The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 326: what you’re looking at

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

THE LORD AND THE MERCHANT 2995 himself as he sprang up to his feet. ‘“‘ Just hold on there for a moment while I look to the groom. Ah!’ he con- tinued, having examined his dependent, “‘ he is stunned, but not killed. Well, that’s lucky. And now for the carriage. Well, by Heaven! this is lucky again! Nothing broken that I can see, except the lamps. I think those horses will stand now. Just come and lend me a hand to set the phaeton upright.” The man to whom these words were addressed did not give utterance to a syllable in reply, but still he appeared to com- prehend what was said, for having patted the horses’ necks, he approached the viscount. “ Why, you are a Lascar, or a Chinaman, a Malay, or something of the sort? ’’ exclaimed Rushbrook, as the man emerged from the comparative obscurity, for the lights of both the lamps were extinguished; there were no gas-lamps in that part of the road, nor was there any house near. “Why the deuce don’t you speak? You seem to under- stand me.” The Lascar made a sign that he was dumb, but he at once addressed himself to the business of raising the phaeton, which he did in a very few moments by his own unaided strength. The groom was now recovering, and the Lascar, lifting the man in his powerful arms, placed him in the vehicle. “You are a very useful fellow,” said the viscount, ‘‘ and I can’t think of giving you less than five shillings for your services.” | Thus speaking, the nobleman thrust his hand into his breeches pocket, and with that carelessness which was par- tially characteristic, and partially the result of his inebriate condition, he pulled forth all the contents of that pocket, — gold, silver, and bank-notes. Quick as lightning the Lascar seized upon the notes; it was one rapid clutch which he made at them, and the next instant he was darting away as quick as his legs could carry him. * Stop thief!’’ vociferated the viscount, wild with rage and fury, but even before his voice had ceased to vibrate in the air, the white garments of the robber were lost in the dark- ness of the night. A terrible execration burst from Rushbrook’s lips, but he dared not speed in pursuit. In the first place, he was a EGOMINIGIOOKS (CO)