The Blockade Runner — page 217: what you’re looking at

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

21s THE BLOCKADE RUNNER. It was a large, two-story building, and the only light visible side came from one of the lower windows. . The men were admitted in response to a knock from Powell. “We go upstairs, Flash,” said the blockade runner, leading ‘the way to a flight of steps almost directly ahead. Gilmor did not appear to be a prisoner any longer. » He seemed to know what was upstairs, for he went up the steps with much eagerness visible in his eyes. The trio had entered a building in which scores of men then serving in the Confederate navy had taken their first lessons in swordsmanship. The room that awaited them on the second floor ex- tended the entire length of the building. It was dimly hghted, but Powell soon increased the hight, revealing a number of sword-racks, well supplied with blades of all kinds. Some revolvers were also visible. “ You know the place, | see—you have been here before,” said the blockade runner, noticing the rapid olance of recognition which Flash Gilmor sent round the room. — “The old place has a familiar look,” was the reply ; “but I believe we came here for a purpose.” “ Yes—to fight! Select your weapon.” Did a gleam of satisfaction light up Powell’s eyes when he saw Gilmor step totvard a case containing some revolvers ? , If so, it soon disappeared, for, instead of removing a revolver from the case, Gilmor took a splendid saris from the rack. “Tam ready,” he said, whirling upon Powell with the air of a duellist sure of his man. COMMENOOKS.EO %