The Price He Paid — page 269: what you’re looking at

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

260 THE CHALLENGE. that he must show no signs of perturbation. He gave the girl his letter, and sent her away. When they were left together, Raven dropped his assumed formality of tone. “My coming surprises you. Are we alone?” “Yes; my son is out.” “Tam glad to hear it, for this present interview of ours brooks no witnesses. Will you have the kindness to close the door securely, so that we may not be interrupted?” The doctor silently complied. He drew the bolt on the entrance door, and then returned to the inner room. His uneasy glance seemed to ask the import of this singular, this unlooked-for visit. The two men stood a few seconds face to face, silent but with hostility in the attitude of each, as at their first meeting. The baron spoke first. “You hardly expected to see me here?” “T really do not know what errand can bring the governor of R—— beneath this roof,” was the answer. “TJ am governor no longer,” said Raven, coldly. Brunnow turned on him a quick, scrutinizing gaze. “You have given in your resignation?” he asked. “Tam leaving my post,” the other answered, in an agitated voice. “Before I quit the town, how- ever, Il wish to obtain some information as to that article in the newspaper which refers so minutely to events in my past life. You are, I think, the per- son most likely to afford me this information, and therefore I come to you.” The doctor turned away. “That article did not emanate from me,” he said, after a short pause. “That may be, but, in any case, you prompted it. We two are now the last survivors of those who were implicated in that catastrophe. The others are dead, or have been altogether lost sight of. You alone were in a position to make those disclosures.” Brunnow was silent. He remembered but too well the inconsiderate words which the superintendent’s (E(ayaniicel eee <S (E(0)