The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 250: what you’re looking at

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

THE ‘INQUEST 233 . in the shade as possible, —in short, evidently striving to escape the notice of passers-by. “Ah!” ejaculated Lord Harold to himself, ‘ the very man who is so needful to me now! ”’ and quickening his pace he found that his suspicion was correct, and that the individ- ual thus proceeding stealthily along was none other than Chiffin the Cannibal. “My good fellow,” said the young nobleman, ‘it is for- tunate I have thus fallen i in with you.’ ‘“ Ah, is it you, my lord? ”’ observed Chiffn, who was ad first somewhat alarmed by hearing such aaiek footsteps, as if they were in pursuit. * And pray what is there in hand? Some little business to be donc? No good, though, I’ll be bound, or else you wouldn’t want my assistance.”’ “There is money to be earned,’ answered Harold; ‘‘ and, what is more, there is a deed for you to finish which you once commenced but clumsily left undone.” “And what may that be? ” inquired the Cannibal. “Tf I mention the name of Madge Somers, you will under- stand me? ”’ ‘““ Nothing can be plainer, my lord; and when money is to be got and an old spite to be gratified, I’m your man.” “We cannot remain talking here,” observed Harold. .““ Where can we go?” “Come to my lodging, my lord,” responded Chiffin. ‘“ It’s all safe there; the people are right enough, and there’s no danger. Follow me at a distance, and don’t lose sight of me.’’ ‘‘ Lead on,’’ said Harold. “ I shall not miss you.’ The Cannibal accordingly proceeded along Park Lane in the direction of Oxford Street. ‘This he rapidly crossed, and soon plunged into Duke Street, turning thence into a narrow, dark alley, where he stopped at the door of a house which, so far as could be judged amidst the obscurity, was of poverty-stricken appearance. Lord Harold speedily joined him, and the Cannibal, letting himself in with a latch-key, conducted the young nobleman up! a couple of flights of stairs, into a small back room, where he speedily struck a light. The den was poorly furnished, with a bed, a table, two or three chairs, and somo other necessaries, but it seemed a sufficiently secure hiding-place for a person who was so much “ wanted ”’ as Mr. Chiffin. CONnNIEDOOKS (FO)