Laura Brayton — page 212: what you’re looking at

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

LAURA BRAYTON. 203 One of the officers took the key and opened the safe. Acry of horror burst from every lip at the sight of the distorted face of Joe. The latter was instantly recognized by the officers, “A small loss in his death, but he has died by his own trade,” said one of tien: “Who are you, sir? Have I not seen you batten pee asked Mr. Withers, looking earnestly at the man with the red scar. “Tam one, sir, who has done you an injury which . would be too great to be forgiven, were it not in my power partially to repair it. I have just sent for one who will tell you who Iam, and I pray you to nerve your heart for a great, a joyous surprise. They are coming, sir—they are coming. Oh, be strong, sir—be strong!” “Who are coming?’ asked Mr. Withers, with a bewildered look. _ He was answered by the rustle of dresses, and turning toward the door by which the other had entered, he saw the same elderly female whom the reader has hitherto met in company with Captain Hawk. She was followed by Laura Brayton, but Mr. Withers saw only the face and form of the first. “Oh, Heaven!” he gasped. “Can the lost return. Annie, it is thy sainted spirit. Hast thou come to summon me?” “My husband—oh, my husband, this is more hap- piness than I can bear!” she cried, as she fell upon ‘his breast. “Alive? Tears, words, her arms around me? Is it real? Men, is this—is it a dream?” “Tt is real, Mr. Withers!” cried Captain Hawk. “There is your wife, and here is your child. The would-be murderer of the one, and the persecutor Eomicbooks com |