Mrs. Bob: A Novel — page 159: what you’re looking at

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

ADVICE ONE DOLLAR A MINUTE. 151 after ze originals were made, would it be an easy thing to discover zis fact ?”’ There it is in plain English. Josh Geddings has made up his mind to deceive the lawyer—he does not want Monsieur Merle to imagine that he knows him. ‘Therefore he elevates his eyebrows in surprise. ‘‘A singular coincidence, I declare. Another party consulted me on about the same line this evening. I will tell you just what I did him—that it all depends on circumstances. If the ink used was the same, and several other matters neatly adjusted by the forger, it would be difficult, and under some conditions, well- nigh impossible to detect the fact, especially to prove it before a jury.”’ Monsieur Merle smiles and rubs his hands together —then remembering the part he plays he frowns and looks quite despondent. ‘*T am afraid zen we will have to call you in, Mon- sieur Geddings—at one dollar a minute. I would not wroug an innocent man.”’ ‘‘Ah! I honor you, sir.’’ ‘‘Nor do I wish to keep a thief in my employ. I see ze ten minutes are up’’—as the French clock strikes the half hour gong—‘‘and I will depart. Rest assured, you sall see me again.’’ ‘Delighted to know you, Mr. ‘‘Pardon—Anton Du Quesne, at your service.”’ _ And thus putting the seal to the great elaboration, the French lawyer bows himself out, leaving Josh smoking his red pipe and looking up through the white rings as he mutters: »? oo ~ Gomicbookssco im