Roving Jack, The Pirate Hunter — page 179: what you’re looking at

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

= =. ROVING JACK, THE PIRATE HUNTER. Se anger ngeeeees |_aen 199 SS large cattle market, or, in modern parlance, "a4 horse fair.”? i That ancient institution is being carried out with great efficacy and much mirth.’ There are pens, coops, and stabling of the old- fashioned style. With shows, booths, and stalls of the new ; for the place boasts the attractions of pleasure as well as business. Punch and Judy faces the couper and magsman, as the antiquated Richardson’s stage opposes the horses tied up, or led about for gale. Farmers, graziers, and horsey men, busy themselves about bargains. While their spouses’ or daughters patronize the peripatetic drama or chronicle their ‘little drops | and eat nuts of gingerbread.” In the open space alloted for the sale of cattle, there was seated, or rather lounged, a slender, elegant-looking young man. With a dark, lan guid eye, sallow complexion, and features wearing that pensive expression peculiar to dissipation. Habited in alight summer riding-dress, he, in manner and appearance, had all the air of a perfect gentleman. Beside him, stood a graceful animal, whose breeding seemed as that of his master—to be of the first water. Tn a word, it was difficult to say which was the most attractive object, the horse or the horse dealer. For it was jn this character Tom King had hoped to dispose of the only evidence of his late crime— the traveller’s steed. While in this position, a troop of farmers halted before him. They had donned their best attire, and had strolled through the fair either to make purchases or participate in its enjoyments. They were a formidable band, ruddy with health and ready to stand by each other if occasion re- quired, for the trickery of the fraternity who ever, attend races and cattle markets rendered such an’ union necessary. ‘The* foremost of the’ party, haying satisfied his curiosity, allowed his followers now to proceed, and leave him ‘alone with the highwayman, who could see’ ata clance that he was likely to meet with a purchaser of his horse. “By gums !” quoth the farmer to himself, “that be a main pretty nag, every point parfect, and a ‘moral’ of strength and speed, I mun ha’a talk wi’ that chap about ’un.” ‘That bea foine beast on your, measter,” tinued the farmer, addressing ' Tom King. | t Yes, replied he, ‘ thorough bred, and ‘boasts blood in. every brigl t. and branching vein,” After the eulogium, Tom King repeated the well- known lines— ‘‘ While with neck like a rainbow Erecting his crest, Pampered) prancing, and ‘pleased, His head touching his breast, yy \Scarcely snuffing the air, +) | He’s so proud and elate ; As the racer pure blooded, Wno starts for the’plate. ” MOUS The farmer further examined the, horse, and then, demanded its price. ‘ Horty guineas.” 101 Tom King then ectguaied upon the aaa a birth, parentage, and appearance.” There was no redundency of flesh, | _ His nerve and sinew were palpable through the _ veined limbs, Look at the proudly-arched neakwethé glowing eye-ball—the flowing mane, “Pace tremendous — action ordeafal +<ttinper gentle.” Carried away by such attractions, the farmer struck his hand into Tom King’s, and,;by suehoa proceeding, concluded the bargain and sale of the horse. Tom King at once: gave it up to’ one of the farmer’smen, who led it out of the place; whilst its new master proceeded to take out a canvas bag to pay Tom King the sum agreed upon, “Come, farmer,” said the highwayman, * we mustn't part over our transaction with dry Tips. The doors of yonder tavern are open; let ‘us seal it by a glass in its comfortable parlour. 9 In a short time the parties mentioned above found themselves in ‘the interior of the ‘Falcon Inn,’ which was adjacent. The scene presented one of bustle and anima- _ tion. The tables were coyered with refection, liquid and solid, And the benches with hungry and thirsty guests. The latter exhibiting every shade of character. There were horse-jockies, exquisites, and country bumpkins. @arriers, cattle-dealers, and a motley crew, whose tanned skins and tawdry habiliments proclaimed them at once to be of a gipsy tribe, The wall resounded with the clatter of the _trencher and pewter flagon. : The air reeked with the fumes of tobacco, The equally savoury exhalation of cooked) meat pervaded the apartment, Tom King and the farmer speedily took their seats in the comfortable hostelrie. .. ... Here they discussed each a rummer of punch, ‘Heard the news ?” said a guest,|,at.a neigh- bouring table. _ Well, friend,” replied Tom King,, “that admits o£ some consideration before IL answer you. Ihave read the Gazette this morning on ; my’ journey: down.” “Ah! ‘taint in that ” “said the other, with the air; of a man, who received. intelligence with the mark “ private and confidential.” : ‘Well, then,” continued the, highwayman, “ it is more than probable that I am ignorant of the fants I presume you are about.to mention,” | | Oh ! itll all-come out,” argued the inflexible guest. ‘“‘ Tndeed:!’? “JT shouldn’t at all be peprieeel if they’ are not already taken.” “?Zounds! mon |’ aaied the farmer, who had gradually lost his patience during the late uncon- neéted conference, ‘tell us what’ thee know’st without philandering like a broken harrow, nb wi’ it at once what hast heard,” ‘Oh! it’s a most awful tragedy.” ‘‘ Dang it, then, keep thee chops shut,” muttered the farmer. “I can’t abear tragedies, ever since I seed in Lunnon.-the young Roskins act; Macbeth.” * But Jonathan Wild will: soon pop upon ‘em’; he’s the fellow to nose out a secret,” Tom King started ; but in a moment recovered his wonted ‘coolness. “Did I understand you,” continued he, “ that the noted thief-taker——” — ‘«< ¥3 down’ here, and looking for the perpetrators of the crime.’” “You speak of crime. What crime ?”, oe el of murder, °Tis said that a traveller on a, —————————E SSS Scomicbooksicor Su(EO