Bonny Jean, and A Severe Threat — page 116: what you’re looking at

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

BONNY JEAN. — 109 his strength was inadequate to stir the ponderous thing ; for, al- ‘though not very large, it was plainly too heavy to think of get- ting it up to “rra firma without assistance. So heseated him- self to rest from his arduous labor, and hoping that some one would pass that way who might lend a helping hand. At last some one did come, and who in the world should it be but John Averill! He leaped from his horse, and caught Philip’s hand. : ‘“Great Heaven!” he cried, ‘‘zs it really you, Randall— alive ?” ‘* Alive!” repeated Philip, gravely, ‘‘and ready for vengeance!” John’s eyes followed the quick glance of Philip’s, and his own blazed as they fell upon the prostrate form of Gabriel Black lying on the ground. MHe sprang forward and caught the villain by the throat. ‘At last!” he groaned, between his set teeth. ‘*Wait, John !” Philip’s hand was on his own to stay him in his mad work. ‘‘ Wait,” repeated Philip. ‘‘I have something to tell you first.” They seated themselves. and the story was soon told. John related his own experience in New Orleans, and how he had left Lady there with the Lesters until he could return and pre- pare everything for her coming home. He had already cabled to Europe, begging Mr. and Mrs. Lee to come home; that something wonderful and extraordinary had occurred, and thus endeavored to prepare them for the reception of the wonderful truth ; for he feared the effect of a sudden disclosure upon Mrs, Lee, who was quite feeble. . ‘‘And now,” said’ John, in conclusion, ‘‘ what do you in- tend to do with that creature?” and he indicated Black. ‘‘Come and help me first,” was Philip’s reply, ‘‘and after that we will know what to do.” So the two young men went to work with a will, and by the aid of John’s bridle, which they contrived to fasten to the (ee) EComicbooks =)