Darke Darrell, the Boy Detective — page 136: what you’re looking at

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

DARKE DARRELL. 127 gentleman issued from it. He locked the door and put the key in his pocket. | | A clock near by struck ten. Leotine caught a glimpse of his face. He was a middle-aged, portly, fine-looking gentleman, and she knew that she could trust him. On a sign above the door she read the name *“‘ G. W. Kendrick.” “*{ wonder if he is the owner of the store,” Leotine thought. ‘‘ How shallI accost him?” He settled that by speaking to her first: “Why, my dear, is it not rather late for you to be out - alone?” his voice sweet, clear, solicitous. ‘IT am lost, sir,” she said, turning her face full upon him, the light from the street-lamp falling upon it. He gave a little start, either surprised at the lovelinessof - her face or because puzzled to know whether she was child or woman. ~— ‘‘ Lost?” he repeated. ‘‘ Where do you live?” ‘<<In New York. I crossed over at dusk?” ‘Where do you want to go? What street and number?” ‘¢ Not just anywhere,” falteringly. ‘‘I donot know any- body here.” His surprise increased. “IT do not want to go to a hotel. I would feel so strange.” ‘“You have money?” “Oh, yes.” ‘What is your name?” ‘‘ Leotine Cassandra. JI ran away from home.” He surveyed her keenly. He felt that she was telling the truth, and a sudden interest in her became awakened. ‘‘ Why did you run away from home?” he asked. ‘<The people were not my parents, sir,” she said, her voice vibrating. ‘‘'Take me home with you, please. I will thank you, compensate you, and truthfully answer your questions.” Eomicbooks (E(0)