The Child of Waterloo, or, The Horrors of the Battle-Field — page 121: what you’re looking at

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

118 THE CHILD OF WATERLOO. ‘¢ Well, well, do as you like—do as you like, but be quick.” “T will—I will.” They now came to a deep well that was uncovered, save that there was a board or two on the side; but for all else it was open. When Dashing Ned came near this he started, and moved one side to avoid going too close; whereupon the other struck him a tremendous blow on the ear. Ned fell very close to the well, but not in it. He was stunned, but not senseless, and made an ineffectua] attempt to rise. The mendicant gave him a kick on the bead, and then seizing him by the legs, thrust him into the well. For a moment or two he listened to hear the fall of the body, and then, after the lapse of a second or two, the dead fall of the unhappy man was heard; it was a dull, heavy splash, and then all was still. There was no second attempt to rise, or scream, or call for aid. He was stunned, and at once sunk beneath the surface, and all was quiet again. ‘¢And now for the horses,” muttered the mendicant, as he turned from the place. ‘‘It will not be well to stay long here now.” Before he re-entered the house, he listened long and carefully to assure himself *that he was not seen by any one whatever; he then carefully opened the door, and unnoticed took his seat near the landlord, who had not stirred. ‘*When does day break?” inquired one of the guests, who had just awakened up from a nap he had been indulging in. ‘“‘In about another hour.” ‘‘That’s lucky,” said the mendicant to the landlord. ‘ Will you ee our nags ready? we are for an instant start.” ** So soon ?” ‘Yes; the sooner the better. I wish to be on the road before day-break. I have a particular rcason, the horses are refreshed, and that is the main thing.” ‘*They shall be ready ina few minutes. Ill go myself and get them ready. You'll have a lonely ride this morning, ht you will have no objection to that.” ‘“‘T shall have all the company I care for,” replied the men- dicant, ‘‘and that is saying no great deal, and exerting but little self-denial; however, bustle about the horses, and let me know when you are ready.” “‘T’ll give you the office.” So saying, the landlord left the kitchen, and proceeded to sad- dle and bridle the horses for the resumption of the journey, leaving the mendicant, who sat somewhat apart from the guests. who were enjoying themse!ves with their conversation and liquors. In afew moments the landlord re-entered the room, and lean- ne toward the mendicant, he said. ‘‘All is ready for you.” iving the landlord the reckoning, he went out into the yard, where the horses were standing ready for them. ** Where is Dashing Ned of Newington?” inquired the mendi- comicbooks. com