The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 363: what you’re looking at

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

THE BEGGAR’S STAFF AGAIN 329. ley has made himself scarce, I’m pretty sure, and that he’s got a large sum of money in his possession, there’s no doubt. Now, such a man won’t leave London; I know his habits too well for that. He'll keep quiet till the affair about. Caroline Walters has blowed over; and then he’ll either manage to make his peace with the authorities, or else set. up in business as a thief-catcher on his own account. But he sha’n’t bilk me in no such a fashion; and therefore I’m resolved to ferret him out. If so be, then, you’ll help me, Ill make it well worth your while; for I’ll give you fifty guineas for any such information as may enable me to unkennel the old fox, and, what’s more, I’ll take care that, in future you shall always have a private hint conveyed to you when anything disagreeable turns up respecting the frequenters of the Staff. Now then, do you understand me, and can we strike a bargain? ”’ “I think we may,” replied Carrotty Poll. ‘“‘ And if any one in London can obtain a trace of Grumley’s retreat, that person is myself, for there isn’t a soul frequenting the Staff that won’t be upon the lookout when I give the word.”’ ‘“‘ That’s exactly what I thought,” said Mobbs; “ and as Grumley is very naturally detested by all your folks, they’ll be glad to do him an ill turn.” ‘““ No doubt,’ observed Carrotty Poll. ‘‘ But suppose he should return to Bow Street and make his peace with the authorities, won’t he remember me for any evil office that I may have done him? ”’ “How should he know anythink about it?’”’ demanded Mobbs. ‘‘ Come, Miss Price, there’s no need of being timid in the matter, as I mean fair play on my part.” ‘“ But how am I to know, Mr. Mobbs,” said Carrotty Poll, “‘ that all this isn’t some sly plant on your part, for some purpose or another? ” ‘‘Lord bless ye, my dear,” exclaimed the ill-looking fellow, endeavouring to appear as amiable as possible, *‘ what objeck can I have to serve in all this, except the one I’ve explained to you? But, to convince you that I’m in earnest, and indeed to place myself somewhat in your power, I’ll tell you openly and candidly at once that the whole business about Caroline Walters’s leap from the winder was a put-up affair on the part of Grumley and me; and a certain fashionable milliner at the West End, whose / ClHOO©