Beadle's Dime Novels, No. 11 — page 32: what you’re looking at

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

380 THE PRISONER OF LA YINTRESSE. Hearing the step of the former in the cabin, she lifted her- self from her painful reverie and went out. “We shall soon near land,” said the captain, cheerily—“ but see here, you are looking pale and ill again—I must not have this,” and he shook his head. With great effort Minerva kept back the tears. “T suppose I must learn to transact my own business,” she said, trying to smile, “so I am going to pay you my passage- money.” “She emptied the contents of her purse upon the table. “There, will you please see if that is enough to cover the expense of my yoyage ?” “Tut, tut. Just put that money right back, my dear young lady. I’m the owner of my ship and have no one to consult besides myself—so you'll please oblige me by keeping what lit- tle money you have; you will need it all, yourself” “Oh, I cannot, indeed I cannot be under such an obliga- tion,” said Minerva, the quick color coming. “Ihave other means.” She faltered. “You will oblige me infinitely by ac- cepting the passage-money.” “ But I tell you my young friend, I fully expect to see Her- man Goreham in the city of New York, and he agreed with me for the passage, so I shall settle with him, and you must Jet me have my way, for I generally do when I set out for it. I’m a very resolute man, you see.” Minerva sat quite perplexed and undecided, The captain lifted the purse and sweeping the gold into it, placed it in her - hand. “ And now we must talk a little about the future,” he said. “Tt is possible when you land, our young friend may not be visible. In that case where would you like togo? Have you friends or relatives in New York ?” “Some acquaintances, but no relations. I have made up my mind to go to an hotel.” “I know of an excellent private boarding-house,” said the captain ; but she exclaimed eagerly— “Oh, not there—among the many I shall be unnoticed. I prefer an hotel; there I can be alone until I know my fate,” she added in a lower tone, and witha quivering lip. “Just as you please, though it is my opinion that you would be better suited in a pleasant family, but I will not attempt to s - comiclooOoks.com