Despite his bravado and cruelty he was afraid of them turning round upon him, and accusing him of the Bannercross murder.
Clever as he was he found it no easy task to get along with the two ladies of his house.
He could manage his two cats, his three dogs, his billygoat, his Russian rabbits, his seven Guinea pigs, his young thrushes, his collection of canaries, his parrots, and his cockatoo—to say nothing of his pony—for which he had an inordinate affection. This varied family gave him little trouble till the pony died.
His pets, indeed, afforded him much amusement in the quiet hours of the afternoon, before he went on his evening expeditions. But two “wives” were too much for him. All the stories which have been told about his domestic surroundings are either grossly exaggerated or altogether untrue.
When Peace arranged to live at Peckham he sought out Mr. S. Smith, of Ryde-villas, St. Mary’s-road, who had several houses to let. Peace had a large number to choose from, and he at last hit on No. 5, East-terrace, Evelina-road—“the first house through the viaduct.” I was directed to it.
Mr. Smith, however, is a careful man. He does not let his houses to everybody who asks to become his tenant. He knew not “Mr. Thompson,” and demanded references.
Mr. Thompson was evidently prepared for the request, and at once offered to give him any number, which he did, driving Mr. Smith over to Greenwich for the purpose.
Mr. Smith was perfectly satisfied, and let him have the house, which was admirably adapted for Peace’s purpose.
It was the last house in the terrace. The railway is close to it, and when he went out on his midnight business he was not obliged to use the front door, as he could slip out at the back, steal up the embankment, cross the railway, and find his way to the quarry he had “spotted” during the afternoon excursions when he drove his ladies out for an “airing”—always in the direction of the better-class houses towards Blackheath and Greenwich—“cribs which were worth cracking,” as a policeman put it.
No. 5, East-terrace, was rented at £30 a year, and Mr. Thompson paid his first quarter all right—the landlord lacks the last quarter, though he knows where the furniture is, and can follow it if he pleases.