The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 103: what you’re looking at

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

86 THE COURT OF LONDON dressed, and the first glance of whose eyes seemed intended to pierce Loftus through and through. “I beg your pardon, sir,” he began, politely raising his hat, ‘* but I wish to have a word or two with you on business of importance.”’ “We will inquire for a private room,” said Jocelyn, not much liking the man’s appearance or mode of address, and having a vague and undefined suspicion of some impending treachery. : ‘‘ It is not worth while, sir,’”’? was the response. ‘“ In fact, I may as well inform you at once that I am a police agent, and those persons,’ he added, glancing over his shoulder toward two individuals, also in plain clothes, who were lounging under the gateway, ‘‘are my comrades. You will have the goodness, sir, to accompany me to the prefecture of police.”’ “For what purpose, and upon what charge? ”’ demanded Loftus, indignantly. “Merely to give the prefect some little explanations, sir,’ replied the police agent. “‘ I dare say it will be all right; but you must come away at once.’’ “Allow me to visit my chamber for a moment,” said Loftus, ‘‘ in order to fetch some papers and documents that I may require to prove my respectability, if that be the point on which the prefect demands information.” ‘“ Your papers are already in my possession, sir,” re- turned the police agent, drily. ‘What! you have dared violate the privacy of my writing-desk? ’’ exclaimed Jocelyn, more indignantly than , at first. ; ‘“T had my authority, sir,’ was the cold and laconic rejoinder. Jocelyn paused for a few moments; but well aware that the French police possessed extraordinary powers, and reflecting how useless it would be to defy them, he said, “ I will accompany you.”’ The agent again raised his hat politely, and followed Loftus from the courtyard of the hotel. On emerging into the street, they entered a hackney-coach that was ready waiting at a little distance, and the officer made a sign to his two men that they need not follow into the vehicle, as they were about to do. EGomichooks co