The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 90: what you’re looking at

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

68 THE COURT OF LONDON “Recognized, my good friend,” suggested the attorney- general, administering a verbal corrective in a tone whose blandness contrasted remarkably with that which he had adopted when speaking to Meagles. ‘“‘ Thank’ee, sir, I meant to say recognized,” continued Bax. “And whom did you recognize? ”’ asked the chief magis- trate, also speaking in a mild voice and with agreeable manner. ‘“‘ His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales,’’ returned the constable. ‘ He was talking to Mrs. Brace, which is a wery respectable lady as always pays her rates and taxes without a murmur and reg’larly illuminates her house on all royal birthdays.” ‘“‘ Ah! a truly loyal subject,’’ observed the under-secretary, with an approving glance at the attorney-general. ‘‘ Please to continue your evidence, Mr. Bax.”’ *“ And: let him remember he’s on his oath,” exclaimed Melmoth, sternly, for the working man was unable to subdue his feelings any longer. “* Silence, fellow! ”’ ejaculated the under-secretary. ‘“‘ These constant interruptions are intolerable,”’ cried the chief magistrate. *“‘ They show clearly enough that the prisoners are aware of the desperate condition in which they have placed them- selves,’ said the attorney-general. ‘‘ But such infamous attempts to intimidate the witness — ” | “The attempts are made to intimidate us,’ exclaimed Melmoth, with an energetic gesticulation. ‘‘ How dare you threaten to strike the witness? ”’ vocifer- ated the under-secretary, starting from his seat. ‘““T did no such thing, I only waved my arm in the air,” replied Melmoth, undaunted by the menacing mien assumed by the under-secretary. ‘‘ But let the witness go on and finish his story.” | ‘““ Proceed, Mr. Bax,”’ said the chief magistrate. ‘Well, your honours,” resumed the constable, “ as his Royal Highness was giving his orders to Mrs. Brace, the two prisoners come along the street arm in arm and looking wery disorderly. Me and my partners instantly twigged — I mean recognized them, and we at once knowed them to be two of the most desperate spouters at public meetings — ”’ Com re) NOOKS (©) im