Under His Thumb — page 159: what you’re looking at

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

— 150 UNDER HIS THUMB. cerning the criminal mystery which I am trying to solve. And you are doubtless as eager as myself to have the matter cleared up. I do not wish to be dis- courteous, but I shall expect direct answers.’’ Young Blain was silent, but it was plain that he was ill at ease. After a pause that was unpleasantly long, he asked: , ‘What do you wish to know?”’ “Tn the first place, are you acquainted with George Dyer, the missing foreman?” “T knew him slightly.’’ ‘Are you familiar with the details of your father’s business?” | ‘I am not.’’ “What is your employment?’’ : “Tama gentleman of leisure. Ido not like busi- ness; I detest work, and I do as I please in these matters. ”’ “You are candid to admit it.’’ “T intend to be candid, even though I am a scape- orace. That is what I am called, and I suppose ; am one.’ “Vou visit the printing-house sometimes?”’ ‘Frequently. ”’ ‘For what purpose?’’ “To see that pretty compositor, usually.” “You are in love with her, you say?”’ “Tam, and I’m not ashamed of it.’’ “Would you make her your wife?’’ “Gladly, if she would consent.’’ ‘When were you at the printing-house to see her last?”’ Croly asked these preliminary questions to throw the young man off his guard and calm his excessive agitation. And the ruse was succeeding admirably, comicbooks.com