The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 398: what you’re looking at

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

THE PRETENDED FRIEND Bon attended in the prison, ascertain if he had performed his functions upon Emmerson, and if so, whether he also be- lieved him to be in a resigned and tranquil condition. But on proceeding to the barber’s house in the Old Bailey, Theo- dore learned that the object of his inquiry had been ul for some time, and that he had temporarily delegated his monopoly of beards within Newgate walls to one Richard Melmoth belonging to another barber’s shop, in Fleet Lane. Thither did Varian accordingly repair, and on observing the name of Coffin over the door, he at once knew that this was the abode of the public executioner. It was in the afternoon when Theodore entered the Hang- man’s shop, and, taking off his hat, he bade the young man who was in attendance proceed to cut his hair. This was none other than Dick Melmoth himself, who, placing a chair for his customer, commenced the operation forthwith. “So they have found the City bill-broker guilty of the forgery,” said Varian, as if in a casual manner. “Yes,’’ answered Dick Melmoth. ‘ I saw him this morn- ing.”’ “Did you, indeed?” cried Theodore, suddenly showing an interest in the topic of conversation. “To be sure, and yesterday morning also,’’ replied Mel- moth. * The tact is, I attend in there to shave the prisoners, the regular barber being ill.” “And how does Emmerson bear himself? ”’ asked Theo- dore. | “Well, pretty comfortably, all things considering,’’ an- swered Melmotnh. “Do ‘you mean to say that he has any hope of a re- prieve? ” ‘Lor’ bless you, sir, everybody has a hope till the last, and I don’t think Mr. Emmerson is different from the rest.” There was now a brief pause, durfng which Theodore Varian reflected profoundly. “Is he communicative at all with you?” he at length asked. “ Why, what do you mean?’ demanded Dick Melmoth. ‘“ I mean,” returned Theodore, looking up in a significant manner toward Melmoth’s countenance, “ that if you would do something for me, I will pay you handsomely.” “ Well, that’s English, at all events,” said Melmoth. ‘‘ But CORNICLOOL ‘S (C(O) im