The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 99: what you’re looking at

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

THE PROCEEDINGS AT THE HOME OFFICE 77 The evening was very dark; neither moon nor star shone upon the face of heaven, and the obscurity was only broken by the lights gleaming in the windows of the arsenal and in the ships moored off the shore. The soldiers conducted Meagles and the working man, - both of whom were still handcuffed, down the slippery steps leading to the river; and at the bottom of the flight a boat ‘was waiting, manned by six sailors under the command of a midshipman. The moment the soldiers and their two pris- oners had entered the boat, it pulled off and rowed in the direction of a large ship which lay at a short distance, and through the port-holes of which lights were gleaming, so that it appeared as if a slightly curving row of lamps were sus- pended over the dark bosom of the river. It was now by an effort of extraordinary skill, the most remarkable feature of which was the noiselessness wherewith it was accomplished, that James Melmoth succeeded in slipping off his manacles; but he held them in such a manner that their occasional clinking should prevent any suspicion of their removal. In a few minutes the boat ran alongside the man-of-war which lay so still and stately upon the river, and the two captives were ordered to ascend the accommodation-ladder to the deck. } Meagles went first; but scarcely had he mounted half a dozen steps when a loud splash was heard, instantaneously followed by ejaculations of mingled terror and amazement from the soldiers and the sailors in the boat. ‘Watch where he rises, and fire,’ exclaimed the corporal. ‘“‘He has dived, underneath the ship itself, perhaps,” cried one of the private soldiers. And then arose on board the man-of-war, echoing from stem to stern, the cry of “‘ Some one overboard! ’’ and the ship, a moment before so silent, was now a scene of agitation and excitement throughout. All this was the work of a few instants; but Meagles had immediately comprehended the startling truth that his late companion in captivity had made a desperate effort and ~ dared a tremendous risk in order to escape from his perse- cutors. , ‘“‘ God send him success! ’’ muttered Tim, as a couple of sailors hurried him up the accommodation-ladder to the (Gi ®) ANC 6)(0)©) Sal