The Prairie Detective: Secret Service Series No. 24 — page 137: what you’re looking at

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

THE PRAIRIE DETECTIVE. _ 135 bettin’ man I'd be willin’ to do a leetle gamblin’ onto. this thing.’’ The scout’s theory was undoubtedly very cunning, as well as plausible. But it did not fully convince his listeners. Perhaps Hsther’s opinion, in a matter of this kind, was of no special value, because her ex- perience in life had been rather brief, as compared with that of her two companions. But she was naturally a shrewd girl, and her inborn tact seldom led her astray.* But with Dan it was a different Hinttar. His knowledge of human nature was widely varied and complete; and although he was always open to con- viction, when he had heard all sides of a case and firmly tiade up his mind to a certain decision, he was not easily changed from it. He was confident that Robinson had spoken his mind, and meant what he said, and he could not help acknowledging that there was force in Ryan’s words. ‘“You have mapped out a pretty strong case, my friend,’’ he said; ‘‘but I think you have done Robin- son an injustice. However, time alone can tell. In themeanwhile let us at least be charitable. For one, I cannot but think you have made an error of judgment, shrewd and calculating as you are.”’ “And I agree with you again, Mr. Sycamore Dan,” ejaculated Esther, with enthusiasm. “Maybe, maybe,” rejoined Ryan; ‘‘an’ I hope I — hev. But Isha’n’t go back on what I’ve said till I find I’m wrong, ye kin bet on that. Anyhow, ef I am wrong, itll be one of the very few times.’’ The conversation then turned to other subjects, and Esther told her friends all Robinson had imparted to her about the two broncho tracks mixed in the trail left by Persimmon Bill’s party. This she cited S) (eo) comicboo