The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 271: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XX THE ARCHAOLOGIST Tue landlady, who had been standing at her front door to look at the accident, the crowd, and the disturbance, made way for Mr. Fossilton and the potato person to enter. Then, closing the door in the face of the crowd that came to peep in with intense curiosity, she followed the enraged archzolo- gist and the bearer of the trunk up the stairs, not rightly comprehending what had taken place, and therefore all the more anxious to push herself into Bealby’s apartments. ‘“ Here, sir, is a pretty trick you’ve played me,”’ exclaimed Mr. Fossilton, as he entered Bealby’s front room. “One word, my dear sir,” said the ready-witted Mr. Bealby. ‘“‘ Here are your bank-notes, but just allow me to explain myself, and if my explanation is not satisfactory, you can take your money and be off with you. Here, you man, put down that trunk — there’s half a crown for you — and take yourself off with your cart. Just have the kindness to tell that other carter who is waiting, to remain yet a little while, and I will settle with him also.”’ Mr. Bealby issued his instructions with much composure and self-possession; the trunk containing the unfortunate mummy was deposited upon the floor, the potato person touched his hat for the half-crown, and took his departure. ‘““ Now, my dear ma’am,” said Bealby to the landlady, thrusting another shilling into her hand, ‘‘ just get something to comfort you after all this disturbance, and leave me to explain matters to my friend Mr. Fossilton.”’ The landlady accordingly vanished; the door was closed, and the old archeologist, assuming a peremptory air, said, “ Now, Mr. Bealby, for these explanations.” ‘“‘ They are speedily given,’’ was Bealby’s ready response. 244 ECORNICIOOKS (E(0)