The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 299: what you’re looking at

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282 THE COURT OF LONDON business for him, I will call at his house in Long Acre on some pretence and get possession of the great book.” ‘Well and good,” said Bencull. ‘‘ But how the deuce do you hope to entice Larry to trust himself again in the dark crib? ”’ ‘Cunning as he is, let us see if we can’t be more cunning still. What think you of planting some woman upon him to make him believe that through revenge she wants to betray a scheme in which her flash man is engaged? ‘This looks so devilish nat’ral, 1f we could only get a blowen of the right sort to carry it out.” “What say you to Nell Gibson?’’ demanded Bencull. ‘“She’s the most artfullest gal which I ever happened to be acquainted with, besides which, she’s got such a way of - looking so precious innocent and sincere when she’s really plotting the deepest mischief.’’ “Yes, we'll make use of Nell Gibson in this matter. But are you quite sure that Nell is the most trustworthy young woman that we could employ im the matter? You know her better than [ do.’’ “Why, my maxim always is never to trust any woman farther than you can see her,’’ replied Bencull; ‘‘ and there- fore it’s my advice that while setting Nell Gibson to work against Larry Sampson, we should also set somebody to watch Nell Gibson.” ‘A very capital plan of yours, old fellow,’’ observed the Hangman. ‘‘ And now, taking it for granted that Nell Gibson will embark in this business, who shall we plant in turn upon her? ”’ “ Well, of all coveys that ever come to this house,” answered Bencull, after a few moments’ reflection, “‘ that Buttoner, or thimble-rig feller, 1s the downiest. Besides which, he’s been rayther sweet upon Nell Gibson for some time past; but Nell won’t have nothing to say to him because he’s down in his luck, and hasn’t done overwell lately. If we was only to rig him out with new toggery I from head to foot, give him a few cooters to flash about — with, and set him up in Swell Street, Nell would precious soon take up with him, ’cos he’s not a bad-looking chap by no means.”’ ‘“ Well, I don’t mind venturing fifteen or twenty guineas for this part of the business,’’ observed the Hangman; CONMIELICKO KS. (E@)