Beadle's Dime Novels No. 119: Blackeyes — page 16: what you’re looking at

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

13 BLACKEYES. Buttress’ favor, and the disadvantage of Fanny’s disfavor, ‘and Charley Bent feeling his way, and preparing to attack the enemy in front or flank, as the opportunity ‘should present itself. When Bent communicated to Captain Sardis the message ~ which he had received from Major Buttress, the latter ac-_ knowledged its receipt by a haughty nod to his subordinate, and rode forward to. join! his commanding officer. He was tall and inclined to be. portly, andi his sandy hair; reddish whiskers, light eyebrows, and florid complexion, bespoke» his Scotch descent. | His disposition and his manners, also; were slightly tinged with: the spirit of the “land ©’ cakes,” . Al- though brave, he was cautious to a fault; although rich, ‘he was not lavish; except upon his own person ; although ear- nest in his affections and resentments, be was careful not to betray theni, except: when he might do so without the fear of evil consequences. Withal, hie was accounted a good ‘soldier, ' @ strict disciplinarian, a severe officer, and an unpleasant com- panion. . He was fond of wearing his full uniform, and paid particular attention to the adornment of his outer man. “ This is a horrible road, major, if it can be cailed a road,” said he, as he saluted his superior officer, “ The wagons are stalled, and I really can not see how we are to get them over the mountains yonder.” i> Gi “I have sent Lieutenant Bent to help the teamsterg out of their difficulty,” replied the major.. Gi “ Perhaps he will be able to do sos; although he is a poor soldier, he. may be a good wagon master. Te has enough impudence to claim to be any thing.” “ Impudence !»'.I tell you; Audrew, there is no parallel to his impudence. What do you think he had the assurance to say to me a little while ago ?” aN, “ As likely as not, he told you that you-were unfit to lead an expedition into this country.” ‘“ Not quite so bad as that, my boy, though, egad, he came very near saying as much. He says that the government doesn’t know how to carry on war against the Indians, that Bhar Senerals and other officers are ignoramuses, that the army is useless, that the: regulations’ are absurd, and that nothing can be done but by forming a brigade of ragged coon-hunters Cconnicloooks.conm