The Vestibule Limited Mystery — page 140: what you’re looking at

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

THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 131 CHAPTER XVII. “ SILENCE, ON YOUR LIFE!” There can be no doubt but that the adventurer is curious to know what Iam up to. Of course he can give a general guess that it concerns the documents belonging to Trevellion; but he cannot imagine what power I have to make him disgorge. | Before long he will understand the matter better. I have something in my mind to open his eyes, and he will realize that his position is not as safe as he believes. “Now, Mr. Billings—I think you said that was your name—kindly let me know to what cause I am indebted for this singular intrusion.” He carries it’ out well. Somehow I admire a shrewd rogue. Whenaman gives me trouble and all of my energies are needed to get him in a corner, I cannot help hiner a certain admiration for him. This fellow is certainly the prince of rogues, and Tam delighted at the-task before me. As for the charming listener, hovering over the handsome swindler, her presence simply adds a zest to the game. “You have a packet of papers in your possession, colonel—either you or this lady here—belonging to a certain English gentleman. I have come for them,” I say, coolly. With that he laughs hoarsely. ' “Bless my soul, you are a brave one to be sent out ‘cComicboo co cS