The Dugdale Millions — page 141: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XIV. ORTON PIERSON, WHEN Dick gave his promise to Wallis that he would be one of the coaching party he was sincere. At the first suggestion, thoughts of the embarrassment to result from a meeting with Bessie, so soon after what he considered to be his rejection, inclined him to arefusal. But he had been influenced by Wallis, despite his stubborn adherence to his own belief. Hope had sprung up within him, notwithstanding the surly entertainment he offered it. And im the end he had come to be eager for another meeting. - But events conspired to alter the plans made for him. When he came to the breakfast table the next morn- ing, prepared for the excursion, he found his mail beside his plate. Wallis was at the table alone, and directing his attention to it, said: ‘Your mail came in Mr. Hetlow’s bag from the office, and was sent over by him. While you read it, I will send for your coffee.’’ Opening the first letter at his hand, he uttered an exclamation of surprise on reading it. Wallis looked at him with curiosity, but did not speak. ‘This letter,’’ he said, ‘has an important bearing on the search.’’ Briefly relating to her the call of Ransom upon him- self, and the little faith he had in anything to flow from it, he read the letter to her. ‘*Mr Mason: Dear Sir,’’ it began. ‘‘I have recol- lected the name of the man you want. It is Orton 131 Comicbookkxs C@© 3