The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 41: what you’re looking at

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

22 THE COURT OF LONDON ‘You require a written pledge to the effect that I will interest myself on behalf of those men whom you have named? ”’ he said, after a few moments’ hurried communing with himself. ‘“ That is what we require,” exclaimed the Kinchin-Grand. “Hold your tongue, Bill,’ cried Carrotty Poll, in her sharp vixenish tones; ‘and let Lizzy Marks conduct the business.”’ ‘‘ We not only require such a pledge as your Royal High- ness has mentioned,’ said the Gallows’ Widow, “ but likewise a positive undertaking that its object shall be car- ried into effect. In plain terms, we demand and stipulate that you shall guarantee us the lives of Stephen Price and Joseph Warren. More we cannot ask for. We do not insist upon free pardons; those, we are well aware, you could not procure, all prince though you are. But we feel assured that you can obtain a commutation of the death sentences which are certain to be passed — ”’ ‘‘ And we will agree that my father and Joe Warren shall be transported for life,” added Carrotty Poll, seeing that the | Gallows’ Widow hesitated for a moment. ‘‘ But we won’t let them be hanged.”’ ‘“‘Egad! you are usurping powers which I cannot pretend to possess myself,’ exclaimed the prince. ‘“ But I will give you the written undertaking, notwithstanding — ”’ “Sealed by your signet-ring,”’ remarked the Gallows’ Widow. ‘“ Otherwise you may deny your handwriting to-morrow morning.” ‘‘ And here are pens and paper all ready,”’ said Carrotty Poll. ‘‘ We brought them with us to prevent any delay from taking place. There is an inkstand upon the mantel.” ‘“‘ Affairs of this kind are multiplying thick upon me,” thought the prince within himself, as he remembered the agreement which he had been compelled to sign in favour of Tim Meagles a few days previously; but anxious to put an immediate end to the present scene, and fearing lest Pauline should be awakened and thus escape his libidinous intent, the royal voluptuary sat down at the table and hastily drew up in writing the promise that was demanded at his hands. While he was thus engaged, Carrotty Poll whispered to the Gallows’ Widow, ‘“‘ What shall we do when he has fin- ECORNIELIOOKKS (E(0)