Darke Darrell, the Boy Detective — page 25: what you’re looking at

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

16 DARKE DARRELL. essary to every undertaking. Put on your studying cap again.” , Darke did not reply at once. He knit his brows heavily, and stared at’ his chubby brown hands. ‘¢T can think of nine requisites,” Darke said, at last. ‘¢ Distinct ones? What are they?” «‘ Keenness of observation, tenacity, reticence.” ‘‘'Three, sir. Very good.” ‘‘ Bravery, cunning, adaptability.” «Three more. Adaptability to what?” - ‘To every circumstance that may occur.” «“ Well put. Go on, boy.” ««Secrecy—a knowledge of human character and human depravity. ‘lio those may be added the control of the features, a knowledge of various languages, proper dis- guises, and the power to win confidence. I mean the con- fidence of other people.” «‘ And of rogues in particular. You seem to know what’s wanted. You named only eight leading requisites.” ~ “Did I? Well, the ninth is—impudence.” A laugh went round, for officers and clerks had set their ears for the colloquy. Mr. Marks also laughed. He was agreeably impressed with the boy’s intelligence; his replies were prompt, but not consequential. ‘‘Right,” he said. ‘‘It would have been polite to have called it assurance. Likely I will give you atrial.” Darke’s eyes sparkled. «< W hat will be the pay?” he asked. ‘«<That’s business,” and Mr. Marks shrugged his shoulders, *‘T'll take you on at four dollars a week. Our office boy has left, and you can have his place. If you learn tel- egraphing (and that will test your aptness) your pay will he a good dealmore. What is your name?” © Darke Darrell,” Gomichbooks. co