Opinions on correct use of "emitting".

The meaning of the first sentence indicates the guard was fearful: however, your second sentence indicates the prisoners were fearful. That's pretty confusing and contradictory so I don know how to properly advise you because the context is unclear.

My take on the correction of the first sentence would be: "The guard didn't speak, but stood there feeling fearful."


or

"The guard didn't speak, but stood there acting fearful."

The guard didn't speak, but stood there inducing fear.

It could well be that the sample sentence is exactly right. A guard could very well be in fear of his prisoners.

Pablo Fanque said that that is the opposite of the intended meaning, if I read him correctly.

Certainly emitting means giving off or giving out--and therefore the sentence in the OP means the guard was giving off fear.

For the benefit of Mr. Kite
There will be a show tonight on trampoline
The Hendersons will all be there
Late of Pablo Fanque’s Fair—what a scene
Over men and horses, hoops and garters
Lastly through a hogshead of real fire!
In this way Mr. K. will challenge the world!



Pablo Fanque really did exist--he was a famous circus performer, an equestrian, and the owner of the most popular circus in Britain for 30 years. He was also the first black owner of a fair or circus in Britain, if not actually the only black circus owner.

He said "My reading of that. . . ." That is his interpretation, and without further context, I am suggesting he is mistaken.

I'm not sure if the word, evinced, is appropriate, but if so:

Though the guard didn't speak, he nevertheless evinced an air/aura of fear.