The Price He Paid — page 22: what you’re looking at

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

A DARK SPOT. 13 -course—with Fraulein von Harder. That is what we, in plain English, call ‘standing sentry!’ How many such chance encounters may you, with or without my co-operation as walking gentleman, have enacted on this stage? Take care the mamma does not get to hear of these sociable little rambles.” “You know that my leave is out, and that I must start to-morrow,” was the rather curt reply. Max heaved a little sigh. “Ah, the interview is likely to last a tremendous time to-day, I see. Don’t be offended, old fellow. It may be very interesting to you to swear eternal fidelity by the sun, moon, and stars, but, for an out- sider, the business is excessively tedious, particu- larly with such a temperature as we have to-day. I may safely say it is the warmest proof of friendship I ever gave a man in my life.” Talking thus, they had reached the “ wood,” really nothing more than a group of chestnut trees shad- ing astretch of meadow-land on the border of the lake. It was afavorite and much frequented re- sort of the townsfolk, for from thence might be had a splendid panoramic view of the lovely sheet of water and the grand surrounding mountains. Now, at noonday, the spot was quite solitary and deserted. George who had hurried on before, stood still and gazed around expectantly, but in vain. Max sauntered up slowly after him, and in his turn took a general survey, but with no better result. Failing to discover.a figure in the distance. he sat down. be- neath one of the mightiest chestnut trees, on a gorassy bank which formed a natural resting-place, and whence the finest prospect might be enjoyed. Leaning back in the most comfortable posture, he watched his friend with a mixture of raillery and compassion, as the latter paced up and down, be- traying in every look and action his feverish uneasi- ness. “T say, George, what is to be the end of this love affair, this romance of yours?” he began again, after a protracted silence. The other frowned. EComicbooks7co