The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 394: what you’re looking at

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

HOPES AND INTRIGUES 377 functionary, evidently struck by his manner, could not help eying him suspiciously for a moment. “ Ah! it is such a relief,’’ immediately exclaimed Emmer- son, recovering his presence of mind, ‘‘ to have some one to talk to, if only for a few minutes.” This remark at once satisfied the turnkey, who perhaps would even have been satisfied without it, for he had been long enough employed within those prison walls to know that condemned men were but too likely to say and do strange things. Once more alone with Dick Melmoth, Emmerson imme- diately saw by his manner that the proposal had been entertained, and his heart dilated within him. “Well, what does your master say? Has he agreed? Will he accept? ”’ ‘““ He will do it,”’ answered Dick Melmoth, ‘‘ but not under a thousand.” ‘A thousand!’ ejaculated Emmerson. ‘ That is enor- mous.” | “Ay, and Coffin says that it is a precious risk to run,”’ replied Dick. ‘‘ Remember it’s no joke to help a man out of such & hobble as this, and if so be he was caught — ”’ “ But he will undertakeit?’’ asked Emmerson, _ner- vously. “ He will,” rejoined Dick Melmoth.-. ‘ But what earnest can you give him that the money will be forthcoming when the work is done? ”’ ‘“T have the money — ”’ ‘You! — here?” ejaculated Melmoth. ‘‘ Why, if the sheriff knew it, he would take every farthing away from you m a pity.” ‘“T do not mean here,’ returned Emmerson. ‘‘ My wife has got the money — or can get it. A friend will let her have it when the time comes — ’’ “Ah! but suppose he shouldn’t? ’’ said Melmoth. “ But I know that he will,’ returned Emmerson, posi- tively. “ But Mr. Coffin don’t know it, you see, and he won’t move a peg till he sees that there’s no mistake about the blunt.” , “Well, then,’ said Emmerson, perceiving that it was necessary to be explicit, ‘‘ my wife has got the money already, GOMGC HOO)! <S) (C(O) im