Detective Bob Bridger — page 117: what you’re looking at

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

110 DETECTIVE BOB BRIDGER. ut . the terrible weapon in his hand. “And now, let us under- — stand each other. If I give you this roll of money you are to sell me this weapon to be used in my protection, are never to know or speak any more about it, and [am to be permitted to go my way hence without being assaulted or robbed ?” “The terms are suitable,” returned Goucher, with a broad grin of approbation. ‘The bag contains the right quality of copper filings, just enough of ’em, and packed the right way for offense and defense; and it would be hard to find a man that would build a weapon of that character for little money. The five hundred will buy it, and supply ample ‘hush,’ though it’s not likely that we, who’ve long since ‘tied up prigging,’ would ‘squeal’ on the © transfer. So you take it from us on the quiet, and, as you’ve got it in your hands, you would seem to have the best of us, if we meant to assault or rob you. So make the | ‘cambia,’ leave the ‘cole,’ take the implement, and go where you will in peace.” “Done!” said the Englishman, and tossing the roll of notes to Goucher, he placed the sand-bag in an inner pocket — of his great-coat, and arose to his feet. “Pve only one thing more to say to you, my ‘nazy cove,’ ” quoth Goucher. “ And that is, you want to remem- ber, at all times, that that thing is not a child’s plaything. Keep it right along in your mind that a very slight knock from it will tumble a strong man, and a harsh blow with it would crack his skull, and kill him as dead as if a cannon ball struck him. You’ll never hear from us, but don’t you let us ever hear from you either.” “lam thankful to you,” returned the Englishman, turn- ing toward the door. “Mum isthe word. I'll never have use for the thing unless assaulted, but I feel better since I possess a weapon that I may be able to resist with. — “T have accomplished what I came here for,” he added, “and it you are satisfied open the door and let me go away.” At a motion from Goucher “ Jack, the Fork,” approached the door. As he did so the two sleuth-hounds retreated softly to the cover of the apartment at the rear of the hall-way. _ | A moment later the bolt slid back, the door opened, and ~ the Englishman stepped forth, descended the stair-way, and passed forth upon the street. ~ 4 « ecomicbooks.com — (if J > : - e - all < for AL, Rt A «