The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 330: what you’re looking at

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

—“a--- ——_~ Pea«~<, THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. or another the fellow, both by his features and bis dress, wad not altogether unfamiliar to him. Re- ing that he had a bundle of certain papers in his possession, he drew them forth: and step- ping somewhat aside, began turning thom over one after the other, by the aid of a candle which he beckoned to one of the footmen to hold close for the purpose. “ Come, my lord,” said Chiffin, now getting very uneasy, “do speak a good word in my favour. Don’t be ungrateful on account of what I did for your lordship.” But at this moment an ejaculation burst from the lips of the head-constable—an ejaculation of mingled horror and astonishment: and then, as saddenly resuming his wonted official composure, he said, “There is not the slightest necessity for carrying this investigation any farther. The man is my prisoner on a far more serious charge than any which might at first be brought against him. His namo is Chiffin—and he is a murderer !” Cries of horror burst from the lips of many present. The Cannibal, perceiving that he was recognised from a printed description which the head-constable had in his possession, said not an- other word— but reflected gloomily within himself upon the chances of Lady Saxondale endeavouring to do anything to save him. “T¢ now remains for consideration,” the con- stable went on to say, “how we can best dispose of the fellow until the morning: for I should not like the risk of taking him away while it is dark— he would endeavour to escape.” “Her ladyship,” observed the sceward, “ will permit me and some of the others to help you convey him over to Gainsburough.” ‘*No—let the constaole have his own way,” Lady Saxondale haster.ed to observe. ‘“ He knows best; and he is respynsible for the safe custody of his prisoner.” The official reflected for a few moments. He thought to himself that as Chiffin was such a desperate character, it might be perilous to venture his removal in the care of the servants of her lady- ship’s household; and that it would be much better to wait until daylight, and then convey hima in the charge of his own police-officers before the nearest magistrate for identification, s0 that with proper authority he might be removed up to London. Besides, the head-constable had an eye to the reward for Chiffin’s apprehension; and it would not at all answer his purpose to afford the fellow the shghtest opportunity to escape under the cover of darkness. He looked around; and he thought to himeelf that the chapel where this scene took place, would serve as a secure prison until the morning. But in order to make sure, he took a light in his hand, and was about to investi- gate the chapel more narrowly,—when Lady Saxondale, as if divining his intention, said, “ You are perfectly welcome to leave him here if you choose. The door has strong bolts and bars: the windows of the chapel and the cloister have iron gratings; and there is no possible means of “ Besides,” added the constable, “I will myself keep watch upon him throughout the night; and I ebali take the liberty of asking one of your lady- ship's servants to go over to Gainsborough early in the morning, and bring half.a-dozen of my men, 827 a, SE Cas 8 ag OE oe so that we will take good care te keep him eccure. I thank your ladyship for your offer, which I there- fore accept.” Lady Saxondale darted, unperceived by any one else, a quick glance of intelligence upon the Can- nibal, who fully comprehended that she had some friendly purpose in view in thus interfering to pro- cure his stay there. He wore ah appearance of gloomy and savage sullenness: but yet hope was in the ruffian’s breast—for he knew that her lady- ship was too astute and clever to be easily baffled in any project on which she had set her mind, and that she would devise some plan of outwitting the vigilance of the chief constable. This official now requested those present to withdraw,—he himself issuing forth from the chapel last of all. As her ladyship had observed, the door had massive bars and bolts; and these were all secured. There was moreover a key fastening a padlock. This key the head-constable sccured about his own person. He then inquired if there were any pistols in the castle? The steward at once volunteered the loan of ea pair which he had recently purchased; and these were placed in the constable’s possession. A sofa was brought out into the passage from one of the tapestry-rooms, and was stationed against the chapel-door. A lamp was placed in a window-— recess; and Lady Saxondale gave instructions that food and wine should be supplied for the consta- ble’s use. These arrangements being completed, and it being now late, her ladyship directed the domestics to seek their respective chambers—at the same time observing that none of them need labour under any apprehension of being disturbed in the night, as it was evident the prisoner was too well guarded to have the slightest chance of effecting his eacape. It was however some time before the servants separated,—the incidents of the evening, and the presence of a murderer beneath those walls, being sufficient to excite them, and afford ample scope for their garrulous comments. Lucilla was particularly questioned as to whether she was certain that Chiffin’s voice was the same she had heard on the memorable night when her repose was intruded upon P—and as she confidently per- sisted in an affirmative respUfike, the wonder of the domestics was more than ever excited at tho cir- cumstance that Lord Harold Staunton could have connected himself with such a dreadful character. But that Lady Saxondale had any previous know- ledge of Chiffin, was not for a moment suspected. Throughout the scene in the chapel, she bad main- tained an admirable show of external composure ; and the significant glances she had flung upon Chiffin, had passed entirely unperceived by all save him to whom they were directed. On quitting the chapel, her ladyship did not join Edmund and Adelaide in the drawing-room : she did not choose to converse with them on this new incident which had occurred; but at once sought her own chamber, and having dispensed with Luciila’s attendance, sat down te reflect upon the best course which was now to be adopted. The reader will full well understand that Lady Saxondale had purposed to employ the Cannibal ag an agent for ridding her of the one great obstacle that was now in her pathway: namely, Adelaide. That she could still succeed in Chiffin’s services thus horribly and terribly available, she | GOnlebooksreonn