A Queer Race: The Story of a Strange People — page 180: what you’re looking at

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

A QUEER RACK, Lelae would not be crushed ourselves. It will be a severe struggle, yet if we ali pull together success is sure. What say you, Amyas: will you take part in the struggle, and endeavor, by loyalty and devotion, to win back your good name and my confidence?” “Only give me the chance, and you shall see, I swear m “But I cannot allow you to remain captain of my guard—that were unfair to better men; you must serve in the ranks as a common archer.” Amyas, who seemed deeply moved, bowed his head and kissed her hand. | ‘“‘T am more than conquered,” he said. ‘‘ The life which I had forfeited and you have spared is yours, Queen Mab. - Dispose of me as you think best. I ask only an opportunity to prove that I am not unworthy of your kindness and forgiveness. So help me God, I will serve you faithfully to the death.” ‘“It only remains now,” the queen went on, after a moment’s consideration—‘‘it only remains now to say wlio shall undertake the necessary preparations, organize our small army, and command it in the field. To this office I appoint our guest, Mr. Sidney Erle. He holds the Queen of England’s commission; he has been trained to arms. I can personally testify that he is brave, and as wise in council as he is prompt in action. It is a post of great difficulty and danger; nevertheless, although we can offer him little other reward than our gratitude, I am sure we may count on his loyalty and devotion.” CHAPTER XXVIII. BOLSOVER HIMSELF AGAIN. ASTONISHMENT was not the word. For the moment [ was simply stricken dumb. The idea of my commanding an army of piebald warriors in the field seemed too absurd for credence. I could not believe that Mab was in ear- nest, and I was about to tell her so, when she drew me aside. | ‘‘T know all you are going to say,” she said. ‘* You would rather not; but for my sake——” ay ‘‘T would doa great deal for your sake; but, really, you know, it is quite out of the question. 1 caunot con- (Ee) Gomicbooks