The Land Claim — page 23: what you’re looking at

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

DISPUTED LANDMARKS. 19 This was said while the three hurried rapidly away from the ugly-looking coil. “Tt is no wonder you were frightened, I am sure,” the Doctor rejoined. “I never fail to be startled at every form of serpent, whether fanged or not. Pray, let me carry your basket, for I perceive you are still trembling.” “ Oh, no, sir, I thank you. It is not large enough to be heavy; and not half full either,” she added, smiling. “I don’t think I shall fill it to-day.” “For fear of more frights? Let us see if you have enough for dinner,” said Allen, smilingly taking the basket from her hands. “ Why, 10; here is not halfa basketful, sure enough. There are plenty of them over on my claim, close by. The Doctor, here, and myself, could -soon fill it for you, if you will allow us.” A look of frightened perplexity came over Alicia’s before untroubled face, and pausing instantly, she extended her hand for the basket. “No, no; you are very kind, but I can not trouble you so much.” Then seeing that the young men were surprised at the sudden change in her manner, she seemed to take a rapid mental survey of her situation, and eagerly continued, in tones of childlike earnestness: “For you are the gentlemen, are you not, whom my father is disputing boundaries with? I don’t know who is right. I think it very likely my father may be wrong—he is hasty—but—oh, sirs, I fear something sad will happen if the dispute goes any further.” Her evident apprehension, and the tearful pathos of her glance, as she concluded the last sentence, affected the young men visibly, though it was only through sympathy. ' “Do not be alarmed on your father’s account, Miss Newcome,” Allen said, gevtly. “I give you my word that I shall not use violence in this quarrel.” “Tt is not my intention, either, to do so,” added the Doctor. “Tam very much afraid,” murmured the young irl, sadly. “T ought not to conceal from you that my father is 1n a terrible passion, and that he took his gun out with him this morning.” “Then,” said Allen, affecting an indifference he did not feel, “your father is safe, and it is only we who are in danger; for we, you perceive, are not armed.” . Commicloooksacoin