Beadle's Dime Novels No. 97: The Doomed Hunter — page 53: what you’re looking at

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

SPEAK, OR DIE. 55 rushed into the rooms, overthrowing chairs and table, and grasping imaginary foes in every corner. Lights were soon produced, and then William Rufus, who had ever been foremost in the endeavors to sacrifice Ralph, presented a pistol at Ril- ley’s head. “We want to know whar’ that murderer is!” he said, in tones intended to be very impressive. “That is something I can not tell you,” replied the threat- ened man. “Ido not know.” ~ “Dye mean to say that Ralph Rilley hain’ been here to- night ?” “He has been here. but is gone,” ‘Said Stephen, recollecting the parting charge of his brother. “When did he go? Which way—and where ?” “T do not know.” “Remember this pistol,’—and the muzzle was brought still closer to his head. “T see it,’ returned Stephen, “but I tell you only the truth. I do not know where he is. ‘You are at liberty to examine the house and look for him where you choose.” “ Don’t waste time,” shouted another. “ He is in this house, T tell you; let’s find him.” | “So we will, boys,” said Rufus. “Take one room at a time, and make sure of it.” CHAPTER VIII. THE SEARCH. THE plan was quickly carried out. One room after another was closely examined, and every cranny underwent the strictest scrutiny. The cellar, chamber and chimney were respectively peered into, and no box or barrel left unturned. _ Yet, when the party reiissembled in the room whence the search had started, they were forced to confess that it had been utterly fruitless. Stephen Rilley had anxiously awaited the result, , hoping that % COMiIClOOKS.COnN -