The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 358: what you’re looking at

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

— MR. FORESTER 341 ‘To fire upon me or my domestic, if we attempted to escape, but surely not to level their deadly weapons against you.” ‘‘ And even if we agreed to run that risk,” said Juliana, ‘‘ what plan have you settled in your mind as to the horses? ”’ “This morning, ere I joined you,” replied Mr. Forester, ‘‘ T passed by the stables. The door was open, and I strolled in. I had no definite motive for so doing; it was merely to see the animals. No one was there at the moment. ‘The saddles and bridles were ready at hand; if I had chosen, I could even then have self-appropriated one of the steeds. There is a lady’s saddle. I noticed it —”’ ‘Tt is mine,’’ ejaculated Juliana; and as a wild thrill of hope shot through her heart, she added, ‘“‘ Would to Heaven that I were seated in it now! Cheerfully would I risk the volleys that might be poured down by the firearms oi the banditti! ”’ “Then, if you have the courage to dare the venture,”’ exclaimed Forester, gazing with admiration upon the lady, “let our plan be thus settled. But we must fly alone to- gether; I must abandon my domestic to the mercy of these fellows. Ah, an idea has struck me. The letter of credit upon the Madrid banker is for fifteen hundred pounds, and I have given Ramon de Collantes authority to receive eight hundred. I will leave behind me a note to the effect that if he suffers my domestic to depart in safety, he may receive the remainder of the amount as a ransom, and I will likewise pen a proper authority to that effect.’’ “What generous sacrifices you are making on my behalf!” said Juliana, with another tender look at her companion. ‘Were they ten thousand times greater, they should be cheerfully made,’’ responded Forester, who doubtless antici- pated that the lady would not fail to display her gratitude to any extent which he might be bold enough to solicit. “And the risk that you will run?” added Juliana. “J can dare death in the hope of enjoying Ife in your society,’ was her companion’s rejoinder. She bent down her looks, and appeared for a few moments to be overwhelmed with confusion, for it was impossible to mistake the significancy of that avowal. ‘’ And when,” she asked, lifting her eyes again, ‘‘ shall we put the project into execution? ” CONnNIECOOOKS (FO)