Detective Bob Bridger — page 145: what you’re looking at

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

138 DETECTIVE BOB BRIDGER. ness with him. It is of a secret nature, but, as you are his daughter, I can tell you. But—pardon me !—I must whis- per it, so that no one may overhear.” As he spoke Bridger pushed closer toward Rachel, as if to whisper in her ear. The young woman seemed to divine that all was not right, for she made an effort to slam shut the door and scream, just as Bridger swiftly circled her body, pressed her arms helplessly to her side, and planted his right hand over her mouth and nostrils. It was the work of a moment to convey the captive, Rachel, into the room adjoining, close, and lock the doors. This was accomplished by the two agile sleuth-hounds almost without noise, but a deep growl from beneath told that the Jew’s dog had snuffed danger overhead. The room the detectives had entered was evidently Rachel’s sitting-room, bed-chamber, and kitchen in one. A lamp burned dimly on a mantel-shelf above. a cook- stove, upon which several pots and kettles were steaming. ~ As the Scotch detective secured the room-door, and turned again to Bridger’s assistance, he stood in the center of the room, firmly holding the struggling girl. Placing his lips to her ear, he whispered : ‘Pardon me, Miss Rachel, for this rudeness. We are de- tective officers, and mean you no harm.” On hearing this the young woman’s struggles ceased, and Bridger continued : ‘We must bind and gag you until we have searched the house.” At this point Rachel intimated, by a nasal sound, that — she wished to speak. Bridger suddenly drew aside his hand from her mouth, but kept it ready for instant application. “Who are you after—my fadder?” whispered the tremb- ling girl. 2 “No. We are after the tall, silly-looking thief who lives ere.”’ “Vat you say? You vant told me he vas a tief?” Bridger nodded assent. ‘“Sure—sure my fadder know not dot, or ve vould send him long ago quick avay.” This speech, in defense of her father’s integrity, the frightened young woman spoke in a key several degrees above a whisper, and the dog barked fiercely beneath. Bridger placed his hand in close proximity to ee ° mouth, and gave his head a SARCA LER IN Oe: Po o> 7’ 7 ad » 4 i, J J . 5 Eo |