Laura Brayton — page 137: what you’re looking at

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

128 : LAURA BRAYTON. “That’s all right boss, they shall be on hand, But there will be more cash wanted. You can’t never ‘list them sort 0’ recruits without the bounty in hand.” “T know it,” said Sharp, and a roll of bills passed from his hand into the claws of Joe. “T like workin’ for vou, boss,” said the wretch, with a grin. “’Cause why, you shell out easy. There’s no hemming and hawing and holdin’ on to the precious; you know what kind of a stone it takes to sharpen a knife and you use it. Anything - more now?” “Yes, we must think where to conceal you and your men until they-are wanted, if they should be required. There is a basement under my library, aud from ita stair-way leads to a trap-door that used to be kept open for the purpose of taking wood and coal up there. It is fastened down now, but I will loosen it when I go back. Here is the key to that basement room. Be in the basement with your men at nine exactly, and remaining there in silence, be ready to answer my signal. Should you hear three successive heavy stamps of my heel on the floor—or rather on the trap-door, rush up with your men—the door will yield when you push it. Then do as you are ordered by me, no matter what.” “All right, boss, there will be no fail in me. Aren’t you dry, talkin’ so long?” “No, I must hurry off. I have something more important than drink on my mind now. This night must be a triumph in one point at least. And then Imust nerve for another struggle. What it is, I can scarcely yet tell, but it is a fight for my fortune, and life without success in that would be useless to comicbooks.com —