The Dugdale Millions — page 225: what you’re looking at

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

MRS. STANTON’S INTRIGUE. ais Again Dick was certain he saw an expression of relief flit over Harold Pierson’s face at this answer, but he said : “TI should not have feared to trust them to the keeping of Mr. Hetlow.” Then he added quickly, as he bowed courteously to Mr. Hetlow: “Tf you will permit me, I will withdraw and seek the ladies. You will of course wish to discuss these papers.” | He was gone before a protest could be uttered. “Well,” said Mr. Hetlow, as the door closed on Bob, to Mr. Stanton, “ what do you think of this?” “T don’t know,” promptly answered the lawyer. “T want time to think itover. Itlooks right; indeed it looks strong. On the face of it, I would say there was a reasonable presumption, amounting to a moral conviction, that Harold Pierson is young Dugdale.” ‘JT should think so,’”’ said Mr. Hetlow, in a tone of profound confidence. “ But it is not yet legal proof. However, I do not understand that he puts it before us as such. There have been such things as doctored documents— forged papers.” “Oh,” said the merchant, “ it isthe habit, if not the practice, of you lawyers to be suspicious over every- thing.” ‘“ Not a bad failing,” replied Mr. Stanton coolly. “ The habit has prevented the consummation of many a fraud. Now, Hetlow,don’t jump to a conclusion so hastily. Itis not yet time to give up Bessie’s claims. If you will take my advice, you will stop right here. File your claim, so as to preserve your status, in any proceedings that may be brought on behalf of this young man, and force him into action, Let it be dealt with in England. Stop where you are. You have done your whole duty. Let him dothe fighting.” ‘Do you mean to say that you are not convinced?” Mr, Hetlow asked indignantly. Comicbookks C@ 3