Detective Bob Bridger — page 82: what you’re looking at

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

DETECTIVE BOB BRIDGER. 19 ‘‘He was a broad, burly farmer, and to a degree under the influence of liquor. ‘“‘“He made several steps beyond the body in my direc- tion, and the crowd eagerly followed him. “<Back !? I cried, leveling both pistols at his head. ‘Iam an officer of the law, and if you advance a step farther you are a dead man!’ “The man perceived that I was determined, stopped where he stood, while the crowd surged backward. ‘**Have you a police DHICeE or constable in this village?’ I demanded. ‘““¢We have,’ returned the burly farmer, ‘but we'll need none in your case.’ ‘‘A gain the mob responded with shouts of ‘‘Lynch him ! and the burly farmer swayed to and fro as if making ready to spring forward and seize me. ‘IT kept my pistols at his head and my eye on his, while a confident and scornful smile played on my lips, and I shook my head at him so as to convey the impression that I considered him a blustering bully, and not to be feared. «What is this constable’s name?’ I demanded. ‘“*John Westbrook. He is here!’ came from the hall-way. | “““Stand aside and let Constable Westbrook pass in,’ I commanded. “This the men did, and a tall, dark-complexioned man made his way to the front. ‘‘He appeared perfectly cool and collected. ‘** Are you Constable Westbrook?’ I asked. Seb am: ‘“‘*Please step here beside me,’ I said, and he did so. | ‘‘The crowd seemed disposed to follow him, but I held them at bay. ‘‘*Constable Westbrook,’ said I, showing my badge, ‘I am. a detective, have followed clews, and have found that this dead man was a murderer. I attempted his arrest to- night, and rather than submit, and before I could prevent it, he grasped up the corn-knife that les near him, and cut his throat. I am, therefore, either an officer assailed--in the discharge of my duty, whom itis your duty to assist, or a murderer in your custody, whom you must deliver to prison for trial, and defend against violence.’ ‘“*Lynch h'm! Hang him, Westbrook! He’s giving you *‘taffy !” ’ cried the mob. ‘Tl know tiat what you say is my duty,’ responded West- brook, ‘but how may I proceed against these hundred men ?? Eomicbooks: co