A MIDNIGHT ADVENTURE IN THE
STREETS OF LONDON.

ABOUT forty years ago, I had been one night to Covent Garden Theatre. There was a very crowded house; Madame Vestris had been performing, and it was near midnight when the curtain fell. In the crush of getting out I got parted from my friend Cawthorne, and found myself alone in the midst of a crowd in the streets of London. I had only been in the city about a fortnight, so knew but little of my way about, and felt afraid to inquire of strangers, having been warned of the terrible traps laid to insnare young men from the country. I looked in vain for a policeman or watchman, and wandered up and down till the streets were almost deserted. At last I determined to try to find my way to Gray's Inn Road, Holborn, where our rooms were, and turned as I expected in the right direction. All at once I found myself in a space from which there appeared to me endless outlets. It was a dark night, and the miserable lights in the streets only served to make darkness visible. Here was a dilemma! I had not the slightest idea which way I ought to take. I was no coward; but the thought of being caught by thieves and plundered, and perhaps murdered for my gold, sent a wild thrill through me and bathed me in cold perspiration. I had a large sum of money in my pocket, and a roll of notes in my pocket-book, which I had incautiously delayed depositing in the bank; besides a valuable gold watch and chain, an old heirloom. How I inwardly blamed myself for bringing so much wealth out with me. I took a few coins out of my purse and put them loosely into my pocket, then thrust both purse and pocket-book into an inner pocket under my vest. I had not a single weapon of defence about me, nothing but my fists, and those I could use to some purpose if needful. I had just buttoned my coat and determined to take the widest street, or what appeared to me such, when I saw a man crossing just before me. I shouted 'Good-night,' and asked my whereabouts.

       'Better find out,' was the surly reply, as he passed on.

       'Out upon your incivility! — Good-evening sir. Lost your way; eh sir?' exclaimed a voice near me.

       'That I have,' I replied, 'and shall be much obliged if you can put me right sir.' While I spoke, I eyed the new-comer as closely as I could. He appeared to me of gentlemanly bearing, and as far as I could discern, was well dressed; at anyrate his speech bespoke him above the common.

       'Well sir, if any man in London can put you right, I can. Tell me the spot within a radius of ten miles, and I can put you on it. Not a street, not an alley is unknown to Captain Cornelius Smith. Why sir, I've known them since I was a boy. And I know Paris, Berlin, Vienna, and Madrid almost as well as London. New York is by no means strange to me; in fact I just hail from that side of the Atlantic. What part of this metropolis may you want to find sir?'

       'My rooms are in Gray's Inn Road, just out of Holborn. I heartily wish I was in them at this moment.'

       No doubt sir; no doubt. Gray's Inn Road? Merely a stone's-throw. Go straight on; turn to your right; then to your left; to your right again; then to your left. Go straight on, cross Holborn, and there you are! A stranger to London I see sir, up from the country. — Norfolk, did you say? I know Norfolk; stayed there one shooting season with my friend Taylor. What sport we had! Beg pardon sir; you wish to get on. Allow me to conduct you.'

       Thanking him, I said I did not wish to trouble him to go with me; if he would just put me in the way, I should be all right.

       'My dear sir,' he replied, 'I could not think of leaving you alone on such a night. So dark, and at such an hour; just the night for footpads. Ah! London is a queer place after dark; suspicious characters are afloat then. But perhaps you are armed; a pistol, life-preserver, or some other handy

       I assured him I possessed no weapon whatever.

       'Ah! I see. Carry no valuables; unsuspicious. Never be too trusting. Leave your purse at home; eh sir?'

       'I have a little money in my pocket,' I replied; 'but I harbour no fear of robbers.' (This was scarcely the truth; but I began to be rather distrustful of my companion as I noticed we had turned down a narrow disagreeable street.)

       'At anyrate,' I continued, 'I have nothing that would make it worth their while to molest me.'

       'No? Well, you are wise not to carry your gold in your pockets or on your person. I had to buy that wisdom. Some years ago I was on the continent, and wanted to get from Vienna to Berlin; and to do so I had to post it most of the way. Well sir, one night the coach, carriage, chaise, diligence, or whatever you might call the vile conveyance I had to travel in, broke down, and we were benighted. There were four of us, and two ladies. Poor things! I shall never forget their terror. One vowed she saw the driver take the pin out of one of the wheels at the bottom of the hill, and felt certain he was in league with banditti, if not one of them. We tried to allay their fears; but it was no use. My fellow-travellers looked to their pistols, when to their consternation they found the charges had been all drawn. There was a general shout of treachery, and each prepared to defend himself as he best could. We saw a light in the distance, and made the best of our way to it. When we were within what seemed hearing distance, we heard a shrill whistle, and immediately were surrounded by a band of ruffians. The one who appeared to be the leader politely demanded whatever money, jewellery, or valuables the party might possess; at the same time intimating that if it was not given to him quietly, he and his braves would not feel the least compunction in taking it and sending the owners to their last sleep in the great forest on whose borders we were. The poor ladies fell on their knees and entreated mercy from the handsome cut-throat. Holding up their clasped hands, they displayed their be-jewelled fingers to the greedy eyes of the bandit. He stepped forward, and making a low bow, seized the little hands, and relieved them of every ring. He then unclasped the bracelets, and proceeded to remove the chains, lockets, and watches. The younger lady fainted. When the ladies were stripped of everything, the robbers turned their attention to us; not that we had been neglected, for the villains had pinioned each of us so that we could offer no resistance. I had less cause to fear a search than my companions, for except a watch, I had but little money; but that watch was to me a treasure. Such a timekeeper I never met with; I never knew it to vary two minutes in a year. — What did you say sir? Don't think it could be better than yours? I would never believe there was another such watch, unless I saw it. Left yours at home, I suppose sir? No! Well, I should like to look at it; but as to its being as good as mine I cannot credit.'

       'How did you get on with the robbers?' I interposed, feeling interested in his tale.

       "Why, they scarcely left us our clothes. We had a weary walk to the nearest village. The ladies were half-dead with terror. But my watch, that was the loss. I vowed never to carry anything I valued about with me in future. I had bought experience. Why sir, that watch was worth fifty guineas in hard cash; but to me it was worth more than money.'

       'Mine is worth more than double fifty,' said I. 'It was my great-grandfather's, and I believe his father's before him. The jewels in it are worth a little fortune; and as to keeping time, there may be as good, but there cannot be a better time-keeper.'

       'And you say you have that watch on you at this minute? Why, my dear sir, if that fact became known, you would have all the thieves in London on the alert. I dare not ask you to shew me this gem in the street, even if we could see. But step into this coffee-house; there we can look at it without attracting notice.'

       Nothing loath, I followed the Captain, for I felt cold and tired, and said a cup of coffee was the very thing I wished for.

       It was a long room we entered, with small tables ranged along the sides. A low bench ran down by the wall on each side the length of the room, and two chairs were placed to each table. At the end of the room to the left, a bright fire was burning; over the mantel-piece a small looking-glass was hung in such a manner that no reflection but the ceiling, could be seen in it except you stood close to it. At the opposite end of the room was a door covered with baize; and about half-way down the room, to the right of the door by which we entered, was a folding-screen. We seated ourselves behind the screen.

       'Shall we call for coffee, Captain?" I asked.

       'Coffee! My good sir, have a negus or a bowl of rum-punch. Coffee! a night like this. Why, coffee is only fit for babes!'

       'Have what you choose yourself, Captain, and I will pay for it, if you will allow me; but for myself I will have coffee.'

       'Hi, waiter!' shouted the Captain. The summons was answered by a smooth-faced middle-aged man.

       'Ha, Rowley! serving yourself? John got his holiday; ha, ha!' laughed the Captain.

       This sally was answered by Mr Rowley in pantomimic gesture; he rolled his eyes till only the whites were visible, stuck his tongue in his cheek, put his finger to his nose, and lolled his head on one side in such knowing fashion that I laughed outright. Immediately his posture changed, and he was the smooth-faced man again, asking what we gentlemen might want.

       'My young friend,' said the Captain. Then turning to me: "Pardon me sir; we are all friends when we drink together.'

       'Certainly,' I assented.

       'My young friend will take a cup of coffee. I would persuade him to take something better; perhaps after the coffee he will. For myself, I will have a glass of Cognac, eau-de-vie, Rowley.'

       'Whatever you like, Captain,' I interposed.

       'You are too obliging sir. Yes; I will have brandy; your very best, Rowley. I look upon brandy as strength sir; it stimulates, it revives, it strengthens.'

       "Now, I will shew you my watch,' I said, as Mr Rowley quitted the room. I had lost all my distrust of the Captain, and looked upon him as a gentleman. Having no suspicion, I did not observe so closely as I should have done; and seeing the house clean and orderly, with a respectable-looking man for its landlord, I had no thought of thieves or caution, and some time elapsed before my suspicions were aroused. Unbuttoning my coat, I drew my watch from my inner pocket, saying at the same time that it was a good plan I thought to have secret pockets where thieves' hands could not penetrate.

       'Very true,' observed the Captain; 'but if you put nothing in them, as you said, they are not of much service.'

       'Ah, that was in the street,' I replied, slapping breast.

       The Captain raised his eyebrows and uttered a long 'Whe-e-e-w!' as he held out his hand for the watch. It was not till afterwards that I thought of the look of exultation that passed over his features as he looked at the jewelled case of my dear old favourite. He examined it narrowly. Taking a magnifying glass from his pocket, he scrutinised the works; then holding it close to the light, he examined the stones. At last he exclaimed: 'That watch is worth a hundred and fifty guineas if it's worth a penny.' Then instead of returning it to me, he was about to slip it into his pocket.

       I stopped him, saying: 'Hold, Captain! Here; I'll keep it in my own pocket.' At the same time I darted towards him and snatched it suddenly from his hand.

       A momentary fire seemed to gleam from his eyes, and I prepared for a struggle; but changing as quickly, he burst into a loud laugh, saying: 'The force of habit sir; ha, ha! I thought it was my own. Quite a mistake, I assure you; ha, ha, ha! Only think! I am sure you 'll pardon me.'

       Mr Rowley came into the room rubbing his hands and smiling. It struck me I had never seen such a sinister expression on a man's face before. Walking up to the Captain, he said: 'You 're in a merry mood Captain; what's the joke?'

       'Why Rowley, would you believe it! This gentleman gives me his watch to look at; I admire it, and am about to put it in my own pocket, when as a matter of course he puts the stopper on. Ha, ha! Extraordinary mistake, wasn't it?'

       'Ve-ry!' said Mr Rowley, winking as if his eyes would never come right again.

       'What's the reckoning, landlord?' I asked. — 'It is time I was getting to my rooms, Captain,' I continued; 'so I shall be very much obliged if you will put me on my way.'

       'Where's the hurry, my dear sir? Half an hour will make no difference to you now, and surely you'll not turn out again on that coffee.'

       'I tell you Captain, I will not have anything else. I am tired, and wish to be home? I spoke angrily. I felt annoyed and uneasy, for I noticed some knowing looks and signs that passed between the Captain and Rowley when the former was telling about the watch, and lamented my folly in letting him know I had a watch. Throwing a half-sovereign on the table, I said: "That will pay landlord. Good-night; I'm off.'

       'Not so fast sir,' said the Captain, laying his hand on my shoulder and pushing me back to my seat. 'We are not off yet. Excuse me. As I am guide, you must wait my pleasure.'

       'How dare you detain me sir?' said I, shaking off his hold. 'I insist upon going. You have no right to prevent me;' and I strode towards the door.

       During this altercation, Rowley had gone quietly round to the street door, and now stood by it with his hand on the key, which he turned (as I took hold of the door-handle), and put in his pocket.

       'What is this? I exclaimed. 'Am I a prisoner? What right have you to detain me? I will report this conduct.'

       'The right of friendship sir. The Captain is my friend. He brings you here. My friend wishes you to stop; therefore I wish you to stop. When the Captain says "Go!" you can go; I shall not hinder you.'

       'Come sir,' said I, turning to the Captain; 'end this folly. If this is a joke, end it, and let us get on our way.' For I saw resistance would be useless on my part; and if I had, as I now feared, fallen into a trap, it was only by stratagem that I could escape. Bitterly did I repent letting the captain know I was undefended. I saw vividly now how he had wormed all the information from me that he needed, and wondered at my extreme folly in falling such an easy prey to his glib tongue.

       'Well sir, I am glad you can enter into the fun of the thing. Let's have a parting glass; then we will go. What shall it be? Hollands? rum? — What! no spirits? Well then, a glass of sherry? — Come Rowley, let's have a bottle of your best.'

       I thought it wisest to give in; and assuming an unconcerned air, I again seated myself, revolving in my mind what steps I could take to escape. Rowley opened a door I had not noticed in the side of the room; it corresponded with the panels, so would never be seen by a stranger. Holding the door, he called: 'Janet!'

       'I'm here. Is it not time to rest, that you are calling me again?' replied a sad female voice.

       'Stop your chatter, and bring me a bottle of the best sherry from the green bin.'

       'Not that; you mean another.'

       'Mind what I say. Bring me the best, I tell you. It's for a friend of the Captain's. And be quick. Bring your good looks too; I want you to sing.'

       'I cannot sing to-night.'

       'Then you know what to expect. I tell you to come. He shut the door. In a few minutes the baize door opened, and a young girl entered bringing a tray with bottle and glasses. A prettier, at the same time sadder face I never saw. It was plain she was in no happy mood, and if she sang, I felt the singing would be forced.

       I looked inquiringly at the Captain. He tapped his head, saying: 'A little wrong here, d'ye see sir; but sings like a nightingale.'

       Rowley uncorked the bottle and poured out a glass. Holding it to the light, he said: 'This you will find the finest glass of wine you ever tasted sir. It's genuine Madeira, pure juice of the grape. Drink, and let me give you another glass.'

       'You will take a glass with me Captain?' I said.

       'Pray, excuse me sir. I never take wine now; nothing so mild. I left it off years ago. Brandy is my drink. Let me pledge you in this;' taking up a glass.

       Here Janet, hand this wine to the gentleman,' said Rowley.

       She took it; but just as I held out my hand to take it from her, it slipped from her fingers and fell with a smash on the floor.

       Rowley started forward in a rage and would have struck her; but I interposed, saying I would pay for the glass as well as the wine, and stooped to help her pick up the pieces. As I was bending down, she whispered: 'Don't drink the wine; pretend to sleep.'

       Another glass was filled; I pretended to drink, but poured the wine into my handkerchief. Rowley dismissed Janet, telling her to come back if she could behave better. Giving me a warning look, she went out.

       The Captain and Rowley now began to talk confidentially, glancing towards me every now and then. Taking the hint from Janet, I pretended to be sleepy, and commenced nodding.

       'Has he drunk the wine?' I heard the Captain ask.

       'Yes,' was the reply; 'but it acts slowly.'

       'Is the room ready?'

       'As right as ninepence; the trap too. Dead men tell no tales.'

       I could hear my heart beat, till I feared that my cold blooded murderers might hear it too. The girl must have meant she would aid me, I argued, or she would not have warned me. I tried to calm myself. I leaned back, and seemed to sleep soundly; but oh! how painfully awake was every nerve. Every sound seemed magnified a thousand times; and although my eyelids were closed, I seemed to see the whole room clearly.

       Soon the voices ceased, and Rowley accompanied by the Captain came towards me. The former waved his hand before my eyes, then put his ear to my lips. It required a tremendous effort on my part to keep still; I burned to seize the villain by the throat. He listened. Then the Captain did the same, and said: "In ten minutes he will be safe; then I wonder if Captain Cornelius Smith will not possess that pretty watch, and find the contents of that inner pocket? As neat a job as I ever handled, Rowley. Now, let us get his resting-place ready. It will be none the worse for being rather watery; water keeps no impression.' Saying this, they both left the room by the door in the panel.

       Immediately the baize door opened, and Janet flew to my side. 'Quick, quick!' she whispered; 'fly for your life!' and rushing to the street door, unlocked it. I was out.

       'But you?' I turned to say.

       "Go, go!' she cried; fly!' and the door banged.

       Madly I ran, never stopping, till I nearly knocked a policeman down as I turned into a wide well-lighted street. It was some minutes before I could tell him my tale coherently. He sprung his rattle; two other policemen quickly joined us. We went back to what I thought was the street of my adventure, but no such place as I described could we find. At last, in despair, we gave up the search, and I returned a wiser if not a better man to my rooms in Gray's Inn Road.

       A moral, specially applicable to pedestrians, may be gleaned from this tale. First, carry as little money as possible after nightfall in the streets of London; and, second, when doubtful of your way, ask a policeman, not a stranger.

(THE END)