The Illegal Marriage — page 66: what you’re looking at

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

58 THE ILLEGAL MARRIAGE, as the report of a rifle rung upon his ears, and turn- ing his eyes quickly he caught a glimpse of a man sinking down behind a fallen tree. CHAPTER V. WILLIAM STANNARD’S STORY. Frightened by the report of the rifle, Doctor Trippe’s horse swerved, and started off in a run. As strong as he was, Trippe could not check the thoroughbred that he rode until the animal had clattered across the long bridge, and struck into the heavy, sandy soil beyond. He dismounted there, tying his horse to the fence, and examined his own breast where the bullet had struck him. Entering the lapel of his coat, the ball had ranged along the surface of his body, raising a huge welt for some inches. Although quickly carried away from the spot, the doctor caught a passing glimpse of the would-be assassin, and recognized in him the form of old Abner Hawks. “A close shot, my friend,” he said, looking back at the swamp; “a close chance this time; but there’s no bullet in your pouch that can kill me. My good friend Abner, you and I will have a long settlement one of these days.” He mounted and rode on to Stannard’s house. The latter came out as the doctor halted at the gate, and together the two men walked into the library. Hardly had the door closed before Stan- nard discovered the hole in the doctor’s clothes. “Great Heaven, Trippe! what is that?” The doctor hesitated. He had not remembered to Comicboo S com