The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 39: what you’re looking at

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

20 THE COURT OF LONDON Be explicit and brief, and let. us put as speedy an end as possible to this. business.”’ ““My name is Mary Price,” said Carrotty Poll; ‘‘ and I am the daughter of a certain Stephen Price, better known ~ in some places as. the Big Beggarman.”’ ‘“ And I am the mistress of one Joseph Warren, better known as the Magsman,” observed the Gallows’ Widow, keenly watching the effect which this announcement would produce upon his Royal Highness. The prince had started visibly when the name of the Big Beggarman, which was far from unfamiliar to his ears, had been mentioned by Carrotty Poll; but his features indicated a still more profound trouble at the words of Elizabeth Marks, the Gallows’ Widow. ‘“ And what is it that you require of me?’’ demanded the prince, summoning all his presence of mind to his aid; for the unpleasant nature of the position in which he now found himself was full of peril and perplexity as well as of annoyance. ‘We will explain ourselves in a few words,” said the Gallows’ Widow, taking upon herself the office of spokes- woman. ‘Stephen Price, the father of this young woman, is now in gaol, waiting his trial for piracy and murder. My man, Joe Warren, is exactly in the same difficulty, and, indeed, in the same place. The evidence will be tolerably strong against them; and besides, their previous characters will be quite enough to get them found guilty and condemned to death. But they must not die, their lives must be spared, even though upon the condition of transportation for the rest of their days. You see, prince, we do not ask too much, we are moderate in our demands — ”’ “Well, well,” interrupted his Royal Highness, hoping to get rid of his present petitioners by means of a promise that he never intended to fulfil, ‘‘ your wishes shall be com- plied with, and I pledge myself to procure a commutation of those men’s sentences, whenever the trial may take place.”’ “We are much indebted to you, prince,’ said the Gallows’ Widow. ‘“ And we'll do you a good turn some day or another,” added the Kinchin-Grand. | ‘Well, now our business is ended, worthy people,’ exclaimed his Royal Highness; ‘‘ and you can take your GOMmicsdooks (E(0)