A Silver Brand — page 247: what you’re looking at

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

A SILVER BRAND, 239 I know that the Fosses were jealously watchful of any. acquaintances she made.” ) “They are the paid hirelings to keep her existence a secret, until their master calls for her appearancce,” said Stephano, indignantly. ‘I had obtained all I know about her before this, and Nat the taxidermist has given me his confidence.” | “Nat!” exclaimed Serena. “Mr. Nathaniel? Ah, then I am sure it is all correct.” “And yet you look uneasy and grave,” persisted Stephano. Serena glanced across the room where Lina, mounted on a chair, was trying to peep through an aperture in the ~ stout shutters. Be oe “Do I?” she answered, listlessly ; ‘‘I do not mean to. I am only thinking—wondering——” ee ‘‘About what? Tell me about what you wonder ?” She turned her eyes toward him, smiled calmly in a grave, steady fashion, and answered : “I was wondering if you came across the ocean—if you came, or were sent—to marry Lina.” The blood rushed hotly into Stephano’s face. She read at once the confirmation of her suspicion, and as if satisfied with the discovery, turned away quietly. But Stephano made a detaining gesture. ‘*Hold,” he said, softity, but in a voice full of passionate resolution; “does it follow that.because I came for that purpose I.must continue in it, when I find my heart turn- | ing another way? Do you think I will barter my happi- ness for wealth, honors, or even filial duty ?” Serena heard every word, but she joined Lina and ap- peared as if she had not understood his meaning. Mike’s return compelled a forced silence on Stephano’s part. Fortunately for the latter, Mike seemed to have no con- cern about the sick man. Butas the day wore on, and Robinson failed to appear, he grew fidgety and uneasy, and mounted many times the rude stair-way which led to a sort of loft. where a powerful spy-glass was set, and swept it across that portion of the adjacent island which was in view, muttering : : “He promised to make the signal. If he has got into trouble it will be as much as my neck is worth to get out of this scrape.” Night fell again, and the three prisoners looked at each other anxiously a3 the cheerful talk failed, and the at- tempted smiles died off from their lips. Eomicbooks (Ee)