Under His Thumb — page 97: what you’re looking at

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

ee UNDER HIS THUMB. Katie Byrnes spoke with a “warmth that dontified to her sincerity, her sunny blue eyes flashing with Trish resolution. She was an orphan, and, like Stella, compelled to fight her way alone in the battle of life. “T know you are a true friend, and the only one whom I can trust in the world,”’ said Stella. They were silent for a moment; then a distant — clock struck one. “One o’clock, and I must return to my lodgings!”’ Stella exclaimed, in sudden realization that she had still something to do.”’ “Wait till morning now. Sure and you wouldn’t go back alone at this time of night?” ‘“‘T must, Katie.” ‘But it isn’t safe; and you can stay with me if ye will.” ‘No; I must go back. Jam not afraid. But there is no time to lose. Don’t detain me, Katie.” — ‘Sure and you’re a plucky girl, Stella. If ye must Fo——”’ ; For answer Stella Brandon ran down the long flights of stairs to the street door. Kate Byrnes fol- lowed, and as she went out upon the almost deserted street, her friend said: ‘*T shall worry about you, Stella, tall I know that you got home safe.’ “You need not do that.” ‘Be careful of yourself, and if you get into trouble 99 again—— ‘“Yes, yes!’ Stella called back, as she hastened away. As she reached Clinton street she glanced back, and tried to make out if her friend still stood in the © door-way. But at that distance, in the uncertain Eomicbooks co