Mrs. Bob: A Novel — page 80: what you’re looking at

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

72 ON THE ROAD TO DENVER. CHAPTER VIII. ON THE ROAD TO DENVER. Bob gives a groan of despair, and then as suddenly brightens up, as something flashes through his mind —something that gives him immediate relief. ‘‘Yohn, old man, hold your fire,’’ he says. ‘*Bless my soul, it’s Bob, after all. You young ras- cal, what does this mean—are you working off super- fluous muscle in gymnastics, climbing over the roof of this wonderful lodge in a vast wilderness? Explain yourself, my boy.”’ This Bob is only too ready and willing to do, and © dropping into a chair he heaves a tremendous sigh of relief. ‘‘T could a tale unfold that would harrow up your soul and freeze your blood,’’ he says, to which the other responds: ‘“Well, freeze away, then, dear boy. I’m awfully mixed up about this business. I tell you I awaken from a little nap to hear some one climbing to the window, and when J] cover him with a weapon expecting to get game, Jo! it turns out to be my friend.”’ Bob only waits until this little tirade is over, when he starts in. What he has to tell is exciting enough to rivet the attention of his comrade, and not one word falls from the lips of the old traveler until Bob finishes, EOPMICL OO KS.6©