The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 62: what you’re looking at

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

THE CHANDLER’S SHOP 43 chandler, in surprise. ‘“ Yet I do not see how you can possibly have learned this; for I have never divulged the secret until now. Neither Dick nor Sal Melmoth knew so much about the business. They were children at the time it happened; but their eldest brother James made me his confidant to a certain extent.”’ ‘Did he tell you whose child it was? ”’ asked Sampson. “No. He had sworn a most solemn oath to his father not to reveal the secret of the child’s parentage until it was at least twelve years of age.”’ “Do you know why the Melmoths stole the child? ”’ demanded Larry. ‘“ Because they had some dreadful spite against its parents, I believe. But you are perhaps aware that young James Melmoth died a violent death within a few days after his father’s suicide; and thus in the interval he had not much leisure to be overcommunicative with me.”’ “Ts this all you know? ” inquired Larry Sampson. Then, seeing that T'agearty hesitated, he produced a bag of gold and counted down a hundred guineas upon the table, saying, “If you can give me any further proofs relative to the circumstances of which we have been speaking, this sum is yours.”’ ‘Stop a moment,” observed Taggarty. ‘“‘ If the Foundling should turn out to be the son of wealthy or great folks, how do I know but what I shall get into trouble for having been a sort of accessory to the harbouring of him after he was stolen? ”’ “IT will give you a written guarantee that no harm shall befall you,” replied Sampson. “Your word will do, sir,’’ rejoined the chandler. ‘“‘ And now I will fetch you the only proofs that I can put into your hands, but they will no doubt be found convincing enough.”’ Having thus spoken, Taggarty rose and ascended the staircase, shutting the door carefully behind him. On entering the bed-room up-stairs, he found the Hangman, Dick Melmoth, and Sally engaged in earnest conversation together upon their future plans and proceedings under existing circumstances; but they were all astounded and alarmed when the chandler informed them that his guest was none other than the terrible Lawrence Sampson. CONNIE LOO @) <S (CO)