Spring-Heel'd Jack, The Terror of London — page 264: what you’re looking at

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A 266 el —-- . -_-— = “ There’s Bill.”’ SPRING-HEEL’D JACK : THE TERROR OF LONDON. ‘ home to seek some rest I must know whether ‘Now, then, missus, are you gone to bed ?’’| you will aid me or not.”’ cried Bill, as he banged the door behind him. “ No, Bill. I’m here.” “T couldn’t catch the fellow,’ said Bill, pre- tending to be out of breath ; “and I’ve been looking everywhere for Mr. Grasper, but I can’t find him. I wonder which way he went. too fast for him, and lost, : sight of him before I got out of the street. It’s given me such a bel- lowsing, it has, Oh! you are here, sir ?”’ This last sentence was stoned! in a tone of assumed surprise by the ruffian as he entered the room. “Yes. I have been waiting for your return. Where have you been to ?” said Grasper. “Just let me get my breath first, and Pll tell you.”’ Bill panted, as if fearfully distressed, for some moments, and the impatient Grasper. rose from his seat.. ‘* How far did you follow him ?” “Oh, a long way.’ “ And the sirl ” “Ah! I don’t know what he did with her. She wasn’t with him when I see him,” said Bill. ‘f'You saw him, then ?”’ “Yes. 1 laid, hold of him, but he gave a spring, and was out of sight in a moment,” said Bill, “No fooling.” ~ ‘ Who’s fooling ?” ‘““ Why, you are. The man can take terrific leaps, I know; but as to being out of sight in an instant is all nonsense. However, that’s neither here nor there, He’s given us the slip, but only for a time, and the girl, too.” “ Qlean gone, and [hope T shall never see him again,’ said Bill. ‘Then I hope I may, hanging on the gallows,’’ cried Grasper. “ But send your wife to bed. I want to speak to vou.’ The woman looked at her husband, as much as to say, ‘‘ Bill,. mind you have nothing to do with him.” But Bill merely pointed to the door, and, his usual gruff tones, exclaimed— | “ Poll, take your hook ; and if I catch you listening, it won't be well for you.” The woman sighed, and left the room ; and Bill kicked the door to with his foot after her. “Now, then, governor, » She’ S§ gones eS do you want ?” asked Bill, *‘ Your assistance.’ ‘What for ?”’ “To get that woman again in my power,” said the merchant. ‘* Better let her alone. That’s a downy cove, and war-hawks to you the next time he collars you up to anything,” said Bill. ‘“[ do not want your advice, but I require your assistance. J have made up my mind to possess that girl, or woman, or whatever you like to call her, and I will, if it cost me a for- tune, and end in my destr uction. .As you are well. aware, you are in my power; still, if you aid me to effect my purpose, I will pay you well, We have little to fear from that man, if we are silent and secret in our actions. But ere I retire “Tf you pay well, yes,’ said the ruffian ; ‘“* but I must, and will be paid, and well, too,” “ You shall.” “Then I agree.’ ‘““ But say See to your wife about it,” said T ran Grasper, quickly. “Not a word.’ ‘“ Well, then, { think we may succeed in dlis- covering where he has taken or sent her,” said Gra asper, ‘if we mind how we go about it. ” “ How ?” ‘“¢ By learning who were the coachmen on the Mile-end-road to- night. For he would be certain to place her in a conveyance,’ said the merchant. ‘hat could be done, could it not ?” “Tt might.” ‘““ By you, I mean.”’ “Yes. JI think I could learn from Bob Dickson.” “Who is he?” ‘‘ A bloke as keeps a lot of pigeons, and drives a hackney.” ‘He could, doubtless, inquire for you.’’ ‘* Daresay he would, if”’ “Tf what? ”’ ‘* He got something for it.”’ ‘* How much would he require 2?” ‘““A couple of pots of beer.” ‘Give them to him, and if he is successful in putting us on the richt scent he shall nage a sovereign.” ‘Ah! that’s the way to talk.” ‘* Now, when will you see him ?”’ “He’s sure to be in The Flyers to-morrow morning, afore he goes out with his coach.” ‘Very well. Proceed cautiously, learn if a gentleman and lady, or a lady alone, took a coach in the road about tlfe time he left here. - Find out where he drove to, and let me know. Then I can proceed for myself.” . I And you won’t want me any more ?”’ said 1 “That will depend on circumstances. It’s more than probable I shall. But af I do, you . n | will be paid well for your services, ’ replied the merchant. ‘ But, above all, do not go rashly to work, but quietly.” “Tl take care of that.” “Then, I have nothing further to say now, and will set out for home. Mind how you attempt to play with me, for I have still the power to punish you for robbing me. You had better remain my friend than attempt to become _| my enemy. Good night.” Grasper took up his hat, and moved towards the passage. yy OL course youll pay all my expenses, governor,’ said Bill. Gr asper flung a couple of sovereigns on to the table without a word, and hurried out of the passage into the street, ere Bill had placed them, with a erin, in his pocket. Day was dawning as the merchant strode away ; but night was in his heart—black ni ight in his soul! | Gon cbooks.com