Black Bess; or, the Knight of the Road — page 25: what you’re looking at

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

. a 2) F 4 j ars <e - — Leech coe Phen give it to the officers.” WL ies Lee ‘No, no,” said Sir George. “I object tothat Tus w- ceipt should be mine, since it will show that the capture was made by me.” The Governor looked from one te thz other irreru- lutely. He was quite in a fix. : “T can’t give two receipts,” he stammered—“ that's quite impossible, and as to who ought to have it, I am in doubt, though, after all, I should think the officers are the most proper.” Gy “Yes, certainly,” broke in Turpin—“ give it to the officers, Mr. Governor, but mind you write across it that I was captured by Sir George Hazlitt.” The Governor gave the prisoner an angry glance, but Sir Marmaduke restrained him. “ A good suggestion,” said Sir George. “I will have it done so; that puts an end to the difficulty at once. Surely you have no objection to making that addition to the receipt ?” The Governor made a wry face as he answered : *t No—{ don’t know that I have. Itis unusual, yet it might be done.” _ * Then do it.” The receipt was duly written out and examined by Sir George to see that it was entirely to his satisfaction. It was then handed to the police, who took it rather un- willingly. They had quickly come to a decision on the disputed point, and their opinion was that Sir George was fairly entitled to the whole of the reward, so that they would have to depend entirely upon Sir Marmaduke for anything for themselves. The baronet must have noticed this, for he said: ‘‘ Never mind all this, my lads—it shall make no differ- ence to you. I am well pleased with the manner in which you have performed your duty, andI shall recommend every one of you, and my recommendation ought to be worth something; besides, I will be as good as my word with respect to the reward.” The officers were most enthusiastic in their applause, and would insist upon treating Sir Marmaduke with three cheers. After that, at the wish of the Governor, they departed. Sir George, as he passed by where Dick was standing just muttered : : “T like your bold spirit, and, if only for that, would do everything in my power to aid you; but I consider my- self guilty of having brought you into your present scrape, and I will try my best to get you out of it.” Dick had only time to murmur a few words of thanks, and Sir George was gone. | As soon as all the visitors had departed and the door was closed again, the Governor of the prison strode up to Dick in a very aggressive, defiant manner. Probably his reason for so doing was that he knew Dick’s arms were perfectly safe behind his back. As for Turpin himself, however, he had quickly come to a decision as to how he should in future treat the Jovernor of the prison. His position was a very peculiar one, and if by any means he could obtain the forbearance or good feeling of the Governor, it would be a great thing gained. Therefore, in acalm and pleasant voice, he spoke before the Governor had time to pronounce the axgry words that were hovering upon his lips. of what I have just said—it was only tu exasperate Sir Marmaduke. I owed him agrudge, and that was the only way in which I could pay it. A little while ago I made you a threat, now, if you like, I will give youa promise.” The Governor was astonished that he should be addressed in this manner by the prisoner, and as his as- tonishment prevented him from making an immediate reply, Dick continued : ‘Lhe promise is this: If you wifl put me isto eom- fortable quarters and see that things generally during vay stay here are made tolerably pleasant, I will promise you faithfully—in fact, I will give you my word—-that I will make no attempt whatever to escape from your custedy.” The Governor’s surprise increased “If, now,” he said, hesitatingly—“if I might believe what you are saylng——” * You may believe it,” said Dick, “and place implicit THE KNIGHT OF THE HOAD. 13% faith in it. I respect my word more than I should an oath. I have spoken, and it is for you to decide whether you will believe me or not.” The Governor remained for some time silent.' Of course he was well aware of the causes that had led to the suspension and finally to the dismissal of Mr. Caw- thorn, his predecessor, and he was therefore certain if Dick Turpin should make his escape that the consequence would be very disastrous to him. _A cunning thought entered his brain. His eyes sparkled with pleasure, and he answered : “ Well, Dick, I will take your word—yov shall have the most comfortable cell there is in the prison, and you shall have every indulgence short of being permitted te depart. Now, what do you say to that ?” “Why, that I shall be always obliged to you; and depend upon it, any man’s good will is better than his hatred, and I will sacredly promise you not to make any effort at escape—at least, not while things goon to my satisfaction, and when they do not, I will give you timely notice.” For the life of him, the Governor could not help laugh- ing at the cool, easy, business-like way in which Dick spoke of his imprisonment. “Well,” he said, ‘come on quietly, and I will take you to the cell.” ** But remember your promise,” said Dick- Oh, yes, I’ll remember it.” “Very well, then.” Dick held out his hands behind hi.u significantly. “Oh! you want the handcuffs taken off ?” “ Yes, I do—they hurt my wrists confoundedly.” This was putting the Governor to the test, and he hesi- tated forcne moment. He thought: ‘Suppose, now, this fellow, of whose daring I have heard so much, should make a sudden attack upon us and escape by the door, what a fool I should look, and how much | should be blamed for taking his word !” But the next moment he decided to have Dick released, for he reasoned with himself ‘n the following manner: “JT will keep myself well upon my guard, and if he keeps peaceable and quiet, and makesno attempt at resist- ance or escape, I shall begin to put faith in him, for he would never have a better opportunity than the present.” The order was given, and the handcuffs were removed. Dick gave himself a good shake. _ He fully meant every word he said, and, turning quietly to the Governor, he said: ‘You will never repent of this. Believe ma, I am much obliged to you.” 3 ‘‘Oh, don’t mention it. If things can be managed quietly and comfortably, they might ay well be as not.’ “So I thought,” added Dick, “ and that’s why I men- tioned the subject.” The turnkeys were all very much surprised to see the Governor on such familiar terms with the prisoner; but, then, Dick was a prisoner of no ordinary kind, and the Governor wisely held him in dread; and, as we have already stated, it was part of his creed always to bow down before authority. “ You must not expect to find anything af all luxurious,” he continued, with a laugh. ‘The comforts here are scarce. However, come this way.” Dick followed the Governor along a corridor and upa = a } | flight of steps. ‘Mr. Governor,” he said, “ pray do not ¢iink anything | Pausing before a row of strong doors, the Governor made a sign for one to be opened. The fastenings were removed, and then really a clean and comfortable cell was disclosed. It had a window in it of a size larger than was usual, and this window looked into a kind of court-yard. “Ah!” said Dick, “this is better. I had no idea that you had anything of this kind in Newgate.” ‘‘ Nor had we until lately,” was the reply. “Th is pert that has been lately built. Will this sait you?” “ Oh yes.” ‘Gery well, then, walk in and take possession. Yus ‘must know, by @ recent regulation, my strict duty is to leave two men or more constantly in the cell with you ts watch your every movement, but I suppose that will nw be pleasant ?” ‘‘ Not by any means,” sail Dick. "J should prefer te be alone.” ; ENNIO KSECC)