Under His Thumb — page 144: what you’re looking at

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

UNDER HIS THUMB, 135 man as a foil, implicating him more deeply than ever in the crime. Thus the detective’s efforts oui be hampered. Therefore his determination to place the vagabond temporarily under arrest was as much in the interest -of Brandon as his own labors. The latter drew himself to his full height. And, in a deliberate tone, said: ‘“T have a duty also, and when it comes to duty _ you will find me quite as faithful as yourself.’’ For a moment the two men looked into each other’s eyes, and Croly experienced that indescriba- ble thrill which only a powerfully magnetic gaze can ive. ‘““Whatis your duty?’’ the detective asked, more to draw out the other than anything else. With unexpected agility the vagabond leaped backward, at the same time sending out a powerful, well-directed blow with his clenched hand. The blow was unlooked for. Yet Croly partially warded it off, although its force sent him reeling backward several paces. This gave Brandon a momentary advantage, and he followed it up in a startling manner. Recovering the weapon which he had flung upon the ground, he aimed it quickly at the detective, and fired. They were not separated by a dozen feet. Croly’s quick eye noted the direction of the vagabond’s aim, and saw that no vital part of his body was menaced. Hence he acted according to the only wise course, although it was as severe a test to his nerves as he had ever sustained. The instantaneous thought flashed through his brain: “If I try to avoid the shot I may be struck in a - m EComicbooks ‘co