The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 159: what you’re looking at

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

158 THE COURT OF LONDON hypocrisy. ‘“‘ We have quite forgiven her for having put you up to the dodge at the hut, because she handed us over the hundred guineas you sent us through her, and so all was right. Well, I am satisfied now on second thoughts that you don’t mean any treachery in getting me to Leveson House; besides which, I always have at least a couple of barkers, and may be a dagger, with sometimes a bottle of vitriol, in my pocket, so that in any case,’’ added Coffin, with a grin of diabolical ferocity, ‘‘ I should be rather a trouble- some customer to grapple with. I think you would sooner catch a lion or a boa-constrictor without injury to yourself than take me alive. A bullet in the brain, a dagger planted in the heart, or a bottle of vitriol smashed on the head — ” ‘Well, well,’ interrupted the baronet, ‘‘ you need not recapitulate all your modes of defence, because no injury is intended you. The plain facts are these: the Marquis of Leveson is manceuvring to get a certain lady into his power, and I wish to take this lady’s part and compel his lordship to renounce all further pretensions or claims, if indeed he have any, in that respect. This can only be done by proving that enough is known concerning his niece, Lady Ernestina, to involve her in serious trouble. You are the man whose presence at Leveson House on the occasion will strike terror and dismay into the hearts of the guilty ones, and bring matters to an issue that will serve my purpose. Now, do you consent to enact this part in the proposed drama? Ii so, name your price and it shall be paid, half in ready cash as an earnest of good faith, and the other half when we meet at Leveson House.” The Hangman reflected in silence for a few minutes. According to his arrangement with the prince regent on the preceding day, it was most probable that Lady Ernestina Dysart would be the messenger whom his Royal Highness would send to keep the appointment on Westminster Bridge a week thence, and pay over the five hundred guineas. Would it be prudent, then, for the Hangman to adopt a hostile course toward Lady Ernestina, and embark in any enterprise inimical to herself? This was the point which Coffin revolved in his mind. But then, on the other hand, here was Sir Douglas Huntingdon, no doubt ready to pay a handsome fee for the service he required, and Coffin was too avaricious and too greedy of gold not to snap at the present COnniclooolks (E(0)