A Silver Brand — page 274: what you’re looking at

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

266 | A SILVER BRAND. until that momentous time arrived. And there was noth: ing to do but to wait as patiently as might be. But never were moments of more interminable length to aching, watching hearts, and never was the gathering twilight welcomed with more devout thanksgiving than that which fell at length over the tower crowned heights on the ap- pointed evening. | Hernberg was lounging carelessly in the lower hall, with a well satisfied expression of countenance, for he had mastered the door of the second entrance, and at any moment by his.order the passage-way could be cleared, and_the mysterious fugitives secured. They had not escaped. One of the men, creeping in softly a iittle way, had heard their whispered talk. Hernberg was sure of the prize, and of the prodigal favor of the prince who was heir. to a throne whose king was already tottering to his grave. Herubbed his hands together softly, thinking of the sure advance of his fortunes. . He knew his master’s set ways and cruel disposition thoroughly enough to re- frain from losing him the satisfaction of being present to gloat over the dragging forth of the hunted fugitives. He had them safe, and he kept a jealous guard. Not that he mistrusted Von Schubert’s good faith. The latter had been too long in the confidence of the prince—too high in his favor to be suspected. Besides, who in the days gone had been so zealous and of such service in defeating all machinations in the Schwarzenberg or Baer interests ? No, Hernberg had no distrust of Von Schubert, only he was rigidly faithful to the duty committed to him. “To-morrow, you say, his highness is coming,” re- marked he. “Yes, to-morrow,” returned Von Schubert; “he will be in better humor when he knows that you have caged the birds, and hold acliew to’ the opening. It has been close and tiresome work. We ought to have had more men. These must all be well fatigued, for watching is harder than working always.” ‘“Humph! I don’t waste much pity on the fellows,” re- turned the other, indolently. “They had better have a stiff glass of brandy instead of beer, served out to them. It will be sleepy work watching through the night, and we can’t afford to risk anything. Shall you-go to bed? I’ve half a mind to stay up myself, for I can’t feel easy till they are safe in his hands. ‘'rhen _ our heads are safe, and our shoulders clean,” spoke Von Gomicbooks (Elo)