The American Marquis by Nick Carter — page 93: what you’re looking at

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

; THE AMERICAN MARQUIS. — 89 “That's it. I only do it once ina while, but when I do, | I make a business of it.” ‘Tt looks like it.” The room was a perfect wreck. Not a piece 6 of furniture was whole. _ Rap—rap—rap! ! «“ Come in.’ A frightened face peered into the room, and with dis- tended eyes viewed the scene. “Was monsieur 111?” ‘‘Hand me that pillow, Tete- do-Fer. Ill, did you ask, mon ami? Come in, please.” But the owner of the face had his eye on the pillow, and begged to be excused. «Then get out.” | With a shout of laughter, Bras-de-Fer launched the pil- low at the door with such good aim that if the face had not been suddenly withdrawn there is a likelihood that it would have been squeezed somewhat. This was a new mood for Tete-de-Fer to find the detec- tivein, and he hardly knew how to conduct himself lest he should become a victim. ‘‘ Are you ready to see me?” he ventured to say. ‘““Ready? Ofcourse I’m ready. Don’t I look so?” i didn’t know but you might be tired from last night's exertions.” ‘Tired! oh, no. I feel like doing more. I'd like to get hold of a good stout man and tear him to pieces.” Lete-de-Fer laughed uneasily. ‘*What do you want me todo?” ‘< You are sure you are ee to doit?” ‘‘Oh! quite sure.’ ‘‘] wish you’d refuse.” ‘“<Why?” ‘* Because I could try my hand on you then.” $ Thank you, monsieur; I’d rather you’d try somebody else.’ Tete-de-Fer tried to appear at ease but failed utterly. His discomfiture seemed to give Clinton great pleasure. He had at last thoroughly tamed this wild beast. “Til tell you what I want you todo. You're to go to that Bie again. You know?” ¢é es bP (E(@ EComicbooks