Mrs. Bob: A Novel — page 147: what you’re looking at

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

JOE HOOKER IN THE ARENA. 139 I know there is a story connected with it, and will take great pleasure in hearing it. Perhaps I can also tell you one that may equal it, as a strange thing happened to me of late. I shall also be delighted to meet Mrs. Bob. Please give her the regards of your old chum. JOE HOOKER.”’ ‘“That is all??? asks Gypsy. ‘“Yes. Just written as Joe talks. He’sa fine fellow, and I shall be glad to shake his honest hand again.”’ ‘“Was there an inclosure?’’ asks Senator John, who has lingered a few minutes ere going away, lingered because he saw Bob receive the letter and could guess who sent it. ‘‘T didn’t see any—wait, where’s the envelope—it may have stuck inside—sure enough,’’ and he draws out a piece of paper white on one side, blue on the other. | It is a first-rate fac-simile of the page of a book covered with writing. ‘(Here it is, as plain as daylight.”’ ‘‘Read it out,’’ says the Senator. ‘‘Parents’ names—Richard Harding Gordon, Ruth Alymer Gordon, Child girl, probable name Hstelle. Physician, Oscar Hammond. Date of birth——’’ “(Go or—what ails you, man?’’ says John. ‘‘Good Heaven! it was a terrible mistake, after all, Doctor Hammond made,’’ says Bob. | “Explain your words.”’ ‘“Nhis date is October twenty-two. ’”’ ‘Are you sure, Bob ?”’ “Took for yourself, Senator.”’ There can be no mistake about it—the writing is CONNIELOOOKS.E) im