The Boy Soldier; Or, Garibaldi's Young Captain — page 170: what you’re looking at

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THE BOY SOLDIER; OR, GARIBALDI’S YOUNG OAPTAIN. rT ase his account. Why do you ask?” asked young Carrington. “He is the second of the three for whom the reward is offered.” - This news fell like a thunderclap upon the bank director and his son, who raised their hands in horror. “They are both at large,” said Radfen, “ but still in London. They must be tracked at once.’’ So saying, the active detective, wounded as he was, went forth in search of the two criminal fugi- tives. CHAPTER LXI. JEALOUSY AND LOVE—THWE CHALLENGE. THE gallant behaviour of Captain Frank during the terrible storm was the subject of universal approba- tion among both sailors and soldiers. Frank himself was doubly rejoiced at his own good fortune in saving the lives of so many poor creatures. But that Nelly Lancaster and’ her father should have been among the number filled him with aston- ishment. Both Ne!ly and her father were tenderly cared for by the officers of the frigate, and, strange to say, not one of those who volunteered to go in the boats with the gallant Frank were either injured in any way or drowned. When they reached Leghorn the news was spread far and wide about the heroism of the young En- glishman both upon land and sea, and the king, who, from his youth, always delighted in acts of daring and heroism, and never forgot those who in any way distinguished themselves in flood or field, received Captain Frank with marked favor, and gave him-several medals, which the young volun- teer wore with great modesty and becoming dignity. But no one succeeds to fame or power without making eneinies for himself. And: so it was with Frank. There were several young Italian officers, though much older than himself, who took every opportu- nity to laugh at and detract from the brave deeds performed ‘by the gallant band of English Boy Soldiers, ~- These tales were told to Frank by Master Buttons, who, though willing enough, was much too young to think of taking up the’ vindication of his brave companions. Not so Frank, however. For several days he enquired at the hotel regard- ing the health of Miss Lancaster. Each time he was told that she was no better, but that her father was up and well again, The servant said that Mr. Lancaster was sorry he could not see Captain Ford then, but would at some future time when Nelly was better. Now it came to the ears of Frank that Nelly mas better. More than this it was known that Mr. Lancaster had often invited Italian officers to dine with him, who seemed enraptured with Nelly’s beauty and accomplishments, But, perhaps, more than all charmed with the reputed wealth of her father, the banker. It came to Frank’s ears, by some mysterious means, that among these young officers there was one, named Marquis de Sangri, who aspired ‘to Nelly’s hand in marriage, and never allowed any occasion to passin which Frank’s name was men- tioned to jeer at the young soldier, and sneer at his reputation. This pleased Mr. Lancaster. His daughter’s likings or dislikings, never gave him a thought. | He wished to see Nelly surrounded by counts, marquises, barons, and the like, never asking him- self the question whether they were worthy of his daugliter’s notice. Allhe wanted was “men of title” about him, “Count ” sounded well in his cars; “Baron.” still better ; and the style of Marquis de Sangri threw him into raptures. If De Sangri had only been a “duke”’ now, although not worth a. stiver,.and with no more brains than a cabbage, old Lancaster would almost have adored him. Be had heard much of Frank, and of his attach- ment to Nelly. y+ But bravery, honour, honesty, virtue, and qualities of that kind, in a young and gallant Haglish soldier, were not remarkable enough for the’silly old banker. He wanted Nelly to marry no man who was with- out a grand, high-sounding title, although he lived in private on nothing better than German sausage, or sour krout. Frank met Mr. Lancaster one day. by accident, After thanking the yout for saving his own and his daughter’s life; he offered Frank a £100 note ‘for his services | ” Young Ford spurned the offer with disdain. Had any one else so affronted him, he would have knocked them down on the spot. _ “I did not expect an insult, Mr. Lancaster,” said Frank, sorrowfully. uy ‘“Tnsult! Is it an insult to offer you payment for your services to me and my daughter? What else could you expect ? ” : “TI expected the pleasure of once more seeing and conversing with one—if only for a moment—who has ever held possession of my heart.’’ “Heart!” said old Lancaster, getting red, and jingling money in his pockets ; “the lad must be mad! Have pretensions to my daughter! Why, sir, you must be crazy !” ‘“‘T have known Miss Lancaster a long time, sir.” ‘‘ More’s the pity. Good-day to you. But let me tell you this, young Ford. I have heard of this attachment before, but have broken it off; if we ever meet again, it must be as strangers.” Mr. Lancaster went his way, leaving Frank Ford standing like a statue. He knew not what to think or say. As he thus mused, and felt sorrowful at heart, a fine English carriage and horses passed him. The vehicle was open, To his astonishment, Frank saw Nelly Lancaster and De Sangri sitting in it, side by side. His eye caught Frank’s. . De Sangri twirled his moustachios in triumph. Nelly hung her head. Frank returned De Sangri’s look with one of scorn and defiance. And he shook with passion. “That is the scoundrel who‘has been circulating all manner of false stories about me.. I will call him out, and have satisfaction. He is an accomplished duellist, I am told; but no matter ; one of us must fall. I care not now to live, since Nelly has proved false, She must be false, or why insult me by riding out side by side with that conceited fop ? ” Hee * BY ptt ik a When’ Frank returned to his hotel, Master Buttons said that a fierce-looking, podgy, military man had called, and left his card and a note. — a Te | Gomicbooks com