Under His Thumb — page 17: what you’re looking at

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

8 UNDER HIS THUMB. ing; but from within the counting-room not a sound proceeded. Steve wasa plucky lad; there was not a timid hair about him; yet, as he turned the knob and slowly opened the door, his form was convulsed by a vio- lent shudder. He crossed the threshold, and again listened be- fore venturing to glance about the room. How still it was! A cold current of air swept past, rustling some papers upon the row of desks behind the long railing, and with it came the pungent odor of burned powder. Instantly Steve was aroused to action. He heard nearer footsteps, this time unmistakably approach- ing the counting-room. He saw, first, an open win- dow, beyond which was a narrow court inclosed by — grim stone walls. Upon the floor were several news- papers, evidently blown thither by the draught. This was all there was to be seen outside the desk- railing, and Steve hastened to open the lattice-door leading to the private quarters of the clerks and pro- prietors. He cast a single swift glance across the space be- yond. Then he drew back, his face growing white, a gasp of horror parting his lips. As he turned he found himself face to face with Mr. Blain, the senior member of the firm. “What is it, boy? What has happened?” that gentleman exclaimed, in a husky voice. ‘Look for yourself, sir. It’s awful! awful!” So much the boy managed to articulate, and with- — out waiting to see or hear more, he darted past the throng of employees who had followed Mr. Blain Into the room. An instant later an alarm was rung at the nearest = ai he oa + > = . ¢ wre + c-'¢ a ‘. Nis - = be comicbooks.co