The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 217: what you’re looking at

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

194 REYNOLDS’ WORKS account you will be disappointed, for he is one of the most diabolical scoundrels as yet unhung.”’ “We can but try,’’ responded Marchmont, ‘“ I suppose he is chained? ”’ | ‘“He is only manacled, my lord; he has got handcuffs upon him, and these we consider sufficient to ensure his safe custody, especially when your Grace is informed that the cells are of considerable strength.” Having thus spoken, the inspector unlocked the door of the cell, and as he flung the light of the bull’s-eye inside, the Burker was discovered sitting upon the wooden bench and reclining back in the angle of the walls. He still retained his disguise, with the exception of the wig, which had been taken off before he stood in the dock in the police court; but the long gray beard and moustache continued affixed to the lower part of his countenance. ‘Well, I say,’ growled the Burker, not immediately recognizing the Duke of Marchmont, “‘ are any of you chaps coming to bring me some hot water to get off this cursed beard? I know as how my face isn’t a wery ’ansome one, but that’s no reason why I should have to peel off all the skin and leave my chin as raw as a bit of bullock’s liver.” ‘‘T will see that you have water presently,’ said the in- spector; ‘‘it has no doubt been forgotten in the hurry of bus- iness. Here’s a gentleman who wishes to speak to you.” ‘A genelman?”’ exclaimed the Burker. ‘‘ Who the devil — ”’ ‘Lend me the lantern, Mr. Inspector, if you please,’’ said the duke, purposely speaking deliberately so that his voice might be recognized by the Burker, who, his Grace knew full well, would be shrewd and cautious enough not to show any inconvenient sign of recognition. Marchmont entered the cell with the bull’s eye, and for a moment holding it so that its light fell upon his own features, he darted upon the Burker a look which enjoined prudence and caution, so that Barney, at once taking the hint, and inwardly rejoiced at the presence of his Grace, considered that the best thing he could do was to remain silent and take his cue from the nobleman. “Do you not recollect,’ continued Marchmont, “ that I stopped and gave you a shilling to-day, when you were standing in the street? ”’ ECORMICLIOOKS (E(0)