When London Sleeps — page 200: what you’re looking at

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

THE ESCAPE ROOM, 195 ing to what had isieriy been a smoking room, was opened ever so little. Mark Blackwood had bean ordered to watch and follow Hilda if necessary, and he was fulfilling the commands laid upon him. “Explain to Miss Carruthers,’’ said Hilda, and say that I will write to-morrow.” ‘IT twig. And the address?” Blackwood strained his ears. ‘‘Ashborne Villa, Richmond Road, St. John’s Wood.”’ The door was noiselessly closed. All Hilda’s cleverness had been in vain. The secret she had suffered so much to keep was divulged. ‘“‘Tve got it in my nut,’’? said Maudie, cheerfully. ‘‘Come along, dearie,’’ holding out her hand to Leila. ‘““Good-by, my darling!’ exclaimed Hilda, pas- sionately. ‘‘Don’t fret. Mamma will soon see her little girl again.’ “Dear mamma!’ murmured Leila. ‘‘Kiss me again and I will be brave, and say a prayer every night that God will bless and keep you safe!”’ ‘And He will surely hearken,’’ sobbed Hilda, the tears rolling down her cheeks. ‘‘Good-by, iy be- loved one. Good-by till the day breaks, and the sun shines out again.’? In another moment, Leila, under the odd but kindly guidance of Maudie de Frere, was on her way to what her mother believed would be a safe shelter. — But it wasa long way to St. John’s Wood, and the busses ate slow. Cabs are much faster, especially when a liberal tip has been promised the driver. comicbooks co