Commodore Junk — page 330: what you’re looking at

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

ONE PRISONER FREE. $23 ‘«‘ Well,” said Humphrey, bitterly, as if he were forcing himself to say words that he did not mean, “ why do you not strike? Iwas escaping. Call up your gang of cut-throats and end it all.” ‘ Hush! For Heaven’s sake, hush! You will be heard.” “Well,” said Humphrey, aloud, and as if in defiance; but a warm soft hand was placed over his lips, and its owner whispered— ‘“‘'You were trying to escape, or did you know ?” “Know!” said Humphrey, involuntarily speaking lower. ‘‘Know what? I was escaping.” “To the old temple! No, no, they are going there.” ‘Your hounds!” Silence, man, for your life!” was whispered close to his ear, and the hand once more sought his lips. “Come on, my lads!” came out of the darkness ahead. ‘IT know where to find him, snivelling yonder among the old images. Come on!” There was a shout, and it seemed as if the leader of a body of men, beneath whose feet the rotten branches that bestrewed the path crackled, had suddenly halted for his companions to close up before saying a few final words of encouragement. ‘‘ Now then,” the voice said in thick, husky tones, “stand by me, my lads. He’s gone on there, and there’s no getting back. One good, bold blow and we'll scotch him like a snake. Then fair share and share alike of all there is hidden away, and start straight. He’s no good now, and the others ’ll join in when he’s gone. Ready?” “Ay, ay!” came in hoarse, drunken tones; and as Humphrey felt himself pressed back into the pathway by which he had come, there was a staggering of feet, and a dull trampling, as about a dozen men passed on, leaving behind them the thick reek of hot, spirit-laden breath, uz COMnicloOol<s =)