Black Bess; or, The Knight of the Road — A Tale of the Good Old Times — page 353: what you’re looking at

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SSS ote ee a mre, ete oe, eS ee ae ar EE © ORL SR eee Dia oe ee, Cae Laneeigh aegeme sie a SO a SS ES EE ESE eee BLUESKIN: A ROMANCE. “ halted before an inn the appearance of which, outwardly at least, was tolerably respectable. There was one thing that looked rather remarkable, however, and which served to militate against the genera) appearance of respectability whieli it bore, And that one thing was that, though the hour was such an early one, wanting nearly an hour of sunrise, the iuu was open. The shutters were down and the front door wide open, as though it was quité early in the evening. There was a light in both the rooms on either side of the door, but a dingy-looking blind was drawn s0 closely down that any attempt to have gained a peep at the in- terior would have been fruitless. ~In what part of London they were Jack had no idea. Even ey his intimate knowledge of all localities, he was at fault. About one thing, however, be was quite sure, and that Me that he had never visited that part of the metropolis efore. Lovking up, he saw in front of the inn a projecting sign, which creaked dismally as it swung backwards and for- wards in the light morning breeze. He made an attempt to learn the name of the inn, for he could see there was something painted on the sign. board, and that there were letters underneath it, but more than that he could not see, owing partially to the insuf- ficiency of light which fell upon it, and partly to the fact meutbe painting and the letters were nearly halt oblite- rated. Jack took this in at one hurried and hasty glance, for Blueskin did not make any pause, but walked straight up to the door of the inn. He entered, and was closely followed by the two sharers in all the previous perils of the night. Whether they were to end fora little while or to com- mence with redoubled activity was a question wish they did not care to ask themselves. CHAPTER CCXL. JONATHAN WILD KEEPS WELL UPON THE TRAIL OF THE i THREE FUGITIVES. THERE was no one in the passage of the inn when our three friends entered, but the sound of their footsteps appeared to be heard, for a door was opened and a man came forth. He carried a candle in his hand, for the interior of the inw was quite dark. The moment the light fell upon Blueskin’s countenance this man, who was no other than the landlord of the house, gave vent to a cry of recognition. He knew him in spite of the disordered state of his apparel, “* Ross,” said Blueskin, ** you know me, it seems.” ** How could 1 ever forget you, Mr. Blake. I may not be quite what I should be, to some people’s thinking, but still, for all that, 1 can’t but remember where I should have been had it not been for you.” **'You are in position now to repay me for whatever I may have done for you.” “*AmI? Tell me what yon require. Let me know in what way I can serve you, and if it igs in the power of man to do it, I will.” ‘That's right, Ross,” replied Blueskin, grasping him by the band. ‘‘I thought 1 could trust you.” * Did your” “TI did.” * You were quite right, then.” ‘TI rejoice to tind it so.” * But what do you require P” i Tn the first place, wae me and my two mends who are with me into some room where we can havea few winutes’ chat with each other.” “That's soon done,” «424 the landlord, in a hearty voice. *Come into the bar. There is no one in it, for they have all gone to bed beside myselt.” Ou! indeed.” ‘Why, you see, we are obliged to take it in turns. Sometimes I sit np, and sometimes my wife. But, come, follow me across the pussuge into the bar.” The landlord moved in the direction he had indicated as he spoke. 851 Blucskin raised his hand, and beckoned to Jack and Edyeworth Bess to follow him. As soon as they were all fairly inside the bar, the land- lord set the candle down upon the table, and closed the door after them. Then, placing chairs, he requested them to be seated. But, beforn he followed their example, he touk good care to put upon the table an ample eupply of refresh- ments. A dranght of the capital October ale, which was poured foaming out of the tankard, did the poor exbausted fugi- tives a world of good, and Blueskiv, as soon as Mr. Ross, the landlord, had supplied their wants and resumed his seat, spoke to him as follows: “You are a downright good fellow, Ross—a downright eoad fellow. There are very few who would have acted as you have. Llu general, favours done are soon forgotten. Dut you are an exception, and a friend in ueed is a friend ie and that is just what you have shown yourself to Ce ‘Tam much obliged to you, Mr. Blake; I wish every- body had as good av opinion of meas you appear to have, I shonld be spared a great deal of trouble, I cau tell yon, But never iniud compliments, Just tell mc in what way I cau be of assistance to you.” “Phat is a straightforward, business-like manner of coming to it,” replied Blueskin; “and if you will fill up your glass, I will tell you in as few words as I can all about it, for Iam not afraid to place the fullest confidence in Vou. Ross, the landlord, bowed, and filled up his glass as requested, “When you saw me last,” began Blueskin, “I was Jonathan Wild’s head man.” Ross nodded. ‘ His second in command, in fact. have qnarreled.” “Quarrelled ?” said the landlord, pushing his chair ee “ Quarrelled with the great Jonathan Wild?” “ Yes,’ “That was a very bad picce of policy.” * Perhaps so.” ‘‘Now, I always take all the pains I can to keep in with Jim.” “J can’t blame you for doing that, Ross, It is very wise of yon; but still, for all that, we have quarrelled; vud the loug and the short of it is—1 am no louger in his employ.” . «Oh! “T need not tell you all the pariiculars, for it would take up too much time. But, at auy rate, yon will under- stand me that Junathan and myself are sworn foes, aud he is using every effurt he can think of to capture me, and bring ine to Ty burn.” “Oh!” said the landlord, again. “J have just pow had the greatest trouble in making my escape trom him, bat Ihave suceeeded in doing so, and J may safely say that sve reached bere untracked.” This announcement secmed pleasing to the laudlord, for he gave a sizh of relief. ‘‘ Now, Ress, you see these two who are with me. They are particular and dear friends of mine, and, like me, Jonathan Wild is their deadly enemy, aud he has for a long time now been endeavouring to compass their destruction. But, up to the present momeut, all his schemes have proved abortive. We are here in safety. But we are weary. Now, Ross, in return for the services I have at various times done for you, I ask you to give us a few hours’ shelter, so that we can rest ourselves and depart.” “if that is all you want, you shal) have it, and you are heartily welcome, too, J need not tell you, however, that J am running a great deal of risk, and 1 hope, of course, that you are satisfied Jonathan Wild has uot seen you enter licre.” “T tnink J can safely give you the assnrance that neither himself nor any of his men observed us, and I think we shall be qnite safe here for a few hours. Of course, tt Would not be prudent to stay lone. You knew whatamanheis. Briutthis lady who is with us, and who has received at Wild's hands the cruellest treatment, is wearied down and exhaneled for want of sleep and food, A little while, however, will restore ber, and she will then be better able to cope with Ler evil fortune. Come, Ross, Well, since that we + ee cComiclboooks (SO) 5}