The American Marquis by Nick Carter — page 41: what you’re looking at

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

77 i ba / J > ee f mS , i THE AMERICAN MARQUIS. ot - ‘*Pardon me. It was only curiosity.” ‘‘Tt was not curiosity; but never mind. Monsieur, the Mayor, listen to me. You love money, do you not?” ‘* Money is power.” : : “You love it?” ‘¢ Yes, then.” ‘* How much will you take to give me this sheet out of the register?” ‘“Ah, mon Diew/ Money cannot tempt me. I should surely be discovered.” | ‘Very well. Ishall talk about you with the lieutenant of police. Good-day.” ‘* Ah, monsieur!” ‘Well, then?” ‘‘ What will you give?” ‘* Five thousand frances.” Say ten thousand.” ‘¢ Ah! ten thousand. Well, so be it.” ‘¢T will turn my back while you take the leaf.” oe “Not at all. [am nota thief. Bring it to my room at the hotel. I will there give you the money.” | ‘‘Tf monsieur pleases, | am afraid it will look ill if I call upon you at the hotel. People may remember afterward.” ‘You are very cautious. Well, where, then?” ‘‘ Tf monsieur should take the night train away?” y, Yes:°’ : ‘He might send his baggage, if he have any?” “Yes.” ‘To the depot?” *: Yes.” “And meet me at the little bridge north of the depot?” ‘¢ Well?” ‘‘ Nobody would know then. ‘The transfer could be made quickly, and you could be back in time to take the train.” ‘*Good! I will be there. Do not fail me.” During the day Monsieur Roche tried in vain to get some trace of the record ot the banns. | At night he walked through the gloom to the station, left his valise there, and sauntered on to the bridge. ihe mayor was waiting for him. ‘‘ Have you the sheet?” ‘“ Yes. And you the money?” nt Oo is Eomicbooks:co