A Silver Brand — page 240: what you’re looking at

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

939 A SILVER BRAND. freshening, I must go out and see how the night has fared with our patient.” She spoke the lastin araised tone of voice with her hand on the bolt, which she slipped purposely with much noise to give warning of her approach. She found him sitting up, having evidently made a suc- cessful attempt at a morning toilet. “You are better,” she said, joyfully, though in a low and guarded voice. ; “Much better; quite well, indeed, except for the thump on my head, and a little languor and weakness. And you —I hope you have been able to find some sleep, notwith- standing. the unpleasant and painful situation,” he re- turned, earnestly. “T lave. If only I did not know how keenly our friends are suffering, I should be inclined to treat it like a frolic. Somehow I cannot anticipate any positive evil. The man has a mercenary object. He believes, as we all do, that Lina belongs to some great and wealthy family. He - thinks he shall receive a generous ransom. He will get it; I think, with assurance also of his own escape from punishment for the daring deed. Then we shall all be re- leased. If I could only send word to my poor grand- mother, to relieve her fears, I think I could be contented here.” ‘‘T am sure I could,” replied Stephano, heartily, with an earnest glance into Serena’s face which brought the faint - blushes there. “But what must be done? I have been _ puzzling and puzzling half the night to imagine a way for me toserve you. I have little doubt that I can overpower this man who has been left in charge, but what can I do then? I have no boat, and, as I understand it, we are on that isolated rocky mound, an island by itself, off at the right of the Hermit’s Isle, around which the surf beats constantly. Can you show me what way to serve you 2” ‘Patient waiting seems the present duty,” returned Serena, gently. “You are not strong enough to match that powérful man. Besides, the leader may have re- turned, and they are both armed. No, no; while we are treated respectfully and kindly, I cannot consent to any violent attempt at escape. I amin hopes the man Jack will explain the situation more fully. Hush! Some one is coming.” | Stephano lay back hastily and closed his eyes, turning his face toward the wall and into the shadow. After a glance to see that he was prepared, Serena Eomicbooks.com — € “~~ 2 - vu ay , i. » . nee 8 = ed ag ~