The Prairie Detective: Secret Service Series No. 24 — page 18: what you’re looking at

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

16 THE PRAIRIE DETECTIVE. life in the same breath. I would not promise, and I warned him that if he made an attempt to harm me, many people were within ear-shot, who would be amply revenged. That brought him to terms, and he requested me again and again not to make his real name and character known until he should have left town. I promised, partly because I felt sure he would escape even if I gave the alarm, and partly because—scoundrel, robber, murderer though he is —] admired him for his courage and audacity. Gain- ing this point, he still pressed his suit upon me. That, however, was too much, and I checked him instantly. Then he flew again into one of his reck- less passions, and became violent. As he went out through the door, in obedience to my sternest com- mand, he swore eg “Well, what did he swear?’’ asked her father, now thoroughly aroused and angry. ‘He swore that if I did not wed him peaceably he would charge down upon the post, carry me off, and compel me to be his wife. But, then, dear father, I ai sure it was only braggadocia. Bold and daring as he is, he will hardly venture upon such a course as that,’’ and Esther laughed uneasily. “Gal, ye are mistaken. Ye don’t know Persim- mon Bill,’’ said a voice from the door-way. All three turned eagerly toward the spot whence the sounds proceeded. Two men stood there, leaning upon their rifles, and gazing quietly upon the excited family scene. cS comicboo : <— » “ wT. ‘ .