The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 156: what you’re looking at

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

THE BORROWED COSTUME 133 and trees overhung the iron railing which fenced the top of this wall. In the shade of these trees the Burker beheld a gentleman lounging along and smoking a cigar as if with the ease of a rakish listlessness. This personage was the Duke of Marchmont, and the Burker, accosting him, said, ‘‘ Good evening, my lord.” “Who are you?” demanded the duke with haughty curtness; but when the Burker burst out into a coarse though half-subdued chuckle, the nobleman exclaimed, “What! is it possible? — you in this disguise? ”’ “Yes, my lord, it’s my own wery identical self,’’ responded the Burker. ‘‘ There’s been a little shifting of toggery as your Grace perceives — ”’ ‘But the business — the mission I entrusted to you? ”’ interrupted the duke, anxiously and nervously. “It’s done, my lord,’”’ was the response chucklingly given. “Done! Is it possible? ’’ and there was a mingled exul- tation and terror in the duke’s tone. ‘“ Tf it wasn’t done, my lord,” said the Burker, ‘‘ what the deuce should I be here for? Didn’t your Grace tell me to meet you somewhere about this spot at eleven o’clock on any night that I might have summut good to communicate? ”’ “Yes, yes, true!’ ejaculated the duke, who experienced a bewildering sensation, half in joy at being rid of a dangerous foe (as he thought), and half in terror lest this new crime should engender new sources of apprehension. ‘‘ And now, your Grace, for the reward,’ said the Burker. ‘“ Short reckonings makes long friends.”’ “We cannot possibly converse here,’’ interrupted the duke. ‘“ Follow me, but follow me at a distance.” With these words Marchmont turned abruptly around, and bent his steps toward Belgrave Square, an occasional glance thrown over his shoulder showing him that the dis- guised Burker was following upon his track. COMIC OOO cS (CO)