The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 277: what you’re looking at

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

250 REYNOLDS’ WORKS trembling with mingled alarm and horror. ‘ You would not murder me? No— no— you — you — you — would not mur — ur — ur — der me?” “No, not if you keep quiet,’’ responded the Burker. “1’m as innocent as a young lambkin which skips in the fields, when folks let me alone.’’ “But who are you? What does all this mean?” asked the bewildered Fossilton. ‘‘ You are dressed like a Lascar, but you speak English, if not exactly with the purity of Bunyan’s style, at all events with a certain facility.” ‘“ Leave Corn and Bunion to theirselves,”’ said the Burker, ‘‘and now just listen to me. There, you’d better sit down again, sir; you’re all over in a tremble and quiver, and shivery shakey like. Come, sit down, I say, d’ye hear? It’s no use your keeping near this door.”’’ “ Well, well, what do you want, who are you, and what does all this mean?’’ inquired the archeologist, whose mingled bewilderment, terror, and dismay defy all power of description. ‘“‘ Now there’s no use in shuffling about with the question,”’ said the miscreant; and planting himself opposite the mis- erable archeologist, who had again sank down into a chair, he added, in a cool, independent manner, “I suppose, you’ve heerd tell of one Mr. Barnes, better knowed as the Burker? ”’ ‘““Good heavens! the murderer?” ejaculated Fossilton, faintly. “Well, you may call him that if you lke,’ proceeded the ruffian, “‘ but here he stands in his own precious identity afore you. Not another word, old genelman! Dare to cry out, and I split your head open! There now, be quiet, like a good old man, and no harm will happen. I’m going to take my leave of you in a few minutes, and I don’t think the parting will be wery distressing for either of us.”’ Mr. Fossilton looked as if he entertained precisely the same view, and as if the speedier the separation took place the better he should be pleased. “Now, you see, my fine old feller,’’ continued Barnes, “it won’t do for you to say a single word about this here business; ’cos why, if you gives information, and if I’m took on account of it, I shall wery coolly say that you was in the trick with Bealby to get me out of my trouble, but ECORMICLIOOKS (E(0)