Penny Blood Serial Fiction — page 109: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER: Xt SIR RICHARD STAMFORD Mr. Pace literally bounded from the damp floor of the dungeon as this name fell upon his ears, and with straining eyes he endeavoured to pierce through the intense darkness of the place, in order to obtain a glimpse of the baronet’s countenance. But the night that prevailed there was of that profound blackness which, like the Egyptian plague, could be almost felt. “Sir Richard Stamford!” repeated the commercial traveller, in a tone of such mingled amazement and horror that it startled the unhappy gentleman whose name had produced so unaccountable an efiect. “Yes, I am indeed the individual whom I proclaim my- self to be,’’ answered the baronet. ‘‘ But is it possible that my misfortunes are known to you? ”’ ‘““Misfortunes!’’ ejaculated the commercial traveller, with a cold shudder. ‘“Misfortunes of an unparalleled description,’ returned Sir Richard Stamford, in a tone of great bitterness. “‘ But although I cannot see your countenance, there is something in your voice and manner which denotes mystery or misap- prehension. Tell me, I conjure you, what you have heard concerning me, what the world knows or says regarding the terrible events at Stamford Manor, and what has become of those villains Ramsey and Martin? ”’ “You do indeed surprise me!” exclaimed Page. ‘ But before we continue the discourse on those topics, permit me to inform you that my present deplorable incarceration here is all more or less owing to you.”’ “To me! ”’ cried the baronet, his bewilderment increasing. ‘Yes, to you!’”’ answered Page, in an impetuous and 92 ; m EGomichbooks (E(0)