Mrs. Bob: A Novel — page 269: what you’re looking at

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

NOW MONSIEUR SMILES BUT— 261 Carry me off to a mad-house! Bah! I laugh at you, I defy you, rascals, plotters, thieves!”? ‘‘Bravo!’’ says Bob, in a low tone, for, unseen by the actors in this little domestic affair, they have come into the vestibule and shut the sound of music beyond the door. ‘“That grandsire of yours is at least a worthy specimen of Virginia chivalry, and knows not fear. I admire him for that, at least. See him stand there waving his heavy cane around his head, reckless as to whether it strikes friend or foe. Do you know he makes me think of Gladstone! He has much thesame face, and that indomitable will that has carried him over crises where weaker men would have yielded up the ghost.”’ While Bob is talking Squire Gordon holds his enemies at bay with his cane. ‘They do not seem to relish a personal contact with such a cleverly wielded cudgel. Some wait for him to tire out, others move to the rear, while the worthy doctor attracts his attention—an old game which he has probably practiced on many an occasion. ‘But, my dear sir, we do not deserve such epithets as those. We are law-abiding citizens, and I am _ act- ing under orders froma well-known judge. No police officer would dare interfere with me. On the con- trary, if such guardians of the peace were to appear here at this moment, and I showed him the document I carry, it would be his bounden duty to assist me to the utmost. Hence, under these circumstances, you will see the folly of resistance and accompany us peacefully. ”’ CONNIE OOOKS.Ee)