In his calmest moments, when prudence
appealed to him, he would resolve to use diplomatic means; but no
sooner was his opinion questioned or his purpose opposed than
anger and the thirst for revenge overpowered every gentler
consideration. He returned to his bed that night fully resolved
upon a pleasant and successful interview with Alice next morning.
Captain Farnsworth took his fair prisoner straight-way from
Hamilton's presence to a small room connected with a considerable
structure in a distant angle of the stockade. Neither he nor Alice
spoke on the way. With a huge wooden key he unlocked the door and
stepped aside for her to enter. A dim lamp was burning within, its
yellowish light flickering over the scant furniture, which
consisted of a comfortable bed, a table with some books on it,
three chairs, a small looking-glass on the wall, a guitar and some
articles of men's clothing hanging here and there. A heap of dull
embers smouldered in the fireplace. Alice did not falter at the
threshold, but promptly entered her prison.
"I hope you can be comfortable," said Farnsworth in a low tone.
"It's the best I can give you."
"Thank you," was the answer spoken quite as if he had handed her a
glass of water or picked up her handkerchief.
He held the door a moment, while she stopped, with her back toward
him, in the middle of the room; then she heard him close and lock
it.
Pages:
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281