Under His Thumb — page 157: what you’re looking at

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

148 UNDER HIS THUMB, eo CHAPTER XX. THE RIVALS MEET. As may be imagined, Croly’s interest was keenly excited by the scene upon the steps of the Blain mansion. The knowledge of the Hindoo detective’s almost fabulous skill in detecting the most secret crimes, and unearthing clews where no clews seemed to exist, Croly naturally apprehended danger from the rivalry. Never before had the two great detectives been engaged upon the same case. The Hindoo was older and more experienced. ‘His.’ methods were original and marvelously successful. Croly, on the other hand, was a comparatively young man, with a reputation to make. Should he win over his distinguished rival upon this-blind case, and through that unique clew of his, then his repu- tation would at least be on a plane with that of the wonderful Hyjah. The detective quickly ascended the steps, and was in time to hear Clarence Blain exclaim: : ‘“T tell you I know nothing ot the crime. I do not know where George Dyer is hiding.’’ se Croly advanced in an unconcerned manner, and asked: ‘‘Is your father within, sir?’’ ‘‘He is in bed, I think, sir,’’ answered the young man, visibly shrinking dinder the penetrating gaze of the detective. ‘Then I could not see him?’’ “If necessary, sir. But it is yet early, * ¢omicbooks.com