Detective Bob Bridger — page 68: what you’re looking at

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

DETECTIVE BOB BRIDGER. 61 from the up-stairs window of the cottage in England—do you mind that? “I nodded assent, smiling as I did so, for the little maiden’s spirits ran high, and her enunciation was Swilt enough to do credit to a ‘gal down Maine.’ “*Well,’ she continued, ‘when you showed me your badge ‘Mam? Meg Bolard, ‘and ‘Silly’ Billy were peeping at you from the window down stairs, and I heard ‘Silly’ Billy say, that you were Roe Fandon, a detective from Scotland Yard. So Bolard thought it was all Billy’s fault, and that you had come to make sure where he lived only. But I knew different. And ‘Mam’ Meg told me you were a bad man, and wanted to take our home from us. But I knew different, and so Bolard got frightened, and the first thing I knew we were all going ona long journey—and here we’ve landed from over the ocean at Garson. And— oh, wasn’t I glad when I saw you standing at the switch when General Grant’s special was on the side track. And then, when Mrs. Bibby introduced you to me as Sam Josalyn, oh, I was so much afraid that you would recognize me before her that I almost fainted.’ “T was thunderstruck—in fact, I almost fainted myself. Here was a girl who had been quietly ‘laying’ for me, while I thought I was ‘piping’ her. “My amazement was so great that I really think if at that moment the fellow who says that girls don’t know a thing or two had approached me, I would have knocked him down from impulse without thinking what I was doing. “*Now, Roe Handon, show me your badge,’ she added, ‘for you are Roe Fandon, aren’t you, Roe?’ “*Just as I am, without one plea,’ I replied, pushing aside my coat and exposing my badge. ““Then you are, for sure and certain, Roe Fandon?’ she repeated, a twinkle of roguery in her bright eyes. “*Yes, 1 am Roe Fandon as sure as you are Annette Godot.’ **Annette Godot? Is that my true name?’ “*As sure as my true name is Roe Fandon.’ *“*And you are Detective Roe Fandon,-from Scotland Yard ? : “*Yes, my dear little dish of strawberries and cream, ] “**And you will try to find my true papa'and mamma for me ?’ “*Yes, my night blooming Cereus, new-mown hay, yes,’ “And you will marry me, Roe?’ €oO GOmic 200 cS