The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 186: what you’re looking at

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

160 THE COURT OF LONDON “ But the second calamity — what is it? ’’ demanded the prince. “The midwife in Fore Street, the woman whom I have often named to you, was murdered last night,’’ said Mrs. Brace; “‘ and one of my girls, a certain Caroline Walters, has been taken into custody on suspicion of having perpe- trated the deed.” ‘ And is that suspicion well founded, think you?” in- quired his Royal Highness. ‘“ Alas! yes,’ was the mournful response. ‘ Caroline Wal- ters is as capable of the crime imputed to her as Rose Foster is incapable of the deed with which she is charged.” ‘“ And from what channel have you learned this new misfortune? ’’ asked the Prince. ‘‘ Who sent Miss For- rester to you? ”’ ‘“ A Bow Street officer has just been to my house,’ re- turned Mrs. Brace. ‘‘ Indeed, he is waiting there now, in case I should like to see him. For although the murder of the midwife was committed in Lambeth, the magistrates of which district will examine the wretched girl presently, yet this Bow Street officer has been engaged to institute the usual inquiries concerning the accused; and he is now em- ployed in both cases. What shall I do? Would you advise me to see him? ”’ ‘“‘T have a very great mind to see him myself,’”’ observed the prince. ‘‘ These Bow Street runners are men who will do anything for money. They can collect evidence to suit just which side they please, to make black seem white or white black.” ‘Oh, if you think, my dear prince, if you have a hope, to save Rose Foster, yes, and Caroline Walters likewise,’’ gasped Mrs. Brace, throwing herself at the feet of his Royal Highness and seizing both his hands with nervous violence in her own, age 3 implore, I beseech that you will see this man —’ ‘“‘ Yes, I will see him,” ejaculated the heir apparent, forc- ing the milliner to rise. ‘“‘ But would you seek to save that Caroline Walters, whom you believe guilty, as well as our poor Rose Foster, whom we feel to be innocent? ” ‘We must save them both, prince,’”’ answered Mrs. Brace. “‘ The revelations. which Caroline Walters could make con- cerning me — ”’ COnnicbooolks (CO)