Penny Dreadfuls, 1916 · page 273 of 400
Tom Anderson, Dare-Devil: A Young Virginian in the Revolution — page 273: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Page Description This is a page of running prose from a Victorian penny dreadful titled "The Duel." The narrative depicts a dramatic courtroom or formal inquiry scene in which a prisoner is confronted by a man named Hopwood Higgins, skipper of the Nancy Ireson, who identifies the accused as Anderson, a cabin-boy. The prisoner remains silent when questioned by Lord Rawdon about the accusations, creating tension and mystery. The text emphasizes the dramatic atmosphere and the prisoner's stoical refusal to speak, leaving Lord Rawdon suspicious that "something extraordinary" underlies the case.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE DuEL 25¢ “My Lord, may it please Your Lordship, I ken the mon. Wha is he? The varra ship’s-boy we pickit oot 0’ the har- bor last nicht!” His Lordship’s secretary came hurrying in from the hall. Habersham’s whisper reached every ear. | “My Lord, here’s a man with papers identifying the prisoner.” “Show him in.” “Gad!” drawled the cornet. “The black wolf in sheep’s clothing’s going to be skinned!” The room was so still that every footstep of the sentry in the moonlit gallery outside struck on those listening ears. Every man in that gorgeous group turned toward the door. Enter Mr. Hopwood Higgins. His hat under his arm, he swaggered forward. “Your servant, gents. Higgins is my name. Skipper of the Nancy Ireson,’’ — with a furtive look. Did the name convey any meaning to “the likes of these’? Lord Rawdon cut him in two with a look. ‘Do you know the prisoner?”’ “My Lord, that snoopin’ half-breed —” “Who 1s he?” “Anderson, cabin-boy aboard the Nancy Ireson, my Lord. An’ him with a black coat on his back, gents! he, Hey? Somebody said sardonically: “Jove! One man in his time plays devilish many parts.” “What have you to say for yourself?’’ Rawdon con- fronted Tom. Straight as an Indian, stoical, Indian-still stood the black figure. What could he say? — without destroying Rory! Any admission made must involve Rory. Lord Rawdon looked severe. “Do you admit the truth of what this man says?”’ Silence. “The prisoner’s silence is unaccountable. ‘There’s something extraordinary in the whole case. I must have CORNICOOO@ SS (EO) mn