The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 166: what you’re looking at

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

THE CHAIN OF EVIDENCE 139 who was by at the time of having committed two most horrid murders; and to show you what dreadful freaks the imagina- tion will play its victim under such circumstances, he ac- tually believed that he was making a confession to the Newgate ordinary as he stood upon the drop. He fancied that the objects of his imaginary crimes had been interred beneath a stone, in a back kitchen — ”’ “Hey? what?” cried Mr. Crawley, now becoming much excited as well as deeply interested. ‘‘ Where, in Heaven’s name, sir, did this affair take place? ”’ ’ ““ At a house close by,’’ answered the medical man. ‘‘ In- deed, I have just been to visit the lady herself and ascertain whether she had recovered from the fright. But wherefore do you regard me in this singular manner? ”’ ‘“‘ Because, sir,’ replied Crawley, solemnly, ‘‘ I have good reason to believe that the history you have just told me is another link in a chain of evidence — ”’ “Good Heavens!” ejaculated the doctor, unfeignedly shocked and amazed, ‘‘ you do not mean me to infer that there is any foundation for the dreadful tale of the double murder? ”’ ‘“ Read this, sir,’ returned Mr. Crawley; and he put the anonymous letter into the doctor’s hand. The contents were as follows: “To the Chef Magistrate of Bow Street: — Under the ereat flagstone in the back kitchen of Mrs. Brace’s house in Pall Mall le buried the bodies of the two missing officers, Grumley and Mobbs. How they came by their death is for your worship to discover.”’ The doctor staggered against the wall for support, as his eyes ran over these few lines. He was seized with con- sternation and horror at the thought that a woman whom he had professionally attended for years could have been guilty of such hideous crimes or even an accomplice in their perpetration. He knew that Mrs. Brace was not the most immaculate being in existence; but he was utterly unpre- pared for the discovery that her profligacy as a gallant lady ~ was nothing in comparison with her black turpitude as a criminal. “You are astonished, doctor, and well you may bic? GomiilGcaooks (S©)