A Queer Race: The Story of a Strange People — page 177: what you’re looking at

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

174 A QUEER RACE. from several of his friends, who gather round him, as if for the purpose of giving him their moral support, and, if the need should arise, probably something more. ‘“You forget, Amyas,” says Field, quietly, ‘‘ that ac- cording to Denzil Fane’s will and our constitution, the Council have a right of selection, and this right they have, by a unanimous decision, exercised in favor of your cousin Oliver.” ‘Tt is all a base intrigue. The right is obsolete, and I refuse to recognize it.” ‘You set the Council at defiance, then?” ‘‘T treat their decision with contempt, if that is what you mean; and I shall instantly declare myself protector, and appeal to the people for their support.” «That is flat rebellion, and, as president of the Coun- cil, I order you under arrest.” ‘“You do, do you? And who will execute your decree, I should like to know?” demands Amyas, insolently. «<T will,” says Oliver, stepping forward with dignity. ‘* You had better submit quietly, Amyas.” “© Oh, yes; very quietiy ”—drawing his sword, an exam- ple which is followed by his partisans, among whom f perceived Bolsover, armed with cutlass and revolver. ‘¢Touch me at your peril!” Oliver, Field and the others also draw their swords. “You are mad, Amyas. [ask you for the last time to submit,” says Oliver, ‘‘if only for the sake of your de- luded friends. You are the weaker party, and are sure to be worsted.” ‘Take that for your answer!” shouts Amyas, making a desperate lunge at his cousin. ‘‘ Now, gentlemen, at them! We will soon see which is the weaker party.” ‘“ Stop!” | | And Queen Mab, who has glided unseen from her hiding-place, stands between the combatants, and with imperious gesture bids them lower their weapons, The two leaders step back aghast, and terror is depicted on every face, for all believe they see before them a visitant from the world of spirits. “So you thought me dead, Amyas! You might, at least, have made some effort to ascertain whether I was (E(O) mM C JOO SH (ee)