Ching Ching's Novelettes No. 1: Snapson of the 'Snake' — page 2: what you’re looking at

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

( 2 ) It was, in fact, assumed as a disguise, and when he spoke his voice showed he had very little to do with the plough and harrow. - “ Now, Snapson,” he said, as he poured some water into a glass containing spirits before him, “ you know exactly what to do. The boy will be here presently and you must be all honey to him. Get him on board, and after that—you KNow.” il “Tt’s a risky job,” said Snapson, “especially if it comes to sinking the brig.” “ But well paid for.” | . ““ What's the good of pay to a man at the bottom of the sea? Mr. Warring- mi———. 3? “ Have the goodness not to speak my name here.” “Very well, sir. Now, say that 1 sink the brig fifty miles from land, and we take to the boats, and then up whistles a storm——” “That will do,” said the old man, rising, “I see you can’t face the business. I will leave it for the present and stop the boy coming.” “Don’t do that,” interposed Snapson hastily, ‘all right, Mr. War sir, I'll do it.” “Five hundred pounds the moment you come back with the news that the boy is dead. Only there must be no mistake about it.” “ All right, sir.” The old man emptied his glass, rose up, buttoned his coat close, and, pulling a broad-brimmed hat he wore down over his eyes, left the room without another word. After he was gone Snapson sat awhile in deep meditation. He had not a pleasant face at any time. A blind man would soon find out that he was no beauty, and just then it was at its worst. His brows were knitted, his lips compressed, and there was a very ugly gleam in his eye. ‘By George! ” he said, smiting the table suddenly, ‘I'll do it and take what comes of the job; and I'll do it in a way that will astonish somebody.” He finished his grog and rang the bell to order some more. His summons was responded to by an ill-favoured woman, who, without waiting to hear what he wanted, said in a snappish way— ‘“'There’s a man and boy in the bar who wants to see you.” “Send ’em in,” said Snapson, “and bring me another go of rum.” In a few moments a man, who had the appearance of a broken-down gentle- man’s servant, entered the room, bringing with him a lad of twelve, ill-clad, and looking as if he had been half-starved. His clothes were in tatters, and his face pinched, but there was still some fire in his eyes, and he looked at Snapson fearlessly. ‘“ Here’s your boy,” said the man with him, “ and that’s the end of my job unless you are going to stand a drink.” | “Which I am not,” replied Snapson, curtly, “and you can gO aS soon as you like.” The man grunted out something not particularly complimentary, and left the room, : comicoooks @ (SO)