Beadle's Dime Novels, No. 11 — page 28: what you’re looking at

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

26 THE PRISONER OF LA VINTRESSE. never penetrate—where the walls ooze dampness—where you will have but the solitary crust and the jug of water—where your companions will be the worms and the rats, instead of the birds and the flowers of this beautiful land.” “Very poetical,” said Herman, as the Cuban paused a sec- ond for breath. The white lips of the latter trembled with rage, but still he did not let his passion master him. “Or I can give you liberty,” he added. “That is my right. To-morrow I shall see ifa citizen of America is tobe captured for no crime; detained against his will by a jealous Spaniard.” The Cuban drew a long, deep breath; his eyes glittered— his fingers worked nervously against his vest. “You are free if you deliver Senora Minerva into her un- cle’s custody.” “Impossible. The young lady is by this time on her way to America. The Eagle sailed at twelve. By consulting your watch you will find it is somewhat more than a half hour past that period.” “Perdition !” muttered the Cuban, now growing furious. “You shall answer for this, fellow—you shall rot in prison, or be hung as a spy, while I shall leave no means untried to recover the young lady. For your comfort, know that I shall take the fastest sailer in port, and it will go hard if, with my resources, I do not find the niece of General Monserate. Then, if she be not too much disgraced by your favor, I shall marry her.” It was Herman’s turn to repel now. He sprang like'a ti- ger upon Don Carlos, collared him, and before he could be reached, shook him till he was black in the face, and flung him at arms-length almost senseless, and panting on the floor. _ At that moment, General Monserate entered. Herman was struggling in the hold of a powerful soldier. Don Carlos, his dress in disorder—his hair thrown wildly from side to side, his face purple and haggard, for the young American had held a choking grasp, was just rising with the aid of two custom- house officers, from the floor, coveréd with dirt, and sheet- white with passion. Blood had been shed, and Herman was marched off by the authorities, and thus ended a day that promised so much happiness at its dawning. . comiclooks.com