The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 135: what you’re looking at

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

112 REYNOLDS’ WORKS an adjoining room, with terror depicted upon her counte- nance, for she had evidently overheard all that the Burker had just been saying. ‘““T hope there’s nothing wrong, sir,’ she began, in a voice of whimpering entreaty. ‘‘ Me and my husband keeps a respectable lodging-house, and though poor —’”’ “Well, I’ve no quarrel with you,” interrupted the Burker, “but just show me the way to the room where you’ve lodged the person which arrived here just now in a cab.”’ The looks which the man and his wife exchanged con- vinced the Burker that he was on the right track, that Smedley was there, and that they moreover knew who he was. ‘Come now, no nonsense,” he said, ‘‘ but be quick, or it will be the wuss for you, I can promise.”’ ‘“ Up-stairs —the back attic,’”’ said the man, and he presented the candle to the Burker. “ Now, I’m going to manage this little business without no noise,’’ remarked the villain, ‘‘ and so if you both hold your tongues, you'll find it the best way to keep out of trouble.”’ ‘““T’m sure we’re very much obleeged to you, sir,” said the woman, “ and if so be you'll take a drop of something to drink —” | ‘“‘ Presently,’ interrupted the Burker. ‘‘ There, go into your own room, keep quiet, and leave me to manage. Do you think he can hear what we are saying? ”’ “T’m sure he can’t,’ responded the man, ‘ unless he’s come half-way down-stairs for the purpose, which isn’t likely. He wouldn’t think anything particular of the door- bell ringing, because he knows what sort of a house it is.’ ’ The Burker now waved his hand for the elderly couple to retire into their room, which they accordingly did, both firmly convinced that their visitor was a detective in disguise. Barney, with the light in his hand, began ascending the stairs, and in a few moments he gained the top landing. Then, as he opened the door of the back attic, Smedley started up in his bed from a sound sleep, giving vent to an ejaculation of terror on recognizing the disguised Burker. “Hold your tongue, you scoundrel! ’’growled Barney, as he entered the room and closed the door. ‘ You sneaking, white-livered rascal,’’ he continued, in a voice which though , EORNIClIOO KS (E(0)