The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 132: what you’re looking at

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

THE VAULT IN THE CHURCH 109 form, as well as the present emoluments which he would receive, observing, as an additional inducement, that if Barney conducted himself well he might be certain of suc- ceeding to the office of gravedigger at his (Jonathan’s) death. The Burker accepted the proffered terms, and the bargain was sealed with another drain from the brandy-flask. ‘And now, my good man,” said Jonathan, “‘ as you are doubtless weary and hungered, I will take you to my cottage, where you can refresh and repose yourself for to-night; and to-morrow I can perhaps help you to a cheap lodging with some humble but respectable people.”’ “T’ve already took such an affection for you, sir,’”’ an- swered the Burker, “‘ that if you’ve only got some old shed or outhouse belonging to your place, I would make myself as happy and comfortable asa king. I could turn my hand toa thousand little odd jobs — ”’ “Well, well, we shall see about it,” replied the sexton. ““ Meantime follow me.’ They issued from the vault, and passed out of the church, Jonathan having previously extinguished his lantern. He locked the door with a huge key, and striking into a narrow path, led the way through the churchyard. The Burker was not particular in keeping to the path, but he now and then trampled over the graves, which being presently perceived by the old man, caused him suddenly to stop short. “You must not set foot upon any one of these sacred _ hil- locks,” he said, with his wonted gravity, ‘‘ and for two rea- sons. In the first place, because it’s desecration, and in the second place, because there are certain families — ay, even amongst the poorest — who pay a trifle annually to have the graves of their deceased relatives kept in good order, —not but that I devote my care to those for which no fee is paid. And here, for instance,’ added the old man, again stopping short after having slowly walked on a few paces, “‘ here is the best-kept grave in the whole place, and yet I have never received a farthing for attending to it.” He pointed to a grave which had a stone at its head, and in the beautiful clearness of the night it was easy for the Burker to perceive that it was indeed well kept, the turf being all smooth over the hillock, and brambles stretched across to prevent any intrusive sheep from nibbling at the grass. ‘‘ Look, you perceive there is no name upon that stone,” EOMINIGIOOKS (CO)