Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-04-29
TOM AND BOB;
OR, Il PLOT DISCOVEREU.
BY THOMAS HOOD.

mental anu contemplatiVe turn OF mind, and OF.
ten saunter by myself into st. James's Park,
and alons the Bird Cage Walk. One evening
lately. wrapped in my meditations, 1 remained
till It was very dark, and the Park was nearly
empty. | had taken my station under large
tree, near which was bench, on which two well
,sh.dressed men were seated, and apparently in
earnest conversation. Coming out OF my re,e
sie, began to speculate on the causes which
we're most likely to have drawn my new neigh.
bors to this quiet spot. Are thew thought |,
members of parliament, come here to study
what they are to say on some important question!
Are they lovers, seeking retirement To descant
to each other on the chayms Of their mistgesses:
Are they husbands, afraid to face their wives:
Are they'-but all my con lectures were pat tn
flight by the first sentence which reached my ear.
well, Tom,' said one, your plot IS well
!ail; but think you WILL have some difficulty in
disposins Of Berkeley
.Oh, not at ALL replied Tom; propose send.
ing him TO Que oi the West India Islands, and
there too MANY ways there al stopping mans
breath for me tn be at loss
Is his death absolutely Decessarys asked the
Other.
.Undoubtpdly,' answered Tom;' for you
know the duke has sworn that Julia shall never
marry Villier. SO long Berkely is alive.
Heaven aud sarth.' thought |. what afro.
cious Williams they are! What duke they are
speaking OFF What Berkeley do they alude to?
had no time for farther reflection.
True, true,' said the other, he must Ger.
,ainly be put out Of the way; but think your
sending hun to the West Indies. is clumsy
mode Of getting rid Of him. Could YOU not kill
him in duel'
Nothing could be more easy, my dear Bob, ;
l;.l G huf \ A, Sna tI
other world, with bullet foe his passport.
would rather try another mode. think shall
have him murdered by a slave driver
Il cannot consent 20 that answered Bob: l
don'tlk the expedient.'
Like il or not,' said Tom, angrily, . am not
aware that it is necessary to ask your consent in
the natter
Did We not agree to do the thing between us.
and divide the cashs' asked his companion. Y gu
are inexperienced in these matters, but | have
put good many such jobs through my hands al.
ready.'
Imagine the dismay with which listened Ia
this horrid dialogue. My head swan; my blood
ran cold crept close 10 the tree, AFRAID even
10 draw my breath.
We'll, WE'LL said Ton. don't let US fall
out about it; Berkeley shall lie some way or
other. | am glad You think we'll Of the plot
there are three dukes. seven mar9uesses, and
nineteen earls, engaged in IL The deuce is in
st, If that won't content him.
Thunder aud lishtning!' said to myself, : it
is plain that some awful conspiracy Is ha,cnins!
Is the town to be burnt? Is the house Of com.
mons TO be blown ups'
When Berkeley is done for, continued Bob,
'Villers will marry julia. They will be pre-
scented at court, and then comes the grand catas-
truphe. We there assassiuate William
Ny brain whirled; could scarcely credit m,
senses; aud i, was only after PIN. hin. my arm
tina, could believe was awake. is il posi-.
ble,' thought |, that these ruffians could conly
plot the death of our gracious sovereign under
the very nose Of his paiacel Desperadoes that
they are. But the king shall live, aud Berke-
ley shall not be murdered by slave driver, If
can help it!' They had BY this time left the
bench, and were walking towards town. Fired
with indignation, FASTENED after them, guided
by the sound of their footsteps. As there was
no creature near to assist me in securing them,
resolved not to attempt it till help was at hand.
Step by step followed them, till thew reached
o Charins cross. when suddenly sPringing forward
Iseized Bob by the collar, and called out Help,
help! they are murderers' A crowd immedi
ateiy gathered round. and Tom. instead of run.
ming away, stood stock still. Il charge you ali,
in the kings name said to secure these two
desperate ruffians!' Bub, who had at first re-
mained motionless, now knocked me down.
The police interfered. however, and set me on
nv legs. was still as bold as could be- Il
charge these two men, said I, Tom and Bob,
other names unknown, with conspiring tho death
OF ssndry individuals; and command you,'
continued, turning to the policemen, ito carry
them before magistrate. when shall substan-
tate my charge At this Bob and Tom affect.
ed the most perfect amazement, and treated the
accusation with the greatest scorn. The mob,
however, took part with me, the uproar iucreas.
ed, and the policemen carried US all before Sir
Richard Birnie.
The appearance Of Bob and Tom at Bow. street
seemed to occasion sumo surprise, and Sir Rich.
ard, who appeared to know them, looked con.
founded on hearing the report Of the policemen
Gentlemen said he, this is a most extraordi.
~ affair. l scarcely expected to see you before
me on such an OCCASION
you could not expect it less than we did, ,