The Freemason's Daughter: A Novel — page 249: what you’re looking at

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

242 THE FREEMASONS DAUGHTER. On entering the cell, they found the poor clerk bound in a chair, which was fixed in the centre of the floor. A straight waistcoat confined his arms; he seemed in a state of stupor: his eyes were fixed, and a drop or two of blood oozed from the corners of his mouth. There was a powerful aromatic perfume in the place. «6 You see,” said the triumphant Crab, “the state he is In.’ “ Dreadful!”’ replied Keeting, who was deeply moved at the sight; for he had known the poor old man for years, and felt interested in his fate. ‘*‘ How long will the fit last ?’’ ‘“‘ Impossible to say,” replied the keeper. ‘‘ Some- times for days—won’t it, sir ?”’ The last words were addressed to his master, who replied only by a knowing nod. Mr. Mordaunt approached the chair, and, in a sooth- ing voice, demanded of the patient if he knew him. ‘* He knows no one in this state,’’ observed Crab. Gridley made an attempt to speak ; his chest heaved, and his eyes, changing from their fixed expression, rolled fearfully. “TI won’t, I won't,” he shrieked. “ Devils! I am not mad! God will judge; and”— A choking sensa- tion seemed to cut short his words. His throat swelled, and a kind of hiccup followed, which seemed to re- lieve him. A mixture of froth and a dark-looking liquid flowed freely from his lips. Mr. Mordaunt ecomnuicloooks (SO