The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 371: what you’re looking at

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

340 REYNOLDS’ WORKS to an auctioneer in Albany Street, or else to the official assignee under Joseph Preston’s bankruptcy. “ ‘That’s all right,’ said the Burker to himself; ‘‘ appli- cations isn’t to be made upon the premises, and that’s a sign there’s nobody left in charge of ’em. Sharp feller, that assignee. If once you puts a man and his wife into a house to show it, and lets ’em live there free gratis for nothin’ until it’s let, I’m blowed if it will ever let at all. They are sure to stall off the ladies and genelmen as comes to look at it, by saying the dreanage is bad. That’s a rule as inwariable as a judge pumping up his tears when he sentences a feller to death.” While making these very intellectual and erudite re- flections, Barney the Burker was slowly passing away from the vicinage of the stables in order that he might have an- other look at the front part of the house, so as fully to make up his mind as to the particular point in which he should attempt an entry, for such was the object he had in view. It did not, however, appear very safe to operate on the front, because the shadow of a policeman was descried at the farther end of the terrace, and carriages were ever and anon proceeding in both directions, probably on account of soirées or parties being given at some of the adjacent dwellings. But on the other hand, the Burker had an almost equal objection to the attempt of a forcible entry by the rear of the premises, inasmuch as belated grooms connected with the adjoining stables might be about. So Barney went and took a walk in some secluded portion of the Regent’s Park, to reflect upon the most prudential course to be pur- sued under existing circumstances, and likewise to while away the time until a later hour, when the carriages should have ceased to roll and the belated grooms should have retired to rest. The church clock in Albany Street had proclaimed the hour of one in the morning, as Barney the Burker retraced his way to the rear of the premises, where he had decided upon making the attempt. The coast was clear, and a small crowbar, dexterously as well as powerfully used, speedily forced open the door of the coach-house. Entering that place, he carefully closed and bolted the door behind him. One of his capacious pockets furnished a dark lantern; this was quickly lighted by means of matches, with which CORNICLOOKS (E©)