The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 216: what you’re looking at

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

THE CELL 193 ‘“’ As he is now in a position in which the ring can be of no possible use to him,’’ continued the duke, ‘‘ he may perhaps be inclined to give it up to me, — supposing your latter suggestion to be the true one, and that he has it concealed about his person. It is not for the value of the ring in a pecuniary sense, but it was given to me by a deceased relative.” ‘‘ T will go and speak to the prisoner, my lord,” exclaimed the inspector. “Thank you, I shall feel grateful,” said the duke, and he suffered the inspector to get as far as the door, ere he ex- claimed, ‘‘ But when I think of it, the villain is much less likely to acknowledge the fact to you than he is to me. Per- sons of his class invariably regard the functionaries of the law in the light of enemies whom they have a right to baffle and set at defiance to the utmost of their power.” ‘True, my lord,” said the inspector; ‘‘ this is unfortu- nately too much the case.” ‘““ Well then,’’ continued the duke, “‘ if I were to see the fellow, he might perhaps do for me that which he would not do for you.” ‘“‘ Tf your Grace has no objection to step across the street to the cell where he is confined; for I regret that I have not the power to order him to be brought here into your Grace’s presence.” ‘‘ Neither would I have you do such a thing,” exclaimed the duke. “I will accompany you.” The inspector bowed, and Marchmont went with him across the street to the police office. Procuring the keys from the gaoler, and taking a lantern, or bull’s eye, in his hand, the inspector conducted the Duke of Marchmont to the back part of the premises, where a low door admitted them into a narrow little yard, or, rather, uncovered pas- sage, whence the cells opened. “Will your Grace speak to him through the wicket? ”’ asked the inspector, in a whisper, “ or will your lordship enter the cell? ”’ “ Oh, with your permission I will enter it,” replied the duke, “for then he may possibly recognize me as having given him alms to-day.” “I am afraid, my lord,’ whispered the inspector, “‘ that if your Grace expects any display of gratitude on that COMMICLOO© <S (C(O)