Ivan the Terrible; or, Dark Deeds of Night — page 191: what you’re looking at

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

IVAN ‘THE _—_ see some awful visitant from the land of spirits come to mock his guilty merriment and exultation, perhaps the ghost of old Martin the clothworker, “Surely I am alone,’ he muttered. ‘It must have been an echo ; these old buildings are full of them,” Before he could feel satisfied on that point he made a most particular examination of the apartment, glancing even out of the window on to the roof, in order to make certain that no eaves-droppers were at hand, All seemed safe and secure, “Where shall I hide this precious document?” was his next mental question. “It is most dangerous to keep it always about my person, and equally dangerous to leave it mere it may fall into the hands of those who ought not to see it.” : : After some thought he unripped the lining of his waistcoat, and carefully placed the important document between it and the cloth, firmly securing the paper in its place by the aid of several pins. ees “Now it is safe,” he muttered, ‘‘ for I don’t wish absolutely” to conceal it, but only to provide against its loss; for, by Heaven, I don’t care for the task of concocting such a docu- ment every day. But supposing Master Andy or Ivan should suspect I have it aboutme were J by chance to visit them again, I should never leave the “ Forge” alive. No, I must be care- ful to change my waistcoat whenever I.cross the water on business ‘of any kind. Again he looked about for some hiding-place in which to deposit the all-important document should he ever feel dis- posed to leave it at home, and finaily pitched upon a shelf over the cupboard, on which a quantity of lumber had been allowed to accumulate. _ “Tt will be safe there whenever I have reason to fear danger. It will then be certainly discovered sooner or later and be conveyed to its proper destination. But now, let me consider if I can make any alterations in my personal ap- pearance so as to be safe from those cursed bloodhounds, the Forgers, who, I feel certain, are still hunting me down.” By this time the sun had set, and night was approaching. The various articles of furniture in his humble apartment began to lose their distinct outlines, and to cast fantastic shadows on the floor, while a dim, grey light filled the room, “T cannot bear to be without lights, cspecially in this kind of obscurity. Total darkness itself is not half so bad. I must never be without lights.” Having thus spoken, he crept out softly, locked the door of his chamber, and then descended the stairs as cautiously as though he were afraid of being overheard. Caution had become such a habit with Aaron that he always walked and spoke in the quietest manner possible, however much he felt inclined to do otherwise. There was no means of getting into the street save by passing through the shop, and so softly did he enter that part of the premises that the landlady did not perceive his. presence till he was about to pass her. She gave a great start as she saw him, and said, ‘Lor’ bless me, sir, how quiet you came! I did not hear ou.” ar Not hear me?”’ replied Aaron. ‘Iam sure I came down stairs very quickly. Iam going out for a short time on im- portant business, so pray recollect what I told you to say in case any one should make inquiries about me.” ‘But, sir, I can’t tell them, when I don’t even know your name.” “ Not know my name?” ** No, sir, you didn’t tell me.” The man hesitated for a few seconds, then replied, “My name is Smith.” ' Having given his landlady this very important piece of information, he passed out of the shop as quickly as possible, withont waiting for an answer, The woman looked after him witha grin upon her dirty face. “Mr. Smith, eh? I'll be bound his name is no more Smith than mine is, Well, it’s no business of mine, of course ; so long as he pays—and he does pay—that’s quite enough for me, I don’t like his looks much though ; he’s what I call an TERRIBLE. . 187 - ugly man—very ugly. However, * Handsome is as handsome does,’ that’s my motter.” In the meantime Aaron, after glancing cautiously up and down the street, started off, hugging himself in the firm con- viction that he had been too clever for his foes. He took care to keep close to the houses, however, walking in their black shadows, so that he could not very well be observed. ; ; ‘A black wig would be the thing for me,’’ he muttered, and forthwith resolved to purchase one. But as he walked along noiselessly in the deep shadows he heard the voices of two men conversing near to him, and almost in whispers. Aaron started back mto a large doorway, and listened. “ He took the lodgings to-day, and is likely to stay there,” said one, “Who told you so 2?” “The old landlady.” = “ Has he given any name?” “No, but that doesn’t matter much. We know who he is, and when we want him, why, we can get him at any moment.”’ ** Just so,” “Therefore, it’s best that we keep quiet for a day or two, until such time as Sir Charles is ready for the case, and we have got the rest of them, and then Mr. Aaron will fall into our hands like a ripe apple.” ‘Will he though?” thought Aaron. ‘ We shall see. So I am watched, eh? They have dogged me even here! I am hunted and threatened every moment by the officers as much soas by Ivan’s hell-hounds! Well, well, gentlemen, you have not caught me yet, nor will you either, if J have any brains left. But stop, I hear them speaking again.” “Will you watch to-night? There is no use of two of us, now that he is in snug lodgings,”’ said one, with a chuckle. ** Yes, I shall watch to-night ; but mind you come early in the morning, for Sir Charles.Cavendish says we must not lose sight of him for a moment now, either night or day.” “No fear of me, mate ; I shall be sure to relieve you early, Besides, he can never escape.” ‘How so?” 1 *‘ Why, all the London Apprentices, with Will Winter at their head, have determined to scatter and destroy all of Ivan’s band, and are on strict watch in all directions, as well as we, for any of the Forgers,” “Who told you this?” © “‘T heard Sir Charles say as much,” “When are we likely to seize this Jew, then, did you hear ?” : : ‘ Perhaps to-morrow ; it’s more than likely the warrant will be issued before noon. Good night.” *‘ Good-night.” And the two officers parted, one to go home, and the other to watch Aaron’s residence. ‘‘To-morrow, eh?” said Aaron. ‘Then no time is to be lost. I must fly at once, or all is lost. Sir Charles, then, seems to know all about Ivan’s doings without my confession. My written document is useless, then. I will destroy it, as it can neither procure me either money or apardon, I will burn it, or it’s discovery will only criminate me more. I will do, it at once.” From his place of concealment the Jew watched the officer pass by, and then darted from his hiding-place. . He had not gone far through the dark streets when he espied an oil-shop. : «© D——n the luck !” he muttered, “if Thad not put that precious document on the shelf over the cupboard among all that old lumber, I should have had no occasion to return to the room at all, As Iam watched, however, I must destroy it, for if I leave it behind me, it will surely be discovered. I have it,” he said; ‘ yes, my plan will go bravely.” Entering the oil-shop, he asked for some candles, which were supplied to him, He then purchased some sixty yards of rope, which, he said, were intended for three clothes-limes. ‘‘ The officer can’t watch the back and front of the house all at once,” he chuckled to himself, . GEoOmichdoo S_.COunm