The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 250: what you’re looking at

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

THE FISHERS OF MEN 233 coarsely, ‘‘ no, no, the gentlemen were to do that, but with our hands, and we were told not to damage their sweet lips and beautiful teeth.”’ “Ah! then you were led to believe that the two ladies were young and beautiful? ”’ said Loftus. ‘So we fancied,’ returned Kobolt, ‘ but we made a sad mistake. In a word, we carried off two females from the very places pointed out to us, but they turned out to be two elderly hags. Well, as there are many different ideas about beauty, and as we didn’t exactly know what English taste might be, we resolved to keep possession of the old ladies, particularly as we had found them each in the very spot - pointed out by our employers. But when we got to Lau- sanne, by the saints! what a scene ensued. It was indeed a mistake from beginning to end, and so there was nothing left to do but to bring the old ladies back again. This we did, having been assured that we should not be troubled in the matter, and, sure enough, we never have heard any more of the business in any shape or way.”’ “so far, so good,” said Jocelyn, “‘ and now will you inform me whether, during the last three weeks, indeed, ever since that particular night, you have experienced any peculiar good luck in your avocation as fishers of men? ”’ “To tell you the truth,’ answered Kobolt, *‘ this is the first time we resumed our fishing occupation since that very night whereof we have been speaking, and for this seeming idleness on our part there have been two reasons. ‘The first is, we heard that a watch had been set for us by the police, and so we thought we would rest awhile till we found the coast clear again; and secondly, we were so well paid by your fellow countrymen Smith and Thompson that we could afford to give ourselves a holiday for a short time.” “ Well, and now there need be no further delay in con- tinuing your night’s sport,” returned our hero. “ Perdition! ’’ ejaculated Hernani, “‘ the young gentleman wishes to see us at our work.’’ ‘“ Or else,’”’? added Walden, ‘‘ he wants to become one of us.’’ & “ Hold your tongues!’ growled Kobolt, savagely. ‘‘ The gentleman has some other and deeper meaning. Now, sir, what is it? Let us be frank with each other.” “I have no objection,” rejoined Jocelyn. ‘“ Know, then, EGOMIIGIOOKS (C(O) am