The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 360: what you’re looking at

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

MR. FORESTER 343 to run the risk. She would sooner perish by one of the winged balls from a carbine than linger out her existence in that dreadful place; and even if she were captured and brought back, her posit on could scarcely be rendered much worse than it already was. Therefore her fortitude failed not, and even while envisaging all the perils to be incurred and the consequences of failure, she never for a moment hesitated in the adoption of the project. On his side, Mr. Forester was equally resolute. He had become deeply enamoured of Juliana. Her magnificent beauty had produced a strong impression on his heart, and he felt assured that he would not be compelled to sigh vainly at her feet if fortunate enough to prove her deliverer. He was naturally of a brave and chivalrous disposition, and if the romantic circumstances in which he had encountered Juliana had exercised its influence over his feelings and svmpathies, there was likewise something stirring and exciting, in the feat which had to be performed to crown his triumph. Not for a moment, therefore, did he shrink from the enterprise, and he was even sanguine of success. He rose in the morning earlier than usual, and tearing out some leaves from his pocketbook, penned the documents of which he had spoken to Juliana, and which he purposed to leave behind him. He had no better writing-paper; he dared not ask for any; and as he knew full well that the Madrid banker would not be satisfied with a mere scrap written upon with a pencil, he assured Collantes in the note addressed to him that he would from the first town write by post to the banker, — pledging his honour as a gentleman that it should not be with any hostile purpose. Besides, his » valet would remain in the hands of the banditti as a hostage for the faithful performance of the compact thus volunteered ; and, al! things considered, Forester felt that he could not possibly manage the proceeding better. His object, of ’ course, was to ensure the safe egress of his domestic from the tower, and the means he was taking appeared to be all- sufficient for the purpose. To his valet he did not, however, breathe a word of his intentions. The man would not like the idea of being left behind; and on the other hand, as it was perilous enough for two persons to attempt an escape, it would be still more against the chances of success if three were to embark upon the enterprise. Gomicdoo ‘S (C@)