Roxy Hastings — page 71: what you’re looking at

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

~— 62 ip ROXY HASTINGS. § | te -gacrificed a month before, but now and then some treasured souvenir was still offered up to procure some scant favor in which the patient was always sure to share. “You will have to go to the hospital, after all, Lew,” said Alfred one morning, when he saw the poor fellow turn loathingly away from both the food and drink which had been brought to him. “This is the third meal you have skipped, and there you will at least get medicine, and some lighter food.” “T should die there, Alf, I know it perfectly well. I shall die here probably, buttet me stay. I insist on it—it is my only chance.” ‘‘But I should reproach myself if—” : “No—no; itis the other way. You will reproach your- self if you send me away, and never see me again. I know your tender heart. Let me stay. Probably it will not be long. Ah! I did not mean to say that. I think I am a little stronger to-day.” Lee made an ineffectual appeal that evening to one of the guards, a stout, black-whiskered man, named Hess, for a little good tea—a little real coffee—a little broth—for his friend—promising to pay liberally as soon as his expected remittance came. “T reckon there’s money enough in this room now if you choose to shell out,” said the man. “I ain’t goin’ to spend ny. money to buy dainties for you—you may bet high on that.” While these events are occurring in the prison, let us see what had become of that bountiful supply of money which had been sent for Alfred’s relief. Mr. Pickard proved entirely faithful to his trust. <Al- though his action was secret it was so only for the sake of insuring a safe transmission of the treasure. The propriety of sending it he did not doubt. Old Luke was surprised when the surgeon opened his confidential budget, and he was flattered by the great con- fidence reposed in him. . He gladly undertook the task required of him, and his delight was quadrupled when he learned how large a sum of money was to compensate his services. | “I can take de money to Richmond easy ‘nuff, doctor,” he said. “Dere ain’t no trouble ’bout dat; but wedder I can put it into Lieutenant Lee’s own hand I don’t know about dat ar. And you want me to bring his resate.” _ Try a few dollars on the guard, Luke, and if he won’t let you in with the parcel you can at least get in empty- GEomicbooks co