The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 377: what you’re looking at

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

342 THE COURT OF LONDON A low window, apparently belonging to a kitchen, looked into the yard; and as no light shone forth, they concluded that the place was unoccupied at the moment. Thither they accordingly penetrated; and, their conjecture as to the nature of the room being correct, they provided them- selves with the fire-irons as weapons of defence. Meagles then led the way up a narrow and dark flight of stairs, with a formidable shovel in his hand, while the Amazon followed, wielding a huge poker. Slowly and noiselessly did they proceed, until a door at the top of the steps barred their passage; and the close vicinity of shouts and laughter informed them that this door led direct into the public-room. “The moment I open,” said Meagles to the Amazon, in a whisper only just audible, ‘‘ do you spring into the apart- ment and make for the street. Attempt not to look behind you. Don’t waste a thought upon me; every instant will be precious. We have got thus far, and we will not spoil the adventure by any folly on our part.” ‘“T am ready,” responded the Amazon, grasping the fire- iron firmly. The door flew open, and she darted into the room. Meagles was close behind her, and their sudden appearance, armed as they were, made all the revellers leap from their seats and crowd around them in an instant. ‘Let us pass, good people! ’’ exclaimed Meagles, raising his formidable weapon over his head, and sweeping the host of villainous faces with his menacing looks. “Stop them!” thundered the Big Beggarman, rushing from behind the bar; and, elbowing his way with marvellous rapidity through the group, he laid a violent grasp upon the collar of the Amazon’s coat. Without an instant’s hesitation the heroic lady felled the rufhan with a tremendous blow dealt by the heavy poker, and the Big Beggarman lay senseless at her feet. ‘“ Serve him right! ”’ ejaculated a dozen voices. ‘She has got a noble spirit of her own!” cried one, following up the cry. ‘She treated us just now like a princess, as she is,” vociferated another. ‘ And I will treat you again, good people, if you will aid us to escape from the clutches of that treacherous villain,” CORNIELAO®