The Prairie Detective: Secret Service Series No. 24 — page 23: 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. But 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, 1am 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 !’’ PM hat iss 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,”’ €O comicbooks