Laura Brayton — page 194: what you’re looking at

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

> LAURA BRAYTON. 185 shape, Enoch Sharp, should discover the secrets of this house, and learn that his tormentors are not supernatural, I should need stronger protection than my own weak arm. Captain Hawk is brave and faithful; I do not fear, while he is near to protect me, for I have proved his honor and his faith.” “Hark! there is a noise against the wall,” said | Laura. “Yes, some one is approaching from the outside entrance. If he is a friend he Wii EOSuGHS to my slonal.” And rising, the coy struck lightly twice upon the wall. Her signal was followed by seven slow, distinct knocks. “Tt is Mr. Putnam,” said the lady, “or some mes- senger from Mr. Johnson, for that is the signal his messenger was directed to use. Yet I will be cau- tious, and summon the captain to open the door.” She rang a single note on a bell, and in a moment the man with the red scar appeared. | . “Do not detain me here,” he said; “the ruffian whom Enoch Sharp hires for bloody purposes has just entered, and I do not wish to be absent from a position where I can learn all his plans.” “T will not detain you, captain, but open and see who is there.” And the lady pointed to the side of the wall where the knocking had been heard. Placing one hand in a pocket, as if upon some weapon, the captain touched a spring with the other, and the secret door flew open. , Eldridge Putnam at once stepped forward. “Tt is all right,” said the lady. “You can return to your post, captain.” ‘ ‘comichook com —