The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 134: what you’re looking at

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

THE BURKER’S ADVENTURES 111 and then with his remaining coin he retained the man’s services to take him up as far as St. Luke’s Hospital. The church in Old Street proclaimed the hour of one just as the Burker alighted from the cab. He now pursued his way on foot, and in a few minutes reached the house which the cabman had accurately described to him. The Burker was totally ignorant of who the occupants of the dwelling might be, but he felt tolerably well assured that they could not be what is termed respectable, or else under existing circumstances they would be no friends of Jack Smedley, supposing them to be acquainted with him; while, on the other hand, if he were unknown to them, they would scarcely have admitted a stranger at such an hour. But that seeming willingness on their part, to which the cabman had alluded, to afford Smedley a lodging, warranted the conclusion that they at least knew something of him. The Burker’s mind was soon made up how to act. He rang at the bell, for knocker there was none, and in a few minutes he heard footsteps approaching along the passage inside. An elderly man, with a candle in his hand, and only half-dressed, appeared at the door, and very much as- tonished did he look at the singular aspect of the Burker, with the beard and gabardine, “One word with you, my friend,’ said Barney, in a low but peremptory tone, and he at once entered the passage. ‘“ What does this mean?’”’ demanded the man, affecting a look of indignation, though in reality he had a visible trouble depicted on his countenance. A glance showed the Burker that the key was in the street doer; he at once locked it, and taking out the key, said to the man, “ You don’t know me, eh? ”’ “No,” was the response, nervously and tremblingly given. “Then I’m a detective, that’s what I am. You needn’t stare at me after that fashion; it’s a dress I’ve wore to look out for a chap that’s wanted, and I’ve found him at last. I don’t mean you, so you needn’t look so glum; though if you’ve any of your nonsense or cause any obstruction, as the saying is, I shall precious soon walk you off. I’ve got half a dozen of my people in the street.” At this moment a woman, about a year or two younger than the man, both of whom were elderly, emerged from CORnnICLOOKS (CO)