Laura Brayton — page 128: what you’re looking at

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

LAURA BRAYTON. | 119 CHAPTER XXIV. A SECRET FRIEND. Unresistingly, for she knew that alone she was powerless, Laura Brayton. returned with Enoch Sharp to his house. As soon as she was safe he dismissed the officer who had been acover to his proceedings. He sent Nathan to his desk in the copying-room. Then he took Laura into a strong- room which adjoined, and was inside from his own office. “Now, girl, you are safe, for the present. Why did you leave my house?” “Because I saw no safety from persecution here.” “And Eldr idge Putnam helped you away from here.” “It is false. I went alone.” “Girl, you forget your acknowledgment when _ defending his reputation at yonder tenement-house.” “T forget nothing. You slandered him, and I re- futed your falsehoods.” “Frail fool! Do you know I could strangle you with a hearty good-will!” “T doubt not your desire, but you dare not harm me. Men, and devils in the shape of men, are hung for murder!” : “Not always. Manya crime lays hidden in the earth or under the water! Girl, did I not wish to punish you more severely, you should not live an hour. As it is, your conduct only hastens your GEomicboo cS com