goods which he had landed as his private venture. And he also took good care to forward true bills of credit to his owners in Cuba, for the species which had been sent out to him to purchase slaves. These business arrangements consummated, he now began to think seriously of once more revisiting the scenes of his childhood, Bramble Park. He doubted not that Helen and her mother would arrive at their own early home, which adjoined that of Bramble Park and which, by the way, had been leased during their settlement in India, as early as he could himself procure advance which would enable him to reach the spot. With this idea he eagerly scanned the horizon daily, hoping for the arrival of some craft, even a slaver, that might bear him away, either towards America or Europe, so that he might get into the course of travel. One morning, when he had as usual gone up to the lookout and scanned the sea view far and near, he at last came down to the breakfast room with his face quite speaking with inward satisfaction. He had seen a sail, evidently a large merchant, and begged Donley in order to go up and see if together they could not make the stranger out more fully. Charles himself thought that she was a heavy and evidently steering for the small bay on which the factory stood. But their curiosity was soon to be satisfied, for spar after spar gradually became more and more clearly defined, until at last the deck itself could be seen, and St. George's Cross observed flying saucily in the breeze. The ship was a British sloop of war, and so it proved. In an hour more Captain Robert Bramble came on shore, accompanied by Helen and her mother, with Maude Leonardo. As it afterwards appeared, Maude desired to be brought back to her father, and the English ship was but performing its appointed duty in cruising on the coast. While Helen, knowing that Charles had come hither, persuaded her mother that it was best to sail with Captain Bramble, rather than stop in Sierra Leone, among utter strangers. For on ship-board they were under his care, and besides, as she admitted to her mother, she had good reason for supposing the Captain will rattle him. For thus the mother knew him still, was at Bay Salo, as Don Leonardo's factory was called on the coast. Thus it was that they were once more on this spot. The brothers met before the collected members of the returning party and those on the shore, and regarded each other with a stern glance. It was the only token of recognition which passed between them. But Charles hastened to Helen's side, and, pressing her hand tenderly, looked at the words that he could not speak before others. Miss Huntington seemed overjoyed too, adjoining one whom she felt was a true friend to herself and daughter, and unhesitatingly invents this feeling, while Maude and Captain Robert Bramble walked by themselves filled with bitter thoughts. Robert headed once presumed as to whither his brother had escaped, well knowing that he must here have left unsettled business accounts of great value and importance. He therefore was prepared for this meeting which took place as we have seen. The quadroons saw Helen and Charles thus together. She saw the delight that this meeting caused to both. She was witness to the elegant language of the eyes beamed into each other, and then she hastened from the spot, crazed with bitterness of feeling, and fall of direful purpose. Had she been observed at that moment, it would have been seen that there was danger in her. To her father's kind salute she turned a deaf ear, and hastened into the dwelling with headlong speed. Charles and Helen had much to say to each other. Now that he had told his love, now that the dark veil had been removed from the past, that it obscured his origin he felt confidence, and spoke with manly cheer and a light heart. The most indifferent observer would have noticed this, and it waits not without its effects upon Helen, who looked brighter and happier than ever before, and the two succeeded at once in infusing a degree of cheerfulness all around them, reflected by Helen's mother and even Don Leonardo with his heavy eyebrows and shaggy beard. Captain Robert Ramble and Ma Delone seemed unhappy, and they were moody indeed. It was towards the twilight hour on the very day of the arrival, which we have ever referred to. The Charles and Helen arm in arm started away from the house to the adjacent jungle, where it was a pleasant tristing place, with a seat prepared for resort from the house. Breathing into each other's ears, the glad and trusting accents of true love, they sauntered slowly hither and sat down there, Helen upon the rude but comfortable seat, and Charles at her feet upon the ground. Without them grew the rank, luxuriant foliage of Africa, fragrant flowers bloomed within reach of their hands, and luscious fruit greeted the eye whichever direction it saw. The soft air of the after-part of the day was laden with sweetness, and they seemed to gather fresh incentive for tenderness and love in the particular surroundings of the spot. So you have broken off all connection with this business, and have settled your accounts with Don Leonardo, have you not? Helen, of him at her feet. Yes, dearest, all has been done, and I shall have no more to do with the trade of this unhospitable coast. You may be assured. My only hope and desire is once more to see you and your mother safe in England, where I can make you by sacred ties of my own. Helen looked the tender response that beat in her heart, but which her lips refused to pronounce. She was very, very happy, and they talked over olden times, childish recollections and the memories of their early home. While Charles and Helen were thus engaged, two other individuals closely connected with the plot of our story were not idle. Captain Robert Bramble was now satisfied that without physical force he could not intervene between his rival brother and Helen Huntington. He would gladly have done this, but policy prevented, for he saw that in doing so he would but gratify his revenge without approaching a single step nearer the consummation of his wishes. It was nearly the appointed date for the sailing of his ship from the station for England, and he had made up his mind to return it once to Sierra Leone, and prepare to sail homeward. He had already taken leave of Mrs. Huntington, and was seeking her daughter to say, Farewell. The wind was fair, he would sail within the hour, and on inquiring for Helen he was told by some one that she had been seen a few moments before walking towards the jungle. The informant did not say in the company of whom she so evidently loved, and Robert Bramble hastened forward in hopes that he might meet her there alone. Perhaps even one more pressed that off-projected suit. He even thought as he went what he would say to her, and wondered how she would receive him. It was difficult to say what it was in his bosom which cost him so tenaciously to pursue this vain desire. His was not the heart to die for love. It amounted almost to an obstinacy. He was self-willed, and was accustomed to have his own way in all things. Here he had been thwarted from the very outset. Maudlionardo, since her arrival home, was scarcely herself. She avoided all intercourse, spoke to no one, and locked herself in her chamber. But now she started front intent on some purpose, as was evident from the direct and prompt steps she pursued. Yes, from her window she had seen Charles and Helen wander leisurely and affectionately towards the jungle. And to the same point she now directed her steps, though by a circuitous path. She muttered to herself as she went, and walked with unwanted speed, as though she feared to lose one moment of time. At this quick pace she was soon hidden in the pass of the thick undergrowth in forest land. "'Hark, what sound is that?' said Helen, suddenly turning and peering into the thick foliage which surrounded the spot. "'I hear nothing,' replied Charles Bramble. "'It was some bird, perhaps, among these branches, but why do you look so pale, Helen?' "'It is so terrible. I thought the sound was like that of one of those terrible serpents that frequent these ponds, the Anaconda, creeping towards us.' "'Nay, dearest, it was but your imagination. These reptiles avoid that near-approach to human habitations. I would not likely to be here.' "'There, there it is again,' she said convulsively, drawing closely to his side, while both looked towards the spot from once at that moment the sound proceeded. In a moment more there broke forth from the clustering vines and trees the figure of a man with a drawn sword, who hastened with lowered brow towards them. It was Robert Bramble, and sensed beyond endurance at this sight which met his vision through the vista of the foliage approaching the spot. He paused for but one single moment, then yielding to the power of his almost ungovernable temper, he drew his sword and rushed forward, determined to sacrifice his brother's life. Helen, seeing plainly and instantly the state of affairs, threw herself with a scream of terror before Charles to protect him, unarmed as he was, from the keen weapon that gleamed in his brother's hand. But strange are the ways of Providence and past finding out. At that instant he staggered, reeled forward in placing one hand to his forehead, fell nearly at their feet. Amazed at this, Charles and Helen both hastened to his side. But he was speechless, and ere he could be removed from the position in which he fell, life was wholly extinct. What was it that had so strangely, so suddenly sacrificed him in the midst of his fell intent? Hark! Charles starts as a shrill, low whizzing sound was heard close to his ear. The mystery is explained. A poisoned barb had killed his brother, entering the eye and piercing the brain, while the second one, that had just whistled past his ear, had been intended for him. He turned hastily to the direction from which the missile had come, and there stood a rather staggered, maudlin ardum. He hastened now to her side as she gradually half knelt, half fell to the ground. Her eyes rolled madly in their pockets. Her hands grasped vainly at the ear, and she muttered incoherently. "'Maud, Maude, what have you done?' asked Charles, leaning over her. "'The barb was poisoned. It was meant for you.' She half shrieked. "'I'm dying, dying unrevenged, all the scorching, burning pain.' "'What ails you, Maude? What can we do for you?' asked Charles kindly. "'I am poisoned,' groaned the quadroon, holding up her lacerated hand, which she had carelessly wounded with one of the barbs intended to have killed him. The barb she had wounded and killed Robert with was blown through a long hollow reed, a weapon much used in Africa, and the barb had been dipped in poison so subtle, rapid insuring its effect, that the wound the girl had received accidentally in her hand was fast proving fatal to her. In Robert Bramble's case it had reached a vital part at once, and had almost instantly fatal in its effect. But Maude was dying. "'Pull, pull, girl. What shall we say to your father?' asked Charles, for he knew full well the fatal poisons in which the Negroes dipped their tiny barbs, and he realized that the quadroon, who was a victim to her own scheme of destruction, could not live but a few moments. She seemed too far gone to speak now, and turned and writhed in an agony of pain upon the ground, while Helen strove to raise her head and to comfort her. The poison seemed to act upon her by spasms, and she would have a moment now and then when she was comparatively at ease. The lowering darkness of her face was gone now, a serenity seemed to be gathering there, and leaning forward between the paroxysms she held forth a hand which was not wounded towards Charles Bramble, who stood tenderly over her and said in a low gentle voice. "'Forgive me. Will you—will you not forgive me?' With all my heart, pull, girl, I do sincerely forgive you," said Charles earnestly. All was not black in that human heart. The half-faced image of its maker was there still, and Maude looked tenderly and penitently upon Helen and Charles. The former knelt by her side, and drawing the poor girl's hands together across her breast as she lay upon the ground, lifted her own hands heavenward, moving her lips in prayer as she bent over the suffering. What little Maude knew of religious instruction had been taught her in the form of the Episcopal Church. And now she listened to the formal prayer from the litany appropriate to her situation. A sweet smile gathered over her face as Helen proceeded, and prayed for forgiveness for all sins committed. And as she paused at the close, three voices repeated the word amen. Charles and Helen rose to their feet. But the spirit of the Quadruun had fled. The events of the past few weeks seemed to Charles Bramble more like dream than reality. He could hardly compose his mind sufficiently to realize the serious bearings of his present situation. Of course it was now useless longer to disguise his relationship to Robert, who had lost his life by means of the poisoned bar which Maude had intended for his brother. Charles took possession of his body and informed all those necessary duties that his own feelings suggested and form required. The second officer of the ship assumed the command vacated by Captain Robert's death. And as the time had now arrived for the return of the vessel to England, he sailed at once for Liverpool. Though Charles was loath to be separated from Helen, yet he urged upon herself and mother to join the English man of war, in which they could secure the most comfortable and safest passage to Liverpool. While for himself there was still left business matters which it was imperative for him to consummate before he left the region where he was. It was at last decided that the mother and daughter should improve this mode of conveyance home, and Helen reluctantly bade him so that she tenderly loved a tearful farewell. And in secret they pledged to each other their hearts for life. Charles Bramble watched the receding ship which contained her so dear to him, until it was a mere speck upon the waters, and then felt that it was possibly the last token he might ever see of her. The path before him was not one strewn with roses. He had serious dangers to encounter, a long voyage to make, and an unhealthy climate to endure. For he must cross the ocean, he found, in order to settle honorably with those men who would play such unlimited faith in his integrity. But he had no ship or craft of any sort at his command, and must wait for opportunity to reach the West Indies, doubtless on board some vessel in the trade which he had just abandoned. Don Leonardo seemed to little heed the death of his daughter. In fact, he did not trouble himself to inquire into its particulars, further than to understand the immediate cause. He was a sensual and intemperate man, half of whose life passed under the effects of unnatural stimulus, and provided his appetite was not interfered with, cared little what befell others. Since the Englishman of war had sailed, his barracoons began to fill once more with negroes from the interior, and he was now prepared to ship a cargo by the first adventurer's vessel which should arrive. The funds which Charles Bramble had brought out from Cuba to Africa were cosigned to Don Leonardo, and he of course would do with the money as he pleased. He therefore proposed to charter the first vessel if it came, a ship, a cargo the same as he would have done in the sea-witch. It was not long before one of those flat, low, dark clipper schooners hove in sight and ran into the bay. She was small, set deep in the water, was scarcely three hundred tons berthin, but managed to stow three hundred and forty negroes with ease, and would have taken more had non-intelligence from the lookouts been brought in, that a square rig was coming down the coast. Charles Bramble hesitated whether he should embark in this craft. It was consigned to his former owners, the very men he wished to meet. He might have to wait for months in order to obtain another chance. It was hardly a matter of choice with him, but became one of necessity, and he embarked accordingly. Charles Bramble was no sooner fairly at sea than he was filled with amazement at the condition of matters on board the slaver. Himself accustomed to enforce the most rigid discipline, he saw a perfect bedlam, a crew of some thirty people, composed of the vilest of the vile, who must have been shipped only with an eye to numbers, and no regard for character or stability. Added to this the captain, though a man of some experience as a seamen, had no control of the crew, and was quite at a loss how to manage them. Twice was Charles Bramble obligated to interfere between the crew and the captain, before they were three days at sea. And by his stern, calm will he succeeded in preventing open mutiny by the crew. The fact was, the most desperate part of the foremost hands knew very well that the money sent out to purchase slaves was still on board in good golden doubloons, and they were secretly scheming to take the schooner, kill the officers, and appropriate the gold. Charles Bramble was accustomed to deal with such spirits. He was well armed at all hours, and prepared for the very trouble which was to come. Inasmuch he had anticipated it. There were two mates in the captain beside himself who might be relied upon to stand by the vessel and the owner's rights, but they had fearful odds against them. There was also a lad who had gone out in the sea-witch as a cabin-boy, whom Charles Bramble was now bringing back with him to his family in Cuba, the boy having escaped the massacre which occurred when the sea-witch was burned, and who had been living at Leonardo's factory. On him also he felt he could rely. The boy soon discovered that mutiny was hatching, and told the captain secretly that it would occur at the moment land was announced from the mast-head on making the islands of the West Indies. This was all the information necessary for Charles Bramble, to whom the captain of the schooner gave up all control, to prepare for the emergency. He completely armed the four parties on whom he could rely, and bade them to wait for orders from him. But when he gave those orders to act instantly and without pausing for further consideration, the crew were somewhat puzzled to see their chief officer give up even the sailing of the vessel to him who would come on board as a passenger, but they could not also perceive that he who acted as the captain now was a very different man to deal with, and one who knew his business. They saw that the schooner was made to sail better than ever before, that the crew were kept in their places and busy, an important thing at sea, and though they were still resolved to make the attempt they did not like the appearance of matters. He had the look-out after a short passage, described the first land, and hailed the deck with LANHO when a change was instantly observed among the crew. Captain Bramble, however, was on the watch, and so were his backers, and seeing this he instantly called one of the ring-leaders apt, and bade him sternly to lay his hand to a rope and pull it taut. The man instinctively obeyed at first, subdued by the calm stern front of the man who addressed him, but in a moment he ceased and turned toward the officer flatly declining duty, at the same time beckoning the hands forward to come to the quarter-deck. Captain Bramble paused one second of time and repeated his order. It was not obeyed, and in the next instant the man lay a corpse with a bullet through his brains at the feet of the officer. This prompt punishment for a moment checked the action of the rest, but it was only a moment when they moved aft in a body. Hold where you are, shouted the young but determined commander. The man who advances another step dies. All pause saved two of the most daring of the rascals who continued to press on. Captain Ratlin now bade the mates to shoot the first man who came aft unbidden while he marched a few paces forward, and once more bid them stand. They heeded him not, and the foremost one fell with a bullet through his heart. Captain Ratlin instantly drew a fresh weapon from his bosom and presented it at the other foremost man. Fall back! Fall back, you imps of darkness! Fall back, I sail! You die!" The crew had not counted on this summery treatment. They were beaten and mastered. The culprit had dressed sneaked back among the crew trembling with fear. Captain Ratlin returned to the quarter-deck, received fresh arms from one of the mates, and then calmly began to issue orders for the sailing of the vessel, as though nothing had occurred to interfere with the business routine of the day. Those orders were promptly obeyed. The master spirit there had asserted its control and established it, too, and a more orderly crew never moored a slave ship on the south side of Cuba, then were soon busily engaged in that duty after the set of sun on the day when this bold attempt at mutiny had occurred. This little affair, which had come very near to costing Charles Bramble his life, was in one sense a fortunate one, as it put him on the best of terms with the owners, who had entrusted him with the sea-witch, and who now pressed the gratuity of two thousand dollars upon him for his part in the present voyage, and forwarded him safely without expense on his return voyage to England. This additional amount of funds to his already handsome sum of personal property gave him some ten thousand dollars of ready money, which he took with him to his homestead at Bramble Park. The money enabled him not only to clear the estate of all encumbrances, but also to make his mother now aged and bedridden comfortable. But he was soon married, and with Helen Huntington, whose estates joined those of Bramble Park, he obtained a large fortune. But best of all he took to his arms a sweet, intelligent, and loving wife, she with whom he had played in childhood amid these very scenes, and she whom he had rescued upon the waters of the ocean, she who had loved and reformed him. End of CHAPTER XVIII The Sea-Witch by Matron Murray-Baloo Recording by Elliot Miller, Oswego, Illinois March 2009