A Silver Brand — page 177: what you’re looking at

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

A SILVER BRAND. ! 169 or long ere this we should have found a gaping crow around us.” : genet And having revived her sinking strength with the wine, the generous-hearted seronaut set out as swiftly as possible to find the desired conveyance. Following the road nearly a mile he came upon the grandly carved entrance gate of a magnificent avenue, which wound nearly half a mile up the rising ground to a stately mansion. | ‘“The Count Schrodter’s castle,’ muttered he. “TI shall take fine care to seek no assistance there. But in some of . his humble tenantry I may surely find a compassionate heart.” It was with intense relief that after trudging another — long distance he saw a cluster of cottage roofs néstling on — the southern slope of a gently rising hill. | _ He walked up boldly to the first and knocked The rosy- ‘faced woman who came to the door looked at him suspici- ously, and made him, for the first time, aware of his dis- ordered appearance, his scratched face, and torn clothing. He'had not meant to refer to the balloon, but in the mo- mentary confusion, induced by her distrustful look, he stammered : | “T have met with an accident. My balloon collapsed and fell, and I have escaped mercifully with my life. Can you tell me if I can find a horse and cart of any sort to take me home? Do any of ‘the. good men about take little jobs of the kind ?”: Her face cleared promptly as she replied: “My lad is away up at the castle, but there's Jock over beyond. His beast is at home, and he’s an idle fellow as likes to earn his florins without hard work. I’ve a mind that he’ll take you.” | Jock was found: a rollicking young fellow, who was prompt in his consent principally, the eronaut suspected, from his desire for such close proximity to the balloon. It was with keen satisfaction that the bargainer discovered that Jock’s cart had a canvas covering. He saw the rather sorry looking animal secured to the cart, and mounted into the seat readily. | “But,” said Jock, “it be a long stretch. I shall be hungry before I come back. Wait for me to eat my din- ner and supper inone. I’m powerful hungry, master.” A bright idea came to the other. “Bxactly. Take as much time as you please, Jock. We must come back on this road. I will go and fetch the bal- loon, and stop for you on my way,back.” SS) cComicboo (ele)