The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 176: what you’re looking at

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

THE MYSTERIES. 161 Dest: = ia = al A — — am Te “Oh! I’spose it’s a plant, then?” observed the officer, with characteristic coolness, as he slowly rolled himself round in the huge chair so as to be enabled to enjoy a good long stare at Mrs. Page. “ A what did you say?” demanded the husband, bristling up under the impression that some insult- ing epithet had been applied to his wife. “ Now don’t be a fool, Page,’ said Julia “I know what he means, Yes, Mr. Grumley, it is a plant—a regular sell;—and without entering into any particulars, [ must have you to know that I can insinuate myself when I choose into the company of the Magsman and bis crew. I’m to be with them at midnight—or a little before: that is to say, if you think that by going amongst them I can do any good. If not, I shall of course stay away.” “ Tet’s hear a little more about the matter, ma’am, if you please,” observed the officer: then, withdraw- ing the pipe from his mouth and winking his right eye at Page, he added, “ You ought to be proud of your good lady, sir—for she’s a sharp ’un.” 21 LE me “e Mi cm i “alll Mt “Well, Iam proud of her,” said the ex-traveller. “ She has managed this matter capitally as far as it goes. There ’ll be the Magsman, the Big Beggar- man, the Gallows’ Widow, Briggs, Ramsey, and Martin, all assembled together to-night at twelve o’clock—a precious good haul of fish for your net, Mr. Grumley.” “ And what are they going to deliberate on?” in quired the officer. “The murder of Sir Richard Stamford,” said Julia, answering the question, which was addressed to herself. “ Ah! a pleasant subject for discussion, no doubt,” observed Grumley, as he coolly and quietly knocked the ashes out of his pipe and began to refill it: “ but we'll see if we can’t puta stopper upon them. What are you to go back for, Mrs. Page, at twelve o’clock 2?” “Mr. Martin saw Sir Richard come to our house this afternoon ; and Iam actually employed as a spy to find out whether he lives there, and if he does not, what kind of people do. Because, as Briggs hinted, ot ee oe = oe eee Ss COUN Cclooolkks. conn