The American Marquis by Nick Carter — page 28: what you’re looking at

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

Ce Be) ~ THE AMERICAN MARQUIS. his face, and gave way to a stern, somber expression. He took up the keys which the old man had pointed out, and then stood a moment looking at the club. “Ay,” he muttered, gloomily; ‘‘your story is a rare bloody one, I doubt not; but your turn shall come to-night. Now, to learn what story the chateau can tell.” There was an icy grimness in his manner as he walked along the carriage-drive toward the chateau. He looked neither to one side nor the other, his eyes were on the chateau. ‘He stood at the foot of the marble stair-way which led - from the drive-way to the porch. What is he doing? He shuts his eyes, and proceeds to go up thesteps. What is he muttering? “‘ One—two—three—four—five. The same. But wait. ~ One—two—three—four—five—six—seven. Aha! the door. But wait, wait. There may be fifty such. Everything must correspond. Step by step. No jumping to conclusions.” Ihe proper key was found, and the great door was thrown _ wide open. Once more closing his eyes, Jacques walked with the same measured step to the staircase, counting, as he went. ‘‘Again the same,” he muttered, as his foot struck the lower step. ‘‘ Mon Dieu! I seem torecognize even the very echo. But wait, still wait.” He ascended the stairs, curiously feeling of the balustrade as he went. | b>. “I could swear to this carving. Ah! First landing. _ ful ght. Four more—second landing. Now four again. : _ The top. Nowseven. So. Half turn to right. Ten. Ah! the door.” “¢ Now stop.” Jacques opened his eyes, and found himself face to face with closed double doors. ‘¢ Let me wait a moment. Icannot go in yet.” ‘* What! am I weak? Bah! out upon me. Where is the key? So.” h Open now. And, Chateau d’Iberri, give up your & Oooh | By Re With this strange apostrophe Jacques pushed open the doors, and looked in upon a large and lofty saloon. ‘The _ furniture was worn but magnificent EComichooks:- co