Beadle's Dime Novels No. 300: The Crested Serpent — page 36: what you’re looking at

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

40 THR CRESTED SERPENT. will Sew a title second to Arnaud Boussard in the em- pire.” Vidal towed low as if in acknowledgment of what was in store for him. : ‘“‘T will bid you adieu, for the present, Senor Vidal. The camp lies around you and there is the prisoner’s tent. Your quarters will be immediately prepared. The countersign i Tampico.” Vidal slowly sauntered to where the prisoner was confined, gave the guard the countersign, and entered. Steager sa upon a blanket, with limbs unbound. As Vidal entered he hurriedly aruse to his feet, ra peti oa “ You a traitor ?” “No, senor ; hush—speak low! I will prove your liberatof to-morrow night. Be on the alert after the mission bell rings) When you are free, go direct to Vega motte, where camp thé Comar Tgo rifles. Tell Captain Tristan that I am in the camp of the enemy and know much,” . ' Steager will remember.” Vidal left the tent, remarking as he passed the guard: “ He will hang day after to-morrow. Make tas food fot the carrion crows.” . A grim smile lighted up the fadites-eoloray face of thé guard as he contemplated the scene, and in his mind’s ey@ saw the muscular form of Steager dangling between heaves and earth. | While the conversation was being held between Steager and Vidal, Boussard was in the marquee with Marieta. | “ Events, you see, favor me,” said Boussard. , “Do you not fear him? When introduced he cast upon me such a bewildering look—scemingly one of cruelty and hatred—that I shrunk from him.” “Tmayination. He comes with a commission, direct from my best friend, Ramon Boers and you personally know hP feelings toward Maximilian.” “] have met this man before, or seen him in my dreams dante, and no more suitable person than’ your lieutenant-col onel—if he is true to the cause.” af A x “ My life upon it, Muricta, he will be true to us as he # COmicboolks.con-