The Mysteries of the Court of London, Vol. 5 — page 155: what you’re looking at

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142 “Hoe sleeps in the same corridor with the other male dumestics of the household. His door is no doubt lucked ; and if you attempted to force it, an Slarm would be raised. A dozen men-servante, most of: them for a cortainty possessing loaded wea- pons, would be upon you.” “Hor ladyship speaks like a book,” whispered Tony Wilkins. “Take the blunt; it will be . deuced good night's work.” The Cannibal slightly turned his head towards his companion to hoar what he had to say; and during the few brief moments his eyes were thus averted from Lady Saxondale, she again swept her own glances with' lightning quickness towards the mantel-piece; and a scarcely perceptible gleam which flitted over her copntemance might be regarded as in indication that she had discovered the object for which ehe had twice searched. The lady's sweeping glance was so rapid, and that gleam on the fentures was so transicnt, that it was a worder Chiftin observed either. «But he did, nevertheless: for ere completely turning his looks again towards Lady Saxundale, he giancod at her* from the oor- ners of his eyes;—for there was altogether some- thing in her calm self-possession, in her fortitude ane: coolness, which had: made him suspert that she was contemplating anme stratagom to effect a turn- ing of the tables against himself and com- panion. ‘‘ Well, ma’am,” he said, with no alteration i in his own voice, look, or manner, “‘me and my pal is agreed to take the blunt—or saving your presence, the money—and we mean to be satisfied. But of course we can’t let you go by yourself. to your own room; ’cause why, it’s certain sure you would come back with a posse of servants at.your heels.” “TI did not for an instant suppose,” rejoined her ladyship, “that you would trust me out of your sight. My chamber is at no great distance henee, and easily accessible. One of you oan proceed thither.” “Well, that looks reasonabje enough,” remarked Chiffin; “because one of ub will in that case stay to keep guard upon you. I say,” he continued, turn- ing towards his companion, “ you shall act the part of sentinel. Here, take my clasp-knife—hold it open ih one hand—and keep the pistol in t’other. Don't be afraid to use ’em if need be. Keep your eyo on hor: ladyship’s face the whole time—it’s a ploasant face to louk at——-and if you see tly lenst inclination on her part to ory out, don't hesitate to give her a knock over the head with the butt-end of the pistul; or alit her windpipe with the = steel,” “Trust to me,’ » replied Tony Wilkins, as he re- ‘eeivted from the hand of his companion the clasp- knife which this latter producad from the cdpacious pocket of his shaggy coat! For an inatant—and only for an instant«wdid Lady Saxondale seem to quiver with a: cold shud- |. returned Lady Saxondale;;“and I do not think dering af the hortibip instructions which Chiffin thus gavo his companion, and which instructions he pur- posely elaborated in this oold-blouded* msuuner in | order to convitce Lady Saxundule that. it wes no whet . THE MYSTERIES OF PH8 COURT. chamber. But mind, | warn you beforehand, that if you think of throwing mo in the way of any of your funkeys, or sending me into an ambush, I'll plant a bullet through the brgins of the first phat dares to lay. a hand upon me. house, he'll instantly fire his own; and it'll be to settle your ladgship onthe spot. For look you, ma'am, if we’'ro nabbed we may jast as well swing fur half-a-dozen things as for one or two.” “You might have “spared all those threats,” re- mfirked Lady Saxondale, still with an extraordinary coolness. and presence of mind; “‘because I feel that Tam powerless in your hands.’ As a matter of course if I were able, I should frustrate your. designs: but I repeat, I am powerless—and thero- | fore-{ am making tho best of the matter and®fuct- ing & compromise with you.” on, then, with the directions which you were @goings ta give,” said Chiffin: “for there has already been enough time wasted.” “You must issue forth by that door,” sail Lady Saxondale, pointing to one af the farther extremity from that by whi¢s the burglars had entered the room: “you will then find yourself upon a lauding with a staircage befora you. Asoend that staircase, and tho first door on the right hand opons iuto my prigate chamber. This key,” continued Lady Saxon- dale, indicating one upon a bunch of five « six, ‘opens 4 chest of drawers in that chamber; and in the second drawer from the top you will find the money of which I have spoken, lying loose in one corner. I have nothing more to say.” All the while she was thus speaking, Chiffin the Cannibal fixed his eyes keenly upon Lady Saxon- dale's countenance: but ho saw nothing therein to confirm the Cuspicions which had been excited in his mind. He therefore resolved to run the risk of the adventure: for though he had appeared tu, grumble at what he pretendod to regard as the email amount of money which was forthcoming, he was secretly pleased at the idea of obtaining such a sum, inasmuch as a. booty in the shape of reudy cash rendered him imdependent of old Svolomon Patch; and moreover it was avyery dangervus experiment to pass through the streets of London with a large quantity of plate in the possession of a suspicious-looking individual. © ¥ suppose there’s no light where I am going,” And mind you, if my frend here, who is going to act the part of sentinel, hers my pistol fired {n any other part of o<U. “ ‘wmmegm 6 he observed.; .“ and therefore I'd better take one of | - them. wax-candles.” oe lle Yeorrgoe had better * veturned Lady Saxon- ss But I. say though,” observed Chiffin, again hesitéting as a sudden idea struck. him, “ suppose any.of your ladyship’s maids was about—which is more’ than: likely, al you yourself are” sitting inant? *: “Y dismigned them is: thelr chambers long ago,” you inour the slightest ritk of encountering a soul.” “FFT do, me "am," rejoined: Chiffin, with a terrible soowl-of his hideous featured: and « savage glare, of child’s play and that any trickery on her part would | bis reptile-eyes, *i¢ will ‘bo the worst for you. Now, eost her ler life. “ Now, ma'am,” continued the Cannibal, “if you'll | just be av good as to vive rue al: neceseary directions, | Ta take the liberty of prvovediug to your ladyship’s | < mate,” he added, to: his companion, “keep a sharp | loox-out on. ber-ladyship; and if you hear any suspiciccs yoise you'll know what to do.” Having thus spoken, Chiffin the Cannibal tuok ECOMRniclacae SS (CO)