Page 268 (1/2)

Then ca of the ru business proceedings were brief but

curious, and rather in the nature of a conspiracy Mr Pancks looked over

his note-book, which was now getting full, studiously; and picked out

little extracts, which he wrote on separate slips of paper on the table;

Mr Rugg, in theJohn losing his uncollected eye in mists of meditation When Mr

Pancks, who supported the character of chief conspirator, had completed

his extracts, he looked them over, corrected them, put up his note-book,

and held them like a hand at cards '

Now, there's a churchyard in Bedfordshire,' said Pancks 'Who takes

it?' 'I'll take it, sir,' returned Mr Rugg, 'if no one bids' Mr Pancks dealt hiain 'Now, there's an Enquiry in York,' said Pancks 'Who takes it?' 'I' 'Then perhaps,' pursued Pancks, 'you'll be so obliging, John Chivery?'

Young John assenting, Pancks dealt hiain

'There's a Church in London; I may as well take that And a Family

Bible; I may as well take that, too That's two tohard over his cards 'Here's a Clerk at

Durhaentle Two to me, was it? Yes, two to me Here's a Stone; three