The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 267: what you’re looking at

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

250 REYNOLDS’ WORKS hurried assurance that if they remained quiet no harm would befall them. Almost immediately afterward footsteps were heard descending the stairs, and Chiffin appeared, bearing the inanimate form of the housemaid who had answered the door. ‘Now, then,’ he said, with growling hastiness of tone, ‘“ let us put these women into some secure nook — and then for the rest of the business. Ah, there’s the coal-cellar quite handy!” and forthwith the door of that place was opened. The two women who had not fainted, but over whose mouths rough hands were forcibly held, showed by their looks how wild was their terror. ‘The villains repeated their assurances that no harm would befall them if they remained quiet, but they likewise vowed that the slightest scream would be instantaneously followed by the murder of all three. They were accordingly thrust into the coal-cellar, and the bolt was drawn upon them. “Now, then, for up-stairs,”’ said Chiffin, and he led the way, followed i ae two accomplices. As there had been no light perceived in the andi floor rooms, they did not think it worth while to enter them; but they crept up toward that where the Cannibal had seen a candle burning. Angela, who was seated there, by the bedside of Madge Somers, heard the footsteps, and though a tremor shot through her form, she was not so much frightened as might have been expected. Perhaps she knew that succour was near. She rose up from her chair, and the next instant the three rufhans with the black masks rushed into the room. ‘““Not a word, or you're dead!’ ejaculated Mat the Cadger, as he caught hold of the young lady with one hand, and with the other produced a pistol from his pocket. The sight of that weapon did strike a horrible alarm to the soul of Angela. Mat the Cadger forced her down into the chair, whipped out a cord from his pocket, and in a moment bound her arms to the back of the seat, at the same time renewing his horrible threats. While this was doing, Chiffin and Spider Bill seized upon Madge Somers and tore her from the bed. All this was the work of a few instants; and as a shriek did now vibrate from Angela’s lips, Mat the Cadger placed the muzzle of his pistol close to her fair polished brow, CONNIE MOO KS (E(0)