Penny Dreadfuls, 1916 · page 266 of 400
Tom Anderson, Dare-Devil: A Young Virginian in the Revolution — page 266: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Page from "Tom Anderson, Dare-Devil" This is a page of running prose (page 248) from a penny dreadful serialized story. The text depicts a dialogue between characters discussing Captain Anderson, described as a talented but politically suspect "Rebel" officer. A character named Pinckney recounts being insulted by a Scottish officer in the King's Militia and threatens retaliation. His companion Peggy expresses fear about political consequences—hanging and confiscation—while Pinckney reveals his intention to search for the wounded Sir Æneas. The passage concludes by noting that Charleston society is distracted by multiple tragedies, including the unsolved murder of Captain Paris, with rumors spreading among Royalists, Loyalists, and Rebels alike.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
248 Tom ANDERSON, DareE-DEVIL never mind about your Rebels. Tell me about Captain Anderson.” “Ha, ha! He’s one of the ‘ruffian Rebels.’ Saw you did not suspect it. He’s a paroled prisoner. Gentleman from the crown of his head to the sole of his foot. ‘The foot isn’t much bigger than yours, Peg. He writes poetry, — jam-up poetry, too, — sings better than anybody in the Capital, dances as well as I do, and there’s no gallanter officer in the Southern army. And the finest swordsman in Charleston: anybody that could lay out Sir Atneas! Don’t I wish I could cross swords with The McIntosh! He’d finish me quicker ’n a butcher-bird can stick a sparrow ona thorn. Anyhow, I’m goin’ to punch that old Scotch steer’s head for insulting me; and ordering me to light him!” ‘Did he dare order you ?”’ “Called me ‘a wee suck-egg Rebel,’”’ swelling with im- portance. “Pinckney! I never heard such scandalous expressions. I am going to tell Grandma Savage!’ “Well, that’s the way Royalists talk. That old Scotch fool ’sin the King’s Militia. I’ll demand an apology from the old caiman. And | intend to tell my Lord Rawdon the Savages and St. Johns have done too much for English kings for any man in the royal service to insult Pinckney St. John because he’s no Royalist.” Pegey’s violet eyes grew wide. “And when you, my poor Pink, are hanged, and our estates all confiscated —”’ Pink wiped away her tears with a handkerchief Sir Aéneas might have cherished. “Oh, bless your heart, honey. Don’t you be scared. ‘They can’t hang us all. And a live American ts the livest thing in the plan of salvation. : must go and find if poor Sir A‘neas is alive — or like to ive. Others were bound on the same errand. Wild rumors were in every mouth. Following on the violent death of Captain Paris, — his assailant was still undiscovered, — this second tragedy distracted Charleston — Royalists, Loyalists, and Rebels, alike. Nobody knew what had actu- ECONMMICLOOOKS,(6©) m