The American Marquis by Nick Carter — page 37: what you’re looking at

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

THE AMERICAN MARQUIS. > 33 marriages to the population in what was the sea province of uy Britanny. You had been favorably mentioned to the em- peror—I do not know by whom—as being the most careful and conscientious officer in the department. ‘l’herefore, it was to you I was first instructed to go, in order that I might start right.” So overcome was the mayor by this harangue that he could scarcely more than bow his acknowledgments. -** Monsieur,” he managed to say at last, ‘‘ you do me too much honor, though indeed I have ever striven hard to de- — serve the good opinion of his majesty. ~ ‘¢And you have gained it, monsieur. Now Iwill take no more of your valuable time.” ‘‘T am only too glad to assist you.” ‘‘T believe it; but I can run over some figures if you will permit me to look at some of your books, and when I am through with the mechanical part I will then beg you for your valuable advice. May I first look at the footings in the marriage register?” APR 7 ‘‘Certainly. Here itis. You will find the footings by years. How far back will you go?” , ‘‘ Only for ten years.” Lhe mayor’s pen scratched. The visitor turned over the leaves of the register. , ** Dear, dear!”? muttered the visitor, as if under his breath, but in reality purposely loud enough to attract the mayor’s attention. ‘* What is it?” ; “Oh, pardon my thoughtless exclamation. It is nothing but a great blot that covers one complete entry.” ‘* Ah—ah, indeed!” stammered the mayor. wa *< Yes; I can make ont only the date. It is November 13, | 1865. Fortunately, it makes no difference to me.” ‘*No, no; of course not.” | ‘*No; but do you know if I were a criminal officer such a blot as that would make me think?” ‘‘ Hh—eh!” gasped the mayor, starting from his chair and pe: with blanched face at his visitor. “* XY es.” } | The visitor laid one hand on the open book and looked _ placidly thoughtful. . : : ‘‘ Yes; because the blot looks intentional.” ‘* Looks in-ten-tional?” faltered the mayor. comicbooks.com:.