José — page 31: what you’re looking at

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

04 ~ JOSE. her arm firmly in his to support her steps, but she soon released it from his pressure. “Tt was a mere weakness,” she said, in a low tone; “all the excitement of the ride seemed to react upon my nerves at once, but I am strong now !” “Will you indicate some place to which you desire me to conduct you?” he said, having now reached the business portion of the city. “Going South, I was in Vicksburg a few hours only, and know very little of it. She remained silent, as if undecided what to say. “IT do not know whether I have the right to pre- sume any longer upon your assistance, as I have doubtless already caused you to neglect your affairs,” she said, slowly; “I expect friends to meet me here; until I find them I shall be alone, and pos- sibly be again exposed to the suspicion which your presence alone averted.” “Tam happy to offer you my assistance as long as you please to claim it,” Baumann quickly inter- rupted; “I only asked to learn your wishes. Dis- pose of me as you would of your real brother.” “T thank you, sir,” she said, and Baumann half fancied feeling her hand close upon his arm with a ‘shght pressure. “Let us go to the leading hotel in the city, where I shall be most likely to find my friends.” Baumann spoke to the first well-dressed pedes- trian, and received the desired directions. They reached the hotel after a short walk, where he registered as “H. Baumann and sister,” and then conducted her to the door of her room. “You'll look after the baggage and return soon, Eomichooks (E(0) m