Under His Thumb — page 59: what you’re looking at

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

50 UNDER HIS THUMB. fills its place. Barrel of pistol is smoked, and—— Look at this!’’ He produced from his vest pocket a bullet, and deftly pressed it in at the muzzle of the weapon. ‘““Fits—doesn’t it? And an odd size at that. This is the missile that took the life of Hiram Waldron this morning; and without doubt it was shot from this weapon !’’ ‘“By Jinkins!’’ ejaculated Steve. Stella stared at the detective in dumb amazement. She took the weapon mechanically as he returned it to her. “If you wish to keep such a weapon as that—an implement of foul murder—you may do so,” Croly declared, as he gave up the revolver. Instantly she returned it, exclaiming: “No, no; Ido not want it. Oh, what shall I do?’’ ‘Tell me how you came by the Pista, ? was the prompt reply. “It was given me long ago.” ‘It is yours, then ?’’ “Yes, sir.”’ “You did not have it with you when you went to see Mr. Waldron this morning?’ “No, sir.”’ ‘“Where was it, then?” “At my boarding place.’’ ‘Where is that?’ ‘“At No. — East Fifteenth street.’’ ‘And you found it in its usual place when you re- | turned ?’’ “Yes, sir.” “That will do, so far as the weapon is concerned. But I must know something more about you. You say your name is Stella Gale?” comicbooks.co