Thrice Wedded, but Only Once a Wife — page 121: what you’re looking at

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

11g, ee" RICE WEDDED. Oh, Why did he not heed that timely warning? He quickly gained the side of the prostrate man, and sprang to the ground to his assistance. | Scarcely had his foot touched the earth when the man sprang to his feet, and covering Mr. Ellerton’s heart with a heavy revolver, shouted: ‘Stand, or your life is the forfeit!” Like a flash of ightning his situation rushed upon him, and he realized all too late how necessary had been the warn- ing he had that morning received! He knew he must have been followed and watched every step of the way from the hotel, and that the farce of the dis- mounted and injured ricer had only been an ingenious trap, into which he had so readily fallen. His own hand involuntarily sought for his weapons of de- fense, but at that moment a slight rustling caused him to glance up, and he saw three more ruffians surrounding him. He realized at once how utterly vain and useless would be any attempt at resistance, and without a word he submitted to have his hands bound behind him. One of the villains now approached him with a folded ‘handkerchief, remarking jocosely, with a tantalizing grin: ‘Neat little trap, wasn’t 1t? Now, if you please, we will cover up those peepers of yours, as vou migh$ be adding to your stock of information while we make our journey to the palace; and that would not suit the king you know.” The villain langhed a coarse laugh, in which he was heartily joined by his companions. “Hor what am I molested?” demanded Mr. Ellerton, with calm disdain, while he suffered himself to be blindfolded. ‘The king wants you,” was the reply. “What king?” ‘Why, our king. He has got no particular province as I -know of. I may as well call him the King of the Cannibal Islands as anything else,” replied the ruffian, winking at his | comrades. . Again their rude laughter rang over the echoing hills. ‘““W here are you taking me?” asked Mr. Ellerton, not deign- ing to notice the wretched attempt at witticism. _. To the palace, as I informed you before; and to safe - quarters I’ll warrant you. Come, tramp, for we are in a -- comicboo S (E(0)