Beadle's Dime Novels No. 213: Squatter Dick — page 97: what you’re looking at

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

into it before we really knew our own minds; but be that as it may, I love you still, with all my heart, and there is no change upon my part. In you,] fear there has been, ever since—excuse me if I speak plainly; it is my nature to do so —you have known Colonel De Forrest, here.” “One moment, Captain Sloan,” said his rival, “I admit ‘that I have proposed to Miss Sollars, our mutual friend here, but it was. while I was ignorant that you hada prior claim. She has honored me with no definite answer, as yet.” - “hank you; I expectéd as much. At any rate, we will be honorable rivals, and not get to cutting each other's throats, as We Were once on the point of doing. Let us ask her decis- ion, and each one promise to abide by it with as good a grace as he can summon; the luckless one to withdraw all claim or pretension—” “ James !” | | , “It is best so, Ada,” quietly added Sloan. “ Well sir, your “answer ?” “TI can give but the one; and upon my part no illwill! shall _ever be felt or manifested in any shape,” warmly returned the Englishman. | = | _“ Then there is only one thing further, Ada,” urged Sloan. “TI relinquish all the claim I may have had, owing to your pledge. Do not think of that, but give us your answer.” “ James, I can not, now; itis impossible!” faltered Ada, ler voice betraying the deep emotion she felt. “ But to-mor- row night, at this time, I will give each of you my reply, in a ‘sealed note. But these you must promise not to open until yon are away from here.” | _ “ Well, then,” added the young partisan, in a tone of forced gayety, “we must bear our probation as best we may, and until then let us be merry, and thankful that we are once more to- gether after our fearful distress. Come, let-us go down to the The promise given the men was well kept. Slaves were hired from some of the adjoining plantations to attend to the cooking and other work, so that none of those belonging to Martin Sollars could have just cause to complain, and the mirth and fun waxed high and boisterous. . Hogs were barbecued, fow! were roasted, and the impro- = conmicloooks.conn