In Search of an Unknown Race — page 134: what you’re looking at

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

~< your charge as her escort to the world she has never seen. Ina sense, you will stand in my own place. Dv you accept the charge?” ‘‘T do,” said Van, solemnly, as, taking the young girl’s hand, he raised it to his lips. ‘‘ And may Goddo by me asI by Ninada.” This may sound a little high flown to the average reader, yot somehow even to Van's matter of fact nature it did not so occur. The circumstances that had called it forth were the most impressive his life had ever known, and Van Briscoe felt every word that he said. And he meant it, too. Mr. Briscoe drew a long breath, as though part ot a great burden had been lifted from his mind, while Ninada’s beautiful eyes filled with tears. | ‘‘ But why should Flores show so much resentment ?” rather impulsively asked Van. He repented the question as quickly as he had asked it. Partly because the reason itself occurred to him in the rich crimson that suddenly man‘led in Ninada’s cheeks, and partly at the frown which appeared on her father’s face. ‘‘ He is an undisciplined, evil passioned young fel- low ?” sharply returned Mr. Briscoe. ‘‘ But I am glad he has taken himself out of the way,” he went on, his face clearing as he spoke ; ‘‘ for there is something to be done in which he has no part.” It was on the tip of Van’s tongue to ask how much Flores knew of his guardian’s intentions regarding Ninada, but there was no chance just then. A flight of stone steps led from the balcony down into GomMmichbooks (E(0)