Penny Dreadfuls, 1916 · page 253 of 400
Tom Anderson, Dare-Devil: A Young Virginian in the Revolution — page 253: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Page 235 of "Pink" This is a page of running prose from what appears to be a serialized Victorian fiction (the header reads "PINK 235"). The text depicts a dramatic scene in which characters discuss an impending duel between Captain Troupe Anderson and an unnamed opponent, to take place at midnight in the Governor's deserted mansion. A character named Pinckney offers to help Anderson prepare for the duel by fetching fine clothing and grooming supplies, treating the serious matter with comedic irreverence. The narrative includes a flashback in which the elderly McIntosh recalls a previous deadly encounter near Savannah.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
PINK 235 St. John gave a view-halloo. “A duel! A duel! The Rebel from Hungry Hall and the Paris man-of-fashion — bravest fellow on Rawdon’s staff, too, — goin’ to run.one ‘nother through! My conscience, Captain! Why didn’t you send me round with the written acceptance? This coat would do you credit.” “Be done, Pinckney,’ commanded Lachlan McIntosh. “When and where, Anderson?’”’ “At midnight. In the grounds of the Governor’s de- serted mansion.” Troupe and McIntosh talked in undertones. Then the old man paced the room, sunk in reflection. He saw again an open glade in a wood outside of Savannah. Yellow jasmine blossoms lay on the grass. Hummingbirds flew around the jasmine vine. A swamp robin fluted among the blackberry bushes. Desperately wounded, one man leaned against the old oak, there— And at his feet — the dying Governor of Georgia. “General, may | offer a suggestion’?”’ Pink burst out. “Surely, my boy.” “Pop the bottles and drink to the health of Captain Troupe Anderson, while I go for some things. He’s got to write his letters. And make his will. The heir of Ox- heart is bound to make his will. Ben Taliaferro told me all about Oxheart. And he’s got to dress! By the Lord Harry, ’t will be the biggest duel ever fought in Charleston! Won’t my Lord Rawdon swear? ’T is pity the ball and the duel conflict. “I is like trumping your partner’s trick! Oh, I say, Captain Anderson? What are you going to wear?” “What should an American prisoner wear but his old uniform?”’ - “Well, we’ve got to cut a figure. Sir A‘neas is always the pink of perfection, you know. I’Il fetch some hair- powder, and pomade, and a satin stock, a bag for your hair, a lace handkerchief, some diamond shoe-buckles, and a nigger to brush your boots and scour your buttons. Be back in half a minute. Oh, have you a cambric shirt?” CORNICLMOO® SS (C(O) m