A Silver Brand — page 195: what you’re looking at

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

A SILVER BRAND.- EIT _“T know where my orders were to bring you,” he mut- tered. ‘‘I know what I’m about, miss.” It doesn’t look like it, when you aim. directly for those breakers,” returned Serena, indignantly. “Don’t, Serena,” whispered Lina; “he wouldn’t send for me to come to a dangerous spot.” “T don’t think he would,” answered Serena, in the same tone, “but I think he has chosen a suspicious messenger. lam glad I came with you myself.” She sat down again as she finished, for he had evidently concluded it wise to yield. The boat fell overa trifle toward the left. Serena turned her head, and. again vaguely rejoiced to see the unknown boat following their track and. gaining alittle. She was thankful the rower did not observe it—why, she could not explain. The dis- quietude grew upon her. Every now and then she saw ~ their guide lift his head and look expectantly toward the shore, and when ‘she herself was aware of a boat pushing off right from the breakers it seemed. She shivered a little,-‘and sat chilled to the heart by a premonition of evil. Lina, however, laughed joyously, and murmured : “To think the gallant knight has succeeded in his quest! What will he tell me? Oh, I wonder what he will tell me !” : : Poor child! the solution was swift enough, and woefully unlike her brilliant anticipations. , | The boats neared each other swiftly, and, the moment they touched, the latest comer leaped into that where the girls waited expectantly. The rough, stout figure was little enough like the graceful proportions Lina had re- | membered so admiringly. “Tt is not Aubrey Dalberg!” she exclaimed, ruefully, - turning to Serena. ‘‘Fe’s out yonder on shore,” answered the coarse voice ; “just you come now quietly like peaceable girls and you'll find him.” < | . “Tf he is there, why did he not come himself? Why does he send such singular messengers?” asked Serena, coldly. : | “Oh, because—because—he don’t choose.’ “Well, and we don’t choose to trust ourselves ashore. Lina, you will not go,” responded the dauntless Serena. There was a quick gesture exchanged between the men. The latest comer stepped forward yet farther, and drew. out a pistol, pointing it toward them menacingly. | “Gee here now—we ain’t going to have any fuss, nor (ECO AA KGl exeye) S com