Beadle's Dime Novels No. 38: The Wrong Man — page 36: what you’re looking at

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

38 THE WRONG MAN. _ “Ned Overton, did you say?” asked the old man, in dis pleased surprise. “Why, I supposed he was on his way to Canada.” “That appears to be the general impression, but from some cause or other, he still remains in the vicinity.” “ Ah’s me! I never liked that man, and it looks bad to see him still in this neighborhood. I would much rather he were away.” “So would I, although I do not feel the apprehension that perhaps you do.” Now, to tell the truth, Dudley desired the absence of the individual referred to, just as much as did his elderly friend ; for he had known, for a considerable time, that the fellow was a would-be lover of his betrothed ; and, although he knew that - she looked upon him only with aversion, yet, being a lover him- self, he could but experience a natural jealousy. He knew Ned Overton to be sullen, vindictive, and ugly-tempered enough to spare no means to accomplish his ends; and this unexpected discovery of his presence at that particular moment, indicated no good. Dudley.had no fears for his personal safety; but, as his appointed wedding-day drew near, he began to entertain the most lively apprehension in regard to the maiden of his choice. The last remark or two which the old man had made had the effect of strengthening these apprehensions. “T understand,” said Dudley, with a faint smile, “he is a admirer of Lucy.” “ Yes,” replied the father, “ he has troubled her consider- ably. She has taken every means to get rid of him, but he persists in tormenting her until it has really alarmed her.” “ His attentions must cease very shortly. I have no power “ to prevent them now, but after she is my wife, let him but show his face, and I would shoot him as 1 would a dog.” “ Ay, and so would I,” said the elder personage, somewhat in heat ; “ such a vulgar, ill-bred, malignant man as he is fit only to mate with an Indian squaw.” “ He can not trouble us long, at any rate. I hardly think, in a village like this, where he is so widely known, he would dare to attempt any violence.” - “ Ah, my young friend, I knew Ned Overton a dozen years ago, and blood was on his hands then; and in the years thas | Comichbookxs.com) © a ~ ——— _