Roxy Hastings — page 84: what you’re looking at

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

ROXY HASTINGS. 15 bodings, and regretted deeply that he himself had first, by his own apprehensions, instilled them into his mind, “It is wrong to be thus distrustful of Providence,” he said, ‘‘and we must foster the virtue of hope.” *‘You are right,” replied Alfred. “I will try to do so, but I think I will abide by my resolution not to draw.” “As you choose. It does not alter your chances, for if the black ball remains when all have drawn, of course it is yours. But I do not believe,” added Louis, reverently, “that any chance is to decide this weighty question. Heaven’s decrees have already settled it.” ‘‘Therefore let us be content,” Alfred added, and his manner became changed to one of great serenity. He ate his breakfast with zest, and chatted and smiled, with a real composure, that amazed those of his companions who were in the same peril, and who vainly affected his tran- quillity of demeanor. Half an hour after their morning meal was finished three military officers entered the prison, preceded by one of the guard, and not without much courtesy and feeling an- nounced their errand. One of the first lieutenants eagerly accosted them with the question : “Who are to draw? Men of what rank 2?” “Only second lieutenants,” was the reply, “of whom we are informed there are but six here.” “Only six.” While the officers made ready for this lottery of death, one of the six inquired with a calm voice, yet with blanched cheeks, whether anything further had been heard of Gray’s prospects ? . “Yes, I am sorry to say there is telegraphic news that the court-martial will probably sit to-day, and that no doubt is entertained of his conviction. If convicted it is said no threats of retaliation will retard his execution a single mo- ment.” . “This igs bad news, boys,” said Alfred, “but we must make the best of it.” : “Our machinery is very simple, gentlemen,” resumed:-the Confederate officer. ‘‘Here are the balls, and this is the box in which they are to be placed.” It was not unlike an old-fashioned ballot-box, with a hole in the top barely sufficient to admit a man’s hand, and seemed to have been constructed for its present use. He dropped the marbles in, one by one, and continued : ‘Tf either of the gentlemen who are so deeply interested. Eomicboo (E(0) cS