A Gentleman from Gascony: A Romance of the Huguenots — page 118: what you’re looking at

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

114 A GENTLEMAN FROM GASCONY. hat drawn low down over the brow entered the apart- ment. ; After twenty-four hours’ confinement, the patience of the Chevalier de Puycadére had become exhausted, and he had determined to venture forth and seek if possible some news of Gabrielle before his departure for La Rochelle. As one of the soldiers, an Italian named Griffo, caught sight of him, he nudged the sergeant and whispered something in his ear. The latter rose unsteadily and with a full beaker of wine in his hand addressed the new-comer, before Simon Beppa, who scented danger at the unlooked-for appearance of the young Huguenot, could intervene. “Come, my master,” spluttered the sergeant. “Drink — our toast in a bumper of good liquor. Here’s to the Catholic flail.” “And a speedy downfall to Harry of Navarre,” added Griffo. The glass was held unsteadily and inconveniently near Raoul’s nose. Pretending to slip in a pool of liquor which had been spilled upon the floor, the Gascon struck the glass with his elbow and the sergeant’s face was deluged with the contents. 3 “Hundred thousand devils!” cried Annibal in a fury and half drawing his sword. “By hilt and point, but blood shall flow for this!” “ Nonsense, sergeant!” said Raoul, with a good- humored laugh, and, placing his hand on the other’s arm to prevent him carrying out his intention. “ Wine is quicker drawn than blood, and, if spilt, more easily wiped away. Landlord, bring six bottles of your best, and I will pay the reckoning.” GComicbooks (E(@)