Under His Thumb — page 210: what you’re looking at

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

UNDER HIS THUMB, — 201 The space seemed wholly deserted. Then he bethought himself of the intoxicated stranger whom he had taken so much pains to place in a safe retreat. He groped his way to the spot, and in another mo- ment had found the unfortunate wretch just as he had left him. To arouse the stranger from his stupor was no easy matter, but he at length succeeded in doing so, and the man, sitting erect, exclaimed, in his drawling accents: ‘‘How—how are ye? Time to get up, eh?’’ ‘It is time for you to reform, my man,’’ Croly re- turned, adding: “‘Let me have a look at you:”’ As he spoke he produced his tiny pocket-lantern and turned its rays upon the face and figure of the inebriate. A low ejaculation of amazement broke from his lips. The man before him was young and hand- some. There was refinement impressed upon the delicate lines of his face. But his clothes were coarse and in tatters, to say nothing of the filth which had accumulated upon them. “Clarence Blain—and in rags!’’ Croly exclaimed. The tone and words of the detective seemed to partially arouse the young man from his befogged condition. Atthe same time he recognized Croly; and with a glance at his own ragged attire he stag- gered to his feet. “By Jupiter!’’ he exclaimed. Then, after a be- wildered pause, “‘Where am [?’’ ‘In Kepley’s Court,’ near Corlear’s Hook.’’ “T should say I was. Where’s my clothes? I didn’t have these rags on when—when—but I don’t know when. What time is it?”’ ‘Eleven o’clock.”’ ““Why have you hold of me? You’re Croly, the de- tective.’’ ‘“*T found you lying in the filth of this alley, and I am. trying to take care of you. Did you have on bet- ter clothes earlier to-day? These are pretty coarse, aside from the tatters.’’ ‘Course I had on better ones. Guess I’d give my mn Eomicbooks (E(6)