In Search of an Unknown Race — page 230: what you’re looking at

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

210 VAN, Now Van, usually a prudent and by no means ime pulsive young fellow, had been meditating a wild scheme in his own mind ever since the unsuccessful return from the schooner. His idea, which will be described further on, was not so much due to any particular courage, or even to desire of praise on his own part, as to sympathy for his guar- dian’s trouble, and an earnest wish to help him out if possible. There was no need of saying anything to Captain Peterson about it, so he told Mr. Murray, the second mate, with whom he was a great favorite. All he need do was to let him—Van—take a half dozen picked men from the Bellingham’s crew, and arm them with hand- spikes or heavers. Then, under cover of the thick darkness, it would be the easiest thing in the world to row or paddle along- side the schooner, and take her entire crew—some of whom were sure to be asleep—by surprise. But the second mate stood too much in awe of his commander to consent. Besides, he argued that the Rattler’s people might be anticipating some such move, and take measures accordingly. No—that wouldn't do at all. Van was bitterly disappointed. His great fault was an over confidence, whose growth had been strength- ened by his surprising good fortune in the adventures he had heretofore encountered. And having got the project firmly fixed in his mind he could not give it up so readily. But he said nothing, though he kept up adue amoun: i chinking for some little time, EORMIElOOOKS, (EO)