A Gentleman from Gascony: A Romance of the Huguenots — page 133: what you’re looking at

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

‘A PORT IN A STORM. 129 Both statements were true, for the sergeant came staggering up to his two subordinates, his huge sword trailing behind him and continually getting between his legs. “Curse the sword!” he mumbled, stumbling against the parapet. “I can’t walk straight for it. When our very swords turn heretic, there’s an end—hic—to the true religion.” “And a speedy downfall to its supporters,” laughed Griffo. Sergeant Goujon pulled himself together with an effort, and with a desperate attempt at dignity com- manded: “Soldiers, respect your superior officer. Where’s the flask I told you to take from the table when they all —hic—ran out of the tavern?” “Here, sergeant,” replied Griffo, with evident reluc- - tance. “And yours, Mironton?” “ Here, sergeant.” “Good, very good,” and he took a flask from each, to their intense disgust. “ Always retain yourahieephea. ence of mind in face of an enemy. Now do you two guard the ends of the bridge, and the middle shall be my care. If any attempt to pass, shoot ’em down. Go!” The disappointed soldiers glanced at each other, shrugged their shoulders, but were forced to obey, and the hidden Gascon heard them tramping off in opposite directions. Then came the sounds of the popping of a cork and the gurgling of the liquor down Goujon’s ever-thirsty throat. “With a clink and a clank, . With a clink and a clank——"” Comichoo S (co in ae)