The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 78: what you’re looking at

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

60 THE COURT OF LONDON | One of ’em I don’t know nothink of,”’ he continued, pointing toward Meagles; ‘ but t’other,’’ he added, indicating the working man, “ is a very notorious character.”’ ‘Who is he, then? ”’ asked the prince, impatiently. “‘ His name’s James Melmoth, may it please your Royal Highness,”’ responded Bax; “ and he’s one of the most seditious scoundrels in all England. He speaks at public meetings, tells the working classes they’re oppressed, and denounces all kings and princes in a wery savage style in- deed, saving the presence of your Royal Highness.”’ ‘* Ah! then the fellow must be crushed at once, or he will turn around upon me also,’”’ muttered the prince to himself. “Damnation seize upon this dilemma into which I have worked myself! Yes, there is no alternative; the seditious villain must be crushed, or he will expose the entire affair at the very next public meeting he attends. But what do you purpose to do?”’ he demanded aloud, and looking Mr. Bax full in the face. “TI know my dooty as well as any man breathing, and so does my two partners here,’ replied the constable. “ Why, what is the facts of the case? We happen to be pass- ing by Mrs. Brace’s establishment, and we see your Royal Highness standing inside the shop making a few purchases, when in come two ruffins, and without no manner of provo- cation they insults your Royal Highness, and well knowing who your Royal Highness was, they pitches into your Royal Highness, and your Royal Highness — ”’ “Good, good! ”’ ejaculated the prince. “I see that you understand how these little matters are managed. But are your companions to be equally well depended upon? ” ‘Quite, may it please your Royal Highness,’”’ answered Bax. ‘Then let the two scoundrels be taken into custody and conveyed to the Home Office,” said the prince, at the same time slipping his purse into the constable’s hand. ‘ And mind, Mr. Bax, as I shall not be there to give evidence, mind, I say,” continued the heir apparent, fixing a look full of meaning upon the functionary, “‘ mind that they are both seditious characters, both notorious rogues and disaffected persons, both dangerous to the state — ” “Ah! that they be,” observed Bax, with a glance that showed how well he understood the part he was to play in COnnicloooks (C(O)