The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 334: what you’re looking at

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THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. how he had come thither at all. In a word, it: was as if he were now awaking out of a dream 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 James was in league with him, was equally certain. Christian recollected that the dapper groom had on more odcasions than one sought to enter into discourse with him, and had invariably expatiated upon his master’s wealth, standing, and aristocratic acquaintances. “And all this was done,” thought Christian to himeelf, with mingled indignation and bitterness, “that I might in my turn puff off my employer whenever questioned with regard to him. Bu what am I to do? shall I at once unmask him ?” Our young hero felt that this was his duty: and yet there wae the lingering apprehension in his mind that he himeelf might be suddenly turned round upon and accused as an accomplice. “ Bat no,” he said within himself, after farther reflection; “it is impossible that I can become thas compromised! The landlord of the hotel told me that he felt persunded I am an honourable young man. Good heavens! to think that I should have thus become: 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 had-gone up to London by the train half-an-hour previously. “Then,” thought Chrietian to himeelf, “he has doubtless set off to make his own inquiries: he will be back eitber late to-night or early —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 Bead 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 accobnt that hotel bill which he felt assured woald never | ing be paid’ by Mr. Sycamore; and he repaired to a tavern, where he ordered some refreshments. It was a third-tate hoeteiry ; 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 oul beef and porter. Chriv- tian sat down in the next box, and took up a newspaper until his dinner was brouyht in. “So they say he dines at hajf-past siz and won't be in till then—is that it?” obeerved one of the men to his companion: and though they spoke in a low voice, yet Christian could not possibly help overhearing what was said. “1 have already told you so once,” was the re- sponse given in a eulky growling tone: “but you mare 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 himself with a deep draught out of the pewter pot, “ gives him credit fur prudence and circumspection. I tell fou what it is, friend Withers ;—whén two gentlemen like you and: me have got s delicate | growlingly ] thing quite genteel,—just a our heads together to conduct. it im the nicest, pleasantest, comfortablest way 2’—then, ‘after. a pauce, he asked, “ Doss nothing strike you P”’ “What the deucé should strike me,” growled the individual whose name appeared to be Withers, - ote ae we've got to do a certain job at half- ¢ aix P” “ But look you, friend Withers,”. resumed Mr. Shadbolt, “ there are two ways of doing a thi one with a rumpus, and one without it. This cus- tomer of our’e that wo’ve come down after, has no doubt got plenty of ready tin; and why not. so 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 « mouth very full of bread and beef. “How so!" echoed Mr. Shadbolt ‘contemptu- ously: “was there ever such a fellee———"—_- * Well, then, why don’t you speak out plain P” demanied Mr. Withers, who might possibly have been a very excellent member of 90- 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 a public affair of it—an- nounce ourselves at the hotel—put on handcuffe— and drag our eustomer up to the railway station like a felon, he-won’t thank us—will he? And not thanking us, he won't give us each five guineas as a reward for our civility? Answer me that.” “What the devil answer does it require P” eulkily demanded Mr. - Withers: “the thing far iteelf.” *. To be sure it does!” continued Mr. Shadbolt: “and so does the next proposition I am going to submit to your consideration. What if we do the ‘introduce ourselves as Mr. Smith and Mr. Noakes—two gentlemen come down on very particular business indeed to see the Hon. Mr. Talbot -Sycamore———-I say, did that young chap start there in the next box P’’ “Not he,” growled Mr. Withers: “ he is read- the paper, and can’t hear what we are saying. But you'd better make an end of this long talk of yours.” 8 as “ ‘Well, then,” resumed Mr. Isaac Shadbolt, “ I was saying if we do the thing quite genteel—eeeo our customer alone—whisper in his car 4 pressin invitation to accompany us to London—let him pay foe the three first-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 leave it to me, and. I'll 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 wrapped up close. “You're a cunning fellow, Ike~-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:”—and he rang the bell sccord- ingly. ° Tho waiter appeared at‘ the instant,—bringing in Christian’s dinner: but when it was placed 996 | business of this bere nature in hand, we must pat el & lt i is, ma ore uld not eat a morsel, “ ie saw thet the a wesat hand: a. eaplover | COMIC OOOKS. COM