Beadle's Dime Novels No. 87: On the Deep — page 66: what you’re looking at

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

68 ON THE DEEP. broad stream of light from the rising orb, revealed them to the two spectators. The latter now fairly held their breath with suspense. By looking from any of the high ridges of land in the interior of the isle, the natives might. easily have seen those dark heads moving through the waves. Soon, however, the beach was gained, and, creeping upon their hands and knees, the men disappeared around the base of the headland. | “They will soon have the cutter,” whispered Capstan ; that is, provided them rascals didn’t discover and destroy it, while they were on the island. Once in the boat, my dear girl, we'll at least have a better chance than we have now.” ‘“ But, will the Malays not pursue us in their boats the same as before ?” “T think not, at present. 'They’ve probably sent ashore. the greater part of their men, and before they can get ready to follow us, we'll have the start of them by a league.” “Oh, I am glad to hear that!” she said, trying to seem pleased, “‘ and—hark,” she suddenly interrupted, laying a trembling hand upon his arm, “ did you hear that ?” “¢ No—what ?” “The cracking of a branch. It has stopped now.” They listened attentively for a repetition of the noise, and ere long it was again heard—this time more distinctly than before.” | “There are several persons,” he said; “I know that by the noise that is made. I will go a little ways to renonnoiter,” “ No—no—not for the world, my friend—you—” “Be not alarmed—stay here. Til soon come back. It’s important I should find out the direction they’re going, so as to know whether or not to quit this position.” Though much alarmed, yet she offered no further objec- tion, knowing that it would prove useless. He left her, creep- ing cautiously upon his hands and knees, through a narrow archway formed by the interlacing of branches and _ vines: above a crooked and narrow path. In a few moments, he was lost to her view. With clasped hands and an anxious countenance, she bent forward and peered into the gloom. Suddenly she heard the sharp report of firearms, quickly fol- lowed by a wild cry. A moment later, a figure came commiclbooks.com