The Dugdale Millions — page 224: what you’re looking at

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

214 THE DUGDALE MILLIONS, Edmund Dugdale’s, it would be strong proof indeed. You have some in your possession, I believe, Hetlow.” Bob with this looked up keenly at Mr. Hetlow and, as Dick thought, with a frightened expression on his face, but only for an instant. ‘Tt have such letters,’ replied Mr. Hetlow, looking at one of the scraps, “ and, as I recollect the writing, this seems to be the same.” ‘“‘ Now to close,’’ continued Bob. “T have Mr. Pierson’s statement that he received me from the hands of James Powers and his wife, both dead I understand, who said that J was the child of a lodger who had died in his house, named Dugdale. When I have added that, on Saturday last, a man named Ransom came to me offering, for a con- sideration, to take me toa man who could give me certain facts, which I saw at once would substantiate Mr. Pierson’s statement, I have submitted all the proof at present in my possession.” All were silent for some time. Finally Mr. Hetlow said : “It seems to me to be conclusive.” “No,” remarked Mr. Stanton, “ it is not conclusive. It 1s not weak, however, and is capable of being turned into strong proof.” “Well, be it strong or weak,” said Bob, with a half laugh, as he gathered the papers together and made them into a little package, “it 1s all I have, though Mr. Pierson says he is certain there were other papers, but he has failed to find them as yet.” Then turning to Mr Hetlow, he said: “Shall I leave them with you ?” As he asked this question Dick, closely observant, thought he perceived an eagerness, almost anxiety, for the answer. “No, no,” quickly responded Mr. Hetlow, “ they ate far too important to you to permit them to go out of your hands. I thank you for the opportunity of permitting me to see them.” Comiclboolkkxs C@ 3