Mezzoni the Brigand — page 163: what you’re looking at

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

Se Fe Py MEZZONI THE BRIGAND. 155 heard from Alberto. His suspicions were now con- firmed. He now changed the subject. “There is one other matter of which I would biel to you,’’ he said, looking her full in the face. °° W ell?’’ “You have in your private cabinet, at this mo- ment, a vial of poison.’’ “What do you say: ?’?? exclaimed the countess, rising to her feet in surprise. ‘‘A vial of poison,’’ repeated the detective, with perfect composure. ““Who says so?”’ ‘“‘T have just said it, signora.”’ ‘It is false. ”’ ‘‘Halsehood is useless.”’ ‘‘l have no poison.”’ ‘““We will look for it together,’’ he continued, as he rose quietly and proceeded toward her chamber, where that severe struggle with Alberto had taken place. “You have no right in my apartments,”’ she said, hastening after him. ‘‘I will ring for my people.”’ ‘‘As you please. But I thought we might arrange this matter between ourselves without any unpleas- ant publicity. Servants will talk.’’ She hesitated. | “T will thank you to observe this warrant,’’ said the detective, showing his authority. “There 18 a conspiracy against me—a conspiracy,” she repeated, wringing her hands. “Oh, no, signora. Let us make this business as quiet as possible.’’ ‘“What shall I do?’’ ‘““Give me the vial.”’ 4 ‘No 17? comicbooks co