A Silver Brand — page 110: what you’re looking at

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

ae stephano’s trembling fingers, 102 A SILVER BRAND. and treacherous to those who are able to pay you handsomely ?” | | “That is my secret,” answered Nat, firmly. “And I must share it to be able to renew my con- fidence in you,” said the young man, quite as reso- lutely. The taxidermist gnawed a moment impatiently at his ip and then turned suddenly. | “Tf I give youa hint, a glimpse at my true iden- tity, may I calculate in future upon your implicit ~ Obedience to my instructions, your faithful help, even where matters look blind and dubious to your \judgment?” “If you convince me of your good faith to our cause you certainly may,” replied Stephano, but his tone betrayed his incredulity. Nat still stood debating within himself some im- portant question, but he seemed at last to arrive at a deliberate decision. “See how much I trust to you, Stephano,” he said, in a sad and slightly reproachful voice. “My secret is one of the most vital significance. I have kept it locked securely in my own breast for these many years and you have given me no such proof of your faithfulness and integrity as your familv have. re- ceived from me. And yet, in the face of your angry abuse and lack of faith, I put myself in your power. You ask for proof of my devotion to the Schwarzen- berg cause, of my deadly enmity to the schemes of that royal traitor and Von Schubert, his minion. Well, Stephano, you shall see.” | While he spoke he was unfastening his right sleeve. He pushed the linen fabric away, and showed a broad piece of leather securely buckled around the wrist. That in turn was undone, and the white, smooth flesh, its protected fairness show- ing from the tanned arm like a bracelet, was re- vealed to the young man’s wondering eyes. There on the wrist was a circular, purplish-brown spot, the very counterpart of that which Lina’s gold bracelet and Serena’s black velvet concealed. Nat _ took out the little magnifying glass aad passed it to_ — comicbooks.cot ed