Laura Brayton — page 153: what you’re looking at

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

144 LAURA BRAYTON. All these feelings had Eldridge Putnam read in the face of the old lawyer before he spoke. “These papers are of great importance, Mr. Put- nam,” said he. “Before I had them I had great confidence in the case which I had taken in hand, now I am positive that I shall succeed on-every point. Millions of dollars are involved, and the pos- session of these papers leaves everything as clear as day. Isuppose you are fully aware of the important part you are to play in the legal drama about being enacted.” “Not entirely, sir; but lam ready to take any part assioned to me by the lady who gave me those papers. She referred me to you for instructions.” “Well, sir, your duty will be to assume the respon- sibility of guardianship of the heirs to the immense property for which I willsue. The main reason is that I wish no real names of the persons to come out until I produce.two persons supposed to be dead, and one who has been reared under a false name and in a false position in court. One of these per- sons would have been the main plaintiff in person, but I wish to keep her back as a witness untila moment when her appearance and evidence will appall the defendant, if there is any feeling left in him. And now, Mr. Putnam, let me offer you lodg- ings in my own house. I have to offer as a reason my desire at avery early hour to drive out to the residence of Mr. Walter Withers, to explain mat- ters to him, and introduce you; for he is deeply in- terested in the cause in which I now know [I shall succeed.” | “With thanks, sir, 1 accept your hospitality, if by doing so I can further the ends desired.” “You will, And now. my young friend, that you ~Ecomicbooks co