The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 379: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XXXV CARROTTY POLL’S RETURN TO THE BOOZING - KEN WHEN Lady Letitia Lade emptied her purse amongst the revellers at the Beggar’s Staff, there was such a scramble for the gold and silver thus lavishly poured forth that not a soul thought of rendering assistance to the Big Beggarman, who lay senseless on the floor, stunned by the blow the Amazon had so effectually dealt him. And all the while the men and women were employed in picking up and search- ing for the coin, they vociferated the most enthusiastic cries in praise of the generosity of the beautiful huntress. At length an old crone, who had succeeded in securing a guinea as her share of the bounteous gift, took compassion upon the burly landlord; and the waiter, having likewise profited by the scramble, now proceeded in a leisurely man- ner to lend his aid. Some water was sprinkled upon the ruffian’s countenance, some brandy was poured down his throat, and in a short time he opened his eyes. His senses were, however, slow in resuming their empire, for the chastisement he had received was severe; and when at last he was enabled to collect his scattered ideas, and exercise the powers of his memory, he broke out into the most diabolical imprecations against the whole company for having allowed Meagles and Lady Lade to escape. This proceeding on his part only provoked the laughter, jeers, and low witticisms of those whom he thus reviled; but his wrath was somewhat appeased on learning that the Amazon had showered gold and silver in profusion amongst the crew, for the greedy ruffian was well aware that the larger portion thereof would find its way into his till ere sunrise. A strong glass of hot brandy and water, the alcoholic spirit preponderating in quantity over the elementary 344 CONnnic ODOOkKS aCe)