A Daughter of Delilah — page 205: what you’re looking at

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

196 | A FATHER’S THREAT. shall be as sfrong as ever inafew hours. I am like a tiger on the scent of blood. You are free of the enchant- ress forever?’’ ‘*Forever! Curse her!’’ -Hawkley smiled. ‘‘Your father visited her to buy her off. I know this be- cause I saw him go to her apartments. ”’ Edgar flushed, and growled: ‘‘A needless expense! That perhaps accounts for the twenty thousand dollars Billings is troubled about! You know that the nest is empty, Hawkley?’’ ‘‘Mr. Hawley has told me everything. Now, sir,’’—he bent closer to young Alston—‘‘I overheard what you said of your father’s projected marriage and the mystery sur- rounding the bride. Do you know who the lady is?’’ ‘‘T haven’t the faintest suspicion. ’’ ‘Then I will tell you; it is Isabel Russeil. He has suc- cumbed to her witchery. This is the final coup of the gang. Of course, there will be no real wedding, but un- less we act promptly, they will be on the high seas with a good slice of your father’s fortune!’’ ‘‘Impossible!’’ gasped Edgar, aghast. The detective shrugged his shoulders, saying: ‘To that fiend there are few things impossible!’ ‘‘Good Heaven, I believe that you have divined it! My father has gone to Philadelphia this morning. That is where they are hiding. He must be followed!’’ ‘Softly. Iam going on no wild-goose chase. I must have proof. His is a well-known figure, and will not be hard to trace. Leave all in my hands until to-morrow, but be ready for action at any time. Gentlemen, I require (EOE OOO KS