Beadle's Dime Novels No. 13 — page 25: what you’re looking at

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

A “Fast” YOUNG MAN. 27 trouble was, that the rebels got wind of our intended attack, hid themselves in the woods, and, when the moon arose, came down on. us as they would on a coyey of partridges. If I had wished to deceive you, I should have taken better care of myself, and this left arm would not have had a rifle-ball through it. I remained till every thing was lost, fired. the last shot, and then cleared out, with half-a-score of balls fly- ing around my head, If that looks like treachery, then call in your men and do as you like with me.” “Probably it is as- you say,and I was overhasty. The king can not afford to losesuch friends as you» There is gold to heal your wounds. Leave me, now, for 1 have important business to attend to.” Turner pocketed the purse which Sir Hetry threw upon the table, and, making a low bow, left the apartment. Ten minutes later, Sampson, the black servant, entered, bearing a card, with the name, “Captain Reginald Preston,” written thereon. Receiving the command to admit him, the gentleman soon made his appedrance. He was still a young man, not over thirty, and, by some, would doubtless be called ‘good-looking ; but a close inspection would tend to dissipate any favorable opinion which might be hastily formed. Though well dressed, with all the appearance of being a gentleman, his features wore the stamp of.a life of profligacy, the effects of which, the strength of a good constitution was unable to ward off. Of good family, though a younger son, he had. once been possessed of quite a fortune, which he squandered away amidst the splendid gayeties of London life, and was now recruiting his health and fortune in the service of the king. Such in appearance was Reginald Preston, the visitor of ‘Sir Henry Clinton. He approached the general in a careless manner, Shaking ’ hands with the superior officer, he took a seat. ki received your note,” remarked Preston; after a silence of some minutes, which he spent in curiously eyeing the papers on the table. “I could not quite understand the drift of it, but here I am to receiye the explanation, which you promised when we should meet. I send out my application for ex- change by the next ship, and have a fair prospect of leaving this miserable country; so don’t send me where I will be commiclbookks. conn