The Vestibule Limited Mystery — page 19: what you’re looking at

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

10 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. heart is in his face—he looks as though he would like to embrace me, but I meet his eye, and hold him enthralled by the power of my gaze, while I ejaculate: “Scat! you disreputable villain !” It takes all the ambition out of him, just as a hot day wilts the stiffest standing collar. He gives me one look of horror that causes me much amusement to remember, murmurs some- thing about a dreadful mistake, and not being able to see well without his glasses, after which he scuttles up Church street in a way that suggests a sudden fear of arrest. Ihave never known the rascals to be so thick; but my disguise is good, and proves irresistible to the average bunco man. They are generally cun- ning chaps, too, and capable of seeing any make- up in their intended prey. This time I am allowed to reach the ferry in peace, but a fellow follows me, as if he scented game. I recognize him'‘and give the officer at the crossing a few words of warning, so that when the chap comes along he orders him away gruffly. Once inside the ferry-house I take my satchel from the boy, and discharge him. It is just twenty minutes of ten, so I have plenty of time to spare. I buy some fruit to eat on the journey, and cross over the river on the first boat. The day is a fair one and gives promise of making a pleasant affair of the trip; but it matters little what the weather is to one snugly ensconced in the Vestibule Limited express—save for the danger of delays from washouts, should the rain be very heavy. _ Inever miss an opportunity to study those around ~comicboo cS Eo