The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 57: what you’re looking at

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

40 THE COURT OF LONDON narrow steps formed, as it were, in a recess. ‘It may be some one that I must see, and you’ll be more quiet up in my bedroom,”’ The Hangman took up his hat and neckerchief, Sally Melmoth possessed herself of the gin, and Dick laid hands on the glasses; they then all three hastened up-stairs, Tagegarty shutting the door behind them. He then proceeded to open the shop door, and the rays of the candle which he held in his hand fell full upon the countenance of Mr. Larry Sampson. The first and most natural thought which instantaneously flashed to the mind of Taggarty was that the Bow Street officer had traced the Hangman thither and was come to arrest him; and the chandler’s looks accordingly grew troubled, for he felt that he was suddenly involved in no small danger for harbouring the delinquent. ‘“Good evening, Mr. Taggarty,’ said Sampson, in his usual quiet manner, and not appearing to notice the con- fusion of the chandler. ‘‘ I want to have a little conversa- tion with you if you are disengaged.”’ ‘With me, sir?”’ exclaimed Taggarty, flinging a rapid glance into the street and experiencing some relief on ob- serving that the officer was apparently alone, or at all events had not a posse of constables at his back. ‘ With me, sir? ” he repeated, in a less incoherent manner. “Yes, upon no professional business, however,’ replied Larry, emphatically; for he failed not to observe that his presence was very far from welcome. “Walk in, sir, walk in,” said Taggarty, endeavouring to look as composed and unconcerned as possible; and, having shut and bolted the door again, he conducted the officer into his little parlour. ‘‘ Pray sit down, Mr. Sampson; let me take your hat; there, make yourself at home, sir. And now, shall it be gin, rum, or brandy? ” | “ Neither, thank you, Mr. Taggarty,’’ was the response. ‘“T hope I am not intruding upon you at this moment, but you appear to be all alone.”’ “Oh, yes, quite alone, Mr. Sampson,” replied the chandler, but with just a sufficiency of lingering uneasiness to throw some doubt upon the assertion; and as he glanced mechanic- ally toward the door of the staircase, Sampson at once per- ceived that, although the chandler might have been alone ? Gomichookssco m