Beadle's Dime Novels No. 85: The Fugitives — page 86: what you’re looking at

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

88 THE FUGITIVES. “It will not do to go into danger, when this enemy is’ be- hind us. He may not -only defeat our rescue, but place our own lives in imminent peril.” “ Just my opine exactly, and so if you've no ’bjection, here | goes for settling the matter at once.” | “Dost thou feel able to cope with one of the treacher-— ous heathen ?” “T feel able ’nough to cope with two of? em, if there's. any thing like fair play.” “Call on God to sustain thee, and make haste.” The words were scarcely uttered when old Gershom dis- ‘appeared as silently as a shadow. “T fear it may be Peter,” remarked Franklin, after they had listened a moment. ' “And’so do IL. If so, it will be rather diaborous for the fellow, for Gershom is a tough and wiry opponent.” : * He will not strike until sure whether itis an enemy or friend.” “He may feel sure that itis an enemy, and dhidtefore not take the trouble to inform himself with absolute-certainty.” “Tf that be the case, I shall recall. him.” ) “Hold !? admonished the lieutenant. “No harm will re- sult from this, I feel confident.” — = Some fifteen or twenty minutes passed silently away, when both Franklin and Abingdon were impatient. A short time later, and the former gave a low whistle, as a signal for Ger- shom to rejoin them. Ina moment he appeared beside them. “Heard him two, three times’ He whispered, “but I couldn’t get a sight of him. ’Fraid he heard me.” “We have no more time to lose, but must press on. It will—” “ Hist !’ exclaimed the old man, “there he is again !”’ As he spoke, he darted backward, and the next moment came a short struggle, followed by a heavy fall. ~ “ Now I’ve got you! Say your prayers mighty quick !” “Don’t, don’t ! massa Gershom! It’s me, Pete! I won't hurt you, if you don’t hurt me ! Golly gracious ! you’s choking!” The revelation apparently came at the critical moment, for the edge of the cold steel was already felt)" by the pros trate and terrified negro.’ Smithson released him, muttering, “ Jes’ in time to save you!” Got Ccommicloooks. conn ; —_—