A Silver Brand — page 248: what you’re looking at

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

9400 A SILVER BRAND. “Robinson has not returned, and no sign has come of any investigation on the part of your friends,” said Stephano. ‘‘It is folly for me to delay the attempt to overpower this Mike. I ought to have made sure of it during the daylight. Itis not too dark yet for us to pick our way.” “No, no,” cried Lina, clinging to his arm; ‘‘Mike carries a pistol, and you have no weapon whatever.” “But Ican find a dozen effective ones,” he answered, firmly ; “it is cowardly and hazardous for us to remain here another night, with but one man fora._ jailer, if we mean to escape.” | “But another desperate one is expected every moment,” said Serena. ‘‘I think rather it would be unwise to run such a risk while we are kindly treated. Let us still make the best of the situation.” And they separated with good-nights as cordial and in as friendly and familiar tones as if they had been members of the same family for years instead of hours. Just after midnight they were roused by a noisy pound- - ing on the cellar door. The trembling maidens sprang up shivering with excitement, and listened intently. ‘Nat, Nat, we are here,” called Lina. ‘‘Curses upon Nat! his fate is settled for him!” growled a surly voice, and the knocking was renewed, while Rob- inson’s wrathful voice shouted for Mike. Mike came shuffling along when Serena slid away the bolt on their side of the door, and gave him admittance, and producing the key unlocked the cellar door. Robinson, bearing a large box, staggered by him and dropped wearily upon the floor. ‘ Bring me some liquor, Mike, my strength is well beat - out of me.” “What has been the matter?” demanded Mike, staring at the strange figure his flaring candle revealed, for Rob- inson’s face was covered with blood and dirt, his clothing was torn, one eye ‘terribly bruised, and his whole appear- ance shocking and revolting in the extreme. | “Bring me the liquor, I say,” thundered he again, “and then go down tothe cave and drag in the boat. When I’m ready to explain my doings to you, you’ll hear about it and not before.” « | Mike obeyed without another question. _ Lina stood a moment looking at him fiercely, and then she demanded, hotly; | i =Comicboo (S.C