The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 33: what you’re looking at

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

b) was To “ Robbed !” repeated the merchant, now eyeing kis traveller with unmistakable suspicion. “Then, why did you not tell the truth at once “ Because I was afraid of your being angry, air,” was the answer: “and I have story “I don’t dare du %t, sirl” exelaimed Page, with a strong emphasis. “The villain assured me that if I attempted anything of the kind, I should have a bullet through my head. Besides, he is not to come eS ees pee Sa Seek “Justice cannot be thus cheated of its due, Mr. Page,” observed the merchant, in a severe tone. “Granting all you have told me to be etrictly true, there is a certain line of conduct to be adopted ia his case, and which our duty to society renders im- | ewer parative Pat on your hat, sir—and come with The wretched commercial traveller dared not offer any objection to thie command; and be accordingly followed Mr. Hodson, who strode out of the hotel with all the purse-proud pompousness of his nature. The way that he took was the most direct to Bow Street; and on arriving there, he requested an audi- ence of Mr. Peter Grumley, who was one of the efficers attached to the police-court and the most famous thief-taker of the day. Being shown into a private room, Mr. Hodson and the commercial traveller were y waited upon by a middle-aged man, six feet in height, of large proportions, and evidently endowed with a herculean amount ‘of strength. He was attired in a shabby etyle: but this was from habitual neglect, and not Crom, mecessity, as his calling was a most lucrative m{ hand ever his shoulder towards THE one. In his hand he carried a substantial stick? or rather bludgeon ; and his coat-pockets stack out merchant unfold the purport of his visit. The officer listened with great atrention—never once opening his lips until Mr. Hodson had concluded al be had tesay. een aed aden the fan robbed f” he at length observed, jerking the thume of his left Mr. Page, who was standing a little in hie rear: for the officer was sit- ting in a lounging manner upon the edge of ‘a “Yes—this io my commercial traveller,” en swered the merchant ; “ and be will give you any ad- ditional information you may require.” “Good and weil,” said G “Was you a-coming home in your vehicle f” he de- manded, now turning round and taking a calm ke lengthened survey of Mr. Page, who felt very ua- comfortable indeed under the scrutiny. “ No—not exactly,” was the reply. “I—I was en foot at the time. In fact, it was efter I had put up my horse and shay at the George ‘and Blue Boar.” “Well—and where did the robbery take place f” asked Grumley. “In a dark and narrow lane leading out of the Edgeware Road — abot a mile up, on the left Me And what were you doing in such an ont-of-the- ened Dia iene Paster Ae aht ta im your possession f"* demanded Mr. Hodson, angrily. Page saw that it was aseless to attempt any far- the: concealment of the real truth—especially es disagreeable suspicions might fall upon himeelf. He accordingly related, without more hesitation, all the iculars of his adventures on the preceding even- ; and when he had told his story, he felt reliever! of a heavy load, “So it was the Magsman which stopped you— eh?” observed Mr. , in a muaing tone “Yon see it’s all right and straightfor’ard enow, sir,’ he continued, turning towards Mr. Hodson; “and your traveller really has been robbed. I don’t think he’s told no lies about it,” added the officer, express ing the opinion with as much coolness as if it were a high compliment paid to Mr. Page's honesty. “What can be done in the casef” inquired the merchant. “We must eee,” was the vague and generm aa ewer. “I've long been on the look-out for Joe the Magsman : but he’s the cunningest dog in all London, as well as one of the most desperatest. As for thi young woman be talks of to manage thir business to-night, she’s his mistress. The Gallowd Widow they call her, because her husband wa hanged a couple of years or so back: and she's wor: weeds ever since—not on account of any partickle. love she had for him, but because black clothe makes one look more respectable and is a bette: dodge to carry on business in her line. It would ve a blessed thing to break up the whole gang—fo there's a loton ’ om as as is in lesgue with the landlora of the Beggar's Stafl” “I am sure that Mr. Page will render you al} the assistance in his power,” observed Mr. Hodson ; “ and in that case I can promise, both for ‘self and partner, that his harum-ecaram umpradeace of last night shall be overlooked. It is aduty we owe to accicty, & CORNICE OOO (G ‘SS CO