The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 380: what you’re looking at

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

A DEED OF VENGEANCE 349 children of the same age at the Ken, you know, and the Kinchin-Grand is a good-natured fellow.’’ “Ab! he’s already taught you the principles of his craft, Jem, eh? ”’ said Melmoth; and he was shaken, despite of himself, with a strong convulsive shudder as he contem- plated the son whom he had purposely handed over to the teaching of the consummate reprobate that accident had thrown in his way. “ But let us change the topic,” cried the man suddenly. “ What news have you for me? ”’ ‘The pair of pistols you told me to buy are in my pocket,” answered the youth. ‘““Come behind this tree,” said Melmoth, “ and give them to me. There! now I am delighted beyond measure,’”’ he exclaimed, his countenance suddenly expressing a fero- clous satisfaction and a glare of savage joy beaming in his eyes as he took the weapons from his son. “ What do you mean to do with them, father? And where have you been all night? ” inquired the lad, with a mingled apprehension and timidity. “ What I mean to do with the pistols, James, you may guess full easily if you will,” said the man, a dark cloud settling upon his features. ‘‘ Young as you are, I think you comprehend all that I have been endeavouring to instil into your mind since we met in the workhouse? Or is it possible that you have forgotten how deep are your father’s wrongs, and how loudly your poor mother’s death cries from the grave for vengeance? ”’ “No, no, I have forgotten nothing of all that,’’ exclaimed the boy, trembling, or rather shivering as if under the influ- ence of severe cold, although the weather was genial and warm. “And yet you seem afraid, James? ”’ said Melmoth, half- angrily and half-remorsefully. ‘“ Afraid, — no!” ejaculated the boy, instantly recovering his self-possession and his courage. ‘‘I am prepared to avenge your wrongs and my dear mother’s death, father, in any way that you shall point out.” ‘ And the surgeon’s treatment of the poor baby, James? ” observed Melmoth. “ Yes, and that also,” responded the youth. ‘‘ But our - revenge in this respect will begin almost immediately, for GomiilGcaooks (S©)