The Blockade Runner — page 38: what you’re looking at

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

THE BLOCKADH RUNNER. 39 It was evident that Bentham looked for Mowbray to continue the argument; but, instead of doing so, he threw a secret glance at Norah which sent her from the room. ; : “ Robert, what means your defense of the North ?’ he asked, moving his chair nearer to his nephew, whom he looked squarely in the face. “I am shocked to hear such words from you. Why, sir, I have obtained for you the second command on board the new privateer Swiftwing, which is almost ready to sail from Wil- mington on her mission of destruction. Explain yourself. Have you come back tainted with Yankee sentiments ?” | “J will be frank with you, uncle,’ said Bentham calmly. “I came to Wilmington to see you and Norah, not to serve the Confederacy, for my heart is not with it. You seem to forget that my father was in the employ of the government at the time of his death. If he had lived, he would have taken his stand for the Union. His son must not turn from the prin- ciples he espoused, nor from the flag he carried at his masthead. The Confederacy, if it succeeds, must do so without me. I shall leave Wilmington soon for the North.” | “Where you will offer your services to the Federal government ?” Mowbray’s words aas a menace. “ Perhaps,” was the answer. “1 shali follow my own inclination.” A cloud of anger darkened the Southerner’s face. ‘“ After all [ have done for you since your father’s death!” he exclaimed, springing up ina spasm of rage, while his eyes flashed fire at the strangely calm young Gomichdoo CS (©