The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 250: what you’re looking at

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

TWO FRIENDS 223 ‘‘ All seems quiet,”’ he continued, returning from the win- dow, ‘‘ but we had better make sure. You go, Ben, as I have just said, and keep out for twenty minutes or so, — that is to say, supposing you see nothing in the meantime that looks suspicious. But if there is, then come back directly and tell us.’ Mr. Limber accordingly lighted his cigar, stuck his hat upon his head with a jaunty, rakish, independent air, and flourish- ing his short cane (of the true gentish description), was about to issue from the room when the Burker suddenly placed his back against the door, saying in his gruff voice, “‘ This is all wery well, but how the deuce do I know what’s the true meaning of the move? ”’ ‘“‘T understand you,”’ observed Mr. Bealby, now assum- ing a decisive look and tone. ‘‘ You think we mean to betray you. Very well, take up your bank-notes and be off.”’ ‘“Come, come,” said the Burker, ‘‘ it wasn’t ’andsome on my part, I must confess it wasn’t.” ‘You know,” rejoined Bealby, “‘ that if we chose to open this window and raise an alarm, your capture would be certain.” ‘Beg pardon, genelmen, for my rudeness,” said the Burker, “‘ but hope no offence. MHere’s the door, sir,’”’ and he opened it to afford egress to Mr. Benjamin Limber. ‘““ Now drink,’’ said Bealby, ‘‘ and refresh yourself, while I go down-stairs and see if there’s any hot water in the boiler. I know there generally 1is.”’ Mr. Barnes sat down and helped himself to some more spirits, at the same time saying to himself, “‘ Well, blow me if all this isn’t a rum tissue of adwentures, but luck seems to be a-favouring of me, and I s’pose I shall get safe and sound through ’em.”’ In about a couple of minutes Bealby reappeared, with a pitcher of warm water, and he then conducted the Burker into a little dressing-room opening from the inner apartment. The criminal soon disencumbered himself of the beard and the rest of the false hair that was upon his face, and he felt himself considerably refreshed. “Now, sir, what’s the next move?” he asked, as he emerged from the dressing-room. | “You say you’ve climbed up the pipe and got to the dace CORnNICLOOOKS (CO)