Penny Blood Serial Cover — page 128: what you’re looking at

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

120 ALFRED DE ROSANN. first time since his encounter with De Rosann and Belle-Rose. A reply in the affirmative satisfied the old man, who did not waste any time in idle discourse, but again walked quickly on, followed by the two con- victs. They crossed the second enclosure, and arrived ata small lodge, to which Plombier introduced his companions; and having supplied them each with a change of apparel, he bade them hasten to lay aside their prison garb. This was the work of a few mo- ments: Plombier then addressed them as follows:— ‘¢ My dear friends, your deliverance is at hand; and [ sincerely hope your escape will lead you to better fortunes. Your memories have doubtless treasured up all that Leblond told you in the gaol of Verneuil: the time will perhaps soon arrive when your gratitude to the great author or authors of your~present happy egress from these accursed walls will be put to the test. May you not be found wanting! I have now done my duty. Denart; and, when the moment shall be at hand, do you perform yours. Adieu!” With these words he opened a wicket that led into a ‘narrow street, and gently pushed De Rosann and Belle-Rose from the lodge. The former turned round to express his thanks; but the old man had retired— the wicket was closed—and Alfred was fain to follow his companion away from the gloomy walls. At a little distance, the challenge of a sentry struck a momentary terror to our hero’s heart: but the sol- dier entertained not the slightest suspicion of the real truth; he merely examined the passports, or rather cast a very cursory glance over them, and politely informed our hero and his comrade that they might pursue their way, a permission which they did not give him the trouble to repeat. “Nothing could have happened more fortunately. than the murder of the inspector, the condemnation of Francois, and the ingratitude of Edouard,’ re- marked Belle-Rose, as they, issued from the town- gates and breathed the fresh air of the country. Gomichbooksteco r