The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 255: what you’re looking at

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THE MYSTERIES OP THE COURT. strength: Tony Wilkins was many yeare younger, but was also endowed with considerable muscular power. The Cannibal possessed a degree of brute eourage which was equal to any emergency: occasions, desperation, would flame up, investing him with a more than natural energy. Therefore if these two men engaged in « mortal struggle, it would be a him terrible one. As they looked at each other, they were both eurprised on a certain account, and for the same reason. Chiflin was surprised to observe that Tony Wilkins ww apperelled in the meanest manner, notwithstanding the immense eum he had robbed Tony | malignant, clasp-knife and secured it about his person. Then the two miscreants exchénged Gerce, that the one knew what the other had bese. dette and that they were mutually on their guard against any sudden and treacherous attack, When the pot-boy had lighted a candle, Chiffin took it from ; and ordering some liquor, passed into the him of at the boosing-ken in Bethnal Green. On | the the other hand, Tony Wilkins was surprised that Chiffin, with a reward set upon his head, should go about in his wonted costume, which was rather of a character. “So we meet,” said the Oannibel, in a hoarse “'Why, we are not likely to part again ina act I think,” Chiffin, “without a mischief being done to one or t’other of us.” “If you choose to begin, you'll find me ready,” “ With all my heart,” responded *. idkine. “ You keep this side of the street—I'll go t’other ——” “Not a bit of it! We'll go arm-in-arm,” in- Chiffin, with a diabolical expression— half leer, half grin: “we shall then be certain sure that one or t’other of us can’t run away.” “'‘Wery well,” said Tony Wilkins ; “let it be so.” They linked themselves arm-in-arm—this pair of ruffians who were mortal enemiee—this couple of murderers who were bitter foes; and in that manner, without speaking another word, they pro- ceeded along the narrow street till they reached the boosing-ken. All the inmates of the house were at rest: but inasmuch as the patrons and customers of the place were wont to call at all hours, the pot-boy alept just inside the front door, so as to be ready to enswer any summons; and a bell was hung immediately over the spot where at night- time he was thus accustomed to make his bed. Tae bell was pulled—the door wes speedily and liquor stood; and each helped himself with a - | eort of gloomy coolness to the brandy thus sup- plied. They drank without the lightest exchange of any one complimente which under other circumstances would have passed ;—and when they set down their glasses again, they cyed each other with a sort of sullen. dogged, menacing defiance. They both felt that the moment was come when something must be said or done, in order te settle the past or establish the terms on which | they were to to be for the future. “ Now, don’t you think that you was a very ty foller,” asked Chiffin, “to walk off with all he won't be too tired to do the work for another. But you hav’n't answered my question.” “I will answer it with another,” replied Tony. “Don’t you think you are an exceeding pretty feller—a regiar out-an’-out kind of re a Bel Puish wad Mi wi ot Sol Pateh and hie wife P” “It's a lie!” interrupted Chiff fiercely. you have seen a a lot of chaps, and had to jump into the aamal to swim away and save my life. Didn't I meet you at the boosing-ken ? and didn’t you bolt away tike a shot P” “ Well, I thought you was arter p trick,” replied Tony; “and so, as I had myself to your binnt, in course I stuck to ft.” “And much geod it seems to have done yeu,” “Well, it didn’t do me neo that’s the fact |” anewered Wilkins. “I got blazing drank ~—tell amongst a set ot ragamufine—and was robbed ot every mag.” “ That’s a lio!” again ejaculated Chifin. “You've got it about you ; and Jil have it—er I'll cut your heart out.” : | retorted the Cannibal. (COL (C DOO CS (COL