The Illegal Marriage — page 221: what you’re looking at

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

THE ILLEGAL MARRIAGE 913 It was with bitter regret that he thought of the past, and saw how easy it would have been to fol- low the path of rectitude, and how hard it was to pursue the path of crime. Trying in vain to find some solution to his troubles, Alfred started across the bridge, and pausing a mo- ment, plunged into the swamp. Appling started up close behind him. “| have them both at last,” he said to himself, as he followed along the narrow path; and coming to the open space, he watched Alfred as he disap- peared between the logs. A faint gleam of lght told the rest of the story, and retracing his steps, the detective went to Raborn’s house to make preparations for the arrest. In less than half an hour, Appling, with the con- stable and two men to assist them in case of resist- ance, were on their way to the hut. Meantime Alfred had entered, and without a word took a low stool in the corner. Not yet had he been able to decide upon a proper course, nor could he make up his mind whether or not he should tell old Hawks what he had heard in Stannard’s house. “Well, what’s the matter now?” said Hawks, after waiting for him to speak; “you seem mighty un- sociable to-night.” “You would be, I reckon, if you had been through what I have.” “Well, what is it? Relieve yer mind, if yer gwine to. No use being all night about it.” “Let me think a minute, can’t your” said Alfred, snappishly; “[ have enough to tell, lL assure you of © that.” : | “Out with it, then—have you bin up yonder?” “Yes.” “Did you see him? Did you say what I told you?” asked Hawks, eagerly. “Yes, Ihave, Hawks—he talked to me for half an hour.” | “What, talked to you? Ain’t he done for, then? Did he know ye? Come, boy, out with it, can’t yer” “He thought it was you.” EOmic JOOKS CO