The Island Bride — page 64: what you’re looking at

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

68 «CAST AWAY ‘“* No-—no,” interrupted Bill, glancing toward Minnie. “ Pm certain that your wife, and you too, would like to get rid of the company of a convict, at once. I ain’t fit for the society of honest people, d’ye see, and I knows it.” There was an unfeigned sadness in his tone which touched the hearts of the young couple, and quelled their suspicions at once. “Forgive me!” cried Harmon, grasping his hand. “f car doubt your word no longer. My wife and I will be glad t» have you stay upon the island as long as—” “Tt’s no use,” again interrupted Bill, with a sad smile. “IT never yet saw two that was married, that wouldn't rather be — alone, and I’m much obliged to you for bein’ so benevolent and unselfish-like, as to be willin’ to go against your own wishes, for the sake of helping a poor fellow that hasn’t had a friend in the world, and has always shifted for himself, since he was a youngster.” So saying, he sprung into the water, and, wading ashore, disappeared in the darkness. Soon after, the raft touched the beach, and Harmon assisted Minnie to land. “Now then,” whispered the young sailor, joyfully, “we will soon be in peaceful possession of the island.” “T hope so,” she answered, “ but, Iam afraid to have you confront those two lawless men. They might contrive to dis arm you before—” “Fear nothing!” interrupted Harmon. “ The pistol is a double-barreled one. The rascals are in my power !” He conducted her to a clump of shrubbery a few yards’ from the nearest hut. “ You will wait for me here, Minnie.” “ No, I will accompany you,” she said, resolutely, “‘ so that if you should get wounded or injured in any way J] ‘nay he near to help you.” He made no objection, and the two gained the hut occu. pied by the convicts. Choke already had contrived to waken his two companions, | ee all were sitting up when Harmon appeared. « Avast there !” “étied Tom Wilkes, who was the first te catch a glimpse of the young man’s figure. “ Who is that?” Aud the three men rushed from the hut La : COMmicbooks.Cor)