The Mysteries of London; or, Lights and Shadows of London Life — page 398: what you’re looking at

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

LLL LLL THE MYSTERIES OF LONDON. 896 “That’s little enough. Be aisy now,” he added, turning to his prisoner; “ what’s the use of resistance when the battle is lost?” “Am I to be kept a prisoner in my own house?” “ House! cellar you mean,” said the man, with a good-humoured smile; “but you Koglish bave always such fine names for every thing. By St. Patrick, but I have it!” he added, turning to Rose; “ bring out the boy.” Rose, comprehending his design, hastily snatehed her son from the bed, and brought him into the room in which the speaker was standing with his prisoner, who was violently struggling to get free. “ Don’t make a fool of yourself,” whispered the man to her. “ You will only bring the police.” Despite her resistance, and laughing at her curses and threats, the soldier thrust her into the recess, in which Rose had so lately been confined, and drew the belt upon her. “Let meout! Murder!’’ roared the hag. “Bother!” said the man. “ And now, mistress what can I do for you?” “Ts the outward door unfastened ?” * Faith, and it is.” “Protect my boy till I return,” whispered Rose, passionately kissing her child, as if with a presenti- ment that she weuld never press him to her heart again; “‘and the blessings of a broken-hearted mother reward you for your generosity.” Without waiting for a reply, for she feared her courage would give way, the unhappy creature passed through the outward cellar, hastened up the steps, and in a few moments found herself in the street. To her the neighbourhood had been familiar from childhood; she knew every turn which led towards the factory, where, by this time, she doubted not, her husband and Faddle were already engaged in their werk of robbery and blood. In her way, she had to cross a piece of waste land, from which several houses had been removed to make room for the improve- ments lately undertaken in the city. Here, to her terror, she encountered Dick and his master, who were waiting the return of Wilmott, whom they had sent to recennoitre the premises previous to making the attempt. “She here?” whispered Faddle to his companion, as soon as he saw her approach. “Then Meg’s a croaker!’’ said the astonished Dick, at a loss te imagine hew any one could have escaped from the virago he called his wife. ‘“‘ Now,” demanded Rose, assuming a courage she was far from feeling, “ where is my husband ?” “Writing a sonnet to your beauty, for aught I know,” answered Faddle, “Liar! He is gone to rob, perhaps to murder, his uncle and Walter. But mark me—unless you seek him instantly, and give over your infamous design, villain, this hand consigns you to the gallows.”’ “You talk it well!” * Not more than I can perform, as you know,” “ What is to be done?” whispered Dick. “Leave her with me,” replied his master, in the same lew tone, “ You hesitate,” said Rose, “Not at all,” replied Faddle, seizing her by the arm. “Your request is reasonable—most reasonable. Of course we will give up our design upon the fac- tory—won’t we, Dick ?” “ Will you have my pistol?” said the latter to his companion. _—_—_—_—_ the throat to his knife, at which moment the eyeof| — “No—l have got my knife. Leave us together. No matter,” resumed the former, at the same time placing it in his waistcoat pocket, “it may be useful,” ** You won’t hurt her?” “ No, damn you! be off!” Dick waited for no further commands. Although | a great rascal, he had a natural antipathy to the . sight of blood, and hurried away to avoid it. | No sooner did Rose find herself alone with her ancient . enemy than her courage left her. She read in his fierce glance the purpose of his heart. Her throat felt parched and burning, and her brain reeled with terror at her danger. ‘‘ Hear me,” she said; ‘“ you know I cannot en- danger you without betraying my husband. Release me, give up your design upon the factory, and T’ll be silent.” “Oh, yes,” said the po with a sneer, you will be silent.” “ What do you mean? You won’t detain me?” “No, Dll not detain you long,” said Faddle, looking cautiously round to see if any one was appreaching. “JT see!” shrieked the unhappy woman, half dead with terror. “I read your intention: you would murder me! For God’s sake do not take my life! Think on my boy! I am not fit to si Do not kill me! Ineverinjured you!” | **°Tis false,” whispered the raffian: “eT iéved you, and you scorned me—withdrew your husband from my influence. Desire has withered with your beauty, but revenge remains.” Releasing his left hand feelin her arm, the speaker seized her by her. long dark hair, and forcing her upon her knees, threw her head back so: as to expose his victim rested on the pistol in his pocket. “ Assistance! ah! assistance!” she exclaimed. “ Where?” demanded the ruffian, turning suddenly round. “‘ Here, villain!” exclaimed Rose, “ starting to her feet, and snatching the pistol from him, which, when | he again confronted her, was levelled at his head, | — “ Advance one step, and I fire!” ** You dare not.” | ‘Trust not to that. I am alone, maddened by | terror, desperate and resolved. I would not willingly | have your blood upon my head, but if you lessen | the distance between us a hair’s breadth the bullet | whistles through your brain! Fool! coward! villain!” lq : she continued, her courage and excitement every | moment increasing, “I yet shall see the deom foretold | —the gibbet! Hal ha! ha! the gibbet!” i Still keeping the weapon levelled towards him, Ruse | sprang lightly over the rubbish which encumbered the | — ground, and disappeared down one of the narrow | — lanes which led towards the factory, leaving Faddle overwaenet with rage and confusion, ‘‘ Well, is it done?” said Dick, who returned to the spot, ‘thinking all would be over. ‘‘No, it’s met done. Why did you leave your | pistol? I told you I had my knife. Baffled!” he | added; ‘ baffled, and by a woman!” ‘‘You are not the first,” said his companion, drily, | ‘6 who has been bafiled by a woman. Where is she gone to?” + “No matter!” exclaimed Faddle, recovering him- | self with a violent effort; ‘one bold struggle may | remedy all. Dick, will you stick to me?” b EOmMiIGcdoOo Ss7(ele)