The Blockade Runner — page 235: what you’re looking at

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

256 THE BLOCKADE RUNNER. Norah looked appealingly to Throxton. She felt that she could do no more. — “No!” suddenly exclaimed Bentham, halting almost within reach of his waitingenemy. “I shall not touch you, viper. My revenge shall not consist of strokes with hand or blade. Get me writing materials, Throx- ton.” The Unionist had locked the door and removed the key some time before, so that Powers was safely caged. He now moved forward, and, lifting the lid of a desk, took from within ep pens ani ink, which he nianed at the Union gunner’s disposal. The Confederate privateer looked enamels on. What new indignity was he to be subjected to now? _ His lips met firmly as he took a mental resolve not to barter one of his rights away. He would die rather than sign an oath of allegiance to the United States. Neither would he put the name of Powers to a parole. “T will respect your eagerness, and proceed to busi- ness, captain,” said Bentham, turning from the desk. “ Come forward and take up the pen.” “To sign the rights of a Confederate officer away ? —never!”’ was the flashing rejoinder, and Powers seemed to. brace himself more firmly where he stood. Bentham and Throxton exchanged rapid glances and asion. - “You will obey Mr. Bentham, captain,” said the latter firmly. ‘‘ Disobedience may cost you more than your rights—life itself !”’ ‘‘ We mean business, sir;’’ and he was covered by a revolver, which Throxton had drawn. “Go forward, sir, and take up the pen. Bentham will dictate to you!” Gonnielbooks.connir |