A Silver Brand — page 266: what you’re looking at

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

258 A SILVER BRAND. us just home from sea; but, as you say, it is too good a chance to lose. If we make out well I reckon we can soon retire from business. Now I’m off. Good-night to you, Jack.” The three standing at the cellar door, listening, gave each other a quick grasp of the hand as this new pro- gramme was revealed to them, but as Jack’s heavy step ascended the stairs they retreated hastily. The next morning Stephano woke suddenly and found a pair of handcuffs locking his wrists, while Jack Robinson stood over him with a triumphant leer. “Only a pair of bracelets.” he sneered, “to make sure our invalid don’t harm himself. They are very becoming my gentleman; ask the ladies if they ain’t.” It was on the morning that the week was up that Lina flung herself into Serena’s arms with such a despairing cry. : 2 “Nat is dead—he must be dead. And they will take us to the schooner to-night. I know by Robinson’s look that we shall go to-night.. And poor Stephano’s hands are fettered. Will they use those horrible gags to prevent our screaming? Oh, Serena, is there nothing we can do?” “Tam going out to speak with Robinson. Sometimes he seems to listen, and be affected by what I say. I will make a last appeal to his humanity, but I fear it is idle,” answered Serena, calmly, yet with a sorrowful look in her eyes. Both girls had grown pale and listless, but it was nat- ural enough for such strict seclusion from sunshine and fresh air, aside from the anxiety and grief they had like- wise suffered. ‘ Lina sat down dejectedly on the edge of the rude bed- stead, folded her hands listlessly, and waited her friend’s return. Serena came back shortly, a glow on her face, but whether of indignation or satisfaction Lina could hardly decide. : “Is it of any use to hope?” she asked, wistfully. “Of much use to hope! always and everywhere!” an- swered Serena; “but my pleading had no influence upon him, though once I almost fancied he would yield. But he solemnly assures me no real harm shall be allowed to reach us. I really think we must try to make the best of it, dear. But I have one item of good fortune for you. He was fumbling im his pockets while he talked, and this key fell out and dropped upon his green jacket, which lay in a heap on the floor. I did not allow him to see that I Gomicbooks.co im