Beadle's Dime Novels No. 215: The White Hermit — page 11: what you’re looking at

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

CONDITIONS AND PROMISES. 12 Her hands were small and delicate, though somewhat browned by exposure to the sun. Her face was cut in a beautiful mold, firm lips, a delicate mouth, and cheeks in which the faintest peach-bloom was revealed, while her teeth were like pearls. Austen stood spell-bound, gazing at this beautiful girl, and wondering from whence she came, while Hungry Bill sat upon the bank, whistling, and eying the lady furtively. “ Bill Epps,” said the lady, suddenly addressing him. Bill started as if a shot had struck him. “ Yes, miss,” he said. “I didn't tell a word, and no more I won't. He shall cut me into inch pieces first.” ; “ You are a noble fellow, Bill,” said the lady. “In spite of your homely face and figure, you have the heart of a hero, and would not try to intrude your presence where it is not de sired, as this gentleman would do.” “Lady,” said the captain, who was standing upon the nar- row belt of sand which ran along below the bank, “listen to me. Iam nota man to persecute a-lady. Say to me that you desire me to keep away from yonder island, and I will do 80, upon one condition.” “ And that condition, sir ?” Tree “That I may be called upon the first sign of danger to you. and yours.” “No can come to us here, sir,” replied the lady. “Who do injury to those who offend no man, and only seek to end their lives in peace and quiet in this desolate spot ?” “ You do not know the subtlety of the Indian, or his innate cruelty,” replied the captain. “It would be enough for him to know that you have white blood in your veins, and then he would destroy you. I know that bands of Indians are already - ee war-path, and that there is danger to the outlying set- “There is no danger to me or mine,” persisted the lady. . “ But promise me this. You seem to know my messenger, Bill Epps, and trust in him. A rough Mercury, but honest enough and obstinate enough -when need be. If you are in < - , 4 et eS aE Comicbooks.com