The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 208: what you’re looking at

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

. THE HEAD CONSTABLE 191 stable and the domestics had deposited him. As Lady Saxondale emerged from the cloister and came into his pres- ence, his features expanded into a look of grim satisfaction, and really, if Chiffin were ever capable of a grateful senti- ment, he experienced it now toward one who did not desert him in the hour of his most bitter need. She placed her finger upon her lips to enjoin silence, and then, with the knife which she had brought, proceeded to cut the hand- kerchiefs which so firmly bound him. In a few moments he was thus far free. Motioning him to gather up the severed kerchiefs and take them with uim, so that his disappearance from the chapel migut in tne morning seem all the more mysterious, and be all the more incomprehensible, she led the way back toward the statue; and the Cannibal stared in astonishment on perceiving that this colossal figure had turned almost completely around, and in thus moving away from the spot it was wont to occupy had disclosed a small square aperture. Lady Saxondale descended first, and, on reaching the bottom of the steps in the place of tombs, held the lamp in such a manner as to aid the Cannibal in following her. She then ascended a few of the steps again, and by once more pressing the knob, made the image turn around into its proper place, the pedestal again hermetically sealing the secret aper- ture. | “ Follow me,’’ she said to the Cannibal, and these were the first words that were spoken from the instant she had appeared in his presence on this occasion. “ | am uncommon obliged to your ladyship for thus think- ing of an old pal,’’ responded Chiffin, whose heart was exult- ant, for he already felt as if he breathed the fresh air of free- dom. “ But about that there little business you was coming to speak to me of —” “Enough! it cannot be done now,’’ interrupted Lady Saxondale, in a peremptory manner, and not without a feeling of intense disgust at the familiarity with which the coarse ruffian addressed her. ‘‘ You have not a moment to lose; you must make the best of your way hence. Without halting must you speed so long as the darkness favours you, for there will be a loud hue and ery, and doubtless a fierce pur- suit in the morning.” “ All right, my lady,’’ responded Chiffin. “ Depend upon CONNIEDOOKS (EO)