The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 346: what you’re looking at

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

MR. RAMSEY 311 ‘Who are you?”’ demanded the Big Beggarman, eying his querist suspiciously. ‘““My name is Ramsey — Philip Ramsey, of Aylesbury,” was the immediate response. “ Oh, that’s all right!’ chimed in Carrotty Poll. ‘ You’re not unknown to us, sir,” she added, with asly smile. ‘* Please to walk around,” and she opened the little gate which led behind the enclosure whence the liquors were dispensed. Ramsey accordingly entered the diminutive parlour, into which he was followed by the Big Beggarman and Carrotty Poll, a slipshod waiter of marvellously seedy aspect being left to attend at the bar. “Pray sit down, sir,” said the Beggarman. “ As my daughter just now observed, your name’s quite familiar to us in this here place. In fact, I was one of the party that managed the spree at Stamford Manor a little while back.” “Ah! you allude to the carrying off of the baronet? ”’ exclaimed Ramsey, unhooking his cloak at the collar. ““Then you are doubtless a friend and confidant of Joseph Warren? ”’ ‘‘ Better knowed as the Magsman,”’ interjected the land- lord of the Beggar’s Staff. ‘‘ Yes, me and that fine feller are staunch pals; and what’s his business is my business, and what’s my business is his’n.”’ ‘“Ts he to be seen now?” inquired Ramsey, whose counte- nance wore an expression of deep anxiety. “It is of the sreatest consequence that I should obtain an interview with him as soon as possible.” “He is not here, neither is the Gallows’ Widow, which is his blowen,”’ answered the Big Beggarman. “ They’re gone over into Wapping together, and won’t be back again to-night.” “ Perdition! ’’ ejaculated Ramsey, in a tone of profound vexation. ‘‘ Every minute’s delay is ruinous! ”’ “Now, don’t excite yourself, sir,’ said Carrotty Poll, in a soothing voice. ‘‘ We can guess pretty well what it is that’s annoying you —”’ “ Sir Richard Stamford is at liberty!’ exclaimed Ramsey, interrupting the young woman, impatiently, and striking the table with his clenched fist. “We knowit,”’ observed the Beggarman. ‘ But it is not our fault; he escaped! ”’ (C(O) AAI Doo (CO)