The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 20: what you’re looking at

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

A FRIEND IN NEED o forth a pocketbook containing a number of bank-notes, a large portion of which he insisted that Ramon should accept as the ransom money for Kate Marshall and to be shared amongst the band. Collantes at first positively refused to receive the bounty of his former chief, but Don Diego in- sisted: and when Ramon made known to his followers the amount thereof, they once more surrounded the liberal donor, pouring forth their heartfelt gratitude. In a few hasty words Don Diego informed Kate Marshall that she was free, for which announcement she proffered the sincerest thanks and exhibited the liveliest joy. Chris- toval assured her that her post-chaise was still waiting in the road, adding, ‘‘ We must stay a few minutes to partake of refreshments with these people, or they will consider me churlish and unfriendly, and for the sake of old associations I am unwilling to earn their displeasure. Besides, you perceive, Miss Marshall, how advantageous it may be under certain circumstances to wield an influence over these wild Catalonian bands. Tarry you therefore until I take my departure, and I will escort you back .to your vehicle.”’ Kate could not, of course, refuse, and Ramon de Collantes, now accosting her, expressed a hope that she would not bear him any ill-will on account of his conduct toward her. She was in too good a humour at having regained her free- dom to give an unfavourable response, and she proffered him her hand as+a proof that all was forgiven. ‘The entire party then sat down “o the banquet, and at the expiration of half an hour Don Diego Christoval took his leave of his former friends, Miss Marshall accompanying him. ‘And now, might I ask,” he said, as he conducted her through the gorge, “ how it is that I find you a traveller in my native land? Perhaps I may be of some service to you, for | presume it must be more on business than on pleasure that you are journeying thus alone? ”’ ‘Ah, my lord,” responded Kate, a sudden gleam of hope lighting up her handsome features, which had become clouded as Christoval questioned her relative to her object in visiting Spain, “‘ I am certain you could assist me. Your rank, your influence, your connections, might be used for the best and kindest of purposes, and to save my happiness from be- coming a total wreck.” ‘Rest assured, Miss Marshall,” responded Christoval, CONnNIEDOOKS (C()