Mrs. Bob: A Novel — page 276: what you’re looking at

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

28 “HE LAUGHS LOUDEST WHO LAUGHS LAST.” 3 No one attempts to detain them, for, somehow, his presence seems to cast a chill upon our friends; per- haps it is because it is associated with the dark secrets of a mad-house. Bob whirls upon the colonel, who has been so com- pletely upset by this sudden turn of affairs that he does not even think of flight. He shrinks visibly before the glance Pemberton gives him. “Well, what do you think we would be justified in doing with you, sir?’’ Bob thunders. Monsieur Merle is on hand, and no one ever knew him to be abashed. He has seen a chance for a great fee slip from between his fingers, but he has devoted himself to the services of the Virginian, he does not desert him now. ‘‘Allow me to say a word, my dear young gentle- man, and tell you what you will doif you are as wise as I take you to be. You will give your wife’s uncle a thousand dollars, and send him from the country to-morrow, with the distinct understanding that if he ever shows himself on this side of the Atlantic again you will proceed against him.”’ The assurance of this demand rather takes Bob’s breath away. “That is refreshing, to say the least, and yet, by Jove! we might do worse. What do you say, father- in-law—Gypsy? It will save us the publicity of a trrali ‘‘T am satisfied, but if he gives more trouble I will take him in hand myself. You remember I can use a sword, Colonel Cornelius,’ says Senator John, earnestly. GomichbooksrGco in a)