Roxy Hastings — page 96: what you’re looking at

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

ROXY HASTINGS. 87 On the day of his removal to the lower room he held a long consultation with Louis, who was hourly gaining strength, but who kept his bed and simulated great weak- ness and exhaustion when either of the jailers was pres- ent. Hess, having received his large reward and having had some hints that his prisoner’s exchequer was by no means exhausted, had become very mild, and indeed al- most obsequious in his demeanor toward him. Intoxicated with his success, and athirst for more gold, he was partly thrown off his guard, and disarmed both of extreme rigor and extreme vigilance. Late in the afternoon the lieutenant said to him. “The night will be a hard one to get through with. I know I shall not sleep, and I want to have a late supper. You must get me a few bottles of the best whisky, for this wine that Luke brings me is losing its effect on me. Then let us have plenty of good oysters, bread and butter, crack- ers, etc.” ‘Ves. 9 “Get enough of everything, and come and take supper with us. Perhaps I can induce Lewy to sit up, and eat a little of the soup. I may as well take my comfort for the short time I have left.” “Course you may. There’s no use in moping,” replied the man, reaching out his hand for the money, which was to pay four times over for all that was ordered. “Ill see that it’s all right.” ‘‘Mind now—I want some of the oysters stewed, some fried, some raw; and don’t forget to have a few pickles, or olives, if you can, and some nice celery.” “Twill. Ill tell them all.” As Hess went out, Alfred called him back, and said, very eagerly : “I say, now—don’t forget the celery, and see that the stalks are pure white, and long and tender. Just break one or two of the stems, and see if they are tender.” “T will. It shall be all right.” The man went off, with the impression that Lee was quite a gourmand, and that his whole heart was set on his sup- er. s An hour later he came back, with part of the things which had been ordered, and inquired at what hour the lieutenant would like his supper. “As late as half-past ten, if you don’t mind, I mean to sit up till twelve, or after; it will shorten the night so. Let’s see if there’s plenty of cigars. Ob, yes!” GComicboo (Q) S| (ee)