,,cruikshank',s ,,water ,,colours ,by ,george ,cruikshank ,with ,introduction ,by ,joseph ,grego ,a4 ,c4 ,black ,london #aijc ,,oliver ,,twist ,,the ,,adventures ,,of ,a ,,parish ,,orphan ,,by ,,charles ,,dickens ,,illustrated ,,with #bg ,,water ,,colour ,,drawings ,,by ,,george ,,cruikshank ,the illustrations in this volume have been engraved and printed by the ,carl ,hentschel ,colourtype ,process4 ,,introduction ,it is fair to characterise the three suites of original water-colour drawings1 as executed by our artist1 as unique examples of the great ,george ,cruikshank's special individual proficiency as an exponent of this branch of technical dexterity4 ,moreover1 it may be regarded as a fortunate circumstance that the three works1 here reproduced with amazing fidelity in facsimile1 represent happily the very chefs d'oeuvre of his wonderful productions2 in their respective categories1 preserving the best examples of his remarkable genius as an imaginative creator of vivid pictures1 alike stirring and animated1 and representing at one glance his vast dramatic powers1 his mastery of the humorous side of life1 and the intensity he was consistently able to infuse into terrible and tragic scenes4 ,it is noteworthy that the inimitable artist ,george ,cruikshank but rarely produced finished water-colour drawings2 the bulk of his prolific and familiarly recognised designs for book illustrations were mostly dainty pencil sketches1 occasionally finished in pen and ink4 ,it is a problem difficult to solve satisfactorily whether1 beyond the three memorable instances of the works here reproduced in facsimile1 there are in existence any other complete suites of original illustrations by ,george ,cruikshank--that is to say1 fully executed by his master hand as finished water-colour drawings4 ,tinted sketches may be found in the prized possessions of ,cruikshank collectors1 and spirited studies for many of his favourite and most successful subjects have been cleverly touched in with watercolours2 for instance1 such as certain of his original drawings as designed for the illustrations of ,harrison ,ainsworth's ,tower of ,london1 and the clever historical and picturesque series of ,windsor ,castle designs2 these are1 however1 to be regarded as exceptional cases1 for the bulk of these most successful and popular designs were carefully executed in pencil1 or occasionally outlined with the pen1 and highly finished with washes of warm sepia4 ,it is worthy of recollection that ,cruikshank was a most dexterous artist in this monochrome branch1 his earlier artistic experiences having been almost exclusively in the walk of aqua-tinted etchings2 all his early book illustrations1 his caricatures1 and satirical plates--social or political--were uniformly etched by his hand in the most spirited fashion1 after his ready sketches and rough studies1 and when the outline etching was bitten in1 ,cruikshank elaborately worked out his colour suggestions1 for light and shade1 with a brush over the first-etched outline1 in tones of sepia or ,indian ink1 for the guidance of the professional #8aquatinters'--the school of artists to whose trained skill was entrusted the task of completing these plates to produce the effect of highly finished washed drawings in monochrome4 ,by this1 his youthful practice1 ,george ,cruikshank had acquired remarkable dexterity1 his original pen-and-ink designs1 and the outline etchings1 after his earlier book illustrations1 being worked up in monochrome to the dainty finish of delicate miniatures1 in which art both his father ,isaac and his brother ,isaac ,robert were first-class proficients1 as he himself has recorded with pride in describing the special gifts and qualifications which distinguished the ,cruikshank family4 ,the present series includes the inimitable suite of designs1 pictorially unfolding the progress and subsequent dramatic experiences of a parish boy1 as graphically related by the great literary genius of ,,charles ,,dickens in the realistic romance1 universally appreciated as--#8,,the ,,adventures ,,of ,,oliver ,,twist1' with the truly interesting series of characteristic pictures1 so vividly delineating #8,life in ,london' in the ,hogarthian time1 at the date of the abortive ,jacobite rising in #agde4 ,a realistic panoramic suite1 introducing marvellously faithful pictures of antique localities of the old ,city of ,westminster1 with life-like studies1 reproducing the contemporary aspects of the past1 both topographically and socially1 of the time-renowned pleasure resorts of the era1 when these amusements were at the height of their vogue1 and the entertainments which then attracted the crowd4 ,the ,mall1 ,st4 ,james's ,park1 with the world of fashion which formed its attraction2 #8,the ,folly1' a floating place of entertainment1 opposite ,somerset ,house2 ,marylebone ,gardens and ,vauxhall ,gardens at their palmiest date2 the gayest souvenirs of ,ranelagh ,gardens1 with crowds of fashionable frequenters1 and rounds of enjoyable amusements4 ,spirited materials1 crowded with literary suggestions1 which the artist1 from his vast experiences of the past1 rejoiced to thus graphically and realistically furnish to the author to further the creation of the sympathetic and brilliant romance1 subsequently written1 embodying the diversified phases of life in antique ,london1 as suggested by ,george ,cruikshank's suite of graphic and life-like pictures of a brilliant past1 which lent their special attractions and interest to the most successful and popular novel by ,,harrison ,,ainsworth1 #8,,the ,,miser',s ,,daughter1' illustrated with ,twenty of ,george ,cruikshank's happiest pictures4 ,to the two foregoing and most noteworthy productions are added the third suite of original water-colour drawings1 the most tragically terrible of all ,george ,cruikshank's graphic productions1 illustrating in the unmistakably realistic manner characteristic of the artist's genius for delineating terrifying episodes1 exhibiting with all tragic intensity and the vigorous force of his imagination the lurid horrors of revolution1 as disclosed in the horrifying revelations of the sanguinary atrocities which ensanguined with floods of gore the chronicles of #8,,the ,,irish ,,rebellion ,,of #agih1' as disclosed in the actually terrific and terrifying narrative--,,maxwell',s #8,,history4' ,george ,cruikshank was too candidly honest an artist to conceal his appreciative sense of the popular success which these xiii generally familiar works had happily secured4 ,the artist himself scorned to disguise his pride in #8these creatures of his brain1' as he esteemed them1 with paternal admiration6 ,on the strength of these famous dramatic suites1 with the designs so well known as constituting the pictorial skeleton or framework of ,oliver ,twist1 the designer extended his claim for fuller recognition1 to the point of feeling it a deep personal grievance that the respective #8gifted authors' had wilfully adopted all his best ideas1 without the formality of acknowledging their literary obligations and indebtedness to the artist himself4 ,to do him full justice1 it must be acknowledged that from the date of their first appearance in monthly parts1 ,cruikshank made these claims persistently amongst friends and in the presence of mutual acquaintances4 ,the story of the injury1 fanciful or real1 was lengthy and vexatious1 and for the most part rather filled the minds of the artist's best-wishers with dismay2 but as there had never been offered during ,dickens's lifetime any sort of disproof that the #8,parish ,boy's ,progress1' as a pictorial suite1 was one of ,george ,cruikshank's numerous fruitful original suggestions1 and ,the ,miser's ,daughter scheme was obviously completely his own as regards the main idea of representing fashionable #8,life in ,london' in the days of ,hogarth1 just as #8,life in ,london' of his jaunty youth had been by his hand portrayed in the #8,corinthian epoch' of the sportive #8,tom and ,jerry' doings under the ,regency era1 the question in some degree resolved itself into the distinctions between inspiration and clever hack-work1 the art of making the best possible use of suggested materials1 wherein the faculty of imagination makes the workman4 ,the artist demonstrated that his genius invented both series graphically1 that the drawings1 in the first instance designed to simply tell the story on his own lines1 later suggested the development of their ideas to his literary collaborateurs1 at least as concerns the projection of ,oliver ,twist and ,the ,miser's ,daughter alike1 both series strongly characteristic of ,cruikshank's own peculiar genius2 and confessedly the evidences of the drawings completely justify his not unreasonable contention4 ,these original designs1 executed as water-colour drawings1 are all in existence1 and are here reproduced in facsimile4 ,dickens never denied that the artist had in the first instance designed the suite of illustrations portraying a parish boy's progress1 in advance of ,boz's undertaking to write ,oliver ,twist4 ,nor could ,ainsworth for an instant assume to claim the first idea of the scheme of eighteenth century fashionable #8,life in ,london1' as it might have unfolded itself panoramically to the observation of ,william ,hogarth himself--the effective scenario of ,the ,miser's ,daughter1 in a word4 ,moreover1 subsequent suites--of correspondingly graphic and melodramatic character--also similarly dramatised on their publication1 confirm the bona fides of the artist's somewhat startling theory1 which proved so disconcerting to the minds of ,george ,cruikshank's actual literary collaborateurs4 ,in his monograph--#8,a ,critico-,biographical ,essay upon ,george ,cruikshank'--,professor ,william ,bates1 ,b4,a41 has elucidated the controversial aspects of these trying questions from his personal impressions3 #8,in viewing the representation of ,the ,bottle1 as produced on the stage1 an adaptation from ,cruikshank's famous series1 one was much more struck with the artist's talent for seizing upon the most dramatic situations of the story for the exercise of the pencil4' ,moncrieff1 so the tale goes 7,every ,night ,booky or ,life after ,dark1 #ahbg71 when he dramatised for the ,adelphi #8,tom and ,jerry' 7,life in ,london71 #8wrote his piece from ,cruikshank's plates1' and #8boiled his kettle with ,pierce ,egan's letterpress4' ,half a century later1 ,andrew ,halliday1 adapting ,the ,miser's ,daughter for the same theatre1 made up his most effective scenes from the designs of the artist4 ,it was on witnessing the performance of this latter1 and finding his part in its production was totally ignored--always a sensitive subject with the combative veteran--that ,george ,cruikshank was incited to make that public vindication of his claim to a share in the authorship of this and other works--notably ,oliver ,twist--illustrated by his hand1 and involving the candour and sense of justice of ,ainsworth1 ,dickens1 and himself4 ,the aggrieved humorist1 who had a fairly founded opinion of his own gifts and reputation1 and whose imaginative faculties were always abnormally fervid1 was still full of fight4 ,dickens had been at rest for two years1 but his biographer1 ,john ,forster1 was in the flesh2 as was ,w4 ,harrison ,ainsworth1 ,cruikshank's colleague and partner of the #8thirties' and #8forties1' so that it is not surprising to find the artist in #ahgb--then an octogenarian veteran--entering fiercely upon a seemingly ,quixotic campaign against the before-time literary colleagues of his prime era of artistic production1 the period when his picturesquely dramatic fancy evolved ,the ,parish ,boys ,progress1 ,the ,miser's ,daughter1 and similarly popularly endorsed emanations of his hand and brain4 ,it was ever the #8great ,george's' grievance that in his later years the public assumed him to be his own descendant of the first or even second generation4 ,it was avowedly as a protest against this fairly natural assumption that ,g4 ,cruikshank had carried out his famous and successful #8,exeter ,hall ,exhibition' in #ahfc4 ,under the circumstances related1 finding his well-recognised name and strongly-marked personality steadily ignored or obscured1 and smarting under intolerable injustices and accumulated grievances--alike real and imaginary--the vigorous genius of the opening of the eighteenth century1 fighting hero as he was constitutionally1 re-entered the lists to vindicate his name and fame2 and1 as he might well have foreseen1 had not the burning sense of unmerited wrongs obscured his perceptions1 quickly had #8a pretty quarrel' on his hands1 his powers of onslaught hampered from the circumstance that his present weapon was the pen1 whereas his accustomed arm for offence and defence was the etching-point1 the weapon he had been accustomed to wield with fine incisive spirit in earlier conflicts4 ,in the present tourney ,g4 ,c4 was confessedly under the manifest disqualification of being #8out of his element4' ,open as daylight1 #8a knight sans peur et sans reproche'--he gallantly sought to unhorse his wily antagonist4 ,the quarrel has left its record in print1 in pamphlet form1 now reckoned rarissime3-- ,,the ,,artist ,,and ,,the ,,author ,a statement of facts by the ,artist1 ,george ,cruikshank1 proving that the ,distinguished ,author1 ,mr4 ,w4 ,harrison ,ainsworth1 is labouring under a singular delusion with respect to the origin of ,the ,miser's ,daughter1 ,the ,tower of ,london1 etc4 ,in the following letter1 which appeared in ,the ,times of the #hth of ,april #ahgb1 it will be seen that ,i therein claimed to be the ,originator of a tale or romance entitled #8,the ,miser's ,daughter1' which was written by ,mr4 ,ainsworth and illustrated by me4 ,g4 ,c4 ,to the ,editor of #8,the ,times' ,sir--,under the heading of #8,easter ,amusements' in ,the ,times of the #bnd inst4 it is stated that ,mr4 ,w4 ,harrison ,ainsworth's novel of ,the ,miser's ,daughter had been dramatized by ,mr4 ,andrew ,halliday1 and produced at the ,adelphi ,theatre1 and as my name is not mentioned in any way in connection with the novel--not even as the illustrator--,i shall feel greatly obliged if you will allow me to inform the public through the medium of your columns of the fact 7which all my private friends are aware of7 that this tale of ,the ,miser's ,daughter originated from me1 and not from ,mr4 ,ainsworth4 ,my idea suggested to that gentleman was to write a story in which the principal character should be a miser1 who had a daughter1 and that the struggles of feelings between the love for his child and his love of money should produce certain effects and results2 and as all my ancestors were mixed up in the ,rebellion of #8#de1 ,i suggested that the story should be of that date1 in order that ,i might introduce some scenes and circumstances connected with that great party struggle2 and also wishing to let the public of the present day have a peep at the places of amusement of that period1 ,i took considerable pains to give correct views and descriptions of those places1 which are now copied and produced upon the stage2 and ,i take this opportunity of complimenting my friend ,halliday for the very excellent and effective manner in which he has dramatized the story4 ,i do not mean to say that ,mr4 ,ainsworth when writing this novel did not introduce some of his own ideas2 but as the first idea and all the principal points and characters emanated from me1 ,i think it will be allowed that the title of originator of ,the ,miser's ,daughter should be conferred upon1 ,sir1 your obedient servant1 ,george ,cruikshank4 #bfc ,hampstead ,road1 #fth ,april #ahgb4 ,this letter brought forth the following reply from the writer of this romance3-- ,to the ,editor of #8,the ,times' ,sir--,in a letter from ,mr4 ,george ,cruikshank which appeared in ,the ,times of to-day1 that distinguished artist claims to be the originator of ,the ,miser's ,daughter4 ,i content myself with giving the statement a positive contradiction4 ,mr4 ,cruikshank appears to labour under a singular delusion in regard to novels he has illustrated2 it is not long since he claimed to be the originator of ,mr4 ,dickens's ,oliver ,twist4--,your faithful servant1 ,w4 ,harrison ,ainsworth4 #hth ,april #ahgb4 ,upon seeing this #8positive contradiction1' ,i wrote a second letter to ,the ,times1 which the ,editor kindly inserted3-- #8,,the ,,miser',s ,,daughter' ,to the ,editor of #8,the ,times' ,sir--,i am fully aware that you will not allow any controversy to be carried on in ,the ,times upon such a trifling matter as this2 but as ,mr4 ,w4 ,harrison ,ainsworth gives a positive contradiction to my statement which appeared in ,the ,times on the #hth inst41 ,i have to beg that you will permit me to express my very great surprise at this denial1 and also to express my regret that his memory should be in such a defective state1 that he should have forgotten the circumstances and facts as to the origin of ,oliver ,twist and of ,the ,miser's ,daughter2 and ,i regret also that this contradiction of his will compel me1 in justice to myself1 to give1 in a work ,i am preparing for the press1 a full1 true1 and particular account of all the professional transactions between ,mr4 ,ainsworth and myself1 in which ,i shall prove1 beyond all fear of contradiction1 that ,i am the sole originator of what is called ,ainsworth's ,tower of ,london1 as well as another work bearing his name1 but the ideas and suggestions of which were given to him by1 ,sir1 your obedient servant1 ,george ,cruikshank4 #ajth ,april #ahgb4 ,p4,s4--,allow me to add that it ought to be understood that it is one thing for an artist to illustrate an author's own ideas1 and quite a different matter when a literary man adopts and writes out the ideas of another person4 ,this second letter brought forth another contradiction 7a flat one7 from ,mr4 ,w4 ,h4 ,a43-- ,to the ,editor of #8,the ,times' ,sir--,i disdain to reply to ,mr4 ,cruikshank's preposterous assertions1 except to give them1 as before1 a flat contradiction4--,your faithful servant1 ,w4 ,harrison ,ainsworth4 #aath ,april #ahgb4 ,to this the ,editor added3--#8,we can publish no more letters on this subject4' ,it will be seen in my second letter that ,i intended to give an explanation of this affair in a work ,i am preparing for the press1 but1 as #8delays are dangerous1' it occurred to me that ,i had better bring forward my statement without delay4 ,as ,mr4 ,ainsworth's positive and flat contradictions and his contemptible insinuation as to my labouring under a singular delusion have led some persons to form erroneous ideas and to draw false conclusions upon this question1 ,i feel placed in a very serious position as regards my character for truthfulness and the condition of my intellect2 and ,i am therefore compelled in self-defence to place certain facts before the public to prove beyond the fear of contradiction that what ,i have asserted is the truth1 and that it is ,mr4 ,ainsworth who is labouring under a delusion1 or has unfortunately lost his memory4 ,and in order that this question may be clearly understood1 ,i now proceed to give a full and particular account of all the professional transactions between myself and ,mr4 ,w4 ,harrison ,ainsworth when we were both on the most friendly terms and both working together to amuse the public2 and also to show how it was that this friendship and joint labour ceased1 now some twenty-eight years ago2 and although ,i feel it a positive duty to myself to make these statements1 it is1 nevertheless1 to me rather a painful task1 well knowing that it will place ,mr4 ,ainsworth in a very awkward position as regards his conduct towards me1 the explanation of which he will feel bitterly1 but which he has brought upon himself1 for had he1 in common justice1 acknowledged that ,i was the originator of certain ideas and characters up to which he had written1 the facts which ,i am now about to state would never have been placed before the public4 ,a question has been asked publicly1 and which ,i grant is rather an important one in this case1 and that is1 ,why have ,i not until lately claimed to be the originator of #8,oliver ,twist'8 ,to this ,i reply that ever since these works were published1 and even when they were in progress1 ,i have in private society1 when conversing upon such matters1 always explained that the original ideas and characters of these works emanated from me1 and the reason why ,i publicly claimed to be the originator of ,oliver ,twist was to defend ,dr4 ,k4 ,shelton ,mackenzie1 who was charged by ,mr4 ,john ,forster1 in his ,life of ,mr4 ,charles ,dickens1 with publishing a falsehood 7or a word of three letters as he describes it2 ,mr4 ,forster in a marginal note puts it thus3 #8,falsehood ascribed to a distinguished artist'71 whereas the ,doctor was only repeating what ,i had told him at the time ,oliver ,twist was in progress4 ,mr4 ,forster designates ,dr4 ,mackenzie's statement as #8a wonderful story1' or #8a marvellous fable1' and in a letter from the ,doctor to the ,philadelphia ,press1 ,december #ai1 #ahga1 he says3 #8,my wonderful story was printed in an ,american periodical years before ,mr4 ,dickens died4' ,and then asks1 #8,why did not ,mr4 ,forster inquire into this matter1 for surely he must have known it8' ,and ,i presume ,mr4 ,dickens must also have heard of this #8wonderful story1' the truth of which he did not deny1 for this reason--because he could not6 ,and with respect to ,mr4 ,ainsworth's insinuation as to my #8labouring under a delusion' upon this point1 all my literary friends at that time knew that ,i was the originator of ,oliver ,twist1 and as ,mr4 ,a4 and ,i were at that time upon such intimate terms1 and both working together on ,bentley's ,miscellany1 is it at all likely that ,i should have concealed such a fact from him8 ,no6 no6 he knew this as well as ,i did1 and1 therefore1 in this matter at any rate1 it is he who is #8labouring under a delusion4' ,and ,i will here refer to a part of my letter1 which was published in ,the ,times1 ,december #cj1 #ahga1 upon the origin of ,oliver ,twist1 wherein ,i state that ,mr4 ,ainsworth and ,mr4 ,dickens came together one day to my house1 upon which occasion it so happened that ,i then and there described and performed the character of #8,fagin' for ,mr4 ,dickens to introduce into the work as a #8receiver of stolen goods1' and that some time after this1 upon seeing ,mr4 ,ainsworth again1 he said to me1 #8,i was so much struck with your description of that ,jew to ,mr4 ,dickens that ,i think you and ,i could do something together4' ,now ,i do not know whether ,mr4 ,ainsworth has ever made any allusion to this2 perhaps he disdains to do so2 but perhaps he may give this also a #8positive contradiction'2 and1 if he does1 then all ,i have to say is that his memory is gone6 ,i will now explain the reason why ,i have publicly asserted my right as the originator of ,the ,miser's ,daughter4 ,on the #ast of ,december #ahga there appeared in ,no4 #bh of ,the ,illustrated ,review a short ,biographical ,sketch of ,mr4 ,w4 ,harrison ,ainsworth1 with a portrait of that gentleman2 and in the list of the many and various works written by him the following are placed in chronological order3 ,no4 #a1 ,rookwood2 #b1 ,jack ,shepherd2 #c1 ,guy ,fawkes2 #d1 ,the ,tower of ,london2 #e1 ,old ,st4 ,pau's2 #f1 ,the ,miser s ,daughter2 #g1 ,windsor ,castle2 #h1 ,st4 ,james's2 or1 ,the ,court of ,queen ,anne4 ,now1 six of these works were illustrated entirely by me1 and one--,windsor ,castle--partly so1 numbering altogether ,one ,hundred and ,forty-,four of the very best designs and etchings which ,i have ever produced2 and yet in this ,biographical ,sketch my name is not mentioned in any way as connected with these works1 which omission1 ,i thought1 was not only very ungenerous but also very unjust4 ,for1 if ,mr4 ,w4 ,h4 ,ainsworth did not himself sketch out this #8,biographical ,sketch' of himself1 he must have known full well what the writer was stating2 and he might as well have said to that gentleman1 #8,just mention that ,mr4 ,george ,cruikshank illustrated several of the novels written by me1' and have given the titles1 and also have acknowledged that ,i had given him the original ideas of three of the tales1 and assisted him with suggestions when these works were being produced2 and1 had he done this1 ,i should have been satisfied4 ,but to be thus ignored altogether not only created a feeling of surprise but also of dissatisfaction4 ,and when it was announced that ,mr4 ,andrew ,halliday had dramatised ,ainsworth's ,miser's ,daughter1 ,i went to see the performance2 and when ,i saw represented on the stage scenes and characters which had emanated from me and my name not mentioned1 ,i then publicly claimed to to be the originator of that romance1 and to have suggested the original idea and the characters to ,mr4 ,ainsworth4 ,no4 #b1 ,jack ,shepherd1 illustrated by me1 and published in monthly parts in ,bentley's ,miscellany4 ,this story originated from ,mr4 ,ainsworth1 and1 when preparing it for publication1 he showed me about two or three pages of manuscript on #8post paper'2 and ,i beg that it may be observed that this was the only bit of manuscript written by this author that ,i ever saw in the whole course of my life6 ,no4 #d1 ,the ,tower of ,london1 the ,original ,idea of which was suggested by me to ,mr4 ,ainsworth1 and also illustrated by me and published in monthly numbers4 ,in this work ,mr4 ,ainsworth and ,i were partners holding equal shares4 ,and now comes the question of how it should so happen1 as ,mr4 ,w4 ,h4 ,ainsworth and ,i were such friends and fellow-workers and partners in the work of ,the ,tower of ,london1 that he should have got another artist to illustrate ,old ,st4 ,paul's #8one of my pet subjects1 which ,i had nursed in my brains for years1 and which ,i had long intended to have placed before the public with my own hands1' as ,g4 ,c4 relates in another charge78 ,and1 after that was finished1 to have employed a ,french artist to illustrate ,windsor ,castle4 ,ay1 that is the question6 ,and now comes the answer and the reason for this most extraordinary proceeding4 ,i must here first state that as large sums of money had been realised from my ideas and suggestions for the work of ,oliver ,twist1 it occurred to me one day that ,i would try and get a little of the same material from the same source2 and as ,mr4 ,ainsworth and ,i were at that time upon the most friendly--,i may say brotherly--terms1 ,i suggested to him that we should jointly produce a work on our own account and publish it in monthly numbers1 and get ,mr4 ,bentley to join us as the publisher4 ,mr4 ,ainsworth was delighted with the idea of such a partnership1 and at once acceded to the proposition2 and when ,i told him that ,i had a capital subject for the first work he inquired what it was1 and upon my telling him it was ,the ,tower of ,london1 with some incidents in the life of ,lady ,jane ,grey1 he was still more delighted2 and ,i then told him that ,i had long since seen the room in #8the ,tower' where that beautiful and accomplished dear lady was imprisoned1 and other parts of that fortress to which the public were not admitted1 and if he would go with me to the ,tower ,i would show these places to him4 ,he at once accepted my offer1 and off we went to #8,hungerford ,stairs1' now the site of the ,charing ,cross ,railway ,station1 and whilst waiting on the beach for a boat to go to ,london ,bridge1 we there met my dear friend the late ,w4 ,jordan1 the well-known editor and part-proprietor of ,the ,literary ,gazette1 who inquired where we were going to4 ,my reply was that ,i was taking ,mr4 ,ainsworth a prisoner to the ,tower6 ,with this joke we parted4 ,i then took ,mr4 ,ainsworth to the royal prison1 and when we arrived there ,i introduced him to my friend ,mr4 ,stacey1 the storekeeper1 in whose department were these #8,chambers of ,horrors'2 and then and there did ,mr4 ,ainsworth1 for the first time1 see the apartment in which the dear ,lady ,jane was placed until the day she was beheaded1 or1 in other words1 the day on which she was murdered1 and which place ,i had long before made sketches of for the purpose of introducing them in a ,life of ,lady ,jane ,grey1 and which for many years ,i had intended to place before the public4 ,i have now most distinctly to state that ,mr4 ,ainsworth wrote up to most of my suggestions and designs1 although some of the subjects we jointly arranged to introduce into the work2 and ,i used every month to send him the tracings or outlines of the sketches or drawings from which ,i was making the etchings to illustrate the work1 in order that he might write up to them1 and that they should be accurately described4 ,and ,i beg the reader to understand that all these etchings or plates were printed and ready for publication before the letterpress was printed1 and sometimes even before the ,author had written his manuscript2 and ,i assert that ,i never saw a page of this work until after it was published1 and then hardly ever read a line of it4 ,it is a curious coincidence1 but clearly proves what ,i have just stated with respect to these outlines or tracings--that ,mr4 ,ainsworth in ,january last was applied to for these and other tracings or outlines1 and his reply was1 that #8he would be very happy to send the tracings mentioned1 but he had no idea what had become of them1 as he had not seen them since #8,the ,tower of ,london' was published4 ,this letter ,i have in my possession4 ,this ,tower of ,london became so very popular1 that before it was finished1 a bookseller came to me and said if we brought out another work similar in style and interest1 that he would take #bj1jjj a month to begin with1 and pay ready money for them2 and another bookseller offered to take #be1jjj or #cj1jjj a month upon the same terms4 ,when this work was completed1 ,i told ,mr4 ,ainsworth that ,i had another capital subject for our next work4 #8,ah6 what is it8' said he2 to which ,i replied1 #8,the ,plague and the ,fire of ,london4' #8,oh6' he exclaimed1 #8that is first-rate6' ,the aggrieved ,artist proceeded to state at length his sense of injury at the hands of the ,author1 who1 on the facts set forth1 had not considered ,cruikshank's rights in several instances1 notably ,old ,saint ,paul's and ,windsor ,castle4 ,this first break between the partners was bridged over1 owing to the peace-making overtures of a mutual friend1 and ,cruikshank's publication of ,the ,omnibus was suspended and finally abandoned in favour of that artist consenting to collaborate 7as in ,bentley's ,miscellany7 in a new venture1 namely ,ainsworth's ,magazine4 ,the ,artist's statement is thus continued3-- ,before ,ainsworth's ,magazine was published1 advertisements were put forth that ,i1 ,george ,cruikshank1 was to be the illustrator thereof2 and the ,artist and the ,author then held a consultation as to what tale or romance we were to commence with1 and which ,i was to illustrate2 and1 well knowing the importance of having an attractive subject for the first number of a work1 ,i then suggested to ,mr4 ,ainsworth my idea of #8,the ,miser's ,daughter' 7the plot of which will be seen in my first letter to ,the ,times upon this subject1 and which ,i had originally intended to have had written by some literary friend1 and published it in my #8,omnibus'74 ,this romance 7as ,i expected71 with my illustrations1 did attract the public attention1 and did to some extent make this magazine a success4 ,there was published in ,ainsworth's ,magazine1 ,no4 #b1 ,march #ahdb1 a woodcut of a drawing made by me1 at ,mr4 ,ainsworth's suggestion1 of the ,author and the ,artist1 seated #8in council1' or conversing together in his library4 ,and surely this looks as if he then considered me something more than a mere illustrator of his magazine4 ,then follows a statement of the final break up of the friendly collaboration of these old colleagues1 explaining the ,artist's grievances in connection with ,windsor ,castle--also contributed to ,ainsworth's ,magazine--and the fatal ending of these long associations1 when the ,author1 unaccountably disregarding ,cruikshank's joint interests1 elected to sell his magazine to the publishers2 this seems to have fairly disgusted the ,artist4 ,here is his indignant protest3-- ,so it really appears as if all this gentleman's promises1 like pie-crust1 were made to be broken2 and as1 in this instance1 also1 there was not any written agreement1 the arrangements which he had made1 and the engagements he had entered into with me1 when ,i agreed to work with him in his magazine1 all broke down1 and ,i1 as it were1 again #8thrown overboard' or #8left in the lurch4' ,and thus ended the second edition of this ,author's extraordinary conduct towards the ,artist4 ,i will not go into the details of how ,i assisted this ,author with head and hand work in these novels1 but ,i did my best to design and suggest4 ,the foregoing statements will1 ,i think1 clearly explain why ,i have never1 since that time 7written #ahgb7--now some twenty-eight years back--given any more original ideas1 suggestions1 and characters for any other tales or romances for ,mr4 ,ainsworth to write up to2 and also why ,i have never1 from that time1 illustrated any of this ,author's writings4 ,i now feel it necessary to inform the public that the usual or ordinary way of producing illustrated novels or romances is1 for an ,author either to write out1 from his own ideas1 the whole of the tale1 or in parts2 the manuscript or letterpress of which is then handed to an ,artist to read and select subjects from for his illustrations1 or sometimes for the ,author to suggest to the ,artist such subjects1 scenes1 or parts as he might wish to be illustrated4 ,and ,i1 being known generally only as an ,artist1 or illustrator1 it would therefore very naturally be supposed that1 in all cases1 ,i have merely worked out other men's ideas4 ,but1 if ,i have the opportunity1 ,i shall be able to show that other men have sometimes worked out my ideas--but this will be for another occasion4 ,and ,i will now explain that ,oliver ,twist1 ,the ,tower of ,london1 ,the ,miser's ,daughter1 etc41 were produced in an entirely different manner from what would be considered the usual course2 for ,i1 the ,artist1 suggested to the ,authors of these works the original idea or subject--for them to write out--furnishing1 at the same time1 the principal characters and the scenes2 and then1 as the tale had to be produced in monthly parts1 the ,writer or ,author1 and the ,artist had every month to arrange and settle what scenes or subjects and characters were to be introduced2 and the ,author had to weave in such scenes as ,i wished to represent1 and sometimes ,i had to work out his suggestions4 ,and as to ,mr4 ,w4 ,harrison ,ainsworth's #8singular delusion' of an artist claiming to be the originator of works which he had merely illustrated1 no more absurd or contemptible and rubbishing nonsense could ever be conceived2 for no artist could possibly be in his right mind who would make such a claim1 and it becomes a serious question as to whether any one who brings forth such nonsense can be in his right mind1 and if this ,author has really lost his memory1 and1 as an invalid1 is suffering under #8singular delusions1' he has my pity and commiseration4 ,i lay no claim to anything that has originated from the mind of ,mr4 ,ainsworth1 or any other man1 but where the original idea has emanated from my own mind1 that ,i feel ,i have a right to claim1 and by that right ,i will stand firm1 and ,i trust that at no distant date ,i may be able to publish what ,i have already stated1 to show the world how these ideas originated in my mind1 and why ,i wished to place them before the public4 ,amongst the many friends who were acquainted with the facts of this case1 ,i may mention the names of ,t4 ,j4 ,pettigrew 7the eminent surgeon71 the ,rev4 ,canon ,barham 7author of the ,ingoldsby ,legends71 ,laman ,blanchard1 ,douglas ,jerrold1 ,albert ,smith1 ,mark ,lemon1 ,gilbert ,a',becket1 ,john ,leech1 ,messrs4 ,bradbury and ,evans1 ,richard ,bentley1 the publisher of the ,miscellany1 and many other dear friends1 now1 to my sorrow1 passed away2 but there are a few still living who are ready to substantiate my statements one a clergyman of the ,city of ,london1 an old member of the ,society of ,antiquaries2 another who is a literary man1 a member of the ,conservative ,club2 and also a dear and valued friend1 who is a member of the ,athenum ,club and ,deputy ,lord ,lieutenant of one of our counties4 ,this friend sent a letter to several of the newspapers--one of which was forwarded to me--a copy of which ,i here insert3-- ,origin of the ,work entitled #8,the ,tower of ,london' ,to the ,editor of the #8,liverpool ,post' ,sir--,i hope you will allow me to say that it is half a century since ,george ,cruikshank has been my intimate and valued friend4 ,i have a vivid recollection of his drawings of the ,tower1 and of having been frequently in company with the artist while these sketches were in progress2 the strong impression on my mind was1 and is1 that the interesting tale called ,the ,tower of ,london was mainly written up to ,george ,cruikshank's drawings1 and that they1 in a great measure1 suggested the story to ,mr4 ,ainsworth4 ,i think it therefore only right that justice should be done in this matter to the veteran artist who for so many years has amused the world1 and striven to raise its moral tone4 ,i enclose my card1 and have the honour to be1 yours1 etc41 ,a4 ,b4 ,athenum ,club1 ,london1 #bbnd ,april #ahgb4 ,i ,i must add a postscript to say that respecting ,the ,miser's ,daughter ,i know nothing1 as ,i was living on the ,continent at the time it was written2 but this ,i do know1 that ,george ,cruikshank is a man of honour1 and would not assert anything he did not believe to be true4 ,,oliver ,,twist1 ,or1 ,the ,parish ,boy's ,progress ,by ,charles ,dickens ,,contents ,i ,,treats ,,of ,,the ,,place ,,where ,,oliver ,,twist ,,was ,,born ,,and ,,of ,,the ,,circumstances ,,attending ,,his ,,birth ,,ii ,,treats ,,of ,,oliver ,,twist',s ,,growth1 ,,education1 ,,and ,,board ,,iii ,,relates ,,how ,,oliver ,,twist ,,was ,,very ,,near ,,getting ,a ,,place ,,which ,,would ,,not ,,have ,,been ,a ,,sinecure ,,iv ,,oliver1 ,,being ,,offered ,,another ,,place1 ,,makes ,,his ,,first ,,entry ,,into ,,public ,,life ,v ,,oliver ,,mingles ,,with ,,new ,,associates4 ,,going ,,to ,a ,,funeral ,,for ,,the ,,first ,,time1 ,,he ,,forms ,,an ,,unfavourable ,,notion ,,of ,,his ,,master',s ,,business ,,vi ,,oliver1 ,,being ,,goaded ,,by ,,the ,,taunts ,,of ,,noah1 ,,rouses ,,into ,,action1 ,,and ,,rather ,,astonishes ,,him ,,vii ,,oliver ,,continues ,,refractory ,,viii ,,oliver ,,walks ,,to ,,london4 ,,he ,,encounters ,,on ,,the ,,road ,a ,,strange ,,sort ,,of ,,young ,,gentleman ,,ix ,,containing ,,further ,,particulars ,,concerning ,,the ,,pleasant ,,old ,,gentleman1 ,,and ,,his ,,hopeful ,,pupils ,x ,,oliver ,,becomes ,,better ,,acquainted ,,with ,,the ,,characters ,,of ,,his ,,new ,,associates2 ,,and ,,purchases ,,experience ,,at ,a ,,high ,,price4 ,,being ,a ,,short1 ,,but ,,very ,,important ,,chapter1 ,,in ,,this ,,history ,,xi ,,treats ,,of ,,mr4 ,,fang ,,the ,,police ,,magistrate2 ,,and ,,furnishes ,a ,,slight ,,specimen ,,of ,,his ,,mode ,,of ,,administering ,,justice ,,xii ,,in ,,which ,,oliver ,,is ,,taken ,,better ,,care ,,of ,,than ,,he ,,ever ,,was ,,before4 ,,and ,,in ,,which ,,the ,,narrative ,,reverts ,,to ,,the ,,merry ,,old ,,gentleman ,,and ,,his ,,youthful ,,friends4 ,,xiii ,,some ,,new ,,acquaintances ,,are ,,introduced ,,to ,,the ,,intelligent ,,reader1 ,,connected ,,with ,,whom ,,various ,,pleasant ,,matters ,,are ,,related1 ,,appertaining ,,to ,,this ,,history ,,xiv ,,comprising ,,further ,,particulars ,,of ,,oliver',s ,,stay ,,at ,,mr4 ,,brownlow',s1 ,,with ,,the ,,remarkable ,,prediction ,,which ,,one ,,mr4 ,,grimwig ,,uttered ,,concerning ,,him1 ,,when ,,he ,,went ,,out ,,on ,,an ,,errand ,,xv ,,showing ,,how ,,very ,,fond ,,of ,,oliver ,,twist1 ,,the ,,merry ,,old ,,jew ,,and ,,miss ,,nancy ,,were ,,xvi ,,relates ,,what ,,became ,,of ,,oliver ,,twist1 ,,after ,,he ,,had ,,been ,,claimed ,,by ,,nancy ,,xvii ,,oliver',s ,,destiny ,,continuing ,,unpropitious1 ,,brings ,a ,,great ,,man ,,to ,,london ,,to ,,injure ,,his ,,reputation ,,xviii ,,how ,,oliver ,,passed ,,his ,,time ,,in ,,the ,,improving ,,society ,,of ,,his ,,reputable ,,friends ,,xix ,,in ,,which ,a ,,notable ,,plan ,,is ,,discussed ,,and ,,determined ,,on ,,xx ,,wherein ,,oliver ,,is ,,delivered ,,over ,,to ,,mr4 ,,william ,,sikes ,,xxi ,,the ,,expedition ,,xxii ,,the ,,burglary ,,xxiii ,,which ,,contains ,,the ,,substance ,,of ,a ,,pleasant ,,conversation ,,between ,,mr4 ,,bumble ,,and ,a ,,lady2 ,,and ,,shows ,,that ,,even ,a ,,beadle ,,may ,,be ,,susceptible ,,on ,,some ,,points ,,xxiv ,,treats ,,on ,a ,,very ,,poor ,,subject4 ,,but ,,is ,a ,,short ,,one1 ,,and ,,may ,,be ,,found ,,of ,,importance ,,in ,,this ,,history ,,xxv ,,wherein ,,this ,,history ,,reverts ,,to ,,mr4 ,,fagin ,,and ,,company ,,xxvi ,,in ,,which ,a ,,mysterious ,,character ,,appears ,,upon ,,the ,,scene2 ,,and ,,many ,,things1 ,,inseparable ,,from ,,this ,,history1 ,,are ,,done ,,and ,,performed ,,xxvii ,,atones ,,for ,,the ,,unpoliteness ,,of ,a ,,former ,,chapter2 ,,which ,,deserted ,a ,,lady1 ,,most ,,unceremoniously ,,xxviii ,,looks ,,after ,,oliver1 ,,and ,,proceeds ,,with ,,his ,,adventures ,,xxix ,,has ,,an ,,introductory ,,account ,,of ,,the ,,inmates ,,of ,,the ,,house1 ,,to ,,which ,,oliver ,,resorted ,,xxx ,,relates ,,what ,,oliver',s ,,new ,,visitors ,,thought ,,of ,,him ,,xxxi ,,involves ,a ,,critical ,,position ,,xxxii ,,of ,,the ,,happy ,,life ,,oliver ,,began ,,to ,,lead ,,with ,,his ,,kind ,,friends ,,xxxiii ,,wherein ,,the ,,happiness ,,of ,,oliver ,,and ,,his ,,friends1 ,,experiences ,a ,,sudden ,,check ,,xxxiv ,,contains ,,some ,,introductory ,,particulars ,,relative ,,to ,a ,,young ,,gentleman ,,who ,,now ,,arrives ,,upon ,,the ,,scene2 ,,and ,a ,,new ,,adventure ,,which ,,happened ,,to ,,oliver ,,xxxv ,,containing ,,the ,,unsatisfactory ,,result ,,of ,,oliver',s ,,adventure2 ,,and ,a ,,conversation ,,of ,,some ,,importance ,,between ,,harry ,,maylie ,,and ,,rose ,,xxxvi ,,is ,a ,,very ,,short ,,one1 ,,and ,,may ,,appear ,,of ,,no ,,great ,,importance ,,in ,,its ,,place1 ,,but ,,it ,,should ,,be ,,read ,,notwithstanding1 ,,as ,a ,,sequel ,,to ,,the ,,last1 ,,and ,a ,,key ,,to ,,one ,,that ,,will ,,follow ,,when ,,its ,,time ,,arrives ,,xxxvii ,,in ,,which ,,the ,,reader ,,may ,,perceive ,a ,,contrast1 ,,not ,,uncommon ,,in ,,matrimonial ,,cases ,,xxxviii ,,containing ,,an ,,account ,,of ,,what ,,passed ,,between ,,mr4 ,,and ,,mrs4 ,,bumble1 ,,and ,,mr4 ,,monks1 ,,at ,,their ,,nocturnal ,,interview ,,xxxix ,,introduces ,,some ,,respectable ,,characters ,,with ,,whom ,,the ,,reader ,,is ,,already ,,acquainted1 ,,and ,,shows ,,how ,,monks ,,and ,,the ,,jew ,,laid ,,their ,,worthy ,,heads ,,together ,,xl ,a ,,strange ,,interview1 ,,which ,,is ,a ,,sequel ,,to ,,the ,,last ,,chamber ,,xli ,,containing ,,fresh ,,discoveries1 ,,and ,,showing ,,that ,,suprises1 ,,like ,,misfortunes1 ,,seldom ,,come ,,alone ,,xlii ,,an ,,old ,,acquaintance ,,of ,,oliver',s1 ,,exhibiting ,,decided ,,marks ,,of ,,genius1 ,,becomes ,a ,,public ,,character ,,in ,,the ,,metropolis ,,xliii ,,wherein ,,is ,,shown ,,how ,,the ,,artful ,,dodger ,,got ,,into ,,trouble ,,xliv ,,the ,,time ,,arrives ,,for ,,nancy ,,to ,,redeem ,,her ,,pledge ,,to ,,rose ,,maylie4 ,,she ,,fails4 ,,xlv ,,noah ,,claypole ,,is ,,employed ,,by ,,fagin ,,on ,a ,,secret ,,mission ,,xlvi ,,the ,,appointment ,,kept ,,xlvii ,,fatal ,,consequences ,,xlviii ,,the ,,flight ,,of ,,sikes ,,xlix ,,monks ,,and ,,mr4 ,,brownlow ,,at ,,length ,,meet4 ,,their ,,conversation1 ,,and ,,the ,,intelligence ,,that ,,interrupts ,,it ,l ,,the ,,pursuit ,,and ,,escape ,,li ,,affording ,,an ,,explanation ,,of ,,more ,,mysteries ,,than ,,one1 ,,and ,,comprehending ,a ,,proposal ,,of ,,marriage ,,with ,,no ,,word ,,of ,,settlement ,,or ,,pin-,,money ,,lii ,,fagin',s ,,last ,,night ,,alive ,,liii ,,and ,,last ,,chapter ,i -- ,,treats ,,of ,,the ,,place ,,where ,,oliver ,,twist ,,was ,,born ,,and ,,of ,,the ,,circumstances ,,attending ,,his ,,birth ,among other public buildings in a certain town1 which for many reasons it will be prudent to refrain from mentioning1 and to which ,i will assign no fictitious name1 there is one anciently common to most towns1 great or small3 to wit1 a workhouse2 and in this workhouse was born2 on a day and date which ,i need not trouble myself to repeat1 inasmuch as it can be of no possible consequence to the reader1 in this stage of the business at all events2 the item of mortality whose name is prefixed to the head of this chapter4 ,for a long time after it was ushered into this world of sorrow and trouble1 by the parish surgeon1 it remained a matter of considerable doubt whether the child would survive to bear any name at all2 in which case it is somewhat more than probable that these memoirs would never have appeared2 or1 if they had1 that being comprised within a couple of pages1 they would have possessed the inestimable merit of being the most concise and faithful specimen of biography1 extant in the literature of any age or country4 ,although ,i am not disposed to maintain that the being born in a workhouse1 is in itself the most fortunate and enviable circumstance that can possibly befall a human being1 ,i do mean to say that in this particular instance1 it was the best thing for ,oliver ,twist that could by possibility have occurred4 ,the fact is1 that there was considerable difficulty in inducing ,oliver to take upon himself the office of respiration1--a troublesome practice1 but one which custom has rendered necessary to our easy existence2 and for some time he lay gasping on a little flock mattress1 rather unequally poised between this world and the next3 the balance being decidedly in favour of the latter4 ,now1 if1 during this brief period1 ,oliver had been surrounded by careful grandmothers1 anxious aunts1 experienced nurses1 and doctors of profound wisdom1 he would most inevitably and indubitably have been killed in no time4 ,there being nobody by1 however1 but a pauper old woman1 who was rendered rather misty by an unwonted allowance of beer2 and a parish surgeon who did such matters by contract2 ,oliver and ,nature fought out the point between them4 ,the result was1 that1 after a few struggles1 ,oliver breathed1 sneezed1 and proceeded to advertise to the inmates of the workhouse the fact of a new burden having been imposed upon the parish1 by setting up as loud a cry as could reasonably have been expected from a male infant who had not been possessed of that very useful appendage1 a voice1 for a much longer space of time than three minutes and a quarter4 ,as ,oliver gave this first proof of the free and proper action of his lungs1 the patchwork coverlet which was carelessly flung over the iron bedstead1 rustled2 the pale face of a young woman was raised feebly from the pillow2 and a faint voice imperfectly articulated the words1 #8,let me see the child1 and die4' ,the surgeon had been sitting with his face turned towards the fire3 giving the palms of his hands a warm and a rub alternately4 ,as the young woman spoke1 he rose1 and advancing to the bed's head1 said1 with more kindness than might have been expected of him3 #8,oh1 you must not talk about dying yet4' #8,lor bless her dear heart1 no6' interposed the nurse1 hastily depositing in her pocket a green glass bottle1 the contents of which she had been tasting in a corner with evident satisfaction4 #8,lor bless her dear heart1 when she has lived as long as ,i have1 sir1 and had thirteen children of her own1 and all on #8em dead except two1 and them in the wurkus with me1 she'll know better than to take on in that way1 bless her dear heart6 ,think what it is to be a mother1 there's a dear young lamb do4' ,apparently this consolatory perspective of a mother's prospects failed in producing its due effect4 ,the patient shook her head1 and stretched out her hand towards the child4 ,the surgeon deposited it in her arms4 ,she imprinted her cold white lips passionately on its forehead2 passed her hands over her face2 gazed wildly round2 shuddered2 fell back--and died4 ,they chafed her breast1 hands1 and temples2 but the blood had stopped forever4 ,they talked of hope and comfort4 ,they had been strangers too long4 #8,it's all over1 ,mrs4 ,thingummy6' said the surgeon at last4 #8,ah1 poor dear1 so it is6' said the nurse1 picking up the cork of the green bottle1 which had fallen out on the pillow1 as she stooped to take up the child4 #8,poor dear6' #8,you needn't mind sending up to me1 if the child cries1 nurse1' said the surgeon1 putting on his gloves with great deliberation4 #8,it's very likely it will be troublesome4 ,give it a little gruel if it is4' ,he put on his hat1 and1 pausing by the bed-side on his way to the door1 added1 #8,she was a good-looking girl1 too2 where did she come from8' #8,she was brought here last night1' replied the old woman1 #8by the overseer's order4 ,she was found lying in the street4 ,she had walked some distance1 for her shoes were worn to pieces2 but where she came from1 or where she was going to1 nobody knows4' ,the surgeon leaned over the body1 and raised the left hand4 #8,the old story1' he said1 shaking his head3 #8no wedding-ring1 ,i see4 ,ah6 ,good-night6' ,the medical gentleman walked away to dinner2 and the nurse1 having once more applied herself to the green bottle1 sat down on a low chair before the fire1 and proceeded to dress the infant4 ,what an excellent example of the power of dress1 young ,oliver ,twist was6 ,wrapped in the blanket which had hitherto formed his only covering1 he might have been the child of a nobleman or a beggar2 it would have been hard for the haughtiest stranger to have assigned him his proper station in society4 ,but now that he was enveloped in the old calico robes which had grown yellow in the same service1 he was badged and ticketed1 and fell into his place at once--a parish child--the orphan of a workhouse--the humble1 half-starved drudge--to be cuffed and buffeted through the world--despised by all1 and pitied by none4 ,oliver cried lustily4 ,if he could have known that he was an orphan1 left to the tender mercies of church-wardens and overseers1 perhaps he would have cried the louder4 ,,chapter ,,ii -- ,,treats ,,of ,,oliver ,,twist',s ,,growth1 ,,education1 ,,and ,,board ,for the next eight or ten months1 ,oliver was the victim of a systematic course of treachery and deception4 ,he was brought up by hand4 ,the hungry and destitute situation of the infant orphan was duly reported by the workhouse authorities to the parish authorities4 ,the parish authorities inquired with dignity of the workhouse authorities1 whether there was no female then domiciled in #8the house' who was in a situation to impart to ,oliver ,twist1 the consolation and nourishment of which he stood in need4 ,the workhouse authorities replied with humility1 that there was not4 ,upon this1 the parish authorities magnanimously and humanely resolved1 that ,oliver should be #8farmed1' or1 in other words1 that he should be dispatched to a branch-workhouse some three miles off1 where twenty or thirty other juvenile offenders against the poor-laws1 rolled about the floor all day1 without the inconvenience of too much food or too much clothing1 under the parental superintendence of an elderly female1 who received the culprits at and for the consideration of sevenpence-halfpenny per small head per week4 ,sevenpence-halfpenny's worth per week is a good round diet for a child2 a great deal may be got for sevenpence-halfpenny1 quite enough to overload its stomach1 and make it uncomfortable4 ,the elderly female was a woman of wisdom and experience2 she knew what was good for children2 and she had a very accurate perception of what was good for herself4 ,so1 she appropriated the greater part of the weekly stipend to her own use1 and consigned the rising parochial generation to even a shorter allowance than was originally provided for them4 ,thereby finding in the lowest depth a deeper still2 and proving herself a very great experimental philosopher4 ,everybody knows the story of another experimental philosopher who had a great theory about a horse being able to live without eating1 and who demonstrated it so well1 that he had got his own horse down to a straw a day1 and would unquestionably have rendered him a very spirited and rampacious animal on nothing at all1 if he had not died1 four-and-twenty hours before he was to have had his first comfortable bait of air4 ,unfortunately for1 the experimental philosophy of the female to whose protecting care ,oliver ,twist was delivered over1 a similar result usually attended the operation of her system2 for at the very moment when the child had contrived to exist upon the smallest possible portion of the weakest possible food1 it did perversely happen in eight and a half cases out of ten1 either that it sickened from want and cold1 or fell into the fire from neglect1 or got half-smothered by accident2 in any one of which cases1 the miserable little being was usually summoned into another world1 and there gathered to the fathers it had never known in this4 ,occasionally1 when there was some more than usually interesting inquest upon a parish child who had been overlooked in turning up a bedstead1 or inadvertently scalded to death when there happened to be a washing--though the latter accident was very scarce1 anything approaching to a washing being of rare occurrence in the farm--the jury would take it into their heads to ask troublesome questions1 or the parishioners would rebelliously affix their signatures to a remonstrance4 ,but these impertinences were speedily checked by the evidence of the surgeon1 and the testimony of the beadle2 the former of whom had always opened the body and found nothing inside 7which was very probable indeed71 and the latter of whom invariably swore whatever the parish wanted2 which was very self-devotional4 ,besides1 the board made periodical pilgrimages to the farm1 and always sent the beadle the day before1 to say they were going4 ,the children were neat and clean to behold1 when they went2 and what more would the people have6 ,it cannot be expected that this system of farming would produce any very extraordinary or luxuriant crop4 ,oliver ,twist's ninth birthday found him a pale thin child1 somewhat diminutive in stature1 and decidedly small in circumference4 ,but nature or inheritance had implanted a good sturdy spirit in ,oliver's breast4 ,it had had plenty of room to expand1 thanks to the spare diet of the establishment2 and perhaps to this circumstance may be attributed his having any ninth birth-day at all4 ,be this as it may1 however1 it was his ninth birthday2 and he was keeping it in the coal-cellar with a select party of two other young gentleman1 who1 after participating with him in a sound thrashing1 had been locked up for atrociously presuming to be hungry1 when ,mrs4 ,mann1 the good lady of the house1 was unexpectedly startled by the apparition of ,mr4 ,bumble1 the beadle1 striving to undo the wicket of the garden-gate4 #8,goodness gracious6 ,is that you1 ,mr4 ,bumble1 sir8' said ,mrs4 ,mann1 thrusting her head out of the window in well-affected ecstasies of joy4 #87,susan1 take ,oliver and them two brats upstairs1 and wash #8em directly47--,my heart alive6 ,mr4 ,bumble1 how glad ,i am to see you1 sure-ly6' ,now1 ,mr4 ,bumble was a fat man1 and a choleric2 so1 instead of responding to this open-hearted salutation in a kindred spirit1 he gave the little wicket a tremendous shake1 and then bestowed upon it a kick which could have emanated from no leg but a beadle's4 #8,lor1 only think1' said ,mrs4 ,mann1 running out1--for the three boys had been removed by this time1--#8only think of that6 ,that ,i should have forgotten that the gate was bolted on the inside1 on account of them dear children6 ,walk in sir2 walk in1 pray1 ,mr4 ,bumble1 do1 sir4' ,although this invitation was accompanied with a curtsey that might have softened the heart of a church-warden1 it by no means mollified the beadle4 #8,do you think this respectful or proper conduct1 ,mrs4 ,mann1' inquired ,mr4 ,bumble1 grasping his cane1 #8to keep the parish officers a waiting at your garden-gate1 when they come here upon porochial business with the porochial orphans8 ,are you aweer1 ,mrs4 ,mann1 that you are1 as ,i may say1 a porochial delegate1 and a stipendiary8' #8,i'm sure ,mr4 ,bumble1 that ,i was only a telling one or two of the dear children as is so fond of you1 that it was you a coming1' replied ,mrs4 ,mann with great humility4 ,mr4 ,bumble had a great idea of his oratorical powers and his importance4 ,he had displayed the one1 and vindicated the other4 ,he relaxed4 #8,well1 well1 ,mrs4 ,mann1' he replied in a calmer tone2 #8it may be as you say2 it may be4 ,lead the way in1 ,mrs4 ,mann1 for ,i come on business1 and have something to say4' ,mrs4 ,mann ushered the beadle into a small parlour with a brick floor2 placed a seat for him2 and officiously deposited his cocked hat and cane on the table before him4 ,mr4 ,bumble wiped from his forehead the perspiration which his walk had engendered1 glanced complacently at the cocked hat1 and smiled4 ,yes1 he smiled4 ,beadles are but men3 and ,mr4 ,bumble smiled4 #8,now don't you be offended at what ,i'm a going to say1' observed ,mrs4 ,mann1 with captivating sweetness4 #8,you've had a long walk1 you know1 or ,i wouldn't mention it4 ,now1 will you take a little drop of somethink1 ,mr4 ,bumble8' #8,not a drop4 ,nor a drop1' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 waving his right hand in a dignified1 but placid manner4 #8,i think you will1' said ,mrs4 ,mann1 who had noticed the tone of the refusal1 and the gesture that had accompanied it4 #8,just a leetle drop1 with a little cold water1 and a lump of sugar4' ,mr4 ,bumble coughed4 #8,now1 just a leetle drop1' said ,mrs4 ,mann persuasively4 #8,what is it8' inquired the beadle4 #8,why1 it's what ,i'm obliged to keep a little of in the house1 to put into the blessed infants' ,daffy1 when they ain't well1 ,mr4 ,bumble1' replied ,mrs4 ,mann as she opened a corner cupboard1 and took down a bottle and glass4 #8,it's gin4 ,i'll not deceive you1 ,mr4 ,b4 ,it's gin4' #8,do you give the children ,daffy1 ,mrs4 ,mann8' inquired ,bumble1 following with his eyes the interesting process of mixing4 #8,ah1 bless #8em1 that ,i do1 dear as it is1' replied the nurse4 #8,i couldn't see #8em suffer before my very eyes1 you know sir4' #8,no'2 said ,mr4 ,bumble approvingly2 #8no1 you could not4 ,you are a humane woman1 ,mrs4 ,mann4' 7,here she set down the glass47 #8,i shall take a early opportunity of mentioning it to the board1 ,mrs4 ,mann4' 7,he drew it towards him47 #8,you feel as a mother1 ,mrs4 ,mann4' 7,he stirred the gin-and-water47 #8,i--,i drink your health with cheerfulness1 ,mrs4 ,mann'2 and he swallowed half of it4 #8,and now about business1' said the beadle1 taking out a leathern pocket-book4 #8,the child that was half-baptized ,oliver ,twist1 is nine year old to-day4' #8,bless him6' interposed ,mrs4 ,mann1 inflaming her left eye with the corner of her apron4 #8,and notwithstanding a offered reward of ten pound1 which was afterwards increased to twenty pound4 ,notwithstanding the most superlative1 and1 ,i may say1 supernat'ral exertions on the part of this parish1' said ,bumble1 #8we have never been able to discover who is his father1 or what was his mother's settlement1 name1 or condition4' ,mrs4 ,mann raised her hands in astonishment2 but added1 after a moment's reflection1 #8,how comes he to have any name at all1 then8' ,the beadle drew himself up with great pride1 and said1 #8,i inwented it4' #8,you1 ,mr4 ,bumble6' #8,i1 ,mrs4 ,mann4 ,we name our fondlings in alphabetical order4 ,the last was a ,s1--,swubble1 ,i named him4 ,this was a ,t1--,twist1 ,i named him4 ,the next one comes will be ,unwin1 and the next ,vilkins4 ,i have got names ready made to the end of the alphabet1 and all the way through it again1 when we come to ,z4' #8,why1 you're quite a literary character1 sir6' said ,mrs4 ,mann4 #8,well1 well1' said the beadle1 evidently gratified with the compliment2 #8perhaps ,i may be4 ,perhaps ,i may be1 ,mrs4 ,mann4' ,he finished the gin-and-water1 and added1 #8,oliver being now too old to remain here1 the board have determined to have him back into the house4 ,i have come out myself to take him there4 ,so let me see him at once4' #8,i'll fetch him directly1' said ,mrs4 ,mann1 leaving the room for that purpose4 ,oliver1 having had by this time as much of the outer coat of dirt which encrusted his face and hands1 removed1 as could be scrubbed off in one washing1 was led into the room by his benevolent protectress4 #8,make a bow to the gentleman1 ,oliver1' said ,mrs4 ,mann4 ,oliver made a bow1 which was divided between the beadle on the chair1 and the cocked hat on the table4 #8,will you go along with me1 ,oliver8' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 in a majestic voice4 ,oliver was about to say that he would go along with anybody with great readiness1 when1 glancing upward1 he caught sight of ,mrs4 ,mann1 who had got behind the beadle's chair1 and was shaking her fist at him with a furious countenance4 ,he took the hint at once1 for the fist had been too often impressed upon his body not to be deeply impressed upon his recollection4 #8,will she go with me8' inquired poor ,oliver4 #8,no1 she can't1' replied ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,but she'll come and see you sometimes4' ,this was no very great consolation to the child4 ,young as he was1 however1 he had sense enough to make a feint of feeling great regret at going away4 ,it was no very difficult matter for the boy to call tears into his eyes4 ,hunger and recent ill-usage are great assistants if you want to cry2 and ,oliver cried very naturally indeed4 ,mrs4 ,mann gave him a thousand embraces1 and what ,oliver wanted a great deal more1 a piece of bread and butter1 less he should seem too hungry when he got to the workhouse4 ,with the slice of bread in his hand1 and the little brown-cloth parish cap on his head1 ,oliver was then led away by ,mr4 ,bumble from the wretched home where one kind word or look had never lighted the gloom of his infant years4 ,and yet he burst into an agony of childish grief1 as the cottage-gate closed after him4 ,wretched as were the little companions in misery he was leaving behind1 they were the only friends he had ever known2 and a sense of his loneliness in the great wide world1 sank into the child's heart for the first time4 ,mr4 ,bumble walked on with long strides2 little ,oliver1 firmly grasping his gold-laced cuff1 trotted beside him1 inquiring at the end of every quarter of a mile whether they were #8nearly there4' ,to these interrogations ,mr4 ,bumble returned very brief and snappish replies2 for the temporary blandness which gin-and-water awakens in some bosoms had by this time evaporated2 and he was once again a beadle4 ,oliver had not been within the walls of the workhouse a quarter of an hour1 and had scarcely completed the demolition of a second slice of bread1 when ,mr4 ,bumble1 who had handed him over to the care of an old woman1 returned2 and1 telling him it was a board night1 informed him that the board had said he was to appear before it forthwith4 ,not having a very clearly defined notion of what a live board was1 ,oliver was rather astounded by this intelligence1 and was not quite certain whether he ought to laugh or cry4 ,he had no time to think about the matter1 however2 for ,mr4 ,bumble gave him a tap on the head1 with his cane1 to wake him up3 and another on the back to make him lively3 and bidding him to follow1 conducted him into a large white-washed room1 where eight or ten fat gentlemen were sitting round a table4 ,at the top of the table1 seated in an arm-chair rather higher than the rest1 was a particularly fat gentleman with a very round1 red face4 #8,bow to the board1' said ,bumble4 ,oliver brushed away two or three tears that were lingering in his eyes2 and seeing no board but the table1 fortunately bowed to that4 #8,what's your name1 boy8' said the gentleman in the high chair4 ,oliver was frightened at the sight of so many gentlemen1 which made him tremble3 and the beadle gave him another tap behind1 which made him cry4 ,these two causes made him answer in a very low and hesitating voice2 whereupon a gentleman in a white waistcoat said he was a fool4 ,which was a capital way of raising his spirits1 and putting him quite at his ease4 #8,boy1' said the gentleman in the high chair1 #8listen to me4 ,you know you're an orphan1 ,i suppose8' #8,what's that1 sir8' inquired poor ,oliver4 #8,the boy is a fool--,i thought he was1' said the gentleman in the white waistcoat4 #8,hush6' said the gentleman who had spoken first4 #8,you know you've got no father or mother1 and that you were brought up by the parish1 don't you8' #8,yes1 sir1' replied ,oliver1 weeping bitterly4 #8,what are you crying for8' inquired the gentleman in the white waistcoat4 ,and to be sure it was very extraordinary4 ,what could the boy be crying for8 #8,i hope you say your prayers every night1' said another gentleman in a gruff voice2 #8and pray for the people who feed you1 and take care of you--like a ,christian4' #8,yes1 sir1' stammered the boy4 ,the gentleman who spoke last was unconsciously right4 ,it would have been very like a ,christian1 and a marvellously good ,christian too1 if ,oliver had prayed for the people who fed and took care of him4 ,but he hadn't1 because nobody had taught him4 #8,well6 ,you have come here to be educated1 and taught a useful trade1' said the red-faced gentleman in the high chair4 #8,so you'll begin to pick oakum to-morrow morning at six o'clock1' added the surly one in the white waistcoat4 ,for the combination of both these blessings in the one simple process of picking oakum1 ,oliver bowed low by the direction of the beadle1 and was then hurried away to a large ward2 where1 on a rough1 hard bed1 he sobbed himself to sleep4 ,what a novel illustration of the tender laws of ,england6 ,they let the paupers go to sleep6 ,poor ,oliver6 ,he little thought1 as he lay sleeping in happy unconsciousness of all around him1 that the board had that very day arrived at a decision which would exercise the most material influence over all his future fortunes4 ,but they had4 ,and this was it3 ,the members of this board were very sage1 deep1 philosophical men2 and when they came to turn their attention to the workhouse1 they found out at once1 what ordinary folks would never have discovered--the poor people liked it6 ,it was a regular place of public entertainment for the poorer classes2 a tavern where there was nothing to pay2 a public breakfast1 dinner1 tea1 and supper all the year round2 a brick and mortar elysium1 where it was all play and no work4 #8,oho6' said the board1 looking very knowing2 #8we are the fellows to set this to rights2 we'll stop it all1 in no time4' ,so1 they established the rule1 that all poor people should have the alternative 7for they would compel nobody1 not they71 of being starved by a gradual process in the house1 or by a quick one out of it4 ,with this view1 they contracted with the water-works to lay on an unlimited supply of water2 and with a corn-factor to supply periodically small quantities of oatmeal2 and issued three meals of thin gruel a day1 with an onion twice a week1 and half a roll of ,sundays4 ,they made a great many other wise and humane regulations1 having reference to the ladies1 which it is not necessary to repeat2 kindly undertook to divorce poor married people1 in consequence of the great expense of a suit in ,doctors' ,commons2 and1 instead of compelling a man to support his family1 as they had theretofore done1 took his family away from him1 and made him a bachelor6 ,there is no saying how many applicants for relief1 under these last two heads1 might have started up in all classes of society1 if it had not been coupled with the workhouse2 but the board were long-headed men1 and had provided for this difficulty4 ,the relief was inseparable from the workhouse and the gruel2 and that frightened people4 ,for the first six months after ,oliver ,twist was removed1 the system was in full operation4 ,it was rather expensive at first1 in consequence of the increase in the undertaker's bill1 and the necessity of taking in the clothes of all the paupers1 which fluttered loosely on their wasted1 shrunken forms1 after a week or two's gruel4 ,but the number of workhouse inmates got thin as well as the paupers2 and the board were in ecstasies4 ,the room in which the boys were fed1 was a large stone hall1 with a copper at one end3 out of which the master1 dressed in an apron for the purpose1 and assisted by one or two women1 ladled the gruel at mealtimes4 ,of this festive composition each boy had one porringer1 and no more--except on occasions of great public rejoicing1 when he had two ounces and a quarter of bread besides4 ,the bowls never wanted washing4 ,the boys polished them with their spoons till they shone again2 and when they had performed this operation 7which never took very long1 the spoons being nearly as large as the bowls71 they would sit staring at the copper1 with such eager eyes1 as if they could have devoured the very bricks of which it was composed2 employing themselves1 meanwhile1 in sucking their fingers most assiduously1 with the view of catching up any stray splashes of gruel that might have been cast thereon4 ,boys have generally excellent appetites4 ,oliver ,twist and his companions suffered the tortures of slow starvation for three months3 at last they got so voracious and wild with hunger1 that one boy1 who was tall for his age1 and hadn't been used to that sort of thing 7for his father had kept a small cook-shop71 hinted darkly to his companions1 that unless he had another basin of gruel per diem1 he was afraid he might some night happen to eat the boy who slept next him1 who happened to be a weakly youth of tender age4 ,he had a wild1 hungry eye2 and they implicitly believed him4 ,a council was held2 lots were cast who should walk up to the master after supper that evening1 and ask for more2 and it fell to ,oliver ,twist4 ,the evening arrived2 the boys took their places4 ,the master1 in his cook's uniform1 stationed himself at the copper2 his pauper assistants ranged themselves behind him2 the gruel was served out2 and a long grace was said over the short commons4 ,the gruel disappeared2 the boys whispered each other1 and winked at ,oliver2 while his next neighbors nudged him4 ,child as he was1 he was desperate with hunger1 and reckless with misery4 ,he rose from the table2 and advancing to the master1 basin and spoon in hand1 said3 somewhat alarmed at his own temerity3 #8,please1 sir1 ,i want some more4' ,the master was a fat1 healthy man2 but he turned very pale4 ,he gazed in stupefied astonishment on the small rebel for some seconds1 and then clung for support to the copper4 ,the assistants were paralysed with wonder2 the boys with fear4 #8,what6' said the master at length1 in a faint voice4 #8,please1 sir1' replied ,oliver1 #8,i want some more4' ,the master aimed a blow at ,oliver's head with the ladle2 pinioned him in his arm2 and shrieked aloud for the beadle4 ,the board were sitting in solemn conclave1 when ,mr4 ,bumble rushed into the room in great excitement1 and addressing the gentleman in the high chair1 said1 #8,mr4 ,limbkins1 ,i beg your pardon1 sir6 ,oliver ,twist has asked for more6' ,there was a general start4 ,horror was depicted on every countenance4 #8,for more6' said ,mr4 ,limbkins4 #8,compose yourself1 ,bumble1 and answer me distinctly4 ,do ,i understand that he asked for more1 after he had eaten the supper allotted by the dietary8' #8,he did1 sir1' replied ,bumble4 #8,that boy will be hung1' said the gentleman in the white waistcoat4 #8,i know that boy will be hung4' ,nobody controverted the prophetic gentleman's opinion4 ,an animated discussion took place4 ,oliver was ordered into instant confinement2 and a bill was next morning pasted on the outside of the gate1 offering a reward of five pounds to anybody who would take ,oliver ,twist off the hands of the parish4 ,in other words1 five pounds and ,oliver ,twist were offered to any man or woman who wanted an apprentice to any trade1 business1 or calling4 #8,i never was more convinced of anything in my life1' said the gentleman in the white waistcoat1 as he knocked at the gate and read the bill next morning3 #8,i never was more convinced of anything in my life1 than ,i am that that boy will come to be hung4' ,as ,i purpose to show in the sequel whether the white waistcoated gentleman was right or not1 ,i should perhaps mar the interest of this narrative 7supposing it to possess any at all71 if ,i ventured to hint just yet1 whether the life of ,oliver ,twist had this violent termination or no4 ,,chapter ,,iii -- ,,relates ,,how ,,oliver ,,twist ,,was ,,very ,,near ,,getting ,a ,,place ,,which ,,would ,,not ,,have ,,been ,a ,,sinecure ,for a week after the commission of the impious and profane offence of asking for more1 ,oliver remained a close prisoner in the dark and solitary room to which he had been consigned by the wisdom and mercy of the board4 ,it appears1 at first sight not unreasonable to suppose1 that1 if he had entertained a becoming feeling of respect for the prediction of the gentleman in the white waistcoat1 he would have established that sage individual's prophetic character1 once and for ever1 by tying one end of his pocket-handkerchief to a hook in the wall1 and attaching himself to the other4 ,to the performance of this feat1 however1 there was one obstacle3 namely1 that pocket-handkerchiefs being decided articles of luxury1 had been1 for all future times and ages1 removed from the noses of paupers by the express order of the board1 in council assembled3 solemnly given and pronounced under their hands and seals4 ,there was a still greater obstacle in ,oliver's youth and childishness4 ,he only cried bitterly all day2 and1 when the long1 dismal night came on1 spread his little hands before his eyes to shut out the darkness1 and crouching in the corner1 tried to sleep3 ever and anon waking with a start and tremble1 and drawing himself closer and closer to the wall1 as if to feel even its cold hard surface were a protection in the gloom and loneliness which surrounded him4 ,let it not be supposed by the enemies of #8the system1' that1 during the period of his solitary incarceration1 ,oliver was denied the benefit of exercise1 the pleasure of society1 or the advantages of religious consolation4 ,as for exercise1 it was nice cold weather1 and he was allowed to perform his ablutions every morning under the pump1 in a stone yard1 in the presence of ,mr4 ,bumble1 who prevented his catching cold1 and caused a tingling sensation to pervade his frame1 by repeated applications of the cane4 ,as for society1 he was carried every other day into the hall where the boys dined1 and there sociably flogged as a public warning and example4 ,and so far from being denied the advantages of religious consolation1 he was kicked into the same apartment every evening at prayer-time1 and there permitted to listen to1 and console his mind with1 a general supplication of the boys1 containing a special clause1 therein inserted by authority of the board1 in which they entreated to be made good1 virtuous1 contented1 and obedient1 and to be guarded from the sins and vices of ,oliver ,twist3 whom the supplication distinctly set forth to be under the exclusive patronage and protection of the powers of wickedness1 and an article direct from the manufactory of the very ,devil himself4 ,it chanced one morning1 while ,oliver's affairs were in this auspicious and comfortable state1 that ,mr4 ,gamfield1 chimney-sweep1 went his way down the ,high ,street1 deeply cogitating in his mind his ways and means of paying certain arrears of rent1 for which his landlord had become rather pressing4 ,mr4 ,gamfield's most sanguine estimate of his finances could not raise them within full five pounds of the desired amount2 and1 in a species of arithmetical desperation1 he was alternately cudgelling his brains and his donkey1 when passing the workhouse1 his eyes encountered the bill on the gate4 #8,wo--o6' said ,mr4 ,gamfield to the donkey4 ,the donkey was in a state of profound abstraction3 wondering1 probably1 whether he was destined to be regaled with a cabbage-stalk or two when he had disposed of the two sacks of soot with which the little cart was laden2 so1 without noticing the word of command1 he jogged onward4 ,mr4 ,gamfield growled a fierce imprecation on the donkey generally1 but more particularly on his eyes2 and1 running after him1 bestowed a blow on his head1 which would inevitably have beaten in any skull but a donkey's4 ,then1 catching hold of the bridle1 he gave his jaw a sharp wrench1 by way of gentle reminder that he was not his own master2 and by these means turned him round4 ,he then gave him another blow on the head1 just to stun him till he came back again4 ,having completed these arrangements1 he walked up to the gate1 to read the bill4 ,the gentleman with the white waistcoat was standing at the gate with his hands behind him1 after having delivered himself of some profound sentiments in the board-room4 ,having witnessed the little dispute between ,mr4 ,gamfield and the donkey1 he smiled joyously when that person came up to read the bill1 for he saw at once that ,mr4 ,gamfield was exactly the sort of master ,oliver ,twist wanted4 ,mr4 ,gamfield smiled1 too1 as he perused the document2 for five pounds was just the sum he had been wishing for2 and1 as to the boy with which it was encumbered1 ,mr4 ,gamfield1 knowing what the dietary of the workhouse was1 well knew he would be a nice small pattern1 just the very thing for register stoves4 ,so1 he spelt the bill through again1 from beginning to end2 and then1 touching his fur cap in token of humility1 accosted the gentleman in the white waistcoat4 #8,this here boy1 sir1 wot the parish wants to #8prentis1' said ,mr4 ,gamfield4 #8,ay1 my man1' said the gentleman in the white waistcoat1 with a condescending smile4 #8,what of him8' #8,if the parish vould like him to learn a right pleasant trade1 in a good #8spectable chimbley-sweepin' bisness1' said ,mr4 ,gamfield1 #8,i wants a #8prentis1 and ,i am ready to take him4' #8,walk in1' said the gentleman in the white waistcoat4 ,mr4 ,gamfield having lingered behind1 to give the donkey another blow on the head1 and another wrench of the jaw1 as a caution not to run away in his absence1 followed the gentleman with the white waistcoat into the room where ,oliver had first seen him4 #8,it's a nasty trade1' said ,mr4 ,limbkins1 when ,gamfield had again stated his wish4 #8,young boys have been smothered in chimneys before now1' said another gentleman4 #8,that's acause they damped the straw afore they lit it in the chimbley to make #8em come down again1' said ,gamfield2 #8that's all smoke1 and no blaze2 vereas smoke ain't o' no use at all in making a boy come down1 for it only sinds him to sleep1 and that's wot he likes4 ,boys is wery obstinit1 and wery lazy1 ,gen'l'men1 and there's nothink like a good hot blaze to make #8em come down vith a run4 ,it's humane too1 gen'l'men1 acause1 even if they've stuck in the chimbley1 roasting their feet makes #8em struggle to hextricate theirselves4' ,the gentleman in the white waistcoat appeared very much amused by this explanation2 but his mirth was speedily checked by a look from ,mr4 ,limbkins4 ,the board then proceeded to converse among themselves for a few minutes1 but in so low a tone1 that the words #8saving of expenditure1' #8looked well in the accounts1' #8have a printed report published1' were alone audible4 ,these only chanced to be heard1 indeed1 or account of their being very frequently repeated with great emphasis4 ,at length the whispering ceased2 and the members of the board1 having resumed their seats and their solemnity1 ,mr4 ,limbkins said3 #8,we have considered your proposition1 and we don't approve of it4' #8,not at all1' said the gentleman in the white waistcoat4 #8,decidedly not1' added the other members4 ,as ,mr4 ,gamfield did happen to labour under the slight imputation of having bruised three or four boys to death already1 it occurred to him that the board had1 perhaps1 in some unaccountable freak1 taken it into their heads that this extraneous circumstance ought to influence their proceedings4 ,it was very unlike their general mode of doing business1 if they had2 but still1 as he had no particular wish to revive the rumour1 he twisted his cap in his hands1 and walked slowly from the table4 #8,so you won't let me have him1 gen'l'men8' said ,mr4 ,gamfield1 pausing near the door4 #8,no1' replied ,mr4 ,limbkins2 #8at least1 as it's a nasty business1 we think you ought to take something less than the premium we offered4' ,mr4 ,gamfield's countenance brightened1 as1 with a quick step1 he returned to the table1 and said1 #8,what'll you give1 gen'l'men8 ,come6 ,don't be too hard on a poor man4 ,what'll you give8' #8,i should say1 three pound ten was plenty1' said ,mr4 ,limbkins4 #8,ten shillings too much1' said the gentleman in the white waistcoat4 #8,come6' said ,gamfield2 #8say four pound1 gen'l'men4 ,say four pound1 and you've got rid of him for good and all4 ,there6' #8,three pound ten1' repeated ,mr4 ,limbkins1 firmly4 #8,come6 ,i'll split the diff'erence1 gen'l'men1' urged ,gamfield4 #8,three pound fifteen4' #8,not a farthing more1' was the firm reply of ,mr4 ,limbkins4 #8,you're desperate hard upon me1 gen'l'men1' said ,gamfield1 wavering4 #8,pooh6 pooh6 nonsense6' said the gentleman in the white waistcoat4 #8,he'd be cheap with nothing at all1 as a premium4 ,take him1 you silly fellow6 ,he's just the boy for you4 ,he wants the stick1 now and then3 it'll do him good2 and his board needn't come very expensive1 for he hasn't been overfed since he was born4 ,ha6 ha6 ha6' ,mr4 ,gamfield gave an arch look at the faces round the table1 and1 observing a smile on all of them1 gradually broke into a smile himself4 ,the bargain was made4 ,mr4 ,bumble1 was at once instructed that ,oliver ,twist and his indentures were to be conveyed before the magistrate1 for signature and approval1 that very afternoon4 ,in pursuance of this determination1 little ,oliver1 to his excessive astonishment1 was released from bondage1 and ordered to put himself into a clean shirt4 ,he had hardly achieved this very unusual gymnastic performance1 when ,mr4 ,bumble brought him1 with his own hands1 a basin of gruel1 and the holiday allowance of two ounces and a quarter of bread4 ,at this tremendous sight1 ,oliver began to cry very piteously3 thinking1 not unnaturally1 that the board must have determined to kill him for some useful purpose1 or they never would have begun to fatten him up in that way4 #8,don't make your eyes red1 ,oliver1 but eat your food and be thankful1' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 in a tone of impressive pomposity4 #8,you're a going to be made a #8prentice of1 ,oliver4' #8,a prentice1 sir6' said the child1 trembling4 #8,yes1 ,oliver1' said ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,the kind and blessed gentleman which is so many parents to you1 ,oliver1 when you have none of your own3 are a going to #8prentice' you3 and to set you up in life1 and make a man of you3 although the expense to the parish is three pound ten6--three pound ten1 ,oliver6--seventy shillins--one hundred and forty sixpences6--and all for a naughty orphan which nobody can't love4' ,as ,mr4 ,bumble paused to take breath1 after delivering this address in an awful voice1 the tears rolled down the poor child's face1 and he sobbed bitterly4 #8,come1' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 somewhat less pompously1 for it was gratifying to his feelings to observe the effect his eloquence had produced2 #8,come1 ,oliver6 ,wipe your eyes with the cuffs of your jacket1 and don't cry into your gruel2 that's a very foolish action1 ,oliver4' ,it certainly was1 for there was quite enough water in it already4 ,on their way to the magistrate1 ,mr4 ,bumble instructed ,oliver that all he would have to do1 would be to look very happy1 and say1 when the gentleman asked him if he wanted to be apprenticed1 that he should like it very much indeed2 both of which injunctions ,oliver promised to obey3 the rather as ,mr4 ,bumble threw in a gentle hint1 that if he failed in either particular1 there was no telling what would be done to him4 ,when they arrived at the office1 he was shut up in a little room by himself1 and admonished by ,mr4 ,bumble to stay there1 until he came back to fetch him4 ,there the boy remained1 with a palpitating heart1 for half an hour4 ,at the expiration of which time ,mr4 ,bumble thrust in his head1 unadorned with the cocked hat1 and said aloud3 #8,now1 ,oliver1 my dear1 come to the gentleman4' ,as ,mr4 ,bumble said this1 he put on a grim and threatening look1 and added1 in a low voice1 #8,mind what ,i told you1 you young rascal6' ,oliver stared innocently in ,mr4 ,bumble's face at this somewhat contradictory style of address2 but that gentleman prevented his offering any remark thereupon1 by leading him at once into an adjoining room3 the door of which was open4 ,it was a large room1 with a great window4 ,behind a desk1 sat two old gentleman with powdered heads3 one of whom was reading the newspaper2 while the other was perusing1 with the aid of a pair of tortoise-shell spectacles1 a small piece of parchment which lay before him4 ,mr4 ,limbkins was standing in front of the desk on one side2 and ,mr4 ,gamfield1 with a partially washed face1 on the other2 while two or three bluff-looking men1 in top-boots1 were lounging about4 ,the old gentleman with the spectacles gradually dozed off1 over the little bit of parchment2 and there was a short pause1 after ,oliver had been stationed by ,mr4 ,bumble in front of the desk4 #8,this is the boy1 your worship1' said ,mr4 ,bumble4 ,the old gentleman who was reading the newspaper raised his head for a moment1 and pulled the other old gentleman by the sleeve2 whereupon1 the last-mentioned old gentleman woke up4 #8,oh1 is this the boy8' said the old gentleman4 #8,this is him1 sir1' replied ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,bow to the magistrate1 my dear4' ,oliver roused himself1 and made his best obeisance4 ,he had been wondering1 with his eyes fixed on the magistrates' powder1 whether all boards were born with that white stuff on their heads1 and were boards from thenceforth on that account4 #8,well1' said the old gentleman1 #8,i suppose he's fond of chimney-sweeping8' #8,he doats on it1 your worship1' replied ,bumble2 giving ,oliver a sly pinch1 to intimate that he had better not say he didn't4 #8,and he will be a sweep1 will he8' inquired the old gentleman4 #8,if we was to bind him to any other trade to-morrow1 he'd run away simultaneous1 your worship1' replied ,bumble4 #8,and this man that's to be his master--you1 sir--you'll treat him well1 and feed him1 and do all that sort of thing1 will you8' said the old gentleman4 #8,when ,i says ,i will1 ,i means ,i will1' replied ,mr4 ,gamfield doggedly4 #8,you're a rough speaker1 my friend1 but you look an honest1 open-hearted man1' said the old gentleman3 turning his spectacles in the direction of the candidate for ,oliver's premium1 whose villainous countenance was a regular stamped receipt for cruelty4 ,but the magistrate was half blind and half childish1 so he couldn't reasonably be expected to discern what other people did4 #8,i hope ,i am1 sir1' said ,mr4 ,gamfield1 with an ugly leer4 #8,i have no doubt you are1 my friend1' replied the old gentleman3 fixing his spectacles more firmly on his nose1 and looking about him for the inkstand4 ,it was the critical moment of ,oliver's fate4 ,if the inkstand had been where the old gentleman thought it was1 he would have dipped his pen into it1 and signed the indentures1 and ,oliver would have been straightway hurried off4 ,but1 as it chanced to be immediately under his nose1 it followed1 as a matter of course1 that he looked all over his desk for it1 without finding it2 and happening in the course of his search to look straight before him1 his gaze encountered the pale and terrified face of ,oliver ,twist3 who1 despite all the admonitory looks and pinches of ,bumble1 was regarding the repulsive countenance of his future master1 with a mingled expression of horror and fear1 too palpable to be mistaken1 even by a half-blind magistrate4 ,the old gentleman stopped1 laid down his pen1 and looked from ,oliver to ,mr4 ,limbkins2 who attempted to take snuff with a cheerful and unconcerned aspect4 #8,my boy6' said the old gentleman1 #8you look pale and alarmed4 ,what is the matter8' #8,stand a little away from him1 ,beadle1' said the other magistrate3 laying aside the paper1 and leaning forward with an expression of interest4 #8,now1 boy1 tell us what's the matter3 don't be afraid4' ,oliver fell on his knees1 and clasping his hands together1 prayed that they would order him back to the dark room--that they would starve him--beat him--kill him if they pleased--rather than send him away with that dreadful man4 #8,well6' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 raising his hands and eyes with most impressive solemnity4 #8,well6 of all the artful and designing orphans that ever ,i see1 ,oliver1 you are one of the most bare-facedest4' #8,hold your tongue1 ,beadle1' said the second old gentleman1 when ,mr4 ,bumble had given vent to this compound adjective4 #8,i beg your worship's pardon1' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 incredulous of having heard aright4 #8,did your worship speak to me8' #8,yes4 ,hold your tongue4' ,mr4 ,bumble was stupefied with astonishment4 ,a beadle ordered to hold his tongue6 ,a moral revolution6 ,the old gentleman in the tortoise-shell spectacles looked at his companion1 he nodded significantly4 #8,we refuse to sanction these indentures1' said the old gentleman3 tossing aside the piece of parchment as he spoke4 #8,i hope1' stammered ,mr4 ,limbkins3 #8,i hope the magistrates will not form the opinion that the authorities have been guilty of any improper conduct1 on the unsupported testimony of a child4' #8,the magistrates are not called upon to pronounce any opinion on the matter1' said the second old gentleman sharply4 #8,take the boy back to the workhouse1 and treat him kindly4 ,he seems to want it4' ,that same evening1 the gentleman in the white waistcoat most positively and decidedly affirmed1 not only that ,oliver would be hung1 but that he would be drawn and quartered into the bargain4 ,mr4 ,bumble shook his head with gloomy mystery1 and said he wished he might come to good2 whereunto ,mr4 ,gamfield replied1 that he wished he might come to him2 which1 although he agreed with the beadle in most matters1 would seem to be a wish of a totally opposite description4 ,the next morning1 the public were once informed that ,oliver ,twist was again ,to ,let1 and that five pounds would be paid to anybody who would take possession of him4 ,,chapter ,,iv -- ,,oliver1 ,,being ,,offered ,,another ,,place1 ,,makes ,,his ,,first ,,entry ,,into ,,public ,,life ,in great families1 when an advantageous place cannot be obtained1 either in possession1 reversion1 remainder1 or expectancy1 for the young man who is growing up1 it is a very general custom to send him to sea4 ,the board1 in imitation of so wise and salutary an example1 took counsel together on the expediency of shipping off ,oliver ,twist1 in some small trading vessel bound to a good unhealthy port4 ,this suggested itself as the very best thing that could possibly be done with him3 the probability being1 that the skipper would flog him to death1 in a playful mood1 some day after dinner1 or would knock his brains out with an iron bar2 both pastimes being1 as is pretty generally known1 very favourite and common recreations among gentleman of that class4 ,the more the case presented itself to the board1 in this point of view1 the more manifold the advantages of the step appeared2 so1 they came to the conclusion that the only way of providing for ,oliver effectually1 was to send him to sea without delay4 ,mr4 ,bumble had been despatched to make various preliminary inquiries1 with the view of finding out some captain or other who wanted a cabin-boy without any friends2 and was returning to the workhouse to communicate the result of his mission2 when he encountered at the gate1 no less a person than ,mr4 ,sowerberry1 the parochial undertaker4 ,mr4 ,sowerberry was a tall gaunt1 large-jointed man1 attired in a suit of threadbare black1 with darned cotton stockings of the same colour1 and shoes to answer4 ,his features were not naturally intended to wear a smiling aspect1 but he was in general rather given to professional jocosity4 ,his step was elastic1 and his face betokened inward pleasantry1 as he advanced to ,mr4 ,bumble1 and shook him cordially by the hand4 #8,i have taken the measure of the two women that died last night1 ,mr4 ,bumble1' said the undertaker4 #8,you'll make your fortune1 ,mr4 ,sowerberry1' said the beadle1 as he thrust his thumb and forefinger into the proffered snuff-box of the undertaker3 which was an ingenious little model of a patent coffin4 #8,i say you'll make your fortune1 ,mr4 ,sowerberry1' repeated ,mr4 ,bumble1 tapping the undertaker on the shoulder1 in a friendly manner1 with his cane4 #8,think so8' said the undertaker in a tone which half admitted and half disputed the probability of the event4 #8,the prices allowed by the board are very small1 ,mr4 ,bumble4' #8,so are the coffins1' replied the beadle3 with precisely as near an approach to a laugh as a great official ought to indulge in4 ,mr4 ,sowerberry was much tickled at this3 as of course he ought to be2 and laughed a long time without cessation4 #8,well1 well1 ,mr4 ,bumble1' he said at length1 #8there's no denying that1 since the new system of feeding has come in1 the coffins are something narrower and more shallow than they used to be2 but we must have some profit1 ,mr4 ,bumble4 ,well-seasoned timber is an expensive article1 sir2 and all the iron handles come1 by canal1 from ,birmingham4' #8,well1 well1' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 #8every trade has its drawbacks4 ,a fair profit is1 of course1 allowable4' #8,of course1 of course1' replied the undertaker2 #8and if ,i don't get a profit upon this or that particular article1 why1 ,i make it up in the long-run1 you see--he6 he6 he6' #8,just so1' said ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,though ,i must say1' continued the undertaker1 resuming the current of observations which the beadle had interrupted3 #8though ,i must say1 ,mr4 ,bumble1 that ,i have to contend against one very great disadvantage3 which is1 that all the stout people go off the quickest4 ,the people who have been better off1 and have paid rates for many years1 are the first to sink when they come into the house2 and let me tell you1 ,mr4 ,bumble1 that three or four inches over one's calculation makes a great hole in one's profits3 especially when one has a family to provide for1 sir4' ,as ,mr4 ,sowerberry said this1 with the becoming indignation of an ill-used man2 and as ,mr4 ,bumble felt that it rather tended to convey a reflection on the honour of the parish2 the latter gentleman thought it advisable to change the subject4 ,oliver ,twist being uppermost in his mind1 he made him his theme4 #8,by the bye1' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 #8you don't know anybody who wants a boy1 do you8 ,a porochial #8prentis1 who is at present a dead-weight2 a millstone1 as ,i may say1 round the porochial throat8 ,liberal terms1 ,mr4 ,sowerberry1 liberal terms8' ,as ,mr4 ,bumble spoke1 he raised his cane to the bill above him1 and gave three distinct raps upon the words #8five pounds'3 which were printed thereon in ,roman capitals of gigantic size4 #8,gadso6' said the undertaker3 taking ,mr4 ,bumble by the gilt-edged lappel of his official coat2 #8that's just the very thing ,i wanted to speak to you about4 ,you know--dear me1 what a very elegant button this is1 ,mr4 ,bumble6 ,i never noticed it before4' #8,yes1 ,i think it rather pretty1' said the beadle1 glancing proudly downwards at the large brass buttons which embellished his coat4 #8,the die is the same as the porochial seal--the ,good ,samaritan healing the sick and bruised man4 ,the board presented it to me on ,newyear's morning1 ,mr4 ,sowerberry4 ,i put it on1 ,i remember1 for the first time1 to attend the inquest on that reduced tradesman1 who died in a doorway at midnight4' #8,i recollect1' said the undertaker4 #8,the jury brought it in1 8,died from exposure to the cold1 and want of the common necessaries of life10 didn't they8' ,mr4 ,bumble nodded4 #8,and they made it a special verdict1 ,i think1' said the undertaker1 #8by adding some words to the effect1 that if the relieving officer had--' #8,tush6 ,foolery6' interposed the beadle4 #8,if the board attended to all the nonsense that ignorant jurymen talk1 they'd have enough to do4' #8,very true1' said the undertaker2 #8they would indeed4' #8,juries1' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 grasping his cane tightly1 as was his wont when working into a passion3 #8juries is ineddicated1 vulgar1 grovelling wretches4' #8,so they are1' said the undertaker4 #8,they haven't no more philosophy nor political economy about #8em than that1' said the beadle1 snapping his fingers contemptuously4 #8,no more they have1' acquiesced the undertaker4 #8,i despise #8em1' said the beadle1 growing very red in the face4 #8,so do ,i1' rejoined the undertaker4 #8,and ,i only wish we'd a jury of the independent sort1 in the house for a week or two1' said the beadle2 #8the rules and regulations of the board would soon bring their spirit down for #8em4' #8,let #8em alone for that1' replied the undertaker4 ,so saying1 he smiled1 approvingly3 to calm the rising wrath of the indignant parish officer4 ,mr ,bumble lifted off his cocked hat2 took a handkerchief from the inside of the crown2 wiped from his forehead the perspiration which his rage had engendered2 fixed the cocked hat on again2 and1 turning to the undertaker1 said in a calmer voice3 #8,well2 what about the boy8' #8,oh6' replied the undertaker2 #8why1 you know1 ,mr4 ,bumble1 ,i pay a good deal towards the poor's rates4' #8,hem6' said ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,well8' #8,well1' replied the undertaker1 #8,i was thinking that if ,i pay so much towards #8em1 ,i've a right to get as much out of #8em as ,i can1 ,mr4 ,bumble2 and so--,i think ,i'll take the boy myself4' ,mr4 ,bumble grasped the undertaker by the arm1 and led him into the building4 ,mr4 ,sowerberry was closeted with the board for five minutes2 and it was arranged that ,oliver should go to him that evening #8upon liking'--a phrase which means1 in the case of a parish apprentice1 that if the master find1 upon a short trial1 that he can get enough work out of a boy without putting too much food into him1 he shall have him for a term of years1 to do what he likes with4 ,when little ,oliver was taken before #8the gentlemen' that evening2 and informed that he was to go1 that night1 as general house-lad to a coffin-maker's2 and that if he complained of his situation1 or ever came back to the parish again1 he would be sent to sea1 there to be drowned1 or knocked on the head1 as the case might be1 he evinced so little emotion1 that they by common consent pronounced him a hardened young rascal1 and ordered ,mr4 ,bumble to remove him forthwith4 ,now1 although it was very natural that the board1 of all people in the world1 should feel in a great state of virtuous astonishment and horror at the smallest tokens of want of feeling on the part of anybody1 they were rather out1 in this particular instance4 ,the simple fact was1 that ,oliver1 instead of possessing too little feeling1 possessed rather too much2 and was in a fair way of being reduced1 for life1 to a state of brutal stupidity and sullenness by the ill usage he had received4 ,he heard the news of his destination1 in perfect silence2 and1 having had his luggage put into his hand--which was not very difficult to carry1 inasmuch as it was all comprised within the limits of a brown paper parcel1 about half a foot square by three inches deep--he pulled his cap over his eyes2 and once more attaching himself to ,mr4 ,bumble's coat cuff1 was led away by that dignitary to a new scene of suffering4 ,for some time1 ,mr4 ,bumble drew ,oliver along1 without notice or remark2 for the beadle carried his head very erect1 as a beadle always should3 and1 it being a windy day1 little ,oliver was completely enshrouded by the skirts of ,mr4 ,bumble's coat as they blew open1 and disclosed to great advantage his flapped waistcoat and drab plush knee-breeches4 ,as they drew near to their destination1 however1 ,mr4 ,bumble thought it expedient to look down1 and see that the boy was in good order for inspection by his new master3 which he accordingly did1 with a fit and becoming air of gracious patronage4 #8,oliver6' said ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,yes1 sir1' replied ,oliver1 in a low1 tremulous voice4 #8,pull that cap off your eyes1 and hold up your head1 sir4' ,although ,oliver did as he was desired1 at once2 and passed the back of his unoccupied hand briskly across his eyes1 he left a tear in them when he looked up at his conductor4 ,as ,mr4 ,bumble gazed sternly upon him1 it rolled down his cheek4 ,it was followed by another1 and another4 ,the child made a strong effort1 but it was an unsuccessful one4 ,withdrawing his other hand from ,mr4 ,bumble's he covered his face with both2 and wept until the tears sprung out from between his chin and bony fingers4 #8,well6' exclaimed ,mr4 ,bumble1 stopping short1 and darting at his little charge a look of intense malignity4 #8,well6 ,of all the ungratefullest1 and worst-disposed boys as ever ,i see1 ,oliver1 you are the--' #8,no1 no1 sir1' sobbed ,oliver1 clinging to the hand which held the well-known cane2 #8no1 no1 sir2 ,i will be good indeed2 indeed1 indeed ,i will1 sir6 ,i am a very little boy1 sir2 and it is so--so--' #8,so what8' inquired ,mr4 ,bumble in amazement4 #8,so lonely1 sir6 ,so very lonely6' cried the child4 #8,everybody hates me4 ,oh6 sir1 don't1 don't pray be cross to me6' ,the child beat his hand upon his heart2 and looked in his companion's face1 with tears of real agony4 ,mr4 ,bumble regarded ,oliver's piteous and helpless look1 with some astonishment1 for a few seconds2 hemmed three or four times in a husky manner2 and after muttering something about #8that troublesome cough1' bade ,oliver dry his eyes and be a good boy4 ,then once more taking his hand1 he walked on with him in silence4 ,the undertaker1 who had just put up the shutters of his shop1 was making some entries in his day-book by the light of a most appropriate dismal candle1 when ,mr4 ,bumble entered4 #8,aha6' said the undertaker2 looking up from the book1 and pausing in the middle of a word2 #8is that you1 ,bumble8' #8,no one else1 ,mr4 ,sowerberry1' replied the beadle4 #8,here6 ,i've brought the boy4' ,oliver made a bow4 #8,oh6 that's the boy1 is it8' said the undertaker3 raising the candle above his head1 to get a better view of ,oliver4 #8,mrs4 ,sowerberry1 will you have the goodness to come here a moment1 my dear8' ,mrs4 ,sowerberry emerged from a little room behind the shop1 and presented the form of a short1 then1 squeezed-up woman1 with a vixenish countenance4 #8,my dear1' said ,mr4 ,sowerberry1 deferentially1 #8this is the boy from the workhouse that ,i told you of4' ,oliver bowed again4 #8,dear me6' said the undertaker's wife1 #8he's very small4' #8,why1 he is rather small1' replied ,mr4 ,bumble3 looking at ,oliver as if it were his fault that he was no bigger2 #8he is small4 ,there's no denying it4 ,but he'll grow1 ,mrs4 ,sowerberry--he'll grow4' #8,ah6 ,i dare say he will1' replied the lady pettishly1 #8on our victuals and our drink4 ,i see no saving in parish children1 not ,i2 for they always cost more to keep1 than they're worth4 ,however1 men always think they know best4 ,there6 ,get downstairs1 little bag o' bones4' ,with this1 the undertaker's wife opened a side door1 and pushed ,oliver down a steep flight of stairs into a stone cell1 damp and dark3 forming the ante-room to the coal-cellar1 and denominated #8kitchen'2 wherein sat a slatternly girl1 in shoes down at heel1 and blue worsted stockings very much out of repair4 #8,here1 ,charlotte1' said ,mr4 ,sowerberry1 who had followed ,oliver down1 #8give this boy some of the cold bits that were put by for ,trip4 ,he hasn't come home since the morning1 so he may go without #8em4 ,i dare say the boy isn't too dainty to eat #8em--are you1 boy8' ,oliver1 whose eyes had glistened at the mention of meat1 and who was trembling with eagerness to devour it1 replied in the negative2 and a plateful of coarse broken victuals was set before him4 ,i wish some well-fed philosopher1 whose meat and drink turn to gall within him2 whose blood is ice1 whose heart is iron2 could have seen ,oliver ,twist clutching at the dainty viands that the dog had neglected4 ,i wish he could have witnessed the horrible avidity with which ,oliver tore the bits asunder with all the ferocity of famine4 ,there is only one thing ,i should like better2 and that would be to see the ,philosopher making the same sort of meal himself1 with the same relish4 #8,well1' said the undertaker's wife1 when ,oliver had finished his supper3 which she had regarded in silent horror1 and with fearful auguries of his future appetite3 #8have you done8' ,there being nothing eatable within his reach1 ,oliver replied in the affirmative4 #8,then come with me1' said ,mrs4 ,sowerberry3 taking up a dim and dirty lamp1 and leading the way upstairs2 #8your bed's under the counter4 ,you don't mind sleeping among the coffins1 ,i suppose8 ,but it doesn't much matter whether you do or don't1 for you can't sleep anywhere else4 ,come2 don't keep me here all night6' ,oliver lingered no longer1 but meekly followed his new mistress4 ,,chapter ,v -- ,,oliver ,,mingles ,,with ,,new ,,associates4 ,,going ,,to ,a ,,funeral ,,for ,,the ,,first ,,time1 ,,he ,,forms ,,an ,,unfavourable ,,notion ,,of ,,his ,,master',s ,,business ,oliver1 being left to himself in the undertaker's shop1 set the lamp down on a workman's bench1 and gazed timidly about him with a feeling of awe and dread1 which many people a good deal older than he will be at no loss to understand4 ,an unfinished coffin on black tressels1 which stood in the middle of the shop1 looked so gloomy and death-like that a cold tremble came over him1 every time his eyes wandered in the direction of the dismal object3 from which he almost expected to see some frightful form slowly rear its head1 to drive him mad with terror4 ,against the wall were ranged1 in regular array1 a long row of elm boards cut in the same shape3 looking in the dim light1 like high-shouldered ghosts with their hands in their breeches pockets4 ,coffin-plates1 elm-chips1 bright-headed nails1 and shreds of black cloth1 lay scattered on the floor2 and the wall behind the counter was ornamented with a lively representation of two mutes in very stiff neckcloths1 on duty at a large private door1 with a hearse drawn by four black steeds1 approaching in the distance4 ,the shop was close and hot4 ,the atmosphere seemed tainted with the smell of coffins4 ,the recess beneath the counter in which his flock mattress was thrust1 looked like a grave4 ,nor were these the only dismal feelings which depressed ,oliver4 ,he was alone in a strange place2 and we all know how chilled and desolate the best of us will sometimes feel in such a situation4 ,the boy had no friends to care for1 or to care for him4 ,the regret of no recent separation was fresh in his mind2 the absence of no loved and well-remembered face sank heavily into his heart4 ,but his heart was heavy1 notwithstanding2 and he wished1 as he crept into his narrow bed1 that that were his coffin1 and that he could be lain in a calm and lasting sleep in the churchyard ground1 with the tall grass waving gently above his head1 and the sound of the old deep bell to soothe him in his sleep4 ,oliver was awakened in the morning1 by a loud kicking at the outside of the shop-door3 which1 before he could huddle on his clothes1 was repeated1 in an angry and impetuous manner1 about twenty-five times4 ,when he began to undo the chain1 the legs desisted1 and a voice began4 #8,open the door1 will yer8' cried the voice which belonged to the legs which had kicked at the door4 #8,i will1 directly1 sir1' replied ,oliver3 undoing the chain1 and turning the key4 #8,i suppose yer the new boy1 ain't yer8' said the voice through the key-hole4 #8,yes1 sir1' replied ,oliver4 #8,how old are yer8' inquired the voice4 #8,ten1 sir1' replied ,oliver4 #8,then ,i'll whop yer when ,i get in1' said the voice2 #8you just see if ,i don't1 that's all1 my work'us brat6' and having made this obliging promise1 the voice began to whistle4 ,oliver had been too often subjected to the process to which the very expressive monosyllable just recorded bears reference1 to entertain the smallest doubt that the owner of the voice1 whoever he might be1 would redeem his pledge1 most honourably4 ,he drew back the bolts with a trembling hand1 and opened the door4 ,for a second or two1 ,oliver glanced up the street1 and down the street1 and over the way3 impressed with the belief that the unknown1 who had addressed him through the key-hole1 had walked a few paces off1 to warm himself2 for nobody did he see but a big charity-boy1 sitting on a post in front of the house1 eating a slice of bread and butter3 which he cut into wedges1 the size of his mouth1 with a clasp-knife1 and then consumed with great dexterity4 #8,i beg your pardon1 sir1' said ,oliver at length3 seeing that no other visitor made his appearance2 #8did you knock8' #8,i kicked1' replied the charity-boy4 #8,did you want a coffin1 sir8' inquired ,oliver1 innocently4 ,at this1 the charity-boy looked monstrous fierce2 and said that ,oliver would want one before long1 if he cut jokes with his superiors in that way4 #8,yer don't know who ,i am1 ,i suppose1 ,work'us8' said the charity-boy1 in continuation3 descending from the top of the post1 meanwhile1 with edifying gravity4 #8,no1 sir1' rejoined ,oliver4 #8,i'm ,mister ,noah ,claypole1' said the charity-boy1 #8and you're under me4 ,take down the shutters1 yer idle young ruffian6' ,with this1 ,mr4 ,claypole administered a kick to ,oliver1 and entered the shop with a dignified air1 which did him great credit4 ,it is difficult for a large-headed1 small-eyed youth1 of lumbering make and heavy countenance1 to look dignified under any circumstances2 but it is more especially so1 when superadded to these personal attractions are a red nose and yellow smalls4 ,oliver1 having taken down the shutters1 and broken a pane of glass in his effort to stagger away beneath the weight of the first one to a small court at the side of the house in which they were kept during the day1 was graciously assisted by ,noah3 who having consoled him with the assurance that #8he'd catch it1' condescended to help him4 ,mr4 ,sowerberry came down soon after4 ,shortly afterwards1 ,mrs4 ,sowerberry appeared4 ,oliver having #8caught it1' in fulfilment of ,noah's prediction1 followed that young gentleman down the stairs to breakfast4 #8,come near the fire1 ,noah1' said ,charlotte4 #8,i saved a nice little bit of bacon for you from master's breakfast4 ,oliver1 shut that door at ,mister ,noah's back1 and take them bits that ,i've put out on the cover of the bread-pan4 ,there's your tea2 take it away to that box1 and drink it there1 and make haste1 for they'll want you to mind the shop4 ,d'ye hear8' #8,d'ye hear1 ,work'us8' said ,noah ,claypole4 #8,lor1 ,noah6' said ,charlotte1 #8what a rum creature you are6 ,why don't you let the boy alone8' #8,let him alone6' said ,noah4 #8,why everybody lets him alone enough1 for the matter of that4 ,neither his father nor his mother will ever interfere with him4 ,all his relations let him have his own way pretty well4 ,eh1 ,charlotte8 ,he6 he6 he6' #8,oh1 you queer soul6' said ,charlotte1 bursting into a hearty laugh1 in which she was joined by ,noah2 after which they both looked scornfully at poor ,oliver ,twist1 as he sat shivering on the box in the coldest corner of the room1 and ate the stale pieces which had been specially reserved for him4 ,noah was a charity-boy1 but not a workhouse orphan4 ,no chance-child was he1 for he could trace his genealogy all the way back to his parents1 who lived hard by2 his mother being a washerwoman1 and his father a drunken soldier1 discharged with a wooden leg1 and a diurnal pension of twopence-halfpenny and an unstateable fraction4 ,the shop-boys in the neighbourhood had long been in the habit of branding ,noah in the public streets1 with the ignominious epithets of #8leathers1' #8charity1' and the like2 and ,noah had bourne them without reply4 ,but1 now that fortune had cast in his way a nameless orphan1 at whom even the meanest could point the finger of scorn1 he retorted on him with interest4 ,this affords charming food for contemplation4 ,it shows us what a beautiful thing human nature may be made to be2 and how impartially the same amiable qualities are developed in the finest lord and the dirtiest charity-boy4 ,oliver had been sojourning at the undertaker's some three weeks or a month4 ,mr4 and ,mrs4 ,sowerberry--the shop being shut up--were taking their supper in the little back-parlour1 when ,mr4 ,sowerberry1 after several deferential glances at his wife1 said1 #8,my dear--' ,he was going to say more2 but1 ,mrs4 ,sowerberry looking up1 with a peculiarly unpropitious aspect1 he stopped short4 #8,well1' said ,mrs4 ,sowerberry1 sharply4 #8,nothing1 my dear1 nothing1' said ,mr4 ,sowerberry4 #8,ugh1 you brute6' said ,mrs4 ,sowerberry4 #8,not at all1 my dear1' said ,mr4 ,sowerberry humbly4 #8,i thought you didn't want to hear1 my dear4 ,i was only going to say--' #8,oh1 don't tell me what you were going to say1' interposed ,mrs4 ,sowerberry4 #8,i am nobody2 don't consult me1 pray4 ,i don't want to intrude upon your secrets4' ,as ,mrs4 ,sowerberry said this1 she gave an hysterical laugh1 which threatened violent consequences4 #8,but1 my dear1' said ,sowerberry1 #8,i want to ask your advice4' #8,no1 no1 don't ask mine1' replied ,mrs4 ,sowerberry1 in an affecting manner3 #8ask somebody else's4' ,here1 there was another hysterical laugh1 which frightened ,mr4 ,sowerberry very much4 ,this is a very common and much-approved matrimonial course of treatment1 which is often very effective4 ,it at once reduced ,mr4 ,sowerberry to begging1 as a special favour1 to be allowed to say what ,mrs4 ,sowerberry was most curious to hear4 ,after a short duration1 the permission was most graciously conceded4 #8,it's only about young ,twist1 my dear1' said ,mr4 ,sowerberry4 #8,a very good-looking boy1 that1 my dear4' #8,he need be1 for he eats enough1' observed the lady4 #8,there's an expression of melancholy in his face1 my dear1' resumed ,mr4 ,sowerberry1 #8which is very interesting4 ,he would make a delightful mute1 my love4' ,mrs4 ,sowerberry looked up with an expression of considerable wonderment4 ,mr4 ,sowerberry remarked it and1 without allowing time for any observation on the good lady's part1 proceeded4 #8,i don't mean a regular mute to attend grown-up people1 my dear1 but only for children's practice4 ,it would be very new to have a mute in proportion1 my dear4 ,you may depend upon it1 it would have a superb effect4' ,mrs4 ,sowerberry1 who had a good deal of taste in the undertaking way1 was much struck by the novelty of this idea2 but1 as it would have been compromising her dignity to have said so1 under existing circumstances1 she merely inquired1 with much sharpness1 why such an obvious suggestion had not presented itself to her husband's mind before8 ,mr4 ,sowerberry rightly construed this1 as an acquiescence in his proposition2 it was speedily determined1 therefore1 that ,oliver should be at once initiated into the mysteries of the trade2 and1 with this view1 that he should accompany his master on the very next occasion of his services being required4 ,the occasion was not long in coming4 ,half an hour after breakfast next morning1 ,mr4 ,bumble entered the shop2 and supporting his cane against the counter1 drew forth his large leathern pocket-book3 from which he selected a small scrap of paper1 which he handed over to ,sowerberry4 #8,aha6' said the undertaker1 glancing over it with a lively countenance2 #8an order for a coffin1 eh8' #8,for a coffin first1 and a porochial funeral afterwards1' replied ,mr4 ,bumble1 fastening the strap of the leathern pocket-book3 which1 like himself1 was very corpulent4 #8,bayton1' said the undertaker1 looking from the scrap of paper to ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,i never heard the name before4' ,bumble shook his head1 as he replied1 #8,obstinate people1 ,mr4 ,sowerberry2 very obstinate4 ,proud1 too1 ,i'm afraid1 sir4' #8,proud1 eh8' exclaimed ,mr4 ,sowerberry with a sneer4 #8,come1 that's too much4' #8,oh1 it's sickening1' replied the beadle4 #8,antimonial1 ,mr4 ,sowerberry6' #8,so it is1' acquiesced the undertaker4 #8,we only heard of the family the night before last1' said the beadle2 #8and we shouldn't have known anything about them1 then1 only a woman who lodges in the same house made an application to the porochial committee for them to send the porochial surgeon to see a woman as was very bad4 ,he had gone out to dinner2 but his #8prentice 7which is a very clever lad7 sent #8em some medicine in a blacking-bottle1 offhand4' #8,ah1 there's promptness1' said the undertaker4 #8,promptness1 indeed6' replied the beadle4 #8,but what's the consequence2 what's the ungrateful behaviour of these rebels1 sir8 ,why1 the husband sends back word that the medicine won't suit his wife's complaint1 and so she shan't take it--says she shan't take it1 sir6 ,good1 strong1 wholesome medicine1 as was given with great success to two ,irish labourers and a coal-heaver1 only a week before--sent #8em for nothing1 with a blackin'-bottle in1--and he sends back word that she shan't take it1 sir6' ,as the atrocity presented itself to ,mr4 ,bumble's mind in full force1 he struck the counter sharply with his cane1 and became flushed with indignation4 #8,well1' said the undertaker1 #8,i ne--ver--did--' #8,never did1 sir6' ejaculated the beadle4 #8,no1 nor nobody never did2 but now she's dead1 we've got to bury her2 and that's the direction2 and the sooner it's done1 the better4' ,thus saying1 ,mr4 ,bumble put on his cocked hat wrong side first1 in a fever of parochial excitement2 and flounced out of the shop4 #8,why1 he was so angry1 ,oliver1 that he forgot even to ask after you6' said ,mr4 ,sowerberry1 looking after the beadle as he strode down the street4 #8,yes1 sir1' replied ,oliver1 who had carefully kept himself out of sight1 during the interview2 and who was shaking from head to foot at the mere recollection of the sound of ,mr4 ,bumble's voice4 ,he needn't haven taken the trouble to shrink from ,mr4 ,bumble's glance1 however2 for that functionary1 on whom the prediction of the gentleman in the white waistcoat had made a very strong impression1 thought that now the undertaker had got ,oliver upon trial the subject was better avoided1 until such time as he should be firmly bound for seven years1 and all danger of his being returned upon the hands of the parish should be thus effectually and legally overcome4 #8,well1' said ,mr4 ,sowerberry1 taking up his hat1 #8the sooner this job is done1 the better4 ,noah1 look after the shop4 ,oliver1 put on your cap1 and come with me4' ,oliver obeyed1 and followed his master on his professional mission4 ,they walked on1 for some time1 through the most crowded and densely inhabited part of the town2 and then1 striking down a narrow street more dirty and miserable than any they had yet passed through1 paused to look for the house which was the object of their search4 ,the houses on either side were high and large1 but very old1 and tenanted by people of the poorest class3 as their neglected appearance would have sufficiently denoted1 without the concurrent testimony afforded by the squalid looks of the few men and women who1 with folded arms and bodies half doubled1 occasionally skulked along4 ,a great many of the tenements had shop-fronts2 but these were fast closed1 and mouldering away2 only the upper rooms being inhabited4 ,some houses which had become insecure from age and decay1 were prevented from falling into the street1 by huge beams of wood reared against the walls1 and firmly planted in the road2 but even these crazy dens seemed to have been selected as the nightly haunts of some houseless wretches1 for many of the rough boards which supplied the place of door and window1 were wrenched from their positions1 to afford an aperture wide enough for the passage of a human body4 ,the kennel was stagnant and filthy4 ,the very rats1 which here and there lay putrefying in its rottenness1 were hideous with famine4 ,there was neither knocker nor bell-handle at the open door where ,oliver and his master stopped2 so1 groping his way cautiously through the dark passage1 and bidding ,oliver keep close to him and not be afraid the undertaker mounted to the top of the first flight of stairs4 ,stumbling against a door on the landing1 he rapped at it with his knuckles4 ,it was opened by a young girl of thirteen or fourteen4 ,the undertaker at once saw enough of what the room contained1 to know it was the apartment to which he had been directed4 ,he stepped in2 ,oliver followed him4 ,there was no fire in the room2 but a man was crouching1 mechanically1 over the empty stove4 ,an old woman1 too1 had drawn a low stool to the cold hearth1 and was sitting beside him4 ,there were some ragged children in another corner2 and in a small recess1 opposite the door1 there lay upon the ground1 something covered with an old blanket4 ,oliver shuddered as he cast his eyes toward the place1 and crept involuntarily closer to his master2 for though it was covered up1 the boy felt that it was a corpse4 ,the man's face was thin and very pale2 his hair and beard were grizzly2 his eyes were bloodshot4 ,the old woman's face was wrinkled2 her two remaining teeth protruded over her under lip2 and her eyes were bright and piercing4 ,oliver was afraid to look at either her or the man4 ,they seemed so like the rats he had seen outside4 #8,nobody shall go near her1' said the man1 starting fiercely up1 as the undertaker approached the recess4 #8,keep back6 ,damn you1 keep back1 if you've a life to lose6' #8,nonsense1 my good man1' said the undertaker1 who was pretty well used to misery in all its shapes4 #8,nonsense6' #8,i tell you1' said the man3 clenching his hands1 and stamping furiously on the floor1--#8,i tell you ,i won't have her put into the ground4 ,she couldn't rest there4 ,the worms would worry her--not eat her--she is so worn away4' ,the undertaker offered no reply to this raving2 but producing a tape from his pocket1 knelt down for a moment by the side of the body4 #8,ah6' said the man3 bursting into tears1 and sinking on his knees at the feet of the dead woman2 #8kneel down1 kneel down--kneel round her1 every one of you1 and mark my words6 ,i say she was starved to death4 ,i never knew how bad she was1 till the fever came upon her2 and then her bones were starting through the skin4 ,there was neither fire nor candle2 she died in the dark--in the dark6 ,she couldn't even see her children's faces1 though we heard her gasping out their names4 ,i begged for her in the streets3 and they sent me to prison4 ,when ,i came back1 she was dying2 and all the blood in my heart has dried up1 for they starved her to death4 ,i swear it before the ,god that saw it6 ,they starved her6' ,he twined his hands in his hair2 and1 with a loud scream1 rolled grovelling upon the floor3 his eyes fixed1 and the foam covering his lips4 ,the terrified children cried bitterly2 but the old woman1 who had hitherto remained as quiet as if she had been wholly deaf to all that passed1 menaced them into silence4 ,having unloosened the cravat of the man who still remained extended on the ground1 she tottered towards the undertaker4 #8,she was my daughter1' said the old woman1 nodding her head in the direction of the corpse2 and speaking with an idiotic leer1 more ghastly than even the presence of death in such a place4 #8,lord1 ,lord6 ,well1 it is strange that ,i who gave birth to her1 and was a woman then1 should be alive and merry now1 and she lying there3 so cold and stiff6 ,lord1 ,lord6--to think of it2 it's as good as a play--as good as a play6' ,as the wretched creature mumbled and chuckled in her hideous merriment1 the undertaker turned to go away4 #8,stop1 stop6' said the old woman in a loud whisper4 #8,will she be buried to-morrow1 or next day1 or to-night8 ,i laid her out2 and ,i must walk1 you know4 ,send me a large cloak3 a good warm one3 for it is bitter cold4 ,we should have cake and wine1 too1 before we go6 ,never mind2 send some bread--only a loaf of bread and a cup of water4 ,shall we have some bread1 dear8' she said eagerly3 catching at the undertaker's coat1 as he once more moved towards the door4 #8,yes1 yes1' said the undertaker1 #8of course4 ,anything you like6' ,he disengaged himself from the old woman's grasp2 and1 drawing ,oliver after him1 hurried away4 ,the next day1 7the family having been meanwhile relieved with a half-quartern loaf and a piece of cheese1 left with them by ,mr4 ,bumble himself17 ,oliver and his master returned to the miserable abode2 where ,mr4 ,bumble had already arrived1 accompanied by four men from the workhouse1 who were to act as bearers4 ,an old black cloak had been thrown over the rags of the old woman and the man2 and the bare coffin having been screwed down1 was hoisted on the shoulders of the bearers1 and carried into the street4 #8,now1 you must put your best leg foremost1 old lady6' whispered ,sowerberry in the old woman's ear2 #8we are rather late2 and it won't do1 to keep the clergyman waiting4 ,move on1 my men1--as quick as you like6' ,thus directed1 the bearers trotted on under their light burden2 and the two mourners kept as near them1 as they could4 ,mr4 ,bumble and ,sowerberry walked at a good smart pace in front2 and ,oliver1 whose legs were not so long as his master's1 ran by the side4 ,there was not so great a necessity for hurrying as ,mr4 ,sowerberry had anticipated1 however2 for when they reached the obscure corner of the churchyard in which the nettles grew1 and where the parish graves were made1 the clergyman had not arrived2 and the clerk1 who was sitting by the vestry-room fire1 seemed to think it by no means improbable that it might be an hour or so1 before he came4 ,so1 they put the bier on the brink of the grave2 and the two mourners waited patiently in the damp clay1 with a cold rain drizzling down1 while the ragged boys whom the spectacle had attracted into the churchyard played a noisy game at hide-and-seek among the tombstones1 or varied their amusements by jumping backwards and forwards over the coffin4 ,mr4 ,sowerberry and ,bumble1 being personal friends of the clerk1 sat by the fire with him1 and read the paper4 ,at length1 after a lapse of something more than an hour1 ,mr4 ,bumble1 and ,sowerberry1 and the clerk1 were seen running towards the grave4 ,immediately afterwards1 the clergyman appeared3 putting on his surplice as he came along4 ,mr4 ,bumble then thrashed a boy or two1 to keep up appearances2 and the reverend gentleman1 having read as much of the burial service as could be compressed into four minutes1 gave his surplice to the clerk1 and walked away again4 #8,now1 ,bill6' said ,sowerberry to the grave-digger4 #8,fill up6' ,it was no very difficult task1 for the grave was so full1 that the uppermost coffin was within a few feet of the surface4 ,the grave-digger shovelled in the earth2 stamped it loosely down with his feet3 shouldered his spade2 and walked off1 followed by the boys1 who murmured very loud complaints at the fun being over so soon4 #8,come1 my good fellow6' said ,bumble1 tapping the man on the back4 #8,they want to shut up the yard4' ,the man who had never once moved1 since he had taken his station by the grave side1 started1 raised his head1 stared at the person who had addressed him1 walked forward for a few paces2 and fell down in a swoon4 ,the crazy old woman was too much occupied in bewailing the loss of her cloak 7which the undertaker had taken off71 to pay him any attention2 so they threw a can of cold water over him2 and when he came to1 saw him safely out of the churchyard1 locked the gate1 and departed on their different ways4 #8,well1 ,oliver1' said ,sowerberry1 as they walked home1 #8how do you like it8' #8,pretty well1 thank you1 sir' replied ,oliver1 with considerable hesitation4 #8,not very much1 sir4' #8,ah1 you'll get used to it in time1 ,oliver1' said ,sowerberry4 #8,nothing when you are used to it1 my boy4' ,oliver wondered1 in his own mind1 whether it had taken a very long time to get ,mr4 ,sowerberry used to it4 ,but he thought it better not to ask the question2 and walked back to the shop3 thinking over all he had seen and heard4 ,,chapter ,,vi -- ,,oliver1 ,,being ,,goaded ,,by ,,the ,,taunts ,,of ,,noah1 ,,rouses ,,into ,,action1 ,,and ,,rather ,,astonishes ,,him ,the month's trial over1 ,oliver was formally apprenticed4 ,it was a nice sickly season just at this time4 ,in commercial phrase1 coffins were looking up2 and1 in the course of a few weeks1 ,oliver acquired a great deal of experience4 ,the success of ,mr4 ,sowerberry's ingenious speculation1 exceeded even his most sanguine hopes4 ,the oldest inhabitants recollected no period at which measles had been so prevalent1 or so fatal to infant existence2 and many were the mournful processions which little ,oliver headed1 in a hat-band reaching down to his knees1 to the indescribable admiration and emotion of all the mothers in the town4 ,as ,oliver accompanied his master in most of his adult expeditions too1 in order that he might acquire that equanimity of demeanour and full command of nerve which was essential to a finished undertaker1 he had many opportunities of observing the beautiful resignation and fortitude with which some strong-minded people bear their trials and losses4 ,for instance2 when ,sowerberry had an order for the burial of some rich old lady or gentleman1 who was surrounded by a great number of nephews and nieces1 who had been perfectly inconsolable during the previous illness1 and whose grief had been wholly irrepressible even on the most public occasions1 they would be as happy among themselves as need be--quite cheerful and contented--conversing together with as much freedom and gaiety1 as if nothing whatever had happened to disturb them4 ,husbands1 too1 bore the loss of their wives with the most heroic calmness4 ,wives1 again1 put on weeds for their husbands1 as if1 so far from grieving in the garb of sorrow1 they had made up their minds to render it as becoming and attractive as possible4 ,it was observable1 too1 that ladies and gentlemen who were in passions of anguish during the ceremony of interment1 recovered almost as soon as they reached home1 and became quite composed before the tea-drinking was over4 ,all this was very pleasant and improving to see2 and ,oliver beheld it with great admiration4 ,that ,oliver ,twist was moved to resignation by the example of these good people1 ,i cannot1 although ,i am his biographer1 undertake to affirm with any degree of confidence2 but ,i can most distinctly say1 that for many months he continued meekly to submit to the domination and ill-treatment of ,noah ,claypole3 who used him far worse than before1 now that his jealousy was roused by seeing the new boy promoted to the black stick and hatband1 while he1 the old one1 remained stationary in the muffin-cap and leathers4 ,charlotte treated him ill1 because ,noah did2 and ,mrs4 ,sowerberry was his decided enemy1 because ,mr4 ,sowerberry was disposed to be his friend2 so1 between these three on one side1 and a glut of funerals on the other1 ,oliver was not altogether as comfortable as the hungry pig was1 when he was shut up1 by mistake1 in the grain department of a brewery4 ,and now1 ,i come to a very important passage in ,oliver's history2 for ,i have to record an act1 slight and unimportant perhaps in appearance1 but which indirectly produced a material change in all his future prospects and proceedings4 ,one day1 ,oliver and ,noah had descended into the kitchen at the usual dinner-hour1 to banquet upon a small joint of mutton--a pound and a half of the worst end of the neck--when ,charlotte being called out of the way1 there ensued a brief interval of time1 which ,noah ,claypole1 being hungry and vicious1 considered he could not possibly devote to a worthier purpose than aggravating and tantalising young ,oliver ,twist4 ,intent upon this innocent amusement1 ,noah put his feet on the table-cloth2 and pulled ,oliver's hair2 and twitched his ears2 and expressed his opinion that he was a #8sneak'2 and furthermore announced his intention of coming to see him hanged1 whenever that desirable event should take place2 and entered upon various topics of petty annoyance1 like a malicious and ill-conditioned charity-boy as he was4 ,but1 making ,oliver cry1 ,noah attempted to be more facetious still2 and in his attempt1 did what many sometimes do to this day1 when they want to be funny4 ,he got rather personal4 #8,work'us1' said ,noah1 #8how's your mother8' #8,she's dead1' replied ,oliver2 #8don't you say anything about her to me6' ,oliver's colour rose as he said this2 he breathed quickly2 and there was a curious working of the mouth and nostrils1 which ,mr4 ,claypole thought must be the immediate precursor of a violent fit of crying4 ,under this impression he returned to the charge4 #8,what did she die of1 ,work'us8' said ,noah4 #8,of a broken heart1 some of our old nurses told me1' replied ,oliver3 more as if he were talking to himself1 than answering ,noah4 #8,i think ,i know what it must be to die of that6' #8,tol de rol lol lol1 right fol lairy1 ,work'us1' said ,noah1 as a tear rolled down ,oliver's cheek4 #8,what's set you a snivelling now8' #8,not you1' replied ,oliver1 sharply4 #8,there2 that's enough4 ,don't say anything more to me about her2 you'd better not6' #8,better not6' exclaimed ,noah4 #8,well6 ,better not6 ,work'us1 don't be impudent4 ,your mother1 too6 ,she was a nice #8un she was4 ,oh1 ,lor6' ,and here1 ,noah nodded his head expressively2 and curled up as much of his small red nose as muscular action could collect together1 for the occasion4 #8,yer know1 ,work'us1' continued ,noah1 emboldened by ,oliver's silence1 and speaking in a jeering tone of affected pity3 of all tones the most annoying3 #8,yer know1 ,work'us1 it can't be helped now2 and of course yer couldn't help it then2 and ,i am very sorry for it2 and ,i'm sure we all are1 and pity yer very much4 ,but yer must know1 ,work'us1 yer mother was a regular right-down bad #8un4' #8,what did you say8' inquired ,oliver1 looking up very quickly4 #8,a regular right-down bad #8un1 ,work'us1' replied ,noah1 coolly4 #8,and it's a great deal better1 ,work'us1 that she died when she did1 or else she'd have been hard labouring in ,bridewell1 or transported1 or hung2 which is more likely than either1 isn't it8' ,crimson with fury1 ,oliver started up2 overthrew the chair and table2 seized ,noah by the throat2 shook him1 in the violence of his rage1 till his teeth chattered in his head2 and collecting his whole force into one heavy blow1 felled him to the ground4 ,a minute ago1 the boy had looked the quiet child1 mild1 dejected creature that harsh treatment had made him4 ,but his spirit was roused at last2 the cruel insult to his dead mother had set his blood on fire4 ,his breast heaved2 his attitude was erect2 his eye bright and vivid2 his whole person changed1 as he stood glaring over the cowardly tormentor who now lay crouching at his feet2 and defied him with an energy he had never known before4 #8,he'll murder me6' blubbered ,noah4 #8,charlotte6 missis6 ,here's the new boy a murdering of me6 ,help6 help6 ,oliver's gone mad6 ,char--lotte6' ,noah's shouts were responded to1 by a loud scream from ,charlotte1 and a louder from ,mrs4 ,sowerberry2 the former of whom rushed into the kitchen by a side-door1 while the latter paused on the staircase till she was quite certain that it was consistent with the preservation of human life1 to come further down4 #8,oh1 you little wretch6' screamed ,charlotte3 seizing ,oliver with her utmost force1 which was about equal to that of a moderately strong man in particularly good training4 #8,oh1 you little un-grate-ful1 mur-de-rous1 hor-rid villain6' ,and between every syllable1 ,charlotte gave ,oliver a blow with all her might3 accompanying it with a scream1 for the benefit of society4 ,charlotte's fist was by no means a light one2 but1 lest it should not be effectual in calming ,oliver's wrath1 ,mrs4 ,sowerberry plunged into the kitchen1 and assisted to hold him with one hand1 while she scratched his face with the other4 ,in this favourable position of affairs1 ,noah rose from the ground1 and pommelled him behind4 ,this was rather too violent exercise to last long4 ,when they were all wearied out1 and could tear and beat no longer1 they dragged ,oliver1 struggling and shouting1 but nothing daunted1 into the dust-cellar1 and there locked him up4 ,this being done1 ,mrs4 ,sowerberry sunk into a chair1 and burst into tears4 #8,bless her1 she's going off6' said ,charlotte4 #8,a glass of water1 ,noah1 dear4 ,make haste6' #8,oh6 ,charlotte1' said ,mrs4 ,sowerberry3 speaking as well as she could1 through a deficiency of breath1 and a sufficiency of cold water1 which ,noah had poured over her head and shoulders4 #8,oh6 ,charlotte1 what a mercy we have not all been murdered in our beds6' #8,ah6 mercy indeed1 ma'am1' was the reply4 ,i only hope this'll teach master not to have any more of these dreadful creatures1 that are born to be murderers and robbers from their very cradle4 ,poor ,noah6 ,he was all but killed1 ma'am1 when ,i come in4' #8,poor fellow6' said ,mrs4 ,sowerberry3 looking piteously on the charity-boy4 ,noah1 whose top waistcoat-button might have been somewhere on a level with the crown of ,oliver's head1 rubbed his eyes with the inside of his wrists while this commiseration was bestowed upon him1 and performed some affecting tears and sniffs4 #8,what's to be done6' exclaimed ,mrs4 ,sowerberry4 #8,your master's not at home2 there's not a man in the house1 and he'll kick that door down in ten minutes4' ,oliver's vigorous plunges against the bit of timber in question1 rendered this occurance highly probable4 #8,dear1 dear6 ,i don't know1 ma'am1' said ,charlotte1 #8unless we send for the police-officers4' #8,or the millingtary1' suggested ,mr4 ,claypole4 #8,no1 no1' said ,mrs4 ,sowerberry3 bethinking herself of ,oliver's old friend4 #8,run to ,mr4 ,bumble1 ,noah1 and tell him to come here directly1 and not to lose a minute2 never mind your cap6 ,make haste6 ,you can hold a knife to that black eye1 as you run along4 ,it'll keep the swelling down4' ,noah stopped to make no reply1 but started off at his fullest speed2 and very much it astonished the people who were out walking1 to see a charity-boy tearing through the streets pell-mell1 with no cap on his head1 and a clasp-knife at his eye4 ,,chapter ,,vii -- ,,oliver ,,continues ,,refractory ,noah ,claypole ran along the streets at his swiftest pace1 and paused not once for breath1 until he reached the workhouse-gate4 ,having rested here1 for a minute or so1 to collect a good burst of sobs and an imposing show of tears and terror1 he knocked loudly at the wicket2 and presented such a rueful face to the aged pauper who opened it1 that even he1 who saw nothing but rueful faces about him at the best of times1 started back in astonishment4 #8,why1 what's the matter with the boy6' said the old pauper4 #8,mr4 ,bumble6 ,mr4 ,bumble6' cried ,noah1 with well-affected dismay3 and in tones so loud and agitated1 that they not only caught the ear of ,mr4 ,bumble himself1 who happened to be hard by1 but alarmed him so much that he rushed into the yard without his cocked hat1--which is a very curious and remarkable circumstance3 as showing that even a beadle1 acted upon a sudden and powerful impulse1 may be afflicted with a momentary visitation of loss of self-possession1 and forgetfulness of personal dignity4 #8,oh1 ,mr4 ,bumble1 sir6' said ,noah3 #8,oliver1 sir1--,oliver has--' #8,what8 ,what8' interposed ,mr4 ,bumble3 with a gleam of pleasure in his metallic eyes4 #8,not run away2 he hasn't run away1 has he1 ,noah8' #8,no1 sir1 no4 ,not run away1 sir1 but he's turned wicious1' replied ,noah4 #8,he tried to murder me1 sir2 and then he tried to murder ,charlotte2 and then missis4 ,oh6 what dreadful pain it is6 ,such agony1 please1 sir6' ,and here1 ,noah writhed and twisted his body into an extensive variety of eel-like positions2 thereby giving ,mr4 ,bumble to understand that1 from the violent and sanguinary onset of ,oliver ,twist1 he had sustained severe internal injury and damage1 from which he was at that moment suffering the acutest torture4 ,when ,noah saw that the intelligence he communicated perfectly paralysed ,mr4 ,bumble1 he imparted additional effect thereunto1 by bewailing his dreadful wounds ten times louder than before2 and when he observed a gentleman in a white waistcoat crossing the yard1 he was more tragic in his lamentations than ever3 rightly conceiving it highly expedient to attract the notice1 and rouse the indignation1 of the gentleman aforesaid4 ,the gentleman's notice was very soon attracted2 for he had not walked three paces1 when he turned angrily round1 and inquired what that young cur was howling for1 and why ,mr4 ,bumble did not favour him with something which would render the series of vocular exclamations so designated1 an involuntary process8 #8,it's a poor boy from the free-school1 sir1' replied ,mr4 ,bumble1 #8who has been nearly murdered--all but murdered1 sir1--by young ,twist4' #8,by ,jove6' exclaimed the gentleman in the white waistcoat1 stopping short4 #8,i knew it6 ,i felt a strange presentiment from the very first1 that that audacious young savage would come to be hung6' #8,he has likewise attempted1 sir1 to murder the female servant1' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 with a face of ashy paleness4 #8,and his missis1' interposed ,mr4 ,claypole4 #8,and his master1 too1 ,i think you said1 ,noah8' added ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,no6 he's out1 or he would have murdered him1' replied ,noah4 #8,he said he wanted to4' #8,ah6 ,said he wanted to1 did he1 my boy8' inquired the gentleman in the white waistcoat4 #8,yes1 sir1' replied ,noah4 #8,and please1 sir1 missis wants to know whether ,mr4 ,bumble can spare time to step up there1 directly1 and flog him--#8cause master's out4' #8,certainly1 my boy2 certainly1' said the gentleman in the white waistcoat3 smiling benignly1 and patting ,noah's head1 which was about three inches higher than his own4 #8,you're a good boy--a very good boy4 ,here's a penny for you4 ,bumble1 just step up to ,sowerberry's with your cane1 and see what's best to be done4 ,don't spare him1 ,bumble4' #8,no1 ,i will not1 sir1' replied the beadle4 ,and the cocked hat and cane having been1 by this time1 adjusted to their owner's satisfaction1 ,mr4 ,bumble and ,noah ,claypole betook themselves with all speed to the undertaker's shop4 ,here the position of affairs had not at all improved4 ,sowerberry had not yet returned1 and ,oliver continued to kick1 with undiminished vigour1 at the cellar-door4 ,the accounts of his ferocity as related by ,mrs4 ,sowerberry and ,charlotte1 were of so startling a nature1 that ,mr4 ,bumble judged it prudent to parley1 before opening the door4 ,with this view he gave a kick at the outside1 by way of prelude2 and1 then1 applying his mouth to the keyhole1 said1 in a deep and impressive tone3 #8,oliver6' #8,come2 you let me out6' replied ,oliver1 from the inside4 #8,do you know this here voice1 ,oliver8' said ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,yes1' replied ,oliver4 #8,ain't you afraid of it1 sir8 ,ain't you a-trembling while ,i speak1 sir8' said ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,no6' replied ,oliver1 boldly4 ,an answer so different from the one he had expected to elicit1 and was in the habit of receiving1 staggered ,mr4 ,bumble not a little4 ,he stepped back from the keyhole2 drew himself up to his full height2 and looked from one to another of the three bystanders1 in mute astonishment4 #8,oh1 you know1 ,mr4 ,bumble1 he must be mad1' said ,mrs4 ,sowerberry4 #8,no boy in half his senses could venture to speak so to you4' #8,it's not ,madness1 ma'am1' replied ,mr4 ,bumble1 after a few moments of deep meditation4 #8,it's ,meat4' #8,what8' exclaimed ,mrs4 ,sowerberry4 #8,meat1 ma'am1 meat1' replied ,bumble1 with stern emphasis4 #8,you've over-fed him1 ma'am4 ,you've raised a artificial soul and spirit in him1 ma'am unbecoming a person of his condition3 as the board1 ,mrs4 ,sowerberry1 who are practical philosophers1 will tell you4 ,what have paupers to do with soul or spirit8 ,it's quite enough that we let #8em have live bodies4 ,if you had kept the boy on gruel1 ma'am1 this would never have happened4' #8,dear1 dear6' ejaculated ,mrs4 ,sowerberry1 piously raising her eyes to the kitchen ceiling3 #8this comes of being liberal6' ,the liberality of ,mrs4 ,sowerberry to ,oliver1 had consisted of a profuse bestowal upon him of all the dirty odds and ends which nobody else would eat2 so there was a great deal of meekness and self-devotion in her voluntarily remaining under ,mr4 ,bumble's heavy accusation4 ,of which1 to do her justice1 she was wholly innocent1 in thought1 word1 or deed4 #8,ah6' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 when the lady brought her eyes down to earth again2 #8the only thing that can be done now1 that ,i know of1 is to leave him in the cellar for a day or so1 till he's a little starved down2 and then to take him out1 and keep him on gruel all through the apprenticeship4 ,he comes of a bad family4 ,excitable natures1 ,mrs4 ,sowerberry6 ,both the nurse and doctor said1 that that mother of his made her way here1 against difficulties and pain that would have killed any well-disposed woman1 weeks before4' ,at this point of ,mr4 ,bumble's discourse1 ,oliver1 just hearing enough to know that some allusion was being made to his mother1 recommenced kicking1 with a violence that rendered every other sound inaudible4 ,sowerberry returned at this juncture4 ,oliver's offence having been explained to him1 with such exaggerations as the ladies thought best calculated to rouse his ire1 he unlocked the cellar-door in a twinkling1 and dragged his rebellious apprentice out1 by the collar4 ,oliver's clothes had been torn in the beating he had received2 his face was bruised and scratched2 and his hair scattered over his forehead4 ,the angry flush had not disappeared1 however2 and when he was pulled out of his prison1 he scowled boldly on ,noah1 and looked quite undismayed4 #8,now1 you are a nice young fellow1 ain't you8' said ,sowerberry2 giving ,oliver a shake1 and a box on the ear4 #8,he called my mother names1' replied ,oliver4 #8,well1 and what if he did1 you little ungrateful wretch8' said ,mrs4 ,sowerberry4 #8,she deserved what he said1 and worse4' #8,she didn't' said ,oliver4 #8,she did1' said ,mrs4 ,sowerberry4 #8,it's a lie6' said ,oliver4 ,mrs4 ,sowerberry burst into a flood of tears4 ,this flood of tears left ,mr4 ,sowerberry no alternative4 ,if he had hesitated for one instant to punish ,oliver most severely1 it must be quite clear to every experienced reader that he would have been1 according to all precedents in disputes of matrimony established1 a brute1 an unnatural husband1 an insulting creature1 a base imitation of a man1 and various other agreeable characters too numerous for recital within the limits of this chapter4 ,to do him justice1 he was1 as far as his power went--it was not very extensive--kindly disposed towards the boy2 perhaps1 because it was his interest to be so2 perhaps1 because his wife disliked him4 ,the flood of tears1 however1 left him no resource2 so he at once gave him a drubbing1 which satisfied even ,mrs4 ,sowerberry herself1 and rendered ,mr4 ,bumble's subsequent application of the parochial cane1 rather unnecessary4 ,for the rest of the day1 he was shut up in the back kitchen1 in company with a pump and a slice of bread2 and at night1 ,mrs4 ,sowerberry1 after making various remarks outside the door1 by no means complimentary to the memory of his mother1 looked into the room1 and1 amidst the jeers and pointings of ,noah and ,charlotte1 ordered him upstairs to his dismal bed4 ,it was not until he was left alone in the silence and stillness of the gloomy workshop of the undertaker1 that ,oliver gave way to the feelings which the day's treatment may be supposed likely to have awakened in a mere child4 ,he had listened to their taunts with a look of contempt2 he had borne the lash without a cry3 for he felt that pride swelling in his heart which would have kept down a shriek to the last1 though they had roasted him alive4 ,but now1 when there were none to see or hear him1 he fell upon his knees on the floor2 and1 hiding his face in his hands1 wept such tears as1 ,god send for the credit of our nature1 few so young may ever have cause to pour out before him6 ,for a long time1 ,oliver remained motionless in this attitude4 ,the candle was burning low in the socket when he rose to his feet4 ,having gazed cautiously round him1 and listened intently1 he gently undid the fastenings of the door1 and looked abroad4 ,it was a cold1 dark night4 ,the stars seemed1 to the boy's eyes1 farther from the earth than he had ever seen them before2 there was no wind2 and the sombre shadows thrown by the trees upon the ground1 looked sepulchral and death-like1 from being so still4 ,he softly reclosed the door4 ,having availed himself of the expiring light of the candle to tie up in a handkerchief the few articles of wearing apparel he had1 sat himself down upon a bench1 to wait for morning4 ,with the first ray of light that struggled through the crevices in the shutters1 ,oliver arose1 and again unbarred the door4 ,one timid look around--one moment's pause of hesitation--he had closed it behind him1 and was in the open street4 ,he looked to the right and to the left1 uncertain whither to fly4 ,he remembered to have seen the waggons1 as they went out1 toiling up the hill4 ,he took the same route2 and arriving at a footpath across the fields3 which he knew1 after some distance1 led out again into the road2 struck into it1 and walked quickly on4 ,along this same footpath1 ,oliver well-remembered he had trotted beside ,mr4 ,bumble1 when he first carried him to the workhouse from the farm4 ,his way lay directly in front of the cottage4 ,his heart beat quickly when he bethought himself of this2 and he half resolved to turn back4 ,he had come a long way though1 and should lose a great deal of time by doing so4 ,besides1 it was so early that there was very little fear of his being seen2 so he walked on4 ,he reached the house4 ,there was no appearance of its inmates stirring at that early hour4 ,oliver stopped1 and peeped into the garden4 ,a child was weeding one of the little beds2 as he stopped1 he raised his pale face and disclosed the features of one of his former companions4 ,oliver felt glad to see him1 before he went2 for1 though younger than himself1 he had been his little friend and playmate4 ,they had been beaten1 and starved1 and shut up together1 many and many a time4 #8,hush1 ,dick6' said ,oliver1 as the boy ran to the gate1 and thrust his thin arm between the rails to greet him4 #8,is any one up8' #8,nobody but me1' replied the child4 #8,you musn't say you saw me1 ,dick1' said ,oliver4 #8,i am running away4 ,they beat and ill-use me1 ,dick2 and ,i am going to seek my fortune1 some long way off4 ,i don't know where4 ,how pale you are6' #8,i heard the doctor tell them ,i was dying1' replied the child with a faint smile4 #8,i am very glad to see you1 dear2 but don't stop1 don't stop6' #8,yes1 yes1 ,i will1 to say good-b'ye to you1' replied ,oliver4 #8,i shall see you again1 ,dick4 ,i know ,i shall6 ,you will be well and happy6' #8,i hope so1' replied the child4 #8,after ,i am dead1 but not before4 ,i know the doctor must be right1 ,oliver1 because ,i dream so much of ,heaven1 and ,angels1 and kind faces that ,i never see when ,i am awake4 ,kiss me1' said the child1 climbing up the low gate1 and flinging his little arms round ,oliver's neck4 #8,good-b'ye1 dear6 ,god bless you6' ,the blessing was from a young child's lips1 but it was the first that ,oliver had ever heard invoked upon his head2 and through the struggles and sufferings1 and troubles and changes1 of his after life1 he never once forgot it4 ,,chapter ,,viii -- ,,oliver ,,walks ,,to ,,london4 ,,he ,,encounters ,,on ,,the ,,road ,a ,,strange ,,sort ,,of ,,young ,,gentleman ,oliver reached the stile at which the by-path terminated2 and once more gained the high-road4 ,it was eight o'clock now4 ,though he was nearly five miles away from the town1 he ran1 and hid behind the hedges1 by turns1 till noon3 fearing that he might be pursued and overtaken4 ,then he sat down to rest by the side of the milestone1 and began to think1 for the first time1 where he had better go and try to live4 ,the stone by which he was seated1 bore1 in large characters1 an intimation that it was just seventy miles from that spot to ,london4 ,the name awakened a new train of ideas in the boy's mind4 ,london6--that great place6--nobody--not even ,mr4 ,bumble--could ever find him there6 ,he had often heard the old men in the workhouse1 too1 say that no lad of spirit need want in ,london2 and that there were ways of living in that vast city1 which those who had been bred up in country parts had no idea of4 ,it was the very place for a homeless boy1 who must die in the streets unless some one helped him4 ,as these things passed through his thoughts1 he jumped upon his feet1 and again walked forward4 ,he had diminished the distance between himself and ,london by full four miles more1 before he recollected how much he must undergo ere he could hope to reach his place of destination4 ,as this consideration forced itself upon him1 he slackened his pace a little1 and meditated upon his means of getting there4 ,he had a crust of bread1 a coarse shirt1 and two pairs of stockings1 in his bundle4 ,he had a penny too--a gift of ,sowerberry's after some funeral in which he had acquitted himself more than ordinarily well--in his pocket4 #8,a clean shirt1' thought ,oliver1 #8is a very comfortable thing2 and so are two pairs of darned stockings2 and so is a penny2 but they are small helps to a sixty-five miles' walk in winter time4' ,but ,oliver's thoughts1 like those of most other people1 although they were extremely ready and active to point out his difficulties1 were wholly at a loss to suggest any feasible mode of surmounting them2 so1 after a good deal of thinking to no particular purpose1 he changed his little bundle over to the other shoulder1 and trudged on4 ,oliver walked twenty miles that day2 and all that time tasted nothing but the crust of dry bread1 and a few draughts of water1 which he begged at the cottage-doors by the road-side4 ,when the night came1 he turned into a meadow2 and1 creeping close under a hay-rick1 determined to lie there1 till morning4 ,he felt frightened at first1 for the wind moaned dismally over the empty fields3 and he was cold and hungry1 and more alone than he had ever felt before4 ,being very tired with his walk1 however1 he soon fell asleep and forgot his troubles4 ,he felt cold and stiff1 when he got up next morning1 and so hungry that he was obliged to exchange the penny for a small loaf1 in the very first village through which he passed4 ,he had walked no more than twelve miles1 when night closed in again4 ,his feet were sore1 and his legs so weak that they trembled beneath him4 ,another night passed in the bleak damp air1 made him worse2 when he set forward on his journey next morning he could hardly crawl along4 ,he waited at the bottom of a steep hill till a stage-coach came up1 and then begged of the outside passengers2 but there were very few who took any notice of him3 and even those told him to wait till they got to the top of the hill1 and then let them see how far he could run for a halfpenny4 ,poor ,oliver tried to keep up with the coach a little way1 but was unable to do it1 by reason of his fatigue and sore feet4 ,when the outsides saw this1 they put their halfpence back into their pockets again1 declaring that he was an idle young dog1 and didn't deserve anything2 and the coach rattled away and left only a cloud of dust behind4 ,in some villages1 large painted boards were fixed up3 warning all persons who begged within the district1 that they would be sent to jail4 ,this frightened ,oliver very much1 and made him glad to get out of those villages with all possible expedition4 ,in others1 he would stand about the inn-yards1 and look mournfully at every one who passed3 a proceeding which generally terminated in the landlady's ordering one of the post-boys who were lounging about1 to drive that strange boy out of the place1 for she was sure he had come to steal something4 ,if he begged at a farmer's house1 ten to one but they threatened to set the dog on him2 and when he showed his nose in a shop1 they talked about the beadle--which brought ,oliver's heart into his mouth1--very often the only thing he had there1 for many hours together4 ,in fact1 if it had not been for a good-hearted turnpike-man1 and a benevolent old lady1 ,oliver's troubles would have been shortened by the very same process which had put an end to his mother's2 in other words1 he would most assuredly have fallen dead upon the king's highway4 ,but the turnpike-man gave him a meal of bread and cheese2 and the old lady1 who had a shipwrecked grandson wandering barefoot in some distant part of the earth1 took pity upon the poor orphan1 and gave him what little she could afford--and more--with such kind and gentle words1 and such tears of sympathy and compassion1 that they sank deeper into ,oliver's soul1 than all the sufferings he had ever undergone4 ,early on the seventh morning after he had left his native place1 ,oliver limped slowly into the little town of ,barnet4 ,the window-shutters were closed2 the street was empty2 not a soul had awakened to the business of the day4 ,the sun was rising in all its splendid beauty2 but the light only served to show the boy his own lonesomeness and desolation1 as he sat1 with bleeding feet and covered with dust1 upon a door-step4 ,by degrees1 the shutters were opened2 the window-blinds were drawn up2 and people began passing to and fro4 ,some few stopped to gaze at ,oliver for a moment or two1 or turned round to stare at him as they hurried by2 but none relieved him1 or troubled themselves to inquire how he came there4 ,he had no heart to beg4 ,and there he sat4 ,he had been crouching on the step for some time3 wondering at the great number of public-houses 7every other house in ,barnet was a tavern1 large or small71 gazing listlessly at the coaches as they passed through1 and thinking how strange it seemed that they could do1 with ease1 in a few hours1 what it had taken him a whole week of courage and determination beyond his years to accomplish3 when he was roused by observing that a boy1 who had passed him carelessly some minutes before1 had returned1 and was now surveying him most earnestly from the opposite side of the way4 ,he took little heed of this at first2 but the boy remained in the same attitude of close observation so long1 that ,oliver raised his head1 and returned his steady look4 ,upon this1 the boy crossed over2 and walking close up to ,oliver1 said1 #8,hullo1 my covey6 ,what's the row8' ,the boy who addressed this inquiry to the young wayfarer1 was about his own age3 but one of the queerest looking boys that ,oliver had even seen4 ,he was a snub-nosed1 flat-browed1 common-faced boy enough2 and as dirty a juvenile as one would wish to see2 but he had about him all the airs and manners of a man4 ,he was short of his age3 with rather bow-legs1 and little1 sharp1 ugly eyes4 ,his hat was stuck on the top of his head so lightly1 that it threatened to fall off every moment--and would have done so1 very often1 if the wearer had not had a knack of every now and then giving his head a sudden twitch1 which brought it back to its old place again4 ,he wore a man's coat1 which reached nearly to his heels4 ,he had turned the cuffs back1 half-way up his arm1 to get his hands out of the sleeves3 apparently with the ultimate view of thrusting them into the pockets of his corduroy trousers2 for there he kept them4 ,he was1 altogether1 as roystering and swaggering a young gentleman as ever stood four feet six1 or something less1 in the bluchers4 #8,hullo1 my covey6 ,what's the row8' said this strange young gentleman to ,oliver4 #8,i am very hungry and tired1' replied ,oliver3 the tears standing in his eyes as he spoke4 #8,i have walked a long way4 ,i have been walking these seven days4' #8,walking for sivin days6' said the young gentleman4 #8,oh1 ,i see4 ,beak's order1 eh8 ,but1' he added1 noticing ,oliver's look of surprise1 #8,i suppose you don't know what a beak is1 my flash com-pan-i-on4' ,oliver mildly replied1 that he had always heard a bird's mouth described by the term in question4 #8,my eyes1 how green6' exclaimed the young gentleman4 #8,why1 a beak's a madgst'rate2 and when you walk by a beak's order1 it's not straight for'erd1 but always agoing up1 and niver a coming down agin4 ,was you never on the mill8' #8,what mill8' inquired ,oliver4 #8,what mill6 ,why1 the mill--the mill as takes up so little room that it'll work inside a ,stone ,jug2 and always goes better when the wind's low with people1 than when it's high2 acos then they can't get workmen4 ,but come1' said the young gentleman2 #8you want grub1 and you shall have it4 ,i'm at low-water-mark myself--only one bob and a magpie2 but1 as far as it goes1 ,i'll fork out and stump4 ,up with you on your pins4 ,there6 ,now then6 #8,morrice6' ,assisting ,oliver to rise1 the young gentleman took him to an adjacent chandler's shop1 where he purchased a sufficiency of ready-dressed ham and a half-quartern loaf1 or1 as he himself expressed it1 #8a fourpenny bran6' the ham being kept clean and preserved from dust1 by the ingenious expedient of making a hole in the loaf by pulling out a portion of the crumb1 and stuffing it therein4 ,taking the bread under his arm1 the young gentlman turned into a small public-house1 and led the way to a tap-room in the rear of the premises4 ,here1 a pot of beer was brought in1 by direction of the mysterious youth2 and ,oliver1 falling to1 at his new friend's bidding1 made a long and hearty meal1 during the progress of which the strange boy eyed him from time to time with great attention4 #8,going to ,london8' said the strange boy1 when ,oliver had at length concluded4 #8,yes4' #8,got any lodgings8' #8,no4' #8,money8' #8,no4' ,the strange boy whistled2 and put his arms into his pockets1 as far as the big coat-sleeves would let them go4 #8,do you live in ,london8' inquired ,oliver4 #8,yes4 ,i do1 when ,i'm at home1' replied the boy4 #8,i suppose you want some place to sleep in to-night1 don't you8' #8,i do1 indeed1' answered ,oliver4 #8,i have not slept under a roof since ,i left the country4' #8,don't fret your eyelids on that score1' said the young gentleman4 #8,i've got to be in ,london to-night2 and ,i know a #8spectable old gentleman as lives there1 wot'll give you lodgings for nothink1 and never ask for the change--that is1 if any genelman he knows interduces you4 ,and don't he know me8 ,oh1 no6 ,not in the least6 ,by no means4 ,certainly not6' ,the young gentleman smiled1 as if to intimate that the latter fragments of discourse were playfully ironical2 and finished the beer as he did so4 ,this unexpected offer of shelter was too tempting to be resisted2 especially as it was immediately followed up1 by the assurance that the old gentleman referred to1 would doubtless provide ,oliver with a comfortable place1 without loss of time4 ,this led to a more friendly and confidential dialogue2 from which ,oliver discovered that his friend's name was ,jack ,dawkins1 and that he was a peculiar pet and protege of the elderly gentleman before mentioned4 ,mr4 ,dawkin's appearance did not say a vast deal in favour of the comforts which his patron's interest obtained for those whom he took under his protection2 but1 as he had a rather flightly and dissolute mode of conversing1 and furthermore avowed that among his intimate friends he was better known by the sobriquet of #8,the ,artful ,dodger1' ,oliver concluded that1 being of a dissipated and careless turn1 the moral precepts of his benefactor had hitherto been thrown away upon him4 ,under this impression1 he secretly resolved to cultivate the good opinion of the old gentleman as quickly as possible2 and1 if he found the ,dodger incorrigible1 as he more than half suspected he should1 to decline the honour of his farther acquaintance4 ,as ,john ,dawkins objected to their entering ,london before nightfall1 it was nearly eleven o'clock when they reached the turnpike at ,islington4 ,they crossed from the ,angel into ,st4 ,john's ,road2 struck down the small street which terminates at ,sadler's ,wells ,theatre2 through ,exmouth ,street and ,coppice ,row2 down the little court by the side of the workhouse2 across the classic ground which once bore the name of ,hockley-in-the-,hole2 thence into ,little ,saffron ,hill2 and so into ,saffron ,hill the ,great3 along which the ,dodger scudded at a rapid pace1 directing ,oliver to follow close at his heels4 ,although ,oliver had enough to occupy his attention in keeping sight of his leader1 he could not help bestowing a few hasty glances on either side of the way1 as he passed along4 ,a dirtier or more wretched place he had never seen4 ,the street was very narrow and muddy1 and the air was impregnated with filthy odours4 ,there were a good many small shops2 but the only stock in trade appeared to be heaps of children1 who1 even at that time of night1 were crawling in and out at the doors1 or screaming from the inside4 ,the sole places that seemed to prosper amid the general blight of the place1 were the public-houses2 and in them1 the lowest orders of ,irish were wrangling with might and main4 ,covered ways and yards1 which here and there diverged from the main street1 disclosed little knots of houses1 where drunken men and women were positively wallowing in filth2 and from several of the door-ways1 great ill-looking fellows were cautiously emerging1 bound1 to all appearance1 on no very well-disposed or harmless errands4 ,oliver was just considering whether he hadn't better run away1 when they reached the bottom of the hill4 ,his conductor1 catching him by the arm1 pushed open the door of a house near ,field ,lane2 and drawing him into the passage1 closed it behind them4 #8,now1 then6' cried a voice from below1 in reply to a whistle from the ,dodger4 #8,plummy and slam6' was the reply4 ,this seemed to be some watchword or signal that all was right2 for the light of a feeble candle gleamed on the wall at the remote end of the passage2 and a man's face peeped out1 from where a balustrade of the old kitchen staircase had been broken away4 #8,there's two on you1' said the man1 thrusting the candle farther out1 and shielding his eyes with his hand4 #8,who's the t'other one8' #8,a new pal1' replied ,jack ,dawkins1 pulling ,oliver forward4 #8,where did he come from8' #8,greenland4 ,is ,fagin upstairs8' #8,yes1 he's a sortin' the wipes4 ,up with you6' ,the candle was drawn back1 and the face disappeared4 ,oliver1 groping his way with one hand1 and having the other firmly grasped by his companion1 ascended with much difficulty the dark and broken stairs3 which his conductor mounted with an ease and expedition that showed he was well acquainted with them4 ,he threw open the door of a back-room1 and drew ,oliver in after him4 ,the walls and ceiling of the room were perfectly black with age and dirt4 ,there was a deal table before the fire3 upon which were a candle1 stuck in a ginger-beer bottle1 two or three pewter pots1 a loaf and butter1 and a plate4 ,in a frying-pan1 which was on the fire1 and which was secured to the mantelshelf by a string1 some sausages were cooking2 and standing over them1 with a toasting-fork in his hand1 was a very old shrivelled ,jew1 whose villainous-looking and repulsive face was obscured by a quantity of matted red hair4 ,he was dressed in a greasy flannel gown1 with his throat bare2 and seemed to be dividing his attention between the frying-pan and the clothes-horse1 over which a great number of silk handkerchiefs were hanging4 ,several rough beds made of old sacks1 were huddled side by side on the floor4 ,seated round the table were four or five boys1 none older than the ,dodger1 smoking long clay pipes1 and drinking spirits with the air of middle-aged men4 ,these all crowded about their associate as he whispered a few words to the ,jew2 and then turned round and grinned at ,oliver4 ,so did the ,jew himself1 toasting-fork in hand4 #8,this is him1 ,fagin1' said ,jack ,dawkins2 #8my friend ,oliver ,twist4' ,the ,jew grinned2 and1 making a low obeisance to ,oliver1 took him by the hand1 and hoped he should have the honour of his intimate acquaintance4 ,upon this1 the young gentleman with the pipes came round him1 and shook both his hands very hard--especially the one in which he held his little bundle4 ,one young gentleman was very anxious to hang up his cap for him2 and another was so obliging as to put his hands in his pockets1 in order that1 as he was very tired1 he might not have the trouble of emptying them1 himself1 when he went to bed4 ,these civilities would probably be extended much farther1 but for a liberal exercise of the ,jew's toasting-fork on the heads and shoulders of the affectionate youths who offered them4 #8,we are very glad to see you1 ,oliver1 very1' said the ,jew4 #8,dodger1 take off the sausages2 and draw a tub near the fire for ,oliver4 ,ah1 you're a-staring at the pocket-handkerchiefs6 eh1 my dear4 ,there are a good many of #8em1 ain't there8 ,we've just looked #8em out1 ready for the wash2 that's all1 ,oliver2 that's all4 ,ha6 ha6 ha6' ,the latter part of this speech1 was hailed by a boisterous shout from all the hopeful pupils of the merry old gentleman4 ,in the midst of which they went to supper4 ,oliver ate his share1 and the ,jew then mixed him a glass of hot gin-and-water3 telling him he must drink it off directly1 because another gentleman wanted the tumbler4 ,oliver did as he was desired4 ,immediately afterwards he felt himself gently lifted on to one of the sacks2 and then he sunk into a deep sleep4 ,,chapter ,,ix -- ,,containing ,,further ,,particulars ,,concerning ,,the ,,pleasant ,,old ,,gentleman1 ,,and ,,his ,,hopeful ,,pupils ,it was late next morning when ,oliver awoke1 from a sound1 long sleep4 ,there was no other person in the room but the old ,jew1 who was boiling some coffee in a saucepan for breakfast1 and whistling softly to himself as he stirred it round and round1 with an iron spoon4 ,he would stop every now and then to listen when there was the least noise below3 and when he had satisfied himself1 he would go on whistling and stirring again1 as before4 ,although ,oliver had roused himself from sleep1 he was not thoroughly awake4 ,there is a drowsy state1 between sleeping and waking1 when you dream more in five minutes with your eyes half open1 and yourself half conscious of everything that is passing around you1 than you would in five nights with your eyes fast closed1 and your senses wrapt in perfect unconsciousness4 ,at such time1 a mortal knows just enough of what his mind is doing1 to form some glimmering conception of its mighty powers1 its bounding from earth and spurning time and space1 when freed from the restraint of its corporeal associate4 ,oliver was precisely in this condition4 ,he saw the ,jew with his half-closed eyes2 heard his low whistling2 and recognised the sound of the spoon grating against the saucepan's sides3 and yet the self-same senses were mentally engaged1 at the same time1 in busy action with almost everybody he had ever known4 ,when the coffee was done1 the ,jew drew the saucepan to the hob4 ,standing1 then in an irresolute attitude for a few minutes1 as if he did not well know how to employ himself1 he turned round and looked at ,oliver1 and called him by his name4 ,he did not answer1 and was to all appearances asleep4 ,after satisfying himself upon this head1 the ,jew stepped gently to the door3 which he fastened4 ,he then drew forth3 as it seemed to ,oliver1 from some trap in the floor3 a small box1 which he placed carefully on the table4 ,his eyes glistened as he raised the lid1 and looked in4 ,dragging an old chair to the table1 he sat down2 and took from it a magnificent gold watch1 sparkling with jewels4 #8,aha6' said the ,jew1 shrugging up his shoulders1 and distorting every feature with a hideous grin4 #8,clever dogs6 ,clever dogs6 ,staunch to the last6 ,never told the old parson where they were4 ,never poached upon old ,fagin6 ,and why should they8 ,it wouldn't have loosened the knot1 or kept the drop up1 a minute longer4 ,no1 no1 no6 ,fine fellows6 ,fine fellows6' ,with these1 and other muttered reflections of the like nature1 the ,jew once more deposited the watch in its place of safety4 ,at least half a dozen more were severally drawn forth from the same box1 and surveyed with equal pleasure2 besides rings1 brooches1 bracelets1 and other articles of jewellery1 of such magnificent materials1 and costly workmanship1 that ,oliver had no idea1 even of their names4 ,having replaced these trinkets1 the ,jew took out another3 so small that it lay in the palm of his hand4 ,there seemed to be some very minute inscription on it2 for the ,jew laid it flat upon the table1 and shading it with his hand1 pored over it1 long and earnestly4 ,at length he put it down1 as if despairing of success2 and1 leaning back in his chair1 muttered3 #8,what a fine thing capital punishment is6 ,dead men never repent2 dead men never bring awkward stories to light4 ,ah1 it's a fine thing for the trade6 ,five of #8em strung up in a row1 and none left to play booty1 or turn white-livered6' ,as the ,jew uttered these words1 his bright dark eyes1 which had been staring vacantly before him1 fell on ,oliver's face2 the boy's eyes were fixed on his in mute curiousity2 and although the recognition was only for an instant--for the briefest space of time that can possibly be conceived--it was enough to show the old man that he had been observed4 ,he closed the lid of the box with a loud crash2 and1 laying his hand on a bread knife which was on the table1 started furiously up4 ,he trembled very much though2 for1 even in his terror1 ,oliver could see that the knife quivered in the air4 #8,what's that8' said the ,jew4 #8,what do you watch me for8 ,why are you awake8 ,what have you seen8 ,speak out1 boy6 ,quick--quick6 for your life4 #8,i wasn't able to sleep any longer1 sir1' replied ,oliver1 meekly4 #8,i am very sorry if ,i have disturbed you1 sir4' #8,you were not awake an hour ago8' said the ,jew1 scowling fiercely on the boy4 #8,no6 ,no1 indeed6' replied ,oliver4 #8,are you sure8' cried the ,jew3 with a still fiercer look than before3 and a threatening attitude4 #8,upon my word ,i was not1 sir1' replied ,oliver1 earnestly4 #8,i was not1 indeed1 sir4' #8,tush1 tush1 my dear6' said the ,jew1 abruptly resuming his old manner1 and playing with the knife a little1 before he laid it down2 as if to induce the belief that he had caught it up1 in mere sport4 #8,of course ,i know that1 my dear4 ,i only tried to frighten you4 ,you're a brave boy4 ,ha6 ha6 you're a brave boy1 ,oliver4' ,the ,jew rubbed his hands with a chuckle1 but glanced uneasily at the box1 notwithstanding4 #8,did you see any of these pretty things1 my dear8' said the ,jew1 laying his hand upon it after a short pause4 #8,yes1 sir1' replied ,oliver4 #8,ah6' said the ,jew1 turning rather pale4 #8,they--they're mine1 ,oliver2 my little property4 ,all ,i have to live upon1 in my old age4 ,the folks call me a miser1 my dear4 ,only a miser2 that's all4' ,oliver thought the old gentleman must be a decided miser to live in such a dirty place1 with so many watches2 but1 thinking that perhaps his fondness for the ,dodger and the other boys1 cost him a good deal of money1 he only cast a deferential look at the ,jew1 and asked if he might get up4 #8,certainly1 my dear1 certainly1' replied the old gentleman4 #8,stay4 ,there's a pitcher of water in the corner by the door4 ,bring it here2 and ,i'll give you a basin to wash in1 my dear4' ,oliver got up2 walked across the room2 and stooped for an instant to raise the pitcher4 ,when he turned his head1 the box was gone4 ,he had scarcely washed himself1 and made everything tidy1 by emptying the basin out of the window1 agreeably to the ,jew's directions1 when the ,dodger returned3 accompanied by a very sprightly young friend1 whom ,oliver had seen smoking on the previous night1 and who was now formally introduced to him as ,charley ,bates4 ,the four sat down1 to breakfast1 on the coffee1 and some hot rolls and ham which the ,dodger had brought home in the crown of his hat4 #8,well1' said the ,jew1 glancing slyly at ,oliver1 and addressing himself to the ,dodger1 #8,i hope you've been at work this morning1 my dears8' #8,hard1' replied the ,dodger4 #8,as nails1' added ,charley ,bates4 #8,good boys1 good boys6' said the ,jew4 #8,what have you got1 ,dodger8' #8,a couple of pocket-books1' replied that young gentlman4 #8,lined8' inquired the ,jew1 with eagerness4 #8,pretty well1' replied the ,dodger1 producing two pocket-books2 one green1 and the other red4 #8,not so heavy as they might be1' said the ,jew1 after looking at the insides carefully2 #8but very neat and nicely made4 ,ingenious workman1 ain't he1 ,oliver8' #8,very indeed1 sir1' said ,oliver4 ,at which ,mr4 ,charles ,bates laughed uproariously2 very much to the amazement of ,oliver1 who saw nothing to laugh at1 in anything that had passed4 #8,and what have you got1 my dear8' said ,fagin to ,charley ,bates4 #8,wipes1' replied ,master ,bates2 at the same time producing four pocket-handkerchiefs4 #8,well1' said the ,jew1 inspecting them closely2 #8they're very good ones1 very4 ,you haven't marked them well1 though1 ,charley2 so the marks shall be picked out with a needle1 and we'll teach ,oliver how to do it4 ,shall us1 ,oliver1 eh8 ,ha6 ha6 ha6' #8,if you please1 sir1' said ,oliver4 #8,you'd like to be able to make pocket-handkerchiefs as easy as ,charley ,bates1 wouldn't you1 my dear8' said the ,jew4 #8,very much1 indeed1 if you'll teach me1 sir1' replied ,oliver4 ,master ,bates saw something so exquisitely ludicrous in this reply1 that he burst into another laugh2 which laugh1 meeting the coffee he was drinking1 and carrying it down some wrong channel1 very nearly terminated in his premature suffocation4 #8,he is so jolly green6' said ,charley when he recovered1 as an apology to the company for his unpolite behaviour4 ,the ,dodger said nothing1 but he smoothed ,oliver's hair over his eyes1 and said he'd know better1 by and by2 upon which the old gentleman1 observing ,oliver's colour mounting1 changed the subject by asking whether there had been much of a crowd at the execution that morning8 ,this made him wonder more and more2 for it was plain from the replies of the two boys that they had both been there2 and ,oliver naturally wondered how they could possibly have found time to be so very industrious4 ,when the breakfast was cleared away2 the merry old gentlman and the two boys played at a very curious and uncommon game1 which was performed in this way4 ,the merry old gentleman1 placing a snuff-box in one pocket of his trousers1 a note-case in the other1 and a watch in his waistcoat pocket1 with a guard-chain round his neck1 and sticking a mock diamond pin in his shirt3 buttoned his coat tight round him1 and putting his spectacle-case and handkerchief in his pockets1 trotted up and down the room with a stick1 in imitation of the manner in which old gentlemen walk about the streets any hour in the day4 ,sometimes he stopped at the fire-place1 and sometimes at the door1 making believe that he was staring with all his might into shop-windows4 ,at such times1 he would look constantly round him1 for fear of thieves1 and would keep slapping all his pockets in turn1 to see that he hadn't lost anything1 in such a very funny and natural manner1 that ,oliver laughed till the tears ran down his face4 ,all this time1 the two boys followed him closely about3 getting out of his sight1 so nimbly1 every time he turned round1 that it was impossible to follow their motions4 ,at last1 the ,dodger trod upon his toes1 or ran upon his boot accidently1 while ,charley ,bates stumbled up against him behind2 and in that one moment they took from him1 with the most extraordinary rapidity1 snuff-box1 note-case1 watch-guard1 chain1 shirt-pin1 pocket-handkerchief1 even the spectacle-case4 ,if the old gentlman felt a hand in any one of his pockets1 he cried out where it was2 and then the game began all over again4 ,when this game had been played a great many times1 a couple of young ladies called to see the young gentleman2 one of whom was named ,bet1 and the other ,nancy4 ,they wore a good deal of hair1 not very neatly turned up behind1 and were rather untidy about the shoes and stockings4 ,they were not exactly pretty1 perhaps2 but they had a great deal of colour in their faces1 and looked quite stout and hearty4 ,being remarkably free and agreeable in their manners1 ,oliver thought them very nice girls indeed4 ,as there is no doubt they were4 ,the visitors stopped a long time4 ,spirits were produced1 in consequence of one of the young ladies complaining of a coldness in her inside2 and the conversation took a very convivial and improving turn4 ,at length1 ,charley ,bates expressed his opinion that it was time to pad the hoof4 ,this1 it occurred to ,oliver1 must be ,french for going out2 for directly afterwards1 the ,dodger1 and ,charley1 and the two young ladies1 went away together1 having been kindly furnished by the amiable old ,jew with money to spend4 #8,there1 my dear1' said ,fagin4 #8,that's a pleasant life1 isn't it8 ,they have gone out for the day4' #8,have they done work1 sir8' inquired ,oliver4 #8,yes1' said the ,jew2 #8that is1 unless they should unexpectedly come across any1 when they are out2 and they won't neglect it1 if they do1 my dear1 depend upon it4 ,make #8em your models1 my dear4 ,make #8em your models1' tapping the fire-shovel on the hearth to add force to his words2 #8do everything they bid you1 and take their advice in all matters--especially the ,dodger's1 my dear4 ,he'll be a great man himself1 and will make you one too1 if you take pattern by him4--,is my handkerchief hanging out of my pocket1 my dear8' said the ,jew1 stopping short4 #8,yes1 sir1' said ,oliver4 #8,see if you can take it out1 without my feeling it2 as you saw them do1 when we were at play this morning4' ,oliver held up the bottom of the pocket with one hand1 as he had seen the ,dodger hold it1 and drew the handkerchief lightly out of it with the other4 #8,is it gone8' cried the ,jew4 #8,here it is1 sir1' said ,oliver1 showing it in his hand4 #8,you're a clever boy1 my dear1' said the playful old gentleman1 patting ,oliver on the head approvingly4 #8,i never saw a sharper lad4 ,here's a shilling for you4 ,if you go on1 in this way1 you'll be the greatest man of the time4 ,and now come here1 and ,i'll show you how to take the marks out of the handkerchiefs4' ,oliver wondered what picking the old gentleman's pocket in play1 had to do with his chances of being a great man4 ,but1 thinking that the ,jew1 being so much his senior1 must know best1 he followed him quietly to the table1 and was soon deeply involved in his new study4 ,,chapter ,x -- ,,oliver ,,becomes ,,better ,,acquainted ,,with ,,the ,,characters ,,of ,,his ,,new ,,associates2 ,,and ,,purchases ,,experience ,,at ,a ,,high ,,price4 ,,being ,a ,,short1 ,,but ,,very ,,important ,,chapter1 ,,in ,,this ,,history ,for many days1 ,oliver remained in the ,jew's room1 picking the marks out of the pocket-handkerchief1 7of which a great number were brought home17 and sometimes taking part in the game already described3 which the two boys and the ,jew played1 regularly1 every morning4 ,at length1 he began to languish for fresh air1 and took many occasions of earnestly entreating the old gentleman to allow him to go out to work with his two companions4 ,oliver was rendered the more anxious to be actively employed1 by what he had seen of the stern morality of the old gentleman's character4 ,whenever the ,dodger or ,charley ,bates came home at night1 empty-handed1 he would expatiate with great vehemence on the misery of idle and lazy habits2 and would enforce upon them the necessity of an active life1 by sending them supperless to bed4 ,on one occasion1 indeed1 he even went so far as to knock them both down a flight of stairs2 but this was carrying out his virtuous precepts to an unusual extent4 ,at length1 one morning1 ,oliver obtained the permission he had so eagerly sought4 ,there had been no handkerchiefs to work upon1 for two or three days1 and the dinners had been rather meagre4 ,perhaps these were reasons for the old gentleman's giving his assent2 but1 whether they were or no1 he told ,oliver he might go1 and placed him under the joint guardianship of ,charley ,bates1 and his friend the ,dodger4 ,the three boys sallied out2 the ,dodger with his coat-sleeves tucked up1 and his hat cocked1 as usual2 ,master ,bates sauntering along with his hands in his pockets2 and ,oliver between them1 wondering where they were going1 and what branch of manufacture he would be instructed in1 first4 ,the pace at which they went1 was such a very lazy1 ill-looking saunter1 that ,oliver soon began to think his companions were going to deceive the old gentleman1 by not going to work at all4 ,the ,dodger had a vicious propensity1 too1 of pulling the caps from the heads of small boys and tossing them down areas2 while ,charley ,bates exhibited some very loose notions concerning the rights of property1 by pilfering divers apples and onions from the stalls at the kennel sides1 and thrusting them into pockets which were so surprisingly capacious1 that they seemed to undermine his whole suit of clothes in every direction4 ,these things looked so bad1 that ,oliver was on the point of declaring his intention of seeking his way back1 in the best way he could2 when his thoughts were suddenly directed into another channel1 by a very mysterious change of behaviour on the part of the ,dodger4 ,they were just emerging from a narrow court not far from the open square in ,clerkenwell1 which is yet called1 by some strange perversion of terms1 #8,the ,green'3 when the ,dodger made a sudden stop2 and1 laying his finger on his lip1 drew his companions back again1 with the greatest caution and circumspection4 #8,what's the matter8' demanded ,oliver4 #8,hush6' replied the ,dodger4 #8,do you see that old cove at the book-stall8' #8,the old gentleman over the way8' said ,oliver4 #8,yes1 ,i see him4' #8,he'll do1' said the ,dodger4 #8,a prime plant1' observed ,master ,charley ,bates4 ,oliver looked from one to the other1 with the greatest surprise2 but he was not permitted to make any inquiries2 for the two boys walked stealthily across the road1 and slunk close behind the old gentleman towards whom his attention had been directed4 ,oliver walked a few paces after them2 and1 not knowing whether to advance or retire1 stood looking on in silent amazement4 ,the old gentleman was a very respectable-looking personage1 with a powdered head and gold spectacles4 ,he was dressed in a bottle-green coat with a black velvet collar2 wore white trousers2 and carried a smart bamboo cane under his arm4 ,he had taken up a book from the stall1 and there he stood1 reading away1 as hard as if he were in his elbow-chair1 in his own study4 ,it is very possible that he fancied himself there1 indeed2 for it was plain1 from his abstraction1 that he saw not the book-stall1 nor the street1 nor the boys1 nor1 in short1 anything but the book itself3 which he was reading straight through3 turning over the leaf when he got to the bottom of a page1 beginning at the top line of the next one1 and going regularly on1 with the greatest interest and eagerness4 ,what was ,oliver's horror and alarm as he stood a few paces off1 looking on with his eyelids as wide open as they would possibly go1 to see the ,dodger plunge his hand into the old gentleman's pocket1 and draw from thence a handkerchief6 ,to see him hand the same to ,charley ,bates2 and finally to behold them1 both running away round the corner at full speed6 ,in an instant the whole mystery of the hankerchiefs1 and the watches1 and the jewels1 and the ,jew1 rushed upon the boy's mind4 ,he stood1 for a moment1 with the blood so tingling through all his veins from terror1 that he felt as if he were in a burning fire2 then1 confused and frightened1 he took to his heels2 and1 not knowing what he did1 made off as fast as he could lay his feet to the ground4 ,this was all done in a minute's space4 ,in the very instant when ,oliver began to run1 the old gentleman1 putting his hand to his pocket1 and missing his handkerchief1 turned sharp round4 ,seeing the boy scudding away at such a rapid pace1 he very naturally concluded him to be the depredator2 and shouting #8,stop thief6' with all his might1 made off after him1 book in hand4 ,but the old gentleman was not the only person who raised the hue-and-cry4 ,the ,dodger and ,master ,bates1 unwilling to attract public attention by running down the open street1 had merely retired into the very first doorway round the corner4 ,they no sooner heard the cry1 and saw ,oliver running1 than1 guessing exactly how the matter stood1 they issued forth with great promptitude2 and1 shouting #8,stop thief6' too1 joined in the pursuit like good citizens4 ,although ,oliver had been brought up by philosophers1 he was not theoretically acquainted with the beautiful axiom that self-preservation is the first law of nature4 ,if he had been1 perhaps he would have been prepared for this4 ,not being prepared1 however1 it alarmed him the more2 so away he went like the wind1 with the old gentleman and the two boys roaring and shouting behind him4 #8,stop thief6 ,stop thief6' ,there is a magic in the sound4 ,the tradesman leaves his counter1 and the car-man his waggon2 the butcher throws down his tray2 the baker his basket2 the milkman his pail2 the errand-boy his parcels2 the school-boy his marbles2 the paviour his pickaxe2 the child his battledore4 ,away they run1 pell-mell1 helter-skelter1 slap-dash3 tearing1 yelling1 screaming1 knocking down the passengers as they turn the corners1 rousing up the dogs1 and astonishing the fowls3 and streets1 squares1 and courts1 re-echo with the sound4 #8,stop thief6 ,stop thief6' ,the cry is taken up by a hundred voices1 and the crowd accumulate at every turning4 ,away they fly1 splashing through the mud1 and rattling along the pavements3 up go the windows1 out run the people1 onward bear the mob1 a whole audience desert ,punch in the very thickest of the plot1 and1 joining the rushing throng1 swell the shout1 and lend fresh vigour to the cry1 #8,stop thief6 ,stop thief6' #8,stop thief6 ,stop thief6' ,there is a passion for hunting something deeply implanted in the human breast4 ,one wretched breathless child1 panting with exhaustion2 terror in his looks2 agony in his eyes2 large drops of perspiration streaming down his face2 strains every nerve to make head upon his pursuers2 and as they follow on his track1 and gain upon him every instant1 they hail his decreasing strength with joy4 #8,stop thief6' ,ay1 stop him for ,god's sake1 were it only in mercy6 ,stopped at last6 ,a clever blow4 ,he is down upon the pavement2 and the crowd eagerly gather round him3 each new comer1 jostling and struggling with the others to catch a glimpse4 #8,stand aside6' #8,give him a little air6' #8,nonsense6 he don't deserve it4' #8,where's the gentleman8' #8,here his is1 coming down the street4' #8,make room there for the gentleman6' #8,is this the boy1 sir6' #8,yes4' ,oliver lay1 covered with mud and dust1 and bleeding from the mouth1 looking wildly round upon the heap of faces that surrounded him1 when the old gentleman was officiously dragged and pushed into the circle by the foremost of the pursuers4 #8,yes1' said the gentleman1 #8,i am afraid it is the boy4' #8,afraid6' murmured the crowd4 #8,that's a good #8un6' #8,poor fellow6' said the gentleman1 #8he has hurt himself4' #8,i did that1 sir1' said a great lubberly fellow1 stepping forward2 #8and preciously ,i cut my knuckle agin' his mouth4 ,i stopped him1 sir4' ,the fellow touched his hat with a grin1 expecting something for his pains2 but1 the old gentleman1 eyeing him with an expression of dislike1 look anxiously round1 as if he contemplated running away himself3 which it is very possible he might have attempted to do1 and thus have afforded another chase1 had not a police officer 7who is generally the last person to arrive in such cases7 at that moment made his way through the crowd1 and seized ,oliver by the collar4 #8,come1 get up1' said the man1 roughly4 #8,it wasn't me indeed1 sir4 ,indeed1 indeed1 it was two other boys1' said ,oliver1 clasping his hands passionately1 and looking round4 #8,they are here somewhere4' #8,oh no1 they ain't1' said the officer4 ,he meant this to be ironical1 but it was true besides2 for the ,dodger and ,charley ,bates had filed off down the first convenient court they came to4 #8,come1 get up6' #8,don't hurt him1' said the old gentleman1 compassionately4 #8,oh no1 ,i won't hurt him1' replied the officer1 tearing his jacket half off his back1 in proof thereof4 #8,come1 ,i know you2 it won't do4 ,will you stand upon your legs1 you young devil8' ,oliver1 who could hardly stand1 made a shift to raise himself on his feet1 and was at once lugged along the streets by the jacket-collar1 at a rapid pace4 ,the gentleman walked on with them by the officer's side2 and as many of the crowd as could achieve the feat1 got a little ahead1 and stared back at ,oliver from time to time4 ,the boys shouted in triumph2 and on they went4 ,,chapter ,,xi -- ,,treats ,,of ,,mr4 ,,fang ,,the ,,police ,,magistrate2 ,,and ,,furnishes ,a ,,slight ,,specimen ,,of ,,his ,,mode ,,of ,,administering ,,justice ,the offence had been committed within the district1 and indeed in the immediate neighborhood of1 a very notorious metropolitan police office4 ,the crowd had only the satisfaction of accompanying ,oliver through two or three streets1 and down a place called ,mutton ,hill1 when he was led beneath a low archway1 and up a dirty court1 into this dispensary of summary justice1 by the back way4 ,it was a small paved yard into which they turned2 and here they encountered a stout man with a bunch of whiskers on his face1 and a bunch of keys in his hand4 #8,what's the matter now8' said the man carelessly4 #8,a young fogle-hunter1' replied the man who had ,oliver in charge4 #8,are you the party that's been robbed1 sir8' inquired the man with the keys4 #8,yes1 ,i am1' replied the old gentleman2 #8but ,i am not sure that this boy actually took the handkerchief4 ,i--,i would rather not press the case4' #8,must go before the magistrate now1 sir1' replied the man4 #8,his worship will be disengaged in half a minute4 ,now1 young gallows6' ,this was an invitation for ,oliver to enter through a door which he unlocked as he spoke1 and which led into a stone cell4 ,here he was searched2 and nothing being found upon him1 locked up4 ,this cell was in shape and size something like an area cellar1 only not so light4 ,it was most intolerably dirty2 for it was ,monday morning2 and it had been tenanted by six drunken people1 who had been locked up1 elsewhere1 since ,saturday night4 ,but this is little4 ,in our station-houses1 men and women are every night confined on the most trivial charges--the word is worth noting--in dungeons1 compared with which1 those in ,newgate1 occupied by the most atrocious felons1 tried1 found guilty1 and under sentence of death1 are palaces4 ,let any one who doubts this1 compare the two4 ,the old gentleman looked almost as rueful as ,oliver when the key grated in the lock4 ,he turned with a sigh to the book1 which had been the innocent cause of all this disturbance4 #8,there is something in that boy's face1' said the old gentleman to himself as he walked slowly away1 tapping his chin with the cover of the book1 in a thoughtful manner2 #8something that touches and interests me4 ,can he be innocent8 ,he looked like--,bye the bye1' exclaimed the old gentleman1 halting very abruptly1 and staring up into the sky1 #8,bless my soul6--where have ,i seen something like that look before8' ,after musing for some minutes1 the old gentleman walked1 with the same meditative face1 into a back anteroom opening from the yard2 and there1 retiring into a corner1 called up before his mind's eye a vast amphitheatre of faces over which a dusky curtain had hung for many years4 #8,no1' said the old gentleman1 shaking his head2 #8it must be imagination4 ,he wandered over them again4 ,he had called them into view1 and it was not easy to replace the shroud that had so long concealed them4 ,there were the faces of friends1 and foes1 and of many that had been almost strangers peering intrusively from the crowd2 there were the faces of young and blooming girls that were now old women2 there were faces that the grave had changed and closed upon1 but which the mind1 superior to its power1 still dressed in their old freshness and beauty1 calling back the lustre of the eyes1 the brightness of the smile1 the beaming of the soul through its mask of clay1 and whispering of beauty beyond the tomb1 changed but to be heightened1 and taken from earth only to be set up as a light1 to shed a soft and gentle glow upon the path to ,heaven4 ,but the old gentleman could recall no one countenance of which ,oliver's features bore a trace4 ,so1 he heaved a sigh over the recollections he awakened2 and being1 happily for himself1 an absent old gentleman1 buried them again in the pages of the musty book4 ,he was roused by a touch on the shoulder1 and a request from the man with the keys to follow him into the office4 ,he closed his book hastily2 and was at once ushered into the imposing presence of the renowned ,mr4 ,fang4 ,the office was a front parlour1 with a panelled wall4 ,mr4 ,fang sat behind a bar1 at the upper end2 and on one side the door was a sort of wooden pen in which poor little ,oliver was already deposited2 trembling very much at the awfulness of the scene4 ,mr4 ,fang was a lean1 long-backed1 stiff-necked1 middle-sized man1 with no great quantity of hair1 and what he had1 growing on the back and sides of his head4 ,his face was stern1 and much flushed4 ,if he were really not in the habit of drinking rather more than was exactly good for him1 he might have brought action against his countenance for libel1 and have recovered heavy damages4 ,the old gentleman bowed respectfully2 and advancing to the magistrate's desk1 said1 suiting the action to the word1 #8,that is my name and address1 sir4' ,he then withdrew a pace or two2 and1 with another polite and gentlemanly inclination of the head1 waited to be questioned4 ,now1 it so happened that ,mr4 ,fang was at that moment perusing a leading article in a newspaper of the morning1 adverting to some recent decision of his1 and commending him1 for the three hundred and fiftieth time1 to the special and particular notice of the ,secretary of ,state for the ,home ,department4 ,he was out of temper2 and he looked up with an angry scowl4 #8,who are you8' said ,mr4 ,fang4 ,the old gentleman pointed1 with some surprise1 to his card4 #8,officer6' said ,mr4 ,fang1 tossing the card contemptuously away with the newspaper4 #8,who is this fellow8' #8,my name1 sir1' said the old gentleman1 speaking like a gentleman1 #8my name1 sir1 is ,brownlow4 ,permit me to inquire the name of the magistrate who offers a gratuitous and unprovoked insult to a respectable person1 under the protection of the bench4' ,saying this1 ,mr4 ,brownlow looked around the office as if in search of some person who would afford him the required information4 #8,officer6' said ,mr4 ,fang1 throwing the paper on one side1 #8what's this fellow charged with8' #8,he's not charged at all1 your worship1' replied the officer4 #8,he appears against this boy1 your worship4' ,his worship knew this perfectly well2 but it was a good annoyance1 and a safe one4 #8,appears against the boy1 does he8' said ,mr4 ,fang1 surveying ,mr4 ,brownlow contemptuously from head to foot4 #8,swear him6' #8,before ,i am sworn1 ,i must beg to say one word1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow2 #8and that is1 that ,i really never1 without actual experience1 could have believed--' #8,hold your tongue1 sir6' said ,mr4 ,fang1 peremptorily4 #8,i will not1 sir6' replied the old gentleman4 #8,hold your tongue this instant1 or ,i'll have you turned out of the office6' said ,mr4 ,fang4 #8,you're an insolent impertinent fellow4 ,how dare you bully a magistrate6' #8,what6' exclaimed the old gentleman1 reddening4 #8,swear this person6' said ,fang to the clerk4 #8,i'll not hear another word4 ,swear him4' ,mr4 ,brownlow's indignation was greatly roused2 but reflecting perhaps1 that he might only injure the boy by giving vent to it1 he suppressed his feelings and submitted to be sworn at once4 #8,now1' said ,fang1 #8what's the charge against this boy8 ,what have you got to say1 sir8' #8,i was standing at a bookstall--' ,mr4 ,brownlow began4 #8,hold your tongue1 sir1' said ,mr4 ,fang4 #8,policeman6 ,where's the policeman8 ,here1 swear this policeman4 ,now1 policeman1 what is this8' ,the policeman1 with becoming humility1 related how he had taken the charge2 how he had searched ,oliver1 and found nothing on his person2 and how that was all he knew about it4 #8,are there any witnesses8' inquired ,mr4 ,fang4 #8,none1 your worship1' replied the policeman4 ,mr4 ,fang sat silent for some minutes1 and then1 turning round to the prosecutor1 said in a towering passion4 #8,do you mean to state what your complaint against this boy is1 man1 or do you not8 ,you have been sworn4 ,now1 if you stand there1 refusing to give evidence1 ,i'll punish you for disrespect to the bench2 ,i will1 by--' ,by what1 or by whom1 nobody knows1 for the clerk and jailor coughed very loud1 just at the right moment2 and the former dropped a heavy book upon the floor1 thus preventing the word from being heard--accidently1 of course4 ,with many interruptions1 and repeated insults1 ,mr4 ,brownlow contrived to state his case2 observing that1 in the surprise of the moment1 he had run after the boy because he had saw him running away2 and expressing his hope that1 if the magistrate should believe him1 although not actually the thief1 to be connected with the thieves1 he would deal as leniently with him as justice would allow4 #8,he has been hurt already1' said the old gentleman in conclusion4 #8,and ,i fear1' he added1 with great energy1 looking towards the bar1 #8,i really fear that he is ill4' #8,oh6 yes1 ,i dare say6' said ,mr4 ,fang1 with a sneer4 #8,come1 none of your tricks here1 you young vagabond2 they won't do4 ,what's your name8' ,oliver tried to reply but his tongue failed him4 ,he was deadly pale2 and the whole place seemed turning round and round4 #8,what's your name1 you hardened scoundrel8' demanded ,mr4 ,fang4 #8,officer1 what's his name8' ,this was addressed to a bluff old fellow1 in a striped waistcoat1 who was standing by the bar4 ,he bent over ,oliver1 and repeated the inquiry2 but finding him really incapable of understanding the question2 and knowing that his not replying would only infuriate the magistrate the more1 and add to the severity of his sentence2 he hazarded a guess4 #8,he says his name's ,tom ,white1 your worship1' said the kind-hearted thief-taker4 #8,oh1 he won't speak out1 won't he8' said ,fang4 #8,very well1 very well4 ,where does he live8' #8,where he can1 your worship1' replied the officer2 again pretending to receive ,oliver's answer4 #8,has he any parents8' inquired ,mr4 ,fang4 #8,he says they died in his infancy1 your worship1' replied the officer3 hazarding the usual reply4 ,at this point of the inquiry1 ,oliver raised his head2 and1 looking round with imploring eyes1 murmured a feeble prayer for a draught of water4 #8,stuff and nonsense6' said ,mr4 ,fang3 #8don't try to make a fool of me4' #8,i think he really is ill1 your worship1' remonstrated the officer4 #8,i know better1' said ,mr4 ,fang4 #8,take care of him1 officer1' said the old gentleman1 raising his hands instinctively2 #8he'll fall down4' #8,stand away1 officer1' cried ,fang2 #8let him1 if he likes4' ,oliver availed himself of the kind permission1 and fell to the floor in a fainting fit4 ,the men in the office looked at each other1 but no one dared to stir4 #8,i knew he was shamming1' said ,fang1 as if this were incontestable proof of the fact4 #8,let him lie there2 he'll soon be tired of that4' #8,how do you propose to deal with the case1 sir8' inquired the clerk in a low voice4 #8,summarily1' replied ,mr4 ,fang4 #8,he stands committed for three months--hard labour of course4 ,clear the office4' ,the door was opened for this purpose1 and a couple of men were preparing to carry the insensible boy to his cell2 when an elderly man of decent but poor appearance1 clad in an old suit of black1 rushed hastily into the office1 and advanced towards the bench4 #8,stop1 stop6 don't take him away6 ,for ,heaven's sake stop a moment6' cried the new comer1 breathless with haste4 ,although the presiding ,genii in such an office as this1 exercise a summary and arbitrary power over the liberties1 the good name1 the character1 almost the lives1 of ,her ,majesty's subjects1 expecially of the poorer class2 and although1 within such walls1 enough fantastic tricks are daily played to make the angels blind with weeping2 they are closed to the public1 save through the medium of the daily press4,footnote3 ,or were virtually1 then4 ,mr4 ,fang was consequently not a little indignant to see an unbidden guest enter in such irreverent disorder4 #8,what is this8 ,who is this8 ,turn this man out4 ,clear the office6' cried ,mr4 ,fang4 #8,i will speak1' cried the man2 #8,i will not be turned out4 ,i saw it all4 ,i keep the book-stall4 ,i demand to be sworn4 ,i will not be put down4 ,mr4 ,fang1 you must hear me4 ,you must not refuse1 sir4' ,the man was right4 ,his manner was determined2 and the matter was growing rather too serious to be hushed up4 #8,swear the man1' growled ,mr4 ,fang1 with a very ill grace4 #8,now1 man1 what have you got to say8' #8,this1' said the man3 #8,i saw three boys3 two others and the prisoner here3 loitering on the opposite side of the way1 when this gentleman was reading4 ,the robbery was committed by another boy4 ,i saw it done2 and ,i saw that this boy was perfectly amazed and stupified by it4' ,having by this time recovered a little breath1 the worthy book-stall keeper proceeded to relate1 in a more coherent manner the exact circumstances of the robbery4 #8,why didn't you come here before8' said ,fang1 after a pause4 #8,i hadn't a soul to mind the shop1' replied the man4 #8,everybody who could have helped me1 had joined in the pursuit4 ,i could get nobody till five minutes ago2 and ,i've run here all the way4' #8,the prosecutor was reading1 was he8' inquired ,fang1 after another pause4 #8,yes1' replied the man4 #8,the very book he has in his hand4' #8,oh1 that book1 eh8' said ,fang4 #8,is it paid for8' #8,no1 it is not1' replied the man1 with a smile4 #8,dear me1 ,i forgot all about it6' exclaimed the absent old gentleman1 innocently4 #8,a nice person to prefer a charge against a poor boy6' said ,fang1 with a comical effort to look humane4 #8,i consider1 sir1 that you have obtained possession of that book1 under very suspicious and disreputable circumstances2 and you may think yourself very fortunate that the owner of the property declines to prosecute4 ,let this be a lesson to you1 my man1 or the law will overtake you yet4 ,the boy is discharged4 ,clear the office6' #8,d--n me6' cried the old gentleman1 bursting out with the rage he had kept down so long1 #8d--n me6 ,i'll--' #8,clear the office6' said the magistrate4 #8,officers1 do you hear8 ,clear the office6' ,the mandate was obeyed2 and the indignant ,mr4 ,brownlow was conveyed out1 with the book in one hand1 and the bamboo cane in the other3 in a perfect phrenzy of rage and defiance4 ,he reached the yard2 and his passion vanished in a moment4 ,little ,oliver ,twist lay on his back on the pavement1 with his shirt unbuttoned1 and his temples bathed with water2 his face a deadly white2 and a cold tremble convulsing his whole frame4 #8,poor boy1 poor boy6' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 bending over him4 #8,call a coach1 somebody1 pray4 ,directly6' ,a coach was obtained1 and ,oliver having been carefully laid on the seat1 the old gentleman got in and sat himself on the other4 #8,may ,i accompany you8' said the book-stall keeper1 looking in4 #8,bless me1 yes1 my dear sir1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow quickly4 #8,i forgot you4 ,dear1 dear6 ,i have this unhappy book still6 ,jump in4 ,poor fellow6 ,there's no time to lose4' ,the book-stall keeper got into the coach2 and away they drove4 ,,chapter ,,xii -- ,,in ,,which ,,oliver ,,is ,,taken ,,better ,,care ,,of ,,than ,,he ,,ever ,,was ,,before4 ,,and ,,in ,,which ,,the ,,narrative ,,reverts ,,to ,,the ,,merry ,,old ,,gentleman ,,and ,,his ,,youthful ,,friends4 ,the coach rattled away1 over nearly the same ground as that which ,oliver had traversed when he first entered ,london in company with the ,dodger2 and1 turning a different way when it reached the ,angel at ,islington1 stopped at length before a neat house1 in a quiet shady street near ,pentonville4 ,here1 a bed was prepared1 without loss of time1 in which ,mr4 ,brownlow saw his young charge carefully and comfortably deposited2 and here1 he was tended with a kindness and solicitude that knew no bounds4 ,but1 for many days1 ,oliver remained insensible to all the goodness of his new friends4 ,the sun rose and sank1 and rose and sank again1 and many times after that2 and still the boy lay stretched on his uneasy bed1 dwindling away beneath the dry and wasting heat of fever4 ,the worm does not work more surely on the dead body1 than does this slow creeping fire upon the living frame4 ,weak1 and thin1 and pallid1 he awoke at last from what seemed to have been a long and troubled dream4 ,feebly raising himself in the bed1 with his head resting on his trembling arm1 he looked anxiously around4 #8,what room is this8 ,where have ,i been brought to8' said ,oliver4 #8,this is not the place ,i went to sleep in4' ,he uttered these words in a feeble voice1 being very faint and weak2 but they were overheard at once4 ,the curtain at the bed's head was hastily drawn back1 and a motherly old lady1 very neatly and precisely dressed1 rose as she undrew it1 from an arm-chair close by1 in which she had been sitting at needle-work4 #8,hush1 my dear1' said the old lady softly4 #8,you must be very quiet1 or you will be ill again2 and you have been very bad1--as bad as bad could be1 pretty nigh4 ,lie down again2 there's a dear6' ,with those words1 the old lady very gently placed ,oliver's head upon the pillow2 and1 smoothing back his hair from his forehead1 looked so kindly and loving in his face1 that he could not help placing his little withered hand in hers1 and drawing it round his neck4 #8,save us6' said the old lady1 with tears in her eyes4 #8,what a grateful little dear it is4 ,pretty creetur6 ,what would his mother feel if she had sat by him as ,i have1 and could see him now6' #8,perhaps she does see me1' whispered ,oliver1 folding his hands together2 #8perhaps she has sat by me4 ,i almost feel as if she had4' #8,that was the fever1 my dear1' said the old lady mildly4 #8,i suppose it was1' replied ,oliver1 #8because heaven is a long way off2 and they are too happy there1 to come down to the bedside of a poor boy4 ,but if she knew ,i was ill1 she must have pitied me1 even there2 for she was very ill herself before she died4 ,she can't know anything about me though1' added ,oliver after a moment's silence4 #8,if she had seen me hurt1 it would have made her sorrowful2 and her face has always looked sweet and happy1 when ,i have dreamed of her4' ,the old lady made no reply to this2 but wiping her eyes first1 and her spectacles1 which lay on the counterpane1 afterwards1 as if they were part and parcel of those features1 brought some cool stuff for ,oliver to drink2 and then1 patting him on the cheek1 told him he must lie very quiet1 or he would be ill again4 ,so1 ,oliver kept very still2 partly because he was anxious to obey the kind old lady in all things2 and partly1 to tell the truth1 because he was completely exhausted with what he had already said4 ,he soon fell into a gentle doze1 from which he was awakened by the light of a candle3 which1 being brought near the bed1 showed him a gentleman with a very large and loud-ticking gold watch in his hand1 who felt his pulse1 and said he was a great deal better4 #8,you are a great deal better1 are you not1 my dear8' said the gentleman4 #8,yes1 thank you1 sir1' replied ,oliver4 #8,yes1 ,i know you are1' said the gentleman3 #8,you're hungry too1 an't you8' #8,no1 sir1' answered ,oliver4 #8,hem6' said the gentleman4 #8,no1 ,i know you're not4 ,he is not hungry1 ,mrs4 ,bedwin1' said the gentleman3 looking very wise4 ,the old lady made a respectful inclination of the head1 which seemed to say that she thought the doctor was a very clever man4 ,the doctor appeared much of the same opinion himself4 #8,you feel sleepy1 don't you1 my dear8' said the doctor4 #8,no1 sir1' replied ,oliver4 #8,no1' said the doctor1 with a very shrewd and satisfied look4 #8,you're not sleepy4 ,nor thirsty4 ,are you8' #8,yes1 sir1 rather thirsty1' answered ,oliver4 #8,just as ,i expected1 ,mrs4 ,bedwin1' said the doctor4 #8,it's very natural that he should be thirsty4 ,you may give him a little tea1 ma'am1 and some dry toast without any butter4 ,don't keep him too warm1 ma'am2 but be careful that you don't let him be too cold2 will you have the goodness8' ,the old lady dropped a curtsey4 ,the doctor1 after tasting the cool stuff1 and expressing a qualified approval of it1 hurried away3 his boots creaking in a very important and wealthy manner as he went downstairs4 ,oliver dozed off again1 soon after this2 when he awoke1 it was nearly twelve o'clock4 ,the old lady tenderly bade him good-night shortly afterwards1 and left him in charge of a fat old woman who had just come3 bringing with her1 in a little bundle1 a small ,prayer ,book and a large nightcap4 ,putting the latter on her head and the former on the table1 the old woman1 after telling ,oliver that she had come to sit up with him1 drew her chair close to the fire and went off into a series of short naps1 chequered at frequent intervals with sundry tumblings forward1 and divers moans and chokings4 ,these1 however1 had no worse effect than causing her to rub her nose very hard1 and then fall asleep again4 ,and thus the night crept slowly on4 ,oliver lay awake for some time1 counting the little circles of light which the reflection of the rushlight-shade threw upon the ceiling2 or tracing with his languid eyes the intricate pattern of the paper on the wall4 ,the darkness and the deep stillness of the room were very solemn2 as they brought into the boy's mind the thought that death had been hovering there1 for many days and nights1 and might yet fill it with the gloom and dread of his awful presence1 he turned his face upon the pillow1 and fervently prayed to ,heaven4 ,gradually1 he fell into that deep tranquil sleep which ease from recent suffering alone imparts2 that calm and peaceful rest which it is pain to wake from4 ,who1 if this were death1 would be roused again to all the struggles and turmoils of life2 to all its cares for the present2 its anxieties for the future2 more than all1 its weary recollections of the past6 ,it had been bright day1 for hours1 when ,oliver opened his eyes2 he felt cheerful and happy4 ,the crisis of the disease was safely past4 ,he belonged to the world again4 ,in three days' time he was able to sit in an easy-chair1 well propped up with pillows2 and1 as he was still too weak to walk1 ,mrs4 ,bedwin had him carried downstairs into the little housekeeper's room1 which belonged to her4 ,having him set1 here1 by the fire-side1 the good old lady sat herself down too2 and1 being in a state of considerable delight at seeing him so much better1 forthwith began to cry most violently4 #8,never mind me1 my dear1' said the old lady2 #8,i'm only having a regular good cry4 ,there2 it's all over now2 and ,i'm quite comfortable4' #8,you're very1 very kind to me1 ma'am1' said ,oliver4 #8,well1 never you mind that1 my dear1' said the old lady2 #8that's got nothing to do with your broth2 and it's full time you had it2 for the doctor says ,mr4 ,brownlow may come in to see you this morning2 and we must get up our best looks1 because the better we look1 the more he'll be pleased4' ,and with this1 the old lady applied herself to warming up1 in a little saucepan1 a basin full of broth3 strong enough1 ,oliver thought1 to furnish an ample dinner1 when reduced to the regulation strength1 for three hundred and fifty paupers1 at the lowest computation4 #8,are you fond of pictures1 dear8' inquired the old lady1 seeing that ,oliver had fixed his eyes1 most intently1 on a portrait which hung against the wall2 just opposite his chair4 #8,i don't quite know1 ma'am1' said ,oliver1 without taking his eyes from the canvas2 #8,i have seen so few that ,i hardly know4 ,what a beautiful1 mild face that lady's is6' #8,ah6' said the old lady1 #8painters always make ladies out prettier than they are1 or they wouldn't get any custom1 child4 ,the man that invented the machine for taking likenesses might have known that would never succeed2 it's a deal too honest4 ,a deal1' said the old lady1 laughing very heartily at her own acuteness4 #8,is--is that a likeness1 ma'am8' said ,oliver4 #8,yes1' said the old lady1 looking up for a moment from the broth2 #8that's a portrait4' #8,whose1 ma'am8' asked ,oliver4 #8,why1 really1 my dear1 ,i don't know1' answered the old lady in a good-humoured manner4 #8,it's not a likeness of anybody that you or ,i know1 ,i expect4 ,it seems to strike your fancy1 dear4' #8,it is so pretty1' replied ,oliver4 #8,why1 sure you're not afraid of it8' said the old lady3 observing in great surprise1 the look of awe with which the child regarded the painting4 #8,oh no1 no1' returned ,oliver quickly2 #8but the eyes look so sorrowful2 and where ,i sit1 they seem fixed upon me4 ,it makes my heart beat1' added ,oliver in a low voice1 #8as if it was alive1 and wanted to speak to me1 but couldn't4' #8,lord save us6' exclaimed the old lady1 starting2 #8don't talk in that way1 child4 ,you're weak and nervous after your illness4 ,let me wheel your chair round to the other side2 and then you won't see it4 ,there6' said the old lady1 suiting the action to the word2 #8you don't see it now1 at all events4' ,oliver did see it in his mind's eye as distinctly as if he had not altered his position2 but he thought it better not to worry the kind old lady2 so he smiled gently when she looked at him2 and ,mrs4 ,bedwin1 satisfied that he felt more comfortable1 salted and broke bits of toasted bread into the broth1 with all the bustle befitting so solemn a preparation4 ,oliver got through it with extraordinary expedition4 ,he had scarcely swallowed the last spoonful1 when there came a soft rap at the door4 #8,come in1' said the old lady2 and in walked ,mr4 ,brownlow4 ,now1 the old gentleman came in as brisk as need be2 but1 he had no sooner raised his spectacles on his forehead1 and thrust his hands behind the skirts of his dressing-gown to take a good long look at ,oliver1 than his countenance underwent a very great variety of odd contortions4 ,oliver looked very worn and shadowy from sickness1 and made an ineffectual attempt to stand up1 out of respect to his benefactor1 which terminated in his sinking back into the chair again2 and the fact is1 if the truth must be told1 that ,mr4 ,brownlow's heart1 being large enough for any six ordinary old gentlemen of humane disposition1 forced a supply of tears into his eyes1 by some hydraulic process which we are not sufficiently philosophical to be in a condition to explain4 #8,poor boy1 poor boy6' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 clearing his throat4 #8,i'm rather hoarse this morning1 ,mrs4 ,bedwin4 ,i'm afraid ,i have caught cold4' #8,i hope not1 sir1' said ,mrs4 ,bedwin4 #8,everything you have had1 has been well aired1 sir4' #8,i don't know1 ,bedwin4 ,i don't know1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow2 #8,i rather think ,i had a damp napkin at dinner-time yesterday2 but never mind that4 ,how do you feel1 my dear8' #8,very happy1 sir1' replied ,oliver4 #8,and very grateful indeed1 sir1 for your goodness to me4' #8,good by1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 stoutly4 #8,have you given him any nourishment1 ,bedwin8 ,any slops1 eh8' #8,he has just had a basin of beautiful strong broth1 sir1' replied ,mrs4 ,bedwin3 drawing herself up slightly1 and laying strong emphasis on the last word3 to intimate that between slops1 and broth will compounded1 there existed no affinity or connection whatsoever4 #8,ugh6' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 with a slight shudder2 #8a couple of glasses of port wine would have done him a great deal more good4 ,wouldn't they1 ,tom ,white1 eh8' #8,my name is ,oliver1 sir1' replied the little invalid3 with a look of great astonishment4 #8,oliver1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow2 #8,oliver what8 ,oliver ,white1 eh8' #8,no1 sir1 ,twist1 ,oliver ,twist4' #8,queer name6' said the old gentleman4 #8,what made you tell the magistrate your name was ,white8' #8,i never told him so1 sir1' returned ,oliver in amazement4 ,this sounded so like a falsehood1 that the old gentleman looked somewhat sternly in ,oliver's face4 ,it was impossible to doubt him2 there was truth in every one of its thin and sharpened lineaments4 #8,some mistake1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow4 ,but1 although his motive for looking steadily at ,oliver no longer existed1 the old idea of the resemblance between his features and some familiar face came upon him so strongly1 that he could not withdraw his gaze4 #8,i hope you are not angry with me1 sir8' said ,oliver1 raising his eyes beseechingly4 #8,no1 no1' replied the old gentleman4 #8,why6 what's this8 ,bedwin1 look there6' ,as he spoke1 he pointed hastily to the picture over ,oliver's head1 and then to the boy's face4 ,there was its living copy4 ,the eyes1 the head1 the mouth2 every feature was the same4 ,the expression was1 for the instant1 so precisely alike1 that the minutest line seemed copied with startling accuracy6 ,oliver knew not the cause of this sudden exclamation2 for1 not being strong enough to bear the start it gave him1 he fainted away4 ,a weakness on his part1 which affords the narrative an opportunity of relieving the reader from suspense1 in behalf of the two young pupils of the ,merry ,old ,gentleman2 and of recording-- ,that when the ,dodger1 and his accomplished friend ,master ,bates1 joined in the hue-and-cry which was raised at ,oliver's heels1 in consequence of their executing an illegal conveyance of ,mr4 ,brownlow's personal property1 as has been already described1 they were actuated by a very laudable and becoming regard for themselves2 and forasmuch as the freedom of the subject and the liberty of the individual are among the first and proudest boasts of a true-hearted ,englishman1 so1 ,i need hardly beg the reader to observe1 that this action should tend to exalt them in the opinion of all public and patriotic men1 in almost as great a degree as this strong proof of their anxiety for their own preservation and safety goes to corroborate and confirm the little code of laws which certain profound and sound-judging philosophers have laid down as the main-springs of all ,nature's deeds and actions3 the said philosophers very wisely reducing the good lady's proceedings to matters of maxim and theory3 and1 by a very neat and pretty compliment to her exalted wisdom and understanding1 putting entirely out of sight any considerations of heart1 or generous impulse and feeling4 ,for1 these are matters totally beneath a female who is acknowledged by universal admission to be far above the numerous little foibles and weaknesses of her sex4 ,if ,i wanted any further proof of the strictly philosophical nature of the conduct of these young gentlemen in their very delicate predicament1 ,i should at once find it in the fact 7also recorded in a foregoing part of this narrative71 of their quitting the pursuit1 when the general attention was fixed upon ,oliver2 and making immediately for their home by the shortest possible cut4 ,although ,i do not mean to assert that it is usually the practice of renowned and learned sages1 to shorten the road to any great conclusion 7their course indeed being rather to lengthen the distance1 by various circumlocutions and discursive staggerings1 like unto those in which drunken men under the pressure of a too mighty flow of ideas1 are prone to indulge72 still1 ,i do mean to say1 and do say distinctly1 that it is the invariable practice of many mighty philosophers1 in carrying out their theories1 to evince great wisdom and foresight in providing against every possible contingency which can be supposed at all likely to affect themselves4 ,thus1 to do a great right1 you may do a little wrong2 and you may take any means which the end to be attained1 will justify2 the amount of the right1 or the amount of the wrong1 or indeed the distinction between the two1 being left entirely to the philosopher concerned1 to be settled and determined by his clear1 comprehensive1 and impartial view of his own particular case4 ,it was not until the two boys had scoured1 with great rapidity1 through a most intricate maze of narrow streets and courts1 that they ventured to halt beneath a low and dark archway4 ,having remained silent here1 just long enough to recover breath to speak1 ,master ,bates uttered an exclamation of amusement and delight2 and1 bursting into an uncontrollable fit of laughter1 flung himself upon a doorstep1 and rolled thereon in a transport of mirth4 #8,what's the matter8' inquired the ,dodger4 #8,ha6 ha6 ha6' roared ,charley ,bates4 #8,hold your noise1' remonstrated the ,dodger1 looking cautiously round4 #8,do you want to be grabbed1 stupid8' #8,i can't help it1' said ,charley1 #8,i can't help it6 ,to see him splitting away at that pace1 and cutting round the corners1 and knocking up again' the posts1 and starting on again as if he was made of iron as well as them1 and me with the wipe in my pocket1 singing out arter him--oh1 my eye6' ,the vivid imagination of ,master ,bates presented the scene before him in too strong colours4 ,as he arrived at this apostrophe1 he again rolled upon the door-step1 and laughed louder than before4 #8,what'll ,fagin say8' inquired the ,dodger2 taking advantage of the next interval of breathlessness on the part of his friend to propound the question4 #8,what8' repeated ,charley ,bates4 #8,ah1 what8' said the ,dodger4 #8,why1 what should he say8' inquired ,charley3 stopping rather suddenly in his merriment2 for the ,dodger's manner was impressive4 #8,what should he say8' ,mr4 ,dawkins whistled for a couple of minutes2 then1 taking off his hat1 scratched his head1 and nodded thrice4 #8,what do you mean8' said ,charley4 #8,toor rul lol loo1 gammon and spinnage1 the frog he wouldn't1 and high cockolorum1' said the ,dodger3 with a slight sneer on his intellectual countenance4 ,this was explanatory1 but not satisfactory4 ,master ,bates felt it so2 and again said1 #8,what do you mean8' ,the ,dodger made no reply2 but putting his hat on again1 and gathering the skirts of his long-tailed coat under his arm1 thrust his tongue into his cheek1 slapped the bridge of his nose some half-dozen times in a familiar but expressive manner1 and turning on his heel1 slunk down the court4 ,master ,bates followed1 with a thoughtful countenance4 ,the noise of footsteps on the creaking stairs1 a few minutes after the occurrence of this conversation1 roused the merry old gentleman as he sat over the fire with a saveloy and a small loaf in his hand2 a pocket-knife in his right2 and a pewter pot on the trivet4 ,there was a rascally smile on his white face as he turned round1 and looking sharply out from under his thick red eyebrows1 bent his ear towards the door1 and listened4 #8,why1 how's this8' muttered the ,jew3 changing countenance2 #8only two of #8em8 ,where's the third8 ,they can't have got into trouble4 ,hark6' ,the footsteps approached nearer2 they reached the landing4 ,the door was slowly opened2 and the ,dodger and ,charley ,bates entered1 closing it behind them4 ,,chapter ,,xiii -- ,,some ,,new ,,acquaintances ,,are ,,introduced ,,to ,,the ,,intelligent ,,reader1 ,,connected ,,with ,,whom ,,various ,,pleasant ,,matters ,,are ,,related1 ,,appertaining ,,to ,,this ,,history #8,where's ,oliver8' said the ,jew1 rising with a menacing look4 #8,where's the boy8' ,the young thieves eyed their preceptor as if they were alarmed at his violence2 and looked uneasily at each other4 ,but they made no reply4 #8,what's become of the boy8' said the ,jew1 seizing the ,dodger tightly by the collar1 and threatening him with horrid imprecations4 #8,speak out1 or ,i'll throttle you6' ,mr4 ,fagin looked so very much in earnest1 that ,charley ,bates1 who deemed it prudent in all cases to be on the safe side1 and who conceived it by no means improbable that it might be his turn to be throttled second1 dropped upon his knees1 and raised a loud1 well-sustained1 and continuous roar--something between a mad bull and a speaking trumpet4 #8,will you speak8' thundered the ,jew3 shaking the ,dodger so much that his keeping in the big coat at all1 seemed perfectly miraculous4 #8,why1 the traps have got him1 and that's all about it1' said the ,dodger1 sullenly4 #8,come1 let go o' me1 will you6' ,and1 swinging himself1 at one jerk1 clean out of the big coat1 which he left in the ,jew's hands1 the ,dodger snatched up the toasting fork1 and made a pass at the merry old gentleman's waistcoat2 which1 if it had taken effect1 would have let a little more merriment out than could have been easily replaced4 ,the ,jew stepped back in this emergency1 with more agility than could have been anticipated in a man of his apparent decrepitude2 and1 seizing up the pot1 prepared to hurl it at his assailant's head4 ,but ,charley ,bates1 at this moment1 calling his attention by a perfectly terrific howl1 he suddenly altered its destination1 and flung it full at that young gentleman4 #8,why1 what the blazes is in the wind now6' growled a deep voice4 #8,who pitched that #8ere at me8 ,it's well it's the beer1 and not the pot1 as hit me1 or ,i'd have settled somebody4 ,i might have know'd1 as nobody but an infernal1 rich1 plundering1 thundering old ,jew could afford to throw away any drink but water--and not that1 unless he done the ,river ,company every quarter4 ,wot's it all about1 ,fagin8 ,d--me1 if my neck-handkercher an't lined with beer6 ,come in1 you sneaking warmint2 wot are you stopping outside for1 as if you was ashamed of your master6 ,come in6' ,the man who growled out these words1 was a stoutly-built fellow of about five-and-thirty1 in a black velveteen coat1 very soiled drab breeches1 lace-up half boots1 and grey cotton stockings which inclosed a bulky pair of legs1 with large swelling calves2--the kind of legs1 which in such costume1 always look in an unfinished and incomplete state without a set of fetters to garnish them4 ,he had a brown hat on his head1 and a dirty belcher handkerchief round his neck3 with the long frayed ends of which he smeared the beer from his face as he spoke4 ,he disclosed1 when he had done so1 a broad heavy countenance with a beard of three days' growth1 and two scowling eyes2 one of which displayed various parti-coloured symptoms of having been recently damaged by a blow4 #8,come in1 d'ye hear8' growled this engaging ruffian4 ,a white shaggy dog1 with his face scratched and torn in twenty different places1 skulked into the room4 #8,why didn't you come in afore8' said the man4 #8,you're getting too proud to own me afore company1 are you8 ,lie down6' ,this command was accompanied with a kick1 which sent the animal to the other end of the room4 ,he appeared well used to it1 however2 for he coiled himself up in a corner very quietly1 without uttering a sound1 and winking his very ill-looking eyes twenty times in a minute1 appeared to occupy himself in taking a survey of the apartment4 #8,what are you up to8 ,ill-treating the boys1 you covetous1 avaricious1 in-sa-ti-a-ble old fence8' said the man1 seating himself deliberately4 #8,i wonder they don't murder you6 ,i would if ,i was them4 ,if ,i'd been your #8prentice1 ,i'd have done it long ago1 and--no1 ,i couldn't have sold you afterwards1 for you're fit for nothing but keeping as a curiousity of ugliness in a glass bottle1 and ,i suppose they don't blow glass bottles large enough4' #8,hush6 hush6 ,mr4 ,sikes1' said the ,jew1 trembling2 #8don't speak so loud6' #8,none of your mistering1' replied the ruffian2 #8you always mean mischief when you come that4 ,you know my name3 out with it6 ,i shan't disgrace it when the time comes4' #8,well1 well1 then--,bill ,sikes1' said the ,jew1 with abject humility4 #8,you seem out of humour1 ,bill4' #8,perhaps ,i am1' replied ,sikes2 #8,i should think you was rather out of sorts too1 unless you mean as little harm when you throw pewter pots about1 as you do when you blab and--' #8,are you mad8' said the ,jew1 catching the man by the sleeve1 and pointing towards the boys4 ,mr4 ,sikes contented himself with tying an imaginary knot under his left ear1 and jerking his head over on the right shoulder2 a piece of dumb show which the ,jew appeared to understand perfectly4 ,he then1 in cant terms1 with which his whole conversation was plentifully besprinkled1 but which would be quite unintelligible if they were recorded here1 demanded a glass of liquor4 #8,and mind you don't poison it1' said ,mr4 ,sikes1 laying his hat upon the table4 ,this was said in jest2 but if the speaker could have seen the evil leer with which the ,jew bit his pale lip as he turned round to the cupboard1 he might have thought the caution not wholly unnecessary1 or the wish 7at all events7 to improve upon the distiller's ingenuity not very far from the old gentleman's merry heart4 ,after swallowing two of three glasses of spirits1 ,mr4 ,sikes condescended to take some notice of the young gentlemen2 which gracious act led to a conversation1 in which the cause and manner of ,oliver's capture were circumstantially detailed1 with such alterations and improvements on the truth1 as to the ,dodger appeared most advisable under the circumstances4 #8,i'm afraid1' said the ,jew1 #8that he may say something which will get us into trouble4' #8,that's very likely1' returned ,sikes with a malicious grin4 #8,you're blowed upon1 ,fagin4' #8,and ,i'm afraid1 you see1' added the ,jew1 speaking as if he had not noticed the interruption2 and regarding the other closely as he did so1--#8,i'm afraid that1 if the game was up with us1 it might be up with a good many more1 and that it would come out rather worse for you than it would for me1 my dear4' ,the man started1 and turned round upon the ,jew4 ,but the old gentleman's shoulders were shrugged up to his ears2 and his eyes were vacantly staring on the opposite wall4 ,there was a long pause4 ,every member of the respectable coterie appeared plunged in his own reflections2 not excepting the dog1 who by a certain malicious licking of his lips seemed to be meditating an attack upon the legs of the first gentleman or lady he might encounter in the streets when he went out4 #8,somebody must find out wot's been done at the office1' said ,mr4 ,sikes in a much lower tone than he had taken since he came in4 ,the ,jew nodded assent4 #8,if he hasn't peached1 and is committed1 there's no fear till he comes out again1' said ,mr4 ,sikes1 #8and then he must be taken care on4 ,you must get hold of him somehow4' ,again the ,jew nodded4 ,the prudence of this line of action1 indeed1 was obvious2 but1 unfortunately1 there was one very strong objection to its being adopted4 ,this was1 that the ,dodger1 and ,charley ,bates1 and ,fagin1 and ,mr4 ,william ,sikes1 happened1 one and all1 to entertain a violent and deeply-rooted antipathy to going near a police-office on any ground or pretext whatever4 ,how long they might have sat and looked at each other1 in a state of uncertainty not the most pleasant of its kind1 it is difficult to guess4 ,it is not necessary to make any guesses on the subject1 however2 for the sudden entrance of the two young ladies whom ,oliver had seen on a former occasion1 caused the conversation to flow afresh4 #8,the very thing6' said the ,jew4 #8,bet will go2 won't you1 my dear8' #8,wheres8' inquired the young lady4 #8,only just up to the office1 my dear1' said the ,jew coaxingly4 ,it is due to the young lady to say that she did not positively affirm that she would not1 but that she merely expressed an emphatic and earnest desire to be #8blessed' if she would2 a polite and delicate evasion of the request1 which shows the young lady to have been possessed of that natural good breeding which cannot bear to inflict upon a fellow-creature1 the pain of a direct and pointed refusal4 ,the ,jew's countenance fell4 ,he turned from this young lady1 who was gaily1 not to say gorgeously attired1 in a red gown1 green boots1 and yellow curl-papers1 to the other female4 #8,nancy1 my dear1' said the ,jew in a soothing manner1 #8what do you say8' #8,that it won't do2 so it's no use a-trying it on1 ,fagin1' replied ,nancy4 #8,what do you mean by that8' said ,mr4 ,sikes1 looking up in a surly manner4 #8,what ,i say1 ,bill1' replied the lady collectedly4 #8,why1 you're just the very person for it1' reasoned ,mr4 ,sikes3 #8nobody about here knows anything of you4' #8,and as ,i don't want #8em to1 neither1' replied ,nancy in the same composed manner1 #8it's rather more no than yes with me1 ,bill4' #8,she'll go1 ,fagin1' said ,sikes4 #8,no1 she won't1 ,fagin1' said ,nancy4 #8,yes1 she will1 ,fagin1' said ,sikes4 ,and ,mr4 ,sikes was right4 ,by dint of alternate threats1 promises1 and bribes1 the lady in question was ultimately prevailed upon to undertake the commission4 ,she was not1 indeed1 withheld by the same considerations as her agreeable friend2 for1 having recently removed into the neighborhood of ,field ,lane from the remote but genteel suburb of ,ratcliffe1 she was not under the same apprehension of being recognised by any of her numerous acquaintances4 ,accordingly1 with a clean white apron tied over her gown1 and her curl-papers tucked up under a straw bonnet1--both articles of dress being provided from the ,jew's inexhaustible stock1--,miss ,nancy prepared to issue forth on her errand4 #8,stop a minute1 my dear1' said the ,jew1 producing1 a little covered basket4 #8,carry that in one hand4 ,it looks more respectable1 my dear4' #8,give her a door-key to carry in her t'other one1 ,fagin1' said ,sikes2 #8it looks real and genivine like4' #8,yes1 yes1 my dear1 so it does1' said the ,jew1 hanging a large street-door key on the forefinger of the young lady's right hand4 #8,there2 very good6 ,very good indeed1 my dear6' said the ,jew1 rubbing his hands4 #8,oh1 my brother6 ,my poor1 dear1 sweet1 innocent little brother6' exclaimed ,nancy1 bursting into tears1 and wringing the little basket and the street-door key in an agony of distress4 #8,what has become of him6 ,where have they taken him to6 ,oh1 do have pity1 and tell me what's been done with the dear boy1 gentlemen2 do1 gentlemen1 if you please1 gentlemen6' ,having uttered those words in a most lamentable and heart-broken tone3 to the immeasurable delight of her hearers3 ,miss ,nancy paused1 winked to the company1 nodded smilingly round1 and disappeared4 #8,ah1 she's a clever girl1 my dears1' said the ,jew1 turning round to his young friends1 and shaking his head gravely1 as if in mute admonition to them to follow the bright example they had just beheld4 #8,she's a honour to her sex1' said ,mr4 ,sikes1 filling his glass1 and smiting the table with his enormous fist4 #8,here's her health1 and wishing they was all like her6' ,while these1 and many other encomiums1 were being passed on the accomplished ,nancy1 that young lady made the best of her way to the police-office2 whither1 notwithstanding a little natural timidity consequent upon walking through the streets alone and unprotected1 she arrived in perfect safety shortly afterwards4 ,entering by the back way1 she tapped softly with the key at one of the cell-doors1 and listened4 ,there was no sound within3 so she coughed and listened again4 ,still there was no reply3 so she spoke4 #8,nolly1 dear8' murmured ,nancy in a gentle voice2 #8,nolly8' ,there was nobody inside but a miserable shoeless criminal1 who had been taken up for playing the flute1 and who1 the offence against society having been clearly proved1 had been very properly committed by ,mr4 ,fang to the ,house of ,correction for one month2 with the appropriate and amusing remark that since he had so much breath to spare1 it would be more wholesomely expended on the treadmill than in a musical instrument4 ,he made no answer3 being occupied mentally bewailing the loss of the flute1 which had been confiscated for the use of the county3 so ,nancy passed on to the next cell1 and knocked there4 #8,well6' cried a faint and feeble voice4 #8,is there a little boy here8' inquired ,nancy1 with a preliminary sob4 #8,no1' replied the voice2 #8,god forbid4' ,this was a vagrant of sixty-five1 who was going to prison for not playing the flute2 or1 in other words1 for begging in the streets1 and doing nothing for his livelihood4 ,in the next cell was another man1 who was going to the same prison for hawking tin saucepans without license2 thereby doing something for his living1 in defiance of the ,stamp-office4 ,but1 as neither of these criminals answered to the name of ,oliver1 or knew anything about him1 ,nancy made straight up to the bluff officer in the striped waistcoat2 and with the most piteous wailings and lamentations1 rendered more piteous by a prompt and efficient use of the street-door key and the little basket1 demanded her own dear brother4 #8,i haven't got him1 my dear1' said the old man4 #8,where is he8' screamed ,nancy1 in a distracted manner4 #8,why1 the gentleman's got him1' replied the officer4 #8,what gentleman6 ,oh1 gracious heavens6 ,what gentleman8' exclaimed ,nancy4 ,in reply to this incoherent questioning1 the old man informed the deeply affected sister that ,oliver had been taken ill in the office1 and discharged in consequence of a witness having proved the robbery to have been committed by another boy1 not in custody2 and that the prosecutor had carried him away1 in an insensible condition1 to his own residence3 of and concerning which1 all the informant knew was1 that it was somewhere in ,pentonville1 he having heard that word mentioned in the directions to the coachman4 ,in a dreadful state of doubt and uncertainty1 the agonised young woman staggered to the gate1 and then1 exchanging her faltering walk for a swift run1 returned by the most devious and complicated route she could think of1 to the domicile of the ,jew4 ,mr4 ,bill ,sikes no sooner heard the account of the expedition delivered1 than he very hastily called up the white dog1 and1 putting on his hat1 expeditiously departed3 without devoting any time to the formality of wishing the company good-morning4 #8,we must know where he is1 my dears2 he must be found1' said the ,jew greatly excited4 #8,charley1 do nothing but skulk about1 till you bring home some news of him6 ,nancy1 my dear1 ,i must have him found4 ,i trust to you1 my dear1--to you and the ,artful for everything6 ,stay1 stay1' added the ,jew1 unlocking a drawer with a shaking hand2 #8there's money1 my dears4 ,i shall shut up this shop to-night4 ,you'll know where to find me6 ,don't stop here a minute4 ,not an instant1 my dears6' ,with these words1 he pushed them from the room3 and carefully double-locking and barring the door behind them1 drew from its place of concealment the box which he had unintentionally disclosed to ,oliver4 ,then1 he hastily proceeded to dispose the watches and jewellery beneath his clothing4 ,a rap at the door startled him in this occupation4 #8,who's there8' he cried in a shrill tone4 #8,me6' replied the voice of the ,dodger1 through the key-hole4 #8,what now8' cried the ,jew impatiently4 #8,is he to be kidnapped to the other ken1 ,nancy says8' inquired the ,dodger4 #8,yes1' replied the ,jew1 #8wherever she lays hands on him4 ,find him1 find him out1 that's all4 ,i shall know what to do next2 never fear4' ,the boy murmured a reply of intelligence3 and hurried downstairs after his companions4 #8,he has not peached so far1' said the ,jew as he pursued his occupation4 #8,if he means to blab us among his new friends1 we may stop his mouth yet4' ,,chapter ,,xiv -- ,,comprising ,,further ,,particulars ,,of ,,oliver',s ,,stay ,,at ,,mr4 ,,brownlow',s1 ,,with ,,the ,,remarkable ,,prediction ,,which ,,one ,,mr4 ,,grimwig ,,uttered ,,concerning ,,him1 ,,when ,,he ,,went ,,out ,,on ,,an ,,errand ,oliver soon recovering from the fainting-fit into which ,mr4 ,brownlow's abrupt exclamation had thrown him1 the subject of the picture was carefully avoided1 both by the old gentleman and ,mrs4 ,bedwin1 in the conversation that ensued3 which indeed bore no reference to ,oliver's history or prospects1 but was confined to such topics as might amuse without exciting him4 ,he was still too weak to get up to breakfast2 but1 when he came down into the housekeeper's room next day1 his first act was to cast an eager glance at the wall1 in the hope of again looking on the face of the beautiful lady4 ,his expectations were disappointed1 however1 for the picture had been removed4 #8,ah6' said the housekeeper1 watching the direction of ,oliver's eyes4 #8,it is gone1 you see4' #8,i see it is ma'am1' replied ,oliver4 #8,why have they taken it away8' #8,it has been taken down1 child1 because ,mr4 ,brownlow said1 that as it seemed to worry you1 perhaps it might prevent your getting well1 you know1' rejoined the old lady4 #8,oh1 no1 indeed4 ,it didn't worry me1 ma'am1' said ,oliver4 #8,i liked to see it4 ,i quite loved it4' #8,well1 well6' said the old lady1 good-humouredly2 #8you get well as fast as ever you can1 dear1 and it shall be hung up again4 ,there6 ,i promise you that6 ,now1 let us talk about something else4' ,this was all the information ,oliver could obtain about the picture at that time4 ,as the old lady had been so kind to him in his illness1 he endeavoured to think no more of the subject just then2 so he listened attentively to a great many stories she told him1 about an amiable and handsome daughter of hers1 who was married to an amiable and handsome man1 and lived in the country2 and about a son1 who was clerk to a merchant in the ,west ,indies2 and who was1 also1 such a good young man1 and wrote such dutiful letters home four times a-year1 that it brought the tears into her eyes to talk about them4 ,when the old lady had expatiated1 a long time1 on the excellences of her children1 and the merits of her kind good husband besides1 who had been dead and gone1 poor dear soul6 just six-and-twenty years1 it was time to have tea4 ,after tea she began to teach ,oliver cribbage3 which he learnt as quickly as she could teach3 and at which game they played1 with great interest and gravity1 until it was time for the invalid to have some warm wine and water1 with a slice of dry toast1 and then to go cosily to bed4 ,they were happy days1 those of ,oliver's recovery4 ,everything was so quiet1 and neat1 and orderly2 everybody so kind and gentle2 that after the noise and turbulence in the midst of which he had always lived1 it seemed like ,heaven itself4 ,he was no sooner strong enough to put his clothes on1 properly1 than ,mr4 ,brownlow caused a complete new suit1 and a new cap1 and a new pair of shoes1 to be provided for him4 ,as ,oliver was told that he might do what he liked with the old clothes1 he gave them to a servant who had been very kind to him1 and asked her to sell them to a ,jew1 and keep the money for herself4 ,this she very readily did2 and1 as ,oliver looked out of the parlour window1 and saw the ,jew roll them up in his bag and walk away1 he felt quite delighted to think that they were safely gone1 and that there was now no possible danger of his ever being able to wear them again4 ,they were sad rags1 to tell the truth2 and ,oliver had never had a new suit before4 ,one evening1 about a week after the affair of the picture1 as he was sitting talking to ,mrs4 ,bedwin1 there came a message down from ,mr4 ,brownlow1 that if ,oliver ,twist felt pretty well1 he should like to see him in his study1 and talk to him a little while4 #8,bless us1 and save us6 ,wash your hands1 and let me part your hair nicely for you1 child1' said ,mrs4 ,bedwin4 #8,dear heart alive6 ,if we had known he would have asked for you1 we would have put you a clean collar on1 and made you as smart as sixpence6' ,oliver did as the old lady bade him2 and1 although she lamented grievously1 meanwhile1 that there was not even time to crimp the little frill that bordered his shirt-collar2 he looked so delicate and handsome1 despite that important personal advantage1 that she went so far as to say3 looking at him with great complacency from head to foot1 that she really didn't think it would have been possible1 on the longest notice1 to have made much difference in him for the better4 ,thus encouraged1 ,oliver tapped at the study door4 ,on ,mr4 ,brownlow calling to him to come in1 he found himself in a little back room1 quite full of books1 with a window1 looking into some pleasant little gardens4 ,there was a table drawn up before the window1 at which ,mr4 ,brownlow was seated reading4 ,when he saw ,oliver1 he pushed the book away from him1 and told him to come near the table1 and sit down4 ,oliver complied2 marvelling where the people could be found to read such a great number of books as seemed to be written to make the world wiser4 ,which is still a marvel to more experienced people than ,oliver ,twist1 every day of their lives4 #8,there are a good many books1 are there not1 my boy8' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 observing the curiosity with which ,oliver surveyed the shelves that reached from the floor to the ceiling4 #8,a great number1 sir1' replied ,oliver4 #8,i never saw so many4' #8,you shall read them1 if you behave well1' said the old gentleman kindly2 #8and you will like that1 better than looking at the outsides1--that is1 some cases2 because there are books of which the backs and covers are by far the best parts4' #8,i suppose they are those heavy ones1 sir1' said ,oliver1 pointing to some large quartos1 with a good deal of gilding about the binding4 #8,not always those1' said the old gentleman1 patting ,oliver on the head1 and smiling as he did so2 #8there are other equally heavy ones1 though of a much smaller size4 ,how should you like to grow up a clever man1 and write books1 eh8' #8,i think ,i would rather read them1 sir1' replied ,oliver4 #8,what6 wouldn't you like to be a book-writer8' said the old gentleman4 ,oliver considered a little while2 and at last said1 he should think it would be a much better thing to be a book-seller2 upon which the old gentleman laughed heartily1 and declared he had said a very good thing4 ,which ,oliver felt glad to have done1 though he by no means knew what it was4 #8,well1 well1' said the old gentleman1 composing his features4 #8,don't be afraid6 ,we won't make an author of you1 while there's an honest trade to be learnt1 or brick-making to turn to4' #8,thank you1 sir1' said ,oliver4 ,at the earnest manner of his reply1 the old gentleman laughed again2 and said something about a curious instinct1 which ,oliver1 not understanding1 paid no very great attention to4 #8,now1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 speaking if possible in a kinder1 but at the same time in a much more serious manner1 than ,oliver had ever known him assume yet1 #8,i want you to pay great attention1 my boy1 to what ,i am going to say4 ,i shall talk to you without any reserve2 because ,i am sure you are well able to understand me1 as many older persons would be4' #8,oh1 don't tell you are going to send me away1 sir1 pray6' exclaimed ,oliver1 alarmed at the serious tone of the old gentleman's commencement6 #8,don't turn me out of doors to wander in the streets again4 ,let me stay here1 and be a servant4 ,don't send me back to the wretched place ,i came from4 ,have mercy upon a poor boy1 sir6' #8,my dear child1' said the old gentleman1 moved by the warmth of ,oliver's sudden appeal2 #8you need not be afraid of my deserting you1 unless you give me cause4' #8,i never1 never will1 sir1' interposed ,oliver4 #8,i hope not1' rejoined the old gentleman4 #8,i do not think you ever will4 ,i have been deceived1 before1 in the objects whom ,i have endeavoured to benefit2 but ,i feel strongly disposed to trust you1 nevertheless2 and ,i am more interested in your behalf than ,i can well account for1 even to myself4 ,the persons on whom ,i have bestowed my dearest love1 lie deep in their graves2 but1 although the happiness and delight of my life lie buried there too1 ,i have not made a coffin of my heart1 and sealed it up1 forever1 on my best affections4 ,deep affliction has but strengthened and refined them4' ,as the old gentleman said this in a low voice3 more to himself than to his companion3 and as he remained silent for a short time afterwards3 ,oliver sat quite still4 #8,well1 well6' said the old gentleman at length1 in a more cheerful tone1 #8,i only say this1 because you have a young heart2 and knowing that ,i have suffered great pain and sorrow1 you will be more careful1 perhaps1 not to wound me again4 ,you say you are an orphan1 without a friend in the world2 all the inquiries ,i have been able to make1 confirm the statement4 ,let me hear your story2 where you come from2 who brought you up2 and how you got into the company in which ,i found you4 ,speak the truth1 and you shall not be friendless while ,i live4' ,oliver's sobs checked his utterance for some minutes2 when he was on the point of beginning to relate how he had been brought up at the farm1 and carried to the workhouse by ,mr4 ,bumble1 a peculiarly impatient little double-knock was heard at the street-door3 and the servant1 running upstairs1 announced ,mr4 ,grimwig4 #8,is he coming up8' inquired ,mr4 ,brownlow4 #8,yes1 sir1' replied the servant4 #8,he asked if there were any muffins in the house2 and1 when ,i told him yes1 he said he had come to tea4' ,mr4 ,brownlow smiled2 and1 turning to ,oliver1 said that ,mr4 ,grimwig was an old friend of his1 and he must not mind his being a little rough in his manners2 for he was a worthy creature at bottom1 as he had reason to know4 #8,shall ,i go downstairs1 sir8' inquired ,oliver4 #8,no1' replied ,mr4 ,brownlow1 #8,i would rather you remained here4' ,at this moment1 there walked into the room3 supporting himself by a thick stick3 a stout old gentleman1 rather lame in one leg1 who was dressed in a blue coat1 striped waistcoat1 nankeen breeches and gaiters1 and a broad-brimmed white hat1 with the sides turned up with green4 ,a very small-plaited shirt frill stuck out from his waistcoat2 and a very long steel watch-chain1 with nothing but a key at the end1 dangled loosely below it4 ,the ends of his white neckerchief were twisted into a ball about the size of an orange2 the variety of shapes into which his countenance was twisted1 defy description4 ,he had a manner of screwing his head on one side when he spoke2 and of looking out of the corners of his eyes at the same time3 which irresistibly reminded the beholder of a parrot4 ,in this attitude1 he fixed himself1 the moment he made his appearance2 and1 holding out a small piece of orange-peel at arm's length1 exclaimed1 in a growling1 discontented voice4 #8,look here6 do you see this6 ,isn't it a most wonderful and extraordinary thing that ,i can't call at a man's house but ,i find a piece of this poor surgeon's friend on the staircase8 ,i've been lamed with orange-peel once1 and ,i know orange-peel will be my death1 or ,i'll be content to eat my own head1 sir6' ,this was the handsome offer with which ,mr4 ,grimwig backed and confirmed nearly every assertion he made2 and it was the more singular in his case1 because1 even admitting for the sake of argument1 the possibility of scientific improvements being brought to that pass which will enable a gentleman to eat his own head in the event of his being so disposed1 ,mr4 ,grimwig's head was such a particularly large one1 that the most sanguine man alive could hardly entertain a hope of being able to get through it at a sitting--to put entirely out of the question1 a very thick coating of powder4 #8,i'll eat my head1 sir1' repeated ,mr4 ,grimwig1 striking his stick upon the ground4 #8,hallo6 what's that6' looking at ,oliver1 and retreating a pace or two4 #8,this is young ,oliver ,twist1 whom we were speaking about1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow4 ,oliver bowed4 #8,you don't mean to say that's the boy who had the fever1 ,i hope8' said ,mr4 ,grimwig1 recoiling a little more4 #8,wait a minute6 ,don't speak6 ,stop--' continued ,mr4 ,grimwig1 abruptly1 losing all dread of the fever in his triumph at the discovery2 #8that's the boy who had the orange6 ,if that's not the boy1 sir1 who had the orange1 and threw this bit of peel upon the staircase1 ,i'll eat my head1 and his too4' #8,no1 no1 he has not had one1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 laughing4 #8,come6 ,put down your hat2 and speak to my young friend4' #8,i feel strongly on this subject1 sir1' said the irritable old gentleman1 drawing off his gloves4 #8,there's always more or less orange-peel on the pavement in our street2 and ,i know it's put there by the surgeon's boy at the corner4 ,a young woman stumbled over a bit last night1 and fell against my garden-railings2 directly she got up ,i saw her look towards his infernal red lamp with the pantomime-light4 8,don't go to him10 ,i called out of the window1 8he's an assassin6 ,a man-trap60 ,so he is4 ,if he is not--' ,here the irascible old gentleman gave a great knock on the ground with his stick2 which was always understood1 by his friends1 to imply the customary offer1 whenever it was not expressed in words4 ,then1 still keeping his stick in his hand1 he sat down2 and1 opening a double eye-glass1 which he wore attached to a broad black riband1 took a view of ,oliver3 who1 seeing that he was the object of inspection1 coloured1 and bowed again4 #8,that's the boy1 is it8' said ,mr4 ,grimwig1 at length4 #8,that's the boy1' replied ,mr4 ,brownlow4 #8,how are you1 boy8' said ,mr4 ,grimwig4 #8,a great deal better1 thank you1 sir1' replied ,oliver4 ,mr4 ,brownlow1 seeming to apprehend that his singular friend was about to say something disagreeable1 asked ,oliver to step downstairs and tell ,mrs4 ,bedwin they were ready for tea2 which1 as he did not half like the visitor's manner1 he was very happy to do4 #8,he is a nice-looking boy1 is he not8' inquired ,mr4 ,brownlow4 #8,i don't know1' replied ,mr4 ,grimwig1 pettishly4 #8,don't know8' #8,no4 ,i don't know4 ,i never see any difference in boys4 ,i only knew two sort of boys4 ,mealy boys1 and beef-faced boys4' #8,and which is ,oliver8' #8,mealy4 ,i know a friend who has a beef-faced boy2 a fine boy1 they call him2 with a round head1 and red cheeks1 and glaring eyes2 a horrid boy2 with a body and limbs that appear to be swelling out of the seams of his blue clothes2 with the voice of a pilot1 and the appetite of a wolf4 ,i know him6 ,the wretch6' #8,come1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 #8these are not the characteristics of young ,oliver ,twist2 so he needn't excite your wrath4' #8,they are not1' replied ,mr4 ,grimwig4 #8,he may have worse4' ,here1 ,mr4 ,brownlow coughed impatiently2 which appeared to afford ,mr4 ,grimwig the most exquisite delight4 #8,he may have worse1 ,i say1' repeated ,mr4 ,grimwig4 #8,where does he come from6 ,who is he8 ,what is he8 ,he has had a fever4 ,what of that8 ,fevers are not peculiar to good people2 are they8 ,bad people have fevers sometimes2 haven't they1 eh8 ,i knew a man who was hung in ,jamaica for murdering his master4 ,he had had a fever six times2 he wasn't recommended to mercy on that account4 ,pooh6 nonsense6' ,now1 the fact was1 that in the inmost recesses of his own heart1 ,mr4 ,grimwig was strongly disposed to admit that ,oliver's appearance and manner were unusually prepossessing2 but he had a strong appetite for contradiction1 sharpened on this occasion by the finding of the orange-peel2 and1 inwardly determining that no man should dictate to him whether a boy was well-looking or not1 he had resolved1 from the first1 to oppose his friend4 ,when ,mr4 ,brownlow admitted that on no one point of inquiry could he yet return a satisfactory answer2 and that he had postponed any investigation into ,oliver's previous history until he thought the boy was strong enough to hear it2 ,mr4 ,grimwig chuckled maliciously4 ,and he demanded1 with a sneer1 whether the housekeeper was in the habit of counting the plate at night2 because if she didn't find a table-spoon or two missing some sunshiny morning1 why1 he would be content to--and so forth4 ,all this1 ,mr4 ,brownlow1 although himself somewhat of an impetuous gentleman3 knowing his friend's peculiarities1 bore with great good humour2 as ,mr4 ,grimwig1 at tea1 was graciously pleased to express his entire approval of the muffins1 matters went on very smoothly2 and ,oliver1 who made one of the party1 began to feel more at his ease than he had yet done in the fierce old gentleman's presence4 #8,and when are you going to hear a full1 true1 and particular account of the life and adventures of ,oliver ,twist8' asked ,grimwig of ,mr4 ,brownlow1 at the conclusion of the meal2 looking sideways at ,oliver1 as he resumed his subject4 #8,to-morrow morning1' replied ,mr4 ,brownlow4 #8,i would rather he was alone with me at the time4 ,come up to me to-morrow morning at ten o'clock1 my dear4' #8,yes1 sir1' replied ,oliver4 ,he answered with some hesitation1 because he was confused by ,mr4 ,grimwig's looking so hard at him4 #8,i'll tell you what1' whispered that gentleman to ,mr4 ,brownlow2 #8he won't come up to you to-morrow morning4 ,i saw him hesitate4 ,he is deceiving you1 my good friend4' #8,i'll swear he is not1' replied ,mr4 ,brownlow1 warmly4 #8,if he is not1' said ,mr4 ,grimwig1 #8,i'll--' and down went the stick4 #8,i'll answer for that boy's truth with my life6' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 knocking the table4 #8,and ,i for his falsehood with my head6' rejoined ,mr4 ,grimwig1 knocking the table also4 #8,we shall see1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 checking his rising anger4 #8,we will1' replied ,mr4 ,grimwig1 with a provoking smile2 #8we will4' ,as fate would have it1 ,mrs4 ,bedwin chanced to bring in1 at this moment1 a small parcel of books1 which ,mr4 ,brownlow had that morning purchased of the identical bookstall-keeper1 who has already figured in this history2 having laid them on the table1 she prepared to leave the room4 #8,stop the boy1 ,mrs4 ,bedwin6' said ,mr4 ,brownlow2 #8there is something to go back4' #8,he has gone1 sir1' replied ,mrs4 ,bedwin4 #8,call after him1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow2 #8it's particular4 ,he is a poor man1 and they are not paid for4 ,there are some books to be taken back1 too4' ,the street-door was opened4 ,oliver ran one way2 and the girl ran another2 and ,mrs4 ,bedwin stood on the step and screamed for the boy2 but there was no boy in sight4 ,oliver and the girl returned1 in a breathless state1 to report that there were no tidings of him4 #8,dear me1 ,i am very sorry for that1' exclaimed ,mr4 ,brownlow2 #8,i particularly wished those books to be returned to-night4' #8,send ,oliver with them1' said ,mr4 ,grimwig1 with an ironical smile2 #8he will be sure to deliver them safely1 you know4' #8,yes2 do let me take them1 if you please1 sir1' said ,oliver4 #8,i'll run all the way1 sir4' ,the old gentleman was just going to say that ,oliver should not go out on any account2 when a most malicious cough from ,mr4 ,grimwig determined him that he should2 and that1 by his prompt discharge of the commission1 he should prove to him the injustice of his suspicions3 on this head at least3 at once4 #8,you shall go1 my dear1' said the old gentleman4 #8,the books are on a chair by my table4 ,fetch them down4' ,oliver1 delighted to be of use1 brought down the books under his arm in a great bustle2 and waited1 cap in hand1 to hear what message he was to take4 #8,you are to say1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 glancing steadily at ,grimwig2 #8you are to say that you have brought those books back2 and that you have come to pay the four pound ten ,i owe him4 ,this is a five-pound note1 so you will have to bring me back1 ten shillings change4' #8,i won't be ten minutes1 sir1' said ,oliver1 eagerly4 ,having buttoned up the bank-note in his jacket pocket1 and placed the books carefully under his arm1 he made a respectful bow1 and left the room4 ,mrs4 ,bedwin followed him to the street-door1 giving him many directions about the nearest way1 and the name of the bookseller1 and the name of the street3 all of which ,oliver said he clearly understood4 ,having superadded many injunctions to be sure and not take cold1 the old lady at length permitted him to depart4 #8,bless his sweet face6' said the old lady1 looking after him4 #8,i can't bear1 somehow1 to let him go out of my sight4' ,at this moment1 ,oliver looked gaily round1 and nodded before he turned the corner4 ,the old lady smilingly returned his salutation1 and1 closing the door1 went back to her own room4 #8,let me see2 he'll be back in twenty minutes1 at the longest1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 pulling out his watch1 and placing it on the table4 #8,it will be dark by that time4' #8,oh6 you really expect him to come back1 do you8' inquired ,mr4 ,grimwig4 #8,don't you8' asked ,mr4 ,brownlow1 smiling4 ,the spirit of contradiction was strong in ,mr4 ,grimwig's breast1 at the moment2 and it was rendered stronger by his friend's confident smile4 #8,no1' he said1 smiting the table with his fist1 #8,i do not4 ,the boy has a new suit of clothes on his back1 a set of valuable books under his arm1 and a five-pound note in his pocket4 ,he'll join his old friends the thieves1 and laugh at you4 ,if ever that boy returns to this house1 sir1 ,i'll eat my head4' ,with these words he drew his chair closer to the table2 and there the two friends sat1 in silent expectation1 with the watch between them4 ,it is worthy of remark1 as illustrating the importance we attach to our own judgments1 and the pride with which we put forth our most rash and hasty conclusions1 that1 although ,mr4 ,grimwig was not by any means a bad-hearted man1 and though he would have been unfeignedly sorry to see his respected friend duped and deceived1 he really did most earnestly and strongly hope at that moment1 that ,oliver ,twist might not come back4 ,it grew so dark1 that the figures on the dial-plate were scarcely discernible2 but there the two old gentlemen continued to sit1 in silence1 with the watch between them4 ,,chapter ,,xv -- ,,showing ,,how ,,very ,,fond ,,of ,,oliver ,,twist1 ,,the ,,merry ,,old ,,jew ,,and ,,miss ,,nancy ,,were ,in the obscure parlour of a low public-house1 in the filthiest part of ,little ,saffron ,hill2 a dark and gloomy den1 where a flaring gas-light burnt all day in the winter-time2 and where no ray of sun ever shone in the summer3 there sat1 brooding over a little pewter measure and a small glass1 strongly impregnated with the smell of liquor1 a man in a velveteen coat1 drab shorts1 half-boots and stockings1 whom even by that dim light no experienced agent of the police would have hesitated to recognise as ,mr4 ,william ,sikes4 ,at his feet1 sat a white-coated1 red-eyed dog2 who occupied himself1 alternately1 in winking at his master with both eyes at the same time2 and in licking a large1 fresh cut on one side of his mouth1 which appeared to be the result of some recent conflict4 #8,keep quiet1 you warmint6 ,keep quiet6' said ,mr4 ,sikes1 suddenly breaking silence4 ,whether his meditations were so intense as to be disturbed by the dog's winking1 or whether his feelings were so wrought upon by his reflections that they required all the relief derivable from kicking an unoffending animal to allay them1 is matter for argument and consideration4 ,whatever was the cause1 the effect was a kick and a curse1 bestowed upon the dog simultaneously4 ,dogs are not generally apt to revenge injuries inflicted upon them by their masters2 but ,mr4 ,sikes's dog1 having faults of temper in common with his owner1 and labouring1 perhaps1 at this moment1 under a powerful sense of injury1 made no more ado but at once fixed his teeth in one of the half-boots4 ,having given in a hearty shake1 he retired1 growling1 under a form2 just escaping the pewter measure which ,mr4 ,sikes levelled at his head4 #8,you would1 would you8' said ,sikes1 seizing the poker in one hand1 and deliberately opening with the other a large clasp-knife1 which he drew from his pocket4 #8,come here1 you born devil6 ,come here6 ,d'ye hear8' ,the dog no doubt heard2 because ,mr4 ,sikes spoke in the very harshest key of a very harsh voice2 but1 appearing to entertain some unaccountable objection to having his throat cut1 he remained where he was1 and growled more fiercely than before3 at the same time grasping the end of the poker between his teeth1 and biting at it like a wild beast4 ,this resistance only infuriated ,mr4 ,sikes the more2 who1 dropping on his knees1 began to assail the animal most furiously4 ,the dog jumped from right to left1 and from left to right2 snapping1 growling1 and barking2 the man thrust and swore1 and struck and blasphemed2 and the struggle was reaching a most critical point for one or other2 when1 the door suddenly opening1 the dog darted out3 leaving ,bill ,sikes with the poker and the clasp-knife in his hands4 ,there must always be two parties to a quarrel1 says the old adage4 ,mr4 ,sikes1 being disappointed of the dog's participation1 at once transferred his share in the quarrel to the new comer4 #8,what the devil do you come in between me and my dog for8' said ,sikes1 with a fierce gesture4 #8,i didn't know1 my dear1 ,i didn't know1' replied ,fagin1 humbly2 for the ,jew was the new comer4 #8,didn't know1 you white-livered thief6' growled ,sikes4 #8,couldn't you hear the noise8' #8,not a sound of it1 as ,i'm a living man1 ,bill1' replied the ,jew4 #8,oh no6 ,you hear nothing1 you don't1' retorted ,sikes with a fierce sneer4 #8,sneaking in and out1 so as nobody hears how you come or go6 ,i wish you had been the dog1 ,fagin1 half a minute ago4' #8,why8' inquired the ,jew with a forced smile4 #8,cause the government1 as cares for the lives of such men as you1 as haven't half the pluck of curs1 lets a man kill a dog how he likes1' replied ,sikes1 shutting up the knife with a very expressive look2 #8that's why4' ,the ,jew rubbed his hands2 and1 sitting down at the table1 affected to laugh at the pleasantry of his friend4 ,he was obviously very ill at ease1 however4 #8,grin away1' said ,sikes1 replacing the poker1 and surveying him with savage contempt2 #8grin away4 ,you'll never have the laugh at me1 though1 unless it's behind a nightcap4 ,i've got the upper hand over you1 ,fagin2 and1 d--me1 ,i'll keep it4 ,there6 ,if ,i go1 you go2 so take care of me4' #8,well1 well1 my dear1' said the ,jew1 #8,i know all that2 we--we--have a mutual interest1 ,bill1--a mutual interest4' #8,humph1' said ,sikes1 as if he thought the interest lay rather more on the ,jew's side than on his4 #8,well1 what have you got to say to me8' #8,it's all passed safe through the melting-pot1' replied ,fagin1 #8and this is your share4 ,it's rather more than it ought to be1 my dear2 but as ,i know you'll do me a good turn another time1 and--' #8,stow that gammon1' interposed the robber1 impatiently4 #8,where is it8 ,hand over6' #8,yes1 yes1 ,bill2 give me time1 give me time1' replied the ,jew1 soothingly4 #8,here it is6 ,all safe6' ,as he spoke1 he drew forth an old cotton handkerchief from his breast2 and untying a large knot in one corner1 produced a small brown-paper packet4 ,sikes1 snatching it from him1 hastily opened it2 and proceeded to count the sovereigns it contained4 #8,this is all1 is it8' inquired ,sikes4 #8,all1' replied the ,jew4 #8,you haven't opened the parcel and swallowed one or two as you come along1 have you8' inquired ,sikes1 suspiciously4 #8,don't put on an injured look at the question2 you've done it many a time4 ,jerk the tinkler4' ,these words1 in plain ,english1 conveyed an injunction to ring the bell4 ,it was answered by another ,jew3 younger than ,fagin1 but nearly as vile and repulsive in appearance4 ,bill ,sikes merely pointed to the empty measure4 ,the ,jew1 perfectly understanding the hint1 retired to fill it3 previously exchanging a remarkable look with ,fagin1 who raised his eyes for an instant1 as if in expectation of it1 and shook his head in reply2 so slightly that the action would have been almost imperceptible to an observant third person4 ,it was lost upon ,sikes1 who was stooping at the moment to tie the boot-lace which the dog had torn4 ,possibly1 if he had observed the brief interchange of signals1 he might have thought that it boded no good to him4 #8,is anybody here1 ,barney8' inquired ,fagin2 speaking1 now that that ,sikes was looking on1 without raising his eyes from the ground4 #8,dot a shoul1' replied ,barney2 whose words3 whether they came from the heart or not3 made their way through the nose4 #8,nobody8' inquired ,fagin1 in a tone of surprise3 which perhaps might mean that ,barney was at liberty to tell the truth4 #8,dobody but ,biss ,dadsy1' replied ,barney4 #8,nancy6' exclaimed ,sikes4 #8,where8 ,strike me blind1 if ,i don't honour that #8ere girl1 for her native talents4' #8,she's bid havid a plate of boiled beef id the bar1' replied ,barney4 #8,send her here1' said ,sikes1 pouring out a glass of liquor4 #8,send her here4' ,barney looked timidly at ,fagin1 as if for permission2 the ,jew remaining silent1 and not lifting his eyes from the ground1 he retired2 and presently returned1 ushering in ,nancy2 who was decorated with the bonnet1 apron1 basket1 and street-door key1 complete4 #8,you are on the scent1 are you1 ,nancy8' inquired ,sikes1 proffering the glass4 #8,yes1 ,i am1 ,bill1' replied the young lady1 disposing of its contents2 #8and tired enough of it ,i am1 too4 ,the young brat's been ill and confined to the crib2 and--' #8,ah1 ,nancy1 dear6' said ,fagin1 looking up4 ,now1 whether a peculiar contraction of the ,jew's red eye-brows1 and a half closing of his deeply-set eyes1 warned ,miss ,nancy that she was disposed to be too communicative1 is not a matter of much importance4 ,the fact is all we need care for here2 and the fact is1 that she suddenly checked herself1 and with several gracious smiles upon ,mr4 ,sikes1 turned the conversation to other matters4 ,in about ten minutes' time1 ,mr4 ,fagin was seized with a fit of coughing2 upon which ,nancy pulled her shawl over her shoulders1 and declared it was time to go4 ,mr4 ,sikes1 finding that he was walking a short part of her way himself1 expressed his intention of accompanying her2 they went away together1 followed1 at a little distant1 by the dog1 who slunk out of a back-yard as soon as his master was out of sight4 ,the ,jew thrust his head out of the room door when ,sikes had left it2 looked after him as we walked up the dark passage2 shook his clenched fist2 muttered a deep curse2 and then1 with a horrible grin1 reseated himself at the table2 where he was soon deeply absorbed in the interesting pages of the ,hue-and-,cry4 ,meanwhile1 ,oliver ,twist1 little dreaming that he was within so very short a distance of the merry old gentleman1 was on his way to the book-stall4 ,when he got into ,clerkenwell1 he accidently turned down a by-street which was not exactly in his way2 but not discovering his mistake until he had got half-way down it1 and knowing it must lead in the right direction1 he did not think it worth while to turn back2 and so marched on1 as quickly as he could1 with the books under his arm4 ,he was walking along1 thinking how happy and contented he ought to feel2 and how much he would give for only one look at poor little ,dick1 who1 starved and beaten1 might be weeping bitterly at that very moment2 when he was startled by a young woman screaming out very loud4 #8,oh1 my dear brother6' ,and he had hardly looked up1 to see what the matter was1 when he was stopped by having a pair of arms thrown tight round his neck4 #8,don't1' cried ,oliver1 struggling4 #8,let go of me4 ,who is it8 ,what are you stopping me for8' ,the only reply to this1 was a great number of loud lamentations from the young woman who had embraced him2 and who had a little basket and a street-door key in her hand4 #8,oh my gracious6' said the young woman1 #8,i have found him6 ,oh6 ,oliver6 ,oliver6 ,oh you naughty boy1 to make me suffer such distress on your account6 ,come home1 dear1 come4 ,oh1 ,i've found him4 ,thank gracious goodness heavins1 ,i've found him6' ,with these incoherent exclamations1 the young woman burst into another fit of crying1 and got so dreadfully hysterical1 that a couple of women who came up at the moment asked a butcher's boy with a shiny head of hair anointed with suet1 who was also looking on1 whether he didn't think he had better run for the doctor4 ,to which1 the butcher's boy3 who appeared of a lounging1 not to say indolent disposition3 replied1 that he thought not4 #8,oh1 no1 no1 never mind1' said the young woman1 grasping ,oliver's hand2 #8,i'm better now4 ,come home directly1 you cruel boy6 ,come6' #8,oh1 ma'am1' replied the young woman1 #8he ran away1 near a month ago1 from his parents1 who are hard-working and respectable people2 and went and joined a set of thieves and bad characters2 and almost broke his mother's heart4' #8,young wretch6' said one woman4 #8,go home1 do1 you little brute1' said the other4 #8,i am not1' replied ,oliver1 greatly alarmed4 #8,i don't know her4 ,i haven't any sister1 or father and mother either4 ,i'm an orphan2 ,i live at ,pentonville4' #8,only hear him1 how he braves it out6' cried the young woman4 #8,why1 it's ,nancy6' exclaimed ,oliver2 who now saw her face for the first time2 and started back1 in irrepressible astonishment4 #8,you see he knows me6' cried ,nancy1 appealing to the bystanders4 #8,he can't help himself4 ,make him come home1 there's good people1 or he'll kill his dear mother and father1 and break my heart6' #8,what the devil's this8' said a man1 bursting out of a beer-shop1 with a white dog at his heels2 #8young ,oliver6 ,come home to your poor mother1 you young dog6 ,come home directly4' #8,i don't belong to them4 ,i don't know them4 ,help6 help6' cried ,oliver1 struggling in the man's powerful grasp4 #8,help6' repeated the man4 #8,yes2 ,i'll help you1 you young rascal6 ,what books are these8 ,you've been a stealing #8em1 have you8 ,give #8em here4' ,with these words1 the man tore the volumes from his grasp1 and struck him on the head4 #8,that's right6' cried a looker-on1 from a garret-window4 #8,that's the only way of bringing him to his senses6' #8,to be sure6' cried a sleepy-faced carpenter1 casting an approving look at the garret-window4 #8,it'll do him good6' said the two women4 #8,and he shall have it1 too6' rejoined the man1 administering another blow1 and seizing ,oliver by the collar4 #8,come on1 you young villain6 ,here1 ,bull's-eye1 mind him1 boy6 ,mind him6' ,weak with recent illness2 stupified by the blows and the suddenness of the attack2 terrified by the fierce growling of the dog1 and the brutality of the man2 overpowered by the conviction of the bystanders that he really was the hardened little wretch he was described to be2 what could one poor child do6 ,darkness had set in2 it was a low neighborhood2 no help was near2 resistance was useless4 ,in another moment he was dragged into a labyrinth of dark narrow courts1 and was forced along them at a pace which rendered the few cries he dared to give utterance to1 unintelligible4 ,it was of little moment1 indeed1 whether they were intelligible or no2 for there was nobody to care for them1 had they been ever so plain4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the gas-lamps were lighted2 ,mrs4 ,bedwin was waiting anxiously at the open door2 the servant had run up the street twenty times to see if there were any traces of ,oliver2 and still the two old gentlemen sat1 perseveringly1 in the dark parlour1 with the watch between them4 ,,chapter ,,xvi -- ,,relates ,,what ,,became ,,of ,,oliver ,,twist1 ,,after ,,he ,,had ,,been ,,claimed ,,by ,,nancy ,the narrow streets and courts1 at length1 terminated in a large open space2 scattered about which1 were pens for beasts1 and other indications of a cattle-market4 ,sikes slackened his pace when they reached this spot3 the girl being quite unable to support any longer1 the rapid rate at which they had hitherto walked4 ,turning to ,oliver1 he roughly commanded him to take hold of ,nancy's hand4 #8,do you hear8' growled ,sikes1 as ,oliver hesitated1 and looked round4 ,they were in a dark corner1 quite out of the track of passengers4 ,oliver saw1 but too plainly1 that resistance would be of no avail4 ,he held out his hand1 which ,nancy clasped tight in hers4 #8,give me the other1' said ,sikes1 seizing ,oliver's unoccupied hand4 #8,here1 ,bull's-,eye6' ,the dog looked up1 and growled4 #8,see here1 boy6' said ,sikes1 putting his other hand to ,oliver's throat2 #8if he speaks ever so soft a word1 hold him6 ,d'ye mind6' ,the dog growled again2 and licking his lips1 eyed ,oliver as if he were anxious to attach himself to his windpipe without delay4 #8,he's as willing as a ,christian1 strike me blind if he isn't6' said ,sikes1 regarding the animal with a kind of grim and ferocious approval4 #8,now1 you know what you've got to expect1 master1 so call away as quick as you like2 the dog will soon stop that game4 ,get on1 young'un6' ,bull's-eye wagged his tail in acknowledgment of this unusually endearing form of speech2 and1 giving vent to another admonitory growl for the benefit of ,oliver1 led the way onward4 ,it was ,smithfield that they were crossing1 although it might have been ,grosvenor ,square1 for anything ,oliver knew to the contrary4 ,the night was dark and foggy4 ,the lights in the shops could scarecely struggle through the heavy mist1 which thickened every moment and shrouded the streets and houses in gloom2 rendering the strange place still stranger in ,oliver's eyes2 and making his uncertainty the more dismal and depressing4 ,they had hurried on a few paces1 when a deep church-bell struck the hour4 ,with its first stroke1 his two conductors stopped1 and turned their heads in the direction whence the sound proceeded4 #8,eight o' clock1 ,bill1' said ,nancy1 when the bell ceased4 #8,what's the good of telling me that2 ,i can hear it1 can't ,i6' replied ,sikes4 #8,i wonder whether they can hear it1' said ,nancy4 #8,of course they can1' replied ,sikes4 #8,it was ,bartlemy time when ,i was shopped2 and there warn't a penny trumpet in the fair1 as ,i couldn't hear the squeaking on4 ,arter ,i was locked up for the night1 the row and din outside made the thundering old jail so silent1 that ,i could almost have beat my brains out against the iron plates of the door4' #8,poor fellow6' said ,nancy1 who still had her face turned towards the quarter in which the bell had sounded4 #8,oh1 ,bill1 such fine young chaps as them6' #8,yes2 that's all you women think of1' answered ,sikes4 #8,fine young chaps6 ,well1 they're as good as dead1 so it don't much matter4' ,with this consolation1 ,mr4 ,sikes appeared to repress a rising tendency to jealousy1 and1 clasping ,oliver's wrist more firmly1 told him to step out again4 #8,wait a minute6' said the girl3 #8,i wouldn't hurry by1 if it was you that was coming out to be hung1 the next time eight o'clock struck1 ,bill4 ,i'd walk round and round the place till ,i dropped1 if the snow was on the ground1 and ,i hadn't a shawl to cover me4' #8,and what good would that do8' inquired the unsentimental ,mr4 ,sikes4 #8,unless you could pitch over a file and twenty yards of good stout rope1 you might as well be walking fifty mile off1 or not walking at all1 for all the good it would do me4 ,come on1 and don't stand preaching there4' ,the girl burst into a laugh2 drew her shawl more closely round her2 and they walked away4 ,but ,oliver felt her hand tremble1 and1 looking up in her face as they passed a gas-lamp1 saw that it had turned a deadly white4 ,they walked on1 by little-frequented and dirty ways1 for a full half-hour3 meeting very few people1 and those appearing from their looks to hold much the same position in society as ,mr4 ,sikes himself4 ,at length they turned into a very filthy narrow street1 nearly full of old-clothes shops2 the dog running forward1 as if conscious that there was no further occasion for his keeping on guard1 stopped before the door of a shop that was closed and apparently untenanted2 the house was in a ruinous condition1 and on the door was nailed a board1 intimating that it was to let3 which looked as if it had hung there for many years4 #8,all right1' cried ,sikes1 glancing cautiously about4 ,nancy stooped below the shutters1 and ,oliver heard the sound of a bell4 ,they crossed to the opposite side of the street1 and stood for a few moments under a lamp4 ,a noise1 as if a sash window were gently raised1 was heard2 and soon afterwards the door softly opened4 ,mr4 ,sikes then seized the terrified boy by the collar with very little ceremony2 and all three were quickly inside the house4 ,the passage was perfectly dark4 ,they waited1 while the person who had let them in1 chained and barred the door4 #8,anybody here8' inquired ,sikes4 #8,no1' replied a voice1 which ,oliver thought he had heard before4 #8,is the old #8un here8' asked the robber4 #8,yes1' replied the voice1 #8and precious down in the mouth he has been4 ,won't he be glad to see you8 ,oh1 no6' ,the style of this reply1 as well as the voice which delivered it1 seemed familiar to ,oliver's ears3 but it was impossible to distinguish even the form of the speaker in the darkness4 #8,let's have a glim1' said ,sikes1 #8or we shall go breaking our necks1 or treading on the dog4 ,look after your legs if you do6' #8,stand still a moment1 and ,i'll get you one1' replied the voice4 ,the receding footsteps of the speaker were heard2 and1 in another minute1 the form of ,mr4 ,john ,dawkins1 otherwise the ,artful ,dodger1 appeared4 ,he bore in his right hand a tallow candle stuck in the end of a cleft stick4 ,the young gentleman did not stop to bestow any other mark of recognition upon ,oliver than a humourous grin2 but1 turning away1 beckoned the visitors to follow him down a flight of stairs4 ,they crossed an empty kitchen2 and1 opening the door of a low earthy-smelling room1 which seemed to have been built in a small back-yard1 were received with a shout of laughter4 #8,oh1 my wig1 my wig6' cried ,master ,charles ,bates1 from whose lungs the laughter had proceeded3 #8here he is6 oh1 cry1 here he is6 ,oh1 ,fagin1 look at him6 ,fagin1 do look at him6 ,i can't bear it2 it is such a jolly game1 ,i cant' bear it4 ,hold me1 somebody1 while ,i laugh it out4' ,with this irrepressible ebullition of mirth1 ,master ,bates laid himself flat on the floor3 and kicked convulsively for five minutes1 in an ectasy of facetious joy4 ,then jumping to his feet1 he snatched the cleft stick from the ,dodger2 and1 advancing to ,oliver1 viewed him round and round2 while the ,jew1 taking off his nightcap1 made a great number of low bows to the bewildered boy4 ,the ,artful1 meantime1 who was of a rather saturnine disposition1 and seldom gave way to merriment when it interfered with business1 rifled ,oliver's pockets with steady assiduity4 #8,look at his togs1 ,fagin6' said ,charley1 putting the light so close to his new jacket as nearly to set him on fire4 #8,look at his togs6 ,superfine cloth1 and the heavy swell cut6 ,oh1 my eye1 what a game6 ,and his books1 too6 ,nothing but a gentleman1 ,fagin6' #8,delighted to see you looking so well1 my dear1' said the ,jew1 bowing with mock humility4 #8,the ,artful shall give you another suit1 my dear1 for fear you should spoil that ,sunday one4 ,why didn't you write1 my dear1 and say you were coming8 ,we'd have got something warm for supper4' ,at his1 ,master ,bates roared again3 so loud1 that ,fagin himself relaxed1 and even the ,dodger smiled2 but as the ,artful drew forth the five-pound note at that instant1 it is doubtful whether the sally of the discovery awakened his merriment4 #8,hallo1 what's that8' inquired ,sikes1 stepping forward as the ,jew seized the note4 #8,that's mine1 ,fagin4' #8,no1 no1 my dear1' said the ,jew4 #8,mine1 ,bill1 mine4 ,you shall have the books4' #8,if that ain't mine6' said ,bill ,sikes1 putting on his hat with a determined air2 #8mine and ,nancy's that is2 ,i'll take the boy back again4' ,the ,jew started4 ,oliver started too1 though from a very different cause2 for he hoped that the dispute might really end in his being taken back4 #8,come6 ,hand over1 will you8' said ,sikes4 #8,this is hardly fair1 ,bill2 hardly fair1 is it1 ,nancy8' inquired the ,jew4 #8,fair1 or not fair1' retorted ,sikes1 #8hand over1 ,i tell you6 ,do you think ,nancy and me has got nothing else to do with our precious time but to spend it in scouting arter1 and kidnapping1 every young boy as gets grabbed through you8 ,give it here1 you avaricious old skeleton1 give it here6' ,with this gentle remonstrance1 ,mr4 ,sikes plucked the note from between the ,jew's finger and thumb2 and looking the old man coolly in the face1 folded it up small1 and tied it in his neckerchief4 #8,that's for our share of the trouble1' said ,sikes2 #8and not half enough1 neither4 ,you may keep the books1 if you're fond of reading4 ,if you ain't1 sell #8em4' #8,they're very pretty1' said ,charley ,bates3 who1 with sundry grimaces1 had been affecting to read one of the volumes in question2 #8beautiful writing1 isn't is1 ,oliver8' ,at sight of the dismayed look with which ,oliver regarded his tormentors1 ,master ,bates1 who was blessed with a lively sense of the ludicrous1 fell into another ectasy1 more boisterous than the first4 #8,they belong to the old gentleman1' said ,oliver1 wringing his hands2 #8to the good1 kind1 old gentleman who took me into his house1 and had me nursed1 when ,i was near dying of the fever4 ,oh1 pray send them back2 send him back the books and money4 ,keep me here all my life long2 but pray1 pray send them back4 ,he'll think ,i stole them2 the old lady3 all of them who were so kind to me3 will think ,i stole them4 ,oh1 do have mercy upon me1 and send them back6' ,with these words1 which were uttered with all the energy of passionate grief1 ,oliver fell upon his knees at the ,jew's feet2 and beat his hands together1 in perfect desperation4 #8,the boy's right1' remarked ,fagin1 looking covertly round1 and knitting his shaggy eyebrows into a hard knot4 #8,you're right1 ,oliver1 you're right2 they will think you have stolen #8em4 ,ha6 ha6' chuckled the ,jew1 rubbing his hands1 #8it couldn't have happened better1 if we had chosen our time6' #8,of course it couldn't1' replied ,sikes2 #8,i know'd that1 directly ,i see him coming through ,clerkenwell1 with the books under his arm4 ,it's all right enough4 ,they're soft-hearted psalm-singers1 or they wouldn't have taken him in at all2 and they'll ask no questions after him1 fear they should be obliged to prosecute1 and so get him lagged4 ,he's safe enough4' ,oliver had looked from one to the other1 while these words were being spoken1 as if he were bewildered1 and could scarecely understand what passed2 but when ,bill ,sikes concluded1 he jumped suddenly to his feet1 and tore wildly from the room3 uttering shrieks for help1 which made the bare old house echo to the roof4 #8,keep back the dog1 ,bill6' cried ,nancy1 springing before the door1 and closing it1 as the ,jew and his two pupils darted out in pursuit4 #8,keep back the dog2 he'll tear the boy to pieces4' #8,serve him right6' cried ,sikes1 struggling to disengage himself from the girl's grasp4 #8,stand off from me1 or ,i'll split your head against the wall4' #8,i don't care for that1 ,bill1 ,i don't care for that1' screamed the girl1 struggling violently with the man1 #8the child shan't be torn down by the dog1 unless you kill me first4' #8,shan't he6' said ,sikes1 setting his teeth4 #8,i'll soon do that1 if you don't keep off4' ,the housebreaker flung the girl from him to the further end of the room1 just as the ,jew and the two boys returned1 dragging ,oliver among them4 #8,what's the matter here6' said ,fagin1 looking round4 #8,the girl's gone mad1 ,i think1' replied ,sikes1 savagely4 #8,no1 she hasn't1' said ,nancy1 pale and breathless from the scuffle2 #8no1 she hasn't1 ,fagin2 don't think it4' #8,then keep quiet1 will you8' said the ,jew1 with a threatening look4 #8,no1 ,i won't do that1 neither1' replied ,nancy1 speaking very loud4 #8,come6 ,what do you think of that8' ,mr4 ,fagin was sufficiently well acquainted with the manners and customs of that particular species of humanity to which ,nancy belonged1 to feel tolerably certain that it would be rather unsafe to prolong any conversation with her1 at present4 ,with the view of diverting the attention of the company1 he turned to ,oliver4 #8,so you wanted to get away1 my dear1 did you8' said the ,jew1 taking up a jagged and knotted club which law in a corner of the fireplace2 #8eh8' ,oliver made no reply4 ,but he watched the ,jew's motions1 and breathed quickly4 #8,wanted to get assistance2 called for the police2 did you8' sneered the ,jew1 catching the boy by the arm4 #8,we'll cure you of that1 my young master4' ,the ,jew inflicted a smart blow on ,oliver's shoulders with the club2 and was raising it for a second1 when the girl1 rushing forward1 wrested it from his hand4 ,she flung it into the fire1 with a force that brought some of the glowing coals whirling out into the room4 #8,i won't stand by and see it done1 ,fagin1' cried the girl4 #8,you've got the boy1 and what more would you have8--,let him be--let him be--or ,i shall put that mark on some of you1 that will bring me to the gallows before my time4' ,the girl stamped her foot violently on the floor as she vented this threat2 and with her lips compressed1 and her hands clenched1 looked alternately at the ,jew and the other robber3 her face quite colourless from the passion of rage into which she had gradually worked herself4 #8,why1 ,nancy6' said the ,jew1 in a soothing tone2 after a pause1 during which he and ,mr4 ,sikes had stared at one another in a disconcerted manner2 #8you1--you're more clever than ever to-night4 ,ha6 ha6 my dear1 you are acting beautifully4' #8,am ,i6' said the girl4 #8,take care ,i don't overdo it4 ,you will be the worse for it1 ,fagin1 if ,i do2 and so ,i tell you in good time to keep clear of me4' ,there is something about a roused woman3 especially if she add to all her other strong passions1 the fierce impulses of recklessness and despair2 which few men like to provoke4 ,the ,jew saw that it would be hopeless to affect any further mistake regarding the reality of ,miss ,nancy's rage2 and1 shrinking involuntarily back a few paces1 cast a glance1 half imploring and half cowardly1 at ,sikes3 as if to hint that he was the fittest person to pursue the dialogue4 ,mr4 ,sikes1 thus mutely appealed to2 and possibly feeling his personal pride and influence interested in the immediate reduction of ,miss ,nancy to reason2 gave utterance to about a couple of score of curses and threats1 the rapid production of which reflected great credit on the fertility of his invention4 ,as they produced no visible effect on the object against whom they were discharged1 however1 he resorted to more tangible arguments4 #8,what do you mean by this8' said ,sikes2 backing the inquiry with a very common imprecation concerning the most beautiful of human features3 which1 if it were heard above1 only once out of every fifty thousand times that it is uttered below1 would render blindness as common a disorder as measles3 #8what do you mean by it8 ,burn my body6 ,do you know who you are1 and what you are8' #8,oh1 yes1 ,i know all about it1' replied the girl1 laughing hysterically2 and shaking her head from side to side1 with a poor assumption of indifference4 #8,well1 then1 keep quiet1' rejoined ,sikes1 with a growl like that he was accustomed to use when addressing his dog1 #8or ,i'll quiet you for a good long time to come4' ,the girl laughed again3 even less composedly than before2 and1 darting a hasty look at ,sikes1 turned her face aside1 and bit her lip till the blood came4 #8,you're a nice one1' added ,sikes1 as he surveyed her with a contemptuous air1 #8to take up the humane and gen--teel side6 ,a pretty subject for the child1 as you call him1 to make a friend of6' #8,god ,almighty help me1 ,i am6' cried the girl passionately2 #8and ,i wish ,i had been struck dead in the street1 or had changed places with them we passed so near to-night1 before ,i had lent a hand in bringing him here4 ,he's a thief1 a liar1 a devil1 all that's bad1 from this night forth4 ,isn't that enough for the old wretch1 without blows8' #8,come1 come1 ,sikes1' said the ,jew appealing to him in a remonstratory tone1 and motioning towards the boys1 who were eagerly attentive to all that passed2 #8we must have civil words2 civil words1 ,bill4' #8,civil words6' cried the girl1 whose passion was frightful to see4 #8,civil words1 you villain6 ,yes1 you deserve #8em from me4 ,i thieved for you when ,i was a child not half as old as this6' pointing to ,oliver4 #8,i have been in the same trade1 and in the same service1 for twelve years since4 ,don't you know it8 ,speak out6 ,don't you know it8' #8,well1 well1' replied the ,jew1 with an attempt at pacification2 #8and1 if you have1 it's your living6' #8,aye1 it is6' returned the girl2 not speaking1 but pouring out the words in one continuous and vehement scream4 #8,it is my living2 and the cold1 wet1 dirty streets are my home2 and you're the wretch that drove me to them long ago1 and that'll keep me there1 day and night1 day and night1 till ,i die6' #8,i shall do you a mischief6' interposed the ,jew1 goaded by these reproaches2 #8a mischief worse than that1 if you say much more6' ,the girl said nothing more2 but1 tearing her hair and dress in a transport of passion1 made such a rush at the ,jew as would probably have left signal marks of her revenge upon him1 had not her wrists been seized by ,sikes at the right moment2 upon which1 she made a few ineffectual struggles1 and fainted4 #8,she's all right now1' said ,sikes1 laying her down in a corner4 #8,she's uncommon strong in the arms1 when she's up in this way4' ,the ,jew wiped his forehead3 and smiled1 as if it were a relief to have the disturbance over2 but neither he1 nor ,sikes1 nor the dog1 nor the boys1 seemed to consider it in any other light than a common occurance incidental to business4 #8,it's the worst of having to do with women1' said the ,jew1 replacing his club2 #8but they're clever1 and we can't get on1 in our line1 without #8em4 ,charley1 show ,oliver to bed4' #8,i suppose he'd better not wear his best clothes tomorrow1 ,fagin1 had he8' inquired ,charley ,bates4 #8,certainly not1' replied the ,jew1 reciprocating the grin with which ,charley put the question4 ,master ,bates1 apparently much delighted with his commission1 took the cleft stick3 and led ,oliver into an adjacent kitchen1 where there were two or three of the beds on which he had slept before2 and here1 with many uncontrollable bursts of laughter1 he produced the identical old suit of clothes which ,oliver had so much congratulated himself upon leaving off at ,mr4 ,brownlow's2 and the accidental display of which1 to ,fagin1 by the ,jew who purchased them1 had been the very first clue received1 of his whereabout4 #8,put off the smart ones1' said ,charley1 #8and ,i'll give #8em to ,fagin to take care of4 ,what fun it is6' ,poor ,oliver unwillingly complied4 ,master ,bates rolling up the new clothes under his arm1 departed from the room1 leaving ,oliver in the dark1 and locking the door behind him4 ,the noise of ,charley's laughter1 and the voice of ,miss ,betsy1 who opportunely arrived to throw water over her friend1 and perform other feminine offices for the promotion of her recovery1 might have kept many people awake under more happy circumstances than those in which ,oliver was placed4 ,but he was sick and weary2 and he soon fell sound asleep4 ,,chapter ,,xvii -- ,,oliver',s ,,destiny ,,continuing ,,unpropitious1 ,,brings ,a ,,great ,,man ,,to ,,london ,,to ,,injure ,,his ,,reputation ,it is the custom on the stage1 in all good murderous melodramas1 to present the tragic and the comic scenes1 in as regular alternation1 as the layers of red and white in a side of streaky bacon4 ,the hero sinks upon his straw bed1 weighed down by fetters and misfortunes2 in the next scene1 his faithful but unconscious squire regales the audience with a comic song4 ,we behold1 with throbbing bosoms1 the heroine in the grasp of a proud and ruthless baron3 her virtue and her life alike in danger1 drawing forth her dagger to preserve the one at the cost of the other2 and just as our expectations are wrought up to the highest pitch1 a whistle is heard1 and we are straightway transported to the great hall of the castle2 where a grey-headed seneschal sings a funny chorus with a funnier body of vassals1 who are free of all sorts of places1 from church vaults to palaces1 and roam about in company1 carolling perpetually4 ,such changes appear absurd2 but they are not so unnatural as they would seem at first sight4 ,the transitions in real life from well-spread boards to death-beds1 and from mourning-weeds to holiday garments1 are not a whit less startling2 only1 there1 we are busy actors1 instead of passive lookers-on1 which makes a vast difference4 ,the actors in the mimic life of the theatre1 are blind to violent transitions and abrupt impulses of passion or feeling1 which1 presented before the eyes of mere spectators1 are at once condemned as outrageous and preposterous4 ,as sudden shiftings of the scene1 and rapid changes of time and place1 are not only sanctioned in books by long usage1 but are by many considered as the great art of authorship3 an author's skill in his craft being1 by such critics1 chiefly estimated with relation to the dilemmas in which he leaves his characters at the end of every chapter3 this brief introduction to the present one may perhaps be deemed unnecessary4 ,if so1 let it be considered a delicate intimation on the part of the historian that he is going back to the town in which ,oliver ,twist was born2 the reader taking it for granted that there are good and substantial reasons for making the journey1 or he would not be invited to proceed upon such an expedition4 ,mr4 ,bumble emerged at early morning from the workhouse-gate1 and walked with portly carriage and commanding steps1 up the ,high ,street4 ,he was in the full bloom and pride of beadlehood2 his cocked hat and coat were dazzling in the morning sun2 he clutched his cane with the vigorous tenacity of health and power4 ,mr4 ,bumble always carried his head high2 but this morning it was higher than usual4 ,there was an abstraction in his eye1 an elevation in his air1 which might have warned an observant stranger that thoughts were passing in the beadle's mind1 too great for utterance4 ,mr4 ,bumble stopped not to converse with the small shopkeepers and others who spoke to him1 deferentially1 as he passed along4 ,he merely returned their salutations with a wave of his hand1 and relaxed not in his dignified pace1 until he reached the farm where ,mrs4 ,mann tended the infant paupers with parochial care4 #8,drat that beadle6' said ,mrs4 ,mann1 hearing the well-known shaking at the garden-gate4 #8,if it isn't him at this time in the morning6 ,lauk1 ,mr4 ,bumble1 only think of its being you6 ,well1 dear me1 it is a pleasure1 this is6 ,come into the parlour1 sir1 please4' ,the first sentence was addressed to ,susan2 and the exclamations of delight were uttered to ,mr4 ,bumble3 as the good lady unlocked the garden-gate3 and showed him1 with great attention and respect1 into the house4 #8,mrs4 ,mann1' said ,mr4 ,bumble2 not sitting upon1 or dropping himself into a seat1 as any common jackanapes would3 but letting himself gradually and slowly down into a chair2 #8,mrs4 ,mann1 ma'am1 good morning4' #8,well1 and good morning to you1 sir1' replied ,mrs4 ,mann1 with many smiles2 #8and hoping you find yourself well1 sir6' #8,so-so1 ,mrs4 ,mann1' replied the beadle4 #8,a porochial life is not a bed of roses1 ,mrs4 ,mann4' #8,ah1 that it isn't indeed1 ,mr4 ,bumble1' rejoined the lady4 ,and all the infant paupers might have chorused the rejoinder with great propriety1 if they had heard it4 #8,a porochial life1 ma'am1' continued ,mr4 ,bumble1 striking the table with his cane1 #8is a life of worrit1 and vexation1 and hardihood2 but all public characters1 as ,i may say1 must suffer prosecution4' ,mrs4 ,mann1 not very well knowing what the beadle meant1 raised her hands with a look of sympathy1 and sighed4 #8,ah6 ,you may well sigh1 ,mrs4 ,mann6' said the beadle4 ,finding she had done right1 ,mrs4 ,mann sighed again3 evidently to the satisfaction of the public character3 who1 repressing a complacent smile by looking sternly at his cocked hat1 said1 #8,mrs4 ,mann1 ,i am going to ,london4' #8,lauk1 ,mr4 ,bumble6' cried ,mrs4 ,mann1 starting back4 #8,to ,london1 ma'am1' resumed the inflexible beadle1 #8by coach4 ,i and two paupers1 ,mrs4 ,mann6 ,a legal action is a coming on1 about a settlement2 and the board has appointed me--me1 ,mrs4 ,mann--to dispose to the matter before the quarter-sessions at ,clerkinwell4 ,and ,i very much question1' added ,mr4 ,bumble1 drawing himself up1 #8whether the ,clerkinwell ,sessions will not find themselves in the wrong box before they have done with me4' #8,oh6 you mustn't be too hard upon them1 sir1' said ,mrs4 ,mann1 coaxingly4 #8,the ,clerkinwell ,sessions have brought it upon themselves1 ma'am1' replied ,mr4 ,bumble2 #8and if the ,clerkinwell ,sessions find that they come off rather worse than they expected1 the ,clerkinwell ,sessions have only themselves to thank4' ,there was so much determination and depth of purpose about the menacing manner in which ,mr4 ,bumble delivered himself of these words1 that ,mrs4 ,mann appeared quite awed by them4 ,at length she said1 #8,you're going by coach1 sir8 ,i thought it was always usual to send them paupers in carts4' #8,that's when they're ill1 ,mrs4 ,mann1' said the beadle4 #8,we put the sick paupers into open carts in the rainy weather1 to prevent their taking cold4' #8,oh6' said ,mrs4 ,mann4 #8,the opposition coach contracts for these two2 and takes them cheap1' said ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,they are both in a very low state1 and we find it would come two pound cheaper to move #8em than to bury #8em--that is1 if we can throw #8em upon another parish1 which ,i think we shall be able to do1 if they don't die upon the road to spite us4 ,ha6 ha6 ha6' ,when ,mr4 ,bumble had laughed a little while1 his eyes again encountered the cocked hat2 and he became grave4 #8,we are forgetting business1 ma'am1' said the beadle2 #8here is your porochial stipend for the month4' ,mr4 ,bumble produced some silver money rolled up in paper1 from his pocket-book2 and requested a receipt3 which ,mrs4 ,mann wrote4 #8,it's very much blotted1 sir1' said the farmer of infants2 #8but it's formal enough1 ,i dare say4 ,thank you1 ,mr4 ,bumble1 sir1 ,i am very much obliged to you1 ,i'm sure4' ,mr4 ,bumble nodded1 blandly1 in acknowledgment of ,mrs4 ,mann's curtsey2 and inquired how the children were4 #8,bless their dear little hearts6' said ,mrs4 ,mann with emotion1 #8they're as well as can be1 the dears6 ,of course1 except the two that died last week4 ,and little ,dick4' #8,isn't that boy no better8' inquired ,mr4 ,bumble4 ,mrs4 ,mann shook her head4 #8,he's a ill-conditioned1 wicious1 bad-disposed porochial child that1' said ,mr4 ,bumble angrily4 #8,where is he8' #8,i'll bring him to you in one minute1 sir1' replied ,mrs4 ,mann4 #8,here1 you ,dick6' ,after some calling1 ,dick was discovered4 ,having had his face put under the pump1 and dried upon ,mrs4 ,mann's gown1 he was led into the awful presence of ,mr4 ,bumble1 the beadle4 ,the child was pale and thin2 his cheeks were sunken2 and his eyes large and bright4 ,the scanty parish dress1 the livery of his misery1 hung loosely on his feeble body2 and his young limbs had wasted away1 like those of an old man4 ,such was the little being who stood trembling beneath ,mr4 ,bumble's glance2 not daring to lift his eyes from the floor2 and dreading even to hear the beadle's voice4 #8,can't you look at the gentleman1 you obstinate boy8' said ,mrs4 ,mann4 ,the child meekly raised his eyes1 and encountered those of ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,what's the matter with you1 porochial ,dick8' inquired ,mr4 ,bumble1 with well-timed jocularity4 #8,nothing1 sir1' replied the child faintly4 #8,i should think not1' said ,mrs4 ,mann1 who had of course laughed very much at ,mr4 ,bumble's humour4 #8,you want for nothing1 ,i'm sure4' #8,i should like--' faltered the child4 #8,hey-day6' interposed ,mr4 ,mann1 #8,i suppose you're going to say that you do want for something1 now8 ,why1 you little wretch--' #8,stop1 ,mrs4 ,mann1 stop6' said the beadle1 raising his hand with a show of authority4 #8,like what1 sir1 eh8' #8,i should like1' faltered the child1 #8if somebody that can write1 would put a few words down for me on a piece of paper1 and fold it up and seal it1 and keep it for me1 after ,i am laid in the ground4' #8,why1 what does the boy mean8' exclaimed ,mr4 ,bumble1 on whom the earnest manner and wan aspect of the child had made some impression3 accustomed as he was to such things4 #8,what do you mean1 sir8' #8,i should like1' said the child1 #8to leave my dear love to poor ,oliver ,twist2 and to let him know how often ,i have sat by myself and cried to think of his wandering about in the dark nights with nobody to help him4 ,and ,i should like to tell him1' said the child pressing his small hands together1 and speaking with great fervour1 #8that ,i was glad to die when ,i was very young2 for1 perhaps1 if ,i had lived to be a man1 and had grown old1 my little sister who is in ,heaven1 might forget me1 or be unlike me2 and it would be so much happier if we were both children there together4' ,mr4 ,bumble surveyed the little speaker1 from head to foot1 with indescribable astonishment2 and1 turning to his companion1 said1 #8,they're all in one story1 ,mrs4 ,mann4 ,that out-dacious ,oliver had demogalized them all6' #8,i couldn't have believed it1 sir' said ,mrs ,mann1 holding up her hands1 and looking malignantly at ,dick4 #8,i never see such a hardened little wretch6' #8,take him away1 ma'am6' said ,mr4 ,bumble imperiously4 #8,this must be stated to the board1 ,mrs4 ,mann4 #8,i hope the gentleman will understand that it isn't my fault1 sir8' said ,mrs4 ,mann1 whimpering pathetically4 #8,they shall understand that1 ma'am2 they shall be acquainted with the true state of the case1' said ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,there2 take him away1 ,i can't bear the sight on him4' ,dick was immediately taken away1 and locked up in the coal-cellar4 ,mr4 ,bumble shortly afterwards took himself off1 to prepare for his journey4 ,at six o'clock next morning1 ,mr4 ,bumble3 having exchanged his cocked hat for a round one1 and encased his person in a blue great-coat with a cape to it3 took his place on the outside of the coach1 accompanied by the criminals whose settlement was disputed2 with whom1 in due course of time1 he arrived in ,london4 ,he experienced no other crosses on the way1 than those which originated in the perverse behaviour of the two paupers1 who persisted in shivering1 and complaining of the cold1 in a manner which1 ,mr4 ,bumble declared1 caused his teeth to chatter in his head1 and made him feel quite uncomfortable2 although he had a great-coat on4 ,having disposed of these evil-minded persons for the night1 ,mr4 ,bumble sat himself down in the house at which the coach stopped2 and took a temperate dinner of steaks1 oyster sauce1 and porter4 ,putting a glass of hot gin-and-water on the chimney-piece1 he drew his chair to the fire2 and1 with sundry moral reflections on the too-prevalent sin of discontent and complaining1 composed himself to read the paper4 ,the very first paragraph upon which ,mr4 ,bumble's eye rested1 was the following advertisement4 #8,,five ,,guineas ,,reward #8,whereas a young boy1 named ,oliver ,twist1 absconded1 or enticed1 on ,thursday evening last1 from his home1 at was ,pentonville2 and has not since been heard of4 ,the above reward will be paid to any person who will give such information as will lead to the discovery of the said ,oliver ,twist1 or tend to throw any light upon his previous history1 in which the advertiser is1 for many reasons1 warmly interested4' ,and then followed a full description of ,oliver's dress1 person1 appearance1 and disappearance3 with the name and address of ,mr4 ,brownlow at full length4 ,mr4 ,bumble opened his eyes2 read the advertisement1 slowly and carefully1 three several times2 and in something more than five minutes was on his way to ,pentonville3 having actually1 in his excitement1 left the glass of hot gin-and-water1 untasted4 #8,is ,mr4 ,brownlow at home8' inquired ,mr4 ,bumble of the girl who opened the door4 ,to this inquiry the girl returned the not uncommon1 but rather evasive reply of #8,i don't know2 where do you come from8' ,mr4 ,bumble no sooner uttered ,oliver's name1 in explanation of his errand1 than ,mrs4 ,bedwin1 who had been listening at the parlour door1 hastened into the passage in a breathless state4 #8,come in1 come in1' said the old lady3 #8,i knew we should hear of him4 ,poor dear6 ,i knew we should6 ,i was certain of it4 ,bless his heart6 ,i said so all along4' ,having heard this1 the worthy old lady hurried back into the parlour again2 and seating herself on a sofa1 burst into tears4 ,the girl1 who was not quite so susceptible1 had run upstairs meanwhile2 and now returned with a request that ,mr4 ,bumble would follow her immediately3 which he did4 ,he was shown into the little back study1 where sat ,mr4 ,brownlow and his friend ,mr4 ,grimwig1 with decanters and glasses before them4 ,the latter gentleman at once burst into the exclamation3 #8,a beadle4 ,a parish beadle1 or ,i'll eat my head4' #8,pray don't interrupt just now1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow4 #8,take a seat1 will you8' ,mr4 ,bumble sat himself down2 quite confounded by the oddity of ,mr4 ,grimwig's manner4 ,mr4 ,brownlow moved the lamp1 so as to obtain an uninterrupted view of the beadle's countenance2 and said1 with a little impatience1 #8,now1 sir1 you come in consequence of having seen the advertisement8' #8,yes1 sir1' said ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,and you are a beadle1 are you not8' inquired ,mr4 ,grimwig4 #8,i am a porochial beadle1 gentlemen1' rejoined ,mr4 ,bumble proudly4 #8,of course1' observed ,mr4 ,grimwig aside to his friend1 #8,i knew he was4 ,a beadle all over6' ,mr4 ,brownlow gently shook his head to impose silence on his friend1 and resumed3 #8,do you know where this poor boy is now8' #8,no more than nobody1' replied ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,well1 what do you know of him8' inquired the old gentleman4 #8,speak out1 my friend1 if you have anything to say4 ,what do you know of him8' #8,you don't happen to know any good of him1 do you8' said ,mr4 ,grimwig1 caustically2 after an attentive perusal of ,mr4 ,bumble's features4 ,mr4 ,bumble1 catching at the inquiry very quickly1 shook his head with portentous solemnity4 #8,you see8' said ,mr4 ,grimwig1 looking triumphantly at ,mr4 ,brownlow4 ,mr4 ,brownlow looked apprehensively at ,mr4 ,bumble's pursed-up countenance2 and requested him to communicate what he knew regarding ,oliver1 in as few words as possible4 ,mr4 ,bumble put down his hat2 unbuttoned his coat2 folded his arms2 inclined his head in a retrospective manner2 and1 after a few moments' reflection1 commenced his story4 ,it would be tedious if given in the beadle's words3 occupying1 as it did1 some twenty minutes in the telling2 but the sum and substance of it was1 that ,oliver was a foundling1 born of low and vicious parents4 ,that he had1 from his birth1 displayed no better qualities than treachery1 ingratitude1 and malice4 ,that he had terminated his brief career in the place of his birth1 by making a sanguinary and cowardly attack on an unoffending lad1 and running away in the night-time from his master's house4 ,in proof of his really being the person he represented himself1 ,mr4 ,bumble laid upon the table the papers he had brought to town4 ,folding his arms again1 he then awaited ,mr4 ,brownlow's observations4 #8,i fear it is all too true1' said the old gentleman sorrowfully1 after looking over the papers4 #8,this is not much for your intelligence2 but ,i would gladly have given you treble the money1 if it had been favourable to the boy4' ,it is not improbable that if ,mr4 ,bumble had been possessed of this information at an earlier period of the interview1 he might have imparted a very different colouring to his little history4 ,it was too late to do it now1 however2 so he shook his head gravely1 and1 pocketing the five guineas1 withdrew4 ,mr4 ,brownlow paced the room to and fro for some minutes2 evidently so much disturbed by the beadle's tale1 that even ,mr4 ,grimwig forbore to vex him further4 ,at length he stopped1 and rang the bell violently4 #8,mrs4 ,bedwin1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 when the housekeeper appeared2 #8that boy1 ,oliver1 is an imposter4' #8,it can't be1 sir4 ,it cannot be1' said the old lady energetically4 #8,i tell you he is1' retorted the old gentleman4 #8,what do you mean by can't be8 ,we have just heard a full account of him from his birth2 and he has been a thorough-paced little villain1 all his life4' #8,i never will believe it1 sir1' replied the old lady1 firmly4 #8,never6' #8,you old women never believe anything but quack-doctors1 and lying story-books1' growled ,mr4 ,grimwig4 #8,i knew it all along4 ,why didn't you take my advise in the beginning2 you would if he hadn't had a fever1 ,i suppose1 eh8 ,he was interesting1 wasn't he8 ,interesting6 ,bah6' ,and ,mr4 ,grimwig poked the fire with a flourish4 #8,he was a dear1 grateful1 gentle child1 sir1' retorted ,mrs4 ,bedwin1 indignantly4 #8,i know what children are1 sir2 and have done these forty years2 and people who can't say the same1 shouldn't say anything about them4 ,that's my opinion6' ,this was a hard hit at ,mr4 ,grimwig1 who was a bachelor4 ,as it extorted nothing from that gentleman but a smile1 the old lady tossed her head1 and smoothed down her apron preparatory to another speech1 when she was stopped by ,mr4 ,brownlow4 #8,silence6' said the old gentleman1 feigning an anger he was far from feeling4 #8,never let me hear the boy's name again4 ,i rang to tell you that4 ,never4 ,never1 on any pretence1 mind6 ,you may leave the room1 ,mrs4 ,bedwin4 ,remember6 ,i am in earnest4' ,there were sad hearts at ,mr4 ,brownlow's that night4 ,oliver's heart sank within him1 when he thought of his good friends2 it was well for him that he could not know what they had heard1 or it might have broken outright4 ,,chapter ,,xviii -- ,,how ,,oliver ,,passed ,,his ,,time ,,in ,,the ,,improving ,,society ,,of ,,his ,,reputable ,,friends ,about noon next day1 when the ,dodger and ,master ,bates had gone out to pursue their customary avocations1 ,mr4 ,fagin took the opportunity of reading ,oliver a long lecture on the crying sin of ingratitude2 of which he clearly demonstrated he had been guilty1 to no ordinary extent1 in wilfully absenting himself from the society of his anxious friends2 and1 still more1 in endeavouring to escape from them after so much trouble and expense had been incurred in his recovery4 ,mr4 ,fagin laid great stress on the fact of his having taken ,oliver in1 and cherished him1 when1 without his timely aid1 he might have perished with hunger2 and he related the dismal and affecting history of a young lad whom1 in his philanthropy1 he had succoured under parallel circumstances1 but who1 proving unworthy of his confidence and evincing a desire to communicate with the police1 had unfortunately come to be hanged at the ,old ,bailey one morning4 ,mr4 ,fagin did not seek to conceal his share in the catastrophe1 but lamented with tears in his eyes that the wrong-headed and treacherous behaviour of the young person in question1 had rendered it necessary that he should become the victim of certain evidence for the crown3 which1 if it were not precisely true1 was indispensably necessary for the safety of him 7,mr4 ,fagin7 and a few select friends4 ,mr4 ,fagin concluded by drawing a rather disagreeable picture of the discomforts of hanging2 and1 with great friendliness and politeness of manner1 expressed his anxious hopes that he might never be obliged to submit ,oliver ,twist to that unpleasant operation4 ,little ,oliver's blood ran cold1 as he listened to the ,jew's words1 and imperfectly comprehended the dark threats conveyed in them4 ,that it was possible even for justice itself to confound the innocent with the guilty when they were in accidental companionship1 he knew already2 and that deeply-laid plans for the destruction of inconveniently knowing or over-communicative persons1 had been really devised and carried out by the ,jew on more occasions than one1 he thought by no means unlikely1 when he recollected the general nature of the altercations between that gentleman and ,mr4 ,sikes3 which seemed to bear reference to some foregone conspiracy of the kind4 ,as he glanced timidly up1 and met the ,jew's searching look1 he felt that his pale face and trembling limbs were neither unnoticed nor unrelished by that wary old gentleman4 ,the ,jew1 smiling hideously1 patted ,oliver on the head1 and said1 that if he kept himself quiet1 and applied himself to business1 he saw they would be very good friends yet4 ,then1 taking his hat1 and covering himself with an old patched great-coat1 he went out1 and locked the room-door behind him4 ,and so ,oliver remained all that day1 and for the greater part of many subsequent days1 seeing nobody1 between early morning and midnight1 and left during the long hours to commune with his own thoughts4 ,which1 never failing to revert to his kind friends1 and the opinion they must long ago have formed of him1 were sad indeed4 ,after the lapse of a week or so1 the ,jew left the room-door unlocked2 and he was at liberty to wander about the house4 ,it was a very dirty place4 ,the rooms upstairs had great high wooden chimney-pieces and large doors1 with panelled walls and cornices to the ceiling2 which1 although they were black with neglect and dust1 were ornamented in various ways4 ,from all of these tokens ,oliver concluded that a long time ago1 before the old ,jew was born1 it had belonged to better people1 and had perhaps been quite gay and handsome3 dismal and dreary as it looked now4 ,spiders had built their webs in the angles of the walls and ceilings2 and sometimes1 when ,oliver walked softly into a room1 the mice would scamper across the floor1 and run back terrified to their holes4 ,with these exceptions1 there was neither sight nor sound of any living thing2 and often1 when it grew dark1 and he was tired of wandering from room to room1 he would crouch in the corner of the passage by the street-door1 to be as near living people as he could2 and would remain there1 listening and counting the hours1 until the ,jew or the boys returned4 ,in all the rooms1 the mouldering shutters were fast closed3 the bars which held them were screwed tight into the wood2 the only light which was admitted1 stealing its way through round holes at the top3 which made the rooms more gloomy1 and filled them with strange shadows4 ,there was a back-garret window with rusty bars outside1 which had no shutter2 and out of this1 ,oliver often gazed with a melancholy face for hours together2 but nothing was to be descried from it but a confused and crowded mass of housetops1 blackened chimneys1 and gable-ends4 ,sometimes1 indeed1 a grizzly head might be seen1 peering over the parapet-wall of a distant house2 but it was quickly withdrawn again2 and as the window of ,oliver's observatory was nailed down1 and dimmed with the rain and smoke of years1 it was as much as he could do to make out the forms of the different objects beyond1 without making any attempt to be seen or heard1--which he had as much chance of being1 as if he had lived inside the ball of ,st4 ,paul's ,cathedral4 ,one afternoon1 the ,dodger and ,master ,bates being engaged out that evening1 the first-named young gentleman took it into his head to evince some anxiety regarding the decoration of his person 7to do him justice1 this was by no means an habitual weakness with him72 and1 with this end and aim1 he condescendingly commanded ,oliver to assist him in his toilet1 straightway4 ,oliver was but too glad to make himself useful2 too happy to have some faces1 however bad1 to look upon2 too desirous to conciliate those about him when he could honestly do so2 to throw any objection in the way of this proposal4 ,so he at once expressed his readiness2 and1 kneeling on the floor1 while the ,dodger sat upon the table so that he could take his foot in his laps1 he applied himself to a process which ,mr4 ,dawkins designated as #8japanning his trotter-cases4' ,the phrase1 rendered into plain ,english1 signifieth1 cleaning his boots4 ,whether it was the sense of freedom and independence which a rational animal may be supposed to feel when he sits on a table in an easy attitude smoking a pipe1 swinging one leg carelessly to and fro1 and having his boots cleaned all the time1 without even the past trouble of having taken them off1 or the prospective misery of putting them on1 to disturb his reflections2 or whether it was the goodness of the tobacco that soothed the feelings of the ,dodger1 or the mildness of the beer that mollified his thoughts2 he was evidently tinctured1 for the nonce1 with a spice of romance and enthusiasm1 foreign to his general nature4 ,he looked down on ,oliver1 with a thoughtful countenance1 for a brief space2 and then1 raising his head1 and heaving a gentle sign1 said1 half in abstraction1 and half to ,master ,bates3 #8,what a pity it is he isn't a prig6' #8,ah6' said ,master ,charles ,bates2 #8he don't know what's good for him4' ,the ,dodger sighed again1 and resumed his pipe3 as did ,charley ,bates4 ,they both smoked1 for some seconds1 in silence4 #8,i suppose you don't even know what a prig is8' said the ,dodger mournfully4 #8,i think ,i know that1' replied ,oliver1 looking up4 #8,it's a the--2 you're one1 are you not8' inquired ,oliver1 checking himself4 #8,i am1' replied the ,dodger4 #8,i'd scorn to be anything else4' ,mr4 ,dawkins gave his hat a ferocious cock1 after delivering this sentiment1 and looked at ,master ,bates1 as if to denote that he would feel obliged by his saying anything to the contrary4 #8,i am1' repeated the ,dodger4 #8,so's ,charley4 ,so's ,fagin4 ,so's ,sikes4 ,so's ,nancy4 ,so's ,bet4 ,so we all are1 down to the dog4 ,and he's the downiest one of the lot6' #8,and the least given to peaching1' added ,charley ,bates4 #8,he wouldn't so much as bark in a witness-box1 for fear of committing himself2 no1 not if you tied him up in one1 and left him there without wittles for a fortnight1' said the ,dodger4 #8,not a bit of it1' observed ,charley4 #8,he's a rum dog4 ,don't he look fierce at any strange cove that laughs or sings when he's in company6' pursued the ,dodger4 #8,won't he growl at all1 when he hears a fiddle playing6 ,and don't he hate other dogs as ain't of his breed6 ,oh1 no6' #8,he's an out-and-out ,christian1' said ,charley4 ,this was merely intended as a tribute to the animal's abilities1 but it was an appropriate remark in another sense1 if ,master ,bates had only known it2 for there are a good many ladies and gentlemen1 claiming to be out-and-out ,christians1 between whom1 and ,mr4 ,sikes' dog1 there exist strong and singular points of resemblance4 #8,well1 well1' said the ,dodger1 recurring to the point from which they had strayed3 with that mindfulness of his profession which influenced all his proceedings4 #8,this hasn't go anything to do with young ,green here4' #8,no more it has1' said ,charley4 #8,why don't you put yourself under ,fagin1 ,oliver8' #8,and make your fortun' out of hand8' added the ,dodger1 with a grin4 #8,and so be able to retire on your property1 and do the gen-teel3 as ,i mean to1 in the very next leap-year but four that ever comes1 and the forty-second ,tuesday in ,trinity-week1' said ,charley ,bates4 #8,i don't like it1' rejoined ,oliver1 timidly2 #8,i wish they would let me go4 ,i--,i--would rather go4' #8,and ,fagin would rather not6' rejoined ,charley4 ,oliver knew this too well2 but thinking it might be dangerous to express his feelings more openly1 he only sighed1 and went on with his boot-cleaning4 #8,go6' exclaimed the ,dodger4 #8,why1 where's your spirit8' ,don't you take any pride out of yourself8 ,would you go and be dependent on your friends8' #8,oh1 blow that6' said ,master ,bates3 drawing two or three silk handkerchiefs from his pocket1 and tossing them into a cupboard1 #8that's too mean2 that is4' #8,i couldn't do it1' said the ,dodger1 with an air of haughty disgust4 #8,you can leave your friends1 though1' said ,oliver with a half smile2 #8and let them be punished for what you did4' #8,that1' rejoined the ,dodger1 with a wave of his pipe1 #8,that was all out of consideration for ,fagin1 #8cause the traps know that we work together1 and he might have got into trouble if we hadn't made our lucky2 that was the move1 wasn't it1 ,charley8' ,master ,bates nodded assent1 and would have spoken1 but the recollection of ,oliver's flight came so suddenly upon him1 that the smoke he was inhaling got entangled with a laugh1 and went up into his head1 and down into his throat3 and brought on a fit of coughing and stamping1 about five minutes long4 #8,look here6' said the ,dodger1 drawing forth a handful of shillings and halfpence4 #8,here's a jolly life6 ,what's the odds where it comes from8 ,here1 catch hold2 there's plenty more where they were took from4 ,you won't1 won't you8 ,oh1 you precious flat6' #8,it's naughty1 ain't it1 ,oliver8' inquired ,charley ,bates4 #8,he'll come to be scragged1 won't he8' #8,i don't know what that means1' replied ,oliver4 #8,something in this way1 old feller1' said ,charly4 ,as he said it1 ,master ,bates caught up an end of his neckerchief2 and1 holding it erect in the air1 dropped his head on his shoulder1 and jerked a curious sound through his teeth2 thereby indicating1 by a lively pantomimic representation1 that scragging and hanging were one and the same thing4 #8,that's what it means1' said ,charley4 #8,look how he stares1 ,jack6 ,i never did see such prime company as that #8ere boy2 he'll be the death of me1 ,i know he will4' ,master ,charley ,bates1 having laughed heartily again1 resumed his pipe with tears in his eyes4 #8,you've been brought up bad1' said the ,dodger1 surveying his boots with much satisfaction when ,oliver had polished them4 #8,fagin will make something of you1 though1 or you'll be the first he ever had that turned out unprofitable4 ,you'd better begin at once2 for you'll come to the trade long before you think of it2 and you're only losing time1 ,oliver4' ,master ,bates backed this advice with sundry moral admonitions of his own3 which1 being exhausted1 he and his friend ,mr4 ,dawkins launched into a glowing description of the numerous pleasures incidental to the life they led1 interspersed with a variety of hints to ,oliver that the best thing he could do1 would be to secure ,fagin's favour without more delay1 by the means which they themselves had employed to gain it4 #8,and always put this in your pipe1 ,nolly1' said the ,dodger1 as the ,jew was heard unlocking the door above1 #8if you don't take fogels and tickers--' #8,what's the good of talking in that way8' interposed ,master ,bates2 #8he don't know what you mean4' #8,if you don't take pocket-handkechers and watches1' said the ,dodger1 reducing his conversation to the level of ,oliver's capacity1 #8some other cove will2 so that the coves that lose #8em will be all the worse1 and you'll be all the worse1 too1 and nobody half a ha'p'orth the better1 except the chaps wot gets them--and you've just as good a right to them as they have4' #8,to be sure1 to be sure6' said the ,jew1 who had entered unseen by ,oliver4 #8,it all lies in a nutshell my dear2 in a nutshell1 take the ,dodger's word for it4 ,ha6 ha6 ha6 ,he understands the catechism of his trade4' ,the old man rubbed his hands gleefully together1 as he corroborated the ,dodger's reasoning in these terms2 and chuckled with delight at his pupil's proficiency4 ,the conversation proceeded no farther at this time1 for the ,jew had returned home accompanied by ,miss ,betsy1 and a gentleman whom ,oliver had never seen before1 but who was accosted by the ,dodger as ,tom ,chitling2 and who1 having lingered on the stairs to exchange a few gallantries with the lady1 now made his appearance4 ,mr4 ,chitling was older in years than the ,dodger3 having perhaps numbered eighteen winters2 but there was a degree of deference in his deportment towards that young gentleman which seemed to indicate that he felt himself conscious of a slight inferiority in point of genius and professional aquirements4 ,he had small twinkling eyes1 and a pock-marked face2 wore a fur cap1 a dark corduroy jacket1 greasy fustian trousers1 and an apron4 ,his wardrobe was1 in truth1 rather out of repair2 but he excused himself to the company by stating that his #8time' was only out an hour before2 and that1 in consequence of having worn the regimentals for six weeks past1 he had not been able to bestow any attention on his private clothes4 ,mr4 ,chitling added1 with strong marks of irritation1 that the new way of fumigating clothes up yonder was infernal unconstitutional1 for it burnt holes in them1 and there was no remedy against the ,county4 ,the same remark he considered to apply to the regulation mode of cutting the hair3 which he held to be decidedly unlawful4 ,mr4 ,chitling wound up his observations by stating that he had not touched a drop of anything for forty-two moral long hard-working days2 and that he #8wished he might be busted if he warn't as dry as a lime-basket4' #8,where do you think the gentleman has come from1 ,oliver8' inquired the ,jew1 with a grin1 as the other boys put a bottle of spirits on the table4 #8,i--,i--don't know1 sir1' replied ,oliver4 #8,who's that8' inquired ,tom ,chitling1 casting a contemptuous look at ,oliver4 #8,a young friend of mine1 my dear1' replied the ,jew4 #8,he's in luck1 then1' said the young man1 with a meaning look at ,fagin4 #8,never mind where ,i came from1 young #8un2 you'll find your way there1 soon enough1 ,i'll bet a crown6' ,at this sally1 the boys laughed4 ,after some more jokes on the same subject1 they exchanged a few short whispers with ,fagin2 and withdrew4 ,after some words apart between the last comer and ,fagin1 they drew their chairs towards the fire2 and the ,jew1 telling ,oliver to come and sit by him1 led the conversation to the topics most calculated to interest his hearers4 ,these were1 the great advantages of the trade1 the proficiency of the ,dodger1 the amiability of ,charley ,bates1 and the liberality of the ,jew himself4 ,at length these subjects displayed signs of being thoroughly exhausted2 and ,mr4 ,chitling did the same3 for the house of correction becomes fatiguing after a week or two4 ,miss ,betsy accordingly withdrew2 and left the party to their repose4 ,from this day1 ,oliver was seldom left alone2 but was placed in almost constant communication with the two boys1 who played the old game with the ,jew every day3 whether for their own improvement or ,oliver's1 ,mr4 ,fagin best knew4 ,at other times the old man would tell them stories of robberies he had committed in his younger days3 mixed up with so much that was droll and curious1 that ,oliver could not help laughing heartily1 and showing that he was amused in spite of all his better feelings4 ,in short1 the wily old ,jew had the boy in his toils4 ,having prepared his mind1 by solitude and gloom1 to prefer any society to the companionship of his own sad thoughts in such a dreary place1 he was now slowly instilling into his soul the poison which he hoped would blacken it1 and change its hue for ever4 ,,chapter ,,xix -- ,,in ,,which ,a ,,notable ,,plan ,,is ,,discussed ,,and ,,determined ,,on ,it was a chill1 damp1 windy night1 when the ,jew3 buttoning his great-coat tight round his shrivelled body1 and pulling the collar up over his ears so as completely to obscure the lower part of his face3 emerged from his den4 ,he paused on the step as the door was locked and chained behind him2 and having listened while the boys made all secure1 and until their retreating footsteps were no longer audible1 slunk down the street as quickly as he could4 ,the house to which ,oliver had been conveyed1 was in the neighborhood of ,whitechapel4 ,the ,jew stopped for an instant at the corner of the street2 and1 glancing suspiciously round1 crossed the road1 and struck off in the direction of the ,spitalfields4 ,the mud lay thick upon the stones1 and a black mist hung over the streets2 the rain fell sluggishly down1 and everything felt cold and clammy to the touch4 ,it seemed just the night when it befitted such a being as the ,jew to be abroad4 ,as he glided stealthily along1 creeping beneath the shelter of the walls and doorways1 the hideous old man seemed like some loathsome reptile1 engendered in the slime and darkness through which he moved3 crawling forth1 by night1 in search of some rich offal for a meal4 ,he kept on his course1 through many winding and narrow ways1 until he reached ,bethnal ,green2 then1 turning suddenly off to the left1 he soon became involved in a maze of the mean and dirty streets which abound in that close and densely-populated quarter4 ,the ,jew was evidently too familiar with the ground he traversed to be at all bewildered1 either by the darkness of the night1 or the intricacies of the way4 ,he hurried through several alleys and streets1 and at length turned into one1 lighted only by a single lamp at the farther end4 ,at the door of a house in this street1 he knocked2 having exchanged a few muttered words with the person who opened it1 he walked upstairs4 ,a dog growled as he touched the handle of a room-door2 and a man's voice demanded who was there4 #8,only me1 ,bill2 only me1 my dear1' said the ,jew looking in4 #8,bring in your body then1' said ,sikes4 #8,lie down1 you stupid brute6 ,don't you know the devil when he's got a great-coat on8' ,apparently1 the dog had been somewhat deceived by ,mr4 ,fagin's outer garment2 for as the ,jew unbuttoned it1 and threw it over the back of a chair1 he retired to the corner from which he had risen3 wagging his tail as he went1 to show that he was as well satisfied as it was in his nature to be4 #8,well6' said ,sikes4 #8,well1 my dear1' replied the ,jew4--#8,ah6 ,nancy4' ,the latter recognition was uttered with just enough of embarrassment to imply a doubt of its reception2 for ,mr4 ,fagin and his young friend had not met1 since she had interfered in behalf of ,oliver4 ,all doubts upon the subject1 if he had any1 were speedily removed by the young lady's behaviour4 ,she took her feet off the fender1 pushed back her chair1 and bade ,fagin draw up his1 without saying more about it3 for it was a cold night1 and no mistake4 #8,it is cold1 ,nancy dear1' said the ,jew1 as he warmed his skinny hands over the fire4 #8,it seems to go right through one1' added the old man1 touching his side4 #8,it must be a piercer1 if it finds its way through your heart1' said ,mr4 ,sikes4 #8,give him something to drink1 ,nancy4 ,burn my body1 make haste6 ,it's enough to turn a man ill1 to see his lean old carcase shivering in that way1 like a ugly ghost just rose from the grave4' ,nancy quickly brought a bottle from a cupboard1 in which there were many3 which1 to judge from the diversity of their appearance1 were filled with several kinds of liquids4 ,sikes pouring out a glass of brandy1 bade the ,jew drink it off4 #8,quite enough1 quite1 thankee1 ,bill1' replied the ,jew1 putting down the glass after just setting his lips to it4 #8,what6 ,you're afraid of our getting the better of you1 are you8' inquired ,sikes1 fixing his eyes on the ,jew4 #8,ugh6' ,with a hoarse grunt of contempt1 ,mr4 ,sikes seized the glass1 and threw the remainder of its contents into the ashes3 as a preparatory ceremony to filling it again for himself3 which he did at once4 ,the ,jew glanced round the room1 as his companion tossed down the second glassful2 not in curiousity1 for he had seen it often before2 but in a restless and suspicious manner habitual to him4 ,it was a meanly furnished apartment1 with nothing but the contents of the closet to induce the belief that its occupier was anything but a working man2 and with no more suspicious articles displayed to view than two or three heavy bludgeons which stood in a corner1 and a #8life-preserver' that hung over the chimney-piece4 #8,there1' said ,sikes1 smacking his lips4 #8,now ,i'm ready4' #8,for business8' inquired the ,jew4 #8,for business1' replied ,sikes2 #8so say what you've got to say4' #8,about the crib at ,chertsey1 ,bill8' said the ,jew1 drawing his chair forward1 and speaking in a very low voice4 #8,yes4 ,wot about it8' inquired ,sikes4 #8,ah6 you know what ,i mean1 my dear1' said the ,jew4 #8,he knows what ,i mean1 ,nancy2 don't he8' #8,no1 he don't1' sneered ,mr4 ,sikes4 #8,or he won't1 and that's the same thing4 ,speak out1 and call things by their right names2 don't sit there1 winking and blinking1 and talking to me in hints1 as if you warn't the very first that thought about the robbery4 ,wot d'ye mean8' #8,hush1 ,bill1 hush6' said the ,jew1 who had in vain attempted to stop this burst of indignation2 #8somebody will hear us1 my dear4 ,somebody will hear us4' #8,let #8em hear6' said ,sikes2 #8,i don't care4' ,but as ,mr4 ,sikes did care1 on reflection1 he dropped his voice as he said the words1 and grew calmer4 #8,there1 there1' said the ,jew1 coaxingly4 #8,it was only my caution1 nothing more4 ,now1 my dear1 about that crib at ,chertsey2 when is it to be done1 ,bill1 eh8 ,when is it to be done8 ,such plate1 my dear1 such plate6' said the ,jew3 rubbing his hands1 and elevating his eyebrows in a rapture of anticipation4 #8,not at all1' replied ,sikes coldly4 #8,not to be done at all6' echoed the ,jew1 leaning back in his chair4 #8,no1 not at all1' rejoined ,sikes4 #8,at least it can't be a put-up job1 as we expected4' #8,then it hasn't been properly gone about1' said the ,jew1 turning pale with anger4 #8,don't tell me6' #8,but ,i will tell you1' retorted ,sikes4 #8,who are you that's not to be told8 ,i tell you that ,toby ,crackit has been hanging about the place for a fortnight1 and he can't get one of the servants in line4' #8,do you mean to tell me1 ,bill1' said the ,jew3 softening as the other grew heated3 #8that neither of the two men in the house can be got over8' #8,yes1 ,i do mean to tell you so1' replied ,sikes4 #8,the old lady has had #8em these twenty years2 and if you were to give #8em five hundred pound1 they wouldn't be in it4' #8,but do you mean to say1 my dear1' remonstrated the ,jew1 #8that the women can't be got over8' #8,not a bit of it1' replied ,sikes4 #8,not by flash ,toby ,crackit8' said the ,jew incredulously4 #8,think what women are1 ,bill4' #8,no2 not even by flash ,toby ,crackit1' replied ,sikes4 #8,he says he's worn sham whiskers1 and a canary waistcoat1 the whole blessed time he's been loitering down there1 and it's all of no use4' #8,he should have tried mustachios and a pair of military trousers1 my dear1' said the ,jew4 #8,so he did1' rejoined ,sikes1 #8and they warn't of no more use than the other plant4' ,the ,jew looked blank at this information4 ,after ruminating for some minutes with his chin sunk on his breast1 he raised his head and said1 with a deep sigh1 that if flash ,toby ,crackit reported aright1 he feared the game was up4 #8,and yet1' said the old man1 dropping his hands on his knees1 #8it's a sad thing1 my dear1 to lose so much when we had set our hearts upon it4' #8,so it is1' said ,mr4 ,sikes4 #8,worse luck6' ,a long silence ensued2 during which the ,jew was plunged in deep thought1 with his face wrinkled into an expression of villainy perfectly demoniacal4 ,sikes eyed him furtively from time to time4 ,nancy1 apparently fearful of irritating the housebreaker1 sat with her eyes fixed upon the fire1 as if she had been deaf to all that passed4 #8,fagin1' said ,sikes1 abruptly breaking the stillness that prevailed2 #8is it worth fifty shiners extra1 if it's safely done from the outside8' #8,yes1' said the ,jew1 as suddenly rousing himself4 #8,is it a bargain8' inquired ,sikes4 #8,yes1 my dear1 yes1' rejoined the ,jew2 his eyes glistening1 and every muscle in his face working1 with the excitement that the inquiry had awakened4 #8,then1' said ,sikes1 thrusting aside the ,jew's hand1 with some disdain1 #8let it come off as soon as you like4 ,toby and me were over the garden-wall the night afore last1 sounding the panels of the door and shutters4 ,the crib's barred up at night like a jail2 but there's one part we can crack1 safe and softly4' #8,which is that1 ,bill8' asked the ,jew eagerly4 #8,why1' whispered ,sikes1 #8as you cross the lawn--' #8,yes8' said the ,jew1 bending his head forward1 with his eyes almost starting out of it4 #8,umph6' cried ,sikes1 stopping short1 as the girl1 scarcely moving her head1 looked suddenly round1 and pointed for an instant to the ,jew's face4 #8,never mind which part it is4 ,you can't do it without me1 ,i know2 but it's best to be on the safe side when one deals with you4' #8,as you like1 my dear1 as you like' replied the ,jew4 #8,is there no help wanted1 but yours and ,toby's8' #8,none1' said ,sikes4 #8,cept a centre-bit and a boy4 ,the first we've both got2 the second you must find us4' #8,a boy6' exclaimed the ,jew4 #8,oh6 then it's a panel1 eh8' #8,never mind wot it is6' replied ,sikes4 #8,i want a boy1 and he musn't be a big #8un4 ,lord6' said ,mr4 ,sikes1 reflectively1 #8if ,i'd only got that young boy of ,ned1 the chimbley-sweeper's6 ,he kept him small on purpose1 and let him out by the job4 ,but the father gets lagged2 and then the ,juvenile ,delinquent ,society comes1 and takes the boy away from a trade where he was earning money1 teaches him to read and write1 and in time makes a #8prentice of him4 ,and so they go on1' said ,mr4 ,sikes1 his wrath rising with the recollection of his wrongs1 #8so they go on2 and1 if they'd got money enough 7which it's a ,providence they haven't17 we shouldn't have half a dozen boys left in the whole trade1 in a year or two4' #8,no more we should1' acquiesced the ,jew1 who had been considering during this speech1 and had only caught the last sentence4 #8,bill6' #8,what now8' inquired ,sikes4 ,the ,jew nodded his head towards ,nancy1 who was still gazing at the fire2 and intimated1 by a sign1 that he would have her told to leave the room4 ,sikes shrugged his shoulders impatiently1 as if he thought the precaution unnecessary2 but complied1 nevertheless1 by requesting ,miss ,nancy to fetch him a jug of beer4 #8,you don't want any beer1' said ,nancy1 folding her arms1 and retaining her seat very composedly4 #8,i tell you ,i do6' replied ,sikes4 #8,nonsense1' rejoined the girl coolly1 #8,go on1 ,fagin4 ,i know what he's going to say1 ,bill2 he needn't mind me4' ,the ,jew still hesitated4 ,sikes looked from one to the other in some surprise4 #8,why1 you don't mind the old girl1 do you1 ,fagin8' he asked at length4 #8,you've known her long enough to trust her1 or the ,devil's in it4 ,she ain't one to blab4 ,are you ,nancy8' #8,i should think not6' replied the young lady3 drawing her chair up to the table1 and putting her elbows upon it4 #8,no1 no1 my dear1 ,i know you're not1' said the ,jew2 #8but--' and again the old man paused4 #8,but wot8' inquired ,sikes4 #8,i didn't know whether she mightn't p'r'aps be out of sorts1 you know1 my dear1 as she was the other night1' replied the ,jew4 ,at this confession1 ,miss ,nancy burst into a loud laugh2 and1 swallowing a glass of brandy1 shook her head with an air of defiance1 and burst into sundry exclamations of #8,keep the game a-going6' #8,never say die6' and the like4 ,these seemed to have the effect of re-assuring both gentlemen2 for the ,jew nodded his head with a satisfied air1 and resumed his seat3 as did ,mr4 ,sikes likewise4 #8,now1 ,fagin1' said ,nancy with a laugh4 #8,tell ,bill at once1 about ,oliver6' #8,ha6 you're a clever one1 my dear3 the sharpest girl ,i ever saw6' said the ,jew1 patting her on the neck4 #8,it was about ,oliver ,i was going to speak1 sure enough4 ,ha6 ha6 ha6' #8,what about him8' demanded ,sikes4 #8,he's the boy for you1 my dear1' replied the ,jew in a hoarse whisper2 laying his finger on the side of his nose1 and grinning frightfully4 #8,he6' exclaimed4 ,sikes4 #8,have him1 ,bill6' said ,nancy4 #8,i would1 if ,i was in your place4 ,he mayn't be so much up1 as any of the others2 but that's not what you want1 if he's only to open a door for you4 ,depend upon it he's a safe one1 ,bill4' #8,i know he is1' rejoined ,fagin4 #8,he's been in good training these last few weeks1 and it's time he began to work for his bread4 ,besides1 the others are all too big4' #8,well1 he is just the size ,i want1' said ,mr4 ,sikes1 ruminating4 #8,and will do everything you want1 ,bill1 my dear1' interposed the ,jew2 #8he can't help himself4 ,that is1 if you frighten him enough4' #8,frighten him6' echoed ,sikes4 #8,it'll be no sham frightening1 mind you4 ,if there's anything queer about him when we once get into the work2 in for a penny1 in for a pound4 ,you won't see him alive again1 ,fagin4 ,think of that1 before you send him4 ,mark my words6' said the robber1 poising a crowbar1 which he had drawn from under the bedstead4 #8,i've thought of it all1' said the ,jew with energy4 #8,i've--,i've had my eye upon him1 my dears1 close--close4 ,once let him feel that he is one of us2 once fill his mind with the idea that he has been a thief2 and he's ours6 ,ours for his life4 ,oho6 ,it couldn't have come about better6 ,the old man crossed his arms upon his breast2 and1 drawing his head and shoulders into a heap1 literally hugged himself for joy4 #8,ours6' said ,sikes4 #8,yours1 you mean4' #8,perhaps ,i do1 my dear1' said the ,jew1 with a shrill chuckle4 #8,mine1 if you like1 ,bill4' #8,and wot1' said ,sikes1 scowling fiercely on his agreeable friend1 #8wot makes you take so much pains about one chalk-faced kid1 when you know there are fifty boys snoozing about ,common ,garden every night1 as you might pick and choose from8' #8,because they're of no use to me1 my dear1' replied the ,jew1 with some confusion1 #8not worth the taking4 ,their looks convict #8em when they get into trouble1 and ,i lose #8em all4 ,with this boy1 properly managed1 my dears1 ,i could do what ,i couldn't with twenty of them4 ,besides1' said the ,jew1 recovering his self-possession1 #8he has us now if he could only give us leg-bail again2 and he must be in the same boat with us4 ,never mind how he came there2 it's quite enough for my power over him that he was in a robbery2 that's all ,i want4 ,now1 how much better this is1 than being obliged to put the poor leetle boy out of the way--which would be dangerous1 and we should lose by it besides4' #8,when is it to be done8' asked ,nancy1 stopping some turbulent exclamation on the part of ,mr4 ,sikes1 expressive of the disgust with which he received ,fagin's affectation of humanity4 #8,ah1 to be sure1' said the ,jew2 #8when is it to be done1 ,bill8' #8,i planned with ,toby1 the night arter to-morrow1' rejoined ,sikes in a surly voice1 #8if he heerd nothing from me to the contrairy4' #8,good1' said the ,jew2 #8there's no moon4' #8,no1' rejoined ,sikes4 #8,it's all arranged about bringing off the swag1 is it8' asked the ,jew4 ,sikes nodded4 #8,and about--' #8,oh1 ah1 it's all planned1' rejoined ,sikes1 interrupting him4 #8,never mind particulars4 ,you'd better bring the boy here to-morrow night4 ,i shall get off the stone an hour arter daybreak4 ,then you hold your tongue1 and keep the melting-pot ready1 and that's all you'll have to do4' ,after some discussion1 in which all three took an active part1 it was decided that ,nancy should repair to the ,jew's next evening when the night had set in1 and bring ,oliver away with her2 ,fagin craftily observing1 that1 if he evinced any disinclination to the task1 he would be more willing to accompany the girl who had so recently interfered in his behalf1 than anybody else4 ,it was also solemnly arranged that poor ,oliver should1 for the purposes of the contemplated expedition1 be unreservedly consigned to the care and custody of ,mr4 ,william ,sikes2 and further1 that the said ,sikes should deal with him as he thought fit2 and should not be held responsible by the ,jew for any mischance or evil that might be necessary to visit him3 it being understood that1 to render the compact in this respect binding1 any representations made by ,mr4 ,sikes on his return should be required to be confirmed and corroborated1 in all important particulars1 by the testimony of flash ,toby ,crackit4 ,these preliminaries adjusted1 ,mr4 ,sikes proceeded to drink brandy at a furious rate1 and to flourish the crowbar in an alarming manner2 yelling forth1 at the same time1 most unmusical snatches of song1 mingled with wild execrations4 ,at length1 in a fit of professional enthusiasm1 he insisted upon producing his box of housebreaking tools3 which he had no sooner stumbled in with1 and opened for the purpose of explaining the nature and properties of the various implements it contained1 and the peculiar beauties of their construction1 than he fell over the box upon the floor1 and went to sleep where he fell4 #8,good-night1 ,nancy1' said the ,jew1 muffling himself up as before4 #8,good-night4' ,their eyes met1 and the ,jew scrutinised her1 narrowly4 ,there was no flinching about the girl4 ,she was as true and earnest in the matter as ,toby ,crackit himself could be4 ,the ,jew again bade her good-night1 and1 bestowing a sly kick upon the prostrate form of ,mr4 ,sikes while her back was turned1 groped downstairs4 #8,always the way6' muttered the ,jew to himself as he turned homeward4 #8,the worst of these women is1 that a very little thing serves to call up some long-forgotten feeling2 and1 the best of them is1 that it never lasts4 ,ha6 ha6 ,the man against the child1 for a bag of gold6' ,beguiling the time with these pleasant reflections1 ,mr4 ,fagin wended his way1 through mud and mire1 to his gloomy abode3 where the ,dodger was sitting up1 impatiently awaiting his return4 #8,is ,oliver a-bed8 ,i want to speak to him1' was his first remark as they descended the stairs4 #8,hours ago1' replied the ,dodger1 throwing open a door4 #8,here he is6' ,the boy was lying1 fast asleep1 on a rude bed upon the floor2 so pale with anxiety1 and sadness1 and the closeness of his prison1 that he looked like death2 not death as it shows in shroud and coffin1 but in the guise it wears when life has just departed2 when a young and gentle spirit has1 but an instant1 fled to ,heaven1 and the gross air of the world has not had time to breathe upon the changing dust it hallowed4 #8,not now1' said the ,jew1 turning softly away4 #8,to-morrow4 ,to-morrow4' ,,chapter ,,xx -- ,,wherein ,,oliver ,,is ,,delivered ,,over ,,to ,,mr4 ,,william ,,sikes ,when ,oliver awoke in the morning1 he was a good deal surprised to find that a new pair of shoes1 with strong thick soles1 had been placed at his bedside2 and that his old shoes had been removed4 ,at first1 he was pleased with the discovery3 hoping that it might be the forerunner of his release2 but such thoughts were quickly dispelled1 on his sitting down to breakfast along with the ,jew1 who told him1 in a tone and manner which increased his alarm1 that he was to be taken to the residence of ,bill ,sikes that night4 #8,to--to--stop there1 sir8' asked ,oliver1 anxiously4 #8,no1 no1 my dear4 ,not to stop there1' replied the ,jew4 #8,we shouldn't like to lose you4 ,don't be afraid1 ,oliver1 you shall come back to us again4 ,ha6 ha6 ha6 ,we won't be so cruel as to send you away1 my dear4 ,oh no1 no6' ,the old man1 who was stooping over the fire toasting a piece of bread1 looked round as he bantered ,oliver thus2 and chuckled as if to show that he knew he would still be very glad to get away if he could4 #8,i suppose1' said the ,jew1 fixing his eyes on ,oliver1 #8you want to know what you're going to ,bill's for---eh1 my dear8' ,oliver coloured1 involuntarily1 to find that the old thief had been reading his thoughts2 but boldly said1 ,yes1 he did want to know4 #8,why1 do you think8' inquired ,fagin1 parrying the question4 #8,indeed ,i don't know1 sir1' replied ,oliver4 #8,bah6' said the ,jew1 turning away with a disappointed countenance from a close perusal of the boy's face4 #8,wait till ,bill tells you1 then4' ,the ,jew seemed much vexed by ,oliver's not expressing any greater curiosity on the subject2 but the truth is1 that1 although ,oliver felt very anxious1 he was too much confused by the earnest cunning of ,fagin's looks1 and his own speculations1 to make any further inquiries just then4 ,he had no other opportunity3 for the ,jew remained very surly and silent till night3 when he prepared to go abroad4 #8,you may burn a candle1' said the ,jew1 putting one upon the table4 #8,and here's a book for you to read1 till they come to fetch you4 ,good-night6' #8,good-night6' replied ,oliver1 softly4 ,the ,jew walked to the door3 looking over his shoulder at the boy as he went4 ,suddenly stopping1 he called him by his name4 ,oliver looked up2 the ,jew1 pointing to the candle1 motioned him to light it4 ,he did so2 and1 as he placed the candlestick upon the table1 saw that the ,jew was gazing fixedly at him1 with lowering and contracted brows1 from the dark end of the room4 #8,take heed1 ,oliver6 take heed6' said the old man1 shaking his right hand before him in a warning manner4 #8,he's a rough man1 and thinks nothing of blood when his own is up4 ,whatever falls out1 say nothing2 and do what he bids you4 ,mind6' ,placing a strong emphasis on the last word1 he suffered his features gradually to resolve themselves into a ghastly grin1 and1 nodding his head1 left the room4 ,oliver leaned his head upon his hand when the old man disappeared1 and pondered1 with a trembling heart1 on the words he had just heard4 ,the more he thought of the ,jew's admonition1 the more he was at a loss to divine its real purpose and meaning4 ,he could think of no bad object to be attained by sending him to ,sikes1 which would not be equally well answered by his remaining with ,fagin2 and after meditating for a long time1 concluded that he had been selected to perform some ordinary menial offices for the housebreaker1 until another boy1 better suited for his purpose could be engaged4 ,he was too well accustomed to suffering1 and had suffered too much where he was1 to bewail the prospect of change very severely4 ,he remained lost in thought for some minutes2 and then1 with a heavy sigh1 snuffed the candle1 and1 taking up the book which the ,jew had left with him1 began to read4 ,he turned over the leaves4 ,carelessly at first2 but1 lighting on a passage which attracted his attention1 he soon became intent upon the volume4 ,it was a history of the lives and trials of great criminals2 and the pages were soiled and thumbed with use4 ,here1 he read of dreadful crimes that made the blood run cold2 of secret murders that had been committed by the lonely wayside2 of bodies hidden from the eye of man in deep pits and wells3 which would not keep them down1 deep as they were1 but had yielded them up at last1 after many years1 and so maddened the murderers with the sight1 that in their horror they had confessed their guilt1 and yelled for the gibbet to end their agony4 ,here1 too1 he read of men who1 lying in their beds at dead of night1 had been tempted 7so they said7 and led on1 by their own bad thoughts1 to such dreadful bloodshed as it made the flesh creep1 and the limbs quail1 to think of4 ,the terrible descriptions were so real and vivid1 that the sallow pages seemed to turn red with gore2 and the words upon them1 to be sounded in his ears1 as if they were whispered1 in hollow murmurs1 by the spirits of the dead4 ,in a paroxysm of fear1 the boy closed the book1 and thrust it from him4 ,then1 falling upon his knees1 he prayed ,heaven to spare him from such deeds2 and rather to will that he should die at once1 than be reserved for crimes1 so fearful and appalling4 ,by degrees1 he grew more calm1 and besought1 in a low and broken voice1 that he might be rescued from his present dangers2 and that if any aid were to be raised up for a poor outcast boy who had never known the love of friends or kindred1 it might come to him now1 when1 desolate and deserted1 he stood alone in the midst of wickedness and guilt4 ,he had concluded his prayer1 but still remained with his head buried in his hands1 when a rustling noise aroused him4 #8,what's that6' he cried1 starting up1 and catching sight of a figure standing by the door4 #8,who's there8' #8,me4 ,only me1' replied a tremulous voice4 ,oliver raised the candle above his head3 and looked towards the door4 ,it was ,nancy4 #8,put down the light1' said the girl1 turning away her head4 #8,it hurts my eyes4' ,oliver saw that she was very pale1 and gently inquired if she were ill4 ,the girl threw herself into a chair1 with her back towards him3 and wrung her hands2 but made no reply4 #8,god forgive me6' she cried after a while1 #8,i never thought of this4' #8,has anything happened8' asked ,oliver4 #8,can ,i help you8 ,i will if ,i can4 ,i will1 indeed4' ,she rocked herself to and fro2 caught her throat2 and1 uttering a gurgling sound1 gasped for breath4 #8,nancy6' cried ,oliver1 #8,what is it8' ,the girl beat her hands upon her knees1 and her feet upon the ground2 and1 suddenly stopping1 drew her shawl close round her3 and shivered with cold4 ,oliver stirred the fire4 ,drawing her chair close to it1 she sat there1 for a little time1 without speaking2 but at length she raised her head1 and looked round4 #8,i don't know what comes over me sometimes1' said she1 affecting to busy herself in arranging her dress2 #8it's this damp dirty room1 ,i think4 ,now1 ,nolly1 dear1 are you ready8' #8,am ,i to go with you8' asked ,oliver4 #8,yes4 ,i have come from ,bill1' replied the girl4 #8,you are to go with me4' #8,what for8' asked ,oliver1 recoiling4 #8,what for8' echoed the girl1 raising her eyes1 and averting them again1 the moment they encountered the boy's face4 #8,oh6 ,for no harm4' #8,i don't believe it1' said ,oliver3 who had watched her closely4 #8,have it your own way1' rejoined the girl1 affecting to laugh4 #8,for no good1 then4' ,oliver could see that he had some power over the girl's better feelings1 and1 for an instant1 thought of appealing to her compassion for his helpless state4 ,but1 then1 the thought darted across his mind that it was barely eleven o'clock2 and that many people were still in the streets3 of whom surely some might be found to give credence to his tale4 ,as the reflection occured to him1 he stepped forward3 and said1 somewhat hastily1 that he was ready4 ,neither his brief consideration1 nor its purport1 was lost on his companion4 ,she eyed him narrowly1 while he spoke2 and cast upon him a look of intelligence which sufficiently showed that she guessed what had been passing in his thoughts4 #8,hush6' said the girl1 stooping over him1 and pointing to the door as she looked cautiously round4 #8,you can't help yourself4 ,i have tried hard for you1 but all to no purpose4 ,you are hedged round and round4 ,if ever you are to get loose from here1 this is not the time4' ,struck by the energy of her manner1 ,oliver looked up in her face with great surprise4 ,she seemed to speak the truth2 her countenance was white and agitated2 and she trembled with very earnestness4 #8,i have saved you from being ill-used once1 and ,i will again1 and ,i do now1' continued the girl aloud2 #8for those who would have fetched you1 if ,i had not1 would have been far more rough than me4 ,i have promised for your being quiet and silent2 if you are not1 you will only do harm to yourself and me too1 and perhaps be my death4 ,see here6 ,i have borne all this for you already1 as true as ,god sees me show it4' ,she pointed1 hastily1 to some livid bruises on her neck and arms2 and continued1 with great rapidity3 #8,remember this6 ,and don't let me suffer more for you1 just now4 ,if ,i could help you1 ,i would2 but ,i have not the power4 ,they don't mean to harm you2 whatever they make you do1 is no fault of yours4 ,hush6 ,every word from you is a blow for me4 ,give me your hand4 ,make haste6 ,your hand6' ,she caught the hand which ,oliver instinctively placed in hers1 and1 blowing out the light1 drew him after her up the stairs4 ,the door was opened1 quickly1 by some one shrouded in the darkness1 and was as quickly closed1 when they had passed out4 ,a hackney-cabriolet was in waiting2 with the same vehemence which she had exhibited in addressing ,oliver1 the girl pulled him in with her1 and drew the curtains close4 ,the driver wanted no directions1 but lashed his horse into full speed1 without the delay of an instant4 ,the girl still held ,oliver fast by the hand1 and continued to pour into his ear1 the warnings and assurances she had already imparted4 ,all was so quick and hurried1 that he had scarcely time to recollect where he was1 or how he came there1 when the carriage stopped at the house to which the ,jew's steps had been directed on the previous evening4 ,for one brief moment1 ,oliver cast a hurried glance along the empty street1 and a cry for help hung upon his lips4 ,but the girl's voice was in his ear1 beseeching him in such tones of agony to remember her1 that he had not the heart to utter it4 ,while he hesitated1 the opportunity was gone2 he was already in the house1 and the door was shut4 #8,this way1' said the girl1 releasing her hold for the first time4 #8,bill6' #8,hallo6' replied ,sikes3 appearing at the head of the stairs1 with a candle4 #8,oh6 ,that's the time of day4 ,come on6' ,this was a very strong expression of approbation1 an uncommonly hearty welcome1 from a person of ,mr4 ,sikes' temperament4 ,nancy1 appearing much gratified thereby1 saluted him cordially4 #8,bull's-eye's gone home with ,tom1' observed ,sikes1 as he lighted them up4 #8,he'd have been in the way4' #8,that's right1' rejoined ,nancy4 #8,so you've got the kid1' said ,sikes when they had all reached the room3 closing the door as he spoke4 #8,yes1 here he is1' replied ,nancy4 #8,did he come quiet8' inquired ,sikes4 #8,like a lamb1' rejoined ,nancy4 #8,i'm glad to hear it1' said ,sikes1 looking grimly at ,oliver2 #8for the sake of his young carcase3 as would otherways have suffered for it4 ,come here1 young #8un2 and let me read you a lectur'1 which is as well got over at once4' ,thus addressing his new pupil1 ,mr4 ,sikes pulled off ,oliver's cap and threw it into a corner2 and then1 taking him by the shoulder1 sat himself down by the table1 and stood the boy in front of him4 #8,now1 first3 do you know wot this is8' inquired ,sikes1 taking up a pocket-pistol which lay on the table4 ,oliver replied in the affirmative4 #8,well1 then1 look here1' continued ,sikes4 #8,this is powder2 that #8ere's a bullet2 and this is a little bit of a old hat for waddin'4' ,oliver murmured his comprehension of the different bodies referred to2 and ,mr4 ,sikes proceeded to load the pistol1 with great nicety and deliberation4 #8,now it's loaded1' said ,mr4 ,sikes1 when he had finished4 #8,yes1 ,i see it is1 sir1' replied ,oliver4 #8,well1' said the robber1 grasping ,oliver's wrist1 and putting the barrel so close to his temple that they touched2 at which moment the boy could not repress a start2 #8if you speak a word when you're out o'doors with me1 except when ,i speak to you1 that loading will be in your head without notice4 ,so1 if you do make up your mind to speak without leave1 say your prayers first4' ,having bestowed a scowl upon the object of this warning1 to increase its effect1 ,mr4 ,sikes continued4 #8,as near as ,i know1 there isn't anybody as would be asking very partickler arter you1 if you was disposed of2 so ,i needn't take this devil-and-all of trouble to explain matters to you1 if it warn't for your own good4 ,d'ye hear me8' #8,the short and the long of what you mean1' said ,nancy3 speaking very emphatically1 and slightly frowning at ,oliver as if to bespeak his serious attention to her words3 #8is1 that if you're crossed by him in this job you have on hand1 you'll prevent his ever telling tales afterwards1 by shooting him through the head1 and will take your chance of swinging for it1 as you do for a great many other things in the way of business1 every month of your life4' #8,that's it6' observed ,mr4 ,sikes1 approvingly2 #8women can always put things in fewest words4--,except when it's blowing up2 and then they lengthens it out4 ,and now that he's thoroughly up to it1 let's have some supper1 and get a snooze before starting4' ,in pursuance of this request1 ,nancy quickly laid the cloth2 disappearing for a few minutes1 she presently returned with a pot of porter and a dish of sheep's heads3 which gave occasion to several pleasant witticisms on the part of ,mr4 ,sikes1 founded upon the singular coincidence of #8jemmies' being a can name1 common to them1 and also to an ingenious implement much used in his profession4 ,indeed1 the worthy gentleman1 stimulated perhaps by the immediate prospect of being on active service1 was in great spirits and good humour2 in proof whereof1 it may be here remarked1 that he humourously drank all the beer at a draught1 and did not utter1 on a rough calculation1 more than four-score oaths during the whole progress of the meal4 ,supper being ended--it may be easily conceived that ,oliver had no great appetite for it--,mr4 ,sikes disposed of a couple of glasses of spirits and water1 and threw himself on the bed2 ordering ,nancy1 with many imprecations in case of failure1 to call him at five precisely4 ,oliver stretched himself in his clothes1 by command of the same authority1 on a mattress upon the floor2 and the girl1 mending the fire1 sat before it1 in readiness to rouse them at the appointed time4 ,for a long time ,oliver lay awake1 thinking it not impossible that ,nancy might seek that opportunity of whispering some further advice2 but the girl sat brooding over the fire1 without moving1 save now and then to trim the light4 ,weary with watching and anxiety1 he at length fell asleep4 ,when he awoke1 the table was covered with tea-things1 and ,sikes was thrusting various articles into the pockets of his great-coat1 which hung over the back of a chair4 ,nancy was busily engaged in preparing breakfast4 ,it was not yet daylight2 for the candle was still burning1 and it was quite dark outside4 ,a sharp rain1 too1 was beating against the window-panes2 and the sky looked black and cloudy4 #8,now1 then6' growled ,sikes1 as ,oliver started up2 #8half-past five6 ,look sharp1 or you'll get no breakfast2 for it's late as it is4' ,oliver was not long in making his toilet2 having taken some breakfast1 he replied to a surly inquiry from ,sikes1 by saying that he was quite ready4 ,nancy1 scarcely looking at the boy1 threw him a handkerchief to tie round his throat2 ,sikes gave him a large rough cape to button over his shoulders4 ,thus attired1 he gave his hand to the robber1 who1 merely pausing to show him with a menacing gesture that he had that same pistol in a side-pocket of his great-coat1 clasped it firmly in his1 and1 exchanging a farewell with ,nancy1 led him away4 ,oliver turned1 for an instant1 when they reached the door1 in the hope of meeting a look from the girl4 ,but she had resumed her old seat in front of the fire1 and sat1 perfectly motionless before it4 ,,chapter ,,xxi -- ,,the ,,expedition ,it was a cheerless morning when they got into the street2 blowing and raining hard2 and the clouds looking dull and stormy4 ,the night had been very wet3 large pools of water had collected in the road3 and the kennels were overflowing4 ,there was a faint glimmering of the coming day in the sky2 but it rather aggravated than relieved the gloom of the scene3 the sombre light only serving to pale that which the street lamps afforded1 without shedding any warmer or brighter tints upon the wet house-tops1 and dreary streets4 ,there appeared to be nobody stirring in that quarter of the town2 the windows of the houses were all closely shut2 and the streets through which they passed1 were noiseless and empty4 ,by the time they had turned into the ,bethnal ,green ,road1 the day had fairly begun to break4 ,many of the lamps were already extinguished2 a few country waggons were slowly toiling on1 towards ,london2 now and then1 a stage-coach1 covered with mud1 rattled briskly by3 the driver bestowing1 as he passed1 an admonitory lash upon the heavy waggoner who1 by keeping on the wrong side of the road1 had endangered his arriving at the office1 a quarter of a minute after his time4 ,the public-houses1 with gas-lights burning inside1 were already open4 ,by degrees1 other shops began to be unclosed1 and a few scattered people were met with4 ,then1 came straggling groups of labourers going to their work2 then1 men and women with fish-baskets on their heads2 donkey-carts laden with vegetables2 chaise-carts filled with live-stock or whole carcasses of meat2 milk-women with pails2 an unbroken concourse of people1 trudging out with various supplies to the eastern suburbs of the town4 ,as they approached the ,city1 the noise and traffic gradually increased2 when they threaded the streets between ,shoreditch and ,smithfield1 it had swelled into a roar of sound and bustle4 ,it was as light as it was likely to be1 till night came on again1 and the busy morning of half the ,london population had begun4 ,turning down ,sun ,street and ,crown ,street1 and crossing ,finsbury square1 ,mr4 ,sikes struck1 by way of ,chiswell ,street1 into ,barbican3 thence into ,long ,lane1 and so into ,smithfield2 from which latter place arose a tumult of discordant sounds that filled ,oliver ,twist with amazement4 ,it was market-morning4 ,the ground was covered1 nearly ankle-deep1 with filth and mire2 a thick steam1 perpetually rising from the reeking bodies of the cattle1 and mingling with the fog1 which seemed to rest upon the chimney-tops1 hung heavily above4 ,all the pens in the centre of the large area1 and as many temporary pens as could be crowded into the vacant space1 were filled with sheep2 tied up to posts by the gutter side were long lines of beasts and oxen1 three or four deep4 ,countrymen1 butchers1 drovers1 hawkers1 boys1 thieves1 idlers1 and vagabonds of every low grade1 were mingled together in a mass2 the whistling of drovers1 the barking dogs1 the bellowing and plunging of the oxen1 the bleating of sheep1 the grunting and squeaking of pigs1 the cries of hawkers1 the shouts1 oaths1 and quarrelling on all sides2 the ringing of bells and roar of voices1 that issued from every public-house2 the crowding1 pushing1 driving1 beating1 whooping and yelling2 the hideous and discordant dim that resounded from every corner of the market2 and the unwashed1 unshaven1 squalid1 and dirty figures constantly running to and fro1 and bursting in and out of the throng2 rendered it a stunning and bewildering scene1 which quite confounded the senses4 ,mr4 ,sikes1 dragging ,oliver after him1 elbowed his way through the thickest of the crowd1 and bestowed very little attention on the numerous sights and sounds1 which so astonished the boy4 ,he nodded1 twice or thrice1 to a passing friend2 and1 resisting as many invitations to take a morning dram1 pressed steadily onward1 until they were clear of the turmoil1 and had made their way through ,hosier ,lane into ,holborn4 #8,now1 young #8un6' said ,sikes1 looking up at the clock of ,st4 ,andrew's ,church1 #8hard upon seven6 you must step out4 ,come1 don't lag behind already1 ,lazy-legs6' ,mr4 ,sikes accompanied this speech with a jerk at his little companion's wrist2 ,oliver1 quickening his pace into a kind of trot between a fast walk and a run1 kept up with the rapid strides of the house-breaker as well as he could4 ,they held their course at this rate1 until they had passed ,hyde ,park corner1 and were on their way to ,kensington3 when ,sikes relaxed his pace1 until an empty cart which was at some little distance behind1 came up4 ,seeing #8,hounslow' written on it1 he asked the driver with as much civility as he could assume1 if he would give them a lift as far as ,isleworth4 #8,jump up1' said the man4 #8,is that your boy8' #8,yes2 he's my boy1' replied ,sikes1 looking hard at ,oliver1 and putting his hand abstractedly into the pocket where the pistol was4 #8,your father walks rather too quick for you1 don't he1 my man8' inquired the driver3 seeing that ,oliver was out of breath4 #8,not a bit of it1' replied ,sikes1 interposing4 #8,he's used to it4 ,here1 take hold of my hand1 ,ned4 ,in with you6' ,thus addressing ,oliver1 he helped him into the cart2 and the driver1 pointing to a heap of sacks1 told him to lie down there1 and rest himself4 ,as they passed the different mile-stones1 ,oliver wondered1 more and more1 where his companion meant to take him4 ,kensington1 ,hammersmith1 ,chiswick1 ,kew ,bridge1 ,brentford1 were all passed2 and yet they went on as steadily as if they had only just begun their journey4 ,at length1 they came to a public-house called the ,coach and ,horses2 a little way beyond which1 another road appeared to run off4 ,and here1 the cart stopped4 ,sikes dismounted with great precipitation1 holding ,oliver by the hand all the while2 and lifting him down directly1 bestowed a furious look upon him1 and rapped the side-pocket with his fist1 in a significant manner4 #8,good-bye1 boy1' said the man4 #8,he's sulky1' replied ,sikes1 giving him a shake2 #8he's sulky4 ,a young dog6 ,don't mind him4' #8,not ,i6' rejoined the other1 getting into his cart4 #8,it's a fine day1 after all4' ,and he drove away4 ,sikes waited until he had fairly gone2 and then1 telling ,oliver he might look about him if he wanted1 once again led him onward on his journey4 ,they turned round to the left1 a short way past the public-house2 and then1 taking a right-hand road1 walked on for a long time3 passing many large gardens and gentlemen's houses on both sides of the way1 and stopping for nothing but a little beer1 until they reached a town4 ,here against the wall of a house1 ,oliver saw written up in pretty large letters1 #8,hampton4' ,they lingered about1 in the fields1 for some hours4 ,at length they came back into the town2 and1 turning into an old public-house with a defaced sign-board1 ordered some dinner by the kitchen fire4 ,the kitchen was an old1 low-roofed room2 with a great beam across the middle of the ceiling1 and benches1 with high backs to them1 by the fire2 on which were seated several rough men in smock-frocks1 drinking and smoking4 ,they took no notice of ,oliver2 and very little of ,sikes2 and1 as ,sikes took very little notice of them1 he and his young comrade sat in a corner by themselves1 without being much troubled by their company4 ,they had some cold meat for dinner1 and sat so long after it1 while ,mr4 ,sikes indulged himself with three or four pipes1 that ,oliver began to feel quite certain they were not going any further4 ,being much tired with the walk1 and getting up so early1 he dozed a little at first2 then1 quite overpowered by fatigue and the fumes of the tobacco1 fell asleep4 ,it was quite dark when he was awakened by a push from ,sikes4 ,rousing himself sufficiently to sit up and look about him1 he found that worthy in close fellowship and communication with a labouring man1 over a pint of ale4 #8,so1 you're going on to ,lower ,halliford1 are you8' inquired ,sikes4 #8,yes1 ,i am1' replied the man1 who seemed a little the worse--or better1 as the case might be--for drinking2 #8and not slow about it neither4 ,my horse hasn't got a load behind him going back1 as he had coming up in the mornin'2 and he won't be long a-doing of it4 ,here's luck to him4 ,ecod6 he's a good #8un6' #8,could you give my boy and me a lift as far as there8' demanded ,sikes1 pushing the ale towards his new friend4 #8,if you're going directly1 ,i can1' replied the man1 looking out of the pot4 #8,are you going to ,halliford8' #8,going on to ,shepperton1' replied ,sikes4 #8,i'm your man1 as far as ,i go1' replied the other4 #8,is all paid1 ,becky8' #8,yes1 the other gentleman's paid1' replied the girl4 #8,i say6' said the man1 with tipsy gravity2 #8that won't do1 you know4' #8,why not8' rejoined ,sikes4 #8,you're a-going to accommodate us1 and wot's to prevent my standing treat for a pint or so1 in return8' ,the stranger reflected upon this argument1 with a very profound face2 having done so1 he seized ,sikes by the hand3 and declared he was a real good fellow4 ,to which ,mr4 ,sikes replied1 he was joking2 as1 if he had been sober1 there would have been strong reason to suppose he was4 ,after the exchange of a few more compliments1 they bade the company good-night1 and went out2 the girl gathering up the pots and glasses as they did so1 and lounging out to the door1 with her hands full1 to see the party start4 ,the horse1 whose health had been drunk in his absence1 was standing outside3 ready harnessed to the cart4 ,oliver and ,sikes got in without any further ceremony2 and the man to whom he belonged1 having lingered for a minute or two #8to bear him up1' and to defy the hostler and the world to produce his equal1 mounted also4 ,then1 the hostler was told to give the horse his head2 and1 his head being given him1 he made a very unpleasant use of it3 tossing it into the air with great disdain1 and running into the parlour windows over the way2 after performing those feats1 and supporting himself for a short time on his hind-legs1 he started off at great speed1 and rattled out of the town right gallantly4 ,the night was very dark4 ,a damp mist rose from the river1 and the marshy ground about2 and spread itself over the dreary fields4 ,it was piercing cold1 too2 all was gloomy and black4 ,not a word was spoken2 for the driver had grown sleepy2 and ,sikes was in no mood to lead him into conversation4 ,oliver sat huddled together1 in a corner of the cart2 bewildered with alarm and apprehension2 and figuring strange objects in the gaunt trees1 whose branches waved grimly to and fro1 as if in some fantastic joy at the desolation of the scene4 ,as they passed ,sunbury ,church1 the clock struck seven4 ,there was a light in the ferry-house window opposite3 which streamed across the road1 and threw into more sombre shadow a dark yew-tree with graves beneath it4 ,there was a dull sound of falling water not far off2 and the leaves of the old tree stirred gently in the night wind4 ,it seemed like quiet music for the repose of the dead4 ,sunbury was passed through1 and they came again into the lonely road4 ,two or three miles more1 and the cart stopped4 ,sikes alighted1 took ,oliver by the hand1 and they once again walked on4 ,they turned into no house at ,shepperton1 as the weary boy had expected2 but still kept walking on1 in mud and darkness1 through gloomy lanes and over cold open wastes1 until they came within sight of the lights of a town at no great distance4 ,on looking intently forward1 ,oliver saw that the water was just below them1 and that they were coming to the foot of a bridge4 ,sikes kept straight on1 until they were close upon the bridge2 then turned suddenly down a bank upon the left4 #8,the water6' thought ,oliver1 turning sick with fear4 #8,he has brought me to this lonely place to murder me6' ,he was about to throw himself on the ground1 and make one struggle for his young life1 when he saw that they stood before a solitary house3 all ruinous and decayed4 ,there was a window on each side of the dilapidated entrance2 and one story above2 but no light was visible4 ,the house was dark1 dismantled3 and the all appearance1 uninhabited4 ,sikes1 with ,oliver's hand still in his1 softly approached the low porch1 and raised the latch4 ,the door yielded to the pressure1 and they passed in together4 ,,chapter ,,xxii -- ,,the ,,burglary #8,hallo6' cried a loud1 hoarse voice1 as soon as they set foot in the passage4 #8,don't make such a row1' said ,sikes1 bolting the door4 #8,show a glim1 ,toby4' #8,aha6 my pal6' cried the same voice4 #8,a glim1 ,barney1 a glim6 ,show the gentleman in1 ,barney2 wake up first1 if convenient4' ,the speaker appeared to throw a boot-jack1 or some such article1 at the person he addressed1 to rouse him from his slumbers3 for the noise of a wooden body1 falling violently1 was heard2 and then an indistinct muttering1 as of a man between sleep and awake4 #8,do you hear8' cried the same voice4 #8,there's ,bill ,sikes in the passage with nobody to do the civil to him2 and you sleeping there1 as if you took laudanum with your meals1 and nothing stronger4 ,are you any fresher now1 or do you want the iron candlestick to wake you thoroughly8' ,a pair of slipshod feet shuffled1 hastily1 across the bare floor of the room1 as this interrogatory was put2 and there issued1 from a door on the right hand2 first1 a feeble candle3 and next1 the form of the same individual who has been heretofore described as labouring under the infirmity of speaking through his nose1 and officiating as waiter at the public-house on ,saffron ,hill4 #8,bister ,sikes6' exclaimed ,barney1 with real or counterfeit joy2 #8cub id1 sir2 cub id4' #8,here6 you get on first1' said ,sikes1 putting ,oliver in front of him4 #8,quicker6 or ,i shall tread upon your heels4' ,muttering a curse upon his tardiness1 ,sikes pushed ,oliver before him2 and they entered a low dark room with a smoky fire1 two or three broken chairs1 a table1 and a very old couch3 on which1 with his legs much higher than his head1 a man was reposing at full length1 smoking a long clay pipe4 ,he was dressed in a smartly-cut snuff-coloured coat1 with large brass buttons2 an orange neckerchief2 a coarse1 staring1 shawl-pattern waistcoat2 and drab breeches4 ,mr4 ,crackit 7for he it was7 had no very great quantity of hair1 either upon his head or face2 but what he had1 was of a reddish dye1 and tortured into long corkscrew curls1 through which he occasionally thrust some very dirty fingers1 ornamented with large common rings4 ,he was a trifle above the middle size1 and apparently rather weak in the legs2 but this circumstance by no means detracted from his own admiration of his top-boots1 which he contemplated1 in their elevated situation1 with lively satisfaction4 #8,bill1 my boy6' said this figure1 turning his head towards the door1 #8,i'm glad to see you4 ,i was almost afraid you'd given it up3 in which case ,i should have made a personal wentur4 ,hallo6' ,uttering this exclamation in a tone of great surprise1 as his eyes rested on ,oliver1 ,mr4 ,toby ,crackit brought himself into a sitting posture1 and demanded who that was4 #8,the boy4 ,only the boy6' replied ,sikes1 drawing a chair towards the fire4 #8,wud of ,bister ,fagid's lads1' exclaimed ,barney1 with a grin4 #8,fagin's1 eh6' exclaimed ,toby1 looking at ,oliver4 #8,wot an inwalable boy that'll make1 for the old ladies' pockets in chapels6 ,his mug is a fortin' to him4' #8,there--there's enough of that1' interposed ,sikes1 impatiently2 and stooping over his recumbant friend1 he whispered a few words in his ear3 at which ,mr4 ,crackit laughed immensely1 and honoured ,oliver with a long stare of astonishment4 #8,now1' said ,sikes1 as he resumed his seat1 #8if you'll give us something to eat and drink while we're waiting1 you'll put some heart in us2 or in me1 at all events4 ,sit down by the fire1 younker1 and rest yourself2 for you'll have to go out with us again to-night1 though not very far off4' ,oliver looked at ,sikes1 in mute and timid wonder2 and drawing a stool to the fire1 sat with his aching head upon his hands1 scarecely knowing where he was1 or what was passing around him4 #8,here1' said ,toby1 as the young ,jew placed some fragments of food1 and a bottle upon the table1 #8,success to the crack6' ,he rose to honour the toast2 and1 carefully depositing his empty pipe in a corner1 advanced to the table1 filled a glass with spirits1 and drank off its contents4 ,mr4 ,sikes did the same4 #8,a drain for the boy1' said ,toby1 half-filling a wine-glass4 #8,down with it1 innocence4' #8,indeed1' said ,oliver1 looking piteously up into the man's face2 #8indeed1 ,i--' #8,down with it6' echoed ,toby4 #8,do you think ,i don't know what's good for you8 ,tell him to drink it1 ,bill4' #8,he had better6' said ,sikes clapping his hand upon his pocket4 #8,burn my body1 if he isn't more trouble than a whole family of ,dodgers4 ,drink it1 you perwerse imp2 drink it6' ,frightened by the menacing gestures of the two men1 ,oliver hastily swallowed the contents of the glass1 and immediately fell into a violent fit of coughing3 which delighted ,toby ,crackit and ,barney1 and even drew a smile from the surly ,mr4 ,sikes4 ,this done1 and ,sikes having satisfied his appetite 7,oliver could eat nothing but a small crust of bread which they made him swallow71 the two men laid themselves down on chairs for a short nap4 ,oliver retained his stool by the fire2 ,barney wrapped in a blanket1 stretched himself on the floor3 close outside the fender4 ,they slept1 or appeared to sleep1 for some time2 nobody stirring but ,barney1 who rose once or twice to throw coals on the fire4 ,oliver fell into a heavy doze3 imagining himself straying along the gloomy lanes1 or wandering about the dark churchyard1 or retracing some one or other of the scenes of the past day3 when he was roused by ,toby ,crackit jumping up and declaring it was half-past one4 ,in an instant1 the other two were on their legs1 and all were actively engaged in busy preparation4 ,sikes and his companion enveloped their necks and chins in large dark shawls1 and drew on their great-coats2 ,barney1 opening a cupboard1 brought forth several articles1 which he hastily crammed into the pockets4 #8,barkers for me1 ,barney1' said ,toby ,crackit4 #8,here they are1' replied ,barney1 producing a pair of pistols4 #8,you loaded them yourself4' #8,all right6' replied ,toby1 stowing them away4 #8,the persuaders8' #8,i've got #8em1' replied ,sikes4 #8,crape1 keys1 centre-bits1 darkies--nothing forgotten8' inquired ,toby3 fastening a small crowbar to a loop inside the skirt of his coat4 #8,all right1' rejoined his companion4 #8,bring them bits of timber1 ,barney4 ,that's the time of day4' ,with these words1 he took a thick stick from ,barney's hands1 who1 having delivered another to ,toby1 busied himself in fastening on ,oliver's cape4 #8,now then6' said ,sikes1 holding out his hand4 ,oliver3 who was completely stupified by the unwonted exercise1 and the air1 and the drink which had been forced upon him3 put his hand mechanically into that which ,sikes extended for the purpose4 #8,take his other hand1 ,toby1' said ,sikes4 #8,look out1 ,barney4' ,the man went to the door1 and returned to announce that all was quiet4 ,the two robbers issued forth with ,oliver between them4 ,barney1 having made all fast1 rolled himself up as before1 and was soon asleep again4 ,it was now intensely dark4 ,the fog was much heavier than it had been in the early part of the night2 and the atmosphere was so damp1 that1 although no rain fell1 ,oliver's hair and eyebrows1 within a few minutes after leaving the house1 had become stiff with the half-frozen moisture that was floating about4 ,they crossed the bridge1 and kept on towards the lights which he had seen before4 ,they were at no great distance off2 and1 as they walked pretty briskly1 they soon arrived at ,chertsey4 #8,slap through the town1' whispered ,sikes2 #8there'll be nobody in the way1 to-night1 to see us4' ,toby acquiesced2 and they hurried through the main street of the little town1 which at that late hour was wholly deserted4 ,a dim light shone at intervals from some bed-room window2 and the hoarse barking of dogs occasionally broke the silence of the night4 ,but there was nobody abroad4 ,they had cleared the town1 as the church-bell struck two4 ,quickening their pace1 they turned up a road upon the left hand4 ,after walking about a quarter of a mile1 they stopped before a detached house surrounded by a wall3 to the top of which1 ,toby ,crackit1 scarcely pausing to take breath1 climbed in a twinkling4 #8,the boy next1' said ,toby4 #8,hoist him up2 ,i'll catch hold of him4' ,before ,oliver had time to look round1 ,sikes had caught him under the arms2 and in three or four seconds he and ,toby were lying on the grass on the other side4 ,sikes followed directly4 ,and they stole cautiously towards the house4 ,and now1 for the first time1 ,oliver1 well-nigh mad with grief and terror1 saw that housebreaking and robbery1 if not murder1 were the objects of the expedition4 ,he clasped his hands together1 and involuntarily uttered a subdued exclamation of horror4 ,a mist came before his eyes2 the cold sweat stood upon his ashy face2 his limbs failed him2 and he sank upon his knees4 #8,get up6' murmured ,sikes1 trembling with rage1 and drawing the pistol from his pocket2 #8,get up1 or ,i'll strew your brains upon the grass4' #8,oh6 for ,god's sake let me go6' cried ,oliver2 #8let me run away and die in the fields4 ,i will never come near ,london2 never1 never6 ,oh6 pray have mercy on me1 and do not make me steal4 ,for the love of all the bright ,angels that rest in ,heaven1 have mercy upon me6' ,the man to whom this appeal was made1 swore a dreadful oath1 and had cocked the pistol1 when ,toby1 striking it from his grasp1 placed his hand upon the boy's mouth1 and dragged him to the house4 #8,hush6' cried the man2 #8it won't answer here4 ,say another word1 and ,i'll do your business myself with a crack on the head4 ,that makes no noise1 and is quite as certain1 and more genteel4 ,here1 ,bill1 wrench the shutter open4 ,he's game enough now1 ,i'll engage4 ,i've seen older hands of his age took the same way1 for a minute or two1 on a cold night4' ,sikes1 invoking terrific imprecations upon ,fagin's head for sending ,oliver on such an errand1 plied the crowbar vigorously1 but with little noise4 ,after some delay1 and some assistance from ,toby1 the shutter to which he had referred1 swung open on its hinges4 ,it was a little lattice window1 about five feet and a half above the ground1 at the back of the house3 which belonged to a scullery1 or small brewing-place1 at the end of the passage4 ,the aperture was so small1 that the inmates had probably not thought it worth while to defend it more securely2 but it was large enough to admit a boy of ,oliver's size1 nevertheless4 ,a very brief exercise of ,mr4 ,sike's art1 sufficed to overcome the fastening of the lattice2 and it soon stood wide open also4 #8,now listen1 you young limb1' whispered ,sikes1 drawing a dark lantern from his pocket1 and throwing the glare full on ,oliver's face2 #8,i'm a going to put you through there4 ,take this light2 go softly up the steps straight afore you1 and along the little hall1 to the street door2 unfasten it1 and let us in4' #8,there's a bolt at the top1 you won't be able to reach1' interposed ,toby4 #8,stand upon one of the hall chairs4 ,there are three there1 ,bill1 with a jolly large blue unicorn and gold pitchfork on #8em3 which is the old lady's arms4' #8,keep quiet1 can't you8' replied ,sikes1 with a threatening look4 #8,the room-door is open1 is it8' #8,wide1' replied ,toby1 after peeping in to satisfy himself4 #8,the game of that is1 that they always leave it open with a catch1 so that the dog1 who's got a bed in here1 may walk up and down the passage when he feels wakeful4 ,ha6 ha6 ,barney #8ticed him away to-night4 ,so neat6' ,although ,mr4 ,crackit spoke in a scarcely audible whisper1 and laughed without noise1 ,sikes imperiously commanded him to be silent1 and to get to work4 ,toby complied1 by first producing his lantern1 and placing it on the ground2 then by planting himself firmly with his head against the wall beneath the window1 and his hands upon his knees1 so as to make a step of his back4 ,this was no sooner done1 than ,sikes1 mounting upon him1 put ,oliver gently through the window with his feet first2 and1 without leaving hold of his collar1 planted him safely on the floor inside4 #8,take this lantern1' said ,sikes1 looking into the room4 #8,you see the stairs afore you8' ,oliver1 more dead than alive1 gasped out1 #8,yes4' ,sikes1 pointing to the street-door with the pistol-barrel1 briefly advised him to take notice that he was within shot all the way2 and that if he faltered1 he would fall dead that instant4 #8,it's done in a minute1' said ,sikes1 in the same low whisper4 #8,directly ,i leave go of you1 do your work4 ,hark6' #8,what's that8' whispered the other man4 ,they listened intently4 #8,nothing1' said ,sikes1 releasing his hold of ,oliver4 #8,now6' ,in the short time he had had to collect his senses1 the boy had firmly resolved that1 whether he died in the attempt or not1 he would make one effort to dart upstairs from the hall1 and alarm the family4 ,filled with this idea1 he advanced at once1 but stealthily4 #8,come back6' suddenly cried ,sikes aloud4 #8,back6 back6' ,scared by the sudden breaking of the dead stillness of the place1 and by a loud cry which followed it1 ,oliver let his lantern fall1 and knew not whether to advance or fly4 ,the cry was repeated--a light appeared--a vision of two terrified half-dressed men at the top of the stairs swam before his eyes--a flash--a loud noise--a smoke--a crash somewhere1 but where he knew not1--and he staggered back4 ,sikes had disappeared for an instant2 but he was up again1 and had him by the collar before the smoke had cleared away4 ,he fired his own pistol after the men1 who were already retreating2 and dragged the boy up4 #8,clasp your arm tighter1' said ,sikes1 as he drew him through the window4 #8,give me a shawl here4 ,they've hit him4 ,quick6 ,how the boy bleeds6' ,then came the loud ringing of a bell1 mingled with the noise of fire-arms1 and the shouts of men1 and the sensation of being carried over uneven ground at a rapid pace4 ,and then1 the noises grew confused in the distance2 and a cold deadly feeling crept over the boy's heart2 and he saw or heard no more4 ,,chapter ,,xxiii -- ,,which ,,contains ,,the ,,substance ,,of ,a ,,pleasant ,,conversation ,,between ,,mr4 ,,bumble ,,and ,a ,,lady2 ,,and ,,shows ,,that ,,even ,a ,,beadle ,,may ,,be ,,susceptible ,,on ,,some ,,points ,the night was bitter cold4 ,the snow lay on the ground1 frozen into a hard thick crust1 so that only the heaps that had drifted into byways and corners were affected by the sharp wind that howled abroad3 which1 as if expending increased fury on such prey as it found1 caught it savagely up in clouds1 and1 whirling it into a thousand misty eddies1 scattered it in air4 ,bleak1 dark1 and piercing cold1 it was a night for the well-housed and fed to draw round the bright fire and thank ,god they were at home2 and for the homeless1 starving wretch to lay him down and die4 ,many hunger-worn outcasts close their eyes in our bare streets1 at such times1 who1 let their crimes have been what they may1 can hardly open them in a more bitter world4 ,such was the aspect of out-of-doors affairs1 when ,mrs4 ,corney1 the matron of the workhouse to which our readers have been already introduced as the birthplace of ,oliver ,twist1 sat herself down before a cheerful fire in her own little room1 and glanced1 with no small degree of complacency1 at a small round table3 on which stood a tray of corresponding size1 furnished with all necessary materials for the most grateful meal that matrons enjoy4 ,in fact1 ,mrs4 ,corney was about to solace herself with a cup of tea4 ,as she glanced from the table to the fireplace1 where the smallest of all possible kettles was singing a small song in a small voice1 her inward satisfaction evidently increased1--so much so1 indeed1 that ,mrs4 ,corney smiled4 #8,well6' said the matron1 leaning her elbow on the table1 and looking reflectively at the fire2 #8,i'm sure we have all on us a great deal to be grateful for6 ,a great deal1 if we did but know it4 ,ah6' ,mrs4 ,corney shook her head mournfully1 as if deploring the mental blindness of those paupers who did not know it2 and thrusting a silver spoon 7private property7 into the inmost recesses of a two-ounce tin tea-caddy1 proceeded to make the tea4 ,how slight a thing will disturb the equanimity of our frail minds6 ,the black teapot1 being very small and easily filled1 ran over while ,mrs4 ,corney was moralising2 and the water slightly scalded ,mrs4 ,corney's hand4 #8,drat the pot6' said the worthy matron1 setting it down very hastily on the hob2 #8a little stupid thing1 that only holds a couple of cups6 ,what use is it of1 to anybody6 ,except1' said ,mrs4 ,corney1 pausing1 #8except to a poor desolate creature like me4 ,oh dear6' ,with these words1 the matron dropped into her chair1 and1 once more resting her elbow on the table1 thought of her solitary fate4 ,the small teapot1 and the single cup1 had awakened in her mind sad recollections of ,mr4 ,corney 7who had not been dead more than five-and-twenty years72 and she was overpowered4 #8,i shall never get another6' said ,mrs4 ,corney1 pettishly2 #8,i shall never get another--like him4' ,whether this remark bore reference to the husband1 or the teapot1 is uncertain4 ,it might have been the latter2 for ,mrs4 ,corney looked at it as she spoke2 and took it up afterwards4 ,she had just tasted her first cup1 when she was disturbed by a soft tap at the room-door4 #8,oh1 come in with you6' said ,mrs4 ,corney1 sharply4 #8,some of the old women dying1 ,i suppose4 ,they always die when ,i'm at meals4 ,don't stand there1 letting the cold air in1 don't4 ,what's amiss now1 eh8' #8,nothing1 ma'am1 nothing1' replied a man's voice4 #8,dear me6' exclaimed the matron1 in a much sweeter tone1 #8is that ,mr4 ,bumble8' #8,at your service1 ma'am1' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 who had been stopping outside to rub his shoes clean1 and to shake the snow off his coat2 and who now made his appearance1 bearing the cocked hat in one hand and a bundle in the other4 #8,shall ,i shut the door1 ma'am8' ,the lady modestly hesitated to reply1 lest there should be any impropriety in holding an interview with ,mr4 ,bumble1 with closed doors4 ,mr4 ,bumble taking advantage of the hesitation1 and being very cold himself1 shut it without permission4 #8,hard weather1 ,mr4 ,bumble1' said the matron4 #8,hard1 indeed1 ma'am1' replied the beadle4 #8,anti-porochial weather this1 ma'am4 ,we have given away1 ,mrs4 ,corney1 we have given away a matter of twenty quartern loaves and a cheese and a half1 this very blessed afternoon2 and yet them paupers are not contented4' #8,of course not4 ,when would they be1 ,mr4 ,bumble8' said the matron1 sipping her tea4 #8,when1 indeed1 ma'am6' rejoined ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,why here's one man that1 in consideration of his wife and large family1 has a quartern loaf and a good pound of cheese1 full weight4 ,is he grateful1 ma'am8 ,is he grateful8 ,not a copper farthing's worth of it6 ,what does he do1 ma'am1 but ask for a few coals2 if it's only a pocket handkerchief full1 he says6 ,coals6 ,what would he do with coals8 ,toast his cheese with #8em and then come back for more4 ,that's the way with these people1 ma'am2 give #8em a apron full of coals to-day1 and they'll come back for another1 the day after to-morrow1 as brazen as alabaster4' ,the matron expressed her entire concurrence in this intelligible simile2 and the beadle went on4 #8,i never1' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 #8see anything like the pitch it's got to4 ,the day afore yesterday1 a man--you have been a married woman1 ma'am1 and ,i may mention it to you--a man1 with hardly a rag upon his back 7here ,mrs4 ,corney looked at the floor71 goes to our overseer's door when he has got company coming to dinner2 and says1 he must be relieved1 ,mrs4 ,corney4 ,as he wouldn't go away1 and shocked the company very much1 our overseer sent him out a pound of potatoes and half a pint of oatmeal4 8,my heart60 says the ungrateful villain1 8what's the use of this to me8 ,you might as well give me a pair of iron spectacles60 8,very good10 says our overseer1 taking #8em away again1 8you won't get anything else here40 8,then ,i'll die in the streets60 says the vagrant4 8,oh no1 you won't10 says our overseer4' #8,ha6 ha6 ,that was very good6 ,so like ,mr4 ,grannett1 wasn't it8' interposed the matron4 #8,well1 ,mr4 ,bumble8' #8,well1 ma'am1' rejoined the beadle1 #8he went away2 and he did die in the streets4 ,there's a obstinate pauper for you6' #8,it beats anything ,i could have believed1' observed the matron emphatically4 #8,but don't you think out-of-door relief a very bad thing1 any way1 ,mr4 ,bumble8 ,you're a gentleman of experience1 and ought to know4 ,come4' #8,mrs4 ,corney1' said the beadle1 smiling as men smile who are conscious of superior information1 #8out-of-door relief1 properly managed3 properly managed1 ma'am3 is the porochial safeguard4 ,the great principle of out-of-door relief is1 to give the paupers exactly what they don't want2 and then they get tired of coming4' #8,dear me6' exclaimed ,mrs4 ,corney4 #8,well1 that is a good one1 too6' #8,yes4 ,betwixt you and me1 ma'am1' returned ,mr4 ,bumble1 #8that's the great principle2 and that's the reason why1 if you look at any cases that get into them owdacious newspapers1 you'll always observe that sick families have been relieved with slices of cheese4 ,that's the rule now1 ,mrs4 ,corney1 all over the country4 ,but1 however1' said the beadle1 stopping to unpack his bundle1 #8these are official secrets1 ma'am2 not to be spoken of2 except1 as ,i may say1 among the porochial officers1 such as ourselves4 ,this is the port wine1 ma'am1 that the board ordered for the infirmary2 real1 fresh1 genuine port wine2 only out of the cask this forenoon2 clear as a bell1 and no sediment6' ,having held the first bottle up to the light1 and shaken it well to test its excellence1 ,mr4 ,bumble placed them both on top of a chest of drawers2 folded the handkerchief in which they had been wrapped2 put it carefully in his pocket2 and took up his hat1 as if to go4 #8,you'll have a very cold walk1 ,mr4 ,bumble1' said the matron4 #8,it blows1 ma'am1' replied ,mr4 ,bumble1 turning up his coat-collar1 #8enough to cut one's ears off4' ,the matron looked1 from the little kettle1 to the beadle1 who was moving towards the door2 and as the beadle coughed1 preparatory to bidding her good-night1 bashfully inquired whether--whether he wouldn't take a cup of tea8 ,mr4 ,bumble instantaneously turned back his collar again2 laid his hat and stick upon a chair2 and drew another chair up to the table4 ,as he slowly seated himself1 he looked at the lady4 ,she fixed her eyes upon the little teapot4 ,mr4 ,bumble coughed again1 and slightly smiled4 ,mrs4 ,corney rose to get another cup and saucer from the closet4 ,as she sat down1 her eyes once again encountered those of the gallant beadle2 she coloured1 and applied herself to the task of making his tea4 ,again ,mr4 ,bumble coughed--louder this time than he had coughed yet4 #8,sweet8 ,mr4 ,bumble8' inquired the matron1 taking up the sugar-basin4 #8,very sweet1 indeed1 ma'am1' replied ,mr4 ,bumble4 ,he fixed his eyes on ,mrs4 ,corney as he said this2 and if ever a beadle looked tender1 ,mr4 ,bumble was that beadle at that moment4 ,the tea was made1 and handed in silence4 ,mr4 ,bumble1 having spread a handkerchief over his knees to prevent the crumbs from sullying the splendour of his shorts1 began to eat and drink2 varying these amusements1 occasionally1 by fetching a deep sigh2 which1 however1 had no injurious effect upon his appetite1 but1 on the contrary1 rather seemed to facilitate his operations in the tea and toast department4 #8,you have a cat1 ma'am1 ,i see1' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 glancing at one who1 in the centre of her family1 was basking before the fire2 #8and kittens too1 ,i declare6' #8,i am so fond of them1 ,mr4 ,bumble1 you can't think1' replied the matron4 #8,they're so happy1 so frolicsome1 and so cheerful1 that they are quite companions for me4' #8,very nice animals1 ma'am1' replied ,mr4 ,bumble1 approvingly2 #8so very domestic4' #8,oh1 yes6' rejoined the matron with enthusiasm2 #8so fond of their home too1 that it's quite a pleasure1 ,i'm sure4' #8,mrs4 ,corney1 ma'am1' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 slowly1 and marking the time with his teaspoon1 #8,i mean to say this1 ma'am2 that any cat1 or kitten1 that could live with you1 ma'am1 and not be fond of its home1 must be a ass1 ma'am4' #8,oh1 ,mr4 ,bumble6' remonstrated ,mrs4 ,corney4 #8,it's of no use disguising facts1 ma'am1' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 slowly flourishing the teaspoon with a kind of amorous dignity which made him doubly impressive2 #8,i would drown it myself1 with pleasure4' #8,then you're a cruel man1' said the matron vivaciously1 as she held out her hand for the beadle's cup2 #8and a very hard-hearted man besides4' #8,hard-hearted1 ma'am8' said ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,hard8' ,mr4 ,bumble resigned his cup without another word2 squeezed ,mrs4 ,corney's little finger as she took it2 and inflicting two open-handed slaps upon his laced waistcoat1 gave a mighty sigh1 and hitched his chair a very little morsel farther from the fire4 ,it was a round table2 and as ,mrs4 ,corney and ,mr4 ,bumble had been sitting opposite each other1 with no great space between them1 and fronting the fire1 it will be seen that ,mr4 ,bumble1 in receding from the fire1 and still keeping at the table1 increased the distance between himself and ,mrs4 ,corney2 which proceeding1 some prudent readers will doubtless be disposed to admire1 and to consider an act of great heroism on ,mr4 ,bumble's part3 he being in some sort tempted by time1 place1 and opportunity1 to give utterance to certain soft nothings1 which however well they may become the lips of the light and thoughtless1 do seem immeasurably beneath the dignity of judges of the land1 members of parliament1 ministers of state1 lord mayors1 and other great public functionaries1 but more particularly beneath the stateliness and gravity of a beadle3 who 7as is well known7 should be the sternest and most inflexible among them all4 ,whatever were ,mr4 ,bumble's intentions1 however 7and no doubt they were of the best73 it unfortunately happened1 as has been twice before remarked1 that the table was a round one2 consequently ,mr4 ,bumble1 moving his chair by little and little1 soon began to diminish the distance between himself and the matron2 and1 continuing to travel round the outer edge of the circle1 brought his chair1 in time1 close to that in which the matron was seated4 ,indeed1 the two chairs touched2 and when they did so1 ,mr4 ,bumble stopped4 ,now1 if the matron had moved her chair to the right1 she would have been scorched by the fire2 and if to the left1 she must have fallen into ,mr4 ,bumble's arms2 so 7being a discreet matron1 and no doubt foreseeing these consequences at a glance7 she remained where she was1 and handed ,mr4 ,bumble another cup of tea4 #8,hard-hearted1 ,mrs4 ,corney8' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 stirring his tea1 and looking up into the matron's face2 #8are you hard-hearted1 ,mrs4 ,corney8' #8,dear me6' exclaimed the matron1 #8what a very curious question from a single man4 ,what can you want to know for1 ,mr4 ,bumble8' ,the beadle drank his tea to the last drop2 finished a piece of toast2 whisked the crumbs off his knees2 wiped his lips2 and deliberately kissed the matron4 #8,mr4 ,bumble6' cried that discreet lady in a whisper2 for the fright was so great1 that she had quite lost her voice1 #8,mr4 ,bumble1 ,i shall scream6' ,mr4 ,bumble made no reply2 but in a slow and dignified manner1 put his arm round the matron's waist4 ,as the lady had stated her intention of screaming1 of course she would have screamed at this additional boldness1 but that the exertion was rendered unnecessary by a hasty knocking at the door3 which was no sooner heard1 than ,mr4 ,bumble darted1 with much agility1 to the wine bottles1 and began dusting them with great violence3 while the matron sharply demanded who was there4 ,it is worthy of remark1 as a curious physical instance of the efficacy of a sudden surprise in counteracting the effects of extreme fear1 that her voice had quite recovered all its official asperity4 #8,if you please1 mistress1' said a withered old female pauper1 hideously ugly3 putting her head in at the door1 #8,old ,sally is a-going fast4' #8,well1 what's that to me8' angrily demanded the matron4 #8,i can't keep her alive1 can ,i8' #8,no1 no1 mistress1' replied the old woman1 #8nobody can2 she's far beyond the reach of help4 ,i've seen a many people die2 little babes and great strong men2 and ,i know when death's a-coming1 well enough4 ,but she's troubled in her mind3 and when the fits are not on her1--and that's not often1 for she is dying very hard1--she says she has got something to tell1 which you must hear4 ,she'll never die quiet till you come1 mistress4' ,at this intelligence1 the worthy ,mrs4 ,corney muttered a variety of invectives against old women who couldn't even die without purposely annoying their betters2 and1 muffling herself in a thick shawl which she hastily caught up1 briefly requested ,mr4 ,bumble to stay till she came back1 lest anything particular should occur4 ,bidding the messenger walk fast1 and not be all night hobbling up the stairs1 she followed her from the room with a very ill grace1 scolding all the way4 ,mr4 ,bumble's conduct on being left to himself1 was rather inexplicable4 ,he opened the closet1 counted the teaspoons1 weighed the sugar-tongs1 closely inspected a silver milk-pot to ascertain that it was of the genuine metal1 and1 having satisfied his curiosity on these points1 put on his cocked hat corner-wise1 and danced with much gravity four distinct times round the table4 ,having gone through this very extraordinary performance1 he took off the cocked hat again1 and1 spreading himself before the fire with his back towards it1 seemed to be mentally engaged in taking an exact inventory of the furniture4 ,,chapter ,,xxiv -- ,,treats ,,on ,a ,,very ,,poor ,,subject4 ,,but ,,is ,a ,,short ,,one1 ,,and ,,may ,,be ,,found ,,of ,,importance ,,in ,,this ,,history ,it was no unfit messenger of death1 who had disturbed the quiet of the matron's room4 ,her body was bent by age2 her limbs trembled with palsy2 her face1 distorted into a mumbling leer1 resembled more the grotesque shaping of some wild pencil1 than the work of ,nature's hand4 ,alas6 ,how few of ,nature's faces are left alone to gladden us with their beauty6 ,the cares1 and sorrows1 and hungerings1 of the world1 change them as they change hearts2 and it is only when those passions sleep1 and have lost their hold for ever1 that the troubled clouds pass off1 and leave ,heaven's surface clear4 ,it is a common thing for the countenances of the dead1 even in that fixed and rigid state1 to subside into the long-forgotten expression of sleeping infancy1 and settle into the very look of early life2 so calm1 so peaceful1 do they grow again1 that those who knew them in their happy childhood1 kneel by the coffin's side in awe1 and see the ,angel even upon earth4 ,the old crone tottered along the passages1 and up the stairs1 muttering some indistinct answers to the chidings of her companion2 being at length compelled to pause for breath1 she gave the light into her hand1 and remained behind to follow as she might3 while the more nimble superior made her way to the room where the sick woman lay4 ,it was a bare garret-room1 with a dim light burning at the farther end4 ,there was another old woman watching by the bed2 the parish apothecary's apprentice was standing by the fire1 making a toothpick out of a quill4 #8,cold night1 ,mrs4 ,corney1' said this young gentleman1 as the matron entered4 #8,very cold1 indeed1 sir1' replied the mistress1 in her most civil tones1 and dropping a curtsey as she spoke4 #8,you should get better coals out of your contractors1' said the apothecary's deputy1 breaking a lump on the top of the fire with the rusty poker2 #8these are not at all the sort of thing for a cold night4' #8,they're the board's choosing1 sir1' returned the matron4 #8,the least they could do1 would be to keep us pretty warm3 for our places are hard enough4' ,the conversation was here interrupted by a moan from the sick woman4 #8,oh6' said the young mag1 turning his face towards the bed1 as if he had previously quite forgotten the patient1 #8it's all ,u4,p4 there1 ,mrs4 ,corney4' #8,it is1 is it1 sir8' asked the matron4 #8,if she lasts a couple of hours1 ,i shall be surprised1' said the apothecary's apprentice1 intent upon the toothpick's point4 #8,it's a break-up of the system altogether4 ,is she dozing1 old lady8' ,the attendant stooped over the bed1 to ascertain2 and nodded in the affirmative4 #8,then perhaps she'll go off in that way1 if you don't make a row1' said the young man4 #8,put the light on the floor4 ,she won't see it there4' ,the attendant did as she was told3 shaking her head meanwhile1 to intimate that the woman would not die so easily2 having done so1 she resumed her seat by the side of the other nurse1 who had by this time returned4 ,the mistress1 with an expression of impatience1 wrapped herself in her shawl1 and sat at the foot of the bed4 ,the apothecary's apprentice1 having completed the manufacture of the toothpick1 planted himself in front of the fire and made good use of it for ten minutes or so3 when apparently growing rather dull1 he wished ,mrs4 ,corney joy of her job1 and took himself off on tiptoe4 ,when they had sat in silence for some time1 the two old women rose from the bed1 and crouching over the fire1 held out their withered hands to catch the heat4 ,the flame threw a ghastly light on their shrivelled faces1 and made their ugliness appear terrible1 as1 in this position1 they began to converse in a low voice4 #8,did she say any more1 ,anny dear1 while ,i was gone8' inquired the messenger4 #8,not a word1' replied the other4 #8,she plucked and tore at her arms for a little time2 but ,i held her hands1 and she soon dropped off4 ,she hasn't much strength in her1 so ,i easily kept her quiet4 ,i ain't so weak for an old woman1 although ,i am on parish allowance2 no1 no6' #8,did she drink the hot wine the doctor said she was to have8' demanded the first4 #8,i tried to get it down1' rejoined the other4 #8,but her teeth were tight set1 and she clenched the mug so hard that it was as much as ,i could do to get it back again4 ,so ,i drank it2 and it did me good6' ,looking cautiously round1 to ascertain that they were not overheard1 the two hags cowered nearer to the fire1 and chuckled heartily4 #8,i mind the time1' said the first speaker1 #8when she would have done the same1 and made rare fun of it afterwards4' #8,ay1 that she would1' rejoined the other2 #8she had a merry heart4 #8,a many1 many1 beautiful corpses she laid out1 as nice and neat as waxwork4 ,my old eyes have seen them--ay1 and those old hands touched them too2 for ,i have helped her1 scores of times4' ,stretching forth her trembling fingers as she spoke1 the old creature shook them exultingly before her face1 and fumbling in her pocket1 brought out an old time-discoloured tin snuff-box1 from which she shook a few grains into the outstretched palm of her companion1 and a few more into her own4 ,while they were thus employed1 the matron1 who had been impatiently watching until the dying woman should awaken from her stupor1 joined them by the fire1 and sharply asked how long she was to wait8 #8,not long1 mistress1' replied the second woman1 looking up into her face4 #8,we have none of us long to wait for ,death4 ,patience1 patience6 ,he'll be here soon enough for us all4' #8,hold your tongue1 you doting idiot6' said the matron sternly4 #8,you1 ,martha1 tell me2 has she been in this way before8' #8,often1' answered the first woman4 #8,but will never be again1' added the second one2 #8that is1 she'll never wake again but once--and mind1 mistress1 that won't be for long6' #8,long or short1' said the matron1 snappishly1 #8she won't find me here when she does wake2 take care1 both of you1 how you worry me again for nothing4 ,it's no part of my duty to see all the old women in the house die1 and ,i won't--that's more4 ,mind that1 you impudent old harridans4 ,if you make a fool of me again1 ,i'll soon cure you1 ,i warrant you6' ,she was bouncing away1 when a cry from the two women1 who had turned towards the bed1 caused her to look round4 ,the patient had raised herself upright1 and was stretching her arms towards them4 #8,who's that8' she cried1 in a hollow voice4 #8,hush1 hush6' said one of the women1 stooping over her4 #8,lie down1 lie down6' #8,i'll never lie down again alive6' said the woman1 struggling4 #8,i will tell her6 ,come here6 ,nearer6 ,let me whisper in your ear4' ,she clutched the matron by the arm1 and forcing her into a chair by the bedside1 was about to speak1 when looking round1 she caught sight of the two old women bending forward in the attitude of eager listeners4 #8,turn them away1' said the woman1 drowsily2 #8make haste6 make haste6' ,the two old crones1 chiming in together1 began pouring out many piteous lamentations that the poor dear was too far gone to know her best friends2 and were uttering sundry protestations that they would never leave her1 when the superior pushed them from the room1 closed the door1 and returned to the bedside4 ,on being excluded1 the old ladies changed their tone1 and cried through the keyhole that old ,sally was drunk2 which1 indeed1 was not unlikely2 since1 in addition to a moderate dose of opium prescribed by the apothecary1 she was labouring under the effects of a final taste of gin-and-water which had been privily administered1 in the openness of their hearts1 by the worthy old ladies themselves4 #8,now listen to me1' said the dying woman aloud1 as if making a great effort to revive one latent spark of energy4 #8,in this very room--in this very bed--,i once nursed a pretty young creetur'1 that was brought into the house with her feet cut and bruised with walking1 and all soiled with dust and blood4 ,she gave birth to a boy1 and died4 ,let me think--what was the year again6' #8,never mind the year1' said the impatient auditor2 #8what about her8' #8,ay1' murmured the sick woman1 relapsing into her former drowsy state1 #8what about her8--what about--,i know6' she cried1 jumping fiercely up3 her face flushed1 and her eyes starting from her head--#8,i robbed her1 so ,i did6 ,she wasn't cold--,i tell you she wasn't cold1 when ,i stole it6' #8,stole what1 for ,god's sake8' cried the matron1 with a gesture as if she would call for help4 #8,it6' replied the woman1 laying her hand over the other's mouth4 #8,the only thing she had4 ,she wanted clothes to keep her warm1 and food to eat2 but she had kept it safe1 and had it in her bosom4 ,it was gold1 ,i tell you6 ,rich gold1 that might have saved her life6' #8,gold6' echoed the matron1 bending eagerly over the woman as she fell back4 #8,go on1 go on--yes--what of it8 ,who was the mother8 ,when was it8' #8,she charge me to keep it safe1' replied the woman with a groan1 #8and trusted me as the only woman about her4 ,i stole it in my heart when she first showed it me hanging round her neck2 and the child's death1 perhaps1 is on me besides6 ,they would have treated him better1 if they had known it all6' #8,known what8' asked the other4 #8,speak6' #8,the boy grew so like his mother1' said the woman1 rambling on1 and not heeding the question1 #8that ,i could never forget it when ,i saw his face4 ,poor girl6 poor girl6 ,she was so young1 too6 ,such a gentle lamb6 ,wait2 there's more to tell4 ,i have not told you all1 have ,i8' #8,no1 no1' replied the matron1 inclining her head to catch the words1 as they came more faintly from the dying woman4 #8,be quick1 or it may be too late6' #8,the mother1' said the woman1 making a more violent effort than before2 #8the mother1 when the pains of death first came upon her1 whispered in my ear that if her baby was born alive1 and thrived1 the day might come when it would not feel so much disgraced to hear its poor young mother named4 8,and oh1 kind ,heaven60 she said1 folding her thin hands together1 8whether it be boy or girl1 raise up some friends for it in this troubled world1 and take pity upon a lonely desolate child1 abandoned to its mercy60' #8,the boy's name8' demanded the matron4 #8,they called him ,oliver1' replied the woman1 feebly4 #8,the gold ,i stole was--' #8,yes1 yes--what8' cried the other4 ,she was bending eagerly over the woman to hear her reply2 but drew back1 instinctively1 as she once again rose1 slowly and stiffly1 into a sitting posture2 then1 clutching the coverlid with both hands1 muttered some indistinct sounds in her throat1 and fell lifeless on the bed4 99 99 99 99 99 #8,stone dead6' said one of the old women1 hurrying in as soon as the door was opened4 #8,and nothing to tell1 after all1' rejoined the matron1 walking carelessly away4 ,the two crones1 to all appearance1 too busily occupied in the preparations for their dreadful duties to make any reply1 were left alone1 hovering about the body4 ,,chapter ,,xxv -- ,,wherein ,,this ,,history ,,reverts ,,to ,,mr4 ,,fagin ,,and ,,company ,while these things were passing in the country workhouse1 ,mr4 ,fagin sat in the old den--the same from which ,oliver had been removed by the girl--brooding over a dull1 smoky fire4 ,he held a pair of bellows upon his knee1 with which he had apparently been endeavouring to rouse it into more cheerful action2 but he had fallen into deep thought2 and with his arms folded on them1 and his chin resting on his thumbs1 fixed his eyes1 abstractedly1 on the rusty bars4 ,at a table behind him sat the ,artful ,dodger1 ,master ,charles ,bates1 and ,mr4 ,chitling3 all intent upon a game of whist2 the ,artful taking dummy against ,master ,bates and ,mr4 ,chitling4 ,the countenance of the first-named gentleman1 peculiarly intelligent at all times1 acquired great additional interest from his close observance of the game1 and his attentive perusal of ,mr4 ,chitling's hand2 upon which1 from time to time1 as occasion served1 he bestowed a variety of earnest glances3 wisely regulating his own play by the result of his observations upon his neighbour's cards4 ,it being a cold night1 the ,dodger wore his hat1 as1 indeed1 was often his custom within doors4 ,he also sustained a clay pipe between his teeth1 which he only removed for a brief space when he deemed it necessary to apply for refreshment to a quart pot upon the table1 which stood ready filled with gin-and-water for the accommodation of the company4 ,master ,bates was also attentive to the play2 but being of a more excitable nature than his accomplished friend1 it was observable that he more frequently applied himself to the gin-and-water1 and moreover indulged in many jests and irrelevant remarks1 all highly unbecoming a scientific rubber4 ,indeed1 the ,artful1 presuming upon their close attachment1 more than once took occasion to reason gravely with his companion upon these improprieties2 all of which remonstrances1 ,master ,bates received in extremely good part2 merely requesting his friend to be #8blowed1' or to insert his head in a sack1 or replying with some other neatly-turned witticism of a similar kind1 the happy application of which1 excited considerable admiration in the mind of ,mr4 ,chitling4 ,it was remarkable that the latter gentleman and his partner invariably lost2 and that the circumstance1 so far from angering ,master ,bates1 appeared to afford him the highest amusement1 inasmuch as he laughed most uproariously at the end of every deal1 and protested that he had never seen such a jolly game in all his born days4 #8,that's two doubles and the rub1' said ,mr4 ,chitling1 with a very long face1 as he drew half-a-crown from his waistcoat-pocket4 #8,i never see such a feller as you1 ,jack2 you win everything4 ,even when we've good cards1 ,charley and ,i can't make nothing of #8em4' ,either the master or the manner of this remark1 which was made very ruefully1 delighted ,charley ,bates so much1 that his consequent shout of laughter roused the ,jew from his reverie1 and induced him to inquire what was the matter4 #8,matter1 ,fagin6' cried ,charley4 #8,i wish you had watched the play4 ,tommy ,chitling hasn't won a point2 and ,i went partners with him against the ,artfull and dumb4' #8,ay1 ay6' said the ,jew1 with a grin1 which sufficiently demonstrated that he was at no loss to understand the reason4 #8,try #8em again1 ,tom2 try #8em again4' #8,no more of it for me1 thank #8ee1 ,fagin1' replied ,mr4 ,chitling2 #8,i've had enough4 ,that #8ere ,dodger has such a run of luck that there's no standing again' him4' #8,ha6 ha6 my dear1' replied the ,jew1 #8you must get up very early in the morning1 to win against the ,dodger4' #8,morning6' said ,charley ,bates2 #8you must put your boots on over-night1 and have a telescope at each eye1 and a opera-glass between your shoulders1 if you want to come over him4' ,mr4 ,dawkins received these handsome compliments with much philosophy1 and offered to cut any gentleman in company1 for the first picture-card1 at a shilling at a time4 ,nobody accepting the challenge1 and his pipe being by this time smoked out1 he proceeded to amuse himself by sketching a ground-plan of ,newgate on the table with the piece of chalk which had served him in lieu of counters2 whistling1 meantime1 with peculiar shrillness4 #8,how precious dull you are1 ,tommy6' said the ,dodger1 stopping short when there had been a long silence2 and addressing ,mr4 ,chitling4 #8,what do you think he's thinking of1 ,fagin8' #8,how should ,i know1 my dear8' replied the ,jew1 looking round as he plied the bellows4 #8,about his losses1 maybe2 or the little retirement in the country that he's just left1 eh8 ,ha6 ha6 ,is that it1 my dear8' #8,not a bit of it1' replied the ,dodger1 stopping the subject of discourse as ,mr4 ,chitling was about to reply4 #8,what do you say1 ,charley8' #8,i should say1' replied ,master ,bates1 with a grin1 #8that he was uncommon sweet upon ,betsy4 ,see how he's a-blushing6 ,oh1 my eye6 here's a merry-go-rounder6 ,tommy ,chitling's in love6 ,oh1 ,fagin1 ,fagin6 what a spree6' ,thoroughly overpowered with the notion of ,mr4 ,chitling being the victim of the tender passion1 ,master ,bates threw himself back in his chair with such violence1 that he lost his balance1 and pitched over upon the floor2 where 7the accident abating nothing of his merriment7 he lay at full length until his laugh was over1 when he resumed his former position1 and began another laugh4 #8,never mind him1 my dear1' said the ,jew1 winking at ,mr4 ,dawkins1 and giving ,master ,bates a reproving tap with the nozzle of the bellows4 #8,betsy's a fine girl4 ,stick up to her1 ,tom4 ,stick up to her4' #8,what ,i mean to say1 ,fagin1' replied ,mr4 ,chitling1 very red in the face1 #8is1 that that isn't anything to anybody here4' #8,no more it is1' replied the ,jew2 #8,charley will talk4 ,don't mind him1 my dear2 don't mind him4 ,betsy's a fine girl4 ,do as she bids you1 ,tom1 and you will make your fortune4' #8,so ,i do do as she bids me1' replied ,mr4 ,chitling2 #8,i shouldn't have been milled1 if it hadn't been for her advice4 ,but it turned out a good job for you2 didn't it1 ,fagin6 ,and what's six weeks of it8 ,it must come1 some time or another1 and why not in the winter time when you don't want to go out a-walking so much2 eh1 ,fagin8' #8,ah1 to be sure1 my dear1' replied the ,jew4 #8,you wouldn't mind it again1 ,tom1 would you1' asked the ,dodger1 winking upon ,charley and the ,jew1 #8if ,bet was all right8' #8,i mean to say that ,i shouldn't1' replied ,tom1 angrily4 #8,there1 now4 ,ah6 ,who'll say as much as that1 ,i should like to know2 eh1 ,fagin8' #8,nobody1 my dear1' replied the ,jew2 #8not a soul1 ,tom4 ,i don't know one of #8em that would do it besides you2 not one of #8em1 my dear4' #8,i might have got clear off1 if ,i'd split upon her2 mightn't ,i1 ,fagin8' angrily pursued the poor half-witted dupe4 #8,a word from me would have done it2 wouldn't it1 ,fagin8' #8,to be sure it would1 my dear1' replied the ,jew4 #8,but ,i didn't blab it2 did ,i1 ,fagin8' demanded ,tom1 pouring question upon question with great volubility4 #8,no1 no1 to be sure1' replied the ,jew2 #8you were too stout-hearted for that4 ,a deal too stout1 my dear6' #8,perhaps ,i was1' rejoined ,tom1 looking round2 #8and if ,i was1 what's to laugh at1 in that2 eh1 ,fagin8' ,the ,jew1 perceiving that ,mr4 ,chitling was considerably roused1 hastened to assure him that nobody was laughing2 and to prove the gravity of the company1 appealed to ,master ,bates1 the principal offender4 ,but1 unfortunately1 ,charley1 in opening his mouth to reply that he was never more serious in his life1 was unable to prevent the escape of such a violent roar1 that the abused ,mr4 ,chitling1 without any preliminary ceremonies1 rushed across the room and aimed a blow at the offender2 who1 being skilful in evading pursuit1 ducked to avoid it1 and chose his time so well that it lighted on the chest of the merry old gentleman1 and caused him to stagger to the wall1 where he stood panting for breath1 while ,mr4 ,chitling looked on in intense dismay4 #8,hark6' cried the ,dodger at this moment1 #8,i heard the tinkler4' ,catching up the light1 he crept softly upstairs4 ,the bell was rung again1 with some impatience1 while the party were in darkness4 ,after a short pause1 the ,dodger reappeared1 and whispered ,fagin mysteriously4 #8,what6' cried the ,jew1 #8alone8' ,the ,dodger nodded in the affirmative1 and1 shading the flame of the candle with his hand1 gave ,charley ,bates a private intimation1 in dumb show1 that he had better not be funny just then4 ,having performed this friendly office1 he fixed his eyes on the ,jew's face1 and awaited his directions4 ,the old man bit his yellow fingers1 and meditated for some seconds2 his face working with agitation the while1 as if he dreaded something1 and feared to know the worst4 ,at length he raised his head4 #8,where is he8' he asked4 ,the ,dodger pointed to the floor above1 and made a gesture1 as if to leave the room4 #8,yes1' said the ,jew1 answering the mute inquiry2 #8bring him down4 ,hush6 ,quiet1 ,charley6 ,gently1 ,tom6 ,scarce1 scarce6' ,this brief direction to ,charley ,bates1 and his recent antagonist1 was softly and immediately obeyed4 ,there was no sound of their whereabout1 when the ,dodger descended the stairs1 bearing the light in his hand1 and followed by a man in a coarse smock-frock2 who1 after casting a hurried glance round the room1 pulled off a large wrapper which had concealed the lower portion of his face1 and disclosed3 all haggard1 unwashed1 and unshorn3 the features of flash ,toby ,crackit4 #8,how are you1 ,faguey8' said this worthy1 nodding to the ,jew4 #8,pop that shawl away in my castor1 ,dodger1 so that ,i may know where to find it when ,i cut2 that's the time of day6 ,you'll be a fine young cracksman afore the old file now4' ,with these words he pulled up the smock-frock2 and1 winding it round his middle1 drew a chair to the fire1 and placed his feet upon the hob4 #8,see there1 ,faguey1' he said1 pointing disconsolately to his top boots2 #8not a drop of ,day and ,martin since you know when2 not a bubble of blacking1 by ,jove6 ,but don't look at me in that way1 man4 ,all in good time4 ,i can't talk about business till ,i've eat and drank2 so produce the sustainance1 and let's have a quiet fill-out for the first time these three days6' ,the ,jew motioned to the ,dodger to place what eatables there were1 upon the table2 and1 seating himself opposite the housebreaker1 waited his leisure4 ,to judge from appearances1 ,toby was by no means in a hurry to open the conversation4 ,at first1 the ,jew contented himself with patiently watching his countenance1 as if to gain from its expression some clue to the intelligence he brought2 but in vain4 ,he looked tired and worn1 but there was the same complacent repose upon his features that they always wore3 and through dirt1 and beard1 and whisker1 there still shone1 unimpaired1 the self-satisfied smirk of flash ,toby ,crackit4 ,then the ,jew1 in an agony of impatience1 watched every morsel he put into his mouth2 pacing up and down the room1 meanwhile1 in irrepressible excitement4 ,it was all of no use4 ,toby continued to eat with the utmost outward indifference1 until he could eat no more2 then1 ordering the ,dodger out1 he closed the door1 mixed a glass of spirits and water1 and composed himself for talking4 #8,first and foremost1 ,faguey1' said ,toby4 #8,yes1 yes6' interposed the ,jew1 drawing up his chair4 ,mr4 ,crackit stopped to take a draught of spirits and water1 and to declare that the gin was excellent2 then placing his feet against the low mantelpiece1 so as to bring his boots to about the level of his eye1 he quietly resumed4 #8,first and foremost1 ,faguey1' said the housebreaker1 #8how's ,bill8' #8,what6' screamed the ,jew1 starting from his seat4 #8,why1 you don't mean to say--' began ,toby1 turning pale4 #8,mean6' cried the ,jew1 stamping furiously on the ground4 #8,where are they8 ,sikes and the boy6 ,where are they8 ,where have they been8 ,where are they hiding8 ,why have they not been here8' #8,the crack failed1' said ,toby faintly4 #8,i know it1' replied the ,jew1 tearing a newspaper from his pocket and pointing to it4 #8,what more8' #8,they fired and hit the boy4 ,we cut over the fields at the back1 with him between us--straight as the crow flies--through hedge and ditch4 ,they gave chase4 ,damme6 the whole country was awake1 and the dogs upon us4' #8,the boy6' #8,bill had him on his back1 and scudded like the wind4 ,we stopped to take him between us2 his head hung down1 and he was cold4 ,they were close upon our heels2 every man for himself1 and each from the gallows6 ,we parted company1 and left the youngster lying in a ditch4 ,alive or dead1 that's all ,i know about him4' ,the ,jew stopped to hear no more2 but uttering a loud yell1 and twining his hands in his hair1 rushed from the room1 and from the house4 ,,chapter ,,xxvi -- ,,in ,,which ,a ,,mysterious ,,character ,,appears ,,upon ,,the ,,scene2 ,,and ,,many ,,things1 ,,inseparable ,,from ,,this ,,history1 ,,are ,,done ,,and ,,performed ,the old man had gained the street corner1 before he began to recover the effect of ,toby ,crackit's intelligence4 ,he had relaxed nothing of his unusual speed2 but was still pressing onward1 in the same wild and disordered manner1 when the sudden dashing past of a carriage3 and a boisterous cry from the foot passengers1 who saw his danger3 drove him back upon the pavement4 ,avoiding1 as much as was possible1 all the main streets1 and skulking only through the by-ways and alleys1 he at length emerged on ,snow ,hill4 ,here he walked even faster than before2 nor did he linger until he had again turned into a court2 when1 as if conscious that he was now in his proper element1 he fell into his usual shuffling pace1 and seemed to breathe more freely4 ,near to the spot on which ,snow ,hill and ,holborn ,hill meet1 opens1 upon the right hand as you come out of the ,city1 a narrow and dismal alley1 leading to ,saffron ,hill4 ,in its filthy shops are exposed for sale huge bunches of second-hand silk handkerchiefs1 of all sizes and patterns2 for here reside the traders who purchase them from pick-pockets4 ,hundreds of these handkerchiefs hang dangling from pegs outside the windows or flaunting from the door-posts2 and the shelves1 within1 are piled with them4 ,confined as the limits of ,field ,lane are1 it has its barber1 its coffee-shop1 its beer-shop1 and its fried-fish warehouse4 ,it is a commercial colony of itself3 the emporium of petty larceny3 visited at early morning1 and setting-in of dusk1 by silent merchants1 who traffic in dark back-parlours1 and who go as strangely as they come4 ,here1 the clothesman1 the shoe-vamper1 and the rag-merchant1 display their goods1 as sign-boards to the petty thief2 here1 stores of old iron and bones1 and heaps of mildewy fragments of woollen-stuff and linen1 rust and rot in the grimy cellars4 ,it was into this place that the ,jew turned4 ,he was well known to the sallow denizens of the lane2 for such of them as were on the look-out to buy or sell1 nodded1 familiarly1 as he passed along4 ,he replied to their salutations in the same way2 but bestowed no closer recognition until he reached the further end of the alley2 when he stopped1 to address a salesman of small stature1 who had squeezed as much of his person into a child's chair as the chair would hold1 and was smoking a pipe at his warehouse door4 #8,why1 the sight of you1 ,mr4 ,fagin1 would cure the hoptalmy6' said this respectable trader1 in acknowledgment of the ,jew's inquiry after his health4 #8,the neighbourhood was a little too hot1 ,lively1' said ,fagin1 elevating his eyebrows1 and crossing his hands upon his shoulders4 #8,well1 ,i've heerd that complaint of it1 once or twice before1' replied the trader2 #8but it soon cools down again2 don't you find it so8' ,fagin nodded in the affirmative4 ,pointing in the direction of ,saffron ,hill1 he inquired whether any one was up yonder to-night4 #8,at the ,cripples8' inquired the man4 ,the ,jew nodded4 #8,let me see1' pursued the merchant1 reflecting4 #8,yes1 there's some half-dozen of #8em gone in1 that ,i knows4 ,i don't think your friend's there4' #8,sikes is not1 ,i suppose8' inquired the ,jew1 with a disappointed countenance4 #8,non istwentus1 as the lawyers say1' replied the little man1 shaking his head1 and looking amazingly sly4 #8,have you got anything in my line to-night8' #8,nothing to-night1' said the ,jew1 turning away4 #8,are you going up to the ,cripples1 ,fagin8' cried the little man1 calling after him4 #8,stop6 ,i don't mind if ,i have a drop there with you6' ,but as the ,jew1 looking back1 waved his hand to intimate that he preferred being alone2 and1 moreover1 as the little man could not very easily disengage himself from the chair2 the sign of the ,cripples was1 for a time1 bereft of the advantage of ,mr4 ,lively's presence4 ,by the time he had got upon his legs1 the ,jew had disappeared2 so ,mr4 ,lively1 after ineffectually standing on tiptoe1 in the hope of catching sight of him1 again forced himself into the little chair1 and1 exchanging a shake of the head with a lady in the opposite shop1 in which doubt and mistrust were plainly mingled1 resumed his pipe with a grave demeanour4 ,the ,three ,cripples1 or rather the ,cripples2 which was the sign by which the establishment was familiarly known to its patrons3 was the public-house in which ,mr4 ,sikes and his dog have already figured4 ,merely making a sign to a man at the bar1 ,fagin walked straight upstairs1 and opening the door of a room1 and softly insinuating himself into the chamber1 looked anxiously about3 shading his eyes with his hand1 as if in search of some particular person4 ,the room was illuminated by two gas-lights2 the glare of which was prevented by the barred shutters1 and closely-drawn curtains of faded red1 from being visible outside4 ,the ceiling was blackened1 to prevent its colour from being injured by the flaring of the lamps2 and the place was so full of dense tobacco smoke1 that at first it was scarcely possible to discern anything more4 ,by degrees1 however1 as some of it cleared away through the open door1 an assemblage of heads1 as confused as the noises that greeted the ear1 might be made out2 and as the eye grew more accustomed to the scene1 the spectator gradually became aware of the presence of a numerous company1 male and female1 crowded round a long table3 at the upper end of which1 sat a chairman with a hammer of office in his hand2 while a professional gentleman with a bluish nose1 and his face tied up for the benefit of a toothache1 presided at a jingling piano in a remote corner4 ,as ,fagin stepped softly in1 the professional gentleman1 running over the keys by way of prelude1 occasioned a general cry of order for a song2 which having subsided1 a young lady proceeded to entertain the company with a ballad in four verses1 between each of which the accompanyist played the melody all through1 as loud as he could4 ,when this was over1 the chairman gave a sentiment1 after which1 the professional gentleman on the chairman's right and left volunteered a duet1 and sang it1 with great applause4 ,it was curious to observe some faces which stood out prominently from among the group4 ,there was the chairman himself1 7the landlord of the house17 a coarse1 rough1 heavy built fellow1 who1 while the songs were proceeding1 rolled his eyes hither and thither1 and1 seeming to give himself up to joviality1 had an eye for everything that was done1 and an ear for everything that was said--and sharp ones1 too4 ,near him were the singers3 receiving1 with professional indifference1 the compliments of the company1 and applying themselves1 in turn1 to a dozen proffered glasses of spirits and water1 tendered by their more boisterous admirers2 whose countenances1 expressive of almost every vice in almost every grade1 irresistibly attracted the attention1 by their very repulsiveness4 ,cunning1 ferocity1 and drunkeness in all its stages1 were there1 in their strongest aspect2 and women3 some with the last lingering tinge of their early freshness almost fading as you looked3 others with every mark and stamp of their sex utterly beaten out1 and presenting but one loathsome blank of profligacy and crime2 some mere girls1 others but young women1 and none past the prime of life2 formed the darkest and saddest portion of this dreary picture4 ,fagin1 troubled by no grave emotions1 looked eagerly from face to face while these proceedings were in progress2 but apparently without meeting that of which he was in search4 ,succeeding1 at length1 in catching the eye of the man who occupied the chair1 he beckoned to him slightly1 and left the room1 as quietly as he had entered it4 #8,what can ,i do for you1 ,mr4 ,fagin8' inquired the man1 as he followed him out to the landing4 #8,won't you join us8 ,they'll be delighted1 every one of #8em4' ,the ,jew shook his head impatiently1 and said in a whisper1 #8,is he here8' #8,no1' replied the man4 #8,and no news of ,barney8' inquired ,fagin4 #8,none1' replied the landlord of the ,cripples2 for it was he4 #8,he won't stir till it's all safe4 ,depend on it1 they're on the scent down there2 and that if he moved1 he'd blow upon the thing at once4 ,he's all right enough1 ,barney is1 else ,i should have heard of him4 ,i'll pound it1 that ,barney's managing properly4 ,let him alone for that4' #8,will he be here to-night8' asked the ,jew1 laying the same emphasis on the pronoun as before4 #8,monks1 do you mean8' inquired the landlord1 hesitating4 #8,hush6' said the ,jew4 #8,yes4' #8,certain1' replied the man1 drawing a gold watch from his fob2 #8,i expected him here before now4 ,if you'll wait ten minutes1 he'll be--' #8,no1 no1' said the ,jew1 hastily2 as though1 however desirous he might be to see the person in question1 he was nevertheless relieved by his absence4 #8,tell him ,i came here to see him2 and that he must come to me to-night4 ,no1 say to-morrow4 ,as he is not here1 to-morrow will be time enough4' #8,good6' said the man4 #8,nothing more8' #8,not a word now1' said the ,jew1 descending the stairs4 #8,i say1' said the other1 looking over the rails1 and speaking in a hoarse whisper2 #8what a time this would be for a sell6 ,i've got ,phil ,barker here3 so drunk1 that a boy might take him6' #8,ah6 ,but it's not ,phil ,barker's time1' said the ,jew1 looking up4 #8,phil has something more to do1 before we can afford to part with him2 so go back to the company1 my dear1 and tell them to lead merry lives--while they last4 ,ha6 ha6 ha6' ,the landlord reciprocated the old man's laugh2 and returned to his guests4 ,the ,jew was no sooner alone1 than his countenance resumed its former expression of anxiety and thought4 ,after a brief reflection1 he called a hack-cabriolet1 and bade the man drive towards ,bethnal ,green4 ,he dismissed him within some quarter of a mile of ,mr4 ,sikes's residence1 and performed the short remainder of the distance1 on foot4 #8,now1' muttered the ,jew1 as he knocked at the door1 #8if there is any deep play here1 ,i shall have it out of you1 my girl1 cunning as you are4' ,she was in her room1 the woman said4 ,fagin crept softly upstairs1 and entered it without any previous ceremony4 ,the girl was alone2 lying with her head upon the table1 and her hair straggling over it4 #8,she has been drinking1' thought the ,jew1 cooly1 #8or perhaps she is only miserable4' ,the old man turned to close the door1 as he made this reflection2 the noise thus occasioned1 roused the girl4 ,she eyed his crafty face narrowly1 as she inquired to his recital of ,toby ,crackit's story4 ,when it was concluded1 she sank into her former attitude1 but spoke not a word4 ,she pushed the candle impatiently away2 and once or twice as she feverishly changed her position1 shuffled her feet upon the ground2 but this was all4 ,during the silence1 the ,jew looked restlessly about the room1 as if to assure himself that there were no appearances of ,sikes having covertly returned4 ,apparently satisfied with his inspection1 he coughed twice or thrice1 and made as many efforts to open a conversation2 but the girl heeded him no more than if he had been made of stone4 ,at length he made another attempt2 and rubbing his hands together1 said1 in his most conciliatory tone1 #8,and where should you think ,bill was now1 my dear8' ,the girl moaned out some half intelligible reply1 that she could not tell2 and seemed1 from the smothered noise that escaped her1 to be crying4 #8,and the boy1 too1' said the ,jew1 straining his eyes to catch a glimpse of her face4 #8,poor leetle child6 ,left in a ditch1 ,nance2 only think6' #8,the child1' said the girl1 suddenly looking up1 #8is better where he is1 than among us2 and if no harm comes to ,bill from it1 ,i hope he lies dead in the ditch and that his young bones may rot there4' #8,what6' cried the ,jew1 in amazement4 #8,ay1 ,i do1' returned the girl1 meeting his gaze4 #8,i shall be glad to have him away from my eyes1 and to know that the worst is over4 ,i can't bear to have him about me4 ,the sight of him turns me against myself1 and all of you4' #8,pooh6' said the ,jew1 scornfully4 #8,you're drunk4' #8,am ,i8' cried the girl bitterly4 #8,it's no fault of yours1 if ,i am not6 ,you'd never have me anything else1 if you had your will1 except now2--the humour doesn't suit you1 doesn't it8' #8,no6' rejoined the ,jew1 furiously4 #8,it does not4' #8,change it1 then6' responded the girl1 with a laugh4 #8,change it6' exclaimed the ,jew1 exasperated beyond all bounds by his companion's unexpected obstinacy1 and the vexation of the night1 #8,i will change it6 ,listen to me1 you drab4 ,listen to me1 who with six words1 can strangle ,sikes as surely as if ,i had his bull's throat between my fingers now4 ,if he comes back1 and leaves the boy behind him2 if he gets off free1 and dead or alive1 fails to restore him to me2 murder him yourself if you would have him escape ,jack ,ketch4 ,and do it the moment he sets foot in this room1 or mind me1 it will be too late6' #8,what is all this8' cried the girl involuntarily4 #8,what is it8' pursued ,fagin1 mad with rage4 #8,when the boy's worth hundreds of pounds to me1 am ,i to lose what chance threw me in the way of getting safely1 through the whims of a drunken gang that ,i could whistle away the lives of6 ,and me bound1 too1 to a born devil that only wants the will1 and has the power to1 to--' ,panting for breath1 the old man stammered for a word2 and in that instant checked the torrent of his wrath1 and changed his whole demeanour4 ,a moment before1 his clenched hands had grasped the air2 his eyes had dilated2 and his face grown livid with passion2 but now1 he shrunk into a chair1 and1 cowering together1 trembled with the apprehension of having himself disclosed some hidden villainy4 ,after a short silence1 he ventured to look round at his companion4 ,he appeared somewhat reassured1 on beholding her in the same listless attitude from which he had first roused her4 #8,nancy1 dear6' croaked the ,jew1 in his usual voice4 #8,did you mind me1 dear8' #8,don't worry me now1 ,fagin6' replied the girl1 raising her head languidly4 #8,if ,bill has not done it this time1 he will another4 ,he has done many a good job for you1 and will do many more when he can2 and when he can't he won't2 so no more about that4' #8,regarding this boy1 my dear8' said the ,jew1 rubbing the palms of his hands nervously together4 #8,the boy must take his chance with the rest1' interrupted ,nancy1 hastily2 #8and ,i say again1 ,i hope he is dead1 and out of harm's way1 and out of yours1--that is1 if ,bill comes to no harm4 ,and if ,toby got clear off1 ,bill's pretty sure to be safe2 for ,bill's worth two of ,toby any time4' #8,and about what ,i was saying1 my dear8' observed the ,jew1 keeping his glistening eye steadily upon her4 #8,your must say it all over again1 if it's anything you want me to do1' rejoined ,nancy2 #8and if it is1 you had better wait till to-morrow4 ,you put me up for a minute2 but now ,i'm stupid again4' ,fagin put several other questions3 all with the same drift of ascertaining whether the girl had profited by his unguarded hints2 but1 she answered them so readily1 and was withal so utterly unmoved by his searching looks1 that his original impression of her being more than a trifle in liquor1 was confirmed4 ,nancy1 indeed1 was not exempt from a failing which was very common among the ,jew's female pupils2 and in which1 in their tenderer years1 they were rather encouraged than checked4 ,her disordered appearance1 and a wholesale perfume of ,geneva which pervaded the apartment1 afforded strong confirmatory evidence of the justice of the ,jew's supposition2 and when1 after indulging in the temporary display of violence above described1 she subsided1 first into dullness1 and afterwards into a compound of feelings3 under the influence of which she shed tears one minute1 and in the next gave utterance to various exclamations of #8,never say die6' and divers calculations as to what might be the amount of the odds so long as a lady or gentleman was happy1 ,mr4 ,fagin1 who had had considerable experience of such matters in his time1 saw1 with great satisfaction1 that she was very far gone indeed4 ,having eased his mind by this discovery2 and having accomplished his twofold object of imparting to the girl what he had1 that night1 heard1 and of ascertaining1 with his own eyes1 that ,sikes had not returned1 ,mr4 ,fagin again turned his face homeward3 leaving his young friend asleep1 with her head upon the table4 ,it was within an hour of midnight4 ,the weather being dark1 and piercing cold1 he had no great temptation to loiter4 ,the sharp wind that scoured the streets1 seemed to have cleared them of passengers1 as of dust and mud1 for few people were abroad1 and they were to all appearance hastening fast home4 ,it blew from the right quarter for the ,jew1 however1 and straight before it he went3 trembling1 and shivering1 as every fresh gust drove him rudely on his way4 ,he had reached the corner of his own street1 and was already fumbling in his pocket for the door-key1 when a dark figure emerged from a projecting entrance which lay in deep shadow1 and1 crossing the road1 glided up to him unperceived4 #8,fagin6' whispered a voice close to his ear4 #8,ah6' said the ,jew1 turning quickly round1 #8is that--' #8,yes6' interrupted the stranger4 #8,i have been lingering here these two hours4 ,where the devil have you been8' #8,on your business1 my dear1' replied the ,jew1 glancing uneasily at his companion1 and slackening his pace as he spoke4 #8,on your business all night4' #8,oh1 of course6' said the stranger1 with a sneer4 #8,well2 and what's come of it8' #8,nothing good1' said the ,jew4 #8,nothing bad1 ,i hope8' said the stranger1 stopping short1 and turning a startled look on his companion4 ,the ,jew shook his head1 and was about to reply1 when the stranger1 interrupting him1 motioned to the house1 before which they had by this time arrived3 remarking1 that he had better say what he had got to say1 under cover3 for his blood was chilled with standing about so long1 and the wind blew through him4 ,fagin looked as if he could have willingly excused himself from taking home a visitor at that unseasonable hour2 and1 indeed1 muttered something about having no fire2 but his companion repeating his request in a peremptory manner1 he unlocked the door1 and requested him to close it softly1 while he got a light4 #8,it's as dark as the grave1' said the man1 groping forward a few steps4 #8,make haste6' #8,shut the door1' whispered ,fagin from the end of the passage4 ,as he spoke1 it closed with a loud noise4 #8,that wasn't my doing1' said the other man1 feeling his way4 #8,the wind blew it to1 or it shut of its own accord3 one or the other4 ,look sharp with the light1 or ,i shall knock my brains out against something in this confounded hole4' ,fagin stealthily descended the kitchen stairs4 ,after a short absence1 he returned with a lighted candle1 and the intelligence that ,toby ,crackit was asleep in the back room below1 and that the boys were in the front one4 ,beckoning the man to follow him1 he led the way upstairs4 #8,we can say the few words we've got to say in here1 my dear1' said the ,jew1 throwing open a door on the first floor2 #8and as there are holes in the shutters1 and we never show lights to our neighbours1 we'll set the candle on the stairs4 ,there6' ,with those words1 the ,jew1 stooping down1 placed the candle on an upper flight of stairs1 exactly opposite to the room door4 ,this done1 he led the way into the apartment2 which was destitute of all movables save a broken arm-chair1 and an old couch or sofa without covering1 which stood behind the door4 ,upon this piece of furniture1 the stranger sat himself with the air of a weary man2 and the ,jew1 drawing up the arm-chair opposite1 they sat face to face4 ,it was not quite dark2 the door was partially open2 and the candle outside1 threw a feeble reflection on the opposite wall4 ,they conversed for some time in whispers4 ,though nothing of the conversation was distinguishable beyond a few disjointed words here and there1 a listener might easily have perceived that ,fagin appeared to be defending himself against some remarks of the stranger2 and that the latter was in a state of considerable irritation4 ,they might have been talking1 thus1 for a quarter of an hour or more1 when ,monks--by which name the ,jew had designated the strange man several times in the course of their colloquy--said1 raising his voice a little1 #8,i tell you again1 it was badly planned4 ,why not have kept him here among the rest1 and made a sneaking1 snivelling pickpocket of him at once8' #8,only hear him6' exclaimed the ,jew1 shrugging his shoulders4 #8,why1 do you mean to say you couldn't have done it1 if you had chosen8' demanded ,monks1 sternly4 #8,haven't you done it1 with other boys1 scores of times8 ,if you had had patience for a twelvemonth1 at most1 couldn't you have got him convicted1 and sent safely out of the kingdom2 perhaps for life8' #8,whose turn would that have served1 my dear8' inquired the ,jew humbly4 #8,mine1' replied ,monks4 #8,but not mine1' said the ,jew1 submissively4 #8,he might have become of use to me4 ,when there are two parties to a bargain1 it is only reasonable that the interests of both should be consulted2 is it1 my good friend8' #8,what then8' demanded ,monks4 #8,i saw it was not easy to train him to the business1' replied the ,jew2 #8he was not like other boys in the same circumstances4' #8,curse him1 no6' muttered the man1 #8or he would have been a thief1 long ago4' #8,i had no hold upon him to make him worse1' pursued the ,jew1 anxiously watching the countenance of his companion4 #8,his hand was not in4 ,i had nothing to frighten him with2 which we always must have in the beginning1 or we labour in vain4 ,what could ,i do8 ,send him out with the ,dodger and ,charley8 ,we had enough of that1 at first1 my dear2 ,i trembled for us all4' #8,that was not my doing1' observed ,monks4 #8,no1 no1 my dear6' renewed the ,jew4 #8,and ,i don't quarrel with it now2 because1 if it had never happened1 you might never have clapped eyes on the boy to notice him1 and so led to the discovery that it was him you were looking for4 ,well6 ,i got him back for you by means of the girl2 and then she begins to favour him4' #8,throttle the girl6' said ,monks1 impatiently4 #8,why1 we can't afford to do that just now1 my dear1' replied the ,jew1 smiling2 #8and1 besides1 that sort of thing is not in our way2 or1 one of these days1 ,i might be glad to have it done4 ,i know what these girls are1 ,monks1 well4 ,as soon as the boy begins to harden1 she'll care no more for him1 than for a block of wood4 ,you want him made a thief4 ,if he is alive1 ,i can make him one from this time2 and1 if--if--' said the ,jew1 drawing nearer to the other1--#8it's not likely1 mind1--but if the worst comes to the worst1 and he is dead--' #8,it's no fault of mine if he is6' interposed the other man1 with a look of terror1 and clasping the ,jew's arm with trembling hands4 #8,mind that4 ,fagin6 ,i had no hand in it4 ,anything but his death1 ,i told you from the first4 ,i won't shed blood2 it's always found out1 and haunts a man besides4 ,if they shot him dead1 ,i was not the cause2 do you hear me8 ,fire this infernal den6 ,what's that8' #8,what6' cried the ,jew1 grasping the coward round the body1 with both arms1 as he sprung to his feet4 #8,where8' #8,yonder6 replied the man1 glaring at the opposite wall4 #8,the shadow6 ,i saw the shadow of a woman1 in a cloak and bonnet1 pass along the wainscot like a breath6' ,the ,jew released his hold1 and they rushed tumultuously from the room4 ,the candle1 wasted by the draught1 was standing where it had been placed4 ,it showed them only the empty staircase1 and their own white faces4 ,they listened intently3 a profound silence reigned throughout the house4 #8,it's your fancy1' said the ,jew1 taking up the light and turning to his companion4 #8,i'll swear ,i saw it6' replied ,monks1 trembling4 #8,it was bending forward when ,i saw it first2 and when ,i spoke1 it darted away4' ,the ,jew glanced contemptuously at the pale face of his associate1 and1 telling him he could follow1 if he pleased1 ascended the stairs4 ,they looked into all the rooms2 they were cold1 bare1 and empty4 ,they descended into the passage1 and thence into the cellars below4 ,the green damp hung upon the low walls2 the tracks of the snail and slug glistened in the light of the candle2 but all was still as death4 #8,what do you think now8' said the ,jew1 when they had regained the passage4 #8,besides ourselves1 there's not a creature in the house except ,toby and the boys2 and they're safe enough4 ,see here6' ,as a proof of the fact1 the ,jew drew forth two keys from his pocket2 and explained1 that when he first went downstairs1 he had locked them in1 to prevent any intrusion on the conference4 ,this accumulated testimony effectually staggered ,mr4 ,monks4 ,his protestations had gradually become less and less vehement as they proceeded in their search without making any discovery2 and1 now1 he gave vent to several very grim laughs1 and confessed it could only have been his excited imagination4 ,he declined any renewal of the conversation1 however1 for that night3 suddenly remembering that it was past one o'clock4 ,and so the amiable couple parted4 ,,chapter ,,xxvii -- ,,atones ,,for ,,the ,,unpoliteness ,,of ,a ,,former ,,chapter2 ,,which ,,deserted ,a ,,lady1 ,,most ,,unceremoniously ,as it would be1 by no means1 seemly in a humble author to keep so mighty a personage as a beadle waiting1 with his back to the fire1 and the skirts of his coat gathered up under his arms1 until such time as it might suit his pleasure to relieve him2 and as it would still less become his station1 or his gallantry to involve in the same neglect a lady on whom that beadle had looked with an eye of tenderness and affection1 and in whose ear he had whispered sweet words1 which1 coming from such a quarter1 might well thrill the bosom of maid or matron of whatsoever degree2 the historian whose pen traces these words--trusting that he knows his place1 and that he entertains a becoming reverence for those upon earth to whom high and important authority is delegated--hastens to pay them that respect which their position demands1 and to treat them with all that duteous ceremony which their exalted rank1 and 7by consequence7 great virtues1 imperatively claim at his hands4 ,towards this end1 indeed1 he had purposed to introduce1 in this place1 a dissertation touching the divine right of beadles1 and elucidative of the position1 that a beadle can do no wrong3 which could not fail to have been both pleasurable and profitable to the right-minded reader but which he is unfortunately compelled1 by want of time and space1 to postpone to some more convenient and fitting opportunity2 on the arrival of which1 he will be prepared to show1 that a beadle properly constituted3 that is to say1 a parochial beadle1 attached to a parochial workhouse1 and attending in his official capacity the parochial church3 is1 in right and virtue of his office1 possessed of all the excellences and best qualities of humanity2 and that to none of those excellences1 can mere companies' beadles1 or court-of-law beadles1 or even chapel-of-ease beadles 7save the last1 and they in a very lowly and inferior degree71 lay the remotest sustainable claim4 ,mr4 ,bumble had re-counted the teaspoons1 re-weighed the sugar-tongs1 made a closer inspection of the milk-pot1 and ascertained to a nicety the exact condition of the furniture1 down to the very horse-hair seats of the chairs2 and had repeated each process full half a dozen times2 before he began to think that it was time for ,mrs4 ,corney to return4 ,thinking begets thinking2 as there were no sounds of ,mrs4 ,corney's approach1 it occured to ,mr4 ,bumble that it would be an innocent and virtuous way of spending the time1 if he were further to allay his curiousity by a cursory glance at the interior of ,mrs4 ,corney's chest of drawers4 ,having listened at the keyhole1 to assure himself that nobody was approaching the chamber1 ,mr4 ,bumble1 beginning at the bottom1 proceeded to make himself acquainted with the contents of the three long drawers3 which1 being filled with various garments of good fashion and texture1 carefully preserved between two layers of old newspapers1 speckled with dried lavender3 seemed to yield him exceeding satisfaction4 ,arriving1 in course of time1 at the right-hand corner drawer 7in which was the key71 and beholding therein a small padlocked box1 which1 being shaken1 gave forth a pleasant sound1 as of the chinking of coin1 ,mr4 ,bumble returned with a stately walk to the fireplace2 and1 resuming his old attitude1 said1 with a grave and determined air1 #8,i'll do it6' ,he followed up this remarkable declaration1 by shaking his head in a waggish manner for ten minutes1 as though he were remonstrating with himself for being such a pleasant dog2 and then1 he took a view of his legs in profile1 with much seeming pleasure and interest4 ,he was still placidly engaged in this latter survey1 when ,mrs4 ,corney1 hurrying into the room1 threw herself1 in a breathless state1 on a chair by the fireside1 and covering her eyes with one hand1 placed the other over her heart1 and gasped for breath4 #8,mrs4 ,corney1' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 stooping over the matron1 #8what is this1 ma'am8 ,has anything happened1 ma'am8 ,pray answer me3 ,i'm on--on--' ,mr4 ,bumble1 in his alarm1 could not immediately think of the word #8tenterhooks1' so he said #8broken bottles4' #8,oh1 ,mr4 ,bumble6' cried the lady1 #8,i have been so dreadfully put out6' #8,put out1 ma'am6' exclaimed ,mr4 ,bumble2 #8who has dared to--8 ,i know6' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 checking himself1 with native majesty1 #8this is them wicious paupers6' #8,it's dreadful to think of6' said the lady1 shuddering4 #8,then don't think of it1 ma'am1' rejoined ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,i can't help it1' whimpered the lady4 #8,then take something1 ma'am1' said ,mr4 ,bumble soothingly4 #8,a little of the wine8' #8,not for the world6' replied ,mrs4 ,corney4 #8,i couldn't1--oh6 ,the top shelf in the right-hand corner--oh6' ,uttering these words1 the good lady pointed1 distractedly1 to the cupboard1 and underwent a convulsion from internal spasms4 ,mr4 ,bumble rushed to the closet2 and1 snatching a pint green-glass bottle from the shelf thus incoherently indicated1 filled a tea-cup with its contents1 and held it to the lady's lips4 #8,i'm better now1' said ,mrs4 ,corney1 falling back1 after drinking half of it4 ,mr4 ,bumble raised his eyes piously to the ceiling in thankfulness2 and1 bringing them down again to the brim of the cup1 lifted it to his nose4 #8,peppermint1' exclaimed ,mrs4 ,corney1 in a faint voice1 smiling gently on the beadle as she spoke4 #8,try it6 ,there's a little--a little something else in it4' ,mr4 ,bumble tasted the medicine with a doubtful look2 smacked his lips2 took another taste2 and put the cup down empty4 #8,it's very comforting1' said ,mrs4 ,corney4 #8,very much so indeed1 ma'am1' said the beadle4 ,as he spoke1 he drew a chair beside the matron1 and tenderly inquired what had happened to distress her4 #8,nothing1' replied ,mrs4 ,corney4 #8,i am a foolish1 excitable1 weak creetur4' #8,not weak1 ma'am1' retorted ,mr4 ,bumble1 drawing his chair a little closer4 #8,are you a weak creetur1 ,mrs4 ,corney8' #8,we are all weak creeturs1' said ,mrs4 ,corney1 laying down a general principle4 #8,so we are1' said the beadle4 ,nothing was said on either side1 for a minute or two afterwards4 ,by the expiration of that time1 ,mr4 ,bumble had illustrated the position by removing his left arm from the back of ,mrs4 ,corney's chair1 where it had previously rested1 to ,mrs4 ,corney's apron-string1 round which it gradually became entwined4 #8,we are all weak creeturs1' said ,mr4 ,bumble4 ,mrs4 ,corney sighed4 #8,don't sigh1 ,mrs4 ,corney1' said ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,i can't help it1' said ,mrs4 ,corney4 ,and she sighed again4 #8,this is a very comfortable room1 ma'am1' said ,mr4 ,bumble looking round4 #8,another room1 and this1 ma'am1 would be a complete thing4' #8,it would be too much for one1' murmured the lady4 #8,but not for two1 ma'am1' rejoined ,mr4 ,bumble1 in soft accents4 #8,eh1 ,mrs4 ,corney8' ,mrs4 ,corney drooped her head1 when the beadle said this2 the beadle drooped his1 to get a view of ,mrs4 ,corney's face4 ,mrs4 ,corney1 with great propriety1 turned her head away1 and released her hand to get at her pocket-handkerchief2 but insensibly replaced it in that of ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,the board allows you coals1 don't they1 ,mrs4 ,corney8' inquired the beadle1 affectionately pressing her hand4 #8,and candles1' replied ,mrs4 ,corney1 slightly returning the pressure4 #8,coals1 candles1 and house-rent free1' said ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,oh1 ,mrs4 ,corney1 what an ,angel you are6' ,the lady was not proof against this burst of feeling4 ,she sank into ,mr4 ,bumble's arms2 and that gentleman in his agitation1 imprinted a passionate kiss upon her chaste nose4 #8,such porochial perfection6' exclaimed ,mr4 ,bumble1 rapturously4 #8,you know that ,mr4 ,stout is worse to-night1 my fascinator8' #8,yes1' replied ,mrs4 ,corney1 bashfully4 #8,he can't live a week1 the doctor says1' pursued ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,he is the master of this establishment2 his death will cause a wacancy2 that wacancy must be filled up4 ,oh1 ,mrs4 ,corney1 what a prospect this opens6 ,what a opportunity for a jining of hearts and housekeepings6' ,mrs4 ,corney sobbed4 #8,the little word8' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 bending over the bashful beauty4 #8,the one little1 little1 little word1 my blessed ,corney8' #8,ye--ye--yes6' sighed out the matron4 #8,one more1' pursued the beadle2 #8compose your darling feelings for only one more4 ,when is it to come off8' ,mrs4 ,corney twice essayed to speak3 and twice failed4 ,at length summoning up courage1 she threw her arms around ,mr4 ,bumble's neck1 and said1 it might be as soon as ever he pleased1 and that he was #8a irresistible duck4' ,matters being thus amicably and satisfactorily arranged1 the contract was solemnly ratified in another teacupful of the peppermint mixture2 which was rendered the more necessary1 by the flutter and agitation of the lady's spirits4 ,while it was being disposed of1 she acquainted ,mr4 ,bumble with the old woman's decease4 #8,very good1' said that gentleman1 sipping his peppermint2 #8,i'll call at ,sowerberry's as ,i go home1 and tell him to send to-morrow morning4 ,was it that as frightened you1 love8' #8,it wasn't anything particular1 dear1' said the lady evasively4 #8,it must have been something1 love1' urged ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,won't you tell your own ,b48' #8,not now1' rejoined the lady2 #8one of these days4 ,after we're married1 dear4' #8,after we're married6' exclaimed ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,it wasn't any impudence from any of them male paupers as--' #8,no1 no1 love6' interposed the lady1 hastily4 #8,if ,i thought it was1' continued ,mr4 ,bumble2 #8if ,i thought as any one of #8em had dared to lift his wulgar eyes to that lovely countenance--' #8,they wouldn't have dared to do it1 love1' responded the lady4 #8,they had better not6' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 clenching his fist4 #8,let me see any man1 porochial or extra-porochial1 as would presume to do it2 and ,i can tell him that he wouldn't do it a second time6' ,unembellished by any violence of gesticulation1 this might have seemed no very high compliment to the lady's charms2 but1 as ,mr4 ,bumble accompanied the threat with many warlike gestures1 she was much touched with this proof of his devotion1 and protested1 with great admiration1 that he was indeed a dove4 ,the dove then turned up his coat-collar1 and put on his cocked hat2 and1 having exchanged a long and affectionate embrace with his future partner1 once again braved the cold wind of the night3 merely pausing1 for a few minutes1 in the male paupers' ward1 to abuse them a little1 with the view of satisfying himself that he could fill the office of workhouse-master with needful acerbity4 ,assured of his qualifications1 ,mr4 ,bumble left the building with a light heart1 and bright visions of his future promotion3 which served to occupy his mind until he reached the shop of the undertaker4 ,now1 ,mr4 and ,mrs4 ,sowerberry having gone out to tea and supper3 and ,noah ,claypole not being at any time disposed to take upon himself a greater amount of physical exertion than is necessary to a convenient performance of the two functions of eating and drinking1 the shop was not closed1 although it was past the usual hour of shutting-up4 ,mr4 ,bumble tapped with his cane on the counter several times2 but1 attracting no attention1 and beholding a light shining through the glass-window of the little parlour at the back of the shop1 he made bold to peep in and see what was going forward2 and when he saw what was going forward1 he was not a little surprised4 ,the cloth was laid for supper2 the table was covered with bread and butter1 plates and glasses2 a porter-pot and a wine-bottle4 ,at the upper end of the table1 ,mr4 ,noah ,claypole lolled negligently in an easy-chair1 with his legs thrown over one of the arms3 an open clasp-knife in one hand1 and a mass of buttered bread in the other4 ,close beside him stood ,charlotte1 opening oysters from a barrel3 which ,mr4 ,claypole condescended to swallow1 with remarkable avidity4 ,a more than ordinary redness in the region of the young gentleman's nose1 and a kind of fixed wink in his right eye1 denoted that he was in a slight degree intoxicated2 these symptoms were confirmed by the intense relish with which he took his oysters1 for which nothing but a strong appreciation of their cooling properties1 in cases of internal fever1 could have sufficiently accounted4 #8,here's a delicious fat one1 ,noah1 dear6' said ,charlotte2 #8try him1 do2 only this one4' #8,what a delicious thing is a oyster6' remarked ,mr4 ,claypole1 after he had swallowed it4 #8,what a pity it is1 a number of #8em should ever make you feel uncomfortable2 isn't it1 ,charlotte8' #8,it's quite a cruelty1' said ,charlotte4 #8,so it is1' acquiesced ,mr4 ,claypole4 #8,an't yer fond of oysters8' #8,not overmuch1' replied ,charlotte4 #8,i like to see you eat #8em1 ,noah dear1 better than eating #8em myself4' #8,lor6' said ,noah1 reflectively2 #8how queer6' #8,have another1' said ,charlotte4 #8,here's one with such a beautiful1 delicate beard6' #8,i can't manage any more1' said ,noah4 #8,i'm very sorry4 ,come here1 ,charlotte1 and ,i'll kiss yer4' #8,what6' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 bursting into the room4 #8,say that again1 sir4' ,charlotte uttered a scream1 and hid her face in her apron4 ,mr4 ,claypole1 without making any further change in his position than suffering his legs to reach the ground1 gazed at the beadle in drunken terror4 #8,say it again1 you wile1 owdacious fellow6' said ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,how dare you mention such a thing1 sir8 ,and how dare you encourage him1 you insolent minx8 ,kiss her6' exclaimed ,mr4 ,bumble1 in strong indignation4 #8,faugh6' #8,i didn't mean to do it6' said ,noah1 blubbering4 #8,she's always a-kissing of me1 whether ,i like it1 or not4' #8,oh1 ,noah1' cried ,charlotte1 reproachfully4 #8,yer are2 yer know yer are6' retorted ,noah4 #8,she's always a-doin' of it1 ,mr4 ,bumble1 sir2 she chucks me under the chin1 please1 sir2 and makes all manner of love6' #8,silence6' cried ,mr4 ,bumble1 sternly4 #8,take yourself downstairs1 ma'am4 ,noah1 you shut up the shop2 say another word till your master comes home1 at your peril2 and1 when he does come home1 tell him that ,mr4 ,bumble said he was to send a old woman's shell after breakfast to-morrow morning4 ,do you hear sir8 ,kissing6' cried ,mr4 ,bumble1 holding up his hands4 #8,the sin and wickedness of the lower orders in this porochial district is frightful6 ,if ,parliament don't take their abominable courses under consideration1 this country's ruined1 and the character of the peasantry gone for ever6' ,with these words1 the beadle strode1 with a lofty and gloomy air1 from the undertaker's premises4 ,and now that we have accompanied him so far on his road home1 and have made all necessary preparations for the old woman's funeral1 let us set on foot a few inquires after young ,oliver ,twist1 and ascertain whether he be still lying in the ditch where ,toby ,crackit left him4 ,,chapter ,,xxviii -- ,,looks ,,after ,,oliver1 ,,and ,,proceeds ,,with ,,his ,,adventures #8,wolves tear your throats6' muttered ,sikes1 grinding his teeth4 #8,i wish ,i was among some of you2 you'd howl the hoarser for it4' ,as ,sikes growled forth this imprecation1 with the most desperate ferocity that his desperate nature was capable of1 he rested the body of the wounded boy across his bended knee2 and turned his head1 for an instant1 to look back at his pursuers4 ,there was little to be made out1 in the mist and darkness2 but the loud shouting of men vibrated through the air1 and the barking of the neighbouring dogs1 roused by the sound of the alarm bell1 resounded in every direction4 #8,stop1 you white-livered hound6' cried the robber1 shouting after ,toby ,crackit1 who1 making the best use of his long legs1 was already ahead4 #8,stop6' ,the repetition of the word1 brought ,toby to a dead stand-still4 ,for he was not quite satisfied that he was beyond the range of pistol-shot2 and ,sikes was in no mood to be played with4 #8,bear a hand with the boy1' cried ,sikes1 beckoning furiously to his confederate4 #8,come back6' ,toby made a show of returning2 but ventured1 in a low voice1 broken for want of breath1 to intimate considerable reluctance as he came slowly along4 #8,quicker6' cried ,sikes1 laying the boy in a dry ditch at his feet1 and drawing a pistol from his pocket4 #8,don't play booty with me4' ,at this moment the noise grew louder4 ,sikes1 again looking round1 could discern that the men who had given chase were already climbing the gate of the field in which he stood2 and that a couple of dogs were some paces in advance of them4 #8,it's all up1 ,bill6' cried ,toby2 #8drop the kid1 and show #8em your heels4' ,with this parting advice1 ,mr4 ,crackit1 preferring the chance of being shot by his friend1 to the certainty of being taken by his enemies1 fairly turned tail1 and darted off at full speed4 ,sikes clenched his teeth2 took one look around2 threw over the prostrate form of ,oliver1 the cape in which he had been hurriedly muffled2 ran along the front of the hedge1 as if to distract the attention of those behind1 from the spot where the boy lay2 paused1 for a second1 before another hedge which met it at right angles2 and whirling his pistol high into the air1 cleared it at a bound1 and was gone4 #8,ho1 ho1 there6' cried a tremulous voice in the rear4 #8,pincher6 ,neptune6 ,come here1 come here6' ,the dogs1 who1 in common with their masters1 seemed to have no particular relish for the sport in which they were engaged1 readily answered to the command4 ,three men1 who had by this time advanced some distance into the field1 stopped to take counsel together4 #8,my advice1 or1 leastways1 ,i should say1 my orders1 is1' said the fattest man of the party1 #8that we #8mediately go home again4' #8,i am agreeable to anything which is agreeable to ,mr4 ,giles1' said a shorter man2 who was by no means of a slim figure1 and who was very pale in the face1 and very polite3 as frightened men frequently are4 #8,i shouldn't wish to appear ill-mannered1 gentlemen1' said the third1 who had called the dogs back1 #8,mr4 ,giles ought to know4' #8,certainly1' replied the shorter man2 #8and whatever ,mr4 ,giles says1 it isn't our place to contradict him4 ,no1 no1 ,i know my sitiwation6 ,thank my stars1 ,i know my sitiwation4' ,to tell the truth1 the little man did seem to know his situation1 and to know perfectly well that it was by no means a desirable one2 for his teeth chattered in his head as he spoke4 #8,you are afraid1 ,brittles1' said ,mr4 ,giles4 #8,i an't1' said ,brittles4 #8,you are1' said ,giles4 #8,you're a falsehood1 ,mr4 ,giles1' said ,brittles4 #8,you're a lie1 ,brittles1' said ,mr4 ,giles4 ,now1 these four retorts arose from ,mr4 ,giles's taunt2 and ,mr4 ,giles's taunt had arisen from his indignation at having the responsibility of going home again1 imposed upon himself under cover of a compliment4 ,the third man brought the dispute to a close1 most philosophically4 #8,i'll tell you what it is1 gentlemen1' said he1 #8we're all afraid4' #8,speak for yourself1 sir1' said ,mr4 ,giles1 who was the palest of the party4 #8,so ,i do1' replied the man4 #8,it's natural and proper to be afraid1 under such circumstances4 ,i am4' #8,so am ,i1' said ,brittles2 #8only there's no call to tell a man he is1 so bounceably4' ,these frank admissions softened ,mr4 ,giles1 who at once owned that he was afraid2 upon which1 they all three faced about1 and ran back again with the completest unanimity1 until ,mr4 ,giles 7who had the shortest wind of the party1 as was encumbered with a pitchfork7 most handsomely insisted on stopping1 to make an apology for his hastiness of speech4 #8,but it's wonderful1' said ,mr4 ,giles1 when he had explained1 #8what a man will do1 when his blood is up4 ,i should have committed murder--,i know ,i should--if we'd caught one of them rascals4' ,as the other two were impressed with a similar presentiment2 and as their blood1 like his1 had all gone down again2 some speculation ensued upon the cause of this sudden change in their temperament4 #8,i know what it was1' said ,mr4 ,giles2 #8it was the gate4' #8,i shouldn't wonder if it was1' exclaimed ,brittles1 catching at the idea4 #8,you may depend upon it1' said ,giles1 #8that that gate stopped the flow of the excitement4 ,i felt all mine suddenly going away1 as ,i was climbing over it4' ,by a remarkable coincidence1 the other two had been visited with the same unpleasant sensation at that precise moment4 ,it was quite obvious1 therefore1 that it was the gate2 especially as there was no doubt regarding the time at which the change had taken place1 because all three remembered that they had come in sight of the robbers at the instant of its occurance4 ,this dialogue was held between the two men who had surprised the burglars1 and a travelling tinker who had been sleeping in an outhouse1 and who had been roused1 together with his two mongrel curs1 to join in the pursuit4 ,mr4 ,giles acted in the double capacity of butler and steward to the old lady of the mansion2 ,brittles was a lad of all-work3 who1 having entered her service a mere child1 was treated as a promising young boy still1 though he was something past thirty4 ,encouraging each other with such converse as this2 but1 keeping very close together1 notwithstanding1 and looking apprehensively round1 whenever a fresh gust rattled through the boughs2 the three men hurried back to a tree1 behind which they had left their lantern1 lest its light should inform the thieves in what direction to fire4 ,catching up the light1 they made the best of their way home1 at a good round trot2 and long after their dusky forms had ceased to be discernible1 the light might have been seen twinkling and dancing in the distance1 like some exhalation of the damp and gloomy atmosphere through which it was swiftly borne4 ,the air grew colder1 as day came slowly on2 and the mist rolled along the ground like a dense cloud of smoke4 ,the grass was wet2 the pathways1 and low places1 were all mire and water2 the damp breath of an unwholesome wind went languidly by1 with a hollow moaning4 ,still1 ,oliver lay motionless and insensible on the spot where ,sikes had left him4 ,morning drew on apace4 ,the air become more sharp and piercing1 as its first dull hue--the death of night1 rather than the birth of day--glimmered faintly in the sky4 ,the objects which had looked dim and terrible in the darkness1 grew more and more defined1 and gradually resolved into their familiar shapes4 ,the rain came down1 thick and fast1 and pattered noisily among the leafless bushes4 ,but1 ,oliver felt it not1 as it beat against him2 for he still lay stretched1 helpless and unconscious1 on his bed of clay4 ,at length1 a low cry of pain broke the stillness that prevailed2 and uttering it1 the boy awoke4 ,his left arm1 rudely bandaged in a shawl1 hung heavy and useless at his side2 the bandage was saturated with blood4 ,he was so weak1 that he could scarcely raise himself into a sitting posture2 when he had done so1 he looked feebly round for help1 and groaned with pain4 ,trembling in every joint1 from cold and exhaustion1 he made an effort to stand upright2 but1 shuddering from head to foot1 fell prostrate on the ground4 ,after a short return of the stupor in which he had been so long plunged1 ,oliver3 urged by a creeping sickness at his heart1 which seemed to warn him that if he lay there1 he must surely die3 got upon his feet1 and essayed to walk4 ,his head was dizzy1 and he staggered to and fro like a drunken man4 ,but he kept up1 nevertheless1 and1 with his head drooping languidly on his breast1 went stumbling onward1 he knew not whither4 ,and now1 hosts of bewildering and confused ideas came crowding on his mind4 ,he seemed to be still walking between ,sikes and ,crackit1 who were angrily disputing--for the very words they said1 sounded in his ears2 and when he caught his own attention1 as it were1 by making some violent effort to save himself from falling1 he found that he was talking to them4 ,then1 he was alone with ,sikes1 plodding on as on the previous day2 and as shadowy people passed them1 he felt the robber's grasp upon his wrist4 ,suddenly1 he started back at the report of firearms2 there rose into the air1 loud cries and shouts2 lights gleamed before his eyes2 all was noise and tumult1 as some unseen hand bore him hurriedly away4 ,through all these rapid visions1 there ran an undefined1 uneasy consciousness of pain1 which wearied and tormented him incessantly4 ,thus he staggered on1 creeping1 almost mechanically1 between the bars of gates1 or through hedge-gaps as they came in his way1 until he reached a road4 ,here the rain began to fall so heavily1 that it roused him4 ,he looked about1 and saw that at no great distance there was a house1 which perhaps he could reach4 ,pitying his condition1 they might have compassion on him2 and if they did not1 it would be better1 he thought1 to die near human beings1 than in the lonely open fields4 ,he summoned up all his strength for one last trial1 and bent his faltering steps towards it4 ,as he drew nearer to this house1 a feeling come over him that he had seen it before4 ,he remembered nothing of its details2 but the shape and aspect of the building seemed familiar to him4 ,that garden wall6 ,on the grass inside1 he had fallen on his knees last night1 and prayed the two men's mercy4 ,it was the very house they had attempted to rob4 ,oliver felt such fear come over him when he recognised the place1 that1 for the instant1 he forgot the agony of his wound1 and thought only of flight4 ,flight6 ,he could scarcely stand3 and if he were in full possession of all the best powers of his slight and youthful frame1 whither could he fly8 ,he pushed against the garden-gate2 it was unlocked1 and swung open on its hinges4 ,he tottered across the lawn2 climbed the steps2 knocked faintly at the door2 and1 his whole strength failing him1 sunk down against one of the pillars of the little portico4 ,it happened that about this time1 ,mr4 ,giles1 ,brittles1 and the tinker1 were recruiting themselves1 after the fatigues and terrors of the night1 with tea and sundries1 in the kitchen4 ,not that it was ,mr4 ,giles's habit to admit to too great familiarity the humbler servants3 towards whom it was rather his wont to deport himself with a lofty affability1 which1 while it gratified1 could not fail to remind them of his superior position in society4 ,but1 death1 fires1 and burglary1 make all men equals2 so ,mr4 ,giles sat with his legs stretched out before the kitchen fender1 leaning his left arm on the table1 while1 with his right1 he illustrated a circumstantial and minute account of the robbery1 to which his bearers 7but especially the cook and housemaid1 who were of the party7 listened with breathless interest4 #8,it was about half-past two1' said ,mr4 ,giles1 #8or ,i wouldn't swear that it mightn't have been a little nearer three1 when ,i woke up1 and1 turning round in my bed1 as it might be so1 7here ,mr4 ,giles turned round in his chair1 and pulled the corner of the table-cloth over him to imitate bed-clothes17 ,i fancied ,i heerd a noise4' ,at this point of the narrative the cook turned pale1 and asked the housemaid to shut the door3 who asked ,brittles1 who asked the tinker1 who pretended not to hear4 #8--,heerd a noise1' continued ,mr4 ,giles4 #8,i says1 at first1 8,this is illusion02 and was composing myself off to sleep1 when ,i heerd the noise again1 distinct4' #8,what sort of a noise8' asked the cook4 #8,a kind of a busting noise1' replied ,mr4 ,giles1 looking round him4 #8,more like the noise of powdering a iron bar on a nutmeg-grater1' suggested ,brittles4 #8,it was1 when you heerd it1 sir1' rejoined ,mr4 ,giles2 #8but1 at this time1 it had a busting sound4 ,i turned down the clothes'2 continued ,giles1 rolling back the table-cloth1 #8sat up in bed2 and listened4' ,the cook and housemaid simultaneously ejaculated #8,lor6' and drew their chairs closer together4 #8,i heerd it now1 quite apparent1' resumed ,mr4 ,giles4 #88,somebody10 ,i says1 8is forcing of a door1 or window2 what's to be done8 ,i'll call up that poor lad1 ,brittles1 and save him from being murdered in his bed2 or his throat10 ,i says1 8may be cut from his right ear to his left1 without his ever knowing it40' ,here1 all eyes were turned upon ,brittles1 who fixed his upon the speaker1 and stared at him1 with his mouth wide open1 and his face expressive of the most unmitigated horror4 #8,i tossed off the clothes1' said ,giles1 throwing away the table-cloth1 and looking very hard at the cook and housemaid1 #8got softly out of bed2 drew on a pair of--' #8,ladies present1 ,mr4 ,giles1' murmured the tinker4 #8--,of shoes1 sir1' said ,giles1 turning upon him1 and laying great emphasis on the word2 #8seized the loaded pistol that always goes upstairs with the plate-basket2 and walked on tiptoes to his room4 8,brittles10 ,i says1 when ,i had woke him1 8don't be frightened60' #8,so you did1' observed ,brittles1 in a low voice4 #88,we're dead men1 ,i think1 ,brittles10 ,i says1' continued ,giles2 #88but don't be frightened40' #8,was he frightened8' asked the cook4 #8,not a bit of it1' replied ,mr4 ,giles4 #8,he was as firm--ah6 pretty near as firm as ,i was4' #8,i should have died at once1 ,i'm sure1 if it had been me1' observed the housemaid4 #8,you're a woman1' retorted ,brittles1 plucking up a little4 #8,brittles is right1' said ,mr4 ,giles1 nodding his head1 approvingly2 #8from a woman1 nothing else was to be expected4 ,we1 being men1 took a dark lantern that was standing on ,brittle's hob1 and groped our way downstairs in the pitch dark1--as it might be so4' ,mr4 ,giles had risen from his seat1 and taken two steps with his eyes shut1 to accompany his description with appropriate action1 when he started violently1 in common with the rest of the company1 and hurried back to his chair4 ,the cook and housemaid screamed4 #8,it was a knock1' said ,mr4 ,giles1 assuming perfect serenity4 #8,open the door1 somebody4' ,nobody moved4 #8,it seems a strange sort of a thing1 a knock coming at such a time in the morning1' said ,mr4 ,giles1 surveying the pale faces which surrounded him1 and looking very blank himself2 #8but the door must be opened4 ,do you hear1 somebody8' ,mr4 ,giles1 as he spoke1 looked at ,brittles2 but that young man1 being naturally modest1 probably considered himself nobody1 and so held that the inquiry could not have any application to him2 at all events1 he tendered no reply4 ,mr4 ,giles directed an appealing glance at the tinker2 but he had suddenly fallen asleep4 ,the women were out of the question4 #8,if ,brittles would rather open the door1 in the presence of witnesses1' said ,mr4 ,giles1 after a short silence1 #8,i am ready to make one4' #8,so am ,i1' said the tinker1 waking up1 as suddenly as he had fallen asleep4 ,brittles capitulated on these terms2 and the party being somewhat re-assured by the discovery 7made on throwing open the shutters7 that it was now broad day1 took their way upstairs2 with the dogs in front4 ,the two women1 who were afraid to stay below1 brought up the rear4 ,by the advice of ,mr4 ,giles1 they all talked very loud1 to warn any evil-disposed person outside1 that they were strong in numbers2 and by a master-stoke of policy1 originating in the brain of the same ingenious gentleman1 the dogs' tails were well pinched1 in the hall1 to make them bark savagely4 ,these precautions having been taken1 ,mr4 ,giles held on fast by the tinker's arm 7to prevent his running away1 as he pleasantly said71 and gave the word of command to open the door4 ,brittles obeyed2 the group1 peeping timorously over each other's shoulders1 beheld no more formidable object than poor little ,oliver ,twist1 speechless and exhausted1 who raised his heavy eyes1 and mutely solicited their compassion4 #8,a boy6' exclaimed ,mr4 ,giles1 valiantly1 pushing the tinker into the background4 #8,what's the matter with the--eh8--,why--,brittles--look here--don't you know8' ,brittles1 who had got behind the door to open it1 no sooner saw ,oliver1 than he uttered a loud cry4 ,mr4 ,giles1 seizing the boy by one leg and one arm 7fortunately not the broken limb7 lugged him straight into the hall1 and deposited him at full length on the floor thereof4 #8,here he is6' bawled ,giles1 calling in a state of great excitement1 up the staircase2 #8here's one of the thieves1 ma'am6 ,here's a thief1 miss6 ,wounded1 miss6 ,i shot him1 miss2 and ,brittles held the light4' #8--,in a lantern1 miss1' cried ,brittles1 applying one hand to the side of his mouth1 so that his voice might travel the better4 ,the two women-servants ran upstairs to carry the intelligence that ,mr4 ,giles had captured a robber2 and the tinker busied himself in endeavouring to restore ,oliver1 lest he should die before he could be hanged4 ,in the midst of all this noise and commotion1 there was heard a sweet female voice1 which quelled it in an instant4 #8,giles6' whispered the voice from the stair-head4 #8,i'm here1 miss1' replied ,mr4 ,giles4 #8,don't be frightened1 miss2 ,i ain't much injured4 ,he didn't make a very desperate resistance1 miss6 ,i was soon too many for him4' #8,hush6' replied the young lady2 #8you frighten my aunt as much as the thieves did4 ,is the poor creature much hurt8' #8,wounded desperate1 miss1' replied ,giles1 with indescribable complacency4 #8,he looks as if he was a-going1 miss1' bawled ,brittles1 in the same manner as before4 #8,wouldn't you like to come and look at him1 miss1 in case he should8' #8,hush1 pray2 there's a good man6' rejoined the lady4 #8,wait quietly only one instant1 while ,i speak to aunt4' ,with a footstep as soft and gentle as the voice1 the speaker tripped away4 ,she soon returned1 with the direction that the wounded person was to be carried1 carefully1 upstairs to ,mr4 ,giles's room2 and that ,brittles was to saddle the pony and betake himself instantly to ,chertsey3 from which place1 he was to despatch1 with all speed1 a constable and doctor4 #8,but won't you take one look at him1 first1 miss8' asked ,mr4 ,giles1 with as much pride as if ,oliver were some bird of rare plumage1 that he had skilfully brought down4 #8,not one little peep1 miss8' #8,not now1 for the world1' replied the young lady4 #8,poor fellow6 ,oh6 treat him kindly1 ,giles for my sake6' ,the old servant looked up at the speaker1 as she turned away1 with a glance as proud and admiring as if she had been his own child4 ,then1 bending over ,oliver1 he helped to carry him upstairs1 with the care and solicitude of a woman4 ,,chapter ,,xxix -- ,,has ,,an ,,introductory ,,account ,,of ,,the ,,inmates ,,of ,,the ,,house1 ,,to ,,which ,,oliver ,,resorted ,in a handsome room3 though its furniture had rather the air of old-fashioned comfort1 than of modern elegance3 there sat two ladies at a well-spread breakfast-table4 ,mr4 ,giles1 dressed with scrupulous care in a full suit of black1 was in attendance upon them4 ,he had taken his station some half-way between the side-board and the breakfast-table2 and1 with his body drawn up to its full height1 his head thrown back1 and inclined the merest trifle on one side1 his left leg advanced1 and his right hand thrust into his waist-coat1 while his left hung down by his side1 grasping a waiter1 looked like one who laboured under a very agreeable sense of his own merits and importance4 ,of the two ladies1 one was well advanced in years2 but the high-backed oaken chair in which she sat1 was not more upright than she4 ,dressed with the utmost nicety and precision1 in a quaint mixture of by-gone costume1 with some slight concessions to the prevailing taste1 which rather served to point the old style pleasantly than to impair its effect1 she sat1 in a stately manner1 with her hands folded on the table before her4 ,her eyes 7and age had dimmed but little of their brightness7 were attentively upon her young companion4 ,the younger lady was in the lovely bloom and spring-time of womanhood2 at that age1 when1 if ever angels be for ,god's good purposes enthroned in mortal forms1 they may be1 without impiety1 supposed to abide in such as hers4 ,she was not past seventeen4 ,cast in so slight and exquisite a mould2 so mild and gentle2 so pure and beautiful2 that earth seemed not her element1 nor its rough creatures her fit companions4 ,the very intelligence that shone in her deep blue eye1 and was stamped upon her noble head1 seemed scarcely of her age1 or of the world2 and yet the changing expression of sweetness and good humour1 the thousand lights that played about the face1 and left no shadow there2 above all1 the smile1 the cheerful1 happy smile1 were made for ,home1 and fireside peace and happiness4 ,she was busily engaged in the little offices of the table4 ,chancing to raise her eyes as the elder lady was regarding her1 she playfully put back her hair1 which was simply braided on her forehead2 and threw into her beaming look1 such an expression of affection and artless loveliness1 that blessed spirits might have smiled to look upon her4 #8,and ,brittles has been gone upwards of an hour1 has he8' asked the old lady1 after a pause4 #8,an hour and twelve minutes1 ma'am1' replied ,mr4 ,giles1 referring to a silver watch1 which he drew forth by a black ribbon4 #8,he is always slow1' remarked the old lady4 #8,brittles always was a slow boy1 ma'am1' replied the attendant4 ,and seeing1 by the bye1 that ,brittles had been a slow boy for upwards of thirty years1 there appeared no great probability of his ever being a fast one4 #8,he gets worse instead of better1 ,i think1' said the elder lady4 #8,it is very inexcusable in him if he stops to play with any other boys1' said the young lady1 smiling4 ,mr4 ,giles was apparently considering the propriety of indulging in a respectful smile himself1 when a gig drove up to the garden-gate3 out of which there jumped a fat gentleman1 who ran straight up to the door3 and who1 getting quickly into the house by some mysterious process1 burst into the room1 and nearly overturned ,mr4 ,giles and the breakfast-table together4 #8,i never heard of such a thing6' exclaimed the fat gentleman4 #8,my dear ,mrs4 ,maylie--bless my soul--in the silence of the night1 too--,i never heard of such a thing6' ,with these expressions of condolence1 the fat gentleman shook hands with both ladies1 and drawing up a chair1 inquired how they found themselves4 #8,you ought to be dead2 positively dead with the fright1' said the fat gentleman4 #8,why didn't you send8 ,bless me1 my man should have come in a minute2 and so would ,i2 and my assistant would have been delighted2 or anybody1 ,i'm sure1 under such circumstances4 ,dear1 dear6 ,so unexpected6 ,in the silence of the night1 too6' ,the doctor seemed expecially troubled by the fact of the robbery having been unexpected1 and attempted in the night-time2 as if it were the established custom of gentlemen in the housebreaking way to transact business at noon1 and to make an appointment1 by post1 a day or two previous4 #8,and you1 ,miss ,rose1' said the doctor1 turning to the young lady1 #8,i--' #8,oh6 very much so1 indeed1' said ,rose1 interrupting him2 #8but there is a poor creature upstairs1 whom aunt wishes you to see4' #8,ah6 to be sure1' replied the doctor1 #8so there is4 ,that was your handiwork1 ,giles1 ,i understand4' ,mr4 ,giles1 who had been feverishly putting the tea-cups to rights1 blushed very red1 and said that he had had that honour4 #8,honour1 eh8' said the doctor2 #8well1 ,i don't know2 perhaps it's as honourable to hit a thief in a back kitchen1 as to hit your man at twelve paces4 ,fancy that he fired in the air1 and you've fought a duel1 ,giles4' ,mr4 ,giles1 who thought this light treatment of the matter an unjust attempt at diminishing his glory1 answered respectfully1 that it was not for the like of him to judge about that2 but he rather thought it was no joke to the opposite party4 #8,gad1 that's true6' said the doctor4 #8,where is he8 ,show me the way4 ,i'll look in again1 as ,i come down1 ,mrs4 ,maylie4 ,that's the little window that he got in at1 eh8 ,well1 ,i couldn't have believed it6' ,talking all the way1 he followed ,mr4 ,giles upstairs2 and while he is going upstairs1 the reader may be informed1 that ,mr4 ,losberne1 a surgeon in the neighbourhood1 known through a circuit of ten miles round as #8the doctor1' had grown fat1 more from good-humour than from good living3 and was as kind and hearty1 and withal as eccentric an old bachelor1 as will be found in five times that space1 by any explorer alive4 ,the doctor was absent1 much longer than either he or the ladies had anticipated4 ,a large flat box was fetched out of the gig2 and a bedroom bell was rung very often2 and the servants ran up and down stairs perpetually2 from which tokens it was justly concluded that something important was going on above4 ,at length he returned2 and in reply to an anxious inquiry after his patient2 looked very mysterious1 and closed the door1 carefully4 #8,this is a very extraordinary thing1 ,mrs4 ,maylie1' said the doctor1 standing with his back to the door1 as if to keep it shut4 #8,he is not in danger1 ,i hope8' said the old lady4 #8,why1 that would not be an extraordinary thing1 under the circumstances1' replied the doctor2 #8though ,i don't think he is4 ,have you seen the thief8' #8,no1' rejoined the old lady4 #8,nor heard anything about him8' #8,no4' #8,i beg your pardon1 ma'am1 interposed ,mr4 ,giles2 #8but ,i was going to tell you about him when ,doctor ,losberne came in4' ,the fact was1 that ,mr4 ,giles had not1 at first1 been able to bring his mind to the avowal1 that he had only shot a boy4 ,such commendations had been bestowed upon his bravery1 that he could not1 for the life of him1 help postponing the explanation for a few delicious minutes2 during which he had flourished1 in the very zenith of a brief reputation for undaunted courage4 #8,rose wished to see the man1' said ,mrs4 ,maylie1 #8but ,i wouldn't hear of it4' #8,humph6' rejoined the doctor4 #8,there is nothing very alarming in his appearance4 ,have you any objection to see him in my presence8' #8,if it be necessary1' replied the old lady1 #8certainly not4' #8,then ,i think it is necessary1' said the doctor2 #8at all events1 ,i am quite sure that you would deeply regret not having done so1 if you postponed it4 ,he is perfectly quiet and comfortable now4 ,allow me--,miss ,rose1 will you permit me8 ,not the slightest fear1 ,i pledge you my honour6' ,,chapter ,,xxx -- ,,relates ,,what ,,oliver',s ,,new ,,visitors ,,thought ,,of ,,him ,with many loquacious assurances that they would be agreeably surprised in the aspect of the criminal1 the doctor drew the young lady's arm through one of his2 and offering his disengaged hand to ,mrs4 ,maylie1 led them1 with much ceremony and stateliness1 upstairs4 #8,now1' said the doctor1 in a whisper1 as he softly turned the handle of a bedroom-door1 #8let us hear what you think of him4 ,he has not been shaved very recently1 but he don't look at all ferocious notwithstanding4 ,stop1 though6 ,let me first see that he is in visiting order4' ,stepping before them1 he looked into the room4 ,motioning them to advance1 he closed the door when they had entered2 and gently drew back the curtains of the bed4 ,upon it1 in lieu of the dogged1 black-visaged ruffian they had expected to behold1 there lay a mere child3 worn with pain and exhaustion1 and sunk into a deep sleep4 ,his wounded arm1 bound and splintered up1 was crossed upon his breast2 his head reclined upon the other arm1 which was half hidden by his long hair1 as it streamed over the pillow4 ,the honest gentleman held the curtain in his hand1 and looked on1 for a minute or so1 in silence4 ,whilst he was watching the patient thus1 the younger lady glided softly past1 and seating herself in a chair by the bedside1 gathered ,oliver's hair from his face4 ,as she stooped over him1 her tears fell upon his forehead4 ,the boy stirred1 and smiled in his sleep1 as though these marks of pity and compassion had awakened some pleasant dream of a love and affection he had never known4 ,thus1 a strain of gentle music1 or the rippling of water in a silent place1 or the odour of a flower1 or the mention of a familiar word1 will sometimes call up sudden dim remembrances of scenes that never were1 in this life2 which vanish like a breath2 which some brief memory of a happier existence1 long gone by1 would seem to have awakened2 which no voluntary exertion of the mind can ever recall4 #8,what can this mean8' exclaimed the elder lady4 #8,this poor child can never have been the pupil of robbers6' #8,vice1' said the surgeon1 replacing the curtain1 #8takes up her abode in many temples2 and who can say that a fair outside shell not enshrine her8' #8,but at so early an age6' urged ,rose4 #8,my dear young lady1' rejoined the surgeon1 mournfully shaking his head2 #8crime1 like death1 is not confined to the old and withered alone4 ,the youngest and fairest are too often its chosen victims4' #8,but1 can you--oh6 can you really believe that this delicate boy has been the voluntary associate of the worst outcasts of society8' said ,rose4 ,the surgeon shook his head1 in a manner which intimated that he feared it was very possible2 and observing that they might disturb the patient1 led the way into an adjoining apartment4 #8,but even if he has been wicked1' pursued ,rose1 #8think how young he is2 think that he may never have known a mother's love1 or the comfort of a home2 that ill-usage and blows1 or the want of bread1 may have driven him to herd with men who have forced him to guilt4 ,aunt1 dear aunt1 for mercy's sake1 think of this1 before you let them drag this sick child to a prison1 which in any case must be the grave of all his chances of amendment4 ,oh6 as you love me1 and know that ,i have never felt the want of parents in your goodness and affection1 but that ,i might have done so1 and might have been equally helpless and unprotected with this poor child1 have pity upon him before it is too late6' #8,my dear love1' said the elder lady1 as she folded the weeping girl to her bosom1 #8do you think ,i would harm a hair of his head8' #8,oh1 no6' replied ,rose1 eagerly4 #8,no1 surely1' said the old lady2 #8my days are drawing to their close3 and may mercy be shown to me as ,i show it to others6 ,what can ,i do to save him1 sir8' #8,let me think1 ma'am1' said the doctor2 #8let me think4' ,mr4 ,losberne thrust his hands into his pockets1 and took several turns up and down the room2 often stopping1 and balancing himself on his toes1 and frowning frightfully4 ,after various exclamations of #8,i've got it now' and #8no1 ,i haven't1' and as many renewals of the walking and frowning1 he at length made a dead halt1 and spoke as follows3 #8,i think if you give me a full and unlimited commission to bully ,giles1 and that little boy1 ,brittles1 ,i can manage it4 ,giles is a faithful fellow and an old servant1 ,i know2 but you can make it up to him in a thousand ways1 and reward him for being such a good shot besides4 ,you don't object to that8' #8,unless there is some other way of preserving the child1' replied ,mrs4 ,maylie4 #8,there is no other1' said the doctor4 #8,no other1 take my word for it4' #8,then my aunt invests you with full power1' said ,rose1 smiling through her tears2 #8but pray don't be harder upon the poor fellows than is indispensably necessary4' #8,you seem to think1' retorted the doctor1 #8that everybody is disposed to be hard-hearted to-day1 except yourself1 ,miss ,rose4 ,i only hope1 for the sake of the rising male sex generally1 that you may be found in as vulnerable and soft-hearted a mood by the first eligible young fellow who appeals to your compassion2 and ,i wish ,i were a young fellow1 that ,i might avail myself1 on the spot1 of such a favourable opportunity for doing so1 as the present4' #8,you are as great a boy as poor ,brittles himself1' returned ,rose1 blushing4 #8,well1' said the doctor1 laughing heartily1 #8that is no very difficult matter4 ,but to return to this boy4 ,the great point of our agreement is yet to come4 ,he will wake in an hour or so1 ,i dare say2 and although ,i have told that thick-headed constable-fellow downstairs that he musn't be moved or spoken to1 on peril of his life1 ,i think we may converse with him without danger4 ,now ,i make this stipulation--that ,i shall examine him in your presence1 and that1 if1 from what he says1 we judge1 and ,i can show to the satisfaction of your cool reason1 that he is a real and thorough bad one 7which is more than possible71 he shall be left to his fate1 without any farther interference on my part1 at all events4' #8,oh no1 aunt6' entreated ,rose4 #8,oh yes1 aunt6' said the doctor4 #8,is is a bargain8' #8,he cannot be hardened in vice1' said ,rose2 #8,it is impossible4' #8,very good1' retorted the doctor2 #8then so much the more reason for acceding to my proposition4' ,finally the treaty was entered into2 and the parties thereunto sat down to wait1 with some impatience1 until ,oliver should awake4 ,the patience of the two ladies was destined to undergo a longer trial than ,mr4 ,losberne had led them to expect2 for hour after hour passed on1 and still ,oliver slumbered heavily4 ,it was evening1 indeed1 before the kind-hearted doctor brought them the intelligence1 that he was at length sufficiently restored to be spoken to4 ,the boy was very ill1 he said1 and weak from the loss of blood2 but his mind was so troubled with anxiety to disclose something1 that he deemed it better to give him the opportunity1 than to insist upon his remaining quiet until next morning3 which he should otherwise have done4 ,the conference was a long one4 ,oliver told them all his simple history1 and was often compelled to stop1 by pain and want of strength4 ,it was a solemn thing1 to hear1 in the darkened room1 the feeble voice of the sick child recounting a weary catalogue of evils and calamities which hard men had brought upon him4 ,oh6 if when we oppress and grind our fellow-creatures1 we bestowed but one thought on the dark evidences of human error1 which1 like dense and heavy clouds1 are rising1 slowly it is true1 but not less surely1 to ,heaven1 to pour their after-vengeance on our heads2 if we heard but one instant1 in imagination1 the deep testimony of dead men's voices1 which no power can stifle1 and no pride shut out2 where would be the injury and injustice1 the suffering1 misery1 cruelty1 and wrong1 that each day's life brings with it6 ,oliver's pillow was smoothed by gentle hands that night2 and loveliness and virtue watched him as he slept4 ,he felt calm and happy1 and could have died without a murmur4 ,the momentous interview was no sooner concluded1 and ,oliver composed to rest again1 than the doctor1 after wiping his eyes1 and condemning them for being weak all at once1 betook himself downstairs to open upon ,mr4 ,giles4 ,and finding nobody about the parlours1 it occurred to him1 that he could perhaps originate the proceedings with better effect in the kitchen2 so into the kitchen he went4 ,there were assembled1 in that lower house of the domestic parliament1 the women-servants1 ,mr4 ,brittles1 ,mr4 ,giles1 the tinker 7who had received a special invitation to regale himself for the remainder of the day1 in consideration of his services71 and the constable4 ,the latter gentleman had a large staff1 a large head1 large features1 and large half-boots2 and he looked as if he had been taking a proportionate allowance of ale--as indeed he had4 ,the adventures of the previous night were still under discussion2 for ,mr4 ,giles was expatiating upon his presence of mind1 when the doctor entered2 ,mr4 ,brittles1 with a mug of ale in his hand1 was corroborating everything1 before his superior said it4 #8,sit still6' said the doctor1 waving his hand4 #8,thank you1 sir1 said ,mr4 ,giles4 #8,misses wished some ale to be given out1 sir2 and as ,i felt no ways inclined for my own little room1 sir1 and was disposed for company1 ,i am taking mine among #8em here4' ,brittles headed a low murmur1 by which the ladies and gentlemen generally were understood to express the gratification they derived from ,mr4 ,giles's condescension4 ,mr4 ,giles looked round with a patronising air1 as much as to say that so long as they behaved properly1 he would never desert them4 #8,how is the patient to-night1 sir8' asked ,giles4 #8,so-so'2 returned the doctor4 #8,i am afraid you have got yourself into a scrape there1 ,mr4 ,giles4' #8,i hope you don't mean to say1 sir1' said ,mr4 ,giles1 trembling1 #8that he's going to die4 ,if ,i thought it1 ,i should never be happy again4 ,i wouldn't cut a boy off3 no1 not even ,brittles here2 not for all the plate in the county1 sir4' #8,that's not the point1' said the doctor1 mysteriously4 #8,mr4 ,giles1 are you a ,protestant8' #8,yes1 sir1 ,i hope so1' faltered ,mr4 ,giles1 who had turned very pale4 #8,and what are you1 boy8' said the doctor1 turning sharply upon ,brittles4 #8,lord bless me1 sir6' replied ,brittles1 starting violently2 #8,i'm the same as ,mr4 ,giles1 sir4' #8,then tell me this1' said the doctor1 #8both of you1 both of you6 ,are you going to take upon yourselves to swear1 that that boy upstairs is the boy that was put through the little window last night8 ,out with it6 ,come6 ,we are prepared for you6' ,the doctor1 who was universally considered one of the best-tempered creatures on earth1 made this demand in such a dreadful tone of anger1 that ,giles and ,brittles1 who were considerably muddled by ale and excitement1 stared at each other in a state of stupefaction4 #8,pay attention to the reply1 constable1 will you8' said the doctor1 shaking his forefinger with great solemnity of manner1 and tapping the bridge of his nose with it1 to bespeak the exercise of that worthy's utmost acuteness4 #8,something may come of this before long4' ,the constable looked as wise as he could1 and took up his staff of office3 which had been reclining indolently in the chimney-corner4 #8,it's a simple question of identity1 you will observe1' said the doctor4 #8,that's what it is1 sir1' replied the constable1 coughing with great violence2 for he had finished his ale in a hurry1 and some of it had gone the wrong way4 #8,here's the house broken into1' said the doctor1 #8and a couple of men catch one moment's glimpse of a boy1 in the midst of gunpowder smoke1 and in all the distraction of alarm and darkness4 ,here's a boy comes to that very same house1 next morning1 and because he happens to have his arm tied up1 these men lay violent hands upon him--by doing which1 they place his life in great danger--and swear he is the thief4 ,now1 the question is1 whether these men are justified by the fact2 if not1 in what situation do they place themselves8' ,the constable nodded profoundly4 ,he said1 if that wasn't law1 he would be glad to know what was4 #8,i ask you again1' thundered the doctor1 #8are you1 on your solemn oaths1 able to identify that boy8' ,brittles looked doubtfully at ,mr4 ,giles2 ,mr4 ,giles looked doubtfully at ,brittles2 the constable put his hand behind his ear1 to catch the reply2 the two women and the tinker leaned forward to listen2 the doctor glanced keenly round2 when a ring was heard at the gate1 and at the same moment1 the sound of wheels4 #8,it's the runners6' cried ,brittles1 to all appearance much relieved4 #8,the what8' exclaimed the doctor1 aghast in his turn4 #8,the ,bow ,street officers1 sir1' replied ,brittles1 taking up a candle2 #8me and ,mr4 ,giles sent for #8em this morning4' #8,what8' cried the doctor4 #8,yes1' replied ,brittles2 #8,i sent a message up by the coachman1 and ,i only wonder they weren't here before1 sir4' #8,you did1 did you8 ,then confound your--slow coaches down here2 that's all1' said the doctor1 walking away4 ,,chapter ,,xxxi -- ,,involves ,a ,,critical ,,position #8,who's that8' inquired ,brittles1 opening the door a little way1 with the chain up1 and peeping out1 shading the candle with his hand4 #8,open the door1' replied a man outside2 #8it's the officers from ,bow ,street1 as was sent to to-day4' ,much comforted by this assurance1 ,brittles opened the door to its full width1 and confronted a portly man in a great-coat2 who walked in1 without saying anything more1 and wiped his shoes on the mat1 as coolly as if he lived there4 #8,just send somebody out to relieve my mate1 will you1 young man8' said the officer2 #8he's in the gig1 a-minding the prad4 ,have you got a coach #8us here1 that you could put it up in1 for five or ten minutes8' ,brittles replying in the affirmative1 and pointing out the building1 the portly man stepped back to the garden-gate1 and helped his companion to put up the gig3 while ,brittles lighted them1 in a state of great admiration4 ,this done1 they returned to the house1 and1 being shown into a parlour1 took off their great-coats and hats1 and showed like what they were4 ,the man who had knocked at the door1 was a stout personage of middle height1 aged about fifty3 with shiny black hair1 cropped pretty close2 half-whiskers1 a round face1 and sharp eyes4 ,the other was a red-headed1 bony man1 in top-boots2 with a rather ill-favoured countenance1 and a turned-up sinister-looking nose4 #8,tell your governor that ,blathers and ,duff is here1 will you8' said the stouter man1 smoothing down his hair1 and laying a pair of handcuffs on the table4 #8,oh6 ,good-evening1 master4 ,can ,i have a word or two with you in private1 if you please8' ,this was addressed to ,mr4 ,losberne1 who now made his appearance2 that gentleman1 motioning ,brittles to retire1 brought in the two ladies1 and shut the door4 #8,this is the lady of the house1' said ,mr4 ,losberne1 motioning towards ,mrs4 ,maylie4 ,mr4 ,blathers made a bow4 ,being desired to sit down1 he put his hat on the floor1 and taking a chair1 motioned to ,duff to do the same4 ,the latter gentleman1 who did not appear quite so much accustomed to good society1 or quite so much at his ease in it--one of the two--seated himself1 after undergoing several muscular affections of the limbs1 and the head of his stick into his mouth1 with some embarrassment4 #8,now1 with regard to this here robbery1 master1' said ,blathers4 #8,what are the circumstances8' ,mr4 ,losberne1 who appeared desirous of gaining time1 recounted them at great length1 and with much circumlocution4 ,messrs4 ,blathers and ,duff looked very knowing meanwhile1 and occasionally exchanged a nod4 #8,i can't say1 for certain1 till ,i see the work1 of course1' said ,blathers2 #8but my opinion at once is1--,i don't mind committing myself to that extent1--that this wasn't done by a yokel2 eh1 ,duff8' #8,certainly not1' replied ,duff4 #8,and1 translating the word yokel for the benefit of the ladies1 ,i apprehend your meaning to be1 that this attempt was not made by a countryman8' said ,mr4 ,losberne1 with a smile4 #8,that's it1 master1' replied ,blathers4 #8,this is all about the robbery1 is it8' #8,all1' replied the doctor4 #8,now1 what is this1 about this here boy that the servants are a-talking on8' said ,blathers4 #8,nothing at all1' replied the doctor4 #8,one of the frightened servants chose to take it into his head1 that he had something to do with this attempt to break into the house2 but it's nonsense3 sheer absurdity4' #8,wery easy disposed of1 if it is1' remarked ,duff4 #8,what he says is quite correct1' observed ,blathers1 nodding his head in a confirmatory way1 and playing carelessly with the handcuffs1 as if they were a pair of castanets4 #8,who is the boy8 ,what account does he give of himself8 ,where did he come from8 ,he didn't drop out of the clouds1 did he1 master8' #8,of course not1' replied the doctor1 with a nervous glance at the two ladies4 #8,i know his whole history3 but we can talk about that presently4 ,you would like1 first1 to see the place where the thieves made their attempt1 ,i suppose8' #8,certainly1' rejoined ,mr4 ,blathers4 #8,we had better inspect the premises first1 and examine the servants afterwards4 ,that's the usual way of doing business4' ,lights were then procured2 and ,messrs4 ,blathers and ,duff1 attended by the native constable1 ,brittles1 ,giles1 and everybody else in short1 went into the little room at the end of the passage and looked out at the window2 and afterwards went round by way of the lawn1 and looked in at the window2 and after that1 had a candle handed out to inspect the shutter with2 and after that1 a lantern to trace the footsteps with2 and after that1 a pitchfork to poke the bushes with4 ,this done1 amidst the breathless interest of all beholders1 they came in again2 and ,mr4 ,giles and ,brittles were put through a melodramatic representation of their share in the previous night's adventures3 which they performed some six times over3 contradicting each other1 in not more than one important respect1 the first time1 and in not more than a dozen the last4 ,this consummation being arrived at1 ,blathers and ,duff cleared the room1 and held a long council together1 compared with which1 for secrecy and solemnity1 a consultation of great doctors on the knottiest point in medicine1 would be mere child's play4 ,meanwhile1 the doctor walked up and down the next room in a very uneasy state2 and ,mrs4 ,maylie and ,rose looked on1 with anxious faces4 #8,upon my word1' he said1 making a halt1 after a great number of very rapid turns1 #8,i hardly know what to do4' #8,surely1' said ,rose1 #8the poor child's story1 faithfully repeated to these men1 will be sufficient to exonerate him4' #8,i doubt it1 my dear young lady1' said the doctor1 shaking his head4 #8,i don't think it would exonerate him1 either with them1 or with legal functionaries of a higher grade4 ,what is he1 after all1 they would say8 ,a runaway4 ,judged by mere worldly considerations and probabilities1 his story is a very doubtful one4' #8,you believe it1 surely8' interrupted ,rose4 #8,i believe it1 strange as it is2 and perhaps ,i may be an old fool for doing so1' rejoined the doctor2 #8but ,i don't think it is exactly the tale for a practical police-officer1 nevertheless4' #8,why not8' demanded ,rose4 #8,because1 my pretty cross-examiner1' replied the doctor3 #8because1 viewed with their eyes1 there are many ugly points about it2 he can only prove the parts that look ill1 and none of those that look well4 ,confound the fellows1 they will have the why and the wherefore1 and will take nothing for granted4 ,on his own showing1 you see1 he has been the companion of thieves for some time past2 he has been carried to a police-officer1 on a charge of picking a gentleman's pocket2 he has been taken away1 forcibly1 from that gentleman's house1 to a place which he cannot describe or point out1 and of the situation of which he has not the remotest idea4 ,he is brought down to ,chertsey1 by men who seem to have taken a violent fancy to him1 whether he will or no2 and is put through a window to rob a house2 and then1 just at the very moment when he is going to alarm the inmates1 and so do the very thing that would set him all to rights1 there rushes into the way1 a blundering dog of a half-bred butler1 and shoots him6 ,as if on purpose to prevent his doing any good for himself6 ,don't you see all this8' #8,i see it1 of course1' replied ,rose1 smiling at the doctor's impetuosity2 #8but still ,i do not see anything in it1 to criminate the poor child4' #8,no1' replied the doctor2 #8of course not6 ,bless the bright eyes of your sex6 ,they never see1 whether for good or bad1 more than one side of any question2 and that is1 always1 the one which first presents itself to them4' ,having given vent to this result of experience1 the doctor put his hands into his pockets1 and walked up and down the room with even greater rapidity than before4 #8,the more ,i think of it1' said the doctor1 #8the more ,i see that it will occasion endless trouble and difficulty if we put these men in possession of the boy's real story4 ,i am certain it will not be believed2 and even if they can do nothing to him in the end1 still the dragging it forward1 and giving publicity to all the doubts that will be cast upon it1 must interfere1 materially1 with your benevolent plan of rescuing him from misery4' #8,oh6 what is to be done8' cried ,rose4 #8,dear1 dear6 why did they send for these people8' #8,why1 indeed6' exclaimed ,mrs4 ,maylie4 #8,i would not have had them here1 for the world4' #8,all ,i know is1' said ,mr4 ,losberne1 at last3 sitting down with a kind of desperate calmness1 #8that we must try and carry it off with a bold face4 ,the object is a good one1 and that must be our excuse4 ,the boy has strong symptoms of fever upon him1 and is in no condition to be talked to any more2 that's one comfort4 ,we must make the best of it2 and if bad be the best1 it is no fault of ours4 ,come in6' #8,well1 master1' said ,blathers1 entering the room followed by his colleague1 and making the door fast1 before he said any more4 #8,this warn't a put-up thing4' #8,and what the devil's a put-up thing8' demanded the doctor1 impatiently4 #8,we call it a put-up robbery1 ladies1' said ,blathers1 turning to them1 as if he pitied their ignorance1 but had a contempt for the doctor's1 #8when the servants is in it4' #8,nobody suspected them1 in this case1' said ,mrs4 ,maylie4 #8,wery likely not1 ma'am1' replied ,blathers2 #8but they might have been in it1 for all that4' #8,more likely on that wery account1' said ,duff4 #8,we find it was a town hand1' said ,blathers1 continuing his report2 #8for the style of work is first-rate4' #8,wery pretty indeed it is1' remarked ,duff1 in an undertone4 #8,there was two of #8em in it1' continued ,blathers2 #8and they had a boy with #8em2 that's plain from the size of the window4 ,that's all to be said at present4 ,we'll see this lad that you've got upstairs at once1 if you please4' #8,perhaps they will take something to drink first1 ,mrs4 ,maylie8' said the doctor3 his face brightening1 as if some new thought had occurred to him4 #8,oh6 to be sure6' exclaimed ,rose1 eagerly4 #8,you shall have it immediately1 if you will4' #8,why1 thank you1 miss6' said ,blathers1 drawing his coat-sleeve across his mouth2 #8it's dry work1 this sort of duty4 ,anythink that's handy1 miss2 don't put yourself out of the way1 on our accounts4' #8,what shall it be8' asked the doctor1 following the young lady to the sideboard4 #8,a little drop of spirits1 master1 if it's all the same1' replied ,blathers4 #8,it's a cold ride from ,london1 ma'am2 and ,i always find that spirits comes home warmer to the feelings4' ,this interesting communication was addressed to ,mrs4 ,maylie1 who received it very graciously4 ,while it was being conveyed to her1 the doctor slipped out of the room4 #8,ah6' said ,mr4 ,blathers3 not holding his wine-glass by the stem1 but grasping the bottom between the thumb and forefinger of his left hand3 and placing it in front of his chest2 #8,i have seen a good many pieces of business like this1 in my time1 ladies4' #8,that crack down in the back lane at ,edmonton1 ,blathers1' said ,mr4 ,duff1 assisting his colleague's memory4 #8,that was something in this way1 warn't it8' rejoined ,mr4 ,blathers2 #8that was done by ,conkey ,chickweed1 that was4' #8,you always gave that to him' replied ,duff4 #8,it was the ,family ,pet1 ,i tell you4 ,conkey hadn't any more to do with it than ,i had4' #8,get out6' retorted ,mr4 ,blathers2 #8,i know better4 ,do you mind that time when ,conkey was robbed of his money1 though8 ,what a start that was6 ,better than any novel-book ,i ever see6' #8,what was that8' inquired ,rose3 anxious to encourage any symptoms of good-humour in the unwelcome visitors4 #8,it was a robbery1 miss1 that hardly anybody would have been down upon1' said ,blathers4 #8,this here ,conkey ,chickweed--' #8,conkey means ,nosey1 ma'am1' interposed ,duff4 #8,of course the lady knows that1 don't she8' demanded ,mr4 ,blathers4 #8,always interrupting1 you are1 partner6 ,this here ,conkey ,chickweed1 miss1 kept a public-house over ,battlebridge way1 and he had a cellar1 where a good many young lords went to see cock-fighting1 and badger-drawing1 and that2 and a wery intellectual manner the sports was conducted in1 for ,i've seen #8em off'en4 ,he warn't one of the family1 at that time2 and one night he was robbed of three hundred and twenty-seven guineas in a canvas bag1 that was stole out of his bedroom in the dead of night1 by a tall man with a black patch over his eye1 who had concealed himself under the bed1 and after committing the robbery1 jumped slap out of window3 which was only a story high4 ,he was wery quick about it4 ,but ,conkey was quick1 too2 for he fired a blunderbuss arter him1 and roused the neighbourhood4 ,they set up a hue-and-cry1 directly1 and when they came to look about #8em1 found that ,conkey had hit the robber2 for there was traces of blood1 all the way to some palings a good distance off2 and there they lost #8em4 ,however1 he had made off with the blunt2 and1 consequently1 the name of ,mr4 ,chickweed1 licensed witler1 appeared in the ,gazette among the other bankrupts2 and all manner of benefits and subscriptions1 and ,i don't know what all1 was got up for the poor man1 who was in a wery low state of mind about his loss1 and went up and down the streets1 for three or four days1 a pulling his hair off in such a desperate manner that many people was afraid he might be going to make away with himself4 ,one day he came up to the office1 all in a hurry1 and had a private interview with the magistrate1 who1 after a deal of talk1 rings the bell1 and orders ,jem ,spyers in 7,jem was a active officer71 and tells him to go and assist ,mr4 ,chickweed in apprehending the man as robbed his house4 8,i see him1 ,spyers10 said ,chickweed1 8pass my house yesterday morning10 8,why didn't you up1 and collar him60 says ,spyers4 8,i was so struck all of a heap1 that you might have fractured my skull with a toothpick10 says the poor man2 8but we're sure to have him2 for between ten and eleven o'clock at night he passed again40 ,spyers no sooner heard this1 than he put some clean linen and a comb1 in his pocket1 in case he should have to stop a day or two2 and away he goes1 and sets himself down at one of the public-house windows behind the little red curtain1 with his hat on1 all ready to bolt out1 at a moment's notice4 ,he was smoking his pipe here1 late at night1 when all of a sudden ,chickweed roars out1 8,here he is6 ,stop thief6 ,murder60 ,jem ,spyers dashes out2 and there he sees ,chickweed1 a-tearing down the street full cry4 ,away goes ,spyers2 on goes ,chickweed2 round turns the people2 everybody roars out1 8,thieves60 and ,chickweed himself keeps on shouting1 all the time1 like mad4 ,spyers loses sight of him a minute as he turns a corner2 shoots round2 sees a little crowd2 dives in2 8,which is the man80 8,d--me60 says ,chickweed1 8,i've lost him again60 ,it was a remarkable occurrence1 but he warn't to be seen nowhere1 so they went back to the public-house4 ,next morning1 ,spyers took his old place1 and looked out1 from behind the curtain1 for a tall man with a black patch over his eye1 till his own two eyes ached again4 ,at last1 he couldn't help shutting #8em1 to ease #8em a minute2 and the very moment he did so1 he hears ,chickweed a-roaring out1 8,here he is60 ,off he starts once more1 with ,chickweed half-way down the street ahead of him2 and after twice as long a run as the yesterday's one1 the man's lost again6 ,this was done1 once or twice more1 till one-half the neighbours gave out that ,mr4 ,chickweed had been robbed by the devil1 who was playing tricks with him arterwards2 and the other half1 that poor ,mr4 ,chickweed had gone mad with grief4' #8,what did ,jem ,spyers say8' inquired the doctor2 who had returned to the room shortly after the commencement of the story4 #8,jem ,spyers1' resumed the officer1 #8for a long time said nothing at all1 and listened to everything without seeming to1 which showed he understood his business4 ,but1 one morning1 he walked into the bar1 and taking out his snuffbox1 says 8,chickweed1 ,i've found out who done this here robbery40 8,have you80 said ,chickweed4 8,oh1 my dear ,spyers1 only let me have wengeance1 and ,i shall die contented6 ,oh1 my dear ,spyers1 where is the villain60 8,come60 said ,spyers1 offering him a pinch of snuff1 8none of that gammon6 ,you did it yourself40 ,so he had2 and a good bit of money he had made by it1 too2 and nobody would never have found it out1 if he hadn't been so precious anxious to keep up appearances6' said ,mr4 ,blathers1 putting down his wine-glass1 and clinking the handcuffs together4 #8,very curious1 indeed1' observed the doctor4 #8,now1 if you please1 you can walk upstairs4' #8,if you please1 sir1' returned ,mr4 ,blathers4 ,closely following ,mr4 ,losberne1 the two officers ascended to ,oliver's bedroom2 ,mr4 ,giles preceding the party1 with a lighted candle4 ,oliver had been dozing2 but looked worse1 and was more feverish than he had appeared yet4 ,being assisted by the doctor1 he managed to sit up in bed for a minute or so2 and looked at the strangers without at all understanding what was going forward--in fact1 without seeming to recollect where he was1 or what had been passing4 #8,this1' said ,mr4 ,losberne1 speaking softly1 but with great vehemence notwithstanding1 #8this is the lad1 who1 being accidently wounded by a spring-gun in some boyish trespass on ,mr4 ,what-d' ye-call-him's grounds1 at the back here1 comes to the house for assistance this morning1 and is immediately laid hold of and maltreated1 by that ingenious gentleman with the candle in his hand3 who has placed his life in considerable danger1 as ,i can professionally certify4' ,messrs4 ,blathers and ,duff looked at ,mr4 ,giles1 as he was thus recommended to their notice4 ,the bewildered butler gazed from them towards ,oliver1 and from ,oliver towards ,mr4 ,losberne1 with a most ludicrous mixture of fear and perplexity4 #8,you don't mean to deny that1 ,i suppose8' said the doctor1 laying ,oliver gently down again4 #8,it was all done for the--for the best1 sir1' answered ,giles4 #8,i am sure ,i thought it was the boy1 or ,i wouldn't have meddled with him4 ,i am not of an inhuman disposition1 sir4' #8,thought it was what boy8' inquired the senior officer4 #8,the housebreaker's boy1 sir6' replied ,giles4 #8,they--they certainly had a boy4' #8,well8 ,do you think so now8' inquired ,blathers4 #8,think what1 now8' replied ,giles1 looking vacantly at his questioner4 #8,think it's the same boy1 ,stupid-head8' rejoined ,blathers1 impatiently4 #8,i don't know2 ,i really don't know1' said ,giles1 with a rueful countenance4 #8,i couldn't swear to him4' #8,what do you think8' asked ,mr4 ,blathers4 #8,i don't know what to think1' replied poor ,giles4 #8,i don't think it is the boy2 indeed1 ,i'm almost certain that it isn't4 ,you know it can't be4' #8,has this man been a-drinking1 sir8' inquired ,blathers1 turning to the doctor4 #8,what a precious muddle-headed chap you are6' said ,duff1 addressing ,mr4 ,giles1 with supreme contempt4 ,mr4 ,losberne had been feeling the patient's pulse during this short dialogue2 but he now rose from the chair by the bedside1 and remarked1 that if the officers had any doubts upon the subject1 they would perhaps like to step into the next room1 and have ,brittles before them4 ,acting upon this suggestion1 they adjourned to a neighbouring apartment1 where ,mr4 ,brittles1 being called in1 involved himself and his respected superior in such a wonderful maze of fresh contradictions and impossibilities1 as tended to throw no particular light on anything1 but the fact of his own strong mystification2 except1 indeed1 his declarations that he shouldn't know the real boy1 if he were put before him that instant2 that he had only taken ,oliver to be he1 because ,mr4 ,giles had said he was2 and that ,mr4 ,giles had1 five minutes previously1 admitted in the kitchen1 that he began to be very much afraid he had been a little too hasty4 ,among other ingenious surmises1 the question was then raised1 whether ,mr4 ,giles had really hit anybody2 and upon examination of the fellow pistol to that which he had fired1 it turned out to have no more destructive loading than gunpowder and brown paper3 a discovery which made a considerable impression on everybody but the doctor1 who had drawn the ball about ten minutes before4 ,upon no one1 however1 did it make a greater impression than on ,mr4 ,giles himself2 who1 after labouring1 for some hours1 under the fear of having mortally wounded a fellow-creature1 eagerly caught at this new idea1 and favoured it to the utmost4 ,finally1 the officers1 without troubling themselves very much about ,oliver1 left the ,chertsey constable in the house1 and took up their rest for that night in the town2 promising to return the next morning4 ,with the next morning1 there came a rumour1 that two men and a boy were in the cage at ,kingston1 who had been apprehended over night under suspicious circumstances2 and to ,kingston ,messrs4 ,blathers and ,duff journeyed accordingly4 ,the suspicious circumstances1 however1 resolving themselves1 on investigation1 into the one fact1 that they had been discovered sleeping under a haystack2 which1 although a great crime1 is only punishable by imprisonment1 and is1 in the merciful eye of the ,english law1 and its comprehensive love of all the ,king's subjects1 held to be no satisfactory proof1 in the absence of all other evidence1 that the sleeper1 or sleepers1 have committed burglary accompanied with violence1 and have therefore rendered themselves liable to the punishment of death2 ,messrs4 ,blathers and ,duff came back again1 as wise as they went4 ,in short1 after some more examination1 and a great deal more conversation1 a neighbouring magistrate was readily induced to take the joint bail of ,mrs4 ,maylie and ,mr4 ,losberne for ,oliver's appearance if he should ever be called upon2 and ,blathers and ,duff1 being rewarded with a couple of guineas1 returned to town with divided opinions on the subject of their expedition3 the latter gentleman on a mature consideration of all the circumstances1 inclining to the belief that the burglarious attempt had originated with the ,family ,pet2 and the former being equally disposed to concede the full merit of it to the great ,mr4 ,conkey ,chickweed4 ,meanwhile1 ,oliver gradually throve and prospered under the united care of ,mrs4 ,maylie1 ,rose1 and the kind-hearted ,mr4 ,losberne4 ,if fervent prayers1 gushing from hearts overcharged with gratitude1 be heard in heaven--and if they be not1 what prayers are6--the blessings which the orphan child called down upon them1 sunk into their souls1 diffusing peace and happiness4 ,,chapter ,,xxxii -- ,,of ,,the ,,happy ,,life ,,oliver ,,began ,,to ,,lead ,,with ,,his ,,kind ,,friends ,oliver's ailings were neither slight nor few4 ,in addition to the pain and delay attendant on a broken limb1 his exposure to the wet and cold had brought on fever and ague3 which hung about him for many weeks1 and reduced him sadly4 ,but1 at length1 he began1 by slow degrees1 to get better1 and to be able to say sometimes1 in a few tearful words1 how deeply he felt the goodness of the two sweet ladies1 and how ardently he hoped that when he grew strong and well again1 he could do something to show his gratitude2 only something1 which would let them see the love and duty with which his breast was full2 something1 however slight1 which would prove to them that their gentle kindness had not been cast away2 but that the poor boy whom their charity had rescued from misery1 or death1 was eager to serve them with his whole heart and soul4 #8,poor fellow6' said ,rose1 when ,oliver had been one day feebly endeavouring to utter the words of thankfulness that rose to his pale lips2 #8you shall have many opportunities of serving us1 if you will4 ,we are going into the country1 and my aunt intends that you shall accompany us4 ,the quiet place1 the pure air1 and all the pleasure and beauties of spring1 will restore you in a few days4 ,we will employ you in a hundred ways1 when you can bear the trouble4' #8,the trouble6' cried ,oliver4 #8,oh6 dear lady1 if ,i could but work for you2 if ,i could only give you pleasure by watering your flowers1 or watching your birds1 or running up and down the whole day long1 to make you happy2 what would ,i give to do it6' #8,you shall give nothing at all1' said ,miss ,maylie1 smiling2 #8for1 as ,i told you before1 we shall employ you in a hundred ways2 and if you only take half the trouble to please us1 that you promise now1 you will make me very happy indeed4' #8,happy1 ma'am6' cried ,oliver2 #8how kind of you to say so6' #8,you will make me happier than ,i can tell you1' replied the young lady4 #8,to think that my dear good aunt should have been the means of rescuing any one from such sad misery as you have described to us1 would be an unspeakable pleasure to me2 but to know that the object of her goodness and compassion was sincerely grateful and attached1 in consequence1 would delight me1 more than you can well imagine4 ,do you understand me8' she inquired1 watching ,oliver's thoughtful face4 #8,oh yes1 ma'am1 yes6' replied ,oliver eagerly2 #8but ,i was thinking that ,i am ungrateful now4' #8,to whom8' inquired the young lady4 #8,to the kind gentleman1 and the dear old nurse1 who took so much care of me before1' rejoined ,oliver4 #8,if they knew how happy ,i am1 they would be pleased1 ,i am sure4' #8,i am sure they would1' rejoined ,oliver's benefactress2 #8and ,mr4 ,losberne has already been kind enough to promise that when you are well enough to bear the journey1 he will carry you to see them4' #8,has he1 ma'am8' cried ,oliver1 his face brightening with pleasure4 #8,i don't know what ,i shall do for joy when ,i see their kind faces once again6' ,in a short time ,oliver was sufficiently recovered to undergo the fatigue of this expedition4 ,one morning he and ,mr4 ,losberne set out1 accordingly1 in a little carriage which belonged to ,mrs4 ,maylie4 ,when they came to ,chertsey ,bridge1 ,oliver turned very pale1 and uttered a loud exclamation4 #8,what's the matter with the boy8' cried the doctor1 as usual1 all in a bustle4 #8,do you see anything--hear anything--feel anything--eh8' #8,that1 sir1' cried ,oliver1 pointing out of the carriage window4 #8,that house6' #8,yes2 well1 what of it8 ,stop coachman4 ,pull up here1' cried the doctor4 #8,what of the house1 my man2 eh8' #8,the thieves--the house they took me to6' whispered ,oliver4 #8,the devil it is6' cried the doctor4 #8,hallo1 there6 let me out6' ,but1 before the coachman could dismount from his box1 he had tumbled out of the coach1 by some means or other2 and1 running down to the deserted tenement1 began kicking at the door like a madman4 #8,halloa8' said a little ugly hump-backed man3 opening the door so suddenly1 that the doctor1 from the very impetus of his last kick1 nearly fell forward into the passage4 #8,what's the matter here8' #8,matter6' exclaimed the other1 collaring him1 without a moment's reflection4 #8,a good deal4 ,robbery is the matter4' #8,there'll be ,murder the matter1 too1' replied the hump-backed man1 coolly1 #8if you don't take your hands off4 ,do you hear me8' #8,i hear you1' said the doctor1 giving his captive a hearty shake4 #8,where's--confound the fellow1 what's his rascally name--,sikes2 that's it4 ,where's ,sikes1 you thief8' ,the hump-backed man stared1 as if in excess of amazement and indignation2 then1 twisting himself1 dexterously1 from the doctor's grasp1 growled forth a volley of horrid oaths1 and retired into the house4 ,before he could shut the door1 however1 the doctor had passed into the parlour1 without a word of parley4 ,he looked anxiously round2 not an article of furniture2 not a vestige of anything1 animate or inanimate2 not even the position of the cupboards2 answered ,oliver's description6 #8,now6' said the hump-backed man1 who had watched him keenly1 #8what do you mean by coming into my house1 in this violent way8 ,do you want to rob me1 or to murder me8 ,which is it8' #8,did you ever know a man come out to do either1 in a chariot and pair1 you ridiculous old vampire8' said the irritable doctor4 #8,what do you want1 then8' demanded the hunchback4 #8,will you take yourself off1 before ,i do you a mischief8 ,curse you6' #8,as soon as ,i think proper1' said ,mr4 ,losberne1 looking into the other parlour2 which1 like the first1 bore no resemblance whatever to ,oliver's account of it4 #8,i shall find you out1 some day1 my friend4' #8,will you8' sneered the ill-favoured cripple4 #8,if you ever want me1 ,i'm here4 ,i haven't lived here mad and all alone1 for five-and-twenty years1 to be scared by you4 ,you shall pay for this2 you shall pay for this4' ,and so saying1 the mis-shapen little demon set up a yell1 and danced upon the ground1 as if wild with rage4 #8,stupid enough1 this1' muttered the doctor to himself2 #8the boy must have made a mistake4 ,here6 ,put that in your pocket1 and shut yourself up again4' ,with these words he flung the hunchback a piece of money1 and returned to the carriage4 ,the man followed to the chariot door1 uttering the wildest imprecations and curses all the way2 but as ,mr4 ,losberne turned to speak to the driver1 he looked into the carriage1 and eyed ,oliver for an instant with a glance so sharp and fierce and at the same time so furious and vindictive1 that1 waking or sleeping1 he could not forget it for months afterwards4 ,he continued to utter the most fearful imprecations1 until the driver had resumed his seat2 and when they were once more on their way1 they could see him some distance behind3 beating his feet upon the ground1 and tearing his hair1 in transports of real or pretended rage4 #8,i am an ass6' said the doctor1 after a long silence4 #8,did you know that before1 ,oliver8' #8,no1 sir4' #8,then don't forget it another time4' #8,an ass1' said the doctor again1 after a further silence of some minutes4 #8,even if it had been the right place1 and the right fellows had been there1 what could ,i have done1 single-handed8 ,and if ,i had had assistance1 ,i see no good that ,i should have done1 except leading to my own exposure1 and an unavoidable statement of the manner in which ,i have hushed up this business4 ,that would have served me right1 though4 ,i am always involving myself in some scrape or other1 by acting on impulse4 ,it might have done me good4' ,now1 the fact was that the excellent doctor had never acted upon anything but impulse all through his life1 and it was no bad compliment to the nature of the impulses which governed him1 that so far from being involved in any peculiar troubles or misfortunes1 he had the warmest respect and esteem of all who knew him4 ,if the truth must be told1 he was a little out of temper1 for a minute or two1 at being disappointed in procuring corroborative evidence of ,oliver's story on the very first occasion on which he had a chance of obtaining any4 ,he soon came round again1 however2 and finding that ,oliver's replies to his questions1 were still as straightforward and consistent1 and still delivered with as much apparent sincerity and truth1 as they had ever been1 he made up his mind to attach full credence to them1 from that time forth4 ,as ,oliver knew the name of the street in which ,mr4 ,brownlow resided1 they were enabled to drive straight thither4 ,when the coach turned into it1 his heart beat so violently1 that he could scarcely draw his breath4 #8,now1 my boy1 which house is it8' inquired ,mr4 ,losberne4 #8,that6 ,that6' replied ,oliver1 pointing eagerly out of the window4 #8,the white house4 ,oh6 make haste6 ,pray make haste6 ,i feel as if ,i should die3 it makes me tremble so4' #8,come1 come6' said the good doctor1 patting him on the shoulder4 #8,you will see them directly1 and they will be overjoyed to find you safe and well4' #8,oh6 ,i hope so6' cried ,oliver4 #8,they were so good to me2 so very1 very good to me4' ,the coach rolled on4 ,it stopped4 ,no2 that was the wrong house2 the next door4 ,it went on a few paces1 and stopped again4 ,oliver looked up at the windows1 with tears of happy expectation coursing down his face4 ,alas6 the white house was empty1 and there was a bill in the window4 #8,to ,let4' #8,knock at the next door1' cried ,mr4 ,losberne1 taking ,oliver's arm in his4 #8,what has become of ,mr4 ,brownlow1 who used to live in the adjoining house1 do you know8' ,the servant did not know2 but would go and inquire4 ,she presently returned1 and said1 that ,mr4 ,brownlow had sold off his goods1 and gone to the ,west ,indies1 six weeks before4 ,oliver clasped his hands1 and sank feebly backward4 #8,has his housekeeper gone too8' inquired ,mr4 ,losberne1 after a moment's pause4 #8,yes1 sir'2 replied the servant4 #8,the old gentleman1 the housekeeper1 and a gentleman who was a friend of ,mr4 ,brownlow's1 all went together4' #8,then turn towards home again1' said ,mr4 ,losberne to the driver2 #8and don't stop to bait the horses1 till you get out of this confounded ,london6' #8,the book-stall keeper1 sir8' said ,oliver4 #8,i know the way there4 ,see him1 pray1 sir6 ,do see him6' #8,my poor boy1 this is disappointment enough for one day1' said the doctor4 #8,quite enough for both of us4 ,if we go to the book-stall keeper's1 we shall certainly find that he is dead1 or has set his house on fire1 or run away4 ,no2 home again straight6' ,and in obedience to the doctor's impulse1 home they went4 ,this bitter disappointment caused ,oliver much sorrow and grief1 even in the midst of his happiness2 for he had pleased himself1 many times during his illness1 with thinking of all that ,mr4 ,brownlow and ,mrs4 ,bedwin would say to him3 and what delight it would be to tell them how many long days and nights he had passed in reflecting on what they had done for him1 and in bewailing his cruel separation from them4 ,the hope of eventually clearing himself with them1 too1 and explaining how he had been forced away1 had buoyed him up1 and sustained him1 under many of his recent trials2 and now1 the idea that they should have gone so far1 and carried with them the belief that he was an impostor and a robber--a belief which might remain uncontradicted to his dying day--was almost more than he could bear4 ,the circumstance occasioned no alteration1 however1 in the behaviour of his benefactors4 ,after another fortnight1 when the fine warm weather had fairly begun1 and every tree and flower was putting forth its young leaves and rich blossoms1 they made preparations for quitting the house at ,chertsey1 for some months4 ,sending the plate1 which had so excited ,fagin's cupidity1 to the banker's2 and leaving ,giles and another servant in care of the house1 they departed to a cottage at some distance in the country1 and took ,oliver with them4 ,who can describe the pleasure and delight1 the peace of mind and soft tranquillity1 the sickly boy felt in the balmy air1 and among the green hills and rich woods1 of an inland village6 ,who can tell how scenes of peace and quietude sink into the minds of pain-worn dwellers in close and noisy places1 and carry their own freshness1 deep into their jaded hearts6 ,men who have lived in crowded1 pent-up streets1 through lives of toil1 and who have never wished for change2 men1 to whom custom has indeed been second nature1 and who have come almost to love each brick and stone that formed the narrow boundaries of their daily walks2 even they1 with the hand of death upon them1 have been known to yearn at last for one short glimpse of ,nature's face2 and1 carried far from the scenes of their old pains and pleasures1 have seemed to pass at once into a new state of being4 ,crawling forth1 from day to day1 to some green sunny spot1 they have had such memories wakened up within them by the sight of the sky1 and hill and plain1 and glistening water1 that a foretaste of heaven itself has soothed their quick decline1 and they have sunk into their tombs1 as peacefully as the sun whose setting they watched from their lonely chamber window but a few hours before1 faded from their dim and feeble sight6 ,the memories which peaceful country scenes call up1 are not of this world1 nor of its thoughts and hopes4 ,their gentle influence may teach us how to weave fresh garlands for the graves of those we loved3 may purify our thoughts1 and bear down before it old enmity and hatred2 but beneath all this1 there lingers1 in the least reflective mind1 a vague and half-formed consciousness of having held such feelings long before1 in some remote and distant time1 which calls up solemn thoughts of distant times to come1 and bends down pride and worldliness beneath it4 ,it was a lovely spot to which they repaired4 ,oliver1 whose days had been spent among squalid crowds1 and in the midst of noise and brawling1 seemed to enter on a new existence there4 ,the rose and honeysuckle clung to the cottage walls2 the ivy crept round the trunks of the trees2 and the garden-flowers perfumed the air with delicious odours4 ,hard by1 was a little churchyard2 not crowded with tall unsightly gravestones1 but full of humble mounds1 covered with fresh turf and moss3 beneath which1 the old people of the village lay at rest4 ,oliver often wandered here2 and1 thinking of the wretched grave in which his mother lay1 would sometimes sit him down and sob unseen2 but1 when he raised his eyes to the deep sky overhead1 he would cease to think of her as lying in the ground1 and would weep for her1 sadly1 but without pain4 ,it was a happy time4 ,the days were peaceful and serene2 the nights brought with them neither fear nor care2 no languishing in a wretched prison1 or associating with wretched men2 nothing but pleasant and happy thoughts4 ,every morning he went to a white-headed old gentleman1 who lived near the little church3 who taught him to read better1 and to write3 and who spoke so kindly1 and took such pains1 that ,oliver could never try enough to please him4 ,then1 he would walk with ,mrs4 ,maylie and ,rose1 and hear them talk of books2 or perhaps sit near them1 in some shady place1 and listen whilst the young lady read3 which he could have done1 until it grew too dark to see the letters4 ,then1 he had his own lesson for the next day to prepare2 and at this1 he would work hard1 in a little room which looked into the garden1 till evening came slowly on1 when the ladies would walk out again1 and he with them3 listening with such pleasure to all they said3 and so happy if they wanted a flower that he could climb to reach1 or had forgotten anything he could run to fetch3 that he could never be quick enough about it4 ,when it became quite dark1 and they returned home1 the young lady would sit down to the piano1 and play some pleasant air1 or sing1 in a low and gentle voice1 some old song which it pleased her aunt to hear4 ,there would be no candles lighted at such times as these2 and ,oliver would sit by one of the windows1 listening to the sweet music1 in a perfect rapture4 ,and when ,sunday came1 how differently the day was spent1 from any way in which he had ever spent it yet6 and how happily too2 like all the other days in that most happy time6 ,there was the little church1 in the morning1 with the green leaves fluttering at the windows3 the birds singing without3 and the sweet-smelling air stealing in at the low porch1 and filling the homely building with its fragrance4 ,the poor people were so neat and clean1 and knelt so reverently in prayer1 that it seemed a pleasure1 not a tedious duty1 their assembling there together2 and though the singing might be rude1 it was real1 and sounded more musical 7to ,oliver's ears at least7 than any he had ever heard in church before4 ,then1 there were the walks as usual1 and many calls at the clean houses of the labouring men2 and at night1 ,oliver read a chapter or two from the ,bible1 which he had been studying all the week1 and in the performance of which duty he felt more proud and pleased1 than if he had been the clergyman himself4 ,in the morning1 ,oliver would be a-foot by six o'clock1 roaming the fields1 and plundering the hedges1 far and wide1 for nosegays of wild flowers1 with which he would return laden1 home2 and which it took great care and consideration to arrange1 to the best advantage1 for the embellishment of the breakfast-table4 ,there was fresh groundsel1 too1 for ,miss ,maylie's birds1 with which ,oliver1 who had been studying the subject under the able tuition of the village clerk1 would decorate the cages1 in the most approved taste4 ,when the birds were made all spruce and smart for the day1 there was usually some little commission of charity to execute in the village2 or1 failing that1 there was rare cricket-playing1 sometimes1 on the green2 or1 failing that1 there was always something to do in the garden1 or about the plants1 to which ,oliver 7who had studied this science also1 under the same master1 who was a gardener by trade17 applied himself with hearty good-will1 until ,miss ,rose made her appearance3 when there were a thousand commendations to be bestowed on all he had done4 ,so three months glided away2 three months which1 in the life of the most blessed and favoured of mortals1 might have been unmingled happiness1 and which1 in ,oliver's were true felicity4 ,with the purest and most amiable generosity on one side2 and the truest1 warmest1 soul-felt gratitude on the other2 it is no wonder that1 by the end of that short time1 ,oliver ,twist had become completely domesticated with the old lady and her niece1 and that the fervent attachment of his young and sensitive heart1 was repaid by their pride in1 and attachment to1 himself4 ,,chapter ,,xxxiii -- ,,wherein ,,the ,,happiness ,,of ,,oliver ,,and ,,his ,,friends1 ,,experiences ,a ,,sudden ,,check ,spring flew swiftly by1 and summer came4 ,if the village had been beautiful at first it was now in the full glow and luxuriance of its richness4 ,the great trees1 which had looked shrunken and bare in the earlier months1 had now burst into strong life and health2 and stretching forth their green arms over the thirsty ground1 converted open and naked spots into choice nooks1 where was a deep and pleasant shade from which to look upon the wide prospect1 steeped in sunshine1 which lay stretched beyond4 ,the earth had donned her mantle of brightest green2 and shed her richest perfumes abroad4 ,it was the prime and vigour of the year2 all things were glad and flourishing4 ,still1 the same quiet life went on at the little cottage1 and the same cheerful serenity prevailed among its inmates4 ,oliver had long since grown stout and healthy2 but health or sickness made no difference in his warm feelings of a great many people4 ,he was still the same gentle1 attached1 affectionate creature that he had been when pain and suffering had wasted his strength1 and when he was dependent for every slight attention1 and comfort on those who tended him4 ,one beautiful night1 when they had taken a longer walk than was customary with them3 for the day had been unusually warm1 and there was a brilliant moon1 and a light wind had sprung up1 which was unusually refreshing4 ,rose had been in high spirits1 too1 and they had walked on1 in merry conversation1 until they had far exceeded their ordinary bounds4 ,mrs4 ,maylie being fatigued1 they returned more slowly home4 ,the young lady merely throwing off her simple bonnet1 sat down to the piano as usual4 ,after running abstractedly over the keys for a few minutes1 she fell into a low and very solemn air2 and as she played it1 they heard a sound as if she were weeping4 #8,rose1 my dear6' said the elder lady4 ,rose made no reply1 but played a little quicker1 as though the words had roused her from some painful thoughts4 #8,rose1 my love6' cried ,mrs4 ,maylie1 rising hastily1 and bending over her4 #8,what is this8 ,in tears6 ,my dear child1 what distresses you8' #8,nothing1 aunt2 nothing1' replied the young lady4 #8,i don't know what it is2 ,i can't describe it2 but ,i feel--' #8,not ill1 my love8' interposed ,mrs4 ,maylie4 #8,no1 no6 ,oh1 not ill6' replied ,rose3 shuddering as though some deadly chillness were passing over her1 while she spoke2 #8,i shall be better presently4 ,close the window1 pray6' ,oliver hastened to comply with her request4 ,the young lady1 making an effort to recover her cheerfulness1 strove to play some livelier tune2 but her fingers dropped powerless over the keys4 ,covering her face with her hands1 she sank upon a sofa1 and gave vent to the tears which she was now unable to repress4 #8,my child6' said the elderly lady1 folding her arms about her1 #8,i never saw you so before4' #8,i would not alarm you if ,i could avoid it1' rejoined ,rose2 #8but indeed ,i have tried very hard1 and cannot help this4 ,i fear ,i am ill1 aunt4' ,she was1 indeed2 for1 when candles were brought1 they saw that in the very short time which had elapsed since their return home1 the hue of her countenance had changed to a marble whiteness4 ,its expression had lost nothing of its beauty2 but it was changed2 and there was an anxious haggard look about the gentle face1 which it had never worn before4 ,another minute1 and it was suffused with a crimson flush3 and a heavy wildness came over the soft blue eye4 ,again this disappeared1 like the shadow thrown by a passing cloud2 and she was once more deadly pale4 ,oliver1 who watched the old lady anxiously1 observed that she was alarmed by these appearances2 and so in truth1 was he2 but seeing that she affected to make light of them1 he endeavoured to do the same1 and they so far succeeded1 that when ,rose was persuaded by her aunt to retire for the night1 she was in better spirits2 and appeared even in better health3 assuring them that she felt certain she should rise in the morning1 quite well4 #8,i hope1' said ,oliver1 when ,mrs4 ,maylie returned1 #8that nothing is the matter8 ,she don't look well to-night1 but--' ,the old lady motioned to him not to speak2 and sitting herself down in a dark corner of the room1 remained silent for some time4 ,at length1 she said1 in a trembling voice3 #8,i hope not1 ,oliver4 ,i have been very happy with her for some years3 too happy1 perhaps4 ,it may be time that ,i should meet with some misfortune2 but ,i hope it is not this4' #8,what8' inquired ,oliver4 #8,the heavy blow1' said the old lady1 #8of losing the dear girl who has so long been my comfort and happiness4' #8,oh6 ,god forbid6' exclaimed ,oliver1 hastily4 #8,amen to that1 my child6' said the old lady1 wringing her hands4 #8,surely there is no danger of anything so dreadful8' said ,oliver4 #8,two hours ago1 she was quite well4' #8,she is very ill now1' rejoined ,mrs4 ,maylies2 #8and will be worse1 ,i am sure4 ,my dear1 dear ,rose6 ,oh1 what shall ,i do without her6' ,she gave way to such great grief1 that ,oliver1 suppressing his own emotion1 ventured to remonstrate with her2 and to beg1 earnestly1 that1 for the sake of the dear young lady herself1 she would be more calm4 #8,and consider1 ma'am1' said ,oliver1 as the tears forced themselves into his eyes1 despite of his efforts to the contrary4 #8,oh6 consider how young and good she is1 and what pleasure and comfort she gives to all about her4 ,i am sure--certain--quite certain--that1 for your sake1 who are so good yourself2 and for her own2 and for the sake of all she makes so happy2 she will not die4 ,heaven will never let her die so young4' #8,hush6' said ,mrs4 ,maylie1 laying her hand on ,oliver's head4 #8,you think like a child1 poor boy4 ,but you teach me my duty1 notwithstanding4 ,i had forgotten it for a moment1 ,oliver1 but ,i hope ,i may be pardoned1 for ,i am old1 and have seen enough of illness and death to know the agony of separation from the objects of our love4 ,i have seen enough1 too1 to know that it is not always the youngest and best who are spared to those that love them2 but this should give us comfort in our sorrow2 for ,heaven is just2 and such things teach us1 impressively1 that there is a brighter world than this2 and that the passage to it is speedy4 ,god's will be done6 ,i love her2 and ,he knows how well6' ,oliver was surprised to see that as ,mrs4 ,maylie said these words1 she checked her lamentations as though by one effort2 and drawing herself up as she spoke1 became composed and firm4 ,he was still more astonished to find that this firmness lasted2 and that1 under all the care and watching which ensued1 ,mrs4 ,maylie was ever ready and collected3 performing all the duties which had devolved upon her1 steadily1 and1 to all external appearances1 even cheerfully4 ,but he was young1 and did not know what strong minds are capable of1 under trying circumstances4 ,how should he1 when their possessors so seldom know themselves8 ,an anxious night ensued4 ,when morning came1 ,mrs4 ,maylie's predictions were but too well verified4 ,rose was in the first stage of a high and dangerous fever4 #8,we must be active1 ,oliver1 and not give way to useless grief1' said ,mrs4 ,maylie1 laying her finger on her lip1 as she looked steadily into his face2 #8this letter must be sent1 with all possible expedition1 to ,mr4 ,losberne4 ,it must be carried to the market-town3 which is not more than four miles off1 by the footpath across the field3 and thence dispatched1 by an express on horseback1 straight to ,chertsey4 ,the people at the inn will undertake to do this3 and ,i can trust to you to see it done1 ,i know4' ,oliver could make no reply1 but looked his anxiety to be gone at once4 #8,here is another letter1' said ,mrs4 ,maylie1 pausing to reflect2 #8but whether to send it now1 or wait until ,i see how ,rose goes on1 ,i scarcely know4 ,i would not forward it1 unless ,i feared the worst4' #8,is it for ,chertsey1 too1 ma'am8' inquired ,oliver2 impatient to execute his commission1 and holding out his trembling hand for the letter4 #8,no1' replied the old lady1 giving it to him mechanically4 ,oliver glanced at it1 and saw that it was directed to ,harry ,maylie1 ,esquire1 at some great lord's house in the country2 where1 he could not make out4 #8,shall it go1 ma'am8' asked ,oliver1 looking up1 impatiently4 #8,i think not1' replied ,mrs4 ,maylie1 taking it back4 #8,i will wait until to-morrow4' ,with these words1 she gave ,oliver her purse1 and he started off1 without more delay1 at the greatest speed he could muster4 ,swiftly he ran across the fields1 and down the little lanes which sometimes divided them3 now almost hidden by the high corn on either side1 and now emerging on an open field1 where the mowers and haymakers were busy at their work3 nor did he stop once1 save now and then1 for a few seconds1 to recover breath1 until he came1 in a great heat1 and covered with dust1 on the little market-place of the market-town4 ,here he paused1 and looked about for the inn4 ,there were a white bank1 and a red brewery1 and a yellow town-hall2 and in one corner there was a large house1 with all the wood about it painted green3 before which was the sign of #8,the ,george4' ,to this he hastened1 as soon as it caught his eye4 ,he spoke to a postboy who was dozing under the gateway2 and who1 after hearing what he wanted1 referred him to the ostler2 who after hearing all he had to say again1 referred him to the landlord2 who was a tall gentleman in a blue neckcloth1 a white hat1 drab breeches1 and boots with tops to match1 leaning against a pump by the stable-door1 picking his teeth with a silver toothpick4 ,this gentleman walked with much deliberation into the bar to make out the bill3 which took a long time making out3 and after it was ready1 and paid1 a horse had to be saddled1 and a man to be dressed1 which took up ten good minutes more4 ,meanwhile ,oliver was in such a desperate state of impatience and anxiety1 that he felt as if he could have jumped upon the horse himself1 and galloped away1 full tear1 to the next stage4 ,at length1 all was ready2 and the little parcel having been handed up1 with many injunctions and entreaties for its speedy delivery1 the man set spurs to his horse1 and rattling over the uneven paving of the market-place1 was out of the town1 and galloping along the turnpike-road1 in a couple of minutes4 ,as it was something to feel certain that assistance was sent for1 and that no time had been lost1 ,oliver hurried up the inn-yard1 with a somewhat lighter heart4 ,he was turning out of the gateway when he accidently stumbled against a tall man wrapped in a cloak1 who was at that moment coming out of the inn door4 #8,hah6' cried the man1 fixing his eyes on ,oliver1 and suddenly recoiling4 #8,what the devil's this8' #8,i beg your pardon1 sir1' said ,oliver2 #8,i was in a great hurry to get home1 and didn't see you were coming4' #8,death6' muttered the man to himself1 glaring at the boy with his large dark eyes4 #8,who would have thought it6 ,grind him to ashes6 ,he'd start up from a stone coffin1 to come in my way6' #8,i am sorry1' stammered ,oliver1 confused by the strange man's wild look4 #8,i hope ,i have not hurt you6' #8,rot you6' murmured the man1 in a horrible passion2 between his clenched teeth2 #8if ,i had only had the courage to say the word1 ,i might have been free of you in a night4 ,curses on your head1 and black death on your heart1 you imp6 ,what are you doing here8' ,the man shook his fist1 as he uttered these words incoherently4 ,he advanced towards ,oliver1 as if with the intention of aiming a blow at him1 but fell violently on the ground3 writhing and foaming1 in a fit4 ,oliver gazed1 for a moment1 at the struggles of the madman 7for such he supposed him to be72 and then darted into the house for help4 ,having seen him safely carried into the hotel1 he turned his face homewards1 running as fast as he could1 to make up for lost time3 and recalling with a great deal of astonishment and some fear1 the extraordinary behaviour of the person from whom he had just parted4 ,the circumstance did not dwell in his recollection long1 however3 for when he reached the cottage1 there was enough to occupy his mind1 and to drive all considerations of self completely from his memory4 ,rose ,maylie had rapidly grown worse2 before mid-night she was delirious4 ,a medical practitioner1 who resided on the spot1 was in constant attendance upon her2 and after first seeing the patient1 he had taken ,mrs4 ,maylie aside1 and pronounced her disorder to be one of a most alarming nature4 #8,in fact1' he said1 #8it would be little short of a miracle1 if she recovered4' ,how often did ,oliver start from his bed that night1 and stealing out1 with noiseless footstep1 to the staircase1 listen for the slightest sound from the sick chamber6 ,how often did a tremble shake his frame1 and cold drops of terror start upon his brow1 when a sudden trampling of feet caused him to fear that something too dreadful to think of1 had even then occurred6 ,and what had been the fervency of all the prayers he had ever muttered1 compared with those he poured forth1 now1 in the agony and passion of his supplication for the life and health of the gentle creature1 who was tottering on the deep grave's verge6 ,oh6 the suspense1 the fearful1 acute suspense1 of standing idly by while the life of one we dearly love1 is trembling in the balance6 ,oh6 the racking thoughts that crowd upon the mind1 and make the heart beat violently1 and the breath come thick1 by the force of the images they conjure up before it2 the desperate anxiety to be doing something to relieve the pain1 or lessen the danger1 which we have no power to alleviate2 the sinking of soul and spirit1 which the sad remembrance of our helplessness produces2 what tortures can equal these2 what reflections or endeavours can1 in the full tide and fever of the time1 allay them6 ,morning came2 and the little cottage was lonely and still4 ,people spoke in whispers2 anxious faces appeared at the gate1 from time to time2 women and children went away in tears4 ,all the livelong day1 and for hours after it had grown dark1 ,oliver paced softly up and down the garden1 raising his eyes every instant to the sick chamber1 and shuddering to see the darkened window1 looking as if death lay stretched inside4 ,late that night1 ,mr4 ,losberne arrived4 #8,it is hard1' said the good doctor1 turning away as he spoke2 #8so young2 so much beloved2 but there is very little hope4' ,another morning4 ,the sun shone brightly2 as brightly as if it looked upon no misery or care2 and1 with every leaf and flower in full bloom about her2 with life1 and health1 and sounds and sights of joy1 surrounding her on every side3 the fair young creature lay1 wasting fast4 ,oliver crept away to the old churchyard1 and sitting down on one of the green mounds1 wept and prayed for her1 in silence4 ,there was such peace and beauty in the scene2 so much of brightness and mirth in the sunny landscape2 such blithesome music in the songs of the summer birds2 such freedom in the rapid flight of the rook1 careering overhead2 so much of life and joyousness in all2 that1 when the boy raised his aching eyes1 and looked about1 the thought instinctively occurred to him1 that this was not a time for death2 that ,rose could surely never die when humbler things were all so glad and gay2 that graves were for cold and cheerless winter3 not for sunlight and fragrance4 ,he almost thought that shrouds were for the old and shrunken2 and that they never wrapped the young and graceful form in their ghastly folds4 ,a knell from the church bell broke harshly on these youthful thoughts4 ,another6 ,again6 ,it was tolling for the funeral service4 ,a group of humble mourners entered the gate3 wearing white favours2 for the corpse was young4 ,they stood uncovered by a grave2 and there was a mother--a mother once--among the weeping train4 ,but the sun shone brightly1 and the birds sang on4 ,oliver turned homeward1 thinking on the many kindnesses he had received from the young lady1 and wishing that the time could come again1 that he might never cease showing her how grateful and attached he was4 ,he had no cause for self-reproach on the score of neglect1 or want of thought1 for he had been devoted to her service2 and yet a hundred little occasions rose up before him1 on which he fancied he might have been more zealous1 and more earnest1 and wished he had been4 ,we need be careful how we deal with those about us1 when every death carries to some small circle of survivors1 thoughts of so much omitted1 and so little done--of so many things forgotten1 and so many more which might have been repaired6 ,there is no remorse so deep as that which is unavailing2 if we would be spared its tortures1 let us remember this1 in time4 ,when he reached home ,mrs4 ,maylie was sitting in the little parlour4 ,oliver's heart sank at sight of her2 for she had never left the bedside of her niece2 and he trembled to think what change could have driven her away4 ,he learnt that she had fallen into a deep sleep1 from which she would waken1 either to recovery and life1 or to bid them farewell1 and die4 ,they sat1 listening1 and afraid to speak1 for hours4 ,the untasted meal was removed1 with looks which showed that their thoughts were elsewhere1 they watched the sun as he sank lower and lower1 and1 at length1 cast over sky and earth those brilliant hues which herald his departure4 ,their quick ears caught the sound of an approaching footstep4 ,they both involuntarily darted to the door1 as ,mr4 ,losberne entered4 #8,what of ,rose8' cried the old lady4 #8,tell me at once6 ,i can bear it2 anything but suspense6 ,oh1 tell me6 in the name of ,heaven6' #8,you must compose yourself1' said the doctor supporting her4 #8,be calm1 my dear ma'am1 pray4' #8,let me go1 in ,god's name6 ,my dear child6 ,she is dead6 ,she is dying6' #8,no6' cried the doctor1 passionately4 #8,as ,he is good and merciful1 she will live to bless us all1 for years to come4' ,the lady fell upon her knees1 and tried to fold her hands together2 but the energy which had supported her so long1 fled up to ,heaven with her first thanksgiving2 and she sank into the friendly arms which were extended to receive her4 ,,chapter ,,xxxiv -- ,,contains ,,some ,,introductory ,,particulars ,,relative ,,to ,a ,,young ,,gentleman ,,who ,,now ,,arrives ,,upon ,,the ,,scene2 ,,and ,a ,,new ,,adventure ,,which ,,happened ,,to ,,oliver ,it was almost too much happiness to bear4 ,oliver felt stunned and stupefied by the unexpected intelligence2 he could not weep1 or speak1 or rest4 ,he had scarcely the power of understanding anything that had passed1 until1 after a long ramble in the quiet evening air1 a burst of tears came to his relief1 and he seemed to awaken1 all at once1 to a full sense of the joyful change that had occurred1 and the almost insupportable load of anguish which had been taken from his breast4 ,the night was fast closing in1 when he returned homeward3 laden with flowers which he had culled1 with peculiar care1 for the adornment of the sick chamber4 ,as he walked briskly along the road1 he heard behind him1 the noise of some vehicle1 approaching at a furious pace4 ,looking round1 he saw that it was a post-chaise1 driven at great speed2 and as the horses were galloping1 and the road was narrow1 he stood leaning against a gate until it should have passed him4 ,as it dashed on1 ,oliver caught a glimpse of a man in a white nightcap1 whose face seemed familiar to him1 although his view was so brief that he could not identify the person4 ,in another second or two1 the nightcap was thrust out of the chaise-window1 and a stentorian voice bellowed to the driver to stop3 which he did1 as soon as he could pull up his horses4 ,then1 the nightcap once again appeared3 and the same voice called ,oliver by his name4 #8,here6' cried the voice4 #8,oliver1 what's the news8 ,miss ,rose6 ,master ,o-li-ver6' #8,is is you1 ,giles8' cried ,oliver1 running up to the chaise-door4 ,giles popped out his nightcap again1 preparatory to making some reply1 when he was suddenly pulled back by a young gentleman who occupied the other corner of the chaise1 and who eagerly demanded what was the news4 #8,in a word6' cried the gentleman1 #8,better or worse8' #8,better--much better6' replied ,oliver1 hastily4 #8,thank ,heaven6' exclaimed the gentleman4 #8,you are sure8' #8,quite1 sir1' replied ,oliver4 #8,the change took place only a few hours ago2 and ,mr4 ,losberne says1 that all danger is at an end4' ,the gentleman said not another word1 but1 opening the chaise-door1 leaped out1 and taking ,oliver hurriedly by the arm1 led him aside4 #8,you are quite certain8 ,there is no possibility of any mistake on your part1 my boy1 is there8' demanded the gentleman in a tremulous voice4 #8,do not deceive me1 by awakening hopes that are not to be fulfilled4' #8,i would not for the world1 sir1' replied ,oliver4 #8,indeed you may believe me4 ,mr4 ,losberne's words were1 that she would live to bless us all for many years to come4 ,i heard him say so4' ,the tears stood in ,oliver's eyes as he recalled the scene which was the beginning of so much happiness2 and the gentleman turned his face away1 and remained silent1 for some minutes4 ,oliver thought he heard him sob1 more than once2 but he feared to interrupt him by any fresh remark--for he could well guess what his feelings were--and so stood apart1 feigning to be occupied with his nosegay4 ,all this time1 ,mr4 ,giles1 with the white nightcap on1 had been sitting on the steps of the chaise1 supporting an elbow on each knee1 and wiping his eyes with a blue cotton pocket-handkerchief dotted with white spots4 ,that the honest fellow had not been feigning emotion1 was abundantly demonstrated by the very red eyes with which he regarded the young gentleman1 when he turned round and addressed him4 #8,i think you had better go on to my mother's in the chaise1 ,giles1' said he4 #8,i would rather walk slowly on1 so as to gain a little time before ,i see her4 ,you can say ,i am coming4' #8,i beg your pardon1 ,mr4 ,harry1' said ,giles3 giving a final polish to his ruffled countenance with the handkerchief2 #8but if you would leave the postboy to say that1 ,i should be very much obliged to you4 ,it wouldn't be proper for the maids to see me in this state1 sir2 ,i should never have any more authority with them if they did4' #8,well1' rejoined ,harry ,maylie1 smiling1 #8you can do as you like4 ,let him go on with the luggage1 if you wish it1 and do you follow with us4 ,only first exchange that nightcap for some more appropriate covering1 or we shall be taken for madmen4' ,mr4 ,giles1 reminded of his unbecoming costume1 snatched off and pocketed his nightcap2 and substituted a hat1 of grave and sober shape1 which he took out of the chaise4 ,this done1 the postboy drove off2 ,giles1 ,mr4 ,maylie1 and ,oliver1 followed at their leisure4 ,as they walked along1 ,oliver glanced from time to time with much interest and curiosity at the new comer4 ,he seemed about five-and-twenty years of age1 and was of the middle height2 his countenance was frank and handsome2 and his demeanor easy and prepossessing4 ,notwithstanding the difference between youth and age1 he bore so strong a likeness to the old lady1 that ,oliver would have had no great difficulty in imagining their relationship1 if he had not already spoken of her as his mother4 ,mrs4 ,maylie was anxiously waiting to receive her son when he reached the cottage4 ,the meeting did not take place without great emotion on both sides4 #8,mother6' whispered the young man2 #8why did you not write before8' #8,i did1' replied ,mrs4 ,maylie2 #8but1 on reflection1 ,i determined to keep back the letter until ,i had heard ,mr4 ,losberne's opinion4' #8,but why1' said the young man1 #8why run the chance of that occurring which so nearly happened8 ,if ,rose had--,i cannot utter that word now--if this illness had terminated differently1 how could you ever have forgiven yourself6 ,how could ,i ever have know happiness again6' #8,if that had been the case1 ,harry1' said ,mrs4 ,maylie1 #8,i fear your happiness would have been effectually blighted1 and that your arrival here1 a day sooner or a day later1 would have been of very1 very little import4' #8,and who can wonder if it be so1 mother8' rejoined the young man2 #8or why should ,i say1 if8--,it is--it is--you know it1 mother--you must know it6' #8,i know that she deserves the best and purest love the heart of man can offer1' said ,mrs4 ,maylie2 #8,i know that the devotion and affection of her nature require no ordinary return1 but one that shall be deep and lasting4 ,if ,i did not feel this1 and know1 besides1 that a changed behaviour in one she loved would break her heart1 ,i should not feel my task so difficult of performance1 or have to encounter so many struggles in my own bosom1 when ,i take what seems to me to be the strict line of duty4' #8,this is unkind1 mother1' said ,harry4 #8,do you still suppose that ,i am a boy ignorant of my own mind1 and mistaking the impulses of my own soul8' #8,i think1 my dear son1' returned ,mrs4 ,maylie1 laying her hand upon his shoulder1 #8that youth has many generous impulses which do not last2 and that among them are some1 which1 being gratified1 become only the more fleeting4 ,above all1 ,i think' said the lady1 fixing her eyes on her son's face1 #8that if an enthusiastic1 ardent1 and ambitious man marry a wife on whose name there is a stain1 which1 though it originate in no fault of hers1 may be visited by cold and sordid people upon her1 and upon his children also3 and1 in exact proportion to his success in the world1 be cast in his teeth1 and made the subject of sneers against him3 he may1 no matter how generous and good his nature1 one day repent of the connection he formed in early life4 ,and she may have the pain of knowing that he does so4' #8,mother1' said the young man1 impatiently1 #8he would be a selfish brute1 unworthy alike of the name of man and of the woman you describe1 who acted thus4' #8,you think so now1 ,harry1' replied his mother4 #8,and ever will6' said the young man4 #8,the mental agony ,i have suffered1 during the last two days1 wrings from me the avowal to you of a passion which1 as you well know1 is not one of yesterday1 nor one ,i have lightly formed4 ,on ,rose1 sweet1 gentle girl6 my heart is set1 as firmly as ever heart of man was set on woman4 ,i have no thought1 no view1 no hope in life1 beyond her2 and if you oppose me in this great stake1 you take my peace and happiness in your hands1 and cast them to the wind4 ,mother1 think better of this1 and of me1 and do not disregard the happiness of which you seem to think so little4' #8,harry1' said ,mrs4 ,maylie1 #8it is because ,i think so much of warm and sensitive hearts1 that ,i would spare them from being wounded4 ,but we have said enough1 and more than enough1 on this matter1 just now4' #8,let it rest with ,rose1 then1' interposed ,harry4 #8,you will not press these overstrained opinions of yours1 so far1 as to throw any obstacle in my way8' #8,i will not1' rejoined ,mrs4 ,maylie2 #8but ,i would have you consider--' #8,i have considered6' was the impatient reply2 #8,mother1 ,i have considered1 years and years4 ,i have considered1 ever since ,i have been capable of serious reflection4 ,my feelings remain unchanged1 as they ever will2 and why should ,i suffer the pain of a delay in giving them vent1 which can be productive of no earthly good8 ,no6 ,before ,i leave this place1 ,rose shall hear me4' #8,she shall1' said ,mrs4 ,maylie4 #8,there is something in your manner1 which would almost imply that she will hear me coldly1 mother1' said the young man4 #8,not coldly1' rejoined the old lady2 #8far from it4' #8,how then8' urged the young man4 #8,she has formed no other attachment8' #8,no1 indeed1' replied his mother2 #8you have1 or ,i mistake1 too strong a hold on her affections already4 ,what ,i would say1' resumed the old lady1 stopping her son as he was about to speak1 #8is this4 ,before you stake your all on this chance2 before you suffer yourself to be carried to the highest point of hope2 reflect for a few moments1 my dear child1 on ,rose's history1 and consider what effect the knowledge of her doubtful birth may have on her decision3 devoted as she is to us1 with all the intensity of her noble mind1 and with that perfect sacrifice of self which1 in all matters1 great or trifling1 has always been her characteristic4' #8,what do you mean8' #8,that ,i leave you to discover1' replied ,mrs4 ,maylie4 #8,i must go back to her4 ,god bless you6' #8,i shall see you again to-night8' said the young man1 eagerly4 #8,by and by1' replied the lady2 #8when ,i leave ,rose4' #8,you will tell her ,i am here8' said ,harry4 #8,of course1' replied ,mrs4 ,maylie4 #8,and say how anxious ,i have been1 and how much ,i have suffered1 and how ,i long to see her4 ,you will not refuse to do this1 mother8' #8,no1' said the old lady2 #8,i will tell her all4' ,and pressing her son's hand1 affectionately1 she hastened from the room4 ,mr4 ,losberne and ,oliver had remained at another end of the apartment while this hurried conversation was proceeding4 ,the former now held out his hand to ,harry ,maylie2 and hearty salutations were exchanged between them4 ,the doctor then communicated1 in reply to multifarious questions from his young friend1 a precise account of his patient's situation2 which was quite as consolatory and full of promise1 as ,oliver's statement had encouraged him to hope2 and to the whole of which1 ,mr4 ,giles1 who affected to be busy about the luggage1 listened with greedy ears4 #8,have you shot anything particular1 lately1 ,giles8' inquired the doctor1 when he had concluded4 #8,nothing particular1 sir1' replied ,mr4 ,giles1 colouring up to the eyes4 #8,nor catching any thieves1 nor identifying any house-breakers8' said the doctor4 #8,none at all1 sir1' replied ,mr4 ,giles1 with much gravity4 #8,well1' said the doctor1 #8,i am sorry to hear it1 because you do that sort of thing admirably4 ,pray1 how is ,brittles8' #8,the boy is very well1 sir1' said ,mr4 ,giles1 recovering his usual tone of patronage2 #8and sends his respectful duty1 sir4' #8,that's well1' said the doctor4 #8,seeing you here1 reminds me1 ,mr4 ,giles1 that on the day before that on which ,i was called away so hurriedly1 ,i executed1 at the request of your good mistress1 a small commission in your favour4 ,just step into this corner a moment1 will you8' ,mr4 ,giles walked into the corner with much importance1 and some wonder1 and was honoured with a short whispering conference with the doctor1 on the termination of which1 he made a great many bows1 and retired with steps of unusual stateliness4 ,the subject matter of this conference was not disclosed in the parlour1 but the kitchen was speedily enlightened concerning it2 for ,mr4 ,giles walked straight thither1 and having called for a mug of ale1 announced1 with an air of majesty1 which was highly effective1 that it had pleased his mistress1 in consideration of his gallant behaviour on the occasion of that attempted robbery1 to deposit1 in the local savings-bank1 the sum of five-and-twenty pounds1 for his sole use and benefit4 ,at this1 the two women-servants lifted up their hands and eyes1 and supposed that ,mr4 ,giles1 pulling out his shirt-frill1 replied1 #8,no1 no'2 and that if they observed that he was at all haughty to his inferiors1 he would thank them to tell him so4 ,and then he made a great many other remarks1 no less illustrative of his humility1 which were received with equal favour and applause1 and were1 withal1 as original and as much to the purpose1 as the remarks of great men commonly are4 ,above stairs1 the remainder of the evening passed cheerfully away2 for the doctor was in high spirits2 and however fatigued or thoughtful ,harry ,maylie might have been at first1 he was not proof against the worthy gentleman's good humour1 which displayed itself in a great variety of sallies and professional recollections1 and an abundance of small jokes1 which struck ,oliver as being the drollest things he had ever heard1 and caused him to laugh proportionately2 to the evident satisfaction of the doctor1 who laughed immoderately at himself1 and made ,harry laugh almost as heartily1 by the very force of sympathy4 ,so1 they were as pleasant a party as1 under the circumstances1 they could well have been2 and it was late before they retired1 with light and thankful hearts1 to take that rest of which1 after the doubt and suspense they had recently undergone1 they stood much in need4 ,oliver rose next morning1 in better heart1 and went about his usual occupations1 with more hope and pleasure than he had known for many days4 ,the birds were once more hung out1 to sing1 in their old places2 and the sweetest wild flowers that could be found1 were once more gathered to gladden ,rose with their beauty4 ,the melancholy which had seemed to the sad eyes of the anxious boy to hang1 for days past1 over every object1 beautiful as all were1 was dispelled by magic4 ,the dew seemed to sparkle more brightly on the green leaves2 the air to rustle among them with a sweeter music2 and the sky itself to look more blue and bright4 ,such is the influence which the condition of our own thoughts1 exercise1 even over the appearance of external objects4 ,men who look on nature1 and their fellow-men1 and cry that all is dark and gloomy1 are in the right2 but the sombre colours are reflections from their own jaundiced eyes and hearts4 ,the real hues are delicate1 and need a clearer vision4 ,it is worthy of remark1 and ,oliver did not fail to note it at the time1 that his morning expeditions were no longer made alone4 ,harry ,maylie1 after the very first morning when he met ,oliver coming laden home1 was seized with such a passion for flowers1 and displayed such a taste in their arrangement1 as left his young companion far behind4 ,if ,oliver were behindhand in these respects1 he knew where the best were to be found2 and morning after morning they scoured the country together1 and brought home the fairest that blossomed4 ,the window of the young lady's chamber was opened now2 for she loved to feel the rich summer air stream in1 and revive her with its freshness2 but there always stood in water1 just inside the lattice1 one particular little bunch1 which was made up with great care1 every morning4 ,oliver could not help noticing that the withered flowers were never thrown away1 although the little vase was regularly replenished2 nor1 could he help observing1 that whenever the doctor came into the garden1 he invariably cast his eyes up to that particular corner1 and nodded his head most expressively1 as he set forth on his morning's walk4 ,pending these observations1 the days were flying by2 and ,rose was rapidly recovering4 ,nor did ,oliver's time hang heavy on his hands1 although the young lady had not yet left her chamber1 and there were no evening walks1 save now and then1 for a short distance1 with ,mrs4 ,maylie4 ,he applied himself1 with redoubled assiduity1 to the instructions of the white-headed old gentleman1 and laboured so hard that his quick progress surprised even himself4 ,it was while he was engaged in this pursuit1 that he was greatly startled and distressed by a most unexpected occurrence4 ,the little room in which he was accustomed to sit1 when busy at his books1 was on the ground-floor1 at the back of the house4 ,it was quite a cottage-room1 with a lattice-window3 around which were clusters of jessamine and honeysuckle1 that crept over the casement1 and filled the place with their delicious perfume4 ,it looked into a garden1 whence a wicket-gate opened into a small paddock2 all beyond1 was fine meadow-land and wood4 ,there was no other dwelling near1 in that direction2 and the prospect it commanded was very extensive4 ,one beautiful evening1 when the first shades of twilight were beginning to settle upon the earth1 ,oliver sat at this window1 intent upon his books4 ,he had been poring over them for some time2 and1 as the day had been uncommonly sultry1 and he had exerted himself a great deal1 it is no disparagement to the authors1 whoever they may have been1 to say1 that gradually and by slow degrees1 he fell asleep4 ,there is a kind of sleep that steals upon us sometimes1 which1 while it holds the body prisoner1 does not free the mind from a sense of things about it1 and enable it to ramble at its pleasure4 ,so far as an overpowering heaviness1 a prostration of strength1 and an utter inability to control our thoughts or power of motion1 can be called sleep1 this is it2 and yet1 we have a consciousness of all that is going on about us1 and1 if we dream at such a time1 words which are really spoken1 or sounds which really exist at the moment1 accommodate themselves with surprising readiness to our visions1 until reality and imagination become so strangely blended that it is afterwards almost matter of impossibility to separate the two4 ,nor is this1 the most striking phenomenon incidental to such a state4 ,it is an undoubted fact1 that although our senses of touch and sight be for the time dead1 yet our sleeping thoughts1 and the visionary scenes that pass before us1 will be influenced and materially influenced1 by the mere silent presence of some external object2 which may not have been near us when we closed our eyes3 and of whose vicinity we have had no waking consciousness4 ,oliver knew1 perfectly well1 that he was in his own little room2 that his books were lying on the table before him2 that the sweet air was stirring among the creeping plants outside4 ,and yet he was asleep4 ,suddenly1 the scene changed2 the air became close and confined2 and he thought1 with a glow of terror1 that he was in the ,jew's house again4 ,there sat the hideous old man1 in his accustomed corner1 pointing at him1 and whispering to another man1 with his face averted1 who sat beside him4 #8,hush1 my dear6' he thought he heard the ,jew say2 #8it is he1 sure enough4 ,come away4' #8,he6' the other man seemed to answer2 #8could ,i mistake him1 think you8 ,if a crowd of ghosts were to put themselves into his exact shape1 and he stood amongst them1 there is something that would tell me how to point him out4 ,if you buried him fifty feet deep1 and took me across his grave1 ,i fancy ,i should know1 if there wasn't a mark above it1 that he lay buried there8' ,the man seemed to say this1 with such dreadful hatred1 that ,oliver awoke with the fear1 and started up4 ,good ,heaven6 what was that1 which sent the blood tingling to his heart1 and deprived him of his voice1 and of power to move6 ,there--there--at the window--close before him--so close1 that he could have almost touched him before he started back3 with his eyes peering into the room1 and meeting his3 there stood the ,jew6 ,and beside him1 white with rage or fear1 or both1 were the scowling features of the man who had accosted him in the inn-yard4 ,it was but an instant1 a glance1 a flash1 before his eyes2 and they were gone4 ,but they had recognised him1 and he them2 and their look was as firmly impressed upon his memory1 as if it had been deeply carved in stone1 and set before him from his birth4 ,he stood transfixed for a moment2 then1 leaping from the window into the garden1 called loudly for help4 ,,chapter ,,xxxv -- ,,containing ,,the ,,unsatisfactory ,,result ,,of ,,oliver',s ,,adventure2 ,,and ,a ,,conversation ,,of ,,some ,,importance ,,between ,,harry ,,maylie ,,and ,,rose ,when the inmates of the house1 attracted by ,oliver's cries1 hurried to the spot from which they proceeded1 they found him1 pale and agitated1 pointing in the direction of the meadows behind the house1 and scarcely able to articulate the words1 #8,the ,jew6 the ,jew6' ,mr4 ,giles was at a loss to comprehend what this outcry meant2 but ,harry ,maylie1 whose perceptions were something quicker1 and who had heard ,oliver's history from his mother1 understood it at once4 #8,what direction did he take8' he asked1 catching up a heavy stick which was standing in a corner4 #8,that1' replied ,oliver1 pointing out the course the man had taken2 #8,i missed them in an instant4' #8,then1 they are in the ditch6' said ,harry4 #8,follow6 ,and keep as near me1 as you can4' ,so saying1 he sprang over the hedge1 and darted off with a speed which rendered it matter of exceeding difficulty for the others to keep near him4 ,giles followed as well as he could2 and ,oliver followed too2 and in the course of a minute or two1 ,mr4 ,losberne1 who had been out walking1 and just then returned1 tumbled over the hedge after them1 and picking himself up with more agility than he could have been supposed to possess1 struck into the same course at no contemptible speed1 shouting all the while1 most prodigiously1 to know what was the matter4 ,on they all went2 nor stopped they once to breathe1 until the leader1 striking off into an angle of the field indicated by ,oliver1 began to search1 narrowly1 the ditch and hedge adjoining2 which afforded time for the remainder of the party to come up2 and for ,oliver to communicate to ,mr4 ,losberne the circumstances that had led to so vigorous a pursuit4 ,the search was all in vain4 ,there were not even the traces of recent footsteps1 to be seen4 ,they stood now1 on the summit of a little hill1 commanding the open fields in every direction for three or four miles4 ,there was the village in the hollow on the left2 but1 in order to gain that1 after pursuing the track ,oliver had pointed out1 the men must have made a circuit of open ground1 which it was impossible they could have accomplished in so short a time4 ,a thick wood skirted the meadow-land in another direction2 but they could not have gained that covert for the same reason4 #8,it must have been a dream1 ,oliver1' said ,harry ,maylie4 #8,oh no1 indeed1 sir1' replied ,oliver1 shuddering at the very recollection of the old wretch's countenance2 #8,i saw him too plainly for that4 ,i saw them both1 as plainly as ,i see you now4' #8,who was the other8' inquired ,harry and ,mr4 ,losberne1 together4 #8,the very same man ,i told you of1 who came so suddenly upon me at the inn1' said ,oliver4 #8,we had our eyes fixed full upon each other2 and ,i could swear to him4' #8,they took this way8' demanded ,harry3 #8are you sure8' #8,as ,i am that the men were at the window1' replied ,oliver1 pointing down1 as he spoke1 to the hedge which divided the cottage-garden from the meadow4 #8,the tall man leaped over1 just there2 and the ,jew1 running a few paces to the right1 crept through that gap4' ,the two gentlemen watched ,oliver's earnest face1 as he spoke1 and looking from him to each other1 seemed to feel satisfied of the accuracy of what he said4 ,still1 in no direction were there any appearances of the trampling of men in hurried flight4 ,the grass was long2 but it was trodden down nowhere1 save where their own feet had crushed it4 ,the sides and brinks of the ditches were of damp clay2 but in no one place could they discern the print of men's shoes1 or the slightest mark which would indicate that any feet had pressed the ground for hours before4 #8,this is strange6' said ,harry4 #8,strange8' echoed the doctor4 #8,blathers and ,duff1 themselves1 could make nothing of it4' ,notwithstanding the evidently useless nature of their search1 they did not desist until the coming on of night rendered its further prosecution hopeless2 and even then1 they gave it up with reluctance4 ,giles was dispatched to the different ale-houses in the village1 furnished with the best description ,oliver could give of the appearance and dress of the strangers4 ,of these1 the ,jew was1 at all events1 sufficiently remarkable to be remembered1 supposing he had been seen drinking1 or loitering about2 but ,giles returned without any intelligence1 calculated to dispel or lessen the mystery4 ,on the next day1 fresh search was made1 and the inquiries renewed2 but with no better success4 ,on the day following1 ,oliver and ,mr4 ,maylie repaired to the market-town1 in the hope of seeing or hearing something of the men there2 but this effort was equally fruitless4 ,after a few days1 the affair began to be forgotten1 as most affairs are1 when wonder1 having no fresh food to support it1 dies away of itself4 ,meanwhile1 ,rose was rapidly recovering4 ,she had left her room3 was able to go out2 and mixing once more with the family1 carried joy into the hearts of all4 ,but1 although this happy change had a visible effect on the little circle2 and although cheerful voices and merry laughter were once more heard in the cottage2 there was at times1 an unwonted restraint upon some there3 even upon ,rose herself3 which ,oliver could not fail to remark4 ,mrs4 ,maylie and her son were often closeted together for a long time2 and more than once ,rose appeared with traces of tears upon her face4 ,after ,mr4 ,losberne had fixed a day for his departure to ,chertsey1 these symptoms increased2 and it became evident that something was in progress which affected the peace of the young lady1 and of somebody else besides4 ,at length1 one morning1 when ,rose was alone in the breakfast-parlour1 ,harry ,maylie entered2 and1 with some hesitation1 begged permission to speak with her for a few moments4 #8,a few--a very few--will suffice1 ,rose1' said the young man1 drawing his chair towards her4 #8,what ,i shall have to say1 has already presented itself to your mind2 the most cherished hopes of my heart are not unknown to you1 though from my lips you have not heard them stated4' ,rose had been very pale from the moment of his entrance2 but that might have been the effect of her recent illness4 ,she merely bowed2 and bending over some plants that stood near1 waited in silence for him to proceed4 #8,i--,i--ought to have left here1 before1' said ,harry4 #8,you should1 indeed1' replied ,rose4 #8,forgive me for saying so1 but ,i wish you had4' #8,i was brought here1 by the most dreadful and agonising of all apprehensions1' said the young man2 #8the fear of losing the one dear being on whom my every wish and hope are fixed4 ,you had been dying2 trembling between earth and heaven4 ,we know that when the young1 the beautiful1 and good1 are visited with sickness1 their pure spirits insensibly turn towards their bright home of lasting rest2 we know1 ,heaven help us6 that the best and fairest of our kind1 too often fade in blooming4' ,there were tears in the eyes of the gentle girl1 as these words were spoken2 and when one fell upon the flower over which she bent1 and glistened brightly in its cup1 making it more beautiful1 it seemed as though the outpouring of her fresh young heart1 claimed kindred naturally1 with the loveliest things in nature4 #8,a creature1' continued the young man1 passionately1 #8a creature as fair and innocent of guile as one of ,god's own angels1 fluttered between life and death4 ,oh6 who could hope1 when the distant world to which she was akin1 half opened to her view1 that she would return to the sorrow and calamity of this6 ,rose1 ,rose1 to know that you were passing away like some soft shadow1 which a light from above1 casts upon the earth2 to have no hope that you would be spared to those who linger here2 hardly to know a reason why you should be2 to feel that you belonged to that bright sphere whither so many of the fairest and the best have winged their early flight2 and yet to pray1 amid all these consolations1 that you might be restored to those who loved you--these were distractions almost too great to bear4 ,they were mine1 by day and night2 and with them1 came such a rushing torrent of fears1 and apprehensions1 and selfish regrets1 lest you should die1 and never know how devotedly ,i loved you1 as almost bore down sense and reason in its course4 ,you recovered4 ,day by day1 and almost hour by hour1 some drop of health came back1 and mingling with the spent and feeble stream of life which circulated languidly within you1 swelled it again to a high and rushing tide4 ,i have watched you change almost from death1 to life1 with eyes that turned blind with their eagerness and deep affection4 ,do not tell me that you wish ,i had lost this2 for it has softened my heart to all mankind4' #8,i did not mean that1' said ,rose1 weeping2 #8,i only wish you had left here1 that you might have turned to high and noble pursuits again2 to pursuits well worthy of you4' #8,there is no pursuit more worthy of me3 more worthy of the highest nature that exists3 than the struggle to win such a heart as yours1' said the young man1 taking her hand4 #8,rose1 my own dear ,rose6 ,for years--for years--,i have loved you2 hoping to win my way to fame1 and then come proudly home and tell you it had been pursued only for you to share2 thinking1 in my daydreams1 how ,i would remind you1 in that happy moment1 of the many silent tokens ,i had given of a boy's attachment1 and claim your hand1 as in redemption of some old mute contract that had been sealed between us6 ,that time has not arrived2 but here1 with not fame won1 and no young vision realised1 ,i offer you the heart so long your own1 and stake my all upon the words with which you greet the offer4' #8,your behaviour has ever been kind and noble4' said ,rose1 mastering the emotions by which she was agitated4 #8,as you believe that ,i am not insensible or ungrateful1 so hear my answer4' #8,it is1 that ,i may endeavour to deserve you2 it is1 dear ,rose8' #8,it is1' replied ,rose1 #8that you must endeavour to forget me2 not as your old and dearly-attached companion1 for that would wound me deeply2 but1 as the object of your love4 ,look into the world2 think how many hearts you would be proud to gain1 are there4 ,confide some other passion to me1 if you will2 ,i will be the truest1 warmest1 and most faithful friend you have4' ,there was a pause1 during which1 ,rose1 who had covered her face with one hand1 gave free vent to her tears4 ,harry still retained the other4 #8,and your reasons1 ,rose1' he said1 at length1 in a low voice2 #8your reasons for this decision8' #8,you have a right to know them1' rejoined ,rose4 #8,you can say nothing to alter my resolution4 ,it is a duty that ,i must perform4 ,i owe it1 alike to others1 and to myself4' #8,to yourself8' #8,yes1 ,harry4 ,i owe it to myself1 that ,i1 a friendless1 portionless1 girl1 with a blight upon my name1 should not give your friends reason to suspect that ,i had sordidly yielded to your first passion1 and fastened myself1 a clog1 on all your hopes and projects4 ,i owe it to you and yours1 to prevent you from opposing1 in the warmth of your generous nature1 this great obstacle to your progress in the world4' #8,if your inclinations chime with your sense of duty--' ,harry began4 #8,they do not1' replied ,rose1 colouring deeply4 #8,then you return my love8' said ,harry4 #8,say but that1 dear ,rose2 say but that2 and soften the bitterness of this hard disappointment6' #8,if ,i could have done so1 without doing heavy wrong to him ,i loved1' rejoined ,rose1 #8,i could have--' #8,have received this declaration very differently8' said ,harry4 #8,do not conceal that from me1 at least1 ,rose4' #8,i could1' said ,rose4 #8,stay6' she added1 disengaging her hand1 #8why should we prolong this painful interview8 ,most painful to me1 and yet productive of lasting happiness1 notwithstanding2 for it will be happiness to know that ,i once held the high place in your regard which ,i now occupy1 and every triumph you achieve in life will animate me with new fortitude and firmness4 ,farewell1 ,harry6 ,as we have met to-day1 we meet no more2 but in other relations than those in which this conversation have placed us1 we may be long and happily entwined2 and may every blessing that the prayers of a true and earnest heart can call down from the source of all truth and sincerity1 cheer and prosper you6' #8,another word1 ,rose1' said ,harry4 #8,your reason in your own words4 ,from your own lips1 let me hear it6' #8,the prospect before you1' answered ,rose1 firmly1 #8is a brilliant one4 ,all the honours to which great talents and powerful connections can help men in public life1 are in store for you4 ,but those connections are proud2 and ,i will neither mingle with such as may hold in scorn the mother who gave me life2 nor bring disgrace or failure on the son of her who has so well supplied that mother's place4 ,in a word1' said the young lady1 turning away1 as her temporary firmness forsook her1 #8there is a stain upon my name1 which the world visits on innocent heads4 ,i will carry it into no blood but my own2 and the reproach shall rest alone on me4' #8,one word more1 ,rose4 ,dearest ,rose6 one more6' cried ,harry1 throwing himself before her4 #8,if ,i had been less--less fortunate1 the world would call it--if some obscure and peaceful life had been my destiny--if ,i had been poor1 sick1 helpless--would you have turned from me then8 ,or has my probable advancement to riches and honour1 given this scruple birth8' #8,do not press me to reply1' answered ,rose4 #8,the question does not arise1 and never will4 ,it is unfair1 almost unkind1 to urge it4' #8,if your answer be what ,i almost dare to hope it is1' retorted ,harry1 #8it will shed a gleam of happiness upon my lonely way1 and light the path before me4 ,it is not an idle thing to do so much1 by the utterance of a few brief words1 for one who loves you beyond all else4 ,oh1 ,rose3 in the name of my ardent and enduring attachment2 in the name of all ,i have suffered for you1 and all you doom me to undergo2 answer me this one question6' #8,then1 if your lot had been differently cast1' rejoined ,rose2 #8if you had been even a little1 but not so far1 above me2 if ,i could have been a help and comfort to you in any humble scene of peace and retirement1 and not a blot and drawback in ambitious and distinguished crowds2 ,i should have been spared this trial4 ,i have every reason to be happy1 very happy1 now2 but then1 ,harry1 ,i own ,i should have been happier4' ,busy recollections of old hopes1 cherished as a girl1 long ago1 crowded into the mind of ,rose1 while making this avowal2 but they brought tears with them1 as old hopes will when they come back withered2 and they relieved her4 #8,i cannot help this weakness1 and it makes my purpose stronger1' said ,rose1 extending her hand4 #8,i must leave you now1 indeed4' #8,i ask one promise1' said ,harry4 #8,once1 and only once more1--say within a year1 but it may be much sooner1--,i may speak to you again on this subject1 for the last time4' #8,not to press me to alter my right determination1' replied ,rose1 with a melancholy smile2 #8it will be useless4' #8,no1' said ,harry2 #8to hear you repeat it1 if you will--finally repeat it6 ,i will lay at your feet1 whatever of station of fortune ,i may possess2 and if you still adhere to your present resolution1 will not seek1 by word or act1 to change it4' #8,then let it be so1' rejoined ,rose2 #8it is but one pang the more1 and by that time ,i may be enabled to bear it better4' ,she extended her hand again4 ,but the young man caught her to his bosom2 and imprinting one kiss on her beautiful forehead1 hurried from the room4 ,,chapter ,,xxxvi -- ,,is ,a ,,very ,,short ,,one1 ,,and ,,may ,,appear ,,of ,,no ,,great ,,importance ,,in ,,its ,,place1 ,,but ,,it ,,should ,,be ,,read ,,notwithstanding1 ,,as ,a ,,sequel ,,to ,,the ,,last1 ,,and ,a ,,key ,,to ,,one ,,that ,,will ,,follow ,,when ,,its ,,time ,,arrives #8,and so you are resolved to be my travelling companion this morning2 eh8' said the doctor1 as ,harry ,maylie joined him and ,oliver at the breakfast-table4 #8,why1 you are not in the same mind or intention two half-hours together6' #8,you will tell me a different tale one of these days1' said ,harry1 colouring without any perceptible reason4 #8,i hope ,i may have good cause to do so1' replied ,mr4 ,losberne2 #8though ,i confess ,i don't think ,i shall4 ,but yesterday morning you had made up your mind1 in a great hurry1 to stay here1 and to accompany your mother1 like a dutiful son1 to the sea-side4 ,before noon1 you announce that you are going to do me the honour of accompanying me as far as ,i go1 on your road to ,london4 ,and at night1 you urge me1 with great mystery1 to start before the ladies are stirring2 the consequence of which is1 that young ,oliver here is pinned down to his breakfast when he ought to be ranging the meadows after botanical phenomena of all kinds4 ,too bad1 isn't it1 ,oliver8' #8,i should have been very sorry not to have been at home when you and ,mr4 ,maylie went away1 sir1' rejoined ,oliver4 #8,that's a fine fellow1' said the doctor2 #8you shall come and see me when you return4 ,but1 to speak seriously1 ,harry2 has any communication from the great nobs produced this sudden anxiety on your part to be gone8' #8,the great nobs1' replied ,harry1 #8under which designation1 ,i presume1 you include my most stately uncle1 have not communicated with me at all1 since ,i have been here2 nor1 at this time of the year1 is it likely that anything would occur to render necessary my immediate attendance among them4' #8,well1' said the doctor1 #8you are a queer fellow4 ,but of course they will get you into parliament at the election before ,christmas1 and these sudden shiftings and changes are no bad preparation for political life4 ,there's something in that4 ,good training is always desirable1 whether the race be for place1 cup1 or sweepstakes4' ,harry ,maylie looked as if he could have followed up this short dialogue by one or two remarks that would have staggered the doctor not a little2 but he contented himself with saying1 #8,we shall see1' and pursued the subject no farther4 ,the post-chaise drove up to the door shortly afterwards2 and ,giles coming in for the luggage1 the good doctor bustled out1 to see it packed4 #8,oliver1' said ,harry ,maylie1 in a low voice1 #8let me speak a word with you4' ,oliver walked into the window-recess to which ,mr4 ,maylie beckoned him2 much surprised at the mixture of sadness and boisterous spirits1 which his whole behaviour displayed4 #8,you can write well now8' said ,harry1 laying his hand upon his arm4 #8,i hope so1 sir1' replied ,oliver4 #8,i shall not be at home again1 perhaps for some time2 ,i wish you would write to me--say once a fort-night3 every alternate ,monday3 to the ,general ,post ,office in ,london4 ,will you8' #8,oh6 certainly1 sir2 ,i shall be proud to do it1' exclaimed ,oliver1 greatly delighted with the commission4 #8,i should like to know how--how my mother and ,miss ,maylie are1' said the young man2 #8and you can fill up a sheet by telling me what walks you take1 and what you talk about1 and whether she--they1 ,i mean--seem happy and quite well4 ,you understand me8' #8,oh6 quite1 sir1 quite1' replied ,oliver4 #8,i would rather you did not mention it to them1' said ,harry1 hurrying over his words2 #8because it might make my mother anxious to write to me oftener1 and it is a trouble and worry to her4 ,let it be a secret between you and me2 and mind you tell me everything6 ,i depend upon you4' ,oliver1 quite elated and honoured by a sense of his importance1 faithfully promised to be secret and explicit in his communications4 ,mr4 ,maylie took leave of him1 with many assurances of his regard and protection4 ,the doctor was in the chaise2 ,giles 7who1 it had been arranged1 should be left behind7 held the door open in his hand2 and the women-servants were in the garden1 looking on4 ,harry cast one slight glance at the latticed window1 and jumped into the carriage4 #8,drive on6' he cried1 #8hard1 fast1 full gallop6 ,nothing short of flying will keep pace with me1 to-day4' #8,halloa6' cried the doctor1 letting down the front glass in a great hurry1 and shouting to the postillion2 #8something very short of flying will keep pace with me4 ,do you hear8' ,jingling and clattering1 till distance rendered its noise inaudible1 and its rapid progress only perceptible to the eye1 the vehicle wound its way along the road1 almost hidden in a cloud of dust3 now wholly disappearing1 and now becoming visible again1 as intervening objects1 or the intricacies of the way1 permitted4 ,it was not until even the dusty cloud was no longer to be seen1 that the gazers dispersed4 ,and there was one looker-on1 who remained with eyes fixed upon the spot where the carriage had disappeared1 long after it was many miles away2 for1 behind the white curtain which had shrouded her from view when ,harry raised his eyes towards the window1 sat ,rose herself4 #8,he seems in high spirits and happy1' she said1 at length4 #8,i feared for a time he might be otherwise4 ,i was mistaken4 ,i am very1 very glad4' ,tears are signs of gladness as well as grief2 but those which coursed down ,rose's face1 as she sat pensively at the window1 still gazing in the same direction1 seemed to tell more of sorrow than of joy4 ,,chapter ,,xxxvii -- ,,in ,,which ,,the ,,reader ,,may ,,perceive ,a ,,contrast1 ,,not ,,uncommon ,,in ,,matrimonial ,,cases ,mr4 ,bumble sat in the workhouse parlour1 with his eyes moodily fixed on the cheerless grate1 whence1 as it was summer time1 no brighter gleam proceeded1 than the reflection of certain sickly rays of the sun1 which were sent back from its cold and shining surface4 ,a paper fly-cage dangled from the ceiling1 to which he occasionally raised his eyes in gloomy thought2 and1 as the heedless insects hovered round the gaudy net-work1 ,mr4 ,bumble would heave a deep sigh1 while a more gloomy shadow overspread his countenance4 ,mr4 ,bumble was meditating2 it might be that the insects brought to mind1 some painful passage in his own past life4 ,nor was ,mr4 ,bumble's gloom the only thing calculated to awaken a pleasing melancholy in the bosom of a spectator4 ,there were not wanting other appearances1 and those closely connected with his own person1 which announced that a great change had taken place in the position of his affairs4 ,the laced coat1 and the cocked hat2 where were they8 ,he still wore knee-breeches1 and dark cotton stockings on his nether limbs2 but they were not the breeches4 ,the coat was wide-skirted2 and in that respect like the coat1 but1 oh how different6 ,the mighty cocked hat was replaced by a modest round one4 ,mr4 ,bumble was no longer a beadle4 ,there are some promotions in life1 which1 independent of the more substantial rewards they offer1 require peculiar value and dignity from the coats and waistcoats connected with them4 ,a field-marshal has his uniform2 a bishop his silk apron2 a counsellor his silk gown2 a beadle his cocked hat4 ,strip the bishop of his apron1 or the beadle of his hat and lace2 what are they8 ,men4 ,mere men4 ,dignity1 and even holiness too1 sometimes1 are more questions of coat and waistcoat than some people imagine4 ,mr4 ,bumble had married ,mrs4 ,corney1 and was master of the workhouse4 ,another beadle had come into power4 ,on him the cocked hat1 gold-laced coat1 and staff1 had all three descended4 #8,and to-morrow two months it was done6' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 with a sigh4 #8,it seems a age4' ,mr4 ,bumble might have meant that he had concentrated a whole existence of happiness into the short space of eight weeks2 but the sigh--there was a vast deal of meaning in the sigh4 #8,i sold myself1' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 pursuing the same train of relection1 #8for six teaspoons1 a pair of sugar-tongs1 and a milk-pot2 with a small quantity of second-hand furniture1 and twenty pound in money4 ,i went very reasonable4 ,cheap1 dirt cheap6' #8,cheap6' cried a shrill voice in ,mr4 ,bumble's ear3 #8you would have been dear at any price2 and dear enough ,i paid for you1 ,lord above knows that6' ,mr4 ,bumble turned1 and encountered the face of his interesting consort1 who1 imperfectly comprehending the few words she had overheard of his complaint1 had hazarded the foregoing remark at a venture4 #8,mrs4 ,bumble1 ma'am6' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 with a sentimental sternness4 #8,well6' cried the lady4 #8,have the goodness to look at me1' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 fixing his eyes upon her4 7,if she stands such a eye as that1' said ,mr4 ,bumble to himself1 #8she can stand anything4 ,it is a eye ,i never knew to fail with paupers4 ,if it fails with her1 my power is gone4'7 ,whether an exceedingly small expansion of eye be sufficient to quell paupers1 who1 being lightly fed1 are in no very high condition2 or whether the late ,mrs4 ,corney was particularly proof against eagle glances2 are matters of opinion4 ,the matter of fact1 is1 that the matron was in no way overpowered by ,mr4 ,bumble's scowl1 but1 on the contrary1 treated it with great disdain1 and even raised a laugh thereat1 which sounded as though it were genuine4 ,on hearing this most unexpected sound1 ,mr4 ,bumble looked1 first incredulous1 and afterwards amazed4 ,he then relapsed into his former state2 nor did he rouse himself until his attention was again awakened by the voice of his partner4 #8,are you going to sit snoring there1 all day8' inquired ,mrs4 ,bumble4 #8,i am going to sit here1 as long as ,i think proper1 ma'am1' rejoined ,mr4 ,bumble2 #8and although ,i was not snoring1 ,i shall snore1 gape1 sneeze1 laugh1 or cry1 as the humour strikes me2 such being my prerogative4' #8,your prerogative6' sneered ,mrs4 ,bumble1 with ineffable contempt4 #8,i said the word1 ma'am1' said ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,the prerogative of a man is to command4' #8,and what's the prerogative of a woman1 in the name of ,goodness8' cried the relict of ,mr4 ,corney deceased4 #8,to obey1 ma'am1' thundered ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,your late unfortunate husband should have taught it you2 and then1 perhaps1 he might have been alive now4 ,i wish he was1 poor man6' ,mrs4 ,bumble1 seeing at a glance1 that the decisive moment had now arrived1 and that a blow struck for the mastership on one side or other1 must necessarily be final and conclusive1 no sooner heard this allusion to the dead and gone1 than she dropped into a chair1 and with a loud scream that ,mr4 ,bumble was a hard-hearted brute1 fell into a paroxysm of tears4 ,but1 tears were not the things to find their way to ,mr4 ,bumble's soul2 his heart was waterproof4 ,like washable beaver hats that improve with rain1 his nerves were rendered stouter and more vigorous1 by showers of tears1 which1 being tokens of weakness1 and so far tacit admissions of his own power1 pleased and exalted him4 ,he eyed his good lady with looks of great satisfaction1 and begged1 in an encouraging manner1 that she should cry her hardest3 the exercise being looked upon1 by the faculty1 as strongly conducive to health4 #8,it opens the lungs1 washes the countenance1 exercises the eyes1 and softens down the temper1' said ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,so cry away4' ,as he discharged himself of this pleasantry1 ,mr4 ,bumble took his hat from a peg1 and putting it on1 rather rakishly1 on one side1 as a man might1 who felt he had asserted his superiority in a becoming manner1 thrust his hands into his pockets1 and sauntered towards the door1 with much ease and waggishness depicted in his whole appearance4 ,now1 ,mrs4 ,corney that was1 had tried the tears1 because they were less troublesome than a manual assault2 but1 she was quite prepared to make trial of the latter mode of proceeding1 as ,mr4 ,bumble was not long in discovering4 ,the first proof he experienced of the fact1 was conveyed in a hollow sound1 immediately succeeded by the sudden flying off of his hat to the opposite end of the room4 ,this preliminary proceeding laying bare his head1 the expert lady1 clasping him tightly round the throat with one hand1 inflicted a shower of blows 7dealt with singular vigour and dexterity7 upon it with the other4 ,this done1 she created a little variety by scratching his face1 and tearing his hair2 and1 having1 by this time1 inflicted as much punishment as she deemed necessary for the offence1 she pushed him over a chair1 which was luckily well situated for the purpose3 and defied him to talk about his prerogative again1 if he dared4 #8,get up6' said ,mrs4 ,bumble1 in a voice of command4 #8,and take yourself away from here1 unless you want me to do something desperate4' ,mr4 ,bumble rose with a very rueful countenance3 wondering much what something desperate might be4 ,picking up his hat1 he looked towards the door4 #8,are you going8' demanded ,mrs4 ,bumble4 #8,certainly1 my dear1 certainly1' rejoined ,mr4 ,bumble1 making a quicker motion towards the door4 #8,i didn't intend to--,i'm going1 my dear6 ,you are so very violent1 that really ,i--' ,at this instant1 ,mrs4 ,bumble stepped hastily forward to replace the carpet1 which had been kicked up in the scuffle4 ,mr4 ,bumble immediately darted out of the room1 without bestowing another thought on his unfinished sentence3 leaving the late ,mrs4 ,corney in full possession of the field4 ,mr4 ,bumble was fairly taken by surprise1 and fairly beaten4 ,he had a decided propensity for bullying3 derived no inconsiderable pleasure from the exercise of petty cruelty2 and1 consequently1 was 7it is needless to say7 a coward4 ,this is by no means a disparagement to his character2 for many official personages1 who are held in high respect and admiration1 are the victims of similar infirmities4 ,the remark is made1 indeed1 rather in his favour than otherwise1 and with a view of impressing the reader with a just sense of his qualifications for office4 ,but1 the measure of his degradation was not yet full4 ,after making a tour of the house1 and thinking1 for the first time1 that the poor-laws really were too hard on people2 and that men who ran away from their wives1 leaving them chargeable to the parish1 ought1 in justice to be visited with no punishment at all1 but rather rewarded as meritorious individuals who had suffered much2 ,mr4 ,bumble came to a room where some of the female paupers were usually employed in washing the parish linen3 when the sound of voices in conversation1 now proceeded4 #8,hem6' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 summoning up all his native dignity4 #8,these women at least shall continue to respect the prerogative4 ,hallo6 hallo there6 ,what do you mean by this noise1 you hussies8' ,with these words1 ,mr4 ,bumble opened the door1 and walked in with a very fierce and angry manner3 which was at once exchanged for a most humiliated and cowering air1 as his eyes unexpectedly rested on the form of his lady wife4 #8,my dear1' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 #8,i didn't know you were here4' #8,didn't know ,i was here6' repeated ,mrs4 ,bumble4 #8,what do you do here8' #8,i thought they were talking rather too much to be doing their work properly1 my dear1' replied ,mr4 ,bumble3 glancing distractedly at a couple of old women at the wash-tub1 who were comparing notes of admiration at the workhouse-master's humility4 #8,you thought they were talking too much8' said ,mrs4 ,bumble4 #8,what business is it of yours8' #8,why1 my dear--' urged ,mr4 ,bumble submissively4 #8,what business is it of yours8' demanded ,mrs4 ,bumble1 again4 #8,it's very true1 you're matron here1 my dear1' submitted ,mr4 ,bumble2 #8but ,i thought you mightn't be in the way just then4' #8,i'll tell you what1 ,mr4 ,bumble1' returned his lady4 #8,we don't want any of your interference4 ,you're a great deal too fond of poking your nose into things that don't concern you1 making everybody in the house laugh1 the moment your back is turned1 and making yourself look like a fool every hour in the day4 ,be off2 come6' ,mr4 ,bumble1 seeing with excruciating feelings1 the delight of the two old paupers1 who were tittering together most rapturously1 hesitated for an instant4 ,mrs4 ,bumble1 whose patience brooked no delay1 caught up a bowl of soap-suds1 and motioning him towards the door1 ordered him instantly to depart1 on pain of receiving the contents upon his portly person4 ,what could ,mr4 ,bumble do8 ,he looked dejectedly round1 and slunk away2 and1 as he reached the door1 the titterings of the paupers broke into a shrill chuckle of irrepressible delight4 ,it wanted but this4 ,he was degraded in their eyes2 he had lost caste and station before the very paupers2 he had fallen from all the height and pomp of beadleship1 to the lowest depth of the most snubbed hen-peckery4 #8,all in two months6' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 filled with dismal thoughts4 #8,two months6 ,no more than two months ago1 ,i was not only my own master1 but everybody else's1 so far as the porochial workhouse was concerned1 and now6--' ,it was too much4 ,mr4 ,bumble boxed the ears of the boy who opened the gate for him 7for he had reached the portal in his reverie72 and walked1 distractedly1 into the street4 ,he walked up one street1 and down another1 until exercise had abated the first passion of his grief2 and then the revulsion of feeling made him thirsty4 ,he passed a great many public-houses2 but1 at length paused before one in a by-way1 whose parlour1 as he gathered from a hasty peep over the blinds1 was deserted1 save by one solitary customer4 ,it began to rain1 heavily1 at the moment4 ,this determined him4 ,mr4 ,bumble stepped in2 and ordering something to drink1 as he passed the bar1 entered the apartment into which he had looked from the street4 ,the man who was seated there1 was tall and dark1 and wore a large cloak4 ,he had the air of a stranger2 and seemed1 by a certain haggardness in his look1 as well as by the dusty soils on his dress1 to have travelled some distance4 ,he eyed ,bumble askance1 as he entered1 but scarcely deigned to nod his head in acknowledgment of his salutation4 ,mr4 ,bumble had quite dignity enough for two2 supposing even that the stranger had been more familiar3 so he drank his gin-and-water in silence1 and read the paper with great show of pomp and circumstance4 ,it so happened1 however3 as it will happen very often1 when men fall into company under such circumstances3 that ,mr4 ,bumble felt1 every now and then1 a powerful inducement1 which he could not resist1 to steal a look at the stranger3 and that whenever he did so1 he withdrew his eyes1 in some confusion1 to find that the stranger was at that moment stealing a look at him4 ,mr4 ,bumble's awkwardness was enhanced by the very remarkable expression of the stranger's eye1 which was keen and bright1 but shadowed by a scowl of distrust and suspicion1 unlike anything he had ever observed before1 and repulsive to behold4 ,when they had encountered each other's glance several times in this way1 the stranger1 in a harsh1 deep voice1 broke silence4 #8,were you looking for me1' he said1 #8when you peered in at the window8' #8,not that ,i am aware of1 unless you're ,mr4--' ,here ,mr4 ,bumble stopped short2 for he was curious to know the stranger's name1 and thought in his impatience1 he might supply the blank4 #8,i see you were not1' said the stranger2 an expression of quiet sarcasm playing about his mouth2 #8or you have known my name4 ,you don't know it4 ,i would recommend you not to ask for it4' #8,i meant no harm1 young man1' observed ,mr4 ,bumble1 majestically4 #8,and have done none1' said the stranger4 ,another silence succeeded this short dialogue3 which was again broken by the stranger4 #8,i have seen you before1 ,i think8' said he4 #8,you were differently dressed at that time1 and ,i only passed you in the street1 but ,i should know you again4 ,you were beadle here1 once2 were you not8' #8,i was1' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 in some surprise2 #8porochial beadle4' #8,just so1' rejoined the other1 nodding his head4 #8,it was in that character ,i saw you4 ,what are you now8' #8,master of the workhouse1' rejoined ,mr4 ,bumble1 slowly and impressively1 to check any undue familiarity the stranger might otherwise assume4 #8,master of the workhouse1 young man6' #8,you have the same eye to your own interest1 that you always had1 ,i doubt not8' resumed the stranger1 looking keenly into ,mr4 ,bumble's eyes1 as he raised them in astonishment at the question4 #8,don't scruple to answer freely1 man4 ,i know you pretty well1 you see4' #8,i suppose1 a married man1' replied ,mr4 ,bumble1 shading his eyes with his hand1 and surveying the stranger1 from head to foot1 in evident perplexity1 #8is not more averse to turning an honest penny when he can1 than a single one4 ,porochial officers are not so well paid that they can afford to refuse any little extra fee1 when it comes to them in a civil and proper manner4' ,the stranger smiled1 and nodded his head again3 as much to say1 he had not mistaken his man2 then rang the bell4 #8,fill this glass again1' he said1 handing ,mr4 ,bumble's empty tumbler to the landlord4 #8,let it be strong and hot4 ,you like it so1 ,i suppose8' #8,not too strong1' replied ,mr4 ,bumble1 with a delicate cough4 #8,you understand what that means1 landlord6' said the stranger1 drily4 ,the host smiled1 disappeared1 and shortly afterwards returned with a steaming jorum3 of which1 the first gulp brought the water into ,mr4 ,bumble's eyes4 #8,now listen to me1' said the stranger1 after closing the door and window4 #8,i came down to this place1 to-day1 to find you out2 and1 by one of those chances which the devil throws in the way of his friends sometimes1 you walked into the very room ,i was sitting in1 while you were uppermost in my mind4 ,i want some information from you4 ,i don't ask you to give it for nothing1 slight as it is4 ,put up that1 to begin with4' ,as he spoke1 he pushed a couple of sovereigns across the table to his companion1 carefully1 as though unwilling that the chinking of money should be heard without4 ,when ,mr4 ,bumble had scrupulously examined the coins1 to see that they were genuine1 and had put them up1 with much satisfaction1 in his waistcoat-pocket1 he went on3 #8,carry your memory back--let me see--twelve years1 last winter4' #8,it's a long time1' said ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,very good4 ,i've done it4' #8,the scene1 the workhouse4' #8,good6' #8,and the time1 night4' #8,yes4' #8,and the place1 the crazy hole1 wherever it was1 in which miserable drabs brought forth the life and health so often denied to themselves--gave birth to puling children for the parish to rear2 and hid their shame1 rot #8em in the grave6' #8,the lying-in room1 ,i suppose8' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 not quite following the stranger's excited description4 #8,yes1' said the stranger4 #8,a boy was born there4' #8,a many boys1' observed ,mr4 ,bumble1 shaking his head1 despondingly4 #8,a murrain on the young devils6' cried the stranger2 #8,i speak of one2 a meek-looking1 pale-faced boy1 who was apprenticed down here1 to a coffin-maker--,i wish he had made his coffin1 and screwed his body in it--and who afterwards ran away to ,london1 as it was supposed4 #8,why1 you mean ,oliver6 ,young ,twist6' said ,mr4 ,bumble2 #8,i remember him1 of course4 ,there wasn't a obstinater young rascal--' #8,it's not of him ,i want to hear2 ,i've heard enough of him1' said the stranger1 stopping ,mr4 ,bumble in the outset of a tirade on the subject of poor ,oliver's vices4 #8,it's of a woman2 the hag that nursed his mother4 ,where is she8' #8,where is she8' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 whom the gin-and-water had rendered facetious4 #8,it would be hard to tell4 ,there's no midwifery there1 whichever place she's gone to2 so ,i suppose she's out of employment1 anyway4' #8,what do you mean8' demanded the stranger1 sternly4 #8,that she died last winter1' rejoined ,mr4 ,bumble4 ,the man looked fixedly at him when he had given this information1 and although he did not withdraw his eyes for some time afterwards1 his gaze gradually became vacant and abstracted1 and he seemed lost in thought4 ,for some time1 he appeared doubtful whether he ought to be relieved or disappointed by the intelligence2 but at length he breathed more freely2 and withdrawing his eyes1 observed that it was no great matter4 ,with that he rose1 as if to depart4 ,but ,mr4 ,bumble was cunning enough2 and he at once saw that an opportunity was opened1 for the lucrative disposal of some secret in the possession of his better half4 ,he well remembered the night of old ,sally's death1 which the occurrences of that day had given him good reason to recollect1 as the occasion on which he had proposed to ,mrs4 ,corney2 and although that lady had never confided to him the disclosure of which she had been the solitary witness1 he had heard enough to know that it related to something that had occurred in the old woman's attendance1 as workhouse nurse1 upon the young mother of ,oliver ,twist4 ,hastily calling this circumstance to mind1 he informed the stranger1 with an air of mystery1 that one woman had been closeted with the old harridan shortly before she died2 and that she could1 as he had reason to believe1 throw some light on the subject of his inquiry4 #8,how can ,i find her8' said the stranger1 thrown off his guard2 and plainly showing that all his fears 7whatever they were7 were aroused afresh by the intelligence4 #8,only through me1' rejoined ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,when8' cried the stranger1 hastily4 #8,to-morrow1' rejoined ,bumble4 #8,at nine in the evening1' said the stranger1 producing a scrap of paper1 and writing down upon it1 an obscure address by the water-side1 in characters that betrayed his agitation2 #8at nine in the evening1 bring her to me there4 ,i needn't tell you to be secret4 ,it's your interest4' ,with these words1 he led the way to the door1 after stopping to pay for the liquor that had been drunk4 ,shortly remarking that their roads were different1 he departed1 without more ceremony than an emphatic repetition of the hour of appointment for the following night4 ,on glancing at the address1 the parochial functionary observed that it contained no name4 ,the stranger had not gone far1 so he made after him to ask it4 #8,what do you want8' cried the man1 turning quickly round1 as ,bumble touched him on the arm4 #8,following me8' #8,only to ask a question1' said the other1 pointing to the scrap of paper4 #8,what name am ,i to ask for8' #8,monks6' rejoined the man2 and strode hastily1 away4 ,,chapter ,,xxxviii -- ,,containing ,,an ,,account ,,of ,,what ,,passed ,,between ,,mr4 ,,and ,,mrs4 ,,bumble1 ,,and ,,mr4 ,,monks1 ,,at ,,their ,,nocturnal ,,interview ,it was a dull1 close1 overcast summer evening4 ,the clouds1 which had been threatening all day1 spread out in a dense and sluggish mass of vapour1 already yielded large drops of rain1 and seemed to presage a violent thunder-storm1 when ,mr4 and ,mrs4 ,bumble1 turning out of the main street of the town1 directed their course towards a scattered little colony of ruinous houses1 distant from it some mile and a-half1 or thereabouts1 and erected on a low unwholesome swamp1 bordering upon the river4 ,they were both wrapped in old and shabby outer garments1 which might1 perhaps1 serve the double purpose of protecting their persons from the rain1 and sheltering them from observation4 ,the husband carried a lantern1 from which1 however1 no light yet shone2 and trudged on1 a few paces in front1 as though--the way being dirty--to give his wife the benefit of treading in his heavy footprints4 ,they went on1 in profound silence2 every now and then1 ,mr4 ,bumble relaxed his pace1 and turned his head as if to make sure that his helpmate was following2 then1 discovering that she was close at his heels1 he mended his rate of walking1 and proceeded1 at a considerable increase of speed1 towards their place of destination4 ,this was far from being a place of doubtful character2 for it had long been known as the residence of none but low ruffians1 who1 under various pretences of living by their labour1 subsisted chiefly on plunder and crime4 ,it was a collection of mere hovels3 some1 hastily built with loose bricks3 others1 of old worm-eaten ship-timber3 jumbled together without any attempt at order or arrangement1 and planted1 for the most part1 within a few feet of the river's bank4 ,a few leaky boats drawn up on the mud1 and made fast to the dwarf wall which skirted it3 and here and there an oar or coil of rope3 appeared1 at first1 to indicate that the inhabitants of these miserable cottages pursued some avocation on the river2 but a glance at the shattered and useless condition of the articles thus displayed1 would have led a passer-by1 without much difficulty1 to the conjecture that they were disposed there1 rather for the preservation of appearances1 than with any view to their being actually employed4 ,in the heart of this cluster of huts2 and skirting the river1 which its upper stories overhung2 stood a large building1 formerly used as a manufactory of some kind4 ,it had1 in its day1 probably furnished employment to the inhabitants of the surrounding tenements4 ,but it had long since gone to ruin4 ,the rat1 the worm1 and the action of the damp1 had weakened and rotted the piles on which it stood2 and a considerable portion of the building had already sunk down into the water2 while the remainder1 tottering and bending over the dark stream1 seemed to wait a favourable opportunity of following its old companion1 and involving itself in the same fate4 ,it was before this ruinous building that the worthy couple paused1 as the first peal of distant thunder reverberated in the air1 and the rain commenced pouring violently down4 #8,the place should be somewhere here1' said ,bumble1 consulting a scrap of paper he held in his hand4 #8,halloa there6' cried a voice from above4 ,following the sound1 ,mr4 ,bumble raised his head and descried a man looking out of a door1 breast-high1 on the second story4 #8,stand still1 a minute1' cried the voice2 #8,i'll be with you directly4' ,with which the head disappeared1 and the door closed4 #8,is that the man8' asked ,mr4 ,bumble's good lady4 ,mr4 ,bumble nodded in the affirmative4 #8,then1 mind what ,i told you1' said the matron3 #8and be careful to say as little as you can1 or you'll betray us at once4' ,mr4 ,bumble1 who had eyed the building with very rueful looks1 was apparently about to express some doubts relative to the advisability of proceeding any further with the enterprise just then1 when he was prevented by the appearance of ,monks3 who opened a small door1 near which they stood1 and beckoned them inwards4 #8,come in6' he cried impatiently1 stamping his foot upon the ground4 #8,don't keep me here6' ,the woman1 who had hesitated at first1 walked boldly in1 without any other invitation4 ,mr4 ,bumble1 who was ashamed or afraid to lag behind1 followed3 obviously very ill at ease and with scarcely any of that remarkable dignity which was usually his chief characteristic4 #8,what the devil made you stand lingering there1 in the wet8' said ,monks1 turning round1 and addressing ,bumble1 after he had bolted the door behind them4 #8,we--we were only cooling ourselves1' stammered ,bumble1 looking apprehensively about him4 #8,cooling yourselves6' retorted ,monks4 #8,not all the rain that ever fell1 or ever will fall1 will put as much of hell's fire out1 as a man can carry about with him4 ,you won't cool yourself so easily2 don't think it6' ,with this agreeable speech1 ,monks turned short upon the matron1 and bent his gaze upon her1 till even she1 who was not easily cowed1 was fain to withdraw her eyes1 and turn them towards the ground4 #8,this is the woman1 is it8' demanded ,monks4 #8,hem6 ,that is the woman1' replied ,mr4 ,bumble1 mindful of his wife's caution4 #8,you think women never can keep secrets1 ,i suppose8' said the matron1 interposing1 and returning1 as she spoke1 the searching look of ,monks4 #8,i know they will always keep one till it's found out1' said ,monks4 #8,and what may that be8' asked the matron4 #8,the loss of their own good name1' replied ,monks4 #8,so1 by the same rule1 if a woman's a party to a secret that might hang or transport her1 ,i'm not afraid of her telling it to anybody2 not ,i6 ,do you understand1 mistress8' #8,no1' rejoined the matron1 slightly colouring as she spoke4 #8,of course you don't6' said ,monks4 #8,how should you8' ,bestowing something half-way between a smile and a frown upon his two companions1 and again beckoning them to follow him1 the man hastened across the apartment1 which was of considerable extent1 but low in the roof4 ,he was preparing to ascend a steep staircase1 or rather ladder1 leading to another floor of warehouses above3 when a bright flash of lightning streamed down the aperture1 and a peal of thunder followed1 which shook the crazy building to its centre4 #8,hear it6' he cried1 shrinking back4 #8,hear it6 ,rolling and crashing on as if it echoed through a thousand caverns where the devils were hiding from it4 ,i hate the sound6' ,he remained silent for a few moments2 and then1 removing his hands suddenly from his face1 showed1 to the unspeakable discomposure of ,mr4 ,bumble1 that it was much distorted and discoloured4 #8,these fits come over me1 now and then1' said ,monks1 observing his alarm2 #8and thunder sometimes brings them on4 ,don't mind me now2 it's all over for this once4' ,thus speaking1 he led the way up the ladder2 and hastily closing the window-shutter of the room into which it led1 lowered a lantern which hung at the end of a rope and pulley passed through one of the heavy beams in the ceiling3 and which cast a dim light upon an old table and three chairs that were placed beneath it4 #8,now1' said ,monks1 when they had all three seated themselves1 #8the sooner we come to our business1 the better for all4 ,the woman know what it is1 does she8' ,the question was addressed to ,bumble2 but his wife anticipated the reply1 by intimating that she was perfectly acquainted with it4 #8,he is right in saying that you were with this hag the night she died2 and that she told you something--' #8,about the mother of the boy you named1' replied the matron interrupting him4 #8,yes4' #8,the first question is1 of what nature was her communication8' said ,monks4 #8,that's the second1' observed the woman with much deliberation4 #8,the first is1 what may the communication be worth8' #8,who the devil can tell that1 without knowing of what kind it is8' asked ,monks4 #8,nobody better than you1 ,i am persuaded1' answered ,mrs4 ,bumble3 who did not want for spirit1 as her yoke-fellow could abundantly testify4 #8,humph6' said ,monks significantly1 and with a look of eager inquiry2 #8there may be money's worth to get1 eh8' #8,perhaps there may1' was the composed reply4 #8,something that was taken from her1' said ,monks4 #8,something that she wore4 ,something that--' #8,you had better bid1' interrupted ,mrs4 ,bumble4 #8,i have heard enough1 already1 to assure me that you are the man ,i ought to talk to4' ,mr4 ,bumble1 who had not yet been admitted by his better half into any greater share of the secret than he had originally possessed1 listened to this dialogue with outstretched neck and distended eyes3 which he directed towards his wife and ,monks1 by turns1 in undisguised astonishment2 increased1 if possible1 when the latter sternly demanded1 what sum was required for the disclosure4 #8,what's it worth to you8' asked the woman1 as collectedly as before4 #8,it may be nothing2 it may be twenty pounds1' replied ,monks4 #8,speak out1 and let me know which4' #8,add five pounds to the sum you have named2 give me five-and-twenty pounds in gold1' said the woman2 #8and ,i'll tell you all ,i know4 ,not before4' #8,five-and-twenty pounds6' exclaimed ,monks1 drawing back4 #8,i spoke as plainly as ,i could1' replied ,mrs4 ,bumble4 #8,it's not a large sum1 either4' #8,not a large sum for a paltry secret1 that may be nothing when it's told6' cried ,monks impatiently2 #8and which has been lying dead for twelve years past or more6' #8,such matters keep well1 and1 like good wine1 often double their value in course of time1' answered the matron1 still preserving the resolute indifference she had assumed4 #8,as to lying dead1 there are those who will lie dead for twelve thousand years to come1 or twelve million1 for anything you or ,i know1 who will tell strange tales at last6' #8,what if ,i pay it for nothing8' asked ,monks1 hesitating4 #8,you can easily take it away again1' replied the matron4 #8,i am but a woman2 alone here2 and unprotected4' #8,not alone1 my dear1 nor unprotected1 neither1' submitted ,mr4 ,bumble1 in a voice tremulous with fear3 #8,i am here1 my dear4 ,and besides1' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 his teeth chattering as he spoke1 #8,mr4 ,monks is too much of a gentleman to attempt any violence on porochial persons4 ,mr4 ,monks is aware that ,i am not a young man1 my dear1 and also that ,i am a little run to seed1 as ,i may say2 bu he has heerd3 ,i say ,i have no doubt ,mr4 ,monks has heerd1 my dear3 that ,i am a very determined officer1 with very uncommon strength1 if ,i'm once roused4 ,i only want a little rousing2 that's all4' ,as ,mr4 ,bumble spoke1 he made a melancholy feint of grasping his lantern with fierce determination2 and plainly showed1 by the alarmed expression of every feature1 that he did want a little rousing1 and not a little1 prior to making any very warlike demonstration3 unless1 indeed1 against paupers1 or other person or persons trained down for the purpose4 #8,you are a fool1' said ,mrs4 ,bumble1 in reply2 #8and had better hold your tongue4' #8,he had better have cut it out1 before he came1 if he can't speak in a lower tone1' said ,monks1 grimly4 #8,so6 ,he's your husband1 eh8' #8,he my husband6' tittered the matron1 parrying the question4 #8,i thought as much1 when you came in1' rejoined ,monks1 marking the angry glance which the lady darted at her spouse as she spoke4 #8,so much the better2 ,i have less hesitation in dealing with two people1 when ,i find that there's only one will between them4 ,i'm in earnest4 ,see here6' ,he thrust his hand into a side-pocket2 and producing a canvas bag1 told out twenty-five sovereigns on the table1 and pushed them over to the woman4 #8,now1' he said1 #8gather them up2 and when this cursed peal of thunder1 which ,i feel is coming up to break over the house-top1 is gone1 let's hear your story4' ,the thunder1 which seemed in fact much nearer1 and to shiver and break almost over their heads1 having subsided1 ,monks1 raising his face from the table1 bent forward to listen to what the woman should say4 ,the faces of the three nearly touched1 as the two men leant over the small table in their eagerness to hear1 and the woman also leant forward to render her whisper audible4 ,the sickly rays of the suspended lantern falling directly upon them1 aggravated the paleness and anxiety of their countenances3 which1 encircled by the deepest gloom and darkness1 looked ghastly in the extreme4 #8,when this woman1 that we called old ,sally1 died1' the matron began1 #8she and ,i were alone4' #8,was there no one by8' asked ,monks1 in the same hollow whisper2 #8,no sick wretch or idiot in some other bed8 ,no one who could hear1 and might1 by possibility1 understand8' #8,not a soul1' replied the woman2 #8we were alone4 ,i stood alone beside the body when death came over it4' #8,good1' said ,monks1 regarding her attentively4 #8,go on4' #8,she spoke of a young creature1' resumed the matron1 #8who had brought a child into the world some years before2 not merely in the same room1 but in the same bed1 in which she then lay dying4' #8,ay8' said ,monks1 with quivering lip1 and glancing over his shoulder1 #8,blood6 ,how things come about6' #8,the child was the one you named to him last night1' said the matron1 nodding carelessly towards her husband2 #8the mother this nurse had robbed4' #8,in life8' asked ,monks4 #8,in death1' replied the woman1 with something like a shudder4 #8,she stole from the corpse1 when it had hardly turned to one1 that which the dead mother had prayed her1 with her last breath1 to keep for the infant's sake4' #8,she sold it1' cried ,monks1 with desperate eagerness2 #8did she sell it8 ,where8 ,when8 ,to whom8 ,how long before8' #8,as she told me1 with great difficulty1 that she had done this1' said the matron1 #8she fell back and died4' #8,without saying more8' cried ,monks1 in a voice which1 from its very suppression1 seemed only the more furious4 #8,it's a lie6 ,i'll not be played with4 ,she said more4 ,i'll tear the life out of you both1 but ,i'll know what it was4' #8,she didn't utter another word1' said the woman1 to all appearance unmoved 7as ,mr4 ,bumble was very far from being7 by the strange man's violence2 #8but she clutched my gown1 violently1 with one hand1 which was partly closed2 and when ,i saw that she was dead1 and so removed the hand by force1 ,i found it clasped a scrap of dirty paper4' #8,which contained--' interposed ,monks1 stretching forward4 #8,nothing1' replied the woman2 #8it was a pawnbroker's duplicate4' #8,for what8' demanded ,monks4 #8,in good time ,i'll tell you4' said the woman4 #8,i judge that she had kept the trinket1 for some time1 in the hope of turning it to better account2 and then had pawned it2 and had saved or scraped together money to pay the pawnbroker's interest year by year1 and prevent its running out2 so that if anything came of it1 it could still be redeemed4 ,nothing had come of it2 and1 as ,i tell you1 she died with the scrap of paper1 all worn and tattered1 in her hand4 ,the time was out in two days2 ,i thought something might one day come of it too2 and so redeemed the pledge4' #8,where is it now8' asked ,monks quickly4 #8,there1' replied the woman4 ,and1 as if glad to be relieved of it1 she hastily threw upon the table a small kid bag scarcely large enough for a ,french watch1 which ,monks pouncing upon1 tore open with trembling hands4 ,it contained a little gold locket3 in which were two locks of hair1 and a plain gold wedding-ring4 #8,it has the word 8,agnes0 engraved on the inside1' said the woman4 #8,there is a blank left for the surname2 and then follows the date2 which is within a year before the child was born4 ,i found out that4' #8,and this is all8' said ,monks1 after a close and eager scrutiny of the contents of the little packet4 #8,all1' replied the woman4 ,mr4 ,bumble drew a long breath1 as if he were glad to find that the story was over1 and no mention made of taking the five-and-twenty pounds back again2 and now he took courage to wipe the perspiration which had been trickling over his nose1 unchecked1 during the whole of the previous dialogue4 #8,i know nothing of the story1 beyond what ,i can guess at1' said his wife addressing ,monks1 after a short silence2 #8and ,i want to know nothing2 for it's safer not4 ,but ,i may ask you two questions1 may ,i8' #8,you may ask1' said ,monks1 with some show of surprise2 #8but whether ,i answer or not is another question4' #8--,which makes three1' observed ,mr4 ,bumble1 essaying a stroke of facetiousness4 #8,is that what you expected to get from me8' demanded the matron4 #8,it is1' replied ,monks4 #8,the other question8' #8,what do you propose to do with it8 ,can it be used against me8' #8,never1' rejoined ,monks2 #8nor against me either4 ,see here6 ,but don't move a step forward1 or your life is not worth a bulrush4' ,with these words1 he suddenly wheeled the table aside1 and pulling an iron ring in the boarding1 threw back a large trap-door which opened close at ,mr4 ,bumble's feet1 and caused that gentleman to retire several paces backward1 with great precipitation4 #8,look down1' said ,monks1 lowering the lantern into the gulf4 #8,don't fear me4 ,i could have let you down1 quietly enough1 when you were seated over it1 if that had been my game4' ,thus encouraged1 the matron drew near to the brink2 and even ,mr4 ,bumble himself1 impelled by curiousity1 ventured to do the same4 ,the turbid water1 swollen by the heavy rain1 was rushing rapidly on below2 and all other sounds were lost in the noise of its plashing and eddying against the green and slimy piles4 ,there had once been a water-mill beneath2 the tide foaming and chafing round the few rotten stakes1 and fragments of machinery that yet remained1 seemed to dart onward1 with a new impulse1 when freed from the obstacles which had unavailingly attempted to stem its headlong course4 #8,if you flung a man's body down there1 where would it be to-morrow morning8' said ,monks1 swinging the lantern to and fro in the dark well4 #8,twelve miles down the river1 and cut to pieces besides1' replied ,bumble1 recoiling at the thought4 ,monks drew the little packet from his breast1 where he had hurriedly thrust it2 and tying it to a leaden weight1 which had formed a part of some pulley1 and was lying on the floor1 dropped it into the stream4 ,it fell straight1 and true as a die2 clove the water with a scarcely audible splash2 and was gone4 ,the three looking into each other's faces1 seemed to breathe more freely4 #8,there6' said ,monks1 closing the trap-door1 which fell heavily back into its former position4 #8,if the sea ever gives up its dead1 as books say it will1 it will keep its gold and silver to itself1 and that trash among it4 ,we have nothing more to say1 and may break up our pleasant party4' #8,by all means1' observed ,mr4 ,bumble1 with great alacrity4 #8,you'll keep a quiet tongue in your head1 will you8' said ,monks1 with a threatening look4 #8,i am not afraid of your wife4' #8,you may depend upon me1 young man1' answered ,mr4 ,bumble1 bowing himself gradually towards the ladder1 with excessive politeness4 #8,on everybody's account1 young man2 on my own1 you know1 ,mr4 ,monks4' #8,i am glad1 for your sake1 to hear it1' remarked ,monks4 #8,light your lantern6 ,and get away from here as fast as you can4' ,it was fortunate that the conversation terminated at this point1 or ,mr4 ,bumble1 who had bowed himself to within six inches of the ladder1 would infallibly have pitched headlong into the room below4 ,he lighted his lantern from that which ,monks had detached from the rope1 and now carried in his hand2 and making no effort to prolong the discourse1 descended in silence1 followed by his wife4 ,monks brought up the rear1 after pausing on the steps to satisfy himself that there were no other sounds to be heard than the beating of the rain without1 and the rushing of the water4 ,they traversed the lower room1 slowly1 and with caution2 for ,monks started at every shadow2 and ,mr4 ,bumble1 holding his lantern a foot above the ground1 walked not only with remarkable care1 but with a marvellously light step for a gentleman of his figure3 looking nervously about him for hidden trap-doors4 ,the gate at which they had entered1 was softly unfastened and opened by ,monks2 merely exchanging a nod with their mysterious acquaintance1 the married couple emerged into the wet and darkness outside4 ,they were no sooner gone1 than ,monks1 who appeared to entertain an invincible repugnance to being left alone1 called to a boy who had been hidden somewhere below4 ,bidding him go first1 and bear the light1 he returned to the chamber he had just quitted4 ,,chapter ,,xxxix -- ,,introduces ,,some ,,respectable ,,characters ,,with ,,whom ,,the ,,reader ,,is ,,already ,,acquainted1 ,,and ,,shows ,,how ,,monks ,,and ,,the ,,jew ,,laid ,,their ,,worthy ,,heads ,,together ,on the evening following that upon which the three worthies mentioned in the last chapter1 disposed of their little matter of business as therein narrated1 ,mr4 ,william ,sikes1 awakening from a nap1 drowsily growled forth an inquiry what time of night it was4 ,the room in which ,mr4 ,sikes propounded this question1 was not one of those he had tenanted1 previous to the ,chertsey expedition1 although it was in the same quarter of the town1 and was situated at no great distance from his former lodgings4 ,it was not1 in appearance1 so desirable a habitation as his old quarters3 being a mean and badly-furnished apartment1 of very limited size2 lighted only by one small window in the shelving roof1 and abutting on a close and dirty lane4 ,nor were there wanting other indications of the good gentleman's having gone down in the world of late3 for a great scarcity of furniture1 and total absence of comfort1 together with the disappearance of all such small moveables as spare clothes and linen1 bespoke a state of extreme poverty2 while the meagre and attenuated condition of ,mr4 ,sikes himself would have fully confirmed these symptoms1 if they had stood in any need of corroboration4 ,the housebreaker was lying on the bed1 wrapped in his white great-coat1 by way of dressing-gown1 and displaying a set of features in no degree improved by the cadaverous hue of illness1 and the addition of a soiled nightcap1 and a stiff1 black beard of a week's growth4 ,the dog sat at the bedside3 now eyeing his master with a wistful look1 and now pricking his ears1 and uttering a low growl as some noise in the street1 or in the lower part of the house1 attracted his attention4 ,seated by the window1 busily engaged in patching an old waistcoat which formed a portion of the robber's ordinary dress1 was a female3 so pale and reduced with watching and privation1 that there would have been considerable difficulty in recognising her as the same ,nancy who has already figured in this tale1 but for the voice in which she replied to ,mr4 ,sikes's question4 #8,not long gone seven1' said the girl4 #8,how do you feel to-night1 ,bill8' #8,as weak as water1' replied ,mr4 ,sikes1 with an imprecation on his eyes and limbs4 #8,here2 lend us a hand1 and let me get off this thundering bed anyhow4' ,illness had not improved ,mr4 ,sikes's temper2 for1 as the girl raised him up and led him to a chair1 he muttered various curses on her awkwardness1 and struck her4 #8,whining are you8' said ,sikes4 #8,come6 ,don't stand snivelling there4 ,if you can't do anything better than that1 cut off altogether4 ,d'ye hear me8' #8,i hear you1' replied the girl1 turning her face aside1 and forcing a laugh4 #8,what fancy have you got in your head now8' #8,oh6 you've thought better of it1 have you8' growled ,sikes1 marking the tear which trembled in her eye4 #8,all the better for you1 you have4' #8,why1 you don't mean to say1 you'd be hard upon me to-night1 ,bill1' said the girl1 laying her hand upon his shoulder4 #8,no6' cried ,mr4 ,sikes4 #8,why not8' #8,such a number of nights1' said the girl1 with a touch of woman's tenderness1 which communicated something like sweetness of tone1 even to her voice3 #8such a number of nights as ,i've been patient with you1 nursing and caring for you1 as if you had been a child3 and this the first that ,i've seen you like yourself2 you wouldn't have served me as you did just now1 if you'd thought of that1 would you8 ,come1 come2 say you wouldn't4' #8,well1 then1' rejoined ,mr4 ,sikes1 #8,i wouldn't4 ,why1 damme1 now1 the girls's whining again6' #8,it's nothing1' said the girl1 throwing herself into a chair4 #8,don't you seem to mind me4 ,it'll soon be over4' #8,what'll be over8' demanded ,mr4 ,sikes in a savage voice4 #8,what foolery are you up to1 now1 again8 ,get up and bustle about1 and don't come over me with your woman's nonsense4' ,at any other time1 this remonstrance1 and the tone in which it was delivered1 would have had the desired effect2 but the girl being really weak and exhausted1 dropped her head over the back of the chair1 and fainted1 before ,mr4 ,sikes could get out a few of the appropriate oaths with which1 on similar occasions1 he was accustomed to garnish his threats4 ,not knowing1 very well1 what to do1 in this uncommon emergency2 for ,miss ,nancy's hysterics were usually of that violent kind which the patient fights and struggles out of1 without much assistance2 ,mr4 ,sikes tried a little blasphemy3 and finding that mode of treatment wholly ineffectual1 called for assistance4 #8,what's the matter here1 my dear8' said ,fagin1 looking in4 #8,lend a hand to the girl1 can't you8' replied ,sikes impatiently4 #8,don't stand chattering and grinning at me6' ,with an exclamation of surprise1 ,fagin hastened to the girl's assistance1 while ,mr4 ,john ,dawkins 7otherwise the ,artful ,dodger71 who had followed his venerable friend into the room1 hastily deposited on the floor a bundle with which he was laden2 and snatching a bottle from the grasp of ,master ,charles ,bates who came close at his heels1 uncorked it in a twinkling with his teeth1 and poured a portion of its contents down the patient's throat3 previously taking a taste1 himself1 to prevent mistakes4 #8,give her a whiff of fresh air with the bellows1 ,charley1' said ,mr4 ,dawkins2 #8and you slap her hands1 ,fagin1 while ,bill undoes the petticuts4' ,these united restoratives1 administered with great energy3 especially that department consigned to ,master ,bates1 who appeared to consider his share in the proceedings1 a piece of unexampled pleasantry3 were not long in producing the desired effect4 ,the girl gradually recovered her senses2 and1 staggering to a chair by the bedside1 hid her face upon the pillow3 leaving ,mr4 ,sikes to confront the new comers1 in some astonishment at their unlooked-for appearance4 #8,why1 what evil wind has blowed you here8' he asked ,fagin4 #8,no evil wind at all1 my dear1 for evil winds blow nobody any good2 and ,i've brought something good with me1 that you'll be glad to see4 ,dodger1 my dear1 open the bundle2 and give ,bill the little trifles that we spent all our money on1 this morning4' ,in compliance with ,mr4 ,fagin's request1 the ,artful untied this bundle1 which was of large size1 and formed of an old table-cloth2 and handed the articles it contained1 one by one1 to ,charley ,bates3 who placed them on the table1 with various encomiums on their rarity and excellence4 #8,sitch a rabbit pie1 ,bill1' exclaimed that young gentleman1 disclosing to view a huge pasty2 #8sitch delicate creeturs1 with sitch tender limbs1 ,bill1 that the wery bones melt in your mouth1 and there's no occasion to pick #8em2 half a pound of seven and six-penny green1 so precious strong that if you mix it with biling water1 it'll go nigh to blow the lid of the tea-pot off2 a pound and a half of moist sugar that the niggers didn't work at all at1 afore they got it up to sitch a pitch of goodness1--oh no6 ,two half-quartern brans2 pound of best fresh2 piece of double ,glo'ster2 and1 to wind up all1 some of the richest sort you ever lushed6' ,uttering this last panegyric1 ,master ,bates produced1 from one of his extensive pockets1 a full-sized wine-bottle1 carefully corked2 while ,mr4 ,dawkins1 at the same instant1 poured out a wine-glassful of raw spirits from the bottle he carried3 which the invalid tossed down his throat without a moment's hesitation4 #8,ah6' said ,fagin1 rubbing his hands with great satisfaction4 #8,you'll do1 ,bill2 you'll do now4' #8,do6' exclaimed ,mr4 ,sikes2 #8,i might have been done for1 twenty times over1 afore you'd have done anything to help me4 ,what do you mean by leaving a man in this state1 three weeks and more1 you false-hearted wagabond8' #8,only hear him1 boys6' said ,fagin1 shrugging his shoulders4 #8,and us come to bring him all these beau-ti-ful things4' #8,the things is well enough in their way1' observed ,mr4 ,sikes3 a little soothed as he glanced over the table2 #8but what have you got to say for yourself1 why you should leave me here1 down in the mouth1 health1 blunt1 and everything else2 and take no more notice of me1 all this mortal time1 than if ,i was that #8ere dog4--,drive him down1 ,charley6' #8,i never see such a jolly dog as that1' cried ,master ,bates1 doing as he was desired4 #8,smelling the grub like a old lady a going to market6 ,he'd make his fortun' on the stage that dog would1 and rewive the drama besides4' #8,hold your din1' cried ,sikes1 as the dog retreated under the bed3 still growling angrily4 #8,what have you got to say for yourself1 you withered old fence1 eh8' #8,i was away from ,london1 a week and more1 my dear1 on a plant1' replied the ,jew4 #8,and what about the other fortnight8' demanded ,sikes4 #8,what about the other fortnight that you've left me lying here1 like a sick rat in his hole8' #8,i couldn't help it1 ,bill4 ,i can't go into a long explanation before company2 but ,i couldn't help it1 upon my honour4' #8,upon your what8' growled ,sikes1 with excessive disgust4 #8,here6 ,cut me off a piece of that pie1 one of you boys1 to take the taste of that out of my mouth1 or it'll choke me dead4' #8,don't be out of temper1 my dear1' urged ,fagin1 submissively4 #8,i have never forgot you1 ,bill2 never once4' #8,no6 ,i'll pound it that you han't1' replied ,sikes1 with a bitter grin4 #8,you've been scheming and plotting away1 every hour that ,i have laid shivering and burning here2 and ,bill was to do this2 and ,bill was to do that2 and ,bill was to do it all1 dirt cheap1 as soon as he got well3 and was quite poor enough for your work4 ,if it hadn't been for the girl1 ,i might have died4' #8,there now1 ,bill1' remonstrated ,fagin1 eagerly catching at the word4 #8,if it hadn't been for the girl6 ,who but poor ould ,fagin was the means of your having such a handy girl about you8' #8,he says true enough there6' said ,nancy1 coming hastily forward4 #8,let him be2 let him be4' ,nancy's appearance gave a new turn to the conversation2 for the boys1 receiving a sly wink from the wary old ,jew1 began to ply her with liquor3 of which1 however1 she took very sparingly2 while ,fagin1 assuming an unusual flow of spirits1 gradually brought ,mr4 ,sikes into a better temper1 by affecting to regard his threats as a little pleasant banter2 and1 moreover1 by laughing very heartily at one or two rough jokes1 which1 after repeated applications to the spirit-bottle1 he condescended to make4 #8,it's all very well1' said ,mr4 ,sikes2 #8but ,i must have some blunt from you to-night4' #8,i haven't a piece of coin about me1' replied the ,jew4 #8,then you've got lots at home1' retorted ,sikes2 #8and ,i must have some from there4' #8,lots6' cried ,fagin1 holding up is hands4 #8,i haven't so much as would--' #8,i don't know how much you've got1 and ,i dare say you hardly know yourself1 as it would take a pretty long time to count it1' said ,sikes2 #8but ,i must have some to-night2 and that's flat4' #8,well1 well1' said ,fagin1 with a sigh1 #8,i'll send the ,artful round presently4' #8,you won't do nothing of the kind1' rejoined ,mr4 ,sikes4 #8,the ,artful's a deal too artful1 and would forget to come1 or lose his way1 or get dodged by traps and so be perwented1 or anything for an excuse1 if you put him up to it4 ,nancy shall go to the ken and fetch it1 to make all sure2 and ,i'll lie down and have a snooze while she's gone4' ,after a great deal of haggling and squabbling1 ,fagin beat down the amount of the required advance from five pounds to three pounds four and sixpence3 protesting with many solemn asseverations that that would only leave him eighteen-pence to keep house with2 ,mr4 ,sikes sullenly remarking that if he couldn't get any more he must accompany him home2 with the ,dodger and ,master ,bates put the eatables in the cupboard4 ,the ,jew then1 taking leave of his affectionate friend1 returned homeward1 attended by ,nancy and the boys3 ,mr4 ,sikes1 meanwhile1 flinging himself on the bed1 and composing himself to sleep away the time until the young lady's return4 ,in due course1 they arrived at ,fagin's abode1 where they found ,toby ,crackit and ,mr4 ,chitling intent upon their fifteenth game at cribbage1 which it is scarcely necessary to say the latter gentleman lost1 and with it1 his fifteenth and last sixpence3 much to the amusement of his young friends4 ,mr4 ,crackit1 apparently somewhat ashamed at being found relaxing himself with a gentleman so much his inferior in station and mental endowments1 yawned1 and inquiring after ,sikes1 took up his hat to go4 #8,has nobody been1 ,toby8' asked ,fagin4 #8,not a living leg1' answered ,mr4 ,crackit1 pulling up his collar2 #8it's been as dull as swipes4 ,you ought to stand something handsome1 ,fagin1 to recompense me for keeping house so long4 ,damme1 ,i'm as flat as a juryman2 and should have gone to sleep1 as fast as ,newgate1 if ,i hadn't had the good natur' to amuse this youngster4 ,horrid dull1 ,i'm blessed if ,i an't6' ,with these and other ejaculations of the same kind1 ,mr4 ,toby ,crackit swept up his winnings1 and crammed them into his waistcoat pocket with a haughty air1 as though such small pieces of silver were wholly beneath the consideration of a man of his figure2 this done1 he swaggered out of the room1 with so much elegance and gentility1 that ,mr4 ,chitling1 bestowing numerous admiring glances on his legs and boots till they were out of sight1 assured the company that he considered his acquaintance cheap at fifteen sixpences an interview1 and that he didn't value his losses the snap of his little finger4 #8,wot a rum chap you are1 ,tom6' said ,master ,bates1 highly amused by this declaration4 #8,not a bit of it1' replied ,mr4 ,chitling4 #8,am ,i1 ,fagin8' #8,a very clever fellow1 my dear1' said ,fagin1 patting him on the shoulder1 and winking to his other pupils4 #8,and ,mr4 ,crackit is a heavy swell2 an't he1 ,fagin8' asked ,tom4 #8,no doubt at all of that1 my dear4' #8,and it is a creditable thing to have his acquaintance2 an't it1 ,fagin8' pursued ,tom4 #8,very much so1 indeed1 my dear4 ,they're only jealous1 ,tom1 because he won't give it to them4' #8,ah6' cried ,tom1 triumphantly1 #8that's where it is6 ,he has cleaned me out4 ,but ,i can go and earn some more1 when ,i like2 can't ,i1 ,fagin8' #8,to be sure you can1 and the sooner you go the better1 ,tom2 so make up your loss at once1 and don't lose any more time4 ,dodger6 ,charley6 ,it's time you were on the lay4 ,come6 ,it's near ten1 and nothing done yet4' ,in obedience to this hint1 the boys1 nodding to ,nancy1 took up their hats1 and left the room2 the ,dodger and his vivacious friend indulging1 as they went1 in many witticisms at the expense of ,mr4 ,chitling2 in whose conduct1 it is but justice to say1 there was nothing very conspicuous or peculiar3 inasmuch as there are a great number of spirited young bloods upon town1 who pay a much higher price than ,mr4 ,chitling for being seen in good society3 and a great number of fine gentlemen 7composing the good society aforesaid7 who established their reputation upon very much the same footing as flash ,toby ,crackit4 #8,now1' said ,fagin1 when they had left the room1 #8,i'll go and get you that cash1 ,nancy4 ,this is only the key of a little cupboard where ,i keep a few odd things the boys get1 my dear4 ,i never lock up my money1 for ,i've got none to lock up1 my dear--ha6 ha6 ha6--none to lock up4 ,it's a poor trade1 ,nancy1 and no thanks2 but ,i'm fond of seeing the young people about me2 and ,i bear it all1 ,i bear it all4 ,hush6' he said1 hastily concealing the key in his breast2 #8who's that8 ,listen6' ,the girl1 who was sitting at the table with her arms folded1 appeared in no way interested in the arrival3 or to care whether the person1 whoever he was1 came or went3 until the murmur of a man's voice reached her ears4 ,the instant she caught the sound1 she tore off her bonnet and shawl1 with the rapidity of lightning1 and thrust them under the table4 ,the ,jew1 turning round immediately afterwards1 she muttered a complaint of the heat3 in a tone of languor that contrasted1 very remarkably1 with the extreme haste and violence of this action3 which1 however1 had been unobserved by ,fagin1 who had his back towards her at the time4 #8,bah6' he whispered1 as though nettled by the interruption2 #8it's the man ,i expected before2 he's coming downstairs4 ,not a word about the money while he's here1 ,nance4 ,he won't stop long4 ,not ten minutes1 my dear4' ,laying his skinny forefinger upon his lip1 the ,jew carried a candle to the door1 as a man's step was heard upon the stairs without4 ,he reached it1 at the same moment as the visitor1 who1 coming hastily into the room1 was close upon the girl before he observed her4 ,it was ,monks4 #8,only one of my young people1' said ,fagin1 observing that ,monks drew back1 on beholding a stranger4 #8,don't move1 ,nancy4' ,the girl drew closer to the table1 and glancing at ,monks with an air of careless levity1 withdrew her eyes2 but as he turned towards ,fagin1 she stole another look2 so keen and searching1 and full of purpose1 that if there had been any bystander to observe the change1 he could hardly have believed the two looks to have proceeded from the same person4 #8,any news8' inquired ,fagin4 #8,great4' #8,and--and--good8' asked ,fagin1 hesitating as though he feared to vex the other man by being too sanguine4 #8,not bad1 any way1' replied ,monks with a smile4 #8,i have been prompt enough this time4 ,let me have a word with you4' ,the girl drew closer to the table1 and made no offer to leave the room1 although she could see that ,monks was pointing to her4 ,the ,jew3 perhaps fearing she might say something aloud about the money1 if he endeavoured to get rid of her3 pointed upward1 and took ,monks out of the room4 #8,not that infernal hole we were in before1' she could hear the man say as they went upstairs4 ,fagin laughed2 and making some reply which did not reach her1 seemed1 by the creaking of the boards1 to lead his companion to the second story4 ,before the sound of their footsteps had ceased to echo through the house1 the girl had slipped off her shoes2 and drawing her gown loosely over her head1 and muffling her arms in it1 stood at the door1 listening with breathless interest4 ,the moment the noise ceased1 she glided from the room2 ascended the stairs with incredible softness and silence2 and was lost in the gloom above4 ,the room remained deserted for a quarter of an hour or more2 the girl glided back with the same unearthly tread2 and1 immediately afterwards1 the two men were heard descending4 ,monks went at once into the street2 and the ,jew crawled upstairs again for the money4 ,when he returned1 the girl was adjusting her shawl and bonnet1 as if preparing to be gone4 #8,why1 ,nance6' exclaimed the ,jew1 starting back as he put down the candle1 #8how pale you are6' #8,pale6' echoed the girl1 shading her eyes with her hands1 as if to look steadily at him4 #8,quite horrible4 ,what have you been doing to yourself8' #8,nothing that ,i know of1 except sitting in this close place for ,i don't know how long and all1' replied the girl carelessly4 #8,come6 ,let me get back2 that's a dear4' ,with a sigh for every piece of money1 ,fagin told the amount into her hand4 ,they parted without more conversation1 merely interchanging a #8good-night4' ,when the girl got into the open street1 she sat down upon a doorstep2 and seemed1 for a few moments1 wholly bewildered and unable to pursue her way4 ,suddenly she arose2 and hurrying on1 in a direction quite opposite to that in which ,sikes was awaiting her returned1 quickened her pace1 until it gradually resolved into a violent run4 ,after completely exhausting herself1 she stopped to take breath3 and1 as if suddenly recollecting herself1 and deploring her inability to do something she was bent upon1 wrung her hands1 and burst into tears4 ,it might be that her tears relieved her1 or that she felt the full hopelessness of her condition2 but she turned back2 and hurrying with nearly as great rapidity in the contrary direction2 partly to recover lost time1 and partly to keep pace with the violent current of her own thoughts3 soon reached the dwelling where she had left the housebreaker4 ,if she betrayed any agitation1 when she presented herself to ,mr4 ,sikes1 he did not observe it2 for merely inquiring if she had brought the money1 and receiving a reply in the affirmative1 he uttered a growl of satisfaction1 and replacing his head upon the pillow1 resumed the slumbers which her arrival had interrupted4 ,it was fortunate for her that the possession of money occasioned him so much employment next day in the way of eating and drinking2 and withal had so beneficial an effect in smoothing down the asperities of his temper2 that he had neither time nor inclination to be very critical upon her behaviour and deportment4 ,that she had all the abstracted and nervous manner of one who is on the eve of some bold and hazardous step1 which it has required no common struggle to resolve upon1 would have been obvious to the lynx-eyed ,fagin1 who would most probably have taken the alarm at once2 but ,mr4 ,sikes lacking the niceties of discrimination1 and being troubled with no more subtle misgivings than those which resolve themselves into a dogged roughness of behaviour towards everybody2 and being1 furthermore1 in an unusually amiable condition1 as has been already observed2 saw nothing unusual in her demeanor1 and indeed1 troubled himself so little about her1 that1 had her agitation been far more perceptible than it was1 it would have been very unlikely to have awakened his suspicions4 ,as that day closed in1 the girl's excitement increased2 and1 when night came on1 and she sat by1 watching until the housebreaker should drink himself asleep1 there was an unusual paleness in her cheek1 and a fire in her eye1 that even ,sikes observed with astonishment4 ,mr4 ,sikes being weak from the fever1 was lying in bed1 taking hot water with his gin to render it less inflammatory2 and had pushed his glass towards ,nancy to be replenished for the third or fourth time1 when these symptoms first struck him4 #8,why1 burn my body6' said the man1 raising himself on his hands as he stared the girl in the face4 #8,you look like a corpse come to life again4 ,what's the matter8' #8,matter6' replied the girl4 #8,nothing4 ,what do you look at me so hard for8' #8,what foolery is this8' demanded ,sikes1 grasping her by the arm1 and shaking her roughly4 #8,what is it8 ,what do you mean8 ,what are you thinking of8' #8,of many things1 ,bill1' replied the girl1 shivering1 and as she did so1 pressing her hands upon her eyes4 #8,but1 ,lord6 ,what odds in that8' ,the tone of forced gaiety in which the last words were spoken1 seemed to produce a deeper impression on ,sikes than the wild and rigid look which had preceded them4 #8,i tell you wot it is1' said ,sikes2 #8if you haven't caught the fever1 and got it comin' on1 now1 there's something more than usual in the wind1 and something dangerous too4 ,you're not a-going to--4 ,no1 damme6 you wouldn't do that6' #8,do what8' asked the girl4 #8,there ain't1' said ,sikes1 fixing his eyes upon her1 and muttering the words to himself2 #8there ain't a stauncher-hearted gal going1 or ,i'd have cut her throat three months ago4 ,she's got the fever coming on2 that's it4' ,fortifying himself with this assurance1 ,sikes drained the glass to the bottom1 and then1 with many grumbling oaths1 called for his physic4 ,the girl jumped up1 with great alacrity2 poured it quickly out1 but with her back towards him2 and held the vessel to his lips1 while he drank off the contents4 #8,now1' said the robber1 #8come and sit aside of me1 and put on your own face2 or ,i'll alter it so1 that you won't know it agin when you do want it4' ,the girl obeyed4 ,sikes1 locking her hand in his1 fell back upon the pillow3 turning his eyes upon her face4 ,they closed2 opened again2 closed once more2 again opened4 ,he shifted his position restlessly2 and1 after dozing again1 and again1 for two or three minutes1 and as often springing up with a look of terror1 and gazing vacantly about him1 was suddenly stricken1 as it were1 while in the very attitude of rising1 into a deep and heavy sleep4 ,the grasp of his hand relaxed2 the upraised arm fell languidly by his side2 and he lay like one in a profound trance4 #8,the laudanum has taken effect at last1' murmured the girl1 as she rose from the bedside4 #8,i may be too late1 even now4' ,she hastily dressed herself in her bonnet and shawl3 looking fearfully round1 from time to time1 as if1 despite the sleeping draught1 she expected every moment to feel the pressure of ,sikes's heavy hand upon her shoulder2 then1 stooping softly over the bed1 she kissed the robber's lips2 and then opening and closing the room-door with noiseless touch1 hurried from the house4 ,a watchman was crying half-past nine1 down a dark passage through which she had to pass1 in gaining the main thoroughfare4 #8,has it long gone the half-hour8' asked the girl4 #8,it'll strike the hour in another quarter1' said the man3 raising his lantern to her face4 #8,and ,i cannot get there in less than an hour or more1' muttered ,nancy3 brushing swiftly past him1 and gliding rapidly down the street4 ,many of the shops were already closing in the back lanes and avenues through which she tracked her way1 in making from ,spitalfields towards the ,west-,end of ,london4 ,the clock struck ten1 increasing her impatience4 ,she tore along the narrow pavement3 elbowing the passengers from side to side2 and darting almost under the horses' heads1 crossed crowded streets1 where clusters of persons were eagerly watching their opportunity to do the like4 #8,the woman is mad6' said the people1 turning to look after her as she rushed away4 ,when she reached the more wealthy quarter of the town1 the streets were comparatively deserted2 and here her headlong progress excited a still greater curiosity in the stragglers whom she hurried past4 ,some quickened their pace behind1 as though to see whither she was hastening at such an unusual rate2 and a few made head upon her1 and looked back1 surprised at her undiminished speed2 but they fell off one by one2 and when she neared her place of destination1 she was alone4 ,it was a family hotel in a quiet but handsome street near ,hyde ,park4 ,as the brilliant light of the lamp which burnt before its door1 guided her to the spot1 the clock struck eleven4 ,she had loitered for a few paces as though irresolute1 and making up her mind to advance2 but the sound determined her1 and she stepped into the hall4 ,the porter's seat was vacant4 ,she looked round with an air of incertitude1 and advanced towards the stairs4 #8,now1 young woman6' said a smartly-dressed female1 looking out from a door behind her1 #8who do you want here8' #8,a lady who is stopping in this house1' answered the girl4 #8,a lady6' was the reply1 accompanied with a scornful look4 #8,what lady8' #8,miss ,maylie1' said ,nancy4 ,the young woman1 who had by this time1 noted her appearance1 replied only by a look of virtuous disdain2 and summoned a man to answer her4 ,to him1 ,nancy repeated her request4 #8,what name am ,i to say8' asked the waiter4 #8,it's of no use saying any1' replied ,nancy4 #8,nor business8' said the man4 #8,no1 nor that neither1' rejoined the girl4 #8,i must see the lady4' #8,come6' said the man1 pushing her towards the door4 #8,none of this4 ,take yourself off4' #8,i shall be carried out if ,i go6' said the girl violently2 #8and ,i can make that a job that two of you won't like to do4 ,isn't there anybody here1' she said1 looking round1 #8that will see a simple message carried for a poor wretch like me8' ,this appeal produced an effect on a good-tempered-faced man-cook1 who with some of the other servants was looking on1 and who stepped forward to interfere4 #8,take it up for her1 ,joe2 can't you8' said this person4 #8,what's the good8' replied the man4 #8,you don't suppose the young lady will see such as her2 do you8' ,this allusion to ,nancy's doubtful character1 raised a vast quantity of chaste wrath in the bosoms of four housemaids1 who remarked1 with great fervour1 that the creature was a disgrace to her sex2 and strongly advocated her being thrown1 ruthlessly1 into the kennel4 #8,do what you like with me1' said the girl1 turning to the men again2 #8but do what ,i ask you first1 and ,i ask you to give this message for ,god ,almighty's sake4' ,the soft-hearted cook added his intercession1 and the result was that the man who had first appeared undertook its delivery4 #8,what's it to be8' said the man1 with one foot on the stairs4 #8,that a young woman earnestly asks to speak to ,miss ,maylie alone1' said ,nancy2 #8and that if the lady will only hear the first word she has to say1 she will know whether to hear her business1 or to have her turned out of doors as an impostor4' #8,i say1' said the man1 #8you're coming it strong6' #8,you give the message1' said the girl firmly2 #8and let me hear the answer4' ,the man ran upstairs4 ,nancy remained1 pale and almost breathless1 listening with quivering lip to the very audible expressions of scorn1 of which the chaste housemaids were very prolific2 and of which they became still more so1 when the man returned1 and said the young woman was to walk upstairs4 #8,it's no good being proper in this world1' said the first housemaid4 #8,brass can do better than the gold what has stood the fire1' said the second4 ,the third contented herself with wondering #8what ladies was made of'2 and the fourth took the first in a quartette of #8,shameful6' with which the ,dianas concluded4 ,regardless of all this3 for she had weightier matters at heart3 ,nancy followed the man1 with trembling limbs1 to a small ante-chamber1 lighted by a lamp from the ceiling4 ,here he left her1 and retired4 ,,chapter ,,xl -- ,a ,,strange ,,interview1 ,,which ,,is ,a ,,sequel ,,to ,,the ,,last ,,chamber ,the girl's life had been squandered in the streets1 and among the most noisome of the stews and dens of ,london1 but there was something of the woman's original nature left in her still2 and when she heard a light step approaching the door opposite to that by which she had entered1 and thought of the wide contrast which the small room would in another moment contain1 she felt burdened with the sense of her own deep shame1 and shrunk as though she could scarcely bear the presence of her with whom she had sought this interview4 ,but struggling with these better feelings was pride1--the vice of the lowest and most debased creatures no less than of the high and self-assured4 ,the miserable companion of thieves and ruffians1 the fallen outcast of low haunts1 the associate of the scourings of the jails and hulks1 living within the shadow of the gallows itself1--even this degraded being felt too proud to betray a feeble gleam of the womanly feeling which she thought a weakness1 but which alone connected her with that humanity1 of which her wasting life had obliterated so many1 many traces when a very child4 ,she raised her eyes sufficiently to observe that the figure which presented itself was that of a slight and beautiful girl2 then1 bending them on the ground1 she tossed her head with affected carelessness as she said3 #8,it's a hard matter to get to see you1 lady4 ,if ,i had taken offence1 and gone away1 as many would have done1 you'd have been sorry for it one day1 and not without reason either4' #8,i am very sorry if any one has behaved harshly to you1' replied ,rose4 #8,do not think of that4 ,tell me why you wished to see me4 ,i am the person you inquired for4' ,the kind tone of this answer1 the sweet voice1 the gentle manner1 the absence of any accent of haughtiness or displeasure1 took the girl completely by surprise1 and she burst into tears4 #8,oh1 lady1 lady6' she said1 clasping her hands passionately before her face1 #8if there was more like you1 there would be fewer like me1--there would--there would6' #8,sit down1' said ,rose1 earnestly4 #8,if you are in poverty or affliction ,i shall be truly glad to relieve you if ,i can1--,i shall indeed4 ,sit down4' #8,let me stand1 lady1' said the girl1 still weeping1 #8and do not speak to me so kindly till you know me better4 ,it is growing late4 ,is--is--that door shut8' #8,yes1' said ,rose1 recoiling a few steps1 as if to be nearer assistance in case she should require it4 #8,why8' #8,because1' said the girl1 #8,i am about to put my life and the lives of others in your hands4 ,i am the girl that dragged little ,oliver back to old ,fagin's on the night he went out from the house in ,pentonville4' #8,you6' said ,rose ,maylie4 #8,i1 lady6' replied the girl4 #8,i am the infamous creature you have heard of1 that lives among the thieves1 and that never from the first moment ,i can recollect my eyes and senses opening on ,london streets have known any better life1 or kinder words than they have given me1 so help me ,god6 ,do not mind shrinking openly from me1 lady4 ,i am younger than you would think1 to look at me1 but ,i am well used to it4 ,the poorest women fall back1 as ,i make my way along the crowded pavement4' #8,what dreadful things are these6' said ,rose1 involuntarily falling from her strange companion4 #8,thank ,heaven upon your knees1 dear lady1' cried the girl1 #8that you had friends to care for and keep you in your childhood1 and that you were never in the midst of cold and hunger1 and riot and drunkenness1 and--and--something worse than all--as ,i have been from my cradle4 ,i may use the word1 for the alley and the gutter were mine1 as they will be my deathbed4' #8,i pity you6' said ,rose1 in a broken voice4 #8,it wrings my heart to hear you6' #8,heaven bless you for your goodness6' rejoined the girl4 #8,if you knew what ,i am sometimes1 you would pity me1 indeed4 ,but ,i have stolen away from those who would surely murder me1 if they knew ,i had been here1 to tell you what ,i have overheard4 ,do you know a man named ,monks8' #8,no1' said ,rose4 #8,he knows you1' replied the girl2 #8and knew you were here1 for it was by hearing him tell the place that ,i found you out4' #8,i never heard the name1' said ,rose4 #8,then he goes by some other amongst us1' rejoined the girl1 #8which ,i more than thought before4 ,some time ago1 and soon after ,oliver was put into your house on the night of the robbery1 ,i--suspecting this man--listened to a conversation held between him and ,fagin in the dark4 ,i found out1 from what ,i heard1 that ,monks--the man ,i asked you about1 you know--' #8,yes1' said ,rose1 #8,i understand4' #8--,that ,monks1' pursued the girl1 #8had seen him accidently with two of our boys on the day we first lost him1 and had known him directly to be the same child that he was watching for1 though ,i couldn't make out why4 ,a bargain was struck with ,fagin1 that if ,oliver was got back he should have a certain sum2 and he was to have more for making him a thief1 which this ,monks wanted for some purpose of his own4' #8,for what purpose8' asked ,rose4 #8,he caught sight of my shadow on the wall as ,i listened1 in the hope of finding out1' said the girl2 #8and there are not many people besides me that could have got out of their way in time to escape discovery4 ,but ,i did2 and ,i saw him no more till last night4' #8,and what occurred then8' #8,i'll tell you1 lady4 ,last night he came again4 ,again they went upstairs1 and ,i1 wrapping myself up so that my shadow would not betray me1 again listened at the door4 ,the first words ,i heard ,monks say were these3 8,so the only proofs of the boy's identity lie at the bottom of the river1 and the old hag that received them from the mother is rotting in her coffin40 ,they laughed1 and talked of his success in doing this2 and ,monks1 talking on about the boy1 and getting very wild1 said that though he had got the young devil's money safely now1 he'd rather have had it the other way2 for1 what a game it would have been to have brought down the boast of the father's will1 by driving him through every jail in town1 and then hauling him up for some capital felony which ,fagin could easily manage1 after having made a good profit of him besides4' #8,what is all this6' said ,rose4 #8,the truth1 lady1 though it comes from my lips1' replied the girl4 #8,then1 he said1 with oaths common enough in my ears1 but strange to yours1 that if he could gratify his hatred by taking the boy's life without bringing his own neck in danger1 he would2 but1 as he couldn't1 he'd be upon the watch to meet him at every turn in life2 and if he took advantage of his birth and history1 he might harm him yet4 8,in short1 ,fagin10 he says1 8,jew as you are1 you never laid such snares as ,i'll contrive for my young brother1 ,oliver40' #8,his brother6' exclaimed ,rose4 #8,those were his words1' said ,nancy1 glancing uneasily round1 as she had scarcely ceased to do1 since she began to speak1 for a vision of ,sikes haunted her perpetually4 #8,and more4 ,when he spoke of you and the other lady1 and said it seemed contrived by ,heaven1 or the devil1 against him1 that ,oliver should come into your hands1 he laughed1 and said there was some comfort in that too1 for how many thousands and hundreds of thousands of pounds would you not give1 if you had them1 to know who your two-legged spaniel was4' #8,you do not mean1' said ,rose1 turning very pale1 #8to tell me that this was said in earnest8' #8,he spoke in hard and angry earnest1 if a man ever did1' replied the girl1 shaking her head4 #8,he is an earnest man when his hatred is up4 ,i know many who do worse things2 but ,i'd rather listen to them all a dozen times1 than to that ,monks once4 ,it is growing late1 and ,i have to reach home without suspicion of having been on such an errand as this4 ,i must get back quickly4' #8,but what can ,i do8' said ,rose4 #8,to what use can ,i turn this communication without you8 ,back6 ,why do you wish to return to companions you paint in such terrible colors8 ,if you repeat this information to a gentleman whom ,i can summon in an instant from the next room1 you can be consigned to some place of safety without half an hour's delay4' #8,i wish to go back1' said the girl4 #8,i must go back1 because--how can ,i tell such things to an innocent lady like you8--because among the men ,i have told you of1 there is one3 the most desperate among them all2 that ,i can't leave3 no1 not even to be saved from the life ,i am leading now4' #8,your having interfered in this dear boy's behalf before1' said ,rose2 #8your coming here1 at so great a risk1 to tell me what you have heard2 your manner1 which convinces me of the truth of what you say2 your evident contrition1 and sense of shame2 all lead me to believe that you might yet be reclaimed4 ,oh6' said the earnest girl1 folding her hands as the tears coursed down her face1 #8do not turn a deaf ear to the entreaties of one of your own sex2 the first--the first1 ,i do believe1 who ever appealed to you in the voice of pity and compassion4 ,do hear my words1 and let me save you yet1 for better things4' #8,lady1' cried the girl1 sinking on her knees1 #8dear1 sweet1 angel lady1 you are the first that ever blessed me with such words as these1 and if ,i had heard them years ago1 they might have turned me from a life of sin and sorrow2 but it is too late1 it is too late6' #8,it is never too late1' said ,rose1 #8for penitence and atonement4' #8,it is1' cried the girl1 writhing in agony of her mind2 #8,i cannot leave him now6 ,i could not be his death4' #8,why should you be8' asked ,rose4 #8,nothing could save him1' cried the girl4 #8,if ,i told others what ,i have told you1 and led to their being taken1 he would be sure to die4 ,he is the boldest1 and has been so cruel6' #8,is it possible1' cried ,rose1 #8that for such a man as this1 you can resign every future hope1 and the certainty of immediate rescue8 ,it is madness4' #8,i don't know what it is1' answered the girl2 #8,i only know that it is so1 and not with me alone1 but with hundreds of others as bad and wretched as myself4 ,i must go back4 ,whether it is ,god's wrath for the wrong ,i have done1 ,i do not know2 but ,i am drawn back to him through every suffering and ill usage2 and ,i should be1 ,i believe1 if ,i knew that ,i was to die by his hand at last4' #8,what am ,i to do8' said ,rose4 #8,i should not let you depart from me thus4' #8,you should1 lady1 and ,i know you will1' rejoined the girl1 rising4 #8,you will not stop my going because ,i have trusted in your goodness1 and forced no promise from you1 as ,i might have done4' #8,of what use1 then1 is the communication you have made8' said ,rose4 #8,this mystery must be investigated1 or how will its disclosure to me1 benefit ,oliver1 whom you are anxious to serve8' #8,you must have some kind gentleman about you that will hear it as a secret1 and advise you what to do1' rejoined the girl4 #8,but where can ,i find you again when it is necessary8' asked ,rose4 #8,i do not seek to know where these dreadful people live1 but where will you be walking or passing at any settled period from this time8' #8,will you promise me that you will have my secret strictly kept1 and come alone1 or with the only other person that knows it2 and that ,i shall not be watched or followed8' asked the girl4 #8,i promise you solemnly1' answered ,rose4 #8,every ,sunday night1 from eleven until the clock strikes twelve1' said the girl without hesitation1 #8,i will walk on ,london ,bridge if ,i am alive4' #8,stay another moment1' interposed ,rose1 as the girl moved hurriedly towards the door4 #8,think once again on your own condition1 and the opportunity you have of escaping from it4 ,you have a claim on me3 not only as the voluntary bearer of this intelligence1 but as a woman lost almost beyond redemption4 ,will you return to this gang of robbers1 and to this man1 when a word can save you8 ,what fascination is it that can take you back1 and make you cling to wickedness and misery8 ,oh6 is there no chord in your heart that ,i can touch6 ,is there nothing left1 to which ,i can appeal against this terrible infatuation6' #8,when ladies as young1 and good1 and beautiful as you are1' replied the girl steadily1 #8give away your hearts1 love will carry you all lengths--even such as you1 who have home1 friends1 other admirers1 everything1 to fill them4 ,when such as ,i1 who have no certain roof but the coffin-lid1 and no friend in sickness or death but the hospital nurse1 set our rotten hearts on any man1 and let him fill the place that has been a blank through all our wretched lives1 who can hope to cure us8 ,pity us1 lady--pity us for having only one feeling of the woman left1 and for having that turned1 by a heavy judgment1 from a comfort and a pride1 into a new means of violence and suffering4' #8,you will1' said ,rose1 after a pause1 #8take some money from me1 which may enable you to live without dishonesty--at all events until we meet again8' #8,not a penny1' replied the girl1 waving her hand4 #8,do not close your heart against all my efforts to help you1' said ,rose1 stepping gently forward4 #8,i wish to serve you indeed4' #8,you would serve me best1 lady1' replied the girl1 wringing her hands1 #8if you could take my life at once2 for ,i have felt more grief to think of what ,i am1 to-night1 than ,i ever did before1 and it would be something not to die in the hell in which ,i have lived4 ,god bless you1 sweet lady1 and send as much happiness on your head as ,i have brought shame on mine6' ,thus speaking1 and sobbing aloud1 the unhappy creature turned away2 while ,rose ,maylie1 overpowered by this extraordinary interview1 which had more the semblance of a rapid dream than an actual occurrence1 sank into a chair1 and endeavoured to collect her wandering thoughts4 ,,chapter ,,xli -- ,,containing ,,fresh ,,discoveries1 ,,and ,,showing ,,that ,,suprises1 ,,like ,,misfortunes1 ,,seldom ,,come ,,alone ,her situation was1 indeed1 one of no common trial and difficulty4 ,while she felt the most eager and burning desire to penetrate the mystery in which ,oliver's history was enveloped1 she could not but hold sacred the confidence which the miserable woman with whom she had just conversed1 had reposed in her1 as a young and guileless girl4 ,her words and manner had touched ,rose ,maylie's heart2 and1 mingled with her love for her young charge1 and scarcely less intense in its truth and fervour1 was her fond wish to win the outcast back to repentance and hope4 ,they purposed remaining in ,london only three days1 prior to departing for some weeks to a distant part of the coast4 ,it was now midnight of the first day4 ,what course of action could she determine upon1 which could be adopted in eight-and-forty hours8 ,or how could she postpone the journey without exciting suspicion8 ,mr4 ,losberne was with them1 and would be for the next two days2 but ,rose was too well acquainted with the excellent gentleman's impetuosity1 and foresaw too clearly the wrath with which1 in the first explosion of his indignation1 he would regard the instrument of ,oliver's recapture1 to trust him with the secret1 when her representations in the girl's behalf could be seconded by no experienced person4 ,these were all reasons for the greatest caution and most circumspect behaviour in communicating it to ,mrs4 ,maylie1 whose first impulse would infallibly be to hold a conference with the worthy doctor on the subject4 ,as to resorting to any legal adviser1 even if she had known how to do so1 it was scarcely to be thought of1 for the same reason4 ,once the thought occurred to her of seeking assistance from ,harry2 but this awakened the recollection of their last parting1 and it seemed unworthy of her to call him back1 when--the tears rose to her eyes as she pursued this train of reflection--he might have by this time learnt to forget her1 and to be happier away4 ,disturbed by these different reflections2 inclining now to one course and then to another1 and again recoiling from all1 as each successive consideration presented itself to her mind2 ,rose passed a sleepless and anxious night4 ,after more communing with herself next day1 she arrived at the desperate conclusion of consulting ,harry4 #8,if it be painful to him1' she thought1 #8to come back here1 how painful it will be to me6 ,but perhaps he will not come2 he may write1 or he may come himself1 and studiously abstain from meeting me--he did when he went away4 ,i hardly thought he would2 but it was better for us both4' ,and here ,rose dropped the pen1 and turned away1 as though the very paper which was to be her messenger should not see her weep4 ,she had taken up the same pen1 and laid it down again fifty times1 and had considered and reconsidered the first line of her letter without writing the first word1 when ,oliver1 who had been walking in the streets1 with ,mr4 ,giles for a body-guard1 entered the room in such breathless haste and violent agitation1 as seemed to betoken some new cause of alarm4 #8,what makes you look so flurried8' asked ,rose1 advancing to meet him4 #8,i hardly know how2 ,i feel as if ,i should be choked1' replied the boy4 #8,oh dear6 ,to think that ,i should see him at last1 and you should be able to know that ,i have told you the truth6' #8,i never thought you had told us anything but the truth1' said ,rose1 soothing him4 #8,but what is this8--of whom do you speak8' #8,i have seen the gentleman1' replied ,oliver1 scarcely able to articulate1 #8the gentleman who was so good to me--,mr4 ,brownlow1 that we have so often talked about4' #8,where8' asked ,rose4 #8,getting out of a coach1' replied ,oliver1 shedding tears of delight1 #8and going into a house4 ,i didn't speak to him--,i couldn't speak to him1 for he didn't see me1 and ,i trembled so1 that ,i was not able to go up to him4 ,but ,giles asked1 for me1 whether he lived there1 and they said he did4 ,look here1' said ,oliver1 opening a scrap of paper1 #8here it is2 here's where he lives--,i'm going there directly6 ,oh1 dear me1 dear me6 ,what shall ,i do when ,i come to see him and hear him speak again6' ,with her attention not a little distracted by these and a great many other incoherent exclamations of joy1 ,rose read the address1 which was ,craven ,street1 in the ,strand4 ,she very soon determined upon turning the discovery to account4 #8,quick6' she said4 #8,tell them to fetch a hackney-coach1 and be ready to go with me4 ,i will take you there directly1 without a minute's loss of time4 ,i will only tell my aunt that we are going out for an hour1 and be ready as soon as you are4' ,oliver needed no prompting to despatch1 and in little more than five minutes they were on their way to ,craven ,street4 ,when they arrived there1 ,rose left ,oliver in the coach1 under pretence of preparing the old gentleman to receive him2 and sending up her card by the servant1 requested to see ,mr4 ,brownlow on very pressing business4 ,the servant soon returned1 to beg that she would walk upstairs2 and following him into an upper room1 ,miss ,maylie was presented to an elderly gentleman of benevolent appearance1 in a bottle-green coat4 ,at no great distance from whom1 was seated another old gentleman1 in nankeen breeches and gaiters2 who did not look particularly benevolent1 and who was sitting with his hands clasped on the top of a thick stick1 and his chin propped thereupon4 #8,dear me1' said the gentleman1 in the bottle-green coat1 hastily rising with great politeness1 #8,i beg your pardon1 young lady--,i imagined it was some importunate person who--,i beg you will excuse me4 ,be seated1 pray4' #8,mr4 ,brownlow1 ,i believe1 sir8' said ,rose1 glancing from the other gentleman to the one who had spoken4 #8,that is my name1' said the old gentleman4 #8,this is my friend1 ,mr4 ,grimwig4 ,grimwig1 will you leave us for a few minutes8' #8,i believe1' interposed ,miss ,maylie1 #8that at this period of our interview1 ,i need not give that gentleman the trouble of going away4 ,if ,i am correctly informed1 he is cognizant of the business on which ,i wish to speak to you4' ,mr4 ,brownlow inclined his head4 ,mr4 ,grimwig1 who had made one very stiff bow1 and risen from his chair1 made another very stiff bow1 and dropped into it again4 #8,i shall surprise you very much1 ,i have no doubt1' said ,rose1 naturally embarrassed2 #8but you once showed great benevolence and goodness to a very dear young friend of mine1 and ,i am sure you will take an interest in hearing of him again4' #8,indeed6' said ,mr4 ,brownlow4 #8,oliver ,twist you knew him as1' replied ,rose4 ,the words no sooner escaped her lips1 than ,mr4 ,grimwig1 who had been affecting to dip into a large book that lay on the table1 upset it with a great crash1 and falling back in his chair1 discharged from his features every expression but one of unmitigated wonder1 and indulged in a prolonged and vacant stare2 then1 as if ashamed of having betrayed so much emotion1 he jerked himself1 as it were1 by a convulsion into his former attitude1 and looking out straight before him emitted a long deep whistle1 which seemed1 at last1 not to be discharged on empty air1 but to die away in the innermost recesses of his stomach4 ,mr4 ,browlow was no less surprised1 although his astonishment was not expressed in the same eccentric manner4 ,he drew his chair nearer to ,miss ,maylie's1 and said1 #8,do me the favour1 my dear young lady1 to leave entirely out of the question that goodness and benevolence of which you speak1 and of which nobody else knows anything2 and if you have it in your power to produce any evidence which will alter the unfavourable opinion ,i was once induced to entertain of that poor child1 in ,heaven's name put me in possession of it4' #8,a bad one6 ,i'll eat my head if he is not a bad one1' growled ,mr4 ,grimwig1 speaking by some ventriloquial power1 without moving a muscle of his face4 #8,he is a child of a noble nature and a warm heart1' said ,rose1 colouring2 #8and that ,power which has thought fit to try him beyond his years1 has planted in his breast affections and feelings which would do honour to many who have numbered his days six times over4' #8,i'm only sixty-one1' said ,mr4 ,grimwig1 with the same rigid face4 #8,and1 as the devil's in it if this ,oliver is not twelve years old at least1 ,i don't see the application of that remark4' #8,do not heed my friend1 ,miss ,maylie1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow2 #8he does not mean what he says4' #8,yes1 he does1' growled ,mr4 ,grimwig4 #8,no1 he does not1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 obviously rising in wrath as he spoke4 #8,he'll eat his head1 if he doesn't1' growled ,mr4 ,grimwig4 #8,he would deserve to have it knocked off1 if he does1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow4 #8,and he'd uncommonly like to see any man offer to do it1' responded ,mr4 ,grimwig1 knocking his stick upon the floor4 ,having gone thus far1 the two old gentlemen severally took snuff1 and afterwards shook hands1 according to their invariable custom4 #8,now1 ,miss ,maylie1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 #8to return to the subject in which your humanity is so much interested4 ,will you let me know what intelligence you have of this poor child3 allowing me to promise that ,i exhausted every means in my power of discovering him1 and that since ,i have been absent from this country1 my first impression that he had imposed upon me1 and had been persuaded by his former associates to rob me1 has been considerably shaken4' ,rose1 who had had time to collect her thoughts1 at once related1 in a few natural words1 all that had befallen ,oliver since he left ,mr4 ,brownlow's house2 reserving ,nancy's information for that gentleman's private ear1 and concluding with the assurance that his only sorrow1 for some months past1 had been not being able to meet with his former benefactor and friend4 #8,thank ,god6' said the old gentleman4 #8,this is great happiness to me1 great happiness4 ,but you have not told me where he is now1 ,miss ,maylie4 ,you must pardon my finding fault with you1--but why not have brought him8' #8,he is waiting in a coach at the door1' replied ,rose4 #8,at this door6' cried the old gentleman4 ,with which he hurried out of the room1 down the stairs1 up the coach-steps1 and into the coach1 without another word4 ,when the room-door closed behind him1 ,mr4 ,grimwig lifted up his head1 and converting one of the hind legs of his chair into a pivot1 described three distinct circles with the assistance of his stick and the table2 sitting in it all the time4 ,after performing this evolution1 he rose and limped as fast as he could up and down the room at least a dozen times1 and then stopping suddenly before ,rose1 kissed her without the slightest preface4 #8,hush6' he said1 as the young lady rose in some alarm at this unusual proceeding4 #8,don't be afraid4 ,i'm old enough to be your grandfather4 ,you're a sweet girl4 ,i like you4 ,here they are6' ,in fact1 as he threw himself at one dexterous dive into his former seat1 ,mr4 ,brownlow returned1 accompanied by ,oliver1 whom ,mr4 ,grimwig received very graciously2 and if the gratification of that moment had been the only reward for all her anxiety and care in ,oliver's behalf1 ,rose ,maylie would have been well repaid4 #8,there is somebody else who should not be forgotten1 by the bye1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 ringing the bell4 #8,send ,mrs4 ,bedwin here1 if you please4' ,the old housekeeper answered the summons with all dispatch2 and dropping a curtsey at the door1 waited for orders4 #8,why1 you get blinder every day1 ,bedwin1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 rather testily4 #8,well1 that ,i do1 sir1' replied the old lady4 #8,people's eyes1 at my time of life1 don't improve with age1 sir4' #8,i could have told you that1' rejoined ,mr4 ,brownlow2 #8but put on your glasses1 and see if you can't find out what you were wanted for1 will you8' ,the old lady began to rummage in her pocket for her spectacles4 ,but ,oliver's patience was not proof against this new trial2 and yielding to his first impulse1 he sprang into her arms4 #8,god be good to me6' cried the old lady1 embracing him2 #8it is my innocent boy6' #8,my dear old nurse6' cried ,oliver4 #8,he would come back--,i knew he would1' said the old lady1 holding him in her arms4 #8,how well he looks1 and how like a gentleman's son he is dressed again6 ,where have you been1 this long1 long while8 ,ah6 the same sweet face1 but not so pale2 the same soft eye1 but not so sad4 ,i have never forgotten them or his quiet smile1 but have seen them every day1 side by side with those of my own dear children1 dead and gone since ,i was a lightsome young creature4' ,running on thus1 and now holding ,oliver from her to mark how he had grown1 now clasping him to her and passing her fingers fondly through his hair1 the good soul laughed and wept upon his neck by turns4 ,leaving her and ,oliver to compare notes at leisure1 ,mr4 ,brownlow led the way into another room2 and there1 heard from ,rose a full narration of her interview with ,nancy1 which occasioned him no little surprise and perplexity4 ,rose also explained her reasons for not confiding in her friend ,mr4 ,losberne in the first instance4 ,the old gentleman considered that she had acted prudently1 and readily undertook to hold solemn conference with the worthy doctor himself4 ,to afford him an early opportunity for the execution of this design1 it was arranged that he should call at the hotel at eight o'clock that evening1 and that in the meantime ,mrs4 ,maylie should be cautiously informed of all that had occurred4 ,these preliminaries adjusted1 ,rose and ,oliver returned home4 ,rose had by no means overrated the measure of the good doctor's wrath4 ,nancy's history was no sooner unfolded to him1 than he poured forth a shower of mingled threats and execrations2 threatened to make her the first victim of the combined ingenuity of ,messrs4 ,blathers and ,duff2 and actually put on his hat preparatory to sallying forth to obtain the assistance of those worthies4 ,and1 doubtless1 he would1 in this first outbreak1 have carried the intention into effect without a moment's consideration of the consequences1 if he had not been restrained1 in part1 by corresponding violence on the side of ,mr4 ,brownlow1 who was himself of an irascible temperament1 and party by such arguments and representations as seemed best calculated to dissuade him from his hotbrained purpose4 #8,then what the devil is to be done8' said the impetuous doctor1 when they had rejoined the two ladies4 #8,are we to pass a vote of thanks to all these vagabonds1 male and female1 and beg them to accept a hundred pounds1 or so1 apiece1 as a trifling mark of our esteem1 and some slight acknowledgment of their kindness to ,oliver8' #8,not exactly that1' rejoined ,mr4 ,brownlow1 laughing2 #8but we must proceed gently and with great care4' #8,gentleness and care1' exclaimed the doctor4 #8,i'd send them one and all to--' #8,never mind where1' interposed ,mr4 ,brownlow4 #8,but reflect whether sending them anywhere is likely to attain the object we have in view4' #8,what object8' asked the doctor4 #8,simply1 the discovery of ,oliver's parentage1 and regaining for him the inheritance of which1 if this story be true1 he has been fraudulently deprived4' #8,ah6' said ,mr4 ,losberne1 cooling himself with his pocket-handkerchief2 #8,i almost forgot that4' #8,you see1' pursued ,mr4 ,brownlow2 #8placing this poor girl entirely out of the question1 and supposing it were possible to bring these scoundrels to justice without compromising her safety1 what good should we bring about8' #8,hanging a few of them at least1 in all probability1' suggested the doctor1 #8and transporting the rest4' #8,very good1' replied ,mr4 ,brownlow1 smiling2 #8but no doubt they will bring that about for themselves in the fulness of time1 and if we step in to forestall them1 it seems to me that we shall be performing a very ,quixotic act1 in direct opposition to our own interest--or at least to ,oliver's1 which is the same thing4' #8,how8' inquired the doctor4 #8,thus4 ,it is quite clear that we shall have extreme difficulty in getting to the bottom of this mystery1 unless we can bring this man1 ,monks1 upon his knees4 ,that can only be done by stratagem1 and by catching him when he is not surrounded by these people4 ,for1 suppose he were apprehended1 we have no proof against him4 ,he is not even 7so far as we know1 or as the facts appear to us7 concerned with the gang in any of their robberies4 ,if he were not discharged1 it is very unlikely that he could receive any further punishment than being committed to prison as a rogue and vagabond2 and of course ever afterwards his mouth would be so obstinately closed that he might as well1 for our purposes1 be deaf1 dumb1 blind1 and an idiot4' #8,then1' said the doctor impetuously1 #8,i put it to you again1 whether you think it reasonable that this promise to the girl should be considered binding2 a promise made with the best and kindest intentions1 but really--' #8,do not discuss the point1 my dear young lady1 pray1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 interrupting ,rose as she was about to speak4 #8,the promise shall be kept4 ,i don't think it will1 in the slightest degree1 interfere with our proceedings4 ,but1 before we can resolve upon any precise course of action1 it will be necessary to see the girl2 to ascertain from her whether she will point out this ,monks1 on the understanding that he is to be dealt with by us1 and not by the law2 or1 if she will not1 or cannot do that1 to procure from her such an account of his haunts and description of his person1 as will enable us to identify him4 ,she cannot be seen until next ,sunday night2 this is ,tuesday4 ,i would suggest that in the meantime1 we remain perfectly quiet1 and keep these matters secret even from ,oliver himself4' ,although ,mr4 ,losberne received with many wry faces a proposal involving a delay of five whole days1 he was fain to admit that no better course occurred to him just then2 and as both ,rose and ,mrs4 ,maylie sided very strongly with ,mr4 ,brownlow1 that gentleman's proposition was carried unanimously4 #8,i should like1' he said1 #8to call in the aid of my friend ,grimwig4 ,he is a strange creature1 but a shrewd one1 and might prove of material assistance to us2 ,i should say that he was bred a lawyer1 and quitted the ,bar in disgust because he had only one brief and a motion of course1 in twenty years1 though whether that is recommendation or not1 you must determine for yourselves4' #8,i have no objection to your calling in your friend if ,i may call in mine1' said the doctor4 #8,we must put it to the vote1' replied ,mr4 ,brownlow1 #8who may he be8' #8,that lady's son1 and this young lady's--very old friend1' said the doctor1 motioning towards ,mrs4 ,maylie1 and concluding with an expressive glance at her niece4 ,rose blushed deeply1 but she did not make any audible objection to this motion 7possibly she felt in a hopeless minority72 and ,harry ,maylie and ,mr4 ,grimwig were accordingly added to the committee4 #8,we stay in town1 of course1' said ,mrs4 ,maylie1 #8while there remains the slightest prospect of prosecuting this inquiry with a chance of success4 ,i will spare neither trouble nor expense in behalf of the object in which we are all so deeply interested1 and ,i am content to remain here1 if it be for twelve months1 so long as you assure me that any hope remains4' #8,good6' rejoined ,mr4 ,brownlow4 #8,and as ,i see on the faces about me1 a disposition to inquire how it happened that ,i was not in the way to corroborate ,oliver's tale1 and had so suddenly left the kingdom1 let me stipulate that ,i shall be asked no questions until such time as ,i may deem it expedient to forestall them by telling my own story4 ,believe me1 ,i make this request with good reason1 for ,i might otherwise excite hopes destined never to be realised1 and only increase difficulties and disappointments already quite numerous enough4 ,come6 ,supper has been announced1 and young ,oliver1 who is all alone in the next room1 will have begun to think1 by this time1 that we have wearied of his company1 and entered into some dark conspiracy to thrust him forth upon the world4' ,with these words1 the old gentleman gave his hand to ,mrs4 ,maylie1 and escorted her into the supper-room4 ,mr4 ,losberne followed1 leading ,rose2 and the council was1 for the present1 effectually broken up4 ,,chapter ,,xlii -- ,,an ,,old ,,acquaintance ,,of ,,oliver',s1 ,,exhibiting ,,decided ,,marks ,,of ,,genius1 ,,becomes ,a ,,public ,,character ,,in ,,the ,,metropolis ,upon the night when ,nancy1 having lulled ,mr4 ,sikes to sleep1 hurried on her self-imposed mission to ,rose ,maylie1 there advanced towards ,london1 by the ,great ,north ,road1 two persons1 upon whom it is expedient that this history should bestow some attention4 ,they were a man and woman2 or perhaps they would be better described as a male and female3 for the former was one of those long-limbed1 knock-kneed1 shambling1 bony people1 to whom it is difficult to assign any precise age1--looking as they do1 when they are yet boys1 like undergrown men1 and when they are almost men1 like overgrown boys4 ,the woman was young1 but of a robust and hardy make1 as she need have been to bear the weight of the heavy bundle which was strapped to her back4 ,her companion was not encumbered with much luggage1 as there merely dangled from a stick which he carried over his shoulder1 a small parcel wrapped in a common handkerchief1 and apparently light enough4 ,this circumstance1 added to the length of his legs1 which were of unusual extent1 enabled him with much ease to keep some half-dozen paces in advance of his companion1 to whom he occasionally turned with an impatient jerk of the head3 as if reproaching her tardiness1 and urging her to greater exertion4 ,thus1 they had toiled along the dusty road1 taking little heed of any object within sight1 save when they stepped aside to allow a wider passage for the mail-coaches which were whirling out of town1 until they passed through ,highgate archway2 when the foremost traveller stopped and called impatiently to his companion1 #8,come on1 can't yer8 ,what a lazybones yer are1 ,charlotte4' #8,it's a heavy load1 ,i can tell you1' said the female1 coming up1 almost breathless with fatigue4 #8,heavy6 ,what are yer talking about8 ,what are yer made for8' rejoined the male traveller1 changing his own little bundle as he spoke1 to the other shoulder4 #8,oh1 there yer are1 resting again6 ,well1 if yer ain't enough to tire anybody's patience out1 ,i don't know what is6' #8,is it much farther8' asked the woman1 resting herself against a bank1 and looking up with the perspiration streaming from her face4 #8,much farther6 ,yer as good as there1' said the long-legged tramper1 pointing out before him4 #8,look there6 ,those are the lights of ,london4' #8,they're a good two mile off1 at least1' said the woman despondingly4 #8,never mind whether they're two mile off1 or twenty1' said ,noah ,claypole2 for he it was2 #8but get up and come on1 or ,i'll kick yer1 and so ,i give yer notice4' ,as ,noah's red nose grew redder with anger1 and as he crossed the road while speaking1 as if fully prepared to put his threat into execution1 the woman rose without any further remark1 and trudged onward by his side4 #8,where do you mean to stop for the night1 ,noah8' she asked1 after they had walked a few hundred yards4 #8,how should ,i know8' replied ,noah1 whose temper had been considerably impaired by walking4 #8,near1 ,i hope1' said ,charlotte4 #8,no1 not near1' replied ,mr4 ,claypole4 #8,there6 ,not near2 so don't think it4' #8,why not8' #8,when ,i tell yer that ,i don't mean to do a thing1 that's enough1 without any why or because either1' replied ,mr4 ,claypole with dignity4 #8,well1 you needn't be so cross1' said his companion4 #8,a pretty thing it would be1 wouldn't it to go and stop at the very first public-house outside the town1 so that ,sowerberry1 if he come up after us1 might poke in his old nose1 and have us taken back in a cart with handcuffs on1' said ,mr4 ,claypole in a jeering tone4 #8,no6 ,i shall go and lose myself among the narrowest streets ,i can find1 and not stop till we come to the very out-of-the-wayest house ,i can set eyes on4 #8,cod1 yer may thanks yer stars ,i've got a head2 for if we hadn't gone1 at first1 the wrong road a purpose1 and come back across country1 yer'd have been locked up hard and fast a week ago1 my lady4 ,and serve yer right for being a fool4' #8,i know ,i ain't as cunning as you are1' replied ,charlotte2 #8but don't put all the blame on me1 and say ,i should have been locked up4 ,you would have been if ,i had been1 any way4' #8,yer took the money from the till1 yer know yer did1' said ,mr4 ,claypole4 #8,i took it for you1 ,noah1 dear1' rejoined ,charlotte4 #8,did ,i keep it8' asked ,mr4 ,claypole4 #8,no2 you trusted in me1 and let me carry it like a dear1 and so you are1' said the lady1 chucking him under the chin1 and drawing her arm through his4 ,this was indeed the case2 but as it was not ,mr4 ,claypole's habit to repose a blind and foolish confidence in anybody1 it should be observed1 in justice to that gentleman1 that he had trusted ,charlotte to this extent1 in order that1 if they were pursued1 the money might be found on her3 which would leave him an opportunity of asserting his innocence of any theft1 and would greatly facilitate his chances of escape4 ,of course1 he entered at this juncture1 into no explanation of his motives1 and they walked on very lovingly together4 ,in pursuance of this cautious plan1 ,mr4 ,claypole went on1 without halting1 until he arrived at the ,angel at ,islington1 where he wisely judged1 from the crowd of passengers and numbers of vehicles1 that ,london began in earnest4 ,just pausing to observe which appeared the most crowded streets1 and consequently the most to be avoided1 he crossed into ,saint ,john's ,road1 and was soon deep in the obscurity of the intricate and dirty ways1 which1 lying between ,gray's ,inn ,lane and ,smithfield1 render that part of the town one of the lowest and worst that improvement has left in the midst of ,london4 ,through these streets1 ,noah ,claypole walked1 dragging ,charlotte after him2 now stepping into the kennel to embrace at a glance the whole external character of some small public-house2 now jogging on again1 as some fancied appearance induced him to believe it too public for his purpose4 ,at length1 he stopped in front of one1 more humble in appearance and more dirty than any he had yet seen2 and1 having crossed over and surveyed it from the opposite pavement1 graciously announced his intention of putting up there1 for the night4 #8,so give us the bundle1' said ,noah1 unstrapping it from the woman's shoulders1 and slinging it over his own2 #8and don't yer speak1 except when yer spoke to4 ,what's the name of the house--t-h-r--three what8' #8,cripples1' said ,charlotte4 #8,three ,cripples1' repeated ,noah1 #8and a very good sign too4 ,now1 then6 ,keep close at my heels1 and come along4' ,with these injunctions1 he pushed the rattling door with his shoulder1 and entered the house1 followed by his companion4 ,there was nobody in the bar but a young ,jew1 who1 with his two elbows on the counter1 was reading a dirty newspaper4 ,he stared very hard at ,noah1 and ,noah stared very hard at him4 ,if ,noah had been attired in his charity-boy's dress1 there might have been some reason for the ,jew opening his eyes so wide2 but as he had discarded the coat and badge1 and wore a short smock-frock over his leathers1 there seemed no particular reason for his appearance exciting so much attention in a public-house4 #8,is this the ,three ,cripples8' asked ,noah4 #8,that is the dabe of this #8ouse1' replied the ,jew4 #8,a gentleman we met on the road1 coming up from the country1 recommended us here1' said ,noah1 nudging ,charlotte1 perhaps to call her attention to this most ingenious device for attracting respect1 and perhaps to warn her to betray no surprise4 #8,we want to sleep here to-night4' #8,i'b dot certaid you cad1' said ,barney1 who was the attendant sprite2 #8but ,i'll idquire4' #8,show us the tap1 and give us a bit of cold meat and a drop of beer while yer inquiring1 will yer8' said ,noah4 ,barney complied by ushering them into a small back-room1 and setting the required viands before them2 having done which1 he informed the travellers that they could be lodged that night1 and left the amiable couple to their refreshment4 ,now1 this back-room was immediately behind the bar1 and some steps lower1 so that any person connected with the house1 undrawing a small curtain which concealed a single pane of glass fixed in the wall of the last-named apartment1 about five feet from its flooring1 could not only look down upon any guests in the back-room without any great hazard of being observed 7the glass being in a dark angle of the wall1 between which and a large upright beam the observer had to thrust himself71 but could1 by applying his ear to the partition1 ascertain with tolerable distinctness1 their subject of conversation4 ,the landlord of the house had not withdrawn his eye from this place of espial for five minutes1 and ,barney had only just returned from making the communication above related1 when ,fagin1 in the course of his evening's business1 came into the bar to inquire after some of his young pupils4 #8,hush6' said ,barney3 #8stradegers id the next roob4' #8,strangers6' repeated the old man in a whisper4 #8,ah6 ,ad rub uds too1' added ,barney4 #8,frob the cuttry1 but subthig in your way1 or ,i'b bistaked4' ,fagin appeared to receive this communication with great interest4 ,mounting a stool1 he cautiously applied his eye to the pane of glass1 from which secret post he could see ,mr4 ,claypole taking cold beef from the dish1 and porter from the pot1 and administering homeopathic doses of both to ,charlotte1 who sat patiently by1 eating and drinking at his pleasure4 #8,aha6' he whispered1 looking round to ,barney1 #8,i like that fellow's looks4 ,he'd be of use to us2 he knows how to train the girl already4 ,don't make as much noise as a mouse1 my dear1 and let me hear #8em talk--let me hear #8em4' ,he again applied his eye to the glass1 and turning his ear to the partition1 listened attentively3 with a subtle and eager look upon his face1 that might have appertained to some old goblin4 #8,so ,i mean to be a gentleman1' said ,mr4 ,claypole1 kicking out his legs1 and continuing a conversation1 the commencement of which ,fagin had arrived too late to hear4 #8,no more jolly old coffins1 ,charlotte1 but a gentleman's life for me3 and1 if yer like1 yer shall be a lady4' #8,i should like that well enough1 dear1' replied ,charlotte2 #8but tills ain't to be emptied every day1 and people to get clear off after it4' #8,tills be blowed6' said ,mr4 ,claypole2 #8there's more things besides tills to be emptied4' #8,what do you mean8' asked his companion4 #8,pockets1 women's ridicules1 houses1 mail-coaches1 banks6' said ,mr4 ,claypole1 rising with the porter4 #8,but you can't do all that1 dear1' said ,charlotte4 #8,i shall look out to get into company with them as can1' replied ,noah4 #8,they'll be able to make us useful some way or another4 ,why1 you yourself are worth fifty women2 ,i never see such a precious sly and deceitful creetur as yer can be when ,i let yer4' #8,lor1 how nice it is to hear yer say so6' exclaimed ,charlotte1 imprinting a kiss upon his ugly face4 #8,there1 that'll do3 don't yer be too affectionate1 in case ,i'm cross with yer1' said ,noah1 disengaging himself with great gravity4 #8,i should like to be the captain of some band1 and have the whopping of #8em1 and follering #8em about1 unbeknown to themselves4 ,that would suit me1 if there was good profit2 and if we could only get in with some gentleman of this sort1 ,i say it would be cheap at that twenty-pound note you've got1--especially as we don't very well know how to get rid of it ourselves4' ,after expressing this opinion1 ,mr4 ,claypole looked into the porter-pot with an aspect of deep wisdom2 and having well shaken its contents1 nodded condescendingly to ,charlotte1 and took a draught1 wherewith he appeared greatly refreshed4 ,he was meditating another1 when the sudden opening of the door1 and the appearance of a stranger1 interrupted him4 ,the stranger was ,mr4 ,fagin4 ,and very amiable he looked1 and a very low bow he made1 as he advanced1 and setting himself down at the nearest table1 ordered something to drink of the grinning ,barney4 #8,a pleasant night1 sir1 but cool for the time of year1' said ,fagin1 rubbing his hands4 #8,from the country1 ,i see1 sir8' #8,how do yer see that8' asked ,noah ,claypole4 #8,we have not so much dust as that in ,london1' replied ,fagin1 pointing from ,noah's shoes to those of his companion1 and from them to the two bundles4 #8,yer a sharp feller1' said ,noah4 #8,ha6 ha6 only hear that1 ,charlotte6' #8,why1 one need be sharp in this town1 my dear1' replied the ,jew1 sinking his voice to a confidential whisper2 #8and that's the truth4' ,fagin followed up this remark by striking the side of his nose with his right forefinger1--a gesture which ,noah attempted to imitate1 though not with complete success1 in consequence of his own nose not being large enough for the purpose4 ,however1 ,mr4 ,fagin seemed to interpret the endeavour as expressing a perfect coincidence with his opinion1 and put about the liquor which ,barney reappeared with1 in a very friendly manner4 #8,good stuff that1' observed ,mr4 ,claypole1 smacking his lips4 #8,dear6' said ,fagin4 #8,a man need be always emptying a till1 or a pocket1 or a woman's reticule1 or a house1 or a mail-coach1 or a bank1 if he drinks it regularly4' ,mr4 ,claypole no sooner heard this extract from his own remarks than he fell back in his chair1 and looked from the ,jew to ,charlotte with a countenance of ashy paleness and excessive terror4 #8,don't mind me1 my dear1' said ,fagin1 drawing his chair closer4 #8,ha6 ha6 it was lucky it was only me that heard you by chance4 ,it was very lucky it was only me4' #8,i didn't take it1' stammered ,noah1 no longer stretching out his legs like an independent gentleman1 but coiling them up as well as he could under his chair2 #8it was all her doing2 yer've got it now1 ,charlotte1 yer know yer have4' #8,no matter who's got it1 or who did it1 my dear1' replied ,fagin1 glancing1 nevertheless1 with a hawk's eye at the girl and the two bundles4 #8,i'm in that way myself1 and ,i like you for it4' #8,in what way8' asked ,mr4 ,claypole1 a little recovering4 #8,in that way of business1' rejoined ,fagin2 #8and so are the people of the house4 ,you've hit the right nail upon the head1 and are as safe here as you could be4 ,there is not a safer place in all this town than is the ,cripples2 that is1 when ,i like to make it so4 ,and ,i have taken a fancy to you and the young woman2 so ,i've said the word1 and you may make your minds easy4' ,noah ,claypole's mind might have been at ease after this assurance1 but his body certainly was not2 for he shuffled and writhed about1 into various uncouth positions3 eyeing his new friend meanwhile with mingled fear and suspicion4 #8,i'll tell you more1' said ,fagin1 after he had reassured the girl1 by dint of friendly nods and muttered encouragements4 #8,i have got a friend that ,i think can gratify your darling wish1 and put you in the right way1 where you can take whatever department of the business you think will suit you best at first1 and be taught all the others4' #8,yer speak as if yer were in earnest1' replied ,noah4 #8,what advantage would it be to me to be anything else8' inquired ,fagin1 shrugging his shoulders4 #8,here6 ,let me have a word with you outside4' #8,there's no occasion to trouble ourselves to move1' said ,noah1 getting his legs by gradual degrees abroad again4 #8,she'll take the luggage upstairs the while4 ,charlotte1 see to them bundles4' ,this mandate1 which had been delivered with great majesty1 was obeyed without the slightest demur2 and ,charlotte made the best of her way off with the packages while ,noah held the door open and watched her out4 #8,she's kept tolerably well under1 ain't she8' he asked as he resumed his seat3 in the tone of a keeper who had tamed some wild animal4 #8,quite perfect1' rejoined ,fagin1 clapping him on the shoulder4 #8,you're a genius1 my dear4' #8,why1 ,i suppose if ,i wasn't1 ,i shouldn't be here1' replied ,noah4 #8,but1 ,i say1 she'll be back if yer lose time4' #8,now1 what do you think8' said ,fagin4 #8,if you was to like my friend1 could you do better than join him8' #8,is he in a good way of business2 that's where it is6' responded ,noah1 winking one of his little eyes4 #8,the top of the tree2 employs a power of hands2 has the very best society in the profession4' #8,regular town-maders8' asked ,mr4 ,claypole4 #8,not a countryman among #8em2 and ,i don't think he'd take you1 even on my recommendation1 if he didn't run rather short of assistants just now1' replied ,fagin4 #8,should ,i have to hand over8' said ,noah1 slapping his breeches-pocket4 #8,it couldn't possibly be done without1' replied ,fagin1 in a most decided manner4 #8,twenty pound1 though--it's a lot of money6' #8,not when it's in a note you can't get rid of1' retorted ,fagin4 #8,number and date taken1 ,i suppose8 ,payment stopped at the ,bank8 ,ah6 ,it's not worth much to him4 ,it'll have to go abroad1 and he couldn't sell it for a great deal in the market4' #8,when could ,i see him8' asked ,noah doubtfully4 #8,to-morrow morning4' #8,where8' #8,here4' #8,um6' said ,noah4 #8,what's the wages8' #8,live like a gentleman--board and lodging1 pipes and spirits free--half of all you earn1 and half of all the young woman earns1' replied ,mr4 ,fagin4 ,whether ,noah ,claypole1 whose rapacity was none of the least comprehensive1 would have acceded even to these glowing terms1 had he been a perfectly free agent1 is very doubtful2 but as he recollected that1 in the event of his refusal1 it was in the power of his new acquaintance to give him up to justice immediately 7and more unlikely things had come to pass71 he gradually relented1 and said he thought that would suit him4 #8,but1 yer see1' observed ,noah1 #8as she will be able to do a good deal1 ,i should like to take something very light4' #8,a little fancy work8' suggested ,fagin4 #8,ah6 something of that sort1' replied ,noah4 #8,what do you think would suit me now8 ,something not too trying for the strength1 and not very dangerous1 you know4 ,that's the sort of thing6' #8,i heard you talk of something in the spy way upon the others1 my dear1' said ,fagin4 #8,my friend wants somebody who would do that well1 very much4' #8,why1 ,i did mention that1 and ,i shouldn't mind turning my hand to it sometimes1' rejoined ,mr4 ,claypole slowly2 #8but it wouldn't pay by itself1 you know4' #8,that's true6' observed the ,jew1 ruminating or pretending to ruminate4 #8,no1 it might not4' #8,what do you think1 then8' asked ,noah1 anxiously regarding him4 #8,something in the sneaking way1 where it was pretty sure work1 and not much more risk than being at home4' #8,what do you think of the old ladies8' asked ,fagin4 #8,there's a good deal of money made in snatching their bags and parcels1 and running round the corner4' #8,don't they holler out a good deal1 and scratch sometimes8' asked ,noah1 shaking his head4 #8,i don't think that would answer my purpose4 ,ain't there any other line open8' #8,stop6' said ,fagin1 laying his hand on ,noah's knee4 #8,the kinchin lay4' #8,what's that8' demanded ,mr4 ,claypole4 #8,the kinchins1 my dear1' said ,fagin1 #8is the young children that's sent on errands by their mothers1 with sixpences and shillings2 and the lay is just to take their money away--they've always got it ready in their hands1--then knock #8em into the kennel1 and walk off very slow1 as if there were nothing else the matter but a child fallen down and hurt itself4 ,ha6 ha6 ha6' #8,ha6 ha6' roared ,mr4 ,claypole1 kicking up his legs in an ecstasy4 #8,lord1 that's the very thing6' #8,to be sure it is1' replied ,fagin2 #8and you can have a few good beats chalked out in ,camden ,town1 and ,battle ,bridge1 and neighborhoods like that1 where they're always going errands2 and you can upset as many kinchins as you want1 any hour in the day4 ,ha6 ha6 ha6' ,with this1 ,fagin poked ,mr4 ,claypole in the side1 and they joined in a burst of laughter both long and loud4 #8,well1 that's all right6' said ,noah1 when he had recovered himself1 and ,charlotte had returned4 #8,what time to-morrow shall we say8' #8,will ten do8' asked ,fagin1 adding1 as ,mr4 ,claypole nodded assent1 #8,what name shall ,i tell my good friend4' #8,mr4 ,bolter1' replied ,noah1 who had prepared himself for such emergency4 #8,mr4 ,morris ,bolter4 ,this is ,mrs4 ,bolter4' #8,mrs4 ,bolter's humble servant1' said ,fagin1 bowing with grotesque politeness4 #8,i hope ,i shall know her better very shortly4' #8,do you hear the gentleman1 ,charlotte8' thundered ,mr4 ,claypole4 #8,yes1 ,noah1 dear6' replied ,mrs4 ,bolter1 extending her hand4 #8,she calls me ,noah1 as a sort of fond way of talking1' said ,mr4 ,morris ,bolter1 late ,claypole1 turning to ,fagin4 #8,you understand8' #8,oh yes1 ,i understand--perfectly1' replied ,fagin1 telling the truth for once4 #8,good-night6 ,good-night6' ,with many adieus and good wishes1 ,mr4 ,fagin went his way4 ,noah ,claypole1 bespeaking his good lady's attention1 proceeded to enlighten her relative to the arrangement he had made1 with all that haughtiness and air of superiority1 becoming1 not only a member of the sterner sex1 but a gentleman who appreciated the dignity of a special appointment on the kinchin lay1 in ,london and its vicinity4 ,,chapter ,,xliii -- ,,wherein ,,is ,,shown ,,how ,,the ,,artful ,,dodger ,,got ,,into ,,trouble #8,and so it was you that was your own friend1 was it8' asked ,mr4 ,claypole1 otherwise ,bolter1 when1 by virtue of the compact entered into between them1 he had removed next day to ,fagin's house4 #8',cod1 ,i thought as much last night6' #8,every man's his own friend1 my dear1' replied ,fagin1 with his most insinuating grin4 #8,he hasn't as good a one as himself anywhere4' #8,except sometimes1' replied ,morris ,bolter1 assuming the air of a man of the world4 #8,some people are nobody's enemies but their own1 yer know4' #8,don't believe that1' said ,fagin4 #8,when a man's his own enemy1 it's only because he's too much his own friend2 not because he's careful for everybody but himself4 ,pooh6 pooh6 ,there ain't such a thing in nature4' #8,there oughn't to be1 if there is1' replied ,mr4 ,bolter4 #8,that stands to reason4 ,some conjurers say that number three is the magic number1 and some say number seven4 ,it's neither1 my friend1 neither4 ,it's number one4 #8,ha6 ha6' cried ,mr4 ,bolter4 #8,number one for ever4' #8,in a little community like ours1 my dear1' said ,fagin1 who felt it necessary to qualify this position1 #8we have a general number one1 without considering me too as the same1 and all the other young people4' #8,oh1 the devil6' exclaimed ,mr4 ,bolter4 #8,you see1' pursued ,fagin1 affecting to disregard this interruption1 #8we are so mixed up together1 and identified in our interests1 that it must be so4 ,for instance1 it's your object to take care of number one--meaning yourself4' #8,certainly1' replied ,mr4 ,bolter4 #8,yer about right there4' #8,well6 ,you can't take care of yourself1 number one1 without taking care of me1 number one4' #8,number two1 you mean1' said ,mr4 ,bolter1 who was largely endowed with the quality of selfishness4 #8,no1 ,i don't6' retorted ,fagin4 #8,i'm of the same importance to you1 as you are to yourself4' #8,i say1' interrupted ,mr4 ,bolter1 #8yer a very nice man1 and ,i'm very fond of yer2 but we ain't quite so thick together1 as all that comes to4' #8,only think1' said ,fagin1 shrugging his shoulders1 and stretching out his hands2 #8only consider4 ,you've done what's a very pretty thing1 and what ,i love you for doing2 but what at the same time would put the cravat round your throat1 that's so very easily tied and so very difficult to unloose--in plain ,english1 the halter6' ,mr4 ,bolter put his hand to his neckerchief1 as if he felt it inconveniently tight2 and murmured an assent1 qualified in tone but not in substance4 #8,the gallows1' continued ,fagin1 #8the gallows1 my dear1 is an ugly finger-post1 which points out a very short and sharp turning that has stopped many a bold fellow's career on the broad highway4 ,to keep in the easy road1 and keep it at a distance1 is object number one with you4' #8,of course it is1' replied ,mr4 ,bolter4 #8,what do yer talk about such things for8' #8,only to show you my meaning clearly1' said the ,jew1 raising his eyebrows4 #8,to be able to do that1 you depend upon me4 ,to keep my little business all snug1 ,i depend upon you4 ,the first is your number one1 the second my number one4 ,the more you value your number one1 the more careful you must be of mine2 so we come at last to what ,i told you at first--that a regard for number one holds us all together1 and must do so1 unless we would all go to pieces in company4' #8,that's true1' rejoined ,mr4 ,bolter1 thoughtfully4 #8,oh6 yer a cunning old codger6' ,mr4 ,fagin saw1 with delight1 that this tribute to his powers was no mere compliment1 but that he had really impressed his recruit with a sense of his wily genius1 which it was most important that he should entertain in the outset of their acquaintance4 ,to strengthen an impression so desirable and useful1 he followed up the blow by acquainting him1 in some detail1 with the magnitude and extent of his operations2 blending truth and fiction together1 as best served his purpose2 and bringing both to bear1 with so much art1 that ,mr4 ,bolter's respect visibly increased1 and became tempered1 at the same time1 with a degree of wholesome fear1 which it was highly desirable to awaken4 #8,it's this mutual trust we have in each other that consoles me under heavy losses1' said ,fagin4 #8,my best hand was taken from me1 yesterday morning4' #8,you don't mean to say he died8' cried ,mr4 ,bolter4 #8,no1 no1' replied ,fagin1 #8not so bad as that4 ,not quite so bad4' #8,what1 ,i suppose he was--' #8,wanted1' interposed ,fagin4 #8,yes1 he was wanted4' #8,very particular8' inquired ,mr4 ,bolter4 #8,no1' replied ,fagin1 #8not very4 ,he was charged with attempting to pick a pocket1 and they found a silver snuff-box on him1--his own1 my dear1 his own1 for he took snuff himself1 and was very fond of it4 ,they remanded him till to-day1 for they thought they knew the owner4 ,ah6 he was worth fifty boxes1 and ,i'd give the price of as many to have him back4 ,you should have known the ,dodger1 my dear2 you should have known the ,dodger4' #8,well1 but ,i shall know him1 ,i hope2 don't yer think so8' said ,mr4 ,bolter4 #8,i'm doubtful about it1' replied ,fagin1 with a sigh4 #8,if they don't get any fresh evidence1 it'll only be a summary conviction1 and we shall have him back again after six weeks or so2 but1 if they do1 it's a case of lagging4 ,they know what a clever lad he is2 he'll be a lifer4 ,they'll make the ,artful nothing less than a lifer4' #8,what do you mean by lagging and a lifer8' demanded ,mr4 ,bolter4 #8,what's the good of talking in that way to me2 why don't yer speak so as ,i can understand yer8' ,fagin was about to translate these mysterious expressions into the vulgar tongue2 and1 being interpreted1 ,mr4 ,bolter would have been informed that they represented that combination of words1 #8transportation for life1' when the dialogue was cut short by the entry of ,master ,bates1 with his hands in his breeches-pockets1 and his face twisted into a look of semi-comical woe4 #8,it's all up1 ,fagin1' said ,charley1 when he and his new companion had been made known to each other4 #8,what do you mean8' #8,they've found the gentleman as owns the box2 two or three more's a coming to #8dentify him2 and the ,artful's booked for a passage out1' replied ,master ,bates4 #8,i must have a full suit of mourning1 ,fagin1 and a hatband1 to wisit him in1 afore he sets out upon his travels4 ,to think of ,jack ,dawkins--lummy ,jack--the ,dodger--the ,artful ,dodger--going abroad for a common twopenny-halfpenny sneeze-box6 ,i never thought he'd a done it under a gold watch1 chain1 and seals1 at the lowest4 ,oh1 why didn't he rob some rich old gentleman of all his walables1 and go out as a gentleman1 and not like a common prig1 without no honour nor glory6' ,with this expression of feeling for his unfortunate friend1 ,master ,bates sat himself on the nearest chair with an aspect of chagrin and despondency4 #8,what do you talk about his having neither honour nor glory for6' exclaimed ,fagin1 darting an angry look at his pupil4 #8,wasn't he always the top-sawyer among you all6 ,is there one of you that could touch him or come near him on any scent6 ,eh8' #8,not one1' replied ,master ,bates1 in a voice rendered husky by regret2 #8not one4' #8,then what do you talk of8' replied ,fagin angrily2 #8what are you blubbering for8' #8',cause it isn't on the rec-ord1 is it8' said ,charley1 chafed into perfect defiance of his venerable friend by the current of his regrets2 #8'cause it can't come out in the #8dictment2 #8cause nobody will never know half of what he was4 ,how will he stand in the ,newgate ,calendar8 ,p'raps not be there at all4 ,oh1 my eye1 my eye1 wot a blow it is6' #8,ha6 ha6' cried ,fagin1 extending his right hand1 and turning to ,mr4 ,bolter in a fit of chuckling which shook him as though he had the palsy2 #8see what a pride they take in their profession1 my dear4 ,ain't it beautiful8' ,mr4 ,bolter nodded assent1 and ,fagin1 after contemplating the grief of ,charley ,bates for some seconds with evident satisfaction1 stepped up to that young gentleman and patted him on the shoulder4 #8,never mind1 ,charley1' said ,fagin soothingly2 #8it'll come out1 it'll be sure to come out4 ,they'll all know what a clever fellow he was2 he'll show it himself1 and not disgrace his old pals and teachers4 ,think how young he is too6 ,what a distinction1 ,charley1 to be lagged at his time of life6' #8,well1 it is a honour that is6' said ,charley1 a little consoled4 #8,he shall have all he wants1' continued the ,jew4 #8,he shall be kept in the ,stone ,jug1 ,charley1 like a gentleman4 ,like a gentleman6 ,with his beer every day1 and money in his pocket to pitch and toss with1 if he can't spend it4' #8,no1 shall he though8' cried ,charley ,bates4 #8,ay1 that he shall1' replied ,fagin1 #8and we'll have a big-wig1 ,charley3 one that's got the greatest gift of the gab3 to carry on his defence2 and he shall make a speech for himself too1 if he likes2 and we'll read it all in the papers--8,artful ,dodger--shrieks of laughter--here the court was convulsed0--eh1 ,charley1 eh8' #8,ha6 ha6' laughed ,master ,bates1 #8what a lark that would be1 wouldn't it1 ,fagin8 ,i say1 how the ,artful would bother #8em wouldn't he8' #8,would6' cried ,fagin4 #8,he shall--he will6' #8,ah1 to be sure1 so he will1' repeated ,charley1 rubbing his hands4 #8,i think ,i see him now1' cried the ,jew1 bending his eyes upon his pupil4 #8,so do ,i1' cried ,charley ,bates4 #8,ha6 ha6 ha6 so do ,i4 ,i see it all afore me1 upon my soul ,i do1 ,fagin4 ,what a game6 ,what a regular game6 ,all the big-wigs trying to look solemn1 and ,jack ,dawkins addressing of #8em as intimate and comfortable as if he was the judge's own son making a speech arter dinner--ha6 ha6 ha6' ,in fact1 ,mr4 ,fagin had so well humoured his young friend's eccentric disposition1 that ,master ,bates1 who had at first been disposed to consider the imprisoned ,dodger rather in the light of a victim1 now looked upon him as the chief actor in a scene of most uncommon and exquisite humour1 and felt quite impatient for the arrival of the time when his old companion should have so favourable an opportunity of displaying his abilities4 #8,we must know how he gets on to-day1 by some handy means or other1' said ,fagin4 #8,let me think4' #8,shall ,i go8' asked ,charley4 #8,not for the world1' replied ,fagin4 #8,are you mad1 my dear1 stark mad1 that you'd walk into the very place where--,no1 ,charley1 no4 ,one is enough to lose at a time4' #8,you don't mean to go yourself1 ,i suppose8' said ,charley with a humorous leer4 #8,that wouldn't quite fit1' replied ,fagin shaking his head4 #8,then why don't you send this new cove8' asked ,master ,bates1 laying his hand on ,noah's arm4 #8,nobody knows him4' #8,why1 if he didn't mind--' observed ,fagin4 #8,mind6' interposed ,charley4 #8,what should he have to mind8' #8,really nothing1 my dear1' said ,fagin1 turning to ,mr4 ,bolter1 #8really nothing4' #8,oh1 ,i dare say about that1 yer know1' observed ,noah1 backing towards the door1 and shaking his head with a kind of sober alarm4 #8,no1 no--none of that4 ,it's not in my department1 that ain't4' #8,wot department has he got1 ,fagin8' inquired ,master ,bates1 surveying ,noah's lank form with much disgust4 #8,the cutting away when there's anything wrong1 and the eating all the wittles when there's everything right2 is that his branch8' #8,never mind1' retorted ,mr4 ,bolter2 #8and don't yer take liberties with yer superiors1 little boy1 or yer'll find yerself in the wrong shop4' ,master ,bates laughed so vehemently at this magnificent threat1 that it was some time before ,fagin could interpose1 and represent to ,mr4 ,bolter that he incurred no possible danger in visiting the police-office2 that1 inasmuch as no account of the little affair in which he had engaged1 nor any description of his person1 had yet been forwarded to the metropolis1 it was very probable that he was not even suspected of having resorted to it for shelter2 and that1 if he were properly disguised1 it would be as safe a spot for him to visit as any in ,london1 inasmuch as it would be1 of all places1 the very last1 to which he could be supposed likely to resort of his own free will4 ,persuaded1 in part1 by these representations1 but overborne in a much greater degree by his fear of ,fagin1 ,mr4 ,bolter at length consented1 with a very bad grace1 to undertake the expedition4 ,by ,fagin's directions1 he immediately substituted for his own attire1 a waggoner's frock1 velveteen breeches1 and leather leggings3 all of which articles the ,jew had at hand4 ,he was likewise furnished with a felt hat well garnished with turnpike tickets2 and a carter's whip4 ,thus equipped1 he was to saunter into the office1 as some country fellow from ,covent ,garden market might be supposed to do for the gratification of his curiousity2 and as he was as awkward1 ungainly1 and raw-boned a fellow as need be1 ,mr4 ,fagin had no fear but that he would look the part to perfection4 ,these arrangements completed1 he was informed of the necessary signs and tokens by which to recognise the ,artful ,dodger1 and was conveyed by ,master ,bates through dark and winding ways to within a very short distance of ,bow ,street4 ,having described the precise situation of the office1 and accompanied it with copious directions how he was to walk straight up the passage1 and when he got into the side1 and pull off his hat as he went into the room1 ,charley ,bates bade him hurry on alone1 and promised to bide his return on the spot of their parting4 ,noah ,claypole1 or ,morris ,bolter as the reader pleases1 punctually followed the directions he had received1 which--,master ,bates being pretty well acquainted with the locality--were so exact that he was enabled to gain the magisterial presence without asking any question1 or meeting with any interruption by the way4 ,he found himself jostled among a crowd of people1 chiefly women1 who were huddled together in a dirty frowsy room1 at the upper end of which was a raised platform railed off from the rest1 with a dock for the prisoners on the left hand against the wall1 a box for the witnesses in the middle1 and a desk for the magistrates on the right2 the awful locality last named1 being screened off by a partition which concealed the bench from the common gaze1 and left the vulgar to imagine 7if they could7 the full majesty of justice4 ,there were only a couple of women in the dock1 who were nodding to their admiring friends1 while the clerk read some depositions to a couple of policemen and a man in plain clothes who leant over the table4 ,a jailer stood reclining against the dock-rail1 tapping his nose listlessly with a large key1 except when he repressed an undue tendency to conversation among the idlers1 by proclaiming silence2 or looked sternly up to bid some woman #8,take that baby out1' when the gravity of justice was disturbed by feeble cries1 half-smothered in the mother's shawl1 from some meagre infant4 ,the room smelt close and unwholesome2 the walls were dirt-discoloured2 and the ceiling blackened4 ,there was an old smoky bust over the mantel-shelf1 and a dusty clock above the dock--the only thing present1 that seemed to go on as it ought2 for depravity1 or poverty1 or an habitual acquaintance with both1 had left a taint on all the animate matter1 hardly less unpleasant than the thick greasy scum on every inanimate object that frowned upon it4 ,noah looked eagerly about him for the ,dodger2 but although there were several women who would have done very well for that distinguished character's mother or sister1 and more than one man who might be supposed to bear a strong resemblance to his father1 nobody at all answering the description given him of ,mr4 ,dawkins was to be seen4 ,he waited in a state of much suspense and uncertainty until the women1 being committed for trial1 went flaunting out2 and then was quickly relieved by the appearance of another prisoner who he felt at once could be no other than the object of his visit4 ,it was indeed ,mr4 ,dawkins1 who1 shuffling into the office with the big coat sleeves tucked up as usual1 his left hand in his pocket1 and his hat in his right hand1 preceded the jailer1 with a rolling gait altogether indescribable1 and1 taking his place in the dock1 requested in an audible voice to know what he was placed in that #8ere disgraceful sitivation for4 #8,hold your tongue1 will you8' said the jailer4 #8,i'm an ,englishman1 ain't ,i8' rejoined the ,dodger4 #8,where are my priwileges8' #8,you'll get your privileges soon enough1' retorted the jailer1 #8and pepper with #8em4' #8,we'll see wot the ,secretary of ,state for the ,home ,affairs has got to say to the beaks1 if ,i don't1' replied ,mr4 ,dawkins4 #8,now then6 ,wot is this here business8 ,i shall thank the madg'strates to dispose of this here little affair1 and not to keep me while they read the paper1 for ,i've got an appointment with a genelman in the ,city1 and as ,i am a man of my word and wery punctual in business matters1 he'll go away if ,i ain't there to my time1 and then pr'aps ther won't be an action for damage against them as kep me away4 ,oh no1 certainly not6' ,at this point1 the ,dodger1 with a show of being very particular with a view to proceedings to be had thereafter1 desired the jailer to communicate #8the names of them two files as was on the bench4' ,which so tickled the spectators1 that they laughed almost as heartily as ,master ,bates could have done if he had heard the request4 #8,silence there6' cried the jailer4 #8,what is this8' inquired one of the magistrates4 #8,a pick-pocketing case1 your worship4' #8,has the boy ever been here before8' #8,he ought to have been1 a many times1' replied the jailer4 #8,he has been pretty well everywhere else4 ,i know him well1 your worship4' #8,oh6 you know me1 do you8' cried the ,artful1 making a note of the statement4 #8,wery good4 ,that's a case of deformation of character1 any way4' ,here there was another laugh1 and another cry of silence4 #8,now then1 where are the witnesses8' said the clerk4 #8,ah6 that's right1' added the ,dodger4 #8,where are they8 ,i should like to see #8em4' ,this wish was immediately gratified1 for a policeman stepped forward who had seen the prisoner attempt the pocket of an unknown gentleman in a crowd1 and indeed take a handkerchief therefrom1 which1 being a very old one1 he deliberately put back again1 after trying it on his own countenance4 ,for this reason1 he took the ,dodger into custody as soon as he could get near him1 and the said ,dodger1 being searched1 had upon his person a silver snuff-box1 with the owner's name engraved upon the lid4 ,this gentleman had been discovered on reference to the ,court ,guide1 and being then and there present1 swore that the snuff-box was his1 and that he had missed it on the previous day1 the moment he had disengaged himself from the crowd before referred to4 ,he had also remarked a young gentleman in the throng1 particularly active in making his way about1 and that young gentleman was the prisoner before him4 #8,have you anything to ask this witness1 boy8' said the magistrate4 #8,i wouldn't abase myself by descending to hold no conversation with him1' replied the ,dodger4 #8,have you anything to say at all8' #8,do you hear his worship ask if you've anything to say8' inquired the jailer1 nudging the silent ,dodger with his elbow4 #8,i beg your pardon1' said the ,dodger1 looking up with an air of abstraction4 #8,did you redress yourself to me1 my man8' #8,i never see such an out-and-out young wagabond1 your worship1' observed the officer with a grin4 #8,do you mean to say anything1 you young shaver8' #8,no1' replied the ,dodger1 #8not here1 for this ain't the shop for justice3 besides which1 my attorney is a-breakfasting this morning with the ,wice ,president of the ,house of ,commons2 but ,i shall have something to say elsewhere1 and so will he1 and so will a wery numerous and #8spectable circle of acquaintance as'll make them beaks wish they'd never been born1 or that they'd got their footmen to hang #8em up to their own hat-pegs1 afore they let #8em come out this morning to try it on upon me4 ,i'll--' #8,there6 ,he's fully committed6' interposed the clerk4 #8,take him away4' #8,come on1' said the jailer4 #8,oh ah6 ,i'll come on1' replied the ,dodger1 brushing his hat with the palm of his hand4 #8,ah6 7to the ,bench7 it's no use your looking frightened2 ,i won't show you no mercy1 not a ha'porth of it4 ,you'll pay for this1 my fine fellers4 ,i wouldn't be you for something6 ,i wouldn't go free1 now1 if you was to fall down on your knees and ask me4 ,here1 carry me off to prison6 ,take me away6' ,with these last words1 the ,dodger suffered himself to be led off by the collar2 threatening1 till he got into the yard1 to make a parliamentary business of it2 and then grinning in the officer's face1 with great glee and self-approval4 ,having seen him locked up by himself in a little cell1 ,noah made the best of his way back to where he had left ,master ,bates4 ,after waiting here some time1 he was joined by that young gentleman1 who had prudently abstained from showing himself until he had looked carefully abroad from a snug retreat1 and ascertained that his new friend had not been followed by any impertinent person4 ,the two hastened back together1 to bear to ,mr4 ,fagin the animating news that the ,dodger was doing full justice to his bringing-up1 and establishing for himself a glorious reputation4 ,,chapter ,,xliv -- ,,the ,,time ,,arrives ,,for ,,nancy ,,to ,,redeem ,,her ,,pledge ,,to ,,rose ,,maylie4 ,,she ,,fails4 ,adept as she was1 in all the arts of cunning and dissimulation1 the girl ,nancy could not wholly conceal the effect which the knowledge of the step she had taken1 wrought upon her mind4 ,she remembered that both the crafty ,jew and the brutal ,sikes had confided to her schemes1 which had been hidden from all others3 in the full confidence that she was trustworthy and beyond the reach of their suspicion4 ,vile as those schemes were1 desperate as were their originators1 and bitter as were her feelings towards ,fagin1 who had led her1 step by step1 deeper and deeper down into an abyss of crime and misery1 whence was no escape2 still1 there were times when1 even towards him1 she felt some relenting1 lest her disclosure should bring him within the iron grasp he had so long eluded1 and he should fall at last--richly as he merited such a fate--by her hand4 ,but1 these were the mere wanderings of a mind unable wholly to detach itself from old companions and associations1 though enabled to fix itself steadily on one object1 and resolved not to be turned aside by any consideration4 ,her fears for ,sikes would have been more powerful inducements to recoil while there was yet time2 but she had stipulated that her secret should be rigidly kept1 she had dropped no clue which could lead to his discovery1 she had refused1 even for his sake1 a refuge from all the guilt and wretchedness that encompasses her--and what more could she do6 ,she was resolved4 ,though all her mental struggles terminated in this conclusion1 they forced themselves upon her1 again and again1 and left their traces too4 ,she grew pale and thin1 even within a few days4 ,at times1 she took no heed of what was passing before her1 or no part in conversations where once1 she would have been the loudest4 ,at other times1 she laughed without merriment1 and was noisy without a moment afterwards--she sat silent and dejected1 brooding with her head upon her hands1 while the very effort by which she roused herself1 told1 more forcibly than even these indications1 that she was ill at ease1 and that her thoughts were occupied with matters very different and distant from those in the course of discussion by her companions4 ,it was ,sunday night1 and the bell of the nearest church struck the hour4 ,sikes and the ,jew were talking1 but they paused to listen4 ,the girl looked up from the low seat on which she crouched1 and listened too4 ,eleven4 #8,an hour this side of midnight1' said ,sikes1 raising the blind to look out and returning to his seat4 #8,dark and heavy it is too4 ,a good night for business this4' #8,ah6' replied ,fagin4 #8,what a pity1 ,bill1 my dear1 that there's none quite ready to be done4' #8,you're right for once1' replied ,sikes gruffly4 #8,it is a pity1 for ,i'm in the humour too4' ,fagin sighed1 and shook his head despondingly4 #8,we must make up for lost time when we've got things into a good train4 ,that's all ,i know1' said ,sikes4 #8,that's the way to talk1 my dear1' replied ,fagin1 venturing to pat him on the shoulder4 #8,it does me good to hear you4' #8,does you good1 does it6' cried ,sikes4 #8,well1 so be it4' #8,ha6 ha6 ha6' laughed ,fagin1 as if he were relieved by even this concession4 #8,you're like yourself to-night1 ,bill4 ,quite like yourself4' #8,i don't feel like myself when you lay that withered old claw on my shoulder1 so take it away1' said ,sikes1 casting off the ,jew's hand4 #8,it make you nervous1 ,bill1--reminds you of being nabbed1 does it8' said ,fagin1 determined not to be offended4 #8,reminds me of being nabbed by the devil1' returned ,sikes4 #8,there never was another man with such a face as yours1 unless it was your father1 and ,i suppose he is singeing his grizzled red beard by this time1 unless you came straight from the old #8un without any father at all betwixt you2 which ,i shouldn't wonder at1 a bit4' ,fagin offered no reply to this compliment3 but1 pulling ,sikes by the sleeve1 pointed his finger towards ,nancy1 who had taken advantage of the foregoing conversation to put on her bonnet1 and was now leaving the room4 #8,hallo6' cried ,sikes4 #8,nance4 ,where's the gal going to at this time of night8' #8,not far4' #8,what answer's that8' retorted ,sikes4 #8,do you hear me8' #8,i don't know where1' replied the girl4 #8,then ,i do1' said ,sikes1 more in the spirit of obstinacy than because he had any real objection to the girl going where she listed4 #8,nowhere4 ,sit down4' #8,i'm not well4 ,i told you that before1' rejoined the girl4 #8,i want a breath of air4' #8,put your head out of the winder1' replied ,sikes4 #8,there's not enough there1' said the girl4 #8,i want it in the street4' #8,then you won't have it1' replied ,sikes4 ,with which assurance he rose1 locked the door1 took the key out1 and pulling her bonnet from her head1 flung it up to the top of an old press4 #8,there1' said the robber4 #8,now stop quietly where you are1 will you8' #8,it's not such a matter as a bonnet would keep me1' said the girl turning very pale4 #8,what do you mean1 ,bill8 ,do you know what you're doing8' #8,know what ,i'm--,oh6' cried ,sikes1 turning to ,fagin1 #8she's out of her senses1 you know1 or she daren't talk to me in that way4' #8,you'll drive me on the something desperate1' muttered the girl placing both hands upon her breast1 as though to keep down by force some violent outbreak4 #8,let me go1 will you1--this minute--this instant4' #8,no6' said ,sikes4 #8,tell him to let me go1 ,fagin4 ,he had better4 ,it'll be better for him4 ,do you hear me8' cried ,nancy stamping her foot upon the ground4 #8,hear you6' repeated ,sikes turning round in his chair to confront her4 #8,aye6 ,and if ,i hear you for half a minute longer1 the dog shall have such a grip on your throat as'll tear some of that screaming voice out4 ,wot has come over you1 you jade6 ,wot is it8' #8,let me go1' said the girl with great earnestness2 then sitting herself down on the floor1 before the door1 she said1 #8,bill1 let me go2 you don't know what you are doing4 ,you don't1 indeed4 ,for only one hour--do--do6' #8,cut my limbs off one by one6' cried ,sikes1 seizing her roughly by the arm1 #8,if ,i don't think the gal's stark raving mad4 ,get up4' #8,not till you let me go--not till you let me go--,never--never6' screamed the girl4 ,sikes looked on1 for a minute1 watching his opportunity1 and suddenly pinioning her hands dragged her1 struggling and wrestling with him by the way1 into a small room adjoining1 where he sat himself on a bench1 and thrusting her into a chair1 held her down by force4 ,she struggled and implored by turns until twelve o'clock had struck1 and then1 wearied and exhausted1 ceased to contest the point any further4 ,with a caution1 backed by many oaths1 to make no more efforts to go out that night1 ,sikes left her to recover at leisure and rejoined ,fagin4 #8,whew6' said the housebreaker wiping the perspiration from his face4 #8,wot a precious strange gal that is6' #8,you may say that1 ,bill1' replied ,fagin thoughtfully4 #8,you may say that4' #8,wot did she take it into her head to go out to-night for1 do you think8' asked ,sikes4 #8,come2 you should know her better than me4 ,wot does it mean8' #8,obstinacy2 woman's obstinacy1 ,i suppose1 my dear4' #8,well1 ,i suppose it is1' growled ,sikes4 #8,i thought ,i had tamed her1 but she's as bad as ever4' #8,worse1' said ,fagin thoughtfully4 #8,i never knew her like this1 for such a little cause4' #8,nor ,i1' said ,sikes4 #8,i think she's got a touch of that fever in her blood yet1 and it won't come out--eh8' #8,like enough4' #8,i'll let her a little blood1 without troubling the doctor1 if she's took that way again1' said ,sikes4 ,fagin nodded an expressive approval of this mode of treatment4 #8,she was hanging about me all day1 and night too1 when ,i was stretched on my back2 and you1 like a blackhearted wolf as you are1 kept yourself aloof1' said ,sikes4 #8,we was poor too1 all the time1 and ,i think1 one way or other1 it's worried and fretted her2 and that being shut up here so long has made her restless--eh8' #8,that's it1 my dear1' replied the ,jew in a whisper4 #8,hush6' ,as he uttered these words1 the girl herself appeared and resumed her former seat4 ,her eyes were swollen and red2 she rocked herself to and fro2 tossed her head2 and1 after a little time1 burst out laughing4 #8,why1 now she's on the other tack6' exclaimed ,sikes1 turning a look of excessive surprise on his companion4 ,fagin nodded to him to take no further notice just then2 and1 in a few minutes1 the girl subsided into her accustomed demeanour4 ,whispering ,sikes that there was no fear of her relapsing1 ,fagin took up his hat and bade him good-night4 ,he paused when he reached the room-door1 and looking round1 asked if somebody would light him down the dark stairs4 #8,light him down1' said ,sikes1 who was filling his pipe4 #8,it's a pity he should break his neck himself1 and disappoint the sight-seers4 ,show him a light4' ,nancy followed the old man downstairs1 with a candle4 ,when they reached the passage1 he laid his finger on his lip1 and drawing close to the girl1 said1 in a whisper4 #8,what is it1 ,nancy1 dear8' #8,what do you mean8' replied the girl1 in the same tone4 #8,the reason of all this1' replied ,fagin4 #8,if he'--he pointed with his skinny fore-finger up the stairs--#8is so hard with you 7he's a brute1 ,nance1 a brute-beast71 why don't you--' #8,well8' said the girl1 as ,fagin paused1 with his mouth almost touching her ear1 and his eyes looking into hers4 #8,no matter just now4 ,we'll talk of this again4 ,you have a friend in me1 ,nance2 a staunch friend4 ,i have the means at hand1 quiet and close4 ,if you want revenge on those that treat you like a dog--like a dog6 worse than his dog1 for he humours him sometimes--come to me4 ,i say1 come to me4 ,he is the mere hound of a day1 but you know me of old1 ,nance4' #8,i know you well1' replied the girl1 without manifesting the least emotion4 #8,good-night4' ,she shrank back1 as ,fagin offered to lay his hand on hers1 but said good-night again1 in a steady voice1 and1 answering his parting look with a nod of intelligence1 closed the door between them4 ,fagin walked towards his home1 intent upon the thoughts that were working within his brain4 ,he had conceived the idea--not from what had just passed though that had tended to confirm him1 but slowly and by degrees--that ,nancy1 wearied of the housebreaker's brutality1 had conceived an attachment for some new friend4 ,her altered manner1 her repeated absences from home alone1 her comparative indifference to the interests of the gang for which she had once been so zealous1 and1 added to these1 her desperate impatience to leave home that night at a particular hour1 all favoured the supposition1 and rendered it1 to him at least1 almost matter of certainty4 ,the object of this new liking was not among his myrmidons4 ,he would be a valuable acquisition with such an assistant as ,nancy1 and must 7thus ,fagin argued7 be secured without delay4 ,there was another1 and a darker object1 to be gained4 ,sikes knew too much1 and his ruffian taunts had not galled ,fagin the less1 because the wounds were hidden4 ,the girl must know1 well1 that if she shook him off1 she could never be safe from his fury1 and that it would be surely wreaked--to the maiming of limbs1 or perhaps the loss of life--on the object of her more recent fancy4 #8,with a little persuasion1' thought ,fagin1 #8what more likely than that she would consent to poison him8 ,women have done such things1 and worse1 to secure the same object before now4 ,there would be the dangerous villain3 the man ,i hate3 gone2 another secured in his place2 and my influence over the girl1 with a knowledge of this crime to back it1 unlimited4' ,these things passed through the mind of ,fagin1 during the short time he sat alone1 in the housebreaker's room2 and with them uppermost in his thoughts1 he had taken the opportunity afterwards afforded him1 of sounding the girl in the broken hints he threw out at parting4 ,there was no expression of surprise1 no assumption of an inability to understand his meaning4 ,the girl clearly comprehended it4 ,her glance at parting showed that4 ,but perhaps she would recoil from a plot to take the life of ,sikes1 and that was one of the chief ends to be attained4 #8,how1' thought ,fagin1 as he crept homeward1 #8can ,i increase my influence with her8 ,what new power can ,i acquire8' ,such brains are fertile in expedients4 ,if1 without extracting a confession from herself1 he laid a watch1 discovered the object of her altered regard1 and threatened to reveal the whole history to ,sikes 7of whom she stood in no common fear7 unless she entered into his designs1 could he not secure her compliance8 #8,i can1' said ,fagin1 almost aloud4 #8,she durst not refuse me then4 ,not for her life1 not for her life6 ,i have it all4 ,the means are ready1 and shall be set to work4 ,i shall have you yet6' ,he cast back a dark look1 and a threatening motion of the hand1 towards the spot where he had left the bolder villain2 and went on his way3 busying his bony hands in the folds of his tattered garment1 which he wrenched tightly in his grasp1 as though there were a hated enemy crushed with every motion of his fingers4 ,,chapter ,,xlv -- ,,noah ,,claypole ,,is ,,employed ,,by ,,fagin ,,on ,a ,,secret ,,mission ,the old man was up1 betimes1 next morning1 and waited impatiently for the appearance of his new associate1 who after a delay that seemed interminable1 at length presented himself1 and commenced a voracious assault on the breakfast4 #8,bolter1' said ,fagin1 drawing up a chair and seating himself opposite ,morris ,bolter4 #8,well1 here ,i am1' returned ,noah4 #8,what's the matter8 ,don't yer ask me to do anything till ,i have done eating4 ,that's a great fault in this place4 ,yer never get time enough over yer meals4' #8,you can talk as you eat1 can't you8' said ,fagin1 cursing his dear young friend's greediness from the very bottom of his heart4 #8,oh yes1 ,i can talk4 ,i get on better when ,i talk1' said ,noah1 cutting a monstrous slice of bread4 #8,where's ,charlotte8' #8,out1' said ,fagin4 #8,i sent her out this morning with the other young woman1 because ,i wanted us to be alone4' #8,oh6' said ,noah4 #8,i wish yer'd ordered her to make some buttered toast first4 ,well4 ,talk away4 ,yer won't interrupt me4' ,there seemed1 indeed1 no great fear of anything interrupting him1 as he had evidently sat down with a determination to do a great deal of business4 #8,you did well yesterday1 my dear1' said ,fagin4 #8,beautiful6 ,six shillings and ninepence halfpenny on the very first day6 ,the kinchin lay will be a fortune to you4' #8,don't you forget to add three pint-pots and a milk-can1' said ,mr4 ,bolter4 #8,no1 no1 my dear4 ,the pint-pots were great strokes of genius3 but the milk-can was a perfect masterpiece4' #8,pretty well1 ,i think1 for a beginner1' remarked ,mr4 ,bolter complacently4 #8,the pots ,i took off airy railings1 and the milk-can was standing by itself outside a public-house4 ,i thought it might get rusty with the rain1 or catch cold1 yer know4 ,eh8 ,ha6 ha6 ha6' ,fagin affected to laugh very heartily2 and ,mr4 ,bolter having had his laugh out1 took a series of large bites1 which finished his first hunk of bread and butter1 and assisted himself to a second4 #8,i want you1 ,bolter1' said ,fagin1 leaning over the table1 #8to do a piece of work for me1 my dear1 that needs great care and caution4' #8,i say1' rejoined ,bolter1 #8don't yer go shoving me into danger1 or sending me any more o' yer police-offices4 ,that don't suit me1 that don't2 and so ,i tell yer4' #8,that's not the smallest danger in it--not the very smallest1' said the ,jew2 #8it's only to dodge a woman4' #8,an old woman8' demanded ,mr4 ,bolter4 #8,a young one1' replied ,fagin4 #8,i can do that pretty well1 ,i know1' said ,bolter4 #8,i was a regular cunning sneak when ,i was at school4 ,what am ,i to dodge her for8 ,not to--' #8,not to do anything1 but to tell me where she goes1 who she sees1 and1 if possible1 what she says2 to remember the street1 if it is a street1 or the house1 if it is a house2 and to bring me back all the information you can4' #8,what'll yer give me8' asked ,noah1 setting down his cup1 and looking his employer1 eagerly1 in the face4 #8,if you do it well1 a pound1 my dear4 ,one pound1' said ,fagin1 wishing to interest him in the scent as much as possible4 #8,and that's what ,i never gave yet1 for any job of work where there wasn't valuable consideration to be gained4' #8,who is she8' inquired ,noah4 #8,one of us4' #8,oh ,lor6' cried ,noah1 curling up his nose4 #8,yer doubtful of her1 are yer8' #8,she has found out some new friends1 my dear1 and ,i must know who they are1' replied ,fagin4 #8,i see1' said ,noah4 #8,just to have the pleasure of knowing them1 if they're respectable people1 eh8 ,ha6 ha6 ha6 ,i'm your man4' #8,i knew you would be1' cried ,fagin1 elated by the success of his proposal4 #8,of course1 of course1' replied ,noah4 #8,where is she8 ,where am ,i to wait for her8 ,where am ,i to go8' #8,all that1 my dear1 you shall hear from me4 ,i'll point her out at the proper time1' said ,fagin4 #8,you keep ready1 and leave the rest to me4' ,that night1 and the next1 and the next again1 the spy sat booted and equipped in his carter's dress3 ready to turn out at a word from ,fagin4 ,six nights passed--six long weary nights--and on each1 ,fagin came home with a disappointed face1 and briefly intimated that it was not yet time4 ,on the seventh1 he returned earlier1 and with an exultation he could not conceal4 ,it was ,sunday4 #8,she goes abroad to-night1' said ,fagin1 #8and on the right errand1 ,i'm sure2 for she has been alone all day1 and the man she is afraid of will not be back much before daybreak4 ,come with me4 ,quick6' ,noah started up without saying a word2 for the ,jew was in a state of such intense excitement that it infected him4 ,they left the house stealthily1 and hurrying through a labyrinth of streets1 arrived at length before a public-house1 which ,noah recognised as the same in which he had slept1 on the night of his arrival in ,london4 ,it was past eleven o'clock1 and the door was closed4 ,it opened softly on its hinges as ,fagin gave a low whistle4 ,they entered1 without noise2 and the door was closed behind them4 ,scarcely venturing to whisper1 but substituting dumb show for words1 ,fagin1 and the young ,jew who had admitted them1 pointed out the pane of glass to ,noah1 and signed to him to climb up and observe the person in the adjoining room4 #8,is that the woman8' he asked1 scarcely above his breath4 ,fagin nodded yes4 #8,i can't see her face well1' whispered ,noah4 #8,she is looking down1 and the candle is behind her4 #8,stay there1' whispered ,fagin4 ,he signed to ,barney1 who withdrew4 ,in an instant1 the lad entered the room adjoining1 and1 under pretence of snuffing the candle1 moved it in the required position1 and1 speaking to the girl1 caused her to raise her face4 #8,i see her now1' cried the spy4 #8,plainly8' #8,i should know her among a thousand4' ,he hastily descended1 as the room-door opened1 and the girl came out4 ,fagin drew him behind a small partition which was curtained off1 and they held their breaths as she passed within a few feet of their place of concealment1 and emerged by the door at which they had entered4 #8,hist6' cried the lad who held the door4 #8,dow4' ,noah exchanged a look with ,fagin1 and darted out4 #8,to the left1' whispered the lad2 #8take the left had1 and keep od the other side4' ,he did so2 and1 by the light of the lamps1 saw the girl's retreating figure1 already at some distance before him4 ,he advanced as near as he considered prudent1 and kept on the opposite side of the street1 the better to observe her motions4 ,she looked nervously round1 twice or thrice1 and once stopped to let two men who were following close behind her1 pass on4 ,she seemed to gather courage as she advanced1 and to walk with a steadier and firmer step4 ,the spy preserved the same relative distance between them1 and followed3 with his eye upon her4 ,,chapter ,,xlvi -- ,,the ,,appointment ,,kept ,the church clocks chimed three quarters past eleven1 as two figures emerged on ,london ,bridge4 ,one1 which advanced with a swift and rapid step1 was that of a woman who looked eagerly about her as though in quest of some expected object2 the other figure was that of a man1 who slunk along in the deepest shadow he could find1 and1 at some distance1 accommodated his pace to hers3 stopping when she stopped3 and as she moved again1 creeping stealthily on3 but never allowing himself1 in the ardour of his pursuit1 to gain upon her footsteps4 ,thus1 they crossed the bridge1 from the ,middlesex to the ,surrey shore1 when the woman1 apparently disappointed in her anxious scrutiny of the foot-passengers1 turned back4 ,the movement was sudden2 but he who watched her1 was not thrown off his guard by it2 for1 shrinking into one of the recesses which surmount the piers of the bridge1 and leaning over the parapet the better to conceal his figure1 he suffered her to pass on the opposite pavement4 ,when she was about the same distance in advance as she had been before1 he slipped quietly down1 and followed her again4 ,at nearly the centre of the bridge1 she stopped4 ,the man stopped too4 ,it was a very dark night4 ,the day had been unfavourable1 and at that hour and place there were few people stirring4 ,such as there were1 hurried quickly past3 very possibly without seeing1 but certainly without noticing1 either the woman1 or the man who kept her in view4 ,their appearance was not calculated to attract the importunate regards of such of ,london's destitute population1 as chanced to take their way over the bridge that night in search of some cold arch or doorless hovel wherein to lay their heads2 they stood there in silence3 neither speaking nor spoken to1 by any one who passed4 ,a mist hung over the river1 deepening the red glare of the fires that burnt upon the small craft moored off the different wharfs1 and rendering darker and more indistinct the murky buildings on the banks4 ,the old smoke-stained storehouses on either side1 rose heavy and dull from the dense mass of roofs and gables1 and frowned sternly upon water too black to reflect even their lumbering shapes4 ,the tower of old ,saint ,saviour's ,church1 and the spire of ,saint ,magnus1 so long the giant-warders of the ancient bridge1 were visible in the gloom2 but the forest of shipping below bridge1 and the thickly scattered spires of churches above1 were nearly all hidden from sight4 ,the girl had taken a few restless turns to and fro--closely watched meanwhile by her hidden observer--when the heavy bell of ,st4 ,paul's tolled for the death of another day4 ,midnight had come upon the crowded city4 ,the palace1 the night-cellar1 the jail1 the madhouse3 the chambers of birth and death1 of health and sickness1 the rigid face of the corpse and the calm sleep of the child3 midnight was upon them all4 ,the hour had not struck two minutes1 when a young lady1 accompanied by a grey-haired gentleman1 alighted from a hackney-carriage within a short distance of the bridge1 and1 having dismissed the vehicle1 walked straight towards it4 ,they had scarcely set foot upon its pavement1 when the girl started1 and immediately made towards them4 ,they walked onward1 looking about them with the air of persons who entertained some very slight expectation which had little chance of being realised1 when they were suddenly joined by this new associate4 ,they halted with an exclamation of surprise1 but suppressed it immediately2 for a man in the garments of a countryman came close up--brushed against them1 indeed--at that precise moment4 #8,not here1' said ,nancy hurriedly1 #8,i am afraid to speak to you here4 ,come away--out of the public road--down the steps yonder6' ,as she uttered these words1 and indicated1 with her hand1 the direction in which she wished them to proceed1 the countryman looked round1 and roughly asking what they took up the whole pavement for1 passed on4 ,the steps to which the girl had pointed1 were those which1 on the ,surrey bank1 and on the same side of the bridge as ,saint ,saviour's ,church1 form a landing-stairs from the river4 ,to this spot1 the man bearing the appearance of a countryman1 hastened unobserved2 and after a moment's survey of the place1 he began to descend4 ,these stairs are a part of the bridge2 they consist of three flights4 ,just below the end of the second1 going down1 the stone wall on the left terminates in an ornamental pilaster facing towards the ,thames4 ,at this point the lower steps widen3 so that a person turning that angle of the wall1 is necessarily unseen by any others on the stairs who chance to be above him1 if only a step4 ,the countryman looked hastily round1 when he reached this point2 and as there seemed no better place of concealment1 and1 the tide being out1 there was plenty of room1 he slipped aside1 with his back to the pilaster1 and there waited3 pretty certain that they would come no lower1 and that even if he could not hear what was said1 he could follow them again1 with safety4 ,so tardily stole the time in this lonely place1 and so eager was the spy to penetrate the motives of an interview so different from what he had been led to expect1 that he more than once gave the matter up for lost1 and persuaded himself1 either that they had stopped far above1 or had resorted to some entirely different spot to hold their mysterious conversation4 ,he was on the point of emerging from his hiding-place1 and regaining the road above1 when he heard the sound of footsteps1 and directly afterwards of voices almost close at his ear4 ,he drew himself straight upright against the wall1 and1 scarcely breathing1 listened attentively4 #8,this is far enough1' said a voice1 which was evidently that of the gentleman4 #8,i will not suffer the young lady to go any farther4 ,many people would have distrusted you too much to have come even so far1 but you see ,i am willing to humour you4' #8,to humour me6' cried the voice of the girl whom he had followed4 #8,you're considerate1 indeed1 sir4 ,to humour me6 ,well1 well1 it's no matter4' #8,why1 for what1' said the gentleman in a kinder tone1 #8for what purpose can you have brought us to this strange place8 ,why not have let me speak to you1 above there1 where it is light1 and there is something stirring1 instead of bringing us to this dark and dismal hole8' #8,i told you before1' replied ,nancy1 #8that ,i was afraid to speak to you there4 ,i don't know why it is1' said the girl1 shuddering1 #8but ,i have such a fear and dread upon me to-night that ,i can hardly stand4' #8,a fear of what8' asked the gentleman1 who seemed to pity her4 #8,i scarcely know of what1' replied the girl4 #8,i wish ,i did4 ,horrible thoughts of death1 and shrouds with blood upon them1 and a fear that has made me burn as if ,i was on fire1 have been upon me all day4 ,i was reading a book to-night1 to wile the time away1 and the same things came into the print4' #8,imagination1' said the gentleman1 soothing her4 #8,no imagination1' replied the girl in a hoarse voice4 #8,i'll swear ,i saw 8coffin0 written in every page of the book in large black letters1--aye1 and they carried one close to me1 in the streets to-night4' #8,there is nothing unusual in that1' said the gentleman4 #8,they have passed me often4' #8,real ones1' rejoined the girl4 #8,this was not4' ,there was something so uncommon in her manner1 that the flesh of the concealed listener crept as he heard the girl utter these words1 and the blood chilled within him4 ,he had never experienced a greater relief than in hearing the sweet voice of the young lady as she begged her to be calm1 and not allow herself to become the prey of such fearful fancies4 #8,speak to her kindly1' said the young lady to her companion4 #8,poor creature6 ,she seems to need it4' #8,your haughty religious people would have held their heads up to see me as ,i am to-night1 and preached of flames and vengeance1' cried the girl4 #8,oh1 dear lady1 why ar'n't those who claim to be ,god's own folks as gentle and as kind to us poor wretches as you1 who1 having youth1 and beauty1 and all that they have lost1 might be a little proud instead of so much humbler8' #8,ah6' said the gentleman4 #8,a ,turk turns his face1 after washing it well1 to the ,east1 when he says his prayers2 these good people1 after giving their faces such a rub against the ,world as to take the smiles off1 turn with no less regularity1 to the darkest side of ,heaven4 ,between the ,mussulman and the ,pharisee1 commend me to the first6' ,these words appeared to be addressed to the young lady1 and were perhaps uttered with the view of affording ,nancy time to recover herself4 ,the gentleman1 shortly afterwards1 addressed himself to her4 #8,you were not here last ,sunday night1' he said4 #8,i couldn't come1' replied ,nancy2 #8,i was kept by force4' #8,by whom8' #8,him that ,i told the young lady of before4' #8,you were not suspected of holding any communication with anybody on the subject which has brought us here to-night1 ,i hope8' asked the old gentleman4 #8,no1' replied the girl1 shaking her head4 #8,it's not very easy for me to leave him unless he knows why2 ,i couldn't give him a drink of laudanum before ,i came away4' #8,did he awake before you returned8' inquired the gentleman4 #8,no2 and neither he nor any of them suspect me4' #8,good1' said the gentleman4 #8,now listen to me4' #8,i am ready1' replied the girl1 as he paused for a moment4 #8,this young lady1' the gentleman began1 #8has communicated to me1 and to some other friends who can be safely trusted1 what you told her nearly a fortnight since4 ,i confess to you that ,i had doubts1 at first1 whether you were to be implicitly relied upon1 but now ,i firmly believe you are4' #8,i am1' said the girl earnestly4 #8,i repeat that ,i firmly believe it4 ,to prove to you that ,i am disposed to trust you1 ,i tell you without reserve1 that we propose to extort the secret1 whatever it may be1 from the fear of this man ,monks4 ,but if--if--' said the gentleman1 #8he cannot be secured1 or1 if secured1 cannot be acted upon as we wish1 you must deliver up the ,jew4' #8,fagin1' cried the girl1 recoiling4 #8,that man must be delivered up by you1' said the gentleman4 #8,i will not do it6 ,i will never do it6' replied the girl4 #8,devil that he is1 and worse than devil as he has been to me1 ,i will never do that4' #8,you will not8' said the gentleman1 who seemed fully prepared for this answer4 #8,never6' returned the girl4 #8,tell me why8' #8,for one reason1' rejoined the girl firmly1 #8for one reason1 that the lady knows and will stand by me in1 ,i know she will1 for ,i have her promise3 and for this other reason1 besides1 that1 bad life as he has led1 ,i have led a bad life too2 there are many of us who have kept the same courses together1 and ,i'll not turn upon them1 who might--any of them--have turned upon me1 but didn't1 bad as they are4' #8,then1' said the gentleman1 quickly1 as if this had been the point he had been aiming to attain2 #8put ,monks into my hands1 and leave him to me to deal with4' #8,what if he turns against the others8' #8,i promise you that in that case1 if the truth is forced from him1 there the matter will rest2 there must be circumstances in ,oliver's little history which it would be painful to drag before the public eye1 and if the truth is once elicited1 they shall go scot free4' #8,and if it is not8' suggested the girl4 #8,then1' pursued the gentleman1 #8this ,fagin shall not be brought to justice without your consent4 ,in such a case ,i could show you reasons1 ,i think1 which would induce you to yield it4' #8,have ,i the lady's promise for that8' asked the girl4 #8,you have1' replied ,rose4 #8,my true and faithful pledge4' #8,monks would never learn how you knew what you do8' said the girl1 after a short pause4 #8,never1' replied the gentleman4 #8,the intelligence should be brought to bear upon him1 that he could never even guess4' #8,i have been a liar1 and among liars from a little child1' said the girl after another interval of silence1 #8but ,i will take your words4' ,after receiving an assurance from both1 that she might safely do so1 she proceeded in a voice so low that it was often difficult for the listener to discover even the purport of what she said1 to describe1 by name and situation1 the public-house whence she had been followed that night4 ,from the manner in which she occasionally paused1 it appeared as if the gentleman were making some hasty notes of the information she communicated4 ,when she had thoroughly explained the localities of the place1 the best position from which to watch it without exciting observation1 and the night and hour on which ,monks was most in the habit of frequenting it1 she seemed to consider for a few moments1 for the purpose of recalling his features and appearances more forcibly to her recollection4 #8,he is tall1' said the girl1 #8and a strongly made man1 but not stout2 he has a lurking walk2 and as he walks1 constantly looks over his shoulder1 first on one side1 and then on the other4 ,don't forget that1 for his eyes are sunk in his head so much deeper than any other man's1 that you might almost tell him by that alone4 ,his face is dark1 like his hair and eyes2 and1 although he can't be more than six or eight and twenty1 withered and haggard4 ,his lips are often discoloured and disfigured with the marks of teeth2 for he has desperate fits1 and sometimes even bites his hands and covers them with wounds--why did you start8' said the girl1 stopping suddenly4 ,the gentleman replied1 in a hurried manner1 that he was not conscious of having done so1 and begged her to proceed4 #8,part of this1' said the girl1 #8,i have drawn out from other people at the house ,i tell you of1 for ,i have only seen him twice1 and both times he was covered up in a large cloak4 ,i think that's all ,i can give you to know him by4 ,stay though1' she added4 #8,upon his throat3 so high that you can see a part of it below his neckerchief when he turns his face3 there is--' #8,a broad red mark1 like a burn or scald8' cried the gentleman4 #8,how's this8' said the girl4 #8,you know him6' ,the young lady uttered a cry of surprise1 and for a few moments they were so still that the listener could distinctly hear them breathe4 #8,i think ,i do1' said the gentleman1 breaking silence4 #8,i should by your description4 ,we shall see4 ,many people are singularly like each other4 ,it may not be the same4' ,as he expressed himself to this effect1 with assumed carelessness1 he took a step or two nearer the concealed spy1 as the latter could tell from the distinctness with which he heard him mutter1 #8,it must be he6' #8,now1' he said1 returning3 so it seemed by the sound3 to the spot where he had stood before1 #8you have given us most valuable assistance1 young woman1 and ,i wish you to be the better for it4 ,what can ,i do to serve you8' #8,nothing1' replied ,nancy4 #8,you will not persist in saying that1' rejoined the gentleman1 with a voice and emphasis of kindness that might have touched a much harder and more obdurate heart4 #8,think now4 ,tell me4' #8,nothing1 sir1' rejoined the girl1 weeping4 #8,you can do nothing to help me4 ,i am past all hope1 indeed4' #8,you put yourself beyond its pale1' said the gentleman4 #8,the past has been a dreary waste with you1 of youthful energies mis-spent1 and such priceless treasures lavished1 as the ,creator bestows but once and never grants again1 but1 for the future1 you may hope4 ,i do not say that it is in our power to offer you peace of heart and mind1 for that must come as you seek it2 but a quiet asylum1 either in ,england1 or1 if you fear to remain here1 in some foreign country1 it is not only within the compass of our ability but our most anxious wish to secure you4 ,before the dawn of morning1 before this river wakes to the first glimpse of day-light1 you shall be placed as entirely beyond the reach of your former associates1 and leave as utter an absence of all trace behind you1 as if you were to disappear from the earth this moment4 ,come6 ,i would not have you go back to exchange one word with any old companion1 or take one look at any old haunt1 or breathe the very air which is pestilence and death to you4 ,quit them all1 while there is time and opportunity6' #8,she will be persuaded now1' cried the young lady4 #8,she hesitates1 ,i am sure4' #8,i fear not1 my dear1' said the gentleman4 #8,no sir1 ,i do not1' replied the girl1 after a short struggle4 #8,i am chained to my old life4 ,i loathe and hate it now1 but ,i cannot leave it4 ,i must have gone too far to turn back1--and yet ,i don't know1 for if you had spoken to me so1 some time ago1 ,i should have laughed it off4 ,but1' she said1 looking hastily round1 #8this fear comes over me again4 ,i must go home4' #8,home6' repeated the young lady1 with great stress upon the word4 #8,home1 lady1' rejoined the girl4 #8,to such a home as ,i have raised for myself with the work of my whole life4 ,let us part4 ,i shall be watched or seen4 ,go6 ,go6 ,if ,i have done you any service all ,i ask is1 that you leave me1 and let me go my way alone4' #8,it is useless1' said the gentleman1 with a sigh4 #8,we compromise her safety1 perhaps1 by staying here4 ,we may have detained her longer than she expected already4' #8,yes1 yes1' urged the girl4 #8,you have4' #8,what1' cried the young lady1 #8can be the end of this poor creature's life6' #8,what6' repeated the girl4 #8,look before you1 lady4 ,look at that dark water4 ,how many times do you read of such as ,i who spring into the tide1 and leave no living thing1 to care for1 or bewail them4 ,it may be years hence1 or it may be only months1 but ,i shall come to that at last4' #8,do not speak thus1 pray1' returned the young lady1 sobbing4 #8,it will never reach your ears1 dear lady1 and ,god forbid such horrors should6' replied the girl4 #8,good-night1 good-night6' ,the gentleman turned away4 #8,this purse1' cried the young lady4 #8,take it for my sake1 that you may have some resource in an hour of need and trouble4' #8,no6' replied the girl4 #8,i have not done this for money4 ,let me have that to think of4 ,and yet--give me something that you have worn3 ,i should like to have something--no1 no1 not a ring--your gloves or handkerchief--anything that ,i can keep1 as having belonged to you1 sweet lady4 ,there4 ,bless you6 ,god bless you4 ,good-night1 good-night6' ,the violent agitation of the girl1 and the apprehension of some discovery which would subject her to ill-usage and violence1 seemed to determine the gentleman to leave her1 as she requested4 ,the sound of retreating footsteps were audible and the voices ceased4 ,the two figures of the young lady and her companion soon afterwards appeared upon the bridge4 ,they stopped at the summit of the stairs4 #8,hark6' cried the young lady1 listening4 #8,did she call6 ,i thought ,i heard her voice4' #8,no1 my love1' replied ,mr4 ,brownlow1 looking sadly back4 #8,she has not moved1 and will not till we are gone4' ,rose ,maylie lingered1 but the old gentleman drew her arm through his1 and led her1 with gentle force1 away4 ,as they disappeared1 the girl sunk down nearly at her full length upon one of the stone stairs1 and vented the anguish of her heart in bitter tears4 ,after a time she arose1 and with feeble and tottering steps ascended the street4 ,the astonished listener remained motionless on his post for some minutes afterwards1 and having ascertained1 with many cautious glances round him1 that he was again alone1 crept slowly from his hiding-place1 and returned1 stealthily and in the shade of the wall1 in the same manner as he had descended4 ,peeping out1 more than once1 when he reached the top1 to make sure that he was unobserved1 ,noah ,claypole darted away at his utmost speed1 and made for the ,jew's house as fast as his legs would carry him4 ,,chapter ,,xlvii -- ,,fatal ,,consequences ,it was nearly two hours before day-break2 that time which in the autumn of the year1 may be truly called the dead of night2 when the streets are silent and deserted2 when even sounds appear to slumber1 and profligacy and riot have staggered home to dream2 it was at this still and silent hour1 that ,fagin sat watching in his old lair1 with face so distorted and pale1 and eyes so red and blood-shot1 that he looked less like a man1 than like some hideous phantom1 moist from the grave1 and worried by an evil spirit4 ,he sat crouching over a cold hearth1 wrapped in an old torn coverlet1 with his face turned towards a wasting candle that stood upon a table by his side4 ,his right hand was raised to his lips1 and as1 absorbed in thought1 he hit his long black nails1 he disclosed among his toothless gums a few such fangs as should have been a dog's or rat's4 ,stretched upon a mattress on the floor1 lay ,noah ,claypole1 fast asleep4 ,towards him the old man sometimes directed his eyes for an instant1 and then brought them back again to the candle2 which with a long-burnt wick drooping almost double1 and hot grease falling down in clots upon the table1 plainly showed that his thoughts were busy elsewhere4 ,indeed they were4 ,mortification at the overthrow of his notable scheme2 hatred of the girl who had dared to palter with strangers2 and utter distrust of the sincerity of her refusal to yield him up2 bitter disappointment at the loss of his revenge on ,sikes2 the fear of detection1 and ruin1 and death2 and a fierce and deadly rage kindled by all2 these were the passionate considerations which1 following close upon each other with rapid and ceaseless whirl1 shot through the brain of ,fagin1 as every evil thought and blackest purpose lay working at his heart4 ,he sat without changing his attitude in the least1 or appearing to take the smallest heed of time1 until his quick ear seemed to be attracted by a footstep in the street4 #8,at last1' he muttered1 wiping his dry and fevered mouth4 #8,at last6' ,the bell rang gently as he spoke4 ,he crept upstairs to the door1 and presently returned accompanied by a man muffled to the chin1 who carried a bundle under one arm4 ,sitting down and throwing back his outer coat1 the man displayed the burly frame of ,sikes4 #8,there6' he said1 laying the bundle on the table4 #8,take care of that1 and do the most you can with it4 ,it's been trouble enough to get2 ,i thought ,i should have been here1 three hours ago4' ,fagin laid his hand upon the bundle1 and locking it in the cupboard1 sat down again without speaking4 ,but he did not take his eyes off the robber1 for an instant1 during this action2 and now that they sat over against each other1 face to face1 he looked fixedly at him1 with his lips quivering so violently1 and his face so altered by the emotions which had mastered him1 that the housebreaker involuntarily drew back his chair1 and surveyed him with a look of real affright4 #8,wot now8' cried ,sikes4 #8,wot do you look at a man so for8' ,fagin raised his right hand1 and shook his trembling forefinger in the air2 but his passion was so great1 that the power of speech was for the moment gone4 #8,damme6' said ,sikes1 feeling in his breast with a look of alarm4 #8,he's gone mad4 ,i must look to myself here4' #8,no1 no1' rejoined ,fagin1 finding his voice4 #8,it's not--you're not the person1 ,bill4 ,i've no--no fault to find with you4' #8,oh1 you haven't1 haven't you8' said ,sikes1 looking sternly at him1 and ostentatiously passing a pistol into a more convenient pocket4 #8,that's lucky--for one of us4 ,which one that is1 don't matter4' #8,i've got that to tell you1 ,bill1' said ,fagin1 drawing his chair nearer1 #8will make you worse than me4' #8,aye8' returned the robber with an incredulous air4 #8,tell away6 ,look sharp1 or ,nance will think ,i'm lost4' #8,lost6' cried ,fagin4 #8,she has pretty well settled that1 in her own mind1 already4' ,sikes looked with an aspect of great perplexity into the ,jew's face1 and reading no satisfactory explanation of the riddle there1 clenched his coat collar in his huge hand and shook him soundly4 #8,speak1 will you6' he said2 #8or if you don't1 it shall be for want of breath4 ,open your mouth and say wot you've got to say in plain words4 ,out with it1 you thundering old cur1 out with it6' #8,suppose that lad that's laying there--' ,fagin began4 ,sikes turned round to where ,noah was sleeping1 as if he had not previously observed him4 #8,well6' he said1 resuming his former position4 #8,suppose that lad1' pursued ,fagin1 #8was to peach--to blow upon us all--first seeking out the right folks for the purpose1 and then having a meeting with #8em in the street to paint our likenesses1 describe every mark that they might know us by1 and the crib where we might be most easily taken4 ,suppose he was to do all this1 and besides to blow upon a plant we've all been in1 more or less--of his own fancy2 not grabbed1 trapped1 tried1 earwigged by the parson and brought to it on bread and water1--but of his own fancy2 to please his own taste2 stealing out at nights to find those most interested against us1 and peaching to them4 ,do you hear me8' cried the ,jew1 his eyes flashing with rage4 #8,suppose he did all this1 what then8' #8,what then6' replied ,sikes2 with a tremendous oath4 #8,if he was left alive till ,i came1 ,i'd grind his skull under the iron heel of my boot into as many grains as there are hairs upon his head4' #8,what if ,i did it6' cried ,fagin almost in a yell4 #8,i1 that knows so much1 and could hang so many besides myself6' #8,i don't know1' replied ,sikes1 clenching his teeth and turning white at the mere suggestion4 #8,i'd do something in the jail that #8ud get me put in irons2 and if ,i was tried along with you1 ,i'd fall upon you with them in the open court1 and beat your brains out afore the people4 ,i should have such strength1' muttered the robber1 poising his brawny arm1 #8that ,i could smash your head as if a loaded waggon had gone over it4' #8,you would8' #8,would ,i6' said the housebreaker4 #8,try me4' #8,if it was ,charley1 or the ,dodger1 or ,bet1 or--' #8,i don't care who1' replied ,sikes impatiently4 #8,whoever it was1 ,i'd serve them the same4' ,fagin looked hard at the robber2 and1 motioning him to be silent1 stooped over the bed upon the floor1 and shook the sleeper to rouse him4 ,sikes leant forward in his chair3 looking on with his hands upon his knees1 as if wondering much what all this questioning and preparation was to end in4 #8,bolter1 ,bolter6 ,poor lad6' said ,fagin1 looking up with an expression of devilish anticipation1 and speaking slowly and with marked emphasis4 #8,he's tired--tired with watching for her so long1--watching for her1 ,bill4' #8,wot d'ye mean8' asked ,sikes1 drawing back4 ,fagin made no answer1 but bending over the sleeper again1 hauled him into a sitting posture4 ,when his assumed name had been repeated several times1 ,noah rubbed his eyes1 and1 giving a heavy yawn1 looked sleepily about him4 #8,tell me that again--once again1 just for him to hear1' said the ,jew1 pointing to ,sikes as he spoke4 #8,tell yer what8' asked the sleepy ,noah1 shaking himself pettishly4 #8,that about-- ,nancy1' said ,fagin1 clutching ,sikes by the wrist1 as if to prevent his leaving the house before he had heard enough4 #8,you followed her8' #8,yes4' #8,to ,london ,bridge8' #8,yes4' #8,where she met two people4' #8,so she did4' #8,a gentleman and a lady that she had gone to of her own accord before1 who asked her to give up all her pals1 and ,monks first1 which she did--and to describe him1 which she did--and to tell her what house it was that we meet at1 and go to1 which she did--and where it could be best watched from1 which she did--and what time the people went there1 which she did4 ,she did all this4 ,she told it all every word without a threat1 without a murmur--she did--did she not8' cried ,fagin1 half mad with fury4 #8,all right1' replied ,noah1 scratching his head4 #8,that's just what it was6' #8,what did they say1 about last ,sunday8' #8,about last ,sunday6' replied ,noah1 considering4 #8,why ,i told yer that before4' #8,again4 ,tell it again6' cried ,fagin1 tightening his grasp on ,sikes1 and brandishing his other hand aloft1 as the foam flew from his lips4 #8,they asked her1' said ,noah1 who1 as he grew more wakeful1 seemed to have a dawning perception who ,sikes was1 #8they asked her why she didn't come1 last ,sunday1 as she promised4 ,she said she couldn't4' #8,why--why8 ,tell him that4' #8,because she was forcibly kept at home by ,bill1 the man she had told them of before1' replied ,noah4 #8,what more of him8' cried ,fagin4 #8,what more of the man she had told them of before8 ,tell him that1 tell him that4' #8,why1 that she couldn't very easily get out of doors unless he knew where she was going to1' said ,noah2 #8and so the first time she went to see the lady1 she--ha6 ha6 ha6 it made me laugh when she said it1 that it did--she gave him a drink of laudanum4' #8,hell's fire6' cried ,sikes1 breaking fiercely from the ,jew4 #8,let me go6' ,flinging the old man from him1 he rushed from the room1 and darted1 wildly and furiously1 up the stairs4 #8,bill1 ,bill6' cried ,fagin1 following him hastily4 #8,a word4 ,only a word4' ,the word would not have been exchanged1 but that the housebreaker was unable to open the door3 on which he was expending fruitless oaths and violence1 when the ,jew came panting up4 #8,let me out1' said ,sikes4 #8,don't speak to me2 it's not safe4 ,let me out1 ,i say6' #8,hear me speak a word1' rejoined ,fagin1 laying his hand upon the lock4 #8,you won't be--' #8,well1' replied the other4 #8,you won't be--too--violent1 ,bill8' ,the day was breaking1 and there was light enough for the men to see each other's faces4 ,they exchanged one brief glance2 there was a fire in the eyes of both1 which could not be mistaken4 #8,i mean1' said ,fagin1 showing that he felt all disguise was now useless1 #8not too violent for safety4 ,be crafty1 ,bill1 and not too bold4' ,sikes made no reply2 but1 pulling open the door1 of which ,fagin had turned the lock1 dashed into the silent streets4 ,without one pause1 or moment's consideration2 without once turning his head to the right or left1 or raising his eyes to the sky1 or lowering them to the ground1 but looking straight before him with savage resolution3 his teeth so tightly compressed that the strained jaw seemed starting through his skin2 the robber held on his headlong course1 nor muttered a word1 nor relaxed a muscle1 until he reached his own door4 ,he opened it1 softly1 with a key2 strode lightly up the stairs2 and entering his own room1 double-locked the door1 and lifting a heavy table against it1 drew back the curtain of the bed4 ,the girl was lying1 half-dressed1 upon it4 ,he had roused her from her sleep1 for she raised herself with a hurried and startled look4 #8,get up6' said the man4 #8,it is you1 ,bill6' said the girl1 with an expression of pleasure at his return4 #8,it is1' was the reply4 #8,get up4' ,there was a candle burning1 but the man hastily drew it from the candlestick1 and hurled it under the grate4 ,seeing the faint light of early day without1 the girl rose to undraw the curtain4 #8,let it be1' said ,sikes1 thrusting his hand before her4 #8,there's enough light for wot ,i've got to do4' #8,bill1' said the girl1 in the low voice of alarm1 #8why do you look like that at me6' ,the robber sat regarding her1 for a few seconds1 with dilated nostrils and heaving breast2 and then1 grasping her by the head and throat1 dragged her into the middle of the room1 and looking once towards the door1 placed his heavy hand upon her mouth4 #8,bill1 ,bill6' gasped the girl1 wrestling with the strength of mortal fear1--#8,i--,i won't scream or cry--not once--hear me--speak to me--tell me what ,i have done6' #8,you know1 you she devil6' returned the robber1 suppressing his breath4 #8,you were watched to-night2 every word you said was heard4' #8,then spare my life for the love of ,heaven1 as ,i spared yours1' rejoined the girl1 clinging to him4 #8,bill1 dear ,bill1 you cannot have the heart to kill me4 ,oh6 think of all ,i have given up1 only this one night1 for you4 ,you shall have time to think1 and save yourself this crime2 ,i will not loose my hold1 you cannot throw me off4 ,bill1 ,bill1 for dear ,god's sake1 for your own1 for mine1 stop before you spill my blood6 ,i have been true to you1 upon my guilty soul ,i have6' ,the man struggled violently1 to release his arms2 but those of the girl were clasped round his1 and tear her as he would1 he could not tear them away4 #8,bill1' cried the girl1 striving to lay her head upon his breast1 #8the gentleman and that dear lady1 told me to-night of a home in some foreign country where ,i could end my days in solitude and peace4 ,let me see them again1 and beg them1 on my knees1 to show the same mercy and goodness to you2 and let us both leave this dreadful place1 and far apart lead better lives1 and forget how we have lived1 except in prayers1 and never see each other more4 ,it is never too late to repent4 ,they told me so--,i feel it now--but we must have time--a little1 little time6' ,the housebreaker freed one arm1 and grasped his pistol4 ,the certainty of immediate detection if he fired1 flashed across his mind even in the midst of his fury2 and he beat it twice with all the force he could summon1 upon the upturned face that almost touched his own4 ,she staggered and fell3 nearly blinded with the blood that rained down from a deep gash in her forehead2 but raising herself1 with difficulty1 on her knees1 drew from her bosom a white handkerchief--,rose ,maylie's own--and holding it up1 in her folded hands1 as high towards ,heaven as her feeble strength would allow1 breathed one prayer for mercy to her ,maker4 ,it was a ghastly figure to look upon4 ,the murderer staggering backward to the wall1 and shutting out the sight with his hand1 seized a heavy club and struck her down4 ,,chapter ,,xlviii -- ,,the ,,flight ,,of ,,sikes ,of all bad deeds that1 under cover of the darkness1 had been committed within wide ,london's bounds since night hung over it1 that was the worst4 ,of all the horrors that rose with an ill scent upon the morning air1 that was the foulest and most cruel4 ,the sun--the bright sun1 that brings back1 not light alone1 but new life1 and hope1 and freshness to man--burst upon the crowded city in clear and radiant glory4 ,through costly-coloured glass and paper-mended window1 through cathedral dome and rotten crevice1 it shed its equal ray4 ,it lighted up the room where the murdered woman lay4 ,it did4 ,he tried to shut it out1 but it would stream in4 ,if the sight had been a ghastly one in the dull morning1 what was it1 now1 in all that brilliant light6 ,he had not moved2 he had been afraid to stir4 ,there had been a moan and motion of the hand2 and1 with terror added to rage1 he had struck and struck again4 ,once he threw a rug over it2 but it was worse to fancy the eyes1 and imagine them moving towards him1 than to see them glaring upward1 as if watching the reflection of the pool of gore that quivered and danced in the sunlight on the ceiling4 ,he had plucked it off again4 ,and there was the body--mere flesh and blood1 no more--but such flesh1 and so much blood6 ,he struck a light1 kindled a fire1 and thrust the club into it4 ,there was hair upon the end1 which blazed and shrunk into a light cinder1 and1 caught by the air1 whirled up the chimney4 ,even that frightened him1 sturdy as he was2 but he held the weapon till it broke1 and then piled it on the coals to burn away1 and smoulder into ashes4 ,he washed himself1 and rubbed his clothes2 there were spots that would not be removed1 but he cut the pieces out1 and burnt them4 ,how those stains were dispersed about the room6 ,the very feet of the dog were bloody4 ,all this time he had1 never once1 turned his back upon the corpse2 no1 not for a moment4 ,such preparations completed1 he moved1 backward1 towards the door3 dragging the dog with him1 lest he should soil his feet anew and carry out new evidence of the crime into the streets4 ,he shut the door softly1 locked it1 took the key1 and left the house4 ,he crossed over1 and glanced up at the window1 to be sure that nothing was visible from the outside4 ,there was the curtain still drawn1 which she would have opened to admit the light she never saw again4 ,it lay nearly under there4 ,he knew that4 ,god1 how the sun poured down upon the very spot6 ,the glance was instantaneous4 ,it was a relief to have got free of the room4 ,he whistled on the dog1 and walked rapidly away4 ,he went through ,islington2 strode up the hill at ,highgate on which stands the stone in honour of ,whittington2 turned down to ,highgate ,hill1 unsteady of purpose1 and uncertain where to go2 struck off to the right again1 almost as soon as he began to descend it2 and taking the foot-path across the fields1 skirted ,caen ,wood1 and so came on ,hampstead ,heath4 ,traversing the hollow by the ,vale of ,heath1 he mounted the opposite bank1 and crossing the road which joins the villages of ,hampstead and ,highgate1 made along the remaining portion of the heath to the fields at ,north ,end1 in one of which he laid himself down under a hedge1 and slept4 ,soon he was up again1 and away1--not far into the country1 but back towards ,london by the high-road--then back again--then over another part of the same ground as he already traversed--then wandering up and down in fields1 and lying on ditches' brinks to rest1 and starting up to make for some other spot1 and do the same1 and ramble on again4 ,where could he go1 that was near and not too public1 to get some meat and drink8 ,hendon4 ,that was a good place1 not far off1 and out of most people's way4 ,thither he directed his steps1--running sometimes1 and sometimes1 with a strange perversity1 loitering at a snail's pace1 or stopping altogether and idly breaking the hedges with a stick4 ,but when he got there1 all the people he met--the very children at the doors--seemed to view him with suspicion4 ,back he turned again1 without the courage to purchase bit or drop1 though he had tasted no food for many hours2 and once more he lingered on the ,heath1 uncertain where to go4 ,he wandered over miles and miles of ground1 and still came back to the old place4 ,morning and noon had passed1 and the day was on the wane1 and still he rambled to and fro1 and up and down1 and round and round1 and still lingered about the same spot4 ,at last he got away1 and shaped his course for ,hatfield4 ,it was nine o'clock at night1 when the man1 quite tired out1 and the dog1 limping and lame from the unaccustomed exercise1 turned down the hill by the church of the quiet village1 and plodding along the little street1 crept into a small public-house1 whose scanty light had guided them to the spot4 ,there was a fire in the tap-room1 and some country-labourers were drinking before it4 ,they made room for the stranger1 but he sat down in the furthest corner1 and ate and drank alone1 or rather with his dog3 to whom he cast a morsel of food from time to time4 ,the conversation of the men assembled here1 turned upon the neighbouring land1 and farmers2 and when those topics were exhausted1 upon the age of some old man who had been buried on the previous ,sunday2 the young men present considering him very old1 and the old men present declaring him to have been quite young--not older1 one white-haired grandfather said1 than he was--with ten or fifteen year of life in him at least--if he had taken care2 if he had taken care4 ,there was nothing to attract attention1 or excite alarm in this4 ,the robber1 after paying his reckoning1 sat silent and unnoticed in his corner1 and had almost dropped asleep1 when he was half wakened by the noisy entrance of a new comer4 ,this was an antic fellow1 half pedlar and half mountebank1 who travelled about the country on foot to vend hones1 strops1 razors1 wash-balls1 harness-paste1 medicine for dogs and horses1 cheap perfumery1 cosmetics1 and such-like wares1 which he carried in a case slung to his back4 ,his entrance was the signal for various homely jokes with the countrymen1 which slackened not until he had made his supper1 and opened his box of treasures1 when he ingeniously contrived to unite business with amusement4 #8,and what be that stoof8 ,good to eat1 ,harry8' asked a grinning countryman1 pointing to some composition-cakes in one corner4 #8,this1' said the fellow1 producing one1 #8this is the infallible and invaluable composition for removing all sorts of stain1 rust1 dirt1 mildew1 spick1 speck1 spot1 or spatter1 from silk1 satin1 linen1 cambric1 cloth1 crape1 stuff1 carpet1 merino1 muslin1 bombazeen1 or woollen stuff4 ,wine-stains1 fruit-stains1 beer-stains1 water-stains1 paint-stains1 pitch-stains1 any stains1 all come out at one rub with the infallible and invaluable composition4 ,if a lady stains her honour1 she has only need to swallow one cake and she's cured at once--for it's poison4 ,if a gentleman wants to prove this1 he has only need to bolt one little square1 and he has put it beyond question--for it's quite as satisfactory as a pistol-bullet1 and a great deal nastier in the flavour1 consequently the more credit in taking it4 ,one penny a square4 ,with all these virtues1 one penny a square6' ,there were two buyers directly1 and more of the listeners plainly hesitated4 ,the vendor observing this1 increased in loquacity4 #8,it's all bought up as fast as it can be made1' said the fellow4 #8,there are fourteen water-mills1 six steam-engines1 and a galvanic battery1 always a-working upon it1 and they can't make it fast enough1 though the men work so hard that they die off1 and the widows is pensioned directly1 with twenty pound a-year for each of the children1 and a premium of fifty for twins4 ,one penny a square6 ,two half-pence is all the same1 and four farthings is received with joy4 ,one penny a square6 ,wine-stains1 fruit-stains1 beer-stains1 water-stains1 paint-stains1 pitch-stains1 mud-stains1 blood-stains6 ,here is a stain upon the hat of a gentleman in company1 that ,i'll take clean out1 before he can order me a pint of ale4' #8,hah6' cried ,sikes starting up4 #8,give that back4' #8,i'll take it clean out1 sir1' replied the man1 winking to the company1 #8before you can come across the room to get it4 ,gentlemen all1 observe the dark stain upon this gentleman's hat1 no wider than a shilling1 but thicker than a half-crown4 ,whether it is a wine-stain1 fruit-stain1 beer-stain1 water-stain1 paint-stain1 pitch-stain1 mud-stain1 or blood-stain--' ,the man got no further1 for ,sikes with a hideous imprecation overthrew the table1 and tearing the hat from him1 burst out of the house4 ,with the same perversity of feeling and irresolution that had fastened upon him1 despite himself1 all day1 the murderer1 finding that he was not followed1 and that they most probably considered him some drunken sullen fellow1 turned back up the town1 and getting out of the glare of the lamps of a stage-coach that was standing in the street1 was walking past1 when he recognised the mail from ,london1 and saw that it was standing at the little post-office4 ,he almost knew what was to come2 but he crossed over1 and listened4 ,the guard was standing at the door1 waiting for the letter-bag4 ,a man1 dressed like a game-keeper1 came up at the moment1 and he handed him a basket which lay ready on the pavement4 #8,that's for your people1' said the guard4 #8,now1 look alive in there1 will you4 ,damn that #8ere bag1 it warn't ready night afore last2 this won't do1 you know6' #8,anything new up in town1 ,ben8' asked the game-keeper1 drawing back to the window-shutters1 the better to admire the horses4 #8,no1 nothing that ,i knows on1' replied the man1 pulling on his gloves4 #8,corn's up a little4 ,i heerd talk of a murder1 too1 down ,spitalfields way1 but ,i don't reckon much upon it4' #8,oh1 that's quite true1' said a gentleman inside1 who was looking out of the window4 #8,and a dreadful murder it was4' #8,was it1 sir8' rejoined the guard1 touching his hat4 #8,man or woman1 pray1 sir8' #8,a woman1' replied the gentleman4 #8,it is supposed--' #8,now1 ,ben1' replied the coachman impatiently4 #8,damn that #8ere bag1' said the guard2 #8are you gone to sleep in there8' #8,coming6' cried the office keeper1 running out4 #8,coming1' growled the guard4 #8,ah1 and so's the young #8ooman of property that's going to take a fancy to me1 but ,i don't know when4 ,here1 give hold4 ,all ri--ight6' ,the horn sounded a few cheerful notes1 and the coach was gone4 ,sikes remained standing in the street1 apparently unmoved by what he had just heard1 and agitated by no stronger feeling than a doubt where to go4 ,at length he went back again1 and took the road which leads from ,hatfield to ,st4 ,albans4 ,he went on doggedly2 but as he left the town behind him1 and plunged into the solitude and darkness of the road1 he felt a dread and awe creeping upon him which shook him to the core4 ,every object before him1 substance or shadow1 still or moving1 took the semblance of some fearful thing2 but these fears were nothing compared to the sense that haunted him of that morning's ghastly figure following at his heels4 ,he could trace its shadow in the gloom1 supply the smallest item of the outline1 and note how stiff and solemn it seemed to stalk along4 ,he could hear its garments rustling in the leaves1 and every breath of wind came laden with that last low cry4 ,if he stopped it did the same4 ,if he ran1 it followed--not running too3 that would have been a relief3 but like a corpse endowed with the mere machinery of life1 and borne on one slow melancholy wind that never rose or fell4 ,at times1 he turned1 with desperate determination1 resolved to beat this phantom off1 though it should look him dead2 but the hair rose on his head1 and his blood stood still1 for it had turned with him and was behind him then4 ,he had kept it before him that morning1 but it was behind now--always4 ,he leaned his back against a bank1 and felt that it stood above him1 visibly out against the cold night-sky4 ,he threw himself upon the road--on his back upon the road4 ,at his head it stood1 silent1 erect1 and still--a living grave-stone1 with its epitaph in blood4 ,let no man talk of murderers escaping justice1 and hint that ,providence must sleep4 ,there were twenty score of violent deaths in one long minute of that agony of fear4 ,there was a shed in a field he passed1 that offered shelter for the night4 ,before the door1 were three tall poplar trees1 which made it very dark within2 and the wind moaned through them with a dismal wail4 ,he could not walk on1 till daylight came again2 and here he stretched himself close to the wall--to undergo new torture4 ,for now1 a vision came before him1 as constant and more terrible than that from which he had escaped4 ,those widely staring eyes1 so lustreless and so glassy1 that he had better borne to see them than think upon them1 appeared in the midst of the darkness3 light in themselves1 but giving light to nothing4 ,there were but two1 but they were everywhere4 ,if he shut out the sight1 there came the room with every well-known object--some1 indeed1 that he would have forgotten1 if he had gone over its contents from memory--each in its accustomed place4 ,the body was in its place1 and its eyes were as he saw them when he stole away4 ,he got up1 and rushed into the field without4 ,the figure was behind him4 ,he re-entered the shed1 and shrunk down once more4 ,the eyes were there1 before he had laid himself along4 ,and here he remained in such terror as none but he can know1 trembling in every limb1 and the cold sweat starting from every pore1 when suddenly there arose upon the night-wind the noise of distant shouting1 and the roar of voices mingled in alarm and wonder4 ,any sound of men in that lonely place1 even though it conveyed a real cause of alarm1 was something to him4 ,he regained his strength and energy at the prospect of personal danger2 and springing to his feet1 rushed into the open air4 ,the broad sky seemed on fire4 ,rising into the air with showers of sparks1 and rolling one above the other1 were sheets of flame1 lighting the atmosphere for miles round1 and driving clouds of smoke in the direction where he stood4 ,the shouts grew louder as new voices swelled the roar1 and he could hear the cry of ,fire6 mingled with the ringing of an alarm-bell1 the fall of heavy bodies1 and the crackling of flames as they twined round some new obstacle1 and shot aloft as though refreshed by food4 ,the noise increased as he looked4 ,there were people there--men and women--light1 bustle4 ,it was like new life to him4 ,he darted onward--straight1 headlong--dashing through brier and brake1 and leaping gate and fence as madly as his dog1 who careered with loud and sounding bark before him4 ,he came upon the spot4 ,there were half-dressed figures tearing to and fro1 some endeavouring to drag the frightened horses from the stables1 others driving the cattle from the yard and out-houses1 and others coming laden from the burning pile1 amidst a shower of falling sparks1 and the tumbling down of red-hot beams4 ,the apertures1 where doors and windows stood an hour ago1 disclosed a mass of raging fire2 walls rocked and crumbled into the burning well2 the molten lead and iron poured down1 white hot1 upon the ground4 ,women and children shrieked1 and men encouraged each other with noisy shouts and cheers4 ,the clanking of the engine-pumps1 and the spurting and hissing of the water as it fell upon the blazing wood1 added to the tremendous roar4 ,he shouted1 too1 till he was hoarse2 and flying from memory and himself1 plunged into the thickest of the throng4 ,hither and thither he dived that night3 now working at the pumps1 and now hurrying through the smoke and flame1 but never ceasing to engage himself wherever noise and men were thickest4 ,up and down the ladders1 upon the roofs of buildings1 over floors that quaked and trembled with his weight1 under the lee of falling bricks and stones1 in every part of that great fire was he2 but he bore a charmed life1 and had neither scratch nor bruise1 nor weariness nor thought1 till morning dawned again1 and only smoke and blackened ruins remained4 ,this mad excitement over1 there returned1 with ten-fold force1 the dreadful consciousness of his crime4 ,he looked suspiciously about him1 for the men were conversing in groups1 and he feared to be the subject of their talk4 ,the dog obeyed the significant beck of his finger1 and they drew off1 stealthily1 together4 ,he passed near an engine where some men were seated1 and they called to him to share in their refreshment4 ,he took some bread and meat2 and as he drank a draught of beer1 heard the firemen1 who were from ,london1 talking about the murder4 #8,he has gone to ,birmingham1 they say1' said one3 #8but they'll have him yet1 for the scouts are out1 and by to-morrow night there'll be a cry all through the country4' ,he hurried off1 and walked till he almost dropped upon the ground2 then lay down in a lane1 and had a long1 but broken and uneasy sleep4 ,he wandered on again1 irresolute and undecided1 and oppressed with the fear of another solitary night4 ,suddenly1 he took the desperate resolution to going back to ,london4 #8,there's somebody to speak to there1 at all event1' he thought4 #8,a good hiding-place1 too4 ,they'll never expect to nab me there1 after this country scent4 ,why can't ,i lie by for a week or so1 and1 forcing blunt from ,fagin1 get abroad to ,france8 ,damme1 ,i'll risk it4' ,he acted upon this impulse without delay1 and choosing the least frequented roads began his journey back1 resolved to lie concealed within a short distance of the metropolis1 and1 entering it at dusk by a circuitous route1 to proceed straight to that part of it which he had fixed on for his destination4 ,the dog1 though4 ,if any description of him were out1 it would not be forgotten that the dog was missing1 and had probably gone with him4 ,this might lead to his apprehension as he passed along the streets4 ,he resolved to drown him1 and walked on1 looking about for a pond3 picking up a heavy stone and tying it to his handkerchief as he went4 ,the animal looked up into his master's face while these preparations were making2 whether his instinct apprehended something of their purpose1 or the robber's sidelong look at him was sterner than ordinary1 he skulked a little farther in the rear than usual1 and cowered as he came more slowly along4 ,when his master halted at the brink of a pool1 and looked round to call him1 he stopped outright4 #8,do you hear me call8 ,come here6' cried ,sikes4 ,the animal came up from the very force of habit2 but as ,sikes stooped to attach the handkerchief to his throat1 he uttered a low growl and started back4 #8,come back6' said the robber4 ,the dog wagged his tail1 but moved not4 ,sikes made a running noose and called him again4 ,the dog advanced1 retreated1 paused an instant1 and scoured away at his hardest speed4 ,the man whistled again and again1 and sat down and waited in the expectation that he would return4 ,but no dog appeared1 and at length he resumed his journey4 ,,chapter ,,xlix -- ,,monks ,,and ,,mr4 ,,brownlow ,,at ,,length ,,meet4 ,,their ,,conversation1 ,,and ,,the ,,intelligence ,,that ,,interrupts ,,it ,the twilight was beginning to close in1 when ,mr4 ,brownlow alighted from a hackney-coach at his own door1 and knocked softly4 ,the door being opened1 a sturdy man got out of the coach and stationed himself on one side of the steps1 while another man1 who had been seated on the box1 dismounted too1 and stood upon the other side4 ,at a sign from ,mr4 ,brownlow1 they helped out a third man1 and taking him between them1 hurried him into the house4 ,this man was ,monks4 ,they walked in the same manner up the stairs without speaking1 and ,mr4 ,brownlow1 preceding them1 led the way into a back-room4 ,at the door of this apartment1 ,monks1 who had ascended with evident reluctance1 stopped4 ,the two men looked at the old gentleman as if for instructions4 #8,he knows the alternative1' said ,mr4 ,browlow4 #8,if he hesitates or moves a finger but as you bid him1 drag him into the street1 call for the aid of the police1 and impeach him as a felon in my name4' #8,how dare you say this of me8' asked ,monks4 #8,how dare you urge me to it1 young man8' replied ,mr4 ,brownlow1 confronting him with a steady look4 #8,are you mad enough to leave this house8 ,unhand him4 ,there1 sir4 ,you are free to go1 and we to follow4 ,but ,i warn you1 by all ,i hold most solemn and most sacred1 that instant will have you apprehended on a charge of fraud and robbery4 ,i am resolute and immoveable4 ,if you are determined to be the same1 your blood be upon your own head6' #8,by what authority am ,i kidnapped in the street1 and brought here by these dogs8' asked ,monks1 looking from one to the other of the men who stood beside him4 #8,by mine1' replied ,mr4 ,brownlow4 #8,those persons are indemnified by me4 ,if you complain of being deprived of your liberty--you had power and opportunity to retrieve it as you came along1 but you deemed it advisable to remain quiet--,i say again1 throw yourself for protection on the law4 ,i will appeal to the law too2 but when you have gone too far to recede1 do not sue to me for leniency1 when the power will have passed into other hands2 and do not say ,i plunged you down the gulf into which you rushed1 yourself4' ,monks was plainly disconcerted1 and alarmed besides4 ,he hesitated4 #8,you will decide quickly1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 with perfect firmness and composure4 #8,if you wish me to prefer my charges publicly1 and consign you to a punishment the extent of which1 although ,i can1 with a shudder1 foresee1 ,i cannot control1 once more1 ,i say1 for you know the way4 ,if not1 and you appeal to my forbearance1 and the mercy of those you have deeply injured1 seat yourself1 without a word1 in that chair4 ,it has waited for you two whole days4' ,monks muttered some unintelligible words1 but wavered still4 #8,you will be prompt1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow4 #8,a word from me1 and the alternative has gone for ever4' ,still the man hesitated4 #8,i have not the inclination to parley1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 #8and1 as ,i advocate the dearest interests of others1 ,i have not the right4' #8,is there--' demanded ,monks with a faltering tongue1--#8is there--no middle course8' #8,none4' ,monks looked at the old gentleman1 with an anxious eye2 but1 reading in his countenance nothing but severity and determination1 walked into the room1 and1 shrugging his shoulders1 sat down4 #8,lock the door on the outside1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow to the attendants1 #8and come when ,i ring4' ,the men obeyed1 and the two were left alone together4 #8,this is pretty treatment1 sir1' said ,monks1 throwing down his hat and cloak1 #8from my father's oldest friend4' #8,it is because ,i was your father's oldest friend1 young man1' returned ,mr4 ,brownlow2 #8it is because the hopes and wishes of young and happy years were bound up with him1 and that fair creature of his blood and kindred who rejoined her ,god in youth1 and left me here a solitary1 lonely man3 it is because he knelt with me beside his only sisters' death-bed when he was yet a boy1 on the morning that would--but ,heaven willed otherwise--have made her my young wife2 it is because my seared heart clung to him1 from that time forth1 through all his trials and errors1 till he died2 it is because old recollections and associations filled my heart1 and even the sight of you brings with it old thoughts of him2 it is because of all these things that ,i am moved to treat you gently now--yes1 ,edward ,leeford1 even now--and blush for your unworthiness who bear the name4' #8,what has the name to do with it8' asked the other1 after contemplating1 half in silence1 and half in dogged wonder1 the agitation of his companion4 #8,what is the name to me8' #8,nothing1' replied ,mr4 ,brownlow1 #8nothing to you4 ,but it was hers1 and even at this distance of time brings back to me1 an old man1 the glow and thrill which ,i once felt1 only to hear it repeated by a stranger4 ,i am very glad you have changed it--very--very4' #8,this is all mighty fine1' said ,monks 7to retain his assumed designation7 after a long silence1 during which he had jerked himself in sullen defiance to and fro1 and ,mr4 ,brownlow had sat1 shading his face with his hand4 #8,but what do you want with me8' #8,you have a brother1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 rousing himself3 #8a brother1 the whisper of whose name in your ear when ,i came behind you in the street1 was1 in itself1 almost enough to make you accompany me hither1 in wonder and alarm4' #8,i have no brother1' replied ,monks4 #8,you know ,i was an only child4 ,why do you talk to me of brothers8 ,you know that1 as well as ,i4' #8,attend to what ,i do know1 and you may not1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow4 #8,i shall interest you by and by4 ,i know that of the wretched marriage1 into which family pride1 and the most sordid and narrowest of all ambition1 forced your unhappy father when a mere boy1 you were the sole and most unnatural issue4' #8,i don't care for hard names1' interrupted ,monks with a jeering laugh4 #8,you know the fact1 and that's enough for me4' #8,but ,i also know1' pursued the old gentleman1 #8the misery1 the slow torture1 the protracted anguish of that ill-assorted union4 ,i know how listlessly and wearily each of that wretched pair dragged on their heavy chain through a world that was poisoned to them both4 ,i know how cold formalities were succeeded by open taunts2 how indifference gave place to dislike1 dislike to hate1 and hate to loathing1 until at last they wrenched the clanking bond asunder1 and retiring a wide space apart1 carried each a galling fragment1 of which nothing but death could break the rivets1 to hide it in new society beneath the gayest looks they could assume4 ,your mother succeeded2 she forgot it soon4 ,but it rusted and cankered at your father's heart for years4' #8,well1 they were separated1' said ,monks1 #8and what of that8' #8,when they had been separated for some time1' returned ,mr4 ,brownlow1 #8and your mother1 wholly given up to continental frivolities1 had utterly forgotten the young husband ten good years her junior1 who1 with prospects blighted1 lingered on at home1 he fell among new friends4 ,this circumstance1 at least1 you know already4' #8,not ,i1' said ,monks1 turning away his eyes and beating his foot upon the ground1 as a man who is determined to deny everything4 #8,not ,i4' #8,your manner1 no less than your actions1 assures me that you have never forgotten it1 or ceased to think of it with bitterness1' returned ,mr4 ,brownlow4 #8,i speak of fifteen years ago1 when you were not more than eleven years old1 and your father but one-and-thirty--for he was1 ,i repeat1 a boy1 when his father ordered him to marry4 ,must ,i go back to events which cast a shade upon the memory of your parent1 or will you spare it1 and disclose to me the truth8' #8,i have nothing to disclose1' rejoined ,monks4 #8,you must talk on if you will4' #8,these new friends1 then1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 #8were a naval officer retired from active service1 whose wife had died some half-a-year before1 and left him with two children--there had been more1 but1 of all their family1 happily but two survived4 ,they were both daughters2 one a beautiful creature of nineteen1 and the other a mere child of two or three years old4' #8,what's this to me8' asked ,monks4 #8,they resided1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 without seeming to hear the interruption1 #8in a part of the country to which your father in his wandering had repaired1 and where he had taken up his abode4 ,acquaintance1 intimacy1 friendship1 fast followed on each other4 ,your father was gifted as few men are4 ,he had his sister's soul and person4 ,as the old officer knew him more and more1 he grew to love him4 ,i would that it had ended there4 ,his daughter did the same4' ,the old gentleman paused2 ,monks was biting his lips1 with his eyes fixed upon the floor2 seeing this1 he immediately resumed3 #8,the end of a year found him contracted1 solemnly contracted1 to that daughter2 the object of the first1 true1 ardent1 only passion of a guileless girl4' #8,your tale is of the longest1' observed ,monks1 moving restlessly in his chair4 #8,it is a true tale of grief and trial1 and sorrow1 young man1' returned ,mr4 ,brownlow1 #8and such tales usually are2 if it were one of unmixed joy and happiness1 it would be very brief4 ,at length one of those rich relations to strengthen whose interest and importance your father had been sacrificed1 as others are often--it is no uncommon case--died1 and to repair the misery he had been instrumental in occasioning1 left him his panacea for all griefs--,money4 ,it was necessary that he should immediately repair to ,rome1 whither this man had sped for health1 and where he had died1 leaving his affairs in great confusion4 ,he went2 was seized with mortal illness there2 was followed1 the moment the intelligence reached ,paris1 by your mother who carried you with her2 he died the day after her arrival1 leaving no will--no will--so that the whole property fell to her and you4' ,at this part of the recital ,monks held his breath1 and listened with a face of intense eagerness1 though his eyes were not directed towards the speaker4 ,as ,mr4 ,brownlow paused1 he changed his position with the air of one who has experienced a sudden relief1 and wiped his hot face and hands4 #8,before he went abroad1 and as he passed through ,london on his way1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 slowly1 and fixing his eyes upon the other's face1 #8he came to me4' #8,i never heard of that1' interrupted ,monks in a tone intended to appear incredulous1 but savouring more of disagreeable surprise4 #8,he came to me1 and left with me1 among some other things1 a picture--a portrait painted by himself--a likeness of this poor girl--which he did not wish to leave behind1 and could not carry forward on his hasty journey4 ,he was worn by anxiety and remorse almost to a shadow2 talked in a wild1 distracted way1 of ruin and dishonour worked by himself2 confided to me his intention to convert his whole property1 at any loss1 into money1 and1 having settled on his wife and you a portion of his recent acquisition1 to fly the country--,i guessed too well he would not fly alone--and never see it more4 ,even from me1 his old and early friend1 whose strong attachment had taken root in the earth that covered one most dear to both--even from me he withheld any more particular confession1 promising to write and tell me all1 and after that to see me once again1 for the last time on earth4 ,alas6 ,that was the last time4 ,i had no letter1 and ,i never saw him more4' #8,i went1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 after a short pause1 #8,i went1 when all was over1 to the scene of his--,i will use the term the world would freely use1 for worldly harshness or favour are now alike to him--of his guilty love1 resolved that if my fears were realised that erring child should find one heart and home to shelter and compassionate her4 ,the family had left that part a week before2 they had called in such trifling debts as were outstanding1 discharged them1 and left the place by night4 ,why1 or whither1 none can tell4' ,monks drew his breath yet more freely1 and looked round with a smile of triumph4 #8,when your brother1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 drawing nearer to the other's chair1 #8,when your brother3 a feeble1 ragged1 neglected child3 was cast in my way by a stronger hand than chance1 and rescued by me from a life of vice and infamy--' #8,what8' cried ,monks4 #8,by me1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow4 #8,i told you ,i should interest you before long4 ,i say by me--,i see that your cunning associate suppressed my name1 although for ought he knew1 it would be quite strange to your ears4 ,when he was rescued by me1 then1 and lay recovering from sickness in my house1 his strong resemblance to this picture ,i have spoken of1 struck me with astonishment4 ,even when ,i first saw him in all his dirt and misery1 there was a lingering expression in his face that came upon me like a glimpse of some old friend flashing on one in a vivid dream4 ,i need not tell you he was snared away before ,i knew his history--' #8,why not8' asked ,monks hastily4 #8,because you know it well4' #8,i6' #8,denial to me is vain1' replied ,mr4 ,brownlow4 #8,i shall show you that ,i know more than that4' #8,you--you--can't prove anything against me1' stammered ,monks4 #8,i defy you to do it6' #8,we shall see1' returned the old gentleman with a searching glance4 #8,i lost the boy1 and no efforts of mine could recover him4 ,your mother being dead1 ,i knew that you alone could solve the mystery if anybody could1 and as when ,i had last heard of you you were on your own estate in the ,west ,indies--whither1 as you well know1 you retired upon your mother's death to escape the consequences of vicious courses here--,i made the voyage4 ,you had left it1 months before1 and were supposed to be in ,london1 but no one could tell where4 ,i returned4 ,your agents had no clue to your residence4 ,you came and went1 they said1 as strangely as you had ever done3 sometimes for days together and sometimes not for months3 keeping to all appearance the same low haunts and mingling with the same infamous herd who had been your associates when a fierce ungovernable boy4 ,i wearied them with new applications4 ,i paced the streets by night and day1 but until two hours ago1 all my efforts were fruitless1 and ,i never saw you for an instant4' #8,and now you do see me1' said ,monks1 rising boldly1 #8what then8 ,fraud and robbery are high-sounding words--justified1 you think1 by a fancied resemblance in some young imp to an idle daub of a dead man's ,brother6 ,you don't even know that a child was born of this maudlin pair2 you don't even know that4' #8,i did not1' replied ,mr4 ,brownlow1 rising too2 #8but within the last fortnight ,i have learnt it all4 ,you have a brother2 you know it1 and him4 ,there was a will1 which your mother destroyed1 leaving the secret and the gain to you at her own death4 ,it contained a reference to some child likely to be the result of this sad connection1 which child was born1 and accidentally encountered by you1 when your suspicions were first awakened by his resemblance to your father4 ,you repaired to the place of his birth4 ,there existed proofs--proofs long suppressed--of his birth and parentage4 ,those proofs were destroyed by you1 and now1 in your own words to your accomplice the ,jew1 8the only proofs of the boy's identity lie at the bottom of the river1 and the old hag that received them from the mother is rotting in her coffin40 ,unworthy son1 coward1 liar1--you1 who hold your councils with thieves and murderers in dark rooms at night1--you1 whose plots and wiles have brought a violent death upon the head of one worth millions such as you1--you1 who from your cradle were gall and bitterness to your own father's heart1 and in whom all evil passions1 vice1 and profligacy1 festered1 till they found a vent in a hideous disease which had made your face an index even to your mind--you1 ,edward ,leeford1 do you still brave me6' #8,no1 no1 no6' returned the coward1 overwhelmed by these accumulated charges4 #8,every word6' cried the gentleman1 #8every word that has passed between you and this detested villain1 is known to me4 ,shadows on the wall have caught your whispers1 and brought them to my ear2 the sight of the persecuted child has turned vice itself1 and given it the courage and almost the attributes of virtue4 ,murder has been done1 to which you were morally if not really a party4' #8,no1 no1' interposed ,monks4 #8,i--,i knew nothing of that2 ,i was going to inquire the truth of the story when you overtook me4 ,i didn't know the cause4 ,i thought it was a common quarrel4' #8,it was the partial disclosure of your secrets1' replied ,mr4 ,brownlow4 #8,will you disclose the whole8' #8,yes1 ,i will4' #8,set your hand to a statement of truth and facts1 and repeat it before witnesses8' #8,that ,i promise too4' #8,remain quietly here1 until such a document is drawn up1 and proceed with me to such a place as ,i may deem most advisable1 for the purpose of attesting it8' #8,if you insist upon that1 ,i'll do that also1' replied ,monks4 #8,you must do more than that1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow4 #8,make restitution to an innocent and unoffending child1 for such he is1 although the offspring of a guilty and most miserable love4 ,you have not forgotten the provisions of the will4 ,carry them into execution so far as your brother is concerned1 and then go where you please4 ,in this world you need meet no more4' ,while ,monks was pacing up and down1 meditating with dark and evil looks on this proposal and the possibilities of evading it3 torn by his fears on the one hand and his hatred on the other3 the door was hurriedly unlocked1 and a gentleman 7,mr4 ,losberne7 entered the room in violent agitation4 #8,the man will be taken1' he cried4 #8,he will be taken to-night6' #8,the murderer8' asked ,mr4 ,brownlow4 #8,yes1 yes1' replied the other4 #8,his dog has been seen lurking about some old haunt1 and there seems little doubt that his master either is1 or will be1 there1 under cover of the darkness4 ,spies are hovering about in every direction4 ,i have spoken to the men who are charged with his capture1 and they tell me he cannot escape4 ,a reward of a hundred pounds is proclaimed by ,government to-night4' #8,i will give fifty more1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 #8and proclaim it with my own lips upon the spot1 if ,i can reach it4 ,where is ,mr4 ,maylie8' #8,harry8 ,as soon as he had seen your friend here1 safe in a coach with you1 he hurried off to where he heard this1' replied the doctor1 #8and mounting his horse sallied forth to join the first party at some place in the outskirts agreed upon between them4' #8,fagin1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow2 #8what of him8' #8,when ,i last heard1 he had not been taken1 but he will be1 or is1 by this time4 ,they're sure of him4' #8,have you made up your mind8' asked ,mr4 ,brownlow1 in a low voice1 of ,monks4 #8,yes1' he replied4 #8,you--you--will be secret with me8' #8,i will4 ,remain here till ,i return4 ,it is your only hope of safety4' ,they left the room1 and the door was again locked4 #8,what have you done8' asked the doctor in a whisper4 #8,all that ,i could hope to do1 and even more4 ,coupling the poor girl's intelligence with my previous knowledge1 and the result of our good friend's inquiries on the spot1 ,i left him no loophole of escape1 and laid bare the whole villainy which by these lights became plain as day4 ,write and appoint the evening after to-morrow1 at seven1 for the meeting4 ,we shall be down there1 a few hours before1 but shall require rest3 especially the young lady1 who may have greater need of firmness than either you or ,i can quite foresee just now4 ,but my blood boils to avenge this poor murdered creature4 ,which way have they taken8' #8,drive straight to the office and you will be in time1' replied ,mr4 ,losberne4 #8,i will remain here4' ,the two gentlemen hastily separated2 each in a fever of excitement wholly uncontrollable4 ,,chapter ,l -- ,,the ,,pursuit ,,and ,,escape ,near to that part of the ,thames on which the church at ,rotherhithe abuts1 where the buildings on the banks are dirtiest and the vessels on the river blackest with the dust of colliers and the smoke of close-built low-roofed houses1 there exists the filthiest1 the strangest1 the most extraordinary of the many localities that are hidden in ,london1 wholly unknown1 even by name1 to the great mass of its inhabitants4 ,to reach this place1 the visitor has to penetrate through a maze of close1 narrow1 and muddy streets1 thronged by the roughest and poorest of waterside people1 and devoted to the traffic they may be supposed to occasion4 ,the cheapest and least delicate provisions are heaped in the shops2 the coarsest and commonest articles of wearing apparel dangle at the salesman's door1 and stream from the house-parapet and windows4 ,jostling with unemployed labourers of the lowest class1 ballast-heavers1 coal-whippers1 brazen women1 ragged children1 and the raff and refuse of the river1 he makes his way with difficulty along1 assailed by offensive sights and smells from the narrow alleys which branch off on the right and left1 and deafened by the clash of ponderous waggons that bear great piles of merchandise from the stacks of warehouses that rise from every corner4 ,arriving1 at length1 in streets remoter and less-frequented than those through which he has passed1 he walks beneath tottering house-fronts projecting over the pavement1 dismantled walls that seem to totter as he passes1 chimneys half crushed half hesitating to fall1 windows guarded by rusty iron bars that time and dirt have almost eaten away1 every imaginable sign of desolation and neglect4 ,in such a neighborhood1 beyond ,dockhead in the ,borough of ,southwark1 stands ,jacob's ,island1 surrounded by a muddy ditch1 six or eight feet deep and fifteen or twenty wide when the tide is in1 once called ,mill ,pond1 but known in the days of this story as ,folly ,ditch4 ,it is a creek or inlet from the ,thames1 and can always be filled at high water by opening the sluices at the ,lead ,mills from which it took its old name4 ,at such times1 a stranger1 looking from one of the wooden bridges thrown across it at ,mill ,lane1 will see the inhabitants of the houses on either side lowering from their back doors and windows1 buckets1 pails1 domestic utensils of all kinds1 in which to haul the water up2 and when his eye is turned from these operations to the houses themselves1 his utmost astonishment will be excited by the scene before him4 ,crazy wooden galleries common to the backs of half a dozen houses1 with holes from which to look upon the slime beneath2 windows1 broken and patched1 with poles thrust out1 on which to dry the linen that is never there2 rooms so small1 so filthy1 so confined1 that the air would seem too tainted even for the dirt and squalor which they shelter2 wooden chambers thrusting themselves out above the mud1 and threatening to fall into it--as some have done2 dirt-besmeared walls and decaying foundations2 every repulsive lineament of poverty1 every loathsome indication of filth1 rot1 and garbage2 all these ornament the banks of ,folly ,ditch4 ,in ,jacob's ,island1 the warehouses are roofless and empty2 the walls are crumbling down2 the windows are windows no more2 the doors are falling into the streets2 the chimneys are blackened1 but they yield no smoke4 ,thirty or forty years ago1 before losses and chancery suits came upon it1 it was a thriving place2 but now it is a desolate island indeed4 ,the houses have no owners2 they are broken open1 and entered upon by those who have the courage2 and there they live1 and there they die4 ,they must have powerful motives for a secret residence1 or be reduced to a destitute condition indeed1 who seek a refuge in ,jacob's ,island4 ,in an upper room of one of these houses--a detached house of fair size1 ruinous in other respects1 but strongly defended at door and window3 of which house the back commanded the ditch in manner already described--there were assembled three men1 who1 regarding each other every now and then with looks expressive of perplexity and expectation1 sat for some time in profound and gloomy silence4 ,one of these was ,toby ,crackit1 another ,mr4 ,chitling1 and the third a robber of fifty years1 whose nose had been almost beaten in1 in some old scuffle1 and whose face bore a frightful scar which might probably be traced to the same occasion4 ,this man was a returned transport1 and his name was ,kags4 #8,i wish1' said ,toby turning to ,mr4 ,chitling1 #8that you had picked out some other crib when the two old ones got too warm1 and had not come here1 my fine feller4' #8,why didn't you1 blunder-head6' said ,kags4 #8,well1 ,i thought you'd have been a little more glad to see me than this1' replied ,mr4 ,chitling1 with a melancholy air4 #8,why1 look'ee1 young gentleman1' said ,toby1 #8when a man keeps himself so very exclusive as ,i have done1 and by that means has a snug house over his head with nobody a prying and smelling about it1 it's rather a startling thing to have the honour of a wisit from a young gentleman 7however respectable and pleasant a person he may be to play cards with at conweniency7 circumstanced as you are4' #8,especially1 when the exclusive young man has got a friend stopping with him1 that's arrived sooner than was expected from foreign parts1 and is too modest to want to be presented to the ,judges on his return1' added ,mr4 ,kags4 ,there was a short silence1 after which ,toby ,crackit1 seeming to abandon as hopeless any further effort to maintain his usual devil-may-care swagger1 turned to ,chitling and said1 #8,when was ,fagin took then8' #8,just at dinner-time--two o'clock this afternoon4 ,charley and ,i made our lucky up the wash-us chimney1 and ,bolter got into the empty water-butt1 head downwards2 but his legs were so precious long that they stuck out at the top1 and so they took him too4' #8,and ,bet8' #8,poor ,bet6 ,she went to see the ,body1 to speak to who it was1' replied ,chitling1 his countenance falling more and more1 #8and went off mad1 screaming and raving1 and beating her head against the boards2 so they put a strait-weskut on her and took her to the hospital--and there she is4' #8,wot's come of young ,bates8' demanded ,kags4 #8,he hung about1 not to come over here afore dark1 but he'll be here soon1' replied ,chitling4 #8,there's nowhere else to go to now1 for the people at the ,cripples are all in custody1 and the bar of the ken--,i went up there and see it with my own eyes--is filled with traps4' #8,this is a smash1' observed ,toby1 biting his lips4 #8,there's more than one will go with this4' #8,the sessions are on1' said ,kags3 #8if they get the inquest over1 and ,bolter turns ,king's evidence3 as of course he will1 from what he's said already3 they can prove ,fagin an accessory before the fact1 and get the trial on on ,friday1 and he'll swing in six days from this1 by ,g--6' #8,you should have heard the people groan1' said ,chitling2 #8the officers fought like devils1 or they'd have torn him away4 ,he was down once1 but they made a ring round him1 and fought their way along4 ,you should have seen how he looked about him1 all muddy and bleeding1 and clung to them as if they were his dearest friends4 ,i can see #8em now1 not able to stand upright with the pressing of the mob1 and draggin him along amongst #8em2 ,i can see the people jumping up1 one behind another1 and snarling with their teeth and making at him2 ,i can see the blood upon his hair and beard1 and hear the cries with which the women worked themselves into the centre of the crowd at the street corner1 and swore they'd tear his heart out6' ,the horror-stricken witness of this scene pressed his hands upon his ears1 and with his eyes closed got up and paced violently to and fro1 like one distracted4 ,while he was thus engaged1 and the two men sat by in silence with their eyes fixed upon the floor1 a pattering noise was heard upon the stairs1 and ,sikes's dog bounded into the room4 ,they ran to the window1 downstairs1 and into the street4 ,the dog had jumped in at an open window2 he made no attempt to follow them1 nor was his master to be seen4 #8,what's the meaning of this8' said ,toby when they had returned4 #8,he can't be coming here4 ,i--,i--hope not4' #8,if he was coming here1 he'd have come with the dog1' said ,kags1 stooping down to examine the animal1 who lay panting on the floor4 #8,here6 ,give us some water for him2 he has run himself faint4' #8,he's drunk it all up1 every drop1' said ,chitling after watching the dog some time in silence4 #8,covered with mud--lame--half blind--he must have come a long way4' #8,where can he have come from6' exclaimed ,toby4 #8,he's been to the other kens of course1 and finding them filled with strangers come on here1 where he's been many a time and often4 ,but where can he have come from first1 and how comes he here alone without the other6' #8,he'--7none of them called the murderer by his old name7--#8,he can't have made away with himself4 ,what do you think8' said ,chitling4 ,toby shook his head4 #8,if he had1' said ,kags1 #8the dog #8ud want to lead us away to where he did it4 ,no4 ,i think he's got out of the country1 and left the dog behind4 ,he must have given him the slip somehow1 or he wouldn't be so easy4' ,this solution1 appearing the most probable one1 was adopted as the right2 the dog1 creeping under a chair1 coiled himself up to sleep1 without more notice from anybody4 ,it being now dark1 the shutter was closed1 and a candle lighted and placed upon the table4 ,the terrible events of the last two days had made a deep impression on all three1 increased by the danger and uncertainty of their own position4 ,they drew their chairs closer together1 starting at every sound4 ,they spoke little1 and that in whispers1 and were as silent and awe-stricken as if the remains of the murdered woman lay in the next room4 ,they had sat thus1 some time1 when suddenly was heard a hurried knocking at the door below4 #8,young ,bates1' said ,kags1 looking angrily round1 to check the fear he felt himself4 ,the knocking came again4 ,no1 it wasn't he4 ,he never knocked like that4 ,crackit went to the window1 and shaking all over1 drew in his head4 ,there was no need to tell them who it was2 his pale face was enough4 ,the dog too was on the alert in an instant1 and ran whining to the door4 #8,we must let him in1' he said1 taking up the candle4 #8,isn't there any help for it8' asked the other man in a hoarse voice4 #8,none4 ,he must come in4' #8,don't leave us in the dark1' said ,kags1 taking down a candle from the chimney-piece1 and lighting it1 with such a trembling hand that the knocking was twice repeated before he had finished4 ,crackit went down to the door1 and returned followed by a man with the lower part of his face buried in a handkerchief1 and another tied over his head under his hat4 ,he drew them slowly off4 ,blanched face1 sunken eyes1 hollow cheeks1 beard of three days' growth1 wasted flesh1 short thick breath2 it was the very ghost of ,sikes4 ,he laid his hand upon a chair which stood in the middle of the room1 but shuddering as he was about to drop into it1 and seeming to glance over his shoulder1 dragged it back close to the wall--as close as it would go--and ground it against it--and sat down4 ,not a word had been exchanged4 ,he looked from one to another in silence4 ,if an eye were furtively raised and met his1 it was instantly averted4 ,when his hollow voice broke silence1 they all three started4 ,they seemed never to have heard its tones before4 #8,how came that dog here8' he asked4 #8,alone4 ,three hours ago4' #8,to-night's paper says that ,fagin's took4 ,is it true1 or a lie8' #8,true4' ,they were silent again4 #8,damn you all6' said ,sikes1 passing his hand across his forehead4 #8,have you nothing to say to me8' ,there was an uneasy movement among them1 but nobody spoke4 #8,you that keep this house1' said ,sikes1 turning his face to ,crackit1 #8do you mean to sell me1 or to let me lie here till this hunt is over8' #8,you may stop here1 if you think it safe1' returned the person addressed1 after some hesitation4 ,sikes carried his eyes slowly up the wall behind him3 rather trying to turn his head than actually doing it3 and said1 #8,is--it--the body--is it buried8' ,they shook their heads4 #8,why isn't it6' he retorted with the same glance behind him4 #8,wot do they keep such ugly things above the ground for8--,who's that knocking8' ,crackit intimated1 by a motion of his hand as he left the room1 that there was nothing to fear2 and directly came back with ,charley ,bates behind him4 ,sikes sat opposite the door1 so that the moment the boy entered the room he encountered his figure4 #8,toby1' said the boy falling back1 as ,sikes turned his eyes towards him1 #8why didn't you tell me this1 downstairs8' ,there had been something so tremendous in the shrinking off of the three1 that the wretched man was willing to propitiate even this lad4 ,accordingly he nodded1 and made as though he would shake hands with him4 #8,let me go into some other room1' said the boy1 retreating still farther4 #8,charley6' said ,sikes1 stepping forward4 #8,don't you--don't you know me8' #8,don't come nearer me1' answered the boy1 still retreating1 and looking1 with horror in his eyes1 upon the murderer's face4 #8,you monster6' ,the man stopped half-way1 and they looked at each other2 but ,sikes's eyes sunk gradually to the ground4 #8,witness you three1' cried the boy shaking his clenched fist1 and becoming more and more excited as he spoke4 #8,witness you three--,i'm not afraid of him--if they come here after him1 ,i'll give him up2 ,i will4 ,i tell you out at once4 ,he may kill me for it if he likes1 or if he dares1 but if ,i am here ,i'll give him up4 ,i'd give him up if he was to be boiled alive4 ,murder6 ,help6 ,if there's the pluck of a man among you three1 you'll help me4 ,murder6 ,help6 ,down with him6' ,pouring out these cries1 and accompanying them with violent gesticulation1 the boy actually threw himself1 single-handed1 upon the strong man1 and in the intensity of his energy and the suddenness of his surprise1 brought him heavily to the ground4 ,the three spectators seemed quite stupefied4 ,they offered no interference1 and the boy and man rolled on the ground together2 the former1 heedless of the blows that showered upon him1 wrenching his hands tighter and tighter in the garments about the murderer's breast1 and never ceasing to call for help with all his might4 ,the contest1 however1 was too unequal to last long4 ,sikes had him down1 and his knee was on his throat1 when ,crackit pulled him back with a look of alarm1 and pointed to the window4 ,there were lights gleaming below1 voices in loud and earnest conversation1 the tramp of hurried footsteps--endless they seemed in number--crossing the nearest wooden bridge4 ,one man on horseback seemed to be among the crowd2 for there was the noise of hoofs rattling on the uneven pavement4 ,the gleam of lights increased2 the footsteps came more thickly and noisily on4 ,then1 came a loud knocking at the door1 and then a hoarse murmur from such a multitude of angry voices as would have made the boldest quail4 #8,help6' shrieked the boy in a voice that rent the air4 #8,he's here6 ,break down the door6' #8,in the ,king's name1' cried the voices without2 and the hoarse cry arose again1 but louder4 #8,break down the door6' screamed the boy4 #8,i tell you they'll never open it4 ,run straight to the room where the light is4 ,break down the door6' ,strokes1 thick and heavy1 rattled upon the door and lower window-shutters as he ceased to speak1 and a loud huzzah burst from the crowd2 giving the listener1 for the first time1 some adequate idea of its immense extent4 #8,open the door of some place where ,i can lock this screeching ,hell-babe1' cried ,sikes fiercely2 running to and fro1 and dragging the boy1 now1 as easily as if he were an empty sack4 #8,that door4 ,quick6' ,he flung him in1 bolted it1 and turned the key4 #8,is the downstairs door fast8' #8,double-locked and chained1' replied ,crackit1 who1 with the other two men1 still remained quite helpless and bewildered4 #8,the panels--are they strong8' #8,lined with sheet-iron4' #8,and the windows too8' #8,yes1 and the windows4' #8,damn you6' cried the desperate ruffian1 throwing up the sash and menacing the crowd4 #8,do your worst6 ,i'll cheat you yet6' ,of all the terrific yells that ever fell on mortal ears1 none could exceed the cry of the infuriated throng4 ,some shouted to those who were nearest to set the house on fire2 others roared to the officers to shoot him dead4 ,among them all1 none showed such fury as the man on horseback1 who1 throwing himself out of the saddle1 and bursting through the crowd as if he were parting water1 cried1 beneath the window1 in a voice that rose above all others1 #8,twenty guineas to the man who brings a ladder6' ,the nearest voices took up the cry1 and hundreds echoed it4 ,some called for ladders1 some for sledge-hammers2 some ran with torches to and fro as if to seek them1 and still came back and roared again2 some spent their breath in impotent curses and execrations2 some pressed forward with the ecstasy of madmen1 and thus impeded the progress of those below2 some among the boldest attempted to climb up by the water-spout and crevices in the wall2 and all waved to and fro1 in the darkness beneath1 like a field of corn moved by an angry wind3 and joined from time to time in one loud furious roar4 #8,the tide1' cried the murderer1 as he staggered back into the room1 and shut the faces out1 #8the tide was in as ,i came up4 ,give me a rope1 a long rope4 ,they're all in front4 ,i may drop into the ,folly ,ditch1 and clear off that way4 ,give me a rope1 or ,i shall do three more murders and kill myself4' ,the panic-stricken men pointed to where such articles were kept2 the murderer1 hastily selecting the longest and strongest cord1 hurried up to the house-top4 ,all the window in the rear of the house had been long ago bricked up1 except one small trap in the room where the boy was locked1 and that was too small even for the passage of his body4 ,but1 from this aperture1 he had never ceased to call on those without1 to guard the back2 and thus1 when the murderer emerged at last on the house-top by the door in the roof1 a loud shout proclaimed the fact to those in front1 who immediately began to pour round1 pressing upon each other in an unbroken stream4 ,he planted a board1 which he had carried up with him for the purpose1 so firmly against the door that it must be matter of great difficulty to open it from the inside2 and creeping over the tiles1 looked over the low parapet4 ,the water was out1 and the ditch a bed of mud4 ,the crowd had been hushed during these few moments1 watching his motions and doubtful of his purpose1 but the instant they perceived it and knew it was defeated1 they raised a cry of triumphant execration to which all their previous shouting had been whispers4 ,again and again it rose4 ,those who were at too great a distance to know its meaning1 took up the sound2 it echoed and re-echoed2 it seemed as though the whole city had poured its population out to curse him4 ,on pressed the people from the front--on1 on1 on1 in a strong struggling current of angry faces1 with here and there a glaring torch to lighten them up1 and show them out in all their wrath and passion4 ,the houses on the opposite side of the ditch had been entered by the mob2 sashes were thrown up1 or torn bodily out2 there were tiers and tiers of faces in every window2 cluster upon cluster of people clinging to every house-top4 ,each little bridge 7and there were three in sight7 bent beneath the weight of the crowd upon it4 ,still the current poured on to find some nook or hole from which to vent their shouts1 and only for an instant see the wretch4 #8,they have him now1' cried a man on the nearest bridge4 #8,hurrah6' ,the crowd grew light with uncovered heads2 and again the shout uprose4 #8,i will give fifty pounds1' cried an old gentleman from the same quarter1 #8to the man who takes him alive4 ,i will remain here1 till he come to ask me for it4' ,there was another roar4 ,at this moment the word was passed among the crowd that the door was forced at last1 and that he who had first called for the ladder had mounted into the room4 ,the stream abruptly turned1 as this intelligence ran from mouth to mouth2 and the people at the windows1 seeing those upon the bridges pouring back1 quitted their stations1 and running into the street1 joined the concourse that now thronged pell-mell to the spot they had left3 each man crushing and striving with his neighbor1 and all panting with impatience to get near the door1 and look upon the criminal as the officers brought him out4 ,the cries and shrieks of those who were pressed almost to suffocation1 or trampled down and trodden under foot in the confusion1 were dreadful2 the narrow ways were completely blocked up2 and at this time1 between the rush of some to regain the space in front of the house1 and the unavailing struggles of others to extricate themselves from the mass1 the immediate attention was distracted from the murderer1 although the universal eagerness for his capture was1 if possible1 increased4 ,the man had shrunk down1 thoroughly quelled by the ferocity of the crowd1 and the impossibility of escape2 but seeing this sudden change with no less rapidity than it had occurred1 he sprang upon his feet1 determined to make one last effort for his life by dropping into the ditch1 and1 at the risk of being stifled1 endeavouring to creep away in the darkness and confusion4 ,roused into new strength and energy1 and stimulated by the noise within the house which announced that an entrance had really been effected1 he set his foot against the stack of chimneys1 fastened one end of the rope tightly and firmly round it1 and with the other made a strong running noose by the aid of his hands and teeth almost in a second4 ,he could let himself down by the cord to within a less distance of the ground than his own height1 and had his knife ready in his hand to cut it then and drop4 ,at the very instant when he brought the loop over his head previous to slipping it beneath his arm-pits1 and when the old gentleman before-mentioned 7who had clung so tight to the railing of the bridge as to resist the force of the crowd1 and retain his position7 earnestly warned those about him that the man was about to lower himself down--at that very instant the murderer1 looking behind him on the roof1 threw his arms above his head1 and uttered a yell of terror4 #8,the eyes again6' he cried in an unearthly screech4 ,staggering as if struck by lightning1 he lost his balance and tumbled over the parapet4 ,the noose was on his neck4 ,it ran up with his weight1 tight as a bow-string1 and swift as the arrow it speeds4 ,he fell for five-and-thirty feet4 ,there was a sudden jerk1 a terrific convulsion of the limbs2 and there he hung1 with the open knife clenched in his stiffening hand4 ,the old chimney quivered with the shock1 but stood it bravely4 ,the murderer swung lifeless against the wall2 and the boy1 thrusting aside the dangling body which obscured his view1 called to the people to come and take him out1 for ,god's sake4 ,a dog1 which had lain concealed till now1 ran backwards and forwards on the parapet with a dismal howl1 and collecting himself for a spring1 jumped for the dead man's shoulders4 ,missing his aim1 he fell into the ditch1 turning completely over as he went2 and striking his head against a stone1 dashed out his brains4 ,,chapter ,,li -- ,,affording ,,an ,,explanation ,,of ,,more ,,mysteries ,,than ,,one1 ,,and ,,comprehending ,a ,,proposal ,,of ,,marriage ,,with ,,no ,,word ,,of ,,settlement ,,or ,,pin-,,money ,the events narrated in the last chapter were yet but two days old1 when ,oliver found himself1 at three o'clock in the afternoon1 in a travelling-carriage rolling fast towards his native town4 ,mrs4 ,maylie1 and ,rose1 and ,mrs4 ,bedwin1 and the good doctor were with him3 and ,mr4 ,brownlow followed in a post-chaise1 accompanied by one other person whose name had not been mentioned4 ,they had not talked much upon the way2 for ,oliver was in a flutter of agitation and uncertainty which deprived him of the power of collecting his thoughts1 and almost of speech1 and appeared to have scarcely less effect on his companions1 who shared it1 in at least an equal degree4 ,he and the two ladies had been very carefully made acquainted by ,mr4 ,brownlow with the nature of the admissions which had been forced from ,monks2 and although they knew that the object of their present journey was to complete the work which had been so well begun1 still the whole matter was enveloped in enough of doubt and mystery to leave them in endurance of the most intense suspense4 ,the same kind friend had1 with ,mr4 ,losberne's assistance1 cautiously stopped all channels of communication through which they could receive intelligence of the dreadful occurrences that so recently taken place4 #8,it was quite true1' he said1 #8that they must know them before long1 but it might be at a better time than the present1 and it could not be at a worse4' ,so1 they travelled on in silence3 each busied with reflections on the object which had brought them together3 and no one disposed to give utterance to the thoughts which crowded upon all4 ,but if ,oliver1 under these influences1 had remained silent while they journeyed towards his birth-place by a road he had never seen1 how the whole current of his recollections ran back to old times1 and what a crowd of emotions were wakened up in his breast1 when they turned into that which he had traversed on foot3 a poor houseless1 wandering boy1 without a friend to help him1 or a roof to shelter his head4 #8,see there1 there6' cried ,oliver1 eagerly clasping the hand of ,rose1 and pointing out at the carriage window2 #8that's the stile ,i came over2 there are the hedges ,i crept behind1 for fear any one should overtake me and force me back6 ,yonder is the path across the fields1 leading to the old house where ,i was a little child6 ,oh ,dick1 ,dick1 my dear old friend1 if ,i could only see you now6' #8,you will see him soon1' replied ,rose1 gently taking his folded hands between her own4 #8,you shall tell him how happy you are1 and how rich you have grown1 and that in all your happiness you have none so great as the coming back to make him happy too4' #8,yes1 yes1' said ,oliver1 #8and we'll--we'll take him away from here1 and have him clothed and taught1 and send him to some quiet country place where he may grow strong and well1--shall we8' ,rose nodded #8yes1' for the boy was smiling through such happy tears that she could not speak4 #8,you will be kind and good to him1 for you are to every one1' said ,oliver4 #8,it will make you cry1 ,i know1 to hear what he can tell2 but never mind1 never mind1 it will be all over1 and you will smile again--,i know that too--to think how changed he is2 you did the same with me4 ,he said 8,god bless you0 to me when ,i ran away1' cried the boy with a burst of affectionate emotion2 #8and ,i will say 8,god bless you0 now1 and show him how ,i love him for it6' ,as they approached the town1 and at length drove through its narrow streets1 it became matter of no small difficulty to restrain the boy within reasonable bounds4 ,there was ,sowerberry's the undertaker's just as it used to be1 only smaller and less imposing in appearance than he remembered it--there were all the well-known shops and houses1 with almost every one of which he had some slight incident connected--there was ,gamfield's cart1 the very cart he used to have1 standing at the old public-house door--there was the workhouse1 the dreary prison of his youthful days1 with its dismal windows frowning on the street--there was the same lean porter standing at the gate1 at sight of whom ,oliver involuntarily shrunk back1 and then laughed at himself for being so foolish1 then cried1 then laughed again--there were scores of faces at the doors and windows that he knew quite well--there was nearly everything as if he had left it but yesterday1 and all his recent life had been but a happy dream4 ,but it was pure1 earnest1 joyful reality4 ,they drove straight to the door of the chief hotel 7which ,oliver used to stare up at1 with awe1 and think a mighty palace1 but which had somehow fallen off in grandeur and size72 and here was ,mr4 ,grimwig all ready to receive them1 kissing the young lady1 and the old one too1 when they got out of the coach1 as if he were the grandfather of the whole party1 all smiles and kindness1 and not offering to eat his head--no1 not once2 not even when he contradicted a very old postboy about the nearest road to ,london1 and maintained he knew it best1 though he had only come that way once1 and that time fast asleep4 ,there was dinner prepared1 and there were bedrooms ready1 and everything was arranged as if by magic4 ,notwithstanding all this1 when the hurry of the first half-hour was over1 the same silence and constraint prevailed that had marked their journey down4 ,mr4 ,brownlow did not join them at dinner1 but remained in a separate room4 ,the two other gentlemen hurried in and out with anxious faces1 and1 during the short intervals when they were present1 conversed apart4 ,once1 ,mrs4 ,maylie was called away1 and after being absent for nearly an hour1 returned with eyes swollen with weeping4 ,all these things made ,rose and ,oliver1 who were not in any new secrets1 nervous and uncomfortable4 ,they sat wondering1 in silence2 or1 if they exchanged a few words1 spoke in whispers1 as if they were afraid to hear the sound of their own voices4 ,at length1 when nine o'clock had come1 and they began to think they were to hear no more that night1 ,mr4 ,losberne and ,mr4 ,grimwig entered the room1 followed by ,mr4 ,brownlow and a man whom ,oliver almost shrieked with surprise to see2 for they told him it was his brother1 and it was the same man he had met at the market-town1 and seen looking in with ,fagin at the window of his little room4 ,monks cast a look of hate1 which1 even then1 he could not dissemble1 at the astonished boy1 and sat down near the door4 ,mr4 ,brownlow1 who had papers in his hand1 walked to a table near which ,rose and ,oliver were seated4 #8,this is a painful task1' said he1 #8but these declarations1 which have been signed in ,london before many gentlemen1 must be in substance repeated here4 ,i would have spared you the degradation1 but we must hear them from your own lips before we part1 and you know why4' #8,go on1' said the person addressed1 turning away his face4 #8,quick4 ,i have almost done enough1 ,i think4 ,don't keep me here4' #8,this child1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 drawing ,oliver to him1 and laying his hand upon his head1 #8is your half-brother2 the illegitimate son of your father1 my dear friend ,edwin ,leeford1 by poor young ,agnes ,fleming1 who died in giving him birth4' #8,yes1' said ,monks1 scowling at the trembling boy3 the beating of whose heart he might have heard4 #8,that is the bastard child4' #8,the term you use1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 sternly1 #8is a reproach to those long since passed beyond the feeble censure of the world4 ,it reflects disgrace on no one living1 except you who use it4 ,let that pass4 ,he was born in this town4' #8,in the workhouse of this town1' was the sullen reply4 #8,you have the story there4' ,he pointed impatiently to the papers as he spoke4 #8,i must have it here1 too1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 looking round upon the listeners4 #8,listen then6 ,you6' returned ,monks4 #8,his father being taken ill at ,rome1 was joined by his wife1 my mother1 from whom he had been long separated1 who went from ,paris and took me with her--to look after his property1 for what ,i know1 for she had no great affection for him1 nor he for her4 ,he knew nothing of us1 for his senses were gone1 and he slumbered on till next day1 when he died4 ,among the papers in his desk1 were two1 dated on the night his illness first came on1 directed to yourself'2 he addressed himself to ,mr4 ,brownlow2 #8and enclosed in a few short lines to you1 with an intimation on the cover of the package that it was not to be forwarded till after he was dead4 ,one of these papers was a letter to this girl ,agnes2 the other a will4' #8,what of the letter8' asked ,mr4 ,brownlow4 #8,the letter8--,a sheet of paper crossed and crossed again1 with a penitent confession1 and prayers to ,god to help her4 ,he had palmed a tale on the girl that some secret mystery--to be explained one day--prevented his marrying her just then2 and so she had gone on1 trusting patiently to him1 until she trusted too far1 and lost what none could ever give her back4 ,she was1 at that time1 within a few months of her confinement4 ,he told her all he had meant to do1 to hide her shame1 if he had lived1 and prayed her1 if he died1 not to curse his memory1 or think the consequences of their sin would be visited on her or their young child2 for all the guilt was his4 ,he reminded her of the day he had given her the little locket and the ring with her christian name engraved upon it1 and a blank left for that which he hoped one day to have bestowed upon her--prayed her yet to keep it1 and wear it next her heart1 as she had done before--and then ran on1 wildly1 in the same words1 over and over again1 as if he had gone distracted4 ,i believe he had4' #8,the will1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 as ,oliver's tears fell fast4 ,monks was silent4 #8,the will1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 speaking for him1 #8was in the same spirit as the letter4 ,he talked of miseries which his wife had brought upon him2 of the rebellious disposition1 vice1 malice1 and premature bad passions of you his only son1 who had been trained to hate him2 and left you1 and your mother1 each an annuity of eight hundred pounds4 ,the bulk of his property he divided into two equal portions--one for ,agnes ,fleming1 and the other for their child1 if it should be born alive1 and ever come of age4 ,if it were a girl1 it was to inherit the money unconditionally2 but if a boy1 only on the stipulation that in his minority he should never have stained his name with any public act of dishonour1 meanness1 cowardice1 or wrong4 ,he did this1 he said1 to mark his confidence in the other1 and his conviction--only strengthened by approaching death--that the child would share her gentle heart1 and noble nature4 ,if he were disappointed in this expectation1 then the money was to come to you3 for then1 and not till then1 when both children were equal1 would he recognise your prior claim upon his purse1 who had none upon his heart1 but had1 from an infant1 repulsed him with coldness and aversion4' #8,my mother1' said ,monks1 in a louder tone1 #8did what a woman should have done4 ,she burnt this will4 ,the letter never reached its destination2 but that1 and other proofs1 she kept1 in case they ever tried to lie away the blot4 ,the girl's father had the truth from her with every aggravation that her violent hate--,i love her for it now--could add4 ,goaded by shame and dishonour he fled with his children into a remote corner of ,wales1 changing his very name that his friends might never know of his retreat2 and here1 no great while afterwards1 he was found dead in his bed4 ,the girl had left her home1 in secret1 some weeks before2 he had searched for her1 on foot1 in every town and village near2 it was on the night when he returned home1 assured that she had destroyed herself1 to hide her shame and his1 that his old heart broke4' ,there was a short silence here1 until ,mr4 ,brownlow took up the thread of the narrative4 #8,years after this1' he said1 #8this man's--,edward ,leeford's--mother came to me4 ,he had left her1 when only eighteen2 robbed her of jewels and money2 gambled1 squandered1 forged1 and fled to ,london3 where for two years he had associated with the lowest outcasts4 ,she was sinking under a painful and incurable disease1 and wished to recover him before she died4 ,inquiries were set on foot1 and strict searches made4 ,they were unavailing for a long time1 but ultimately successful2 and he went back with her to ,france4' #8,there she died1' said ,monks1 #8after a lingering illness2 and1 on her death-bed1 she bequeathed these secrets to me1 together with her unquenchable and deadly hatred of all whom they involved--though she need not have left me that1 for ,i had inherited it long before4 ,she would not believe that the girl had destroyed herself1 and the child too1 but was filled with the impression that a male child had been born1 and was alive4 ,i swore to her1 if ever it crossed my path1 to hunt it down2 never to let it rest2 to pursue it with the bitterest and most unrelenting animosity2 to vent upon it the hatred that ,i deeply felt1 and to spit upon the empty vaunt of that insulting will by draggin it1 if ,i could1 to the very gallows-foot4 ,she was right4 ,he came in my way at last4 ,i began well2 and1 but for babbling drabs1 ,i would have finished as ,i began6' ,as the villain folded his arms tight together1 and muttered curses on himself in the impotence of baffled malice1 ,mr4 ,brownlow turned to the terrified group beside him1 and explained that the ,jew1 who had been his old accomplice and confidant1 had a large reward for keeping ,oliver ensnared3 of which some part was to be given up1 in the event of his being rescued3 and that a dispute on this head had led to their visit to the country house for the purpose of identifying him4 #8,the locket and ring8' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 turning to ,monks4 #8,i bought them from the man and woman ,i told you of1 who stole them from the nurse1 who stole them from the corpse1' answered ,monks without raising his eyes4 #8,you know what became of them4' ,mr4 ,brownlow merely nodded to ,mr4 ,grimwig1 who disappearing with great alacrity1 shortly returned1 pushing in ,mrs4 ,bumble1 and dragging her unwilling consort after him4 #8,do my hi's deceive me6' cried ,mr4 ,bumble1 with ill-feigned enthusiasm1 #8or is that little ,oliver8 ,oh ,o-li-ver1 if you know'd how ,i've been a-grieving for you--' #8,hold your tongue1 fool1' murmured ,mrs4 ,bumble4 #8,isn't natur1 natur1 ,mrs4 ,bumble8' remonstrated the workhouse master4 #8,can't ,i be supposed to feel--,i as brought him up porochially--when ,i see him a-setting here among ladies and gentlemen of the very affablest description6 ,i always loved that boy as if he'd been my--my--my own grandfather1' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 halting for an appropriate comparison4 #8,master ,oliver1 my dear1 you remember the blessed gentleman in the white waistcoat8 ,ah6 he went to heaven last week1 in a oak coffin with plated handles1 ,oliver4' #8,come1 sir1' said ,mr4 ,grimwig1 tartly2 #8suppress your feelings4' #8,i will do my endeavours1 sir1' replied ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,how do you do1 sir8 ,i hope you are very well4' ,this salutation was addressed to ,mr4 ,brownlow1 who had stepped up to within a short distance of the respectable couple4 ,he inquired1 as he pointed to ,monks1 #8,do you know that person8' #8,no1' replied ,mrs4 ,bumble flatly4 #8,perhaps you don't8' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 addressing her spouse4 #8,i never saw him in all my life1' said ,mr4 ,bumble4 #8,nor sold him anything1 perhaps8' #8,no1' replied ,mrs4 ,bumble4 #8,you never had1 perhaps1 a certain gold locket and ring8' said ,mr4 ,brownlow4 #8,certainly not1' replied the matron4 #8,why are we brought here to answer to such nonsense as this8' ,again ,mr4 ,brownlow nodded to ,mr4 ,grimwig2 and again that gentleman limped away with extraordinary readiness4 ,but not again did he return with a stout man and wife2 for this time1 he led in two palsied women1 who shook and tottered as they walked4 #8,you shut the door the night old ,sally died1' said the foremost one1 raising her shrivelled hand1 #8but you couldn't shut out the sound1 nor stop the chinks4' #8,no1 no1' said the other1 looking round her and wagging her toothless jaws4 #8,no1 no1 no4' #8,we heard her try to tell you what she'd done1 and saw you take a paper from her hand1 and watched you too1 next day1 to the pawnbroker's shop1' said the first4 #8,yes1' added the second1 #8and it was a 8locket and gold ring40 ,we found out that1 and saw it given you4 ,we were by4 ,oh6 we were by4' #8,and we know more than that1' resumed the first1 #8for she told us often1 long ago1 that the young mother had told her that1 feeling she should never get over it1 she was on her way1 at the time that she was taken ill1 to die near the grave of the father of the child4' #8,would you like to see the pawnbroker himself8' asked ,mr4 ,grimwig with a motion towards the door4 #8,no1' replied the woman2 #8if he--she pointed to ,monks--#8has been coward enough to confess1 as ,i see he has1 and you have sounded all these hags till you have found the right ones1 ,i have nothing more to say4 ,i did sell them1 and they're where you'll never get them4 ,what then8' #8,nothing1' replied ,mr4 ,brownlow1 #8except that it remains for us to take care that neither of you is employed in a situation of trust again4 ,you may leave the room4' #8,i hope1' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 looking about him with great ruefulness1 as ,mr4 ,grimwig disappeared with the two old women3 #8,i hope that this unfortunate little circumstance will not deprive me of my porochial office8' #8,indeed it will1' replied ,mr4 ,brownlow4 #8,you may make up your mind to that1 and think yourself well off besides4' #8,it was all ,mrs4 ,bumble4 ,she would do it1' urged ,mr4 ,bumble2 first looking round to ascertain that his partner had left the room4 #8,that is no excuse1' replied ,mr4 ,brownlow4 #8,you were present on the occasion of the destruction of these trinkets1 and indeed are the more guilty of the two1 in the eye of the law2 for the law supposes that your wife acts under your direction4' #8,if the law supposes that1' said ,mr4 ,bumble1 squeezing his hat emphatically in both hands1 #8the law is a ass--a idiot4 ,if that's the eye of the law1 the law is a bachelor2 and the worst ,i wish the law is1 that his eye may be opened by experience--by experience4' ,laying great stress on the repetition of these two words1 ,mr4 ,bumble fixed his hat on very tight1 and putting his hands in his pockets1 followed his helpmate downstairs4 #8,young lady1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 turning to ,rose1 #8give me your hand4 ,do not tremble4 ,you need not fear to hear the few remaining words we have to say4' #8,if they have--,i do not know how they can1 but if they have--any reference to me1' said ,rose1 #8pray let me hear them at some other time4 ,i have not strength or spirits now4' #8,nay1' returned the old gentlman1 drawing her arm through his2 #8you have more fortitude than this1 ,i am sure4 ,do you know this young lady1 sir8' #8,yes1' replied ,monks4 #8,i never saw you before1' said ,rose faintly4 #8,i have seen you often1' returned ,monks4 #8,the father of the unhappy ,agnes had two daughters1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow4 #8,what was the fate of the other--the child8' #8,the child1' replied ,monks1 #8when her father died in a strange place1 in a strange name1 without a letter1 book1 or scrap of paper that yielded the faintest clue by which his friends or relatives could be traced--the child was taken by some wretched cottagers1 who reared it as their own4' #8,go on1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow1 signing to ,mrs4 ,maylie to approach4 #8,go on6' #8,you couldn't find the spot to which these people had repaired1' said ,monks1 #8but where friendship fails1 hatred will often force a way4 ,my mother found it1 after a year of cunning search--ay1 and found the child4' #8,she took it1 did she8' #8,no4 ,the people were poor and began to sicken--at least the man did--of their fine humanity2 so she left it with them1 giving them a small present of money which would not last long1 and promised more1 which she never meant to send4 ,she didn't quite rely1 however1 on their discontent and poverty for the child's unhappiness1 but told the history of the sister's shame1 with such alterations as suited her2 bade them take good heed of the child1 for she came of bad blood2 and told them she was illegitimate1 and sure to go wrong at one time or other4 ,the circumstances countenanced all this2 the people believed it2 and there the child dragged on an existence1 miserable enough even to satisfy us1 until a widow lady1 residing1 then1 at ,chester1 saw the girl by chance1 pitied her1 and took her home4 ,there was some cursed spell1 ,i think1 against us2 for in spite of all our efforts she remained there and was happy4 ,i lost sight of her1 two or three years ago1 and saw her no more until a few months back4' #8,do you see her now8' #8,yes4 ,leaning on your arm4' #8,but not the less my niece1' cried ,mrs4 ,maylie1 folding the fainting girl in her arms2 #8not the less my dearest child4 ,i would not lose her now1 for all the treasures of the world4 ,my sweet companion1 my own dear girl6' #8,the only friend ,i ever had1' cried ,rose1 clinging to her4 #8,the kindest1 best of friends4 ,my heart will burst4 ,i cannot bear all this4' #8,you have borne more1 and have been1 through all1 the best and gentlest creature that ever shed happiness on every one she knew1' said ,mrs4 ,maylie1 embracing her tenderly4 #8,come1 come1 my love1 remember who this is who waits to clasp you in his arms1 poor child6 ,see here--look1 look1 my dear6' #8,not aunt1' cried ,oliver1 throwing his arms about her neck2 #8,i'll never call her aunt--sister1 my own dear sister1 that something taught my heart to love so dearly from the first6 ,rose1 dear1 darling ,rose6' ,let the tears which fell1 and the broken words which were exchanged in the long close embrace between the orphans1 be sacred4 ,a father1 sister1 and mother1 were gained1 and lost1 in that one moment4 ,joy and grief were mingled in the cup2 but there were no bitter tears3 for even grief itself arose so softened1 and clothed in such sweet and tender recollections1 that it became a solemn pleasure1 and lost all character of pain4 ,they were a long1 long time alone4 ,a soft tap at the door1 at length announced that some one was without4 ,oliver opened it1 glided away1 and gave place to ,harry ,maylie4 #8,i know it all1' he said1 taking a seat beside the lovely girl4 #8,dear ,rose1 ,i know it all4' #8,i am not here by accident1' he added after a lengthened silence2 #8nor have ,i heard all this to-night1 for ,i knew it yesterday--only yesterday4 ,do you guess that ,i have come to remind you of a promise8' #8,stay1' said ,rose4 #8,you do know all4' #8,all4 ,you gave me leave1 at any time within a year1 to renew the subject of our last discourse4' #8,i did4' #8,not to press you to alter your determination1' pursued the young man1 #8but to hear you repeat it1 if you would4 ,i was to lay whatever of station or fortune ,i might possess at your feet1 and if you still adhered to your former determination1 ,i pledged myself1 by no word or act1 to seek to change it4' #8,the same reasons which influenced me then1 will influence me now1' said ,rose firmly4 #8,if ,i ever owed a strict and rigid duty to her1 whose goodness saved me from a life of indigence and suffering1 when should ,i ever feel it1 as ,i should to-night8 ,it is a struggle1' said ,rose1 #8but one ,i am proud to make2 it is a pang1 but one my heart shall bear4' #8,the disclosure of to-night1'--,harry began4 #8,the disclosure of to-night1' replied ,rose softly1 #8leaves me in the same position1 with reference to you1 as that in which ,i stood before4' #8,you harden your heart against me1 ,rose1' urged her lover4 #8,oh ,harry1 ,harry1' said the young lady1 bursting into tears2 #8,i wish ,i could1 and spare myself this pain4' #8,then why inflict it on yourself8' said ,harry1 taking her hand4 #8,think1 dear ,rose1 think what you have heard to-night4' #8,and what have ,i heard6 ,what have ,i heard6' cried ,rose4 #8,that a sense of his deep disgrace so worked upon my own father that he shunned all--there1 we have said enough1 ,harry1 we have said enough4' #8,not yet1 not yet1' said the young man1 detaining her as she rose4 #8,my hopes1 my wishes1 prospects1 feeling3 every thought in life except my love for you3 have undergone a change4 ,i offer you1 now1 no distinction among a bustling crowd2 no mingling with a world of malice and detraction1 where the blood is called into honest cheeks by aught but real disgrace and shame2 but a home--a heart and home--yes1 dearest ,rose1 and those1 and those alone1 are all ,i have to offer4' #8,what do you mean6' she faltered4 #8,i mean but this--that when ,i left you last1 ,i left you with a firm determination to level all fancied barriers between yourself and me2 resolved that if my world could not be yours1 ,i would make yours mine2 that no pride of birth should curl the lip at you1 for ,i would turn from it4 ,this ,i have done4 ,those who have shrunk from me because of this1 have shrunk from you1 and proved you so far right4 ,such power and patronage3 such relatives of influence and rank3 as smiled upon me then1 look coldly now2 but there are smiling fields and waving trees in ,england's richest county2 and by one village church--mine1 ,rose1 my own6--there stands a rustic dwelling which you can make me prouder of1 than all the hopes ,i have renounced1 measured a thousandfold4 ,this is my rank and station now1 and here ,i lay it down6' 99 99 99 99 99 #8,it's a trying thing waiting supper for lovers1' said ,mr4 ,grimwig1 waking up1 and pulling his pocket-handkerchief from over his head4 ,truth to tell1 the supper had been waiting a most unreasonable time4 ,neither ,mrs4 ,maylie1 nor ,harry1 nor ,rose 7who all came in together71 could offer a word in extenuation4 #8,i had serious thoughts of eating my head to-night1' said ,mr4 ,grimwig1 #8for ,i began to think ,i should get nothing else4 ,i'll take the liberty1 if you'll allow me1 of saluting the bride that is to be4' ,mr4 ,grimwig lost no time in carrying this notice into effect upon the blushing girl2 and the example1 being contagious1 was followed both by the doctor and ,mr4 ,brownlow3 some people affirm that ,harry ,maylie had been observed to set it1 originally1 in a dark room adjoining2 but the best authorities consider this downright scandal3 he being young and a clergyman4 #8,oliver1 my child1' said ,mrs4 ,maylie1 #8where have you been1 and why do you look so sad8 ,there are tears stealing down your face at this moment4 ,what is the matter8' ,it is a world of disappointment3 often to the hopes we most cherish1 and hopes that do our nature the greatest honour4 ,poor ,dick was dead6 ,,chapter ,,lii -- ,,fagin',s ,,last ,,night ,,alive ,the court was paved1 from floor to roof1 with human faces4 ,inquisitive and eager eyes peered from every inch of space4 ,from the rail before the dock1 away into the sharpest angle of the smallest corner in the galleries1 all looks were fixed upon one man--,fagin4 ,before him and behind3 above1 below1 on the right and on the left3 he seemed to stand surrounded by a firmament1 all bright with gleaming eyes4 ,he stood there1 in all this glare of living light1 with one hand resting on the wooden slab before him1 the other held to his ear1 and his head thrust forward to enable him to catch with greater distinctness every word that fell from the presiding judge1 who was delivering his charge to the jury4 ,at times1 he turned his eyes sharply upon them to observe the effect of the slightest featherweight in his favour2 and when the points against him were stated with terrible distinctness1 looked towards his counsel1 in mute appeal that he would1 even then1 urge something in his behalf4 ,beyond these manifestations of anxiety1 he stirred not hand or foot4 ,he had scarcely moved since the trial began2 and now that the judge ceased to speak1 he still remained in the same strained attitude of close attention1 with his gaze bent on him1 as though he listened still4 ,a slight bustle in the court1 recalled him to himself4 ,looking round1 he saw that the juryman had turned together1 to consider their verdict4 ,as his eyes wandered to the gallery1 he could see the people rising above each other to see his face3 some hastily applying their glasses to their eyes3 and others whispering their neighbours with looks expressive of abhorrence4 ,a few there were1 who seemed unmindful of him1 and looked only to the jury1 in impatient wonder how they could delay4 ,but in no one face--not even among the women1 of whom there were many there--could he read the faintest sympathy with himself1 or any feeling but one of all-absorbing interest that he should be condemned4 ,as he saw all this in one bewildered glance1 the deathlike stillness came again1 and looking back he saw that the jurymen had turned towards the judge4 ,hush6 ,they only sought permission to retire4 ,he looked1 wistfully1 into their faces1 one by one when they passed out1 as though to see which way the greater number leant2 but that was fruitless4 ,the jailer touched him on the shoulder4 ,he followed mechanically to the end of the dock1 and sat down on a chair4 ,the man pointed it out1 or he would not have seen it4 ,he looked up into the gallery again4 ,some of the people were eating1 and some fanning themselves with handkerchiefs2 for the crowded place was very hot4 ,there was one young man sketching his face in a little note-book4 ,he wondered whether it was like1 and looked on when the artist broke his pencil-point1 and made another with his knife1 as any idle spectator might have done4 ,in the same way1 when he turned his eyes towards the judge1 his mind began to busy itself with the fashion of his dress1 and what it cost1 and how he put it on4 ,there was an old fat gentleman on the bench1 too1 who had gone out1 some half an hour before1 and now come back4 ,he wondered within himself whether this man had been to get his dinner1 what he had had1 and where he had had it2 and pursued this train of careless thought until some new object caught his eye and roused another4 ,not that1 all this time1 his mind was1 for an instant1 free from one oppressive overwhelming sense of the grave that opened at his feet2 it was ever present to him1 but in a vague and general way1 and he could not fix his thoughts upon it4 ,thus1 even while he trembled1 and turned burning hot at the idea of speedy death1 he fell to counting the iron spikes before him1 and wondering how the head of one had been broken off1 and whether they would mend it1 or leave it as it was4 ,then1 he thought of all the horrors of the gallows and the scaffold--and stopped to watch a man sprinkling the floor to cool it--and then went on to think again4 ,at length there was a cry of silence1 and a breathless look from all towards the door4 ,the jury returned1 and passed him close4 ,he could glean nothing from their faces2 they might as well have been of stone4 ,perfect stillness ensued--not a rustle--not a breath--,guilty4 ,the building rang with a tremendous shout1 and another1 and another1 and then it echoed loud groans1 that gathered strength as they swelled out1 like angry thunder4 ,it was a peal of joy from the populace outside1 greeting the news that he would die on ,monday4 ,the noise subsided1 and he was asked if he had anything to say why sentence of death should not be passed upon him4 ,he had resumed his listening attitude1 and looked intently at his questioner while the demand was made2 but it was twice repeated before he seemed to hear it1 and then he only muttered that he was an old man--an old man--and so1 dropping into a whisper1 was silent again4 ,the judge assumed the black cap1 and the prisoner still stood with the same air and gesture4 ,a woman in the gallery1 uttered some exclamation1 called forth by this dread solemnity2 he looked hastily up as if angry at the interruption1 and bent forward yet more attentively4 ,the address was solemn and impressive2 the sentence fearful to hear4 ,but he stood1 like a marble figure1 without the motion of a nerve4 ,his haggard face was still thrust forward1 his under-jaw hanging down1 and his eyes staring out before him1 when the jailer put his hand upon his arm1 and beckoned him away4 ,he gazed stupidly about him for an instant1 and obeyed4 ,they led him through a paved room under the court1 where some prisoners were waiting till their turns came1 and others were talking to their friends1 who crowded round a grate which looked into the open yard4 ,there was nobody there to speak to him2 but1 as he passed1 the prisoners fell back to render him more visible to the people who were clinging to the bars3 and they assailed him with opprobrious names1 and screeched and hissed4 ,he shook his fist1 and would have spat upon them2 but his conductors hurried him on1 through a gloomy passage lighted by a few dim lamps1 into the interior of the prison4 ,here1 he was searched1 that he might not have about him the means of anticipating the law2 this ceremony performed1 they led him to one of the condemned cells1 and left him there--alone4 ,he sat down on a stone bench opposite the door1 which served for seat and bedstead2 and casting his blood-shot eyes upon the ground1 tried to collect his thoughts4 ,after awhile1 he began to remember a few disjointed fragments of what the judge had said3 though it had seemed to him1 at the time1 that he could not hear a word4 ,these gradually fell into their proper places1 and by degrees suggested more3 so that in a little time he had the whole1 almost as it was delivered4 ,to be hanged by the neck1 till he was dead--that was the end4 ,to be hanged by the neck till he was dead4 ,as it came on very dark1 he began to think of all the men he had known who had died upon the scaffold2 some of them through his means4 ,they rose up1 in such quick succession1 that he could hardly count them4 ,he had seen some of them die1--and had joked too1 because they died with prayers upon their lips4 ,with what a rattling noise the drop went down2 and how suddenly they changed1 from strong and vigorous men to dangling heaps of clothes6 ,some of them might have inhabited that very cell--sat upon that very spot4 ,it was very dark2 why didn't they bring a light8 ,the cell had been built for many years4 ,scores of men must have passed their last hours there4 ,it was like sitting in a vault strewn with dead bodies--the cap1 the noose1 the pinioned arms1 the faces that he knew1 even beneath that hideous veil4--,light1 light6 ,at length1 when his hands were raw with beating against the heavy door and walls1 two men appeared3 one bearing a candle1 which he thrust into an iron candlestick fixed against the wall3 the other dragging in a mattress on which to pass the night2 for the prisoner was to be left alone no more4 ,then came the night--dark1 dismal1 silent night4 ,other watchers are glad to hear this church-clock strike1 for they tell of life and coming day4 ,to him they brought despair4 ,the boom of every iron bell came laden with the one1 deep1 hollow sound--,death4 ,what availed the noise and bustle of cheerful morning1 which penetrated even there1 to him8 ,it was another form of knell1 with mockery added to the warning4 ,the day passed off4 ,day8 ,there was no day2 it was gone as soon as come--and night came on again2 night so long1 and yet so short2 long in its dreadful silence1 and short in its fleeting hours4 ,at one time he raved and blasphemed2 and at another howled and tore his hair4 ,venerable men of his own persuasion had come to pray beside him1 but he had driven them away with curses4 ,they renewed their charitable efforts1 and he beat them off4 ,saturday night4 ,he had only one night more to live4 ,and as he thought of this1 the day broke--,sunday4 ,it was not until the night of this last awful day1 that a withering sense of his helpless1 desperate state came in its full intensity upon his blighted soul2 not that he had ever held any defined or positive hope of mercy1 but that he had never been able to consider more than the dim probability of dying so soon4 ,he had spoken little to either of the two men1 who relieved each other in their attendance upon him2 and they1 for their parts1 made no effort to rouse his attention4 ,he had sat there1 awake1 but dreaming4 ,now1 he started up1 every minute1 and with gasping mouth and burning skin1 hurried to and fro1 in such a paroxysm of fear and wrath that even they--used to such sights--recoiled from him with horror4 ,he grew so terrible1 at last1 in all the tortures of his evil conscience1 that one man could not bear to sit there1 eyeing him alone2 and so the two kept watch together4 ,he cowered down upon his stone bed1 and thought of the past4 ,he had been wounded with some missiles from the crowd on the day of his capture1 and his head was bandaged with a linen cloth4 ,his red hair hung down upon his bloodless face2 his beard was torn1 and twisted into knots2 his eyes shone with a terrible light2 his unwashed flesh crackled with the fever that burnt him up4 ,eight--nine--then4 ,if it was not a trick to frighten him1 and those were the real hours treading on each other's heels1 where would he be1 when they came round again6 ,eleven6 ,another struck1 before the voice of the previous hour had ceased to vibrate4 ,at eight1 he would be the only mourner in his own funeral train2 at eleven-- ,those dreadful walls of ,newgate1 which have hidden so much misery and such unspeakable anguish1 not only from the eyes1 but1 too often1 and too long1 from the thoughts1 of men1 never held so dread a spectacle as that4 ,the few who lingered as they passed1 and wondered what the man was doing who was to be hanged to-morrow1 would have slept but ill that night1 if they could have seen him4 ,from early in the evening until nearly midnight1 little groups of two and three presented themselves at the lodge-gate1 and inquired1 with anxious faces1 whether any reprieve had been received4 ,these being answered in the negative1 communicated the welcome intelligence to clusters in the street1 who pointed out to one another the door from which he must come out1 and showed where the scaffold would be built1 and1 walking with unwilling steps away1 turned back to conjure up the scene4 ,by degrees they fell off1 one by one2 and1 for an hour1 in the dead of night1 the street was left to solitude and darkness4 ,the space before the prison was cleared1 and a few strong barriers1 painted black1 had been already thrown across the road to break the pressure of the expected crowd1 when ,mr4 ,brownlow and ,oliver appeared at the wicket1 and presented an order of admission to the prisoner1 signed by one of the sheriffs4 ,they were immediately admitted into the lodge4 #8,is the young gentleman to come too1 sir8' said the man whose duty it was to conduct them4 #8,it's not a sight for children1 sir4' #8,it is not indeed1 my friend1' rejoined ,mr4 ,brownlow2 #8but my business with this man is intimately connected with him2 and as this child has seen him in the full career of his success and villainy1 ,i think it as well--even at the cost of some pain and fear--that he should see him now4' ,these few words had been said apart1 so as to be inaudible to ,oliver4 ,the man touched his hat2 and glancing at ,oliver with some curiousity1 opened another gate1 opposite to that by which they had entered1 and led them on1 through dark and winding ways1 towards the cells4 #8,this1' said the man1 stopping in a gloomy passage where a couple of workmen were making some preparations in profound silence--#8this is the place he passes through4 ,if you step this way1 you can see the door he goes out at4' ,he led them into a stone kitchen1 fitted with coppers for dressing the prison food1 and pointed to a door4 ,there was an open grating above it1 through which came the sound of men's voices1 mingled with the noise of hammering1 and the throwing down of boards4 ,there were putting up the scaffold4 ,from this place1 they passed through several strong gates1 opened by other turnkeys from the inner side2 and1 having entered an open yard1 ascended a flight of narrow steps1 and came into a passage with a row of strong doors on the left hand4 ,motioning them to remain where they were1 the turnkey knocked at one of these with his bunch of keys4 ,the two attendants1 after a little whispering1 came out into the passage1 stretching themselves as if glad of the temporary relief1 and motioned the visitors to follow the jailer into the cell4 ,they did so4 ,the condemned criminal was seated on his bed1 rocking himself from side to side1 with a countenance more like that of a snared beast than the face of a man4 ,his mind was evidently wandering to his old life1 for he continued to mutter1 without appearing conscious of their presence otherwise than as a part of his vision4 #8,good boy1 ,charley--well done--' he mumbled4 #8,oliver1 too1 ha6 ha6 ha6 ,oliver too--quite the gentleman now--quite the--take that boy away to bed6' ,the jailer took the disengaged hand of ,oliver2 and1 whispering him not to be alarmed1 looked on without speaking4 #8,take him away to bed6' cried ,fagin4 #8,do you hear me1 some of you8 ,he has been the--the--somehow the cause of all this4 ,it's worth the money to bring him up to it--,bolter's throat1 ,bill2 never mind the girl--,bolter's throat as deep as you can cut4 ,saw his head off6' #8,fagin1' said the jailer4 #8,that's me6' cried the ,jew1 falling instantly1 into the attitude of listening he had assumed upon his trial4 #8,an old man1 my ,lord2 a very old1 old man6' #8,here1' said the turnkey1 laying his hand upon his breast to keep him down4 #8,here's somebody wants to see you1 to ask you some questions1 ,i suppose4 ,fagin1 ,fagin6 ,are you a man8' #8,i shan't be one long1' he replied1 looking up with a face retaining no human expression but rage and terror4 #8,strike them all dead6 ,what right have they to butcher me8' ,as he spoke he caught sight of ,oliver and ,mr4 ,brownlow4 ,shrinking to the furthest corner of the seat1 he demanded to know what they wanted there4 #8,steady1' said the turnkey1 still holding him down4 #8,now1 sir1 tell him what you want4 ,quick1 if you please1 for he grows worse as the time gets on4' #8,you have some papers1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow advancing1 #8which were placed in your hands1 for better security1 by a man called ,monks4' #8,it's all a lie together1' replied ,fagin4 #8,i haven't one--not one4' #8,for the love of ,god1' said ,mr4 ,brownlow solemnly1 #8do not say that now1 upon the very verge of death2 but tell me where they are4 ,you know that ,sikes is dead2 that ,monks has confessed2 that there is no hope of any further gain4 ,where are those papers8' #8,oliver1' cried ,fagin1 beckoning to him4 #8,here1 here6 ,let me whisper to you4' #8,i am not afraid1' said ,oliver in a low voice1 as he relinquished ,mr4 ,brownlow's hand4 #8,the papers1' said ,fagin1 drawing ,oliver towards him1 #8are in a canvas bag1 in a hole a little way up the chimney in the top front-room4 ,i want to talk to you1 my dear4 ,i want to talk to you4' #8,yes1 yes1' returned ,oliver4 #8,let me say a prayer4 ,do6 ,let me say one prayer4 ,say only one1 upon your knees1 with me1 and we will talk till morning4' #8,outside1 outside1' replied ,fagin1 pushing the boy before him towards the door1 and looking vacantly over his head4 #8,say ,i've gone to sleep--they'll believe you4 ,you can get me out1 if you take me so4 ,now then1 now then6' #8,oh6 ,god forgive this wretched man6' cried the boy with a burst of tears4 #8,that's right1 that's right1' said ,fagin4 #8,that'll help us on4 ,this door first4 ,if ,i shake and tremble1 as we pass the gallows1 don't you mind1 but hurry on4 ,now1 now1 now6' #8,have you nothing else to ask him1 sir8' inquired the turnkey4 #8,no other question1' replied ,mr4 ,brownlow4 #8,if ,i hoped we could recall him to a sense of his position--' #8,nothing will do that1 sir1' replied the man1 shaking his head4 #8,you had better leave him4' ,the door of the cell opened1 and the attendants returned4 #8,press on1 press on1' cried ,fagin4 #8,softly1 but not so slow4 ,faster1 faster6' ,the men laid hands upon him1 and disengaging ,oliver from his grasp1 held him back4 ,he struggled with the power of desperation1 for an instant2 and then sent up cry upon cry that penetrated even those massive walls1 and rang in their ears until they reached the open yard4 ,it was some time before they left the prison4 ,oliver nearly swooned after this frightful scene1 and was so weak that for an hour or more1 he had not the strength to walk4 ,day was dawning when they again emerged4 ,a great multitude had already assembled2 the windows were filled with people1 smoking and playing cards to beguile the time2 the crowd were pushing1 quarrelling1 joking4 ,everything told of life and animation1 but one dark cluster of objects in the centre of all--the black stage1 the cross-beam1 the rope1 and all the hideous apparatus of death4 ,,chapter ,,liii -- ,,and ,,last ,the fortunes of those who have figured in this tale are nearly closed4 ,the little that remains to their historian to relate1 is told in few and simple words4 ,before three months had passed1 ,rose ,fleming and ,harry ,maylie were married in the village church which was henceforth to be the scene of the young clergyman's labours2 on the same day they entered into possession of their new and happy home4 ,mrs4 ,maylie took up her abode with her son and daughter-in-law1 to enjoy1 during the tranquil remainder of her days1 the greatest felicity that age and worth can know--the contemplation of the happiness of those on whom the warmest affections and tenderest cares of a well-spent life1 have been unceasingly bestowed4 ,it appeared1 on full and careful investigation1 that if the wreck of property remaining in the custody of ,monks 7which had never prospered either in his hands or in those of his mother7 were equally divided between himself and ,oliver1 it would yield1 to each1 little more than three thousand pounds4 ,by the provisions of his father's will1 ,oliver would have been entitled to the whole2 but ,mr4 ,brownlow1 unwilling to deprive the elder son of the opportunity of retrieving his former vices and pursuing an honest career1 proposed this mode of distribution1 to which his young charge joyfully acceded4 ,monks1 still bearing that assumed name1 retired with his portion to a distant part of the ,new ,world2 where1 having quickly squandered it1 he once more fell into his old courses1 and1 after undergoing a long confinement for some fresh act of fraud and knavery1 at length sunk under an attack of his old disorder1 and died in prison4 ,as far from home1 died the chief remaining members of his friend ,fagin's gang4 ,mr4 ,brownlow adopted ,oliver as his son4 ,removing with him and the old housekeeper to within a mile of the parsonage-house1 where his dear friends resided1 he gratified the only remaining wish of ,oliver's warm and earnest heart1 and thus linked together a little society1 whose condition approached as nearly to one of perfect happiness as can ever be known in this changing world4 ,soon after the marriage of the young people1 the worthy doctor returned to ,chertsey1 where1 bereft of the presence of his old friends1 he would have been discontented if his temperament had admitted of such a feeling2 and would have turned quite peevish if he had known how4 ,for two or three months1 he contented himself with hinting that he feared the air began to disagree with him2 then1 finding that the place really no longer was1 to him1 what it had been1 he settled his business on his assistant1 took a bachelor's cottage outside the village of which his young friend was pastor1 and instantaneously recovered4 ,here he took to gardening1 planting1 fishing1 carpentering1 and various other pursuits of a similar kind3 all undertaken with his characteristic impetuosity4 ,in each and all he has since become famous throughout the neighborhood1 as a most profound authority4 ,before his removal1 he had managed to contract a strong friendship for ,mr4 ,grimwig1 which that eccentric gentleman cordially reciprocated4 ,he is accordingly visited by ,mr4 ,grimwig a great many times in the course of the year4 ,on all such occasions1 ,mr4 ,grimwig plants1 fishes1 and carpenters1 with great ardour2 doing everything in a very singular and unprecedented manner1 but always maintaining with his favourite asseveration1 that his mode is the right one4 ,on ,sundays1 he never fails to criticise the sermon to the young clergyman's face3 always informing ,mr4 ,losberne1 in strict confidence afterwards1 that he considers it an excellent performance1 but deems it as well not to say so4 ,it is a standing and very favourite joke1 for ,mr4 ,brownlow to rally him on his old prophecy concerning ,oliver1 and to remind him of the night on which they sat with the watch between them1 waiting his return2 but ,mr4 ,grimwig contends that he was right in the main1 and1 in proof thereof1 remarks that ,oliver did not come back after all2 which always calls forth a laugh on his side1 and increases his good humour4 ,mr4 ,noah ,claypole3 receiving a free pardon from the ,crown in consequence of being admitted approver against ,fagin3 and considering his profession not altogether as safe a one as he could wish3 was1 for some little time1 at a loss for the means of a livelihood1 not burdened with too much work4 ,after some consideration1 he went into business as an ,informer1 in which calling he realises a genteel subsistence4 ,his plan is1 to walk out once a week during church time attended by ,charlotte in respectable attire4 ,the lady faints away at the doors of charitable publicans1 and the gentleman being accommodated with three-penny worth of brandy to restore her1 lays an information next day1 and pockets half the penalty4 ,sometimes ,mr4 ,claypole faints himself1 but the result is the same4 ,mr4 and ,mrs4 ,bumble1 deprived of their situations1 were gradually reduced to great indigence and misery1 and finally became paupers in that very same workhouse in which they had once lorded it over others4 ,mr4 ,bumble has been heard to say1 that in this reverse and degradation1 he has not even spirits to be thankful for being separated from his wife4 ,as to ,mr4 ,giles and ,brittles1 they still remain in their old posts1 although the former is bald1 and the last-named boy quite grey4 ,they sleep at the parsonage1 but divide their attentions so equally among its inmates1 and ,oliver and ,mr4 ,brownlow1 and ,mr4 ,losberne1 that to this day the villagers have never been able to discover to which establishment they properly belong4 ,master ,charles ,bates1 appalled by ,sikes's crime1 fell into a train of reflection whether an honest life was not1 after all1 the best4 ,arriving at the conclusion that it certainly was1 he turned his back upon the scenes of the past1 resolved to amend it in some new sphere of action4 ,he struggled hard1 and suffered much1 for some time2 but1 having a contented disposition1 and a good purpose1 succeeded in the end2 and1 from being a farmer's drudge1 and a carrier's lad1 he is now the merriest young grazier in all ,northamptonshire4 ,and now1 the hand that traces these words1 falters1 as it approaches the conclusion of its task2 and would weave1 for a little longer space1 the thread of these adventures4 ,i would fain linger yet with a few of those among whom ,i have so long moved1 and share their happiness by endeavouring to depict it4 ,i would show ,rose ,maylie in all the bloom and grace of early womanhood1 shedding on her secluded path in life soft and gentle light1 that fell on all who trod it with her1 and shone into their hearts4 ,i would paint her the life and joy of the fire-side circle and the lively summer group2 ,i would follow her through the sultry fields at noon1 and hear the low tones of her sweet voice in the moonlit evening walk2 ,i would watch her in all her goodness and charity abroad1 and the smiling untiring discharge of domestic duties at home2 ,i would paint her and her dead sister's child happy in their love for one another1 and passing whole hours together in picturing the friends whom they had so sadly lost2 ,i would summon before me1 once again1 those joyous little faces that clustered round her knee1 and listen to their merry prattle2 ,i would recall the tones of that clear laugh1 and conjure up the sympathising tear that glistened in the soft blue eye4 ,these1 and a thousand looks and smiles1 and turns of thought and speech--,i would fain recall them every one4 ,how ,mr4 ,brownlow went on1 from day to day1 filling the mind of his adopted child with stores of knowledge1 and becoming attached to him1 more and more1 as his nature developed itself1 and showed the thriving seeds of all he wished him to become--how he traced in him new traits of his early friend1 that awakened in his own bosom old remembrances1 melancholy and yet sweet and soothing--how the two orphans1 tried by adversity1 remembered its lessons in mercy to others1 and mutual love1 and fervent thanks to ,him who had protected and preserved them--these are all matters which need not to be told4 ,i have said that they were truly happy2 and without strong affection and humanity of heart1 and gratitude to that ,being whose code is ,mercy1 and whose great attribute is ,benevolence to all things that breathe1 happiness can never be attained4 ,within the altar of the old village church there stands a white marble tablet1 which bears as yet but one word3 #8,,agnes4' ,there is no coffin in that tomb2 and may it be many1 many years1 before another name is placed above it6 ,but1 if the spirits of the ,dead ever come back to earth1 to visit spots hallowed by the love--the love beyond the grave--of those whom they knew in life1 ,i believe that the shade of ,agnes sometimes hovers round that solemn nook4 ,i believe it none the less because that nook is in a ,church1 and she was weak and erring4 ,,the ,,miser',s ,,daughter ,a ,tale ,by ,william ,harrison ,ainsworth ,author ,of #8,the ,tower ,of ,london' l#hdb #8,the delineation of such characters as these ,i consider as very moral instruction to mankind1 and a lesson more demonstrative of the perfect vanity of unused wealth1 than has lately been presented to the public4'--,topham's ,life of ,elwes4 ,other and lighter portions of the ,tale refer to the adventures of a young man on his first introduction to town life about the middle of the eighteenth century1 when ,ranelagh was in its zenith1 and ,vauxhall and ,marylebone ,gardens in vogue2 when the ,thames boasted its ,folly2 and when coffee-houses filled the place of clubs4 ,the descriptions ,i believe to be tolerably accurate2 and they are at all events carefully done1 with the view of giving a correct idea of the manners1 habits1 and pursuits of our great-grandfathers and great-grandmothers4 ,temptations to pleasurable excess were no doubt sufficiently abundant then4 ,,randulph ,,crew--,,the ,,miser',s ,,dwelling ,,in ,,the ,,little ,,sanctuary ,in a large1 crazy1 old-fashioned house at the corner of the ,little ,sanctuary in ,westminster1 and facing the abbey1 dwelt1 in the year #agdd1 a person named ,scarve4 ,from his extraordinary penurious habits1 he received the appellation of ,starve1 and was generally denominated by his neighbours #8,miser ,starve4' ,few1 if any1 of those who thus designated him1 knew much about him1 none of them being allowed to cross his threshold2 but there was an air1 even externally1 about his dwelling1 strongly indicative of his parsimonious character4 ,most of the windows in the upper stories1 which1 as is usual with habitations of that date1 far overhung the lower1 were boarded up2 and those not thus closed were so covered with dust and dirt that it was impossible to discern any object through them4 ,many parts of the building were in a ruinous condition1 and1 where the dilapidations were not dangerous1 were left in that state2 but wherever some repairs were absolutely necessary to keep the structure together1 they were made in the readiest and cheapest manner4 ,the porch alone preserved its original character4 ,it projected far beyond the door-way1 and was ornamented with the arms of a former occupant of the habitation1 carved in bold relief in oak1 and supported by two mermaids sculptured in the same wood4 ,all the lower windows were strongly grated1 and darkened like the upper with long-accumulated dust4 ,the door was kept constantly bolted and barred1 even in the daytime2 and the whole building had a dingy1 dismal1 and dungeon-like aspect4 ,,randulph ,,crew ,,delivering ,,the ,,packet ,,to ,,mr4 ,,scarve--,,the ,,miser ,,and ,,his ,,daughter---,,randulph ,,delivers ,,the ,,packet ,,to ,,the ,,former ,following his conductor along the passage1 the boards of which1 being totally destitute of carpet or cloth1 sounded hollowly beneath their feet1 ,randulph ,crew glanced at the bare walls1 the dusty and cobweb-festooned ceiling1 and the staircase1 as devoid of covering as the passage1 and could not but admit that the account given him by the barber of ,mr4 ,scarve's miserly habits was not exaggerated4 ,little time1 however1 was allowed him for reflection4 ,jacob marched quickly on1 and pushing open a door on the right1 ushered him into his master's presence4 ,mr4 ,scarve was an old man1 and looked much older than he really was--being only sixty-five1 whereas he appeared like eighty4 ,his frame was pinched as if by self-denial1 and preternaturally withered and shrivelled2 and there was a thin1 haggard1 and almost hungry look about his face1 extremely painful to contemplate4 ,his features were strongly marked1 and sharp1 and his eye1 grey1 keen1 and piercing4 ,he was dressed in a thread-bare cloth robe1 trimmed with sable1 and wore a velvet nightcap1 lined with cotton1 on his head4 ,the rest of his habiliments were darned and patched in an unseemly manner4 ,beside him was a small table1 on which was laid a ragged and dirty cloth1 covered with the remains of his scanty meal1 which ,randulph's arrival had interrupted4 ,part of a stale loaf1 a slice of cheese1 and a little salt constituted the repast4 ,everything in the room bespoke the avaricious character of its owner4 ,the panelled walls were without hangings or decoration of any kind4 ,the room itself1 it was evident1 had known better days and richer garniture4 ,it was plain1 but handsome in its character1 and boasted a large and well-carved chimney-piece1 and a window filled with stained glass displaying the armorial bearings of the former possessor of the house1 though now patched in many places with paper1 and stopped up in others with rags4 ,this window was strongly grated1 and the bars were secured in their turn by a large padlock1 placed inside the room4 ,over the chimney-piece were placed a couple of large blue and white china bottles1 with dried everlasting flowers stuck in the necks4 ,there were only two chairs in the room and a stool4 ,the best chair was appropriated by the miser himself4 ,it was an old-fashioned affair1 with great wooden arms1 and a hard leathern back1 polished like a well-blacked shoe by frequent use4 ,a few coals1 carefully piled into a little pyramid1 burnt within the bars1 as if to show the emptiness of the grate1 and diffused a slight gleam1 like a mocking laugh1 but no sort of heat4 ,beside it sat ,mrs4 ,clinton1 an elderly maiden lady1 almost as wintry-looking and pinched as her brother-in-law4 ,this antiquated lady had a long thin neck and a skin as yellow as parchment2 but the expression of her countenance1 though rather sharp and frosty1 was kindly4 ,she wore a close-fitting gown of dark camlet1 with short tight sleeves1 that by no means concealed the angularities of her figure4 ,her hair1 which was still dark as in her youth1 was gathered up closely behind1 and surmounted by the small muslin cap then in vogue4 ,the object1 however1 that chiefly riveted ,randulph's attention on his entrance was neither the miser himself nor his sister-in-law--it was his daughter4 ,her beauty was so extraordinary that it acted like a surprise upon him1 occasioning a thrill of delight1 mingled with a feeling of embarrassment4 ,rising as he entered the room1 she gracefully1 and with much natural dignity1 returned his salutation1 which1 through inadvertence1 he addressed almost exclusively to her4 ,hilda ,scarve's age might be guessed at nineteen4 ,she was tall1 exquisitely proportioned1 with a pale clear complexion1 set off by her rich raven tresses1 which1 totally unrestrained1 showered down in a thick cloud over her shoulders4 ,her eyes were large and dark1 luminous1 but steady1 and indicated firmness of character4 ,her look was grave and sedate1 and there was great determination in her beautifully formed but closely compressed lips4 ,her aspect and deportment exhibited the most perfect self-command1 and whatever effect might be produced upon her by the sudden entrance of the handsome visitor1 not a glance was suffered to reveal it1 while he1 on the contrary1 could not repress the admiration excited by her beauty4 ,he was1 however1 speedily recalled to himself by the miser1 who1 rapping the table impatiently1 exclaimed1 in a querulous tone-- #8,your business1 sir8--your business8' ,illustration3 #jbef #8,i have come to deliver this to you1 sir1' replied ,randulph1 producing a small packet1 and handing it to the miser4 #8,i should tell you1 sir1' he added1 in a voice of emotion1 #8that it was my father's wish that this packet should be given to you a year after his death--but not before4' #8,and your father's name1' cried the miser1 bending eagerly forward1 and shading his eyes so as to enable him to see the young man more distinctly1 #8was--was----' #8,the same as my own1 ,randulph ,crew1' was the reply4 #8,gracious heaven6' exclaimed the miser1 falling back in his chair1 #8and is he dead8--my friend--my old friend6' and he pressed his hand to his face1 as if to hide his emotion4 ,hilda bent anxiously over him1 and tried to soothe him1 but he pushed her gently away4 #8,having discharged my mission1 ,i will now take my leave1' said ,randulph1 after a slight pause1 during which he looked on in silent astonishment4 #8,i will call at some other time1 ,miss ,scarve1 to speak to your father respecting the packet4' #8,no1 stay6' cried ,hilda hastily4 #8,some old and secret spring of affection has been touched4 ,i entreat you to wait till he recovers4 ,he will be better presently4' #8,he is better now1' replied the miser1 uncovering his face2 #8the fit is past2 but it was sharp while it lasted4 ,randulph ,crew1' he added faintly1 and stretching out his thin hand to him1 #8,i am glad to see you4 ,years ago1 ,i knew your father well4 ,but unhappy circumstances separated us1 and since then ,i have seen nothing of him4 ,i fancied him alive1 and well1 and happy1 and your sudden announcement of his death gave me a great shock4 ,your father was a good man1 ,randulph--a good man1 and a kind one4' #8,he was1 indeed1 sir1' rejoined the young man1 in a broken voice1 the tears starting to his eyes4 #8,but somewhat careless in money matters1 ,randulph--thoughtless and extravagant1' pursued the miser4 #8,nay1 ,i mean nothing disrespectful to his memory1' he added1 seeing the young man's colour heighten4 #8,his faults were those of an over-generous nature4 ,he was no man's enemy but his own4 ,he once had a fine property1 but ,i fear he dissipated it4' #8,at all events1 he greatly embarrassed it1 sir1' replied ,randulph2 #8and ,i lament to say that the situation of his affairs preyed upon his spirits1 and no doubt hastened his end4' #8,i feared it would be so1' said the miser1 shaking his head4 #8,but the estates were entailed4 ,they are yours now1 and unembarrassed4' #8,they might have been so1 sir1' replied the young man2 #8but ,i have foregone the advantage ,i could have taken of my father's creditors1 and have placed the estates in their hands1 and for their benefit4' #8,you don't mean to say you have been guilty of such incredible folly1 for ,i can call it nothing else8' cried the miser in a sharp and angry tone1 and starting to his feet4 ,what6 give the estates to the very men who ruined your father6 ,have you been rash and unadvised enough to break down the barriers the law had built around you for your protection1 and let in the enemy into the very heart of the citadel8 ,it is the height of folly--of madness6' #8,folly or not1 sir1' returned the young man haughtily1 #8,i do not repent the step ,i have taken4 ,mv first consideration was to preserve the memory of my father unblemished4' #8,unblemished6--pshaw6' cried the miser4 #8,you would have cleared the spots from your father's name much more effectually if you had kept fast hold of the estates1 instead of reducing yourself to the condition of a beggar4' #8,father6' exclaimed ,hilda uneasily--#8father1 you speak too strongly--much too strongly4' #8,i am no beggar1 sir1' replied ,randulph1 with difficulty repressing his anger1 #8nor will ,i allow such a term to be applied to me by you or any man4 ,farewell1 sir4' ,and he would have left the room1 if he had not been detained by the imploring looks of ,hilda4 ,,randulph ,,crew ,,introduced ,,to ,,beau ,,villiers ,,on ,,the ,,mall--,,st4 ,,james',s ,,park ,randulph and his two uncles sallied forth1 and1 crossing ,westminster ,bridge1 shaped their course towards ,saint ,james's ,park4 ,as they passed the ,little ,sanctuary1 ,randulph could not help gazing towards the dungeon-like dwelling which enshrined her who had made so deep an impression upon him4 ,uncle ,abel noticed his look1 and partly divining the cause of it1 said1 #8,remember what ,i told you4 ,disobey me1 and you will rue it4' ,randulph would have made some reply1 but he was checked by a significant glance from uncle ,trussell4 ,passing through the ,gate ,house1 they entered the park by a small doorway at the end of ,prince's ,court4 ,it was now noon1 and a warm and genial day4 ,the avenues of trees then extending between this point and ,rosamond's ,pond were crowded with persons of both sexes1 and of all ranks1 summoned forth by the fineness of the weather4 ,amused by the scene1 ,randulph gazed with much curiosity at all presented to his view4 ,passing by the ,decoy1 the party skirted the great canal1 and leaving ,rosamond's ,pond on the left1 proceeded towards ,buckingham ,house4 ,just at this juncture1 uncle ,trussell caught sight of a gay party approaching1 and exclaimed1 in a joyful tone1 to his nephew1 #8,as ,i live1 we are most fortunate6 ,there is the leader of fashion1 ,beau ,villiers1 coming towards us4 ,you shall know him1 nephew--you shall know him4 ,the ladies he is walking with are ,lady ,brabazon and the ,honourable ,clementina ,brabazon--a fine girl1 ,clementina--a remarkably fine girl2 perfect in style and manners--quite a toast among the sparks4 ,the old fellow at her side1 ,sir ,singleton ,spinke1 was a great beau in his time1 though never equal to ,villiers1 who far surpasses even his prototype1 ,beau ,fielding1 in style and taste4 ,you shall know them all4' #8,and nice acquaintances you will make6' remarked uncle ,abel sneeringly4 #8,never mind him1 ,randulph1' whispered uncle ,trussell4 #8,if you know this set1 and they like you1 you may know whom you please4 ,beau ,villiers commands all society1 from the highest down to--to------' ,,randulph ,,crew ,,introduced ,,to ,,beau ,,villiers ,,on ,,the ,,mall--,,st4 ,,james',s ,,park #8,mr4 ,trussell ,beechcroft1' replied uncle ,abel4 #8,well1 down to me1 if you please1' rejoined uncle ,trussell1 #8and that shows it does not extend too low4 ,but1 ,randulph1 ,i beg you to look at the beau4 ,did you ever see a finer man8' #8,he is very handsome1 certainly1' replied ,randulph1 #8and remarkably well dressed4' #8,he is a great coxcomb1 a great rake1 and a great gamester1 ,randulph1' said uncle ,abel2 #8beware of him4' #8,tush1 never mind what he says1' rejoined uncle ,trussell1 who really wished to have the clat of introducing his handsome nephew to the beau4 #8,come along6' ,so saying1 he took his nephew's arm and hurried him forward4 ,pushing their way through the throng1 they soon approached the sentry-box opposite ,buckingham ,house1 near which they encountered the party in question4 ,beau ,villiers1 who was1 indeed1 a remarkably handsome man1 and dressed in the extremity of the mode1 wore an embossed velvet coat1 embroidered with silver1 with broad cuffs similarly ornamented2 a white waistcoat of the richest silk1 likewise heed with silver2 and tawny velvet breeches1 partly covered with pearl-coloured silk hose1 drawn above the knee1 and secured with silver garters4 ,his dress was completed by shoes of black ,spanish leather1 fastened by large diamond buckles1 and a superb ,ramillies periwig of the lightest flaxen hair1 which set off his brilliant complexion and fine eyes to admiration4 ,he carried a three-cornered hat1 fringed with feathers1 and a clouded cane1 mounted with a valuable pebble4 ,near the beau walked ,lady ,brabazon1 a gorgeous dame of about five-and-forty1 and still possessed of great personal attractions1 which she omitted no means of displaying4 ,she wore a hoop1 and a blue and silver satin sack4 ,struck by ,randulph's figure at a distance1 she had pointed him out to the beau1 who thereupon vouchsafed to look towards him4 ,behind ,lady ,brabazon came her daughter1 ,clementina1 a very pretty and very affected blonde of two-and-twenty1 with an excessively delicate complexion1 fair hair1 summer blue eyes1 and a very mincing gait4 ,she was exquisitely dressed in the last new mode1 with a small escalloped lace cap1 her hair crisply curled at the sides1 a triple row of pearls round her neck1 and a diamond cross attached to the chain2 and though she pretended to be interested in the discourse of the old knight1 it was evident her regards were attracted by the handsome young stranger4 ,as to the old beau1 he was1 indeed1 supremely ridiculous4 ,he was attired in a richly embroidered cinnamon-coloured velvet coat1 with fur cuffs of a preposterous size1 each as large as a modern muff4 ,his pantaloon legs were covered with pink silk hose2 his wrinkled features were rouged and bepatched2 and his wig was tied with a large bow1 and had such an immense queue to it1 that it looked as if a ,patagonian dragon-fly had perched on the back of his neck4 ,lady ,brabazon was attended by a little black page1 in a turban and eastern dress1 who had charge of her favourite lap-nile4 ,uncle ,abel drew on one side to allow the introduction to take place1 and to witness it1 uncle ,trussell stepped forward1 and bowing obsequiously to ,beau ,villiers1 pointed to ,randulph1 #8,permit me1' he said1 #8to introduce my nephew1 ,mr4 ,randulph ,crew1 to you1 ,mr4 ,villiers4 ,he is fresh from the country4 ,but even there1 your reputation has reached him4' ,illustration3 #jbfd #8,i am happy to make his acquaintance1' replied the beau1 courteously returning ,randulph's bow1 and eyeing him curiously at the same time4 #8,on my faith1 your ladyship1' he added aloud to ,lady ,brabazon1 #8the young man is not amiss1 but destroyed by his wretched equipments and rustic air4' #8,i really think something may be made of him1' returned ,lady ,brabazon1 in the same loud and confidential tone4 #8,mr4 ,trussell ,beechcroft1 introduce your nephew4' #8,with the greatest pleasure1 your ladyship1' replied ,trussell1 obeying her behest4 #8,come with us1' said ,lady ,brabazon to ,randulph1 after the ceremony had been gone through4 #8,my daughter--,mr4 ,crew1' she added1 as they passed along4 #8,by the bye1 who was that strange old man ,i saw walking with you just now8' #8,who8' rejoined ,randulph evasively1 for he felt ashamed1 he knew not why1 of acknowledging his uncle4 #8,there he is1' said ,lady ,brabazon1 pointing her fan backwards2 #8he is staring hard at us1 and looks exactly like a-- #8,it is my uncle ,abel1' replied ,randulph1 in some confusion4 #8,your uncle ,abel6' cried ,lady ,brabazon1 with a scream of who stood on his right4 #8,then the sooner you get rid of uncle ,abel the better4' ,abel could not hear the words1 but he heard the laugh1 saw the gesture1 as well as his nephew's confusion1 and knew that he was the object of it4 ,he turned away in the opposite direction1 muttering to himself as he went1 #8,so1 he has taken the first step4' ,,sir ,,bulkeley ,,price ,,bringing ,,the ,,mortgage ,,money ,,to ,,mr4 ,,scarve--,,the ,,payment ,,of ,,the ,,mortgage ,,money ,nearly an hour having elapsed1 ,mr4 ,scarve arose1 and called to ,jacob1 who had retired to the cellar4 ,the summons not being answered as expeditiously as he desired1 he called again1 and ,jacob made his appearance brushing the moisture from his lips1 and trying to swallow down a huge morsel that stuck in his throat4 #8,you have been eating1 rascal6' cried the miser1 #8and drinking too6 ,faugh6 how the knave smells of beer6' #8,if ,i have been eatin' and drinkin'1' said ,jacob1 clearing his throat by a violent effort1 #8it hasn't been at your expense4' #8,well1 go and see what's o'clock1' said the miser1 who did not appear particularly angry4 #8,what's o'clock6' exclaimed ,jacob1 with surprise4 #8,why1 ,i've lived with you these twenty years1 and never was sent on such a message before4 ,what do you want to know what's o'clock for8' #8,what's that to you1 sirrah8' rejoined the miser1 with more anger in his words than in his tones or looks4 #8,but ,i'll tell you thus much1 ,i never in my life wished a day to be passed so much as ,i do this4' #8,you excite my curiosity1 father1' said ,hilda4 #8,why do you wish it passed8' #8,because1 if a certain sum of money is not paid to me before six o'clock1 ,i shall be the possessor of one of the finest estates in ,wales1' replied the miser4 #8,it must now be five2 in another hour ,i shall be safe--safe1 ,hilda6--the mortgage will be foreclosed--the estate1 mine6 ,mr4 ,diggs will be here at six4 ,if ,i obtain this prize1 ,jacob1 you shall drink my health in the glass of wine ,i put back in the bottle4' #8,then it'll be the first time ,i ever so drunk it1' replied ,jacob4 #8,take care it isn't the last1 you thankless varlet1' rejoined the miser4 #8,don't stand chattering there6 ,go and see what's o'clock4' ,as ,jacob departed to obey his injunction1 ,mr4 ,scarve paced to and fro within the room1 rubbing his hands and chuckling to himself4 ,five minutes nearly elapsed before ,jacob returned2 and when he did so1 it was with a countenance of very peculiar significance4 #8,well1 is it five8' cried the miser4 #8,no1 it's fourteen1' replied ,jacob4 #8,fourteen6' exclaimed the miser4 #8,what do you mean8 ,you're drunk1 sirrah--drunk on the promise of a glass of wine4' #8,no1 ,i'm not1' replied ,jacob4 #8,i mean that there is a troop of fourteen horsemen at the door4 ,there6--don't you hear'em8 ,they make noise enough1 ,i should think4' ,and as he spoke1 a loud knocking1 mixed with shouts and laughter1 came sounding down the passage4 #8,it is the mortgage money1 father1' said ,hilda4 #8,it is--damnation6' cried the miser1 stamping on the ground4 #8,at first ,i took the troop for a gang of highwaymen1' said ,jacob1 #8when their leader1 a fat1 bloated old fellow1 calls out to me1 in an imperious tone1 8,tell your master1 the miser10 says he1 8that ,sir ,bulkeley ,price has brought him his money4 ,he is not yet owner of an estate in ,flintshire40 ,and then all his followers burst out a laughin'2 and ,i don't think they've done yet4' #8,curses on them6' cried the miser furiously1 #8and on him too6 ,they shan't enter my dwelling4 ,i won't receive the money4 ,send them away6 ,tell them ,i'm not at home1 ,jacob4' #8,it won't do1 sir1' replied ,jacob2 #8they know you're at home1 for ,i told'em so4 ,and as to refusing the money1 why should you do that8 ,they have brought it in great bags--bags of gold1 of five hundred pounds each4' #8,five hundred devils6' cried the miser1 foaming with rage4 #8,what6 bring such a sum as that in broad day6 ,i shall be exposed to all my prying neighbours4' #8,that you will1' rejoined ,jacob2 #8they're all at the windows looking on4 ,there's ,mr4 ,deacle1 the mercer1 over the way1 and his wife and daughter2 and the inquisitive little barber next door2 and the ironmonger's wife and family at the ,blackamoor's ,head2 and the vintner's at the ,man-in-the-,moon1 and----' #8,hold your peace1' cried the miser furiously1 #8or ,i'll strangle you6 ,i'll not be insulted thus by any man6 ,fetch me my sword6' #8,father6' exclaimed ,hilda1 #8why do you excite yourself thus8 ,sir ,bulkeley ,price has but done what was right2 he has brought you back your money4' ,,sir ,,bulkeley ,,price ,,bringing ,,the ,,mortgage ,,money ,,to ,,mr4 ,,scarve #8,what is it o'clock1 ,jacob8--did you ascertain that8' cried the miser4 #8,not five1 sir1--not five1' replied ,jacob4 #8,oh6 perdition seize him6 he is in time1' cried the miser4 #8,but ,i'll be revenged4 ,i'll have his blood if ,i can't have the estate4 ,my sword1 ,jacob6 ,what6 you won't move8 ,nay1 then1 ,i'll fetch it myself4' ,and opening a side door1 he rushed up a small flight of steps leading to his bedroom4 #8,some mischief will happen1 ,jacob1' cried ,hilda1 with a terrified look4 #8,i never saw my father so agitated before4 ,i'll go forth myself1 and entreat ,sir ,bulkeley to depart4' #8,don't expose yourself to the insults of his servants1 miss1' rejoined ,jacob4 #8,i did not tell master a quarter what they said of him4' ,but despite his entreaties1 and those of her aunt1 who also endeavoured to detain her1 she rushed forth1 followed by ,jacob4 ,on gaining the street1 ,hilda found ,jacob's statement perfectly correct4 ,a troop of fourteen horsemen1 with ,sir ,bulkeley ,price at their head1 were drawn up in front of the house4 ,most of them were well mounted1 though a few of the number rode stout ,welsh ponies4 ,all had swords at their sides1 and pistols in their holsters1 as was needful from the amount of money they carried2 every man having been provided with two bags1 each containing five hundred pounds in gold1 slung over his saddle-bow4 ,a pile of these precious sacks lay at the door1 and some of the men were now adding to the heap1 while others were unslinging bags from their comrades' saddles4 ,the whole company were in high glee1 and laughing loudly4 ,the leader of the troop1 ,sir ,bulkeley ,price1 was a stout portly gentleman1 whose swollen1 inflamed cheeks and mulberry nose showed he was by no means indifferent to the pleasures of the table4 ,a claret-coloured velvet riding-coat1 buttoned to the throat1 displayed his full chest and rather commanding figure to advantage2 while a well-powdered1 full-bottomed periwig contrasted strongly with his rubicund and fiery visage4 ,hilda's appearance created a great sensation among the lookers-on1 and especially attracted the attention of the barber1 who was chattering with ,mr4 ,deacle about the occurrence1 and of the fair ,thomasine1 who was leaning out of an upper window1 just above her father's sign of the ,three ,pigeons4 #8,there's ,miss ,scarve6' cried ,peter1 calling to ,thomasine4 #8,i see her1' replied the mercer's daughter4 #8,poor thing1 how ,i pity her--to be exposed to such insults6 ,i long to fly to her assistance4' #8,do1 do6' cried ,peter4 #8,i'll fly with you4' #8,no1 don't1' said ,mr4 ,deacle2 #8you had better not interfere4 ,lord bless me6 ,i wonder what it all means8' ,heedless of what was passing around her1 for she heard her father's furious voice in the passage1 ,hilda rushed toward ,sir ,bulkeley ,price1 and1 in a tone of the most earnest entreaty1 cried1 #8,oh1 sir1 ,i implore you to go away6 ,my father is fearfully incensed--some mischief will happen6' #8,you are ,mr4 ,scarve's daughter1 ,i presume8' returned ,sir ,bulkeley1 politely taking off his hat4 #8,i should never have suspected him of owning aught so beautiful4 ,but why should ,i go away1 ,miss ,scarve8 ,i am merely come to pay your father a sum of money which ,i borrowed from him4' #8,but it is the manner of paying it1 sir1--the public manner--the exposure that incenses him1' cried ,hilda4 #8,i would not for twice the amount1 that this had happened4' #8,i daresay not1' replied ,sir ,bulkeley2 #8but your father has forced me into the measure4 ,my estate would have been forfeited if ,i had not repaid the money by six o'clock4 ,it is as unpleasant to me as it can be to him2 but ,i had no alternative4' ,at this moment a loud angry cry was heard at the door1 and the miser appeared1 brandishing his drawn sword at it4 ,his mad career was opposed by ,jacob1 whose wig was knocked off in his endeavours to push him backwards4 #8,villain6' cried the miser1 shaking his hand at ,sir ,bulkeley1 #8villain1 you shall repent your insolence6 ,release me1 ,jacob6 ,let me get at him6' #8,no1 you shan't6' replied ,jacob1 who had to exert all his strength1 such was the miser's fury1 to keep him back4 ,mr4 ,scarve's vociferations of rage were now drowned by the hootings and jeers of the ,welsh baronet's attendants1 who did all in their power to incense him further4 ,terrified by the cries1 ,hilda clasped her hands in agony1 and again addressed herself to ,sir ,bulkeley4 #8,as you are a gentleman1 sir1 ,i beseech you to withdraw1' she said4 #8,such an appeal1 and from such lips1 is irresistible1' replied ,sir ,bulkeley1 again raising his hat4 #8,he is no gentleman1 ,hilda6' shrieked her father1 who overheard what was said4 #8,come away1 girl1 ,i command you--leave him to me6' #8,well crowed1 old cock6' cried one of the attendants1 in mockery4 ,and all laughed jeeringly1 as before4 #8,hold your tongues1 you saucy knaves6' cried ,jacob1 fiercely regarding them2 #8or as soon as ,i'm at liberty1 ,i'll break some of your addle pates4' #8,for pity's sake--go1 go6' cried ,hilda to the baronet1 #8and take the money with you4 ,another time will do for payment4' ,illustration3 #jbgb #8,pardon me1 ,miss ,scarve1' replied ,sir ,bulkeley2 #8another time will not do4 ,i mustn't jeopardise my estate4 ,mr4 ,scarve1' he shouted to the miser1 #8here is your money--fourteen thousand pounds1 in gold4 ,friends1' he added1 looking round at the crowd of spectators in the street1 and at the windows1 #8,i call you all to witness that this money is paid before six o'clock4 ,i will take your word1 ,miss ,scarve1 for a receipt1 and for the delivering up of the mortgage deeds4' #8,take hence your money1 villain6' vociferated the miser1 #8,i want none of it4' ,this exclamation was followed by a roar of derisive laughter from the baronet's attendants4 #8,silence them--oh6 silence them1 sir6' cried ,hilda imploringly4 ,sir ,bulkeley looked majestically round1 and his attendants became instantly mute4 ,at the same time1 ,jacob forced ,mr4 ,scarve into the house2 and ,hilda1 hastily expressing her thanks to the baronet1 withdrew4 ,in a few seconds1 the whole of the bags of money were collected1 and placed on the threshold4 ,sir ,bulkeley would not1 however1 depart till ,jacob returned1 when he committed the heap to his custody4 #8,what have you done with your master8' he asked4 #8,he has fainted1 and his daughter is tending him1' replied ,jacob4 #8,well1 take him that restorative1' rejoined ,sir ,bulkeley1 pointing to the money-bags2 #8it will speedily revive him4' ,so saying1 he rode off with his followers1 amid the acclamation of the spectators4 ,the same persons next began to hoot ,jacob1 and even seemed disposed to assail him2 but being now provided with his crab-stick1 he presented such a menacing and formidable appearance1 that those nearest him slunk off4 ,,hilda',s ,,visit ,,to ,,abel ,,beechcroft ,hilda yielded at length to her aunt's entreaties1 and having put on her walking attire1 quitted the house with ,jacob4 ,instead of going over ,westminster ,bridge1 they proceeded to ,parliament ,stairs1 where ,jacob said he had a friend a waterman1 who would lend him a boat1 in which they could cross the river4 ,nor did he assert more than the truth4 ,on reaching the stairs1 the first person he encountered was the friendly waterman in question1 who1 on learning his wishes1 immediately ran down and got his skiff ready4 ,having placed ,hilda within it1 ,jacob took off his coat1 and plying the oars with as much skill as the best rower on the ,thames could have done1 speedily landed her at ,lambeth1 and secured the boat1 where he inquired the way to ,mr4 ,beechcroft's house4 ,a walk of a few seconds brought them to it4 ,hilda's heart trembled as she knocked at the door2 but she was reassured by the kindly aspect of ,mr4 ,jukes1 who answered the summons4 ,she stated her errand to the butler1 who appeared not a little surprised1 and1 indeed1 confounded1 at the announcement of her name4 ,after a short debate with himself1 ,mr4 ,jukes said his master was at home1 and she should see him2 and1 without more ado1 he led the way to the library1 and entered it1 followed by the others4 ,abel was seated beside an old-fashioned bookcase1 the door of which was open1 disclosing a collection of goodly tomes1 and had placed the book-stand1 supporting the volume he was reading1 in such a position as to receive the full light of the window4 ,so much was he engaged in his studies that he did not hear their approach4 ,in the hasty glance cast by ,hilda at the pictures on the wall1 the most noticeable of which was a copy of ,rembrandt's #8,good ,samaritan1' and a fine painting on the subject of #8,timon of ,athens1' she thought she could read somewhat of the character of the owner of the house4 ,little time1 however1 was allowed her for reflection1 for ,mr4 ,jukes1 advancing towards his master's chair1 leaned over it1 and whispered a few words in his ear4 #8,what6--who6--who did you say8' exclaimed ,abel1 half-closing the book he was reading1 and looking sharply and anxiously round4 #8,who did you say1 ,jukes8' #8,miss ,scarve1 sir1' replied the butler2 #8she has brought you a letter4' #8,tell her ,i won't receive it--won't open it6' cried ,abel4 #8,why did you not send her away8 ,what brings her here8' #8,you had better put that question to her yourself1 sir1' replied ,mr4 ,jukes1 #8for she is in this room4' #8,here6' exclaimed ,abel1 starting to his feet4 #8,ah6 ,i see--,i see4 ,o ,god6 she is very like her mother4' ,illustration3 #jbhj #8,calm yourself1 ,i entreat1 sir1' said ,mr4 ,jukes2 #8,i would not have admitted her1' he added1 in a low tone1 #8but that she told me the letter was written by her mother1 and left to be delivered to you under peculiar circumstances1 which have now arisen4 ,i couldn't resist a plea like that--nor could you1 sir1 ,i'm sure4' #8,a letter written to me by her mother6 cried ,abel1 shivering1 as if smitten by an ague4 #8,leave us1 ,jukes1 and take that man with you4' #8,come1 friend1' said ,mr4 ,jukes to ,jacob1 who1 with his crab-stick under his arm1 stood gazing curiously on1 #8you had better adjourn with me to the butler's pantry4' #8,thank'ee kindly1 sir1' replied ,jacob1 in tones a little less gruff than usual1 for he was somewhat awestricken2 #8,i would rather stay with my young missis4' #8,but don't you see you're in the way1 my good man8' rejoined ,mr4 ,jukes impatiently2 #8they can't talk before us4 ,come along4' ,and despite his resistance1 he pushed ,jacob out of the room1 and closed the door after him4 #8,you have a letter for me1 young lady1 ,i believe1' faltered ,abel in a voice hollow and broken by emotion4 #8,i have1 sir1' she replied1 giving it to him4 ,abel looked at the address1 and another sharp convulsion passed over his frame4 ,he1 however1 controlled himself by a powerful effort1 and broke the seal4 ,the perusal of the letter seemed to affect him deeply1 for1 staggering to his chair1 he sank into it1 and covering his face with his hands1 wept aloud4 ,it was some minutes before he arose4 ,hilda1 who had watched him with much concern1 was surprised to see how calm he looked4 ,he had1 indeed1 regained the mastery he usually held over his feelings4 #8,pray be seated1 young lady1' he said1 handing her a chair4 #8,i would have shunned this interview if it had been in my power1 but as it has been brought about1 ,i will not shrink from it4 ,how can ,i serve you8' ,hilda then proceeded to explain the object of her visit4 ,abel listened to her recital with a quivering lip and flashing eye1 and at its close got up1 and took a quick turn round the room4 #8,this is only what might be expected from him--scoundrel6' he ejaculated4 #8,sell his daughter6--but that is nothing--he would sell his soul for gold6 ,i beg your pardon1 young lady1' he added1 checking himself1 as he saw the pain his exclamations occasioned her1 #8but if you knew the deep and irremediable injury inflicted on me by your father1 you would pardon this outbreak of passion4 ,he has sacrificed others without scruple1 but he shall not sacrifice you4 ,you may count on my assistance1 my protection1 if you choose to confide in me4' #8,i have my mother's injunction to confide in you1 sir1' she replied4 #8,your mother6' exclaimed ,abel1 in a voice of agony4 #8,oh1 ,hilda6 what a fearful spell is there in that word6--what a host of feelings does it not summon up6 ,i see your mother again as ,i remember her in her youth--beautiful as you are1 more beautiful1 if possible--certainly more blooming4 ,i hear the music of her voice as ,i listen to yours2 ,i feel again the charm inspired by her presence4 ,you shall learn my history one of these days1 and you will then know why your mother addressed this letter to me--why it affects me thus4' #8,i can partly guess the cause1' returned ,hilda mournfully2 #8but be it what it may1 it is plain she felt she had a strong hold on your affections1 and that she thought she could rely on you1 when she could rely on no one else4' #8,if she thought so1 she judged rightly1' replied ,abel4 #8,i consider her request as a sacred injunction1 and will strive to comply with it4 ,and now1' he added1 changing his tone1 #8,i must tell you that your name has been brought before me of late4 ,my nephew1 ,randulph ,crew1 who visited your father the other night1 has spoken of you4' ,hilda slightly coloured4 #8,he will much regret not being at home this morning1' pursued ,abel1 #8as he might have had an opportunity of further cultivating his acquaintance with you4 ,but he is gone out with my brother4' #8,i hope it will not offend you to say ,i am glad of it1' replied ,hilda2 #8,i would not willingly have met him4' #8,why so8' asked ,abel1 who1 however1 looked somewhat relieved4 #8,because1 sir1 ,i will be frank with you1' she replied1 #8and own that my father attributes my increased dislike of my cousin to a predilection for your nephew4' #8,and may ,i expect equal frankness in the reply1 if ,i ask whether there is any truth in your father's suppositions8' rejoined ,abel4 #8,you may1' she answered4 #8,your nephew appears a very amiable and pleasing young man1 but having seen him only for a few minutes1 ,i cannot possibly feel an interest in him beyond such as might be inspired by any stranger of equally prepossessing appearance and manners4 ,my aversion to my cousin arises from various causes4 ,i half suspect him of acting a very base part towards my father1 who resolutely shuts his eyes to the deception4' #8,i will not affect to deny that ,i am pleased with what you say of your indifference to my nephew1 ,hilda1' returned ,abel1 #8because ,i have other views in reference to him4 ,as to your cousin1 ,philip ,frewin1 ,i will make strict inquiries about him1 and if your suspicions prove correct1 ,i will myself unmask him to your father1 which may perhaps put an end to the matter4 ,he lives in ,fen-church ,street1 you say4 ,it so happens that an old friend of mine1 a widow lady1 ,mrs4 ,verrai--a friend of your mother's1 by the bye--resides in that street4 ,she is an excellent woman1 but a little of a busy-body and a gossip1 and makes it her business to know her neighbours' concerns better than her own4 ,i'll venture to say she is acquainted with your cousin's affairs4 ,i haven't seen the old lady of late1 because1 as you may perhaps have heard1 ,i have little intercourse with your sex--my habits1 and indeed feelings1 unfitting me for their society--but ,i happen to know from my brother ,trussell that she is well4 ,you had better go to her yourself4 ,i will give you a note of introduction--though1 indeed1 it is not needed1 for1 as ,i have told you1 she is an old friend of your mother's4 ,in addition to gaining all the information you may require respecting your cousin1 you will make a friend with whom you may take refuge1 if matters--which we will not anticipate--should unhappily render such a step necessary4' #8,i will do as you suggest1 sir1' replied ,hilda2 #8but suppose ,i should encounter my cousin8' #8,tell him where you are going1' replied ,abel2 #8and depend upon it1 if he is not what he represents himself1 he will be the first to take the alarm4 ,i will myself institute inquiries about him in another quarter4' ,with this1 he proceeded to a table on which writing materials were placed1 and hastily penned a note1 and gave it to ,hilda4 #8,and now1 ,god bless you1 my dear child6' he said affectionately4 #8,if called upon by circumstances1 you shall never want a father or protector in me6' ,he then rang the bell1 and ,mr4 ,jukes presently appeared1 who informed him that ,jacob had just sat down to dinner with the other servants4 #8,i think1 sir1' he added1 in a low tone1 #8it is the first good meal he has had for many a day1 and it would be a pity to disturb him1 if ,miss ,scarve is not in a very great hurry4' ,abel appealed to ,hilda1 and as she raised no objection1 he proposed to her to take a turn in the garden till ,jacob had finished his meal2 and accordingly opened the window and led her forth4 ,by this time ,hilda had become more composed1 and being quite easy with the old man1 for whom indeed she felt a growing regard1 she entered readily into conversation with him2 and thus more than half an hour flew by1 almost without their being aware of its flight4 ,at the end of that time1 ,mr4 ,jukes made his appearance1 and informed them that ,jacob was ready4 ,abel attended his fair visitor to the door4 #8,if you do not find ,mrs4 ,verrai at home1' he said1 #8or if anything should occur to make you wish to see me again1 do not hesitate to come back4 ,but1 in any event1 you shall hear from me--perhaps see me1 to-morrow4 ,god bless you1 my child6' ,and taking her hand1 he pressed it to his lips2 and when ,hilda withdrew it1 she found it wet with tears4 ,while this was passing1 ,jacob shook the hospitable butler warmly by the hand1 and then strode on before his young mistress1 towards the stairs where he had left the boat4 ,having placed her within it1 and divested himself of his coat and hat1 as before1 he inquired where she meant to go1 and being told to ,london ,bridge1 pulled off vigorously in that direction4 #8,,the ,,folly'--,a ,,floating ,,tavern ,,on ,,the ,,thames--,,kitty ,,conway--,,randulph ,,placed ,,in ,,an ,,awkward ,,situation ,,by ,,philip ,,frewin ,the ,folly on the ,thames1 whither ,beau ,villiers and his party were steering their course1 was a large floating house of entertainment1 moored in the centre of the stream1 immediately opposite old ,somerset ,house4 ,it was constructed in the latter part of the reign of ,charles the ,second2 and thither the merry monarch1 who was excessively fond of aquatic amusements of all kinds1 would frequently repair with his courtiers and frolic dames4 ,thither also ,queen ,mary1 the consort of ,william the ,third1 went on the occasion of a grand musical entertainment2 and the place continued in vogue for many years1 until at length1 degenerating in its character1 it became the haunt of a very disreputable part of the community4 ,the ,folly resembled a large one-storied house1 very long in proportion to its width1 built upon an immense barge4 ,there was a platform at the top1 defended by a strong wooden balustrade1 and flanked at each corner by a little turret with a pointed top1 surmounted by a small streamer4 ,these turrets constituted small drinking and smoking rooms1 and were fitted up with seats and tables4 ,in the centre of the structure was a sort of open belvidere1 covering the main staircase leading to the roof4 ,on this a large flag was planted4 ,the ,folly was approached from the water by steps on three sides4 ,it was lighted by a range of large and handsome windows1 and entered by two doors1 one at the end1 and the other at the side4 ,within1 it contained a long music-hall with a frescoed ceiling1 gilded and painted walls1 an orchestra1 and the necessary complement of benches1 chairs1 and small tables4 ,there was1 moreover1 a bar1 where all sorts of liquors1 materials for smoking1 and other tavern luxuries were dispensed4 ,the rest of the structure was divided into a number of small apartments for private parties1 and1 in short1 boasted every sort of accommodation afforded by a similar place of entertainment on shore4 ,in summer it was delightful--the view of the ,thames from its summit being enchanting4 ,the coolness and freshness1 combined with the enlivening influences of beauty1 wine1 and music1 made it1 on its first establishment1 a charming place of recreation2 and it cannot be wondered that the merry monarch1 and his merrier court1 found it so much to their taste4 ,illustration3 #jbhh ,as the party approached the aquatic hotel1 they perceived a number of persons1 of both sexes1 seated on the roof1 and in the little turret parlours1 smoking1 drinking1 or otherwise amusing themselves2 while lively strains of music proceeded from within4 ,several small craft were landing their passengers1 and from one1 a tilt boat1 there issued a very pretty young woman1 though of rather bold appearance1 who1 as she took the hand of a young man in her ascent of the steps1 displayed a remarkably neat foot and ankle4 ,on reaching the deck1 she turned for a moment to survey the scene1 and her eye alighting on ,randulph1 his good looks appeared to rivet her regards4 ,this fascinating creature seemed to be about twenty2 had very regular features1 auburn hair1 a brilliant complexion--whether wholly unindebted to art might be questioned--but there could be no question as to the natural brilliancy of her hazel eyes2 and wore a pink silk hooped gown1 made very low in front1 so as to display her beautifully formed and radiantly white neck and shoulders4 ,her sleeves were very short1 probably so contrived with the view of exhibiting her rounded arms1 and edged with lace4 ,a white silk apron embroidered with silver1 a pretty fly-cap1 and a necklace of precious stones1 from which depended a diamond cross1 completed her attire4 ,the young man1 by whom she was attended1 had a slight thin figure1 and sharp1 disagreeable features1 with rather an apish expression4 ,he was dressed with much smartness1 but had by no means the air of a gentleman1 and seemed to be regarded with indifference1 almost amounting to contempt1 by his female companion4 #8,who is that young lady8' asked ,randulph of ,sir ,singleton1 who happened to sit next him4 #8,let me see6' exclaimed the old beau1 placing his glass to his eye4 #8,ah6 gadzooks6 'tis the delicious creature ,i mentioned to you--the little ,haymarket actress1 ,kitty ,conway6' #8,kitty ,conway6 where is she8' cried ,trussell1 who heard the remark1 but whose back was towards the object of their admiration4 ,sir ,singleton pointed her out1 and upon the instant every eye was directed towards her4 ,whether unable to stand so fierce a fire1 or whether1 as is more probable1 dragged away by her companion1 who did not appear to relish the notice she attracted1 it is needless to inquire1 but pretty ,kitty suddenly vanished from their sight4 #8,well1 isn't she delicious8' cried ,trussell to ,randulph4 #8,egad6 you have made a conquest of pretty ,kitty1 my boy4 ,i saw the parting glance she gave you over her shoulder as she whisked through the door4 ,don't lose sight of her4 ,you can soon put the ,city beau1 by whom she is attended1 hors de combat4' ,further remarks were interrupted by the arrival of the boat at the steps4 ,a strange black-muzzled fellow1 in a ,guernsey shirt1 with bare arms and bare legs1 and who was a regular attendant at the ,folly1 helped them to disembark2 and his request to #8be remembered' by the beau being met with a very munificent rejoinder1 he well-nigh lost his balance in his glee1 and got a tumble into the water4 ,the party then entered the music-hall1 and just as they passed through the door1 ,randulph1 chancing to look behind him1 perceived that the stranger had likewise landed1 and was mounting the steps4 ,the novel scene1 however1 before him1 so completely engrossed his attention1 that he could think of little else4 ,upwards of a hundred persons of both sexes thronged the room2 many of the ladies were masked1 and a good deal of freedom marked their conduct4 ,they talked and laughed loudly and recklessly4 ,at one end of the hall1 the benches were taken aside to allow ,kitty ,conway and her companion1 with some other couples1 to perform the cushion dance4 ,at the upper end of the room stood the musicians4 ,the party made their way towards the dancers1 and the beau and ,sir ,singleton praised ,kitty's beauty in tones so loud1 and in terms of admiration so strong1 as would have occasioned confusion to any young lady troubled with a more oppressive sense of bashfulness than she was4 ,her partner did not know whether to look pleased or annoyed4 ,he was evidently overpowered by the presence of ,beau ,villiers1 whom he regarded with a species of awe2 and as these applauses of ,kitty gave a fancied consequence to himself1 he was weak enough to be gratified by them4 ,towards the close of the figure1 a particular step1 executed by the pretty actress1 elicited more than usual rapture from ,sir ,singleton1 and he called to ,randulph--#8,look at her1 ,mr4 ,randulph ,crew4 ,is it not delicious8' ,at the sound of this name1 ,kitty's partner started1 and stared so hard at ,randulph1 that he could scarcely finish the dance4 #8,upon my word1 ,philip ,frewin1 you are a very stupid partner1' said the actress to him4 #8,if you do not exert yourself more1 ,i shall ask that handsome young fellow1 who is ogling me there1 to take my hand in the next set4' #8,i am quite fatigued1 ,kitty1' replied ,philip confusedly2 #8let us have some refreshment--a little rack punch1 or a glass of champagne4' ,kitty ,conway assented1 and they moved off to one of the side tables1 where a waiter speedily placed glasses before them1 and opened a bottle of champagne4 ,it must be confessed--unwilling as we are to admit it--that ,randulph was not altogether proof against the undisguised admiration of the pretty actress1 and that he could not help returning the tender glances she shot towards him4 ,meanwhile the performances went forward2 an ,irish jig followed1 in which ,randulph and ,sir ,singleton joined2 this was succeeded by some comic songs2 and ,mr4 ,villiers1 who did not altogether relish the entertainment1 walked forth1 and was soon after followed by the others4 ,as they all stood leaning over the sides of the bark1 laughing at what had occurred1 and admiring the gaiety of the scene1 a skiff1 impelled by a vigorous rower1 as was evident by the progress it made1 and containing a young female1 wrapped in a black silk scarf1 and with raven tresses1 scarcely covered by a small bonnet1 floating in the breeze1 rapidly neared them4 ,various speculations were put forth as to whether this young female would prove as pretty on a nearer inspection as she looked at a distance2 but in these ,randulph took little part4 ,to speak truth1 his thoughts were running upon the fair syren within1 and happening to cast his eyes towards the platform above1 he perceived1 leaning over the balustrade1 and gazing at him1 the stranger6 ,at this juncture1 ,philip ,frewin came forth1 to see whether his boat was in readiness1 and admonished the watermen1 one of whom was philandering with a buxom damsel1 who was leaning over the side of the deck1 that he should start immediately4 ,he had scarcely1 however1 issued the order1 than his eye fell upon the skiff containing the young female before mentioned1 and which was now close at hand4 ,he started as if an apparition had met his gaze1 ducked down1 and would have made his escape into the music-hall1 if ,kitty ,conway had not placed herself in his way4 ,retreat was now impossible1 and ,philip's distress was heightened by the fair actress1 who exclaimed1 somewhat pettishly1 #8,why do you leave me here1 sir8 ,why don't you hand me to the boat8' ,philip was almost at his wits' end4 ,the skiff containing ,hilda and ,jacob--both of whom he had too clearly recognised1 though he could not account for their appearance1 unless it were a trick of the fiend to convict him--was so near1 that if he complied with ,kitty's request1 discovery would be inevitable4 ,a plan suddenly occurred to him1 by which he hoped to free himself from risk1 and place ,randulph1 whom he had reason to regard as a rival1 in an awkward dilemma4 ,without apprising ,kitty of his intention1 he drew her forward1 and bending down as low as he could to elude observation1 said to ,randulph--#8,will you have the kindness1 sir1 to hand this lady into her boat8 ,you will do me an infinite favour2 ,i have dropped a pocket-book in the music-hall1 and must go back to search for it4' ,randulph was a good deal surprised by the proposal1 but he unhesitatingly consented2 and1 taking ,kitty's hand1 which she very graciously accorded1 rewarding his attention by a slight squeeze1 led her down the steps4 ,all this occurred to the infinite amusement of ,trussell1 who stood a little back near the door1 ogling a rather pretty damsel1 and to the no slight chagrin of ,sir ,singleton1 who1 guessing the intention of ,philip ,frewin1 had pushed forward to offer his services1 but found himself supplanted4 ,but these were not the only witnesses of the scene4 ,by this time1 the skiff-1 containing ,hilda1 had come up1 and with a pang of jealous feeling1 neither to be accounted for nor controlled1 she beheld ,randulph handing the pretty actress1 whose character she could scarcely mistake1 down the steps4 ,jacob saw what was passing as well as herself1 but1 having no jealousy to divert his attention from other matters1 he detected ,philip ,frewin even in his disguise1 and1 resting on his oars1 exclaimed1 #8,look6 miss1 look6--there is your cousin ,philip4 ,is that the dress he wore yesterday8 ,i told master he wasn't what he seemed4 ,look at him1 ,i say6' ,but ,hilda was too much agitated to heed these exclamations4 ,she could see nothing but ,randulph and the pretty actress4 ,nor was she without embarrassment on her own account2 for ,mr4 ,cripps1 having recognised her1 pointed her out to his master1 and the beau1 being much struck with her beauty1 favoured her with a very insolent stare4 ,but if ,randulph had been guilty of disloyalty towards the object of his affections1 his punishment was not long delayed2 for1 as he handed ,kitty into the boat1 which was steadied by the black-muzzled ,jack before mentioned1 his gaze encountered that of ,hilda1 and he was instantly filled with confusion4 ,he tried to disengage himself from the actress1 who1 however1 sportively detained him1 and1 unable to retreat1 he cut a most ridiculous figure4 ,indeed1 he was a little relieved1 though he felt how much he should sink in her esteem1 when he saw ,hilda bend forward1 and order ,jacob1 who continued resting on his oars1 to pass on4 ,he continued gazing after the skiff till it was out of sight2 but ,hilda did not look back4 ,meanwhile1 as ,philip ,frewin did not make his appearance1 ,kitty ,conway became very impatient1 and turning a deaf ear to all the high-flown compliments showered upon her by ,sir ,singleton ,spinke1 entreated ,randulph to go and see what her friend was doing4 ,the young man could not very well refuse compliance with the request1 and he accordingly entered the music-hall1 and returned in a few minutes with ,philip1 who1 finding the coast clear1 recovered his composure1 and tendering his thanks1 in a very abject manner1 to ,randulph1 got into the boat with ,kitty1 and ordered the men to row to ,savoy ,stairs4 ,randulph was too angry with himself1 and now too indifferent to the fascinations of the pretty actress1 to return the tender glance with which she favoured him on her departure4 ,the incident1 however1 afforded abundant merriment to his companions1 who were greatly diverted by his looks1 which they attributed to jealousy1 and they endeavoured to remove the feeling by assuring him that ,kitty had exhibited a decided preference for him4 ,his uneasiness was not relieved by the admiration expressed of the miser's daughter by ,beau ,villiers1 nor was ,trussell altogether pleased to find the beau so much captivated4 ,that ,hilda should have passed at the precise juncture seemed to surprise everybody4 ,,randulph',s ,,interview ,,with ,,cardwell ,,firebras ,,in ,,the ,,cloisters ,,of ,,westminster ,,abbey ,shortly after this1 the party entered their boat and returned to ,whitehall ,stairs4 ,randulph had been so much engrossed by his own feelings1 that he forgot the stranger1 and only called him to mind a few minutes after he had landed1 and when it was too late to look for him4 ,he did not1 however1 forget his appointment with the writer of the mysterious letter1 and1 regardless of the construction that might be put upon it1 told his uncle he had a particular engagement1 which he must keep1 at six o'clock4 ,trussell smiled significantly at the announcement1 but made no remark1 and proposed that they should all dine at one of the ,french ordinaries in ,suffolk ,street4 ,beau ,villiers pleaded an engagement1 but ,sir ,singleton acquiesced1 and the trio repaired to the ordinary1 where an excellent dinner was set before them4 ,mindful of his appointment1 ,randulph1 in spite of the jokes of his companions1 who strove to detain him1 got up from table at five o'clock1 and took his way past ,charing ,cross and ,whitehall towards the ,abbey4 ,he could not resist the impulse that prompted him to pass through the ,little ,sanctuary1 and felt half-disposed to call at the miser's and offer some explanation of his conduct to ,hilda4 ,though the absurdity of the notion caused him to abandon it almost as soon as formed1 he lingered before the house for a few minutes1 in the hope of discerning some of its inmates1 but was disappointed4 ,he then entered ,peter ,pokerich's shop1 to inquire the way to the ,abbey cloisters4 ,it chanced that the little barber was about to take an evening stroll with the fair ,thomasine1 who was waiting for him1 and he offered to show ,randulph the way2 but this the young man1 who had his own reasons for not desiring the attendance of the inquisitive barber1 declined1 though in such a way as to excite ,peter's curiosity1 who secretly determined to follow him4 ,as soon as ,randulph was gone1 he mentioned his design to the fair ,thomasine1 who was nothing loth to accompany him1 and they set out together1 taking special care to keep out of ,randulph's view4 ,the young man shaped his course towards the ,abbey1 and1 skirting its western extremity1 passed under the archway leading to the playground of ,westminster ,school4 ,here he paused1 and1 addressing a porter1 was directed towards another archway1 through which he passed1 and entered the cloisters4 ,on seeing this1 ,peter1 still accompanied by his fair companion1 ran forward1 and finding that ,randulph was walking in the south ambulatory1 they struck into the west1 being still able to watch him through the open columns4 ,randulph1 meanwhile1 unconscious that he was the object of such scrutiny1 slowly traversed the ambulatory1 and1 charmed with the exquisite groined arches of its roof1 hoary with age1 and the view afforded through the shafted windows looking into the quadrangle1 of the reverend buttresses and of the ,abbey1 almost forgot the object that brought him thither4 ,he was arrested at the eastern extremity by the ancient inscriptions and brasses1 pointing out the resting-places of the old abbots1 ,laurentius ,gislesbertus1 and ,vitalis1 when a heavy footstep sounded on his ear1 and looking up he beheld the stranger4 ,before he could recover his surprise at this unexpected apparition1 the new-comer advanced towards him1 and with a slight inclination of the head1 and a singularly significant smile1 said1 #8,so you have kept your appointment with me1 ,mr4 ,randulph ,crew4' #8,are you1 then1 ,mr4 ,cardwell ,firebras8' exclaimed ,randulph in surprise4 ,illustration3 #jbih #8,i am so called1' replied the other4 #8,i was little aware1 sir1 when ,i saw you this morning at the barber's1 how soon and how strangely we should be brought together again1' rejoined ,randulph2 #8but this in some measure accounts for the manner in which you have haunted me throughout the day4 ,perhaps you will now explain your motive for doing so1 as well as for summoning me hither4' #8,all in good time1 young gentleman1' replied ,cardwell ,fire-bras gravely4 #8,before ,i advert to my own concerns1 let me say a word on yours4 ,answer me truly--have you not conceived an affection for ,hilda ,scarve8 ,nay1 you need not answer4 ,your hesitation convinces me you have4 ,circumstances led you into acting very injudiciously this morning at the ,folly1 and ,i fear your conduct may have produced an unfavourable impression on ,hilda's mind1--for ,i watched her closely4 ,but heed not this4 ,i will set all to rights4 ,i have much influence with her father4 ,he designs her for another--the apish gallant of the pretty actress who fascinated you this morning4 ,but you shall have her nevertheless1--on one condition4' #8,despite the singularity of your address1 there is an earnestness in your manner that inspires me with confidence in you1 sir1' rejoined ,randulph2 #8the rather1 that you told me this morning you were an old friend of my father's4 ,i will freely confess to you that ,i am captivated by the miser's daughter1 and that ,i would hazard much to obtain her4 ,now1 on what condition do you propose to make her mine8' #8,you shall learn presently1' replied ,firebras evasively4 #8,let us take a turn along the cloisters1' he added1 moving slowly forward4 ,they marched on together in silence until they reached the eastern angle of the ambulatory1 when ,firebras1 suddenly halting1 laid his heavy hand upon ,randulph's arm1 and fixed a searching look upon him4 #8,young man1' he said1 #8,i will tell you what you must do to gain the miser's daughter4' #8,what1 what8' demanded ,randulph4 #8,you must join the ,jacobite party1' replied ,firebras2 #8to which her father belongs--to which your father belonged--and to which your mother also belongs4' ,surprise kept ,randulph silent4 ,but neither he nor his companion were aware that this treasonable proposition had been overheard by ,peter ,pokerich and the fair ,thomasine1 who1 having stolen upon them unperceived1 were ensconced behind the shafts of the adjoining arches4 ,,the ,,miser ,,discovering ,,the ,,loss ,,of ,,the ,,mortgage ,,money ,the miser1 meanwhile1 having obtained access to his chamber1 threw his hat upon the bed1 passed on1 and unlocked the door of the closet4 ,marching up to the large chest in which he had deposited the bags of gold on the previous night1 he sat down upon it1 and was for some time lost in deep and painful reflection4 ,he then rose1 and taking a bunch of keys from his pocket1 applied one of them to the lock of the chest4 ,it would not turn2 and imagining that he must have made some mistake1 he drew it out and tried another4 ,this1 however1 did not fit at all2 and returning the first1 he perceived1 on examination1 that it was the right one4 ,again applying it1 and proceeding more carefully1 he found1 to his surprise and dismay1 that the chest was not locked4 ,well knowing he had not left it in this state1 he felt convinced that something must be wrong1 and it was long before he could prevail upon himself to raise the lid4 ,illustration3 #jcjf ,when he did so1 he started back with a cry of anguish and despair4 ,the chest was empty6 ,for some minutes he remained as if transfixed1 with his hands stretched out1 his mouth wide open1 his eyes almost starting from their sockets1 and fixed upon the void where his treasure should have been4 ,at length he shrieked in accents of despair1 #8,i have been robbed--robbed of my gold6--robbed--robbed6 ,it is a wicked thing--a cruel thing to rob me6 ,others do not love gold as ,i love it4 ,i love it better than wife1 child1 mistress1--better than life itself6 ,would that they had killed me1 rather than take my gold6 ,oh6 those fair shining pieces--so broad1 so bright1 so beautiful6--what has become of them8' ,after a pause1 during which he experienced the acutest mental anguish1 he looked around to see how the robbery could have been effected4 ,a moment's examination showed him that the iron bars in front of the little window opposite the chest had been removed4 #8,the villains must have found entrance here6' he cried1 rushing towards the window4 ,and clambering up an old oaken bureau that stood near it1 he pushed it wide open1 and stretching his long1 scraggy neck through it1 gazed into the little garden beneath4 ,unable to discover anything1 he drew back1 and casting his eyes over the bureau1 perceived that the dust with which it was covered had been slightly brushed away2 but whether by himself or the depredators1 it was now1 of course1 impossible to determine4 ,a bottle standing on one corner of the bureau had not been removed4 ,it was clear that the plunderers had gone direct to the chest1 of which they must have possessed a key1 for the lock1 though strained1 had not been forced4 ,maddened by these reflections1 and unable to account for the occurrence1 he again vented his fury in words4 #8,i have it6' he shrieked1 #8it is that accursed ,welsh baronet who has robbed me4 ,he paid me the money in this public way only to delude me4 ,i'll charge him with the robbery--,i'll prove it against him--,i'll hang him6 ,oh6 it would delight me to hang him6 ,i would give a thousand pounds to see it done6 ,a thousand pounds6 ,what is that to the fourteen thousand ,i have lost8 ,i shall go mad1 and it were happy for me to do so4 ,philip ,frewin will refuse to marry my daughter4 ,her portion is gone--gone6 ,why was ,i tempted forth with ,firebras8 ,i ought to have taken my seat on that chest--to have eaten my meals upon it--to have slept upon it6 ,night nor day should ,i have quitted it6 ,fool that ,i have been6 ,i have been rightly served--rightly served6 ,and yet it is hard upon me1 an old man1 to lose all ,i held dear--very hard6' ,and falling upon his knees1 with his hands clasped together1 beside the vacant chest1 he wept aloud4 ,this paroxysm of rage and grief having subsided1 he again rose and descended to the parlour1 where he found ,mrs4 ,clinton anxiously waiting his reappearance4 ,she instantly divined what had happened1 and retreated before him as he advanced1 almost fearing from his looks that he would do her a violence4 ,shaking his clenched hand1 and foaming at the mouth1 he attempted to discharge a volley of imprecations against her2 but rage took away the power of speech1 and he stood gesticulating and shaking before her--a frightful and pitiable spectacle4 #8,for ,heaven's sake1 sir1 compose yourself1' she cried1 #8or you will have a fit of some dangerous illness4 ,you terrify me to death4' #8,i am glad of it1' he shrieked4 #8,i have been robbed--the mortgage money is gone--the fourteen thousand pounds4 ,d'ye hear1 woman8 ,i've been robbed1 ,i say--robbed6' #8,i feared as much1' replied ,mrs4 ,clinton2 #8but the robbery cannot have been long effected1 for just before you knocked at the door1 ,i heard a window creak1 as ,i thought1 in your room4' #8,you did6' screamed the miser4 #8,and why did you not tell me this before8 ,i might have caught them--might have got back the spoil4' #8,if you hadn't frightened me so much about ,hilda1 ,i should have told you1' replied ,mrs4 ,clinton1 in a deprecatory tone2 #8but your violence put it out of my head4' #8,hell and fiends6' ejaculated the miser2 #8what is ,hilda--what are fifty daughters1 compared with my gold8 ,if you had enabled me to recover it ,i would have forgiven you all the rest4 ,don't stand trembling there1 fool6 but come with me1 and let us see whether we can discover any traces of the robbers6' ,so saying1 he hurried towards a small back door in the passage1 the bolts of which were so rusty that he had considerable difficulty in removing them2 and this effected1 he passed into the garden4 ,,randulph ,,refusing ,,to ,,drink #8,,the ,,king',s ,,health ,,over ,,the ,,water'--,a ,,meeting ,,of ,,the ,,jacobite ,,club ,in about a quarter of an hour the landlord entered the room1 and1 bowing to the company1 said1 #8,i believe1 gentlemen1 you are all assembled2 the room upstairs is ready1 if you are disposed to adjourn to it4' ,the proposition being assented to1 the landlord threw open the door1 and a slight contest occurred between the two baronets as to which should offer the other precedence4 #8,i pr1 ,sir ,bulkeley1' said ,sir ,norfolk2 #8,i will scale the staircase after you4' ,thus exhorted1 ,sir ,bulkeley1 who thought it good breeding not to dispute a point of needless ceremony1 went on4 ,sir ,norfolk marched after him with majestic steps1 and the rest of the party followed4 ,the landlord ushered them into a large room1 lighted by a chandelier suspended from the ceiling1 in the centre of which was a circular table covered with bottles and glasses4 ,having hung up their hats against the wall1 the company sat down1 and a few bumpers went briskly round4 ,while they were thus carousing1 a tap was heard at the door1 and the landlord1 opening a reconnoitring hole within it1 spoke to some one without4 ,he next proceeded to convey the information he had received in a low tone1 to ,cardwell ,firebras1 who immediately said aloud1 #8,oh1 yes1 admit him by all means4 ,gentlemen1 a new brother6' ,the door was then opened1 and ,randulph recognised in the gaily attired1 self-possessed coxcomb who was admitted1 ,mr4 ,crackenthorpe ,cripps4 #8,take a glass of wine1 ,mr4 ,cripps1' said ,firebras1 filling a bumper1 and handing it to the new-comer4 #8,it is ,beau ,villiers's chief valet1' he added1 in an undertone1 to ,sir ,norfolk1 who had made a polite though formal bow to the stranger4 #8,what6' exclaimed ,sir ,norfolk1 almost shuddering at the inadvertence he had committed2 #8a waiting-man in such costly and nitid attire4 ,why1 his master1 the ,pretonius ,arbiter of the day1 can scarcely be more studiously refined in the taste and style of the vestments wherewith he adorneth his person4' #8,not a whit so1' laughed ,firebras2 #8the only difference between them is1 that ,beau ,cripps wears in ,may the coat which ,beau ,villiers has worn in ,april4' #8,mehercle6' exclaimed ,sir ,norfolk4 #8,such prodigality almost exceedeth belief4' #8,landlord1 it is time6' cried ,father ,verselyn1 who performed the part of chairman1 and occupied the principal seat4 #8,i am ready1 your reverence1' replied the landlord4 ,and he forthwith proceeded to a cupboard1 from which he produced a large china bowl1 apparently filled with punch1 and placed it with great care and solemnity in the centre of the table4 #8,why1 it is water1' exclaimed ,randulph1 gazing at the clear lymph1 with which1 on nearer inspection1 he perceived the bowl was filled4 #8,to be sure6' cried ,firebras2 #8and we are about to drink the king's health--over the water4 ,and now1 gentlemen1' he continued1 filling ,randulph's glass and his own1 #8fill1 ,i pray you1 to the brim4' #8,i have filled1 even to the summit of the vase1' said ,sir ,norfolk1 rising and holding up his glass4 #8,and ,i1' cried ,sir ,bulkeley1 likewise rising4 #8,and ,i1' added the landlord1 who stood next to the last-named baronet1 and was allowed to join in the ceremony4 #8,and ,i--and ,i1' chimed ,mr4 ,travers and the valet4 #8,then give the word1 my son1' said ,verselyn1 addressing ,firebras4 #8,with the greatest pleasure1 father1' replied ,cardwell4 ,and he held his glass over the bowl1 while his example was imitated by all the others except ,randulph4 #8,here is the king's health 8over the water40 ,why don't you do as we do8' he added1 turning to ,randulph4 ,illustration3 #jcab #8,ay1 stretch forth your arm over the scyphus1 young gentleman1' cried ,sir ,norfolk1 pointing to the bowl4 #8,you must drink the toast--it's the rule of the club1' added ,sir ,bulkeley4 #8,it is a rule ,i cannot subscribe to1' replied ,randulph4 #8,how6--am ,i mistaken in you1 young man8' said ,firebras1 regarding him menacingly4 #8,do as they bid you1 or you'll have your throat cut1 #8pon rep6' whispered ,mr4 ,cripps1 popping his head over ,firebras's shoulder4 #8,will you drink the toast1 or not8' demanded ,firebras fiercely4 #8,i will not6' replied ,randulph firmly4 #8,it is treasonable1 and ,i refuse it4' ,randulph's bold declaration had well-nigh cost him dear4 ,cries of #8spy6' #8traitor6' #8,hanoverian6' #8down with him6' resounded on all sides2 the landlord rushed to the door1 and placed his back against it1 to prevent any attempt at egress in that way2 while ,sir ,norfolk ,salusbury1 plucking his long blade from its sheath1 and making it whistle over his head1 kicked a chair that stood between him and the young man out of the way1 and bade him1 in a stern tone1 defend himself4 ,the confusion was increased by the vociferations of ,mr4 ,cripps1 and by an accident caused by ,sir ,bulkeley ,price1 who1 in hurrying round the table1 contrived to entangle himself in the cover1 and dragging it off1 precipitated the bottles and glasses to the ground1 drenching the lower limbs of his brother baronet in the contents of the fractured bowl4 ,the only two persons apparently unmoved in the midst of this uproar were its author and ,cardwell ,firebras4 ,the latter made no hostile display1 and did not even alter his position1 but kept his eye steadily fixed upon ,randulph1 as if anxious to observe the effect of the incident upon him4 ,the young man maintained his firmness throughout4 ,he retreated a few steps towards the wall1 and put himself in a posture of defence4 ,the nearest of his antagonists was ,sir ,norfolk ,salusbury2 but seeing the others press forward1 the chivalrous ,welsh baronet declined commencing the attack4 #8,singulatim6--one at a time1 ,mr4 ,travers1' he cried4 #8,ne ,hercules contra duos4 ,it shall never be said that any man1 however unworthy of fair treatment1 fought against odds in the presence of a descendant of ,adam de ,salzburg4 ,stand aside1 therefore1 sir--and you1 ,father ,verselyn--and leave him to me1 or ,i must relinquish the right of combat1 which ,i have in some measure acquired1 as being the first to claim it1 to you4' #8,let the young man swear to keep silence touching all he has seen and heard1 or he shall not quit this room alive1' rejoined ,travers4 #8,trust him not--trust him not6' cried ,father ,verselyn3 #8his oath will not bind him4 ,fall upon him altogether and slay him6 ,that is the only way to ensure his silence and our safety4 ,i will absolve you of his blood4 ,the imminence of the danger justifies the deed4' #8,proh pudor6' cried ,sir ,norfolk sternly4 #8,that would be trucidation dedecorous and ignave2 neither can ,i stand by and see it done4' #8,nor ,i1' cried ,sir ,bulkeley1 who had by this time recovered from the embarrassment occasioned by the accident4 #8,i disapprove of ,father ,verselyn's counsel entirely4 ,let us hear what the young man has to say4 ,i will question him4' #8,haudququam1 ,sir ,bulkeley1' replied the other gravely1 #8,i gave you precedence on a recent occasion1 but ,i cannot do so on the present4 ,i claim this young man as my own--to interrogate1 to fight1 and1 perchance1 to slay him4' #8,fight him as much as you please1 ,sir ,norfolk1 and slay him if you think proper--or can1' rejoined ,sir ,bulkeley angrily2 #8but you shall not prevent my speaking to him4' #8,sir ,bulkeley ,price1' returned ,sir ,norfolk1 raising his crane neck to its utmost height1 #8,i pray you not to interfere between me and ,mr4 ,crew1 otherwise----' #8,well1 ,sir ,norfolk1 and what then8' cried the other1 his hot ,welsh blood mounting to his cheeks1 and empurpling them more deeply than usual4 #8,what then1 ,sir ,norfolk8' #8,i shall be compelled to make you render me reason for it1' replied the other sternly4 ,cardwell ,firebras now thought it time to interfere4 #8,gentlemen1' he said1 advancing towards them1 #8we have plenty of other quarrels to settle without disputing among ourselves4 ,i brought ,mr4 ,randulph ,crew here1 and will be responsible for his silence4' #8,what saith the young man8' demanded ,sir ,norfolk4 #8,if he will oppignerate his word for taciturnity1 ,i will take it4' #8,so will ,i1' added ,sir ,bulkeley4 #8,i thank you for your good opinion of me1 gentlemen1' returned ,randulph4 #8,i have been1 almost unwittingly1 a party to your counsels1 and ought perhaps to have declared my sentiments sooner2 but ,i hoped the meeting would pass off without rendering any such avowal necessary1 in which case1 though ,i certainly should never have joined your club again1 the secret of its existence would have rested in my own bosom--as it will now1 if ,i am suffered to depart4 ,i could not avoid expressing my disapproval of a toast which1 in common with every loyal subject of ,king ,george the ,second1 ,i hold to be treasonable4' #8,you cannot be the subject of a usurper1 young man1' said ,firebras4 #8,your allegiance to ,king ,james the ,third is unalienable4' #8,compel him to avow allegiance to his rightful sovereign1 ,mr4 ,firebras1' interposed ,father ,verselyn4 #8,i will sooner lay down my life than comply1' cried ,randulph resolutely4 ,firebras looked slightly disconcerted2 and ,sir ,norfolk1 who had lowered the point of his sword1 again raised it4 #8,it is vain to reason with him1 my son1' whispered ,verselyn4 #8,our safety demands his destruction4 ,if he goes hence we are denounced2 and an irreparable injury will be done to the good cause4' #8,i have promised him safe conduct1 father1' rejoined ,firebras2 #8and1 at all risks1 ,i will keep my word4 ,mr4 ,randulph ,crew1 you are at liberty to depart4 ,you give up all hopes of the miser's daughter8' he added1 in a deep whisper4 #8,i must1 if she is only to be purchased in this way1' replied ,randulph1 in the same tone4 #8,take time to consider of it1' rejoined ,firebras4 #8,i will find means of communicating with you to-morrow4 ,landlord1 attend ,mr4 ,crew to the door4' #8,you are wrong in letting him go1' cried ,verselyn4 #8,you will repent this blind confidence4 ,sir ,norfolk1 ,i entreat you to interfere--,sir ,bulkeley1 ,i appeal to you4' ,but they both turned from him1 and sheathed their swords2 while the landlord1 having received a sign from ,firebras1 obeyed his instructions4 ,as soon as ,randulph was gone1 ,firebras addressed himself to the two baronets3 #8,i hope no unkindly feeling--none1 at least1 that cannot easily be set to rights--subsists between you1 gentlemen8' he said4 #8,i shall never quarrel with my good friend1 ,sir ,norfolk1 except about a matter of punctilio1' replied ,sir ,bulkeley1 who was as easily appeased as roused to anger4 #8,and ,i ought never to quarrel with one who knows how to make so handsome a concession as ,sir ,bulkeley ,price1' replied ,sir ,norfolk1 with a gracious bow4 #8,then the storm has blown over1' laughed ,firebras4 #8,i feared this more than the other4' ,a long discussion then took place among the members of the club as to ,randulph's introduction to it1 and ,firebras was severely censured by ,father ,verselyn for admitting the young man without testing his political principles4 #8,i do not repent what ,i have done1 father1' returned ,firebras1 #8because ,i am satisfied no harm will come of it2 and it was an attempt to gain a very useful ally to our cause4 ,he is a brave lad1 as his firmness during this affair proved1 and it would be a great point to win him over4 ,nor do ,i yet despair of doing so4' #8,i hope we have seen the last of him1' muttered ,father ,verselyn2 #8and ,i beg it may be borne in mind that it was against my advice that he was suffered to depart4' ,cardwell ,firebras darted an angry look at the priest1 but he made no reply2 and the cloth having been replaced by the landlord and ,mr4 ,cripps1 the former proceeded to fetch a fresh supply of flasks and glasses2 after which the company once more gathered round the table1 and began to discuss anew their projects4 ,,the ,,jacobite ,,club ,,pursued ,,by ,,the ,,guards--,,the ,,jacobite ,,club ,,surprised ,,by ,,the ,,guard--,,the ,,flight--,,and ,,pursuit--,,mr4 ,,cripps's ,,treachery ,midnight arrived1 and found the party still in deep debate4 ,suddenly1 a quick and continuous knocking was heard at the door4 ,all instantly started to their feet1 gazing at each other in alarm4 #8,we are betrayed1' said ,firebras1 in a deep whisper4 #8,we are1' replied ,father ,verselyn2 #8and by the spy you introduced among us4' #8,it is false6' cried ,firebras angrily4 #8,but this is no time for dispute4 ,we must provide for our safety4 ,who is it1 landlord8' he cried to the host1 who1 on the first alarm1 had rushed to the door1 and opened the reconnoitring hole within it4 #8,o lud6 we're all lost6' rejoined the landlord1 closing the trap-door1 and returning to them with scared looks and on tiptoe1 as if afraid' of the sound of his own footsteps4 #8,who is it8--what is it8' demanded ,firebras4 #8,a dozen grenadier guards1 headed by their captain and lieutenant1 come to search the house1' replied the landlord4 #8,they're mounting the stairs now4' #8,zounds6' exclaimed ,sir ,bulkeley1 #8this is awkward6' #8,there is nothing to fear1' said ,firebras calmly4 #8,we have plenty of time for flight4' #8,yes1 you can fly1 gentlemen1 but ,i am ruined1' exclaimed the landlord4 #8,i can never return to my own dwelling6' #8,pshaw6 you shall never be the worse for it1' replied ,firebras4 #8,but what will become of me1 if ,i am taken8' cried ,mr4 ,cripps1 feigning a look of despair4 #8,i am sure to be the worse for it4' #8,silence6' cried ,firebras authoritatively4 #8,don't you hear them8--they are at the door4 ,be quick1 gentlemen4 ,not a moment is to be lost4' ,while this was passing1 ,father ,verselyn hurried to the lower end of the room1 and1 mounting a ladder placed against the wall1 passed through a trap-door in the ceiling above it4 ,the landlord1 ,mr4 ,cripps1 and ,mr4 ,travers next ascended2 then ,sir ,bulkeley followed2 then ,sir ,norfolk1 whose equanimity not even the present danger could disturb2 while ,firebras brought up the rear4 #8',sdeath1 ,sir ,norfolk6' cried the latter1 as the baronet slowly scaled the steps before him--#8move on a little more quickly1 or we shall certainly be captured4 ,they're breaking open the door4 ,don't you hear them8' #8,perfect1' replied ,sir ,norfolk coolly4 ,but he did not on that account accelerate his movements4 ,knowing it was in vain to remonstrate1 ,cardwell ,firebras waited till ,sir ,norfolk had worked his long frame through the trap-door1 which he did with the utmost deliberation1 and then ran up the steps himself1 with much more activity than might have been expected from a person so weighty4 ,just as he was quitting the ladder1 the door was burst open with a tremendous crash1 and two officers of the guard rushed into the room1 sword in hand1 followed by a dozen grenadiers armed with muskets1 on which bayonets were fixed4 ,firebras's first object1 on securing a footing on the floor of the garret above1 was to try to draw up the ladder1 and he was assisted in the endeavour by ,sir ,norfolk2 but their design was frustrated by the foremost officer and a tall grenadier bearing a halberd1 both of whom sprang upon the ladder1 and kept it down by their joint weight1 and all that those above could do was to shut down the trap-door1 before it could be reached by their foes4 ,a dormer window opened from the garret upon the roof of the house2 but an unexpected difficulty had been experienced by the first detachment of fugitives in unfastening it4 ,all ought to have been in readiness for an emergency like the present1 and ,sir ,bulkeley and ,mr4 ,travers bitterly reproached the landlord for his negligence4 ,the poor fellow declared that the mischance was not his fault--that he had taken every possible precaution--and1 in fact1 had examined the window that very morning1 and found it all right4 ,illustration3 #jcbj ,at length it was forced back1 and all but ,sir ,norfolk and ,firebras got through it4 ,they were detained by the necessity that existed of guarding the trap-door4 ,unfortunately1 there was no bolt on the upper side of it1 so that they had to stand upon it to keep it down1 and this plan being discovered by the officer below1 he ordered two of his men to thrust their bayonets through the boards1 while the tall grenadier tried to prize open the door with his halberd4 ,the manoeuvre compelled ,firebras and ,salus-bury slightly to alter their position1 to avoid being wounded by the bayonets1 and in doing so1 they necessarily gave admittance to the point of the halberd4 ,the efforts of the assailing party were redoubled1 and the trap slightly yielded4 #8,lose not a moment6 fly1 ,sir ,norfolk6' cried ,firebras1 apprehensive lest the baronet's deliberation1 which he well knew nothing could shake1 should prevent his escape4 ,but true to his principles1 ,sir ,norfolk would not move an inch4 #8,i cannot leave you in angusto1' he said4 #8,but ,i am the stronger of the two1 as well as the more active1' rejoined ,firebras4 #8,my weight will suffice to keep down the trap-door till you have got through the window1 and then ,i can make good my retreat4 ,fly6 fly6' ,but ,sir ,norfolk continued immovable4 #8,i shall be the last to quit this place1' he said1 in a tone of unalterable determination4 #8,but do not1 ,i pray you1 tarry with me4 ,the trifurciferous myrmidons of the ,hanoverian usurper shall never take me with life4' #8,i must leave the punctilious old fool to his fate1' muttered ,firebras1 observing that the greater part of the head of the halberd was forced through the side of the trap4 #8,god protect you1 ,sir ,norfolk1' he cried1 rushing to the window4 ,the brave old ,welsh baronet essayed to hew off the head of the halberd from the staff--but in vain2 and finding that the enemy must gain admittance in another moment1 and that ,firebras had cleared the window1 he turned away and strode majestically towards it4 ,his retreat was so suddenly made1 that the grenadier who held the pike1 and was prizing with all his force1 lost his balance1 and tumbled off the ladder1 causing such confusion among his comrades1 that ,sir ,norfolk had time to get through the window unmolested4 ,it was a beautfully bright night--the moon being at the full1 and the sky filled with fleecy clouds4 ,on the left lay ridges of pointed-roofed houses1 covered with the warm-looking and mellow-tinted tile1 so preferable to the cold blue slate--broken with stacks of chimneys of every size and form--dormer windows1 gables1 overhanging storeys and other picturesque and fantastic projections2 and the view being terminated1 at some quarter of a mile's distance1 by the tall towers and part of the roof of ,westminster ,abbey4 ,viewed thus1 the whole picture looked exquisitely tranquil and beautiful4 ,the fires in the houses were almost all extinguished1 and little or no smoke issued from the chimneys to pollute the clear atmosphere4 ,above the venerable and majestic fane hung the queen of night1 flooding its towers--seen at such an hour to the greatest advantage--with silvery light1 and throwing some of the nearer buildings and projections into deep shadow1 and so adding to the beauty of the scene4 ,on the right1 the view extended over other house-tops to the gardens and fields of ,pimlico4 ,behind was ,saint ,james's ,park1 with its stately avenues of trees1 its long canal1 and ,rosamond's ,pond glimmering in the moonlight2 while in front lay the ,new ,artillery ,ground1 and the open and marshy grounds constituting ,totnill ,fields4 ,but it will be readily imagined that neither ,firebras nor his companions looked to the right or to the left4 ,they were only conscious of the danger by which they were menaced1 and were further discouraged by ,father ,verselyn1 who at that moment scrambled over the roof they were about to cross1 to inform them that the door by which they hoped to escape could not be got open4 #8,everything seems to have gone wrong6 cried ,verselyn in an ecstasy of terror4 #8,what will become of us8' #8,jacta est alea1' replied ,sir ,norfolk composedly4 #8,we must fight for it1 father4' #8,heaven and all its saints protect us1' cried the priest1 crossing himself4 #8,be composed1 father1' rejoined ,firebras sternly4 #8,you ought to be equal to any circumstances in which you may be placed4 ,the latter exclamation was occasioned by a joyous shout1 announcing that their friends had succeeded in opening the door2 and the next moment the good news was confirmed by ,sir ,bulkeley ,price1 who clambered over the roof to acquaint them with it4 ,on hearing this the party instantly beat a retreat2 and their flight was accelerated by the officer and the tall grenadier1 who at that moment sprung out of the window4 ,even ,sir ,norfolk was urged to a little more expedition than usual2 and two or three of his mighty strides brought him to the top of the roof4 ,cardwell ,firebras would not have been much behind him1 if ,father ,verselyn had not caught hold of his coat-tails to help himself up the ascent1 which he felt wholly unable to accomplish without assistance4 ,by this time the officer was well-nigh upon them2 and1 finding his summons to surrender wholly disregarded1 he made a pass at the priest1 which took effect in the fleshy part of his leg1 restoring him at once to more than his former agility4 ,uttering a loud yell1 and clapping his hand to the wounded limb to stanch the blood1 ,father ,verselyn bounded over the roof1 and made to the door through which the landlord and ,mr4 ,travers had already disappeared1 and through which ,mr4 ,cripps was now darting4 ,between the two roofs lay a small flat space1 used by its former proprietor as a place for drying clothes1 as was evident from the four tall posts at the corners4 ,here ,firebras and ,sir ,norfolk came to a stand1 resolved to dispute the passage with their pursuers4 ,sword in hand1 and calling to them to surrender1 the foremost officer dashed down the roof2 but his precipitation placed him at the mercy of ,fire-bras2 for his foot slipping1 the latter struck his sword from his grasp4 ,sir ,norfolk1 in the interim1 had encountered another foeman with equal success4 ,this was the tall grenadier1 who1 as he descended1 made a thrust at the baronet with his halberd1 which the latter very adroitly parried1 and1 lunging in return1 disabled his adversary by a wound in the arm4 ,at the same moment1 too1 the tiles gave way under the weight of the grenadier1 and he sank above the knees in the roof4 ,other foes were now at hand4 ,the second officer1 carrying a lantern in one hand1 and a drawn sword in the other1 appeared on the roof2 while the tall caps and bayonets of the rest of the grenadiers were seen above it4 ,though ,sir ,norfolk1 whose blood was up1 would have willingly awaited the advance of these new opponents1 he yielded to the entreaties of ,firebras1 and followed him through the door1 which was instantly secured behind them by a couple of strong bolts4 ,the house in which the ,jacobites had taken refuge was expressly hired by them for an occasion like the present1 and kept wholly uninhabited4 ,the mode of communication between it and the ,rose and ,crown will1 it is hoped1 be sufficiently understood from the foregoing description4 ,that so many unforeseen accidents should have occurred at a time when1 if ever1 things ought to have been in readiness1 almost drove the poor landlord distracted2 but if he could have watched ,mr4 ,cripps's manoeuvres1 he would have speedily found out the cause of the delays4 ,in the first instance1 a penknife1 dexterously slipped by the valet into the groove of the window1 prevented it from moving1 and had well-nigh1 as has been seen1 occasioned the capture of the fugitives4 ,this difficulty having been overcome by the strenuous efforts of ,sir ,bulkeley and ,mr4 ,travers1 ,mr4 ,cripps was the first to scramble through the window4 #8,which way8' he cried to the landlord1 who was following4 #8,over the roof1 and to the door opposite1' was the reply4 ,nimbly as a cat the agile valet bounded over the roof1 and instantly perceiving the door1 made towards it4 ,a key was in the lock2 he turned it1 took it out1 and dropped it into the street below4 ,he then began to shake the door violently1 and shouted to the landlord1 who at that moment came in sight4 #8,unlock it--unlock it6' cried the host4 #8,i can't1' cried ,mr4 ,cripps2 #8there is no key4 #8,pon rep6 we shall be all taken4' #8,no key6' exclaimed the landlord4 #8,impossible6 ,i saw it there this morning myself4 ,it must have dropped down4 ,look about for it4' ,mr4 ,cripps feigned compliance1 and the landlord coming up1 poured forth a torrent of imprecations on finding his statement correct4 ,father ,verselyn1 as has been related1 crept back to ,firebras1 while the others used their efforts to open the door4 ,nor were they long in effecting their purpose4 ,finding all other attempts fail1 the landlord stepped back on the leads1 and running to give additional impetus to the blow1 dashed his foot against the door1 and the lock yielded with a loud crash4 ,,mr4 ,,cripps ,,encountering ,,his ,,master ,,in ,,marylebone ,,gardens ,marylebone ,gardens1 it is well known1 lay on the eastern side of the upper end of the lane bearing the same name--the whole of the country beyond ,harley ,street1 which was not more than a third of its present extent1 being open fields4 ,they were of considerable size1 and were originally laid out and planted at the beginning of the last century1 at which time the public were gratuitously admitted to them4 ,in one part of the grounds there was an excellent bowling-green1 which drew many lovers of that most agreeable recreation to it4 ,by degrees the gardens1 being very conveniently situated1 rose in repute2 and in #agcg1 their proprietor1 ,mr4 ,gough1 began to demand a shilling for admittance--this sum entitling the visitor to its value in refreshments4 ,but still further improvements were effected4 ,orchestras1 boxes1 and a theatre for musical entertainments were erected within them4 ,besides the main walks1 semicircular rows of trees were planted1 and hedges contrived so as to form pleasing labyrinths for those who preferred privacy4 ,bowers and alcoves were built in different places2 lamps were fastened to the trees1 and at night1 on the occasion of a fte1 every part of the garden was illuminated with myriads of lamps of various colours4 ,the company began to improve1 and the price of admission was raised to five shillings4 ,ftes of every kind were held here2 and the place continued in vogue until nearly the end of the century with which its rise commenced4 ,malcolm mentions that a few trees1 once forming part of ,marylebone ,gardens1 were standing at the north end of ,harley ,street in #ahjh4 ,but we fear not even a stump of one of them is now left4 ,carriages1 coaches1 and chairs were setting down their occupants at the entrance to the gardens as ,mr4 ,cripps and his companion drew near4 ,never had ,mrs4 ,nettle-ship seen a gayer throng--the dresses she thought magnificent4 ,there was ,lady ,ancaster1 whom ,mr4 ,cripps pointed out to her1 in a brocaded lutestring sack1 with ruby-coloured ground and white tobine stripes trimmed with floss--the ,countess of ,pomfret1 in a black satin sack flowered with red and white--,lady ,almeria ,vane1 in a scarlet unwatered tabby sack--,lady ,ilchester1 in a white tissue flowered sack4 ,all these ladies wore hoops2 but none of them1 ,mr4 ,cripps assured his companion1 managed this equipment with half so much grace as herself4 ,throughout this stage of the business1 ,mr4 ,cripps had some difficulty in playing his part1 and it required all his effrontery to enable him to go through with it4 ,having affirmed to his companion that he was an intimate acquaintance of all the ladies of rank he encountered1 and in the habit of attending their routs and parties1 he was under the necessity of sustaining the character1 and kept constantly bowing and kissing his hand to them4 ,in most cases he succeeded2 for the ladies he addressed1 deceived by his showy attire1 which seemed to mark him as somebody1 returned his salutations4 ,mrs4 ,nettleship was enchanted4 ,to be attended by so fashionable a person1 who knew all the beau monde1 was supreme felicity4 ,she would have given the world to be introduced to some of the fashionable ladies1 and intimated as much to her companion2 but he was too shrewd to attend to the suggestion1 contenting himself with saying1 with a very impassioned look1 #8,i hope1 my angel1 that one of these days ,i shall have the honour of introducing you to my fair friends under another name4',twould make me the happiest of men--#8pon rep6' #8,odd's bodikins6 ,mr4 ,willars1 how you do confuse me6' exclaimed the lady1 spreading her large fan before her face4 ,by this time they had gained the principal avenue leading towards the orchestra1 and at each step he took1 ,mr4 ,cripps kissed his hand to some elegantly dressed person4 #8,there's my friend ,lord ,effingham1 and his countess1' he said2 #8glad to see you1 my lord4 ,that's the pretty ,mrs4 ,rackham--a bride1 sweetheart1 a bride1' with tender emphasis--#8that's the rich ,mrs4 ,draper--,i daren't look at her1 for she's determined to have me1 whether ,i will or no1 and ,i can't make up my mind to it1 though she's promised to settle sixty thousand pounds upon me1 and to die in six months4' #8,la6 ,mr4 ,willars1 you wouldn't sell yourself to such an ojus creature as that6' cried ,mrs4 ,nettleship--#8why1 she's a perfect fright1 and so dressed6' #8,precisely what you describe her1 #8pon rep6' replied ,mr4 ,cripps4 #8,but do listen to the music4 ,isn't it inspiring8' ,and they paused for a moment to listen to the lively strains proceeding from the orchestra1 which was placed at one end of a large building facing the principal walk4 ,by this time the company had almost entirely assembled4 ,the main walk was completely thronged1 and presented the appearance of the ,mall at high tide1 while all the boxes and alcoves were filled with persons discussing bowls of punch1 plates of ham1 chickens1 salads1 and other good things4 ,the band in the orchestra was excellent1 and the lively airs and symphonies added to the excitement and spirit of the scene4 ,mr4 ,cripps created a great sensation4 ,many persons thought they had seen him before1 but no one could tell who he was4 ,meanwhile1 the object of this attention continued to dispense his bows and smiles1 flourished his clouded cane1 tapped his magnificent snuff-box1 and after astonishing all the beholders with his coxcombry1 glided off with his companion into one of the side walks4 ,he had scarcely disappeared1 when ,lady ,brabazon and her party entered the main walk4 ,her ladyship led her little spaniel by its string1 and was attended on one side by the beau1 and on the other by ,trussell4 ,behind them walked ,clementina1 who had contrived to allure ,randulph from her mother1 and to attach him to her1 while on the young man's left walked ,sir ,singleton ,spinke4 ,everybody whom ,mr4 ,villiers encountered told him of the prodigious beau who had just been seen on the walk--,lord ,effingham1 ,major ,burrowes1 ,lord ,dyneover1 ,sir ,john ,fagg--all described him4 #8,who the devil is he8' cried ,villiers4 #8,haven't the least idea1' replied ,sir ,john ,fagg4 #8,but ,i'll speak to him1 if ,i meet him again4 ,he's your very double1 ,villiers4 ,i'll swear he has employed ,desmartins to make him a suit precisely like your own4' #8,has he8' cried the beau indignantly--#8,then ,i'll never employ a rascally ,frenchman again6 and what is more1 ,i won't pay him his bill4' ,the same thing was told him by twenty other persons1 and the beau looked anxiously round for his personator1 but was for some time unable to discern him4 ,meanwhile1 ,mr4 ,cripps had sought this secluded walk to give him an opportunity of making a declaration to the widow1 and though he was not positively accepted he was not decidedly refused1--the lady only asking time to consider over the proposal4 ,the audacious valet was on his knees1 and rapturously kissing her hand1 vowing he would never rise till he received a favourable answer to his suit1 when two persons were seen approaching1 whom1 to his infinite mortification and surprise1 he recognised as ,abel ,beechcroft and his uncle1 ,mr4 ,jukes4 #8,we are interrupted1 my charmer6' he cried1 getting up1 with a countenance of angry dismay4 #8,let us return to the public promenade4 ,you won't refuse me8 ,i shall kill myself1 #8pon rep1 if you do4' #8,i'll think of it1 ,mr4 ,willars1' said ,mrs4 ,nettleship1 twirling her fan4 #8,but it would be a dreadful thing if ,i was to break my engagement to ,mr4 ,rathbone6' #8,oh6 curse ,mr4 ,rathbone6 ,i'll cut his throat6' cried ,mr4 ,cripps1 glancing anxiously down the walk4 ,but unfortunately there was no outlet at the lower end1 and he was compelled to turn and face the intruders4 ,he looked also to the right and left1 but on neither side was there an alcove into which he could retreat4 ,nothing was left for it but impudence1 and luckily for him1 this quality seldom deserted him at a pinch4 ,putting on his boldest manner1 he strutted gaily1 and with affected nonchalance1 towards ,abel and his uncle1 who1 as he advanced1 stepped a little aside to look at him4 ,illustration3 #jccj #8,why1 as ,i live6' cried ,abel1 #8that's ,mr4 ,villiers's valet--your nephew1 ,jukes4' #8,lord save us6 so it is1' cried ,mr4 ,jukes1 lifting up his hands in astonishment4 #8,why1 ,crackenthorpe1 what are you doing here--and in your master's clothes8' #8,truce to your jests1 old fellow1' said ,mr4 ,cripps1 waving him off1 #8and let me pass4' #8,what6 disown your uncle6' cried ,mr4 ,jukes angrily1 #8and in the presence of his worthy master6 ,the rascal would deny his own father4 ,pay me the ten crowns you borrowed yesterday4' #8,la6 ,mr4 ,willars1 what's the meaning of all this8' asked ,mrs4 ,nettleship4 #8,pon my soul1 my angel1 ,i don't know1 unless the old hunks has been drinking1' replied ,mr4 ,cripps4 #8,the #8rack punch has evidently got into his head1 and made him mistake one person for another4' #8',rack punch6' cried ,mr4 ,jukes furiously4 #8,i haven't tasted a drop6 ,you call him ,mr4 ,willars1 ma'am1' he added to ,mrs4 ,nettleship4 #8,he's deceiving you1 ma'am4 ,he's not ,mr4 ,willars--he's ,mr4 ,willars's gentleman--his valet4' #8,a truce to this folly1 you superannuated old dolt6' cried ,mr4 ,cripps1 raising his cane1 #8or ,i'll chastise you4' #8,chastise me6' exclaimed the butler angrily4 #8,touch me1 if you dare1 rascal2 ,crackenthorpe1 ,crackenthorpe--you'll certainly be hanged4' #8,let him alone1 ,jukes1' interposed ,abel4 #8,he'll meet his master at the corner of the walk1 and ,i should like to see how he'll carry it off4' ,taking advantage of the interference1 ,mr4 ,cripps passed on with his inamorata1 who was as anxious to escape from the scene as himself2 while ,abel and ,mr4 ,jukes followed them at a short distance4 ,it fell out as ,abel had foreseen4 ,as ,mr4 ,cripps issued into the broad walk1 right before him1 and not many yards off1 were his master and ,lady ,brabazon1 together with the rest of the party4 ,if the valet ever had need of assurance1 it was now4 ,but though ready to sink into the earth1 he was true to himself1 and exhibited no outward signs of discomposure4 ,on the contrary1 he drew forth his snuff-box1 took a pinch in his airiest manner1 and said to ,mrs4 ,nettleship--#8,there's ,lady ,brabazon--accounted one of the finest women of the day1 but upon my soul1 she's not to be compared with you4' ,with this he made a profound salutation to ,lady ,brabazon1 who looked petrified with astonishment1 and kissed his hand to ,trussell1 who was ready to die with laughing4 ,as to the beau1 he grasped his cane in a manner that plainly betokened his intention of laying it across his valet's shoulders4 ,but the latter1 divining his intention1 and seeing that nothing but a bold manoeuvre could now save him1 strutted up to him1 and said in a loud voice--#8,ah6 my dear fellow--how d'ye do8--glad to see you--plenty of company'--adding1 in a lower tone--#8for ,heaven's sake1 sir1 don't mar my fortune4 ,i'm about to be married to that lady1 sir--large fortune1 sir--to-day will decide it--#8pon rep6' ,mr4 ,villiers regarded him in astonishment1 mixed with some little admiration2 and at length his good-nature got the better of his anger4 #8,well1 get you gone instantly1' he said2 #8if ,i find you in the gardens in ten minutes from this time1 you shall have the caning you merit4' #8,good day1 sir1' replied ,mr4 ,cripps--#8,i'll not forget the favour4' ,and with a profound bow1 he moved away with the widow4 #8,and so you have let him off8' cried ,lady ,brabazon1 in amazement4 #8,upon my soul1 ,i couldn't help it1' replied the beau4 #8,i've a fellow-feeling for the rascal--and1 egad1 all things considered1 he has played his part so uncommonly well1 that ,i hope he may be successful4' ,,day ,,masquerade ,,in ,,ranelagh ,,gardens ,and now1 before entering ,ranelagh1 it may be proper to offer a word as to its history4 ,alas for the changes and caprices of fashion6 ,this charming place of entertainment1 the delight of our grandfathers and grandmothers1 the boast of the metropolis1 the envy of foreigners1 the renowned in song and story1 the paradise of hoops and wigs1 is vanished1--numbered with the things that were6--and we fear there is little hope of its revival4 ,ranelagh1 it is well known1 derived its designation from a nobleman of the same name1 by whom the house was erected1 and the gardens1 esteemed the most beautiful in the kingdom1 originally laid out4 ,its situation adjoined the ,royal ,hospital at ,chelsea1 and the date of its erection was #afij-a4 ,ranelagh ,house1 on the death of the earl in #agab1 passed into the possession of his daughter1 ,lady ,catherine ,jones2 but was let1 about twenty years afterwards1 to two eminent builders1 who relet it to ,lacy1 afterwards patentee of ,drury ,lane ,theatre1 and commonly called ,gentleman ,lacy1 by whom it was taken with the intention of giving concerts and breakfasts within it1 on a scale far superior1 in point of splendour and attraction1 to any that had been hitherto attempted4 ,in #agda the premises were sold by ,lacy to ,messrs4 ,crispe and ,meyonnet for #djjj1 and the rotunda was erected in the same year by subscription4 ,from this date the true history of ,ranelagh may be said to commence4 ,it at once burst into fashion1 and its entertainments being attended by persons of the first quality1 crowds flocked in their train1 shortly after its opening1 ,mr4 ,crispe became the sole lessee2 and in spite of the brilliant success of the enterprise1 shared the fate of most lessees of places of public amusement1 being declared bankrupt in #agdd4 ,the property was then divided into thirty shares1 and so continued until ,ranelagh was closed4 ,the earliest entertainments of ,ranelagh were morning concerts1 consisting chiefly of oratorios1 produced under the direction of ,michael ,festing1 the leader of the band2 but evening concerts were speedily introduced1 the latter1 it may be mentioned1 to show the difference of former fashionable hours from the present1 commencing at half-past five1 and concluding at nine4 ,thus it began1 but towards its close1 the gayest visitors to ,ranelagh went at midnight1 just as the concerts were finishing1 and remained there till three or four in the morning4 ,in #aged the fashionable world were drawn to ,ranelagh by a series of amusements called ,comus's ,court2 and notwithstanding their somewhat questionable title1 the revels were conducted with great propriety and decorum4 ,a procession which was introduced was managed with great effect1 and several mock ,italian duets were sung with remarkable spirit4 ,almost to its close1 ,ranelagh retained its character of being the finest place of public entertainment in ,europe1 and to the last the rotunda was the wonder and delight of every beholder4 ,the coup-d'oeil of the interior of this structure was extraordinarily striking1 and impressed all who beheld it for the first time with surprise4 ,it was circular in form1 and exactly one hundred and fifty feet in diameter4 ,round the lower part of the building ran a beautiful arcade1 the intervals between each arch being filled up by alcoves4 ,over this was a gallery with a balustrade1 having entrances from the exterior1 and forming a sort of upper boxes4 ,above the gallery was a range of round-headed windows1 between each of which was a carved figure supporting the roof1 and forming the terminus of the column beneath4 ,at first1 the orchestra was placed in the centre of the amphitheatre1 but being found exceedingly inconvenient1 as well as destructive of the symmetry of the building in that situation1 it was removed to the side4 ,it contained a stage capable of accommodating thirty or forty chorus singers4 ,the original site of the orchestra was occupied by a large chimney1 having four faces enclosed in a beautifully proportioned1 hollow1 hexagonal column1 with arched openings at the sides1 and a balustrade at the base4 ,richly moulded1 and otherwise ornamented with appropriate designs1 this enormous column had a charming effect1 and gave a peculiar character to the whole amphitheatre4 ,a double range of large chandeliers descended from the ceiling2 others were placed within the column above mentioned1 and every alcove had its lamp4 ,when all these chandeliers and lamps were lighted1 the effect was wonderfully brilliant4 ,illustration3 #jcdj ,the external diameter of the rotunda was one hundred and eighty-five feet4 ,it was surrounded on the outside by an arcade similar to that within1 above which ran a gallery with a roof supported by pillars1 and defended by a balustrade4 ,the main entrance was a handsome piece of architecture1 with a wide1 round1 arched gate in the centre1 and a lesser entrance at either side4 ,on the left of the rotunda stood the ,earl of ,ranelagh's old mansion1 a structure of some magnitude1 but with little pretensions to beauty1 being built in the formal ,dutch taste of the time of ,william of ,orange4 ,on the right1 opposite the mansion1 was a magnificent conservatory1 with great pots of aloes in front4 ,in a line with the conservatory1 and the side entrance of the rotunda1 stretched out a long and beautiful canal1 in the midst of which stood a ,chinese fishing temple1 approached by a bridge4 ,on either side of the canal were broad gravel walks1 and alleys shaded by lines of trees1 and separated by trimly clipped hedges4 ,the gardens were exquisitely arranged with groves1 bowers1 statues1 temples1 wildernesses1 and shady retreats4 ,though ,lady ,brabazon's carriage was within a hundred yards of the entrance of ,ranelagh when ,mr4 ,cripps and his party passed it1 owing to the crowd and confusion it was nearly a quarter of an hour in setting down4 ,before getting out1 the whole party put on their masks2 and ,lady ,brabazon wrapped herself in a yellow silk domino4 ,trussell took charge of ,clementina1 and her ladyship fell to ,randulph's care4 ,it was yet extremely early1 but the crowd was prodigious1--many hundred persons being assembled in the area before the entrance to the rotunda4 ,at least a thousand others were dispersed within the gardens1 for the rotunda was not opened till the evening2 and it was afterwards computed that more than four thousand persons attended the masquerade4 ,at the entrance1 ,lady ,brabazon and her daughter were joined by ,beau ,villiers1 ,sir ,bulkeley ,price1 and ,firebras1 ,sir ,singleton ,spinke having disappeared4 ,randulph had already been more than once at ,ranelagh1 but it was only to attend the ordinary concerts1 and never having seen a masquerade1 he was extraordinarily struck with the spectacle presented to him4 ,most of the characters were grotesquely dressed1 as was the taste of the time1 for it was not a period when the niceties of costume were understood or regarded2 still1 the general effect was admirable4 ,a ,may-pole1 surmounted by a crown1 with long ribands dangling from it1 was planted in front of the conservatory1 and several dancers were chasing each other round it1 while lively strains were played by a band of musicians beside them4 ,other and less melodious sounds were heard4 ,now a drummer would go by1 beating a rub-a-dub enough to deafen every listener4 ,then came the vile scraping of a fiddle1 or the shrill notes of a fife4 ,the shouts1 the laughter1 the cries of all kinds baffled description1 and equally vain would it be to attempt any delineation of the motley assemblage4 ,it consisted of persons of all countries1 all periods1 and all ranks1 for the most part oddly enough jumbled together4 ,a pope in his tiara would be conversing with a ,jew2 a grave lawyer in his gown and wig had a milk-girl under his arm2 a highland chief in his full equipments escorted a nun2 a doge in his splendid habiliments was jesting with a common sailor1 with a thick stick under his arm4 ,but frolic and fun everywhere prevailed2 and to judge from the noise1 everybody seemed to be merry4 ,no one could escape from the tricks and jests of the buffoons with whom the crowd abounded4 ,the humour of the last century was eminently practical2 cuffs and kicks were liberally dealt around1 and returned in kind2 and whenever a sounding blow was heard1 it elicited shouts of laughter like those that are heard at the feigned knocks in a pantomime4 ,the clowns1 punches1 pierrots1 doctors1 and harlequins1 of whom there were several besides our friend1 ,mr4 ,cripps1 were the chief creators of this kind of merriment4 ,while ,randulph1 greatly diverted by all he saw1 was gazing around1 a few words pronounced by a voice whose tones thrilled to his heart caught his ear4 ,he turned1 and saw close behind him1 attended by a tall personage1 whose stiffness left no doubt as to its being ,sir ,norfolk ,salusbury1 a beautiful female mask1 whose snowy skin and dark streaming ringlets would have told him1 if his heart had not informed him of the fact1 that it was ,hilda1 but before he could summon resolution to address her1 she had passed by2 and ,lady ,brabazon1 who had likewise heard the voice and recognised the speaker1 dragged him in the opposite direction towards the ,may-pole4 ,he looked eagerly backwards1 but the fair mask was lost amid the throng1 nor could he even discern the tall figure of ,sir ,norfolk4 ,,randulph ,,and ,,hilda ,,dancing ,,in ,,the ,,rotunda ,,at ,,ranelagh ,,gardens ,some hours passed on in this way1 and ,randulph was still held in bondage4 ,at length the rotunda was opened4 ,of course1 the royal party was ceremoniously ushered in1 in the first place2 but immediately afterwards crowds poured-in1 and the whole area of the amphitheatre1 together with the boxes and gallery above1 were filled with company4 ,what with the innumerable lights1 and the extraordinary variety of dresses1 the whole scene had a most brilliant effect4 ,there was an excellent band in the orchestra1 and a concert was commenced1 but little attention was paid to it by the assemblage1 who continued promenading round and round the amphitheatre--laughing and talking loudly with each other4 ,as soon as the concert was over1 the loud blowing of a horn attracted general observation to a platform near the central column1 on which the quack doctor and his attendant were stationed--the latter of whom began dispensing his medicines1 and vaunting their efficacy1 in a highly ludicrous manner4 ,this and other entertainments consumed the time till ten o'clock2 before which1 however1 a magnificent supper was served to the royal party in a private refreshment room4 ,a bell was then rung1 to announce that a grand display of fireworks was about to take place1 and the company hurried to the outer galleries and to the gardens to witness the exhibition4 ,much confusion ensued1 and amidst it1 the fair ,thomasine1 somehow or other1 got separated from her party4 ,the little barber was almost frantic4 ,he rushed hither and thither among the crowd1 calling for her by name1 and exciting general ridicule4 ,at last1 in an agony of despair1 he stationed himself near the scaffold where the fireworks were placed2 and when the first signal-rocket ascended1 he perceived her pretty face turned upwards at a little distance from him4 ,she was standing near the trees with the old beau1 whose transports at his enviable situation were somewhat disturbed by the descent of a heavy rocket-stick on his head4 ,at this juncture the little barber reached his truant mistress1 and forcing her from ,sir ,singleton1 placed her rounded arm under his own1 and held it fast4 #8,oh1 dear1 how glad ,i am to see you1' said the naughty little ,thomasine1 for #8fair' she does not deserve to be called2 #8we've been looking for you everywhere'--7here she told a sad story74 #8,that odious old beau has been trying to persuade me to run away with him4 ,he offers to settle--,i don't know what--upon me1 and to make me ,lady ,spinke4' #8,and why don't you accept his offer8' said the barber1 in an ecstasy of jealous rage4 #8,because ,i'm engaged1 and engagements with me are sacred things1' replied the fair ,thomasine theatrically1 yet tenderly4 #8,but do look at that beautiful wheel4' ,the fireworks were really splendid4 ,flights of rockets soared into the skies2 magnificent wheels performed their mutations2 star-pieces poured forth their radiant glories2 maroon batteries resounded2 ,chinese fountains filled the air with glittering showers2 pots-des-aigrettes1 pots-des-brins1 and pots-des-saucis-sons discharged their stars1 serpents1 and crackers2 yew-trees burnt with brilliant fire2 water-rockets turned the canal to flame2 fire-balloons ascended2 and a grand car with flaming wheels1 drawn by sea-horses snorting fire1 and containing a figure of ,neptune1 which1 traversed the whole length of the canal1 and encircled the ,chinese temple--the bridge being removed to make way for it--and finally exploded1 scattering serpents and crackers in every direction1 concluded the exhibition1 amid the general plaudits of the assemblage4 ,darkness for a few minutes enveloped the crowd1 during which a few cries were heard in timid female tones2 but the lamps were as soon as possible lighted1 and the majority of the assemblage returned to the rotunda1 where they repaired to the alcoves1 and many a bowl of punch was emptied1 many a bottle of champagne quaffed2 after which dancing was resumed with greater spirit than ever4 ,mr4 ,rathbone gave a capital supper to his party1 in which the old beau contrived to get himself included4 ,he contrived also to sit near the fair ,thomasine1 and pledged her so often and so deeply that he fell beneath the table4 ,here he was left by the others1 and a minuet being struck up1 ,mr4 ,cripps offered his hand to the widow1 and led her forth to dance2 while ,mr4 ,rathbone1 greatly exhilarated by the punch he had drunk1 stood by1 laughing at them ready to split his sides2 and the little barber took the opportunity of their being left alone together1 to reprove the fair ,thomasine for her improper conduct towards the old beau during supper4 ,liberated by the departure of the ,prince of ,wales1 who quitted the gardens on the conclusion of the fireworks1 ,randulph immediately returned to the rotunda1 in the hope of finding ,hilda still there4 ,he had scarcely entered it when he perceived ,firebras at supper by himself in one of the alcoves1 and instantly joined him4 #8,she is still here1' said ,firebras1 #8and as soon as ,i have finished my supper ,i will take you to her4 ,there would be no use in going now1 for ,sir ,norfolk has only just ordered supper1 and ,i can merely introduce you as a partner for a dance4 ,sit down1 and take a glass of champagne4' ,randulph declined the latter offer1 and was obliged to control his impatience until ,firebras thought fit to rise4 ,crossing the amphitheatre1 they proceeded to an alcove1 in which ,sir ,norfolk and ,hilda were seated1 and ,firebras1 bowing to the old knight1 said-- #8,sir ,norfolk1 permit me to have the honour of presenting the friend ,i mentioned some hours ago to your fair charge4 ,miss ,scarve1' he added1 after a significant look at ,hilda1 #8this gentleman wishes to have the honour of dancing a minuet with you4 ,i am sorry there is no time for a more ceremonious introduction to yourself1 ,sir ,norfolk1 but the musicians are striking up the dance4' ,illustration3 #jcdh ,upon this ,hilda arose1 and tendered her hand1 with some trepidation1 to ,randulph1 who1 with a breast thrilling with joyful emotion1 led her to the open space cleared for the dancers1 and part of which was already occupied1 as before related1 by ,mr4 ,cripps and the widow4 ,no time was allowed ,randulph to hazard a word to his partner4 ,scarcely were they placed when the minuet commenced4 ,the grace with which they performed this charming1 though formal dance1 excited the admiration of all the beholders1 and contrasted strongly with the exaggerated style in which it was executed by ,mr4 ,cripps and ,mrs4 ,nettleship4 ,indeed1 a better foil--had such been desired--could not have been found than the two latter personages presented4 ,sir ,norfolk planted himself on one side to view the dance1 and there was unwonted elation in his countenance as he witnessed the graceful movements of his fair cousin and her partner4 ,trussell in his ,turkish dress was among the spectators2 and not far from him stood ,cardwell ,firebras4 ,there were two other personages1 also1 who watched the dance1 but who regarded it with other sentiments than those of satisfaction4 ,these were ,lady ,brabazon and ,beau ,villiers4 #8,so you see1 ,villiers1 notwithstanding all your scheming1 he has contrived to dance with her1' said the former4 #8,he has1' replied the beau1 partly removing his mask1 and displaying a countenance inflamed with passion--#8but he has not exchanged a word with her1 and ,i will take care he shall not exchange one4' #8,you are desperately in love with this girl1 ,villiers1' said ,lady ,brabazon angrily4 #8,i thought it was her fortune merely you aimed at4' #8,i have been foiled1 and that has piqued me1' replied ,villiers4 #8,le jeu ne vaut pas la chandelle1' rejoined ,lady ,brabazon4 #8,after the failure of your attempt to carry her off1 ,i wonder you will persevere4' #8,hush6' exclaimed the beau4 #8,some one may overhear us4 ,i would have carried her off to-night1 if ,i had known she would have been here4 ,your ladyship ought to be obliged to me for the trouble ,i am taking4 ,i shall remove your rival1 and you will then have young ,crew entirely to yourself4 ,and now to put ,sir ,norfolk on his guard4' ,with this1 he passed on to the ,welsh baronet1 and addressed him4 ,the latter bowed stiffly in return1 and approached nearer the dancers2 and while ,hilda was curtseying to her partner at the close of the minuet1 he took her hand and led her away4 ,the young man would have followed them1 but ,cardwell ,firebras came up1 and arrested him4 #8,it won't do1' he said2 #8,villiers has told the old baronet who you are4 ,i must go after him instantly1 and make some excuse for my share in the matter1 or ,i shall have to cross swords with him to-morrow morning4 ,i have done all ,i can for you4 ,goodnight4' ,soon after this1 ,randulph quitted the masquerade with ,trussell4 ,with some difficulty a boat was procured to convey them home4 ,finding his nephew in no mood for conversation1 ,trussell1 who was rather tired1 and moreover had drunk a good deal of punch and champagne1 disposed himself to slumber1 nor did he awake till they reached ,lambeth ,stairs4 ,another boat had just landed1 and two persons in dominos marched before them in the very direction they were going4 #8,why1 who the deuce have we here8' cried ,trussell1 running forward to overtake the party in advance4 #8,zounds1 brother1 is it you8 ,have you been at the masquerade8' #8,i have1' replied ,abel2 #8and ,i have seen all that has occurred there4' ,,the ,,supper ,,at ,,vauxhall--,,beau ,,villiers's ,,attempt ,,to ,,carry ,,off ,,hilda ,,defeated ,,by ,,randulph ,celebrated throughout ,europe1 and once esteemed the most delightful place of recreation of the kind1 ,vauxhall ,gardens were in existence considerably more than a century4 ,they were first opened with a ridotto al fresco1 about the year #agcj1 and speedily rising to a high reputation1 were enlarged1 and laid out in the most superb manner4 ,a magnificent orchestra1 of ,gothic form1 ornamented with carving and niches1 and provided with a fine organ1 was erected in the midst of the garden4 ,there was likewise a rotunda1 though not of equal dimensions with that of ,ranelagh1 being only seventy feet in diameter1 with a dome-like roof1 supported by four handsome ,ionic columns1 embellished with foliage at the base1 while the shafts were wreathed with a ,gothic balustrade1 representing climbing figures4 ,from the centre depended a magnificent chandelier4 ,a part of the rotunda1 used as a saloon1 was decorated with columns1 between which were paintings by ,hayman4 ,the entrance from the gardens was through a ,gothic portal4 ,moreover1 there were pavillions or alcoves1 ornamented with paintings1 from designs by ,hogarth and ,hayman1 appropriate to the place2 each alcove having a table in it capable of accommodating six or eight persons1 and leading in an extensive sweep to a magnificent piazza1 five hundred feet in length1 of ,chinese architecture4 ,this semicircle led to a further sweep of pavilions4 ,a noble gravel walk1 nine hundred feet in length1 bordered with lofty trees1 and terminated by a broad lawn1 in which there was a ,gothic obelisk1 faced the entrance4 ,but the enchantment of the gardens commenced with the moment of their illumination1 when upwards of two thousand lamps1 lighted almost simultaneously1 glimmered through the green leaves of the trees1 and shed their radiance on the fairy scene around4 ,this was the grand charm of ,vauxhall4 ,one of its minor attractions was a curious piece of machinery representing a miller's house1 a water-wheel1 and a cascade1 which1 at that period of the art1 was thought quite marvellous4 ,there were numberless walks and wildernesses in the grounds1 and most of the vistas were adorned with statues4 ,in one of them1 at a date a little posterior to this history1 was a statue of ,handel as ,orpheus holding a lyre4 ,it was nearly ten o'clock when ,randulph reached the gardens4 ,he proceeded along the grand walk1 which was brilliantly illuminated1 and filled with company1 as far as the obelisk1 but he could see nothing of ,sir ,norfolk or ,hilda4 ,he then turned into one of the side walks1 and approached the orchestra1 in front of which stood ,kitty ,conway1 preparing to sing4 ,she instantly detected him1 and made a slight movement of recognition4 ,as he passed the range of alcoves beneath the orchestra1 he perceived ,jacob1 who instantly came towards him4 #8,i've found it all out1' said the porter--#8,i knew ,i should4 ,mr4 ,willars is the contriver of the plot4 ,he means to carry off ,miss ,hilda1 and has engaged a coach for that purpose1 which is stationed at the back o' the gardens4 ,luckily1 the coachman is a friend o' mine1 and it's through him ,i've detected the scheme4' #8,but where is your mistress8' cried ,randulph4 #8,there1' replied ,jacob1 pointing to a party seated at supper beneath the grove of trees in front of the orchestra4 #8,i see1' replied ,randulph4 #8,by ,heaven6' he cried1 #8,mr4 ,villiers is coming this way4 ,two persons stop him4 ,as ,i live1 one of them is his valet1 and the other ,captain ,culpepper1 a fellow whom my uncle ,trussell told me was a sort of bravo1 and would cut any man's throat for hire4 ,doubtless they are planning the abduction4 #8,you may take your oath of it1' replied ,jacob4 #8,i'll manage to get near #8em unobserved4 ,come back to this place when they separate1 and you shall know all4' ,so saying1 he slouched his hat over his eyes1 and mingling with the crowd1 got within ear-shot of the beau1 who1 as has been intimated1 was addressing ,captain ,culpepper and ,mr4 ,cripps4 ,illustration3 #jcef ,randulph1 meanwhile1 felt irresistibly drawn towards the table where ,hilda was seated1 and as he kept behind the trees1 he was not noticed by the party1 though he was noticed by ,kitty ,conway1 from the orchestra1 who1 guessing his intention1 was so much agitated1 that1 for the first time in her professional career1 she made some false notes in her singing4 ,hilda's seat was placed against a tree4 ,on her right was ,sir ,norfolk ,salusbury2 and on the right of the baronet1 ,lady ,brabazon2 next her ladyship was a vacant chair--no doubt just quitted by ,beau ,villiers2 then came ,lady ,fazakerly2 then ,sir ,bulkeley ,price2 and lastly1 ,clementina ,brabazon1 who occupied the seat on the left of the miser's daughter4 ,partly screened by the tree against which ,hilda was seated1 ,randulph bent forward1 and breathed her name in the gentlest accents4 ,hilda heard the whisper1 and looking round1 beheld the speaker4 ,how much may be conveyed in a glance6 ,she read the intensity of his passion and the depth of his devotion in his eyes1 and for the first time returned his gaze with a look of kindness1 almost of tenderness2 ,randulph was transported2 he could not resist the impulse that prompted him to advance and take her hand1 which she unresistingly yielded to him4 ,all this was the work of a minute2 but the action had not been unobserved1 either by ,kitty ,conway or ,lady ,brabazon4 ,both had felt a similar pang of jealousy1 but revenge instantly occurred to the latter4 ,while ,randulph was in the act of raising ,hilda's hand to his lips1 she touched ,sir ,norfolk's arm1 and1 pointing in the direction of the lovers1 whispered1 #8,look there6' ,sir ,norfolk arose1 and in a stern and peremptory voice1 said to the young man1 #8,set free that lady's hand1 sir6' #8,not unless she chooses to withdraw it1' replied ,randulph4 #8,i am wholly to blame for this1 ,sir ,norfolk1' said ,hilda1 withdrawing her hand1 and blushing deeply4 #8,you are pleased to say so1 ,miss ,scarve1' returned ,sir ,norfolk2 #8but the young man has been guilty of a great indecorum1 and ,i shall call him to a strict account for it4' #8,i shall be ready to answer the call whenever you please1 ,sir ,norfolk1' rejoined ,randulph4 #8,but this is not the place for menaces4 ,you will do well to look after your charge4' #8,i shall take care to keep off impertinents like you1' replied ,sir ,norfolk4 #8,better guard her against other dangers1 which require more penetration than you care to practise1' retorted ,randulph4 #8,i have only one answer to make to such insolence1' said ,sir ,norfolk1 #8and that shall be given to-morrow4 ,you shall hear from me1 ,mr4 ,crew4' #8,as soon as you please1 ,sir ,norfolk1' replied ,randulph4 #8,for my sake1 ,mr4 ,crew1' interposed ,hilda1 #8let this quarrel go no further4 ,i have been the innocent cause of it4 ,promise me it shall not4' #8,i would willingly obey you in anything1 ,miss ,scarve1' replied ,randulph2 #8but in this case it is not in my power4 ,farewell6' ,fixing one passionate look upon her1 he then bowed haughtily to ,sir ,norfolk1 who returned his salutation in kind1 and withdrew4 ,as he walked away1 he encountered ,beau ,villiers1 who was returning from his conference4 ,villiers started on seeing him1 but instantly recovered himself1 and would have addressed him1 but ,randulph turned abruptly away4 #8,what the devil has brought ,randulph ,crew here8' said ,villiers to ,sir ,singleton1 as he joined the party4 #8,i thought he was at ,drury ,lane4' #8,devil knows6' cried the old beau4 #8,but he has made a pretty scene4' ,and he proceeded to relate what had occurred4 ,villiers laughed heartily at the recital4 #8,i hope old ,salusbury will cut his throat1' he said1 in an undertone4 #8,why1 it would be desirable to get him out of the way1 certainly1' replied the old beau4 #8,the women are all mad about him4' #8,especially ,kitty ,conway1' observed ,villiers4 #8,odds life6 this accounts for her having feinted in the orchestra4 ,i wondered what could be the matter with her1 but now ,i understand it4 ,all is prepared1' he added1 in a deep whisper to ,lady ,brabazon4 #8,be careful how you act1' she replied1 in a low tone4 #8,you'll find ,sir ,norfolk dangerous1 and ,randulph ,crew is on the watch4' #8,fear nothing1' he rejoined1 #8,i've taken my measures securely4 ,make towards the dark walk1 and contrive to lead him and the others away4' ,lady ,brabazon nodded4 ,soon after this she arose1 and1 without ceremony1 took ,sir ,norfolk's arm1 while ,villiers very gallantly offered his to ,hilda4 ,the rest of the party paired off in like manner4 ,leading the way in the direction agreed upon1 ,lady ,brabazon expressed a desire to view the scenic representation of the mill and waterfall before mentioned1 which was exhibited in a hollow of the great walk2 and they proceeded towards it4 ,hilda was much displeased by the assiduities of her companion1 and she could not help remarking that he contrived1 on various pretences1 to linger behind the rest of the party1 and though she repeatedly urged him to rejoin them1 he always made some excuse for not doing so4 ,at last1 on pausing longer than usual1 they quite lost sight of them1 and were hurrying forward at ,hilda's urgent request1 when1 as they passed one of the side vistas1 ,mr4 ,cripps1 who was standing at the end of it1 advanced towards his master4 #8,fortunately encountered1 sir1' said the valet1 bowing2 #8,lady ,brabazon sent me to look for you1 to tell you that she and the party are gone down a walk on the left to see a fine painting in the ,chinese pavilion at the end of it4 ,with your permission1 ,i'll show you the way4' #8,oh1 yes1 let us go to them1 by all means1' said ,hilda unsuspectingly4 #8,lead on1 then6' cried the beau1 scarcely able to conceal his satisfaction at the success of the scheme4 ,a few steps brought them to the end of a narrow walk1 arched over by trees1 the branches of which were so thickly interlaced1 that the moonlight could not penetrate through them4 ,alarmed by its appearance1 ,hilda drew back4 #8,how thoughtless of ,sir ,norfolk to leave me thus6' she exclaimed4 #8,why1 you are surely not afraid of accompanying me down this walk1 ,miss ,scarve1' laughed the beau4 #8,my valet is with us1 and shall protect you4 ,the ,chinese pavilion is not more than a hundred yards off2 and the walk1 though dark1 is not solitary4' ,fancying she perceived some persons within it1 ,hilda suffered herself to be led on2 but she had not advanced many steps when all her uneasiness returned1 and she bitterly regretted having assented4 ,but it was too late4 ,the beau's grasp had tightened upon her arm1 and he drew her quickly forward1 while ,mr4 ,cripps proceeded at the same rapid pace4 ,once or twice1 she thought she heard footsteps behind her1 and almost fancied she could distinguish a figure walking near them1 but she did not dare to express her terrors4 ,they had proceeded1 so for as she could judge1 about a hundred yards1 when a sudden turn in the walk disclosed a low hedge2 beyond was the open country bathed in moonlight4 ,coming to a sudden halt1 the beau said1 in a hurried1 but imperative tone-- #8,miss ,scarve1 ,i love you to desperation1 and am determined to make you mine4 ,you are now in my power1 and must accompany me4' #8,never1' replied ,hilda resolutely4 #8,and ,i command you to release me4' ,she would have screamed for help1 if ,villiers1 who grasped her more tightly1 had not taken out his handkerchief1 and1 placing it over her mouth1 prevented her cries4 ,while this was passing1 ,captain ,culpepper emerged from the trees1 and hastened with ,mr4 ,cripps towards him4 #8,bravo1 sir1' cried the captain4 #8,all goes well this time4 ,we'll have her in the coach in a twinkling4' #8,not so fast1 villains6' thundered ,randulph1 rushing forward4 #8,i have allowed you to go thus far to see to what lengths your villainy would carry you4 ,but you shall pay dearly for it4' ,as he spoke1 he rushed to the beau1 and snatching ,hilda from him1 dashed him backwards with such force that he fell upon the ground4 ,another person likewise came to the rescue4 ,this was ,jacob1 who1 brandishing his cudgel1 hurried to the scene of action4 ,on seeing him the valet whipped out his blade1 but it was beaten from his grasp1 and he only avoided a terrible blow from the cudgel by a nimble leap aside4 ,without waiting for a second blow1 he plunged into the wood1 and made his escape4 ,captain ,culpepper fared no better4 ,before he could draw his sword1 he received a blow on the head that stretched him senseless and bleeding on the ground4 ,hilda1 meantime1 had murmured her thanks to her deliverer1 who felt1 as he pressed her to his bosom1 that the whole of his previous anxiety was more than repaid by the unutterable joy of the moment4 #8,hilda6' he cried passionately1 #8,i would risk a thousand lives for you4 ,forgive me if1 at this moment1 ,i dare to ask if ,i may hope8' ,she murmured a faint response in the affirmative4 #8,i am the happiest of men6' cried ,randulph1 transported with delight4 #8,alas6' exclaimed ,hilda1 #8my avowal can give you little happiness4 ,i can never be yours4' #8,there you speak truth6' cried ,villiers1 who by this time had regained his feet1 and furiously approached them4 #8,you never shall be his4' #8,this is the leader of the gang6' cried ,jacob1 who having just disposed of ,captain ,culpepper1 now rushed towards the beau1 brandishing his cudgel in a formidable manner4 #8,i'll soon settle him4' #8,leave him alone1 ,jacob1' cried ,randulph authoritatively2 #8his punishment belongs to me4' #8,you're wrong1 sir1' rejoined ,jacob1 #8but ,i shan't disobey you4 ,he doesn't deserve to be treated like a gen'l'man4' #8,oblige me by stepping aside for a moment1 ,mr4 ,crew6' said the beau1 with forced politeness4 ,and as ,randulph complied1 added--#8,i shall expect satisfaction for the injury you have here done me4' #8,i might well refuse it1' replied ,randulph2 #8but ,i am too eager for vengeance myself to do so4 ,you shall have the satisfaction you seek as soon as you please4' #8,to-morrow morning1 then1 at the earliest hour--at five--in ,tothill ,fields1' said ,villiers4 #8,i will be there1' replied ,randulph4 ,and1 quitting the beau1 he rejoined ,hilda1 to whom he offered his arm4 ,they walked down the avenue together1 ,jacob following close beside them4 ,hilda allowed her hand to remain in his1 while he poured the warmest protestations of attachment into her ear4 ,she did not attempt to check him2 and perhaps it would be difficult to say which of the two felt the most regret when that brief dream of happiness was ended1 as they emerged into the lighted vista4 ,almost immediately on entering the great walk1 they met ,sir ,norfolk and ,lady ,brabazon and the rest of the party4 ,her ladyship was at first greatly confused at seeing ,randulph1 but she instantly guessed what had happened1 and tried to put a good face on the matter4 ,advancing to ,hilda1 she hastily inquired what had happened2 but the latter turned coldly from her1 and taking the arm of ,sir ,norfolk ,salusbury1 desired to be led home4 #8,your ladyship is perfectly aware of the peril in which ,i have been placed1' she said4 #8,but ,i have been delivered from it by the courage and address of ,mr4 ,crew4' #8,before you go1 ,miss ,scarve1' said ,lady ,brabazon1 #8,i beseech you to give me some explanation of what has happened4' #8,it must suffice1 then1 to say1 that ,mr4 ,villiers has attempted to carry me off1' replied ,hilda--#8but his purpose has been defeated4' #8,what is this ,i hear8' cried ,sir ,norfolk4 #8,mr4 ,villiers guilty of so base an attempt8 ,i will go in search of him instantly6' #8,i have undertaken the punishment of ,mr4 ,villiers's offence1 sir1' said ,randulph4 #8,you have an account to settle with me yourself1 sir1' rejoined ,sir ,norfolk sternly4 #8,i will settle it at five o'clock to-morrow morning1 in ,tothill ,fields1' replied ,randulph1 in a low tone1 #8after ,i have arranged with ,mr4 ,villiers4' #8,be it so1' replied ,sir ,norfolk4 ,and he strode off with ,hilda1 followed by ,jacob2 while ,randulph1 without staying to exchange a word with ,lady ,brabazon1 walked away in the opposite direction4 ,,the ,,duel ,,in ,,tothill ,,fields1 ,,westminster ,it was a fresh and beautiful morning1 though the sun was scarcely risen1 and a thin silvery mist hung like a veil over the smooth surface of the water4 ,two or three watermen were lying asleep in their tilts1 and they roused one of them1 who speedily rowed them to the opposite bank1 near which they found ,mr4 ,hewitt1 with two brace of swords under his arm1 in addition to the one by his side1 accompanied by a tall stout man1 with a red face1 dressed in a well-powdered wig1 and a suit of purple velvet1 and carrying a gold-headed cane1 who was introduced as ,mr4 ,molson1 the surgeon4 #8,you look famously1' said the fencing-master to ,randulph4 #8,follow my instructions1 and you're sure to come off victoriously4' ,the party then walked along the ,horseferry ,road1 which speedily brought them to ,tothill ,fields4 ,they were the first on the ground1 and ,mr4 ,hewitt1 after looking about for a short time1 discovered a spot excellently adapted for the encounters4 ,by this time1 the sun having risen1 the morning's early promise of beauty was fully confirmed4 ,the spot selected for the combats commanded a fine view of ,westminster ,abbey1 which reared its massive body and tall towers above a range of mean habitations masking its base4 ,cawing jackdaws in clouds wheeled in the sunny air above its pinnacles4 ,a calmer or more beautiful scene could not be imagined4 ,randulph's reflections were interrupted by the approach of two persons from the left of the fields1 who proved to be ,sir ,norfolk ,salusbury and ,cardwell ,firebras4 ,sir ,norfolk bowed stiffly to ,randulph1 and also to ,trussell1 and seeing that the beau was not arrived1 said to the former1 #8,as ,i am first in the field1 ,i am entitled to the first bout4' #8,i am sorry ,i cannot oblige you1 ,sir ,norfolk1' replied ,randulph2 #8but ,i must give ,mr4 ,villiers priority4' #8,well1 as you please1 sir1' said the baronet1 walking aside4 ,cardwell ,firebras then advanced to ,randulph4 #8,i am here as ,sir ,norfolk's second1' he said2 #8but ,i hope the matter may only serve as a little breathing for you both before breakfast4 ,it is an idle quarrel4 ,we must talk about ,villiers's attempt anon4 ,but here he is4' ,as he spoke1 two chairs were seen approaching from the lower end of the fields4 ,when they came within a hundred yards of the party they stopped1 and from the first issued ,mr4 ,villiers1 and from the other ,sir ,bulkeley ,price4 ,mr4 ,cripps walked by the side of his master's chair1 bearing a water-bottle and a glass4 ,the new-comers advanced slowly towards the party1 and ,mr4 ,villiers1 having bowed with much haughtiness to ,randulph1 gracefully saluted the rest of the company4 #8,have we anything to wait for1 gentlemen8' he asked4 #8,nothing1' replied ,trussell2 #8we are all ready4' #8,to business1 then1' rejoined the beau4 ,at a motion from his master1 ,mr4 ,cripps advanced towards him1 and receiving his clouded cane1 proceeded to divest him of his coat1 leaving him on a light striped silk waistcoat1 with sleeves of the same material4 ,randulph1 meantime1 threw off his upper garment1 and rolled up the shirt sleeve on his right arm4 ,mr4 ,hewitt then stepped up to him1 and gave him the ,german sword he had promised2 while ,mr4 ,villiers received an exquisitely tempered blade from the valet4 ,these preparations made1 the seconds and bystanders fell back a few paces1 ,trussell1 ,firebras1 and ,hewitt standing on one side1 and the two baronets on the other1 while the surgeon stood at a little distance in the rear with ,mr4 ,cripps4 ,advancing towards each other1 the combatants saluted1 and in another moment their blades were crossed1 and several rapid passes exchanged4 ,the spectators watched the conflict with the greatest interest1 for both parties appeared admirably matched1 and the beau's superior skill was counterbalanced by ,randulph's extraordinary vigour and quickness4 ,thrusts were made and parried on both sides1 but not a single hit was given1 until ,randulph1 finding his adversary engaged in tierce with a high point1 made a firm thrust in carte over the arm1 and passed his sword through the fleshy part of the other's shoulder4 ,at this successful hit1 the seconds rushed forward1 but before they reached the spot1 the beau's sword fell from his grasp4 #8,it is nothing1' said ,villiers1 surrendering himself to the surgeon1 who likewise hurried towards him2 #8but ,i acknowledge myself defeated4' ,while the beau's wound was bound up by the surgeon1 and he was led to the chair by ,mr4 ,cripps1 ,sir ,norfolk ,salusbury1 who had been a watchful spectator of the conflict1 stepped forward1 and said to ,randulph-- #8,whatever may be the issue of our encounter1 ,mr4 ,crew1 ,i shall declare that in the combat which has just taken place1 you have conducted yourself like a man of honour and spirit4' #8,i am glad to receive the acknowledgment from you1 ,sir ,norfolk1' replied ,randulph1 bowing4 #8,pray do not hurry yourself on my account1' said the baronet courteously4 #8,i am quite ready for you1' replied ,randulph4 #8,what ,i have gone through has only served to steady my nerves4' ,with the assistance of ,firebras1 who had come over to him1 ,sir ,norfolk then took off his coat1 waistcoat1 and shirt1 and in this state presented so extraordinary an appearance1 that ,randulph could scarcely repress a smile4 ,the punctilious old knight's first step was to deliver his sword to ,mr4 ,hewitt1 who1 on measuring it with that of ,randulph1 found that it exceeded the latter in length by two inches4 ,he therefore gave him one of his own swords1 and ,sir ,norfolk1 beating an appeal with his right foot1 bade his youthful opponent come on4 ,having gone through their salutes with the greatest formality1 they commenced the combat with the utmost caution4 ,sir ,norfolk acted chiefly upon the defensive1 and contented himself almost entirely with parrying the thrusts aimed at him4 ,randulph soon found that he had a formidable antagonist to deal with1 and altering his plan1 tried to compel him to attack him4 ,he made several feints with great dexterity1 and just touched his adversary's breast with an inside thrust in carte1 causing a slight effusion of blood4 ,this had the effect of rousing the old baronet into exertion1 and in his turn he became the assailant4 ,he attacked ,randulph with such force and fury1 that he drove him back several paces4 ,the young man returned to the charge1 and pressed his adversary in his turn1 so that he regained his ground2 but while making a pass in carte1 his sword was turned near the wrist by a dexterous and sudden lunge on the part of the baronet1 whose point entered his side just below the elbow1 and inflicted a severe wound4 ,maddened by the pain1 ,randulph continued to fight desperately1 but the seconds rushed between the combatants1 and interposing their blades1 declared that the strife must terminate1 and that ,sir ,norfolk was the victor4 ,the baronet immediately dropped his sword1 and ,randulph1 whose strength had been fast failing1 fell to the ground insensible4 ,,the ,,discovery ,,of ,,the ,,mysterious ,,packet--,,treats ,,of ,,the ,,miser',s ,,illness1 ,,and ,,of ,,the ,,discovery ,,of ,,the ,,mysterious ,,packet ,,by ,,hilda ,his mind lightened1 apparently1 by what had taken place1 ,mr4 ,scarve remained perfectly quiet during the rest of the day1 and retired early to rest2 but he passed another sleepless night1 and was seized with a new panic about his money4 ,the next day1 finding himself unable to go downstairs1 he ordered ,jacob to bring up all his boxes1 and to place them near him4 ,his fever increasing1 and assuming somewhat the character of an ague1 he consented to have a small fire kept up constantly in his bedroom1 and set his chair close beside it4 ,in addition to his dressing-gown he wrapped an old blanket over his shoulders1 and tried to keep his lower limbs warm by clothing them in a couple of pairs of worsted hose4 ,his bed being totally destitute of hangings1 he had a sheet hung up against the lower end of it to keep off the blaze of the fire1 which he fancied disturbed him during the night4 ,these slight comforts were all he permitted himself1 and he remained as inflexible as ever on the score of medicine and medical advice4 #8,a doctor can do no good1' he said to ,jacob1 who urged him to send for one2 #8if abstinence won't cure a man1 no physic will4' #8,well1 perhaps you're right1 sir1' said ,jacob2 #8but ,i wish you'd think less o' your worldly affairs1 and more o' your sperretual ones4 ,look at that pictur' over your chimney-piece1 and see how ,death is takin' away the covetous man's treasures before his very eyes4 ,it might be intended as a warnin' to you4' ,but he grew daily worse and worse1 and his faculties became more and more enfeebled4 ,he rambled about the house at night1 almost in a state of somnambulism1 muttering strange things about his treasure1 and frequently visiting the cellar where he had buried the chest1 unconscious that it was gone4 ,at such times1 ,jacob constantly followed1 to prevent him from doing himself a mischief1 but took care not to be seen4 ,his groans and lamentations were pitiful to hear1 for he had begun to fancy himself a ruined man1 and not even the sight of his money could assure him to the contrary4 ,it was vain to reason with him4 ,the distressing idea was too strongly impressed upon his mind to be removed4 ,his next whim was to have his boxes opened by ,hilda1 to whom he had entrusted his keys1 and he insisted upon certain deeds and papers being read to him1 the meaning of which he only very imperfectly comprehended4 ,one night1 when seated by the fireside wrapped in his blanket1 and with his feet on a straw hassock1 he desired his daughter to read him some more papers4 ,the fire burnt as cheerily as it could in the starveling grate1 and ,hilda insisting upon having two candles to read by1 there was more light than usual4 ,having got through several mortgages1 leases1 and bonds1 to the innumerable clauses of which he listened in his usual apathetic manner1 he suddenly turned round to her1 and pointing to the strong box which formerly stood under his table in the room downstairs1 signed to her to open it4 ,well aware that this box contained his most private papers1 ,hilda had hitherto avoided meddling with it1 but thus enjoined1 she no longer hesitated4 ,placing it on the table1 therefore1 she took the large bunch of keys1 and soon finding the right one1 unlocked it4 #8,is there anything in particular you wish me to read1 dear father8' she said1 taking out some papers tied together with red tape4 #8,here is a bond for two thousand pounds from ,george ,delahay ,villiers1 ,esquire2 another from ,lady ,brabazon2 and another from ,sir ,bulkeley ,price4 ,shall ,i read any of them8' ,the miser shook his head4 #8,here are several bills1' she continued1 taking up a roll of smaller papers--#8and another bundle of mortgages1 will you hear any of them8' ,,the ,,discovery ,,of ,,the ,,mysterious ,,packet ,the miser shook his head4 ,the movement was almost mechanical with him4 #8,then ,i will go on1' pursued ,hilda4 #8,ah6 what is this letter with the black seal8 ,shall ,i read it8' ,illustration3 #jcge ,the miser made no reply4 ,he was gazing listlessly into the fire1 and watching the wreaths of smoke ascend the chimney with childish delight4 ,hilda1 therefore1 opened the letter1 and found a small memorandum enclosed in it1 which she placed upon the table4 ,trembling with emotion1 she then began to read aloud the following lines3-- #88,old and valued ,friend--,if this should ever meet your eye1 ,i shall have been a year in my grave1 for1 in accordance with our agreement1 it will not be delivered to you until the expiration of that time after my death4 ,the agreement1 ,i need not remind you1 was so formed that in case we should both die within the year1 the contract entered into by us respecting the marriage of our children should be null and void40' ,here ,hilda was startled by a sharp cry from her father1 and looking up1 she saw that he was staring wildly and inquiringly at her4 #8,what are you reading8' he asked4 #8,the letter delivered to you by ,randulph ,crew1' she replied2 #8the letter from his father4' #8,and what business have you to read it8' he cried4 #8,who gave you leave to do so8' #8,having gone so far1 ,i shall go on1' rejoined ,hilda2 and she resumed her reading1 #88now call upon you to fulfil your share of the contract1 and to give your daughter to my son4 ,when we entered into the engagement1 ,i was supposed to be the richer of the two2 but ,i am now sadly reduced1 and if my son fulfils his word1 and gives up the estates to pay my creditors1 he will have little or nothing40' #8,he has nothing--he has nothing6' cried the miser1 #8,i will never give my consent--never6' #88,but under whatever circumstances he may be placed10' said ,hilda1 continuing the letter1 #88whether he gives up the property or not1 ,i call upon you to fulfil your part of the contract1 as ,i would have fulfilled mine1 whatever might have happened to you2 and to make1 as you have agreed to do1 a settlement upon your daughter proportioned to your means40' #8,i made no such agreement6' cried the miser2 #8it is false--false6' 8#8,i enclose a copy of the memorandum10' pursued ,hilda1 still reading2 #88the original1 as you know1 is in the possession of ,cardwell ,firebras4 ,he will see it executed4 ,god so requite you as you shall fulfil your agreement or neglect it6 8#8,randulph ,crew4'0 #8,and here is the memorandum1' she added1 taking up the smaller piece of paper4 #8,it is signed by ,randulph ,crew and ,john ,scarve4' #8,it is a forgery6' shrieked the miser4 #8,the original is in the possession of ,cardwell ,firebras1' said ,hilda4 #8,father1 you have dealt unjustly by ,randulph ,crew4 ,you owe him a great reparation1 and ,i trust you will make it4' #8,i owe him nothing1' replied the miser2 #8it is all a fabrication4 ,give me the papers1 that ,i may burn them6 ,give them to me directly4' ,and getting up1 he staggered towards her1 and snatched the letter and memorandum from her1 with the intention of throwing them into the fire4 ,but before he could do so1 the door opened1 and admitted ,abel ,beechcroft4 ,,randulph ,,defending ,,himself ,,against ,,philip ,,frewin ,,and ,,his ,,myrmidons--,,randulph ,,again ,,dines ,,with ,,lady ,,brabazon--,,he ,,receives ,a ,,note ,,from ,,kitty ,,conway1 ,,and ,,is ,,assaulted ,,by ,,philip ,,frewin ,,and ,,his ,,myrmidons ,,on ,,his ,,way ,,to ,,sup ,,with ,,her4 ,the dinner passed off delightfully4 ,it was a small party1 consisting of ,sir ,bulkeley ,price1 ,sir ,norfolk ,salusbury1 and ,lady ,fazakerly4 ,everything was done to please ,randulph1 and the efforts were perfectly successful4 ,the wine flowed freely after dinner--for it was a hard drinking age--and ,randulph1 who had been exceedingly temperate since the duel1 began to feel the effect of it4 ,as he was about to ascend to the drawing-room with the rest of the gentlemen1 a note was handed him by a servant1 which he instantly opened4 #8,what says your billet1 nephew8' inquired ,trussell1 who was standing by4 #8,oh6 it's from ,kitty ,conway1' said ,randulph4 #8,she has found out1 ,i know not how1 that ,i am here1 and wishes me to sup with her to-night for the last time4' #8,and you will go1 won't you8' said ,trussell4 #8,not ,i1' replied ,randulph irresolutely4 #8,oh yes1 you will1' said ,trussell2 #8and ,i'll accompany you on your last visit1 as ,i did on the first4' ,and they went upstairs laughingly to the drawing-room4 ,time passed by so fleetly in the fascinating society of ,lady ,brabazon1 that ,randulph was surprised1 on glancing at his watch1 to find it nearly eleven o'clock4 #8,jacob will be gone1' he thought1 #8and will think ,i have forgotten him4' ,hastily taking leave of ,lady ,brabazon1 who chided him playfully for running away so early1 and engaged him to call upon her on the following morning1 he went downstairs accompanied by ,trussell4 ,they found ,jacob at the door1 and in no very bland humour at having been kept so long4 #8,my time's more than up1' said the latter gruffly1 #8and ,i was just goin' away4 ,what ,i want to say is this1--,i've received a hint that master's miserly nevy1 ,philip ,frewin1 is about to decamp with the money ,i gave ,mr4 ,diggs t'other day4 ,he's at the ,crown ,inn1 ,ox-yard1 ,king ,street4 ,suppose you pay him a visit4' #8,i'll readily do so to-morrow1 ,jacob1' said ,randulph2 #8but tonight ,i'm engaged4 ,come along with me4 ,my way lies in the same direction as yours1 and ,i want to talk to you about your master and young mistress4' ,jacob complied1 and accompanied ,randulph to the corner of ,hedge ,lane1 a narrow thoroughfare running into ,cockspur ,street1 where he took his leave4 ,randulph and his uncle then tracked the lane above mentioned1 until they came to ,whitcomb ,street1 where ,kitty ,conway then resided1 having removed from the ,hay-market to an old house in the latter street1 erected three years after the ,great ,fire of ,london--namely1 #affi4 ,never having visited the pretty actress in her new abode1 but having been told in the note that this date1 which was inscribed in large figures on a shield over the door1 would guide him to it1 ,randulph was looking out for the house1 when he observed three men at a little distance behind him1 who seemed to be dogging him and his uncle4 ,the foremost was a tall thin man2 the second a stout1 square-set personage1 attired in a shabby military garb2 and the third a great hulking fellow with an atrociously black muzzle1 dressed in a blue jacket1 short trousers1 and woollen cap4 ,randulph could not help fancying he had seen these personages before1 though he could not tell where1 but he did not concern himself much about them1 until just as he had discovered ,kitty ,conway's dwelling1 and was about to knock at the door1 he saw that they were quickening their pace towards him4 ,on a nearer approach1 he was at no loss to detect ,philip ,frewin1 and in his companions1 ,captain ,culpepper and the fellow who had officiated as ,jack-in-the-water at the ,folly on the ,thames4 #8,here is your man6' shouted ,philip1 pointing out ,randulph to the others2 #8upon him6 don't leave an unbroken bone in his body4' ,illustration3 #jcha ,randulph1 however1 was prepared for the attack4 ,grasping the stout cane he held in his hand1 he dealt ,philip so severe a blow on the head with it that he stretched him on his back on the ground4 ,at the same moment1 ,trussell received a blow from the cudgel of the athletic sailor1 which sent him reeling against the door1 to the posts of which he clung for support1 while the ruffian turning to assault ,randulph1 encountered an unexpected adversary in the person of ,jacob ,post4 #8,i thought what you were after1 you scoundrels1 when ,i saw you doggin' these gen'l'men1' cried ,jacob2 #8,i'm glad ,i got up in time4 ,turn your cudgel this way1 you black-muzzled hound6 ,two can play at your game4' ,while ,jacob and his antagonist rapped away at each other as hard as they could1 making the welkin ring with their blows1 ,randulph turned upon ,culpepper1 who attempted to draw his sword to assail him1 and belaboured him so lustily with his cane1 that the latter was soon fain to cry for quarter4 ,the sound of the cudgels1 and the vociferations of the combatants1 had alarmed the watch1 who sprang their rattles1 and hastened to the scene of strife1 while ,kitty ,conway1 hearing the noise1 opened a window above1 and seeing what was passing in the street1 added her shrieks to the general clamour4 ,before1 however1 the watch could come up1 ,jacob had brought his athletic antagonist to the ground1 and ,culpepper had taken to his heels without being able to strike a single blow4 ,,mr4 ,,cripps ,,detected--,,how ,,mr4 ,,cripps',s ,,marriage ,,with ,,the ,,widow ,,was ,,interrupted ,it was arranged that the ceremony should take place in the upper chamber1 where ,randulph first breakfasted with the beau1 and the clergyman selected to perform it was ,doctor ,gaynam4 ,thus nothing seemed wanting on the valet's part to complete the matter2 and late on ,wednesday evening he went to ,billiter ,square1 to inform ,mrs4 ,nettleship that all was ready4 ,after a brief visit1 for he was somewhat fatigued1 he took a tender adieu of her1 saying1 as he squeezed her hand at parting-- #8,we shall meet to-morrow1 to part no more6' ,the next morning1 betimes1 ,mr4 ,cripps placed himself under the hands of ,antoine1 who proceeded to array him in a magnificent suit1 which had never been worn by his master1 it having only been sent home the night before by ,desmartins4 ,it consisted of a coat of crimson-embossed velvet1 richly laced with gold1 breeches of the same material1 and a white satin waistcoat flowered with gold4 ,to these were added1 pink silk hose rolled above the knee1 superb diamond buckles1 and point-bee cravat1 and his master's handsomest ,ramillies periwig1 which had been dressed by ,peter ,pokerich4 ,nearly three hours were expended in thus attiring him2 and when all was completed1 ,antoine declared that his master had never looked half so well--a sentiment in which ,mr4 ,cripps1 as he complacently surveyed himself in the cheval-glass1 entirely concurred4 ,a little before twelve1 ,peter ,pokerich and the fair ,thomasine arrived4 ,the lady was dressed in white and silver1 with a fly-cap with long lappets1 and looked so excessively pretty that ,mr4 ,cripps could not help wishing she had been the bride instead of ,mrs4 ,nettleship4 ,while he was welcoming them1 and passing some high-flown compliments on the fair ,thomasine's charms1 ,mr4 ,jukes was shown into the room2 but as he was in his butler's dress1 his nephew did not condescend to speak to him4 ,shortly after this ,antoine announced that the bride had arrived1 and ,mr4 ,cripps hurried downstairs to meet her4 ,mrs4 ,nettleship1 who had bestowed more than ordinary pains upon her person1 wore a yellow satin sack embroidered with little dots of gold4 ,she had large pearl earrings1 a garnet necklace1 and a diamond solitaire4 ,her complexion1 which was naturally rather high1 had been corrected by white ,french powder1 and was further set off with abundance of little patches on her checks1 neck1 and shoulders4 ,she carried a beautiful ,indian fan1 the handle of which was ornamented with precious stones4 ,she had arrived in great state1 a gilt chariot lined with pale blue satin1 hired for her from a coachmaker1 by ,mr4 ,rathbone1 having formed her conveyance2 and she was attended by a couple of footmen out of place1 likewise hired for the occasion1 habited in superb liveries of sky-blue cloth trimmed with silver1 with silver shoulder-knots1 and point d',espagne hats4 ,mr4 ,rathbone1 who accompanied her1 was dressed in a suit of purple velvet1 laced with gold4 ,almost bewildered by the grandeur she beheld around1 the widow was led upstairs by ,mr4 ,cripps2 her wonder increased at every step she took4 ,the two long-eared spaniels and the macaw enchanted her2 but she actually screamed with delight on beholding the monkey1 in his little scarlet coat and bag-wig4 ,coffee1 chocolate1 and champagne were then handed round by ,antoine and the page2 and while this was going on1 the clergyman and his assistant were announced4 ,doctor ,gaynam had a much more respectable appearance than when he officiated at ,sir ,singleton ,spinke's marriage4 ,he was dressed in his full canonicals1 and wore a well-powdered full-bottomed wig1 which ,peter ,pokerich would not have disdained4 ,meanwhile ,mr4 ,cripps had seated himself by the bride on one of the couches1 and was talking very tenderly to her1 when he perceived his uncle approach ,mr4 ,rathbone1 as if with the intention of addressing him4 ,he instantly arose1 and taking the latter aside1 whispered a few words to him1 and then1 having accomplished his object1 which was to prevent any communication between him and ,mr4 ,jukes1 told the clergyman to proceed with the ceremony4 ,doctor ,gaynam was sipping a glass of usquebaugh1 but he hastily gulped it down1 and declared himself perfectly ready4 ,he then took a prayer-book from the clerk1 and stationed himself between the windows1 motioning the others to take their places before him4 ,,mr4 ,,cripps ,,detected ,all was soon arranged4 ,peter ,pokerich and the fair ,thomasine stood near the bride2 ,mr4 ,rathbone near the bridegroom2 ,antoine behind him2 while the group was completed by the two ,africans1 who had mounted a settee in the corner1 to obtain a full view of the ceremony4 ,the page was on the floor keeping the dogs quiet1 who were quarrelling with the monkey1 and biting its tail4 ,just as ,doctor ,gaynam had opened his book1 and uttered a preliminary cough1 a noise was heard at the door1 and ,mr4 ,cripps1 turning to see what was the matter1 beheld it open1 and admit his master4 ,illustration3 #jchi ,the valet's alarm was instantly communicated to the whole assemblage4 ,antoine shrugged his shoulders1 and lifted up his hands in affright4 ,the two ,africans exchanged glances of alarm1 and all eyes were directed towards the beau1 who with angry looks1 and grasping his clouded cane1 marched towards the valet4 ,he was followed by ,lady ,brabazon1 ,sir ,bulkeley ,price1 and ,trussell ,beechcroft4 ,lady ,brabazon was attended by her black page1 leading her dog by a riband1 and this arrival excited the anger of one of the spaniels1 whose furious barking set the macaw screaming4 ,mr4 ,cripps presented a very chopfallen appearance4 ,all his assurance deserted him4 ,his hands dropped to his side1 and he scarcely dared to meet his master's angry gaze4 #8,rascal6' exclaimed ,villiers1 #8,i have at last fairly detected you4 ,i'll teach you to put on my clothes--to assume my name----' #8,what6' screamed ,mrs4 ,nettleship1 dropping a bottle of salts which she had placed to her nose--#8isn't it really himself--isn't it ,mr4 ,willars8' #8,no1 madam1' replied the beau--#8,i am ,mr4 ,villiers2 and this rascal is only my valet1 ,crackenthorpe ,cripps4' #8,this looks like the real gentleman1 ,i must say1' cried ,mr4 ,rathbone1 who was thunderstruck with surprise4 #8,oh1 the villain6--the base deceiver6--the impostor6' shrieked ,mrs4 ,nettleship1 clenching her hands1 and regarding the valet as if she would annihilate him4 #8,i'll tear his eyes out6 ,to deceive and expose me in this way--to--to--to--oh6 ,i shall never survive it4 ,support me6' she added1 falling into the arms of the fair ,thomasine4 #8,this is really too bad of you1 sir1' said ,mr4 ,cripps1 who began to recover himself a little4 #8,you've deceived me4 ,i thought you were at ,newmarket4' #8,i received information of your practices1 rascal1' replied the beau1 #8and resolving to see to what extent you carried them1 ,i only went to a short distance from town1 and then returned with ,sir ,bulkeley ,price1 with whom ,i have remained till now4 ,and a pretty discovery ,i've made1 i'faith6 ,my house filled with company--my servants turned into your servants--a dinner1 supper1 confectionery1 wine1 fruit1 musicians1 and the devil knows what1 ordered at my expense4' #8,well1 they're not thrown away1 sir1' replied ,mr4 ,cripps4 #8,you can marry the lady yourself1 if you think proper4 ,i've no doubt she'll consent to the exchange1 and she has fifty thousand pounds4' #8,oh1 the impudence6' exclaimed ,mrs4 ,nettleship1 jumping up4 #8,i'll not be taken in a second time4 ,i'll be revenged on all the sex6' #8,you are not aware1 ,mr4 ,willars1 of the extensive frauds this rascal has practised upon you1' said ,mr4 ,rathbone4 #8,he has actually signed a bond for five thousand pounds in your name1 which ,i have in my pocket4' #8,the devil he has6' exclaimed ,villiers4 #8,but it is of no effect1 since the marriage has not taken place1' said ,mr4 ,cripps2 #8and if ,mr4 ,villiers chooses to take the lady1 he will of course pay you himself4' ,in spite of himself1 the beau could not help laughing4 #8,bad as ,mr4 ,cripps is1 he is not worse than the other party1' said ,trussell1 stepping forward2 #8while he was duping them1 they tried to dupe him4 ,i understand from ,mr4 ,jukes1 who has it on unquestionable authority1 that ,mrs4 ,nettleship1 so far from being a wealthy widow1 is greatly in debt1 while her friend there1 ,mr4 ,rathbone1 hoped to pocket the five thousand pounds secured by the bond he has mentioned4' #8,gadso6 then it seems ,i've had an escape6' cried ,mr4 ,cripps4 #8,you have1' replied ,trussell2 #8and your uncle would have told you all this before1 if you had not kept him at a distance4' #8,i won't stay here to be laughed at6' cried the widow1 looking defiance at the jeering countenances around her4 #8,mr4 ,rathbone1 your arm4 ,i'll make you marry me yourself1 or pay the penalty of the contract1' she added1 in a whisper4 #8,you'll not mistake a valet for a gentleman after this1 ,monsieur ,rathbone1' said ,antoine--#8ha6 ha6' #8,you had better go away by the back stairs1' said ,trussell1 stopping them2 #8for there are a couple of officers in the hall waiting to arrest you6' #8,curse on it6 ,i sent them myself6' said ,mr4 ,rathbone1 #8to compel the rascal ,i supposed to be ,mr4 ,wiliars to pay your debts4' ,and hurrying out of the room1 he acted upon ,trussell's suggestion4 #8,and now1 rascal1' said the beau to the valet1 #8you are no longer in my service--,i discharge you4 ,and you may thank your stars that ,i let you off so easily4' #8,i was about to discharge you4 sir1' rejoined the valet1 impertinently4 #8,i don't desire to live with a gentleman who takes his servants by surprise4 ,he's as bad as a jealous husband4' #8,stay6' cried the beau--#8you don't leave me in that way4 ,antoine1 stand by him4 ,now1 sir1 take off that peruke--take it off carefully--now the sword4' ,the orders were obeyed1 and the wig and sword delivered to the ,french valet4 #8,now take off the coat4' ,mr4 ,cripps complied with a sigh4 #8,now the waistcoat4' ,the order was obeyed4 #8,now the cravat4' ,and it was taken off4 #8,now the diamond buckles4' #8,anything else8' inquired ,mr4 ,cripps1 as he gave up the buckles4 #8,recollect there are ladies in the room1 sir4' #8,yes2 take yourself off1' rejoined the beau4 ,even thus shorn of his splendour1 ,mr4 ,cripps maintained his customary assurance4 ,he bowed profoundly and gracefully round1 and quitted the room amid the laughter of the company4 ,,abel ,,beechcroft ,,discovering ,,the ,,miser ,,in ,,the ,,cellar--,,death ,,of ,,the ,,miser ,no sooner1 however1 was one source of dread removed1 than another was aroused4 ,his hoards might be gone6 ,terrified by this idea1 he flew to all his hiding-places1 and placed their contents on the table4 ,his dim eyes sparkled with unnatural brilliancy as he gloated over them4 ,while telling over the pieces1 and weighing them in his hand1 a new recollection crossed him4 ,snatching up the candle1 he hurried to a small cupboard at one side of the room1 at the bottom of which lay a heap of old rags and rubbish1 apparently put there out of the way4 ,hastily removing this dusty pile1 some half dozen leathern bags were exposed to view4 #8,here they are--here they are6' he exclaimed1 with a cry of childish delight4 #8,oh1 my darlings6--my treasures6---how glad ,i am to see you4 ,you give me new life4 ,talk of physic--pshaw6 there is none like gold4 ,the sight of it cures me in an instant4 ,i feel well--quite well2 no1 not quite1' he added1 as a sudden giddiness seized him1 and he had to catch at the closet door for support2 #8not quite well2 but better--much better4 ,what a memory mine must be to forget these bags--each containing two hundred guineas--that's twelve hundred6 ,twelve hundred guineas6 and ,i had forgotten them4 ,i hope ,i have not forgotten anything else4 ,let me see--oh6 my head6--my head6' he continued1 shaking it mournfully4 #8,my memory's clean gone6--clean gone6 ,but what shall ,i do with these bags8 they're not safe here4 ,jacob may find them in clearing the room4 ,i'll hide them in the cellar with the other treasure4' ,utterly forgetful that the chest had been removed1 he immediately set about executing his design4 ,listening at the door to hear that all was still1 he took up two of the bags with the intention of carrying them downstairs2 but finding them too heavy for him1 he was obliged to content himself with one1 and thus in transporting them all to the cellar1 he had to perform six journeys4 ,the last had nearly proved fatal1 for as he tottered down the cellar steps1 he missed his footing1 and rolled to the bottom4 ,with some difficulty he got up again2 but heedless of the bruises he had received1 he picked up his candle1 which was extinguished in the fall1 and returned to his bedchamber to light it at the fire4 ,this done1 he procured the shovel1 and repairing to the cellar commenced his task4 ,in his present state of debility and exhaustion1 it cost him infinite labour to get up the bricks1 and he was frequently obliged to desist from the toil and rest himself2 but though he shook in every limb--though thick damps burst from every pore1 he still persevered4 ,having got out the bricks1 he carefully scraped off the surface of the loose sandy soil4 ,surprised that the spade met with no resistance1 his alarm was instantly excited1 and he plunged it deeply into the ground4 ,but no chest was there6 ,for a few minutes he stood transfixed with despair4 ,it never occurred to him that he had himself removed his treasure1 but he concluded he had been robbed of it4 ,at length his anguish found vent in a piercing cry1 and he rushed towards the door with the intention of calling up ,jacob2 but the recollection that forced itself upon him1 that the porter was from home1 checked him4 ,other imperfect ideas thronged upon his bewildered brain4 ,a glimmering recollection of digging up the chest crossed him1 but he fancied he must have taken out its contents and buried them deeper in the ground4 ,somewhat calmed by the idea1 he commenced digging anew with frightful ardour1 and soon cleared out the soil to nearly the depth of three feet4 ,but as he found nothing1 his apprehensions returned with new force and paralysed his efforts4 ,throwing aside the spade1 he groped about in the sandy soil with his hands1 in the hopes of finding a few pieces of gold4 ,a single piece would have satisfied him2 but there was none--nothing but little pebbles mixed with the sand4 ,his moans1 while thus employed1 were truly piteous4 ,at this juncture1 his candle1 which had long been expiring in the socket1 went out1 leaving him in total darkness4 ,a mortal faintness seized him at the same time4 ,he tried to get out of the hole1 but fell back with the effort--his head striking against the bricks4 ,he struggled to get up again1 but in vain--his limbs refused their office4 ,he tried to cry out for help1 but a hollow rattling sound alone issued from his throat4 ,at length1 by a convulsive effort1 he did contrive to lift his head from the ground2 but that was all he could do4 ,his hands clutched ineffectually at the sandy soil2 his frame was powerless2 and a stifled groan broke from his lips4 ,but this condition was too horrible for long endurance4 ,the muscles of the neck relaxed2 his head fell heavily backwards2 and after a gasp or two1 respiration ceased4 ,thus died this unhappy man1 unattended1 in a cellar1 half entombed in the hole digged as a hiding-place for a portion of his wealth--wealth for which he had sacrificed all his comforts1 all his feelings1 all his affections1 and for which alone of late he had seemed to live4 ,thus he perished--a fearful example of the effects of the heart-searing vice of which he was the slave and the victim4 ,after some little consideration1 ,abel went up alone to the miser's room1 and knocking two or three times1 and receiving no answer1 opened the door4 ,approaching the bed1 he found it empty1 with the clothes turned down1 as left by the miser2 and casting a hurried glance into the closet to satisfy himself that no person was there1 he hastily ran downstairs to ,hilda1 to acquaint her with the alarming discovery he had made4 ,she was greatly terrified2 but after a moment's reflection1 suggested that her father might possibly have gone down to the cellar1 and related the circumstance which she herself had once witnessed there4 ,concurring in the opinion1 ,abel offered immediately to go in search of him2 and dissuading ,hilda1 who secretly shared his worst apprehensions1 from accompanying him1 took a candle and descended to the cellar4 ,as he entered the vault1 he indistinctly perceived a ghastly object2 and springing forward1 held up the light1 so as to reveal it more fully4 ,his fancy had not deceived him4 ,there1 in a grave--evidently digged by his own hands--lay his old enemy--dead--dead6 ,illustration3 #jcig ,while ,abel was wrapt in contemplation of this miserable spectacle1 and surrendering himself to the thoughts which it inspired1 heavy steps were heard behind him1 and ,jacob rushed into the cellar4 #8,where is he8' cried the porter1 in accents of alarm4 #8,has anything happened8 ,ha6 ,i see4' ,and pushing past ,abel ,beechcroft1 he precipitated himself into the hole with his master4 #8,all's over with him1' he cried1 in a voice of agony and self-reproach1 and grasping the cold hand of the corpse4 #8,this would never have happened if ,i had been at home4 ,i'm in a manner his murderer4' #8,another hand than yours has been at work here1 ,jacob1' said ,abel2 #8and terrible as your poor master's fate has been1 it may prove a salutary lesson to others4 ,there he lies1 who a few hours ago was the possessor of useless thousands1 the value of which he knew not--nay1 the very existence of which he knew not--for the few bags of gold beside him were the only palpable treasure he owned4 ,,dispersion ,,of ,,the ,,jacobite ,,club1 ,,and ,,death ,,of ,,cardwell ,,firebras--,,the ,,summer-,,house ,,at ,,the ,,chequers--,,the ,,old ,,mill--,,the ,,jacobites ,,betrayed ,a glance satisfied ,firebras that all was right1 and he returned slowly to the house1 the landlord stamping upon the floor as he quitted the building1 as a signal to the grenadiers that they might now come forth from their concealment4 ,on reaching the house1 ,firebras dismissed the landlord1 and going up to ,randulph1 clapped him on the shoulder1 and said1 #8,i have rare news for you4' #8,and ,i have rare news for you1' replied the other4 #8,hear mine first6' cried ,firebras4 #8,what if ,i tell you ,i am come to offer you your estates and the hand of ,hilda1 if you join the ,jacobite party8' #8,there would be no use in joining you now6' returned ,randulph4 #8,you think ,i'm trifling with you6' cried ,firebras1 producing a packet2 #8but this will speak to the contrary4 ,here is the assignment of your estates to ,isaac ,isaacs4 ,a receipt in full of all claims is attached to it4 ,the deed is yours1 provided you join us4' #8,you amaze me1' cried ,randulph1 gazing at the packet2 #8that is unquestionably the deed ,i executed4' #8,most certainly it is1' replied ,firebras4 #8,it is too long a story to tell you how ,i became possessed of it1' he added1 replacing it in his pocket1 #8but ,i have other intelligence for you4 ,mr4 ,scarve is dead6' ,randolph uttered an exclamation of surprise4 #8,he died last night1' pursued ,firebras1 #8and left his property to ,philip ,frewin1 in case of ,hilda's refusal to marry him4' #8,but ,philip may not live to claim the fulfilment of the condition1' cried ,randulph4 #8,philip1 also1 is dead1' replied ,firebras4 ,and smiling at ,randulph's astonishment1 he added1 #8,now you see that all is in your grasp4 ,fate has given you the lady of your love4 ,i offer you your fortune4 ,can you refuse to join us8' #8,mr4 ,firebras1' said ,randulph1 composing himself1 #8this is not the time to put such a question to me4' #8,pardon me1' cried ,firebras sternly1 #8,i must have an answer now--at this moment--or you lose your estates and ,hilda for ever4 ,do not suppose ,i threaten lightly4 ,i can1 and will1 make good my words4' #8,you mistake me altogether1' rejoined ,randulph4 #8,i mean to say it would be useless for me to assent4 ,you are betrayed4' #8,betrayed6' exclaimed ,firebras1 in a voice of thunder4 #8,how6 by whom8 ,but this is a mere assertion made to turn me from my purpose4' #8,you will find it too true1' replied ,randulph4 #8,the house is environed on all sides by grenadiers4' #8,i have just visited the summer-house1' said ,firebras4 #8,there was no one there4' #8,the men were concealed in a lower chamber1' said ,randulph4 #8,it' may be so1' cried ,firebras1 with a terrible imprecation4 #8,but they shall not take me easily4 ,my pistols6 ha6 they have been removed6 ,the landlord1 then1 is our betrayer4' #8,he is1' replied ,randulph4 #8,your only chance of escape is apparent unconsciousness of the design4 ,you might perhaps make good your own retreat--but the others----' #8,i will never desert them1' said ,firebras4 #8,there is a boat at hand1 for ,i ordered ,jacob ,post to be in waiting for you off the summer-house1 for another purpose1 and ,i caught a glimpse of him just now4 ,ha6 here come our friends4' ,and1 as he spoke1 ,sir ,norfolk ,salusbury1 ,sir ,bulkeley ,price1 ,father ,verselyn1 ,mr4 ,travers1 and four or five other gentlemen entered the room4 #8,leave us1 landlord1' said ,firebras2 #8we will call you when we want you4' ,and the order being obeyed1 he bolted the door4 #8,we are betrayed1 gentlemen1' said ,firebras1 in a low tone2 #8the house is surrounded by guards1 and our retreat is cut off by the river4' ,as the words were uttered1 the door was tried by some persons without1 who1 finding it fastened1 proceeded to burst it open4 #8,to the garden6 to the garden6' cried ,firebras4 ,and the party made for the window4 ,before1 however1 the whole of them could pass through it1 the officer and a party of grenadiers burst open the door1 and endeavoured to seize them4 ,firebras and the others1 with the exception of ,randulph1 drew off4 ,,death ,,of ,,tue ,,jacobite ,,club1 ,,and ,,of ,,cardwell ,,firebras--,,dispersion ,the ,miser's ,daughter their swords1 and the next instant an encounter took place4 ,but1 as all was buried in darkness1 little mischief was done4 ,in spite of the efforts of the soldiers to prevent them1 five or six of the ,jacobites contrived to get across the ditch1 and gaining the mill1 took shelter within it4 ,they were followed by a party of grenadiers1 who fired a few shots at them4 ,whether the circumstance was the result of accident or design is immaterial1 but a few minutes afterwards the mill was found to be on fire4 ,flames burst from the upper windows1 throwing a fierce glare on the groups below1 and brightly illumining the towers of ,westminster ,abbey4 ,repeated loud explosions were next heard1 threatening each moment to shake the mill to pieces2 while some of the unfortunate ,jacobites were seen springing from a side window upon the waterwheel1 and trying to descend by it4 ,two others1 at the risk of breaking their necks1 dropped from a window facing the river1 and endeavoured to gain the vessel moored beside it4 ,the fugitives on the water-wheel were held in check by a party of grenadiers1 who1 having thrown a couple of planks over the little stream1 were enabled to reach them4 ,meanwhile1 favoured by the previous darkness1 for all was now as bright as day1 ,firebras1 ,salusbury1 and the rest of the ,jacobites made good their retreat as far as the summer-house4 ,some of them even managed to force their way to the platform4 ,here a desperate struggle took place1 in which ,sir ,norfolk was severely wounded in the side by a bayonet4 ,by this time the fire had broken out in the mill1 and its glare showed ,jacob at a little distance in a skiff4 ,notwithstanding the menaces of the soldiers1 who pointed their guns at him1 and threatened to fire if he approached nearer1 ,jacob pushed resolutely towards the summer-house4 ,illustration3 #jdje ,he was now close under the platform1 and made signs to ,randulph to descend1 but the latter would not desert ,sir ,norfolk1 who had been seized by a couple of grenadiers4 ,he threw himself upon the old baronet's captors1 and in the struggle that ensued1 the railing gave way1 precipitating ,sir ,bulkeley ,price1 the ,jesuit1 and the grenadiers into the tide4 ,before the other soldiers had recovered from their surprise at this occurrence1 ,randulph had lowered ,sir ,norfolk into the skiff and sprung in after him4 ,jacob's efforts to push off were impeded by ,sir ,bulkeley ,price1 who clung to the stern of the skiff1 earnestly imploring them to take him in4 ,father ,verselyn caught hold of the steps1 and apprehensive of some further disaster1 crept along the side of the summer-house1 and took refuge in a small sewer1 in the slime of which it is supposed he perished1 for he was never heard of more4 ,meanwhile1 ,cardwell ,firebras--engaged hand to hand with the officer1 who1 having vainly summoned him to surrender1 attacked him in person--had reached the platform4 ,seeing escape impossible1 ,firebras1 while defending himself against the officer1 called to ,randulph1 whom he descried below1 and held out the packet to him4 ,the latter ordered ,jacob to keep the skiff steady1 and to bring it as near the combatants as possible4 ,while ,jacob obeyed the injunction1 a successful thrust from ,firebras stretched his adversary upon the platform1 but the next moment he received his own death-wound from ,long ,tom1 who stepped forward as his officer fell1 and discharged his musket into his breast4 ,with a dying effort1 ,firebras stretched his hand over the rail1 and consigning the packet to ,randulph1 fell backwards into the water4 ,possessed of the packet1 ,randulph turned to the aid of ,sir ,bulkeley ,price1 and pulling him into the skiff1 ,jacob instantly pushed off4 ,assisted by the stream1 which ran very strong1 they soon got under the sides of the vessel near the mill1 and were sheltered from the fire of the soldiery4 ,meanwhile1 the conflagration raged fast and furiously1 and before the skiff containing the fugitives had got half way to ,westminster ,bridge1 a tremendous explosion took place1 scattering the blazing fragments of the old mill far and wide into the river4 ,,randolph ,,crew',s ,,marriage ,,with ,,hilda ,,at ,,lambeth ,,church--,,detailing ,,an ,,event ,,which ,,may ,,possibly ,,have ,,been ,,anticipated ,we shall hurry over the intervening period as rapidly as the lovers themselves would have hurried it over1 and proceed at once to the wished-for day4 ,a little before nine o'clock1 on this eventful morning1 ,randulph1 who had taken up his quarters with ,sir ,bulkeley ,price1 in ,saint ,james's ,square1 entered the breakfast-room1 arrayed in his bridal attire1 which had been prepared for him by the skilful hands of ,desmartins4 ,he found ,sir ,bulkeley ,price and ,sir ,norfolk ,salusbury at the table--the latter having come up from ,wales1 whither he had retired to recruit himself after his wound1 expressly to attend the ceremony4 ,after receiving their congratulations1 ,randulph sat down with them1 but as he could only swallow a cup of chocolate1 he underwent much rallying on his want of appetite4 ,breakfast over1 the party drove to ,whitehall ,stairs1 where a six-oared barge was in readiness to convey them across the river4 ,jacob ,post was appointed coxswain of this barge1 and he wore a waterman's coat of scarlet cloth1 and velvet jockey-shaped cap of the same colour4 ,the six rowers were attired in the same livery1 and presented a very gay appearance4 ,the morning was bright and beautiful1 and everything seemed to ,randulph to participate in his happiness4 ,each boat that passed them1 seeing the purpose on which they were bent1 cheered them cordially1 and ,jacob1 who was greatly elated1 returned their greetings lustily4 ,as they passed through ,westminster ,bridge1 and shaped their rapid course to ,lambeth1 they passed a boat containing a couple in bridal attire1 and rowed by watermen with favours in their caps4 ,these were ,mr4 ,rathbone and ,mrs4 ,nettleship1 who1 having made a composition with their creditors1 had come to the conclusion that the best thing they could do would be to fulfil their original agreement1 and having heard that ,randulph and ,hilda were to be united at ,lambeth1 they determined1 like ,peter ,pokerich and the fair ,thomasine1 to be married at the same time1 and at the same church4 ,the boats cheered each other as they passed4 ,shortly after this1 they came up with a four-oared cutter1 in which was a still more gaily dressed bridal party1 consisting of ,mr4 and ,mrs4 ,deacle1 the fair ,thomasine1 and ,peter ,pokerich4 ,the sunny tresses1 bright eyes1 and dimpling cheeks of the bride attracted ,sir ,bulkeley's admiration1 and he called out to ,peter that he ought to consider himself a very happy man2 to which the little barber replied1 #8that he was the happiest man in the world--,mr4 ,crew excepted4' ,another cheering passed between the rowers2 and ,randulph's barge swept over the sparkling waters to the stairs near ,lambeth ,palace1 where he and his companions disembarked4 ,as ,abel ,beechcroft was extremely well known and highly respected in the neighbourhood1 great preparations were made to lend clat to his nephew's wedding4 ,a band of music was stationed on a lighter moored near the stairs2 and the lighter itself was hung all over with flags and streamers4 ,the band was playing1 the bells ringing1 and as ,randulph leaped ashore1 a loud shout from the crowd collected to see him land1 welcomed him1 while many flattering comments1 in no very low key1 were made upon his handsome appearance by the female part of the assemblage4 ,in passing towards his uncle's residence1 ,randulph noticed with interest a troop of pretty little girls with wreaths round their heads1 and baskets of flowers in their hands1 standing in the path leading to the church4 ,the party were admitted by ,mr4 ,jukes1 whose portly figure was well displayed in an expansive snowy waistcoat1 a brown coat1 spick and span new for the occasion1 and a well-powdered bob-wig4 ,the worthy butler gave ,randulph a hearty welcome1 and wished him many years of happiness1 and having ushered him and the others into the parlour1 returned to the hall to ,jacob1 to give him wedding favours for himself and the watermen1 which the other hastened to distribute4 ,illustration3 #jdaa ,the meeting between the young bride and bridegroom was full of agitated delight4 ,abel looked perfectly happy1 but thoughtful1 as did ,mrs4 ,crew1 whose emotion found relief in an occasional sigh--not the sigh of misgiving1 but the relief of a joy-oppressed heart4 ,trussell was1 as usual1 in very high spirits4 ,he shook ,randulph heartily by the hand1 wished him all sorts of happiness1 and then cordially greeted the ,welsh baronets4 ,besides ,mrs4 ,clinton1 there was another young lady present1 the daughter of an old friend of ,mrs4 ,crew's1 a ,miss ,wilbraham1 who acted as bridesmaid to ,hilda4 ,soon afterwards1 all being in readiness1 the bride prepared to set forth under the care of ,abel ,beechcroft1 who1 before they quitted the house1 in an earnest tone1 invoked a blessing on her head and on that of his nephew4 ,and both felt that the blessing of so good a man would not be thrown away4 ,cheered by the good wishes and smiling countenances of the groups through which they had passed1 and enlivened by the sunshine1 the party entered the church4 ,peter ,pokerich and the fair ,thomasine1 with ,mr4 ,rathbone and ,mrs4 ,nettleship1 were already standing beside the altar4 ,the young couple advanced1 and took the central place1 and the church was instantly crowded with spectators4 ,the service was admirably performed by a venerable clergyman--an old and valued friend of ,abel's1 and at its close1 the concourse issued from the church1 dividing into two lines1 so as to allow a passage for the wedding train4 ,as soon as the happy couple were seen issuing hand-in-hand from the ,gothic portal of the old church1 a loud and joyous shout was raised by the assemblage1 a couple of guns were fired on board the lighter1 and the church bells rang forth a joyous peal4 ,it was a heart-cheering sight1 and many a breast throbbed1 and many an eye grew moist at beholding it4 ,and plenty of spectators there were4 ,the whole of the area before the church was filled1 and the windows and towers of the old archipiscopal palace were studded with faces4 ,the little flower-girls now stepped forward1 and strewed their fragrant offerings in the path of the happy pair1 who walked on amid the continued cheers of the bystanders4 ,a little behind ,randulph1 on the right1 walked ,trussell1 who1 excited by the general enthusiasm1 had placed his hat on his cane1 and waved it to the crowd4 ,near him came ,abel and ,miss ,wilbraham1 the former with a glowing smile on his countenance1 such as ,mr4 ,jukes himself never remembered to have witnessed4 ,after them walked ,sir ,norfolk ,salusbury and ,mrs4 ,crew4 ,next in order came ,mr4 and ,mrs4 ,pokerich1 the latter of whom thought it decorous to turn aside her pretty face from the ardent gaze of her enamoured little lord4 ,lastly came ,mr4 and ,mrs4 ,rathbone1 whose appearance did not seem greatly to interest the spectators4 ,sir ,bulkeley ,price had posted himself on the left of the church door1 to watch the wedding train pass by1 and to wait the coming forth of the clergyman4 ,as ,randulph advanced through the crowd1 ,jacob ,post stepped forward1 and holding out his rough1 honest hand to him1 said in a voice1 the sincerity of which could not be doubted1 #8,god bless you1 sir1 and your lovely bride1 and may you know years of uninterrupted happiness6' #8,and take my blessing too1' said ,mr4 ,jukes1 likewise extending his hand4 #8,an old man's good wishes1 though he be but a dependant1 can do no harm4' #8,i thank you both6' cried ,randulph1 in a voice of emotion2 #8and my wife thanks you too4' #8,i do--,i do1' she replied2 #8nor do ,i doubt the fulfilment of your wishes4' ,and as she uttered these words1 loud and deafening cheers rent the air1 and another discharge of guns took place4 ,in this way they proceeded to the house1 where they were followed by the rest of the party1 and presently afterwards by the clergyman and ,sir ,bulkeley4 ,they then all sat down to an excellent repast4 ,by desire of his hospitable master1 ,mr4 ,jukes invited the other couples and their friends to take refreshments at his house1 which1 as they delightedly availed themselves of the offer1 were served to them in the summer-house overlooking the river2 where1 while enjoying themselves1 they did not forget to drink long life and happiness to ,randulph and his bride4 ,the honeymoon--all the rest of their life was a honeymoon--was passed by the happy couple1 in good old-fashioned style1 at ,lambeth4 ,they then proceeded to ,cheshire1 accompanied by ,trussell and ,mrs4 ,crew1 and were soon afterwards followed by ,abel1 who passed the winter with them4 ,in due time the prognostications of ,mr4 ,jukes were fulfilled1 and ,abel displayed no objection to the endearments of two great-nieces and a great-nephew4 ,appointed ,randulph's head-gamekeeper1 ,jacob ,post passed the remainder of his days in the service of his new master4 ,of the two brothers ,beechcroft1 ,abel was the first to pay the debt of nature1 ,trussell survived him two or three years1 during which he was a great martyr to gout4 ,he never1 however1 lost his temper1 except when young ,master ,randulph accidentally trod on his toe1 and then he would swear a round oath1 to frighten him1 and try to hit at him with his stick1 as testy old gentlemen are wont to do in plays4 ,randulph and ,hilda almost touched the verge of the nineteenth century2 and from the anecdotes of one of their descendants1 in the third generation1 the materials of the present tale have been collected4 ,,history ,,of ,,the ,,irish ,,rebellion ,,in #agih ,,and ,,emmett',s ,,insurrection ,,in #ahjc4 ,by ,w4 ,h4 ,maxwell ,author ,of #8,the ,life ,of ,the ,duke ,of ,wellington1' ,etc4 ,etc4 ,take heed ,how you awake the deeping sword of war2 ,we charge you1 in the name of ,god1 take heed6 ,for never two such kingdoms did contend1 ,without much fall of blood4 --,shakspeare4 ,,the ,,cradle ,,of ,,the ,,rebellion ,the rebellious movement which1 in #agih1 openly burst into the horrors of civil war1 had for years been maturing4 ,the success of the ,american colonists in defeating the mother country1 and the upheaval in ,france1 the great ,revolution1 proved fatal precedents1 and the easily excited minds of the ,irish people led the disloyal and disaffected of the sister kingdom to contemplate the forcible carrying out of a similar policy4 ,as will be seen1 this fratricidal struggle largely resolved itself into a religious campaign between the ,catholic and ,protestant sections of the community4 ,at an early stage of the coming struggle the ulterior objects of the discontented ,catholics became perfectly apparent1 and some of their warmest advocates took alarm4 ,sir ,hercules ,langrish1 in his place in the ,irish ,parliament1 thus addressed the ,house3 #8,notwithstanding my prepossessions in favour of the ,roman ,catholics1 ,i was checked for some time in my ardour to serve them1 by reading of late a multitude of publications and paragraphs in the newspapers1 and other public prints1 circulated gratis with the utmost industry1 purporting to convey the sentiments of the ,catholics4 ,what was their import8 ,they were exhortations to the people never to be satisfied at any concession till the ,state itself was conceded3 they were precautions against public tranquillity2 they were invitations to disorder1 and covenants of discontent2 they were ostentations of strength1 rather than solicitations for favour2 rather appeals to the power of the people1 than applications to the authority of the ,state2 they involved the relief of the ,catholic1 with the revolution of the ,government2 and were dissertations for democracy1 rather than arguments for toleration4' ,,appeal ,,to ,,force ,,of ,,arms ,acting1 however1 on the resolutions they had published1 the ,committees determined to summon a ,convention in imitation of the proceedings which were at the time violently revolutionising ,france1 where the horrors of the great ,french ,rebellion had already unsettled everything in #aghi4 ,circulars were issued by their leaders--representatives elected in the counties--and on the #crd of ,december #agib the #8,back ,lane ,parliament' commenced its first session in ,tailor's ,hall4 ,the daring measure of calling together an assembly1 where the delegates debated with closed doors1 was followed by a still bolder demonstration4 ,the discontented ,romanists resolved upon making an overbearing display of physical force1 and declared their intention to arm1 to maintain their rights and effect their objects4 ,for this purpose large sums of money were levied1 and a body was enrolled in the metropolis under the title of #8,the ,national ,guard4' ,they were arrayed in green uniforms1 with a harp without the crown displayed upon the buttons and appointments4 ,orders were issued for a general muster on the #ith of ,december2 but a proclamation1 issued by the ,lord ,lieutenant1 declared the body to be dangerous to the public peace1 and directed the authorities to disperse the meeting should it be attempted1 and employ force were it required4 ,many conjectures were hazarded at the time respecting the objects of the movement2 some asserted that it was merely intended1 by an exhibition of numerical strength1 to confirm unsteady friends1 and intimidate those who were opposed to them2 others1 however1 ascribed to the ,national ,guards more serious and sanguinary designs--#8to seize even then upon the city1 and commence at once a civil war4' ,certain it is that the ,government were led to apprehend that this muster would lead to a revolutionary movement1 and1 accordingly1 the most decisive measures were taken to render it abortive4 #8,,the ,,united ,,irishmen' ,to follow up the progress and proceedings of the #8,united ,irishmen' throughout that unquiet period which intervened between the lieutenancies of ,earls ,westmoreland and ,camden would be unnecessary4 ,their civil and military organisation1 however1 shall be described1 and a brief analysis given of their general history from the epoch where we have broken off1 when the seeds of disaffection had taken a firm root1 and a conspiracy was hatched1 which1 a few years afterwards1 became fatally matured1 and exploded in #agih with portentous violence4 ,under the colour of volunteering1 the arming and drilling of the malcontents continued4 ,a proclamation1 issued by the #aath of ,march #agic1 declared these proceedings illegal1 and attached penal consequences to any who should continue them4 ,the preamble ran thus3 #8,whereas certain seditious and ill-affected persons1 in several parts of the north1 particularly in the town of ,belfast1 have endeavoured to foment and encourage discontent1 and to defame the ,government and the ,parliament1 by seditious publications circulated among the people2 and that several bodies of men have been collected in armed associations1 and have been levied and arrayed in the said town of ,belfast2 and that arms and gunpowder to a very large amount have been sent thither2 and that bodies of men have been drilled and exercised by day and night1 under the pretext of obtaining a redress of grievances1 though the obvious intention appears to be to overawe the ,parliament and the ,government1 and to dictate to both4' ,this and the ,gunpowder ,act struck heavily at the military organisations of the revolutionists2 while the ,convention ,act1 subsequently passed1 embarrassed the leaders of the movement so much1 that an influential member of the ,union1 ,samuel ,neilson1 afterwards declared1 #8,that the bill was calculated to meet every part of the system1 and the framer must have had their constitution in his hand when he was devising its provisions4' #8,,the ,,defenders' ,,and #8,,orange ,,lodges' ,in #agid and #agie outrages by #8the ,defenders'--a lawless confederacy1 exclusively ,catholic--became general1 and the ,protestants associated for self-defence4 ,a conflict between the rival religionists took place at a spot called #8,the ,diamond1' in the county of ,armagh1 in which the ,defenders were signally defeated4 ,in commemoration of this success the first ,orange ,lodge was formed on the #bast of ,september #agie4 ,the system of ,orange ,lodges #8was not established in the metropolis1 though many years threatened with open rebellion1 till the month of ,january #agih2 and many gentlemen of high character and considerable talents placed themselves at its head1 to give the institution a proper direction1 and to silence the calumnious clamours of traitors against it4' ,the #8,orange' organisation1 slowly but steadily1 gained strength1 until the body was considered in the north of ,ireland so numerous and effective1 that ,general ,knox1 commanding at the outbreak in #agih1 assured the ,government that to these ardent supporters of the constitution the safety of ,ulster might be confidently entrusted4 ,,state ,,prosecutions ,early in the annals of the movement several of the revolutionary leaders were subjected to ,state prosecutions for sedition4 ,hamilton ,rowan was convicted1 fined1 and imprisoned1 but escaped in women's clothes from ,newgate2 ,nappy ,tandy placed under bail1 but fled the kingdom to avoid a trial2 ,doctor ,drennan was tried and acquitted2 ,tone expatriated himself1 and went with his family to ,america2 but ,jackson1 an ,english clergyman1 and an envoy from the ,french ,republican ,government to the ,irish revolutionists1 was1 on the #bcrd of ,april #agie1 capitally convicted of high treason4 ,the unhappy man committed suicide1 and poisoned himself in the prisoner's bar1 immediately after the foreman had announced him guilty4 ,the recall of ,lord ,westmoreland and the appointment of ,lord ,fitzwilliam as viceroy raised the sinking confidence of the ,catholic party as much as it depressed the hopes of the ,orangists4 ,the well-known bias of the ,earl's political opinions was warmly in favour of fresh and full concessions1 and it was supposed that ,catholic emancipation was at hand4 ,while the ,roman ,catholics were buoyant with high expectation1 arising from the noble lord's appointment to the ,irish lieutenancy1 a sudden recall crushed their hopes and augmented their disaffection4 ,from this period their hostility to any monarchical form of government appears to have become inveterate1 and the first test required of a ,united ,irishman--one in which a reformed ,parliament was distinctly recognised--was instantly exchanged for another purely democratical4 ,,oath ,,of ,,the #8,,united ,,irishmen' ,the initiatory oath taken henceforth by the ,united ,irishmen was thus worded3--#8,in the awful presence of ,god1 ,i1444 do voluntarily declare that ,i will persevere in endeavouring to form a brotherhood of affection among ,irishmen of every religious persuasion1 and that ,i will also persevere in my endeavours to obtain an equal1 full1 and adequate representation of all the people of ,ireland4 ,i do further declare1 that neither hopes1 fears1 rewards1 or punishments1 shall ever induce me1 directly or indirectly1 to inform or give evidence against any member or members of this or similar societies1 for any act or expression of theirs1 done or made collectively or individually in and out of this society1 in pursuance of the spirit of this obligation4' ,,french ,,invasion ,,invited #agif was not fated to enjoy more tranquillity than the stormy era that preceded it4 ,a compulsory increase of military power1 under the provisions of the ,militia ,bill1 increased the general discontent1 and the public uneasiness was not abated by a discovery that the ,french ,directory had undertaken to land an invading army to assist the ,irish revolutionists1 who1 on their part1 undertook to pay these auxiliaries1 and eventually defray the whole expenses of the expedition4 ,additional powers were now demanded by the ,irish ,executive1 and the ,insurrection ,act1 which had passed in spring1 was followed up by a suspension of habeas corpus in ,october4 ,there is no doubt that these stringent powers were afterwards sadly and frequently abused4 ,arrests on secret information--districts unnecessarily proclaimed--suspected persons sent1 without the shadow of a trial1 on board the fleet--military license--arbitrary impressment of beasts of burden for baggage transport--abuse in billeting--a general insolence in the soldiery1--all these formed constant subject for complaint1 and1 unfortunately1 it was seldom made without ample provocation4 ,these severities were impolitic--they reacted against the ,government--and the feelings of the lower orders became exasperated1 but not subdued4 ,the most deeply marked of innate feelings in the human breast is resistance to oppression1 whether it be real or imaginary4 ,the peasantry assembled by night to drill1 or deprive the loyalists of their arms1 whilst by day they collected in enormous numbers to harvest the crops of persons imprisoned for political offences1 or under the pretext of attending a funeral1 or a hurling match1 they paraded in military array1 with banners and martial music4 ,while the disaffected thus evinced warm sympathy for their imprisoned friends1 reaping their corn and securing their potato crops1 they were equally assiduous in shielding them from the penal consequences of their crimes4 ,bribery and intimidation were the means commonly employed1 and should these fail1 assassination was not infrequent4 ,this system of terror too frequently sheltered the guilty from the punishment they deserved2 for1 dreading the consequences of conviction and consequent reprisals1 witnesses prevaricated1 intimidated jurors were afraid to do their duty1 and the criminal escaped4 ,,prosecutions ,,and ,,searches ,,for ,,concealed ,,arms ,in the spring of #agig ,general ,lake issued a proclamation1 directing that all persons unauthorised to keep arms should surrender them forthwith to the proper authorities4 ,it was declared that secret information where weapons were concealed should be liberally rewarded1 and the full value of such arms as might be thus recovered should be given to the informant4 ,that the quantity hidden throughout the kingdom was immense may be conceived from the fact that1 within the year1 and in two provinces alone1 ,ulster and ,leinster1 #abi1ehc weapons of various descriptions were seized or surrendered4 ,in this number there were #dh1jjj firelocks1 #gj1jjj pikes1 and #bb pieces of cannon4 ,,ready ,,for ,,the ,,rebellion ,at this period it is probable that the ,united ,irishmen1 in point of numbers and organisation1 were almost as formidable as at the moment of the insurrection4 ,in the northern provincial meetings particular inquiries were made of the delegates assembled1 #8whether they considered themselves as being sufficiently strong to disarm the military quartered in their respective districts8' and1 with a few exceptions1 the question received an affirmative reply4 ,although too successful in corrupting the soldiers1 they appear to have made very erroneous calculations as to the number whose allegiance had been shaken4 ,many1 both of the line and the militia1 became pretended converts to republicanism merely to obtain the money and entertainment offered liberally by the disaffected4 ,some regiments1 however1 became seriously tainted with disloyalty2 but1 generally1 the active measures to counteract seduction adopted by the commanding officers defeated the attempt4 ,,organisation ,,of ,,the ,,rebels ,with the confidence which strength and union give to those who meditate a revolutionary essay1 the leaders of the disaffected waited with impatience the assistance promised them through their agents by the ,french ,directory4 ,the military organisation of the ,united ,irishmen was grafted on their elaborately framed civil representative constitution1 and was constituted in the following manner3--#8,the secretary of each subordinate society1 composed of twelve members1 was appointed their petty or non-commissioned officer4 ,the delegate of five societies to a lower baronial committee was commonly appointed captain of a company1 consisting of the five societies who had delegated him1 and who made the number of sixty privates2 and then the delegate of ten lower baronials to the upper or district committee was commonly appointed colonel of a battalion1 which was thus composed of six hundred4 ,the colonels of battalions in each county sent in the names of three persons to the ,executive ,directory of the ,union1 one of whom was appointed by them adjutant-general of the county1 whose duty it was to receive and communicate military orders from the ,executive to the colonels of battalions1 and in general to act as officer of the revolutionary staff4 ,they were required to inform themselves of1 and report the state of the rebel regiments within their respective districts1 of the number of mills1 the roads1 rivers1 bridges1 and fords1 the military positions1 the capacity of the towns and villages to receive troops1 to communicate to the ,executive every movement of the enemy 7meaning the ,king's troops71 to announce the first appearance of their allies 7the ,french invaders71 and immediately to collect their forces4 ,,military ,,plans ,besides these a military committee was specially appointed4 ,its labours were twofold3 one was to prepare a plan for a general insurrection unsupported by foreign aid2 the other1 to devise the best means of co-operation with a ,french army1 in the event of the promised descent being effected on the coast of ,ireland4 ,on this event the ,directory calculated with such certainty in #agig1 that a general order #8to be ready' was issued through the provincial committees4 ,those who had the means to obtain them were exhorted to procure firearms and ammunition--pikes were to be provided by the lower orders--and throughout three provinces the order was promptly obeyed4 ,the organisation of ,connaught was1 fortunately1 still imperfect1 and at the outbreak of the insurrection the western counties were1 happily for themselves1 quite unprepared for action4 ,,french ,,invasion ,passing over the abortive attempt at an invasion arranged between ,lord ,edward ,fitzgerald and ,general ,lazare ,hoche in #agif1 when1 after months of preparations1 which--like the ,spanish ,armada--failed ignominiously1 the ships being the victims of the adverse winds1 and the commander1 ,morard de ,galles1 being watched by the ,english ,admiral ,gardiner with a stronger force 7#ah sail of the line74 ,the equipment1 but for unfavourable circumstances1 was sufficiently formidable1--the expedition numbering #ae sail of the line1 #aj frigates1 and #g transports1 which were afterwards augmented1--the whole comprising #ae1jjj troops1 with #dj1jjj extra stand of arms1 a field park of #bi pieces1 #fj1jjj barrels of powder1 and #g1jjj1jjj cartridges4 ,the time chosen was just before ,christmas4 ,,discomfited ,,french ,,fleet ,,in ,,bantry ,,bay ,on the #bfth ,december--the morning after the ,french admiral had issued orders to cut the cables and put to sea--,wolf ,tone1 who was the active spirit of the expedition1 thus describes the situation to which the remnant of the invading forces was reduced3--#8,the morning is now come1 the gale continues1 and the fog is so thick that we cannot see a ship's length ahead2 so here we lie in the utmost uncertainty and anxiety4 ,in all probability we are now left without admiral or general2 if so1 ,cherin will command the troops1 and ,bedout the fleet2 but1 at all events1 there is an end of the expedition4 ,certainly we have been persecuted by a strange fatality1 from the very night of our departure to this hour4 ,we have lost two commanders-in-chief2 of four admirals not one remains2 we have lost one ship of the line 7the ,sduisant was shipwrecked7 that we know of1 and probably many others of which we know nothing2 we have been now six days in ,bantry ,bay1 within #ejj yards of the shore1 without being able to effect a landing2 we have been dispersed four times in four days2 and at this moment1 of #dc sail1 of which the expedition consisted1 we can muster of all sizes but #ad4 ,there only wants our falling in with the ,english to complete our destruction4' ,on the #bgth the weather continued stormy4 ,several ships were obliged to cut and run1 the fleet was reduced to #g sail of the line and a frigate1 the troops to #dbjj men1 and the artillery to two four-pounders4 ,as a last effort this miserable remnant of the expedition determined to seek the ,shannon1 which had been named as the place of rendezvous4 ,during the whole gale1 which blew on the night of the #bhth1 a sixth separation occurred1 and three seventy-fours and a frigate parted company4 ,on the #bith the commodore signalised the other captains to steer for ,france1 and the last ship of an expedition intended to overthrow the ,british monarchy quitted the shores of ,ireland without having landed a single soldier1 communicated with the disaffected1 or thrown a musket on the shore4 ,the failure of the first attempt at an invasion was a fatal disappointment to the ,irish ,unionists2 and although hopes were held out that a second armament would be fitted out by the ,french ,directory without delay1 the financial and political embarrassments of the ,republic gave little promise that it would or could be effected4 ,hoche1 who did not reach ,france for fifteen days after ,grouchy1 was nominated soon after to the command of the army of the ,sambre and the ,meuse4 ,this appointment was heavily regretted by the agents of the ,united ,irishmen1 for there is no doubt that ,ireland was to ,hoche the favourite field of ambition that ,egypt was afterwards to ,bonaparte2 and undoubtedly he was sincere in his expressed intention of making the second effort at invasion1 had not his sudden dissolution intervened4 #8,the affair1' replied he1 #8is but suspended4 ,you know our difficulties for money2 the repair of our fleet and the necessary preparations require some considerable time1 and1 in the meantime1 there are #ae1jjj men lying idle below1 and1 in fact1 we cannot even feed them there4 ,the ,directory has resolved1 in the meantime1 to employ them usefully elsewhere1 and has accepted my services2 but be assured1 the moment the enterprise is resumed1 that ,i will return with the first patrouille which embarks4'--,general ,hoche to ,tone4 ,hoche sank from rapid consumption1 it is said1 #aith of ,september #agig1 in command of the united armies of the ,rhine and ,sambre and ,meuse4 ,adverse fate seemed determined to overwhelm unhappy ,ireland1 but fortune again miraculously warded off the desperately threatening conjunction of affairs4 ,,the ,,dutch ,,invasion ,,averted ,from another quarter1 however1 the ,irish revolutionists obtained both sympathy and support4 ,lewines1 the chief agent of the ,united ,irishmen1 had been accredited to ,spain and ,holland1 with both powers ,england being at war1 to request assistance4 ,from the ,spanish ,government he received1 generally1 an encouraging answer to his memorial2 and from the ,batavian ,executive a positive assurance of prompt and powerful co-operation on the part of the ,dutch republicans--a promise they endeavoured to faithfully perform4 ,it was an awful epoch in ,british history2 and it would have been difficult to say whether at home or abroad the political position of ,england was more embarrassed and portentous4 ,conquest had attended the onward march of the ,republicans1 and victory had succeeded victory2 and while ,ireland was ready to explode1 public confidence was shaken to its centre1 for that stay of ,britain--her fleet--had failed her in her trying hour1 and broken into open mutiny4 ,such was the ominous aspect1 foreign and domestic1 when the ,batavian ,government determined to strike a blow1 that1 if fortunately delivered1 might have gone far to dismember that island empire which had wrung from the ,dutch the dominion of the seas4 ,holland was a power to be dreaded4 ,france threatened and intended a descent1 but she possessed the wish1 rather than the power to effect it4 ,her naval executive was wretchedly defective1 her marine and monetary resources limited and precarious2 and while the dockyard authorities declared that eight weeks would be sufficient to fit out a second expedition1 it was probable--and so it proved--that as many months must elapse before a fleet could be sent afloat4 ,with the ,dutch ,republic matters were in a different state4 ,in the ,texel five-and-twenty line-of-battle ships and frigates were lying manned1 equipped1 and ready for sea2 #ae1jjj troops were ordered for instant embarkation2 and with a quantity of spare arms1 a large artillery force1 and plenty of money to subsist the troops when landed1 the ,batavian armament undauntedly determined to push out of harbour with the first fair wind1 elude ,admiral ,warren and his blockading squadron--if they could--or1 if intercepted1 stand an action with the ,british admiral's forces1 and thus endeavour to redeem the honour of a flag that once had been feared and respected4 ,the ,dutch ,government proved their sincerity of intention by the selection they made for the command of the expedition4 ,the naval department was entrusted to ,de ,winter1 an officer of distinguished reputation1 while the troops were placed under the direction of ,daendels1 a man justly considered to be the best general in the service of the ,republic4 ,the feelings of the ,batavian ,executive towards the ,irish revolutionists were ardent and disinterested1 and nothing could surpass the enthusiastic spirit which pervaded both the military and marine4 ,tone relates in his ,memoirs3--#8,general ,daendels showed me to-day his instructions from the ,dutch ,government4 ,they are fair and honest1 and ,i have no doubt he will act up to them4 ,the spirit of them is1 always to maintain the character of a faithful ally1 and not to interfere in the domestic concerns of the people2 to aid them1 by every means in his power1 to establish their liberty and independence1 and to expect no condition in return1 but that we should throw off the ,english yoke1 and that1 when all was settled on that score1 we should arrange our future commerce with the ,dutch ,republic on the basis of reciprocal advantage and accommodation4' ,but it would appear that against invasive efforts fortune had declared herself an enemy1 and the same wind that prevented the landing of a ,french armament as obstinately resisted the sailing of the ,dutch one4 ,day after day fifteen sail-of-the-line1 eight frigates1 and thirty transports lay at single anchor1 locked up in the ,texel1 while a breeze1 any point to northward1 would have carried them to sea with eighteen battalions of infantry1 four of chasseurs1 eight squadrons of cavalry1 and eleven companies of artillery--the whole forming an efficient and well-appointed army of #ad1jjj men1 a force more than sufficient1 under happy auspices1 to have changed an empire's fate4 ,foul winds continued4 ,the spirit of troops cooped up a month on shipboard gradually abated1 and golden opportunities slipped away4 ,even the most sanguine began to doubt1 a coolness arose between the commanders1 and ,de ,winter at last memorialised his ,government1 and intimated that the expedition1 as far as its original destination was concerned1 must be abandoned for the present4 ,the document stated that ,july had been named for the attempt1 that on the #ith all was ready1 that the ,english fleet 7the forces of which he rightly foresaw1 would have to be faced7 at that time consisted1 at the very most1 of thirteen sail-of-the-line1 which could not make any effectual opposition1 that contrary winds having prevailed ever since1 without an hour's intermission1 the enemy had had time to reinforce himself to the number of seventeen sail-of-the-line1 so that he had now a superiority in force over the ,dutch fleet1 which1 of course1 rendered the issue of an engagement1 to a certain degree1 doubtful2 that1 by this unforeseen delay1 which might1 and probably would1 continue still longer1 a great additional consumption of provisions had taken place1 so that in a very few days there would be barely sufficient for the voyage north-about2 that the season was now rapidly passing away1 and1 if the foul wind continued a fortnight longer1 the voyage would become highly dangerous1 if not utterly impracticable1 with a fleet encumbered with so many transports1 and amounting to nearly seventy sail of all kinds1 and that1 in consequence1 even a successful action with the ,english would not ensure the success of the enterprise1 which the very season would negative2 that for all these reasons1 his opinion was that the present plan was no longer advisable1 and in consequence he proposed that it should be industriously published that the expedition was given up2 that the troops should be disembarked1 except from #bejj to #cjjj men of the lite of the army1 who with twenty or thirty pieces of artillery1 and all the arms and ammunition1 should remain on board the frigates and one or two of the fastest-sailing transports2 that as the vigilance of the enemy would probably be relaxed in consequence1 this flotilla should profit by the first favourable moment to put to sea1 and push for their original destination1 where they should land the men1 arms1 and artillery1 and he would charge himself with the execution of this plan2 that by this means1 even if they failed1 the ,republic would be at no very great loss1 and if they succeeded must gain exceedingly2 that she would preserve her grand fleet1 which was now her last stake1 and1 during the winter1 would be able to augment it1 so as to open the next campaign--in case peace was not made ad interim--with twenty sail-of-the-line in the ,north ,sea4 ,these were most certainly very strong reasons1 and1 unfortunately for the would-be invaders1 the wind gave them every hour fresh weight4 ,,fate ,,of ,,the ,,dutch ,,fleet ,in accordance with ,de ,winter's advice the troops were landed1 and the ,dutch attempt upon ,ireland virtually abandoned2 for although it was ordered that the invading army should be so cantoned that it could be instantly concentrated for embarkation1 its future destination was changed1 and the north of ,scotland was declared a fitter place for the attempt than the ,irish coast4 ,but these designs were never carried out1 for the excellent reason that the ,british ,north ,sea fleet under ,duncan's leadership was prepared to intervene4 ,on the #aath ,october #agig ,de ,winter put to sea1 and the memorable action of ,camperdown resulted4 ,both fleets in numbers1 men1 and metal were much the same1 and though the ,dutch vessels were skilfully handled and most gallantly fought1 their defeat was so decisive1 that with this crushing blow the marine power of the ,states of ,holland was finally extinguished4 ,,despair ,,of ,,foreign ,,assistance ,the failure of the ,batavian ,government in giving their promised assistance to the ,irish malcontents proved in many respects most injurious to the success of the conspiracy4 ,the ardent expectations of succour from abroad1 so long and eagerly expected1 vanished with the crowning victory of ,camperdown4 ,this heavy and irremediable disaster abated the confidence of the most sanguine1 distracted the deliberations of the leaders1 and hurried the lower classes into overt acts of violence which irritated the royalists and provoked a fearful retaliation4 ,indeed1 on both sides exasperated feelings had produced cruelty1 and1 as a consequence1 barbarous reaction4 ,the troops1 with the impunity attendant upon martial law1 made a plea of disaffection the excuse for licence and exaction2 and upon the innocent and guilty1 too frequently1 the vengeance of the ,executive was indiscriminately directed4 ,the summary infliction of corporal and capital punishment--the destruction of property--the severity attached to charges of sedition1 when secret enmity and vile espionage would bring ruin on the unoffending1 and suspicion was held synonymous with guilt1--all these severities1 equally illegal and injudicious1 kindled a ferocity of feeling between parties which milder measures might have allayed1 accustomed men to acts of violence from which otherwise they would have revolted1 and reconciled them to the terrible barbarities attendant upon civil war4 ,,inflammatory ,,publications ,nor is it to be denied that cruelty in the authorities found much extenuation in the crimes committed by the disaffected4 ,that accursed crime1 so alien to ,british feeling1 became every day more prevalent1 and secret assassination was perpetrated by the ignorant1 and encouraged by the most infamous prints which ever damned a cause4 ,the ,union ,star headed its columns with a broad encouragement to murder1 and individuals were regularly branded for the knife2 ,the ,press was equally violent1 but its sedition was modified--the treasonable doctrines of the one being levelled generally against public securities1 while a malignant hatred to the person inculcated in the leading article of the other the assassination of those who were obnoxious4 ,both these inflammatory prints were eventually prosecuted and put down2 and while no publications ever called for the intervention of the law-officers more imperiously1 in justice we must add that none were more unconstitutionally disposed of--a military mob demolished the one1 the civil authorities arbitrarily suppressed the other4 ,to the cause which they ardently but unwisely advocated these prints were fatally mischievous4 ,there were two great parties in the kingdom3 one--the ,roman ,catholics--had serious reasons for discontent1 for statutory enactments excluded them from civil rights2 with the ,protestants it was different--they had much to reform1 but nothing to obtain4 ,in the north of ,ireland and part of ,leinster1 as it does at present1 the wealth1 the moral character1 and hence the moral influence of the kingdom1 might be considered as being concentrated2 and1 as it will ever be1 the intelligence of the minor section of the ,irish people overbalanced the physical superiority of the other4 ,to one object--wild and imaginative--the efforts of the ,protestant party were directed2 to another--vague1 bigoted1 and impracticable--the ,romanists addressed themselves4 ,hence the combination of interests and feelings was easily disorganised1 and within six months after an eternity of union had been announced as existing between religionists virulently opposed1 the discrepancy of intentions had severed the ,roman ,catholics and ,dissenters so completely1 that the conviction exists1 had the issue come to trial1 nineteen out of twenty of the northern republicans would have eventually joined the royal banner4 ,musgrave1 in his ,memoirs1 has pointed out this logical conclusion3--#8,when ,dickey1 a rebel leader and a ,dissenter1 was on the point of being hanged at ,belfast1 he declared that the eyes of ,presbyterians had been opened too late2 and that they were convinced by the massacres perpetrated by the ,romanists in the province of ,leinster1 that they must have had to contend with them if they had succeeded in overturning the constitution4' ,the secret informer played a most important part in this fearsome history from its commencement2 of these--the most important--because occupying the most influential position1 was ,mr4 ,thomas ,reynolds1 of the county of ,kildare1 who had acquired a landed property at ,kilkea ,castle4 ,lord ,edward ,fitzgerald and ,oliver ,bond1 two leaders in the conspiracy1 having1 for the reason that he possessed considerable influence amongst the ,romanists1 considered ,reynolds a proper person to assist in forwarding their treasonable designs1 practised every art of seduction to attach him to their cause2 and having at last succeeded1 he was sworn a ,united ,irishman at the house of ,oliver ,bond in ,dublin in the beginning of the year #agig1 was induced to accept the commission of colonel1 the offices of treasurer and representative of the county of ,kildare1 and at last that of delegate for the province of ,leinster4 ,,the ,,leaders ,,of ,,the ,,conspiracy ,,betrayed ,,to ,,the ,,government ,soon after he was raised to this elevated situation in the ,union1 having discovered that the conspirators1 instead of intending to reform the abuses of the ,state1 and to abolish all religious distinctions1 which was their professed object at first1 meditated the subversion of the constitution1 the massacre of the leading members of ,government1 and of such persons as should oppose their designs1 he determined to defeat them by embracing the first opportunity of communicating them to some person in whom he could confide4 ,,revelations ,,of ,,the ,,secret ,,traitor-,,informer ,he had a very great friendship and respect for ,mr4 ,cope1 an eminent merchant of the city of ,dublin1 who1 having lamented to him in the course of conversation the crimes and atrocities which were constantly committed1 and which were undoubted symptoms of an approaching rebellion1 ,mr4 ,reynolds1 upon whom his conversation had made a very deep impression1 said1 #8,that he knew a person connected with the ,united ,irishmen1 who1 he believed1 would defeat their nefarious projects by communicating them to ,government1 in order to make an atonement for the crime he had committed in joining them4' ,mr4 ,cope assured him that such a person would obtain the highest honours and pecuniary rewards that the administration could confer1 and that he would be admired and applauded by the most virtuous and valuable portion of society4 ,but ,mr4 ,reynolds said that nothing could tempt him to come forward and avow himself4 ,however1 after the most earnest and pressing solicitations repeatedly made on the part of ,mr4 ,cope1 for whom he had filial reverence1 he said that his friend would appear in person and disclose the particulars of the plot on the following conditions3--8,that he should not be called upon in person to prosecute any ,united ,irishmen2 that the channel through which the information came should be kept a secret1 at least for a time2 that1 as his life would be in danger upon its being known1 and he must leave the country and go to ,england till matters were settled--which would derange his affairs1 and put him to considerable expense--he expected to receive some compensation4 ,mr4 ,cope then told him that he might draw on him for any sum not exceeding five hundred guineas4 ,on that he told ,mr4 ,cope that the ,leinster delegates were to meet at ,oliver ,bond's on the #abth of ,march to concert measures for an insurrection40 ,it will be seen that1 to pierce the conspiracy1 no common informer was likely to penetrate the secrets of the confederacy4 ,save to a chosen few the higher executive was veiled in mystery--the revelations of obscure and ordinary traitors would therefore prove unavailing--and he who could denounce the ,secret ,directory must be a member himself4 ,the traitor who had betrayed the elements of this huge conspiracy found his confidences well kept4 ,documents1 whose authenticity cannot be called in question1 are in existence1 and furnish irrefragable proof of ,mr4 ,thomas ,reynolds having received for his disclosures not #ejj only1 but the sum of #ejjj in four payments1 at the following dates1 and in the following amounts3-- #agih4 ,sept4 #bi1 ,mr4 ,t4 ,reynolds received4444#ajjj ,nov4 #af4444444444444444444444444444444444444 bjjj #agii-;,jan4 #ai44444444444444444444444444444444ajjj ,march1144444444444444444444444444444444 44444#ajjj #ejjj ,in all these curious disclosures is revealed the fact that1 owing to the sensitive conscience of the informer1 he in all received a very comfortable sum--including an annuity of #ajjj per annum4 ,moreover1 on the #adth of ,june #agii ,mr4 ,reynolds received his annuity of #ajjj1 #8in full to the #beth ,march #agii2 from which period till his death1 the #ahth of ,august #ahcf1 his pension continued to be paid to him4 ,the amount of that pension was #ajjj ,irish1 or #ibj ,british1 per annum1 he received for a term of thirty-seven years4 ,the gross amount for the above period1 at #ibj per annum1 is #cd1jdj ,gratuity before the trials of ,bond1 ,m',cann1 and ,byrne #ejj ,gratuities between ,sept4 #agih1 and #dth ,march #agii #e1jjj ,consulship at ,lisbon1 four years at #a1djj per annum #e1fjj ,consulship at ,iceland1 two year at #cjj44444444fjj 4444444444444444444444444444444444444444 44444#de1gdj ,,the ,,heads ,,of ,,the ,,conspiracy ,,swept ,,off ,the result of ,reynolds's information was the arrest of the whole provincial committee1 consisting of fifteen members1 delegates from different societies4 ,they had assembled at the house of ,oliver ,bond1 in ,bridge ,street1 on the #abth of ,march1 and were completely surprised by ,captain ,swan1 attended by a dozen soldiers in coloured clothes4 ,several important papers were found upon the persons of the conspirators1 some written by ,byrne1 and others by ,john ,m',cann--and both these unfortunate men subsequently underwent the extreme penalty of the law4 ,the arrest at ,bond's was followed up by many others1 and most of the ,leinster delegates were promptly seized and imprisoned1 while others were denounced4 ,among the former were ,emmett1 ,sweetman1 ,jackson1 and ,macnevin2 among the latter ,lord ,edward ,fitzgerald1 ,sampson1 and ,mc,cormick4 ,the consequences of the fatal occurrence can be readily imagined4 ,the loss of their leaders created confusion and distrust--that they had been betrayed was evident1 and yet none could point to the betrayer4 ,no wonder that men implicated in the conspiracy trembled for themselves--treason was abroad--and what added terror to that knowledge was that none could name the individual1 and hence all was vague apprehension1 more heart depressing than actual but open danger4 ,the effect of this fetal discovery was equally injurious to the interests of the ,union abroad4 ,,wolf ,,tone',s ,,diary ,in his #8,diary' ,tone records3--#8,i have read news of the most disastrous and afflicting kind1 as well for me individually as for the country at large4 ,the ,english ,government has arrested the whole committee of ,united ,irishmen for the province of ,leinster1 including almost every man ,i know and esteem in the city of ,dublin4 ,it is by far the most terrible blow which the cause of liberty in ,ireland has yet sustained4 ,i know not whether in the whole party it would be possible to replace the energy1 talents1 and integrity of which we are deprived by this most unfortunate of events4 ,i have not received such a shock from all that has passed since ,i left ,ireland4 ,what a triumph at this moment for ,fitzgibbon 7,lord ,clare76 ,these arrestations following so close on that of ,o',connor1 give rise to very strong suspicions of treachery on my mind4 ,i cannot bear to write or think longer on this dreadful event4' ,,belated ,,precautions ,the first care of such of the leaders as remained at liberty was to fill up the vacancies in their executive2 and while the shaken confidence of the ,unionists should be re-established they endeavoured1 by a cautionary address1 to repress any premature explosion4 ,this diplomatic document thus concludes3--#8,this recital1 ,irishmen1 is meant to guard those of you who are remote from the scene of the late events against the consequences of misrepresentation and mistake4 ,the most unfounded rumours have been set afloat1 fabricated for the double purpose of delusion and intimidation4 ,your enemies talk of treachery in the vain and fallacious hope of creating it2 but you1 who scorn equally to be their dupe or slaves1 will meet their forgeries with dignified contempt1 incapable of being either goaded into untimely violence1 or sunk into pusillanimous despondency4 ,be firm1 ,irishmen1 but be cool and cautious2 be patient yet awhile2 trust to no unauthorised communications2 and above all1 we warn you--again and again we warn you--against doing the work of your tyrants1 by premature1 by partial1 or divided exertion4 ,if ,ireland shall be forced to throw away the scabbard1 let it be at her own time1 not theirs4' ,,despair ,,over ,,wrecked ,,opportunities ,a month wore on4 ,every day the chances of a successful rising became more gloomy2 disclosures were hourly made2 and it became quite evident to the revolutionary leaders that the ,government had penetrated their most secret plans1 and were prepared to crush the conspiracy4 ,as the arms and ammunition of the malcontents were detected and seized1 the hands of the ,executive were proportionately strengthened as the offensive power of the disaffected became less formidable4 ,supplementary corps of loyalists were armed and embodied2 and those to whom the destinies of ,ireland were entrusted assumed now an air of stern determination equally inflexible and appalling to the guilty4 ,daily a ,french invasion appeared a more improbable event4 ,at last the truth became apparent that it was hopeless to expect foreign assistance2 and the blow must be struck by the conspirators1 unaided and alone4 ,,the ,,date ,,of ,,rising ,,fixed ,accordingly1 the night of the #bcrd ,may was appointed for a general insurrection2 and the signal for a rising en mane was to be the destruction or detention of the mail coaches after they had left the metropolis1 while the counties and districts were left generally to the direction of local leaders2 the insurrectionary movement in the capital embraced a simultaneous attack on the castle1 the prisons1 and military posts1 the artillery barracks at ,chapelizod1 and the camp at ,laughlinstown1 seven miles south of ,dublin4 ,some of the foreknowledge of the movements of the ,united ,irishmen was evidently furnished by the informer ,reynolds1 who1 strange to relate1 had successfully eluded detection4 ,in making his terms with the ,government the traitor had prudently insisted upon his condition1 that the channels through which the information came should remain for some time a secret2 a stipulation in which his employers were no less interested than himself1 as1 by wearing still the mask of a friend1 he could retain still the confidence of those he was betraying1 and whatever victims his first aim had missed might1 from the same ambush1 be made sure of afterwards4 ,in pursuance of this policy we find him1 as he himself admits1 paying a friendly visit to ,mrs4 ,bond1 two or three days after he had marked her husband for death2 and even to ,lord ,fitzgerald--whose place of concealment at this moment was kept secret1 as we shall see1 from his own family--,reynolds1 under the trust reposed in him1 found ready admittance4 ,lord ,edward was at once the head and arm of the seditious movement4 ,,the ,,unfortunate ,,lord ,,edward ,,fitzgerald ,the name of ,lord ,edward stands out as that of the most conspicuous actor in this lurid history of the ,irish ,rebellion1 as a personage whose birth1 talents1 energies1 and enthusiasm obtained for him an unhappy pre-eminence4 ,the fifth son of the ,duke of ,leinster1 ,lord ,edward was nobly born by the maternal side1 his mother being the daughter of ,charles1 ,duke of ,richmond4 ,when ,lord ,edward was ten years old the ,duke of ,leinster died1 and after a brief widowhood his relict remarried1 and removing to ,france1 there ,lord ,edward commenced his education1 which appears to have been hurried and imperfect4 ,subsequently1 after remaining for a short time with the ,sussex militia1 he obtained a commission in the line1 joined the #ifth regiment in ,ireland2 exchanged into the #aith1 embarked for ,america1 with which ,england was then at war1 and1 landing at ,charlestown1 was placed under the command of ,lord ,rawdon 7,lord ,moira71 and afterwards attached to the staff of that spirited commander4 ,here the young soldier had an opportunity of witnessing field service for the first time1 and in one important branch of the profession--outpost duty--it afforded frequent opportunities of exhibiting tact and address1 as well as personal courage4 ,with these qualities ,lord ,edward was abundantly gifted1 and apparently a contempt for danger1 carried to rashness4 ,owing to ill-health ,lord ,rawdon left ,carolina for ,england1 and ,lord ,edward rejoined his regiment 7the #aith71 when ,greene attacked ,stuart at ,eutaw ,springs1 the result of which was a gallant and very doubtful action4 ,lord ,edward1 with his accustomed daring1 was closely engaged1 wounded in the leg1 and left upon the field4 ,in this helpless situation he was found by a poor negro1 who carried him off on his back to his hut1 and there nursed him most tenderly till he was well enough of his wound to bear removing to ,charlestown4 ,the negro was the #8faithful' ,tony1 whom in gratitude for the honest creature's kindness he now took into his service1 and who continued devotedly attached to his noble master to the premature ending of his lordship's career4 ,after the surrender of ,cornwallis's army at ,york ,town1 ,lord ,edward joined the staff of ,general ,o',hara at ,st4 ,lucia2 but1 after a few months1 he left the ,west ,indies1 returned home1 and was nominated by his brother1 the ,duke of ,leinster1 member for the borough of ,athy4 ,several years passed2 his career appears to have been unsettled and undetermined--one while studying professionally at ,woolwich1 the next visiting ,gibraltar and ,lisbon1 and subsequently the principal cities of ,spain4 ,in ,june #aghh he returned again to ,america1 landed at ,halifax1 and proceeded to join the #edth regiment1 quartered at ,st4 ,john's2 and held a field officer's rank in the same corps1 in which the celebrated political writer1 ,cobbett1 was then acting as sergeant-major4 ,lord ,edward appears--according to ,moore's ,life and ,death--to have been a man of nervous excitability4 ,we find him occasionally enacting #8,love's ,slave'--and1 with all the ardour and inconstancy of ,romeo1 forgetting ,rosalind for ,juliet4 ,had circumstances permitted the chances are that he would have changed his military profession for the calm enjoyments of domestic happiness4 ,but they did not--and hence1 probably1 #8an uneasy mind' sent him a second time across the ,atlantic to seek1 in savage or primaeval life1 employment for an ardent and impassioned spirit1 which1 under more fortunate circumstances1 would have sought domestic and cultivated enjoyments4 ,the active and careless character of his pursuits may be collected from an extract from one of numerous letters to his mother3--#8,i have been out hunting1 and like it very much--it makes me un peu sauvage1 to be sure4 ,you may guess how eager ,i am to try if ,i like the woods in winter as well as in summer4 ,i believe ,i shall never again be prevailed on to live in a house4 ,i long to teach you all how to make a good spruce bed4 ,three of the coldest nights we have had yet ,i slept in the woods with only one blanket1 and was just as comfortable as in a room4 ,it was in a party with ,general ,carleton1 we went about twenty miles from this to look at a fine tract of land that had been passed over in winter4 ,you may guess how ,i enjoyed this expedition1 being where1 in all probability1 there had never been but one person before4' ,this excursion1 no doubt1 suggested to ,lord ,edward his subsequent overland journey direct from ,fredericstown to ,quebec4 ,to modern adventurers the exploit would appear a commonplace essay1 but at the time the expedition was devised and accomplished1 few excepting an ,indian or backwoodsman would have voluntarily undergone the real and imaginary hardships of the journey4 ,after a thirty days' pilgrimage the young adventurer reached ,quebec4 ,one incident written to his mother is characteristic3 #8,i must tell you a little more of the journey4 ,after making the river we fell in with some savages1 and travelled with them to ,quebec2 they were very kind to us1 and said we were 8all one brother0--all 8one ,indian40 ,they fed us the whole time we were with them4 ,you would have laughed to have seen me carrying an old squaw's pack1 which was so heavy ,i could hardly waddle under it4 ,however1 ,i was well paid whenever we stopped1 for she always gave me the best bits1 and most soup1 and took as much care of me as if ,i had been her own son2 in short ,i was quite l'enfant chri' ,a final expedition he made via ,detroit and ,michilimackinack to ,new ,orleans1 seems to have confirmed his ,indian predilections1 and led to his adoption into the ,bear ,tribe1--an honour upon which ,lord ,edward prided himself no little4 ,from ,new ,orleans he embarked for ,england1 and for the three years succeeding his career was passed in ,england and ,ireland without important occurrences to mark them1 beyond the outbreak of the great ,french ,revolution1 that prodigious social and political upheaval which turned the heads of ,europe4 ,this terrible cataclysm intoxicated the ,irish sympathisers1 who1 valorous for liberty1 were blind to its excesses4 ,this bouleversement fascinated the imaginations of the men who aspired to copy its progressive developments1 and to leave their record heroically impressed upon ,irish history2 the ,emmett brothers1 ,wolf ,tone1 the brothers ,sheares1 ,lord ,edward himself1 and many other enthusiasts--the guiding spirits of the ,irish insurrection--drew their inspirations from the ,gallic font4 ,they were friends and developed into fellow-conspirators4 ,for instance1 take the names last mentioned4 ,henry and ,john ,sheares were brothers1 and sons of a banker in ,cork4 ,they had received a liberal education1 and both had been called to the ,irish bar4 ,travelling1 during the wildest period of the ,french ,revolution1 they became residents in ,paris while the reign of terror was at its height1 and1 as it has been stated1 witnessed the horrible scenes enacted daily under the tyranny of ,robespierre1 with an apathy from which accomplished and civilised gentlemen should have recoiled4 ,the fearless manner in which their political opinions were promulgated exposed them to the suspicions of the ,executive1 and shortly before the ,irish conspiracy broke out1--thanks to the revelations on the part of the traitor-informer1 which at one swoop cut off the entire corps of directing spirits--they were arrested and confined4 ,lord ,edward1 more practical than his philosophic friends1 had notoriously learned to act while they were #8philosophising2' he too had been educated in the school of the ,french ,revolution1 with the arch leading spirit of which violent movement he had connected himself by family ties4 ,when ,france declared herself a republic in #agib1 and the ,duke of ,orleans--#8the enigma of the revolution1' as ,lamartine pronounces him--had voted for the death of the king1 his kinsman1 possibly realising a similar fate overhung his own head1 ,lord ,edward was too enthusiastic to lose such a spectacle of moral and political excitement1 and hastened over to ,paris without communicating his intentions even to the ,duchess1 and to that fatal visit1 as his biographer ,moore avers1 his subsequent misfortunes must be traced4 ,his wild and hasty attachment to ,french principles--for he became almost a personage of the ,french ,revolution1 and is mentioned in ,lamartine's ,history--his introduction to ,madame de ,sillery 7de ,genlis71 gouvernante to the ,orleans children1 his falling desperately in love with the notoriously bewitching and spirituelle #8,pamela1' natural daughter of the ,egalit ,duke of ,orleans by the lady gouvernante already mentioned1 are matters of history4 ,pamela1 on all accounts1 was sufficiently fascinating to account for so romantic an attachment1 and ,lord ,edward was in himself a perfect hero of romance1 and was made all the more interesting1 even in ,france1 by this tender episode4 ,after this union his dismissal from the ,british army1 his return to ,ireland with his bride1 the surpassingly charming ,frenchwoman1 are merely personal details4 ,had not ,lord ,edward been steeped in the practical development of the ,irish rebellion1 his political career would have subsided in favour of that domestic felicity of which he sent his mother the following artless and sympathetic picture3-- #8,my little place is much improved by a few things ,i have done1 and by all my planting2 by the bye1 ,i doubt if ,i told you of my flower garden1--,i got a great deal from ,frescati4 ,i have been at ,kildare since ,pam's lying-in1 and it looked delightful1 though all the leaves were off the trees1 but so comfortable and snug4 ,i think ,i shall pass a delightful winter there4 ,i have got two fine large clumps of turf1 which look both comfortable and pretty4 ,i have paled in my little flower-garden before my hall door with a lath paling like the cottage1 and stuck it full of roses1 sweetbriar1 honeysuckles1 and ,spanish broom4 ,i have got all my beds ready for my flowers2 so you may guess how ,i long to be down to plant them4 ,the little fellow will be a great addition to the party4 ,i think when ,i am down there with ,pam and child of a blustering evening1 with a good turf fire and a pleasant book1 coming in after seeing my poultry put up1 my garden settled1 flower beds and plants covered for fear of frost1--the place looking comfortable and taken care of1 ,i shall be as happy as possible2 and sure ,i am ,i shall regret nothing but not being nearer my dearest mother1 and her not being of our party4 ,it is indeed a drawback1 and a great one1 our not being more together4 ,dear ,malvern6 how pleasant we were there2 you can't think how this time of year puts me in mind of it4 ,love always4 ,your affectionate son1 ,e4 ,f4' ,moore significantly comments3 #8,in reading these simple and1 to an almost feminine degree1 fond letters1 it is impossible not to feel how strange and touching is the contrast between those pictures of a happy home which they so unaffectedly exhibit1 and that dark and troubled sea of conspiracy and revolt into which the amiable writer of them so soon afterwards plunged2 nor can we easily bring ourselves to believe that the joyous tenant of this little ,lodge1 the happy husband and father1 dividing the day between his child and his flowers1 could be the same man who1 but a year or two after1 placed himself at the head of the rebel myriads1 negotiated on the frontiers of ,france for an alliance against ,england1 and but seldom laid down his head on his pillow at night without a prospect of being summoned thence to the scaffold or the field4' ,at the crisis of the conspiracy the hopes of the disaffected almost centred in this individual1 who has left a memory behind which commands the admiration of many--the pity1 ,i believe1 of all4 ,his earlier history we have already sketched1 and the more painful duty of describing its hurried and unhappy close now devolves upon us4 ,meanwhile ,lord ,edward1 as a military leader1 devoted himself to arming and disciplining the people whose grievances he was preparing to redress by force4 ,whether the high estimation in which his military character was held by the ,united ,irishmen was justly merited or not1 is a question that can never be determined4 ,he had many essential qualities to command popular respect1 and fit him to become a revolutionary leader--high birth1 family influence1 singleness of purpose1 devotion not to be mistaken1 and courage beyond a doubt4 ,but he seems to have been a self-willed and most imprudent man1 and1 if his biography may be credited1 the last person upon earth to whose absolute direction a nation's fate1 and the fortunes of a mighty and complicated movement1 should have been entrusted4 ,it was perfectly notorious to the ,government that ,lord ,edward was deeply implicated in the conspiracy2 that he was the life and spirit of the plot1 the hope of the revolutionists1 and the selected leader of the intended insurrection4 ,when the arrest at ,bond's1 due to ,reynolds's treacherous disclosures1 had fallen like the stroke of a thunderbolt upon the ,union1 and paralysed the boldest1 it was whispered in that gloomy hour that ,lord ,edward had escaped abroad1 and therefore the cause was not altogether desperate4 ,that he had not been found at the secret meeting of the ,leinster committee was a heavy disappointment to the ,executive4 ,it was true that1 in the seizure of the delegates1 the conspiracy had received a stunning blow1 but it was #8scotched1 not killed4' ,lord ,edward was at liberty1 and consequently the masterspirit was abroad4 ,on the score of humanity1 of policy1 or both1 it had been hinted by the ,irish ,government that his escape would be connived at1 and the ports left open1 if he would secretly quit the kingdom4 ,mr4 ,ogilvie1 ,lord ,edward's foster-father1 hastened to ,dublin1 and interviewed ,lord ,clare2 the ,lord ,chancellor expressed himself with the most friendly warmth on the subject1 counselling ,lord ,edward's stepfather3 #8,for ,god's sake get this young man out of the country2 the ports shall be thrown open to you1 and no hindrance whatever offered4' ,the offer was conveyed to ,lord ,edward1 and rejected by him2 no course remained but to apprehend him if possible1 and thus deprive the hydra of its head4 ,among others1 he was afterwards denounced by proclamation dated the nth of ,may1 and #ajjj offered for such secret information as might lead to his arrest4 ,on quitting ,leinster ,house1 the first place where ,lord ,edward sought concealment was the domicile of a widow lady situated on the banks of the canal4 ,thither1 three nights after the surprise of the ,leinster committee1 he was conveyed in disguise1 and there he remained a month undiscovered1 although1 with an imprudence not pardonable in a leader on whose safety a mighty movement hinged1 he too frequently exposed himself to detection4 ,for the feelings of the lover-husband1 that would induce him to risk everything to visit an idolised wife and the children1 even a callous heart would find or frame an apology4 ,as ,moore relates3 #8,her ladyship had immediately1 on the disappearance of ,lord ,edward1 removed from the ,duke of ,leinster's to a house in ,denzel ,street1 taking with her an attached female servant and the negro ,tony1 her husband's favourite4 ,the two latter believed1 as did most people1 that their master had fled to ,france1 and it was therefore with no small surprise that the maidservant saw1 in going into her lady's room late in the evening1 his lordship and ,lady ,edward sitting together by the light of the fire4 ,the youngest child had1 at his desire1 been brought down out of its bed for him to see it1 and both he and ,lady ,edward were1 as the maid thought1 in tears4' ,circumstanced as he was1 unnecessary exposure was unpardonable4 ,his person might be considered a sort of public property1 and yet we find him walking most nights along the banks of the canal1 jumping in and out of boats to amuse a child he had made his companion1 and afterwards by sheer recklessness falsifying the incognito of an assumed name4 ,how ,lord ,edward could have evaded detection so long appears astonishing4 ,an enormous reward was offered for his detection1 and1 as the plot became further unfolded1 the alarm of the ,government for its own existence superseded every other thought1 and all considerations of mercy were lost in their fears4 ,at the period1 therefore1 where we are now arrived1 the search after his lordship was1 by the emissaries of authority1 pursued with as much eagerness as political zeal1 urged by fear and revenge1 could inspire4 ,lord ,edward at last seemed awakened to his danger1 and it was considered by himself and friends that a longer residence where he was might be hazardous and lead to a discovery4 ,another asylum was accordingly provided for him at a feather merchant's house in ,thomas ,street1 and at ,murphy's1 as the owner was called1 he remained for several days in safety4 ,on the #cjth ,march the kingdom had been declared by proclamation #8in actual rebellion1' the troops were directed to act without magisterial authority whenever their own officers deemed it proper4 ,this fearful order loosed a licentious soldiery upon the country1 and every hope of averting bloodshed ended4 ,as the great object of the revolutionary leaders was to prevent a premature explosion1 agents were despatched to hold out encouragement to the disaffected that a ,french invasion would speedily be reattempted4 ,but a double failure had damped the expectations of the ,directory4 ,hoche1 the apostle of this adventurous policy1 was in his grave2 ,bonaparte1 bent on other objects1 and unfriendly to an ,irish demonstration2 and without foreign assistance it became evident to the conspirators that #8themselves must strike the blow4' ,the plot was on the verge of coming to a head4 ,for the following fortnight ,lord ,edward--whose leadership counted for so much at the opportune and decisive moment of actual outburst--made ,murphy's house his place of concealment4 ,even there he received company 7some of his friends were regarded as traitors to the cause71 walked out at night1 and1 disguised in women's clothes1 visited ,lady ,edward in ,denzel ,street4 ,he then changed his residence1 and sought shelter in the houses of tradesmen1 named ,moore and ,corwick1 situated in the same street4 ,some circumstances gave alarm to his friends1 and ,lord ,edward a second time was conducted to his suburban retreat1 and placed again in charge of his former hostess4 ,things were approaching a climax4 ,on the #aath of ,may the proclamation that offered ,l4#ajjj for his apprehension appeared2 the day for the insurrection was appointed2 ,john ,sheares despatched to ,cork to raise the southern rebels2 and1 for the purpose of holding a closer communion with the ,dublin leaders1 ,lord ,edward quitted the house of his faithful protectress on the #acth ,may1 and on the #ahth he re-entered ,murphy's1 and only left it on the #aith for a cell1 wherein to linger out a few miserable days1 and expire in the common jail1 without a friend or relative to watch #8the spirit's parting'6 ,,the ,,arrest ,,of ,,lord ,,edward ,,fitzgerald ,it was evident that the ,government were cognisant of these plans4 ,the date of the rising had been determined1 ,lord ,edward was to head the movement2 his commanding officer's uniform was ready1 but it was preordained that the commander-in-chief of the rebel forces would never appear in it4 ,from this distant point of view the operations of the ,government resembled the movements of the watchful cat prepared to spring upon the doomed mouse4 ,on the night preceding the #ahth of ,may it was arranged that ,lord ,edward1 the hero and hope of the movement1 now on the eve of being declared openly1 should resume his residence with ,murphy in ,thomas ,street1 and he set out1 accordingly1 under a strong escort of his followers4 ,one of those affrays1 of common occurrence in those days of terror--which this popular escort seemed destined to attract--resulted4 ,it is quite evident from this occurrence that his betrayal was already complete4 ,of ,lord ,edward's intended movements ,sirr1 the ,dublin town-major1 had received certain information2 and this officer was on the spot1 ready prepared to stultify the plans of the conspirators4 ,sirr had with him a party for the purpose1 and as either of two streets would have conducted ,lord ,edward to his destination1 the town-major divided his myrmidons1--one section occupied ,wading ,street1 the other was posted in ,dirty ,lane4 ,a similar precaution happened to be adopted by ,lord ,edward's escort2 there consequently ensued in both these streets a conflict between the parties4 ,in the street affair ,john ,mc,cabe1 a very active member of the ,united ,irishmen1 was seized and made a prisoner2 he was afterwards tried1 convicted1 and executed4 ,lord ,edward1 by a miracle1 was left free for the moment4 ,sirr1 bearing the brunt of the struggle1 found his opponents overstrong1 and was nearly losing his life4 ,in defending himself with a sword1 which he had snatched from one of his assailants1 he lost his footing and fell2 and had not those with whom he was engaged in a hand-to-hand scuffle been much more occupied with their noble charge than with him1 ,sirr could hardly have escaped4 ,a pistol or two was snapped at the fallen officer1 and the group passed on with ,lord ,edward to ,murphy's4 ,the house was under surveillance4 ,on the morning following1 evidently the eve of the insurrection1 the generalissimo of the ,united ,irishmen's uniform--dark green1 faced with scarlet--was delivered by an old woman to ,murphy4 ,this #8his already nervous host' concealed under goat-skins in his warehouse4 ,at noon a party of soldiers suddenly entered the street1 and suspiciously halted before ,moore's house1 the man who had formerly sheltered ,lord ,edward4 ,alarmed for the safety of his guest1 the feather merchant conveyed him by a trap door to the roof of his warehouse1 and in one of the valleys which ran between the houses4 ,lord ,edward remained for two or three hours1 until the alarm had subsided1 and the soldiers had left the street4 ,at the usual hour dinner was served1 and ,neilson1 a constant and most imprudent visitor1 was invited to join ,murphy and his noble guest4 ,the cloth #8had not been many minutes removed1 when ,neilson1 as if suddenly recollecting something1 hurried out of the room and left the house2 shortly after which1 ,mr4 ,murphy1 seeing that his guest was not inclined to drink any wine1 went downstairs4 ,in a few minutes1 however1 returning1 he found that his lordship had1 in the interim1 gone to his bedroom1 and1 on following him thither1 saw him lying without his coat upon the bed4 ,there had now elapsed1 from the time of ,neilson's departure1 not more than ten minutes1 and it is asserted that he had1 in going out1 left the hall door open4' ,illustration3 #jddi ,at this moment ,major ,sirr1 who had but just received an intimation from the ,castle of the place where ,lord ,edward was concealed1 proceeded in hackney-coaches to arrest him1 attended by eight soldiers in coloured clothes1 and accompanied by ,captains ,swan and ,ryan4 ,while ,sirr was disposing the soldiers below to prevent any chance of escape1 ,swan hurried upstairs1 entered the apartment1 and1 approaching the bed1 told ,lord ,edward that he was a prisoner4 ,lord ,edward jumped out of bed1 and ,swan1 perceiving that he was determined on resistance1 snapped1 or1 as others say1 discharged a pistol ineffectually1 and then closing with his antagonist1 both rolled upon the bed4 ,in the struggle which ensued ,lord ,edward stabbed his opponent on the hand and body repeatedly1 when ,ryan entered the chamber and rushed to the assistance of his companion1 lunging at ,lord ,edward with a cane-sword1 which1 however1 turned on the ribs1 and only inflicted a flesh wound4 ,all three fell on the floor together2 in the mle which followed ,ryan received a mortal stab1 and when ,sirr entered he found ,lord ,edward on his feet endeavouring to reach the door1 while ,swan and ,ryan held on desperately by the legs to prevent it4 ,threatened as he was with a fate similar to his companions1 ,sirr had no alternative but to fire1 and aiming his pistol deliberately1 he lodged the contents in ,lord ,edward's right arm near the shoulder4 ,the wound for a moment staggered him2 but as he again rallied1 and was pushing towards the door1 ,major ,sirr called up the soldiers1 and so desperate were the captive's struggles that they found it necessary to lay their firelocks across him before he could be disarmed or bound so as to prevent further mischief4 ,clearly the powers would have preferred to take this unfortunate and embarrassing prisoner dead--the history of the affair makes this evident--three attempts all more or less deliberate had been made on the captive's life in the short encounter4 ,an eminent surgeon was immediately brought to the assistance of the wounded men2 ,ryan's injury was pronounced the most dangerous--he had commenced his share in the affray by attempting to run their captive through the body4 ,swan's wounds1 though numerous1 were not severe1 and on examination ,dr4 ,adreen expressed an opinion that ,lord ,edward's were not mortal4 ,the surgeon's communication elicited a brief but significant remark1 #8,i am sorry1 doctor1 to hear it'6 ,on the arrival of a cavalry picket and the ,rainsford ,street guard the wounded men were removed1 and ,lord ,edward was taken to the ,castle in a sedan1 and carried into the office of the ,secretary of the ,war ,department4 ,on his arrest being communicated to ,lord ,camden1 orders were given that the ,state surgeon should instantly examine and dress his wounds2 while with a feeling honourable to his well-known humanity1 the ,viceroy transmitted by his own secretary a private message to the noble prisoner1 giving him an assurance of receiving every indulgence consistent with personal safety4 ,the message was conveyed by ,mr4 ,watson1 whose account of the melancholy interview is graphic and interesting4 #8,i found ,lord ,edward leaning back on a couple of chairs1 his arm extended1 and supported by the surgeon1 who was dressing the wound4 ,his countenance was pallid1 but serene2 and when ,i told him1 in a low voice1 not to be overheard1 my commission from the ,lord ,lieutenant1 and that ,i was going to break the intelligence of what had occurred to ,lady ,edward1 asking him1 with every assurance of my fidelity and secrecy1 whether there was any confidential communication he wished to be made to her ladyship1 or whether ,i could undertake any other act of personal kindness in his service1 he answered merely1 but collectedly1 8,no1 no1 thank you--nothing1 nothing--only break it to her tenderly40' ,after a delay of several hours1 during which time his wounds had been carefully attended to1 ,lord ,edward was removed to ,newgate under a strong military guard1 and placed in ,lord ,aid-borough's room4 ,as the carriage and escort passed from the ,castle to the prison1 the countenances and demeanour of the disaffected indicated how deeply they felt the loss of the leader on whom they had placed so much dependence4 ,to attempt a rescue was determined1 and1 in full assurance that the effort would be made1 the garrison remained under arms throughout the night4 ,on the #cast of ,may ,captain ,ryan died of his wounds1 but it was considered1 though the heat of the weather was against him1 that ,lord ,edward would recover4 ,attended by a kind-hearted militia officer named ,stone1 and constantly visited by the ,state surgeon1 there is no doubt that the severity attendant on his confinement as imputed to the authorities was exaggerated4 ,lord ,edward lingered to the #ast ,june1 when his wounds assumed an unhealthy appearance and fever set in2 the death of ,captain ,ryan had transpired1 and the knowledge that his victim was no more added poignant sorrow to a mind already excited too seriously4 ,it is said that the confusion and noise attending on the execution of a young man named ,clinch increased this mental irritation4 ,on the #bnd of ,june ,lord ,edward became delirious1 and the attendance of a keeper from a mad-house was deemed necessary4 ,on the #crd reason returned1 but his strength had sunk completely4 ,the authorities gave a tardy consent for his brother and sister to visit him1 a concession ,lord ,clare had seen fit to withhold until the last4 ,lady ,louisa ,conolly relates they saw he was cast for death--#8,the two dear brothers frequently embraced each other1 to the melting of a heart of stone2 and yet ,god enabled both ,henry and myself to remain quite composed4 ,as every one left the room we told him we only were with him4 ,he said1 8,that is very pleasant40 ,however1 he remained silent1 and ,i then brought in the subject of ,lady ,edward1 and told him ,i had not left her until ,i saw her on board2 and ,henry told him of having met her on the road well4 ,he said1 8,and the children1 too8 ,she is a charming woman10 and then became silent again4 ,that expression about ,lady ,edward proved to me that his senses were much lulled1 and that he did not feel his situation to be what it was2 but1 thank ,god6 they were enough alive to receive pleasure from seeing his brother and me4 ,dear ,henry1 in particular1 he looked at continually with an expression of pleasure4' ,immediately after ,lord ,henry and his sister had taken leave convulsions came on violently1 and at two o'clock in the morning of the #dth1 a gallant1 generous1 and enthusiastic spirit--would that it had been better directed ,i--parted4 ,after an inquest the body was interred in the cemetery of ,st4 ,werburgh1 the funeral being conducted as privately as possible to prevent any exhibition of popular feeling1 which1 had it been more public1 would have been certain to occur4 ,,arrest ,,of ,,the ,,brothers ,,sheares ,the capture of ,lord ,edward on the eve of the rebellion was followed by the arrest of the brothers ,sheares2 and had the ,government required documentary evidence to establish the ruthless spirit with which the ends of the conspiracy would have been carried out1 a military memoir found in the writing-desk of the ill-directed young nobleman1 and a sanguinary manifesto in the handwriting of ,john ,sheares1 and discovered in the house of his brother ,henry1 would have been amply sufficient4 ,lord ,edward's document was purely military1 and1 although highly mischievous1 it was defensible2 but the proclamation to be issued on the #bdth of ,may betrayed a ferocity of intention which no circumstances could palliate4 ,every paragraph seemed traced in blood2 and while the sanguinary course of action which it inculcated deprived the unhappy author of that sympathy which his fate might have otherwise obtained1 those who would rescue his memory from the odium of savage purpose have wisely grounded its defence upon the only pardonable excuse--insanity4 ,,john ,,sheares' ,,bloodthirsty ,,manifesto ,this explosive manifesto had been prepared in anticipation that the sanguinary programme laid down for the #bcrd of ,may1 the outbreak of the rebellion in the capital1 had been successfully carried out to its reckless sequel3-- #8,irishmen1 your country is free1 and you are about to be avenged4 ,that vile ,government1 which has so long and so cruelly oppressed you1 is no more4 ,some of its most atrocious masters have already paid the forfeit of their lives1 and the rest are in our hands4 ,the national flag1 the sacred green1 is at this moment flying over the ruins of despotism6 #8,as for those degenerate wretches who turn their swords against their native country1 the national vengeance awaits them4 ,let them find no quarter1 unless they shall prove their repentance by speedily exchanging the standard of slavery for that of freedom4 #8,under the conduct of your chosen leaders march with a steady step to victory4 ,heed not the glare of hired soldiery1 or aristocratic yeomanry3 they cannot stand the vigorous shock of freedom4 ,their trappings and their arms will soon be yours2 and the detested ,government of ,england1 to which we vow eternal hatred1 shall learn that the treasures it exhausts on its accoutred slaves for the purpose of butchering ,irishmen shall but further enable us to turn their swords on its devoted head4 ,attack them in every direction by day and by night2 avail the natural advantages of your country1 which are and with which you are better acquainted than they4 ,where you cannot oppose them in full force constantly harass their rear and their flanks2 cut off their provisions and magazines1 and prevent them as much as possible from uniting their forces2 let whatever moments you cannot devote to fighting for your country be passed in learning how to fight for it1 or preparing the means of war--for war1 war alone must occupy every mind and every hand in ,ireland1 until its long-oppressed soil be purged of all its enemies4 ,vengeance1 ,irishmen1 vengeance on your oppressors4 ,remember that thousands of your dearest friends have perished by their merciless orders4 ,remember their burnings1 their rackings1 their torturings1 their military massacres1 and their legal murders4 ,remember ,orr6' ,,outbreak ,,of ,,the ,,rebellion ,the crisis hurried on rapidly4 ,on the morning of the #bast1 the ,viceroy officially to the ,lord ,mayor1 and the day following1 through ,lord ,castlereagh1 apprised the ,house of ,commons1 #8that his ,excellency had received information that the disaffected had been daring enough to form a plan for the purpose of possessing themselves1 in the course of the present week1 of the metropolis1 of seizing the seat of ,government1 and those in authority within the city2 that1 in consequence of that information1 he had directed every military precaution to be taken which seemed expedient2 that he had made full communication to the magistrates for the direction of their efforts2 and that he had not a doubt1 by the measures which would be pursued1 the designs of the rebellious would be effectually and entirely crushed4' ,a spirited and dutiful answer was voted by the ,commons4 #8,the ,speaker and all the members immediately waited on his ,excellency with the address2 and to show their zeal1 and to increase the solemnity of the proceedings1 they walked through the streets on foot1 two and two1 preceded by the ,speaker1 the sergeant-at-arms1 and all the officers of the house4' ,the #bcrd of ,may1 a day that must ever carry with it deplorable recollections1 dawned upon a city destined before another sun should rise to undergo every horror that attends a civil war4 ,a gloom overspread the countenances of the royalists4 ,enough had been communicated by the ,executive to convince the most sceptical that the long portending thundercloud was on the eve of bursting--and still the moment of actual insurrection continued veiled in impenetrable mystery4 ,evening came1 and no positive information of revolutionary outbreak as yet had reached the ,castle4 ,a ,government spy1 late in the day1 communicated authentic intelligence1 that the picket of yeomanry cavalry at ,rathfarnham would that night be surprised and cut off1 and1 consequently1 instead of a sergeant's party the whole troop mounted for patrol4 ,after narrowly escaping an ambush1 ,lieutenant ,la ,touche ascertained that the rebels had actually risen1 and an express1 carried by a trooper called ,bennett1 was immediately despatched to apprise the ,lord ,lieutenant of the insurrection4 ,the duty--one of the many instances of the zeal and personal gallantry with which the ,irish yeomanry evidenced their fealty and devotion to the ,government--was truly perilous1 for the rebels in great numbers were collecting in the road and adjacent fields in the vicinity of ,dublin4 ,in the city1 particularly the suburbs1 the yeoman saw a great number of rebels with pikes1 in the gateways1 alleys1 and stable-lanes1 waiting the beat of their drums and the approach of rebel columns from the country which they were expecting2 and as he passed they frequently cried out1 animating each other1 #8,come on1 boys6 who's afraid8' ,immediately the garrison and yeomanry drums beat to arms1 and the latter hurried to their alarm-posts4 ,the ,north ,cork ,militia were formed in ,stephen's ,green1 and the bridges of the canals1 which stretch along the city north and south1 were occupied by strong pickets4 ,those crossing the ,liffey were also secured1 and the communications completely interrupted4 ,for some nights previous to the #bcrd of ,may beacon fires were seen on the ,wicklow mountains1 whose luminous appearance by night and whose smoke by day served as signals to the disaffected in the metropolis and in all the adjacent country4 ,the same practice took place on all the mountains which extend from the ,scalp in the county of ,wicklow to ,mount ,leinster in the county of ,wexford4 ,where existed any necessity for this idle and unnecessary display1 when all was organised and ready1 and any striking exhibition must naturally add to the alarm which every prudential motive should have allayed8 ,why increase the fears and consequently the vigilance of the ,executive8 ,in secrecy of purpose lay success1 and all was in favour of it could the authorities be lulled into a false and fatal security4 ,the yeomanry corps1 which in a few days afterwards were purified of traitors1 at the moment of the outbreak abounded in ,united ,irishmen1 upon whom no shadow of suspicion had yet fallen4 #8,it was discovered1' says ,sir ,richard ,musgrave in his narrative1 #8that near nine-tenths of the ,roman ,catholics in the yeomanry corps were ,united ,irishmen1 and had taken an oath to be true to the rebels in direct contradiction to their sworn allegiance1 and yet many of them1 after taking the ,united oath1 had1 by deliberate and pre-determined perjury1 joined the yeomanry corps for the purpose of getting arms in their hands1 learning the use of them1 and turning them against the loyalists perhaps in the very moment of danger4 ,in the subsequent development of the conspiracy there occurred direct evidence of the loyalist corps deliberately joining the rebels they were sworn to subdue at the critical juncture of the encounters4 ,the domestic servants of ,dublin were deeply engaged in the conspiracy1 and hence every action of their employers was revealed1 and the safety of every house was compromised4 ,even the lamplighters lent their assistance1 and darkness was prearranged to assist--as it would do most effectively--a sudden outburst1 by neutralising the advantages which daylight secures to disciplined troops in a conflict with fierce and tumultuary assailants4 ,it has been already mentioned that the stoppage of the mail-coaches was to be the signal for a general rising4 ,on the evening of the #bcrd1 at ,santry1 the ,belfast mail was burned2 the ,limerick stopped on the ,curragh of ,kildare1 and both guard and coachman murdered2 the ,athlone coach was destroyed at ,lucan1 and the ,cork mail at ,naas4 ,a number of petty affairs followed the instant outbreak of the rebellion1 all characterised by the atrocities attending civil war4 ,in these affairs the rebels were generally repulsed2 but in a few they unhappily succeeded1 and always by surprise1 treachery1 or the imprudence of the royalists4 ,of these we shall meet instances in the course of our illustrations4 ,as regards the outbreak in the capital1 naturally the capture of ,dublin was the grand and primary object at which the conspirators unanimously aimed2 and a simultaneous movement on the metropolis by the ,kildare rebels was to have seconded the efforts of the disaffected within the city4 ,everything was in favour of success2 and1 as the garrison was almost drained of regular troops1 and its safety entrusted to the yeomanry1 that circumstance was not overlooked by the rebel leaders4 ,in barracks soldiers cannot be easily surprised2 a few taps from the drum1 and a very few minutes are quite sufficient to place a regiment in battle order2 but to collect irregulars1 dispersed and distant from the alarm-posts they have been directed to assemble at1 is a work of time1 and equally difficult and precarious1 as1 in an attempt to reach the posts assigned1 individuals and isolated parties are readily intercepted and overpowered4 ,this was the great design of the insurgents1 and nothing could have been more easily effected when aided by the darkness of night and the intricacies of a city crowded with houses1 and intersected by narrow lanes4 ,by an unaccountable oversight the canals1 which covered two sides of ,dublin1 had been left open1 when by stockading the bridges they could have easily been rendered defensible1 and have thus placed an impassable obstruction to any bodies who might approach the city from ,kildare4 ,before the royalists occupied the bridges numbers of insurgents from the country had crossed over1 and it was computed that by one northern turnpike more than two thousand strangers had entered the city during the evening and succeeding night4 ,of the chief plans propounded by the rebel leaders1 the capture of the ,castle with the high authorities it contained1 the cutting off of the royalists in detached parties as they hurried to their respective alarm-posts at the beat to arms of rebel drums1 with an attack on the jail of ,newgate1 the liberation of their friends the ,state prisoners there incarcerated1 formed the grand objects of their midnight movement4 ,the guiding spirit was evidently lacking1 for the head had been cut off4 ,on the plans of action there was a division of opinion among the existing leaders4 ,john ,sheares confined the intended operations of his followers to dealing with the ,castle and disposing of the inmates4 ,neilson1 it was arranged1 should attack the jail4 ,accident interfered2 neither plan had any success1 and the leader found himself at midnight the inmate of the prison from which he had falsely calculated that he was going to liberate his imprisoned confederates4 ,southwell ,c4 ,mc,clure1 a rebel colonel1 who had been pardoned1 gave evidence that ,neilson had made preparations for his task1 and taken elaborate preparations for the carrying out of his plan on ,newgate and cutting off the loyalist auxiliaries in detail4 ,he had assembled at a house in ,church ,lane1 a noted rendezvous for rebels1 fifteen colonels representing as many battalions2 to each of these leaders he had produced a map of ,dublin1 and assigned to each the post which each colonel and his regiment was to occupy that night4 ,in his attack upon ,newgate he was to have been seconded by a large body of rebels1 headed by ,seagrave1 who was to have secured possession of ,mr4 ,halpin's distillery1 the windows of which flanked it1 and they were to have kept up a constant fire on the front of the prison1 while another party scaled the walls in a different quarter4 ,neilson's preparations promised to prove formidable1 and at ten o'clock this leader1 having a body of rebels collected in some fields contiguous to-,eccles ,street1 proceeded to reconnoitre ,newgate and point out the best points of attack to his supporters4 ,escalade1 supported by a commanding fire of musketry1 was the plan adopted1 and from the manner in which the prison was domineered the attempt might have easily succeeded4 ,in the most suspicious manner ,neilson was always found doing compromising acts4 ,his behaviour had helped to compromise ,lord ,edward's security1 and on this occasion he seems to have deliberately sacrificed his plans and his safety at the critical juncture1 and thus compromised the entire scheme4 ,some waste ground1 then covered with heaps of market offal1 and close to the prison1 enabled a person to examine the building unperceived1 and of this advantage ,neilson1 already well acquainted with the locality1 had availed himself4 ,in the darkness he trod upon a child1 and the outcry brought its mother to the spot4 ,the woman was drunk1 an angry altercation followed1 and no apology which ,neilson could offer would conciliate the irritated poissarde4 ,the noise naturally attracted attention2 persons hastened to the spot1 and among others ,mr4 ,gregg1 the jailor4 ,neilson1 having already been in his custody1 was perfectly familiar to ,gregg4 ,the latter immediately arrested him1 a desperate resistance was offered1 a pistol snapped1 and a doubtful struggle ensued4 ,under a belief that ,gregg's assault on ,neilson was occasioned by his resentment of the injury offered to her child1 the fishwoman so far contributed by her clamour to mystify the affray that the line of posts which ,neilson had established between ,newgate and ,eccles ,street thought the noise only a squabble of drunken fishwomen1 and waited in idle expectation for ,neilson's return and orders to advance1 until the capture transpired in an hour or two1 and the party took alarm and disbanded4 ,in a popular movement failure or success at first generally decides its fortunes4 ,the attempt on the capital signally miscarried4 ,the master-spirit was wanting at the hour of action1 and he who might have given a fatal direction to efforts ill-directed and uncombined1 was1 with his abler associates1 immured within the walls of a prison4 ,upon individuals alike wanting in courage and ability the hurried choice of revolutionary leadership had fallen4 ,if ,neilson's imprudent visits to ,lord ,edward before the arrest subjected him to a charge of treachery afterwards1 his conduct on the night he reconnoitred ,newgate proves him to have been quite unfitted for command4 ,that a man known to every turnkey should have personally examined a building in which he had been so long confined appeared1 from its extreme rashness1 almost to indicate indifference to the consequences of discovery4 ,,the ,,rebellion ,,officially ,,proclaimed ,on the morning of the #bdth two proclamations were issued--the one from ,general ,lake1 the other from ,alderman ,fleming4 ,both were stringent1 but the circumstances of the times admitted of no temporising measures3-- #8,lieutenant-,general ,lake1 commanding his ,majesty's forces in this kingdom1 having received from his ,excellency the ,lord ,lieutenant full powers to put down the rebellion1 and to punish rebels in the most summary manner1 according to martial law1 does hereby give notice to all his ,majesty's subjects1 that he is determined to exert the powers entrusted to him in the most vigorous manner for the immediate suppression of the same2 and that all persons acting in the present rebellion1 or in any way aiding or assisting therein1 will be treated by him as rebels1 and punished accordingly4 #8,and ,lieutenant-,general ,lake hereby requires all the inhabitants of the city of ,dublin 7the great officers of ,state1 members of the houses of ,parliament1 privy councillors1 magistrates1 and military persons in uniform excepted7 to remain within their respective dwellings from nine o'clock at night till five in the morning1 under pain of punishment4' ,the ,lord ,mayor's proclamation was equally to the point and equally judicious3-- #8,whereas the circumstances of the present crisis demand every possible precaution2 these are therefore to desire all persons who have registered arms forthwith to give in1 in writing1 an exact list or inventory of such arms at the town-clerk's office1 who will file and enter the same in books to be kept for that purpose4 ,and all persons who have not registered these arms are hereby required forthwith to deliver up to me1 or some other magistrate of this city1 all arms and ammunition of every kind in their possession4 ,and if1 after this proclamation1 any person having registered arms shall be found not to have given in a true list or inventory of such arms1 or if any person who has not registered shall be found to have in their power or possession any arms or ammunition whatever1 such person or persons will1 on such arms being discovered1 be forthwith sent on board his ,majesty's navy1 as by law directed4 #8,and ,i do hereby desire that all housekeepers do place upon the outside of their doors a list of persons in their respective houses1 distinguishing such as are strangers from those who actually make part of their family2 but as there may happen to be persons who1 from pecuniary embarrassments1 are obliged to conceal themselves1 ,i do not require such names to be placed on the outside of the door1 provided their names are sent to me4 ,and ,i hereby call upon his ,majesty's subjects within the county of the city of ,dublin immediately to comply with this regulation1 as calculated for the public security2 as those persons who shall wilfully neglect a regulation so easy and salutary1 as well as persons giving false statements of the inmates of their houses1 must1 in the present crisis1 abide the consequences of such neglect4' ,,surprise ,,of ,,the ,,barracks ,,of ,,prosperous ,the outbreaks in the immediate vicinity of ,dublin come next in the order of alike the chronological sequence of events and of the illustrations4 ,slight affairs occurred on the night of the #bcrd1 and upon the following day4 ,at ,rathfarnham1 ,lucan1 ,lusk1 ,collan1 and ,baltinglass the royalists and rebels came in contact1 and the latter were repulsed4 ,at ,dunboyne and ,barretstown the escorts of some baggage 7,reay and ,suffolk ,fencibles7 were surprised4 ,on the succeeding day ,clane1 ,naas1 ,ballymore-,eustace1 ,kilcullen1 and ,prosperous were attacked1 and with the exception of the latter1 in every effort the rebels were unsuccessful4 ,prosperous1 a small but thriving town1 then generally inhabited by persons manufacturing cottons1 is seventeen miles from ,dublin4 ,it was garrisoned by a detachment of the ,north ,cork ,militia1 some forty men under ,captain ,swayne1 with a lieutenant and twenty of the ,ancient ,british ,cavalry4 ,the infantry occupied a temporary barrack1 half the cavalry were quartered in an opposite house1 and the remainder in single billets4 ,on the ,sunday 7#bjth7 previous to the outbreak ,swayne arrived in ,prosperous with his detachment4 ,he attended at the chapel with ,dr4 ,esmond1 a man of great local influence1 and then implored the people there assembled to deliver up any arms which might be concealed1 return to their allegiance1 and receive the protection he was authorised to grant them4 ,this exhortation proved ineffectual2 some coercive measures--such as the seizure of cattle1 then warranted by martial law--were resorted to2 and on the #bcrd it was intimated that fear had hitherto prevented the peasantry from bringing the concealed arms to the town1 and that should they be permitted to enter after dark1 unchallenged and unmolested1 on the following night1 pikes and firearms would be brought in and deposited in the streets4 ,it is difficult to decide whether the stupidity of ,swayne or the treachery of ,esmond were most to be condemned4 ,a man individually may trifle with himself1 but for him who turns right or left from the plain path which duty points to1 and compromises the safety of those committed to his charge1 there can be no extenuation4 ,for ,swayne's folly there can be no apology--his pickets should have been doubled--a cart1 a ladder drawn across the street1 would have marked sufficiently where those who came to surrender arms might approach with full security4 ,a step beyond it1 if the challenge failed1 the advanced sentry shot the intruder1 and the garrison was at once alarmed4 ,so much for ,captain ,swayne4 ,his weakness was inexcusable--he died its victim--ignobly certainly1 but still by the weapon of a foeman4 ,esmond met the doom he merited--a halter4 ,mus-grave's account of the surprise is authentic3-- #8,at two o'clock on ,thursday morning1 the #bdth ,may1 the two sentinels were surprised and killed2 and both the barracks were assaulted while the soldiers were fast asleep4 ,the barracks of the ,cork company consisted of a hall1 an apartment on each side1 the same in the next storey1 and underground offices4 ,a party of the rebels rushed into ,captain ,swayne's apartment1 which was on the ground floor1 and murdered him4 ,some soldiers1 who slept in the opposite apartment1 alarmed at the noise1 came forth with their firelocks and expelled those ruffians from the barrack1 after having killed two or three of them4 #8,the house was at that time surrounded with a great number of rebels variously armed4 ,a fierce conflict ensued between the assailants and the besieged2 but it was soon put an end to by the following malignant device of the former4 ,there was a great quantity of straw in the underground office1 to which the rebels set fire1 and1 to increase the flame1 introduced some faggots into it4 ,the soldiers were soon in a state of suffocation2 and the heat being so great that they could not endure it1 they retreated to their comrades in the upper storey2 but the flames and smoke soon reached them there1 as the rebels continued to introduce lighted faggots into the apartments under them4 ,enveloped with thick smoke1 and overcome with heat1 some of them leaped out of the windows1 but were immediately received on the pikes of the assailants1 who gave a dreadful yell whenever that occurred4 #8,at last the barrack being in a state of conflagration1 the soldiers resolved to rush forward and fight their way through their assailants2 but they1 who were very numerous1 formed a halfmoon round the front of the barrack1 and received them on their pikes1 so that but few of them escaped4#e ,illustration3 #jdfg ,nothing could have been more detestable than the treachery of ,esmond2 though lieutenant in the ,armagh ,militia1 he actually planned and led the rebel surprise of ,prosperous4 ,he wore the royal uniform1 and yet was false to the monarch to whom he had sworn allegiance4 ,when men of desperate fortunes swerve from the path of honour poverty may be pleaded to extenuate1 though not excuse4 ,esmond had no plea to offer--he was wealthy1 well born1 and respected4 ,he might have proved a rebel1 but why play the traitor8 ,when in the house of ,god loyalty was on his lips1 while the heart was contemplating bloodshed4 ,even the tie a savage venerates could not turn him from his truculent design1--and1 while he devoted him to death1 he shared his victim's hospitality--dined with ,captain ,swayne #8at an inn on the #bcrd of ,may1 and continued to enjoy the glow of social mirth with him1 till a few hours before the perpetration of that bloody scene which he had for some time meditated4' ,the work of death at ,prosperous was interrupted by intelligence conveyed to the insurgents1 that at ,clane1 three miles off1 their friends had been defeated--for although partly surprised1 that little garrison succeeded in beating off their assailants4 ,,attack ,,on ,,the ,,garrison ,,at ,,clane ,clane was occupied by a party of the ,armagh ,militia and some yeomanry cavalry4 ,early on the morning of the #bdth a large body of armed rebels stole into the street4 ,fortunately there was just time to beat to arms1 although such of the soldiers as were at single billets in the town were attacked as they issued from the houses where they had been quartered1 and several of them killed and wounded before they could join their comrades4 ,the guards1 however1 with great gallantry1 held the rebels in check until their comrades hastily turned out and formed4 ,a few well-directed volleys routed the rebels1 and they were driven with considerable loss from the town2 but deeming pursuit imprudent1 the royalists returned1 and again formed in the streets4 ,at five in the morning the rebels made a second attempt1 reinforced by the exulting rebels who had returned from their bloody deeds at ,prosperous2 supported by a column of pikemen and musketeers1 a party mounted on the horses and furnished with the arms of the slaughtered ,ancient ,britons1 whom they had cut off at ,prosperous1 charged boldly into ,clane4 ,a rolling volley from the royalists brought down half the party and dispersed the rest4 ,they retired at gallop from the rebel column1 which1 from previous success of superior numbers1 cut a strange but formidable appearance4 ,an affair highly honourable to the royalists resulted4 #8,as they were not strong enough to attack so numerous a party1 and thinking it dishonourable to retreat1 the captain1 ,griffiths1 in concurrence with the militia officers1 resolved to take post on an elevated spot near the commons1 where they could not be surrounded or outflanked1 and there they waited for the enemy1 who began a smart fire on them1 but without effect1 as the elevation was too great4 ,our troops1 having returned the fire1 killed and wounded a considerable number of them1 on which they fled in great dismay1 and were charged by the captain and his sixteen yeomen1 who cut down many of those whose heads were ornamented with the helmets of the ,ancient ,britons or the hats of the ,cork regiment4' ,a disorderly flight succeeded--the rebels totally disbanding1 by throwing away their own ruder weapon the pike1 with the firearms and sabres they had captured in the morning1 and held in but brief possession4 ,on re-entering ,clane1 ,captain ,griffiths was privately informed by a soldier named ,philip ,mite1 that his own treacherous lieutenant had actually carried out the surprise of ,prosperous4 ,having been ordered to march to ,naas1 at the moment when the troop were mounting1 ,esmond1 in full accoutrements1 joined it4 ,the rash confidence that his treason was unsuspected proved ruinous to the unhappy man4 ,he was arrested1 forwarded to ,dublin1 tried1 convicted1 and hanged on ,carlisle ,bridge on the #adth of ,june4 ,the insurrectionary occurrences at ,ballymore-,eustace and ,dunlavin simultaneously with those described1 offer fearful pictures of the atrocious spirit with which a civil war is carried through4 ,,murder ,,of ,,george ,,crawford ,,and ,,his ,,grand-,,daughter ,uncompromising severity does not always produce the intended effect4 ,on some example may strike terror1 in others it will excite undying hatred1 and foster the worst spirit of the human heart--thirst for vengeance4 ,of this truth a retrospect of the events of these calamitous days gives evidence enough1 and it is difficult now to determine on which side the excess of cruelty should be awarded4 ,assassination on one side was met upon the other with military executions--the royalists extenuating the act under the plea of necessity1 while the rebel proclaimed that his murders were committed only from revenge4 ,when admitting that a similar savageness of purpose might in many cases be charged against both sides1 there all comparison must cease4 ,no matter what the acts might be1 the causes which produced them were totally dissimilar4 ,the royalists took up arms for the protection of home and altar1 which the fanaticism of ,popery1 or the accursed doctrines of the ,french revolutionists1 were alike bent upon overturning4 ,allegiance to the king1 and the maintenance of social order and an established government1 urged the former to come forward2 thousands perilled life and property from the purest motives2 and when the insurrection was suppressed1 sheathed the sword1 drawn in the support of a matchless constitution1 unstained by any act save those which resistance to rebellion had imperatively demanded4 ,those who have led a soldier's life and seen service in the field know that men become the creatures of circumstances4 ,let the gentlest spirit--and such are frequently united to the boldest heart--one that would not tread upon a worm or harm a sparrow1 let him crown a defended breach1 and he will use the bayonet unscrupulously4 ,the feelings are influenced by the times2 and if the royalists were sanguinary and unsparing1 they could point to the atrocities of the insurgents1 and bring forward established facts1 so truculent and unwarranted1 as to place those who committed them almost without the pale of mercy4 ,making every allowance for the political colouring given to his history of the times1 and recollecting that he felt and wrote as a partisan1 ,sir ,richard ,musgrave narrates two well-authenticated instances of unprovoked cruelty among the many that marked the rebel outbreak in ,kildare1 which will sufficiently exhibit the ferocious spirit of the insurgents from the moment they flew to arms4 #8,the following horrid circumstances1' relates the historian1 #8attended the murder of ,george ,crawford and his grandchild1 a girl of only fourteen years of age4 ,he had formerly served in the #eth ,dragoons1 retired on a pension1 and was permanent sergeant in ,captain ,taylor's corps of yeoman cavalry4 ,he1 his wife1 and grand-daughter were stopped by a party of the rebels1 as they were endeavouring to escape1 and were reproached with the appellation of heretics because they were of the ,protestant religion4 ,one of them struck his wife with a musket1 and another gave her a stab of a pike in the back1 with an intent of murdering her4 ,the husband1 having endeavoured to save her1 was knocked down1 and received several blows of a firelock1 which disabled him from making his escape4 ,while they were disputing whether they should kill them1 his wife stole behind a hedge and concealed herself4 ,they then massacred her husband with pikes2 and her grand-daughter having thrown herself on his body to protect him1 received so many wounds that she instantly expired4 ,illustration3 #jdgd ,these circumstances of atrocity have been verified by affidavit1 sworn by ,crawford's widow1 the #bjth day of ,august #agih4 ,the fidelity of a large dog1 belonging to this poor man1 deserves to be recorded1 as he attacked those sanguinary monsters in defence of his master1 till he fell by his side perforated with pikes4' ,,stoppage ,,of ,,the ,,mail ,,and ,,murder ,,of ,,lieutenant ,,giffard #8,the second murder occurred on the same night4 ,about eleven o'clock the ,limerick mail was stopped by a numerous banditti1 and a gentleman was slaughtered under circumstances which elicited a lively sympathy4 ,the sufferer was ,lieutenant ,william ,giffard1 of the #hbnd regiment1 son of ,captain ,john ,giffard of the ,dublin regiment4' ,the savages having shot one of the horses so effectually to prevent the coach from proceeding1 demanded of ,lieutenant ,giffard who and what he was1 to which he answered1 without hesitation1 that he was an officer proceeding to ,chatham in obedience to orders he had received4 ,they demanded whether he was a ,protestant2 and being answered in the affirmative1 they held a moment's consultation1 and then told him that they wanted officers1 that if he would take an oath to be true to them1 and join them in an attack to be made next morning upon ,monastereven1 they would give him a command1 but that otherwise he must die4 ,to this the gallant youth replied1 #8,that he had already sworn allegiance to the king1 that he would never offend ,god ,almighty by a breach of that oath1 nor would he disgrace himself by turning a deserter and joining the king's enemies2 that he could not suppose a body of men would be so cruel as to murder an individual who had never injured them1 and who was merely passing through them to a country from whence possibly he never might return2 but if they insisted on their proposal he must die1 for he never would consent to it6' ,this heroic answer1 which would have kindled sentiments of humanity in any breasts but those of ,irish rebels1 had the contrary effect1 and with the utmost fury they assaulted him4 ,he had a case of pistols1 which natural courage and love of life1 though hopeless1 prompted him to use with effect1 and being uncommonly active he burst from them1 vaulted over a six feet wall1 and made towards a house where he saw a light and heard people talking4 ,alas6 it afforded no refuge6 ,it was the house of poor ,crawford whom1 with his grand-daughter1 they had just piked4 ,a band of barbarians returning from this exploit met ,lieutenant ,giffard4 ,there he fell1 covered with wounds and glory1 and his mangled body was thrown into the same ditch with honest ,crawford and his innocent grandchild4 ,illustration3 #jdhj #8,thus expired1 at the age of seventeen1 a gallant youth--the martyr to religion and honour--leaving a memory behind that will ever be respected by the virtuous and the brave4' ,shortly1 in the course of his campaign1 struggling to suppress the rebellion1 ,sir ,james ,duffs movable column entered ,kildare1 when it passed close to the scene of slaughter1 and poor ,giffard's body was removed from the ditch and interred with military honours4 ,,course ,,of ,,the ,,insurrection ,a course of cowardly assassination thus commenced was continued by the insurgents in their progress to attack ,monastereven4 ,their numbers had increased to ten or twelve hundred men1 and they were commanded by a ruffian called ,m',garry4 ,such ,protestants as they unfortunately met with were put to death1 and a solitary dragoon1 seized as he crossed the ,curragh1 was inhumanly murdered4 ,about four in the morning they approached the town and made their preparations for attacking it4 ,on the #bdth of ,may there was not a regular soldier in ,monastereven2 and an infantry company1 with a troop of horse1 both yeomanry1 formed the little garrison4 ,after a feint on the canal1 and a movement by the high road1 which was repulsed by a charge of the cavalry1 they pushed boldly into the town1 and a warm conflict took place in the main street4 ,the well-sustained musketry of the infantry threw the head of the rebel column into confusion1 when the cavalry charged home1 and the rout was complete4 ,fifty bodies were found lifeless in the town2 and as the horsemen followed the flying rebels vigorously1 as many more were cut up in the pursuit4 ,the repulse of this attack was most honourable to the defenders of ,monastereven4 ,the gallant action was achieved by loyalists alone1 and of the brave men who fought and bled that day fourteen of the troop were ,roman ,catholics4 ,the outbreak of the #bcrd of ,may was attended by many acts of cruelty inflicted upon isolated families1 who1 either from mistaken confidence or inability to reach a place of safety1 exposed themselves to the fury of savages1 whose natural truculence was often inflamed to madness by intoxication4 ,many individuals of great worth and respectability perished thus4 ,mr4 ,stamers1 the chief proprietor of the town of ,prosperous1 was torn from the house of a lady where he had obtained a temporary shelter1 and murdered in cold blood4 ,rathangan was1 indeed1 a scene of extensive butchery4 ,mr4 ,spencer and ,mr4 ,moore were slaughtered there1 although they had surrendered their arms on the assurance of being protected4 ,they were murdered in the open street1 and their wives had the horrible assurance that1 with the shots they heard1 the existence of their beloved partners had terminated4 ,thus ,mr4 ,spencer1 that worthy gentleman1 #8who was an active and intelligent magistrate1 and as remarkable for the amiableness and affability of his manner as the benevolence of his heart1 fell a sacrifice to the fanaticism of those savages1 to whom he had been unremittingly a kind and generous benefactor4 ,as his house1 at the hall door of which he was so brutally murdered1 was a short distance from the town1 ,mrs4 ,spencer1 who was led to it in the midst of these monsters1 had the anguish to see the mangled corpse of her husband lying at his door' 7,musgrave74 ,a number of other victims were immolated by these bloodthirsty savages1 and1 until relieved by ,colonel ,longfield on the morning of the #bhth1 ,rathangan was a constant scene of atrocity1 in which even woman forgot her sex and barbarously participated4 ,the murders at ,rathangan1 while they exasperated the royalists to acts of desperate retaliation1 operated against the perpetrators in another and unexpected way4 ,the few ,protestants in ,leinster and the south1 who had mixed themselves with the conspiracy1 suddenly became alarmed1 for the war had now assumed a religious rather than a revolutionary complexion4 ,suspicion once aroused finds abundant causes to confirm it2 and while some ,protestants quietly seceded from their fellow-traitors1 not a few sought favour with the ,government by a secret betrayal of their guilty companions4 ,musgrave illustrates this point3--#8,i shall mention here an incident which throws light on the spirit of the conspiracy and rebellion1 and the secret designs of the great body of the rebels4 ,one ,dennis1 an apothecary and a ,protestant1 was the county delegate and chief conductor of the plot in the ,king's ,county1 which was to have exploded in a few days2 but the wanton massacre of ,protestants at ,prosperous and ,rathangan having convinced him that their extirpation was the main object of the ,romanists1 though they had with singular dissimulation concealed it from him who was their leader1 he repaired to ,tullamore to ,general ,dunn1 who commanded the district1 threw himself on the mercy of ,government1 exposed the whole plot1 and betrayed the names of the captains1 who were immediately arrested4 ,he said to the general1 8,i see1 sir1 that it will soon be my own fate40' ,in the course of this history nothing will be more apparent than the incompetency1 military and diplomatic1 of many of the functionaries to whom extensive powers were confided4 ,one while unnecessary severity was employed1 and at another mistaken lenity marred every advantage which stringent measures might have effected4 ,in military conduct the royalist commanders were too often found deficient1 and almost in every instance1 either to imprudence or imbecility1 the insurgents were alone indebted for moments of doubtful and envanescent success4 ,the affair at ,old ,kilcullen was about one of the worst military offences committed by an incompetent commander4 ,yeomanry officers always behaved with boldness1 and frequently displayed both tact and talent when left to their own resources1 while many from whose high military rank and standing something like ability might have been looked for1 proved the truism of the adage1 that as #8the cowl does not make the monk1' neither does an aiguilette constitute a general4 ,learning that some three hundred well-appointed rebels had assembled at ,old ,kilcullen1 and that they had entrenched themselves in the churchyard1 ,general ,dundas proceeded to dislodge them4 ,his force consisted of only forty dragoons and some twenty ,suffolk militiamen4 ,the rebel position was on a height--one side protected by a high wall1 the other secured by a double fence--a hedge with a dike in front4 ,would it be credited that an ,english general could be mad enough to assail three hundred men thus posted with forty dragoons8 ,mus-grave thus narrates the transaction1 and his account has been considered by those engaged to be perfectly correct3-- ,general ,dundas ordered the ,romneys and the #ith ,dragoons to charge the rebels1 though it was uphill1 though the ground was broken1 and many of the rebels were in a road close to the churchyard in which not more than six of the cavalry could advance in front4 #8,they1 however1 charged with great spirit1 though their destruction was considered by all the spectators to be the certain and inevitable consequence of it2 for what could cavalry do1 thus broken and divided1 against a firm phalanx of rebels armed with long pikes8 ,nevertheless they made three charges1 but were repulsed in each2 and at every repulse the general urged them to renew the attack4 #8,it was with the utmost difficulty that ,captain ,cooks and ,captain ,erskine could prevail upon their men to renew the charge after the first defeat4 ,in the last charge1 ,captain ,cooks1 to inspire his men with courage by example1 advanced some yards before them2 when his horse1 having received many wounds1 fell upon his knees2 and while in that situation the body of that brave officer was perforated with pikes2 and he1 ,captain ,erskine1 and twenty-two privates were killed on the spot1 and ten so badly wounded that most of them died soon after4' ,shamefully discomfited1 ,dundas fell back on the village of ,kilcullen bridge1 and occupied a pass in every way defensible4 ,so thought the successful peasants who had garrisoned the churchyard and deforced an ,english general4 ,they prudently declined any attempt to force the bridge1 forded the ,liffey at ,castlemartin1 and took up a position between ,naas and ,kilcullen--thus cutting off ,general ,dundas's communication with the capital4 ,nothing remained for the royalist commander but to drive them from these grounds and open his road to ,naas4 ,he advanced accordingly1 found them in line three deep1 and with his cavalry in hand1 boldly attacked the position with half a company of the gallant ,suffolks4 ,small as the party was1 three rounds broke the rebels4 ,the cavalry charged1 and the same body which had so recently inflicted a severe repulse were scattered like a flock of sheep1 leaving the ground covered with their dead and wounded4 ,after a brief but bloody pursuit1 ,dundas marched on ,naas1 to concentrate his troops and assist in covering the capital4 ,,attack ,,on ,,naas #8,if one can imagine such a thing as a tableau1 or bird's-eye view of the rebellion from the #bcrd to the #cjth of ,may 7#agij71 the appearance it would present would be this4 ,seven or eight comparatively minor explosions1 lighting up the atmosphere for a short space and then going gradually out1 viz4 one in ,meath 7,tara71 one in ,wicklow 7,mount ,kennedy71 a good blaze in ,carlow1 and four or five in ,kildare1 which its being ,lord ,edward ,fitzgerald's own county accounts for--these were ,naas1 ,prosperous1 ,kilcullen1 and ,rathangan4 ,the eye should then be drawn to the mighty and absorbing eruption of ,wexford2 taking ,vinegar ,hill as its crater1 it would observe two streams of lava pouring forth1 one due west to ,ross1 one due north towards ,wicklow1 and a third1 of somewhat less importance1 north-west to ,newtown ,barry4 ,i rather think the first shot was fired by my regiment at ,naas1 as ,mick ,reynolds1 who led the rebels1 was one of the promptest of the insurgent leaders4'--,the ,,ms4 ,journal of a ,field ,officer4 ,the garrison of ,naas consisted of a hundred and fifty of the ,armagh ,militia1 with two battalion guns1 and seventy cavalry1 consisting of small detachments of the ,fourth ,dragoons1 ,ancient ,britons1 and sixteen mounted yeomen4 ,the whole were under the command of ,colonel ,lord ,gosford4 ,on the evening of the general insurrection 7the #bcrd of ,may7 anonymous letters were received by the commanding officer1 apprising him that a night attack would be made upon the town by a numerous body of well-armed rebels1 and necessary dispositions of the garrison were made to receive the threatened assault4 ,the guards were doubled1 the outskirts of the town carefully patrolled1 and a plan of defence prearranged to prevent any confusion when the hour for action came4 ,midnight passed without anything occurring to cause alarm1 and as morning dawned1 it was believed that the information received the preceding evening had been incorrect1 and the officers retired to their quarters4 ,at half-past two1 however1 an outlying dragoon galloped in1 announcing the advance of a numerous body of rebels2 the drums beat to arms1 and the garrison occupied their alarm posts4 ,perhaps the commanding officer and his staff were more than a trifle incautious and premature in deciding there was nothing in the timely warning4 ,in spite of the precautionary vigilance1 ,lord ,gosford had the very narrowest possible escape from death by assassination4 ,his lodging was situated at the summit of the hill which the ,dublin road ascends4 ,the sentinel at his door1 having his attention attracted by the entrance of the rebel columns at the foot of the hill1 was inexcusably so far off his guard as to allow two pikemen1 belonging to the town1 to slip into the hall1 where they were ready to receive his lordship with their pikes as he hurried from his chamber on the alarm4 ,and they were very near succeeding--but the sentinel turning about at the critical moment1 shot one and bayoneted the other1 just as his lordship was rushing down the stairs4 ,the sentinel's name was ,john ,sandford2 he was afterwards made a sergeant1 and his son a drummer4 ,the rebels1 who had assembled at the quarries of ,tipper1 advanced on the town in four divisions1 each entering by a different approach1 and the heaviest column moving by the ,johnstown ,road4 ,the latter was commanded by ,michael ,reynolds1 and it made a bold effort to carry the jail1 in front of which a party of the ,armagh ,militia1 the ,ancient ,britons1 and a battalion gun were posted4 ,but the attack was completely repulsed1 and the rebel loss would have been more considerable had not the cavalry1 irritated by the fall of their officer1 ,captain ,davis1 who had been fatally piked1 charged too prematurely1 and interrupted the play of the gun2 the execution of the latter was so trifling compared to what it should have produced upon a body in close column and at canister range1 that it was ascribed rather to treachery than want of skill4 ,for forty minutes1 however1 desultory firing continued4 #8,large parties of the rebels1 who stole unnoticed into the town through the houses and narrow lanes1 fought some time in the streets1 and stood three volleys from the ,armagh ,militia1 posted opposite to the barrack1 before they gave way2 at last they fled precipitately in every direction1 when the cavalry charged1 and killed a great number of them in the pursuit4 ,thirty of the rebels were killed in the streets2 and from the numbers found dead in back houses and in the adjacent fields a few days afterwards1 it is imagined that no less than three hundred must have fallen4 #8,they dropped in their flight a great quantity of pikes and other arms1 of which a number were found in pits near the town1 where also three men with green cockades were seized1 and instantly hanged in the public streets4 ,another prisoner was spared in consequence of useful information which he gave4 ,he informed the commanding officer that the rebel party was above one thousand strong1 and was commanded by ,michael ,reynolds1 who was well mounted1 and dressed in yeoman uniform4 ,he made his escape1 but his horse fell into the hands of our troops4' ,,kildare ,,and ,,carlow ,the entire of the county of ,kildare was now in open insurrection1 and not less than six rebel encampments were formed1 and multitudes of the peasantry flocked to them4 ,the houses were almost entirely deserted4 ,of the ,protestant clergy not a man remained1 and indeed the ferocity of party feeling had attained an intensity of violence which now can scarcely be imagined or believed4 ,an infernal spirit actuated the opposite religionists4 ,on one side1 ,catholics were too generally regarded with hatred and distrust2 on the other1 ,protestants and ,orangemen were held synonymous1 and to all who dissented from the ,church of ,rome the most abominable feelings and intentions were attributed4 ,the ,,ms4 ,journal of a ,field ,officer relates3 #8,one of the completest things during the rebellion was the defeat of the rebels at ,carlow1 in which a company of my regiment had a share4 ,there was full information of the intended attack1 but 8not a drum was heard40 ,the soldiers1 who were chiefly in billets1 were allowed to repair to their quarters as usual1 and remain there until it was ascertained that the town rebels had quitted it to join their fellows and arm themselves1 which they did about two miles from the town4 ,a number of sergeants then went round1 and the men were brought to their posts without the least alarm4 #8,the rebel column entered ,carlow by ,tullow ,street1 unopposed--the street terminating in a place or open space where stood the horse barracks and jail4 ,arrived here they raised a loud shout or yell1 and it was fearfully responded to by a destructive fire which opened upon them from different points4 ,seized with a panic at this unexpected reception they endeavoured to escape in various directions4 ,the greater part retraced their steps through ,tullow ,street1 but a picket had by this time occupied the further end of it1 and opened a withering fire4 ,they now sought refuge in the houses3 these the soldiers set fire to2 a number were shot in attempting to escape the flames1 but a great many of the unfortunate wretches perished in them4' ,about eighty houses were consumed in this conflagration2 and for some days the roasted remains of unhappy men were falling down the chimneys in which they had perished4 ,it will be here necessary to mention that in ,kildare1 within a few days after the outbreak1 an amnesty for the past was solicited by many of the rebels1 and1 with the consent of ,government1 the generals commanding in that county entered into negotiations with their chiefs4 ,how far this was a prudent measure is questionable4 ,in the spirit of the proclamations issued--with arms in their hands1 rebels should have been placed outside the pale of treaty2 while at the same time the most extensive forgiveness should have been extended to such as should disband themselves and reoccupy their abandoned dwellings4 ,in diplomatic1 as well as in field abilities1 the royal generals were defective1 and the amnesty produced nothing but treachery and bloodshed4 ,the former charge rests with the insurgents1 the latter must be laid at the hands of the royalists4 ,,treachery ,,in ,,the ,,midst ,,of ,,the ,,capital ,while the counties in the immediate vicinity of the capital were thus in open insurrection1 in the city the spirit and hopes of the disaffected were still buoyant as to the prospect of ultimate success2 and although the failure of the #bcrd had for a time paralysed the traitors of the metropolis1 they were disappointed1 but not despairing1 and rebellion was #8scotched1 not killed4' ,the committees and #8directories' continued their meetings1 pikes were fabricated in large quantities1 the sentries were assaulted on isolated posts1 the doors of royalists were marked1 domestic servants were corrupted4 ,musgrave records3--#8,the ,lord ,mayor's servant acknowledged to his employer that he was at the head of a numerous body of servants who were to have assassinated their masters2 that he and his party were to have murdered the ,lord ,mayor and his family1 with two others of his servants who had refused to join this precious association1 and that this atrocious deed was to have been the signal for the other servants in the vicinity to rise and commit similar enormities4 ,another certain proof that a revolution was not only contemplated but expected1 many of the ,dublin tradesmen refused to receive bank notes in payment from their customers4' ,another serious cause of alarm also was the discovery that into many of the yeomanry corps disaffected persons had been introduced1 and in some the traitors outnumbered #8the true men4' ,in ,kildare almost every corps was tainted1 and the same remark applied to many in the metropolis4 ,of the country corps1 the ,sleamarigue laid down their arms1 the ,castledermot had but five well-affected men1 the ,athy cavalry were publicly disarmed in the market-place1 and their captain1 ,fitzgerald of ,geraldine1 committed to prison4 ,the ,rathangan1 ,north ,naas1 and ,furnace yeomanry were all extensively disaffected1 and the ,clane1 nominally amounting to sixty-six1 could only muster five-and-twenty when the insurrection broke out4 ,of the metropolitan corps many were exclusively loyal1 but others were not without traitorous members4 ,one instance will be sufficient to show how extensive and dangerous was the disaffection4 ,on the #bith of ,may1 the ,st4 ,sepulchre's corps1 in turn of duty1 took the guard at ,dolphin's ,barn1 an outpost on the southwest side of the metropolis4 ,while on the march to the bridge1 a ,roman ,catholic yeoman1 named ,raymond1 entered into conversation with his comrade1 a notorious ,united ,irishman1 and communicated the secret plot4 ,he told ,jennings1 #8that in case of an attack1 which was hourly expected1 and which it was believed he had previously concerted with the rebels1 the disaffected members of the corps were to massacre their officers and the ,protestants1 and to deliver up the bridge to the assailants4 ,they were then to proceed to the battery in the park1 inform the guard that they had been defeated1 ask admittance1 and on being let in1 murder the guard1 take possession of the battery and ammunition1 and turn it to their own use4 #8,jennings had been sworn a ,united ,irishman1 and was attached to the cause from republican principles2 but being a ,protestant1 and having discovered from the massacres which had taken place in the counties of ,dublin1 ,meath1 and ,kildare1 that the extirpation of his own order was intended1 he informed ,lieutenant ,mathurin of the plot2 and he1 having communicated it to the ,government1 ,raymond was taken up1 tried1 convicted1 and hanged on the ,old ,bridge on the #ast of ,june4' ,as the ,roman ,catholic members of that corps1 who formed the majority of it1 were discovered to be disaffected1 they were disarmed on parade the ,sunday following1 and disbanded4 ,the fears of the inhabitants of the city were not abated when1 on the #bfth of ,may1 the ,lord ,mayor caused the following placard to be circulated throughout the metropolis3-- #8,a ,caution #8,lest the innocent should suffer for the guilty4 #8,the ,lord ,mayor requests his fellow-citizens to keep within their houses as much as they can1 suitable to their convenience1 after sunset1 in this time of peril2 as the streets should be kept as clear as possible1 should any tumult or rising to support rebellion be attempted1 in order that the troops and artillery may act with full effect in case of any disturbance4' ,,the ,,hill ,,of ,,tara ,at this period1 after plundering1 and a commission of other outrages at ,dunboyn1 the rebels1 from the borders of ,meath and ,dublin1 proceeded in the first instance to ,dunshaughlin1 and afterwards to the hill of ,tara4 ,their numbers had rapidly increased2 there were no military parties in the immediate neighbourhood2 and unchecked and unresisted1 they devastated the country for miles round their camp1 to which they carried an immense quantity of booty4 ,a few corps of yeomanry still remained in the vicinity1 but they were not sufficiently numerous to attack a very strong and defensible position4 ,accident1 however1 interposed1 and the royalists obtained the assistance they required4 ,three companies of the ,reay ,fencibles1 with a battalion gun1 were on the march to the metropolis1 and halted in ,navan on the night of the #beth of ,may4 ,captain ,preston1 who commanded the yeomanry of that town1 solicited the co-operation of ,captain ,m',clean to deforce the rebels4444 #8,after going some time in quest of the rebels they found them very strongly posted on ,tara hill1 where they had been four hours1 and about four thousand in number1 while the country people were flocking to them in great multitudes from every quarter4 ,they had plundered the houses in all the adjacent country of provisions of every kind1 and were proceeding to cook their dinners1 having lighted nearly forty fires1 and hoisted white flags in their camp4 #8,the hill of ,tara is very steep1 and the upper part surrounded by three circular ,danish forts1 with ramparts and fosses2 while on the top lies the churchyard surrounded with a wall1 which the rebels regarded as their citadel1 and considered impregnable4 #8,the king's troops1 including the yeomanry1 might have amounted to about four hundred4 ,as soon as the rebels perceived them they put their hats on the tops of their spikes1 sent forth some dreadful yells1 and at the same time began to jump1 and put themselves in singular attitudes1 as if bidding defiance to their adversaries4 ,they then began to advance1 firing at the same time1 but in an irregular manner4 #8,our line of infantry came on with the greatest coolness1 and did not fire a shot until they were within fifty yards4 ,one part of the cavalry1 commanded by ,lord ,fingal1 was ordered to the right1 the other to the left1 to prevent the line from being outflanked1 which the enemy attempted to accomplish4 ,the rebels made three desperate onsets1 and in the last laid hold of the cannon2 but the officer who commanded the gun laid the match to it before they could completely surround it1 prostrated ten or twelve of the assailants1 and dispersed the remainder4 ,the ,reay ,fencibles preserved their line1 and fired with as much coolness as if they had been exercising on a field-day4 #8,at length they routed the rebels1 who fled in all directions1 having lost about four hundred in killed and wounded4 ,in their flight they threw away arms and ammunition1 and everything that could encumber them4 ,three hundred horses1 all their provisions1 arms1 ammunition1 and baggage fell into the hands of the victors1 with eight of the ,reay ,fencibles1 whom they had taken prisoners two days before1 and whom they employed to drill them4 #8,it is to be lamented that the ,reay ,fencibles lost twenty-six men in killed and wounded1 and the ,upper ,kells infantry six men4 #8,the king's troops would have remained on the field all night1 but they had not a cartridge left either for the gun or small arms1 ,the prisoners1 of whom they took a good many1 informed our officers that their intention was to have proceeded that night to plunder ,navan1 and then ,kells1 where there was a great quantity of ammunition1 and little or no force to protect it2 and that when they had succeeded they expected1 according to a preconcerted plan1 to have been joined by a great number of insurgents from ,meath1 ,westmeath1 ,lough1 ,monaghan1 and ,cavan4' ,the defeat of the insurgents1 and their complete dispersion at ,tara hill and on the ,curragh1 were highly advantageous1 as they opened the communications north and south with the metropolis1 which had been seriously interrupted4 ,many partial affairs took place at this time between the royalists and the rebels in ,kildare1 and barbarities on the one side produced on the other a terrible retaliation4 ,the insurgents burned and murdered as they went along2 the troops and yeomen shot and hanged liberally in return4 ,the record of crimes inhumanly committed and ruthlessly revenged would only disgust a reader4 ,while thus ,kildare was exhibited for nearly a week one wide blaze of general insurrection1 another county1 which in the annals of rebellion assumed afterwards a sanguinary pre-eminence1 remained in ominous tranquillity4 ,the storm burst at last1 and in crime and bloodshed ,wexford left every other scene of tumultuary violence completely in the shade4 ,,wexford ,,insurrection ,,and ,,consequent ,,atrocities ,wexford had long withstood the anarchy of the evil days4 ,while many counties in ,ireland were disgraced by nocturnal robbery and assassination1 committed by ,defenders and ,united ,irishmen1 for five years previous to #8#ig1 it was the pride of the ,wexford gentlemen to boast that their county had remained in perfect tranquillity4 ,but in the autumn and winter of that year1 and in the spring of #8#ih1 there were well-grounded suspicions that the mass of the people had begun to be infected by those baneful principles which since proved fatal to the kingdom1 that pikes were manufactured1 and clubs had been formed1 in which illegal oaths had been administered4 ,in ,april1 however1 unequivocal symptoms that a disaffected spirit actuated the peasantry became evident2 and although the priests laboured hard to lead the resident gentry to believe that no danger was impending1 and the people by thousands swore allegiance in the chapels1 and expressed open attachment to the ,government1 there is too much reason to conclude that the plot had been long in preparation1 and that the ferocious spirit which marked the proceedings of the insurgents was not the wild ebullition of a resentment produced by injudicious severity1 but the fruits of a long-cherished antipathy to those who dissented from them in faith4 ,it was the explosion of a frantic effort of the ,papists to stamp out and exterminate their ,protestant fellow-countrymen4 ,there is no doubt violent measures produced great exasperation1 and that possibly a conciliatory policy might have averted the outbreak altogether4 #8,not above six hundred men at most of the regular army or militia were stationed in the county1 the defence of which was almost abandoned to the troops of yeomen and their supplementaries4 ,the magistrates in several districts employed themselves in ordering the seizure1 imprisonment1 and whipping of numbers of suspected persons4 ,these yeomen being ,protestants1 prejudiced against the ,romanists by traditionary and other accounts of the former cruelties that sect committed1 fearing similar cruelties in case of insurrection1 and confirmed in this fear by papers found in the pockets of some prisoners1 containing the old sanguinary doctrines of the ,romish ,church1 which authorised the extermination of heretics1 acted with a spirit ill-fitted to allay religious hatred and prevent any feeling to rebels4 ,,captain ,,father ,,john ,,murphy ,,of ,,boulavogue ,until ,saturday1 the #bfth of ,may1 the flame of rebellion remained smouldering2 but on that evening ,john ,murphy1 the curate or coadjutor-priest of ,boulavogue1 gave the signal for a general rising1 which was too fatally responded to4 ,a fire lighted on the hill of ,corrigrua was answered by another kindled on ,boulavogue1 and the rapidity with which the volcano burst appears almost incredible4 ,murphy1 the rebel general1 was the son of a petty farmer in the parish of ,ferns1 where he was educated at a hedge school kept by a man of the name of ,gun4 ,it appears by his testimonium and diploma1 that he received holy orders at ,seville in ,spain in the year #aghe1 and probably graduated there as a doctor of divinity1 as he assumes that title in his journal1 which was dropped in his retreat from ,vinegar ,hill1 and found by ,captain ,hugh ,moore of the #eth ,dragoons1 aide-de-camp to ,general ,needham4 ,nothing could be more ferocious than the church-militant career of this savage man4 ,every ,protestant house in the parish of ,kilcormick was reduced to ashes1 and such of their unfortunate owners as could be seized were ruthlessly destroyed4 ,these outrages proceeded entirely from a truculent disposition--for mostly his victims were men who offered no opposition--and when rashly attacked at a place called the ,harrow1 he beat off the ,camolin cavalry1 and killed ,lieutenant ,bookey who commanded it4 ,whether the demon spirit which ,murphy afterwards exhibited had been provoked or not is a matter of controversy2 some say that his house and chapel had been burnt before he took the field1 and others as positively deny it4 ,in searching through the evidence on record dispassionately1 ,i incline to the ,tatter opinion1 for when his house was burned the furniture had been previously removed and hidden in a sand-pit1 and when his vestments were brought from the same concealment1 the leader of the loyalists observed1 in reply to some insulting remark1 #8,punish the rebel if you can1 but offer no mockery to his religion4' ,early in his martial career ,murphy commenced his murderous treacheries1 destroying the glebe house at ,kyle and murdering the rector of ,kilmuckridge1 ,doctor ,burrowes1 and his family1 under circumstances of peculiar atrocity4 ,the house was defended with barricades by the rector and his parishioners at sunrise it was attacked by about five hundred rebels4 #8,it was vigorously defended for some time1 many shots having been fired by the assailants and the besieged4 ,at last the rebels set fire to the out-offices1 which were quickly consumed1 and soon after to the dwelling-house1 which in a short time was in a state of conflagration4 ,the rapid spread of the flames in the latter was caused by the application of some unctuous combustible matter applied to the doors and windows of the house1 which the rebels frequently used in the course of the rebellion4 #8,the besieged being in danger of suffocation from the thickness of the smoke1 resolved to quit the house1 however perilous it might be1 and this they were encouraged to do by ,father ,murphy1 who assured them they should not be injured if they surrendered themselves without further resistance4 ,relying on his promise they quitted the house1 on which the rebels treacherously murdered ,mr4 ,burrowes and seven of his parishioners1 and gave his son1 a youth of sixteen1 so severe a wound in the belly with a pike1 that it subsequently caused his death4 ,,carousal ,,and ,,plunder ,,at ,,the ,,palace ,,of ,,the ,,bishop ,,of ,,ferns ,george ,cruikshank has seized this characteristic incident for one of his graphic pictures4 ,it will be remembered that ,murphy's father came from the parish of ,ferns4 ,the illustration is in itself sufficiently graphic1 and filled with pictorial details descriptive of the incident4 ,maxwell has related1 in reference to the plunder of the bishop's palace1 an anecdote connected with it1 which marks the total subversion of principle1 religious feelings1 badly excited1 will produce4 ,an orphan boy1 whom the bishop had found naked and starving at the age of seven years1 and whom he had fed1 clothed1 and instructed afterwards1 was the leader of these marauders1 showed them every valuable article of furniture1 and assisted them in breaking open the cellar4 ,the bishop's fine library was plundered of its antique folios2 these the rebels converted into saddles4 ,illustration3 #jejj ,,camps ,,of ,,kilthomas ,,and ,,oulart ,,hills ,the first consequences of the ,wexford rising was the assemblage of two large bodies of insurgents1 the one occupying the hill of ,oulart1 ten miles southward of ,gorey1 in the direction of the town of ,wexford2 the second taking a position nine miles westward of the former place1 on a ridge of the ,slieve ,buoye mountain1 called ,kilthomas hill4 ,camps were established on the heights1 and an immense number of the peasantry1 including every age and sex1 flocked immediately to join the rebels4 ,both camps were attacked1 but with results painfully different4 ,the garrison of the little town of ,carnew1 consisting of nearly three hundred yeomanry1 mounted and dismounted1 marched boldly against the insurgents collected on ,kilthomas1 roughly estimated at about three thousand men4 ,although1 with favourable ground and enormous superiority of numbers1 it might have been expected that an attempt to dislodge the rebels from their position would have failed1 nothing could have been more successful than the attack1 and the royalists obtained a bloodless victory4 ,here again1 the unrelenting spirit of the times appeared1 and a very gallant and daring exploit was sullied by impolitic severity4 ,the attempt to disperse the second camp at ,oulart was attended with consequences not only disastrous to the troops engaged1 but its results caused afterwards an immensity of bloodshed4 ,through the imprudence of an incompetent commanding officer1 a very gallant detachment perished1 while the insurgents1 encouraged by accidental success1 acquired a false but dangerous confidence which involved a fearful amount of atrocity1 with a reaction1 in many cases to be excused1 and in more to be lamented4 ,on the morning of the #bgth of ,may1 ,mr4 ,turner of ,newfort arrived at ,wexford and announced that his own house had been attacked and robbed of a quantity of arms1 previously surrendered1 and that the insurrection had unequivocally broken out4 ,intelligence presently came in of the murders and atrocities everywhere committed in the neighbourhood1 and also of the formation of a rebel camp at ,oulart4 ,thinking it advisable to crush the outbreak in its birth1 the yeomanry cavalry proceeded to scour the country1 while ,captain ,foote with a detachment of the ,north ,cork militia1 amounting to no men1 rank and file1 marched in the direction of the rebel camp2 and in route to ,oulart he was joined by a troop of yeomanry cavalry2 however1 most of the yeomen in face of the enemy proved traitors and deserted to the enemy4 ,in rough numbers1 the insurgent force might have been set down at four to five thousand combatants4 ,although the advance was made with every disregard of military caution1 accident more than determination enabled the rebels to profit from the gross mismanagement of the force opposed to them4 ,contempt of an enemy1 which creates incaution1 has often proved fatal4 ,the rebels fled at the first onset1 and were pursued at full speed by the militia1 who were so little apprehensive of resistance1 that no rank or order was observed4 ,while the rebels were making their escape with precipitation towards the northern side of the hill1 they were apprised that a large body of cavalry had been seen that morning advancing against them in the opposite direction1 apparently with a design to intercept their flight and co-operate with the militia by a double attack4 ,as the ,wexfordian insurgents as yet were totally unacquainted with warfare1 the onset of cavalry was1 to the imaginations of many among them1 more terrible than that of infantry4 ,they therefore ignorantly supposed the cavalry to be still in the neighbourhood2 and while ,father ,john ,murphy exclaimed that they must either conquer or perish1 they turned desperately against the militia1 who had now arrived near the summit1 almost breathless1 and charging them with their pikes1 killed the whole detachment in an instant1 except the lieutenant-colonel1 a sergeant1 and three privates4 #8,it appears1' says ,musgrave1 #8that the rebels were rendered bold and desperate by intoxication1 and that from twelve to fifteen of them singled out1 cut off1 and attacked each of the soldiers1 who did not resign their lives but at a dear rate to their assailants4' ,the consequences of this unfortunate disaster speedily evinced themselves4 ,numbers of the peasantry who had hitherto remained neutral repaired to the camp and joined the rebel standard2 and in the same ratio that the confidence of the insurgents increased1 the spirit of the royalists was abated4 ,fearful of an attack by numbers of savage men under the intoxication of a first success1 the little garrison of ,gorey determined to retreat at once on ,arklow2 and the movement was conceived and executed with a celerity that caused the most afflicting distress to crowds of helpless loyalists1 who1 dreading the ferocity of the rebels1 abandoned their homes and followed the retiring garrison as they best could2 the situation of these unfortunates was truly deplorable1 and their subsequent sufferings pitiable in the extreme4 ,,destruction ,,of ,,the ,,church ,,at ,,enniscorthy ,flushed with success1 ,murphy1 the fighting priest of ,boulavogue1 now turned his attention to the town of ,enniscorthy1 six miles distant from his encampment4 ,its possession would be important2 and as the garrison amounted only to about three hundred men1 of whom a hundred were ,north ,cork ,militia and the remainder local yeomanry1 there was every reason to believe that an open town1 accessible in many quarters and protected by a feeble garrison1 would offer to the overwhelming masses which should assail it a short and unavailing defence4 ,accordingly1 ,father ,murphy determined to attack the place1 and he carried his resolution into effect early on the afternoon of the #bhth of ,may4 ,from its dangerous vicinity to the rebel encampment the garrison of the town apprehended1 naturally enough1 that the first effort of the victorious insurgents would be directed against them1 and they were obliged1 in consequence1 to be vigilant and prepared4 ,the duty of patrolling and giving pickets was therefore most harassing2 for three days and nights they had been continually under arms2 but though worn out and exhausted1 while reports and appearances were most discouraging1 they determined nevertheless to offer a gallant defence1 and nobly they realised their resolution4 ,certain intelligence having been received on the morning of the #bhth that the town would be attacked early that afternoon1 the drums beat to arms and the garrison took the posts previously assigned to them4 ,the ,north ,cork ,militia occupied the bridge1 a cavalry corps holding the street connecting it with the town1 while the ,duffry gate hill1 upon the ,carlow road1 was protected by the yeomanry and infantry4 ,the market-house and castle had each a sergeant's guard allotted for its defence4 ,the ground taken up by the yeomanry was three or four hundred yards in front of the ,duffry gate1 and on that point the rebels made their opening attack4 ,on perceiving the yeomanry in line1 the insurgent column halted and deployed1 extending largely to the right and left1 to outflank the small body in their front and cut it from the town4 ,this done1 they advanced1 driving cattle in their front1 and at the same time opening a heavy and well-directed fire4 7,as the county of ,wexford abounds with water-fowl1 the occupation of a fowler is so profitable that numbers of the lower class of people are not only experts in the use of fire-arms1 but excellent marksmen47 ,the yeomanry replied to it with effect1 but dreading1 from the extension of the rebel wings1 that they should be ultimately turned1 they retired into the town1 covered by a charge of cavalry1 which dispersed a body that pressed them too closely1 but inflicted on the gallant horsemen a very heavy loss4 ,the suburbs and the town itself were now on fire4 ,a number of the assailants had got in through by-ways unperceived1 the rebel inhabitants fired on the royalists from their windows 7many lives of officers were thus picked off in ambuscade71 while1 repulsed from an attempt upon the bridge1 the insurgents attempted to ford the river beyond the reach of the fire of the ,north ,cork ,militia4 ,pressed by numbers totally disproportionate1 the yeomanry obstinately held their ground1 and although suffering heavily themselves1 they cheered as they observed that their own heavy and well-supported fusilade cut down the head of the rebel column and checked its advance4 #8,the streets1' relates ,musgrave1 #8were entirely involved in smoke1 so that the yeomen could not perceive the rebels till they were charged by their pikes4 ,the flames from the houses at each side of the street were so great as to unite and form a fiery arch1 by which their hair was singed and the bear-skin in their caps was burnt4 ,the loyalists1 bravely disputing every inch of ground1 retreated to the market-house1 an open space like a square1 where they made a determined stand and killed great numbers of the enemy4 ,by this effort the loyalists turned the scale and drove the rebels completely out of the town1 the streets of which at each side of the river presented an awful scene of conflagration4 ,while the troops were thus engaged in the south side of the town1 another body of the rebels crossed the river1 about three-quarters of a mile above the bridge1 but were soon routed by ,captain ,snowe4 ,on this occasion his men showed great dexterity as marksmen1 seldom failing to bring down such individual rebels as they aimed at4 ,captain ,snowe then ordered ,captain ,richards to charge1 which he did most effectually1 but with heavy loss in killed and wounded4 #8,as a party of the rebels1 which came from ,vinegar ,hill towards the glebe1 still remained unassailed and their numbers seemed increasing1 they were attacked by ,captain ,drury1 with half a company of the ,north ,cork ,militia1 and dispersed with considerable slaughter4' ,thus ended an action which lasted more than three hours1 fought on a very hot day1 in the midst of a burning town1 the disaffected inhabitants of which set fire to their own houses to annoy the loyalists1 and fired on them from their windows with deadly effect1 picking out the loyalist leaders4 ,in this action the yeomen and ,protestant inhabitants performed prodigies of valour in support of the constitution and in defence of their property and their families4 #8,it was generally believed that not less than five hundred of the rebels were killed or wounded4 ,the banks of the river and the island in it were strewed with their dead bodies1 and numbers of them fell in the streets4 ,to keep up the courage of the insurgents every artifice was used2 for even women1 as if insensible of danger1 were seen in the midst of the carnage administering whiskey to their rebel friends4' ,in this most gallant defence the loss sustained by the garrison fell chiefly on the yeomanry and loyalists2 nearly a third of the whole amount employed were placed hors de combat1 the greater proportion being slain4 ,after the rebels were repulsed1 the necessity of an instant retreat became apparent4 ,the town was on fire1 and no longer tenable by a garrison equally reduced in strength and numbers1 the insurgents were hanging in an immense force about the town1 a night attack seemed almost certain1 and no hope could be held out that under existing circumstances it could be repulsed4 ,a council of war was held1 and1 after mature deliberation1 it was resolved to abandon the town and march on ,wexford by the eastern side of the river1 by ,st4 ,john's4 #8,from the suddenness of the retreat1 only a few of the ,protestant inhabitants could accompany the troops1 and they could carry with them no other comforts or necessaries but the apparel which they wore4 ,imagination cannot form a more tragic scene than the melancholy train of fugitives1 of whom some were so helpless from their wounds1 from sickness1 the feebleness of old age or infancy1 that they could not have effected their escape had not the yeomen cavalry mounted them on their horses4 ,some parents were reduced to the dreadful necessity of leaving their infants in cottages on the roadside1 with but faint hope of ever seeing them again4 #8,the town1 the morning after the rebels got possession of it1 presented a dreadful scene of carnage and conflagration2 many bodies were lying dead in the streets1 and others groaning in the agonies of death2 some parts of the place were entirely consumed1 and in others the flames continued to rage with inextinguishable fury4 ,no less than #dgh dwelling-houses and cabins were burned in the town and its suburbs1 besides a great number of stores1 malt-houses1 and out-offices4' ,the rebel entrance of the town was marked by the atrocities of a barbarous force1 irritated by resistance1 and now excited by the accidental success which circumstances had given them4 ,,an ,,act ,,of ,,vengeance ,in the spirit of sheer destructiveness the rebels turned their exertions to wrecking the ,protestant church4 ,our artist has graphically pictured the wild and lurid spectacle attending the wilful destruction of the church at ,enniscorthy2 vestments1 benches1 the organ1 the pulpit1 ,bibles1 and church furniture were devoted to feed the flames and make a bonfire2 meanwhile the triumphant insurgents are shown carrying off the church bell as a trophy1 which we find set up subsequently1 a prominent feature of the vast rebel camp in the vicinity4 ,illustration3 #jejf ,,the ,,camp ,,on ,,vinegar ,,hill ,immediately after obtaining possession of ,enniscorthy the rebels proceeded to form an extensive encampment on ,vinegar ,hill1 from which the town1 after its seizure1 was garrisoned by rebel reliefs1 sent down from headquarters on the mountain4 ,immense numbers of the peasantry flocked to this camp1 and in a few days it was believed that fully ten thousand men were there collected4 ,as this was the point on which the insurgents concentrated in greater force and for a longer time than on any other during the brief period that elapsed from the meute to its final suppression1 and as it was also1 unhappily1 the scene1 were its atrocities recorded1 that would picture civil war in revolting colours--which may be fancied but not detailed--it may be interesting here to describe its local position and the appearance it then presented4 ,in a military point of view ,vinegar ,hill is strong4 ,high grounds1 gradually rising1 are crowned by a cone of bold ascent1 while the country beneath1 being cultivated fields1 is divided into numerous enclosures1 and intersected by stone walls1 hedges1 and trenches4 ,on the apex of the hill stood the ruins of a windmill2 round the upper height some rude field-works were thrown up1 as well as on a lower ridge which the rebels occupied as part of their position4 ,for defence by irregular troops1 who trusted rather to numbers than to discipline1 ,vinegar ,hill was particularly favourable1 for the numerous enclosures afforded safe cover for skirmishers1 who could with perfect impunity severely annoy any columns advancing to assail the hill1 and oblige an enemy to feel his way with caution4 ,good roads wound round the base of the position1 and a command of the ,slaney added to its military value4 ,its local appearance was singular and picturesque1 and perfectly in keeping with a wild and guerilla sort of warfare4 ,although the weather was particularly hot and night but nominal1 a part of the insurgents placed themselves under cover1 and the position exhibited rather the varied colouring of an ,indian camp than the dazzling whiteness of #8the tented field4' ,wattles--as thin and flexible poles are termed in ,irish parlance--were overhung with blankets1 tablecloths1 chintz furniture1 and window curtains1 plundered from the surrounding neighbourhood1 while in the centre1 from the top of the ruined windmill1 a green flag #8dared the battle and the breeze4' ,a few guns and swivels were rudely placed in battery1 and in whatever else the rebel executive might have been deficient1 their commissariat1 as the figures and records show1 was carefully attended to4 ,a local board of field officers assembled every day1 and after their deliberations the larders and cellars of the neighbouring gentry were put into extensive requisition4 ,vinegar ,hill was better provided with rude accommodations than any of the insurgent stations1 for the heights on which the rebel masses herded were generally mere bivouacs1 hurriedly taken up and as suddenly abandoned4 ,these posts they termed camps1 though they were destitute of tents1 except a few for their chiefs1 while the people remained in the open air in vast multitudes1 men and women promiscuously1 some lying covered with blankets at night1 and some without other covering than the clothes which they wore during the day4 ,this mode of warfare was favoured by an uninterrupted continuance of dry and warm weather1 to such a length of time as is very unusual in ,ireland in that season1 or any season of the year4 ,this was regarded by the rebels as a particular interposition of ,providence in their favour1 and some among them are said to have declared1 in a prophetic tone1 that not a drop of rain was to fall until they should be masters of all ,ireland4 ,on the other hand1 the same was considered by the fugitive loyalists as a merciful favour of ,heaven1 since bad weather must have miserably augmented their distress and caused the death of many4 ,in these encampments or stations1 among such crowds of riotous1 undisciplined men1 under no regular authority1 the greatest disorder may be supposed to have prevailed4 ,often when a rebel was in a sound sleep in the night he was robbed by some associate of his gun or some article considered valuable2 and hence to sleep flat on the belly1 with the hat and shoes tied under the breast for the prevention of stealth1 was the general custom4 ,illustration3 #jead ,,the ,,camp ,,on ,,vinegar ,,hill #8,the camp at ,vinegar ,hill presented a dreadful scene of confusion and uproar4 ,a number of female rebels1 more vehement than the male1 were marching out to meet the army from ,newtown ,barry2 this was a large body which ,father ,roche led from ,vinegar ,hill to the attack of that town1 which took place the #ast of ,june4 ,great numbers of women were in the camp4 ,some men were employed in killing cattle and in boiling them in pieces in large copper brewing-pans2 others were drinking1 cursing1 and swearing2 many of them were playing on various musical instruments which they had acquired by plunder in the adjacent ,protestant houses1 the whole producing a most disagreeable and barbarous dissonance4'--,visit to the ,camp1 ,rossiters ,affidavit1 printed in ,musgrave's ,appendix1 ,no4 ,,xx4 ,they were in nothing more irregular than in the cooking of provisions1 many of them cutting pieces at random out of cattle scarcely dead without waiting to dismember them1 and roasting those pieces on the points of their pikes1 with the parts of the hide which belonged to them still attached4 ,the heads of cattle were seldom eaten1 but generally left to rot on the surface of the ground1 as were often large portions of the carcases after a few pieces had been cut away4 ,from this practice the decay of animal matter was rapid1 and the stench of the encampment in a few days became intolerable4 ,,the ,,fatal ,,pass ,,of ,,tubberneering ,this incident1 one of the most fatal episodes of the insurrection1 was due1 like several others recounted1 to the incompetence of the leaders2 a fine body of men were thus sacrificed1 and the situation of the loyalists was aggravated in consequence4 ,the abandonment of ,wexford followed the succession of military mistakes4 ,the peasantry1 hounded on by truculent priests and ferocious partisans1 committed every enormity which can be imagined1 while the royalists and yeomanry emulated this abominable cruelty1 and1 under the name of loyalty1 too frequently perpetrated wanton and savage reprisals4 ,confidence between men was ended1 and while the rebels dissimulated to obtain their end1 the royalist1 shielded by the hand of power still predominant1 robbed and slaughtered #8in the king's name4' ,on both sides there were violence and treachery4 ,it was an unholy contest1 and while ,popish massacres were revolting1 it cannot be denied that ,protestant atrocities were neither #8few nor far between4' ,colonel ,walpole was detached from ,dublin to reinforce ,general ,loftus1 that on his junction he arrogated for himself an independent command1 that it was culpably acceded to1 that he was ambitious to fight an action without delay1 and that to oblige a minion of a ,lord-,lieutenant an attack on the rebel position1 the hill of ,ballymore1 was planned1 it being considered the safest method of gratifying #8a carpet-knight' whose services had as vet been confined to the duties of the drawing-room4 ,the result may be imagined4 ,walpole led his fine division into a well-prepared ambuscade in the fatal pass of ,tubberneering1 the guns were taken1 the commanders shot4 #8,suddenly from the enclosures a wild yell burst forth1 accompanied by a stream of musketry4 ,colonel ,walpole fell on the first fire2 the confusion was tremendous1 and to fight or retreat impossible4 ,the height and number of the fences on every side made the ground most favourable for irregular and desultory warfare1 as the long pikes of the rebels reached nearly across the narrow road1 and those of the distracted soldiers who escaped the first close fire were perforated from behind the hedges' by invisible opponents4 ,the surprise of the troops was complete1 dragoons and infantry were thrown in helpless disorder on each other1 and a scene of butchery ensued4 ,the column was now completely surrounded1 discipline unavailing2 an attempt made by a detachment of the #dth ,dragoon ,guards to turn the enemy's right flank failed4 ,after having sustained the attack for about three-quarters of an hour with considerable disadvantage on the part of the king's troops1 and having lost their commander and three pieces of artillery1 which were immediately turned against them1 a retreat began in all the confusion which might be expected from raw and inexperienced troops4 #8,the rebels pressed them hard1 a general dismay took place1 which would probably have been fatal to the whole of the column had not ,lieutenant-,colonel ,cope of the ,armagh ,militia1 who had been fortunately in the rear of the column with a detachment of his own regiment1 rallied and formed them on the road to impede the progress of the enemy4 ,he gallantly disputed every inch of it for three miles4 ,to this small band of brave men1 under the command of a cool and gallant officer1 the safety of those who escaped on that disastrous day may be entirely attributed4 #8,walpole1 a mere ,castle attache1 had been very improperly employed to collect what troops could be spared from ,naas1 ,kilcullen1 and ,baltinglas to reinforce ,general ,loftus4444 ,walpole assumed the duties of his superior1 planned ridiculous attacks1 and finally sacrificed one of the finest detachments in the field4' ,,the ,,loyal ,,little ,,drummer-,,boy ,musgrave has thus related the touching incident of which ,george ,cruikshank has made an effective picture3--#8,a drummer1 named ,hunter1 of the ,antrim regiment1 only some twelve years old1 fell into the hands of the rebels in the unfortunate affair in which ,colonel ,walpole lost his life4 ,he carried his drum with him1 and when conducted to the town of ,gorey with some other prisoners1 being ordered to beat it1 actuated by a spirit of enthusiastic loyalty1 he exclaimed1 8,that the ,king's drum should never be beaten for rebels10 and at the same instant leaped on the head and broke through the parchment4 ,the inhuman villains1 callous to admiration of an heroic act even in an enemy1 instantly perforated his body with pikes4' ,illustration3 #jebb ,the consequences of the slaughter at ,tubberneering were precisely such as might be expected4 ,the royalists lost heart1 and the insurgents acquired a dangerous audacity4 ,every ,protestant abandoned home and property in despair1 and more than a thousand individuals fled from their once happy dwellings1 with wives and children1 and1 without food or shelter1 endeavoured to seek safety elsewhere1 and obtain eleemosynary support from those who still possessed a home4 ,in the first place all1 soldiers and civilians alike1 fell back to ,arklow1 but1 feeling themselves insecure even there1 the retreat was continued to ,wicklow4 ,as we have seen1 the results of the insurgent success reacted most disastrously2 the rebels at once became masters of ,gorey1 and to the army of ,irish liberty in #8#ih the conquest of this town proved the reverse of advantageous to the captors4 ,,insurgent ,,occupation ,,of ,,gorey ,for five days they halted in and about the town1 drinking and pillaging1 destroying property not portable1 and1 as at ,enniscorthy1 visiting their vengeance on the church4 ,had their fury been expended on the building alone it would have been a matter of little import1 but unhappily the contest had now taken a religious colouring1 so rancorous and sanguinary that blood alone could satisfy party hatred and thirst for vengeance1 and the best interests of the cause itself were sacrificed to stupid and unproductive brutalities1 from which gray hairs afforded no protection1 nor boyhood could claim no immunity4 ,to satisfy this insensate vengeance upon inoffensive victims1 military expediency was disregarded1 and important advantages lost sight of and utterly sacrificed4 ,the ,,ms4 ,journal of a ,field ,officer1 in every sense an invaluable guide to the true situation of those affairs which come within the observations of this keen professional critic1 dwells conclusively on this point3 #8,providentially1 the rebels had too many commanders2 those of the ,wexford force being mostly priests1 their attention was more directed to the interests of their church by purging the land of heretics than to the concerns of the 8,irish ,republic10 which the northern leaders had in view4 ,consequently time was wasted in collecting and piking ,protestants1 which might have been employed with far greater advantage to the cause4' ,,the ,,battle ,,of ,,ross ,the operations of the rebel armies which we have already detailed1 namely1 the attempt on ,newtown ,barry by the corps under ,father ,kearns1 and that on ,gorey by the insurgents under the two ,murphys and ,perry of ,inch1 with the intervening occurrence of ,walpole's defeat at ,tubberneering1 must be connected by a simultaneous transaction1 probably1 in military importance1 the most interesting which marked the outbreak4 ,the strongest of the insurgent corps had assembled on the hill of ,carrickbyrne1 under the chief command of ,b4 ,baganel ,harvey1 with ,father ,roche acting en second4 ,their encampment was six miles from the town of ,ross1 of which it was their first and greatest object to obtain possession4 ,the dangerous proximity of the rebel host had caused alarm for the safety of the town1 and1 consequently1 the garrison had been strengthened4 ,on the #eth of ,june the ,county ,dublin ,militia1 commanded by the popularly beloved ,lord ,mountjoy1 with detachments from the ,clare1 ,donegal1 and ,meath ,militia1 #eth ,dragoons1 ,midlothian ,fencibles1 and ,english ,artillery1 occupied the place--a force amounting to #adjj men of all arms1 of which #aej were yeomen4 ,general ,johnson1 a veteran officer1 commanded1 and his heroic exertions won the day1 and must shed a lasting lustre upon his reputation as a courageous and able leader4 ,on the evening of the #dth ,june the rebel camp at ,carrick-byrne broke up1 and the insurgents moved bodily to ,corbethill1 within a mile and a half of ,ross4 ,the rebel hordes #8moved by parishes and baronies1 each having a particular standard2 in their way they stopped at a chapel1 where mass was said at the head of each column by priests1 who sprinkled an abundance of holy water on them4'--,musgrave4 ,after driving in a distant outpost they bivouacked on ,corbethill for the night4 ,the royalists1 fearing a surprise1 remained under arms1 the infantry and guns in position on the southern and eastern faces of the town1 the yeoman infantry holding the bridge1 and the cavalry formed on the quay4 ,night passed1 however1 without alarm2 and it was four o'clock on the morning of the #eth before ,baganel ,harvey1 who had been a few days before elected to the chief command1 sent a formal summons to ,general ,johnson1 which unfortunately 7as some say7 was not delivered4 ,furlong1 the rebel leader1 who carried it1 was shot1 through the ignorance of the advanced sentry1 who paid no respect to a white handkerchief he waved on approaching the outposts4 ,the ,,ms4 ,journal of a ,field ,officer sums up the actual military situation3 #8,the movement upon ,ross showed some head on the part of ,baganel ,harvey1 the object being to force the principal passage of the ,barrow1 and1 in conjunction with the insurgents of ,kilkenny1 bear down upon ,waterford1 which was then very disaffected1 weakly garrisoned1 and presented strong temptations in the way of plunder4 ,but ,harvey had no idea of attacking ,ross when that event took place1 and there were evidently no preparations made for it4 ,harvey expected1 and with reason1 that the appearance of his masses on the hills which domineered the town would have secured the active co-operation of the ,kilkenny men from the other side of the ,barrow4 ,and this would have been the case had time allowed it1 but ,furlong was a popular leader among the rebels1 and when he was shot by a sentinel at the outpost the mass of the rebels1 maddened by the occurrence1 rushed by a sudden impulse1 in a mighty but disordered torrent1 along one side of the road on the ,three-bullet ,gate1 instead of making a combined movement on an open town1 by which facility of approach and enormous preponderance in numbers could not but have succeeded4' ,this argument is supported by the communication which ,furlong carried4 ,on searching the pockets of the dead man the following cartel was found3-- ,sir--,as a friend to humanity ,i request you will surrender the town of ,ross to the ,wexford forces1 now assembled against that town4 ,your resistance will but provoke rapine and plunder1 to the ruin of the most innocent4 ,flushed with victory1 the ,wexford forces1 now innumerable and irresistible1 will not be controlled if they meet with resistance4 ,to prevent1 therefore1 the total ruin of all property in the town ,i urge you to a speedy surrender1 which you will be forced to in a few hours1 with loss and bloodshed1 as you are surrounded on all sides4 ,your answer is required in four hours4 ,mr4 ,furlong carries this letter1 and will bring the answer4--,i am1 ,sir1 ,b4 ,b4 ,harvey1 ,general commanding1 etc41 etc4 ,camp at ,corbethill1 half-past three o'clock morning1 ,june #e1 #agih4 ,the death of ,furlong is said to have precipitated the attack1 for immediately afterwards the rebels moved forward in dense masses1 cheering and yelling1 and directing their march on the ,three-bullet ,gate4 ,the advance of this armed multitude--by some estimated as from #bj1jjj to #be1jjj men--was described to me by an eye-witness as the most singular spectacle imaginable4 ,the irregularity of their array--partly in close column and partly in line--had the effect of displaying their enormous strength to full advantage2 while the presence of several priests1 who were observed flitting through their ranks and haranguing their deluded followers with certain assurances of victory1 inspired an enthusiastic fanaticism1 which blinded them to danger and rendered them additionally formidable4 ,they pushed forward four guns and a cloud of musketeers1 some in extended order1 and others heading the pikemen1 whose crowded columns occupied the whole road1 far as the eye could range4 ,as might have been expected1 the pickets were roughly driven in1 and1 in a wild rush made by the rebels on the troops in front of the ,three-bullet ,gate1 the latter were obliged to recede1 and one of the guns was captured4 ,in turn1 however1 the troops rallied and drove back the insurgents1 and1 perceiving their unsteadiness when mobbed together in the repulse1 ,general ,johnson ordered the #eth ,dragoons to charge4 ,for cavalry effect the ground was totally un suite1 the numerous fences enabling the rebels to avoid the charge1 while1 protected themselves1 they inflicted a heavy loss on men who very gallantly1 but very ineffectively1 had thus assailed them at disadvantage4 ,an entrance to the town was gained1 and while some of the rebels fired the houses1 others pushed forward towards the bridge4 ,but the advance by ,neville ,street was swept by the steady fire of a gun placed in the market-place1 which looked directly down the approach4 ,notwithstanding the murderous fire which fell on a dense mass of men1 wedged together in a narrow street1 and which shore the head of the column down as frequently as it came forward1 others succeeded those who fell1 and fresh numbers momentarily appeared4 ,the troops1 terrified at the armed crowds who swarmed through the ,three-bullet ,gate1 and who1 maddened by inebriety and fanaticism1 seemed rather to court death than avoid it1 the defenders at last despairing of offering a longer resistance against myriad hordes of infuriated fiends1 retreated across the bridge4 ,,battle ,,of ,,ross--#8,,come ,,on1 ,,boys6 ,,her ,,mouth',s ,,stopped6' ,george ,cruikshank1 with his native genius for selecting effective and sensational episodes for pictorial delineation1 has seized an actual incident which more resembles the effort of a romancer's imagination than an actuality of stern warfare4 ,the illustration is founded upon one of the paragraphs given by ,maxwell in confirmation of his statement that the hordes of rebels apparently courted destruction rather than safety4 ,illustration3 #jecj ,says our historical authority3--#8,one rebel1 emboldened by fanaticism and drunkenness1 advanced before his comrades1 seized a gun1 crammed his hat and wig into it1 and cried out1 8,come on1 boys6 her mouth is stopped60 ,at that instant the gunner laid the match to the gun and blew the unfortunate savage to atoms4 ,incredible as this instance of savage ignorance may appear1 the fact has been verified by the affidavit of a person who saw it from a window4' ,,battle ,,of ,,ross--,,general ,,johnson ,,retrieves ,,the ,,waning ,,fortunes ,,of ,,the ,,day ,it appeared1 beyond the causes already related as having induced ,harvey and his rebel myriads to feel confident of easily securing the strategically important town of ,ross1 that the insurgents had been induced to think that the militia regiments at ,ross1 from being almost entirely composed of ,romanists1 would have either joined them in the action1 or offered a feeble opposition4 ,the ,clare regiment was considered friendly1 and the ,dublin ,county were believed not particularly loyal or trustworthy4 ,the ,,ms4 ,journal of a ,field ,officer is enlightening upon these points3--#8,be this as it may1 their colonel1 ,lord ,mountjoy1 was heading them up the street leading to the ,three-bullet ,gate when he met his death by a traitorous shot1 and the attachment which his men bore him superseded every other feeling but a desire for revenge4 ,although they had retired at first before the torrent1 they rallied instantly1 and showed no appearance of disaffection afterwards1 but fought stoutly at ,vinegar ,hill4 ,lord ,m4 was riding a little way ahead of the regiment when he was treacherously shot from a window by a baker's boy4 ,such were the results of the fall of ,furlong on the one side1 and the death of ,lord ,mountjoy on the other4' ,the forced abandonment of the bridge was a heavy repulse4 ,virtually the day was lost1 for although a small party of the royalists1 under ,sergeant ,hamilton1 still held most gallantly a position in the vicinity of the ,three-bullet ,gate1 had the insurgents followed up their success1 a total and bloody defeat of the king's troops must have been unavoidable4 ,but1 once within the town1 drink and plunder engrossed the attention of the majority1 while the admirable gallantry of that brave old man who commanded the retreating royalists retrieved the fortunes of the day4 ,crossing to the ,kilkenny side1 ,general ,johnson rallied the fugitives and urged them to follow him once more4 #8,will you desert your ,general8' he exclaimed to the disheartened militia2 but this appeal was coldly heard4 #8,and your countryman1 too8' he added4 ,the chord of national honour was touched1 a cheer answered it1 the old man wheeled his horse round1 and1 riding in front1 brought back his rallied troops to the fight1 and1 rejoining the staunch few who still held the post beside the ,three-bullet ,gate1 announced that a large reinforcement had just arrived from ,waterford4 ,when the fortune of a doubtful day is in the balance1 a feather turns it frequently4 ,such was the case at ,ross4 ,the troops cheered1 and plied their musketry with additional spirit and excellent effect1 and1 turning the rebel rear1 put their massive column into a confusion which proved irretrievable1 and at last1 with desperate slaughter1 drove them fairly from the town4 ,the exhaustion of the garrison prevented anything being attempted beyond a brief pursuit in the direction of ,corbet ,hill1 while the rebels made no effort to rally and renew the action1 but went off dispersedly1 some to their old camp at ,carrickbyrne1 and others to a new position which they had taken on a height called ,slieve ,keilter1 some four miles' distance from the town4 ,in this1 the most sanguinary and hardly contested action of the insurrection1 commencing at five in the morning and ending at three in the afternoon1 the loss on both sides was immense1 although in gross numbers wholly disproportionate4 ,musgrave states the rebels killed to have exceeded #bejj1 besides the many #8carried off on cars4' ,before the walls1 between ,three-bullet and ,bunnion ,gates1 and in the cross lanes and streets which led directly to the market-place1 the slaughter was enormous4 ,in ,chapel ,lane the rebels lay three deep1 and throughout the approaches to the main guard the streets were heaped with corpses4 ,the defence of this post1 and the assistance afforded to the few brave men who held it1 were characteristic of the desperate fighting which marks the uncompromising spirit that religious and political antipathies produce4 ,a most gallant soldier1 ,sergeant ,hamilton of the ,donegal ,regiment1 with sixteen men and two ship-guns1 indifferently mounted1 were posted at the intersection of four streets in the immediate vicinity of the jail4 ,when the troops retreated over the bridge1 ,hamilton was recommended to remove the spare ammunition he had in charge and quit a post where now he must remain isolated and unsupported4 ,his reply was1 #8,never1 but with life6' and though frequently assailed by hundreds1 he laned them literally with grape-shot1 covering the approach to the guns with dead and dying men1 and through every turn of a doubtful conflict resolutely maintaining his ground4 ,although the leading streets were completely under his fire1 the gallant sergeant was open to attack from a narrow lane immediately beside the main guard1 where1 sheltered from the cannon1 the rebels could form in security2 and1 no doubt1 from that point they would have carried the post by a sudden onset had not a fortunate circumstance afforded the ,donegal soldiers protection from the threatened danger4 ,the house of a loyalist called ,dowesley was in the ,backhouse ,lane1 and occupied by the family and a lame pensioner4 ,the part of the lane where the rebels were safe from the fire of ,hamilton's guns was1 however1 commanded by ,dowesley's windows2 and whenever the insurgents attempted to form and attack the main guard1 a close and constant fusilade from the little garrison of the house drove them from a place where they expected to find shelter while collecting for their intended attack4 ,as fast as the muskets were discharged the old soldier quickly reloaded them1 adding half a dozen buck-shot to the bullet1 and so deadly was the fire from ,dowesley's dwelling that upwards of fifty bodies were found after the action heaped together in the lane4 ,mr4 ,tottenham1 the proprietor of ,ross1 employed six carts and a great many men for two entire days in collecting the bodies of the slain4 ,most of those found in the town were thrown into the river and carried off with the tide4 ,the remainder were flung into a fosse outside the town wall and buried there4 ,the conflict at ,ross might have been shortened had the ,roscommon regiment1 which had been detached from ,waterford early on the morning of the action1 completed its march and brought its timely reinforcement to the exhausted garrison4 ,it was also very fortunate the ,roscommon regiment returned to ,waterford that night1 as the rebels1 who were numerous and well organised there1 meditated an insurrection1 imagining ,ross had been taken4 ,the next day the ,roscommon regiment moved a second time from ,waterford and reached ,ross with little opposition1 although during the short interval which had occurred the country had risen en masse4 ,on the adjacent hills parties of rebels were seen1 and an arch of the ,glynmore bridge had been partially broken1 but the colonel planked it and passed his guns easily across4 ,a body of rebels1 who showed themselves upon a height1 gave way after a round or two from the cannon1 previously murdering fifteen of the refugee militiamen who had fled from ,ross the day before1 fell into these ruffians' hands1 and now paid the penalty of their cowardice4 ,with the battle of ,ross subsequent atrocities1 which have placed the ,wexford insurrection fearfully pre-eminent in crime1 were connected4 ,one foul deed1 the massacre at ,scullabogue1 infinitely surpassed all others1 and1 with the massacres perpetrated wholesale on ,wexford ,bridge and ,vinegar ,hill1 has cast a stain on ,irish character that another century will scarcely remove4 ,one reads1 almost with incredulity1 of ,autos-da-fe and ,eves of ,st4 ,bartholomew1 and blesses ,god1 when he finds the narrative is true1 that his lot was not cast in an age of cruelty and darkness4 ,but the narration of scenes which discoloured the ,irish rebellion makes one blush to think that the wolfish wretches who were the actors therein bore the common name of man4 ,it is a revolting detail that historic impartiality forces on the writer1 and it shall be briefly despatched4 ,,massacre ,,at ,,scullabogue ,when the rebels encamped on ,carrickbyrne they established an outpost at the house of ,scullabogue1 which had been deserted by its proprietor1 ,captain ,king4 ,a large barn was attached to the mansion2 it was #cd feet long1 #ae feet in breadth1 and #ab feet high4 ,this outhouse and the mansion itself had been made a prison wherein to deposit the unfortunate prisoners who by their loyalty or their difference in religious faith had incurred the displeasure of the rebels1 and fell after the outbreak into their hands2 and on the morning when the rebels marched on the attack of ,ross1 #bcj ill-fated victims were then confined in a building1 which proved at once their prison and their grave4 ,a rebel guard was left to secure the captives1 amounting to #cjj men1 under the command of three subordinate leaders1 named ,murphy of ,loughnageer1 ,devereux1 and ,sweetman4 ,the particulars of the butchery which took place on the fatal #eth of ,june will be best understood by abstracts from evidence upon oath1 given on the trials of some of the monsters implicated in this hellish sacrifice4 ,any person who wishes for more extensive details of this most atrocious transaction will find them duly verified in the voluminous appendix attached to ,musgrave's ,memoirs4 ,the depositions of sundry persons are briefly abridged4 ,one who escaped the massacre1 by the bribery of a rebel and the virtue of a priest's protection1 gives the following account of this horrible transaction4 ,he states that1 when the rebel army began to give way at ,ross1 an express was sent to ,murphy to put the ,protestant prisoners to death1 as the king's troops were gaining the day2 but ,murphy refused to comply without a direct order from the general4 ,that he soon after received another message to the same purpose1 with this addition1 that #8the prisoners1 if released1 would become very furious and vindictive4' ,that1 shortly after1 a third express arrived1 saying1 #8the priest gave orders that the prisoners should be put to death4' ,that the rebels1 on getting the sanction of the priest1 became outrageous1 and began to pull off their clothes1 the better to perform the bloody deed4 ,that1 when they were leading the prisoners out from the dwelling-house to shoot them1 he turned away from such a scene of horror1 on which a rebel struck him with a pike upon the back1 and said he would #8let his guts out if he did not follow him6' ,that he then attended the rebels to the barn1 in which there was a great number of men1 women1 and children1 and that the rebels were endeavouring to set fire to it1 while the poor prisoners1 shrieking and crying out for mercy1 crowded to the back door of the building1 which they forced open for the purpose of admitting air4 ,that for some time they continued to put the door between them and the rebels1 who were piking or shooting them4 ,that1 in attempting to do so1 their hands or fingers were cut off4 ,that the rebels continued to force into the barn bundles of straw to increase the fire4 ,at last1 that the prisoners having been overcome by the flame and smoke1 their moans and cries gradually died away in the silence of death--and all became still4 ,illustration3 #jech ,the witness1 during this dreadful scene1 saw a child1 who got under the door and was likely to escape1 although much hurt and bruised1 when a rebel perceiving it1 thrust his pike through it and threw it into the flames4 ,while the rebels were shooting the prisoners in front of the dwelling-house1 a party of men and women were engaged in stripping and rifling the dead bodies2 and the prisoner1 ,phelim ,fardy1 called out to them to avoid the line of his fire 7as he was busily employed in shooting the prisoners71 and after saying so1 he fired at a man who was on his knees1 who instantly fell and expired4 ,another ruffian1 whose barbarities made him conspicuous1 trampled on the dead and wounded bodies1 and behaved otherwise in such a ferocious manner as to obtain from the rebels the appellation of #8the true-born ,roman4' ,the barn was so limited in size that suffocation must have soon taken place from the great number of people compressed into a space so small2 for besides the burning of the thatched roof of the barn1 the rebels fed it by introducing blazing faggots on their pikes4 ,richard ,grandy1 who was present1 swore the prisoners were led out by fours to be shot1 and that the rebels who pierced them when they fell took a pleasure in licking their spears4 ,a gentleman present1 who had a narrow escape1 assured the writer that a rebel said he would try the taste of orange blood1 and that he dipped a tooth-pick in the wound of one of the ,protestants who was shot and put it into his mouth4 ,whenever a body fell on being shot1 the rebel guards shouted and pierced it with their pikes4 ,they burned there several wives and some of the children of the ,north ,cork ,militia in the barn1 who were ,roman ,catholics2 but it was sufficient to provoke their vengeance that they were connected with the soldiers of an heretical king4 ,the most innocent victims were sacrificed2 a girl was brought there in place of her sister2 she was seized and sent to the barn1 and her father shortly after1 having gone there with his poor old wife to solicit her liberation2 the parents and child were thrust into the barn together1 and burned with the other unfortunates4 ,no less than twenty-four ,protestants were taken from the village of ,tintern1 about eight miles distant1 many of them old and feeble1 and led in one drove to the barn1 where they perished4 ,two ,romanists1 serving-men1 were burnt in the barn because they would not consent to the massacre of their ,protestant masters4 ,another ,romanist1 who was travelling with a royalist pass for his protection1 was intercepted by the rebels1 who considered the pass an emblem of loyalty2 they committed him to the barn1 with a son who happened to accompany him1 and both perished in the flames4 ,in his history of these events ,taylor1 after recording the dreadful massacre of ,scullabogue1 thus describes the retreat of the rebels from ,new ,ross1 and pictures ,baganel ,harvey's feelings when he viewed the scene of the fearful tragedy enacted at the fatal barn3 #8,after ending this horrid massacre1 the rebels marched 7exulting in their diabolical achievements7 towards ,new ,ross1 but the destroying angel had gone before them1 and miserably defeated that huge army in which they trusted4 ,as they proceeded to reinforce their brother rebels they met multitudes of the wounded returning1 some crawling along as well as they could1 others on horses and on cars2 some were shot through different parts of the body1 while others had broken arms1 legs1 and thighs4 ,going on further1 they met the remnant of the main body retreating in the greatest confusion1 hurry1 and noise1 bringing with them cars full of the dead and wounded4 ,they took their station on ,carrickburn that night2 several stole home1 and never joined them more1 particularly those of ,barony ,forth1 who1 though a race of cowards1 were cruel in the extreme4' ,the next morning ,baganel ,harvey was in the greatest anguish of mind when he beheld ,scullabogue ,house and the barn1 where the murdered ,protestants were to be seen in every attitude4 ,they lay so close1 that several were standing up against the walls1 and many lying in heaps in each other's arms among the ashes of the timber of the house1 while their bodies looked frightful1 being burned to a cinder4 ,he turned from the scene with horror1 wrung his hands1 and told those around him that #8as innocent people were burned there as ever were born1 and that their conquests for liberty were at an end4' ,he then said privately to a friend1 #8,i see now my folly in embarking in any cause with these people4 ,if they succeed ,i shall be murdered by them2 if they are defeated1 ,i shall be hanged4' ,now convinced of the sanguinary feelings of his followers1 he was determined to put a stop to it1 as far as in his power lay1 and that day he issued a proclamation1 had it printed1 sent many copies to ,vinegar ,hill1 ,wexford1 and ,gorey1 and distributed them over the country4 ,on ,saturday1 the #ith of ,june1 #ahd skeletons were cleared out of the barn1 thrown into a ditch near the place1 and slightly covered with clay4 ,there is every reason to believe that this horrible atrocity occasioned to all but the lowest barbarians1 who were banded with the rebel forces1 feelings of alarm and disgust4 ,almost the last act of ,baganel ,harvey before he was deprived of his command was the publication of a general order to restrain future acts of violence1 under the penalty of death2 and he originated a subscription--in which many rebel leaders joined--to pay for the interment of the poor sufferers4 ,years afterwards1 record all the authorities who have dwelt on this cruel episode1 it was the greatest wish of such of the ,wexford rebels as survived1 to prove that1 in whatever crimes they might have participated largely1 they were wholly unconnected with the burning of ,scullabogue4 ,,father ,m4 ,,murphy ,,of ,,ballycanoo ,,and ,,the ,,heretic ,,bullets ,of the rebel chiefs1 the priests were decidedly the most despotic1 and too often the most unrelenting1 to the unhappy men who became prisoners to the banditti they commanded4 ,one of the most truculent of these spiritual chiefs was ,father ,michael ,murphy of ,ballycanoo1 a prominent church-militant general in the ,wexford campaigns1 who met his fate at the battle of ,arklow4 ,after the priest's death the following edifying epistle1 addressed to a ,dublin tradesman1 was found on his body2 this letter1 as ,musgrave suggests1 in the constant hurry and confusion in which he had been kept1 probably in preparing for the attack of ,arklow1 the ,father had neither time nor opportunity to forward3-- ,gorey1 #fth ,june #agih4 ,friend ,houston--,great events are ripening4 ,in a few days we shall meet4 ,the first-fruits of your regeneration must be a tincture of poison and pike in the metropolis against heretics4 ,this is a tribunal for such opinions4 ,your talents must not be buried as a judge4 ,your sons must be steeled with fortitude against heresy1 then we shall do2 and you shall shine in a higher sphere4 ,we shall have an army of brave republicans1 #ajj1jjj1 with fourteen pieces of cannon1 on ,thursday before ,dublin2 your heart will beat high at the news4 ,you will rise with a proportionate force4--,yours ever1 ,m4 ,murphy4 ,decipher ,b4,i4,k4,m4,q4,y4444 ,the plans disclosed in this letter came near to complete realisation2 but for the events of ,ross and ,arklow1 who can say that the results foreshadowed in the intercepted letter of the slain priest might not have been realised to the very letter8 ,the lowest ruffians had become leaders of the mob1 and several monsters1 who desecrated the holy orders intrusted to them1 encouraged the barbarities of their besotted followers and pandered to their superstitions4 ,among these wretches ,murphy of ,bannow and ,roche of ,paulpearsay were conspicuous4 ,the latter1 like ,murphy of ,ballycanoo1 was a bullet-catcher1 and while he occasionally distributed to his flock balls which had been caught in action1 he promised an immunity from danger to the faithful--for a consideration4 #8,he would give them gospels1' he said 7they were generally sewed to a brown-coloured tape71 #8to hang about their necks1 which would make the person who wore it proof against all the powers of heretical artillery2 but that notwithstanding their extraordinary utility to the ,irish army1 they would be of no avail unless they were purchased4 ,the price to the better sort of people was half-a-crown2 but as the poorer were zealous in the glorious cause1 he would only ask from them a sixpence4' ,says ,taylor1 #8,thousands of these gospels were made and speedily sent round the country4' ,illustration3 #jedf ,in the heat of action1 on every repulse1 and when his deluded followers retreated1 ,murphy of ,ballycanoo had induced fresh victims to come forward1 and1 blinded against danger by whisky and fanaticism1 they rushed on more than one occasion to the very muzzles of the guns4 ,were the fact not accredited beyond a doubt1 it would not be believed that the drunken scoundrel persuaded the unhappy savages who obeyed his orders that his person was impervious to heretical balls1 producing a handful of musket-bullets1 which he averred had struck him during the action1 or had been caught as they innocently whistled by4 ,however potent the spell might be that saved the worthy churchman from lead1 it proved inefficient against #8cold iron4' ,a round-shot from one of the ,durham guns struck him down while leading these ignorant wretches to the charge2 the ruffian went to his account1 and his followers broke finally and disbanded4 ,when the warlike ,murphy fell he was but a few paces from the barricade1 and was waving a banner over his head emblazoned with a huge cross and the motto of #8,death or ,liberty4' ,,the ,,battle ,,of ,,arklow ,the consternation which the intelligence of ,walpole's destruction occasioned in the metropolis may be easily imagined4 ,many families quitted the kingdom in despair4 ,this1 probably1 was the gloomiest moment of that fearful period1 but the unbounded loyalty and devotion of the ,dublin ,protestants shone out with increasing brilliancy1 and assisted to dispel the gathering cloud4 ,in the metropolis the yeomanry amounted to nearly #djjj men1 now armed1 well disciplined1 and purged from those traitors who1 but a few weeks before1 had thronged their ranks4 ,with perfect confidence the city was intrusted to their protection1 and from the few regular troops in garrison1 the ,cavan regiment1 with a detachment of ,reay ,fencibles1 were despatched to reinforce the troops in ,wicklow1 and enable the royalists to rally and recover the ground they had lost4 ,,father ,m4 ,,murphy ,,of ,,ballycanoo ,,and ,,the ,,heretic ,,bullets ,the troops were forwarded by carriages specially impressed1 the command given to ,general ,needham1 and on the #fth of ,june the column quitted ,wicklow1 and after passing a deserted country and being joined by some yeomanry and armed loyalists1 it entered ,arklow early the same evening2 some straggling rebels retiring from the town1 where they had loitered1 plundering and drinking1 on the cavalry advanced guard appearing by the ,dublin road4 ,the reception of the troops by the inhabitants was enthusiastic1 for many1 under fear of death1 had already abandoned their houses to embark in fishing boats1 and escape from a place which they expected to become an immediate scene of savage violence4 ,during the two succeeding days 7#gth and #hth of ,june7 the commanding officer was engaged in making dispositions for the defence of the town and in selecting a position4 ,ground was marked out capable of being occupied by a body of troops so limited in number as the garrison2 and while such fences were preserved as would afford cover to the royal light troops from which to annoy an advancing enemy1 others that could neither mask their movements or interrupt the play of the guns were levelled and removed4 ,meanwhile the country was carefully patrolled1 and alarm posts assigned to the different corps to take up on the rebels being reported to be in motion4 ,the morning of the #ith came4 ,at noon a wing of the ,durham ,fencibles marched in under the command of an excellent officer1 ,colonel ,skerrett1 affording a well-timed and most effective reinforcement to the garrison1 and1 in consequence of this arrival1 ,general ,needham made a slight change in his dispositions1 and never was a little army more curiously composed than the morning state of that of ,arklow exhibited on the day of the attack upon the town4 ,as the evening came on1 an advanced picket announced the appearance of the insurgents1 and consequently an infantry outpost at the ,charter-house was called in and replaced by a cavalry patrol1 while by the two great approaches to the town--the seaside road and that leading to ,coolgreney--dense masses were seen moving to the attack4 ,by the former road one great column directed its march against the lower part of the town called the ,fishery2 by the latter an immense mass1 under the command of ,father ,murphy of ,ballycanoo1 threatened the upper part of ,arklow1 and thus endangered the right and rear of the royalist position4 ,to deploy their unwieldy masses appeared to be a task beyond the power of their leaders1 for more than half an hour was consumed in the attempt1 and when they did effect the change the line was irregular and disordered1 at some parts merely in rank entire1 and at others six files deep4 ,the royalists were already in position1 the line being slightly curved1 the flanks refused1 and each protected by battalion guns1 with two six-pounders nearly in the centre4 ,the hedges were lined by the ,suffolk and ,tyrone ,militia and part of the supplementary yeomen1 with a small party posted in the churchyard and another at the bottom of the street which looked upon the bridge4 ,these posts were occupied to defend the lower town4 ,the barrack walls had been provided with a #8banquette' 7a wooden stage attached to high walls1 at an elevation which will allow the defenders to fire over the parapet71 and supplied with musqueteers1 while the upper end of the street was barricaded with carts and lumber1 and defended by part of the ,antrim regiment and a field-piece4 ,generally the cavalry were formed on the bridge and sands4 ,taking the local character of the place and the small number of its defenders into consideration1 the disposition of the troops was very judicious and creditable to ,general ,needham4 ,the actual strength of the rebel army was1 on the lowest calculation1 computed at #be1jjj men1 and on good authority it has been even raised to #ca1jjj4 ,about #ejjj of the insurgents1 were armed with firearms1 and they brought two well-appointed guns into action4 ,but it was not from their enormous numbers only that they were formidable4 ,they came forward under the wildest enthusiasm1 burning to exact vengeance for past defeats1 and confident they must annihilate the small but daring body who1 undaunted by a twenty-fold superiority1 were steadily awaiting their attack4 ,during the morning's march from ,gorey they plundered the houses of the ,protestants of everything valuable1 putting in requisition all the spirits and provisions that could be supplied2 and1 under the double influence of intoxication and fanaticism1 were led on by their priests1 who inspired them with ideas of their own invincibleness2 because1 as they assured the misguided wretches1 they were engaged in the cause of heaven1 and opposed to the enemies of ,god4 ,to maintain that religious frenzy which was their great source of courage1 at the end of every mile during the march their leaders said mass1 and used every mode of exhortation and every superstitious device that priestcraft could invent4 ,they advanced in an irregular line1 which was frequently broken by their running out to file along the hedge-rows lying parallel to the position of the king's troops1 of the cover of which they endeavoured to avail themselves4 ,their front rank was composed of those who had firearms1 and were mostly from the barony of ,shelmalier1 on the ,wexford coast1 where they subsist during the winter by shooting sea-fowl1 which makes them expert marksmen4 ,they were covered in the rear by the pikemen1 many deep1 while at certain intervals the line was strengthened by numerous masses of men1 who were ready to supply the places of those who fell1 or act as occasion might require4 ,each company had a green flag about two feet square1 with a yellow harp in the centre1 while some were parti-coloured1 and equal in size to the king's colours4 ,their leaders were distinguishable riding through the ranks1 marshalling them and giving orders4 ,during the engagement the rebels frequently repeated their dreadful yells1 which heightened the terrific appearance of a numerous host of barbarians1 who seemed confident1 from superior numbers1 that they could easily overwhelm the small army that opposed them4 ,the rebels advanced two guns by the ,coolgreney road1 under a sharp and destructive fire from those on the right of the ,durham regiment1 and the third in position at the barricade4 ,both of the former were dragged up by lanes on the high road and placed on high grounds1 one looking on the centre of the royalist line1 the other commanding its left flank4 ,although tedious in their formation1 the insurgent column directed against the lower town advanced so rapidly that they had nearly succeeded in cutting off a cavalry patrol1 which saved itself1 however1 by swimming the horses across the ,ovoca4 ,having fired the houses in the suburb1 the rebels pushed on under cover of the smoke1 but they never could gain the bridge1 as the fire of the detached party1 which covered that approach1 and the second1 which held the churchyard1 cut down the head of the column1 and finally disordered it so much as to allow the cavalry1 formed on the sands1 to charge with excellent effect4 ,during a long and desperate struggle the troops behaved with a steadiness and determination which enabled them not only to secure the lower town1 but to inflict a destructive loss upon the assailants4 ,but the grand effort of the insurgents was directed against the left and centre of the position and the barricade that covered its right flank4 ,from behind the hedges the rebels kept up a steady and well-directed fusilade1 and also commanded the royal line with such effect as to dismount a battalion gun and oblige ,colonel ,skerrett to advance his left wing and protect it behind a fence from the fire of a field-piece1 which otherwise must have enfiladed it4 ,the gallantry of the ,durham ,fencibles was unbounded4 ,thrice the rebels came forward in immense force against the wing of this noble regiment1 and as often a destructive volley from their musketry1 with grape from the battalion guns1 obliged the assailants to recede from a fire they found intolerable4 ,but1 maddened by intoxication and encouraged by their ghostly leader1 the deluded wretches again and again returned to the attack1 and the ,general1 despairing of repulsing the continued efforts of desperate savages1 determined to yield the ground and abandon the position4 ,colonel ,skerrett1 well aware that to retire with a handful of beaten troops in the presence of five-and-twenty thousand men would lead to their total destruction1 as sternly resolved to hold the post he had taken to the last2 and an unforeseen event decided the fortune of this doubtful day1 and crowned the gallant few with well-merited victory4 ,as long as the redoubtable ,murphy of ,ballycanoo--who hitherto seemed to bear a charmed life--remained to lead his demented and infatuated followers1 all that the assailed could effect was to frantically hold their ground1 their assailants continuing to rally after each repulse4 ,it may be judged how critical was the situation of the defending royalists4 ,murphy1 as described1 had led his legions within a few paces of the barricade1 and was encouraging his adherents by waving his famous banner of #8,death or ,liberty' at the head of the advancing hordes he was leading to the charge1 when a round-shot from one of the ,durham guns struck him down2 the invincibility charm was broken1 and the rebels fled dismayed4 ,about eight o'clock1 when it was growing dusk1 they began to retreat towards ,coolgreney in an irregular and disorderly manner1 carrying off nine cart-loads of dead and wounded4 ,had the cavalry but had sufficient daylight to have pursued them1 they must have cut off great numbers in the retreat4 ,the loss of the rebels was said to have amounted fully to one thousand1 while that of the royalists in killed and wounded did not exceed sixty or seventy4 ,although night saved the rebels from any pursuit1 and probably thus abated their losses extensively1 as the wounded were enabled to crawl away1 the moral effect of their defeat was incalculable1 obliterating entirely the false confidence which the affairs at ,oulart and ,three ,rocks and the calamity at ,tubberneering had produced4 ,the mischief occasioned by their first neglect of seizing ,arklow when deserted by its garrison was consummated by the defeat attendant on the attempt on the part of the rebels to redeem their original error and carry the town when it had been rendered defensible4 ,had the insurgents not lost time at ,gorey--had they advanced and seized ,arklow--,wicklow and ,bray must of necessity have fallen into their hands without the snapping of a flint4 ,the metropolis1 as ,father ,murphy's intercepted letter revealed1 assaulted by #ajj1jjj reckless men1 like the warlike priest's followers1 with the fourteen pieces of cannon at that time in their possession1 joined in ,dublin by the rising of a proportionate force similarly armed1 might have effected their wicked object4 ,the effect of the defeat1 and the deductive inferences from it1 as drawn by ,gordon as our authority observes1 are interesting and correct3-- #8,as the repulse at ,arklow1' writes ,gordon in his ,history1 #8decided the fate of the rebellion1 so it fortunately left undecided a question how far the ,romanists would have carried religious animosity had the insurrection been successful4 ,the violent acts of the insurgents at ,gorey and its neighbourhood were not near so great as in the southern parts of the county4 ,the former might1 by an advocate of their cause1 be coloured with a pretext of retaliation1 since acts of the same kind had been committed by the loyalists1 as the burning of houses1 the quartering of men on families for subsistence1 imprisonments1 trials of prisoners by court-martial1 the shooting of prisoners without trial1 and the insulting of others by cropping the hair and covering the head with a pitched cap4 ,but an opinion is entertained1 ,i fear indeed with too much foundation1 that if the town of ,arklow had been taken1 and thus a wide prospect opened for the success of the rebellion1 the ,protestants remaining in the power of the ,catholic rebels in the county of ,wexford were to have been massacred4 ,many believe also that the persons excepted from the first massacre were destined for ultimate slaughter on the final success of the insurgents1 and that even such leaders of the rebels as were ,protestants were to be included in this proscription4 ,the war from the beginning--in direct violation of the oath of the ,united ,irishmen--had taken a religious turn1 as every civil war in the south or west of ,ireland must be expected to take by any man acquainted with the prejudices of the inhabitants4 ,the terms ,protestant and ,orangeman were synonymous with the mass of the insurgents2 and the ,protestants they meant to favour had been baptized into the ,romish ,church by the priests of that communion4 ,but whatever degree of religious bigotry or party hatred had been hitherto discovered by the insurgents1 there were still many individuals who evinced the greatest humanity in their endeavours to mitigate the fury of their associates4' ,,capture ,,of ,,vinegar ,,hill ,illustration3 #jeeg ,the fatal effects of the defeat at ,arklow in the subsequent fortunes of the insurrection became every day more apparent1 and during these transactions the rebels who remained at ,gorey and its neighbourhood were gradually dispersing4 #8,a part of them retired to ,wexford1 bringing with them the prisoners who had been confined in the market-house of ,gorey4 ,these had been severely treated2 they had been supplied with food only once in the twenty-four hours1 cropped1 pitch-capped1 and exposed from the windows to the insults of the shouting multitudes on their march to attack ,arklow1 while many had been shot or piked to death4 ,as the mass of remaining rebels had taken their station on the hill of ,ask1 only a mile from ,gorey1 after the battle of ,arklow1 the royal army remained some days close within its quarters1 sending out patrols with caution1 at first to a very small distance1 and afterwards gradually advancing further4 ,at last a troop of yeomen cavalry ventured so far on the road towards ,gorey as to approach the rebel station on ,ask hill1 and found the post had been so thinned by perpetual desertions that not more than about a hundred men fit for action were then remaining in it1 and these without a leader4' ,for every reason1 military and political1 it was now unanimously determined by the royalist commanders that the relief of ,wexford and ,enniscorthy1 so long and so unhappily in possession of the rebels1 must be preceded by the capture of the camp and a total dispersion of the insurgent bodies collected on ,vinegar ,hill4 ,to effect this difficult but desirable object a vigorous and well-combined attack would be required1 and on the #afth of ,june the preparatory movements of the different corps were arranged by ,general ,lake2 to ,generals ,dundas1 ,needham1 ,johnson1 ,sir ,charles ,asgill1 ,wilkinson1 ,sir ,james ,duff1 ,loftus1 and ,moore were assigned plans of operations covering three or four days2 some of these movements were delayed from various eventualities1 and two brigades were unfortunately absent at the final assault on ,vinegar ,hill4 ,as the attack was to be made immediately after daybreak on the #bast1 and as it was utterly impossible that by any exertions his wearied troops could reach their ground in time1 ,needham despatched an aide-de-camp to the ,commander-in-,chief requesting the advance to be delayed for an hour1 to allow him time to get up2 but ,general ,lake could not postpone his movements against the rebel position1 as an immediate assault upon the camp was absolutely necessary to prevent the enemy from detaching reinforcements to their friends at ,enniscorthy1 who were then warmly engaged with ,johnson's brigade4 ,under these circumstances ,general ,needham1 finding it impossible to get the column up1 very properly pushed his cavalry forward2 and when the rebels broke upon the hill1 they were sufficiently advanced to cut down a number of the fugitives4 ,general ,sir ,james ,duff1 who advanced by the ,ferns road1 with his right resting on the ,slaney and his left flanked by the light infantry under ,general ,loftus1 reached the base of the hill with occasional interruptions from rebel pickets1 who occupied the high grounds on the line of march1 but who were easily dispersed by a few shells from the howitzers4 ,previous to commencing his ascent he detached ,general ,loftus with the light infantry and guns to seize an eminence which overlooked the lower line of the rebel position1 and consequently laid it open to a cannonade at easy range4 ,the movement was rapidly effected1 and although the enclosures were numerous and the ground steep1 ,general ,loftus1 by breaking down the stone fences1 was enabled to get his artillery forward1 and1 crowning the height with his guns1 he opened them with excellent effect upon crowded ranks1 which were completely enfiladed4 ,the remainder of ,duff's brigade pressed steadily up the hill1 and at the same time the columns of ,generals ,lake1 ,wilford1 and ,dundas1 with ,campbell's light companies1 ascended the south-eastern face1 while ,johnson's brigade mounted from ,enniscorthy4 ,as the troops advanced they sustained a sharp fire from the rebel marksmen1 who1 acting en tirailleur1 lined the numerous enclosures and disputed them with some spirit4 ,the rebel cannonade was ineffective1 although they had thirteen pieces of various calibres on the hill1 but their musketry was well sustained1 and yet1 with all the advantages of a strong position1 the loss inflicted on the assailants was infinitely less than could have been anticipated4 ,the steady advance of the troops was never for a moment checked1 and the movements of the columns so admirably timed that they crowned the hill simultaneously1 while the rebels1 availing themselves of the means of retreat which ,general ,needham's failure had unluckily left open1 went off en masse1 abandoning their cannon1 ammunition1 and all the plunder that had been accumulated during the period they had occupied their savage and sanguinary encampment4 ,if the wholesale destruction of a deluded multitude were a desirable object1 certainly the failure of this movement is to be lamented1 for the rebels were enabled to get off bodily1 whereas had ,needham reached his ground they must have been so totally derouted that no exertions could have rallied them again1 and the flame of rebellion would have been extinguished4 ,but the results of his failure1 and not the cause1 were severely tested at the time1 and the ,general was censured with injustice for a miscarriage1 occasioned by circumstances entirely beyond control1 and of everyday recurrence in war4 ,the brunt of the action1 and the greatest proportion of the loss1 fell upon the brigade commanded by ,general ,johnson 7afterwards ,sir ,henry ,johnson1 ,g4,c4,b41 who may be said1 in the rebellion of #agih1 to have been the military saviour of ,ireland74 ,on the evening preceding the attack on ,vinegar ,hill1 that ,general advanced within a mile and a half of ,enniscorthy1 intending to bivouac in the vicinity of the rebel position1 and bring his column fresh into action the next day4 ,the troops had scarcely1 however1 piled arms when the rebels in great force issued from ,enniscorthy and moved forward with the apparent intention of attacking the royalists and hazarding a general action4 ,they advanced in close columns1 covered by a number of sharpshooters1 and connected by several bodies1 formed in irregular lines4 ,the rebel skirmishers1 after maintaining a sharp fusilade1 were speedily dislodged by the fire of the cannon1 and1 falling back on the supporting column1 which had halted on an eminence half a mile from the ground occupied by the royalists1 the guns were directly turned upon the height4 ,on this occasion these unfortunate and deluded men evinced an ignorance of warlike missiles which can hardly be conceived4 ,as the round shot from the guns bedded themselves in the face of the hill against which they had been directed1 the rebels rushed in numbers to pick them up4 ,a shell from a howitzer falling1 it was exultingly surrounded by a crowd of men1 each struggling to become owner of this god-send4 ,the effect of the explosion may be fancied1 as when the fuse reached the powder1 more than fifty of the ignorant wretches were furiously contending for the possession of the lighted shell4 ,according to ,taylor's ,history1 #8,here they were cannonaded1 and on seeing the shells they were driven into the utmost confusion1 as they could not conceive what they were1 some shouting in a kind of delirium 7as shell followed shell71 8,they spit fire at us02 others1 8,we can stand anything but these guns which fire twice60 ,indeed the carnage occasioned by them was very great1 and fully answered the end4' ,the night passed1 and at daybreak ,johnson drove the rebels from the height and forced them back upon ,enniscorthy4 ,after halting an hour1 to allow the general attack upon the hill to operate as a diversion and employ the main body of the enemy1 ,johnson pushed his column into the town4 ,on this occasion the rebels made a stubborn resistance1 their pikemen disputing the streets and their musketry firing upon the advancing troops from the windows4 ,every yard was stoutly contested1 and a six-pounder1 advanced into the open space before the court-house1 was carried by a sudden rush1 the gunners killed1 and the piece captured by the pikemen4 ,but it was immediately retaken2 the bridge was cleared of the enemy1 the ,dublin regiment cheered and pressed up the hill1 and although that ascent was the steepest1 the brave old man reached the summit as the other columns cleared it4 ,the royalist casualties were comparatively trifling1 and the rebel loss fell infinitely short of what might have been expected from a droute so complete as that which followed the loss of their favourite position4 ,as the greater number of the insurgents were cut down dispersing in the pursuit1 the amount could not be correctly estimated4 ,probably three or four hundred might have been slain4 ,one of their favourite generals1 a church-militant leader1 was included in the casualties of the day1 for ,father ,clinch of ,enniscorthy was killed while retreating after the action4 ,there is a military criticism which is placed here while summarising the results of this action4 ,it is given in the ,m4,s4 ,journal of a ,field ,officer3--#8,there is one point which has never been explained to my satisfaction4 ,after the defeat at ,vinegar ,hill the main body of the rebels retreated to ,wexford1 where they divided--one column crossed ,wexford bridge1 and made their way to the north of the county about ,gorey2 now this body must have been due north while ,general ,lake was moving due south from ,vinegar ,hill upon ,wexford1 so that they must have actually passed each other at a distance of not six miles between the parallel roads1 as a glance at the map will show4 ,perhaps ,general ,lake did not consider himself strong enough to divide and occupy both roads to ,wexford1 or perhaps he might have thought 8the stag at bay's a dangerous foe10 and permitted them to weaken themselves by allowing them to quietly disbandon4 ,it cost1 however1 much loyal blood at ,gorey4' ,,rebels ,,executing ,,their ,,prisoners ,,on ,,the ,,bridge ,,at ,,wexford ,illustration3 #jefe ,wexford was a scene of unexampled horror1 where were enacted the most sanguinary barbarities in emulation of the bloodthirsty atrocities of the reign of terror2 nor can it be an excuse that the monsters avowedly imitated those terrorising scenes which were made luridly familiar by the annals of the ,french ,revolution4 ,the plunder of houses and the incarceration of their innocent victims after the unfortunate defeat of the ,meath detachment at the ,three ,rocks1 which determined ,colonel ,maxwell's fatal retreat from ,wexford1 immediately occupied the insurgents4 ,while the rabble were engaged in collecting numbers of ill-fated ,protestants for future slaughter1 the leaders went through the mockery of establishing a provisional government1 and1 in imitation of the ,french ,jacobins1 a grand national committee1 a council of elders1 and a council of five hundred were to be organised forthwith1 while the dwelling-house of a wealthy merchant was put into requisition as a senate-house1 wherein the different estates were to legislate for the young republic4 ,if it were necessary to prove the fallacy that any possibility exists of retaining influence over a sanguinary and superstitious mob by any means but acting on their ignorance or pandering to the worst passions of brutal dispositions1 the rebel occupation of ,wexford would afford an ample evidence1 and the president of the council and the governor of the town1 in their own sad stories1 tell that the baser the materiel of the mob1 the briefer is the authority of those who undertake the direction of its movements4 ,every day during the rebel occupation of the town and adjacent encampments1 fresh victims continued to be brought in by the savage pikemen4 ,in ,wexford a small sloop1 the town jail1 and subsequently the market-house1 were filled with unhappy sufferers4 ,a reign of terror had commenced1 the rabble power had become predominant1 and all persons of superior rank or a different faith were denounced by wretches who associated crime with religion and slaughtered in the name of ,god4 ,the chiefs themselves1 particularly those few among them who had been educated in the ,protestant religion1 were in perpetual danger of death or violence from an ungovernable multitude1 whom they had unwisely hoped to command4 ,with such feelings and dispositions it will be a subject of regret1 but not surprise1 that now the ferocity of the rabble resisted all control and blood alone could appease it4 ,the death decree of the wretched prisoners went forth1 and the fearful story of the massacre is recorded by one who miraculously escaped the fate of his less fortunate companions4 ,it is a fearful record of butchery1 and1 alas6 the statement is not over-coloured4 ,the leading monster of these executions was ,thomas ,dixon1 a relative of the priest1 and he may well be described as a fiend in human form4 ,on the #aith of ,june the ,protestants in ,wexford received the heart-rending intelligence that all the prisoners were to be murdered the next day4 ,that night also1 one of them1 while sitting alone in silent sorrow1 heard the death-bell toll as loud as ever she heard it1 and much more awfully4 ,on the following morning1 the never-to-be-forgotten #bjth of ,june1 ,thomas ,dixon rode to the gaol-door and swore that not a prisoner should be alive against sun-set4 ,he then rode into the street repeating the same1 with horrid imprecations1 adding #8that not a soul should be left to tell the tale4' ,good ,god6 how shall ,i proceed8 neither tongue nor pen can describe the dismal aspect of that melancholy day1--a day in which the sun did not so much as glimmer through the frowning heavens4 ,the town-bell rang1 and the drums beat to arms to assemble the rebels for the purpose of joining those at ,three ,rocks to march against ,general ,moore's brigade4 ,in the evening ,dixon assembled the murdering band1 and immediately hoisted that harbinger of destruction1 the ,black ,flag1 which had on one side a bloody cross1 and on the other the initials ,m4,w4,s41 that is1 #8murder without sin1' signifying that it was no sin to murder a ,protestant4 ,having paraded for some time to give more solemnity to the scene1 the ,protestants who were confined in the gaol and prison ship were led forth to the slaughter1 and conducted to the bridge under a strong guard of merciless ruffians1 piked to death1 with every circumstance of barbarous cruelty1 and then flung into the river to leave room for more6 ,while this work of blood was going on1 a rebel captain ran to the ,popish bishop and entreated of him #8for the mercy of ,jesus' to come and save the prisoners4 ,the bishop coolly replied that #8it was no affair of his4' ,all this time the sanguinary pikemen continued butchering the poor victims on the bridge2 some they perforated in places not mortal1 to prolong and increase their torture1 others they would raise aloft on their pikes1 and while the miserable victim writhed in extreme agony1 his blood streaming down the handles of their pikes1 they exulted round him with savage joy4 ,in the midst of this terrific scene ,general ,edward ,roche galloped up in great haste and commanded the drums to beat to arms1 declaring that ,vinegar ,hill was nearly surrounded by the king's troops1 and that all should repair to camp1 as reinforcements were wanting4 ,this express had a wonderful effect2 the assassins instantly closed the bloody scene and fled in all directions4 ,some of the rebel guard returned soon after and conveyed the prisoners back to gaol4 ,but that sanguinary monster1 ,thomas ,dixon1 returning1 he soon evinced that his thirst for blood was not yet satiated by ordering out the remainder of the prisoners from the gaol and prison ship1 the greater part of whom were tortured to death in like manner as the former4 ,he then proceeded to the market-house1 and having fixed his vulture eye on others1 dragged them to the fatal bridge for execution4 ,after butchering these1 a lot of ten more was brought forth and barbarously murdered4 ,the third time they took out eighteen1 and were massacring them when ,dick ,monk rode into town from ,vinegar ,hill1 with his shoes and stockings off1 and shouted1 #8,d--n your souls1 you vagabonds1 why don't you go out and meet the enemy that are coming in1 and not be murdering in cold blood8' ,some ,protestant women followed him and asked him1 #8,what news8' ,he replied1 #8,bad news1 indeed2 the king's forces are encamped round ,vinegar ,hill4' ,he then rode towards the convent4 ,shortly after1 ,priest ,collin was seen running towards the bridge4 ,there were six of the poor ,protestants killed out of the last party that were taken down before he arrived1 and it was with great difficulty he prevailed on them to spare the rest4 ,after using all the arguments he could1 without effect1 he at length took off his hat and desired them to kneel down and pray for the souls of the poor prisoners before they put them to death4 ,they did so1 and having got them in the attitude of devotion1 he said1 #8,now pray to ,god to have mercy on your souls1 and teach you to show that kindness towards them which you expect from ,him in the hour of death and in the day of judgment6' ,this had the desired effect2 he led them off the bridge without opposition1 and they were sent back to confinement4 ,the massacre of that day ceased about eight o'clock in the evening4 ,out of forty-eight prisoners who had been confined in the market-house1 nineteen only escaped4 ,nor were these dreadful cruelties confined to the town alone4 ,in their camps1 and on their marches and retreats1 the same execrable barbarities were constantly committed4 ,no exaggeration can be imputed to those who escaped death1 and afterwards described the sufferings they had undergone2 for the dying confessions of many who were actors in those scenes of blood1 and afterwards paid the penalty of crime1 corroborated the statements of those who had been their prisoners1 and confirmed their truth4 ,jackson's ,narrative affords further dreadful details of the ,protestant martyrdoms enacted on ,wexford bridge3-- #8,they thus continued till about seven o'clock to convey parties of prisoners1 from ten to twenty1 from the gaol1 the market-house1 and the prison ship1 where many of them were confined1 to the bridge1 where they butchered them4 ,every procession was preceded by the black flag1 and the prisoners were surrounded by ruthless pikemen1 as guards and executioners1 who often insultingly desired them to bless themselves4 #8,the mob1 consisting of more women than men1 expressed their savage joy on the immolation of each of the victims by loud huzzas4 #8,the manner in general of putting them to death was thus3 ,two rebels pushed their pikes into the breast of the victim1 and two into his back2 and in that state 7writhing with torture7 they held him suspended till dead1 and then threw him over the bridge into the water4 #8,after they had massacred ninety-seven prisoners in that manner1 the insurgents were taken off their blood-thirsty work by the cry 8to camp6 to camp60' ,musgrave1 in the ,appendix to his ,memoirs1 relates3--#8,after taking possession of ,enniscorthy they planted the ,tree of ,liberty1 with shouts of 8,vive la ,rpublique0 and 8,erin go ,bragh60 ,here the work of blood immediately began1 and continued every day1 more or less1 for twenty-five days--a dreadful specimen of what might be expected from such a government4 ,one day they were so diabolical as to murder all the ,protestants they had2 and not satisfied with this1 they sent to ,wexford for more1 and every day parties ranged the country1 dragging forth all they could find1 to satiate their thirst for blood4' ,it is said that not less than four hundred ,protestants were massacred in ,enniscorthy and on ,vinegar ,hill1 the bodies of whom lay unburied during several days4 ,meanwhile1 the final scene of the tragic occurrences promised to equal1 and perhaps exceed1 the terrible events which had preceded it4 ,there is little doubt that a general and unsparing massacre of the ,protestants had been resolved upon2 and although1 assisted by an alarm that their camp was being attacked1 the ,catholic bishop and clergy had induced the greater number of the insurgents to quit the town1 still the most ferocious wretches remained1 and seemed determined to conclude a period of anarchy and terrorism by a scene of indiscriminating slaughter4 ,during the confusion which the precipitate flight of the rebels occasioned 7when they proposed to fire the town1 only had no time671 the bloody ,thomas ,dixon1 mounted on a very fine horse1 rode through the streets with a broad sword drawn and upbraided the rebels for their timidity and their dilatoriness4 #8,if you had followed my advice1' he said1 #8in putting all the heretics to death three or four days ago1 it would not have come to this pass4' ,mrs4 ,dixon--a worthy mate of her sanguinary husband--who accompanied him on horseback with a sword and case of pistols1 clapped the rebels on the back and encouraged them by saying1 #8,we must conquer2 ,i know we must conquer6' and she exclaimed repeatedly1 #8,my ,saviour tells me we must conquer6' ,they repaired to the bridge to stop the retreat of the rebels1 but in vain1 though ,mrs4 ,dixon drew a pistol and swore vehemently #8that she would shoot any one who would refuse to return with her to put the remainder of the heretics to death6' ,they endeavoured to raise the portcullis of the bridge to prevent retreat1 but were unable to do so4 ,it has been said that the butcheries on ,wexford bridge were perpetrated by a small section of the insurgents1 kept by that sanguinary monster1 ,thomas ,dixon1 in a state of constant drunkenness1 and ever ready to execute his ruthless orders4 ,every means were used by the ruffian to play upon the credulity and excite the worst passions of his followers1 and his fiendish inventions to irritate a brutal mob appear almost incredible4 ,the approach of ,moore's brigade1 however1 freed ,wexford from the banditti who infested it to the last moment1 and averted the intended massacre4 #8,captain ,boyd1 the member for the town1 and commandant of a corps of mounted yeomen1 having ascertained that the great body of the rebels had returned1 asked and obtained permission from ,general ,moore to enter ,wexford1 and announce that the army was on its march to occupy the place4 ,attended by only a dozen mounted yeomen1 ,captain ,boyd galloped down the streets1 proclaiming to the inhabitants their deliverance4 ,at five in the evening ,moore's brigade arrived at the heights commanding ,wexford1 and bivouacked on the ,windmill ,hill1 while a wing of the ,queen's regiment marched into the place and took military possession4 ,description fails in attempting to set forth the emotions which arose in the breasts of the poor ,protestants who had been doomed to destruction4 ,many wept with joy to see their deliverers4' ,the ,wexford prisons had been scarcely emptied of the ,protestant prisoners who had occupied them until they were tenanted by those who had lately been the directors of the insurrection4 ,general ,lake arrived on the #bbnd1 and took up his quarters in the house of ,captain ,keugh1 the ex-governor1 the latter exchanging his former domicile for a jail4 ,,summary ,,fate ,,of ,,the ,,insurrectionary ,,chiefs ,while some of the rebel chiefs endeavoured to evade the first outbreak of the royalist excitement by seeking a temporary security in concealment1 others1 under the persuasion that the negotiations between the ,wexford leaders and the commanding officers of the troops would lead to a general amnesty1 or1 perhaps1 in the desperation of their circumstances1 remained in their respective homes1 and quietly awaited the fate they knew to be impending4 ,grogan had retired to his mansion at ,johnstown1 while ,harvey repaired to ,bargy ,castle1 from whence1 as a peace-offering1 he sent some fat cattle to the commanding officer in ,wexford4 ,on the return of the messenger he found that to the chiefs of the insurgents mercy would not be extended1 and quitting his house1 never to revisit it1 he set out to join a fellow-unfortunate1 who had vainly endeavoured to remove himself beyond the reach of the vengeance of the outraged laws4 ,colclough1 with his wife and child1 had sought a temporary asylum in one of the ,saltee ,islands1 about six leagues from ,wexford2 with some valuables hastily collected1 and a few necessaries to maintain life1 they had hidden themselves in a cave1 of which the entrance was artfully concealed4 ,there ,harvey joined the unhappy fugitives2 and chiefly through the indiscretion with which he had neglected to keep his fatal visit secret1 the whole party were arrested1 brought back1 and committed to close custody4 ,,the ,,capture ,,of ,,colclough ,,and ,,harvey ,to these unfortunate gentlemen1 ,john ,colclough of ,ballyteigue and ,b4 ,baganel ,harvey of ,bargy ,castle1 late commander-in-chief of the ,wexford insurgents1 a melancholy interest is attached2 and the retreat selected by the hapless fugitives has an air of romance that makes it interesting4 ,the subject of ,george ,cruikshank's realistic illustration of this picturesque incident is founded upon the account given in ,musgrave's ,memoirs3--#8,the arrest of ,b4 ,b4 ,harvey and ,john ,colclough was attended with some curious circumstances which ,i shall relate4 ,on the flight of the rebels from ,wexford1 the #bast of ,june1 they retreated to the largest of the ,saltee ,islands1 which ,mr4 ,colclough rented from ,mr4 ,grogan4 ,dr4 ,waddy1 a physician who served in the yeomanry1 having got intelligence of their retreat1 applied to ,general ,lake for a proper party and armed vessel to go in quest of them1 which he readily obtained4 #8,about three o'clock on ,sunday evening1 the #bcrd of ,june1 he set sail in the ,rutland cutter of ten guns1 commanded by ,captain ,willoughby1 with ,lieutenant ,turner of the ,queen's1 a detachment of his regiment1 and a man-of-war's boat with a party of sailors well armed4 ,the island is about six leagues from ,wexford1 and four or five miles from the southern coast of the country4 ,the weather was so tempestuous that they were obliged to reef their sails2 and the wind being adverse1 they did not descry the island till about four o'clock in the morning1 and could not cast anchor alongside till eight4 ,when they were approaching it they saw a small boat pass from the island to the mainland4 ,as it is surrounded with high precipices1 and is accessible but in one place1 and as they expected to be opposed by a party of armed rebels1 who1 it was believed1 had accompanied ,harvey and ,colclough1 ,captain ,willoughby prepared to cover their landing with the cutter's guns1 and they were attended for the same purpose by the man-of-war's boat4 ,on landing they repaired to the only house on the island1 occupied by one ,furlong1 who rented it from ,mr4 ,colclough4 ,they found there an excellent feather-bed1 with fine sheets which were warm1 a handsome tea equipage1 some genteel wearing apparel belonging to both sexes1 particularly a pair of pantaloons1 which ,dr4 ,waddy had seen on ,mr4 ,colclough before the rebellion2 and1 near the house1 some silk shoes and other articles hid in high ferns4 ,they searched every suspected spot in the island1 particularly a place called the ,otter's ,cave1 but in vain1 though they had not a doubt of their having been there1 as they had found1 among other things1 a chest of plate in a concealed place belonging to ,mr4 ,colclough4 ,the doctor resolved to make another effort by going round the island in a boat1 for the purpose of reconnoitring the sides of it4 ,in doing so he perceived on the edge of a high precipice one rock lighter coloured than the adjoining one2 and1 as the earth near it seemed to have been recently stirred1 he suspected that they had been making preparations there for their concealment4 ,he therefore again ascended the island1 and found that the approach to the place which he wished to explore was steep1 serpentine1 and through some crags4 ,the light-coloured stone covered the mouth of the cave1 and above it was an aperture to let in the light4 ,the doctor called out to ,colclough and told him that if he did not surrender immediately1 and without resistance1 he should receive no quarter4 ,colclough asked1 8,is that ,dr4 ,waddy80 and on his saying 8,yes10 he said he would surrender2 and soon after he1 at the doctor's desire1 gave up his arms through the hole of the cave4 ,the doctor threw down the precipice the stone which covered the mouth of it1 which fell with a monstrous crash2 on which ,mr4 and ,mrs4 ,colclough came forth1 dressed in the meanest habits of peasants for the purpose of disguising themselves4 ,then ,mr4 ,harvey came out saying1 8,my ,god6 my ,god60 and so pale and weak from fatigue and anxiety of mind that the doctor was obliged to support him4 ,he also had a chest of plate concealed1 which he gave in charge of the doctor and his party4' ,illustration3 #jege ,there was little of romance about the sequel2 these unfortunates were simply led off by their captors direct to the scaffold4 ,the prisoners were arraigned on charges of high treason1 and tried by a court-martial4 ,among the first to suffer were ,father ,philip ,roach1 ,captain ,keugh1 who deserved a better fate1--he had served his king in ,america1--and ,esmond ,kyan1 rebel captain of artillery4 ,the executions took place upon the bridge1 and they were hurried over with little consideration to the last moments of the dying1 or to the feelings of relations who survived them4 ,roach was a tall and weighty man1 and1 on being suspended1 the rope broke1 and he fell to the ground1 stunned and stupefied4 ,another halter was immediately procured2 he thus suffered the last penalties of the law1 it might be said1 twice over4 ,after death the sufferers were decapitated1 the mutilated bodies cast into the river1 the heads placed upon spikes on the ,sessions-,house1 exposed to public view1 thus calling into operation again one of the most disgusting remnants of feudal severity upon offenders against the ,state4 ,harvey's trial commenced on the same evening2 he appeared to be much agitated1 and spoke little4 ,it came out in evidence that he acted as commander-in-chief of the rebel forces at the battle of ,ross on the #eth of ,june1 and his letter to the commander-in-chief of the king's troops1 signed #8,b4 ,b4 ,harvey1' summoning him to surrender the town to the rebels1 was produced in evidence on the trial1 and acknowledged by ,mr4 ,harvey to be in his handwriting4 ,the unhappy man produced many witnesses in his defence1 but none to disprove the main facts4 ,he did not deny having acted as commander of the rebel forces1 but endeavoured to extenuate his conduct by saying he had accepted the distinction to prevent much greater evils1 which must have occurred had it fallen into other hands1 and in the hope of surrendering that command one day or other1 with greater advantage to the country4 ,he had no counsel1 and1 after a trial which lasted eight hours1 was found guilty of death2 which sentence1 with that of ,grogan1 was put into execution on the morning of the #bhth4 ,his head was cut off and placed on the ,sessions-,house and his body thrown into the river4 ,on the same evening was executed ,john ,colclough of ,ballyteigue4 ,he was a gentleman of great respectability1 and bore a very good private character4 ,on this occasion the entreaties of his widowed partner were attended to1 mutilation was dispensed with1 ,mrs4 ,colclough received the body of her husband1 and in the poet's words ,she laid him in his father's grave1 and had the melancholy satisfaction of giving sepulture to the body of a beloved husband4 ,,the ,,attack ,,on ,,captain ,,chamney',s ,,house1 ,,ballyraheene ,the tide of rebellion was ebbing fast1 dissension prevailed in their councils1 the leaders disagreed1 and the ,wexford men separated from those of ,wicklow1 the latter1 under ,garret ,byrne of ,ballymanus1 moving off to the hill of ,ballyraheene1 nearly midway between ,tinehaly and ,carnew4 ,here another error in judgment occasioned an unnecessary loss of life4 ,the yeomanry had pursued the rebels closely1 but the latter gained the high grounds and formed in a very strong position4 ,the numbers were enormously disproportionate1 and every prudential consideration should have discouraged an attack4 ,some of the yeoman officers were of opinion that their troops ought to halt1 and that they should content themselves with watching at a safe distance the movements of the enemy4 ,contrary opinions prevailing1 an attack was made up the hill1 when the rebels1 who had wished to avoid a battle1 rushing down1 put the royalists to flight1 killing ten of the infantry1 but the cavalry escaped4 ,two officers fell in the beginning of this action1 ,captain ,chamney of the ,coolattin company1 and ,captain ,nickson of the ,coolkenna company1 both greatly lamented4 ,george ,cruikshank's picture vividly represents the situation of ,captain ,chamney's house at the critical point of the siege1 which saved a portion of this unfortunate loyalist force4 #8,the slaughter1' records ,gordon1 #8would have been far greater if sixty of the infantry1 under ,captain ,morton and ,lieutenant ,chamney1 had not taken refuge in ,captain ,chamney's house at the foot of the hill1 where they sustained during fourteen hours the attacks of the rebels1 who attempted repeatedly to fire the house4 ,some--particularly a very large man from ,gorey named ,john ,redmond1 nicknamed 8,shaun ,plunder0--advanced under a covering of feather-beds to the hall door1 with the design of burning it1 and thus opening a passage into the house2 but they were killed in the attempt1 the bullets penetrating even this thick tegument4 ,as a discharge of musketry was maintained from the windows on the assailants1 whose associates injudiciously set fire to the neighbouring house of ,henry ,morton 7the owner being among the defenders of ,captain ,chamney's house71 the illumination enabled the garrison to aim at their enemies in the night1 and the loss of the rebels was very considerable1 amounting according to some accounts to a hundred and thirty men1 by others1 to two hundred4' ,this ill-judged affair occurred on the #bnd of ,july4 ,illustration3 #jehd ,it has been described how ,wexford was by the success of the king's forces ultimately liberated from the masses of its insurgent population4 ,we have stated that the scene of their predatory warfare was changed from their native county to ,kildare1 and that they were reinforced by the insurgents commanded by ,michael ,reynolds4 ,the junction produced little advantage1 except in increasing the numbers of a tumultuary rabble1 in whom there was neither unity of purpose nor any fixed plan of future operations4 ,every leader had some object of his own1 none a particle of military talent1 and their strategic conceptions were as erroneous as the execution was feeble and contemptible4 ,anthony ,perry1 another rebel general1 despairing of doing any mischief in ,wexford1 now so well defended1 where the insurgent forces were too dispirited to longer struggle in a body against the royalists and yeomanry1 when joined by a strong body under the command of ,michael ,aylmer1 intended to penetrate into the north of ,ireland1 where he expected to meet with a cordial co-operation4 ,but ,aylmer prevailed on ,perry to abandon his intention1 and declared that it was more advisable to attack ,clonard1 a town on the confines of ,kildare and ,meath1 and situated on the river ,boyne1 as there was but a small force to defend it2 and afterwards march by ,kilbeggan to the ,shannon1 and surprise ,athlone1 where1 from its central position1 great advantages might be expected to arise4 ,this plan was accordingly adopted2 and their united forces1 amounting to four thousand men1 on the #aath of ,july marched to the attack of ,clonard4 ,,the ,,rebels ,,storming #8,,the ,,turret' ,,at ,,lieutenant ,,tyrrell',s1 ,,clonard ,illustration3 #jeia ,many very gallant exploits were performed during this short and sanguinary period by loyalist irregulars2 but probably the defence of ,clonard may be placed foremost among numerous occurrences1 in which the boundless gallantry of a determined handful of daring spirits repulsed the overwhelming masses to which they were opposed1 and proved that no physical superiority can quench the courage of men devoted to home and altar1 and determined #8to do or die4' ,the little garrison of ,clonard consisted of a weak corps of yeoman infantry1 and its commander was a self-taught soldier4 ,but military talent is intuitive1 and ,lieutenant ,tyrrell proved that the ruder the storm1 the more extensively the resources of a brave man will be developed4 ,on being apprised that the rebel column was in march1 ,tyrrell made the best dispositions for defence which his small force permitted4 ,he occupied a turret1 which domineered the road1 with half a dozen musketeers1 and with the remaining twenty retired into the old mansion-house4 ,having selected his best marksmen1 they were placed at such of the windows as offered the best positions for firing with effect upon the assailants1 while the remainder of the corps were secured behind the walls1 and employed in loading spare muskets to replace the firearms when discharged4 ,the rebel cavalry1 amounting in rough numbers to three hundred1 formed an advance guard1 and were commanded by a man named ,farrel4 ,unconscious that the garden turret was occupied1 they came forward in a trot1 and the first intimation that they were already under fire was conveyed by a shot from the youngest ,tyrrell1 a boy only fifteen years old1 which mortally wounded the rebel captain4 ,a volley from the other loyalists emptied several rebel saddles2 a panic ensued1 and the horsemen galloped out of musket range1 leaving ,several of their companions dead upon the road4 ,with more caution and better success the rebel footmen came forward under shelter of a hedge1 and1 lining an opposite fence1 they opened a sharp fire on the turret1 while the column itself pushed forward to surround the' house1 and unite itself with another division which had advanced to join them by a cross-road4 ,to cut off all communication and prevent the garrison from receiving reinforcements1 the bridge was occupied by a rebel guard1 but as it lay directly under the fire of the house1 half a score of the occupants were rapidly shot down1 the bridge cleared of its defenders1 the western road laid open1 and the garrison communication maintained4 ,in both their first attempts the insurgents were heavily repulsed1 but defeat seemed only to exasperate them1 and they again came forward to the attack4 ,penetrating by the rear1 an immense number filled the garden and seized the lower portion of the turret4 ,as the ladder had been drawn up by the defenders of the upper story1 the rebels1 by climbing on each other's shoulders1 attempted to force through the ceiling2 still the fatal fire of the loyalists was kept up2 at every shot a rebel fell1 and on the ground floor lay seven-and-twenty bodies4 ,at last1 despairing of success1 they procured a quantity of straw and fired the building4 ,to force a passage through the rebels was almost a desperate attempt1 but to perish in the flames1 which had now seized the building1 was the sad alternative4 ,two yeomen were killed in their attempt at escape1 but fortunately the other four1 by jumping from a window into a hay-yard under cover of the garden wall1 succeeded in reaching the main body1 who were posted in the dwelling-house4 ,for six long hours this unequal contest had been maintained1 and still no impression had been made upon the gallant royalists4 ,to confuse the garrison1 the assailants set fire to the toll-house and adjacent cabins1 but the conflagration served no better purpose than to consume their own slain1 whose bodies they flung into the burning houses4 ,happily succour was at hand1 and at five in the evening a reinforcement was descried by the wearied royalists1 advancing rapidly to meet them4 ,,the ,,rebels ,,storming #8,,the ,,turret' ,,at ,,lieutenant ,,tyrrell',s1 ,,clonard ,one of the yeomen1 who had been excluded by the sudden shutting of the gates in the morning1 finding he could be of no use in defending the house1 repaired to ,kinnegad and represented the alarming situation of his friends at ,clonard2 upon which1 ,lieutenant ,houghton1 with fourteen of the ,kinnegad infantry1 and a sergeant1 with eleven ,northumberland ,fencibles 7this being all the force that could be spared71 immediately marched to their succour4 ,the pass by the bridge having been kept open in the manner before related1 ,lieutenant ,tyrrell now sallied from the house1 and soon effected a junction with this reinforcement4 ,a few volleys completely cleared the roads1 and having placed the ,northumberland ,fencibles and ,kinnegad infantry in such situations as most effectually to gall the enemy in their retreat from the garden1 the lieutenant himself undertook the hazardous enterprise of dislodging them from thence4 #8,at this time it is supposed there were four hundred rebels in the garden1 a large body being posted on a mount planted with old fir-trees1 which afforded considerable protection1 while many lay concealed behind a privet hedge1 from where they could see distinctly every person who entered the garden1 though unperceived themselves4 ,the brave ,tyrrell1 at the head of a few chosen men1 now rushed into the garden1 and was received by a general discharge from both bodies of the enemy2 but he instantly attacked the party behind the hedge1 which1 being defeated1 retired to the mount4 ,here a warm action ensued1 the enemy appearing determined to maintain their advantageous situation2 but the yeomen1 though fatigued with the heat and burden of the day1 and six of them badly wounded1 persevered with the most undaunted courage1 and directed such a steady and well-directed fire against the mount1 that the enemy were at length dispersed1 and in their flight the ,northumberland ,fencibles and ,kinnegad infantry made great havoc among them4'--,taylor's ,history4 ,the rebel loss1 when it is remembered that it was inflicted by a garrison not numbering thirty men1 may appear to be overstated4 ,in killed and wounded it was said to reach two hundred4 ,nor is there any reason to question the accuracy of the return4 ,a close and well-directed fire was maintained for half the day1 and some of the yeomanry were supposed to have discharged one hundred rounds a man4 ,after this severe repulse the remaining body of insurgents retreated to ,carbery and plundered the mansion of ,lord ,harburton1 and next day entered ,meath by ,johnstown4 ,on the #abth of ,july they were again overtaken1 brought to action1 and defeated by a detachment under ,colonel ,gough1 hunted afterwards by ,general ,myers1 and driven upon ,slane1 and encountered ar ,in all these affairs disorganised that1 as a body1 they ceased to have existence4 ,,fate ,,of ,,father ,,john ,,murphy ,,of ,,boulavogue ,,after ,,vinegar ,,hill ,the horde of insurgents with ,father ,john ,murphy of ,boulavogue escaped from the ,vinegar ,hill droute1 retreated through the ,scullagh gap1 and selected ,kilkenny as their field of future operations4 ,their progress was marked by the customary atrocities of plundering and murder1 and the line of march towards ,castlecomer might have been readily traced by property destroyed and houses laid in ashes4 ,after the continuation of their old tactics and acts of coldblooded treachery--such as the affair at ,gore's bridge1 when promises of protection were given to the discomfited loyalist soldiers surrounded in an untenable position1 to induce them to lay down their arms1 and scandalously violated1 and in a few hours after their surrender1 six privates of the ,wexford1 two of the #dth ,dragoons1 and nine ,protestant prisoners were savagely butchered at ,kellymount by orders of ,devereux1 a sanguinary ruffian1 principally concerned in the massacre at ,scullabogue--the insurgents were discovered at daybreak halted on ,kilcomney ,hill4 ,the ,downshire battalion guns--under ,major ,mathews--opened fire1 and the rebels1 to avoid the cannonade and gain time to make dispositions to receive the royalists1 fell back a mile4 ,while forming1 ,sir ,charles ,asgill's artillery were heard firing at a rebel party in their rear1 and a few rounds from the ,downshire guns completed their discomfiture4 ,they broke1 fled1 and were cut down1 scarcely resisting1 the pursuit being continued for two hours with fatal effect4 ,this was the crushing blow given to the southern insurrection4 ,all was lost1 for baggage1 arms1 provisions1 and ammunition were totally abandoned4 ,a few soldiers and ,protestants who had fallen into their hands and escaped assassination were mercifully they suffered a continued loss1 and at last had become so totally delivered and the insurgents disbanded1 and while the ,wexford party crossed into their native country through the ,scullagh gap1 the wanderers from ,wicklow and ,kildare went off dispersedly1 some of the least guilty returning to their own homes1 while others1 despairing of forgiveness1 commenced an outlaw's life1 and sank the rebel in the robber4 #8,father ,john ,murphy1 a priest who acted as aide-de-camp to the great sacerdotal hero1 ,john ,murphy of ,boulavogue1 and who had accompanied him from ,vinegar ,hill1 fell in this action4 ,he had a dove and a crucifix on his buttons1 and letters directed to him were found in his pocket1 recommending proper places for encamping4 ,father ,john ,murphy1 the commander-in-chief1 who fled from the field of battle1 was taken at an ale-house by three yeomen1 one of the name of ,m',cabe1 and led a prisoner to ,tullow1 the headquarters of ,sir ,james ,duff4 ,he was introduced into a room where the general1 his aides-de-camp1 ,colonels ,foster and ,eden1 the ,earl of ,roden1 ,captain ,m',clintock1 and about twenty officers were sitting4 ,major ,hall1 having asked him some questions which gave offence1 in a violent rage the priest made a blow of his fist at the ,major1 which would have knocked him down1 but that he warded it off with his arm1 on which1 however1 he received a severe contusion4 ,on searching ,murphy1 in his pockets his vestments were found1 with some letters from ,mrs4 ,richards and other ladies1 prisoners at ,wexford1 imploring him to save the lives of their husbands and relations4 ,he was hanged on the same day2 his body was burned and his head fixed on the market-house4' ,musgrave's ,memoirs1 which furnish the foregoing account1 further enlighten us upon ,murphy's personal traits3--#8,he was about forty-five years old1 light complexioned1 bald-pated1 and about five feet nine inches high1 well made1 uniting strength with agility4 ,he was exceedingly irascible1 and when in a passion had somewhat the aspect of a tiger4 ,his pix1 his oil stock1 and a small crucifix were found in his pocket4' ,,landing ,,of ,,the ,,french ,,invaders ,,in ,,killalla ,,bay ,in the west of ,ireland the system of terrorism was also incessantly persevered in2 general murders were announced1 and the people continued not to sleep in their own houses to avoid surprise4 ,the strangest means by which these imaginary massacres were to be effected were invented1 promulgated1 and believed1 and the peasantry in many places actually remained night after night in the open fields as the only means of escaping the devilish devices of destroyers4 ,musgrave has set down in his ,memoirs3 #8,a few days before the ,french landed1 a report was industriously circulated that the ,protestants had entered into a conspiracy to massacre the ,roman ,catholics1 and that they would not spare man1 woman1 or child4 ,it was said that for this purpose a large quantity of combustible stuff had been introduced by the ,orangemen1 who made a kind of black candles of it2 that they were of such a quality that they could not be extinguished when once lighted1 and that in whatever house they should be burnt they would produce the destruction of every person in it4' ,such was the state of ,mayo and ,connaught generally when1 on the #bbnd of ,august #agih1 three ,french frigates1 with ,english colours flying1 entered ,killalla ,bay4 ,no suspicion was occasioned by their appearance1 and under the belief that they were ,british cruisers1 several gentlemen from the town visited the strangers1 and when declared prisoners first discovered their mistake4 ,killalla was at that time a bishop's see 7subsequently suppressed on the passing of the ,reform ,bill74 ,on the day when the ,french appeared in the bay the lord-bishop was holding his annual visitation1 and the clergy of the diocese were collected in the castle1 as the see-house was popularly called4 ,the strange vessels1 however1 excited no alarm2 dinner passed quietly1 the guests were preparing to depart1 when that intention was accelerated by the arrival of a breathless messenger to inform the company and their host that the ,french had actually landed1 and an advanced guard of three hundred men were marching on the town4 ,killalla was feebly garrisoned by a party of the ,prince of ,wales's ,fencibles and a few yeomanry1 the whole not exceeding fifty or sixty men1 but still they offered a bold resistance1 until1 with the loss of a few killed and wounded1 they were finally driven into the castle and obliged to surrender4 ,the commander of this extraordinary expedition1 ,humbert1 after summoning the bishop to his presence1 and having announced that he came from the great nation to give the ,irish liberty and sever the yoke of ,england1 which had so long oppressed them1 proceeded to put into requisition his lordship's horses1 sheep1 and cows1 intimating at the same time that the ,irish ,directory1 to be established immediately in ,connaught1 would pay the full value of the same4 ,the ,french officers gave the following account of the expedition3--#8,about eighteen days before1 #aejj men1 some of whom had served under ,bonaparte in ,italy1 the rest had been of the army of the ,rhine1 embarked on board three frigates at ,rochelle1 and on a very dark night eluded 7beyond their expectation7 the vigilance of the ,english fleet1 which was close behind them4 ,two of them had forty-four guns1 eighteen-pounders1 the other thirty-eight guns1 twelve-pounders4 ,they said also they brought nine pieces of cannon and arms for #ajj1jjj men1 but this was ,french gasconnade1 as they had arms only for #eejj men and but two four-pounders4 ,the meagre persons and the wan and sallow countenances of these troops1 whose numbers did not exceed #ajfj rank and file and #gj officers1 strongly indicated the severe hardships which they must have undergone4 #8,they hoisted a green flag in front of the castle1 with the ,irish words1 8,erin go braugh0 inscribed on it1 which signifies 8,ireland for ever10 and they invited the people to join them1 having assured them that they would enjoy freedom and happiness by doing so4 #8,the first day they passed in landing arms and ammunition2 the second in clothing and arming the natives1 of whom great multitudes flocked to their standard1 and granting commissions to ,irish officers4' ,compared with the other armaments destined for the invasion of ,ireland1 ,humbert's was by far the smallest4 ,the grand army1 termed #8the reserve1' which was commanded by ,general ,kilmaine1 amounted in round numbers to #aj1jjj2 and a second1 lying in the harbour of ,brest1 under ,general ,hardy1 had #cjjj men on board4 ,neither1 however1 attempted to put to sea1 and although ,kilmaine never appeared in person1 his proclamations were abundantly distributed4 ,humbert's manifesto was cleverly conceived and ingeniously put together3-- ,,liberty6 ,,equality6 ,,fraternity6 ,,union6 ,irishmen--,you have not forgot ,bantry ,bay2 you know what efforts ,france has made to assist you4 ,her affections for you1 her desire for avenging your wrongs and insuring your independence can never be impaired4 ,after several unsuccessful attempts1 behold ,frenchmen arrived amongst you4 ,they come to support your courage1 to share your dangers1 to join their arms1 and to mix their blood with yours in the sacred cause of liberty4 ,brave ,irishmen1 our cause is common2 like you1 we abhor the avaricious and bloodthirsty policy of an oppressive government2 like you1 we hold as indefeasible the right of all nations to liberty2 like you1 we are persuaded that the peace of the world shall ever be troubled1 as long as the ,british ministry is suffered to make1 with impunity1 a traffic of the industry1 labour1 and blood of the people4 ,but exclusive of the same interests which unite us1 we have powerful motives to love and defend you4 ,have we not been the pretext of the cruelty exercised against you by the cabinet of ,st4 ,james's8 ,the heartfelt interest you have shown in the great events of our revolution has it not been imputed to you as a crime8 ,are not tortures and death continually hanging over such of you as are barely suspected of being our friends8 ,let us unite then and march to glory4 ,we swear the most inviolable respect for your properties1 your laws1 and all your religious opinions4 ,be free2 be masters in your own country4 ,we look for no other conquest than that of your liberty--no other success than yours4 ,the moment of breaking your chains is arrived2 our triumphant troops are now flying to the extremities of the earth to tear up the roots of the wealth and tyranny of our enemies4 ,that frightful ,colossus is mouldering away in every part4 ,can there be any ,irishman base enough to separate himself at such a happy juncture from the grand interests of his country8 ,if such there be1 brave friends1 let him be chased from the country he betrays1 and let his property become the reward of those generous men who know how to fight and die4 ,irishmen1 recollect the late defeats which your enemies have experienced from the ,french2 recollect the plains of ,honscoote1 ,toulon1 ,quiberon1 and ,ostend2 recollect ,america1 free from the moment she wished to be so4 ,the contest between you and your oppressors cannot be long4 ,union6 liberty6 the ,irish republic6--such is our shout2 let us march1 our hearts are devoted to you2 our glory is in your happiness4 ,health and ,fraternity1 ,humbert1 ,gen4 ,humbert's was a bold but wild experiment1 but still it evinced the daring character of the adventurer4 ,he had encountered difficulties that would have disheartened a soldier less enthusiastic4 ,to land with #abjj men in a country in full military occupation1 as ,ireland then was1 without money1 necessaries1 or any resources but what chance and talent gave1 proved indeed that the ,french general was no common soldier4 ,the sketch given by ,bishop ,stock 7his involuntary and captive host7 of the invading army and their daring leader is not only graphic1 but faithfully descriptive of the bold adventurer and his hardy followers3--#8,intelligence1 activity1 temperance1 patience1 to a surprising degree1 appeared to be combined in the soldiery that came over with ,humbert1 together with the exactest obedience to discipline4 ,yet1 if you except the grenadiers1 they had nothing to catch the eye4 ,their stature for the most part was low1 their complexions pale and sallow1 their clothes much the worse for wear2 to a superficial observer they would have appeared incapable of enduring almost any hardship4 ,these were the men1 however1 of whom it was presently observed that they could be well content to live on bread or potatoes1 to drink water1 to make the stones of the street their bed1 and to sleep in their clothes1 with no covering but the canopy of heaven4 ,one half of their number had served in ,italy under ,bonaparte2 the rest were of the army of the ,rhine1 where they had suffered distresses that well accounted for thin persons and wan looks4 ,several of them declared1 with all the marks of sincerity1 that at the siege of ,metz1 during the preceding winter1 they had for a long time slept on the ground in holes made four feet deep under the snow2 and an officer1 pointing to his leather small-clothes1 assured the bishop that he had not taken them off for a twelve-month4 ,humbert1 the leader of this singular body of men1 was himself as extraordinary a personage as any in his army2 of a good height and shape1 in the full vigour of life1 prompt to decide1 quick in execution1 apparently master of his art1 you could not refuse him the praise of a good officer1 while his physiognomy forbade you to like him as a man4 ,his eye1 which was small and sleepy 7the effect1 probably1 of much watching71 cast a side-long glance of insidiousness1 and even of cruelty--it was the eye of a cat preparing to spring upon her prey4 ,his education and manners were indicative of a person sprung from the lowest orders of society1 though he knew how 7as most of his countrymen can do7 to assume1 where it was convenient1 the deportment of a gentleman4 ,for learning1 he had scarcely enough to enable him to write his own name4 ,his passions were furious1 and all his behaviour seemed marked with the characters of roughness and violence4 ,a narrower observation of him1 however1 served to discover that much of this roughness was the result of art1 being assumed with the view of extorting1 by terror1 a ready compliance with his demands4 ,this latter trait in ,humbert's character was personally experienced by the bishop4 ,an offer of the presidency of the ,connaught ,directory was declined by his lordship1 on the plea of his sworn allegiance to the king--a pledge1 he said1 never to be violated2 and a command that he should issue orders to place every horse and vehicle in the country at ,humbert's disposal for mounting his cavalry1 and the transport of his guns1 stores1 and baggage1 was evaded by an assurance that his lordship had been but lately a resident1 and1 from want of local knowledge or authority1 had not the means of compliance with the ,french general's request4 #8,next morning ,humbert1 finding that no cars or horses had been procured1 became furious1 uttered a torrent of vulgar abuse1 presented a pistol at the bishop's eldest son1 and declared he would punish his father's disobedience by sending him to ,france1 and accordingly he marched off the bishop towards the shore under a sergeant's guard1 but when they had advanced a short distance a mounted orderly recalled the party1 and ,humbert apologised to the bishop1 and excused1 under the plea of military necessity1 a very gross departure from the laws of la politesse4 #8,the #bdth was occupied by a ,french reconnaissance on ,ballina1 which was repelled by a party of carbineers and some yeomanry4 ,in the evening the royalists advanced to ,killalla in return1 had a smart skirmish with the enemy1 and1 after losing a few men1 were hastily driven back4' ,on ,sunday1 the #bfth1 ,humbert took the offensive1 leaving six officers and two hundred men in ,killalla to garrison the town1 secure his spare ammunition1 and drill such recruits as should join the standard of the republic4 ,the ,french numbered about #ijj bayonets1 with treble that number of peasant partisans4 ,they entered ,ballina unopposed1 and ,humbert expressed considerable disappointment when no respectable persons welcomed his entree1 and the body of an active agent suspended to a tree1 executed by the troops before they retreated for having a ,french commission in his pocket1 while it afforded an exhibition for ,gallic civism1 gave still but a sorry omen of success4 ,before he had commenced his operations the ,french general felt difficulties which1 in some degree1 he was unprepared for4 ,he came totally unprovided with money1 and in the co-operation he was led from the reports of ,irish agents to build upon as certain he was miserably disappointed4 ,the first of these difficulties he endeavoured to overcome by the issue of assignats on the ,irish ,directory that was to be4 ,the first serious action ,humbert had on encountering the royalist forces was signalised by a series of military mistakes1 of which the ,french commander took the fullest advantage1 and the memory of the loyalist discomfiture at ,castlebar remains a discreditable page in the annals of our generalship4 ,it is almost impossible to conceive anything more disgraceful and unaccountable than the defeat of the royalist army at ,castlebar4 ,that the strength of the king's army fully warranted its commander in covering the town and taking an open position cannot be denied1 but still1 as there was some uncertainty touching the number of the assailants1 in the event of disaster measures should have been arranged for rallying the troops within the town1 which a very little trouble would have made thoroughly defensible against a force so inferior as ,humbert's4 ,that the general spirit of the troops was excellent many individual cases proved1 and1 with a superior cavalry and artillery1 the latter particularly well served1 the contest should not have lasted ten minutes4 ,,heroic ,,conduct ,,of ,,the ,,highland ,,sentinel ,the party who defended the bridge of ,castlebar1 consisting of some gallant officers1 some of the ,longford1 a few of the ,kilkenny and ,fraser ,fencibles1 suffered most severely1 as they were exposed to a cross-fire both from the roads leading to it and from the houses on either side4 ,the men often fell back1 but were again rallied by their officers4 ,at length most of the ,royal ,irish ,artillery1 who worked the gun1 having been killed or wounded1 it became useless1 and the enemy were able to push forward a body of cavalry1 whose charge was repulsed by this small party1 and two of the foremost hussars killed within the ranks4 ,by this charge1 however1 the numbers of the royalists were much reduced1 and1 having been deprived of the assistance of one captain and one subaltern1 who were desperately wounded1 they were at last obliged to retreat after having lost half their number4 #8,the ,french appeared men qualified not only to obtain but also to improve a victory1 and with singular daring a party of hussars1 not exceeding ten in number1 hung on the rear of the retreating royalists and overtook and captured a gun1 which they were about to turn on the runaways1 when a superior number of ,lord ,roden's ,foxhunters charged back1 killed five1 and drove off the rest4 ,the slain were buried where they fell1 and1 in memory of the event1 the place is still called ,french ,hill4 #8,the artillery taken in this disgraceful defeat consisted of fourteen pieces1 of which four were curricle guns4 ,the courageous behaviour of the ,fraser ,fencibles has been mentioned with admiration as a conspicuous example of gallantry against desperate odds4' ,illustration3 #jfje ,the spirited and characteristic water-colour drawing executed by ,george ,cruikshank to illustrate the landing of the ,gallic legions in ,mayo deals with a noteworthy instance of individual and solitary devotion as related by ,musgrave3-- #8,the ,french approached the new gaol to break it open4 ,it was guarded by a ,highland ,fraser sentinel1 whom his friends had desired to retreat with them2 he heroically refused to quit his post1 which was elevated1 with some steps leading to it4 ,he charged and fired five times successively1 and killed a ,frenchman at every shot1 but before he could charge the sixth time they rushed on him1 beat out his brains1 and threw him down the steps1 with the sentry-box on his body4#e ,during the period that ,humbert occupied ,castlebar--that is1 from the #bgth of ,august until the morning of the #dth of ,september--the ,french behaved with the greatest moderation1 protecting the ,protestants from insult1 and repressing every attempt at cruelty on the part of their ignorant and useless allies4 ,invariably1 the invaders regarded the ,irish mob who accompanied them as a pack of senseless savages1 and no pains were taken to disguise these feelings of contempt4 #8,the ,french1' records ,musgrave1 #8ate the best of meat and bread1 drank wine1 beer1 and coffee1 and slept on good beds4 ,they compelled the rebels to eat potatoes1 drink whisky1 and sleep on straw4 ,they beat and abused them like dogs1 in the name of liberty1 equality1 and fraternity4 ,a volume would not contain an account of the brutal actions of the rebels2 and the women1 who were worse than the men1 carried off hides1 tallow1 beef1 cloth1 and various other articles4 #8,the wonder was how the zealous papist should come to any terms of agreement with a set of men who boasted openly in their hearing 8that they had just driven ,mr4 ,pope out of ,italy1 and did not expect to find him so suddenly in ,ireland40 ,it astonished the ,french officers to hear the recruits when they offered their services declare 8that they were come to take arms for ,france and the ,blessed ,virgin40' ,to the ,irish priesthood the ,french officers exhibited a marked antipathy4 ,frequently a latent hatred of ,protestants became too apparent1 but any attempt1 and many were made1 to give a religious turn to the war was on the ,french part furiously repelled4 ,,ending ,,of ,,the ,,french ,,invasion ,no reinforcements had arrived from ,france2 no insurrectionary movement in the other provinces followed the descent at ,killalla and the unexpected success at ,castlebar4 ,the game was played2 ,lord ,cornwallis was within thirty miles2 another day1 and surrender would be inevitable2 but still a chance might be #8upon the die1' and1 like a brave adventurer1 ,humbert determined to put it to the hazard4 ,after mature consideration he decided to march in a northerly direction1 as that part of the country he understood to be disaffected1 and also the route leading through ,sligo and ,donegal was tolerably free from troops1 and consequently more open to him4 ,accordingly1 on the night of the #crd of ,september he sent off his baggage and cannon1 with part of his troops1 towards ,sligo1 and about seven next morning set out with the remainder1 about #djj in number4 ,with the abandonment of the capital of ,mayo1 ,humbert's ,irish career may be said to have closed1 and probably the most summary but faithful account of his extraordinary campaign is contained in his own report to the ,french ,directory3-- #8,after having obtained the greatest successes1 and made the arms of the ,french republic to triumph during my stay in ,ireland1 ,i have at length been obliged to submit to a superior force of #cj1jjj troops1 commanded by ,lord ,cornwallis4 ,i am a prisoner of war on my parole4' ,never a despatch more brief1 nor yet more true4 ,four days had passed since the ,french and their auxiliaries had abandoned ,castlebar 7on being apprised of ,humbert's retreat ,colonel ,crawford advanced1 and at nine o'clock the same evening ,castlebar was occupied by the royalists71 and during that time they had been harassed continually4 ,so closely were they pressed that the fusilade between their rear-guard and the advance of the royalists was almost incessant4 ,his great superiority in cavalry enabled ,lord ,lake to hang closely on their rear1 from which it was impossible to shake him off1 and by mounting light infantry behind dragoons1 so vigorously was ,humbert pushed that he was obliged to halt the head of his column and receive an attack from the advancing enemy4 ,while forming the leading division the rear-guard1 under ,sarazin1 were overtaken within a mile of ,ballynamuck1 and that general1 who commanded en second1 at once surrendered4 ,indeed1 in doing this ,sarazin exercised a sound discretion in preventing the useless expenditure of human blood1 and1 from the daring intrepidity of his character1 the sacrifice1 most painful to a soldier's feelings1 would never have been made by him until every hope was over4 ,the following circumstances1 as ,musgrave has related1 attended the surrender of the ,french3--#8,the ,earl of ,roden and ,colonel ,crawford1 who led on the advanced guard1 consisting of his lordship's ,fencibles1 perceiving an officer who seemed desirous to communicate with them1 ,lord ,roden ordered his trumpet to sound1 which was answered by the ,french1 when his lordship and the colonel advanced into the ,french lines4 ,the officer politely asked them what their wishes were4 ,they answered to stop the effusion of blood1 and desired them to surrender4 ,the officer said that he did not command1 but that he would go to ,general ,humbert1 which he accordingly did4 ,humbert came up1 asked the same question1 and received a similar answer4 ,he then demanded half an hour to give a final answer1 which was granted on condition that he halted his troops2 to which he made no reply1 but retreated with precipitation4 ,lord ,roden then ordered his trumpet to sound the advance1 and came up to the first and second brigade of the ,french army1 who surrendered to about #cjj cavalry under his lordship and ,colonel ,crawford4 ,after this they advanced with about twenty dragoons and took possession of the ,french guns4 ,shortly after ,humbert rallied his grenadiers1 the only part of the army1 except the chasseurs1 that had not surrendered1 consisting of about #djj men1 who surrounded ,lord ,roden and his twenty dragoons4 ,they were given in charge to the hussars4 ,while they were their prisoners--which lasted about fifteen minutes--the ,french officers loaded the ,united ,irishmen1 their allies1 with execrations for having deceived and disappointed them by inviting them to undertake a fruitless expedition4 ,they also declared that the people of ,ireland were the most treacherous and cowardly they ever knew4 ,lord ,roden and ,colonel ,crawford continued prisoners till his regiment of ,fencibles advanced in quest of their colonel1 which the ,french hussars perceiving1 requested that his lordship would desire them to halt1 as they meant to surrender1 and by doing so he prevented them from being cut to pieces4' ,according to ,gordon's authority1 #8the troops of ,general ,humbert were found1 when prisoners1 to consist of #gdh privates and #if officers1 a loss of #bbh being sustained since their first landing at ,killalla4' ,the story is incomplete without recounting the fate of their misguided auxiliaries4 ,it would appear that the soldiers of the grande nation and their ,irish allies were heartily tired of each other1 and both sides complained bitterly1 and apparently with reason4 ,from the commencement of ,humbert's movement towards the north until his surrender1 not an hour passed without the vengeance of the royalists felling on the deluded wretches1 who still continued rather to embarrass than assist the ,french army while retreating4 ,every straggler that was overtaken was cut down by the ,hompeschers and ,foxhunters who hung upon ,humbert's rear2 and when the invaders laid down their arms at ,ballinamuck1 if blood could have atoned for treason1 it was fearfully exacted1 for the sword and halter were used with an unsparing hand4 ,it is impossible to form any correct estimate of the number sacrificed to the fury of the soldiery4 ,during the pursuit of ,humbert1 as the rebels preserved not even the semblance of order1 but straggled where they pleased1 it was not unusual to find them sleeping in dozens in the fields1 some from fatigue1 and more from drunkenness4 ,no questions were asked2 the coup de sabre when on march1 the arm of the next tree1 if halting1 ended all inquiry4 ,at ,ballinamuck va victis was pronounced1 no quarter was given1 and1 to use ,musgrave's words1 #8dreadful havoc' was made among the unfortunate wretches1 who were excluded from mercy and cut down by the hundred4 ,,rebels ,,destroying ,a ,,house ,,and ,,furniture ,illustration3 #jfac ,probably the artist has executed this characteristic scene pertaining to the destructive proceedings which were so significant of the rebellion--con amore2 it is sufficiently marked by ,george ,cruikshank's peculiar genius for conveying a full sense of boisterous exuberance1 wherein the tragic marches hand-in-hand with the grotesque1 and humour of the broadest contrasts with terrible episodes1 which weirdly impress the imagination4 ,in short1 this picture may be regarded as the typical contribution of the gifted illustrator to ,maxwell's ,history1 and1 as such1 speaks sufficiently for itself1 telling its moving tale with that native force and graphic directness ,cruikshank had always at command4 ,it may be realised that1 to gratify their native love of fun1 an ,irish mob finds in the humours of any given situation the satisfaction of comic relief in contrast to absolutely grim terrorism2 appreciative touches of these congenial qualities are conspicuous throughout ,cruikshank's vividly pictorial realisations of the episodes of the rebellion of #agih4 ,herein souvenirs of the humorous touches of the amenities of ,donnybrook ,fair lend their spice of rough fun to relieve the gloomier horrors inseparable from the subject1 while the spirit of general destruction is in full swing1 and the intoxicating influence of wantonly wrecking everything at hand1 or within reach1 is producing chaos and spreading annihilation around2 the whole spectacle of reckless ruin to characteristically conclude with a grand conflagration of everything destructible1 to put the final touches to the tableau4 ,,emmett ,,preparing ,,for ,,the ,,insurrection ,two names most intimately connected with the ,irish ,rebellion are surrounded by an atmosphere of sentiment and the glamour of romance1 which endears their memories to their admirers at this distant date4 ,the untoward fate of one1 the unfortunate enthusiast ,lord ,edward ,fitzgerald1 commences the history of the insurrection2 the last1 ,robert ,emmett1 comes to complete the story1 his episode almost as an anticlimax4 ,both were lives of promise1 miserably thrown away1 and it is recognised that both these victims rebels destroying a house furniture of misapplied talents were worthy of a better fate1 and capable of higher things4 ,robert ,emmett was the son of a respectable physician in ,dublin1 and was the younger brother of ,thomas ,adis ,emmett1 a gifted barrister who had been a conspicuous member of the rebel ,directory in the fateful #agih4 ,robert ,emmett was by natural gifts qualified to figure as a hero of romance1 and his name is so regarded by sympathisers1 even after the lapse of a century1 wherein his fame has fitfully survived4 ,he was a young man of fine talents rather than solidity of judgment1 possessing uncommon eloquence1 and no inconsiderable portion of courage and activity4 ,he was not unqualified for the part he had undertaken1 and for a service so pregnant with difficulty and danger his sanguine temperament was a necessary adjunct4 ,he had quitted ,ireland after the unfortunate termination of the former conspiracy1 and resided in different parts of the ,continent1 but principally in ,france1 till ,christmas #ahjb1 when he returned to his native country1 filled with ambitious projects of an unreasonable and uncompromisingly revolutionary nature4 #8,a quotation from one of his speeches1 when a lad at ,dublin ,university1 proves the early political bias of his mind4 ,after a brilliant eulogy on the ,french republic1 he concluded with a remark sufficiently expressive3--8,when a people1 advancing rapidly in knowledge and power1 perceive at last how far their government is lagging behind them1 what then1 ,i ask1 is to be done in such a case8 ,why1 pull the government up to the people60 ,the consequences of indulging in such language at such a time may be imagined--,emmett was struck off the ,college roll4'--,memoir of ,robert ,emmett4 ,on his arrival in ,ireland he first went into a state of the most perfect obscurity at the house of a ,mrs4 ,palmer1 at ,harold's ,cross1 where he assumed the name of ,hewitt4 ,the nature of his mission did not admit of his remaining in this retreat longer than was necessary to mature his plans and form his connections4 ,about the end of ,april1 a house and premises of some extent1 formerly a malt-house1 and which had been long unoccupied1 were taken in ,marshall's ,alley1 ,thomas ,street1 sufficiently obscure to escape detection1 and yet near enough to the heart of the city to effect the most desperate purposes4 ,in this place ,emmett lodged for nearly two months1 with no better accommodation than a paillasse1 and surrounded by from fourteen to twenty associates4 ,a depot of arms was here formed on a large scale2 muskets and other weapons were procured from time to time to a considerable amount1 and a large manufacture of pikes was secretly carried on4 ,there was a group of tailor hands employed in making rebel uniforms of green4 ,illustration3 #jfai #8,one of these dpts was set apart for the manufacture of gunpowder and the construction of weapons4 ,some idea of the industry with which ,emmett accumulated these implements of deadly vengeance1 and his sanguine reliance upon thousands responding to the tocsin of insurrection1 may be formed from the catalogue of the contents of his magazine3--,it comprised forty-five pounds of cannon-powder1 in bundles2 eleven boxes of fine powder2 one hundred bottles filled with powder1 enveloped with musket-balls and covered with canvas2 two hundred and forty-six hand grenades1 formed of ink-bottles filled with powder and encircled with buck-shot2 sixty-two thousand rounds of musket-ball cartridge2 three bushels of musket-balls2 a quantity of tow mixed with tar and gunpowder and other combustible matter1 for throwing against woodwork1 which when ignited would cause an instantaneous conflagration2 sky-rockets and other signals1 etc42 false beams filled with combustibles1 with not less than twenty thousand pikes4 #8,the conspirators occasionally pressed not only horses but men into their service1 and forced the latter to work at different employments necessary for the object in view while confined in the depot4 ,at the same time stores of arms and gunpowder were deposited at the residences of others of their accomplices in convenient stations of the city4 ,the whole of the conspiracy had1 however1 been nearly overthrown and exposed by an explosion which took place in ,patrick ,street4 ,by the ability of the conspirators1 or the security of their adversaries1 the accident was overlooked1 or at least represented as unconnected with any treasonable design4 ,emmett once more changed the place of his concealment1 apprehending the explosion would lead to untimely disclosures1 removing to one of his dpts situated in ,mass ,lane4 8,here he strove to make1 as far as possible1 by increased exertions1 amends for the recent loss4 ,so restless was he1 that he sought no further repose than that he derived from occasionally reclining upon a mattress1 placed in the midst of the workmen1 from which he could by night and day observe the progress of1 and direct and animate their labours40 ,,emmett ,,preparing ,,for ,,the ,,insurrection #8,at length the preparations were complete1 or the funds of the conspirators exhausted1 and the #bcrd of ,july #ahjc was appointed for a general insurrection4 ,though the persons immediately connected with the principals in the plot--,emmett1 ,dowdall1 and ,quigley--did not exceed from eighty to one hundred persons1 they were so far misled as to the state of the public mind1 that they expected the spirit of rebellion would pervade the kingdom4 ,the stopping of the mail-coaches was to be the signal of revolt in the country4 ,the immediate object of the insurgents in the metropolis was the castle 78as it was felt that to have command over the seat they might speedily secure the power of government071 and the vicinity of the depot in ,thomas ,street was calculated to favour the intended enterprise against this seat of the government4 ,various rumours had been afloat for a4 few days previous1 that 8a rising10 as it was termed1 was intended2 but the reports were so contradictory that the government was unable to take any measures of precaution further than the doubling of patrols in certain stations4 ,towards dusk on the #bcrd of ,july1 ,emmett prepared for the anticipated action by superintending the distribution of arms and ammunition 7of which he had a large supply7 amongst the multitude that had congregated before the headquarters of the projected rebellion4 ,but we must not omit to mention that previous to the evening the ill-success of the enterprise had been omened forth by the retreat of the ,kildare men1 who1 after marching into the capital1 were fortunately persuaded by their leaders to disband and return home4' ,what ensued has been graphically described by one of ,emmett's coadjutors3-- #8,about six o'clock ,emmett1 ,malachy1 one or two others1 and myself put on our green uniform1 trimmed with gold lace1 and selected our arms4 ,the insurgents1 who had all day been well plied with whisky' 7this paragraph is most significant71 #8began to prepare for commencing an attack upon the castle2 and when all was ready1 ,emmett made an animated address to the conspirators4 ,at eight precisely we sallied out of the depot1 and when we arrived in ,thomas ,street the insurgents gave three deafening cheers4 #8,the consternation excited by our presence defies description4 ,every avenue emptied its curious hundreds1 and almost every window exhibited half a dozen inquisitive heads1 while peaceable shopkeepers ran to their doors1 and beheld with amazement a lawless band of armed insurgents1 in the midst of a peaceable city1 an hour at least before dark4 ,the scene at first might have appeared amusing to a careless spectator1 from the singular and dubious character which the riot wore2 but when the rocket ascended and burst over the heads of the people1 the aspect of things underwent an immediate and wonderful change4 ,the impulse of the moment was self-preservation1 and those who1 a few minutes before1 seemed to look on with vacant wonder1 now assumed a face of horror1 and fled with precipitation4 ,the wish to escape was simultaneous2 and the eagerness with which the people fled before us impeded their flight1 as they crowded upon each other in the entrance of alleys1 courtways1 and lanes2 while the screams of women and children were frightful and heart-rending4 #88,to the castle60 cried our enthusiastic leader1 drawing his sword1 and his followers appeared to obey4 ,but when we reached the market-house our adherents had wonderfully diminished1 there not being more than twenty insurgents with us4 #88,fire the rocket60 cried ,malachy4 #88,hold awhile10 said ,emmett1 snatching the match from the man's hand who was applying it4 8,let no lives be unnecessarily lost4 ,run back and see what detains the men80 #8,malachy obeyed1 and we remained near the market-house1 waiting their arrival1 until the soldiers approached4' ,,the ,,murder ,,of ,,lord ,,kilwarden ,thus far ,emmett was with his deluded followers1 and the work was less bloodthirsty2 but the hordes armed by their enthusiastic and visionary general of the moment were of a combustible nature1 and having weapons in their hands1 speedily began ruthlessly murdering innocent people3--#8,the conspirators assembled previously in the depot did not exceed the number of fifty1 but pikes and other weapons were liberally dispersed among the mob1 and the insurgents soon swelled to the amount1 it is said1 of about five hundred4 ,the night was dark1 and the scene is described as tremendous2 groups of pikemen and other insurgents were dispersed in various parts of the vicinity of the scene of action1 while others were calling out for arms1 and led in crowds to the grand depot4 ,directly these mob-valiant ruffians secured their weapons1 they set about employing them to deadly purpose4 ,it was thus that the life of ,lord ,kilwarden1 the eminent and venerable chief-justice1 was wantonly taken4 ,driving to the castle via ,thomas ,street1 the carriage1 unhappily for its inmates1 fell into the thick of the rebels at the beginning of their excited career4 ,it is related that the judge had formerly tried and sentenced to death a youth1 convicted of treason1 who1 unlike his confederates1 refused to accept pardon upon the condition of leaving the country4 ,after the death of this misguided lad1 his relatives1 readily listening to every misrepresentation which flattered their resentment1 became persuaded that the attorney-general had selected the youthful victim in question to suffer the utmost severity of the law 7his companions having consented to expatriate themselves74 ,one of his family connections1 a person named ,shannon1 was an insurgent on the #bcrd of ,july2 and when ,lord ,kilwarden1 hearing the popular cry of vengeance1 exclaimed from his carriage1 8,it is ,i1 ,kilwarden1 chief-justice of the ,king's ,bench60 8,then10 cried ,shannon1 8you're the man that ,i want60 and plunged a pike into his lordship's body4' ,illustration3 #jfbe ,the narrative as related by one of those present is as follows3-- #8,it was during the height of the insurrection that the venerable magistrate1 accompanied by his daughter1 ,miss ,wolfe1 and his nephew1 a clergyman1 arrived in ,thomas ,street in his way from his country-house to the castle4 ,lord ,kilwarden and ,mr4 ,wolfe1 his nephew1 were inhumanly dragged from the carriage and pierced with innumerable mortal wounds by the pikemen4 ,before he expired he was rescued by a party of military and of the police2 and hearing some violent expression employed as to the punishment of the rebels1 he had only time1 before he breathed his last1 to prefer a petition 8that no man might suffer but by the laws of his country40 ,such a death was more honourable than that of a commander who dies in the arms of ,victory1 and who possibly acts a part to secure a posthumous reputation4 ,miss ,wolfe1 by the humanity or the heedlessness of the mob1 effected her escape1 and1 on foot and unattended1 was one of the first who arrived at the castle to give notice of the horrors of the night4 ,colonel ,browne1 a gentleman greatly respected1 was another victim of the multitude1 and was assassinated in the same brutal and cowardly manner4 ,on the first alarm he repaired to join his regiment1 but uninformed of the precise station which was occupied by the rebels1 he unfortunately1 in the darkness of the night1 fell in with the main body2 he received a shot from a blunderbuss1 and was almost immediately hewn to pieces4 #8,every casual passenger who was not murdered was forced to join the insurgents and armed with a pike4 ,this happened even to some gentlemen of rank and character4 ,the first check which the rebels experienced was from ,mr4 ,edward ,wilson1 a police magistrate1 who1 at the head of only eleven men1 had the courage to approach the scene of insurrection4 ,he had hardly arrived at the spot before he found his little party surrounded by a body of nearly #cjj pikemen4 ,undismayed by their hostile appearance1 he called upon them to lay down their arms or he would fire4 ,the rebels appeared somewhat confused1 but one of them1 bolder than the rest1 advanced1 and with his pike wounded ,mr4 ,wilson in the belly1 but was instantly shot dead by the wounded magistrate4 ,the fire from his men threw the rest of the body of assailants into some confusion1 but they presently opened to the right and left to make way for such of their party as had firearms1 when ,mr4 ,wilson thought it prudent to retreat towards the ,coombe4 ,the rebels soon after met with a more formidable assailant in ,lieutenant ,brady1 of the #bast ,fusileers1 who1 at the head of only forty men1 had the gallantry to advance to the attack4 ,he subdivided his little force into smaller parties1 and though assailed by bottles and stones from the houses1 and with shot from the alleys and entries1 kept up so warm and well-directed a fire that the insurgents1 numerous as they were1 soon fled in different directions4 ,lieutenant ,coltman1 of the #ith regiment of foot1 also at the head of only four men of his own regiment and some yeomanry of the ,barrack division in coloured clothes1 in all but twenty-eight1 hastened to the scene of action1 and was successful in dispersing the mob1 and securing some of the most desperate of the offenders4 #8,the military now poured in from all quarters2 the rebels were routed with considerable slaughter1 and1 before twelve1 the insurrection was completely quelled4' ,the brief and sanguinary affray1 which was fully detailed in the evidence given on the trial of the chief conspirator1 we think will bear us out regarding the in competency of the leaders and the general inefficiency of an ,irish mob4 ,more was in ,emmett's favour than he was entitled to have expected4 ,the government1 although rumour was rife with alarm1 had turned a deaf ear to every attempt to awake it from its culpable security4 ,the detective police of that day1 a crew of mercenary bloodhounds1 showed that within the heart of the city treasonable plans could be matured1 and not a functionary suspect it4 ,to stimulate ,sirr and his myrmidons to exertion1 crime was not to be prevented but committed1 and a regular price must first be placed upon the offender4 ,the apathy of the government and the imbecility of the conspiracy were worthy of each other4 ,on the night of the #bcrd of ,july one hundred determined men1 by a well-arranged coup de main1 might have easily obtained possession of the castle4 ,even with that success1 twelve hours would have ended the treasonable triumph4 ,more blood might have been shed1 but the end would have been the same1 and by noon the next day the insurrection would have terminated as it commenced--in slaughter4 ,,trial1 ,,conviction1 ,,and ,,execution ,,of ,,robert ,,emmett ,the madly infatuated leaders of this desperate and futile attempt contrived to evade their deluded followers before the crisis of the outbreak1 in spite of their conspicuous uniforms and trappings4 ,favoured by the darkness1 ,emmett and his lieutenants1 decked in their warlike panoply1 contrived to escape from the city which their rash enterprise had stirred into wild excitement1 and headed to that haunt of outlawed and desperate malefactors1 the mountain range of ,wicklow1 where they foiled to raise the late rebels4 ,under this rebuff1 for better security1 the party separated1 each adopting the best means within his power to evade the now uplifted hand of outraged justice4 ,emmett1 it is said1 might possibly have quitted the country in a fishing boat1 but his wild and ardent attachment to a daughter of the celebrated ,curran induced him to return to the metropolis and seek a parting interview with his mistress4 ,none but a madman would have risked the dangerous experiment2 but ,emmett appears to have been influenced in all his actions by the wildest impulse1 and1 accordingly1 he regained the city safely1 and again took up his quarters in his old concealment1 ,harold's ,cross4 ,here he was tracked by the bloodhound who had successfully trapped ,lord ,edward ,fitzgerald and the many misguided enthusiasts who had similarly played with treason under mistaken ambition4 ,arrested by ,town-,major ,sirr on the #beth of ,august1 a special commission was immediately issued1 ,lord ,norbury presiding4 ,the evidence was clear1 decisive1 and direct1 and went over and unmistakably proved the facts as already described4 ,the story of ,emmett's arrest1 as related by ,major ,henry ,charles ,sirr1 appropriately closes the history3 #8,i went1 in the evening of the #beth of ,august1 to the house of one ,palmer4 ,i had heard there was a stranger in the back-parlour4 ,i rode1 accompanied by a man on foot2 ,i desired the man to knock at the door4 ,he did1 and it was opened by a girl4 ,i alighted1 and ran directly into the back-parlour4 ,i saw the prisoner sitting at dinner2 the woman of the house was there1 and the girl who opened the door was the daughter of the woman of the house4 ,i desired them to withdraw4 ,i asked the prisoner his name2 he told me his name was ,cunningham4 ,i gave him in charge to the man who accompanied me1 and went into the next room to ask the woman and daughter about him2 they told me his name was ,hewitt4 ,i went back and asked how long he had been there8 ,he said he came that morning4 ,he had attempted to escape before ,i returned1 for he was bloody1 and the man said he knocked him down with a pistol4 ,i then went to ,mrs4 ,palmer1 who said he had lodged there for a month4 ,i then judged he was a person of some importance4 ,when ,i first went in there was a paper on the chair1 which ,i put into my pocket 7,emmett's fervid proclamation74 ,i then went to the canal bridge for a guard1 having desired him to be in readiness as ,i passed by4 ,i planted a sentry over him1 and desired the non-commissioned officer to surround the house with sentries while ,i searched it4 ,i then examined ,mrs4 ,palmer1 and took down her account of the prisoner1 during which time ,i heard a noise1 as if an escape was attempted4 ,i instantly ran to the back part of the house1 as the most likely part for him to get out at2 ,i saw him going off1 and ordered a sentinel to fire1 and then pursued him myself1 regardless of the order4 ,the sentry snapped1 but the musket did not go off4 ,i overtook the prisoner1 and he said1 8,i surrender60 ,i searched him1 and found some papers upon him4' ,on the witness expressing concern at the necessity of the prisoner's being treated so roughly1 the prisoner observed1 #8that all was fair in war4' ,the prisoner1 when brought to the castle1 acknowledged that his name was ,emmett4 ,in his address to the jury ,mr4 ,conyngham ,plunket1 as counsel for the ,crown1 laid stress upon the revolutionary proclamation drawn up by ,emmett1 and pointed out the condemnatory nature of this incendiary document3-- #8,under what circumstances is he taken8 ,in the room in which he was1 upon a chair near the door1 is found an address to the government of the country1 and in the very first paragraph of that address the composer of it acknowledges himself to be the head of a conspiracy for the overthrow of the government which he addresses1 telling them1 in diplomatic language1 what conduct the undersigned will be compelled to adopt if they shall presume to execute the law4 ,he is the leader1 whose nod is a ,fiat1 and he warns them of the consequences6 #8,and how was this revolution to be effected8 ,the proclamation conveys an insinuation that it was to be effected by their own force1 entirely independent of foreign assistance4 ,why8 ,because it was well known that there remained in this country few so depraved1 so lost to the welfare of their native land1 that would not shudder at forming an alliance with ,france1 and therefore the people of ,ireland are told1 8the effort is to be entirely your own1 independent of foreign aid40 ,but how does this tally with the time when the scheme was first hatched--the very period of the commencement of the war with ,france8 ,how does this tally with the fact of consulting in the depot about co-operating with the ,french1 which has been proved in evidence8 ,but1 gentlemen1 out of the proclamation ,i convict him of duplicity4 ,he tells the government of the country not to resist their mandate1 or think they can effectually suppress rebellion by putting down the present attempt1 but that 8they will have to crush a greater exertion1 rendered still greater by foreign assistance02 so that upon the face of the proclamation they avowed1 in its naked deformity1 the abominable plan of an alliance with the usurper of the ,french throne to overturn the ancient constitution of the land1 and to substitute a new republic in its place4' ,,conclusion ,,of ,,emmett',s ,,exalted ,,defence ,after the verdict of guilty was pronounced1 the clerk of the ,crown asked the condemned #8what he had to say why judgment of death and execution should not be awarded against him according to law8' ,emmett1 without precisely defending himself1 calmly proceeded to pour forth an eloquent impassioned attack upon the executive4 ,the concluding passages convey the general tendency of his exalted oratory3-- #8,i have been charged with that importance in the efforts to emancipate my countrymen as to be considered the keystone of the combination of ,irishmen1 or1 as your lordship expressed it1 8the life and blood of the conspiracy40 ,you do me honour overmuch--you have given to a subaltern all the credit of a superior4 ,there are men engaged in this conspiracy who are not only superior to me1 but even to your computation of yourself1 my lord2 before the splendour of whose genius and virtues ,i should bow with respectful deference1 and who would think themselves disgraced to be called your friend1 and who would not disgrace themselves by shaking your blood-stained hand4 ,again the judge1 as frequently in the course of this bitter harangue of ,emmett's1 felt called upon to interrupt him4 #8,what1 my lord1 shall you tell me on the passage to that scaffold which that tyranny1 of which you are only the intermediary executioner1 has erected for my murder1 that ,i am accountable for all the blood that has and will be shed in this struggle of the oppressed against the oppressor8 ,shall you tell me this1 and shall ,i be so very a slave as not to repel it8 #8,i do not fear to approach the ,omnipotent ,judge1 to answer for the conduct of my whole life1 and am ,i to be appalled and falsified by a mere remnant of mortality6 ,by you1 too1 who1 if it were possible to collect all the innocent blood that you have shed in your unhallowed ministry in one reservoir1 your lordship might swim in it4 ,here the judge interfered4 #8,let no man dare1 when ,i am dead1 to charge me with dishonour2 let no man attaint my memory by believing that ,i could have engaged in any cause but of my country's liberty and independence1 or that ,i became the pliant minion of power in the oppression or the miseries of my countrymen4 ,the proclamation of the provisional government speaks for our views2 no inference can be tortured from it to countenance barbarity or debasement at home1 or subjection1 humiliation1 or treachery from abroad4 ,i would not have submitted to a foreign oppressor1 for the same reason that ,i would resist the present domestic oppressor4 ,in the dignity of freedom ,i would have fought on the threshold of my country1 and its enemies should only enter by passing over my lifeless corpse4 ,and am ,i1 who lived but for my country1 and who have subjected myself to the dangers of the jealous and watchful oppressor and the bondage of the grave1 only to give my countrymen their rights1 and my country her independence4 ,am ,i to be loaded with calumny and not suffered to resent or repel it8 #8,if the spirits of the illustrious dead participate in the concerns and cares of those who are dear to them in this transitory life1 ,o ever dear and venerable shade of my departed father1 look down with scrutiny upon the conduct of your suffering son1 and see if ,i have even for a moment deviated from those principles of morality and patriotism which it was your care to instil into my youthful mind1 and for which ,i am now about to offer up my life4 #8,my lords1 you are impatient for the sacrifice4 ,the blood which you seek is not congealed by the artificial terrors that surround your victim2 it circulates warmly and unruffled through the channels which ,god created for nobler purposes1 but which you are bent to destroy1 for purposes so grievous that they cry to heaven4 ,be ye patient6 ,i have but a few words more to say4 ,i am going to my cold and silent grave--my lamp of life is nearly extinguished--my race is run--the grave opens to receive me1 and ,i sink into its bosom6 ,i have but one request to ask at my departure from this world--it is the charity of its silence6 ,let no man write my epitaph2 for as no man who knows my motives dare now vindicate them1 let not prejudice or ignorance asperse them4 ,let them and me repose in obscurity and peace1 and my tomb remain uninscribed1 until other times and other men can do justice to my character4 ,when my country takes her place among the nations of the earth1 then1 and not till then1 let my epitaph be written4 ,i have done6' ,execution followed fast upon conviction1 and ,emmett suffered the penalty of high treason on the following day4 ,the scene of his crime was chosen as the place of his punishment1 and in ,thomas ,street the unfortunate gentleman met his fate with a calm and manly resignation1 which elicited the sympathy of all who witnessed the painful occurrence4 ,if any sparks of disaffection lingered in the country1 the mad outbreak of this deluded man finally extinguished them4 ,the democratic feeling ten years before rife in the north of ,ireland1 and prevalent among the ,presbyterians1 had1 long before ,emmett's emeute1 been generally repudiated2 a political change had been wrought rapidly in ,ulster1 and the educated and intelligent portion of the kingdom1 whom ,american connection and ,french example influenced for a time1 had detected the unsound principles of theoretic liberty1 and disowned the rotten foundations upon which mob-governments are superstructed4 ,when ,russell1 an early example of the republican school1 attempted to operate coincidently with ,emmett's deluded attempt in the north1 not half a dozen fools could be found to listen to delusory principles which had been tested and found wanting2 and when he later suffered the extreme penalty of the law at ,downpatrick1 the utmost charity to which his quondam admirers reached was to declare that he was insane--a conclusion no doubt correct4 ,,the ,,end