Bob Younger's Fate — page 132: what you’re looking at

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

BOB YOUNGER’S FATE. 123 ~~ were sent him, and still later the description of the recovery of your body, with all the sad attendant circumstances. Now, behold the subtlety of our plot. You owe Stark thirty dollars; by the simple change of a word or two it becomes a hundred thou- sand dollars. Stark is well known in this city; he has had business dealings with you, and Dr. Hinds will not question the amount of indebtedness. Stark will go with Younger to Dr. Hinds, but not your friend Stark; he will keep you company until Younger’s return. Fortunately one of the gang bears a curious resemblance to the real Stark, and with some little touches here and there would de- ceive a casual acquaintance. This is the man, then, who will accompany Younger. He will present this note of Howard’s, who has been proved dead and buried; what can the gentleman do except hand over the money?’’ | “What if Dr. Hinds should refuse?” ‘We have sworn to have the mceney peaceably first, but it must inevitably fall into our hands.’’ “What is the date of the note?’’ ! “Ten days before your supposed death.’ It is necessary for us to state that Irene’s story was in the main correct, with the exceptions, of course, that Stark and Younger were identical; that the overhearing of Scott’s plan for selling the mine was a picture drawn by her imagination, and that Scott, whose name was assumed, was a member of the band. “Now, Mr. Howard, you have the facts in the case before you. Is it life or death for your friend? Is it life or death for yourseltf?’’ ' : “The money would do much for me,”’ said Theo, thoughtfully. — ‘Not without life to enjoy it. Remember, it will never under any circumstances belong to you.” _ Theo realized the hopelessness of his position here; once free he might recover this money, or at least bring some of the robbers to justice; so witha —long-drawn sigh he said at last: “T will sign the paper.”’ Eomichoo cS (e(@)