Commodore Junk — page 216: what you’re looking at

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

CAPTAIN HUMPHREY COMES-TO. 209 “Name the sum, then, sir, and if it is in my power it shall be paid.” “Tt is too soon to talk of ransom, Captain Armstrong,” said his visitor, “you are weak and ill yet. Be patient, and grow well and strong. Some day I will talk over this matter with you again. But let me, before I go, warn you to be care- ful not to attempt to escape, or to encourage either of your men to make the attempt. Even I could not save you then, for the first man you met would shoot you down. Besides that risk, escape is impossible by land; and we shall take care that you do not get away by sea. Now, sir, have I listened to all you have to say?” “One word, sir. JI am growing stronger every day. Will you grant me some freedom ?” ‘Captain Armstrong is a gentleman,” said his visitor ; “if he will give his word that he will not attempt to escape, he shall be free to go anywhere within the bounds of our little settlement.” Humphrey sat thinking, with his brow knit and his teeth compressed. “No,” he said; “that would be debarring myself from escaping.” “You could not escape.” “T should like to try,” said Humphrey, smiling. “Tt would be utter madness, sir. Give me your word of honour that you will not attempt to leave this old palace, and you shall come and go as you please.” ‘No, sir, I will remain a prisoner with the chances open.” “ As you will,” said the buccaneer, coldly ; and he rose and left the chamber, looking thoughtful and absent, while Humphrey lay back on his couch, gazing hard at the great stone idol, as if he expected to gain information from its stern mysterious countenance, N Gomicbooks =_)