Pickwick Abroad; or, The Tour in France — page 347: what you’re looking at

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

dad PICKWICK ABROAD. “JT have it, then!” cried the landlord; and he hastened to the chamber in which the Count Boleski was shaving himself. His lordship desired the host to explain his business. ‘¢ Your most obedient humble servant, ” began the obsequious host; ‘¢ T have something important to communicate to Maonszeur.” ‘¢ Make haste, then,” was the Count’s encouraging remark. ‘The truth is,” said the landlord, drawing very close to his lord- ship, and whispering in an almost inaudible tone of voice—“ the truth is, 1m the bearer of a very important trust; but I won't betra¥ “Ou.” “That’s exceedingly kind,” cried Count Boloski, applying the’ lather-brush to his face, and listening to the landlord whom he strongly suspected to be labouring under some delusion. ‘SA few days ago,” explained the landlord, in the same mysterious tone, “‘ a foreign gentleman came to this house, and lived, while he was here, likea prince. He went away yesterday morning ; and when hehad paid his bill, he took me on one side, and addressed me as follows :— ‘Landlord,’ said he, ‘I must throw myself upon your merey. The fact is, I am a noble Polish refugee, obliged to leave France for Engo= land, without delay. Iam, moreover, the bearer of six thousand franes for a friend of mine whom [ was to meet at this hotel.’ ” ‘What was that friend’s name ?” hastily demanded the Count, as he wiped the lather from his face. ‘¢ Something ending in ‘ osfz,’ 99 returned the host. “‘ And you forget the rest ?”’ contmued the Count, leisurely wiping his razor upon a napkin. ‘‘ Entirely,’ answered the landlord. ‘“ Read tirat,” said Count Boloski, handing a card to the host. ‘<T thought as much,” cried the landlord joyfully. ‘* Your friend assured me you would reward me handsomely for my trouble. 1 swore to acquit myself of the trust confided inme. You see 1 have aot forgotten it.” ‘Worthy fellow!’’ cried the Count, considerably affected at this extraordinary display of generosity and integrity: ‘‘ your reward shall bea hundred francs, besides your bill being paid in the most liberai manner. But which road went my dear friend ?” ‘¢ By way of Abbeville,” was the answer. “« And L come from Boulogne,” exclaimed the Count. “ Howvery — unfortunate! But, 1m order to relieve your mind of any doubt asto — my identity with the individual to whom the money is to be paid,” continued his lordship, quietly seating himself upon his. trunk and staring steadfastly upon the landlord, ‘‘I will give you a distinct and. correct description of my much esteemed friend. He is a man—” ‘¢Of about forty,’ interrupted the host. “ Yes—of about forty,’’ said Count Boloski. ‘‘ His hair—” ‘¢ Nearly as black as mine,’ added the host. “Precisely,” cried the Count. ‘* And his nose “‘ My wife said aquiline,” elucidated the landlord. « Right—quite right,” assented the Count. ‘* His heigat—” “A little taller than you,” observed the host. “Well, he may be,” returned the Count. ‘‘ In person—” ** Somewhat stout,” added the anxious Boniface.. 93 aie comicbooks.cor fat Ae ee « ~ ‘