Old Specie, the Treasury Detective; or, The Harbor Lights of New York — page 173: what you’re looking at

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

OLD SPECIE. 165 “I myself might assume the role of the Wilkie Collins detective, tracing a mystery.”’ ‘‘Perhaps the character would not be such a bad fit, truth to tell,’? with a keen look into the shaded, imperturbable face of the man who sat opposite. Old Specie did not even smile. | A chief mourner at a funeral could not have looked more solemn. “Youcan imply what you like, my dear sir. I shall neither deny nor affirm. All I say is, that I have promised you entertainment for this evening, and I shall do my level best to surprise you ere I am done.’’ ‘“Go on,”’ sullenly. The man’s curiosity had undoubtedly been aroused by the words of his accuser, but so had his fears, for that matter. By degrees the detective meant to lead the matter on until the crisis was reached. Nothing pleased him better than thus baiting a man who had been long hand and glove with the Old Nick for deviltry. “T have other evidence against you that would tear the mask from your face in open court, and brand you for what you are, an impostor; but there is no need of my mentioning these things now, as they will never be brought forward.”’ -*VYou expect me to compromise?”’ “Never mind. I have other business to take up our attention now.”’ “lhe duse you say.”’ “Do you remember when I saw you before, we spoke of a child that was lost years ago—one older than Amy Caldwell?’’ | Vas, Gomichoo cS €o =|