The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 54: what you’re looking at

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

THE CHANDLER’S SHOP 37 Sampson, and he was sorry to be compelled to leave him. But he couldn’t stay after the business down at Richmond. He says that he knows Mr. Sampson only performed his duty in that respect; but still he had not the heart to remain with the man who may be said to be the cause of poor Coffin’s death. ‘“ Of course,’’ observed Taggarty. “ For if Sampson and his people hadn’t. been planted there, the Hangman wouldn’t have run off and been drowned in the river. That’s quite clear.” ‘Quite clear indeed,” whimpered Sally Melmoth, again seeking consolation in the gin. At this moment the shop-bell tinkled as the glazed door was opened by some one entering the place; and Taggarty, observing that it was no doubt some customer, hastened from the parlour, closing the door behind him. Immediately afterward, Dick and Sally Melmoth heard the outer door shut again also; then an ejaculation of amazement, bursting from Taggarty’s lips, met their ears, and this was followed by some hurried and subdued whispering between that individual and the person who had just entered the shop. ‘“ Something’s going on,’’ said Dick Melmoth, in a low voice, to his sister. But before the woman could make any reply, Taggarty reappeared, followed by a man so muffled up in a great thick coat, a shawl neckerchief, and a slouched hat, that he was not immediately recognizable. But a presentiment of the truth flashed to the mind of Sally Melmoth; and starting at once from her seat, she exclaimed, ‘‘ It’s Daniel! ”’ ‘ Yes, it’s me safe enough,” said the Hangman, in a surly tone, as he laid aside his hat and shawl neckerchief; then having submitted somewhat impatiently to the caresses of his paramour, who was quite maudlin with strong drink, and aiter shaking Dick Melmoth by the hand, he sat down between.the astonished pair. Taggarty hastened to bolt the street door: then, return- ing into the parlour, he poured out a tumblerful of gin, which he handed to Coffin, who at once partook of a deep draught. ‘“ Well, I suppose you’re rather surprised to see me,”’ said the Hangman, gasping with the effects of the potent fluid which for nearly a minute took away his breath. ‘ No doubt (C(O) COnniclooolks