The Story of Bessie Costrell by Mrs. Humphry Ward
page 71 of 93 (76%)
page 71 of 93 (76%)
|
making a hanging speech could have had more command of his task.
''Ere then we 'ave'--he checked the items off on his fingers--'box locked up--key in the 'ouse as fits it, unbeknown to John--money tuk out--key 'idden away. But that's not all--not by long chalks--there's another side to the affair _hal_togefher.' Saunders drew himself up, thrust his hands deep into his pockets, and cleared his throat. 'Per'aps yer don know--I'm sartin sure yer don know--leastways I'm hinclined that way--as Mrs. Costrell'--he made a polite inclination towards Bessie--''ave been makin free with money--fower--five--night a week at the "Spotted Deer"--fower--five--night a week. She'd used to treat every young feller, an plenty old uns too, as turned up; an there was a many as only went to Dawson's becos they knew as she'd treat 'em. Now she didn't go on tick at Dawson's; she'd _pay_--an she allus payed in 'arf-crowns. An those arf-crowns were curous 'arf-crowns; an it came into Dawson's [transcriber's note: "Dawon's" in original] 'ead as he'd colleck them 'arf-crowns. 'Ee wanted to see summat, 'ee said--an I dessay 'ee did. An people began to taak. Last night theer wor a bit of a roompus, it seems, while Mrs. Costrell was a-payin another o' them things, an summat as was said come to my ears--an come to Watson's. An me and Watson 'ave been makin inquiries--an Mr. Dawson wor obligin enough to make me a small loan, 'ee wor. Now I've got just one question to ask o' John Borroful.' He put his hand into his waistcoat-pocket, and drew out a silver coin. 'Is that yourn, John?' |
|