The Prairie Detective — page 30: what you’re looking at

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

THE PRAIRIE DETECTIVE. 21 “Good thing! I should say it was. Bub: before we talk business, let’s refresh the inner man.’ The chief went over to the sideboard, and took dowu a bottle bearing the legend ‘‘Old Stag.’’ Together with this he produced two glasses, which he placed on the table between himself and his guest. A box of cigars soon followed. ‘‘Business before pleasure,’’? said Burdette, with a smile, tossing off a draught of the decoction. ‘‘So here goes, old man.’’ After a moment of meditation, as the smoke curled up from their cigars, they were ready for business. “Well, Dan, lam going to set you on a scent that it will be a pleasure to you to follow. I am going to give you a ‘plant’ you have wanted for some time— and one which will furnish you an opportunity to wipe out an old score.” “All right,’’ responded the detective, with an un- moved face; ‘‘what is it?’’ ‘“‘T have found traces of Bill Creighton!’ “What!’’ , The polished boots came down from the table like lightning, and Dan Burdette, quicker than a flash, was on his feet, all aglow with excitement. The color came into his cheeks, his wonderful eyes flashed fire, and his slender fingers closed mechan- ically, like the teeth of a trap. “T thought that would stir you up a bit,’’ observed the chief, with a self-satisfied smile. “Stir me up? Of course it does. Why, I would rather catch Bill Creighton than do almost anything that is pleasant. He is sharp enough, though. Why, itis fully four years since we have heard from him,” (Efe) Gomicbooks