The Blockade Runner — page 198: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE BLOCKADE RUNNER. 199 The brawny sailors turned away with growls of mingled disappointment and rage, but the fierce looks that they darted at Bentham told them that the drama had not been played through. | “T will not say good-night,” said the leader, as he paused on the threshold and turned to the little group that occupied the room. “ We may meet again before morning. I may add that Captain Powers Is deter- mined to carry out his plans. Your servant’s knife, Mr. Bentham, failed to do its work thoroughly.” Then, before any one could reply, he turned away, and the sympathizer’s daughter shut the door behind the gang. } _Fora moment after this unexpected riddance no- . body spoke. : The situation seemed to fall like a pall over all. W hat was to be done? | “Golly! I war itchin’ to gib dat head Confed a thumpin’!” exclaimed Jupe, showing his sable fists. “Didn’t I know ’im, de ole rapscallion? He war Jasper Jones, de man what cheated Massa Mowbray outen six niggers befo’ de wah. I come mighty near bein’ one ob dem coons, an’ now I'd like to pulverize 7im fo’ dat trick. Dey’ll come back—no mistake ’bout dat.” } “That is true, Jupe,” said the girl, “Those men have not gone off for good. Father, Mr. Bentham must not be here when they return.” “JT will not be,” was the gunner’s quick response. “ As I have said, I do not wish to compromise you. I should have retired to the tunnel at your suggestion, my friend, but those fellows made my blood flow lke molten lava through my veins, and in connicloooks (©) 3