Under His Thumb — page 214: what you’re looking at

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

UNDER HIS THUMB. 205 small, bleary eyes, and a scar on his left cheek, long hair mig black, bristling beard. Bill Leary, the “toug »? | “What shall we do with them, Mr. Croly?’’ asked one of the policemen, when the detective had re- covered sufficiently to give an account of the affray. ‘‘Lock them up on a charge of assault with intent to kill,’? was the grim reply. At the same time the detective stepped up to Bill Leary and sternly said: ‘‘Hold out our hand.’’ “What for?’’? the man growled. **Because I tell you to.”’ ““T guess I won’t.” But his refusal was without avail. Croly seized the ruffian’s right hand, held it tightly for a moment, and then released it. The policemen looked on in astonishment. Leary was as bewildered as they. Nor did Croly vouchsafe an explanation to any of them at the time. | Steve Lawton had recovered from the blow which he had received, and stood beside the detective. His keen eyes had seen what the latter had done, and understood his purpose. Croly had another wax im- pression, this time of the thumb upon Bill Leary’s right hand. The policemen hastened away with their pris- oners, leaving only Croly, Steve, and Clarence Blain in the court. Carl Brandon, the vagabond, had dis- appeared. ) ‘‘T wish he had stayed, for I would like to show him that I appreciate his efforts in my behalf. <A strange man, surely. Once I thought he tried to kill me; now he has saved my life, at risk of his own.’’ Croly said this as they went from the court. For Steve he had words of warmest praise also—praise — that caused the boy’s heart to swell with pride. “T like to be talked to that way better’n bein’ knocked ’round and cuffed as I used to be on the street,’ was the youngster’s mental comment. At the street corner they separated, Clarence Blain being now sufficiently sober to make his way home alone. Croly instructed Steve to come to his private m EomichookKs:co