The American Marquis by Nick Carter — page 128: what you’re looking at

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

194 ‘THE AMERICAN MARQUIS. «That is not your business.” ‘“*But I must know.” | “You must not. Come! I offer you one thousand francs to stay one hour in that room. Will you say yes Quick!” ‘< Monsieur must know that there are many men who come here who do not wish to be seen or known, and ‘‘Bah! You mean that escaped convicts, men wanted and thieves, murderers, etcetera, come here; and that you must be on handall the time. I know that and have pro- vided for it. Will you take my offer? J am in a hurry.” Quick!” i ‘« Monsieur can see.’ ‘*] can see you are an old fool, and that it is useless to reason with you; therefore a Bras-de-Fer, with a combined coolness and dexterity that ) would have done credit to the most accomplished garroter,. caught the old man by the neck, and had gagged him mn before he could utter more than the faintest sound. Then he bound him securely and carried him into the --next room, where he stowed him comfortably away under ; a bed. Having done this he’ drew from his pocket a wig anf false whiskers. ; He then took off his eyebrows, and various other peculiar features, which made the difference between Bras-de- 7 and Clinton Hastings. 4 The wig and whiskers were put on, and paint and other disguising agents were used, and monsieur, the aa appeared where Bras-de-Fer had but just stood. Bras-de-Fer had evidently studied his make-up in ad- vance of his visit. 4 He passed out into the main room and took his pines behind the bar. 4 He beckoned to Tete-de Fer. ; << Do you answer for this friend of yours, this Bras-de- Fer?” Never doubting it was the Gndllord. who spoke, tea | Fer answered unhesitatingly. ‘‘Certainly. Why?” ‘‘ Because I suspect him for a detective. Is he?” Tete-de-Fer stammeringly denied that his friend was any , such thing. are AV esa ae Ca Geemicnoocscom.