The Mysteries of the Court of London by Pauline Clarendon — page 329: what you’re looking at

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

326 THE COURT OF LONDON cheerfully,” responded the Big Beggarman, well aware that he was dealing with a good paymaster. “You already know that we came here the last time, which was slx or seven months ago, about a certain paper in Lightfoot’s possession,’ resumed Meagles; “ and on that occasion your friend Warren made an appointment for us to meet him at the old man’s next day. This appointment we kept; but it led to no good. Lady Letitia subsequently wrote Warren a long letter, containing particular explana- tions and instructions, and to this letter no answer was ever returned.” “ Well, I’m surprised at the Magsman’s want of attention in that respect,’ exclaimed the Big Beggarman, assuming as much politeness as his uncouth nature could possibly per- mit, “‘ for there was something of importance to communi- cate, nevertheless. But I suppose that other business turned up suddenly, and he must have put off writing from time to time till he forgot it.” “ And what was the subject of importance? ’’ demanded Meagles. “Why, the letter which her ladyship wrote, and which I saw,” continued the Beggarman, “ hinted at foul means to obtain the paper. Well, Lord bless you! that very same night that the letter came, me, the Magsman, and Briggs got into old Lightfoot’s crib, and tried to make him surrender the dokiment. But it was no go, and there the matter ended. But the Magsman ought to have reported it in due course.”’ “And is Lightfoot still dwelling in the same place? ”’ asked the Amazon. “God bless your sweet eyes! ”’ éjacul ae the Beggarman, “he’s dead! ’’ ‘“ Dead! ”’ exclaimed both Meagles and the huntress, as 11 it were in the same breath. “Yes, he died three or four nights ago,’ returned the villain, ‘‘ and his gal has bolted. So I suppose she’s taken the papers and everything else with her, leaving the parish, most likely, to bury her oa father, for I’m blessed if any- body else will.” “Then our hopes are defeated in that quarter,” said Meacles, in a tone of vexation. “ It was odd that Briggs told us nothing about his death.” ECORNIE OOO KS Eo mm