Black Bess; or, The Knight of the Road — A Tale of the Good Old Times — page 232: what you’re looking at

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

ws => a4 BouJ (pS a RE TSO ST I aS vot that was a remote contingency, and one that he would have to take care to guard against. As a last hope, and not without considerable apprehen- gion he had ventured into the “ lack Lion.” It may, perhaps, be as well to stato that, previons tn this, he had becn to the “ Fountain,” in Gubert-pasvsage, and there learned that Jack had called and inquired fur him. ; The landlord also imparted the additional irtelitgence that he had brought two more men with him, who, from the description given, Blueskin recognised at once. From Johnson, at the ‘‘ Black Lion,” however, he got no information whatever. Then, upon going down Wych-street in the direction of the Borough, for day was close at hand, he had seen the crowd in front of John Roots’ house. What took place from that time to when he looked into the window of the coach as it stopped opposite Newgate, we already know. Blueskin’s principal motive in following the coach, was to see whether Jack was really taken to the prison or to Jonathan Wild’s house, and he could not help experiencing a certain amount of satisfaction when he found it was not the latter. He was also desirons of letting Jack know that he was safe, and that his present whereabouts was known to him. He imagined Jack would gather this much by the expression of his countenance. He lingered until the ponderous lodge-door or the prison wag closed, and then, without further delay, he separated himself from the throng of people. . But he had been observed by several, and, in order to avoid them, he hailed a hackney-coach which was passing by the top of the street and got into it, giving orders to be driven to the Borough. _ By the time be reached this place it was broad dayhght, and people begau to make their appearance in the deserted thoroughfares. — . The public-house was closed, and, uot wishing to dis- turb the inhabitants, he made his way to tho stables attached to it. Here he found persons moving about, and, upon stating who he was, they permitted him to lio down on some hay in the loft. He had not been long in this place before he fell fast asleep, nor did he awake until nearly nine o'clock. Hastily descending the ladder, he crossed the yard and entered the house, the usual daily business of which had commenced. Upon inquiry, he soon found his new friend Steggs. A wonderful change had taken place in his appearance, more than one would believe could have been cffected in so short a period. In answer to his eager questions for intelligence, Blueskin told him all he knew. “Come with me,” he added, as he concluded. “He will certainly be taken before the magistrate this morning, iu order to be committed to take his trial.”’ ‘Tt will be a case with him this time, I am afraid.”’ ‘Things look bluck, but still Chey may improve. Now, J should attend the examination myself, only I am afraid of being recognised. You would not run so much risk, becanse you are not so well known as I am.” “Well?” ‘<1 want to know at once what takes place, because my future operations will greatly depend upon it.” ‘*T see.” ‘1 will go with you to the court, and wait somewhere for you while you are inside, Take particular notice of all that is said and done.” “T will.” ‘¢'Phat is agreed, then. ‘But Jonathan Wild?” ‘What of him?” “ Do you think ho will be there P” ‘T know not. I fancy, very likely he will, and yet I dov’t know. I could not hear anything of him while I was inquiring.” ‘© Do you thiuk he would recognise me P”’ “No. I am sure be would not; you have so greatly altered, I should never have known you had it not been for your voice.” ‘“Y see, and Jonathan has no need to hear that.” Let us start at once.” BLUESKIN: A ROMANCE. “None at all; and, even supposing you are there, he will hardly notice you among the crowd.” ‘° oan ve not forgotten the scheme I proposed to ou 6é No.” . ** T shall have to be very careful.” “You will, but we must defer talking about that until after we learn the result of the examination.” ** [ think I could find a disguise that would answer the purpose,” ‘**T have no doubt you could, but then you never know what may “appen, and [ want to be quite sure. Would that I could discover some trace of Edgworth Bess.” * You have stil] been unsuccessful ? ” “Quite. I cannot find any one who can give me any information respecting her.” “Then we must wait with patience, and see what the current of events will turn up.” ‘“*T cannot tell what more we can do, but come, if we do not start at once we shall be too late, for the court opens at ten.” . ; am ready,’ said Steggs. ‘* Which will be our best way “ By water will be the quickest and nearest.” ‘€ Good.” The pair sallied out from the inn, and quickly reached the river side, where they hired a boat to take them to tho Savoy-steps. At that period, of course, the river steamboats werc unknown, and the journey was performed by light boats, or wherries as they were called, which were rowed by one Wan. Nothing occurred during their transit from one bank of the river to the other deserving of particular notice. The Savoy-steps were reached in a short time, for the tide was in their tavour. Landing, they made their way with all speed to Bowe street. - Upon arriving here, however, they found that the court had beeu open some time. Blueskin, pursuant to an arrangement between them, stopped at a coffee-house in Rusgsell-street, while Steg¢s went ulone into the court-house. He was allowed to pass unquestioned, and by degroes wormed himself into the densest part of the throng. Here he watched and waited. Presently, however, as his eyes were turned towards tho door, he saw that person enter whose presence he above all things wished to shun. Jonathan Wild. Steggs did not, however, let his eyes rest upon him for a moment, lest the thief-taker should perceive him. He stood in such a manner that his back was turned towards him. Our readers must recollect that, though Steggs had to all appearance repented of the past, and turned the friend of those whom he had before assisted to persecute, yet he had « deep grudge against Jack Sheppard. There are some natures so constituted that they can never forget or forgive an insult or an injury, and Steggs was one of these. At first, therefore, when Jack was placed in the dock, he recollected the defeat he had met with at his hands, and he rejoiced at the peril of his situation. But it was only for a few moments that he gave way to this feeling. He stifled it. With the greatest attention he listened to every word. He involuntarily shook his head, as the details were one by one laid bare. It was Steggs who had nodded in a friendly manner to yack, as he was leaving the dock. Then Jack, although he had ouly a confused recollection of his face, nodded again. Steggs turned away instantly, and it was well he did so, for Jonathan Wild lad observed the movement, and looked round like hghtning to see what friend of Jack's was present. He was unsuccessful, however, for Steggs had the back of his head towards him. But be had another means of detection left. Nothing would have pleased him better than to have made his way to the room in which Jack Sheppard was, but he controlled his inclination. —- $ @ A eR EET = SREY attatetsag rer REE SPS STMT (ic gR eT T11 MOOaRen oc ays an sn USGS 21 AP SPST TE OO IS GO DOO SS} o(CO) 5}