The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 330: what you’re looking at

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

304 THE COURT OF LONDON Daniel Coffin that will call in person upon the said Mynheer Bekerlynck and get him to dispose of the said lump of silver then and there.” By the time the Hangman had made an end of his reflec- tions, the Swag Chovey Bloak had likewise finished his ablutions, Jeremy Humpage having in the interval relocked the iron safe. “ Now what is it that you have got to say to me about that there scoundrel? ”’ asked the Swag Chovey Bloak, in a cau- tious whisper. ‘‘ Have you made up your mind about him? ” ‘To be sure, to be sure! ”’ was the response, given in a low but quaking, quivering tone, as if the old man had resolved upon the performance of something which he nevertheless trembled to think of. ‘‘ Larry Sampson and his people are sure, somehow or another, to trace the fellow to my house, and what will become of me if I am caught harbouring a murderer? There will be a hue and cry presently, handbills printed, placards posted, and perhaps rewards offered, so that when once all this is done I can’t possibly pretend to remain ignorant of the fellow’s crime any longer. _ Besides, why should he be here at all, if not to conceal himself from pursuit? And therefore you see, my worthy friend, that if I do continue to harbour him I shall be taken up as an accessory after the fact. This will never, never do.” “To be sure not,’’ responded the Swag Chovey Bloak, “and therefore, all things considered, you do well to give him up. So, as there is no time to be lost, I will just trudge along to Larry Sampson’s and give him the proper informa- tion.” “But mind you tell him I sent you, mind you don’t forget that,” urged old Jeremy. “ It’s of the highest im- portance.” ‘““ Don’t be afraid; I sha’n’t forget it,’’ returned the other fence. “ In less than a couple of hours you may rely upon seeing Larry down here with a lot of his people. But I say, by the bye,” added the Swag Chovey Bloak, “ there is no chance of his searching your premises, is there? ”’ “Who search the premises? ’”’ asked old Jeremy. ‘““Why, Larry Sampson, to be sure,’ was the response. “Coming to arrest a murderer, don’t you think he may take it into his head to have a look all over the house? ” ‘ And if he did,” interrupted old Jeremy Humpage, “ you EORMMGIOO S (C@ im