Count Borelloni! I am unworthy of such praise, but I can never
forget your kindness to an obscure artist."
"An obscure artist? No, not so," answered the duke. "No longer
obscure, you are the greatest in the land, and none shall call you
otherwise. I name you count-and in a week your title shall be
formally bestowed, so henceforth, Count Fostello, you may not be
obscure."
A week afterward the palace of Borelloni was all festivity. Lights
gleamed in dazzling rows within the long halls where all the flower
of Tuscan nobility, and all the lords and barons and great men of
other lands were assembled. For this was the day when the Count
Fostello led to the altar the lovely Stella Borelloni. The Grand
Duke condescended to be the head groomsman. The magnificent form and
features of the noble artist were the admiration of all, and only
equalled by the beauty of his bride.
The story of his love and constancy, of his wonderful actions and
splendid achievements in the realm of art, was told to all, and the
city rung with his praise. All courted his friendship. All of noble
nature loved him for himself, and the baser spirits were compelled
to do him homage, for in him they saw the man whom the duke
"delighted to honor."
[FROM "THE FLAG OF OUR UNION."]
A TALE OF A CRUSADER.
BY CHARLES E. WAITE.
CHAPTER I.
He whirls his sword, with unresisted rage,
When closely prest, the Christian bands engage
The high, the low, his equal prowess feel,
The bravest warriors sink beneath his steel.
JERUSALEM DELIVERED.
THERE sat a palmer within the old baronial banqueting hall of Percy
Du Bois. The wassail had not yet begun, and there was a pause in the
feast. All eyes were bent upon the travel soiled pilgrim,--for he was
telling a stirring tale of the martial deeds done in Palestine. The
valiant Percy bent forward his anxious visage,--seamed by many a
scar, gained in feudal broils and festive brawls,--and ever and anon
burst forth, with uncontrollable excitement, into shouts of
approval, as some daring achievement was recounted.
His leathern doublet was frayed and stained by the friction of
often-tried armor, and in his richly studded belt glistened a
diamond handled poniard. Around his massive settle stood servants to
do his bidding, while at his side were two or three shaggy hounds,
resting their chins upon their master's knee-now soliciting a
caress, and now a share of the banquet. Next to the sturdy baron sat
the fair Joan, his daughter. Her features were regular, and
surpassingly beautiful, and her moist, dark eyes strained upon the
palmer, were eloquent of the deep and passionate feelings of her
heart. The cut and fashion of her habit were well calculated to
exhibit the contour of a bust, and waist that would have triumphed
over the strictest criticism of a sculptor or painter-connoisseur.
From the multitudinous folds of an ample sleeve peeped forth a
little jewelled hand, white as snow, and soft and round as a
child's. The chair in which she reclined, was of massive oak, inlaid
richly with ivory, and canopied with purple velvet, embroidered
with, flowers of gold. Her foot-encased within the smallest shoe in
Burgundy, and ornamented with a flashing jewel upon the
instep-rested upon a footstool of massive oak, magnificently carved
and inlaid.
Together with the baron and his daughter, there sat upon a dais, at
the head of the board, several guests of distinction-all listening
with intense eagerness to the tales of the exploits of the
Crusaders, in battling for the holy sepulchre. Around the walls of
the banquet-hall, were suspended the implements and spoils of war or
the chase. Crossbows and hunting-spears, helmets and corselets, the
tusks of the wild-boar and the antlers of the deer, were displayed
in picturesque confusion upon the walls, and within the niches of
the apartment.
"O, it was a glorious sight to see!" said the palmer, continuing his
narration, while his eyes flashed, and his whole form dilated with
enthusiasm. "The gorgeous trappings of the horses glistened in the
sunbeams, pennons and banners flashed and fluttered in the wind, and
the axes, and morions, and gorgets of polished steel, surging and
plunging, as the chargers reared, made the Christian army appear
like a billowy sea of silver sheen. Before them stood a host of
turbaned Moslems, defending the gates of Jerusalem. The crescents
upon their turbans gleamed, and long lines of myriads of scimitars
offered a barrier of naked steel against the crusading host, which
had come to rescue the Holy Sepulchre. I saw in the van of the
Christian array, a knight locked in complete black steel, and
enveloped in all the magnificent panoply of war. His charger was
coal-black, compact, and of gigantic proportions. The harnessings
were of cloth of gold, which swept the ground,--the bridle was
sprinkled with stars and jewels,--and pendant from the bridle-rein
were fringes of the most precious stones. He rode by the side of the
Prince D'Olivar, and he sat in his saddle, as if he were a part of
the animal that bore him so gallantly.
"'Advance,' shouted the prince. 'Now to rescue the tomb of the holy
Jesus from the impious Saracen!'
"That splendid array moved quickly on, in all the pomp and
magnificence of chivalry. Amid the fanfares of trumpets and
clarions, the clashing of cymbals, and the shouts of thousands of
spectators, they charged. Peal upon peal came the ringing of steel,
as sabres crashed down through morion and gorget, or sword crossed
with scimitar, in unending clang. Wherever rode the knight of the
sable armor, the success of the Christians was signal and complete.
His dark plume was seen floating wherever the turbans were thickest,
and the conflict hottest. Right into the midst of the Moslem host
did his impetuosity bear him, and the heathen throng swaying
uncertainly for a moment, finally broke, and dispersed in universal
flight, over the field. I saw him fighting single-handed, with a
band of Saracens, who had checked their headlong flight to attack
him,--and then the clouds of dust took him from my view.
"Just then, from amid the rabble-rout of infidels, there burst a
small troop of Moorish horse. Swiftly they flew across the plain,
hoping by dint of hoof to reach the city unscathed. Their silken
mantles floated in the wind, as they spurred their horses to the top
of their speed, and they preserved the finest order in their
tumultuous flight. Before they had proceeded above a quarter of a
league in their headlong course, a knight in armor left the
Christian ranks, and started in pursuit. He was mounted upon a steed
of blood and bone, and though the sand of the plain was hot and
arid, and unfavorable in every respect for speed, yet his mettled
horse bore him gallantly forward, and brought him nearer every
instant to the foe. On he flies-at every stride he gains-spurs and
harness jingle like the iron upon the smith's forge. The sand rolls
up in huge folds behind his horse's heels-the polished steel flashes
back the sunlight, as it penetrates the clouds of dust. Nearer and
nearer he approaches,--madly plunged the horses of the Moslems as
they strove vainly to reach the haven of safety-the walls of the
holy city. It is useless. The knight has divined the object of their
precipitate flight, as a stifled female shriek is borne to his ears,
and nothing can exceed the impetuosity of his pursuit.
"'Turn, cowards! Deliver up to me the maiden!'
"On he thundered;-with a clang his sword leaped from the scabbard,
and in an instant came crashing through a Moslem turban, and a
Moslem skull-splitting them both in twain. Then the Moors turned.
Sword strokes fell thick and fast, and nothing was heard but the
clinking of iron, and nothing seen but the flashing of scimitars.
Straight into the middle of the troop penetrated the knight, where
supported fainting upon a rearing steed, was a beautiful Moslem
lady.
"'Zelica, have courage! I come to save you!'
"The infidels tumbled from their horses, as the blows of the
knight's good sword fell among them, and several sought safety in
flight. Those who remained continued the combat desperately around
the sinking maiden, as if determined to sell their captive's
deliverance only with their lives. But four were left, and against
these, who had drawn up in line, the knight was about to hurl
himself, when a Templar, in armor glittering with jewels and gold,
came scouring across a the plain, and mingled in the fight. But
instead of of helping the hotly pressed knight, he cleft his morion
by a dastard stroke from behind, and but for the thickly plated
steel, would have thus ended his life upon the spot. The good knight
was hurled dizzy from his steed upon the trodden field, and the
Templar spurred against the Moors. His charger was fresh, and his
blood was up, so he had but little difficulty in slaying the
Infidels, and reaching the beautiful captive. Seizing her in his
powerful arms, he was about to leave the spot, when 'Conrad,' burst
from the maiden's lips, and the knight who had been prostrated by
the felon blow, rose from the dust upon his knees, and hurled his
gauntlet into the Templar's very face.
"'Stop!' he thundered. 'Release the lady, or fear the vengeance of
Heaven!'
"The Templar's visor was up, and as the glove struck him, his face
grew black with rage.
"'Conrad D'Amboise!' he shouted, 'your attempts to thwart my
purposes are vain. Thus do I take vengeance upon you!' And plunging
his spurs into his horse's sides, he would have rode him down. Yes,"
continued the palmer; his eyes sparkling with fire, and his whole
frame quivering with the most intense excitement, "he would have
trampled his bones in the dust beneath his horse's hoofs, had not
the sable knight burst upon him like a thunderbolt, and checked him
in mid career. The dastardly Templar turned to fly, but the sword of
the black warrior flashed from its sheath, and with a single vault
that dark charger stood directly before him.
"'Stand, and disgrace no longer chivalry!'
"The Templar closed his visor, and drew his blade. Sparks of fire
were struck from the clashing metal, and tufts of crests were borne
by the wind towards the walls of Jerusalem, as plumes were mutilated
by the ringing weapons. I saw that Knight Templar thrice borne to
the ground, by the powerful arm in the sable mail, and thrice arise
again, like a phenix from its ashes, to renew the deadly struggle.
As he recovered his seat the third time, almost spent by his
exertions, he threatened to plunge his sword into the heart of his
senseless burden, unless the black knight desisted from the combat,
and declared his motive for assailing him.
"'To wipe out the foul stain with which thou hast this day sullied
the fair escutcheon of chivalry, in riding down a helpless Christian
knight, and ravishing a defenceless maiden from the hands that alone
have a right to protect her! I will give thee thy life on one
condition, craven! Surrender up to me the maiden, and thou art free
to depart! But enter not a foot again into the Christian camp. An
army renowned as being the mirror of French chivalry cannot
honorably harbor a miscreant like thee!'
"The form of the Templar quivered with rage. But his armor was split
from helm to gorget--his horse bleeding and staggering with pain and
terror, and certain destruction could be his only fate, if he
continued the combat.
"'I yield to thy conditions, but when we meet again in fair field, I
shall dictate the terms of surrender!'
"The black champion lifted, as if she had been an infant, the
charming Zelica from the Templar's saddle-bow, and bore her
senseless form to the unhorsed knight. The Templar rode slowly and
sullenly away in the direction of the hills of Palestine, and I have
never seen him since. It is reported that he has returned to France,
and having renounced the oaths of his order, travels in the guise of
a simple knight, doing deeds that dishonor chivalry, and render him
universally odious. The dark mailed warrior has remained in
Palestine for a long period, doing mighty deeds of valor, and
sustaining the cause of Christ with his powerful arm; but he left
the Holy Land about the time of my departure, and is now on his way
home, to share the laurels bestowed upon the valiant defenders of
the faith."
The palmer ceased. All eyes were still bent upon him, and all looked
sorry that his tale had closed so soon.
"When did you leave the knight of the black armor?" asked the
beautiful Joan, crimsoning to the temples as she put the simple
question.
"It was above six months since, when I saw him at Constantinople. He
was on the eve of departure for France with his retinue."
The fair girl blushed still more brightly, and reclining within the
cushions of her splendid chair, remained silent and thoughtful
during the remainder of the evening.
CHAPTER II.
While the pilgrim was engaged in his recital, one of the guests at
the head of the festal board had listened with peculiar eagerness.
He was a knight, tall and finely limbed, and attired with pointed
elegance and taste. His pourpoint was barred with gold, and deep
fringes of the same precious metal adorned its borders. His face was
swarthy from exposure, though classical in contour, and eminently
handsome in expression. His lips curled proudly, his nostrils were
thin, and in every feature might be traced the unmistakable tokens
of pride and sensuality. His seat was by the side of Joan, and he
was assiduous in his efforts to please her-performing for her all
those knightly devoirs which the gallant age of chivalry required.
The eye of the palmer had more than once, during his narration, been
fastened upon this handsome knight, with incomprehensible
significance, and particularly as he spoke of the attempt of the
Templar to ride over the prostrate champion of Zelica, did his large
orbs cast upon the richly attired guest a look of mingled scorn and
anger, which, had it been observed by the host or the other guests,
would have tasked the skill of the greatest Odipus among them to
divine.
"Pass round the flagon! Let the wassail begin!" shouted the jovial
Percy Du Bois.
Joan retired to her chamber with her maids, and the revel began. The
board groaned with the good cheer, and as the wine flowed more
freely, the constant potations of the generous liquor began to have
its effect upon the hilarity of the guests. They began to display
unusual license, in their songs and conversation. Broad jests went
round, and the hall commenced resounding with the shouts of an
incipient revel. Seizing a flagon of foaming Burgundy, the knight of
the gold embroidered pourpoint quaffed it to the lovely Joan Du
Bois. The health was received with a general uproar of approval, and
wassail was drunk to many other fair dames, by the rest of the
revellers.
"'Destruction and death to the cowardly Templar, who battles against
defenceless maids and unhorsed knights!"
As the palmer uttered this, he turned to see if all were emptying
their flagons. Every one except the proud knight had quaffed his
goblet to the dregs with peculiar satisfaction, and a yell of
approbation. His stood untasted upon the board, and his eyes glared
fiercely upon the palmer as their gazes met.
"Knew you personally this Knight Templar of whom you speak?" he
asked.
"I did," replied the pilgrim, "and I owe him a debt which Heaven
will yet afford me the means of repaying!"
The scowl upon the other's brow became more savage and lowering. He
moved his position, and placing himself by the palmer's side,
uttered in a low tone in his ear:
"Conrad D'Amboise, I know you, in spite of your disguise! Beware how
you interfere with me or mine!"
Without waiting for a reply, he strode haughtily from the hall.
The revel was long protracted. At length the effect of the frequent
libations began to show itself, and one by one the wassailers
dropped unconsciously upon their benches, or staggering left the
apartment for their own chambers, until the palmer, who was Conrad
D'Amboise in disguise, remained the sole sensible occupant of the
banquet hall. He sat silent and thoughtful, by the reeking board,
listening to the murmur of the wind, as it sighed among the boughs
of the trees in the adjacent forest of Ardennes. His mind was
dwelling upon the events of the evening-the fierce demeanor of the
knight-his insolent defiance-and his marked penchant for the lovely
and sole heiress of the honors of the house of Du Bois. The hall was
silent, not a sound broke the solemn stillness. The lamps gave forth
a flickering light, and the vapor of the spilled wine poured up from
the steaming table, and diffused itself throughout the room.
Suddenly the harsh creaking of iron was borne audibly to his cars.
The disguised knight was on his feet in an instant. He listened, and
the same rough, grating noise was heard again distinctly--apparently
issuing from the corridor which led to the outer portal. Conrad
divested himself of his palmer's gown, and drawing his sword, opened
the door of the banqueting-hall, and stood in the corridor.
Cautiously he proceeded, and silently, until on arriving within a
few yards of the castle entrance, the cause of the grating sounds
which he had heard was apparent to him.
The outer door stood thrown wide open, and the night wind was
swinging it back and forth upon its rusty hinges, producing most
mournful melody. Surprised at so unusual a circumstance, he
approached the portal, and looked out into the courtyard. Before him
upon the pavement were a dozen mailed warriors, mounted, armed to
the teeth, and motionless as statues. The pale moon shone upon their
polished helms and corselets, giving them a most spectre like and
supernatural appearance. They stood directly before the arched
barbacan, which formed the entrance to the court, and appeared
waiting for the warder, to lower the drawbridge over the moat, for
their exit. Without expressing any astonishment at the strange scene
thus presented to him, Conrad D'Amboise glided from his post, and
favored by the shadows of the frowning battlements, gained a postern
in an angle of the wall, and stealthily left the court.
Above a quarter of an hour had elapsed after his departure, when the
perfidious knight who had confronted him at the banquet, issued from
the unclosed portal, bearing in his arms the drooping form of Joan
Du Bois. Striding hastily across the pavement, and putting himself
at the head of the armed men in the court, he hailed the warder at
the gate.
"Ho, there! Lower the drawbridge and give us exit!"
The bolts were drawn, and the chains clanked, as the bridge came
rattling down across the gloomy pass.
"On! Spare not the spur!" and suiting the action to the word, the
knight drove his spurrowels deep into his horse's flanks. With a
single vault the steed cleared the ditch, and as he came down upon
his feet, stood front to front with a horseman in armor as black as
night. By his side rode Conrad D'Amboise, and in the rear was a
small retinue led by a mounted lady.
"Stand! thou stain upon knight-errantry, thou curse of Templars, and
receive thy just reward!" shouted the sable knight, while his blade
flashed in the moonbeams.
Paralyzed with astonishment, the false Templar slowly drew his
weapon, while the followers of both knights drew back to watch the
combat. Delivering the senseless Joan Du Bois to a retainer, the
Templar knight plunged fiercely down upon his opponent, cutting left
and right at his visor and corselet, in his progress. The black
warrior parried the murderous strokes with infinite skill, and as
his antagonist was employed in drawing his rein to check his steed,
dealt him a blow upon the bridle arm, which split his mail and
caused his limb to drop useless by his side. Infuriated with pain,
and bursting with the conflict of all the savage passions of his
nature, the Templar now struck with the ferocity of a madman. Blows
were hailed down with most fearful vigor upon the armor of both, and
great chips of steel were struck sparkling from the polished mail.
Clang! Clang!-now the black champion is about to hurl his sword with
awful force against the Templar's shoulder-the false villain's horse
becomes unmanageable-he rushes forward towards Conrad D'Amboise,
whirling his sword wildly in the air. '
"Zelica!" he shouts, with a horrid yell of astonishment, as he
recognized the mounted lady. "Ha! upon one I can at least take
vengeance!" And he is about to transfix her with his hacked and
broken weapon, when a powerful arm intercepts his progress, and
Conrad's good sword drinks his life blood, through a cleft in his
gorget.
It is the morning after the just punishment of the Knight Templar,
before the gates of the castle of Percy Du Bois. Within a little
boudoir which looks out upon the cool shades of the forest of
Ardennes, sit four happy beings. They are Joan and the sable knight,
and Conrad D'Amboise with Zelica. The fair faces of the maidens glow
with blushes of pleasure, and the knights shine in the perfection of
manly beauty. The hand of Joan is clasped within the palm of the
dark hero-for she is his betrothed-and she gazes into his noble
face, with a look of love and trust that would have made St. Anthony
forswear his vows.
"Will you renounce crusading henceforth?"
"I must."
"You must?"
"The magic of your eyes is more potent than the cup of Circe or the
song of the Syren. It would be useless to attempt to evade it, as it
would have been for any mortal but the Ithacan hero to escape the
Circean wiles. But trust me, my fair and true Joan, I would never
attempt to leave thee, even were it possible."
Joan hid her blushing face in his bosom. She was perfectly happy.
She had waited long, and her fidelity had been rewarded.
[FROM "THE FLAG OF OUR UNION."]
THE AUSTRALIAN FOOTMAN.
BY JAMES DE MILLE.
CHAPTER I.
SHOWING HOW LOW THE GOLD FEVER MAY REDUCE A MAN.
IT was morning in Sydney harbor. The wharves were crowded with
shipping from all parts of the world which were already filled with
workmen busily engaged in unloading the cargoes. The hum of the
thousands in the city beginning their daily work, rose into the air
and spread far over the country.
It was a beautiful scene. Before the city spread the noble bay which
forms one of the finest harbors in the world, all smooth and
unruffled, for scarce a breath of wind disturbed the air. Encircling
the water rose the green shores, here verdant and smiling with
fertile meadows, and there wooded and shaded by pleasant groves or
orchards. Ships lay around upon the face of the water, from whose
masts floated the flag of many a nation, some slowly borne on by the
tide, with the wide spread sails flapping idly against the mast,
others swinging slowly, from their fast anchors. And queen of all
this peaceful scene-appeared the metropolis of Australia, with its
white houses, lofty spires, and thronged wharves-thus she
appeared-sitting in the prime of youth, laying aside her maidenhood
to wed the world.
Among a crowd of passengers who had just landed from one of the
newly arrived emigrant ships, two youths might be seen, whose
appearance denoted a station in life much above that of their fellow
voyagers. One was a tall man, with a noble figure, in which strength
and beauty were finely blended, and a countenance upon which rested
an expression of frankness. His features were handsome, his hair
being dark and glossy, his eyes black, and gleaming beneath his
brows as though they might read the soul. His companion was a
merry-hearted fellow, with lively features and a pleasant smile.
"Well, Melville, here we are at last," said the younger of the two.
"And now what do you propose to do?"
"Stay here of course. Why, Marden, my boy, what else is there to
do?"
"Have you forgotten all that we heard coming out?"
"What-that it is hard to live here now-that the emigrants
suffer-that the diggings are crowded? Why, I believe it."
"Well, what will you do?"
"I'll look out for a situation."
"Pray, how much money have you?"
"Just half a crown, my dear friend," said Melville, laughingly
tossing two silver pieces into the air.
"Half a crown! Whew! Why, I have five pounds, and expect to starve
on that."
"My dear boy. A man who has his wits about him need never starve in
this world."
"Well, I do not see what we can do in Sydney. I thought the diggings
were not more than twenty miles from here, and I find they are more
than a hundred miles from Melbourne,--which is, goodness knows, how
many miles from this place."
"Well, Marden, take, my advice and be philosophical."
"Be philosophical! It was very well to be so at Oxford, when a
fellow lost a few pounds or owed a debt to some tradesman, but it's
no go when a fellow is ever so many thousand miles from home, and
only in the possession of enough to keep him from starving."
"Do you know how much the immaculate Johnson, who came home so rich,
had when he landed at Melbourne?"
"No."
"Just sixpence halfpenny."
"The dickens! Now I tell you I'll put off Melbourne. That's the
land, my hearty!"
"Nonsense-you wont do any such thing."
"Yes, I must. I can't do anything here. I want to get to the
diggings."
"Pooh, Marden. Don't be cast down. I don't care, though. I am worse
off than you."
"You can't leave here, unless you become a bootblack or a servant."
"By the lord Harry then, I would be a servant."
"What! you would-you, the brillliant, the aristocratic Melville-the
'double first' at Oxford? Bah!"
"Certainly. Why not? The truly great man is he who will not let
anything cast him down. In short, if the proud Dame Fortune tries to
knock him down she can't come it. That's the doctrine, my boy."
"Well, my mind is made up. I will go to Melbourne."
"What-go to Melbourne? O nonsense!"
"I will, certainly. What will you do here? Come with me to
Melbourne. We can find a situation there."
"No, not more easily than here. In fact I believe that it is much
more crowded."
"Hang it, I wish I had stayed at home."
"But since you are out here, put it through, Marden."
"Ah, well," said he, with a sigh. "I suppose I'll have to,--and I
must be off this morning for Melbourne. The sooner the better, for I
have little money left. We must part, old fellow. I don't see what
you can do here, though?"
"I can earn a living, I have no friends to be ashamed of me here in
the antipodes. I suppose yonder is the vessel for Melbourne," said
he, pointing to one at the next wharf, on which was a notice to that
effect.
"Yes, that is the one."
"Well, I will help to carry your baggage there. Mine will remain
here. I am sorry we must separate, but since we seek our fortunes,
let us do what we think best. Come on."
And the two youths bearing Marden's trunk, walked over to the
Melbourne packet, which was soon to start. Many others appeared upon
the wharves who were about to leave Sydney. Some were pale and
sickly looking, others appeared like desperadoes; others had a faint
gleam of hope on their countenances, but ah, very faint.
"Look at those who have starved here, Melville. Can you stay? No,
come. Let me go back and help you here with your trunk."
"No, no, I will remain."
"But, old fellow, do let me divide this money with you."
"Thank you, Marden, you are a generous fellow-too generous. But I
would not think of it. I have no fear but that I can live."
An hour after Melville stood watching the packet, as with all sails
set, she left the wharf, and sailed slowly out of the harbor. The
wind springing up carried them away, and Melville, as the vessel
lessened in the distance, bade good-by to the last of those friends
which reminded him of home.
"Now courage!" he murmured to himself--"just let us sit down and form
some plans."
He walked over to his trunk, and sat for a while. Strange situation
for a well born and well educated gentleman! To be on a foreign
shore, with but half a crown in money, and a few clothes in a small
trunk as his worldly goods. After a while he opened the trunk, and
taking out a piece of cake, made his morning meal.
"And now for business," said he, shouldering his trunk.
He walked off with it to a small boarding-house near by, where he
opened it and took out all his good clothes. These he carried to a
pawnbroker's who gave him twelve pounds for the lot.
"Hurrah!" he cried, "twelve pounds! That I think will help me along
for awhile."
He then bought a suit of rough clothes, and going to his lodgings,
put them on, after which he went back and sold his last suit of good
clothes for three pounds more.
"Fifteen pounds I have now. Good-again! I will have my watch yet to
sell if anything happens. But nonsense, with fifteen pounds I can
make a fortune. I may as well prepare now for prosperity at the
antipodes."
On the following morning there appeared among the strange crowds of
people who throng the Australian capital, a man of most striking
appearance. His air was high bred, but his clothes were coarse, and
he walked up and down with a large barrow filled with confectionary.
He looked around upon all the people with a smile of unutterable
complacency, as though he were perfectly content with himself and
the whole world.
It was Melville!
"Ha, ha, ha!" he chuckled to himself. "I think I see myself
starving. By Jove, wouldn't Aldborough laugh if he were to see me
here? And my eldest brother, the baronet-the head of the
family-hem-shouldn't I like him to see me now! Ha, ha!"
"Confectionary, confectionary," he cried, bursting into a louder
tone of voice, which rang forth clear and deep-toned, as a bell.
"Confectionary!" and then he added with grotesque modulations of his
voice, "Confecctunarrry!"
"By Jove, how this reminds me of the little fellow in London. I'll
go the complete candy-seller. I might as well."
"Ladies and gentlemen! Here's your fine candy, lozenges, apples,
oranges, cakes and tarts! Heeeere's your chance!"
He displayed the most imperturbable calmness, walked up to ladies in
the streets with the utmost nonchalance, to sell his things, and
they, pleased with his uncommonly handsome face and fascinating
manner, invariably bought.
"The ladies! Bless their kind little hearts!" said he, gazing after
the last two whom he met. "And that little one-what eyes! what a
smile! Who can she be, and where does she live? She looked so
bewitchingly at me! I'll follow, and see where she lives."
Melville slowly walked after them, keeping at a proper distance.
When they stopped at a house or shop, he also stopped at another,
till they went on again. Our hero saw the younger occasionally
glancing back toward him, and almost fancied that she encouraged
him.
"What a lovely creature!" he muttered to himself. "Ah, there is her
house, now. By Jove I have it!"
He marked it carefully, and passing by saw the name upon the
door-plate. Henry Inglis.
"A finely sounding name. I heard her friend call her Emily-Emily
Inglis. Ah, how dear is the name! If I were but rich, now. But I can
adore her image till I become so. Yet what hope is there in this
contemptible business Bah! never mind. I'll stick to it till
something turns up."
On the following morning, Melville dressed as before, with his
barrow of confectionary, went along Summer street where Mr. Inglis
resided. It was a large stone house, four stories high, and one of
the best in Sydney. He rang at the door and after a time Emily
herself came. She started, and a half smile came across her
beautiful face. Melville himself for the first time in his life,
felt embarrassed-but he spoke up, and in the tone of a courtier,
said:
"Fair maiden-can a poor confectioner offer you anything this
morning."
"What have you?" said she, with a sweet smile.
He brought in his trays and the beautiful girl bent down over them,
while her long, dark tresses hid her face from view. Melville's
heart beat with delight.
"You will find there as good candy as any in the city," he said at
length, in a business way.
She selected a large quantity.
"O thank you, thank you, fair lady, for your kindness to a poor man
like me."
"You are a stranger here, are you not?"
"Yes, I arrived only yesterday morning."
"From England?"
"Yes, and another friend came with me, but he is off to Melbourne."
"And will you not go?"
"I decided to stay here when he left, and now I could not-would not
leave this place for the world."
"You are prospering, then?" said she, with embarrassment, for
Melville's dark eyes rested meaningly upon her.
"Yes, and happy. I have my little--"
"Emmie," said a voice at the head of the stairs.
"Yes, pa, I am coming. Please bring some more to-morrow, good man,"
added she, in a louder voice, "and if you hear of a footman who
wants a place, send him here."
"Thank you, miss," said he, in the tone of a hawker, again, "I will
do so. I am very much obliged, miss, for your custom, miss, and I
hope it. will be continued, if I can do anything to please you,
miss."
CHAPTER II.
HE "STOOPS TO CONQUER."
"Emily," said Mr. Inglis to his daughter, "what a strange servant is
this new one of ours. He is one of the handsomest and boldest
fellows in the world-looks as much like a gentleman as I do, and yet
he is a servant. I declare I feel quite a reluctance to order him
about. And when I ride out, it is awkward to have such a noble
looking fellow as my servant, riding behind my carriage. He is an
energetic fellow, I saw him selling confectionary before he came
here. Did not you say he sold some to you?"
"Yes," said Emily, faintly.
"And yet he is not impudent, but is perfectly obedient. I cannot
make him out, however. He performs everything smilingly, as though
it were an excellent joke. I wonder who he can be?"
"He is an Englishman."
"Certainly, and he is well-educated. I know so. It is amusing to see
how popular he is with the servants. Ha, ha, he has got them all to
admire and try to imitate him. You should have heard a lecture which
he delivered last night to them. I stood out in the yard, and
attracted by some noise, looked in. There our new servant was, with
a short pipe in his mouth, and a mug of ale beside him. The others
called out for a speech. Upon which he rose from the chair and got
upon the table, and spoke to them."
"What did he say?"
"O I cannot tell you half of it. He made the wittiest and most
brilliant speech I ever heard. It was interspersed with laughable
anecdotes and poetical quotations flowed in throngs from him. The
happiest hits and the most lively sallies. O, I was totally
overcome! He kept them in continual roars of laughter, and I could
scarcely contain myself. But now I must attend to some business.
Emily, where is my desk?"
"In the dining room," said she, ringing the bell.
Melville came to obey the summons.
"Henry," said Mr. Inglis, somewhat awkwardly, "you may a-will it be
convenient? a-to-my writing desk-hem?"
"Certainly, sir, a moment, sir--," and Melville disappeared.
In a short time he laid the desk before Mr. Inglis, and stood in a
corner of the room waiting any further orders.
"Emily, I am in an awkward situation. There are some French
merchants in Melbourne to whom I have to write, and I have forgotten
my French. Could you write a letter in that language?"
"Not grammatically, I fear."
"I beg your pardon, sir," said Melville, coming forward. "If you are
willing, sir, I will write it."
"Do you know French?" said Mr. Inglis, in surprise.
"As well as English, sir."
A chair was given him, and he wrote at his master's diction. After
it was over, Mr. Inglis thanked him, and said:
"I wish there was another here who could relieve me in a similar
way. I have to write a Spanish letter to a Spanish house in that
rendez-vous of all nations, and I don't know a single word of the
language."
"I know it perfectly, sir," said Melville, very meekly.
"You!-Spanish! Why, sir-why I mean-you are a prodigy! Can you write
another letter?"
"I should be delighted to do it."
And Melville wrote another, after which he carried the two to the
post-office.
"There now! What can I make of a man like that? He knows far more
than I do, and acts as though he had been accustomed to the best
society. How on earth came he to be a footman?"
Emily's heart beat-she knew why, but she said nothing.
Several weeks passed away, and it was a lovely evening. The sun was
fast descending behind the western hills, and a cool breeze from the
ocean blew refreshingly upon the city. Many carriages rolled along
the roads which led into the country. Men of all classes promenaded
the streets after the toils of the day, and nearly all labor had
ceased.
Emily and her father rode along one of the avenues which lie without
the city. It was a quiet place, for few people were there. Around
lay green fields, orchards and groves, pastures where cattle grazed,
and vast fields filled with flocks of sheep. Melville rode behind at
a little distance, gazing upon Emily as though his whole soul were
wrapt up in her.
"What will not a man do for love? Here am I a servant for Emily's
sake. Beautiful girl. I would do a thousand times as much to gain
some of those tender glances which she at times bestows upon me."
"Emily," said her father, "Is not your horse restive? He starts. I
fear he will be troublesome."
"O no, father, it is only his spirit." Melville gazed anxiously at
the horse, which occasionally started, rearing a little and swinging
his head in a vicious manner.
"Take care! O heavens!" suddenly cried Mr. Inglis, as Emily's horse
started at the sight of a blasted tree. He snatched at the reins.
The horse, disturbed by this unexpected attack, reared up and
pranced furiously.
"Father! O save me!" cried the terrified girl. Her father sprang
once more at the reins-the horse darted forward, and then with a
wild neigh, stretched out his head, and away he went, away, away,
with the speed of the wind!
"O God! O heaven!" cried the father, in agony.
For a moment Melville paused-for an instant-and then lashing his
horse he rushed on furiously in pursuit of the frightened steed of
Emily. On they went, the pursuing and the pursued. People who were
in the road, seeing the fierce beast, shrank away. Emily, pale as
marble, still kept her seat, clinging to her horse, but every moment
expecting death. She heard the voice of one pursuing, and her heart
told her who it was.
Away they went, and nothing was gained on either side. Melville
shuddered, and beat his horse to increase his speed-a little was
gained, but not enough to admit of hope. On they went. At length the
road took a long winding around a spot where the ground made a
descent, and ended in a deep gully. Emily's horse followed the road
and sped on in his headlong course.
Melville suddenly paused, and looked at the gully. The ground
descended gently, the gully was about twelve feet wide, but its
perpendicular sides descended to an unseen depth-stones and rocks
were strewed around on both sides.
Melville shut his mouth tightly, and lashed his horse. With one
spring he cleared the stone wall of the field, and then dashed
furiously over the stony ground. It was a fearful sight. Emily saw
it as she clung closely to her horse, and the yawning gulf and the
fearful deed of Melville took away all thought of herself. She
screamed in agony!
But on went the brave horse-on to the deep gully. He
prepared-Melville lashed him. One spring-one bound-and the deep
chasm was cleared, and away he went-the brave youth, up the other
side. Another bound and he was over into the road, just as the horse
of Emily, all foaming and perspiring, came up. He rushed before the
horse, and with a giant grasp seized the bridle and stopped his
furious career. The jerk threw Emily backward. She fell into
Melville's outstretched arms.
The horse stood trembling. Melville dismounted, and took Emily to a
seat near by. She looked at him so kindly, so tenderly, that a flood
of happiness rushed through his soul.
"O thank you, my brave preserver!"
"I am recompensed beyond all that I can hope, in seeing you safe."
"Where is my father?"
"He is coming. There he is! He will be here in a few moments."'
"You did a terrible thing," she said, as she thought shudderingly of
the gully.
"Did you see me?"
"It was an awful thing to see. I shuddered."
"O then, happy am I if I can gain the smallest share of sympathy-the
smallest thought from you."
"You risked your life, too,"--she did not finish, but looked at him,
and their eyes met. Hers fell down.
"Emily!"
She did not reply, but lowered her head. Through the thick ringlets
of hair which clustered around her head, Melville could see a gentle
blush which overspread her lovely features.
"Emily-speak, Emily-can you think well of me."
She raised her eyes and again they met his.
What the impassioned youth might have said, we cannot tell, but he
was prevented from speaking by Mr. Inglis, who at this moment came
up. He leaped from his horse.
"Emily, my child, are you saved!" he cried, rushing towards her, and
folding her in his arms.
"Yes, I am alive, dear father, and there is my preserver."
"Noble, brave youth. May the richest blessings of Heaven descend on
you. You have saved my child from death. I saw you risk your own at
that terrible chasm. O that I could fittingly reward you!"
There was one reward which he could give.
CHAPTER III.
FORTUNE FAVORS THE BRAVE!
Mr. Inglis again sat in his parlor, and Emily was near. There was a
thoughtful expression upon his face. Occasionally she glanced at her
father, to see what he was doing, or perchance to endeavor to
discover what thoughts were in his mind.
"Emily," said he, at length.
"Father."
"I know not how to reward Henry. What can I do? I am in want of a
head clerk. I wonder if he understands business. I will ask him."
And he rang the bell.
Melville appeared.
"Good morning," said Mr. Inglis, grasping his hand. "I can have you
as a servant no longer. Permit me to esteem you as a friend, for
surely you are my equal, and you have laid me under unspeakable
obligations to you. Do you know anything of business?"
"What kind, sir?"
"Any kind-shipping business."
"Yes sir, thoroughly. I have been in situations where I learned it."
"Take off this servile dress. Live in my house as my friend, and if
you wish, I will take you as my head clerk."
"Your clerk, Mr. Inglis! How-how can I thank you?"
"Think not of thanks. That is my business. Come with me and I will
show you what is to be done."
And the two departed. Melville first went to purchase more
appropriate clothing, and then went to Mr. Inglis's office.
A year passed away. Melville had been prosperous beyond all his
hopes. Immense profits could then be obtained from chartering ships
and from exporting wool. Materials of food and clothing for the gold
regions at Melbourne, could also be sold at enormous profits. Mr.
Inglis had kindly advanced him money to commence independent
speculations. This he had so well used, that at the end of the year
the original amount had increased ten-fold.
"Ten thousand pounds! In one year too! And at the same time
punctually fulfilling every duty as clerk. Mr. Melville, you are the
paragon of clerks. With your genius and energy you will soon be
among the wealthiest in the country. You have now a fortune of your
own. I have long wanted a partner in my business, for I am growing
old. You can enter without feeling any great inferiority. Will you
do so?"
"You are overwhelming me with kindness," said Melville, in a
faltering voice. "How can I ever repay you? To be in partnership
with you, is such a grateful thing to me that I can never thank you
enough."
"O there is no need of thanks. I am happy to do this. One like you,
I may say without flattery, can very rarely be found. But how very
strange is the fate which threw you in my way! What wonderful
circumstances! A servant in my family! A gentleman like you to be a
servant? What led you to it? Surely you could have gained a living
in a less unpleasant way."
"It has turned out my blessing," said Melville.
In the evening, Melville, the new made partner sat alone with Emily
in the parlor. It was dark, and the heavy curtains which hung before
the window increased the gloom. The moon's rays entered and fell
softly upon the floor.
"What a strange life yours has been," said Emily.
"Yes. Do you remember when you saw me first?"
"Well-I always shall remember it-the young confectioner with his box
of candy."
"I will bless that box of candy forever."
"I have often wondered why you became a servant."
"Ah, why should you wonder? Emily, can you not guess? Would any
light cause make me do it?"
She was silent.
"Blessed be the day when I became a menial. I saved you from death
through that. O, do you ask what made me? A light had beamed across
my path. I had seen you, Emily."
Still no reply.
"I would have done anything. To see you daily-to be near you-to hear
your voice. O, it was joy to me such as I cannot describe. And I
thought at times that you looked kindly at me--that you saw through
my motive-that you-yes, Emily, that you even cared something for me.
Did you not, Emily? Did you not?"
A low reply sounded gently in his ears:
"Yes, Henry."
"Emily, my own Emily. Would you call it presumption in me if I told
you that I loved you? You know it already; you must know it. Can I
hope, dearest Emily?"
A low reply again came, which sent a thrill of rapture to the heart
of Melville. He wound his arms lovingly around the happy Emily, and--
"Halloo, what are you two people doing over there in the corner?"
said the voice of Mr. Inglis, half suffocated with laughter. "Fine
doings-hem. Speak up, sir. What is this."
Melville with his arm around the waist of Emily, and her hand in
his, walked up to Mr. Inglis.
"I have been seeking another partner, sir."
"Ho, ho-you have, have you?"
"Yes sir, and I thought--"
"You thought, did you, sir, and pray, sir, what business had you to
think? Were you not sure of it-sure of her, you young dog, and of me
also? I love you, my brave young friend, and I felt an affection for
you when you first came here. Take her and be my son. You saved her
life and she is yours. But be silent, now-none of your thanks. I
tell you I wont put up with them."
The happy party sat down. Melville by the side of Emily, and Mr.
Inglis opposite them, viewing them with the utmost delight.
"But Henry, tell us something of your former life. Whose son are
you?"
"I was going to say, 'the son of my father,' but that not being
sufficiently definite, I will tell you my father's name. I am the
younger son of Sir Edmund Melville, Melville Hall, Warwickshire,
England."
"The-ahem!" cried Mr. Inglis. "A baronet's son! Whew, and you were
my servant!"
"I entered at Eton, nobody cared for me at home. I went through
Oxford, took first honor in the university, then went home, but
being only a cipher-alias a younger son, they treated me coldly. My
father advised me to join the army. I told him I would see the army
shot first. My mind was made up to come here. Two hundred guineas
constituted all my fortune. All these I spent either before or
during the passage out. When I landed here I only had a half crown!"
"Good heavens, only half a crown!"
"All that I had in the world, except my clothes. I sold them and
commenced the business of confectioner. You know the rest."
"Why did you decide to be a servant? Ah, I know now. You look down
at that little witch of a girl who is almost crying with joy."
"I'm not, pa. What nonsense!"
"Crying with joy. and she looks knowingly at you. Ah, ha? You have
been rehearsing the play of 'She stoops to conquer,' only it was the
gentleman in this case. But now all your troubles are over."
"All over. I am happy."
And his large, dark eyes gleamed with the joy which dwelt within
him.
"Will three weeks be too soon, Emmie dearest?" said he, in a
mysterious whisper.
"Nonsense, Henry," and there came a smothered "don't," for Mr.
Inglis had left them alone for a little time.
A few days afterward Melville was standing upon a wharf watching
some passengers who landed from a vessel late from Melbourne.
Suddenly he started. "Why, Marden," he cried, springing forward to
grasp the hand of a forlorn looking individual in a tattered hat and
tattered coat. "Where are you bound, young 'un?"
"Home."
"Home? how is that? Have you made your fortune?"
"No. I'm as poor as a rat. Only earned enough to take me back. Hang
the gold country! But I declare, you look as if you had made your
fortune."
"I have. But tell me, would you go home if you could get a good
situation here?"
"No, indeed."
"Then stay. But first come to a hotel and 'renovate.' If you want
money, I can lend."
"Hurrah! I don't want money. Since I am sure of a situation, I will
lay aside the ragamuffin character, and be once more a gentleman."
"And in two weeks hold yourself in readiness to--"
"To--to what?"
"To attend my--"
"Well?"
"My--well, my wedding."
And he did attend his wedding--and a happy occasion the event proved
to all.
[FROM "THE FLAG OF OUR UNION."]
THE CORSAIR OF SCIO.
BY JAMES DE MILLE.
CHAPTER I.
The isles of Greece! the isles of Greece!
Where burning Sappho loved and sung;
Where grew the arts of war and peace,
Where Phobus rose and Delos sprung--
Eternal summer gilds them yet,
But all except their sun is set.
-BYRON.
IT was morning among the islands of Greece and the dark blue sea on
every side showed not a ripple upon its bosom. The sky was as calm
and peaceful as the water which reflects its azure hue, and not a
cloud appeared to mar its surface. The sun just rising cast a broad
gleam of light over the scene, and threw upon the wide sea a long
path of ruddy light. Around lay the isles of Greece--the home of
classic poetry, whose trees and gentle brooks, whose groves and
fields, whose very rocks and soil, bring up before the mind glorious
memories of the past. There they lay, appearing double as their
images were seen reflected in the mirror-like wave, the branches of
their clustering trees hanging down gracefully--droopingly. But more
glorious than all the lovely spots which dot these sparkling waves
is Scio-the beautiful, the classic Scio. Here were the remains of
many a glorious temple of the ancients. Here were rich vineyards
whose vine yielded the famous Chian wine. Here the long avenues of
orange trees and olives, of citron and lemons, appeared on every
side, and odorous breezes from the East, laden with perfumes of
spices and flowers, blew ever gently upon the blest shores of Scio.
It was in the middle of the eighteenth century, when Scio was at the
height of her glory and prosperity, when the people were wealthy and
happy, and all was delight and pleasure-it was at such a time that a
small vessel might have been seen at a short distance from her
northern coast. Every stitch of her broad latteen sails was
unfurled, but no favorable wind came to fill them-no motion was in
the air. Upon the south the green and richly wooded shores of Scio
stretched along, upon which at times appeared the sheen of some
marble cliff as it jutted out among the green vegetation.
The vessel was long and sharp. Two tall masts supported the broad
triangular sails, and a red flag without device floated from the
summit of the main; men appeared dressed in the Grecian costume
lolling about the deck, some smoking, others talking, and others
sleeping. At the stern the leader paced up and down. He was young,
and had in his face all the high spirit and impetuous daring of
youth. His features were perfectly Grecian, all as finely formed as
those of some antique statue of his native land. A small fur cap was
placed upon his head, from beneath which rich clusters of raven hair
flowed down. His eyes were large and dark, and a jetty moustache and
beard completed the manly expression of his countenance. He wore a
rich crimson jacket, embroidered with gold, loose trousers with
boots which reached to his knees, and a red silk scarf wound around
his waist afforded a place where to put two pistols and a Turkish
dagger. A larger sword dangled at his side, and in his hand he held
a long light gun which, like his pistols, was richly ornamented
after the oriental fashion.
"Maffeo," said he to his lieutenant, "how goes the wind now!"
"There is not any wind to go," said Maffeo, a strong and hardy man
who was leaning over the side.
"Well, I think we will have a wind very soon."
"A wind? Do you? Why?"
"I feel it."
"You can always tell, I know not how, when there will be a wind. We
are ready for it, however."
"Maffeo, what was that you heard about these cursed Turks, when you
were ashore?"
"Didn't I tell you? Well, I heard that they had landed upon Komao, a
little island near--"
"I know it well."
"Where there were only a hundred inhabitants. Monilon, the principal
man there, was seized, beaten, robbed, and the worst of it was, his
daughter Iona was carried away."
"What! carried away? Iona! I have heard of her as the most beautiful
of all Grecian girls."
"She is gone like many others to the slave market at
Constantinople."
"Ah, the accursed hounds! the dogs of unbelievers! Thus they
tyrannize over us, and rob our men, and carry off our virgins. But
great Heaven, shall this be done longer? Ah, the wretches! Maffeo,
this will make us whet our swords more readily upon the next Turks
with whom we fight."
"Whew!, there comes the wind! see how it blows around yon rock."
"And by all the holy saints and angels, Maffeo, there is a Turkish
vessel. Ha! two vessels. By heaven, there are three!" he cried, as
one after another three vessels came borne by the wind around the
point where it blew.
"How can we get off? We have no wind. They will be upon us.-See,
each vessel is larger than ours, and the decks are crowded with
armed men: See that long gun. It can shatter us to pieces!"
"Peace, Maffeo. Be not so fearful. The wind will come to us before
they can get near enough to use that long piece. Halloa there! up my
men! There are three Turkish ships behind us!"
With many an oath and imprecation, the sailors rose and hastily
gathered their arms. One of them strung up at the foremast another
flag, on which appeared a crescent beneath a cross.
"Now my brave men, we will have to run. But we do not always do so.
Perhaps the time will come when we may have our turn at chasing. If
they come up, fight, fight like fiends, and die like Christians!"
Loud cheers arose and shouts of "Long live Ranadar! Long live our
noble captain, the brave Ranadar!"
And now the wind which Ranadar had prophesied, came down to them. It
blew steadily and strongly, so that in a short time her sharp prow
dashed the bright waves foamingly on either side. The Turkish
vessels who had borne down toward the corsair, as soon as they saw
him, and had felt certain of seizing him, now uttered cries of
disappointment, as they saw him move away. Loud cries were sent
across the water, shouts of ridicule and opprobrious names which the
wind bore along to their ears.
Ranadar looked back and shook his scimetar at the Turkish vessels.
"Howl on! The time will come when you will tremble before
me-Ranadar, the corsair!"
He cried so loudly, that they seemed to have heard him, for suddenly
a shot came from the long gun, but it fell short, far short of the
mark. The men of Ranadar shouted in derision, and jerked the flag
whenever appeared the humiliated crescent, so as to attract the
notice of the Turks.
Ranadar gazed anxiously upon his pursuers. Still they came bounding
over the waves behind him, and his quick eye could not but see that
the distance between them was gradually lessened.
"Maffeo, they are coming up to us."
"What, can a Turkish vessel equal our swift ship?"
"These are sharp, and see what huge sails they carry. I fear they
will come up with us."
"Well, we will fight them-yes, all three!"
"Good, Maffeo. You are a brave man. Tell this not to the men for a
time, yet."
Ranadar watched more anxiously. The hours of day passed on, and
midday arrived. Though his own bark was swift, yet these were
evidently more so. At morning, the foremost was about two miles off.
Now not more than a mile separated them.
"Before night it will all be up. O the scoundrelly Sciotes! Why did
they not give notice of this?" and Ranadar walked anxiously about.
"Men," he cried at last. "Ho, there! Listen. We are lost. These
Turks will overtake us. But who will think of yielding? None?"
"No, no, none," cried the men.
"Then let us fight. Prepare a train, and when all is ready, when our
decks are full-then fire, and blow these Infidels to perdition! We
will make the Turks remember us, and when they pursue another
corsair they will tremble, for they shall think of Ranadar the
corsair." In obedience to his orders the train was prepared, but as
it would be some time before their pursuers would come up to them,
they did not make any preparation for soon firing it.
Three hours more passed, and now the nearest ship had arrived within
gunshot. The long gun was loaded after some trouble, and pointed
directly at the corsair vessel. Ranadar and his men cried out in
tones of defiance. At last the shot came. A loud explosion thundered
around, a ball came whizzing by, and passed through the sails, but
did not touch the mast.
"What use is there to run, Maffeo?"
"None, whatever, captain."
"Are the guns all-ready-loaded?"
"Yes, every one."
"Bring them out so as to place them easily on this side."
The men loosed the guns which were not very large, and made them
ready to be placed on the side opposite.
"Now! 'Bout ship-round with her!"
The men who understood Ranadar's design, obeyed, and the vessel
turning, now bore down upon the nearest Turkish vessel. Those on
board seemed perfectly thunderstruck at the sight of the chase thus
turning the tables upon them.
"Fire!" he cried, as he arrived opposite the Turks.
The guns were fired directly into the crowded ship. Loud cries and
screams, and the crash of a falling mast told how well those shots
had been aimed.
"Now for the next!" screamed Ranadar, excited. "We will serve them
in the same way!"
But the others were prepared, and drew up to await their approach.
On came the vessel of Ranadar, and the flags flew proudly from both
masts, while the men shouted enthusiastically. Loud sounded the
thunder of her guns as she passed swiftly by the two vessels. But
the report and the cries from the wounded were all exceeded by that
of the broadside given back by the Turks. The mainmast fell down
over the side with a deafening noise!
"Cut it away! Clear the ship!" cried Ranadar.
In a few minutes the mast was free, but the vessel moved only slowly
through the water. Her sides were shattered by those terrific
broad-sides, wounded men lay stretched upon the decks. The two
Turkish ships were quite near.
"Give it to them again, my rovers!" cried Ranadar, as he himself
picked out the Turkish captain with his gun. Another volley was
fired and again another, with the same effect as before. And this
was the last, for both Turkish ships coming quickly up fired
broadsides, and grappled with the disabled corsair.
The men poured from both ships into her. The Greeks seized their
scimetars and rushed into the deadly encounter. Maffeo fought like a
lion, killing three Turks in succession. Ranadar fired his pistols
and killed two of the foremost leaders. Then hurling them at the
heads of the followers, he rushed at them sword in hand. "Fight,
Greeks, fight! Down with the Turk!" and crying this, he toiled on in
the mortal strife.
But bravery could avail little against such numbers. The Greeks were
driven back, killed, overpowered by the vast odds against them.
Forced from the quarter deck into the middle of the vessel, they
stood there like their forefathers at Thermopyl', and fought for
their freedom. Not a word was uttered, not a cry from either side,
but foot to foot and steel to steel the combatants waged their
deadly warfare. Suddenly Ranadar disappeared below, and in a few
minutes returned with a beaming countenance and fresh energy.
Rushing at an enormous Turk who wielded a tremendous scimetar, the
corsair attacked him. In a few moments the Turk was disarmed, but
springing at Ranadar, he held his sword arm tightly, and sought to
throw him over. Ranadar dropped his sword, and closed with the Turk.
They swayed backward and forward, they fell and rose, they whirled
round in endless convolutions, so that neither Turk nor Greek could
strike a blow for his countryman. But even Ranadar seemed to gain.
Holding his adversary tightly by the throat, he forced him to the
vessel's side. He pushed--he strained--and then--and then--with a
mighty noise which seemed as though the air was rent with a dazzling
flash, and smoke, and fire, and blazing brands, and shattered
vestiges of broken ships, amid arms, and dead bodies, and a thousand
hideous shapes and forms-Ranadar felt himself seized by some
irresistible force and thrown with the fury of a tempest far out
upon the water. For a moment he was senseless, and lay perfectly
still, clutching to the Turk. Then he looked, and a blackened corpse
lay in his arms. Shudderingly he released himself, and swam around.
Where the corsair ship and her two foes had lain, nothing was seen
but some blackened fragments, and the whole sea far and wide seemed
covered with them. At the distance of a few hundred yards he saw the
first Turkish ship which he had disabled, coming down toward the
horrid scene. He himself had been uninjured. The large Turk whom he
had pressed closely to him had saved his life. His clothes were
partly burnt, but that was all. With a prayer of thanks for his
deliverance, he swam toward the Turkish ship.
"I will try how they will treat me. Better not die wilfully, since I
have been so wonder. fully preserved. Great God I only! I alone out
of so many!"
The men in the ship saw him. A boat was lowered and he was brought
on board. For a few moments he was all unnoticed, so terrible had
been the calamity. Boats moved slowly over the scene, but there were
no more living beings to be found. All was one wide scene of havoc
and ruin.
CHAPTER II.
Ranadar stood in silence awaiting his fate. At last the Turkish
captain approached him.
"Dog of an Infidel! Who are you who are thus saved when Moslems have
perished?"
"I am a Greek."
"I know you are, and that you are a corsair, and that you have
served under Ranadar, the abhorred of heaven, whom Mahomet confound!
But he is even now in Eblis."
"He is not. He lives."
"What! will you say that others are saved beside you?"
"No."
"How then can Ranadar live?"
"I am Ranadar!"
At that well known name the Turkish captain, laid his hand furiously
upon his scimetar. The men who had been looking at the prisoner, or
endeavoring to discern some living being upon the water, all turned
as if by one impulse, to look at the dreaded corsair. He stood there
with folded arms, glancing at them as haughtily and proudly as
though he were victor, and not a captive.
"You Ranadar!"
"I am. I did that," said he, pointing to the blackened fragments
upon the water.
"What! You come here, you confess your name, and your atrocious
deed? Do you hope to live?"
"No."
"And you shall not be disappointed. Here, come forward," said he, to
some of his men, who were, armed with axes. "Hew the ruffian from
limb to limb!"
"Do your worst, vile Turk! I scorn you, and laugh at death. Better
it is to die than live in captivity!"
"Ha! say you so? Then I will bring down your proud spirit, and
Ranadar the corsair shall be Ranadar the obedient slave! Men, bind
him."
"Look well to your bonds, then, for strong bolts and bars have
before this failed to hold me."
"Bind him! Gag him! Stop the mouth of the dog!" shouted the fierce
Turk, in ungovernable fury. "Take him below, away out of my sight."
And the corsair was bound and taken below.
The Turkish ship left this scene of destruction and proceeded on her
way to Constantinople. There she landed, and over the city spread
the news of Ranadar's captivity, for his name was well known among
the people. As he was brought ashore, a vast multitude assembled to
have a look at the dreaded corsair. He looked around upon them, and
save a slight smile of scorn, no emotion was visible upon his marble
countenance.
The Turkish captain, whose name was Achmet, took him as his own
slave, swearing that he would bring down his proud spirit, and tame
him as he would a wild beast-by hunger. Accordingly, Ranadar was
placed in a dungeon, whose moist floor, and dank, slimy walls showed
it to be beneath the surface of the sea-far down under the ground.
He narrowly examined the dungeon in which he found himself confined.
It was not more than ten feet square. At the side opposite from the
door there was a small grating, through which entered some feeble
rays of light. The iron stanchions were thick and strong, and beyond
the first one which he saw, there was yet another. The aperture was
about a foot square.
"Ha!" he exclaimed, when he first saw it. "That is what I wished
for, Achmet will leave me here without food for three days. When he
comes, perhaps the bird will be flown. My manacles are off! Good!-I
can use my hands."
He slowly unwound the scarf which was around his waist, and
disclosed beneath its folds doubled cords of silk, which, if
extended, might reach forty feet. He examined this, tried its
strength carefully, and then tied it round him. he then took off his
Fez cap, and from beneath the lining he pulled out some small
instruments. There was a knife, and a saw of the finest and hardest
Damascus steel.
But little light now entered the window, for it was late in the
afternoon. Ranadar went up to it and tried to pull the iron from its
place, but in vain. Then he quickly but stealthily prepared to saw
the iron through. There were eight bars in each grating through
which he would have to cut. By working steadily through the greater
part of the first night, he was able to take out the first grating,
and finish half of the other.
"Now," said he, toward morning, "so much is done. To-morrow I will
be out. But good heaven! Holy virgin!" he exclaimed, suddenly
putting his hand to his breast. "Ah, kind heaven, thou hast not yet
deserted me."
He took out a small bundle in which there were dates, and with a
portion of these he satisfied his hunger. Night came on and found
him with an unconquered spirit, still laboring at his work. At last,
when it might have been an hour before midnight, the outer grating
was displaced, and Ranadar passed through.
He found himself in a narrow passage which went for a long distance
on either side. For a time he hesitated which way to choose, but at
length, he turned toward the left and went on. He walked for a long
distance, and at last came to a door, which, opening, disclosed a
flight of steps. The blast of fresh air told Ranadar that here was a
way to escape, for it led to the outside. The air also had the
freshness of the sea, and brought with it the perfumes of distant
shores, There was another flight of steps on the left at the top of
which was a narrow chink, through which a feeble ray of light
passed. The fugitive paused a moment, looked up the steps before
him, and then up the others at the light.
"I will go here," said he, as a sweet stream of music accompanied by
a mournful female voice, came down to his ears. "I will go here,"
and drawing his dagger, he went up the narrow steps, and reaching
the summit, he saw a small niche in which he might stand and look
into the room through an aperture, apparently made for the purpose.
"Ha!" he murmured, "this is some plan of Achmet. Would that I could
meet the villain now!"
Then gazing into the chamber, through the aperture, a beautiful
sight met his view. The room was magnificently furnished. Rich
curtains hung from the walls. The carpets spread upon the floor were
from the looms of Persia, the couches and stools were carved in the
most skilful manner. From the vaulted ceiling a brazen lamp was
suspended, whose light cast a mysterious gleam upon the scene. All
was in the most gorgeous and splendid style of oriental
voluptuousness.
Upon a couch in one corner of the room reclined a young girl whose
lovely countenance threw all else into the shade. Her dark hair was
loose, and her eyes were cast down droopingly, shaded by their long
black lashes. She was dressed in the elegant Grecian costume, and on
her head she held a small guitar which she had just finished
playing. Ranadar looked at the beautiful being, filled with wonder
and profound astonishment at so much beauty. What was his amazement
when he saw her raise her head and gently sigh his own name?
"Ranadar!"
He thought that she was some unearthly being when he heard it, and
looked upon her as she buried her face in her hands and wept. A
sudden noise alarmed her, and she raised herself languidly upon her
couch. Footsteps were heard outside, and after a time Ranadar saw
the door open and his hated foe Achmet, walk in.
"Allah save you, beautiful Grecian maiden! Who is there who in
beauty can equal Iona? I hope you are more tender than you were
yesterday?"
"Leave me to myself," she cried, waving her hand.
"O no, no,--do not send me away, do not deprive me of the light of
your heavenly smile. You torture me. Why do you treat me so Maiden,
you are my slave."
"By purchase-but I yield not to you."
"Hearken to me. You have defied me too long. You are in my power
entirely. If you will not love me willingly, I would scorn to compel
you. I have come this time expecting you to be more kind. I find you
unaltered, I do not love you well enough to wait for you to change.
You must die!"
Ranadar shuddered with ill-suppressed rage, but the lovely Iona
gazed at Achmet unshrinkingly.
"I know you love another. I know your affection for that pestilent
Grecian. I have watched you, seen your actions, and heard you sigh
his name. He too shall die!"
"He will never be in your power."
"Will he not? He lies now in my lowest dungeon. There he shall
starve!"
Iona who had thus far been firm, when she heard that, fell back upon
the couch, but ashamed of her weakness, raised herself, and again
confronted her enemy. But her face was deathly pale, and her hands
were clasped tightly together.
"In one hour, Grecian maid-in one hour,"--and his voice sank to a
deep, hard whisper--"you shall die, and nevermore shall your father
behold you-nevermore shall Ranadar gaze upon you unless it be in
Eblis." And Achmet departed.
"Alas, he never has gazed upon me. Ranadar never has seen me, but I
have seen him-ah, too often."
Ranadar was filled with a variety of contending emotions. But
passionate love and pity for the beautiful Iona were pre-eminent
among them. He looked in silence after Achmet had gone, but suddenly
remembered that no time could be lost in waiting there.
"Surely," he said to himself, "there must be something else here
beside this aperture, there must be some small door by which one
might enter. He searched narrowly around, and at length saw a small
panel which seemed fastened by a concealed bolt. This he pushed
back, the door opened, and Ranadar stood before Iona. At the noise
of his entrance, she started, and looking up, muttered a few words
in a daring tone, as though she supposed the slaves had come to put
her to death, but seeing Ranadar the great corsair, the man whom she
loved beyond all words, she uttered a faint scream of joy and raised
her arms and face to heaven. He caught her in his arms.
"Fly with me, Iona. I know all. Come with your Ranadar. Ah, come
quickly. Hark, there are sounds without. Hasten!"
She seemed incapable of motion. So great were the conflicting
emotions which disturbed her soul, that she neither spoke nor moved.
"Iona, my own love, my soul!" he cried imploringly, and as she
leaned gently upon him, he raised her in his strong arms, and
passing back through the secret door, he bore her down the stairs.
Then up he went with his lovely, trembling burden, up the stairs at
which half an hour before he had paused, and a thrill of rapture
went through him, as on reaching the top he found himself upon a low
terrace which overlooked the sea. Iona's arms were clasped about his
neck. The lovely girl, overcome by her sudden escape from death,
from sorrow and misery--overcome at the sight of Ranadar, free, and
making her free, felt a deep gush of joy and bliss, too great for
utterance. Her tears of happiness flowed freely, and while she clung
to him she sighed his name,--"Ranadar!"
"Cling to me closer, closer, Iona! There is the water beneath us. We
must escape. See, yonder there is a boat. I must carry you there."
About a hundred yards away, upon the moonlit surface of the water, a
small boat could be seen lying at anchor. None seemed to be on
board. There Ranadar determined to swim. The water was dashing
against the stone wall ten feet beneath. He unwound his scarf and
fastening it firmly to an iron bar, he took Iona in his manly arm,
and then descended. The cold water received the lovers and enfolded
them. Iona clinging to Ranadar as he directed her feared nothing,
for her lover was with her. He struck out boldly and swam slowly to
the boat. Gradually he approached, and at last his hands grasped it.
Raising himself stealthily, he looked into it, and found it empty.
Then he placed Iona within, and crawling in after her, a few moments
sufficed for him to hoist the sails. A fair wind blew from the
harbor. The light boat felt its influence and started at the blast,
and bounded over the waves carrying them home to Scio.
CHAPTER III.
Once more the waters of the ’gean Sea and the blue waves of the
Grecian Archipelago shone beneath the morning sun. A small ship was
seen stealing along the coast of the Isle of ’gina. It was gaily
painted, but guns peeped through her sides, and a long one was
mounted amid-ships. Aloft, a red flag streamed, and the sails, which
were distended by the breeze, glistened from afar upon the blue
water. She was slowly and noiselessly sailing toward a promontory,
upon whose summit a strange flag was flying, apparently a signal of
some kind.
Upon the other side of the promontory, and sailing directly toward
it was a Turkish vessel. By the listlessness of all on board, it was
evident that they were ignorant that an enemy was so near. The
captain leaned over the stern and gazed into the water. An aged man
in the dress of a slave, but whose intellectual countenance belied
his costume, was cleaning a sword.
"Monilon!" cried the captain, sternly, "Why are you so long. May
Allah eternally confound you, indolent heathen of a Greek!"
"Achmet, you are my master. I am old. Do not beat me. I have not the
strength of youth."
"Insolent greybeard! Be more respectful. Since your daughter's
escape, you have grown suddenly bold. Beware!"
"I rejoice that Iona is out of a ruffian's power."
"Dog! What! Ha!" he cried, in amaze, as turning to fell the old man
to the deck, he saw the Grecian vessel rounding the promontory. "Ho,
men! up! To arms! A corsair!"
Instantly, every man sprung to seize his arms. The guns were made
ready, and all was prepared for action.
"Monilon, go below. We will blow up these knaves in your absence.
You will have company soon from the slaves in yon ship."
A wild shout from the corsair interrupted him. Suddenly the
approaching vessel paused, and some movement was made upon her
decks.
"By great Allah, they are afraid. Ha! They are moving that long gun.
They are pointing it." A loud noise followed his remark, and a huge
ball struck the ship sending the splinters around in every
direction. Then the corsair bore down upon them. Yet not more than
six men appeared upon her deck. When close by she poured a broadside
into the Turkish ship, wounding and killing great numbers. The Turks
sent back another, and shot off some of the rigging. But now the
ships were close together. A trumpet was blown by a noble and
splendidly apparelled youth who seemed to be leader. Instantly a
crowd of men poured out from the hold. They came thronging the deck,
and rushed after their leader into the Turkish vessel.
"Ranadar!" shouted Achmet.
"Ha, Achmet!" and Ranadar rushed upon the Turk. Their scimetars
crossed and flashed fire. Three times the steel of Ranadar started
the blood of Achmet. Twice he forced him upon his knee. At last the
Turk struck furiously at the corsair. But the next moment his sword
was whirled from his hand, and the Moslem chief fell gasping at the
feet of Ranadar.
"Victory, victory! Down with the Turks," shouted the fierce corsair,
as they rushed more furiously than ever upon their foes. "Victory!"
and the shout which added force to the Greeks, took away the courage
of the Turks. For a while the carnage raged, the Greeks cut down
their enemies who still fought with the wild energy of despair. Many
leaped into the sea. Others leaned against their dead comrades, and
though wounded, still kept up resistance.
"Yield! yield! You are conquered!" cried Ranadar! "Yield, and I
will be merciful!"
At this there was a pause. They threw down their swords, and
acknowledged themselves prisoners.
But as Ranadar turned to look upon the dead body of Achmet, and to
direct his men about the ship, he saw an aged man leaning against
the side of the ship. For a moment he looked, and then springing
forward, he caught the old man in his arms.
"Monilon, alive! Are you yet alive, then? Iona has mourned you
long."
"Ranadar, Heaven bless you forever. Did you save my daughter?"
"I escaped, and she fled with me."
"Ranadar, your name is terrible to your foes, but O, how sweet, how
dear, to your friends. God bless you, is an old man's prayer."
The Turkish vessel was plundered, and after dividing, enough was
found to fill the corsairs with joy. The Turkish prisoners were
carried to Scio, and after a long time were exchanged for Greek
captives. The name of Ranadar gained new glory, and his deeds were
spoken of everywhere.
One tenth of the spoil was Ranadar's, but this he forced upon
Monilon, in order to enable him again to rebuild his ruined home in
Komao. Monilon took it, for well he knew that Ranadar would have it
again-well he knew it, by the happy smile and lovely blushes of
Iona.
Komao rises from the sea not more than thirty miles to the north of
Scio. It is a lovely spot, where trees of luxuriant foliage and
richest fruit grow on every side. Here the vineyards are seen, where
vines hang in graceful festoons from tree to tree; orchards filled
with a thousand fruits, gardens where blooming and odorous flowers
give forth their fragrance to the air--running streams and gushing
fountains. In this paradise dwelt Monilon; here Iona was brought up,
and here Ranadar came to take her to his home. But that home was on
the same lovely island, and there they lived in happiness such as
earth can seldom bestow, for if the tenderest love and the most
beautiful scenes of nature can afford happiness, then Iona and
Ranadar had nothing more to desire. The corsair seldom after sailed
the sea. He was contented to dwell at home, and ever blessed the day
when he was led captive to Achmet's dungeon.
THE END.