A Daughter of Delilah — page 76: what you’re looking at

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

IN THE MESHES OF THE SIREN. 67 ‘*I wish to see you, Mr. Alston,’’ he said. Edgar scanned him from head to toe. ‘‘T have not the pleasure of your acquaintance, sir.”’ ‘‘Nathaniel Hawkley,’’ was the dry response. ‘Ah! I should not have recognized you, Mr. Hawkley,”’ Edgar said. ‘“‘If your business is not very pressing, Mr. Hawkley, I should be Sa to defer it. I have an important engagement. ’’ “T will not detain you five minutes, sir,’’ the detective replied, unabashed by the hauteur in Alston’s tones. OT understand that a parcel was left here to-day, and I sus- pect that it contained the clothes you permitted the con- vict Roseberry to take from you.’’ ‘“‘Who told you this?’’ demanded Edgar. ‘‘Never mind who told me, sir; that is my business. I only ask you for a confirmation or a denial.’’ ‘‘Yes, the man has returned the clothes. What more do you require?’’ Alston spoke impatiently. ‘‘You people always make so much mystery out of nothing.’’ “Did Roseberry send you anything else?’’ demanded Hawkley. ‘A letter,’ said Alston, laughing, half amused and half annoyed. ‘‘I see that it is useless evading the questions. There are sneaks and spies about the building. I shall complain to the landlord. ’’ ‘Will you permit me to see that sok Mr. Alston?” was the respectful query. “T cannot.” “Why?’’ ‘‘T have handed it to another person.’’ “To whom, may I ask?”’ Gomichbooks (E(0)