The Price He Paid — page 84: what you’re looking at

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

FORTUNE AND MARRIAGE. | 75 I, myself, have often told him he is not loyal as he should be.” Ihe councilor stood as though petrified on hear- ing these words, which were delivered with imper- turbable gravity. He was about to answer, when suddenly his chin disappeared into his cravat again, and he assumed a reverential attitude. “His excellency!” said he, under his breath, re- specttully taking off his hat. : : And looking round, they really saw the governor, coming from the castle, and going on foot toward the town. On reaching the spot where they stood, he returned the gentlemen’s greeting in his cool, measured fashion, took a rapid survey of young Brunnow, and then addressed himself to Moser: “It is fortunate I meet you, my dear sir. There is something I wish to say to you. Bear me com- pany for a few minutes, will you?” The councilor joined his chief, and the two went on toward the town, while the young men pursued _ their journey up the hill. | “So that is your despot, is it?” asked Max, as soon as they were out of hearing. “The much-abused, much-dreaded Raven! He is of an imposing pres- ence, that I must allow him. A bearing and dig- nity that would not ill-become a prince; and then that lordly glance with which he took my measure! One can see the man knows how to command.” “And how to oppress,” added George, bitterly. “We have had a fresh proof of itlately. The whole city isinastate of ferment on account of the ex- traordinary new police regulations he has saddled upomit. He means to repress by force the opposi- tion which is daily growing more active, and now threatens to become realiy troublesome. This last step of his is a flagrant affront to the whole body of citizens.” “ And the good townsfolk of R—— take it quietly ?” George cast a prudent glance around. The road was clear, and their conversation safe from curious ears, yet the young man lowered his voice as he an- swered: . “What canthey do? Rebel against their ruler, GEomicbooks (E(0)