Beadle's Dime Novels, No. 11 — page 100: what you’re looking at

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

98 THE PRISONER OF LA VINTRESSE. trip.” the captain said, doubtfully. “ We are not exactly pre- pared, as we are going only with merchandise.” “That will make no difference,” replied the man, drawing from his pocket a purse heavy with gold. “ I find that your - vessel leaves here sooner than the steamer sails, and that she is a clipper-bark, and a very fast sailer. I am placed in somewhat peculiar circumstances, having in charge the daughter of a very dear friend, and who is unfortunately laboring under a slight attack of insanity. She left her family in Havana, and with only money enough to pay her passage, came to this country. Fortunately she met with friends, who saw at once what her condition was, and attended to her wants, placing themselves immediately in communication with her parents, who were almost distracted, both being ill on her account. I was immediately apprised of the fact, and provided with suffi- cient money to meet all expenses, for her parents are the wealthiest people in Havana, and shean only child. Thus you see how I am placed; and, feeling for the agony of my friends, I wish to dispatch the business with all possible celerity. I think we must sail with you; as for ship-stores, I can lay in enough for her wapts and my own. Shall I engage state- - rooms ?” “The case is an urgent one, I confess, and makes a strong appeal to my humanity; still, the idea of having a lunatic on board is not pleasant. She'll try to jump overboard, or kill herself, or somebody else, and then there’ll be the deuce to pay.” “J stand ready to be responsible if any violence is attempt- ed, but you may make yourself perfectly easy on that score. She is not by any means dangerous; 4 mild melancholy is the chief symptom in her case. She labors under the delusion that all who attempt friendliness are her enemies, and she is chiefly anxious to impress upon everybody the idea that she is perfectly sane—a favorite ruse with such persons, you know.” “ Yes, yes; I know,” answered the captain, quickly; “ but, of course, you won’t expect me to run such risks without a consideration ?” “Of course not; whatever your charges are, I will pay them willingly and on the instant. I wish for the lady the 5 comliclbooks.com