The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 101: what you’re looking at

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

THE MYSTERIES OF THE COURT. 87 his-name,” hiccoughed forth Mr. Bencull, as he grasped the bottle in one hand anda little pewter measure in the other. ‘With all my heart,” said the Hangman, filling a glass and holding it up. ‘May he never want a fooney to flash in a boozing-ken ; nor ever pad the hoof or flare in tats for want of the long-tailed fin- nips to buy nibsome toggery.”* This toast was drunk with uproarious applause, in the excitement of which Mr. Bencull tumbled from his seat and rolled on the floor. This incident added to the prevailing mirth; and when it had somewhat subsided and the landlord had picked himself up again, Tibby Blades acknowledged the honour which had been done him in a “ neat speech” that showed his erudition with regard to the flash language. The Hangman now stated that Jeremy Humpage was ready up-stairs to receive those who had any bargains in hand with him; and all present save Daniel Coffin himself, the knife-grinder, and Ben- cull, ascended the ladder to receive the amounts which the old fence was inclined to offer for the various articles submitted to his appraisement. A great deal of haggling, abuse, recrimination, and quarrelling ensued : but the miserable wretches, who were all at the mercy of the ancient villain, were ultimately compelled to accept his terms;—and hay- ing received about one-tenth part of the value of the stolen goods, they retraced their steps down the ladder into the lower room. Old Jeremy and the Swag Chovey Bloak soon afterwards quitted the house together; and those who remained behind called for more liquor, vow- ing that they would enjoy themselves. Presently a knock was heard at the street-door of the house: and Bencull staggered along the passage with a light in his hand to answer the summons. Some whispering took place—a female voice was heard in conversation with Bencull—and then the street-door was closed and the door of the front room opened, evidently to admit new-comers. “ Who the deuce can they be?” said the Hang- man. But scarcely had he made this remark, when Bencull returned to the room, looking more mys- teriously knowing in his inebriation than ever. CHAPTER XXYV. THE YOUNG LADY. “WELL, what is it?” demanded Jack Ketch and the women, all as it were in one breath. “Such a pretty gal—such a sweet little ereatur’!” said Bencull, in a low tone and with sapient look. * Quite a innocent, too!’ Who the devil are you talking about ?” asked the Hangman, impatiently—for his curiosity was excited. “Why, Nell Gibson has picked up a young lady who’s lost her way and seems in great distress,” returned Bencull;— “not distress in money- matters, I don’t mean—’cos why, she’s well dressed and has got a well filled purse in her pocket. But * May he never want a guinea to sport in a public-house; nor ever go without shoes or appear in rags for want of large Bank-notes to buy good clothes, ee we ee ee eee ec S - she’s in what’s called distress of mind. I think she must have run away from her parents, or some- think of the sort. At all events, Nell Gibson has got her in tow, and has evidently crammed her well with all kinds of gammon. But if one of you gals will go into the other room and pretend to be Nell’s sister, you can stay there a little while with the young lady, and let Nell come to us for a few minutes just to tell us all about it.” “Till go,” exclaimed one of the women, starting from her seat: then, snatching up a rag of a shawl from a corner and throwing it over her shoulders, she covered her hitherto much-exposed bosom, saying, “I musn’t frighten the young lady any how. On the contrary, I'll look as modest and demure as if I was at a christening. But what am i to tell her ?” “Why, that this is a respectable house, though a humble one—and that it’s kept by honest though poor people,” answered Bencull, his speech being interrupted by sundry drunken hiceoughs. “ You must pass off as Nell’s sister, and make believe that you live here with your parents. Do any- think so as you don’t frighten the gal: and mind if she does get alarmed, that she don’t slip out of the house. The front door is chained and bolted, but not locked.” “Till play my part well, you may rest assured,” | said the young woman: and assuming as quiet a demeanour as she could possibly put on, she quitted the room. In a few minutes Nell Gibson made her appear ance. She was a fine, tall, well-grown girl, about nineteen years of age; and though steeped to the lips in profligacy, she nevertheless had sufficient outward appearance of respectability to deceive an unwary person, especially an inexperienced young creature of her own sex, relative to her true cha- racter. She was neatly dressed—and there was little of that brazen-faced impudence and loath- some wantonness in her looks which characterised the other females whom we have already described at the dark crib. Indeed, she was altogether one of the most artful, designing, and dangerous women of her class; and, as if no phase in the in- famy of her pursuits should be wanting, she not only enticed unsuspecting men to the abominable houses which she frequented, but also young and artless girls whom she delighted to train in the paths which lead to destruction. Such was the female who now received a hearty welcome from the Hangman and the other persons present with whom she was acquainted. Indeed, she knew them all full well, with the exception of Tibby Blades the knife-grinder—although he as- sured her that she was no stranger to him, at least personally, inasmuch as he had seen her be- fore at some flash house. Her tale relative to the adventure which now en- grossed all interest, was soon told. It appeared that as she was returning to her own dwelling, through the maze of vile streets which exist in all the neighbourhood of Jacob’s Island, or Folly Bridges, she saw a young lady, by the light of a lamp, seated on a door-step, apparently overcome with exhaustion and grief. By her appearance Nell Gibson judged her to be really what she seemed; and accosting her in a soothing manner, she drew her into conversation. The young lady declared that she had been walking for some time PC OnniGclyooks) Ico