The Land Claim — page 102: what you’re looking at

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

98 THE LAND-CLAIM. . almost smothered in a thick woolen blanket deftly thrown over his head to prevent his making an outcry, while at the same time he was pittioned by the strong arms of his assailant, and thrust against the wall of the hut. In this position, unable to make a noise, unless it was to imitate faintly the groans which had frightened his associates, the villain writhed and struggled both with pain and fear. . “ Now boys,” whispered Flag, “bind this fellow’s legs to- gether, while I hold him quiet. Take your handkerchief, or any thing you can get without a noise. Be quick! The others will need your attention in a minute.” “There! lay him down while I hold his mouth shut, and listen for the rascals outside. Shut the door, and burn some matehes. They will. see the light through the cracks and think it’s the lantern. Keep them burning until you hear them at the door; then open it, and grab them by the arms, Tl) help you then.” According to Flag’s expectations, the light of the matches reassured the reluctant rascals, and they came forward with alacrity to seek shelter from the pouring rain. But the instant they swung the door open, the light disappeared and the two men felt themselves grasped by powerful hands, and with such expertness as to be deprived of the power of resistance. They were speedily dragged within the hut, uttering oaths mingled with expressions of alarm, to which their captors made no re- joinder, except to ask and give each other assistance in make ing fast their prisoners; which they did with the surveying chain, and whatever they had about them that would confine strong limbs. “Is that you, Flag?” asked Carnes, having succeeded in | getting his head out of the blanket, after Flag had left him to assist in taking the others. “TI know your voice—you ought to remember mine,” said the surveyor, briefly. “ Tt seems I do,” returned Carnes, stifling a groan. “Idon’t know what you've taken me prisoner for. It’s a d—d out- rage to lay in wait for a man this way. But when a fellow is in pain, with a broken arm, he has to act the suppliant some- times; and I want you to do me the favor to try to set my limb, which was broken by the branch of a tree falling on it.” comiclooOoks. conn