The Vestibule Limited Mystery — page 174: what you’re looking at

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

THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY, © 165 hand, just as an enthusiastic horseman does his trotters when out for a spin. With a tight rein I am their master, since I have a curb-bit in their - mouths—if I let them have a slack line then look out for squalls. My experience in the past has taught me this, and I know how to profit by it. When the gray-bearded Jew has slunk back to his seat, I have both of them under my eye; but I keep the revolver in sight. There can be no telling how soon I may have to use it, should either or both : of the rascals become obstreperous. Andrews is watching me closely—his breath comes hard, and it reminds me of a hunted animal at last brought to bay. That is what he is exactly. “Go on, curse you, fortune is against me. What») else have you to say?” He does not take his defeat gracefully—I am > really disappointed in the man, for judging from his debonair manner I have expected that when > cornered he would laugh, shrug his shoulders, and declare it was fate. Here he bridles up just likea common, every day rascal, and even wants to take my life. Well, there certainly i is no accounting for tastes, and I have to accept them as they come. “You might as well take it easy, Andrews. Iam in no particular hurry. You cannot avert your fate, and if you are a sensible man you'll listen to reason,” I remark. — The fellow realizes that I speak the truth, and makes an effort to recover himself. He knows this childish passion must only get him into new diffi- culties, and not help his case. I can see his features oe Eomicboo ‘Ss co ‘ in RS ’ ;, Ly