Ensign Merrill — page 42: what you’re looking at

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

ee ae i a ee ; ose? - = . ¥ ne THE EXPLOSION, Ee i ad > — — ri: > o~, 2 Bro laces there had visited the Badger since the previous ~ afternoon, and Patrick’s ridiculous excuses _ only strengthened the belief. | If any further proof was needed, that worthy’s action » in denying it would be sufficient. Why should he lie — if he had not wished it kept a secret? Now the ques- — tion was, who could it have been? Merrill glanced at the monogram, and a troubled look overcast his face. The receipt of the warning letter on the previous day, and the discovery of Ah Foy’s connection with the - enemy had made the young ensign believe that strenu- ous efforts would be made to defeat the expedition at the outset if possible. [For this reason it was only the course of wisdom to exercise every precaution. He re- _ solved to try and frighten the watchman into telling ‘the truth. ‘‘Patrick, some person or persons have been on board this vessel since last evening. Iam positive of it, and lam going to ask you for the last time to tell me who they were. You have been many years in the employ of Bevins & Rollins, and your position is good for life if you continue in their favor. Now, I know that the general gave you very strict orders about not permit- ting any one, mind you, any living soul beside myself and friends to come on board.’’ Mark paused for a moment and gazed sternly at the man. Poor Patrick shifted from one foot to the other uneasily, and tried to escape from that accusing eye. He did not attempt any more ingenious excuses, how- ever. Merrill continued: _ “*Who was your visitor? Will you tell me or not?”’ ‘‘Yis; your honor.’’ The words were uttered in a very low tone, and Pat did not look up as he made his confession. ‘“‘Ye see, it was this way. ~ This marnin’ : arly, a eran rowed alongside wid wan passenger in Eomicbooks:.com ~