The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 300: what you’re looking at

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

WOODBRIDGE 269 through you learn the solution of that sad and long-enduring mystery.”’ They now entered the village, and the landlord of the little inn was astonished when he beheld his new guest returning in the company of that strange and gipsy-like woman. But Mr. Redcliffe, at once making him an imperative sign to ask no questions, said, ‘‘ Let your wife take charge of this female, and surround her with all possible attentions. Let suitable apparel be provided for her, treat her as you would treat a guest who flourished a well-filled purse before your eyes, but beware how you or any one belonging to you question her impertinently.”’ The landlord bowed, and at once summoned his wife, whom Jane accompanied with the docile obedience of com- plete lucidity, as well as of a heart full of gratitude toward the author of this renewed kindness on her behalf. ‘““ Now,” said Mr. Redcliffe, ‘* a word with you, landlord,’ and he beckoned the man into the parlour which he was occupying at theinn. ‘‘ Have you the courage to accompany me,” he inquired, “ on a venture that will put one hundred pounds in your pocket? ”’ The landlord, who was a stout, powerfully built man, of about forty years of age, opened his eyes wide with astonish- ment, and then said, ‘‘ A hundred pounds, sir? I have courage to do anything for such a reward.” ‘Then come with me,’’ answered Redcliffe. ‘‘ Procure a stout cord, breathe not a syllable to your wife, and the money will be yours. I will explain myself fully as we pro- ceed.”’ But the landlord stood hesitating; he did not exactly know whether to believe that it was all right and straight- forward, or whether it were some lawless adventure into which his guest sought to drag him. ‘“‘A felon has escaped from the hands of justice,”’ said Mr. Redcliffe, quickly. “‘The government has offered fifty pounds for his apprehension, the authorities of Liverpool a like sum, and all this reward shall be yours. Now will you accompany me? ”’ “ Cheerfully, sir,’’ answered the landlord, his hesitation vanishing in a moment, “‘ and I beg your pardon — ”’ “Enough!” interrupted Mr. Redcliffe. ‘‘ Procure the cord, conceal it about your person, and follow me without COMIC OOO Ss (CO)