The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 228: what you’re looking at

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THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. companion, speaking rapidly in the French tongue: “it is here that you will find the instruments you seek.” “Your knowledge of London life, my dear Law- gon,’ replied the Count with a smile, “does indeed extend te the most extraordinary places.” “TI told you so when you communicated your wishes to me,” returned Mr. Lawson, as he and his companion seated themselves at a hitherto un- occupied table: then instantaneously going on to speak in a louder voice, and likewise in the Eng- lish tongue-——so as to be both heard and com- prehended by the men who were smoking and drinking there—he said, “ My dear fellow, as you understand a little of my vernacular, we will dis- course therein. You want to see London life in all its phases; and here is one of those public- houses where your desire may to a certain extent be gratified. Here, waiter!” added Mr. Lawson, turning to a dirty pot-boy who was looking for orders: “bring in half-a-dozen of wine, and giagsses enough for the whole company. These good fel- lows here shall drink with us.” Thus speaking, Mr. Lawson threw down a five- pound note; and the dirty pot-boy, after staring at the two gentlemen with mingled astonishment and admiration for nearly a minute, left the room to execute the bounteous order he had received. At first Chiffin the Cannibal and the other men present-——none of whom had very clear consciences —experienced some degree of uncasiness at the en- trance of the two gentlemen, whose visit they natu- rally concluded to be some stra of the police : but the observations y made by Mr. Law- son disabused them of the idea—and the order for the wine convinced them that no treachery was intended. But Chiffin whispered to the friend seated next to him, “These swell coves pretend to come here to see a bit of London life. I wouldn't mind betting five guineas to as many brass far- things, that they have got some little business in hand which wante such chaps as you and me to help them in ;—and so I'll give ’em a hint pre- sently.” The wine was brought, and when the change for the five-pound note was given to Mr. Lawson, he tossed the pot-boy a couple of half-crowns for him- self,—thereby establishing a fresh claim upon the admiration and gratitude of this individual. - “Now, my friends,” said Mr. Lawson, thus familiarly addressing the ruffians seated around,— “take a glass of wine with us, by way of showing you are not vexed at what may seem an intrusion on our part upon a region so exclusively your 221 “TIT mean exactly what I say, sir,” responded the Cannibal; “and if you like to take me at my word, do so. Jord bless yer, I know London as well as you do, sir; and I know too that there's a many chaps with good coats on their backs, and « many ladies which flaunt in silks and satins, that stands in need at times of the assistance of such coarse-looking chaps as ms and my pals here. If it wasn’t so, I’m sure I don’t know what would become on us. Do you, Jack P’” he asked, turning to the individual seated next to him. “ No—that I don’t,” was the answer. “You are uncommon sharp fellows,” observed Mr. Lawson, with a laugh. “Well, the fact is I and my companion here do want a little business done.” “I guessed as much, sir,” answered the Can- nibal. “Speak out.” | “ Would it not be better, my good fellow,” re- joined Lawson, “if you were to adjourn with me and my friend to another room to talk the matter over P” “ Well, just as you like, sir. Come—this way :” and rising as he spoke, the Cannibal approached the door. “ As we take your friend away from you,” said Lawson, again addressing the other men, “we leave you the wine as a recompense; and I will also give the landlord orders to bring you in pre- sently a couple of crown bowls of punch.” These announcements were received with much satisfaction ; and Chiffin, having procured a candle from the bar, conducted Mr. Lawson and the Count de St. Gerard to a room up-stairs, where they all three seated themselves in a business-like manner. ‘‘Now, my good friend,” said Mr. Lawson, “I will endeavour to explain myself in a few words. I need not ask whether you are the man who will like to earn fifty guineas or so?—for you have something so pleasant and agrecable in your looks that they bespeak a readiness to render any sort of service, no matter of what nature, so long as it’s well paid.” “TI don’t know about the looks, sir,” observed Chiffin, with a grim emile; “but as for my cha- racter, you've hit it off as nice as if you and me had been brought up together from our infancy. And riow, tell us what the game is, air.” * In the first place, as a necessary preliminary,” remarked Mr. Lawson, “ give us some name whereby to address you. I dare say you have a dozen. cut and dried for use as various circumstances may suggest. Tell us any one of own. The fact is, my companion is a French | them.” gentleman of fortune, who wishes to see something of London life in all its phases; and as I happen to be tolerably familiar with the lowest as well as the highest resorts of the metropolis, I have under- taken to be his guide.” “And very proper too, sir,” answered Chiffin. “Here's your health, genelmen. There's woree wine at other places than the Three Cadgers’ ; and there’s more unlikely cribs, too, than this one to look out for chaps when they are wanted to do a little business of a private or delicate nature.” “What do you mean, my good fellow ?” asked Mr. Lawson, on whom Chiffin had bestowed a knowing wink as he delivered the concluding part speech. | of his “ Well, sir, Brown is an uncommon good name,” replied Chiffin: “and so with your leave I will be Brown in the present business.” “ Good, friend Brown,” answered Lawson. “ And now for the explanations. You must know that at a little distance hence there is a lunatic asylum kept by a certain Dr. Burdett. This you can promptly find out, if you do not already know where it is. Within ite walle a young gentleman —or rather a young nobleman—is confined ; and it suits our purpose that he should be emancipated with the least possible delay. Do you think this can be done ?” “Can a house be broke into?’ asked Chiffin, with knowing significancy: “and be who breake ete ee a CO IMULUG 5 DOO CS (COL