Detective Bob Bridger — page 189: what you’re looking at

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

. - - if Nw ie 4 182 DETECTIVE BOB BRIDGER. him from arunning train on his journey, and he wished a weapon which he might destroy should he be forced to use it.” “Monstrous!” exclaimed Videre, angrily. “Be calm, Mr. Videre,” cautioned the attorney. “Now, sir, you say you sold this gentleman such a weapon ?” ‘“Yes, sir. I sold him a sand-bag which I had lying about as a curiosity, and it was of such a nature that the copper- filings which it contained might be poured forth, and the bag burned.” ‘“How do you identify this gentleman as the purchaser ?” “By his strange voice and general appearance.” ‘‘Did you ever see him before he made the purchase ?” ‘‘No, sir.” ‘‘Are you acquainted with the detective officers near you ?” ‘‘T know Detectives Bridger and Hoffman.” “What is your business ?” ‘‘T keep a liquor store.” “That will do, sir.” At this point the Scotch detective led Annette, Meg Bolard, Dr. Macy, and “Silly” Billy into the room. Annette screamed in terror as her eyes rested upon the box containing the corpse, and clung tremblingly in fear « the Scotch detective. ‘ All eyes were directed toward the group. “To you know these people?” demanded the coroner, pointing toward them. ‘‘T do not,” returned Videre, coolly. ‘‘Och, is it there ye are, Mister Pere Videre, me purty - jail-bird, ‘Squeeler’ Jack Drugo? It’s mesilf, Meg Bolard, that knows you thin!” The crazy giant began to dance and titter, and his face beamed in recognition upon the prisoner. “°Ow is you, Mr. Videre?” he said. ‘‘Hi knows ’im! ’e! ’e! ’e! Why, hanybody would know Mr. Videre, ’e; ’e! ‘Is voice hidentifies hitself! e!e! See-ree- go !” “Wait until you are sworn!” roared the coroner, while he glared in astonishment at the antics of “Silly” Billy. ‘‘Swear me thin, and be quick about it,” demanded Meg, as she dealt the crazy giant a blow with her hand, and bade him cease his performance. The coroner swore Meg, and asked her to state what she knew of Videre. “Know him! Sure, thin, it’s mesilf knows himas well — comicboo (S.cO m- s \? - ~ > ool , * oa ’ 2 + 4 ~ } : ’ * war ts tebed.