The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 61: what you’re looking at

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

THE LAST MEETING 43 ‘¢ He engaged the private parlour and ordered some dinner to be got ready as soon as possible,’”’ said the landlord. ‘“ And is he in the parlour now? ”’ demanded Meagles. ‘“‘ Yes, sir. He inquired if we'd got anything to read, and I sent him in some old books. I suppose that if he’s a house- breaker or what not, he’ll remain snug indoors until night- time? ”’ ‘“‘ That will be his game precisely,’”’ answered Tim. ‘“ And now you must lead my horse to the stable, while I get around by the back way into the house; and there you must let me have a room which will enable me to keep a strict watch upon the movements of the rascal. But mind and do not breathe a word that will create any alarm in the place or lead the fellow to suspect that he is being dogged.”’ ‘“‘T understand you, sir,” replied the landlord. ‘“ If you go around by the field, you can enter the house without being obliged to pass the windows of the room where the vagabond is sitting; and I shall be ready to lead you to a chamber adjoining the parlour.” These arrangements were accordingly carried into effect; and a good dinner was served up to Meagles, who was pre- pared to do ample justice to it after his long ride. At about a quarter to nine o’clock, the landlord stole softly into the chamber to inform Meagles that the suspicious customer had ordered the horses to be put to the chaise at ten o’clock, and that he had stated his intention to step across to Stamford Manor in the interval. Accordingly, the landlord watched until Ramsey sallied forth, which he did in a few minutes; and Meagles lost no time in following him. It was a beautiful moonlit evening; but the road was bordered by a high hedge on one side, and, favoured by the deep shade thereof, Meagles was enabled to pursue the crimi- nal without being perceived. Stamford Manor was in the immediate neighbourhood; but instead of entering the enclosure for the purpose of seeking the front door, Ramsey struck into a narrow lane leading to the fields behind the garden and shrubbery. Thither did Meagles follow him, still contriving to escape observation; and when the resus- citated criminal entered the meadow where he had desired Lady Desborough to meet him, the wary Tim concealed himself behind a large tree. For by the way in which Ramsey paused and looked anxiously around, Meagles judged that (COMMU Doo eS (GO)