The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 255: what you’re looking at

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

238 REYNOLDS’ WORKS ‘Have your own way, my lord,’’ responded Chiffin. ‘“ Tt’s your concern, not mine; and if you pay, I am bound to follow your lordship’s directions. Where is she to be taken to? ”’ “To some great distance,’’ answered Lord Harold, ‘ and under circumstances the best calculated to break off all clue to the route thus taken. But,’ he added, with an ominous expression of countenance, “‘ she is to be made away with. Need I say more on this point? ” ‘Not a syllable, my lord,’’ responded Chiffin, with a grim look of intelligence. “But there are other matters with which you must be made acquainted,’ resumed Harold. “I have already engaged some men to act, when opportunity shall serve, in this business.”’ ‘Who are they? ’’ demanded the Cannibal, quickly. ‘They bear the euphonious names of Mat the Cadger and Spider Bill,” returned Lord Harold. “I know ’em well,’’ said Chifin. ‘‘ How came your lordship to be acquainted with such pleasant and agreeable individuals? ”’ ‘“Some months ago I was led by curiosity to some horrible den in the neighbourhood of Drury Lane, kept by a certain Widow Burley and her two daughters — ”’ ‘“Hnough!”’ interrupted the Cannibal. ‘“ I understand. Biddy Burley is the mistress of Mat the Cadger, and Polly Burley of Spider Bill. So I suppose you got at these chaps by means of them Burleys? ”’ “Exactly so,’ answered Lord Harold. “I presume you will not refuse to act with them? They want a man of your energy to lead them in the matter.” “To be sure they do!’ ejaculated Chiffin, with a smile of satisfaction, as if he knew full well that his astuteness and courage must invariably place him at the head of any villainous expedition or iniquitous venture with which he might become connected. ‘‘ All your lordship has got to do is to tell them to come to me. I know they are to be trusted, and we'll lay our heads together.’’ Some further conversation took place between the young nobleman and Chiffin the Cannibal, and the former, having given the latter some money for his present purposes, took his departure. ) CONNIE NOOO KS (E(0)