The Dugdale Millions — page 229: what you’re looking at

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

MRS. STANTON’S INTRIGUE. 219 “It is very clear,” continued Bob eagerly. ‘“ They desire to shield Mr. Stanton. He means to face his deceit out with you. Mr. Hetlow naturally does not want me to prove my identity, while Mason is in love with Miss Hetlow and does not want the prop- erty to pass away from her. They make common cause together, and the result is that we are the victims. It 1s, therefore, necessary for us to join hands in defense of our respective rights. There may be papers in that box that will throw light upon my case.” “That is why I tell you,” exclaimed Mrs. Stanton. “Then keep that box secure until you can let me have it. When I can take it I will give it to my law- yer, who will be able to understand the papers better than you or I can.” Mrs. Stanton, however, shrank from this proposi- tion, but Bob continued to skillfully play upon her delusion, until she finally yielded and promised to deliver it to him in some way. “IT do not see how I can give it to you unob- served,” she said. “It will never do for you to hand it to me,” replied Bob. “If that were seen suspicion would be excited at once.” ‘“ But how can you get it?” she asked. “It must be stolen from you,” said Bob, after some reflection, ‘“‘so that there will be no responsibility rest- ing upon you.” “But how?” she inquired eagerly. “Can you not place it where it can be taken to- night?” he asked. To the desire, ardent and real if mistaken, to ob- tain proof of her husband’s infidelity, was now added all the fascination of the mystery and the intrigue she had entered upon. She thought awhile and then said: “T have concealed the box among a number of Comiclbook<s C@ 3}