Commodore Junk — page 220: what you’re looking at

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

THE PRISON LIFE. 213 ‘Black Mazzard ?” “From any one likely to do him harm,” said the captain, sternly. ‘ You understand ?” “Yes. I’m going,” replied Bart, in a low growl, as he gazed in his leader’s eyes; and then, with a curious, thoughtful look in his own, he went out of the captain’s quarters and in the direction of the prison of the king’s officer. Bart had to go down the broad steps of an extensive, open amphitheatre, whose stones were dislodged by the redundant growth of the forest ; and, after crossing the vast court-yard at the bottom, to mount the steps on the other side toward where, dominating-a broad terrace overshadowed by trees, stood a small, square temple, over whose doorway was carved a huge, demoniacal: head, defaced by the action of time, but with the features still clearly marked. As Bart neared the building a figure appeared in the door- way for a moment, and then passed out into the sunshine. “Hullo, my lad!” it exclaimed. ‘ You there?” Bart nodded. ‘“‘ Been putting in the last six barr’ls of the sloop’s powder, and some of these days you'll see the sun’ll set it all alight, and blow the whole place to smithereens! Where are ye going 1” “Yonder, to the prisoners.” “ Poor divils!” said Dinny. ‘“ Hadn’t ye better kill the lot and put ’em out of their misery? They must be tired of it, and so am [. Faix, and it’s a dirthy life for a man to lead |” | “Don’t let the skipper hear you say that, my lad,” growled Bart, “or it may be awkward for you!” “T'll let annybody hear me!” cried Dinny. “Sure, an’ it’s the life of a baste to lead, and a man like that Black Mazzard bullying and finding fault. I’d have sent one of the powdher Gomicbooks