Mrs. Bob: A Novel — page 151: what you’re looking at

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

JOE HOOKER IN THE ARENA. 143 the two men imagine they cannot know what a set- back has happened to their plans. John Archer keeps his word. As they leave the dining-room he says to Bob: ‘‘!’m off now to see the expert—give you his re- port when I return. Meanwhile you can be happy in the company of Mrs. Bob. Ah! my boy, you were a lucky fellow to draw such a prize as that in the lot- tery of life. I have seen so much of sorrow that it does my heart good to find friends thus united in such charming unity, soul responding to soul.’’ He squeezes Bob’s hand, bows to Mrs. Bob, and is gone on his errand little suspecting what strange things this first night in Richmond 1s destined to produce. Bob sends his wife up on the elevator and steps to the counter to buy some of the cigars for which this capital of the Old Dominion is famous, when, as he lights one, he is seized by the arm. ‘Toe Hooker, by the powers!’’ he exclaims. ‘Toe Hooker, with strange news for you, Bob, old fellow,’’ returns the man whose hand he clasps. ECOMIcdooks (C@ im =)