Ruby's Reward — page 352: what you’re looking at

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

“Really, this sudden outburst of honor is refresh- ing,’ sneered Edmund Carpenter, eying her venge- fully. “But,” turning again to Ruby, while a gleam of curiosity lighted up his face, “how did you man- age to get out of your cage at this opportune mo- mont, my pretty one?” Ruby drew herself haughtily erect, flushing an angry crimson at his familiar manner of addressing him, aud deigning him no word of reply. “Mr. Carpenter,” interrupted Mr, Conant, in a severe tone, ‘I willtrouble you for that bill, num- bered 805, which you have in your possession.” “Are you not assuming a good deal, sir, in your request?” retorted the young man, in a mocking tone. “No, he is not,’ said Ruby. ‘‘Retmember that I heard all that conversation. You told my sister you ‘did not have time to conceal it about Mr. Richard- son’s clothing and do it neatly,’ and you returned the pill to her. She objected to having it in her posses- sion, and you told her to ‘send it to you by mail’ and you would send her a check for the amount. I know that the exchange was made the next morning.” “The bill, if you please, Mr. Carpenter,” reiterated Myr. Conant; ‘‘there isno need to discuss the question ; we know that you have it, and it is reasonable to suppose that you would not—at present at least— trust it away from your person.” “What do you take me for?’ cried the enraged young man. ‘Do you imagine that I am going to stand patiently here and be bullied like this ?” “You will do as you are requested, peaceably ; for we are bound to prove that that bank-note is in your possession—or else you will produce it under arrest, which, as you doubtless understand, will make mat- ters rather awkward for you,’ Mr. Conant responded, with perfect self-possesion. All aa Ne ie of We a to behold, tale over Edinun arpenter’s face. e turned, toward the door. : EBM cacR in