Marion Marlowe in Columbus, or, Accused of a Crime — page 28: what you’re looking at

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

lowe,” said one of the detectives, admiringly. “T’ve seen dozens of men in women’s clothes, but this fellow acted so natural that I did not even suspect him!” “Oh, Wiggin is an actof, all right,’’ cried Be ert. “He can do any old part, can’t you, you slippery sinner?’ _ “Well, you'll have a réle to play now t at will suit the public perfectly. You'll have to play at breaking stones for the State for a few months or longer!” F | Wiggin did not speak a word. He was a sorry-looking_figure. : The detectives had not only sadly disar- rar ged his finery, but they had _ nearly drowned him in their efforts at the foun- He raised his eyes once, but his glance fell upon Bert’s angry face, and he found it convenient to close his eyes in a very sheep- ish manner. . Marion was standing with Miss Allyn’s arm around her and, as soon as Wiggin was aken away by the detectives, Mr. Temple ordered a carriage and put them both D . Brookes got in with them and so did the manager; but Bert and Olcott accompa- nied the prisoner to the station-house to see 1at he was not allowed his liberty by some ignorant sergeant. _ ow, tell us how you did it, doctor,” asked Miss Allyn, as she hugged Marion ightly. “Did you chloroform the old brute or hypnotize him, or what? I can’t under- stand how you conquered the fellow.” Dr. Brookes laughed heartily as he looked lovingly at Marion. 3 He was envying Miss Allyn her privi- _ leges at that moment. _ “Why, I caught him all alone in the of- fice,” he explained, with a look of disgust, nd, in spite of Marion’s good advice, e fellow accepted my money. He argued that no one would miss her at court in the morning and, if they did, the arrest of Bill Jenkins would take the curse off. He was ire when he saw my cash that it was Jen- sis who was guilty; and then, of course, S Marion was only arrested on suspicion ana not on the original warrant, he felt jus- ’ "ot MY QUEEN. si ee tified in letting her go, so long as. she left her address behind her.” The doctor made the explanation in a sar- castic voice, and, as he finished, Alma Allyn took up the same tone. “Tt is wonderful how conscientious, merci- ful and just a man can be when he sees a good round sum coming his way, isn’t it? But now, the next question is, how did you get Marion to leave the prison? It would be just like her to remain rather than allow you to bribe him.” » She looked at the young girl eagerly and made an astonishing discovery. This was the first the young girl had heard of the method of her release, and her eyes were fixed upon the doctor in a _ reproachful manner. | Once more Dr. Brookes burst into a hearty laugh. For once, he was pleased to feel guilty under the young girl’s glances. “I told her a few fibs, I guess, Miss Al- lyn,” he said, gayly. “‘All is fair,’ you know, ‘in love and war.’ I not only lied for her, but for those who love her!” Miss Allyn reached over and grasped his hand. “You did quite right, doctor! I am proud of you!” she exclaimed, delightedly. “You and Bert both deserve medals, and I shall see that you get them, but here we are at the hotel. Do let us adjourn to the parlor and hold a consultation of war as to what shall be done in this matter.” “One or two things have been done al- ready,” said the doctor, as they reached the parlor. “The detective that Mr. Temple hired has made a few discoveries. He says that when Miss Chester heard that the orig- inal warrant had been lost, she promptly Swore out another, so Miss Marlowe is ]i- able to be served with it at any minute, if we don’t hide her.” “Ell lock her in her room at once.” said Miss Allyn, rising. “Come, Marion. hurry! Don’t let’s take any chances.” The two girls rushed from the parlor, both laughing merrily and Mr. Temple and the doctor started to walk to the theatre. When they reached the lobby they found a = detective waiting for them CORmicoooksS.€e®