A Servant of Satan: Romantic Career of Prado the Assassin — page 120: what you’re looking at

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

112 A SERVANT OF SATAS open air, and remain both dinnerless and supperless. They were just about to turn their steps once more in the direc- ~ tion of the port, when suddenly a man who had been watch- ing them for some few moments as they wandered aim- lessly along, stepped across the street, and inquired in Ger- man what they were looking for, and whether he could be ~ of any assistance to them. Frederick at once replied in the same language that they were destitute and starving, and that they were exceedingly anxious to discover some means of earning a decent living. ‘‘ Have you tried any of our merchants and storekeepers?” asked the stranger. “Yes,” replied Frederick; ‘‘ but it is a hopeless task. It appears, from what they say, that they all have more em- ployees than they know what to do with.” ‘‘How would you like if I were to obtain for you this very night the sum of fifty guilders apiece, and an agree- able means of livelihood for several years to come?” Frederick’s face brightened visibly as he replied: ‘Of course we should be delighted, and exceedingly grateful to you. Do you mean it seriously? It would be cruel to joke on such a subject with men in our position.” “‘T can assure you,” rejoined the stranger, ‘‘ that 1 am thoroughly serious about the matter. What I propose to you is that you should enlist in the Dutch Army here. You know that the colonial troops receive a-high rate of pay. The promotion is rapid, the duties are light; and although certificates of good conduct in the past are required, yet your face inspires me with such confidence, and your desti- tute appearance with such sympathy, that I am prepared to give the authorities the requisite guarantees in your behalf. ” Frederick quickly communicated the friendly offer to his companion, and after a few minutes’ consultation, they de- cided on accepting it, with many thanks. It was indeed a comicbooks.co