Detective Bob Bridger — page 18: what you’re looking at

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

DETECTIVE BOB BRIDGER. __ 11 “Very well, by sight, from having seen him frequently upon my train.” ‘*T thought you would.” “And you are assured that he has embezzled the funds, and sailed for Europe 2?” ‘‘It is all too true. Three weeks since he asked and ob- tained one week’s leave of absence. When a fortnight had transpired and he not returned, the treasurer began to fear’ that all was not’ right. On examination funds to the amount of sixty thousand dollars were found missing. And we have since learned that a young man answering Hanford’s description procured a ticket for London, and, two weeks past, sailed from New York on a Cunard steamer.” Then why have you not notified the London police, and had him arrested ?” ‘‘It is a delicate matter. Richard Hanford is the only son of a widow, and she the only sister of a prominent officer of the road. And what I want you to do is to trace the young man, and arrange with the detective officers in whatever city you run him down to apprehend him in a secret, make believe manner. When you have thus re- covered the company’s funds in his possession you will pay the officers liberally for their services, release Hanford from custody, and persuade him to return in penitence to his heart broken mother to be forgiven. You see it is our aim to keep the matter quiet. It would be the death of Hanford’s mother, and a heavy blow upon the officer on whose recommendation he was appointed if the thing gained publicity. This gentleman has placed an amount sufficient to cover the steal in the treasurer’s keeping, and we have agreed to keep the matter quiet. The rest I leave in your hands, Bridger, believing that you are shrewd enough to work it.” And thus it happened that Bob Bridger was frightened from his position as conductor to become a detective. CHAPTER II. BOB BRIDGER’S TRIP TO LONDON. On the Saturday following Bridger sailed for England. Arriving in London, he hastened to the unpretentious building near the House of Parliament known as Scotland Yard, the headquarters of the London police. (ete) GComicbooks