The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 165: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XII THE LAWYER Our young hero had been stunned for a few moments by the severe blow he received, but he quickly recovered his consciousness, to find himself in the power of half a dozen stalwart and determined fellows, while a glance showed him that such was likewise the fate of his friend Beverley. The enterprise had therefore completely failed, and the aspect of affairs was even worse than before the adventure was undertaken. Beverley maintained a dignified silence, he being determined to wait and see what course his uncle would have the hardihood to adopt, yet inwardly his feelings were those of the acutest disappointment and grief. As for Christian, he likewise held his peace for the present, and his own sorrow at the failure of the enterprise was scarcely less poignant than that of his friend Beverley. — Sir John Steward, with a fierce triumph depicted upon his countenance, led the way into the dining-room, where he seated himself at the head of the table. Edgar and Christian were in the grasp of some seven or eight lackeys and grooms, and they were of course powerless against the numerical strength of the enemy. Mrs. Oxenden was tem- porarily absent in charge of her sister. ‘“ Now I intend,” said Sir John Steward, “ to investigate this matter magisterially, and without the slightest reference to my relationship with one of the prisoners — But surely,” he ejaculated, thus suddenly interrupting himself, “ I have seen you before? ”’ and he fixed his eyes upon Christian. ‘“Yes,’”’ responded our hero, in a firm voice, “‘ we met on the occasion when your intended victim was first brought by her infamous sister to your house.”’ “ You impertinent young scoundrel! ’”’ exclaimed Sir John 142 ECORNIECLIOO KS (E(0)