Bonny Jean, and A Severe Threat — page 191: what you’re looking at

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

184 A SEVERE THREAT. | we ‘©Oh!” she moaned, in piteous accents, ‘‘I sawit all. It is only my arm, I think, that has been hurt; and it might have been a human life.” Dot lifted her uninjured hand, and grasped Lola's arm. ‘‘Dear Lola,” she said, softly, and speaking with an effort, ‘‘T must tell you now, for if I die”—there was a little gulp, as the actress choked down a sob—for she was very young, you see, and death looks grim indeed to youth—‘“‘ if—if I die,” she went on, sadly, ‘‘ you would never learn the truth; and, Lola, you ought to know all. You have a terrible enemy, dear— some one who hates you with a bitter hatred; for, listen, Lola —indeed I am telling you the simple truth—that shot was not intended for me, but for you. Let me tell you all. While you were speaking to that man, I chanced to turn my body, and I saw standing there, in the shadow of the cottage, a dark figure; nota tall person, but so enveloped in a long, black cloak that it was impossible to identify the person; but, Lola, I believe, from the bottom of my heart, ‘Aa/ 7/ was a woman. I watched her closely-—closely ; she turned her head, and I saw that there was a black mask over her face; and the hood of the _ cloak, which was like a domino, was drawn up over her hair. I think that the entire disguise was merely a plain black domino, such as is worn at masquerades, for the purpose of concealing one’s identity. But I could see the eyes which shone through the holes in the mask; and vengeful, wicked eyes they were, Lola. The figure stood quiet for a time watching you—oh, so intently—then I saw a hand uplifted, and the silver barrel of a tiny revolver glistened in the moonlight. I understood the situation intuitively, for, Lola, the weapon was aimed directly at you. I, hidden in the arbor, could see distinctly without being observed. I saw the revolver pointed—saw a finger press the trigger, and I rushed forward, throwing up my arms invol- untarily. My intention was to warn you; but, you see, I was between you and the would-be assassin, and the bullet lodged inmyarm. But, Lola, it might have taken your life.” comichooks.co a)