The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 338: what you’re looking at

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THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. how be bad come thither at all. In a word, it: was as if he were now awaking out of « dream i in which he had been walking. He proceeded to reflect upon what he had so recently heard; and it was with a species of be- wildering terror that he thus meditated. That his _employer was a rank swindler, there could be no doubt; and that Jaines was in league with: him, was equally certain. Christian recollected that the dapper groom had on more occasions than one sought to enter into discourse with: him, and had invariably expatiated upon bis master’s wealth, standing, and aristocratic acquaintances. “And all this was done,” thought Christian to himeelf, with mingled | indignation and bitterness, “that [ might in my turn puff off my employer whenever questioned with regard to him. Bu what am I tu do? shall I at once unmask him ?” Our young hero felt that this was his duty: arid yet there was the lingering apprehension in his mind that he himself might be suddenly turned round upon and accused as an accomplice. “But no,” be said within himself, after farther: reflection; “it is impossible that F can become thus compromised! The landlord of the‘hotel told me that he felt persuaded I am an honourable young man. Good heavens! to think that I should have thus beeome: the tool and instrument: of a vile adventurer !” Our hero’s mind was made up; and he retraced his way tu the hotel, with the determination of speaking to the landlord. But on inquiring for him, Christian was informed ‘that he bad.gone up to London by the train half-an-hour previously. “Then,” thought Christian to hitmeelf, “he has doubtless set off to make his own inquiries: he will be back either late to-night or early rrow —and a few hours’ delay will make no great dif- ference.”’ Christian again issued from the hotel, and wan- dered forth, painfully reflecting on the discovery he Read made with regard to his employer. As the hour approached at which he was wont to dine, he was resolved not to increase on his.own accotnt that hotel bill which he felt assured would never be paid by Mr. Sycamore; and he repaired to a ‘tavern, where he ordered some refreshments. It was a third-tate hosteiry ; and the coffee-room was fitted with boxes in the old-fashioned style. At the moment Christian entered, only one of these boxes was éccupied; and this was by two men, somewhat plainly though not shabbily dressed, and who were discussing ovlu beef and porter. - Chris- ian sat down in the next box, and took up a newspaper until his dinner was brouy ht in. “Su they say he dines at half-paet sit and won't be in till then—is that it?” observed one of the men to his companion: and though they spoke in a luw voice, ret Christian could not possibly help overhearing what was said. “TI have already told you so once,” was the re- sponse given in a sulky growling tone: “ but you nre such a chap for making a feller repeat the same thing over and over again |” ‘Every one who knows honest Ike Shadbolt,” remarked the first speaker, when he had refreshed bimself with a deep draught out of the pewter pot, “ gives bim credit fur prudence and circumspection. I tell you what it is, friend Withers ;—whén two gontlemen like you and: me have got a: delicate a aie ara 2 es © Go ee business of this here nature in hand, we snust put our heads together to conduct. it in the nicest, pleasantest, comfortablest: way v—then, ‘after a pause, he asked, “ Does nothing strike you P”’ “What the dencé should etrike me,” growled the individual whose name appeared to be Withers, T Saco Enat we've got to do a curtain job et half- ¢ six PF” * But look you, friend Withers,” -resamed Mr. Shadbolt, “there are two ways of doing a thing— one with a rumpus, and one without it. This-eus- tomer of our’s that we've eome down after, has no deubt got plenty of ready tin; and why not: 80 conduct ourselves that.a little of it shail find its way into our pockets ?” * How so?” asked Mr. ‘Withers, who: scemed to be speaking with a mouth very full of bread and beef. _ @ How ‘sof echoed Mr. Shadbolt ‘oon ously: “ was there ever such a feller———” Ney clt Shen, why con. you ‘spesk out plain ?” growlingly demanded Mr. Withers, who might possibly have been a very excellent member of s0- ciety, but ‘who certainly appeared to be afflicted with a most unamiable temper. “Five words will explain,” was Mr. Shadbolt’s response. “If we make 4 publio affair of it—an- nounce ourselves at the hotel—put on handcuffe— and drag our customer up to the railway station tike a felon, he won’t thank us—will he? And not thanking us, he won’t give us-each five as a reward for our civility? Answer me that.” “What the devil answer does it require P” eulkily demanded Mr. - Withers: “the thing speaks far iteelf.” * Bo be sure it does!” continued Mr. Shadbolt: “and eo does the next proposition I am going to submit to your consideration. What if we do the thing quite genteel,—just' introduce ourselves aé Mr. Smith and Mr. Nosakes—two gentlemen come down on very particular business indeed to see the Hon. Mr. Talbot Syoamore———I cay, did that yoang chap start there in the next box ?” “Not he,” growled Mr. Withers: “ he is read _ing the paper, and can’t hear what we are saying. Bat you'd better make an end of this long talk of yours.” “ Well, then,” reeumed Mr. Isaac Shadbolt, * I was saying if we Uo the thing quite genteel—see our castomer alone—whisper in his car 4 pressing invitation to accompany us to London—let him pay for the three firet-class places—and put him quite at his ease the whole way,—don’t you think he’s very likely to make usa compliment? Just isave it to me, and. Ill give him such a-hint that we'll get our tip beforehand.” “ Well, do as you like,” answered Mr. Withers, unbending somewhat from the sullen dignity in whieh he was previously wrapped up close. “You're a cunning fellow, [ke—and as you say, I don’t see why we shouldn’t blend profit with business.” “That's so sensible a remark,” observed Mr. Shadbolt, “that we'll have another pot on the. strength of it:”—aud he rang the bell accord. ingly. The waiter appeared at the instant, bringing in Christian’s dinner: but when it was placed before our young hero, he could not cat a morsel. He saw that the crisis was at hand: his employer (GO) an (C DOO Col