A Daughter of Maryland — page 107: what you’re looking at

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

88 A DAUGHTER OF MARYLAND. ‘Ves, sir,’’? replied the housekeeper faintly, and now that she had accomplished the mishief she hastened from the room. ‘‘Pray what do you know about this scapegrace of Graymont, miss?’ demanded Major Lancier, turning fiercely upon Aurian. ‘*T know that he came to Uncle Frost’s house the night of the storm, as I saw him, though I did not have an opportunity to speak to him. The rest I have heard the same as you have.’’ ‘Well, I should like to catch him running off one of my niggers! He never would run off another. But it seems they have caught him, and if so I wouldn’t give much for his life.’ ‘‘Ts it such a terrible thing, father, to assist an abused slave to escape ?”’ ‘*Terrible thing?’’ demanded the owner of Sylvania. ‘‘What can be worse? It is worse than stealing; it is a crime for which there is but one adequate punishment. ’’ ‘“‘T think you might make an. exception in the case of Jason Evans,’’ declared a clear, ringing voice from the hall, and father and daughter turned to meet Robert, who was the calmest of the three. ‘‘It is such men as Jason Evans that have thrown the curse over slavery.’’ ‘‘Ho, young man! so you have dared to appear at last. Hold! not another step until you have explained your conduct. ’? ‘‘f do not understand you,’’ replied Robert, and if he was feigning surprise he was a good actor. ‘*You know well enough what I mean, sir. All.the town does, if you do not, and when you have learned it from the street babbler, come back and answer my question. ’’ ‘“‘T prefer to answer it without seeking that publicity,’’ was the even reply. Major Lancier was puzzled. He knew that his adopted. son was too much of a Lancier to be pushed to the wall.