Commodore Junk — page 233: what you’re looking at

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

296 COMMODORE JUNK. “ Took here, sir,” he continued. ‘I am in this place more powerful among my people than the king you serve. You smile ; but you will find that it is true.” “Tf IT am not killed, sir, trying to make some effort to escape.” “Escape!” cried the buccaneer, with his face lighting up. “Man, you have been warned before that you cannot escayie. The forest beyond where we stand is one dense thicket through which no man can pass unless he cut his way inch by inch. It is one vast solitude, standing as it has stood since the world was made.” “Bah!” cried Humphrey, scornfully. ‘A determined man could make his way.” : ‘“ How far?” cried the buccaneer. ‘A mile—two miles— and then, what is there /—~starvation, fever, and death—lost in that vast wilderness. Even the Indians cannot penetrate those woods and mountains. Will you not take my word?” “ Would you take mine,” said Humphrey, scornfully, “if our places were changed? I shall escape.” The buccaneer smiled. “You have an easy master, captain,” he said, quietly ; “but I would like to see you wear your chains more easily. Humphrey Armstrong, you cannot escape. There is only one way from this place, and that is by the sea, and there is no need to guard’ that. Look here,” he cried, laying his hand upon the prisoner’s arm, “ you have been planning this for days and days. You have lain out yonder upon that stone by the old palace, calculating how you could creep away; and you found your opportunity to-day, when you said to yourself, ‘These people are all asleep now, and I will find my way round to where my men are prisoners.’ ” As he spoke Humphrey changed colour and winced, for the buccaneer seemed to have read his every thought. Gomichbooksneo