Two Sides of the Atlantic

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1880. Excerpt: ... CHiPTEK rv. A TALE OF BLOOD. Heigh Lad, Eats!--Rats' Castle.--Going to the Dogs.--Worried.--The Ratcateher's Daughter.--Short Bill.--His Poaching Exploits.--A Sanguinary Performance.--Exciting-Diversions. To begin with, I give my readers fair warning that the present sketch will be the reverse of a literary sweetmeat. Those refined persons whose nerves are so delicately strung that they shrink from any narration that is not smooth and dainty and polished, had better follow me no further; let them rather turn to the harrowing details of the latest awful murder, to the newest story of domestic brutality, or to any other of the familiar horrors with which it is the privilege of an enlightened press to furnish them day by day. On the other hand, I may assure those very superior individuals who, being the votaries of fashionable follies, are always fancying, if you venture near them, or open your lips concerning the practices they indulge in, that they are the sole object of any remarks you make, that they may read calmly on to the end without seeing their image reflected in any of the portraits that I am now about to draw. Ah, I can imagine little Spivvins saying to himself when he comes to the end of this paper, there is some excuse for describing and condemning life of this kind, and if Saunterer would only confine himself to taking off vulgar pastimes instead of talking about billiard players and other respectable people, one would not complain. Just so, my dear Spivvins, but, speaking candidly, I am not sure that your own transgressions are one whit less censurable, if properly weighed in the balance, than those of the common people I now bring under your notice. Plate sin with gold, And the strong lance of justice hurtless breaks; Arm it in rags...