Under His Thumb — page 152: what you’re looking at

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

UNDER HIS THUMB. — 143 “We can go back.” ~ ‘“And fall into the hands of our enemies, it is hikely.’’ “Then we can go on.”’ “That is the only way. We may come to a house, where they will take us in for the night.” ‘‘Like the pair of tramps that we are.”’ Again they pushed on up the hill. A moment later Stella exclaimed: “Yonder is a light.” Sure enough, there was a faint glimmer quite close at hand. They hastened toward it, but the light seemed to be suddenly extinguished, and once more they halted. “If it is a house the folks have gone to bed, it is likely,’’ said Stella. ‘‘Yet it is ouronly chance of ob- taining shelter, so let us make bold to seek admit- tance.’ As they advanced, wee beheld the dim outlines of a low; shapeless building—neither a house nor a barn. It was a mere shanty of rough boards, with- out window or door. One entire end was open to the weather, serving as an entrance. All was dark and silent within. ‘Shall we enter?’’? Katie asked, in a whisper. “Why not? We can thus escape the rain until morning, and then we can find our way to better quarters. ”’ “But the light that we saw—you forget that.’’ “Some one may have passed with a lantern.”’ “Sure, this is an uncanny place, Stella. But if you’re not afraid, it isn’t the likes of me to forsake you.’ “T fear nothing except pursuit.”’ Stella Brandon led the way, stepping cautiously _ Eomichbooks (E (0) mn