Читать книгу Charles Peace, or The Adventures of a Notorious Burglar онлайн

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He had been taught by experience that ladies seldom bought eggs or nests—​not unless they had children with them, which neither of the two in question seemed to have.

Still he was not disposed to throw a chance away—​perhaps these might be an exception to the rule—​there was no telling.

He drew nearer, and stood close by them.

“How wet and cold you must feel, my poor lad!” Said Anna Maria.

“Yes, marm; but I’m used to be out in all sorts of weathers.”

“You are from the country, I suppose,” said the elder of the two.

“Yes marm, country bred. I was a farmer’s boy till a couple of months ago, when a bird-catcher brought me up to London to seek my fortune, though I can’t see as how I’ve bettered myself as yet.”

“No, I should assume not. Dear me, and is this your trade?” inquired the elder lady.

“Yes, marm; when I first come up I was pretty comfortable, but the birdcatcher caught a cold, was took ill, and went to the hospital; then my troubles commenced.”

“Was he kind to you?”

“Yes, as kind as could be. I should have been all right if he hadn’t been took ill—​that’s what’s driven me to this. I have to do business on my own hook, and it aint always as good as it might be.”

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