The Twin Detectives; or, The Robbers of the Tomb — page 65: what you’re looking at

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

56 THE TWIN DETECTIVES. «“Yes, there is. You asked me if there was a reason ‘you were not aware of.’ ” “T did.” «You are aware of the reason.” «« And it is?” «“ My daughter is the child of an honest woman!” said the steward, a bright crimson flushing his face. Mrs. Hall grew pale as ashes; her hands trembled as she drew a key from her pocket. ‘‘T am sorry, mam,” stammered McLean, for he saw how deeply he had wounded her. ‘“Wait a moment,” she replied, with white lips. She drew a red leather casket from under the berths and unlocked it with the key in her trembling fingers. ‘Look at that!” she said, placing a yellow paper in his hand. | He read the lines written there in ink that had faded from age. A change came over McLean’s face; he looked at the woman with increased respect. ‘“Why don’t you As The question died unasked upon his lips. She flashed one look upon him as she tossed the paper back into the casket, and replied: “« Ts he worthy ?” McLean rose and left the state-room; he felt choked and stupefied. Jean sat.on a camp-chair talking earnestly with Hall when her father came on deck. As the steward saw her he muttered: ; “Tf he only knew. Shall I tell him? No, I dare not.” Gomicbooks m (E(0) - =>