Under His Thumb — page 27: what you’re looking at

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

18 ‘UNDER HIS THUMB. i / Woe to the employee, foreman. or apprentice, who should quibble or prevaricate in their dealings with Mr. Blain. And woe likewise to the one who should dispute or defy this gentleman upon his own premises. He was abrupt of speech and rather hasty in temper. The words and tones of this slender, spec- tacled detective irritated him, and he sharply re- torted: ‘Well, sir, what have you to say?” The coroner’s deputy bent eagerly forward. He felt that something startling was about to occur. “Simply, Mr. Blain,’’ Croly began, with studied deliberateness; ‘‘simply this, sir: you have stated to me an out and out falsehood. ”’ | The deputy scarce repressed a startled exclama- tion ! Mr. Blain recoiled, as though he had received a blow in the face. ‘‘Dare you tell me that I have lied?’’ he fiercely demanded. “About the same thing, sir,’’ was the mild re- sponse. ‘“Do you meanit?’’ ‘“‘T mean it. It is a good plan for us to start with a good understanding with each other. We shall be better friends in the end.’’ | Julian Blain, in his fierce anger, sprang toward the detective with clenched hands. But the blow which he impetuously sent out was skillfully parried; and in another instant the rich man was whirled around by powerful arms and for- cibly seated in a pivotal chair close at hand. For a moment the gentleman panted helplessly © from exhaustion and the excess of passion. He did not attempt to rise. But he glared up at comicbooks co