Under His Thumb — page 169: what you’re looking at

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

160 UNDER HIS THUMB. ‘Bill Leary!’ Steve exclaimed, recognizing the * coarse face of the ruffian. ~ “And you was playin’ watch-dog at my heels!” the man growled, in return. | Steve realized upon the instant that the man had fathomed his purpose. He perceived also that there was no one near on whom he could call for assist- ance should he require any. <A bevy of girls were strolling past them, chatting and laughing. An old gentleman stood near the rail, gazing out upon the panorama spread upon the river. Farther away were other pedestrians, but, as luck would have it, all were women or children. . The lad took in the situation at a single glance. Then he turned his eyes up to the fierce face of -his enemy. | | ‘‘Let me go!’’ he exclaimed. ‘Tell me what you was doggin’ me for, then?’’ the ruffian fiercely retorted. ‘‘Haven’t I jest as good aright to cross this bridge as you have?”’ ‘“You’ve no right to watch me.’’ ‘“Yer don’t know as I was watchin’ yer, mister. ’’ ‘Don’t I know it? Guess I don’t keep my eyes shut all the time, my fine youngster. Now, look here. Who sent you to shadow me—hey?”’ ‘*Nobody.”’ ‘The truth—who sent ye?’’ } ‘‘T said nobody did. If you think yer can make me say anything different, jest try it, that’s all I’ve got to say.”’ | | The ruffian cast a furtive glance about him, Never was that section of the bridge more deserted than at that moment. Everything seemed to favor the ruffian’s brutal purpose. ‘“You’re too crusty by half, my sharp lad,’’ he ex- claimed, tightening his grip upon the boy’s arm. “Let go of me!’ | The boy struggled with all his might against that powerful clasp. asec Of course his assailant was far too powerful for him to cope with successfully, by means of physical strength alone. But weight and muscle cannot al- comicbooks.com