A Silver Brand — page 237: what you’re looking at

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

A SILVER BRAND, Ne A BBD “Impossible! What do you mean, sirrah? Do you deny the existence of such a place?” | ‘I deny nothing, your highness. I only say it is impos- sible that I should lead you to such a place.” “Do you mean that you do not know where or how to: find it?” Wirt Womberg was silent. He only folded his arms in a sort of passive resignation to whatever fate might have in store for him. “This is discreet and loyal treatment !” raged the prince. “Do you forget who I am, and what command I hold here? Answer me truthfully, old man, and speedily. Do you know of such a secret passage?” — The poor old man’s face blanched a little, but there was no quailing of the fearless eyes. “Yes, your highness, there is such a place. oad The black frown faded out from the royal tyrant’s face ; his eye glittered with savage exultation. ‘Lead on to it then.” Old Wirt Womberg stood with folded arms, and moved not a step. “Did you hear my command?” thundered the prince - again. "i I heard, your highness, but I told you before I could not abey.” “Do you refuse to comply 3 2” was the stern demand. ‘“Tdo. Itis my duty to refuse,” was the firm response. “Ho, Hernberg! come forward ‘and see what you can do to bring the obstinate fool to reason. You may try your sword or pistols, the rack, fire, torture of any kind. Give him ten minutes to show us the spot,” was the pitiless command. “Tt will avail nothing,” said Wirt Womberg, sorrow- fully. ‘‘It is forty years since I took the oath at the old baron’s knees by my father’s side, with his hand in bless- ing on my head ; an oath never to reveal my knowledge of this secret to any except a Schwarzenberg who had entered into possession. They are dead now, your highness, but my oath is sacred still.” How much nobler and more princely looked the digni- fied old manin his very simplicity than this perverted scion of aroyal house! A little thrill went through the scared lookers-on, but the prince only gave a more sinister — and evil smile, ‘Poor fool,” he said, ‘‘you will soon be convinced that your first duty is to your sovereign.’ vo ‘S rie : Comicboo