Beadle's Dime Novels No. 13 — page 81: what you’re looking at

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

A MIDNIGHT “VISIT. : 83 and the lonely, unfrequented streets were unusually dreary and deserted. As, however, Preston turned a corner, he thought he heard footsteps coming up the street which he had just passed. Peering anxiously behind he could just make out the figures of two men. They seemed to be conversing in whispers, for they leaned closely together. Preston could not hear what they said, and was glad to see them keep on their way up the street without interfering with him. Waiting until the noise of their footsteps had fully died away, Reginald again pursued his lonely journey, nor stopped until he reached its end. Entering the cottage by means of a key which he carried with -him, he closed the door carefully and relocked it; then mounted the stairs. | Soon the sounds of another’s footsteps were heard approach- ing the house and Nat Ernshaw, guided by a son of Simon Hunt’s, appeared by the door. Dismissing the boy, Natlooked - around him as well as he could by the extremely faint light. “The window by the sycamore-tree which stands by the porch in front of the house. Then, if my eyes are not deceived, | this must be it, and now for Kate.” So saying, Nat began the ascent of the tree. | All tltis Preston did not see, or even think of, for he had made his way to the room in which was confined her whom he sought. A light was burning in the room—it never was suffered to go out; and Kate had been sleeping, but on hear- ing the noise made by the bolt, she started from the bed, 1 dressed as she was, and cast a frightened glance toward the door. A sudden arousing from sleep makes cowards even of brave men. What wonder, then, that Kate, a poor weak, de- fenseless girl, was startled from her presence of mind? Standing erect, without a purpose, speechless and pale, she “awaited the pleasure of him who, at this unseemly hour, broke in upon her slumbers. : - “JT have come once more on 4 friendly visit, my own Kate, and though, at an unusual hour, yet asa friend. I know you will receive me kindly even though I intrench upon your time for slumber. Have you eatirely recovered from the sud- den fit of illmess which came upon you when I was last here ?” eomicbooks.com