Mrs. Bob: A Novel — page 272: what you’re looking at

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

264 “HE LAUGHS LOUDEST WHO LAUGHS LAST.” Some of them feel like cheering the words of Bob’s wife; itis as if two dogs were engaged ina fight, and the owner of the smaller one urged him on against superior powers. But Pemberton, although ready and willing to shoulder the burden alone, and able to prove a host in himself, is not to stand there Icng, a single hand against many. Senator John rushes to his side. Think of it, John Archer, whose life has been ruined through the evil machinations of this old man nowruns to his defense! He might not have been equal to such a thing a few days before, but the blessings that have come to him, the restoration of wife and daughter soften his heart, so that hatred and malice can find no lodging there. He ranges himself alongside Bob, and his stout figure gives promise of proving a rock upon which some unfortunate will split. “Tm with you, my dear boy. ‘They’ll find ita difficult thing to drag him away without coming in contact with trouble. All hands on deck to repel boarders !’’ sings out the veteran pilgrim, as he plants himself in line. ‘Count on me!’’ exclaims another, ranging up alongside the others. Of courseit is Joe Hooker, and he extends the line, so that in order to rush through, the captors of the squire will have to crush the snags in front of them. This leaves only Craig, and as yet he does not ad- vance a step. It is not fear that holds him in check, for the man does not know it. He has another mo- Eomichbooksneco im