The American Marquis by Nick Carter — page 71: what you’re looking at

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

And a sigh of relief broke from him. Without thinking he knew the initials revealed nothing. ‘Had he not met Grace he would have cursed his luck that so much time and expense had come to so little. Now he was glad. | Why? It did not bring him nearer his happiness. No, but it deferred the day when he must act. Theenergy lent by hate had left him. It was love now that filled his soul, and it was rather despair than energy that urged him on. how. Let him enjoy his love yet awhile, His heart cried out for peace, — he furious bursts of passionate anger which had over-. : whelmed him formerly at the thought of the wicked woman — who had ruined his life, did not come any more. ‘'ke pure love of a true woman had triumphed, and since the night of the fire he hated no more. He, despaired. ‘These initials tell me nothing.” THE AMERICAN MARQUIS. 67 He was glad to put the evil out of i sight—behind him any- ‘‘Perhaps not, monsieur; but they are a clew. Besides, I warned you that it was only as you see.” Tete-de-Fer was alarmed lest his visitor should repudiate his part of the contract. ‘* Have no fear. You shall be free! ‘and oe shall have the money.” ‘Fifteen thousand francs?” << Yes.” «« And when shall I be free?” ‘<'T'o-day or to-morrow. Soon anyhow. Your convic- tion was a mistake. The man you robbed was a detective, the money was bad, you were only a tool.” «Then I have been tricked and played with.” \ Visitor. “Keep cool, amt. Remember I am Bras-de-Fer. Be- sides, you are not free yet, and if I wished to keep you, | have yet a few murders on hand that were real. I needed you, and lused you. Ifl need you (again, I will use you _ again, and you shall never escape me.” l'ete-de-Fer was furious, and made as if to rush at his Gomicbooks Cole)