The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 399: what you’re looking at

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382 THE COURT OF LONDON excitement of his feelings, and thus he had neither leisure nor scope for those reflections which would perhaps have engendered suspicions in his mind relative to the integrity of his present companions. ‘“There’s the hut! ’”’ said the Hangman, as they presently beheld a hight glimmering ahead. ‘“‘ Had we better not approach with considerable caution? ”’ inquired the baronet. “Yes, let us creep as quiet as we can up to the place,”’ returned Coffin. They accordingly advanced stealthily; and as they drew nearer they observed that lights were burning in the room above as well as in the apartment below. On reach- ing the hut, they peeped through one of the windows on the ground floor; the candles were flaring with long wicks on the tables, but no one was in the apartment. ) ‘“T suppose the ruffians are all out looking for me,’ the baronet, in a low whisper. ‘“ Most likely,’’ responded the Hangman. “ Let us enter the cottage.” ) sald He accordingly opened the door and passed in, followed | by the baronet, Sally Melmoth, and Jack the Foundling. But scarcely had the party thus entered the hut when the Hangman sprang at Sir Douglas Huntingdon like a tiger darting at its prey, and dashed him on the floor with such violence that he was stunned by the ruffianly outrage. The Hangman then tore open the baronet’s coat, and taking away the knife which Sir Douglas had concealed about his person, the ruffian flung it to a distance. His next proceed- ing was to draw forth a piece of rope from one of his own capacious pockets, in order to bind the baronet hand and foot. “ T’ll go up-stairs and see who’s there,” said Sally Mel- moth, while her paramour was thus employed. ‘“‘ Perhaps that traitress Nell Gibson is up above, as a light is burning there,’’ she added. “You had better take care,’’ observed the Hangman. ‘Tf she suspects that she’s found out she may do you a mischief; for she’s not a woman to give in easy, I can tell you.” “Ah! then I had better prepare for a battle,’ exclaimed Sally; and, flinging off her bonnet and cloak, she seized CONNIE NOOO KS (E(0)