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 * The devil you wont and why not 1” ejaculated Mr. Hedsca. “Come, ese that there is some mystery in all this.” “There is indeed, sir,” cried Page ; “and I hope you will not be angry with me. But the truth is I was robbed——_—” “ Robbed I” repeated the merchant, now eyeing nis traveller with unmistakable suspicion. “Then, why did you not tell the truth at once “ Because I was afraid of your being angry, sir,” was the answer: “and I have story “I don’t dare du xt, 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 See? ne wel tend © yonng women deeued i “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 strictly true, there is a certain line of conduct to be adopted in his case, and which our duty to society renders im- parative Pat on your hat, sir—and come with The wretched commercial traveller dared not offer any objection to thie command; and he accordingly followed Mr. Hodson, who strode out of the hotel with all the purse-proud pompousness of his nature. The way that he took waa 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. spss shown into a private room, Mr. Hodson and the commercial traveller were speedily 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 Grom, mocessity, as his calling was a most lucrative m{ hand ever his shoulder towards ae rere pe SSS one. In his hand he carried a substantial stick’ or rather bludgeon ; and his ocost-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. Frade sthaed yrirrney ig eey robbed f” he at length observed, jerking the thumb of his left towards Mr. who was standing a little in hie rear: for the officer was sit- ting ix s lounging manner upon the edge of 's “Yes—this io my commercial traveller,” en- swered the merchant ; “ and he will give you any ad- ditional information you may require.” “Good and weil,” said G “Was you e-coming home in your vehicle f™ he de- manded, now turning round and takings 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 nae And what were you doing in euch an out-of the- ead a ewe Pu my property m 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, withoyt more hesitation, all the iculars of his adventures on the p even- ; and when he bad told his story, he felt relieved of a heavy load “So it was the Magsman which stopped you— eh?” observed Mr. , in a muaing tene “ You 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 tha merchant. “We must eee,” was the vague and generm aa ewer. “I've long been on the look-out for Joe the Magzman : but he’s the cunningest dog in all London, as well as one of the most desperatest. As for th: young woman he 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 ‘em as is in lesgue with the Jandlora of the Beggar's Staii” “TI am sure that Mr. Page will render you all the assistance in his power,” observed Mr. Hodson ; “ and in that case I can promise, both for ‘self and partner, that his harum-scaram umpradeace of last night chall be overlooked. It is aduty we owe to accicty, & ECOMICOOOKS G CO