Mrs. Bob: A Novel — page 274: what you’re looking at

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

266 “HE LAUGHS LOUDEST WHO LAUGHS LAST.” ‘‘No mistake about it; this here is a court order from Judge Bassett, authorizing Doctor Bailey to secure the person of Squire Gordon, of Gordonville, Virginia, and to hold him until the court can inquire into his sanity.” “Very good. Gentlemen, you hear?’ Bob and his comrades look depressed, but they do not yet give way; asa last resort they may appeal to the officers to take the whole party to the station, where the squire may be searched and his valuable papers locked up. “‘Only one question remains,’’ says the officer who has so ably taken charge of the matter. ‘What is that ?’’? demands the physician. ‘“The identity of the party. Is this Squire Gordon ?”’ ‘*No one will attempt to deny that.’’ “Then I reckon we’re bound to help you in discharging the order of the court.” “You hear, gentlemen ?”’ triumphantly. ‘Clear the way in front,’’ flourishing his long night stick menacingly. ‘‘I suppose you have a carriage, doctor ?’’ “Ves; right in front of the entrance, officer.”? “Then take your prisoner to it. We’ll keep back any outsiders, I reckon. Bill, fall in on the left.” Things look dubious for Bob and his party, and they are almost ready to despair. At this moment there is an acquisition to their ranks. Craig has seen fit to step forward. “Officer Hummel, Icommend you for your strict obedience to orders. Look at that paper again; what was the hour of its being issued ?”’ in Gomicbooksreo