The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 219: what you’re looking at

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

196 REYNOLDS’ WORKS ‘“‘ Meanwhile let me try what I can do,” whispered March- mont. The inspector instantaneously quitted the threshold of the open door, and began pacing to and fro in the little yard, purposely making his boots stamp heavily on the pavement so as to convince the Burker that he was no longer listening. “Come now, my good man,” said the duke, thus speaking in order to keep up appearances in case the inspector should overhear what was passing, “ you may as well give me up that ring, and if money is now of any service to you, I shall cheerfully pay for the restoration of a jewel on which I set so much value.” While thus speaking the Duke of Marchmont produced the file, choosing a moment when the inspector’s footsteps sounded from the extremity of the little yard, and at the same time his Grace bent a significant look upon the Burker. The prisoner clutched that file, nodded knowingly, and thrust it into his waistcoat pocket. ‘“‘ Perhaps they will search you again? ”’ hastily whispered the duke; and then he at once exclaimed aloud, ‘‘ This denial is ridiculous. I know you must have my ring.”’ ‘“‘ Of course he has,’ muttered the inspector, who caught those words while turning around close by the door. ‘“‘ No, they won’t search me again,” was the quick whisper which now came from the Burker’s lips. “T tell you that it is useless to persist in this denial,” ex- claimed the duke. Then taking a diamond ring from his pocket, he added, in a low undertone, ‘‘ Give it up to me in a few minutes.” “‘T tell you I haven’t got it!’ vociferated the Burker as he received the ring and nodded significantly. ‘“ But all appearances are against you, my man,” rejoined the duke. Then again lowering his voice, he hastily added, “‘ If you succeed in escaping, write to me, and I will send you more money.”’ At the same time he thrust some compactly crushed up bank-notes into the miscreant’s hand. There was a further semblance of accusation and remon- strance on the part of the duke, as well as of sturdy denial on that of the Burker, until at length the nobleman, as if yielding to a fit of angry impatience, ejaculated, ‘‘ It is no use, Mr. Inspector. I can do no good with this fellow.” ‘‘ I was afraid not, my lord,” observed the officer, now re- CORNICLIIOOKS (E(0)