The Blockade Runner — page 82: what you’re looking at

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

THH BLOCKADE RUNNER. 83 board the ill-fated Cumberland.” The place of second officer on the Avenger is at your command.” » ‘‘ Give me charge of a gun, and let another go to the quarter-deck.” “Tt shall be as you desire, sir,” said Marston. “Promotion is bound to find you wherever you be. The Avenger will be here to-morrow ; such are our advices at any rate.” This terminated the interview, and Bentham de- parted to join the friends who were waiting to congratulate him. | “A letter for you, Mr. Bentham,” said a youth, joining the group with a packet which he extended toward the young gunner. “It was found under the bastions, weighted down with a stone.” Bentham took the paper, which was not inclosed in an envelope, but was simply folded, and opened it. Those who watched him read saw his eyes light up suddenly with joy, and his cheeks flush like the cheeks of a schoolboy. This is what Bentham read: **Cousmn Bos: I was shocked to learn of your sudden departure, but not greatly surprised at the sentiments you have openly avowed. Wherever you go do not forget that my thoughts are with you, nor that my wishes are for your success. Your Uncle Gordon has purchased and sent to sea a vessel called the Swift- wing—the one you were to have sailed in under the Contederate flag. He is very much incensed against you, and I believe he has given Captain Powers—who was in a fair way for recovery when he left—special instructions to hunt youdown. lam confident, Cousin Bob, that you are quite able to take care of yourself as well as to attend to Captain Powers should you meet CoOMmicoooksse@ 5}