Detective Bob Bridger — page 64: what you’re looking at

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

DETECTIVE BOB BRIDGER. 57 widow, accompanied by several ladies of the house, passed through the hall-way toward the parlor. “Hearing Tom’s laughter they paused, and the landlady playfully bade the young man, who was. her brother, not to harm himself. ““T’ve just been asking Sam how his heart was,’ he re- sponded. “*And how is it?’ quoth the widow. “*Mrs. Bibby,’ said I, ‘you should know the condition of every article which you possess yourself. ’ “ At this bit of gallantry the ladies laughed merrily, and disappeared, but I have since learned that such ‘bits of gallantry’ may become formidable things if bestowed in public upon sprightly widows. “TI have narrated thus minutely my first meeting with Annette, doctor,” said the Scotch detective, “because I love to recall it, and to show you how charming a little lady she is.” __ “My poor, dear grandchild,” sighed Dr. Macy, “that she should this night be lodging among thieves.” CHAPTER XIT. ANNETTE’S DREAM. “And now, doctor,” said the Scotch detective, “as my tale will soon drift to a part which may prove unpleasant to your ears, you must take a swallow more of the brandy to nerve you for the recital.” Dr. Macy swallowed the proffered brandy, and the Scotch detective continued his narrative. “ W hile waiting that the week might pass and bring An- nette’s next music day,” said he, “I frequently visited Mrs. Bibby. : “T could plainly see that she was fearful and jealous of Annette. | “I felt assured that she had determined to dismiss her fair pupil so soon as she again visited her home. “T laid my plans accordingly. “IT busied myself during the week in the role of agent, but the time passed very slowly. “Several times I was tempted to take the train for Gar- gon. “Had I acted solely from promptings regarding my duty — as a detective, I should have lost no time in doing so, Ecomicbooks €oO