The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 229: what you’re looking at

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

200 THE COURT OF LONDON minster Bridge, I didn’t think there was any harm in just mentioning the fact to her, and I certainly did not expect that she would peach to you again.” ‘Well, once more I say,” ejaculated the prince, impetu- ously, ‘‘ you must listen and not talk, and you must beware in future how you open your lips to breathe my name to a soul. I know your character well. Money is your god, gold is your idol, and you care not what you do or what happens as long as your avarice is gratified. Is it not so? ”’ ‘Your Royal Highness isn’t far wrong,’ answered the Hangman, with a chuckle. ‘“T knew it,’’ observed the prince, laconically. ‘‘ And now, therefore, I am going this evening to tempt you with quantities of gold, — indeed, to line your pockets so effectu- ally with the precious metal that, if I mistake not, you will be the happiest man in existence. In the first place, I give you at once the five hundred guineas which were to have been handed over to you to-night at eleven o’clock.”’ ‘Ah! then that appointment is not to be kept?” ejacu- lated Coffin, as he clutched the heavy bag of chinking gold which the prince gave him as he spoke. ‘Listen and interrupt me not,’’ continued his Royal Highness. ‘‘ You have the five hundred guineas which I promised you. Now I wish to know whether you will earn another five hundred by performing the service I am about to specify? ”’ “Vd hang my own mother for such a sum, if she was alive,’ answered Coffin, eagerly. “Then if you would so willingly dispose of your par- ent,’’ exclaimed the prince, “‘ you will have no objection to surrender up to the keeping of others a person who is now dwelling beneath your roof? ” “Who does your Royal Highness mean?” demanded Coffin. ‘““T mean the young man who passes by the name of the Foundling — ”’ | “Ah! what, Jack? I thought from what I’ve lately heard that he belongs by rights to some great family. I was quite sure that Larry Sampson,”’ continued the Hangman, ‘“ did not go up to Taggarty’s to make inquiries for nothing.’’ ‘Who or what the lad is you will never know,’ resumed the prince, in a firm and decisive tone. ‘“ Be it sufficient CORNICE OOOKS (E(@)