The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 132: what you’re looking at

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

THE MYSTERIES OF THE OOURT. “TI don’t think Jack would rob a pal,” said the Barker to himself, as he began hastily to retrace ais way towards the lodging-house: and yct the miscreant had terrible misgivings in his mind. The long gaberdine getting about his legs, en- eumbered him in his walk, which now almost amounted to a run; and be kept on muttering imprecations against the Jewish costuwe in which he had disguised himeelf. Ho reached the lodging- house: he knocked at the door—the summons was attended to by an old woman, who was tho mis. tress of the place; and she exclaimed angrily, “What do you mean by coming back again to disturb us between eleven and twelvo at night P” “No offence, my good woman,” answered tho Burker: “but I just want to say aword to my friend—what’s his name again?—Oh! Mr. Vil- kins!” “Then it’s no use your coming here,” replied No. 68.—FOURTH SERIES. i 121 the woman: “for Wilkins has gone, bag and bag- gage.” “Gone P” vociferated the Burker. “It’s a lio —and I will see him! So stand aside ” “Who says it’s a lie?” demanded an old man— the woman's husband—popping forth his hoad, which had a white cotton night-cap on, from a side-door in the passage. “You hadn't left the house a minute before Mr. Wilkins went and fetched a cab, and took himeelf off with his traps, paying us a week's ront instead of giving usa week’s warning. Now you've got your auewer; and eo be off with you, or I'll call the police.” At that very instant the Burker bebeld a con- stable appear within the rays of the lamp at the corner of the street; and with another lowiy mat- tered but terrific imprecation, he hastened away. When beyond view of tho policeman, the Burker paused to reflect upon the course which he should comicibooks.conm