Under His Thumb — page 19: what you’re looking at

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

. « €. Tf > —. .. - ae all etek lt he a De Pe i en Se iam od . TA © é a. Fak 7? ag ry “ 10 UNDER HIS THUMB. Quickly the tidings ran through the increasing throng which was gathering in the spacious count- ing-room, and many crowded close to the open win- dow and stared shudderingly at the tell-tale sign which Steve’s keen eyes had detected. The sash was broad, smooth, and painted white. Near the. middle, just where one would naturally take hold to raise the sash, was the bloody eee of a man’s thumb. This was all; yet how significant, even to the in- experienced eyes of those who stared at it in morbid curiosity. At this juncture several officers arrived upon the scene, and the crowd was forced to retire. Only Steve, Dyer, Mr. Blain, and two or three others, be- sides the policemen, were allowed to remain. Steve noticed one slender, thin-featured man who entered behind the officers, and of whom the latter appeared to take not the least notice. This man wore spectacles, and seemed to be very near-sighted. He also appeared to be quite deaf, for he frequently placed his hands to his ears as though trying to catch something which was being said. ‘A reporter,’’ was the lad’s mental decision, after watching him curiously for several moments. The absurdity of this inference struck him imme- diately, however, and he added, half aloud: “The idea of a deaf and near-sighted reporter, when it is their business to see and hear everything. Ha! What is the chap up to now, I wonder?’’ The odd-looking stranger had crossed over to the open window, and seemed to be closely inspecting the bloody thumb -print on the sash. And the next moment Steve saw him do a most extraordinary thing. ; comicbooks : 4 5 a ~ v= er > ‘4 . pa T fs - | - ay « \ : : oy - . ' ; d a> . i g\ aT ‘ mm to “Ts “4 . _ a . *