Under His Thumb — page 102: what you’re looking at

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

UNDER HIS THUMB. ee da ‘Tell me then.” ‘Perhaps I will. But not here, not if I KNOWS my- self. Come, and I’Il tell ye.’’ He turned slowly away, beckoning her to follow. She did so for a few paces, and then paused. ‘“Where are you taking me?” she asked. “Where I can tell ye all about this racket ’thout being overheard.’’ ‘IT cannot trust you, you are a stranger.”’ **?*Fraid of me?’’ “Iam cautious, that is all. If you have anything to tell me, say it here.’’ Leary bent his coarse face toward her, a sudden fierceness blazing from his eyes. In the dim light she could not see the shrewd cun- ning expressed Bper his face as he said, in a distinct whisper: “If ye knows whe you’re well used, come along. There’s a fly-cop watchin’ us this minute.” Stella cast a quick, startled glance up and down the deserted street. As she did soa figure skulked into an alley, as though in confirmation of the ruffian’s words. Instantly a dreadful fear flashed upon her—a fear founded upon the suspicions which, since first en- countering Bill Leary,were pradualls taking shape in her mind. She recalled her- interview with Croly, the detec- tive, and his seeming belief in her innocence, and his proffers of friendliness. At the time she had believed him to be sincere. But a conviction that he merely desired to gain her confidence, that he might afterwards entrap her, now possessed her mind. She had little reason to trust any one. Once, Eomicbooks (e(e) m