The Opposite House: A Novel — page 185: what you’re looking at

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

180 The Opposite House. A death-like silence pervaded the room, inter- rupted only by the monotonous tones of the crou- pier’s voice, or the clink of a gold piece falling on the moldering boards. Suddenly there was a loud noise on the stairs. Heavy footsteps came nearer and nearer. It was impossible that so many guests could have arrived at once. Brand listened; his pale face bore unmistakable evidences of excitement. Suddenly he started up, and gazed with shaking limbs at the door opposite, which had just opened. A dark figure, in a cloak and helmet, appeared on the threshold, grasping a drawn sword. “In the name of the law,” said a deep voice, “you are my prisoners !” Other police officers followed and hastily sur- rounded the terrified gamblers, who stared, with blanched faces, at these unbidden guests. Then the momentary paralysis ceased, and was followed by great confusion, amid which all rushed to the windows. In vain. The room was in the second story. The young men, fairly crazed by despera- tion, dashed forward to force their way through the ranks of the officers. Brand and Wikke darted to the side-door. The former tore it open with trem- bling hands; adrawn sword flashed before his eyes and a strong hand clutched his arm. Brand CoMmicbooOoks.c©