Thrice Wedded, but Only Once a Wife — page 192: what you’re looking at

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

THRICE WEDDED. 183 “But,” he presently said, with a comical look, first at Robert, ‘then at her, ‘‘by what ‘name shall I address this | young lady! ede ‘Dora Dupont, for the present, please,” she laughed, though her cheeks were rosy red. In the meantime, Ronald Edgerton, in his disguise, had seen that every smuggler was securely bound and placed un- der a sufficient guard to insure against any possibility of their escaping. Then he sought the two Italians, and held a whispered conference with them for a few moments; then all ap- proached the group where Robert and his father stood. ‘«Sir,” said Edgerton, with a pale face, and in a voice that quivered in spite of his efforts to steady it, “‘I see you are free, and my aid in that matter will not be necessary; — but yonder sits a man,” pointing to the squire, ‘‘with whom I have a long account to settle, and I would like you to be present and listen to what passes between us.’ Mr, Ellerton started forward and grasped his hand warmly, saying: “A! yes, my friend; I think I have seen you before. If I mistake not, you arethe one who gave me.a word of cheer, while you reliev ed me of my property. Strange contradic- tion, though,” he added, laughing, ‘‘to take all I was worth, leave me a beggar, and then tell me~to be of good cheer. But please tell me your name, and then I'll comply with your request.” ‘“T am known here as Jake Toleman;: but more of myself hereafter; we will attend to Squire Moulton first.” “Very well: lead the way, and we will follow.” All proceeded toward the wretch, who glared savagely at them. Dora and her aunt, too, drew near, and soon the others about the room gathered around to hear what was go- in in ti the back part of the room and watching with a pierc- ing eye every movement that was made, sat a tall, slender figure, enveloped in a heavy cloak, with its hood drawn close around her face. No one seemed to notice her presence, nor had she moved from her seat since she entered the place. She had quietly followed one file of men when they entered, and seated herself near the entrance. _ Now she suddenly rose and drew near the group sur- aa EOMIEboo cS (<(@)