Commodore Junk — page 150: what you’re looking at

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

AFTER A LAPSE, 143 ‘‘or he’d have been shut up in prison along with poor Abel now.” “ Better so,” said the other, fiercely ; ‘“ and then there’d be an end of a persecuted life.” ‘‘Better as it is,” said Bart, quietly ; “but I did save you.” ‘“ Bart, old lad, don’t take any notice of what I say,” whis- pered Jack. “T don’t, lad, when you’re put out. I never do.” “ Don’t speak to me like that. It maddens me more.” “ No, it don’t, lad. It’s only me speaking, and you may hammer me with words all night if it does you good. I don’t mind. I’m only Bart.” “My true old friend,” whispered the other, quickly ; ‘ but it’s time they were back.” “Nay, not yet,” said Bart, as the other stood gazing over the side of the schooner toward where a long, low bank of mist seemed to shut out everything beyond. “They've been gone two hours, and it’s now four bells.” “ Ay, and it'll be six bells before they get back, and it’s a long way to row. _ Do you mean to try it, then?” “Try it? Yes, if I die in the attempt. Did I hesitate when you two were on the plantation, and I was alone and— a boy?” ‘Not you,” said Bart. ‘Then, do you think I shall hesitate now that I have a ship and followers to back me up ?” Bart shook his head. “‘ Abel must be saved ; and the men agree.” “ Ay; they say they'll have the skipper out of the prison, or they’ll die first.” “‘ Brave fellows!” cried Jack, enthusiastically. CONnnicGloOolk<s