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.

™ A NIGHT ADVENTURE old would be inevitably forfeited. For it was impossible to elance even for a single instant at Chiffn the Cannibal’s countenance, without reading in its hideous lineaments the most bloodthirsty propensities and a brutal capacity for mischief. “ Well,” he said, pointing the muzzle of his pistol down- ward, but not putting it away from her sight, “ you seem an uncommon brave lady, and so I suppose you are just as prudent a one. ‘Therefore we shall have no nonsense in dealing with you.’’ “ What do you require? ’”’ asked Lady Saxondale. “ But that question I need scarcely put: your looks bespeak your errand. You see I treat the matter with frankness, and therefore there is no need to Keep that weapon in your hand in so threatening a manner.’ “ How uncommon nice she speaks, don’t she?” said Tony Wilkins, in an undertone, as he sidled up to his com- panion. “ ’Cause she’s a lady of sense and knows what’s what,” observed Chiffin, aloud. ‘‘ Now, ma’am, please to tell us which would be most convenient — to let us walk off with the plate and jewelry, or for you to pay us over such a handsome sum that we shall go away happy and contented with our night’s work, and be able to drink your ladyship’s health every day for the next six months?” “Finding myself completely in your power,’ returned Lady Saxondale, at the same instant flinging a quick and scarcely perceptible glance toward the mantelpiece, as if looking for some object, ‘‘ I should prefer giving you a sum of money. But I must tell you beforehand that I have not much in the shape of gold about my person, and should have to go to gaa chamber to fetch the amount that you may require.” sf ~ And how much,” demanded Chiffin, “‘ may your lady- ship happen to have in your own chamber? ”’ “ Perhaps four or five hundred pounds altogether,’ returned Lady Saxondale, after a few moments’ considera- tion. - “ That’s little enough,” observed Chiffn. ‘ And, now, how much in the purse? ”’ Lady Saxondale, who still preserved her presence of mind with an astonishing calmness, drew forth her purse from COnnIEOOOkKS (SO)