A Silver Brand — page 222: what you’re looking at

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

214 A SILVER BRAND. reward, I presume you mean to provide her with food. Surely you will find the experiment a costly one.” “But I shall have back my pay for it all,” quoth Jack, confidently. | “But you have not yet explained why Iam also de- barred from my liberty,” said Serena, calmly. ‘‘T faith, because you were rowing the other one. Be- sides I knew you would keep her more contented, Where a fellow expects a big reward he needn’t consider trifling expenses.” | | ‘‘And you really think to hide us from the search of our . friends, and to secure yourself from the punishment the law gives for such a lawless proceeding?” proceeded Serena. ‘Rash man, for your own safety’s sake you had better send us baek while yet itis possible and go your own way in peace. We will promise to remain silent.” Robinson laughed lightly. ‘‘T am not easily scared. Whodo you think will fora moment venture to this spot? You know how the fisher- men shun the place. The Witch’s Cave and Haunted House are little troubled by visitors. They have too bad a reputation. Besides I have not left a-trace to betray anything. If they land below through the surf, which is something not often done, and get up the steep walls, then we have but to move you into the secret passage-way from the cellar, and what wiser are they ?” “Tt is a daring plot,” said Serena, gravely. “T am used to daring and reckless things,” answered he; “but come, these are your quarters for some time to come. I advise you to make the best of them. You will see, when you examine for yourself, that it is no use to hatch up any plans for escape. The place has been fitted up for such use, and it was strong at first, built for a sort of light-house, you may have heard. I say one man could guard a dozen others shut in here, and it’s no use for you to think of getting away till we are ready for you to go.” “ Well, I should think we might understand it,” broke in Lina, pettishly. _ “I hope you do. What I want, is for you to be con- tented, and not go to pining. You’re too precious, you know, to be lost by sickness, or anything of that. sort. There’s a bedroom for you—that door there. You may go into it when you please, and there’s a bolt on the door inside, and Mike won’t be disrespectful. Now I say that ought to content you.” | “It is far better than my fears foretold,” exclaimed cEomicbooks.-co