Commodore Junk — page 32: what you’re looking at

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

A MONTH LATER. 95 see whether he has got home safely ; and it will clear away the fumes of the liquor. Here goes.” He slipped out of the room, and, taking a stout stick which was the companion of his hat, he started forth into the cool night air, and walked sturdily away in the direction of his cousin’s home. About half an hour later the drowsy groom, who was sitting up for the captain’s return, rose with a sigh of satisfaction, for he heard the clattering of hoofs in the stable-yard. “ At last!” he cried; and, taking a lighted lantern, he hurried out, to stand in dismay staring at the empty saddle, which had been dragged round under the horse’s belly, and at the trembling animal, breathing hard and shaking its head. “Why, she’s all of a muck,” muttered the man; “and the captain ar’n’t on her. He be fallen off, ’'d zwear.” The man stood staring for a few minutes, while the horse pawed impatiently, as if asking to be admitted to its stable, Then he opened the door, the weary beast went in, and the man stood staring with true Devon stolidity before he be- thought him of the necessity for removing the saddle from its awkward position. This seen to, it suddenly occurred to him that something ought to be done about the captain, and he roused up the coachman to spread the alarm in the house. “‘ Nay, well only scare the poor ladies to death,” said the Jehu of the establishment, grey hairs having brought him wisdom. ‘ Let’s zee virst, lad, if there be anything really bad. If he be droonk and valled off, he won’t thank us for telling his wife. Zaddle the dwo coach-norses, Ridgard, and we'll ride to town and zee.” The horses were quickly saddled, and the two men-servants trotted along the Dartmouth road till about half-way, where, Comicdooks