The Land Claim — page 91: what you’re looking at

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

THE PRISONER AND HIS GUARD. 87 the thought of being alone with such a man, though ever so much bound. “ Really, darling, I do not think that would be best. It is already getting late; you could not get to town one quarter as soon as I could, and would not be able to accomplish the business in some time after getting there. There is nothing to fear, my love.” : “But what if he should have comrades in the neighbor- hood ?” “TJ don’t think it likely that he has. Besides, I will leave you this knife and pistol. The pistol is loaded, and you know how to use it in case of necessity. Are you still afraid ?” “T will stay,” answered Alicia; but she did not say with- out fear. “ “Thank you, my brave love. I will go, then, right away ; but first let me get you a seat.” He found a place for her near the prisoner, and, handing the pistol to her, turned to Carnes. “T have given this young lady directions, if you attempt to escape by calling uny one to your assistance, or otherwise, to put this pistol to use instantly; so you will use discretion, unless you wish Miss Newcome for your executioner.” “A fair hand to die by,” muttered Carnes, when Allen was out of reach of his glowering glance at him. “ You really would oblige me, Miss Newcome, by sending « ball through my head. It aches confoundedly, lying in this position.” “J will put my shawl under your head,” said Alicia, pro- ceeding to take it off and fold it into a pillow. Carnes watched her movements with a mingled expression of surprise and amusement ; but when she raised his head and put the pillow under it, he scrutivized her face attentively. “Do you do this because you pity me so much?” he asked. “You said your head ached in that position,” she replied, returning to her seat and resuming her guard. He turned his face toward her, and continued-to look at her for some minutes. , comiclbooks.com