San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1888-06-27
A NIGHT WITH DICKENS.
AN ENGLISH REPORTER TELLS AN
INTERESTING STORY.
The Famous Novelist Points Out the
Places Where He Found His Charao-
ters-Meeting Dick swiveler and Bill
Sykes-Little Nell.

"Dickens Yes, in his way he was a Shakes
pearew And Lloyd wheeled around in his
chair, and faced me with unnaturally bright
eyes and flushed face.
knew that Lloyd was an Englishman, and
! heard that had given him q good position
on a London paper when he came to this
country, but he has told me very little about
himself. How the name Of Dickens cropped
out in our conversation l cannot now re.
member but when it was mentioned Lloyd
became enthusiastic.
Il spent wonderful night with him once"
he said, lighting fresh cigar, land when
you mentioned his name it all came back to
me 1t was in '5S or 80 At that time l hae
the police department on The South London
Journal. Without stretching it at all, l
think may say that l had made some little
reputation for myself.
well, to cut a long story short, l was
working away at my desk one evening, when
Inspector Davis came in.
"'What do you say to going the rounds
with me to-nightF said the inspector.
Thanks / replied, but am rather busy
and cannot very we'll go
Sorry responded the inspector; Il am to
take Mr.. Dickens along, and took it for
granted that you would want to 60
"'Charles Dickensr shouted. is he really
going with youH
THAT is the arrangement said the in
spector. Can't you meet us at Bulls at liz
you may rest assured that promised. l
wrote several notes to my reporters, and
some minutes before IL turned up at Bulls,
a third rate restaurant on Oxford street. In
spector Davis and another gentleman had
just finished their supper. Of course, the
other gentleman was Mr.. Dickens. When
was introduced to him he drew me aside in
pleasant way.
Newspaper MANI he said. We'll, like
all newspaper men. l ought to, you know,
for had devil of q time myself as re-
porter
II made some sort of an answer, but Mr..
Dickens went on to say:
"'After all. you newspaper men, you re-
porters, are the real novelists of the day.
Your realistic stories of the comedies and
tragedies of life cannot be surpassed
Now is the time to catch en- said the
inspector, looking at his watch
1.-The programme for the night embraced
ramble through some of the by streets be-
tween Holborn and Oxford streets. Without
the inspector it would have been dangerous
trip The first place we visited was thieves
lodging house. Fully 100 men were stretched
on the floor, most of them asleep, but some
were wide awake. One of the dodgers seized
NJ. Dickens by the lapel of his coat
% your he growled, what do you
want herer
= TASK me that question tomorrow and I'll
answer you,' said Mr.. Dickens, with laugh,
and he handed the fellow his card.
"'Blast my eyesr exclaimed the man.
well, sir, you are among friends here. !
say, Mr.. Dickens may l send out for some
ale or something's
"'No, we can't wait, replied the inspector,
I'VE must visit other places, and you wouldn't
like to bother Mr.. Dickens
"'Divil a bit of itr exclaimed an Irish
man, who had overheard the conversation,
but must shake hands wi you
After few more handshakes we left and
went out into a purer atmosphere A gin
palace stood in our way and sudden thirst
overcame me.
"'Come in, boys, said Mr. Dickens, If we
are going to make night OF it we must pre-
pare for it
1--WE had jolly time inside Mr.. Dickens
chaffed the barmaids, and they giggled like
anything. Inspector Davis, too, was at his
best But when he left, the inspector must
have whispered something, for one of the
barmaidS ran after US and gave Mr.. Dickens
a little flower, saying, oh, sir, you have
done so much for us'
The inspector nudged me, and l thought
about it, and l am thinking about it yet.
''At one place Mr.. Dickens was in high
glee He pointed out young fellow in a
nwdry suit of clothes, and asked US if he
was not a regular Dick Swiveler, and the
man did seem to fill the bill exactly.
There is Bill Sykes he said at the last
place we visited, low cellar, in the very
worst quarter.
The man was the very picture of Bill
Sykes, but he overheard Mr.. Dickens, and
came forward in belligerent way.
"'Stand back therer said Inspector Davis,
don't you know meF
al know you,' answered the ruffian, but
en- going to mash this fellows nose
"'Mr. Dickens, this is MIR. Chick DYKE
said the inspector, laughing.
"'Not our Charles Dickensr exclaimed the
other.
"'The same was the answer
"Wen, that Bill Sykes fellow almost
Rugged Mr.. Dickens. And they were all
that way.
"Once Mr.. Dickens pulled out his purse,
but the inspector stopped him, and promised
to call IN the daytime. He said that it was
dangerous to show money in that quarter at
night.
''In the last house we visited there was a
little golden haired girl curled up in the arms
Of an old man
".Tnere is little Nell,' broke out.
"'You are right, Mr.. Dickens answered,
a. he pressed my hand. we must look after