The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 254: what you’re looking at

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

THE FISHERS OF MEN 237 soak the cambric handkerchief by which the stone was attached and the flannel garment in which the corpse had been enveloped, so completely covered, or, indeed, saturated with slimy mud were they. This being done, Loitus pro- ceeded to examine the cambric handkerchief,and 1n one of the corners he found the initials E. O. ‘“ Hmma Owen,” he said, as he pointed them out to Mara- velli. ‘‘ And you are a witness, doctor, in case of necessity, that this handkerchief was attached to the corpse.” “ Yes,’’ returned the medical man, hesitatingly. ‘ But Heaven send that there shall be no need for any witnesses to give their testimony at all.” ‘“ Rest assured that I will manage everything in a manner to avoid scandal and exposure,’’ said Loftus, much to the physician’s satisiaction at this reiterated promise of immu- nity. ‘‘ Now for the flannel garment,” added our hero, and after closely examining this article, he said, ‘* Doctor, what are these initials? ”’ i ‘A. O.,” replied the physician, easily deciphering the letters. ‘Agatha Owen,” said Loftus. “Then, perhaps,’ exclaimed Maravelli, a light now sud- denly breaking in upon him, “ you do not believe that it was the princess who was delivered of a child? ”’ ‘“‘ No, I do not believe it,’’ returned Loftus, ‘‘ and you shall see that step by step I will unravel the whole skein of this dark and mysterious proceeding, tangled though it be. Hold your peace, follow my counsel, do as I require, and you shall be well rewarded; but act otherwise, seek to betray me, or disobey my directions, and you shall be exposed fully and punished mercilessly.’’ ‘Depend upon it, Mr. Loftus,” said Maravelli, “I will serve you in all things,” and it was now with fear and trem- bling that he gazed upon our young hero, who seemed like an avenging angel pursuing the thread of Heaven’s own inscrutable designs. _ “You have told me,” he resumed, fixing his eyes upon Maravelli with a look that showed he was determined to be obeyed in whatever he demanded, “ you have told me that you frequently devote your leisure hours to anatomical pursuits, and that Kobolt and his companions supply you with what the faculty denominate subjects. In that é ECORNICLOO <S) (CO) mM